recompense_n in_o this_o world_n upon_o the_o sole_a account_n of_o the_o doctrine_n teach_v by_o themselves_o with_o all_o other_o circumstance_n innumerable_a that_o be_v pleadable_a to_o evince_v the_o sincerity_n and_o integrity_n of_o any_o witness_n whatever_o do_v all_o concur_v to_o prove_v that_o they_o do_v not_o follow_v cunning_o devise_v fable_n in_o what_o they_o declare_v concern_v the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o god_n as_o immediate_o from_o himself_o to_o confront_v this_o evidence_n with_o bare_a surmize_n incapable_a of_o any_o rational_a countenance_n or_o confirmation_n be_v only_o to_o manifest_v what_o brutish_a impudence_n infidelity_n and_o atheism_n be_v force_v to_o retreat_n unto_o for_o shelter_n 2._o their_o style_n and_o manner_n of_o write_v deserve_v a_o peculiar_a consideration_n for_o there_o be_v impress_v on_o it_o all_o those_o character_n of_o a_o divine_a original_a that_o can_v be_v communicate_v unto_o such_o a_o outward_a adjunct_n of_o 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such_o prejudices_fw-la as_o atheism_n or_o profaneness_n may_v raise_v or_o suggest_v second_o what_o it_o be_v they_o give_v testimony_n unto_o be_v due_o to_o be_v consider_v and_o this_o be_v not_o that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v good_a holy_a and_o true_a in_o all_o the_o content_n of_o it_o only_o but_o that_o the_o whole_a and_o every_o part_n of_o it_o be_v give_v by_o divine_a inspiration_n as_o their_o faith_n in_o this_o matter_n be_v express_v 2_o pet._n 1._o 20_o 21._o on_o this_o account_n and_o no_o other_o do_v they_o themselves_o receive_v the_o scripture_n as_o also_o believe_v and_o yield_v obedience_n unto_o the_o thing_n contain_v in_o it_o neither_o will_v they_o admit_v that_o their_o testimony_n be_v receive_v if_o the_o whole_a world_n will_v be_v content_a to_o allow_v of_o or_o obey_v the_o scripture_n on_o any_o other_o or_o low_a term_n nor_o will_v god_n himself_o allow_v of_o a_o assent_n unto_o the_o scripture_n under_o any_o other_o 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such_o as_o have_v that_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o his_o will_n as_o be_v necessary_a unto_o such_o a_o undertake_n yet_o all_o this_o answer_v not_o the_o testimony_n give_v by_o the_o church_n of_o believer_n in_o all_o age_n unto_o the_o scripture_n it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o they_o it_o be_v not_o for_o we_o so_o to_o compound_v this_o matter_n with_o the_o world_n that_o the_o whole_a scripture_n be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n from_o god_n that_o it_o be_v his_o word_n his_o true_a and_o faithful_a say_n be_v that_o which_o in_o the_o first_o place_n they_o give_v testimony_n unto_o and_o we_o also_o be_v oblige_v so_o to_o do_v they_o never_o pretend_v unto_o any_o other_o assurance_n of_o the_o thing_n they_o profess_v nor_o any_o other_o reason_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o obedience_n but_o that_o the_o scripture_n wherein_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v contain_v be_v give_v immediate_o from_o god_n or_o be_v his_o word_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v
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 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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 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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
believe_v it_o so_o to_o be_v and_o then_o to_o believe_v the_o thing_n contain_v in_o it_o for_o this_o proposition_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v a_o divine_a revelation_n and_o so_o to_o be_v believe_v but_o god_n no_o where_o require_v nor_o ever_o do_v that_o we_o shall_v believe_v any_o divine_a revelation_n upon_o such_o ground_n much_o less_o on_o such_o ground_n and_o motive_n only_o they_o be_v leave_v unto_o we_o as_o consequential_a unto_o our_o believe_v to_o plead_v with_o other_o in_o behalf_n of_o what_o we_o profess_v and_o for_o the_o justification_n of_o it_o unto_o the_o world_n but_o that_o which_o require_v our_o faith_n and_o obedience_n unto_o in_o the_o receive_n of_o divine_a revelation_n whether_o immediate_o give_v and_o declare_v or_o as_o record_v in_o the_o scripture_n be_v his_o own_o authority_n and_o veracity_n i_o be_o the_o lord_n the_o high_a and_o lofty_a one._n thus_o say_v the_o lord_n to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n this_o be_v my_o son_n hear_v he_o all_o scripture_n be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n from_o god_n believe_v the_o lord_n and_o his_o prophet_n this_o alone_a be_v that_o which_o he_o require_v we_o to_o resolve_v our_o faith_n into_o so_o when_o he_o give_v unto_o we_o the_o law_n of_o our_o life_n the_o eternal_a and_o unchangeable_a rule_n of_o our_o obedience_n unto_o he_o in_o the_o ten_o commandment_n he_o give_v no_o other_o reason_n to_o oblige_v we_o thereunto_o but_o this_o only_a i_o be_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n the_o sole_a formal_a reason_n of_o all_o our_o obedience_n be_v take_v from_o his_o own_o nature_n and_o our_o relation_n unto_o he_o nor_o do_v he_o propose_v any_o other_o reason_n why_o we_o shall_v believe_v he_o or_o the_o revelation_n which_o he_o make_v of_o his_o mind_n and_o will._n and_o our_o faith_n be_v part_n of_o our_o obedience_n the_o root_n and_o principal_a part_n of_o it_o therefore_o the_o reason_n of_o both_o be_v the_o same_o neither_o do_v our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n nor_o his_o apostle_n ever_o make_v use_n of_o such_o argument_n or_o motive_n for_o the_o ingenerate_v of_o faith_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n nor_o have_v they_o give_v direction_n for_o the_o use_n of_o any_o such_o argument_n to_o this_o end_n and_o purpose_n but_o when_o they_o be_v accuse_v to_o have_v follow_v cunning_o devise_v fable_n they_o appeal_v unto_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n to_o the_o revelation_n they_o have_v themselves_o receive_v and_o those_o that_o be_v before_o record_v it_o be_v true_a they_o wrought_v miracle_n in_o confirmation_n of_o their_o own_o divine_a mission_n and_o of_o the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o teach_v but_o the_o miracle_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v all_o of_o they_o wrought_v among_o those_o who_o believe_v the_o whole_a scripture_n then_o give_v to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o those_o of_o the_o apostle_n be_v before_o the_o write_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n their_o doctrine_n therefore_o material_o consider_v and_o their_o warranty_n to_o teach_v it_o be_v sufficient_o yea_o abundant_o confirm_v by_o they_o but_o divine_a revelation_n formal_o consider_v and_o as_o write_v be_v leave_v upon_o the_o old_a foundation_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n who_o give_v it_o no_o such_o method_n be_v prescribe_v no_o such_o example_n be_v propose_v unto_o we_o in_o the_o scripture_n to_o make_v use_n of_o these_o argument_n and_o motive_n for_o the_o conversion_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n unto_o god_n and_o the_o ingenerate_v of_o faith_n in_o they_o yea_o in_o some_o case_n the_o use_n of_o such_o mean_n be_v decry_v as_o unprofitable_a and_o the_o sole_a authority_n of_o god_n put_v forth_o his_o power_n in_o and_o by_o his_o word_n be_v appeal_v unto_o 1_o cor._n 2._o 4_o 5_o 13._o chap._n 14._o 26_o 27._o 2_o cor._n 4._o 7._o but_o yet_o in_o a_o way_n of_o preparation_n subservient_fw-fr unto_o the_o receive_n the_o scripture_n as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o for_o the_o defence_n of_o it_o against_o gainsayer_n and_o their_o objection_n their_o use_n have_v be_v grant_v and_o prove_v but_o from_o first_o to_o last_o in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n the_o authority_n and_o truth_n of_o god_n be_v constant_o and_o uniform_o propose_v as_o the_o immediate_a ground_n and_o reason_n of_o believe_v his_o revelation_n nor_o can_v it_o be_v prove_v that_o he_o do_v accept_v or_o approve_v of_o any_o kind_n of_o faith_n or_o assent_n but_o what_o be_v build_v thereon_o and_o resolve_v thereinto_o the_o sum_n be_v we_o be_v oblige_v in_o a_o way_n of_o duty_n to_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v a_o divine_a revelation_n when_o they_o be_v ministerial_o or_o providential_o propose_v unto_o we_o whereof_o afterward_o the_o ground_n whereon_o we_o be_v to_o receive_v they_o be_v the_o authority_n and_o veracity_n of_o god_n speak_v in_o they_o we_o believe_v they_o because_o they_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n now_o this_o faith_n whereby_o we_o so_o believe_v be_v divine_a and_o supernatural_a because_o the_o mal_fw-fr reason_n of_o it_o be_v so_o namely_o god_n truth_n and_o authority_n wherefore_o we_o do_v not_o nor_o aught_o to_o believe_v the_o scripture_n as_o high_o probable_a or_o with_o a_o moral_a persuasion_n and_o assurance_n build_v upon_o argument_n absolute_o fallible_a and_o humane_a only_o for_o if_o this_o be_v the_o formal_a reason_n of_o faith_n namely_o the_o veracity_n and_o authority_n of_o god_n if_o we_o believe_v not_o with_o faith_n divine_a and_o supernatural_a we_o believe_v not_o at_o all_o 2._o the_o moral_a certainty_n treat_v of_o be_v a_o mere_a effect_n of_o reason_n there_o be_v no_o more_o require_v unto_o it_o but_o that_o the_o reason_n propose_v for_o the_o assent_n require_v be_v such_o as_o the_o mind_n judge_v to_o be_v convince_a and_o prevalent_a whence_o a_o inferior_a kind_a of_o knowledge_n or_o a_o firm_a opinion_n