out_o the_o prince_n of_o that_o power_n who_o then_o but_o the_o obstinate_a for_o who_o cure_n god_n himself_o afford_v no_o remedy_n can_v doubt_v whither_o their_o power_n be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n if_o the_o prince_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o air_n be_v as_o aquinas_n probable_o conjecture_n the_o supreme_a of_o all_o the_o angel_n 7._o that_o ever_o god_n create_v it_o be_v manifest_v his_o power_n be_v inferior_a to_o none_o in_o the_o whole_a order_n of_o the_o create_a nature_n however_o for_o aught_o i_o know_v it_o ever_o be_v and_o still_o be_v so_o account_v among_o all_o jew_n and_o christian_n except_o those_o if_o there_o be_v any_o that_o deny_v his_o be_v and_o as_o for_o the_o heathen_n it_o be_v apparent_a that_o they_o think_v it_o divine_a and_o inferior_a to_o none_o yet_o as_o we_o have_v already_o abundant_o prove_v it_o be_v over_o match_v and_o conquer_v by_o the_o power_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n what_o basll_v and_o self_n condemn_v wretch_n then_o must_v those_o need_v be_v who_o will_v not_o own_v it_o to_o be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n beside_o the_o order_n of_o the_o whole_a create_v nature_n and_o if_o so_o then_o be_v their_o miracle_n the_o seal_n of_o heaven_n to_o ratify_v their_o mission_n from_o thenâ—_n and_o so_o to_o prove_v that_o they_o be_v prophet_n their_o number_n also_o as_o well_o as_o their_o nature_n speak_v they_o worthy_a to_o be_v so_o account_v for_o doubtless_o it_o do_v far_o excee_v that_o of_o those_o wrought_v by_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n the_o jew_n no_o doubt_n for_o the_o honour_n of_o moses_n their_o master_n and_o of_o their_o own_o approve_a prophet_n be_v so_o zealous_a as_o that_o they_o will_v rather_o enlarge_v than_o diminish_v the_o number_n of_o their_o miracle_n yet_o after_o their_o utmost_a diligence_n they_o can_v find_v but_o 76._o for_o moses_n their_o master_n and_o but_o 74_o for_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o the_o record_n they_o find_v so_o many_o in_o be_v not_o only_o unknown_a to_o we_o but_o also_o liable_a to_o suspicion_n of_o falsehood_n for_o we_o can_v think_v they_o their_o bible_n because_o the_o number_n therein_o contain_v after_o the_o great_a improvement_n that_o we_o can_v make_v will_v fall_v very_o short_a of_o that_o account_n that_o they_o give_v of_o it_o but_o suppose_v it_o do_v not_o what_o be_v they_o to_o those_o of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n can_v a_o exact_a account_n be_v take_v of_o all_o that_o they_o do_v i_o dare_v say_v the_o number_n of_o those_o wrought_v by_o christ_n only_o will_v be_v find_v great_a than_o that_o of_o moses_n and_o all_o the_o prophet_n put_v together_o for_o they_o be_v so_o many_o as_o that_o the_o jew_n themselves_o as_o we_o have_v already_o observe_v make_v 31._o it_o a_o question_n whether_o christ_n the_o messiah_n when_o he_o come_v will_v do_v more_o miracle_n than_o these_o which_o this_o man_n have_v do_v nothing_o but_o amazement_n at_o their_o extraordinary_a multitude_n can_v raise_v such_o a_o question_n among_o they_o which_o facilitate_v belief_n of_o st._n john_n assertion_n there_o be_v also_o many_o other_o thing_n which_o jesus_n do_v beside_o those_o record_v 25._o in_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o which_o be_v they_o shall_v be_v write_v every_o one_o i_o suppose_v that_o even_o the_o world_n itself_o can_v not_o contain_v the_o book_n which_o shall_v be_v write_v his_o supposition_n be_v a_o hyperbole_n the_o plain_a meaning_n whereof_o i_o take_v to_o be_v that_o those_o work_n of_o christ_n who_o memory_n the_o apostle_n in_o this_o his_o history_n have_v commit_v to_o write_v be_v to_o be_v look_v on_o as_o a_o small_a part_n of_o what_o jesus_n do_v as_o that_o if_o a_o full_a account_n of_o they_o all_o shall_v be_v exact_o take_v and_o describe_v in_o write_v the_o world_n will_v be_v overstocked_a and_o oppress_v with_o book_n on_o that_o subject_a if_o then_o to_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n we_o add_v those_o of_o his_o apostle_n we_o shall_v find_v reason_n to_o conclude_v they_o almost_o innumerable_a for_o since_o their_o sound_n go_v into_o all_o the_o earth_n and_o they_o themselves_o into_o almost_o all_o the_o know_a part_n of_o the_o world_n convert_v man_n by_o their_o miracle_n to_o their_o doctrine_n how_o can_v it_o be_v imagine_v that_o they_o be_v but_o few_o in_o number_n the_o devil_n be_v then_o in_o possession_n rule_v without_o control_v in_o the_o child_n of_o disobedience_n and_o the_o world_n be_v then_o asleep_a yea_o dead_a in_o trespass_n and_o sin_n and_o think_v you_o that_o a_o few_o miracle_n will_v suffice_v to_o cast_v out_o the_o one_o and_o to_o awake_v and_o raise_v the_o other_o it_o be_v much_o more_o rational_a to_o think_v that_o they_o be_v many_o yea_o so_o exceed_v many_o as_o to_o admit_v of_o no_o comparison_n with_o those_o of_o other_o in_o point_n of_o number_n and_o all_o these_o be_v do_v in_o one_o generation_n for_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v contemporary_n how_o strong_o do_v they_o prove_v and_o how_o clear_o do_v they_o declare_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o they_o that_o do_v they_o if_o judaisine_n be_v credible_a because_o in_o the_o space_n of_o above_o 3000_o year_n moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n wrought_v 150_o miracle_n to_o confirm_v it_o how_o much_o more_o credible_a be_v christianity_n because_o few_o person_n in_o the_o space_n of_o less_o than_o a_o hundred_o year_n wrought_v incomparable_o more_o to_o demonstrate_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o if_o the_o jew_n have_v reason_n to_o believe_v that_o they_o be_v prophet_n much_o more_o have_v we_o that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v so_o well_o as_o they_o especial_o consider_v that_o the_o greatness_n of_o their_o miracle_n do_v as_o just_o claim_v our_o assent_n thereunto_o as_o their_o number_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o all_o miracle_n be_v work_n of_o god_n beside_o the_o whole_a order_n of_o the_o create_a nature_n in_o respect_n of_o his_o power_n they_o be_v all_o equal_a yet_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n one_o may_v be_v great_a because_o remote_a from_o it_o or_o far_o above_o it_o than_o another_o for_o as_o aquinas_n well_o observe_v these_o work_n of_o god_n viz._n