other_o matter_n that_o he_o have_v relate_v as_o of_o his_o own_o knowledge_n that_o it_o be_v possible_a there_o may_v be_v mistake_n in_o the_o sign_n and_o proof_n of_o the_o divine_a revelation_n as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o revelation_n its_o self_n that_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o the_o author_n of_o the_o report_n whether_o it_o be_v the_o prophet_n himself_o or_o any_o other_o man_n who_o have_v report_v the_o miracle_n do_v by_o the_o prophet_n as_o matter_n of_o his_o own_o knowledge_n do_v imagine_v he_o see_v thing_n which_o he_o do_v not_o see_v and_o that_o he_o hear_v thing_n which_o he_o do_v not_o hear_v but_o if_o this_o be_v suppose_v possible_a that_o any_o man_n and_o much_o more_o that_o several_a man_n agree_v in_o the_o same_o report_n the_o organ_n of_o who_o sense_n be_v right_o dispose_v and_o who_o by_o all_o their_o other_o action_n and_o discourse_n appear_v to_o be_v sober_a and_o considerate_a and_o judicious_a shall_v yet_o in_o the_o day_n time_n 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5_o the_o 1699_o 700._o be_v the_o second_o for_o the_o year_n 1700_o of_o the_o lecture_n found_v by_o the_o honourable_a robert_n boyle_n esq_n by_o offspring_n blackall_n rector_n of_o st._n marry_o aldermary_n and_o chaplain_n in_o ordinary_a to_o his_o majesty_n london_n print_v by_o j._n leake_n for_o walter_n kettilby_n at_o the_o bishop_n head_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n 1700._o st._n luke_n xvi_o 29_o 30_o 31._o abraham_n say_v unto_o he_o they_o have_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n let_v they_o hear_v they_o and_o he_o say_v nay_o father_n abraham_n but_o if_o one_o go_v unto_o they_o from_o the_o dead_a they_o will_v repent_v and_o he_o say_v unto_o he_o if_o they_o hear_v not_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n neither_o will_v they_o be_v persuade_v though_o one_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a the_o first_o thing_n which_o i_o propound_v to_o do_v in_o discourse_v on_o these_o word_n be_v to_o endeavour_v to_o show_v that_o the_o present_a stand_a revelation_n of_o god_n 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he_o think_v he_o himself_o have_v write_v enough_o in_o his_o gospel_n to_o persuade_v man_n to_o believe_v in_o christ_n and_o to_o direct_v they_o in_o the_o way_n to_o eternal_a life_n there_o be_v therefore_o in_o those_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o we_o now_o have_v several_a abridgement_n of_o the_o whole_a christian_a doctrine_n it_o can_v with_o any_o reason_n be_v pretend_v that_o all_o these_o book_n together_o be_v not_o sufficient_a full_o to_o instruct_v we_o therein_o beside_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v preach_v suppose_v by_o st._n thomas_n in_o india_n or_o by_o st._n simon_n in_o africa_n or_o by_o any_o other_o of_o the_o apostle_n in_o country_n remote_a from_o judea_n or_o without_o the_o bound_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n be_v undoubted_o the_o very_a same_o gospel_n that_o be_v preach_v by_o st._n peter_n and_o st._n paul_n or_o those_o other_o of_o the_o apostle_n who_o book_n be_v now_o extant_a and_o receive_v by_o the_o 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be_v require_v if_o they_o have_v better_a encouragement_n for_o no_o argument_n or_o motive_n whatsoever_o can_v reasonable_o persuade_v a_o man_n to_o undertake_v a_o thing_n that_o he_o believe_v impossible_a suppose_v it_o therefore_o possible_a i_o say_v that_o whatsoever_o difficulty_n there_o real_o be_v or_o we_o may_v apprehend_v there_o be_v in_o a_o christian_a life_n if_o any_o motive_n that_o can_v possible_o be_v propose_v to_o we_o can_v be_v think_v sufficient_a to_o induce_v we_o to_o undertake_v it_o most_o evident_o those_o motive_n which_o the_o gospel_n propose_v be_v so_o because_o better_a or_o great_a can_v be_v so_o much_o as_o conceive_v or_o imagine_v see_v both_o the_o good_a thing_n which_o it_o promise_v to_o persuade_v we_o to_o virtue_n and_o