or_o some_o kind_n of_o persuasion_n which_o have_v not_o yet_o get_v a_o intelligible_a name_n do_v necessary_o ensue_v there_o be_v therefore_o on_o this_o supposition_n no_o need_n of_o any_o work_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o enable_v we_o to_o believe_v or_o to_o work_v faith_n in_o we_o for_o no_o more_o be_v require_v herein_o but_o what_o necessary_o arise_v from_o a_o naked_a exercise_n of_o reason_n if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o enquiry_n be_v not_o about_o what_o be_v the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o we_o but_o concern_v the_o reason_n and_o motive_n to_o believe_v that_o be_v propose_v unto_o we_o i_o answer_v it_o be_v grant_v but_o that_o we_o urge_v herein_o be_v that_o the_o act_n which_o be_v exert_v on_o such_o motive_n or_o the_o persuasion_n which_o be_v beget_v in_o our_o mind_n by_o they_o be_v pure_o natural_a and_o such_o as_o require_v no_o especial_a work_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o we_o for_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o now_o this_o be_v not_o faith_n nor_o can_v we_o be_v say_v in_o the_o scripture_n sense_n to_o believe_v thereby_o and_o so_o in_o particular_a not_o the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o faith_n be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n and_o be_v not_o of_o ourselves_o ephes_n 2._o 8._o it_o be_v give_v unto_o some_o on_o the_o behalf_n of_o christ_n phil._n 1._o 29._o and_o not_o unto_o other_o mat._n 11._o 29._o chap._n 13._o 11._o but_o this_o assent_n on_o external_a argument_n and_o motive_n be_v of_o ourselves_o equal_o common_a and_o expose_v unto_o all_o no_o man_n can_v say_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o lord_n but_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 1_o cor._n 12._o 3._o but_o he_o who_o believe_v the_o scripture_n true_o aright_o and_o according_a to_o his_o duty_n do_v say_v so_o no_o man_n come_v to_o christ_n but_o he_o that_o have_v hear_v and_o learn_v of_o the_o father_n john_n 6._o 45._o and_o as_o this_o be_v contrary_n to_o the_o scripture_n so_o it_o be_v express_o condemn_v by_o the_o ancient_a church_n particular_o by_o the_o second_o arausican_n council_n can._n 5._o 7._o si_fw-mi quis_fw-la sicut_fw-la augmentum_fw-la ita_fw-la etià m_fw-la initium_fw-la fidei_fw-la ipsumque_fw-la credulitatis_fw-la affectum_fw-la non_fw-la per_fw-la gratiae_fw-la donum_fw-la id_fw-la est_fw-la per_fw-la inspirationem_fw-la spiritus_fw-la sancti_fw-la corrigentem_fw-la voluntatem_fw-la nostram_fw-la ab_fw-la infidelitate_fw-la ad_fw-la fidem_fw-la ab_fw-la impietate_fw-la ad_fw-la pietatem_fw-la sed_fw-la naturalitèr_fw-la nobis_fw-la inesse_fw-la dicit_fw-la apostolicis_fw-la dogmatibus_fw-la adversarius_fw-la approbatur_fw-la and_o plain_o can._n 7._o si_fw-mi quis_fw-la per_fw-la naturae_fw-la vigorem_fw-la bonum_fw-la aliquod_fw-la quod_fw-la ad_fw-la salutem_fw-la pertinet_fw-la aquavitae_fw-la eternae_fw-la cogitare_fw-la ut_fw-la expedit_fw-la aut_fw-la eligere_fw-la sive_fw-la salutari_fw-la id_fw-la est_fw-la evangelicae_fw-la praedicaiioni_fw-la consentire_fw-la
posse_fw-la affirmat_fw-la absque_fw-la illumi_fw-la natione_fw-la et_fw-la inspiratione_n spiritus_fw-la sancti_fw-la qui_fw-la that_fw-mi omnibus_fw-la suavitatem_fw-la consentiendo_fw-la et_fw-la credendo_fw-la veritati_fw-la haeretico_fw-la fallitur_fw-la spiritu_fw-la it_o be_v still_o grant_v that_o the_o argument_n intend_v that_o be_v all_o of_o they_o which_o be_v true_a indeed_o and_o will_v endure_v a_o strict_a examination_n for_o some_o be_v frequent_o make_v use_n of_o in_o this_o cause_n which_o will_v not_o endure_v a_o trial_n be_v of_o good_a use_n in_o their_o place_n and_o unto_o their_o proper_a end_n that_o be_v to_o beget_v such_o a_o assent_n unto_o the_o truth_n as_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o effect_v for_o although_o this_o be_v not_o that_o which_o be_v require_v of_o we_o in_o a_o way_n of_o duty_n but_o inferior_a to_o it_o yet_o the_o mind_n be_v prepare_v and_o dispose_v by_o they_o unto_o the_o receive_n of_o the_o truth_n in_o its_o proper_a evidence_n 3._o our_o assent_n can_v be_v of_o no_o other_o nature_n than_o the_o argument_n and_o motive_n whereon_o it_o be_v build_v or_o by_o which_o it_o be_v wrought_v in_o we_o as_o in_o degree_n it_o can_v exceed_v their_o evidence_n now_o these_o argument_n be_v all_o humane_a and_o fallible_a exalt_v they_o unto_o the_o great_a esteem_n possible_a yet_o because_o they_o be_v not_o demonstration_n nor_o do_v necessary_o beget_v a_o certain_a knowledge_n in_o we_o which_o indeed_o if_o they_o do_v there_o be_v no_o room_n leave_v for_o faith_n or_o our_o obedience_n therein_o they_o produce_v a_o opinion_n only_o though_o in_o the_o high_a kind_n of_o probability_n and_o firm_a against_o objection_n for_o we_o will_v allow_v the_o utmost_a assurance_n that_o can_v be_v claim_v upon_o they_o but_o this_o be_v exclusive_a of_o all_o divine_a faith_n as_o to_o any_o article_n thing_n matter_n or_o object_n to_o be_v believe_v for_o instance_n a_o man_n profess_v that_o he_o believe_v jesus_n christ_n to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n demand_v the_o reason_n why_o he_o do_v so_o and_o he_o will_v say_v because_o god_n who_o can_v lie_v have_v reveal_v and_o declare_v he_o so_o to_o be_v proceed_v yet_o further_o and_o ask_v he_o where_o or_o how_o god_n have_v reveal_v and_o declare_v this_o so_o to_o be_v and_o he_o will_v answer_v in_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v his_o word_n inquire_v now_o further_o of_o he_o which_o be_v necessary_a wherefore_o he_o believe_v this_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o a_o immediate_a revelation_n give_v out_o from_o he_o for_o hereunto_o we_o must_v come_v and_o have_v somewhat_o that_o we_o may_v ultimate_o rest_v in_o exclude_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n all_o further_a inquiry_n or_o we_o can_v have_v neither_o certainty_n nor_o stability_n in_o our_o faith_n on_o this_o supposition_n his_o answer_n must_v be_v that_o he_o have_v many_o cogent_a argument_n that_o render_v it_o high_o propable_a so_o to_o be_v such_o as_o have_v prevail_v with_o he_o to_o judge_v it_o so_o to_o be_v and_o whereon_o he_o be_v full_o persuade_v as_o have_v the_o high_a assurance_n hereof_o that_o the_o matter_n will_v bear_v and_o so_o do_v firm_o believe_v they_o to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n yea_o but_o it_o will_v be_v reply_v all_o these_o argument_n be_v in_o their_o kind_n or_o nature_n humane_a and_o therefore_o fallible_a such_o as_o it_o be_v possible_a they_o may_v be_v false_a for_o every_o thing_n may_v be_v so_o that_o be_v not_o immediate_o from_o the_o first_o essential_a verity_n this_o assent_n therefore_o unto_o the_o scripture_n as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v humane_a fallible_a and_o such_o as_o wherein_o we_o may_v be_v deceive_v and_o our_o assent_n unto_o the_o thing_n reveal_v can_v be_v of_o no_o other_o kind_n than_o that_o we_o give_v unto_o the_o revelation_n itself_o for_o thereinto_o it_o be_v resolve_v and_o thereunto_o it_o must_v be_v reduce_v these_o water_n will_v rise_v no_o high_o than_o their_o fountain_n and_o thus_o at_o length_n we_o come_v to_o believe_v jesus_n christ_n to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n with_o a_o faith_n humane_a and_o fallible_a and_o which_o at_o last_o may_v deceive_v we_o which_o be_v to_o receive_v the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o the_o word_n of_o man_n and_o not_o as_o it_o be_v in_o truth_n the_o word_n of_o god_n contrary_a to_o the_o apostle_n 1_o thes._n 2._o 13._o wherefore_o 4._o if_o i_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n with_o a_o humane_a faith_n only_o i_o do_v no_o otherwise_o believe_v whatever_o be_v contain_v in_o it_o which_o overthrow_v all_o faith_n proper_o so_o call_v and_o if_o i_o believe_v what_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n with_o faith_n divine_a and_o supernatural_a i_o can_v but_o by_o the_o same_o faith_n believe_v the_o scripture_n itself_o which_o remove_v the_o moral_a certainty_n treat_v of_o out_o of_o our_o way_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o be_v that_o we_o must_v believe_v the_o revelation_n and_o the_o thing_n reveal_v with_o the_o same_o kind_n of_o faith_n or_o we_o bring_v confusion_n on_o the_o whole_a work_n of_o believe_v no_o man_n live_a can_v distinguish_v in_o his_o experience_n between_o that_o faith_n wherewith_o he_o lieve_v the_o scripture_n and_o that_o wherewith_o he_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o it_o or_o the_o thing_n contain_v in_o it_o nor_o be_v there_o any_o such_o distinction_n or_o difference_n intimate_v in_o the_o scripture_n itself_o but_o all_o our_o believe_v be_v absolute_o resolve_v into_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n reveal_v nor_o can_v it_o be_v rational_o apprehend_v that_o our_o assent_n unto_o the_o thing_n reveal_v shall_v be_v of_o a_o kind_n and_o nature_n superior_a unto_o that_o which_o we_o yield_v unto_o the_o revelation_n itself_o for_o let_v the_o argument_n which_o it_o be_v resolve_v into_o be_v never_o so_o evident_a and_o cogent_a let_v the_o assent_v itself_o be_v as_o firm_a and_o certain_a as_o can_v be_v imagine_v yet_o be_v it_o humane_a still_o and_o natural_a and_o therein_o be_v inferior_a unto_o that_o which_o be_v divine_a and_o supernatural_a and_o yet_o on_o this_o supposition_n that_o which_o be_v of_o a_o superior_a kind_n and_o nature_n be_v whole_o resolve_v into_o that_o which_o be_v of_o a_o inferior_a and_o must_v be_v take_v