declaration_n of_o he_o in_o his_o nature_n be_v and_o subsistence_n with_o the_o necessary_a property_n and_o act_n thereof_o his_o will_n with_o all_o his_o voluntary_a act_n or_o work_n wherein_o we_o may_v be_v or_o be_v concern_v so_o as_o that_o we_o may_v know_v he_o aright_o and_o entertain_v true_a notion_n and_o apprehension_n of_o he_o according_a to_o the_o utmost_a capacity_n of_o our_o finite_a limit_a understanding_n neither_o do_v we_o urge_v his_o authority_n in_o this_o case_n but_o here_o and_o elsewhere_o resort_v unto_o the_o evidence_n of_o his_o reason_n compare_v with_o the_o event_n or_o matter_n of_o fact_n what_o horrible_a darkness_n ignorance_n and_o blindness_n be_v upon_o the_o whole_a world_n with_o respect_n unto_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n what_o confusion_n and_o debasement_n of_o our_o nature_n ensue_v thereon_o whilst_o god_n suffer_v all_o nation_n to_o walk_v in_o their_o own_o way_n and_o wink_v at_o the_o time_n of_o their_o ignorance_n the_o apostle_n declare_v at_o large_a rom._n 1._o from_o the_o 19_o verse_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o chapter_n the_o sum_n be_v that_o the_o only_a true_a god_n be_v become_v unknown_a to_o they_o as_o the_o wise_a of_o they_o acknowledge_v act_v 17._o 21._o and_o as_o our_o apostle_n prove_v against_o they_o the_o devil_n that_o murderer_n from_o the_o beginning_n and_o enemy_n of_o mankind_n have_v under_o various_a pretence_n substitute_v himself_o in_o his_o room_n and_o be_v become_v the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n as_o he_o be_v call_v 2_o cor._n 4._o 4._o and_o have_v appropriate_v all_o the_o religious_a devotion_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n unto_o himself_o for_o the_o thing_n which_o the_o gentile_n sacrifice_v they_o sacrifice_v unto_o devil_n and_o not_o unto_o god_n as_o our_o apostle_n affirm_v 1_o cor._n 10._o 20._o and_o as_o may_v easy_o be_v evince_v and_o i_o have_v abundant_o manifest_v it_o cap._n elsewhere_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v that_o some_o few_o speculative_a man_n among_o the_o heathen_n do_v seek_v after_o god_n in_o that_o horrid_a darkness_n wherewith_o they_o be_v encompass_v and_o labour_v to_o reduce_v their_o conception_n and_o notion_n of_o his_o be_v unto_o what_o reason_n can_v apprehend_v of_o infinite_a perfection_n and_o what_o the_o work_n of_o creation_n and_o providence_n can_v suggest_v unto_o they_o but_o as_o they_o can_v never_o come_v unto_o any_o certainty_n or_o consistency_n of_o notion_n in_o their_o own_o mind_n proceed_v but_o a_o little_a beyond_o conjecture_n as_o be_v the_o manner_n of_o they_o who_o seek_v after_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o dark_a much_o less_o with_o one_o another_o to_o propose_v any_o thing_n unto_o the_o world_n for_o the_o use_n of_o mankind_n in_o these_o thing_n by_o common_a consent_n so_o they_o can_v none_o of_o they_o either_o ever_o free_a themselves_o from_o the_o gross_a practical_a idolatry_n in_o worship_v the_o devil_n the_o head_n of_o their_o 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conscience_n of_o all_o who_o the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n have_v not_o absolute_o blind_v by_o the_o power_n of_o prejudices_fw-la and_o lust_n confirm_v they_o in_o a_o enmity_n unto_o and_o hatred_n of_o god_n himself_o there_o be_v indeed_o no_o more_o require_v to_o free_a mankind_n from_o this_o horrible_a darkness_n and_o enormous_a conception_n about_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o the_o worship_n of_o idol_n but_o a_o sedate_n unprejudiced_a consideration_n of_o the_o revelation_n of_o these_o thing_n in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o scripture_n we_o may_v say_v therefore_o to_o all_o the_o world_n with_o our_o prophet_n when_o they_o say_v unto_o you_o seek_v unto_o they_o who_o have_v familiar_a spirit_n and_o unto_o wizard_n that_o peep_v and_o mutter_v shall_v not_o a_o people_n seek_v unto_o their_o god_n for_o the_o live_n to_o the_o dead_a to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n if_o they_o speak_v not_o according_a to_o this_o word_n it_o be_v because_o there_o be_v no_o light_n in_o they_o isa._n 8._o 19_o 20._o and_o this_o also_o plain_o manifest_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v of_o a_o divine_a original_a for_o if_o this_o declaration_n of_o god_n this_o revelation_n of_o himself_o and_o his_o will_n be_v incomparable_o the_o great_a and_o most_o excellent_a benefit_n that_o our_o nature_n be_v capable_a of_o in_o this_o world_n more_o needful_a for_o and_o useful_a unto_o mankind_n than_o the_o sun_n in_o the_o firmament_n as_o to_o the_o proper_a end_n of_o their_o life_n and_o being_n and_o if_o none_o of_o the_o wise_a man_n in_o the_o world_n neither_o several_o nor_o joint_o can_v attain_v unto_o themselves_o or_o make_v know_v unto_o other_o this_o knowledge_n of_o god_n so_o that_o we_o may_v say_v with_o our_o apostle_n that_o in_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n the_o world_n by_o wisdom_n know_v not_o god_n 1_o cor._n 1._o 21._o and_o whereas_o those_o who_o attempt_v any_o such_o thing_n yet_o wax_v vain_a in_o their_o imagination_n and_o conjecture_n so_o that_o no_o one_o person_n in_o the_o world_n dare_v own_o the_o regulation_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o understanding_n by_o their_o notion_n and_o conception_n absolute_o although_o they_o have_v all_o advantage_n of_o wisdom_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o