Selected quad for the lemma: truth_n

Word A	Word B	Word C	Word D	Occurrence	Frequency Band	MI	MI Band	Prominent
truth_n	know_v	light_n	see_v	4,540	5	3.7084	3	true

Text snippets containing the quad

ID	Title	Author	Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication)	STC	Words	Pages
A23752	The lively oracles given to us, or, The Christians birth-right and duty, in the custody and use of the Holy Scripture by the author of The whole duty of man, &c.	Allestree, Richard, 1619-1681.; Sterne, Richard, 1596?-1683.; Pakington, Dorothy Coventry, Lady, d. 1679.; Boyle, Robert, 1627-1691.	1678 (1678)	Wing A1149; ESTC R170102	108,974	240

or_o to_o read_v therein_o be_v subject_v to_o severe_a penalty_n 2._o for_o the_o vindication_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n and_o to_o put_v to_o shame_v those_o unhappy_a innovator_n who_o amid_o great_a pretence_n to_o antiquity_n and_o veneration_n to_o the_o scripture_n prevaricat_a from_o both_o i_o think_v it_o may_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o show_v plain_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n herein_o and_o that_o in_o as_o few_o word_n as_o the_o matter_n will_v admit_v 3._o first_o i_o premise_v that_o ireneus_fw-la and_o tertullian_n have_v to_o do_v with_o heretic_n who_o boast_v themselves_o to_o be_v emendator_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o wise_a than_o they_o despise_v their_o authority_n reject_v several_a part_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o obtrude_a other_o write_n in_o their_o steed_n have_v have_v recourse_n unto_o tradition_n with_o a_o seem_a preference_n of_o it_o unto_o scripture_n their_o adversary_n have_v no_o common_a principle_n beside_o the_o own_n the_o name_n of_o christian_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o convince_v they_o but_o by_o a_o recourse_n to_o such_o a_o medium_n which_o they_o will_v allow_v but_o these_o father_n be_v to_o set_v down_o and_o establish_v their_o faith_n be_v most_o express_a in_o resolve_v it_o into_o scripture_n and_o when_o they_o recommend_v tradition_n ever_o mean_v such_o as_o be_v also_o apostolical_a 4._o ireneus_fw-la in_o the_o second_o book_n 47._o c._n tell_v we_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v perfect_a as_o dictate_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o his_o spirit_n and_o the_o same_o father_n begin_v his_o three_o book_n in_o this_o manner_n the_o disposition_n of_o our_o salvation_n be_v no_o otherwise_o know_v by_o we_o then_o by_o those_o by_o who_o the_o gospel_n be_v bring_v to_o we_o which_o indeed_o they_o first_o preach_v but_o afterward_o deliver_v it_o to_o we_o in_o the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o foundation_n and_o pillar_n of_o our_o faith_n nor_o may_v we_o imagine_v that_o they_o begin_v to_o preach_v to_o other_o before_o they_o themselves_o have_v perfect_a knowledge_n as_o some_o be_v bold_a to_o say_v boast_v themselves_o to_o be_v emendator_n of_o the_o apostle_n for_o after_o our_o lord_n resurrection_n they_o be_v endue_v with_o the_o power_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n from_o on_o high_a and_o have_v perfect_a knowledge_n go_v forth_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o earth_n preach_v the_o glad_a tiding_n of_o salvation_n and_o celestial_a praise_n unto_o man_n each_o and_o all_o of_o who_o have_v the_o gospel_n of_o god_n so_o saint_n matthew_n write_v the_o gospel_n to_o the_o hebrew_n in_o their_o tongue_n saint_n peter_n and_o saint_n paul_n preach_v at_o rome_n and_o there_o found_v a_o church_n mark_v the_o disciple_n and_o interpreter_n of_o peter_n deliver_v in_o write_v what_o he_o have_v preach_v and_o luke_n the_o follower_n of_o paul_n set_v down_o in_o his_o book_n the_o gospel_n he_o have_v deliver_v afterwards_o saint_n john_n at_o ephesus_n in_o asia_n publish_v his_o gospel_n etc._n etc._n in_o his_o four_o book_n c._n 66._o he_o direct_v all_o the_o heretic_n with_o who_o he_o deal_v to_o read_v diligent_o the_o gospel_n deliver_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o also_o read_v diligent_o the_o prophet_n assure_v they_o shall_v there_o find_v every_o action_n every_o doctrine_n and_o every_o suffering_n of_o our_o lord_n declare_v by_o they_o 5._o thus_o tertullian_n in_o his_o book_n of_o prescription_n c._n 6._o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o we_o to_o introduce_v any_o thing_n of_o our_o own_o will_n nor_o make_v any_o choice_n upon_o our_o arbitrement_n we_o have_v the_o apostle_n of_o our_o lord_n for_o