pre-eminence_n that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d heb._n 2._o 3._o it_o receive_v its_o beginning_n of_o be_v speak_v by_o the_o lord_n himself_o god_n speak_v in_o these_o last_o day_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o son_n heb._n 1._o 1._o sect._n 24._o thus_o god_n who_o himself_o begin_v the_o write_n of_o the_o word_n with_o his_o own_o finger_n exod._n 31._o 11_o after_o he_o have_v speak_v it_o exod._a 20_o appoint_v or_o approve_v the_o write_n of_o the_o rest_n that_o follow_v deut._n 31._o 12._o josh_n 23._o 6._o 1_o king_n 2_o 3._o 2_o king_n 14._o 6._o 2_o king_n 17._o 13._o 1_o chron._n 21._o 15._o 2_o chron._n 25._o 4_o 4._o ezek._n 2._o 9_o 10._o hab._n 2._o 2._o luk._n 16._o 29._o joh._n 5._o 39_o joh._n 20._o 31._o act._n 17._o 11_o do_v last_o command_v the_o close_a of_o the_o immediate_a revelation_n of_o his_o will_n to_o be_v write_v in_o a_o book_n re._n 1._o 11_o and_o so_o give_v out_o the_o whole_a of_o his_o mind_n and_o counsel_n unto_o we_o in_o write_v as_o a_o merciful_a and_o steadfast_a relief_n against_o all_o that_o confusion_n darkness_n and_o uncertainty_n which_o the_o vanity_n folly_n and_o looseness_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n draw_v out_o and_o heighten_v by_o the_o unspeakable_a alteration_n that_o fall_v out_o among_o they_o will_v otherwise_o have_v certain_o run_v into_o sect._n 25._o thus_o we_o have_v lay_v down_o the_o original_a of_o the_o scripture_n from_o the_o scripture_n it_o be_v self_n and_o this_o original_a be_v the_o basis_n and_o foundation_n of_o all_o its_o authority_n thus_o be_v it_o from_o god_n entire_o from_o he_o as_o to_o the_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o it_o and_o the_o word_n wherein_o that_o doctrine_n be_v deliver_v it_o be_v whole_o he_o what_o that_o speak_v he_o speak_v himself_o he_o speak_v in_o it_o and_o by_o it_o and_o so_o it_o be_v vest_v with_o all_o the_o moral_a authority_n of_o god_n over_o his_o creature_n chap._n ii_o the_o main_a question_n propose_v to_o consideration_n how_o we_o may_v know_v assure_o the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o scripture_n to_o be_v receive_v by_o divine_a faith_n the_o ground_n and_o foundation_n of_o that_o faith_n inquire_v after_o the_o answer_n in_o the_o general_n thesis_n of_o this_o discourse_n the_o authority_n of_o god_n that_o foundation_n the_o way_n whereby_o that_o authority_n be_v evidence_v or_o make_v know_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n authority_n be_v in_o respect_n of_o other_o first_o general_a evidence_n give_v to_o the_o thesis_n lay_v down_o the_o various_a way_n of_o god_n reveal_v he_o self_n and_o his_o mind_n 1_o by_o his_o work_n 2._o by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n 3._o by_o his_o word_n each_o of_o these_o evince_n themselves_o to_o be_v from_o he_o his_o word_n especial_o sect._n 1_o have_v lay_v in_o the_o forego_n chapter_n the_o foundation_n that_o we_o be_v to_o build_v and_o proceed_v upon_o i_o come_v now_o to_o lay_v down_o the_o enquiry_n who_o resolution_n must_v thence_o be_v educe_v that_o than_o which_o we_o be_v seek_v after_o be_v how_o we_o and_o the_o rest_n of_o man_n in_o the_o world_n who_o through_o the_o merciful_a dispensation_n of_o god_n have_v the_o book_n or_o book_n wherein_o the_o scripture_n give_v out_o from_o he_o as_o above_o declare_v be_v contain_v or_o say_v to_o be_v contain_v who_o live_v so_o many_o age_n from_o the_o last_o person_n who_o receive_v any_o part_n of_o it_o immediate_o from_o god_n or_o who_o have_v not_o receive_v it_o immediate_o ourselves_o may_v come_v to_o be_v ascertain_v as_o to_o all_o end_n and_o purpose_n wherein_o we_o may_v be_v concern_v therein_o that_o the_o whole_a and_o entire_o write_v word_n in_o that_o book_n or_o those_o book_n have_v the_o original_n &_o consequent_o the_o authority_n that_o it_o plead_v and_o avow_v namely_o that_o it_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o not_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d from_o god_n in_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n lay_v down_o and_o not_o the_o invention_n of_o man_n attend_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 2_o pet._n 1._o 26_o or_o to_o cunning_o devise_v fable_n sect._n 2._o now_o see_v it_o be_v expect_v from_o we_o and_o require_v of_o we_o by_o god_n himself_o and_o that_o on_o the_o penalty_n of_o his_o eternal_a displeasure_n if_o we_o fail_v in_o our_o duty_n 2_o thes_n 1._o 8_o 9_o 10._o that_o we_o receive_v the_o scripture_n not_o as_o we_o do_v other_o book_n in_o relation_n to_o their_o author_n with_o a_o firm_a opinion_n build_v on_o prevail_v probable_a argument_n prevalent_a against_o any_o actual_a conclusion_n to_o the_o contrary_a but_o with_o divine_a and_o supernatural_a faith_n omit_v all_o such_o induction_n as_o serve_v only_o to_o ingenerate_v a_o persuasion_n not_o to_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o the_o mind_n by_o contrary_a reason_n or_o objection_n it_o be_v especial_o inquire_v what_o be_v the_o foundation_n &_o formal_a reason_n of_o our_o do_v so_o if_o we_o so_o do_v whatever_o that_o be_v it_o return_v a_o answer_n to_o this_o important_a question_n why_o or_o on_o what_o account_n do_v you_o believe_v the_o scripture_n or_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n now_o the_o formal_a reason_n of_o thing_n be_v but_o one_o what_o ever_o consideration_n may_v be_v have_v of_o other_o inducement_n or_o argument_n to_o beget_v in_o we_o a_o persuasion_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n yet_o they_o have_v no_o influence_n into_o that_o divine_a faith_n wherewith_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v they_o they_o may_v indeed_o be_v of_o some_o use_n to_o repel_v the_o objection_n that_o be_v or_o may_v by_o any_o be_v raise_v against_o the_o truth_n we_o believe_v and_o so_o indirect_o cherish_v and_o further_a faith_n its_o self_n but_o as_o to_o a_o concurrence_n unto_o the_o foundation_n or_o formal_a reason_n of_o our_o believe_v it_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o it_o sect._n 3_o have_v then_o lay_v down_o the_o divine_a original_a of_o the_o scripture_n and_o open_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o word_n be_v come_v forth_o from_o god_n a_o answer_n shall_v now_o on_o that_o sole_a foundation_n be_v return_v to_o the_o enquiry_n lay_v down_o and_o this_o i_o shall_v do_v in_o the_o ensue_a position_n the_o authority_n of_o god_n the_o supreme_a lord_n of_o all_o the_o first_o and_o only_o absolute_a truth_n who_o word_n be_v truth_n speak_v in_o and_o by_o the_o penman_n of_o the_o scripture_n evidence_v single_o in_o and_o by_o the_o scripture_n its_o self_n be_v the_o sole_a bottom_n and_o foundation_n or_o formal_a reason_n of_o our_o assent_v to_o those_o scripture_n as_o his_o word_n and_o of_o our_o submit_v our_o heart_n and_o conscience_n unto_o they_o with_o that_o faith_n and_o obedience_n which_o moral_o respect_v he_o and_o be_v due_a to_o he_o alone_o sect._n 4_o god_n speak_v in_o the_o penman_n of_o the_o scripture_n heb._n 1._o 1_o his_o voice_n to_o they_o be_v accompany_v with_o its_o own_o evidence_n which_o give_v assurance_n unto_o they_o and_o god_n speak_v by_o they_o or_o their_o write_n unto_o we_o his_o word_n be_v accompany_v with_o its_o own_o evidence_n and_o give_v assurance_n unto_o we_o his_o authority_n and_o veracity_n do_v and_o do_v in_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o sufficient_o manifest_v themselves_o that_o man_n may_v quiet_o repose_v their_o soul_n upon_o they_o in_o believe_v and_o obedience_n thus_o be_v we_o build_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d ephes_n 2._o 20._o on_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n in_o our_o believe_v sect._n 5._o that_o than_o which_o to_o the_o establishment_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o believer_n i_o shall_v labour_v to_o prove_v and_o evince_v be_v plain_o this_o namely_o that_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n do_v abundant_o and_o uncontroleable_o manifest_v themselves_o to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o the_o live_a god_n so_o that_o mere_o on_o the_o account_n of_o their_o own_o proposal_n of_o themselves_o unto_o we_o in_o the_o name_n and_o majesty_n of_o god_n as_o such_o without_o the_o contribution_n of_o help_n or_o assistance_n from_o tradition_n church_n or_o any_o thing_n else_o without_o themselves_o we_o be_v oblige_v upon_o the_o penalty_n of_o eternal_a damnation_n as_o be_v all_o to_o who_o by_o any_o mean_n they_o come_v or_o be_v bring_v to_o receive_v they_o with_o that_o subjection_n of_o soul_n which_o be_v due_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o authority_n of_o god_n shine_v in_o they_o they_o afford_v unto_o we_o all_o the_o divine_a evidence_n of_o themselves_o which_o god_n be_v willing_a to_o grant_v unto_o we_o
or_o can_v be_v grant_v we_o or_o be_v any_o way_n needful_a for_o we_o so_o then_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o write_a word_n in_o its_o self_n and_o unto_o we_o be_v from_o its_o self_n as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o eviction_n of_o that_o authority_n unto_o we_o be_v by_o its_o self_n sect._n 6._o when_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v inquire_v after_o strict_o its_o power_n to_o command_v and_o require_v obedience_n in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n be_v intend_v to_o ask_v then_o whence_o it_o have_v its_o authority_n be_v to_o ask_v whence_o it_o have_v its_o power_n to_o command_v in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n sure_o man_n will_v not_o say_v that_o the_o scripture_n have_v its_o power_n to_o command_v in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n from_o any_o thing_n but_o its_o self_n and_o it_o be_v indeed_o a_o contradiction_n for_o man_n to_o say_v they_o give_v authority_n to_o the_o scripture_n why_o do_v they_o do_v so_o why_o do_v they_o give_v this_o authority_n to_o that_o book_n rather_o than_o another_o they_o must_v say_v because_o it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n so_o the_o reason_n why_o they_o give_v authority_n unto_o it_o be_v the_o formal_a reason_n of_o all_o its_o authority_n which_o it_o have_v antecedent_o to_o their_o charter_n and_o concession_n of_o power_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d joh._n 17._o 17._o thy_o word_n be_v truth_n sect._n 7._o some_o say_v indeed_o that_o the_o scripture_n have_v its_o authority_n in_o its_o self_n and_o from_o its_o self_n or_o its_o own_o divine_a original_a but_o not_o quoad_fw-la nos_fw-la not_o in_o respect_n of_o we_o that_o it_o may_v reach_v we_o that_o we_o may_v know_v and_o understand_v and_o submit_v to_o its_o authority_n it_o must_v be_v testify_v unto_o aliunde_fw-la from_o some_o other_o person_n or_o thing_n appoint_v thereunto_o ans_fw-fr 1._o but_o may_v not_o this_o be_v say_v of_o god_n himself_o as_o well_o as_o of_o his_o word_n if_o god_n reveal_v himself_o to_o we_o it_o must_v be_v by_o mean_n and_o if_o those_o mean_n may_v not_o be_v understand_v to_o reveal_v he_o unless_o they_o be_v testify_v unto_o from_o somewhat_o else_o god_n can_v reveal_v himself_o to_o we_o si_fw-mi deus_fw-la hominibus_fw-la non_fw-la placuerit_fw-la utique_fw-la deus_fw-la non_fw-la erit_fw-la if_o god_n and_o his_o word_n will_v keep_v themselves_o within_o themselves_o to_o themselves_o they_o may_v be_v god_n and_o his_o word_n still_o and_o keep_v their_o authority_n but_o if_o they_o will_v deal_v with_o we_o and_o put_v forth_o their_o command_n to_o we_o let_v they_o look_v that_o they_o get_v the_o church_n testimonial_n or_o on_o this_o principle_n they_o may_v be_v safe_o reject_v but_o sect._n 8._o authority_n be_v a_o thing_n that_o no_o person_n or_o thing_n can_v have_v in_o he_o or_o its_o self_n that_o have_v it_o not_o in_o respect_n of_o other_o in_o its_o very_a nature_n it_o relate_v to_o other_o that_o be_v subject_a unto_o it_o all_o authority_n arise_v from_o relation_n and_o answer_v it_o throughout_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n over_o his_o creature_n be_v from_o their_o relation_n to_o he_o as_o their_o creator_n a_o king_n authority_n be_v in_o respect_n of_o his_o subject_n and_o he_o who_o have_v no_o subject_n have_v no_o kingly_a authority_n in_o himself_o but_o be_v only_o a_o stoical_a king_n the_o authority_n of_o