believe_v it_o so_o to_o be_v and_o then_o to_o believe_v the_o thing_n contain_v in_o it_o for_o this_o proposition_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v a_o divine_a revelation_n and_o so_o to_o be_v believe_v but_o god_n no_o where_o require_v nor_o ever_o do_v that_o we_o shall_v believe_v any_o divine_a revelation_n upon_o such_o ground_n much_o less_o on_o such_o ground_n and_o motive_n only_o they_o be_v leave_v unto_o we_o as_o consequential_a unto_o our_o believe_v to_o plead_v with_o other_o in_o behalf_n of_o what_o we_o profess_v and_o for_o the_o justification_n of_o it_o unto_o the_o world_n but_o that_o which_o require_v our_o faith_n and_o obedience_n unto_o in_o the_o receive_n of_o divine_a revelation_n whether_o immediate_o give_v and_o declare_v or_o as_o record_v in_o the_o scripture_n be_v his_o own_o authority_n and_o veracity_n i_o be_o the_o lord_n the_o high_a and_o lofty_a one._n thus_o say_v the_o lord_n to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n this_o be_v my_o son_n hear_v he_o all_o scripture_n be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n from_o god_n believe_v the_o lord_n and_o his_o prophet_n this_o alone_a be_v that_o which_o he_o require_v we_o to_o resolve_v our_o faith_n into_o so_o when_o he_o give_v unto_o we_o the_o law_n of_o our_o life_n the_o eternal_a and_o unchangeable_a rule_n of_o our_o obedience_n unto_o he_o in_o the_o ten_o commandment_n he_o give_v no_o other_o reason_n to_o oblige_v we_o thereunto_o but_o this_o only_a i_o be_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n the_o sole_a formal_a reason_n of_o all_o our_o obedience_n be_v take_v from_o his_o own_o nature_n and_o our_o relation_n unto_o he_o nor_o do_v he_o propose_v any_o other_o reason_n why_o we_o shall_v believe_v he_o or_o the_o revelation_n which_o he_o make_v of_o his_o mind_n and_o will._n and_o our_o faith_n be_v part_n of_o our_o obedience_n the_o root_n and_o principal_a part_n of_o it_o therefore_o the_o reason_n of_o both_o be_v the_o same_o neither_o do_v our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n nor_o his_o apostle_n ever_o make_v use_n of_o such_o argument_n or_o motive_n for_o the_o ingenerate_v of_o faith_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n nor_o have_v they_o give_v direction_n for_o the_o use_n of_o any_o such_o argument_n to_o this_o end_n and_o purpose_n but_o when_o they_o be_v accuse_v to_o have_v follow_v cunning_o devise_v fable_n they_o appeal_v unto_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n to_o the_o revelation_n they_o have_v themselves_o receive_v and_o those_o that_o be_v before_o record_v it_o be_v true_a they_o wrought_v miracle_n in_o confirmation_n of_o their_o own_o divine_a mission_n and_o of_o the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o teach_v but_o the_o miracle_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v all_o of_o they_o wrought_v among_o those_o who_o believe_v the_o whole_a scripture_n then_o give_v to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o those_o of_o the_o apostle_n be_v before_o the_o write_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n 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the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o for_o the_o defence_n of_o it_o against_o gainsayer_n and_o their_o objection_n their_o use_n have_v be_v grant_v and_o prove_v but_o from_o first_o to_o last_o in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n the_o authority_n and_o truth_n of_o god_n be_v constant_o and_o uniform_o propose_v as_o the_o immediate_a ground_n and_o reason_n of_o believe_v his_o revelation_n nor_o can_v it_o be_v prove_v that_o he_o do_v accept_v or_o approve_v of_o any_o kind_n of_o faith_n or_o assent_n but_o what_o be_v build_v thereon_o and_o resolve_v thereinto_o the_o sum_n be_v we_o be_v oblige_v in_o a_o way_n of_o duty_n to_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v a_o divine_a revelation_n when_o they_o be_v ministerial_o or_o providential_o propose_v unto_o we_o whereof_o afterward_o the_o ground_n whereon_o we_o be_v to_o receive_v they_o be_v the_o authority_n and_o veracity_n of_o god_n speak_v in_o they_o we_o believe_v they_o because_o they_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n now_o this_o faith_n whereby_o we_o so_o believe_v be_v divine_a and_o supernatural_a because_o the_o mal_fw-fr reason_n of_o it_o be_v so_o namely_o god_n truth_n and_o authority_n wherefore_o we_o do_v not_o nor_o aught_o to_o believe_v the_o scripture_n as_o high_o probable_a or_o with_o a_o moral_a persuasion_n and_o assurance_n build_v upon_o argument_n absolute_o fallible_a and_o humane_a only_o for_o if_o this_o be_v the_o formal_a reason_n of_o faith_n namely_o the_o veracity_n and_o authority_n of_o god_n if_o we_o believe_v not_o with_o faith_n divine_a and_o supernatural_a we_o believe_v not_o at_o all_o 2._o the_o moral_a certainty_n treat_v of_o be_v a_o mere_a effect_n of_o reason_n there_o be_v no_o more_o require_v unto_o it_o but_o that_o the_o reason_n propose_v for_o the_o assent_n require_v be_v such_o as_o the_o mind_n judge_v to_o be_v convince_a and_o prevalent_a whence_o a_o inferior_a kind_a of_o knowledge_n or_o a_o firm_a opinion_n or_o some_o kind_n of_o persuasion_n which_o have_v not_o yet_o get_v a_o intelligible_a name_n do_v necessary_o ensue_v there_o be_v therefore_o on_o this_o supposition_n no_o need_n of_o any_o work_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o enable_v we_o to_o believe_v or_o to_o work_v faith_n in_o we_o for_o no_o more_o be_v require_v herein_o but_o what_o necessary_o arise_v from_o a_o naked_a exercise_n of_o