divine_a and_o supernatural_a as_o it_o be_v require_v of_o we_o in_o a_o way_n of_o duty_n 2._o how_o or_o by_o what_o mean_v we_o may_v come_v to_o understand_v aright_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n in_o the_o scripture_n or_o the_o revelation_n that_o be_v make_v unto_o we_o of_o his_o mind_n and_o will_v therein_o for_o by_o illumination_n in_o general_n as_o it_o denote_v a_o effect_n wrought_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n i_o understand_v that_o supernatural_a knowledge_n that_o any_o man_n have_v or_o may_v have_v of_o the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o god_n as_o reveal_v unto_o he_o by_o supernatural_a mean_n for_o the_o law_n of_o his_o faith_n life_n and_o obedience_n and_o this_o so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v comprise_v in_o the_o first_o of_o these_o inquiry_n be_v that_o who_o declaration_n we_o at_o present_a design_n reserve_v the_o latter_a unto_o a_o distinct_a discourse_n by_o itself_o also_o unto_o the_o former_a some_o thing_n may_v be_v premise_v first_o supernatural_a revelation_n be_v the_o only_a objective_n cause_n and_o mean_n of_o supernatural_a illumination_n these_o thing_n be_v commensurate_a there_o be_v a_o natural_a knowledge_n of_o supernatural_a thing_n and_o that_o both_o theoretical_a and_o practical_a rom._n 1._o 19_o chap._n 2._o 14_o 15._o and_o there_o may_v be_v a_o supernatural_a knowledge_n of_o natural_a thing_n 1_o king_n 4._o 31_o 32_o 33_o 34._o exod._n 31._o 3_o 4_o 5_o 6._o but_o unto_o this_o supernatural_a illumination_n it_o be_v require_v both_o that_o its_o object_n be_v thing_n only_o supernatural_o reveal_v or_o as_o supernatural_o reveal_v 1_o cor._n 2._o 9_o 10._o and_o that_o it_o be_v wrought_v in_o we_o by_o a_o supernatural_a efficiency_n or_o the_o immediate_a efficacy_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n ephes._n 1._o 17_o 18_o 19_o 2_o cor._n 4._o 6._o this_o david_n pray_v for_o psal._n 119._o 18._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d reveal_v or_o uncover_v my_o eye_n bring_v light_n and_o spiritual_a understanding_n into_o my_o mind_n that_o i_o may_v behold_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d with_o open_a face_n or_o as_o in_o the_o syriack_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d with_o a_o reveal_v or_o uncovered_a face_n the_o vail_n be_v take_v away_o 2_o cor._n 3._o 18._o wondrous_a thing_n out_o of_o thy_o law_n the_o light_n he_o pray_v for_o within_o do_v mere_o respect_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o law_n without_o this_o the_o apostle_n full_o declare_v heb._n 1._o 1_o 2._o the_o various_a supernatural_a revelation_n that_o god_n have_v make_v of_o himself_o his_o mind_n and_o will_n from_o first_o to_o last_o be_v the_o sole_a and_o adequate_a object_n of_o supernatural_a illumination_n second_o this_o divine_a external_a revelation_n be_v original_o by_o various_a way_n which_o we_o have_v elsewhere_o declare_v give_v unto_o sundry_a person_n immediate_o partly_o for_o their_o own_o instruction_n and_o guidance_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o his_o will_n and_o partly_o by_o their_o ministry_n to_o be_v communicate_v unto_o the_o church_n so_o be_v it_o grant_v unto_o enoch_n the_o seven_o from_o adam_n who_o thereon_o prophesy_v to_o the_o warning_n and_o instruction_n of_o other_o judas_n 14_o 15._o and_o to_o noah_n who_o become_v thereby_o a_o preacher_n of_o righteousness_n 2_o pet._n 2._o 5._o and_o to_o abraham_n who_o thereon_o command_v his_o child_n and_o household_n to_o keep_v the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n gen._n 18._o 19_o and_o other_o instance_n of_o the_o like_a kind_n may_v be_v give_v gen._n 4._o 26._o chap._n 5._o 28._o and_o this_o course_n do_v god_n continue_v a_o long_a time_n even_o from_o the_o first_o promise_n to_o the_o give_v of_o the_o law_n before_o any_o revelation_n be_v commit_v to_o writing_n for_o the_o space_n of_o 2460_o year_n for_o so_o long_a a_o season_n do_v god_n enlighten_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n by_o supernatural_a external_a immediate_a occasional_a revelation_n sundry_a thing_n may_v be_v observe_v of_o this_o divine_a dispensation_n as_o 1._o that_o it_o do_v sufficient_o evidence_n its_o self_n to_o be_v from_o god_n unto_o the_o mind_n of_o those_o unto_o