their_o fault_n if_o they_o do_v not_o receive_v benefit_n by_o they_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v so_o sufficient_o attest_v as_o that_o be_v it_o not_o for_o prejudice_n or_o laziness_n inadvertence_n or_o one_o such_o vice_n or_o other_o i_o very_o think_v there_o neither_o be_v nor_o ever_o be_v any_o consider_a man_n in_o the_o world_n but_o either_o he_o be_v or_o may_v thereby_o have_v be_v convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o doctrine_n and_o so_o bless_v by_o the_o excellency_n of_o their_o religion_n as_o that_o his_o mind_n shall_v no_o long_o be_v blind_v with_o superstition_n or_o fluctuate_v in_o uncertainty_n but_o shall_v know_v assure_o where_o to_o have_v the_o most_o perfect_a object_n of_o all_o his_o faculty_n how_o great_a then_o i_o say_v be_v the_o goodness_n of_o these_o miracle_n that_o confirm_v such_o a_o treasure_n unto_o we_o how_o plain_o do_v it_o show_v their_o descent_n from_o the_o essential_a and_o eternal_a goodness_n viz._n god_n himself_o for_o who_o but_o a_o almighty_a goodness_n can_v be_v author_n of_o such_o production_n such_o unparalleled_a instance_n of_o love_n and_o kindness_n such_o inimitable_a beneficence_n so_o immense_a and_o immix_v a_o goodness_n from_o who_o can_v it_o come_v but_o from_o god_n who_o be_v love_n and_o goodness_n itself_o in_o my_o apprehension_n therefore_o the_o goodness_n of_o these_o miracle_n show_v as_o plain_o that_o they_o be_v the_o work_n of_o god_n in_o testimony_n to_o his_o word_n as_o the_o image_n and_o superscription_n on_o the_o money_n do_v that_o the_o coin_n be_v caesar_n let_v we_o then_o lay_v all_o these_o thing_n together_o viz_o that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n do_v take_v upon_o they_o the_o office_n of_o prophet_n and_o that_o have_v the_o antecedent_n to_o or_o concomitant_a attendant_n on_o the_o prophetic_a spirit_n they_o therein_o neither_o be_v deceive_v nor_o have_v a_o design_n to_o deceive_v other_o and_o by_o their_o prediction_n exact_o accomplish_v it_o appear_v that_o they_o have_v such_o certain_a foreknowledge_n as_o no_o man_n by_o any_o art_n or_o science_n whatever_o can_v possible_o have_v of_o god_n eternal_a purpose_n concern_v future_a contingence_n and_o beside_o this_o supernatural_a knowledge_n to_o confirm_v their_o doctrine_n or_o demonstrate_v their_o mission_n from_o god_n to_o teach_v it_o they_o wrought_v such_o miracle_n as_o in_o the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o their_o nature_n and_o the_o incomparableness_n of_o their_o number_n greatness_n and_o goodness_n do_v most_o evident_o and_o eminent_o appear_v to_o be_v the_o work_n of_o god_n and_o consequent_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n who_o do_v they_o be_v teacher_n of_o such_o a_o excellent_a wisdom_n as_o the_o world_n know_v not_o before_o be_v therein_o inspire_v by_o god_n and_o so_o prophet_n chap._n vi_o some_o use_n that_o may_v be_v make_v of_o this_o doctrine_n thus_o have_v we_o pass_v through_o the_o several_a part_n of_o the_o propose_a method_n and_o in_o so_o do_v have_v i_o hope_v find_v the_o truth_n of_o our_o assertion_n sufficient_o evince_v and_o if_o so_o it_o be_v than_o thence_o sure_o we_o may_v see_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o christian_a religion_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o insufficiency_n of_o humane_a reason_n and_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o christian_a faith_n hope_n and_o practice_n sect._n 1_o 1._o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o christian_a religion_n it_o be_v not_o of_o so_o base_a and_o low_a a_o extraction_n as_o to_o spring_v from_o a_o opinion_n of_o ghost_n or_o ignorance_n of_o 12._o second_o cause_n devotion_n towards_o what_o man_n fear_v or_o the_o mistake_n of_o thing_n casual_a for_o prognostic_n but_o it_o be_v a_o heavenborn_a thing_n it_o descend_v from_o the_o father_n of_o light_n it_o derive_v its_o pedigree_n from_o god_n himself_o and_o have_v the_o image_n not_o only_o of_o his_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n but_o likewise_o of_o his_o dominion_n and_o lordship_n enstamp_v upon_o it_o in_o so_o much_o that_o it_o bring_v its_o own_o obligation_n along_o with_o it_o and_o make_v it_o not_o only_o convenient_a but_o necessary_a not_o only_a prudence_n in_o we_o but_o duty_n to_o receive_v it_o for_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v prophet_n do_v not_o only_o teach_v it_o by_o god_n commandment_n and_o direrection_n ibid._n but_o also_o in_o so_o do_v they_o lay_v the_o high_a obligation_n that_o can_v be_v on_o all_o to_o receive_v it_o god_n we_o know_v be_v the_o supreme_a lord_n the_o fountain_n of_o all_o just_a authority_n be_v in_o he_o as_o therefore_o watâ—rs_n drink_n sweet_a out_o of_o a_o fountain_n so_o those_o law_n that_o come_v as_o the_o word_n of_o prophecy_n do_v immediate_o from_o god_n have_v the_o high_a majesty_n and_o authority_n enstamp_v upon_o they_o for_o this_o cause_n the_o jew_n when_o they_o be_v assure_v of_o any_o man_n call_v to_o the_o prophetic_a office_n think_v themselves_o oblige_v and_o bind_v to_o obey_v he_o in_o all_o thing_n except_o idolatry_n yea_o though_o he_o require_v the_o omission_n of_o the_o affirmative_a or_o the_o do_n of_o the_o negative_a precept_n of_o their_o law_n notwithstanding_o their_o mighty_a zeal_n for_o their_o law_n and_o the_o profound_a reverence_n they_o have_v for_o moses_n their_o master_n yet_o they_o judge_v it_o their_o indispensable_a duty_n in_o all_o thing_n to_o obey_v the_o prophet_n and_o whosoever_o will_v not_o they_o hold_v worthy_a and_o guilty_a of_o death_n by_o the_o immediate_a hand_n of_o heaven_n this_o be_v the_o opinion_n of_o their_o wise_a man_n in_o the_o talmud_n where_o they_o say_v in_o all_o thing_n except_o idolatry_n if_o a_o prophet_n zâ—r_n say_v unto_o thou_o transgress_v the_o law_n thou_o shall_v obey_v he_o and_o good_a reason_n too_o for_o a_o prophet_n be_v 36._o god_n spokesman_n to_o the_o people_n his_o herald_n to_o proclaim_v his_o law_n there_o be_v good_a reason_n he_o shall_v be_v hear_v and_o attend_v to_o whosoever_o else_o be_v neglect_v the_o reason_n be_v because_o the_o word_n of_o prophecy_n come_v immediate_o from_o god_n be_v clothe_v with_o his_o authority_n and_o if_o where_o the_o word_n of_o a_o king_n be_v there_o be_v power_n much_o more_o methinks_v be_v there_o where_o the_o word_n of_o he_o be_v by_o who_o king_n reign_n have_v not_o this_o be_v the_o dictate_v of_o natural_a reason_n numa_n pompilius_n and_o other_o ancient_a lawgiver_n among_o the_o heathen_n have_v be_v very_o foolish_a as_o well_o as_o false_a in_o pretend_v to_o have_v receive_v their_o law_n from_o the_o god_n but_o man_n natural_a