our_o author_n who_o themselves_o take_v up_o nothing_o on_o their_o own_o will_n or_o choice_n but_o faithful_o impart_v to_o the_o nation_n the_o discipline_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v from_o christ._n so_o that_o if_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n shall_v teach_v another_o doctrine_n he_o be_v to_o be_v accurse_v and._n c._n 25._o it_o be_v madness_n say_v he_o of_o the_o heretic_n when_o they_o confess_v that_o the_o apostle_n be_v ignorant_a of_o nothing_o nor_o teach_v thing_n different_a to_o think_v that_o they_o do_v not_o revele_v all_o thing_n to_o all_o which_o he_o enforce_v in_o the_o follow_a chapter_n in_o his_o book_n against_o hermogenes_n c._n 23._o he_o discourse_v thus_o i_o adore_v the_o plenitude_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o discover_v to_o i_o the_o creator_n and_o what_o be_v create_v also_o in_o the_o gospel_n i_o find_v the_o word_n be_v the_o arbiter_n and_o agent_n in_o the_o creation_n that_o all_o thing_n be_v make_v of_o preexistent_a matter_n i_o never_o read_v let_v hermogenes_n and_o his_o journeyman_n show_v that_o it_o be_v write_v if_o it_o be_v not_o write_v let_v he_o fear_v the_o woe_n which_o belong_v to_o they_o thad_z add_v or_o detract_v and_o in_o the_o 39_o ch_z of_o his_o prescript_n we_o feed_v our_o faith_n raise_v our_o hope_n and_o establish_v our_o reliance_n with_o the_o sacred_a word_n 6._o in_o like_a manner_n hippolytus_n in_o the_o homily_n against_o noetus_n declare_v that_o we_o acknowledge_v only_o from_o scripture_n that_o there_o be_v one_o god_n and_o whereas_o secular_a philosophy_n be_v not_o to_o be_v have_v but_o from_o the_o read_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o philosopher_n so_o whosoever_o of_o we_o will_v preserve_v piety_n towards_o god_n he_o can_v otherwise_o learn_v it_o then_o from_o the_o holy_a scripture_n according_o origen_n in_o the_o five_o homily_n on_o leviticus_n say_v in_o the_o scripture_n every_o word_n appertain_v to_o god_n be_v to_o be_v seek_v and_o discuss_v and_o the_o knowledge_n of_o all_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v receive_v 7._o what_o saint_n cyprian_n opinion_n be_v in_o this_o point_n we_o learn_v at_o large_a from_o his_o epistle_n to_o pompey_n for_o when_o tradition_n be_v object_v to_o he_o he_o answer_v whence_o be_v this_o tradition_n be_v it_o from_o the_o authority_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o his_o gospel_n or_o come_v it_o from_o the_o command_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o their_o epistle_n almighty_a god_n declare_v that_o what_o be_v write_v shall_v be_v obey_v and_o practise_v the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n say_v he_o in_o joshua_n shall_v not_o depart_v from_o thy_o mouth_n but_o thou_o shall_v meditate_v in_o it_o day_n and_o night_n that_o you_o may_v observe_v and_o keep_v all_o that_o be_v write_v therein_o so_o our_o lord_n send_v his_o apostle_n command_v they_o to_o baptize_v all_o nation_n and_o teach_v they_o to_o observe_v all_o thing_n that_o he_o have_v command_v again_o what_o obstinacy_n and_o presumption_n be_v it_o to_o prefer_v human_a tradition_n to_o divine_a command_n not_o consider_v that_o god_n wrath_n be_v kindle_v as_o often_o as_o his_o precept_n be_v dissolve_v and_o neglect_v by_o reason_n of_o human_a tradition_n thus_o god_n warn_v and_o speak_v by_o isaiah_n this_o people_n honour_v i_o with_o their_o lip_n but_o their_o heart_n be_v far_o from_o i_o but_o in_o vain_a do_v they_o worship_v i_o teach_v for_o doctrine_n the_o commandment_n of_o man_n also_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o gospel_n check_v and_o reprove_v say_v you_o reject_v the_o law_n of_o god_n that_o you_o may_v establish_v your_o tradition_n of_o which_o precept_n the_o apostle_n saint_n paul_n be_v mindful_a admonish_v and_o instruct_v say_v if_o any_o man_n teach_v otherwise_o and_o hearken_v not_o to_o sound_v doctrine_n and_o the_o word_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n he_o be_v proud_a know_v nothing_o from_o such_o we_o must_v depart_v and_o again_o he_o add_v there_o be_v a_o compendious_a way_n for_o religious_a and_o sincere_a mind_n both_o to_o deposit_v their_o error_n and_o find_v out_o the_o truth_n for_o if_o we_o return_v to_o the_o source_n and_o original_n of_o divine_a tradition_n human_a error_n will_v cease_v and_o the_o ground_n of_o heavenly_a mystery_n be_v see_v what_o soever_o be_v hide_v with_o cloud_n and_o darkness_n will_v be_v manifest_a by_o the_o light_n of_o