as_o convince_a as_o the_o sight_n of_o our_o own_o eye_n chap._n v._n the_o strength_n and_o force_n of_o the_o precede_a argument_n 1_o they_o remove_v all_o suspicion_n that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v not_o prophet_n for_o thereby_o it_o appear_v 1_o that_o they_o pretend_v to_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n 2_o that_o they_o therein_o be_v not_o deceive_v 3_o they_o have_v no_o design_n to_o deceive_v other_o 2_o they_o give_v positive_a evidence_n that_o they_o be_v prophet_n 1_o from_o their_o fortitude_n 2_o from_o their_o wisdom_n 3_o from_o their_o prediction_n 4_o from_o their_o miracle_n here_o to_o show_v the_o force_n of_o this_o argument_n it_o be_v observe_v 1_o that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n wrought_v their_o miracle_n on_o purpose_n to_o confirm_v their_o doctrine_n 2_o miracle_n be_v always_o look_v on_o as_o demonstrative_a proof_n of_o divine_a authority_n in_o they_o that_o do_v they_o 3_o the_o reason_n for_o which_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n deserve_v to_o be_v so_o account_v 1_o from_o their_o nature_n 2_o from_o their_o number_n 3_o from_o their_o greatness_n 4_o from_o their_o goodness_n thereby_o they_o confer_v on_o man_n 1_o the_o good_n of_o fortune_n 2_o of_o the_o body_n 3_o of_o the_o soul_n chap._n vi_o some_o use_n that_o may_v be_v make_v of_o this_o doctrine_n of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o christian_a religion_n sect._n 1_o this_o deduce_v therefrom_o the_o leviathan_n deny_v it_o the_o first_o reason_n of_o this_o opinion_n answer_v the_o second_o reason_n answer_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o holy_a scripture_n sect._n 2_o uncontrolled_a tradition_n prove_v that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o n._n testament_n be_v write_v by_o those_o man_n who_o name_n they_o bear_v and_o since_o they_o be_v prophet_n the_o old_a testament_n also_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o word_n of_o prophecy_n a_o doubt_n about_o the_o gospel_n of_o st._n mark_n and_o st._n luke_n and_o the_o act_n these_o book_n have_v the_o approbation_n of_o the_o apostle_n a_o objection_n out_o of_o the_o leviathan_n object_n 2._o object_n 3._o the_o insufficiency_n of_o humane_a reason_n sect._n 3_o the_o treatise_n thereof_o ascribe_v as_o much_o thereunto_o as_o pelagius_n do_v to_o free_a will_n it_o evacuate_v the_o necessity_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n prophetic_a office_n the_o impiety_n of_o it_o reason_n itself_o condemn_v it_o a_o objection_n out_o of_o that_o treatise_n the_o reasonableness_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n sect._n 4_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o word_n of_o prophecy_n great_a than_o that_o of_o a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n the_o mystery_n of_o christianity_n do_v not_o make_v it_o incredible_a but_o be_v apt_a to_o strengthen_v our_o faith_n the_o reasonableness_n of_o christian_a hope_n sect._n 5_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o promise_n a_o objection_n draw_v from_o experience_n another_o from_o the_o suppose_a impossibility_n of_o a_o general_n resurrection_n the_o reasonableness_n of_o obedience_n sect._n 6_o all_o acknowledge_v a_o obligation_n to_o obey_v god_n whence_o do_v this_o obligation_n arise_v 1_o not_o from_o our_o weakness_n 2_o not_o from_o god_n sole_a irresistible_a power_n the_o nature_n of_o divine_a sovereignty_n god_n right_a of_o it_o a_o view_n of_o our_o state_n by_o nature_n the_o way_n that_o god_n have_v choose_v for_o our_o redemption_n christ_n conquer_v the_o devil_n at_o all_o those_o weapon_n whereby_o he_o overcome_v our_o first_o parent_n and_o their_o posterity_n we_o be_v therefore_o his_o by_o right_n of_o conquest_n christ_n make_v satisfaction_n for_o we_o christ_n now_o in_o heaven_n be_v able_a to_o succour_v we_o when_o we_o be_v tempt_v a_o question_n another_o question_n the_o nature_n of_o a_o obligation_n which_o be_v twofold_a the_o redemption_n of_o christ_n oblige_v we_o by_o both_o to_o keep_v his_o commandment_n 1_o by_o that_o of_o authority_n 2_o by_o that_o ad_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o nature_n of_o it_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o 1_o the_o benefit_n we_o receive_v by_o redemption_n 2_o the_o satisfactoriness_n of_o it_o to_o our_o reason_n 3_o the_o incomparable_a encouragement_n that_o it_o give_v we_o to_o keep_v the_o commandment_n the_o conclusion_n rev._n 19_o 10._o the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n be_v the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n chap._n i._n that_o we_o have_v a_o power_n of_o assent_v be_v so_o manifest_a as_o that_o scepticism_n itself_o can_v doubt_v it_o for_o that_o it_o be_v very_o apparent_o build_v on_o assent_n to_o this_o proposition_n there_o be_v nothing_o certain_a who_o can_v be_v of_o that_o persuasion_n without_o assent_n it_o seem_v therefore_o certain_a that_o the_o mind_n assent_v and_o this_o it_o do_v to_o testimony_n as_o well_o as_o reason_n for_o the_o latter_a can_v be_v at_o least_o improve_v without_o the_o former_a because_o there_o be_v no_o reason_v without_o word_n and_o word_n without_o testimony_n signify_v nothing_o be_v it_o not_o for_o testimony_n the_o wise_a of_o word_n and_o the_o most_o inarticulate_a of_o sound_n will_v be_v to_o we_o equal_o significant_a so_o that_o not_o only_a religion_n but_o also_o all_o art_n and_o science_n be_v behold_v 16_o to_o testimony_n they_o be_v if_o not_o found_v on_o it_o yet_o unattainable_a without_o it_o it_o seem_v therefore_o those_o who_o traduce_v our_o religion_n as_o fond_a credulity_n because_o it_o depend_v on_o testimony_n be_v therein_o very_o disingenuous_o partial_a and_o irrational_a especial_o consider_v the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n be_v the_o spirit_n of_o prophesy_n which_o word_n be_v a_o entire_a proposition_n not_o so_o difficult_a but_o that_o it_o may_v be_v understand_v nor_o yet_o so_o plain_a but_o that_o both_o the_o subject_a and_o the_o predicate_v will_v need_v some_o explication_n in_o order_n whereunto_o it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o observe_v that_o in_o all_o probability_n the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n be_v either_o that_o which_o he_o himself_o give_v or_o else_o that_o which_o his_o witness_n do_v bear_v of_o he_o of_o the_o former_a 33._o st._n john_n speak_v in_o his_o gospel_n of_o the_o latter_a in_o his_o revelation_n here_o in_o my_o text_n which_o to_o i_o seem_v evident_a by_o the_o scope_n and_o design_n of_o the_o whole_a verse_n the_o drift_n whereof_o be_v to_o prove_v that_o the_o angel_n who_o word_n they_o be_v to_o st._n john_n be_v fellow-servant_n with_o he_o and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n st._n john_n fall_v at_o the_o angel_n foot_n to_o worship_n he_o but_o the_o angel_n say_v unto_o he_o see_v thou_o do_v it_o not_o of_o which_o prohibition_n he_o give_v this_o reason_n because_o say_v he_o i_o be_o thy_o fellow-servant_n and_o of_o thy_o brethren_n that_o have_v the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n and_o who_o be_v they_o that_o have_v the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n sure_o they_o be_v those_o who_o jesus_n himself_o have_v choose_v to_o be_v his_o witness_n viz._n the_o 8._o apostle_n of_o these_o man_n than_o the_o angel_n be_v fellow-servant_n to_o prove_v that_o he_o be_v so_o he_o allege_v my_o text_n for_o the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n be_v the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n which_o word_n can_v be_v no_o way_n argumentative_a unless_o the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n be_v understand_v to_o signify_v not_o that_o which_o jesus_n himself_o give_v but_o that_o which_o his_o apostle_n do_v give_v of_o he_o but_o be_v thus_o take_v they_o import_v a_o twofold_a argument_n viz._n ad_fw-la hominem_fw-la and_o ad_fw-la rem_fw-la st._n john_n we_o know_v be_v as_o all_o the_o other_o apostle_n a_o jew_n by_o birth_n one_o of_o that_o nation_n wherein_o it_o be_v a_o receive_a opinion_n that_o there_o be_v ten_o degree_n or_o order_n of_o angel_n the_o low_a whereof_o be_v call_v ischim_n by_o the_o intervention_n and_o ministry_n of_o this_o sort_n of_o angel_n they_o say_v whether_o true_o or_o false_o i_o affirm_v 2._o not_o that_o prophecy_n be_v communicate_v unto_o men._n these_o angel_n as_o we_o be_v tell_v be_v chief_o employ_v to_o prophesy_v and_o when_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n rest_v on_o any_o here_o on_o earth_n his_o soul_n be_v â—ixt_v with_o and_o advance_v to_o this_o order_n of_o angel_n in_o heaven_n and_o be_v enroll_v among_o they_o if_o then_o this_o be_v a_o vulgar_a opinion_n of_o the_o jew_n at_o the_o time_n of_o st._n john_n s_o revelation_n it_o be_v apparent_a enough_o that_o my_o text_n contain_v a_o argument_n ad_fw-la hominem_fw-la but_o the_o truth_n be_v the_o force_n of_o the_o angel_n argument_n do_v not_o lie_v so_o much_o in_o st._n john_n opinion_n as_o in_o his_o own_o employment_n at_o that_o time_n which_o be_v to_o prophesy_v concern_v thing_n pertain_v to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o precede_a verse_n let_v we_o then_o but_o cast_v the_o
to_o the_o church_n tradition_n concern_v those_o of_o christ_n himself_o and_o his_o apostle_n for_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a that_o he_o who_o grant_v this_o power_n to_o his_o disciple_n shall_v want_v it_o himself_o and_o next_o to_o a_o impossibility_n it_o be_v that_o in_o his_o circumstance_n he_o shall_v never_o make_v use_n of_o it_o nor_o be_v it_o at_o all_o probable_a that_o he_o will_v confer_v it_o on_o his_o mean_a disciple_n in_o private_a capacity_n and_o that_o when_o his_o gospel_n be_v every_o where_o plant_v and_o deny_v or_o withhold_v it_o from_o the_o chief_a of_o his_o follower_n those_o who_o he_o choose_v to_o be_v his_o witness_n and_o founder_n of_o his_o faith_n throughout_o all_o nation_n that_o this_o shall_v be_v the_o oeconomy_n of_o his_o dispensation_n it_o be_v a_o astonishment_n to_o reason_n to_o imagine_v but_o that_o it_o be_v not_o be_v most_o high_o agreeable_a insomuch_o that_o with_o confidence_n we_o may_v conclude_v there_o be_v no_o matter_n of_o fact_n whatever_o although_o of_o a_o far_o less_o distance_n of_o who_o truth_n we_o have_v more_o or_o indeed_o so_o much_o reason_n to_o be_v persuade_v as_o we_o have_v of_o the_o church_n tradition_n that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n wrought_v many_o and_o great_a miracle_n yet_o if_o we_o may_v believe_v st._n austin_n that_o he_o who_o still_o require_v prodigy_n that_o he_o may_v believe_v be_v himself_o sup_v a_o great_a prodigy_n it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v there_o be_v more_o than_o a_o few_o such_o prodigy_n in_o our_o age_n for_o a_o admire_a author_n ask_v the_o question_n how_o can_v one_o that_o say_v those_o thing_n he_o say_v or_o teachâ—th_v be_v confirm_v by_o miracle_n be_v believe_v unless_o that_o he_o also_o himself_o have_v do_v a_o miracle_n the_o reason_n of_o this_o question_n such_o as_o it_o be_v he_o subjoin_v in_o another_o for_o if_o a_o private_a man_n be_v to_o be_v believe_v without_o a_o miracle_n why_o among_o those_o 3_o that_o 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it_o seem_v not_o for_o the_o same_o author_n else_o where_o define_v a_o miracle_n to_o be_v a_o work_n of_o god_n beside_o his_o operation_n by_o the_o way_n of_o nature_n ordain_v in_o the_o creation_n do_v for_o the_o make_v manifest_a to_o his_o elect_a the_o mission_n of_o a_o extraordinary_a minister_n for_o their_o salvation_n 37._o whether_o a_o miracle_n be_v a_o work_n of_o god_n only_o beside_o and_o not_o also_o above_o his_o operation_n by_o the_o way_n of_o nature_n ordain_v in_o the_o creation_n and_o what_o precious_a one_o this_o author_n elect_n be_v it_o do_v not_o at_o present_a concern_v i_o to_o inquire_v but_o only_o to_o observe_v that_o whosoever_o they_o be_v the_o design_a end_n of_o a_o miracle_n according_a to_o he_o be_v to_o make_v manifest_a unto_o they_o the_o mission_n of_o some_o extraordinary_a minister_n for_o their_o salvation_n be_v it_o so_o that_o this_o as_o in_o part_n at_o least_o it_o undoubted_o be_v the_o end_n and_o scope_n of_o real_a and_o true_a miracle_n i_o will_v fain_o know_v of_o this_o author_n how_o a_o thing_n that_o be_v incredible_a can_v make_v manifest_a a_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o the_o mission_n of_o a_o extraordinary_a minister_n although_o not_o hasty_o to_o be_v believe_v yet_o be_v not_o incredible_a but_o a_o miracle_n it_o seem_v be_v how_o then_o can_v it_o make_v it_o manifest_v but_o if_o this_o be_v impossible_a or_o unintelligible_a whence_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o god_n make_v choice_n of_o such_o a_o thing_n to_o make_v manifest_a another_o do_v this_o author_n think_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n so_o short_a or_o his_o power_n so_o weak_a as_o to_o lay_v and_o effect_v his_o design_n no_o better_o if_o so_o he_o may_v change_v apprehension_n with_o epicurus_n 14._o as_o wretched_a as_o he_o think_v he_o and_o yet_o be_v no_o loose_a by_o the_o bargain_n but_o whatever_o he_o think_v of_o god_n i_o can_v think_v he_o so_o void_a of_o reason_n as_o to_o deny_v that_o that_o which_o 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build_v upon_o another_o foundation_n viz._n testimony_n of_o credible_a witness_n transmit_v or_o deliver_v down_o throughout_o all_o age_n to_o posterity_n the_o sufficiency_n of_o this_o foundation_n to_o bear_v that_o superstructure_n will_v be_v evident_a by_o the_o firm_a assent_n that_o man_n build_v upon_o less_o credible_a testimony_n whereof_o they_o give_v evidence_n in_o almost_o all_o affair_n of_o humane_a life_n the_o nobleman_n claim_v his_o peerage_n the_o gentleman_n his_o estate_n the_o merchant_n venture_v his_o money_n and_o the_o traveller_n take_v his_o journey_n the_o honest_a lawyer_n plead_v and_o the_o just_a judge_n pronounce_v sentence_n upon_o the_o credit_n of_o testimony_n and_o such_o be_v the_o necessity_n of_o testimony_n as_o that_o the_o child_n can_v learn_v his_o letter_n nor_o the_o scholar_n attain_v his_o knowledge_n in_o the_o science_n nor_o the_o mechanic_n skill_n in_o his_o trade_n nor_o indeed_o can_v we_o ourselves_o know_v our_o own_o name_n without_o assent_v to_o testimony_n yet_o so_o firm_a a_o assent_n do_v we_o yield_v unto_o it_o as_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o ridiculous_a and_o hardly_o accomplish_v than_o persuasion_n of_o we_o out_o of_o our_o name_n most_o firm_a assent_n therefore_o we_o see_v be_v yield_v to_o testimony_n and_o that_o such_o as_o be_v not_o more_o perhaps_o less_o credible_a than_o that_o whereby_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n miracle_n be_v convey_v unto_o we_o for_o it_o have_v not_o antiquity_n universality_n and_o consent_v of_o all_o party_n as_o this_o have_v to_o avouch_v its_o credibility_n most_o firm_a assent_v therefore_o may_v and_o in_o reason_n ought_v to_o be_v give_v to_o it_o for_o where_o there_o be_v certain_a credibility_n in_o the_o matter_n propound_v and_o also_o in_o the_o testimony_n that_o propound_v it_o there_o do_v arise_v upon_o man_n a_o obligation_n to_o believe_v as_o appear_v by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n concern_v converse_n which_o will_v serve_v to_o very_o little_a or_o no_o purpose_n if_o the_o motive_n of_o credibility_n do_v not_o induce_v a_o obligation_n to_o believe_v it_o seem_v therefore_o that_o the_o testimony_n or_o tradition_n whereby_o we_o understand_v that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n do_v many_o and_o great_a miracle_n we_o not_o only_o may_v but_o also_o we_o ought_v to_o believe_v because_o there_o be_v a_o certainty_n of_o credibility_n both_o in_o the_o matter_n propound_v and_o also_o in_o the_o manner_n of_o its_o proposition_n to_o our_o consideration_n and_o if_o this_o render_v it_o a_o duty_n to_o believe_v then_o three_o it_o be_v both_o wicked_a and_o absurd_a to_o demand_v a_o miracle_n to_o induce_v our_o assent_n unto_o it_o it_o be_v wicked_a because_o it_o not_o only_o hinder_v the_o performance_n of_o our_o duty_n but_o also_o mere_o to_o gratify_v
