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book_n new_a scripture_n testament_n 8,305 5 8.0705 4 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A38026 Polpoikilos sophia, a compleat history or survey of all the dispensations and methods of religion, from the beginning of the world to the consummation of all things, as represented in the Old and New Testament shewing the several reasons and designs of those different administrations, and the wisdom and goodness of God in the government of His church, through all the ages of it : in which also, the opinion of Dr. Spencer concerning the Jewish rites and sacrifices is examin'd, and the certainty of the Christian religion demonstrated against the cavils of the Deists, &c. / by John Edwards ... Edwards, John, 1637-1716. 1699 (1699) Wing E210; ESTC R17845 511,766 792

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as_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o art_n and_o science_n but_o be_v still_o impregnate_v and_o be_v still_o teem_a with_o they_o and_o shall_v we_o think_v that_o as_o to_o religion_n only_o there_o be_v a_o decay_n there_o be_v no_o ground_n for_o such_o a_o surmise_n shall_v divinity_n which_o be_v the_o great_a art_n of_o art_n remain_v unimproved_a shall_v we_o think_v that_o all_o knowledge_n but_o that_o which_o be_v the_o best_a of_o all_o increase_v and_o prosper_v no_o we_o can_v prove_v the_o contrary_a and_o thence_o entertain_v hope_n of_o great_a increase_v yet_o to_o come_v the_o first_o christian_n as_o have_v be_v observe_v do_v not_o understand_v some_o part_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o so_o well_o as_o they_o do_v afterward_o or_o so_o well_o as_o it_o shall_v be_v understand_v they_o be_v not_o exact_v in_o point_n but_o epist._n live_v better_a than_o now_o the_o ancient_a writer_n such_o as_o clement_n of_o alexandria_n origen_n 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dark_a we_o both_o see_v and_o walk_v and_o we_o daily_o make_v progress_n in_o divine_a learning_n a_o undeniable_a eviction_n of_o which_o be_v the_o discourse_n and_o write_n of_o those_o of_o the_o reform_a church_n especial_o of_o divine_n for_o from_o these_o we_o may_v gather_v the_o vast_a improvement_n in_o sacred_a knowledge_n they_o general_o argue_v with_o close_a reason_n they_o talk_v great_a sense_n they_o show_v a_o deep_a insight_n into_o the_o inspire_a write_n they_o clothe_v their_o matter_n with_o fit_a word_n they_o use_v a_o intelligible_a and_o easy_a method_n they_o be_v happy_a in_o apply_v of_o divine_a truth_n in_o brief_a their_o notion_n be_v amend_v and_o all_o the_o important_a doctrine_n of_o christianity_n be_v more_o plain_o and_o clear_o deliver_v than_o before_o and_o the_o people_n knowledge_n be_v proportionable_a they_o hear_v with_o judgement_n they_o discourse_v with_o understanding_n they_o try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n they_o be_v able_a to_o confute_v gainsayers_a in_o the_o country_n where_o protestantism_n have_v take_v good_a foot_n there_o be_v scarce_o any_o difference_n between_o the_o clergy_n and_o laity_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o chief_a and_o practical_a point_n of_o our_o most_o holy_a religion_n these_o be_v understand_v by_o the_o inferior_a and_o most_o ordinary_a people_n as_o well_o as_o by_o gentleman_n merchant_n and_o tradesman_n yea_o the_o other_o sex_n study_n read_v and_o discourse_n of_o they_o thus_o humane_a mind_n be_v enlighten_v and_o enfranchise_v the_o elastic_a power_n be_v restore_v to_o they_o they_o act_n without_o restraint_n and_o fill_v the_o earth_n with_o knowledge_n and_o truth_n judge_v now_o whether_o the_o world_n grow_v old_a and_o decay_n and_o be_v sink_v into_o a_o degenerate_a posture_n say_v rather_o that_o it_o be_v much_o amend_v and_o be_v like_a to_o be_v improve_v yet_o further_o in_o future_a time_n for_o from_o what_o have_v be_v 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shallow_a and_o vain_a or_o too_o dare_v and_o presumptuous_a i_o will_v build_v my_o hope_n and_o belief_n of_o that_o more_o perfect_a state_n of_o christianity_n on_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n i_o grant_v that_o some_o be_v too_o