the_o reason_n of_o faith_n or_o a_o answer_n unto_o that_o enquiry_n wherefore_o we_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n with_o the_o cause_n and_o nature_n of_o that_o faith_n wherewith_o we_o do_v so_o wherein_o the_o ground_n whereon_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v believe_v to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n with_o faith_n divine_a and_o supernatural_a be_v declare_v and_o vindicate_v by_o john_n owen_n d._n d._n 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 luk._n 16._o 51._o london_n print_v for_o nathaniel_n ponder_n at_o the_o peacock_n in_o the_o poultry_n near_o cornhill_n 1677._o to_o the_o reader_n have_v add_v a_o brief_a account_n of_o the_o design_n order_n and_o method_n of_o the_o ensue_a discourse_n in_o a_o appendix_n at_o the_o close_a of_o it_o i_o shall_v not_o here_o detain_v the_o reader_n with_o the_o proposal_n of_o they_o yet_o some_o few_o 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the_o way_n whereby_o they_o may_v come_v to_o rest_n and_o assurance_n in_o believe_v whereas_o therefore_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o may_v be_v often_o shake_v in_o their_o mind_n with-those_a atheistical_a objection_n against_o the_o divine_a original_a and_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o they_o frequent_o meet_v 〈◊〉_d that_o many_o know_v not_o how_o to_o extricate_v themselves_o from_o the_o ensnare_a question_n that_o they_o be_v often_o attaque_v withal_o about_o they_o not_o for_o want_v of_o a_o due_a assent_n unto_o they_o but_o of_o a_o right_a understanding_n what_o be_v the_o true_a and_o formal_a reason_n of_o that_o assent_n what_o be_v the_o firm_a basis_n and_o foundation_n that_o it_o rest_v upon_o what_o answer_v they_o may_v direct_o and_o peremptoty_o give_v unto_o that_o enquiry_n wherefore_o do_v you_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o give_v they_o those_o direction_n herein_o that_o upon_o 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year_n since_o i_o publish_v a_o book_n about_o the_o dispensation_n and_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n that_o book_n be_v one_o part_n only_o of_o what_o i_o design_v on_o that_o subject_a the_o consideration_n of_o the_o work_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n as_o the_o spirit_n of_o illumination_n of_o supplication_n of_o consolation_n and_o as_o the_o immediate_a author_n of_o all_o spiritual_a office_n and_o gift_n extraordinary_a and_o ordinary_a be_v design_v unto_o the_o second_o part_n of_o it_o hereof_o this_o ensue_a discourse_n be_v concern_v one_o part_n of_o his_o work_n as_o a_o spirit_n of_o illumination_n which_o upon_o the_o earnest_a request_n of_o some_o acquaint_v with_o the_o nature_n and_o substance_n of_o it_o i_o have_v suffer_v to_o come_v out_o by_o itself_o that_o it_o may_v be_v of_o the_o more_o common_a use_n and_o more_o easy_o obtain_v may_v 11_o 1677._o the_o reason_n of_o faith_n or_o the_o ground_n whereon_o the_o scripture_n be_v believe_v to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n with_o faith_n divine_a and_o supernatural_a the_o principal_a design_n of_o that_o discourse_n whereof_o the_o ensue_a treatise_n be_v a_o part_n be_v to_o declare_v the_o work_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o illumination_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o men._n for_o this_o work_n be_v particular_o and_o eminent_o ascribe_v unto_o he_o or_o the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n by_o he_o dispense_v ephes._n 1._o 17_o 18._o heb._n 6._o 4._o luke_n 2._o 32._o act_n 13._o 47._o chap._n 24._o 45._o chap._n 26._o 18._o 2_o cor._n 4._o 4._o 1_o pet._n 2._o 9_o the_o objective_a cause_n and_o outward_a mean_n of_o it_o be_v the_o subject_n at_o present_a design_v unto_o consideration_n and_o it_o will_v issue_v in_o these_o two_o inquiry_n 1._o on_o what_o ground_n or_o for_o what_o reason_n we_o do_v believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n with_o faith_n
for_o we_o can_v believe_v nothing_o on_o their_o account_n unless_o it_o be_v evidence_v unto_o we_o and_o this_o evidence_n of_o they_o be_v in_o that_o revelation_n which_o god_n be_v please_v to_o make_v of_o himself_o for_o that_o be_v the_o only_a mean_n whereby_o our_o conscience_n and_o mind_n be_v affect_v with_o his_o truth_n and_o authority_n we_o do_v therefore_o no_o otherwise_o rest_n on_o the_o truth_n and_o veracity_n of_o god_n in_o any_o thing_n than_o we_o rest_v on_o the_o revelation_n which_o he_o make_v unto_o we_o for_o that_o be_v the_o only_a way_n whereby_o we_o be_v affect_v with_o they_o not_o the_o lord_n be_v true_a absolute_o but_o thus_o say_v the_o lord_n and_o the_o lord_n have_v speak_v be_v that_o which_o we_o have_v immediate_a regard_n unto_o hereby_o alone_o be_v our_o mind_n affect_v with_o the_o authority_n and_o veracity_n of_o god_n and_o by_o what_o way_n soever_o it_o be_v make_v unto_o we_o it_o be_v sufficient_a and_o able_a so_o to_o affect_v we_o at_o first_o as_o have_v be_v show_v it_o be_v give_v immediate_o to_o some_o person_n and_o preserve_v for_o the_o use_n of_o other_o in_o a_o oral_a ministry_n but_o now_o all_o revelation_n as_o have_v also_o be_v declare_v be_v contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n only_o 6._o it_o follow_v that_o our_o faith_n whereby_o we_o believe_v any_o divine_a supernatural_a truth_n be_v resolve_v into_o the_o scripture_n as_o the_o only_a mean_n of_o divine_a revelation_n affect_v our_o mind_n and_o conscience_n with_o the_o authority_n and_o truth_n of_o god_n or_o the_o scripture_n as_o the_o only_a immediate_a divine_a infallible_a revelation_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o god_n be_v the_o first_o immediate_a formal_a object_n of_o our_o faith_n the_o sole_a reason_n why_o and_o ground_n whereon_o we_o do_v believe_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v reveal_v with_o faith_n divine_a supernatural_a and_o infallible_a we_o do_v believe_v jesus_n christ_n to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n why_o do_v we_o so_o do_v on_o what_o ground_n or_o reason_n it_o be_v because_o of_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n command_v we_o so_o to_o do_v and_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n testify_v thereunto_o but_o how_o or_o by_o what_o mean_n be_v our_o mind_n and_o conscience_n affect_v with_o the_o authority_n and_o truth_n of_o god_n so_o as_o to_o believe_v with_o respect_n unto_o they_o which_o make_v our_o faith_n divine_a and_o supernatural_a it_o be_v alone_o the_o divine_a supernatural_a infallible_a revelation_n that_o he_o have_v make_v of_o this_o sacred_a truth_n and_o of_o his_o will_n that_o we_o shall_v believe_v it_o but_o what_o be_v this_o revelation_n or_o where_o be_v it_o to_o be_v find_v it_o be_v the_o scripture_n alone_o which_o contain_v the_o entire_a revelation_n that_o god_n have_v make_v of_o himself_o in_o all_o thing_n which_o he_o will_v have_v we_o to_o believe_v or_o do_v hence_o 7._o the_o last_o enquiry_n arise_v how_o or_o on_o what_o ground_n for_o what_o reason_n do_v we_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v a_o divine_a revelation_n proceed_v immediate_o from_o god_n or_o to_o be_v that_o word_n of_o god_n which_o be_v truth_n divine_a and_o infallible_a whereunto_o we_o answer_v it_o be_v sole_o on_o the_o evidence_n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o and_o by_o the_o scripture_n itself_o give_v unto_o we_o that_o it_o be_v give_v by_o immediate_a inspiration_n from_o god_n or_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n whereon_o we_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v the_o authority_n and_o truth_n of_o god_n evidence_v themselves_o in_o and_o by_o it_o unto_o the_o mind_n and_o conscience_n of_o men._n hereon_o as_o whatever_o we_o assent_v unto_o as_o propose_v in_o the_o scripture_n our_o faith_n rest_v on_o and_o be_v resolve_v into_o the_o veracity_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n so_o be_v it_o also_o in_o this_o of_o believe_v the_o scripture_n itself_o to_o be_v the_o infallible_a word_n of_o god_n see_v we_o do_v it_o on_o no_o other_o ground_n but_o its_o own_o evidence_n that_o so_o it_o be_v this_o be_v that_o which_o be_v principal_o to_o be_v prove_v and_o therefore_o to_o prepare_v for_o it_o and_o to_o remove_v prejudices_fw-la something_o be_v to_o be_v speak_v to_o prepare_v the_o way_n thereunto_o 1._o there_o be_v sundry_a cogent_a argument_n which_o be_v take_v from_o external_n consideration_n of_o the_o scripture_n that_o evince_n it_o on_o rational_a ground_n to_o be_v from_o god_n all_o these_o be_v motive_n of_o credibility_n or_o effectual_a persuasive_n to_o account_n and_o esteem_v it_o to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o although_o they_o neither_o be_v nor_o be_v it_o possible_a they_o ever_o shall_v be_v the_o ground_n and_o reason_n whereon_o we_o believe_v it_o so_o to_o be_v with_o faith_n divine_a and_o supernatural_a yet_o be_v they_o necessary_a unto_o the_o confirmation_n of_o our_o faith_n herein_o against_o temptation_n opposition_n and_o objection_n these_o argument_n have_v be_v plead_v by_o many_o and_o that_o useful_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o needful_a for_o i_o to_o insist_v upon_o they_o and_o they_o be_v the_o same_o for_o the_o substance_n of_o they_o in_o ancient_a and_o modern_a writer_n however_o manage_v by_o some_o with_o more_o learning_n dexterity_n and_o force_v of_o reason_v than_o by_o other_o it_o may_v not_o be_v expect_v therefore_o that_o in_o this_o short_a discourse_n design_v unto_o another_o purpose_n i_o shall_v give_v they_o much_o improvement_n however_o i_o shall_v a_o little_a touch_n on_o those_o which_o seem_v to_o be_v most_o cogent_a and_o that_o in_o they_o wherein_o in_o my_o apprehension_n their_o strength_n do_v lie_v and_o i_o shall_v do_v this_o to_o manifest_v that_o although_o we_o plead_v that_o no_o man_n can_v believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n with_o faith_n divine_a supernatural_a and_o infallible_a but_o upon_o its_o own_o internal_a divine_a evidence_n and_o efficacy_n yet_o we_o allow_v and_o make_v use_n of_o all_o those_o external_a argument_n of_o its_o sacred_a truth_n and_o divine_a original_a which_o be_v plead_v by_o other_o ascribe_v unto_o they_o as_o much_o weight_n and_o cogency_n as_o they_o can_v do_v acknowledge_v the_o persuasion_n which_o they_o beget_v and_o effect_v to_o be_v as_o firm_a as_o they_o can_v pretend_v it_o to_o be_v only_o we_o do_v not_o judge_v they_o to_o contain_v the_o whole_a of_o the_o evidence_n which_o we_o have_v for_o faith_n to_o rest_v in_o or_o to_o be_v resolve_v into_o yea_o not_o that_o at_o all_o which_o render_v it_o divine_a supernatural_a and_o infallible_a the_o rational_a argument_n we_o say_v which_o be_v or_o may_v be_v use_v in_o this_o matter_n with_o the_o humane_a testimony_n whereby_o they_o be_v corroborate_v may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v make_v use_n of_o and_o insist_v on_o and_o it_o be_v but_o vain_o pretend_v that_o their_o use_n be_v supersede_v by_o our_o other_o assertion_n as_o though_o where_o faith_n be_v require_v all_o the_o subservient_fw-fr use_n of_o reason_n be_v absolute_o discard_v and_o our_o faith_n thereby_o render_v irrational_a and_o the_o assent_n unto_o the_o divine_a original_a and_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o the_o mind_n ought_v to_o give_v upon_o they_o we_o grant_v to_o be_v of_o as_o high_a a_o nature_n as_o be_v pretend_v to_o be_v namely_o a_o moral_a certainty_n moreover_o the_o conclusion_n which_o unprejudiced_a reason_n will_v make_v upon_o these_o argument_n be_v more_o firm_a better_o ground_v and_o more_o pleadable_a than_o that_o which_o be_v build_v mere_o on_o the_o sole_a authority_n of_o any_o church_n whatever_o but_o this_o we_o assert_v that_o there_o be_v a_o assent_n of_o another_o kind_n unto_o the_o divine_a original_a and_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n require_v of_o we_o namely_o that_o of_o faith_n divine_a and_o supernatural_a of_o this_o none_o will_v say_v that_o it_o can_v be_v effect_v by_o or_o resolve_v into_o the_o best_a and_o most_o cogent_a of_o rational_a argument_n and_o external_a testimony_n which_o be_v absolute_o humane_a and_o fallible_a for_o it_o do_v imply_v a_o contradiction_n to_o believe_v infallible_o upon_o fallible_a evidence_n wherefore_o i_o shall_v prove_v that_o beyond_o all_o these_o argument_n and_o their_o effect_n upon_o our_o mind_n there_o be_v a_o assent_n unto_o the_o scripture_n as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n require_v of_o we_o with_o faith_n divine_a supernatural_a and_o infallible_a and_o therefore_o there_o must_v be_v a_o divine_a evidence_n which_o be_v the_o formal_a object_n and_o reason_n of_o it_o which_o alone_o it_o rest_v on_o and_o be_v resolve_v into_o which_o shall_v also_o be_v declare_v and_o prove_v but_o yet_o as_o be_v say_v in_o the_o first_o place_n because_o their_o