from_o advice_n or_o counsel_n consist_v in_o obligation_n for_o the_o latter_a do_v only_o direct_v ligando_fw-la to_o the_o do_v of_o what_o be_v think_v fit_a to_o be_v do_v but_o the_o former_a do_v moreover_o oblige_v and_o bind_v they_o to_o who_o it_o be_v give_v to_o the_o do_v of_o it_o thus_o also_o do_v the_o gospel_n and_o that_o very_o severe_o to_o they_o to_o who_o it_o be_v preach_v for_o the_o author_n and_o finisher_n of_o our_o faith_n in_o it_o viz._n christ_n jesus_n our_o lord_n be_v he_o of_o who_o moses_n say_v unto_o the_o father_n a_o prophet_n shall_v the_o lord_n your_o god_n raise_v up_o unto_o you_o of_o your_o brethren_n like_v unto_o i_o he_o shall_v you_o â—ear_v in_o all_o thing_n whatsoever_o he_o shall_v say_v unto_o you_o and_o it_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o every_o soul_n which_o will_v not_o â—ear_v 23._o that_o prophet_n shall_v be_v destroy_v from_o among_o the_o people_n we_o ought_v therefore_o to_o give_v the_o more_o earnest_a heed_n to_o the_o thing_n that_o we_o have_v hear_v lâ—â—t_v at_o any_o time_n â—e_n shall_v let_v they_o slip_v for_o if_o the_o word_n speak_v by_o angel_n be_v steadfast_a and_o every_o transgression_n and_o disobedience_n receive_v a_o just_a recompense_n of_o reward_n how_o shall_v 3._o we_o escape_v if_o we_o neglect_v so_o great_a salvation_n oblige_a then_o it_o seem_v we_o be_v by_o the_o gospel_n much_o more_o severe_o than_o the_o jew_n be_v by_o the_o law_n because_o the_o gospel_n first_o begin_v to_o be_v speak_v by_o the_o lord_n and_o be_v confirm_v unto_o we_o by_o they_o that_o hear_v he_o god_n also_o bear_v they_o witness_n both_o with_o sign_n and_o 4._o wonder_n and_o with_o divers_a miracle_n and_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n according_a to_o his_o own_o so_o that_o this_o its_o obligation_n be_v primary_o derive_v not_o from_o the_o law_n of_o civil_a sovereign_n in_o favour_n of_o it_o but_o from_o the_o lord_n speak_v it_o its_o authority_n therefore_o be_v divine_a sect._n 2._o so_o also_o be_v that_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o those_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o bear_v the_o apostle_n name_n do_v drop_n from_o their_o pen_n we_o have_v as_o great_a assurance_n as_o any_o can_v be_v give_v of_o a_o matter_n of_o that_o nature_n affirmative_a demonstration_n that_o homer_n write_v the_o poem_n plato_n or_o aâ—istotle_n cicero_n or_o plutarch_n the_o book_n that_o be_v extant_a under_o their_o name_n be_v impossible_a uncontrolled_a tradition_n be_v all_o the_o proof_n whereof_o this_o matter_n be_v capable_a and_o this_o we_o have_v in_o behalf_n of_o those_o book_n that_o bear_v the_o apostle_n name_n as_o full_o as_o of_o any_o other_o whatsoever_o the_o sceptical_a heretic_n in_o tertullia_n time_n who_o it_o seem_v make_v a_o question_n of_o it_o he_o therefore_o thus_o bespeak_v go_v to_o now_o thou_o that_o will_v exercise_v thy_o curiosity_n in_o matter_n of_o thy_o salvation_n betake_v thyself_o to_o the_o apostolic_a church_n where_o thou_o may_v find_v the_o very_a chair_n of_o the_o apostle_n yet_o abide_v in_o their_o proper_a place_n wherein_o also_o their_o very_a authentic_a epistle_n as_o it_o be_v sound_a each_o one_o voice_n and_o represent_v his_o face_n be_v still_o recite_v if_o achaia_n be_v nigh_a thou_o thou_o have_v corinth_n if_o macedonia_n be_v not_o 36._o far_o from_o the_o thou_o have_v the_o philippian_n and_o thessalonian_n if_o thou_o can_v go_v into_o asia_n there_o thou_o have_v ephesus_n but_o if_o thou_o be_v near_o italy_n thou_o have_v rome_n from_o these_o and_o other_o apostolical_a church_n copy_n of_o the_o apostle_n write_n be_v undoubted_o disperse_v among_o the_o primitive_a christian_n who_o receive_v and_o deliver_v they_o as_o they_o and_o this_o their_o tradition_n have_v run_v throughout_o all_o age_n down_o to_o we_o and_o that_o without_o any_o contradiction_n for_o those_o that_o either_o in_o the_o primitive_a or_o latter_a time_n have_v think_v fit_a to_o oppose_v christianity_n yet_o do_v it_o not_o under_o the_o pretence_n that_o these_o book_n be_v spurious_a neither_o â—ews_n nor_o heathen_n ever_o have_v the_o confidence_n to_o make_v that_o objection_n but_o rather_o they_o have_v yield_v their_o suffrage_n to_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n that_o they_o be_v write_v by_o the_o apostle_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o that_o some_o few_o particular_a and_o private_a person_n have_v both_o of_o late_a and_o heretofore_o either_o out_o of_o their_o error_n reject_v or_o out_o of_o their_o curiosity_n more_o than_o befit_v they_o debate_v the_o canonical_a authority_n of_o the_o epistle_n of_o st._n paul_n to_o the_o hebrew_n the_o epistle_n of_o st._n james_n the_o second_o epistle_n of_o st._n peter_n the_o second_o and_o three_o of_o st._n john_n the_o epistle_n of_o st._n judas_n and_o the_o apocalypse_n beside_o some_o other_o lesser_a part_n of_o the_o gospel_n yet_o can_v it_o never_o be_v show_v that_o any_o entire_a church_n nor_o that_o any_o national_a or_o provincial_a council_n nor_o that_o any_o multitude_n of_o man_n in_o their_o confession_n or_o catechism_n or_o other_o such_o public_a write_n have_v reject_v they_o or_o make_v any_o doubt_n at_o all_o 9_o of_o they_o so_o that_o the_o scruple_n that_o some_o few_o have_v raise_v about_o they_o shall_v no_o more_o weaken_v the_o credit_n of_o such_o a_o universal_a tradition_n than_o the_o opinion_n of_o atheist_n overthrow_v the_o faith_n of_o all_o the_o world_n beside_o for_o very_o evident_a it_o be_v that_o such_o conjecture_n be_v at_o best_a but_o negative_a probability_n against_o the_o affirmative_a deposition_n of_o all_o the_o christian_a world_n beside_o and_o forasmuch_o as_o negative_n especial_o in_o such_o competition_n prove_v nâ—thing_v be_v they_o embrace_v by_o ten_o thousand_o time_n more_o than_o they_o be_v or_o ever_o be_v they_o will_v not_o amount_v to_o a_o proof_n against_o and_o therefore_o â—ught_v not_o in_o reason_n to_o derogate_v from_o the_o credibility_n of_o the_o church_n tradition_n that_o they_o be_v write_v by_o those_o apostle_n concern_v these_o therefore_o and_o those_o other_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o bear_v the_o name_n of_o apostle_n we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o doubt_v and_o that_o they_o write_v they_o in_o prosecution_n of_o their_o apostolic_a office_n the_o book_n themselves_o declare_v and_o for_o this_o cause_n since_o the_o apostle_n be_v prophet_n concern_v they_o it_o must_v be_v conclude_v that_o they_o be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n of_o god_n and_o if_o these_o be_v so_o then_o so_o also_o be_v the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n because_o they_o be_v therein_o say_v express_o 19_o to_o be_v so_o and_o impossible_a it_o be_v for_o scripture_n give_v by_o divine_a inspiration_n to_o testify_v a_o falsehood_n and_o indeed_o have_v not_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v so_o express_o call_v the_o word_n of_o prophecy_n and_o say_v to_o have_v be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n of_o god_n as_o we_o find_v they_o be_v in_o the_o new_a yet_o because_o the_o apostle_n in_o their_o write_n find_v their_o disputation_n upon_o they_o and_o prove_v their_o doctrine_n by_o they_o as_o the_o word_n and_o truth_n of_o god_n from_o whence_o there_o lie_v no_o appeal_n it_o will_v be_v very_o evident_a that_o they_o ascribe_v divine_a authority_n to_o they_o and_o this_o their_o testimony_n be_v give_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n be_v beyond_o the_o reach_n of_o a_o doubt_n about_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o all_o the_o doubt_n therefore_o that_o can_v be_v raise_v will_v be_v about_o those_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o do_v not_o write_v viz._n the_o gospel_n of_o st._n mark_n and_o st._n luke_n together_o with_o his_o history_n of_o their_o act_n but_o for_o the_o removal_n hereof_o from_o all_o beside_o sceptic_n it_o may_v methinks_v suffice_v that_o these_o book_n also_o have_v the_o approbation_n of_o the_o apostle_n for_o the_o gospel_n of_o these_o evangelist_n do_v not_o only_o agree_v with_o the_o other_o two_o but_o they_o themselves_o after_o the_o death_n and_o resurrection_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n converse_v with_o and_o adhere_v to_o the_o apostle_n and_o forasmuch_o as_o they_o be_v eminent_a fellow-labourer_n with_o the_o apostle_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v but_o they_o receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n perhaps_o at_o the_o day_n of_o pentâ—cost_n as_o well_o as_o other_o after_o which_o time_n we_o know_v that_o the_o apostle_n disperse_v themselves_o into_o their_o respective_a province_n and_o certain_a it_o be_v by_o all_o antiquity_n that_o st._n mark_n do_v accompany_v st._n peter_n and_o st._n luke_n st._n paul_n in_o almost_o all_o his_o travel_n it_o be_v therefore_o very_o unlikely_a that_o
the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n a_o treatise_n to_o prove_v by_o the_o way_n former_o in_o use_n among_o the_o jew_n in_o the_o trial_n of_o pretender_n to_o a_o prophetic_a spirit_n that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v prophetâ—_n together_o with_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o christian_a religion_n and_o the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o insufficiency_n of_o humane_a reason_n and_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n hope_n and_o practice_n deduce_v therefrom_o and_o assert_v against_o mr._n hobbs_n and_o the_o treatise_n of_o humane_a reason_n by_o w._n h._n london_n print_v for_o w._n crook_n at_o the_o green_a dragon_n without_o temple-bar_n mdclxxix_o to_o the_o right_n reverend_a father_n in_o god_n peter_z lord_n bishop_n of_o ely_z my_o lord_n when_o the_o gospel_n be_v first_o promulgate_v by_o the_o preach_a of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n among_o the_o jew_n the_o philosopher_n and_o disputer_n of_o this_o world_n among_o the_o gentile_n i._n e._n the_o wit_n of_o that_o age_n be_v some_o of_o the_o most_o eminent_a opposer_n and_o rejecter_n of_o it_o the_o one_o require_v 22._o a_o sign_n the_o other_o seek_v after_o wisdom_n the_o one_o will_v have_v sign_n and_o miâ—â—â—les_n wrought_v at_o their_o demand_n the_o other_o will_v have_v philosophical_a reason_n draw_v from_o natural_a cause_n to_o make_v they_o believe_v and_o for_o lack_v of_o these_o as_o it_o seem_v they_o pretend_v christ_n crucify_v be_v to_o the_o jew_n a_o stumbling-block_n and_o to_o the_o greek_n foolishness_n and_o that_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n such_o as_o they_o be_v he_o seemâ—_n to_o be_v so_o still_o to_o some_o of_o the_o wit_n of_o these_o time_n i_o be_o assure_v by_o the_o writing_n of_o such_o person_n as_o want_v neither_o opportunity_n of_o converse_n with_o man_n nor_o ability_n to_o understand_v their_o principle_n and_o pretence_n some_o there_o be_v that_o have_v hear_v and_o perhaps_o have_v read_v a_o little_a of_o the_o thing_n call_v miracle_n and_o demonstration_n and_o for_o want_v of_o these_o they_o seem_v to_o despise_v and_o contemn_v the_o gospel_n but_o the_o truth_n be_v can_v these_o brisk_a and_o airy_a these_o talkative_a and_o dogmatical_a man_n obtain_v leave_n of_o themselves_o to_o be_v sâ—â—ious_a so_o long_o as_o to_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n they_o may_v perhaps_o find_v themselves_o somewhat_o like_o those_o in_o the_o primitive_a 22._o time_n who_o profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v wise_a become_v fool_n nor_o have_v they_o any_o reason_n to_o look_v on_o this_o as_o a_o reproachful_a suggestion_n foâ—_n since_o life_n and_o immortality_n be_v bring_v to_o light_n by_o the_o gospel_n upon_o either_o of_o these_o pretence_n and_o they_o can_v have_v no_o better_a to_o reject_v it_o be_v but_o to_o play_v the_o fool_n very_o wise_o and_o to_o run_v mad_a with_o a_o reason_n for_o it_o and_o that_o not_o only_o because_o the_o gospel_n acquaint_v we_o with_o matter_n of_o the_o high_a and_o best_a importance_n that_o can_v be_v unto_o we_o but_o also_o because_o which_o of_o these_o way_n soever_o they_o choose_v to_o palliate_v their_o infidelity_n it_o will_v at_o length_n lead_v they_o to_o deplorable_a absurdity_n for_o the_o semeiotical_a or_o jewish_a postulatum_fw-la be_v a_o very_a manife_a and_o malepeâ—t_a piece_n of_o folly_n not_o only_o because_o the_o gospel_n be_v at_o first_o abundant_o confirm_v by_o miracle_n uncontrollable_o attest_v but_o also_o because_o if_o that_o be_v constitute_v the_o way_n of_o demonstrate_v the_o truth_n of_o divine_a revelation_n it_o will_v lead_v man_n to_o the_o impudence_n of_o prescribe_v to_o the_o most_o high_a and_o set_v bound_n to_o the_o almighty_a of_o expect_v alteration_n in_o the_o course_n of_o nature_n and_o of_o have_v preacher_n like_o juggler_n to_o show_v trick_n at_o the_o demand_n of_o every_o petulant_a requirer_n instance_n hereof_o we_o have_v divers_a in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n but_o few_o i_o think_v so_o pregnant_a as_o that_o of_o the_o pharisee_n seek_v of_o christ_n 11._o a_o sign_n from_o heaven_n tempt_v he_o they_o have_v no_o mind_n to_o be_v his_o disciple_n but_o to_o make_v trial_n of_o his_o skill_n and_o ability_n and_o therefore_o they_o demand_v a_o sign_n and_o that_o present_o upon_o the_o spot_n and_o this_o sign_n must_v be_v not_o that_o which_o he_o have_v give_v they_o but_o the_o day_n before_o by_o feed_v four_o thousand_o with_o seven_o loaf_n and_o a_o few_o small_a fish_n this_o do_v not_o please_v their_o palate_n but_o they_o must_v have_v a_o sign_n of_o their_o own_o choose_n and_o that_o not_o from_o the_o earth_n the_o wind_n or_o the_o sea_n but_o from_o heaven_n from_o thence_o it_o must_v come_v in_o all_o haste_n to_o satisfy_v their_o wanton_a curiosity_n and_o be_v not_o this_o to_o expect_v that_o the_o power_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n shall_v dance_v attendance_n on_o they_o at_o their_o senseless_a and_o impudent_a demand_n it_o be_v plain_a then_o that_o insolence_n and_o impiety_n folly_n and_o asinine_a stupidity_n be_v the_o brood_n that_o this_o postulatum_fw-la bring_v forth_o and_o if_o this_o be_v the_o way_n of_o prove_v the_o gospel_n to_o be_v of_o god_n how_o shall_v future_a age_n be_v secure_v against_o it_o be_v man_n more_o wise_a and_o modest_a now_o than_o they_o be_v then_o i_o doubt_v it_o because_o there_o be_v some_o even_o in_o our_o nation_n that_o be_v fall_v into_o such_o as_o this_o absurdity_n whence_o else_o be_v it_o that_o they_o require_v a_o miracle_n to_o prove_v that_o miracle_n have_v be_v do_v but_o will_v they_o stand_v a_o little_a and_o consider_v whither_o they_o be_v go_v they_o may_v perhaps_o perceive_v that_o he_o who_o put_v they_o into_o this_o way_n have_v no_o extraordinary_a wit_n as_o be_v pretend_v and_o they_o that_o think_v to_o excuse_v their_o infidelity_n or_o neutrality_n by_o the_o grecanick_n postulatum_fw-la seem_v not_o to_o i_o to_o be_v much_o wise_a because_o they_o hanker_v after_o such_o proof_n as_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n will_v not_o admit_v and_o reject_v that_o that_o be_v most_o prope_a for_o the_o gospel_n we_o know_v contain_v matter_n of_o faith_n and_o these_o matter_n of_o faith_n especial_o those_o of_o they_o that_o be_v most_o except_v against_o be_v contain_v either_o in_o historical_a narration_n or_o doctrinal_a proposition_n the_o former_a have_v receive_v their_o be_v from_o free_a agent_n not_o from_o cause_n necessary_a or_o of_o their_o own_o nature_n determine_v to_o the_o do_v of_o that_o that_o be_v be_v believe_v can_v admit_v of_o strict_a and_o rigorous_a demonstration_n but_o be_v capable_a of_o proof_n only_o by_o testimony_n and_o this_o we_o have_v for_o matter_n mere_o historical_a in_o the_o gospel_n as_o full_o as_o for_o any_o other_o of_o the_o same_o or_o as_o i_o think_v of_o a_o far_o lesser_a distance_n for_o not_o only_o all_o christian_n of_o the_o remote_a region_n but_o jew_n and_o pagan_n heathen_n and_o infidel_n of_o all_o sort_n have_v receive_v they_o for_o true_a and_o confirm_v they_o 21_o unto_o we_o this_o be_v all_o the_o proof_n we_o either_o have_v or_o can_v reasonable_o desire_v of_o these_o thing_n because_o their_o nature_n will_v admit_v of_o no_o other_o and_o if_o they_o be_v not_o much_o less_o be_v the_o doctrinal_a proposition_n contain_v mere_a matter_n of_o divine_a faith_n capable_a of_o demonstration_n because_o they_o be_v a_o mystery_n concern_v god_n his_o nature_n essence_n or_o operation_n and_o one_o will_v think_v that_o man_n of_o wit_n and_o part_n shall_v not_o betray_v so_o much_o folly_n ignorance_n and_o want_v of_o learning_n as_o to_o expect_v philosophical_a demonstration_n for_o thing_n of_o that_o nature_n for_o such_o demonstration_n must_v be_v either_o à _fw-la priori_fw-la or_o à _fw-la posteriori_fw-la à _fw-la priori_fw-la it_o can_v be_v because_o that_o suppose_v cause_n precedent_n to_o the_o first_o viz._n god_n himself_o and_o so_o imply_v a_o contradiction_n nor_o can_v it_o be_v à _fw-la posteriori_fw-la because_o the_o gospel_n 26._o be_v the_o mystery_n which_o have_v be_v hide_v from_o age_n and_o from_o generation_n if_o it_o be_v not_o whence_o be_v it_o that_o all_o the_o learned_a as_o well_o as_o the_o vulgar_a among_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n be_v ignorant_a of_o it_o till_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n make_v it_o manife_v it_o seem_v therefore_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v a_o sort_n of_o supernatural_a doctrine_n which_o can_v possible_o be_v demonstrate_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o for_o that_o reason_n be_v there_o no_o other_o it_o be_v unreasonable_a to_o demand_v it_o and_o senseless_a to_o reject_v the_o gospel_n for_o lack_v of_o it_o such_o doctrine_n