forward_o to_o press_v text_n to_o this_o purpose_n they_o be_v wont_n to_o allege_v several_a place_n in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n which_o have_v n●_n relation_n to_o this_o matter_n especial_o those_o that_o 〈◊〉_d for_o christ_n personal_a reign_n on_o earth_n quote_v 〈◊〉_d out_o of_o every_o book_n of_o the_o bible_n several_a passage_n which_o they_o interpret_v in_o favour_n of_o their_o opinion_n wherever_o they_o find_v the_o word_n king_n or_o kingdom_n if_o they_o respect_v the_o messiah_n and_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n they_o present_o snatch_v at_o they_o and_o apply_v they_o this_o way_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n overlook_a the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n which_o have_v be_v all_o this_o while_n under_o the_o gospel_n and_o be_v speak_v and_o prophesy_v of_o so_o often_o in_o the_o sacred_a write_n but_o though_o they_o be_v to_o be_v blame_v for_o this_o that_o they_o strive_v to_o make_v all_o scripture_n speak_v their_o opinion_n and_o according_o force_v they_o to_o do_v it_o yet_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a and_o undeniable_a that_o this_o future_a state_n which_o i_o be_o now_o speak_v of_o be_v foretell_v in_o many_o place_n of_o scripture_n in_o plain_a and_o intelligible_a term_n and_o particular_o in_o some_o of_o those_o place_n where_o christ_n be_v mention_v as_o a_o king_n and_o his_o administration_n under_o the_o gospel_n be_v call_v a_o kingdom_n but_o first_o i_o will_v produce_v some_o other_o text_n where_o this_o new_a and_o last_o dispensation_n be_v speak_v of_o it_o be_v probable_a that_o this_o be_v mean_v by_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d mat._n 24._o 3._o th●_n consummation_n or_o end_n of_o the_o age_n i._n e
salvation_n by_o their_o own_o perfect_a obedience_n but_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o perfect_a righteousness_n of_o the_o messiah_n who_o be_v to_o come_v in_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n it_o only_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o alwise_a god_n to_o obscure_v and_o disguise_v this_o covenant_n in_o part_n that_o they_o may_v be_v fit_v for_o the_o ensue_a dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o that_o this_o dispensation_n may_v appear_v more_o bright_a and_o glorious_a now_o it_o be_v that_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n most_o signal_o display_v itself_o by_o christ_n come_n and_o by_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n it_o be_v full_o and_o ample_o manifest_v though_o it_o have_v be_v in_o be_v ever_o since_o the_o restauration_n of_o adam_n now_o at_o last_o the_o actual_a fulfil_n of_o the_o grand_a promise_n of_o this_o covenant_n viz._n the_o incarnation_n of_o christ_n be_v accomplish_v he_o come_v on_o purpose_n to_o perfect_v that_o covenant_n which_o have_v be_v make_v and_o 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8._o old_a testament_n be_v make_v with_o kill_v and_o sacrifice_v and_o effusion_n of_o blood_n by_o divine_a appointment_n without_o doubt_n so_o here_o the_o bless_a messiah_n who_o be_v to_o complete_a the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n shed_v on_o the_o cross_n his_o most_o precious_a blood_n which_o therefore_o be_v call_v 29._o the_o blood_n of_o the_o covenant_n again_o in_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v plain_o and_o express_o set_v forth_o the_o term_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n i._n e._n what_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o do_v and_o what_o obligation_n be_v upon_o we_o here_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n proclaim_v remission_n of_o sin_n the_o peculiar_a benefit_n and_o privilege_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o immortality_n and_o eternal_a life_n be_v bring_v to_o light_n by_o this_o gospel_n and_o the_o performance_n of_o all_o the_o precious_a promise_n which_o concern_v this_o life_n and_o another_o be_v ascertain_v to_o we_o here_o and_o as_o it_o assure_v we_o that_o god_n will_v fulfil_v his_o promise_n so_o it_o urge_v upon_o we_o the_o perform_n of_o our_o engagement_n christianity_n be_v