nempe_fw-la in_fw-la qua_fw-la securius_fw-la constantiusque_fw-la mens_fw-la qui_fw-la scat_fw-la quam_fw-la in_o ullis_fw-la rationibus_fw-la talis_fw-la denique_fw-la sensus_fw-la qui_fw-la nisi_fw-la ex_fw-la caelesti_fw-la revelatione_fw-la nequeat_fw-la non_fw-la aliud_fw-la loquor_fw-la quam_fw-la quod_fw-la apud_fw-la se_fw-la experitur_fw-la fidelium_fw-la unusquisque_fw-la nisi_fw-la quod_fw-la long_o infra_fw-la justam_fw-la rei_fw-la explicationem_fw-la verba_fw-la subsidunt_fw-la calv._n instit._n lib._n 2._o cap._n 7_o 8_o 9_o and_o we_o may_v here_o brief_o call_v over_o what_o we_o have_v attain_v or_o pass_v through_o for_o 1._o we_o have_v show_v in_o general_a both_o what_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o divine_a revelation_n and_o divine_a illumination_n with_o their_o mutual_a respect_n unto_o one_o another_o 2._o what_o be_v the_o principal_a external_a argument_n or_o motive_n of_o credibility_n whereby_o the_o scripture_n may_v be_v prove_v to_o bâ—_n of_o a_o divine_a original_a 3._o what_o kind_n of_o persuasion_n be_v the_o effect_n of_o they_o or_o what_o be_v the_o assent_n which_o we_o give_v unto_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n on_o their_o account_n 4._o what_o objective_a evidence_n there_o be_v unto_o reason_n in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o induce_v the_o mind_n to_o assent_v unto_o they_o 5._o what_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o that_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 and_o how_o it_o be_v wrought_v in_o we_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 6._o what_o be_v that_o internal_a testimony_n which_o be_v give_v unto_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n what_o be_v the_o force_n and_o use_v thereof_o the_o principal_a part_n of_o our_o work_n do_v yet_o remain_v that_o which_o we_o have_v thus_o far_o make_v way_n for_o and_o which_o be_v now_o our_o only_a remain_a enquiry_n be_v what_o be_v the_o work_n of_o the_o holy_a 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consider_v for_o so_o he_o be_v only_o the_o material_a object_n of_o our_o faith_n he_o that_o come_v unto_o god_n must_v believe_v that_o he_o be_v heb._n 11._o 6._o nor_o be_v it_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n absolute_o for_o that_o we_o believe_v as_o we_o do_v other_o essential_a property_n of_o his_o nature_n but_o it_o be_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n reveal_v himself_o his_o mind_n and_o will_n unto_o we_o in_o the_o scripture_n this_o be_v the_o sole_a reason_n why_o we_o believe_v any_o thing_n with_o divine_a faith_n it_o be_v or_o may_v be_v inquire_v wherefore_o we_o do_v believe_v jesus_n christ_n to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n or_o that_o god_n be_v one_o in_o nature_n subsist_v in_o three_o person_n the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a spirit_n i_o answer_v it_o be_v because_o god_n himself_o the_o first_o truth_n who_o can_v lie_v have_v reveal_v and_o declare_v these_o thing_n so_o to_o be_v and_o he_o who_o be_v our_o all_o require_v we_o so_o to_o believe_v if_o it_o be_v 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faith_n yet_o when_o thing_n come_v to_o be_v sift_v and_o try_v they_o do_v so_o confound_v all_o sort_n of_o thing_n that_o they_o know_v not_o where_o to_o stand_v or_o abide_v but_o it_o be_v not_o now_o my_o business_n to_o examine_v their_o pretence_n i_o have_v do_v it_o elsewhere_o i_o shall_v therefore_o prove_v and_o establish_v the_o assertion_n lay_v down_o after_o i_o have_v make_v way_n to_o it_o by_o one_o or_o two_o previous_a observation_n 1._o we_o suppose_v herein_o all_o the_o motive_n of_o credibity_n before_o mention_v that_o be_v all_o the_o argument_n ab_fw-la extra_fw-la which_o vehement_o persuade_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o wherewith_o it_o may_v be_v protect_v against_o objection_n and_o temptation_n to_o the_o contrary_n they_o have_v all_o of_o they_o their_o use_n and_o may_v in_o their_o proper_a place_n be_v