argument_n into_o this_o form_n and_o the_o strength_n of_o it_o will_v be_v evident_a those_o who_o god_n employ_v to_o prophesy_v be_v fellow_n servant_n but_o you_o and_o your_o brethren_n the_o apostle_n as_o well_o as_o i_o god_n employ_v to_o prophesy_v therefore_o we_o be_v fellow-servant_n st._n john_n can_v make_v a_o doubt_n of_o nothing_o in_o this_o argument_n but_o the_o assumption_n whether_o he_o and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v send_v to_o prophesy_v yes_o say_v the_o angel_n that_o you_o be_v for_o the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n be_v the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n hereby_o to_o i_o it_o seem_v apparent_a that_o the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n here_o signify_v that_o which_o the_o apostle_n give_v unto_o he_o and_o will_v you_o know_v why_o this_o be_v call_v the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n not_o of_o the_o apostle_n concern_v he_o then_o observe_v that_o this_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n may_v be_v consider_v two_o way_n viz._n strictly_n or_o large_o if_o abstract_o or_o strict_o in_o itself_o than_o it_o be_v little_a or_o nothing_o else_o but_o the_o record_n they_o give_v of_o christ_n or_o the_o doctrine_n they_o teach_v concern_v he_o and_o this_o be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n because_o he_o be_v the_o principal_a thing_n it_o treat_v of_o but_o if_o it_o be_v consider_v large_o it_o comprehend_v not_o only_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n concern_v christ_n but_o also_o the_o strength_n power_n and_o authority_n whereby_o they_o teach_v it_o thus_o consider_v it_o be_v the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n not_o only_o because_o they_o give_v it_o to_o he_o but_o also_o because_o they_o receive_v it_o from_o he_o for_o he_o give_v they_o not_o only_o command_v 15._o to_o bear_v this_o witness_n of_o he_o i._n e._n to_o go_v into_o all_o the_o world_n and_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o every_o creature_n but_o also_o strength_n and_o power_n so_o to_o do_v for_o he_o first_o 45._o open_v their_o understand_n that_o they_o shall_v understand_v the_o scripture_n and_o afterward_o he_o endue_v they_o with_o power_n from_o on_o high_a by_o send_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o father_n i._n e._n the_o spirit_n upon_o they_o to_o lead_v they_o into_o all_o truth_n and_o enable_v they_o to_o speak_v it_o to_o all_o nation_n whatsoever_o and_o this_o be_v do_v so_o 6._o effectual_o as_o that_o man_n of_o every_o nation_n under_o heaven_n hear_v they_o speak_v in_o their_o own_o language_n and_o this_o sure_o in_o itself_o consider_v be_v no_o small_a matter_n of_o testimony_n to_o our_o jesus_n the_o apostle_n we_o know_v be_v ignorant_a and_o unlearned_a man_n that_o understand_v but_o little_a of_o scripture_n less_o of_o foreign_a language_n yet_o hereby_o on_o a_o sudden_a they_o be_v enable_v exquisite_o to_o understand_v the_o one_o and_o to_o speak_v the_o other_o of_o all_o sort_n and_o do_v it_o not_o surpass_v the_o power_n of_o nature_n to_o make_v so_o stupendous_a a_o change_n as_o this_o be_v what_o creature_n can_v make_v man_n wise_a holy_a and_o learned_a in_o a_o instant_n it_o be_v a_o work_n of_o wonder_n that_o fall_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o little_a less_o than_o omnipotent_a power_n and_o wisdom_n sure_o therefore_o the_o author_n of_o it_o be_v god_n and_o if_o so_o then_o jesus_n to_o who_o the_o apostle_n be_v thereby_o enable_v to_o give_v testimony_n be_v at_o least_o a_o man_n approve_v of_o he_o on_o that_o account_n therefore_o their_o doctrine_n or_o rather_o their_o preach_a or_o promulgation_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o it_o may_v well_o be_v call_v the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n and_o this_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n my_o text_n tell_v we_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n the_o truth_n and_o essence_n of_o prophecy_n say_v maimonides_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o influence_n from_o god_n by_o the_o mediation_n of_o the_o active_a intellect_n operate_n first_o upon_o the_o rational_a afterward_o 36._o on_o the_o imaginable_a faculty_n this_o definition_n be_v think_v somewhat_o too_o scanty_a and_o obscure_a to_o express_v the_o nature_n of_o prophecy_n in_o its_o full_a latitude_n it_o be_v therefore_o conceive_v that_o by_o a_o little_a alteration_n of_o its_o definition_n by_o another_o rabbi_n we_o may_v have_v a_o more_o adequate_a and_o clear_a conception_n of_o its_o nature_n viz._n that_o it_o be_v a_o influence_n from_o god_n upon_o the_o rational_a faculty_n either_o by_o the_o mediation_n of_o the_o fancy_n or_o otherwise_o and_o by_o this_o influence_n whether_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o a_o angel_n or_o otherwise_o a_o man_n attain_v to_o such_o knowledge_n as_o by_o his_o natural_a ability_n will_v be_v unattainable_a in_o these_o definition_n of_o prophecy_n we_o 2._o have_v nothing_o at_o present_a to_o observe_v but_o that_o wherein_o they_o both_o do_v agree_v namely_o the_o general_a nature_n of_o it_o which_o they_o make_v to_o consist_v in_o influence_n from_o god_n prophecy_n be_v not_o a_o ignis_fw-la fatuus_fw-la of_o a_o disturb_a fancy_n but_o a_o impression_n of_o divine_a light_n thence_o perhaps_o it_o be_v that_o in_o old_a time_n the_o prophet_n be_v call_v seer_n not_o because_o or_o at_o least_o not_o so_o proper_o because_o of_o their_o foresight_n of_o thing_n future_a as_o of_o their_o vision_n those_o image_n or_o appearance_n of_o thing_n as_o visible_a which_o by_o divine_a influence_n be_v represent_v on_o the_o stage_n of_o their_o fancy_n to_o the_o sight_n of_o their_o understanding_n and_o afterward_o the_o prophet_n be_v call_v man_n of_o god_n because_o god_n be_v please_v immediate_o to_o reveal_v himself_o loose_a unto_o they_o and_o so_o the_o word_n render_v prophet_n denote_v one_o that_o receive_v what_o he_o say_v from_o god_n it_o seem_v then_o that_o all_o prophecy_n true_o so_o call_v have_v its_o descent_n from_o above_o it_o be_v not_o of_o any_o private_a interpretation_n or_o rather_o of_o a_o man_n own_o start_n or_o suggestion_n for_o it_o come_v not_o by_o the_o will_n of_o man_n but_o holy_a man_n of_o god_n do_v thereby_o speak_v as_o they_o be_v move_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n we_o 2._o christian_n therefore_o believe_v the_o holy_a ghost_n speak_v by_o the_o prophet_n and_o that_o prophecy_n be_v a_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n for_o which_o cause_n no_o doubt_n it_o be_v that_o justin_n martyr_n entitle_v he_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n but_o when_o we_o consider_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n as_o in_o my_o text_n be_v affirm_v of_o the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n it_o seem_v most_o probable_a that_o it_o therein_o signify_v not_o his_o person_n but_o his_o gift_n not_o his_o essence_n or_o subsistence_n but_o a_o effect_v produce_v by_o he_o which_o be_v here_o call_v by_o his_o name_n thus_o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o sound_a mind_n the_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n and_o meckness_n the_o spirit_n of_o knowledge_n the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n signify_v effect_n work_n or_o gift_n which_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n produce_v in_o the_o soul_n of_o men._n so_o here_o in_o my_o text_n the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n by_o a_o ordinary_a metonymy_n of_o the_o cause_n for_o the_o effect_n be_v put_v for_o the_o gift_n or_o ability_n to_o prophesy_v which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n wrought_v in_o some_o of_o god_n minister_n this_o gift_n the_o angel_n have_v when_o he_o speak_v to_o st._n john_n and_o so_o say_v he_o have_v st._n john_n too_o and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o their_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n i._n e._n in_o the_o record_n they_o give_v of_o christ_n or_o in_o the_o promulgation_n of_o the_o doctrine_n they_o teach_v concern_v he_o from_o whence_o it_o apparent_o follow_v that_o the_o angel_n here_o speak_v and_o they_o be_v fellow-servant_n but_o it_o be_v not_o this_o their_o association_n with_o angel_n which_o i_o now_o intend_v to_o discourse_v of_o but_o the_o reason_n and_o cause_n of_o it_o viz._n their_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n it_o be_v we_o see_v here_o avouch_v by_o a_o angel_n that_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o promulgation_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v endue_v with_o the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n or_o in_o short_a that_o they_o be_v prophet_n and_o if_o they_o in_o their_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n be_v prophet_n much_o more_o be_v he_o himself_o by_o who_o spirit_n they_o give_v it_o to_o he_o a_o prophet_n all_o than_o that_o remain_v for_o i_o to_o do_v will_v be_v to_o prove_v that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v prophet_n hereof_o methinks_v none_o can_v doubt_v but_o those_o that_o be_v slow_a of_o heart_n to_o believe_v the_o holy_a scripture_n for_o therein_o we_o first_o find_v it_o foretold_v to_o the_o jew_n that_o 18._o god_n will_v raise_v they_o up_o a_o prophet_n from_o among_o their_o brethren_n like_v unto_o
moses_n which_o promise_v petrus_n galatinus_n 22._o prove_v the_o ancient_a jew_n themselves_o understand_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o mâ—ssiah_n and_o in_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n st._n peter_n affirm_v that_o our_o jesus_n be_v that_o prophet_n and_o christ_n himself_o give_v such_o evidence_n of_o it_o as_o that_o his_o disciple_n think_v he_o a_o prophet_n mighty_a 19_o in_o deed_n and_o word_n before_o god_n and_o all_o the_o people_n i._n e._n that_o god_n do_v demonstrate_v and_o the_o people_n do_v confess_v that_o he_o be_v a_o great_a prophet_n and_o that_o they_o do_v so_o be_v manifest_a for_o the_o jew_n themselves_o who_o heart_n be_v not_o subdue_v to_o his_o doctrine_n do_v yet_o believe_v that_o of_o a_o truth_n he_o be_v that_o prophet_n that_o shall_v 14._o come_v into_o the_o world_n the_o samaritan_n woman_n also_o perceive_v that_o he_o be_v a_o prophet_n and_o the_o man_n of_o samaria_n 19_o believe_v and_o know_v as_o much_o namely_o that_o indeed_o he_o be_v the_o christ_n the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n a_o part_n 2d_o of_o who_o office_n as_o they_o think_v be_v to_o tell_v they_o all_o thing_n and_o so_o to_o be_v a_o prophet_n and_o then_o for_o the_o apostle_n we_o do_v not_o only_o read_v that_o god_n by_o his_o spirit_n 10_o reveal_v thing_n unto_o they_o but_o moreover_o we_o find_v it_o record_v that_o he_o do_v it_o in_o this_o manner_n our_o bless_a lord_n jesus_n christ_n promise_v his_o disciple_n to_o send_v they_o a_o comforter_n and_o that_o when_o he_o the_o spirit_n of_o 13._o truth_n shall_v come_v he_o will_v guide_v they_o into_o all_o truth_n which_o it_o seem_v fell_a out_o according_o for_o when_o the_o day_n of_o pentecost_n be_v full_o come_v the_o apostle_n be_v all_o with_o one_o accord_n in_o one_o place_n and_o sudden_o there_o come_v a_o sound_n from_o heaven_n as_o of_o a_o rush_v mighty_a wind_n and_o it_o fill_v all_o the_o house_n where_o they_o be_v sit_v and_o there_o appear_v to_o they_o cleave_a tongue_n like_v as_o of_o fire_n and_o it_o sit_v upon_o each_o of_o they_o and_o they_o be_v all_o fill_v with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o begin_v to_o speak_v with_o other_o tongue_n etc._n as_o the_o spirit_n give_v they_o utterance_n nor_o do_v they_o then_o receive_v only_o the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n but_o that_o also_o of_o prophecy_n for_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n by_o the_o prophet_n joel_n that_o he_o will_v pour_v out_o his_o spirit_n upon_o all_o flesh_n and_o that_o their_o son_n 28._o and_o daughter_n shall_v prophesy_v etc._n etc._n the_o importance_n of_o which_o promise_n be_v that_o in_o the_o day_n a_o little_a before_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n there_o shall_v be_v so_o great_a and_o unusual_a a_o effusion_n of_o his_o spirit_n upon_o pâ—rsons_n of_o all_o sort_n as_o that_o those_o who_o be_v not_o bring_v up_o in_o the_o school_n of_o prophet_n shall_v yet_o be_v endue_v with_o the_o spirit_n or_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n this_o prediction_n of_o joel_n be_v fulfil_v in_o the_o apostle_n by_o the_o most_o auspicious_a descent_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n upon_o they_o for_o st._n peter_n affirm_v this_o be_v that_o 16._o which_o be_v speak_v by_o the_o prophet_n joel_n it_o seem_v then_o the_o mystery_n of_o christ_n which_o in_o other_o age_n be_v not_o make_v know_v unto_o the_o son_n of_o man_n as_o now_o it_o be_v be_v reveal_v unto_o his_o holy_a apostle_n and_o prophet_n by_o the_o spirit_n 5._o it_o be_v therefore_o manifest_a there_o can_v be_v no_o doubt_n make_v of_o our_o assertion_n if_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v think_v sufficient_a to_o prove_v it_o on_o this_o account_n i_o suppose_v it_o be_v that_o among_o those_o who_o believe_v the_o scripture_n it_o seem_v a_o hypothesis_n rather_o take_v for_o grant_v than_o otherwise_o prove_v by_o any_o but_o because_o our_o age_n be_v inquisitive_a and_o somewhat_o too_o apt_a to_o derogate_v from_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o sacred_a pandect_n because_o also_o since_o those_o part_n thereof_o which_o make_v mention_v of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n do_v drop_n from_o their_o mouth_n and_o pen_n to_o allege_v text_n from_o thence_o be_v but_o to_o produce_v their_o own_o testimony_n concern_v themselves_o and_o therefore_o whatever_o truth_n there_o may_v be_v there_o certain_o be_v but_o little_a force_n in_o that_o way_n of_o argue_v unless_o it_o be_v to_o those_o that_o already_o be_v well_o persuade_v of_o their_o authority_n for_o these_o reason_n i_o shall_v at_o present_a ascribe_v no_o more_o authority_n to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n than_o be_v usual_o give_v to_o other_o write_n far_o inferior_a and_o argue_v only_o from_o reason_n and_o testimony_n that_o can_v be_v suspect_v of_o partiality_n by_o the_o help_n thereof_o together_o with_o god_n blessing_n i_o doubt_v not_o to_o prove_v these_o five_o particular_n 1._o that_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o prophet_n be_v very_o agreeable_a to_o reason_n 2._o that_o there_o be_v prophet_n among_o the_o jew_n 3._o that_o for_o the_o trial_n of_o pretender_n to_o the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n they_o have_v certain_a rule_n note_n and_o sign_n whereby_o to_o judge_n of_o they_o 4._o that_n if_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v try_v thereby_o it_o will_v be_v find_v that_o they_o be_v prophet_n 5._o that_o this_o way_n of_o prove_v they_o be_v so_o be_v very_o sufficient_a and_o rational_a chap._n ii_o of_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o prophet_n and_o that_o there_o be_v prophet_n among_o the_o jew_n the_o notion_n of_o a_o prophet_n may_v certain_o best_o be_v learn_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o prophecy_n before_o define_v from_o which_o definition_n of_o prophecy_n we_o may_v gather_v this_o of_o a_o prophet_n viz._n that_o he_o be_v a_o person_n who_o by_o the_o influence_n of_o god_n upon_o his_o rational_a faculty_n do_v attain_v to_o such_o knowledge_n as_o by_o his_o natural_a ability_n will_v in_o one_o respect_n or_o other_o be_v unattainable_a in_o which_o description_n it_o concern_v we_o at_o present_a to_o observe_v only_o that_o it_o be_v not_o prediction_n but_o influence_n from_o god_n which_o constitute_v a_o prophet_n at_o least_o such_o a_o one_o as_o we_o be_v now_o speak_v of_o and_o that_o this_o be_v no_o new_a notion_n adapt_v to_o our_o present_a undertake_n be_v evident_a enough_o by_o the_o word_n of_o a_o late_a author_n who_o principle_n be_v think_v most_o unlucky_o of_o any_o to_o undermine_v such_o foundation_n as_o we_o be_v now_o lay_v yet_o he_o express_v himself_o in_o these_o word_n although_o there_o be_v many_o signification_n in_o scripture_n of_o the_o word_n prophet_n yet_o be_v that_o the_o most_o frequent_a in_o which_o it_o be_v take_v for_o he_o to_o who_o god_n speak_v immediate_o that_o which_o the_o prophet_n be_v to_o say_v from_o he_o to_o some_o other_o man_n or_o to_o the_o people_n god_n speak_v to_o man_n immediate_o he_o himself_o say_v be_v to_o be_v interpret_v 36._o that_o way_n whatsoever_o it_o be_v i_o suppose_v he_o mean_v without_o the_o ministry_n of_o man_n by_o which_o god_n make_v they_o to_o understand_v his_o will._n hereby_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o in_o his_o judgement_n as_o well_o as_o we_o a_o prophet_n be_v a_o person_n on_o who_o understanding_n god_n have_v immediate_a influence_n how_o else_o be_v it_o possible_a he_o shall_v make_v he_o immediate_o to_o understand_v his_o will_n and_o sure_o it_o can_v seem_v strange_a to_o any_o that_o there_o have_v or_o may_v have_v be_v such_o man_n in_o the_o world_n the_o power_n and_o wisdom_n of_o god_n together_o with_o the_o capacity_n of_o man_n soul_n be_v enough_o to_o remove_v all_o suspicion_n of_o its_o impossibility_n he_o that_o make_v the_o mind_n shall_v not_o he_o be_v able_a to_o teach_v man_n knowledge_n and_o he_o that_o be_v make_v on_o purpose_n to_o know_v god_n and_o give_v he_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o handiwork_n shall_v not_o he_o be_v think_v capable_a of_o learning_n from_o such_o a_o teacher_n there_o be_v therefore_o no_o show_n of_o reason_n to_o doubt_v the_o possibility_n of_o prophecy_n especial_o consider_v that_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n how_o wide_a soever_o their_o difference_n be_v in_o other_o matter_n do_v yet_o agree_v in_o this_o viz._n that_o there_o be_v or_o have_v be_v such_o prophet_n in_o the_o world_n this_o be_v so_o manifest_a and_o vulgar_o know_v to_o be_v the_o belief_n of_o christian_n jew_n and_o turk_n as_o that_o among_o all_o that_o have_v hear_v of_o christ_n moses_n or_o mahomet_n all_o necessity_n of_o prove_v it_o be_v perfect_o forestalled_n and_o that_o the_o heathen_n also_o be_v of_o the_o same_o opinion_n be_v evident_a by_o what_o they_o have_v report_v of_o some_o of_o their_o lawgiver_n viz._n
