religion_n which_o christ_n himself_o found_v and_o deliver_v to_o his_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n the_o tradition_n of_o these_o thing_n be_v true_a and_o certain_a and_o we_o may_v safe_o rely_v upon_o it_o for_o though_o the_o authority_n of_o divine_a truth_n depend_v not_o whole_o on_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n for_o then_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n will_v not_o be_v divine_a but_o humane_a and_o consequent_o not_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o of_o man_n yet_o the_o church_n do_v yield_v its_o testimony_n to_o the_o scripture_n and_o that_o testimony_n or_o tradition_n be_v a_o good_a ground_n of_o belief_n for_o tradition_n be_v one_o way_n of_o communicate_v matter_n of_o faith_n and_o fact_n to_o we_o by_o it_o we_o have_v they_o transmit_v to_o we_o but_o this_o be_v neither_o the_o grand_a motive_n nor_o the_o rule_n of_o our_o faith_n yet_o it_o be_v the_o medium_fw-la or_o channel_n to_o convey_v the_o belief_n of_o such_o thing_n to_o we_o and_o we_o be_v to_o use_v it_o and_o prize_v it_o as_o such_o and_o to_o thank_v god_n that_o we_o have_v this_o among_o other_o mean_n to_o establish_v we_o in_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n hitherto_o i_o have_v consider_v the_o testimony_n of_o friend_n i_o will_v show_v you_o in_o the_o next_o place_n that_o even_o stranger_n and_o enemy_n viz._n jew_n and_o heathen_n bear_v witness_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n first_o as_o for_o the_o jew_n if_o christ_n have_v not_o be_v think_v by_o they_o to_o have_v be_v some_o extraordinary_a person_n yea_o to_o be_v of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n miraculous_o why_o do_v they_o not_o prosecute_v mary_n for_o a_o adulteress_n the_o sin_n of_o adultery_n be_v severe_o punish_v by_o their_o law_n and_o it_o be_v a_o very_a reproachful_a crime_n you_o may_v be_v sure_o they_o will_v have_v urge_v this_o hard_a to_o the_o disgrace_v of_o the_o son_n through_o the_o mother_n but_o though_o joseph_n deny_v he_o to_o be_v his_o son_n and_o consequent_o she_o fall_v under_o the_o law_n yet_o you_o read_v no_o where_o that_o the_o jew_n make_v use_v of_o this_o against_o she_o which_o show_v their_o tacit_n approve_v of_o christ_n and_o that_o his_o birth_n be_v extraordinary_a and_o divine_a 〈◊〉_d suidas_n tell_v we_o that_o christ_n be_v choose_v one_o of_o the_o priest_n of_o the_o temple_n at_o jerusalem_n upon_o the_o death_n of_o one_o of_o the_o two_o and_o twenty_o for_o his_o singular_a piety_n and_o excellent_a doctrine_n josephus_n his_o testimony_n of_o christ_n be_v well_o know_v and_o st._n john_n baptist_n his_o forerunner_n be_v make_v mention_n of_o by_o most_o of_o the_o hebrew_n writer_n with_o exceed_a praise_n and_o admiration_n of_o his_o holiness_n but_o i_o will_v conâ—ine_v myself_o to_o those_o instance_n which_o be_v record_v by_o the_o evangelist_n st._n luke_n observe_v that_o when_o he_o teach_v in_o their_o synagogue_n he_o be_v glorify_v of_o all_o luke_n 4._o 15._o and_o in_o the_o follow_a verse_n he_o subjoin_v a_o particular_a instance_n of_o his_o preach_n in_o one_o of_o their_o synagogue_n at_o nazareth_n and_o then_o add_v all_o bear_v he_o witness_v and_o wonder_v at_o the_o gracious_a word_n which_o proceed_v out_o of_o his_o mouth_n ver_fw-la 22._o even_o some_o of_o the_o jewish_a people_n who_o believe_v not_o in_o christ_n cry_v out_o he_o be_v a_o good_a man_n john_n 7._o 12._o other_o say_v of_o a_o truth_n this_o be_v the_o prophet_n ver_fw-la 40._o and_o other_o this_o be_v the_o christ_n ver_fw-la 41._o and_o the_o jewish_a officer_n who_o be_v send_v by_o the_o high_a priest_n to_o lay_v hand_n on_o he_o admire_v his_o wise_a deportment_n and_o excellent_a discourse_n and_o free_o declare_v that_o never_o man_n speak_v like_o this_o man_n ver_fw-la 46._o no_o one_o ever_o speak_v matter_n of_o great_a moment_n and_o concern_v and_o with_o that_o simplicity_n and_o plainness_n that_o authority_n and_o efficacy_n which_o he_o do_v when_o herod_n harangued_a the_o people_n they_o cry_v out_o it_o be_v the_o voice_n of_o god_n but_o it_o be_v only_o the_o flatter_a voice_n of_o the_o multitude_n which_o make_v his_o such_o here_o it_o be_v otherwise_o it_o be_v the_o real_a voice_n of_o the_o true_a god_n and_o his_o very_a enemy_n attest_v the_o unparalleled_a efficacy_n of_o it_o christ_n be_v confess_v and_o own_v by_o the_o jew_n in_o a_o most_o signal_n manner_n when_o he_o rid_v into_o jerusalem_n on_o a_o ass_n and_o when_o they_o strew_v the_o way_n with_o palm-branche_n and_o when_o all_o the_o people_n applaud_v he_o and_o treat_v he_o as_o some_o great_a conqueror_n or_o mighty_a prince_n mat._n 21._o 8_o etc._n etc._n for_o they_o be_v wont_a to_o congratulate_v the_o come_n of_o such_o person_n to_o a_o place_n after_o that_o manner_n so_o the_o valiant_a simon_n be_v receive_v after_o his_o military_a success_n 1_o mac._n 13._o 51._o so_o the_o old_a grecian_n in_o their_o olympic_a game_n after_o victory_n wear_v wreath_n of_o palm_n as_o a_o reward_n of_o conqueror_n and_o sometime_o they_o bear_v the_o branch_n of_o palm-tree_n in_o their_o hand_n as_o the_o emblem_n of_o victory_n because_o the_o branch_n of_o this_o tree_n grow_v straight_o and_o stately_a as_o the_o name_n hand_n extend_v and_o though_o they_o be_v load_v with_o much_o weight_n yet_o they_o bear_v up_o against_o it_o and_o shoot_v upward_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o this_o honour_n of_o bear_v palm-branche_n and_o sometime_o branch_n of_o other_o tree_n beside_o the_o palm_n be_v give_v to_o prince_n in_o triumph_n thus_o heliodorus_n say_v that_o hydaspes_n the_o king_n send_v before_o he_o harbinger_n of_o his_o victory_n shake_v bough_n of_o palm_n in_o token_n of_o it_o hence_o he_o that_o be_v general_o applaud_v and_o receive_v public_o with_o the_o acclamation_n of_o the_o people_n be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d because_o they_o do_v not_o only_o strew_v bough_n but_o leave_n and_o flower_n in_o his_o way_n which_o sort_n of_o honour_n be_v style_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d nor_o be_v they_o content_v with_o this_o sign_n of_o favour_n but_o they_o use_v to_o affix_v on_o the_o door_n of_o great_a man_n the_o bough_n of_o palm_n especial_o which_o honour_n doctore_fw-la lucian_n take_v notice_n of_o tell_v we_o that_o green_a palm-branche_n be_v set_v up_o at_o the_o door_n of_o the_o rhetorician_n many_o more_o testimony_n may_v be_v allege_v to_o this_o purpose_n and_o i_o