and_o supernatural_a rest_n upon_o that_o be_v it_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v for_o its_o own_o sake_n but_o say_v our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n himself_o if_o man_n will_v not_o hear_v that_o be_v believe_v 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 and_o come_v and_o preach_v unto_o they_o a_o great_a miracle_n than_o which_o they_o can_v not_o desire_v now_o this_o can_v not_o be_v speak_v if_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o contain_v in_o itself_o the_o whole_a entire_a formal_a reason_n of_o believe_v for_o if_o it_o have_v not_o this_o something_o necessary_a unto_o believe_v will_v be_v want_v though_o that_o be_v enjoy_v and_o this_o be_v direct_o affirm_v john_n 20._o 30_o 31._o and_o many_o other_o sign_n true_o do_v jesus_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o his_o disciple_n which_o be_v not_o write_v in_o this_o book_n but_o these_o be_v write_v that_o you_o may_v believe_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o that_o believe_v you_o may_v have_v life_n through_o his_o name_n the_o sign_n which_o christ_n wrought_v do_v evidence_n he_o to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n but_o how_o come_v we_o to_o know_v and_o believe_v these_o sign_n what_o be_v the_o way_n and_o mean_n thereof_o say_v the_o bless_a apostle_n these_o thing_n be_v write_v that_o you_o may_v believe_v this_o writing_n of_o they_o by_o divine_a inspiration_n be_v so_o far_o sufficient_a to_o beget_v and_o assure_v faith_n in_o you_o as_o that_o thereby_o you_o may_v have_v eternal_a life_n through_o jesus_n christ._n for_o if_o the_o writing_n of_o divine_a thing_n and_o revelation_n be_v the_o mean_v appoint_v of_o god_n to_o cause_n man_n to_o believe_v unto_o eternal_a life_n than_o it_o must_v as_o such_o carry_v along_o with_o it_o sufficient_a reason_n why_o we_o shall_v believe_v and_o ground_n whereon_o we_o shall_v do_v so_o and_o in_o like_a manner_n be_v this_o matter_n determine_v by_o the_o apostle_n peter_n 2_o pet._n 1._o 16_o 17_o 18_o 19_o 20_o 21._o for_o we_o have_v not_o follow_v cunning_o devise_v fable_n when_o we_o make_v know_v unto_o you_o the_o power_n and_o come_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n but_o be_v eye-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 shine_v in_o a_o dark_a place_n until_o the_o day_n dawn_n and_o the_o daystar_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 the_o question_n be_v about_o the_o gospel_n or_o the_o declaration_n of_o the_o powerful_a come_v of_o jesus_n christ_n whether_o it_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v or_o no_o and_o if_o it_o be_v upon_o what_o ground_n some_o say_v it_o be_v a_o cunning_o devise_v fable_n other_o that_o it_o be_v a_o fanatical_a story_n of_o mad_a man_n as_o festus_n think_v of_o it_o when_o preach_v by_o paul_n act_v 26._o 24._o and_o very_o many_o be_v of_o the_o same_o mind_n still_o the_o apostle_n on_o the_o contrary_n aver_v that_o what_o be_v speak_v concern_v he_o be_v word_n of_o truth_n and_o soberness_n yea_o faithful_a saying_n and_o worthy_a of_o all_o acceptation_n 1_o tim._n 1._o 15._o that_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v for_o its_o worth_n and_o truth_n the_o ground_n and_o reason_n hereof_o be_v two_o 1._o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o apostle_n who_o not_o only_o converse_v with_o jesus_n christ_n and_o be_v eye_n witness_n of_o his_o majesty_n behold_v his_o glory_n the_o glory_n as_o of_o the_o only_o beget_v of_o the_o father_n full_a of_o grace_n and_o truth_n john_n 1._o 14._o which_o they_o give_v in_o evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n 1_o john_n 1._o 1._o but_o also_o hear_v a_o miraculous_a testimony_n give_v unto_o he_o immediate_o from_o god_n in_o heaven_n ver_fw-la 17._o 18._o this_o give_v they_o indeed_o sufficient_a assurance_n but_o whereinto_o shall_v they_o resolve_v their_o faith_n who_o hear_v not_o this_o testimony_n why_o they_o have_v a_o more_o sure_a that_o be_v a_o most_o sure_a word_n of_o prophecy_n that_o be_v the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n that_o be_v sufficient_a of_o itself_o to_o secure_v their_o faith_n in_o this_o matter_n especial_o as_o confirm_v by_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o apostle_n whereby_o the_o church_n come_v to_o be_v build_v in_o its_o faith_n on_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n ephes._n 2._o 20._o but_o why_o shall_v we_o believe_v this_o word_n of_o prophecy_n may_v not_o that_o also_o be_v a_o cunning_o devise_v fable_n and_o the_o whole_a scripture_n be_v but_o the_o suggestion_n of_o man_n private_a spirit_n as_o be_v object_v