to_o rejoice_v in_o the_o hope_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n because_o their_o suffering_n do_v real_o prepare_v and_o make_v way_n for_o their_o glory_n so_o the_o same_o apostle_n tell_v we_o 2_o cor._n 4.17_o 18._o our_o light_a affliction_n which_o be_v but_o for_o a_o moment_n work_n for_o we_o a_o far_o more_o exceed_a and_o eternal_a weight_n of_o glory_n whilst_o we_o look_v not_o at_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v see_v for_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v see_v be_v temporal_a but_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o see_v be_v eternal_a 3_o dly_z and_o last_o the_o assurance_n of_o our_o future_a reward_n be_v a_o mighty_a encouragement_n to_o obedience_n and_o a_o holy_a life_n what_o great_a encouragement_n can_v we_o have_v than_o this_o that_o all_o the_o good_a which_o we_o do_v in_o this_o world_n will_v accompany_v we_o into_o the_o other_o that_o when_o we_o rest_v from_o our_o labour_n our_o work_n will_v follow_v we_o that_o when_o we_o shall_v be_v strip_v of_o other_o thing_n and_o part_v from_o they_o these_o will_v still_o remain_v with_o we_o and_o bear_v we_o company_n our_o riches_n and_o honour_n our_o sensual_a pleasure_n and_o enjoyment_n will_v all_o take_v their_o leave_n of_o we_o when_o we_o leave_v this_o world_n nay_o many_o time_n they_o do_v not_o accompany_v we_o so_o far_o as_o the_o grave_a but_o take_v occasion_n to_o forsake_v we_o when_o we_o have_v the_o great_a need_n and_o use_v of_o they_o but_o piety_n and_o virtue_n be_v that_o better_a part_n which_o can_v be_v take_v from_o we_o all_o the_o good_a action_n which_o we_o do_v in_o this_o world_n will_v go_v along_o with_o we_o into_o the_o other_o and_o through_o the_o merit_n of_o our_o redeemer_n procure_v for_o we_o at_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o gracious_a and_o merciful_a god_n a_o glorious_a and_o eternal_a reward_n not_o according_a to_o the_o meanness_n of_o our_o service_n but_o according_a to_o the_o bounty_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o the_o vastness_n of_o his_o treasure_n and_o estate_n now_o what_o a_o encouragement_n be_v this_o to_o holiness_n and_o obedience_n to_o consider_v that_o it_o will_v all_o be_v our_o own_o another_o day_n to_o be_v assure_v that_o whoever_o serve_v god_n faithful_o and_o do_v suffer_v for_o he_o patient_o do_v lay_v up_o so_o much_o treasure_n for_o himself_o in_o another_o world_n and_o provide_v last_a comfort_n for_o himself_o and_o faithful_a and_o constant_a companion_n that_o will_v never_o leave_v he_o nor_o forsake_v he_o let_v we_o then_o do_v all_o the_o good_a we_o can_v while_o we_o have_v opportunity_n and_o serve_v god_n with_o all_o our_o might_n know_v that_o no_o good_a action_n that_o we_o do_v shall_v be_v lose_v and_o fall_v to_o the_o ground_n that_o every_o grace_n and_o virtue_n that_o we_o exercise_v in_o this_o life_n and_o every_o degree_n of_o they_o shall_v receive_v their_o full_a recompense_n at_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o just_a how_o shall_v this_o inspire_v we_o with_o resolution_n and_o zeal_n and_o industry_n in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n to_o have_v such_o a_o reward_n continual_o in_o our_o eye_n how_o shall_v it_o tempt_v we_o to_o our_o duty_n to_o have_v a_o crown_n and_o a_o kingdom_n offer_v to_o we_o joy_n unspeakable_a and_o full_a of_o glory_n such_o thing_n as_o eye_n have_v not_o see_v nor_o ear_n hear_v nor_o have_v enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n and_o such_o be_v the_o thing_n which_o god_n have_v lay_v up_o for_o they_o who_o love_v he_o hearty_o and_o serve_v he_o faithful_o in_o this_o world_n sermon_n v._o the_o danger_n of_o apostasy_n from_o christianity_n heb._n vi_o 4_o 5_o 6._o for_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o those_o who_o be_v once_o enlighten_v and_o have_v taste_v of_o the_o heavenly_a gift_n and_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o have_v taste_v the_o good_a word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v if_o they_o shall_v fall_v away_o to_o renew_v they_o again_o unto_o repentance_n see_v they_o crucify_v to_o themselves_o the_o son_n of_o god_n afresh_o and_o put_v he_o to_o a_o open_a shame_n these_o word_n be_v full_a of_o difficulty_n and_o the_o