have_v forbid_v to_o make_v addition_n to_o or_o diminution_n from_o say_v thou_o shall_v neither_o add_v unto_o 32._o it_o nor_o diminish_v from_o it_o and_o therefore_o our_o ancestor_n with_o who_o be_v peace_n have_v say_v from_o that_o time_n it_o be_v not_o grant_v to_o a_o prophet_n to_o change_v any_o thing_n when_o therefore_o we_o know_v he_o the_o prophet_n in_o that_o which_o he_o claim_v to_o himself_o to_o lie_v against_o god_n and_o to_o feign_v that_o of_o he_o which_o he_o never_o say_v unto_o he_o we_o be_v necessitate_v to_o kill_v he_o according_a to_o what_o the_o holy_a scripture_n declare_v while_o it_o say_v the_o prophet_n that_o 20._o shall_v have_v add_v etc._n etc._n even_o that_o prophet_n shall_v die_v the_o second_o sort_n of_o prophet_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v when_o one_o invite_v man_n to_o worship_n god_n and_o incite_v they_o to_o keep_v his_o commandment_n and_o declare_v they_o shall_v observe_v the_o law_n and_o that_o without_o addition_n or_o diminution_n as_o the_o last_o of_o they_o have_v say_v remember_v 4_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n my_o servant_n which_o i_o command_v unto_o he_o in_o horeb_n for_o all_o israel_n with_o the_o statute_n and_o judgement_n promise_v good_a to_o he_o that_o shall_v keep_v and_o threaten_a punishment_n to_o he_o that_o shall_v break_v this_o law_n as_o isaiah_n jeremiah_n ezekiel_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o they_o do_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n command_v and_o forbid_v thing_n different_a from_o those_o of_o the_o law_n as_o for_o example_n sake_n if_o he_o shall_v say_v drive_v out_o now_o that_o country_n or_o this_o faction_n as_o samuel_n of_o old_a command_v saul_n that_o he_o shall_v destroy_v amalek_n or_o if_o he_o prohibit_v the_o put_v one_o to_o death_n as_o eliâ—ha_n forbid_v jehoram_n to_o vanquish_v the_o host_n of_o hazael_n which_o have_v enter_v samaria_n as_o it_o be_v know_v and_o as_o isaiah_n forbid_v water_n to_o be_v convey_v within_o the_o wall_n and_o as_o jâ—remiah_n forbid_v the_o israelite_n tp_n go_v out_o of_o jerusalem_n and_o other_o such_o like_a thing_n when_o therefore_o a_o prophet_n do_v claim_v to_o himself_o the_o gift_n of_o prophesy_n so_o as_o that_o he_o neither_o ascribe_v it_o to_o any_o idol_n nor_o add_v to_o or_o diminish_v aught_o from_o the_o law_n but_o walk_v in_o other_o way_n in_o that_o manner_n we_o have_v explain_v than_o our_o next_o work_n be_v to_o try_v he_o thus_o far_o mâ—imenides_n concern_v those_o condition_n on_o which_o pretender_n to_o prophecy_n be_v to_o be_v admit_v to_o a_o trial_n and_o thereby_o we_o see_v that_o according_a to_o he_o admit_v they_o be_v not_o but_o on_o these_o two_o condition_n 1_o that_o they_o prophesy_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n this_o we_o have_v already_o grant_v 2_o that_o they_o make_v no_o alteration_n either_o in_o the_o write_a law_n of_o moses_n or_o in_o the_o explication_n of_o it_o receive_v by_o tradition_n this_o rule_n how_o confident_o soever_o it_o be_v give_v yet_o must_v not_o be_v receive_v without_o exception_n for_o first_o the_o explication_n of_o the_o law_n therein_o mention_v certain_o have_v no_o such_o authority_n as_o be_v thereby_o pretend_a and_o to_o the_o end_n we_o may_v the_o more_o full_o see_v what_o that_o be_v together_o with_o the_o improbability_n of_o it_o i_o shall_v show_v you_o the_o pretend_v original_a of_o this_o explication_n as_o it_o be_v record_v by_o our_o cod_n author_n who_o will_v have_v we_o to_o know_v that_o