thè_z soul_n be_v force_v to_o do_v what_o it_o do_v one_o may_v just_o lay_v the_o blame_n on_o god_n who_o permit_v such_o a_o force_n to_o be_v offer_v it_o neither_o can_v it_o be_v proper_o evil_a which_o the_o soul_n be_v constrain_v to_o but_o since_o it_o act_v free_o and_o out_o of_o choice_n the_o soul_n must_v alone_o be_v account_v the_o author_n and_o cause_n of_o evil_n thus_o we_o see_v that_o god_n can_v with_o any_o shadow_n of_o reason_n be_v account_v the_o author_n of_o evil_n because_o he_o give_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n a_o principle_n of_o internal_a freedom_n when_o the_o very_a freedom_n of_o act_v which_o the_o soul_n have_v put_v it_o into_o a_o capacity_n of_o stand_v as_o well_o as_o fall_v and_o certain_o he_o can_v never_o be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o break_n of_o a_o person_n who_o give_v he_o a_o stock_n to_o set_v up_o with_o and_o suppose_v he_o able_a to_o manage_v it_o when_o he_o give_v it_o he_o indeed_o have_v not_o man_n have_v this_o freedom_n of_o will_n he_o can_v not_o have_v fall_v but_o then_o neither_o have_v he_o be_v a_o rational_a agent_n which_o suppose_v no_o corruption_n do_v speak_v freedom_n of_o action_n so_o that_o while_o we_o inquire_v after_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o evil_a we_o have_v no_o other_o cause_n to_o assign_v it_o to_o but_o man_n abuse_n of_o that_o free_a power_n of_o act_v which_o he_o have_v but_o if_o we_o will_v be_v so_o curious_a as_o to_o inquire_v further_o why_o god_n do_v create_v man_n with_o such_o a_o freedom_n of_o will_n and_o not_o rather_o fix_v his_o soul_n immutable_o on_o good_a if_o the_o order_n of_o being_n be_v no_o satisfactory_a reason_n for_o it_o we_o can_v give_v no_o other_o than_o that_o why_o he_o make_v man_n or_o the_o world_n at_o all_o which_o be_v the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o his_o will._n but_o second_o suppose_v god_n give_v man_n this_o freedom_n of_o will_n do_v not_o entitle_v he_o to_o be_v the_o author_n of_o evil_n do_v not_o 7._o his_o leave_v man_n to_o this_o liberty_n of_o he_o in_o the_o temptation_n make_v he_o the_o cause_n of_o sin_n i_o answer_v no_o and_o that_o on_o these_o account_n 1._o because_o man_n stand_v then_o upon_o such_o term_n that_o he_o can_v not_o fall_v but_o by_o his_o own_o free_a and_o voluntary_a act_n he_o have_v a_o power_n to_o stand_v in_o that_o there_o be_v no_o principle_n of_o corruption_n at_o all_o in_o his_o faculty_n but_o he_o have_v a_o pure_a and_o undefiled_a soul_n which_o can_v not_o be_v pollute_v without_o its_o own_o consent_n now_o it_o have_v be_v repugnant_a to_o the_o term_n on_o which_o man_n stand_v which_o be_v the_o trial_n of_o his_o obedience_n to_o his_o creator_n have_v he_o be_v irresistible_o determine_v any_o way_n simplicius_n put_v this_o question_n after_o the_o former_a discourse_n whether_o god_n may_v not_o be_v call_v the_o author_n of_o sin_n because_o he_o permit_v the_o soul_n to_o use_v her_o liberty_n but_o say_v he_o he_o that_o say_v god_n shall_v not_o have_v permit_v this_o use_n of_o its_o freedom_n to_o the_o soul_n must_v say_v one_o of_o these_o two_o thing_n â—ither_o that_o the_o soul_n be_v of_o such_o a_o nature_n as_o be_v indifferent_a to_o good_a or_o evil_n it_o shall_v have_v be_v whole_o keep_v from_o the_o choose_n evil_a or_o else_o that_o it_o shall_v have_v be_v make_v of_o such_o a_o nature_n that_o it_o shall_v not_o have_v have_v a_o power_n of_o choose_v evil_a the_o first_o be_v irrational_a and_o absurd_a for_o what_o freedom_n and_o liberty_n have_v that_o be_v where_o there_o be_v no_o choice_n and_o what_o choice_n can_v there_o have_v be_v where_o the_o mind_n be_v necessitate_v only_o to_o one_o part_n for_o the_o second_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v say_v he_o that_o no_o evil_n be_v in_o its_o self_n desirable_a or_o to_o be_v choose_v but_o withal_o if_o this_o power_n of_o determine_v its_o self_n â—ither_o way_n must_v be_v take_v away_o it_o must_v be_v either_o as_o something_o not_o good_a or_o as_o some_o great_a evil_n and_o whoever_o say_v so_o do_v not_o consider_v how_o many_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n there_o be_v which_o be_v account_v good_a and_o desirable_a thing_n yet_o be_v no_o way_n comparable_a with_o this_o freedom_n of_o will._n for_o it_o excel_v all_o sublunary_a being_n and_o there_o be_v none_o will_v rather_o desire_v to_o be_v a_o brute_n or_o plant_n then_o man_n if_o god_n then_o show_v his_o goodness_n in_o give_v to_o inferior_a being_n such_o perfectiou_n which_o be_v far_o below_o this_o be_v it_o any_o way_n incongruous_a to_o god_n nature_n and_o goodness_n to_o give_v man_n the_o freedom_n of_o his_o action_n and_o a_o self_n determine_v power_n though_o he_o permit_v he_o the_o free_a use_n of_o it_o beside_o as_o that_o author_n reason_n have_v god_n to_o prevent_v man_n sin_n take_v away_o the_o liberty_n of_o his_o will_n he_o have_v likewise_o destroy_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o virtue_n and_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o man_n for_o virtue_n will_v not_o have_v be_v such_o have_v there_o be_v no_o possibility_n of_o act_v contrary_n and_o man_n nature_n will_v have_v be_v divine_a because_o impeccable_a therefore_o say_v â—e_n though_o we_o attribute_v this_o self-determining_a power_n to_o god_n as_o the_o author_n of_o it_o which_o be_v so_o necessary_a in_o the_o order_n of_o the_o universe_n we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o attribute_v the_o origine_fw-la of_o that_o evil_n to_o god_n which_o come_v by_o the_o abuse_n of_o that_o liberty_n for_o as_o he_o further_o add_v god_n do_v not_o at_o all_o cause_n that_o aversion_n from_o good_a which_o be_v in_o the_o soul_n when_o it_o sin_n but_o only_o give_v such_o a_o power_n to_o the_o soul_n whereby_o it_o may_v turn_v its_o self_n to_o evil_a out_o of_o which_o god_n may_v afterward_o produce_v so_o much_o good_a which_o can_v not_o otherwise_o have_v be_v without_o it_o so_o consonant_o 187â—_n to_o the_o scripture_n do_v that_o philosopher_n speak_v on_o this_o subject_n 2._o god_n can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o author_n of_o sin_n though_o he_o do_v not_o prevent_v the_o fall_n of_o man_n because_o he_o do_v not_o withdraw_v before_o his_o fall_n any_o grace_n or_o assistance_n which_o be_v necessary_a for_o his_o stand_n have_v there_o be_v indeed_o a_o necessity_n of_o supernatural_a grace_n to_o be_v communicate_v to_o man_n for_o every_o moment_n to_o continue_v he_o in_o his_o innocency_n and_o have_v god_n before_o man_n fall_n withdraw_v such_o assistance_n from_o he_o without_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o he_o to_o â—ave_n stand_v it_o will_v be_v very_o difficult_a free_a god_n from_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o fall_n of_o man_n but_o we_o be_v not_o put_v to_o such_o difficulty_n for_o acquit_v god_n from_o be_v the_o author_n of_o sin_n for_o there_o appear_v no_o necessity_n at_o all_o for_o assert_v any_o distinction_n of_o sufficient_a and_o efficacious_a grace_n in_o man_n before_o his_o fall_n that_o the_o one_o shall_v belong_v only_o to_o a_o radical_a power_n of_o stand_v the_o other_o to_o every_o act_n of_o good_a which_o adam_n do_v for_o if_o god_n make_v man_n upright_o he_o certain_o give_v he_o such_o a_o power_n as_o may_v be_v bring_v into_o act_n without_o the_o necessity_n of_o any_o supervenient_a act_n of_o grace_n to_o elicit_v that_o habitual_a power_n into_o particular_a action_n if_o the_o other_o be_v sufficient_a it_o be_v sufficient_a for_o its_o end_n and_o how_o can_v it_o be_v sufficient_a for_o its_o end_n if_o notwithstanding_o that_o there_o be_v no_o possibility_n of_o stand_v unless_o efficacious_a help_n be_v superad_v to_o it_o god_n will_v not_o certain_o require_v any_o thing_n from_o the_o creature_n in_o his_o integrity_n but_o what_o he_o have_v a_o power_n to_o obey_v and_o if_o there_o be_v necessary_a further_a grace_n to_o bring_v the_o power_n into_o act_n than_o the_o substract_n of_o this_o grace_n must_v be_v by_o way_n of_o punishment_n to_o man_n which_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o conceive_v for_o what_o it_o shall_v be_v before_o man_n have_v sin_v or_o eâ—se_n god_n must_v subtract_v this_o grace_n on_o purpose_n that_o man_n may_v â—all_n which_o will_v necessary_o follow_v on_o this_o supposition_n in_o which_o case_n man_n will_v be_v necessitate_v to_o fall_v veluti_fw-la cum_fw-la subductis_fw-la columnis_fw-la dom_n we_o necessario_fw-la corruit_fw-la as_o one_o express_v it_o as_o a_o house_n must_v needs_o fall_v when_o the_o pillar_n on_o which_o it_o stand_v be_v take_v away_o from_o it_o but_o now_o if_o god_n withdraw_v not_o any_o effectual_a grace_n from_o man_n whereby_o he_o must_v necessary_o fall_v then_o
