upon_o they_o that_o they_o can_v see_v nor_o discern_v spiritual_a thing_n no_o not_o when_o they_o be_v external_o propose_v unto_o they_o as_o i_o have_v at_o large_a evince_v elsewhere_o and_o no_o man_n can_v give_v a_o great_a evidence_n that_o it_o be_v so_o than_o he_o who_o deny_v it_o so_o to_o be_v with_o respect_n unto_o both_o these_o kind_n of_o darkness_n the_o scripture_n be_v a_o light_n and_o accompany_v with_o a_o spiritual_a illuminate_a efficacy_n thereby_o evidence_v itself_o to_o be_v a_o divine_a revelation_n for_o what_o but_o divine_a truth_n can_v recall_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n from_o all_o their_o wander_n in_o error_n superstition_n and_o other_o effect_n of_o darkness_n which_o of_o themselves_o they_o love_v more_o than_o truth_n all_o thing_n be_v fill_v with_o vanity_n error_n confusion_n misapprehension_n about_o god_n and_o ourselves_o our_o duty_n and_o end_n our_o misery_n and_o blessedness_n the_o scripture_n where_o it_o be_v communicate_v by_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n come_v in_o as_o a_o light_n into_o a_o dark_a place_n discover_v all_o thing_n clear_o and_o steady_o that_o concern_v either_o god_n or_o ourselves_o our_o present_a or_o future_a condition_n cause_v all_o the_o ghost_n and_o false_a image_n of_o thing_n which_o man_n have_v frame_v and_o fancy_v unto_o themselves_o in_o the_o dark_a to_o vanish_v and_o disappear_v digitus_fw-la dei_fw-la this_o be_v none_o other_o but_o the_o power_n of_o god_n but_o principal_o it_o evidence_v this_o its_o divine_a efficacy_n by_o that_o spiritual_a save_v light_n which_o it_o convey_v into_o and_o implant_v on_o the_o mind_n of_o believer_n hence_o there_o be_v none_o of_o they_o who_o have_v gain_v any_o experience_n by_o the_o observation_n of_o god_n deal_n with_o they_o but_o shall_v although_o they_o know_v not_o the_o way_n and_o method_n of_o the_o spirit_n operation_n by_o the_o word_n yea_o can_v say_v with_o the_o man_n unto_o who_o the_o lord_n jesus_n restore_v his_o sight_n one_o thing_n i_o know_v that_o whereas_o i_o be_v bear_v blind_a now_o i_o see_v this_o power_n of_o the_o word_n as_o the_o instrument_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o the_o communication_n of_o save_v light_n and_o knowledge_n unto_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n the_o apostle_n declare_v 2_o cor._n 3._o 18._o chap._n 4._o 4_o 6._o by_o the_o efficacy_n of_o this_o power_n do_v he_o evidence_n the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n those_o who_o believe_v find_v by_o it_o a_o glorious_a supernatural_a light_n introduce_v into_o their_o mind_n whereby_o they_o who_o before_o see_v nothing_o in_o a_o distinct_a affect_a manner_n in_o spiritual_n do_v now_o clear_o discern_v the_o truth_n the_o glory_n the_o beauty_n and_o excellency_n of_o heavenly_a mystery_n and_o have_v their_o mind_n transform_v into_o their_o image_n and_o likelineness_n and_o there_o be_v no_o person_n who_o have_v the_o witness_n in_o himself_o of_o the_o kindle_v of_o this_o heavenly_a light_n in_o his_o mind_n by_o the_o word_n but_o have_v also_o the_o evidence_n in_o himself_o of_o its_o divine_a original_a 3._o it_o do_v in_o like_a manner_n evidence_n its_o divine_a authority_n by_o the_o awe_n which_o it_o put_v on_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n unto_o who_o it_o be_v make_v know_v that_o they_o dare_v not_o absolute_o reject_v it_o multitude_n there_o be_v unto_o who_o the_o word_n be_v declare_v who_o hate_v all_o its_o precept_n despise_v all_o its_o promise_n abhor_v all_o its_o threaten_n like_v nothing_o approve_v of_o nothing_o of_o what_o it_o declare_v or_o propose_v and_o yet_o dare_v not_o absolute_o refuse_v or_o reject_v it_o they_o deal_v with_o it_o as_o they_o do_v with_o god_n himself_o who_o they_o hate_v also_o according_a to_o the_o revelation_n which_o he_o have_v make_v of_o himself_o in_o his_o word_n they_o wish_v he_o be_v not_o sometime_o they_o hope_v he_o be_v not_o will_v be_v glad_a to_o be_v free_a of_o his_o rule_n but_o yet_o dare_v not_o can_v absolute_o deny_v and_o disow_v he_o because_o of_o that_o testimony_n for_o himself_o which_o he_o keep_v alive_a in_o they_o whether_o they_o will_v or_o no._n the_o same_o be_v the_o frame_n of_o their_o heart_n and_o mind_n towards_o the_o scripture_n and_o that_o for_o no_o other_o reason_n but_o because_o it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o manifest_v it_o selfsso_n to_o be_v they_o hate_v it_o wish_v it_o be_v not_o hope_v it_o be_v not_o true_a but_o be_v not_o by_o any_o mean_v able_a