they_o some_o it_o may_v be_v can_v give_v no_o other_o account_n hereof_o but_o that_o they_o have_v be_v so_o instruct_v by_o they_o who_o they_o have_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o give_v credit_n unto_o or_o that_o they_o have_v so_o receive_v they_o by_o tradition_n from_o their_o father_n now_o whatever_o persuasion_n these_o reason_n may_v beget_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n that_o the_o thing_n which_o they_o profess_v to_o believe_v be_v true_a yet_o if_o they_o be_v alone_o it_o be_v not_o divine_a faith_n whereby_o they_o do_v believe_v but_o that_o which_o be_v mere_o humane_a as_o be_v resolve_v into_o humane_a testimony_n only_o or_o a_o opinion_n on_o probable_a argument_n for_o no_o faith_n can_v be_v of_o any_o other_o kind_n than_o be_v the_o evidence_n it_o reflect_v on_o or_o arise_v from_o i_o say_v it_o be_v so_o where_o they_o be_v alone_o for_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o that_o some_o who_o have_v never_o further_o consider_v the_o reason_n of_o their_o believe_v than_o the_o teach_n of_o their_o instructor_n have_v yet_o that_o evidence_n in_o their_o own_o soul_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o authority_n of_o god_n in_o what_o they_o believe_v that_o with_o respect_n thereunto_o their_o faith_n be_v divine_a and_o supernatural_a the_o faith_n of_o most_o have_v a_o beginning_n and_o progress_n not_o unlike_a that_o of_o the_o samaritan_n john_n 4._o 40_o 41_o 42._o as_o shall_v be_v afterward_o declare_v 3._o when_o we_o inquire_v after_o faith_n that_o be_v infallible_a or_o believe_v infallible_o which_o as_o we_o shall_v show_v hereafter_o be_v necessary_a in_o this_o case_n we_o do_v not_o intend_v a_o inherent_a quality_n in_o the_o subject_a as_o though_o he_o that_o believe_v with_o faith_n infallible_a must_n himself_o also_o be_v infallible_a much_o less_o do_v we_o speak_v of_o infallibility_n absolute_o which_o be_v a_o property_n of_o god_n who_o alone_o from_o the_o perfection_n of_o his_o nature_n can_v neither_o deceive_v nor_o be_v deceive_v but_o it_o be_v that_o property_n or_o adjunct_n of_o the_o assent_n of_o our_o mind_n unto_o divine_a truth_n or_o supernatural_a revelation_n whereby_o it_o be_v difference_v from_o all_o other_o kind_n of_o assent_n whatever_o and_o this_o it_o have_v from_o its_o formal_a object_n or_o the_o evidence_n whereon_o we_o give_v this_o assent_n for_o the_o nature_n of_o every_o assent_n be_v give_v unto_o it_o by_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o evidence_n which_o it_o proceed_v from_o or_o rely_v on_o this_o in_o divine_a faith_n be_v divine_a revelation_n which_o be_v infallible_a render_v the_o faith_n that_o rest_v on_o it_o and_o be_v resolve_v into_o it_o infallible_a also_o no_o man_n can_v believe_v that_o which_o be_v false_a or_o which_o may_v be_v false_a with_o divine_a faith_n for_o that_o which_o render_v it_o divine_a be_v the_o divine_a truth_n and_o infallibility_n of_o the_o ground_n and_o evidence_n which_o it_o be_v build_v upon_o but_o a_o man_n may_v believe_v that_o which_o be_v true_a infallible_o so_o and_o yet_o his_o faith_n not_o be_v infallible_a that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v infallible_o true_a yet_o the_o faith_n whereby_o a_o man_n believe_v it_o so_o to_o be_v may_v be_v fallible_a for_o it_o be_v such_o as_o his_o evidence_n be_v and_o no_o other_o he_o may_v believe_v it_o to_o be_v so_o on_o tradition_n or_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n only_o or_o on_o outward_a argument_n all_o which_o be_v fallible_a his_o faith_n be_v so_o also_o although_o the_o thing_n he_o assent_v unto_o be_v infallible_o true_a wherefore_o unto_o this_o faith_n divine_a and_o infallible_a it_o be_v not_o require_v that_o the_o person_n in_o who_o it_o be_v be_v infallible_a nor_o be_v it_o enough_o that_o the_o thing_n itself_o believe_v be_v infallible_o true_a but_o moreover_o that_o the_o evidence_n whereon_o he_o do_v believe_v it_o be_v infallible_a also_o so_o it_o be_v with_o they_o who_o receive_v divine_a revelation_n immediate_o from_o god_n it_o be_v not_o enough_o that_o the_o thing_n reveal_v unto_o they_o be_v infallible_o true_a but_o they_o be_v to_o have_v infallible_a evidence_n of_o the_o revelation_n itself_o then_o be_v their_o faith_n infallible_a though_o their_o person_n be_v fallible_a with_o this_o faith_n then_o a_o man_n can_v believe_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v divine_o true_a and_o therefore_o it_o be_v infallible_a and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o god_n veracity_n who_o be_v the_o god_n of_o truth_n be_v the_o only_a object_n of_o it_o hence_o say_v the_o prophet_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 2_o chron._n 20._o 20._o believe_v in_o the_o lord_n your_o god_n and_o you_o shall_v be_v establish_v or_o that_o faith_n which_o be_v in_o god_n and_o his_o word_n be_v fix_v on_o truth_n or_o be_v infallible_a hence_o the_o enquiry_n in_o this_o case_n be_v what_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o we_o believe_v any_o thing_n with_o this_o faith_n divine_a or_o supernatural_a or_o what_o it_o be_v the_o believe_v whereof_o make_v our_o faith_n divine_a infallible_a and_o supernatural_a wherefore_o 4._o the_o authority_n and_o veracity_n of_o god_n reveal_v the_o material_a object_n of_o our_o faith_n or_o what_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o believe_v be_v the_o formal_a object_n and_o reason_n of_o our_o faith_n from_o whence_o it_o arise_v and_o whereinto_o it_o be_v ultimate_o resolve_v that_o be_v the_o only_a reason_n why_o we_o do_v believe_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n that_o god_n be_v one_o single_a essence_n subsist_v in_o three_o person_n be_v because_o that_o god_n who_o be_v truth_n the_o god_n of_o truth_n deut._n 32._o 4._o who_o can_v lie_v tit._n 1._o 2._o and_o who_o word_n be_v truth_n john_n 17._o 17._o and_o the_o spirit_n which_o give_v it_o out_o be_v truth_n 1_o john_n 5_o 6._o have_v reveal_v these_o thing_n to_o be_v so_o and_o our_o believe_v these_o thing_n on_o that_o ground_n render_v our_o faith_n divine_a and_o supernatural_a suppose_v also_o a_o respect_n unto_o the_o subjective_a