miracle_n may_v three_o way_n exceed_v the_o power_n of_o nature_n either_o first_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o fact_n whâ—n_v it_o be_v above_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n by_o any_o mean_n to_o do_v that_o which_o be_v do_v as_o that_o the_o sun_n shall_v go_v back_o or_o that_o a_o man_n body_n shall_v be_v glorify_v these_o be_v thing_n that_o nature_n can_v do_v again_o second_o other_o miracle_n there_o be_v that_o exceed_v the_o power_n of_o nature_n not_o in_o respect_n of_o that_o which_o be_v do_v but_o in_o respect_n of_o that_o wherein_o it_o be_v so_o as_o the_o raise_v of_o the_o dead_a and_o give_a sight_n unto_o the_o blind_a nature_n may_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o life_n but_o not_o in_o one_o that_o be_v dead_a and_o nature_n may_v give_v sight_n but_o not_o to_o one_o that_o be_v bear_v blind_a last_o another_o sort_n of_o miracle_n there_o be_v which_o do_v indeed_o exceed_v the_o power_n of_o nature_n but_o neither_o in_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o fact_n nor_o in_o that_o werein_o it_o be_v do_v but_o only_o 8._o in_o the_o manner_n of_o do_v as_o when_o one_o on_o a_o sudden_a by_o the_o divine_a power_n without_o the_o use_n of_o physic_n or_o accustom_a process_n of_o nature_n in_o such_o case_n be_v cure_a of_o a_o fever_n of_o these_o three_o sort_n of_o miracle_n the_o first_o be_v great_a than_o the_o second_o the_o second_o than_o the_o three_o because_o it_o far_o exceed_v the_o power_n of_o nature_n yet_o so_o as_o that_o each_o sort_v have_v divers_a degree_n of_o advance_v above_o it_o so_o that_o one_o miracle_n may_v be_v great_a than_o another_o not_o only_o of_o another_o but_o also_o of_o the_o same_o sort_n however_o sure_o we_o be_v that_o among_o the_o miracle_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n it_o be_v no_o hard_a matter_n to_o find_v instance_n of_o the_o first_o and_o second_o as_o well_o as_o the_o three_o magnitude_n witness_v his_o feed_v the_o multitude_n in_o the_o wilderness_n his_o cast_v out_o of_o devil_n his_o raise_v the_o dead_a and_o give_a sight_n unto_o the_o blind_a etc._n etc._n insomuch_o that_o since_o the_o world_n begin_v it_o be_v never_o hear_v that_o any_o man_n do_v the_o like_a and_o this_o take_v away_o all_o colour_n of_o pretence_n for_o unbelief_n for_o since_o the_o jew_n have_v reason_n to_o believe_v moses_n their_o master_n for_o his_o miracle_n much_o more_o have_v they_o to_o believe_v christ_n for_o his_o because_o the_o
do_v as_o far_o exceed_v the_o power_n of_o nature_n as_o the_o donation_n of_o blessedness_n or_o any_o thing_n else_o contain_v in_o the_o promise_n by_o they_o therefore_o it_o appear_v that_o all_o thing_n requisite_a thereunto_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o he_o by_o who_o or_o in_o who_o name_n they_o be_v do_v and_o the_o goodness_n of_o his_o miracle_n declare_v he_o as_o willing_a as_o able_a to_o bestow_v they_o on_o we_o and_o where_o both_o power_n and_o will_n do_v concur_v to_o make_v man_n bless_v it_o be_v very_o evident_a there_o be_v no_o place_n leave_v for_o diffâ—â—ence_n or_o room_n for_o despair_n since_o then_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n do_v demonstrate_v both_o his_o ability_n and_o willingness_n to_o make_v we_o bless_v and_o all_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v empty_a themselves_o into_o blessedness_n it_o thence_o follow_v that_o on_o that_o account_n we_o may_v and_o in_o reason_n we_o ought_v to_o have_v strong_a confidence_n in_o the_o promise_n but_o here_o perhaps_o some_o will_v say_v no_z because_o the_o performance_n obj._n of_o they_o in_o order_n to_o the_o acquisition_n of_o blessedness_n include_v a_o general_a resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a whiâ—h_n be_v impossible_a because_o if_o some_o man_n have_v not_o be_v nourish_v by_o feed_v on_o the_o flesh_n of_o other_o yet_o sure_o fish_n eat_v man_n and_o man_n eat_v those_o fish_n so_o that_o that_o which_o former_o be_v the_o flesh_n of_o one_o man_n be_v frequent_o take_v into_o the_o substance_n of_o another_o body_n and_o because_o it_o can_v be_v that_o the_o same_o numerical_a matter_n shall_v constitute_v divers_a body_n it_o seem_v impossible_a that_o these_o man_n shall_v have_v a_o resurrection_n ans_fw-fr be_v it_o so_o that_o a_o general_a resurrection_n seem_v incredible_a yet_o ought_v not_o that_o to_o prejudice_v our_o hope_n any_o more_o than_o the_o mystery_n of_o christianity_n do_v our_o faith_n because_o that_o he_o who_o make_v and_o reveal_v thing_n that_o pass_v our_o comprehension_n may_v propose_v the_o like_a to_o our_o hope_n and_o forasmuch_o as_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o honour_v he_o by_o the_o submission_n of_o our_o irascible_a faculty_n as_o well_o as_o rational_a it_o ought_v not_o to_o seem_v strange_a that_o so_o he_o shall_v but_o why_o shall_v it_o be_v think_v impossible_a for_o god_n to_o raise_v the_o dead_a if_o the_o loadstone_n can_v so_o extract_v the_o file_n of_o steel_n out_o of_o dust_n as_o that_o nothing_o thereof_o shall_v be_v lose_v why_o shall_v it_o be_v think_v impossible_a for_o god_n to_o gather_v together_o and_o raise_v up_o every_o the_o least_o particle_n of_o each_o man_n body_n wheresoever_o hide_v or_o intermingle_v with_o other_o and_o there_o be_v no_o fear_n of_o a_o contention_n at_o thou_o rsurrection_n among_o the_o cannibal_n or_o other_o for_o their_o respective_a body_n for_o it_o seem_v to_o i_o more_o than_o probable_a that_o infinite_a wisdom_n power_n and_o justice_n will_v so_o order_v the_o matter_n aâ—_n that_o humane_a flesh_n which_o man_n have_v devour_v 20._o shall_v be_v as_o st._n austin_n faith_n restore_v unto_o they_o in_o who_o it_o first_o begin_v to_o be_v man_n flesh_n and_o they_o from_o who_o body_n the_o restitution_n be_v make_v shall_v have_v no_o cause_n to_o be_v trouble_v at_o it_o for_o as_o the_o imperfâ—ctions_n or_o the_o defect_n of_o strength_n and_o nature_n in_o the_o body_n of_o infant_n at_o their_o decease_n shall_v by_o the_o almighty_a power_n and_o wisdom_n be_v supply_v at_o the_o resurrection_n so_o may_v and_o so_o i_o believe_v shall_v they_o nâ—r_n do_v this_o supply_n make_v they_o cease_v any_o more_o to_o be_v the_o same_o body_n than_o the_o cure_n of_o a_o old_a ulcer_n in_o the_o leg_n makâ—s_v it_o cease_v to_o be_v the_o same_o leg_n although_o in_o order_n thereunto_o the_o putrefy_a flesh_n be_v remove_v