to_o shake_v off_o a_o disquiet_a in_o the_o sense_n of_o its_o divine_a authority_n this_o testimony_n it_o have_v fix_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o multitude_n of_o its_o enemy_n psal._n 45._o 5._o 4._o it_o evidence_n its_o divine_a power_n in_o administer_a strong_a consolation_n in_o the_o deep_a and_o most_o unrelievable_a distress_n some_o such_o there_o be_v and_o such_o many_o man_n fall_v into_o wherein_o all_o mean_n and_o hope_n of_o relief_n may_v be_v utter_o remove_v and_o take_v away_o so_o be_v it_o when_o the_o misery_n of_o man_n be_v not_o know_v unto_o any_o that_o will_v so_o much_o as_o pity_v they_o or_o wish_v they_o relief_n or_o if_o they_o have_v be_v know_v and_o there_o have_v be_v a_o eye_n to_o pity_v they_o yet_o there_o have_v be_v no_o hand_n to_o help_v they_o such_o have_v be_v the_o condition_n of_o innumerable_a soul_n as_o on_o other_o account_n so_o in_o particular_a under_o the_o power_n of_o persecutor_n when_o they_o have_v be_v shut_v up_o in_o filthy_a and_o nasty_a dungeon_n not_o to_o be_v bring_v out_o but_o unto_o death_n by_o the_o most_o exquisite_a torture_n that_o the_o malice_n of_o hell_n can_v invent_v or_o the_o bloody_a cruelty_n of_o man_n inflict_v yet_o in_o these_o and_o the_o like_a distress_n do_v the_o word_n of_o god_n by_o its_o divine_a power_n and_o efficacy_n break_v through_o all_o interpose_v difficulty_n all_o dark_a and_o discourage_a circumstance_n support_v refresh_a and_o comfort_v such_o poor_a distress_a sufferer_n yea_o common_o fill_v they_o under_o overwhelm_a calamity_n with_o joy_n unspeakable_a and_o full_a of_o glory_n though_o they_o be_v in_o bond_n yet_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n not_o bind_v neither_o can_v all_o the_o power_n of_o hell_n nor_o all_o the_o diligence_n or_o fury_n of_o man_n keep_v out_o the_o word_n from_o enter_v into_o prison_n dungeon_n flame_n and_o to_o administer_v strong_a consolation_n against_o all_o fear_n pain_n want_n danger_n death_n or_o whatever_o we_o may_v in_o this_o mortal_a life_n be_v expose_v unto_o and_o sundry_a other_o instance_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n may_v be_v plead_v wherein_o the_o word_n give_v evident_a demonstration_n unto_o the_o mind_n and_o conscience_n of_o man_n of_o its_o own_o divine_a power_n and_o authority_n which_o be_v the_o second_o way_n whereby_o the_o holy_a ghost_n its_o author_n give_v testimony_n unto_o its_o original_a but_o it_o be_v not_o mere_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n whereon_o we_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o we_o design_v to_o declare_v the_o whole_a work_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n enable_v we_o to_o believe_v they_o so_o to_o be_v be_v propose_v unto_o consideration_n and_o beyond_o what_o we_o have_v insist_v on_o there_o be_v yet_o a_o further_a peculiar_a work_n of_o he_o whereby_o he_o effectual_o ascertain_v our_o mind_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n whereby_o we_o be_v ultimate_o establish_v in_o the_o faith_n thereof_o and_o i_o can_v but_o both_o admire_v and_o bewail_v that_o this_o shall_v be_v deny_v by_o any_o that_o will_v be_v esteem_v christian_n wherefore_o if_o there_o be_v any_o necessity_n thereof_o i_o shall_v take_v occasion_n in_o the_o second_o part_n of_o this_o discourse_n further_o to_o confirm_v this_o part_n of_o the_o truth_n thus_o far_o debate_v namely_o that_o god_n by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n do_v secret_o and_o effectual_o persuade_v and_o satisfy_v the_o mind_n and_o soul_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o divine_a truth_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n whereby_o he_o infallible_o secure_v their_o faith_n against_o all_o objection_n and_o temptation_n whatsoever_o so_o that_o they_o can_v safe_o and_o comfortable_o dispose_v of_o their_o soul_n in_o all_o their_o concernment_n with_o respect_n unto_o this_o life_n and_o eternity_n according_a unto_o the_o undeceivable_a truth_n and_o guidance_n of_o it_o but_o i_o shall_v no_o further_o insist_v on_o these_o thing_n at_o present_a three_o thing_n do_v offer_v themselves_o unto_o consideration_n from_o what_o have_v be_v discourse_v 1._o what_o be_v the_o ground_n and_o reason_n why_o the_o mean_a and_o most_o unlearned_a sort_n of_o believer_n do_v assent_v unto_o this_o truth_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v
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
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