all_o the_o prophet_n of_o the_o law_n which_o come_v from_o god_n to_o moses_n come_v to_o he_o together_o with_o their_o interpretation_n first_o god_n speak_v the_o text_n unto_o he_o and_o then_o the_o explication_n or_o interpretation_n of_o it_o and_o what_o the_o authentic_a text_n itself_o comprehend_v and_o the_o manner_n of_o teach_v they_o to_o israel_n be_v such_o as_o i_o be_o now_o about_o to_o describe_v unto_o thou_o moses_n be_v go_v into_o his_o tent_n the_o first_o that_o come_v unto_o he_o be_v aaron_n to_o who_o he_o tell_v the_o text_n which_o be_v give_v he_o from_o god_n and_o teach_v he_o the_o interpretation_n of_o it_o afterward_o he_o have_v place_v himself_o at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o moses_n eleazar_n and_o ithamar_n his_o son_n come_v in_o to_o who_o also_o moses_n tell_v the_o same_o he_o have_v tell_v to_o aaron_n they_o than_o rise_v and_o go_v one_o to_o the_o left_a hand_n of_o moses_n our_o master_n the_o other_o to_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o aaron_n afterward_o the_o seventy_o elder_n come_v in_o who_o also_o moses_n teach_v in_o the_o same_o manner_n that_o he_o have_v teach_v aaron_n and_o his_o son_n after_o they_o a_o promiscuous_a assembly_n of_o the_o people_n viz._n every_o one_o that_o seek_v the_o lord_n come_v in_o to_o he_o also_o he_o repeat_v the_o same_o till_o they_o all_o have_v hear_v it_o from_o he_o and_o now_o aaron_n have_v hear_v the_o text_n four_o time_n from_o moses_n his_o son_n twice_o the_o elder_n twice_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o assembly_n once_o then_o moses_n go_v out_o from_o they_o and_o the_o text_n which_o aaron_n have_v hear_v four_o time_n from_o moses_n he_o repeat_v to_o all_o that_o be_v present_a so_o that_o now_o his_o son_n as_o well_o as_o himself_o have_v hear_v it_o four_o time_n thrice_o from_o moses_n and_o once_o from_o he_o and_o then_o he_o himself_o also_o withdraw_v and_o eleazâ—r_n and_o ithamar_n repeat_v the_o same_o text_n which_o they_o have_v so_o hear_v to_o the_o whole_a assembly_n and_o they_o rise_v up_o from_o teach_v and_o by_o these_o mean_v the_o seventy_o elder_n also_o have_v now_o hear_v the_o text_n four_o time_n twice_o from_o moses_n once_o from_o aaron_n and_o once_o from_o his_o son_n then_o they_o also_o repeat_v it_o once_o to_o the_o people_n and_o so_o all_o hear_v it_o four_o time_n firâ—t_o from_o moses_n second_o from_o aaron_n three_o from_o his_o son_n and_o four_a from_o the_o seventy_o elder_n who_o then_o depart_v some_o teach_v some_o and_o some_o other_o that_o which_o they_o have_v receive_v from_o god_n messenger_n the_o text_n they_o write_v in_o volume_n then_o the_o chief_a of_o the_o people_n disperse_v themselves_o throughout_o all_o israel_n to_o teach_v and_o instruct_v they_o until_o they_o remember_v the_o text_n and_o can_v read_v it_o in_o writing_n afterward_o they_o teach_v they_o also_o the_o interpretation_n of_o the_o text_n it_o sâ—lf_o which_o come_v from_o god_n which_o interpretation_n contain_v the_o universal_a sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o it_o the_o text_n they_o commit_v to_o writing_n but_o the_o tradition_n to_o memory_n and_o have_v they_o not_o all_o good_a memory_n to_o retain_v so_o much_o yes_o sure_o for_o moses_n they_o say_v bring_v no_o lâ—ss_o than_o 613_o precept_n together_o with_o their_o interpretation_n from_o mount_n sinai_n of_o necessity_n we_o know_v the_o comment_n must_v be_v large_a than_o the_o text_n and_o be_v it_o not_o a_o wonder_n that_o he_o at_o once_o and_o they_o at_o four_o time_n