reason_n if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o enquiry_n be_v not_o about_o what_o be_v the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o we_o but_o concern_v the_o reason_n and_o motive_n to_o believe_v that_o be_v propose_v unto_o we_o i_o answer_v it_o be_v grant_v but_o that_o we_o urge_v herein_o be_v that_o the_o act_n which_o be_v exert_v on_o such_o motive_n or_o the_o persuasion_n which_o be_v beget_v in_o our_o mind_n by_o they_o be_v pure_o natural_a and_o such_o as_o require_v no_o especial_a work_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o we_o for_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o now_o this_o be_v not_o faith_n nor_o can_v we_o be_v say_v in_o the_o scripture_n sense_n to_o believe_v thereby_o and_o so_o in_o particular_a not_o the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o faith_n be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n and_o be_v not_o of_o ourselves_o ephes_n 2._o 8._o it_o be_v give_v unto_o some_o on_o the_o behalf_n of_o christ_n phil._n 1._o 29._o and_o not_o unto_o other_o mat._n 11._o 29._o chap._n 13._o 11._o but_o this_o assent_n on_o external_a argument_n and_o motive_n be_v of_o ourselves_o equal_o common_a and_o expose_v unto_o all_o no_o man_n can_v say_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o lord_n but_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 1_o cor._n 12._o 3._o but_o he_o who_o believe_v the_o scripture_n true_o aright_o and_o according_a to_o his_o duty_n do_v say_v so_o no_o man_n come_v to_o christ_n but_o he_o that_o have_v hear_v and_o learn_v of_o the_o father_n john_n 6._o 45._o and_o as_o this_o be_v contrary_n to_o the_o scripture_n so_o it_o be_v express_o condemn_v by_o the_o ancient_a church_n particular_o by_o the_o second_o arausican_n council_n can._n 5._o 7._o si_fw-mi quis_fw-la sicut_fw-la augmentum_fw-la ita_fw-la etià m_fw-la initium_fw-la fidei_fw-la ipsumque_fw-la credulitatis_fw-la affectum_fw-la non_fw-la per_fw-la gratiae_fw-la donum_fw-la id_fw-la est_fw-la per_fw-la inspirationem_fw-la spiritus_fw-la sancti_fw-la corrigentem_fw-la voluntatem_fw-la nostram_fw-la ab_fw-la infidelitate_fw-la ad_fw-la fidem_fw-la ab_fw-la impietate_fw-la ad_fw-la pietatem_fw-la sed_fw-la naturalitèr_fw-la nobis_fw-la inesse_fw-la dicit_fw-la apostolicis_fw-la dogmatibus_fw-la adversarius_fw-la approbatur_fw-la and_o plain_o can._n 7._o si_fw-mi quis_fw-la per_fw-la naturae_fw-la vigorem_fw-la bonum_fw-la aliquod_fw-la quod_fw-la ad_fw-la salutem_fw-la pertinet_fw-la aquavitae_fw-la eternae_fw-la cogitare_fw-la ut_fw-la expedit_fw-la aut_fw-la eligere_fw-la sive_fw-la salutari_fw-la id_fw-la est_fw-la evangelicae_fw-la praedicaiioni_fw-la consentire_fw-la
be_v mistake_v but_o only_o its_o own_o divine_a original_a and_o authority_n make_v our_o duty_n necessary_a and_o secure_v our_o faith_n infallible_o and_o those_o testimony_n be_v with_o i_o of_o more_o weight_n a_o thousand_o time_n than_o the_o plausible_a reason_n of_o any_o to_o the_o contrary_n with_o some_o indeed_o it_o be_v grow_v a_o matter_n of_o contempt_n to_o quote_v or_o cite_v the_o scripture_n in_o our_o write_n such_o reverence_n have_v they_o for_o the_o ancient_a father_n some_o of_o who_o write_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o perpetual_a contexture_n of_o scripture_n but_o for_o such_o who_o pretend_v to_o despise_v those_o testimony_n in_o this_o case_n it_o be_v because_o either_o they_o do_v not_o understand_v what_o they_o be_v produce_v to_o confirm_v or_o can_v answer_v the_o proof_n that_o be_v in_o they_o for_o it_o be_v not_o unlikely_a but_o that_o some_o person_n well_o conceit_v of_o their_o own_o understanding_n in_o thing_n wherein_o they_o be_v most_o ignorant_a will_v pride_n and_o please_v themselves_o in_o the_o ridiculousness_n of_o prove_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n by_o testimony_n take_v out_o of_o it_o but_o as_o be_v say_v we_o must_v not_o forgo_v the_o truth_n because_o either_o they_o will_v not_o or_o can_v understand_v what_o we_o discourse_v about_o 2._o our_o assertion_n be_v confirm_v by_o the_o uniform_a practice_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n and_o all_o the_o penman_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o propose_v these_o divine_a revelation_n which_o they_o receive_v by_o immediate_a inspiration_n from_o god_n for_o that_o which_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o their_o faith_n unto_o who_o they_o first_o declare_v those_o divine_a revelation_n be_v the_o reason_n of_o our_o faith_n now_o they_o be_v record_v in_o the_o scripture_n for_o the_o write_n of_o it_o be_v by_o god_n appointment_n it_o come_v into_o the_o room_n and_o supply_v the_o place_n of_o their_o oral_a ministry_n on_o what_o ground_n soever_o man_n be_v oblige_v to_o receive_v and_o believe_v divine_a revelation_n when_o make_v unto_o they_o by_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n on_o the_o same_o be_v we_o oblige_v to_o receive_v and_o believe_v they_o now_o they_o be_v make_v unto_o we_o in_o the_o scripture_n the_o write_v be_v by_o divine_a inspiration_n and_o appoint_v as_o the_o mean_n and_o cause_n of_o our_o faith_n it_o be_v true_a god_n be_v please_v sometime_o to_o bear_v witness_n unto_o their_o personal_a ministry_n by_o miracle_n or_o sign_n and_o wonder_n as_o heb._n 2._o 4._o god_n bear_v they_o witness_n but_o this_o be_v only_o at_o some_o season_n and_o with_o some_o of_o they_o that_o which_o they_o universal_o insist_v on_o whether_o they_o wrought_v any_o miracle_n or_o no_o be_v that_o the_o word_n which_o they_o preach_v declare_v write_v be_v not_o the_o