that_o sound_n may_v be_v restore_v in_o all_o this_o there_o be_v nothing_o impossible_a and_o since_o christianity_n do_v so_o clear_o assert_v a_o future_a resurrection_n and_o we_o have_v so_o much_o reason_n to_o believe_v it_o it_o be_v not_o only_o possible_a but_o probable_a that_o so_o it_o shall_v be_v however_o since_o so_o it_o may_v be_v there_o be_v no_o truth_n or_o force_n in_o the_o objection_n to_o make_v our_o christian_a hope_n unreasonable_a but_o since_o it_o grasp_v at_o nothing_o that_o be_v real_o impossible_a and_o withal_o be_v so_o well_o found_v on_o promise_n of_o who_o truth_n and_o certainty_n we_o be_v so_o abundant_o assure_v it_o must_v be_v conclude_v to_o be_v very_o rational_a sect._n 6_o last_o since_o it_o be_v thus_o reasonable_a to_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n and_o to_o hope_v in_o the_o promise_v of_o christianity_n it_o be_v also_o very_o reasonable_a for_o we_o to_o keep_v its_o commandment_n faith_n and_o hope_n be_v so_o great_a engine_n of_o action_n as_o that_o in_o natural_a and_o civil_a affair_n scarce_o any_o man_n omit_v do_v of_o any_o thing_n whereby_o he_o believe_v and_o hope_n to_o obtain_v some_o good_a or_o to_o avoid_v some_o evil_n and_o if_o in_o those_o affair_n all_o the_o world_n think_v it_o reasonable_a for_o faith_n and_o hope_n to_o set_v we_o on_o do_v why_o be_v it_o not_o so_o also_o in_o religious_a since_o therefore_o in_o these_o affair_n we_o have_v as_o we_o have_v see_v very_o fair_a ground_n to_o plant_v these_o engine_n on_o it_o be_v very_o reasonable_a to_o set_v they_o on_o work_n in_o keep_v the_o commandment_n and_o not_o for_o this_o cause_n only_o but_o especial_o because_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n who_o reveal_v they_o to_o we_o and_o impose_v they_o on_o we_o be_v prophet_n it_o be_v thence_o manifest_a that_o they_o have_v no_o less_o than_o divine_a authority_n enstamp_v upon_o they_o and_o so_o indisputable_o evident_a and_o transcendent_o great_a be_v this_o authority_n as_o that_o the_o whole_a earth_n heathen_n and_o turk_n as_o well_o as_o jew_n and_o christian_n acknowledge_v a_o obligation_n to_o obey_v it_o and_o since_o god_n command_n have_v so_o confess_v a_o obligation_n in_o they_o it_o be_v certain_o a_o part_n of_o the_o synteresis_fw-la or_o habit_n of_o practical_a principle_n wherewith_o nature_n have_v endue_v all_o man_n conscience_n that_o god_n be_v to_o be_v obey_v since_o then_o because_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v prophet_n the_o precept_n of_o that_o religion_n that_o they_o have_v teach_v we_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o command_v of_o god_n we_o be_v self-condemned_n wretch_n perhaps_o worse_o than_o infidel_n if_o we_o do_v not_o obey_v they_o but_o here_o to_o demonstrate_v at_o once_o both_o the_o nature_n and_o the_o greatness_n of_o our_o obligation_n to_o obedience_n it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o though_o it_o may_v seem_v a_o digression_n to_o inquire_v whence_o our_o obligation_n to_o obey_v god_n do_v arise_v if_o we_o consult_v the_o philosophical_a rudiment_n concern_v government_n and_o civil_a society_n for_o a_o answer_n to_o this_o question_n we_o shall_v there_o find_v it_o affirm_v that_o the_o obligation_n of_o yield_a god_n obedience_n 7._o lie_v on_o man_n by_o reason_n of_o their_o weakness_n if_o this_o shall_v seem_v hard_a to_o any_o man_n the_o author_n in_o his_o annotation_n desire_v he_o with_o a_o silent_a thought_n to_o consider_v if_o there_o be_v two_o omnipotents_a whether_o be_v bind_v to_o obey_v and_o well_o may_v it_o seem_v hard_a since_o it_o admit_v of_o no_o proof_n without_o the_o supposition_n of_o a_o impossibility_n viz._n that_o there_o may_v be_v two_o omnipotents_a which_o can_v be_v because_o the_o one_o be_v or_o it_o be_v not_o able_a to_o destroy_v the_o other_o if_o it_o be_v than_o the_o other_o be_v not_o omnipotent_a because_o it_o be_v not_o able_a to_o resist_v it_o if_o it_o be_v not_o then_o be_v it_o not_o omnipotent_a because_o there_o be_v something_o which_o it_o can_v do_v so_o that_o the_o be_v of_o two_o omnipotents_a be_v impossible_a let_v a_o man_n therefore_o consider_v his_o argue_v with_o never_o so_o silent_a a_o thought_n he_o shall_v find_v but_o little_a or_o no_o force_n in_o it_o and_o true_o though_o our_o saviour_n admonish_v paul_n who_o at_o that_o time_n be_v a_o enemy_n to_o the_o church_n that_o he_o shall_v not_o kick_v against_o the_o prick_n seem_v to_o require_v obedience_n from_o he_o for_o this_o cause_n because_o he_o have_v not_o power_n enough_o to_o resist_v yet_o do_v it_o not_o thence_o follow_v that_o his_o weakness_n be_v the_o formal_a reason_n of_o his_o obligation_n to_o yield_v obedience_n because_o there_o may_v be_v many_o motive_n to_o obey_v beside_o the_o basis_n and_o radix_fw-la of_o our_o obligation_n so_o to_o do_v in_o the_o advice_n of_o a_o friend_n there_o be_v no_o obligation_n at_o all_o
always_o impart_v they_o be_v clothe_v with_o the_o holy_a spirit_n neither_o do_v they_o need_v to_o prepare_v themselves_o to_o prophesy_v but_o be_v always_o dispose_v and_o in_o a_o readiness_n to_o deliver_v such_o truth_n of_o god_n as_o can_v no_o way_n be_v know_v but_o by_o the_o free_a influx_n of_o the_o divine_a mind_n upon_o they_o i_o e._n by_o prophecy_n have_v not_o all_o this_o be_v true_a it_o will_v be_v very_o hard_a to_o conceive_v how_o without_o any_o premeditation_n they_o can_v possible_o have_v have_v a_o mouth_n and_o wisdom_n which_o all_o their_o adversary_n be_v not_o able_a to_o 15._o gainsay_v nor_o resist_v have_v not_o the_o divine_a spirit_n be_v always_o present_a with_o they_o it_o have_v be_v impossible_a for_o they_o on_o all_o occasion_n even_o before_o king_n and_o other_o ruler_n so_o to_o speak_v as_o that_o all_o their_o adversary_n can_v not_o with_o any_o show_n of_o truth_n make_v any_o opposition_n against_o it_o and_o have_v it_o not_o be_v true_a that_o so_o they_o do_v it_o be_v altogether_o unlikely_a that_o their_o adversary_n will_v have_v burst_v out_o into_o such_o rage_n and_o passion_n such_o cruelty_n and_o inhumanity_n as_o we_o find_v they_o often_o do_v against_o they_o it_o seem_v therefore_o the_o degree_n they_o have_v of_o prophecy_n be_v no_o whit_n inserior_fw-la to_o that_o of_o moses_n but_o whether_o it_o be_v or_o no_o be_v a_o question_n that_o i_o be_o not_o solicitous_a about_o from_o what_o i_o have_v 1._o discourse_v concern_v the_o nature_n