who_o it_o be_v grant_v and_o they_o also_o unto_o who_o these_o revelation_n be_v by_o they_o communicate_v for_o during_o this_o season_n satan_n use_v his_o utmost_a endeavour_n to_o possess_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n with_o his_o delusion_n under_o the_o pretence_n of_o divine_a supernatural_a inspiration_n for_o hereunto_o belong_v the_o original_a of_o all_o his_o oracle_n and_o enthusisasme_n among_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n there_o be_v therefore_o a_o divine_a power_n and_o efficacy_n attend_v all_o divine_a revelation_n ascertain_v and_o infallable_o assure_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n of_o their_o be_v from_o god_n for_o if_o it_o have_v not_o be_v so_o man_n have_v never_o be_v able_a to_o secure_v themselves_o that_o they_o be_v not_o impose_v on_o by_o the_o crafty_a deceit_n of_o satan_n especial_o in_o such_o revelation_n as_o seem_v to_o contain_v thing_n contrary_a to_o their_o reason_n as_o in_o the_o command_n give_v to_o abraham_n for_o the_o sacrifice_a his_o son_n gen._n 22._o 2._o wherefore_o these_o immediate_a revelation_n have_v not_o be_v a_o sufficient_a mean_n to_o secure_v the_o faith_n and_o obedience_n of_o the_o church_n if_o they_o have_v not_o carry_v along_o with_o they_o their_o own_o evidence_n that_o they_o be_v from_o god_n of_o what_o nature_n that_o evidence_n be_v we_o shall_v afterward_o inquire_v for_o the_o present_a i_o shall_v only_o say_v that_o it_o be_v a_o evidence_n unto_o faith_n and_o not_o to_o sense_n as_o be_v that_o also_o which_o we_o have_v now_o by_o the_o scripture_n it_o be_v not_o like_o that_o which_o the_o sun_n give_v of_o itself_o by_o its_o light_n which_o there_o need_v no_o exercise_n of_o reason_n to_o assure_v we_o of_o for_o sense_n be_v irresistible_o affect_v with_o it_o but_o it_o be_v like_o the_o evidence_n which_o the_o heaven_n and_o the_o earth_n give_v of_o their_o be_v make_v and_o create_v of_o god_n and_o thereby_o of_o his_o be_v and_o power_n this_o they_o do_v undeniable_o and_o infallible_o psal._n 19_o 1_o 2._o rom._n 1._o 19_o 20_o 21._o yet_o be_v it_o require_v hereunto_o that_o man_n do_v use_v and_o exercise_v the_o best_a of_o their_o rational_a ability_n in_o the_o consideration_n and_o contemplation_n of_o they_o where_o this_o be_v neglect_v notwithstanding_o their_o open_a and_o visible_a evidence_n unto_o the_o contrary_a man_n degenerate_a into_o atheism_n god_n so_o give_v out_o these_o revelation_n of_o himself_o as_o to_o require_v the_o exercise_n of_o the_o faith_n conscience_n obedience_n and_o reason_n of_o they_o unto_o who_o they_o be_v make_v and_o therein_o they_o give_v full_a assurance_n of_o their_o proceed_n from_o he_o so_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o his_o word_n differ_v from_o all_o other_o pretend_a revelation_n as_o the_o wheat_n do_v from_o the_o chaff_n jer._n 23._o 28._o but_o yet_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o try_v and_o sift_v the_o wheat_n from_o the_o chaff_n or_o we_o may_v not_o evident_o discern_v the_o one_o from_o the_o other_o 2._o the_o thing_n so_o reveal_v be_v sufficient_a to_o guide_v and_o direct_v all_o person_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o their_o duty_n to_o god_n in_o all_o that_o be_v require_v of_o they_o in_o a_o way_n of_o faith_n or_o obedience_n god_n from_o the_o beginning_n give_v out_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o will_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d by_o sundry_a part_n and_o degree_n yet_o so_o that_o every_o age_n and_o season_n have_v light_a enough_o to_o guide_v they_o in_o the_o whole_a obedience_n require_v of_o they_o and_o unto_o their_o edification_n therein_o they_o have_v knowledge_n enough_o to_o enable_v they_o to_o offer_v sacrifice_n in_o faith_n as_o do_v abel_n to_o walk_v with_o god_n as_o do_v enoch_n and_o to_o teach_v their_o family_n the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o do_v abraham_n the_o world_n perish_v not_o for_o want_v of_o sufficient_a revelation_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n at_o any_o time_n indeed_o when_o we_o go_v to_o consider_v those_o divine_a instruction_n which_o be_v upon_o record_n that_o god_n grant_v unto_o they_o we_o be_v scarce_o able_a to_o discern_v how_o they_o be_v sufficient_o enlighten_v in_o all_o that_o be_v necessary_a for_o they_o to_o believe_v and_o do_v but_o they_o be_v unto_o they_o as_o a_o light_n shine_v in_o a_o dark_a place_n set_a up_o but_o a_o candle_n in_o a_o dark_a room_n and_o it_o will_v sufficient_o enlighten_v it_o for_o man_n to_o attend_v their_o necessary_a occasion_n therein_o but_o when_o the_o sun_n be_v rise_v and_o shine_v in_o at_o all_o the_o window_n the_o light_n of_o the_o candle_n grow_v so_o dim_a and_o useless_a that_o it_o seem_v strange_a that_o any_o can_v