a_o minister_n relate_v to_o his_o flock_n and_o he_o who_o have_v no_o flock_n have_v no_o authority_n of_o a_o minister_n if_o he_o have_v not_o a_o ministerial_a authority_n in_o reference_n to_o a_o flock_n a_o people_n a_o church_n he_o have_v none_o he_o can_v have_v none_o in_o himself_o so_o be_v it_o in_o this_o case_n if_o the_o scripture_n have_v no_o authority_n from_o its_o self_n in_o respect_n of_o we_o it_o have_v none_o in_o its_o self_n nor_o can_v have_v if_o it_o have_v it_o in_o its_o self_n it_o have_v it_o in_o respect_n of_o we_o such_o a_o respect_n that_o be_v a_o right_a to_o command_v and_o oblige_v to_o obedience_n be_v as_o inseparable_a from_o authority_n or_o a_o moral_a power_n as_o heat_n be_v from_o fire_n it_o be_v true_a a_o man_n may_v have_v de_fw-fr jure_fw-la a_o lawful_a authority_n over_o they_o who_o the_o facto_fw-la he_o can_v force_v or_o compel_v to_o obedience_n but_o want_v of_o force_n do_v not_o lessen_v authority_n god_n lose_v not_o his_o authority_n over_o man_n though_o he_o put_v not_o forth_o towards_o they_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o greatness_n of_o his_o power_n or_o the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o might_n of_o his_o strength_n to_o cause_v they_o to_o obey_v it_o be_v fond_a then_o to_o imagine_v that_o a_o man_n or_o any_o thing_n shall_v have_v a_o authority_n in_o himself_o or_o its_o self_n and_o yet_o not_o have_v that_o authority_n in_o respect_n of_o they_o who_o be_v to_o be_v subject_a thereunto_o that_o be_v not_o a_o law_n proper_o at_o all_o which_o be_v not_o a_o law_n to_o some_o beside_o all_o the_o evil_a of_o disobedience_n relate_v to_o the_o authority_n of_o he_o that_o require_v the_o obedience_n james_n 2._o 10_o 11._o no_o action_n be_v disobedience_n but_o from_o the_o subjection_n of_o he_o who_o perform_v it_o unto_o he_o who_o require_v obedience_n and_o therefore_o if_o the_o scripture_n have_v not_o a_o authority_n in_o its_o self_n towards_o we_o there_o be_v no_o evil_a in_o our_o disobedience_n unto_o its_o command_n or_o our_o not_o do_v what_o it_o command_v and_o our_o do_v what_o it_o for_o bid_v be_v not_o disobedience_n because_o it_o have_v not_o a_o authority_n over_o we_o i_o speak_v of_o it_o as_o consider_v in_o its_o self_n before_o the_o accession_n of_o the_o testimony_n pretend_v necessary_a to_o give_v it_o a_o authority_n over_o we_o hitherto_o then_o have_v we_o carry_v this_o objection_n to_o disobey_v the_o command_n of_o the_o scripture_n before_o the_o communication_n of_o a_o testimony_n unto_o it_o by_o man_n be_v no_o sin_n eredat_fw-la apella_n sect._n 9_o the_o sense_n then_o of_o our_o position_n be_v evident_a and_o clear_a and_o so_o our_o answer_n to_o the_o enquiry_n make_v the_o scripture_n have_v all_o its_o authority_n from_o its_o author_n both_o in_o its_o self_n and_o in_o respect_n of_o we_o that_o it_o have_v the_o author_n and_o original_a plead_v for_o it_o declare_v its_o self_n without_o any_o other_o assistance_n by_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n that_o shall_v afterward_o be_v insist_v on_o the_o truth_n whereof_o i_o shall_v now_o confirm_v by_o one_o general_n induction_n 2._o by_o testimony_n 3_o by_o argument_n express_v the_o way_n and_o mean_n of_o its_o revelation_n of_o its_o self_n sect._n 10._o there_o be_v 3_o way_n whereby_o god_n in_o several_a degree_n reveal_v himself_o his_o property_n his_o mind_n and_o will_v to_o the_o son_n of_o man_n 1._o he_o do_v it_o by_o his_o work_n both_o of_o creation_n and_o providence_n all_o thy_o work_n praise_v thou_o psal_n 145._o 10._o etc._n etc._n the_o heaven_n declare_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o firmament_n tell_v the_o work_n of_o his_o hand_n day_n unto_o day_n utter_v speech_n and_o night_n unto_o night_n declare_v knowledge_n there_o be_v no_o speech_n or_o language_n where_o their_o voice_n be_v not_o hear_v their_o line_n be_v go_v out_o throughout_o the_o earth_n and_o their_o word_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n psal_n 19_o 1_o 2_o 3_o 4_o etc._n etc._n so_o job_n chap._n 37._o chap._n 38._o chap._n 39_o throughout_o god_n who_o make_v heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o the_o sea_n and_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v therein_o suffer_v in_o time_n past_o all_o nation_n to_o walk_v in_o their_o own_o way_n yet_o he_o leave_v not_o himself_o without_o witness_n in_o that_o he_o do_v good_a &_o give_v we_o rain_n from_o heaven_n and_o fruitful_a season_n fill_v our_o heart_n with_o food_n and_o gladness_n act._n 14._o 15_o 16_o 17._o and_o god_n that_o make_v the_o world_n and_o all_o thing_n therein_o see_v he_o be_v the_o lord_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n dwell_v not_o in_o temple_n make_v with_o hand_n neither_o be_v worship_v with_o man_n hand_n as_o though_o he_o need_v any_o thing_n see_v he_o give_v unto_o all_o life_n and_o breath_n and_o all_o thing_n and_o have_v make_v of_o one_o blood_n all_o mankind_n to_o dwell_v on_o the_o face_n of_o the_o eart_n and_o assign_v the_o season_n which_o be_v ordain_v before_o and_o the_o bound_n of_o their_o habitation_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o they_o shall_v seek_v the_o lord_n if_o happy_o they_o may_v feel_v after_o he_o and_o find_v he_o act._n 17._o 24_o 25_o 26_o 27_o for_o that_o which_o may_v be_v know_v of_o
god_n be_v manifest_a in_o they_o for_o god_n have_v show_v it_o unto_o they_o for_o the_o invisible_a thing_n of_o he_o from_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v clear_o see_v be_v understand_v by_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v make_v even_o his_o eternal_a power_n and_o godhead_n rom._n 1._o 18_o 19_o 20_o all_o which_o place_n god_n assist_v shall_v be_v open_v before_o long_o theologiae_n in_o another_o treatise_n the_o sum_n of_o they_o amount_v to_o what_o be_v before_o lay_v down_o namely_o that_o god_n reveal_v and_o declare_v himself_o unto_o we_o by_o the_o work_v of_o his_o hand_n sect._n 11._o god_n declare_v himself_o his_o sovereign_a power_n and_o authority_n his_o righteousness_n and_o holiness_n by_o the_o innate_a or_o ingraft_v light_n of_o nature_n and_o principle_n of_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n that_o indispensible_a moral_a obedience_n which_o he_o require_v of_o we_o as_o his_o creature_n subject_a to_o his_o law_n be_v in_o general_a thus_o make_v know_v unto_o we_o for_o the_o gentile_n which_o have_v not_o the_o law_n do_v by_o nature_n the_o thing_n contain_v in_o the_o law_n they_o have_v not_o the_o law_n be_v a_o law_n unto_o themselves_o show_v the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n write_v in_o their_o heart_n their_o conscience_n also_o bear_v witness_n and_o their_o thought_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n excuse_v or_o accuse_v one_o another_o rom._n 2._o 14_o 15._o by_o the_o light_n that_o god_n have_v indelible_o implant_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n accompany_v with_o a_o moral_a instinct_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a second_v by_o that_o selfe-judgment_n which_o he_o have_v place_v in_o we_o in_o reference_n to_o his_o own_o over_o we_o do_v he_o reveal_v himself_o unto_o the_o son_n of_o man_n 3_o god_n reveal_v himself_o by_o his_o word_n as_o be_v confess_v it_o remain_v then_o that_o we_o inquire_v how_o we_o may_v know_v and_o be_v ascertain_v that_o these_o thing_n be_v not_o deceivable_a pretence_n but_o that_o god_n do_v indeed_o so_o reveal_v himself_o by_o they_o sect._n 12._o first_o the_o work_n of_o god_n as_o to_o what_o be_v his_o will_n to_o teach_v and_o reveal_v of_o himself_o by_o they_o have_v that_o expression_n of_o god_n upon_o they_o that_o stamp_n and_o character_n of_o his_o eternal_a power_n and_o godhead_n that_o evidence_n with_o they_o that_o they_o be_v his_o that_o where_o ever_o they_o be_v see_v and_o consider_v they_o undeniable_o evince_v that_o they_o be_v so_o and_o that_o what_o they_o teach_v concern_v he_o they_o do_v it_o in_o his_o name_n and_o authority_n there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o tradition_n no_o need_n of_o miracle_n no_o need_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o any_o church_n to_o convince_v a_o rational_a creature_n that_o the_o work_n of_o god_n be_v his_o and_o his_o only_a and_o that_o he_o be_v eternlal_n and_o infinite_a in_o power_n that_o make_v they_o they_o carry_v about_o with_o they_o their_o own_o authority_n by_o be_v what_o they_o be_v they_o declare_v who_o they_o be_v to_o reveal_v god_n by_o his_o work_n there_o be_v need_n of_o nothing_o but_o that_o they_o be_v by_o themselves_o represent_v or_o object_v to_o the_o consideration_n of_o rational_a creature_n sect._n 13._o the_o voice_n of_o god_n in_o nature_n be_v in_o like_a manner_n effectual_a it_o declare_v itself_o to_o be_v from_o god_n by_o its_o own_o light_n and_o authority_n there_o be_v no_o need_n to_o convince_v a_o man_n by_o substantial_a witness_n that_o what_o his_o conscience_n speak_v it_o speak_v from_o god_n whether_o it_o bear_v testimony_n to_o the_o be_v righteousness_n power_n omniscience_n or_o holiness_n of_o god_n himself_o or_o whether_o it_o call_v for_o that_o moral_a obedience_n which_o be_v eternal_o and_o indispensable_o due_a to_o he_o and_o so_o show_v forth_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n in_o the_o heart_n it_o so_o speak_v and_o declare_v itself_o that_o without_o further_a evidence_n or_o reason_v without_o the_o advantage_n of_o any_o consideration_n but_o what_o be_v by_o its_o self_n supply_v it_o discover_v its_o au-author_n from_o who_o it_o be_v and_o in_o who_o name_n it_o speak_v those_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d those_o common_a notion_n and_o general_a presumption_n of_o he_o and_o his_o authority_n that_o be_v inlay_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o rational_a creature_n by_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n to_o this_o end_n that_o they_o may_v make_v a_o revelation_n of_o he_o as_o to_o the_o purpose_v mention_v be_v able_a to_o plead_v their_o own_o divine_a original_a without_o the_o least_o contribution_n of_o strength_n or_o assistance_n from_o without_o sect._n 14._o and_o thus_o be_v it_o with_o those_o thing_n now_o the_o psalmist_n say_v unto_o god_n thou_o have_v magnify_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d over_o all_o thy_o name_n the_o word_n thou_o have_v speak_v the_o name_n of_o god_n be_v all_o that_o whereby_o he_o make_v himself_o know_v over_o all_o this_o god_n magnify_v his_o word_n it_o lie_v all_o in_o a_o subserviency_n thereunto_o the_o name_n of_o god_n be_v not_o here_o god_n himself_o but_o every_o thing_n whereby_o god_n make_v himself_o know_v now_o it_o be_v very_o strange_a that_o those_o low_a dark_a &_o obscure_a principle_n and_o mean_n of_o the_o revelation_n of_o god_n and_o his_o will_n which_o we_o have_v mention_v shall_v be_v able_a to_o evince_v themselves_o to_o be_v from_o he_o without_o any_o external_a help_n assistance_n testimony_n or_o authority_n and_o that_o which_o be_v by_o god_n himself_o magnify_v above_o they_o which_o be_v far_o more_o noble_a and_o excellent_a in_o its_o self_n and_o in_o respect_n of_o its_o end_n &_o order_n have_v far_o more_o divine_o conspicuous_a and_o glorious_a impression_n and_o character_n of_o his_o goodness_n holiness_n power_n grace_n truth_n then_o all_o the_o creation_n shall_v lie_v dead_a obscure_a and_o have_v nothing_o in_o its_o self_n to_o reveal_v its_o author_n until_o this_o or_o that_o superadded_a testimony_n be_v call_v in_o to_o its_o assistance_n we_o esteem_v they_o to_o have_v do_v no_o service_n unto_o the_o truth_n who_o among_o innumerable_a other_o bold_a denial_n have_v insist_v on_o this_o also_o that_o there_o be_v no_o natural_a knowledge_n of_o god_n arise_v from_o the_o innate_a principle_n of_o reason_n and_o the_o work_n of_o god_n propose_v themselves_o to_o the_o consideration_n thereof_o let_v now_o the_o way_n to_o the_o progress_n of_o supernatural_a revelation_n be_v obstruct_v by_o deny_v that_o it_o be_v able_a to_o evince_v itself_o to_o be_v from_o god_n and_o we_o shall_v quick_o see_v what_o bank_n be_v cut_v to_o let_v in_o a_o flood_n of_o atheism_n upon_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n sect._n 15._o let_v we_o consider_v the_o issue_n of_o this_o general_n induction_n as_o god_n