misunderstanding_n of_o they_o have_v not_o only_o be_v a_o occasion_n of_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o trouble_n and_o even_o despair_n to_o particular_a person_n but_o one_o of_o the_o chief_a reason_n why_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n do_v for_o a_o long_a time_n reject_v the_o authority_n of_o this_o book_n v._n vol._n v._n which_o by_o the_o way_n i_o can_v but_o take_v notice_n of_o as_o a_o demonstrative_a instance_n both_o of_o the_o fallible_a judgement_n of_o that_o church_n and_o of_o the_o fallibility_n of_o oral_a tradition_n for_o st._n jerom_n more_o than_o once_o express_o tell_v we_o that_o in_o his_o time_n which_o be_v about_o 400_o year_n after_o christ_n the_o church_n of_o rome_n do_v not_o receive_v this_o epistle_n for_o canonical_a but_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o since_o that_o time_n whether_o move_v by_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o thing_n or_o which_o be_v more_o probable_a by_o the_o consent_n and_o authority_n of_o other_o church_n they_o have_v receive_v it_o and_o do_v at_o this_o day_n acknowledge_v it_o for_o canonical_a from_o whence_o one_o of_o these_o two_o thing_n will_v necessary_o follow_v either_o that_o they_o be_v in_o a_o error_n for_o 400_o year_n together_o while_o they_o reject_v it_o or_o that_o they_o have_v since_o err_v for_o a_o long_a time_n in_o receive_v it_o one_o of_o these_o be_v unavoidable_a for_o if_o the_o book_n be_v canonical_a now_o it_o be_v so_o from_o the_o beginning_n for_o bellarmine_n himself_o confess_v and_o if_o he_o have_v not_o confess_v it_o it_o be_v nevertheless_o true_a and_o certain_a that_o the_o church_n can_v make_v a_o book_n canonical_a which_o be_v not_o so_o before_o 5._o ser._n 5._o if_o it_o be_v not_o canonical_a at_o first_o it_o can_v be_v make_v so_o afterward_o so_o that_o let_v they_o choose_v which_o part_n they_o will_v it_o be_v evident_a beyond_o all_o denial_n that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v actual_o err_v in_o her_o judgement_n concern_v the_o authority_n of_o this_o book_n and_o one_o error_n of_o this_o kind_n be_v enough_o to_o destroy_v her_o infallibility_n there_o be_v no_o great_a evidence_n that_o a_o church_n be_v not_o infallible_a than_o if_o it_o plain_o appear_v that_o she_o have_v be_v deceive_v and_o this_o also_o be_v a_o convince_a instance_n of_o the_o fallibility_n of_o oral_a tradition_n for_o if_o that_o be_v infallible_a in_o deliver_v down_o to_o we_o the_o canonical_a book_n of_o scripture_n it_o necessary_o follow_v that_o whatever_o book_n be_v deliver_v down_o to_o we_o for_o canonical_a in_o one_o age_n must_v have_v be_v so_o in_o all_o age_n and_o whatever_o be_v reject_v in_o any_o age_n must_v always_o have_v be_v reject_v but_o we_o plain_o see_v the_o contrary_a from_o the_o instance_n of_o this_o epistle_n concern_v which_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n which_o pretend_v to_o be_v the_o great_a and_o faithful_a preserver_n of_o tradition_n have_v in_o several_a age_n deliver_v several_a thing_n this_o be_v a_o peremptory_a instance_n both_o of_o the_o fallibility_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n and_o of_o her_o oral_a tradition_n have_v observe_v this_o by_o the_o way_n which_o i_o can_v not_o well_o pass_v by_o upon_o so_o fair_a a_o occasion_n i_o shall_v betake_v myself_o to_o the_o explication_n of_o these_o word_n towards_o which_o it_o will_v be_v no_o small_a advantage_n to_o consider_v the_o particular_a phrase_n and_o expression_n in_o the_o text._n it_o be_v impossible_a for_o those_o who_o be_v once_o enlighten_v that_o be_v be_v solemn_o admit_v into_o the_o church_n by_o baptism_n and_o embrace_v the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n nothing_o be_v more_o frequent_a among_o the_o ancient_n than_o to_o call_v baptism_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d illumination_n and_o those_o who_o be_v baptize_v be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d enlighten_v person_n because_o of_o that_o divine_a illumination_n which_o be_v convey_v to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n by_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christianity_n the_o doctrine_n whereof_o they_o make_v profession_n of_o at_o their_o baptism_n and_o therefore_o justin_n martyr_n tell_v we_o that_o by_o call_v upon_o god_n the_o father_n and_o the_o name_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o name_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o enlighten_v person_n be_v wash_v and_o again_o more_o express_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d this_o laver_n speak_v of_o baptism_n be_v call_v illumination_n and_o st._n cyprian_n give_v we_o the_o reason_n because_o by_o virtue_n of_o baptism_n in_o expiatum_fw-la pectus_fw-la ac_fw-la