reason_n above_o those_o at_o the_o least_o the_o most_o of_o they_o who_o write_v and_o publish_v the_o book_n of_o the_o scripture_n it_o can_v with_o any_o pretence_n of_o reason_n be_v question_v whether_o they_o be_v not_o give_v by_o inspiration_n from_o god_n as_o they_o pretend_v and_o plead_v there_o be_v that_o do_v in_o they_o which_o all_o the_o world_n can_v not_o do_v and_o without_o the_o do_v whereof_o all_o the_o world_n must_v have_v be_v eternal_o miserable_a and_o who_o can_v do_v this_o but_o god_n if_o any_o one_o shall_v judge_v that_o that_o ignorance_n of_o god_n which_o be_v among_o the_o heathen_n of_o old_a or_o be_v among_o the_o indian_n at_o this_o day_n be_v not_o so_o miserable_a a_o matter_n as_o we_o make_v it_o or_o that_o there_o be_v any_o way_n to_o free_v they_o from_o it_o but_o by_o a_o emanation_n of_o light_n from_o the_o scripture_n he_o dwell_v out_o of_o my_o present_a way_n upon_o the_o confine_n of_o atheism_n so_o that_o i_o shall_v not_o divert_v unto_o any_o converse_n with_o he_o i_o shall_v only_o add_v that_o whatever_o notion_n of_o truth_n concern_v god_n and_o his_o essence_n there_o may_v be_v find_v in_o those_o philosopher_n who_o live_v after_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o world_n or_o be_v at_o this_o day_n to_o be_v find_v among_o the_o mahometan_n or_o other_o false_a worshipper_n in_o the_o world_n above_o those_o of_o the_o more_o ancient_a pagan_n they_o all_o derive_v from_o the_o fountain_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o be_v thence_o by_o various_a mean_n traduce_v 2._o the_o second_o end_n of_o this_o doctrine_n be_v to_o direct_v mankind_n in_o their_o proper_a course_n of_o live_v unto_o god_n and_o attain_v that_o rest_n and_o blessedness_n whereof_o they_o be_v capable_a and_o which_o they_o can_v but_o desire_v these_o thing_n be_v necessary_a to_o our_o nature_n so_o that_o without_o they_o it_o be_v better_a not_o to_o be_v for_o it_o be_v better_a to_o have_v no_o be_v in_o the_o world_n than_o while_o we_o have_v it_o always_o to_o wander_v and_o never_o to_o act_v towards_o its_o proper_a end_n see_v all_o that_o be_v real_o good_a unto_o we_o consist_v in_o our_o tendency_n thereunto_o and_o our_o attainment_n of_o it_o now_o as_o these_o thing_n be_v never_o state_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o community_n of_o mankind_n but_o that_o they_o live_v in_o perpetual_a confusion_n so_o the_o inquiry_n of_o the_o philosopher_n about_o the_o chief_a end_n of_o man_n the_o nature_n of_o felicity_n or_o blessedness_n the_o way_n of_o attain_v it_o be_v nothing_o but_o
probability_n of_o success_n in_o such_o a_o undertake_n this_o the_o jew_n mark_v in_o they_o with_o contempt_n act._n 4._o 13._o and_o the_o gentile_n also_o general_o despise_v they_o on_o the_o same_o account_n as_o they_o afford_v our_o apostle_n no_o better_a title_n than_o that_o of_o a_o babbler_n act._n 17._o 18._o so_o for_o a_o long_a time_n they_o keep_v up_o the_o public_a vogue_n in_o the_o world_n that_o christianity_n be_v the_o religion_n of_o idiot_n and_o man_n illiterate_a but_o god_n have_v another_o design_n in_o this_o order_n of_o thing_n which_o our_o apostle_n declare_v upon_o a_o admission_n of_o the_o inconsiderable_a meanness_n of_o they_o unto_o who_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v commit_v 2_o cor._n 4._o 7._o we_o have_v this_o treasure_n in_o earthen_a vessel_n that_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o power_n may_v be_v of_o god_n and_o not_o of_o we_o the_o reason_n why_o god_n will_v make_v use_n of_o such_o instrument_n only_o in_o so_o great_a a_o work_n be_v that_o through_o their_o meanness_n his_o own_o glorious_a power_n may_v be_v more_o conspicuous_a there_o be_v nothing_o more_o common_a among_o man_n nor_o more_o natural_a unto_o they_o than_o to_o admire_v the_o excellency_n of_o those_o of_o their_o own_o race_n and_o kind_a and_o a_o willingness_n to_o have_v all_o evidence_n of_o a_o divine_a supernatural_a power_n cloud_v and_o hide_a from_o they_o if_o therefore_o there_o have_v be_v such_o person_n employ_v as_o instrument_n in_o this_o work_n who_o power_n ability_n qualification_n and_o endowment_n may_v have_v be_v probable_o pretend_v as_o sufficient_a and_o the_o immediate_a cause_n of_o such_o a_o effect_n there_o will_v have_v be_v no_o observation_n of_o the_o divine_a power_n or_o glory_n of_o god_n but_o he_o who_o be_v not_o able_a to_o discern_v they_o in_o the_o bring_n about_o of_o so_o mighty_a a_o work_n by_o mean_n so_o disproportionate_a thereunto_o be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o the_o unrelievable_a prejudices_fw-la intimate_v by_o our_o apostle_n in_o this_o case_n 2_o cor._n 4._o 4_o 5_o 7._o second_o the_o mean_n which_o be_v to_o be_v use_v unto_o this_o end_n namely_o the_o subdue_a of_o the_o world_n unto_o the_o faith_n and_o obedience_n of_o the_o gospel_n so_o erect_v the_o spiritual_a kingdom_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n who_o before_o be_v under_o the_o power_n and_o dominion_n of_o his_o adversary_n must_v either_o be_v force_n and_o arm_n or_o eloquence_n in_o plausible_a persuasive_a reason_n and_o mighty_a work_n have_v be_v wrought_v by_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o of_o they_o by_o the_o former_a have_v empire_n be_v set_v up_o and_o establish_v in_o the_o world_n and_o the_o superstition_n of_o mahomet_n impose_v on_o many_o nation_n and_o the_o latter_a also_o have_v have_v great_a effect_n on_o the_o mind_n of_o many_o wherefore_o