in_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o all_o thing_n therein_o contain_v have_v so_o make_v &_o frame_v they_o have_v leave_v such_o character_n of_o his_o eternal_a power_n and_o wisdom_n in_o they_o and_o upon_o they_o fill_v with_o such_o evidence_n of_o their_o author_n suit_v to_o the_o apprehension_n of_o rational_a creature_n that_o without_o any_o other_o testimony_n from_o himself_o or_o any_o else_o under_o the_o naked_a consideration_n and_o contemplation_n of_o what_o they_o be_v they_o so_o far_o declare_v their_o creator_n that_o they_o be_v leave_v whole_o unexcusable_a who_o will_v not_o learn_v and_o know_v he_o from_o thence_o so_o in_o the_o give_v out_o of_o his_o word_n to_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o that_o world_n which_o he_o have_v set_v up_o in_o this_o world_n as_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o wheel_n within_o a_o wheel_n his_o church_n he_o have_v by_o his_o spirit_n implant_v in_o it_o and_o impress_v on_o it_o such_o character_n of_o his_o goodness_n power_n wisdom_n holiness_n love_n to_o mankind_n truth_n faithfulness_n with_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o glorious_a excellency_n and_o perfection_n that_o at_o all_o time_n and_o in_o all_o place_n when_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o expansion_n of_o it_o be_v stretch_v over_o man_n by_o his_o providence_n without_o any_o other_o witness_n or_o testimony_n give_v unto_o it_o it_o declare_v its_o self_n to_o be_v his_o and_o make_v good_a its_o authority_n from_o he_o so_o that_o the_o refusal_n of_o it_o upon_o its_o own_o evidence_n bring_v unavoidable_a condemnation_n on_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n this_o comparison_n be_v insist_v on_o by_o the_o psalmist_n psal_n 19_o where_o as_o he_o ascribe_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o voice_n and_o line_n to_o the_o creature_n so_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n light_n power_n stability_n and_o permanency_n like_o that_o of_o the_o heaven_n &_o sun_n in_o
commutation_n of_o property_n to_o the_o word_n and_o in_o a_o unexpressable_a exaltation_n of_o it_o above_o they_o the_o light_n of_o one_o day_n of_o this_o sun_n be_v unspeakable_o more_o than_o that_o of_o seven_o other_o as_o to_o the_o manifestation_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n sect._n 16._o this_o then_o be_v fix_v as_o a_o principle_n of_o truth_n whatever_o god_n have_v appoint_v to_o reveal_v himself_o by_o as_o to_o any_o special_a or_o general_a end_n that_o those_o who_o he_o intend_v to_o discover_v himself_o unto_o may_v either_o be_v effectual_o instruct_v in_o his_o mind_n and_o will_n according_a to_o the_o measure_n degree_n and_o mean_n of_o the_o revelation_n afford_v or_o be_v leave_v inexcusable_a for_o not_o receive_v the_o testimony_n that_o he_o give_v of_o himself_o by_o any_o plea_n or_o pretence_n of_o want_n of_o clear_a evident_a manifest_a revelation_n that_o what_o ever_o it_o be_v have_v such_o a_o impresssion_n of_o his_o authority_n upon_o it_o as_o undeniable_o to_o evince_v that_o it_o be_v from_o he_o and_o this_o now_o concern_v his_o word_n come_v further_a to_o be_v confirm_v by_o testimony_n and_o argument_n chap._n iii_o argument_n of_o two_o sort_n inartificiall_a argument_n by_o way_n of_o testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n to_o who_o these_o argument_n be_v valid_a isa_n 8._o 20._o 2_o tim._n 3._o 16._o of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o accompany_v the_o voice_n of_o god_n jer._n 3._o 26_o 27_o 28_o 29._o the_o rejection_n of_o a_o plea_n of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d wherein_o it_o consist_v luk._n 16._o 31._o of_o miracle_n their_o efficacy_n to_o beget_v faith_n compare_v with_o the_o word_n 2_o pe._n 1._o 16_o 19_o 20._o sect._n 1_o have_v declare_v the_o divine_a original_a and_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o explain_v the_o position_n lay_v down_o as_o the_o foundation_n of_o our_o ensue_a discourse_n way_n be_v now_o make_v for_o we_o to_o the_o consideration_n of_o those_o sâ—lfâ—-evidences_n of_o its_o divine_a rise_n and_o consequent_o authority_n that_o it_o be_v attend_v withal_o upon_o the_o account_n whereof_o we_o receive_v it_o as_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n sect._n 2._o the_o argument_n whereby_o any_o thing_n be_v confime_v be_v of_o two_o sort_n inartificiall_a by_o the_o way_n of_o testimony_n and_o artificial_a by_o the_o way_n of_o deduction_n and_o inference_n what_o ever_o be_v capable_a of_o contribute_v evidence_n unto_o truth_n fall_v under_o one_o of_o these_o two_o head_n both_o these_o kind_n of_o proof_n we_o make_v use_v of_o in_o the_o business_n in_o hand_n some_o profess_v they_o own_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o also_o urge_v other_o so_o to_o do_v but_o they_o well_o dispute_v on_o what_o ground_n and_o account_n they_o do_v foe_n with_o those_o we_o may_v deal_v in_o the_o first_o way_n by_o testimony_n from_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o which_o upon_o their_o own_o principle_n they_o can_v refuse_v when_o they_o shall_v be_v please_v to_o inform_v we_o that_o they_o have_v relinquish_v those_o principle_n and_o do_v no_o long_o own_o the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n we_o will_v withdraw_v the_o witness_n upon_o their_o exception_n who_o for_o the_o present_a we_o make_v use_v of_o testimony_n that_o be_v innate_a and_o ingraft_v in_o the_o word_n it_o be_v self_n use_v only_o as_o medium_n of_o artificial_a argument_n to_o be_v deduce_v from_o they_o which_o be_v of_o the_o second_o sort_n may_v be_v use_v towards_o they_o who_o at_o present_a own_o not_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n on_o any_o account_n whatever_o or_o who_o be_v desirous_a to_o put_v on_o themselves_o the_o person_n of_o such_o man_n to_o try_v their_o skill_n and_o ability_n for_o the_o management_n of_o a_o controversy_n against_o the_o word_n of_o god_n sect._n 3_o in_o both_o these_o case_n the_o testimony_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v plead_v and_o be_v to_o be_v receive_v or_o can_v with_o any_o pretence_n of_o reason_n be_v refuse_v in_o the_o former_a upon_o the_o account_n of_o the_o acknowledge_a authority_n and_o veracity_n of_o the_o witness_n though_o speak_v in_o its_o own_o case_n in_o the_o latter_a upon_o the_o account_n of_o that_o self_n evidence_n which_o the_o testimony_n insist_v on_o be_v accompany_v withal_o make_v out_o by_o such_o reason_n and_o argument_n as_o for_o the_o kind_n of_o they_o person_n who_o own_v not_o its_o authority_n can_v but_o admit_v in_o humane_a thing_n if_o a_o man_n of_o know_a integrity_n and_o unspotted_a reputation_n bear_v witness_n in_o any_o cause_n and_o give_v uncontrollable_a evidence_n to_o his_o testimony_n from_o the_o very_a nature_n and_o order_n of_o the_o thing_n whereof_o he_o speak_v as_o it_o be_v expect_v that_o those_o who_o know_v and_o admit_v of_o his_o integrity_n and_o reputation_n do_v acquiesce_v in_o his_o assertion_n so_o those_o to_o who_o he_o be_v a_o stranger_n who_o be_v not_o move_v by_o his_o authority_n will_v yet_o be_v overcome_v to_o assent_v to_o what_o be_v witness_v by_o he_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n he_o assert_n especial_o if_o there_o be_v a_o coincidence_n of_o all_o such_o circumstance_n as_o be_v any_o way_n needful_a to_o give_v evidence_n to_o the_o matter_n in_o hand_n sect._n 4._o thus_o it_o be_v in_o the_o case_n under_o consideration_n for_o those_o who_o profess_v themselves_o to_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o so_o own_o the_o credit_n and_o fidelity_n of_o the_o witness_n it_o may_v reasonable_o be_v expect_v from_o they_o yea_o in_o strict_a justice_n demand_v of_o they_o that_o they_o stand_v to_o the_o testimony_n that_o they_o give_v to_o themselves_o and_o their_o own_o divine_a original_a by_o say_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o then_o command_v as_o to_o prove_v it_o so_o to_o be_v they_o render_v themselves_o obnoxious_a unto_o every_o testimony_n that_o we_o produce_v from_o it_o that_o so_o it_o be_v and_o that_o it_o be_v to_o be_v receive_v on_o its_o own_o testimony_n this_o witness_n they_o can_v wave_v without_o disavow_v their_o own_o profess_a principle_n without_o which_o principle_n they_o have_v not_o the_o least_o colour_n of_o impose_v this_o task_n on_o we_o sect._n 5._o as_o for_o they_o with_o who_o we_o have_v not_o the_o present_a advantage_n of_o their_o own_o acknowledgement_n it_o be_v not_o reasonable_a to_o impose_v upon_o they_o with_o the_o bare_a testimony_n of_o that_o witness_v concern_v who_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o he_o be_v worthy_a the_o acceptation_n plead_v for_o but_o yet_o argument_n take_v from_o the_o scripture_n from_o what_o it_o be_v and_o do_v it_o be_v nature_n and_o operation_n by_o which_o the_o cause_n and_o spring_n of_o all_o thing_n be_v discover_v be_v not_o to_o be_v refuse_v sect._n 6._o but_o it_o be_v neither_o of_o these_o that_o principal_o i_o intend_v to_o deal_v withal_o my_o present_a discourse_n be_v rather_o about_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o our_o own_o conscience_n than_o the_o answer_v of_o other_o objection_n only_o we_o must_v satisfy_v our_o conscience_n upon_o such_o prinple_n as_o will_v stand_v against_o all_o man_n objection_n this_o then_o be_v chief_o inquire_v after_o namely_o what_o it_o be_v that_o give_v such_o a_o assurance_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o that_o rely_v thereon_o we_o have_v a_o sure_a bottom_n and_o foundation_n for_o our_o receive_v they_o as_o such_o and_o from_o whence_o it_o be_v that_o those_o who_o receive_v they_o not_o in_o that_o manner_n be_v leave_v inexcusable_a in_o their_o damnable_a unbelief_n this_o we_o say_v be_v in_o and_o from_o the_o scripture_n its_o self_n so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o need_n of_o any_o further_a witness_n or_o testimony_n nor_o be_v any_o in_o the_o same_o kind_n to_o be_v admit_v sect._n 7._o it_o be_v not_o at_o all_o in_o my_o purpose_n to_o insist_v large_o at_o present_a on_o this_o subject_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v content_v myself_o with_o instance_v in_o some_o few_o testimony_n and_o argument_n begin_v with_o one_o or_o two_o of_o the_o first_o sort_n isa_n 8._o 20._o to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n if_o they_o speak_v not_o according_a to_o this_o word_n there_o be_v no_o light_n in_o they_o what_o ever_o any_o one_o say_v be_v it_o what_o or_o who_o it_o will_v church_n or_o person_n if_o it_o be_v in_o or_o about_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n concern_v his_o will_n or_o worship_n with_o our_o obedience_n to_o he_o it_o be_v to_o be_v try_v by_o the_o law_n and_o testimony_n hither_o we_o be_v send_v this_o be_v assert_v to_o be_v the_o rule_n and_o