a_o obligatory_a covenant_n and_o this_o obligation_n be_v mutual_a god_n will_v discharge_v his_o part_n we_o must_v see_v that_o we_o perform_v the_o condition_n which_o be_v require_v on_o our_o side_n the_o gospel_n acquaint_v we_o that_o if_o our_o peace_n and_o reconciliation_n be_v not_o make_v it_o be_v our_o own_o fault_n whole_o we_o will_v not_o leave_v our_o sin_n and_o thereby_o we_o frustrate_v the_o agreement_n and_o contract_n of_o the_o gospel_n this_o therefore_o call_v upon_o we_o to_o undertake_v the_o counterpart_n of_o the_o covenant_n i._n e._n to_o be_v holy_a in_o all_o manner_n of_o conversation_n to_o deny_v all_o ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n and_o to_o live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_o in_o this_o present_a world_n to_o adorn_v the_o gospel_n by_o a_o strict_a and_o circumspect_a walk_n and_o to_o bring_v forth_o much_o fruit_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o our_o heavenly_a father_n in_o the_o evangelical_n write_n the_o term_n on_o our_o part_n which_o be_v faith_n repentance_n and_o ob●di●nc●_n be_v more_o distinct_o set_v down_o than_o ever_o especial_o the_o nature_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o peculiar_a virtue_n of_o it_o be_v explain_v in_o that_o manner_n which_o they_o be_v never_o before_o for_o that_o by_o work_n and_o faith_n we_o be_v save_v but_o that_o by_o faith_n alone_o we_o be_v justify_v be_v the_o doctrine_n which_o st._n paul_n have_v abundant_o assert_v prove_v and_o confirm_v and_o it_o be_v establish_v by_o the_o other_o apostle_n which_o show_v the_o great_a discrimination_n between_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n and_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n the_o gospel_n tell_v we_o how_o we_o be_v to_o find_v real_a advantage_n by_o this_o covenant_n and_o law_n of_o grace_n it_o ascertain_v we_o that_o we_o can_v reap_v the_o benefit_n of_o it_o only_o by_o conversion_n and_o regeneration_n it_o be_v therefore_o urge_v and_o inculcate_v that_o we_o must_v be_v bear_v again_o that_o we_o must_v be_v n●●_n creature_n that_o there_o must_v be_v a_o renovation_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o life_n last_o christianity_n inform_v we_o what_o be_v the_o seal_n of_o this_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o according_o let_v we_o know_v that_o by_o baptism_n we_o be_v enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o into_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o at_o the_o lord_n supper_n we_o repeat_v and_o renew_v that_o convenant_n jesus_n the_o mediator_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n institute_v this_o federal_n ordinance_n and_o this_o be_v that_o holy_a supper_n at_o which_o he_o give_v we_o his_o body_n to_o eat_v and_o his_o blood_n to_o drink_v which_o he_o assure_v we_o be_v the_o blood_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n which_o be_v shed_v for_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n mat._n 26._o 28._o the_o sum_n then_o of_o what_o have_v be_v say_v be_v that_o god_n pity_v the_o mi●ery_n of_o mankind_n and_o be_v please_v to_o make_v a_o second_o covenant_n with_o he_o and_o his_o posterity_n after_o they_o have_v break_v the_o first_o this_o second_o covenant_n though_o it_o be_v make_v with_o adam_n present_o after_o his_o fall_n yet_o it_o arrive_v not_o to_o its_o height_n and_o perfection_n till_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n christianity_n be_v the_o covenant_n or_o law_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o best_a edition_n the_o answer_n then_o to_o that_o problem_n how_o the_o old_a and_o the_o new_a covenant_n differ_v be_v easy_o resolve_v from_o the_o premise_n for_o if_o you_o understand_v as_o some_o do_v but_o how_o fit_o you_o will_v judge_n from_o what_o i_o shall_v suggest_v by_o and_o by_o by_o the_o old_a covenant_n the_o covenant_n of_o work_n and_o by_o the_o new_a one_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n i_o have_v plain_o and_o distinct_o set_v down_o the_o particular_n wherein_o they_o differ_v or_o if_o you_o mean_v by_o the_o old_a covenant_n the_o moysaicall_a and_o legal_a dispensation_n and_o by_o the_o new_a