of_o any_o good_a after_o this_o life_n be_v end_v but_o the_o founder_n of_o our_o faith_n obtain_v a_o more_o excellent_a ministry_n in_o that_o they_o preach_v and_o make_v know_v a_o better_a covenant_n establish_v upon_o better_a promise_n for_o life_n and_o immortality_n be_v 10._o bring_v to_o light_n through_o the_o gospel_n they_o be_v thereby_o so_o clear_o reveal_v as_o that_o among_o those_o who_o believe_v that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o doubt_n of_o they_o as_o all_o the_o lesser_a river_n of_o the_o earth_n do_v at_o length_n empty_v themselves_o into_o the_o sea_n so_o all_o the_o other_o promise_v of_o the_o gospel_n although_o exceed_v great_a and_o precious_a yet_o do_v bend_v their_o course_n towards_o the_o ocean_n of_o immortal_a glory_n in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v even_o those_o that_o concern_v this_o life_n teach_v we_o to_o look_v beyond_o it_o we_o be_v indeed_o assure_v that_o all_o these_o thing_n shall_v be_v add_v to_o we_o but_o it_o be_v upon_o condition_n that_o we_o seek_v 33._o first_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n our_o temporal_a interest_n and_o eternal_a glory_n the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o the_o gospel_n have_v so_o twist_v together_o as_o we_o best_o mind_v the_o one_o by_o seek_v the_o other_o and_o indeed_o the_o gospel_n do_v strengthen_v our_o hope_n of_o salvation_n as_o well_o as_o raise_v they_o for_o it_o show_v we_o a_o inestimable_a price_n pay_v for_o it_o and_o assure_v we_o that_o if_o we_o be_v not_o want_v to_o ourselves_o we_o shall_v be_v raise_v up_o unto_o it_o and_o by_o eternal_a judgement_n bid_v to_o take_v possession_n of_o it_o and_o forasmuch_o as_o in_o this_o life_n we_o be_v at_o a_o distance_n from_o it_o the_o gospel_n have_v give_v we_o token_n and_o pledge_n to_o assure_v we_o of_o it_o to_o dom._n this_o end_n say_v st._n bernard_n be_v the_o sacrament_n ordain_v viz._n that_o the_o invisible_a grace_n of_o our_o lord_n may_v be_v assure_v by_o some_o visible_a sign_n unto_o we_o hence_o no_o doubt_n it_o be_v that_o one_o of_o the_o most_o ancient_a father_n call_v the_o eucharist_n the_o physic_n another_o the_o food_n of_o immortality_n coen_n because_o they_o think_v it_o apt_a to_o purge_v out_o despair_n and_o to_o cherish_v our_o hope_n of_o eternal_a life_n and_o what_o so_o good_a as_o life_n and_o what_o life_n so_o long_o as_o that_o that_o be_v eternal_a and_o what_o eternity_n so_o desirable_a as_o that_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o glory_n yet_o this_o have_v the_o gospel_n most_o clear_o reveal_v and_o firm_o promise_v to_o we_o and_o in_o order_n to_o the_o obtainment_n thereof_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n have_v give_v we_o far_o better_a rule_n than_o any_o among_o the_o jew_n for_o the_o guidance_n of_o our_o life_n and_o action_n beside_o the_o moral_a law_n moses_n we_o know_v require_v obedience_n to_o a_o great_a number_n of_o positive_a precept_n enjoin_v such_o thing_n as_o be_v not_o good_a in_o themselves_o but_o bare_o because_o they_o be_v command_v or_o else_o for_o some_o other_o reason_n whole_o extrinsic_a to_o moral_a goodness_n as_o we_o have_v already_o see_v by_o maimonides_n his_o account_n of_o the_o first_o end_n and_o intention_n the_o cause_n and_o reason_n of_o their_o law_n and_o these_o positive_a 39_o precept_n be_v so_o exceed_o burdensome_a and_o uneasy_a as_o that_o st._n peter_n call_v they_o a_o yoke_n which_o neither_o 10._o our_o father_n nor_o we_o be_v able_a to_o bear_v let_v not_o the_o jew_n be_v offend_v that_o one_o of_o our_o apostle_n give_v their_o law_n no_o better_a language_n for_o a_o learned_a rabbi_n of_o their_o own_o have_v say_v as_o much_o or_o more_o viz._n that_o the_o write_a law_n which_o god_n give_v to_o moses_n and_o moses_n to_o the_o israelite_n from_o mount_n sinai_n be_v both_o obscure_a and_o difficult_a first_o because_o it_o speak_v contradiction_n and_o second_o because_o it_o be_v imperfect_a it_o be_v well_o he_o be_v a_o jew_n and_o a_o 1._o rabbi_n too_o have_v he_o be_v a_o christian_n it_o be_v like_a they_o will_v have_v accuse_v he_o of_o blasphemy_n and_o perhaps_o just_o for_o what_o great_a disparagement_n can_v easy_o be_v cast_v upon_o divine_a wisdom_n than_o to_o say_v it_o speak_v contradiction_n to_o that_o therefore_o we_o can_v assent_v but_o to_o the_o imperfection_n of_o the_o law_n we_o may_v because_o a_o man_n of_o a_o more_o excellent_a spirit_n than_o he_o have_v 7._o teach_v we_o that_o it_o can_v never_o make_v the_o comer_n thereunto_o 9_o perfect_a yea_o that_o it_o make_v nothing_o perfect_a but_o also_o because_o the_o jew_n themselves_o insinuate_v as_o much_o by_o their_o zeal_n for_o tradition_n all_o which_o derive_v their_o authority_n from_o that_o one_o beforementioned_a viz._n the_o pretend_a exposition_n which_o they_o say_v god_n give_v of_o his_o law_n to_o moses_n that_o from_o he_o by_o oral_a tradition_n it_o may_v be_v transmit_v to_o posterity_n the_o pretence_n of_o this_o fictitious_a exposition_n be_v found_v in_o necessity_n and_o this_o necessity_n in_o the_o obscurity_n and_o imperfection_n of_o the_o law_n without_o it_o which_o they_o say_v be_v so_o great_a as_o that_o without_o the_o oral_a law_n the_o whole_a write_a law_n will_v be_v in_o the_o dark_a for_o many_o thing_n they_o tell_v we_o there_o be_v in_o the_o scripture_n so_o repugnant_a each_o to_o other_o as_o that_o we_o can_v neither_o depend_v upon_o or_o reconcile_v 1._o they_o without_o the_o oral_a law_n which_o moses_n receive_v from_o sinai_n it_o seem_v then_o for_o the_o guidance_n of_o their_o life_n and_o action_n the_o jew_n have_v a_o vast_a number_n of_o external_n direction_n for_o as_o be_v before_o observe_v the_o precept_n of_o the_o write_a law_n be_v no_o few_o than_o 613._o concern_v each_o one_o whereof_o as_o to_o the_o manner_n of_o its_o performance_n &c._n &c._n it_o be_v not_o unlikely_a that_o their_o pretend_a exposition_n contain_v divers_a particular_a canon_n and_o so_o it_o seem_v it_o do_v for_o they_o say_v that_o moses_n in_o his_o sorrow_n utter_o forget_v no_o less_o than_o three_o thousand_o of_o 13._o these_o constitution_n but_o afterward_o othniel_n the_o son_n of_o kenaz_n by_o the_o sharpness_n of_o his_o wit_n retrieve_v seventeen_o hundred_o of_o they_o and_o these_o all_o and_o it_o may_v be_v as_o many_o more_o be_v no_o less_o to_o be_v regard_v than_o the_o write_a law_n itself_o because_o as_o they_o say_v of_o equal_a authority_n therewith_o be_v it_o not_o then_o a_o uneasy_a yoke_n and_o a_o heavy_a burden_n that_o they_o live_v under_o how_o can_v it_o be_v other_o for_o it_o be_v as_o hard_o to_o learn_v and_o remember_v their_o rule_n of_o live_v as_o it_o be_v to_o live_v by_o the_o essential_a rule_n of_o holiness_n and_o yet_o when_o they_o have_v do_v all_o they_o do_v but_o escape_v the_o vice_n especial_o the_o idolatry_n of_o the_o gentile_n or_o at_o best_o prepare_v themselves_o for_o some_o high_a enjoyment_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o messiah_n for_o the_o law_n be_v a_o schoolmaster_n to_o bâ—ing_a man_n 24_o to_o christ_n church_n and_o kingdom_n as_o well_o as_o man_n have_v their_o distinct_a age_n that_o of_o the_o jew_n under_o the_o law_n be_v but_o a_o sort_n of_o childhood_n a_o time_n of_o minority_n to_o this_o imperfect_a state_n the_o temporary_a or_o imperfect_a authority_n of_o a_o schoolmaster_n or_o guardian_n be_v most_o fit_o proportion_v this_o office_n the_o law_n do_v they_o for_o it_o restrain_v they_o from_o the_o more_o grievous_a vice_n of_o the_o gentile_n and_o give_v they_o some_o little_a knowledge_n of_o christ_n and_o by_o so_o do_v it_o do_v prepare_v they_o for_o his_o sublime_a truth_n and_o more_o elevate_a rule_n of_o holy_a live_n which_o be_v chief_o comprise_v in_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n according_a to_o his_o interpretation_n of_o it_o the_o excellency_n of_o which_o law_n appear_v by_o the_o matter_n about_o which_o it_o be_v conversant_a viz._n those_o thing_n which_o be_v good_a or_o evil_a in_o themselves_o namely_o those_o wherein_o the_o image_n of_o god_n do_v consist_v and_o those_o that_o be_v repugnant_a to_o it_o since_o therefore_o god_n make_v man_n after_o his_o own_o image_n there_o can_v be_v no_o law_n so_o excellent_a as_o this_o in_o respect_n either_o of_o its_o agreeableness_n to_o the_o reason_n of_o man_n or_o its_o subservience_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n what_o so_o rational_a as_o to_o preserve_v the_o glory_n of_o our_o nature_n viz._n the_o image_n of_o god_n in_o we_o and_o how_o can_v we_o glorify_v god_n so_o much_o as_o by_o strenuous_a endeavour_n to_o resemble_v he_o thou_o shall_v not_o honour_n god_n say_v hierocles_n by_o give_v any_o thing_n unto_o
endanger_v so_o great_a a_o loss_n for_o so_o small_a pleasure_n or_o profit_n as_o seem_v to_o be_v have_v thereby_o for_o in_o the_o tract_n but_o now_o mention_v we_o find_v that_o those_o only_o of_o the_o israelite_n who_o deny_v the_o resurrection_n or_o the_o descent_n of_o their_o law_n from_o god_n or_o the_o be_v of_o a_o deity_n or_o those_o that_o read_v heretical_a book_n or_o pretend_v to_o cure_v disease_n by_o enchantment_n or_o expound_v the_o name_n jehovah_n 24._o in_o the_o vulgar_a language_n these_o i_o say_v and_o these_o only_a of_o all_o the_o israelite_n shall_v be_v exclude_v from_o eternal_a life_n and_o be_v not_o the_o people_n very_o much_o oblige_v to_o their_o rabbi_n for_o remove_v the_o cherubim_n and_o flame_a sword_n which_o keep_v the_o way_n of_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n against_o all_o other_o unhallowed_a sinner_n yes_o very_o that_o they_o be_v especial_o consider_v that_o if_o any_o of_o they_o be_v so_o ill-advised_n as_o to_o hazard_v this_o their_o right_n to_o heaven_n yet_o have_v they_o no_o cause_n to_o despair_v of_o its_o recovery_n for_o either_o by_o repentance_n in_o this_o life_n or_o by_o a_o twelve_o month_n penance_n in_o purgatory_n and_o the_o prayer_n of_o survivor_n the_o exemption_n sup_v may_v be_v take_v â—ff_n and_o they_o recover_v their_o portion_n in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v and_o what_o more_o likely_a than_o these_o tradition_n to_o evacuate_v the_o commandment_n when_o a_o rewaâ—d_n be_v sâ—â—ured_v to_o all_o who_o will_v work_v when_o eternal_a happiness_n be_v entail_v upon_o all_o who_o will_v regard_v the_o necessity_n of_o holiness_n or_o take_v care_n to_o follow_v it_o it_o be_v true_a indeed_o antigonus_n socensis_n forbid_v his_o disciple_n to_o serve_v god_n on_o condition_n of_o receive_v reward_n and_o require_v they_o to_o do_v it_o without_o any_o such_o expectation_n it_o be_v also_o true_a that_o for_o this_o he_o be_v applaud_v by_o divers_a of_o their_o seraphic_a rabbi_n yet_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o be_v fatal_a to_o the_o truth_n in_o some_o and_o of_o no_o force_n on_o the_o practice_n of_o most_o of_o the_o jew_n and_o for_o that_o reason_n divers_a of_o their_o wise_a man_n that_o like_v his_o opinion_n yet_o blame_v the_o publication_n of_o it_o they_o therefore_o think_v it_o better_a to_o permit_v the_o vulgar_a to_o enjoy_v their_o opinion_n that_o good_a be_v to_o be_v do_v for_o hope_n of_o a_o reward_n and_o evil_a to_o be_v câ—eâ—â—â—_n eschew_v for_o fear_n of_o punishment_n but_o since_o they_o be_v assure_v of_o a_o portion_n in_o heaven_n they_o have_v not_o much_o reason_n to_o fear_v the_o torment_n of_o hell_n for_o if_o their_o tradition_n be_v true_a it_o be_v a_o very_a easy_a matter_n for_o they_o to_o keep_v the_o law_n the_o precept_n whereof_o they_o distinguish_v into_o two_o sort_n whereof_o they_o call_v the_o one_o command_v the_o other_o pâ—â—hibitions_n the_o command_v they_o say_v aâ—e_v two_o hundrâ—d_o forty_o eight_o just_o so_o many_o as_o according_a to_o the_o anatomy_n of_o the_o rabbi_n there_o be_v member_n in_o a_o man_n body_n but_o the_o prohibition_n be_v three_o hundred_o sixty_o five_o viz._n as_o many_o as_o there_o be_v day_n in_o the_o year_n or_o as_o they_o say_v there_o be_v vein_n in_o the_o body_n of_o a_o man_n and_o therefore_o say_v thâ—y_n if_o any_o one_o member_n of_o a_o man_n body_n do_v every_o day_n fulfil_v one_o of_o the_o command_n and_o omit_v one_o of_o the_o thing_n prohibit_v it_o will_v thence_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o not_o only_o the_o decalogue_n but_o the_o whole_a law_n of_o moses_n shall_v be_v by_o they_o most_o excellent_o keep_v every_o year_n throughout_o all_o age_n though_o perhaps_o we_o christian_n ibid._n may_v laugh_v at_o and_o despise_v this_o their_o obedience_n yet_o it_o seem_v they_o thereby_o do_v supererrogate_v as_o well_o as_o obey_v for_o abravanel_n assure_v we_o it_o be_v a_o approve_a opinion_n of_o their_o wise_a man_n that_o whosoever_o of_o the_o israelite_n do_v any_o one_o precept_n of_o the_o law_n which_o be_v in_o his_o power_n he_o shall_v thereby_o merit_v the_o chief_a reward_n i._n e._n the_o life_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v sup_v and_o what_o more_o apt_a than_o such_o a_o persuasion_n to_o make_v man_n partial_a and_o languid_a in_o the_o practice_n of_o moral_a virtue_n and_o so_o indeed_o we_o find_v they_o for_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o most_o devout_a and_o strict_a sect_n among_o they_o do_v either_o degenerate_a into_o formality_n or_o else_o evaporate_v in_o hypocrisy_n it_o be_v dry_a and_o sapless_a dead_a and_o lifeless_a a_o mere_a contexture_n of_o ceremony_n and_o external_n performance_n a_o sceleton_n or_o at_o best_o but_o a_o carcase_n without_o any_o heat_n or_o life_n of_o divine_a love_n in_o it_o a_o form_n of_o godliness_n without_o the_o power_n a_o show_n of_o piety_n a_o device_n to_o seem_v religious_a without_o be_v so_o a_o mere_a bodily_a kind_n of_o drudgery_n and_o servility_n yet_o be_v they_o as_o confident_a of_o its_o goodness_n and_o as_o fond_o proud_a of_o the_o advantage_n they_o think_v they_o have_v thereby_o as_o if_o in_o very_a deed_n it_o have_v bâ—en_n that_o which_o be_v require_v by_o god_n and_o confirm_v by_o miracle_n support_v by_o prophet_n and_o profess_a by_o their_o forefather_n throughout_o all_o precede_a generation_n and_o so_o obstinate_o do_v they_o adhere_v to_o it_o as_o that_o the_o severe_a calamity_n of_o war_n can_v not_o make_v they_o cease_v from_o it_o for_o josephus_n report_v that_o when_o pompey_n be_v get_v into_o their_o city_n and_o aristobulus_n his_o faction_n have_v take_v sanctuary_n in_o the_o temple_n with_o a_o resolution_n to_o defend_v it_o they_o will_v not_o oppose_v his_o raise_n of_o bulwark_n or_o tower_n or_o plant_v his_o engine_n against_o it_o on_o the_o sabbath_n day_n because_o as_o they_o think_v their_o law_n allow_v they_o not_o to_o resist_v a_o enemy_n upon_o the_o sabbath_n day_n unless_o he_o be_v actual_o â—â—ghting_v against_o they_o the_o most_o imminent_a and_o threaten_a preparation_n for_o war_n be_v not_o in_o their_o judgement_n sufficient_a to_o warrant_v their_o work_n or_o act_n of_o hostility_n on_o that_o day_n yea_o such_o be_v their_o zeal_n for_o their_o traditionary_a religion_n as_o that_o when_o the_o roman_n have_v take_v the_o temple_n and_o be_v kill_v whosoever_o they_o meet_v therein_o yet_o it_o be_v one_o of_o their_o day_n of_o fast_v survivor_n will_v not_o desist_v from_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o neither_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n nor_o the_o dreadful_a fight_n of_o dead_a and_o die_a multitude_n can_v affright_v they_o from_o act_n of_o divine_a worship_n but_o judge_v it_o better_a to_o die_v than_o to_o forsake_v their_o altar_n or_o omit_v any_o thing_n prescribe_v by_o their_o law_n they_o be_v ready_a to_o suffer_v 8._o whatever_o the_o conqueror_n think_v fit_a to_o inflict_v and_o again_o 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gentle_o suggest_v it_o as_o appear_v yet_o more_o probable_a by_o the_o explication_n their_o gemara_n giuâ—s_v of_o epicure_n viz._n that_o they_o be_v those_o who_o contemn_v the_o disciple_n of_o their_o wise_a man_n and_o for_o that_o cause_n if_o they_o be_v israelites_n they_o shall_v lose_v their_o portion_n in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v 24._o what_o then_o think_v you_o think_v they_o of_o those_o who_o have_v the_o courage_n to_o cast_v contempt_n on_o the_o dogmata_fw-la and_o tradition_n of_o the_o wise_a man_n themselves_o be_v they_o not_o look_v on_o as_o blasphemer_n oâ—_n god_n and_o enemy_n to_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n yes_o doubtless_o that_o they_o be_v for_o since_o the_o jew_n be_v thorough_o instruct_v not_o only_o to_o attribute_v a_o divine_a original_a and_o authority_n to_o the_o tradition_n of_o their_o elder_n but_o also_o to_o believe_v that_o
it_o be_v a_o more_o heinous_a sin_n to_o transgress_v they_o than_o the_o write_a law_n yea_o that_o whosoever_o dissent_v from_o his_o teacher_n do_v as_o much_o as_o if_o he_o dissent_v from_o the_o divine_a majesty_n and_o sin_v against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o for_o that_o cause_n be_v guilty_a of_o death_n viz._n by_o the_o scourge_n of_o rebellion_n 4._o which_o be_v a_o sort_n of_o punishment_n by_o cudgel_n inflict_v for_o the_o breach_n and_o contempt_n of_o tradition_n since_o i_o say_v they_o have_v these_o and_o many_o other_o such_o prodigious_o wicked_a and_o cruel_a invention_n to_o uphold_v the_o authority_n of_o their_o tradition_n and_o dictatorship_n it_o be_v no_o marvel_n if_o they_o proceed_v against_o those_o that_o speak_v light_o of_o they_o as_o if_o malice_n be_v the_o fit_a affection_n vengeance_n and_o cruelty_n the_o best_a behaviour_n towards_o they_o yet_o evident_a it_o be_v that_o christ_n do_v not_o spare_v they_o but_o as_o the_o prophet_n of_o old_a so_o do_v he_o detect_v the_o hypocrisy_n and_o sharp_o reprove_v the_o fault_n of_o their_o elder_n he_o do_v demonstrate_v the_o vanity_n of_o their_o righteousness_n and_o expose_v the_o cunning_a wickedness_n of_o their_o tradition_n he_o discover_v the_o impiety_n of_o their_o magisterial_a dictate_v and_o free_o unfold_v the_o mystery_n of_o their_o iniquity_n he_o pull_v off_o the_o guild_v and_o paint_v of_o their_o seem_a devotion_n and_o uncovered_v the_o rottenness_n and_o putrefaction_n of_o their_o heart_n he_o despise_v the_o pageant_n of_o a_o pompous_a formality_n and_o set_v at_o naught_o the_o ceremony_n of_o their_o external_n performance_n without_o inward_a and_o real_a goodness_n though_o the_o people_n do_v rage_n and_o the_o ruler_n take_v council_n together_o against_o he_o yet_o he_o do_v constant_o affirm_v that_o god_n have_v send_v he_o and_o as_o the_o prophet_n before_o he_o so_o do_v he_o undaunted_o show_v the_o people_n their_o transgression_n and_o the_o house_n of_o jacob_n their_o sin_n and_o in_o so_o do_v he_o strive_v to_o retrieve_v the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n to_o rescue_v they_o from_o false_a gloss_n and_o misconstruction_n to_o discover_v the_o insufficiency_n of_o tradition_n and_o pharisaical_a righteousness_n to_o inculcate_v the_o necessity_n of_o morality_n and_o so_o to_o reduce_v the_o jew_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o piety_n in_o all_o holiness_n of_o live_v and_o fervour_n of_o divine_a worship_n in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n without_o their_o numerous_a ceremony_n or_o at_o least_o their_o mighty_a confidence_n in_o their_o privilege_n and_o performance_n which_o both_o he_o and_o his_o apostle_n teach_v they_o to_o place_n in_o our_o lord_n jesus_n a_o stumble_a block_n and_o rock_n of_o offence_n unto_o they_o and_o be_v not_o this_o a_o great_a and_o strange_a undertake_n such_o as_o loud_o speak_v the_o greatness_n of_o their_o mind_n and_o the_o bravery_n of_o their_o courage_n which_o be_v not_o in_o the_o least_o abate_v but_o rather_o increase_v by_o opposition_n in_o their_o life_n it_o do_v assist_v they_o to_o bear_v all_o sort_n of_o affliction_n and_o to_o endure_v the_o rude_a contradiction_n of_o sinner_n against_o they_o and_o at_o their_o death_n it_o do_v not_o forsake_v they_o for_o though_o after_o some_o solemn_a mockery_n of_o justice_n enough_o to_o move_v one_o indignation_n they_o be_v cruel_o murder_v and_o barbarous_o butcher_v yet_o their_o patience_n and_o charity_n those_o true_a sign_n of_o magnanimity_n in_o suffering_n be_v conspicuous_a and_o admirable_a insomuch_o that_o they_o only_o of_o all_o teacher_n may_v be_v compare_v with_o the_o prophet_n or_o rather_o prefer_v before_o they_o for_o fortitude_n whereof_o also_o the_o apostle_n give_v abundant_a evidence_n among_o the_o gentile_n who_o they_o find_v dead_a in_o trespass_n and_o sin_n prone_a to_o nothing_o so_o much_o as_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n the_o lust_n of_o the_o eye_n 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religion_n for_o in_o their_o festival_n and_o solemn_a ceremony_n of_o divine_a worship_n all_o manner_n of_o vice_n and_o wickedness_n be_v appoint_v to_o