3_o there_o be_v then_o two_o thing_n that_o be_v accompany_v with_o a_o self_n evidence_v excellency_n and_o every_o other_o thing_n do_v so_o so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v partaker_n of_o their_o nature_n and_o no_o otherwise_o now_o these_o be_v 1_o light_n 2._o power_n for_o or_o in_o operation_n sect._n 4._o 1_o light_n manifest_v its_o self_n whatever_o be_v light_n do_v so_o that_o be_v it_o do_v whatever_o be_v necessary_a on_o its_o own_o part_n for_o its_o manifestation_n and_o discovery_n of_o the_o defect_n that_o be_v or_o may_v be_v in_o they_o to_o who_o this_o discovery_n be_v make_v we_o do_v not_o as_o yet_o speak_v and_o whatever_o manifest_v its_o self_n be_v light_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d ephes_n 5._o 13._o light_n require_v neither_o proof_n nor_o testimony_n for_o its_o evidence_n let_v the_o sun_n arise_v in_o the_o firmament_n and_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o witness_n to_o prove_v and_o confirm_v unto_o a_o see_a man_n that_o it_o be_v day_n a_o small_a candle_n will_v so_o do_v let_v the_o least_o child_n bring_v a_o candle_n into_o a_o room_n that_o before_o be_v dark_a and_o it_o will_v be_v a_o madness_n to_o go_v about_o to_o prove_v by_o substantial_a witness_n man_n of_o gravity_n and_o authority_n that_o light_n be_v bring_v in_o do_v it_o not_o evince_v its_o self_n with_o a_o assurance_n above_o all_o that_o can_v be_v obtain_v by_o any_o testimony_n whatever_n whatever_o be_v light_n either_o natural_o or_o moral_o so_o be_v reveal_v by_o its_o be_v so_o that_o which_o evidence_v not_o its_o self_n be_v not_o light_n sect._n 5._o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v a_o light_n we_o shall_v see_v immediate_o that_o it_o be_v so_o or_o can_v be_v call_v so_o unless_o it_o have_v this_o nature_n and_o property_n of_o light_n to_o evidence_n its_o self_n as_o well_o as_o to_o give_v light_n unto_o other_o can_v in_o any_o tolerable_a correspondency_n of_o speech_n be_v allow_v whether_o light_a spiritual_a and_o intellectual_a regard_v the_o mind_n or_o natural_a with_o respect_n to_o bodily_a sight_n be_v first_o and_o proper_o light_a from_o whence_o the_o other_o be_v by_o allusion_n denominate_v i_o need_v not_o now_o inquire_v both_o have_v the_o same_o property_n in_o their_o several_a kind_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d true_a light_n shine_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 1_o joh._n 1._o 5._o god_n himself_o be_v light_a and_o he_o inhabit_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 1_o tim._n 6._o 16._o catech._n not_o a_o shine_a glister_a brightness_n as_o some_o gross_o imagine_v but_o the_o glorious_a unsearchable_a majesty_n of_o his_o own_o be_v which_o be_v inaccessible_a to_o our_o understanding_n so_o isa_n 57_o 15._o inhabit_v eternity_n so_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d say_v the_o psalmist_n thou_o cloathe_v thyself_o with_o light_n and_o dan._n 2._o 22._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o light_n remain_v with_o he_o god_n he_o be_v light_v essential_o and_o be_v therefore_o know_v by_o the_o beam_a of_o his_o eternal_a property_n in_o all_o that_o outward_o be_v of_o he_o and_o light_n abide_v with_o he_o as_o the_o fountain_n of_o it_o he_o communicate_v light_n to_o all_o other_o this_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o all_o light_n the_o more_o it_o participate_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o fountain_n the_o more_o it_o be_v light_a and_o the_o more_o proper_o as_o the_o property_n and_o quality_n of_o it_o be_v consider_v it_o be_v then_o spiritual_a moral_a intellectual_a light_n with_o all_o its_o medium_n that_o have_v the_o pre-eminence_n as_o to_o a_o participation_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o property_n of_o light_n sect._n 6._o now_o the_o scripture_n the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v light_a those_o that_o reject_v it_o be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d light_n rebel_n man_n resist_v the_o authority_n which_o they_o can_v but_o be_v convince_v of_o psal_n 19_o 9_o &_o 43._o 3._o &_o 119._o 105_o 130._o prov._n 6._o 23._o isa_n 9_o 2._o hos_fw-la 6._o 5._o math._n 4._o 16._o and_o 5._o 14._o joh._n 3._o 20._o 21_o it_o be_v a_o light_n so_o shine_v with_o the_o majesty_n of_o its_o author_n as_o that_o it_o manifest_v its_o self_n to_o be_v he_o 2_o pet._n 1._o 19_o a_o light_n shine_v in_o a_o dark_a place_n with_o a_o eminent_a advantage_n for_o its_o own_o discovery_n as_o well_o as_o unto_o the_o benefit_n of_o other_o sect._n 7._o let_v a_o light_n be_v never_o so_o mean_a and_o contemptible_a yet_o if_o it_o shine_v cast_v out_o beam_n and_o ray_n in_o a_o dark_a place_n it_o will_v evidence_n its_o self_n if_o other_o thing_n be_v want_v in_o the_o faculty_n the_o light_n as_o to_o its_o innate_a glory_n and_o beauty_n be_v not_o to_o suffer_v prejudice_n but_o the_o word_n be_v a_o glorious_a shine_a light_n as_o have_v be_v show_v a_o illuminate_a light_n compare_v to_o and_o prefer_v above_o the_o light_n of_o the_o sun_n psal_n 19_o 5_o 6_o 7._o rom._n 10._o 18._o let_v not_o then_o a_o reproach_n be_v cast_v upon_o the_o most_o glorious_a light_n in_o the_o world_n the_o most_o eminent_a reflection_n of_o uncreated_a light_n and_o excellency_n that_o will_v not_o be_v fasten_v on_o any_o thing_n that_o on_o any_o account_n be_v so_o call_v math._n 5._o 19_o sect._n 8._o now_o as_o the_o scripture_n be_v thus_o a_o light_n we_o grant_v it_o to_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o church_n of_o any_o church_n of_o every_o church_n to_o hold_v it_o up_o whereby_o it_o may_v become_v the_o more_o conspicuous_a it_o be_v a_o ground_n and_o pillar_n to_o set_v this_o light_n upon_o 1_o tim._n 3._o 15._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d may_v refer_v to_o the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n in_o the_o next_o word_n follow_v in_o good_a coherence_n of_o speech_n as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o church_n but_o grant_v the_o usual_a read_n no_o more_o be_v affirm_v but_o that_o the_o light_n and_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v hold_v up_o and_o hold_v out_o by_o the_o church_n it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o church_n so_o to_o do_v almost_o the_o whole_a of_o its_o duty_n and_o this_o duty_n it_o perform_v ministerial_o not_o authoritative_o a_o church_n may_v bear_v up_o the_o light_n it_o be_v not_o the_o light_n it_o bear_v witness_n to_o it_o but_o kindle_v not_o one_o divine_a beam_n to_o further_a its_o discovery_n all_o the_o preach_a that_o be_v in_o any_o church_n its_o administration_n of_o ordinance_n all_o its_o walk_v in_o the_o truth_n hold_v up_o this_o light_n sect._n 9_o nor_o do_v it_o in_o the_o least_o impair_v this_o self_n evidence_v efficacy_n of_o the_o scripture_n that_o it_o be_v a_o moral_a and_o spiritual_a not_o a_o natural_a light_n the_o proposition_n be_v universal_a to_o all_o kind_n of_o light_n yea_o more_o full_o applicable_a to_o the_o former_a than_o the_o latter_a light_o i_o confess_v of_o its_o self_n will_v not_o remove_v the_o defect_n of_o the_o visive_a faculty_n it_o be_v not_o give_v for_o that_o end_n light_n be_v not_o eye_n it_o suffice_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o want_v on_o its_o own_o part_n for_o its_o discovery_n and_o revelation_n to_o argue_v that_o the_o sun_n can_v be_v know_v to_o be_v the_o sun_n or_o the_o great_a mean_n of_o communicate_v external_a light_n unto_o the_o world_n because_o blind_a man_n can_v see_v it_o nor_o do_v know_v any_o more_o of_o it_o than_o they_o be_v tell_v will_v scarce_o be_v admit_v nor_o do_v it_o in_o the_o least_o impeach_v the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o light_n plead_v for_o that_o man_n stupid_o blind_a can_v comprehend_v it_o joh._n 1._o 5._o sect._n 10._o i_o do_v not_o assert_v from_o hence_o that_o wherever_o the_o scripture_n be_v bring_v by_o what_o mean_v soever_o which_o indeed_o be_v all_o one_o all_o that_o read_v it_o or_o to_o who_o it_o be_v read_v must_v instant_o of_o necessity_n assent_v unto_o its_o divine_a original_a many_o man_n who_o be_v not_o stark_o blind_a may_v have_v yet_o so_o abuse_v their_o eye_n that_o when_o a_o light_n be_v bring_v into_o a_o dark_a place_n they_o may_v not_o be_v able_a to_o discern_v it_o man_n may_v be_v so_o preposess_v with_o innumerable_a prejudices_fw-la principle_n receive_v by_o strong_a tradition_n corrupt_a affection_n make_v they_o hate_v the_o light_n that_o they_o may_v not_o behold_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o word_n when_o it_o be_v bring_v to_o they_o but_o it_o be_v nothing_o to_o our_o present_a discourse_n whether_o any_o man_n live_v be_v able_a by_o and_o of_o himself_o to_o discern_v this_o light_n whilst_o the_o defect_n may_v be_v just_o cast_v on_o their_o own_o blindness_n 2_o cor._n 4._o 2_o 3_o 4._o by_o the_o manifestation_n of_o the_o truth_n we_o commend_v ourselves_o
not_o how_o build_v we_o know_v not_o upon_o what_o foundation_n that_o we_o intend_v in_o the_o assignation_n of_o our_o receive_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o the_o effectual_a work_n and_o witness_v of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n sect._n 5._o two_o thing_n then_o we_o intend_v by_o this_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n 1_o his_o communication_n of_o of_o spiritual_a light_n by_o a_o act_n of_o his_o power_n enable_v the_o mind_n to_o discern_v the_o save_a truth_n majesty_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d there_o be_v a_o blindness_n a_o darkness_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o not_o only_o disenable_v they_o from_o discern_v the_o thing_n of_o god_n in_o their_o certainty_n evidence_n necessity_n and_o beauty_n for_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d but_o also_o cause_v they_o to_o judge_v amiss_o of_o they_o as_o thing_n weak_a and_o foolish_a dark_a unintelligible_a not_o answer_v to_o any_o principle_n of_o wisdom_n whereby_o they_o be_v guide_v 1_o cor._n 2._o whilst_o this_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d abide_v on_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o they_o shall_v on_o any_o right_a abide_a foundation_n assent_v to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n they_o may_v have_v a_o prejudicate_a opinion_n they_o have_v no_o faith_n concern_v it_o this_o darkness_n than_o must_v be_v remove_v by_o the_o communication_n of_o light_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o work_n of_o his_o illumination_n be_v common_o by_o other_o speak_v unto_o and_o by_o i_o also_o in_o another_o place_n sect._n 6._o 2._o the_o holy_a ghost_n together_o with_o and_o by_o his_o work_n of_o illumination_n take_v off_o the_o perverse_a disposition_n of_o mind_n that_o be_v in_o we_o by_o nature_n with_o our_o enmity_n to_o and_o aversation_n from_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n effectual_o also_o persuade_v the_o mind_n to_o a_o receive_n and_o admit_v of_o the_o truth_n wisdom_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o word_n now_o because_o this_o perverse_a disposition_n of_o mind_n possess_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o the_o soul_n influence_n the_o will_v also_o into_o a_o aversation_n and_o dislike_n of_o that_o goodness_n which_o be_v in_o the_o truth_n propose_v to_o it_o it_o be_v remove_v by_o a_o double_a act_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n §_o 7._o 1._o he_o give_v we_o wisdom_n understanding_n a_o spiritual_a judgement_n whereby_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o compare_v spiritual_a thing_n with_o spiritual_a in_o a_o spiritual_a manner_n and_o to_o come_v thereby_o to_o a_o clear_a and_o full_a light_n of_o the_o heavenly_a excellency_n and_o majesty_n of_o the_o word_n and_o so_o enable_v we_o to_o know_v of_o the_o doctrine_n whither_o it_o be_v of_o god_n under_o the_o benefit_n of_o this_o assistance_n all_o the_o part_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o their_o harmony_n and_o correspondency_n all_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o in_o their_o power_n and_o necessity_n come_v in_o together_o to_o give_v evidence_n one_o to_o another_o and_o all_o of_o they_o to_o the_o whole_a i_o mean_v as_o the_o mind_n be_v enable_v to_o make_v a_o spiritual_a judgement_n of_o they_o §_o 8._o 2._o he_o give_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o spiritual_a sense_n a_o taste_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o upon_o the_o mind_n heart_n and_o conscience_n when_o we_o have_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d sense_n exercise_v to_o discern_v such_o thing_n these_o thing_n deserve_v a_o more_o full_a handle_n and_o to_o be_v particular_o exemplify_v from_o scripture_n if_o the_o nature_n of_o our_o present_a design_n will_v admit_v thereof_o sect._n 9_o as_o in_o our_o natural_a estate_n in_o respect_n of_o these_o thing_n of_o god_n the_o mind_n be_v full_a of_o vanity_n darkness_n blindness_n yea_o be_v darkness_n its_o self_n so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o correspondency_n between_o the_o faculty_n and_o the_o object_n and_o the_o will_n lie_v in_o a_o utter_a unacquaintednesse_n yea_o impossibility_n of_o any_o acquaintance_n with_o the_o life_n power_n savour_n sweetness_n relish_n and_o goodness_n that_o be_v in_o the_o thing_n propose_v to_o be_v know_v and_o discern_v under_o the_o dark_a shade_n of_o a_o blind_a mind_n so_o for_o a_o removal_n of_o both_o these_o the_o holy_a ghost_n communicate_v light_a to_o the_o understanding_n whence_o it_o be_v able_a to_o see_v and_o judge_v of_o the_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o jesus_n and_o the_o will_n be_v thereby_o deliver_v from_o the_o dungeon_n wherein_o it_o be_v and_o quicken_v a_o new_a perform_v its_o office_n