to_o consider_v what_o be_v their_o condition_n or_o what_o it_o be_v like_a to_o be_v it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o they_o talk_v of_o these_o thing_n after_o the_o manner_n of_o these_o day_n without_o any_o impression_n on_o their_o mind_n and_o affection_n or_o influence_n on_o the_o practical_a understanding_n but_o our_o enquiry_n be_v after_o what_o be_v a_o sufficient_a evidence_n for_o the_o conviction_n of_o rational_a and_o unprejudiced_a person_n and_o the_o defeat_n of_o objection_n to_o the_o contrary_a which_o these_o and_o the_o like_a argument_n do_v every_o way_n answer_v some_o think_v fit_a here_o to_o stay_v that_o be_v in_o these_o or_o the_o like_a external_a argument_n or_o rational_a motive_n of_o faith_n such_o as_o render_v the_o scripture_n so_o credible_a as_o that_o it_o be_v a_o unreasonable_a thing_n not_o to_o assent_v unto_o they_o that_o certainty_n which_o may_v be_v attain_v on_o these_o argument_n and_o motive_n be_v as_o they_o say_v the_o high_a which_o our_o mind_n be_v capable_a of_o with_o respect_n unto_o this_o object_n and_o therefore_o include_v all_o the_o assent_n which_o be_v require_v of_o we_o unto_o this_o proposition_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o all_o the_o faith_n whereby_o we_o believe_v they_o so_o to_o be_v when_o i_o speak_v of_o these_o argument_n i_o intend_v not_o they_o alone_o which_o i_o have_v insist_v on_o but_o all_o other_o also_o of_o the_o same_o kind_n some_o whereof_o have_v be_v urge_v and_o improve_v by_o other_o with_o great_a diligence_n for_o in_o the_o variety_n of_o such_o argument_n as_o offer_v themselves_o in_o this_o cause_n every_o one_o choose_v out_o what_o seem_v to_o he_o most_o cogent_a &_o some_o amass_o all_o that_o they_o can_v think_v on_o now_o these_o argument_n with_o the_o evidence_n tender_v in_o they_o be_v such_o as_o nothing_o but_o perverse_a prejudice_n can_v detain_v man_n from_o give_v a_o firm_a assent_n unto_o and_o no_o more_o be_v require_v of_o we_o but_o that_o according_a to_o the_o motive_n that_o be_v propose_v unto_o we_o and_o the_o argument_n use_v to_o that_o purpose_n we_o come_v unto_o a_o judgement_n and_o persuasion_n call_v a_o moral_a assurance_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o endeavour_v to_o yield_v obedience_n unto_o god_n according_o and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v that_o there_o be_v more_o than_o it_o be_v fear_v there_o be_v who_o be_v real_o so_o affect_v with_o these_o argument_n and_o motive_n for_o the_o truth_n be_v tradition_n and_o education_n practical_o bear_v the_o whole_a sway_n in_o this_o matter_n but_o yet_o when_o all_o this_o be_v do_v it_o will_v be_v say_v that_o all_o this_o be_v but_o a_o mere_a natural_a work_n whereunto_o no_o more_o be_v require_v but_o the_o natural_a exercise_n and_o act_n of_o our_o own_o reason_n and_o understanding_n that_o the_o argument_n and_o motive_n use_v though_o strong_a be_v humane_a and_o fallible_a and_o therefore_o the_o conclusion_n we_o make_v from_o they_o be_v so_o also_o and_o wherein_o we_o may_v be_v deceive_v that_o a_o assent_n ground_v and_o resolve_v into_o such_o rational_a argument_n only_o be_v not_o faith_n in_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o brief_a that_o it_o be_v require_v that_o we_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n with_o faith_n divine_a and_o supernatural_a which_o can_v be_v deceive_v two_o thing_n be_v reply_v hereunto_o 1._o that_o where_o the_o thing_n believe_v be_v divine_a and_o supernatural_a so_o be_v the_o faith_n whereby_o we_o believe_v they_o or_o give_v our_o assent_n unto_o they_o let_v the_o motive_n and_o argument_n whereon_o we_o give_v our_o assent_n be_v of_o what_o kind_n they_o will_v so_o that_o the_o assent_n be_v true_a and_o real_a and_o the_o thing_n believe_v be_v divine_a and_o supernatural_a the_o faith_n whereby_o we_o believe_v they_o be_v so_o also_o but_o this_o be_v all_o one_o as_o if_o in_o thing_n natural_a a_o man_n shall_v say_v our_o sight_n be_v green_a when_o we_o see_v that_o which_o be_v so_o and_o blow_v when_o we_o see_v that_o which_o be_v blue_a and_o this_o will_v be_v so_o in_o thing_n moral_a if_o the_o specification_n of_o act_n be_v from_o their_o material_a object_n but_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o they_o be_v not_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n always_o with_o the_o thing_n they_o be_v conversant_a about_o nor_o be_v they_o change_v thereby_o from_o what_o their_o nature_n be_v in_o themselves_o be_v it_o natural_a or_o supernatural_a humane_a or_o divine_a now_o thing_n divine_a be_v only_o the_o material_a object_n of_o our_o faith_n as_o have_v be_v show_v before_o and_o by_o a_o enumeration_n of_o they_o do_v we_o answer_v unto_o the_o question_n what_o be_v it_o that_o you_o do_v believe_v but_o it_o be_v the_o formal_a object_n or_o reason_n of_o all_o our_o act_n from_o whence_o they_o be_v denominate_v or_o by_o which_o they_o be_v specify_v and_o the_o formal_a reason_n of_o our_o faith_n assent_n or_o believe_v be_v that_o which_o prevail_v with_o we_o to_o believe_v and_o on_o who_o account_n we_o do_v so_o wherewith_o we_o answer_v unto_o that_o question_n why_o do_v you_o believe_v if_o this_o be_v humane_a authority_n argument_n high_o probable_a but_o absolute_o fallible_a motive_n cogent_a but_o only_o to_o beget_v a_o moral_a persuasion_n whatever_o we_o do_v believe_v thereon_o our_o faith_n be_v humane_a fallible_a and_o a_o moral_a assurance_n only_o wherefore_o it_o be_v say_v 2._o that_o this_o assent_n be_v sufficient_a all_o that_o be_v require_v of_o we_o and_o contain_v in_o it_o all_o the_o assurance_n which_o our_o mind_n be_v capable_a of_o in_o this_o matter_n for_o no_o further_a evidence_n nor_o assurance_n be_v in_o any_o case_n to_o be_v inquire_v after_o than_o the_o subject_a matter_n will_v bear_v and_o so_o be_v it_o in_o this_o case_n where_o the_o truth_n be_v not_o expose_v to_o sense_n nor_o capable_a of_o a_o scientifical_a demonstration_n but_o must_v be_v receive_v upon_o such_o reason_n and_o argument_n as_o carry_v it_o above_o the_o high_a probability_n though_o they_o leave_v it_o beneath_o science_n or_o knowledge_n or_o infallible_a assurance_n if_o such_o a_o persuasion_n of_o mind_n there_o be_v but_o yet_o i_o must_v needs_o say_v that_o although_o those_o external_a argument_n whereby_o learned_a and_o rational_a man_n have_v prove_v or_o may_v yet_o further_o prove_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v a_o divine_a revelation_n give_v of_o god_n and_o the_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o it_o to_o be_v a_o heavenly_a truth_n be_v of_o singular_a use_n for_o the_o strengthen_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o they_o that_o do_v believe_v by_o relieve_v the_o mind_n against_o temptation_n and_o objection_n that_o will_v arise_v to_o the_o contrary_a as_o also_o for_o the_o conviction_n of_o gainsayer_n yet_o to_o say_v that_o they_o contain_v the_o formal_a reason_n of_o that_o assent_n which_o be_v require_v of_o we_o unto_o the_o scripture_n as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o our_o faith_n be_v the_o effect_n and_o product_v of_o they_o which_o it_o rest_v upon_o and_o be_v resolve_v into_o be_v both_o contrary_a to_o the_o scripture_n destructive_a of_o the_o nature_n of_o divine_a faith_n and_o exclusive_a of_o the_o work_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o this_o whole_a matter_n wherefore_o i_o shall_v do_v these_o two_o thing_n before_o i_o proceed_v to_o our_o principal_a argument_n design_v 1._o i_o shall_v give_v some_o few_o reason_n prove_v that_o the_o faith_n whereby_o we_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v not_o a_o mere_a firm_a moral_a persuasion_n build_v upon_o external_a argument_n and_o motive_n of_o credibility_n but_o be_v divine_a and_o supernatural_a because_o the_o formal_a reason_n of_o it_o be_v so_o also_o 2._o i_o shall_v show_v what_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o that_o faith_n whereby_o we_o do_v or_o aught_o to_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n what_o be_v the_o work_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n about_o it_o and_o what_o be_v the_o proper_a object_n of_o it_o in_o the_o first_o i_o shall_v be_v very_o brief_a for_o my_o design_n be_v to_o strengthen_v the_o faith_n of_o all_o and_o not_o to_o weaken_v the_o opinion_n of_o any_o divine_a revelation_n be_v the_o proper_a object_n of_o divine_a faith_n with_o such_o faith_n we_o can_v believe_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v so_o and_o what_o be_v so_o can_v be_v receive_v no_o otherwise_o by_o we_o if_o we_o believe_v it_o not_o with_o divine_a faith_n we_o believe_v it_o not_o at_o all_o such_o be_v the_o scripture_n as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n every_o where_o propose_v unto_o we_o and_o we_o be_v require_v to_o believe_v that_o be_v first_o to_o
unto_o it_o as_o i_o have_v elsewhere_o prove_v at_o large_a we_o shall_v therefore_o proceed_v there_o be_v two_o thing_n considerable_a with_o respect_n unto_o our_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o a_o due_a manner_n or_o according_a to_o our_o duty_n the_o first_o respect_v the_o subject_a or_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n how_o it_o be_v enable_v thereunto_o the_o other_o the_o object_n to_o be_v believe_v with_o the_o true_a reason_n why_o we_o do_v believe_v the_o scripture_n with_o faith_n divine_a and_o supernatural_a the_o first_o of_o these_o must_v of_o necessity_n fall_v under_o our_o consideration_n herein_o as_o that_o without_o which_o what_o ever_o reason_n evidence_n or_o motive_n be_v propose_v unto_o we_o we_o shall_v never_o believe_v in_o a_o due_a manner_n for_o whereas_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n or_o the_o mind_n of_o all_o man_n be_v by_o nature_n deprave_v corrupt_a carnal_a and_o enmity_n against_o god_n they_o can_v of_o themselves_o or_o by_o virtue_n of_o any_o innate_a ability_n of_o their_o own_o understand_v or_o assent_v unto_o spiritual_a thing_n in_o a_o spiritual_a manner_n which_o we_o have_v sufficient_o prove_v and_o confirm_v before_o wherefore_o that_o assent_n which_o be_v wrought_v in_o we_o by_o mere_a external_a argument_n consist_v in_o the_o rational_a conclusion_n and_o judgement_n which_o we_o make_v upon_o their_o truth_n and_o evidence_n be_v not_o that_o faith_n wherewith_o we_o ought_v to_o believe_v the_o word_n of_o god_n wherefore_o that_o we_o may_v believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n according_a to_o our_o duty_n as_o god_n require_v it_o of_o we_o in_o a_o useful_a profitable_a and_o save_a manner_n above_z and_o beyond_o that_o natural_a humane_a faith_n and_o assent_n which_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o the_o argument_n and_o motive_n of_o credibility_n before_o insist_v on_o with_o all_o other_o of_o the_o like_a kind_n there_o be_v and_o must_v be_v wrought_v in_o we_o by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n faith_n supernatural_a and_o divine_a whereby_o we_o be_v enable_v so_o to_o do_v or_o rather_o whereby_o we_o do_v so_o this_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n as_o it_o be_v distinct_a from_o so_o in_o order_n of_o nature_n it_o be_v antecedent_n unto_o all_o divine_a objective_n evidence_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o the_o formal_a reason_n move_v we_o to_o believe_v it_o wherefore_o without_o it_o whatever_o argument_n or_o motive_n be_v propose_v unto_o we_o we_o can_v believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o a_o due_a manner_n and_o as_o it_o be_v in_o duty_n require_v of_o we_o some_o it_o may_v be_v will_v suppose_v these_o thing_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o impertinent_a unto_o our_o present_a purpose_n for_o while_o we_o be_v inquire_v on_o what_o ground_n we_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n we_o seem_v to_o fly_v to_o the_o work_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o our_o own_o mind_n which_o be_v irrational_a but_o we_o must_v not_o be_v ashamed_a of_o the_o gospel_n nor_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o because_o some_o do_v not_o understand_v or_o will_v not_o due_o consider_v what_o be_v propose_v it_o be_v necessary_a that_o we_o shall_v return_v unto_o the_o work_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n not_o with_o peculiar_a respect_n unto_o the_o scripture_n that_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v but_o unto_o our_o own_o mind_n and_o that_o faith_n wherewith_o they_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v for_o it_o be_v not_o the_o reason_n why_o we_o believe_v the_o scripture_n but_o the_o power_n whereby_o we_o be_v enable_v so_o to_o do_v which_o at_o present_a we_o inquire_v after_o 1._o that_o the_o faith_n whereby_o we_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v wrought_v in_o we_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n