ver._n 20._o all_o be_v final_o resolve_v into_o this_o that_o the_o writer_n of_o it_o be_v immediate_o move_v and_o act_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n from_o which_o divine_a original_a it_o carry_v along_o its_o own_o evidence_n with_o it_o plain_o that_o which_o the_o apostle_n teach_v we_o be_v that_o we_o believe_v all_o other_o divine_a truth_n for_o the_o scripture_n sake_n or_o because_o they_o be_v declare_v therein_o but_o the_o scripture_n we_o believe_v for_o its_o own_o sake_n or_o because_o holy_a man_n of_o god_n write_v it_o as_o they_o be_v move_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n so_o be_v the_o whole_a object_n of_o faith_n propose_v by_o the_o same_o apostle_n 2_o pet._n 3._o 2._o the_o word_n that_o be_v speak_v before_o by_o the_o holy_a prophet_n and_o the_o commandment_n of_o the_o apostle_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o saviour_n and_o because_o our_o faith_n be_v resolve_v into_o they_o we_o be_v say_v to_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n as_o be_v say_v eph._n 2._o 20._o that_o be_v our_o faith_n rest_v sole_o as_o on_o its_o proper_a foundation_n which_o bear_v the_o weight_n of_o it_o on_o the_o authority_n and_o truth_n of_o god_n in_o their_o write_n hereunto_o we_o may_v add_v that_o of_o paul_n rom._n 16._o 25_o 26._o according_a to_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o mystery_n which_o be_v keep_v secret_a since_o the_o world_n begin_v but_o now_o be_v make_v manifest_a and_o by_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o prophet_n according_a to_o the_o commandment_n of_o the_o everlasting_a god_n make_v know_v unto_o all_o nation_n for_o the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n the_o matter_n to_o be_v believe_v be_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v keep_v secret_a since_o the_o world_n begin_v or_o from_o the_o give_v of_o the_o first_o promise_n not_o absolute_o but_o with_o respect_n unto_o that_o full_a manifestation_n which_o it_o have_v now_o receive_v this_o god_n command_v to_o be_v believe_v the_o everlasting_a god_n he_o who_o have_v sovereign_a authority_n over_o all_o require_v faith_n in_o a_o way_n of_o obedience_n hereunto_o but_o what_o ground_n or_o reason_n have_v we_o to_o believe_v it_o this_o alone_a be_v propose_v namely_o the_o divine_a revelation_n make_v in_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o apostle_n and_o write_n of_o the_o prophet_n for_o faith_n come_v by_o hear_v and_o hear_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n rom._n 10._o 17._o this_o course_n and_o no_o other_o do_v our_o saviour_n even_o after_o his_o resurrection_n take_v to_o beget_v and_o confirm_v faith_n in_o the_o disciple_n luk._n 24._o 25_o 26_o 27._o that_o great_a testimony_n to_o this_o purpose_n 2_o tim._n 3._o 14_o 15_o 16_o 17._o i_o do_v not_o plead_v in_o particular_a because_o i_o have_v so_o full_o insist_v on_o it_o in_o another_o discourse_n from_o these_o and_o many_o other_o testimony_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n which_o may_v be_v produce_v it_o be_v evident_a 1._o that_o it_o be_v the_o scripture_n itself_o the_o word_n or_o will_n of_o god_n as_o reveal_v or_o write_v which_o be_v propose_v unto_o we_o as_o the_o object_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o obedience_n which_o we_o be_v to_o receive_v and_o believe_v with_o faith_n divine_a and_o supernatural_a 2._o that_o no_o other_o reason_n be_v propose_v unto_o we_o either_o as_o a_o motive_n to_o encourage_v we_o or_o as_o a_o argument_n to_o assure_v we_o that_o we_o shall_v not_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 circumstance_n may_v be_v say_v to_o have_v great_a authority_n in_o it_o we_o must_v be_v careful_a unto_o who_o or_o what_o church_n we_o grant_v or_o allow_v it_o for_o let_v man_n assume_v what_o name_n or_o title_n to_o themselves_o they_o please_v yet_o if_o the_o generality_n of_o they_o be_v corrupt_a or_o flagitious_a in_o their_o life_n and_o have_v great_a secular_a advantage_n which_o they_o high_o prize_v and_o studious_o improve_v from_o what_o they_o suppose_v and_o profess_v the_o scripture_n to_o supply_v they_o withal_o be_v they_o call_v church_n or_o what_o you_o please_v their_o testimony_n therein_o be_v of_o very_o little_a value_n for_o all_o man_n may_v see_v that_o they_o have_v a_o earthly_a