covenant_n the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o both_o be_v but_o one_o covenant_n i_o have_v give_v ample_a satisfaction_n to_o the_o question_n by_o show_v wherein_o these_o two_o differ_v and_o by_o let_v you_o see_v that_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n begin_v with_o mankind_n soon_o after_o the_o fall_n and_o afterward_o be_v continue_v in_o the_o mosaic_a dispensation_n and_o at_o last_o be_v complete_v by_o christ_n come_v and_o here_o further_o to_o illustrate_v the_o point_n i_o will_v clear_v the_o acception_n of_o these_o term_n the_o old_a and_o the_o new_a covenant_n which_o so_o frequent_o occur_v in_o holy_a writ_n and_o i_o will_v make_v it_o evident_a to_o you_o that_o in_o the_o whole_a book_n of_o the_o scripture_n the_o old_a covenant_n be_v never_o apply_v to_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n but_o be_v a_o part_n or_o degree_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n this_o than_o we_o be_v to_o know_v that_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v twofold_a obscure_a or_o manifest_a the_o first_o be_v from_o adam_n restauration_n to_o our_o saviour_n come_v the_o second_o be_v ever_o since_o the_o former_a be_v call_v the_o old_a covenant_n the_o latter_a the_o new_a covenant_n and_o yet_o they_o be_v but_o one_o covenant_n this_o you_o will_v find_v to_o be_v the_o stile_n of_o sacred_a scripture_n if_o you_o consult_v those_o two_o famous_a place_n the_o one_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o the_o other_o in_o the_o new_a which_o treat_v of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a covenant_n the_o former_a be_v jew._n 31._o 31._o behold_v the_o day_n come_v say_v the_o lord_n that_o i_o will_v make_v a_o new_a covenant_n with_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n and_o with_o
we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o assign_v a_o particular_a reason_n the_o wisdom_n and_o equity_n of_o god_n dealing_n be_v undeniable_a he_o must_v be_v le●t_v to_o dispense_v his_o benefit_n when_o he_o please_v and_o most_o certain_o that_o be_v the_o best_a time_n which_o he_o choose_v it_o be_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n say_v the_o 2._o wife_n man_n to_o conceal_v a_o thing_n to_o hide_v the_o cause_n and_o reason_n of_o his_o action_n from_o man_n especial_o of_o the_o particular_a circumstance_n of_o time_n which_o be_v not_o of_o such_o concern_v to_o we_o as_o the_o thing_n themselves_o therefore_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v very_o inquisitive_a and_o scrupulous_a but_o final_o to_o resolve_v all_o into_o god_n good_a will_n and_o pleasure_n thus_o when_o the_o primitive_a christian_n be_v ask_v in_o a_o cavil_v way_n by_o the_o pagan_n why_o christ_n come_v so_o late_o they_o ingenuous_o answer_v 2._o we_o deny_v not_o that_o we_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o we_o can_v see_v and_o tell_v god_n secret_a will_n and_o how_o he_o order_v his_o affair_n he_o alone_o know_v what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v and_o how_o and_o at_o what_o time_n and_o again_o thus_o in_o a_o eternal_a and_o infinite_a course_n of_o age_n where_o there_o be_v no_o beginning_n nor_o end_n nothing_o can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v soon_o or_o late_a and_o st._n augustin_n answer_n to_o those_o that_o ask_v why_o christ_n come_v not_o before_o be_v this_o johan_n because_o say_v he_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n be_v not_o yet_o come_v according_a to_o the_o appointment_n of_o he_o by_o who_o all_o time_n be_v for_o it_o be_v best_a know_v to_o he_o when_o christ_n ought_v to_o come_v and_o in_o another_o place_n he_o give_v the_o like_a reason_n why_o christ_n come_v just_a at_o that_o time_n and_o no_o other_o 118._o the_o lord_n say_v he_o who_o dispose_v all_o thing_n in_o measure_n number_n and_o weight_n know_v when_o he_o do_v any_o thing_n it_o may_v suffice_v then_o to_o answer_v that_o so_o it_o please_v god_n who_o wisdom_n be_v infinite_a he_o have_v his_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d his_o own_o time_n for_o so_o it_o shall_v be_v render_v tit._n 1._o 3_o when_o these_o come_v he_o set_v