with_o this_o word_n speak_v it_o to_o be_v his_o own_o ordinance_n for_o else_o god_n will_v give_v no_o such_o blessing_n to_o it_o four_o and_o last_o it_o minister_v comfort_n above_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n to_o a_o depress_a and_o distress_a conscience_n in_o the_o great_a extremity_n and_o pressure_n of_o affliction_n that_o be_v incident_a to_o this_o present_a life_n yea_o and_o in_o the_o very_a hour_n of_o death_n against_o the_o fear_n both_o of_o death_n and_o hell_n and_o condemnation_n when_o all_o humane_a comfort_n shake_v hand_n with_o we_o and_o forsake_v we_o and_o therefore_o extend_v itself_o beyond_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n also_o in_o this_o particular_a it_o be_v apparent_o divine_a that_o it_o do_v minister_v comfort_n to_o wound_a and_o distress_a conscience_n need_v no_o proof_n it_o be_v confess_v of_o all_o without_o contradiction_n as_o have_v be_v prove_v by_o example_n without_o number_n in_o all_o age_n and_o that_o nothing_o else_o can_v either_o heal_v or_o comfort_v a_o wound_a and_o perplex_a conscience_n be_v as_o true_a too_o mirth_n and_o passime_fw-la with_o such_o like_a avooation_n and_o the_o society_n of_o friend_n may_v allay_v the_o smart_n of_o this_o wound_n for_o a_o time_n but_o can_v possible_o heal_v it_o it_o be_v this_o balm_n of_o gilead_n this_o rod_n and_o this_o staff_n of_o god_n which_o comfort_v 23.4_o comfort_v psal_n 23.4_o david_n and_o but_o for_o which_o he_o have_v perish_v in_o his_o 119.92_o his_o psal_n 119.92_o affliction_n which_o alone_o and_o nothing_o else_o comfort_v all_o that_o make_v a_o right_a use_n of_o it_o in_o their_o deep_a misery_n and_o this_o be_v one_o and_o a_o principal_a end_n for_o which_o this_o word_n be_v write_v namely_o that_o it_o may_v minister_v comfort_n to_o we_o in_o this_o present_a life_n by_o breed_v in_o we_o a_o steadfast_a hope_n of_o a_o better_a iâ—fâ—_n to_o come_v this_o s._n paul_n teach_v where_o he_o say_v that_o whasoever_o thing_n be_v write_v aforetime_o be_v write_v for_o our_o instruction_n that_o we_o through_o patience_n and_o comfort_n of_o the_o scripture_n may_v have_v 15.4_o have_v rom._n 15.4_o hope_n and_o now_o that_o i_o have_v lead_v up_o the_o reader_n to_o this_o high_a stair_n of_o this_o gradation_n whence_o he_o may_v contemplate_v the_o glorious_a beam_n of_o divine_a lustre_n bespread_v throughout_o the_o whole_a region_n of_o scripture_n i_o shall_v beseech_v he_o to_o stay_v here_o his_o thought_n and_o to_o demur_v and_o pause_v a_o while_n upon_o this_o last_o reason_n or_o argument_n draw_v from_o the_o power_n of_o scripture_n to_o prove_v the_o divinity_n of_o it_o for_o it_o be_v a_o very_a valid_a and_o powerful_a argument_n indeed_o a_o most_o evident_a eviction_n of_o the_o point_n in_o hand_n make_v it_o conspicuous_a to_o the_o eye_n of_o reason_n itself_o for_o here_o he_o may_v see_v god_n himself_o bear_v witness_n of_o this_o scripture_n to_o be_v his_o by_o four_o visible_a seal_n which_o he_o affix_v unto_o it_o which_o be_v these_o four_o supernatural_a effect_n now_o mention_v have_v therefore_o so_o many_o broad_a seal_n of_o heaven_n appense_v unto_o it_o it_o must_v needs_o hold_v forth_o from_o itself_o the_o high_a and_o sure_a ground_n of_o credibility_n that_o it_o be_v of_o god_n and_o not_o of_o man_n i_o confess_v this_o have_v seal_v to_o my_o own_o conscience_n both_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v god_n true_a word_n and_o that_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v god_n true_a church_n i_o mean_v one_o member_n and_o branch_n of_o it_o for_o in_o it_o i_o see_v and_o so_o may_v all_o that_o be_v in_o it_o if_o their_o eye_n be_v not_o hold_v with_o prejudice_n these_o wonderful_a and_o divine_a effect_n now_o mention_v wrought_v ordinary_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o this_o word_n in_o deed_n and_o in_o truth_n and_o that_o without_o number_n which_o can_v not_o possible_o be_v so_o if_o either_o the_o word_n or_o the_o church_n be_v not_o god_n for_o if_o the_o church_n be_v he_o and_o not_o the_o word_n the_o church_n shall_v receive_v a_o blessing_n from_o he_o but_o not_o by_o the_o word_n and_o if_o the_o word_n be_v he_o and_o not_o the_o church_n the_o word_n shall_v be_v glorify_v but_o the_o church_n shall_v not_o be_v bless_v or_o better_v by_o it_o if_o all_o such_o as_o now_o separate_v themselves_o from_o this_o church_n as_o if_o it_o be_v none_o of_o god_n whether_o papist_n or_o anabaptist_n