worldly_a interest_n of_o their_o own_o therein_o and_o it_o will_v be_v say_v that_o if_o such_o person_n do_v know_v the_o whole_a bible_n to_o be_v a_o fable_n as_o one_o pope_n express_v himself_o to_o that_o purpose_n they_o will_v not_o forego_v the_o profession_n of_o it_o unless_o they_o can_v more_o advantage_v themselves_o in_o the_o world_n another_o way_n wherefore_o whereas_o it_o be_v manifest_a unto_o all_o that_o those_o who_o have_v the_o conduct_v of_o the_o roman_a church_n have_v make_v and_o do_v make_v to_o themselves_o great_a earthly_a temporal_a advantage_n in_o honour_n power_n wealth_n and_o reputation_n in_o the_o world_n by_o their_o profession_n of_o the_o scripture_n their_o testimony_n may_v rational_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v so_o far_o influence_v by_o self_n interest_n as_o to_o be_v of_o little_a validity_n the_o testimony_n therefore_o which_o i_o intend_v be_v that_o of_o multitude_n of_o person_n of_o unspotted_a reputation_n on_o all_o other_o account_n in_o the_o world_n free_a from_o all_o possibility_n of_o impeachment_n as_o unto_o any_o design_v evil_a or_o conspiracy_n among_o themselves_o with_o respect_n unto_o any_o corrupt_a end_n and_o who_o have_v not_o the_o least_o secular_a advantage_n by_o what_o they_o testify_v unto_o be_v absolute_o secure_v against_o all_o exception_n which_o either_o common_a reason_n or_o common_a usage_n among_o mankind_n can_v put_v in_o unto_o any_o witness_n whatever_o and_o to_o evidence_n the_o force_n that_o be_v in_o this_o consideration_n i_o shall_v brief_o represent_v 1._o who_o they_o be_v that_o give_v and_o do_v give_v this_o testimony_n in_o some_o especial_a instance_n 2._o what_o they_o give_v this_o testimony_n unto_o 3._o how_o or_o by_o what_o mean_v they_o do_v so_o and_o in_o the_o first_o place_n the_o testimony_n of_o those_o by_o who_o the_o several_a book_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v write_v be_v to_o be_v consider_v they_o all_o of_o they_o several_o and_o joint_o witness_v that_o what_o they_o write_v be_v receive_v by_o inspiration_n from_o god_n this_o be_v plead_v by_o the_o apostle_n peter_n in_o the_o name_n of_o they_o all_o 2_o pet._n 1._o 16_o 17_o 18_o 19_o 20_o 21._o for_o we_o have_v not_o follow_v cunning_o 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 manner_n of_o their_o write_n 1._o as_o to_o their_o person_n they_o be_v absolute_o remove_v from_o all_o possible_a suspicion_n of_o deceive_v or_o be_v deceive_v the_o wit_n of_o all_o the_o atheistical_a spirit_n in_o the_o world_n be_v not_o able_a to_o fix_v on_o any_o one_o thing_n that_o will_v be_v a_o tolerable_a ground_n of_o any_o such_o suspicion_n concern_v the_o integrity_n of_o witness_n can_v such_o a_o testimony_n be_v give_v in_o any_o other_o case_n and_o surmise_n in_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n which_o have_v no_o pleadable_a ground_n for_o they_o be_v to_o be_v look_v on_o as_o diabolical_a suggestion_n or_o atheistical_a dream_n or_o at_o best_a the_o false_a imagination_n of_o weak_a and_o distemper_a mind_n the_o nature_n and_o design_n of_o their_o work_n their_o unconcernment_n with_o all_o secular_a interest_n their_o unacquaintance_n with_o one_o another_o the_o time_n and_o place_n wherein_o the_o thing_n report_v by_o they_o be_v do_v and_o act_v the_o 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
believe_v it_o so_o to_o be_v and_o then_o to_o believe_v the_o thing_n contain_v in_o it_o for_o this_o proposition_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v a_o divine_a revelation_n and_o so_o to_o be_v believe_v but_o god_n no_o where_o require_v nor_o ever_o do_v that_o we_o shall_v believe_v any_o divine_a revelation_n upon_o such_o ground_n much_o less_o on_o such_o ground_n and_o motive_n only_o they_o be_v leave_v unto_o we_o as_o consequential_a unto_o our_o believe_v to_o plead_v with_o other_o in_o behalf_n of_o what_o we_o profess_v and_o for_o the_o justification_n of_o it_o unto_o the_o world_n but_o that_o which_o require_v our_o faith_n and_o obedience_n unto_o in_o the_o receive_n of_o divine_a revelation_n whether_o immediate_o give_v and_o declare_v or_o as_o record_v in_o the_o scripture_n be_v his_o own_o authority_n and_o veracity_n i_o be_o the_o lord_n the_o high_a and_o lofty_a one._n thus_o say_v the_o lord_n to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n