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
scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o a_o way_n of_o duty_n for_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v mere_o human_a how_o firm_a soever_o the_o persuasion_n in_o it_o may_v be_v but_o divine_a and_o supernatural_a of_o the_o same_o kind_n with_o that_o whereby_o we_o believe_v the_o thing_n themselves_o contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n 7._o we_o can_v thus_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n nor_o any_o divine_a truth_n therein_o contain_v without_o the_o effectual_a illumination_n of_o our_o mind_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o to_o exclude_v the_o consideration_n of_o his_o work_n herein_o be_v to_o cast_v the_o whole_a enquiry_n out_o of_o the_o limit_n of_o christian_a religion_n 8._o yet_o be_v not_o this_o work_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o the_o illumination_n of_o our_o mind_n whereby_o we_o be_v enable_v to_o believe_v in_o a_o way_n of_o duty_n with_o faith_n supernatural_a and_o divine_a the_o ground_n and_o reason_n why_o we_o do_v believe_v or_o the_o evidence_n whereon_o we_o do_v so_o nor_o be_v our_o faith_n resolve_v thereinto_o 9_o whereas_o also_o there_o be_v sundry_a other_o act_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o and_o upon_o our_o mind_n establish_v this_o faith_n against_o temptation_n unto_o the_o contrary_a and_o further_o ascertain_v we_o of_o the_o divine_a original_a of_o the_o scripture_n or_o testify_v it_o unto_o we_o yet_o be_v they_o none_o of_o they_o several_o nor_o all_o of_o they_o joint_o the_o formal_a reason_n of_o our_o faith_n nor_o the_o ground_n which_o we_o believe_v upon_o yet_o be_v they_o such_o as_o that_o as_o without_o the_o first_o work_n of_o divine_a illumination_n we_o can_v believe_v at_o all_o in_o a_o due_a manner_n so_o without_o his_o other_o consequent_a operation_n we_o can_v believe_v steadfast_o against_o temptation_n and_o opposition_n wherefore_o 10._o those_o only_a can_v believe_v the_o scripture_n aright_o to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o a_o way_n of_o duty_n who_o mind_n be_v enlighten_v and_o who_o be_v enable_v to_o believe_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 11._o those_o who_o believe_v not_o be_v of_o two_o sort_n for_o they_o be_v either_o such_o as_o oppose_v and_o gainsay_v the_o word_n as_o a_o cunning_o devise_v fable_n or_o such_o as_o be_v willing_a without_o prejudice_n to_o attend_v unto_o the_o consideration_n of_o it_o the_o former_a sort_n may_v be_v resist_v oppose_a and_o rebuke_v by_o external_a argument_n and_o such_o moral_a consideration_n as_o vehement_o persuade_v the_o divine_a original_a of_o the_o scripture_n and_o from_o the_o same_o principle_n may_v their_o mouth_n be_v stop_v as_o to_o their_o cavil_n and_o exception_n against_o it_o the_o other_o sort_v be_v to_o be_v lead_v on_o unto_o believe_v by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o word_n itself_o which_o be_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n unto_o that_o purpose_n but_o 12._o neither_o sort_n do_v ever_o come_v true_o to_o believe_v either_o mere_o induce_v thereunto_o by_o force_n of_o moral_a argument_n only_o or_o upon_o the_o authority_n of_o that_o church_n by_o who_o ministry_n the_o scripture_n be_v propose_v unto_o they_o to_o be_v believe_v wherefore_o 13._o the_o formal_a reason_n of_o faith_n divine_a and_o supernatural_a whereby_o we_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o the_o way_n of_o duty_n and_o as_o it_o be_v require_v of_o we_o be_v the_o authority_n and_o veracity_n of_o god_n alone_o evidence_v themselves_o unto_o our_o mind_n and_o conscience_n in_o and_o by_o the_o scripture_n itself_o and_o herein_o consist_v that_o divine_a testimony_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o as_o it_o be_v a_o testimony_n give_v our_o assent_n unto_o the_o scripture_n the_o general_a nature_n of_o faith_n and_o as_o it_o be_v a_o divine_a testimony_n give_v it_o the_o especial_a nature_n of_o faith_n divine_a and_o supernatural_a 14._o this_o divine_a testimony_n give_v unto_o the_o divine_a original_a of_o the_o scripture_n in_o and_o by_o itself_o whereinto_o our_o faith_n be_v ultimate_o resolve_v be_v evidence_v and_o make_v know_v as_o by_o the_o character_n of_o the_o infinite_a perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n that_o be_v in_o it_o and_o upon_o it_o so_o by_o the_o authority_n power_n and_o efficacy_n over_o and_o upon_o the_o soul_n and_o conscience_n of_o man_n and_o the_o satisfactory_a excellency_n of_o the_o truth_n contain_v therein_o wherewith_o it_o be_v accompany_v 15._o wherefore_o although_o there_o be_v many_o cogent_a external_a argument_n whereby_o a_o moral_a steadfast_a perwasion_n of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n may_v be_v attain_v and_o it_o be_v the_o principal_a duty_n of_o the_o true_a church_n in_o all_o age_n to_o give_v testimony_n thereunto_o which_o it_o have_v do_v successive_o at_o all_o all_o time_n since_o first_o it_o be_v entrust_v with_o it_o and_o so_o although_o there_o be_v many_o other_o mean_v whereby_o we_o be_v induce_v persuade_v and_o enable_v to_o believe_v it_o yet_o be_v it_o for_o its_o own_o sake_n only_o efficacious_o manifest_v itself_o to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o upon_o the_o divine_a testimony_n that_o be_v give_v in_o it_o and_o by_o it_o thereunto_o that_o we_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v so_o with_o faith_n divine_a and_o supernatural_a corel_n those_o who_o either_o deny_v the_o necessity_n of_o a_o internal_a subjective_n work_v of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n enable_v we_o to_o believe_v or_o