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 apostasy_n from_o god_n nor_o in_o the_o least_o influence_n the_o mind_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n with_o any_o due_a apprehension_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n this_o be_v the_o subject_a and_o substance_n of_o the_o apostle_n disputation_n against_o they_o rom._n 1._o in_o this_o state_n of_o thing_n what_o misery_n and_o confusion_n the_o world_n live_v in_o for_o many_o age_n what_o a_o endless_a labyrinth_n of_o foolish_a slavish_a superstition_n and_o idolatry_n it_o have_v cast_v itself_o into_o i_o have_v in_o another_o idololatriae_fw-la discourse_n particular_o declare_v with_o respect_n hereunto_o the_o scripture_n be_v well_o call_v by_o the_o apostle_n peter_n a_o light_n shine_v in_o a_o dark_a place_n 2_o pet._n 11._o 9_o it_o give_v unto_o all_o man_n at_o once_o a_o perfect_a clear_a steady_a uniform_a declaration_n of_o god_n his_o be_v subsistence_n property_n authority_n rule_n and_o act_n which_o evidence_v itself_o unto_o the_o mind_n and_o 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
shall_v be_v all_o teach_v of_o god_n john_n 6._o 45._o that_o there_o be_v a_o divine_a and_o heavenly_a excellency_n in_o the_o scripture_n can_v be_v deny_v by_o any_o who_o on_o any_o ground_n or_o motive_n whatever_o do_v own_o its_o divine_a original_a for_o all_o the_o work_n of_o god_n do_v set_v forth_o his_o praise_n and_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o any_o thing_n shall_v proceed_v immediate_o from_o he_o but_o that_o there_o will_v be_v express_a character_n of_o divine_a excellency_n upon_o it_o and_o as_o to_o the_o communication_n of_o these_o character_n of_o himself_o he_o have_v magnify_v his_o word_n above_o all_o his_o name_n but_o these_o we_o can_v discern_v be_v they_o in_o themselves_o never_o so_o illustrious_a without_o the_o effectual_a communication_n of_o the_o light_n mention_v unto_o our_o mind_n that_o be_v without_o divine_a supernatural_a illumination_n herein_o he_o who_o command_v light_a to_o shine_v out_o of_o darkness_n shine_v into_o our_o heart_n the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o the_o face_n of_o jesus_n christ_n 2_o cor._n 4._o 6._o he_o irradiate_v the_o mind_n with_o a_o spiritual_a light_n whereby_o it_o be_v enable_v to_o discern_v the_o glory_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n this_o they_o can_v do_v in_o who_o the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n have_v blind_v the_o eye_n of_o they_o that_o believe_v not_o 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 into_o they_o v_o 6._o those_o who_o be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o their_o natural_a darkness_n and_o blindness_n especial_o where_o there_o be_v in_o they_o also_o superad_v prejudices_fw-la begotten_a and_o increase_v by_o the_o craft_n of_o satan_n as_o there_o be_v in_o the_o whole_a world_n of_o unbeliever_n can_v see_v nor_o discern_v that_o divine_a excellency_n in_o the_o scripture_n without_o a_o apprehension_n whereof_o no_o man_n can_v believe_v it_o a_o right_a to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n such_o person_n may_v assent_v unto_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o its_o divine_a original_a upon_o external_a argument_n and_o rational_a motive_n but_o believe_v it_o with_o faith_n divine_a and_o supernatural_a on_o those_o argument_n and_o motive_n only_o they_o can_v there_o be_v two_o thing_n which_o hinder_v or_o disenable_a man_n from_o believe_v with_o faith_n divine_a and_o supernatural_a when_o any_o divine_a revelation_n be_v objective_o propose_v unto_o they_o first_o the_o natural_a blindness_n and_o darkness_n of_o their_o mind_n which_o be_v come_v upon_o all_o by_o the_o fall_n and_o the_o depravation_n of_o our_o nature_n that_o ensue_v thereon_o second_o the_o