this_o be_v my_o son_n hear_v he_o all_o scripture_n be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n from_o god_n believe_v the_o lord_n and_o his_o prophet_n this_o alone_a be_v that_o which_o he_o require_v we_o to_o resolve_v our_o faith_n into_o so_o when_o he_o give_v unto_o we_o the_o law_n of_o our_o life_n the_o eternal_a and_o unchangeable_a rule_n of_o our_o obedience_n unto_o he_o in_o the_o ten_o commandment_n he_o give_v no_o other_o reason_n to_o oblige_v we_o thereunto_o but_o this_o only_a i_o be_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n the_o sole_a formal_a reason_n of_o all_o our_o obedience_n be_v take_v from_o his_o own_o nature_n and_o our_o relation_n unto_o he_o nor_o do_v he_o propose_v any_o other_o reason_n why_o we_o shall_v believe_v he_o or_o the_o revelation_n which_o he_o make_v of_o his_o mind_n and_o will._n and_o our_o faith_n be_v part_n of_o our_o obedience_n the_o root_n and_o principal_a part_n of_o it_o therefore_o the_o reason_n of_o both_o be_v the_o same_o neither_o do_v our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n nor_o his_o apostle_n ever_o make_v use_n of_o such_o argument_n or_o motive_n for_o the_o ingenerate_v of_o faith_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n nor_o have_v they_o give_v direction_n for_o the_o use_n of_o any_o such_o argument_n to_o this_o end_n and_o purpose_n but_o when_o they_o be_v accuse_v to_o have_v follow_v cunning_o devise_v fable_n they_o appeal_v unto_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n to_o the_o revelation_n they_o have_v themselves_o receive_v and_o those_o that_o be_v before_o record_v it_o be_v true_a they_o wrought_v miracle_n in_o confirmation_n of_o their_o own_o divine_a mission_n and_o of_o the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o teach_v but_o the_o miracle_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v all_o of_o they_o wrought_v among_o those_o who_o believe_v the_o whole_a scripture_n then_o give_v to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o those_o of_o the_o apostle_n be_v before_o the_o write_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n their_o doctrine_n therefore_o material_o consider_v and_o their_o warranty_n to_o teach_v it_o be_v sufficient_o yea_o abundant_o confirm_v by_o they_o but_o divine_a revelation_n formal_o consider_v and_o as_o write_v be_v leave_v upon_o the_o old_a foundation_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n who_o give_v it_o no_o such_o method_n be_v prescribe_v no_o such_o example_n be_v propose_v unto_o we_o in_o the_o scripture_n to_o make_v use_n of_o these_o argument_n and_o motive_n for_o the_o conversion_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n unto_o god_n and_o the_o ingenerate_v of_o faith_n in_o they_o yea_o in_o some_o case_n the_o use_n of_o such_o mean_n be_v decry_v as_o unprofitable_a and_o the_o sole_a authority_n of_o god_n put_v forth_o his_o power_n in_o and_o by_o his_o word_n be_v appeal_v unto_o 1_o cor._n 2._o 4_o 5_o 13._o chap._n 14._o 26_o 27._o 2_o cor._n 4._o 7._o but_o yet_o in_o a_o way_n of_o preparation_n subservient_fw-fr unto_o the_o receive_n the_o scripture_n as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o for_o the_o defence_n of_o it_o against_o gainsayer_n and_o their_o objection_n their_o use_n have_v be_v grant_v and_o prove_v but_o from_o first_o to_o last_o in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n the_o authority_n and_o truth_n of_o god_n be_v constant_o and_o uniform_o propose_v as_o the_o immediate_a ground_n and_o reason_n of_o believe_v his_o revelation_n nor_o can_v it_o be_v prove_v that_o he_o do_v accept_v or_o approve_v of_o any_o kind_n of_o faith_n or_o assent_n but_o what_o be_v build_v thereon_o and_o resolve_v thereinto_o the_o sum_n be_v we_o be_v oblige_v in_o a_o way_n of_o duty_n to_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v a_o divine_a revelation_n when_o they_o be_v ministerial_o or_o providential_o propose_v unto_o we_o whereof_o afterward_o the_o ground_n whereon_o we_o be_v to_o receive_v they_o be_v the_o authority_n and_o veracity_n of_o god_n speak_v in_o they_o we_o believe_v they_o because_o they_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n now_o this_o faith_n whereby_o we_o so_o believe_v be_v divine_a and_o supernatural_a because_o the_o mal_fw-fr reason_n of_o it_o be_v so_o