The reason of faith, or, An answer unto that enquiry, wherefore we believe the…

Jerem. 23. 28, 29. The Prophet that hath a Dream, let him tell a Dream; and he that hath my Word, let him speak my Word faithfully. What is the Chaff to the Wheat, saith the Lord? Is not my Word like as fire, saith the Lord? and like an Hammer that breaketh the Rock in pieces? It is supposed that there are two Persons in Reputation for Divine Revelations esteemed Prophets; one of them only pretends so to be, and declares the Dreams of his own Fancy, or the Divinations of his own Mind, as the Word of God. The other hath the Word of God and declares it faithfully from him. Yea but how shall we know the one from the other? Even as men know Wheat from Chaff, by their different Natures ⟨p. 119⟩and Effects. For as false pretended Revelations are but as Chaff which every Wind will scatter; so the true Word of God is like a Fire, and like an Hammer, is accompanied with that Light, Efficacy, and Power, that it manifests it self unto the Consciences of men so to be. Hereon doth God call us to rest our Faith on it in opposition unto all other Pretences whatever.

But is it of this Authority and Efficacy in it self? See Luk. 16. 27, 28, 29, 30, 31. Then said he, [the rich Man in Hell,] I pray thee therefore Father, that thou wouldest send him [Lazarus who was dead,] unto my Fathers house, for I have five Brethren, that he may testify unto them lest they also come into this place of torment. Abraham saith unto him, they have Moses and the Prophets, let them hear them. And he said, Nay Father Abraham, but if one went unto them from the dead they would repent; and he said unto him, if they hear not Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be persuaded though one rose from the dead. The Question here between Abraham and the rich Man in this Parable, indeed between the Wisdom of God and the superstitious Contrivances of Men, is about the way and means of bringing those who are Unbelievers and impenitent unto Faith and Repentance. He who was in Hell apprehended that nothing would make them believe but a Miracle, one rising from the dead and speaking unto them; which or the like marvellous Operations many at this day think would have mighty power and influence upon them to settle their minds and change their lives; should they see one rise from the dead, and come and converse with them, this would convince them of the