reason_n tell_v they_o that_o the_o high_a authority_n of_o man_n be_v far_o inferior_a to_o that_o of_o god_n this_o politic_a pretence_n be_v think_v a_o very_a effectual_a engine_n to_o make_v man_n obedient_a to_o their_o law_n and_o this_o engine_n we_o see_v be_v to_o stand_v upon_o the_o ground_n that_o god_n above_o all_o be_v to_o be_v obey_v since_o than_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v prophet_n those_o be_v no_o good_a subject_n unto_o god_n yea_o they_o be_v worse_o than_o jew_n or_o heathen_n that_o deny_v the_o religion_n that_o they_o have_v teach_v we_o to_o have_v power_n of_o bind_v we_o to_o receive_v it_o obj._n yet_o the_o leviathan_n will_v have_v it_o in_o and_o of_o itself_o to_o have_v none_o for_o it_o faith_n express_o the_o precept_n repent_v be_v baptise_a keep_v the_o commandment_n believe_v the_o gospel_n come_v unto_o i_o sell_v all_o that_o thou_o have_v give_v it_o to_o the_o poor_a and_o follow_v i_o be_v not_o command_n but_o invitation_n and_o calling_n of_o mâ—n_z to_o christianity_n like_o that_o of_o isaiah_n ho_o every_o man_n 1_o that_o thirst_v come_v you_o to_o the_o water_n come_v and_o 42._o buy_v wine_n and_o milk_n without_o money_n ans_fw-fr the_o difference_n between_o precept_n and_o command_n especial_o in_o point_n of_o obligation_n i_o be_o hardly_o so_o subtle_a as_o to_o understand_v i_o have_v read_v indeed_o that_o the_o jew_n put_v a_o difference_n between_o law_n statute_n and_o judgement_n but_o hardly_o ever_o that_o either_o they_o oâ—_n the_o gentile_n find_v any_o between_o precept_n and_o command_n but_o this_o be_v a_o matter_n too_o trivial_a to_o be_v debate_v whether_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o profound_a piâ—ce_n of_o subtlety_n or_o a_o contradiction_n i_o shall_v not_o now_o take_v upon_o i_o to_o determine_v but_o let_v it_o pass_v as_o a_o specimen_fw-la of_o that_o extraordinary_a wit_n which_o the_o treatise_n of_o human_a reason_n observe_v in_o that_o author_n we_o shall_v inquire_v why_o he_o â—aith_v so_o viz._n why_o he_o â—aith_v that_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o its_o calling_n of_o man_n to_o christianity_n have_v not_o the_o obligation_n of_o command_n in_o they_o his_o reason_n be_v
those_o etc._n precept_n which_o be_v write_v in_o the_o law_n and_o why_o be_v this_o comment_n commit_v to_o write_v as_o well_o as_o the_o text_n but_o because_o there_o be_v no_o preserve_v it_o entire_a without_o it_o why_o then_o shall_v it_o be_v set_v cheek_n by_o jowl_n with_o the_o text_n itself_o be_v rabbie_a judah_n a_o prophet_n as_o well_o as_o moses_n no_o he_o live_v a_o long_a time_n after_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n be_v cease_v among_o they_o his_o write_n therefore_o ought_v in_o all_o reason_n to_o truckle_n under_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n of_o god_n and_o although_o the_o matter_n contain_v in_o they_o as_o be_v pretend_v come_v together_o with_o those_o of_o holy_a scripture_n from_o god_n almighty_a yet_o have_v be_v for_o many_o hundred_o of_o year_n most_o easy_o subject_a to_o corruption_n change_n and_o depravation_n for_o the_o prevention_n whereof_o he_o commit_v they_o to_o writing_n there_o can_v be_v but_o little_a or_o no_o certainty_n and_o consequent_o no_o knowledge_n of_o such_o authority_n as_o be_v pretend_v to_o be_v in_o they_o and_o if_o not_o after_o much_o less_o before_o he_o write_v they_o for_o by_o commit_v they_o to_o writing_n without_o all_o doubt_n he_o do_v rather_o add_v unto_o then_o diminish_v their_o authority_n and_o true_o it_o seem_v probable_a that_o he_o devise_v the_o fable_n of_o their_o descent_n from_o god_n almighty_a for_o have_v there_o be_v such_o a_o explication_n as_o they_o say_v deliver_v by_o god_n to_o moses_n by_o moses_n to_o aaron_n and_o his_o son_n by_o they_o to_o the_o seventy_o elder_n by_o they_o to_o joshuâ—_n by_o he_o to_o the_o survive_a elder_n by_o they_o to_o the_o succeed_a prophet_n who_o deliver_v it_o from_o one_o to_o another_o through_o at_o least_o a_o thousand_o year_n have_v this_o i_o say_v be_v true_a it_o be_v very_o strange_a that_o in_o all_o that_o time_n they_o do_v not_o drop_v one_o word_n from_o their_o pen_n about_o it_o although_o certain_o they_o have_v frequent_a occasion_n of_o so_o do_v for_o a_o great_a part_n of_o their_o office_n be_v to_o uphold_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o law_n in_o the_o purity_n and_o integrity_n of_o it_o which_o they_o can_v no_o way_n have_v do_v better_a than_o by_o reduce_v transgressor_n to_n that_o authentic_a interpretation_n of_o it_o yet_o we_o find_v not_o a_o word_n of_o it_o but_o that_o that_o fall_v out_o most_o unlucky_o be_v that_o this_o traditional_a interpretation_n of_o the_o law_n do_v thwrat_fw-mi and_o contradict_v the_o exposition_n thereof_o by_o the_o prophet_n this_o wretched_a tradition_n restrain_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o law_n to_o the_o letter_n of_o it_o 5._o and_o teach_v man_n to_o believe_v it_o forbid_v no_o more_o than_o it_o express_v but_o the_o prophet_n sure_o teach_v they_o otherwise_o 14._o whence_o â—lse_o be_v it_o that_o they_o reprove_v they_o 6._o for_o the_o thought_n of_o their_o heart_n as_o well_o as_o the_o work_n of_o their_o hand_n thus_o do_v the_o comment_n make_v void_a the_o text_n and_o this_o tradition_n make_v the_o commandment_n of_o none_o â—ffâ—ct_v it_o be_v therefore_o most_o manife_a that_o they_o come_v not_o from_o the_o same_o hand_n can_v infinite_a wisdom_n speak_v contradiction_n or_o destroy_v what_o it_o build_v it_o be_v blasphemy_n to_o say_v it_o can_v since_o then_o this_o tradition_n explode_v the_o law_n instead_o of_o expound_v it_o we_o be_v sure_a it_o come_v not_o from_o god_n be_v it_o then_o likely_a that_o the_o divine_a majesty_n as_o our_o author_n often_o call_v the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n shall_v be_v make_v to_o hold_v up_o its_o hand_n at_o the_o bar_n of_o this_o tradition_n which_o perhaps_o be_v make_v worse_o by_o its_o keeper_n 9_o than_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o it_o be_v always_o imprison_v in_o a_o consistory_n where_o no_o man_n know_v what_o usage_n it_o have_v or_o how_o it_o may_v be_v dress_v up_o to_o serve_v the_o emergent_a exigence_n of_o prophecy_n be_v try_v by_o tradition_n and_o that_o tradition_n know_v only_o in_o a_o consistory_n and_o that_o consistory_n consist_v of_o man_n subject_a as_o doubtless_o they_o be_v to_o error_n and_o corruption_n the_o ark_n be_v more_o like_a to_o fall_v before_o dagon_n than_o dagon_n before_o the_o ark_n i_o mean_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n to_o be_v repel_v by_o vice_n and_o wickedness_n often_o than_o they_o correct_v