prejudices_fw-la that_o through_o the_o craft_n of_o satan_n the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n their_o mind_n be_v possess_v with_o by_o tradition_n education_n and_o converse_v in_o the_o world_n this_o last_o obstruction_n or_o hindrance_n may_v be_v so_o far_o remove_v by_o external_a argument_n and_o motive_n of_o credibility_n as_o that_o man_n may_v upon_o they_o attain_v unto_o a_o moral_a persuasion_n concern_v the_o divine_a original_a of_o the_o scripture_n but_o these_o argument_n can_v remove_v or_o take_v away_o the_o native_a blindness_n of_o the_o mind_n which_o be_v remove_v by_o their_o renovation_n and_o divine_a illumination_n alone_o wherefore_o none_o i_o think_v will_v positive_o affirm_v that_o we_o can_v believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n which_o god_n require_v without_o a_o supernatural_a work_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n upon_o our_o mind_n in_o the_o illumination_n of_o they_o so_o david_n pray_v that_o god_n will_v open_v his_o eye_n that_o he_o may_v behold_v wondrous_a thing_n out_o of_o the_o law_n psal._n 119._o 10._o that_o he_o will_v make_v he_o understand_v the_o way_n of_o his_o precept_n v_o 27._o that_o he_o will_v give_v he_o understanding_n and_o he_o shall_v keep_v the_o law_n v_o 34._o so_o the_o lord_n christ_n also_o open_v the_o understanding_n of_o his_o disciple_n that_o they_o may_v understand_v the_o scripture_n luk._n 24._o 45._o as_o he_o have_v affirm_v before_o that_o it_o be_v give_v unto_o some_o to_o know_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o not_o unto_o other_o mat._n 11._o 25._o chap._n 13._o 11._o and_o neither_o be_v these_o thing_n speak_v in_o vain_a nor_o be_v the_o grace_n intend_v in_o they_o needless_a the_o communication_n of_o this_o light_n unto_o we_o the_o scripture_n call_v reveal_v and_o revelation_n mat._n 11._o 25._o thou_o have_v hide_v these_o thing_n from_o the_o wise_a and_o prudent_a and_o have_v reveal_v they_o unto_o babe_n that_o be_v give_v they_o to_o understand_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n when_o they_o be_v preach_v unto_o they_o and_o no_o man_n know_v the_o father_n but_o he_o to_o who_o the_o son_n reveal_v he_o v_o 27._o so_o the_o apostle_n pray_v for_o the_o ephesian_n that_o god_n will_v give_v they_o the_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n and_o revelation_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n that_o the_o eye_n of_o their_o understanding_n be_v enlighten_v they_o may_v know_v etc._n etc._n chap._n 1._o v._n 17_o 18_o 19_o it_o be_v true_a these_o ephesian_n be_v already_o believer_n or_o consider_v by_o the_o apostle_n as_o such_o but_o if_o he_o judge_v it_o necessary_a to_o pray_v for_o they_o that_o they_o may_v have_v the_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n and_o revelation_n to_o enlighten_v the_o eye_n of_o their_o understanding_n with_o respect_n unto_o further_a degree_n of_o faith_n and_o knowledge_n or_o as_o he_o speak_v in_o another_o place_n that_o they_o may_v come_v unto_o the_o full_a assurance_n of_o understanding_n to_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o god_n col._n 2._o 2._o then_o it_o be_v much_o more_o necessary_a to_o make_v they_o believer_n who_o before_o be_v not_o so_o but_o utter_a stranger_n unto_o the_o faith_n but_o as_o a_o pretence_n hereof_o have_v be_v abuse_v as_o we_o shall_v see_v afterward_o so_o the_o plead_n of_o it_o be_v liable_a to_o be_v mistake_v for_o some_o be_v ready_a to_o apprehend_v that_o this_o retreat_n unto_o a_o spirit_n of_o revelation_n be_v but_o a_o pretence_n to_o discard_v all_o rational_a argument_n and_o to_o introduce_v enthusiasm_n into_o their_o room_n now_o although_o the_o charge_n be_v grievous_a yet_o because_o it_o be_v groundless_a we_o must_v not_o forego_v what_o the_o scripture_n plain_o affirm_v and_o instruct_v we_o in_o thereby_o to_o avoid_v it_o scripture_n testimony_n may_v be_v expound_v according_a to_o the_o analogy_n of_o faith_n but_o deny_v or_o despise_v seem_v they_o never_o so_o contrary_a unto_o our_o apprehension_n of_o thing_n they_o must_v not_o be_v some_o i_o confess_v seem_v to_o disregard_n both_o the_o objective_n work_v of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o this_o matter_n whereof_o we_o shall_v treat_v afterward_o and_o his_o subjective_n work_v also_o