can_v add_v also_o that_o this_o bear_n of_o branch_n be_v use_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o pagan_n it_o be_v a_o testimony_n of_o honour_n to_o their_o go_n how_o fit_o then_o do_v it_o come_v to_o pass_v by_o the_o overrule_a hand_n of_o providence_n that_o the_o messiah_n who_o be_v true_o god_n and_o king_n be_v receive_v by_o the_o people_n with_o palm-branche_n he_o come_v in_o this_o triumphant_a manner_n into_o jerusalem_n and_o be_v salute_v with_o cry_n of_o hosanna_n and_o with_o that_o gratulatory_a benediction_n bless_a be_v the_o king_n of_o israel_n that_o come_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n john_n 12._o 13._o to_o testify_v that_o his_o kingdom_n be_v come_v that_o he_o be_v to_o be_v victorious_a over_o death_n and_o hell_n and_o that_o he_o be_v to_o be_v a_o mighty_a saviour_n and_o deliverer_n i_o will_v brief_o add_v two_o or_o three_o other_o testimony_n of_o the_o jew_n caiphas_n the_o highpriest_n prophesy_v of_o christ_n john_n 11._o 50_o 51._o one_o of_o the_o thief_n on_o the_o cross_n if_o he_o be_v a_o jew_n which_o some_o have_v question_v acknowledge_v christ_n and_o clear_v he_o this_o man_n say_v he_o have_v do_v nothing_o amiss_o luke_n 23._o 41._o and_o even_o judas_n who_o betray_v our_o saviour_n confess_v his_o innocency_n i_o have_v sin_v in_o betray_v innocent_a blood_n mat._n 27._o 4._o second_o heathen_n bear_v witness_n to_o christ_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n he_o be_v acknowledge_v and_o adore_v by_o the_o wise_a man_n that_o come_v from_o the_o east_n though_o he_o be_v condemn_v by_o pilate_n yet_o he_o be_v first_o acquit_v by_o he_o he_o declare_v that_o he_o find_v no_o fault_n in_o he_o at_o all_o john_n 18._o 38._o and_o his_o wife_n send_v to_o he_o when_o he_o be_v on_o the_o bench_n to_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o that_o just_a man_n mat._n 27._o 19_o when_o a_o title_n be_v to_o be_v set_v over_o the_o cross_n pilate_n write_v christ_n the_o king_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o will_v not_o alter_v it_o though_o he_o be_v tell_v of_o it_o john_n 19_o 22._o the_o centurion_n who_o have_v at_o that_o time_n the_o sheriff_n place_n and_o be_v to_o see_v the_o execution_n perform_v when_o he_o see_v
and_o imperfect_a delineation_n of_o that_o complete_a frame_n of_o religion_n which_o the_o messiah_n be_v to_o introduce_v this_o be_v the_o thing_n design_v all_o along_o the_o ritual_a and_o ceremonial_a law_n with_o all_o its_o external_a rite_n tend_v to_o this_o pure_a and_o uncorrupted_a model_n of_o religion_n it_o be_v appoint_v that_o the_o law_n shall_v adumbrate_v the_o gospel_n that_o that_o oeconomy_n shall_v prefigure_v this_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n say_v the_o law_n be_v our_o schoolmaster_n to_o bring_v we_o to_o christ_n which_o show_v the_o inferior_a nature_n of_o the_o law_n and_o that_o it_o be_v to_o endure_v but_o for_o a_o time_n for_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o schoolmaster_n over_o those_o who_o he_o teach_v be_v but_o temporary_a the_o legal_a pedagogy_n be_v to_o cease_v and_o christ_n be_v to_o be_v the_o end_n of_o the_o law_n to_o every_o one_o that_o believe_v rom._n 10._o 4._o it_o be_v then_o evident_a from_o the_o premise_n that_o the_o jewish_a law_n be_v disannule_v for_o when_o the_o reason_n of_o a_o law_n cease_v that_o be_v sufficient_a to_o change_v the_o law_n because_o as_o it_o commence_v upon_o reason_n so_o when_o that_o be_v take_v away_o the_o law_n itself_o be_v abolish_v also_o this_o be_v the_o present_a case_n the_o ceremonial_a rite_n and_o type_n be_v design_v to_o represent_v and_o foresignify_v christ_n and_o the_o evangelical_n benefit_n wherefore_o christ_n be_v come_v and_o have_v bring_v with_o he_o those_o benefit_n the_o former_a mystical_a representation_n and_o figure_n ought_v to_o have_v a_o period_n so_o that_o the_o reason_n and_o occasion_n of_o these_o ceremonious_a observance_n be_v remove_v this_o be_v sufficient_a to_o repeal_v and_o reverse_v those_o law_n especial_o when_o you_o consider_v that_o christ_n miracle_n of_o which_o i_o shall_v speak_v afterward_o be_v plain_a evidence_n of_o god_n intention_n to_o repeal_v the_o law_n but_o to_o close_o this_o point_n we_o be_v not_o destitute_a of_o a_o formal_a abrogation_n of_o the_o jewish_a law_n for_o such_o we_o may_v just_o reckon_v our_o saviour_n word_n to_o be_v in_o john_n 4._o 21_o 23._o the_o hour_n come_v when_o you_o shall_v neither_o in_o this_o mountain_n nor_o yet_o at_o jerusalem_n worship_v the_o father_n the_o hour_n come_v and_o now_o be_v when_o the_o true_a worshipper_n shall_v worship_v the_o father_n in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n where_o first_o he_o acquaint_v we_o that_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n shall_v not_o be_v restrain_v to_o one_o particular_a place_n which_o very_a thing_n be_v a_o cancel_v of_o the_o mosaic_a law_n which_o give_v direction_n chief_o concern_v the_o temple-worship_n they_o shall_v not_o say_v he_o be_v confine_v to_o mount_n gerizim_n where_o the_o samaritan_n have_v fix_v the_o seat_n of_o their_o worship_v or_o to_o mount_n ephraim_n in_o samaria_n where_o shiloh_n be_v the_o place_n where_o the_o tabernacle_n and_o ark_n rest_v from_o the_o begin_n of_o ioshua_n time_n till_o samuel_n nor_o shall_v they_o be_v confine_v to_o jerusalem_n whither_o the_o tabernacle_n be_v afterward_o bring_v and_o at_o length_n convert_v into_o a_o temple_n nor_o in_o any_o other_o place_n exclusive_o shall_v man_n worship_n god_n but_o every_o place_n and_o country_n shall_v be_v alike_o and_o god_n shall_v have_v worshipper_n in_o every_o part_n of_o the_o world_n this_o utter_o make_v void_a the_o jewish_a ceremonial_a service_n which_o be_v tie_v to_o a_o certain_a place_n and_o our_o saviour_n add_v this_o which_o do_v yet_o further_o evacuate_v it_o that_o the_o worship_n under_o the_o gospel_n must_v be_v in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n in_o contradistinction_n to_o the_o legal_a worship_n which_o be_v make_v up_o of_o carnal_a ordinance_n and_o mere_a shadow_n and_o type_n which_o be_v but_o representation_n of_o that_o which_o be_v true_a and_o real_a thus_o he_o plain_o erase_n and_o abolish_v the_o mosaic_a service_n and_o call_v those_o that_o worship_n god_n in_o the_o evangelical_n manner_n the_o true_a worshipper_n again_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n be_v a_o direct_a and_o downright_a repeal_n of_o it_o nay_o we_o want_v not_o the_o formal_a word_n of_o