truth_n if_o a_o pipe_n that_o bring_v plentiful_a supply_n of_o water_n fail_v on_o the_o sudden_a do_v not_o man_n look_v to_o the_o fountain_n and_o thence_o learn_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o defect_n whether_o the_o spring_n itself_o be_v dry_a or_o if_o run_v free_o the_o water_n be_v stop_v in_o its_o passage_n that_o if_o by_o interrupt_a or_o break_a conveyance_n it_o be_v hinder_v to_o pass_v they_o be_v repair_v it_o may_v again_o be_v bring_v to_o the_o city_n with_o the_o same_o plenty_n as_o it_o flow_v from_o the_o spring_n and_o this_o god_n priest_n ought_v to_o do_v at_o this_o time_n obey_v the_o command_n of_o god_n that_o if_o truth_n have_v swerve_v or_o fail_v in_o any_o particular_a we_o go_v backward_o to_o the_o source_n of_o the_o evangelical_n

vain_a for_o man_n to_o address_v nay_o it_o be_v insolence_n to_o expect_v that_o human_a oratory_n shall_v succeed_v where_o the_o divine_a fail_n yet_o the_o spread_a infection_n of_o these_o render_v it_o necessary_a to_o administer_v antidote_n to_o other_o and_o beside_o though_o god_n be_v blessed_v all_o be_v not_o of_o this_o form_n yet_o there_o be_v many_o who_o though_o not_o arrive_v to_o this_o contempt_n yet_o want_v some_o degree_n of_o that_o just_a reverence_n they_o owe_v the_o sacred_a scripture_n who_o give_v a_o confuse_a general_a assent_n to_o they_o as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o afford_v they_o not_o a_o consideration_n and_o respect_n answerable_a to_o such_o a_o acknowledgement_n to_o such_o as_o these_o i_o shall_v hope_v it_o may_v not_o be_v utter_o vain_a to_o attemt_a the_o exciting_a of_o those_o drowsy_a notion_n that_o lie_v unactive_a in_o they_o by_o present_v to_o they_o some_o consideration_n concern_v the_o excellence_n and_o use_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v all_o but_o necessary_a consequence_n of_o that_o principle_n they_o be_v suppose_v to_o own_o viz._n that_o they_o be_v god_n word_n i_o can_v much_o question_v their_o assent_n to_o the_o speculative_a part_n i_o wish_v i_o can_v as_o probable_o assure_v myself_o of_o the_o practic_a 10._o indeed_o be_v there_o nothing_o else_o to_o be_v say_v in_o behalf_n of_o holy_a writ_n but_o that_o it_o be_v god_n word_n that_o be_v enough_o to_o command_v the_o most_o awful_a regard_n to_o it_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v but_o just_a we_o make_v that_o the_o first_o and_o principal_a consideration_n in_o our_o present_a discourse_n but_o then_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o that_o can_v want_v other_o to_o attend_v it_o since_o whatsoever_o god_n say_v be_v in_o all_o respect_v complete_o good_a i_o shall_v therefore_o to_o that_o of_o its_o divine_a original_n add_v second_o the_o consideration_n of_o its_o subject_a matter_n three_o of_o its_o excellent_a and_o no_o less_o diffusive_a end_n and_o design_n and_o four_a of_o its_o exact_a propriety_n and_o fitness_n to_o that_o design_n which_o be_v all_o such_o qualification_n that_o where_o they_o concur_v nothing_o more_o can_v be_v require_v to_o commend_v a_o writing_n to_o the_o esteem_n of_o rational_a man_n and_o upon_o all_o these_o test_n notwithstanding_o the_o cavil_n of_o the_o romanist_n and_o other_o who_o force_n we_o shall_v examine_v with_o the_o unhappy_a issue_n of_o contrary_a counsel_n this_o law_n of_o god_n will_v be_v find_v to_o answer_v the_o psalmist_n character_n of_o it_o ps._n 19_o 7._o the_o law_n of_o god_n be_v perfect_a and_o it_o will_v appear_v that_o the_o custody_n and_o use_n thereof_o be_v the_o birthright_n and_o duty_n of_o every_o christian._n all_o which_o several_n be_v faithful_o deduce_v it_o will_v only_o remain_v that_o i_o add_v such_o caution_n as_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o the_o due_a performance_n of_o the_o aforesaid_a duty_n and_o our_o be_v in_o some_o degree_n render_v perfect_a as_o this_o law_n of_o god_n and_o the_o author_n thereof_o himself_o be_v perfect_a mat._n 5._o 48._o sect_n ii_o the_o divine_a original_a endearment_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n man_n judgement_n be_v so_o apt_a to_o be_v biased_n by_o their_o affection_n that_o we_o often_o find_v they_o ready_a to_o consider_v who_o speak_v than_o what_o be_v speak_v a_o temper_n very_o unsafe_a and_o the_o principle_n of_o great_a injustice_n in_o our_o inferior_a transaction_n with_o man_n yet_o here_o there_o be_v very_o few_o of_o we_o that_o can_v whole_o divest_v ourselves_o of_o it_o whereas_o when_o we_o deal_v with_o god_n in_o who_o