in_o embrace_v what_o be_v proper_a and_o suit_v unto_o it_o in_o the_o object_n propose_v the_o spirit_n indeed_o discover_v to_o every_o one_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d according_a to_o the_o counsel_n of_o his_o will_n but_o yet_o in_o that_o way_n in_o the_o general_n whereby_o the_o sun_n give_v out_o his_o light_n and_o heat_n the_o former_a make_v way_n for_o the_o latter_a but_o these_o thing_n must_v not_o now_o be_v insist_v on_o sect._n 10._o now_o by_o these_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n he_o do_v i_o say_v persuade_v the_o mind_n concern_v the_o truth_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o therein_o leave_v a_o impression_n of_o a_o effectual_a testimony_n within_o we_o and_o this_o testimony_n of_o he_o as_o it_o be_v authoritative_a and_o infallible_a in_o its_o self_n so_o of_o inconceivable_o more_o efficacy_n power_n and_o certainty_n unto_o they_o that_o do_v receive_v it_o than_o any_o voice_n or_o internal_a word_n boast_v of_o by_o some_o can_v be_v but_o yet_o this_o be_v not_o the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n at_o present_a inquire_v after_o sect._n 11._o 2_o there_o be_v a_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o respect_v the_o object_n or_o the_o word_n its_o self_n and_o this_o be_v a_o public_a testimony_n which_o as_o it_o satisfy_v our_o soul_n in_o particular_a so_o it_o be_v and_o may_v be_v plead_v in_o reference_n unto_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o all_o other_o to_o who_o the_o word_n of_o god_n shall_v come_v the_o holy_a ghost_n speak_v in_o and_o by_o the_o word_n impart_v to_o it_o virtue_n power_n efficacy_n majesty_n and_o authority_n afford_v we_o the_o witness_n that_o our_o faith_n be_v resolve_v unto_o and_o thus_o whereas_o there_o be_v but_o two_o head_n whereunto_o all_o ground_n of_o assent_n do_v belong_v namely_o authority_n of_o testimony_n and_o the_o self_n evidence_n of_o truth_n they_o do_v here_o both_o concur_v in_o one_o in_o the_o same_o word_n we_o have_v both_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o self_n evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n speak_v by_o he_o yea_o so_o that_o both_o these_o be_v material_o one_o and_o the_o same_o though_o distinguish_v in_o their_o formal_a conception_n i_o have_v be_v much_o affect_v with_o those_o verse_n of_o dante_n be_v the_o italian_a poet_n which_o some_o body_n have_v thus_o word_n for_o word_n turn_v into_o latin_a larga_fw-la pluvia_fw-la spiritus_fw-la sancti_fw-la quae_fw-la est_fw-la diffusa_fw-la super_fw-la veteres_fw-la &_o super_fw-la novas_fw-la membranas_fw-la est_fw-la syllogismus_fw-la quâ—_n eam_fw-la mihi_fw-la conclusit_fw-la acutè_fw-la adeo_fw-la ut_fw-la prae_fw-la illa_fw-la omnis_fw-la demonstratio_fw-la mihi_fw-la videatur_fw-la obtusa_fw-la the_o spirit_n communication_n of_o his_o own_o light_n and_o authority_n to_o the_o scripture_n as_o evidence_n of_o its_o original_n be_v the_o testimony_n plead_v for_o sect._n 12._o when_o then_o we_o resolve_v our_o faith_n into_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n it_o be_v not_o any_o private_a whisper_n word_n or_o voice_n give_v to_o individual_a person_n it_o be_v not_o the_o secret_a and_o effectual_a persuasion_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n that_o fall_v upon_o the_o mind_n of_o some_o man_n from_o various_a involve_a consideration_n of_o education_n tradition_n and_o the_o like_a whereof_o they_o can_v give_v no_o particular_a account_n it_o be_v not_o the_o effectual_a work_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n upon_o the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o man_n enable_v they_o saving_o to_o believe_v that_o be_v intend_v the_o papist_n for_o the_o most_o part_n plead_v about_o these_o thing_n do_v but_o show_v their_o ignorance_n and_o malice_n but_o it_o be_v the_o public_a testimony_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n give_v unto_o all_o of_o the_o word_n by_o and_o in_o the_o word_n and_o its_o own_o divine_a light_n efficacy_n and_o power_n sect._n 13._o thus_o far_o then_o have_v we_o proceed_v the_o scripture_n the_o write_a word_n have_v its_o infallible_a truth_n in_o its_o self_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d joh._n 17._o from_o whence_o it_o have_v its_o verity_n thence_o it_o have_v its_o authority_n for_o its_o whole_a authority_n be_v found_v in_o
its_o truth_n it_o be_v authority_n in_o its_o self_n be_v its_o authority_n in_o respect_n of_o we_o nor_o have_v it_o any_o whit_n more_o in_o its_o self_n than_o the_o jure_v it_o have_v towards_o and_o over_o all_o they_o to_o who_o it_o come_v that_o de_fw-la facto_fw-la some_o do_v not_o submit_v themselves_o unto_o it_o be_v their_o sin_n &_o rebellion_n this_o truth_n and_o consequent_o this_o authority_n be_v evidence_v and_o make_v know_v to_o we_o by_o the_o public_a testimony_n which_o be_v give_v unto_o it_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n speak_v in_o it_o with_o divine_a light_n and_o power_n to_o the_o mind_n soul_n and_o conscience_n of_o man_n be_v therein_o by_o its_o self_n propose_v unto_o we_o we_o be_v enlighten_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o in_o the_o condition_n wherein_o we_o be_v be_v necessary_a for_o the_o apprehension_n of_o any_o spiritual_a thing_n or_o truth_n in_o a_o spiritual_a manner_n we_o receive_v it_o and_o religious_o subject_v our_o soul_n unto_o it_o as_o the_o word_n and_o will_n of_o the_o everliving_a sovereign_a god_n and_o judge_v of_o all_o and_o if_o this_o be_v not_o a_o bottom_n and_o foundation_n of_o faith_n i_o here_o public_o profess_v that_o for_o aught_o i_o know_v i_o have_v no_o faith_n at_o all_o sect._n 14._o have_v lay_v this_o stable_a foundation_n i_o shall_v with_o all_o possible_a brevity_n consider_v some_o pretence_n and_o allegation_n for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n invent_v and_o make_v use_n of_o by_o some_o to_o divert_v we_o from_o that_o foundation_n the_o close_n wherewith_o will_v in_o this_o matter_n alone_o bring_v peace_n unto_o our_o soul_n and_o so_o this_o chapter_n shall_v as_o it_o be_v lay_v in_o the_o balance_n and_o compare_v together_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n before_o mention_v and_o explain_v and_o the_o other_o pretence_n and_o plea_n that_o shall_v now_o be_v examine_v sect._n 15._o 1._o some_o say_v when_o on_o other_o account_n they_o be_v concern_v so_o to_o say_v that_o we_o have_v receive_v the_o scripture_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n who_o receive_v it_o by_o tradition_n and_o this_o give_v a_o credibility_n unto_o it_o of_o tradition_n in_o general_a without_o this_o limitation_n which_o destroy_v it_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n i_o shall_v speak_v afterward_o credibility_n either_o keep_v within_o the_o bound_n of_o probability_n as_o that_o may_v be_v heighten_v to_o a_o manifest_a uncontrâ—leablenesse_n whilst_o yet_o its_o principle_n exceed_v not_o that_o sphere_n in_o which_o sense_n it_o belong_v not_o at_o all_o to_o our_o present_a discourse_n or_o it_o include_v a_o firm_a suitable_a foundation_n for_o faith_n supernatural_a and_o divine_a have_v we_o in_o this_o sense_n receive_v the_o scripture_n from_o that_o church_n as_o it_o be_v call_v be_v that_o church_n able_a to_o give_v such_o a_o credibility_n to_o any_o thing_n or_o do_v the_o scripture_n stand_v in_o need_n of_o such_o a_o credibility_n to_o be_v give_v to_o it_o from_o that_o church_n be_v not_o the_o first_o most_o false_a and_o be_v not_o the_o last_o blasphemous_a to_o receive_v a_o thing_n from_o a_o church_n as_o a_o church_n be_v to_o receive_v it_o upon_o the_o authority_n of_o that_o church_n if_o we_o receive_v any_o thing_n from_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o church_n we_o do_v it_o not_o because_o the_o thing_n its_o self_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d worthy_a of_o acceptation_n but_o because_o of_o the_o authority_n allege_v if_o then_o we_o thus_o receive_v the_o scripture_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n why_o in_o particular_a do_v we_o not_o receive_v the_o apocryphal_a book_n also_o which_o she_o receive_v how_o do_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n reâ—eive_v the_o scripture_n shall_v we_o say_v that_o she_o be_v authorize_v to_o give_v out_o what_o seem_v good_a to_o she_o as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n not_o but_o she_o have_v receive_v they_o by_o tradition_n so_o she_o plead_v that_o she_o have_v receive_v the_o apocryphal_a book_n also_o we_o then_o receive_v the_o scripture_n from_o rome_n rome_n by_o tradition_n we_o make_v ourselves_o judge_n of_o that_o tradition_n and_o yet_o rome_n say_v this_o be_v one_o thing_n that_o she_o have_v by_o the_o same_o tradition_n namely_o that_o she_o alone_o be_v judge_n of_o what_o she_o have_v by_o tradition_n but_o the_o common_a fate_n of_o liar_n be_v befall_v that_o harlot_n she_o have_v so_o long_o so_o constant_o so_o desperate_o lie_v in_o many_o the_o most_o thing_n that_o she_o profess_v pretend_v tradition_n for_o they_o that_o indeed_o she_o deserve_v not_o to_o be_v believe_v when_o she_o tell_v the_o truth_n beside_o she_o plead_v that_o she_o receive_v the_o scripture_n from_o the_o beginning_n when_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o the_o copy_n of_o the_o hebrew_n of_o the_o old_a and_o greek_a of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v only_o authentic_a these_o she_o plead_v now_o under_o her_o keep_n to_o be_v woeful_o corrupt_v and_o yet_o be_v angry_a that_o we_o believe_v not_o her_o tradition_n sect._n 16._o some_o add_v that_o we_o receive_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o the_o miracle_n that_o be_v wrought_v at_o the_o give_v of_o the_o law_n and_o of_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o miracle_n we_o have_v receive_v by_o universal_a tradition_n but_o first_o i_o desire_v to_o know_v whence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o see_v our_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n wrought_v many_o other_o miracle_n beside_o those_o that_o be_v write_v joh._n 20._o 30._o ch_n 21._o 25._o and_o the_o apostle_n likewise_o they_o can_v by_o all_o their_o tradition_n help_v we_o to_o so_o much_o as_o a_o obscure_a report_n of_o any_o one_o that_o be_v not_o write_v i_o speak_v not_o of_o legend_n which_o yet_o at_o their_o performance_n be_v no_o less_o know_v than_o those_o that_o be_v nor_o be_v less_o useful_a for_o the_o end_n of_o miracle_n than_o they_o of_o tradition_n in_o general_n afterward_o but_o be_v it_o not_o evident_a that_o the_o miracle_n whereof_o they_o speak_v be_v preserve_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o no_o otherwise_o and_o if_o so_o can_v these_o miracle_n operate_v upon_o the_o understanding_n or_o judgement_n of_o any_o man_n unless_o they_o first_o grant_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n i_o mean_v to_o the_o beget_n of_o a_o divine_a faith_n of_o they_o even_o that_o there_o be_v ever_o any_o such_o miracle_n suppose_v these_o miracle_n allege_v as_o the_o ground_n of_o our_o believe_v of_o the_o word_n have_v not_o be_v write_v but_o like_o the_o sibyl_n leaf_n have_v be_v drive_v up_o and_o down_o by_o the_o worst_a and_o fierce_a wind_n that_o blow_v in_o this_o world_n the_o breath_n of_o man_n those_o who_o shall_v keep_v they_o by_o tradition_n that_o be_v man_n be_v by_o nature_n so_o vain_a foolish_a malicious_a such_o liar_n adder_n detractor_n have_v spirit_n and_o mind_n so_o unsuit_v to_o spiritual_a thing_n so_o liable_a to_o alteration_n in_o themselves_o and_o to_o contradiction_n one_o to_o another_o be_v so_o give_v to_o imposture_n and_o be_v so_o apt_a to_o be_v impose_v upon_o have_v be_v so_o shuffle_v and_o drive_v up_o and_o down_o the_o world_n in_o every_o generation_n have_v for_o the_o most_o part_n so_o utter_o lose_v the_o remembrance_n of_o what_o themselves_o be_v whence_o they_o come_v or_o whether_o they_o be_v to_o go_v that_o i_o can_v give_v very_o little_a credit_n to_o what_o i_o have_v nothing_o but_o their_o authority_n to_o rely_v upon_o for_o without_o any_o evidence_n from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n it_o be_v self_n sect._n 17._o abstract_v then_o from_o the_o testimony_n give_v in_o the_o scripture_n to_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o the_o prime_a revealer_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o god_n in_o the_o word_n and_o no_o tolerable_a assurance_n as_o to_o the_o business_n in_o hand_n where_o a_o foundation_n for_o faith_n be_v inquire_v after_o can_v be_v give_v that_o ever_o any_o such_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v if_o number_n of_o man_n may_v be_v allow_v to_o speak_v we_o may_v have_v a_o traditional_a testimony_n give_v to_o the_o blasphemous_a figment_n of_o the_o alcoran_n under_o the_o name_n of_o true_a miracle_n but_o the_o constant_a tradition_n of_o more_o than_o a_o 1000_o year_n carry_v on_o by_o innumerable_a multitude_n of_o man_n great_a wise_a and_o sober_a from_o one_o generation_n to_o another_o do_v but_o set_v open_a the_o gate_n of_o hell_n for_o the_o mahometan_n yet_o set_v aside_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n in_o his_o word_n and_o what_o be_v resolve_v thereinto_o i_o know_v not_o why_o they_o may_v not_o vie_v tradition_n with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n the_o world_n