such_o and_o such_o a_o dispensation_n on_o foot_n though_o this_o will_v not_o satisfy_v some_o yet_o it_o ought_v to_o pass_v for_o good_a divinity_n with_o those_o that_o be_v wise_a to_o sobriety_n but_o yet_o though_o we_o must_v not_o saucy_o pry_v into_o the_o secret_n of_o heaven_n we_o be_v permit_v with_o modesty_n to_o inquire_v how_o far_o they_o may_v be_v discover_v to_o we_o therefore_o to_o give_v satisfaction_n even_o to_o the_o curious_a i_o will_v offer_v some_o consideration_n wherein_o be_v contain_v the_o particular_a reason_n of_o the_o dat●_n of_o the_o christian_a oeconomy_n why_o christ_n come_v not_o into_o the_o world_n till_o it_o be_v about_o four_o thousand_o year_n old_a and_o why_o he_o come_v at_o that_o time_n rather_o than_o at_o another_o 1._o you_o be_v to_o consider_v that_o though_o christ_n be_v not_o bear_v of_o the_o virgin_n mary_n till_o that_o very_a time_n yet_o he_o appear_v long_o before_o to_o some_o of_o the_o patriarch_n and_o saint_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n the_o angel_n that_o appear_v to_o hagar_n be_v the_o messi●●_n the_o son_n of_o god_n therefore_o m●s●s_n call_v he_o the_o l●rd_n or_o je●ovab_n gen._n 16._o 13._o it_o be_v the_o opinion_n of_o the_o ancient_a alii_fw-la ●_z that_o this_o second_o person_n in_o the_o glorious_a trinity_n appear_v in_o human_a shape_n to_o abraham_n as_o he_o sit_v in_o the_o plain_n of_o mamre_n gen._n 18._o 13_o etc._n etc._n where_o he_o be_v style_v jehova●_n and_o afterward_o the_o god_n of_o bethel_n chap._n 31._o 21._o and_o he_o appear_v to_o jacob_n in_o the_o form_n of_o a_o angel_n and_o wrestle_v with_o he_o he_o be_v call_v a_o 24._o man_n in_o the_o entrance_n of_o the_o story_n and_o 28._o god_n in_o the_o sequel_n of_o it_o and_o the_o prophet_n hosea_n speak_v of_o he_o call_v he_o god_n chap._n 12._o 3._o this_o be_v that_o angel_n of_o the_o covenant_n who_o appear_v num._n 7._o ultireneus_n tertullian_n st._n austin_n and_o most_o of_o the_o ancient_n hold_v that_o it_o be_v christ_n who_o appear_v as_o a_o arm_a man_n and_o captain_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n to_o encourage_v joshua_n when_o he_o be_v to_o take_v jericho_n jos._n 5._o 13_o 14._o and_o many_o of_o the_o father_n be_v of_o opinion_n that_o christ_n be_v the_o conductor_n of_o the_o israelite_n out_o of_o egypt_n into_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n who_o lead_v they_o through_o the_o wilderness_n of_o arabia_n and_o descend_v on_o mount_n sinai_n and_o reside_v in_o the_o tabernacle_n and_o the_o temple_n and_o that_o of_o daniel_n chap._n 3._o 25._o the_o form_n of_o the_o four_o person_n who_o be_v see_v in_o the_o fiery_a furnace_n be_v like_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v interpret_v by_o some_o of_o the_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n who_o use_v to_o visit_v the_o patriarch_n and_o now_o visible_o bear_v the_o three_o child_n company_n in_o the_o flame_n and_o from_o several_a other_o place_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n it_o may_v be_v gather_v that_o christ_n appear_v to_o the_o holy_a man_n in_o those_o day_n upon_o extraordinary_a occasion_n so_o then_o he_o appear_v soon_o than_o be_v imagine_v his_o incarnation_n be_v not_o the_o first_o time_n of_o his_o appearance_n in_o the_o world_n he_o actual_o manifest_v and_o show_v himself_o before_o his_o birth_n his_o early_a visit_n of_o the_o patriarch_n and_o prophet_n be_v a_o forerunner_n of_o his_o more_o signal_n appear_v in_o the_o ●ulness_n of_o time_n when_o he_o take_v on_o he_o our_o humane_a nature_n and_o converse_v with_o mankind_n 2._o if_o you_o consider_v that_o all_o the_o benefit_n which_o accrue_v to_o mankind_n by_o a_o saviour_n be_v impart_v even_o before_o christ_n be_v make_v flesh_n you_o will_v not_o think_v that_o his_o appearance_n in_o the_o world_n be_v late_a he_o as_o you_o have_v hear_v be_v the_o lamb_n slay_v from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n that_o he_o who_o repent_v and_o believe_v shall_v be_v save_v be_v make_v immediate_o after_o man_n fall_n the_o merit_n of_o the_o messi●●_n his_o undertake_n be_v valid_a from_o that_o very_a time_n and_o therefore_o the_o promise_n