alone_o a_o implicit_a faith_n may_v secure_o be_v repose_v we_o be_v nice_a and_o wary_a bring_v our_o scale_n and_o mesure_n will_v take_v nothing_o upon_o his_o word_n which_o hold_v not_o weight_n in_o our_o own_o balance_n it_o be_v true_a he_o need_v not_o our_o partiality_n to_o be_v justify_v in_o his_o say_n psal._n 51._o 4._o his_o word_n be_v pure_a even_o as_o the_o silver_n try_v seven_o time_n in_o the_o fire_n psal._n 12._o 6._o able_a to_o pass_v the_o strict_a test_n that_o right_a reason_n true_o so_o call_v can_v put_v they_o to_o yet_o it_o show_v a_o great_a perverseness_n in_o our_o nature_n that_o we_o who_o so_o easy_o resign_v our_o understanding_n to_o fallible_a man_n stand_v thus_o upon_o our_o guard_n against_o god_n make_v he_o dispute_v for_o every_o inch_n he_o gain_v on_o we_o nor_o will_v afford_v he_o what_o we_o daily_o grant_v to_o any_o credible_a man_n to_o receive_v a_o affirmation_n upon_o trust_n of_o his_o veracity_n 2._o i_o be_o far_o from_o contradict_v our_o savior_n precept_n of_o search_n the_o scripture_n jo._n 7._o or_o saint_n paul_n of_o prove_v all_o thing_n 1_o thes._n 5._o 21._o we_o can_v be_v too_o industrious_a in_o our_o inquest_n after_o truth_n provide_v we_o still_o reserve_v to_o god_n the_o decisive_a vote_n and_o humble_o acquiesce_v in_o his_o sense_n how_o distant_a soever_o from_o our_o own_o so_o that_o when_o we_o consult_v scripture_n i_o may_v add_v reason_n either_o it_o be_v not_o to_o resolve_v we_o whether_o god_n be_v to_o be_v believe_v or_o no_o in_o what_o he_o have_v say_v but_o whether_o he_o have_v say_v such_o and_o such_o thing_n for_o if_o we_o be_v convince_v he_o have_v reason_n as_o well_o as_o religion_n command_v our_o assert_v 3._o whatever_o therefore_o god_n have_v say_v we_o be_v to_o pay_v it_o a_o reverence_n mere_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o its_o author_n over_o and_o above_o what_o the_o excellence_n of_o the_o matter_n exact_v and_o to_o this_o we_o have_v all_o inducement_n as_o well_o as_o obligation_n there_o be_v no_o motive_n to_o render_v the_o word_n of_o man_n estimable_a to_o we_o which_o be_v not_o eminent_o and_o transcendent_o appliable_a to_o those_o of_o god_n 4._o those_o motive_n we_o may_v reduce_v to_o four_o first_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o speaker_n second_o his_o kindness_n three_o his_o wisdom_n and_o four_a his_o truth_n first_o for_o that_o of_o authority_n that_o may_v be_v either_o native_a or_o acquire_v the_o native_a be_v that_o of_o a_o parent_n which_o be_v such_o a_o charm_n of_o observance_n that_o we_o see_v sa●omon_n when_o he_o will_v impress_v his_o counsel_n assume_v the_o person_n of_o a_o father_n hear_v o_o my_o child_n the_o instruction_n of_o a_o father_n prov._n 4._o 1._o and_o general_o through_o that_o whole_a book_n he_o use_v the_o compellation_n of_o my_o son_n as_o the_o great_a endearment_n to_o engage_v attention_n and_o reverence_n nay_o so_o indispensible_a be_v the_o obligation_n of_o child_n in_o this_o respect_n that_o we_o see_v the_o contumacious_a child_n that_o will_v not_o hearken_v to_o the_o advice_n of_o his_o parent_n be_v by_o god_n himself_o adjudge_v to_o death_n deut._n 21._o 20._o 5._o nor_o have_v only_a god_n but_o man_n law_n exact_v that_o filial_a reverence_n to_o the_o dictate_v of_o parent_n but_o certain_o no_o parent_n can_v pretend_v such_o a_o title_n to_o it_o as_o god_n who_o be_v not_o only_o the_o immediate_a father_n of_o our_o person_n but_o the_o original_a father_n of_o our_o very_a nature_n not_o only_o of_o our_o flesh_n but_o of_o our_o spirit_n also_o heb._n 12._o 9_o so_o that_o the_o apostle_n antithesis_fw-la in_o that_o place_n be_v as_o proper_o apply_v to_o counsel_n as_o correction_n and_o we_o may_v as_o right_o infer_v that_o if_o we_o give_v reverence_n to_o the_o advice_n of_o our_o earthly_a parent_n much_o more_o ought_v we_o subject_v ourselves_o to_o this_o father_n of_o our_o spirit_n and_o we_o have_v the_o very_a same_o reason_n wherewith_o to_o enforce_v it_o for_o the_o father_n of_o our_o flesh_n do_v as_o often_o dictate_v as_o correct_v according_a to_o their_o own_o pleasure_n prescribe_v to_o their_o child_n not_o according_a to_o the_o exact_a mesure_n of_o right_a and_o wrong_n but_o after_o that_o humour_n which_o most_o predominate_v in_o themselves_o but_o god_n always_o direct_v his_o admonition_n to_o our_o profit_n that_o we_o may_v be_v partaker_n of_o his_o holiness_n heb._n 12._o 11._o so_o that_o we_o be_v as_o unkind_a to_o ourselves_o as_o irreverent_a towards_o he_o whenever_o we_o let_v any_o of_o his_o word_n fall_v to_o the_o ground_n who_o claim_n to_o this_o part_n of_o our_o reverence_n be_v much_o more_o irrefragable_a than_o that_o of_o our_o natural_a parent_n 6._o but_o beside_o this_o native_a authority_n there_o be_v also_o a_o acquire_v and_o that_o we_o may_v distinguish_v into_o two_o sort_n the_o one_o of_o dominion_n the_o other_o of_o reputation_n to_o the_o first_o kind_n belong_v that_o of_o prince_n magistrate_n master_n or_o any_o that_o have_v coercive_a power_n over_o we_o and_o our_o