in_o our_o mind_n that_o all_o thing_n may_v be_v reduce_v unto_o sense_n and_o reason_n but_o we_o must_v grant_v that_o a_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n and_o revelation_n to_o open_v the_o eye_n of_o our_o understanding_n be_v needful_a to_o enable_v we_o to_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o a_o due_a manner_n or_o forgo_v the_o gospel_n and_o our_o duty_n it_o be_v to_o pray_v continual_o for_o that_o spirit_n if_o we_o intend_v to_o be_v establish_v in_o the_o faith_n thereof_o but_o yet_o we_o plead_v not_o for_o external_a immediate_a revelation_n such_o as_o be_v grant_v unto_o the_o prophet_n apostle_n and_o other_o penman_n of_o the_o scripture_n the_o revelation_n we_o intend_v differ_v from_o they_o both_o in_o its_o especial_a subject_n and_o formal_a reason_n or_o nature_n that_o be_v in_o the_o whole_a kind_n for_o 1._o the_o subject_a matter_n of_o divine_a prophetical_a revelation_n by_o a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o immediate_a divine_a inspiration_n be_v thing_n not_o make_v know_v before_o thing_n they_o be_v hide_v in_o god_n or_o the_o counsel_n of_o his_o will_n and_o reveal_v unto_o the_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n by_o the_o spirit_n ephes._n 2._o 5_o 9_o 10._o whether_o they_o be_v doctrine_n or_o thing_n they_o be_v at_o least_o as_o unto_o their_o present_a circumstance_n make_v know_v from_o the_o counsel_n of_o god_n by_o their_o revelation_n but_o the_o matter_n and_o subject_n of_o the_o revelation_n we_o treat_v of_o be_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v already_o reveal_v it_o be_v a_o internal_a revelation_n of_o that_o which_o be_v outward_o and_o antecedent_n unto_o it_o beyond_o the_o bound_n thereof_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v extend_v and_o if_o any_o pretend_v unto_o immediate_a revelation_n of_o thing_n not_o before_o reveal_v we_o have_v no_o concernment_n in_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
have_v advantage_n thereby_o the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n be_v now_o rise_v upon_o we_o and_o immortality_n be_v bring_v to_o light_n by_o the_o gospel_n if_o we_o look_v now_o on_o the_o revelation_n grant_v unto_o they_o of_o old_a we_o may_v yet_o see_v there_o be_v light_n in_o they_o which_o yield_v we_o little_a more_o advantage_n than_o the_o light_n of_o a_o candle_n in_o the_o sun_n but_o unto_o they_o who_o live_v before_o this_o sun_n arise_v they_o be_v a_o sufficient_a guide_n unto_o all_o duty_n of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n for_o 3._o there_o be_v during_o this_o season_n a_o sufficient_a ministry_n for_o the_o declaration_n of_o the_o revelation_n which_o god_n make_v of_o himself_o and_o his_o will._n there_o be_v the_o natural_a ministry_n of_o parent_n who_o be_v oblige_v to_o instruct_v their_o child_n and_o family_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v and_o whereas_o this_o begin_v in_o adam_n who_o first_o receive_v the_o promise_n and_o therewithal_o whatsoever_o be_v necessary_a unto_o faith_n and_o obedience_n the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o can_v not_o be_v lose_v without_o the_o wilful_a neglect_n of_o parent_n in_o teach_v or_o of_o child_n and_o family_n in_o learning_n and_o they_o have_v the_o extraordinary_a ministry_n of_o such_o as_o god_n entrust_v new_a revelation_n withal_o for_o the_o confirmation_n and_o inlargment_n of_o those_o before_o receive_v who_o be_v all_o of_o they_o preacher_n of_o righteousness_n unto_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n and_o it_o may_v be_v manifest_v that_o from_o the_o give_v of_o the_o first_o promise_n when_o divine_a external_a revelation_n begin_v to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n unto_o the_o church_n to_o the_o write_n of_o the_o law_n there_o be_v always_o alive_a one_o or_o other_o who_o receive_v divine_a revelation_n immediate_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o infallible_a guide_n unto_o other_o if_o it_o be_v otherwise_o at_o any_o time_n it_o be_v after_o the_o death_n of_o the_o patriarch_n before_o the_o call_v of_o moses_n during_o which_o time_n all_o thing_n go_v into_o darkness_n and_o confusion_n for_o oral_a tradition_n alone_o will_v not_o preserve_v the_o truth_n of_o former_a revelation_n but_o by_o who_o these_o