hear_v shall_v be_v able_a to_o repeat_v it_o yet_o if_o you_o will_v believe_v he_o they_o do_v it_o so_o exact_o as_o that_o neither_o the_o text_n nor_o its_o interpretation_n lose_v any_o thing_n of_o their_o perfection_n or_o authority_n for_o not_o the_o text_n only_o but_o the_o interpretation_n too_o have_v the_o nature_n of_o a_o law_n and_o thus_o as_o our_o author_n inform_v as_o say_v the_o wise_a man_n the_o law_n that_o be_v write_v and_o the_o law_n that_o be_v deliver_v by_o ibid._n word_n of_o mouth_n it_o seem_v then_o that_o they_o just_a as_o the_o papist_n do_v now_o do_v receive_v and_o venerate_v the_o sess_z holy_a scripture_n and_o tradition_n with_o equal_a affection_n of_o piâ—ty_n and_o reverence_n but_o be_v not_o this_o tradition_n more_o liable_a to_o the_o corruption_n of_o man_n and_o the_o injury_n of_o time_n than_o the_o text_n be_v yes_o sure_o for_o maimonides_n himself_o insinuate_v that_o even_o in_o the_o day_n of_o joshua_n there_o be_v some_o small_a dissension_n about_o it_o but_o that_o be_v appease_v by_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o great_a part_n he_o commend_v it_o to_o the_o elder_n that_o overlive_v he_o and_o they_o to_o the_o prophet_n and_o the_o prophet_n deliver_v it_o one_o to_o another_o till_o at_o length_n it_o come_v to_o the_o great_a synagogue_n at_o which_o time_n there_o be_v such_o a_o stir_v as_o that_o that_o council_n be_v fain_o to_o make_v decree_n and_o constitution_n about_o it_o nor_o be_v it_o then_o safe_a and_o therefore_o rabbenu_fw-fr hakkadosh_n about_o 18_o generation_n afterward_o gather_v together_o the_o sentence_n and_o say_n thereof_o aâ—d_v compose_v the_o mishna_n which_o contain_v the_o explication_n of_o all_o
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
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
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 authority_n of_o the_o master_n yea_o of_o christ_n 2._o who_o make_v the_o apostle_n master_n to_o assist_v it_o and_o have_v the_o assistance_n of_o their_o authority_n it_o be_v very_o evident_a that_o since_o they_o be_v prophet_n the_o truth_n and_o authority_n of_o these_o write_n muâ—â—_n needs_o be_v divine_a lucae_n the_o author_n of_o they_o write_v as_o origen_n faith_n by_o inspiration_n and_o so_o clear_a have_v this_o argument_n heretofore_o be_v think_v by_o its_o own_o light_n as_o that_o among_o the_o jew_n it_o be_v a_o rule_n that_o of_o whosoever_o a_o prophet_n bear_v witness_v that_o he_o be_v a_o prophâ—t_n 9_o he_o shall_v be_v receive_v as_o a_o prophet_n neither_o shall_v there_o any_o far_a trial_n be_v make_v of_o he_o since_o then_o the_o apostle_n be_v prophet_n and_o do_v either_o write_v or_o approve_v of_o and_o authorize_v all_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n wherein_o also_o they_o give_v testimony_n to_o those_o of_o the_o old_a that_o they_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n we_o ought_v to_o acquiesce_v and_o cease_v from_o make_v a_o doubt_n of_o it_o shall_v conclude_v that_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o whole_a bible_n be_v divine_a 1_o but_o it_o be_v manifest_a faith_n the_o leviathan_n that_o none_o can_v know_v the_o scripture_n be_v god_n word_n though_o all_o true_a christian_n believe_v it_o but_o those_o 33._o to_o who_o god_n himself_o â—ath_v reveal_v it_o supernatural_o anâ—_n it_o be_v manifest_a yes_o that_o it_o be_v very_o good_a but_o i_o pray_v what_o make_v it_o so_o why_o the_o sole_a authority_n of_o the_o leviathan_n and_o let_v i_o tell_v you_o you_o will_v