by_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d not_o a_o natural_a but_o a_o moral_a impossibility_n that_o which_o can_v be_v do_v according_a to_o the_o order_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v the_o church_n do_v refuse_v to_o admit_v apostate_n and_o some_o other_o great_a offender_n as_o murderer_n and_o adulterer_n to_o a_o course_n of_o penance_n in_o order_n to_o their_o reconciliation_n with_o the_o church_n this_o tertullian_n tell_v we_o be_v the_o strictness_n of_o the_o church_n in_o his_o time_n neque_fw-la idololatriae_fw-la neque_fw-la sanguini_fw-la pax_fw-la ab_fw-la ecclesiâ_fw-la redditur_fw-la they_o admit_v neither_o idolater_n nor_o murderer_n to_o the_o reconciliation_n of_o the_o church_n though_o they_o be_v never_o so_o penitent_a and_o shed_v never_o so_o many_o tear_n yet_o he_o say_v they_o be_v jejunae_fw-la pacis_fw-la lacrimae_fw-la their_o tear_n be_v in_o vain_a to_o reconcile_v they_o to_o the_o peace_n and_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n he_o say_v indeed_o they_o do_v not_o absolute_o pronounce_v their_o case_n desperate_a in_o respect_n of_o god_n pardon_n and_o forgiveness_n sed_fw-la de_fw-la veniâ_fw-la deo_fw-la reservamus_fw-la for_o that_o they_o refer_v they_o to_o god_n but_o they_o be_v never_o to_o be_v admit_v again_o into_o the_o church_n so_o strict_a be_v many_o church_n and_o that_o upon_o the_o authority_n of_o this_o text_n though_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v more_o moderate_a in_o this_o matter_n and_o for_o that_o reason_n call_v the_o authority_n of_o this_o book_n into_o question_n but_o i_o see_v no_o reason_n why_o these_o word_n shall_v primary_o be_v understand_v of_o restore_a man_n to_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n by_o penance_n but_o they_o seem_v to_o be_v mean_v of_o restore_a man_n to_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n by_o repentance_n of_o which_o indeed_o their_o be_v restore_v to_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n be_v a_o good_a sign_n this_o the_o apostle_n say_v be_v very_o difficult_a for_o those_o who_o after_o baptism_n and_o the_o several_a benefit_n of_o it_o do_v apostatise_v from_o christianity_n to_o be_v recover_v again_o to_o repentance_n see_v they_o crucify_v to_o themselves_o the_o son_n of_o god_n afresh_o and_o put_v he_o to_o a_o open_a shame_n this_o be_v speak_v by_o way_n of_o aggravation_n of_o the_o crime_n of_o apostasy_n that_o they_o who_o fall_v off_o from_o christianity_n in_o effect_n and_o by_o interpretation_n do_v crucify_v the_o son_n of_o god_n over_o again_o and_o expose_v he_o to_o shame_n and_o reproach_n as_o the_o jew_n do_v for_o by_o deny_v and_o renounce_v of_o he_o they_o declare_v he_o to_o be_v a_o impostor_n and_o consequent_o worthy_a of_o that_o death_n which_o he_o suffer_v and_o that_o ignominy_n which_o he_o be_v expose_v to_o and_o therefore_o in_o account_n of_o god_n they_o be_v say_v to_o do_v that_o which_o by_o their_o action_n they_o do_v approve_v so_o that_o it_o be_v make_v a_o crime_n of_o the_o high_a nature_n as_o if_o they_o shall_v crucify_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o use_v he_o in_o the_o most_o ignominious_a manner_n even_o tread_v under_o foot_n the_o son_n of_o god_n as_o the_o expression_n be_v to_o the_o same_o purpose_n ch._n 10.29_o thus_o i_o have_v endeavour_v as_o brief_o and_o clear_o as_o i_o can_v to_o explain_v to_o you_o the_o true_a meaning_n and_o importance_n of_o the_o several_a phrase_n and_o expression_n in_o the_o text_n the_o sense_n whereof_o amount_n to_o this_o that_o if_o those_o who_o be_v baptize_v and_o by_o baptism_n have_v receive_v remission_n of_o sin_n and_o do_v believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o it_o and_o be_v endow_v with_o the_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n