their_o pretence_n 2._o they_o differ_v likewise_o in_o their_o nature_n or_o kind_a for_o immediate_a divine_a prophetical_a revelation_n consist_v in_o a_o immediate_a inspiration_n or_o afflatus_fw-la or_o in_o vision_n and_o voice_n from_o heaven_n with_o a_o power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n transient_o affect_v their_o mind_n guide_v their_o tongue_n and_o hand_n to_o who_o they_o be_v grant_v whereby_o they_o receive_v and_o represent_v divine_a impression_n as_o a_o instrument_n of_o music_n do_v the_o skill_n of_o the_o hand_n whereby_o it_o be_v move_v the_o nature_n of_o which_o revelation_n i_o have_v more_o full_o discourse_v elsewhere_o but_o this_o revelation_n of_o the_o spirit_n consist_v in_o his_o effectual_a operation_n free_v our_o mind_n from_o darkness_n ignorance_n and_o prejudice_n enable_v they_o to_o discern_v spiritual_a thing_n in_o a_o due_a manner_n and_o such_o a_o spirit_n of_o revelation_n be_v necessary_a unto_o they_o who_o will_v believe_v aright_o the_o scripture_n or_o any_o thing_n else_o that_o be_v divine_a and_o supernatural_a contain_v therein_o and_o if_o man_n who_o through_o the_o power_n of_o temptation_n and_o prejudices_fw-la be_v in_o the_o dark_a or_o at_o a_o loss_n as_o to_o the_o great_a and_o fundamental_a principle_n of_o all_o religion_n namely_o the_o divine_a original_a and_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n will_v absolute_o lean_v unto_o their_o own_o understanding_n and_o have_v the_o whole_a difference_n determine_v by_o the_o natural_a power_n and_o faculty_n of_o their_o own_o soul_n without_o seek_v after_o divine_a aid_n and_o assistance_n or_o earnest_a prayer_n for_o the_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n and_o revelation_n to_o open_v the_o eye_n of_o their_o understanding_n they_o must_v be_v content_a to_o abide_v in_o their_o uncertainty_n or_o to_o come_v off_o from_o they_o without_o any_o advantage_n to_o their_o soul_n not_o that_o i_o will_v deny_v unto_o man_n or_o take_v they_o off_o from_o the_o use_n of_o their_o reason_n in_o this_o matter_n for_o what_o be_v their_o reason_n give_v unto_o they_o for_o unless_o it_o be_v to_o use_v it_o in_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v of_o the_o great_a importance_n unto_o they_o only_o i_o must_v crave_v leave_n to_o say_v that_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a of_o itself_o to_o enable_v we_o to_o the_o performance_n of_o this_o duty_n without_o the_o immediate_a aid_n and_o assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n if_o any_o one_o upon_o these_o principle_n shall_v now_o ask_v we_o wherefore_o we_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n we_o do_v not_o answer_v it_o be_v because_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v enlighten_v our_o mind_n wrought_v faith_n in_o we_o and_o enable_v we_o to_o believe_v it_o without_o this_o we_o say_v indeed_o do_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n so_o work_v in_o we_o and_o upon_o we_o we_o neither_o shall_v nor_o can_v believe_v with_o faith_n divine_a and_o supernatural_a if_o god_n have_v not_o open_v the_o heart_n of_o lydia_n she_o will_v not_o have_v attend_v unto_o the_o thing_n preach_v by_o paul_n so_o as_o to_o have_v receive_v they_o and_o without_o it_o the_o light_n oftentimes_o shine_v into_o darkness_n but_o the_o darkness_n comprehend_v it_o not_o but_o this_o neither_o be_v nor_o can_v be_v the_o formal_a object_n of_o our_o faith_n or_o the_o reason_n why_o we_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v of_o god_n or_o any_o thing_n else_o neither_o do_v we_o nor_o can_v we_o rational_o answer_v by_o it_o unto_o this_o question_n why_o we_o do_v believe_v this_o reason_n must_v be_v something_o external_a and_o evident_o propose_v unto_o we_o for_o whatever_o ability_n of_o spiritual_a assent_n there_o be_v in_o the_o understanding_n which_o be_v thus_o wrought_v in_o it_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n yet_o the_o understanding_n can_v assent_v unto_o any_o thing_n with_o any_o kind_a of_o assent_n natural_a or_o supernatural_a but_o what_o be_v outward_o propose_v unto_o it_o as_o true_a and_o that_o with_o sufficient_a evidence_n that_o it_o be_v so_o that_o therefore_o which_o propose_v any_o thing_n unto_o we_o as_o true_a with_o evidence_n of_o that_o truth_n be_v the_o formal_a object_n of_o our_o faith_n or_o the_o reason_n why_o we_o do_v believe_v and_o what_o be_v so_o propose_v must_v be_v true_a and_o must_v be_v evidence_v to_o be_v true_a or_o we_o can_v believe_v it_o and_o according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o evidence_n