in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n it_o must_v be_v either_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o or_o in_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o and_o if_o it_o be_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o it_o must_v be_v either_o that_o it_o do_v not_o give_v we_o sufficient_a direction_n what_o to_o do_v or_o that_o it_o do_v not_o propose_v sufficient_a motive_n to_o persuade_v man_n to_o do_v what_o it_o require_v and_o therefore_o in_o speak_v to_o this_o head_n i_o shall_v show_v 1._o that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n give_v we_o sufficient_a direction_n what_o to_o do_v 2._o that_o the_o motive_n which_o the_o scripture_n propose_v be_v sufficient_a to_o persuade_v we_o to_o do_v what_o it_o require_v and_o 3._o that_o we_o have_v sufficient_a reason_n give_v we_o to_o convince_v we_o of_o the_o truth_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o consequent_o of_o all_o the_o doctrine_n which_o be_v teach_v by_o it_o 1._o i_o shall_v show_v that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n give_v we_o sufficient_a 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luke_n in_o the_o beginning_n of_o his_o gospel_n take_v notice_n that_o many_o before_o he_o have_v take_v in_o hand_n to_o set_v forth_o a_o declaration_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v sure_o believe_v among_o christian_n that_o be_v have_v write_v and_o publish_v narrative_n of_o the_o life_n action_n miracle_n preach_v death_n and_o resurrection_n of_o our_o saviour_n but_o there_o be_v no_o history_n of_o this_o kind_a no_o gospel_n now_o extant_a that_o be_v write_v before_o st._n luke_n except_o only_o st._n matthew'_v and_o st._n mark_n be_v and_o if_o there_o have_v be_v no_o more_o extant_a at_o that_o time_n it_o will_v have_v be_v very_o improper_a they_o say_v for_o the_o evangelist_n to_o have_v say_v that_o many_o have_v write_v upon_o this_o subject_a when_o he_o speak_v only_o of_o those_o two_o and_o that_o there_o be_v matter_n enough_o for_o several_a such_o narrative_n so_o that_o though_o they_o be_v very_o different_a gospel_n they_o may_v nevertheless_o be_v all_o true_a we_o be_v tell_v by_o st._n john_n who_o write_v his_o gospel_n the_o last_o of_o the_o four_o evangelist_n joh._n 20.30_o many_o other_o sign_n true_o do_v jesus_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o his_o disciple_n which_o be_v not_o write_v in_o this_o book_n and_o again_o ch._n 21._o verse_n 25._o there_o be_v also_o many_o other_o thing_n which_o jesus_n do_v the_o which_o if_o they_o shall_v be_v write_v every_o one_o i_o suppose_v that_o even_o the_o world_n its_o self_n can_v not_o contain_v the_o book_n that_o shall_v be_v write_v now_o if_o it_o be_v true_a that_o there_o be_v several_a other_o book_n former_o extant_a but_o which_o be_v now_o lose_v that_o be_v write_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o other_o inspire_a man_n and_o consequent_o by_o divine_a inspiration_n either_o these_o be_v needless_a when_o write_v and_o it_o be_v unreasonable_a to_o suppose_v that_o any_o book_n write_v by_o divine_a inspiration_n be_v needless_a or_o else_o the_o loss_n of_o these_o 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the_o evil_a thing_n which_o it_o threaten_v to_o deter_v we_o from_o sin_n be_v as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o they_o the_o great_a that_o we_o be_v capable_a of_o enjoy_v or_o suffer_v and_o consequent_o the_o most_o probable_a to_o raise_v our_o hope_n and_o to_o excite_v our_o fear_n to_o the_o high_a pitch_n for_o the_o argument_n that_o do_v most_o strong_o persuade_v we_o to_o any_o thing_n be_v from_o interest_n from_o the_o profit_n and_o advantage_n we_o shall_v reap_v by_o do_v it_o from_o the_o tendency_n it_o have_v to_o make_v we_o happy_a and_o happiness_n consist_v in_o be_v perfect_o free_a from_o all_o pain_n and_o trouble_v and_o vexation_n and_o in_o the_o full_a and_o free_a enjoyment_n of_o whatsoever_o be_v please_v and_o delightful_a to_o we_o but_o now_o both_o these_o the_o gospel_n give_v assurance_n of_o to_o all_o those_o that_o believe_v and_o obey_v it_o that_o be_v that_o they_o shall_v thereby_o be_v free_v from_o that_o intolerable_a pain_n and_o misery_n which_o the_o wicked_a and_o unbeliever_n shall_v be_v condemn_v to_o and_o also_o that_o they_o shall_v thereby_o be_v instate_v in_o the_o perfect_a and_o compleat_a happiness_n both_o of_o body_n and_o soul_n in_o a_o happiness_n far_o great_a than_o any_o they_o do_v or_o can_v enjoy_v now_o nay_o in_o a_o happiness_n much_o great_a than_o any_o they_o can_v now_o have_v so_o much_o as_o a_o conception_n or_o idea_n of_o in_o their_o mind_n 2.9_o 1_o cor._n 2.9_o for_o eye_n have_v not_o see_v nor_o ear_n hear_v neither_o have_v enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n the_o thing_n that_o god_n have_v prepare_v for_o they_o that_o love_v he_o but_o there_o be_v beside_o a_o remarkable_a circumstance_n which_o do_v much_o enhanse_v the_o value_n of_o any_o good_a and_o likewise_o much_o aggravate_v the_o evil_a of_o any_o pain_n or_o misery_n viz._n its_o duration_n for_o how_o great_a soever_o the_o good_a or_o evil_a propose_v to_o persuade_v we_o to_o any_o thing_n be_v in_o themselves_o yet_o if_o they_o be_v but_o of_o short_a continuance_n if_o they_o will_v soon_o expire_v and_o be_v at_o a_o end_n we_o reckon_v it_o not_o worth_a while_n to_o be_v at_o much_o pain_n to_o obtain_v such_o a_o short-lived_a good_a or_o to_o avoid_v such_o a_o transient_a evil_n but_o in_o this_o respect_n also_o the_o motive_n both_o of_o hope_n and_o of_o fear_n which_o the_o gospel_n propose_v to_o we_o do_v far_o surpass_v all_o those_o persuasive_n or_o inducement_n which_o sin_n can_v offer_v for_o the_o most_o we_o can_v hope_v to_o escape_v by_o the_o commission_n of_o any_o sin_n be_v the_o pain_n and_o suffer_v of_o a_o few_o week_n or_o year_n or_o a_o temporal_a death_n which_o last_o yet_o we_o can_v be_v so_o vain_a as_o to_o hope_v to_o escape_v clear_o for_o we_o can_v at_o most_o but_o delay_n it_o for_o a_o short_a season_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o great_a good_a we_o can_v propose_v to_o ourselves_o or_o so_o much_o as_o hope_v to_o 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advantage_n that_o be_v possible_a for_o the_o misery_n we_o shall_v escape_v and_o the_o blessedness_n we_o shall_v attain_v by_o yield_a belief_n and_o obedience_n to_o the_o gospel_n be_v both_o of_o they_o 20.10.14.11_o mark_v 9.46_o 48._o matth._n 25.46_o mark_v 3.29_o matth._n 18.8_o 2_o thess_n 1.9_o judas_n 13._o rev._n 20.10.14.11_o of_o eternal_a and_o endless_a duration_n a_o worm_n that_o never_o die_v a_o fire_n that_o never_o shall_v be_v quench_v everlasting_a punishment_n eternal_a damnation_n everlasting_a fire_n everlasting_a destruction_n the_o blackness_n of_o darkness_n for_o ever_o a_o lake_n of_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n where_o they_o shall_v be_v torment_v day_n and_o night_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o and_o where_o the_o smoke_n of_o their_o torment_n ascend_v up_o for_o ever_o and_o ever_o these_o be_v the_o evil_n which_o the_o gospel_n threaten_v to_o sin_n and_o if_o these_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o deter_v man_n from_o it_o what_o can_v be_v sufficient_a what_o evil_a can_v that_o man_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v afraid_a of_o who_o be_v not_o afraid_a of_o everlasting_a burn_v a_o great_a evil_n can_v be_v threaten_v and_o he_o who_o be_v not_o scare_v by_o this_o will_v certain_o be_v less_o scare_v by_o the_o threaten_v of_o a_o less_o evil._n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n everlasting_a life_n a_o crown_n that_o fade_v not_o away_o a_o kingdom_n that_o can_v be_v move_v a_o eternal_a weight_n of_o glory_n fullness_n of_o joy_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o pleasure_n for_o evermore_o at_o his_o right_a hand_n these_o be_v the_o good_a thing_n promise_v to_o obedience_n and_o can_v great_a thing_n be_v promise_v than_o these_o can_v we_o ourselves_o if_o we_o be_v put_v to_o desire_v what_o we_o will_v desire_v more_o and_o if_o the_o promise_n of_o unspeakable_a and_o everlasting_a blessedness_n be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o prevail_v with_o we_o to_o undertake_v a_o godly_a and_o christian_a life_n certain_o nothing_o can_v be_v sufficient_a if_o god_n shall_v make_v never_o so_o many_o revelation_n of_o his_o will_n to_o mankind_n he_o can_v not_o propose_v great_a encouragement_n to_o obedience_n than_o he_o have_v do_v already_o in_o the_o gospel_n and_o if_o those_o good_a thing_n which_o he_o have_v promise_v do_v not_o move_v we_o it_o be_v not_o because_o they_o be_v not_o great_a enough_o to_o move_v a_o wise_a and_o consider_a man_n but_o because_o we_o be_v so_o bend_v upon_o sin_n that_o we_o will_v not_o give_v way_n to_o any_o consideration_n that_o may_v serve_v to_o restrain_v we_o from_o it_o in_o a_o word_n the_o gospel_n motive_n to_o repentance_n and_o obedience_n comprehend_v all_o that_o we_o can_v fear_v or_o hope_n for_o so_o far_o therefore_o as_o fear_n or_o hope_n can_v work_v upon_o we_o there_o be_v plain_o nothing_o want_v in_o that_o stand_a revelation_n that_o god_n have_v make_v of_o his_o will_n by_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o especial_o by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n to_o make_v it_o successful_a that_o be_v to_o persuade_v man_n to_o repentance_n if_o they_o will_v but_o hear_v what_o they_o say_v and_o give_v credit_n to_o it_o but_o it_o be_v not_o perhaps_o the_o infidel_n will_v say_v a_o better_a rule_n that_o they_o want_v than_o the_o scripture_n be_v or_o better_a motive_n to_o persuade_v they_o to_o lead_v their_o life_n according_a to_o it_o than_o the_o scripture_n propose_v but_o what_o they_o chief_o want_v be_v some_o better_a evidence_n some_o great_a certainty_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n this_o therefore_o be_v what_o i_o propound_v to_o do_v in_o the_o next_o place_n viz._n to_o show_v that_o we_o have_v sufficient_a reason_n give_v we_o to_o convince_v we_o of_o the_o truth_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o consequent_o of_o all_o the_o doctrine_n which_o be_v teach_v by_o it_o but_o because_o the_o handle_n of_o this_o point_n will_v take_v up_o too_o much_o time_n i_o shall_v choose_v to_o defer_v it_o and_o conclude_v this_o present_a discourse_n with_o a_o earnest_a exhortation_n to_o all_o those_o that_o do_v sincere_o believe_v the_o gospel_n to_o consider_v often_o and_o serious_o of_o those_o great_a motive_n which_o it_o propose_v to_o persuade_v men._n for_o though_o we_o live_v in_o a_o age_n of_o great_a infidelity_n wherein_o some_o be_v bold_a enough_o to_o strike_v at_o the_o very_a foundation_n of_o all_o religion_n and_o to_o dispute_v at_o least_o if_o not_o deny_v the_o most_o evident_a and_o undeniable_a truth_n of_o it_o and_o other_o think_v they_o pay_v respect_n enough_o to_o the_o common_a reason_n and_o judgement_n of_o mankind_n if_o they_o do_v but_o grant_v themselves_o to_o be_v deist_n and_o wherein_o even_o among_o those_o that_o
and_o we_o do_v not_o take_v care_n to_o avoid_v it_o our_o lot_n will_v be_v extreme_o miserable_a and_o we_o shall_v be_v torment_v day_n and_o night_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o in_o the_o lake_n that_o burn_v with_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n and_o when_o we_o consider_v withal_o the_o very_a little_a trouble_n in_o comparison_n that_o it_o will_v cost_v we_o to_o attain_v that_o and_o to_o avoid_v this_o that_o it_o be_v but_o the_o labour_n of_o a_o few_o year_n and_o that_o the_o most_o we_o can_v suffer_v by_o it_o be_v the_o loss_n of_o a_o little_a sensual_a pleasure_n for_o which_o after_o this_o life_n be_v over_o we_o shall_v be_v never_o the_o better_a or_o the_o endure_a of_o some_o little_a pain_n or_o hardship_n which_o will_v be_v soon_o over_o and_o for_o which_o if_o no_o good_a shall_v ever_o come_v of_o it_o after_o this_o life_n we_o shall_v however_o be_v then_o never_o the_o worse_o consider_v i_o say_v thus_o the_o infinite_o vast_a and_o wide_a difference_n that_o there_o be_v between_o be_v eternal_o happy_a and_o eternal_o miserable_a it_o be_v enough_o that_o it_o be_v possible_a it_o be_v more_o than_o enough_o that_o it_o be_v probable_a that_o there_o will_v be_v such_o a_o state_n and_o if_o we_o neglect_v to_o make_v provision_n for_o it_o because_o we_o be_v not_o absolute_o certain_a that_o it_o will_v be_v it_o be_v plain_a that_o we_o do_v not_o act_v so_o prudent_o in_o this_o as_o we_o do_v in_o other_o case_n that_o be_v of_o infinite_o less_o moment_n and_o concern_v to_o we_o and_o that_o as_o our_o saviour_n say_v the_o child_n of_o tâ—â—_n world_n be_v in_o their_o generation_n wise_a than_o the_o child_n of_o light_n now_o this_o be_v the_o most_o that_o the_o profess_a atheist_n or_o infidel_n can_v pretend_v they_o will_v say_v perhaps_o that_o for_o their_o own_o part_n they_o do_v not_o believe_v the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n or_o a_o judgement_n or_o a_o life_n to_o come_v and_o that_o they_o do_v not_o see_v any_o good_a reason_n to_o believe_v these_o thing_n forasmuch_o as_o all_o the_o proof_n that_o be_v bring_v for_o they_o do_v in_o their_o judgement_n fall_v short_a of_o demonstration_n and_o they_o be_v resolve_v not_o to_o believe_v they_o till_o such_o proof_n thereof_o shall_v be_v offer_v as_o they_o can_v make_v no_o exception_n against_o not_o till_o they_o shall_v see_v with_o their_o own_o eye_n that_o there_o be_v a_o heaven_n and_o a_o hell_n or_o till_o they_o shall_v have_v a_o messenger_n send_v to_o they_o from_o thence_o on_o purpose_n to_o assure_v they_o thereof_o and_o be_v it_o so_o as_o they_o say_v that_o there_o be_v not_o a_o absolute_a certainty_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o thing_n that_o we_o have_v not_o yet_o such_o a_o sure_a proof_n of_o they_o as_o ocular_a or_o mathematical_a demonstration_n will_v be_v yet_o this_o be_v the_o most_o they_o can_v say_v they_o themselves_o can_v pretend_v that_o there_o be_v any_o demonstration_n on_o the_o other_o side_n they_o be_v not_o sure_a they_o say_v that_o there_o will_v be_v another_o life_n or_o that_o it_o will_v be_v everlasting_a well_o but_o be_v they_o sure_a that_o there_o will_v not_o be_v such_o a_o life_n be_v it_o absurd_a or_o impossible_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v such_o a_o life_n this_o i_o be_o sure_a they_o can_v say_v and_o all_o that_o they_o have_v yet_o dare_v to_o say_v be_v only_o that_o those_o proof_n thereof_o that_o we_o rely_v upon_o be_v not_o in_o their_o opinion_n sufficient_a but_o suppose_v they_o as_o insufficient_a as_o they_o can_v think_v they_o yet_o still_o if_o they_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o prove_v the_o certainty_n they_o may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o prove_v the_o probability_n of_o what_o they_o be_v bring_v to_o prove_v or_o if_o not_o so_o yet_o still_o a_o future_a life_n if_o it_o be_v not_o certain_a nay_o if_o it_o be_v not_o probable_a however_o may_v be_v possible_a and_o if_o it_o be_v only_o possible_a that_o we_o may_v live_v for_o ever_o and_o that_o we_o may_v be_v eternal_o happy_a or_o eternal_o miserable_a this_o