of_o mercy_n in_o christ_n be_v contain_v though_o obscure_o in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n the_o gospel_n be_v ancient_a the_o design_n of_o god_n in_o all_o age_n tend_v to_o the_o consummate_v of_o this_o which_o may_v take_v off_o our_o marvel_v at_o its_o being_n no_o soon_o it_o be_v in_o be_v long_o before_o as_o to_o the_o grand_a efficacy_n and_o virtue_n of_o it_o have_v then_o this_o right_a notion_n of_o the_o true_a date_n of_o christianity_n and_o you_o will_v not_o ask_v why_o christ_n appear_v not_o before_o 3._o persuade_v yourselves_o of_o this_o that_o christ_n will_v have_v actual_o appear_v soon_o and_o that_o in_o our_o flesh_n if_o the_o world_n have_v be_v fit_a to_o receive_v he_o before_o god_n act_v according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n according_a to_o the_o capacity_n and_o faculty_n of_o mankind_n according_a to_o the_o condition_n and_o frame_n of_o men._n hence_o his_o deal_n with_o they_o be_v different_a and_o various_a his_o administration_n and_o method_n be_v not_o alike_o but_o they_o be_v always_o most_o suitable_a and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o present_a circumstance_n when_o plutarch_n solon_n be_v ask_v whether_o he_o have_v le●t_v the_o athenian_n the_o best_a law_n he_o can_v he_o answer_v he_o have_v give_v they_o the_o best_a they_o be_v capable_a of_o this_o be_v more_o eminent_o true_a of_o the_o law_n and_o institution_n the_o discovery_n and_o administration_n which_o be_v from_o god_n the_o great_a and_o infalliable_a lawgiver_n they_o be_v the_o most_o exact_o fit_v to_o the_o capacity_n and_o disposition_n the_o inclination_n and_o genius_n of_o the_o people_n who_o be_v to_o make_v use_n of_o they_o he_o prescribe_v law_n not_o according_a to_o what_o he_o be_v able_a to_o do_v but_o according_a to_o our_o ability_n to_o hear_v and_o receive_v they_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o though_o true_a religion_n be_v but_o one_o yet_o it_o have_v have_v different_a discovery_n and_o mani●estations_n according_a to_o the_o different_a state_n and_o condition_n of_o man_n in_o the_o several_a age_n of_o the_o world_n this_o argue_v not_o any_o changeableness_n in_o god_n but_o his_o great_a wisdom_n and_o care_n of_o his_o church_n as_o a_o prudent_a master_n of_o a_o family_n give_v different_a order_n and_o rule_n according_a to_o the_o diversity_n of_o
prayer_n be_v hear_v and_o the_o people_n that_o stand_v by_o and_o hear_v it_o say_v that_o it_o thunder_v other_o say_v a_o angel_n speak_v to_o he_o john_n 12._o 28_o 29._o thus_o christ_n be_v signal_o glorify_v by_o his_o father_n and_o declare_v by_o he_o to_o be_v the_o messiah_n the_o son_n of_o god_n by_o a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n attend_v with_o a_o kind_n of_o th●nder_n to_o this_o we_o may_v annex_v god_n speak_v in_o a_o rush_v mighty_a wind_n on_o the_o day_n of_o pentecost_n act_v 2._o 2._o and_o christ_n jesus_n himself_o be_v in_o heaven_n speak_v to_o saul_n thence_o by_o a_o voice_n say_v saul_n saul_n why_o persecute_v thou_o i_o act_n 9_o 4._o st._n john_n in_o the_o apocalypse_n make_v frequent_a mention_n of_o a_o voice_n speak_v to_o he_o and_o reveal_v great_a thing_n to_o he_o where_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o thunder_n and_o voice_n go_v together_o chap._n 4._o 5._o and_o 8._o 5._o thus_o the_o new_a testament_n as_o well_o as_o the_o old_a have_v the_o benefit_n of_o that_o divine_a oracle_n which_o the_o jew_n style_v the_o daughter_n of_o a_o voice_n i._n e._n a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n declare_v the_o will_n of_o god_n to_o men._n afterward_o we_o be_v tell_v in_o ecclesiastical_a history_n that_o those_o who_o be_v set_v on_o work_n by_o julian_n the_o apostate_n to_o rebuild_v the_o temple_n at_o jerusalem_n be_v defeat_v by_o thunder_n and_o a_o terrible_a voice_n that_o accompany_v it_o from_o heaven_n thereby_o bear_v witness_n to_o the_o cause_n of_o christianity_n 2._o the_o jew_n have_v the_o testimony_n of_o angel_n and_o so_o have_v christian_n to_o confirm_v this_o oeconomy_n by_o these_o heavenly_a messenger_n zacharias_n have_v notice_n give_v he_o of_o the_o approach_a birth_n of_o john_n