abrogation_n as_o in_o heb._n 7._o 18_o 19_o there_o be_v very_o a_o disannul_n of_o the_o commandment_n go_v before_o i._n e._n the_o legal_a and_o judaical_a oeconomy_n which_o he_o call_v a_o carnal_a commandment_n ver_fw-la 16._o for_o the_o weakness_n and_o unprofitableness_n thereof_o for_o the_o law_n make_v nothing_o perfect_a here_o be_v a_o express_a disannul_n of_o the_o mosaic_a law_n and_o moreover_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o be_v render_v viz._n because_o it_o be_v weak_a and_o imperfect_a and_o have_v little_a power_n to_o amend_v and_o reform_v man_n life_n you_o will_v find_v it_o also_o formal_o repeal_v in_o heb._n 8._o 7_o 8_o 13._o where_o the_o apostle_n treat_v of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a covenant_n by_o which_o he_o mean_v the_o law_n and_o the_o gospel_n as_o i_o have_v before_o show_v he_o thus_o conclude_v if_o the_o first_o covenant_n have_v be_v faultless_a then_o shall_v no_o place_n have_v be_v seek_v for_o the_o second_o for_o find_v fault_n with_o they_o he_o say_v behold_v the_o day_n come_v say_v the_o lord_n when_o i_o will_v make_v a_o new_a covenant_n etc._n etc._n in_o that_o he_o say_v a_o new_a covenant_n he_o have_v make_v the_o first_o old_a now_o that_o which_o decay_v and_o wax_v old_a be_v ready_a to_o vanish_v away_o or_o according_a to_o the_o greek_a it_o be_v near_o to_o vanish_v certain_o this_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d speak_v as_o much_o if_o not_o more_o than_o abrogate_a and_o in_o 9_o another_o plâ—ce_n where_o he_o speak_v of_o the_o legal_a worship_n which_o consist_v chief_o in_o sacrifice_n and_o offering_n for_o sin_n and_o not_o in_o inward_a holiness_n and_o sincere_a do_n of_o god_n will_n which_o be_v the_o evangelical_n service_n he_o apply_v the_o psalmist_n or_o rather_o our_o saviour_n word_n sacrifice_n and_o offer_v thou_o will_v not_o then_o say_v i_o lo_o i_o come_v to_o do_v thy_o will_n this_o be_v infer_v that_o he_o take_v away_o the_o first_o that_o he_o may_v establish_v the_o second_o i_o e._n the_o messiah_n abolish_v the_o judaical_a service_n that_o the_o may_v set_v up_o and_o perpetuate_v the_o evangelical_n one_o it_o can_v then_o be_v no_o long_o question_v whether_o the_o jewish_a law_n be_v abrogate_a and_o that_o in_o formal_a and_o express_a term_n those_o carnal_a ordinance_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v heb._n 9_o 10._o be_v impose_v upon_o they_o only_o until_o the_o time_n of_o reformation_n i._n e._n of_o the_o gospel_n when_o that_o come_v they_o be_v make_v void_a null_n and_o dead_a and_o this_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n seem_v to_o be_v the_o sermon_n which_o st._n paul_n preach_v at_o their_o funeral_n or_o the_o office_n of_o burial_n on_o that_o occasion_n here_o be_v ash_n to_o ash_n and_o dust_n to_o dust_n a_o fatal_a period_n put_v to_o the_o judaical_a rite_n the_o law_n inter_v and_o entomb_v never_o to_o rise_v again_o but_o the_o gospel_n spring_v out_o of_o those_o ash_n a_o new_a and_o a_o more_o noble_a dispensation_n succeed_v in_o its_o room_n and_o thus_o i_o have_v abundant_o prove_v what_o i_o undertake_v that_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n consist_v in_o ceremony_n be_v not_o to_o continue_v but_o be_v in_o time_n to_o be_v null_v and_o dissolve_v and_o that_o by_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n they_o be_v according_o null_v dissolve_v and_o abrogate_a hitherto_o i_o have_v in_o a_o more_o remote_a manner_n prove_v the_o certainty_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o evangelical_n oeconomy_n and_o consequent_o of_o christianity_n itself_o but_o now_o i_o will_v approach_v near_o and_o proceed_v to_o a_o more_o positive_a and_o particular_a proof_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o gospel-dispensation_n christ_n succeed_v moses_n the_o gospel_n follow_v the_o law_n but_o quo_fw-la jure_fw-la there_o must_v be_v as_o great_a testimony_n for_o the_o one_o as_o there_o be_v for_o the_o other_o or_o else_o it_o can_v be_v receive_v on_o good_a ground_n let_v we_o see_v then_o how_o this_o dispensation_n will_v acquit_v itself_o there_o be_v two_o kind_n of_o evidence_n humane_a and_o divine_a the_o testimony_n of_o man_n and_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n the_o first_o create_v a_o humane_a faith_n the_o second_o a_o divine_a one_o in_o we_o both_o of_o these_o we_o have_v in_o the_o present_a matter_n first_o we_o be_v furnish_v with_o humane_a testimony_n i._n e._n we_o be_v assure_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n by_o a_o sufficient_a number_n of_o credible_a person_n who_o have_v be_v either_o ear_n or_o eye-witness_n or_o both_o of_o all_o the_o transaction_n relate_v to_o
prayer_n be_v hear_v and_o the_o people_n that_o stand_v by_o and_o hear_v it_o say_v that_o it_o thunder_v other_o say_v a_o angel_n speak_v to_o he_o john_n 12._o 28_o 29._o thus_o christ_n be_v signal_o glorify_v by_o his_o father_n and_o declare_v by_o he_o to_o be_v the_o messiah_n the_o son_n of_o god_n by_o a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n attend_v with_o a_o kind_n of_o thâ—nder_n to_o this_o we_o may_v annex_v god_n speak_v in_o a_o rush_v mighty_a wind_n on_o the_o day_n of_o pentecost_n act_v 2._o 2._o and_o christ_n jesus_n himself_o be_v in_o heaven_n speak_v to_o saul_n thence_o by_o a_o voice_n say_v saul_n saul_n why_o persecute_v thou_o i_o act_n 9_o 4._o st._n john_n in_o the_o apocalypse_n make_v frequent_a mention_n of_o a_o voice_n speak_v to_o he_o and_o reveal_v great_a thing_n to_o he_o where_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o thunder_n and_o voice_n go_v together_o chap._n 4._o 5._o and_o 8._o 5._o thus_o the_o new_a testament_n as_o well_o as_o the_o old_a have_v the_o benefit_n of_o that_o divine_a oracle_n which_o the_o jew_n style_v the_o daughter_n of_o a_o voice_n i._n e._n a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n declare_v the_o will_n of_o god_n to_o men._n afterward_o we_o be_v tell_v in_o ecclesiastical_a history_n that_o those_o who_o be_v set_v on_o work_n by_o julian_n the_o apostate_n to_o rebuild_v the_o temple_n at_o jerusalem_n be_v defeat_v by_o thunder_n and_o a_o terrible_a voice_n that_o accompany_v it_o from_o heaven_n thereby_o bear_v witness_n to_o the_o cause_n of_o christianity_n 2._o the_o jew_n have_v the_o testimony_n of_o angel_n and_o so_o have_v christian_n to_o confirm_v this_o oeconomy_n by_o these_o heavenly_a messenger_n zacharias_n have_v notice_n give_v he_o of_o the_o approach_a birth_n of_o