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act_n apostle_n church_n elder_n 5,779 5 10.2377 5 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A58800 The Christian life. Part II wherein that fundamental principle of Christian duty, the doctrine of our Saviours mediation, is explained and proved, volume II / by John Scott ... Scott, John, 1639-1695. 1687 (1687) Wing S2053; ESTC R15914 386,391 678

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which_o be_v the_o good_a of_o the_o public_a since_o therefore_o the_o church_n by_o christ_n own_o institution_n be_v a_o govern_a society_n of_o man_n we_o must_v either_o suppose_v its_o government_n to_o be_v very_o lame_a and_o defective_a which_o will_v be_v to_o blaspheme_v the_o wisdom_n of_o our_o saviour_n or_o allow_v it_o to_o have_v a_o legislative_a power_n inherent_a in_o it_o but_o that_o de_fw-fr facto_fw-la it_o have_v such_o a_o power_n in_o it_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n who_o as_o all_o agree_v have_v the_o reins_o of_o church_n government_n deliver_v into_o their_o hand_n by_o our_o saviour_n for_o so_o in_o act_n 15.6_o we_o be_v tell_v that_o upon_o occasion_n of_o that_o famous_a controversy_n about_o circumcision_n the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n come_v together_o to_o consider_v of_o this_o matter_n where_o by_o the_o elder_n by_o the_o consent_n of_o all_o antiquity_n be_v mean_v the_o bishop_n of_o judea_n vid._n dr._n hammond_n on_o act_n 11._o note_n b._n and_o after_o mature_a debate_n and_o deliberation_n this_o be_v the_o result_n of_o the_o council_n it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o to_o we_o to_o lay_v upon_o you_o no_o great_a burden_n than_o these_o necessary_a thing_n ver_fw-la 28._o so_o that_o those_o necessary_a thing_n specify_v in_o the_o next_o verse_n be_v it_o seem_v lay_v upon_o they_o as_o a_o burden_n i._n e._n legal_o impose_v on_o they_o as_o matter_n of_o duty_n for_o herein_o it_o be_v plain_a the_o apostle_n exercise_v a_o legislative_a power_n over_o those_o christian_a community_n they_o write_v to_o viz._n in_o require_v they_o to_o abstain_v from_o some_o thing_n which_o be_v never_o prohibit_v before_o by_o any_o stand_a law_n of_o christanity_n and_o as_o the_o apostle_n and_o primitive_a bishop_n make_v law_n by_o common_a consent_n for_o the_o church_n in_o general_n so_o do_v they_o also_o by_o their_o own_o single_a authority_n for_o particular_a 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find_v in_o scripture_n that_o all_o ecclesiastic_a commission_n be_v either_o give_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o some_o of_o those_o first_o apostle_n who_o receive_v their_o commission_n immediate_o from_o our_o saviour_n or_o else_o by_o some_o of_o those_o secondary_a apostle_n that_o be_v admit_v into_o apostolic_a order_n by_o they_o which_o secondary_a apostle_n as_o be_v show_v before_o be_v the_o same_o with_o those_o who_o we_o now_o call_v bishop_n for_o so_o in_o act_n 6.3.6_o the_o seven_o first_o deacon_n we_o read_v of_o be_v ordain_v by_o the_o apostle_n the_o whole_a number_n of_o the_o disciple_n be_v present_a but_o the_o apostle_n only_o appoint_v and_o lay_v their_o hand_n on_o they_o and_o in_o act_n 14.23_o we_o be_v tell_v that_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n two_o of_o the_o apostle_n ordain_v elder_n in_o every_o church_n that_o be_v of_o lystra_n iconium_n and_o antioch_n and_o though_o these_o two_o be_v ordain_v apostle_n of_o the_o gentile_n by_o certain_a prophet_n and_o teacher_n in_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n act_v 13.1.3_o yet_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o those_o prophet_n and_o teacher_n where_o such_o as_o have_v receive_v the_o apostolic_a character_n be_v ordain_v by_o the_o apostle_n bishop_n of_o the_o church_n of_o syria_n for_o otherwise_o how_o can_v they_o have_v derive_v it_o for_o so_o judas_n and_o silas_n be_v call_v prophet_n act_n 15.32_o and_o yet_o ver_fw-la 22._o they_o be_v say_v to_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o be_v ruler_n among_o the_o brethren_n or_o bishop_n of_o judea_n and_o afterward_o we_o find_v that_o ordination_n be_v confine_v to_o such_o as_o have_v be_v admit_v to_o the_o apostolate_a for_o so_o the_o power_n of_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n in_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n be_v commit_v by_o s._n paul_n to_o timothy_n who_o he_o himself_o by_o the_o lay_n on_o of_o hand_n have_v ordain_v the_o apostle_n or_o bishop_n of_o that_o church_n 1_o tim._n 5.22_o 1_o tim._n 1.6_o so_o also_o the_o power_n of_o ordain_v in_o the_o church_n of_o crete_n be_v by_o s._n paul_n commit_v to_o titus_n who_o he_o have_v also_o ordain_v the_o apostle_n or_o bishop_n of_o that_o church_n tit._n 1.5_o for_o this_o cause_n leave_v i_o thou_o in_o crete_n to_o ordain_v elder_n in_o every_o city_n thus_o all_o through_o the_o whole_a scripture_n history_n we_o find_v the_o power_n of_o ordination_n administer_v by_o such_o and_o none_o but_o such_o as_o be_v of_o the_o apostolic_a order_n viz._n either_o by_o the_o prime_a apostle_n or_o by_o the_o secondary_a apostle_n or_o bishop_n and_o if_o we_o consult_v the_o primitive_a antiquity_n which_o to_o be_v sure_a in_o matter_n of_o fact_n at_o least_o be_v the_o best_a interpreter_n of_o scripture_n we_o shall_v always_o find_v the_o power_n of_o give_v order_n confine_v and_o limit_v to_o bishop_n which_o be_v so_o undeniable_a that_o s._n jerom_n himself_o who_o endeavour_v his_o utmost_a to_o equalise_v presbyter_n with_o bishop_n be_v yet_o fain_o to_o do_v it_o with_o a_o excepta_fw-la ordinatione_fw-la ep._n ad_fw-la evagr._fw-la quid_fw-la facit_fw-la excepta_fw-la ordinatione_fw-la episcopus_fw-la quod_fw-la presbyter_n non_fw-la faciat_fw-la what_o can_v the_o bishop_n do_v except_o ordain_v that_o the_o presbyter_n may_v not_o do_v also_o iii_o another_o peculiar_a ministry_n of_o the_o bishop_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o execute_v that_o spiritual_a jurisdiction_n which_o christ_n have_v establish_v in_o it_o i._n e._n to_o cite_v such_o as_o be_v accuse_v of_o scandalous_a offence_n before_o their_o tribunal_n to_o inspect_v and_o examine_v the_o accusation_n and_o upon_o sufficient_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o to_o admonish_v the_o offender_n of_o his_o fault_n and_o in_o case_n he_o obstinate_o persist_v in_o it_o to_o exclude_v he_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o from_o all_o the_o benefit_n of_o christianity_n till_o such_o time_n as_o he_o give_v sufficient_a evidence_n of_o his_o repentance_n and_o amendment_n and_o then_o to_o receive_v he_o in_o again_o for_o that_o christ_n have_v establish_v such_o a_o jurisdiction_n in_o his_o church_n be_v evident_a from_o that_o passage_n mat._n 18.16_o 17_o 18._o moreover_o if_o thy_o brother_n shall_v trespass_v against_o thou_o go_v tell_v he_o his_o fault_n between_o he_o and_o thou_o alone_o if_o he_o shall_v hear_v thou_o thou_o have_v gain_v thy_o brother_n but_o if_o he_o will_v not_o hear_v thou_o then_o take_v with_o thou_o one_o or_o two_o more_o that_o in_o the_o mouth_n of_o two_o or_o three_o witness_n every_o word_n may_v be_v establish_v i._n e._n that_o thou_o may_v be_v able_a in_o case_n he_o do_v not_o then_o amend_v to_o produce_v sufficient_a testimony_n of_o his_o guilt_n before_o the_o church_n tribunal_n to_o which_o thou_o be_v next_o to_o apply_v thyself_o and_o if_o he_o shall_v neglect_v to_o hear_v they_o i._n e._n to_o promise_v amendment_n upon_o their_o 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key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v plain_o mean_v the_o authority_n of_o a_o steward_n to_o govern_v his_o church_n or_o family_n for_o so_o isa._n 22.21_o 22._o god_n promise_v eliachim_n that_o he_o will_v clothe_v he_o with_o the_o robe_n of_o shebna_n who_o be_v over_o the_o household_n ver_fw-la 15._o i._n e._n steward_n of_o the_o king_n family_n and_o that_o he_o will_v commit_v shebna_n be_v government_n into_o his_o hand_n etc._n etc._n and_o then_o it_o follow_v and_o the_o key_n of_o the_o house_n of_o david_n will_v i_o lay_v upon_o his_o shoulder_n so_o he_o shall_v open_v and_o none_o shall_v shut_v and_o he_o shall_v shut_v and_o none_o shall_v open_v that_o be_v in_o short_a i_o will_v make_v he_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o family_n and_o give_v he_o power_n to_o admit_v or_o exclude_v what_o servant_n he_o please_v and_o according_o by_o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n must_v be_v mean_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n for_o so_o key_n denote_v authority_n to_o govern_v vid._n rev._n 3.7_o and_o by_o bind_v and_o lose_v the_o power_n of_o shut_v out_o of_o or_o readmit_v into_o it_o and_o therefore_o in_o john_n 20.23_o this_o bind_v and_o lose_v be_v thus_o express_v who_o sin_n you_o remit_v or_o loose_v shall_v be_v remit_v or_o loose_v who_o sin_n you_o retain_v or_o keep_v bind_v shall_v be_v retain_v or_o keep_v bind_v for_o though_o the_o word_n be_v different_a from_o those_o in_o s._n matthew_n yet_o they_o be_v of_o the_o same_o import_n and_o signification_n and_o consequent_o our_o saviour_n meaning_n must_v be_v the_o same_o here_o as_o there_o viz._n who_o sin_n you_o loose_a from_o the_o penalty_n of_o exclusion_n from_o the_o church_n i_o also_o will_v loose_v from_o the_o penalty_n of_o exclusion_n out_o of_o heaven_n and_o who_o sin_n