namely_o god_n truth_n and_o authority_n wherefore_o we_o do_v not_o nor_o aught_o to_o believe_v the_o scripture_n as_o high_o probable_a or_o with_o a_o moral_a persuasion_n and_o assurance_n build_v upon_o argument_n absolute_o fallible_a and_o humane_a only_o for_o if_o this_o be_v the_o formal_a reason_n of_o faith_n namely_o the_o veracity_n and_o authority_n of_o god_n if_o we_o believe_v not_o with_o faith_n divine_a and_o supernatural_a we_o believe_v not_o at_o all_o 2._o the_o moral_a certainty_n treat_v of_o be_v a_o mere_a effect_n of_o reason_n there_o be_v no_o more_o require_v unto_o it_o but_o that_o the_o reason_n propose_v for_o the_o assent_n require_v be_v such_o as_o the_o mind_n judge_v to_o be_v convince_a and_o prevalent_a whence_o a_o inferior_a kind_a of_o knowledge_n or_o a_o firm_a opinion_n or_o some_o kind_n of_o persuasion_n which_o have_v not_o yet_o get_v a_o intelligible_a name_n do_v necessary_o ensue_v there_o be_v therefore_o on_o this_o supposition_n no_o need_n of_o any_o work_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o enable_v we_o to_o believe_v or_o to_o work_v faith_n in_o we_o for_o no_o more_o be_v require_v herein_o but_o what_o necessary_o arise_v from_o a_o naked_a exercise_n of_o reason_n if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o enquiry_n be_v not_o about_o what_o be_v the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o we_o but_o concern_v the_o reason_n and_o motive_n to_o believe_v that_o be_v propose_v unto_o we_o i_o answer_v it_o be_v grant_v but_o that_o we_o urge_v herein_o be_v that_o the_o act_n which_o be_v exert_v on_o such_o motive_n or_o the_o persuasion_n which_o be_v beget_v in_o our_o mind_n by_o they_o be_v pure_o natural_a and_o such_o as_o require_v no_o especial_a work_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o we_o for_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o now_o this_o be_v not_o faith_n nor_o can_v we_o be_v say_v in_o the_o scripture_n sense_n to_o believe_v thereby_o and_o so_o in_o particular_a not_o the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o faith_n be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n and_o be_v not_o of_o ourselves_o ephes_n 2._o 8._o it_o be_v give_v unto_o some_o on_o the_o behalf_n of_o christ_n phil._n 1._o 29._o and_o not_o unto_o other_o mat._n 11._o 29._o chap._n 13._o 11._o but_o this_o assent_n on_o external_a argument_n and_o motive_n be_v of_o ourselves_o equal_o common_a and_o expose_v unto_o all_o no_o man_n can_v say_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o lord_n but_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 1_o cor._n 12._o 3._o but_o he_o who_o believe_v the_o scripture_n true_o aright_o and_o according_a to_o his_o duty_n do_v say_v so_o no_o man_n come_v to_o christ_n but_o he_o that_o have_v hear_v and_o learn_v of_o the_o father_n john_n 6._o 45._o and_o as_o this_o be_v contrary_n to_o the_o scripture_n so_o it_o be_v express_o condemn_v by_o the_o ancient_a church_n particular_o by_o the_o second_o arausican_n council_n can._n 5._o 7._o si_fw-mi quis_fw-la sicut_fw-la augmentum_fw-la ita_fw-la etià m_fw-la initium_fw-la fidei_fw-la ipsumque_fw-la credulitatis_fw-la affectum_fw-la non_fw-la per_fw-la gratiae_fw-la donum_fw-la id_fw-la est_fw-la per_fw-la inspirationem_fw-la spiritus_fw-la sancti_fw-la corrigentem_fw-la voluntatem_fw-la nostram_fw-la ab_fw-la infidelitate_fw-la ad_fw-la fidem_fw-la ab_fw-la impietate_fw-la ad_fw-la pietatem_fw-la sed_fw-la naturalitèr_fw-la nobis_fw-la inesse_fw-la dicit_fw-la apostolicis_fw-la dogmatibus_fw-la adversarius_fw-la approbatur_fw-la and_o plain_o can._n 7._o si_fw-mi quis_fw-la per_fw-la naturae_fw-la vigorem_fw-la bonum_fw-la aliquod_fw-la quod_fw-la ad_fw-la salutem_fw-la pertinet_fw-la aquavitae_fw-la eternae_fw-la cogitare_fw-la ut_fw-la expedit_fw-la aut_fw-la eligere_fw-la sive_fw-la salutari_fw-la id_fw-la est_fw-la evangelicae_fw-la praedicaiioni_fw-la consentire_fw-la
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