be_v commit_v such_o filthiness_n as_o the_o most_o salacious_a will_v almost_o blush_v at_o in_o a_o closet_n be_v commit_v sac._n in_o open_a pomp_n and_o ostentation_n insomuch_o that_o almost_o all_o the_o sacred_a game_n but_o especial_o the_o bacchanal_n be_v as_o one_o call_v they_o the_o cause_n and_o seed-plot_n of_o the_o great_a wickedness_n if_o the_o 19_o ethiopian_a may_v change_v his_o skin_n and_o the_o leopard_n his_o as_o soon_o as_o those_o do_v good_a who_o be_v accustom_v 23._o to_o do_v evil_a although_o their_o religion_n teach_v they_o to_o do_v the_o one_o and_o eschew_v the_o other_o how_o hard_o be_v it_o for_o those_o to_o do_v good_a who_o have_v be_v not_o only_o accustom_v but_o teach_v to_o do_v evil_a and_o that_o under_o pain_n of_o transgression_n against_o conscience_n or_o at_o least_o the_o law_n and_o custom_n of_o their_o country_n if_o they_o omit_v it_o especial_o consider_v their_o most_o wicked_a and_o filthy_a practice_n can_v plead_v prescription_n in_o the_o example_n of_o their_o forefather_n and_o noble_a hero_n yea_o also_o it_o have_v the_o power_n and_o policy_n the_o stratagem_n and_o device_n of_o the_o devil_n the_o cunning_a guile_n and_o craft_n of_o his_o agent_n the_o force_n and_o authority_n of_o civil_a power_n to_o countenance_n and_o uphold_v it_o in_o despite_n of_o all_o opposition_n be_v it_o not_o then_o a_o hard_a thing_n for_o any_o much_o more_o for_o a_o few_o private_a man_n and_o stranger_n such_o as_o the_o apostle_n to_o turn_v they_o from_o darkness_n unto_o light_n from_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n unto_o god_n yet_o they_o undertake_v to_o do_v it_o and_o pursue_v it_o all_o their_o day_n although_o they_o very_o well_o know_v that_o not_o only_a labour_n travel_n and_o hardship_n of_o divers_a kind_n but_o also_o bond_n and_o affliction_n of_o all_o sort_n and_o degree_n stripe_n and_o imprisonment_n yea_o and_o death_n itself_o will_v abide_v they_o in_o so_o do_v yet_o none_o of_o these_o thing_n can_v trouble_v their_o mind_n nor_o discourage_v their_o attempt_n nothing_o can_v make_v they_o retract_v their_o resolution_n or_o abate_v their_o endeavour_n as_o they_o be_v able_a to_o promote_v it_o which_o to_o i_o seem_v a_o demonstration_n of_o prophetic_a fortitude_n viz._n that_o that_o same_o courage_n and_o magnanimity_n whereby_o the_o prophet_n be_v act_v in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o office_n do_v assist_v they_o in_o promulgate_a the_o gospel_n of_o the_o prophetic_a riches_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n sect._n 4._o and_o as_o in_o wisdom_n and_o fortitude_n so_o also_o in_o the_o riches_n of_o the_o prophet_n i_o e._n in_o all_o moral_a virtue_n but_o especial_o contentment_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v equal_a yea_o superior_n unto_o they_o hereof_o we_o need_v no_o other_o demonstration_n than_o the_o design_a end_n of_o their_o doctrine_n which_o as_o we_o before_o see_v be_v the_o promotion_n and_o establishment_n of_o the_o most_o elevate_v virtue_n and_o immaculate_a purity_n but_o if_o any_o far_a proof_n of_o it_o be_v desire_v we_o may_v find_v it_o in_o st._n paul_n by_o who_o we_o learn_v that_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o bring_v salvation_n which_o word_n be_v but_o a_o periphrasis_n of_o the_o gospel_n teach_v we_o that_o deny_v all_o ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n we_o shall_v live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n 12._o to_o this_o end_n both_o the_o precept_n and_o institution_n the_o promise_n and_o the_o threat_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v so_o extraordinary_a subservient_fw-fr as_o that_o they_o loud_o speak_v the_o holiness_n as_o well_o as_o wisdom_n of_o its_o first_o teacher_n it_o be_v no_o way_n probable_a that_o lover_n of_o vice_n shall_v so_o
degenerate_a from_o all_o virtue_n as_o to_o put_v no_o brand_n of_o infamy_n upon_o vice_n for_o of_o all_o the_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n there_o be_v hardly_o any_o but_o that_o shameful_a at_o least_o not_o so_o apt_a to_o blast_v the_o reputation_n of_o man_n and_o lessen_v their_o credit_n among_o other_o be_v it_o then_o likely_a the_o apostle_n can_v have_v draw_v the_o world_n after_o they_o by_o their_o doctrine_n if_o they_o have_v be_v stain_v with_o moral_a vice_n in_o their_o practice_n be_v the_o world_n so_o weary_a of_o its_o old_a religion_n as_o to_o change_v it_o for_o a_o new_a one_o teach_v they_o by_o a_o few_o person_n that_o have_v neither_o any_o authority_n from_o man_n to_o oblige_v they_o nor_o eloquence_n to_o allure_v they_o and_o withal_o be_v so_o inconsistent_a with_o themselves_o as_o that_o their_o life_n give_v their_o mouth_n the_o lie_n there_o be_v nothing_o more_o unlikely_a it_o be_v therefore_o beyond_o a_o probability_n that_o the_o apostle_n be_v burn_v and_o shine_a light_n in_o their_o life_n as_o well_o as_o doctrine_n hereof_o methinks_v the_o silence_n of_o their_o adversary_n give_v occasion_n of_o confidence_n for_o the_o heathen_n exclaim_v against_o the_o christian_n as_o their_o common_a enemy_n that_o have_v a_o design_n to_o shake_v and_o unsettle_v all_o thing_n both_o sacred_a and_o civil_a and_o to_o use_v their_o own_o language_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d all_o common_a calamity_n they_o account_v demet_n effect_n of_o the_o god_n anger_n because_o of_o they_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o be_v because_o they_o believe_v in_o christ_n who_o come_v have_v almost_o drive_v the_o rabble_n of_o their_o god_n out_o of_o the_o world_n nor_o be_v that_o all_o but_o they_o affirm_v their_o doctrine_n be_v apt_a to_o extinguish_v all_o humanity_n and_o to_o introduce_v the_o gross_a barbarity_n that_o can_v be_v and_o be_v it_o not_o remarkable_a that_o among_o all_o this_o a_o great_a deal_n more_o filth_n which_o they_o scrape_v together_o against_o christianity_n they_o can_v find_v no_o dirt_n to_o cast_v at_o the_o apostle_n yet_o sure_o so_o it_o be_v for_o it_o be_v hard_a to_o find_v any_o of_o the_o gentile_n charge_v they_o with_o any_o immorality_n except_o such_o as_o shameful_o beg_v the_o question_n or_o betray_v the_o slanderous_a humour_n of_o the_o accuser_n thus_o hierocles_n if_o it_o be_v he_o of_o who_o lactantius_n say_v he_o rail_v against_o the_o disciple_n especial_o st._n paul_n and_o peter_n as_o sower_n of_o 2._o deceit_n who_o also_o porphyrius_n slander_v as_o if_o they_o contend_v each_o against_o other_o in_o a_o childish_a manner_n yea_o that_o paul_n grow_v hot_a with_o envy_n at_o peter_n virtue_n and_o write_v those_o thing_n vainglorious_o which_o he_o either_o never_o do_v or_o if_o he_o do_v it_o be_v saucy_o do_v of_o he_o and_o all_o this_o he_o gather_v no_o man_n know_v 11._o how_o from_o st._n paul_n withstand_v st._n peter_n to_o his_o face_n but_o this_o be_v so_o frivolous_a and_o withal_o so_o groundless_a a_o accusation_n as_o that_o it_o loud_o speak_v the_o author_n malice_n and_o the_o apostle_n innocence_n in_o their_o case_n such_o accusation_n of_o adversary_n be_v much_o more_o demonstrative_a than_o the_o testimony_n of_o friend_n that_o they_o be_v holy_a and_o if_o they_o be_v holy_a in_o their_o life_n then_o certain_o they_o be_v content_v with_o their_o present_a portion_n they_o be_v so_o far_o satisfy_v with_o what_o the_o time_n present_a do_v afford_v they_o as_o that_o they_o do_v not_o sinful_o grieve_v at_o or_o labour_n after_o what_o it_o deny_v they_o for_o contentment_n be_v at_o least_o a_o integral_n if_o not_o a_o essential_a part_n of_o holiness_n if_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v holy_a yet_o not_o entire_o so_o without_o contentment_n you_o lose_v a_o limb_n if_o not_o the_o life_n of_o holiness_n without_o it_o since_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n be_v eminent_o holy_a it_o be_v more_o than_o probable_a that_o they_o be_v also_o content_v which_o likewise_o lactantius_n prove_v not_o by_o consequence_n from_o their_o holiness_n but_o by_o the_o cohererence_n of_o their_o doctrine_n such_o say_v he_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o lie_n as_o that_o they_o can_v agree_v but_o the_o tradition_n or_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n because_o it_o be_v true_a quadrate_v on_o every_o side_n and_o agree_v with_o itself_o in_o all_o thing_n and_o therefore_o it_o persuade_v because_o it_o be_v stay_v up_o with_o constant_a reason_n they_o do_v not_o therefore_o devise_v this_o religion_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o gain_n or_o any_o earthly_a convenience_n for_o both_o in_o their_o precept_n and_o their_o practice_n they_o lead_v such_o a_o life_n as_o be_v void_a of_o pleasure_n and_o despise_a profit_n they_o do_v not_o only_o die_v for_o the_o faith_n but_o they_o also_o both_o know_v and_o foretell_v that_o so_o they_o shall_v yea_o also_o that_o whosoever_o will_v live_v godly_a in_o christ_n jesus_n must_v suffer_v persecution_n yet_o evident_a it_o be_v by_o their_o enterprise_n 3._o use_v travail_n that_o they_o forsake_v their_o house_n and_o habitation_n their_o estate_n and_o calling_n their_o kindred_n and_o relation_n and_o whatsoever_o else_o have_v a_o subservience_n to_o wealth_n pleasure_n or_o honour_n in_o the_o world_n and_o rely_v whole_o upon_o the_o immediate_a provision_n of_o providence_n think_v you_o then_o that_o they_o do_v hunger_n after_o riches_n or_o thirst_n after_o pleasure_n it_o be_v evident_a they_o do_v not_o and_o therefore_o they_o be_v content_v with_o their_o present_a portion_n of_o earthly_a enjoyment_n and_o so_o be_v rich_a in_o the_o sense_n before_o mention_v thus_o have_v we_o pass_v through_o the_o prerequisites_n to_o prophecy_n or_o rather_o the_o concomitant_a attendant_n on_o it_o and_o have_v find_v that_o in_o respect_n of_o they_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n as_o well_o as_o the_o forego_n prophet_n be_v wise_a strong_a and_o rich_a i_o e._n endow_v with_o all_o those_o intellectual_a and_o moral_a virtue_n which_o the_o jew_n think_v needful_a to_o expect_v in_o their_o prophet_n the_o force_n hereof_o to_o prove_v that_o they_o also_o be_v such_o i_o reserve_v for_o another_o place_n where_o god_n will_v i_o shall_v join_v it_o with_o that_o of_o the_o more_o demonstrative_a evidence_n of_o their_o prophetic_a spirit_n and_o this_o be_v it_o that_o come_v next_o to_o be_v consider_v sect._n 5._o of_o the_o prediction_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n it_o be_v before_o observe_v that_o the_o evidence_n of_o a_o prophetic_a spirit_n which_o the_o jew_n esteem_v certain_a and_o demonstrative_a be_v twofold_a viz._n either_o ordinary_a or_o extraordinary_a each_o one_o evacuate_v the_o necessity_n of_o the_o other_o for_o when_o divine_a providence_n afford_v the_o ordinary_a mark_n of_o prophecy_n the_o jew_n have_v no_o more_o need_n of_o extraordinary_a than_o elijah_n have_v the_o raven_n shall_v feed_v he_o while_o he_o sit_v at_o his_o own_o table_n in_o gilead_n and_o when_o man_n make_v proof_n of_o the_o prophetic_a spirit_n in_o they_o by_o the_o extraordinary_a sign_n of_o it_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o ordinary_a be_v as_o eminent_o supersede_v as_o the_o same_o prophet_n want_n of_o his_o ordinary_a provision_n be_v by_o the_o extraordinary_a supply_n thereof_o at_o the_o brook_n cherith_n since_o therefore_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n do_v abundant_o demonstrate_v their_o mission_n from_o god_n by_o extraordinary_a proof_n of_o it_o as_o we_o shall_v see_v hereafter_o there_o certain_o be_v the_o less_o need_n of_o the_o ordinary_a but_o god_n will_v more_o abundant_o to_o show_v to_o the_o heir_n of_o his_o promise_n the_o unquestionable_a certainty_n of_o their_o mission_n confirm_v it_o by_o both_o our_o design_n it_o be_v to_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o he_o do_v so_o and_o our_o method_n require_v we_o to_o begin_v with_o that_o which_o among_o the_o jew_n by_o god_n appointment_n be_v ordinary_o expect_v viz._n prediction_n full_o and_o exact_o accomplish_v and_o sure_o those_o that_o be_v acquaint_v with_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o have_v read_v the_o new_a testament_n can_v be_v ignorant_a that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n give_v this_o evidence_n of_o the_o prophetic_a spirit_n in_o they_o as_o well_o as_o in_o any_o of_o the_o jewish_a prophet_n before_o they_o for_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o jew_n their_o city_n and_o the_o temple_n we_o therein_o find_v by_o they_o so_o plain_o foretold_v and_o by_o divine_a wrath_n and_o vengeance_n so_o notorious_o fulfil_v as_o that_o all_o the_o world_n i_o presume_v know_v it_o yet_o since_o particular_a demonstration_n be_v far_o more_o convince_a than_o general_a assertion_n it_o will_v perhaps_o be_v worth_a the_o while_n to_o take_v a_o brief_a survey_n of_o it_o as_o it_o lie_v both_o
from_o other_o or_o at_o least_o such_o doctrine_n as_o be_v but_o obscure_o reveal_v to_o other_o by_o holy_a scripture_n be_v plain_o make_v know_v to_o they_o by_o tradition_n but_o beside_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o tradition_n they_o or_o at_o least_o some_o of_o they_o pretend_v revelation_n in_o behalf_n of_o their_o idle_a fable_n as_o irenaeus_n make_v evident_a by_o the_o example_n of_o one_o marcus_n and_o other_o gnostic_n who_o as_o they_o give_v out_o do_v not_o only_o prophesy_v themselves_o but_o have_v power_n to_o communicate_v the_o gift_n thereof_o to_o other_o and_o according_o as_o they_o boast_v and_o their_o disciple_n believe_v so_o they_o do_v to_o divers_a especial_o of_o the_o weak_a sex_n and_o by_o this_o pretence_n they_o deceive_v and_o draw_v many_o after_o they_o 9_o and_o no_o wonder_n if_o they_o do_v so_o for_o all_o man_n take_v prophet_n to_o be_v holy_a man_n of_o god_n who_o speak_v as_o they_o be_v move_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o who_o so_o profligate_v from_o all_o religion_n as_o to_o think_v that_o they_o be_v such_o and_o yet_o refuse_v to_o be_v lead_v by_o or_o partake_v of_o their_o spirit_n by_o this_o pretence_n therefore_o how_o false_a and_o fabulous_a soever_o their_o doctrine_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o faith_n in_o it_o and_o of_o obedience_n to_o it_o be_v lay_v in_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n and_o this_o foundation_n be_v of_o all_o other_o the_o most_o firm_a and_o immovable_a able_a to_o bear_v whatever_o superstructure_n shall_v be_v lay_v upon_o it_o yea_o also_o and_o to_o beat_v off_o whatever_o assault_n shall_v be_v make_v against_o it_o as_o appear_v by_o the_o improbability_n of_o some_o doctrine_n and_o severity_n of_o some_o order_n still_o receive_v and_o defend_v because_o at_o first_o found_v on_o the_o credit_n of_o pretend_a vision_n and_o revelation_n all_o the_o difficulty_n be_v in_o the_o choice_n of_o the_o ground_n wherein_o to_o lay_v this_o foundation_n the_o mind_n of_o man_n that_o be_v of_o sharp_a deep_a and_o strong_a discourse_n be_v not_o apt_a to_o receive_v it_o but_o man_n of_o shallow_a apprehension_n and_o weak_a intellectual_n be_v fit_a and_o most_o prepare_v for_o it_o this_o those_o builder_n of_o babel_n the_o primitive_a seducer_n seem_v wise_o to_o have_v consider_v for_o s._n peter_n insinuate_v they_o be_v unstable_a soul_n who_o they_o beguile_v 6._o and_o s._n paul_n more_o express_o say_v they_o be_v the_o simple_a who_o heart_n they_o deceive_v they_o creep_v into_o house_n and_o lead_v captive_a silly_a woman_n lade_v with_o sin_n and_o lead_v away_o with_o divers_a lust_n thus_o those_o in_o the_o apostle_n day_n and_o irenaeus_n tell_v we_o of_o other_o who_o a_o little_a after_o they_o be_v most_o busy_a with_o woman_n especial_o those_o that_o be_v of_o great_a quality_n and_o most_o famous_a for_o worldly_a eod_a grandieur_fw-fr and_o riches_n these_o they_o most_o frequent_o seek_v to_o impose_v upon_o and_o allure_v by_o flattery_n but_o lest_o their_o deceiveableness_n of_o unrighteousness_n viz._n their_o artifices_fw-la of_o deceit_n shall_v not_o be_v sufficient_a to_o secure_v the_o foundation_n they_o come_v also_o as_o it_o be_v foretell_v they_o will_v with_o the_o work_n of_o satan_n with_o all_o power_n and_o sign_n and_o lie_a wonder_n for_o we_o read_v of_o simon_n the_o samaritan_n the_o founder_n of_o heresy_n and_o father_n 30._o of_o heretic_n that_o he_o use_v sorcery_n and_o bewitch_v the_o people_n of_o samaria_n give_v out_o that_o he_o himself_o be_v some_o great_a one_o to_o who_o they_o all_o give_v heed_n from_o the_o least_o to_o the_o great_a say_v this_o man_n be_v the_o great_a power_n of_o god_n 10._o yet_o as_o great_a as_o he_o be_v he_o at_o length_n be_v in_o some_o measure_n subdue_v by_o a_o great_a power_n than_o he_o for_o he_o believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v yet_o his_o heart_n not_o be_v 21._o right_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n but_o suppose_v the_o apostle_n to_o be_v great_a magician_n than_o himself_o he_o greedy_o contend_v against_o they_o that_o he_o may_v seem_v more_o glorious_a than_o they_o to_o this_o end_n he_o desist_v not_o from_o the_o study_n of_o magic_n but_o make_v such_o far_a progress_n in_o it_o as_o that_o he_o provoke_v many_o to_o amazement_n by_o it_o for_o claudius_n caesar_n erect_v a_o statue_n in_o honour_n of_o he_o for_o it_o after_o he_o the_o carpocratian_o 20._o be_v much_o addict_v to_o magic_n and_o enchantment_n that_o they_o may_v entice_v other_o to_o love_v they_o yea_o and_o they_o draw_v devil_n to_o their_o assistance_n that_o by_o many_o delusion_n it_o may_v be_v in_o their_o power_n to_o be_v lord_n and_o master_n of_o who_o they_o please_v thus_o also_o it_o be_v report_v 27._o of_o the_o before_o mention_v marcus_n that_o he_o be_v a_o very_a great_a proficient_a in_o magical_a imposture_n whereby_o he_o deceive_v many_o both_o man_n and_o woman_n the_o like_a 8._o may_v i_o observe_v concern_v other_o but_o this_o may_v suffice_v to_o show_v that_o in_o this_o respect_n as_o well_o as_o other_o the_o primitive_a seducer_n do_v exact_o fulfil_v the_o prophecy_n that_o go_v before_o of_o they_o and_o from_o thence_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o infer_v that_o they_o who_o utter_v they_o viz._n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v prophet_n because_o the_o only_a ordinary_a and_o certain_a mark_n of_o a_o prophetic_a spirit_n viz._n prediction_n exact_o