such_o be_v our_o faith_n humane_a if_o that_o be_v humane_a and_o divine_a if_o that_o be_v so_o now_o nothing_o of_o this_o be_v do_v by_o that_o save_a light_n which_o be_v infuse_v into_o our_o mind_n and_o be_v therefore_o not_o the_o reason_n why_o we_o believe_v what_o we_o do_v so_o whereas_o therefore_o some_o who_o seem_v to_o conceive_v that_o the_o only_a general_a ground_n of_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n do_v consist_v in_o rational_a argument_n and_o motive_n of_o credibility_n do_v grant_v that_o private_a person_n may_v have_v their_o assurance_n hereof_o from_o the_o illumination_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n though_o it_o be_v not_o pleadable_a to_o other_o they_o grant_v what_o be_v not_o that_o i_o know_v of_o desire_v by_o any_o and_o which_o in_o itself_o be_v not_o true_a for_o this_o work_n consist_v sole_o in_o enable_v the_o mind_n unto_o that_o kind_a of_o assent_n which_o be_v faith_n divine_a and_o supernatural_a on_o supposition_n of_o a_o external_a formal_a reason_n of_o it_o due_o propose_v be_v not_o the_o reason_n why_o any_o do_v believe_v nor_o the_o ground_n whereunto_o their_o faith_n be_v resolve_v it_o remain_v only_o that_o we_o inquire_v whether_o our_o faith_n in_o this_o matter_n be_v not_o resolve_v into_o a_o immediate_a internal_a testimony_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n assure_v we_o of_o the_o divine_a original_a and_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n distinct_a from_o the_o work_n of_o spiritual_a illumination_n before_o describe_v for_o it_o be_v the_o common_a opinion_n of_o protestant_a divine_n that_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v the_o ground_n whereon_o we_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o in_o what_o sense_n it_o be_v so_o shall_v be_v immediate_o declare_v but_o hereon_o be_v they_o general_o charge_v by_o those_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o other_o that_o they_o resolve_v all_o the_o ground_n and_o assurance_n of_o faith_n into_o their_o own_o particular_a spirit_n or_o the_o spirit_n of_o every_o one_o that_o will_v pretend_v thereunto_o and_o this_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o sufficient_a warranty_n to_o reproach_v they_o with_o give_v countenance_n unto_o enthusiasm_n and_o expose_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n to_o endless_a delusion_n wherefore_o this_o matter_n must_v be_v a_o little_a further_o inquire_v into_o and_o by_o a_o internal_a testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n a_o extraordinary_a afflatus_fw-la or_o new_a immediate_a revelation_n may_v be_v intend_v man_n may_v suppose_v they_o have_v or_o aught_o to_o have_v a_o internal_a particular_a testimony_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n whereby_o and_o whereby_o alone_o they_o may_v be_v infallible_o assure_v that_o so_o it_o be_v and_o this_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o the_o revelation_n make_v unto_o the_o prophet_n and_o penman_n of_o the_o scripture_n for_o it_o be_v neither_o a_o external_a proposition_n of_o truth_n nor_o a_o internal_a ability_n to_o assent_v unto_o such_o a_o proposition_n and_o beside_o these_o there_o be_v no_o divine_a operation_n in_o this_o kind_n but_o a_o immediate_a prophetical_a inspiration_n or_o revelation_n wherefore_o as_o such_o a_o revelation_n or_o immediate_a testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v the_o only_a reason_n why_o we_o do_v believe_v so_o it_o be_v that_o alone_a which_o our_o faith_n rest_v on_o and_o be_v resolve_v into_o this_o be_v that_o which_o be_v common_o impute_v unto_o those_o who_o deny_v either_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n or_o any_o other_o external_a argument_n or_o motive_n of_o credibility_n to_o be_v the_o formal_a reason_n of_o our_o faith_n howbeit_o there_o be_v no_o one_o of_o they_o that_o i_o know_v of_o who_o ever_o assert_v any_o such_o thing_n and_o i_o do_v therefore_o deny_v that_o our_o faith_n be_v resolve_v into_o any_o such_o private_a testimony_n immediate_a revelation_n or_o inspiration_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o that_o for_o the_o ensue_a reason_n 1._o since_o the_o finish_n of_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o scripture_n the_o church_n be_v not_o under_o that_o conduct_n as_o to_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o such_o new_a extraordinary_a revelation_n it_o do_v indeed_o live_v upon_o the_o internal_a gracious_a operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n enable_v we_o to_o understand_v believe_v and_o obey_v the_o perfect_a