the_o objective_a testimony_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n give_v unto_o the_o scripture_n in_o and_o by_o itself_o or_o do_v deny_v their_o joint_a concurrence_n in_o and_o unto_o our_o believe_v do_v deny_v all_o faith_n proper_o divine_a and_o supernatural_a this_o be_v the_o substance_n of_o what_o be_v declare_v and_o plead_v for_o in_o the_o precede_a treatise_n to_o prevent_v the_o obloquy_n of_o some_o and_o confirm_v the_o judgement_n of_o other_o i_o shall_v add_v the_o suffrage_n of_o ancient_n and_o modern_a writer_n give_v unto_o the_o principal_a part_n of_o it_o and_o whereon_o all_o other_o thing_n assert_v in_o it_o do_v depend_v clemens_n alexandrinus_n discourse_v at_o large_a unto_o this_o purpose_n stromat_n 7._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d we_o have_v the_o lord_n himself_o for_o the_o principle_n or_o beginning_n of_o doctrine_n who_o by_o the_o prophet_n the_o gospel_n and_o bless_a apostle_n in_o various_a manner_n and_o by_o divers_a degree_n go_v before_o we_o or_o lead_v we_o unto_o knowledge_n this_n be_v that_o which_o we_o lie_v down_o as_o the_o reason_n and_o ground_n of_o faith_n namely_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o lord_n himself_o instruct_v we_o by_o the_o scripture_n so_o he_o add_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o if_o any_o one_o suppose_v that_o he_o need_v any_o oâ—her_a principle_n the_o principle_n will_v not_o be_v keep_v that_o be_v if_o we_o need_v any_o other_o principle_n whereinto_o to_o resolve_v our_o faith_n the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v no_o more_o a_o principle_n unto_o we_o but_o he_o who_o be_v faithful_a from_o himself_o be_v worthy_a to_o be_v believe_v in_o his_o sovereign_n write_v and_o voice_n which_o as_o it_o appear_v be_v administer_v by_o the_o lord_n for_o the_o benefit_n of_o man_n and_o certain_o we_o use_v it_o as_o a_o rule_n of_o judge_v for_o the_o invention_n of_o thing_n but_o whatever_o be_v judge_v be_v not_o credible_a or_o to_o be_v believe_v until_o it_o be_v judge_v and_o that_o be_v no_o principle_n which_o stand_v in_o need_n to_o be_v judge_v the_o intention_n of_o his_o word_n be_v that_o god_n who_o alone_o be_v to_o believe_v for_o himself_o have_v give_v we_o his_o word_n as_o the_o rule_n whereby_o we_o be_v to_o judge_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o this_o word_n be_v so_o to_o be_v believe_v as_o not_o to_o be_v subject_a unto_o any_o other_o judgement_n because_o if_o it_o be_v so_o it_o can_v be_v either_o a_o principle_n or_o a_o rule_n and_o so_o he_o proceed_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d wherefore_o it_o be_v meet_v that_o embrace_v by_o faith_n the_o most_o sufficient_a indemonstrable_a principle_n and_o take_v the_o demonstration_n of_o the_o principle_n from_o the_o principle_n itself_o we_o be_v instruct_v by_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o lord_n himself_o unto_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o truth_n in_o few_o word_n he_o declare_v the_o substance_n of_o what_o we_o have_v plead_v for_o no_o more_o do_v we_o maintain_v in_o this_o cause_n but_o what_o clemens_n do_v here_o assert_v namely_o that_o we_o believe_v the_o scripture_n for_o itself_o as_o that_o which_o need_v no_o antecedent_n or_o external_a demonstration_n but_o all_o the_o evidence_n and_o demonstration_n of_o its_o divine_a original_a be_v to_o be_v take_v from_o itself_o alone_o which_o yet_o
as_o a_o sufficient_a and_o perfect_a so_o the_o only_a treasury_n of_o divine_a revelation_n and_o what_o have_v be_v offer_v by_o any_o to_o weaken_v or_o impair_v its_o esteem_n by_o take_v off_o from_o its_o credibility_n perfection_n and_o sufficiency_n as_o unto_o all_o its_o own_o proper_a end_n have_v bring_v no_o advantage_n unto_o the_o church_n nor_o benefit_n unto_o the_o faith_n of_o believer_n but_o yet_o five_o in_o assert_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o only_a external_a mean_n of_o divine_a revelation_n i_o do_v it_o not_o exclusive_o unto_o those_o institution_n of_o god_n which_o be_v subordinate_a unto_o it_o and_o appoint_v as_o mean_n to_o make_v it_o effectual_a unto_o our_o soul_n as_o 1._o our_o own_o personal_a endeavour_n in_o read_v study_v and_o meditate_v on_o the_o scripture_n that_o we_o my_o come_v unto_o a_o right_a apprehension_n of_o the_o thing_n contain_v in_o it_o be_v require_v unto_o this_o purpose_n it_o be_v know_v to_o all_o how_o frequent_o this_o duty_n be_v press_v upon_o we_o and_o what_o promise_n be_v annex_v to_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o see_v deut._n 6._o 6_o 7._o chap._n 11._o 18_o 19_o josh._n 1._o 8._o psal._n 1._o 2._o psal._n 119._o col._n 3._o 16._o 2_o tim._n 3._o 15._o without_o this_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o expect_v illumination_n by_o the_o word_n and_o therefore_o we_o may_v see_v multitude_n live_v and_o walk_v in_o extreme_a darkness_n when_o yet_o the_o word_n be_v everywhere_o nigh_o unto_o they_o bread_n which_o be_v the_o staff_n of_o life_n will_v yet_o nourish_v no_o man_n who_o do_v not_o provide_v it_o and_o feed_v upon_o it_o no_o more_o will_v manna_n unless_o it_o be_v gather_v and_o prepare_v our_o own_o nature_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o divine_a revelation_n consider_v and_o what_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o application_n of_o the_o one_o to_o the_o other_o make_v this_o evident_a for_o god_n will_v instruct_v we_o in_o his_o mind_n and_o will_n as_o we_o be_v man_n in_o and_o by_o the_o rational_a faculty_n of_o our_o soul_n nor_o be_v a_o external_a revelation_n capable_a of_o make_v any_o other_o impression_n on_o we_o but_o what_o be_v so_o receive_v wherefore_o when_o