possibility_n alone_o consider_v what_o a_o infinite_a difference_n there_o be_v between_o these_o two_o state_n ought_v in_o reason_n to_o put_v we_o upon_o take_v the_o best_a care_n we_o can_v that_o if_o there_o be_v a_o eternal_a life_n we_o may_v be_v eternal_o happy_a in_o it_o but_o after_o all_o our_o proof_n of_o this_o and_o other_o great_a truth_n of_o our_o religion_n be_v not_o so_o very_o weak_a and_o slender_a as_o these_o man_n will_v represent_v it_o it_o be_v indeed_o as_o good_a as_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n will_v bear_v and_o he_o be_v a_o unreasonable_a man_n that_o require_v a_o better_a proof_n of_o any_o thing_n than_o it_o be_v capable_a of_o this_o therefore_o be_v what_o i_o shall_v now_o in_o the_o next_o place_n proceed_v to_o do_v viz._n 3._o to_o show_v that_o there_o be_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o give_v credit_n to_o the_o scripture_n wherein_o these_o truth_n be_v plain_o teach_v but_o this_o be_v too_o large_a a_o subject_a to_o be_v handle_v now_o i_o have_v already_o say_v i_o will_v defer_v it_o to_o the_o next_o opportunity_n finis_fw-la the_o sufficiency_n of_o the_o scripture-revelation_n as_o to_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o part_n i._n a_o sermon_n preach_v at_o the_o cathedral-church_n of_o st._n paul_n march_v the_o 4_o the_o 1699_o 700._o be_v the_o three_o for_o the_o year_n 1700_o of_o the_o lecture_n found_v by_o the_o honourable_a robert_n boyle_n esq_n by_o offspring_n blackall_n rector_n of_o st._n marry_o aldermary_n and_o chaplain_n in_o ordinary_a to_o his_o majesty_n london_n print_v by_o j._n leake_n for_o walter_n kettilby_n at_o the_o bishop_n head_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n 1700._o st._n luke_n xvi_o 29_o 30_o 31._o abraham_n say_v unto_o he_o they_o have_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n let_v they_o hear_v they_o and_o he_o say_v nay_o father_n abraham_n but_o if_o one_o go_v unto_o they_o from_o the_o dead_a they_o will_v repent_v and_o he_o say_v unto_o he_o if_o they_o hear_v not_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n neither_o will_v they_o be_v persuade_v though_o one_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a have_v in_o my_o first_o discourse_n on_o these_o word_n endeavour_v to_o show_v in_o general_n that_o a_o stand_a revelation_n of_o god_n will_n may_v be_v so_o well_o contrive_v and_o so_o well_o attest_v as_o to_o be_v sufficient_a to_o persuade_v man_n to_o repentance_n if_o they_o be_v not_o unreasonable_o blind_a and_o obstinate_a i_o come_v the_o last_o time_n to_o consider_v whether_o that_o stand_a revelation_n which_o we_o have_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v such_o a_o revelation_n or_o whether_o there_o be_v not_o some_o particular_a defect_n in_o it_o which_o render_v it_o not_o so_o sufficient_a for_o this_o purpose_n as_o it_o be_v possible_a a_o stand_a revelation_n may_v be_v and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o defect_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n it_o must_v be_v as_o i_o say_v either_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o or_o in_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o and_o if_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o it_o must_v be_v either_o that_o it_o do_v not_o give_v sufficient_a direction_n what_o to_o do_v or_o that_o it_o do_v not_o propose_v sufficient_a motive_n to_o persuade_v man_n to_o do_v what_o it_o require_v and_o therefore_o in_o speak_v to_o this_o head_n i_o propound_v to_o show_v 1._o that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n give_v we_o sufficient_a direction_n what_o to_o do_v 2._o that_o the_o motive_n which_o it_o propose_v be_v sufficient_a to_o persuade_v we_o to_o do_v what_o it_o require_v and_o 3._o that_o we_o have_v sufficient_a reason_n give_v we_o to_o convince_v we_o of_o the_o truth_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o consequent_o of_o all_o the_o doctrine_n that_o be_v teach_v by_o it_o and_o the_o two_o first_o of_o these_o i_o have_v already_o do_v i_o proceed_v now_o to_o the_o three_o viz._n 3._o to_o show_v that_o we_o have_v sufficient_a reason_n give_v we_o to_o convince_v we_o of_o the_o truth_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o consequent_o of_o all_o the_o doctrine_n that_o be_v teach_v by_o it_o and_o that_o i_o shall_v presume_v to_o be_v sufficient_a reason_n in_o this_o case_n which_o we_o ready_o accept_v and_o allow_v of_o as_o sufficient_a in_o all_o other_o case_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n and_o i_o suppose_v it_o will_v be_v grant_v that_o we_o have_v sufficient_a proof_n give_v we_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n contain_v in_o holy_a scripture_n and_o of_o the_o authority_n of_o it_o if_o it_o can_v be_v show_v 1._o that_o we_o have_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o believe_v that_o the_o book_n
of_o holy_a scripture_n be_v write_v by_o those_o person_n who_o be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o author_n thereof_o 2._o that_o there_o be_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o give_v full_a credit_n to_o they_o in_o their_o relation_n of_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o they_o have_v record_v and_o 3._o that_o if_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n record_v in_o the_o scripture_n be_v true_a they_o be_v sufficient_a proof_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o divine_a authority_n of_o all_o the_o doctrine_n that_o be_v therein_o teach_v these_o thing_n therefore_o i_o shall_v now_o endeavour_v to_o make_v good_a but_o in_o speak_v to_o this_o point_n i_o shall_v for_o brevity_n sake_n confine_v my_o discourse_n only_o to_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n partly_o because_o these_o be_v the_o book_n wherein_o our_o christian_a religion_n be_v chief_o teach_v and_o especial_o because_o i_o think_v there_o be_v none_o who_o receive_v the_o new_a testament_n as_o of_o divine_a authority_n that_o do_v or_o â—ndeed_o can_v with_o any_o reason_n reject_v the_o old_a 1._o then_o i_o be_o to_o show_v that_o we_o have_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o believe_v that_o the_o book_n of_o holy_a scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n in_o particular_a be_v write_v by_o those_o person_n that_o be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o author_n thereof_o this_o indeed_o be_v a_o point_n that_o it_o do_v not_o proper_o lie_v upon_o we_o to_o make_v any_o proof_n of_o for_o as_o a_o man_n possession_n of_o a_o estate_n be_v alone_o a_o good_a and_o a_o sufficient_a title_n to_o it_o till_o a_o better_a be_v show_v by_o the_o person_n that_o endeavour_v to_o eject_v he_o so_o it_o be_v here_o these_o book_n be_v general_o receive_v as_o write_v by_o such_o and_o such_o person_n these_o author_n have_v the_o name_n these_o have_v as_o it_o be_v â—he_v possession_n of_o they_o and_o that_o be_v title_n enough_o if_o no_o other_o can_v be_v produce_v so_o long_o as_o no_o evidence_n be_v offer_v to_o show_v that_o any_o other_o person_n have_v a_o better_a title_n â—o_o they_o it_o lie_v on_o they_o therefore_o who_o deny_v that_o the_o book_n be_v they_o to_o give_v a_o reason_n of_o what_o they_o say_v â—ither_o by_o allege_v some_o special_a matter_n out_o of_o the_o book_n themselves_o whereby_o it_o may_v be_v prove_v that_o they_o can_v â—ot_n be_v of_o their_o write_n or_o by_o produce_v some_o credible_a and_o authentic_a history_n testify_v that_o they_o be_v write_v by_o some_o other_o person_n and_o not_o by_o they_o and_o â—ill_v they_o can_v and_o shall_v do_v this_o which_o i_o be_o persuade_v â—an_v never_o be_v do_v we_o may_v very_o well_o refuse_v to_o produce_v any_o positive_a evidence_n to_o affirm_v or_o prove_v their_o title_n their_o possession_n be_v a_o good_a title_n enough_o till_o a_o better_a appear_v and_o a_o tenant_n may_v with_o as_o good_a reason_n refuse_v to_o pay_v rend_v to_o the_o person_n of_o who_o he_o â—ook_v the_o estate_n and_o to_o who_o he_o have_v ever_o hitherto_o â—aid_v rent_n and_o who_o right_a to_o it_o be_v not_o at_o all_o controvert_v until_o he_o shall_v suffer_v his_o write_n to_o be_v peruse_v and_o examine_v and_o by_o they_o make_v it_o plain_o appear_v that_o he_o be_v the_o lawful_a landlord_n as_o any_o man_n can_v now_o refuse_v to_o give_v that_o credit_n to_o these_o book_n as_o write_v by_o the_o apostle_n which_o have_v be_v give_v hitherto_o and_o be_v still_o give_v by_o all_o christian_n unless_o he_o may_v have_v now_o as_o good_a positive_a evidence_n of_o their_o be_v write_v by_o the_o apostle_n as_o may_v have_v be_v give_v thereof_o at_o first_o and_z as_o it_o may_v be_v presume_v be_v give_v before_o their_o title_n to_o they_o be_v so_o universal_o acknowledge_v but_o nevertheless_o what_o a_o man_n be_v not_o under_o any_o obligation_n to_o do_v for_o the_o assert_v of_o his_o right_n he_o may_v do_v wise_o enough_o for_o his_o own_o satisfaction_n and_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o satisfaction_n and_o pleasure_n to_o a_o man_n although_o his_o title_n to_o his_o estate_n be_v not_o at_o present_a controvert_v if_o in_o look_v over_o the_o write_n and_o evidence_n of_o it_o he_o see_v plain_o how_o it_o descend_v to_o he_o by_o a_o lineal_a succession_n from_o father_n to_o son_n for_o many_o generation_n past_a and_o how_o it_o come_v at_o first_o to_o his_o ancestor_n by_o a_o clear_a and_o fair_a purchase_n from_o the_o former_a possessor_n or_o by_o donation_n from_o the_o prince_n in_o the_o division_n of_o a_o waist_n or_o conquer_a country_n and_o if_o he_o also_o find_v ancient_a terrier_n agree_v in_o the_o same_o measure_n and_o bounding_n and_o exact_o describe_v the_o same_o estate_n which_o he_o now_o possess_v and_o if_o moreover_o look_v far_o back_o he_o see_v that_o upon_o some_o dispute_n or_o lawsuit_n that_o have_v former_o be_v concern_v it_o judgement_n have_v be_v always_o give_v on_o his_o side_n it_o can_v but_o please_v he_o i_o say_v that_o upon_o such_o a_o search_n into_o antiquity_n he_o find_v that_o he_o be_v so_o very_o well_o provide_v to_o make_v out_o his_o title_n if_o there_o shall_v ever_o be_v any_o occasion_n for_o it_o although_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o long_a and_o quiet_a possession_n that_o he_o and_o his_o ancestor_n before_o he_o time_n out_o of_o mind_n have_v have_v of_o it_o he_o have_v no_o just_a cause_n to_o fear_n he_o shall_v ever_o meet_v â—ith_o any_o disturbance_n and_o so_o it_o be_v here_o these_o write_n the_o book_n of_o â—he_n new_a testament_n be_v general_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v â—ritten_v by_o the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n and_o their_o authority_n be_v at_o present_a uncontested_a it_o may_v therefore_o reasonable_o be_v presume_v especial_o by_o those_o who_o have_v â—ot_n part_n or_o learning_n or_o leisure_n to_o examine_v into_o the_o â—easons_n of_o such_o thing_n that_o they_o will_v not_o have_v â—â—en_o so_o universal_o acknowledge_v and_o reverence_v as_o â—â—ey_n be_v upon_o this_o account_n but_o upon_o very_o good_a ground_n though_o what_o the_o ground_n thereof_o be_v they_o â—â—ve_v not_o yet_o inquire_v their_o be_v in_o possession_n be_v â—one_n reason_n enough_o to_o acknowledge_v and_o assert_v their_o â—â—tle_n it_o lie_v upon_o they_o that_o deny_v these_o book_n to_o 〈◊〉_d they_o to_o produce_v satisfactory_a evidence_n of_o their_o â—ing_n forge_v or_o counterfeit_a and_o till_o they_o shall_v proâ—â—ce_v some_o evidence_n thereof_o that_o have_v a_o show_n and_o appearance_n of_o truth_n we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o be_v stagger_v in_o our_o belief_n by_o their_o bare_a however_o bold_a and_o confident_a denial_n of_o their_o authority_n and_o much_o â—s_n shall_v we_o need_v to_o give_v our_o reason_n for_o our_o reâ—â—ving_v they_o as_o write_v by_o the_o apostle_n till_o our_o adversary_n shall_v offer_v some_o reason_n why_o we_o ought_v not_o 〈◊〉_d receive_v they_o as_o such_o but_o nevertheless_o because_o we_o see_v there_o be_v some_o in_o â—s_n incredulous_a age_n that_o show_v a_o good_a will_n to_o deny_v 〈◊〉_d authority_n of_o these_o sacred_a book_n and_o who_o inâ—est_n it_o will_v be_v to_o prove_v they_o spurious_a and_o beâ—se_o we_o can_v tell_v what_o unwarrantable_a practice_n â—ir_a inclination_n and_o interest_n may_v put_v they_o upon_o 〈◊〉_d what_o write_n or_o evidence_n plausible_o forge_a 〈◊〉_d counterfeit_v they_o may_v hereafter_o produce_v it_o can_v be_v amiss_o for_o we_o to_o inquire_v and_o see_v and_o it_o can_v but_o be_v a_o pleasure_n and_o satisfaction_n to_o we_o who_o hold_v our_o hope_n of_o eternal_a life_n chief_o by_o these_o write_n to_o find_v and_o consider_v how_o well_o provide_v we_o be_v to_o detect_v and_o disprove_v any_o such_o forgery_n if_o they_o shall_v be_v offer_v by_o be_v able_a to_o produce_v in_o opposition_n thereto_o as_o good_a positive_a proof_n that_o these_o book_n be_v genuine_a as_o such_o a_o matter_n be_v capable_a of_o much_o better_a than_o i_o believe_v can_v be_v produce_v for_o the_o authority_n of_o any_o other_o book_n of_o the_o like_a antiquity_n and_o it_o give_v we_o some_o satisfaction_n in_o the_o belief_n wâ—_n have_v be_v breed_v up_o in_o that_o these_o be_v the_o genuiâ—â—_n book_n of_o the_o author_n to_o who_o they_o be_v ascribe_v tâ—_n find_v that_o they_o be_v receive_v as_o such_o not_o by_o a_o smaâ—â—_n party_n of_o man_n not_o by_o that_o church_n and_o nation_n only_o to_o which_o we_o belong_v but_o by_o all_o christian_n disperseâ—_n in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n and_o likewise_o that_o they_o aâ—_n agree_v with_o we_o in_o the_o same_o testimony_n viz._n that_o theâ—_n receive_v then_o as_o such_o from_o their_o father_n for_o thâ—â—_n these_o book_n shall_v be_v thus_o general_o receive_v anâ—_n acknowledge_v