if_o such_o person_n as_o these_o shall_v after_o all_o this_o apostatise_v from_o christianity_n it_o be_v very_o hard_a and_o next_o to_o a_o impossibility_n to_o imagine_v how_o such_o person_n shall_v recover_v again_o by_o repentance_n see_v they_o be_v guilty_a of_o as_o great_a a_o crime_n as_o if_o in_o their_o own_o person_n they_o have_v put_v to_o death_n and_o ignominous_o use_v the_o son_n of_o god_n because_o by_o reject_v of_o he_o they_o declare_v to_o the_o world_n that_o he_o suffer_v deserve_o have_v thus_o explain_v the_o word_n in_o order_n to_o the_o further_a vindication_n of_o they_o from_o the_o mistake_v and_o misapprehension_n which_o have_v be_v about_o they_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o make_v out_o these_o five_o thing_n 1_o st_o that_o the_o sin_n here_o mention_v be_v not_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 2_o dly_z that_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o declare_v it_o to_o be_v absolute_o impossible_a but_o only_o that_o those_o who_o be_v guilty_a of_o it_o be_v recover_v to_o repentance_n with_o great_a difficulty_n 3_o dly_z that_o it_o be_v not_o a_o partial_a apostasy_n from_o the_o christian_a religion_n by_o any_o particular_a vicious_a practice_n 4_o thly_a that_o it_o be_v a_o total_a apostasy_n from_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o more_o especial_o to_o the_o heathen_a idolatry_n which_o the_o apostle_n here_o speak_v of_o 5_o thly_a the_o reason_n of_o the_o difficulty_n of_o the_o recovery_n of_o those_o who_o fall_v into_o this_o sin_n 1_o st_o that_o the_o sin_n here_o mention_v be_v not_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o i_o have_v heretofore_o discourse_v of_o and_o show_v wherein_o the_o particular_a nature_n of_o it_o do_v consist_v there_o be_v three_o thing_n which_o do_v remarkable_o distinguish_v the_o sin_n here_o speak_v of_o in_o the_o text_n from_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n describe_v by_o our_o saviour_n 1_o st_o the_o person_n that_o be_v guilty_a of_o this_o sin_n here_o in_o the_o text_n be_v evident_o such_o as_o have_v embrace_v christianity_n and_o have_v take_v upon_o they_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o whereas_o those_o who_o our_o saviour_n charge_v with_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v such_o as_o constant_o oppose_v his_o doctrine_n and_o resist_v the_o evidence_n he_o offer_v for_o it_o 2_o dly_z the_o particular_a nature_n of_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n consist_v in_o blaspheme_v the_o spirit_n whereby_o our_o saviour_n wrought_v his_o miracle_n and_o say_v he_o do_v not_o do_v those_o thing_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n but_o by_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o devil_n in_o that_o malicious_a and_o unreasonable_a impute_v of_o the_o plain_a effect_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o the_o power_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o consequent_o in_o a_o obstinate_a refusal_n to_o be_v convince_v by_o the_o miracle_n that_o he_o wrought_v but_o here_o be_v nothing_o of_o all_o this_o so_o much_o as_o intimate_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o this_o place_n 3_o dly_z the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v declare_v to_o be_v absolute_o unpardonable_a both_o in_o this_o world_n and_o in_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v but_o this_o be_v not_o declare_v to_o be_v absolute_o unpardonable_a which_o bring_v i_o to_o the_o 2_o do_v thing_n namely_o that_o this_o sin_n here_o speak_v of_o by_o the_o apostle_n be_v not_o say_v to_o be_v absolute_o unpardonable_a it_o be_v not_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o whatever_o else_o it_o be_v it_o be_v not_o out_o of_o the_o compass_n of_o god_n pardon_n and_o forgiveness_n so_o our_o saviour_n have_v tell_v we_o that_o all_o manner_n of_o sin_n whatsoever_o that_o man_n have_v commit_v be_v capable_a of_o pardon_n except_v only_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o though_o the_o apostle_n here_o use_v a_o very_a severe_a expression_n that_o if_o such_o person_n fall_v away_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o renew_v they_o again_o to_o repentance_n yet_o i_o have_v show_v