efficiency_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n inspire_v it_o into_o our_o mind_n whereof_o afterward_o for_o to_o speak_v distinct_o our_o faith_n be_v supernatural_a with_o respect_n unto_o the_o production_n of_o it_o in_o our_o mind_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o infallible_a with_o respect_n unto_o the_o formal_a reason_n of_o it_o which_o be_v divine_a revelation_n and_o be_v divine_a in_o opposition_n unto_o what_o be_v mere_o humane_a on_o both_o account_n as_o thing_n be_v propose_v unto_o we_o to_o be_v believe_v as_o true_a faith_n in_o its_o assent_n respect_v only_o the_o truth_n or_o veracity_n of_o god_n but_o whereas_o this_o faith_n be_v require_v of_o we_o in_o a_o way_n of_o obedience_n and_o be_v consider_v not_o only_o physical_o in_o its_o nature_n but_o moral_o also_o as_o our_o duty_n it_o respect_v also_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n which_o i_o therefore_o join_v with_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n as_o the_o formal_a reason_n of_o our_o faith_n see_v 2_o sam._n 7._o 28._o and_o these_o thing_n the_o scripture_n plead_v and_o and_o argue_v when_o faith_n be_v require_v of_o we_o in_o the_o way_n of_o obedience_n thus_o say_v the_o lord_n be_v that_o which_o be_v propose_v unto_o we_o as_o the_o reason_n why_o we_o shall_v believe_v what_o be_v speak_v whereunto_o often_o time_n other_o divine_a name_n and_o title_n be_v add_v signify_v his_o authority_n who_o require_v we_o to_o believe_v thus_o say_v the_o lord_n god_n the_o holy_a one_o of_o israel_n isa._n 30._o 15._o thus_o say_v the_o high_a and_o lofty_a one_o who_o inhabit_v eternity_n who_o name_n be_v holy_a isa._n 57_o 15._o believe_v the_o lord_n your_o god_n 2_o chron._n 20._o 20._o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n precede_v most_o revelation_n in_o the_o prophet_n and_o other_o reason_n why_o we_o shall_v believe_v the_o scripture_n propose_v none_o heb._n 1._o 1_o 2._o yea_o the_o interposition_n of_o any_o other_o authority_n between_o the_o thing_n to_o be_v believe_v and_o our_o soul_n and_o conscience_n beside_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n overthrow_v the_o nature_n of_o divine_a faith_n i_o do_v not_o say_v the_o interposition_n of_o any_o other_o mean_n whereby_o we_o shall_v believe_v of_o which_o sort_n god_n have_v appoint_v many_o but_o the_o interposition_n of_o anyother_n authority_n upon_o which_o we_o shall_v believe_v as_o that_o pretend_a in_o and_o by_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n no_o man_n can_v be_v lord_n of_o our_o faith_n though_o they_o may_v be_v helper_n of_o our_o joy_n 5._o the_o authority_n and_o truth_n of_o god_n consider_v in_o themselves_o absolute_o be_v not_o the_o immediate_a formal_a object_n of_o our_o faith_n though_o they_o be_v the_o ultimate_a whereinto_o it_o be_v resolve_v
so_o many_o uncertain_a and_o fierce_a digladiation_n wherein_o not_o any_o one_o truth_n be_v assert_v nor_o any_o one_o duty_n prescribe_v that_o be_v not_o spoil_v and_o vitiate_a by_o its_o circumstance_n and_o end_n beside_o they_o never_o rise_v up_o so_o much_o as_o to_o a_o surmise_n of_o or_o about_o the_o most_o important_a matter_n of_o religion_n without_o which_o it_o be_v demonstrable_a by_o reason_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a we_o shall_v ever_o attain_v the_o end_n for_o which_o we_o be_v make_v nor_o the_o blessedness_n whereof_o we_o be_v capable_a no_o account_n can_v they_o ever_o give_v of_o our_o apostasy_n from_o god_n of_o the_o depravation_n of_o our_o nature_n of_o the_o cause_n or_o necessary_a cure_n of_o it_o in_o this_o lose_a and_o wander_a condition_n of_o mankind_n the_o scripture_n present_v itself_o as_o a_o light_n rule_n and_o guide_n unto_o all_o to_o direct_v they_o in_o their_o whole_a course_n unto_o their_o end_n and_o to_o bring_v they_o unto_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n and_o this_o it_o do_v with_o that_o clearness_n and_o evidence_n as_o to_o dispel_v all_o the_o darkness_n and_o put_v a_o end_n unto_o all_o the_o confusion_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n as_o the_o sun_n with_o rise_v do_v the_o shade_n of_o the_o night_n unless_o they_o wilful_o shut_v their_o eye_n against_o it_o love_a darkness_n rather_o than_o light_n because_o their_o deed_n be_v evil_a for_o all_o the_o confusion_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n to_o extricate_v themselves_o from_o whence_o they_o find_v out_o and_o immix_v themselves_o in_o endless_a question_n to_o no_o purpose_n arise_v from_o their_o ignorance_n of_o what_o we_o be_v original_o of_o what_o we_o now_o be_v and_o how_o we_o come_v so_o to_o be_v by_o what_o way_n or_o mean_n we_o may_v be_v deliver_v or_o relieve_v what_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o life_n or_o what_o be_v require_v of_o we_o in_o order_n to_o our_o live_n to_o god_n as_o our_o chief_a end_n and_o wherein_o the_o blessedness_n of_o our_o nature_n do_v consist_v all_o the_o world_n be_v never_o able_a to_o give_v a_o answer_n tolerable_o satisfactory_a unto_o any_o one_o of_o these_o inquiry_n &_o yet_o unless_o they_o be_v all_o infallible_o determine_v we_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o the_o least_o rest_n or_o happiness_n above_o the_o beast_n that_o perish_v but_o now_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v so_o clear_o declare_v and_o state_v in_o the_o scripture_n that_o it_o come_v with_o a_o evidence_n like_o a_o light_n from_o heaven_n on_o the_o mind_n and_o conscience_n of_o unprejudiced_a person_n what_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o our_o nature_n in_o its_o first_o creation_n and_o constitution_n with_o the_o blessedness_n and_o advantage_n of_o that_o condition_n how_o we_o fall_v from_o it_o and_o what_o be_v the_o cause_n what_o be_v the_o nature_n and_o what_o the_o consequent_n and_o effect_n of_o our_o present_a depravation_n and_o apostasy_n from_o god_n how_o help_n and_o relief_n be_v provide_v for_o we_o herein_o by_o infinite_a wisdom_n grace_n and_o bounty_n what_o that_o help_n be_v how_o we_o may_v be_v interest_v in_o it_o and_o make_v partaker_n of_o it_o what_o be_v that_o system_fw-la of_o duty_n or_o course_n of_o obedience_n unto_o god_n which_o be_v require_v of_o