the_o necessary_a obligation_n to_o punishment_n but_o therein_o god_n do_v not_o bind_v up_o himself_o as_o he_o do_v in_o absolute_a promise_n the_o reason_n be_v because_o commination_n confer_v no_o right_n to_o any_o which_o absolute_a promise_n do_v and_o therefore_o god_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o necessary_a performance_n of_o what_o he_o threaten_v indeed_o the_o guilt_n or_o obligation_n to_o punishment_n be_v necessary_a where_o the_o offence_n hâ—â—_n be_v commit_v to_o which_o the_o threaten_a be_v annex_v but_o the_o execution_n of_o that_o punishment_n do_v still_o depend_v upon_o god_n arbitrarious_fw-la will_n and_o therefore_o he_o may_v suspend_v or_o remove_v it_o upon_o serious_a address_n make_v to_o himself_o in_o order_n to_o it_o for_o since_o god_n be_v please_v not_o to_o take_v the_o present_a forfeiture_n of_o the_o first_o grand_a transgression_n but_o make_v such_o a_o relaxation_n of_o that_o penal_a law_n that_o condition_n of_o pardon_n be_v admittable_a notwithstanding_o sentence_v pass_v upon_o the_o malefactor_n there_o be_v a_o strong_a ground_n of_o presumption_n in_o humane_a nature_n that_o god_n forbearance_n of_o mankind_n notwithstanding_o sin_n do_v suppose_v his_o readiness_n to_o pardon_v offender_n upon_o their_o repentance_n and_o therefore_o that_o all_o particular_a threaten_n of_o judgement_n to_o come_v do_v suppose_v incorrigibleness_n in_o those_o they_o be_v pronounce_v against_o upon_o which_o the_o foundation_n of_o hope_n be_v build_v that_o if_o timely_a repentance_n do_v intervene_v god_n will_v remove_v those_o judgement_n which_o be_v threaten_v against_o they_o and_o this_o be_v certain_o the_o case_n of_o the_o ninivites_n upon_o jonas_n his_o preach_v among_o they_o for_o when_o the_o threaten_a 11._o be_v so_o peremptory_a yet_o forty_o day_n and_o ninive_n shall_v be_v destroy_v all_o the_o hope_n they_o can_v have_v of_o pardon_n must_v be_v from_o 4._o the_o general_a persuasion_n of_o man_n soul_n of_o god_n readiness_n to_o remove_v judgement_n upon_o repentance_n for_o otherwise_o there_o have_v be_v no_o place_n for_o any_o thing_n but_o despair_n and_o not_o the_o least_o encouragement_n to_o supplicate_v the_o mercy_n of_o god_n which_o we_o see_v they_o do_v in_o a_o most_o solemn_a manner_n after_o they_o be_v convince_v these_o commination_n come_v from_o god_n himself_o by_o the_o mouth_n of_o his_o prophet_n some_o think_v that_o jonas_n together_o with_o the_o threaten_n of_o judgement_n do_v intermix_v exhortation_n to_o repentance_n but_o we_o can_v find_v no_o probability_n at_o all_o for_o that_o on_o these_o two_o account_n first_o jonas_n then_o will_v not_o have_v be_v so_o unwilling_a to_o have_v undertake_v this_o message_n for_o as_o far_o as_o we_o can_v see_v the_o harshness_n of_o it_o be_v the_o main_a reason_n he_o seek_v to_o have_v avoid_v it_o by_o fly_v to_o tarshish_n second_o jonas_n will_v have_v have_v no_o pretence_n at_o all_o for_o his_o anger_n and_o displeasure_n at_o god_n pardon_v ninive_n which_o be_v most_o probable_o conceive_v to_o have_v be_v because_o the_o ninivites_n may_v now_o suspect_v he_o to_o be_v no_o true_a prophet_n because_o the_o event_n answer_v not_o his_o prediction_n now_o there_o have_v be_v no_o reason_n at_o all_o for_o this_o if_o he_o have_v mix_v promise_n together_o with_o his_o threaten_n for_o than_o nothing_o will_v have_v fall_v out_o contrary_a to_o his_o own_o prediction_n and_o therefore_o it_o seem_v evident_a that_o the_o message_n jonas_n be_v send_v with_o be_v only_o the_o commination_n of_o their_o speedy_a ruin_n which_o god_n do_v on_o purpose_n to_o awaken_v they_o the_o soon_o an_o with_o the_o great_a earnestness_n to_o repentance_n when_o the_o judgement_n be_v denounce_v in_o so_o peremptory_a a_o manner_n although_o it_o seem_v jonas_n have_v before_o such_o apprehension_n of_o the_o merciful_a nature_n of_o god_n and_o his_o readiness_n to_o pardon_v that_o he_o may_v suppose_v god_n intention_n by_o this_o 2._o severe_a denunciation_n of_o judgement_n may_v be_v only_o to_o take_v occasion_n upon_o their_o repentance_n to_o show_v his_o goodness_n and_o bounty_n to_o they_o but_o this_o be_v no_o part_n of_o his_o instruction_n which_o he_o dare_v not_o go_v beyond_o in_o his_o preach_v what_o ever_o his_o private_a opinion_n may_v be_v for_o the_o prophet_n be_v to_o utter_v no_o more_o in_o their_o preach_a or_o particular_a message_n than_o be_v in_o their_o commission_n and_o be_v not_o to_o mix_v their_o own_o word_n with_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o by_o this_o we_o may_v further_o understand_v the_o denunciation_n of_o death_n to_o hezekiah_n by_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n set_v thy_o house_n in_o 1._o order_n for_o thou_o shall_v die_v and_o not_o live_v i_o question_v not_o but_o the_o prophet_n reveal_v to_o hezekiah_n as_o much_o as_o god_n have_v reveal_v to_o he_o for_o to_o say_v as_o molinaeus_n do_v that_o the_o prophet_n speak_v 6._o these_o word_n of_o his_o own_o head_n before_o he_o full_o understand_v god_n mind_n be_v very_o harsh_a and_o incongruous_a but_o god_n may_v at_o first_o discover_v to_o isaiah_n not_o his_o internal_a purpose_n but_o what_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o disease_n will_v bring_v he_o to_o unless_o his_o own_o immediate_a hand_n of_o providence_n interpose_v which_o message_n he_o will_v have_v isaiah_n carry_v to_o hezekiah_n for_o the_o trial_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o exciting_a he_o to_o the_o more_o lively_a act_n of_o grace_n and_o for_o a_o further_a demonstration_n of_o god_n goodness_n to_o he_o in_o prolong_v his_o life_n beyond_o humane_a probability_n and_o the_o course_n of_o second_o cause_n now_o what_o repugnancy_n be_v there_o to_o the_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n that_o god_n shall_v conceal_v from_o his_o prophet_n in_o their_o message_n the_o internal_a purpose_n of_o his_o will_n and_o in_o order_n to_o the_o do_v good_a to_o man_n shall_v only_o reveal_v what_o will_v certain_o have_v come_v to_o pass_v unless_o himself_o have_v otherwise_o determine_v it_o and_o thus_o the_o repentance_n which_o be_v attribute_v to_o god_n in_o reference_n to_o these_o denunciation_n of_o judgement_n be_v far_o from_o import_v any_o real_a mutation_n in_o the_o internal_a purpose_n of_o god_n a_o rock_n some_o have_v split_v themselves_o upon_o but_o it_o only_o signify_v the_o outward_a change_n of_o the_o scene_n towards_o man_n and_o act_v otherwise_o then_o the_o word_n of_o the_o prophet_n do_v seem_v to_o import_v and_o all_o the_o alteration_n be_v in_o the_o outward_a discovery_n of_o his_o will_n which_o be_v certain_o far_o from_o be_v any_o collusion_n in_o god_n unless_o we_o must_v suppose_v god_n so_o bind_v up_o that_o he_o have_v no_o liberty_n of_o use_v his_o own_o method_n for_o bring_v man_n to_o repentance_n or_o for_o trial_n of_o his_o