word_n of_o man_n come_v not_o by_o any_o private_a suggestion_n or_o from_o any_o invention_n of_o their_o own_o but_o be_v indeed_o the_o word_n of_o god_n 1_o thes._n 2._o 13._o and_o declare_v by_o they_o as_o they_o be_v act_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 2_o pet._n 1._o 21._o under_o the_o old_a testament_n although_o the_o prophet_n sometime_o refer_v person_n unto_o the_o word_n already_o write_v as_o that_o which_o their_o faith_n be_v to_o acquiesce_v in_o isa._n 8._o 20_o mal._n 4._o 4._o set_v out_o its_o power_n and_o excellency_n for_o all_o the_o end_n of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n psal._n 19_o 7_o 8_o 9_o psal._n 119._o and_o not_o to_o any_o thing_n else_o nor_o to_o any_o other_o motive_n or_o argument_n to_o beget_v and_o require_v faith_n but_o it_o be_v own_o authority_n only_o yet_o as_o to_o their_o own_o especial_a message_n and_o revelation_n they_o lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o the_o faith_n and_o obedience_n which_o they_o require_v in_o this_o alone_a thus_o say_v the_o lord_n the_o god_n of_o truth_n and_o under_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o infallible_a preacher_n and_o writer_n thereof_o do_v in_o the_o first_o place_n propose_v the_o write_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n to_o be_v receive_v for_o their_o own_o sake_n or_o on_o the_o account_n of_o their_o divine_a original_a see_v john_n 45._o 46_o 47._o luk._n 16._o 29_o 31._o mat._n 21._o 42._o act_n 18._o 24_o 25_o 28._o act_n 24._o 14._o chap._n 26._o 22._o 2_o pet._n 1._o 21._o hence_o be_v they_o call_v the_o oracle_n of_o god_n rom._n 3._o 2._o and_o oracle_n always_o require_v a_o assent_n for_o their_o own_o sake_n and_o other_o evidence_n they_o plead_v none_o and_o for_o the_o revelation_n which_o they_o superad_v they_o plead_v that_o they_o have_v they_o immediate_o from_o god_n by_o jesus_n christ_n gal._n 1._o 1._o and_o this_o be_v accompany_v with_o such_o a_o infallible_a assurance_n in_o they_o that_o receive_v it_o as_o to_o be_v prefer_v above_o a_o supposition_n of_o the_o high_a miracle_n to_o confirm_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o contrary_a gal._n 1._o 8._o for_o if_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n shall_v have_v preach_v any_o other_o doctrine_n than_o what_o they_o reveal_v and_o propose_v in_o the_o name_n and_o authority_n of_o god_n they_o be_v to_o esteem_v he_o accurse_v for_o this_o cause_n they_o still_o insist_v on_o their_o apostolical_a authority_n and_o mission_n which_o include_v infallible_a inspiration_n and_o direction_n as_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o they_o unto_o who_o they_o preach_v and_o write_v and_o as_o for_o those_o who_o be_v not_o themselves_o divine_o inspire_v or_o wherein_o those_o that_o be_v so_o do_v not_o act_v by_o immediate_a inspiration_n they_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o they_o deliver_v by_o its_o consonancy_n unto_o the_o scripture_n already_o write_v refer_v the_o mind_n and_o conscience_n of_o man_n unto_o they_o for_o their_o ultimate_a satisfaction_n act_v 18._o 28._o chap._n 28._o 33._o 3._o it_o be_v before_o grant_v that_o there_o be_v require_v as_o subservient_fw-fr unto_o believe_v as_o a_o mean_n of_o it_o or_o the_o resolution_n of_o our_o faith_n into_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n in_o the_o scripture_n the_o ministerial_a proposal_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o truth_n contain_v in_o they_o with_o the_o command_n of_o god_n for_o obedience_n unto_o they_o rom._n 16._o 25._o 26._o this_o ministry_n of_o the_o church_n either_o extraordinary_a or_o ordinary_a god_n have_v appoint_v unto_o this_o end_n and_o ordinary_o it_o be_v indispensible_a thereunto_o rom._n 10._o 14_o 15._o how_o shall_v they_o believe_v in_o he_o of_o who_o they_o have_v not_o hear_v and_o how_o shall_v they_o hear_v without_o a_o preacher_n and_o how_o shall_v they_o preach_v unless_o they_o be_v send_v without_o this_o ordinary_o we_o can_v believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n nor_o the_o thing_n contain_v in_o it_o to_o be_v from_o he_o though_o we_o do_v not_o believe_v either_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o for_o it_o i_o do_v grant_v that_o in_o extraordinary_a case_n outward_a providence_n may_v supply_v the_o room_n of_o this_o ministerial_a proposal_n for_o it_o be_v all_o one_o as_o unto_o our_o duty_n by_o what_o mean_v the_o scripture_n be_v bring_v unto_o we_o but_o upon_o a_o supposition_n of_o this_o ministerial_a proposal_n of_o the_o word_n which_o ordinary_o include_v the_o whole_a duty_n of_o the_o church_n in_o its_o testimony_n and_o declaration_n of_o the_o truth_n i_o desire_v to_o know_v whether_o those_o unto_o who_o it_o be_v propose_v be_v oblige_v without_o further_a external_a evidence_n to_o receive_v it_o as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o rest_v their_o faith_n in_o it_o and_o submit_v their_o conscience_n unto_o it_o the_o rule_n seem_v plain_a that_o they_o be_v oblige_v so_o to_o do_v mark_v 16._o 16._o we_o may_v consider_v this_o under_o the_o distinct_a way_n of_o its_o proposal_n extraordinary_a and_o ordinary_a upon_o the_o preach_a of_o any_o of_o the_o prophet_n by_o immediate_a inspiration_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n or_o on_o their_o declaration_n of_o any_o new_a revelation_n they_o have_v from_o god_n by_o preach_v or_o write_v suppose_v isaiah_n or_o jeremiah_n i_o desire_v to_o know_v whether_o or_o no_o all_o person_n be_v bind_v to_o receive_v their_o doctrine_n as_o from_o god_n to_o believe_v and_o submit_v unto_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n in_o the_o revelation_n make_v by_o he_o without_o any_o external_a motive_n or_o argument_n or_o the_o testimony_n or_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n witness_v thereunto_o if_o they_o be_v not_o then_o be_v they_o all_o excuse_v as_o guiltless_a who_o refuse_v to_o believe_v the_o message_n they_o declare_v in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n and_o in_o despise_v the_o warning_n and_o instruction_n which_o they_o give_v they_o for_o external_a motive_n they_o use_v not_o and_o the_o present_a church_n most_o