by_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n how_o easy_a be_v it_o for_o vice_n to_o pretend_v to_o this_o tradition_n and_o for_o wickedness_n to_o plead_v prescription_n by_o this_o oral_a law_n for_o its_o protection_n and_o if_o they_o dwell_v in_o the_o consistory_n as_o too_o often_o they_o do_v or_o can_v make_v some_o friend_n there_o as_o no_o doubt_n they_o may_v they_o will_v certain_o be_v more_o mindful_a of_o their_o concern_v than_o to_o neglect_v so_o fair_a a_o advantage_n and_o then_o if_o the_o consistory_n declare_v that_o tradition_n be_v for_o they_o that_o prophet_n must_v die_v who_o presume_v to_o speak_v against_o they_o but_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o the_o god_n of_o holiness_n shall_v make_v a_o law_n so_o apt_a to_o establish_v wickedness_n no_o it_o border_n upon_o blasphemy_n to_o say_v he_o do_v piety_n therefore_o as_o well_o as_o reason_n incline_v we_o to_o look_v on_o this_o tradition_n as_o a_o mere_a fiction_n at_o first_o invent_v to_o uphold_v the_o totter_a reputation_n of_o their_o magisterial_a rabbi_n and_o afterward_o improve_v and_o use_v to_o patronize_v their_o infidelity_n and_o justify_v their_o barbarous_a proceed_n against_o our_o bless_a lord_n jesus_n and_o all_o that_o adhere_v to_o he_o this_o therefore_o we_o do_v utter_o reject_v but_o the_o other_o part_n of_o maimonides_n his_o assertion_n viz._n that_o pretender_n to_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n be_v not_o admit_v to_o a_o trial_n unless_o they_o make_v no_o alteration_n in_o the_o write_a law_n of_o moses_n be_v something_o more_o probable_a for_o doubtless_o a_o attempt_n to_o null_a the_o obligation_n of_o a_o law_n which_o god_n himself_o have_v establish_v if_o he_o that_o make_v it_o give_v little_a or_o no_o evidence_n of_o god_n intention_n by_o he_o to_o do_v it_o be_v a_o strong_a presumption_n yea_o a_o sufficient_a argument_n that_o he_o therein_o be_v a_o false_a prophet_n but_o if_o god_n have_v constitute_v a_o law_n which_o in_o itself_o be_v mutable_a and_o withal_o have_v declare_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v change_v if_o the_o pretender_n to_o prophecy_n give_v as_o great_a or_o great_a evidence_n of_o god_n intention_n by_o he_o to_o do_v it_o than_o he_o do_v at_o first_o to_o establish_v it_o there_o be_v no_o more_o reason_n to_o reject_v he_o than_o there_o be_v moses_n and_o if_o so_o the_o jew_n be_v certain_o very_o rude_a and_o barbarous_a if_o they_o will_v not_o vouchsafe_v he_o a_o trial_n but_o forthwith_o put_v he_o to_o death_n without_o it_o what_o law_n therefore_o of_o the_o jew_n it_o be_v wherein_o our_o author_n say_v this_o rule_n be_v contain_v be_v yet_o unknown_a to_o we_o however_o assure_v we_o be_v that_o though_o it_o may_v be_v of_o they_o yet_o it_o be_v no_o part_n of_o god_n law_n because_o it_o inflict_v death_n on_o they_o who_o bring_v the_o broad_a seal_n of_o heaven_n to_o avouch_v their_o authority_n to_o speak_v what_o they_o do_v in_o his_o name_n i_o suppose_v therefore_o the_o rule_n be_v seldom_o or_o never_o true_a but_o in_o case_n either_o of_o immutability_n in_o the_o law_n itself_o or_o want_v of_o sufficient_a evidence_n of_o god_n intention_n by_o the_o pretender_n to_o change_v it_o and_o that_o neither_o of_o these_o be_v the_o case_n now_o under_o debate_n will_v be_v evident_a by_o consider_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o that_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n as_o to_o the_o ceremonial_a and_o judicial_a part_n of_o it_o be_v not_o immutable_a for_o it_o be_v found_v upon_o no_o immutable_a reason_n this_o methinks_v maimonides_n himself_o must_v needs_o have_v confess_v if_o he_o have_v consider_v what_o he_o himself_o have_v elsewhere_o tell_v we_o viz._n that_o the_o first_o intention_n of_o our_o law_n be_v to_o take_v away_o idolatry_n to_o blot_v out_o the_o memory_n of_o it_o and_o of_o all_o thing_n that_o adhere_v to_o it_o or_o give_v occasion_n of_o it_o and_o then_o after_o some_o digression_n he_o return_v to_o his_o purpose_n and_o say_v the_o reason_n and_o cause_n of_o many_o of_o our_o law_n become_v know_v to_o i_o through_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o faith_n rite_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o zabian_o the_o knowledge_n of_o their_o opinion_n and_o science_n be_v a_o great_a gate_n i._n e._n it_o serve_v much_o to_o let_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o precept_n for_o the_o
infirmity_n yea_o not_o only_o the_o spirit_n but_o also_o the_o son_n of_o god_n himself_o notwithstanding_o his_o exaltation_n now_o in_o heaven_n humble_v himself_o to_o sympathize_v with_o we_o here_o on_o earth_n for_o we_o have_v not_o a_o high_a priest_n which_o can_v be_v touch_v with_o a_o feel_n of_o our_o infirmity_n but_o be_v in_o all_o point_n tempt_v like_a as_o we_o be_v yet_o without_o sin_n if_o therefore_o we_o come_v bold_o to_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n we_o may_v obtain_v mercy_n and_o find_v grace_n to_o help_v in_o time_n of_o need._n and_o if_o 16._o we_o may_v have_v mercy_n and_o grace_n for_o come_v for_o it_o i_o hope_v we_o have_v no_o cause_n be_v our_o duty_n what_o it_o will_v to_o complain_v of_o hard_a usage_n let_v we_o then_o lay_v all_o these_o thing_n together_o viz._n that_o the_o object_n of_o our_o faith_n be_v most_o clear_o reveal_v by_o the_o gospel_n that_o that_o of_o our_o hope_n be_v most_o full_o declare_v to_o be_v most_o excellent_a and_o certain_a and_o that_o the_o rule_n of_o our_o life_n be_v most_o become_v the_o attribute_n of_o god_n and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o reason_n of_o man_n and_o withal_o be_v so_o complete_o suit_v to_o his_o ability_n as_o that_o no_o other_o law_n can_v possible_o be_v so_o good_a for_o he_o in_o his_o present_a state_n of_o nature_n morality_n and_o imperfection_n le_fw-fr we_o i_o say_v lay_v all_o these_o thing_n together_o and_o then_o methinks_v we_o must_v needs_o see_v something_o of_o that_o stupendous_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n whereby_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v guide_v in_o the_o oeconomy_n of_o the_o gospel_n far_o more_o excellent_a than_o the_o wisdom_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n in_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o law_n and_o if_o they_o do_v excel_v the_o jew_n in_o wisdom_n much_o more_o the_o gentile_n for_o since_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n they_o be_v teach_v of_o god_n it_o be_v evident_a they_o have_v more_o excellent_a wisdom_n not_o than_o the_o vulgar_a only_o but_o than_o those_o also_o that_o seem_v to_o be_v philosopher_n 5._o yet_o at_o the_o bar_n of_o their_o