that_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n of_o understand_v this_o phrase_n in_o the_o strict_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n impossible_a but_o as_o it_o be_v elsewhere_o use_v for_o that_o which_o be_v extreme_o difficult_a nor_o indeed_o will_v our_o saviour_n dclaration_n which_o i_o mention_v before_o that_o all_o sin_n whatsoever_o be_v pardonable_a except_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n suffer_v we_o to_o understand_v these_o word_n in_o the_o most_o rigorous_a sense_n 3_o dly_z the_o sin_n here_o speak_v of_o be_v not_o a_o partial_a apostasy_n from_o the_o christian_a religion_n by_o any_o particular_a vicious_a practice_n whosoever_o live_v in_o the_o habitual_a practice_n of_o any_o sin_n plain_o forbid_v by_o the_o christian_a law_n may_v be_v say_v so_o far_o to_o have_v apostatise_v from_o christianity_n but_o this_o be_v not_o the_o fall_v away_o which_o the_o apostle_n here_o speak_v of_o this_o may_v be_v bad_a enough_o and_o the_o great_a sin_n any_o man_n who_o profess_v himself_o a_o christian_a life_n
i_o proceed_v to_o a_o six_o observation_n that_o a_o stand_a revelation_n of_o god_n be_v evidence_n sufficient_a for_o divine_a thing_n they_o have_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n let_v they_o hear_v they_o that_o be_v they_o have_v the_o book_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n write_v by_o man_n divine_o inspire_v these_o do_v sufficient_o declare_v to_o they_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o their_o duty_n and_o it_o be_v unreasonable_a to_o demand_v or_o expect_v that_o god_n shall_v do_v more_o for_o their_o conviction_n and_o satisfaction_n i_o know_v very_o well_o the_o text_n speak_v only_o of_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n those_o of_o the_o new_a be_v not_o then_o extant_a when_o this_o parable_n be_v deliver_v but_o what_o be_v here_o say_v concern_v the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v equal_o applicable_a to_o the_o new_a and_o though_o abraham_n do_v only_o recommend_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o he_o will_v have_v say_v the_o same_o concern_v christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n if_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n have_v be_v then_o extant_a so_o that_o what_o i_o shall_v say_v upon_o this_o observation_n do_v indifferent_o concern_v the_o whole_a scripture_n and_o that_o i_o may_v make_v out_o this_o observation_n more_o full_o i_o shall_v take_v these_o five_o thing_n into_o consideration_n 1_o st_o what_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v by_o a_o divine_a revelation_n 2_o dly_z give_v a_o brief_a account_n of_o the_o several_a kind_n of_o it_o 3_o dly_z show_v what_o advantage_n this_o stand_a revelation_n of_o the_o scripture_n have_v above_o any_o other_o way_n of_o convey_v the_o will_n of_o god_n to_o the_o world_n 4_o thly_a that_o there_o be_v sufficient_a evidence_n for_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o scripture_n 5_o thly_a that_o it_o be_v unreasonable_a to_o expect_v that_o god_n shall_v do_v more_o for_o our_o conviction_n than_o to_o afford_v such_o a_o stand_a revelation_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o will._n i_o shall_v go_v over_o these_o as_o brief_o as_o i_o can_v i_o begin_v with_o the_o 1_o st_o what_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v by_o a_o divine_a revelation_n by_o a_o divine_a revelation_n we_o be_v to_o understand_v a_o supernatural_a discovery_n or_o manifestation_n of_o any_o thing_n to_o we_o i_o say_v supernatural_a because_o it_o may_v either_o be_v immediate_o by_o god_n or_o by_o the_o mediation_n of_o angel_n as_o most_o if_o not_o all_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v a_o supernatural_a discovery_n or_o manifestation_n either_o immediate_o to_o our_o mind_n by_o our_o understanding_n and_o inward_a faculty_n for_o i_o do_v not_o so_o well_o understand_v the_o distinction_n between_o understanding_n and_o imagination_n as_o to_o be_v careful_a to_o take_v notice_n of_o it_o or_o else_o mediate_o to_o our_o understanding_n by_o the_o mediation_n of_o our_o outward_a sense_n as_o by_o a_o external_a appearance_n to_o our_o bodily_a eye_n or_o by_o a_o voice_n and_o sound_n to_o the_o sense_n of_o hear_v a_o discovery_n or_o manifestation_n of_o