insist_v on_o especial_o ought_v they_o to_o be_v plead_v when_o the_o scripture_n be_v attack_v by_o a_o atheism_n arise_v from_o the_o love_n and_o practice_n of_o those_o lust_n and_o sin_n which_o be_v severe_o condemn_v therein_o and_o threaten_v with_o the_o utmost_a vengeance_n with_o other_o they_o may_v be_v consider_v as_o previous_a inducement_n unto_o believe_v or_o concomitant_a mean_n of_o strengthen_v faith_n in_o they_o that_o do_v believe_v in_o the_o first_o way_n i_o confess_v to_o the_o best_a of_o my_o observation_n of_o thing_n past_a and_o present_a their_o use_n be_v not_o great_a nor_o ever_o have_v be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n for_o assure_o the_o most_o that_o do_v sincere_o believe_v the_o divine_a original_a and_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n do_v it_o without_o any_o great_a consideration_n of_o they_o or_o be_v much_o influence_v by_o they_o and_o there_o be_v many_o who_o as_o austin_n speak_v be_v save_v simplicitate_fw-la credendi_fw-la and_o not_o subtilitate_fw-la disputandi_fw-la that_o be_v not_o able_a to_o inquire_v much_o into_o they_o nor_o yet_o to_o apprehend_v much_o of_o their_o force_n and_o efficacy_n when_o they_o be_v propose_v unto_o they_o most_o person_n therefore_o be_v effectual_o convert_v to_o god_n and_o have_v save_v faith_n whereby_o they_o believe_v the_o scripture_n and_o virtual_o all_o that_o be_v contain_v in_o it_o before_o they_o have_v ever_o once_o consider_v they_o and_o god_n forbid_v we_o shall_v think_v that_o none_o believe_v the_o scripture_n aright_o but_o those_o who_o be_v able_a to_o apprehend_v and_o manage_v the_o subtle_a argument_n of_o learned_a man_n produce_v in_o their_o confirmation_n yea_o we_o affirm_v on_o the_o contrary_a that_o those_o who_o believe_v they_o on_o no_o other_o ground_n have_v indeed_o no_o true_a divine_a faith_n at_o all_o hence_o they_o be_v not_o of_o old_a insist_v on_o for_o the_o ingenerate_v of_o faith_n in_o they_o to_o who_o the_o word_n be_v preach_v nor_o ordinary_o be_v so_o to_o this_o day_n by_o any_o who_o understand_v what_o be_v their_o work_n and_o duty_n but_o in_o the_o second_o way_n wherever_o there_o be_v occasion_n from_o objection_n opposition_n or_o temptation_n they_o may_v be_v plead_v to_o good_a use_n and_o purpose_n and_o they_o may_v do_v well_o to_o be_v furnish_v with_o they_o who_o be_v unavoidable_o expose_v unto_o trial_n of_o that_o nature_n for_o as_o for_o that_o course_n which_o some_o take_v in_o all_o place_n and_o at_o all_o time_n to_o be_v dispute_v about_o the_o scripture_n and_o their_o authority_n it_o be_v a_o practice_n give_v countenance_n unto_o atheism_n and_o be_v to_o be_v abhor_v of_o all_o that_o fear_n god_n and_o the_o consequent_n of_o it_o be_v sufficient_o manifest_a 2._o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o church_n as_o it_o be_v the_o ground_n and_o pillar_n of_o truth_n hold_v it_o up_o and_o declare_v it_o be_v in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n previous_o necessary_a unto_o believe_v for_o faith_n come_v by_o hear_v and_o hear_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n we_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o itself_o alone_o but_o not_o by_o itself_o alone_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n be_v the_o mean_n which_o god_n have_v appoint_v for_o the_o declaration_n and_o make_v know_v the_o testimony_n which_o the_o holy_a spirit_n give_v in_o the_o scripture_n unto_o its_o divine_a original_a and_o this_o be_v the_o ordinary_a way_n whereby_o man_n be_v bring_v to_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o church_n in_o its_o ministry_n own_v witness_v and_o avow_v it_o so_o to_o be_v instruct_v all_o sort_n of_o person_n out_o of_o it_o there_o be_v together_o with_o a_o sense_n and_o apprehension_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o power_n of_o the_o thing_n teach_v and_o reveal_v in_o it_o faith_n in_o itself_o as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n ingenerate_v in_o they_o 3._o we_o do_v also_o here_o suppose_v the_o internal_a effectual_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n beget_v faith_n in_o we_o as_o be_v before_o declare_v without_o which_o we_o can_v believe_v neither_o the_o scripture_n nor_o any_o thing_n else_o with_o faith_n divine_a not_o for_o want_v of_o evidence_n in_o they_o but_o of_o faith_n in_o ourselves_o these_o thing_n be_v suppose_v we_o do_v affirm_v that_o it_o be_v the_o authority_n and_o truth_n of_o god_n as_o manifest_v