accomplish_v be_v manifest_o find_v in_o they_o but_o forasmuch_o as_o the_o prediction_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n concern_v seducer_n be_v of_o use_n not_o only_o to_o confirm_v the_o faith_n but_o also_o to_o direct_v the_o judgement_n in_o the_o choice_n of_o what_o teacher_n man_n ought_v to_o follow_v and_o adhere_v to_o it_o will_v not_o be_v unuseful_a for_o we_o to_o make_v trial_n of_o our_o modern_a teacher_n thereby_o which_o if_o we_o shall_v do_v impartial_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o we_o shall_v find_v that_o the_o copy_n which_o be_v set_v by_o the_o false_a teacher_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n be_v too_o fair_o transcribe_v by_o too_o many_o especial_o the_o papist_n in_o we_o and_o consequent_o we_o need_v not_o search_v the_o record_n of_o antiquity_n our_o own_o age_n will_v afford_v we_o too_o sure_a and_o sad_a accomplishment_n of_o these_o prediction_n the_o demonstration_n hereof_o i_o do_v once_o intend_v but_o find_v i_o shall_v thereby_o grasp_v at_o matter_n more_o sit_v for_o a_o volume_n than_o a_o section_n i_o shall_v not_o so_o far_o digress_v but_o proceed_v to_o speak_v sect._n 6._o concern_v the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o here_o my_o business_n will_v be_v to_o prove_v that_o they_o real_o wrought_v many_o and_o great_a miracle_n the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o which_o proposition_n because_o miracle_n be_v matter_n of_o fact_n be_v most_o proper_o demonstrable_a only_o by_o testimony_n yet_o reason_n methinks_v prove_v it_o probable_a or_o somewhat_o more_o for_o grant_v it_o be_v on_o all_o side_n that_o our_o bless_a saviour_n himself_o in_o regard_n of_o his_o manhood_n be_v but_o mean_a in_o the_o world_n his_o parent_n be_v no_o person_n of_o honour_n and_o he_o himself_o have_v but_o a_o mean_a reception_n at_o his_o birth_n nor_o be_v he_o by_o the_o jew_n much_o set_v by_o in_o his_o life_n he_o grow_v up_o as_o a_o root_n out_o of_o a_o dry_a ground_n they_o think_v there_o be_v no_o form_n comeliness_n or_o beauty_n in_o he_o that_o they_o shall_v desire_v he_o they_o will_v see_v no_o such_o blossom_n in_o his_o youth_n as_o promise_v any_o extraordinary_a fruit_n in_o his_o ripe_a age_n wherein_o also_o he_o be_v despise_v and_o reject_v of_o man_n a_o man_n of_o sorrow_n and_o acquaint_v with_o grief_n a_o rock_n of_o offence_n and_o stone_n of_o stumble_v set_v at_o naught_o by_o the_o master-builder_n of_o israel_n reject_v by_o the_o chief_a of_o his_o own_o nation_n pursue_v by_o his_o enemy_n betray_v by_o one_o of_o his_o pretend_a friend_n deny_v by_o another_o and_o suspect_v by_o all_o pursue_v and_o apprehend_v bind_v and_o buffet_v arraign_v and_o spit_v on_o condemn_v and_o crucify_v by_o his_o own_o countryman_n as_o one_o of_o the_o worst_a of_o malefactor_n be_v this_o man_n name_n like_a to_o become_v great_a in_o israel_n and_o famous_a among_o the_o gentile_n yet_o this_o be_v he_o that_o send_v forth_o his_o apostle_n and_o who_o be_v they_o why_o man_n as_o mean_a as_o himself_o person_n of_o obscure_a parentage_n of_o no_o reputation_n for_o wealth_n or_o wisdom_n honour_n or_o authority_n in_o their_o own_o country_n yea_o so_o far_o from_o it_o as_o that_o the_o chief_a of_o they_o be_v a_o fisherman_n and_o other_o as_o rude_a and_o illiterate_a as_o the_o mean_a
sea_n and_o land_n and_o find_v out_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n contain_v in_o they_o and_o then_o lift_v itself_o up_o from_o thing_n below_o it_o soar_v aloft_o and_o so_o the_o air_n and_o its_o affection_n consider_v it_o fly_v high_a even_o to_o the_o sky_n and_o ride_v the_o circuit_n of_o heaven_n and_o bend_v its_o course_n with_o that_o of_o â—_o the_o wander_v and_o fix_a star_n in_o their_o dance_n after_o the_o music_n of_o the_o sphere_n it_o follow_v the_o love_n of_o wisdom_n as_o its_o leader_n and_o when_o it_o have_v raise_v itself_o above_o every_o nature_n that_o be_v apt_a to_o move_v the_o sense_n it_o be_v lead_v with_o a_o desire_n of_o come_v to_o that_o which_o reason_n only_o can_v perceive_v and_o when_o in_o that_o it_o contemplate_v the_o example_n and_o fair_a form_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o here_o fall_n under_o our_o sense_n be_v as_o man_n inflame_v with_o fury_n even_o bring_v asleep_a by_o a_o kind_n of_o modest_a drunkenness_n and_o fill_v with_o another_o desire_n and_o better_a love_n it_o partake_v of_o divine_a afflation_n thence_o its_o intelligence_n be_v raise_v to_o the_o supreme_a globe_n of_o thing_n perceive_v it_o seem_v to_o have_v arrive_v at_o the_o great_a and_o omnipotent_a king_n himself_o yet_o while_o it_o covet_v to_o see_v he_o the_o pure_a and_o immix_v ray_n of_o divine_a light_n as_o of_o a_o torrent_n be_v so_o pour_v forth_o as_o that_o through_o their_o clarity_n and_o brightness_n as_o if_o it_o be_v overspread_v with_o darkness_n the_o very_a sharpness_n of_o its_o sight_n wax_v dull_a and_o dim_a xophorson_n thus_o elegant_o do_v platonize_a philo_n display_v the_o power_n of_o the_o soul_n in_o reference_n to_o its_o attainment_n of_o knowledge_n and_o thereby_o we_o learn_v that_o though_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v able_a to_o discern_v much_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o all_o creature_n yet_o when_o it_o pry_v into_o the_o secret_n of_o their_o maker_n it_o be_v strike_v with_o blindness_n and_o can_v see_v nothing_o of_o they_o think_v you_o then_o that_o creature_n of_o a_o far_o inferior_a nature_n be_v acquaint_v with_o they_o have_v the_o eternal_a king_n almighty_a constitute_v the_o host_n of_o heaven_n to_o be_v his_o secretary_n and_o be_v the_o planet_n so_o treacherous_a as_o by_o their_o conjunction_n and_o opposition_n to_o reveal_v the_o arcana_fw-la imperii_fw-la to_o astrologer_n or_o be_v the_o firmament_n so_o untrusty_a as_o by_o its_o spangle_n to_o make_v they_o know_v to_o stargazer_n or_o be_v the_o moon_n so_o unfaithful_a as_o by_o her_o course_n or_o countenance_n to_o declare_v they_o to_o monthly_a prognosticator_n or_o be_v they_o commit_v to_o the_o custody_n of_o beast_n that_o the_o aruspices_fw-la may_v read_v they_o in_o their_o entrails_n or_o be_v they_o so_o little_o set_v by_o as_o to_o be_v lay_v on_o the_o wing_n put_v into_o the_o mouth_n or_o trample_v under_o the_o foot_n of_o bird_n that_o the_o augur_n may_v know_v they_o by_o their_o fly_n noise_n or_o sit_v how_o fond_o ridiculous_a be_v it_o to_o fancy_n that_o the_o secret_n of_o heaven_n be_v entrust_v with_o any_o of_o these_o thing_n while_o they_o be_v hide_v from_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n which_o as_o it_o far_o exceed_v they_o in_o the_o nobleness_n of_o its_o nature_n so_o also_o in_o dearness_n to_o its_o maker_n for_o man_n in_o his_o creation_n be_v ally_v to_o god_n a_o creature_n so_o near_o conjoin_v unto_o he_o and_o so_o gracious_a with_o he_o as_o that_o in_o a_o sort_n all_o thing_n else_o be_v prepare_v for_o he_o how_o strange_a then_o be_v it_o and_o incredible_a that_o they_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o tell_v he_o such_o thing_n as_o his_o most_o bountiful_a and_o indulgent_a creator_n think_v fit_a to_o conceal_v from_o he_o if_o then_o this_o be_v not_o likely_a it_o be_v certain_o the_o dictate_v of_o reason_n that_o that_o knowledge_n which_o at_o any_o time_n any_o man_n at_o first_o have_v of_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v resolve_v into_o immediate_a revelation_n and_o for_o that_o cause_n it_o be_v likely_a prediction_n ever_o be_v and_o still_o deserve_v to_o be_v account_v infallible_a proof_n of_o a_o prophetic_a spirit_n since_o then_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v author_n of_o prediction_n exact_o accomplish_v it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v but_o they_o be_v prophet_n hereof_o also_o we_o have_v yet_o another_o and_o great_a evidence_n viz._n their_o miracle_n that_o they_o real_o wrought_v many_o and_o great_a miracle_n we_o have_v already_o assert_v all_o therefore_o that_o now_o remain_v will_v be_v to_o show_v the_o force_n of_o that_o argument_n in_o order_n whereunto_o it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o observe_v 1._o that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n wrought_v their_o miracle_n on_o purpose_n to_o confirm_v their_o doctrine_n or_o their_o mission_n from_o god_n to_o teach_v it_o 2._o that_o miracle_n be_v always_o look_v on_o as_o undeniable_a or_o demonstrative_a proof_n of_o divine_a authority_n 3._o the_o reason_n for_o which_o those_o of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n deserve_v to_o be_v so_o account_v 1._o that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n wrought_v their_o miracle_n on_o purpose_n to_o confirm_v their_o doctrine_n or_o demonstrate_v their_o mission_n from_o god_n to_o teach_v it_o it_o be_v true_a indeed_o each_o one_o of_o their_o miracle_n consider_v single_o and_o apart_o from_o the_o rest_n of_o its_o fellow_n may_v seem_v to_o be_v wrought_v on_o some_o other_o occasion_n and_o to_o other_o purpose_n but_o consider_v in_o the_o whole_a and_o in_o conjunction_n with_o the_o rest_n it_o will_v be_v easy_a to_o observe_v that_o the_o ultimate_a end_n scope_n and_o design_n of_o it_o be_v to_o demonstrate_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o doctrine_n and_o the_o reality_n of_o their_o mission_n from_o god_n to_o teach_v it_o hereof_o methinks_v it_o be_v no_o trivial_a argument_n that_o may_v be_v draw_v from_o the_o time_n of_o they_o and_o this_o be_v not_o before_o but_o present_o after_o our_o saviour_n inauguration_n into_o his_o office_n of_o preach_v the_o gospel_n that_o he_o himself_o can_v have_v do_v and_o enable_v other_o to_o do_v miracle_n before_o that_o be_v firm_o believe_v among_o christian_n yet_o we_o find_v not_o that_o he_o do_v it_o till_o after_o his_o baptism_n and_o consecration_n to_o the_o sacred_a and_o solemn_a office_n of_o preach_v hereof_o sure_o there_o can_v no_o reason_n so_o probable_o be_v give_v as_o that_o because_o he_o wrought_v his_o miracle_n to_o confirm_v his_o doctrine_n but_o if_o this_o suffice_v not_o pray_v observe_v what_o he_o himself_o say_v to_o the_o nobleman_n of_o capernaum_n except_o 48._o you_o see_v sign_n and_o wonder_n that_o will_v not_o believe_v whereby_o it_o be_v plain_a not_o only_o that_o miracle_n be_v great_a inducement_n of_o assent_n but_o also_o that_o christ_n wrought_v his_o on_o purpose_n to_o be_v so_o thence_o sure_o it_o be_v that_o he_o require_v belief_n if_o not_o on_o the_o authority_n of_o his_o word_n yet_o on_o the_o account_n of_o his_o work_n if_o say_v he_o to_o the_o jew_n i_o do_v not_o the_o work_v of_o my_o father_n i._n e._n such_o as_o god_n only_o can_v do_v namely_o miracle_n then_o believe_v i_o not_o on_o this_o supposition_n he_o christen_v infidelity_n unblameable_a but_o again_o he_o say_v if_o i_o do_v the_o work_n of_o my_o father_n though_o 38._o you_o believe_v not_o i_o i._n e._n my_o word_n for_o my_o sake_n yet_o believe_v the_o work_n viz._n the_o purport_n of_o they_o that_o you_o may_v know_v and_o believe_v that_o the_o father_n be_v in_o i_o and_o i_o in_o he_o viz._n either_o by_o identity_n of_o nature_n or_o else_o at_o least_o by_o the_o energy_n of_o his_o spirit_n work_v in_o i_o and_o most_o perfect_o obey_v by_o i_o this_o it_o seem_v in_o his_o judgement_n they_o may_v have_v know_v by_o the_o work_n that_o he_o do_v for_o they_o be_v the_o work_v that_o the_o father_n have_v give_v he_o to_o 36._o finish_v they_o do_v bear_v witness_n of_o he_o that_o the_o father_n have_v send_v he_o and_o that_o he_o be_v the_o christ_n the_o anoint_a of_o god_n as_o appear_v by_o his_o do_v they_o 25._o in_o his_o name_n for_o it_o be_v a_o astonishment_n to_o reason_n a_o thing_n altogether_o incredible_a that_o god_n will_v give_v power_n to_o a_o impostor_n to_o do_v such_o work_n in_o his_o name_n on_o this_o account_n it_o be_v most_o likely_a that_o our_o most_o bless_a saviour_n upbraid_v the_o city_n wherein_o 20._o most_o of_o his_o mighty_a work_n be_v do_v because_o they_o repent_v not_o and_o say_v to_o his_o disciple_n if_o i_o have_v not_o do_v among_o they_o the_o work_n which_o none_o other_o man_n do_v 24._o they_o have_v not_o have_v
out_o the_o prince_n of_o that_o power_n who_o then_o but_o the_o obstinate_a for_o who_o cure_n god_n himself_o afford_v no_o remedy_n can_v doubt_v whither_o their_o power_n be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n if_o the_o prince_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o air_n be_v as_o aquinas_n probable_o conjecture_n the_o supreme_a of_o all_o the_o angel_n 7._o that_o ever_o god_n create_v it_o be_v manifest_v his_o power_n be_v inferior_a to_o none_o in_o the_o whole_a order_n of_o the_o create_a nature_n however_o for_o aught_o i_o know_v it_o ever_o be_v and_o still_o be_v so_o account_v among_o all_o jew_n and_o christian_n except_o those_o if_o there_o be_v any_o that_o deny_v his_o be_v and_o as_o for_o the_o heathen_n it_o be_v apparent_a that_o they_o think_v it_o divine_a and_o inferior_a to_o none_o yet_o as_o we_o have_v already_o abundant_o prove_v it_o be_v over_o match_v and_o conquer_v by_o the_o power_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n what_o basll_v and_o self_n condemn_v wretch_n then_o must_v those_o need_v be_v who_o will_v not_o own_v it_o to_o be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n beside_o the_o order_n of_o the_o whole_a create_v nature_n and_o if_o so_o then_o be_v their_o miracle_n the_o seal_n of_o heaven_n to_o ratify_v their_o mission_n from_o thenâ—_n and_o so_o to_o prove_v that_o they_o be_v prophet_n their_o number_n also_o as_o well_o as_o their_o nature_n speak_v they_o worthy_a to_o be_v so_o account_v for_o doubtless_o it_o do_v far_o excee_v that_o of_o those_o wrought_v by_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n the_o jew_n no_o doubt_n for_o the_o honour_n of_o moses_n their_o master_n and_o of_o their_o own_o approve_a prophet_n be_v so_o zealous_a as_o that_o they_o will_v rather_o enlarge_v than_o diminish_v the_o number_n of_o their_o miracle_n yet_o after_o their_o utmost_a diligence_n they_o can_v find_v but_o 76._o for_o moses_n their_o master_n and_o but_o 74_o for_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o the_o record_n they_o find_v so_o many_o in_o be_v not_o only_o unknown_a to_o we_o but_o also_o liable_a to_o suspicion_n of_o falsehood_n for_o we_o can_v think_v they_o their_o bible_n because_o the_o number_n therein_o contain_v after_o the_o great_a improvement_n that_o we_o can_v make_v will_v fall_v very_o short_a of_o that_o account_n that_o they_o give_v of_o it_o but_o suppose_v it_o do_v not_o what_o be_v they_o to_o those_o of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n can_v a_o exact_a account_n be_v take_v of_o all_o that_o they_o do_v i_o dare_v say_v the_o number_n of_o those_o wrought_v by_o christ_n only_o will_v be_v find_v great_a than_o that_o of_o moses_n and_o all_o the_o prophet_n put_v together_o for_o they_o be_v so_o many_o as_o that_o the_o jew_n themselves_o as_o we_o have_v already_o observe_v make_v 31._o it_o a_o question_n whether_o christ_n the_o messiah_n when_o he_o come_v will_v do_v more_o miracle_n than_o these_o which_o this_o man_n have_v do_v nothing_o but_o amazement_n at_o their_o extraordinary_a multitude_n can_v raise_v such_o a_o question_n among_o they_o which_o facilitate_v belief_n of_o st._n john_n assertion_n there_o be_v also_o many_o other_o thing_n which_o jesus_n do_v beside_o those_o record_v 25._o in_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o which_o be_v they_o shall_v be_v write_v every_o one_o i_o suppose_v that_o even_o the_o world_n itself_o can_v not_o contain_v the_o book_n which_o shall_v be_v write_v his_o supposition_n be_v a_o hyperbole_n the_o plain_a meaning_n whereof_o i_o take_v to_o be_v that_o those_o work_n of_o christ_n who_o memory_n the_o apostle_n in_o this_o his_o history_n have_v commit_v to_o write_v be_v to_o be_v look_v on_o as_o a_o small_a part_n of_o what_o jesus_n do_v as_o that_o if_o a_o full_a account_n of_o they_o all_o shall_v be_v exact_o take_v and_o describe_v in_o write_v the_o world_n will_v be_v overstocked_a and_o oppress_v with_o book_n on_o that_o subject_a if_o then_o to_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n we_o add_v those_o of_o his_o apostle_n we_o shall_v find_v reason_n to_o conclude_v they_o almost_o innumerable_a for_o since_o their_o sound_n go_v into_o all_o the_o earth_n and_o they_o themselves_o into_o almost_o all_o the_o know_a part_n of_o the_o world_n convert_v man_n by_o their_o miracle_n to_o their_o doctrine_n how_o can_v it_o be_v imagine_v that_o they_o be_v but_o few_o in_o number_n the_o devil_n be_v then_o in_o possession_n rule_v without_o control_v in_o the_o child_n of_o disobedience_n and_o the_o world_n be_v then_o asleep_a yea_o dead_a in_o trespass_n and_o sin_n and_o think_v you_o that_o a_o few_o miracle_n will_v suffice_v to_o cast_v out_o the_o one_o and_o to_o awake_v and_o raise_v the_o other_o it_o be_v much_o more_o rational_a to_o think_v that_o they_o be_v many_o yea_o so_o exceed_v many_o as_o to_o admit_v of_o no_o comparison_n with_o those_o of_o other_o in_o point_n of_o number_n and_o all_o these_o be_v do_v in_o one_o generation_n for_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v contemporary_n how_o strong_o do_v they_o prove_v and_o how_o clear_o do_v they_o declare_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o they_o that_o do_v they_o if_o judaisine_n be_v credible_a because_o in_o the_o space_n of_o above_o 3000_o year_n moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n wrought_v 150_o miracle_n to_o confirm_v it_o how_o much_o more_o credible_a be_v christianity_n because_o few_o person_n in_o the_o space_n of_o less_o than_o a_o hundred_o year_n wrought_v incomparable_o more_o to_o demonstrate_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o if_o the_o jew_n have_v reason_n to_o believe_v that_o they_o be_v prophet_n much_o more_o have_v we_o that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v so_o well_o as_o they_o especial_o consider_v that_o the_o greatness_n of_o their_o miracle_n do_v as_o just_o claim_v our_o assent_n thereunto_o as_o their_o number_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o all_o miracle_n be_v work_n of_o god_n beside_o the_o whole_a order_n of_o the_o create_a nature_n in_o respect_n of_o his_o power_n they_o be_v