of_o two_o or_o three_o but_o in_o such_o as_o he_o intimate_v to_o abraham_n when_o he_o show_v he_o the_o star_n as_o the_o representative_a of_o his_o numerous_a offspring_n gen._n 15._o 5._o when_o he_o teach_v we_o that_o high_a and_o yet_o most_o certain_a alchemy_n of_o refine_n and_o multiply_v our_o enjoiment_n and_o then_o perpetuate_a they_o 20._o all_o this_o god_n do_v in_o scripture_n and_o we_o must_v be_v stupid_o improvident_a if_o we_o will_v take_v no_o advantage_n by_o it_o it_o be_v once_o the_o complaint_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o jew_n i_o be_o come_v in_o my_o father_n name_n and_o you_o receive_v i_o not_o if_o another_o shall_v come_v in_o his_o own_o name_n him_z you_o will_v receive_v jo._n 5._o 43._o and_o what_o be_v say_v by_o he_o the_o eternal_a essential_a word_n be_v no_o less_o applicable_a to_o the_o write_v which_o come_v in_o the_o name_n and_o upon_o the_o message_n of_o god_n be_v despise_v and_o slight_v and_o every_o the_o light_a composure_n of_o man_n prefer_v before_o it_o as_o if_o that_o signature_n of_o divinity_n it_o carry_v serve_v rather_o as_o a_o brand_n to_o stigmatize_v and_o defame_v then_o adorn_v and_o recommend_v it_o a_o contemt_fw-mi which_o strike_v immediate_o at_o god_n himself_o who_o resentment_n of_o it_o though_o for_o the_o present_a suppress_v by_o his_o long-suffering_a will_v at_o last_o break_v out_o upon_o all_o who_o persevere_v so_o to_o affront_v he_o in_o a_o judgement_n worthy_a of_o god_n wis._n 12._o 26._o 21._o but_o after_o all_o that_o have_v be_v say_v i_o foresee_v some_o may_v say_v that_o i_o have_v all_o this_o while_n but_o beat_v the_o air_n have_v build_v upon_o a_o principle_n which_o some_o flat_o deny_v other_o doubt_v of_o and_o have_v run_v away_o with_o a_o supposition_n that_o the_o bible_n be_v of_o divine_a original_a without_o any_o attemt_fw-mi of_o proof_n to_o such_o as_o these_o i_o may_v just_o enough_o object_v the_o extreme_a hard_a measure_n they_o offer_v to_o divinity_n above_o all_o other_o science_n for_o in_o those_o they_o still_o allow_v some_o fundamental_a maxim_n which_o be_v presuppose_v without_o proof_n but_o in_o this_o they_o admit_v of_o no_o postulata_fw-la no_o grant_a principle_n on_o which_o to_o superstruct_v if_o the_o same_o rigour_n shall_v be_v extend_v to_o secular_a case_n what_o a_o damp_n will_v it_o strike_v upon_o commerce_n for_o example_n a_o man_n expect_v fair_a deal_n from_o his_o neighbour_n upon_o the_o strength_n of_o those_o common_a notion_n of_o justice_n he_o presume_v write_v in_o all_o man_n heart_n but_o according_a to_o this_o measure_n he_o must_v first_o prove_v to_o every_o man_n he_o deal_v with_o that_o such_o notion_n there_o be_v and_o that_o they_o be_v obligatory_a that_o the_o ware_n expose_v to_o sale_n be_v his_o own_o that_o dominion_n be_v not_o found_v in_o grace_n or_o that_o he_o be_v in_o that_o state_n and_o so_o have_v a_o property_n to_o confer_v upon_o another_o that_o the_o person_n deal_v with_o pay_v a_o just_a price_n do_v it_o in_o good_a money_n and_o that_o it_o be_v his_o own_o or_o that_o he_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n or_o needs_o not_o be_v so_o to_o justify_v his_o purchase_n and_o at_o this_o rate_n the_o market_n will_v be_v as_o full_a of_o nice_a question_n as_o the_o school_n but_o because_o complaint_n and_o retortion_n be_v the_o common_a refuge_n of_o cause_n that_o want_v better_a argument_n i_o shall_v not_o insist_v here_o but_o to_o proceed_v to_o a_o defence_n of_o the_o question_a assertion_n that_o the_o bible_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n 22._o in_o which_o i_o shall_v proceed_v by_o these_o degree_n first_o i_o shall_v lay_v down_o the_o plain_a ground_n upon_o which_o christian_n believe_v it_o second_o i_o shall_v compare_v those_o with_o those_o of_o less_o credibility_n which_o have_v general_o satisfy_v mankind_n in_o other_o thing_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n and_o three_o i_o