the_o church_n be_v to_o confirm_v such_o as_o have_v be_v baptise_a and_o instruct_v in_o christianity_n which_o ministry_n be_v always_o perform_v by_o prayer_n and_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n upon_o which_o the_o party_n so_o confirm_v receive_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n it_o be_v true_a upon_o the_o first_o institution_n of_o this_o imposition_n of_o hand_n the_o extraordinary_a gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n such_o as_o speak_v with_o tongue_n etc._n etc._n be_v many_o time_n consequent_a but_o from_o hence_o it_o do_v no_o more_o follow_v that_o it_o be_v intend_v only_o for_o a_o extraordinary_a ministry_n that_o be_v to_o cease_v with_o those_o extraordinary_a gift_n that_o accompany_v it_o than_o that_o preach_v be_v so_o which_o at_o first_o be_v also_o attend_v with_o miraculous_a operation_n the_o great_a intendment_n of_o those_o extraordinary_a effect_n be_v to_o attest_v the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o function_n and_o do_v it_o therefore_o follow_v that_o the_o function_n must_v cease_v because_o those_o extraordinary_a effect_n do_v so_o after_o they_o have_v sufficient_o attest_v its_o efficacy_n and_o consequent_o be_v of_o no_o far_o use_v if_o so_o than_o all_o the_o other_o ministry_n of_o christianity_n must_v be_v expire_v as_o well_o as_o this_o and_o what_o though_o those_o extraordinary_a gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v cease_v yet_o since_o our_o saviour_n have_v promise_v a_o continual_a communication_n of_o his_o spirit_n to_o his_o church_n be_v it_o not_o high_o reasonable_a to_o believe_v that_o he_o still_o continue_v to_o communicate_v it_o by_o the_o very_a same_o ministry_n of_o prayer_n and_o imposition_n of_o hand_n whereby_o he_o communicate_v it_o first_o and_o that_o he_o now_o derive_v to_o we_o the_o ordinary_a operation_n of_o it_o in_o the_o same_o way_n that_o he_o first_o derive_v the_o extraordinary_a one_o especial_o consider_v that_o this_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n be_v place_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o same_o class_n with_o baptism_n and_o make_v one_o of_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n heb._n 6.1_o 2._o and_o therefore_o must_v without_o all_o doubt_n be_v intend_v for_o a_o stand_a ministry_n in_o the_o church_n and_o as_o such_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o all_o age_n have_v think_v herself_o oblige_v to_o receive_v and_o practice_v it_o but_o as_o for_o the_o administration_n of_o it_o it_o be_v always_o appropriate_v to_o the_o apostle_n and_o bishop_n so_o in_o act_n 19.5_o 6._o it_o be_v s._n paul_n that_o lay_v his_o hand_n on_o the_o ephesian_n after_o they_o be_v baptise_a in_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n whereupon_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n come_v upon_o they_o and_o in_o act_n 8._o we_o read_v that_o when_o s._n philip_n by_o his_o preach_a and_o miracle_n have_v convert_v the_o samaritan_n and_o afterward_o baptise_a they_o s._n peter_n and_o s._n john_n two_o of_o the_o apostle_n be_v send_v to_o lay_v hand_n on_o they_o upon_o which_o it_o be_v say_v that_o they_o receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n ver_fw-la 17._o by_o which_o it_o appear_v that_o this_o ministry_n of_o confirmation_n appertain_v to_o the_o apostle_n since_o s._n philip_n though_o a_o worker_n of_o miracle_n a_o preacher_n a_o prime_a deacon_n and_o if_o we_o may_v believe_v s._n cyprian_a one_o of_o the_o seventy_o two_o disciple_n will_v not_o presume_v to_o assume_v it_o but_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o apostle_n as_o their_o peculiar_a province_n and_o according_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n it_o be_v always_o perform_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o bishop_n for_o though_o from_o late_a age_n some_o probable_a instance_n be_v produce_v of_o some_o presbyter_n that_o confirm_v in_o the_o bishop_n absence_n or_o by_o his_o delegation_n yet_o in_o all_o primitive_a antiquity_n we_o have_v neither_o any_o one_o canon_n nor_o example_n of_o it_o from_o whence_o we_o may_v fair_o conclude_v that_o this_o imposition_n of_o hand_n for_o confirmation_n be_v peculiar_a to_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o original_a and_o to_o their_o successor_n the_o bishop_n in_o the_o continuation_n of_o it_o sect_n x._o of_o christ_n regal_a act_n in_o his_o kingdom_n have_v in_o the_o forego_n section_n give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o several_a minister_n which_o christ_n employ_v in_o the_o administration_n of_o his_o kingdom_n we_o proceed_v in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o inquire_v what_o those_o act_n of_o royalty_n be_v which_o he_o himself_o exert_v in_o his_o kingdom_n and_o by_o which_o he_o perpetual_o rule_v and_o govern_v it_o and_o these_o may_v be_v distribute_v into_o three_o order_n first_o such_o as_o he_o have_v perform_v once_o for_o all_o second_o such_o as_o he_o have_v always_o perform_v and_o will_v still_o continue_v to_o perform_v three_o such_o as_o be_v yet_o to_o be_v perform_v by_o he_o before_o the_o surrender_n of_o his_o kingdom_n first_o one_o sort_n of_o the_o royal_a act_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v those_o which_o he_o have_v perform_v once_o for_o all_o and_o these_o be_v reducible_a to_o three_o particular_n 1._o his_o give_a law_n to_o his_o kingdom_n 2._o his_o mission_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o subdue_v man_n mind_n to_o the_o obedience_n of_o those_o law_n and_o to_o govern_v they_o by_o they_o 3._o his_o erect_v a_o external_n polity_n or_o form_n of_o government_n in_o his_o kingdom_n i._o one_o of_o those_o regal_a act_n which_o christ_n have_v perform_v in_o his_o kingdom_n once_o for_o all_o be_v give_v law_n to_o it_o and_o this_o he_o perform_v while_o he_o be_v upon_o earth_n in_o those_o excellent_a sermon_n and_o discourse_n which_o he_o then_o preach_v and_o deliver_v to_o the_o world._n for_o though_o he_o preach_v as_o a_o prophet_n yet_o it_o be_v as_o a_o royal_a prophet_n as_o one_o that_o have_v regal_a authority_n to_o enact_v what_o he_o deliver_v into_o law_n for_o he_o be_v a_o king_n while_o he_o be_v upon_o earth_n vid._n p._n 853_o 854_o etc._n etc._n so_o that_o all_o his_o prophecy_n be_v enforce_v with_o his_o regal_a authority_n and_o he_o command_v as_o he_o be_v a_o king_n whatsoever_o he_o teach_v as_o he_o be_v a_o prophet_n indeed_o have_v he_o be_v a_o mere_a prophet_n he_o can_v not_o have_v oblige_v man_n by_o any_o legislative_a authority_n of_o his_o own_o to_o believe_v and_o obey_v he_o his_o declaration_n have_v have_v no_o far_a force_n in_o they_o than_o as_o they_o express_v the_o will_n and_o command_n of_o the_o almighty_a sovereign_n of_o the_o world_n and_o if_o what_o he_o declare_v have_v not_o be_v law_n before_o it_o can_v not_o have_v be_v make_v law_n by_o his_o declare_v it_o but_o be_v a_o royal_a prophet_n his_o word_n be_v law_n and_o all_o his_o declaration_n carry_v a_o command_a power_n in_o they_o and_o hence_o the_o gospel_n be_v call_v the_o law_n of_o christ_n gal._n 6.2_o and_o the_o law_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o life_n in_o or_o by_o christ_n jesus_n rom._n 8.2_o and_o that_o command_v of_o love_v our_o neighbour_n as_o ourselves_o be_v call_v the_o royal_a law_n i._n e._n the_o law_n of_o christ_n our_o king_n jam._n 2.8_o for_o this_o our_o saviour_n call_v his_o commandment_n john_n 15.12_o and_o his_o new_a commandment_n viz._n that_o you_o love_v one_o another_o even_o as_o i_o have_v love_v you_o joh._n 13.34_o and_o not_o only_o this_o but_o all_o other_o duty_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v call_v his_o commandment_n joh._n 14.21_o and_o matt._n 28.20_o by_o all_o which_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o in_o reveal_v his_o gospel_n to_o the_o world_n he_o do_v not_o only_o perform_v the_o part_n of_o a_o prophet_n but_o also_o of_o a_o legislator_n and_o that_o by_o his_o own_o inherent_a authority_n as_o he_o be_v a_o king_n he_o stamp_v those_o doctrine_n into_o law_n which_o he_o teach_v and_o deliver_v as_o a_o prophet_n and_o such_o as_o his_o kingly_a power_n be_v such_o be_v his_o law_n and_o commandment_n he_o be_v a_o spiritual_a king_n a_o king_n of_o soul_n of_o will_n and_o of_o affection_n and_o according_o his_o law_n be_v spiritual_a and_o do_v extend_v their_o obligation_n to_o the_o soul_n and_o will_n and_o affection_n of_o his_o subject_n for_o they_o not_o only_o oblige_v our_o outward_a man_n but_o also_o the_o inmost_a motion_n of_o our_o heart_n they_o lay_v their_o reins_o upon_o our_o thought_n and_o desire_n as_o well_o as_o upon_o our_o word_n and_o action_n and_o give_v direction_n to_o our_o inward_a intention_n as_o well_o as_o to_o our_o outward_a action_n so_o that_o to_o satisfy_v their_o demand_n it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a that_o we_o do_v well_o unless_o we_o also_o intend_v well_o that_o the_o matter_n of_o our_o action_n be_v good_a unless_o the_o aim_n and_o design_n of_o they_o be_v so_o also_o for_o according_a
thenceforth_o to_o reside_v and_o make_v his_o constant_a abode_n and_o from_o whence_o and_o by_o who_o he_o will_v for_o the_o future_a communicate_v himself_o to_o mankind_n and_o according_o the_o sign_n which_o god_n give_v to_o john_n baptist_n by_o which_o he_o may_v know_v the_o messiah_n when_o he_o see_v he_o be_v this_o upon_o who_o thou_o shall_v see_v the_o spirit_n descend_v and_o remain_v on_o he_o the_o same_o be_v he_o which_o baptize_v with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n i._n e._n who_o from_o himself_o or_o from_o his_o own_o fullness_n shall_v communicate_v the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o the_o world_n joh._n 1.33_o for_o so_o full_a be_v jesus_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o he_o not_o only_o prophesy_v himself_o and_o do_v miracle_n by_o it_o whensoever_o he_o please_v but_o he_o also_o communicate_v it_o to_o his_o own_o immediate_a disciple_n and_o impower_v they_o to_o communicate_v it_o to_o other_o and_o hence_o it_o be_v say_v that_o god_n give_v not_o the_o spirit_n by_o measure_n to_o he_o john_n 3.34_o i_o e._n with_o limitation_n and_o restriction_n to_o such_o particular_a time_n or_o end_n and_o purpose_n but_o in_o that_o unlimited_a manner_n as_o that_o he_o can_v not_o only_o act_v by_o it_o himself_o whensoever_o or_o howsoever_o he_o please_v but_o also_o communicate_v it_o to_o other_o in_o what_o degree_n or_o measure_n soever_o he_o please_v for_o so_o joh._n 20.22_o it_o be_v say_v that_o he_o breathe_v upon_o his_o disciple_n and_o bid_v they_o receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o act_n 8.17_o we_o be_v tell_v that_o upon_o their_o lay_v their_o hand_n upon_o other_o they_o also_o receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o by_o this_o unlimited_a fullness_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o our_o saviour_n receive_v at_o his_o baptism_n he_o be_v perfect_o accomplish_v for_o his_o prophetic_a office._n for_o the_o holy_a ghost_n abode_n in_o he_o after_o that_o visible_a glory_n in_o which_o he_o descend_v disappear_v even_o throughout_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o his_o ministry_n and_o hence_o luke_n 4.1_o we_o be_v tell_v that_o be_v full_a of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n he_o return_v from_o jordan_n and_o after_o he_o have_v finish_v his_o forty_o day_n fast_o in_o the_o wilderness_n he_o return_v from_o thence_o in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o spirit_n into_o galilee_n ver_fw-la 14._o where_o in_o his_o own_o city_n of_o nazareth_n he_o begin_v to_o prophesy_v declare_v and_o manifest_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v upon_o he_o vers_n 18_o to_o 23._o and_o at_o cana_n in_o galilee_n he_o begin_v to_o work_v miracle_n and_o thereby_o to_o manifest_v forth_o his_o glory_n joh._n 2.11_o thus_o by_o prophesy_v and_o confirm_v his_o prophecy_n by_o miracle_n