never_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v his_o disciple_n unless_o he_o have_v power_n enough_o over_o you_o to_o make_v you_o think_v so_o for_o he_o be_v â—o_o authentic_a a_o teacher_n as_o that_o he_o often_o suggett_v such_o principle_n as_o this_o upon_o his_o bare_a word_n and_o this_o you_o must_v take_v although_o perhaps_o you_o have_v good_a reason_n to_o the_o contrary_n if_o you_o be_v so_o ill_o nature_a as_o to_o deny_v he_o this_o little_a postulatum_fw-la you_o spoil_v all_o and_o leave_v no_o hope_n that_o ever_o you_o will_v be_v of_o his_o opinion_n for_o a_o instance_n of_o this_o you_o need_v not_o seek_v far_o there_o be_v one_o before_o you_o for_o what_o be_v knowledge_n but_o a_o firm_a certain_a and_o evident_a assent_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o proposition_n and_o our_o assent_n to_o that_o under_o debate_n viz._n that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n seem_v to_o have_v all_o these_o degree_n of_o perfection_n in_o it_o for_o it_o be_v firm_a because_o without_o hesitation_n and_o doubt_v it_o be_v certain_a because_o build_v upon_o such_o sure_a and_o solid_a foundation_n as_o can_v be_v make_v unable_a to_o bear_v it_o and_o it_o be_v evident_a because_o it_o be_v evident_o and_o plain_o deduce_v from_o the_o next_o and_o immediate_a cause_n of_o any_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n namely_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n but_o whether_o or_o no_o according_a to_o the_o strict_a and_o rigorous_a definition_n of_o philosopher_n it_o be_v knowledge_n proper_o so_o call_v it_o be_v not_o material_a to_o inquire_v because_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a that_o so_o it_o shall_v be_v for_o as_o in_o all_o art_n and_o science_n firm_a assent_n to_o first_o principle_n by_o what_o mean_v soever_o it_o be_v attain_v be_v sufficient_a for_o learner_n so_o here_o the_o chief_a design_n of_o holy_a scripture_n be_v to_o teach_v we_o knowledge_n of_o thing_n supernatural_a and_o our_o assent_n to_o the_o divinity_n of_o its_o authority_n be_v one_o of_o the_o first_o premise_n requisite_a to_o our_o attainment_n of_o that_o knowledge_n it_o have_v need_v only_o to_o be_v firm_a because_o firmness_n of_o assent_n thereunto_o be_v of_o itself_o sufficient_a to_o make_v we_o learn_v believe_v and_o obey_v the_o scripture_n as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o be_v evident_a by_o the_o example_n of_o all_o those_o pious_a and_o good_a man_n who_o although_o illiterate_a do_v yet_o take_v heed_n thereunto_o as_o to_o the_o rule_n that_o god_n have_v give_v they_o both_o of_o their_o faith_n and_o practice_n this_o they_o do_v although_o they_o can_v give_v no_o other_o reason_n why_o they_o think_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v so_o than_o because_o they_o be_v general_o receive_v as_o such_o and_o vogue_v to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n these_o man_n it_o be_v confess_v do_v not_o know_v but_o only_o believe_v that_o they_o be_v so_o yet_o their_o faith_n be_v steadfast_a i._n e._n their_o assent_n firm_a they_o we_o see_v do_v learn_v believe_v and_o obey_v they_o as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n 2_o but_o this_o be_v more_o than_o they_o need_v to_o do_v for_o he_o to_o who_o god_n have_v not_o supernatural_o reveal_v that_o they_o be_v his_o nor_o that_o those_o that_o publish_v they_o be_v send_v by_o he_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o obey_v they_o by_o any_o authority_n but_o he_o who_o command_n have_v already_o the_o