john_n the_o baptist_n and_o the_o virgin_n mary_n have_v tiding_n bring_v she_o of_o the_o miraculous_a conception_n of_o the_o holy_a babe_n jesus_n in_o her_o womb_n and_o these_o be_v the_o herald_n that_o proclaim_v the_o news_n of_o his_o birth_n to_o the_o shepherd_n one_o of_o this_o celestial_a order_n appear_v to_o joseph_n and_o warn_v he_o to_o fly_v into_o egypt_n with_o the_o bless_a infant_n these_o glorious_a spirit_n give_v notice_n of_o christ_n resurrection_n and_o when_o he_o ascend_v up_o to_o heaven_n another_o of_o this_o celestial_a hierarchy_n address_v himself_o to_o the_o apostle_n and_o assure_v they_o that_o in_o the_o like_a manner_n jesus_n shall_v come_v again_o to_o judgement_n another_o of_o these_o minister_a spirit_n come_v to_o the_o devout_a cornelius_n and_o bid_v he_o send_v for_o peter_n that_o he_o may_v be_v the_o great_a and_o happy_a instrument_n of_o convert_v he_o to_o the_o christian_a faith_n the_o angel_n of_o god_n stand_v by_o st._n paul_n in_o the_o night_n when_o he_o be_v on_o his_o dangerous_a voyage_n and_o ascertain_v he_o of_o his_o safety_n act_v 27._o 23._o and_o sundry_a other_o instance_n there_o be_v of_o angel_n make_v know_v the_o will_n of_o god_n unto_o man_n in_o those_o early_a time_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o thereby_o attest_v the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n 3._o the_o jew_n have_v the_o mosaic_a dispensation_n attest_v by_o vision_n and_o we_o have_v the_o same_o way_n of_o revelation_n to_o ascertain_v we_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n thus_o zachariah_n see_v a_o vision_n in_o the_o temple_n relate_v to_o the_o forerunner_n of_o christ_n luke_n 1._o 22._o the_o apostle_n who_o be_v at_o our_o saviour_n transfiguration_n have_v the_o same_o manner_n of_o discovery_n mat._n 17._o 9_o the_o lord_n speak_v to_o ananias_n in_o a_o vision_n act_v 9_o 10._o you_o read_v of_o st._n peter_n vision_n whereby_o he_o be_v teach_v not_o to_o despise_v the_o gentile_n act_n 10._o 10_o etc._n etc._n a_o vision_n appear_v to_o paul_n in_o the_o night_n act_v 16._o 9_o and_o again_o the_o lord_n encourage_v he_o in_o a_o vision_n act_v 18._o 9_o of_o st._n stephen_n it_o be_v say_v that_o he_o look_v up_o steadfast_o into_o heaven_n and_o see_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n the_o divine_a shekinah_n and_o jesus_n stand_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n act_v 7._o 55._o and_o we_o read_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o revelation_n that_o st._n john_n have_v frequent_a vision_n and_o hither_o may_v be_v refer_v those_o visible_a representation_n speak_v of_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n as_o the_o holy_a ghost_n descend_v on_o christ_n in_o the_o shape_n of_o a_o dove_n after_o he_o be_v baptize_v the_o appearance_n of_o cleave_a tongue_n like_v as_o of_o fire_n over_o the_o apostle_n head_n the_o light_n from_o heaven_n which_o shine_v round_o about_o st._n paul_n at_o his_o conversion_n all_o these_o appertain_v to_o the_o shekinah_n the_o glorious_a presence_n and_o lustre_n of_o theâ—_n heavenly_a majesty_n and_o hither_o may_v be_v refer_v the_o radiant_a presence_n of_o christ_n the_o bright_a and_o glorious_a manifestation_n of_o his_o person_n which_o be_v often_o mention_v by_o the_o evangelist_n mat._n 17._o 2_o 5._o mark_v 9_o 3._o and_o rev._n 1._o 16._o he_o dwell_v among_o we_o he_o be_v the_o true_a shekinah_n and_o we_o behold_v his_o glory_n as_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o only_o beget_v of_o the_o father_n john_n 1._o 14._o 4._o dream_n be_v another_o sort_n of_o divine_a revelation_n among_o the_o jew_n and_o these_o also_o be_v not_o want_v to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n for_o we_o read_v that_o joseph_n be_v warn_v once_o and_o again_o in_o a_o dream_n concern_v mary_n who_o he_o have_v espouse_v and_o concern_v the_o bless_a babe_n mat._n 1._o 20._o chap._n 2._o 12_o 13_o 19_o and_o pilat_n wife_n suffer_v many_o thing_n in_o a_o dream_n because_o of_o christ_n who_o be_v then_o stand_v at_o the_o bar_n before_o her_o husband_n mat._n 27._o 19_o but_o because_o these_o operation_n on_o the_o imagination_n by_o dream_n be_v more_o liable_a to_o mistake_n than_o vision_n and_o other_o kind_n of_o revelation_n we_o have_v but_o few_o instance_n of_o this_o however_o we_o be_v not_o whole_o destitute_a of_o this_o testimony_n under_o the_o gospel_n 5._o there_o be_v among_o the_o jew_n that_o which_o they_o signal_o call_v the_o holy_a spirit_n viz._n when_o man_n be_v wonderful_o and_o extraordinary_o stir_v up_o to_o deliver_v the_o will_n of_o god_n to_o make_v some_o divine_a discovery_n to_o the_o world_n and_o to_o assert_v their_o holy_a religion_n this_o be_v in_o christ_n himself_o luke_n 4._o 1._o act_n 1._o 2._o &_o 10._o 38._o and_o in_o the_o apostle_n act_n 2._o 4._o &_o 5._o 8._o &_o 6._o 3_o 5._o &_o 7._o 55._o &_o 11._o 24._o &_o 19_o 6._o and_o in_o all_o the_o holy_a man_n that_o be_v send_v by_o he_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n by_o this_o they_o be_v enable_v to_o speak_v without_o any_o premeditation_n before_o ruler_n and_o king_n mark_v 13._o 10_o 11._o for_o our_o saviour_n tell_v they_o it_o be_v not_o you_o that_o speak_v but_o the_o holy_a ghost_n with_o this_o the_o apostle_n be_v all_o fill_v when_o they_o meet_v together_o on_o the_o day_n of_o pentecost_n and_o utter_v such_o divine_a and_o heavenly_a thing_n by_o this_o prophetic_a afflation_n or_o inspiration_n the_o evangelist_n pen_v the_o scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n for_o though_o these_o write_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v humane_a testimony_n as_o they_o be_v write_v by_o man_n yet_o these_o person_n be_v inspire_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o not_o speak_v of_o themselves_o but_o by_o extraordinary_a assistance_n their_o write_n and_o testimony_n be_v divine_a this_o be_v part_n of_o that_o more_o sure_a word_n of_o prophecy_n speak_v of_o by_o st._n peter_n ep._n 2._o ch_n 1._o ver_fw-la 19_o which_o in_o the_o next_o verse_n he_o call_v the_o prophecy_n of_o the_o scripture_n by_o this_o divine_a inspiration_n the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n see_v and_o foretell_v what_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v afterward_o by_o this_o inward_a afflation_n the_o apostle_n though_o mean_a and_o illiterate_a person_n preach_v the_o gospel_n with_o that_o authority_n and_o evidence_n which_o some_o of_o their_o most_o implacable_a enemy_n be_v not_o able_a to_o resist_v these_o be_v the_o divine_a witness_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel-dispensation_n and_o of_o the_o christian_a religion_n yea_o even_o at_o this_o day_n and_o to_o the_o world_n end_n this_o last_o testimony_n viz._n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v useful_a and_o necessary_a i_o do_v not_o mean_v any_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n but_o a_o special_a and_o peculiar_a assistance_n of_o it_o such_o as_o all_o regenerate_a person_n have_v experience_n of_o that_o we_o may_v be_v thorough_o certain_a that_o this_o or_o that_o be_v deliver_v by_o god_n that_o we_o may_v assure_o know_v that_o such_o thing_n be_v of_o divine_a