people_n grace_n but_o must_v in_o every_o instance_n of_o his_o word_n declare_v nothing_o but_o his_o own_o internal_a purpose_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o general_a method_n of_o god_n deal_v with_o the_o world_n which_o be_v to_o govern_v man_n by_o his_o own_o law_n and_o thereby_o to_o awaken_v they_o to_o duty_n and_o deter_v from_o sin_n by_o his_o annex_v threaten_n without_o reveal_v any_o thing_n of_o his_o internal_a purpose_n concern_v the_o state_n and_o condition_n of_o any_o particular_a person_n at_o all_o which_o threaten_n of_o his_o though_o pronounce_v with_o the_o great_a severity_n do_v not_o speak_v god_n inward_a resolution_n as_o to_o any_o particular_a person_n but_o what_o all_o must_v expect_v if_o they_o continue_v impenitent_a and_o incorrigible_a for_o the_o only_a condition_n employ_v in_o these_o threaten_n being_n repentance_n it_o necessary_o follow_v that_o where_o that_o be_v want_v these_o hypothetical_a commination_n be_v absolute_a prediction_n of_o what_o shall_v certain_o come_v to_o pass_v on_o all_o those_o who_o be_v destitute_a of_o the_o condition_n suppose_v in_o they_o so_o that_o where_o any_o commination_n be_v pronounce_v by_o any_o in_o a_o prophetical_a way_n concern_v any_o person_n or_o people_n and_o no_o 13._o alteration_n happen_v at_o all_o in_o they_o but_o they_o continue_v impenitent_a and_o incorrigible_a there_o the_o not_o come_v of_o they_o to_o pass_v may_v be_v a_o token_n of_o a_o false_a prophet_n for_o in_o this_o case_n the_o only_a tacit_a condition_n employ_v in_o these_o threaten_a prophecy_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v want_v and_o so_o the_o commination_n must_v be_v understand_v as_o absolute_a prediction_n now_o in_o those_o commination_n in_o scripture_n which_o be_v absolute_o express_v but_o conditional_o understand_v we_o find_v something_o interpose_v which_o we_o may_v rational_o suppose_v be_v the_o very_a condition_n understand_v as_o abimelech_n restore_v of_o sarah_n be_v the_o ground_n why_o the_o sentence_n of_o death_n after_o it_o be_v denounce_v be_v
the_o general_a defect_n for_o want_n of_o timely_a record_n among_o heathen_a nation_n the_o reason_n of_o it_o show_v from_o the_o first_o plantation_n of_o the_o world_n the_o manner_n of_o they_o discover_v the_o original_a of_o civil_a government_n of_o hieroglyphic_n the_o use_n of_o letter_n among_o the_o greek_n no_o elder_a than_o cadmus_n his_o time_n inquire_v into_o no_o elder_a than_o joshua_n the_o learning_n bring_v into_o greece_n by_o he_o inquiry_n after_o truth_n have_v that_o peculiar_a commendation_n 1_o above_o all_o other_o design_n that_o they_o come_v on_o purpose_n to_o gratify_v the_o most_o noble_a faculty_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o do_v most_o immediate_o tend_v to_o re-advance_a the_o high_a perfection_n of_o our_o rational_a being_n for_o all_o our_o most_o laudable_a endeavour_n after_o knowledge_n now_o be_v only_o the_o gather_n up_o some_o scatter_a fragment_n of_o what_o be_v once_o a_o entire_a fabric_n and_o the_o recovery_n of_o some_o precious_a jewel_n which_o be_v lose_v out_o of_o sight_n and_o sink_v in_o the_o shipwreck_n of_o humane_a nature_n that_o say_v of_o plato_n that_o all_o knowledge_n be_v remembrance_n and_o all_o ignorance_n forgetfulness_n be_v a_o certain_a and_o undoubted_a truth_n if_o by_o forgetfulness_n be_v mean_v the_o loss_n and_o by_o remembrance_n the_o recovery_n of_o those_o notion_n and_o conception_n of_o thing_n which_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n once_o have_v in_o its_o pure_a and_o primitive_a state_n wherein_o the_o understanding_n be_v the_o true_a microcosm_n in_o which_o all_o the_o being_n of_o the_o inferior_a world_n be_v faithful_o represent_v according_a to_o their_o true_a native_a and_o genuine_a perfection_n god_n create_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n not_o only_o capable_a of_o find_v out_o the_o truth_n of_o thing_n but_o furnish_v he_o with_o a_o sufficient_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o touchstone_n to_o discover_v truth_n from_o falsehood_n by_o a_o light_n set_v up_o in_o his_o understanding_n which_o if_o he_o have_v attend_v to_o he_o may_v have_v secure_v himself_o from_o all_o imposture_n and_o deceit_n as_o all_o other_o being_n be_v create_v in_o the_o full_a possession_n of_o the_o agreeable_a perfection_n of_o their_o several_a nature_n so_o be_v man_n too_o else_o god_n will_v have_v never_o close_v the_o work_n of_o creation_n with_o those_o word_n and_o god_n see_v all_o that_o he_o have_v make_v and_o behold_v it_o be_v very_o good_a that_o be_v endue_v with_o all_o those_o perfection_n which_o be_v suitable_a 31_o to_o their_o several_a being_n which_o man_n have_v be_v most_o defective_a in_o if_o his_o understanding_n have_v not_o be_v endow_v with_o a_o large_a stock_n of_o intellectual_a knowledge_n which_o be_v the_o most_o natural_a and_o genuine_a perfection_n belong_v to_o his_o rational_a be_v for_o reason_n be_v the_o most_o raise_a faculty_n of_o humane_a nature_n if_o that_o have_v be_v defective_a in_o its_o discovery_n of_o truth_n which_o be_v its_o proper_a object_n it_o will_v have_v argue_v the_o great_a maim_n and_o imperfection_n in_o the_o be_v itself_o for_o if_o it_o belong_v to_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o sensitive_a faculty_n to_o discern_v what_o be_v pleasant_a from_o what_o be_v hurtful_a it_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o perfection_n of_o the_o rational_a to_o find_v out_o the_o difference_n of_o truth_n from_o falsehood_n not_o as_o though_o the_o soul_n can_v then_o have_v have_v any_o more_o than_o now_o a_o actual_a notion_n of_o all_o the_o being_n in_o the_o world_n ocexi_v at_o the_o same_o time_n but_o that_o it_o will_v have_v be_v free_a from_o all_o deceit_n in_o its_o conception_n of_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o cause_v through_o inadvertency_n which_o will_v appear_v from_o the_o several_a aspect_n man_n knowledge_n 2._o ledge_n have_v which_o be_v either_o upward_o towards_o his_o maker_n or_o abroad_o on_o his_o fellow-creature_n if_o we_o consider_v that_o contemplation_n of_o the_o soul_n which_o fix_v its_o self_n on_o that_o infinite_a be_v which_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o it_o and_o be_v proper_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o will_v be_v find_v necessary_a for_o the_o soul_n to_o be_v create_v in_o a_o clear_a and_o distinct_a knowledge_n of_o he_o because_o of_o man_n immediate_a obligation_n to_o obedience_n unto_o he_o which_o must_v necessary_o suppose_v the_o knowledge_n of_o he_o who_o will_n must_v be_v his_o rule_n for_o if_o man_n be_v not_o full_o convince_v in_o the_o first_o moment_n after_o his_o creation_n of_o the_o be_v of_o he_o who_o he_o be_v to_o obey_v his_o first_o work_n and_o duty_n will_v not_o have_v be_v actual_a obedience_n but_o a_o search_n whether_o there_o be_v any_o supreme_a infinite_a and_o eternal_a be_v or_o no_o and_o whereon_o his_o duty_n to_o he_o be_v found_v and_o what_o may_v be_v sufficient_a declaration_n of_o his_o will_n and_o law_n according_a to_o which_o he_o must_v regulate_v his_o obedience_n the_o take_v off_o all_o which_o doubt_n and_o scruple_n from_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n must_v suppose_v he_o full_o satisfy_v upon_o the_o first_o free_a use_n of_o reason_n that_o there_o be_v a_o infinite_a power_n and_o be_v which_o produce_v he_o and_o on_o that_o account_n have_v a_o right_a to_o command_v he_o in_o whatsoever_o he_o please_v and_o that_o those_o command_n of_o he_o be_v declare_v to_o he_o in_o so_o certain_a a_o way_n that_o he_o can_v not_o be_v deceive_v in_o the_o judge_n of_o they_o the_o clear_a knowledge_n of_o god_n will_v further_o appear_v most_o necessary_a to_o man_n in_o his_o first_o creation_n if_o we_o consider_v that_o