i_o say_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o only_a external_a mean_n of_o our_o illumination_n i_o include_v therein_o all_o our_o own_o personal_a endeavour_n to_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n therein_o which_o shall_v be_v afterward_o speak_v unto_o and_o those_o who_o under_o any_o pretence_n do_v keep_v drive_v or_o persuade_v man_n from_o read_v and_o meditate_v on_o the_o scripture_n do_v take_v a_o effectual_a course_n to_o keep_v they_o in_o and_o under_o the_o power_n of_o darkness_n 2._o the_o mutual_a instruction_n of_o one_o another_o in_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n out_o of_o the_o scripture_n be_v also_o require_v hereunto_o for_o we_o be_v oblige_v by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n to_o endeavour_v the_o good_a of_o other_o in_o various_a degree_n as_o our_o child_n our_o family_n our_o neighbour_n and_o all_o with_o who_o we_o have_v conversation_n and_o this_o be_v the_o principal_a good_a absolute_o consider_v that_o we_o can_v communicate_v unto_o other_o namely_o to_o instruct_v they_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n this_o whole_a duty_n in_o all_o the_o degree_n of_o it_o be_v represent_v in_o that_o command_n thou_o shall_v teach_v my_o word_n diligent_o unto_o thy_o child_n and_o shall_v talk_v of_o they_o when_o thou_o sit_v in_o thy_o house_n and_o when_o thou_o walk_v by_o the_o way_n and_o when_o thou_o lie_v down_o and_o when_o thou_o rise_v up_o deut._n 6._o 7._o thus_o when_o our_o saviour_n find_v his_o disciple_n talk_v of_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n by_o the_o way_n side_n he_o bear_v unto_o they_o the_o person_n of_o a_o private_a man_n instruct_v they_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o scripture_n luk._n 24._o 26_o 27_o 32._o and_o the_o neglect_n of_o this_o duty_n in_o the_o world_n which_o be_v so_o great_a that_o the_o very_a mention_n of_o it_o or_o the_o least_o attempt_n to_o perform_v it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o scorn_n and_o reproach_n be_v one_o cause_n of_o the_o great_a ignorance_n &_o darkness_n which_o yet_o abound_v among_o we_o but_o the_o nakedness_n of_o this_o folly_n whereby_o man_n will_v be_v esteem_v christian_n in_o the_o open_a contempt_n of_o all_o duty_n of_o christianity_n will_v in_o due_a time_n be_v lay_v open_a 3._o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n in_o the_o church_n be_v that_o which_o be_v principal_o include_v in_o this_o assertion_n the_o scripture_n be_v the_o only_a mean_n of_o illumination_n but_o it_o become_v so_o principal_o by_o the_o application_n of_o it_o unto_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n in_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n see_v mat._n 5._o 14_o 15._o 2_o cor._n 5._o 18_o 19_o 20._o eph._n 4._o 11_o 12_o 13_o 14_o 15._o 1_o tim._n 3._o 15._o the_o church_n and_o the_o ministry_n of_o it_o be_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n unto_o this_o end_n that_o his_o mind_n and_o will_v as_o reveal_v in_o the_o word_n may_v be_v make_v know_v to_o the_o child_n of_o man_n whereby_o they_o be_v enlighten_v and_o that_o church_n and_o ministry_n whereof_o this_o be_v not_o the_o first_o principal_a design_n and_o work_v be_v neither_o appoint_v of_o god_n nor_o approve_v by_o he_o man_n will_v one_o day_n find_v themselves_o deceive_v in_o trust_v to_o empty_a name_n it_o be_v duty_n alone_o that_o will_v be_v comfort_n and_o reward_n dan._n 12._o 3._o six_o that_o the_o scripture_n which_o thus_o contain_v the_o whole_a of_o divine_a revelation_n may_v be_v a_o sufficient_a external_a cause_n of_o illumination_n unto_o we_o two_o thing_n be_v require_v 1._o that_o we_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v a_o divine_a revelation_n that_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o a_o declaration_n of_o himself_o his_o mind_n and_o will_n immediate_o proceed_v from_o he_o or_o that_o it_o be_v of_o a_o pure_a divine_a original_a proceed_v neither_o from_o the_o folly_n or_o deceit_n nor_o from_o the_o skill_n or_o honesty_n of_o man_n so_o be_v it_o state_v 2_o pet._n 1._o 19_o 20_o 21._o heb._n 1._o 1._o 2_o tim._n 3._o 16._o isa._n 8._o 20._o it_o tender_v no_o light_n or_o instruction_n under_o any_o other_o notion_n but_o as_o it_o come_v immediate_o from_o god_n not_o as_o the_o word_n of_o man_n but_o as_o it_o be_v indeed_o the_o word_n of_o the_o live_a god_n 1_o thes._n 2._o 13._o and_o what_o ever_o any_o one_o may_v learn_v from_o or_o by_o the_o scripture_n under_o any_o other_o consideration_n it_o belong_v not_o unto_o the_o illumination_n we_o inquire_v after_o nehem._n 8._o 8._o isa._n 28._o 9_o hos._n 14._o 9_o prov._n 1._o 6._o psal._n 119._o 34_o mat._n 15._o 16._o 2_o tim._n 2._o 7._o 1_o john_n 5._o 20._o 2._o that_o we_o understand_v the_o thing_n declare_v in_o it_o or_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n as_o reveal_v and_o express_v therein_o for_o if_o it_o be_v give_v unto_o we_o a_o seal_a book_n which_o we_o can_v read_v either_o because_o it_o be_v seal_v or_o because_o we_o be_v ignorant_a and_o can_v read_v whatever_o vision_n or_o mean_n of_o light_n it_o have_v in_o it_o we_o shall_v have_v no_o advantage_n thereby_o isa._n 29._o 11_o 12._o it_o be_v not_o the_o word_n themselves_o of_o the_o scripture_n only_o but_o our_o understand_v they_o that_o give_v we_o light_a psal._n 119._o 130._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o open_a the_o door_n the_o entrance_n of_o thy_o word_n give_v light_a it_o must_v be_v open_v or_o it_o will_v not_o enlighten_v so_o the_o disciple_n understand_v not_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o scripture_n concern_v the_o lord_n christ_n they_o be_v not_o enlighten_v