of_o holy_a scripture_n be_v write_v by_o those_o person_n who_o be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o author_n thereof_o 2._o that_o there_o be_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o give_v full_a credit_n to_o they_o in_o their_o relation_n of_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o they_o have_v record_v and_o 3._o that_o if_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n record_v in_o the_o scripture_n be_v true_a they_o be_v sufficient_a proof_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o divine_a authority_n of_o all_o the_o doctrine_n that_o be_v therein_o teach_v these_o thing_n therefore_o i_o shall_v now_o endeavour_v to_o make_v good_a but_o in_o speak_v to_o this_o point_n i_o shall_v for_o brevity_n sake_n confine_v my_o discourse_n only_o to_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n partly_o because_o these_o be_v the_o book_n wherein_o our_o christian_a religion_n be_v chief_o teach_v and_o especial_o because_o i_o think_v there_o be_v none_o who_o receive_v the_o new_a testament_n as_o of_o divine_a authority_n that_o do_v or_o â—ndeed_o can_v with_o any_o reason_n reject_v the_o old_a 1._o then_o i_o be_o to_o show_v that_o we_o have_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o believe_v that_o the_o book_n of_o holy_a scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n in_o particular_a be_v write_v by_o those_o person_n that_o be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o author_n thereof_o this_o indeed_o be_v a_o point_n that_o it_o do_v not_o proper_o lie_v upon_o we_o to_o make_v any_o proof_n of_o for_o as_o a_o man_n possession_n of_o a_o estate_n be_v alone_o a_o good_a and_o a_o sufficient_a title_n to_o it_o till_o a_o better_a be_v show_v by_o the_o person_n that_o endeavour_v to_o eject_v he_o so_o it_o be_v here_o these_o book_n be_v general_o receive_v as_o write_v by_o such_o and_o such_o person_n these_o author_n have_v the_o name_n these_o have_v as_o it_o be_v â—he_v possession_n of_o they_o and_o that_o be_v title_n enough_o if_o no_o other_o can_v be_v produce_v so_o long_o as_o no_o evidence_n be_v offer_v to_o show_v that_o 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ever_o hitherto_o â—aid_v rent_n and_o who_o right_a to_o it_o be_v not_o at_o all_o controvert_v until_o he_o shall_v suffer_v his_o write_n to_o be_v peruse_v and_o examine_v and_o by_o they_o make_v it_o plain_o appear_v that_o he_o be_v the_o lawful_a landlord_n as_o any_o man_n can_v now_o refuse_v to_o give_v that_o credit_n to_o these_o book_n as_o write_v by_o the_o apostle_n which_o have_v be_v give_v hitherto_o and_o be_v still_o give_v by_o all_o christian_n unless_o he_o may_v have_v now_o as_o good_a positive_a evidence_n of_o their_o be_v write_v by_o the_o apostle_n as_o may_v have_v be_v give_v thereof_o at_o first_o and_z as_o it_o may_v be_v presume_v be_v give_v before_o their_o title_n to_o they_o be_v so_o universal_o acknowledge_v but_o nevertheless_o what_o a_o man_n be_v not_o under_o any_o obligation_n to_o do_v for_o the_o assert_v of_o his_o right_n he_o may_v do_v wise_o enough_o for_o his_o own_o satisfaction_n and_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o satisfaction_n and_o pleasure_n to_o a_o man_n although_o his_o title_n to_o his_o estate_n be_v not_o at_o present_a controvert_v if_o in_o look_v over_o the_o write_n and_o evidence_n of_o it_o he_o see_v plain_o how_o it_o descend_v to_o he_o by_o a_o lineal_a succession_n from_o father_n to_o son_n for_o many_o generation_n past_a and_o how_o it_o come_v at_o first_o to_o his_o ancestor_n by_o a_o clear_a and_o fair_a purchase_n from_o the_o former_a possessor_n or_o by_o donation_n from_o the_o prince_n in_o the_o division_n of_o a_o waist_n or_o conquer_a country_n and_o if_o he_o also_o find_v ancient_a terrier_n agree_v in_o the_o same_o measure_n and_o bounding_n and_o exact_o describe_v the_o same_o estate_n which_o he_o now_o possess_v and_o if_o moreover_o look_v far_o back_o he_o see_v that_o upon_o some_o dispute_n or_o lawsuit_n that_o have_v former_o be_v concern_v it_o judgement_n have_v be_v always_o give_v on_o his_o side_n it_o can_v but_o please_v he_o i_o say_v that_o upon_o such_o a_o search_n into_o antiquity_n he_o find_v that_o he_o be_v so_o very_o well_o provide_v to_o make_v out_o his_o title_n if_o there_o shall_v ever_o be_v any_o occasion_n for_o it_o although_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o long_a and_o quiet_a possession_n that_o he_o and_o his_o ancestor_n before_o he_o time_n out_o of_o mind_n have_v have_v of_o it_o he_o have_v no_o just_a cause_n to_o fear_n he_o shall_v ever_o meet_v â—ith_o any_o disturbance_n and_o so_o it_o be_v here_o these_o write_n the_o book_n of_o â—he_n new_a testament_n be_v general_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v â—ritten_v by_o the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n and_o their_o authority_n be_v at_o present_a uncontested_a