the_o baptist_n and_o the_o virgin_n mary_n have_v tiding_n bring_v she_o of_o the_o miraculous_a conception_n of_o the_o holy_a babe_n jesus_n in_o her_o womb_n and_o these_o be_v the_o herald_n that_o proclaim_v the_o news_n of_o his_o birth_n to_o the_o shepherd_n one_o of_o this_o celestial_a order_n appear_v to_o joseph_n and_o warn_v he_o to_o fly_v into_o egypt_n with_o the_o bless_a infant_n these_o glorious_a spirit_n give_v notice_n of_o christ_n resurrection_n and_o when_o he_o ascend_v up_o to_o heaven_n another_o of_o this_o celestial_a hierarchy_n address_v himself_o to_o the_o apostle_n and_o assure_v they_o that_o in_o the_o like_a manner_n jesus_n shall_v come_v again_o to_o judgement_n another_o of_o these_o minister_a spirit_n come_v to_o the_o devout_a cornelius_n and_o bid_v he_o send_v for_o peter_n that_o he_o may_v be_v the_o great_a and_o happy_a instrument_n of_o convert_v he_o to_o the_o christian_a faith_n the_o angel_n of_o god_n stand_v by_o st._n paul_n in_o the_o night_n when_o he_o be_v on_o his_o dangerous_a voyage_n and_o ascertain_v he_o of_o his_o safety_n act_v 27._o 23._o and_o sundry_a other_o instance_n there_o be_v of_o angel_n make_v know_v the_o will_n of_o god_n unto_o man_n in_o those_o early_a time_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o thereby_o attest_v the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n 3._o the_o jew_n have_v the_o mosaic_a dispensation_n attest_v by_o vision_n and_o we_o have_v the_o same_o way_n of_o revelation_n to_o ascertain_v we_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n thus_o zachariah_n see_v a_o vision_n in_o the_o temple_n relate_v to_o the_o forerunner_n of_o christ_n luke_n 1._o 22._o the_o apostle_n who_o be_v at_o our_o saviour_n transfiguration_n have_v the_o same_o manner_n of_o discovery_n mat._n 17._o 9_o the_o lord_n speak_v to_o ananias_n in_o a_o vision_n act_v 9_o 10._o you_o read_v of_o st._n peter_n vision_n whereby_o he_o be_v teach_v not_o to_o despise_v the_o gentile_n act_n 10._o 10_o etc._n etc._n a_o vision_n appear_v to_o paul_n in_o the_o night_n act_v 16._o 9_o and_o again_o the_o lord_n encourage_v he_o in_o a_o vision_n act_v 18._o 9_o of_o st._n stephen_n it_o be_v say_v that_o he_o look_v up_o steadfast_o into_o heaven_n and_o see_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n the_o divine_a shekinah_n and_o jesus_n stand_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n act_v 7._o 55._o and_o we_o read_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o revelation_n that_o st._n john_n have_v frequent_a vision_n and_o hither_o may_v be_v refer_v those_o visible_a representation_n speak_v of_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n as_o the_o holy_a ghost_n descend_v on_o christ_n in_o the_o shape_n of_o a_o dove_n after_o he_o be_v baptize_v the_o appearance_n of_o cleave_a tongue_n like_v as_o of_o fire_n over_o the_o apostle_n head_n the_o light_n from_o heaven_n which_o shine_v round_o about_o st._n paul_n at_o his_o conversion_n all_o these_o appertain_v to_o the_o shekinah_n the_o glorious_a presence_n and_o lustre_n of_o the●_n heavenly_a majesty_n and_o hither_o may_v be_v refer_v the_o radiant_a presence_n of_o christ_n the_o bright_a and_o glorious_a manifestation_n of_o his_o person_n which_o be_v often_o mention_v by_o the_o evangelist_n mat._n 17._o 2_o 5._o mark_v 9_o 3._o and_o rev._n 1._o 16._o he_o dwell_v among_o we_o he_o be_v the_o true_a shekinah_n and_o we_o behold_v his_o glory_n as_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o only_o beget_v of_o the_o father_n john_n 1._o 14._o 4._o dream_n be_v another_o sort_n of_o divine_a revelation_n among_o the_o jew_n and_o these_o also_o be_v not_o want_v to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n for_o we_o read_v that_o joseph_n be_v warn_v once_o and_o again_o in_o a_o dream_n concern_v mary_n who_o he_o have_v espouse_v and_o concern_v the_o bless_a babe_n mat._n 1._o 20._o chap._n 2._o 12_o 13_o 19_o and_o pilat_n wife_n suffer_v many_o thing_n in_o a_o dream_n because_o of_o christ_n who_o be_v then_o stand_v at_o the_o bar_n before_o her_o husband_n mat._n 27._o 19_o but_o because_o these_o operation_n on_o the_o imagination_n by_o dream_n be_v more_o