a_o thing_n whether_o it_o be_v such_o as_o can_v be_v know_v at_o all_o by_o the_o use_n of_o our_o natural_a reason_n and_o understanding_n or_o such_o as_o may_v be_v discover_v by_o natural_a light_n but_o be_v more_o clear_o reveal_v or_o make_v know_v or_o we_o be_v awaken_v to_o a_o more_o particular_a and_o attentive_a consideration_n of_o it_o for_o it_o be_v not_o at_o all_o unsuitable_a to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n to_o make_v a_o supernatural_a discovery_n to_o we_o of_o such_o thing_n as_o may_v be_v know_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n either_o to_o give_v we_o a_o clear_a manifestation_n of_o such_o truth_n as_o be_v more_o obscure_o know_v and_o do_v as_o it_o be_v lie_v bury_v in_o our_o understanding_n or_o else_o to_o quicken_v our_o mind_n to_o a_o more_o serious_a and_o lively_a consideration_n of_o those_o truth_n 2_o dly_z for_o the_o several_a kind_n of_o divine_a revelation_n that_o they_o be_v various_a the_o apostle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n tell_v we_o ch_n 1.1_o god_n who_o at_o sundry_a time_n and_o in_o several_a manner_n speak_v to_o the_o father_n by_o the_o prophet_n where_o by_o prophet_n we_o be_v to_o understand_v not_o only_o those_o who_o do_v foretell_v future_a thing_n but_o any_o person_n that_o be_v divine_o inspire_v and_o to_o who_o god_n be_v please_v to_o make_v any_o supernatural_a discovery_n of_o himself_o now_o the_o several_a kind_n of_o revelation_n take_v notice_n of_o by_o the_o jew_n be_v vision_n dream_n prophecy_n oracle_n inspiration_n or_o that_o which_o they_o call_v the_o holy_a ghost_n voice_n bath-col_a or_o that_o which_o be_v the_o high_a of_o all_o which_o they_o call_v gradus_fw-la mosaicus_n the_o degree_n of_o revelation_n which_o be_v peculiar_a to_o moses_n the_o jewish_a writer_n especial_o maimonides_n have_v many_o subtle_a observation_n about_o the_o difference_n of_o these_o several_a kind_n of_o revelation_n which_o depend_v upon_o subtle_a and_o philosophical_a distinction_n of_o the_o faculty_n of_o perception_n as_o that_o some_o of_o these_o revelation_n be_v by_o impression_n only_o upon_o the_o understanding_n some_o only_a upon_o the_o imagination_n some_o upon_o both_o some_o upon_o the_o outward_a sense_n but_o the_o simple_a and_o plain_a difference_n between_o they_o so_o far_o as_o there_o be_v any_o ground_n in_o scripture_n to_o distinguish_v they_o seem_v to_o be_v this_o vision_z be_v a_o representation_n of_o something_o to_o a_o man_n when_o he_o be_v wake_v in_o opposition_n to_o dream_n which_o be_v representation_n make_v to_o man_n in_o their_o sleep_n prophecy_n may_v be_v either_o dream_n or_o vision_n and_o the_o jew_n observe_v that_o it_o be_v always_o one_o of_o these_o two_o way_n which_o they_o ground_v upon_o numb_a 12.6_o if_o there_o be_v a_o prophet_n among_o you_o i_o the_o lord_n will_v make_v myself_o know_v to_o he_o in_o a_o vision_n and_o will_v speak_v unto_o he_o in_o a_o dream_n but_o prophecy_n in_o the_o strict_a notion_n of_o it_o have_v this_o peculiarly_a belong_v to_o it_o that_o it_o be_v not_o only_o monitory_a or_o instructive_a but_o do_v foretell_v some_o event_n of_o concernment_n to_o other_o and_o the_o jewish_a doctor_n tell_v we_o that_o it_o be_v a_o clear_a revelation_n and_o carry_v great_a assurance_n along_o with_o it_o and_o that_o this_o be_v common_a to_o all_o the_o three_o that_o there_o be_v something_o of_o ecstasy_n and_o transport_v of_o mind_n in_o all_o these_o the_o four_o sort_n of_o revelation_n which_o be_v by_o oracle_n which_o be_v call_v urim_n and_o thummim_n be_v a_o render_n of_o answer_n to_o question_n by_o the_o highpriest_n look_v upon_o the_o stone_n in_o the_o breastplate_n which_o how_o it_o be_v do_v be_v uncertain_a the_o five_o sort_n of_o revelation_n be_v that_o which_o they_o call_v the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o be_v a_o more_o calm_a and_o gentle_a inspiration_n without_o any_o extraordinary_a transport_v of_o mind_n or_o ecstasy_n such_o as_o david_n have_v in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o psalm_n the_o low_a of_o all_o be_v that_o which_o they_o call_v bath_n col_fw-fr which_o be_v by_o a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n and_o this_o be_v the_o way_n of_o revelation_n which_o the_o jew_n observe_v do_v only_o