god_n create_v he_o for_o this_o end_n and_o purpose_n to_o enjoy_v converse_n and_o a_o humble_a familiarity_n with_o himself_o he_o have_v then_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o language_n of_o clemens_n alexandrinus_n converse_v with_o god_n be_v as_o natural_a 63._o to_o he_o as_o his_o be_v be_v for_o man_n as_o he_o come_v first_o out_o of_o god_n hand_n be_v the_o reflection_n of_o god_n himself_o on_o a_o dark_a cloud_n the_o iris_n of_o the_o deity_n the_o similitude_n be_v the_o same_o but_o the_o substance_n different_a thence_o he_o be_v say_v to_o be_v create_v after_o the_o image_n of_o god_n his_o knowledge_n then_o have_v be_v more_o 26._o intellectual_a than_o discursive_a not_o so_o much_o employ_v his_o faculty_n in_o the_o operose_fw-la deduction_n of_o reason_n the_o pleasant_a toil_n of_o the_o rational_a faculty_n since_o the_o fall_n but_o have_v immediate_o employ_v they_o about_o the_o sublimest_n object_n not_o about_o quiddity_n and_o formality_n but_o about_o he_o who_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o his_o be_v and_o the_o centre_n of_o his_o happiness_n there_o be_v not_o then_o so_o vast_a a_o difference_n between_o the_o angelical_a and_o humane_a life_n the_o angel_n and_o man_n both_o feed_v on_o the_o same_o dainty_n all_o the_o difference_n be_v they_o be_v in_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o upper_a room_n in_o heaven_n and_o man_n in_o the_o summer_n parlour_n in_o paradise_n if_o we_o take_v a_o view_n of_o man_n knowledge_n as_o it_o respect_v his_o fellow-creature_n we_o shall_v find_v these_o be_v so_o full_o know_v to_o he_o on_o 3_o his_o first_o creation_n that_o he_o need_v not_o to_o go_v to_o school_n to_o the_o wide_a world_n to_o gather_v up_o his_o conception_n of_o they_o for_o the_o right_a exercise_n of_o that_o dominion_n which_o he_o be_v instate_v in_o over_o the_o inferior_a world_n do_v imply_v a_o particular_a knowledge_n of_o the_o nature_n be_v and_o property_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o he_o be_v to_o make_v use_n of_o without_o which_o he_o can_v not_o have_v improve_v they_o for_o their_o peculiar_a end_n and_o from_o this_o knowledge_n do_v proceed_v the_o give_v the_o creature_n those_o proper_a and_o peculiar_a name_n which_o be_v expressive_a of_o their_o several_a nature_n for_o as_o plato_n tell_v we_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o imposition_n cratylo_n of_o name_n on_o thing_n belong_v not_o to_o every_o one_o but_o only_o to_o he_o that_o have_v a_o full_a prospect_n into_o their_o several_a nature_n for_o it_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o reason_n that_o name_n shall_v carry_v in_o they_o a_o suitableness_n to_o the_o thing_n they_o express_v for_o word_n be_v for_o no_o other_o end_n but_o to_o express_v our_o conception_n of_o thing_n and_o our_o conception_n be_v but_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o the_o same_o philosopher_n speak_v the_o resemblance_n and_o representation_n of_o the_o thing_n it_o must_v needs_o follow_v that_o where_o there_o be_v a_o true_a knowledge_n the_o conception_n must_v agree_v with_o the_o thing_n and_o word_n be_v to_o express_v our_o conception_n none_o be_v so_o fit_a to_o do_v it_o as_o those_o which_o
god_n or_o ourselves_o that_o god_n shall_v when_o it_o please_v he_o single_a out_o some_o instrument_n to_o manifest_v his_o will_n to_o the_o world_n our_o enquiry_n then_o lead_v we_o to_o those_o thing_n which_o may_v be_v proper_a note_n and_o character_n of_o such_o a_o person_n who_o be_v employ_v on_o so_o high_a a_o embassy_n and_o those_o be_v chief_o these_o two_o if_o his_o action_n be_v such_o as_o can_v not_o flow_v from_o the_o power_n of_o mere_a natural_a cause_n and_o if_o the_o thing_n he_o reveal_v be_v such_o as_o can_v not_o proceed_v from_o any_o create_a understanding_n first_o then_o for_o his_o action_n thief_z striking_z most_o upon_o our_o outward_a sense_n when_o they_o be_v any_o thing_n extraordinary_a do_v transmit_v along_o with_o the_o impression_n of_o they_o to_o the_o understanding_n a_o high_a opinion_n of_o the_o person_n that_o do_v they_o whereas_o the_o mere_a height_n of_o knowledge_n or_o profoundness_n of_o thing_n discover_v can_v have_v no_o such_o present_a power_n and_o influence_n upon_o any_o but_o such_o as_o be_v of_o more_o raise_v and_o inquisitive_a mind_n and_o the_o world_n be_v general_o more_o apt_a to_o suspect_v its_o self_n deceive_v with_o word_n than_o it_o can_v be_v with_o action_n and_o hence_o miracle_n or_o the_o do_n of_o thing_n above_o the_o reach_n of_o nature_n have_v be_v always_o embrace_v as_o the_o great_a testimony_n of_o divine_a authority_n and_o revelation_n for_o which_o there_o be_v this_o evident_a reason_n that_o the_o course_n of_o nature_n be_v settle_v by_o divine_a power_n and_o every_o thing_n act_v there_o by_o the_o force_n of_o that_o power_n it_o receive_v at_o first_o it_o seem_v impossible_a that_o any_o thing_n shall_v real_o alter_v the_o series_n of_o thing_n without_o the_o same_o power_n which_o at_o first_o produce_v they_o this_o than_o we_o take_v for_o grant_v that_o where_o ever_o such_o a_o power_n appear_v there_o be_v a_o certain_a evidence_n of_o a_o divine_a presence_n go_v along_o with_o such_o a_o person_n who_o enjoy_v it_o and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o be_v most_o evident_a in_o the_o action_n of_o moses_n both_o as_o to_o the_o miracle_n he_o wrought_v both_o in_o egypt_n and_o the_o wilderness_n and_o his_o miraculous_a deliverance_n of_o the_o israelite_n out_o of_o egypt_n this_o latter_a be_v as_o much_o above_o the_o reach_n of_o any_o mere_o civil_a power_n as_o the_o other_o above_o natural_a we_o therefore_o come_v to_o the_o rational_a evidence_n of_o that_o divine_a authority_n whereby_o moses_n act_v which_o may_v be_v gather_v 3_o from_o that_o divine_a power_n which_o appear_v in_o his_o action_n which_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o so_o great_a weight_n and_o importance_n it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o main_a base_n whereon_o the_o evidence_n of_o divine_a revelation_n as_o to_o we_o do_v stand_v and_o withal_o of_o so_o great_a difficulty_n and_o obscurity_n cause_v through_o the_o prefer_v some_o party_n in_o religion_n above_o the_o common_a interest_n of_o it_o it_o will_v require_v more_o care_n and_o diligence_n to_o search_v what_o influence_n the_o power_n of_o miracle_n have_v upon_o the_o prove_v the_o divine_a commission_n of_o those_o who_o do_v they_o whether_o they_o be_v such_o undoubted_a credential_n that_o where_o ever_o they_o be_v produce_v we_o be_v present_o to_o receive_v the_o person_n who_o bring_v they_o as_o extraordinary_a ambassador_n from_o heaven_n employ_v on_o some_o peculiar_a message_n to_o the_o son_n of_o man_n for_o the_o full_a state_v of_o this_o important_a question_n two_o thing_n must_v be_v clear_v first_o in_o what_o case_n miracle_n may_v be_v expect_v as_o credential_n to_o confirm_v a_o immediate_a commission_n from_o heaven_n second_o what_o rational_a evidence_n do_v attend_v those_o miracle_n to_o assure_v we_o they_o be_v such_o as_o they_o pretend_v to_o be_v first_o for_o the_o case_n wherein_o these_o miracle_n be_v to_o be_v expect_v as_o inducement_n to_o or_o confirmation_n of_o our_o faith_n concern_v the_o 1._o divine_a employment_n of_o any_o person_n in_o the_o world_n and_o here_o i_o lay_v down_o this_o as_o a_o certain_a foundation_n that_o a_o power_n of_o miracle_n be_v not_o constant_o and_o perpetual_o necessary_a in_o all_o those_o who_o manage_n the_o affair_n of_o heaven_n here_o on_o earth_n or_o that_o act_n in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n in_o the_o world_n when_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n be_v once_o settle_a in_o sacred_a record_n and_o the_o divine_a revelation_n of_o that_o doctrine_n sufficient_o