shall_v consider_v whether_o those_o who_o be_v dissatisfy_v with_o those_o ground_n will_v not_o be_v equal_o so_o with_o any_o other_o way_n of_o attestation_n 23._o before_o i_o enter_v upon_o the_o first_o of_o these_o i_o desire_v it_o may_v be_v consider_v that_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o such_o rigorous_a demonstrative_a evidence_n as_o mathematical_a proposition_n be_v to_o render_v a_o thing_n fit_a for_o rational_a belief_n there_o be_v no_o more_o require_v but_o that_o the_o motive_n for_o it_o do_v over-poise_n those_o against_o it_o and_o in_o that_o degree_n they_o do_v so_o so_o be_v the_o belief_n strong_a or_o weak_a 24._o now_o the_o motive_n of_o our_o belief_n in_o the_o present_a case_n be_v such_o as_o be_v extrinsic_n or_o intrinsic_n to_o the_o scripture_n of_o which_o the_o extrinsic_n be_v first_o and_o preparative_n to_o the_o other_o and_o indeed_o all_o that_o can_v reasonable_o be_v insist_v on_o to_o a_o gain-say_a who_o must_v be_v suppose_v no_o competent_a judge_n of_o the_o late_a but_o as_o to_o the_o former_a i_o shall_v adventure_v to_o say_v that_o the_o di●ine_a original_a of_o the_o scripture_n have_v as_o great_a ground_n of_o credibility_n as_o can_v be_v expect_v in_o any_o thing_n of_o this_o kind_n for_o whether_o god_n ●nspired_v the_o penman_n of_o holy_a writ_n be_v matter_n of_o fact_n and_o be_v so_o be_v capable_a of_o no_o other_o external_a evidence_n but_o that_o of_o testimony_n and_o that_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v also_o in_o point_n of_o time_n so_o remote_a from_o we_o can_v be_v judge_v of_o only_a by_o a_o series_n of_o testimony_n derive_v from_o that_o age_n wherein_o the_o scripture_n be_v write_v to_o this_o and_o the_o more_o credible_a the_o testifier_n and_o the_o more_o universal_a the_o testimony_n so_o much_o the_o more_o convince_a be_v they_o to_o all_o consider_v man_n 25._o and_o this_o attestation_n the_o scripture_n have_v in_o the_o high_a circumstance_n it_o have_v be_v witness_v to_o in_o all_o age_n and_o in_o those_o age_n by_o all_o person_n that_o can_v be_v presume_v to_o know_v any_o thing_n of_o it_o thus_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v own_a by_o the_o whole_a nation_n of_o the_o jew_n as_o the_o write_n of_o man_n inspire_v by_o god_n and_o that_o with_o such_o evidence_n of_o their_o mission_n as_o abundant_o satisfy_v those_o of_o that_o age_n of_o their_o be_v so_o inspire_v and_o they_o derive_v those_o write_n with_o that_o attestation_n to_o their_o posterity_n now_o that_o those_o of_o the_o first_o age_n be_v not_o deceive_v be_v as_o moral_o certain_a as_o any_o thing_n can_v be_v suppose_v for_o in_o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o bible_n be_v contain_v the_o history_n of_o those_o miracle_n wherewith_o god_n rescue_v that_o people_n out_o of_o egypt_n and_o instate_v they_o in_o canaan_n now_o if_o they_o who_o live_v at_o that_o time_n know_v that_o such_o miracle_n be_v never_o do_v it_o be_v impossible_a they_o can_v receive_v a_o evident_a fable_n as_o a_o inspire_a truth_n no_o single_a person_n much_o less_o a_o whole_a nation_n can_v be_v suppose_v so_o stupid_a but_o if_o indeed_o they_o be_v eie-witness_n of_o those_o miracle_n they_o may_v with_o very_o good_a reason_n conclude_v that_o the_o same_o moses_n who_o be_v by_o god_n impower_v to_o work_v they_o be_v so_o also_o for_o the_o relate_v they_o as_o also_o all_o those_o precedent_a event_n from_o the_o creation_n down_o to_o that_o time_n which_o be_v record_v by_o he_o 26._o so_o also_o for_o the_o preceptive_a part_n of_o those_o book_n those_o that_o see_v those_o formidable_a solemnity_n with_o which_o they_o be_v first_o publish_v have_v sure_o little_a temptation_n to_o doubt_v that_o they_o be_v the_o dictate_v of_o god_n when_o write_v now_o if_o they_o can_v not_o be_v deceive_v themselves_o it_o be_v yet_o less_o imaginable_a that_o they_o shall_v conspire_v to_o impose_v a_o cheat_n upon_o their_o posterity_n nor_o indeed_o be_v the_o jew_n of_o so_o easy_a a_o credulity_n that_o it_o be_v at_o all_o probable_a the_o succeed_a generation_n will_v have_v be_v so_o impose_v on_o their_o humour_n be_v stubborn_a enough_o and_o the_o precept_n of_o their_o law_n severe_a and_o burdensome_a enough_o to_o have_v temt_v they_o to_o have_v cast_v off_o the_o yoke_n have_v it_o not_o be_v bind_v upon_o they_o by_o irresistible_a conviction_n of_o its_o come_n from_o god_n but_o beside_o this_o tradition_n of_o their_o elder_n they_o have_v the_o advantage_n of_o live_v under_o a_o theocracy_n the_o immediate_a guidance_n of_o god_n prophet_n daily_o raise_v up_o among_o they_o to_o foretell_v event_n to_o admonish_v they_o of_o their_o duty_n and_o reprove_v their_o backslide_n yet_o even_o these_o give_v the_o deference_n to_o the_o write_a word_n