shall_v be_v all_o teach_v of_o god_n john_n 6._o 45._o that_o there_o be_v a_o divine_a and_o heavenly_a excellency_n in_o the_o scripture_n can_v be_v deny_v by_o any_o who_o on_o any_o ground_n or_o motive_n whatever_o do_v own_o its_o divine_a original_a for_o all_o the_o work_n of_o god_n do_v set_v forth_o his_o praise_n and_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o any_o thing_n shall_v proceed_v immediate_o from_o he_o but_o that_o there_o will_v be_v express_a character_n of_o divine_a excellency_n upon_o it_o and_o as_o to_o the_o communication_n of_o these_o character_n of_o himself_o he_o have_v magnify_v his_o word_n above_o all_o his_o name_n but_o these_o we_o can_v discern_v be_v they_o in_o themselves_o never_o so_o illustrious_a without_o the_o effectual_a communication_n of_o the_o light_n mention_v unto_o our_o mind_n that_o be_v without_o divine_a supernatural_a illumination_n herein_o he_o who_o command_v light_a to_o shine_v out_o of_o darkness_n shine_v into_o our_o heart_n the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o the_o face_n of_o jesus_n christ_n 2_o cor._n 4._o 6._o he_o irradiate_v the_o mind_n with_o a_o spiritual_a light_n whereby_o it_o be_v enable_v to_o discern_v the_o glory_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n this_o they_o can_v do_v in_o who_o the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n have_v blind_v the_o eye_n of_o they_o that_o believe_v not_o lest_o the_o light_n of_o the_o glorious_a gospel_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o image_n of_o god_n shall_v shine_v into_o they_o v_o 6._o those_o who_o be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o their_o natural_a darkness_n and_o blindness_n especial_o where_o there_o be_v in_o they_o also_o superad_v prejudices_fw-la begotten_a and_o increase_v by_o the_o craft_n of_o satan_n as_o there_o be_v in_o the_o whole_a world_n of_o unbeliever_n can_v see_v nor_o discern_v that_o divine_a excellency_n in_o the_o scripture_n without_o a_o apprehension_n whereof_o no_o man_n can_v believe_v it_o a_o right_a to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n such_o person_n may_v assent_v unto_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o its_o divine_a original_a upon_o external_a argument_n and_o rational_a motive_n but_o believe_v it_o with_o faith_n divine_a and_o supernatural_a on_o those_o argument_n and_o motive_n only_o they_o can_v there_o be_v two_o thing_n which_o hinder_v or_o disenable_a man_n from_o believe_v with_o faith_n divine_a and_o supernatural_a when_o any_o divine_a revelation_n be_v objective_o propose_v unto_o they_o first_o the_o natural_a blindness_n and_o darkness_n of_o their_o mind_n which_o be_v come_v upon_o all_o by_o the_o fall_n and_o the_o depravation_n of_o our_o nature_n that_o ensue_v thereon_o second_o the_o prejudices_fw-la that_o through_o the_o craft_n of_o satan_n the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n their_o mind_n be_v possess_v with_o by_o tradition_n education_n and_o converse_v in_o the_o world_n this_o last_o obstruction_n or_o hindrance_n may_v be_v so_o far_o remove_v by_o external_a argument_n and_o motive_n of_o credibility_n as_o that_o man_n may_v upon_o they_o attain_v unto_o a_o moral_a persuasion_n concern_v the_o divine_a original_a of_o the_o scripture_n but_o these_o argument_n can_v remove_v or_o take_v away_o the_o native_a blindness_n of_o the_o mind_n which_o be_v remove_v by_o their_o renovation_n and_o divine_a illumination_n alone_o wherefore_o none_o i_o think_v will_v positive_o affirm_v that_o we_o can_v believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n which_o god_n require_v without_o a_o supernatural_a work_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n upon_o our_o mind_n in_o the_o illumination_n of_o they_o so_o david_n pray_v that_o god_n will_v open_v his_o eye_n that_o he_o may_v behold_v wondrous_a thing_n out_o of_o the_o law_n psal._n 119._o 10._o that_o he_o will_v make_v he_o understand_v the_o way_n of_o his_o precept_n v_o 27._o that_o he_o will_v give_v he_o understanding_n and_o he_o shall_v keep_v the_o law_n v_o 34._o so_o the_o lord_n christ_n also_o open_v the_o understanding_n of_o his_o disciple_n that_o they_o may_v understand_v the_o scripture_n luk._n 24._o 45._o as_o he_o have_v affirm_v before_o that_o it_o be_v give_v unto_o some_o to_o know_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o not_o unto_o other_o mat._n 11._o 25._o chap._n 13._o 11._o and_o neither_o be_v these_o thing_n speak_v in_o vain_a nor_o be_v the_o grace_n intend_v in_o they_o needless_a the_o communication_n of_o this_o light_n unto_o we_o the_o scripture_n call_v reveal_v and_o revelation_n mat._n 11._o 25._o thou_o have_v hide_v these_o thing_n from_o