force_n of_o law_n that_o be_v to_o say_v by_o any_o other_o authority_n than_o that_o of_o the_o common_a wealth_n reside_v in_o ibid._n the_o sovereign_n who_o only_o have_v the_o legislative_a power_n the_o postulatum_fw-la before_o mention_v be_v obtrude_v upon_o we_o because_o it_o be_v big_a with_o this_o monster_n ans_fw-fr which_o the_o leviathan_n have_v midwife_v into_o the_o world_n with_o its_o unhallowed_a mouth_n against_o heaven_n absolve_v as_o much_o as_o in_o that_o lie_v all_o man_n live_v from_o obedience_n to_o the_o word_n of_o their_o maker_n unless_o the_o common_a wealth_n require_v it_o this_o put_v i_o in_o mind_n of_o the_o roman_a senate_n decree_n and_o tertullia_n irrision_n of_o it_o that_o unless_o god_n please_v man_n he_o shall_v not_o
be_v god_n so_o here_o man_n must_v be_v merciful_a unto_o 5._o god_n or_o else_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o power_n in_o his_o word_n for_o those_o book_n only_o be_v canonical_a that_o be_v law_n in_o every_o nation_n which_o be_v establish_v for_o such_o by_o the_o sovereign_a authority_n it_o be_v true_a that_o god_n be_v the_o sovereign_n of_o all_o sovereign_n and_o therefore_o when_o he_o speak_v of_o any_o subject_a he_o ought_v to_o be_v obey_v whatsoever_o any_o earthly_a potentate_n command_v to_o the_o contrary_n but_o the_o question_n be_v not_o of_o obedience_n to_o god_n but_o of_o when_o and_o what_o god_n have_v say_v which_o to_o subject_n that_o have_v no_o supernatural_a revelation_n can_v be_v know_v but_o by_o that_o natural_a reason_n which_o guide_v they_o for_o the_o obtain_n of_o peace_n and_o justice_n to_o obey_v the_o authority_n of_o their_o several_a common_a wealth_n â—od_a that_o be_v to_o say_v of_o their_o lawful_a sovereign_n it_o seem_v then_o by_o natural_a reason_n it_o may_v be_v know_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o that_o a_o thing_n which_o none_o can_v know_v but_o those_o to_o who_o god_n have_v reveal_v it_o supernatural_o may_v yet_o be_v know_v by_o natural_a reason_n be_v so_o gross_a a_o contradiction_n as_o may_v perhaps_o puzzle_v his_o extraordinary_a wit_n to_o reconcile_v but_o whether_o it_o do_v or_o no_o it_o be_v no_o matter_n it_o suffice_v i_o that_o since_o botâ—_n part_n of_o it_o be_v the_o spawn_n of_o the_o leviathan_n he_o have_v grant_v that_o it_o may_v be_v know_v by_o natural_a reason_n but_o by_o what_o mean_v i_o pray_v do_v natural_a reason_n attain_v to_o this_o knowledge_n by_o its_o guidance_n of_o man_n to_o obedience_n to_o the_o authority_n of_o their_o several_a commonwealth_n i._n e._n of_o their_o lawful_a sovereign_n and_o how_o do_v natural_a reason_n know_v what_o book_n those_o be_v which_o lawful_a sovereign_n have_v command_v to_o be_v acknowledge_v for_o canonical_a how_o i_o say_v do_v natural_a reason_n know_v this_o but_o by_o the_o promulgation_n of_o their_o law_n and_o what_o be_v promulgation_n but_o a_o proclamation_n or_o public_a attestation_n or_o testimony_n that_o they_o be_v the_o sovereign_n law_n and_o hereupon_o we_o know_v that_o subject_n yield_v their_o assent_n that_o they_o be_v so_o but_o assent_n that_o be_v build_v upon_o testimony_n be_v faith_n not_o knowledge_n yet_o upon_o this_o the_o king_n require_v obedience_n and_o all_o good_a subject_n think_v themselves_o bind_v to_o obâ—y_n faith_n therefore_o oblige_v to_o obedience_n as_o well_o as_o knowledge_n if_o not_o then_o evident_a it_o be_v that_o the_o leviathan_n rob_v the_o king_n of_o his_o sceptre_n as_o well_o as_o god_n word_n of_o authority_n and_o iâ—_n so_o i_o can_v but_o