the_o wing_a foot_n but_o the_o reason_n assign_v in_o the_o history_n why_o st._n paul_n be_v take_v for_o mercury_n be_v because_o he_o be_v so_o excellent_a a_o speaker_n barnabas_n say_v little_a or_o nothing_o and_o so_o pass_v with_o they_o for_o grave_a jupiter_n who_o have_v his_o interpreter_n and_o this_o be_v st._n paul_n he_o be_v mercurius_n a_o good_a spokesman_n indeed_o one_o of_o a_o admirable_a tongue_n that_o can_v persuade_v the_o lame_a to_o walk_v and_o a_o cripple_n to_o use_v his_o foot_n however_o these_o ignorant_a heathen_n be_v mistake_v as_o to_o their_o make_v god_n of_o man_n yet_o in_o the_o main_a they_o be_v in_o the_o right_n viz._n that_o that_o miraculous_a healing_n argue_v divinity_n and_o that_o none_o can_v do_v such_o thing_n but_o those_o who_o be_v authorize_v by_o heaven_n and_o as_o this_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o mankind_n so_o indeed_o it_o must_v be_v thus_o in_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o for_o what_o be_v above_o create_v power_n proceed_v from_o god_n and_o what_o be_v from_o he_o be_v to_o some_o great_a end_n and_o purpose_n worthy_a of_o he_o thus_o miracle_n exceed_v the_o power_n of_o nature_n be_v the_o attestation_n of_o god_n himself_o and_o be_v design_v to_o evidence_n that_o truth_n and_o to_o authorise_v that_o doctrine_n which_o be_v from_o god_n which_o be_v very_o great_a and_o excellent_a end_n and_o become_v the_o author_n of_o they_o according_o the_o miracle_n which_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n wrought_v be_v intend_v to_o confirm_v and_o establish_v the_o gospel_n which_o they_o preach_v and_o to_o demonstrate_v to_o the_o world_n that_o that_o gospel_n be_v true_a for_o god_n will_v not_o throw_v away_o miracle_n much_o less_o will_v he_o use_v they_o to_o confirm_v a_o false_a doctrine_n we_o may_v be_v assure_v of_o this_o that_o god_n infinite_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n will_v not_o give_v up_o the_o world_n to_o such_o a_o unavoidable_a deceit_n as_o such_o a_o multitude_n of_o miracle_n will_v lead_v man_n into_o if_o they_o be_v use_v to_o attest_v a_o imposture_n to_o confirm_v a_o lie_n if_o i_o can_v know_v the_o messiah_n to_o be_v send_v of_o god_n when_o he_o raise_v the_o dead_a wrought_v all_o other_o sort_n of_o miracle_n and_o rise_v himself_o from_o the_o dead_a i_o have_v no_o possibility_n of_o know_v who_o speak_v from_o god_n or_o whether_o i_o be_o deceive_v or_o no_o or_o whether_o there_o be_v any_o truth_n and_o reality_n in_o thing_n or_o no._n this_o than_o we_o may_v build_v upon_o there_o be_v truth_n in_o the_o world_n miracle_n undeniable_o point_v we_o to_o it_o for_o they_o be_v a_o testimony_n from_o god_n they_o can_v attest_v falsehood_n but_o must_v necessary_o direct_v we_o to_o and_o confirm_v we_o in_o that_o which_o be_v true_a our_o christianity_n be_v found_v on_o miracle_n can_v but_o be_v of_o divine_a allowance_n it_o be_v impossible_a but_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v from_o god_n christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n can_v not_o have_v have_v power_n to_o work_v true_a miracle_n if_o their_o doctrine_n have_v not_o be_v true_a for_o god_n will_v not_o and_o can_v maintain_v a_o lie_n by_o a_o miracle_n for_o than_o he_o be_v no_o god_n we_o can_v then_o expect_v a_o more_o convince_a evidence_n of_o divine_a authority_n than_o this_o viz._n that_o our_o saviour_n speak_v great_a and_o excellent_a thing_n and_o that_o he_o wrought_v miracle_n to_o confirm_v what_o he_o say_v what_o will_v you_o have_v more_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o he_o shall_v confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o doctrine_n by_o his_o miracle_n and_o now_o they_o be_v wrought_v there_o be_v a_o necessity_n in_o order_n to_o our_o be_v christian_n that_o we_o hearty_o believe_v they_o i_o say_v miracle_n be_v necessary_a for_o confirm_v the_o gospel_n because_o the_o gospel_n be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o thing_n new_a and_o unheard_a of_o as_o you_o may_v remember_v the_o complaint_n of_o the_o athenian_a philosopher_n against_o st._n paul_n be_v that_o he_o deliver_v a_o new_a doctrine_n and_o bring_v strange_a thing_n to_o their_o ear_n act_n 17._o 19_o 20._o they_o be_v long_o accustom_v to_o other_o notion_n and_o so_o there_o be_v a_o vast_a prejudice_n on_o their_o mind_n wherefore_o miracle_n be_v necessary_a to_o gain_v credit_n to_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o to_o bring_v they_o off_o effectual_o from_o their_o former_a sentiment_n again_o many_o thing_n in_o the_o gospel_n be_v above_o the_o flight_n of_o humane_a reason_n and_o on_o that_o account_n be_v not_o easy_o entertain_v which_o make_v it_o requisite_a that_o they_o shall_v be_v declare_v to_o be_v true_a by_o extraordinary_a sign_n and_o wonder_n likewise_o because_o the_o person_n who_o preach_v and_o profess_v the_o christian_a religion_n be_v poor_a inconsiderable_a man_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o they_o shall_v bring_v credential_n from_o god_n to_o attest_v what_o they_o deliver_v when_o they_o show_v this_o seal_n this_o broad_a seal_n of_o heaven_n none_o can_v question_v their_o commission_n beside_o the_o world_n be_v then_o full_a of_o idolatry_n and_o false_a religion_n which_o can_v not_o be_v root_v out_o but_o by_o such_o a_o strange_a and_o unusual_a way_n as_o this_o viz._n the_o work_n of_o mighty_a sign_n and_o miracle_n even_o such_o as_o outvie_v the_o power_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o prank_n of_o magician_n last_o the_o mosaic_a law_n and_o oeconomy_n have_v be_v before_o establish_v by_o miracle_n it_o be_v neeessary_a that_o the_o evangelical_n law_n and_o dispensation_n shall_v be_v attest_v in_o the_o like_a manner_n god_n himself_o have_v constitute_v