can_v be_v deny_v only_o on_o two_o principle_n or_o supposition_n 1._o that_o it_o be_v not_o faith_n divine_a and_o supernatural_a whereby_o we_o believe_v they_o so_o to_o be_v but_o only_o we_o have_v other_o moral_a assurance_n thereof_o 2._o that_o this_o faith_n divine_a and_o supernatural_a be_v of_o ourselves_o and_o be_v not_o wrought_v in_o we_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o first_o of_o these_o have_v be_v already_o disprove_v and_o shall_v be_v further_o evict_v afterward_o and_o it_o may_v be_v they_o be_v very_o few_o who_o be_v of_o that_o judgement_n for_o general_o whatever_o man_n suppose_v the_o prime_a object_n principal_a motive_n and_o formal_a reason_n of_o that_o faith_n to_o be_v yet_o that_o it_o be_v divine_a and_o supernatural_a they_o all_o acknowledge_v and_o as_o to_o the_o second_o what_o be_v so_o it_o be_v of_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o to_o say_v it_o be_v divine_a and_o supernatural_a be_v to_o say_v that_o it_o be_v not_o of_o ourselves_o but_o that_o it_o be_v the_o grace_n and_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n wrought_v in_o we_o by_o his_o divine_a and_o supernatural_a power_n and_o those_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n who_o will_v resolve_v our_o faith_n in_o this_o matter_n objective_o into_o the_o authority_n of_o their_o church_n yet_o subjective_o acknowledge_v the_o work_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n ingenerate_v faith_n in_o we_o and_o that_o work_v to_o be_v necessary_a to_o our_o believe_v the_o scripture_n in_o a_o due_a manner_n externae_fw-la omnes_fw-la &_o humanae_fw-la persuasiones_fw-la non_fw-la sunt_fw-la satis_fw-la ad_fw-la credendum_fw-la quantumcunque_fw-la ab_fw-la hominibus_fw-la competenter_fw-la ea_fw-la quae_fw-la sunt_fw-la fidei_fw-la proponantur_fw-la sed_fw-la necessaria_fw-la est_fw-la insuper_fw-la causa_fw-la interior_a hoc_fw-la est_fw-la divinum_fw-la quoddam_fw-la lumen_fw-la incitans_fw-la ad_fw-la credendum_fw-la &_o oculi_fw-la quidam_fw-la interni_fw-la dei_fw-la beneficio_fw-la ad_fw-la videndum_fw-la dati_fw-la say_v canus_n loc._n theol._n lib._n 2._o cap._n 8._o nor_o be_v there_o any_o of_o the_o divine_n of_o that_o church_n which_o dissent_n herein_o we_o do_v not_o therefore_o assert_v any_o such_o divine_a formal_a reoson_n of_o believe_v as_o that_o the_o mind_n shall_v not_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o supernatural_a assistance_n enable_v it_o to_o assent_v thereunto_o nay_o we_o affirm_v that_o without_o this_o there_o be_v in_o no_o man_n any_o true_a faith_n at_o all_o let_v the_o argument_n and_o motive_n whereon_o he_o believe_v be_v as_o forcible_a and_o pregnant_a with_o evidence_n as_o can_v be_v imagine_v it_o be_v in_o this_o case_n as_o in_o thing_n natural_a neither_o the_o the_o light_n of_o the_o sun_n nor_o any_o persuasive_a argument_n unto_o man_n to_o look_v up_o unto_o it_o will_v enable_v they_o to_o discern_v it_o unless_o they_o be_v endue_v with_o a_o due_a visive_a faculty_n and_o this_o the_o scripture_n be_v express_v in_o beyond_o all_o possibility_n of_o contradiction_n neither_o be_v it_o that_o i_o know_v of_o by_o any_o as_o yet_o in_o express_a term_n deny_v for_o indeed_o that_o all_o which_o be_v proper_o call_v faith_n with_o respect_n unto_o divine_a revelation_n and_o be_v accept_v with_o god_n as_o such_o be_v the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o we_o or_o be_v bestow_v on_o we_o by_o he_o can_v be_v question_v by_o any_o who_o own_o the_o gospel_n i_o have_v also_o prove_v it_o elsewhere_o so_o full_o and_o large_o as_o that_o i_o shall_v give_v it_o at_o present_v no_o other_o confirmation_n but_o what_o will_v necessary_o fall_v in_o with_o the_o description_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o faith_n whereby_o we_o do_v believe_v and_o the_o way_n or_o manner_n of_o its_o be_v wrought_v in_o we_o the_o work_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n unto_o this_o purpose_n consist_v in_o the_o save_a illumination_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o be_v a_o supernatural_a light_n whereby_o the_o mind_n be_v renew_v see_v rom._n 12._o 1._o ephes._n 1._o 18_o 19_o chap._n 3._o 16_o 17_o 18_o 19_o it_o be_v call_v a_o heart_n to_o understand_v eye_n to_o see_v ear_n to_o hear_v deut._n 29._o 4._o the_o open_n of_o the_o eye_n of_o our_o vunderstanding_n ephes._n 1._o 18._o the_o give_v of_o a_o understanding_n 1_o john_n 5._o 20._o hereby_o we_o be_v enable_v to_o discern_v the_o evidence_n of_o the_o divine_a original_a and_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n that_o be_v in_o itself_o as_o well_o as_o assent_v unto_o the_o truth_n contain_v in_o it_o and_o without_o it_o we_o can_v do_v so_o for_o the_o natural_a man_n receive_v not_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o they_o be_v foolishness_n unto_o he_o neither_o can_v be_v know_v they_o because_o they_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v 1_o cor._n 2._o 14._o and_o unto_o this_o end_n it_o be_v write_v in_o the_o prophet_n that_o we_o
nempe_fw-la in_fw-la qua_fw-la securius_fw-la constantiusque_fw-la mens_fw-la qui_fw-la scat_fw-la quam_fw-la in_o ullis_fw-la rationibus_fw-la talis_fw-la denique_fw-la sensus_fw-la qui_fw-la nisi_fw-la ex_fw-la caelesti_fw-la revelatione_fw-la nequeat_fw-la non_fw-la aliud_fw-la loquor_fw-la quam_fw-la quod_fw-la apud_fw-la se_fw-la experitur_fw-la fidelium_fw-la unusquisque_fw-la nisi_fw-la quod_fw-la long_o infra_fw-la justam_fw-la rei_fw-la explicationem_fw-la verba_fw-la subsidunt_fw-la calv._n instit._n lib._n 2._o cap._n 7_o 8_o 9_o and_o we_o may_v here_o brief_o call_v over_o what_o we_o have_v attain_v or_o pass_v through_o for_o 1._o we_o have_v show_v in_o general_a both_o what_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o divine_a revelation_n and_o divine_a illumination_n with_o their_o mutual_a respect_n unto_o one_o another_o 2._o what_o be_v the_o principal_a external_a argument_n or_o motive_n of_o credibility_n whereby_o the_o scripture_n may_v be_v prove_v to_o bâ—_n of_o a_o divine_a original_a 3._o what_o kind_n of_o persuasion_n be_v the_o effect_n of_o they_o or_o what_o be_v the_o assent_n which_o we_o give_v unto_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n on_o their_o account_n 4._o what_o objective_a evidence_n there_o be_v unto_o reason_n in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o induce_v the_o mind_n to_o assent_v unto_o they_o 5._o what_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o that_o faith_n whereby_o we_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o how_o it_o be_v wrought_v in_o we_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 6._o what_o be_v that_o internal_a testimony_n which_o be_v give_v unto_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n what_o be_v the_o force_n and_o use_v thereof_o the_o principal_a part_n of_o our_o work_n do_v yet_o remain_v that_o which_o we_o have_v thus_o far_o make_v way_n for_o and_o which_o be_v now_o our_o only_a remain_a enquiry_n be_v what_o be_v the_o work_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n with_o respect_n unto_o the_o objective_a evidence_n which_o we_o have_v concern_v the_o scripture_n that_o it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o formal_a reason_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o whereinto_o it_o be_v resolve_v that_o be_v we_o come_v to_o inquire_v and_o to_o give_v a_o direct_a answer_n unto_o that_o question_n why_o we_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n what_o it_o be_v that_o our_o faith_n rest_v upon_o herein_o and_o what_o it_o be_v that_o make_v it_o the_o duty_n of_o every_o man_n to_o believe_v it_o so_o to_o be_v unto_o who_o it_o be_v propose_v and_o the_o reason_n why_o i_o shall_v be_v the_o brief_a herein_o be_v because_o i_o have_v long_o since_o in_o another_o discourse_n clear_v this_o argument_n and_o i_o shall_v not_o here_o again_o call_v over_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v deliver_v therein_o because_o what_o have_v be_v unto_o this_o day_n gainsay_v unto_o it_o or_o except_v against_o it_o have_v be_v of_o little_a weight_n or_o consideration_n unto_o this_o great_a enquiry_n therefore_o i_o say_v we_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n with_o divine_a faith_n for_o its_o own_o sake_n only_o or_o our_o faith_n be_v resolve_v into_o the_o authority_n and_o truth_n of_o god_n only_o as_o reveal_v himself_o unto_o we_o therein_o and_o thereby_o and_o this_o authority_n and_o veracity_n of_o god_n do_v infallible_o manifest_v or_o evince_v themselves_o unto_o our_o faith_n or_o our_o mind_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o by_o the_o revelation_n itself_o in_o the_o scripture_n and_o no_o otherwise_o or_o thus_o say_v the_o lord_n be_v the_o reason_n why_o we_o ought_v to_o believe_v and_o why_o we_o do_v so_o why_o we_o believe_v at_o all_o in_o general_n and_o why_o we_o believe_v any_o thing_n in_o particular_a and_o this_o we_o call_v the_o formal_a object_n or_o reason_n of_o faith_n and_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o this_o be_v not_o god_n himself_o absolute_o consider_v for_o so_o he_o be_v only_o the_o material_a object_n of_o our_o faith_n he_o that_o come_v unto_o god_n must_v believe_v that_o he_o be_v heb._n 11._o 6._o nor_o be_v it_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n absolute_o for_o that_o we_o believe_v as_o we_o do_v other_o essential_a property_n of_o his_o nature_n but_o it_o be_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n reveal_v himself_o his_o mind_n and_o will_n unto_o we_o in_o the_o scripture_n this_o be_v the_o sole_a reason_n why_o we_o believe_v any_o thing_n with_o divine_a faith_n it_o be_v or_o may_v be_v inquire_v wherefore_o we_o do_v believe_v jesus_n christ_n to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n or_o that_o god_n be_v one_o in_o nature_n subsist_v in_o three_o person_n the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a spirit_n i_o answer_v it_o be_v because_o god_n himself_o the_o first_o truth_n who_o can_v lie_v have_v reveal_v and_o declare_v these_o thing_n so_o to_o be_v and_o he_o who_o be_v our_o all_o require_v we_o so_o to_o believe_v if_o it_o be_v ask_v how_o wherein_o or_o whereby_o god_n have_v reveal_v and_o declare_v these_o thing_n so_o to_o be_v or_o what_o be_v that_o revelation_n which_o god_n have_v make_v hereof_o i_o answer_v it_o be_v the_o scripture_n and_o that_o only_o and_o if_o it_o be_v ask_v how_o i_o know_v this_o scripture_n to_o be_v a_o divine_a revelation_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n i_o answer_v 1._o i_o do_v not_o know_v it_o demonstrative_o upon_o rational_a scientifical_a principle_n because_o such_o a_o divine_a revelation_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o such_o a_o demonstration_n 1._o cor._n 2._o 9_o 2._o i_o do_v not_o assent_v unto_o it_o or_o think_v it_o to_o be_v so_o upon_o argument_n and_o motive_n high_o probable_a or_o moral_o uncontrollable_a only_o as_o i_o be_o assure_o persuade_v of_o many_o other_o thing_n whereof_o i_o can_v have_v no_o certain_a demonstration_n 1_o thes._n 2._o 15._o but_o i_o believe_v it_o so_o to_o be_v with_o faith_n divine_a and_o supernatural_a rest_v on_o and_o resolve_v into_o the_o authority_n and_o veracity_n of_o god_n himself_o evidence_v themselves_o unto_o my_o mind_n my_o soul_n and_o conscience_n by_o this_o revelation_n itself_o and_o not_o otherwise_o here_o we_o rest_v and_o deny_v that_o we_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n formal_o for_o any_o other_o reason_n but_o itself_o which_o assure_v we_o of_o its_o divine_a authority_n and_o if_o we_o rest_v not_o here_o we_o must_v run_v on_o the_o rock_n of_o a_o moral_a certainty_n only_o which_o shake_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o divine_a faith_n or_o fall_v into_o the_o gulf_n and_o labyrinth_n of_o a_o endless_a circle_n in_o prove_v two_o thing_n mutual_o by_o one_o another_o as_o the_o church_n by_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o scripture_n by_o the_o church_n in_o a_o everlasting_a rotation_n unless_o we_o intend_v so_o to_o wander_v we_o must_v come_v to_o something_o wherein_o we_o may_v rest_v for_o its_o own_o sake_n and_o that_o not_o with_o a_o strong_a and_o firm_a opinion_n but_o with_o divine_a faith_n and_o nothing_o can_v rational_o pretend_v unto_o this_o privilege_n but_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n manifest_v itself_o in_o the_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o those_o who_o will_v not_o allow_v it_o hereunto_o do_v some_o of_o they_o wise_o deny_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v the_o object_n of_o divine_a faith_n direct_o but_o only_o of_o a_o moral_a persuasion_n from_o eternal_a argument_n and_o consideration_n and_o i_o do_v believe_v that_o they_o will_v grant_v that_o if_o the_o scripture_n be_v so_o to_o be_v believe_v it_o must_v be_v for_o its_o own_o sake_n for_o those_o who_o will_v have_v we_o to_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n propose_v it_o unto_o we_o and_o witness_v so_o to_o be_v though_o they_o make_v a_o fair_a appearance_n of_o a_o ready_a and_o easy_a way_n for_o the_o exercise_n of_o faith_n yet_o when_o thing_n come_v to_o be_v sift_v and_o try_v they_o do_v so_o confound_v all_o sort_n of_o thing_n that_o they_o know_v not_o where_o to_o stand_v or_o abide_v but_o it_o be_v not_o now_o my_o business_n to_o examine_v their_o pretence_n i_o have_v do_v it_o elsewhere_o i_o shall_v therefore_o prove_v and_o establish_v the_o assertion_n lay_v down_o after_o i_o have_v make_v way_n to_o it_o by_o one_o or_o two_o previous_a observation_n 1._o we_o suppose_v herein_o all_o the_o motive_n of_o credibity_n before_o mention_v that_o be_v all_o the_o argument_n ab_fw-la extra_fw-la which_o vehement_o persuade_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o wherewith_o it_o may_v be_v protect_v against_o objection_n and_o temptation_n to_o the_o contrary_n they_o have_v all_o of_o they_o their_o use_n and_o may_v in_o their_o proper_a place_n be_v