he_o exert_v that_o fullness_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o be_v communicate_v to_o he_o at_o his_o baptism_n and_o now_o since_o before_o he_o come_v down_o to_o prophesy_v to_o we_o he_o be_v from_o eternity_n in_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o father_n and_o since_o when_o he_o come_v down_o he_o be_v clothe_v in_o humane_a nature_n and_o in_o that_o nature_n be_v inspire_v with_o such_o a_o unbounded_a fullness_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o that_o he_o can_v not_o only_o prophesy_v himself_o and_o confirm_v his_o prophecy_n by_o miracle_n when_o he_o please_v but_o also_o communicate_v these_o his_o gift_n to_o other_o in_o what_o measure_n and_o proportion_n he_o think_v fit_a to_o enable_v they_o to_o prophesy_v for_o he_o wheresoever_o he_o think_v meet_v to_o send_v they_o what_o can_v we_o imagine_v far_o necessary_a to_o complete_a and_o accomplish_v he_o for_o the_o prophetic_a office_n i_o proceed_v therefore_o in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o show_v how_o thorough_o and_o effectual_o he_o discharge_v this_o office_n which_o will_v plain_o appear_v by_o consider_v brief_o what_o those_o thing_n be_v which_o as_o a_o prophet_n he_o perform_v all_o which_o be_v reducible_a to_o these_o six_o head_n first_o he_o make_v a_o full_a declaration_n of_o his_o father_n will_n to_o the_o world._n second_o he_o prove_v and_o confirm_v what_o he_o have_v declare_v by_o miracle_n three_o he_o give_v a_o perfect_a example_n of_o obedience_n to_o what_o he_o have_v declare_v and_o prove_v to_o be_v his_o father_n be_v will._n four_o he_o seal_v his_o declaration_n with_o his_o own_o blood_n five_o he_o institute_v a_o order_n of_o man_n to_o preach_v what_o he_o have_v declare_v to_o the_o world._n six_o he_o send_v his_o holy_a spirit_n when_o he_o leave_v the_o world_n to_o recollect_v and_o explain_v to_o those_o man_n what_o he_o have_v declare_v and_o to_o enable_v they_o also_o to_o prove_v and_o assert_v it_o by_o miracle_n i._o he_o make_v a_o full_a declaration_n of_o his_o father_n will_n to_o the_o world_n viz._n in_o those_o sermon_n parable_n and_o discourse_n of_o he_o which_o we_o find_v record_v in_o the_o four_o evangelist_n in_o which_o the_o whole_a will_n of_o god_n concern_v the_o way_n and_o method_n of_o our_o salvation_n be_v full_o and_o perfect_o reveal_v for_o thus_o s._n paul_n declare_v to_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n that_o he_o have_v keep_v back_o nothing_o that_o be_v profitable_a for_o they_o but_o have_v testify_v both_o to_o the_o jew_n and_o greek_n repentance_n towards_o god_n and_o faith_n towards_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n act_v 20.20_o 21._o and_o ver_fw-la 27._o he_o tell_v they_o that_o he_o have_v not_o shun_v to_o declare_v unto_o they_o all_o the_o counsel_n of_o god._n now_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o this_o whole_a counsel_n of_o god_n which_o he_o have_v preach_v be_v only_o that_o account_n of_o our_o saviour_n discourse_n and_o action_n which_o s._n luke_n give_v we_o in_o his_o gospel_n who_o as_o irenaeus_n tell_v we_o be_v a_o follower_n of_o s._n paul_n and_o do_v compile_v into_o one_o book_n that_o history_n of_o our_o saviour_n life_n and_o doctrine_n which_o s._n paul_n have_v teach_v and_o deliver_v and_o if_o so_o than_o the_o whole_a counsel_n of_o god_n must_v be_v contain_v in_o this_o gospel_n and_o according_o s._n luke_n tell_v his_o theophilus_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o his_o gospel_n that_o forasmuch_o as_o many_o have_v set_v forth_o a_o declaration_n of_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v sure_o believe_v among_o christian_n it_o seem_v good_a unto_o he_o also_o have_v have_v a_o perfect_a understanding_n of_o all_o thing_n from_o the_o first_o to_o write_v they_o down_o in_o order_n that_o he_o may_v know_v the_o certain_o of_o those_o thing_n wherein_o he_o have_v be_v instruct_v from_o whence_o i_o infer_v that_o suppose_v that_o s._n luke_n perform_v what_o he_o promise_v his_o gospel_n must_v contain_v a_o full_a declaration_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n for_o first_o by_o promise_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v sure_o believe_v among_o christian_n he_o engage_v himself_o to_o give_v a_o entire_a account_n of_o christianity_n unless_o we_o will_v suppose_v that_o there_o be_v some_o part_n of_o christianity_n which_o the_o christian_n of_o that_o time_n do_v not_o sure_o believe_v second_o in_o promise_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o those_o thing_n of_o which_o he_o have_v perfect_a understanding_n from_o the_o first_o and_o in_o which_o his_o theophilus_n have_v be_v instruct_v he_o also_o engage_v himself_o to_o give_v a_o complete_a account_n of_o the_o whole_a religion_n unless_o we_o will_v suppose_v that_o there_o be_v some_o part_n of_o this_o religion_n which_o s._n luke_n do_v not_o perfect_o understand_v and_o in_o which_o theophilus_n have_v not_o be_v before_o instruct_v and_o the_o s●me_n may_v be_v say_v of_o the_o three_o other_o evangelist_n viz._n that_o their_o gospel_n do_v several_o contain_v all_o the_o necessary_a article_n of_o christianity_n though_o the_o last_o of_o they_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v write_v upon_o a_o more_o particular_a design_n viz._n more_o full_o to_o explain_v than_o any_o 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lie_n i._n e._n a_o know_a and_o wilful_a falsehood_n because_o it_o depend_v as_o i_o shall_v show_v by_o and_o by_o upon_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o he_o can_v not_o but_o know_v whether_o they_o be_v true_a or_o false_a so_o that_o if_o these_o fact_n be_v false_a he_o be_v a_o wilful_a deceiver_n in_o affirm_v they_o and_o build_v his_o doctrine_n upon_o they_o but_o how_o can_v he_o be_v reasonable_o suspect_v of_o lie_v who_o whole_a life_n be_v such_o a_o illustrious_a example_n of_o goodness_n and_o unspotted_a integrity_n of_o manner_n for_o it_o be_v to_o serve_v either_o their_o covetousness_n or_o ambition_n their_o envy_n or_o their_o revenge_n that_o man_n turn_v wilful_a deceiver_n none_o of_o which_o vice_n nor_o so_o much_o as_o the_o least_o appearance_n of_o they_o be_v visible_a in_o the_o life_n of_o jesus_n but_o their_o contrary_n continual_o shine_v through_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o his_o action_n and_o if_o none_o of_o those_o vice_n ever_o appear_v in_o 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of_o his_o gospel_n 1_o john_n 5.8_o and_o s._n paul_n tell_v we_o that_o he_o witness_v a_o good_a confession_n before_o pontius_n pilate_n 1_o tim._n 6.13_o that_o be_v in_o affirm_v before_o pilate_n that_o he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o king_n of_o the_o jew_n even_o when_o he_o certain_o foresee_v that_o he_o shall_v forfeit_v his_o life_n by_o it_o he_o take_v it_o upon_o his_o death_n that_o he_o have_v preach_v nothing_o but_o the_o truth_n to_o the_o world_n v._o as_o a_o prophet_n he_o also_o institute_v a_o order_n of_o man_n to_o publish_v and_o declare_v his_o doctrine_n to_o the_o world._n whilst_o the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n continue_v in_o the_o jewish_a church_n there_o be_v certain_a school_n call_v the_o school_n of_o the_o prophet_n in_o which_o man_n be_v train_v up_o under_o some_o great_a and_o eminent_a prophet_n who_o be_v the_o master_n of_o those_o school_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o divine_a thing_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o piety_n and_o 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divine_a wisdom_n and_o form_v their_o manner_n by_o the_o strict_a rule_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n that_o so_o when_o ever_o occasion_n require_v they_o may_v be_v due_o qualify_v to_o prophesy_v to_o the_o world._n and_o according_o as_o those_o ancient_a master_n of_o the_o prophetic_a school_n have_v ordinary_o their_o scholar_n personal_o attend_v on_o they_o and_o upon_o emergent_a occasion_n do_v frequent_o send_v they_o forth_o as_o their_o minister_n upon_o prophetic_a message_n vid._n 2_o king_n 9.1_o and_o 1_o king_n 20_o 35._o so_o our_o bless_a saviour_n keep_v he_o in_o ordinary_a attendance_n about_o he_o that_o so_o they_o may_v hear_v his_o doctrine_n and_o see_v his_o miracle_n and_o observe_v his_o conversation_n and_o upon_o particular_a occasion_n he_o send_v they_o forth_o as_o his_o minister_a disciple_n to_o prophesy_v in_o his_o name_n vid._n luke_n 10.1_o and_o out_o of_o this_o prophetic_a school_n of_o our_o saviour_n the_o primitive_a prophet_n of_o our_o religion_n be_v call_v and_o send_v forth_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n through_o the_o world._n for_o that_o his_o gospel_n may_v be_v teach_v through_o all_o succeed_a age_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n he_o first_o erect_v this_o sacred_a school_n and_o when_o he_o be_v to_o leave_v it_o he_o deposit_v a_o stand_a commission_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o his_o twelve_o apostle_n who_o he_o ordain_v to_o preside_v in_o it_o in_o his_o room_n by_o which_o he_o impower_v they_o not_o only_o to_o ordain_v and_o send_v forth_o the_o present_a disciple_n of_o it_o viz._n the_o presbyter_n and_o deacon_n to_o teach_v his_o gospel_n to_o all_o nation_n but_o also_o to_o derive_v down_o the_o same_o authority_n to_o their_o successor_n through_o all_o generation_n to_o come_v for_o as_o the_o father_n have_v send_v i_o say_v he_o so_o send_v i_o you_o john_n 20.21_o and_o as_o he_o send_v they_o so_o they_o still_o send_v other_o and_o so_o in_o a_o uninterrupted_a line_n of_o succession_n have_v this_o commission_n be_v hand_v and_o derive_v from_o one_o generation_n to_o another_o the_o bishop_n who_o next_o succeed_v the_o apostle_n in_o preside_v over_o the_o sacred_a school_n not_o only_o still_o ordain_v other_o bishop_n to_o succeed_v they_o but_o also_o still_o admit_v other_o presbyter_n and_o deacon_n who_o be_v as_o the_o disciple_n of_o that_o school_n to_o minister_n under_o they_o in_o the_o propagation_n of_o the_o gospel_n thus_o christ_n as_o the_o great_a prophet_n of_o the_o church_n have_v erect_v a_o stand_v prophetic_a school_n or_o order_n of_o man_n authoritative_o to_o teach_v and_o declare_v his_o gospel_n to_o all_o succeed_a age_n of_o the_o world._n vi_o and_o last_o as_o he_o be_v a_o prophet_n also_o he_o send_v his_o