all_o equal_a yet_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n one_o may_v be_v great_a because_o remote_a from_o it_o or_o far_o above_o it_o than_o another_o for_o as_o aquinas_n well_o observe_v these_o work_n of_o god_n viz._n miracle_n may_v three_o way_n exceed_v the_o power_n of_o nature_n either_o first_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o fact_n whâ—n_v it_o be_v above_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n by_o any_o mean_n to_o do_v that_o which_o be_v do_v as_o that_o the_o sun_n shall_v go_v back_o or_o that_o a_o man_n body_n shall_v be_v glorify_v these_o be_v thing_n that_o nature_n can_v do_v again_o second_o other_o miracle_n there_o be_v that_o exceed_v the_o power_n of_o nature_n not_o in_o respect_n of_o that_o which_o be_v do_v but_o in_o respect_n of_o that_o wherein_o it_o be_v so_o as_o the_o raise_v of_o the_o dead_a and_o give_a sight_n unto_o the_o blind_a nature_n may_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o life_n but_o not_o in_o one_o that_o be_v dead_a and_o nature_n may_v give_v sight_n but_o not_o to_o one_o that_o be_v bear_v blind_a last_o another_o sort_n of_o miracle_n there_o be_v which_o do_v indeed_o exceed_v the_o power_n of_o nature_n but_o neither_o in_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o fact_n nor_o in_o that_o werein_o it_o be_v do_v but_o only_o 8._o in_o the_o manner_n of_o do_v as_o when_o one_o on_o a_o sudden_a by_o the_o divine_a power_n without_o the_o use_n of_o physic_n or_o accustom_a process_n of_o nature_n in_o such_o case_n be_v cure_a of_o a_o fever_n of_o these_o three_o sort_n of_o miracle_n the_o first_o be_v great_a than_o the_o second_o the_o second_o than_o the_o three_o because_o it_o far_o exceed_v the_o power_n of_o nature_n yet_o so_o as_o that_o each_o sort_v have_v divers_a degree_n of_o advance_v above_o it_o so_o that_o one_o miracle_n may_v be_v great_a than_o another_o not_o only_o of_o another_o but_o also_o of_o the_o same_o sort_n however_o sure_o 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their_o fault_n if_o they_o do_v not_o receive_v benefit_n by_o they_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v so_o sufficient_o attest_v as_o that_o be_v it_o not_o for_o prejudice_n or_o laziness_n inadvertence_n or_o one_o such_o vice_n or_o other_o i_o very_o think_v there_o neither_o be_v nor_o ever_o be_v any_o consider_a man_n in_o the_o world_n but_o either_o he_o be_v or_o may_v thereby_o have_v be_v convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o doctrine_n and_o so_o bless_v by_o the_o excellency_n of_o their_o religion_n as_o that_o his_o mind_n shall_v no_o long_o be_v blind_v with_o superstition_n or_o fluctuate_v in_o uncertainty_n but_o shall_v know_v assure_o where_o to_o have_v the_o most_o perfect_a object_n of_o all_o his_o faculty_n how_o great_a then_o i_o say_v be_v the_o goodness_n of_o these_o miracle_n that_o confirm_v such_o a_o treasure_n unto_o we_o how_o plain_o do_v it_o show_v their_o descent_n from_o the_o essential_a and_o eternal_a goodness_n viz._n god_n himself_o for_o who_o but_o a_o almighty_a goodness_n can_v be_v author_n of_o such_o production_n such_o unparalleled_a instance_n of_o love_n and_o kindness_n such_o inimitable_a beneficence_n so_o immense_a and_o immix_v a_o goodness_n from_o who_o can_v it_o come_v but_o from_o god_n who_o be_v love_n and_o goodness_n itself_o in_o my_o apprehension_n therefore_o the_o goodness_n of_o these_o miracle_n show_v as_o plain_o that_o they_o be_v the_o work_n of_o god_n in_o testimony_n to_o his_o word_n as_o the_o image_n and_o superscription_n on_o the_o money_n do_v that_o the_o coin_n be_v caesar_n let_v we_o then_o lay_v all_o these_o thing_n together_o viz_o that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n do_v take_v upon_o they_o the_o office_n of_o prophet_n and_o that_o have_v the_o antecedent_n to_o or_o concomitant_a attendant_n on_o the_o prophetic_a spirit_n they_o therein_o neither_o be_v deceive_v nor_o have_v a_o design_n to_o deceive_v other_o and_o by_o their_o prediction_n exact_o accomplish_v it_o appear_v that_o they_o have_v such_o certain_a foreknowledge_n as_o no_o man_n by_o any_o art_n or_o science_n whatever_o can_v possible_o have_v of_o god_n eternal_a purpose_n concern_v future_a contingence_n and_o beside_o this_o supernatural_a knowledge_n to_o confirm_v their_o doctrine_n or_o demonstrate_v their_o mission_n from_o god_n to_o teach_v it_o they_o wrought_v such_o miracle_n as_o in_o the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o their_o nature_n and_o the_o incomparableness_n of_o their_o number_n greatness_n and_o goodness_n do_v most_o evident_o and_o eminent_o appear_v to_o be_v the_o work_n of_o god_n and_o consequent_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n who_o do_v they_o be_v teacher_n of_o such_o a_o excellent_a wisdom_n as_o the_o world_n know_v not_o before_o be_v therein_o inspire_v by_o god_n and_o so_o prophet_n chap._n vi_o some_o use_n that_o may_v be_v make_v of_o this_o doctrine_n thus_o have_v we_o pass_v through_o the_o several_a part_n of_o the_o propose_a method_n and_o in_o so_o do_v have_v i_o hope_v find_v the_o truth_n of_o our_o assertion_n sufficient_o evince_v and_o if_o so_o it_o be_v than_o thence_o sure_o we_o may_v see_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o christian_a religion_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o insufficiency_n of_o humane_a reason_n and_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o christian_a faith_n hope_n and_o practice_n sect._n 1_o 1._o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o christian_a religion_n it_o be_v not_o of_o so_o base_a and_o low_a a_o extraction_n as_o to_o spring_v from_o a_o opinion_n of_o ghost_n or_o ignorance_n of_o 12._o second_o cause_n devotion_n towards_o what_o man_n fear_v or_o the_o mistake_n of_o thing_n casual_a for_o prognostic_n but_o it_o be_v a_o heavenborn_a thing_n it_o descend_v from_o the_o father_n of_o light_n it_o derive_v its_o pedigree_n from_o god_n himself_o and_o have_v the_o image_n not_o only_o of_o his_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n but_o likewise_o of_o his_o dominion_n and_o lordship_n enstamp_v upon_o it_o in_o so_o much_o that_o it_o bring_v its_o own_o obligation_n along_o with_o it_o and_o make_v it_o not_o only_o convenient_a but_o necessary_a not_o only_a prudence_n in_o we_o but_o duty_n to_o receive_v it_o for_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v prophet_n do_v not_o only_o teach_v it_o by_o god_n commandment_n and_o direrection_n ibid._n but_o also_o in_o so_o do_v they_o lay_v the_o high_a obligation_n that_o can_v be_v on_o all_o to_o receive_v it_o god_n we_o know_v be_v the_o supreme_a lord_n the_o fountain_n of_o all_o just_a authority_n be_v in_o he_o as_o therefore_o watâ—rs_n drink_n sweet_a out_o of_o a_o fountain_n so_o those_o law_n that_o come_v as_o the_o word_n of_o prophecy_n do_v immediate_o from_o god_n have_v the_o high_a majesty_n and_o authority_n enstamp_v upon_o they_o for_o this_o cause_n the_o jew_n when_o they_o be_v assure_v of_o any_o man_n call_v to_o the_o prophetic_a office_n think_v themselves_o oblige_v and_o bind_v to_o obey_v he_o in_o all_o thing_n except_o idolatry_n yea_o though_o he_o require_v the_o omission_n of_o the_o affirmative_a or_o the_o do_n of_o the_o negative_a precept_n of_o their_o law_n notwithstanding_o their_o mighty_a zeal_n for_o their_o law_n and_o the_o profound_a reverence_n they_o have_v for_o moses_n their_o master_n yet_o they_o judge_v it_o their_o indispensable_a duty_n in_o all_o thing_n to_o obey_v the_o prophet_n and_o whosoever_o will_v not_o they_o hold_v worthy_a and_o guilty_a of_o death_n by_o the_o immediate_a hand_n of_o heaven_n this_o be_v the_o opinion_n of_o their_o wise_a man_n in_o the_o talmud_n where_o they_o say_v in_o all_o thing_n except_o idolatry_n if_o a_o prophet_n zâ—r_n say_v unto_o thou_o transgress_v the_o law_n thou_o shall_v obey_v he_o and_o good_a reason_n too_o for_o a_o prophet_n be_v 36._o god_n spokesman_n to_o the_o people_n his_o herald_n to_o proclaim_v his_o law_n there_o be_v good_a reason_n he_o shall_v be_v hear_v and_o attend_v to_o whosoever_o else_o be_v neglect_v the_o reason_n be_v because_o the_o word_n of_o prophecy_n come_v immediate_o from_o god_n be_v clothe_v with_o his_o authority_n and_o if_o where_o the_o word_n of_o a_o king_n be_v there_o be_v power_n much_o more_o methinks_v be_v there_o where_o the_o word_n of_o he_o be_v by_o who_o king_n reign_n have_v not_o this_o be_v the_o dictate_v of_o natural_a reason_n numa_n pompilius_n and_o other_o ancient_a lawgiver_n among_o the_o heathen_n have_v be_v very_o foolish_a as_o well_o as_o false_a in_o pretend_v to_o have_v receive_v their_o law_n from_o the_o god_n but_o man_n natural_a reason_n tell_v they_o that_o the_o high_a authority_n of_o man_n be_v far_o inferior_a to_o that_o of_o god_n this_o politic_a pretence_n be_v think_v a_o very_a effectual_a engine_n to_o make_v man_n obedient_a to_o their_o law_n and_o this_o engine_n we_o see_v be_v to_o stand_v upon_o the_o ground_n that_o god_n above_o all_o be_v to_o be_v obey_v since_o than_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v prophet_n those_o be_v no_o good_a subject_n unto_o god_n yea_o they_o be_v worse_o than_o jew_n or_o heathen_n that_o deny_v the_o religion_n that_o they_o have_v teach_v we_o to_o have_v power_n of_o bind_v we_o to_o receive_v it_o obj._n yet_o the_o leviathan_n will_v have_v it_o in_o and_o of_o itself_o to_o have_v none_o for_o it_o faith_n express_o the_o precept_n repent_v be_v baptise_a keep_v the_o commandment_n believe_v the_o gospel_n come_v unto_o i_o sell_v all_o that_o thou_o have_v give_v it_o to_o the_o poor_a and_o follow_v i_o be_v not_o command_n but_o invitation_n and_o calling_n of_o mâ—n_z to_o christianity_n like_o that_o of_o isaiah_n ho_o every_o man_n 1_o that_o thirst_v come_v you_o to_o the_o water_n come_v and_o 42._o buy_v wine_n and_o milk_n without_o money_n ans_fw-fr the_o difference_n between_o precept_n and_o command_n especial_o in_o point_n of_o obligation_n i_o be_o hardly_o so_o subtle_a as_o to_o understand_v i_o have_v read_v indeed_o that_o the_o jew_n put_v a_o difference_n between_o law_n statute_n and_o judgement_n but_o hardly_o ever_o that_o either_o they_o oâ—_n the_o gentile_n find_v any_o between_o precept_n and_o command_n but_o this_o be_v a_o matter_n too_o trivial_a to_o be_v debate_v whether_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o profound_a piâ—ce_n of_o subtlety_n or_o a_o contradiction_n i_o shall_v not_o now_o take_v upon_o i_o to_o determine_v but_o let_v it_o pass_v as_o a_o specimen_fw-la of_o that_o extraordinary_a wit_n which_o the_o treatise_n of_o human_a reason_n observe_v in_o that_o author_n we_o shall_v inquire_v why_o he_o â—aith_v so_o viz._n why_o he_o â—aith_v that_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o its_o calling_n of_o man_n to_o christianity_n have_v not_o the_o obligation_n of_o command_n in_o they_o his_o reason_n be_v
two_o 1._o because_o the_o apostle_n power_n be_v no_o other_o than_o that_o of_o our_o saviour_n to_o invite_v man_n to_o embrace_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n which_o they_o themselves_o acknowledge_v for_o a_o kingdom_n not_o present_a but_o to_o come_v and_o ibid._n they_o that_o have_v no_o kingdom_n can_v make_v no_o law_n it_o be_v very_o true_a they_o that_o have_v no_o kingdom_n ans_fw-fr can_v make_v no_o law_n yet_o since_o as_o the_o same_o page_n tell_v we_o god_n be_v the_o sovereign_n of_o all_o the_o world_n they_o that_o have_v no_o kingdom_n may_v proclaim_v his_o law_n and_o this_o be_v the_o office_n of_o the_o apostle_n as_o prophet_n or_o man_n inspire_v by_o god_n and_o send_v to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n their_o call_n of_o mâ—n_z to_o christianity_n derive_v not_o its_o authority_n original_o from_o they_o but_o from_o god_n that_o send_v they_o and_o send_v they_o he_o do_v not_o bare_o to_o invite_v man_n unto_o it_o but_o also_o in_o his_o name_n to_o command_v they_o to_o receive_v it_o for_o now_o 30._o god_n command_v all_o man_n every_o where_o to_o repent_v and_o this_o be_v his_o commandment_n that_o we_o shall_v believe_v on_o â—3_n the_o name_n of_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n under_o these_o two_o head_n of_o repentance_n towards_o god_n and_o of_o faith_n towards_o our_o lord_n jâ—sus_n christ_n st._n paul_n comprehend_v all_o invitation_n that_o can_v be_v to_o christianity_n and_o since_o they_o both_o be_v thus_o plain_o and_o emphatical_o 21._o command_v it_o be_v a_o strange_a overâ—ight_n or_o worse_o to_o say_v the_o precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v no_o command_n and_o yet_o more_o strange_a and_o worse_o than_o so_o it_o be_v to_o say_v 2._o we_o read_v not_o any_o where_o that_o they_o who_o receive_v 2._o not_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n do_v therein_o sin_n but_o thâ—t_o they_o die_v in_o their_o sin_n that_o be_v that_o their_o sin_n against_o the_o law_n to_o which_o they_o owe_v obedience_n be_v not_o pardon_v and_o therefore_o of_o infidel_n st._n johnâ—aith_o â—aith_z not_o the_o wrâ—th_n of_o god_n shall_v come_v upon_o they_o 3â—_n but_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n remain_v upon_o they_o and_o not_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v condemn_v but_o that_o they_o be_v condemn_v nor_o can_v it_o be_v conceive_v that_o the_o benefit_n of_o faith_n be_v remission_n of_o sin_n unless_o we_o conceive_v 18._o withal_o that_o the_o damage_n of_o infidelity_n be_v the_o retention_n of_o the_o same_o sin_n ans_fw-fr but_o do_v we_o not_o read_v that_o when_o christ_n send_v forth_o his_o disciple_n by_o two_o and_o two_o he_o give_v they_o order_n that_o in_o whatever_o house_n or_o city_n they_o be_v not_o receive_v and_o hear_v they_o shall_v shake_v off_o the_o dust_n under_o their_o foot_n for_o a_o testimony_n against_o they_o and_o withal_o 11._o assure_v they_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v more_o tolerable_a for_o sodom_n and_o gâ—mâ—râ—â—a_n in_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n than_o for_o that_o city_n and_o do_v we_o not_o read_v of_o jerusalem_n who_o house_n be_v leâ—t_o desolate_a because_o the_o inhabitant_n will_v not_o be_v gather_v unto_o he_o and_o do_v 38._o we_o not_o read_v that_o this_o be_v the_o condemnation_n that_o light_n be_v come_v into_o the_o world_n and_o man_n love_v darkness_n rather_o than_o light_v and_o do_v we_o not_o read_v that_o he_o who_o believe_v 16._o not_o shall_v be_v damn_v and_o do_v we_o not_o read_v that_o the_o lord_n jesus_n shall_v be_v reveal_v from_o heaven_n with_o his_o mighty_a angel_n in_o flâ—ming_a fire_n take_v vengeance_n on_o they_o that_o know_v not_o god_n and_o obey_v not_o the_o gospel_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o do_v we_o not_o read_v 8._o of_o the_o comforter_n who_o be_v to_o come_v and_o reprove_v the_o world_n of_o sin_n because_o they_o believe_v not_o 9_o on_o he_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o if_o we_o turn_v to_o our_o bibles_n we_o may_v read_v all_o these_o thing_n therein_o how_o strange_a then_o be_v it_o and_o horrid_a to_o say_v we_o read_v not_o any_o where_o that_o they_o who_o receive_v not_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n do_v therein_o sin_n be_v that_o no_o sin_n which_o will_v make_v eternal_a judgement_n more_o severe_a and_o intolerable_a to_o otherwise_o the_o best_a of_o city_n than_o to_o sodom_n and_o gomorrâ—a_n be_v that_o no_o sin_n for_o which_o god_n destroy_v jerusalem_n and_o cast_v off_o the_o â—eed_n of_o abraham_n his_o friend_n and_o the_o child_n of_o jacob_n his_o choose_a be_v that_o no_o sin_n for_o which_o above_o all_o thing_n the_o world_n be_v condemn_v be_v that_o no_o sin_n for_o which_o man_n shall_v be_v damn_v be_v that_o no_o sin_n for_o which_o they_o shall_v suffer_v the_o vengeance_n of_o eternal_a fire_n be_v that_o no_o sin_n for_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n reprove_v the_o world_n of_o sin_n who_o so_o blind_a in_o his_o apprehension_n or_o so_o perverse_a in_o his_o judgement_n as_o to_o think_v it_o be_v not_o even_o he_o that_o write_v it_o i_o very_o think_v do_v it_o with_o but_o at_o best_a a_o tremble_a assent_n unto_o it_o his_o allegation_n of_o scripture_n and_o reason_n to_o prove_v it_o be_v so_o impertinent_a and_o insufficient_a as_o that_o they_o rather_o conclude_v the_o contrary_n for_o what_o tho_o st._n john_n speak_v in_o the_o present_a tense_n and_o faith_n not_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n shall_v come_v but_o that_o it_o abide_v upon_o he_o that_o believe_v not_o and_o that_o he_o be_v condemn_v already_o do_v it_o thence_o follow_v that_o infidelity_n be_v no_o sin_n who_o will_v not_o rather_o thence_o conclude_v that_o it_o be_v yea_o and_o that_o so_o great_a a_o one_o as_o that_o the_o unbeliever_n shall_v as_o certain_o be_v punish_v for_o it_o as_o if_o god_n wrath_n be_v actual_o inflict_v or_o eternal_a condemnation_n have_v actual_o pass_v upon_o he_o this_o construction_n of_o the_o evangelist_n word_n be_v certain_o far_o more_o probable_a than_o the_o other_o because_o he_o there_o assign_v the_o reason_n of_o the_o unbeliever_n condemnation_n which_o be_v not_o because_o he_o have_v sin_v against_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o civil_a law_n of_o state_n but_z because_o he_o have_v not_o believe_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o 18._o only_o beget_v son_n of_o god_n since_o then_o this_o be_v the_o move_a cause_n or_o reason_n of_o his_o condemnation_n it_o be_v here_o evident_a that_o this_o be_v his_o sin_n nor_o do_v the_o reason_n that_o the_o leviathan_n allege_v to_o the_o contrary_a enforce_v any_o other_o conclusion_n for_o it_o can_v be_v conceive_v that_o the_o retention_n of_o sin_n be_v the_o damage_n of_o infidelity_n unless_o we_o conceive_v withal_o that_o infidelity_n do_v displease_v god_n nor_o can_v we_o conceive_v it_o to_o displease_v he_o unless_o withal_o we_o conceive_v it_o to_o be_v a_o sin_n and_o indeed_o when_o we_o well_o consider_v it_o we_o can_v possible_o methinks_v conceive_v it_o to_o be_v any_o other_o for_o very_o evident_a it_o be_v that_o christ_n crucify_a be_v either_o a_o rock_n of_o offence_n or_o foolishness_n unto_o it_o it_o set_v at_o naught_o the_o counsel_n of_o god_n in_o contrive_v and_o despise_v the_o riches_n of_o his_o grace_n in_o effect_v the_o redemption_n of_o the_o world_n by_o he_o it_o count_v the_o blood_n of_o the_o covenant_n a_o unholy_a or_o trivial_a thing_n not_o worth_a mind_v and_o do_v despite_n unto_o or_o at_o least_o resist_v the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n it_o make_v god_n a_o liar_n and_o all_o the_o witness_n to_o christianity_n it_o impudent_o charge_v with_o falsehood_n in_o short_a it_o frustrate_v the_o whole_a gospel_n and_o break_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o great_a sin_n nor_o indeed_o can_v it_o possible_o be_v otherwise_o because_o it_o be_v a_o notorious_a transgression_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o gospel_n be_v a_o law_n namely_o the_o law_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o life_n and_o the_o perfect_a law_n of_o liberty_n 25._o nor_o can_v it_o be_v think_v that_o these_o apostle_n do_v improper_o style_v the_o gospel_n a_o law_n for_o a_o law_n be_v little_a or_o nothing_o else_o but_o a_o ordinance_n and_o preception_n promulgate_v for_o the_o common_a good_a by_o he_o that_o have_v the_o care_n of_o the_o community_n it_o be_v very_o easy_a to_o discern_v that_o the_o gospel_n have_v in_o it_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o law_n because_o all_o the_o part_n of_o its_o definition_n 4._o be_v very_o agreeable_a thereto_o it_o concern_v i_o at_o present_a to_o take_v notice_n only_o of_o its_o obligation_n and_o this_o be_v so_o inseparable_a from_o a_o law_n as_o that_o it_o receive_v its_o name_n therefrom_o and_o indeed_o the_o most_o essential_a difference_n of_o a_o law_n