insist_v on_o especial_o ought_v they_o to_o be_v plead_v when_o the_o scripture_n be_v attack_v by_o a_o atheism_n arise_v from_o the_o love_n and_o practice_n of_o those_o lust_n and_o sin_n which_o be_v severe_o condemn_v therein_o and_o threaten_v with_o the_o utmost_a vengeance_n with_o other_o they_o may_v be_v consider_v as_o previous_a inducement_n unto_o believe_v or_o concomitant_a mean_n of_o strengthen_v faith_n in_o they_o that_o do_v believe_v in_o the_o first_o way_n i_o confess_v to_o the_o best_a of_o my_o observation_n of_o thing_n past_a and_o present_a their_o use_n be_v not_o great_a nor_o ever_o have_v be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n for_o assure_o the_o most_o that_o do_v sincere_o believe_v the_o divine_a original_a and_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n do_v it_o without_o any_o great_a consideration_n of_o they_o or_o be_v much_o influence_v by_o they_o and_o there_o be_v many_o who_o as_o austin_n speak_v be_v save_v simplicitate_fw-la credendi_fw-la and_o not_o subtilitate_fw-la disputandi_fw-la that_o be_v not_o able_a to_o inquire_v much_o into_o they_o nor_o yet_o to_o apprehend_v much_o of_o their_o force_n and_o efficacy_n when_o they_o be_v propose_v unto_o they_o most_o person_n therefore_o be_v effectual_o convert_v to_o god_n and_o have_v save_v faith_n whereby_o they_o believe_v the_o scripture_n and_o virtual_o all_o that_o be_v contain_v in_o it_o before_o they_o have_v ever_o once_o consider_v they_o and_o god_n forbid_v we_o shall_v think_v that_o none_o believe_v the_o scripture_n aright_o but_o those_o who_o be_v able_a to_o apprehend_v and_o manage_v the_o subtle_a argument_n of_o learned_a man_n produce_v in_o their_o confirmation_n yea_o we_o affirm_v on_o the_o contrary_a that_o those_o who_o believe_v they_o on_o no_o other_o ground_n have_v indeed_o no_o true_a divine_a faith_n at_o all_o hence_o they_o be_v not_o of_o old_a insist_v on_o for_o the_o ingenerate_v of_o faith_n in_o they_o to_o who_o the_o word_n be_v preach_v nor_o ordinary_o be_v so_o to_o this_o day_n by_o any_o who_o understand_v what_o be_v their_o work_n and_o duty_n but_o in_o the_o second_o way_n wherever_o there_o be_v occasion_n from_o objection_n opposition_n or_o temptation_n they_o may_v be_v plead_v to_o good_a use_n and_o purpose_n and_o they_o may_v do_v well_o to_o be_v furnish_v with_o they_o who_o be_v unavoidable_o expose_v unto_o trial_n of_o that_o nature_n for_o as_o for_o that_o course_n which_o some_o take_v in_o all_o place_n and_o at_o all_o time_n to_o be_v dispute_v about_o the_o scripture_n and_o their_o authority_n it_o be_v a_o practice_n give_v countenance_n unto_o atheism_n and_o be_v to_o be_v abhor_v of_o all_o that_o fear_n god_n and_o the_o consequent_n of_o it_o be_v sufficient_o manifest_a 2._o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o church_n as_o it_o be_v the_o ground_n and_o pillar_n of_o truth_n hold_v it_o up_o and_o declare_v it_o be_v in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n previous_o necessary_a unto_o believe_v for_o faith_n come_v by_o hear_v and_o hear_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n we_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o itself_o alone_o but_o not_o by_o itself_o alone_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n be_v the_o mean_n which_o god_n have_v appoint_v for_o the_o declaration_n and_o make_v know_v the_o testimony_n which_o the_o holy_a spirit_n give_v in_o the_o scripture_n unto_o its_o divine_a original_a and_o this_o be_v the_o ordinary_a way_n whereby_o man_n be_v bring_v to_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o church_n in_o its_o ministry_n own_v witness_v and_o avow_v it_o so_o to_o be_v instruct_v all_o sort_n of_o person_n out_o of_o it_o there_o be_v together_o with_o a_o sense_n and_o apprehension_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o power_n of_o the_o thing_n teach_v and_o reveal_v in_o it_o faith_n in_o itself_o as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n ingenerate_v in_o they_o 3._o we_o do_v also_o here_o suppose_v the_o internal_a effectual_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n beget_v faith_n in_o we_o as_o be_v before_o declare_v without_o which_o we_o can_v believe_v neither_o the_o scripture_n nor_o any_o thing_n else_o with_o faith_n divine_a not_o for_o want_v of_o evidence_n in_o they_o but_o of_o faith_n in_o ourselves_o these_o thing_n be_v suppose_v we_o do_v affirm_v that_o it_o be_v the_o authority_n and_o truth_n of_o god_n as_o manifest_v themselves_o in_o the_o supernatural_a revelation_n make_v in_o the_o scripture_n that_o our_o faith_n arise_v from_o and_o be_v resolve_v into_o and_o herein_o consist_v that_o testimony_n which_o the_o spirit_n give_v unto_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o it_o be_v so_o for_o it_o be_v the_o spirit_n that_o bear_v witness_v because_o the_o spirit_n be_v truth_n the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v the_o immediate_a author_n of_o the_o whole_a scripture_n do_v therein_o and_o thereby_o give_v testimony_n unto_o the_o divine_a truth_n and_o original_a of_o it_o by_o the_o character_n of_o divine_a authority_n and_o veracity_n impress_v on_o it_o and_o evidence_v themselves_o in_o its_o power_n and_o efficacy_n and_o let_v it_o be_v observe_v that_o what_o we_o assert_v respect_n the_o revelation_n itself_o the_o scripture_n the_o write_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o not_o mere_o the_o thing_n write_v or_o contain_v in_o it_o the_o argument_n produce_v by_o some_o to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o scripture_n reach_v not_o the_o cause_n in_o hand_n for_o our_o enquiry_n be_v not_o about_o believe_v the_o truth_n reveal_v but_o about_o believe_v the_o revelation_n itself_o the_o scripture_n itself_o to_o be_v divine_a and_o this_o we_o do_v only_o because_o of_o the_o authority_n and_o veracity_n of_o the_o revealer_n that_o be_v of_o god_n himself_o manifest_v themselves_o therein_o to_o manifest_v this_o full_o i_o shall_v do_v these_o thing_n 1._o prove_v that_o our_o faith_n be_v so_o resolve_v into_o the_o scripture_n as_o a_o divine_a revelation_n and_o not_o into_o any_o thing_n else_o that_o be_v we_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o its_o own_o sake_n and_o not_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o any_o thing_n else_o either_o external_a argument_n or_o authoritative_a testimony_n of_o man_n whatever_o 2._o show_v how_o or_o by_o what_o mean_v the_o scripture_n do_v evidence_n its_o own_o divine_a original_a or_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n be_v so_o evidence_v in_o it_o and_o by_o it_o as_o that_o we_o need_v no_o other_o formal_a cause_n or_o reason_n of_o our_o faith_n whatever_o motive_n or_o mean_n of_o believe_v we_o may_v make_v use_n of_o and_o as_o to_o the_o first_o of_o these_o 1._o that_o be_v the_o formal_a reason_n whereon_o we_o do_v believe_v which_o the_o scripture_n propose_v as_o the_o only_a reason_n why_o we_o shall_v so_o do_v why_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o do_v so_o and_o whereunto_o it_o require_v our_o assent_n now_o this_o be_v to_o itself_o as_o it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o because_o it_o be_v so_o or_o it_o propose_v the_o authority_n of_o god_n in_o itself_o and_o that_o alone_a which_o we_o be_v to_o acquiesce_v in_o and_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n and_o that_o alone_a which_o our_o faith_n be_v to_o rest_v on_o and_o be_v resolve_v into_o it_o do_v not_o require_v we_o to_o believe_v it_o upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o any_o church_n or_o on_o any_o other_o argument_n that_o it_o give_v we_o to_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v from_o god_n but_o speak_v unto_o we_o immediate_o in_o his_o name_n and_o thereon_o require_v faith_n and_o obedience_n some_o it_o may_v be_v will_v ask_v whether_o this_o prove_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n because_o it_o say_v so_o of_o itself_o when_o any_o other_o write_v may_v say_v the_o same_o but_o we_o be_v not_o now_o give_v argument_n to_o prove_v unto_o other_o the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o only_o prove_v and_o show_v what_o our_o own_o faith_n rest_v on_o and_o be_v resolve_v into_o or_o at_o least_o ought_v so_o to_o be_v how_o it_o evidence_v itself_o unto_o our_o faith_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n we_o shall_v afterward_o declare_v it_o be_v sufficient_a unto_o our_o present_a purpose_n that_o god_n require_v we_o to_o believe_v the_o scripture_n for_o no_o other_o reason_n but_o because_o it_o be_v his_o word_n or_o a_o divine_a revelation_n from_o he_o and_o if_o so_o his_o authority_n and_o truth_n be_v the_o formal_a reason_n why_o we_o believe_v the_o scripture_n or_o any_o thing_n contain_v in_o it_o to_o this_o purpose_n do_v testimony_n abound_v in_o particular_a beside_o that_o general_a attestation_n which_o be_v give_v unto_o it_o in_o that_o sole_a preface_n of_o divine_a revelation_n thus_o say_v the_o
be_v mistake_v but_o only_o its_o own_o divine_a original_a and_o authority_n make_v our_o duty_n necessary_a and_o secure_v our_o faith_n infallible_o and_o those_o testimony_n be_v with_o i_o of_o more_o weight_n a_o thousand_o time_n than_o the_o plausible_a reason_n of_o any_o to_o the_o contrary_n with_o some_o indeed_o it_o be_v grow_v a_o matter_n of_o contempt_n to_o quote_v or_o cite_v the_o scripture_n in_o our_o write_n such_o reverence_n have_v they_o for_o the_o ancient_a father_n some_o of_o who_o write_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o perpetual_a contexture_n of_o scripture_n but_o for_o such_o who_o pretend_v to_o despise_v those_o testimony_n in_o this_o case_n it_o be_v because_o either_o they_o do_v not_o understand_v what_o they_o be_v produce_v to_o confirm_v or_o can_v answer_v the_o proof_n that_o be_v in_o they_o for_o it_o be_v not_o unlikely_a but_o that_o some_o person_n well_o conceit_v of_o their_o own_o understanding_n in_o thing_n wherein_o they_o be_v most_o ignorant_a will_v pride_n and_o please_v themselves_o in_o the_o ridiculousness_n of_o prove_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n by_o testimony_n take_v out_o of_o it_o but_o as_o be_v say_v we_o must_v not_o forgo_v the_o truth_n because_o either_o they_o will_v not_o or_o can_v understand_v what_o we_o discourse_v about_o 2._o our_o assertion_n be_v confirm_v by_o the_o uniform_a practice_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n and_o all_o the_o penman_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o propose_v these_o divine_a revelation_n which_o they_o receive_v by_o immediate_a inspiration_n from_o god_n for_o that_o which_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o their_o faith_n unto_o who_o they_o first_o declare_v those_o divine_a revelation_n be_v the_o reason_n of_o our_o faith_n now_o they_o be_v record_v in_o the_o scripture_n for_o the_o write_n of_o it_o be_v by_o god_n appointment_n it_o come_v into_o the_o room_n and_o supply_v the_o place_n of_o their_o oral_a ministry_n on_o what_o ground_n soever_o man_n be_v oblige_v to_o receive_v and_o believe_v divine_a revelation_n when_o make_v unto_o they_o by_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n on_o the_o same_o be_v we_o oblige_v to_o receive_v and_o believe_v they_o now_o they_o be_v make_v unto_o we_o in_o the_o scripture_n the_o write_v be_v by_o divine_a inspiration_n and_o appoint_v as_o the_o mean_n and_o cause_n of_o our_o faith_n it_o be_v true_a god_n be_v please_v sometime_o to_o bear_v witness_n unto_o their_o personal_a ministry_n by_o miracle_n or_o sign_n and_o wonder_n as_o heb._n 2._o 4._o god_n bear_v they_o witness_n but_o this_o be_v only_o at_o some_o season_n and_o with_o some_o of_o they_o that_o which_o they_o universal_o insist_v on_o whether_o they_o wrought_v any_o miracle_n or_o no_o be_v that_o the_o word_n which_o