by_o they_o until_o he_o expound_v they_o unto_o they_o luk._n 24._o 27_o 45._o as_o we_o have_v the_o same_o instance_n in_o the_o eunuch_n and_o philip_n act_v 8._o 31_o 35_o 36._o to_o this_o very_a day_n the_o nation_n of_o the_o jew_n have_v the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o the_o outward_a letter_n of_o they_o in_o such_o esteem_n and_o veneration_n that_o they_o even_o adore_v and_o worship_v they_o yet_o be_v they_o not_o enlighten_v by_o it_o and_o the_o same_o be_v fall_v out_o among_o many_o that_o be_v call_v christian_n or_o they_o can_v never_o embrace_v such_o foolish_a opinion_n and_o practice_v such_o idolatry_n in_o worship_n as_o some_o of_o they_o do_v who_o yet_o enjoy_v the_o letter_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o this_o bring_v i_o to_o my_o design_n which_o we_o have_v be_v thus_o far_o make_v way_n unto_o and_o it_o be_v to_o show_v that_o both_o these_o be_v from_o the_o holy_a ghost_n namely_o that_o we_o true_o believe_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
unto_o it_o as_o i_o have_v elsewhere_o prove_v at_o large_a we_o shall_v therefore_o proceed_v there_o be_v two_o thing_n considerable_a with_o respect_n unto_o our_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o a_o due_a manner_n or_o according_a to_o our_o duty_n the_o first_o respect_v the_o subject_a or_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n how_o it_o be_v enable_v thereunto_o the_o other_o the_o object_n to_o be_v believe_v with_o the_o true_a reason_n why_o we_o do_v believe_v the_o scripture_n with_o faith_n divine_a and_o supernatural_a the_o first_o of_o these_o must_v of_o necessity_n fall_v under_o our_o consideration_n herein_o as_o that_o without_o which_o what_o ever_o reason_n evidence_n or_o motive_n be_v propose_v unto_o we_o we_o shall_v never_o believe_v in_o a_o due_a manner_n for_o whereas_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n or_o the_o mind_n of_o all_o man_n be_v by_o nature_n deprave_v corrupt_a carnal_a and_o enmity_n against_o god_n they_o can_v of_o themselves_o or_o by_o virtue_n of_o any_o innate_a ability_n of_o their_o own_o understand_v or_o assent_v unto_o spiritual_a thing_n in_o a_o spiritual_a manner_n which_o we_o have_v sufficient_o prove_v and_o confirm_v before_o wherefore_o that_o assent_n which_o be_v wrought_v in_o we_o by_o mere_a external_a argument_n consist_v in_o the_o rational_a conclusion_n and_o judgement_n which_o we_o make_v upon_o their_o truth_n and_o evidence_n be_v not_o that_o faith_n wherewith_o we_o ought_v to_o believe_v the_o word_n of_o god_n wherefore_o that_o we_o may_v believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n according_a to_o our_o duty_n as_o god_n require_v it_o of_o we_o in_o a_o useful_a profitable_a and_o save_a manner_n above_z and_o beyond_o that_o natural_a humane_a faith_n and_o assent_n which_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o the_o argument_n and_o motive_n of_o credibility_n before_o insist_v on_o with_o all_o other_o of_o the_o like_a kind_n there_o be_v and_o must_v be_v wrought_v in_o we_o by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n faith_n supernatural_a and_o divine_a whereby_o we_o be_v enable_v so_o to_o do_v or_o rather_o whereby_o we_o do_v so_o this_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n as_o it_o be_v distinct_a from_o so_o in_o order_n of_o nature_n it_o be_v antecedent_n unto_o all_o divine_a objective_n evidence_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o the_o formal_a reason_n move_v we_o to_o believe_v it_o wherefore_o without_o it_o whatever_o argument_n or_o motive_n be_v propose_v unto_o we_o we_o can_v believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o a_o due_a manner_n and_o as_o it_o be_v in_o duty_n require_v of_o we_o some_o it_o may_v be_v will_v suppose_v these_o thing_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o impertinent_a unto_o our_o present_a purpose_n for_o while_o we_o be_v inquire_v on_o what_o ground_n we_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n we_o seem_v to_o fly_v to_o the_o work_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o our_o own_o mind_n which_o be_v irrational_a but_o we_o must_v not_o be_v ashamed_a of_o the_o gospel_n nor_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o because_o some_o do_v not_o understand_v or_o will_v not_o due_o consider_v what_o be_v propose_v it_o be_v necessary_a that_o we_o shall_v return_v unto_o the_o work_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n not_o with_o peculiar_a respect_n unto_o the_o scripture_n that_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v but_o unto_o our_o own_o mind_n and_o that_o faith_n wherewith_o they_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v for_o it_o be_v not_o the_o reason_n why_o we_o believe_v the_o scripture_n but_o the_o power_n whereby_o we_o be_v enable_v so_o to_o do_v which_o at_o present_a we_o inquire_v after_o 1._o that_o the_o faith_n whereby_o we_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v wrought_v in_o we_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n can_v be_v deny_v only_o on_o two_o principle_n or_o supposition_n 1._o that_o it_o be_v not_o faith_n divine_a and_o supernatural_a whereby_o we_o believe_v they_o so_o to_o be_v but_o only_o we_o have_v other_o moral_a assurance_n thereof_o 2._o that_o this_o faith_n divine_a and_o supernatural_a be_v of_o ourselves_o and_o be_v not_o wrought_v in_o we_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o first_o of_o these_o have_v be_v already_o disprove_v and_o shall_v be_v further_o evict_v afterward_o and_o it_o may_v be_v they_o be_v very_o few_o who_o be_v of_o that_o judgement_n for_o general_o whatever_o man_n suppose_v the_o prime_a