continue_v among_o they_o from_o the_o day_n of_o the_o prophet_n malachi_n to_o our_o saviour_n the_o high_a of_o all_o be_v that_o which_o they_o call_v gradus_fw-la mosaicus_n to_o which_o the_o jew_n give_v several_a prerogative_n above_o all_o the_o other_o way_n of_o revelation_n as_o that_o it_o be_v do_v by_o impression_n mere_o upon_o the_o understanding_n without_o ecstasy_n or_o rapture_n or_o transport_v when_o he_o be_v wake_v and_o in_o his_o ordinary_a temper_n and_o his_o sense_n not_o bind_v up_o either_o by_o ecstasy_n or_o sleep_n that_o it_o be_v a_o revelation_n immediate_o from_o god_n himself_o and_o not_o by_o the_o mediation_n of_o angel_n without_o any_o fear_n or_o amazement_n or_o faint_v which_o be_v incident_a to_o other_o prophet_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n rest_v upon_o he_o and_o he_o can_v exert_v it_o arbitrary_o and_o put_v it_o forth_o when_o he_o will_v of_o which_o thus_o much_o be_v evident_o true_a from_o the_o story_n of_o he_o that_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n do_v rest_n more_o constant_o upon_o he_o and_o that_o he_o can_v exert_v it_o with_o great_a freedom_n and_o without_o any_o discernible_a amazement_n or_o transport_v from_o his_o ordinary_a temper_n but_o that_o it_o be_v by_o impression_n mere_o upon_o his_o understanding_n as_o that_o be_v a_o distinct_a faculty_n from_o the_o imagination_n be_v not_o so_o certain_a that_o it_o be_v always_o by_o a_o immediate_a communication_n from_o god_n without_o
the_o mediation_n of_o angel_n seem_v not_o to_o be_v true_a for_o st._n stephen_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o law_n be_v give_v by_o the_o disposition_n of_o angel_n act_n 7.53_o and_o st._n paul_n that_o it_o be_v ordain_v by_o the_o angel_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o mediator_n that_o be_v moses_n gal._n 3.19_o but_o that_o the_o revelation_n which_o be_v make_v to_o he_o have_v some_o singular_a prerogative_n above_o those_o of_o other_o prophet_n be_v plain_a from_o scripture_n numb_a 12.5_o 6_o 7_o 8_o when_o aaron_n and_o miriam_n contend_v with_o moses_n as_o be_v equal_a to_o he_o god_n tell_v they_o that_o there_o be_v a_o vast_a difference_n between_o he_o and_o other_o prophet_n hear_v now_o my_o word_n if_o there_o be_v a_o prophet_n among_o you_o i_o the_o lord_n will_v make_v myself_o know_v unto_o he_o in_o a_o vision_n and_o will_v speak_v unto_o he_o in_o a_o dream_n my_o servant_n moses_n be_v not_o so_o with_o he_o will_v i_o speak_v mouth_n to_o mouth_n even_o apparent_o and_o not_o in_o dark_a speech_n etc._n etc._n ex._n 33.11_o and_o the_o lord_n speak_v unto_o moses_n face_n to_o face_n as_o a_o man_n speak_v unto_o his_o friend_n deut._n 34.10_o and_o there_o arise_v not_o a_o prophet_n since_o in_o israel_n like_v unto_o moses_n who_o the_o lord_n know_v face_n to_o face_n all_o which_o signify_v at_o least_o this_o that_o god_n make_v the_o clear_a and_o most_o familiar_a and_o most_o perfect_a discovery_n to_o moses_n of_o any_o of_o the_o prophet_n only_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n by_o who_o god_n have_v discover_v his_o will_n to_o we_o under_o the_o new_a testament_n do_v excel_v moses_n moses_n be_v but_o a_o faithful_a servant_n that_o be_v humilis_fw-la amicus_fw-la a_o mean_a sort_n of_o friend_n but_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n the_o only_o beget_v son_n of_o god_n who_o come_v from_o the_o bosom_n of_o his_o father_n and_o be_v intimate_o acquaint_v with_o the_o secret_n of_o his_o will_n and_o have_v not_o the_o spirit_n give_v he_o by_o measure_n but_o the_o most_o plentiful_a effusion_n of_o it_o be_v anoint_v above_o his_o fellow_n now_o these_o be_v the_o several_a sort_n and_o degree_n of_o revelation_n which_o god_n have_v make_v of_o himself_o to_o the_o world_n the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v a_o system_n or_o collection_n of_o these_o the_o authentic_a instrument_n or_o record_n by_o which_o the_o thing_n reveal_v any_o of_o these_o way_n be_v transmit_v to_o we_o and_o be_v therefore_o call_v the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o contain_v those_o thing_n which_o god_n in_o several_a age_n have_v speak_v to_o the_o world_n that_o be_v matter_n of_o divine_a revelation_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v know_v by_o