holy_a spirit_n when_o he_o leave_v the_o world_n to_o recollect_v and_o explain_v to_o his_o disciple_n the_o doctrine_n he_o have_v teach_v they_o and_o to_o enable_v they_o also_o to_o prove_v and_o assert_v it_o by_o miracle_n for_o as_o elias_n the_o great_a prophet_n of_o israel_n when_o he_o be_v snatch_v up_o into_o heaven_n let_v drop_v his_o mantle_n and_o with_o that_o derive_v that_o holy_a spirit_n on_o his_o disciple_n elisha_n by_o which_o he_o prophesy_v and_o wrought_v his_o miracle_n so_o jesus_n the_o great_a prophet_n of_o the_o world_n when_o he_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n derive_v that_o divine_a spirit_n upon_o his_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n by_o which_o he_o himself_o prophesy_v and_o confirm_v his_o prophecy_n by_o miraculous_a evidence_n while_o he_o be_v upon_o earth_n vid._n supra_fw-la p._n 66_o 67_o etc._n etc._n for_o in_o all_o likelihood_n the_o holy_a ghost_n descend_v on_o the_o day_n of_o pentecost_n not_o only_o on_o the_o apostle_n but_o also_o upon_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o disciple_n of_o who_o we_o read_v in_o act_n 1.15_o for_o of_o these_o consist_v the_o prophetic_a school_n of_o our_o saviour_n who_o in_o all_o probability_n separate_v they_o while_o he_o be_v yet_o upon_o earth_n from_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o follower_n to_o be_v the_o herald_n and_o preacher_n of_o his_o gospel_n to_o the_o world_n and_o if_o so_o we_o may_v reasonable_o conclude_v that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n fall_v on_o they_o all_o as_o well_o as_o on_o the_o apostle_n to_o qualify_v they_o for_o that_o work_n which_o together_o with_o the_o apostle_n they_o have_v be_v fore-ordained_n to_o indeed_o as_o the_o apostle_n be_v place_v in_o a_o high_a station_n than_o any_o of_o the_o rest_n as_o be_v authorize_v by_o christ_n to_o superintend_v and_o preside_v over_o they_o so_o they_o receive_v a_o peculiar_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o which_o none_o of_o the_o rest_n communicate_v with_o they_o and_o that_o be_v confer_v by_o imposition_n of_o hand_n the_o holy_a ghost_n upon_o other_o for_o so_o in_o act_n 8._o we_o find_v that_o when_o philip_n have_v convert_v the_o people_n of_o samaria_n he_o can_v not_o confer_v the_o holy_a ghost_n on_o they_o but_o peter_n and_o john_n be_v send_v thither_o for_o that_o purpose_n who_o lay_v their_o hand_n upon_o they_o and_o they_o receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n verse_n 17._o now_o by_o thus_o derive_v his_o holy_a spirit_n on_o his_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n the_o bless_a jesus_n still_o proceed_v by_o they_o to_o prophesy_v to_o the_o world_n till_o through_o their_o ministry_n he_o have_v full_o consummate_v his_o prophetic_a office_n and_o reveal_v and_o explain_v the_o whole_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o till_o such_o time_n as_o the_o whole_a new_a testament_n be_v complete_v his_o minister_n general_o preach_v by_o the_o immediate_a inspiration_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o as_o i_o have_v show_v at_o large_a p._n 67_o etc._n etc._n not_o only_o recollect_v to_o their_o memory_n those_o doctrine_n which_o christ_n himself_o have_v teach_v they_o but_o also_o explain_v they_o full_o to_o their_o mind_n and_o thereby_o enable_v they_o to_o explain_v they_o full_o to_o the_o world_n and_o when_o this_o be_v once_o finish_v and_o the_o whole_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n commit_v to_o write_v and_o collect_v into_o a_o volume_n the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n be_v withdraw_v from_o the_o minister_n of_o christianity_n who_o be_v from_o thenceforth_o oblige_v to_o supply_v the_o want_n of_o it_o by_o their_o own_o study_n and_o industry_n for_o now_o the_o gospel_n be_v full_o reveal_v there_o need_v no_o far_a revelation_n and_o for_o the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o reveal_v over_o again_o to_o man_n mind_n what_o he_o have_v plain_o enough_o reveal_v already_o and_o set_v before_o their_o eye_n will_v have_v be_v but_o actum_fw-la agere_fw-la to_o multiply_v action_n to_o no_o purpose_n whilst_o the_o gospel_n lie_v hide_v in_o the_o eternal_a counsel_n of_o god_n out_o of_o the_o reach_n and_o prospect_n of_o humane_a understanding_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n shall_v immediate_o reveal_v it_o to_o the_o mind_n of_o those_o who_o be_v to_o declare_v it_o to_o the_o world_n otherwise_o it_o be_v impossible_a it_o shall_v ever_o have_v be_v know_v to_o mankind_n but_o when_o once_o he_o have_v full_o reveal_v it_o to_o they_o and_o declare_v it_o by_o they_o and_o transmit_v their_o declaration_n by_o a_o stand_a scripture_n to_o all_o succeed_a generation_n to_o what_o end_n shall_v he_o still_o proceed_v to_o make_v new_a revelation_n of_o it_o unless_o it_o be_v to_o gratify_v man_n sloth_n and_o idleness_n and_o excuse_v they_o from_o the_o trouble_n of_o search_v and_o study_v that_o scripture_n in_o which_o he_o have_v take_v care_n to_o transmit_v his_o gospel_n to_o they_o but_o though_o that_o bless_a spirit_n have_v never_o be_v want_v to_o mankind_n in_o any_o necessary_a assistance_n yet_o when_o once_o he_o have_v put_v thing_n within_o our_o own_o power_n he_o always_o expect_v that_o we_o shall_v do_v they_o and_o not_o sit_v still_o with_o our_o hand_n in_o our_o pocket_n expect_v that_o he_o shall_v do_v they_o for_o we_o since_o therefore_o by_o transmit_v to_o we_o the_o scripture_n he_o have_v put_v it_o within_o the_o power_n of_o its_o minister_n to_o understand_v and_o teach_v the_o gospel_n he_o expect_v that_o they_o shall_v exercise_v that_o power_n in_o a_o diligent_a study_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o lead_v to_o the_o true_a understanding_n of_o religion_n and_o not_o depend_v upon_o new_a revelation_n for_o the_o understanding_n of_o that_o which_o he_o have_v already_o sufficient_o reveal_v to_o they_o for_o thus_o till_o the_o whole_a old_a testament_n be_v finish_v god_n continue_v the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n in_o the_o jewish_a church_n after_o which_o he_o immediate_o withdraw_v it_o and_o whole_o remit_v his_o people_n to_o the_o conduct_n of_o the_o priest_n and_o levite_n who_o in_o their_o forty_o eight_o city_n which_o be_v so_o many_o university_n for_o their_o education_n in_o divine_a learning_n diligent_o read_v and_o study_v the_o law_n and_o thereby_o accomplish_v themselves_o to_o preach_v and_o explain_v it_o to_o the_o people_n and_o in_o like_a manner_n god_n continue_v the_o same_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n till_o the_o whole_a new_a testament_n be_v reveal_v and_o write_v and_o copy_n of_o it_o disperse_v through_o all_o the_o church_n and_o from_o thenceforth_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n cease_v and_o in_o the_o room_n of_o its_o first_o inspire_v minister_n there_o succeed_v a_o ordinary_a stand_a ministry_n who_o by_o their_o learning_n and_o industry_n and_o diligent_a search_n of_o scripture_n be_v to_o supply_v the_o defect_n of_o immediate_a revelation_n and_o to_o qualify_v themselves_o to_o teach_v and_o instruct_v the_o several_a flock_n that_o be_v commit_v to_o their_o charge_n in_o short_a therefore_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n remain_v upon_o the_o minister_n of_o christ_n till_o such_o time_n as_o it_o have_v full_o reveal_v and_o clear_o explain_v the_o gospel_n to_o they_o and_o when_o this_o be_v do_v and_o they_o have_v transmit_v its_o revelation_n to_o writing_n there_o can_v be_v no_o far_o need_v of_o it_o unless_o it_o be_v suppose_v either_o that_o he_o have_v not_o sufficient_o reveal_v the_o gospel_n to_o they_o or_o that_o he_o have_v some_o new_a gospel_n to_o reveal_v and_o thus_o you_o see_v what_o it_o be_v that_o our_o saviour_n have_v do_v in_o the_o discharge_n of_o his_o prophetic_a office._n and_o consider_v all_o i_o know_v not_o what_o far_o he_o can_v have_v add_v to_o complete_a and_o perfect_a it_o and_o to_o render_v his_o prophecy_n effectual_a to_o teach_v and_o instruct_v the_o world._n so_o that_o if_o after_o all_o these_o mighty_a performance_n we_o still_o remain_v in_o darkness_n and_o ignorance_n the_o blame_n of_o it_o whole_o redound_v upon_o ourselves_o for_o he_o have_v in_o all_o respect_v abundant_o perform_v his_o part_n towards_o the_o enlighten_v of_o the_o world_n and_o chalk_v out_o to_o we_o the_o way_n to_o our_o happiness_n with_o such_o plain_a and_o visible_a line_n that_o if_o we_o be_v but_o willing_a to_o walk_v in_o it_o we_o can_v mistake_v or_o wander_v from_o it_o but_o if_o we_o will_v be_v so_o supine_n and_o negligent_a as_o to_o concern_v our_o self_n no_o more_o about_o it_o than_o if_o it_o be_v only_o a_o fanciful_a description_n of_o the_o road_n to_o utopia_n or_o the_o highway_n to_o the_o world_n in_o the_o moon_n it_o be_v impossible_a we_o shall_v be_v thorough_o acquaint_v with_o it_o how_o plain_o soever_o it_o be_v describe_v it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v some_o doctrine_n in_o
to_o fall_v asleep_a again_o afterward_o when_o their_o lord_n be_v apprehend_v condemn_a and_o crucify_v at_o all_o which_o time_n they_o be_v doubtless_o rather_o more_o sorrowful_a than_o they_o be_v in_o the_o garden_n and_o therefore_o it_o seem_v very_o probable_a that_o there_o be_v a_o much_o more_o powerful_a cause_n than_o sorrow_n in_o the_o case_n viz._n a_o preternatural_a stupefaction_n of_o their_o sense_n by_o some_o of_o those_o malignant_a spirit_n that_o be_v then_o conflict_v with_o our_o saviour_n who_o perhaps_o to_o deprive_v he_o of_o the_o solace_n of_o his_o disciple_n company_n do_v by_o their_o diabolical_a art_n produce_v that_o extraordinary_a stupor_n that_o oppress_v they_o that_o so_o have_v he_o all_o alone_a they_o may_v have_v the_o great_a advantage_n to_o tempt_v and_o terrify_v he_o four_o and_o last_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o warning_n our_o saviour_n give_v his_o disciple_n when_o they_o enter_v the_o garden_n with_o he_o of_o the_o extraordinary_a danger_n they_o be_v in_o of_o fall_v into_o temptation_n it_o seem_v very_o probable_a that_o he_o expect_v and_o find_v there_o a_o extraordinary_a concourse_n of_o tempter_n or_o evil_a spirit_n for_o as_o soon_o as_o they_o be_v enter_v with_o he_o into_o the_o garden_n s._n luke_n tell_v we_o that_o he_o bid_v they_o pray_v that_o you_o enter_v not_o into_o temptation_n luke_n 22.40_o and_o when_o notwithstanding_o this_o admonition_n they_o fall_v asleep_o the_o first_o time_n he_o bid_v they_o again_o watch_n and_o pray_v that_o you_o enter_v not_o into_o temptation_n matth._n 26.41_o which_o word_n plain_o imply_v our_o saviour_n apprehension_n of_o some_o extraordinary_a danger_n they_o be_v in_o of_o be_v tempt_v in_o the_o very_a time_n and_o place_n of_o his_o agony_n and_o what_o more_o probable_a account_n can_v be_v give_v of_o this_o apprehension_n of_o his_o than_o this_o that_o he_o ●ound_v vast_a number_n of_o evil_a spirit_n there_o by_o who_o he_o himself_o at_o that_o