property_n be_v to_o level_v the_o ground_n and_o to_o remove_v the_o rubbish_n of_o objection_n out_o of_o the_o way_n that_o we_o may_v build_v the_o safe_a on_o the_o sure_a foundation_n i_o shall_v mention_v some_o of_o those_o which_o i_o esteem_v just_o pleadable_a in_o this_o cause_n and_o 1._o the_o antiquity_n of_o these_o write_n and_o of_o the_o divine_a revelation_n contain_v in_o they_o be_v plead_v in_o evidence_n of_o their_o divine_a original_a and_o it_o may_v be_v so_o deserve_o for_o where_o it_o be_v absolute_a it_o be_v unquestionable_a that_o which_o be_v most_o ancient_a in_o any_o kind_n be_v most_o true_a god_n himself_o make_v use_v of_o this_o plea_n against_o idol_n isa._n 43._o 10_o 11_o 12._o you_o be_v my_o witness_n say_v the_o lord_n i_o even_o i_o be_o the_o lord_n and_o beside_o i_o there_o be_v no_o saviour_n i_o have_v declare_v and_o have_v save_v and_o i_o have_v show_v when_o there_o be_v no_o strange_a god_n among_o you_o therefore_o you_o be_v my_o witness_n say_v the_o lord_n that_o i_o be_o god_n that_o which_o he_o assert_n be_v that_o he_o alone_o be_v god_n and_o no_o other_o this_o he_o call_v the_o people_n to_o testify_v by_o this_o argument_n that_o he_o be_v among_o they_o as_o god_n that_o be_v in_o the_o church_n before_o any_o strange_a god_n be_v know_v or_o name_v and_o so_o it_o be_v just_o plead_v in_o the_o behalf_n of_o this_o revelation_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n in_o the_o scripture_n it_o be_v in_o the_o world_n long_o before_o any_o other_o thing_n or_o write_v pretend_v to_o be_v give_v unto_o the_o same_o end_n whatever_o therefore_o ensue_v with_o the_o like_a design_n must_v either_o be_v set_v up_o in_o competition_n with_o it_o or_o opposition_n unto_o it_o above_o which_o it_o have_v its_o advantage_n mere_o from_o its_o antiquity_n whereas_o therefore_o this_o write_n in_o the_o first_o book_n of_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v ancient_a than_o any_o other_o that_o be_v extant_a in_o the_o world_n or_o indeed_o that_o ever_o be_v so_o and_o may_v be_v prove_v so_o to_o be_v it_o be_v beyond_o all_o reasonable_a apprehension_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v of_o humane_a original_a for_o we_o know_v how_o low_o weak_a and_o imperfect_a all_o humane_a invention_n be_v at_o the_o first_o how_o rude_a and_o unpolished_a in_o every_o kind_n until_o time_n observation_n follow_v addition_n and_o diminution_n have_v shape_v form_v and_o improve_v they_o but_o this_o write_n come_v forth_o in_o the_o world_n absolute_o the_o first_o in_o its_o kind_n direct_v we_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o ourselves_o be_v at_o first_o and_o at_o once_o so_o absolute_o complete_a and_o perfect_a that_o no_o art_n industry_n or_o wisdom_n of_o man_n can_v ever_o yet_o find_v any_o just_a defect_n in_o it_o or_o be_v able_a to_o add_v any_o thing_n unto_o it_o whereby_o it_o may_v be_v better_v or_o improve_v neither_o from_o the_o beginning_n will_v it_o ever_o admit_v of_o any_o addition_n unto_o it_o but_o what_o come_v from_o the_o same_o fountain_n of_o divine_a revelation_n and_o inspirarion_n clear_v itself_o in_o all_o age_n from_o all_o addition_n and_o superfetation_n of_o man_n whatever_o this_o at_o least_o put_v a_o singular_a character_n upon_o this_o book_n and_o represent_v it_o with_o that_o reverend_a awe_n and_o majesty_n that_o it_o be_v the_o high_a petulancy_n not_o to_o pay_v it_o a_o sacred_a respect_n this_o argument_n be_v pursue_v by_o many_o at_o large_a as_o that_o which_o afford_v great_a variety_n of_o historical_a and_o chronological_a observation_n and_o it_o have_v be_v so_o scan_v and_o improve_v that_o nothing_o but_o the_o give_v of_o it_o a_o new_a dress_n remain_v for_o present_a or_o future_a diligence_n but_o the_o real_a force_n of_o it_o lie_v in_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o people_n by_z and_o among_o who_o this_o revelation_n first_o commence_v in_o the_o world_n and_o the_o time_n wherein_o it_o do_v so_o when_o some_o nation_n have_v so_o improve_v and_o cultivate_v the_o light_n of_o nature_n as_o great_o to_o excel_v other_o in_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n they_o general_o look_v upon_o the_o people_n of_o the_o jew_n as_o ignorant_a and_o barbarous_a and_o the_o more_o wise_a any_o of_o they_o conceive_v themselves_o the_o more_o they_o despise_v they_o and_o indeed_o they_o be_v utter_a stranger_n unto_o all_o those_o art_n and_o science_n whereby_o the_o faculty_n of_o man_n mind_n be_v natural_o enlighten_v and_o enlarge_v nor_o do_v they_o pretend_v unto_o any_o wisdom_n whereby_o to_o stand_v in_o competition_n with_o other_o nation_n but_o only_o what_o they_o receive_v by_o divine_a revelation_n this_o alone_a god_n himself_o have_v teach_v they_o to_o look_v upon_o &_o esteem_v as_o their_o only_a wisdom_n before_o all_o the_o world_n deut._n 4._o 6_o 7_o 8._o now_o we_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o consider_v what_o be_v the_o first_o