attest_v by_o a_o power_n of_o miracle_n in_o the_o revealer_n of_o it_o what_o imaginable_a necessity_n or_o pretext_n can_v there_o be_v for_o a_o contrive_a power_n of_o miracle_n especial_o among_o such_o as_o already_o own_o the_o divine_a revelation_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o make_v then_o a_o power_n of_o work_a miracle_n to_o be_v constant_o resident_a in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n as_o one_o of_o the_o necessary_a note_n and_o character_n of_o it_o be_v to_o put_v god_n upon_o that_o necessity_n which_o common_a nature_n be_v free_v from_o viz._n of_o multiply_a thing_n without_o sufficient_a cause_n to_o be_v give_v for_o they_o and_o to_o leave_v man_n faith_n at_o a_o stand_n when_o god_n have_v give_v sufficient_a testimony_n for_o it_o to_o rely_v upon_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n too_o common_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v observe_v that_o some_o person_n out_o of_o their_o eagerness_n to_o uphold_v the_o interest_n of_o their_o own_o party_n have_v be_v fain_o to_o establish_v it_o upon_o such_o ground_n which_o when_o they_o be_v sufficient_o search_v to_o the_o bottom_n do_v apparent_o undermine_v the_o common_a and_o sure_a foundation_n whereon_o the_o belief_n of_o our_o common_a christianity_n do_v main_o stand_v it_o be_v easy_a to_o make_v a_o large_a discourse_n on_o this_o subject_n whereby_o we_o may_v rip_v open_a the_o wound_n that_o christianity_n have_v receive_v through_o the_o contention_n of_o the_o several_a party_n of_o it_o but_o this_o imputation_n can_v with_o so_o much_o reason_n be_v fasten_v on_o any_o party_n as_o that_o which_o be_v nail_v to_o a_o pretend_a infallible_a chair_n for_o which_o we_o need_v no_o other_o instance_n than_o this_o before_o we_o for_o while_o the_o leader_n of_o that_o party_n make_v a_o power_n of_o miracle_n to_o be_v a_o necessary_a note_n of_o the_o true_a church_n they_o unavoidable_o run_v man_n upon_o this_o dangerous_a precipice_n not_o to_o believe_v any_o thing_n as_o a_o matter_n of_o faith_n where_o they_o find_v not_o sufficient_a miracle_n to_o convince_v they_o that_o be_v the_o true_a church_n which_o propound_v it_o to_o they_o which_o necessary_o follow_v from_o their_o acknowledge_a principle_n for_o it_o be_v impossible_a according_a to_o they_o to_o believe_v any_o thing_n with_o a_o divine_a faith_n but_o what_o be_v propound_v by_o the_o church_n as_o a_o infallible_a guide_n and_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o know_v which_o be_v this_o infallible_a guide_n but_o by_o the_o note_n and_o character_n of_o it_o and_o one_o of_o those_o note_n be_v a_o power_n of_o miracle_n i_o can_v find_v out_o my_o guide_n but_o by_o this_o power_n and_o this_o power_n must_v be_v present_a in_o the_o church_n for_o nothing_o of_o former_a age_n concern_v faith_n as_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n his_o resurrection_n etc._n etc._n be_v to_o be_v believe_v but_o on_o the_o church_n account_n and_o therefore_o where_o man_n do_v not_o find_v sufficient_a conviction_n from_o present_a miracle_n to_o believe_v the_o church_n to_o be_v a_o infallible_a guide_n they_o must_v throw_v off_o all_o faith_n concern_v the_o gospel_n for_o as_o good_a never_o a_o whit_n as_o never_o the_o better_a and_o therefore_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n atheism_n shall_v be_v so_o thrive_v a_o plant_n in_o italy_n nay_o under_o if_o not_o within_o the_o wall_n of_o rome_n itself_o where_o inquisitive_a person_n do_v daily_o see_v the_o juggle_n and_o imposture_n of_o priest_n in_o their_o pretend_a miracle_n and_o from_o thence_o be_v bring_v to_o look_v upon_o religion_n its_o self_n as_o a_o mere_a imposture_n and_o to_o think_v no_o pope_n so_o infallible_a as_o he_o that_o say_v quantum_fw-la nobis_fw-la profuit_fw-la haec_fw-la de_fw-la christo_fw-la fabula_fw-la such_o horrid_a consequence_n do_v man_n drive_v other_o if_o not_o bring_v themselves_o to_o when_o they_o employ_v their_o part_n and_o industry_n rather_o to_o uphold_v a_o corrupt_a interest_n then_o to_o promote_v the_o belief_n of_o the_o acknowledge_v principle_n of_o christian_a faith_n but_o as_o long_o as_o we_o assert_v no_o necessity_n of_o such_o a_o power_n of_o miracle_n to_o be_v the_o note_n of_o any_o true_a church_n nor_o any_o such_o necessity_n of_o a_o infallible_a guide_n but_o that_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o
from_o the_o true_a god_n or_o from_o idol_n and_o false_a go_n so_o that_o the_o mere_a pretence_n to_o divine_a revelation_n be_v that_o which_o god_n will_v have_v punish_v with_o so_o great_a severity_n the_o jew_n tell_v we_o of_o three_o sort_n of_o prophet_n who_o be_v to_o be_v punish_v with_o death_n by_o man_n and_o three_o other_o sort_n who_o 2._o be_v reserve_v to_o divine_a punishment_n of_o the_o first_o rank_n be_v these_o 1._o he_o that_o prophesy_v that_o which_o he_o have_v not_o hear_v 3._o and_o for_o this_o they_o instance_n in_o zedekiah_n the_o son_n of_o chenaanah_n who_o make_v he_o horn_n of_o iron_n and_o say_v thus_o say_v the_o lord_n this_o be_v the_o lie_a prophet_n 2._o he_o that_o speak_v that_o which_o be_v reveal_v not_o to_o he_o but_o to_o another_o and_o for_o this_o they_o 11._o instance_n in_o hananiah_n the_o son_n of_o azure_a but_o how_o true_o i_o shall_v not_o determine_v this_o be_v the_o plagiary_n prophet_n 3._o he_o that_o prophesy_v in_o the_o name_n of_o a_o idol_n as_o the_o prophet_n of_o baal_n do_v this_o be_v the_o idol_n prophet_n these_o three_o when_o once_o full_o convict_v be_v to_o be_v put_v to_o death_n the_o other_o rank_n of_o those_o which_o be_v leave_v to_o god_n hand_n consist_v of_o these_o 1._o he_o that_o stisle_n and_o smother_v his_o own_o prophecy_n as_o ionas_n do_v by_o which_o it_o may_v seem_v that_o when_o the_o divine_a spirit_n do_v overshadow_v the_o understanding_n of_o the_o prophet_n yet_o it_o offer_v no_o violence_n to_o their_o faculty_n but_o leave_v they_o to_o the_o free_a determination_n of_o their_o own_o will_n in_o the_o execution_n of_o their_o office_n but_o this_o must_v be_v understand_v of_o a_o low_a degree_n of_o prophecy_n for_o at_o sometime_o their_o prophecy_n be_v as_o fire_v in_o their_o bone_n that_o they_o 9_o be_v never_o at_o any_o rest_n till_o they_o have_v discharge_v their_o office_n but_o withal_o by_o the_o example_n of_o jonas_n we_o see_v that_o though_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n like_o the_o fire_n on_o the_o altar_n can_v only_o be_v kindle_v from_o heaven_n yet_o it_o may_v be_v destroy_v when_o it_o be_v not_o maintain_v with_o something_o to_o feed_v upon_o or_o when_o it_o meet_v not_o with_o suitable_a entertainment_n from_o the_o spirit_n of_o those_o it_o fall_v upon_o it_o may_v retreat_v back_o again_o to_o heaven_n or_o at_o least_o lie_v hide_v in_o the_o ember_n till_o a_o new_a blast_n from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d retrieve_v it_o into_o its_o former_a heat_n and_o activity_n thus_o it_o be_v with_o jonas_n 2._o the_o other_o be_v he_o that_o despise_v the_o word_n of_o a_o true_a prophet_n of_o such_o god_n say_v deut._n 18._o 19_o and_o it_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o whosoever_o shall_v not_o hearken_v to_o my_o word_n which_o he_o shall_v speak_v in_o my_o name_n i_o will_v require_v it_o of_o he_o which_o maimonides_n explain_v by_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d death_n by_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n which_o he_o thus_o distinguish_v from_o the_o cer_v that_o he_o make_v the_o death_n per_fw-la 18._o manus_fw-la coeli_fw-la to_o be_v less_o than_o the_o cer_v because_o this_o latter_a continue_v in_o the_o soul_n after_o death_n but_o the_o other_o be_v expiate_v by_o death_n but_o general_o they_o interpret_v it_o of_o a_o sudden_a death_n which_o fall_v upon_o the_o person_n 