of_o prophecy_n in_o general_n it_o may_v not_o obscure_o be_v collect_v that_o if_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v man_n who_o by_o immediate_a influence_n from_o god_n upon_o their_o mind_n and_o faculty_n do_v attain_v to_o such_o knowledge_n of_o his_o mind_n as_o by_o their_o natural_a ability_n will_v be_v unattainable_a it_o be_v as_o much_o as_o i_o mean_v and_o contend_v for_o in_o the_o word_n prophet_n now_o that_o such_o knowledge_n they_o have_v together_o with_o commission_n from_o god_n to_o teach_v it_o it_o be_v the_o primary_n design_n of_o this_o treatise_n to_o prove_v yet_o that_o be_v not_o my_o ultimate_a aim_n therein_o but_o beside_o that_o i_o have_v do_v my_o endeavour_n as_o much_o as_o i_o can_v within_o the_o bound_n of_o the_o propose_a method_n to_o conciliate_v our_o most_o excellent_a religion_n to_o our_o reason_n and_o to_o settle_v it_o as_o much_o as_o in_o i_o lie_v upon_o its_o true_a foundation_n in_o order_n to_o this_o end_n i_o have_v in_o the_o four_o chapter_n discourse_v somewhat_o more_o large_o than_o perhaps_o otherwise_o be_v requisite_a about_o the_o transcendent_a wisdom_n of_o christianity_n and_o have_v add_v the_o six_o chapter_n almost_o on_o purpose_n to_o shake_v the_o sandy_a foundation_n of_o bare_a humane_a authority_n whereon_o mr._n hobbs_n and_o his_o complice_n will_v have_v it_o whole_o to_o depend_v i_o do_v most_o free_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n be_v very_o great_a about_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o that_o the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v exceed_o oblige_v to_o those_o christian_a prince_n who_o by_o good_a and_o wholesome_a law_n be_v become_v its_o nurse_n father_n yet_o can_v i_o not_o believe_v there_o be_v nothing_o of_o obligation_n in_o christianity_n beside_o what_o it_o receive_v extrinsecal_o from_o the_o law_n of_o civil_a sovereign_n the_o reason_n the_o leviathan_n give_v of_o this_o position_n i_o endeavour_v to_o answer_v and_o expose_v to_o this_o undertake_n it_o be_v i_o hope_v nothing_o but_o a_o just_a resentment_n of_o the_o affront_v mr._n hobbs_n have_v cast_v and_o injury_n he_o have_v do_v to_o our_o religion_n thereby_o i_o can_v hardly_o think_v any_o man_n worthy_a the_o name_n of_o a_o good_a christian_a much_o less_o of_o a_o minister_n of_o christ_n that_o can_v read_v such_o pernicious_a principle_n and_o perverse_a dispute_n against_o the_o honour_n of_o his_o religion_n without_o something_o of_o indignation_n for_o to_o make_v religion_n so_o to_o truckle_n under_o civil_a sovereign_n as_o in_o and_o of_o itself_o to_o have_v nothing_o of_o obligation_n what_o be_v it_o less_o than_o to_o clip_v the_o wing_n of_o all_o true_a devotion_n towards_o god_n and_o render_v it_o unable_a to_o fly_v high_a than_o the_o throne_n and_o sceptre_n on_o earth_n yea_o also_o and_o to_o null_a the_o authority_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o buy_v we_o for_o though_o all_o power_n be_v give_v to_o he_o in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n yet_o this_o opinion_n make_v he_o so_o far_o from_o be_v the_o prince_n of_o the_o king_n of_o 5._o the_o earth_n as_o that_o he_o be_v at_o best_a but_o their_o counsellor_n modest_o propose_v his_o advice_n which_o it_o seem_v they_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o take_v because_o that_o neither_o he_o nor_o his_o apostle_n have_v a_o kingdom_n and_o so_o can_v make_v no_o law_n for_o which_o reason_n such_o as_o it_o be_v the_o leviathan_n affirm_v that_o the_o command_v of_o the_o gospel_n be_v but_o precept_n or_o invitation_n of_o man_n to_o receive_v it_o and_o invitation_n we_o know_v we_o may_v accept_v of_o or_o refuse_v as_o we_o think_v fit_a and_o yet_o without_o sin_n so_o that_o our_o acceptance_n be_v a_o act_n of_o civility_n rather_o than_o of_o duty_n and_o our_o refusal_n a_o act_n of_o unkindness_n and_o not_o at_o all_o of_o disobedience_n have_v not_o civil_a sovereign_n do_v christianity_n the_o kindness_n to_o imbody_n it_o into_o their_o law_n we_o have_v be_v under_o no_o obligation_n to_o be_v christian_n we_o may_v have_v be_v turk_n or_o jew_n pagan_n or_o atheist_n and_o yet_o without_o sin_n and_o what_o will_v a_o laodicean_n desire_v more_o how_o kind_o do_v it_o cajole_a his_o lukewarmness_n and_o how_o fair_o do_v it_o promise_v he_o security_n from_o danger_n by_o be_v against_o christ_n in_o his_o heart_n and_o life_n as_o long_o as_o he_o be_v with_o he_o in_o his_o profession_n thus_o do_v it_o turn_n christianity_n into_o hypocrisy_n and_o make_v we_o to_o serve_v god_n for_o fear_n of_o men._n but_o if_o we_o be_v not_o so_o bere_v of_o reason_n as_o to_o think_v that_o god_n borrow_v his_o authority_n from_o his_o lieutenant_n than_o the_o philosophical_a rudiment_n of_o that_o epicurean_a whereof_o the_o author_n of_o the_o late_a reflection_n on_o philosophy_n say_v thomas_n hobbs_n be_v one_o of_o the_o bold_a 9_o of_o these_o last_o age_n have_v take_v care_n to_o corrupt_v our_o religion_n another_o way_n and_o that_o be_v by_o persuade_v we_o to_o think_v that_o the_o obligation_n of_o yield_a god_n obedience_n lie_v upon_o we_o by_o reason_n of_o our_o weakness_n this_o convert_v religion_n into_o superstition_n for_o it_o make_v we_o to_o serve_v god_n not_o out_o of_o love_n to_o his_o goodness_n but_o only_o for_o fear_v of_o his_o greatness_n if_o we_o can_v resist_v he_o and_o escape_v harmless_a it_o be_v no_o matter_n it_o seem_v if_o we_o do_v but_o since_o we_o can_v we_o must_v obey_v thus_o be_v we_o drag_v to_o obedience_n by_o the_o force_n of_o mere_a omnipotence_n and_o when_o we_o be_v so_o it_o be_v evident_a we_o be_v act_v by_o such_o dreadful_a and_o terrible_a apprehension_n of_o the_o deity_n as_o debauch_v our_o religion_n and_o make_v it_o a_o mere_a slavery_n utter_o inconsistent_a with_o that_o charity_n or_o love_n of_o god_n without_o which_o the_o most_o liberal_a alms-deed_n and_o martyrdom_n itself_o much_o less_o inferior_a act_n of_o worship_n will_v find_v no_o acceptance_n this_o therefore_o i_o look_v on_o as_o another_o most_o pernicious_a principle_n and_o for_o that_o cause_n i_o have_v make_v a_o long_a digression_n to_o prove_v that_o god_n dominion_n be_v not_o found_v in_o his_o sole_a irresistible_a power_n but_o that_o he_o have_v a_o right_a to_o rule_v we_o from_o his_o great_a mercy_n and_o goodness_n to_o we_o in_o his_o work_n of_o creation_n providence_n and_o redemption_n and_o forasmuch_o as_o it_o be_v requisite_a for_o all_o christian_n right_o to_o understand_v this_o latter_a which_o be_v at_o first_o make_v know_v unto_o we_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophâ—â—y_n in_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n i_o have_v sâ—â—ar_o enlarge_v the_o digression_n as_o to_o giâ—e_v a_o account_n of_o it_o that_o from_o thence_o we_o may_v see_v what_o obligation_n â—herefrom_o do_v arise_v upon_o we_o to_o keâ—p_v the_o commâ—nds_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o therewith_o i_o put_v a_o end_n to_o this_o treatise_n wherein_o perhaps_o the_o reader_n may_v find_v a_o coincidence_n of_o expression_n and_o it_o may_v be_v of_o matter_n also_o if_o he_o be_v inquisitive_a after_o the_o occasion_n of_o it_o he_o may_v please_v to_o know_v that_o it_o be_v write_v temporibus_fw-la successivis_fw-la which_o often_o be_v so_o