several_a thing_n before_o which_o now_o be_v take_v away_o by_o christ_n therefore_o he_o take_v they_o away_o aught_o to_o show_v his_o authority_n which_o he_o do_v by_o work_v of_o uncontrollable_a miracle_n and_o to_o show_v that_o the_o law_n be_v to_o give_v place_n to_o the_o gospel_n he_o and_o his_o follower_n wrought_v far_o great_a miracle_n than_o any_o that_o be_v do_v before_o to_o attest_v the_o mosaic_a religion_n therefore_o he_o tell_v the_o jew_n that_o he_o do_v among_o they_o the_o work_n which_o none_o other_o man_n do_v john_n 15._o 24._o and_o as_o they_o be_v great_a so_o they_o be_v more_o in_o number_n than_o those_o of_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n which_o be_v also_o necessary_a to_o take_v away_o all_o scruple_n from_o man_n mind_n and_o to_o beget_v in_o they_o a_o hearty_a and_o full_a belief_n of_o christ_n doctrine_n for_o this_o be_v the_o end_n of_o their_o be_v wrought_v viz._n to_o confirm_v the_o belief_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o to_o ascertain_v man_n even_o we_o at_o this_o day_n that_o god_n himself_o bear_v witness_v to_o what_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n deliver_v the_o use_n of_o these_o miracle_n i_o say_v extend_v to_o we_o and_o to_o all_o age_n of_o the_o church_n though_o we_o see_v they_o not_o yet_o their_o virtue_n come_v down_o to_o we_o all_o the_o miracle_n do_v by_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v as_o forcible_a and_o convince_a now_o as_o if_o they_o be_v do_v in_o our_o day_n they_o be_v still_o and_o ever_o will_v be_v a_o infallible_a proof_n evidence_n and_o demonstration_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n to_o shut_v up_o this_o head_n if_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v found_v on_o the_o mighty_a miracle_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o his_o apostle_n the_o scripture_n be_v true_a and_o our_o religion_n be_v true_a but_o if_o these_o be_v not_o take_v notice_n to_o confound_v the_o folly_n and_o sottishness_n of_o such_o supposer_n it_o be_v the_o great_a miracle_n of_o all_o if_o i_o may_v so_o say_v that_o christianity_n be_v receive_v and_o believe_v without_o miracle_n so_o much_o concern_v the_o divine_a testimony_n of_o miracle_n chap._n xvii_o the_o wonderful_a prevail_a and_o spread_v of_o christianity_n another_o proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o some_o of_o the_o learnede_a and_o 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greek_n christ_n the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n and_o this_o very_a preach_a be_v as_o great_a a_o instance_n as_o can_v be_v of_o this_o power_n and_o this_o wisdom_n here_o you_o may_v behold_v and_o admire_v the_o strange_a efficacy_n of_o the_o gospel_n ignorant_n man_n confute_v the_o philosopher_n of_o grecâ—â—_n the_o very_a athenian_a sage_n and_o the_o most_o illiterate_a man_n be_v too_o hard_o for_o the_o sublimest_n statesman_n and_o the_o most_o eloquent_a orator_n in_o the_o roman_a empire_n they_o find_v that_o promise_n of_o christ_n true_a that_o he_o will_v give_v thâ—m_o a_o mouth_n and_o wisdom_n which_o all_o their_o adversary_n shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o gainsay_v or_o resist_v luke_n 21._o 15._o they_o let_v we_o know_v that_o the_o success_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v not_o to_o be_v ascribe_v to_o the_o skill_n and_o learning_n of_o the_o promulger_n of_o it_o for_o it_o have_v no_o commerce_n with_o human_a art_n and_o science_n 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in_o the_o world_n nay_o some_o of_o they_o be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o number_n of_o the_o vile_a and_o infamous_a as_o matthew_n and_o zacheus_n a_o couple_n of_o publican_n or_o tax-gatherers_a which_o be_v a_o scandalous_a employment_n at_o that_o time_n as_o celsus_n cels._n object_v to_o the_o christian_n and_o what_o be_v the_o person_n who_o be_v enemy_n to_o christ_n and_o his_o follower_n they_o be_v man_n of_o the_o great_a note_n person_n of_o repute_n and_o honour_n they_o be_v rich_a and_o wealthy_a great_a and_o mighty_a but_o as_o i_o prove_v before_o under_o the_o former_a head_n that_o the_o foolishness_n of_o god_n be_v wise_a than_o man_n so_o now_o according_a to_o the_o same_o apostle_n i_o will_v let_v you_o see_v that_o the_o weakness_n of_o god_n be_v strong_a than_o man_n the_o son_n of_o man_n with_o his_o poor_a despise_a apostle_n prevail_v against_o those_o who_o be_v of_o the_o great_a power_n and_o authority_n this_o be_v make_v good_a in_o the_o wonderful_a conversion_n of_o person_n to_o christianity_n for_o as_o we_o present_v you_o before_o with_o a_o list_n of_o convert_v philosopher_n so_o here_o we_o may_v produce_v a_o numerous_a catalogue_n of_o the_o great_a and_o rich_a man_n who_o be_v convert_v to_o the_o christian_a faith_n for_o though_o the_o apostle_n say_v not_o many_o wise_a man_n after_o the_o flesh_n not_o many_o mighty_a not_o many_o noble_a be_v call_v 1_o cor._n 1._o 26._o i_o e._n the_o number_n of_o these_o be_v far_o short_a of_o those_o who_o be_v call_v of_o another_o quality_n yet_o i_o have_v show_v you_o already_o that_o some_o wise_a man_n after_o the_o flesh_n have_v be_v call_v and_o convert_v and_o now_o i_o will_v mention_v some_o of_o those_o mighty_a and_o noble_a who_o be_v call_v to_o the_o same_o faith_n in_o christ._n there_o be_v joseph_n of_o arimathea_n a_o honourable_a counsellor_n and_o nicodemus_n a_o master_n in_o israel_n and_o dionysius_n one_o of_o the_o judge_n of_o areopagus_n for_o these_o be_v to_o be_v mention_v here_o as_o well_o as_o before_o because_o they_o be_v eminent_a for_o their_o place_n and_o dignity_n as_o well_o as_o their_o knowledge_n and_o learning_n there_o be_v the_o rich_a lazarus_n with_o his_o sister_n speak_v of_o in_o john_n 11_o &_o 12._o who_o be_v person_n of_o note_n and_o quality_n there_o be_v chuza_n king_n herod_n steward_n luk._n 8._o 3._o the_o same_o perhaps_o with_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o courtier_n the_o nobleman_n john_n 4._o 46._o and_o his_o lady_n joanna_n who_o with_o their_o whole_a family_n believe_v in_o jesus_n john_n 4._o 53._o if_o we_o may_v credit_v baronius_n and_o some_o other_o ecclesiastical_a writer_n the_o centurion_n the_o great_a officer_n that_o attend_v at_o our_o saviour_n passion_n and_o own_a he_o to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n mat._n 27._o 54._o become_v a_o complete_a convert_n and_o be_v a_o very_a eminent_a asserter_n of_o christianity_n and_o