those_o intrinsic_n evidence_n which_o arise_v out_o of_o the_o scripture_n itself_o but_o of_o these_o i_o think_v not_o proper_a here_o to_o insist_v partly_o because_o the_o subject_n will_v be_v in_o a_o great_a degree_n coincident_a with_o that_o of_o the_o second_o general_a consideration_n and_o partly_o because_o these_o can_v be_v argumentative_a to_o none_o who_o be_v not_o qualify_v to_o discern_v they_o let_v those_o who_o doubt_v the_o divine_a original_a of_o scripture_n well_o digest_v the_o former_a ground_n which_o be_v within_o the_o verge_n of_o reason_n and_o when_o by_o those_o they_o be_v bring_v to_o read_v it_o with_o due_a reverence_n they_o will_v not_o want_v argument_n from_o the_o scripture_n itself_o to_o confirm_v their_o veneration_n of_o it_o 45._o in_o the_o mean_a time_n to_o evince_v how_o proper_a the_o former_a discourse_n be_v to_o find_v a_o rational_a belief_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n i_o shall_v compare_v it_o with_o those_o mesure_n of_o credibility_n upon_o which_o all_o human_a transaction_n move_v and_o upon_o which_o man_n trust_v their_o great_a concern_v without_o diffidence_n or_o dispute_n 46._o that_o we_o must_v in_o many_o thing_n trust_v the_o report_n of_o other_o be_v so_o necessary_a that_o without_o it_o human_a society_n can_v subsist_v what_o a_o multitude_n of_o subject_n be_v there_o in_o the_o world_n who_o never_o see_v their_o prince_n nor_o be_v at_o the_o make_n of_o any_o law_n if_o all_o these_o shall_v deny_v their_o obedience_n because_o they_o have_v it_o only_o by_o hear-say_n there_o be_v such_o a_o man_n and_o such_o law_n what_o will_v become_v of_o government_n so_o also_o for_o property_n if_o nothing_o of_o testimony_n may_v be_v admit_v how_o shall_v any_o man_n prove_v his_o right_n to_o any_o thing_n all_o plea_n must_v be_v decide_v by_o the_o sword_n and_o we_o shall_v fall_v into_o that_o state_n which_o some_o have_v phancy_v the_o primitive_a of_o universal_a hostility_n in_o like_a manner_n for_o traffic_n and_o commerce_n how_o shall_v any_o merchant_n first_fw-mi attemt_fw-mi a_o trade_n to_o any_o foreign_a part_n of_o the_o world_n if_o he_o do_v not_o believe_v that_o such_o a_o place_n there_o be_v and_o how_o can_v he_o believe_v that_o but_o upon_o the_o credit_n of_o those_o who_o have_v be_v there_o nay_o indeed_o how_o can_v any_o man_n first_o attemt_a to_o go_v but_o to_o the_o next_o market_n town_n if_o he_o do_v not_o from_o the_o report_n of_o other_o conclude_v that_o such_o a_o one_o there_o be_v so_o that_o if_o this_o universal_a diffidence_n shall_v prevail_v every_o man_n shall_v be_v a_o kind_n of_o plantagnus_fw-la fix_v to_o the_o soil_n he_o first_o spring_v up_o in_o the_o absurdity_n be_v indeed_o so_o infinite_a and_o so_o obvious_a that_o i_o need_v not_o dilate_v upon_o they_o 47._o but_o it_o will_v perhaps_o be_v say_v that_o in_o thing_n that_o be_v tell_v we_o by_o our_o contemporary_n and_o that_o relate_v to_o our_o own_o time_n man_n will_v be_v less_o apt_a to_o deceive_v we_o because_o they_o know_v it_o be_v in_o our_o power_n to_o examine_v and_o discover_v the_o truth_n to_o this_o i_o may_v say_v that_o in_o many_o instance_n it_o will_v scarce_o quit_v cost_v to_o do_v so_o and_o the_o inconvenience_n of_o trial_n will_v exceed_v those_o of_o belief_n but_o i_o shall_v willing_o admit_v this_o probable_a argument_n and_o only_o desire_v it_o may_v be_v apply_v to_o our_o main_a question_n by_o consider_v whether_o the_o primitive_a christian_n who_o receive_v the_o scripture_n as_o divine_v have_v not_o the_o same_o security_n of_o not_o be_v deceive_v who_o have_v as_o great_a opportunity_n of_o examine_v and_o the_o great_a concern_v of_o do_v it_o throly_a since_o they_o be_v to_o engage_v not_o only_o their_o future_a hope_n in_o another_o world_n but_o that_o which_o to_o nature_n be_v much_o more_o sensible_a all_o their_o present_a enjoiment_n and_o even_o life_n itself_o upon_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o 48._o but_o because_o it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o we_o who_o be_v so_o many_o age_n remove_v from_o they_o have_v not_o their_o mean_n of_o assurance_n let_v we_o in_o the_o next_o place_n consider_v whether_o a_o assent_n to_o those_o testimony_n