endowment_n with_o good_n both_o of_o wit_n and_o fortune_n 3._o sequestration_n from_o the_o common_a and_o profane_a manner_n of_o live_v 4._o convenience_n of_o place_n and_o that_o they_o make_v proper_a to_o their_o own_o land_n 5._o seasonableness_n of_o time_n because_o say_v they_o all_o time_n be_v not_o equal_o apt_a for_o the_o reception_n of_o prophecy_n 1._o 6._o divine_a disposition_n or_o the_o free_a gift_n and_o suggestion_n of_o god_n the_o necessity_n of_o all_o these_o be_v deserve_o question_v not_o only_o by_o christian_n but_o also_o by_o some_o of_o the_o jew_n themselves_o insomuth_n that_o as_o far_o as_o i_o can_v find_v there_o be_v no_o one_o of_o they_o that_o have_v speak_v distinct_o of_o they_o all_o as_o requisite_n to_o prophecy_n yet_o one_o maxim_n there_o be_v pertinent_a to_o this_o subject_a whereunto_o they_o all_o seem_v to_o yield_v assent_n and_o that_o be_v that_o prophecy_n re_v on_o none_o but_o the_o wise_a the_o strong_a and_o the_o zer_n rich._n this_o say_n among_o the_o jew_n be_v perhaps_o think_v worthy_a of_o all_o acceptation_n yet_o by_o some_o christian_n it_o be_v esteem_v more_o worthy_a of_o rejection_n not_o only_o because_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v not_o tie_v his_o gift_n to_o such_o requisite_n but_o also_o because_o it_o sâ—ems_v to_o savour_v of_o a_o design_n to_o kâ—ep_v people_n in_o unbelief_n of_o christianity_n such_o we_o know_v be_v the_o mâ—lice_n of_o the_o jew_n against_o the_o son_n of_o god_n as_o that_o their_o rabbi_n labour_v what_o they_o can_v to_o hinder_v the_o growth_n of_o our_o christian_a faith_n to_o that_o end_n they_o have_v teach_v such_o principle_n and_o magisterial_o dictate_v such_o say_n and_o rule_n to_o the_o people_n as_o be_v apt_a to_o prepossess_v their_o mind_n and_o fortify_v their_o unbelieve_a heart_n with_o such_o prâ—judices_fw-la as_o make_v they_o impregnable_a by_o all_o the_o weapon_n and_o strength_n of_o our_o christian_a warfare_n such_o as_o these_o be_v those_o fundamental_a article_n of_o their_o faith_n concern_v the_o perpetuity_n and_o immutability_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o time_n of_o the_o come_n of_o the_o mâ—ssâ—as_n which_o opinion_n seem_v form_v almost_o on_o purpose_n to_o hinder_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o stop_v its_o course_n among_o men._n and_o in_o my_o apprehension_n the_o rule_n now_o under_o debate_n may_v be_v think_v like_o unto_o they_o for_o while_o man_n believe_v that_o prophecy_n rest_v on_o none_o but_o the_o wise_a the_o strong_a and_o the_o rich_a how_o hard_o be_v it_o for_o they_o to_o believe_v that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v prophet_n the_o reason_n be_v because_o in_o their_o birth_n and_o body_n their_o education_n and_o fortune_n thâ—re_o seem_v little_a or_o nothing_o that_o may_v denominate_v they_o so_o qualify_v but_o much_o otherwise_o for_o this_o reason_n be_v there_o no_o other_o we_o christian_n have_v just_a cause_n to_o question_v this_o rule_n of_o their_o rabbi_n but_o moreover_o we_o be_v sure_a that_o it_o be_v not_o universal_o true_a and_o indeed_o the_o jew_n themselves_o confess_v as_o much_o for_o they_o except_o moses_n and_o samuel_n amos_n and_o ionas_n from_o it_o whereunto_o they_o may_v have_v add_v deborah_n and_o elisha_n 4._o whereof_o the_o former_a although_o a_o prophetess_n yet_o be_v one_o of_o the_o weak_a sex_n sure_o be_v not_o so_o strong_a as_o this_o râ—le_n will_v have_v the_o prophet_n and_o 19_o elisha_n be_v call_v from_o follow_v the_o plough_n and_o so_o not_o likely_a to_o have_v be_v so_o wise_a and_o learned_a as_o this_o rule_n pretâ—nds_v the_o prophet_n shall_v and_o then_o as_o for_o riches_n we_o may_v well_o say_v with_o vorstius_n there_o be_v nothing_o more_o foolish_a and_o unsavoury_a than_o to_o join_v matter_n of_o money_n with_o the_o prophetic_a office_n or_o spirit_n his_o reason_n be_v manifest_a because_o it_o be_v certain_o apparent_a that_o many_o if_o not_o most_o of_o the_o prophet_n be_v sometime_o reduce_v to_o such_o poverty_n as_o that_o they_o endure_v hunger_n yea_o perhaps_o cold_a and_o nakedness_n through_o their_o want_n and_o pentoy_n yet_o still_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophesy_n rest_v on_o they_o by_o these_o their_o concession_n and_o observation_n it_o plain_o appear_v that_o this_o their_o rule_n according_a to_o the_o most_o common_a acceptation_n of_o the_o word_n among_o the_o vulgar_a be_v not_o universal_o true_a there_o be_v no_o indispensible_a necessity_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o that_o seâ—ms_n to_o make_v requisite_a for_o the_o reception_n of_o prophecy_n i_o be_o therefore_o incline_v to_o think_v that_o that_o opinion_n concern_v the_o election_n of_o prophet_n which_o mâ—imenides_n ascribe_v to_o the_o vulgar_a 4._o be_v the_o only_a true_a one_o namely_o that_o god_n choose_v and_o send_v who_o he_o please_v without_o regard_v whether_o they_o be_v wise_a and_o learned_a ignorant_a young_a or_o old_a and_o if_o so_o than_o we_o may_v conclude_v with_o hottinger_n that_o this_o rule_n be_v not_o worth_a a_o nutshell_n or_o else_o we_o must_v find_v out_o some_o sâ—nse_n wherein_o it_o may_v be_v admit_v but_o admit_v it_o i_o think_v we_o may_v not_o unless_o it_o be_v on_o these_o two_o condition_n 1._o that_o the_o prophet_n wisdom_n distinct_a from_o that_o they_o have_v by_o revelation_n be_v not_o think_v always_o to_o consist_v in_o humane_a learning_n acquire_v by_o sâ—udy_n but_o in_o their_o natural_a sagacity_n or_o prudence_n improve_v by_o experience_n