be_v for_o in_o matter_n of_o common_a testimony_n we_o make_v little_a difference_n between_o speech_n and_o write_v if_o a_o man_n who_o we_o dare_v trust_n send_v we_o a_o letter_n and_o therein_o relate_v such_o and_o such_o thing_n as_o hear_v or_o see_v by_o himself_o or_o as_o well_o attest_v to_o he_o by_o unexceptionable_a witness_n we_o give_v as_o full_a credit_n to_o his_o letter_n as_o we_o shall_v do_v to_o his_o word_n so_o that_o in_o truth_n our_o case_n who_o live_v now_o be_v not_o very_o different_a from_o they_o who_o live_v in_o the_o apostle_n day_n and_o hear_v they_o say_v those_o same_o thing_n which_o we_o now_o read_v in_o their_o book_n and_o if_o we_o think_v those_o inexcusable_a who_o do_v not_o receive_v their_o testimony_n when_o give_v by_o word_n of_o mouth_n we_o can_v in_o good_a reason_n hold_v ourselves_o excuse_v if_o we_o receive_v not_o the_o same_o testimony_n of_o the_o same_o person_n give_v under_o their_o hand_n in_o one_o respect_n indeed_o it_o must_v be_v grant_v that_o they_o have_v the_o advantage_n of_o we_o viz._n because_o they_o may_v be_v sure_a that_o they_o hear_v a_o apostle_n speak_v than_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n will_v admit_v we_o shall_v be_v that_o we_o read_v the_o word_n of_o a_o apostle_n write_v but_o we_o be_v sure_a enough_o of_o this_o we_o have_v as_o good_a moral_a certainty_n of_o it_o as_o we_o can_v have_v of_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o any_o other_o than_o a_o moral_a certainty_n and_o if_o the_o word_n that_o we_o read_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v the_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n we_o have_v in_o some_o respect_n the_o advantage_n of_o those_o who_o live_v in_o those_o early_a time_n for_o we_o have_v the_o concurrent_a testimony_n of_o several_a of_o the_o apostle_n write_v whereas_o hardly_o any_o in_o those_o time_n when_o a_o few_o person_n be_v to_o bear_v witness_n to_o all_o the_o world_n can_v have_v more_o than_o the_o testimony_n of_o one_o single_a apostle_n only_o by_o word_n of_o mouth_n and_o many_o witness_n be_v more_o credible_a than_o one_o and_o beside_o there_o be_v several_a witness_n their_o testimony_n if_o it_o be_v false_a may_v be_v more_o easy_o prove_v so_o by_o their_o disagreement_n with_o one_o another_o than_o the_o testimony_n of_o one_o single_a witness_n can_v be_v and_o last_o a_o write_n which_o we_o may_v review_v and_o read_v over_o as_o often_o as_o we_o will_v and_o which_o we_o may_v take_v what_o time_n we_o please_v to_o consider_v of_o may_v be_v more_o thorough_o understand_v and_o better_o digest_v than_o a_o sermon_n or_o discourse_n only_o once_o speak_v can_v well_o be_v but_o if_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o first_o convert_v to_o christianity_n which_o come_v by_o hear_v of_o the_o apostle_n may_v be_v build_v upon_o more_o certain_a and_o infallible_a ground_n than_o we_o that_o come_v only_o by_o read_v be_v and_o some_o reason_n may_v perhaps_o be_v give_v hereafter_o why_o it_o be_v fit_a it_o shall_v be_v so_o it_o be_v enough_o however_o to_o render_v our_o infidelity_n inexcusable_a if_o the_o ground_n of_o faith_n that_o we_o now_o have_v be_v very_o rational_a if_o they_o be_v a_o sufficient_a support_n for_o such_o a_o faith_n as_o will_v enable_v we_o to_o please_v god_n and_o to_o overcome_v the_o world_n and_o this_o may_v be_v far_o say_v for_o our_o comfort_n and_o to_o make_v we_o easy_a and_o satisfy_v with_o those_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v afford_v to_o we_o by_o the_o write_a testimony_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o as_o there_o be_v more_o certainty_n in_o that_o belief_n if_o it_o may_v be_v call_v belief_n which_o be_v ground_v upon_o demonstration_n or_o infallible_a evidence_n so_o there_o be_v more_o praise_n and_o virtue_n in_o that_o good_a disposition_n of_o mind_n which_o make_v we_o rest_v satisfy_v with_o such_o ground_n of_o faith_n as_o though_o not_o absolute_o and_o infallible_o certain_a yet_o can_v with_o any_o good_a reason_n be_v deny_v or_o except_v against_o accord_n to_o that_o say_v of_o our_o saviour_n to_o st._n thomas_n in_o a_o like_a case_n with_o which_o i_o shall_v conclude_v joh._n 20.29_o thomas_n because_o thou_o have_v see_v i_o thou_o have_v believe_v bless_v be_v they_o that_o be_v they_o be_v more_o bless_v their_o faith_n be_v more_o excellent_a and_o praiseworthy_a and_o so_o will_v entitle_v they_o to_o a_o great_a reward_n who_o have_v not_o see_v and_o yet_o have_v believe_v which_o blessedness_n that_o we_o may_v all_o attain_v god_n of_o his_o great_a mercy_n and_o goodness_n grant_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n etc._n etc._n finis_fw-la errata_fw-la pag._n 8._o l._n 19_o for_o then_o r._n they_o book_n print_v for_o walter_n kettilby_n at_o the_o bishop's-head_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n a_o sermon_n preach_v before_o the_o honourable_a the_o house_n of_o commons_o at_o st._n margaret_n westminster_n january_n the_o 30_o 1698_o 9_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o a_o stand_a revelation_n a_o sermon_n preach_v at_o the_o cathedral_n church_n of_o st._n paul_n jan._n one_a 1699_o 700._o be_v the_o first_o for_o the_o year_n 1700._o of_o the_o lecture_n found_v by_o the_o honourable_a robert_n boyle_n esq_n the_o sufficiency_n of_o the_o scripture_n revelation_n as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o be_v the_o second_o for_o the_o year_n 1700._o of_o the_o lecture_n found_v by_o the_o honourable_a robert_n boyle_n esq_n these_o three_o by_o offspring_n blackall_n rector_n of_o st._n marry_o aldermary_n and_o chaplain_n in_o ordinary_a to_o his_o majesty_n a_o persuasive_a to_o prayer_n a_o sermon_n preach_v before_o the_o king_n at_o st._n james_n a_o sermon_n preach_v before_o the_o lord_n spiritual_a and_o temporal_a in_o parliament_n assemble_v in_o the_o abbey_n church_n at_o westminster_n jan._n 30_o fifteen_o sermon_n preach_v on_o several_a occasion_n the_o last_o of_o which_o be_v never_o before_o print_v these_o three_o by_o the_o most_o reverend_a father_n in_o god_n john_n lord_n archbishop_n of_o york_n primate_n of_o england_n and_o metropolitan_a the_o faith_n and_o practice_n of_o a_o church_n of_o england_n man._n a_o false_a faith_n not_o justify_v by_o care_n for_o the_o poor_a prove_v in_o a_o sermon_n preach_v at_o st._n paul_n church_n mystery_n in_o religion_n vindicated_n or_o the_o filiation_n deity_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o our_o saviour_n assert_v against_o socinian_o and_o other_o with_o occasional_a reflection_n on_o several_a late_a pamphlet_n these_o two_o by_o luke_n milbourn_n a_o presbyter_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n two_o sermon_n of_o mr._n young_n about_o nature_n and_o grace_n preach_v at_o whitehall_n the_o sufficiency_n of_o the_o scripture-revelation_n as_o to_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o part_n ii_o two_o sermon_n preach_v at_o the_o cathedral-church_n of_o st._n paul_n april_n 1_o st_o and_o may_v 6_o the_o 1700._o be_v the_o four_o and_o five_o for_o the_o year_n 1700_o of_o the_o lecture_n found_v by_o the_o honourable_a robert_n boyle_n esq_n by_o offspring_n blackall_n rector_n of_o st._n marry_o aldermary_n and_o chaplain_n in_o ordinary_a to_o his_o majesty_n london_n print_v by_o j._n leake_n for_o walter_n kettilby_n at_o the_o bishop_n head_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n 1700._o st._n luke_n xvi_o 29_o 30_o 31._o abraham_n say_v unto_o he_o they_o have_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n let_v they_o hear_v they_o and_o he_o say_v nay_o father_n abraham_n but_o if_o one_o go_v unto_o they_o from_o the_o dead_a they_o will_v repent_v and_o he_o say_v unto_o he_o if_o they_o hear_v not_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n neither_o will_v they_o be_v persuade_v though_o one_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a the_o point_n i_o enter_v upon_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o last_o time_n be_v this_o 3._o that_o we_o have_v sufficient_a reason_n give_v we_o to_o convince_v we_o of_o the_o truth_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o consequent_o of_o all_o the_o doctrine_n that_o be_v teach_v by_o it_o and_o for_o the_o proof_n of_o this_o have_v for_o brevity_n sake_n confine_v my_o discourse_n upon_o it_o to_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n only_o the_o rather_o because_o the_o authority_n of_o that_o be_v grant_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n can_v reasonable_o be_v question_v i_o propound_v to_o show_v 1._o that_o we_o have_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o believe_v that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v write_v by_o those_o person_n who_o be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o author_n thereof_o 2._o that_o there_o be_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o give_v full_a credit_n to_o they_o in_o their_o relation_n of_o those_o
other_o matter_n that_o he_o have_v relate_v as_o of_o his_o own_o knowledge_n that_o it_o be_v possible_a there_o may_v be_v mistake_n in_o the_o sign_n and_o proof_n of_o the_o divine_a revelation_n as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o revelation_n its_o self_n that_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o the_o author_n of_o the_o report_n whether_o it_o be_v the_o prophet_n himself_o or_o any_o other_o man_n who_o have_v report_v the_o miracle_n do_v by_o the_o prophet_n as_o matter_n of_o his_o own_o knowledge_n do_v imagine_v he_o see_v thing_n which_o he_o do_v not_o see_v and_o that_o he_o hear_v thing_n which_o he_o do_v not_o hear_v but_o if_o this_o be_v suppose_v possible_a that_o any_o man_n and_o much_o more_o that_o several_a man_n agree_v in_o the_o same_o report_n the_o organ_n of_o who_o sense_n be_v right_o dispose_v and_o who_o by_o all_o their_o other_o action_n and_o discourse_n appear_v to_o be_v sober_a and_o considerate_a and_o judicious_a shall_v yet_o in_o the_o day_n time_n and_o in_o a_o clear_a light_n and_o when_o they_o be_v sure_o they_o be_v broad_a awake_a be_v mistake_v in_o the_o plain_a matter_n of_o sense_n then_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o certainty_n in_o the_o world_n then_o they_o that_o make_v the_o objection_n can_v be_v no_o more_o sure_a of_o what_o they_o themselves_o see_v and_o hear_v than_o other_o man_n can_v be_v and_o it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o hold_v a_o argument_n with_o such_o as_o dare_v not_o believe_v their_o own_o eye_n and_o ear_n the_o only_a sense_n whereby_o i_o think_v such_o man_n can_v be_v convince_v must_v be_v feel_v and_o it_o will_v be_v well_o for_o they_o if_o they_o can_v carry_v the_o same_o scepticism_n with_o they_o into_o the_o other_o world_n and_o when_o they_o be_v compass_v about_o with_o the_o flame_n of_o hell_n can_v be_v able_a to_o doubt_v whether_o it_o be_v a_o real_a or_o a_o paint_a fire_n whether_o they_o be_v torment_v in_o that_o flame_n or_o not_o leave_v these_o therefore_o to_o be_v convince_v in_o the_o other_o world_n as_o be_v i_o think_v not_o capable_a of_o conviction_n here_o i_o shall_v content_v myself_o with_o have_v say_v what_o i_o suppose_v be_v enough_o to_o satisfy_v other_o that_o the_o witness_n of_o a_o plain_a matter_n of_o fact_n may_v be_v sure_a of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o he_o witness_n and_o that_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o god_n to_o speak_v so_o plain_o to_o man_n that_o they_o may_v be_v certain_a they_o have_v have_v a_o divine_a revelation_n and_o that_o such_o evidence_n may_v be_v give_v of_o the_o veracity_n of_o a_o author_n and_o of_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o book_n as_o be_v sufficient_a to_o satisfy_v a_o reasonable_a man._n and_o by_o this_o and_o what_o be_v say_v before_o i_o hope_v i_o have_v make_v it_o appear_v that_o a_o stand_a revelation_n of_o god_n will_n may_v be_v so_o well_o contrive_v and_o so_o well_o attest_v as_o to_o be_v sufficient_a to_o effect_v its_o design_n viz._n to_o bring_v man_n to_o repentance_n whether_o the_o stand_a revelation_n which_o we_o have_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v sufficient_a for_o this_o purpose_n will_v be_v matter_n of_o enquiry_n in_o the_o next_o discourse_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n what_o have_v be_v already_o say_v may_v serve_v to_o dispose_v we_o to_o hear_v without_o prejudice_n the_o argument_n that_o may_v be_v offer_v to_o prove_v the_o sufficiency_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n for_o 1._o if_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o there_o may_v be_v such_o a_o stand_a revelation_n it_o be_v very_o probable_a that_o there_o be_v one_o for_o from_o that_o natural_a notion_n that_o we_o have_v of_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n it_o may_v be_v fair_o argue_v that_o he_o be_v not_o want_v to_o man_n in_o the_o necessary_a mean_n of_o salvation_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o there_o be_v not_o new_a revelation_n make_v every_o day_n it_o may_v be_v reasonable_o conclude_v that_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o there_o be_v already_o some_o stand_a revelation_n of_o god_n will_n extant_a that_o be_v sufficient_a to_o direct_v we_o in_o the_o way_n to_o happiness_n and_o 2._o if_o there_o be_v already_o any_o such_o stand_a revelation_n extant_a it_o may_v be_v strong_o presume_v that_o it_o be_v that_o which_o we_o have_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n because_o there_o be_v no_o other_o book_n that_o we_o know_v of_o which_o have_v such_o good_a evidence_n of_o divine_a authority_n and_o inspiration_n as_o that_o have_v let_v we_o then_o be_v prepare_v to_o inquire_v into_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o religion_n with_o unprejudiced_a mind_n with_o a_o sincere_a love_n and_o desire_n of_o truth_n and_o with_o a_o resolution_n to_o hear_v reason_n and_o to_o be_v convince_v by_o it_o and_o above_o all_o which_o indeed_o be_v the_o best_a preparation_n for_o truth_n and_o the_o best_a security_n against_o error_n let_v we_o in_o the_o sincerity_n of_o our_o heart_n apply_v ourselves_o to_o god_n for_o his_o help_n and_o direction_n and_o that_o our_o prayer_n may_v be_v effectual_a let_v we_o be_v careful_a to_o approve_v ourselves_o to_o he_o by_o a_o conscientious_a discharge_n of_o all_o those_o duty_n of_o piety_n justice_n temperance_n and_o charity_n which_o be_v clear_o teach_v even_o by_o natural_a reason_n and_o be_v ready_o dispose_v to_o practice_v whatever_o else_o we_o shall_v learn_v to_o be_v our_o duty_n by_o any_o far_a illumination_n 7.17_o joh._n 7.17_o for_o if_o any_o man_n will_v do_v his_o will_n he_o shall_v know_v of_o the_o doctrine_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o god_n finis_fw-la errata_fw-la in_o epist_n ded._n l._n 3._o r._n archbishop_n p._n 8._o l._n 31._o r._n forbear_v p._n 13._o l._n 19_o r._n he_o who_o p._n 14._o l._n 16._o r._n a_o book_n the_o sufficiency_n of_o the_o scripture-revelation_n as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o a_o sermon_n preach_v at_o the_o cathedral-church_n of_o st._n paul_n february_n the_o 5_o the_o 1699_o 700._o be_v the_o second_o for_o the_o year_n 1700_o of_o the_o lecture_n found_v by_o the_o honourable_a robert_n boyle_n esq_n by_o offspring_n blackall_n rector_n of_o st._n marry_o aldermary_n and_o chaplain_n in_o ordinary_a to_o his_o majesty_n london_n print_v by_o j._n leake_n for_o walter_n kettilby_n at_o the_o bishop_n head_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n 1700._o st._n luke_n xvi_o 29_o 30_o 31._o abraham_n say_v unto_o he_o they_o have_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n let_v they_o hear_v they_o and_o he_o say_v nay_o father_n abraham_n but_o if_o one_o go_v unto_o they_o from_o the_o dead_a they_o will_v repent_v and_o he_o say_v unto_o he_o if_o they_o hear_v not_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n neither_o will_v they_o be_v persuade_v though_o one_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a the_o first_o thing_n which_o i_o propound_v to_o do_v in_o discourse_v on_o these_o word_n be_v to_o endeavour_v to_o show_v that_o the_o present_a stand_a revelation_n of_o god_n will_n contain_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n be_v abundant_o sufficient_a to_o persuade_v man_n to_o repentance_n if_o they_o be_v not_o unreasonable_o blind_a and_o obstinate_a they_o have_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n they_o have_v also_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n let_v they_o hear_v they_o and_o if_o that_o stand_a revelation_n which_o god_n have_v make_v to_o we_o of_o his_o will_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n can_v upon_o any_o account_n be_v think_v insufficient_a to_o effect_v this_o design_n it_o must_v be_v i_o think_v either_o 1._o because_o no_o stand_a revelation_n can_v be_v sufficient_a for_o this_o purpose_n or_o 2._o because_o there_o be_v some_o particular_a defect_n in_o that_o revelation_n which_o we_o have_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o render_v it_o not_o so_o sufficient_a for_o this_o purpose_n as_o it_o be_v possible_a a_o stand_a revelation_n may_v be_v i_o have_v therefore_o in_o a_o former_a discourse_n upon_o these_o word_n endeavour_v to_o show_v in_o general_n that_o a_o stand_a revelation_n of_o god_n will_n may_v be_v so_o well_o contrive_v and_o so_o well_o attest_v as_o to_o be_v sufficient_a for_o this_o purpose_n i_o proceed_v now_o in_o the_o second_o place_n 2._o to_o consider_v whether_o that_o stand_a revelation_n which_o we_o have_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v such_o a_o revelation_n whether_o it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o persuade_v man_n to_o repentance_n and_o full_o to_o direct_v they_o in_o the_o way_n to_o happiness_n or_o whether_o there_o be_v not_o some_o particular_a defect_n in_o this_o revelation_n which_o render_v it_o not_o so_o sufficient_a for_o this_o purpose_n as_o it_o be_v possible_a a_o stand_a revelation_n may_v be_v and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o defect_n