itself_o on_o all_o occasion_n thereunto_o for_o relief_n and_o confirmation_n for_o the_o faith_n whereby_o we_o believe_v jesus_n christ_n to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v on_o all_o occasion_n absolute_o melt_v down_o into_o that_o whereby_o we_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o none_o of_o these_o thing_n be_v my_o present_a especial_a design_n and_o therefore_o i_o have_v insist_v long_o enough_o upon_o they_o i_o be_o not_o inquire_v what_o ground_n man_n may_v have_v to_o build_v a_o opinion_n or_o any_o kind_n of_o humane_a persuasion_n upon_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o the_o word_n of_o god_n no_o nor_o yet_o how_o we_o may_v prove_v or_o maintain_v they_o so_o to_o be_v unto_o gainsayer_n but_o what_o be_v require_v hereunto_o that_o we_o may_v believe_v they_o to_o be_v so_o with_o faith_n divine_a and_o supernatural_a and_o what_o be_v the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n therein_o but_o it_o may_v be_v further_o say_v that_o these_o external_a argument_n and_o motive_n be_v not_o of_o themselves_o and_o consider_v separately_z from_o the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o testify_v unto_o the_o sole_a ground_n and_o reason_n of_o our_o believe_v for_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o a_o thousand_o argument_n of_o a_o like_a cogency_n with_o they_o be_v offer_v to_o confirm_v any_o truth_n or_o doctrine_n if_o it_o have_v not_o a_o divine_a worth_n and_o excellency_n in_o itself_o they_o can_v give_v the_o mind_n no_o assurance_n of_o it_o wherefore_o it_o be_v the_o truth_n itself_o or_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n which_o they_o testify_v unto_o that_o animate_v they_o and_o give_v they_o their_o efficacy_n for_o there_o be_v such_o a_o majesty_n holiness_n and_o excellency_n in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o moreover_o such_o a_o suitableness_n in_o they_o unto_o unprejudiced_a reason_n and_o such_o a_o answerableness_n unto_o all_o the_o rational_a desire_n and_o expectation_n of_o the_o soul_n as_o evidence_n their_o procedure_n from_o the_o fountain_n of_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n it_o can_v but_o be_v conceive_v impossible_a that_o such_o excellent_a heavenly_a mystery_n of_o such_o use_n and_o benefit_n unto_o all_o mankind_n shall_v be_v the_o product_n of_o any_o create_a industry_n let_v but_o a_o man_n know_v himself_o his_o state_n and_o condition_n in_o any_o measure_n with_o a_o desire_n of_o that_o blessedness_n which_o his_o nature_n be_v capable_a of_o
complete_a revelation_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n already_o make_v but_o new_a revelation_n it_o have_v neither_o need_n nor_o use_v of_o and_o to_o suppose_v they_o or_o a_o necessity_n of_o they_o not_o only_o overthrow_v the_o perfection_n of_o the_o scripture_n but_o also_o leave_v we_o uncertain_a whether_o we_o know_v all_o that_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v in_o order_n unto_o salvation_n or_o our_o whole_a duty_n or_o when_o we_o may_v do_v so_o for_o it_o will_v be_v our_o duty_n to_o live_v all_o our_o day_n in_o expectation_n of_o new_a revelation_n wherewith_o neither_o peace_n assurance_n nor_o consolation_n be_v consistent_a 2._o those_o who_o be_v to_o believe_v will_v not_o be_v able_a on_o this_o supposition_n to_o secure_v themselves_o from_o delusion_n and_o from_o be_v impose_v on_o by_o the_o deceit_n of_o satan_n for_o this_o new_a revelation_n be_v to_o be_v try_v by_o the_o scripture_n or_o it_o be_v not_o if_o it_o be_v to_o be_v try_v and_o examine_v by_o the_o scripture_n then_o do_v it_o acknowledge_v a_o superior_a rule_n judgement_n and_o testimony_n and_o so_o can_v be_v that_o which_o our_o faith_n be_v ultimate_o resolve_v into_o if_o it_o be_v exempt_v from_o that_o rule_n of_o try_v the_o spirit_n than_o 1._o it_o must_v produce_v the_o grant_n of_o this_o exemption_n see_v the_o rule_n be_v extend_v general_o unto_o all_o thing_n and_o doctrine_n that_o relate_v unto_o faith_n or_o obedience_n 2._o it_o must_v declare_v what_o be_v the_o ground_n and_o evidence_n of_o its_o own_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o self-credibility_a and_o how_o it_o may_v be_v infallible_o or_o assure_o distinguish_v from_o all_o delusion_n which_o can_v never_o be_v do_v and_o if_o any_o tolerable_a countenance_n can_v be_v give_v unto_o these_o thing_n yet_o we_o shall_v show_v immediate_o that_o no_o such_o private_a testimony_n though_o real_a can_v be_v the_o formal_a object_n of_o faith_n or_o reason_n of_o believe_v 3._o it_o have_v so_o fall_v out_o in_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n that_o general_o all_o who_o have_v give_v up_o themselves_o in_o any_o thing_n concern_v faith_n or_o obedience_n unto_o the_o pretend_a conduct_n of_o immediate_a revelation_n although_o they_o have_v plead_v a_o respect_n unto_o the_o scripture_n also_o have_v be_v seduce_v into_o opinion_n and_o practice_n direct_o repugnant_a unto_o it_o and_o this_o with_o all_o person_n of_o sobriety_n be_v sufficient_a to_o discard_v this_o pretence_n but_o this_o internal_a testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v by_o other_o explain_v quite_o in_o another_o way_n for_o they_o say_v that_o beside_o the_o work_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n before_o insist_v on_o whereby_o he_o take_v away_o our_o natural_a blindness_n and_o enlighten_v our_o mind_n enable_v we_o to_o discern_v the_o divine_a excellency_n that_o be_v in_o the_o scripture_n there_o be_v another_o internal_a efficiency_n of_o he_o whereby_o we_o be_v move_v persuade_v and_o enable_v to_o believe_v hereby_o we_o be_v teach_v of_o god_n so_o as_o that_o find_v the_o glory_n and_o majesty_n of_o god_n in_o the_o word_n our_o heart_n do_v by_o a_o ineffable_a power_n assent_v unto_o the_o truth_n without_o any_o hesitation_n and_o this_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n carry_v its_o own_o evidence_n in_o itself_o produce_v a_o assurance_n above_o all_o humane_a judgement_n and_o such_o as_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o no_o further_a argument_n or_o testimony_n this_o faith_n rest_v on_o and_o be_v resolve_v into_o and_o this_o some_o learned_a man_n seem_v to_o embrace_v because_o they_o suppose_v that_o the_o objective_a evidence_n which_o be_v give_v in_o the_o scripture_n itself_o be_v only_o moral_a or_o such_o as_o can_v give_v only_o a_o moral_a assurance_n whereas_o therefore_o faith_n ought_v to_o be_v divine_a and_o supernatural_a so_o must_v that_o be_v whereinto_o it_o be_v resolve_v yea_o it_o be_v so_o alone_o from_o the_o formal_a reason_n of_o it_o and_o they_o can_v apprehend_v nothing_o in_o this_o work_n that_o be_v immediate_o divine_a but_o only_o this_o internal_a testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n wherein_o god_n himself_o speak_v unto_o our_o heart_n but_o yet_o neither_o as_o it_o be_v so_o explain_v can_v we_o allow_v it_o to_o be_v the_o formal_a object_n of_o faith_n nor_o that_o wherein_o it_o do_v acquiesce_v for_o 1._o it_o have_v not_o the_o proper_a nature_n of_o a_o divine_a testimony_n a_o divine_a work_n it_o may_v be_v but_o a_o divine_a testimony_n it_o be_v not_o but_o it_o be_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o faith_n to_o be_v build_v on_o a_o external_a testimony_n however_o therefore_o our_o mind_n may_v be_v establish_v and_o enable_v to_o believe_v firm_o and_o steadfast_o by_o a_o ineffable_a internal_a work_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n whereof_o also_o we_o may_v have_v a_o certain_a experience_n yet_o neither_o that_o work_v nor_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o can_v be_v the_o reason_n why_o we_o do_v believe_v nor_o whereby_o we_o be_v move_v to_o believe_v but_o only_o that_o whereby_o we_o do_v believe_v 2._o that_o which_o be_v the_o formal_a object_n of_o faith_n or_o reason_n whereon_o we_o believe_v be_v the_o same_o and_o common_a unto_o all_o that_o do_v believe_v for_o our_o enquiry_n be_v not_o how_o or_o by_o what_o mean_v this_o or_o that_o man_n come_v to_o believe_v but_o why_o any_o one_o or_o every_o one_o ought_v so_o to_o do_v unto_o who_o the_o scripture_n be_v propose_v the_o object_n propose_v unto_o all_o to_o be_v believe_v be_v the_o same_o and_o the_o faith_n require_v of_o all_o in_o a_o way_n of_o duty_n be_v the_o same_o or_o of_o the_o same_o kind_a and_o nature_n and_o therefore_o the_o reason_n why_o we_o believe_v must_v be_v the_o same_o also_o but_o on_o this_o supposition_n there_o must_v be_v as_o many_o distinct_a reason_n of_o believe_v as_o there_o be_v believer_n 3._o on_o this_o supposition_n it_o can_v be_v the_o duty_n of_o any_o one_o to_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n who_o have_v not_o receive_v this_o internal_a testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n for_o where_o the_o true_a formal_a reason_n of_o believe_v be_v not_o propose_v unto_o we_o there_o it_o be_v not_o our_o duty_n to_o believe_v wherefore_o although_o the_o scripture_n be_v propose_v as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n yet_o be_v it_o not_o our_o duty_n to_o believe_v it_o so_o to_o be_v until_o we_o have_v this_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o our_o heart_n in_o case_n that_o be_v the_o formal_a reason_n of_o believe_v but_o not_o to_o press_v any_o further_a how_o it_o be_v possible_a man_n may_v be_v deceive_v and_o delude_v in_o their_o apprehension_n of_o such_o a_o internal_a testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n especial_o if_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v