it_o may_v have_v be_v expect_v that_o those_o who_o have_v engage_v themselves_o in_o so_o great_a a_o design_n and_o work_v as_o that_o mention_v shall_v betake_v themselves_o unto_o the_o one_o or_o other_o of_o these_o mean_n and_o way_n for_o the_o wit_n of_o man_n can_v contrive_v any_o way_n unto_o such_o a_o end_n but_o what_o may_v be_v reduce_v unto_o one_o of_o these_o two_o see_v neither_o upon_o the_o principle_n of_o nature_n nor_o on_o the_o rule_n of_o humane_a wisdom_n or_o policy_n can_v any_o other_o be_v imagine_v but_o even_o both_o these_o way_n be_v abandon_v by_o they_o and_o they_o declare_v against_o the_o use_n of_o either_o of_o they_o for_o as_o outward_a force_n power_n and_o authority_n they_o have_v none_o the_o use_n of_o all_o carnal_a weapon_n be_v utter_o inconsistent_a with_o this_o work_n and_o design_n so_o the_o other_o way_n of_o persuasive_a oration_n of_o entice_a word_n of_o allure_a art_n and_o eloquence_n with_o the_o like_a effect_n of_o humane_a wisdom_n and_o skill_n be_v all_o of_o they_o studious_o decline_v by_o they_o in_o this_o work_n as_o thing_n extreme_o prejudicial_a to_o the_o success_n thereof_o 1_o cor._n 2._o 4_o 5._o but_o this_o alone_a they_o betake_v themselves_o unto_o they_o go_v up_o and_o down_o preach_v to_o jew_n and_o gentile_n that_o jesus_n christ_n die_v for_o our_o sin_n and_o rise_v again_o according_a to_o the_o scripture_n 1_o cor._n 15._o 3_o 4._o and_o this_o they_o do_v by_o virtue_n of_o those_o spiritual_a gift_n which_o be_v the_o hide_a power_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v who_o nature_n virtue_n and_o power_n other_o be_v utter_o unacquainted_a withal_o this_o preach_v of_o they_o this_o preach_v of_o the_o cross_n both_o for_o the_o subject_a matter_n and_o manner_n of_o it_o without_o art_n eloquence_n or_o oratory_n be_v look_v on_o as_o a_o marvellous_a foolish_a thing_n a_o sweaty_a kind_n of_o babble_a by_o all_o those_o who_o have_v get_v any_o reputation_n of_o learning_n or_o cunning_a among_o man_n this_o our_o apostle_n at_o large_a discourse_v 1_o cor._n 1._o in_o this_o state_n of_o thing_n every_o thing_n be_v under_o as_o many_o improbability_n of_o success_n unto_o all_o rational_a conjecture_n as_o can_v be_v conceive_v beside_o together_o with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o they_o preach_v which_o be_v new_a and_o uncouth_a unto_o the_o world_n they_o teach_v observance_n of_o religious_a worship_n in_o meeting_n assembly_n or_o conventicle_n to_o that_o end_n which_o all_o the_o law_n in_o the_o world_n do_v prohibit_v act_v 18._o 13._o c._n 16._o 21._o hereupon_o no_o soon_o do_v the_o ruler_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o world_n begin_v to_o take_v notice_n of_o they_o and_o what_o they_o do_v but_o they_o judge_v that_o it_o all_o tend_v to_o sedition_n and_o that_o commotion_n will_v ensue_v thereon_o these_o thing_n enrage_v the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n against_o they_o and_o their_o convert_v who_o therefore_o make_v havoc_n of_o they_o with_o incredible_a fury_n and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o all_o these_o disadvantage_n and_o against_o all_o these_o opposition_n their_o doctrine_n prevail_v to_o subdue_v the_o world_n to_o the_o obedience_n thereof_o and_o there_o may_v be_v add_v unto_o all_o these_o thing_n one_o or_o two_o consideration_n from_o the_o state_n of_o thing_n at_o that_o time_n in_o the_o world_n which_o signalise_v the_o quality_n of_o this_o work_n and_o manifest_v it_o to_o have_v be_v of_o god_n as_o 1._o that_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o writer_n of_o it_o do_v constant_o distribute_v all_o those_o with_o who_o they_o have_v to_o do_v in_o this_o world_n into_o jew_n and_o greek_n which_o we_o render_v gentile_n the_o other_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n come_v under_o that_o denomination_n because_o of_o their_o preeminence_n on_o various_a account_n now_o the_o jew_n at_o that_o time_n be_v in_o solidum_fw-la possess_v of_o all_o the_o true_a religion_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o this_o they_o boast_v of_o as_o their_o privilege_n bear_v up_o themselves_o with_o the_o thought_n and_o reputation_n of_o it_o every_o where_o and_o on_o all_o occasion_n it_o be_v at_o that_o time_n their_o great_a business_n to_o gain_v proselyte_n unto_o it_o whereon_o also_o their_o honour_n and_o advantage_n do_v depend_v the_o greek_n on_o the_o other_o side_n be_v in_o as_o full_a a_o possession_n of_o art_n science_n literature_n and_o all_o that_o which_o the_o world_n call_v wisdom_n as_o the_o jew_n be_v of_o religion_n and_o they_o have_v also_o a_o religion_n receive_v by_o a_o long_a tradition_n of_o their_o father_n from_o time_n immemorial_n which_o they_o have_v various_o cultivate_v and_o dress_v with_o mystery_n and_o ceremony_n unto_o their_o own_o complete_a satisfaction_n beside_o the_o roman_n who_o be_v the_o roll_a part_n of_o the_o gentile_n do_v ascribe_v all_o their_o prosperity_n and_o the_o whole_a raise_v of_o their_o stupendous_a empire_n to_o their_o god_n and_o the_o religious_a worship_n they_o give_v unto_o they_o so_o that_o it_o be_v a_o fundamental_a maxim_n in_o their_o policy_n and_o rule_n that_o they_o shall_v prosper_v or_o decay_v according_a as_o they_o observe_v or_o be_v negligent_a in_o the_o religion_n they_o have_v receive_v as_o indeed_o not_o only_o those_o who_o own_v the_o true_a god_n and_o his_o providence_n but_o before_o idolatry_n and_o superstition_n have_v give_v place_n unto_o atheism_n all_o people_n do_v solemn_o impute_v all_o their_o achievement_n and_o success_n unto_o their_o god_n as_o the_o prophet_n speak_v of_o the_o chaldaean_n mal._n 1._o 11._o and_o he_o who_o first_o undertake_v to_o record_v the_o exploit_n of_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n do_v constant_o assign_v all_o their_o good_a and_o evil_a unto_o their_o god_n as_o they_o be_v please_v or_o provoke_v the_o roman_n in_o especial_a boast_v that_o their_o religion_n be_v the_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