we_o and_o wherein_o our_o eternal_a felicity_n do_v consist_v be_v all_o of_o they_o so_o plain_o and_o clear_o reveal_v in_o the_o scripture_n as_o in_o general_a to_o leave_v mankind_n no_o ground_n for_o doubt_n enquiry_n or_o conjecture_n set_v aside_o inveterate_a prejudices_fw-la from_o tradition_n education_n false_a notion_n into_o the_o mould_n whereof_o the_o mind_n be_v cast_v the_o love_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o conduct_n of_o lust_n which_o thing_n have_v a_o inconceivable_a power_n over_o the_o mind_n soul_n and_o affection_n of_o man_n and_o the_o light_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o these_o thing_n be_v like_o that_o of_o the_o sun_n at_o noonday_n which_o shut_v up_o the_o way_n unto_o all_o further_a enquiry_n and_o efficacious_o necessitate_v unto_o a_o acquiescency_n in_o it_o and_o in_o particular_a in_o that_o direction_n which_o it_o give_v unto_o the_o live_v of_o man_n in_o order_n unto_o that_o obedience_n which_o they_o owe_v to_o god_n and_o that_o reward_v which_o they_o expect_v from_o he_o there_o be_v no_o instance_n conceivable_a of_o any_o thing_n conduce_v thereunto_o which_o be_v not_o prescribe_v therein_o nor_o of_o any_o thing_n which_o be_v contrary_a unto_o it_o that_o fall_v not_o under_o its_o prohibition_n those_o therefore_o who_o desire_n or_o interest_n it_o be_v that_o the_o bound_n and_o difference_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n shall_v be_v unfixed_a and_o confound_v who_o be_v afraid_a to_o know_v what_o they_o be_v what_o they_o be_v or_o what_o they_o shall_v come_v unto_o who_o care_n to_o know_v neither_o god_n nor_o themselves_o their_o duty_n nor_o their_o reward_n may_v despise_v this_o book_n and_o deny_v its_o divine_a original_a other_o will_v retain_v a_o sacred_a veneration_n of_o it_o as_o of_o the_o offspring_n of_o god_n 4._o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n may_v in_o like_a manner_n be_v plead_v unto_o the_o same_o purpose_n and_o i_o shall_v also_o insist_v upon_o it_o partly_o to_o manifest_v wherein_o its_o true_a nature_n and_o efficacy_n do_v consist_v and_o partly_o to_o evince_v the_o vanity_n of_o the_o old_a pretence_n that_o even_o we_o also_o who_o be_v depart_v from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n do_v receive_v the_o scripture_n upon_o the_o authority_n thereof_o whence_o it_o be_v further_o pretend_v that_o on_o the_o same_o ground_n and_o reason_n we_o ought_v to_o receive_v whatever_o else_o it_o propose_v unto_o we_o 1._o the_o church_n be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o ground_n and_o pillar_n of_o truth_n 1_o tim._n 3._o 15._o which_o be_v the_o only_a text_n plead_v with_o any_o sobriety_n to_o give_v countenance_n unto_o the_o assertion_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n with_o respect_n unto_o we_o to_o depend_v on_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n but_o the_o weakness_n of_o a_o plea_n to_o that_o purpose_n from_o hence_o have_v be_v so_o full_o manifest_v by_o many_o already_o that_o it_o need_v no_o more_o to_o be_v insist_v on_o in_o short_a it_o can_v be_v so_o the_o ground_n and_o pillar_n of_o truth_n that_o the_o truth_n shall_v be_v as_o it_o be_v build_v and_o rest_n upon_o it_o as_o its_o foundation_n for_o this_o be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o same_o apostle_n who_o teach_v we_o that_o the_o church_n itself_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n jesus_n christ_n himself_o be_v the_o chief_a corner_n stone_n eph._n 2._o 20._o the_o church_n can_v be_v the_o ground_n of_o truth_n and_o truth_n the_o ground_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o same_o sense_n or_o kind_n wherefore_o the_o church_n be_v the_o ground_n and_o pillar_n of_o truth_n in_o that_o it_o hold_v up_o and_o declare_v the_o scripture_n and_o the_o thing_n contain_v therein_o so_o to_o be_v 2._o in_o receive_v any_o thing_n from_o a_o church_n we_o may_v consider_v the_o authority_n of_o it_o or_o its_o ministry_n by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n in_o this_o matter_n we_o intend_v no_o more_o but_o the_o weight_n and_o importance_n that_o be_v in_o its_o testimony_n as_o testimony_n do_v vary_v according_a to_o the_o worth_n gravity_n honesty_n honour_n and_o reputation_n of_o they_o by_o who_o they_o be_v give_v for_o to_o suppose_v a_o authority_n proper_o so_o call_v in_o any_o church_n or_o all_o the_o church_n of_o the_o world_n whereon_o our_o reception_n of_o the_o scripture_n shall_v depend_v as_o that_o which_o give_v its_o authority_n towards_o we_o and_o a_o sufficient_a warranty_n to_o our_o faith_n be_v a_o nice_a imagination_n for_o the_o authority_n and_o truth_n of_o god_n stand_v not_o in_o need_n nor_o be_v capable_a of_o any_o such_o attestation_n from_o man_n all_o they_o will_v admit_v of_o from_o the_o child_n of_o man_n be_v that_o they_o do_v humble_o submit_v unto_o they_o and_o testify_v their_o so_o do_v with_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o church_n in_o this_o matter_n be_v that_o duty_n of_o the_o church_n whereby_o it_o propose_v and_o declare_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o that_o as_o it_o have_v occasion_n to_o all_o the_o world_n and_o this_o ministry_n also_o may_v be_v consider_v either_o formal_o as_o it_o be_v appoint_v of_o god_n unto_o this_o end_n and_o bless_v by_o he_o or_o material_o only_o as_o the_o thing_n be_v do_v though_o the_o ground_n whereon_o it_o be_v do_v and_o the_o manner_n of_o do_v it_o be_v not_o divine_o approve_v we_o whole_o deny_v that_o we_o receive_v the_o scripture_n or_o ever_o