object_n principal_a motive_n and_o formal_a reason_n of_o that_o faith_n to_o be_v yet_o that_o it_o be_v divine_a and_o supernatural_a they_o all_o acknowledge_v and_o as_o to_o the_o second_o what_o be_v so_o it_o be_v of_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o to_o say_v it_o be_v divine_a and_o supernatural_a be_v to_o say_v that_o it_o be_v not_o of_o ourselves_o but_o that_o it_o be_v the_o grace_n and_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n wrought_v in_o we_o by_o his_o divine_a and_o supernatural_a power_n and_o those_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n who_o will_v resolve_v our_o faith_n in_o this_o matter_n objective_o into_o the_o authority_n of_o their_o church_n yet_o subjective_o acknowledge_v the_o work_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n ingenerate_v faith_n in_o we_o and_o that_o work_v to_o be_v necessary_a to_o our_o believe_v the_o scripture_n in_o a_o due_a manner_n externae_fw-la omnes_fw-la &_o humanae_fw-la persuasiones_fw-la non_fw-la sunt_fw-la satis_fw-la ad_fw-la credendum_fw-la quantumcunque_fw-la ab_fw-la hominibus_fw-la competenter_fw-la ea_fw-la quae_fw-la sunt_fw-la fidei_fw-la proponantur_fw-la sed_fw-la necessaria_fw-la est_fw-la insuper_fw-la causa_fw-la interior_a hoc_fw-la est_fw-la divinum_fw-la quoddam_fw-la lumen_fw-la incitans_fw-la ad_fw-la credendum_fw-la &_o oculi_fw-la quidam_fw-la interni_fw-la dei_fw-la beneficio_fw-la ad_fw-la videndum_fw-la dati_fw-la say_v canus_n loc._n theol._n lib._n 2._o cap._n 8._o nor_o be_v there_o any_o of_o the_o divine_n of_o that_o church_n which_o dissent_n herein_o we_o do_v not_o therefore_o assert_v any_o such_o divine_a formal_a reoson_n of_o believe_v as_o that_o the_o mind_n shall_v not_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o supernatural_a assistance_n enable_v it_o to_o assent_v thereunto_o nay_o we_o affirm_v that_o without_o this_o there_o be_v in_o no_o man_n any_o true_a faith_n at_o all_o let_v the_o argument_n and_o motive_n whereon_o he_o believe_v be_v as_o forcible_a and_o pregnant_a with_o evidence_n as_o can_v be_v imagine_v it_o be_v in_o this_o case_n as_o in_o thing_n natural_a neither_o the_o the_o light_n of_o the_o sun_n nor_o any_o persuasive_a argument_n unto_o man_n to_o look_v up_o unto_o it_o will_v enable_v they_o to_o discern_v it_o unless_o they_o be_v endue_v with_o a_o due_a visive_a faculty_n and_o this_o the_o scripture_n be_v express_v in_o beyond_o all_o possibility_n of_o contradiction_n neither_o be_v it_o that_o i_o know_v of_o by_o any_o as_o yet_o in_o express_a term_n deny_v for_o indeed_o that_o all_o which_o be_v proper_o call_v faith_n with_o respect_n unto_o divine_a revelation_n and_o be_v accept_v with_o god_n as_o such_o be_v the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o we_o or_o be_v bestow_v on_o we_o by_o he_o can_v be_v question_v by_o any_o who_o own_o the_o gospel_n i_o have_v also_o prove_v it_o elsewhere_o so_o full_o and_o large_o as_o that_o i_o shall_v give_v it_o at_o present_v no_o other_o confirmation_n but_o what_o will_v necessary_o fall_v in_o with_o the_o description_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o faith_n whereby_o we_o do_v believe_v and_o the_o way_n or_o manner_n of_o its_o be_v wrought_v in_o we_o the_o work_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n unto_o this_o purpose_n consist_v in_o the_o save_a illumination_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o be_v a_o supernatural_a light_n whereby_o the_o mind_n be_v renew_v see_v rom._n 12._o 1._o ephes._n 1._o 18_o 19_o chap._n 3._o 16_o 17_o 18_o 19_o it_o be_v call_v a_o heart_n to_o understand_v eye_n to_o see_v ear_n to_o hear_v deut._n 29._o 4._o the_o open_n of_o the_o eye_n of_o our_o vunderstanding_n ephes._n 1._o 18._o the_o give_v of_o a_o understanding_n 1_o john_n 5._o 20._o hereby_o we_o be_v enable_v to_o discern_v the_o evidence_n of_o the_o divine_a original_a and_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n that_o be_v in_o itself_o as_o well_o as_o assent_v unto_o the_o truth_n contain_v in_o it_o and_o without_o it_o we_o can_v do_v so_o for_o the_o natural_a man_n receive_v not_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o they_o be_v foolishness_n unto_o he_o neither_o can_v be_v know_v they_o because_o they_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v 1_o cor._n 2._o 14._o and_o unto_o this_o end_n it_o be_v write_v in_o the_o prophet_n that_o we_o
complete_a revelation_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n already_o make_v but_o new_a revelation_n it_o have_v neither_o need_n nor_o use_v of_o and_o to_o suppose_v they_o or_o a_o necessity_n of_o they_o not_o only_o overthrow_v the_o perfection_n of_o the_o scripture_n but_o also_o leave_v we_o uncertain_a whether_o we_o know_v all_o that_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v in_o order_n unto_o salvation_n or_o our_o whole_a duty_n or_o when_o we_o may_v do_v so_o for_o it_o will_v be_v our_o duty_n to_o live_v all_o our_o day_n in_o expectation_n of_o new_a revelation_n wherewith_o neither_o peace_n assurance_n nor_o consolation_n be_v consistent_a 2._o those_o who_o be_v to_o believe_v will_v not_o be_v able_a on_o this_o supposition_n to_o secure_v themselves_o from_o delusion_n and_o from_o be_v impose_v on_o by_o the_o deceit_n of_o satan_n for_o this_o new_a revelation_n be_v to_o be_v try_v by_o the_o scripture_n or_o it_o be_v not_o if_o it_o be_v to_o be_v try_v and_o examine_v by_o the_o scripture_n then_o do_v it_o acknowledge_v a_o superior_a rule_n judgement_n and_o testimony_n and_o so_o can_v be_v that_o which_o our_o faith_n be_v ultimate_o resolve_v into_o if_o it_o be_v exempt_v from_o that_o rule_n of_o try_v the_o spirit_n than_o 1._o it_o must_v produce_v