word_n wherein_o it_o be_v the_o design_n of_o the_o great_a and_o holy_a god_n to_o give_v we_o a_o portraiture_n as_o it_o be_v of_o his_o wisdom_n holiness_n and_o goodness_n so_o far_o as_o we_o be_v capable_a of_o a_o acquaintance_n with_o he_o in_o this_o life_n be_v not_o able_a to_o declare_v and_o evince_v its_o original_a that_o god_n who_o be_v prima_fw-la veritas_fw-la the_o first_o and_o sovereign_a truth_n infinite_o separate_v and_o distinguish_v from_o all_o creature_n on_o all_o account_n whatever_o shall_v write_v a_o book_n or_o at_o least_o immediate_o indite_v it_o command_v we_o to_o receive_v it_o as_o he_o under_o the_o penalty_n of_o his_o eternal_a displeasure_n and_o yet_o that_o book_n not_o make_v a_o sufficient_a discovery_n of_o its_o self_n to_o be_v his_o to_o be_v from_o he_o be_v past_o all_o belief_n let_v man_n that_o live_v on_o thing_n receive_v by_o tradition_n from_o their_o father_n who_o perhaps_o never_o have_v sense_n of_o any_o real_a transaction_n between_o god_n and_o their_o soul_n who_o scarce_o ever_o peruse_v the_o word_n serious_o in_o their_o life_n nor_o bring_v their_o conscience_n to_o it_o please_v themselves_o in_o their_o own_o imagination_n the_o sure_a anchor_n of_o a_o soul_n that_o will_v draw_v nigh_o to_o god_n in_o and_o by_o his_o word_n lie_v in_o the_o thing_n lay_v down_o sect._n 33._o i_o suppose_v it_o will_v not_o be_v deny_v but_o that_o it_o be_v the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o god_n that_o those_o to_o who_o his_o word_n shall_v come_v shall_v own_v it_o and_o receive_v it_o as_o he_o if_o not_o it_o be_v no_o sin_n in_o they_o to_o reject_v it_o unto_o who_o it_o do_v so_o come_v if_o it_o be_v then_o either_o he_o have_v give_v those_o character_n unto_o it_o and_o leave_v upon_o it_o that_o impression_n of_o his_o majesty_n whereby_o it_o may_v be_v know_v to_o be_v his_o or_o he_o have_v not_o do_v so_o and_o that_o either_o because_o he_o will_v not_o or_o because_o he_o can_v not_o to_o say_v the_o latter_a be_v to_o make_v he_o more_o infirm_a than_o a_o man_n or_o other_o worm_n of_o the_o earth_n than_o any_o natural_o effectual_a cause_n he_o that_o say_v the_o former_a must_v know_v that_o it_o be_v incumbent_n on_o he_o to_o yield_v a_o satisfactory_a account_n why_o god_n will_v not_o do_v so_o or_o else_o he_o will_v be_v think_v blasphemous_o to_o impute_v a_o want_n of_o that_o goodness_n &_o love_n of_o mankind_n unto_o he_o which_o he_o have_v in_o infinite_a grace_n manifest_v to_o be_v in_o himself_o that_o no_o man_n be_v able_a to_o assign_v any_o such_o reason_n i_o shall_v firm_o believe_v until_o i_o find_v some_o attempt_n so_o to_o do_v which_o as_o yet_o none_o have_v arrive_v at_o that_o height_n of_o impudence_n and_o wickedness_n as_o to_o own_o sect._n 34._o 2_o how_o horrible_a be_v it_o to_o the_o thought_n of_o any_o saint_n of_o god_n that_o the_o scripture_n shall_v not_o have_v its_o authority_n from_o its_o self_n tertullian_n object_n this_o to_o the_o gentile_n apol._n cap._n 5._o facit_fw-la &_o hoc_fw-la ad_fw-la causam_fw-la nostram_fw-la quod_fw-la apud_fw-la vos_fw-la de_fw-la humano_fw-la arbitratu_fw-la divinitas_fw-la pensitatur_fw-la nisi_fw-la homini_fw-la deus_fw-la placuerit_fw-la deus_fw-la non_fw-la erit_fw-la homo_fw-la jaâ—_n deo_fw-la propitiâ—s_fw-la esse_fw-la debebit_fw-la will_v it_o be_v otherwise_o in_o this_o case_n if_o the_o scripture_n must_v stand_v to_o the_o mercy_n of_o man_n for_o the_o reputation_n of_o its_o divinity_n nay_o of_o its_o verity_n for_o whence_o it_o have_v its_o authority_n thence_o it_o have_v its_o verity_n also_o as_o be_v observe_v before_o and_o many_o more_o word_n of_o this_o nature_n may_v be_v add_v chap._n vi_o consequential_a consideration_n for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n sect._n 1_o i_o say_v in_o the_o former_a chapter_n that_o i_o will_v not_o employ_v myself_o willing_o â—o_o enervate_a or_o weaken_v any_o of_o the_o reason_n or_o argument_n that_o be_v usual_o insist_v on_o to_o prove_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n though_o i_o confess_v i_o like_v not_o to_o multiply_v argument_n that_o conclude_v to_o a_o probability_n only_o and_o be_v suit_v to_o beget_v a_o firm_a opinion_n at_o best_a where_o the_o principle_n intend_v to_o be_v evince_v be_v the_o fide_fw-la and_o must_v be_v believe_v with_o faith_n divine_a and_o supernatural_a yet_o because_o some_o may_v happy_o be_v keep_v to_o some_o kind_n of_o adherence_n to_o the_o scripture_n by_o mean_a ground_n that_o will_v not_o in_o their_o own_o strength_n abide_v until_o they_o get_v foot_v in_o those_o that_o be_v more_o firm_a i_o shall_v not_o make_v it_o my_o business_n to_o drive_v they_o from_o their_o present_a station_n have_v persuade_v they_o by_o that_o which_o be_v better_o sect._n 2._o yea_o because_o on_o supposition_n of_o the_o evidence_n former_o tender_v there_o may_v be_v great_a use_n at_o several_a season_n of_o some_o consequential_a consideration_n and_o argument_n to_o the_o purpose_n in_o hand_n i_o shall_v insist_v on_o two_o of_o that_o kind_n which_o to_o i_o who_o have_v the_o advantage_n of_o receive_v the_o word_n on_o the_o forementioned_a account_n seem_v not_o only_o to_o persuade_v and_o in_o a_o great_a measure_n to_o convince_v to_o undeniable_a probability_n but_o also_o to_o prevail_v irresistable_o on_o the_o understanding_n of_o unprejudiced_a man_n to_o close_o with_o the_o divine_a truth_n of_o it_o sect._n 3_o the_o first_o of_o these_o be_v take_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o doctrine_n its_o self_n contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n the_o second_o from_o the_o mannagement_n of_o the_o whole_a design_n therein_o the_o first_o be_v innate_a the_o other_o of_o a_o more_o external_a and_o rational_a consideration_n sect._n 4._o for_o the_o first_o of_o they_o there_o be_v two_o thing_n considerable_a in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o scripture_n that_o be_v powerful_a and_o if_o i_o may_v so_o say_v uncontroleable_o prevalent_a as_o to_o this_o purpose_n sect._n 5._o first_o its_o universal_a suitablenesse_n upon_o its_o first_o clear_a discovery_n and_o revelation_n to_o all_o the_o entanglement_n and_o perplexity_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n in_o reference_n to_o their_o relation_n to_o and_o dependence_n upon_o god_n if_o all_o mankind_n have_v certain_a entanglement_n upon_o their_o heart_n and_o spirit_n in_o reference_n unto_o god_n which_o none_o of_o they_o that_o be_v not_o utter_o brutish_a do_v not_o wrestle_v withal_o and_o which_o all_o of_o they_o be_v not_o able_a in_o the_o least_o to_o assoil_v themselves_o in_o and_o about_o certain_o that_o doctrine_n which_o be_v suit_v universal_o to_o satisfy_v all_o their_o perplexity_n to_o calm_v and_o quiet_a their_o â—_z in_o all_o their_o tumultuating_n and_o do_v break_v in_o upon_o they_o with_o a_o glorious_a efficacy_n to_o that_o purpose_n in_o its_o discovery_n and_o revelation_n must_v needs_o be_v from_o that_o god_n with_o who_o we_o have_v to_o do_v and_o none_o else_o from_o who_o else_o i_o pray_v shall_v it_o be_v he_o that_o can_v give_v out_o such_o a_o word_n ille_fw-la mihi_fw-la semper_fw-la erit_fw-la deus_fw-la sect._n 6._o now_o there_o be_v 3_o general_a head_n of_o thing_n that_o all_o and_o every_o one_o of_o mankind_n not_o natural_o brutish_a be_v perplex_v withal_o in_o reference_n to_o their_o dependence_n on_o god_n and_o relation_n to_o he_o 1_o how_o they_o may_v worship_v he_o as_o they_o ought_v 2_o how_o they_o may_v be_v reconcile_v and_o at_o peace_n with_o he_o or_o have_v a_o atonement_n for_o that_o guilt_n which_o natural_o they_o be_v sensible_a of_o 3_o what_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o true_a blessedness_n and_o how_o they_o may_v attain_v it_o or_o how_o they_o may_v come_v to_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n sect._n 7._o that_o all_o mankind_n be_v perplex_v and_o entangle_v with_o and_o about_o these_o consideration_n that_o all_o man_n ever_o be_v so_o without_o exception_n more_o or_o less_o and_o continue_v so_o to_o be_v to_o this_o day_n that_o of_o themselves_o they_o miserable_o grope_v up_o and_o down_o in_o the_o dark_a and_o be_v never_o able_a to_o come_v to_o any_o satisfaction_n neither_o as_o to_o what_o be_v present_a nor_o as_o to_o what_o be_v to_o come_v i_o can_v manifest_v from_o the_o state_n office_n and_o condition_n of_o conscience_n the_o indelible_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o presumption_n about_o they_o that_o be_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o all_o by_o nature_n the_o whole_a history_n of_o all_o religion_n which_o have_v be_v in_o the_o world_n with_o the_o design_n of_o all_o ancient_a and_o present_a philosophy_n with_o innumerable_a other_o uncontroleable_a conviction_n which_o also_o god_n assist_v theologiae_n i_o shall_v in_o
now_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o this_o principle_n must_v be_v summum_fw-la in_o its_o kind_n either_o bonum_fw-la or_o malum_fw-la if_o the_o scripture_n be_v what_o it_o reveal_v and_o declare_v itself_o to_o be_v it_o be_v then_o unquestionable_o the_o word_n of_o the_o live_a god_n truth_n its_o self_n for_o that_o it_o profess_v of_o its_o self_n from_o the_o begin_n to_o the_o end_n to_o which_o profession_n all_o that_o it_o reveal_v answer_n absolute_o and_o unquestionable_o in_o a_o tendency_n to_o his_o glory_n alone_o if_o it_o be_v not_o so_o it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o the_o author_n of_o it_o have_v a_o blasphemous_a design_n to_o hold_v forth_o himself_o to_o be_v god_n who_o be_v not_o so_o a_o malicious_a design_n to_o deceive_v the_o son_n of_o man_n and_o to_o make_v they_o believe_v that_o they_o worship_n and_o honour_n god_n and_o obey_v he_o when_o they_o do_v not_o and_o so_o to_o draw_v they_o into_o everlasting_a destruction_n and_o that_o to_o compass_v these_o end_n of_o blasphemy_n atheism_n and_o malice_n he_o have_v lay_v out_o in_o a_o long_a course_n of_o time_n all_o the_o industry_n and_o wisdom_n that_o a_o creature_n can_v be_v make_v partaker_n of_o now_o he_o that_o shall_v do_v thus_o must_v be_v the_o devil_n and_o none_o else_o no_o other_o creature_n can_v possible_o arrive_v at_o that_o height_n of_o obstinacy_n in_o evil_a now_o certain_o whilst_o god_n be_v please_v to_o continue_v unto_o we_o any_o thing_n whereby_o we_o be_v distinguish_v from_o the_o beast_n that_o perish_v whilst_o there_o be_v a_o sense_n of_o a_o distance_n between_o good_a and_o evil_a abide_n among_o man_n it_o can_v fall_v upon_o the_o understanding_n of_o any_o man_n that_o that_o doctrine_n which_o be_v so_o holy_a and_o pure_a so_o absolute_o lead_v to_o the_o utmost_a improvement_n of_o whatever_o be_v good_a just_a commendable_a and_o praise_v worthy_a so_o suitable_a to_o all_o the_o light_n of_o god_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a that_o remain_v in_o we_o can_v proceed_v from_o any_o one_o everlasting_o harden_v in_o evil_n and_o that_o in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o the_o wicked_a design_n that_o that_o wicked_a one_o can_v possible_o be_v engage_v in_o namely_o to_o enthrone_v himself_o and_o malicious_o to_o cheat_v cousin_n and_o ruin_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n so_o that_o upon_o necessity_n the_o scripture_n