man_n in_o order_n to_o their_o eternal_a happiness_n and_o this_o be_v now_o the_o great_a and_o stand_a revelation_n of_o god_n which_o be_v to_o continue_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n i_o intend_v to_o limit_v my_o discourse_n sole_o to_o this_o as_o be_v the_o only_a revelation_n which_o we_o be_v concern_v to_o inquire_v after_o and_o therefore_o in_o the_o 3_o d_o place_n to_o show_v you_o what_o advantage_n this_o stand_a revelation_n of_o the_o scripture_n have_v above_o private_a revelation_n make_v to_o particular_a person_n and_o frequent_o repeat_v and_o renew_v in_o several_a age_n that_o so_o it_o may_v appear_v both_o agreeable_a to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n to_o settle_v revelation_n in_o this_o way_n as_o be_v more_o commodious_a and_o likewise_o to_o his_o goodness_n it_o be_v a_o real_a privilege_n which_o these_o late_a age_n of_o the_o world_n enjoy_v that_o they_o have_v a_o more_o fix_v and_o certain_a way_n of_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o will_n of_o god_n than_o those_o age_n have_v which_o be_v govern_v by_o such_o private_a revelation_n as_o be_v now_o and_o then_o make_v to_o particular_a person_n and_o the_o advantage_n be_v these_o 1._o it_o be_v a_o more_o certain_a way_n of_o conveyance_n of_o thing_n and_o more_o secure_a and_o free_a from_o imposture_n suppose_v a_o revelation_n make_v to_o a_o particular_a person_n which_o be_v of_o general_a concernment_n that_o this_o may_v have_v a_o general_a and_o last_a effect_n he_o must_v impart_v it_o to_o other_o as_o many_o as_o he_o can_v and_o give_v they_o the_o best_a assurance_n he_o can_v of_o it_o and_o these_o must_v relate_v it_o to_o other_o and_o so_o it_o must_v pass_v from_o hand_n to_o hand_n to_o be_v deliver_v from_o parent_n to_o their_o child_n now_o this_o way_n of_o convey_v a_o revelation_n by_o oral_a report_n must_v needs_o be_v liable_a to_o many_o uncertainty_n both_o by_o involuntary_a mistake_v through_o weakness_n of_o memory_n or_o understanding_n and_o wilful_a falsification_n and_o imposture_n out_o of_o malice_n and_o design_n so_o that_o the_o effect_n of_o a_o unrecorded_a revelation_n can_v neither_o be_v large_a nor_o last_v it_o can_v but_o reach_v a_o few_o person_n and_o continue_v a_o little_a while_n in_o its_o full_a credibility_n and_o the_o further_a it_o go_v the_o weak_a like_o circle_n make_v in_o water_n which_o the_o more_o they_o enlarge_v themselves_o and_o the_o long_o they_o continue_v the_o less_o discernible_a they_o be_v till_o at_o length_n they_o quite_o disappear_v whereas_o be_v once_o record_v by_o person_n secure_v from_o error_n by_o supernatural_a and_o divine_a assistance_n they_o be_v not_o liable_a to_o those_o easy_a falsification_n or_o mistake_v which_o traditional_a report_n and_o relation_n be_v necessary_o through_o human_a malice_n or_o weakness_n liable_a to_o 2._o it_o be_v a_o more_o general_a and_o universal_a way_n of_o conveyance_n which_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o common_a experience_n of_o the_o world_n who_o have_v pitch_v upon_o this_o way_n of_o write_v thing_n in_o book_n as_o that_o which_o do_v most_o easy_o convey_v the_o knowledge_n and_o notice_n of_o thing_n to_o the_o generality_n of_o men._n 3._o it_o be_v a_o more_o uniform_a way_n of_o conveyance_n that_o be_v thing_n that_o be_v once_o write_v and_o propagate_v that_o way_n lie_v equal_o open_a to_o all_o and_o come_v in_o a_o manner_n with_o equal_a credit_n to_o all_o it_o be_v not_o moral_o possible_a that_o a_o common_a book_n that_o pass_v through_o all_o hand_n and_o which_o be_v of_o vast_a importance_n and_o concernment_n shall_v be_v liable_a to_o any_o material_a corruption_n without_o a_o general_a conspiracy_n and_o agreement_n which_o can_v be_v but_o that_o it_o must_v be_v general_o know_v so_o that_o consider_v the_o commonness_n and_o universal_a concernment_n of_o this_o book_n of_o the_o scripture_n all_o man_n be_v in_o a_o manner_n equal_o that_o be_v every_o man_n be_v sufficient_o and_o competent_o assure_v of_o the_o credit_n of_o it_o that_o be_v that_o we_o be_v not_o in_o any_o material_a thing_n impose_v upon_o by_o false_a copy_n but_o in_o traditional_a revelation_n it_o be_v quite_o otherwise_o traditional_a be_v a_o very_a 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