they_o have_v leave_v behind_o they_o be_v not_o warrant_v by_o the_o common_a practice_n of_o mankind_n in_o other_o case_n who_o be_v there_o that_o question_n there_o be_v such_o a_o man_n as_o william_n the_o conqueror_n in_o this_o island_n or_o to_o lay_v the_o scene_n far_o who_o doubt_v there_o be_v a_o alexander_n a_o julius_n caesar_n a_o augustus_n now_o what_o have_v we_o to_o found_v this_o confidence_n on_o beside_o the_o faith_n of_o history_n and_o i_o presume_v even_o those_o who_o exact_v the_o severe_a demonstration_n for_o ecclesiastic_a story_n will_v think_v he_o a_o very_a impertinent_a sceptic_a that_o shall_v do_v the_o like_a in_o these_o so_o also_o as_o to_o the_o author_n of_o book_n who_o dispute_v whether_o homer_n write_v the_o iliad_n or_o virgil_n the_o aeneid_n or_o caesar_n the_o commentary_n that_o pass_v under_o their_o name_n yet_o none_o of_o these_o have_v be_v attest_v in_o any_o degree_n like_o the_o scripture_n it_o be_v say_v indeed_o that_o caesar_n venture_v his_o own_o life_n to_o save_v his_o commentary_n employ_v one_o hand_n to_o hold_v that_o above_o the_o water_n when_o it_o shall_v have_v assist_v he_o in_o swim_v but_o who_o ever_o lay_v down_o their_o life_n in_o attestation_n of_o that_o or_o any_o human_a composure_n as_o multitude_n of_o man_n have_v do_v for_o the_o bible_n 49._o but_o perhaps_o it_o will_v be_v say_v that_o the_o small_a concern_v man_n have_v who_o write_v these_o or_o other_o the_o like_a book_n incline_v they_o to_o acquiesce_v in_o the_o common_a opinion_n to_o this_o i_o must_v say_v that_o many_o thing_n inconsiderable_a to_o mankind_n have_v oft_o be_v very_o laborious_o discuss_v as_o appear_v by_o many_o unedifying_a volume_n both_o of_o philosopher_n and_o schoolman_n but_o whatever_o may_v be_v say_v in_o this_o instance_n it_o be_v manifest_a there_o be_v other_o wherein_o man_n real_a and_o great_a interest_n be_v entrust_v to_o the_o testimony_n of_o former_a age_n for_o example_n a_o man_n possess_v a_o estate_n which_o be_v buy_v by_o his_o great_a grandfather_n or_o perhaps_o elder_a progenitor_n he_o chary_o preserve_v that_o deed_n of_o purchase_n and_o never_o look_v for_o far_a security_n of_o his_o title_n yet_o alas_o at_o the_o rate_n that_o man_n object_n against_o the_o bible_n what_o numberless_a cavil_n may_v be_v raise_v against_o such_o a_o deed_n how_o shall_v it_o be_v know_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o man_n as_o either_o seller_n or_o purchaser_n if_o by_o the_o witness_n they_o be_v as_o liable_a to_o doubt_v as_o the_o other_o it_o be_v as_o easy_a to_o forge_v the_o attestation_n as_o the_o main_a writing_n and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o all_o these_o possible_a deceit_n nothing_o but_o a_o positive_a proof_n of_o forgery_n can_v invalidate_v this_o deed_n let_v but_o the_o scripture_n have_v the_o same_o measure_n be_v allow_v to_o stand_v in_o force_n to_o be_v what_o it_o pretend_v to_o be_v till_o the_o contrary_n be_v not_o by_o surmise_n and_o possible_a conjecture_n but_o by_o evident_a proof_n evince_v and_o its_o great_a advocat_n will_v ask_v no_o more_o 50._o a_o like_a instance_n may_v be_v give_v in_o public_a concern_v the_o immunity_n and_o right_n of_o any_o nation_n particular_o here_o of_o our_o magna_fw-la charta_fw-la grant_v many_o age_n since_o and_o deposit_v among_o the_o public_a record_n to_o make_v this_o signify_v any_o thing_n it_o must_v be_v take_v for_o grant_v that_o this_o be_v without_o falsification_n preserve_v to_o our_o time_n yet_o how_o easy_a be_v it_o to_o suggest_v that_o in_o so_o long_a a_o succession_n of_o its_o keeper_n some_o may_v have_v be_v prevail_v on_o by_o the_o influence_n of_o prince_n to_o abridge_v and_o curtail_v its_o concession_n other_o by_o a_o prevail_a faction_n of_o the_o people_n to_o amplify_v and_o extend_v it_o nay_o if_o man_n be_v as_o great_a sceptic_n in_o law_n as_o they_o be_v in_o divinity_n they_o may_v exact_v demonstration_n that_o the_o whole_a thing_n be_v not_o a_o forgery_n yet_o for_o all_o these_o possible_a surmise_n we_o still_o build_v upon_o it_o and_o shall_v think_v he_o argue_v very_o fallacious_o that_o shall_v go_v to_o evacuate_v it_o upon_o the_o force_n of_o such_o remote_a supposition_n 51._o now_o i_o desire_v it_o may_v be_v consider_v whether_o our_o security_n concern_v the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v not_o as_o great_a nay_o great_a than_o it_o can_v be_v of_o this_o for_o first_o this_o be_v a_o concern_v only_o of_o a_o particular_a nation_n and_o