satan_n and_o the_o prevalent_a power_n and_o rage_n of_o mankind_n have_v combine_v and_o be_v set_v at_o work_n to_o the_o ruin_n and_o utter_v suppression_n of_o this_o book_n proceed_v sometime_o so_o far_o as_o that_o there_o be_v no_o appear_v way_n for_o its_o escape_n yet_o through_o the_o watchful_a care_n and_o providence_n of_o god_n sometime_o put_v itself_o forth_o in_o miraculous_a instance_n it_o have_v be_v preserve_v unto_o this_o day_n and_o shall_v be_v so_o to_o the_o consummation_n of_o all_o thing_n the_o event_n of_o that_o which_o be_v speak_v by_o our_o saviour_n matth._n 5._o 18._o do_v invincible_o prove_v the_o divine_a approbation_n of_o this_o book_n as_o that_o do_v its_o divine_a original_a till_o heaven_n and_o earth_n pass_v away_o one_o jot_n or_o one_o tittle_n shall_v in_o no_o wise_a pass_n from_o the_o law_n god_n perpetual_a care_n over_o the_o scripture_n for_o so_o many_o age_n that_o not_o a_o letter_n of_o it_o shall_v be_v utter_o lose_v nothing_o that_o have_v the_o least_o tendency_n towards_o its_o end_n shall_v perish_v be_v evidence_n sufficient_a of_o his_o regard_n unto_o it_o especial_o will_v it_o be_v so_o if_o we_o shall_v consider_v with_o what_o remarkable_a judgement_n and_o severe_a reflection_n of_o vengeance_n on_o its_o opposer_n this_o care_n have_v be_v manage_v instance_n whereof_o may_v be_v easy_o multiply_v and_o if_o any_o will_v not_o ascribe_v this_o preservation_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o bible_n not_o only_o in_o their_o be_v but_o in_o their_o purity_n and_o integrity_n free_a from_o the_o least_o just_a suspicion_n of_o corruption_n or_o the_o intermixture_n of_o any_o thing_n humane_a or_o heterogeneous_a unto_o the_o care_n of_o god_n it_o be_v incumbent_n on_o he_o to_o assign_v some_o other_o cause_n proportionate_a to_o such_o a_o effect_n whilst_o it_o be_v the_o interest_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o endeavour_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o hell_n to_o have_v it_o corrupt_v and_o destroy_v for_o my_o part_n i_o can_v but_o judge_v that_o he_o that_o see_v not_o a_o hand_n of_o divine_a providence_n stretch_v out_o in_o the_o preservation_n of_o this_o book_n and_o all_o that_o be_v in_o it_o its_o word_n and_o syllable_n for_o thousand_o of_o year_n through_o all_o the_o overthrow_n and_o deluge_n of_o calamity_n that_o have_v befall_v the_o world_n with_o the_o weakness_n of_o the_o mean_n whereby_o it_o have_v be_v preserve_v and_o the_o interest_n in_o some_o age_n of_o all_o those_o in_o who_o power_n it_o be_v to_o have_v it_o corrupt_v as_o it_o be_v of_o the_o apostate_n church_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o christian_n with_o the_o open_a opposition_n that_o have_v be_v make_v unto_o it_o do_v not_o believe_v there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o divine_a providence_n at_o all_o it_o be_v first_o write_v in_o the_o very_a infancy_n of_o the_o babylonian_a empire_n with_o which_o it_o afterward_o contemporize_v about_o 900_o year_n by_o this_o monarchy_n that_o people_n which_o alone_o have_v these_o oracle_n of_o god_n commit_v unto_o they_o be_v oppress_v destroy_v and_o carry_v into_o captivity_n but_o this_o book_n be_v then_o preserve_v among_o they_o whilst_o they_o be_v absolute_o under_o the_o power_n of_o their_o enemy_n although_o it_o condemn_v they_o and_o all_o their_o god_n and_o religious_a worship_n wherewith_o we_o know_v how_o horrible_o mankind_n be_v enrage_v satan_n have_v enthrone_v himself_o as_o the_o object_n of_o their_o worship_n and_o the_o author_n of_o all_o way_n of_o divine_a veneration_n among_o they_o these_o they_o adhere_v unto_o as_o their_o principal_a interest_n as_o all_o people_n do_v unto_o that_o they_o esteem_v their_o religion_n in_o the_o whole_a world_n there_o be_v nothing_o that_o judge_v condemn_v oppose_v he_o or_o they_o but_o this_o book_n only_o which_o be_v now_o absolute_o in_o their_o power_n if_o that_o by_o any_o mean_n can_v have_v be_v destroy_v then_o when_o it_o be_v in_o the_o hand_n but_o of_o a_o few_o and_o those_o for_o the_o most_o part_n flagitious_a in_o their_o life_n hate_v the_o thing_n contain_v in_o it_o and_o whole_o under_o the_o power_n of_o their_o adversary_n the_o interest_n of_o satan_n and_o the_o whole_a world_n in_o idolatry_n have_v be_v secure_v but_o through_o the_o mere_a provision_n of_o divine_a care_n it_o outlive_v that_o monarchy_n and_o see_v the_o ruin_n of_o its_o great_a adversary_n so_o it_o do_v also_o during_o the_o continuance_n of_o the_o persian_a monarchy_n which_o succeed_v whilst_o the_o people_n be_v still_o under_o the_o power_n of_o idolater_n against_o who_o this_o be_v the_o only_a testimony_n in_o the_o world_n by_o some_o branch_n of_o the_o grecian_a monarchy_n a_o most_o fierce_a and_o diligent_a attempt_n be_v make_v to_o have_v utter_o destroy_v it_o but_o still_o it_o be_v snatch_v by_o divine_a power_n out_o of_o the_o furnace_n not_o one_o hair_n of_o it_o be_v