what it rests on, and is resolved into, so as to become a Divine and Acceptable Duty? do respect the Consciences of Men immediately, and the Way whereby they may come to Rest and Assurance in Believing. Whereas therefore it is evident, that may are often shaken in their Minds, with-those Atheistical Objections against the Divine Original and Authority of the Scripture, which they frequently ⟨image 4⟩meet […]; that many know not how to extricate themselves from the ensnaring Questions that they are often attacked withal about them; not for want of a due Assent unto them, but of a right Understanding what is the true and formal Reason of that Assent; what is the firm Basis and Foundation that it rests upon; what Answer they may directly and peremptorily give unto that Enquiry, Wherefore do you believe the Scripture to be the Word of God? I have endeavoured to give them those Directions herein, that upon a due Examination they will find compliant with the Scripture it self, right Reason, and their own Experience. I am not therefore altogether without hopes that this small Discourse may have its use, and be given out in its proper season. Moreover, I think it necessary to acquaint the Reader, that as I have allowed all the Arguments pleaded by others to prove the Divine Authority of the Scripture, their proper place, and force; so where I differ in the Explication of any thing belonging ⟨image 4⟩unto this Subject from the Conceptions of other Men, I have candidly examined such Opinions, and the Arguments wherewith they are confirmed, without straining the Words, cavilling at the Expressions, or reflections on the Persons of any of the Authors of them. And whereas I have my self been otherwise dealt withal by many, and know not how soon I may be so again, I do hereby free the Persons of such Humours and Inclinations from all fear of any Reply from me, or the least notice of what they shall be pleased to write or say. Such kind of Writings are of the same consideration with me, as those multiplied false Reports which some have raised concerning me, the most of them so ridiculous and foolish, so alien from my Principles, Practice, and Course of life, as I can not but wonder how any Persons pretending to Gravity and Sobriety, are not sensible how their Credulity and Inclinations are abused in the hearing and repetition of them.
what it rests on, and is resolved into, so as to become a Divine and Acceptable Duty? do respect the Consciences of Men immediately, and the Way whereby they may come to Rest and Assurance in Believing. Whereas therefore it is evident, that may are often shaken in their Minds, with-those Atheistical Objections against the Divine Original and Authority of the Scripture, which they frequently ⟨image 4⟩meet 〈…〉; that many know not how to extricate themselves from the ensnaring Questions that they are often attaqued withal about them; not for want of a due Assent unto them, but of a right Understanding what is the true and formal Reason of that Assent; what is the firm Basis and Foundation that it rests upon; what Answer they may directly and peremptotily give unto that Enquiry, Wherefore do you believe the Scripture to be the Word of God? I have endeavoured to give them those Directions herein, that upon a due Examination they will find compliant with the Scripture it self, right Reason, and their own Experience. I am not therefore altogether without hopes that this small Discourse may have its use, and be given out in its proper season. Moreover, I think it necessary to acquaint the Reader, that as I have allowed all the Arguments pleaded by others to prove the Divine Authority of the Scripture, their proper place, and force; so where I differ in the Explication of any thing belonging ⟨image 4⟩unto this Subject from the Conceptions of other Men, I have candidly examined such Opinions, and the Arguments wherewith they are confirmed, without straining the Words, cavilling at the Expressions, or reflections on the Persons of any of the Authors of them. And whereas I have my self been otherwise dealt withal by many, and know not how soon I may be so again, I do hereby free the Persons of such Humours and Inclinations from all fear of any Reply from me, or the least notice of what they shall be pleased to write or say. Such kind of Writings are of the same consideration with me, as those multiplied false Reports which some have raised concerning me, the most of them so ridiculous and foolish, so alien from my Principles, Practice, and Course of life, as I can not but wonder how any Persons pretending to Gravity and Sobriety, are not sensible how their Credulity and Inclinations are abused in the hearing and repetition of them.