very_a time_n be_v furious_o tempt_v and_o assault_v and_o that_o therefore_o have_v experience_v their_o power_n and_o malice_n in_o himself_o he_o think_v meet_v to_o admonish_v his_o disciple_n who_o be_v much_o less_o able_a to_o resist_v they_o than_o he_o to_o stand_v upon_o their_o guard_n lest_o they_o shall_v tempt_v they_o as_o they_o have_v tempt_v he_o for_o these_o reason_n it_o seem_v high_o probable_a that_o this_o last_o agony_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o mighty_a struggle_n and_o conflict_n with_o the_o power_n of_o darkness_n who_o have_v by_o god_n permission_n muster_v up_o all_o their_o strength_n against_o he_o intend_v once_o more_o to_o try_v their_o fortune_n against_o he_o and_o if_o possible_a to_o tempt_v or_o deter_v he_o from_o prosecute_a his_o design_n of_o redeem_v the_o world_n be_v in_o the_o end_n glorious_o repulse_v by_o his_o persevere_v resistance_n and_o force_v to_o flee_v before_o he_o and_o of_o this_o his_o glorious_a victory_n over_o they_o he_o make_v a_o open_a show_n upon_o the_o cross_n where_o in_o despite_n of_o all_o those_o terror_n and_o temptation_n they_o have_v exercise_v he_o with_o if_o possible_a to_o divert_v he_o from_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n for_o the_o world_n he_o free_o and_o voluntary_o pour_v out_o his_o blood_n as_o a_o sacrifice_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o mankind_n and_o hence_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o col._n 2.15_o that_o on_o his_o cross_n he_o spoil_v principality_n and_o power_n viz._n in_o that_o victorious_a act_n of_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n to_o ransom_v we_o from_o their_o power_n in_o despite_n of_o their_o most_o exquisite_a temptation_n to_o the_o contrary_a and_o make_v a_o open_a show_n of_o they_o triumph_v over_o they_o and_o by_o this_o glorious_a victory_n he_o finish_v his_o conquest_n of_o those_o infernal_a power_n so_o that_o from_o thenceforth_o they_o never_o dare_v assault_v he_o more_o but_o like_o vanquish_a slave_n be_v force_v to_o yield_v their_o unwilling_a neck_n to_o the_o yoke_n of_o his_o empire_n and_o though_o with_o infinite_a reluctance_n to_o obey_v his_o will_n and_o execute_v his_o order_n and_o hence_o we_o be_v tell_v that_o by_o his_o death_n our_o saviour_n have_v destroy_v he_o that_o have_v the_o power_n of_o death_n that_o be_v the_o devil_n heb._n 2.14_o so_o that_o now_o at_o his_o powerful_a name_n every_o knee_n must_v bow_v or_o every_o be_v yield_v obeisance_n not_o only_o of_o thing_n in_o heaven_n and_o of_o thing_n on_o earth_n i._n e._n of_o angel_n and_o man_n but_o of_o thing_n under_o the_o earth_n too_o i._n e._n of_o devil_n who_o notwithstanding_o they_o be_v incense_v with_o a_o implacable_a animosity_n against_o he_o and_o will_v glad_o pull_v he_o down_o from_o his_o throne_n if_o they_o have_v but_o power_n answerable_a to_o their_o malice_n yet_o have_v long_o since_o experience_v the_o might_n of_o his_o victorious_a arm_n even_o then_o when_o they_o have_v he_o at_o the_o great_a advantage_n and_o be_v thereby_o drive_v into_o everlasting_a despair_n of_o prevail_v against_o he_o they_o have_v from_o thenceforth_o be_v force_v by_o the_o mere_a dread_n and_o terror_n of_o his_o power_n to_o submit_v themselves_o to_o he_o and_o to_o become_v his_o servant_n and_o minister_n in_o his_o heavenly_a kingdom_n so_o that_o now_o whatsoever_o they_o do_v it_o be_v by_o his_o permission_n or_o order_n who_o hold_v their_o mischievous_a power_n in_o chain_n and_o let_v it_o lose_v or_o restrain_v it_o as_o he_o please_v and_o thus_o have_v prove_v at_o large_a that_o both_o the_o good_a and_o bad_a angel_n be_v christ_n subject_n and_o minister_n i_o proceed_v in_o the_o second_o place_n to_o show_v wherein_o their_o ministry_n to_o christ_n in_o his_o kingdom_n consist_v and_o in_o the_o first_o place_n i_o shall_v show_v wherein_o the_o ministry_n of_o good_a angel_n consist_v and_o second_o wherein_o consist_v the_o ministry_n of_o bad_a angel_n and_o because_o the_o philosophy_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o operation_n of_o angel_n be_v far_o above_o the_o ken_n of_o our_o shortsighted_a understanding_n i_o shall_v not_o presume_v to_o inquire_v any_o far_a into_o the_o ministry_n of_o either_o good_a or_o bad_a angel_n than_o the_o scripture_n give_v i_o light_n in_o which_o we_o find_v these_o seven_o follow_a instance_n of_o the_o ministry_n of_o good_a angel_n under_o christ._n first_o they_o declare_v upon_o occasion_n his_o mind_n and_o will_n to_o his_o church_n second_o they_o guard_v and_o defend_v his_o subject_n against_o outward_a danger_n three_o they_o support_v and_o comfort_v they_o upon_o great_a undertake_n and_o under_o press_a calamity_n four_o they_o protect_v they_o against_o the_o rage_n and_o fury_n of_o evil_a spirit_n five_o they_o further_o and_o assist_v they_o in_o all_o their_o religious_a office_n six_o they_o conduct_v their_o separate_a spirit_n into_o the_o mansion_n of_o glory_n seven_o they_o be_v to_o attend_v and_o assist_v christ_n in_o the_o great_a solemnity_n of_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n i._o one_o instance_n of_o the_o ministry_n of_o angel_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n be_v their_o declare_v upon_o occasion_n his_o mind_n and_o will_n to_o his_o church_n and_o people_n for_o thus_o most_o of_o those_o prophetic_a message_n which_o god_n from_o time_n to_o time_n send_v to_o the_o world_n be_v convey_v to_o the_o prophet_n by_o the_o ministry_n of_o angel_n so_o daniel_n for_o instance_n have_v all_o his_o vision_n from_o a_o angel_n of_o god_n vid._n dan._n 8.16_o and_o chap._n 9.22_o 23._o as_o also_o chap._n 10.11_o so_o also_o the_o prophet_n zechariah_n vid._n chap._n 1.9_o 14_o 19_o and_o chap._n 2.3_o 4._o and_o sundry_a other_o instance_n there_o be_v of_o it_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n vid._n matt._n 1.20_o 21._o as_o also_o chap._n 2.13_o 20_o 22._o and_o luke_n 1.13_o 30_o 31._o and_o many_o other_o place_n and_o it_o be_v a_o ancient_a and_o catholic_n doctrine_n among_o the_o jew_n that_o all_o prophecy_n be_v communicate_v by_o the_o mediation_n of_o angel_n whence_o the_o pharisee_n describe_v st._n paul_n as_o a_o prophet_n thus_o pronounce_v concern_v he_o we_o find_v no_o evil_n in_o this_o man_n but_o if_o a_o spirit_n or_o angel_n have_v speak_v to_o he_o let_v we_o not_o fight_v against_o god_n act._n 23.9_o and_o according_o we_o find_v our_o saviour_n send_v forth_o his_o holy_a angel_n on_o prophetic_a message_n to_o his_o church_n for_o so_o st._n john_n receive_v his_o revelation_n from_o christ_n by_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o angel_n rev._n 1.1_o rev._n 22.16_o and_o a_o angel_n be_v send_v from_o christ_n to_o philip_n to_o bid_v he_o go_v to_o the_o ethiopian_a eunuch_n to_o expound_v to_o he_o the_o prophecy_n of_o isaiah_n act_v 8.26_o and_o cornelius_n receive_v a_o message_n from_o christ_n
to_o base_a compliance_n with_o the_o lust_n of_o man_n and_o the_o iniquity_n of_o time_n for_o a_o maintenance_n and_o that_o so_o religion_n itself_o may_v not_o be_v expose_v to_o contempt_n through_o their_o wretched_a poverty_n and_o indigence_n who_o be_v the_o minister_n of_o it_o and_o who_o for_o want_v of_o a_o fair_a and_o honourable_a subsistence_n can_v never_o obtain_v credit_n and_o authority_n enough_o to_o do_v any_o considerable_a good_a in_o the_o world._n and_o this_o be_v the_o food_n and_o sustenance_n of_o the_o church_n without_o which_o it_o can_v long_o flourish_v either_o in_o true_a knowledge_n or_o true_a piety_n but_o must_v insensible_o wither_v away_o and_o degenerate_a into_o barbarity_n and_o ignorance_n and_o according_o if_o you_o consult_v ecclesiastical_a history_n you_o will_v find_v that_o it_o be_v ever_o the_o practice_n of_o pious_a prince_n and_o emperor_n to_o take_v care_n both_o for_o the_o erect_n of_o decent_a and_o convenient_a church_n in_o all_o part_n of_o their_o dominion_n for_o the_o celebration_n of_o divine_a worship_n and_o to_o furnish_v they_o with_o all_o the_o decent_a accommodation_n and_o ornament_n that_o be_v proper_a thereunto_o and_o also_o for_o the_o endow_a the_o bishop_n and_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n with_o such_o honourable_a subsistence_n as_o become_v the_o port_n and_o dignity_n of_o their_o several_a order_n and_o office_n in_o which_o they_o do_v no_o more_o than_o what_o they_o stand_v oblige_v to_o as_o they_o be_v the_o viceroy_n of_o jesus_n and_o the_o foster_v father_n of_o his_o church_n by_o virtue_n of_o which_o relation_n to_o it_o they_o be_v bind_v in_o duty_n to_o supply_v it_o with_o decent_a raiment_n and_o convenient_a food_n and_o now_o have_v explain_v the_o subjection_n of_o the_o sovereign_a power_n of_o the_o earth_n to_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n and_o show_v what_o those_o ministry_n be_v which_o they_o be_v oblige_v to_o render_v to_o he_o in_o his_o kingdom_n i_o proceed_v to_o the_o four_o and_o last_o sort_n of_o his_o minister_n by_o which_o he_o govern_v his_o kingdom_n viz._n the_o spiritual_a or_o ecclesiastical_a governor_n in_o treat_v of_o which_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v these_o three_o thing_n first_o to_o show_v that_o christ_n have_v erect_v a_o spiritual_a government_n to_o minister_v to_o he_o in_o his_o church_n second_o to_o show_v in_o what_o hand_n this_o spiritual_a government_n be_v place_v three_o to_o show_v what_o be_v the_o proper_a ministry_n of_o this_o government_n i._o that_o christ_n have_v erect_v a_o spiritual_a government_n in_o his_o church_n and_o indeed_o suppose_v the_o church_n to_o be_v a_o regular_a and_o form_v society_n subsist_v of_o it_o self_n distinct_a from_o all_o other_o society_n it_o must_v necessary_o have_v a_o distinct_a government_n in_o it_o because_o government_n be_v essential_o include_v in_o the_o very_a notion_n of_o all_o regular_a society_n which_o without_o rule_n and_o subjection_n be_v not_o a_o form_a society_n but_o a_o confuse_a multitude_n for_o what_o else_o do_v we_o mean_v by_o a_o humane_a society_n but_o only_o such_o a_o company_n of_o man_n unite_v together_o by_o such_o and_o such_o law_n and_o regulation_n but_o how_o can_v any_o company_n of_o man_n be_v unite_v by_o law_n without_o have_v in_o it_o some_o govern_v power_n to_o rule_v by_o those_o law_n and_o exact_a obedience_n to_o they_o so_o that_o we_o may_v as_o well_o suppose_v a_o complete_a body_n without_o a_o head_n as_o a_o regular_a society_n without_o a_o government_n now_o that_o the_o church_n be_v a_o regular_a society_n utter_o distinct_a from_o all_o civil_a society_n be_v as_o evident_a as_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n which_o all_o along_o declare_v and_o recognize_v