my_o father_n have_v send_v i_o so_o send_v i_o you_o and_o again_o mat._n xxviii_o 19_o 20._o go_v you_o and_o disciple_v all_o nation_n baptise_v they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n and_o of_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n teach_v they_o to_o observe_v all_o thing_n whatsoever_o i_o have_v command_v you_o and_o that_o he_o have_v authority_n to_o grant_v they_o such_o a_o commission_n he_o show_v in_o the_o word_n before_o all_o power_n be_v give_v unto_o i_o in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n go_v you_o therefore_o and_o teach_v all_o nation_n etc._n etc._n and_o 2._o that_o they_o be_v teach_v by_o god_n and_o enlighten_v by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n be_v what_o can_v be_v doubt_v if_o we_o believe_v the_o power_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o before_o our_o lord_n go_v from_o they_o 20.22_o joh_n 20.22_o he_o breathe_v on_o they_o and_o say_v receive_v you_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o to_o what_o purpose_v the_o holy-ghost_n be_v to_o be_v give_v they_o he_o have_v tell_v they_o before_o 14.26_o joh._n 14.26_o the_o comforter_n which_o be_v the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o the_o father_n will_v send_v in_o my_o name_n he_o shall_v teach_v you_o all_o thing_n and_o bring_v all_o thing_n to_o your_o remembrance_n whatsoever_o i_o have_v say_v unto_o you_o and_o when_o he_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n be_v come_v 16.13_o joh._n 16.13_o he_o will_v guide_v you_o into_o all_o truth_n be_v thus_o therefore_o teach_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n our_o saviour_n may_v well_o say_v as_o he_o do_v luke_n x._o 16._o he_o that_o hear_v you_o hear_v i_o and_o he_o that_o despise_v you_o despise_v i_o and_o he_o that_o despise_v i_o despise_v he_o that_o send_v i_o and_o 3._o last_o we_o have_v all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n to_o receive_v they_o as_o messenger_n from_o god_n and_o to_o believe_v that_o all_o that_o they_o have_v teach_v be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n because_o they_o have_v the_o same_o attestation_n of_o god_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o doctrine_n that_o our_o saviour_n himself_o have_v to_o he_o i_o do_v not_o mean_v that_o god_n do_v bear_v they_o witness_v all_o those_o way_n by_o which_o he_o bare_a witness_n to_o our_o saviour_n for_o that_o can_v not_o be_v but_o he_o bare_a witness_n to_o they_o all_o those_o way_n by_o which_o it_o be_v proper_a for_o he_o to_o do_v it_o and_o by_o which_o he_o have_v bear_v witness_n to_o any_o former_a prophet_n for_o he_o bare_a witness_n to_o they_o that_o they_o be_v send_v by_o he_o 21._o joh._n 13.22.20_o 21._o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o our_o saviour_n as_o he_o have_v do_v to_o our_o saviour_n by_o the_o testimony_n of_o john_n and_o if_o the_o testimony_n of_o a_o prophet_n be_v credible_a concern_v our_o saviour_n much_o more_o be_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n high_o credible_a concern_v a_o messenger_n send_v by_o he_o he_o bare_a witness_n to_o they_o also_o by_o indue_a they_o with_o the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n 16.13_o joh._n 16.13_o for_o when_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n be_v come_v say_v our_o saviour_n he_o will_v show_v you_o thing_n to_o come_v and_o last_o he_o bare_a witness_n to_o they_o by_o that_o which_o be_v the_o most_o plain_a and_o sensible_a proof_n of_o a_o divine_a mission_n 16.20_o mar._n 16.20_o viz._n by_o the_o power_n of_o miracle_n and_o manifold_a gift_n of_o the_o holy-ghost_n the_o lord_n work_v with_o they_o and_o confirm_v their_o word_n with_o sign_n follow_v say_v st._n mark_n and_o with_o great_a power_n say_v st._n luke_n give_v 4.33_o act_n 4.33_o the_o apostle_n witness_v of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o history_n of_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v spend_v in_o relate_v the_o wonderful_a work_n that_o they_o do_v by_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o holy-ghost_n in_o confirmation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o doctrine_n but_o st._n paul_n perhaps_o it_o will_v be_v say_v of_o who_o write_v be_v most_o of_o the_o epistle_n be_v not_o one_o of_o they_o not_o call_v by_o our_o saviour_n to_o be_v a_o apostle_n as_o they_o be_v nor_o so_o much_o as_o a_o eye_n and_o earwitness_n of_o our_o lord_n miracle_n and_o doctrine_n what_o reason_n then_o have_v we_o to_o receive_v his_o write_n as_o portion_n of_o holy_a scripture_n i_o answer_v as_o good_a though_o not_o in_o every_o particular_a just_a the_o same_o that_o we_o have_v to_o receive_v the_o write_n of_o the_o other_o apostle_n as_o such_o for_o he_o be_v convert_v and_o ordain_v to_o be_v a_o apostle_n in_o a_o more_o wonderful_a manner_n than_o they_o be_v as_o you_o may_v see_v in_o act_n 9_o and_o as_o our_o lord_n himself_o give_v witness_v to_o their_o divine_a mission_n so_o he_o do_v also_o to_o he_o act_v ix_o 15._o he_o be_v say_v our_o lord_n a_o choose_a vessel_n unto_o i_o to_o bear_v my_o name_n before_o the_o gentile_n and_o king_n and_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n to_o he_o also_o as_o well_o as_o to_o they_o etc._n act._n 20.22_o 25.27.10_o 22._o 2_o th._n 2.3_o etc._n etc._n 1_o tim._n 4.1_o etc._n etc._n 2_o tim._n 3.1_o etc._n etc._n the_o spirit_n foreshow_v thing_n to_o come_v several_a proof_n of_o which_o we_o may_v observe_v in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o act_n and_o in_o his_o epistle_n and_o last_o his_o speech_n and_o his_o preach_v be_v 12.12_o 1_o cor._n 2.4_o 2_o cor._n 12.12_o as_o they_o in_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o of_o power_n in_o he_o all_o the_o sign_n of_o a_o apostle_n be_v see_v no_o less_o than_o in_o they_o viz._n sign_n and_o wonder_n and_o mighty_a deed_n and_o of_o he_o with_o barnabas_n in_o company_n 14.3_o act_n 14.3_o it_o be_v that_o st._n luke_n speak_v when_o he_o say_v that_o the_o lord_n give_v testimony_n to_o the_o word_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o grant_v sign_n and_o wonder_n to_o be_v do_v by_o their_o hand_n and_o the_o latter_a part_n of_o the_o history_n of_o the_o act_n from_o the_o 10_o chapter_n to_o the_o end_n contain_v little_a else_o but_o a_o account_n of_o st._n paul_n preach_v and_o of_o the_o miracle_n that_o be_v do_v by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o doctrine_n so_o that_o if_o we_o believe_v the_o gospel-history_n we_o can_v no_o more_o doubt_n of_o his_o divine_a mission_n and_o inspiration_n than_o we_o can_v of_o they_o we_o must_v conclude_v that_o if_o they_o be_v apostle_n so_o be_v he_o that_o if_o they_o be_v minister_n of_o christ_n 12.11_o 2_o cor._n 11.23_o 2_o cor._n 11.5_o 2_o cor._n 12.11_o so_o be_v he_o too_o forasmuch_o as_o in_o nothing_o he_o be_v behind_o the_o very_o chief_a apostle_n so_o that_o consequent_o we_o have_v as_o much_o reason_n to_o believe_v his_o write_n to_o be_v inspire_v as_o we_o have_v they_o and_o now_o by_o all_o that_o have_v be_v say_v i_o hope_v i_o have_v full_o make_v good_a the_o point_n i_o be_v to_o prove_v viz._n that_o if_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n record_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v true_a they_o be_v sufficient_a proof_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o divine_a authority_n of_o all_o the_o doctrine_n that_o be_v therein_o teach_v whether_o by_o christ_n himself_o or_o by_o his_o apostle_n for_o if_o it_o be_v true_a that_o they_o be_v send_v by_o god_n to_o instruct_v the_o world_n and_o to_o declare_v the_o will_n of_o god_n to_o mankind_n and_o that_o they_o be_v be_v sufficient_o prove_v by_o their_o credential_n letter_n which_o we_o have_v now_o peruse_v and_o examine_v we_o can_v no_o more_o doubt_v the_o truth_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o as_o the_o messenger_n and_o ambassador_n of_o god_n have_v deliver_v to_o we_o in_o his_o name_n than_o if_o we_o have_v hear_v god_n himself_o utter_v the_o same_o by_o a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n so_o that_o i_o can_v but_o persuade_v myself_o that_o the_o proof_n which_o have_v be_v offer_v in_o the_o forego_n discourse_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o all_o the_o doctrine_n that_o be_v teach_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v sufficient_a to_o convince_v any_o rational_a and_o consider_v man_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o any_o doctrine_n the_o falsity_n whereof_o be_v not_o notorious_a and_o self-evident_a and_o therefore_o this_o i_o think_v be_v the_o only_a thing_n that_o can_v with_o any_o show_n of_o reason_n be_v pretend_v by_o any_o person_n to_o justify_v his_o not_o receive_v the_o gospel_n as_o a_o divine_a revelation_n viz._n that_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o in_o some_o particular_n be_v such_o as_o will_v not_o admit_v of_o any_o proof_n at_o all_o because_o no_o argument_n can_v make_v a_o
lead_v we_o to_o continue_v in_o the_o religion_n we_o be_v first_o breed_v in_o such_o proof_n as_o we_o always_o accept_v and_o allow_v of_o in_o other_o case_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n be_v proof_n strong_a enough_o and_o therefore_o much_o rather_o when_o we_o have_v as_o indeed_o we_o have_v a_o strong_a and_o more_o uncontrolled_a tradition_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel-history_n that_o of_o any_o history_n in_o the_o world_n beside_o we_o shall_v be_v inconsistent_a with_o ourselves_o if_o we_o do_v not_o allow_v it_o to_o be_v sufficient_a so_o that_o upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n consider_v the_o prejudices_fw-la both_o from_o education_n and_o interest_n which_o they_o lie_v under_o who_o live_v in_o those_o time_n when_o the_o gospel_n be_v first_o reveal_v and_o preach_v even_o their_o own_o eyesight_n of_o some_o of_o those_o miracle_n that_o be_v then_o wrought_v to_o confirm_v it_o be_v not_o more_o persuasive_a than_o be_v that_o good_a assurance_n that_o we_o now_o have_v by_o credible_a and_o undoubted_a record_n that_o such_o miracle_n be_v then_o wrought_v the_o proof_n they_o have_v consider_v in_o itself_o be_v indeed_o strong_a than_o we_o but_o consider_v our_o different_a circumstance_n that_o proof_n be_v not_o more_o apt_a or_o likely_a to_o convince_v they_o than_o that_o which_o we_o have_v give_v we_o be_v to_o convince_v and_o persuade_v we_o and_o if_o we_o have_v now_o the_o very_a same_o proof_n and_o demonstration_n of_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o our_o christian_a religion_n viz._n the_o evidence_n of_o our_o own_o sense_n this_o which_o be_v but_o sufficient_a to_o they_o may_v to_o we_o be_v such_o a_o proof_n as_o will_v be_v in_o a_o manner_n a_o force_n upon_o we_o such_o clear_a demonstration_n meet_v with_o no_o strong_a prejudice_n or_o considerable_a interest_n on_o the_o other_o side_n may_v be_v enough_o to_o overpower_v we_o so_o that_o we_o can_v not_o be_v infidel_n if_o we_o will_v and_o then_o there_o will_v be_v no_o virtue_n in_o believe_v 3._o the_o unreasonableness_n of_o desire_v more_o proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n than_o god_n have_v be_v please_v to_o afford_v we_o by_o the_o stand_a revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o particular_o of_o desire_v that_o god_n will_v be_v please_v to_o work_v new_a miracle_n for_o our_o particular_a satisfaction_n or_o for_o the_o conviction_n of_o some_o of_o our_o friend_n that_o be_v not_o persuade_v by_o the_o gospel-revelation_n will_v further_o appear_v if_o we_o consider_v the_o equal_a right_o that_o all_o other_o man_n have_v to_o desire_v the_o same_o and_o the_o many_o inconvenience_n and_o absurdity_n that_o will_v follow_v in_o case_n all_o man_n shall_v be_v gratify_v in_o this_o desire_n for_o as_o to_o the_o first_o of_o these_o viz._n the_o equal_a right_n that_o all_o other_o man_n have_v to_o desire_v the_o same_o what_o reason_n can_v i_o pretend_v for_o my_o infidelity_n which_o another_o man_n my_o not_o also_o as_o well_o plead_v for_o he_o have_v not_o i_o as_o good_a proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n as_o my_o neighbour_n have_v have_v not_o i_o as_o free_a recourse_n to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o he_o and_o the_o same_o evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o divine_a inspiration_n of_o they_o that_o he_o have_v and_o be_v we_o not_o also_o in_o all_o other_o respect_v alike_o be_v bear_v in_o the_o same_o country_n and_o have_v have_v the_o same_o education_n and_o consequent_o be_v probable_a to_o have_v the_o same_o inclination_n towards_o or_o the_o same_o prejudices_fw-la against_o or_o aversion_n to_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o if_o so_o what_o reason_n can_v i_o plead_v for_o any_o extraordinary_a or_o peculiar_a favour_n for_o be_v not_o he_o god_n creature_n as_o well_o as_o i_o and_o have_v not_o god_n the_o same_o tenderness_n and_o regard_n for_o he_o that_o he_o have_v for_o i_o and_o consequent_o the_o same_o desire_n of_o his_o welfare_n that_o i_o can_v suppose_v he_o have_v of_o i_o why_o then_o shall_v not_o god_n grant_v he_o this_o same_o request_n whether_o in_o the_o behalf_n of_o himself_o or_o his_o friend_n as_o well_o as_o i_o can_v expect_v he_o shall_v grant_v it_o i_o in_o a_o word_n why_o may_v not_o every_o man_n desire_v the_o same_o as_o well_o as_o i_o and_o why_o shall_v not_o god_n grant_v it_o to_o all_o that_o desire_v it_o as_o well_o as_o to_o any_o one_o but_o now_o if_o god_n shall_v do_v this_o see_v what_o inconvenience_n and_o absurdity_n will_v follow_v thereupon_o one_o sort_n of_o man_n will_v not_o believe_v unless_o they_o may_v see_v apparition_n if_o one_o go_v unto_o they_o from_o the_o dead_a they_o will_v repent_v and_o so_o for_o their_o sake_n the_o world_n must_v be_v fill_v with_o ghost_n the_o dead_a must_v never_o be_v at_o rest_n in_o their_o grave_n and_o