will_v mindful_o consider_v this_o and_o lay_v aside_o their_o prejudice_n i_o can_v see_v what_o shall_v withhold_v they_o from_o a_o speedy_a and_o joyful_a return_n to_o it_o again_o and_o now_o i_o be_o in_o good_a hope_n the_o promise_n be_v well_o consider_v that_o the_o reader_n who_o before_o take_v the_o scripture_n for_o god_n word_n upon_o the_o credit_n of_o the_o church_n testimony_n will_v now_o look_v more_o inquisitive_o into_o they_o themselves_o then_o heretofore_o say_v to_o the_o church_n as_o the_o samaritan_n say_v to_o the_o woman_n that_o tell_v they_o of_o christ_n now_o we_o believe_v not_o because_o of_o thy_o say_n for_o we_o have_v see_v it_o ourselves_o 4.42_o ourselves_o joh._n 4.42_o and_o know_v that_o this_o be_v indeed_o god_n own_o word_n yet_o i_o will_v not_o here_o be_v mistake_v as_o if_o i_o mean_v that_o every_o one_o that_o look_v into_o scripture_n may_v present_o espy_v this_o at_o the_o first_o sight_n for_o i_o confess_v that_o the_o sight_n and_o certain_a knowledge_n thereof_o which_o be_v to_o be_v attain_v by_o this_o introspection_n into_o it_o be_v not_o obvious_a to_o every_o eye_n that_o look_v upon_o it_o but_o my_o meaning_n be_v that_o this_o truth_n be_v evident_a in_o scripture_n in_o itself_o and_o to_o the_o humble_a intelligent_a and_o inquisitive_a reader_n who_o mind_n be_v also_o prepare_v by_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o ground_n &_o principle_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o in_o some_o measure_n enlighten_v from_o above_o neither_o do_v i_o here_o slight_a or_o undervalue_v the_o church_n testimony_n for_o i_o acknowledge_v it_o to_o be_v very_o important_a and_o useful_a for_o this_o purpose_n as_o be_v a_o prime_a inducer_n and_o as_o it_o be_v a_o pedagogue_n to_o usher_v in_o and_o conduct_v we_o to_o the_o principal_a teacher_n of_o this_o truth_n which_o next_o after_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n himself_o be_v the_o heavenly_a light_n of_o scripture_n itself_o but_o it_o be_v neither_o last_n nor_o best_a nor_o high_a nor_o sure_a ground_n and_o proof_n thereof_o and_o therefore_o i_o desire_v the_o reader_n to_o take_v notice_n that_o though_o i_o have_v not_o allege_v the_o church_n testimony_n by_o itself_o as_o a_o particular_a argument_n to_o prove_v this_o truth_n because_o the_o drift_n of_o this_o treatise_n be_v to_o show_v the_o scripture_n itself_o best_o to_o do_v it_o yet_o be_v it_o involve_v and_o lap_v up_o among_o the_o external_a and_o less_o principal_a proof_n namely_o in_o the_o second_o and_o three_o argument_n and_o whereas_o papist_n glory_v much_o in_o that_o say_n of_o s._n augustine_n which_o be_v oft_o set_v down_o in_o his_o work_n ego_fw-la verò_fw-la non_fw-la crederem_fw-la evangelio_n nisi_fw-la i_o catholicae_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la commoveret_fw-la authoritas_fw-la that_o be_v i_o will_v not_o believe_v the_o gospel_n but_o that_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n move_v i_o as_o if_o this_o say_n of_o his_o favour_a their_o tenet_n in_o this_o controversy_n between_o we_o and_o they_o it_o appear_v clear_o to_o the_o contrary_a from_o another_o say_n that_o he_o have_v in_o his_o tractate_n upon_o the_o gospel_n of_o s._n john_n where_o he_o speak_v thus_o upon_o those_o word_n before_o mention_v of_o the_o samaritan_n to_o the_o woman_n now_o we_o believe_v not_o because_o of_o thy_o say_n for_o we_o have_v see_v it_o ourselves_o primò_fw-la say_v he_o per_fw-la faeminam_fw-la posteà _fw-la per_fw-la praejentiam_fw-la sic_fw-la agitur_fw-la hodiè_fw-la cum_fw-la eye_n qui_fw-la foris_fw-la sunt_fw-la &_o nondùm_fw-la sunt_fw-la 15._o sunt_fw-la aug._n in_o joh._n 4._o tract_n 15._o christiani_n that_o be_v first_o by_o the_o woman_n then_o by_o his_o presence_n so_o fare_v it_o now_o with_o they_o that_o be_v without_o and_o be_v not_o yet_o christian_n and_o the_o word_n follow_v in_o the_o same_o place_n show_v plain_o his_o meaning_n to_o be_v this_o that_o as_o the_o samaritan_n believe_v in_o some_o measure_n that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n by_o the_o report_n of_o the_o woman_n but_o afterward_o more_o undoubted_o when_o they_o come_v to_o enjoy_v his_o presence_n to_o have_v the_o sight_n of_o he_o and_o conference_n with_o he_o so_o the_o unbeliever_n which_o be_v out_o of_o the_o church_n be_v first_o induce_v to_o believe_v in_o some_o measure_n that_o scripture_n be_v god_n