attempt_v of_o other_o nation_n in_o express_v their_o conception_n concern_v thing_n divine_a the_o duty_n and_o happiness_n of_o man._n the_o egyptian_n and_o grecian_n be_v those_o who_o vie_v for_o reputation_n in_o the_o improvement_n of_o this_o wisdom_n but_o it_o be_v know_v and_o confess_v that_o the_o utmost_a production_n of_o their_o endeavour_n be_v thing_n foolish_a irrational_a and_o absurd_a contrary_a to_o the_o be_v and_o providence_n of_o god_n to_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n lead_v mankind_n into_o a_o maze_n of_o folly_n and_o wickedness_n but_o we_o may_v consider_v what_o they_o attain_v unto_o in_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n by_o their_o utmost_a improvement_n of_o science_n wisdom_n mutual_a intelligence_n experience_n communication_n laborious_a study_n and_o observation_n when_o they_o have_v add_v and_o subduct_v to_o and_o from_o the_o invention_n of_o all_o former_a age_n from_o time_n immemorial_n when_o they_o have_v use_v and_o improve_v the_o reason_n wisdom_n invention_n and_o conjecture_n of_o all_o that_o go_v before_o they_o in_o the_o study_n of_o this_o wisdom_n and_o have_v discard_v whatever_o they_o have_v find_v by_o experience_n unsuit_v to_o natural_a light_n and_o the_o common_a reason_n of_o mankind_n yet_o it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o the_o apostle_n pass_v a_o just_a censure_n on_o the_o utmost_a of_o their_o attainment_n namely_o that_o they_o wax_v vain_a in_o their_o imagination_n and_o the_o world_n in_o wisdom_n know_v not_o god_n whence_o then_o be_v it_o that_o in_o one_o nation_n esteem_v barbarous_a and_o real_o so_o with_o respect_n unto_o that_o wisdom_n those_o art_n and_o science_n which_o ennoble_v other_o nation_n from_o that_o antiquity_n wherein_o it_o be_v not_o pretend_v that_o reason_n and_o wisdom_n have_v receive_v any_o considerable_a improvement_n without_o converse_n communication_n learning_n or_o experience_n there_o shall_v at_o once_o proceed_v such_o a_o law_n doctrine_n and_o instruction_n concern_v god_n and_o man_n so_o stable_n certain_a uniform_a as_o shall_v not_o only_o incomparable_o excel_v all_o product_n of_o humane_a wisdom_n unto_o that_o purpose_n however_o advantage_v by_o time_n and_o experience_n but_o also_o abide_v invariable_a throughout_o all_o generation_n so_o as_o that_o whatever_o have_v be_v advance_v in_o opposition_n unto_o it_o or_o but_o differ_v from_o it_o have_v quick_o sink_v under_o the_o weight_n of_o its_o own_o unreasonableness_n and_o folly_n this_o one_o consideration_n unless_o man_n have_v a_o mind_n to_o be_v contentious_a give_v sufficient_a satisfaction_n that_o this_o book_n can_v have_v no_o other_o original_a but_o what_o it_o plead_v for_o itself_o namely_o a_o immediate_a emanation_n from_o god_n 2._o it_o be_v apparent_a that_o god_n in_o all_o age_n have_v have_v a_o great_a regard_n unto_o it_o and_o act_v his_o power_n and_o care_n in_o its_o preservation_n be_v not_o the_o bible_n what_o it_o pretend_v to_o be_v there_o have_v be_v nothing_o more_o suitable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o more_o become_v divine_a providence_n then_o long_o since_o to_o have_v blot_v it_o out_o of_o the_o world_n for_o to_o suffer_v a_o book_n to_o be_v in_o the_o world_n from_o the_o begin_n of_o time_n false_o pretend_v his_o name_n and_o authority_n seduce_v so_o great_a a_o portion_n of_o mankind_n into_o a_o pernicious_a and_o ruinous_a apostasy_n from_o he_o as_o it_o must_v do_v and_o do_v if_o it_o be_v not_o of_o a_o divine_a original_a and_o expose_v unconceivable_a multitude_n of_o the_o best_a wise_a and_o sober_a among_o they_o unto_o all_o sort_n of_o bloody_a misery_n which_o they_o have_v undergo_v in_o the_o behalf_n of_o it_o seem_v not_o consonant_a unto_o that_o infinite_a goodness_n wisdom_n and_o care_v wherewith_o this_o world_n be_v govern_v from_o above_o but_o on_o the_o contrary_a whereas_o the_o malicious_a craft_n of_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
place_n that_o the_o plea_n hitherto_o insist_v on_o can_v be_v manage_v without_o great_a disadvantage_n to_o christian_a religion_n for_o if_o we_o take_v away_o the_o rational_a ground_n on_o which_o we_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v true_a and_o divine_a and_o the_o whole_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o be_v lay_v on_o thing_n not_o only_o deride_v by_o man_n of_o atheistical_a spirit_n but_o in_o themselves_o such_o as_o can_v be_v discern_v by_o any_o but_o such_o as_o do_v believe_v on_o what_o ground_n can_v we_o proceed_v to_o convince_v a_o unbeliever_n answer_v 1_o by_o the_o way_n it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o prove_v and_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v true_a and_o divine_a another_o to_o prove_v and_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n of_o god_n or_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o alone_o be_v propose_v unto_o consideration_n a_o doctrine_n true_a and_o divine_a may_v be_v write_v in_o and_o propose_v unto_o we_o by_o write_n that_o be_v not_o divine_o and_o infallible_o inspire_v and_o so_o may_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n have_v be_v but_o not_o without_o the_o unspeakable_a disadvantage_n of_o the_o church_n and_o there_o be_v sundry_a argument_n which_o forcible_o and_o effectual_o prove_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n to_o have_v be_v true_a and_o divine_a which_o be_v not_o of_o any_o efficacy_n to_o prove_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n though_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n