3._o the_o last_o be_v he_o who_o hearken_v not_o to_o the_o word_n of_o his_o own_o prophecy_n of_o which_o we_o have_v a_o most_o remarkable_a instance_n in_o scripture_n concern_v the_o prophet_n who_o god_n send_v to_o bethel_n who_o tertullian_n call_v sameas_n the_o jew_n hedua_n who_o god_n destroy_v in_o a_o unusual_a manner_n for_o not_o observe_v the_o command_n which_o god_n have_v give_v he_o not_o to_o eat_v bread_n nor_o drink_n water_n at_o bethel_n nor_o turn_v again_o by_o the_o way_n he_o come_v neither_o be_v it_o any_o excuse_n to_o this_o prophet_n that_o the_o old_a prophet_n at_o bethel_n tell_v he_o that_o a_o angel_n speak_v unto_o he_o by_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o he_o shall_v turn_v back_o for_o 1._o those_o who_o god_n reveal_v his_o will_n unto_o he_o give_v they_o full_a assurance_n of_o it_o in_o that_o they_o have_v a_o clear_a and_o distinct_a perception_n of_o god_n upon_o their_o own_o mind_n and_o so_o they_o have_v no_o doubt_n but_o it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n which_o come_v unto_o they_o but_o this_o prophet_n can_v have_v no_o such_o certainty_n of_o the_o divine_a revelation_n which_o be_v make_v to_o another_o especial_o when_o it_o come_v immediate_o to_o contradict_v that_o which_o be_v so_o special_o enjoin_v he_o 2._o where_o god_n command_v a_o prophet_n to_o do_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o his_o message_n there_o he_o can_v have_v no_o ground_n to_o question_v whether_o god_n shall_v countermand_v it_o or_o no_o by_o another_o prophet_n because_o that_o be_v in_o effect_n to_o thwart_v the_o whole_a design_n of_o his_o message_n so_o it_o be_v in_o this_o action_n of_o the_o prophet_n for_o god_n intend_v his_o not_o eat_v and_o drink_v in_o bethel_n to_o testify_v how_o much_o he_o loathe_v and_o abominate_v that_o place_n since_o its_o be_v pollute_v with_o idolatry_n 3._o he_o may_v have_v just_a cause_n to_o question_v the_o integrity_n of_o the_o old_a prophet_n both_o because_o of_o his_o live_n in_o bethel_n and_o not_o open_o according_a to_o his_o office_n reprove_v their_o idolatry_n and_o that_o god_n shall_v send_v he_o out_o of_o judea_n upon_o that_o very_a errand_n which_o will_v not_o have_v seem_v so_o probable_a if_o there_o have_v be_v true_a prophet_n resident_a upon_o the_o place_n 4._o the_o thing_n he_o desire_v he_o to_o do_v be_v not_o a_o act_n of_o that_o weight_n and_o importance_n on_o which_o god_n use_v to_o send_v his_o word_n to_o any_o prophet_n much_o less_o by_o one_o prophet_n to_o contradict_v what_o he_o have_v say_v by_o another_o and_o therefore_o tertullian_n say_v of_o he_o poenam_fw-la deserti_fw-la jejunii_fw-la luit_fw-la god_n punish_v he_o for_o break_v his_o 16._o fast_n at_o bethel_n and_o therefore_o that_o message_n of_o this_o prophet_n seem_v to_o gratify_v more_o man_n carnal_a appetite_n then_o usual_o the_o action_n of_o prophet_n do_v which_o be_v most_o time_n matter_n of_o hardship_n and_o uneasiness_n to_o the_o flesh_n 5._o however_o all_o these_o be_v yet_o he_o yield_v too_o soon_o especial_o have_v so_o much_o reason_n on_o his_o side_n as_o he_o have_v be_v well_o assure_v that_o god_n have_v command_v he_o he_o have_v reason_n to_o see_v some_o clear_a evidence_n of_o a_o countermand_n before_o he_o alter_v his_o mind_n if_o he_o have_v see_v any_o thing_n upon_o trial_n which_o may_v have_v stagger_v his_o faith_n he_o ought_v to_o have_v make_v his_o immediate_a recourse_n to_o god_n by_o prayer_n for_o the_o settlement_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o removal_n of_o this_o great_a temptation_n but_o so_o easy_o to_o hearken_v to_o the_o word_n of_o a_o lie_a prophet_n which_o contradict_v his_o own_o message_n argue_v either_o great_a unbelief_n as_o to_o his_o own_o commission_n or_o too_o great_a easiness_n and_o inadvertency_n in_o be_v draw_v aside_o by_o the_o old_a prophet_n and_o therefore_o god_n make_v that_o old_a prophet_n himself_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o his_o entertainment_n as_o with_o a_o hand_n write_v against_o the_o wall_n to_o tell_v he_o he_o be_v weigh_v in_o the_o balance_n and_o find_v too_o light_a and_o therefore_o his_o life_n shall_v be_v take_v from_o he_o thus_o we_o see_v how_o dangerous_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v either_o to_o counterfeit_v a_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n or_o to_o hearken_v to_o those_o who_o do_v it_o be_v the_o general_o receive_v opinion_n among_o the_o jewish_a 3_o doctor_n that_o the_o cognizance_n and_o trial_n of_o false_a prophet_n do_v peculiar_o belong_v to_o the_o great_a sanhedrin_n and_o that_o this_o be_v one_o end_n of_o its_o institution_n so_o maimonides_n after_o he_o have_v 11._o large_o discourse_v of_o the_o punishment_n of_o a_o seducer_n and_o speak_v of_o that_o of_o a_o false_a prophet_n he_o lay_v this_o down_o as_o a_o stand_a rule_n among_o they_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d no_o false_a prophet_n be_v to_o be_v judge_v but_o in_o the_o court_n of_o seventy_o one_o which_o be_v the_o number_n of_o the_o great_a sanhedrin_n and_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n look_v very_o like_o this_o in_o the_o proceed_n of_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n against_o the_o prophet_n jeremiah_n for_o the_o people_n the_o priest_n and_o the_o prophet_n they_o lay_v hold_v on_o he_o â—_o and_o immediate_o
impossibile_fw-it yet_o take_v that_o impossibility_n as_o relate_v to_o second_o cause_n and_o the_o ground_n of_o faith_n to_o be_v some_o divine_a prediction_n we_o see_v what_o reason_n there_o may_v be_v for_o they_o for_o the_o more_o unlikely_a the_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v effect_v by_o second_o cause_n the_o great_a evidence_n be_v it_o that_o the_o prophet_n in_o foretell_v it_o do_v not_o respect_v the_o mere_a order_n of_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n but_o the_o unalterable_a counsel_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n which_o therefore_o will_v certain_o have_v their_o timely_a accomplishment_n when_o therefore_o any_o prophet_n do_v foretell_v thing_n above_o the_o reach_n of_o natural_a cause_n and_o those_o thing_n do_v not_o come_v to_o pass_v it_o be_v a_o certain_a evidence_n of_o a_o false_a prophet_n as_o the_o contrary_n be_v of_o a_o true_a one_o for_o none_o can_v know_v so_o long_o beforehand_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v above_o all_o humane_a power_n but_o such_o to_o who_o god_n himself_o who_o alone_o be_v able_a to_o effect_v they_o do_v reveal_v and_o communicate_v the_o knowledge_n of_o they_o and_o hence_o we_o see_v in_o scripture_n those_o prediction_n which_o have_v seem_v to_o carry_v the_o great_a improbability_n with_o they_o have_v have_v the_o most_o punctual_a accomplishment_n as_o the_o israelite_n return_v out_o of_o egypt_n at_o the_o end_n of_o the_o 430_o year_n their_o deliverance_n by_o 17._o cyrus_n after_o the_o captivity_n in_o babylon_n which_o seem_v so_o improbable_a a_o thing_n that_o when_o god_n speak_v of_o it_o he_o usher_v it_o in_o 28._o with_o this_o preface_n that_o he_o frustrate_v the_o token_n of_o the_o liar_n and_o make_v the_o diviner_n mad_a but_o confirm_v the_o word_n of_o his_o servant_n and_o perform_v the_o counsel_n of_o his_o messenger_n that_o say_v to_o jerusalem_n thou_o shall_v be_v inhabit_v etc._n etc._n the_o more_o unlikely_a than_o the_o thing_n be_v to_o come_v to_o pass_v the_o great_a evidence_n there_o be_v in_o so_o clear_a a_o prophecy_n of_o it_o so_o long_o before_o above_o 100_o year_n and_o so_o exact_a a_o fulfil_n of_o it_o afterward_o precise_o at_o the_o expire_a of_o the_o l_o x_o x_o year_n from_o the_o first_o captivity_n prediction_n concern_v future_a event_n which_o be_v confirm_v by_o a_o oath_n from_o god_n himself_o do_v express_v the_o immutable_a determination_n 