try_v by_o the_o scripture_n which_o if_o it_o be_v it_o lose_v its_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o self-credibility_a or_o if_o it_o be_v it_o cast_v we_o into_o a_o circle_n which_o the_o papist_n charge_v we_o withal_o it_o can_v be_v admit_v as_o the_o formal_a object_n of_o our_o faith_n because_o it_o will_v divert_v we_o from_o that_o which_o be_v public_a proper_a every_o way_n certain_a and_o infallible_a however_o that_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o may_v be_v call_v a_o internal_a real_a testimony_n be_v to_o be_v grant_v as_o that_o which_o belong_v unto_o the_o stability_n and_o assurance_n of_o faith_n for_o if_o he_o do_v no_o otherwise_o work_v in_o we_o or_o upon_o we_o but_o by_o the_o communication_n of_o spiritual_a light_n unto_o our_o mind_n enable_v we_o to_o discern_v the_o evidence_n that_o be_v in_o the_o scripture_n of_o its_o own_o divine_a original_a we_o shall_v often_o be_v shake_v in_o our_o assent_n and_o move_v from_o our_o stability_n for_o whereas_o our_o spiritual_a darkness_n be_v remove_v but_o in_o part_n and_o at_o best_a whilst_o we_o be_v here_o we_o see_v thing_n but_o dark_o as_o in_o a_o glass_n all_o thing_n believe_v have_v some_o sort_n of_o inevidence_n or_o obscurity_n attend_v they_o and_o whereas_o temptation_n will_v frequent_o shake_v and_o disturb_v the_o due_a respect_n of_o the_o faculty_n unto_o the_o object_n or_o interpose_v mist_n and_o cloud_n between_o they_o we_o can_v have_v no_o assurance_n in_o believe_v unless_o our_o mind_n be_v further_o establish_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n he_o do_v therefore_o three_o way_n assist_v we_o in_o believe_v and_o ascertain_v our_o mind_n of_o the_o thing_n believe_v so_o as_o that_o we_o may_v hold_v fast_o the_o begin_n of_o our_o confidence_n firm_a and_o steadfast_a unto_o the_o end_n for_o 1._o he_o give_v unto_o believer_n a_o spiritual_a sense_n of_o the_o power_n and_o reality_n of_o the_o thing_n believe_v whereby_o their_o faith_n be_v great_o establish_v and_o although_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
nor_o by_o miracle_n nor_o by_o immediate_a revelation_n or_o private_a subjective_n testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n nor_o be_v their_o faith_n a_o persuasion_n of_o mind_n that_o they_o can_v give_v no_o reason_n of_o but_o only_o that_o they_o be_v so_o persuade_v but_o it_o will_v be_v yet_o further_o object_v that_o if_o there_o be_v such_o clear_a evidence_n in_o the_o thing_n itself_o that_o be_v in_o the_o divine_a original_a and_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n that_o none_o who_o free_o use_v their_o reason_n can_v deny_v it_o than_o it_o lie_v either_o in_o the_o naked_a proposal_n of_o the_o thing_n unto_o the_o understanding_n and_o if_o so_o than_o every_o one_o that_o assent_v unto_o this_o proposition_n that_o the_o whole_a be_v great_a than_o the_o part_n must_v likewise_o assent_v unto_o this_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o the_o evidence_n must_v not_o lie_v in_o the_o naked_a proposal_n but_o in_o the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o they_o unto_o who_o it_o be_v propose_v answ._n 1._o i_o know_v no_o divine_a ancient_a or_o modern_a popish_a or_o protestant_n who_o do_v not_o assert_v that_o there_o be_v a_o work_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n on_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n necessary_a unto_o a_o due_a belief_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o consideration_n hereof_o ought_v not_o by_o any_o christian_n to_o be_v exclude_v but_o they_o say_v not_o that_o this_o be_v the_o objective_a testimony_n or_o evidence_n on_o which_o we_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n concern_v which_o alone_a be_v our_o enquiry_n 2._o we_o do_v not_o dispute_v how_o far_o or_o by_o what_o mean_v this_o proposition_n the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n may_v be_v evidence_v mere_o unto_o our_o reason_n but_o unto_o our_o understanding_n as_o capable_a of_o give_v a_o assent_n upon_o testimony_n it_o be_v not_o say_v that_o this_o be_v a_o first_o principle_n of_o reason_n though_o it_o be_v of_o faith_n nor_o that_o it_o be_v capable_a of_o a_o mathematical_a demonstration_n that_o the_o whole_a be_v great_a than_o the_o part_n be_v self-evident_a unto_o our_o reason_n upon_o its_o first_o proposal_n but_o such_o none_o pretend_v to_o be_v in_o the_o scripture_n because_o it_o be_v a_o subject_n not_o capable_a of_o it_o nor_o do_v those_o who_o deny_v the_o self-evidence_n of_o the_o scripture_n pretend_v by_o their_o argument_n for_o its_o divine_a authority_n to_o give_v such_o a_o evidence_n of_o it_o unto_o reason_n as_o be_v in_o first_o principles_n or_o mathematical_a demonstration_n but_o content_v themselves_o with_o that_o which_o they_o call_v a_o moral_a certainty_n but_o it_o be_v by_o faith_n we_o be_v oblige_v to_o receive_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o proposition_n which_o respect_v the_o power_n of_o our_o mind_n of_o assent_n unto_o truth_n upon_o testimony_n infallible_o on_o that_o which_o be_v infallible_a and_o hereunto_o it_o evidence_v its_o own_o truth_n not_o with_o the_o same_o but_o with_o a_o evidence_n and_o certainty_n of_o a_o high_a nature_n and_o noble_a kind_n than_o that_o of_o the_o strict_a demonstration_n in_o thing_n natural_a or_o the_o most_o forcible_a arguman_n in_o thing_n moral_a 3._o it_o will_v be_v object_v that_o if_o this_o be_v so_o then_o none_o can_v be_v oblige_v to_o receive_v the_o scripture_n as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n who_o have_v not_o faith_n and_o none_o have_v faith_n but_o those_o in_o who_o it_o be_v wrought_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o thereinto_o all_o will_v be_v resolve_v at_o last_o answ._n 1._o indeed_o there_o be_v no_o room_n for_o this_o objection_n for_o the_o whole_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v plead_v only_o as_o he_o be_v the_o efficient_a cause_n of_o believe_v and_o not_o the_o objective_n or_o reason_n why_o we_o do_v believe_v but_o 2._o we_o must_v not_o be_v ashamed_a to_o resolve_v all_o we_o do_v well_o spiritual_o and_o in_o obedience_n to_o the_o command_n of_o god_n unto_o the_o efficacious_a operation_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o we_o unless_o we_o intend_v to_o be_v ashamed_a of_o the_o gospel_n but_o this_o still_o make_v his_o internal_a operation_n to_o be_v the_o efficient_a and_o not_o his_o internal_a testimony_n to_o be_v the_o formal_a reason_n of_o our_o faith_n 3._o it_o be_v another_o question_n whether_o all_o obligation_n unto_o duty_n be_v and_o must_v be_v proportionate_a unto_o our_o own_o strength_n without_o divine_a assistance_n which_o we_o deny_v and_o affirm_v that_o we_o be_v oblige_v unto_o many_o thing_n by_o virtue_n of_o god_n command_n which_o we_o have_v no_o power_n to_o answer_v but_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o grace_n 4._o where_o the_o proposal_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v make_v in_o the_o way_n before_o describe_v those_o unto_o who_o it_o be_v propose_v be_v oblige_v to_o receive_v it_o as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o evidence_n which_o it_o give_v of_o itself_o so_o to_o be_v yea_o every_o real_a true_a divine_a revelation_n make_v unto_o man_n or_o every_o proposal_n of_o the_o scripture_n by_o divine_a providence_n have_v that_o evidence_n of_o its_o be_v from_o god_n accompany_v of_o it_o as_o be_v sufficient_a to_o oblige_v they_o unto_o who_o it_o be_v make_v to_o believe_v it_o on_o pain_n of_o his_o displeasure_n if_o this_o be_v otherwise_o then_o either_o be_v god_n oblige_v to_o confirm_v every_o particular_a divine_a revelation_n with_o a_o miracle_n which_o as_o to_o its_o obligation_n unto_o believe_v want_v not_o its_o difficulty_n which_o he_o do_v not_o as_o in_o many_o of_o the_o prophet_n nor_o do_v at_o this_o day_n at_o the_o first_o proposal_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o the_o heathen_a or_o else_o when_o he_o require_v faith_n and_o obedience_n in_o such_o way_n as_o in_o his_o wisdom_n he_o judge_v meet_v that_o be_v in_o the_o ordinary_a ministry_n of_o the_o word_n they_o be_v not_o oblige_v thereby_o nor_o be_v it_o their_o sin_n to_o refuse_v a_o compliance_n with_o his_o will._n 5._o if_o this_o difficulty_n can_v be_v no_o otherwise_o avoid_v but_o by_o affirm_v that_o the_o faith_n which_o god_n require_v of_o we_o with_o respect_n unto_o his_o word_n be_v nothing_o but_o a_o natural_a assent_n unto_o it_o upon_o rational_a argument_n and_o consideration_n which_o we_o have_v a_o ability_n for_o without_o any_o spiritual_a aid_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n or_o respect_n unto_o his_o testimony_n as_o before_o describe_v which_o overthrow_v all_o faith_n especial_o that_o which_o be_v divine_a i_o shall_v rather_o ten_o thousand_o time_n allow_v of_o all_o the_o just_a consequence_n that_o can_v follow_v on_o the_o supposition_n mention_v than_o admit_v of_o this_o relief_n but_o of_o those_o consequence_n this_o be_v none_o that_o any_o unto_o who_o the_o scripture_n be_v propose_v be_v except_v from_o a_o obligation_n unto_o believe_v in_o like_a manner_n there_o be_v no_o difficulty_n in_o the_o usual_a objection_n which_o respect_v particular_a book_n of_o the_o scripture_n why_o we_o receive_v they_o as_o canonical_a and_o reject_v other_o as_o namely_o the_o book_n of_o proverb_n and_o not_o of_o wisdom_n of_o ecclesiaste_n and_o not_o ecclesiasticus_fw-la for_o 1._o as_o to_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n