recover_v some_o hope_n that_o one_o time_n or_o other_o this_o writing_n of_o he_o may_v fall_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o sovereign_n who_o will_v consider_v it_o he_o sâ—lf_o and_o by_o the_o exercise_n of_o entire_a sovereignty_n in_o protect_v the_o public_a not_o teach_v but_o burn_v of_o it_o convert_v it_o into_o ash_n but_o if_o faith_n i._n e._n assent_n unto_o testimony_n â—1_n do_v oblige_v unâ—o_o obedience_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o king_n why_o not_o also_o in_o reference_n to_o god_n almighty_a if_o there_o be_v no_o reâ—son_n as_o sure_o there_o be_v none_o why_o it_o shall_v not_o then_o suppose_v we_o do_v not_o know_v but_o only_o believe_v the_o scripture_n be_v god_n word_n yet_o we_o be_v thereby_o oblige_v to_o obey_v they_o 3_o all_o that_o the_o leviathan_n have_v far_a to_o say_v against_o it_o be_v that_o if_o it_o be_v not_o the_o legislative_a authority_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n that_o give_v they_o the_o force_n of_o law_n it_o must_v be_v some_o other_o authority_n derive_v from_o god_n either_o private_a or_o public_a if_o private_a it_o oblige_v only_o he_o to_o who_o in_o particular_a god_n have_v be_v please_v to_o reveal_v it_o iâ—_n public_a it_o be_v the_o authority_n 33._o of_o the_o commonwealth_n or_o of_o the_o church_n ans_fw-fr but_o suppose_v we_o shall_v deny_v his_o dilemma_n and_o say_v it_o be_v not_o the_o authority_n either_o of_o the_o commonwealth_n or_o of_o the_o church_n but_o of_o god_n himself_o immediate_o send_v his_o minister_n and_o messenger_n his_o herald_n viz._n the_o apostle_n to_o proclaim_v his_o gracious_a law_n and_o if_o they_o give_v evidence_n as_o we_o have_v abundant_o prove_v that_o they_o do_v of_o this_o their_o immediate_a mission_n from_o he_o then_o be_v these_o his_o law_n so_o sufficient_o publish_v as_o that_o no_o man_n can_v excuse_v himself_o by_o say_v he_o know_v not_o or_o can_v not_o know_v they_o be_v his_o and_o sinâ—e_o they_o be_v so_o sufficient_o publish_v according_a to_o the_o leviathan_n own_o concâ—ssion_n they_o a_o e_z law_n tâ—_n ibid._n they_o to_o who_o they_o be_v so_o and_o thus_o we_o see_v they_o be_v without_o the_o authority_n either_o of_o the_o church_n or_o commonwealth_n to_o make_v they_o so_o and_o therefore_o their_o authority_n be_v divine_a sect._n 3_o but_o leave_v he_o a_o while_n and_o his_o dangerous_a position_n let_v we_o look_v a_o little_a into_o the_o treatise_n of_o humane_a reason_n wherein_o we_o find_v pelagianism_n in_o a_o disguise_n or_o free_a will_n in_o maskerade_n for_o one_o of_o the_o error_n of_o pelagius_n be_v quòd_fw-la satis_fw-la ad_fw-la propriam_fw-la possit_fw-la confer_v salutem_fw-la arbitra_fw-la libertas_fw-la etiamsi_fw-la gratia_n desit_fw-la 1._o that_o a_o man_n own_o free_a will_n even_o without_o grace_n be_v sufficient_a for_o his_o salvation_n and_o so_o say_v this_o treatise_n be_v humane_a reason_n for_o it_o inform_v we_o that_o a_o long_a and_o serious_a debate_n about_o the_o choice_n of_o a_o guide_n to_o happiness_n can_v bring_v the_o author_n thereof_o no_o other_o but_o his_o own_o reason_n which_o say_v he_o if_o it_o take_v such_o direction_n as_o it_o ought_v and_o may_v do_v before_o it_o set_v forth_o and_o pursue_v those_o direction_n with_o care_n and_o constancy_n though_o it_o may_v possible_o lead_v i_o into_o error_n yet_o will_v bring_v i_o at_o last_o even_o through_o they_o to_o the_o purpose_a end_n of_o my_o journey_n which_o be_v 2._o happiness_n and_o let_v we_o know_v that_o this_o be_v no_o peculiar_a