it_o may_v therefore_o reasonable_o be_v presume_v especial_o by_o those_o who_o have_v â—ot_n part_n or_o learning_n or_o leisure_n to_o examine_v into_o the_o â—easons_n of_o such_o thing_n that_o they_o will_v not_o have_v â—â—en_o so_o universal_o acknowledge_v and_o reverence_v as_o â—â—ey_n be_v upon_o this_o account_n but_o upon_o very_o good_a ground_n though_o what_o the_o ground_n thereof_o be_v they_o â—â—ve_v not_o yet_o inquire_v their_o be_v in_o possession_n be_v â—one_n reason_n enough_o to_o acknowledge_v and_o assert_v their_o â—â—tle_n it_o lie_v upon_o they_o that_o deny_v these_o book_n to_o 〈◊〉_d they_o to_o produce_v satisfactory_a evidence_n of_o their_o â—ing_n forge_v or_o counterfeit_a and_o till_o they_o shall_v proâ—â—ce_v some_o evidence_n thereof_o that_o have_v a_o show_n and_o appearance_n of_o truth_n we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o be_v stagger_v in_o our_o belief_n by_o their_o bare_a however_o bold_a and_o confident_a denial_n of_o their_o authority_n and_o much_o â—s_n shall_v we_o need_v to_o give_v our_o reason_n for_o our_o reâ—â—ving_v they_o as_o write_v by_o the_o apostle_n till_o our_o adversary_n shall_v offer_v some_o reason_n why_o we_o ought_v not_o 〈◊〉_d receive_v they_o as_o such_o but_o nevertheless_o because_o we_o see_v there_o be_v some_o in_o â—s_n incredulous_a age_n that_o show_v a_o good_a will_n to_o deny_v 〈◊〉_d authority_n of_o these_o sacred_a book_n and_o who_o inâ—est_n it_o will_v be_v to_o prove_v they_o spurious_a and_o beâ—se_o we_o can_v tell_v what_o unwarrantable_a practice_n â—ir_a inclination_n and_o interest_n may_v put_v they_o upon_o 〈◊〉_d what_o write_n or_o evidence_n plausible_o forge_a 〈◊〉_d counterfeit_v they_o may_v hereafter_o produce_v it_o can_v be_v amiss_o for_o we_o to_o inquire_v and_o see_v and_o it_o can_v but_o be_v a_o pleasure_n and_o satisfaction_n to_o we_o who_o hold_v our_o hope_n of_o eternal_a life_n chief_o by_o these_o write_n to_o find_v and_o consider_v how_o well_o provide_v we_o be_v to_o detect_v and_o disprove_v any_o such_o forgery_n if_o they_o shall_v be_v offer_v by_o be_v able_a to_o produce_v in_o opposition_n thereto_o as_o good_a positive_a proof_n that_o these_o book_n be_v genuine_a as_o such_o a_o matter_n be_v capable_a of_o much_o better_a than_o i_o believe_v can_v be_v produce_v for_o the_o authority_n of_o any_o other_o book_n of_o the_o like_a antiquity_n and_o it_o give_v we_o some_o satisfaction_n in_o the_o belief_n wâ—_n have_v be_v breed_v up_o in_o that_o these_o be_v the_o genuiâ—â—_n book_n of_o the_o author_n to_o who_o they_o be_v ascribe_v tâ—_n find_v that_o they_o be_v receive_v as_o such_o not_o by_o a_o smaâ—â—_n party_n of_o man_n not_o by_o that_o church_n and_o nation_n only_o to_o which_o we_o belong_v but_o by_o all_o christian_n disperseâ—_n in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n and_o likewise_o that_o they_o aâ—_n agree_v with_o we_o in_o the_o same_o testimony_n viz._n that_o theâ—_n receive_v then_o as_o such_o from_o their_o father_n for_o thâ—â—_n these_o book_n shall_v be_v thus_o general_o receive_v anâ—_n acknowledge_v
in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n it_o must_v be_v either_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o or_o in_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o and_o if_o it_o be_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o it_o must_v be_v either_o that_o it_o do_v not_o give_v we_o sufficient_a direction_n what_o to_o do_v or_o that_o it_o do_v not_o propose_v sufficient_a motive_n to_o persuade_v man_n to_o do_v what_o it_o require_v and_o therefore_o in_o speak_v to_o this_o head_n i_o shall_v show_v 1._o that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n give_v we_o sufficient_a direction_n what_o to_o do_v 2._o that_o the_o motive_n which_o the_o scripture_n propose_v be_v sufficient_a to_o persuade_v we_o to_o do_v what_o it_o require_v and_o 3._o that_o we_o have_v sufficient_a reason_n give_v we_o to_o convince_v we_o of_o the_o truth_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o consequent_o of_o all_o the_o doctrine_n which_o be_v teach_v by_o it_o 1._o i_o shall_v show_v that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n give_v we_o sufficient_a direction_n what_o to_o do_v and_o of_o this_o there_o can_v be_v little_a doubt_n among_o those_o that_o believe_v the_o divine_a inspiration_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n because_o to_o they_o its_o own_o testimony_n of_o its_o own_o sufficiency_n