we_o have_v the_o canon_n of_o they_o give_v we_o in_o the_o new_a where_o it_o be_v affirm_v that_o unto_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v commit_v the_o oracle_n of_o god_n which_o both_o confirm_v all_o that_o we_o receive_v and_o exclude_v all_o that_o we_o exclude_v and_o unto_o the_o new_a there_o be_v no_o pretender_n nor_o ever_o be_v to_o the_o least_o exercise_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o any_o 2._o all_o book_n whatever_o that_o have_v either_o themselves_o pretend_a unto_o a_o divine_a original_a or_o have_v be_v plead_v by_o other_o to_o be_v of_o that_o extract_v have_v be_v and_o may_v be_v from_o themselves_o without_o further_a help_n evict_v of_o falsehood_n in_o that_o pretence_n they_o have_v all_o of_o they_o hitherto_o in_o matter_n or_o manner_n in_o plain_a confession_n or_o other_o sufficient_a evidence_n manifest_v themselves_o to_o be_v of_o a_o human_a original_a and_o much_o danger_n be_v not_o to_o be_v fear_v from_o any_o that_o for_o the_o future_a shall_v set_v forth_o with_o the_o same_o pretence_n 3._o we_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o refuse_v the_o ministry_n of_o the_o church_n or_o the_o advantage_n of_o providence_n whereby_o the_o scripture_n be_v bring_v unto_o we_o with_o the_o testimony_n which_o either_o direct_o or_o collateral_o any_o one_o part_n of_o it_o give_v unto_o another_o although_o the_o scripture_n be_v to_o believe_v for_o itself_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o ordinary_o to_o be_v believe_v by_o itself_o without_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 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
condemn_v they_o and_o their_o ministry_n as_o be_v plain_a and_o the_o case_n of_o jeremiah_n now_o it_o be_v impious_a to_o imagine_v that_o those_o to_o who_o they_o speak_v in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n be_v not_o oblige_v to_o believe_v they_o and_o it_o tend_v to_o the_o overthrow_n of_o all_o religion_n if_o we_o shall_v say_v that_o they_o be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v they_o and_o that_o under_o the_o penalty_n of_o divine_a displeasure_n and_o so_o to_o receive_v the_o revelation_n make_v by_o they_o or_o their_o declaration_n of_o it_o as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n than_o it_o must_v contain_v in_o it_o the_o formal_a reason_n of_o believe_v or_o the_o full_a and_o entire_a cause_n reason_n and_o ground_n why_o they_o ought_v to_o believe_v with_o faith_n divine_a and_o supernatural_a or_o let_v another_o ground_n of_o faith_n in_o this_o case_n be_v assign_v suppose_v the_o proposal_n be_v make_v in_o the_o ordinary_a ministry_n of_o the_o church_n hereby_o the_o scripture_n be_v declare_v unto_o man_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n they_o be_v acquaint_v with_o it_o and_o what_o god_n require_v of_o they_o therein_o and_o they_o be_v charge_v in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n to_o receive_v and_o believe_v it_o do_v any_o obligation_n unto_o believe_v hence_o arise_v it_o may_v be_v some_o will_v say_v that_o immediate_o there_o be_v not_o only_o they_o will_v grant_v that_o man_n be_v bind_v hereon_o to_o inquire_v into_o such_o reason_n and_o motive_n as_o be_v propose_v unto_o they_o for_o its_o reception_n and_o admission_n i_o say_v there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o that_o man_n be_v oblige_v to_o consider_v all_o thing_n of_o that_o nature_n which_o be_v propose_v unto_o they_o and_o not_o to_o receive_v it_o with_o brutish_a implicit_a belief_n for_o the_o receive_n of_o it_o be_v to_o be_v a_o act_n of_o man_n own_o mind_n or_o understanding_n on_o the_o best_a ground_n and_o evidence_n which_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n propose_v be_v capable_a of_o but_o suppose_v man_n to_o do_v their_o duty_n in_o their_o diligent_a inquiry_n into_o the_o whole_a matter_n i_o desire_v to_o know_v whether_o by_o the_o proposal_n mention_v there_o come_v upon_o man_n a_o obligation_n to_o believe_v if_o there_o do_v not_o then_o be_v all_o man_n perfect_o innocent_a who_o refuse_v to_o receive_v the_o gospel_n in_o the_o preach_n of_o it_o as_o to_o any_o respect_n unto_o that_o preach_n which_o to_o say_v be_v to_o overthrow_v the_o whole_a dispensation_n of_o the_o ministry_n if_o they_o be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v upon_o the_o preach_n of_o it_o then_o have_v the_o word_n in_o itself_o those_o evidence_n of_o its_o divine_a original_a and_o authority_n which_o be_v a_o sufficient_a ground_n of_o faith_n or_o reason_n of_o believe_v for_o what_o god_n require_v we_o to_o believe_v upon_o have_v so_o always_o as_o the_o issue_n of_o this_o whole_a discourse_n it_o be_v affirm_v that_o our_o faith_n be_v build_v on_o and_o resolve_v into_o the_o scripture_n itself_o which_o carry_v with_o it_o its_o own_o evidence_n of_o be_v a_o divine_a revelation_n and_o therefore_o do_v that_o faith_n ultimate_o rest_n in_o the_o truth_n and_o authority_n of_o god_n alone_o and_o not_o in_o any_o human_a testimony_n such_o as_o be_v that_o of_o the_o church_n nor_o in_o any_o rational_a argument_n or_o motive_n that_o be_v absolute_o fallible_a it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o if_o the_o scripture_n thus_o evidence_n itself_o to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o the_o sun_n manifest_v itself_o by_o light_n and_o fire_n by_o heat_n or_o as_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o reason_n be_v evident_a in_o themselves_o without_o further_a proof_n or_o testimony_n then_o every_o one_o and_o all_o man_n upon_o the_o proposal_n of_o the_o scripture_n unto_o they_o and_o its_o own_o bare_a assertion_n that_o it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n will_v necessary_o on_o that_o evidence_n alone_o assent_v thereunto_o and_o believe_v it_o so_o to_o be_v but_o this_o be_v not_o so_o all_o experience_n lie_v against_o it_o nor_o be_v there_o any_o pleadable_a ground_n of_o reason_n that_o so_o it_o be_v or_o that_o so_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v in_o answer_n unto_o this_o objection_n i_o shall_v do_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o i_o shall_v show_v what_o it_o be_v what_o power_n what_o faculty_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n whereunto_o this_o revelation_n be_v propose_v and_o whereby_o we_o assent_v unto_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o wherein_o the_o mistake_v whereon_o this_o objection_n proceed_v will_v be_v discover_v 2._o i_o shall_v mention_v some_o of_o those_o thing_n whereby_o the_o holy_a ghost_n testify_v and_o give_v evidence_n unto_o the_o scripture_n in_o and_o by_o itself_o so_o as_o that_o our_o faith_n may_v be_v immediate_o resolve_v into_o the_o veracity_n of_o god_n alone_o 1._o and_o in_o the_o first_o place_n we_o may_v consider_v that_o there_o be_v three_o way_n whereby_o we_o assent_v unto_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v propose_v unto_o we_o as_o true_a and_o receive_v it_o as_o such_o 1._o by_o inbred_a principle_n of_o natural_a light_n and_o the_o first_o rational_a act_n of_o our_o mind_n this_o in_o reason_n answer_v instinct_n in_o irrational_a creature_n hence_o god_n complain_v that_o his_o people_n do_v neglect_v and_o sin_n against_o their_o own_o natural_a light_n and_o first_o dictate_v of_o reason_n whereas_o brute_n creature_n will_v not_o forsake_v the_o conduct_n of_o the_o instinct_n of_o their_o nature_n isa._n 1._o 3_o in_o general_n the_o mind_n be_v necessary_o determine_v to_o a_o assent_n unto_o the_o proper_a object_n of_o these_o principle_n it_o can_v do_v otherwise_o it_o can_v but_o assent_v unto_o the_o prime_n dictate_v of_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n yea_o those_o dictate_v be_v nothing_o but_o its_o assent_n its_o first_o apprehension_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n embrace_v without_o either_o express_a reason_n or_o further_a consideration_n be_v this_o assent_n thus_o do_v the_o mind_n embrace_v in_o itself_o the_o general_a notion_n of_o moral_a good_a and_o evil_a with_o the_o difference_n between_o they_o however_o it_o practical_o comply_v notwith_o what_o they_o guide_v unto_o judas_n v._n 10._o and_o so_o do_v it_o assent_v unto_o many_o principle_n of_o reason_n as_o that_o the_o whole_a be_v great_a than_o the_o part_n without_o admit_v any_o debate_n about_o they_o 2._o by_o rational_a consideration_n of_o thing_n external_o propose_v unto_o we_o herein_o the_o mind_n exercise_v its_o discursive_a faculty_n gather_v one_o thing_n out_o of_o another_o and_o conclude_v one_o thing_n from_o another_o and_o hereon_o be_v it_o able_a to_o assent_v unto_o what_o be_v propose_v unto_o it_o in_o various_a degree_n of_o certainty_n according_a unto_o the_o nature_n and_o degree_n of_o the_o evidence_n it_o proceed_v upon_o hence_o it_o have_v a_o certain_a knowledge_n of_o some_o thing_n of_o other_o a_o opinion_n or_o persuasion_n prevalent_a against_o the_o objection_n to_o the_o contrary_a which_o it_o know_v and_o who_o force_n it_o understand_v which_o may_v be_v true_a or_o false_a 3._o by_o faith_n this_o respect_v that_o power_n of_o our_o mind_n whereby_o we_o be_v able_a to_o assent_v unto_o any_o thing_n as_o true_a which_o we_o have_v no_o first_o principles_n concern_v no_o inbred_a notion_n of_o nor_o can_v from_o more_o know_v principle_n make_v unto_o ourselves_o any_o certain_a rational_a conclusion_n concern_v they_o this_o be_v our_o assent_n upon_o testimony_n whereon_o we_o believe_v many_o thing_n which_o no_o sense_n inbred_a principle_n nor_o reason_v of_o our_o own_o can_v either_o give_v we_o a_o acquaintance_n with_o or_o a_o assurance_n of_o and_o this_o assent_n also_o have_v not_o only_o various_a degree_n but_o be_v also_o of_o divers_a kind_n according_a as_o the_o testimony_n be_v which_o it_o arise_v from_o and_o rest_v on_o as_o be_v humane_a if_o that_o be_v humane_a and_o divine_a if_o that_o be_v so_o also_o according_a to_o these_o distinct_a faculty_n and_o power_n of_o our_o soul_n god_n be_v please_v to_o reveal_v or_o make_v know_v himself_o his_o mind_n or_o will_v three_o way_n unto_o we_o for_o he_o have_v implant_v no_o power_n on_o our_o mind_n but_o the_o principal_a use_n and_o exercise_n of_o it_o be_v to_o be_v with_o respect_n unto_o himself_o and_o our_o live_n unto_o he_o which_o be_v the_o end_n of_o they_o all_o and_o a_o neglect_n of_o the_o improvement_n of_o they_o unto_o this_o end_n be_v the_o high_a aggravation_n of_o sin_n it_o be_v a_o aggravation_n of_o sin_n when_o man_n abuse_v the_o creature_n of_o god_n otherwise_o than_o he_o have_v appoint_v or_o in_o not_o use_v they_o to_o his_o glory_n when_o they_o take_v his_o corn_n and_o wine_n and_o oil_n and_o spend_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