the_o grant_n of_o this_o exemption_n see_v the_o rule_n be_v extend_v general_o unto_o all_o thing_n and_o doctrine_n that_o relate_v unto_o faith_n or_o obedience_n 2._o it_o must_v declare_v what_o be_v the_o ground_n and_o evidence_n of_o its_o own_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o self-credibility_a and_o how_o it_o may_v be_v infallible_o or_o assure_o distinguish_v from_o all_o delusion_n which_o can_v never_o be_v do_v and_o if_o any_o tolerable_a countenance_n can_v be_v give_v unto_o these_o thing_n yet_o we_o shall_v show_v immediate_o that_o no_o such_o private_a testimony_n though_o real_a can_v be_v the_o formal_a object_n of_o faith_n or_o reason_n of_o believe_v 3._o it_o have_v so_o fall_v out_o in_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n that_o general_o all_o who_o have_v give_v up_o themselves_o in_o any_o thing_n concern_v faith_n or_o obedience_n unto_o the_o pretend_a conduct_n of_o immediate_a revelation_n although_o they_o have_v plead_v a_o respect_n unto_o the_o scripture_n also_o have_v be_v seduce_v into_o opinion_n and_o practice_n direct_o repugnant_a unto_o it_o and_o this_o with_o all_o person_n of_o sobriety_n be_v sufficient_a to_o discard_v this_o pretence_n but_o this_o internal_a testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v by_o other_o explain_v quite_o in_o another_o way_n for_o they_o say_v that_o beside_o the_o work_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n before_o insist_v on_o whereby_o he_o take_v away_o our_o natural_a blindness_n and_o enlighten_v our_o mind_n enable_v we_o to_o discern_v the_o divine_a excellency_n that_o be_v in_o the_o scripture_n there_o be_v another_o internal_a efficiency_n of_o he_o whereby_o we_o be_v move_v persuade_v and_o enable_v to_o believe_v hereby_o we_o be_v teach_v of_o god_n so_o as_o that_o find_v the_o glory_n and_o majesty_n of_o god_n in_o the_o word_n our_o heart_n do_v by_o a_o ineffable_a power_n assent_v unto_o the_o truth_n without_o any_o hesitation_n and_o this_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n carry_v its_o own_o evidence_n in_o itself_o produce_v a_o assurance_n above_o all_o humane_a judgement_n and_o such_o as_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o no_o further_a argument_n or_o testimony_n this_o faith_n rest_v on_o and_o be_v resolve_v into_o and_o this_o some_o learned_a man_n seem_v to_o embrace_v because_o they_o suppose_v that_o the_o objective_a evidence_n which_o be_v give_v in_o the_o scripture_n itself_o be_v only_o moral_a or_o such_o as_o can_v give_v only_o a_o moral_a assurance_n whereas_o therefore_o faith_n ought_v to_o be_v divine_a and_o supernatural_a so_o must_v that_o be_v whereinto_o it_o be_v resolve_v yea_o it_o be_v so_o alone_o from_o the_o formal_a reason_n of_o it_o and_o they_o can_v apprehend_v nothing_o in_o this_o work_n that_o be_v immediate_o divine_a but_o only_o this_o internal_a testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n wherein_o god_n himself_o speak_v unto_o our_o heart_n but_o yet_o neither_o as_o it_o be_v so_o explain_v can_v we_o allow_v it_o to_o be_v the_o formal_a object_n of_o faith_n nor_o that_o wherein_o it_o do_v acquiesce_v for_o 1._o it_o have_v not_o the_o proper_a nature_n of_o a_o divine_a testimony_n a_o divine_a work_n it_o may_v be_v but_o a_o divine_a testimony_n it_o be_v not_o but_o it_o be_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o faith_n to_o be_v build_v on_o a_o external_a testimony_n however_o therefore_o our_o mind_n may_v be_v establish_v and_o enable_v to_o believe_v firm_o and_o steadfast_o by_o a_o ineffable_a internal_a work_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n whereof_o also_o we_o may_v have_v a_o certain_a experience_n yet_o neither_o that_o work_v nor_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o can_v be_v the_o reason_n why_o we_o do_v believe_v nor_o whereby_o we_o be_v move_v to_o believe_v but_o only_o that_o whereby_o we_o do_v believe_v 2._o that_o which_o be_v the_o formal_a object_n of_o faith_n or_o reason_n whereon_o we_o believe_v be_v the_o same_o and_o common_a unto_o all_o that_o do_v believe_v for_o our_o enquiry_n be_v not_o how_o or_o by_o what_o mean_v this_o or_o that_o man_n come_v to_o believe_v but_o why_o any_o one_o or_o every_o one_o ought_v so_o to_o do_v unto_o who_o the_o scripture_n be_v propose_v the_o object_n propose_v unto_o all_o to_o be_v believe_v be_v the_o same_o and_o the_o faith_n require_v of_o all_o in_o a_o way_n of_o duty_n be_v the_o same_o or_o of_o the_o same_o kind_a and_o nature_n and_o therefore_o the_o reason_n why_o we_o believe_v must_v be_v the_o same_o also_o but_o on_o this_o supposition_n there_o must_v be_v as_o many_o distinct_a reason_n of_o believe_v as_o there_o be_v believer_n 3._o on_o this_o supposition_n it_o can_v be_v the_o duty_n of_o any_o one_o to_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n who_o have_v not_o receive_v this_o internal_a testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n for_o where_o the_o true_a formal_a reason_n of_o believe_v be_v not_o propose_v unto_o we_o there_o it_o be_v not_o our_o duty_n to_o believe_v wherefore_o although_o the_o scripture_n be_v propose_v as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n yet_o be_v it_o not_o our_o duty_n to_o believe_v it_o so_o to_o be_v until_o we_o have_v this_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o our_o heart_n in_o case_n that_o be_v the_o formal_a reason_n of_o believe_v but_o not_o to_o press_v any_o further_a how_o it_o be_v possible_a man_n may_v be_v deceive_v and_o delude_v in_o their_o apprehension_n of_o such_o a_o internal_a testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n especial_o if_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v