be_v a_o proof_n thereof_o beyond_o all_o exception_n for_o if_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v 2._o tim._n 3.16_o it_o be_v profitable_a for_o doctrine_n and_o for_o reproof_n and_o for_o correction_n and_o for_o instruction_n in_o rigteousness_n it_o be_v plain_o profitable_a for_o all_o the_o purpose_n for_o which_o we_o can_v desire_v a_o divine_a revelation_n and_o if_o as_o he_o say_v in_o the_o next_o verse_n it_o be_v give_v to_o make_v perfect_a the_o man_n of_o god_n that_o be_v the_o man_n who_o business_n it_o be_v to_o teach_v and_o instruct_v other_o and_o thorough_o to_o furnish_v he_o unto_o all_o good_a work_n it_o can_v be_v deficient_a in_o deliver_v all_o such_o rule_n and_o direction_n as_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v give_v by_o a_o pastor_n to_o the_o people_n commit_v to_o his_o care_n and_o if_o as_o the_o same_o apostle_n have_v say_v at_o the_o 15_o verse_n of_o that_o chapter_n it_o be_v able_a to_o make_v we_o wise_a unto_o salvation_n we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o desire_v to_o be_v wise_a than_o this_o excellent_a book_n can_v make_v we_o and_o if_o all_o this_o can_v true_o be_v say_v by_o the_o apostle_n before_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v complete_v if_o it_o can_v be_v say_v by_o he_o of_o those_o holy_a scripture_n which_o timothy_n have_v know_v from_o a_o child_n that_o be_v of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n only_o much_o more_o may_v it_o be_v now_o say_v of_o the_o book_n of_o both_o testament_n together_o but_o to_o speak_v at_o large_a of_o this_o point_n at_o present_a will_v be_v too_o great_a a_o digression_n from_o the_o design_n of_o these_o lecture_n which_o be_v intend_v only_o against_o infidel_n not_o against_o any_o sect_n of_o christian_n and_o such_o they_o pretend_v to_o be_v such_o because_o they_o hold_v the_o foundation_n christ_n jesus_n they_o may_v in_o charity_n be_v allow_v to_o be_v who_o do_v chief_o differ_v from_o we_o in_o this_o article_n and_o deny_v the_o sufficiency_n of_o scripture_n only_o because_o they_o be_v resolve_v to_o maintain_v some_o gainful_a doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o their_o own_o church_n which_o they_o be_v sensible_a have_v no_o warrant_n from_o scripture_n and_o so_o can_v be_v maintain_v no_o other_o way_n but_o by_o affirm_v that_o they_o have_v be_v deliver_v down_o to_o they_o by_o tradition_n and_o that_o unwritten_a tradition_n be_v a_o necessary_a supplement_n to_o the_o write_a word_n and_o of_o equal_a authority_n with_o it_o for_o between_o we_o and_o infidel_n who_o reject_v the_o scripture_n the_o sufficiency_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o a_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n be_v hardly_o matter_n of_o controversy_n for_o these_o do_v not_o reject_v the_o scripture_n because_o it_o teach_v too_o little_a but_o rather_o because_o it_o teach_v too_o much_o because_o it_o teach_v doctrine_n above_o their_o reason_n and_o command_v such_o duty_n as_o they_o do_v not_o like_a to_o practice_v and_o if_o it_o teach_v less_o than_o it_o do_v they_o will_v be_v more_o ready_a to_o own_o its_o divine_a authority_n but_o nevertheless_o even_a these_o man_n that_o they_o may_v leave_v no_o stone_n unturned_a will_v be_v sometime_o discourse_v upon_o this_o point_n and_o although_o those_o book_n of_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v now_o extant_a and_o which_o be_v now_o general_o receive_v do_v teach_v much_o more_o than_o they_o themselves_o be_v willing_a to_o believe_v and_o practice_v yet_o that_o they_o may_v as_o much_o as_o they_o can_v unsettle_v the_o belief_n of_o other_o do_v not_o stick_v to_o argue_v againast_n the_o christian_a religion_n from_o this_o topick_n and_o to_o affirm_v that_o the_o book_n of_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v now_o receive_v do_v not_o contain_v the_o whole_a will_n of_o god_n for_o there_o be_v say_v they_o in_o former_a time_n several_a other_o gospel_n and_o epistle_n and_o other_o tract_n design_v to_o instruct_v man_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o be_v write_v by_o the_o apostle_n or_o other_o inspire_a man_n and_o which_o be_v consequent_o of_o the_o same_o authority_n in_o themselves_o with_o those_o which_o be_v now_o receive_v into_o the_o canon_n of_o which_o nevertheless_o we_o have_v nothing_o now_o leave_v but_o the_o name_n and_o title_n or_o some_o imperfect_a and_o uncertain_a fragment_n so_o