the_o soul_n in_o bliss_n who_o once_o rejoice_v in_o the_o thought_n of_o be_v for_o ever_o 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stand_v revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n will_v be_v persuade_v by_o this_o mean_n if_o they_o hear_v not_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n i_o add_v nor_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n neither_o will_v they_o be_v persuade_v though_o one_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o will_n i_o suppose_v sufficient_o appear_v if_o these_o follow_a thing_n be_v consider_v 1._o that_o we_o can_v have_v better_a or_o strong_a motive_n to_o obedience_n and_o a_o holy_a life_n than_o be_v already_o offer_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o persuade_v we_o 2._o that_o the_o proof_n and_o evidence_n already_o give_v we_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n be_v such_o as_o can_v be_v fair_o except_v against_o and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o proof_n thereof_o that_o can_v be_v offer_v but_o what_o be_v liable_a to_o cavil_n and_o unreasonable_a exception_n 3._o that_o if_o god_n shall_v gratify_v all_o man_n in_o this_o request_n the_o abundance_n and_o commonness_n of_o the_o 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world_n as_o we_o be_v tell_v in_o scripture_n there_o will_v be_v by_o his_o righteous_a judgement_n in_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v and_o a_o good_a assurance_n give_v we_o of_o this_o by_o some_o new_a revelation_n confirm_v by_o our_o own_o constant_a observation_n that_o it_o be_v always_o well_o with_o the_o righteous_a and_o ill_a with_o the_o wicked_a in_o this_o world_n we_o may_v think_v perhaps_o will_v do_v much_o more_o towards_o the_o reformation_n of_o mankind_n than_o only_o those_o promise_n and_o threaten_n of_o future_a happiness_n or_o misery_n that_o we_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o scripture_n have_v do_v or_o be_v ever_o like_a to_o do_v and_o this_o indeed_o may_v be_v but_o then_o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o a_o new_a revelation_n to_o this_o effect_n will_v be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o nature_n of_o religion_n and_o will_v frustrate_v the_o design_n of_o god_n in_o send_v we_o into_o this_o world_n which_o be_v to_o prove_v and_o try_v we_o to_o see_v whether_o we_o love_v the_o lord_n with_o all_o our_o heart_n whether_o we_o can_v believe_v he_o for_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o do_v not_o see_v and_o whether_o we_o be_v so_o wise_a as_o to_o prefer_v a_o great_a future_a good_n before_o a_o less_o that_o be_v present_a a_o bless_a and_o glorious_a immortality_n after_o this_o life_n before_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n which_o be_v but_o for_o a_o season_n for_o if_o the_o reward_n of_o virtue_n and_o the_o punishment_n of_o vice_n be_v always_o visible_a and_o present_a there_o will_v be_v no_o room_n leave_v for_o faith_n in_o god_n which_o be_v a_o firm_a belief_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o promise_n and_o threaten_n though_o we_o do_v not_o see_v a_o present_a performance_n of_o they_o 11.1_o heb._n 11.1_o faith_n as_o the_o apostle_n define_v it_o be_v the_o substance_n or_o loc._n or_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d hom._n in_o loc._n confident_a expectation_n of_o thing_n hope_v for_o the_o evidence_n or_o 〈◊〉_d or_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d conviction_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v and_o if_o all_o the_o good_a thing_n both_o of_o this_o life_n and_o of_o the_o next_o be_v the_o certain_a portion_n of_o virtue_n and_o all_o the_o evil_a thing_n that_o can_v be_v suffer_v both_o in_o this_o world_n and_o in_o the_o other_o be_v the_o certain_a and_o never-failing_a consequence_n of_o sin_n there_o will_v be_v no_o room_n leave_v for_o a_o virtuous_a and_o wise_a choice_n nay_o indeed_o there_o will_v be_v hardly_o matter_n for_o choice_n at_o all_o for_o it_o can_v be_v conceive_v that_o a_o creature_n that_o have_v understanding_n and_o a_o power_n of_o choose_v and_o refuse_v shall_v know_o choose_v all_o misery_n rather_o than_o all_o happiness_n such_o a_o revelation_n as_o this_o be_v therefore_o so_o evident_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o nature_n of_o faith_n and_o religion_n and_o with_o the_o design_n of_o god_n in_o send_v we_o into_o this_o world_n can_v be_v expect_v and_o i_o say_v that_o bate_v this_o there_o can_v be_v nothing_o add_v to_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o scripture_n revelation_n from_o whence_o therefore_o it_o plain_o follow_v that_o such_o as_o be_v not_o persuade_v by_o the_o gospel_n motive_n to_o repentance_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o be_v persuade_v by_o any_o such_o motive_n as_o consistent_o with_o the_o nature_n of_o faith_n and_o religion_n and_o virtue_n can_v be_v offer_v to_o they_o and_o it_o can_v be_v suppose_v that_o any_o true_a divine_a revelation_n shall_v ever_o offer_v any_o motive_n to_o persuade_v we_o that_o be_v not_o such_o but_o it_o may_v be_v say_v perhaps_o that_o though_o better_a or_o strong_a motive_n to_o repentance_n can_v be_v offer_v by_o any_o new_a revelation_n than_o be_v offer_v already_o in_o holy_a scripture_n yet_o we_o may_v by_o a_o new_a revelation_n have_v better_a assurance_n give_v we_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n motive_n and_o that_o if_o we_o have_v it_o be_v very_o like_a they_o will_v be_v then_o more_o prevail_a than_o they_o now_o be_v and_o this_o likewise_o i_o believe_v must_v be_v grant_v but_o then_o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o the_o nature_n of_o faith_n and_o religion_n and_o of_o that_o state_n of_o trial_n which_o we_o be_v now_o in_o require_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o reasonable_a boundary_a set_v to_o the_o clearness_n of_o that_o evidence_n that_o be_v give_v to_o man_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o motive_n whereby_o they_o be_v to_o be_v persuade_v as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o force_n and_o strength_n of_o the_o motive_n themselves_o because_o as_o i_o note_v in_o my_o last_o discourse_n such_o very_a clear_a and_o strong_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n as_o leave_v no_o room_n for_o a_o possibility_n of_o doubt_v will_v destroy_v
our_o freedom_n of_o choice_n and_o with_o it_o the_o virtue_n and_o excellency_n of_o believe_v for_o it_o be_v not_o faith_n to_o believe_v what_o we_o see_v and_o feel_v and_o it_o be_v no_o commendation_n to_o a_o man_n to_o be_v good_a and_o virtuous_a if_o his_o virtue_n be_v not_o the_o fruit_n of_o a_o wise_a judgement_n and_o a_o free_a choice_n which_o it_o will_v not_o be_v if_o his_o judgement_n be_v over_o bear_v by_o irrefragable_a demonstration_n and_o if_o that_o far_a proof_n and_o evidence_n that_o be_v desire_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n be_v no_o other_o than_o such_o as_o will_v leave_v we_o a_o freedom_n of_o choice_n and_o a_o possibility_n of_o doubt_v than_o i_o say_v it_o be_v not_o likely_a it_o shall_v be_v more_o convince_a to_o we_o than_o that_o which_o we_o have_v already_o in_o the_o stand_a revelation_n of_o holy_a scripture_n for_o it_o may_v be_v consider_v further_o in_o the_o second_o place_n 2._o that_o the_o proof_n and_o evidence_n already_o give_v we_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n be_v such_o as_o can_v fair_o be_v except_v against_o and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o proof_n thereof_o that_o can_v be_v give_v we_o unless_o it_o be_v such_o as_o be_v not_o resistible_a and_o consequent_o such_o as_o be_v not_o fit_a for_o god_n to_o give_v we_o while_o we_o be_v here_o in_o a_o state_n of_o trial_n but_o what_o be_v liable_a to_o foolish_a cavil_n and_o unreasonable_a exception_n so_o that_o consequent_o the_o same_o temper_n and_o disposition_n of_o mind_n and_o the_o same_o unwillingness_n to_o believe_v which_o now_o dispose_v man_n to_o infidelity_n and_o prompt_v they_o to_o make_v exception_n to_o the_o present_a ground_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n will_v work_v the_o same_o effect_n in_o case_n other_o proof_n and_o evidence_n be_v give_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o i_o say_v first_o that_o the_o proof_n and_o evidence_n already_o give_v we_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v such_o as_o can_v fair_o be_v except_v against_o to_o show_v this_o have_v be_v the_o design_n of_o several_a former_a discourse_n vi_o serm._n iii_n iv_o five_o vi_o and_o therefore_o to_o what_o have_v be_v say_v i_o shall_v only_o add_v that_o if_o the_o exception_n that_o be_v make_v to_o the_o evidence_n already_o give_v we_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v fair_a and_o reasonable_a they_o will_v be_v allow_v by_o mankind_n to_o be_v so_o in_o other_o case_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n which_o yet_o they_o be_v not_o nay_o if_o they_o who_o make_v these_o exception_n in_o the_o case_n of_o religion_n do_v themselves_o think_v that_o they_o be_v just_a and_o reasonable_a they_o ought_v to_o make_v the_o same_o in_o all_o other_o case_n that_o be_v equal_o liable_a to_o the_o same_o exception_n and_o in_o all_o other_o such_o case_n they_o ought_v to_o live_v and_o act_v as_o if_o they_o have_v the_o same_o doubt_n and_o scruple_n upon_o they_o which_o they_o say_v they_o have_v in_o the_o case_n of_o religion_n but_o we_o see_v the_o quite_o contrary_a every_o day_n we_o live_v for_o that_o same_o infidel_n who_o will_v not_o allow_v of_o the_o testimony_n which_o be_v give_v to_o our_o saviour_n by_o his_o apostle_n though_o they_o give_v the_o best_a assurance_n that_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o man_n to_o give_v both_o of_o their_o knowledge_n of_o what_o they_o testify_v and_o of_o their_o honesty_n in_o relate_v it_o yet_o ready_o allow_v that_o in_o all_o other_o case_n the_o testimony_n of_o two_o or_o three_o credible_a person_n shall_v be_v receive_v without_o any_o collateral_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o testimony_n and_o think_v it_o reasonable_a that_o all_o dispute_n and_o controversy_n among_o man_n concern_v their_o civil_a right_n their_o estate_n nay_o and_o their_o life_n too_o shall_v be_v thereby_o determine_v and_o he_o that_o question_n whether_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v write_v by_o the_o repute_a author_n yet_o make_v no_o question_n but_o that_o other_o book_n of_o as_o ancient_a or_o old_a date_n and_o of_o the_o authority_n of_o which_o there_o be_v not_o half_a so_o much_o traditional_a evidence_n be_v write_v by_o those_o person_n to_o who_o they_o be_v ascribe_v and_o he_o will_v think_v those_o very_a unreasonable_a man_n who_o when_o he_o be_v argue_v any_o point_n of_o learning_n with_o they_o upon_o the_o authority_n of_o virgil_n or_o cicero_n or_o seneca_n shall_v refuse_v to_o admit_v his_o argument_n till_o he_o have_v first_o undeniable_o and_o demonstrative_o prove_v that_o the_o aeneid_n be_v write_v by_o virgil_n or_o that_o the_o other_o piece_n that_o have_v be_v allow_v in_o all_o age_n ever_o since_o to_o have_v be_v write_v by_o cicero_n or_o seneca_n be_v not_o false_o father_v upon_o those_o author_n the_o infidel_n who_o doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel-history_n at_o the_o same_o time_n have_v no_o doubt_n at_o all_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o other_o history_n as_o ancient_a and_o much_o more_o possible_a to_o be_v false_a and_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o which_o there_o be_v not_o the_o hundred_o part_n of_o thâ—t_a evidence_n that_o there_o be_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o and_o he_o that_o pretend_v to_o be_v uncertain_a whether_o there_o ever_o be_v such_o a_o man_n as_o jesus_n of_o nazareth_n and_o whether_o he_o say_v and_o do_v the_o thing_n record_v of_o he_o by_o the_o evangelist_n and_o whether_o by_o the_o preach_a of_o his_o apostle_n he_o do_v spread_v his_o spiritual_a empire_n over_o all_o the_o country_n of_o the_o world_n a_o empire_n which_o be_v still_o keep_v up_o in_o most_o of_o the_o country_n over_o which_o it_o be_v first_o extend_v and_o of_o which_o there_o be_v evident_a mark_n and_o memorial_n still_o remain_v even_o in_o those_o country_n that_o have_v since_o revolt_v from_o it_o he_o i_o say_v that_o doubt_n of_o these_o thing_n although_o witness_v by_o the_o write_n of_o those_o who_o be_v eye-witness_n thereof_o yet_o make_v no_o doubt_n but_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o man_n as_o alexander_n the_o great_a who_o live_v above_o three_o hundred_o year_n before_o and_o that_o he_o translate_v the_o empire_n of_o the_o world_n from_o persia_n to_o greece_n and_o he_o also_o give_v full_a credit_n to_o the_o other_o thing_n which_o he_o find_v relate_v of_o he_o by_o curtius_n plutarch_n and_o arrian_n although_o none_o of_o these_o author_n be_v eye-witness_n of_o his_o war_n and_o greatness_n but_o either_o copy_v what_o they_o write_v from_o former_a history_n or_o take_v it_o up_o from_o report_n and_o although_o there_o be_v perhaps_o no_o remain_n of_o that_o empire_n now_o leave_v in_o the_o world_n and_o if_o he_o be_v but_o as_o sure_a of_o a_o good_a estate_n as_o that_o the_o history_n of_o alexander_n expedition_n and_o conquest_n be_v in_o the_o main_a a_o true_a history_n he_o will_v not_o i_o believe_v give_v the_o hundreth_o part_n of_o its_o value_n to_o ascertain_v his_o title_n to_o it_o those_o therefore_o be_v manifest_o unreasonable_a exception_n to_o the_o proof_n of_o christianity_n which_o no_o man_n will_v allow_v which_o even_o those_o that_o make_v they_o in_o this_o case_n do_v not_o think_v reasonable_a to_o make_v in_o other_o case_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o at_o all_o likely_a that_o any_o person_n that_o be_v not_o convince_v by_o these_o proof_n shall_v be_v convince_v if_o more_o be_v give_v for_o as_o i_o far_o note_v there_o be_v no_o proof_n that_o can_v be_v give_v we_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n unless_o it_o be_v such_o as_o be_v not_o resistible_a and_o consequent_o not_o fit_a for_o god_n to_o give_v we_o while_o we_o be_v here_o in_o a_o state_n of_o trial_n but_o what_o be_v liable_a to_o foolish_a cavil_n and_o unreasonable_a exception_n this_o i_o think_v be_v so_o self-evident_a that_o nothing_o plain_a or_o more_o undeniable_a can_v be_v say_v to_o prove_v it_o for_o though_o the_o demonstration_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n be_v as_o plain_a as_o demonstration_n in_o the_o mathematics_n yet_o even_o these_o may_v be_v cavile_v at_o by_o such_o as_o will_v allow_v of_o no_o postulata_n nor_o grant_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o clear_a axiom_n nay_o there_o have_v be_v sceptic_n in_o the_o plain_a matter_n of_o sense_n and_o some_o have_v deny_v motion_n at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o their_o own_o tongue_n be_v move_v to_o deny_v it_o not_o that_o i_o think_v the_o demonstration_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n be_v as_o clear_a as_o any_o propostion_n in_o euclid_n or_o as_o the_o shine_a of_o the_o sun_n at_o noon_n for_o that_o can_v be_v and_o i_o have_v