do_v on_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o any_o sense_n whatever_o for_o the_o reason_n that_o shall_v be_v mention_v immediate_o but_o it_o may_v be_v grant_v that_o together_o with_o the_o ministry_n of_o other_o church_n in_o the_o world_n and_o many_o other_o providential_a mean_v of_o their_o preservation_n and_o successive_a communication_n we_o do_v the_o facto_fw-la receive_v the_o scripture_n by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n also_o see_v they_o also_o be_v in_o the_o possession_n of_o they_o but_o this_o ministry_n we_o allow_v only_o in_o the_o latter_a sense_n as_o a_o actual_a mean_n in_o subserviency_n unto_o god_n providence_n without_o respect_n unto_o any_o especial_a institution_n and_o for_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n in_o this_o case_n in_o that_o sense_n wherein_o it_o be_v allow_v namely_o as_o denote_v the_o weight_n and_o importance_n of_o a_o testimony_n which_o be_v strengthen_v by_o all_o sort_n of_o 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devise_v fable_n when_o we_o make_v know_v unto_o you_o the_o power_n and_o come_v of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n but_o be_v eye_n witness_n of_o his_o majesty_n for_o he_o receive_v from_o god_n the_o father_n honour_n and_o glory_n when_o there_o come_v such_o a_o voice_n to_o he_o from_o the_o excellent_a glory_n this_o be_v my_o belove_a son_n in_o who_o i_o be_o well_o please_v and_o this_o voice_n which_o come_v from_o heaven_n we_o hear_v when_o we_o be_v with_o he_o in_o the_o holy_a mount_n we_o have_v also_o a_o more_o sure_a word_n of_o prophecy_n whereunto_o you_o do_v well_o that_o you_o take_v heed_n as_o unto_o a_o light_n that_o shine_v in_o a_o dark_a place_n until_o the_o day_n dawn_n and_o the_o day_n star_n arise_v in_o your_o heart_n know_v this_o first_o that_o no_o prophecy_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v of_o any_o private_a interpretation_n for_o the_o prophecy_n come_v not_o in_o old_a time_n by_o the_o will_n of_o man_n but_o holy_a man_n of_o god_n speak_v as_o they_o be_v move_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n this_o be_v the_o concurrent_a testimony_n of_o the_o writer_n both_o of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o the_o new_a namely_o that_o as_o they_o have_v certain_a knowledge_n of_o the_o thing_n they_o write_v so_o their_o writing_n be_v by_o inspiration_n from_o god_n so_o in_o particular_a john_n bear_v witness_n unto_o his_o revelation_n chap._n 19_o 9_o chap._n 22._o 6._o these_o be_v the_o true_a and_o faithful_a say_n of_o god_n and_o what_o weight_n be_v to_o be_v lay_v hereon_o be_v declare_v joh._n 21._o 24._o this_o be_v that_o disciple_n which_o testify_v of_o these_o thing_n and_o write_v these_o thing_n and_o we_o know_v that_o his_o testimony_n be_v true_a he_o testify_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o he_o write_v but_o how_o be_v it_o know_v to_o the_o church_n there_o intend_v we_o know_v that_o his_o testimony_n be_v true_a that_o so_o it_o be_v indeed_o he_o be_v not_o absolute_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o one_o that_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v in_o mere_o on_o his_o own_o account_n yet_o here_o it_o be_v speak_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n with_o the_o high_a assurance_n and_o we_o know_v that_o his_o testimony_n be_v true_a i_o answer_v this_o assurance_n of_o they_o do_v not_o arise_v mere_o from_o his_o moral_n or_o natural_a endowment_n or_o holy_a counsel_n but_o from_o the_o evidence_n they_o have_v of_o his_o divine_a inspiration_n whereof_o we_o shall_v treat_v afterward_o the_o thing_n plead_v to_o give_v force_n unto_o this_o testimony_n in_o particular_a be_v all_o that_o such_o a_o testimony_n be_v capable_a of_o and_o so_o many_o as_o will_v require_v a_o large_a discourse_n by_o itself_o to_o propose_v discuss_v and_o confirm_v they_o but_o suppose_v the_o testimony_n they_o give_v i_o shall_v in_o compliance_n which_o my_o own_o design_n reduce_v the_o evidence_n of_o its_o truth_n unto_o these_o two_o consideration_n 1._o of_o their_o person_n and_o 2._o of_o the_o 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facility_n of_o convince_a they_o of_o falsehood_n if_o what_o they_o write_v in_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o what_o else_o they_o teach_v in_o case_n it_o be_v not_o true_a the_o evident_a certainty_n that_o this_o will_v have_v be_v do_v arise_v from_o the_o know_a desire_n ability_n will_n and_o interest_n of_o their_o adversary_n so_o to_o do_v have_v it_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v effect_v see_v this_o will_v have_v secure_v they_o the_o victory_n in_o the_o conflict_n wherein_o they_o be_v violent_o engage_v and_o have_v put_v a_o immediate_a issue_n unto_o all_o that_o difference_n and_o uproar_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n about_o their_o doctrine_n their_o harmony_n among_o themselves_o without_o conspiracy_n or_o antecedent_n agreement_n the_o misery_n which_o they_o undergo_v most_o of_o they_o without_o hope_n of_o relief_n or_o
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
whatever_o various_a apprehension_n man_n may_v have_v through_o their_o weakness_n or_o prejudices_fw-la concern_v the_o thing_n teach_v therein_o yet_o be_v they_o in_o themselves_o absolute_o the_o same_o that_o ever_o they_o be_v and_o that_o without_o the_o loss_n or_o change_n of_o a_o material_a word_n or_o syllable_n in_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o delivery_n this_o i_o have_v prove_v elsewhere_o and_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n capable_a of_o the_o most_o evident_a demonstration_n wherefore_o whatever_o entertainment_n this_o gospel_n meet_v withal_o at_o present_a in_o the_o world_n its_o former_a prevalency_n may_v be_v plead_v in_o justification_n of_o its_o divine_a original_a 2._o the_o cause_n of_o this_o event_n lie_v principal_o in_o the_o sovereign_n will_v and_o pleasure_n of_o god_n for_o although_o the_o scripture_n be_v his_o word_n and_o he_o have_v testify_v it_o so_o to_o be_v by_o his_o power_n put_v forth_o and_o exert_v in_o dispensation_n of_o it_o unto_o man_n yet_o be_v not_o that_o divine_a power_n include_v or_o shut_v up_o in_o the_o letter_n of_o it_o so_o that_o it_o must_v have_v the_o same_o effect_v where_o ever_o it_o come_v we_o plead_v not_o that_o there_o be_v absolute_o in_o its_o self_n its_o doctrine_n the_o preach_a or_o preacher_n thereof_o such_o a_o power_n as_o it_o be_v natural_o and_o physical_o to_o produce_v the_o effect_n mention_v but_o it_o be_v a_o instrument_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n unto_o that_o work_n which_o be_v his_o own_o and_o he_o put_v forth_o his_o power_n in_o it_o and_o by_o it_o as_o it_o seem_v good_a unto_o he_o and_o if_o he_o do_v at_o any_o time_n so_o put_v forth_o his_o divine_a