the_o old_a testament_n or_o the_o gospel_n of_o mark_n and_o luke_n to_o be_v canonical_a scripture_n yea_o that_o there_o be_v any_o divine_a scripture_n be_v not_o altogether_o necessary_a unto_o salvation_n how_o dissonant_n this_o be_v from_o the_o voice_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n in_o the_o gospel_n be_v to_o be_v discern_v in_o many_o text_n whereof_o i_o will_v recite_v but_o three_o first_o our_o saviour_n command_v to_o search_v the_o scripture_n because_o in_o they_o or_o by_o they_o man_n think_v to_o have_v eternal_a 5.39_o eternal_a john_n 5.39_o life_n this_o he_o speak_v in_o approbation_n of_o man_n esteem_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o the_o mean_n to_o bring_v they_o to_o everlr_v life_n and_o s._n john_n say_v these_o be_v write_v that_o you_o may_v believe_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o that_o believe_v you_o may_v have_v life_n through_o his_o 20.31_o his_o john_n 20.31_o name_n and_o s._n paul_n say_v i_o be_o not_o ashamed_a of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n for_o it_o be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n to_o salvation_n to_o every_o one_o that_o 1.16_o that_o rom._n 1.16_o believe_v from_o those_o text_n i_o reason_v thus_o against_o the_o former_a affirmation_n of_o bellarmine_n the_o mean_v ordain_v and_o design_v by_o god_n to_o any_o end_n be_v altogether_o necessary_a in_o respect_n of_o we_o to_o the_o attain_n of_o that_o end_n but_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o mean_v ordain_v and_o design_v by_o god_n of_o faith_n and_o salvation_n as_o the_o former_a text_n declare_v and_o therefore_o be_v altogether_o necessary_a in_o respect_n of_o we_o unto_o faith_n and_o salvation_n and_o so_o consequent_o necessary_a so_o to_o be_v believe_v of_o we_o which_o refel_n the_o foresay_a affirmation_n of_o bellarmine_n and_o declare_v they_o to_o be_v very_o contumelious_a to_o the_o bless_a bible_n of_o god_n now_o in_o and_o for_o all_o these_o forename_a respect_n divers_a great_a and_o esteem_a champion_n and_o propugner_n of_o the_o roman_a faith_n have_v not_o refrain_v to_o blemish_v the_o bible_n with_o sundry_a inglorious_a and_o ignominious_a title_n eckius_fw-la call_v it_o a_o black_a gospel_n and_o a_o incky_n 4._o incky_n eck._n enchir._n cap._n 4._o divinity_n pighius_fw-la call_v it_o a_o nose_n of_o 3._o of_o pigh_a hier._n lib._n 3._o cap._n 3._o wax_n other_o a_o lesbian_a or_o leaden_a rule_n a_o abbreviate_v word_n the_o weak_a and_o false_a castle_n of_o holy_a 48._o holy_a brislow_o motive_n 48._o scripture_n with_o other_o such_o like_a indecent_a epithet_n theâ—e_n the_o modern_a writer_n among_o they_o seek_v to_o varnish_v over_o as_o know_v it_o must_v needs_o blemish_v the_o purity_n of_o their_o profession_n and_o verity_n of_o their_o religion_n thus_o to_o vilify_v god_n most_o holy_a word_n but_o the_o colour_n and_o complexion_n which_o they_o daub_v they_o withal_o be_v so_o thin_a and_o transparent_a that_o it_o can_v hide_v the_o indecency_n and_o unseemlinesse_n of_o they_o from_o a_o weak_a sight_n now_o if_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n may_v be_v judge_v by_o the_o honourable_a respect_n yield_v by_o the_o professor_n thereof_o to_o the_o rule_n of_o christian_a religion_n which_o be_v the_o scripture_n as_o the_o romanist_n confess_v after_o a_o sort_n as_o have_v be_v already_o declare_v then_o do_v it_o appear_v by_o what_o have_v be_v say_v and_o prove_v that_o the_o reform_a protestant_n religion_n be_v the_o true_a religion_n as_o which_o ascribe_v most_o honour_n thereunto_o for_o as_o when_o two_o woman_n claim_v the_o motherhood_n of_o one_o child_n wise_a solomon_n quick_o sift_v out_o the_o truth_n which_o be_v the_o true_a mother_n of_o it_o by_o the_o tender_a love_n and_o affection_n which_o the_o one_o show_v unto_o it_o more_o than_o the_o 3.27_o the_o 1_o kin._n 3.27_o other_o so_o in_o like_a manner_n may_v any_o wise_a man_n find_v forth_o by_o the_o same_o rule_n which_o be_v the_o true_a daughter_n of_o holy_a scripture_n whether_o the_o roman_a or_o reform_a religion_n see_v both_o of_o they_o claim_v it_o as_o their_o mother_n namely_o by_o the_o tender_a respect_n and_o due_a observance_n wherewith_o it_o be_v follow_v by_o the_o one_o more_o than_o the_o other_o in_o the_o next_o place_n as_o the_o reform_a religion_n be_v own_v by_o the_o scripture_n as_o the_o genuine_a daughter_n thereof_o by_o the_o due_a reverence_n and_o honour_n which_o it_o exhibit_v unto_o it_o so_o also_o and_o more_o especial_o