instruction_n be_v receive_v they_o have_v a_o sufficient_a outward_a mean_n for_o their_o illumination_n before_o any_o divine_a revelation_n be_v record_v by_o write_v yet_o 4._o this_o way_n of_o instruction_n as_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o imperfect_a and_o liable_a to_o many_o disadvantage_n so_o through_o the_o weakness_n negligence_n and_o wickedness_n of_o man_n it_o prove_v insufficient_a to_o retain_v the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n in_o the_o world_n for_o under_o this_o dispensation_n the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n fall_v into_o their_o great_a apostasy_n from_o god_n and_o betake_v themselves_o unto_o the_o conduct_n and_o service_n of_o the_o devil_n of_o the_o way_n mean_n and_o degree_n whereof_o i_o have_v discoursed*_n elsewhere_o 3._o hereon_o god_n also_o regard_v they_o not_o but_o suffer_v all_o nation_n to_o walk_v in_o their_o own_o way_n act_n 14._o 16._o give_v they_o up_o to_o their_o own_o heart_n lust_n to_o walk_v in_o their_o own_o counsel_n as_o it_o be_v express_v psal._n 81._o 12._o and_o although_o this_o fall_v not_o out_o without_o the_o horrible_a wickedness_n and_o ingratitude_n of_o the_o world_n yet_o there_o be_v then_o no_o certain_a standard_n of_o divine_a truth_n whereunto_o they_o may_v repair_v they_o break_v off_o the_o easy_a from_o god_n through_o the_o imperfection_n of_o this_o dispensation_n if_o it_o shall_v be_v say_v that_o since_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n have_v be_v commit_v unto_o write_v man_n have_v apostatise_v from_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n as_o be_v evident_a in_o many_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n which_o sometime_o profess_v the_o gospel_n but_o be_v now_o overrun_v with_o heathenism_n mahometism_n and_o idolatry_n i_o say_v this_o have_v not_o come_v to_o pass_v through_o any_o defect_n in_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n of_o illumination_n or_o the_o communication_n of_o the_o truth_n unto_o they_o but_o god_n have_v give_v they_o up_o to_o be_v destroy_v for_o their_o wickedness_n and_o ingratitude_n and_o unless_o we_o repent_v we_o shall_v all_o likewise_o perish_v rom._n 1._o 18._o 2_o thes._n 2._o 11_o 12._o otherwise_o where_o the_o standard_n of_o the_o word_n be_v once_o fix_v there_o be_v a_o constant_a mean_n of_o preserve_v divine_a revelation_n wherefore_o three_o god_n have_v gather_v up_o into_o the_o scripture_n all_o divine_a revelation_n give_v out_o by_o himself_o from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n and_o all_o that_o ever_o shall_v be_v so_o to_o the_o end_n thereof_o which_o be_v of_o general_a use_n unto_o the_o church_n that_o it_o may_v be_v thorough_o instruct_v in_o the_o whole_a mind_n and_o will_n of_o god_n and_o direct_v in_o all_o that_o worship_n of_o he_o and_o obedience_n unto_o he_o which_o be_v necessary_a to_o give_v we_o acceptance_n with_o he_o here_o and_o to_o bring_v we_o unto_o the_o eternal_a enjoyment_n of_o he_o hereafter_o for_o 1._o when_o god_n first_o commit_v the_o law_n to_o writing_n with_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o accompany_v it_o he_o oblige_v the_o church_n unto_o the_o use_n of_o it_o alone_o without_o addition_n of_o any_o kind_n now_o this_o he_o will_v not_o have_v do_v have_v he_o not_o express_v therein_o that_o be_v the_o book_n of_o moses_n all_o that_o be_v any_o way_n needful_a unto_o the_o faith_n and_o obedience_n of_o the_o church_n for_o he_o do_v not_o only_o command_v they_o to_o attend_v with_o all_o diligence_n unto_o his_o word_n as_o it_o be_v then_o write_v for_o their_o instruction_n and_o direction_n in_o faith_n and_o obedience_n annex_v all_o sort_n of_o promise_n unto_o their_o so_o do_v deut._n 6._o 6_o 7._o but_o also_o express_o forbid_v they_o as_o be_v say_v to_o add_v any_o thing_n thereunto_o or_o to_o conjoin_v any_o thing_n therewith_o deut._n 4._o 2._o chap._n 12_o 32._o which_o he_o will_v not_o have_v do_v have_v he_o omit_v other_o divine_a revelation_n before_o give_v that_o be_v any_o way_n necessary_a unto_o the_o use_n of_o the_o church_n as_o he_o add_v many_o new_a one_o so_o he_o gather_v in_o all_o the_o old_a from_o the_o unfaithful_a repository_n of_o tradition_n and_o fix_v they_o in_o a_o write_n give_v by_o divine_a inspiration_n 2._o for_o all_o other_o