die_v a_o martyr_n i_o may_v mention_v the_o elect_a lady_n and_o her_o child_n to_o who_o st._n john_n write_v also_o theophilus_n of_o antioch_n to_o who_o st._n luke_n dedicate_v his_o act_n and_o the_o great_a chamberlain_n of_o the_o queen_n of_o ethiopia_n mention_v in_o act_n 8._o 27._o sergius_n paulus_n the_o deputy_n or_o proconsul_n of_o cyprus_n who_o be_v win_v to_o the_o christian_a persuasion_n notwithstanding_o the_o high_a place_n and_o authority_n which_o he_o hold_v in_o that_o pagan_a country_n act_v 13._o 7_o 12._o some_o reckon_v publius_n the_o governor_n of_o the_o island_n melita_n who_o show_v himself_o extreme_o courteous_a to_o st._n paul_n as_o he_o be_v on_o his_o voyage_n to_o rome_n act_v 28._o 7._o but_o we_o be_v certain_a that_o when_o the_o gospel_n afterward_o spread_v itself_o further_o the_o number_n of_o the_o rich_a and_o mighty_a who_o be_v convert_v to_o christianity_n be_v exceed_o increase_v in_o domitian_n reign_n flavius_n clemens_n the_o consul_n the_o emperor_n be_v cousin-german_a and_o his_o wiâ—e_n flavia_n domitilla_n near_o relate_v to_o the_o emperor_n likewise_o be_v proselyte_n to_o the_o faith_n and_o so_o be_v acilius_n glabrio_n who_o be_v also_o consul_n dio_n casâ—_n 1._o 67._o in_o commodus_n reign_n several_a of_o the_o first_o rank_n at_o rome_n turn_v christian_n euseb_n eccl._n hist._n l._n 5._o c._n 21._o not_o only_o the_o common_a people_n the_o mob_n as_o some_o of_o late_a phrase_n it_o the_o poor_a mechanic_n and_o inconsiderable_a corydon_n but_o the_o great_a man_n noble_n and_o potentate_n person_n of_o the_o great_a fame_n and_o authority_n embrace_v the_o gospel_n in_o the_o succeed_a reign_n and_o at_o last_o the_o christian_a cross_n be_v set_v upon_o imperial_a crown_n here_o the_o power_n of_o christianity_n be_v to_o be_v see_v viz._n in_o the_o conversion_n of_o these_o person_n who_o be_v the_o most_o averse_a to_o the_o religion_n of_o jesus_n for_o they_o be_v general_o more_o addict_v to_o sensuality_n than_o other_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v the_o more_o difficult_a to_o bring_v they_o to_o so_o strict_a and_o holy_a a_o institution_n yet_o it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o divine_a disposer_n of_o all_o thing_n to_o conquer_v the_o indisposition_n and_o reluctancy_n of_o these_o person_n and_o to_o win_v they_o to_o the_o christian_a faith_n but_o i_o proceed_v further_o to_o make_v good_a my_o assertion_n that_o in_o plant_v and_o propagate_a the_o gospel_n the_o weak_a prevail_v over_o the_o strong_a this_o be_v abundant_o evident_a from_o what_o we_o learn_v from_o the_o history_n of_o the_o church_n viz._n that_o christianity_n prevail_v against_o the_o rage_n and_o fury_n of_o the_o most_o powerful_a persecutor_n from_o nero_n time_n to_o the_o end_n of_o dioclesian_n reign_n abate_v some_o interval_n the_o christian_n in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n whither_o the_o roman_a empire_n extend_v be_v miserable_o harass_v severe_o punish_v and_o torture_v and_o undergo_v all_o manner_n of_o cruel_a death_n yet_o all_o that_o time_n the_o cause_n of_o christ_n flourish_v and_o christianity_n prevail_v against_o the_o power_n of_o prince_n and_o state_n against_o the_o utmost_a violence_n persecution_n and_o bloodshed_n the_o roman_a emperor_n can_v subdue_v the_o mighty_a king_n and_o make_v the_o persian_n scythian_n and_o armenian_n stoop_v to_o their_o power_n and_o they_o erect_v many_o trophy_n as_o demonstration_n of_o this_o their_o universal_a prowess_n yet_o these_o great_a one_o can_v not_o baffle_v the_o attempt_n of_o the_o poor_a weak_a servant_n of_o jesus_n but_o the_o more_o christianity_n be_v persecute_v the_o more_o it_o increase_v the_o more_o it_o flourish_v and_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o all_o disadvantage_n opposition_n and_o oppression_n it_o gain_v ground_n thus_o 49._o tertullian_n bold_o tell_v the_o roman_a persecutor_n that_o their_o barbarous_a cruelty_n
be_v lay_v aside_o when_o the_o extraordinary_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n cease_v when_o immediate_a inspiration_n be_v withdraw_v and_o when_o sign_n and_o wonder_n and_o work_v of_o miracle_n be_v out_o of_o use_n from_o the_o time_n of_o the_o cessation_n of_o these_o we_o be_v as_o i_o conceive_v to_o date_n the_o youthful_a and_o strong_a state_n of_o christianity_n then_o it_o begin_v to_o be_v entire_a when_o it_o be_v no_o long_o blend_v with_o judaisme_n when_o there_o be_v no_o more_o typical_a ceremony_n in_o the_o christian_a service_n in_o the_o place_n of_o the_o extraordinary_a gift_n of_o pray_v and_o prophesy_v there_o succeed_v now_o in_o the_o church_n those_o religious_a exercise_n of_o pray_v and_o preach_v which_o though_o they_o be_v never_o right_o perform_v without_o the_o help_n of_o the_o spirit_n yet_o proceed_v not_o from_o immediate_a illapse_n and_o inspiration_n the_o apostle_n and_o first_o christian_n be_v extraordinary_o teach_v of_o god_n but_o we_o must_v make_v use_n of_o the_o mean_n and_o help_v which_o be_v give_v we_o in_o order_n to_o attain_v the_o knowledge_n of_o he_o and_o of_o our_o duty_n we_o must_v arrive_v to_o this_o by_o god_n blessing_n on_o our_o study_n and_o industry_n knowledge_n be_v not_o pure_o infuse_v now_o but_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n cooperate_v with_o our_o endeavour_n scholarship_n be_v not_o necessary_a for_o the_o first_o sound_v the_o gospel_n because_o the_o effusion_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v then_o extraordinary_a but_o when_o this_o cease_v human_a learning_n become_v necessary_a in_o those_o who_o be_v to_o instruct_v other_o and_o to_o confute_v gainsayer_n therefore_o in_o the_o dispute_n between_o we_o and_o the_o quaker_n and_o other_o sect_n about_o these_o matter_n we_o must_v urge_v this_o that_o there_o be_v now_o a_o oeconomy_n different_a from_o that_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n when_o they_o talk_v of_o do_v all_o by_o immediate_a impulse_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o despise_v outward_a mean_n and_o help_v and_o cry_v that_o they_o be_v above_o ordinance_n we_o must_v let_v they_o know_v that_o they_o be_v forgetful_a of_o the_o different_a dispensation_n of_o time_n and_o thence_o proceed_v their_o error_n they_o do_v not_o observe_v that_o there_o be_v subordinate_a oeconomy_n even_o in_o this_o one_o grand_a oeconomy_n of_o christianity_n and_o the_o want_n of_o serious_o attend_v to_o this_o lead_v they_o into_o very_o extravagant_a opinion_n and_o practice_n when_o