that_o it_o may_v well_o be_v doubt_v whether_o those_o few_o book_n which_o be_v now_o remain_v be_v sufficient_a to_o instruct_v we_o in_o all_o necessary_a point_n of_o knowledge_n and_o practice_n and_o of_o this_o matter_n of_o fact_n there_o be_v they_o say_v some_o evidence_n even_o from_o the_o scripture_n its_o self_n for_o st._n luke_n in_o the_o beginning_n of_o his_o gospel_n take_v notice_n that_o many_o before_o he_o have_v take_v in_o hand_n to_o set_v forth_o a_o declaration_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v sure_o believe_v among_o christian_n that_o be_v have_v write_v and_o publish_v narrative_n of_o the_o life_n action_n miracle_n preach_v death_n and_o resurrection_n of_o our_o saviour_n but_o there_o be_v no_o history_n of_o this_o kind_a no_o gospel_n now_o extant_a that_o be_v write_v before_o st._n luke_n except_o only_o st._n matthew'_v and_o st._n mark_n be_v and_o if_o there_o have_v be_v no_o more_o extant_a at_o that_o time_n it_o will_v have_v be_v very_o improper_a they_o say_v for_o the_o evangelist_n to_o have_v say_v that_o many_o have_v write_v upon_o this_o subject_a when_o he_o speak_v only_o of_o those_o two_o and_o that_o there_o be_v matter_n enough_o for_o several_a such_o narrative_n so_o that_o though_o they_o be_v very_o different_a gospel_n they_o may_v nevertheless_o be_v all_o true_a we_o be_v tell_v by_o st._n john_n who_o write_v his_o gospel_n the_o last_o of_o the_o four_o evangelist_n joh._n 20.30_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 and_o again_o ch._n 21._o verse_n 25._o there_o be_v also_o many_o other_o thing_n which_o jesus_n do_v the_o which_o if_o they_o shall_v be_v write_v every_o one_o i_o suppose_v that_o even_o the_o world_n its_o self_n can_v not_o contain_v the_o book_n that_o shall_v be_v write_v now_o if_o it_o be_v true_a that_o there_o be_v several_a other_o book_n former_o extant_a but_o which_o be_v now_o lose_v that_o be_v write_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o other_o inspire_a man_n and_o consequent_o by_o divine_a inspiration_n either_o these_o be_v needless_a when_o write_v and_o it_o be_v unreasonable_a to_o suppose_v that_o any_o book_n write_v by_o divine_a inspiration_n be_v needless_a or_o else_o the_o loss_n of_o these_o 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sufficient_a what_o evil_a can_v that_o man_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v afraid_a of_o who_o be_v not_o afraid_a of_o everlasting_a burn_v a_o great_a evil_n can_v be_v threaten_v and_o he_o who_o be_v not_o scare_v by_o this_o will_v certain_o be_v less_o scare_v by_o the_o threaten_v of_o a_o less_o evil._n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n everlasting_a life_n a_o crown_n that_o fade_v not_o away_o a_o kingdom_n that_o can_v be_v move_v a_o eternal_a weight_n of_o glory_n fullness_n of_o joy_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o pleasure_n for_o evermore_o at_o his_o right_a hand_n these_o be_v the_o good_a thing_n promise_v to_o obedience_n and_o can_v great_a thing_n be_v promise_v than_o these_o can_v we_o ourselves_o if_o we_o be_v put_v to_o desire_v what_o we_o will_v desire_v more_o and_o if_o the_o promise_n of_o unspeakable_a and_o everlasting_a blessedness_n be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o prevail_v with_o we_o to_o undertake_v a_o godly_a and_o christian_a life_n certain_o 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and_o we_o do_v not_o take_v care_n to_o avoid_v it_o our_o lot_n will_v be_v extreme_o miserable_a and_o we_o shall_v be_v torment_v day_n and_o night_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o in_o the_o lake_n that_o burn_v with_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n and_o when_o we_o consider_v withal_o the_o very_a little_a trouble_n in_o comparison_n that_o it_o will_v cost_v we_o to_o attain_v that_o and_o to_o avoid_v this_o that_o it_o be_v but_o the_o labour_n of_o a_o few_o year_n and_o that_o the_o most_o we_o can_v suffer_v by_o it_o be_v the_o loss_n of_o a_o little_a sensual_a pleasure_n for_o which_o after_o this_o life_n be_v over_o we_o shall_v be_v never_o the_o better_a or_o the_o endure_a of_o some_o little_a pain_n or_o hardship_n which_o will_v be_v soon_o over_o and_o for_o which_o if_o no_o good_a shall_v ever_o come_v of_o it_o after_o this_o life_n we_o shall_v however_o be_v then_o never_o the_o worse_o consider_v i_o say_v thus_o the_o infinite_o vast_a and_o wide_a difference_n 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the_o