3._o of_o god_n will_n for_o which_o we_o have_v the_o great_a assurance_n we_o can_v desire_v from_o that_o remarkable_a expression_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n heb._n 6._o 17_o 18._o wherein_o god_n will_v more_o abundant_o to_o show_v unto_o the_o heir_n of_o promise_n the_o immutability_n of_o his_o counsel_n confirm_v it_o by_o a_o oath_n that_o by_o two_o immutable_a thing_n in_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o god_n to_o lie_v we_o may_v have_v a_o strong_a consolation_n etc._n etc._n wherein_o the_o apostle_n obviate_v and_o remove_v all_o doubt_n and_o misprision_n lest_o god_n after_o the_o declare_v of_o his_o will_n shall_v alter_v the_o event_n foretell_v in_o it_o and_o that_o he_o do_v both_o by_o show_v that_o god_n have_v make_v a_o absolute_a promise_n and_o withal_o to_o prevent_v all_o doubt_n lest_o some_o tacit_a condition_n may_v hinder_v performance_n he_o tell_v we_o that_o god_n have_v annex_v his_o oath_n to_o it_o which_o two_o thing_n be_v the_o most_o undoubted_a evidence_n of_o the_o immutability_n of_o god_n counsel_n the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d here_o use_v do_v in_o scripture_n often_o note_v the_o frustrate_v of_o man_n hope_n and_o expectation_n so_o it_o be_v use_v habak_v 3._o 17._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d we_o render_v it_o the_o labour_n of_o the_o olive_n shall_v fail_v so_o osea_n 9_o 2._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o the_o new_a wine_n shall_v fail_v in_o she_o thus_o the_o meaning_n here_o be_v that_o by_o two_o immutable_a thing_n in_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o god_n shall_v frustrate_v the_o expectation_n of_o man_n or_o alter_v the_o event_n of_o thing_n after_o he_o have_v declare_v they_o for_o god_n oath_n be_v a_o evident_a demonstration_n of_o the_o immutability_n of_o his_o will_n in_o all_o prediction_n to_o which_o this_o be_v annex_v and_o do_v full_o exclude_v that_o which_o the_o scripture_n call_v repent_v in_o god_n that_o be_v do_v otherwise_o then_o the_o word_n do_v seem_v to_o express_v because_o of_o some_o tacit_a condition_n understand_v in_o they_o so_o we_o find_v psal._n 89._o 31_o 32_o 33_o 34_o 35_o 36._o if_o they_o break_v my_o statute_n and_o keep_v not_o my_o commandment_n then_o will_v i_o visit_v their_o transgression_n with_o the_o rod_n and_o their_o iniquity_n with_o stripe_n nevertheless_o my_o love_a kindness_n will_v i_o not_o utter_o take_v from_o he_o nor_o suffer_v my_o faithfulness_n to_o fail_v my_o covenant_n will_v i_o not_o break_v nor_o alter_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v go_v out_o of_o my_o lip_n once_o have_v i_o swear_v by_o my_o holiness_n that_o i_o will_v not_o lie_v unto_o david_n his_o seed_n shall_v endure_v for_o ever_o and_o his_o throne_n as_o the_o sun_n before_o i_o wherein_o we_o see_v what_o way_n god_n take_v to_o assure_v we_o of_o the_o immutability_n of_o his_o covenant_n with_o his_o people_n by_o the_o oath_n which_o he_o adjoin_v to_o his_o promise_n whereby_o god_n do_v most_o full_o express_v the_o unalterable_a determination_n of_o his_o own_o will_n in_o that_o he_o swear_v by_o his_o own_o holiness_n that_o he_o will_v not_o lie_v unto_o david_n i._n e._n that_o he_o will_v faithful_o perform_v what_o he_o have_v promise_v to_o he_o and_o therefore_o tertullian_n well_o say_v beati_fw-la sumus_fw-la quorum_fw-la causa_fw-la deus_fw-la jurat_fw-la sed_fw-la miseri_fw-la &_o detestabiles_fw-la si_fw-la ne_fw-la juranti_fw-la quidem_fw-la credimus_fw-la it_o be_v happy_a for_o we_o unbelieving_a creature_n that_o god_n stoop_v so_o low_a as_o to_o confirm_v his_o covenant_n with_o a_o oath_n but_o it_o will_v be_v sad_a and_o miserable_a for_o such_o as_o dare_v not_o venture_v their_o faith_n upon_o it_o when_o god_n have_v annex_v his_o oath_n unto_o it_o it_o be_v think_v by_o expositor_n that_o there_o be_v a_o peculiar_a emphasis_n in_o those_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d once_o have_v i_o swear_v thereby_o note_v the_o irrevocable_a nature_n of_o god_n oath_n that_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o repetition_n of_o it_o as_o among_o man_n because_o when_o once_o god_n swear_v by_o himself_o it_o be_v the_o high_a demonstration_n that_o no_o condition_n whatever_o shall_v alter_v his_o declare_a purpose_n and_o therefore_o the_o council_n of_o toledo_n well_o explain_v the_o different_a nature_n of_o god_n oath_n and_o his_o repentance_n in_o scripture_n 3._o jurare_fw-la namque_fw-la dei_fw-la est_fw-la à _fw-la se_fw-la ordinata_fw-la nullatenus_fw-la convellere_fw-la poenitere_fw-la vero_fw-la eadem_fw-la ordinata_fw-la cum_fw-la voluerit_fw-la immutare_fw-la god_n be_v say_v to_o swear_v when_o he_o bind_v himself_o absolute_o to_o performance_n and_o to_o repent_v when_o thing_n fall_v out_o contrary_a to_o the_o declaration_n of_o god_n will_v concern_v they_o for_o so_o it_o must_v be_v understand_v to_o be_v only_o mutatio_fw-la sententiae_fw-la and_o not_o consilii_fw-la that_o the_o alteration_n may_v be_v only_o in_o the_o thing_n and_o not_o in_o the_o eternal_a purpose_n of_o god_n but_o since_o it_o be_v evident_a in_o scripture_n that_o many_o prediction_n do_v imply_v some_o tacit_a condition_n and_o many_o declaration_n of_o god_n will_v do_v not_o express_v his_o internal_a purpose_n it_o seem_v necessary_a in_o those_o thing_n which_o god_n do_v declare_v to_o be_v the_o irrevocable_a purpose_n of_o his_o will_n there_o shall_v be_v some_o peculiar_a mark_n and_o character_n set_v upon_o they_o for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o his_o people_n faith_n and_o this_o we_o find_v to_o be_v the_o annex_v a_o oath_n to_o his_o promise_n thus_o it_o be_v in_o that_o grand_a instrument_n of_o peace_n between_o god_n and_o his_o people_n the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n wherein_o god_n be_v please_v so_o far_o to_o strengthen_v the_o faith_n of_o his_o people_n in_o it_o that_o he_o ratify_v the_o article_n of_o peace_n therein_o contain_v but_o especial_o the_o act_n of_o grace_n on_o his_o own_o part_n with_o a_o oath_n thereby_o to_o assure_v they_o it_o be_v never_o his_o purpose_n to_o repeal_v it_o nor_o to_o fail_v of_o performance_n in_o it_o for_o we_o be_v not_o to_o think_v that_o a_o oath_n lay_v any_o great_a obligation_n upon_o god_n for_o performance_n than_o the_o mere_a declaration_n of_o his_o will_n it_o be_v a_o part_n of_o immutable_a justice_n and_o consequent_o necessary_o employ_v in_o the_o divine_a nature_n to_o perform_v promise_n when_o once_o make_v but_o god_n
which_o it_o may_v be_v be_v uncapable_a of_o full_a and_o particular_a resolution_n and_o those_o be_v that_o the_o ruin_n and_o destruction_n of_o man_n be_v whole_o from_o himself_o and_o that_o his_o salvation_n be_v from_o god_n alone_o if_o then_o man_n ruin_n and_o misery_n be_v from_o himself_o which_o the_o scripture_n do_v so_o much_o inculcate_v on_o all_o occasion_n then_o without_o controversy_n that_o which_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o the_o misery_n of_o humane_a nature_n be_v whole_o from_o himself_o too_o which_o be_v sin_n so_o that_o if_o the_o main_a scope_n and_o design_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v true_a god_n can_v be_v the_o author_n of_o that_o by_o which_o without_o the_o intervention_n of_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n man_v misery_n unavoidable_o fall_v upon_o he_o for_o with_o what_o authority_n and_o majesty_n do_v god_n in_o the_o scripture_n forbid_v all_o manner_n of_o sin_n with_o what_o earnestness_n and_o importunity_n do_v he_o woo_v the_o sinner_n to_o forsake_v his_o sin_n with_o what_o loathe_n and_o detestation_n do_v he_o mention_v sin_n with_o what_o justice_n and_o severity_n do_v he_o punish_v sin_n with_o what_o wrath_n and_o indignation_n do_v he_o threaten_v contumacious_a sinner_n