can_v own_v no_o author_n but_o he_o who_o it_o be_v even_o the_o live_n god_n as_o these_o consideration_n be_v far_o from_o be_v the_o bottom_n and_o foundation_n of_o our_o faith_n in_o our_o assent_v to_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n in_o the_o word_n so_o on_o the_o supposition_n of_o what_o be_v so_o they_o have_v a_o usefullnesse_n as_o to_o support_v in_o trial_n and_o temptation_n and_o the_o like_a season_n of_o difficulty_n but_o of_o these_o thing_n so_o far_o of_o the_o integrity_n &_o purity_n of_o the_o hebrew_n and_o greek_a text_n of_o the_o scripture_n with_o consideration_n on_o the_o prolegomena_n and_o appendix_n to_o the_o late_a biblia_fw-la polyglotta_n oxford_z print_v by_o h._n h._n for_o tho_o robinson_n 1659._o chap._n i._n 1._o the_o occasion_n of_o this_o discourse_n 2._o the_o danger_n of_o suppose_v corruption_n in_o the_o original_n of_o the_o scripture_n 3._o the_o great_a usefullnesse_n of_o the_o biblia_fw-la polyglotta_n 4._o the_o ground_n of_o the_o ensue_a animadversion_n 5._o the_o assertion_n propose_v to_o be_v vindicate_v lay_v down_o 6._o their_o weight_n and_o importance_n 7._o sundry_a principle_n in_o the_o prolegomena_n prejudicial_a to_o the_o truth_n contend_v for_o lay_v down_o 8._o those_o principle_n former_o assert_v by_o other_o reason_n of_o the_o opposition_n make_v to_o they_o scte._n 1_o when_o this_o whole_a little_a precedent_n treatise_n be_v finish_v and_o ready_a to_o be_v give_v out_o unto_o the_o stationer_n there_o come_v to_o my_o hand_n the_o prolegomena_n and_o appendix_n to_o the_o biblia_fw-la polyglotta_n late_o publish_v upon_o the_o first_o sight_n of_o that_o volume_n i_o be_v somewhat_o startle_v with_o that_o bulkie_a collection_n of_o various_a readins_n which_o the_o appendix_n tender_v to_o the_o view_n of_o every_o one_o thâ—t_n do_v but_o cast_v a_o eye_n upon_o it_o within_o a_o while_n after_o i_o find_v that_o other_o also_o man_n of_o learning_n and_o judgement_n have_v apprehension_n of_o that_o work_n not_o unlike_o those_o which_o my_o own_o thought_n have_v suggest_v unto_o i_o afterward_o consider_v what_o i_o have_v write_v about_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n in_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o original_a copy_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o the_o forego_n discourse_n fear_v least_o from_o that_o great_a appearance_n of_o variation_n in_o the_o original_a copy_n and_o those_o of_o all_o the_o translation_n publish_v with_o so_o great_a care_n and_o diligence_n there_o may_v some_o unconquerable_a objection_n against_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o i_o have_v assert_v be_v educe_v i_o judge_v it_o necessary_a to_o stop_v the_o progress_n of_o those_o thought_n until_o i_o can_v get_v time_n to_o look_v through_o the_o appendix_n and_o the_o various_a lection_n in_o that_o great_a volume_n exhibit_v unto_o we_o with_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o they_o in_o the_o prolegomena_fw-la have_v now_o discharge_v that_o task_n and_o as_o thing_n be_v state_v duty_n i_o shall_v crave_v leave_n to_o deliver_v my_o thought_n to_o some_o thing_n contain_v in_o they_o which_o possible_o man_n of_o perverse_a mind_n may_v wrest_v to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o my_o former_a assertion_n to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o the_o certainty_n of_o divine_a truth_n as_o continue_v unto_o we_o through_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n in_o the_o original_n of_o the_o scripture_n sect._n 2._o what_o use_n have_v be_v make_v and_o be_v as_o yet_o make_v in_o the_o world_n of_o this_o supposition_n that_o corruption_n have_v befall_v the_o original_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o those_o various_a lection_n at_o first_o view_n seem_v to_o intimate_v i_o need_v not_o declare_v it_o be_v in_o brief_a the_o foundation_n of_o mahumetism_n alcor_n azoar_v 5._o 6._o the_o chief_a and_o principal_a prop_n of_o popery_n the_o only_a pretence_n of_o fanatical_a anti_n scripturist_n &_o the_o root_n of_o much_o hide_a atheism_n in_o the_o world_n at_o present_v there_o be_v send_v unto_o i_o by_o a_o very_a learned_a person_n upon_o our_o discourse_n on_o this_o subject_n a_o treatise_n in_o english_a with_o the_o latin_a title_n of_o fides_fw-la divina_fw-la wherein_o it_o be_v nameless_a author_n on_o this_o very_a foundation_n labour_v to_o evert_v and_o utter_o render_v useless_a the_o whole_a scripture_n how_o far_o such_o as_o he_o may_v be_v strengthen_v in_o their_o infidelity_n by_o the_o consideration_n of_o these_o thing_n time_n will_v manifest_v have_v there_o not_o be_v then_o a_o necessity_n incumbent_n on_o i_o either_o utter_o to_o desist_v from_o pursue_v any_o thought_n of_o publish_v the_o forego_n treatise_n or_o else_o of_o give_v a_o account_n of_o some_o thing_n contain_v in_o the_o prolegomena_n and_o appendix_n i_o shall_v for_o many_o reason_n have_v abstain_v from_o this_o employment_n but_o the_o truth_n be_v not_o only_o what_o i_o have_v write_v in_o the_o first_o chapter_n about_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n in_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o scripture_n but_o also_o the_o main_a of_o the_o argument_n afterward_o insist_v on_o by_o i_o concern_v the_o self_n evidence_v power_n and_o light_n of_o the_o scripture_n receive_v in_o my_o apprehension_n a_o great_a weaken_n by_o the_o thing_n i_o shall_v now_o speak_v unto_o if_o own_a and_o receive_v as_o they_o be_v propose_v unto_o we_o i_o can_v not_o excuse_v myself_o from_o run_v the_o hazard_n of_o give_v my_o thought_n upon_o they_o sect._n 3_o the_o wiseman_n tell_v we_o that_o he_o consider_v all_o travel_n and_o every_o right_a work_n and_o that_o for_o this_o a_o man_n be_v envy_v of_o his_o neighbour_n whâ—ch_fw-mi say_v he_o be_v vanity_n and_o vexation_n of_o spirit_n eccles_n 4._o 4._o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o this_o often_o fall_v out_o through_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n that_o when_o work_n right_a work_n be_v with_o most_o sore_o travel_v bring_v forth_o in_o the_o world_n their_o author_n be_v repay_v with_o envy_n for_o their_o labour_n which_o mix_v all_o the_o issue_n of_o the_o best_a endeavour_n of_o man_n with_o vanity_n and_o vexation_n of_o spirit_n hiereme_a of_o old_a and_o erasmus_n of_o late_a be_v the_o usual_a instance_n in_o this_o kind_n that_o i_o have_v any_o of_o that_o guilt_n in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n upon_o i_o in_o reference_n to_o this_o work_n of_o publish_v the_o biblia_fw-la polyglotta_n which_o i_o much_o esteem_v or_o the_o author_n and_o contriver_n of_o it_o i_o
who_o i_o know_v not_o i_o can_v with_o due_a consideration_n and_o do_v utter_o deny_v the_o searcher_n of_o all_o heart_n know_v i_o lie_v not_o and_o what_o shall_v possible_o infect_v i_o with_o that_o leaven_n i_o neither_o profess_v any_o deep_a skill_n in_o the_o learning_n use_v in_o that_o work_n nor_o be_o ever_o like_a to_o be_v engage_v in_o any_o thing_n that_o shall_v be_v set_v up_o in_o competition_n with_o it_o nor_o do_v ever_o know_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o person_n in_o the_o world_n as_o the_o chief_a author_n of_o this_o edition_n of_o the_o bibles_n but_o by_o it_o i_o shall_v then_o never_o fail_v on_o all_o just_a occasion_n to_o commend_v the_o usefullnesse_n of_o this_o work_n and_o the_o learning_n diligence_n and_o pain_n of_o the_o worthy_a person_n that_o have_v bring_v it_o forth_o nor_o will_v be_v want_v to_o their_o full_a praise_n in_o this_o place_n but_o that_o a_o entrance_n into_o this_o discourse_n with_o their_o due_a commendation_n may_v be_v liable_a to_o misrepresentation_n but_o whereas_o we_o have_v not_o only_o the_o bible_n publish_v but_o also_o private_a opinion_n of_o man_n and_o collection_n of_o various_a readins_n real_o or_o pretend_o so_o we_o shall_v see_v afterward_o tend_v some_o of_o they_o as_o i_o apprehend_v to_o the_o disadvantage_n of_o the_o great_a and_o important_a truth_n that_o i_o have_v be_v plead_v for_o tender_v unto_o we_o i_o hope_v it_o will_v not_o be_v grievous_a to_o any_o nor_o matter_n of_o offence_n if_o use_v the_o same_o liberty_n that_o they_o or_o any_o of_o they_o who_o hand_n have_v be_v most_o eminent_a in_o this_o work_n have_v do_v i_o do_v with_o i_o hope_v christian_n candour_n and_o moderation_n of_o spirit_n brief_o discover_v my_o thought_n upon_o some_o thing_n propose_v by_o they_o sect._n 4._o the_o renowned_o learned_a prefacer_n unto_o the_o arabic_a translation_n in_o this_o edition_n of_o it_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o work_n of_o translate_n the_o pentateuch_n into_o that_o language_n be_v perform_v by_o a_o jew_n who_o take_v care_n to_o give_v countenance_n to_o his_o own_o private_a opinion_n and_o so_o render_v they_o authentic_a by_o bring_v they_o into_o the_o text_n of_o his_o translation_n it_o be_v not_o of_o any_o such_o attempt_n that_o i_o have_v any_o cause_n to_o complain_v or_o shall_v so_o do_v in_o reference_n to_o these_o prolegomena_n and_o appendix_n only_o i_o can_v have_v wish_v with_o submission_n to_o better_a judgement_n be_v it_o speak_v that_o in_o the_o publish_n of_o the_o bible_n the_o sacred_a text_n with_o the_o translation_n and_o such_o naked_a historical_a account_n of_o their_o original_n and_o preservation_n as_o be_v necessary_a to_o have_v lay_v they_o fair_a and_o open_a to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o reader_n have_v not_o be_v clog_v with_o dispute_n and_o plea_n for_o particular_a private_a opinion_n impose_v thereby_o with_o too_o much_o advantage_n on_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n by_o their_o constant_a neighbourhood_n unto_o canonical_a truth_n sect._n 5._o but_o my_o present_a consideration_n be_v not_o to_o be_v extend_v beyond_o the_o concernment_n of_o the_o truth_n which_o in_o the_o forego_n discourse_n i_o have_v plead_v for_o i_o shall_v first_o propose_v a_o brief_a abstract_n thereof_o as_o to_o that_o part_n of_o it_o which_o seem_v to_o be_v especial_o concern_v and_o then_o lie_v down_o what_o to_o i_o appear_v in_o its_o prejudice_n in_o the_o volume_n now_o under_o debate_n not_o doubt_v but_o a_o full_a account_n of_o the_o whole_a will_v by_o some_o or_o other_o be_v speedy_o tender_v unto_o the_o learned_a and_o impartial_a reader_n of_o they_o the_o sum_n of_o what_o i_o be_o plead_v for_o as_o to_o the_o particular_a head_n to_o be_v vindicate_v be_v that_o as_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n be_v immediate_o and_o entire_o give_v out_o by_o god_n himself_o his_o mind_n be_v in_o they_o represent_v unto_o we_o without_o the_o least_o interveniency_n of_o such_o medium_n and_o way_n as_o be_v capable_a of_o give_v change_n or_o alteration_n to_o the_o least_o iota_fw-la or_o syllable_n so_o by_o his_o good_a and_o merciful_a providentiall_a dispensation_n in_o his_o love_n to_o his_o word_n and_o church_n his_o whole_a word_n as_o first_o give_v out_o by_o he_o be_v preserve_v unto_o we_o entire_a in_o the_o original_a language_n where_o shine_v in_o its_o own_o beauty_n and_o lustre_n as_o also_o in_o all_o translation_n so_o far_o as_o they_o faithful_o represent_v the_o original_n it_o manifest_v and_o evidence_n unto_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n without_o other_o foreign_a help_n or_o assistance_n its_o divine_a original_n and_o authority_n sect._n 6._o now_o the_o several_a assertion_n or_o proposition_n contain_v in_o this_o position_n be_v to_o i_o such_o important_a truth_n that_o i_o shall_v not_o be_v blame_v in_o the_o least_o by_o my_o own_o spirit_n nor_o i_o hope_v by_o any_o other_o in_o contend_v for_o they_o judge_v they_o fundamental_a part_n of_o the_o faith_n once_o deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n and_o though_o some_o of_o they_o may_v seem_v to_o be_v less_o weighty_a than_o other_o yet_o they_o be_v so_o concatenate_v in_o themselves_o that_o by_o the_o removal_n or_o destruction_n of_o any_o one_o of_o they_o our_o interest_n in_o the_o other_o be_v utter_o take_v away_o it_o will_v assure_o be_v grant_v that_o the_o persuasion_n of_o the_o come_n forth_o of_o the_o word_n immediate_o from_o god_n in_o the_o way_n plead_v for_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o faith_n hope_n and_o obedience_n but_o what_o i_o pray_v will_v it_o advantage_v we_o that_o