singe_v or_o the_o least_o detriment_n bring_v unto_o its_o perfection_n the_o roman_n destroy_v both_o the_o people_n and_o place_n design_v until_o then_o for_o its_o preservation_n carry_v the_o ancient_a copy_n of_o the_o law_n in_o triumph_n to_o rome_n on_o the_o conquest_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o whilst_o all_o absolute_a power_n and_o dominion_n in_o the_o whole_a world_n where_o this_o book_n be_v know_v or_o hear_v of_o be_v in_o their_o hand_n they_o exercise_v a_o rage_n against_o it_o for_o sundry_a age_n with_o the_o same_o success_n that_o former_a enemy_n have_v from_o the_o very_a first_o all_o the_o endeavour_n of_o mankind_n that_o profess_v a_o open_a enmity_n against_o it_o have_v be_v utter_o frustrate_a and_o whereas_o also_o those_o unto_o who_o it_o be_v outward_o commit_v as_o the_o jew_n first_o and_o the_o antichristian_a church_n of_o apostatise_v christian_n afterward_o not_o only_o fall_v into_o opinion_n and_o practice_n absolute_o inconsistent_a with_o it_o but_o also_o build_v all_o their_o present_a and_o future_a interest_n on_o those_o opinion_n and_o practice_n yet_o none_o of_o they_o dare_v ever_o attempt_v the_o corrupt_a of_o one_o line_n in_o it_o but_o be_v force_v to_o attempt_v their_o own_o security_n by_o a_o pretence_n of_o additional_a tradition_n and_o keep_v the_o book_n itself_o as_o much_o as_o they_o dare_v out_o of_o the_o hand_n and_o knowledge_n of_o all_o not_o engage_v in_o the_o same_o interest_n with_o themselves_o whence_o can_v all_o this_o proceed_v but_o from_o the_o watchful_a care_n and_o power_n of_o divine_a providence_n and_o it_o be_v brutish_a folly_n not_o to_o believe_v that_o what_o god_n do_v so_o protect_v do_v original_o proceed_v from_o himself_o see_v it_o plead_v and_o pretend_v so_o to_o do_v for_o every_o wise_a man_n will_v take_v more_o care_n of_o a_o stranger_n than_o a_o bastard_n false_o impose_v on_o he_o unto_o his_o dishonour_n 3._o the_o design_n of_o the_o whole_a and_o all_o the_o part_n of_o it_o have_v a_o impress_n on_o it_o of_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o authority_n and_o hereof_o there_o be_v two_o part_n first_o to_o reveal_v god_n unto_o man_n and_o second_o to_o direct_v man_n to_o come_v unto_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n that_o these_o be_v the_o only_a two_o great_a concern_v of_o our_o nature_n of_o any_o rational_a be_v be_v easy_a to_o prove_v but_o that_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o all_o those_o with_o who_o i_o treat_v now_o never_o do_v any_o book_n or_o write_v in_o the_o world_n any_o single_a or_o joint_a endeavour_n of_o mankind_n or_o invisible_a spirit_n in_o the_o way_n of_o authority_n give_v out_o a_o law_n rule_n guide_n and_o light_n for_o all_o mankind_n universal_o in_o both_o these_o namely_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o ourselves_o but_o this_o book_n only_o and_o if_o any_o other_o it_o may_v be_v like_o the_o alcoran_n do_v pretend_v in_o the_o least_o thereunto_o it_o quick_o discover_v its_o own_o folly_n and_o expose_v itself_o to_o the_o contempt_n of_o all_o wise_a and_o considerate_a man_n the_o only_a question_n be_v how_o it_o have_v discharge_v itself_o in_o this_o design_n for_o if_o it_o have_v complete_o and_o perfect_o accomplish_v it_o it_o be_v not_o only_o evident_a that_o it_o must_v be_v from_o god_n but_o also_o that_o it_o be_v the_o great_a benefit_n and_o kindness_n that_o divine_a benignity_n and_o goodness_n ever_o grant_v unto_o mankind_n for_o without_o it_o all_o man_n universal_o must_v necessary_o wander_v in_o a_o endless_a maze_n of_o uncertainty_n without_o ever_o attain_v light_n rest_v or_o blessedness_n here_o or_o hereafter_o wherefore_o 1._o as_o it_o take_v on_o itself_o to_o speak_v in_o the_o name_n and_o authority_n of_o god_n and_o deliver_v nothing_o command_v nothing_o but_o what_o become_v his_o infinite_a holiness_n wisdom_n and_o goodness_n so_o it_o make_v that_o
so_o many_o uncertain_a and_o fierce_a digladiation_n wherein_o not_o any_o one_o truth_n be_v assert_v nor_o any_o one_o duty_n prescribe_v that_o be_v not_o spoil_v and_o vitiate_a by_o its_o circumstance_n and_o end_n beside_o they_o never_o rise_v up_o so_o much_o as_o to_o a_o surmise_n of_o or_o about_o the_o most_o important_a matter_n of_o religion_n without_o which_o it_o be_v demonstrable_a by_o reason_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a we_o shall_v ever_o attain_v the_o end_n for_o which_o we_o be_v make_v nor_o the_o blessedness_n whereof_o we_o be_v capable_a no_o account_n can_v they_o ever_o give_v of_o our_o apostasy_n from_o god_n of_o the_o depravation_n of_o our_o nature_n of_o the_o cause_n or_o necessary_a cure_n of_o it_o in_o this_o lose_a and_o wander_a condition_n of_o mankind_n the_o scripture_n present_v itself_o as_o a_o light_n rule_n and_o guide_n unto_o all_o to_o direct_v they_o in_o their_o whole_a course_n unto_o their_o end_n and_o to_o bring_v they_o unto_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n and_o this_o it_o do_v with_o that_o clearness_n and_o evidence_n as_o to_o dispel_v all_o the_o darkness_n and_o put_v a_o end_n unto_o all_o the_o confusion_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n as_o the_o sun_n with_o rise_v do_v the_o shade_n of_o the_o night_n unless_o they_o wilful_o shut_v their_o eye_n against_o it_o love_a darkness_n rather_o than_o light_n because_o their_o deed_n be_v evil_a for_o all_o the_o confusion_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n to_o extricate_v