themselves_o in_o the_o supernatural_a revelation_n make_v in_o the_o scripture_n that_o our_o faith_n arise_v from_o and_o be_v resolve_v into_o and_o herein_o consist_v that_o testimony_n which_o the_o spirit_n give_v unto_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o it_o be_v so_o for_o it_o be_v the_o spirit_n that_o bear_v witness_v because_o the_o spirit_n be_v truth_n the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v the_o immediate_a author_n of_o the_o whole_a scripture_n do_v therein_o and_o thereby_o give_v testimony_n unto_o the_o divine_a truth_n and_o original_a of_o it_o by_o the_o character_n of_o divine_a authority_n and_o veracity_n impress_v on_o it_o and_o evidence_v themselves_o in_o its_o power_n and_o efficacy_n and_o let_v it_o be_v observe_v that_o what_o we_o assert_v respect_n the_o revelation_n itself_o the_o scripture_n the_o write_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o not_o mere_o the_o thing_n write_v or_o contain_v in_o it_o the_o argument_n produce_v by_o some_o to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o scripture_n reach_v not_o the_o cause_n in_o hand_n for_o our_o enquiry_n be_v not_o about_o believe_v the_o truth_n reveal_v but_o about_o believe_v the_o revelation_n itself_o the_o scripture_n itself_o to_o be_v divine_a and_o this_o we_o do_v only_o because_o of_o the_o authority_n and_o veracity_n of_o the_o revealer_n that_o be_v of_o god_n himself_o manifest_v themselves_o therein_o to_o manifest_v this_o full_o i_o shall_v do_v these_o thing_n 1._o prove_v that_o our_o faith_n be_v so_o resolve_v into_o the_o scripture_n as_o a_o divine_a revelation_n and_o not_o into_o any_o thing_n else_o that_o be_v we_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o its_o own_o sake_n and_o not_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o any_o thing_n else_o either_o external_a argument_n or_o authoritative_a testimony_n of_o man_n whatever_o 2._o show_v how_o or_o by_o what_o mean_v the_o scripture_n do_v evidence_n its_o own_o divine_a original_a or_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n be_v so_o evidence_v in_o it_o and_o by_o it_o as_o that_o we_o need_v no_o other_o formal_a cause_n or_o reason_n of_o our_o faith_n whatever_o motive_n or_o mean_n of_o believe_v we_o may_v make_v use_n of_o and_o as_o to_o the_o first_o of_o these_o 1._o that_o be_v the_o formal_a reason_n whereon_o we_o do_v believe_v which_o the_o scripture_n propose_v as_o the_o only_a reason_n why_o we_o shall_v so_o do_v why_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o do_v so_o and_o whereunto_o it_o require_v our_o assent_n now_o this_o be_v to_o itself_o as_o it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o because_o it_o be_v so_o or_o it_o propose_v the_o authority_n of_o god_n in_o itself_o and_o that_o alone_a which_o we_o be_v to_o acquiesce_v in_o and_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n and_o that_o alone_a which_o our_o faith_n be_v to_o rest_v on_o and_o be_v resolve_v into_o it_o do_v not_o require_v we_o to_o believe_v it_o upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o any_o church_n or_o on_o any_o other_o argument_n that_o it_o give_v we_o to_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v from_o god_n but_o speak_v unto_o we_o immediate_o in_o his_o name_n and_o thereon_o require_v faith_n and_o obedience_n some_o it_o may_v be_v will_v ask_v whether_o this_o prove_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n because_o it_o say_v so_o of_o itself_o when_o any_o other_o write_v may_v say_v the_o same_o but_o we_o be_v not_o now_o give_v argument_n to_o prove_v unto_o other_o the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o only_o prove_v and_o show_v what_o our_o own_o faith_n rest_v on_o and_o be_v resolve_v into_o or_o at_o least_o ought_v so_o to_o be_v how_o it_o evidence_v itself_o unto_o our_o faith_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n we_o shall_v afterward_o declare_v it_o be_v sufficient_a unto_o our_o present_a purpose_n that_o god_n require_v we_o to_o believe_v the_o scripture_n for_o no_o other_o reason_n but_o because_o it_o be_v his_o word_n or_o a_o divine_a revelation_n from_o he_o and_o if_o so_o his_o authority_n and_o truth_n be_v the_o formal_a reason_n why_o we_o believe_v the_o scripture_n or_o any_o thing_n contain_v in_o it_o to_o this_o purpose_n do_v testimony_n abound_v in_o particular_a beside_o that_o general_a attestation_n which_o be_v give_v unto_o it_o in_o that_o sole_a preface_n of_o divine_a revelation_n thus_o say_v the_o