power_n in_o the_o administration_n of_o it_o or_o in_o the_o use_n of_o this_o instrument_n as_o that_o the_o great_a worth_n and_o excellency_n of_o it_o shall_v manifest_v itself_o to_o be_v from_o he_o he_o give_v a_o sufficient_a attestation_n of_o it_o wherefore_o the_o time_n and_o season_n of_o the_o prevalency_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o world_n be_v in_o the_o hand_n and_o at_o the_o sovereign_a disposal_n of_o god_n and_o as_o he_o be_v not_o oblige_v for_o who_o have_v know_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o lord_n or_o who_o have_v be_v his_o counsellor_n to_o accompany_v it_o with_o the_o same_o power_n at_o all_o time_n and_o season_n so_o the_o evidence_n of_o his_o own_o power_n go_v along_o with_o it_o at_o any_o time_n while_o under_o a_o open_a claim_n of_o a_o divine_a original_a be_v a_o uncontrollable_a approbation_n of_o it_o thus_o at_o the_o first_o preach_v of_o the_o word_n to_o fullfil_v the_o promise_n make_v unto_o the_o father_n from_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n to_o glorify_v his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o gospel_n itself_o which_o he_o have_v reveal_v he_o put_v forth_o that_o effectual_a divine_a power_n in_o its_o administration_n whereby_o the_o world_n be_v subdue_v unto_o the_o obedience_n of_o it_o and_o the_o time_n will_v come_v when_o he_o will_v revive_v the_o same_o work_n of_o power_n and_o grace_n to_o retrieve_v the_o world_n into_o a_o subjection_n to_o jesus_n christ._n and_o although_o he_o do_v not_o in_o these_o latter_a age_n cause_n it_o to_o run_v and_o prosper_v among_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n who_o have_v not_o as_o yet_o receive_v it_o as_o he_o do_v former_o yet_o consider_v the_o state_n of_o thing_n at_o present_a among_o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n the_o preservation_n of_o it_o in_o that_o small_a remnant_n by_o who_o it_o be_v obey_v in_o sincerity_n be_v a_o no_o less_o glorious_a evidence_n of_o his_o presence_n with_o it_o and_o care_n over_o it_o than_o be_v its_o eminent_a propagation_n in_o day_n of_o old_a 3._o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n be_v in_o like_a manner_n to_o be_v consider_v in_o these_o thing_n for_o whereas_o he_o have_v grant_v the_o inestimable_a privilege_n of_o his_o word_n unto_o many_o nation_n they_o through_o their_o horrible_a ingratitude_n and_o wickedness_n detain_v the_o truth_n in_o vnrighteousness_n so_o that_o the_o continuance_n of_o the_o gospel_n among_o they_o be_v no_o way_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n no_o nor_o yet_o unto_o their_o own_o advantage_n for_o neither_o nation_n nor_o person_n will_v ever_o be_v advantage_v by_o a_o outward_a profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n whilst_o they_o live_v in_o a_o contradiction_n and_o disobedience_n to_o its_o precept_n yea_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o pernicious_a to_o the_o soul_n of_o men._n this_o impiety_n god_n be_v at_o this_o day_n revenge_v on_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n have_v utter_o cast_v off_o many_o of_o they_o from_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o give_v up_o other_o unto_o strong_a delusion_n to_o believe_v lie_n though_o they_o retain_v the_o scripture_n and_o outward_a profession_n of_o christianity_n how_o far_o he_o may_v proceed_v in_o the_o same_o way_n of_o righteous_a vengeance_n towards_o other_o nation_n also_o we_o know_v not_o but_o aught_o to_o tremble_v in_o the_o consideration_n of_o it_o when_o god_n first_o grant_v the_o gospel_n unto_o the_o world_n although_o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n have_v great_o sin_v against_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o have_v reject_v all_o those_o supernatural_a revelation_n that_o at_o any_o time_n have_v be_v make_v unto_o they_o yet_o have_v they_o not_o sin_v against_o the_o gospel_n itself_o nor_o the_o grace_n thereof_o it_o please_v god_n therefore_o to_o wink_v at_o and_o pass_v over_o that_o time_n of_o their_o ignorance_n so_o as_o that_o his_o justice_n shall_v not_o be_v provoke_v by_o any_o of_o their_o former_a sin_n to_o withhold_v the_o efficacy_n of_o his_o divine_a power_n in_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o gospel_n from_o they_o whereby_o he_o call_v they_o to_o repentance_n but_o now_o after_o that_o the_o gospel_n have_v be_v sufficient_o tender_v unto_o all_o nation_n and_o have_v either_o as_o unto_o its_o profession_n or_o as_o unto_o its_o power_n with_o the_o obedience_n that_o it_o require_v be_v reject_v by_o the_o most_o of_o they_o thing_n be_v quite_o otherwise_o state_v it_o be_v from_o the_o righteous_a judgement_n of_o god_n revenge_v the_o sin_n of_o the_o world_n against_o the_o gospel_n itself_o that_o so_o many_o nation_n be_v deprive_v of_o it_o and_o so_o many_o left_a obstinate_a in_o its_o refusal_n wherefore_o the_o present_a state_n of_o thing_n do_v no_o way_n weaken_v or_o prejudice_v the_o evidence_n give_v unto_o the_o scripture_n by_o that_o mighty_a power_n of_o god_n which_o accompany_v the_o administration_n of_o it_o in_o the_o world_n for_o what_o have_v since_o fall_v out_o there_o be_v secret_a reason_n of_o sovereign_a wisdom_n and_o open_a cause_n in_o divine_a justice_n whereunto_o it_o be_v to_o be_v assign_v these_o thing_n i_o have_v brief_o call_v over_o and_o not_o as_o though_o they_o be_v all_o of_o this_o kind_n that_o may_v be_v plead_v but_o only_o to_o give_v some_o instance_n of_o those_o external_a argument_n whereby_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n may_v be_v confirm_v now_o these_o argument_n be_v such_o as_o be_v able_a of_o themselves_o to_o beget_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n sober_a humble_a intelligent_a and_o unprejudiced_a a_o firm_a opinion_n judgement_n and_o persuasion_n that_o the_o scripture_n do_v proceed_v from_o god_n where_o person_n be_v prepossess_v with_o invincible_a prejudices_fw-la contract_v by_o a_o course_n of_o education_n wherein_o they_o have_v imbibe_v principle_n opposite_a and_o contrary_a thereunto_o and_o have_v increase_v and_o fortify_v they_o by_o some_o fix_a and_o hereditary_a enmity_n against_o all_o those_o who_o they_o know_v