or_o otherwise_o and_o that_o their_o strength_n be_v not_o always_o that_o of_o the_o body_n but_o the_o fortitude_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o last_o that_o their_o riches_n be_v not_o those_o of_o the_o world_n but_o of_o virtue_n and_o probity_n of_o manner_n 2._o that_o these_o thing_n even_o thus_o understand_v be_v not_o make_v necessary_a antecedent_n of_o prophecy_n but_o concomitant_a attendant_n on_o it_o they_o be_v not_o necessary_a for_o the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n but_o convenient_a for_o the_o office_n of_o a_o prophet_n in_o this_o sense_n and_o this_o only_a the_o jew_n perhaps_o may_v justify_v their_o rule_n and_o we_o may_v allow_v it_o some_o measure_n of_o admittance_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n we_o be_v not_o unwilling_a that_o the_o spirit_n or_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n which_o we_o assert_v to_o have_v be_v in_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n shall_v be_v try_v by_o it_o in_o order_n whereunto_o it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o take_v a_o distinct_a survey_n of_o the_o prophet_n wisdom_n strength_n and_o riches_n by_o the_o prophet_n wisdom_n maimonides_n understand_v humane_a learning_n and_o knowledge_n acquire_v by_o study_n this_o therefore_o say_v he_o be_v our_o foundation_n without_o without_o study_n and_o perfection_n no_o man_n can_v prophesy_v and_o 32._o that_o the_o possibility_n of_o it_o depend_v thereon_o but_o be_v samuel_n perfect_a in_o his_o childhood_n have_v elisha_n and_o amos_n be_v so_o studious_a as_o to_o arrive_v at_o perfection_n before_o god_n take_v the_o one_o from_o hold_v the_o plough_n and_o the_o other_o from_o follow_v the_o flock_n it_o seem_v not_o although_o 15._o therefore_o maimonides_n be_v a_o master-builder_n in_o israel_n yet_o he_o lay_v his_o foundation_n in_o the_o sand_n otherwise_o it_o can_v not_o have_v be_v so_o easy_o shake_v we_o be_v not_o of_o his_o mind_n that_o fool_n and_o son_n of_o the_o earth_n can_v possible_o prophesy_v no_o more_o than_o a_o ass_n or_o a_o frog_n or_o the_o possibility_n of_o prophecy_n have_v a_o dependence_n on_o study_n and_o perfection_n acquire_v by_o it_o we_o dare_v not_o so_o to_o limit_v the_o almighty_a or_o set_v bound_n to_o omnipotence_n yet_o we_o think_v it_o become_v the_o excellency_n of_o prophecy_n and_o convenient_a for_o the_o office_n of_o a_o prophet_n that_o the_o person_n inspire_v shall_v be_v one_o of_o no_o contemptible_a natural_a part_n and_o prudence_n not_o that_o natural_a sagacity_n or_o any_o acquire_v endowment_n can_v conduce_v by_o way_n of_o efficiency_n to_o the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n but_o yet_o they_o may_v and_o do_v by_o way_n of_o anticipation_n although_o they_o be_v not_o absolute_o needful_a in_o order_n to_o the_o production_n or_o reception_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n yet_o they_o be_v convenient_a to_o anticipate_v and_o prevent_v the_o prejudices_fw-la which_o otherwise_o will_v arise_v against_o the_o person_n of_o the_o prophet_n how_o hard_o a_o thing_n be_v it_o especial_o if_o their_o age_n be_v such_o as_o we_o to_o make_v man_n believe_v that_o the_o god_n of_o infinite_a wisdom_n will_v inspire_v man_n of_o shallow_a intellectual_n and_o incompetent_a apprehension_n prophecy_n be_v one_o of_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o perfection_n whereof_o in_o this_o life_n our_o humane_a nature_n be_v capable_a and_o how_o hardly_o be_v we_o persuade_v
that_o so_o good_a and_o perfect_a a_o gift_n shall_v be_v congruous_o bestow_v by_o the_o most_o wise_a disposer_n of_o all_o thing_n but_o if_o they_o be_v so_o successful_a as_o to_o convince_v man_n of_o their_o call_v yet_o how_o can_v they_o perform_v their_o office_n without_o discretion_n and_o prudence_n by_o their_o office_n as_o we_o may_v gather_v from_o the_o use_n of_o 16._o their_o scripture_n the_o prophet_n be_v to_o teach_v reprove_v correct_v and_o instruct_v man_n in_o righteousness_n to_o declare_v what_o they_o ought_v to_o know_v and_o believe_v to_o convince_v they_o in_o falsehood_n and_o error_n to_o reform_v and_o amend_v their_o life_n to_o build_v they_o up_o and_o carry_v they_o on_o unto_o perfection_n in_o all_o virtue_n and_o holiness_n of_o live_v without_o discretion_n and_o prudence_n who_o be_v sufficient_a for_o these_o thing_n can_v ignorance_n teach_v or_o folly_n reprove_v can_v weakness_n of_o judgement_n demolish_v the_o strong_a hold_v of_o error_n or_o discover_v the_o fallacy_n of_o falsehood_n can_v shallow_a apprehension_n fathom_v the_o depth_n of_o sin_n or_o detect_v the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n can_v idiot_n make_v man_n wise_a or_o fool_n instruct_v other_o in_o righteousness_n yet_o so_o they_o must_v unless_o the_o rational_a faculty_n of_o the_o people_n rather_o than_o of_o the_o prophet_n be_v almost_o whole_o absorb_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n and_o so_o their_o wisdom_n and_o holiness_n be_v increase_v by_o a_o strange_a antiperistasis_n of_o folly_n and_o ignorance_n than_o which_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o unlikely_a and_o ridiculous_a it_o must_v therefore_o be_v grant_v to_o the_o jew_n that_o god_n prophet_n be_v though_o it_o may_v be_v not_o always_o learned_a in_o language_n art_n and_o science_n etc._n etc._n yet_o wise_a and_o prudent_a man_n and_o this_o their_o prudence_n dwell_v with_o such_o knowledge_n as_o be_v unattainable_a without_o revelation_n and_o that_o in_o one_o or_o more_o of_o these_o three_o respect_n either_o first_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n know_v as_o in_o their_o prediction_n of_o future_a contingence_n of_o which_o hereafter_o or_o second_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o knowledge_n my_o meaning_n be_v that_o those_o thing_n which_o of_o their_o own_o nature_n be_v such_o as_o may_v have_v be_v know_v by_o the_o power_n of_o our_o natural_a ability_n be_v sometime_o make_v know_v to_o the_o prophet_n by_o immediate_a revelation_n thus_o the_o prophet_n samuel_n know_v where_o saul_n ass_n be_v and_o 9_o thus_o elisha_n know_v whither_o his_o servant_n gehazi_n be_v go_v and_o what_o he_o do_v when_o he_o follow_v naaman_n 26._o and_o have_v overtake_v he_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o the_o measure_n of_o their_o knowledge_n thâ—re_o be_v nothing_o extraordinary_a but_o the_o thing_n