dead_a they_o will_v repent_v and_o he_o say_v unto_o he_o if_o they_o hear_v not_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n neither_o will_v they_o be_v persuade_v though_o one_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a have_v in_o my_o first_o discourse_n on_o these_o word_n endeavour_v to_o show_v in_o general_n that_o a_o stand_a revelation_n of_o god_n will_n may_v be_v so_o well_o contrive_v and_o so_o well_o attest_v as_o to_o be_v sufficient_a to_o persuade_v man_n to_o repentance_n if_o they_o be_v not_o unreasonable_o blind_a and_o obstinate_a i_o come_v the_o last_o time_n to_o consider_v whether_o that_o stand_a revelation_n which_o we_o have_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v such_o a_o revelation_n or_o whether_o there_o be_v not_o some_o particular_a defect_n in_o it_o which_o render_v it_o not_o so_o sufficient_a for_o this_o purpose_n as_o it_o be_v possible_a a_o stand_a revelation_n may_v be_v and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o defect_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n it_o must_v be_v as_o i_o say_v either_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o or_o in_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o and_o if_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o it_o must_v be_v either_o that_o it_o do_v not_o give_v sufficient_a direction_n what_o to_o do_v or_o that_o it_o do_v not_o propose_v sufficient_a motive_n to_o persuade_v man_n to_o do_v what_o it_o require_v and_o therefore_o in_o speak_v to_o this_o head_n i_o propound_v to_o show_v 1._o that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n give_v we_o sufficient_a direction_n what_o to_o do_v 2._o that_o the_o motive_n which_o it_o propose_v be_v sufficient_a to_o persuade_v we_o to_o do_v what_o it_o require_v and_o 3._o that_o we_o have_v sufficient_a reason_n give_v we_o to_o convince_v we_o of_o the_o truth_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o consequent_o of_o all_o the_o doctrine_n that_o be_v teach_v by_o it_o and_o the_o two_o first_o of_o these_o i_o have_v already_o do_v i_o proceed_v now_o to_o the_o three_o viz._n 3._o to_o show_v that_o 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no_o suspicion_n of_o what_o be_v do_v nor_o any_o sense_n of_o that_o great_a alteration_n that_o have_v be_v make_v in_o the_o world_n by_o these_o book_n nor_o any_o remembrance_n afterward_o when_o they_o awake_v and_o find_v themselves_o christian_n that_o they_o have_v be_v of_o some_o other_o religion_n before_o when_o they_o be_v first_o take_v with_o that_o lethargic_a fit_n but_o if_o these_o thing_n may_v be_v what_o be_v there_o of_o this_o kind_n that_o may_v not_o be_v if_o the_o world_n be_v so_o much_o mistake_v in_o this_o matter_n it_o may_v be_v as_o much_o mistake_v in_o any_o other_o matter_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n and_o then_o it_o may_v be_v that_o there_o never_o be_v such_o a_o man_n as_o homer_n or_o virgil_n or_o caesar_n or_o cicero_n or_o plutarch_n or_o any_o other_o of_o those_o person_n as_o who_o write_n we_o now_o receive_v the_o book_n that_o go_v under_o their_o name_n but_o that_o all_o the_o book_n pretend_v to_o be_v write_v by_o those_o 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have_v not_o much_o mind_n or_o leisure_n or_o opportunity_n to_o read_v book_n to_o hear_v these_o thing_n in_o conversation_n and_o not_o know_v ready_o what_o answer_v to_o make_v to_o they_o to_o be_v somewhat_o stagger_v in_o their_o belief_n thereby_o especial_o if_o they_o be_v such_o who_o loose_a and_o licentious_a way_n of_o live_v make_v they_o easy_a to_o receive_v without_o examination_n any_o notion_n that_o may_v give_v they_o ease_n or_o encouragement_n in_o sin_n for_o these_o reason_n therefore_o i_o think_v it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o especial_o because_o it_o be_v a_o matter_n proper_o belong_v to_o the_o subject_a i_o be_o now_o upon_o and_o because_o i_o have_v some_o time_n leave_v for_o it_o to_o