his_o grave_a and_o appear_v to_o they_o which_o be_v the_o very_a thing_n that_o the_o rich_a man_n here_o desire_v in_o the_o behalf_n of_o his_o brethren_n as_o be_v in_o his_o judgement_n the_o most_o powerful_a and_o so_o like_a to_o be_v the_o most_o effectual_a method_n to_o reclaim_v they_o when_o i_o say_v this_o be_v do_v by_o our_o saviour_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o a_o great_a number_n so_o that_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o miracle_n can_v not_o be_v doubt_v and_o be_v not_o deny_v by_o any_o of_o they_o all_o the_o effect_n that_o it_o have_v upon_o those_o obstinate_a and_o incredulous_a man_n be_v only_o that_o it_o make_v they_o enter_v present_o soon_o perhaps_o then_o otherwise_o they_o will_v have_v do_v into_o a_o close_a consultation_n to_o put_v to_o death_n both_o jesus_n and_o lazarus_n too_o some_o example_n indeed_o it_o must_v be_v grant_v there_o be_v on_o the_o other_o side_n for_o we_o be_v tell_v in_o act_n xi_o 41._o of_o a_o great_a number_n about_o three_o thousand_o that_o believe_v upon_o the_o first_o preach_v of_o st._n peter_n and_o sight_n of_o that_o great_a miracle_n the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n wherewith_o the_o apostle_n be_v endue_v but_o than_o it_o may_v be_v consider_v that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o miracle_n that_o convince_v they_o i_o mean_v not_o that_o alone_o for_o many_o that_o be_v then_o present_a 13._o verse_n 13._o and_o hear_v the_o apostle_n speak_v with_o tongue_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v persuade_v thereby_o that_o they_o most_o false_o blaspheme_v that_o as_o they_o have_v do_v all_o our_o saviour_n miracle_n before_o attribute_v the_o fruit_n of_o that_o most_o evident_a power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o new_a wine_n and_o it_o may_v be_v further_o note_v that_o those_o who_o be_v persuade_v by_o it_o be_v such_o as_o before_o they_o see_v the_o miracle_n be_v in_o a_o good_a disposition_n to_o embrace_v that_o pure_a religion_n that_o be_v teach_v in_o the_o gospel_n or_o else_o that_o miracle_n will_v not_o have_v persuade_v they_o for_o the_o person_n convince_v thereby_o be_v not_o of_o the_o pharisee_n or_o unbelieving_a jew_n that_o have_v reject_v our_o saviour_n before_o 5._o verse_n 5._o but_o they_o be_v devout_a person_n jew_n or_o proselyte_n who_o have_v come_v at_o that_o feast_n of_o pentecost_n from_o other_o part_n of_o the_o world_n to_o jerusalem_n to_o worship_n and_o who_o have_v probable_o never_o hear_v of_o our_o saviour_n before_o more_o than_o by_o uncertain_a report_n but_o be_v well_o read_v in_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o give_v good_a heed_n to_o they_o be_v convert_v more_o by_o the_o manifest_a accomplishment_n of_o all_o the_o ancient_a prophecy_n concern_v the_o messiah_n in_o the_o person_n of_o our_o saviour_n than_o by_o the_o sight_n of_o that_o great_a miracle_n this_o therefore_o be_v matter_n of_o fact_n and_o experience_n what_o have_v be_v do_v and_o come_v to_o pass_v already_o that_o new_a miracle_n have_v be_v general_o unsuccessful_a upon_o such_o as_o have_v not_o regard_v a_o stand_a revelation_n of_o god_n will_n we_o may_v reasonable_o infer_v that_o it_o be_v high_o probable_a if_o not_o certain_a that_o the_o same_o experiment_n try_v over_o again_o will_v have_v no_o better_a success_n the_o sum_n of_o all_o therefore_o be_v this_o such_o as_o be_v as_o st._n luke_n say_v they_o be_v who_o be_v convert_v by_o the_o preach_a and_o miracle_n of_o the_o apostle_n 〈◊〉_d apostle_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d predisposed_a or_o fit_v for_o eternal_a life_n 13.46_o act_n 13.46_o that_o be_v such_o as_o be_v modest_a and_o teachable_a who_o hear_v without_o prejudice_n and_o judge_v without_o partiality_n and_o have_v no_o interest_n of_o sin_n or_o the_o world_n that_o stand_v in_o competition_n with_o their_o desire_n to_o obtain_v everlasting_a happiness_n such_o as_o inquire_v out_o the_o truth_n with_o the_o same_o indifference_n that_o a_o traveller_n do_v his_o way_n who_o have_v 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part_n of_o my_o discourse_n and_o therefore_o shall_v lengthen_v it_o no_o further_o 6.9_o heb._n 6.9_o i_o be_o persuade_v better_a thing_n of_o you_o and_o thing_n that_o accompany_v salvation_n for_o your_o presence_n here_o in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o in_o the_o assembly_n of_o christian_n make_v it_o reasonable_a to_o believe_v that_o you_o be_v already_o convince_v not_o only_o of_o the_o be_v and_o providence_n of_o god_n but_o likewise_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o of_o the_o divine_a inspiration_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n 2._o to_o you_o therefore_o who_o be_v christian_n i_o shall_v now_o turn_v my_o discourse_n 13.22_o heb._n 13.22_o and_o i_o beseech_v you_o brethren_n suffer_v the_o word_n of_o exhortation_n it_o be_v only_o this_o since_o you_o have_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o believe_v that_o they_o be_v messenger_n to_o you_o from_o god_n to_o instruct_v you_o 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our_o case_n who_o have_v not_o only_o these_o but_o also_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n preach_v to_o we_o if_o we_o do_v not_o hear_v they_o for_o what_o advantage_n can_v it_o be_v to_o we_o to_o have_v good_a instructor_n if_o we_o will_v not_o mind_v what_o they_o say_v if_o we_o stop_v our_o ear_n to_o all_o their_o counsel_n and_o reproof_n no_o man_n be_v ever_o make_v a_o scholar_n only_o by_o have_v a_o good_a library_n in_o his_o possession_n no_o man_n ever_o learn_v any_o art_n or_o science_n though_o it_o be_v never_o so_o well_o teach_v in_o any_o book_n only_o by_o keep_v the_o book_n in_o his_o chamber_n or_o carry_v it_o about_o in_o his_o pocket_n and_o as_o little_o shall_v we_o be_v the_o wise_a only_o by_o have_v the_o holy_a scripture_n though_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v they_o be_v able_a to_o make_v we_o wise_a unto_o salvation_n 3.15_o 2_o tim._n 3.15_o if_o we_o do_v not_o read_v and_o study_v they_o with_o a_o honest_a design_n to_o furnish_v ourselves_o from_o thence_o with_o a_o stock_n of_o useful_a knowledge_n and_o with_o a_o firm_a resolution_n to_o lead_v our_o life_n according_a to_o the_o direction_n which_o they_o give_v we_o nay_o so_o far_o shall_v be_v from_o receive_v any_o advantage_n only_o by_o our_o have_v the_o holy_a scripture_n give_v we_o and_o free_a liberty_n allow_v we_o to_o look_v into_o they_o a_o privilege_n we_o of_o this_o nation_n have_v above_o most_o of_o our_o neighbour_n that_o if_o we_o do_v not_o read_v and_o study_v they_o it_o will_v be_v much_o the_o worse_o for_o we_o our_o condemnation_n will_v be_v the_o great_a and_o our_o destruction_n so_o much_o the_o more_o certain_a for_o the_o case_n of_o those_o who_o offend_v through_o ignorance_n when_o their_o ignorance_n be_v unaffected_a be_v very_o pitiable_a and_o though_o we_o can_v certain_o say_v how_o god_n will_v deal_v with_o those_o who_o have_v no_o clear_a revelation_n of_o his_o will_n make_v to_o they_o this_o we_o may_v be_v sure_a of_o that_o god_n who_o be_v a_o merciful_a god_n will_v deal_v merciful_o with_o they_o 15.22_o john_n 15.22_o if_o i_o have_v not_o come_v and_o speak_v unto_o they_o say_v our_o saviour_n they_o have_v not_o have_v sin_n but_o the_o case_n will_v be_v quite_o otherwise_o with_o those_o 12.47_o luke_n 12.47_o who_o know_v their_o master_n will_n and_o do_v not_o do_v it_o they_o as_o our_o saviour_n say_v shall_v be_v beat_v with_o many_o stripe_n and_o it_o will_v be_v all_o one_o if_o they_o do_v not_o know_v it_o if_o their_o ignorance_n of_o it_o be_v occasion_v by_o their_o own_o fault_n in_o neglect_v those_o mean_n of_o knowledge_n which_o god_n have_v afford_v they_o and_o much_o rather_o if_o their_o ignorance_n of_o their_o duty_n be_v affect_v and_o choose_v that_o they_o may_v sin_n with_o less_o disturbance_n of_o mind_n for_o our_o saviour_n judgement_n in_o this_o case_n be_v very_o plain_a and_o and_o it_o be_v his_o judgement_n by_o which_o we_o must_v stand_v or_o fall_v to_o all_o eternity_n joh._n iii._o 19_o this_o be_v the_o condemnation_n that_o light_n be_v come_v into_o the_o world_n and_o man_n love_v darkness_n rather_o than_o light_n because_o their_o deed_n be_v evil._n have_v therefore_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o also_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n continual_o preach_v to_o we_o in_o the_o book_n of_o holy_a scripture_n let_v we_o hear_v they_o this_o be_v both_o our_o duty_n and_o our_o interest_n and_o that_o our_o study_n of_o the_o scripture_n may_v be_v with_o good_a success_n and_o we_o may_v thereby_o be_v thorough_o furnish_v unto_o all_o good_a work_n let_v we_o pray_v as_o we_o be_v teach_v by_o our_o church_n in_o a_o most_o excellent_a collect_v suit_v to_o the_o subject_a i_o have_v be_v discourse_v of_o advent_n collect_v for_o 2d_o sunday_n in_o advent_n bless_a lord_n who_o have_v cause_v all_o holy_a scripture_n to_o be_v write_v for_o our_o learning_n grant_v that_o we_o may_v in_o such_o wise_a hear_v they_o read_z mark_v learn_v and_o inward_o digest_v they_o that_o by_o patience_n and_o comfort_n of_o thy_o holy_a word_n we_o may_v embrace_v and_o ever_o hold_v 〈◊〉_d â—he_v bless_v hope_n of_o everlasting_a life_n which_o thou_o have_v give_v we_o 〈…〉_o â—ur_n jesus_n christ_n amen_n finis_fw-la errata_fw-la page_n 55._o line_n 10._o for_o some_o read_v same_o
matter_n of_o fact_n which_o they_o have_v record_v and_o 3._o that_o if_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n relate_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v true_a they_o be_v sufficient_a proof_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o divine_a authority_n of_o all_o the_o doctrine_n that_o be_v therein_o teach_v and_o i_o hope_v enough_o be_v say_v the_o last_o time_n to_o show_v that_o we_o have_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o believe_v that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v write_v by_o those_o person_n who_o be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o author_n thereof_o what_o i_o be_o next_o to_o do_v be_v 2._o to_o show_v that_o there_o be_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o give_v full_a credit_n to_o these_o author_n in_o their_o relation_n of_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o they_o have_v record_v and_o i_o hope_v none_o of_o you_o that_o hear_v i_o who_o i_o presume_v to_o be_v all_o christian_n will_v take_v offence_n at_o it_o if_o now_o while_o i_o be_o argue_v this_o point_n i_o sometime_o speak_v of_o 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so_o but_o there_o be_v they_o say_v beside_o in_o their_o several_a history_n compare_v together_o some_o flat_a contradiction_n and_o repugnancy_n i_o intend_v therefore_o at_o the_o end_n of_o this_o discourse_n if_o i_o have_v have_v time_n for_o it_o to_o have_v speak_v large_o upon_o this_o subject_a but_o because_o i_o have_v not_o must_v refer_v you_o to_o those_o book_n that_o have_v be_v write_v on_o purpose_n to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o difficult_a text_n of_o scripture_n and_o to_o reconcile_v those_o that_o be_v seem_o repugnant_a or_o for_o want_v of_o such_o book_n to_o any_o good_a commentary_n on_o the_o bible_n in_o which_o you_o will_v hardly_o fail_v to_o meet_v with_o satisfaction_n in_o any_o difficulty_n of_o this_o kind_n if_o you_o read_v it_o with_o a_o mind_n dispose_v to_o receive_v satisfaction_n and_o i_o shall_v conclude_v this_o discourse_n with_o only_o observe_v in_o general_n 1._o that_o the_o pretend_a impossibility_n that_o be_v say_v to_o be_v relate_v in_o the_o sacred_a history_n be_v only_a difficulty_n they_o be_v indeed_o event_n above_o and_o beyond_o the_o know_a power_n and_o common_a course_n of_o nature_n but_o they_o be_v such_o as_o be_v easy_o credible_a when_o they_o be_v ascribe_v as_o they_o must_v be_v to_o the_o almighty_a power_n of_o god_n 2._o that_o the_o difference_n that_o may_v sometime_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o several_a relation_n of_o the_o same_o story_n by_o the_o several_a evangelist_n be_v very_o inconsiderable_a consist_v only_o in_o this_o that_o one_o perhaps_o relate_v the_o story_n in_o a_o different_a order_n of_o thing_n than_o another_o do_v or_o that_o one_o tell_v it_o brief_o another_o more_o at_o large_a or_o one_o with_o a_o few_o another_o with_o more_o circumstance_n or_o that_o some_o circumstance_n be_v mention_v by_o each_o of_o they_o which_o the_o other_o have_v omit_v so_o that_o this_o observation_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o just_a objection_n against_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o history_n that_o it_o be_v rather_o a_o proof_n and_o confirmation_n of_o it_o for_o it_o be_v a_o argument_n that_o the_o evangelist_n do_v not_o confer_v together_o in_o the_o write_n of_o their_o history_n and_o that_o they_o do_v not_o copy_n or_o transcribe_v from_o one_o another_o but_o that_o every_o one_o of_o they_o report_v the_o story_n he_o write_v in_o such_o manner_n as_o he_o himself_o remember_v it_o to_o have_v be_v and_o with_o such_o circumstance_n as_o he_o himself_o take_v most_o notice_n of_o and_o 3._o as_o to_o the_o repugnancy_n and_o inconsistence_n that_o be_v say_v to_o be_v in_o the_o evangelical_n history_n these_o we_o absolute_o deny_v i_o have_v not_o time_n now_o to_o consider_v or_o attempt_v to_o reconcile_v all_o the_o place_n that_o be_v pretend_v to_o be_v contradictory_n to_o each_o other_o but_o those_o passage_n which_o seem_v most_o liable_a to_o this_o exception_n be_v i_o think_v the_o relation_n of_o judas_n death_n and_o the_o account_n of_o our_o saviour_n genealogy_n but_o as_o to_o the_o first_o there_o be_v plain_o no_o impossibility_n no_o contradiction_n in_o it_o if_o we_o shall_v say_v that_o after_o he_o have_v hang_v himself_o as_o st._n matthew_n 1.18_o mat._n 27.5_o act_n 1.18_o say_v he_o do_v fall_v down_o and_o his_o bowel_n gush_v out_o as_o st._n luke_n affirm_v or_o it_o may_v be_v that_o he_o do_v not_o hang_v himself_o but_o only_o be_v 〈◊〉_d be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d choke_v or_o suffocate_v by_o the_o violence_n of_o his_o grief_n and_o that_o the_o same_o passion_n by_o which_o he_o be_v strangle_v make_v he_o also_o fall_v down_o headlong_o and_o burst_v asunder_o in_o the_o midst_n so_o that_o all_o his_o bowel_n gush_v out_o and_o as_o to_o the_o other_o when_o it_o be_v remember_v that_o by_o the_o jewish_a law_n the_o next_o of_o kin_n be_v to_o raise_v up_o seed_n to_o his_o near_a relation_n that_o die_v without_o issue_n 25.5_o deut._n 25.5_o by_o marry_v his_o widow_n and_o that_o the_o first-born_a of_o the_o woman_n after_o such_o second_o marriage_n be_v repute_v in_o law_n the_o son_n as_o well_o as_o he_o be_v the_o heir_n of_o the_o decease_a so_o that_o consequent_o the_o same_o person_n may_v be_v the_o legal_a son_n of_o one_o man_n and_o the_o natural_a son_n of_o another_o man_n though_o it_o may_v be_v difficult_a perhaps_o impossible_a for_o we_o at_o this_o distance_n of_o time_n to_o say_v with_o certainty_n which_o of_o the_o two_o different_a line_n by_o which_o our_o saviour_n pedigree_n be_v deduce_v from_o david_n be_v the_o legal_a and_o which_o the_o natural_a line_n it_o be_v very_o easy_a nevertheless_o to_o believe_v that_o one_o be_v the_o legal_a and_o that_o the_o other_o be_v the_o natural_a line_n and_o if_o so_o there_o be_v plain_o no_o contradiction_n between_o the_o two_o evangelist_n although_o st._n matthew_n 1.16_o mat._n 1.16_o make_v our_o saviour_n to_o be_v descend_v from_o solomon_n and_o st._n luke_n from_o nathan_n although_o st._n matthew_n say_v that_o joseph_n the_o husband_n of_o the_o bless_a virgin_n be_v the_o son_n of_o jacob_n and_o st._n luke_n 3.23_o luâ—e_n 3.23_o that_o he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o heli._n and_o now_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n history_n be_v as_o i_o hope_v by_o what_o have_v bâ—en_o say_v sufficient_o establish_v i_o shall_v proceed_v to_o show_v that_o if_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n relate_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v true_a they_o be_v sufficient_a proof_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o divine_a authority_n of_o all_o the_o doctrine_n that_o be_v therein_o teach_v but_o i_o be_o sensible_a that_o i_o have_v trespass_v too_o much_o upon_o your_o patience_n already_o and_o so_o shall_v reserve_v this_o for_o the_o subject_a of_o my_o next_o discourse_n finis_fw-la errata_fw-la in_o