because_o it_o hold_v forth_o such_o doctrine_n as_o be_v most_o consonant_n and_o agreeable_a thereunto_o for_o to_o omit_v the_o disquisition_n of_o particular_a controversy_n between_o the_o say_v several_a professor_n which_o will_v require_v vast_a volume_n to_o lay_v open_a the_o reform_a church_n refuse_v not_o to_o be_v try_v by_o the_o splendent_a light_n of_o the_o write_a word_n in_o any_o point_n of_o religion_n whatsoever_o and_o this_o our_o bless_a saviour_n make_v a_o signal_n demonstration_n of_o the_o professor_n of_o the_o truth_n for_o say_v he_o he_o that_o do_v truth_n come_v to_o the_o light_n that_o his_o deed_n may_v be_v make_v manifest_a that_o they_o be_v wrought_v in_o 3.21_o in_o john_n 3.21_o god_n and_o that_o by_o light_n here_o our_o saviour_n mean_v the_o scripture_n many_o other_o text_n make_v it_o unquestionable_a where_o this_o epithet_n be_v give_v unto_o it_o david_n say_v of_o it_o thy_o word_n be_v a_o lamp_n unto_o my_o foot_n and_o a_o light_n unto_o my_o 119.105_o my_o psal_n 119.105_o path_n solomon_n say_v the_o commandment_n be_v a_o lamp_n and_o the_o law_n be_v 6.23_o be_v prov._n 6.23_o light_a s._n peter_n say_v we_o have_v a_o more_o sure_a word_n of_o pprophecy_n whereunto_o you_o do_v well_o that_o you_o take_v heed_n as_o unto_o a_o light_n that_o shine_v in_o a_o dark_a 1.19_o dark_a 2_o pet._n 1.19_o place_n now_o on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o romanist_n decline_v the_o decision_n and_o determination_n of_o many_o point_n of_o religion_n that_o be_v controvert_v between_o we_o and_o they_o by_o scripture_n and_o fly_v to_o tradition_n and_o some_o of_o their_o writer_n in_o plain_a term_n confess_v that_o some_o of_o their_o tenet_n be_v such_o as_o can_v be_v defend_v by_o scripture_n so_o say_v eccles_n say_v canis_fw-la catechis_n cap._n 5._o the_o precept_n eccles_n canisius_n and_o of_o this_o sort_n he_o reckon_v up_o these_o the_o worship_n of_o image_n set_v fast_n lent_n the_o mass_n and_o prayer_n and_o offering_n for_o the_o dead_a with_o other_o more_o which_o yet_o he_o do_v not_o nominate_v but_o some_o other_o of_o they_o and_o by_o name_n petrus_n a_o soto_n a_o famous_a author_n of_o their_o party_n in_o his_o book_n against_o brentius_n rehease_v sundry_a other_o as_o the_o invocation_n of_o saint_n the_o primacy_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o of_o rome_n the_o seven_o sacrament_n communion_n under_o one_o kind_n indulgency_n and_o purgatory_n the_o beginning_n author_n and_o original_n of_o which_o he_o confess_v can_v be_v find_v in_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n as_o witness_v the_o learned_a doctor_n 5._o doctor_n whittak_n de_fw-fr script_n perfect_a cap._n 5._o whittaker_n now_o though_o they_o allege_v scripture_n for_o some_o of_o these_o lest_o they_o shall_v seem_v too_o much_o to_o slight_v it_o yet_o their_o chief_a ground_n for_o they_o be_v tradition_n whereas_o therefore_o they_o decline_v the_o trial_n of_o some_o point_n of_o religion_n which_o they_o hold_v by_o the_o write_a word_n which_o yet_o they_o confess_v to_o be_v a_o most_o safe_a rule_n of_o faith_n as_o before_o have_v be_v declare_v it_o proclaim_v to_o the_o world_n that_o they_o be_v not_o such_o fast_a friend_n to_o it_o as_o they_o preâ—end_v nor_o hold_v such_o correspondence_n with_o it_o as_o all_o true_a and_o right_a church_n ever_o have_v do_v and_o so_o consequent_o that_o they_o be_v neither_o the_o only_a true_a church_n of_o god_n as_o they_o vain_o and_o most_o untrue_o boast_v nor_o yet_o such_o a_o church_n wherewith_o it_o be_v safe_a to_o have_v communion_n and_o as_o it_o be_v not_o safe_a to_o join_v hand_n with_o these_o so_o neither_o with_o the_o new_o upstart_n sectary_n the_o anabaptist_n for_o i_o will_v undertake_v to_o demonstrate_v if_o my_o genuis_fw-la fail_v i_o not_o that_o both_o these_o sort_n of_o christian_a professor_n be_v express_a contradictor_n of_o scripture_n affirmation_n in_o divers_a particular_n and_o i_o will_v begin_v first_o with_o the_o papist_n as_o the_o elder_a house_n first_o our_o saviour_n say_v when_o you_o shall_v have_v do_v all_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v command_v you_o say_v we_o be_v unprofitable_a servant_n we_o have_v do_v that_o which_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o 17.10_o to_o luke_n 17.10_o do_v they_o say_v that_o a_o man_n may_v supererogate_v and_o do_v more_o than_o