whatever_o do_v prove_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n do_v equal_o prove_v the_o divine_a truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ._n 2._o there_o be_v two_o way_n of_o convince_a unbeliever_n the_o one_o insist_v on_o by_o the_o apostle_n and_o their_o follower_n the_o other_o by_o some_o learned_a man_n since_o their_o day_n the_o way_n principal_o insist_v on_o by_o the_o apostle_n be_v by_o preach_v the_o word_n itself_o unto_o they_o in_o the_o evidence_n and_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n by_o the_o power_n whereof_o manifest_v the_o authority_n of_o god_n in_o it_o they_o be_v convince_v and_o fall_v down_o acknowledge_v god_n to_o be_v in_o it_o of_o a_o truth_n 1_o cor._n 2._o 4_o 5._o ch_z 14._o 25_o 26._o it_o be_v likely_a that_o in_o this_o their_o proposal_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o doctrine_n and_o truth_n contain_v in_o it_o unto_o unbeliever_n that_o those_o of_o atheistical_a spirit_n will_v both_o deride_v they_o and_o it_o and_o so_o indeed_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v many_o esteem_v themselves_o to_o be_v babbler_n and_o their_o doctrine_n to_o be_v errant_a folly_n but_o yet_o they_o desist_v not_o from_o pursue_v their_o work_n in_o the_o same_o way_n whereunto_o god_n give_v success_n the_o other_o way_n be_v to_o prove_v unto_o unbeliever_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v true_a and_o divine_a by_o rational_a argument_n wherein_o some_o learned_a person_n have_v labour_v especial_o in_o these_o last_o age_n to_o very_o good_a purpose_n and_o certain_o their_o labour_n be_v great_o to_o be_v commend_v whilst_o they_o attend_v unto_o these_o rule_n 1._o that_o they_o produce_v no_o argument_n but_o such_o as_o be_v cogent_a and_o not_o liable_a unto_o just_a exception_n for_o if_o to_o manifest_v their_o own_o skill_n or_o learning_n they_o plead_v such_o reason_n as_o be_v capable_a of_o a_o answer_n and_o solution_n they_o exceed_o prejudice_v the_o truth_n by_o subject_v it_o unto_o dubious_a disputation_n whereas_o in_o itself_o it_o be_v clear_a firm_a and_o sacred_a 2._o that_o they_o do_v not_o pretend_v their_o rational_a ground_n and_o argument_n to_o be_v the_o sole_a foundation_n that_o faith_n have_v to_o rest_v upon_o or_o which_o it_o be_v resolve_v into_o for_o this_o be_v the_o ready_a way_n to_o set_v up_o a_o opinion_n instead_o of_o faith_n supernatural_a and_o divine_a accept_v but_o of_o these_o two_o limitation_n and_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v that_o the_o rational_a ground_n and_o argument_n intend_v may_v be_v rational_o plead_v and_o aught_o so_o to_o be_v unto_o the_o conviction_n of_o gainsayer_n for_o no_o man_n do_v so_o plead_v the_o self-evidencing_a power_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o to_o deny_v that_o the_o use_v of_o other_o external_a motive_n and_o argument_n be_v necessary_a to_o stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o atheist_n as_o also_o unto_o the_o further_a establishment_n of_o they_o who_o do_v believe_v these_o thing_n be_v subordinate_a and_o no_o way_n inconsistent_a the_o truth_n be_v if_o we_o will_v attend_v unto_o our_o own_o and_o the_o experience_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o god_n the_o way_n whereby_o we_o come_v to_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n ordinary_o be_v this_o and_o no_o other_o god_n have_v first_o give_v his_o word_n as_o the_o foundation_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o obedience_n have_v appoint_v the_o ministry_n of_o man_n at_o first_o extraordinary_a afterward_o ordinary_a to_o propose_v unto_o we_o the_o doctrine_n truth_n precept_n promise_n and_o threaten_n contain_v therein_o together_o with_o this_o proposition_n of_o they_o they_o be_v appoint_v to_o declare_v that_o these_o thing_n be_v not_o from_o themselves_o nor_o of_o their_o own_o invention_n 2_o tim._n 3._o 14_o 15_o 16_o 17._o and_o this_o be_v do_v various_o unto_o some_o the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o this_o ministry_n thus_o come_v or_o be_v thus_o propose_v preach_v or_o declare_v whilst_o they_o be_v in_o a_o condition_n not_o only_o utter_o unacquainted_a with_o the_o mystery_n of_o it_o but_o fill_v with_o contrary_a apprehension_n and_o consequent_o prejudices_fw-la against_o it_o thus_o it_o come_v of_o old_a unto_o the_o pagan_a world_n and_o must_v do_v so_o unto_o such_o person_n and_o nation_n as_o be_v yet_o in_o the_o same_o state_n with_o they_o unto_o these_o the_o first_o preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v not_o produce_v the_o book_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o tell_v they_o that_o it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o that_o it_o will_v evidence_n itself_o unto_o they_o so_o to_o be_v for_o this_o have_v be_v to_o despise_v the_o wisdom_n and_o authority_n of_o god_n in_o their_o own_o ministry_n but_o they_o preach_v the_o doctrine_n of_o it_o unto_o they_o ground_v themselves_o on_o the_o divine_a revelation_n contain_v therein_o and_o this_o proposition_n of_o the_o truth_n or_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n be_v not_o leave_v of_o god_n to_o work_v itself_o into_o the_o reason_n of_o man_n by_o the_o suitableness_n of_o it_o thereunto_o but_o be_v his_o own_o institution_n for_o their_o illumination_n and_o conversion_n he_o accompany_v it_o with_o divine_a power_n and_o make_v it_o effectual_a unto_o the_o end_v design_v rom._n 1._o 16._o and_o the_o event_n hereof_o among_o mankind_n be_v that_o by_o some_o this_o new_a doctrine_n be_v deride_v and_o scorn_v by_o