themselves_o be_v remote_a from_o these_o prophet_n and_o they_o not_o be_v inform_v by_o any_o creature_n concern_v they_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o knowledge_n or_o the_o mean_n whereby_o they_o attain_v unto_o it_o be_v supernatural_a three_o the_o prophet_n knowledge_n of_o some_o thing_n be_v supernatural_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o measure_n of_o it_o as_o be_v evident_a by_o their_o clear_n up_o the_o principle_n of_o natural_a theology_n and_o this_o they_o have_v do_v so_o 47._o successful_o as_o that_o tertullian_n offer_v to_o prove_v to_o the_o gentile_n that_o not_o only_o their_o poet_n and_o their_o sophister_n drink_v out_o of_o the_o prophet_n fountain_n but_o also_o their_o philosopher_n quench_v the_o thirst_n of_o their_o wit_n therefrom_o they_o all_o be_v plagiaries_n and_o steal_v the_o choice_a of_o their_o notion_n from_o the_o revelation_n make_v to_o the_o prophet_n how_o partial_a then_o be_v we_o in_o count_v the_o philosopher_n wise_a unless_o we_o also_o reckon_v that_o the_o prophet_n do_v excel_v they_o in_o wisdom_n if_o not_o in_o respect_n of_o that_o which_o they_o themselves_o acquire_v yet_o in_o respect_n of_o that_o which_o be_v reveal_v unto_o they_o and_o this_o their_o wisdom_n be_v far_o more_o excellent_a than_o that_o of_o the_o philosopher_n not_o only_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o matter_n manner_n or_o measure_n of_o it_o but_o also_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o effect_n or_o operation_n of_o it_o in_o they_o and_o this_o bring_v i_o to_o the_o second_o thing_n inquire_v after_o by_o the_o jew_n in_o the_o trial_n of_o prophet_n â—amely_o their_o strength_n or_o fortitude_n so_o servile_a and_o pusillanimous_a be_v the_o heathen_a philosopher_n even_a plato_n himself_o as_o that_o for_o fear_n graec._n of_o man_n they_o conceal_v truth_n of_o great_a importance_n thus_o may_v man_n do_v by_o acquire_v knowledge_n but_o not_o with_o infuse_v at_o least_o not_o so_o easy_o that_o which_o they_o get_v by_o study_n they_o may_v stifle_v but_o what_o they_o have_v by_o prophecy_n they_o can_v hardly_o conceal_v be_v not_o my_o word_n like_o as_o fire_n say_v the_o lord_n and_o like_o a_o 29._o hammer_n that_o break_v the_o rock_n in_o piece_n the_o word_n of_o prophesy_n can_v hardly_o be_v imprison_v in_o unrighteousness_n the_o prophet_n must_v â—ither_o burn_v or_o break_v unless_o they_o utter_v it_o hence_o no_o doubt_n it_o be_v that_o when_o the_o prophet_n jeremiah_n be_v so_o passionate_a and_o pettish_a as_o to_o say_v i_o will_v not_o make_v mention_n of_o the_o lord_n nor_o speak_v any_o more_o in_o his_o name_n he_o think_v no_o doubt_n it_o have_v bâ—â—n_v in_o his_o power_n to_o have_v conceal_v god_n word_n and_o he_o it_o seem_v resolve_v so_o to_o do_v but_o say_v he_o his_o word_n be_v in_o my_o heart_n as_o a_o burn_a fire_n shut_v up_o â—_o in_o my_o bone_n and_o i_o be_v weary_a with_o forbear_v and_o i_o can_v not_o stay_v such_o be_v the_o strength_n of_o the_o prophetic_a impression_n and_o such_o the_o energy_n of_o its_o power_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o prophet_n as_o that_o like_o a_o fire_n burn_v in_o their_o bone_n it_o will_v force_v its_o way_n out_o or_o else_o consume_v they_o this_o i_o presume_v be_v a_o great_a cause_n of_o that_o admirable_a fortitude_n and_o magnanimity_n which_o make_v they_o despise_v the_o terror_n of_o man_n and_o the_o threat_n of_o wicked_a prince_n neither_o the_o indocible_a temper_n of_o the_o people_n nor_o the_o ruggedness_n of_o their_o behaviour_n neither_o the_o power_n of_o monarch_n nor_o the_o menace_n of_o ruler_n can_v ever_o deter_v they_o from_o utter_v their_o prophecy_n of_o this_o we_o have_v a_o pregnant_a instance_n in_o moses_n who_o with_o nothing_o but_o his_o staff_n go_v bold_o to_o pharaoh_n and_o notwithstanding_o his_o power_n and_o tyranny_n undaunted_o tell_v he_o the_o lord_n god_n of_o israel_n will_v have_v he_o to_o let_v his_o people_n go_v 1._o and_o because_o pharaoh_n harden_v his_o heart_n and_o will_v not_o hearken_v moses_n threaten_v he_o to_o his_o face_n that_o the_o water_n in_o the_o river_n shall_v be_v turn_v into_o blood_n etc._n and_o that_o all_o his_o border_n shall_v be_v smite_v with_o frog_n etc._n etc._n thus_o do_v he_o prevail_v against_o a_o mighty_a king_n and_o retrieve_v a_o whole_a nation_n out_o of_o bondage_n nor_o be_v this_o courage_n peculiar_a to_o the_o mosaic_a degree_n of_o prophecy_n but_o common_a therewith_o to_o other_o as_o appear_v by_o nathan_n application_n of_o his_o parable_n to_o david_n 18._o elijah_n reprehension_n of_o ahab_n isaiah_n jeremiah_n ezekiel_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o prophet_n most_o faithful_a and_o courageous_a discharge_n of_o their_o office_n they_o all_o therein_o have_v and_o discover_v such_o prowess_n and_o fortitude_n such_o magnanimity_n and_o nobleness_n of_o resolution_n as_o can_v be_v parallel_v by_o the_o example_n of_o the_o most_o heroic_a teacher_n of_o wisdom_n and_o virtue_n among_o the_o gentile_n that_o therefore_o in_o respect_n of_o this_o their_o fortitude_n and_o courage_n in_o the_o execution_n of_o their_o office_n the_o prophet_n be_v always_o strong_a will_v easy_o be_v grant_v but_o that_o they_o be_v always_o rich_a in_o respect_n of_o worldly_a wealth_n may_v just_o be_v deny_v and_o since_o the_o jew_n give_v we_o no_o reason_n for_o their_o confidence_n in_o affirm_v it_o we_o need_v give_v they_o none_o for_o our_o deny_v it_o yet_o since_o the_o rabbi_n be_v oftentimes_o please_v to_o speak_v mystical_o in_o other_o thing_n it_o be_v possible_a they_o do_v so_o in_o this_o and_o if_o they_o do_v so_o who_o know_v but_o that_o the_o word_n rich_a may_v be_v take_v in_o they_o as_o it_o 6._o once_o be_v in_o solomon_n viz._n for_o one_o that_o be_v rich_a not_o so_o much_o money_n and_o earthly_a possession_n as_o in_o prudence_n and_o moral_a virtue_n which_o conjecture_n seem_v somewhat_o strengthen_v by_o