these_o evangelist_n shall_v write_v without_o their_o knowledge_n and_o approbation_n especial_o consider_v that_o tertullian_n faith_n s._n mark_v gospel_n may_v be_v affirm_v to_o be_v st._n peter_n and_o st._n luke_n the_o apostolical_a church_n be_v wont_n to_o ascribe_v 5_o unto_o st._n paul_n insomuch_o that_o st._n hierom_n it_o seem_v affirm_v that_o this_o be_v the_o gospel_n which_o st._n 16._o paul_n call_v his._n what_o shadow_n of_o probability_n have_v 58._o there_o be_v in_o these_o assertion_n if_o these_o evangelist_n have_v not_o have_v at_o least_o the_o approbation_n of_o these_o apostle_n in_o their_o write_n and_o approve_a it_o seem_v they_o be_v by_o st._n john_n as_o well_o as_o they_o for_o eusebius_n report_v the_o tradition_n of_o the_o church_n inform_v we_o that_o when_o the_o write_n of_o these_o evangelist_n be_v come_v unto_o he_o he_o approve_v of_o they_o and_o give_v they_o his_o testimony_n to_o their_o truth_n only_o â—e_v desire_v that_o in_o these_o write_n there_o â—ad_v be_v a_o account_n give_v of_o those_o thing_n which_o christ_n do_v when_o he_o first_o begin_v to_o preach_v and_o that_o that_o be_v say_v be_v true_a for_o it_o may_v be_v discern_v that_o these_o thrâ—â—_n evangelist_n viz._n st._n matthew_n st._n mark_n and_o st._n luke_n have_v commit_v to_o write_v only_o thâ—se_a thing_n which_o our_o saviour_n do_v in_o the_o space_n of_o a_o year_n after_o the_o imprisonment_n and_o captivity_n of_o st._n john_n the_o baptist_n they_o say_v therefore_o that_o st._n john_n the_o apostle_n bathe_v deliver_v in_o his_o gospel_n 24._o the_o thing_n which_o our_o saviour_n do_v in_o that_o space_n of_o time_n which_o the_o former_a evangelist_n â—ad_v pass_v over_o in_o silence_n the_o time_n namely_o before_o the_o imprisonment_n of_o the_o baptist_n a_o observation_n not_o unworthy_a of_o our_o notice_n but_o at_o present_a we_o have_v no_o use_n for_o any_o part_n of_o it_o but_o only_o the_o beginning_n viz._n that_o st._n john_n the_o apostle_n do_v not_o only_o approve_v of_o but_o add_v his_o authority_n to_o the_o gospel_n of_o st._n mark_n and_o st._n luke_n which_o testimony_n of_o eusebius_n or_o rather_o of_o the_o church_n by_o he_o be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o credible_a because_o justin_n martyr_n in_o many_o place_n of_o his_o work_n call_v these_o as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o gospel_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o commemoration_n â—apâ—usculè_fw-la or_o narration_n of_o the_o apostle_n but_o this_o they_o can_v not_o be_v unless_o as_o tertullian_n faith_n the_o evangelical_n instrument_n â—ad_v for_o its_o â—_z the_o apostle_n on_o who_o the_o lord_n impose_v the_o office_n of_o promulgate_a the_o gospel_n or_o if_o apostolical_a man_n have_v any_o hand_n in_o it_o yet_o not_o alone_o but_o with_o the_o apostle_n and_o after_o the_o apostle_n because_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o disciple_n may_v be_v suspect_v of_o vain_a glory_n if_o it_o have_v not_o â—ad_v the_o 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do_v as_o far_o exceed_v the_o power_n of_o nature_n as_o the_o donation_n of_o blessedness_n or_o any_o thing_n else_o contain_v in_o the_o promise_n by_o they_o therefore_o it_o appear_v that_o all_o thing_n requisite_a thereunto_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o he_o by_o who_o or_o in_o who_o name_n they_o be_v do_v and_o the_o goodness_n of_o his_o miracle_n declare_v he_o as_o willing_a as_o able_a to_o bestow_v they_o on_o we_o and_o where_o both_o power_n and_o will_n do_v concur_v to_o make_v man_n bless_v it_o be_v very_o evident_a there_o be_v no_o place_n leave_v for_o diffâ—â—ence_n or_o room_n for_o despair_n since_o then_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n do_v demonstrate_v both_o his_o ability_n and_o willingness_n to_o make_v we_o bless_v and_o all_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v empty_a themselves_o into_o blessedness_n it_o thence_o follow_v that_o on_o that_o account_n we_o may_v and_o in_o reason_n we_o ought_v to_o have_v strong_a confidence_n in_o the_o 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any_o man_n omit_v do_v of_o any_o thing_n whereby_o he_o believe_v and_o hope_n to_o obtain_v some_o good_a or_o to_o avoid_v some_o evil_n and_o if_o in_o those_o affair_n all_o the_o world_n think_v it_o reasonable_a for_o faith_n and_o hope_n to_o set_v we_o on_o do_v why_o be_v it_o not_o so_o also_o in_o religious_a since_o therefore_o in_o these_o affair_n we_o have_v as_o we_o have_v see_v very_o fair_a ground_n to_o plant_v these_o engine_n on_o it_o be_v very_o reasonable_a to_o set_v they_o on_o work_n in_o keep_v the_o commandment_n and_o not_o for_o this_o cause_n only_o but_o especial_o because_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n who_o reveal_v they_o to_o we_o and_o impose_v they_o on_o we_o be_v prophet_n it_o be_v thence_o manifest_a that_o they_o have_v no_o less_o than_o divine_a authority_n enstamp_v upon_o they_o and_o so_o indisputable_o evident_a and_o transcendent_o great_a be_v this_o authority_n as_o that_o the_o whole_a earth_n heathen_n and_o turk_n as_o well_o as_o jew_n and_o christian_n acknowledge_v a_o obligation_n to_o obey_v it_o and_o since_o god_n command_n have_v so_o confess_v a_o obligation_n in_o they_o it_o be_v certain_o a_o part_n of_o the_o synteresis_fw-la or_o habit_n of_o practical_a principle_n wherewith_o nature_n have_v endue_v all_o man_n conscience_n that_o god_n be_v to_o be_v obey_v since_o then_o because_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v prophet_n the_o precept_n of_o that_o religion_n that_o they_o have_v teach_v we_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o command_v of_o god_n we_o be_v self-condemned_n wretch_n perhaps_o worse_o than_o infidel_n if_o we_o do_v not_o obey_v they_o but_o here_o to_o demonstrate_v at_o once_o both_o the_o nature_n and_o the_o greatness_n of_o our_o obligation_n to_o obedience_n it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o though_o it_o may_v seem_v a_o digression_n to_o inquire_v whence_o our_o obligation_n to_o obey_v god_n do_v arise_v if_o we_o consult_v the_o philosophical_a rudiment_n concern_v government_n and_o civil_a society_n for_o a_o answer_n to_o this_o question_n we_o shall_v there_o find_v it_o affirm_v that_o the_o obligation_n of_o yield_a god_n obedience_n 7._o lie_v on_o man_n by_o reason_n of_o their_o weakness_n if_o this_o shall_v seem_v hard_a to_o any_o man_n the_o author_n in_o his_o annotation_n desire_v he_o with_o a_o silent_a thought_n to_o consider_v if_o there_o be_v two_o omnipotents_a whether_o be_v bind_v to_o obey_v and_o well_o may_v it_o seem_v hard_a since_o it_o admit_v of_o no_o proof_n without_o the_o supposition_n of_o a_o impossibility_n viz._n that_o there_o may_v be_v two_o omnipotents_a which_o can_v be_v because_o the_o one_o be_v or_o it_o be_v not_o able_a to_o destroy_v the_o other_o if_o it_o be_v than_o the_o other_o be_v not_o omnipotent_a because_o it_o be_v not_o able_a to_o resist_v it_o if_o it_o be_v not_o then_o be_v it_o not_o omnipotent_a because_o there_o be_v something_o which_o it_o can_v do_v so_o that_o the_o be_v of_o two_o omnipotents_a be_v impossible_a let_v a_o man_n therefore_o consider_v his_o argue_v with_o never_o so_o silent_a a_o thought_n he_o shall_v find_v but_o little_a or_o no_o force_n in_o it_o and_o true_o though_o our_o saviour_n admonish_v paul_n who_o at_o that_o time_n be_v a_o enemy_n to_o the_o church_n that_o he_o shall_v not_o kick_v against_o the_o prick_n seem_v to_o require_v obedience_n from_o he_o for_o this_o cause_n because_o he_o have_v not_o power_n enough_o to_o resist_v yet_o do_v it_o not_o thence_o follow_v that_o his_o weakness_n be_v the_o formal_a reason_n of_o his_o obligation_n to_o yield_v obedience_n because_o there_o may_v be_v many_o motive_n to_o obey_v beside_o the_o basis_n and_o radix_fw-la of_o our_o obligation_n so_o to_o do_v in_o the_o advice_n of_o a_o friend_n there_o be_v no_o obligation_n at_o all_o
this_o be_v that_o appeal_n of_o minutius_n felix_n to_o other_o heathen_n most_o of_o you_o 23._o know_v that_o they_o themselves_o confess_v themselves_o devil_n as_o oft_o as_o by_o the_o torment_n of_o adjuration_n or_o flame_n of_o devotion_n we_o cast_v they_o out_o of_o possession_n even_o saturn_n serapis_n and_o jupiter_n himself_o and_o whatever_o other_o devil_n you_o worship_v be_v overcome_v with_o grief_n speak_v what_o they_o be_v neither_o lie_v they_o for_o the_o advantage_n of_o their_o villainy_n as_o they_o do_v to_o some_o especial_o of_o you_o that_o patronize_v their_o cause_n confess_v the_o truth_n of_o themselves_o believe_v that_o they_o be_v devil_n themselves_o be_v witness_n for_o be_v adjure_v by_o the_o true_a and_o only_o god_n they_o unwilling_o either_o cling_v to_o the_o miserable_a body_n of_o the_o possess_v or_o else_o they_o forthwith_o forsake_v they_o â—r_o else_o they_o vanish_v by_o degree_n according_a to_o the_o 1â—36_n faith_n of_o the_o patient_n or_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o physician_n about_o the_o same_o time_n origen_n tell_v celsus_n that_o to_o that_o â—ry_a 2._o day_n cures_n be_v wrought_v by_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n and_o again_o afterward_o he_o say_v we_o can_v show_v innumerable_a multitude_n both_o of_o greek_n and_o barbarian_n that_o confess_v the_o faith_n of_o jesus_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o which_o faith_n some_o of_o they_o have_v receive_v something_o miraculous_a the_o sign_n whereof_o they_o show_v by_o cure_v the_o sick_a on_o who_o they_o use_v no_o other_o mean_n of_o recovery_n but_o call_v on_o the_o god_n of_o all_o and_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n together_o with_o the_o history_n of_o he_o for_o by_o these_o mean_v we_o ourselves_o hâ—ve_v see_v many_o rescue_v from_o grievous_a evil_n distraction_n and_o madness_n and_o many_o other_o disease_n which_o neither_o man_n nor_o devil_n be_v 3._o able_a to_o cure_v and_o that_o the_o christian_n of_o that_o age_n wrought_v not_o these_o cure_n by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o devil_n he_o far_o yet_o make_v evident_a by_o their_o ejection_n of_o he_o wherever_o they_o find_v he_o the_o power_n of_o christ_n do_v so_o triumph_v over_o he_o as_o that_o almost_o the_o mean_a christian_n can_v dispossess_v he_o for_o more_o than_o a_o few_o of_o they_o be_v able_a to_o drive_v he_o away_o from_o they_o that_o suffer_v by_o he_o and_o that_o without_o any_o curious_a magical_a or_o poisonous_a thing_n but_o only_o by_o prayer_n and_o pure_a invocation_n such_o as_o a_o simple_a 7._o man_n may_v make_v for_o private_a christian_n most_o frequent_o do_v it_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o word_n thereby_o discover_v the_o contemptibleness_n and_o weakness_n of_o the_o devil_n be_v that_o in_o order_n to_o their_o ejection_n from_o the_o soul_n and_o body_n of_o a_o man_n there_o be_v no_o need_n so_o much_o as_o of_o a_o wise_a man_n or_o one_o that_o be_v mighty_a in_o rational_a demonstration_n of_o the_o faith_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n st._n cyprian_n wish_v that_o the_o proconsul_n of_o africa_n a_o great_a persecutor_n of_o the_o christian_n will_v hear_v and_o see_v the_o devil_n who_o he_o worship_v as_o go_n when_o say_v he_o we_o adjure_v and_o vex_v they_o with_o spiritual_a scourge_v and_o when_o by_o the_o torment_n of_o word_n we_o cast_v they_o out_o of_o possess_v body_n when_o at_o the_o word_n of_o man_n by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n as_o it_o be_v feel_v stripe_n and_o scourge_v they_o cry_v out_o and_o groan_n and_o confess_v there_o be_v a_o judgement_n to_o come_v come_v and_o know_v that_o what_o we_o say_v be_v true_a and_o because_o thou_o say_v thou_o so_o worship_v the_o god_n either_o believe_v those_o who_o thou_o do_v worship_n or_o if_o thou_o will_v believe_v thyself_o he_o that_o have_v now_o besiege_v thy_o breast_n and_o blind_v thy_o mind_n with_o a_o night_n of_o ignorance_n shall_v spâ—â—k_v iâ—â—hy_a hâ—â—ring_n concern_v thyself_o thou_o shall_v see_v that_o we_o be_v entreat_v by_o those_o of_o who_o thou_o be_v afraid_a and_o adore_v thou_o shall_v see_v they_o sâ—and_v bind_v under_o our_o hand_n and_o tremble_v bâ—ing_a captive_n who_o thou_o do_v honour_n and_o venerate_a as_o lord_n and_o demâ—trianum_n after_o he_o laâ—tantius_n testify_v that_o they_o fly_v from_o the_o just_a and_o tremble_v because_o when_o they_o possess_v the_o body_n of_o man_n and_o vex_v their_o soul_n be_v by_o they_o adjure_v the_o name_n of_o the_o true_a god_n chase_v they_o away_o for_o have_v hear_v it_o they_o tremble_v cry_v out_o and_o testify_v that_o they_o be_v burn_v and_o scourge_v and_o be_v ask_v who_o they_o be_v when_o when_o they_o come_v and_o how_o they_o enter_v into_o a_o man_n they_o confess_v be_v thus_o constrain_v and_o torture_v by_o the_o virtue_n of_o god_n name_n they_o be_v banish_v because_o of_o these_o lash_n and_o threaten_n they_o have_v always_o hate_v holy_a and_o just_a man_n and_o because_o by_o themselves_o they_o can_v hurt_v they_o those_o who_o they_o feel_v grievous_a to_o they_o they_o pursue_v with_o public_a hatred_n and_o exercise_v cruelty_n as_o violent_o as_o they_o can_v either_o that_o by_o grief_n they_o may_v diminish_v their_o faith_n or_o if_o they_o can_v effect_v that_o that_o they_o may_v utter_o take_v they_o 22._o from_o the_o earth_n leâ—t_v they_o shall_v survive_v to_o restrain_v their_o wickedness_n now_o than_o this_o what_o be_v there_o more_o demonstrative_a that_o christian_a miracle_n be_v not_o wrought_v by_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n since_o they_o bind_v and_o scourge_v he_o take_v he_o captive_a and_o thrâ—w_v he_o out_o of_o possession_n it_o be_v manifest_v the_o power_n that_o do_v they_o be_v great_a than_o he_o and_o contrary_a to_o it_o and_o can_v he_o give_v great_a power_n than_o he_o himself_o have_v no_o sure_o nor_o will_v he_o neither_o indeed_o can_v he_o change_v himself_o into_o a_o angel_n of_o light_a to_o destroy_v but_o only_o to_o uphold_v the_o kingdom_n of_o darkness_n and_o if_o that_o be_v impossible_a much_o more_o so_o be_v it_o for_o he_o to_o have_v give_v power_n to_o one_o that_o at_o the_o invocation_n of_o his_o name_n by_o other_o not_o only_o all_o disease_n shall_v be_v heal_v but_o also_o he_o himself_o torment_v and_o eject_v this_o power_n arnobius_n observe_v that_o jupiter_n câ—pitolinus_n himself_o scarce_o grant_v to_o any_o moral_a no_o not_o to_o his_o own_o chief_a priâ—â—â—_n i_o wilâ—_n not_o demand_v say_v he_o that_o he_o shall_v râ—ise_v the_o dead_a or_o restore_v light_n unto_o the_o blind_a or_o give_v strength_n and_o beauty_n to_o the_o lame_a and_o deform_v but_o that_o either_o by_o the_o command_n of_o his_o voice_n or_o touch_n of_o his_o hand_n he_o shall_v so_o much_o as_o suppress_v a_o pimple_n a_o â—lâ—ft_n from_o the_o nail_n or_o wheal_n of_o the_o skin_n and_o since_o so_o trivial_a a_o power_n as_o this_o be_v not_o confer_v by_o the_o chief_a of_o the_o god_n he_o may_v well_o as_o he_o do_v with_o confidence_n challenge_v the_o gentile_n to_o summon_v the_o most_o renown_a magician_n from_o all_o quarter_n to_o give_v to_o one_o of_o the_o people_n power_n â—o_o make_v the_o dumb_a to_o speak_v the_o deaf_a to_o hear_v the_o born-blind_a to_o see_v to_o restore_v sense_n and_o motion_n to_o member_n long_o cold_a and_o wither_v or_o if_o that_o be_v a_o hard_a matter_n such_o as_o they_o can_v give_v power_n of_o do_v unto_o other_o let_v they_o do_v it_o themselves_o and_o that_o with_o their_o rite_n too_o whatever_o poisonous_a herb_n the_o bosom_n of_o the_o earth_n do_v nourish_v whatever_o force_n there_o be_v in_o their_o rumble_a of_o word_n and_o the_o adjoin_v causality_n of_o verse_n we_o envy_v it_o not_o let_v they_o gather_v it_o it_o like_v we_o to_o try_v and_o know_v whether_o they_o with_o their_o god_n can_v do_v that_o which_o country_n christian_n can_v by_o their_o naked_a command_n 1._o and_o it_o seem_v by_o st._n austin_n that_o this_o power_n of_o work_a miracle_n continue_v in_o the_o church_n though_o not_o so_o conspicuous_o a_o long_a time_n after_o for_o he_o testify_v that_o even_o in_o his_o time_n viz._n in_o the_o four_o century_n miracle_n be_v do_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n either_o by_o his_o sacrament_n or_o by_o prayer_n at_o the_o monument_n of_o his_o saint_n and_o for_o proof_n hereof_o he_o relate_v the_o story_n of_o divers_a whereof_o 8._o he_o himself_o have_v be_v a_o eye-witness_n thus_o apparent_a it_o be_v and_o much_o more_o abundant_o evident_a may_v it_o be_v make_v that_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n for_o several_a age_n after_o his_o death_n wrought_v miracle_n in_o his_o name_n and_o cast_v out_o devil_n and_o sure_o these_o miracle_n of_o they_o do_v conciliate_v authority_n