mind_n and_o conscience_n of_o man_n with_o its_o operation_n of_o divine_a effect_n thereon_o this_o the_o apostle_n express_o affirm_v to_o be_v the_o reason_n and_o cause_n of_o faith_n 1_o cor._n 14._o 24_o 25._o if_o all_o prophesy_n and_o there_o come_v in_o one_o that_o believe_v not_o or_o one_o unlearned_a he_o be_v convince_v of_o all_o he_o be_v judge_v of_o all_o and_o thus_o be_v the_o secret_n of_o his_o heart_n make_v manifest_a and_o so_o fall_v down_o on_o his_o face_n he_o will_v worship_v god_n and_o report_n that_o god_n be_v in_o you_o of_o a_o truth_n the_o acknowledgement_n and_o confession_n of_o god_n to_o be_v in_o they_o or_o among_o they_o be_v a_o profession_n of_o faith_n in_o the_o word_n administer_v by_o they_o such_o person_n assent_v unto_o its_o divine_a authority_n or_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o on_o what_o evidence_n or_o ground_n of_o credibility_n they_o do_v so_o be_v express_o declare_v it_o be_v not_o upon_o the_o force_n of_o any_o external_a argument_n produce_v and_o plead_v unto_o that_o purpose_n it_o be_v not_o upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o this_o or_o that_o or_o any_o church_n whatever_o nor_o be_v it_o upon_o a_o conviction_n of_o any_o miracle_n which_o they_o see_v wrought_v in_o its_o confirmation_n yea_o the_o ground_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o confession_n declare_v be_v oppose_v unto_o the_o efficacy_n and_o use_v of_o the_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o tongue_n v_o 23_o 24._o wherefore_o the_o only_a evidence_n whereon_o they_o receive_v the_o word_n and_o acknowledge_v it_o to_o be_v of_o god_n be_v that_o divine_a power_n and_o efficacy_n whereof_o they_o find_v and_o feel_v the_o experience_n in_o themselves_o he_o be_v convince_v of_o all_o judge_v of_o all_o and_o thus_o be_v the_o secret_n of_o his_o heart_n make_v manifest_a whereon_o he_o fall_v down_o before_o it_o with_o a_o acknowledgement_n of_o its_o divine_a authority_n find_v the_o word_n to_o come_v upon_o his_o conscience_n with_o a_o irresistible_a power_n of_o conviction_n and_o judgement_n thereon_o he_o be_v convince_v of_o all_o judge_v of_o all_o he_o can_v but_o grant_v that_o there_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o divine_a efficacy_n in_o it_o or_o accompany_v of_o it_o especial_o his_o mind_n be_v influence_v by_o this_o that_o the_o secret_n of_o his_o heart_n be_v make_v manifest_a by_o it_o for_o all_o man_n must_v acknowledge_v this_o to_o be_v a_o effect_n of_o divine_a power_n see_v god_n alone_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d he_o who_o search_v know_v and_o judge_v the_o heart_n and_o if_o the_o woman_n of_o samaria_n believe_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n because_o he_o tell_v she_o all_o thing_n that_o ever_o she_o do_v john_n 4._o 29._o there_o be_v reason_n to_o believe_v that_o word_n to_o be_v from_o god_n which_o make_v manifest_a even_o the_o secret_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o although_o i_o do_v conceive_v that_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n heb._n 4._o 12._o the_o live_n and_o eternal_a word_n be_v principal_o intend_v yet_o the_o power_n and_o efficacy_n there_o ascribe_v to_o he_o be_v that_o which_o he_o put_v forth_o by_o the_o word_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o so_o that_o word_n also_o in_o its_o place_n and_o use_v pierce_v to_o the_o divide_v asunder_o of_o soul_n and_o spirit_n of_o the_o joint_n and_o marrew_n and_o be_v a_o discerner_n or_o pass_v a_o critical_a judgement_n on_o the_o thought_n and_o intent_n of_o the_o heart_n or_o make_v manifest_v the_o secret_n of_o man_n heart_n as_o it_o be_v here_o express_v hereby_o then_o do_v the_o holy_a ghost_n so_o evidence_n the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o word_n namely_o by_o that_o divine_a power_n which_o it_o have_v upon_o our_o soul_n and_o conscience_n that_o we_o do_v assure_o acquiesce_v in_o it_o to_o be_v from_o god_n so_o the_o thessalonian_n be_v commend_v that_o they_o receive_v the_o word_n not_o as_o the_o word_n of_o man_n but_o as_o it_o be_v in_o truth_n the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o effectual_o work_v in_o they_o that_o believe_v 1_o thess._n 2._o 15._o it_o distinguish_v itself_o from_o the_o word_n of_o man_n and_o evidence_n itself_o to_o be_v indeed_o the_o word_n of_o god_n by_o its_o effectual_a operation_n in_o they_o that_o believe_v and_o he_o who_o have_v this_o testimony_n in_o himself_o have_v a_o high_a and_o more_o firm_a assurance_n of_o the_o truth_n than_o what_o can_v be_v attain_v by_o