there_o be_v extraordinary_a gift_n in_o the_o church_n a_o fisherman_n any_o illiterate_a person_n be_v as_o able_a as_o any_o one_o to_o preach_v for_o as_o in_o that_o time_n those_o be_v able_a to_o heal_v all_o disease_n who_o have_v never_o study_v physic_n so_o there_o be_v those_o that_o can_v speak_v to_o the_o people_n with_o all_o tongue_n who_o have_v never_o be_v teach_v any_o for_o the_o speedy_a propagate_a of_o the_o gospel_n some_o of_o the_o common_a christian_n have_v ability_n to_o do_v this_o but_o it_o be_v not_o so_o since_o those_o supernatural_a gift_n be_v cease_v and_o now_o learning_n be_v requisite_a in_o a_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n school_n and_o university_n skill_n in_o art_n and_o language_n which_o can_v be_v gain_v only_o by_o study_n be_v become_v necessary_a for_o as_o a_o ancient_a writer_n of_o the_o church_n say_v well_o ambros._n after_o the_o apostle_n time_n the_o church_n begin_v to_o be_v govern_v by_o another_o order_n and_o management_n of_o divine_a providence_n as_o for_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n we_o know_v it_o be_v a_o immediate_a extraordinary_a gift_n whereby_o person_n be_v divine_o enlighten_v themselves_o and_o have_v ability_n to_o reveal_v thing_n in_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n to_o other_o which_o be_v frequent_a among_o the_o jew_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n but_o even_o that_o fail_v at_o last_o there_o be_v not_o a_o prophet_n between_o malachi_n and_o john_n baptist_n whence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o people_n run_v out_o of_o all_o the_o region_n round_o about_o to_o see_v the_o baptist_n a_o prophet_n be_v a_o very_a rare_a sight_n but_o prophecy_n be_v restore_v by_o christ_n and_o by_o his_o apostle_n in_o a_o most_o eminent_a degree_n afterward_o yea_o justin_n martyr_n who_o live_v in_o the_o middle_n of_o the_o second_o century_n tell_v we_o in_o his_o apology_n for_o the_o christian_n that_o the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n be_v then_o in_o the_o church_n but_o after_o that_o there_o be_v no_o mention_n of_o it_o because_o it_o cease_v and_o so_o as_o for_o other_o immediate_a of_o extraordinary_a revelation_n as_o dream_n and_o vision_n and_o such_o like_a way_n by_o which_o god_n use_v to_o communicate_v his_o will_n unto_o jew_n and_o christian_n heretofore_o they_o be_v now_o lay_v aside_o or_o be_v very_o rare_a and_o unusual_a and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o christianity_n be_v out_o of_o its_o childhood_n it_o have_v gather_v more_o strength_n it_o be_v youthful_a and_o vigorous_a i_o know_v that_o other_o have_v different_a notion_n of_o this_o matter_n the_o learned_a 1._o daille_n express_o say_v christianity_n be_v in_o its_o height_n and_o perfection_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o bless_a apostle_n though_o so_o far_o as_o i_o can_v perceive_v he_o himself_o soon_o after_o partly_o retract_v this_o assertion_n it_o be_v general_o think_v and_o say_v that_o those_o extraordinary_a endowment_n before_o name_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v a_o argument_n of_o its_o manhood_n and_o perfection_n and_o because_o those_o gift_n in_o the_o primitive_a time_n be_v so_o great_a and_o venerable_a far_o exceed_v what_o we_o have_v at_o this_o day_n they_o reckon_v all_o christian_n since_o those_o time_n to_o be_v but_o puny_a christian_n but_o i_o can_v give_v my_o suffrage_n to_o this_o yea_o i_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o great_a mistake_n for_o if_o a_o man_n right_o consider_v thing_n he_o will_v find_v that_o these_o splendid_a gift_n be_v bestow_v on_o purpose_n for_o the_o propagate_a of_o the_o gospel_n at_o that_o particular_a time_n and_o that_o the_o weakness_n and_o unsettledness_n of_o the_o church_n be_v the_o only_a occasion_n of_o they_o christianity_n want_v at_o its_o first_o rise_n confirm_v and_o corroborate_n by_o such_o wonderful_a method_n and_o expedient_n as_o these_o and_o therefore_o if_o we_o understand_v the_o true_a nature_n of_o they_o we_o can_v but_o confess_v that_o they_o be_v proof_n and_o evidence_n of_o the_o imperfect_a state_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n in_o those_o day_n now_o those_o extraordinary_a gift_n be_v vanish_v the_o inspire_a man_n be_v go_v but_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v write_v by_o divine_a inspiration_n be_v leave_v with_o we_o to_o be_v the_o great_a standard_n of_o truth_n and_o the_o rule_n of_o our_o action_n god_n have_v raise_v up_o eminent_a man_n to_o open_v and_o explain_v that_o holy_a book_n and_o to_o instruct_v we_o in_o all_o the_o great_a and_o necessary_a point_n of_o it_o we_o have_v now_o a_o more_o settle_a knowledge_n of_o religion_n and_o there_o be_v a_o great_a progress_n in_o christianity_n the_o oeconomy_n have_v receive_v some_o alteration_n and_o we_o need_v not_o extraordinary_a help_n when_o god_n vouchsafe_v we_o those_o that_o be_v ordinary_a and_o as_o for_o miracle_n they_o be_v not_o of_o this_o part_n of_o the_o christian_a dispensation_n and_o therefore_o be_v not_o to_o be_v look_v for_o now_o those_o mighty_a wonder_n be_v for_o a_o sign_n not_o to_o they_o that_o believe_v but_o to_o they_o that_o believe_v not_o as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v 1._o cor._n 14._o 22._o therefore_o they_o be_v proper_a in_o the_o first_o age_n to_o convince_v the_o unbelieving_a world_n and_o for_o the_o propagate_a of_o christianity_n but_o now_o they_o be_v become_v useless_a and_o more_o regular_a and_o ordinary_a method_n be_v use_v the_o gospel_n be_v sufficient_o promulge_v among_o we_o and_o the_o authority_n of_o it_o be_v prove_v by_o those_o mighty_a work_n which_o have_v be_v do_v we_o be_v not_o to_o expect_v any_o more_o of_o they_o ordinary_a mean_n now_o serve_v we_o though_o we_o have_v the_o benefit_n likewise_o of_o those_o extraordinary_a one_o which_o be_v before_o i_o do_v not_o say_v miracle_n be_v so_o crease_v that_o there_o shall_v never_o be_v any_o wrought_v again_o for_o a_o power_n of_o do_v miracle_n be_v indefinite_o promise_v in_o mark_n 16._o 17._o it_o may_v still_o remain_v so_o as_o to_o be_v exert_v on_o occasion_n viz._n when_o heathen_n and_o infidel_n be_v to_o be_v convert_v but_o that_o belong_v not_o to_o this_o part_n of_o the_o evangelical_n dispensation_n which_o i_o be_o now_o speak_v of_o but_o to_o that_o more_o perfect_a one_o which_o be_v to_o succeed_v in_o erect_v of_o which_o perhaps_o god_n may_v enable_v his_o servant_n