they_o preach_v declare_v write_v be_v not_o the_o word_n of_o man_n come_v not_o by_o any_o private_a suggestion_n or_o from_o any_o invention_n of_o their_o own_o but_o be_v indeed_o the_o word_n of_o god_n 1_o thes._n 2._o 13._o and_o declare_v by_o they_o as_o they_o be_v act_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 2_o pet._n 1._o 21._o under_o the_o old_a testament_n although_o the_o prophet_n sometime_o refer_v person_n unto_o the_o word_n already_o write_v as_o that_o which_o their_o faith_n be_v to_o acquiesce_v in_o isa._n 8._o 20_o mal._n 4._o 4._o set_v out_o its_o power_n and_o excellency_n for_o all_o the_o end_n of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n psal._n 19_o 7_o 8_o 9_o psal._n 119._o and_o not_o to_o any_o thing_n else_o nor_o to_o any_o other_o motive_n or_o argument_n to_o beget_v and_o require_v faith_n but_o it_o be_v own_o authority_n only_o yet_o as_o to_o their_o own_o especial_a message_n and_o revelation_n they_o lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o the_o faith_n and_o obedience_n which_o they_o require_v in_o this_o alone_a thus_o say_v the_o lord_n the_o god_n of_o truth_n and_o under_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o infallible_a preacher_n and_o writer_n thereof_o do_v in_o the_o first_o place_n propose_v the_o write_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n to_o be_v receive_v for_o their_o own_o sake_n or_o on_o the_o account_n of_o their_o divine_a original_a see_v john_n 45._o 46_o 47._o luk._n 16._o 29_o 31._o mat._n 21._o 42._o act_n 18._o 24_o 25_o 28._o act_n 24._o 14._o chap._n 26._o 22._o 2_o pet._n 1._o 21._o hence_o be_v they_o call_v the_o oracle_n of_o god_n rom._n 3._o 2._o and_o oracle_n always_o require_v a_o assent_n for_o their_o own_o sake_n and_o other_o evidence_n they_o plead_v none_o and_o for_o the_o revelation_n which_o they_o superad_v they_o plead_v that_o they_o have_v they_o immediate_o from_o god_n by_o jesus_n christ_n gal._n 1._o 1._o and_o this_o be_v accompany_v with_o such_o a_o infallible_a assurance_n in_o they_o that_o receive_v it_o as_o to_o be_v prefer_v above_o a_o supposition_n of_o the_o high_a miracle_n to_o confirm_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o contrary_a gal._n 1._o 8._o for_o if_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n shall_v have_v preach_v any_o other_o doctrine_n than_o what_o they_o reveal_v and_o propose_v in_o the_o name_n and_o authority_n of_o god_n they_o be_v to_o esteem_v he_o accurse_v for_o this_o cause_n they_o still_o insist_v on_o their_o apostolical_a authority_n and_o mission_n which_o include_v infallible_a inspiration_n and_o direction_n as_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o they_o unto_o who_o they_o preach_v and_o write_v and_o as_o for_o those_o who_o be_v not_o themselves_o divine_o inspire_v or_o wherein_o those_o that_o be_v so_o do_v not_o act_v by_o immediate_a inspiration_n they_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o they_o deliver_v by_o its_o consonancy_n unto_o the_o scripture_n already_o write_v refer_v the_o mind_n and_o conscience_n of_o man_n unto_o they_o for_o their_o ultimate_a satisfaction_n act_v 18._o 28._o chap._n 28._o 33._o 3._o it_o be_v before_o grant_v that_o there_o be_v require_v as_o subservient_fw-fr unto_o believe_v as_o a_o mean_n of_o it_o or_o the_o resolution_n of_o our_o faith_n into_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n in_o the_o scripture_n the_o ministerial_a proposal_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o truth_n contain_v in_o they_o with_o the_o command_n of_o god_n for_o obedience_n unto_o they_o rom._n 16._o 25._o 26._o this_o ministry_n of_o the_o church_n either_o extraordinary_a or_o ordinary_a god_n have_v appoint_v unto_o this_o end_n and_o ordinary_o it_o be_v indispensible_a thereunto_o rom._n 10._o 14_o 15._o how_o shall_v they_o believe_v in_o he_o of_o who_o they_o have_v not_o hear_v and_o how_o shall_v they_o hear_v without_o a_o preacher_n and_o how_o shall_v they_o preach_v unless_o they_o be_v send_v without_o this_o ordinary_o we_o can_v believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n nor_o the_o thing_n contain_v in_o it_o to_o be_v from_o he_o though_o we_o do_v not_o believe_v either_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o for_o it_o i_o do_v grant_v that_o in_o extraordinary_a case_n outward_a providence_n may_v supply_v the_o room_n of_o this_o ministerial_a proposal_n for_o it_o be_v all_o one_o as_o unto_o our_o duty_n by_o what_o mean_v the_o scripture_n be_v bring_v unto_o we_o but_o upon_o a_o supposition_n of_o this_o ministerial_a proposal_n of_o the_o word_n which_o ordinary_o include_v the_o whole_a duty_n of_o the_o church_n in_o its_o testimony_n and_o declaration_n of_o the_o truth_n i_o desire_v to_o know_v whether_o those_o unto_o who_o it_o be_v propose_v be_v oblige_v without_o further_a external_a evidence_n to_o receive_v it_o as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o rest_v their_o faith_n in_o it_o and_o submit_v their_o conscience_n unto_o it_o the_o rule_n seem_v plain_a that_o they_o be_v oblige_v so_o to_o do_v mark_v 16._o 16._o we_o may_v consider_v this_o under_o the_o distinct_a way_n of_o its_o proposal_n extraordinary_a and_o ordinary_a upon_o the_o preach_a of_o any_o of_o the_o prophet_n by_o immediate_a inspiration_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n or_o on_o their_o declaration_n of_o any_o new_a revelation_n they_o have_v from_o god_n by_o preach_v or_o write_v suppose_v isaiah_n or_o jeremiah_n i_o desire_v to_o know_v whether_o or_o no_o all_o person_n be_v bind_v to_o receive_v their_o doctrine_n as_o from_o god_n to_o believe_v and_o submit_v unto_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n in_o the_o revelation_n make_v by_o he_o without_o any_o external_a motive_n or_o argument_n or_o the_o testimony_n or_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n witness_v thereunto_o if_o they_o be_v not_o then_o be_v they_o all_o excuse_v as_o guiltless_a who_o refuse_v to_o believe_v the_o message_n they_o declare_v in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n and_o in_o despise_v the_o warning_n and_o instruction_n which_o they_o give_v they_o for_o external_a motive_n they_o use_v not_o and_o the_o present_a church_n most_o
place_n that_o the_o plea_n hitherto_o insist_v on_o can_v be_v manage_v without_o great_a disadvantage_n to_o christian_a religion_n for_o if_o we_o take_v away_o the_o rational_a ground_n on_o which_o we_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v true_a and_o divine_a and_o the_o whole_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o be_v lay_v on_o thing_n not_o only_o deride_v by_o man_n of_o atheistical_a spirit_n but_o in_o themselves_o such_o as_o can_v be_v discern_v by_o any_o but_o such_o as_o do_v believe_v on_o what_o ground_n can_v we_o proceed_v to_o convince_v a_o unbeliever_n answer_v 1_o by_o the_o way_n it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o prove_v and_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v true_a and_o divine_a another_o to_o prove_v and_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n of_o god_n or_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o alone_o be_v propose_v unto_o consideration_n a_o doctrine_n true_a and_o divine_a may_v be_v write_v in_o and_o propose_v unto_o we_o by_o write_n that_o be_v not_o divine_o and_o infallible_o inspire_v and_o so_o may_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n have_v be_v but_o not_o without_o the_o unspeakable_a disadvantage_n of_o the_o church_n and_o there_o be_v sundry_a argument_n which_o forcible_o and_o effectual_o prove_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n to_o have_v be_v true_a and_o divine_a which_o be_v not_o of_o any_o efficacy_n to_o prove_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n though_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n whatever_o do_v prove_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n do_v equal_o prove_v the_o divine_a truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ._n 2._o there_o be_v two_o way_n of_o convince_a unbeliever_n the_o one_o insist_v on_o by_o the_o apostle_n and_o their_o follower_n the_o other_o by_o some_o learned_a man_n since_o their_o day_n the_o way_n principal_o insist_v on_o by_o the_o apostle_n be_v by_o preach_v the_o word_n itself_o unto_o they_o in_o the_o evidence_n and_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n by_o the_o power_n whereof_o manifest_v the_o authority_n of_o god_n in_o it_o they_o be_v convince_v and_o fall_v down_o acknowledge_v god_n to_o be_v in_o it_o of_o a_o truth_n 1_o cor._n 2._o 4_o 5._o ch_z 14._o 25_o 26._o it_o be_v likely_a that_o in_o this_o their_o proposal_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o doctrine_n and_o truth_n contain_v in_o it_o unto_o unbeliever_n that_o those_o of_o atheistical_a spirit_n will_v both_o deride_v they_o and_o it_o and_o so_o indeed_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v many_o esteem_v themselves_o to_o be_v babbler_n and_o their_o doctrine_n to_o be_v errant_a folly_n but_o yet_o they_o desist_v not_o from_o pursue_v their_o work_n in_o the_o same_o way_n whereunto_o god_n give_v success_n the_o other_o way_n be_v to_o prove_v unto_o unbeliever_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v true_a and_o divine_a by_o rational_a argument_n wherein_o some_o learned_a person_n have_v labour_v especial_o in_o these_o last_o age_n to_o very_o good_a purpose_n and_o certain_o their_o labour_n be_v great_o to_o be_v commend_v whilst_o they_o attend_v unto_o these_o rule_n 1._o that_o they_o produce_v no_o argument_n but_o such_o as_o be_v cogent_a and_o not_o liable_a unto_o just_a exception_n for_o if_o to_o manifest_v their_o own_o skill_n or_o learning_n they_o plead_v such_o reason_n as_o be_v capable_a of_o a_o answer_n and_o solution_n they_o exceed_o prejudice_v the_o truth_n by_o subject_v it_o unto_o dubious_a disputation_n whereas_o in_o itself_o it_o be_v clear_a firm_a and_o sacred_a 2._o that_o they_o do_v not_o pretend_v their_o rational_a ground_n and_o argument_n to_o be_v the_o sole_a foundation_n that_o faith_n have_v to_o rest_v upon_o or_o which_o it_o be_v resolve_v into_o for_o this_o be_v the_o ready_a way_n to_o set_v up_o a_o opinion_n instead_o of_o faith_n supernatural_a and_o divine_a accept_v but_o of_o these_o two_o limitation_n and_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v that_o the_o rational_a ground_n and_o argument_n intend_v may_v be_v rational_o plead_v and_o aught_o so_o to_o be_v unto_o the_o conviction_n of_o gainsayer_n for_o no_o man_n do_v so_o plead_v the_o self-evidencing_a power_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o to_o deny_v that_o the_o use_v of_o other_o external_a motive_n and_o argument_n be_v necessary_a to_o stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o atheist_n as_o also_o unto_o the_o further_a establishment_n of_o they_o who_o do_v believe_v these_o thing_n be_v subordinate_a and_o no_o way_n inconsistent_a the_o truth_n be_v if_o we_o will_v attend_v unto_o our_o own_o and_o the_o experience_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o god_n the_o way_n whereby_o we_o come_v to_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n ordinary_o be_v this_o and_o no_o other_o god_n have_v first_o give_v his_o word_n as_o the_o foundation_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o obedience_n have_v appoint_v the_o ministry_n of_o man_n at_o first_o extraordinary_a afterward_o ordinary_a to_o propose_v unto_o we_o the_o doctrine_n truth_n precept_n promise_n and_o threaten_n contain_v therein_o together_o with_o this_o proposition_n of_o they_o they_o be_v appoint_v to_o declare_v that_o these_o thing_n be_v not_o from_o themselves_o nor_o of_o their_o own_o invention_n 2_o tim._n 3._o 14_o 15_o 16_o 17._o and_o this_o be_v do_v various_o unto_o some_o the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o this_o ministry_n thus_o come_v or_o be_v thus_o propose_v preach_v or_o declare_v whilst_o they_o be_v in_o a_o condition_n not_o only_o utter_o unacquainted_a with_o the_o mystery_n of_o it_o but_o fill_v with_o contrary_a apprehension_n and_o consequent_o prejudices_fw-la against_o it_o thus_o it_o come_v of_o old_a unto_o the_o pagan_a world_n and_o must_v do_v so_o unto_o such_o person_n and_o nation_n as_o be_v yet_o in_o the_o same_o state_n with_o they_o unto_o these_o the_o first_o preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v not_o produce_v the_o book_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o tell_v they_o that_o it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o that_o it_o will_v evidence_n itself_o unto_o they_o so_o to_o be_v for_o this_o have_v be_v to_o despise_v the_o wisdom_n and_o authority_n of_o god_n in_o their_o own_o ministry_n but_o they_o preach_v the_o doctrine_n of_o it_o unto_o they_o ground_v themselves_o on_o the_o divine_a revelation_n contain_v therein_o and_o this_o proposition_n of_o the_o