how_o they_o be_v gather_v from_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n where_o they_o be_v hear_v of_o by_o the_o roman_n with_o great_a care_n and_o diligence_n and_o be_v lay_v up_o in_o their_o capitol_n as_o writing_n most_o precious_a and_o momental_a second_o the_o famous_a orator_n cicero_n who_o live_v in_o the_o time_n of_o marcus_n antonius_n which_o be_v above_o forty_o year_n before_o christ_n mention_v these_o sibylls_n writing_n in_o divers_a place_n of_o his_o work_n 7._o work_n cicero_n lib._n 2._o de_fw-la divina_fw-la &_o lib._n 1._o epist_n ad_fw-la lent_n epist_n 7._o yea_o constantine_n affirm_v that_o the_o former_a acrostic_n verse_n be_v by_o cicero_n translate_v into_o the_o roman_a dialect_n and_o at_o that_o time_n to_o be_v see_v in_o his_o work_n when_o he_o make_v this_o oration_n three_o the_o renown_a poet_n virgil_n who_o live_v immediate_o after_o cicero_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o reign_n of_o augustus_n caesar_n rehearse_v divers_a verse_n out_o of_o sibylla_n cumaea_n and_o record_v her_o very_a name_n 4._o name_n virgil_n eglog_n 4._o to_o these_o i_o will_v add_v but_o one_o record_n more_o which_o be_v out_o of_o the_o learned_a aristotle_n who_o live_v many_o year_n before_o any_o of_o these_o yet_o name_v namely_o under_o the_o great_a alexander_n of_o macedony_n who_o write_v thus_o of_o one_o of_o the_o sibylls_n cumae_n in_o italia_n ostenditur_fw-la quoddam_fw-la ut_fw-la videtur_fw-la conclave_n subterraneum_fw-la sibyllae_fw-la vatis_fw-la quam_fw-la diutissimè_fw-la vixisse_fw-la &_o virginem_fw-la permansisse_fw-la perhibent_fw-la quae_fw-la esset_fw-la erythraea_n say_v a_o quibusdam_fw-la melanchraena_fw-la vocaretur_fw-la narrat_fw-la vocaretur_fw-la aristot_n de_fw-fr mirabil_n narrat_fw-la at_o cuma_n say_v he_o in_o italy_n be_v show_v a_o certain_a subterraneous_a conclave_n or_o cave_n in_o the_o earth_n as_o it_o shall_v seem_v of_o a_o sibyl_n prophetess_n which_o man_n say_v live_v very_o long_o and_o continue_v a_o virgin_n which_o shall_v be_v erythraea_n but_o of_o some_o she_o be_v call_v melanchraena_fw-la plato_n also_o who_o be_v aristotle_n master_n make_v mention_n of_o this_o sibyl_n phaedro_n sibyl_n plato_n in_o phaedro_n and_o justin_n martyr_n that_o ancient_a father_n before_o mention_v report_n that_o he_o be_v at_o this_o cuma_n and_o see_v the_o temple_n where_o this_o sibyl_n utter_v her_o prediction_n arithmetical_a and_o therein_o as_o a_o special_a monument_n of_o she_o a_o brazen_a vessel_n wherein_o be_v keep_v certain_a of_o her_o relic_n fine_a relic_n justin_n martyr_n in_o admonitor_n gentium_fw-la libro_fw-la in_o fine_a so_o that_o hence_o it_o be_v clear_v from_o all_o doubt_n that_o the_o sibylls_n verse_n at_o least_o some_o of_o they_o which_o speak_v of_o christ_n which_o be_v sufficient_a for_o the_o present_a purpose_n be_v no_o forgery_n but_o prophetical_a poem_n for_o certain_a write_v long_o before_o the_o gospel_n if_o any_o humane_a testimony_n may_v be_v credit_v and_o so_o be_v potent_a proof_n of_o christ_n and_o consequent_o of_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o gospel_n it_o follow_v now_o to_o speak_v something_o of_o the_o oracle_n likewise_o which_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o delude_a devil_n speak_v out_o of_o heathen_a image_n and_o these_o also_o give_v many_o attestation_n of_o christ_n especial_o that_o notorious_a one_o of_o apollo_n at_o delphos_n in_o greece_n and_o for_o proof_n hereof_o i_o will_v allege_v only_o one_o speech_n of_o porphyrius_n a_o great_a worshipper_n of_o these_o oracle_n and_o a_o arch_a enemy_n of_o christian_n constantine_n call_v he_o the_o swear_a adversary_n and_o deadly_a foe_n of_o divine_a service_n 6._o service_n socrat_n histor_n eccle._n lib._n 1._o cap._n 6._o who_o upon_o meditation_n of_o divers_a speech_n utter_v by_o the_o oracle_n concern_v christ_n jesus_n break_v forth_o into_o this_o confession_n it_o be_v exceed_o wonderful_a what_o testimony_n the_o god_n so_o he_o style_v the_o oracle_n do_v give_v of_o the_o singular_a piety_n and_o sanctity_n of_o jesus_n for_o which_o they_o avouch_v he_o to_o be_v honour_v with_o immortality_n philosoph_n immortality_n porphyr_n in_o libr._n de_fw-fr laud_n philosoph_n so_o that_o the_o scripture_n we_o see_v have_v implicit_a testimony_n and_o by_o consequence_n to_o be_v divine_a from_o the_o most_o livid_v and_o profess_v enemy_n of_o it_o according_a as_o we_o read_v also_o in_o the_o gospel_n where_o the_o devil_n themselves_o be_v oft_o enforce_v to_o confess_v christ_n to_o be_v the_o holy_a