judgement_n we_o be_v willing_a to_o try_v the_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o jesus_n viz._n whether_o it_o be_v real_a and_o true_a wisdom_n yea_o or_o no_o whereof_o we_o shall_v need_v no_o long_o to_o doubt_n if_o we_o consider_v what_o the_o most_o famous_a philosopher_n have_v tell_v we_o concern_v the_o nature_n the_o object_n and_o the_o end_n of_o wisdom_n as_o for_o its_o nature_n in_o general_a it_o seem_v the_o common_a concession_n of_o they_o all_o that_o wisdom_n be_v one_o of_o the_o best_a if_o not_o absolute_o the_o most_o excellent_a kind_n of_o knowledge_n they_o therefore_o define_v it_o by_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o with_o they_o seem_v to_o denote_v more_o than_o a_o bare_a perception_n of_o thing_n viz._n some_o knowledge_n of_o they_o by_o undeniable_a necessary_a argument_n such_o as_o command_v assent_v rather_o than_o beg_v it_o now_o that_o christianity_n be_v a_o sort_n of_o knowledge_n found_v on_o such_o argument_n i_o hope_v you_o will_v find_v in_o the_o end_n of_o this_o treatise_n the_o design_n whereof_o be_v to_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v so_o at_o present_v therefore_o i_o shall_v say_v no_o more_o of_o its_o general_a nature_n but_o observe_v that_o the_o object_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n as_o well_o as_o its_o nature_n do_v high_o justify_v its_o claim_n to_o the_o title_n of_o wisdom_n for_o what_o i_o pray_v be_v it_o that_o wisdom_n treat_v of_o about_o what_o be_v it_o conversant_a the_o first_o viâ—_n cause_n say_v pythagoras_n the_o best_a thing_n or_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v most_o honourable_a say_v aristotle_n and_o which_o be_v those_o all_o man_n except_o atheist_n will_v answer_v they_o be_v god_n and_o the_o thing_n that_o approach_v near_o unto_o and_o partake_v most_o of_o his_o nature_n otherwise_o anaxagoras_n thales_n and_o such_o like_a will_v not_o have_v have_v a_o reputation_n for_o wisdom_n as_o the_o philosopher_n last_o mention_v report_n they_o have_v because_o they_o know_v matter_n of_o divinity_n and_o where_o shall_v we_o find_v the_o great_a 6._o knowledge_n of_o these_o thing_n be_v it_o in_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o gentile_n no_o very_o their_o philosophy_n be_v here_o dumb_a or_o worse_o simonides_n though_o a_o learned_a and_o wise_a man_n in_o their_o esteem_n can_v give_v no_o account_n of_o the_o divine_a essence_n and_o those_o of_o the_o heathen_n that_o undertake_v to_o do_v it_o have_v better_o be_v as_o spare_v and_o modest_a as_o he_o be_v as_o be_v more_o than_o probable_a by_o the_o account_n that_o plutarch_n and_o cicâ—ro_n give_v of_o their_o sentiment_n 1._o in_o this_o particular_a they_o be_v so_o weak_a and_o obscure_a so_o absurd_a and_o irrational_a so_o unworthy_a of_o god_n and_o unbecoming_a the_o deity_n as_o that_o the_o orator_n say_v of_o they_o they_o be_v almost_o not_o the_o judgement_n of_o philosopher_n but_o the_o dream_n of_o madman_n we_o see_v then_o that_o ibid._n man_n of_o great_a and_o excellent_a wit_n after_o all_o their_o hard_a study_n and_o travel_v to_o find_v out_o the_o truth_n have_v yet_o lose_v their_o labour_n and_o their_o industry_n but_o bless_v be_v god_n 1._o who_o pity_v it_o seem_v the_o ignorance_n and_o weakness_n of_o humane_a nature_n have_v send_v his_o only_o beget_v son_n which_o be_v in_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o father_n and_o he_o have_v declare_v he_o both_o his_o be_v and_o his_o nature_n his_o attribute_n and_o his_o will_n he_o have_v more_o full_o declare_v than_o either_o be_v or_o can_v be_v know_v without_o it_o and_o that_o which_o most_o high_o commend_v the_o revelation_n of_o god_n by_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n be_v that_o it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o contradict_v those_o prime_a notion_n of_o a_o deity_n wherewith_o nature_n have_v endue_v we_o as_o that_o it_o do_v exceed_o advance_v and_o improve_v they_o it_o become_v the_o majesty_n of_o god_n and_o accord_v with_o the_o reason_n of_o man._n hereof_o origen_n be_v so_o confident_a as_o that_o he_o doubt_v not_o to_o bid_v celsus_n see_v whether_o it_o be_v not_o the_o agreeableness_n of_o our_o faith_n with_o the_o common_a sense_n of_o man_n from_o the_o beginning_n which_o make_v it_o so_o effectual_a as_o to_o work_v the_o conversion_n of_o its_o candid_a and_o 3._o ingenuous_a hearer_n how_o rash_a and_o ill-advised_n have_v he_o be_v in_o thus_o appeal_n to_o his_o subtle_a adversary_n if_o he_o have_v not_o be_v well_o assure_v that_o christianity_n open_v and_o offer_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v worthy_a of_o heaven_n to_o those_o that_o embrace_v it_o here_o on_o earth_n that_o here_o we_o may_v see_v the_o express_a image_n of_o that_o solid_a wisdom_n and_o felicity_n which_o the_o jew_n in_o their_o talmudical_a rhapsody_n and_o the_o gentile_n too_o in_o their_o philosophy_n have_v hitherto_o seek_v in_o vain_a hereof_o also_o we_o be_v assure_v by_o the_o design_a end_n and_o scope_n of_o it_o which_o in_o effect_n be_v the_o same_o with_o that_o which_o be_v pretend_v by_o the_o heathen_a philosopher_n and_o what_o be_v that_o let_v porphyrius_n answer_v for_o pythagoras_n who_o as_o he_o tell_v we_o profess_v a_o sort_n of_o philosophy_n the_o scope_n whereof_o be_v to_o snatch_v and_o deliver_v the_o mind_n that_o be_v in_o we_o from_o sensual_a impediment_n pyth._n and_o fetter_n but_o to_o wave_v the_o trouble_n of_o many_o quotation_n it_o seem_v by_o maximus_n tyrius_n that_o the_o pretend_a end_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o philosophy_n be_v to_o direct_v man_n to_o true_a happiness_n they_o all_o agree_v in_o the_o end_n but_o be_v miserable_o divide_v in_o the_o choice_n of_o the_o mean_n we_o need_v not_o wonder_v at_o either_o for_o as_o that_o philosopher_n say_v the_o desire_n of_o good_a god_n have_v kindle_v as_o a_o spark_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n but_o the_o find_v of_o it_o he_o have_v hide_v from_o they_o thence_o it_o be_v that_o one_o send_v his_o scholar_n to_o one_o thing_n another_o to_o another_o to_o find_v it_o pythagoras_n to_o music_n thales_n to_o astronomy_n heraclitus_n to_o solitude_n socrates_n to_o love_n carneâ—des_v to_o chastity_n diogenes_n to_o labour_n epicurus_n to_o pleasure_n they_o all_o aim_v at_o happiness_n but_o epicurus_n 19_o be_v think_v to_o have_v miss_v the_o mark_n so_o gross_o as_o that_o the_o roman_n and_o messenian_n do_v banish_v and_o expel_v his_o follower_n from_o their_o respective_a dominion_n call_v they_o because_o of_o their_o softness_n and_o impiety_n the_o pest_n of_o youth_n and_o spot_n of_o philosophy_n they_o be_v therefore_o command_v to_o depart_v the_o messenian_a territory_n and_o be_v so_o thrust_v