truth_n or_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n be_v not_o leave_v of_o god_n to_o work_v itself_o into_o the_o reason_n of_o man_n by_o the_o suitableness_n of_o it_o thereunto_o but_o be_v his_o own_o institution_n for_o their_o illumination_n and_o conversion_n he_o accompany_v it_o with_o divine_a power_n and_o make_v it_o effectual_a unto_o the_o end_v design_v rom._n 1._o 16._o and_o the_o event_n hereof_o among_o mankind_n be_v that_o by_o some_o this_o new_a doctrine_n be_v deride_v and_o scorn_v by_o other_o who_o heart_n god_n open_v to_o attend_v unto_o it_o it_o be_v embrace_v and_o submit_v unto_o among_o those_o who_o after_o the_o propagation_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v bear_v as_o they_o say_v within_o the_o pale_a of_o the_o church_n the_o same_o doctrine_n be_v various_o instill_v into_o person_n according_a unto_o the_o several_a duty_n and_o concern_v of_o other_o to_o instruct_v they_o principal_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n be_v ordain_v of_o god_n unto_o that_o end_n whereon_o the_o church_n be_v the_o ground_n and_o pillar_n of_o truth_n those_o of_o both_o sort_n unto_o who_o the_o doctrine_n mention_v be_v preach_v or_o propose_v be_v direct_v unto_o the_o scripture_n as_o the_o sacred_a repository_n thereof_o for_o they_o be_v tell_v that_o these_o thing_n come_v by_o revelation_n from_o god_n and_o that_o revelation_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o bible_n which_o be_v his_o word_n upon_o this_o proposal_n with_o enquiry_n into_o it_o and_o consideration_n of_o it_o god_n cooperate_a by_o his_o spirit_n there_o be_v that_o evidence_n of_o its_o divine_a original_a communicate_v unto_o their_o mind_n through_o its_o power_n and_o efficacy_n with_o the_o character_n of_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o holiness_n implant_v on_o it_o which_o they_o be_v now_o enable_v to_o discern_v that_o they_o believe_v it_o and_o rest_n in_o it_o as_o the_o immediate_a word_n of_o god_n thus_o be_v it_o in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o woman_n of_o samaria_n and_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o sychar_n with_o respect_n unto_o their_o faith_n in_o christ_n jesus_n john_n 4._o 42._o this_o be_v the_o way_n whereby_o man_n ordinary_o be_v bring_v to_o believe_v the_o word_n of_o god_n rom._n 10._o 14_o 15._o and_o that_o neither_o by_o external_a argument_n or_o motive_n which_o no_o one_o soul_n be_v ever_o convert_v unto_o god_n by_o nor_o by_o any_o mere_a naked_a proposal_n and_o offer_n of_o the_o book_n unto_o they_o
the_o help_n of_o other_o mean_n 4._o on_o these_o supposition_n i_o fear_v not_o to_o affirm_v that_o there_o be_v on_o every_o individual_a book_n of_o the_o scripture_n particular_o those_o name_v those_o divine_a character_n and_o criteria_n which_o be_v sufficient_a to_o difference_n they_o from_o all_o other_o write_n whatever_n and_o to_o testify_v their_o divine_a authority_n unto_o the_o mind_n and_o conscience_n of_o believer_n i_o say_v of_o believer_n for_o we_o inquire_v not_o on_o what_o ground_n unbeliever_n or_o those_o who_o do_v not_o believe_v do_v believe_v the_o word_n of_o god_n nor_o yet_o direct_o on_o what_o outward_a motive_n such_o person_n may_v be_v induce_v so_o to_o do_v but_o our_o sole_a enquiry_n at_o present_a be_v what_o the_o faith_n of_o they_o who_o do_v believe_v be_v resolve_v into_o it_o be_v not_o therefore_o say_v that_o when_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n for_o we_o acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v the_o same_o reason_n of_o the_o first_o give_v out_o of_o divine_a revelation_n as_o be_v of_o the_o scripture_n come_v and_o preach_v unto_o the_o jew_n that_o those_o mere_a word_n i_o be_o the_o light_n of_o the_o world_n or_o the_o like_a have_v all_o this_o evidence_n in_o they_o or_o with_o they_o for_o nothing_o he_o say_v of_o that_o kind_n may_v be_v separate_v from_o its_o circumstance_n but_o suppose_v the_o testimony_n give_v in_o the_o scripture_n before_o hand_n to_o his_o person_n work_n time_n and_o manner_n of_o come_v with_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n with_o he_o in_o the_o declaration_n that_o he_o make_v of_o his_o doctrine_n and_o himself_o to_o be_v the_o messiah_n the_o jew_n be_v bind_v to_o believe_v what_o he_o teach_v and_o himself_o to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n and_o so_o do_v many_o of_o they_o upon_o his_o preach_a only_o john_n 4._o 42._o and_o in_o like_a manner_n they_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o john_n baptist_n and_o to_o submit_v unto_o his_o institution_n although_o he_o wrought_v no_o miracle_n and_o those_o who_o do_v not_o reject_v the_o counsel_n of_o god_n for_o their_o good_a and_o perish_v in_o their_o unbelief_n but_o although_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n wrought_v no_o miracle_n to_o prove_v the_o scripture_n then_o extant_a to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n see_v he_o wrought_v they_o among_o such_o only_a as_o by_o who_o that_o be_v firm_o believe_v yet_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n see_v it_o necessary_a to_o confirm_v his_o personal_a ministry_n by_o they_o and_o without_o a_o sense_n of_o the_o power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o the_o divine_a truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n propose_v miracle_n themselves_o will_v be_v despise_v so_o they_o be_v by_o some_o who_o be_v afterward_o convert_v by_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o word_n act_v 2._o 13._o chap._n 3._o 7_o 8._o or_o they_o will_v produce_v only_o a_o false_a faith_n or_o a_o ravish_a assent_n upon_o a_o amazement_n that_o will_v not_o abide_v act_v 8._o 13_o 21._o appendix_n a_o summary_n representation_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o reason_n of_o that_o faith_n wherewith_o we_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n with_o some_o attestation_n give_v unto_o the_o substance_n of_o what_o have_v be_v deliver_v concern_v it_o shall_v give_v a_o close_a to_o this_o discourse_n as_o to_o the_o first_o part_n of_o this_o design_n the_o thing_n that_o follow_v be_v propose_v i._o unto_o the_o enquiry_n on_o what_o ground_n or_o for_o what_o reason_n we_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n many_o thing_n be_v suppose_v as_o on_o all_o hand_n agree_v upon_o who_o demonstration_n or_o proof_n belong_v not_o unto_o our_o present_a work_n such_o be_v 1._o the_o be_v of_o god_n and_o his_o self-subsistence_n with_o all_o the_o essential_a property_n of_o his_o nature_n 2._o our_o relation_n unto_o he_o and_o dependence_n on_o he_o as_o our_o creator_n benefactor_n preserver_n judge_n and_o rewarder_n both_o as_o unto_o thing_n temporal_a and_o eternal_a wherefore_o 3._o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d whatever_o may_v be_v know_v of_o god_n by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n whatever_o be_v manifest_a in_o or_o from_o the_o work_n of_o creation_n or_o providence_n and_o necessary_a act_n of_o conscience_n as_o to_o the_o be_v rule_n and_o authority_n of_o god_n be_v suppose_v as_o acknowledge_v in_o this_o enquiry_n 4._o that_o beyond_o the_o conduct_n and_o guidance_n of_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n that_o man_n may_v live_v unto_o god_n believe_v and_o put_v their_o trust_n in_o he_o according_a to_o their_o duty_n in_o that_o obedience_n which_o he_o require_v of_o they_o so_o as_o to_o come_v unto_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o he_o a_o supernatural_a revelation_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o will_n unto_o they_o especial_o in_o that_o condition_n wherein_o all_o mankind_n be_v since_o the_o entrance_n of_o sin_n be_v necessary_a 5._o that_o all_o those_o unto_o who_o god_n have_v grant_v divine_a revelation_n immediate_o from_o himself_o for_o their_o own_o use_n and_o that_o of_o all_o other_o man_n unto_o who_o they_o be_v to_o be_v communicate_v be_v infallible_o assure_v that_o they_o come_v from_o god_n and_o that_o their_o mind_n be_v no_o way_n impose_v on_o in_o they_o 6._o that_o all_o these_o divine_a revelation_n so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v any_o way_n necessary_a to_o guide_v and_o instruct_v man_n in_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o that_o obedience_n which_o be_v acceptable_a unto_o he_o be_v now_o contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n or_o those_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n which_o be_v common_o receive_v and_o own_a among_o all_o sort_n of_o christian_n these_o thing_n i_o say_v be_v suppose_v unto_o our_o present_a enquiry_n and_o take_v for_o grant_v so_o as_o that_o the_o reader_n be_v not_o to_o look_v for_o any_o direct_a proof_n of_o they_o in_o the_o precede_a discourse_n but_o on_o these_o supposition_n it_o be_v allege_v and_o prove_v 1._o that_o all_o man_n unto_o who_o it_o be_v due_o propose_v as_o such_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v this_o scripture_n these_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o be_v to_o contain_v and_o exhibit_v a_o immediate_a divine_a supernatural_a revelation_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o will_n so_o far_o as_o be_v any_o way_n needful_a that_o they_o may_v live_v unto_o he_o and_o that_o nothing_o be_v contain_v in_o they_o but_o what_o be_v of_o the_o same_o divine_a original_a 2._o the_o obligation_n of_o this_o duty_n of_o thus_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n arise_v partly_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o and_o partly_o from_o the_o especial_a command_n of_o god_n for_o it_o be_v that_o revelation_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n without_o the_o knowledge_n whereof_o and_o assent_v whereunto_o we_o can_v live_v unto_o god_n as_o we_o ought_v nor_o come_v unto_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o he_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o we_o shall_v believe_v it_o unto_o those_o end_n and_o god_n require_v it_o of_o we_o that_o so_o we_o shall_v do_v 3._o we_o can_v thus_o believe_v it_o in_o a_o way_n of_o duty_n but_o upon_o a_o sufficient_a evidence_n and_o prevalent_a testimony_n that_o so_o it_o be_v 4._o there_o be_v many_o cogent_a argument_n testimony_n and_o motive_n to_o persuade_v convince_v and_o satisfy_v unprejudiced_a person_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o a_o divine_a revelation_n and_o every_o way_n sufficient_a to_o stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o gainsayers_a proceed_v on_o such_o principle_n of_o reason_n as_o be_v own_a and_o approve_v by_o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n and_o argument_n of_o this_o nature_n may_v be_v take_v from_o almost_o all_o consideration_n of_o the_o property_n of_o god_n and_o his_o government_n of_o the_o world_n of_o our_o relation_n unto_o he_o of_o what_o belong_v unto_o our_o present_a peace_n and_o future_a happiness_n 5._o from_o the_o argument_n and_o testimony_n of_o this_o nature_n a_o firm_a persuasion_n of_o mind_n defensible_a against_o all_o objection_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n may_v be_v attain_v and_o that_o such_o as_o that_o those_o who_o live_v not_o in_o contradiction_n unto_o their_o own_o light_n and_o reason_n through_o the_o power_n of_o their_o lust_n can_v but_o judge_v it_o their_o wisdom_n duty_n and_o interest_n to_o yield_v obedience_n unto_o his_o will_n as_o reveal_v therein_o 6._o but_o yet_o that_o persuasion_n of_o mind_n which_o may_v be_v thus_o attain_v and_o which_o rest_v whole_o upon_o these_o argument_n and_o testimony_n be_v not_o entire_o that_o faith_n wherewith_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v the_o