mind_n and_o conscience_n of_o man_n with_o its_o operation_n of_o divine_a effect_n thereon_o this_o the_o apostle_n express_o affirm_v to_o be_v the_o reason_n and_o cause_n of_o faith_n 1_o cor._n 14._o 24_o 25._o if_o all_o prophesy_n and_o there_o come_v in_o one_o that_o believe_v not_o or_o one_o unlearned_a he_o be_v convince_v of_o all_o he_o be_v judge_v of_o all_o and_o thus_o be_v the_o secret_n of_o his_o heart_n make_v manifest_a and_o so_o fall_v down_o on_o his_o face_n he_o will_v worship_v god_n and_o report_n that_o god_n be_v in_o you_o of_o a_o truth_n the_o acknowledgement_n and_o confession_n of_o god_n to_o be_v in_o they_o or_o among_o they_o be_v a_o profession_n of_o faith_n in_o the_o word_n administer_v by_o they_o such_o person_n assent_v unto_o its_o divine_a authority_n or_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o on_o what_o evidence_n or_o ground_n of_o credibility_n they_o do_v so_o be_v express_o declare_v it_o be_v not_o upon_o the_o force_n of_o any_o external_a argument_n produce_v and_o plead_v unto_o that_o purpose_n it_o be_v not_o upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o this_o or_o that_o or_o any_o church_n whatever_o nor_o be_v it_o upon_o a_o conviction_n of_o any_o miracle_n which_o they_o see_v wrought_v in_o its_o confirmation_n yea_o the_o ground_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o confession_n declare_v be_v oppose_v unto_o the_o efficacy_n and_o use_v of_o the_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o tongue_n v_o 23_o 24._o wherefore_o the_o only_a evidence_n whereon_o they_o receive_v the_o word_n and_o acknowledge_v it_o to_o be_v of_o god_n be_v that_o divine_a power_n and_o efficacy_n whereof_o they_o find_v and_o feel_v the_o experience_n in_o themselves_o he_o be_v convince_v of_o all_o judge_v of_o all_o and_o thus_o be_v the_o secret_n of_o his_o heart_n make_v manifest_a whereon_o he_o fall_v down_o before_o it_o with_o a_o acknowledgement_n of_o its_o divine_a authority_n find_v the_o word_n to_o come_v upon_o his_o conscience_n with_o a_o irresistible_a power_n of_o conviction_n and_o judgement_n thereon_o he_o be_v convince_v of_o all_o judge_v of_o all_o he_o can_v but_o grant_v that_o there_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o divine_a efficacy_n in_o it_o or_o accompany_v of_o it_o especial_o his_o mind_n be_v influence_v by_o this_o that_o the_o secret_n of_o his_o heart_n be_v make_v manifest_a by_o it_o for_o all_o man_n must_v acknowledge_v this_o to_o be_v a_o effect_n of_o divine_a power_n see_v god_n alone_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d he_o who_o search_v know_v and_o judge_v the_o heart_n and_o if_o the_o woman_n of_o samaria_n believe_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n because_o he_o tell_v she_o all_o thing_n that_o ever_o she_o do_v john_n 4._o 29._o there_o be_v reason_n to_o believe_v that_o word_n to_o be_v from_o god_n which_o make_v manifest_a even_o the_o secret_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o although_o i_o do_v conceive_v that_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n heb._n 4._o 12._o the_o live_n and_o eternal_a word_n be_v principal_o intend_v yet_o the_o power_n and_o efficacy_n there_o ascribe_v to_o he_o be_v that_o which_o he_o put_v forth_o by_o the_o word_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o so_o that_o word_n also_o in_o its_o place_n and_o use_v pierce_v to_o the_o divide_v asunder_o of_o soul_n and_o spirit_n of_o the_o joint_n and_o marrew_n and_o be_v a_o discerner_n or_o pass_v a_o critical_a judgement_n on_o the_o thought_n and_o intent_n of_o the_o heart_n or_o make_v manifest_v the_o secret_n of_o man_n heart_n as_o it_o be_v here_o express_v hereby_o then_o do_v the_o holy_a ghost_n so_o evidence_n the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o word_n namely_o by_o that_o divine_a power_n which_o it_o have_v upon_o our_o soul_n and_o conscience_n that_o we_o do_v assure_o acquiesce_v in_o it_o to_o be_v from_o god_n so_o the_o thessalonian_n be_v commend_v that_o they_o receive_v the_o word_n not_o as_o the_o word_n of_o man_n but_o as_o it_o be_v in_o truth_n the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o effectual_o work_v in_o they_o that_o believe_v 1_o thess._n 2._o 15._o it_o distinguish_v itself_o from_o the_o word_n of_o man_n and_o evidence_n itself_o to_o be_v indeed_o the_o word_n of_o god_n by_o its_o effectual_a operation_n in_o they_o that_o believe_v and_o he_o who_o have_v this_o testimony_n in_o himself_o have_v a_o high_a and_o more_o firm_a assurance_n of_o the_o truth_n than_o what_o can_v be_v attain_v by_o the_o force_n of_o external_a argument_n or_o the_o credit_n of_o humane_a testimony_n wherefore_o i_o say_v in_o general_a that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n give_v testimony_n unto_o and_o evince_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o word_n by_o its_o powerful_a operation_n and_o divine_a effect_n on_o the_o soul_n of_o they_o that_o do_v believe_v so_o that_o although_o it_o be_v weakness_n and_o foolishness_n unto_o other_o yet_o as_o be_v christ_n himself_o unto_o they_o that_o be_v call_v it_o be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n and_o i_o must_v say_v that_o although_o a_o man_n be_v furnish_v with_o external_a argument_n of_o all_o sort_n concern_v the_o divine_a original_a and_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n although_o he_o esteem_v his_o motive_n of_o credibility_n to_o be_v effectual_o persuasive_a and_o have_v the_o authority_n of_o any_o or_o all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o world_n to_o confirm_v his_o persuasion_n yet_o if_o he_o have_v no_o experience_n in_o himself_o of_o its_o divine_a power_n authority_n and_o efficacy_n he_o neither_o do_v nor_o can_v believe_v it_o to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o a_o due_a manner_n with_o faith_n divine_a and_o supernatural_a but_o he_o that_o have_v this_o experience_n have_v that_o testimony_n in_o himself_o which_o will_v never_o fail_v this_o will_v be_v the_o more_o manifest_a if_o we_o consider_v some_o few_o of_o those_o many_o instance_n wherein_o it_o exert_v its_o power_n or_o the_o effect_n which_o be_v produce_v thereby_o the_o principal_a divine_a effect_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v in_o the_o conversion_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o sinner_n unto_o god_n the_o greatness_n and_o glory_n of_o this_o work_n we_o have_v elsewhere_o declare_v at_o large_a and_o all_o those_o who_o be_v acquaint_v with_o it_o as_o it_o be_v declare_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o have_v any_o experience_n of_o it_o in_o their_o own_o heart_n do_v constant_o give_v it_o as_o a_o instance_n of_o the_o exceed_a greatness_n of_o the_o power_n of_o god_n it_o may_v be_v they_o speak_v not_o improper_o who_o prefer_v the_o work_n of_o the_o new_a creation_n before_o the_o work_n of_o the_o old_a for_o the_o express_a evidence_n of_o almighty_a power_n contain_v in_o it_o as_o some_o of_o the_o ancient_n do_v now_o of_o this_o great_a and_o glorious_a effect_v the_o word_n be_v the_o only_a instrumental_a cause_n whereby_o the_o divine_a power_n operate_v and_o be_v expressive_a of_o itself_o for_o we_o be_v bear_v again_o bear_v of_o god_n not_o of_o corruptible_a seed_n but_o of_o incorruptible_a by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o abide_v for_o ever_o 1_o pet._n 1._o 21._o for_o of_o his_o own_o will_n do_v god_n beget_v we_o with_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n jam._n 1._o 18._o the_o word_n be_v the_o seed_n of_o the_o new_a creature_n in_o we_o that_o whereby_o our_o whole_a nature_n our_o soul_n and_o all_o their_o faculty_n be_v change_v and_o renew_v into_o the_o image_n and_o likeness_n of_o god_n and_o by_o the_o same_o word_n be_v this_o new_a nature_n keep_v and_o preserve_v 1_o pet._n 2._o 2._o and_o the_o whole_a soul_n carry_v on_o unto_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n it_o be_v unto_o believer_n a_o engraft_a word_n which_o be_v able_a to_o save_v their_o soul_n james_n 1._o 21._o the_o word_n of_o god_n grace_n which_o be_v able_a to_o build_v we_o up_o and_o give_v we_o a_o inheritance_n among_o they_o that_o be_v sanctify_v act_v 20._o 32._o and_o that_o because_o it_o be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n unto_o salvation_n unto_o they_o that_o do_v believe_v rom._n 1._o 16._o all_o the_o power_n which_o god_n put_v forth_o and_o exert_n in_o the_o communication_n of_o that_o grace_n and_o mercy_n unto_o believer_n whereby_o they_o be_v gradual_o carry_v on_o and_o prepare_v unto_o salvation_n he_o do_v it_o by_o the_o word_n therein_o in_o a_o especial_a manner_n be_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o word_n evidence_v by_o the_o divine_a power_n and_o efficacy_n give_v unto_o it_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o work_n which_o be_v effect_v by_o it_o in_o the_o regeneration_n conversion_n and_o sanctification_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o believer_n do_v evidence_n it_o infallible_o unto_o their_o conscience_n that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o word_n