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upon_o â—ery_o probable_a ground_n believe_v or_o as_o some_o have_v conjecture_v by_o st._n luke_n his_o constant_a companion_n or_o as_o other_o by_o st._n clemens_n his_o fellow-labourer_n â—hose_v name_n be_v in_o the_o book_n of_o life_n 4.3_o phil._n 4.3_o or_o as_o other_o â—y_a st._n barnabas_n his_o assistant_n in_o preach_v the_o goâ—pel_n 14.14_o act_n 14.14_o and_o who_o be_v dignify_v by_o st._n luke_n with_o the_o tiâ—e_n of_o a_o apostle_n and_o so_o neither_o be_v it_o very_o maâ—erial_a whether_o the_o epistle_n call_v the_o second_o and_o three_o epistle_n of_o st._n john_n and_o common_o believe_v to_o be_v write_v by_o the_o same_o person_n that_o write_v the_o first_o be_v indeed_o write_v by_o st._n john_n the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n or_o as_o some_o have_v think_v by_o another_o â—ohn_n who_o be_v make_v bishop_n of_o the_o jewish_a christiansâ—t_n â—t_z ephesus_n by_o he_o for_o it_o be_v sufficient_a that_o the_o writer_n of_o these_o book_n which_o soever_o they_o be_v of_o the_o person_n beforementioned_a be_v of_o good_a ability_n and_o integrity_n and_o well_o instruct_v in_o that_o doctrine_n and_o religion_n which_o they_o write_v about_o and_o of_o this_o beside_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o ancient_n there_o be_v good_a evidence_n enough_o in_o the_o write_n themselves_o 2._o in_o answer_n to_o this_o and_o to_o all_o other_o objection_n of_o this_o sort_n against_o these_o or_o any_o other_o book_n or_o chapter_n or_o paragraph_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n it_o have_v be_v far_o true_o say_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o singular_a in_o these_o book_n that_o there_o be_v no_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n teach_v in_o any_o part_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n of_o the_o author_n or_o authority_n of_o which_o there_o have_v ever_o be_v any_o doubt_n in_o the_o church_n which_o be_v not_o teach_v in_o some_o other_o undoubted_a and_o uncontroverted_a part_n of_o the_o same_o book_n so_o that_o if_o it_o be_v grant_v 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suspect_v he_o to_o be_v a_o false_a apostle_n who_o have_v so_o plain_o teach_v the_o abrogation_n thereof_o and_o for_o the_o like_a reason_n some_o other_o part_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n have_v be_v likewise_o reject_v by_o some_o few_o man_n that_o be_v not_o because_o they_o want_v the_o same_o attestation_n which_o the_o other_o part_n of_o it_o have_v or_o because_o it_o appear_v by_o credible_a history_n that_o they_o be_v spurious_a but_o only_o because_o they_o contradict_v too_o plain_o some_o notion_n which_o their_o former_a prejudices_fw-la or_o education_n have_v make_v they_o fond_a of_o so_o that_o this_o argument_n against_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n take_v from_o the_o rejection_n of_o some_o part_n of_o it_o by_o some_o particular_a man_n or_o sect_n be_v manifest_o of_o no_o strength_n unless_o there_o be_v some_o good_a reason_n for_o their_o reject_v they_o and_o that_o there_o be_v good_a reason_n for_o it_o have_v not_o yet_o be_v 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first_o publish_v and_o receive_v in_o the_o same_o place_n where_o they_o be_v write_v and_o 3._o that_o even_o those_o church_n which_o do_v for_o some_o time_n doubt_v of_o the_o authority_n of_o these_o book_n be_v persuade_v at_o last_o to_o receive_v they_o as_o the_o authentic_a write_n of_o the_o apostle_n or_o other_o inspire_a men._n if_o therefore_o it_o be_v suppose_v that_o while_o they_o doubt_v of_o these_o book_n they_o have_v reason_n for_o their_o doubt_n that_o be_v that_o they_o do_v it_o because_o they_o be_v not_o as_o yet_o full_o satisfy_v that_o they_o be_v apostolical_a write_n which_o the_o objector_n i_o believe_v will_v ready_o enough_o grant_v it_o may_v be_v very_o reasonable_o presume_v that_o they_o have_v afterward_o great_a reason_n to_o lay_v aside_o their_o doubt_n and_o that_o when_o they_o do_v receive_v
of_o the_o apostle_n or_o else_o in_o after_o time_n and_o if_o they_o be_v destroy_v by_o the_o christian_n this_o must_v have_v be_v do_v either_o soon_o after_o they_o be_v write_v or_o else_o after_o they_o have_v be_v for_o some_o time_n receive_v and_o allow_v as_o true_a history_n by_o the_o adversary_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n now_o if_o it_o be_v suppose_v that_o these_o book_n be_v not_o write_v till_o a_o good_a while_n after_o the_o apostle_n have_v preach_v and_o the_o evangelist_n write_v the_o gospel_n they_o be_v write_v too_o late_o to_o be_v of_o sufficient_a authority_n to_o weaken_v the_o credit_n of_o the_o gospel-history_n for_o how_o can_v those_o that_o be_v not_o bear_v when_o the_o thing_n record_v in_o the_o gospel_n be_v say_v to_o be_v do_v pretend_v to_o contradict_v the_o testimony_n of_o those_o who_o be_v live_v at_o that_o