to_o own_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o it_o be_v with_o mahometan_n and_o some_o of_o the_o indian_n these_o argument_n it_o may_v be_v will_v not_o prevail_v immediate_o to_o work_v nor_o effect_v their_o assent_n it_o be_v so_o with_o respect_n unto_o they_o also_o who_o out_o of_o love_n unto_o and_o delight_n in_o those_o way_n of_o vice_n sin_n and_o wickedness_n which_o be_v absolute_o and_o severe_o condemn_v in_o the_o scripture_n without_o the_o least_o hope_n of_o a_o dispensation_n unto_o they_o that_o continue_v under_o the_o power_n of_o they_o who_o will_v not_o take_v these_o argument_n into_o due_a consideration_n such_o person_n may_v talk_v and_o discourse_n of_o they_o but_o they_o never_o weigh_v they_o serious_o according_a as_o the_o importance_n of_o the_o cause_n do_v require_v for_o if_o man_n will_v examine_v they_o as_o they_o ought_v it_o must_v be_v with_o a_o sedate_n judgement_n that_o their_o eternal_a condition_n depend_v upon_o a_o right_a determination_n of_o this_o enquiry_n but_o for_o those_o who_o can_v scarce_o get_v liberty_n from_o the_o service_n and_o power_n of_o their_o lust_n serious_o
lord_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v some_o of_o they_o we_o must_v mention_v deut._n 31._o 11_o 12_o 13._o when_o all_o israel_n be_v come_v to_o appear_v before_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n in_o the_o place_n which_o he_o shall_v choose_v thou_o shall_v read_v this_o law_n before_o all_o israel_n in_o their_o hear_n gather_v the_o people_n together_o man_n woman_n and_o child_n and_o the_o strange_a that_o be_v within_o thy_o gate_n that_o they_o may_v hear_v and_o that_o they_o may_v learn_v and_o fear_v the_o lord_n your_o god_n and_o observe_v to_o do_v all_o the_o work_n of_o this_o law_n and_o that_o their_o child_n which_o have_v not_o know_v any_o thing_n may_v hear_v and_o learn_v to_o fear_v the_o lord_n your_o god_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o god_n here_o require_v faith_n and_o obedience_n of_o the_o whole_a people_n man_n woman_n and_o child_n the_o enquiry_n be_v what_o he_o require_v it_o unto_o it_o be_v to_o this_o law_n to_o this_o law_n write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n which_o be_v to_o be_v read_v unto_o they_o out_o of_o the_o book_n at_o the_o hear_n of_o which_o they_o be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v and_o obey_v to_o evidence_n that_o law_n to_o be_v his_o he_o propose_v nothing_o but_o itself_o but_o it_o will_v be_v say_v that_o generation_n be_v sufficient_o convince_v that_o the_o law_n be_v from_o god_n by_o the_o miracle_n which_o they_o behold_v in_o the_o give_n of_o it_o but_o moreover_o it_o be_v order_v to_o be_v propose_v unto_o child_n of_o future_a generation_n who_o know_v nothing_o that_o they_o may_v hear_v and_o learn_v to_o fear_v the_o lord_n that_o which_o by_o the_o appointment_n of_o god_n be_v to_o be_v propose_v unto_o they_o that_o know_v nothing_o that_o they_o may_v believe_v that_o be_v unto_o they_o the_o formal_a reason_n of_o their_o believe_v but_o this_o be_v the_o write_a word_n thou_o shall_v read_v this_o law_n unto_o they_o who_o have_v know_v nothing_o that_o they_o may_v hear_v and_o learn_v etc._n etc._n whatever_o use_n therefore_o there_o may_v be_v of_o other_o motive_n or_o testimony_n to_o commend_v the_o law_n unto_o we_o of_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o church_n especial_o which_o be_v here_o require_v unto_o the_o proposal_n of_o the_o word_n unto_o man_n it_o be_v the_o law_n itself_o or_o the_o write_a word_n which_o be_v the_o object_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o which_o we_o believe_v for_o its_o own_o sake_n see_v also_o chap._n 29._o 29._o where_o reveal_v thing_n be_v say_v to_o belong_v unto_o we_o and_o our_o child_n that_o we_o may_v do_v they_o that_o be_v receive_v they_o on_o the_o account_n of_o their_o divine_a revelation_n isa._n 8._o 19_o 20._o and_o when_o they_o shall_v say_v unto_o you_o seek_v unto_o they_o that_o have_v familiar_a spirit_n and_o unto_o wizard_n that_o peep_n 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 the_o enquiry_n be_v by_o what_o mean_v man_n may_v come_v to_o satisfaction_n in_o their_o mind_n and_o conscience_n or_o what_o their_o faith_n and_o trust_n be_v in_o two_o thing_n be_v propose_v unto_o this_o end_n 1._o immediate_a diabolical_a revelation_n real_a or_o pretend_a 2._o the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n the_o law_n and_o the_o testimony_n hereunto_o be_v we_o send_v and_o that_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o its_o own_o authority_n alone_o in_o opposition_n unto_o all_o other_o pretence_n of_o assurance_n or_o security_n and_o the_o sole_a reason_n why_o any_o one_o do_v not_o acquiesce_v by_o faith_n in_o the_o write_a word_n be_v because_o he_o have_v no_o morning_n or_o light_n of_o truth_n shine_v on_o he_o but_o how_o shall_v we_o know_v the_o law_n and_o testimony_n this_o write_a word_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o believe_v it_o so_o to_o be_v and_o distinguish_v it_o from_o every_o other_o pretend_v divine_a revelation_n that_o be_v not_o so_o this_o be_v declare_v jerem._n 23._o 28_o 29._o the_o prophet_n that_o have_v a_o dream_n let_v he_o tell_v a_o dream_n and_o he_o that_o have_v my_o word_n let_v he_o speak_v my_o word_n faithful_o what_o be_v the_o chaff_n to_o the_o wheat_n say_v the_o lord_n be_v not_o my_o word_n like_o as_o fire_n say_v the_o lord_n and_o like_o a_o hammer_n that_o break_v the_o rock_n in_o piece_n it_o be_v suppose_v that_o there_o be_v two_o person_n in_o reputation_n for_o divine_a revelation_n esteem_v prophet_n one_o of_o they_o only_o pretend_v so_o to_o be_v and_o declare_v the_o dream_n of_o his_o own_o fancy_n or_o the_o divination_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o other_o have_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o declare_v it_o faithful_o from_o he_o yea_o but_o how_o shall_v we_o know_v the_o one_o from_o the_o other_o even_o as_o man_n know_v wheat_n from_o chaff_n by_o their_o different_a nature_n and_o effect_n for_o as_o false_a pretend_a revelation_n be_v but_o as_o chaff_n which_o every_o wind_n will_v scatter_v so_o the_o true_a word_n of_o