sermon_n iii_o page_n 25._o line_n 1._o for_o once_o read_v now_o for_o those_o read_v these_o advertisement_n the_o three_o remain_a lecture_n for_o this_o year_n be_v to_o be_v at_o st._n paul_n on_o the_o first_o mondays_n in_o september_n october_n and_o november_n but_o the_o first_o monday_n in_o september_n be_v the_o fast-day_n for_o the_o fire_n of_o london_n when_o there_o will_v be_v in_o the_o morning_n a_o sermon_n suitable_a to_o that_o occasion_n preach_v before_o the_o lord_n mayor_n aldermen_z and_o company_n of_o the_o city_n mr._n boyle_n lecture_n on_o that_o day_n be_v order_v to_o be_v preach_v in_o the_o afternoon_n the_o sufficiency_n of_o the_o scripture-revelation_n as_o to_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o part_n iii_o a_o sermon_n preach_v at_o the_o cathedral-church_n of_o st._n paul_n september_n 2d_o 1700._o be_v the_o six_o for_o the_o year_n 1700_o of_o thâ—_n lecture_n found_v by_o the_o honourable_a robert_n boyle_n esq_n by_o offspring_n blackall_n d._n d._n rector_n of_o st._n marry_o aldermary_n and_o chaplain_n in_o ordinary_a to_o his_o majesty_n london_n print_v by_o j._n leake_n for_o walter_n kettilby_n at_o the_o bishop_n head_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n 1700._o st._n luke_n xvi_o 29_o 30_o 31._o abraham_n say_v unto_o he_o they_o have_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n let_v they_o hear_v they_o and_o he_o say_v nay_o father_n abraham_n but_o if_o one_o go_v unto_o they_o from_o the_o dead_a they_o will_v repent_v and_o he_o say_v unto_o he_o if_o they_o hear_v not_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n neither_o will_v they_o be_v persuade_v though_o one_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a in_o order_n to_o show_v that_o we_o have_v sufficient_a reason_n give_v we_o to_o convince_v we_o of_o the_o truth_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o new-testament_n and_o of_o all_o the_o doctrine_n that_o be_v teach_v by_o it_o i_o have_v former_o propound_v to_o show_v 1._o that_o we_o have_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o believe_v that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new-testament_n be_v write_v by_o those_o person_n who_o be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o author_n thereof_o 2._o that_o there_o be_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o give_v full_a credit_n to_o they_o in_o their_o relation_n of_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o they_o have_v record_v and_o 3._o that_o if_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n therein_o record_v be_v true_a they_o be_v sufficient_a proof_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o divine_a authority_n of_o all_o the_o doctrine_n that_o be_v therein_o teach_v and_o the_o two_o first_o of_o these_o point_n i_o have_v i_o hope_v already_o make_v good_a i_o proceed_v now_o to_o the_o three_o viz._n 3._o to_o show_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v well_o ground_v upon_o the_o history_n of_o it_o that_o if_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n record_v in_o the_o new-testament_n be_v true_a they_o be_v sufficient_a proof_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o divine_a authority_n of_o all_o the_o doctrine_n that_o be_v therein_o teach_v and_o here_o by_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n i_o understand_v both_o the_o article_n of_o faith_n which_o it_o propose_v to_o our_o belief_n and_o the_o rule_n which_o it_o prescribe_v to_o our_o practice_n many_o of_o the_o former_a of_o which_o be_v themselves_o part_v of_o the_o gospel_n history_n as_o the_o incarnation_n life_n suffering_n death_n resurrection_n and_o ascension_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o both_o sort_n be_v teach_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n either_o by_o our_o saviour_n himself_o or_o by_o his_o apostle_n and_o i_o suppose_v it_o will_v be_v ready_o grant_v that_o all_o their_o doctrine_n be_v true_a and_o also_o of_o divine_a authority_n if_o it_o shall_v appear_v that_o they_o be_v commission_v and_o send_v by_o god_n to_o instruct_v the_o world_n for_o he_o who_o god_n have_v send_v speak_v the_o word_n of_o god_n joh._n iii._o 34._o the_o single_a point_n therefore_o to_o be_v consider_v at_o this_o time_n be_v whether_o there_o be_v sufficient_a evidence_n from_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n record_v in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v commission_v and_o send_v by_o god_n to_o instruct_v the_o world_n and_o first_o whether_o there_o be_v sufficient_a evidence_n from_o thence_o that_o our_o saviour_n himself_o be_v a_o teacher_n send_v from_o god_n now_o that_o he_o say_v he_o be_v send_v from_o god_n be_v a_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o a_o part_n of_o the_o gospel_n history_n joh._n twelve_o 49._o 24._o see_v joh._n 5.37_o 38.8.38.14.10_o 24._o i_o have_v not_o speak_v of_o myself_o but_o the_o father_n which_o send_v i_o he_o give_v i_o a_o commandment_n what_o i_o shall_v say_v and_o what_o i_o shall_v speak_v and_o that_o he_o say_v that_o he_o be_v the_o messiah_n which_o have_v be_v foretell_v by_o the_o prophet_n be_v likewise_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o a_o part_n of_o the_o same_o history_n joh._n four_o 25_o 26._o the_o woman_n of_o samaria_n say_v unto_o he_o i_o know_v that_o messiah_n come_v which_o be_v call_v christ_n 9.47_o mat._n 16.16_o 17._o mar._n 9.41_o luke_n 24.46_o joh._n 9.47_o when_o he_o be_v come_v he_o will_v tell_v we_o all_o thing_n jesus_n say_v unto_o he_o i_o that_o speak_v unto_o thou_o am_z he._n the_o question_n therefore_o be_v whether_o from_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v record_v of_o he_o by_o the_o evangelist_n there_o be_v sufficient_a ground_n to_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o either_o or_o both_o these_o pretence_n i_o say_v of_o either_o or_o both_o of_o they_o because_o either_o of_o they_o be_v a_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o receive_v his_o doctrine_n as_o true_a and_o divine_a for_o which_o cause_n therefore_o i_o shall_v not_o in_o speak_v to_o this_o subject_a distinguish_v between_o the_o evidence_n which_o the_o gospel-history_n afford_v of_o his_o be_v a_o prophet_n and_o those_o which_o it_o afford_v of_o his_o be_v the_o messiah_n but_o shall_v propose_v they_o promiscuous_o as_o they_o come_v to_o mind_n and_o here_o i_o shall_v consider_v first_o the_o credibility_n of_o our_o saviour_n own_o testimony_n concern_v himself_o and_o second_o the_o confirmation_n that_o be_v give_v to_o this_o testimony_n by_o god_n ground_v all_o that_o shall_v be_v say_v on_o both_o these_o head_n upon_o the_o gospel-history_n the_o truth_n of_o which_o i_o now_o take_v for_o grant_v as_o be_v i_o hope_v already_o sufficient_o prove_v first_o then_o i_o shall_v consider_v the_o credibility_n of_o our_o saviour_n own_o testimony_n concern_v himself_o when_o he_o say_v that_o he_o be_v send_v by_o god_n and_o that_o he_o be_v the_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o i_o know_v it_o be_v common_o say_v that_o a_o man_n be_v not_o to_o be_v believe_v in_o his_o own_o case_n and_o this_o very_a thing_n be_v object_v to_o our_o saviour_n by_o the_o jew_n joh._n viij_o 13._o thou_o bear_v record_n of_o thyself_o thy_o record_n be_v not_o true_a but_o this_o say_v be_v not_o without_o exception_n when_o indeed_o what_o a_o man_n witness_n be_v for_o his_o own_o benefit_n his_o testimony_n if_o it_o be_v single_a may_v reasonable_o be_v reject_v especial_o if_o any_o proof_n be_v make_v that_o at_o other_o time_n he_o have_v tell_v a_o lie_n or_o do_v any_o other_o ill_a thing_n for_o his_o advantage_n but_o otherwise_o a_o man_n testimony_n concern_v himself_n may_v be_v credible_a nay_o in_o some_o case_n it_o may_v be_v more_o credible_a than_o another_o man_n because_o he_o may_v sometime_o be_v sure_a of_o what_o he_o say_v concern_v himself_o than_o another_o man_n can_v be_v and_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n who_o in_o joh._n v._n 31._o allow_v of_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o that_o say_v if_o i_o bear_v witness_n of_o myself_o my_o witness_n be_v not_o true_a yet_o when_o this_o very_a thing_n be_v afterward_o object_v to_o he_o by_o the_o pharisee_n in_o the_o place_n before-cited_n make_v answer_n in_o the_o follow_a word_n though_o i_o bear_v record_n of_o myself_o 8.14_o joh._n 8.14_o yet_o my_o record_n be_v true_a for_o i_o know_v whence_o i_o come_v etc._n etc._n and_o that_o the_o testimony_n of_o our_o lord_n concern_v his_o own_o divine_a mission_n be_v such_o as_o we_o may_v rational_o give_v credit_n to_o though_o we_o have_v no_o other_o evidence_n of_o it_o will_n i_o suppose_v sufficient_o appear_v if_o these_o follow_a thing_n be_v consider_v 1._o that_o his_o whole_a life_n according_a to_o the_o account_n that_o be_v give_v of_o it_o by_o the_o evangelist_n which_o we_o now_o build_v upon_o as_o true_a be_v in_o all_o respect_n spotless_a and_o unblameable_a 1.19_o 1_o pet._n 2.22_o 1_o pet._n 1.19_o he_o do_v no_o sin_n neither_o be_v guile_n find_v in_o his_o mouth_n he_o be_v a_o lamb_n without_o blemish_n and_o without_o spot_n
tit._n 2.12_o who_o make_v heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o by_o teach_v they_o to_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n and_o to_o live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n now_o the_o devil_n be_v certain_o as_o subtle_a as_o he_o be_v powerful_a and_o therefore_o if_o he_o have_v indeed_o any_o power_n to_o alter_v the_o course_n of_o nature_n and_o to_o do_v a_o real_a miracle_n he_o will_v not_o however_o we_o may_v be_v sure_a make_v use_n of_o this_o power_n against_o himself_o he_o will_v not_o thereby_o assist_v another_o to_o destroy_v his_o own_o kingdom_n and_o by_o this_o argument_n our_o saviour_n himself_o clear_o confute_v this_o calumny_n in_o mat._n twelve_o 25._o when_o the_o pharisee_n have_v say_v that_o he_o cast_v out_o devil_n by_o beelzebub_n the_o prince_n of_o the_o devil_n he_o answer_v every_o kingdom_n divide_v against_o itself_o be_v bring_v to_o desolation_n and_o if_o satan_n cast_v out_o satan_n he_o be_v divide_v against_o himself_o how_o then_o shall_v his_o kingdom_n stand_v and_o 3._o last_o as_o it_o be_v not_o credible_a that_o the_o devil_n have_v such_o power_n or_o if_o he_o have_v and_o be_v let_v alone_o to_o himself_o that_o he_o will_v make_v use_n of_o this_o power_n to_o destroy_v his_o own_o kingdom_n so_o neither_o be_v it_o credible_a that_o almighty_a god_n who_o have_v all_o power_n in_o his_o hand_n and_o can_v control_v and_o limit_v the_o working_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o all_o create_a being_n as_o he_o please_v will_v ever_o permit_v the_o devil_n to_o outdo_v himself_o in_o such_o wonderful_a operation_n so_o that_o more_o and_o great_a miracle_n shall_v be_v do_v by_o a_o impostor_n than_o ever_o have_v be_v do_v before_o by_o any_o true_a prophet_n which_o yet_o be_v manifest_o the_o case_n if_o indeed_o our_o saviour_n be_v a_o impostor_n 3.8_o 2_o tim._n 3.8_o he_o suffer_v indeed_o janne_n and_o jambres_n to_o withstand_v his_o servant_n moses_n and_o aaron_n for_o some_o time_n and_o to_o do_v or_o seem_v to_o do_v some_o wonderful_a work_n like_o to_o they_o 12._o ex._n 7.10_o 12._o for_o aaron_n cast_v his_o rod_n upon_o the_o ground_n and_o it_o become_v a_o serpent_n and_o so_o do_v they_o and_o aaron_n stretch_v out_o his_o hand_n over_o the_o water_n 7._o ex._n 8.6_o 7._o and_o the_o frog_n come_v up_o and_o cover_v the_o land_n and_o the_o magician_n do_v so_o with_o their_o enchantment_n and_o bring_v up_o frog_n upon_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n but_o though_o he_o suffer_v the_o magician_n thus_o to_o contend_v with_o his_o prophet_n the_o victory_n be_v clear_o on_o his_o prophet_n side_n 7.12.8.18_o ex._n 7.12.8.18_o for_o aaron_n rod_n swallow_v up_o their_o rod_n and_o when_o the_o magician_n endeavour_v by_o their_o enchantment_n to_o bring_v forth_o louse_n as_o aaron_n have_v do_v they_o can_v not_o but_o be_v force_v to_o own_o before_o pharaoh_n that_o it_o be_v the_o finger_n of_o god_n and_o from_o that_o time_n forward_o strive_v no_o more_o for_o victory_n and_o thus_o it_o may_v be_v consistent_a with_o the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n etc._n deut_n 13.1_o etc._n etc._n at_o any_o time_n in_o order_n prove_v his_o people_n and_o to_o know_v whether_o they_o love_v the_o lord_n with_o all_o their_o heart_n 24.24_o mat._n 24.24_o to_o suffer_v the_o sign_n or_o wonder_v foretell_v by_o a_o enticer_n to_o idolatry_n to_o come_v to_o pass_v and_o to_o distinguish_v his_o elect_n from_o reprobate_n to_o permit_v false_a christ_n and_o false_a prophet_n 10._o 2_o thes_n 2.8_o 9_o 10._o to_o show_v great_a sign_n and_o wonder_n and_o in_o just_a judgement_n upon_o such_o as_o will_v not_o receive_v the_o love_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o they_o may_v be_v save_v to_o let_v they_o alone_o to_o be_v deceive_v by_o that_o wicked_a one_o who_o come_v be_v after_o the_o work_n of_o satan_n with_o all_o power_n and_o sign_n and_o lie_a wonder_n and_o with_o all_o deceiveableness_n of_o unrighteousness_n in_o they_o that_o perish_v but_o it_o can_v i_o think_v be_v reconcile_v to_o these_o attribute_n of_o god_n that_o he_o shall_v permit_v great_a wonder_n and_o more_o clear_a and_o undoubted_a miracle_n to_o be_v do_v by_o a_o false_a prophet_n than_o ever_o be_v do_v by_o any_o true_a prophet_n because_o this_o will_v be_v too_o great_a a_o trial_n for_o humane_a nature_n such_o sign_n and_o wonder_n will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o deceive_v even_o those_o that_o inquire_v after_o truth_n with_o the_o great_a sincerity_n of_o heart_n and_o i_o can_v conceive_v it_o consistent_a with_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o permit_v that_o such_o as_o be_v of_o honest_a mind_n and_o sincere_a lover_n of_o truth_n shall_v after_o a_o fair_a examination_n of_o the_o proof_n on_o both_o side_n have_v great_a reason_n to_o embrace_v error_n than_o truth_n