the_o law_n or_o covenant_n upon_o which_o it_o be_v found_v and_o by_o which_o it_o be_v unite_v to_o be_v divine_a and_o consequent_o to_o be_v superior_a to_o and_o independent_a upon_o all_o civil_a law_n and_o if_o that_o which_o constitute_v the_o church_n be_v divine_a law_n and_o not_o civil_a than_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n must_v be_v divine_a and_o not_o civil_a for_o that_o which_o make_v we_o christian_n at_o the_o same_o time_n make_v we_o part_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o that_o which_o make_v all_o the_o part_n of_o the_o church_n make_v the_o church_n itself_o which_o be_v nothing_o but_o the_o whole_a or_o collection_n of_o all_o the_o part_n together_o and_o therefore_o as_o we_o be_v not_o make_v christian_n so_o neither_o be_v we_o make_v a_o christian_a church_n by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n but_o by_o the_o law_n and_o constitution_n of_o our_o saviour_n which_o be_v promulgate_v to_o the_o world_n long_o before_o there_o be_v any_o law_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n to_o found_v a_o christian_a church_n on_o for_o there_o be_v a_o christian_a church_n for_o three_o hundred_o year_n together_o before_o ever_o it_o have_v the_o least_o favour_n or_o protection_n from_o the_o law_n of_o nation_n in_o all_o which_o time_n it_o subsist_v apart_o from_o all_o other_o society_n and_o be_v as_o much_o a_o church_n or_o christian_a society_n as_o it_o be_v now_o and_o as_o it_o be_v now_o it_o be_v only_o a_o continue_a succession_n of_o that_o primitive_a church_n and_o therefore_o as_o to_o the_o constitution_n of_o it_o must_v necessary_o be_v as_o distinct_a now_o from_o all_o other_o society_n as_o it_o be_v then_o when_o it_o subsist_v not_o only_o apart_o from_o but_o against_o the_o law_n and_o edict_n of_o all_o other_o society_n in_o the_o world_n in_o short_a therefore_o since_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v found_v on_o a_o charter_n and_o incorporate_v by_o a_o law_n that_o be_v utter_o distinct_a from_o the_o charter_n and_o law_n of_o all_o civil_a society_n it_o hence_o necessary_o follow_v that_o itself_o be_v a_o distinct_a society_n from_o they_o all_o because_o that_o which_o individuate_n any_o society_n or_o make_v it_o a_o distinct_a body_n from_o all_o other_o society_n be_v the_o charter_n or_o law_n upon_o which_o it_o be_v found_v and_o according_o our_o saviour_n tell_v pilate_n when_o he_o ask_v he_o whether_o he_o be_v a_o king_n that_o he_o be_v a_o king_n indeed_o but_o that_o his_o kingdom_n be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n joh._n 18.36_o i_o e._n though_o my_o kingdom_n be_v in_o this_o world_n yet_o be_v it_o not_o of_o the_o world_n for_o neither_o be_v the_o law_n of_o it_o humane_a but_o divine_a nor_o the_o power_n of_o it_o external_a but_o invisible_a nor_o the_o reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o it_o temporal_a but_o spiritual_a and_o eternal_a from_o the_o whole_a therefore_o these_o two_o thing_n be_v evident_a first_o that_o government_n be_v essential_a to_o form_v and_o regular_a society_n second_o that_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v in_o the_o nature_n and_o constitution_n of_o it_o a_o form_v and_o regular_a society_n distinct_a from_o all_o other_o society_n from_o both_o which_o it_o necessary_o follow_v that_o it_o must_v have_v a_o distinct_a government_n include_v in_o the_o very_a essence_n and_o be_v of_o it_o and_o according_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n beside_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n we_o frequent_o read_v of_o spiritual_a and_o ecclesiastical_a governor_n so_o heb._n 13.17_o there_o be_v mention_v make_v of_o the_o ruler_n that_o watch_v for_o our_o soul_n and_o a_o strict_a injunction_n to_o obey_v and_o submit_v ourselves_o to_o they_o and_o so_o again_o in_o the_o seven_o and_o 24_o verse_n and_o in_o 1_o tim._n 5.17_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o the_o elder_n that_o rule_v well_o who_o be_v to_o be_v account_v worthy_a of_o double_a honour_n and_o indeed_o the_o greek_a word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o signify_v a_o bishop_n or_o overseer_n do_v in_o scripture_n always_o import_v a_o ruler_n or_o governor_n vid._n hammond_n act_n 1_o note_v 1._o and_o therefore_o be_v apply_v as_o it_o be_v frequent_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n to_o a_o certain_a order_n of_o man_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n it_o must_v necessary_o denote_v they_o to_o be_v the_o ruler_n and_o governor_n of_o it_o and_o this_o power_n to_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i._o e._n oversee_v and_o rule_n and_o govern_v the_o church_n be_v derive_v to_o they_o from_o christ_n the_o supreme_a bishop_n of_o our_o soul_n even_o by_o that_o commission_n he_o give_v they_o john_n 20.21_o as_o the_o father_n have_v send_v i_o so_o send_v i_o you_o i._n e._n so_o i_o commission_n you_o with_o the_o same_o authority_n in_o kind_a to_o teach_v and_o govern_v in_o my_o kingdom_n as_o i_o myself_o have_v receive_v from_o the_o father_n and_o according_o as_o christ_n be_v call_v the_o pastor_n or_o shepherd_n which_o name_n import_v authority_n to_o govern_v his_o flock_n for_o
ministry_n common_a to_o the_o bishop_n with_o the_o inferior_a clergy_n be_v the_o administration_n of_o the_o evangelical_n sacrament_n for_o it_o be_v to_o his_o apostle_n and_o in_o they_o to_o their_o successor_n that_o our_o saviour_n give_v the_o commission_n of_o baptiz●ing_v all_o nation_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n and_o of_o do_v this_o i._o e._n of_o consecrate_v and_o administer_a the_o holy_a eucharist_n in_o remembrance_n of_o i_o but_o yet_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o this_o ministry_n be_v not_o so_o confine_v to_o the_o apostolic_a order_n as_o that_o none_o but_o they_o be_v allow_v to_o exercise_v it_o for_o even_o in_o the_o apostle_n day_n philip_n and_o ananias_n who_o be_v no_o apostle_n baptise_a and_o s._n peter_n command_v the_o brethren_n with_o he_o who_o be_v no_o apostle_n neither_o to_o baptise_v those_o gentile_a convert_v upon_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n descend_v act_v 10.48_o and_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o when_o those_o three_o thousand_o soul_n act_n 2._o be_v all_o baptise_a at_o one_o time_n there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o other_o baptizer_n beside_o the_o apostle_n and_o that_o passage_n of_o s._n paul_n 1_o cor._n 1.13_o 14_o 15_o 16_o 17._o where_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o baptize_v none_o in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n though_o it_o be_v of_o his_o own_o plant_n except_o crispus_n gaius_n and_o the_o household_n of_o stephanus_n be_v a_o plain_a argument_n that_o when_o the_o apostle_n have_v convert_v man_n to_o the_o christian_a faith_n they_o general_o order_v they_o to_o be_v baptize_v by_o the_o inferior_a minister_n of_o the_o church_n that_o attend_v they_o and_o then_o as_o for_o the_o consecration_n of_o the_o holy_a eucharist_n though_o when_o any_o of_o the_o apostle_n be_v present_a it_o be_v doubtless_o ordinary_o perform_v by_o they_o yet_o consider_v how_o fast_o christianity_n increase_v and_o how_o frequent_o christian_n do_v then_o partake_v of_o this_o sacrament_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v suppose_v that_o the_o apostle_n can_v be_v present_a in_o all_o place_n where_o it_o be_v administer_v nor_o consequent_o that_o they_o can_v consecrate_v it_o in_o every_o particular_a congregation_n for_o though_o it_o be_v a_o very_a early_a custom_n for_o the_o bishop_n to_o consecrate_v the_o element_n in_o one_o congregation_n and_o then_o send_v they_o abroad_o to_o be_v administer_v in_o several_a other_o yet_o this_o be_v only_o upon_o special_a occasion_n but_o ordinary_o they_o be_v consecrate_v in_o the_o same_o place_n where_o they_o be_v administer_v in_o all_o which_o place_n it_o be_v impossible_a either_o for_o the_o apostle_n at_o first_o or_o after_o they_o for_o their_o successor_n the_o bishop_n to_o be_v present_a at_o the_o same_o time_n and_o therefore_o there_o can_v be_v no_o doubt_n but_o the_o consecration_n as_o well_o as_o the_o administration_n be_v ordinary_o perform_v by_o the_o inferior_a presbyter_n in_o the_o absence_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o bishop_n but_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o none_o be_v ever_o allow_v in_o the_o primitive_a church_n to_o consecrate_v the_o eucharist_n but_o either_o a_o bishop_n or_o a_o presbyter_n and_o as_o for_o baptism_n because_o it_o be_v in_o some_o degree_n more_o necessary_a than_o the_o eucharist_n as_o be_v the_o sign_n of_o admission_n into_o the_o new_a covenant_n by_o which_o we_o be_v first_o entitle_v to_o it_o not_o only_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n but_o in_o their_o absence_n or_o by_o their_o allowance_n deacon_n also_o be_v authorize_v to_o administer_v it_o for_o so_o even_o in_o the_o apostle_n day_n philip_n the_o deacon_n baptize_v at_o samaria_n act_v 8.12_o and_o afterward_o not_o only_a deacon_n but_o layman_n too_o be_v allow_v to_o administer_v it_o in_o case_n of_o necessity_n when_o neither_o a_o deacon_n nor_o presbyter_n nor_o bishop_n can_v be_v procure_v that_o so_o none_o may_v be_v debar_v of_o admission_n into_o the_o new_a covenant_n that_o be_v dispose_v and_o qualify_v to_o receive_v it_o but_o the_o church_n allow_v this_o to_o layman_n only_o in_o case_n of_o necessity_n be_v a_o plain_a argument_n that_o none_o have_v a_o stand_a authority_n to_o administer_v it_o but_o only_a person_n in_o holy_a order_n for_o that_o authority_n which_o a_o present_a necessity_n create_v be_v only_o present_a and_o cease_v with_o the_o necessity_n that_o create_v it_o iii_o and_o last_o another_o of_o the_o ministry_n common_a to_o the_o bishop_n with_o the_o inferior_a clergy_n be_v to_o offer_v up_o the_o public_a prayer_n and_o intercession_n of_o christian_a assembly_n for_o to_o be_v sure_a none_o can_v be_v authorize_v to_o perform_v the_o public_a office_n of_o the_o church_n but_o only_o such_o as_o be_v set_v apart_o and_o ordain_v to_o be_v the_o public_a officer_n of_o it_o now_o prayer_n be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o solemn_a office_n of_o christian_a assembly_n and_o therefore_o as_o in_o the_o jewish_a church_n none_o but_o the_o high_a priest_n and_o priest_n and_o levite_n who_o be_v the_o only_a public_a minister_n of_o religion_n be_v authorize_v to_o offer_v up_o the_o public_a prayer_n of_o the_o congregation_n vid._n 2_o chron._n 39.27_o so_o in_o the_o christian_a none_o but_o bishop_n priest_n and_o deacon_n who_o alone_o be_v the_o public_a