it_o be_v a_o more_o heinous_a sin_n to_o transgress_v they_o than_o the_o write_a law_n yea_o that_o whosoever_o dissent_v from_o his_o teacher_n do_v as_o much_o as_o if_o he_o dissent_v from_o the_o divine_a majesty_n and_o sin_v against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o for_o that_o cause_n be_v guilty_a of_o death_n viz._n by_o the_o scourge_n of_o rebellion_n 4._o which_o be_v a_o sort_n of_o punishment_n by_o cudgel_n inflict_v for_o the_o breach_n and_o contempt_n of_o tradition_n since_o i_o say_v they_o have_v these_o and_o many_o other_o such_o prodigious_o wicked_a and_o cruel_a invention_n to_o uphold_v the_o authority_n of_o their_o tradition_n and_o dictatorship_n it_o be_v no_o marvel_n if_o they_o proceed_v against_o those_o that_o speak_v light_o of_o they_o as_o if_o malice_n be_v the_o fit_a affection_n vengeance_n and_o cruelty_n the_o best_a behaviour_n towards_o they_o yet_o evident_a it_o be_v that_o christ_n do_v not_o spare_v they_o but_o as_o the_o prophet_n of_o old_a so_o do_v he_o detect_v the_o hypocrisy_n and_o sharp_o reprove_v the_o fault_n of_o their_o elder_n he_o do_v demonstrate_v the_o vanity_n of_o their_o righteousness_n and_o expose_v the_o cunning_a wickedness_n of_o their_o tradition_n he_o discover_v the_o impiety_n of_o their_o magisterial_a dictate_v and_o free_o unfold_v the_o mystery_n of_o their_o iniquity_n he_o pull_v off_o the_o guild_v and_o paint_v of_o their_o seem_a devotion_n and_o uncovered_v the_o rottenness_n and_o putrefaction_n of_o their_o heart_n he_o despise_v the_o pageant_n of_o a_o pompous_a formality_n and_o set_v at_o naught_o the_o ceremony_n of_o their_o external_n performance_n without_o inward_a and_o real_a goodness_n though_o the_o people_n do_v rage_n and_o the_o ruler_n take_v council_n together_o against_o he_o yet_o he_o do_v constant_o affirm_v that_o god_n have_v send_v he_o and_o as_o the_o prophet_n before_o he_o so_o do_v he_o undaunted_o show_v the_o people_n their_o transgression_n and_o the_o house_n of_o jacob_n their_o sin_n and_o in_o so_o do_v he_o strive_v to_o retrieve_v the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n to_o rescue_v they_o from_o false_a gloss_n and_o misconstruction_n to_o discover_v the_o insufficiency_n of_o tradition_n and_o pharisaical_a righteousness_n to_o inculcate_v the_o necessity_n of_o morality_n and_o so_o to_o reduce_v the_o jew_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o piety_n in_o all_o holiness_n of_o live_v and_o fervour_n of_o divine_a worship_n in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n without_o their_o numerous_a ceremony_n or_o at_o least_o their_o mighty_a confidence_n in_o their_o privilege_n and_o performance_n which_o both_o he_o and_o his_o apostle_n teach_v they_o to_o place_n in_o our_o lord_n jesus_n a_o stumble_a block_n and_o rock_n of_o offence_n unto_o they_o and_o be_v not_o this_o a_o great_a and_o strange_a undertake_n such_o as_o loud_o speak_v the_o greatness_n of_o their_o mind_n and_o the_o bravery_n of_o their_o courage_n which_o be_v not_o in_o the_o least_o abate_v but_o rather_o increase_v by_o opposition_n in_o their_o life_n it_o do_v assist_v they_o to_o bear_v all_o sort_n of_o affliction_n and_o to_o endure_v the_o rude_a contradiction_n of_o sinner_n against_o they_o and_o at_o their_o death_n it_o do_v not_o forsake_v they_o for_o though_o after_o some_o solemn_a mockery_n of_o justice_n enough_o to_o move_v one_o indignation_n they_o be_v cruel_o murder_v and_o barbarous_o butcher_v yet_o their_o patience_n and_o charity_n those_o true_a sign_n of_o magnanimity_n in_o suffering_n be_v conspicuous_a and_o admirable_a insomuch_o that_o they_o only_o of_o all_o teacher_n may_v be_v compare_v with_o the_o prophet_n or_o rather_o prefer_v before_o they_o for_o fortitude_n whereof_o also_o the_o apostle_n give_v abundant_a evidence_n among_o the_o gentile_n who_o they_o find_v dead_a in_o trespass_n and_o sin_n prone_a to_o nothing_o so_o much_o as_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n the_o lust_n of_o the_o eye_n and_o the_o pride_n of_o life_n i._n e._n sensual_a pleasure_n riches_n and_o honour_n these_o thing_n they_o do_v not_o only_a love_n and_o live_v in_o but_o in_o a_o sort_n adore_v and_o deirie_v for_o not_o only_a god_n creature_n and_o man_n that_o be_v famous_a in_o their_o life_n nor_o only_o the_o fancy_n and_o fiction_n of_o poet_n but_o their_o own_o lust_n and_o passion_n call_v by_o other_o name_n be_v also_o enroll_v among_o their_o go_n venus_n and_o cupid_n mars_n and_o baccbus_n be_v the_o name_n of_o deify_v concupiscence_n wrath_n and_o drunkenness_n although_o they_o forbid_v these_o vice_n and_o make_v law_n against_o they_o yet_o their_o cause_n as_o theodoret_n graec._n tell_v they_o they_o salute_v as_o heavenly_a god_n and_o give_v divine_a worship_n unto_o they_o and_o be_v it_o not_o a_o sad_a and_o direful_a apotheosis_n whereby_o enmity_n against_o god_n be_v advance_v to_o his_o throne_n the_o gross_a superstition_n and_o uncleanness_n establish_v for_o religion_n for_o in_o their_o festival_n and_o solemn_a ceremony_n of_o divine_a worship_n all_o manner_n of_o vice_n and_o wickedness_n be_v appoint_v to_o be_v commit_v such_o filthiness_n as_o the_o most_o salacious_a will_v almost_o blush_v at_o in_o a_o closet_n be_v commit_v sac._n in_o open_a pomp_n and_o ostentation_n insomuch_o that_o almost_o all_o the_o sacred_a game_n but_o especial_o the_o bacchanal_n be_v as_o one_o call_v they_o the_o cause_n and_o seed-plot_n of_o the_o great_a wickedness_n if_o the_o 19_o ethiopian_a may_v change_v his_o skin_n and_o the_o leopard_n his_o as_o soon_o as_o those_o do_v good_a who_o be_v accustom_v 23._o to_o do_v evil_a although_o their_o religion_n teach_v they_o to_o do_v the_o one_o and_o eschew_v the_o other_o how_o hard_o be_v it_o for_o those_o to_o do_v good_a who_o have_v be_v not_o only_o accustom_v but_o teach_v to_o do_v evil_a and_o that_o under_o pain_n of_o transgression_n against_o conscience_n or_o at_o least_o the_o law_n and_o custom_n of_o their_o country_n if_o they_o omit_v it_o especial_o consider_v their_o most_o wicked_a and_o filthy_a practice_n can_v plead_v prescription_n in_o the_o example_n of_o their_o forefather_n and_o noble_a hero_n yea_o also_o it_o have_v the_o power_n and_o policy_n the_o stratagem_n and_o device_n of_o the_o devil_n the_o cunning_a guile_n and_o craft_n of_o his_o agent_n the_o force_n and_o authority_n of_o civil_a power_n to_o countenance_n and_o uphold_v it_o in_o despite_n of_o all_o opposition_n be_v it_o not_o then_o a_o hard_a thing_n for_o any_o much_o more_o for_o a_o few_o private_a man_n and_o stranger_n such_o as_o the_o apostle_n to_o