themselves_o from_o whence_o they_o find_v out_o and_o immix_v themselves_o in_o endless_a question_n to_o no_o purpose_n arise_v from_o their_o ignorance_n of_o what_o we_o be_v original_o of_o what_o we_o now_o be_v and_o how_o we_o come_v so_o to_o be_v by_o what_o way_n or_o mean_n we_o may_v be_v deliver_v or_o relieve_v what_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o life_n or_o what_o be_v require_v of_o we_o in_o order_n to_o our_o live_n to_o god_n as_o our_o chief_a end_n and_o wherein_o the_o blessedness_n of_o our_o nature_n do_v consist_v all_o the_o world_n be_v never_o able_a to_o give_v a_o answer_n tolerable_o satisfactory_a unto_o any_o one_o of_o these_o inquiry_n &_o yet_o unless_o they_o be_v all_o infallible_o determine_v we_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o the_o least_o rest_n or_o happiness_n above_o the_o beast_n that_o perish_v but_o now_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v so_o clear_o declare_v and_o state_v in_o the_o scripture_n that_o it_o come_v with_o a_o evidence_n like_o a_o light_n from_o heaven_n on_o the_o mind_n and_o conscience_n of_o unprejudiced_a person_n what_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o our_o nature_n in_o its_o first_o creation_n and_o constitution_n with_o the_o blessedness_n and_o advantage_n of_o that_o condition_n how_o we_o fall_v from_o it_o and_o what_o be_v the_o cause_n what_o be_v the_o nature_n and_o what_o the_o consequent_n and_o effect_n of_o our_o present_a depravation_n and_o apostasy_n from_o god_n how_o help_n and_o relief_n be_v provide_v for_o we_o herein_o by_o infinite_a wisdom_n grace_n and_o bounty_n what_o that_o help_n be_v how_o we_o may_v be_v interest_v in_o it_o and_o make_v partaker_n of_o it_o what_o be_v that_o system_fw-la of_o duty_n or_o course_n of_o obedience_n unto_o god_n which_o be_v require_v of_o we_o and_o wherein_o our_o eternal_a felicity_n do_v consist_v be_v all_o of_o they_o so_o plain_o and_o clear_o reveal_v in_o the_o scripture_n as_o in_o general_a to_o leave_v mankind_n no_o ground_n for_o doubt_n enquiry_n or_o conjecture_n set_v aside_o inveterate_a prejudices_fw-la from_o tradition_n education_n false_a notion_n into_o the_o mould_n whereof_o the_o mind_n be_v cast_v the_o love_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o conduct_n of_o lust_n which_o thing_n have_v a_o inconceivable_a power_n over_o the_o mind_n soul_n and_o affection_n of_o man_n and_o the_o light_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o these_o thing_n be_v like_o that_o of_o the_o sun_n at_o noonday_n which_o shut_v up_o the_o way_n unto_o all_o further_a enquiry_n and_o efficacious_o necessitate_v unto_o a_o acquiescency_n in_o it_o and_o in_o particular_a in_o that_o direction_n which_o it_o give_v unto_o the_o live_v of_o man_n in_o order_n unto_o that_o obedience_n which_o they_o owe_v to_o god_n and_o that_o reward_v which_o they_o expect_v from_o he_o there_o be_v no_o instance_n conceivable_a of_o any_o thing_n conduce_v thereunto_o which_o be_v not_o prescribe_v therein_o nor_o of_o any_o thing_n which_o be_v contrary_a unto_o it_o that_o fall_v not_o under_o its_o prohibition_n those_o therefore_o who_o desire_n or_o interest_n it_o be_v that_o the_o bound_n and_o difference_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n shall_v be_v unfixed_a and_o confound_v who_o be_v afraid_a to_o know_v what_o they_o be_v what_o they_o be_v or_o what_o they_o shall_v come_v unto_o who_o care_n to_o know_v neither_o god_n nor_o themselves_o their_o duty_n nor_o their_o reward_n may_v despise_v this_o book_n and_o deny_v its_o divine_a original_a other_o will_v retain_v a_o sacred_a veneration_n of_o it_o as_o of_o the_o offspring_n of_o god_n 4._o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n may_v in_o like_a manner_n be_v plead_v unto_o the_o same_o purpose_n and_o i_o shall_v also_o insist_v upon_o it_o partly_o to_o manifest_v wherein_o its_o true_a nature_n and_o efficacy_n do_v consist_v and_o partly_o to_o evince_v the_o vanity_n of_o the_o old_a pretence_n that_o even_o we_o also_o who_o be_v depart_v from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n do_v receive_v the_o scripture_n upon_o the_o authority_n thereof_o whence_o it_o be_v further_o pretend_v that_o on_o the_o same_o ground_n and_o reason_n we_o ought_v to_o receive_v whatever_o else_o it_o propose_v unto_o we_o 1._o the_o church_n be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o ground_n and_o pillar_n of_o truth_n 1_o tim._n 3._o 15._o which_o be_v the_o only_a text_n plead_v with_o any_o sobriety_n to_o give_v countenance_n unto_o the_o assertion_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n with_o respect_n unto_o we_o to_o depend_v on_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n but_o the_o weakness_n of_o a_o plea_n to_o that_o purpose_n from_o hence_o have_v be_v so_o full_o manifest_v by_o many_o already_o that_o it_o need_v no_o more_o to_o be_v insist_v on_o in_o short_a it_o can_v be_v so_o the_o ground_n and_o pillar_n of_o truth_n that_o the_o truth_n shall_v be_v as_o it_o be_v build_v and_o rest_n upon_o it_o as_o its_o foundation_n for_o this_o be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o same_o apostle_n who_o teach_v we_o that_o the_o church_n itself_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n jesus_n christ_n himself_o be_v the_o chief_a corner_n stone_n eph._n 2._o 20._o the_o church_n can_v be_v the_o ground_n of_o truth_n and_o truth_n the_o ground_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o same_o sense_n