and_o be_v it_o possible_a after_o all_o this_o and_o much_o more_o record_v in_o the_o scripture_n to_o express_v the_o holiness_n of_o god_n nature_n his_o hatred_n of_o sin_n and_o his_o appoint_v a_o day_n of_o judgement_n for_o the_o solemn_a punishment_n of_o sinner_n to_o imagine_v that_o the_o scripture_n do_v in_o the_o least_o ascribe_v the_o origine_fw-la of_o evil_a to_o god_n or_o make_v he_o the_o author_n of_o sin_n shall_v not_o the_o judge_n of_o all_o the_o world_n do_v right_a will_v a_o god_n of_o infinite_a justice_n purity_n and_o holiness_n punish_v the_o sinner_n for_o that_o which_o himself_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o far_o be_v such_o unworthy_a thought_n from_o our_o apprehension_n of_o a_o deity_n much_o more_o of_o that_o god_n who_o we_o believe_v to_o have_v declare_v his_o mind_n so_o much_o to_o the_o contrary_a that_o we_o can_v believe_v that_o and_o the_o scripture_n to_o be_v true_a together_o take_v it_o then_o for_o grant_v in_o the_o general_n that_o god_n can_v be_v the_o author_n of_o sin_n we_o come_v to_o inquire_v whether_o the_o account_n 2._o which_o the_o scripture_n give_v of_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o evil_a do_v any_o way_n charge_v it_o upon_o god_n there_o be_v only_o two_o way_n which_o according_a to_o the_o history_n of_o the_o fall_n of_o man_n record_v in_o scripture_n whereby_o man_n may_v have_v any_o ground_n to_o question_v whether_o god_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o man_n fall_n either_o first_o by_o the_o give_v he_o that_o positive_a law_n which_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o his_o fall_n or_o second_o by_o leave_v he_o to_o the_o liberty_n of_o his_o own_o will_n first_o the_o giving_z of_o that_o positive_a law_n can_v be_v the_o least_o ground_n of_o lay_v man_n fault_n on_o god_n because_o 1._o it_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o rational_a creature_n to_o be_v govern_v by_o law_n or_o declaration_n of_o the_o will_n of_o his_o maker_n for_o consider_v man_n as_o a_o free_a agent_n there_o can_v be_v no_o way_n imagine_v so_o consonant_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n as_o this_o be_v because_o thereby_o he_o may_v declare_v his_o obedience_n to_o god_n to_o be_v the_o matter_n of_o his_o free_a choice_n for_o where_o there_o be_v a_o capacity_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n and_o act_v in_o the_o consideration_n of_o they_o there_o must_v be_v a_o declaration_n of_o the_o will_n of_o the_o lawgiver_n according_a to_o which_o man_n may_v expect_v either_o his_o reward_n or_o punishment_n if_o it_o be_v suitable_a to_o god_n nature_n to_o promise_v life_n to_o man_n upon_o obedience_n it_o be_v not_o unsuitable_a to_o it_o to_o expect_v obedience_n to_o every_o declaration_n of_o his_o will_n consider_v the_o absolute_a sovereignty_n and_o dominion_n which_o god_n have_v over_o man_n as_o be_v his_o creature_n and_o the_o indispensable_a obligation_n which_o be_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n to_o obey_v whatever_o his_o mâ—ker_n do_v command_v he_o so_o that_o god_n have_v full_a and_o absolute_a right_n to_o require_v from_o man_n what_o he_o do_v as_o to_o the_o law_n which_o he_o give_v he_o to_o obey_v and_o in_o the_o general_n we_o can_v conceive_v how_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o testimony_n of_o man_n obedience_n towards_o hâ—s_n creator_n without_o some_o declaration_n of_o his_o creator_n will._n second_o god_n have_v full_a power_n and_o authority_n not_o only_o to_o govern_v man_n by_o law_n but_o to_o determine_v man_n general_a obligation_n to_o obedience_n to_o that_o particular_a positive_a precept_n by_o the_o breach_n of_o which_o man_n fall_v if_o god_n power_n over_o man_n be_v universal_a and_o unlimited_a what_o reason_n can_v there_o be_v to_o imagine_v it_o shall_v not_o extend_v to_o such_o a_o positive_a law_n be_v it_o because_o the_o matter_n of_o this_o law_n seem_v too_o low_a for_o god_n to_o command_v his_o creature_n but_o whatever_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o law_n be_v obedience_n to_o god_n be_v the_o great_a end_n of_o it_o which_o man_n have_v testify_v as_o much_o in_o that_o instance_n of_o it_o as_o in_o any_o other_o whatsoever_o and_o in_o the_o violation_n of_o it_o be_v employ_v the_o high_a aggravation_n of_o disobedience_n for_o god_n power_n and_o authority_n be_v as_o much_o contemn_v his_o goodness_n slight_v his_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n question_v his_o name_n dishonour_v his_o majesty_n affront_v in_o the_o breach_n of_o that_o as_o of_o any_o other_o law_n whatsoever_o it_o have_v be_v if_o the_o law_n be_v easy_a to_o be_v observe_v the_o great_a be_v the_o sin_n of_o disobedience_n if_o the_o weight_n of_o the_o matter_n be_v not_o so_o great_a in_o its_o self_n yet_o god_n authority_n add_v the_o great_a weight_n to_o it_o and_o the_o ground_n of_o obedience_n be_v not_o to_o be_v fetch_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n require_v but_o from_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o legislator_n or_o be_v it_o then_o because_o god_n conceal_v from_o man_n his_o counsel_n in_o give_v of_o that_o positive_a precept_n have_v not_o then_o a_o legislator_n power_n to_o require_v any_o thing_n but_o what_o he_o satisfy_v every_o one_o of_o his_o reason_n in_o command_v it_o if_o so_o what_o become_v of_o obedience_n and_o subjection_n it_o will_v be_v impossible_a to_o make_v any_o probative_a precept_n on_o this_o account_n and_o the_o legislator_n must_v be_v charge_v with_o the_o disobedience_n of_o his_o subject_n where_o he_o do_v not_o give_v a_o particular_a account_n of_o every_o thing_n which_o he_o require_v which_o as_o it_o concern_v humane_a legislator_n who_o have_v not_o that_o absolute_a power_n and_o authority_n which_o god_n have_v be_v contrary_a to_o all_o law_n of_o policy_n and_o the_o general_a sense_n of_o the_o world_n this_o plutarch_n give_v a_o good_a account_n of_o numine_fw-la when_o he_o discourse_v â—o_o rational_o of_o the_o sobriety_n which_o man_n ought_v to_o use_v in_o their_o inquiry_n into_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o god_n action_n for_o say_v he_o physician_n will_v give_v prescription_n without_o give_v the_o patient_a a_o particular_a reason_n of_o every_o circumstance_n in_o they_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d neither_o have_v humane_a law_n always_o apparent_a reason_n for_o they_o nay_o some_o of_o they_o be_v to_o appearance_n ridiculous_a for_o which_o he_o instance_v in_o that_o law_n of_o the_o lacedaemonian_a ephori_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o which_o no_o other_o reason_n be_v annex_v but_o this_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d they_o command_v every_o magistrate_n at_o the_o entrance_n of_o his_o office_n to_o â—have_v himself_o and_o give_v this_o reason_n for_o it_o that_o they_o may_v learn_v to_o obey_v law_n themselves_o he_o further_o instance_v in_o the_o roman_a custom_n of_o manumission_n their_o law_n about_o testament_n solon_n law_n against_o neutrality_n in_o sedition_n and_o conclude_v thence_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d any_o one_o will_v easy_o find_v many_o absurdity_n in_o law_n who_o do_v not_o consider_v the_o intention_n of_o the_o legislator_n or_o the_o ground_n of_o what_o he_o require_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d say_v he_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d what_o wonder_n be_v it_o if_o we_o be_v so_o puzzle_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o action_n of_o man_n that_o we_o shall_v be_v to_o seek_v as_o to_o those_o of_o the_o deity_n this_o can_v be_v then_o any_o ground_n on_o the_o account_n of_o mere_a reason_n to_o lay_v the_o charge_n of_o man_n disobedience_n upon_o god_n because_o he_o require_v from_o