minister_n of_o christianity_n be_v authorize_v to_o offer_v up_o the_o public_a address_n of_o christian_a assembly_n it_o be_v their_o peculiar_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i._n e._n to_o perform_v the_o public_a office_n to_o the_o lord_n act_n 13.2_o for_o so_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d signify_v public_a service_n and_o be_v use_v to_o denote_v those_o public_a service_n of_o which_o one_o be_v offer_v up_o the_o common_a prayer_n of_o the_o people_n which_o the_o priest_n in_o their_o turn_n perform_v in_o the_o temple_n vid._n luk._n 1.23_o and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o minister_n of_o christian_a religion_n be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d rom._n 15.16_o because_o it_o be_v their_o proper_a business_n to_o officiate_v the_o public_a service_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o according_o in_o rev._n 5.10_o the_o four_o and_o twenty_o elder_n that_o be_v the_o holy_a bishop_n of_o the_o church_n as_o appear_v by_o their_o have_a crown_n of_o gold_n or_o mitre_n on_o their_o head_n in_o allusion_n to_o the_o high_a priest_n mitre_n chap._n 4._o ver_fw-la 4._o be_v say_v to_o have_v every_o one_o of_o they_o harp_n and_o golden_a vial_n full_a of_o odour_n which_o be_v the_o prayer_n of_o saint_n refer_v to_o the_o incense_n which_o the_o priest_n be_v wont_a to_o offer_v in_o the_o sanctuary_n which_o oblation_n be_v a_o mystical_a offer_v up_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o people_n vid._n luk._n 1.10_o which_o plain_o intimate_v that_o as_o it_o be_v one_o part_n of_o the_o office_n of_o those_o jewish_a priest_n to_o offer_v the_o incense_n and_o therewithal_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o people_n so_o be_v it_o also_o of_o the_o public_a minister_n of_o christianity_n to_o offer_v up_o the_o prayer_n of_o christian_a assembly_n and_o as_o in_o the_o jewish_a church_n not_o only_o the_o priest_n but_o the_o levite_n also_o communicate_v with_o the_o high_a priest_n in_o this_o ministry_n of_o offer_v up_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o congregation_n so_o in_o the_o christian_a church_n not_o only_o the_o presbyter_n but_o the_o deacon_n also_o always_o communicate_v in_o it_o with_o their_o bishop_n have_v thus_o give_v a_o account_n of_o those_o religious_a ministries_n which_o be_v common_a to_o the_o bishop_n with_o the_o inferior_a officer_n of_o the_o church_n i_o proceed_v in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o show_v what_o those_o ministry_n be_v which_o be_v peculiar_a to_o the_o bishop_n or_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n all_o which_o be_v reducible_a to_o four_o particular_n 1._o to_o make_v law_n for_o the_o peace_n and_o good_a order_n of_o the_o church_n 2._o to_o ordain_v to_o ecclesiastical_a office_n 3._o to_o execute_v that_o spiritual_a jurisdiction_n which_o christ_n have_v establish_v in_o his_o church_n 4._o to_o confirm_v such_o as_o have_v be_v instruct_v in_o christianity_n i._o one_o peculiar_a ministry_n of_o the_o bishop_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o make_v law_n and_o canon_n for_o the_o security_n and_o preservation_n of_o the_o church_n peace_n and_o good_a order_n and_o this_o be_v imply_v in_o the_o very_a essence_n of_o government_n which_o necessary_o suppose_v a_o legislative_a power_n within_o itself_o to_o command_v and_o oblige_v the_o subject_a to_o do_v or_o forbear_v such_o thing_n as_o it_o shall_v judge_v conducive_a to_o the_o preservation_n or_o disturbance_n of_o their_o common-weal_n without_o which_o power_n no_o government_n can_v be_v enable_v to_o obtain_v its_o end_n
his_o own_o fable_n or_o that_o the_o author_n of_o the_o seven_o champion_n shall_v have_v lay_v down_o his_o life_n in_o the_o defence_n of_o s._n george_n kill_v the_o dragon_n will_v not_o all_o the_o world_n have_v conclude_v they_o incurable_o distract_v but_o as_o for_o the_o apostle_n their_o excellent_a write_n be_v a_o sufficient_a demonstration_n that_o they_o be_v man_n of_o very_a sound_n intellectual_n and_o therefore_o though_o we_o shall_v suppose_v they_o to_o be_v so_o wicked_a as_o to_o love_v lie_v for_o its_o own_o sake_n we_o can_v suppose_v they_o to_o be_v so_o mad_a as_o to_o love_v it_o better_o than_o their_o own_o life_n as_o they_o must_v necessary_o do_v if_o their_o testimony_n of_o our_o saviour_n resurrection_n be_v false_a but_o suppose_v that_o one_o or_o two_o of_o they_o shall_v have_v prove_v so_o frantic_a yet_o it_o be_v incredible_a that_o so_o many_o hundred_o of_o man_n and_o woman_n shall_v all_o agree_v together_o at_o the_o same_o time_n in_o the_o same_o mad_a project_n viz._n to_o throw_v away_o their_o life_n for_o no_o other_o purpose_n but_o only_o to_o cheat_v and_o abuse_v the_o world_n and_o that_o no_o one_o of_o they_o shall_v be_v induce_v by_o all_o the_o hope_n and_o fear_n that_o be_v set_v before_o they_o to_o confess_v and_o discover_v the_o mad_a conspiracy_n when_o they_o begin_v to_o report_v the_o story_n they_o can_v not_o but_o foresee_v the_o consequence_n of_o it_o viz._n that_o they_o must_v either_o recant_v it_o and_o thereby_o proclaim_v themselves_o impostor_n to_o the_o world_n or_o else_o lay_v down_o their_o life_n for_o it_o so_o that_o have_v they_o know_v it_o to_o be_v false_a it_o will_v have_v be_v a_o prodigy_n of_o impudence_n in_o they_o and_o folly_n together_o not_o only_o without_o hope_n of_o benefit_n but_o within_o prospect_n of_o a_o certain_a ruin_n to_o have_v divulge_v a_o know_a lie_n to_o the_o world_n and_o under_o the_o severe_a persecution_n to_o have_v persist_v in_o it_o without_o the_o least_o regret_n of_o conscience_n or_o concernment_n for_o their_o own_o ease_n and_o safety_n there_o never_o be_v the_o like_a instance_n among_o man_n and_o i_o dare_v say_v there_o never_o will_v be_v so_o long_o as_o man_n love_v themselves_o and_o continue_v in_o their_o wit_n and_o to_o imagine_v that_o of_o the_o witness_n of_o our_o saviour_n resurrection_n of_o which_o there_o be_v no_o parallel_n example_n among_o mankind_n be_v a_o argument_n that_o we_o have_v much_o more_o inclination_n than_o reason_n to_o be_v infidel_n this_o therefore_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o witness_n of_o christ_n resurrection_n give_v as_o great_a a_o pledge_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o testimony_n as_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o mortal_a man_n to_o do_v and_o if_o those_o man_n may_v not_o be_v believe_v who_o attest_v a_o thing_n upon_o certain_a knowledge_n and_o seal_v it_o with_o their_o blood_n there_o be_v no_o credit_n can_v be_v give_v to_o any_o human_a testimony_n because_o a_o man_n life_n be_v the_o great_a security_n that_o he_o can_v possible_o give_v for_o his_o honesty_n vi_o another_o circumstance_n requisite_a to_o render_v a_o testimony_n high_o credible_a be_v that_o the_o witness_n do_v give_v some_o certain_a sign_n and_o token_n that_o what_o they_o testify_v be_v true_a and_o this_o the_o eye-witness_n of_o our_o saviour_n resurrection_n do_v for_o in_o token_n that_o what_o they_o say_v be_v true_a they_o themselves_o wrought_v sundry_a miracle_n in_o his_o name_n for_o so_o we_o read_v of_o the_o apostle_n that_o they_o go_v forth_o and_o preach_v every_o where_o the_o lord_n work_v with_o they_o and_o confirm_v the_o word_n with_o sign_n follow_v mar._n 16.20_o and_o that_o with_o great_a power_n i._n e._n miraculous_a work_n the_o apostle_n give_v witness_v of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n act_v 4.33_o and_o also_o at_o iconium_n the_o lord_n give_v testimony_n to_o the_o word_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o grant_v sign_n and_o wonder_n to_o be_v do_v by_o their_o hand_n act_n 14.3_o and_o the_o same_o be_v do_v by_o s._n stephen_n at_o jerusasalem_n act_v 6.8_o and_o by_o s._n philip_n at_o samaria_n act_v 8.6_o 7._o and_o by_o s._n paul_n at_o ephesus_n act_v 19.11_o and_o s._n paul_n assure_v we_o that_o from_o jerusalem_n and_o round_o about_o unto_o illyricum_n the_o gospel_n have_v be_v preach_v by_o he_o with_o mighty_a sign_n and_o wonder_n and_o by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n rom._n 15.19_o all_o which_o thing_n be_v record_v in_o a_o age_n wherein_o if_o they_o have_v be_v false_a they_o may_v easy_o have_v be_v disprove_v it_o have_v be_v the_o wild_a project_n in_o the_o world_n for_o the_o apostle_n to_o have_v pretend_v to_o they_o have_v they_o not_o be_v notorious_o true_a for_o they_o must_v needs_o think_v that_o all_o the_o world_n be_v prejudice_v against_o they_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o keep_v a_o very_a strict_a and_o watchful_a eye_n on_o they_o and_o that_o if_o upon_o the_o severe_a enquiry_n they_o be_v at_o any_o time_n take_v trip_v in_o this_o their_o pretence_n of_o work_a miracle_n their_o fraud_n will_v soon_o ring_v through_o all_o the_o world_n which_o must_v unavoidable_o prejudice_v their_o cause_n a_o thousand_o time_n more_o than_o all_o the_o miracle_n they_o pretend_v to_o can_v advance_v it_o and_o for_o man_n that_o have_v the_o eye_n of_o all_o the_o world_n upon_o they_o false_o to_o pretend_v to_o work_v such_o innumerable_a miracle_n as_o they_o do_v and_o this_o not_o in_o corner_n but_o in_o public_a view_n and_o to_o name_v the_o place_n where_o they_o wrought_v they_o and_o where_o they_o know_v there_o be_v thousand_o that_o can_v and_o will_v certain_o detect_v and_o disprove_v they_o will_v have_v be_v the_o most_o prodigious_a instance_n of_o impudence_n and_o folly_n together_o that_o ever_o be_v act_v by_o man_n in_o their_o wit_n but_o so_o notorious_o true_a be_v the_o matter_n of_o fact_n that_o their_o most_o inveterate_a enemy_n among_o both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n have_v not_o the_o confidence_n to_o deny_v it_o although_o indeed_o they_o attribute_v it_o even_o as_o the_o jew_n do_v our_o saviour_n miracle_n to_o the_o power_n of_o magic_n for_o so_o in_o their_o talmud_n tractat_fw-la de_fw-fr idol_n c._n 1._o the_o jew_n celebrate_v s._n james_n the_o apostle_n as_o eminent_a for_o the_o gift_n of_o miracle_n by_o who_o the_o nephew_n of_o rab._n samuel_n be_v bite_v of_o a_o serpent_n will_v not_o be_v cure_v because_o every_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n be_v wont_a to_o heal_v in_o his_o name_n and_o lib._n sabbat_fw-la jerosol_n they_o tell_v we_o of_o a_o son_n of_o rab._n jose_z who_o have_v swallow_v poison_n be_v cure_v by_o a_o christian_a in_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n and_o as_o for_o the_o heathen_a julian_n himself_o he_o confess_v that_o s._n paul_n do_v very_o wonderful_a thing_n for_o he_o say_v that_o he_o be_v the_o great_a and_o most_o expert_a magician_n that_o ever_o