or_o kind_n wherefore_o the_o church_n be_v the_o ground_n and_o pillar_n of_o truth_n in_o that_o it_o hold_v up_o and_o declare_v the_o scripture_n and_o the_o thing_n contain_v therein_o so_o to_o be_v 2._o in_o receive_v any_o thing_n from_o a_o church_n we_o may_v consider_v the_o authority_n of_o it_o or_o its_o ministry_n by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n in_o this_o matter_n we_o intend_v no_o more_o but_o the_o weight_n and_o importance_n that_o be_v in_o its_o testimony_n as_o testimony_n do_v vary_v according_a to_o the_o worth_n gravity_n honesty_n honour_n and_o reputation_n of_o they_o by_o who_o they_o be_v give_v for_o to_o suppose_v a_o authority_n proper_o so_o call_v in_o any_o church_n or_o all_o the_o church_n of_o the_o world_n whereon_o our_o reception_n of_o the_o scripture_n shall_v depend_v as_o that_o which_o give_v its_o authority_n towards_o we_o and_o a_o sufficient_a warranty_n to_o our_o faith_n be_v a_o nice_a imagination_n for_o the_o authority_n and_o truth_n of_o god_n stand_v not_o in_o need_n nor_o be_v capable_a of_o any_o such_o attestation_n from_o man_n all_o they_o will_v admit_v of_o from_o the_o child_n of_o man_n be_v that_o they_o do_v humble_o submit_v unto_o they_o and_o testify_v their_o so_o do_v with_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o church_n in_o this_o matter_n be_v that_o duty_n of_o the_o church_n whereby_o it_o propose_v and_o declare_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o that_o as_o it_o have_v occasion_n to_o all_o the_o world_n and_o this_o ministry_n also_o may_v be_v consider_v either_o formal_o as_o it_o be_v appoint_v of_o god_n unto_o this_o end_n and_o bless_v by_o he_o or_o material_o only_o as_o the_o thing_n be_v do_v though_o the_o ground_n whereon_o it_o be_v do_v and_o the_o manner_n of_o do_v it_o be_v not_o divine_o approve_v we_o whole_o deny_v that_o we_o receive_v the_o scripture_n or_o ever_o
and_o supernatural_a rest_n upon_o that_o be_v it_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v for_o its_o own_o sake_n but_o say_v our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n himself_o if_o man_n will_v not_o hear_v that_o be_v believe_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n neither_o will_v they_o be_v persuade_v though_o one_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o come_v and_o preach_v unto_o they_o a_o great_a miracle_n than_o which_o they_o can_v not_o desire_v now_o this_o can_v not_o be_v speak_v if_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o contain_v in_o itself_o the_o whole_a entire_a formal_a reason_n of_o believe_v for_o if_o it_o have_v not_o this_o something_o necessary_a unto_o believe_v will_v be_v want_v though_o that_o be_v enjoy_v and_o this_o be_v direct_o affirm_v john_n 20._o 30_o 31._o and_o many_o other_o sign_n true_o do_v jesus_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o his_o disciple_n which_o be_v not_o write_v in_o this_o book_n but_o these_o be_v write_v that_o you_o may_v believe_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o that_o believe_v you_o may_v have_v life_n through_o his_o name_n the_o sign_n which_o christ_n wrought_v do_v evidence_n he_o to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n but_o how_o come_v we_o to_o know_v and_o believe_v these_o sign_n what_o be_v the_o way_n and_o mean_n thereof_o say_v the_o bless_a apostle_n these_o thing_n be_v write_v that_o you_o may_v believe_v this_o writing_n of_o they_o by_o divine_a inspiration_n be_v so_o far_o sufficient_a to_o beget_v and_o assure_v faith_n in_o you_o as_o that_o thereby_o you_o may_v have_v eternal_a life_n through_o jesus_n christ._n for_o if_o the_o writing_n of_o divine_a thing_n and_o revelation_n be_v the_o mean_v appoint_v of_o god_n to_o cause_n man_n to_o believe_v unto_o eternal_a life_n than_o it_o must_v as_o such_o carry_v along_o with_o it_o sufficient_a reason_n why_o we_o shall_v believe_v and_o ground_n whereon_o we_o shall_v do_v so_o and_o in_o like_a manner_n be_v this_o matter_n determine_v by_o the_o apostle_n peter_n 2_o pet._n 1._o 16_o 17_o 18_o 19_o 20_o 21._o for_o we_o have_v not_o follow_v cunning_o devise_v fable_n when_o we_o make_v know_v unto_o you_o the_o power_n and_o come_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n but_o be_v eye-witness_n of_o his_o majesty_n for_o he_o receive_v from_o god_n the_o father_n honour_n and_o glory_n when_o there_o come_v such_o a_o voice_n to_o he_o from_o the_o excellent_a glory_n this_o be_v my_o belove_a son_n in_o who_o i_o be_o well_o please_v and_o this_o voice_n which_o come_v from_o heaven_n we_o hear_v when_o we_o be_v with_o he_o in_o the_o holy_a mount_n we_o have_v also_o a_o more_o sure_a word_n of_o prophecy_n whereunto_o you_o do_v well_o that_o you_o take_v heed_n as_o unto_o a_o light_n shine_v in_o a_o dark_a place_n until_o the_o day_n dawn_n and_o the_o daystar_n arise_v in_o your_o heart_n know_v this_o first_o that_o no_o prophecy_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v of_o any_o private_a interpretation_n for_o the_o prophecy_n come_v not_o in_o old_a time_n by_o the_o will_n of_o man_n but_o holy_a man_n of_o god_n speak_v as_o they_o be_v move_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o question_n be_v about_o the_o gospel_n or_o the_o declaration_n of_o the_o powerful_a come_v of_o jesus_n christ_n whether_o it_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v or_o no_o and_o if_o it_o be_v upon_o what_o ground_n some_o say_v it_o be_v a_o cunning_o devise_v fable_n other_o that_o it_o