other_o who_o heart_n god_n open_v to_o attend_v unto_o it_o it_o be_v embrace_v and_o submit_v unto_o among_o those_o who_o after_o the_o propagation_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v bear_v as_o they_o say_v within_o the_o pale_a of_o the_o church_n the_o same_o doctrine_n be_v various_o instill_v into_o person_n according_a unto_o the_o several_a duty_n and_o concern_v of_o other_o to_o instruct_v they_o principal_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n be_v ordain_v of_o god_n unto_o that_o end_n whereon_o the_o church_n be_v the_o ground_n and_o pillar_n of_o truth_n those_o of_o both_o sort_n unto_o who_o the_o doctrine_n mention_v be_v preach_v or_o propose_v be_v direct_v unto_o the_o scripture_n as_o the_o sacred_a repository_n thereof_o for_o they_o be_v tell_v that_o these_o thing_n come_v by_o revelation_n from_o god_n and_o that_o revelation_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o bible_n which_o be_v his_o word_n upon_o this_o proposal_n with_o enquiry_n into_o it_o and_o consideration_n of_o it_o god_n cooperate_a by_o his_o spirit_n there_o be_v that_o evidence_n of_o its_o divine_a original_a communicate_v unto_o their_o mind_n through_o its_o power_n and_o efficacy_n with_o the_o character_n of_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o holiness_n implant_v on_o it_o which_o they_o be_v now_o enable_v to_o discern_v that_o they_o believe_v it_o and_o rest_n in_o it_o as_o the_o immediate_a word_n of_o god_n thus_o be_v it_o in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o woman_n of_o samaria_n and_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o sychar_n with_o respect_n unto_o their_o faith_n in_o christ_n jesus_n john_n 4._o 42._o this_o be_v the_o way_n whereby_o man_n ordinary_o be_v bring_v to_o believe_v the_o word_n of_o god_n rom._n 10._o 14_o 15._o and_o that_o neither_o by_o external_a argument_n or_o motive_n which_o no_o one_o soul_n be_v ever_o convert_v unto_o god_n by_o nor_o by_o any_o mere_a naked_a proposal_n and_o offer_n of_o the_o book_n unto_o they_o
the_o help_n of_o other_o mean_n 4._o on_o these_o supposition_n i_o fear_v not_o to_o affirm_v that_o there_o be_v on_o every_o individual_a book_n of_o the_o scripture_n particular_o those_o name_v those_o divine_a character_n and_o criteria_n which_o be_v sufficient_a to_o difference_n they_o from_o all_o other_o write_n whatever_n and_o to_o testify_v their_o divine_a authority_n unto_o the_o mind_n and_o conscience_n of_o believer_n i_o say_v of_o believer_n for_o we_o inquire_v not_o on_o what_o ground_n unbeliever_n or_o those_o who_o do_v not_o believe_v do_v believe_v the_o word_n of_o god_n nor_o yet_o direct_o on_o what_o outward_a motive_n such_o person_n may_v be_v induce_v so_o to_o do_v but_o our_o sole_a enquiry_n at_o present_a be_v what_o the_o faith_n of_o they_o who_o do_v believe_v be_v resolve_v into_o it_o be_v not_o therefore_o say_v that_o when_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n for_o we_o acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v the_o same_o reason_n of_o the_o first_o give_v out_o of_o divine_a revelation_n as_o be_v of_o the_o scripture_n come_v and_o preach_v unto_o the_o jew_n that_o those_o mere_a word_n i_o be_o the_o light_n of_o the_o world_n or_o the_o like_a have_v all_o this_o evidence_n in_o they_o or_o with_o they_o for_o nothing_o he_o say_v of_o that_o kind_n may_v be_v separate_v from_o its_o circumstance_n but_o suppose_v the_o testimony_n give_v in_o the_o scripture_n before_o hand_n to_o his_o person_n work_n time_n and_o manner_n of_o come_v with_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n with_o he_o in_o the_o declaration_n that_o he_o make_v of_o his_o doctrine_n and_o himself_o to_o be_v the_o messiah_n the_o jew_n be_v bind_v to_o believe_v what_o he_o teach_v and_o himself_o to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n and_o so_o do_v many_o of_o they_o upon_o his_o preach_a only_o john_n 4._o 42._o and_o in_o like_a manner_n they_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o john_n baptist_n and_o to_o submit_v unto_o his_o institution_n although_o he_o wrought_v no_o miracle_n and_o those_o who_o do_v not_o reject_v the_o counsel_n of_o god_n for_o their_o good_a and_o perish_v in_o their_o unbelief_n but_o although_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n wrought_v no_o miracle_n to_o prove_v the_o scripture_n then_o extant_a to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n see_v he_o wrought_v they_o among_o such_o only_a as_o by_o who_o that_o be_v firm_o believe_v yet_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n see_v it_o necessary_a to_o confirm_v his_o personal_a ministry_n by_o they_o and_o without_o a_o sense_n of_o the_o power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o the_o divine_a truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n propose_v miracle_n themselves_o will_v be_v despise_v so_o they_o be_v by_o some_o who_o be_v afterward_o convert_v by_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o word_n act_v 2._o 13._o chap._n 3._o 7_o 8._o or_o they_o will_v produce_v only_o a_o false_a faith_n or_o a_o ravish_a assent_n upon_o a_o amazement_n that_o will_v not_o abide_v act_v 8._o 13_o 21._o appendix_n a_o summary_n representation_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o reason_n of_o that_o faith_n wherewith_o we_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n with_o some_o attestation_n give_v unto_o the_o substance_n of_o what_o have_v be_v deliver_v concern_v it_o shall_v give_v a_o close_a to_o this_o discourse_n as_o to_o the_o first_o part_n of_o this_o