divine_a revelation_n which_o be_v give_v out_o to_o the_o church_n for_o its_o use_n in_o general_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n they_o be_v all_o comprise_v in_o the_o follow_a book_n thereof_o nor_o be_v this_o that_o i_o know_v of_o ever_o question_v by_o any_o person_n pretend_v to_o sobriety_n though_o some_o who_o will_v be_v glad_a of_o any_o pretence_n against_o the_o integrity_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o scripture_n have_v fruitless_o wrangle_v about_o the_o loss_n of_o some_o book_n which_o they_o can_v never_o prove_v concern_v any_o one_o that_o be_v certain_o of_o a_o divine_a original_a 3._o the_o full_a revelation_n of_o the_o whole_a mind_n of_o god_n whereunto_o nothing_o pretend_v thereunto_o be_v ever_o to_o be_v add_v be_v commit_v unto_o and_o perfect_v by_o jesus_n christ_n heb._n 1._o 1_o 2._o that_o the_o revelation_n of_o god_n make_v by_o he_o whether_o in_o his_o own_o person_n or_o by_o his_o spirit_n unto_o his_o apostle_n be_v also_o by_o divine_a inspiration_n commit_v to_o write_v be_v express_o affirm_v concern_v what_o he_o deliver_v in_o his_o own_o personal_a ministry_n luk._n 1._o 4._o act_n 1._o 1._o john_n 20._o 31._o and_o may_v be_v prove_v by_o uncontrollable_a argument_n concern_v the_o rest_n of_o they_o hence_o as_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v shut_v up_o with_o a_o caution_n and_o admonition_n unto_o the_o church_n to_o adhere_v unto_o the_o law_n and_o testimony_n with_o threaten_v of_o a_o curse_n unto_o the_o contrary_a mal._n 4._o 4_o 5_o 6._o so_o the_o write_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v close_v with_o a_o curse_n on_o any_o that_o shall_v presume_v to_o add_v any_o thing_n more_o thereunto_o rev._n 22._o 18._o wherefore_o four_o the_o scripture_n be_v now_o become_v the_o only_a external_a mean_n of_o divine_a supernatural_a illumination_n because_o it_o be_v the_o only_a repository_n of_o all_o divine_a supernatural_a revelation_n psal._n 19_o 7_o 8._o isa._n 8._o 20._o 2_o tim._n 3._o 15_o 16_o 17._o the_o pretence_n of_o tradition_n as_o a_o collateral_a mean_n of_o preserve_v and_o communicate_v supernatural_a revelation_n have_v be_v so_o often_o evict_v of_o falsity_n that_o i_o shall_v not_o further_o press_v their_o impeachment_n beside_o i_o intend_v those_o in_o this_o discourse_n by_o who_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v that_o the_o bible_n be_v
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 divine_a revelation_n notwithstanding_o the_o distance_n of_o the_o age_n and_o season_n wherein_o they_o live_v the_o difference_n of_o the_o language_n wherein_o they_o write_v with_o the_o great_a variety_n of_o their_o part_n ability_n education_n and_o other_o circumstance_n yet_o there_o be_v upon_o the_o whole_a and_o all_o the_o part_n of_o their_o writing_n that_o gravity_n majesty_n and_o authority_n mix_v with_o plainness_n of_o speech_n and_o absolute_a freedom_n from_o all_o appearance_n of_o affectation_n of_o esteem_n or_o applause_n or_o any_o thing_n else_o that_o derive_v from_o humane_a frailty_n as_o must_v excite_v a_o admiration_n in_o all_o that_o serious_o consider_v they_o but_o i_o have_v at_o large_a 1._o elsewhere_o insist_v on_o this_o consideration_n and_o have_v also_o in_o the_o same_o place_n show_v that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o write_v extant_a in_o the_o world_n that_o ever_o pretend_a unto_o a_o divine_a original_a as_o the_o apocryphal_a book_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o some_o fragment_n of_o spurious_a piece_n pretend_v to_o be_v write_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n but_o they_o be_v not_o only_o from_o their_o matter_n but_o from_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o writing_n and_o the_o plain_a footstep_n of_o humane_a artifice_n and_o weakness_n therein_o sufficient_a for_o their_o own_o conviction_n and_o do_v open_o discover_v their_o own_o vain_a pretension_n so_o must_v every_o thing_n necessary_o do_v which_o be_v mere_o humane_a pretend_v unto_o a_o immediate_a derivation_n from_o god_n when_o man_n have_v do_v all_o they_o can_v these_o thing_n will_v have_v as_o evident_a a_o difference_n between_o they_o as_o there_o be_v between_o wheat_n and_o chaff_n between_o real_a and_o paint_a fire_n jer._n 23._o 28_o 29._o 2._o