god_n be_v like_o a_o fire_n and_o like_o a_o hammer_n be_v accompany_v with_o that_o light_n efficacy_n and_o power_n that_o it_o manifest_v itself_o unto_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n so_o to_o be_v hereon_o do_v god_n call_v we_o to_o rest_v our_o faith_n on_o it_o in_o opposition_n unto_o all_o other_o pretence_n whatever_o but_o be_v it_o of_o this_o authority_n and_o efficacy_n in_o itself_o see_v luk._n 16._o 27_o 28_o 29_o 30_o 31._o then_o say_v he_o the_n rich_a man_n in_o hell_n i_o pray_v thou_o therefore_o father_n that_o thou_o will_v send_v he_o lazarus_n who_o be_v dead_a unto_o my_o father_n house_n for_o i_o have_v five_o brethren_n that_o he_o may_v testify_v unto_o they_o lest_o they_o also_o come_v into_o this_o place_n of_o torment_n 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 question_n here_o between_o abraham_n and_o the_o rich_a man_n in_o this_o parable_n indeed_o between_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n and_o the_o superstitious_a contrivance_n of_o man_n be_v about_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n of_o bring_v those_o who_o be_v unbeliever_n and_o impenitent_a unto_o faith_n and_o repentance_n he_o who_o be_v in_o hell_n apprehend_v that_o nothing_o will_v make_v they_o believe_v but_o a_o miracle_n one_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o speak_v unto_o they_o which_o or_o the_o like_a marvellous_a operation_n many_o at_o this_o day_n think_v will_v have_v mighty_a power_n and_o influence_n upon_o they_o to_o settle_v their_o mind_n and_o change_v their_o life_n shall_v they_o see_v one_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o come_v and_o converse_v with_o they_o this_o will_v convince_v they_o of_o the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o future_a reward_n and_o punishment_n as_o give_v they_o sufficient_a evidence_n thereof_o so_o that_o they_o will_v assure_o repent_v and_o change_v their_o life_n but_o as_o thing_n be_v state_v they_o have_v no_o sufficient_a evidence_n of_o these_o thing_n so_o that_o they_o doubt_v so_o far_o about_o they_o as_o that_o they_o be_v not_o real_o influence_v by_o they_o give_v they_o but_o one_o real_a miracle_n and_o you_o shall_v have_v they_o for_o ever_o this_o i_o say_v be_v the_o opinion_n and_o judgement_n of_o he_o who_o be_v represent_v in_o hell_n as_o it_o be_v of_o many_o who_o be_v post_v thither_o apace_o he_o who_o be_v in_o heaven_n think_v otherwise_o wherein_o we_o have_v the_o immediate_a judgement_n of_o jesus_n christ_n give_v in_o this_o matter_n determine_v this_o controversy_n the_o question_n be_v about_o sufficient_a evidence_n and_o efficacy_n to_o cause_v we_o to_o believe_v thing_n divine_a and_o supernatural_a and_o this_o he_o determine_v to_o be_v in_o the_o write_a word_n moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n if_o he_o that_o will_v not_o believe_v on_o the_o single_a evidence_n of_o the_o write_a word_n to_o be_v from_o god_n or_o a_o divine_a revelation_n of_o his_o will_n will_v never_o believe_v upon_o the_o evidence_n of_o miracle_n nor_o any_o other_o motive_n than_o that_o write_a word_n contain_v in_o itself_o the_o entire_a formal_a reason_n of_o faith_n or_o all_o that_o evidence_n of_o the_o authority_n and_o truth_n of_o god_n in_o it_o which_o faith_n divine_a
mind_n and_o conscience_n of_o man_n with_o its_o operation_n of_o divine_a effect_n thereon_o this_o the_o apostle_n express_o affirm_v to_o be_v the_o reason_n and_o cause_n of_o faith_n 1_o cor._n 14._o 24_o 25._o if_o all_o prophesy_n and_o there_o come_v in_o one_o that_o believe_v not_o or_o one_o unlearned_a he_o be_v convince_v of_o all_o he_o be_v judge_v of_o all_o and_o thus_o be_v the_o secret_n of_o his_o heart_n make_v manifest_a and_o so_o fall_v down_o on_o his_o face_n he_o will_v worship_v god_n and_o report_n that_o god_n be_v in_o you_o of_o a_o truth_n the_o acknowledgement_n and_o confession_n of_o god_n to_o be_v in_o they_o or_o among_o they_o be_v a_o profession_n of_o faith_n in_o the_o word_n administer_v by_o they_o such_o person_n assent_v unto_o its_o divine_a authority_n or_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o on_o what_o evidence_n or_o ground_n of_o credibility_n they_o do_v so_o be_v express_o declare_v it_o be_v not_o upon_o the_o force_n of_o any_o external_a argument_n produce_v and_o plead_v unto_o that_o purpose_n it_o be_v not_o upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o this_o or_o that_o or_o any_o church_n whatever_o nor_o be_v it_o upon_o a_o conviction_n of_o any_o miracle_n which_o they_o see_v wrought_v in_o its_o confirmation_n yea_o the_o ground_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o confession_n declare_v be_v oppose_v unto_o the_o efficacy_n and_o use_v of_o the_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o tongue_n v_o 23_o 24._o wherefore_o the_o only_a evidence_n whereon_o they_o receive_v the_o word_n and_o acknowledge_v it_o to_o be_v of_o god_n be_v that_o divine_a power_n and_o efficacy_n whereof_o they_o find_v and_o feel_v the_o experience_n in_o themselves_o he_o be_v convince_v of_o all_o judge_v of_o all_o and_o thus_o be_v the_o secret_n of_o his_o heart_n make_v manifest_a whereon_o he_o fall_v down_o before_o it_o with_o a_o acknowledgement_n of_o its_o divine_a authority_n find_v the_o word_n to_o come_v upon_o his_o conscience_n with_o a_o irresistible_a power_n of_o conviction_n and_o judgement_n thereon_o he_o be_v convince_v of_o all_o judge_v of_o all_o he_o can_v but_o grant_v that_o there_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o divine_a efficacy_n in_o it_o or_o accompany_v of_o it_o especial_o his_o mind_n be_v influence_v by_o this_o that_o the_o secret_n of_o his_o heart_n be_v make_v manifest_a by_o it_o for_o all_o man_n must_v acknowledge_v this_o to_o be_v a_o effect_n of_o divine_a power_n see_v god_n alone_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d he_o who_o search_v know_v and_o judge_v the_o heart_n and_o if_o the_o woman_n of_o samaria_n believe_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n because_o he_o tell_v she_o all_o thing_n that_o ever_o she_o do_v john_n 4._o 29._o there_o be_v reason_n to_o believe_v that_o word_n to_o be_v from_o god_n which_o make_v manifest_a