turn_v they_o from_o darkness_n unto_o light_n from_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n unto_o god_n yet_o they_o undertake_v to_o do_v it_o and_o pursue_v it_o all_o their_o day_n although_o they_o very_o well_o know_v that_o not_o only_a labour_n travel_n and_o hardship_n of_o divers_a kind_n but_o also_o bond_n and_o affliction_n of_o all_o sort_n and_o degree_n stripe_n and_o imprisonment_n yea_o and_o death_n itself_o will_v abide_v they_o in_o so_o do_v yet_o none_o of_o these_o thing_n can_v trouble_v their_o mind_n nor_o discourage_v their_o attempt_n nothing_o can_v make_v they_o retract_v their_o resolution_n or_o abate_v their_o endeavour_n as_o they_o be_v able_a to_o promote_v it_o which_o to_o i_o seem_v a_o demonstration_n of_o prophetic_a fortitude_n viz._n that_o that_o same_o courage_n and_o magnanimity_n whereby_o the_o prophet_n be_v act_v in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o office_n do_v assist_v they_o in_o promulgate_a the_o gospel_n of_o the_o prophetic_a riches_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n sect._n 4._o and_o as_o in_o wisdom_n and_o fortitude_n so_o also_o in_o the_o riches_n of_o the_o prophet_n i_o e._n in_o all_o moral_a virtue_n but_o especial_o contentment_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v equal_a yea_o superior_n unto_o they_o hereof_o we_o need_v no_o other_o demonstration_n than_o the_o design_a end_n of_o their_o doctrine_n which_o as_o we_o before_o see_v be_v the_o promotion_n and_o establishment_n of_o the_o most_o elevate_v virtue_n and_o immaculate_a purity_n but_o if_o any_o far_a proof_n of_o it_o be_v desire_v we_o may_v find_v it_o in_o st._n paul_n by_o who_o we_o learn_v that_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o bring_v salvation_n which_o word_n be_v but_o a_o periphrasis_n of_o the_o gospel_n teach_v we_o that_o deny_v all_o ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n we_o shall_v live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n 12._o to_o this_o end_n both_o the_o precept_n and_o institution_n the_o promise_n and_o the_o threat_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v so_o extraordinary_a subservient_fw-fr as_o that_o they_o loud_o speak_v the_o holiness_n as_o well_o as_o wisdom_n of_o its_o first_o teacher_n it_o be_v no_o way_n probable_a that_o lover_n of_o vice_n shall_v so_o
this_o be_v that_o appeal_n of_o minutius_n felix_n to_o other_o heathen_n most_o of_o you_o 23._o know_v that_o they_o themselves_o confess_v themselves_o devil_n as_o oft_o as_o by_o the_o torment_n of_o adjuration_n or_o flame_n of_o devotion_n we_o cast_v they_o out_o of_o possession_n even_o saturn_n serapis_n and_o jupiter_n himself_o and_o whatever_o other_o devil_n you_o worship_v be_v overcome_v with_o grief_n speak_v what_o they_o be_v neither_o lie_v they_o for_o the_o advantage_n of_o their_o villainy_n as_o they_o do_v to_o some_o especial_o of_o you_o that_o patronize_v their_o cause_n confess_v the_o truth_n of_o themselves_o believe_v that_o they_o be_v devil_n themselves_o be_v witness_n for_o be_v adjure_v by_o the_o true_a and_o only_o god_n they_o unwilling_o either_o cling_v to_o the_o miserable_a body_n of_o the_o possess_v or_o else_o they_o forthwith_o forsake_v they_o â—r_o else_o they_o vanish_v by_o degree_n according_a to_o the_o 1â—36_n faith_n of_o the_o patient_n or_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o physician_n about_o the_o same_o time_n origen_n tell_v celsus_n that_o to_o that_o â—ry_a 2._o day_n cures_n be_v wrought_v by_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n and_o again_o afterward_o he_o say_v we_o can_v show_v innumerable_a multitude_n both_o of_o greek_n and_o barbarian_n that_o confess_v the_o faith_n of_o jesus_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o which_o faith_n some_o of_o they_o have_v receive_v something_o miraculous_a the_o sign_n whereof_o they_o show_v by_o cure_v the_o sick_a on_o who_o they_o use_v no_o other_o mean_n of_o recovery_n but_o call_v on_o the_o god_n of_o all_o and_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n together_o with_o the_o history_n of_o he_o for_o by_o these_o mean_v we_o ourselves_o hâ—ve_v see_v many_o rescue_v from_o grievous_a evil_n distraction_n and_o madness_n and_o many_o other_o disease_n which_o neither_o man_n nor_o devil_n be_v 3._o able_a to_o cure_v and_o that_o the_o christian_n of_o that_o age_n wrought_v not_o these_o cure_n by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o devil_n he_o far_o yet_o make_v evident_a by_o their_o ejection_n of_o he_o wherever_o they_o find_v he_o the_o power_n of_o christ_n do_v so_o triumph_v over_o he_o as_o that_o almost_o the_o mean_a christian_n can_v dispossess_v he_o for_o more_o than_o a_o few_o of_o they_o be_v able_a to_o drive_v he_o away_o from_o they_o that_o suffer_v by_o he_o and_o that_o without_o any_o curious_a magical_a or_o poisonous_a thing_n but_o only_o by_o prayer_n and_o pure_a invocation_n such_o as_o a_o simple_a 7._o man_n may_v make_v for_o private_a christian_n most_o frequent_o do_v it_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o word_n thereby_o discover_v the_o contemptibleness_n and_o weakness_n of_o the_o devil_n be_v that_o in_o order_n to_o their_o ejection_n from_o the_o soul_n and_o body_n of_o a_o man_n there_o be_v no_o need_n so_o much_o as_o of_o a_o wise_a man_n or_o one_o that_o be_v mighty_a in_o rational_a demonstration_n of_o the_o faith_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n st._n cyprian_n wish_v that_o the_o proconsul_n of_o africa_n a_o great_a persecutor_n of_o the_o christian_n will_v hear_v and_o see_v the_o devil_n who_o he_o worship_v as_o go_n when_o say_v he_o we_o adjure_v and_o vex_v they_o with_o spiritual_a scourge_v and_o when_o by_o the_o torment_n of_o word_n we_o cast_v they_o out_o of_o possess_v body_n when_o at_o the_o word_n of_o man_n by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n as_o it_o be_v feel_v stripe_n and_o scourge_v they_o cry_v out_o and_o groan_n and_o confess_v there_o be_v a_o judgement_n to_o come_v come_v and_o know_v that_o what_o we_o say_v be_v true_a and_o because_o thou_o say_v thou_o so_o worship_v the_o god_n either_o believe_v those_o who_o thou_o do_v worship_n or_o if_o thou_o will_v believe_v thyself_o he_o that_o have_v now_o besiege_v thy_o breast_n and_o blind_v thy_o mind_n with_o a_o night_n of_o ignorance_n shall_v spâ—â—k_v iâ—â—hy_a hâ—â—ring_n concern_v thyself_o thou_o shall_v see_v that_o we_o be_v entreat_v by_o those_o of_o who_o thou_o be_v afraid_a and_o adore_v thou_o shall_v see_v they_o sâ—and_v bind_v under_o our_o hand_n and_o tremble_v bâ—ing_a captive_n who_o thou_o do_v honour_n and_o venerate_a as_o lord_n and_o demâ—trianum_n after_o