design_n the_o thing_n that_o follow_v be_v propose_v i._o unto_o the_o enquiry_n on_o what_o ground_n or_o for_o what_o reason_n we_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n many_o thing_n be_v suppose_v as_o on_o all_o hand_n agree_v upon_o who_o demonstration_n or_o proof_n belong_v not_o unto_o our_o present_a work_n such_o be_v 1._o the_o be_v of_o god_n and_o his_o self-subsistence_n with_o all_o the_o essential_a property_n of_o his_o nature_n 2._o our_o relation_n unto_o he_o and_o dependence_n on_o he_o as_o our_o creator_n benefactor_n preserver_n judge_n and_o rewarder_n both_o as_o unto_o thing_n temporal_a and_o eternal_a wherefore_o 3._o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d whatever_o may_v be_v know_v of_o god_n by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n whatever_o be_v manifest_a in_o or_o from_o the_o work_n of_o creation_n or_o providence_n and_o necessary_a act_n of_o conscience_n as_o to_o the_o be_v rule_n and_o authority_n of_o god_n be_v suppose_v as_o acknowledge_v in_o this_o enquiry_n 4._o that_o beyond_o the_o conduct_n and_o guidance_n of_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n that_o man_n may_v live_v unto_o god_n believe_v and_o put_v their_o trust_n in_o he_o according_a to_o their_o duty_n in_o that_o obedience_n which_o he_o require_v of_o they_o so_o as_o to_o come_v unto_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o he_o a_o supernatural_a revelation_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o will_n unto_o they_o especial_o in_o that_o condition_n wherein_o all_o mankind_n be_v since_o the_o entrance_n of_o sin_n be_v necessary_a 5._o that_o all_o those_o unto_o who_o god_n have_v grant_v divine_a revelation_n immediate_o from_o himself_o for_o their_o own_o use_n and_o that_o of_o all_o other_o man_n unto_o who_o they_o be_v to_o be_v communicate_v be_v infallible_o assure_v that_o they_o come_v from_o god_n and_o that_o their_o mind_n be_v no_o way_n impose_v on_o in_o they_o 6._o that_o all_o these_o divine_a revelation_n so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v any_o way_n necessary_a to_o guide_v and_o instruct_v man_n in_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o that_o obedience_n which_o be_v acceptable_a unto_o he_o be_v now_o contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n or_o those_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n which_o be_v common_o receive_v and_o own_a among_o all_o sort_n of_o christian_n these_o thing_n i_o say_v be_v suppose_v unto_o our_o present_a enquiry_n and_o take_v for_o grant_v so_o as_o that_o the_o reader_n be_v not_o to_o look_v for_o any_o direct_a proof_n of_o they_o in_o the_o precede_a discourse_n but_o on_o these_o supposition_n it_o be_v allege_v and_o prove_v 1._o that_o all_o man_n unto_o who_o it_o be_v due_o propose_v as_o such_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v this_o scripture_n these_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o be_v to_o contain_v and_o exhibit_v a_o immediate_a divine_a supernatural_a revelation_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o will_n so_o far_o as_o be_v any_o way_n needful_a that_o they_o may_v live_v unto_o he_o and_o that_o nothing_o be_v contain_v in_o they_o but_o what_o be_v of_o the_o same_o divine_a original_a 2._o the_o obligation_n of_o this_o duty_n of_o thus_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n arise_v partly_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o and_o partly_o from_o the_o especial_a command_n of_o god_n for_o it_o be_v that_o revelation_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n without_o the_o knowledge_n whereof_o and_o assent_v whereunto_o we_o can_v live_v unto_o god_n as_o we_o ought_v nor_o come_v unto_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o he_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o we_o shall_v believe_v it_o unto_o those_o end_n and_o god_n require_v it_o of_o we_o that_o so_o we_o shall_v do_v 3._o we_o can_v thus_o believe_v it_o in_o a_o way_n of_o duty_n but_o upon_o a_o sufficient_a evidence_n and_o prevalent_a testimony_n that_o so_o it_o be_v 4._o there_o be_v many_o cogent_a argument_n testimony_n and_o motive_n to_o persuade_v convince_v and_o satisfy_v unprejudiced_a person_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o a_o divine_a revelation_n and_o every_o way_n sufficient_a to_o stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o gainsayers_a proceed_v on_o such_o principle_n of_o reason_n as_o be_v own_a and_o approve_v by_o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n and_o argument_n of_o this_o nature_n may_v be_v take_v from_o almost_o all_o consideration_n of_o the_o property_n of_o god_n and_o his_o government_n of_o the_o world_n of_o our_o relation_n unto_o he_o of_o what_o belong_v unto_o our_o present_a peace_n and_o future_a happiness_n 5._o from_o the_o argument_n and_o testimony_n of_o this_o nature_n a_o firm_a persuasion_n of_o mind_n defensible_a against_o all_o objection_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n may_v be_v attain_v and_o that_o such_o as_o that_o those_o who_o live_v not_o in_o contradiction_n unto_o their_o own_o light_n and_o reason_n through_o the_o power_n of_o their_o lust_n can_v but_o judge_v it_o their_o wisdom_n duty_n and_o interest_n to_o yield_v obedience_n unto_o his_o will_n as_o reveal_v therein_o 6._o but_o yet_o that_o persuasion_n of_o mind_n which_o may_v be_v thus_o attain_v and_o which_o rest_v whole_o upon_o these_o argument_n and_o testimony_n be_v not_o entire_o that_o faith_n wherewith_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v the_o