even_o the_o secret_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o although_o i_o do_v conceive_v that_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n heb._n 4._o 12._o the_o live_n and_o eternal_a word_n be_v principal_o intend_v yet_o the_o power_n and_o efficacy_n there_o ascribe_v to_o he_o be_v that_o which_o he_o put_v forth_o by_o the_o word_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o so_o that_o word_n also_o in_o its_o place_n and_o use_v pierce_v to_o the_o divide_v asunder_o of_o soul_n and_o spirit_n of_o the_o joint_n and_o marrew_n and_o be_v a_o discerner_n or_o pass_v a_o critical_a judgement_n on_o the_o thought_n and_o intent_n of_o the_o heart_n or_o make_v manifest_v the_o secret_n of_o man_n heart_n as_o it_o be_v here_o express_v hereby_o then_o do_v the_o holy_a ghost_n so_o evidence_n the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o word_n namely_o by_o that_o divine_a power_n which_o it_o have_v upon_o our_o soul_n and_o conscience_n that_o we_o do_v assure_o acquiesce_v in_o it_o to_o be_v from_o god_n so_o the_o thessalonian_n be_v commend_v that_o they_o receive_v the_o word_n not_o as_o the_o word_n of_o man_n but_o as_o it_o be_v in_o truth_n the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o effectual_o work_v in_o they_o that_o believe_v 1_o thess._n 2._o 15._o it_o distinguish_v itself_o from_o the_o word_n of_o man_n and_o evidence_n itself_o to_o be_v indeed_o the_o word_n of_o god_n by_o its_o effectual_a operation_n in_o they_o that_o believe_v and_o he_o who_o have_v this_o testimony_n in_o himself_o have_v a_o high_a and_o more_o firm_a assurance_n of_o the_o truth_n than_o what_o can_v be_v attain_v by_o the_o force_n of_o external_a argument_n or_o the_o credit_n of_o humane_a testimony_n wherefore_o i_o say_v in_o general_a that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n give_v testimony_n unto_o and_o evince_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o word_n by_o its_o powerful_a operation_n and_o divine_a effect_n on_o the_o soul_n of_o they_o that_o do_v believe_v so_o that_o although_o it_o be_v weakness_n and_o foolishness_n unto_o other_o yet_o as_o be_v christ_n himself_o unto_o they_o that_o be_v call_v it_o be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n and_o i_o must_v say_v that_o although_o a_o man_n be_v furnish_v with_o external_a argument_n of_o all_o sort_n concern_v the_o divine_a original_a and_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n although_o he_o esteem_v his_o motive_n of_o credibility_n to_o be_v effectual_o persuasive_a and_o have_v the_o authority_n of_o any_o or_o all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o world_n to_o confirm_v his_o persuasion_n yet_o if_o he_o have_v no_o experience_n in_o himself_o of_o its_o divine_a power_n authority_n and_o efficacy_n he_o neither_o do_v nor_o can_v believe_v it_o to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o a_o due_a manner_n with_o faith_n divine_a and_o supernatural_a but_o he_o that_o have_v this_o experience_n have_v that_o testimony_n in_o himself_o which_o will_v never_o fail_v this_o will_v be_v the_o more_o manifest_a if_o we_o consider_v some_o few_o of_o those_o many_o instance_n wherein_o it_o exert_v its_o power_n or_o the_o effect_n which_o be_v produce_v thereby_o the_o principal_a divine_a effect_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v in_o the_o conversion_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o sinner_n unto_o god_n the_o greatness_n and_o glory_n of_o this_o work_n we_o have_v elsewhere_o declare_v at_o large_a and_o all_o those_o who_o be_v acquaint_v with_o it_o as_o it_o be_v declare_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o have_v any_o experience_n of_o it_o in_o their_o own_o heart_n do_v constant_o give_v it_o as_o a_o instance_n of_o the_o exceed_a greatness_n of_o the_o power_n of_o god_n it_o may_v be_v they_o speak_v not_o improper_o who_o prefer_v the_o work_n of_o the_o new_a creation_n before_o the_o work_n of_o the_o old_a for_o the_o express_a evidence_n of_o almighty_a power_n contain_v in_o it_o as_o some_o of_o the_o ancient_n do_v now_o of_o this_o great_a and_o glorious_a effect_v the_o word_n be_v the_o only_a instrumental_a cause_n whereby_o the_o divine_a power_n operate_v and_o be_v expressive_a of_o itself_o for_o we_o be_v bear_v again_o bear_v of_o god_n not_o of_o corruptible_a seed_n but_o of_o incorruptible_a by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o abide_v for_o ever_o 1_o pet._n 1._o 21._o for_o of_o his_o own_o will_n do_v god_n beget_v we_o with_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n jam._n 1._o 18._o the_o word_n be_v the_o seed_n of_o the_o new_a creature_n in_o we_o that_o whereby_o our_o whole_a nature_n our_o soul_n and_o all_o their_o faculty_n be_v change_v and_o renew_v into_o the_o image_n and_o likeness_n of_o god_n and_o by_o the_o same_o word_n be_v this_o new_a nature_n keep_v and_o preserve_v 1_o pet._n 2._o 2._o and_o the_o whole_a soul_n carry_v on_o unto_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n it_o be_v unto_o believer_n a_o engraft_a word_n which_o be_v able_a to_o save_v their_o soul_n james_n 1._o 21._o the_o word_n of_o god_n grace_n which_o be_v able_a to_o build_v we_o up_o and_o give_v we_o a_o inheritance_n among_o they_o that_o be_v sanctify_v act_v 20._o 32._o and_o that_o because_o it_o be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n unto_o salvation_n unto_o they_o that_o do_v believe_v rom._n 1._o 16._o all_o the_o power_n which_o god_n put_v forth_o and_o exert_n in_o the_o communication_n of_o that_o grace_n and_o mercy_n unto_o believer_n whereby_o they_o be_v gradual_o carry_v on_o and_o prepare_v unto_o salvation_n he_o do_v it_o by_o the_o word_n therein_o in_o a_o especial_a manner_n be_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o word_n evidence_v by_o the_o divine_a power_n and_o efficacy_n give_v unto_o it_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o work_n which_o be_v effect_v by_o it_o in_o the_o regeneration_n conversion_n and_o sanctification_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o believer_n do_v evidence_n it_o infallible_o unto_o their_o conscience_n that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o word_n