they_o some_o it_o may_v be_v can_v give_v no_o other_o account_n hereof_o but_o that_o they_o have_v be_v so_o instruct_v by_o they_o who_o they_o have_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o give_v credit_n unto_o or_o that_o they_o have_v so_o receive_v they_o by_o tradition_n from_o their_o father_n now_o whatever_o persuasion_n these_o reason_n may_v beget_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n that_o the_o thing_n which_o they_o profess_v to_o believe_v be_v true_a yet_o if_o they_o be_v alone_o it_o be_v not_o divine_a faith_n whereby_o they_o do_v believe_v but_o that_o which_o be_v mere_o humane_a as_o be_v resolve_v into_o humane_a testimony_n only_o or_o a_o opinion_n on_o probable_a argument_n for_o no_o faith_n can_v be_v of_o any_o other_o kind_n than_o be_v the_o evidence_n it_o reflect_v on_o or_o arise_v from_o i_o say_v it_o be_v so_o where_o they_o be_v alone_o for_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o that_o some_o who_o have_v never_o further_o consider_v the_o reason_n of_o their_o believe_v than_o the_o teach_n of_o their_o instructor_n have_v yet_o that_o evidence_n in_o their_o own_o soul_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o authority_n of_o god_n in_o what_o they_o believe_v that_o with_o respect_n thereunto_o their_o faith_n be_v divine_a and_o supernatural_a the_o faith_n of_o most_o have_v a_o beginning_n and_o progress_n not_o unlike_a that_o of_o the_o samaritan_n john_n 4._o 40_o 41_o 42._o as_o shall_v be_v afterward_o declare_v 3._o when_o we_o inquire_v after_o faith_n that_o be_v infallible_a or_o believe_v infallible_o which_o as_o we_o shall_v show_v hereafter_o be_v necessary_a in_o this_o case_n we_o do_v not_o intend_v a_o inherent_a quality_n in_o the_o subject_a as_o though_o he_o that_o believe_v with_o faith_n infallible_a must_n himself_o also_o be_v infallible_a much_o less_o do_v we_o speak_v of_o infallibility_n absolute_o which_o be_v a_o property_n of_o god_n who_o alone_o from_o the_o perfection_n of_o his_o nature_n can_v neither_o deceive_v nor_o be_v deceive_v but_o it_o be_v that_o property_n or_o adjunct_n of_o the_o assent_n of_o our_o mind_n unto_o divine_a truth_n or_o supernatural_a revelation_n whereby_o it_o be_v difference_v from_o all_o other_o kind_n of_o assent_n whatever_o and_o this_o it_o have_v from_o its_o formal_a object_n or_o the_o evidence_n whereon_o we_o give_v this_o assent_n for_o the_o nature_n of_o every_o assent_n be_v give_v unto_o it_o by_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o evidence_n which_o it_o proceed_v from_o or_o rely_v on_o this_o in_o divine_a faith_n be_v divine_a revelation_n which_o be_v infallible_a render_v the_o faith_n that_o rest_v on_o it_o and_o be_v resolve_v into_o it_o infallible_a also_o no_o man_n can_v believe_v that_o which_o be_v false_a or_o which_o may_v be_v false_a with_o divine_a faith_n for_o that_o which_o render_v it_o divine_a be_v the_o divine_a truth_n and_o infallibility_n of_o the_o ground_n and_o evidence_n which_o it_o be_v build_v upon_o but_o a_o man_n may_v believe_v that_o which_o be_v true_a infallible_o so_o and_o yet_o his_o faith_n not_o be_v infallible_a that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v infallible_o true_a yet_o the_o faith_n whereby_o a_o man_n believe_v it_o so_o to_o be_v may_v be_v fallible_a for_o it_o be_v such_o as_o his_o evidence_n be_v and_o no_o other_o he_o may_v believe_v it_o to_o be_v so_o on_o tradition_n or_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n only_o or_o on_o outward_a argument_n all_o which_o be_v fallible_a his_o faith_n be_v so_o also_o although_o the_o thing_n he_o assent_v unto_o be_v infallible_o true_a wherefore_o unto_o this_o faith_n divine_a and_o infallible_a it_o be_v not_o require_v that_o the_o person_n in_o who_o it_o be_v be_v infallible_a nor_o be_v it_o enough_o that_o the_o thing_n itself_o believe_v be_v infallible_o true_a but_o moreover_o that_o the_o evidence_n whereon_o he_o do_v believe_v it_o be_v infallible_a also_o so_o it_o be_v with_o they_o who_o receive_v divine_a revelation_n immediate_o from_o god_n it_o be_v not_o enough_o that_o the_o thing_n reveal_v unto_o they_o be_v infallible_o true_a but_o they_o be_v to_o have_v infallible_a evidence_n of_o the_o revelation_n itself_o then_o be_v their_o faith_n infallible_a though_o their_o person_n be_v fallible_a with_o this_o faith_n then_o a_o man_n can_v believe_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v divine_o true_a and_o therefore_o it_o be_v infallible_a and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o god_n veracity_n who_o be_v the_o god_n of_o truth_n be_v the_o only_a object_n of_o it_o hence_o say_v the_o prophet_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 2_o chron._n 20._o 20._o believe_v in_o the_o lord_n your_o god_n and_o you_o shall_v be_v establish_v or_o that_o faith_n which_o be_v in_o god_n and_o his_o word_n be_v fix_v on_o truth_n or_o be_v infallible_a hence_o the_o enquiry_n in_o this_o case_n be_v what_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o we_o believe_v any_o thing_n with_o this_o faith_n divine_a or_o supernatural_a or_o what_o it_o be_v the_o believe_v whereof_o make_v our_o faith_n divine_a infallible_a and_o supernatural_a wherefore_o 4._o the_o authority_n and_o veracity_n of_o god_n reveal_v the_o material_a object_n of_o our_o faith_n or_o what_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o believe_v be_v the_o formal_a object_n and_o reason_n of_o our_o faith_n from_o whence_o it_o arise_v and_o whereinto_o it_o be_v ultimate_o resolve_v that_o be_v the_o only_a reason_n why_o we_o do_v believe_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n that_o god_n be_v one_o single_a essence_n subsist_v in_o three_o person_n be_v because_o that_o god_n who_o be_v truth_n the_o god_n of_o truth_n deut._n 32._o 4._o who_o can_v lie_v tit._n 1._o 2._o and_o who_o word_n be_v truth_n john_n 17._o 17._o and_o the_o spirit_n which_o give_v it_o out_o be_v truth_n 1_o john_n 5_o 6._o have_v reveal_v these_o thing_n to_o be_v so_o and_o our_o believe_v these_o thing_n on_o that_o ground_n render_v our_o faith_n divine_a and_o supernatural_a suppose_v also_o a_o respect_n unto_o the_o subjective_a efficiency_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n inspire_v it_o into_o our_o mind_n whereof_o afterward_o for_o to_o speak_v distinct_o our_o faith_n be_v supernatural_a with_o respect_n unto_o the_o production_n of_o it_o in_o our_o mind_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o infallible_a with_o respect_n unto_o the_o formal_a reason_n of_o it_o which_o be_v divine_a revelation_n and_o be_v divine_a in_o opposition_n unto_o what_o be_v mere_o humane_a on_o both_o account_n as_o thing_n be_v propose_v unto_o we_o to_o be_v believe_v as_o true_a faith_n in_o its_o assent_n respect_v only_o the_o truth_n or_o veracity_n of_o god_n but_o whereas_o this_o faith_n be_v require_v of_o we_o in_o a_o way_n of_o obedience_n and_o be_v consider_v not_o only_o physical_o in_o its_o nature_n but_o moral_o also_o as_o our_o duty_n it_o respect_v also_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n which_o i_o therefore_o join_v with_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n as_o the_o formal_a reason_n of_o our_o faith_n see_v 2_o sam._n 7._o 28._o and_o these_o thing_n the_o scripture_n plead_v and_o and_o argue_v when_o faith_n be_v require_v of_o we_o in_o the_o way_n of_o obedience_n thus_o say_v the_o lord_n be_v that_o which_o be_v propose_v unto_o we_o as_o the_o reason_n why_o we_o shall_v believe_v what_o be_v speak_v whereunto_o often_o time_n other_o divine_a name_n and_o title_n be_v add_v signify_v his_o authority_n who_o require_v we_o to_o believe_v thus_o say_v the_o lord_n god_n the_o holy_a one_o of_o israel_n isa._n 30._o 15._o thus_o say_v the_o high_a and_o lofty_a one_o who_o inhabit_v eternity_n who_o name_n be_v holy_a isa._n 57_o 15._o believe_v the_o lord_n your_o god_n 2_o chron._n 20._o 20._o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n precede_v most_o revelation_n in_o the_o prophet_n and_o other_o reason_n why_o we_o shall_v believe_v the_o scripture_n propose_v none_o heb._n 1._o 1_o 2._o yea_o the_o interposition_n of_o any_o other_o authority_n between_o the_o thing_n to_o be_v believe_v and_o our_o soul_n and_o conscience_n beside_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n overthrow_v the_o nature_n of_o divine_a faith_n i_o do_v not_o say_v the_o interposition_n of_o any_o other_o mean_n whereby_o we_o shall_v believe_v of_o which_o sort_n god_n have_v appoint_v many_o but_o the_o interposition_n of_o anyother_n authority_n upon_o which_o we_o shall_v believe_v as_o that_o pretend_a in_o and_o by_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n no_o man_n can_v be_v lord_n of_o our_o faith_n though_o they_o may_v be_v helper_n of_o our_o joy_n 5._o the_o authority_n and_o truth_n of_o god_n consider_v in_o themselves_o absolute_o be_v not_o the_o immediate_a formal_a object_n of_o our_o faith_n though_o they_o be_v the_o ultimate_a whereinto_o it_o be_v resolve_v
be_v that_o whereby_o we_o can_v give_v a_o assent_n unto_o the_o truth_n upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o proposer_n whereof_o we_o have_v no_o other_o evidence_n and_o this_o be_v the_o principal_a and_o most_o noble_a faculty_n and_o power_n of_o our_o nature_n there_o be_v a_o instinct_n in_o brute_n creature_n that_o have_v some_o resemblance_n unto_o our_o inbred_a natural_a principle_n and_o they_o will_v act_v that_o instinct_n improve_v by_o experience_n into_o a_o great_a likeness_n of_o reason_n in_o its_o exercise_n although_o it_o be_v not_o so_o but_o as_o unto_o the_o power_n or_o faculty_n of_o give_v a_o assent_n unto_o thing_n on_o witness_n or_o testimony_n there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o irrational_a creature_n that_o have_v the_o least_o shadow_n of_o it_o or_o likeness_n unto_o it_o and_o if_o our_o soul_n do_v want_v but_o this_o one_o faculty_n of_o assent_v unto_o truth_n upon_o testimony_n all_o that_o remain_v will_v not_o be_v sufficient_a to_o conduct_v we_o through_o the_o affair_n of_o this_o natural_a life_n this_o therefore_o be_v the_o most_o noble_a faculty_n of_o our_o mind_n be_v that_o whereunto_o the_o high_a way_n of_o divine_a revelation_n be_v propose_v 4._o that_o our_o mind_n in_o this_o especial_a case_n to_o make_v our_o assent_n to_o be_v according_a unto_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n and_o such_o as_o be_v require_v of_o we_o in_o a_o way_n of_o duty_n be_v to_o be_v prepare_v and_o assist_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n we_o have_v declare_v and_o prove_v before_o on_o this_o supposition_n the_o revelation_n which_o god_n make_v of_o himself_o by_o his_o word_n do_v no_o less_o evidence_n itself_o unto_o our_o mind_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o faith_n to_o be_v from_o he_o or_o give_v no_o less_o infallible_a evidence_n as_o a_o ground_n and_o reason_n why_o we_o shall_v believe_v it_o to_o be_v from_o he_o than_o his_o revelation_n of_o himself_o by_o the_o work_v of_o creation_n and_o providence_n do_v manifest_v itself_o unto_o our_o mind_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o reason_n to_o be_v from_o he_o nor_o with_o less_o assurance_n that_o what_o we_o assent_n unto_o in_o and_o by_o the_o dictate_v of_o natural_a light_n and_o when_o god_n reveal_v himself_o that_o be_v his_o eternal_a power_n and_o godhead_n by_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v make_v the_o work_n of_o creation_n the_o heaven_n declare_v his_o glory_n and_o the_o firmament_n show_v his_o handiwork_n the_o reason_n of_o man_n stir_v up_o and_o bring_v into_o exercise_n thereby_o do_v infallible_o conclude_v upon_o the_o evidence_n that_o be_v in_o that_o revelation_n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o he_o eternal_o powerful_a and_o wise_a without_o any_o further_a argument_n to_o prove_v the_o revelation_n to_o be_v true_a so_o when_o god_n by_o his_o word_n reveal_v himself_o unto_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n thereby_o exciting_a and_o bring_v forth_o faith_n into_o exercise_n or_o the_o power_n of_o the_o soul_n to_o assent_v unto_o truth_n upon_o testimony_n that_o revelation_n do_v no_o less_o infallible_o evidence_n itself_o to_o be_v divine_a or_o from_o god_n without_o any_o external_a argument_n to_o prove_v it_o so_o to_o be_v if_o i_o shall_v say_v unto_o a_o man_n that_o the_o sun_n be_v rise_v and_o shine_v on_o the_o earth_n if_o he_o question_v or_o deny_v it_o and_o ask_v how_o i_o will_v prove_v it_o it_o be_v a_o sufficient_a answer_n to_o say_v that_o it_o manifest_v itself_o in_o and_o by_o its_o own_o light_n and_o if_o he_o add_v that_o this_o be_v no_o proof_n to_o he_o for_o he_o do_v not_o discern_v it_o suppose_v that_o to_o be_v so_o it_o be_v a_o satisfactory_a answer_n to_o tell_v he_o that_o he_o be_v blind_a and_o if_o he_o be_v not_o so_o that_o it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o argue_v with_o he_o who_o contradict_v his_o own_o sense_n for_o he_o leave_v no_o rule_n whereby_o what_o be_v speak_v may_v be_v try_v or_o judge_v on_o and_o if_o i_o tell_v a_o man_n that_o the_o heaven_n declare_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o firmament_n show_v his_o handiwork_a or_o that_o the_o invisible_a thing_n of_o god_n from_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v clear_o see_v be_v understand_v by_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v make_v and_o he_o shall_v demand_v how_o i_o prove_v it_o it_o be_v a_o sufficient_a answer_n to_o say_v that_o these_o thing_n in_o and_o by_o themselves_o do_v manifest_a unto_o the_o reason_n of_o every_o man_n in_o its_o due_a and_o proper_a exercise_n that_o there_o be_v a_o eternal_a infinite_o wise_a and_o powerful_a be_v by_o who_o they_o be_v cause_v produce_v and_o make_v so_o as_o that_o whosoever_o know_v how_o to_o use_v and_o exercise_v his_o reasonable_a faculty_n in_o the_o consideration_n of_o they_o their_o original_a order_n nature_n and_o use_v must_v necessary_o conclude_v that_o so_o it_o be_v if_o he_o shall_v say_v that_o it_o do_v not_o so_o appear_v unto_o he_o that_o the_o be_v of_o god_n be_v so_o reveal_v by_o they_o it_o be_v