he_o laâ—tantius_n testify_v that_o they_o fly_v from_o the_o just_a and_o tremble_v because_o when_o they_o possess_v the_o body_n of_o man_n and_o vex_v their_o soul_n be_v by_o they_o adjure_v the_o name_n of_o the_o true_a god_n chase_v they_o away_o for_o have_v hear_v it_o they_o tremble_v cry_v out_o and_o testify_v that_o they_o be_v burn_v and_o scourge_v and_o be_v ask_v who_o they_o be_v when_o when_o they_o come_v and_o how_o they_o enter_v into_o a_o man_n they_o confess_v be_v thus_o constrain_v and_o torture_v by_o the_o virtue_n of_o god_n name_n they_o be_v banish_v because_o of_o these_o lash_n and_o threaten_n they_o have_v always_o hate_v holy_a and_o just_a man_n and_o because_o by_o themselves_o they_o can_v hurt_v they_o those_o who_o they_o feel_v grievous_a to_o they_o they_o pursue_v with_o public_a hatred_n and_o exercise_v cruelty_n as_o violent_o as_o they_o can_v either_o that_o by_o grief_n they_o may_v diminish_v their_o faith_n or_o if_o they_o can_v effect_v that_o that_o they_o may_v utter_o take_v they_o 22._o from_o the_o earth_n leâ—t_v they_o shall_v survive_v to_o restrain_v their_o wickedness_n now_o than_o this_o what_o be_v there_o more_o demonstrative_a that_o christian_a miracle_n be_v not_o wrought_v by_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n since_o they_o bind_v and_o scourge_v he_o take_v he_o captive_a and_o thrâ—w_v he_o out_o of_o possession_n it_o be_v manifest_v the_o power_n that_o do_v they_o be_v great_a than_o he_o and_o contrary_a to_o it_o and_o can_v he_o give_v great_a power_n than_o he_o himself_o have_v no_o sure_o nor_o will_v he_o neither_o indeed_o can_v he_o change_v himself_o into_o a_o angel_n of_o light_a to_o destroy_v but_o only_o to_o uphold_v the_o kingdom_n of_o darkness_n and_o if_o that_o be_v impossible_a much_o more_o so_o be_v it_o for_o he_o to_o have_v give_v power_n to_o one_o that_o at_o the_o invocation_n of_o his_o name_n by_o other_o not_o only_o all_o disease_n shall_v be_v heal_v but_o also_o he_o himself_o torment_v and_o eject_v this_o power_n arnobius_n observe_v that_o jupiter_n câ—pitolinus_n himself_o scarce_o grant_v to_o any_o moral_a no_o not_o to_o his_o own_o chief_a priâ—â—â—_n i_o wilâ—_n not_o demand_v say_v he_o that_o he_o shall_v râ—ise_v the_o dead_a or_o restore_v light_n unto_o the_o blind_a or_o give_v strength_n and_o beauty_n to_o the_o lame_a and_o deform_v but_o that_o either_o by_o the_o command_n of_o his_o voice_n or_o touch_n of_o his_o hand_n he_o shall_v so_o much_o as_o suppress_v a_o pimple_n a_o â—lâ—ft_n from_o the_o nail_n or_o wheal_n of_o the_o skin_n and_o since_o so_o trivial_a a_o power_n as_o this_o be_v not_o confer_v by_o the_o chief_a of_o the_o god_n he_o may_v well_o as_o he_o do_v with_o confidence_n challenge_v the_o gentile_n to_o summon_v the_o most_o renown_a magician_n from_o all_o quarter_n to_o give_v to_o one_o of_o the_o people_n power_n â—o_o make_v the_o dumb_a to_o speak_v the_o deaf_a to_o hear_v the_o born-blind_a to_o see_v to_o restore_v sense_n and_o motion_n to_o member_n long_o cold_a and_o wither_v or_o if_o that_o be_v a_o hard_a matter_n such_o as_o they_o can_v give_v power_n of_o do_v unto_o other_o let_v they_o do_v it_o themselves_o and_o that_o with_o their_o rite_n too_o whatever_o poisonous_a herb_n the_o bosom_n of_o the_o earth_n do_v nourish_v whatever_o force_n there_o be_v in_o their_o rumble_a of_o word_n and_o the_o adjoin_v causality_n of_o verse_n we_o envy_v it_o not_o let_v they_o gather_v it_o it_o like_v we_o to_o try_v and_o know_v whether_o they_o with_o their_o god_n can_v do_v that_o which_o country_n christian_n can_v by_o their_o naked_a command_n 1._o and_o it_o seem_v by_o st._n austin_n that_o this_o power_n of_o work_a miracle_n continue_v in_o the_o church_n though_o not_o so_o conspicuous_o a_o long_a time_n after_o for_o he_o testify_v that_o even_o in_o his_o time_n viz._n in_o the_o four_o century_n miracle_n be_v do_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n either_o by_o his_o sacrament_n or_o by_o prayer_n at_o the_o monument_n of_o his_o saint_n and_o for_o proof_n hereof_o he_o relate_v the_o story_n of_o divers_a whereof_o 8._o he_o himself_o have_v be_v a_o eye-witness_n thus_o apparent_a it_o be_v and_o much_o more_o abundant_o evident_a may_v it_o be_v make_v that_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n for_o several_a age_n after_o his_o death_n wrought_v miracle_n in_o his_o name_n and_o cast_v out_o devil_n and_o sure_o these_o miracle_n of_o they_o do_v conciliate_v authority_n
endanger_v so_o great_a a_o loss_n for_o so_o small_a pleasure_n or_o profit_n as_o seem_v to_o be_v have_v thereby_o for_o in_o the_o tract_n but_o now_o mention_v we_o find_v that_o those_o only_o of_o the_o israelite_n who_o deny_v the_o resurrection_n or_o the_o descent_n of_o their_o law_n from_o god_n or_o the_o be_v of_o a_o deity_n or_o those_o that_o read_v heretical_a book_n or_o pretend_v to_o cure_v disease_n by_o enchantment_n or_o expound_v the_o name_n jehovah_n 24._o in_o the_o vulgar_a language_n these_o i_o say_v and_o these_o only_a of_o all_o the_o israelite_n shall_v be_v exclude_v from_o eternal_a life_n and_o be_v not_o the_o people_n very_o much_o oblige_v to_o their_o rabbi_n for_o remove_v the_o cherubim_n and_o flame_a sword_n which_o keep_v the_o way_n of_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n against_o all_o other_o unhallowed_a sinner_n yes_o very_o that_o they_o be_v especial_o consider_v that_o if_o any_o of_o they_o be_v so_o ill-advised_n as_o to_o hazard_v this_o their_o right_n to_o heaven_n yet_o have_v they_o no_o cause_n to_o despair_v of_o its_o recovery_n for_o either_o by_o repentance_n in_o this_o life_n or_o by_o a_o twelve_o month_n penance_n in_o purgatory_n and_o the_o prayer_n of_o survivor_n the_o exemption_n sup_v may_v be_v take_v â—ff_n and_o they_o recover_v their_o portion_n in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v and_o what_o more_o likely_a than_o these_o tradition_n to_o evacuate_v the_o commandment_n when_o a_o rewaâ—d_n be_v sâ—â—ured_v to_o all_o who_o will_v work_v when_o eternal_a happiness_n be_v entail_v upon_o all_o who_o will_v regard_v the_o necessity_n of_o holiness_n or_o take_v care_n to_o follow_v it_o it_o be_v true_a indeed_o antigonus_n socensis_n forbid_v his_o disciple_n to_o serve_v god_n on_o condition_n of_o receive_v reward_n and_o require_v they_o to_o do_v it_o without_o any_o such_o expectation_n it_o be_v also_o true_a that_o for_o this_o he_o be_v applaud_v by_o divers_a of_o their_o seraphic_a rabbi_n yet_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o be_v fatal_a to_o the_o truth_n in_o some_o and_o of_o no_o force_n on_o the_o practice_n of_o most_o of_o the_o jew_n and_o for_o that_o reason_n