of_o man_n but_o of_o god_n it_o will_v be_v say_v this_o testimony_n be_v private_a in_o the_o mind_n only_o of_o they_o on_o who_o this_o work_n be_v wrought_v and_o therefore_o do_v i_o press_v it_o no_o further_o but_o he_o that_o believe_v have_v the_o witness_n in_o himself_o 1_o john_n 5._o 10._o let_v it_o be_v grant_v that_o all_o who_o be_v real_o convert_v unto_o god_n by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o word_n have_v that_o infallible_a evidence_n and_o testimony_n of_o its_o divine_a original_a authority_n and_o power_n in_o their_o own_o soul_n and_o conscience_n that_o they_o thereon_o believe_v it_o with_o faith_n divine_a and_o supernatural_a in_o conjunction_n with_o the_o other_o evidence_n before_o mention_v as_o part_n of_o the_o same_o divine_a testimony_n and_o it_o be_v all_o i_o aim_v at_o herein_o but_o yet_o although_o this_o testimony_n be_v private_o receive_v for_o in_o itself_o it_o be_v not_o so_o but_o common_a unto_o all_o believer_n yet_o be_v it_o ministerial_o pleadable_a in_o the_o church_n as_o a_o principal_a motive_n unto_o believe_v a_o declaration_n of_o the_o divine_a power_n which_o some_o have_v find_v by_o experience_n in_o the_o word_n be_v a_o ordinance_n of_o god_n to_o convince_v other_o and_o to_o bring_v they_o unto_o the_o faith_n yea_o of_o all_o the_o external_a argument_n that_o be_v or_o may_v be_v plead_v to_o justify_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n there_o be_v none_o more_o prevalent_a nor_o cogent_a than_o this_o of_o its_o mighty_a efficacy_n in_o all_o age_n on_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n to_o change_v convert_v and_o renew_v they_o into_o the_o image_n and_o likeness_n of_o god_n which_o have_v be_v visible_a and_o manifest_a moreover_o there_o be_v yet_o other_o particular_a effect_n of_o the_o divine_a power_n of_o the_o word_n on_o the_o mind_n and_o conscience_n of_o man_n belong_v unto_o this_o general_a work_n either_o precede_a or_o follow_v of_o it_o which_o be_v clear_o sensible_a and_o enlarge_v the_o evidence_n as_o 1._o the_o work_n of_o conviction_n of_o sin_n on_o those_o who_o expect_v it_o not_o who_o desire_v it_o not_o and_o who_o will_v avoid_v it_o if_o by_o any_o mean_v possible_a they_o can_v the_o world_n be_v fill_v with_o instance_n of_o this_o nature_n whilst_o man_n have_v be_v full_a of_o love_n to_o their_o sin_n at_o peace_n in_o they_o enjoy_v benefit_n and_o advantage_n by_o they_o the_o word_n come_v upon_o they_o in_o its_o power_n have_v awe_v disquiet_v and_o terrify_v they_o take_v away_o their_o peace_n destroy_v their_o hope_n and_o make_v they_o as_o it_o be_v whether_o they_o will_v or_o no_o that_o be_v contrary_a to_o their_o desire_n inclination_n and_o carnal_a affection_n to_o conclude_v that_o if_o they_o comply_v not_o with_o what_o be_v propose_v unto_o they_o in_o that_o word_n which_o before_o they_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o nor_o have_v any_o regard_n unto_o they_o must_v be_v present_o or_o eternal_o miserable_a conscience_n be_v the_o territory_n or_o dominion_n of_o god_n in_o man_n which_o he_o have_v so_o reserve_v unto_o himself_o that_o no_o human_a power_n can_v possible_o enter_v into_o it_o or_o dispose_v of_o it_o in_o any_o wise_a but_o in_o this_o work_n of_o conviction_n of_o sin_n the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o scripture_n enter_v into_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o sinner_n take_v possession_n of_o it_o dispose_v it_o unto_o peace_n or_o trouble_v by_o its_o law_n or_o rule_n and_o no_o otherwise_o where_o it_o give_v disquietment_n all_o the_o world_n can_v give_v it_o peace_n and_o where_o it_o speak_v peace_n there_o be_v none_o can_v give_v it_o trouble_v be_v not_o this_o the_o word_n of_o god_n how_o shall_v it_o come_v thus_o to_o speak_v in_o his_o name_n and_o to_o act_v his_o authority_n in_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n as_o it_o do_v when_o once_o it_o begin_v this_o work_n conscience_n immediate_o own_v a_o new_a rule_n a_o new_a law_n a_o new_a government_n in_o order_n to_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n upon_o it_o and_o all_o its_o action_n and_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o conscience_n to_o take_v this_o upon_o itself_o nor_o will_v it_o do_v so_o but_o that_o it_o sensible_o find_v god_n speak_v and_o act_v in_o it_o and_o by_o it_o see_v 1_o cor._n 14._o 25_o 26._o a_o invasion_n may_v be_v make_v on_o the_o outward_a duty_n that_o conscience_n dispose_v unto_o but_o none_o can_v be_v so_o upon_o its_o internal_a act_n no_o power_n under_o heaven_n can_v cause_v conscience_n to_o think_v act_n or_o judge_v otherwise_o than_o it_o do_v by_o its_o immediate_a respect_n unto_o god_n for_o it_o be_v the_o mind_n self-judging_a with_o respect_n unto_o god_n and_o what_o be_v not_o so_o be_v no_o act_n of_o conscience_n wherefore_o to_o force_v a_o act_n of_o conscience_n imply_v a_o contradiction_n however_o it_o may_v be_v defile_v bribe_v sear_a and_o at_o length_n utter_o debauch_v admit_v of_o a_o superior_a power_n a_o power_n above_o or_o over_o itself_o under_o god_n it_o can_v i_o know_v conscience_n may_v be_v prepossess_v with_o prejudices_fw-la and_o by_o education_n with_o the_o insinuation_n of_o tradition_n take_v on_o itself_o the_o power_n of_o false_a corrupt_a superstitious_a principle_n and_o error_n as_o mean_n of_o convey_v unto_o it_o a_o sense_n of_o divine_a authority_n so_o be_v it_o with_o the_o mahometans_n and_o other_o false_a worshipper_n in_o the_o world_n but_o the_o power_n of_o those_o divine_a conviction_n whereof_o we_o treat_v be_v manifest_o different_a from_o such_o prejudicate_a opinion_n for_o where_o these_o be_v not_o impose_v on_o man_n by_o artifices_fw-la and_o delusion_n easy_o discoverable_a they_o prepossess_v their_o mind_n and_o inclination_n by_o tradition_n antecedent_o unto_o any_o right_a judgement_n they_o can_v make_v of_o themselves_o or_o other_o thing_n and_o they_o be_v general_o wrap_v up_o and_o condit_v in_o their_o secular_a interest_n the_o conviction_n we_o treat_v of_o come_v from_o without_o upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o that_o with_o a_o sensible_a power_n prevail_v over_o all_o their_o previous_a thought_n and_o inclination_n those_o first_o affect_v deceive_v and_o delude_v the_o notional_a part_n of_o the_o soul_n whereby_o conscience_n be_v insensible_o influence_v and_o divert_v into_o improper_a respect_n and_o be_v deceive_v as_o to_o its_o judge_n of_o the_o voice_n of_o god_n these_o immediate_o principle_n the_o practical_a understanding_n and_o self-judging_a power_n of_o the_o soul_n wherefore_o such_o opinion_n and_o persuasion_n be_v gradual_o insinuate_v into_o the_o mind_n and_o be_v admit_v insensible_o without_o opposition_n or_o reluctancy_n be_v never_o accompany_v at_o their_o first_o admission_n with_o any_o secular_a disadvantage_n but_o these_o divine_a conviction_n by_o the_o word_n befall_v man_n some_o when_o they_o think_v of_o nothing_o less_o and_o desire_v nothing_o less_o some_o when_o they_o design_v other_o thing_n as_o the_o please_a of_o their_o ear_n or_o the_o entertainment_n of_o their_o company_n and_o some_o that_o go_v on_o purpose_n to_o deride_v and_o scoff_n at_o what_o shall_v be_v speak_v unto_o they_o from_o it_o it_o may_v also_o be_v add_v unto_o the_o same_o purpose_n how_o confirm_v some_o have_v be_v in_o their_o carnal_a peace_n and_o security_n by_o love_n of_o sin_n with_o innumerable_a inveterate_a prejudices_fw-la what_o loss_n and_o ruin_n to_o their_o outward_a concernment_n many_o have_v fall_v into_o by_o admit_v of_o their_o conviction_n what_o force_n diligence_n and_o artifices_fw-la have_v be_v use_v to_o defeat_v they_o what_o contribution_n of_o aid_n and_o assistance_n have_v there_o be_v from_o satan_n unto_o this_o purpose_n and_o yet_o against_o all_o have_v the_o divine_a power_n of_o the_o word_n absolute_o prevail_v and_o accomplish_v its_o whole_a design_v effect_n see_v 2_o cor._n 10._o 4_o 5._o jerem._n 23._o 29._o zach._n 1._o 6._o 2._o it_o do_v it_o by_o the_o light_n that_o be_v in_o it_o and_o that_o spiritual_a illuminate_a efficacy_n wherewith_o it_o be_v accompany_v hence_o it_o be_v call_v a_o light_n shine_v in_o a_o dark_a place_n 2_o pet._n 1._o 19_o that_o light_n whereby_o god_n shine_v into_o the_o heart_n and_o mind_n of_o man_n 2_o cor._n 4._o 4_o 6._o without_o the_o scripture_n all_o the_o world_n be_v in_o darkness_n darkness_n cover_v the_o earth_n and_o thick_a darkness_n the_o people_n isa_n 60._o 2._o it_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o satan_n fill_v with_o darkness_n and_o confusion_n superstition_n idolatry_n lie_v vanity_n wherein_o man_n know_v not_o at_o all_o what_o they_o do_v nor_o whither_o they_o go_v fill_v the_o whole_a world_n even_o as_o it_o be_v at_o this_o day_n and_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v natural_o in_o darkness_n there_o be_v a_o blindness_n