try_v by_o the_o scripture_n which_o if_o it_o be_v it_o lose_v its_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o self-credibility_a or_o if_o it_o be_v it_o cast_v we_o into_o a_o circle_n which_o the_o papist_n charge_v we_o withal_o it_o can_v be_v admit_v as_o the_o formal_a object_n of_o our_o faith_n because_o it_o will_v divert_v we_o from_o that_o which_o be_v public_a proper_a every_o way_n certain_a and_o infallible_a however_o that_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o may_v be_v call_v a_o internal_a real_a testimony_n be_v to_o be_v grant_v as_o that_o which_o belong_v unto_o the_o stability_n and_o assurance_n of_o faith_n for_o if_o he_o do_v no_o otherwise_o work_v in_o we_o or_o upon_o we_o but_o by_o the_o communication_n of_o spiritual_a light_n unto_o our_o mind_n enable_v we_o to_o discern_v the_o evidence_n that_o be_v in_o the_o scripture_n of_o its_o own_o divine_a original_a we_o shall_v often_o be_v shake_v in_o our_o assent_n and_o move_v from_o our_o stability_n for_o whereas_o our_o spiritual_a darkness_n be_v remove_v but_o in_o part_n and_o at_o best_a whilst_o we_o be_v here_o we_o see_v thing_n but_o dark_o as_o in_o a_o glass_n all_o thing_n believe_v have_v some_o sort_n of_o inevidence_n or_o obscurity_n attend_v they_o and_o whereas_o temptation_n will_v frequent_o shake_v and_o disturb_v the_o due_a respect_n of_o the_o faculty_n unto_o the_o object_n or_o interpose_v mist_n and_o cloud_n between_o they_o we_o can_v have_v no_o assurance_n in_o believe_v unless_o our_o mind_n be_v further_o establish_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n he_o do_v therefore_o three_o way_n assist_v we_o in_o believe_v and_o ascertain_v our_o mind_n of_o the_o thing_n believe_v so_o as_o that_o we_o may_v hold_v fast_o the_o begin_n of_o our_o confidence_n firm_a and_o steadfast_a unto_o the_o end_n for_o 1._o he_o give_v unto_o believer_n a_o spiritual_a sense_n of_o the_o power_n and_o reality_n of_o the_o thing_n believe_v whereby_o their_o faith_n be_v great_o establish_v and_o although_o
the_o word_n of_o god_n with_o no_o less_o firmness_n certainty_n and_o assurance_n of_o mind_n than_o do_v the_o wise_a and_o most_o learned_a of_o they_o yea_o ofttimes_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o former_a sort_n herein_o be_v of_o the_o best_a growth_n and_o firm_a consistency_n against_o opposition_n and_o temptation_n now_o no_o assent_n of_o the_o mind_n can_v be_v accompany_v with_o any_o more_o assurance_n than_o the_o evidence_n who_o effect_n it_o be_v and_o which_o it_o be_v resolve_v into_o will_v afford_v nor_o do_v any_o evidence_n of_o truth_n beget_v a_o assent_n unto_o it_o in_o the_o mind_n but_o as_o it_o be_v apprehend_v and_o understand_v wherefore_o the_o evidence_n of_o this_o truth_n wherein_o soever_o it_o consist_v must_v be_v that_o which_o be_v perceive_v apprehend_v and_o understand_v by_o the_o mean_a and_o most_o unlearned_a sort_n of_o true_a believer_n for_o as_o be_v say_v they_o do_v no_o less_o firm_o assent_v and_o adhere_v unto_o it_o than_o the_o wise_a and_o most_o learned_a of_o they_o it_o can_v therefore_o consist_v in_o such_o subtle_a and_o learned_a argument_n who_o sense_n they_o can_v understand_v or_o comprehend_v but_o the_o thing_n we_o have_v plead_v be_v of_o another_o nature_n for_o those_o character_n of_o divine_a wisdom_n goodness_n holiness_n grace_n and_o sovereign_a authority_n which_o be_v implant_v on_o the_o scripture_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v as_o legible_a unto_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o mean_a as_o of_o the_o most_o learned_a believer_n and_o they_o also_o be_v no_o less_o capable_a of_o a_o experimental_a understanding_n of_o the_o divine_a power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o all_o its_o spiritual_a operation_n than_o those_o who_o be_v more_o wise_a and_o skilful_a in_o discern_v the_o force_n of_o external_n argument_n and_o motive_n of_o credibility_n it_o must_v therefore_o of_o necessity_n be_v grant_v that_o the_o formal_a reason_n of_o faith_n consist_v in_o those_o thing_n whereof_o the_o evidence_n be_v equal_o obvious_a unto_o all_o sort_n of_o believer_n 2._o whence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o assent_n of_o faith_n whereby_o we_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v usual_o affirm_v to_o be_v accompany_v with_o more_o assurance_n than_o any_o assent_n which_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o science_n upon_o the_o most_o demonstrative_a principle_n they_o who_o affirm_v this_o do_v not_o consider_v faith_n as_o it_o be_v in_o this_o or_o that_o individual_a person_n or_o in_o all_o that_o do_v sincere_o believe_v but_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n and_o essence_n and_o what_o it_o be_v meet_v and_o able_a to_o produce_v and_o the_o schoolman_n do_v distinguish_v between_o a_o certainty_n or_o assurance_n of_o evidence_n and_o a_o assurance_n of_o adherence_n in_o the_o latter_a they_o say_v the_o certainty_n of_o faith_n do_v exceed_v that_o of_o science_n but_o it_o be_v less_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o former_a but_o it_o be_v not_o easy_o to_o be_v conceive_v how_o the_o certainty_n of_o adherence_n shall_v exceed_v the_o certainty_n of_o evidence_n with_o respect_n unto_o any_o object_n whatsoever_o that_o which_o seem_v to_o render_v a_o difference_n in_o this_o case_n be_v that_o the_o evidence_n which_o we_o have_v in_o thing_n scientifical_a be_v speculative_a and_o affect_v the_o mind_n only_o but_o the_o evidence_n which_o we_o have_v by_o faith_n effectual_o work_v on_o the_o will_n also_o because_o of_o the_o goodness_n and_o excellency_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v