the_o force_n of_o external_a argument_n or_o the_o credit_n of_o humane_a testimony_n wherefore_o i_o say_v in_o general_a that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n give_v testimony_n unto_o and_o evince_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o word_n by_o its_o powerful_a operation_n and_o divine_a effect_n on_o the_o soul_n of_o they_o that_o do_v believe_v so_o that_o although_o it_o be_v weakness_n and_o foolishness_n unto_o other_o yet_o as_o be_v christ_n himself_o unto_o they_o that_o be_v call_v it_o be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n and_o i_o must_v say_v that_o although_o a_o man_n be_v furnish_v with_o external_a argument_n of_o all_o sort_n concern_v the_o divine_a original_a and_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n although_o he_o esteem_v his_o motive_n of_o credibility_n to_o be_v effectual_o persuasive_a and_o have_v the_o authority_n of_o any_o or_o all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o world_n to_o confirm_v his_o persuasion_n yet_o if_o he_o have_v no_o experience_n in_o himself_o of_o its_o divine_a power_n authority_n and_o efficacy_n he_o neither_o do_v nor_o can_v believe_v it_o to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o a_o due_a manner_n with_o faith_n divine_a and_o supernatural_a but_o he_o that_o have_v this_o experience_n have_v that_o testimony_n in_o himself_o which_o will_v never_o fail_v this_o will_v be_v the_o more_o manifest_a if_o we_o consider_v some_o few_o of_o those_o many_o instance_n wherein_o it_o exert_v its_o power_n or_o the_o effect_n which_o be_v produce_v thereby_o the_o principal_a divine_a effect_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v in_o the_o conversion_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o sinner_n unto_o god_n the_o greatness_n and_o glory_n of_o this_o work_n we_o have_v elsewhere_o declare_v at_o large_a and_o all_o those_o who_o be_v acquaint_v with_o it_o as_o it_o be_v declare_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o have_v any_o experience_n of_o it_o in_o their_o own_o heart_n do_v constant_o give_v it_o as_o a_o instance_n of_o the_o exceed_a greatness_n of_o the_o power_n of_o god_n it_o may_v be_v they_o speak_v not_o improper_o who_o prefer_v the_o work_n of_o the_o new_a creation_n before_o the_o work_n of_o the_o old_a for_o the_o express_a evidence_n of_o almighty_a power_n contain_v in_o it_o as_o some_o of_o the_o ancient_n do_v now_o of_o this_o great_a and_o glorious_a effect_v the_o word_n be_v the_o only_a instrumental_a cause_n whereby_o the_o divine_a power_n operate_v and_o be_v expressive_a of_o itself_o for_o we_o be_v bear_v again_o bear_v of_o god_n not_o of_o corruptible_a seed_n but_o of_o incorruptible_a by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o abide_v for_o ever_o 1_o pet._n 1._o 21._o for_o of_o his_o own_o will_n do_v god_n beget_v we_o with_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n jam._n 1._o 18._o the_o word_n be_v the_o seed_n of_o the_o new_a creature_n in_o we_o that_o whereby_o our_o whole_a nature_n our_o soul_n and_o all_o their_o faculty_n be_v change_v and_o renew_v into_o the_o image_n and_o likeness_n of_o god_n and_o by_o the_o same_o word_n be_v this_o new_a nature_n keep_v and_o preserve_v 1_o pet._n 2._o 2._o and_o the_o whole_a soul_n carry_v on_o unto_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n it_o be_v unto_o believer_n a_o engraft_a word_n which_o be_v able_a to_o save_v their_o soul_n james_n 1._o 21._o the_o word_n of_o god_n grace_n which_o be_v able_a to_o build_v we_o up_o and_o give_v we_o a_o inheritance_n among_o they_o that_o be_v sanctify_v act_v 20._o 32._o and_o that_o because_o it_o be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n unto_o salvation_n unto_o they_o that_o do_v believe_v rom._n 1._o 16._o all_o the_o power_n which_o god_n put_v forth_o and_o exert_n in_o the_o communication_n of_o that_o grace_n and_o mercy_n unto_o believer_n whereby_o they_o be_v gradual_o carry_v on_o and_o prepare_v unto_o salvation_n he_o do_v it_o by_o the_o word_n therein_o in_o a_o especial_a manner_n be_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o word_n evidence_v by_o the_o divine_a power_n and_o efficacy_n give_v unto_o it_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o work_n which_o be_v effect_v by_o it_o in_o the_o regeneration_n conversion_n and_o sanctification_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o believer_n do_v evidence_n it_o infallible_o unto_o their_o conscience_n that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o word_n