one_o of_o god_n last_o for_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o jew_n which_o be_v no_o christian_n concern_v christ_n i_o will_v produce_v only_o two_o but_o those_o classical_a writer_n and_o most_o famous_a of_o all_o other_o of_o they_o for_o their_o learning_n namely_o josephus_n before_o mention_v who_o be_v bear_v if_o not_o before_o our_o saviour_n passion_n yet_o within_o a_o few_o year_n after_o and_o one_o philo_n who_o be_v a_o coaetan_a with_o our_o saviour_n and_o be_v send_v ambassador_n to_o rome_n in_o behalf_n of_o the_o jew_n the_o same_o year_n that_o our_o saviour_n be_v baptize_v by_o john_n both_o these_o in_o sundry_a place_n of_o their_o history_n make_v mention_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n in_o such_o sort_n as_o give_v proof_n sufficient_a that_o what_o be_v write_v of_o he_o in_o the_o scripture_n be_v no_o feign_a story_n but_o a_o know_a and_o confess_v and_o undoubted_a truth_n for_o brevity_n sake_n i_o will_v rehearse_v but_o one_o of_o their_o testimony_n but_o it_o be_v so_o punctual_a and_o illustrious_a that_o it_o may_v stand_v in_o stead_n of_o many_o thus_o josephus_n 4._o josephus_n joseph_n antiq_fw-la jud._n lib._n 18._o cap._n 4._o write_v of_o he_o at_o that_o time_n be_v jesus_n a_o wise_a man_n if_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o call_v he_o a_o man_n for_o he_o be_v the_o performer_n of_o divers_a admirable_a work_n and_o the_o instructor_n of_o those_o who_o willing_o entertain_v the_o truth_n and_o he_o draw_v unto_o he_o divers_a greek_n and_o jew_n to_o be_v his_o follower_n this_o be_v christ_n who_o be_v accuse_v of_o the_o prince_n of_o our_o nation_n before_o pilate_n and_o afterward_o condemn_v to_o the_o cross_n by_o he_o yet_o do_v not_o those_o who_o follow_v he_o from_o the_o beginning_n forbear_v to_o love_v he_o for_o the_o ignominy_n of_o his_o death_n for_o he_o appear_v unto_o they_o alive_a the_o three_o day_n after_o according_a as_o the_o divine_a prophet_n have_v before_o testify_v the_o same_o and_o divers_a other_o wonderful_a thing_n of_o he_o and_o from_o this_o time_n forward_o the_o race_n of_o the_o christian_n who_o have_v derive_v their_o name_n from_o he_o have_v never_o cease_v this_o spontaneous_a perspicuous_a and_o ample_a confession_n of_o christ_n proceed_v out_o of_o the_o mouth_n of_o a_o adversary_n for_o he_o that_o be_v not_o with_o christ_n be_v against_o he_o 11.23_o he_o luk._n 11.23_o speak_v so_o peremptory_o for_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o history_n and_o so_o consequent_o for_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o it_o admit_v no_o exception_n thus_o much_o for_o the_o first_o argument_n to_o prove_v the_o sacred_a authority_n of_o scripture_n which_o be_v the_o testimony_n that_o have_v be_v yield_v by_o many_o out_o of_o the_o church_n either_o explicit_o or_o implicit_o of_o the_o divinity_n of_o it_o which_o be_v not_o a_o contemptible_a argument_n but_o very_o prevalent_a to_o sway_v the_o conscience_n of_o any_o intelligent_a man_n to_o a_o credence_n of_o this_o truth_n now_o follow_v those_o argument_n which_o be_v draw_v from_o within_o the_o church_n but_o from_o without_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v three_o first_o argu_n ∣_o ment_fw-mi 2_o this_o truth_n be_v prove_v by_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o our_o saviour_n christ_n and_o the_o penman_n of_o scripture_n for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o the_o divinity_n thereof_o which_o miracle_n be_v acknowledge_v by_o the_o confession_n of_o adversary_n be_v a_o argument_n of_o great_a validity_n to_o convince_v the_o most_o incredulous_a person_n in_o this_o point_n if_o he_o will_v but_o hear_v reason_n now_o confession_n hereof_o we_o find_v exceed_v many_o from_o our_o profess_a adversary_n in_o religion_n and_o first_o to_o begin_v with_o the_o miracle_n which_o moses_n wrought_v in_o egypt_n before_o pharaoh_n they_o be_v report_v by_o divers_a heathen_a author_n as_o namely_o by_o one_o demetrius_n and_o eupolemus_n two_o greek_a historiographer_n and_o by_o one_o artabanus_n who_o write_v a_o history_n of_o the_o jew_n wherein_o he_o speak_v thus_o of_o moses_n as_o witness_v the_o noble_a french_a author_n in_o the_o margin_n 26._o margin_n morn_n de_fw-fr verita_fw-la christ_n relig._n cap._n 26._o this_o moses_n say_v he_o be_v occupy_v in_o continual_a prayer_n to_o god_n for_o the_o deliverance_n of_o the_o people_n and_o one_o day_n as_o he_o be_v earnest_a in_o pray_v there_o issue_v a_o