time_n and_o who_o testify_v either_o that_o they_o see_v they_o with_o their_o own_o eye_n or_o that_o they_o receive_v that_o account_n of_o they_o which_o they_o publish_v from_o very_o credible_a person_n who_o say_v they_o have_v be_v eye_n witness_n thereof_o but_o if_o it_o be_v suppose_v that_o these_o book_n be_v write_v soon_o even_o as_o soon_o almost_o as_o the_o evangelist_n write_v or_o the_o apostle_n begin_v to_o publish_v by_o their_o preach_v the_o gospel_n history_n then_o i_o say_v it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v be_v suppress_v and_o destroy_v by_o the_o christian_n either_o then_o or_o afterward_o not_o then_o for_o though_o we_o grant_v that_o christianity_n from_o the_o very_a first_o preach_v of_o it_o make_v a_o very_a swift_a progress_n in_o the_o world_n and_o from_o a_o beginning_n no_o big_a than_o a_o grain_n of_o mustardseed_n grow_v up_o quick_o to_o be_v a_o goodly_a tree_n shadow_v many_o nation_n under_o the_o branch_n of_o it_o yet_o it_o do_v not_o spring_v up_o like_o a_o mushroom_n in_o a_o night_n it_o do_v not_o grow_v to_o this_o bigness_n all_o at_o 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from_o thence_o with_o a_o stock_n of_o useful_a knowledge_n and_o with_o a_o firm_a resolution_n to_o lead_v our_o life_n according_a to_o the_o direction_n which_o they_o give_v we_o nay_o so_o far_o shall_v be_v from_o receive_v any_o advantage_n only_o by_o our_o have_v the_o holy_a scripture_n give_v we_o and_o free_a liberty_n allow_v we_o to_o look_v into_o they_o a_o privilege_n we_o of_o this_o nation_n have_v above_o most_o of_o our_o neighbour_n that_o if_o we_o do_v not_o read_v and_o study_v they_o it_o will_v be_v much_o the_o worse_o for_o we_o our_o condemnation_n will_v be_v the_o great_a and_o our_o destruction_n so_o much_o the_o more_o certain_a for_o the_o case_n of_o those_o who_o offend_v through_o ignorance_n when_o their_o ignorance_n be_v unaffected_a be_v very_o pitiable_a and_o though_o we_o can_v certain_o say_v how_o god_n will_v deal_v with_o those_o who_o have_v no_o clear_a revelation_n of_o his_o will_n make_v to_o they_o this_o we_o may_v be_v sure_a of_o that_o god_n who_o be_v a_o merciful_a god_n will_v deal_v merciful_o with_o they_o 15.22_o john_n 15.22_o if_o i_o have_v not_o come_v and_o speak_v unto_o they_o say_v our_o saviour_n they_o have_v not_o have_v sin_n but_o the_o case_n will_v be_v quite_o otherwise_o with_o those_o 12.47_o luke_n 12.47_o who_o know_v their_o master_n will_n and_o do_v not_o do_v it_o they_o as_o our_o saviour_n say_v shall_v be_v beat_v with_o many_o stripe_n and_o it_o will_v be_v all_o one_o if_o they_o do_v not_o know_v it_o if_o their_o ignorance_n of_o it_o be_v occasion_v by_o their_o own_o fault_n in_o neglect_v those_o mean_n of_o knowledge_n which_o god_n have_v afford_v they_o and_o much_o rather_o if_o their_o ignorance_n of_o their_o duty_n be_v affect_v and_o choose_v that_o they_o may_v sin_n with_o less_o disturbance_n of_o mind_n for_o our_o saviour_n judgement_n in_o this_o case_n be_v very_o plain_a and_o and_o it_o be_v his_o judgement_n by_o which_o we_o must_v stand_v or_o fall_v to_o all_o eternity_n joh._n iii._o 19_o this_o be_v the_o condemnation_n that_o light_n be_v come_v into_o the_o world_n and_o man_n love_v darkness_n rather_o than_o light_n because_o their_o deed_n be_v evil._n have_v therefore_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o also_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n continual_o preach_v to_o we_o in_o the_o book_n of_o holy_a scripture_n let_v we_o hear_v they_o this_o be_v both_o our_o duty_n and_o our_o interest_n and_o that_o our_o study_n of_o the_o scripture_n may_v be_v with_o good_a success_n and_o we_o may_v thereby_o be_v thorough_o furnish_v unto_o all_o good_a work_n let_v we_o pray_v as_o we_o be_v teach_v by_o our_o church_n in_o a_o most_o excellent_a collect_v suit_v to_o the_o subject_a i_o have_v be_v discourse_v of_o advent_n collect_v for_o 2d_o sunday_n in_o advent_n bless_a lord_n who_o have_v cause_v all_o holy_a scripture_n to_o be_v write_v for_o our_o learning_n grant_v that_o we_o may_v in_o such_o wise_a hear_v they_o read_z mark_v learn_v and_o inward_o digest_v they_o that_o by_o patience_n and_o comfort_n of_o thy_o holy_a word_n we_o may_v embrace_v and_o ever_o hold_v 〈◊〉_d â—he_v bless_v hope_n of_o everlasting_a life_n which_o thou_o have_v give_v we_o 〈…〉_o â—ur_n jesus_n christ_n amen_n finis_fw-la errata_fw-la page_n 55._o line_n 10._o for_o some_o read_v same_o