a_o sufficient_a reply_n in_o case_n he_o be_v so_o indeed_o to_o say_v he_o be_v phrenetick_a and_o have_v not_o the_o use_n of_o his_o reason_n and_o if_o he_o be_v not_o so_o that_o he_o argue_v in_o express_a contradiction_n unto_o his_o own_o reason_n as_o may_v be_v demonstrate_v this_o the_o heathen_a philosopher_n grant_v quid_fw-la potest_fw-la say_v cicero_n esse_fw-la tam_fw-la apertum_fw-la tamque_fw-la perspicuum_fw-la cum_fw-la coelum_fw-la suspeximus_fw-la coelestiaque_fw-la contemplati_fw-la sumus_fw-la quam_fw-la esse_fw-la aliquod_fw-la numen_fw-la praestantissimae_fw-la mentis_fw-la quo_fw-la haec_fw-la reguntur_fw-la quod_fw-la qui_fw-la dubitat_fw-la haud_fw-la sane_fw-la intelligo_fw-la cur_n non_fw-la idem_fw-la sol_fw-la sit_fw-la a_o nullus_fw-la sit_fw-la dubitare_fw-la possit_fw-la de_fw-fr natura_fw-la deor._n lib._n 2._o and_o if_o i_o declare_v unto_o any_o one_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n a_o divine_a revelation_n and_o that_o it_o do_v evidence_n and_o manifest_v itself_o so_o to_o be_v if_o he_o shall_v say_v that_o he_o have_v the_o use_n and_o exercise_n of_o his_o sense_n and_o reason_n as_o well_o as_o other_o and_o yet_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v unto_o he_o so_o to_o be_v it_o be_v as_o unto_o the_o present_a enquiry_n a_o sufficient_a reply_n for_o the_o security_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n though_o other_o mean_n may_v be_v use_v for_o his_o conviction_n to_o say_v that_o all_o man_n have_v not_o faith_n by_o which_o alone_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v discoverable_a in_o the_o light_n whereof_o alone_o we_o can_v read_v those_o character_n of_o its_o divine_a extract_n which_o be_v impress_v on_o it_o and_o communicate_v unto_o it_o if_o it_o be_v not_o so_o see_v it_o be_v a_o divine_a revelation_n and_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o believe_v it_o so_o to_o be_v it_o must_v be_v either_o because_o our_o faith_n be_v not_o fit_v suit_v nor_o able_a to_o receive_v such_o a_o evidence_n suppose_v god_n will_v give_v it_o unto_o the_o revelation_n of_o himself_o by_o his_o word_n as_o he_o have_v do_v unto_o those_o by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o work_n of_o providence_n or_o because_o god_n will_v not_o or_o can_v not_o give_v such_o a_o evidence_n unto_o his_o word_n as_o may_v manifest_v itself_o so_o to_o be_v and_o neither_o of_o these_o can_v be_v affirm_v without_o a_o high_a reflection_n on_o the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n that_o our_o faith_n be_v capable_a of_o give_v such_o a_o assent_n be_v evident_a from_o hence_o because_o god_n work_v it_o in_o we_o and_o bestow_v it_o upon_o we_o for_o this_o very_a end_n and_o god_n require_v of_o we_o that_o we_o shall_v infallible_o believe_v what_o he_o propose_v unto_o we_o at_o least_o when_o we_o have_v infallible_a evidence_n that_o it_o be_v from_o he_o and_o as_o he_o appoint_v faith_n unto_o this_o end_n and_o approve_v of_o its_o exercise_n so_o he_o do_v both_o judge_n and_o condemn_v they_o who_o fail_v therein_o 2_o chron._n 20._o 20._o isa._n 7._o 9_o mark_v 16._o 16._o yea_o our_o faith_n be_v capable_a of_o give_v a_o assent_n though_o of_o another_o kind_n more_o firm_a and_o accompany_v with_o more_o assurance_n than_o any_o be_v give_v by_o reason_n in_o the_o best_a of_o its_o conclusion_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o the_o power_n of_o the_o mind_n to_o give_v assent_n upon_o testimony_n which_o be_v its_o most_o noble_a faculty_n be_v elevate_v and_o strengthen_v by_o the_o divine_a supernatural_a work_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n before_o describe_v to_o say_v that_o god_n either_o can_v not_o or_o will_v not_o give_v such_o a_o power_n unto_o the_o revelation_n of_o himself_o by_o his_o word_n as_o
to_o evidence_n itself_o to_o be_v so_o be_v exceed_o prejudicial_a unto_o his_o honour_n and_o glory_n see_v the_o everlasting_a welfare_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v incomparable_o more_o concern_v therein_o than_o in_o the_o other_o way_n mention_v and_o what_o reason_n can_v be_v assign_v why_o he_o shall_v implant_v a_o less_o evidence_n of_o his_o divine_a authority_n on_o this_o than_o on_o they_o see_v he_o design_v far_o great_a and_o more_o glorious_a end_n in_o this_o than_o in_o they_o if_o any_o one_o shall_v say_v the_o reason_n be_v because_o this_o kind_n of_o divine_a revelation_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o receive_v such_o evidence_n it_o must_v be_v either_o because_o there_o can_v be_v evident_a character_n of_o divine_a authority_n goodness_n wisdom_n power_n implant_v on_o it_o or_o mix_v with_o it_o or_o because_o a_o efficacy_n to_o manifest_v they_o can_v be_v communicate_v unto_o it_o that_o both_o these_o be_v otherwise_o shall_v be_v demonstrate_v in_o the_o last_o part_n of_o this_o discourse_n which_o i_o shall_v now_o enter_v upon_o it_o have_v be_v already_o declare_v that_o it_o be_v the_o authority_n and_o veracity_n of_o god_n reveal_v themselves_o in_o the_o scripture_n and_o by_o it_o that_o be_v the_o formal_a reason_n of_o our_o faith_n or_o supernatural_a assent_n unto_o it_o as_o it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n it_o remain_v only_o that_o we_o inquire_v in_o the_o second_o place_n into_o the_o way_n and_o means_n whereby_o they_o evidence_n themselves_o unto_o we_o and_o the_o scripture_n thereby_o to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n so_o as_o that_o we_o may_v undoubted_o and_o infallible_o believe_v it_o so_o to_o be_v now_o because_o faith_n as_o we_o have_v show_v be_v a_o assent_n upon_o testimony_n and_o consequent_o divine_a faith_n be_v a_o assent_n upon_o divine_a testimony_n there_o must_v be_v some_o testimony_n or_o witness_n in_o this_o case_n whereon_o faith_n do_v rest_n and_o this_o we_o say_v be_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o author_n of_o the_o scripture_n give_v unto_o they_o in_o they_o and_o by_o they_o and_o this_o work_n or_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n may_v be_v reduce_v unto_o two_o head_n which_o may_v be_v distinct_o insist_v on_o 1._o the_o impression_n or_o character_n which_o be_v subjective_o leave_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o upon_o it_o by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n its_o author_n of_o all_o the_o divine_a excellency_n or_o property_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n be_v the_o first_o mean_v evidence_v that_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o our_o faith_n rest_v upon_o or_o they_o do_v give_v the_o first_o evidence_n of_o its_o divine_a original_a and_o authority_n whereon_o we_o do_v believe_v it_o the_o way_n whereby_o we_o learn_v the_o eternal_a power_n and_o deity_n of_o god_n from_o the_o work_n of_o creation_n be_v no_o otherwise_o but_o by_o those_o mark_n token_n and_o impression_n of_o his_o divine_a power_n wisdom_n and_o goodness_n that_o be_v upon_o they_o for_o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o their_o subsistence_n greatness_n order_n and_o use_v reason_n do_v necessary_o conclude_v a_o infinite_a subsist_v be_v of_o who_o power_n and_o wisdom_n these_o thing_n be_v the_o manifest_a effect_n these_o be_v clear_o see_v and_o understand_v by_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v make_v we_o need_v no_o other_o argument_n to_o prove_v that_o god_n make_v the_o world_n but_o itself_o it_o carry_v in_o it_o and_o upon_o it_o the_o infallible_a token_n of_o its_o original_a see_v to_o this_o purpose_n the_o bless_a meditation_n of_o the_o psalmist_n psal._n 104._o throughout_o now_o there_o be_v great_a and_o more_o evident_a impression_n of_o divine_a excellency_n leave_v on_o the_o write_a word_n from_o the_o infinite_a wisdom_n of_o the_o author_n of_o it_o than_o any_o that_o be_v communicate_v unto_o the_o work_v of_o god_n of_o what_o sort_n soever_o hence_o david_n compare_v the_o work_n and_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o to_o their_o instructive_a efficacy_n in_o declare_v god_n and_o his_o glory_n although_o he_o ascribe_v much_o unto_o the_o work_v of_o creation_n yet_o do_v he_o prefer_v the_o word_n incomparable_o before_o they_o psal._n 19_o 1_o 2_o 3_o 7_o 8_o 9_o and_o psal._n 146._o ver_n 8_o 9_o etc._n etc._n and_o 19_o 20._o and_o these_o do_v manifest_a the_o word_n unto_o our_o faith_n to_o be_v his_o more_o clear_o than_o the_o other_o do_v the_o work_v to_o be_v his_o unto_o our_o reason_n as_o yet_o i_o do_v not_o know_v that_o it_o be_v deny_v by_o any_o or_o the_o contrary_n assert_v namely_o that_o god_n as_o the_o immediate_a author_n of_o the_o scripture_n have_v leave_v in_o the_o very_a word_n itself_o evident_a token_n and_o impression_n of_o his_o wisdom_n prescience_n omniscience_n power_n goodness_n holiness_n truth_n and_o other_o divine_a infinite_a excellency_n sufficient_o evidence_v unto_o the_o enlighten_v mind_n of_o believer_n some_o i_o confess_v speak_v suspicious_o herein_o but_o until_o they_o will_v direct_o deny_v it_o i_o shall_v not_o need_v further_o to_o confirm_v it_o than_o i_o have_v do_v long_o since_o in_o another_o treatise_n and_o i_o leave_v it_o to_o be_v consider_v whether_o moral_o speak_v it_o be_v possible_a that_o god_n shall_v immediate_o by_o himself_o from_o the_o eternal_a counsel_n of_o he_o will_v reveal_v himself_o his_o mind_n the_o thought_n and_o purpose_n of_o his_o heart_n which_o have_v be_v hide_v in_o himself_o from_o eternity_n on_o purpose_n that_o we_o shall_v believe_v they_o and_o yield_v obedience_n unto_o he_o according_a to_o the_o declaration_n of_o himself_o so_o make_v and_o yet_o not_o give_v with_o it_o or_o leave_v upon_o it_o any_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d any_o infallible_a token_n evidence_v he_o to_o be_v the_o author_n of_o that_o revelation_n man_n who_o be_v not_o ashamed_a of_o their_o christianity_n will_v not_o be_v so_o to_o profess_v and_o seal_v that_o profession_n with_o their_o blood_n and_o to_o rest_v their_o eternal_a concernment_n on_o that_o security_n herein_o which_o they_o have_v attain_v namely_o that_o there_o be_v that_o manifestation_n make_v of_o the_o glorious_a property_n of_o god_n in_o and_o by_o the_o scripture_n as_o it_o be_v a_o divine_a revelation_n which_o incomparable_o excel_v in_o evidence_n all_o that_o their_o reason_n receive_v concern_v his_o power_n from_o the_o work_n of_o creation_n this_o be_v that_o whereon_o we_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n with_o faith_n divine_a and_o supernatural_a if_o we_o believe_v it_o so_o at_o all_o there_o be_v in_o itself_o that_o evidence_n of_o its_o divine_a original_a from_o the_o character_n of_o divine_a excellency_n leave_v upon_o it_o by_o its_o author_n the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o faith_n quiet_o rest_v in_o and_o be_v resolve_v into_o and_o this_o evidence_n be_v manifest_a unto_o the_o mean_a and_o most_o unlearned_a no_o less_o than_o unto_o the_o wise_a philosopher_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v if_o rational_a argument_n and_o external_n motive_n be_v the_o sole_a ground_n of_o receive_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n it_o can_v not_o be_v but_o that_o learned_a man_n and_o philosopher_n will_v have_v always_o be_v the_o forward_a and_o most_o ready_a to_o admit_v it_o and_o most_o firm_o to_o adhere_v unto_o it_o and_o its_o profession_n for_o whereas_o all_o such_o argument_n do_v prevail_v on_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n according_a as_o they_o be_v able_a aright_o to_o discern_v their_o force_n and_o judge_v of_o they_o learned_a philosopher_n will_v have_v have_v the_o advantage_n incomparable_o above_o other_o and_o so_o some_o have_v of_o late_o affirm_v that_o it_o be_v the_o wise_a rational_a and_o learned_a man_n who_o at_o first_o most_o ready_o receive_v the_o gospel_n a_o assertion_n which_o nothing_o but_o gross_a ignorance_n of_o the_o scripture_n itself_o and_o all_o the_o write_n concern_v the_o original_a of_o christianity_n whether_o of_o christian_n or_o heathen_n can_v give_v the_o least_o countenance_n unto_o see_v 1_o cor._n 1._o 23_o 26._o from_o hence_o be_v the_o scripture_n so_o often_o compare_v unto_o light_n call_v light_n a_o light_n shine_v in_o a_o dark_a place_n which_o will_v evidence_n itself_o unto_o all_o who_o be_v not_o blind_a or_o do_v wilful_o shut_v their_o eye_n or_o have_v their_o eye_n blind_v by_o the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n lest_o the_o light_n of_o the_o glorious_a gospel_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o image_n of_o god_n shall_v shine_v unto_o they_o which_o consideration_n i_o have_v handle_v at_o large_a elsewhere_o 2._o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n evidence_v the_o divine_a original_a and_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n by_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n which_o he_o put_v forth_o in_o it_o and_o by_o it_o over_o the_o