the_o wise_a and_o prudent_a and_o have_v reveal_v they_o unto_o babe_n that_o be_v give_v they_o to_o understand_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n when_o they_o be_v preach_v unto_o they_o and_o no_o man_n know_v the_o father_n but_o he_o to_o who_o the_o son_n reveal_v he_o v_o 27._o so_o the_o apostle_n pray_v for_o the_o ephesian_n that_o god_n will_v give_v they_o the_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n and_o revelation_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n that_o the_o eye_n of_o their_o understanding_n be_v enlighten_v they_o may_v know_v etc._n etc._n chap._n 1._o v._n 17_o 18_o 19_o it_o be_v true_a these_o ephesian_n be_v already_o believer_n or_o consider_v by_o the_o apostle_n as_o such_o but_o if_o he_o judge_v it_o necessary_a to_o pray_v for_o they_o that_o they_o may_v have_v the_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n and_o revelation_n to_o enlighten_v the_o eye_n of_o their_o understanding_n with_o respect_n unto_o further_a degree_n of_o faith_n and_o knowledge_n or_o as_o he_o speak_v in_o another_o place_n that_o they_o may_v come_v unto_o the_o full_a assurance_n of_o understanding_n to_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o god_n col._n 2._o 2._o then_o it_o be_v much_o more_o necessary_a to_o make_v they_o believer_n who_o before_o be_v not_o so_o but_o utter_a stranger_n unto_o the_o faith_n but_o as_o a_o pretence_n hereof_o have_v be_v abuse_v as_o we_o shall_v see_v afterward_o so_o the_o plead_n of_o it_o be_v liable_a to_o be_v mistake_v for_o some_o be_v ready_a to_o apprehend_v that_o this_o retreat_n unto_o a_o spirit_n of_o revelation_n be_v but_o a_o pretence_n to_o discard_v all_o rational_a argument_n and_o to_o introduce_v enthusiasm_n into_o their_o room_n now_o although_o the_o charge_n be_v grievous_a yet_o because_o it_o be_v groundless_a we_o must_v not_o forego_v what_o the_o scripture_n plain_o affirm_v and_o instruct_v we_o in_o thereby_o to_o avoid_v it_o scripture_n testimony_n may_v be_v expound_v according_a to_o the_o analogy_n of_o faith_n but_o deny_v or_o despise_v seem_v they_o never_o so_o contrary_a unto_o our_o apprehension_n of_o thing_n they_o must_v not_o be_v some_o i_o confess_v seem_v to_o disregard_n both_o the_o objective_n work_v of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o this_o matter_n whereof_o we_o shall_v treat_v afterward_o and_o his_o subjective_n work_v also_o in_o our_o mind_n that_o all_o thing_n may_v be_v reduce_v unto_o sense_n and_o reason_n but_o we_o must_v grant_v that_o a_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n and_o revelation_n to_o open_v the_o eye_n of_o our_o understanding_n be_v needful_a to_o enable_v we_o to_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o a_o due_a manner_n or_o forgo_v the_o gospel_n and_o our_o duty_n it_o be_v to_o pray_v continual_o for_o that_o spirit_n if_o we_o intend_v to_o be_v establish_v in_o the_o faith_n thereof_o but_o yet_o we_o plead_v not_o for_o external_a immediate_a revelation_n such_o as_o be_v grant_v unto_o the_o prophet_n apostle_n and_o other_o penman_n of_o the_o scripture_n the_o revelation_n we_o intend_v differ_v from_o they_o both_o in_o its_o especial_a subject_n and_o formal_a reason_n or_o nature_n that_o be_v in_o the_o whole_a kind_n for_o 1._o the_o subject_a matter_n of_o divine_a prophetical_a revelation_n by_o a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o immediate_a divine_a inspiration_n be_v thing_n not_o make_v know_v before_o thing_n they_o be_v hide_v in_o god_n or_o the_o counsel_n of_o his_o will_n and_o reveal_v unto_o the_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n by_o the_o spirit_n ephes._n 2._o 5_o 9_o 10._o whether_o they_o be_v doctrine_n or_o thing_n they_o be_v at_o least_o as_o unto_o their_o present_a circumstance_n make_v know_v from_o the_o counsel_n of_o god_n by_o their_o revelation_n but_o the_o matter_n and_o subject_n of_o the_o revelation_n we_o treat_v of_o be_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v already_o reveal_v it_o be_v a_o internal_a revelation_n of_o that_o which_o be_v outward_o and_o antecedent_n unto_o it_o beyond_o the_o bound_n thereof_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v extend_v and_o if_o any_o pretend_v unto_o immediate_a revelation_n of_o thing_n not_o before_o reveal_v we_o have_v no_o concernment_n in_o