divers_a of_o their_o wise_a man_n that_o like_v his_o opinion_n yet_o blame_v the_o publication_n of_o it_o they_o therefore_o think_v it_o better_a to_o permit_v the_o vulgar_a to_o enjoy_v their_o opinion_n that_o good_a be_v to_o be_v do_v for_o hope_n of_o a_o reward_n and_o evil_a to_o be_v câ—eâ—â—â—_n eschew_v for_o fear_n of_o punishment_n but_o since_o they_o be_v assure_v of_o a_o portion_n in_o heaven_n they_o have_v not_o much_o reason_n to_o fear_v the_o torment_n of_o hell_n for_o if_o their_o tradition_n be_v true_a it_o be_v a_o very_a easy_a matter_n for_o they_o to_o keep_v the_o law_n the_o precept_n whereof_o they_o distinguish_v into_o two_o sort_n whereof_o they_o call_v the_o one_o command_v the_o other_o pâ—â—hibitions_n the_o command_v they_o say_v aâ—e_v two_o hundrâ—d_o forty_o eight_o just_o so_o many_o as_o according_a to_o the_o anatomy_n of_o the_o rabbi_n there_o be_v member_n in_o a_o man_n body_n but_o the_o prohibition_n be_v three_o hundred_o sixty_o five_o viz._n as_o many_o as_o there_o be_v day_n in_o the_o year_n or_o as_o they_o say_v there_o be_v vein_n in_o the_o body_n of_o a_o man_n and_o therefore_o say_v thâ—y_n if_o any_o one_o member_n of_o a_o man_n body_n do_v every_o day_n fulfil_v one_o of_o the_o command_n and_o omit_v one_o of_o the_o thing_n prohibit_v it_o will_v thence_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o not_o only_o the_o decalogue_n but_o the_o whole_a law_n of_o moses_n shall_v be_v by_o they_o most_o excellent_o keep_v every_o year_n throughout_o all_o age_n though_o perhaps_o we_o christian_n ibid._n may_v laugh_v at_o and_o despise_v this_o their_o obedience_n yet_o it_o seem_v they_o thereby_o do_v supererrogate_v as_o well_o as_o obey_v for_o abravanel_n assure_v we_o it_o be_v a_o approve_a opinion_n of_o their_o wise_a man_n that_o whosoever_o of_o the_o israelite_n do_v any_o one_o precept_n of_o the_o law_n which_o be_v in_o his_o power_n he_o shall_v thereby_o merit_v the_o chief_a reward_n i._n e._n the_o life_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v sup_v and_o what_o more_o apt_a than_o such_o a_o persuasion_n to_o make_v man_n partial_a and_o languid_a in_o the_o practice_n of_o moral_a virtue_n and_o so_o indeed_o we_o find_v they_o for_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o most_o devout_a and_o strict_a sect_n among_o they_o do_v either_o degenerate_a into_o formality_n or_o else_o evaporate_v in_o hypocrisy_n it_o be_v dry_a and_o sapless_a dead_a and_o lifeless_a a_o mere_a contexture_n of_o ceremony_n and_o external_n performance_n a_o sceleton_n or_o at_o best_o but_o a_o carcase_n without_o any_o heat_n or_o life_n of_o divine_a love_n in_o it_o a_o form_n of_o godliness_n without_o the_o power_n a_o show_n of_o piety_n a_o device_n to_o seem_v religious_a without_o be_v so_o a_o mere_a bodily_a kind_n of_o drudgery_n and_o servility_n yet_o be_v they_o as_o confident_a of_o its_o goodness_n and_o as_o fond_o proud_a of_o the_o advantage_n they_o think_v they_o have_v thereby_o as_o if_o in_o very_a deed_n it_o have_v bâ—en_n that_o which_o be_v require_v by_o god_n and_o confirm_v by_o miracle_n support_v by_o prophet_n and_o profess_a by_o their_o forefather_n throughout_o all_o precede_a generation_n and_o so_o obstinate_o do_v they_o adhere_v to_o it_o as_o that_o the_o severe_a calamity_n of_o war_n can_v not_o make_v they_o cease_v from_o it_o for_o josephus_n report_v that_o when_o pompey_n be_v get_v into_o their_o city_n and_o aristobulus_n his_o faction_n have_v take_v sanctuary_n in_o the_o temple_n with_o a_o resolution_n to_o defend_v it_o they_o will_v not_o oppose_v his_o raise_n of_o bulwark_n or_o tower_n or_o plant_v his_o engine_n against_o it_o on_o the_o sabbath_n day_n because_o as_o they_o think_v their_o law_n allow_v they_o not_o to_o resist_v a_o enemy_n upon_o the_o sabbath_n day_n unless_o he_o be_v actual_o â—â—ghting_v against_o they_o the_o most_o imminent_a and_o threaten_a preparation_n for_o war_n be_v not_o in_o their_o judgement_n sufficient_a to_o warrant_v their_o work_n or_o act_n of_o hostility_n on_o that_o day_n yea_o such_o be_v their_o zeal_n for_o their_o traditionary_a religion_n as_o that_o when_o the_o roman_n have_v take_v the_o temple_n and_o be_v kill_v whosoever_o they_o meet_v therein_o yet_o it_o be_v one_o of_o their_o day_n of_o fast_v survivor_n will_v not_o desist_v from_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o neither_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n nor_o the_o dreadful_a fight_n of_o dead_a and_o die_a multitude_n can_v affright_v they_o from_o act_n of_o divine_a worship_n but_o judge_v it_o better_a to_o die_v than_o to_o forsake_v their_o altar_n or_o omit_v any_o thing_n prescribe_v by_o their_o law_n they_o be_v ready_a to_o suffer_v 8._o whatever_o the_o conqueror_n think_v fit_a to_o inflict_v and_o again_o afterward_o when_o pontius_n pilate_n have_v bring_v the_o effigy_n of_o caesar_n into_o the_o city_n they_o grow_v so_o troublesome_a with_o their_o importunity_n to_o have_v it_o remove_v as_o that_o pilate_n threaten_v they_o with_o death_n if_o they_o will_v not_o depart_v and_o be_v quiet_a whereupon_o cast_v themseluâ—s_o down_o before_o he_o and_o make_v bare_a their_o throat_n they_o sayâ—d_v unto_o he_o they_o can_v soon_o endure_v death_n with_o pleasure_n than_o dare_v to_o suffer_v the_o wisdom_n of_o their_o law_n to_o be_v 4._o scâ—ssed_v at_o since_o than_o their_o zeal_n for_o their_o religion_n be_v thus_o preposterous_a and_o servant_n it_o seem_v to_o i_o more_o than_o probable_a that_o they_o be_v apt_a thereby_o to_o be_v transport_v into_o fury_n and_o madness_n at_o reason_n and_o dâ—monstrations_n make_v by_o private_a man_n of_o its_o shortness_n and_o vanity_n yea_o that_o they_o can_v not_o with_o patience_n bear_v those_o that_o do_v but_o so_o much_o as_o gentle_o suggest_v it_o as_o appear_v yet_o more_o probable_a by_o the_o explication_n their_o gemara_n giuâ—s_v of_o epicure_n viz._n that_o they_o be_v those_o who_o contemn_v the_o disciple_n of_o their_o wise_a man_n and_o for_o that_o cause_n if_o they_o be_v israelites_n they_o shall_v lose_v their_o portion_n in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v 24._o what_o then_o think_v you_o think_v they_o of_o those_o who_o have_v the_o courage_n to_o cast_v contempt_n on_o the_o dogmata_fw-la and_o tradition_n of_o the_o wise_a man_n themselves_o be_v they_o not_o look_v on_o as_o blasphemer_n oâ—_n god_n and_o enemy_n to_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n yes_o doubtless_o that_o they_o be_v for_o since_o the_o jew_n be_v thorough_o instruct_v not_o only_o to_o attribute_v a_o divine_a original_a and_o authority_n to_o the_o tradition_n of_o their_o elder_n but_o also_o to_o believe_v that_o