he_o further_o confirm_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o we_o will_v not_o attend_v or_o give_v credit_n simple_o to_o the_o definition_n of_o man_n see_v we_o have_v right_a also_o to_o define_v in_o contradiction_n unto_o they_o and_o see_v it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a mere_o to_o say_v or_o assert_v what_o appear_v to_o be_v truth_n but_o to_o beget_v a_o belief_n also_o of_o what_o be_v speak_v we_o expect_v not_o the_o testimony_n of_o man_n but_o confirm_v that_o which_o be_v inquire_v about_o with_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o lord_n which_o be_v more_o full_a and_o firm_a than_o any_o demonstration_n yea_o which_o rather_o be_v the_o only_a demonstration_n thus_o we_o take_v our_o demonstration_n of_o the_o scripture_n out_o of_o the_o scripture_n be_v assure_v by_o faith_n as_o by_o demonstration_n and_o in_o other_o place_n as_o strom._n 4._o he_o plain_o affirm_v that_o the_o way_n of_o christian_n be_v to_o prove_v the_o scripture_n by_o itself_o and_o all_o other_o thing_n by_o the_o scripture_n basilius_n speak_v to_o the_o same_o purpose_n on_o psal._n 115._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i'faith_o which_o draw_v the_o soul_n to_o assent_v above_o all_o method_n of_o reason_v faith_n which_o be_v not_o the_o effect_n of_o geometrical_a demonstration_n but_o of_o the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o spirit_n the_o nature_n cause_n and_o efficacy_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 be_v assert_v by_o he_o nemesius_n the_o homin_v cap._n 2._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o divine_a oracle_n have_v its_o credibility_n from_o itself_o because_o of_o its_o divine_a inspiration_n the_o word_n of_o austin_n though_o take_v notice_n of_o by_o all_o yet_o may_v here_o be_v again_o report_v confess_v lib._n ii_o cap._n 3._o audiam_fw-la &_o intelligam_fw-la quo_fw-la modo_fw-la fecisti_fw-la coelum_fw-la &_o terram_fw-la scripsit_fw-la hoc_fw-la moses_n scripsit_fw-la &_o abiit_fw-la transivit_fw-la hinc_fw-la ad_fw-la te_fw-la neque_fw-la enim_fw-la nunc_fw-la ante_fw-la i_o est_fw-la nam_fw-la si_fw-la esset_fw-la tenerem_fw-la eum_fw-la &_o rogarem_fw-la eum_fw-la &_o per_fw-la te_fw-la obsecrarem_fw-la ut_fw-la mihi_fw-la ista_fw-la panderet_fw-la &_o praeberem_fw-la aures_fw-la corporis_fw-la mei_fw-la sonis_fw-la erumpentibus_fw-la ex_fw-la ore_fw-la ejus_fw-la at_o si_fw-la hebraea_n voce_fw-la loqueretur_fw-la frustra_fw-la pulsaret_fw-la sensum_fw-la meum_fw-la nec_fw-la inde_fw-la mentem_fw-la meam_fw-la quicquam_fw-la tangeret_fw-la si_fw-mi autem_fw-la latinè_n scirem_fw-la quid_fw-la diceret_fw-la sed_fw-la unde_fw-la scirem_fw-la a_o verum_fw-la diceret_fw-la quod_fw-la etsi_fw-la hoc_fw-la scirem_fw-la num_fw-la &_o ab_fw-la illo_fw-la scirem_fw-la intus_fw-la utique_fw-la mihi_fw-la intus_fw-la in_o domicilio_fw-la cogitationis_fw-la nec_fw-la hebraea_n nec_fw-la graeca_v nec_fw-la latina_fw-la nec_fw-la barbara_fw-la veritas_fw-la sine_fw-la oris_fw-la &_o linguae_fw-la organis_fw-la sine_fw-la strepitu_fw-la syllabarum_fw-la diceret_fw-la verum_fw-la dicit_fw-la at_o ego_fw-la statim_fw-la erectus_fw-la confidenter_fw-la illi_fw-la homini_fw-la tuo_fw-la dicerem_fw-la verum_fw-la dicis_fw-la cum_fw-la ergo_fw-la illum_fw-la interrogare_fw-la non_fw-la possim_fw-la te_fw-la quo_fw-la plenus_fw-la vera_fw-la dixit_fw-la veritas_fw-la te_fw-la deus_fw-la meus_fw-la rogo_fw-la parce_fw-la peccatis_fw-la meis_fw-la &_o qui_fw-la illi_fw-la servo_fw-la tuo_fw-la dedisti_fw-la haec_fw-la dicere_fw-la da_fw-la &_o mihi_fw-la haec_fw-la intelligere_fw-la i_o will_v hear_v i_o will_v understand_v how_o thou_o make_v the_o heaven_n and_o the_o earth_n moses_n write_v this_o he_o write_v it_o and_o be_v go_v hence_o to_o thou_o for_o he_o be_v not_o now_o before_o i_o for_o if_o he_o be_v i_o will_v hold_v he_o and_o ask_v he_o and_o beseech_v he_o for_o thy_o sake_n that_o he_o will_v open_v these_o thing_n unto_o i_o and_o i_o will_v apply_v the_o ear_n of_o my_o body_n to_o the_o sound_n break_v forth_o from_o his_o mouth_n but_o if_o he_o shall_v use_v the_o hebrew_n language_n in_o vain_a shall_v he_o affect_v my_o sense_n for_o he_o will_v not_o at_o all_o touch_n my_o mind_n if_o he_o shall_v speak_v latin_a i_o shall_v know_v what_o he_o say_v but_o whence_o shall_v i_o know_v that_o he_o speak_v the_o truth_n and_o if_o i_o shall_v know_v this_o also_o shall_v i_o know_v it_o of_o he_o within_o i_o in_o the_o habitation_n of_o my_o own_o thought_n truth_n neither_o in_o hebrew_n greek_a latin_a nor_o any_o barbarous_a language_n without_o the_o organ_n of_o mouth_n or_o tongue_n without_o the_o noise_n of_o syllable_n will_v say_v he_o speak_v the_o truth_n and_o i_o be_v immediate_o assure_v or_o certain_a of_o it_o will_v say_v unto_o that_o servant_n of_o thou_o thou_o speak_v truth_n whereas_o therefore_o i_o can_v ask_v he_o i_o ask_v thou_o o_o truth_n with_o which_o he_o be_v fill_v speak_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v true_a o_o my_o god_n i_o ask_v of_o thou_o pardon_v my_o sin_n and_o thou_o who_o give_v unto_o this_o thy_o servant_n to_o speak_v these_o thing_n give_v unto_o i_o to_o understand_v they_o that_o which_o be_v most_o remarkable_a in_o these_o word_n be_v that_o he_o plain_o affirm_v that_o faith_n will_v not_o ensue_v on_o the_o declaration_n of_o the_o prophet_n themselves_o if_o they_o be_v present_a with_o we_o unless_o there_o be_v a_o internal_a work_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n upon_o our_o mind_n to_o enable_v we_o and_o persuade_v they_o thereunto_o and_o indeed_o he_o seem_v to_o place_v all_o assurance_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o divine_a revelation_n in_o the_o inward_a assurance_n which_o god_n give_v we_o of_o they_o by_o his_o spirit_n which_o we_o have_v before_o consider_v the_o second_o arausican_n council_n give_v full_a testimony_n unto_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o internal_a grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o we_o may_v believe_v can._n 7._o siquis_fw-la evangelicae_fw-la proedicationi_fw-la consentire_fw-la posse_fw-la confirmat_fw-la absque_fw-la illuminatione_fw-la &_o inspiratione_n spiritus_fw-la sancti_fw-la haeretico_fw-la fallitur_fw-la spiritu_fw-la to_o descend_v unto_o late_a time_n wherein_o these_o thing_n have_v be_v much_o dispute_v yet_o the_o truth_n have_v beam_v such_o light_n into_o the_o eye_n of_o many_o as_o to_o enforce_v a_o acknowledgement_n from_o they_o when_o they_o have_v examine_v themselves_o about_o it_o the_o word_n of_o baptista_n mantuanus_fw-la be_v remarkable_a the_o patient_n lib._n 3._o cap._n 2._o saepe_fw-la mecum_fw-la cogitavi_fw-la unde_fw-la tam_fw-la suadibilis_fw-la sit_fw-la ipsa_fw-la scriptura_fw-la unde_fw-la tam_fw-la potenter_fw-la influat_fw-la in_o animos_fw-la auditorum_fw-la unde_fw-la tantum_fw-la habeat_fw-la energiae_fw-la ut_fw-la non_fw-la ad_fw-la opinandum_fw-la tantum_fw-la sed_fw-la ad_fw-la solid_a credendum_fw-la omnes_fw-la inflectat_fw-la non_fw-fr est_fw-fr hoc_fw-la imputandum_fw-la rationum_fw-la evidentiae_fw-la quas_fw-la non_fw-la adducit_fw-la non_fw-la artis_fw-la industriae_fw-la aut_fw-la verbis_fw-la suavibus_fw-la ad_fw-la persuadendum_fw-la accomodatis_fw-la quibus_fw-la non_fw-la utitur_fw-la sed_fw-la vide_fw-la a_o id_fw-la in_o causa_fw-la sit_fw-la quod_fw-la persuasi_fw-la sumus_fw-la eam_fw-la a_o prima_fw-la veritate_fw-la fluxisse_fw-la sed_fw-la unde_fw-la sumus_fw-la ita_fw-la persuasi_fw-la nisi_fw-la ab_fw-la ipsa_fw-la quasi_fw-la ad_fw-la ei_fw-la credendum_fw-la nos_fw-la suiipsius_fw-la contrahat_fw-la authoritas_fw-la sed_fw-la unde_fw-la oro_fw-la hanc_fw-la authoritatem_fw-la sibi_fw-la vendicavit_fw-la neque_fw-la enim_fw-la vidimus_fw-la nos_fw-la deum_fw-la concionantem_fw-la scribentem_fw-la docentem_fw-la tamen_fw-la ac_fw-la si_fw-la vidissemus_fw-la credimus_fw-la &_o tenemus_fw-la a_o spiritu_fw-la sancto_fw-la fluxisse_fw-la quae_fw-la legimus_fw-la forsan_fw-la fuerit_fw-la haec_fw-la ratio_fw-la firmiter_fw-la adhaerendi_fw-la quod_fw-la in_o ea_fw-la veritas_fw-la sit_fw-la solidior_fw-la quamvis_fw-la non_fw-la clarior_fw-la habet_fw-la enim_fw-la omnis_fw-la veritas_fw-la vim_o inclinativam_fw-la &_o major_a majorem_fw-la &_o maxima_fw-la maximam_fw-la sed_fw-la cur_n ergo_fw-la non_fw-la omnes_fw-la credunt_fw-la evangelio_n respond_v quod_fw-la non_fw-la omnes_fw-la trahuntur_fw-la a_o deo_fw-la sed_fw-la long_fw-mi opus_fw-la est_fw-la disputatione_n firmiter_fw-la sacris_fw-la scripture_n ideo_fw-la credimus_fw-la quod_fw-la divinam_fw-la inspirationem_fw-la intus_fw-la accipimus_fw-la i_o have_v often_o think_v with_o myself_o whence_o the_o scripture_n itself_o be_v so_o persuasive_a from_o whence_o it_o do_v so_o powerful_o influence_n the_o mind_n of_o its_o hearer_n that_o it_o incline_v or_o lead_v they_o not_o only_o to_o receive_v a_o opinion_n but_o sure_o to_o believe_v this_o be_v not_o to_o be_v impute_v to_o the_o evidence_n of_o reason_n which_o it_o do_v not_o produce_v nor_o unto_o the_o industry_n of_o art_n with_o word_n smooth_a and_o fit_a to_o persuade_v which_o it_o use_v not_o see_v then_o if_o this_o be_v not_o the_o cause_n of_o it_o that_o we_o be_v persuade_v that_o it_o come_v from_o the_o first_o truth_n or_o verity_n but_o whence_o be_v we_o so_o persuade_v but_o from_o itself_o alone_o as_o if_o its_o own_o authority_n shall_v effectual_o draw_v we_o to_o believe_v it_o but_o whence_o i_o pray_v have_v it_o this_o authority_n we_o see_v not_o