book_n of_o scripture_n and_o their_o wonderful_a humility_n in_o conculcate_v their_o own_o glory_n and_o confess_v their_o own_o gross_a fault_n and_o delinquency_n when_o they_o have_v occasion_n to_o speak_v of_o themselves_o that_o they_o may_v exhibit_v and_o ascribe_v all_o glory_n to_o god_n manife_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o their_o writing_n for_o we_o know_v it_o be_v otherwise_o in_o all_o other_o author_n the_o truth_n hereof_o appear_v first_o from_o the_o book_n which_o moses_n write_v wherein_o he_o have_v report_v not_o only_o the_o cruelty_n of_o his_o grandfather_n levi_n to_o the_o discredit_n of_o his_o own_o birth_n but_o also_o open_o confess_v his_o own_o sin_n and_o how_o much_o the_o lord_n be_v offend_v with_o he_o for_o it_o several_a time_n so_o as_o he_o be_v therefore_o debar_v the_o entrance_n into_o the_o land_n of_o 20.12_o of_o numb_a 20.12_o canaan_n this_o truth_n also_o appear_v from_o the_o gospel_n of_o s._n mark_n for_o there_o s._n peter_n sin_n in_o he_o denial_n of_o his_o master_n be_v more_o express_o set_v forth_o and_o aggravate_v then_o in_o any_o of_o the_o other_o gospel_n and_o yet_o be_v it_o pen_v if_o not_o by_o the_o dictation_n of_o s._n peter_n as_o some_o report_n yet_o by_o his_o approbation_n at_o least_o as_o say_v 15._o say_v euseb_n hist_o eccl._n lib._n 2._o cap._n 15._o eusebius_n last_o the_o apostle_n paul_n likewise_o rip_v up_o his_o own_o fault_n and_o notify_v they_o with_o aggravation_n i_o be_v say_v he_o a_o blasphemer_n a_o persecutor_n and_o a_o 1.13_o a_o 1_o tim._n 1.13_o oppressor_n this_o argue_v strong_o that_o these_o man_n be_v set_v on_o work_n by_o god_n and_o guide_v by_o he_o and_o not_o by_o their_o own_o fancy_n and_o affection_n in_o that_o they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o flattery_n connivance_n or_o partiality_n that_o they_o spare_v not_o themselves_o at_o all_o nor_o regard_v their_o own_o disgrace_n and_o infamy_n so_o that_o thereby_o glory_n may_v accrue_v to_o god_n in_o the_o eight_o and_o last_o place_n ar_n ∣_o gument_n 12_o the_o irresistible_a and_o supernatural_a power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o this_o word_n do_v mighty_o declare_v it_o to_o be_v divine_a and_o heavenly_a which_o it_o express_v not_o by_o one_o or_o two_o act_n but_o by_o various_a operation_n and_o those_o specifical_o distinct_a one_o from_o another_o which_o ordinary_o and_o frequent_o issue_n and_o proceed_v from_o it_o more_o especial_o we_o may_v observe_v these_o four_o supernaturl_n effect_n of_o it_o as_o demonstrative_a of_o its_o divinity_n first_o it_o be_v a_o searcher_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o a_o discerner_n of_o the_o most_o secret_a thought_n and_o intricate_a imagination_n of_o it_o and_o a_o revealer_n of_o the_o same_o this_o appear_v from_o psalm_n 14.1_o where_o it_o speak_v thus_o the_o fool_n have_v say_v in_o his_o heart_n there_o be_v no_o god_n which_o affirmation_n import_v that_o the_o inditer_n of_o the_o psalm_n be_v privy_a to_o some_o thought_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o fool_n which_o none_o but_o god_n himself_o can_v discern_v nay_o scripture_n reveal_v some_o such_o thought_n as_o man_n himself_o without_o the_o light_n of_o it_o will_v seare_o ever_o have_v espy_v as_o that_o all_o the_o thought_n and_o imagination_n of_o man_n heart_n be_v only_o evil_a 6.5_o evil_a gen._n 6.5_o continual_o and_o that_o concupiscence_n be_v sin_n which_o paul_n confess_v he_o have_v not_o know_v if_o the_o law_n have_v not_o say_v thou_o shall_v not_o 7.7_o not_o rom._n 7.7_o lust_n and_o therefore_o this_o word_n which_o pierce_v thus_o deep_o as_o to_o the_o rifle_n of_o the_o very_a cogitation_n of_o man_n heart_n must_v needs_o be_v of_o god_n who_o alone_a property_n it_o be_v to_o search_v the_o heart_n and_o least_o through_o the_o propensity_n of_o man_n nature_n to_o slight_v those_o thing_n which_o belong_v unto_o his_o peace_n we_o shall_v neglect_v or_o overslip_v the_o observation_n of_o this_o as_o a_o note_n of_o the_o divine_a power_n of_o scripture_n itself_o round_v we_o in_o the_o ear_n in_o two_o place_n if_o not_o more_o and_o give_v we_o intelligence_n and_o notice_n of_o it_o in_o one_o place_n it_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n speak_v of_o this_o write_a word_n be_v lively_a and_o mighty_a in_o operation_n and_o sharp_a than_o a_o two-edged_a sword_n divide_v between_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o