liable_a to_o mistake_n than_o vision_n and_o other_o kind_n of_o revelation_n we_o have_v but_o few_o instance_n of_o this_o however_o we_o be_v not_o whole_o destitute_a of_o this_o testimony_n under_o the_o gospel_n 5._o there_o be_v among_o the_o jew_n that_o which_o they_o signal_o call_v the_o holy_a spirit_n viz._n when_o man_n be_v wonderful_o and_o extraordinary_o stir_v up_o to_o deliver_v the_o will_n of_o god_n to_o make_v some_o divine_a discovery_n to_o the_o world_n and_o to_o assert_v their_o holy_a religion_n this_o be_v in_o christ_n himself_o luke_n 4._o 1._o act_n 1._o 2._o &_o 10._o 38._o and_o in_o the_o apostle_n act_n 2._o 4._o &_o 5._o 8._o &_o 6._o 3_o 5._o &_o 7._o 55._o &_o 11._o 24._o &_o 19_o 6._o and_o in_o all_o the_o holy_a man_n that_o be_v send_v by_o he_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n by_o this_o they_o be_v enable_v to_o speak_v without_o any_o premeditation_n before_o ruler_n and_o king_n mark_v 13._o 10_o 11._o for_o our_o saviour_n tell_v they_o it_o be_v not_o you_o that_o speak_v but_o the_o holy_a ghost_n with_o this_o the_o apostle_n be_v all_o fill_v when_o they_o 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the_o gospel_n with_o that_o authority_n and_o evidence_n which_o some_o of_o their_o most_o implacable_a enemy_n be_v not_o able_a to_o resist_v these_o be_v the_o divine_a witness_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel-dispensation_n and_o of_o the_o christian_a religion_n yea_o even_o at_o this_o day_n and_o to_o the_o world_n end_n this_o last_o testimony_n viz._n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v useful_a and_o necessary_a i_o do_v not_o mean_v any_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n but_o a_o special_a and_o peculiar_a assistance_n of_o it_o such_o as_o all_o regenerate_a person_n have_v experience_n of_o that_o we_o may_v be_v thorough_o certain_a that_o this_o or_o that_o be_v deliver_v by_o god_n that_o we_o may_v assure_o know_v that_o such_o thing_n be_v of_o divine_a
the_o disciple_n for_o a_o time_n such_o prejudices_fw-la have_v they_o on_o their_o mind_n that_o they_o can_v not_o conceive_v the_o meaning_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o they_o dare_v not_o ask_v he_o concern_v those_o thing_n it_o be_v not_o as_o yet_o reveal_v to_o they_o by_o what_o mean_v the_o messiah_n be_v to_o deliver_v they_o they_o dream_v of_o a_o earthly_a kingdom_n as_o the_o blind_a jew_n at_o this_o day_n they_o promise_v themselves_o much_o temporal_a prosperity_n and_o grandeur_n in_o the_o world_n neither_o can_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n resurrection_n gain_v assent_n with_o they_o for_o we_o read_v that_o when_o he_o speak_v of_o it_o to_o the_o three_o apostle_n before_o who_o he_o be_v transfigure_v they_o question_v one_o with_o another_o what_o the_o rise_n from_o the_o dead_a shall_v mean_v mark_v 9_o 10._o and_o afterward_o when_o he_o tell_v the_o other_o apostle_n as_o well_o as_o these_o that_o he_o shall_v rise_v again_o the_o three_o day_n they_o 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the_o new_a testament_n so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o error_n and_o mistake_v in_o they_o of_o any_o kind_n therefore_o what_o a_o 〈◊〉_d learned_a writer_n say_v on_o 1_o cor._n 15._o 51._o and_o 2_o pet._n 3._o 11._o and_o other_o place_n in_o st._n paul_n and_o st._n peter_n epistle_n viz._n that_o these_o apostle_n very_o believe_v the_o day_n of_o judgement_n be_v at_o hand_n and_o consequent_o be_v under_o a_o mistake_n be_v not_o to_o be_v admit_v be_v by_o no_o mean_n to_o be_v credit_v for_o these_o person_n as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o penman_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v immediate_o inspire_v by_o that_o infallible_a guide_n and_o director_n can_v not_o possible_o commit_v any_o error_n in_o their_o write_n whatever_o their_o misapprehension_n be_v at_o other_o time_n when_o therefore_o they_o use_v those_o term_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o last_o day_n we_o and_o you_o as_o if_o they_o of_o that_o age_n shall_v survive_v to_o see_v that_o day_n we_o must_v 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