be_v vid._n cyril_n alex._n lib._n 3._o and_o the_o same_o he_o pronounce_v of_o s._n peter_n also_o id_fw-la lib._n 9_o so_o also_o celsus_n frequent_o charge_v the_o christian_n with_o do_v their_o mighty_a work_n by_o the_o power_n of_o some_o daemon_n add_v a_o fiction_n of_o his_o own_o viz._n that_o they_o have_v receive_v from_o christ_n certain_a magical_a book_n by_o which_o they_o be_v instruct_v to_o perform_v all_o their_o miracle_n vid._n origen_n cont_n cels._n p._n 302._o and_o several_a other_o place_n which_o be_v a_o plain_a confession_n that_o such_o miracle_n be_v common_o perform_v by_o christian_n but_o that_o they_o do_v not_o perform_v they_o by_o any_o confederacy_n with_o evil_a spirit_n as_o these_o bad_a man_n affirm_v be_v evident_a because_o one_o of_o their_o great_a and_o most_o common_a miracle_n be_v dispossess_v these_o evil_a spirit_n of_o man_n body_n and_o their_o own_o temple_n and_o oracle_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o which_o they_o often_o provoke_v their_o adversary_n in_o their_o write_n and_o apology_n to_o come_v and_o make_v experiment_n of_o it_o thus_o s._n cyprian_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o demetrian_a proconsul_n of_o africa_n o_o that_o thou_o will_v but_o hear_v and_o see_v when_o the_o devil_n who_o thou_o worship_v be_v adjure_v and_o torture_v by_o we_o and_o with_o the_o spiritual_a rod_n and_o torment_n of_o our_o word_n be_v eject_v out_o of_o the_o body_n they_o possess_v when_o howl_v and_o roar_v in_o a_o human_a voice_n they_o confess_v the_o judgement_n to_o come_v do_v but_o come_v and_o see_v whether_o these_o thing_n we_o say_v be_v not_o true_a and_o a_o little_a after_o if_o thou_o will_v come_v say_v he_o thou_o shall_v see_v those_o who_o thou_o worship_v for_o god_n stand_v
bind_v and_o tremble_v as_o miserable_a captive_n under_o our_o hand_n other_o of_o they_o appeal_v to_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o heathen_n themselves_o who_o have_v be_v spectator_n of_o their_o miraculous_a victory_n over_o these_o infernal_a spirit_n so_o minutius_n faelix_fw-la all_o these_o thing_n be_v very_o well_o know_v to_o a_o great_a many_o of_o yourselves_o that_o your_o god_n be_v force_v by_o we_o to_o confess_v themselves_o devil_n when_o by_o the_o torment_n of_o our_o word_n and_o by_o the_o fire_n of_o our_o prayer_n they_o be_v chase_v out_o of_o human_a body_n even_o saturn_n and_o serapis_n and_o jupiter_n and_o the_o great_a of_o those_o god_n you_o worship_v be_v overcome_v with_o sorrow_n be_v force_v to_o acknowledge_v what_o they_o be_v and_o though_o it_o be_v to_o their_o shame_n especial_o when_o you_o be_v present_a yet_o they_o dare_v not_o lie_v but_o be_v adjure_v by_o the_o true_a and_o only_o god_n they_o quake_v and_o tremble_v in_o the_o body_n they_o possess_v and_o either_o leap_v out_o immediate_o or_o vanish_v by_o degree_n other_o of_o they_o offer_v to_o make_v the_o experiment_n even_o before_o the_o tribunal_n of_o the_o heathen_a and_o to_o answer_v for_o the_o success_n with_o their_o own_o life_n so_o tertullian_n in_o his_o apologetic_n let_v any_o man_n that_o be_v apparent_o act_v by_o one_o of_o your_o god_n be_v bring_v before_o your_o own_o tribunal_n and_o if_o that_o suppose_a god_n be_v command_v by_o any_o christian_n to_o speak_v do_v not_o confess_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o devil_n as_o not_o dare_v to_o lie_v to_o a_o christian_a take_v that_o malepert_a christian_a and_o pour_v out_o his_o blood_n immediate_o yea_o how_o often_o say_v he_o a_o little_a after_o only_o upon_o our_o touch_n of_o and_o breathe_n upon_o possess_a person_n be_v these_o god_n you_o adore_v force_v to_o depart_v out_o of_o their_o body_n with_o grief_n and_o reluctancy_n you_o yourselves_o be_v present_a and_o blush_v at_o it_o and_o these_o thing_n as_o origen_n tell_v we_o cont_n cels._n lib._n 7._o be_v ordinary_o perform_v even_o by_o the_o mean_a christian_n which_o be_v a_o plain_a argument_n that_o it_o be_v do_v mere_o by_o the_o power_n of_o jesus_n without_o any_o conjuration_n or_o magical_a art._n and_o can_v we_o imagine_v that_o the_o devil_n without_o any_o constraint_n from_o some_o superior_a power_n will_v ever_o have_v quit_v that_o tyranny_n he_o have_v so_o long_o exercise_v over_o the_o body_n and_o conscience_n of_o man_n who_o have_v thitherto_o adore_v and_o worship_v he_o or_o that_o he_o will_v ever_o have_v confess_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o devil_n to_o those_o man_n who_o seek_v the_o ruin_n of_o his_o kingdom_n and_o make_v use_v of_o his_o confession_n to_o that_o purpose_n have_v he_o not_o be_v force_v to_o it_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o father_n of_o spirit_n be_v it_o likely_a he_o will_v have_v exert_v his_o power_n to_o the_o ruin_n of_o his_o own_o interest_n and_o the_o amendment_n of_o those_o soul_n he_o have_v ensnare_v and_o captivate_v as_o he_o must_v necessary_o have_v do_v shall_v he_o have_v impower_v the_o witness_n of_o our_o saviour_n resurrection_n to_o confirm_v their_o testimony_n by_o miracle_n and_o since_o they_o all_o along_o declare_v they_o do_v they_o in_o the_o name_n and_o by_o the_o power_n of_o jesus_n to_o be_v sure_a if_o it_o have_v not_o be_v so_o the_o god_n of_o truth_n will_v never_o have_v impower_v they_o to_o impose_v such_o a_o cheat_n upon_o the_o world._n these_o miracle_n of_o they_o therefore_o be_v plain_a sign_n and_o token_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o they_o do_v attest_v viz._n that_o jesus_n be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o that_o not_o only_o as_o they_o be_v so_o many_o divine_a seal_n by_o which_o god_n himself_o do_v confirm_v their_o testimony_n who_o goodness_n and_o veracity_n can_v never_o have_v permit_v he_o to_o set_v the_o seal_n of_o his_o miraculous_a power_n to_o a_o lie_n but_o beside_o this_o the_o apostle_n miracle_n be_v so_o many_o plain_a demonstration_n that_o jesus_n be_v rise_v and_o alive_a since_o they_o do_v they_o all_o in_o his_o name_n and_o by_o his_o power_n for_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o jesus_n can_v have_v impower_v they_o to_o do_v miracle_n have_v he_o be_v still_o among_o the_o dead_a and_o in_o a_o state_n of_o inactivity_n a_o dead_a man_n can_v do_v nothing_o himself_o much_o less_o can_v he_o empower_v other_o to_o do_v miracle_n so_o that_o by_o those_o miraculous_a work_n which_o the_o apostle_n do_v by_o the_o power_n of_o christ_n they_o do_v in_o effect_n thus_o bespeak_v the_o world_n look_v here_o o_o incredulous_a world_n if_o nothing_o else_o will_v persuade_v you_o that_o our_o lord_n be_v rise_v and_o alive_a behold_v the_o vital_a operation_n which_o he_o exert_v in_o we_o his_o disciple_n though_o of_o ourselves_o we_o be_v as_o impotent_a as_o you_o yet_o no_o soon_o do_v we_o invoke_v our_o great_a master_n name_n and_o implore_v his_o aid_n but_o we_o be_v present_o enable_v to_o perform_v mighty_a thing_n beyond_o the_o power_n of_o any_o mortal_a agent_n without_o any_o other_o charm_n but_o his_o powerful_a name_n we_o raise_v the_o dead_a bind_v the_o devil_n restore_v the_o blind_a recover_v the_o lame_a and_o cure_v all_o manner_n of_o disease_n and_o be_v not_o this_o as_o plain_v a_o token_n of_o his_o be_v alive_a as_o if_o he_o be_v now_o stand_v before_o you_o in_o our_o room_n and_o do_v all_o these_o thing_n in_o his_o own_o person_n if_o he_o be_v dead_a still_o he_o can_v not_o act_v in_o we_o as_o you_o see_v he_o do_v and_o therefore_o if_o nothing_o else_o will_v convince_v you_o that_o he_o be_v alive_a again_o behold_v these_o mighty_a power_n which_o he_o exert_v in_o we_o and_o be_v at_o length_n persuade_v by_o these_o sensible_a token_n of_o his_o activity_n which_o we_o produce_v before_o your_o eye_n that_o he_o be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a for_o it_o be_v worth_a observe_n that_o this_o gift_n of_o miracle_n be_v never_o so_o plentiful_o communicate_v to_o the_o apostle_n as_o after_o christ_n ascension_n into_o heaven_n for_o before_o he_o ascend_v he_o command_v they_o to_o tarry_v at_o jerusalem_n till_o they_o have_v receive_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n or_o which_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n the_o gift_n of_o miracle_n act_n 1.4_o 5._o and_o this_o gift_n as_o he_o himself_o tell_v they_o vers_n 8._o be_v to_o enable_v they_o to_o bear_v testimony_n to_o he_o unto_o all_o the_o world_n for_o he_o be_v now_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n they_o can_v no_o long_o produce_v his_o person_n to_o convince_v unbeliever_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o resurrection_n and_o therefore_o to_o supply_v this_o defect_n christ_n give_v they_o the_o gift_n of_o miracle_n that_o that_o may_v be_v instead_o of_o his_o bodily_a presence_n a_o plain_a and_o sensible_a token_n of_o his_o be_v restore_v to_o life_n again_o and_o indeed_o this_o be_v as_o certain_a a_o sign_n of_o it_o as_o if_o he_o have_v continue_v upon_o earth_n and_o open_o converse_v among_o man_n in_o the_o view_n of_o the_o world_n for_o the_o most_o crrtain_a sign_n of_o life_n be_v action_n and_o by_o what_o have_v be_v say_v it_o be_v apparent_a that_o christ_n do_v not_o more_o visible_o act_v in_o his_o own_o person_n when_o he_o be_v upon_o earth_n than_o he_o do_v in_o the_o person_n of_o his_o apostle_n after_o he_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n these_o miraculous_a operation_n therefore_o which_o they_o perform_v by_o the_o power_n of_o jesus_n be_v all_o of_o they_o so_o many_o plain_a and_o sensible_a sign_n and_o token_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o they_o do_v attest_v viz._n that_o jesus_n be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a so_o that_o consider_v all_o these_o circumstance_n of_o the_o apostle_n testimony_n i_o dare_v bold_o affirm_v that_o from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n to_o this_o day_n there_o never_o be_v any_o matter_n of_o fact_n more_o sufficient_o and_o credible_o testify_v than_o this_o of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o by_o raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a god_n have_v bear_v witness_n to_o he_o before_o all_o the_o world_n that_o he_o real_o be_v what_o he_o pretend_v to_o be_v the_o true_a messiah_n and_o only_a mediator_n between_o himself_o and_o we_o which_o bring_v i_o to_o the_o second_o head_n i_o propose_v to_o show_v what_o a_o excellent_a convince_a argument_n this_o be_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o saviour_n doctrine_n and_o mediation_n and_o how_o effectual_o it_o justify_v his_o pretence_n of_o be_v the_o true_a messiah_n and_o only_a mediator_n it_o be_v true_a all_o the_o miracle_n which_o our_o saviour_n wrought_v while_o he_o