joint_n and_o marrow_n and_o be_v a_o disceruer_n of_o the_o thought_n and_o intent_n of_o the_o 4.12_o the_o heb._n 4.12_o heart_n and_o in_o another_o place_n it_o say_v that_o the_o illiterate_a unbelieve_a person_n have_v the_o thought_n of_o his_o heart_n make_v manifest_a by_o pprophecy_n that_o be_v by_o the_o word_n preach_v will_v fall_v down_o on_o his_o face_n and_o worship_n god_n and_o report_n that_o god_n be_v in_o the_o 14.25_o the_o 2_o cor._n 14.25_o preacher_n where_o it_o give_v we_o to_o understand_v that_o the_o discovery_n of_o man_n thought_n by_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n shall_v extort_v from_o they_o this_o open_a and_o ingenuous_a confession_n that_o very_o god_n speak_v in_o they_o and_o that_o the_o word_n be_v he_o which_o be_v publish_v by_o they_o second_o the_o supernatural_a power_n of_o scripture_n appear_v in_o that_o it_o shake_v and_o terrify_v the_o conscience_n of_o wicked_a man_n even_o the_o great_a upon_o earth_n of_o king_n and_o prince_n and_o that_o in_o such_o a_o sort_n as_o be_v impossible_a for_o the_o word_n of_o any_o mortal_a to_o do_v that_o it_o do_v so_o be_v clear_a from_o these_o instance_n in_o scripture_n it_o be_v say_v of_o saul_n king_n of_o israel_n that_o he_o be_v so_o affright_v with_o the_o prophet_n samuel_n his_o reproof_n of_o he_o for_o his_o disobedience_n to_o god_n word_n that_o he_o confess_v his_o sin_n to_o samuel_n which_o he_o have_v deny_v before_o and_o sue_v to_o samuel_n for_o favour_n with_o all_o 15.24_o all_o sam._n 15.24_o submissness_n it_o be_v say_v also_o of_o felix_n who_o be_v a_o viceroy_n that_o he_o tremble_v when_o he_o hear_v paul_n preach_v of_o righteousness_n and_o the_o judgement_n to_o 24.26_o to_o act_n 24.26_o come_v now_o that_o man_n word_n shall_v be_v thus_o formidable_a to_o king_n and_o prince_n it_o can_v be_v imagine_v because_o no_o man_n have_v coercive_a or_o compulsive_a power_n over_o the_o king_n and_o where_o such_o power_n be_v want_v menacy_n from_o thence_o be_v no_o more_o fear_v than_o the_o crack_n of_o a_o paper_n gun_n at_o least_o not_o in_o that_o manner_n and_o measure_n that_o the_o affright_a conscience_n of_o man_n do_v fear_v the_o thundering_n and_o threaten_n of_o the_o law_n in_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o that_o word_n which_o strike_v such_o deep_a horror_n and_o amazement_n into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n yea_o of_o king_n who_o fear_v no_o man_n word_n because_o no_o man_n have_v coercive_a power_n over_o they_o must_v needs_o be_v more_o than_o humane_a three_o it_o usual_o prevail_v against_o the_o enemy_n and_o hater_n of_o it_o such_o as_o all_o man_n be_v by_o nature_n to_o open_v their_o eye_n and_o to_o turn_v they_o from_o darkness_n to_o light_n and_o from_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n unto_o god_n and_o to_o win_v they_o to_o a_o love_n and_o like_n of_o itself_o which_o be_v a_o effect_n proper_a only_o to_o divine_a power_n that_o it_o do_v produce_v this_o effect_n i_o presume_v no_o christian_n will_v deny_v whence_o it_o testify_v of_o itself_o that_o it_o convert_v 19.7_o convert_v psal_n 19.7_o soul_n and_o be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n to_o 1.16_o to_o rom._n 1.16_o salvation_n and_o that_o it_o be_v mighty_a through_o god_n to_o cast_v down_o strong_a hold_n cast_v down_o the_o imagination_n and_o every_o high_a thing_n that_o be_v exalt_v against_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o bring_v into_o captivity_n every_o thought_n to_o the_o obedience_n of_o 5._o of_o 2_o cor._n 10.4_o 5._o christ_n this_o be_v a_o supernatural_a effect_n and_o wrought_v by_o the_o power_n of_o this_o word_n and_o therefore_o it_o necessary_o and_o conclude_o follow_v that_o it_o be_v not_o man_n word_n for_o that_o can_v work_v above_o the_o strength_n of_o nature_n of_o or_o by_o itself_o neither_o can_v win_v the_o affection_n of_o he_o that_o hate_v it_o without_o a_o change_n or_o variation_n of_o itself_o which_o yet_o this_o word_n do_v if_o it_o be_v object_v that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o power_n of_o the_o word_n but_o the_o power_n of_o god_n spirit_n that_o produce_v this_o effect_n i_o answer_v that_o it_o be_v true_a indeed_o that_o god_n spirit_n be_v the_o principal_a efficient_a cause_n hereof_o but_o the_o word_n be_v the_o instrumental_a and_o so_o the_o concurrence_n and_o cooperation_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n