be_v a_o fanatical_a story_n of_o mad_a man_n as_o festus_n think_v of_o it_o when_o preach_v by_o paul_n act_v 26._o 24._o and_o very_o many_o be_v of_o the_o same_o mind_n still_o the_o apostle_n on_o the_o contrary_n aver_v that_o what_o be_v speak_v concern_v he_o be_v word_n of_o truth_n and_o soberness_n yea_o faithful_a saying_n and_o worthy_a of_o all_o acceptation_n 1_o tim._n 1._o 15._o that_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v for_o its_o worth_n and_o truth_n the_o ground_n and_o reason_n hereof_o be_v two_o 1._o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o apostle_n who_o not_o only_o converse_v with_o jesus_n christ_n and_o be_v eye_n witness_n of_o his_o majesty_n behold_v his_o glory_n the_o glory_n as_o of_o the_o only_o beget_v of_o the_o father_n full_a of_o grace_n and_o truth_n john_n 1._o 14._o which_o they_o give_v in_o evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n 1_o john_n 1._o 1._o but_o also_o hear_v a_o miraculous_a testimony_n give_v unto_o he_o immediate_o from_o god_n in_o heaven_n ver_fw-la 17._o 18._o this_o give_v they_o indeed_o sufficient_a assurance_n but_o whereinto_o shall_v they_o resolve_v their_o faith_n who_o hear_v not_o this_o testimony_n why_o they_o have_v a_o more_o sure_a that_o be_v a_o most_o sure_a word_n of_o prophecy_n that_o be_v the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n that_o be_v sufficient_a of_o itself_o to_o secure_v their_o faith_n in_o this_o matter_n especial_o as_o confirm_v by_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o apostle_n whereby_o the_o church_n come_v to_o be_v build_v in_o its_o faith_n on_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n ephes._n 2._o 20._o but_o why_o shall_v we_o believe_v this_o word_n of_o prophecy_n may_v not_o that_o also_o be_v a_o cunning_o devise_v fable_n and_o the_o whole_a scripture_n be_v but_o the_o suggestion_n of_o man_n private_a spirit_n as_o be_v object_v ver._n 20._o all_o be_v final_o resolve_v into_o this_o that_o the_o writer_n of_o it_o be_v immediate_o move_v and_o act_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n from_o which_o divine_a original_a it_o carry_v along_o its_o own_o evidence_n with_o it_o plain_o that_o which_o the_o apostle_n teach_v we_o be_v that_o we_o believe_v all_o other_o divine_a truth_n for_o the_o scripture_n sake_n or_o because_o they_o be_v declare_v therein_o but_o the_o scripture_n we_o believe_v for_o its_o own_o sake_n or_o because_o holy_a man_n of_o god_n write_v it_o as_o they_o be_v move_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n so_o be_v the_o whole_a object_n of_o faith_n propose_v by_o the_o same_o apostle_n 2_o pet._n 3._o 2._o the_o word_n that_o be_v speak_v before_o by_o the_o holy_a prophet_n and_o the_o commandment_n of_o the_o apostle_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o saviour_n and_o because_o our_o faith_n be_v resolve_v into_o they_o we_o be_v say_v to_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n as_o be_v say_v eph._n 2._o 20._o that_o be_v our_o faith_n rest_v sole_o as_o on_o its_o proper_a foundation_n which_o bear_v the_o weight_n of_o it_o on_o the_o authority_n and_o truth_n of_o god_n in_o their_o write_n hereunto_o we_o may_v add_v that_o of_o paul_n rom._n 16._o 25_o 26._o according_a to_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o mystery_n which_o be_v keep_v secret_a since_o the_o world_n begin_v but_o now_o be_v make_v manifest_a and_o by_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o prophet_n according_a to_o the_o commandment_n of_o the_o everlasting_a god_n make_v know_v unto_o all_o nation_n for_o the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n the_o matter_n to_o be_v believe_v be_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v keep_v secret_a since_o the_o world_n begin_v or_o from_o the_o give_v of_o the_o first_o promise_n not_o absolute_o but_o with_o respect_n unto_o that_o full_a manifestation_n which_o it_o have_v now_o receive_v this_o god_n command_v to_o be_v believe_v the_o everlasting_a god_n he_o who_o have_v sovereign_a authority_n over_o all_o require_v faith_n in_o a_o way_n of_o obedience_n hereunto_o but_o what_o ground_n or_o reason_n have_v we_o to_o believe_v it_o this_o alone_a be_v propose_v namely_o the_o divine_a revelation_n make_v in_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o apostle_n and_o write_n of_o the_o prophet_n for_o faith_n come_v by_o hear_v and_o hear_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n rom._n 10._o 17._o this_o course_n and_o no_o other_o do_v our_o saviour_n even_o after_o his_o resurrection_n take_v to_o beget_v and_o confirm_v faith_n in_o the_o disciple_n luk._n 24._o 25_o 26_o 27._o that_o great_a testimony_n to_o this_o purpose_n 2_o tim._n 3._o 14_o 15_o 16_o 17._o i_o do_v not_o plead_v in_o particular_a because_o i_o have_v so_o full_o insist_v on_o it_o in_o another_o discourse_n from_o these_o and_o many_o other_o testimony_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n which_o may_v be_v produce_v it_o be_v evident_a 1._o that_o it_o be_v the_o scripture_n itself_o the_o word_n or_o will_n of_o god_n as_o reveal_v or_o write_v which_o be_v propose_v unto_o we_o as_o the_o object_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o obedience_n which_o we_o be_v to_o receive_v and_o believe_v with_o faith_n divine_a and_o supernatural_a 2._o that_o no_o other_o reason_n be_v propose_v unto_o we_o either_o as_o a_o motive_n to_o encourage_v we_o or_o as_o a_o argument_n to_o assure_v we_o that_o we_o shall_v not_o