unto_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o divine_a writer_n themselves_o we_o must_v add_v that_o of_o those_o who_o in_o all_o age_n have_v believe_v in_o christ_n through_o their_o word_n which_o be_v the_o description_n which_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n give_v of_o his_o church_n joh._n 17._o 20._o this_o be_v the_o church_n that_o be_v those_o who_o write_v the_o scripture_n and_o those_o who_o believe_v in_o christ_n through_o their_o word_n through_o all_o age_n which_o bear_v witness_n to_o the_o divine_a original_a of_o the_o scripture_n and_o it_o may_v be_v add_v that_o we_o know_v this_o witness_n be_v true_a with_o these_o i_o have_v rather_o venture_v my_o faith_n and_o eternal_a condition_n then_o with_o any_o society_n any_o real_a or_o pretend_a church_n whatever_o and_o among_o these_o there_o be_v a_o especial_a consideration_n to_o be_v have_v of_o those_o innumerable_a multitude_n who_o in_o the_o primitive_a time_n witness_v this_o confession_n all_o the_o world_n over_o for_o they_o have_v many_o advantage_n above_o we_o to_o know_v the_o certainty_n of_o sundry_a matter_n of_o fact_n which_o the_o verity_n of_o our_o religion_n depend_v upon_o and_o we_o be_v direct_v unto_o a_o especial_a regard_n of_o their_o testimony_n which_o be_v signalise_v by_o christ_n himself_o in_o the_o great_a judgement_n that_o be_v to_o be_v pass_v on_o the_o world_n the_o first_o appearance_n be_v of_o the_o soul_n of_o they_o that_o be_v behead_v for_o the_o witness_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n rev._n 20._o 4._o and_o there_o be_v at_o present_a a_o especial_a regard_n unto_o they_o in_o heaven_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o their_o witness_n and_o testimony_n rev._n 6._o 9_o 10_o 11._o these_o be_v they_o who_o with_o the_o loss_n of_o their_o life_n by_o the_o sword_n and_o other_o way_n of_o violence_n give_v testimony_n unto_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o to_o reduce_v these_o thing_n unto_o a_o rational_a consideration_n who_o can_v have_v the_o least_o occasion_n to_o suspect_v all_o those_o person_n of_o folly_n weakness_n credulity_n wickedness_n or_o conspiracy_n among_o themselves_o which_o such_o a_o diffuse_a multitude_n be_v absolute_o uncapable_a of_o neither_o can_v any_o man_n undervalue_v their_o testimony_n but_o he_o must_v comply_v with_o their_o adversary_n against_o they_o who_o be_v know_v general_o to_o be_v of_o the_o worst_a of_o men._n and_o who_o be_v there_o that_o believe_v there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o a_o eternal_a future_a state_n that_o have_v not_o rather_o have_v his_o soul_n with_o paul_n than_o nero_n with_o the_o holy_a martyr_n than_o their_o bestial_a persecutor_n wherefore_o this_o suffrage_n and_o testimony_n begin_v from_o the_o first_o writing_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o carry_v on_o by_o the_o best_a of_o man_n in_o all_o age_n and_o make_v conspicuous_o glorious_a in_o the_o primitive_a time_n of_o christianity_n must_v needs_o be_v with_o all_o wise_a man_n unavoidable_o cogent_a at_o least_o unto_o a_o due_a and_o sedate_v consideration_n of_o what_o they_o bare_a witness_n unto_o and_o sufficient_a to_o scatter_v all_o 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 conception_n but_o as_o the_o word_n which_o be_v immediate_o speak_v by_o himself_o hence_o they_o who_o refuse_v to_o give_v credit_n thereunto_o be_v say_v to_o bely_v the_o lord_n and_o say_v it_o be_v not_o he_o jer._n 5._o 2._o yea_o to_o make_v god_n a_o liar_n 1_o joh._n 5._o 10._o if_o all_o mankind_n shall_v agree_v together_o to_o receive_v and_o make_v use_n of_o this_o book_n as_o that_o which_o teach_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v good_a useful_a and_o profitable_a to_o humane_a society_n as_o that_o which_o be_v a_o complete_a directory_n unto_o man_n in_o all_o that_o they_o need_v to_o believe_v or_o do_v towards_o god_n the_o best_a mean_n under_o heaven_n to_o bring_v they_o to_o setlement_n satisfaction_n and_o assurance_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o themselves_o as_o the_o safe_a guide_n to_o eternal_a blessedness_n and_o therefore_o must_v needs_o be_v write_v and_o compose_v by_o person_n wise_a holy_a and_o honest_a above_o all_o comparison_n and_o 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