excellency_n of_o his_o reason_n the_o next_o page_n tell_v we_o this_o be_v the_o only_a north_n star_n which_o god_n have_v give_v we_o for_o the_o right_n steer_v of_o our_o course_n and_o afterward_o it_o say_v that_o every_o man_n particular_a reason_n if_o well_o follow_v i._n e._n with_o constancy_n diligence_n and_o sobriety_n will_v infallible_o carry_v he_o at_o 28._o last_o though_o perhaps_o through_o many_o tedious_a and_o troublesome_a wander_n to_o his_o eternal_a happiness_n this_o be_v there_o affirm_v of_o reason_n in_o contradistinction_n to_o whâ—â—soever_o other_o guide_n you_o pitch_v on_o whether_o it_o be_v the_o scripture_n spirit_n church_n past_a or_o present_a or_o any_o thing_n else_o imaginable_a it_o be_v therefore_o somewhat_o more_o than_o probable_a that_o our_o reason_n in_o some_o kind_n of_o opposition_n to_o revelation_n be_v that_o which_o that_o treatise_n will_v have_v we_o take_v for_o our_o infallible_a guide_n to_o happiness_n but_o if_o this_o be_v our_o guide_n whence_o be_v it_o that_o it_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o take_v direction_n before_o it_o set_v forth_o what_o a_o guide_n and_o take_v direction_n this_o be_v such_o a_o solecism_n as_o evacuate_v all_o pretence_n to_o the_o ability_n of_o a_o guide_n and_o speak_v it_o a_o stranger_n in_o the_o way_n or_o at_o least_o not_o well_o acquaint_v with_o it_o since_o than_o reason_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o take_v direction_n before_o it_o set_v forth_o it_o be_v but_o a_o traveller_n not_o a_o guide_n unless_o it_o be_v a_o blind_a one_o in_o the_o way_n to_o happiness_n and_o indeed_o if_o it_o be_v not_o so_o what_o need_n have_v man_n of_o any_o other_o and_o if_o no_o need_n of_o another_o to_o what_o end_n be_v christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n prophet_n whence_o be_v it_o that_o through_o the_o tender_a mercy_n of_o our_o 79._o god_n the_o dayspring_n from_o on_o high_a have_v visit_v we_o to_o give_v light_n to_o they_o that_o sit_v in_o darkness_n and_o to_o guide_v our_o foot_n into_o the_o way_n of_o peace_n if_o man_n can_v have_v see_v this_o way_n by_o the_o light_n of_o humane_a reason_n what_o necessity_n be_v there_o that_o the_o dayspring_n from_o on_o high_a shall_v visit_v they_o on_o purpose_n to_o guide_n their_o foot_n into_o it_o but_o since_o so_o it_o do_v we_o must_v either_o charge_n god_n foolish_o and_o set_v his_o tender_a mercy_n at_o nought_o or_o else_o we_o must_v confess_v that_o
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 afterward_o when_o pontius_n pilate_n have_v bring_v the_o effigy_n of_o caesar_n into_o the_o city_n they_o grow_v so_o troublesome_a with_o their_o importunity_n to_o have_v it_o remove_v as_o that_o pilate_n threaten_v they_o with_o death_n if_o they_o will_v not_o depart_v and_o be_v quiet_a whereupon_o cast_v themseluâ—s_o down_o before_o he_o and_o make_v bare_a their_o throat_n they_o sayâ—d_v unto_o he_o they_o can_v soon_o endure_v death_n with_o pleasure_n than_o dare_v to_o suffer_v the_o wisdom_n of_o their_o law_n to_o be_v 4._o scâ—ssed_v at_o since_o than_o their_o zeal_n for_o their_o religion_n be_v thus_o preposterous_a and_o servant_n it_o seem_v to_o i_o more_o than_o probable_a that_o they_o be_v apt_a thereby_o to_o be_v transport_v into_o fury_n and_o madness_n at_o reason_n and_o dâ—monstrations_n make_v by_o private_a man_n of_o its_o shortness_n and_o vanity_n yea_o that_o they_o can_v not_o with_o patience_n bear_v those_o that_o do_v but_o so_o much_o as_o 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 