believe_v and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o whole_a soul_n do_v more_o firm_o adhere_v unto_o the_o object_n of_o faith_n upon_o that_o evidence_n which_o it_o have_v of_o they_o than_o unto_o other_o thing_n whereof_o it_o have_v clear_a evidence_n wherein_o the_o will_n and_o the_o affection_n be_v little_a or_o not_o at_o all_o concern_v and_o bonaventure_n give_v a_o reason_n of_o no_o small_a weight_n why_o faith_n be_v more_o certain_a than_o science_n not_o with_o the_o certainty_n of_o speculation_n but_o of_o adherence_n quoniam_fw-la fideles_fw-la christiani_n nec_fw-la argumentis_fw-la nec_fw-la tormentis_fw-la nec_fw-la blandimentis_fw-la adduci_fw-la possunt_fw-la vel_fw-la inclinari_fw-la ut_fw-la veritatem_fw-la quam_fw-la credunt_fw-la vel_fw-la ore_fw-la tenus_fw-la negent_fw-la quod_fw-la nemo_fw-la peritus_fw-la alicujus_fw-la scientiae_fw-la faceret_fw-la si_fw-la acerrimis_fw-la tormentis_fw-la cogeretur_fw-la scientiam_fw-la svam_fw-la de_fw-la conclusione_n aliqua_fw-la geometrica_fw-la vel_fw-la arithmetica_fw-la retractare_fw-la stultus_fw-la enim_fw-la &_o ridiculus_fw-la esset_fw-la geometra_fw-la qui_fw-la pro_fw-la sua_fw-la scientia_fw-la in_o controversiis_fw-la geometricis_fw-la mortem_fw-la anderet_fw-la subire_fw-la nisi_fw-la in_o quantum_fw-la dictat_fw-la fides_n non_fw-la esse_fw-la mentiendum_fw-la and_o whatever_o may_v be_v say_v of_o this_o distinction_n i_o think_v it_o can_v modest_o be_v deny_v that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a assurance_n in_o faith_n than_o any_o be_v in_o scientifical_a conclusion_n until_o as_o many_o good_a and_o wise_a man_n will_v part_v with_o all_o their_o worldly_a concernment_n and_o their_o life_n by_o the_o most_o exquisite_a torture_n in_o the_o confirmation_n of_o any_o truth_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v mere_o on_o the_o ground_n of_o reason_n act_v in_o humane_a science_n as_o have_v so_o do_v on_o the_o certainty_n which_o they_o have_v by_o faith_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v a_o divine_a revelation_n for_o in_o bear_v testimony_n hereunto_o have_v innumerable_a multitude_n of_o the_o best_a the_o holy_a and_o the_o wise_a man_n that_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o world_n cheerful_o and_o joyful_o sacrifice_v all_o their_o temporal_a and_o adventure_v all_o their_o eternal_a concernment_n for_o they_o do_v it_o under_o a_o full_a satisfaction_n that_o in_o part_v with_o all_o temporary_a thing_n they_o shall_v be_v eternal_o bless_v or_o eternal_o miserable_a according_a as_o their_o persuasion_n in_o faith_n prove_v true_a or_o false_a wherefore_o unto_o the_o firmitude_n and_o constancy_n which_o we_o have_v in_o the_o assurance_n of_o faith_n three_o thing_n do_v concur_v 1._o that_o this_o ability_n of_o assent_n upon_o testimony_n be_v the_o high_a and_o most_o noble_a power_n or_o faculty_n of_o our_o rational_a soul_n and_o therefore_o where_o it_o have_v the_o high_a evidence_n whereof_o it_o be_v capable_a which_o it_o have_v in_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n it_o give_v we_o the_o high_a certainty_n or_o assurance_n whereof_o in_o this_o world_n we_o be_v capable_a 2._o unto_o the_o assent_n of_o divine_a faith_n there_o be_v require_v a_o especial_a internal_a operation_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n this_o render_v it_o of_o another_o nature_n than_o any_o mere_a natural_a act_n and_o operation_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o therefore_o if_o the_o assurance_n of_o it_o may_v not_o proper_o be_v say_v to_o exceed_v the_o assurance_n of_o science_n in_o degree_n it_o be_v only_o because_o it_o be_v of_o a_o more_o excellent_a kind_n and_o so_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o comparison_n unto_o it_o as_o to_o degree_n 3._o that_o the_o revelation_n which_o god_n make_v of_o himself_o his_o mind_n and_o will_n by_o his_o word_n be_v more_o excellent_a and_o accompany_v with_o great_a evidence_n of_o his_o infinite_o glorious_a property_n wherein_o alone_o the_o mind_n can_v find_v absolute_a rest_n and_o satisfaction_n which_o be_v its_o assurance_n than_o any_o other_o discovery_n of_o truth_n of_o what_o sort_n soever_o be_v capable_a of_o neither_o be_v the_o assurance_n of_o the_o mind_n absolute_o perfect_a in_o any_o thing_n beneath_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n wherefore_o the_o soul_n by_o faith_n make_v the_o near_a approach_n whereof_o in_o this_o life_n it_o be_v capable_a unto_o the_o eternal_a spring_n of_o be_v truth_n and_o goodness_n it_o have_v the_o high_a rest_n satisfaction_n and_o assurance_n therein_o that_o in_o this_o life_n it_o can_v attain_v unto_o 3._o it_o follow_v from_o hence_o that_o those_o that_o will_v deny_v either_o of_o those_o two_o thing_n or_o will_v so_o separate_v between_o they_o as_o to_o exclude_v the_o necessity_n of_o either_o unto_o the_o duty_n of_o believe_v namely_o the_o internal_a work_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n on_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n enable_v they_o to_o believe_v and_o the_o external_a work_n of_o the_o same_o holy_a spirit_n give_v evidence_n in_o and_o by_o the_o scripture_n unto_o its_o own_o divine_a original_a do_v endeavour_n to_o expel_v all_o true_a divine_a faith_n out_o of_o the_o world_n and_o to_o substitute_v a_o probable_a persuasion_n in_o the_o room_n thereof_o for_o a_o close_a unto_o this_o discourse_n which_o have_v now_o be_v draw_v forth_o unto_o a_o great_a length_n than_o be_v at_o first_o intend_v i_o shall_v consider_v some_o objection_n that_o be_v usual_o plead_v in_o opposition_n unto_o the_o truth_n assert_v and_o vindicate_v it_o be_v therefore_o object_v in_o the_o first_o