god_n do_v so_o once_o deliver_v his_o word_n if_o we_o be_v not_o assure_v also_o that_o that_o word_n so_o deliver_v have_v be_v by_o his_o special_a care_n and_o providence_n preserve_v entire_a and_o uncorrupt_a unto_o we_o or_o that_o it_o do_v not_o evidence_n and_o manifest_v its_o self_n to_o be_v his_o word_n be_v so_o preserve_v bless_v may_v we_o say_v be_v the_o age_n past_a who_o receive_v the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o its_o unquestionable_a power_n and_o purity_n when_o it_o shine_v bright_o in_o its_o own_o glorious_a native_a light_n and_o be_v free_a from_o those_o defect_n and_o corruption_n which_o through_o the_o default_n of_o man_n in_o a_o long_a tract_n of_o time_n it_o have_v contract_v but_o for_o we_o as_o we_o know_v not_o well_o where_o to_o lay_v a_o sure_a foundation_n of_o believe_v that_o this_o book_n rather_o than_o any_o other_o do_v contain_v what_o be_v leave_v unto_o we_o of_o that_o word_n of_o he_o so_o it_o be_v impossible_a we_o shall_v ever_o come_v to_o any_o certainty_n almost_o of_o any_o individual_a word_n or_o expression_n whither_o it_o be_v from_o god_n or_o no_o far_o be_v it_o from_o the_o thought_n of_o any_o good_a man_n that_o god_n who_o covenant_n with_o his_o church_n be_v that_o his_o word_n and_o spirit_n shall_v never_o depart_v from_o it_o isa_n 59_o 21._o math._n 5._o 18._o 1_o pet._n 1._o 25._o 1_o cor._n 11._o math._n 28._o 20._o have_v leave_v it_o in_o uncertainty_n about_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o that_o faith_n and_o obedience_n which_o he_o require_v at_o our_o hand_n as_o than_o i_o have_v in_o the_o forego_n treatise_n evince_v as_o i_o hope_v the_o self_n evidence_v light_n and_o power_n of_o the_o scripture_n so_o let_v we_o now_o candid_o for_o the_o sake_n and_o in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o truth_n deal_v with_o a_o mind_n free_v from_o prejudices_fw-la and_o disquiet_v affection_n save_v only_o the_o trouble_n that_o arise_v from_o the_o necessity_n of_o dissent_v from_o the_o author_n of_o so_o useful_a a_o work_n address_v ourselves_o to_o the_o consideration_n of_o what_o seem_v in_o these_o prolegomena_n and_o appendix_n to_o impair_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o other_o assertion_n about_o the_o entire_a preservation_n of_o the_o word_n as_o give_v out_o from_o god_n in_o the_o copy_n which_o yet_o remain_v with_o we_o and_o this_o i_o shall_v do_v not_o doubt_v but_o that_o the_o person_n themselves_o concern_v will_v fair_o accept_v and_o weigh_v what_o be_v conscientious_o tender_v sect._n 7._o as_o than_o i_o do_v with_o all_o thankfulness_n acknowledge_v that_o many_o thing_n be_v speak_v very_o honourable_o of_o the_o original_n in_o these_o prolegomena_n and_o that_o they_o be_v in_o they_o absolute_o prefer_v above_o any_o translation_n whatever_o 17._o and_o assert_v in_o general_a as_o the_o authentic_a rule_n of_o all_o version_n contrary_a to_o the_o thought_n of_o the_o publisher_n of_o the_o great_a parisian_a bibles_n and_o his_o infamous_a hyperaspiste_n morinus_n so_o as_o they_o stand_v in_o their_o aspect_n unto_o the_o appendix_n of_o various_a lection_n there_o be_v
draw_v then_o to_o the_o close_a of_o this_o discourse_n i_o must_v crave_v liberty_n to_o profess_v that_o if_o i_o can_v be_v thorough_o convince_v that_o the_o present_a hebrew_n punctation_n be_v the_o figment_n and_o invention_n of_o these_o man_n i_o shall_v labour_v to_o the_o utmost_a to_o have_v it_o utter_o take_v away_o out_o of_o the_o bible_n nor_o shall_v in_o its_o present_a station_n make_v use_n of_o it_o any_o more_o what_o use_v such_o a_o invention_n may_v be_v of_o under_o catholic_a rule_n in_o a_o way_n of_o grammar_n i_o shall_v not_o dispute_v but_o to_o have_v it_o place_v in_o the_o bible_n as_o so_o great_a a_o part_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v not_o tolerable_a but_o bless_v be_v god_n thing_n be_v not_o as_o yet_o come_v to_o that_o pass_n i_o shall_v only_o add_v that_o whereas_o some_o of_o the_o most_o eminent_o learn_v and_o exercise_v person_n in_o all_o the_o learning_n and_o antiquity_n of_o the_o jew_n that_o these_o latter_a age_n have_v produce_v have_v appear_v in_o the_o confutation_n of_o this_o fancy_n of_o the_o invention_n of_o the_o point_n by_o some_o posttalmudicall_a massorite_n i_o be_o sorry_a their_o respect_n to_o the_o rabbin_n have_v keep_v they_o from_o the_o mannagement_n of_o this_o consideration_n which_o be_v to_o i_o of_o so_o great_a importance_n sect._n 16._o to_o what_o i_o have_v speak_v i_o shall_v add_v the_o word_n of_o learned_a dr_n lightfoot_a in_o his_o late_a centuria_fw-la chorograph_n which_o come_v to_o my_o hand_n since_o the_o finish_n of_o this_o discourse_n cap._n 81._o p._n 146._o sunt_fw-la qui_fw-la punctata_fw-la biblia_fw-la credunt_fw-la à _fw-la sapientibus_fw-la tiberiensibus_fw-la he_o mean_v elias_n only_o for_o other_o jew_n of_o this_o opinion_n there_o be_v none_o ego_fw-la impudentiam_fw-la judaeorum_fw-la qui_fw-la fabulam_fw-la invenerunt_fw-la non_fw-la miror_fw-la christianorum_fw-la credulitatem_fw-la miror_fw-la qui_fw-la applaudunt_fw-la recognosce_fw-la quaeso_fw-la nomina_fw-la tiberiensium_fw-la à _fw-la sita_fw-la illic_fw-la primum_fw-la academia_n ad_fw-la eam_fw-la expirantem_fw-la &_o quidnam_fw-la tandem_fw-la inuenies_fw-la nisi_fw-la genus_fw-la hominum_fw-la prae_fw-la pharisaismo_fw-la insaniens_fw-la traditionibus_fw-la fascinans_fw-la &_o fascinatum_fw-la coecum_fw-la vafrum_fw-la delirum_fw-la ignoscant_fw-la si_fw-la dicam_fw-la magicum_fw-la &_o monstrosum_fw-la ad_fw-la opus_fw-la tam_fw-la divinum_fw-la homines_fw-la quam_fw-la ineptos_fw-la quam_fw-la stolidos_fw-la perlege_fw-la talmud_n hierosolymitanum_n et_fw-la nota_fw-la qualiter_fw-la illic_fw-la se_fw-la habeant_fw-la r._n juda_n r._n chamnath_n z._n judan_n r._n hoshaia_n r._n chaija_n rubba_n r._n chaija_n bar_n basilius_n r._n jochananan_n reliquique_fw-la inter_fw-la tiberienses_n grandissimi_fw-la doctores_fw-la quam_fw-la seriò_fw-la nihil_fw-la agunt_fw-la quam_fw-la pueriliter_fw-la seria_fw-la quanta_fw-la in_o ipsorum_fw-la disputationibus_fw-la vafrity_n spuma_fw-la venenum_fw-la fumus_fw-la nihil_fw-la &_o si_fw-la punctata_fw-la fuisse_fw-la biblia_fw-la in_o istiusmodi_fw-la schola_fw-la potes_fw-la credere_fw-la crede_fw-la &_o omne_fw-la talmudica_n opus_fw-la spiritûs_fw-la sancti_fw-la sapit_fw-la punctatio_fw-la bibliorum_fw-la non_fw-la opus_fw-la hominum_fw-la perditorum_fw-la excaeâ—atorum_fw-la amentium_fw-la in_o the_o word_n of_o this_o learned_a person_n there_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o what_o i_o be_o plead_v for_o say_v he_o i_o do_v not_o admire_v the_o jew_n impudence_n who_o find_v out_o that_o fable_n i_o admire_v christian_n credulity_n who_o applaud_v it_o recount_v i_o pray_v the_o name_n of_o the_o tiberian_o from_o the_o first_o foundation_n of_o a_o university_n there_o to_o the_o expire_a thereof_o and_o what_o do_v you_o find_v but_o a_o sort_n of_o man_n be_v mad_a with_o or_o above_o the_o pharisee_n bewitch_v and_o bewitch_v with_o tradition_n blind_a crafty_a rage_a pardon_v i_o if_o i_o say_v magical_a and_o monstrous_a what_o fool_n what_o sot_n as_o to_o such_o a_o divine_a work_n read_v over_o the_o talmud_n of_o jerusalem_n consider_v how_o r._n juda_n r._n chanina_n r._n chajia_n bar_n basilius_n r._n jochanan_n r._n jonathan_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o great_a doctor_n among_o the_o tiberian_o do_v behave_v themselves_o how_o serious_o they_o do_v of_o nothing_o how_o childish_a they_o be_v in_o serious_a thing_n how_o much_o deceitfulness_n froth_n venom_n smoke_n nothing_o in_o their_o disputation_n &_o if_o you_o can_v believe_v the_o point_n of_o the_o bible_n to_o proceed_v from_o such_o a_o school_n believe_v also_o all_o their_o talmud_n the_o point_v of_o the_o bible_n savour_v of_o the_o work_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n not_o of_o wicked_a blind_a and_o mad_a man_n sect._n 17._o the_o jew_n general_o believe_v these_o point_n to_o have_v be_v from_o mount_n sinai_n and_o so_o downward_o by_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n at_o least_o from_o ezra_n and_o his_o companion_n the_o man_n of_o the_o great_a synagogue_n not_o deny_v that_o the_o use_n and_o knowledge_n of_o they_o receive_v a_o great_a revive_n by_o the_o gemarist_n and_o massorite_n when_o they_o have_v be_v much_o disuse_v so_o rabbi_n azarias_n at_o large_a imre_v binah_n cap._n 59_o have_v it_o be_v otherwise_o sure_o man_n stupendous_o superstitious_a in_o inquire_v after_o the_o tradition_n of_o their_o father_n will_v have_v find_v some_o footstep_n of_o their_o rise_n and_o progress_n it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v not_o only_o the_o opinion_n but_o there_o be_v the_o argument_n of_o one_o of_o they_o to_o the_o contrary_a namely_o elias_n levita_fw-la this_o elias_n live_v in_o germany_n about_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o refomation_n and_o be_v the_o most_o learned_a grammarian_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o that_o age_n sundry_a of_o the_o first_o reformer_n have_v acquaintance_n with_o he_o the_o task_n not_o only_o of_o reform_v religion_n but_o also_o of_o restore_v good_a literature_n be_v incumbent_n on_o they_o they_o make_v use_v of_o such_o assistance_n as_o be_v to_o be_v obtain_v then_o to_o that_o purpose_n this_o man_n which_o 546_o thuanus_n take_v notice_n of_o live_v with_o paulus_n fagius_n and_o assist_v he_o in_o his_o noble_a promotion_n of_o the_o hebrew_n tongue_n hence_o happy_o it_o be_v that_o some_o of_o those_o worthy_n unwary_o embrace_v his_o novel_a opinion_n be_v either_o over_o bear_v with_o his_o authority_n or_o not_o have_v leisure_n to_o search_v far_o after_o the_o truth_n that_o the_o testimony_n of_o this_o one_o elias_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o outweigh_v the_o constant_a attestation_n of_o all_o other_o learned_a jew_n to_o the_o contrary_a as_o capellus_n affirm_v &_o plead_v &_o as_o be_v insinuate_v in_o our_o prolegomena_n 42._o be_v fond_a to_o imagine_v and_o the_o premise_n of_o that_o learned_a man_n fight_v against_o his_o own_o conclusion_n it_o be_v know_v say_v he_o that_o the_o jew_n be_v prone_a to_o insist_v on_o every_o thing_n that_o make_v for_o the_o honour_n of_o their_o people_n and_o language_n and_o therefore_o their_o testimony_n to_o the_o divine_a original_n of_o the_o present_a punctation_n be_v in_o their_o own_o case_n be_v not_o to_o be_v admit_v only_o elias_n who_o in_o this_o speak_v against_o the_o common_a interest_n of_o his_o people_n be_v presume_v to_o speak_v upon_o conviction_n of_o truth_n but_o the_o whole_a evidence_n in_o this_o cause_n be_v on_o the_o other_o side_n let_v we_o grant_v that_o all_o the_o jew_n be_v zealous_a of_o the_o honour_n and_o reputation_n of_o their_o nation_n and_o language_n as_o they_o be_v let_v we_o grant_v that_o they_o greedy_o close_v with_o every_o thing_n that_o may_v seem_v to_o have_v a_o tendency_n thereunto_o what_o will_v be_v the_o issue_n or_o natural_a inference_n from_o these_o premise_n why_o as_o nothing_o can_v be_v speak_v more_o honourable_o of_o the_o jew_n while_o they_o be_v the_o church_n and_o people_n of_o god_n then_o that_o of_o paul_n that_o to_o they_o be_v commit_v the_o oracle_n of_o god_n so_o nothing_o can_v be_v imagine_v or_o fix_v on_o more_o to_o their_o honour_n â—ince_n their_o divorce_n from_o god_n then_o that_o their_o doctor_n and_o master_n shall_v make_v such_o a_o addition_n to_o the_o scripture_n so_o general_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v unspeakable_o useful_a and_o to_o this_o purpose_n elias_n who_o be_v the_o father_n of_o this_o opinion_n be_v far_o from_o make_v such_o deduction_n thence_o as_o some_o do_v now_o adays_o namely_o that_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o we_o to_o change_v the_o vowell_n and_o accent_n at_o our_o pleasure_n but_o tie_v all_o man_n as_o strict_o to_o they_o as_o if_o they_o have_v be_v the_o work_n of_o ezra_n it_o be_v elias_n then_o that_o speak_v in_o his_o own_o case_n who_o testimony_n be_v therefore_o not_o to_o be_v admit_v what_o be_v do_v of_o old_a and_o in_o the_o day_n of_o ezra_n be_v we_o who_o succeed_v into_o the_o privilege_n of_o that_o church_n what_o have_v be_v do_v since_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o temple_n be_v proper_o and_o peculiar_o they_o