and_o the_o pride_n of_o life_n i._n e._n sensual_a pleasure_n riches_n and_o honour_n these_o thing_n they_o do_v not_o only_a love_n and_o live_v in_o but_o in_o a_o sort_n adore_v and_o deirie_v for_o not_o only_a god_n creature_n and_o man_n that_o be_v famous_a in_o their_o life_n nor_o only_o the_o fancy_n and_o fiction_n of_o poet_n but_o their_o own_o lust_n and_o passion_n call_v by_o other_o name_n be_v also_o enroll_v among_o their_o go_n venus_n and_o cupid_n mars_n and_o baccbus_n be_v the_o name_n of_o deify_v concupiscence_n wrath_n and_o drunkenness_n although_o they_o forbid_v these_o vice_n and_o make_v law_n against_o they_o yet_o their_o cause_n as_o theodoret_n graec._n tell_v they_o they_o salute_v as_o heavenly_a god_n and_o give_v divine_a worship_n unto_o they_o and_o be_v it_o not_o a_o sad_a and_o direful_a apotheosis_n whereby_o enmity_n against_o god_n be_v advance_v to_o his_o throne_n the_o gross_a superstition_n and_o uncleanness_n establish_v for_o 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 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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 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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 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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 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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
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 teach_v diverse_a thing_n be_v one_o to_o be_v believe_v rather_o than_o another_o because_o there_o be_v other_o motive_n of_o credibility_n beside_o miracle_n why_o else_o shall_v this_o unlucky_a author_n be_v believe_v in_o any_o thing_n he_o say_v that_o be_v different_a from_o other_o but_o whether_o it_o be_v fit_a he_o shall_v or_o no_o i_o shall_v not_o now_o inquire_v but_o only_o observe_v first_o that_o miracle_n have_v be_v do_v may_v be_v believe_v upon_o the_o credit_n of_o testimony_n without_o the_o do_n of_o any_o miracle_n to_o confirm_v it_o the_o possibility_n of_o miracle_n i_o now_o take_v for_o grant_v and_o so_o also_o i_o may_v this_o observation_n have_v it_o not_o be_v for_o this_o author_n sly_a insinuation_n that_o without_o the_o do_n of_o a_o miracle_n it_o can_v appear_v credible_a that_o ever_o there_o be_v any_o but_o why_o so_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o miracle_n that_o render_v the_o attestation_n of_o it_o incredible_a 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 make_v manifest_a must_v itself_o be_v more_o manifest_a than_o that_o which_o it_o make_v so_o manifest_a therefore_o i_o take_v it_o to_o be_v that_o if_o the_o end_n of_o miracle_n be_v to_o make_v manifest_a they_o themselves_o must_v needs_o be_v so_o and_o if_o manifest_a then_o credible_a and_o if_o credible_a why_o may_v they_o not_o be_v do_v before_o credible_a witness_n and_o why_o may_v not_o those_o witness_n report_v they_o true_o to_o other_o credible_a person_n and_o why_o may_v not_o this_o report_n be_v transmit_v to_o posterity_n and_o why_o may_v not_o posterity_n believe_v it_o as_o well_o as_o it_o do_v those_o concern_v alexander_n julius_n câ—â—sar_n &_o c_o what_o impossibility_n immorality_n or_o imprudence_n be_v there_o in_o so_o do_v if_o there_o be_v none_o then_o second_o it_o be_v needless_a to_o demand_v the_o do_v of_o miracle_n to_o prove_v that_o there_o have_v be_v some_o do_v the_o reason_n be_v manifest_a because_o this_o assent_n may_v be_v 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