which_o yet_o they_o plain_o have_v in_o case_n the_o miracle_n do_v by_o false_a prophet_n be_v more_o and_o great_a than_o have_v be_v do_v by_o any_o true_a prophet_n unless_o the_o falseness_n of_o the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o will_v thereby_o establish_v be_v more_o evident_a than_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o miracle_n so_o that_o upon_o the_o whole_a i_o think_v we_o may_v well_o conclude_v this_o head_n with_o those_o word_n of_o nicodemus_n to_o our_o saviour_n joh._n iii._o 2._o we_o know_v we_o be_v assure_v of_o it_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o doubt_v of_o it_o that_o thou_o be_v a_o teacher_n come_v from_o god_n for_o no_o man_n can_v do_v these_o miracle_n that_o thou_o do_v except_o god_n be_v with_o he_o 6._o another_o way_n by_o which_o god_n himself_o bare_a witness_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o saviour_n testimony_n be_v by_o raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a 4._o joh._n 2.19_o mat._n 12.40.16_o 4._o to_o this_o great_a miracle_n he_o himself_o often_o refer_v those_o that_o have_v any_o doubt_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o other_o miracle_n as_o what_o can_v not_o but_o be_v satisfactory_a to_o all_o that_o be_v capable_a of_o receive_v satisfaction_n and_o this_o be_v the_o chief_a subject_n of_o the_o apostle_n sermon_n 2.24.32.3.15.4.10.10.40.13.30_o act_n 2.24.32.3.15.4.10.10.40.13.30_o the_o main_a proof_n that_o they_o insist_v upon_o to_o convince_v man_n that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n and_o they_o seem_v to_o have_v no_o doubt_n upon_o they_o that_o if_o they_o can_v but_o persuade_v man_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o resurrection_n they_o will_v ready_o own_v that_o he_o be_v the_o christ_n and_o without_o further_a scruple_n receive_v every_o thing_n that_o he_o have_v teach_v they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n as_o a_o divine_a truth_n 17.30_o act_n 17.30_o by_o this_o say_v they_o god_n have_v give_v assurance_n unto_o all_o man_n that_o he_o have_v ordain_v he_o to_o be_v the_o judge_n of_o the_o world_n by_o this_o say_v they_o he_o be_v declare_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n with_o power_n because_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n evident_a to_o all_o 1.4_o rom._n 1.4_o that_o no_o power_n less_o than_o god_n can_v raise_v the_o dead_a when_o therefore_o this_o be_v do_v and_o it_o be_v do_v if_o the_o gospel-history_n be_v true_a this_o be_v a_o plain_a seal_n set_v by_o god_n himself_o to_o our_o saviour_n testimony_n a_o seal_v not_o possible_a to_o be_v counterfeit_v and_o wherein_o the_o divine_a power_n be_v so_o clear_o and_o deep_o engrave_v that_o whoever_o look_v attent_o upon_o it_o must_v be_v satisfy_v who_o seal_n it_o be_v so_o that_o to_o grant_v the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o yet_o to_o doubt_v whether_o he_o be_v the_o person_n he_o give_v out_o himself_o to_o be_v be_v to_o doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n himself_o for_o grant_v our_o saviour_n resurrection_n it_o can_v be_v suppose_v that_o he_o be_v a_o impostor_n without_o suppose_v that_o god_n himself_o do_v consent_n to_o the_o imposture_n and_o work_v the_o most_o evident_a miracle_n that_o ever_o wâ—s_v do_v on_o purpose_n to_o persuade_v man_n to_o believe_v a_o lye_n i_o shall_v mention_v at_o present_a but_o one_o way_n more_o whereby_o god_n be_v please_v to_o confirm_v our_o saviour_n testimony_n of_o himself_o and_o that_o be_v 7._o by_o the_o witness_n of_o the_o holy-ghost_n which_o witness_n be_v give_v to_o he_o at_o his_o baptism_n etc._n joh._n 1.32_o etc._n etc._n when_o the_o holy-ghost_n descend_v in_o a_o visible_a manner_n as_o a_o dove_n and_o rest_v on_o he_o it_o be_v also_o give_v to_o he_o during_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o his_o ministry_n for_o the_o holy-ghost_n not_o only_o descend_v but_o abode_n upon_o he_o and_o therefore_o st._n peter_n speak_v of_o he_o etc._n act._n 10.38_o etc._n etc._n say_v that_o god_n anoint_v he_o with_o the_o holy-ghost_n and_o with_o power_n but_o that_o
witness_v of_o the_o holy-ghost_n which_o i_o now_o chief_o design_n be_v that_o which_o be_v give_v to_o he_o after_o his_o ascension_n into_o heaven_n and_o be_v a_o evident_a token_n that_o all_o power_n in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n be_v then_o commit_v to_o he_o i_o mean_v those_o gift_n of_o the_o holy-ghost_n which_o he_o shower_v down_o on_o his_o apostle_n on_o the_o day_n of_o pentecost_n when_o be_v meet_v together_o etc._n act_n 2.1_o etc._n etc._n there_o come_v sudden_o a_o sound_n from_o heaven_n as_o of_o a_o rush_v mighty_a wind_n which_o fill_v all_o the_o house_n where_o they_o be_v sit_v and_o there_o appear_v unto_o they_o cleave_a tongue_n like_v as_o of_o fire_n which_o sit_v upon_o each_o of_o they_o whereupon_o they_o wre_v all_o fill_v with_o the_o holy-ghost_n and_o begin_v to_o speak_v with_o other_o tongue_n as_o the_o spirit_n give_v they_o utterance_n and_o this_o testimony_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n our_o saviour_n promise_v before_o shall_v be_v give_v to_o he_o joh._n xv_o 26._o when_o the_o comforter_n be_v come_v who_o i_o will_v send_v unto_o you_o from_o the_o father_n even_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n which_o proceed_v from_o the_o father_n he_o shall_v testify_v of_o i_o and_o the_o testimony_n indeed_o be_v very_o plain_a and_o full_a for_o by_o this_o it_o clear_o appear_v that_o all_o his_o former_a miracle_n have_v be_v true_a and_o have_v be_v wrought_v by_o a_o divine_a power_n when_o even_o after_o he_o have_v leave_v this_o world_n he_o be_v still_o able_a to_o make_v good_a this_o promise_n to_o his_o disciple_n and_o to_o empower_v they_o to_o do_v great_a work_n in_o his_o name_n than_o he_o himself_o have_v do_v while_o he_o be_v live_v upon_o earth_n this_o be_v a_o clear_a demonstration_n that_o he_o be_v the_o belove_a son_n of_o the_o father_n and_o be_v as_o st._n peter_n say_v 2.33_o act._n 2.33_o exalt_v at_o god_n right_a hand_n when_o he_o do_v shed_v forth_o that_o wonderful_a power_n upon_o his_o apostle_n of_o which_o all_o that_o then_o dwell_v in_o jerusalem_n or_o have_v come_v thither_o from_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n to_o worship_n be_v eye_n and_o ear-witness_n and_o this_o testimony_n of_o the_o holy-ghost_n be_v give_v to_o our_o saviour_n not_o at_o that_o time_n only_o not_o one_o day_n and_o no_o more_o but_o be_v continue_v to_o be_v give_v to_o he_o all_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n preach_v who_o be_v also_o enable_v to_o communicate_v to_o other_o by_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n 2.38.8.17.10.44.19.6_o act._n 2.38.8.17.10.44.19.6_o the_o same_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o the_o holy-ghost_n which_o they_o themselves_o have_v receive_v until_o they_o have_v finish_v their_o ministry_n and_o plant_v christian_a church_n in_o all_o the_o country_n of_o the_o then_o know_v world_n thus_o i_o have_v brief_o mention_v the_o great_a evidence_n that_o the_o gospel_n history_n afford_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o saviour_n testimony_n of_o himself_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n i_o have_v take_v for_o grant_v as_o be_v part_n of_o the_o gospel-history_n the_o truth_n of_o which_o have_v be_v i_o hope_v already_o sufficient_o prove_v and_o the_o evidence_n itself_o be_v so_o clear_a and_o full_a that_o i_o think_v it_o needless_a to_o open_v it_o in_o more_o word_n than_o i_o have_v do_v for_o that_o the_o testimony_n which_o god_n do_v by_o all_o these_o way_n give_v to_o our_o saviour_n be_v a_o rational_a inducement_n to_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o he_o say_v concern_v himself_o be_v what_o i_o think_v can_v be_v doubt_v by_o those_o that_o allow_v themselves_o any_o time_n to_o consider_v thing_n this_n i_o be_o sure_a i_o may_v say_v that_o if_o this_o strong_a evidence_n that_o the_o gospel-history_n afford_v of_o our_o saviour_n divine_a mission_n be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o prove_v it_o there_o never_o yet_o have_v be_v sufficient_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o any_o divine_a revelation_n i_o have_v almost_o say_v nor_o ever_o can_v be_v but_o that_o i_o know_v it_o be_v not_o for_o we_o to_o say_v what_o infinite_a power_n and_o wisdom_n can_v do_v but_o as_o some_o jew_n in_o our_o saviour_n time_n say_v 7.31_o joh._n 7.31_o when_o christ_n come_v will_v he_o do_v more_o miracle_n than_o these_o which_o this_o man_n have_v do_v so_o i_o may_v ask_v and_o i_o believe_v it_o will_v be_v very_o difficult_a to_o make_v answer_n to_o it_o when_o christ_n come_v if_o indeed_o he_o be_v not_o already_o come_v if_o indeed_o that_o jesus_n on_o who_o we_o believe_v be_v not_o he_o how_o shall_v we_o do_v to_o know_v he_o what_o great_a assurance_n can_v he_o give_v we_o that_o he_o be_v the_o christ_n than_o jesus_n have_v give_v what_o better_a reason_n can_v we_o ever_o have_v to_o believe_v any_o messenger_n that_o shall_v be_v send_v from_o god_n than_o we_o have_v to_o believe_v our_o saviour_n for_o we_o have_v as_o much_o reason_n suppose_v the_o gospel-history_n to_o be_v true_a to_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v send_v from_o god_n as_o we_o have_v to_o believe_v any_o thing_n we_o be_v as_o secure_v that_o we_o be_v not_o deceive_v in_o he_o as_o we_o be_v that_o we_o be_v not_o deceive_v in_o the_o plain_a matter_n of_o sense_n for_o the_o best_a the_o only_a security_n that_o we_o have_v that_o our_o sense_n do_v not_o deceive_v we_o and_o that_o every_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n be_v not_o quite_o otherwise_o than_o it_o appear_v to_o we_o to_o be_v be_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n and_o this_o same_o security_n we_o have_v that_o we_o be_v not_o deceive_v in_o our_o saviour_n divine_a mission_n nay_o we_o be_v more_o secure_a of_o this_o than_o we_o be_v of_o that_o because_o it_o be_v more_o plain_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o deceive_v we_o in_o a_o matter_n on_o which_o our_o everlasting_a welfare_n depend_v than_o in_o matter_n only_o of_o this_o life_n which_o be_v the_o chief_a thing_n for_o which_o our_o bodily_a sense_n be_v of_o use_n to_o we_o and_o if_o indeed_o we_o be_v deceive_v in_o our_o saviour_n it_o must_v be_v say_v that_o god_n himself_o have_v deceive_v we_o have_v give_v we_o all_o the_o reason_n imaginable_a to_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v as_o he_o say_v he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o now_o have_v be_v so_o large_a in_o show_v the_o evidence_n that_o there_o be_v from_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n record_v in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o our_o saviour_n himself_o be_v a_o teacher_n send_v from_o god_n i_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o spend_v much_o time_n in_o show_v that_o his_o apostle_n be_v likewise_o commission_v by_o god_n to_o instruct_v the_o world_n and_o consequent_o that_o we_o ought_v also_o to_o receive_v all_o the_o doctrine_n teach_v by_o they_o whether_o in_o their_o epistle_n or_o in_o their_o discourse_n interweave_v by_o st._n luke_n with_o his_o history_n of_o their_o act_n as_o true_a and_o divine_a for_o 1._o there_o be_v plain_o no_o reason_n why_o we_o shall_v not_o receive_v they_o as_o such_o because_o they_o be_v the_o very_a same_o that_o our_o saviour_n teach_v and_o no_o other_o some_o point_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n be_v indeed_o more_o large_o explain_v and_o handle_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o their_o epistle_n than_o they_o be_v in_o those_o discourse_n of_o our_o saviour_n that_o be_v record_v by_o the_o evangelist_n but_o between_o the_o doctrine_n teach_v by_o our_o lord_n himself_o and_o those_o teach_v by_o the_o apostle_n there_o be_v such_o a_o perfect_a harmony_n and_o agreement_n that_o if_o we_o have_v only_o their_o own_o word_n for_o it_o that_o they_o speak_v and_o write_v by_o the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o spirit_n we_o may_v secure_o believe_v they_o for_o though_o one_o man_n may_v without_o inspiration_n say_v the_o same_o thing_n which_o another_o before_o he_o have_v speak_v by_o inspiration_n yet_o if_o the_o second_o say_v that_o he_o also_o be_v inspire_v there_o can_v be_v no_o hurt_a though_o there_o may_v be_v a_o mistake_n in_o believe_v he_o see_v whether_o the_o man_n be_v inspire_a or_o no_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o doctrine_n be_v but_o 2._o if_o there_o be_v any_o doctrine_n teach_v by_o the_o apostle_n which_o we_o do_v not_o see_v be_v teach_v before_o by_o our_o saviour_n i_o say_v there_o be_v however_o from_o the_o history_n of_o the_o gospel_n evidence_n enough_o of_o their_o divine_a mission_n also_o so_o that_o we_o may_v very_o secure_o take_v upon_o their_o credit_n as_o true_a and_o divine_a any_o doctrine_n which_o they_o have_v instruct_v we_o in_o for_o 1._o that_o they_o be_v send_v by_o our_o saviour_n be_v past_o all_o dispute_n if_o the_o gospel-history_n be_v true_a joh._n xx_o 21._o as_o
power_n of_o work_a miracle_n shall_v cease_v too_o at_o least_o till_o such_o time_n as_o god_n shall_v think_v fit_a to_o make_v some_o alteration_n in_o or_o addition_n to_o his_o former_a revelation_n which_o we_o have_v good_a reason_n to_o think_v he_o will_v never_o do_v or_o till_o he_o shall_v please_v to_o undertake_v the_o conversion_n of_o those_o nation_n to_o the_o christian_a faith_n to_o who_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o former_a miracle_n that_o have_v be_v wrought_v for_o its_o confirmation_n can_v not_o be_v so_o well_o communicate_v by_o credible_a history_n as_o it_o be_v to_o we_o for_o as_o be_v hint_v before_o credible_a history_n be_v all_o the_o proof_n and_o evidence_n that_o we_o ever_o think_v reasonable_a to_o require_v in_o other_o case_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n as_o for_o instance_n when_o a_o new_a law_n be_v make_v concern_v any_o matter_n it_o be_v requisite_a according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o our_o country_n that_o it_o shall_v pass_v both_o 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may_v destroy_v the_o virtue_n of_o believe_v and_o may_v be_v too_o great_a a_o force_n and_o constraint_n upon_o we_o such_o as_o will_v in_o a_o manner_n take_v away_o our_o liberty_n of_o choice_n for_o there_o be_v no_o virtue_n at_o all_o in_o believe_v what_o we_o see_v there_o be_v no_o praise_n or_o thanks_o at_o all_o due_a for_o do_v what_o we_o be_v drive_v or_o force_v to_o do_v and_o for_o we_o who_o have_v already_o abundant_o sufficient_a ground_n to_o believe_v and_o embrace_v christianity_n to_o have_v fresh_a miracle_n wrought_v every_o day_n before_o our_o own_o eye_n such_o miracle_n as_o we_o can_v not_o possible_o doubt_v the_o truth_n of_o to_o confirm_v those_o doctrine_n which_o be_v already_o sufficient_o confirm_v will_v not_o be_v to_o persuade_v we_o but_o to_o force_v we_o to_o be_v christian_o so_o that_o then_o the_o state_n we_o be_v now_o in_o will_v not_o be_v as_o god_n design_v it_o shall_v be_v a_o state_n of_o trial_n for_o the_o trial_n of_o 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