yet_o there_o may_v be_v great_a reason_n to_o take_v it_o and_o since_o the_o command_n of_o a_o superior_a much_o more_o of_o god_n may_v equal_v it_o in_o goodness_n there_o certain_o may_v be_v some_o reason_n to_o obey_v it_o beside_o the_o power_n it_o have_v of_o oblige_v to_o obedience_n and_o this_o be_v saul_n case_n his_o duty_n undoubted_o it_o be_v to_o desist_v from_o persecution_n to_o induce_v or_o persuade_v he_o hereunto_o our_o bless_a saviour_n tell_v he_o it_o be_v hard_a for_o thou_o to_o kick_v against_o the_o prick_n i._n e._n thou_o will_v expose_v thyself_o to_o danger_n by_o persist_v in_o thy_o way_n therefore_o desist_v from_o it_o but_o the_o assertion_n now_o under_o consideration_n be_v a_o deduction_n from_o another_o position_n send_v we_o back_o to_o the_o five_o article_n where_o we_o find_v it_o affirm_v that_o god_n have_v a_o right_a to_o rule_v and_o to_o punish_v those_o who_o break_v his_o law_n from_o his_o sole_a irresistible_a power_n and_o that_o god_n almighty_n derive_v his_o right_n of_o sovereignty_n from_o the_o power_n itself_o to_o say_v that_o the_o right_n of_o sovereignty_n in_o the_o sovereign_n of_o all_o sovereign_n be_v derive_v be_v certain_o somewhat_o incongruous_a but_o let_v that_o pass_n it_o be_v plain_a his_o meaning_n be_v that_o god_n be_v our_o sovereign_a lord_n because_o his_o power_n be_v irresistible_a so_o that_o his_o dominion_n arise_v from_o his_o 4._o power_n for_o proof_n hereof_o he_o allege_v a_o place_n or_o 7._o two_o out_o of_o job_n but_o how_o much_o they_o be_v to_o the_o purpose_n will_v best_o be_v see_v by_o abridge_n the_o analysis_n of_o the_o disputation_n between_o job_n and_o his_o friend_n occasion_v by_o his_o affliction_n the_o question_n discuss_v be_v whether_o the_o righteousness_n or_o unrighteousness_n the_o sincerity_n or_o hypocrisy_n of_o a_o person_n pretend_v to_o serve_v god_n may_v be_v judge_v of_o by_o god_n outward_a dispensation_n of_o prosperity_n or_o adversity_n unto_o he_o this_o question_n be_v stiff_o affirm_v by_o eliphaz_n bildad_n and_o zophar_n the_o opponent_n and_o as_o vehement_o deny_v by_o job_n the_o respondent_fw-la and_o so_o they_o join_v issue_n in_o the_o management_n of_o this_o dispute_n although_o job_n be_v in_o the_o right_n yet_o it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o sometime_o be_v chafe_v into_o passion_n either_o by_o the_o sharpness_n of_o his_o suffering_n â—or_a the_o bitterness_n of_o his_o opponent_n invective_n he_o speak_v unadvised_o and_o rash_o 22._o even_o of_o god_n himself_o who_o he_o dare_o challenge_v either_o to_o call_v and_o he_o will_v answer_v or_o to_o let_v he_o speak_v and_o god_n shall_v answer_v hereupon_o god_n have_v hear_v both_o he_o and_o they_o for_o the_o vindication_n of_o his_o own_o honour_n and_o for_o the_o satisfaction_n and_o humiliation_n of_o his_o servant_n job_n be_v please_v to_o answer_v he_o out_o of_o the_o whirlwind_n and_o say_v 1._o where_o be_v thou_o when_o i_o lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o earth_n etc._n etc._n hereupon_o job_n be_v so_o far_o convince_v of_o the_o folly_n and_o evil_n the_o irreverence_n and_o rashness_n of_o 4._o his_o challenge_n and_o expostulation_n with_o god_n as_o that_o he_o confess_v his_o own_o vileness_n and_o lay_v his_o hand_n upâ—n_o his_o mouth_n after_o this_o it_o please_v god_n to_o 6._o â—nlarge_v his_o answer_n so_o far_o as_o that_o job_n abhor_v himself_o and_o do_v repent_v in_o dust_n and_o ash_n the_o lord_n then_o cease_v to_o speak_v any_o more_o unto_o job_n be_v please_v direct_o to_o determine_v the_o question_n dispute_v on_o between_o he_o and_o his_o opponent_n this_o he_o do_v by_o say_v unto_o â—â—â—phaz_n my_o wrath_n be_v kindle_v against_o 7._o thou_o and_o against_o â—hy_a two_o friend_n for_o you_o have_v not_o speak_v of_o i_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v right_a as_o my_o servant_n job_n bath_n how_o these_o text_n do_v prove_v that_o god_n have_v his_o right_n of_o sovereignty_n from_o his_o sole_a irresistible_a power_n he_o must_v have_v other_o eye_n than_o i_o that_o can_v see_v agreeable_a to_o this_o be_v his_o argue_v from_o that_o speech_n of_o our_o saviour_n in_o the_o man_n case_n who_o be_v bear_v blind_a when_o his_o disciple_n ask_v he_o whether_o he_o or_o his_o parent_n have_v sin_v that_o he_o be_v bear_v blind_a he_o answer_v neither_o have_v this_o man_n sin_v nor_o his_o parent_n 3._o but_o that_o the_o work_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v manifest_a in_o he_o for_o though_o it_o be_v say_v that_o death_n enter_v into_o the_o 12._o world_n by_o sin_n it_o follow_v not_o but_o that_o god_n by_o his_o right_n may_v have_v make_v man_n subject_a unto_o disease_n and_o 6._o death_n although_o they_o have_v never_o sin_v even_o as_o he_o have_v make_v the_o oeher_n animal_n mortal_a and_o sickly_a although_o they_o can_v sin_v but_o what_o of_o all_o this_o be_v it_o true_a or_o false_a how_o i_o wonder_n do_v it_o prove_v that_o god_n have_v right_o to_o rule_v from_o his_o sole_a irresistible_a power_n if_o it_o have_v any_o relation_n at_o all_o to_o it_o or_o connection_n with_o it_o it_o seem_v rather_o to_o conclude_v the_o contrary_a viz._n that_o god_n irresistible_a power_n arise_v from_o his_o right_n of_o sovereignty_n or_o at_o lest_o be_v as_o i_o may_v say_v warrant_v thereby_o for_o all_o that_o this_o argument_n amount_v to_o be_v but_o this_o that_o god_n may_v have_v do_v otherwise_o than_o he_o do_v or_o he_o may_v do_v whatsoever_o he_o will_v do_v to_o say_v that_o he_o have_v this_o power_n from_o his_o sovereignty_n or_o dominion_n be_v good_a sense_n and_o agreeable_a to_o reason_n but_o to_o say_v that_o he_o have_v this_o power_n from_o his_o sole_a irresistible_a power_n be_v to_o say_v it_o be_v so_o because_o it_o be_v so_o this_o argument_n therefore_o as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o i_o look_v on_o as_o so_o far_o fetch_v and_o unworthy_a of_o a_o philosopher_n as_o that_o a_o modest_a man_n may_v blush_v to_o have_v make_v use_n of_o it_o but_o this_o author_n either_o know_v or_o conceit_v himself_o to_o be_v think_v some_o body_n seem_v to_o have_v presume_v that_o from_o he_o it_o will_v pass_v as_o perhaps_o it_o do_v among_o his_o credulous_a disciple_n for_o a_o demonstration_n although_o therein_o be_v scarce_o so_o much_o as_o the_o shadow_n of_o a_o probability_n for_o it_o be_v very_o hard_a if_o not_o impossible_a to_o discern_v wherein_o the_o force_n of_o it_o lie_v and_o since_o there_o can_v no_o other_o estimate_n be_v make_v of_o thing_n that_o appear_v not_o than_o there_o be_v of_o those_o that_o be_v noâ—_n the_o law_n of_o civility_n will_v scarce_o forbid_v we_o to_o say_v it_o be_v a_o piece_n either_o of_o mysterious_a nonsense_n or_o of_o grave_a impertinence_n to_o prove_v his_o incongruous_a assertion_n that_o god_n almighty_n derive_v his_o â—ight_n of_o sovereignty_n from_o his_o sole_a irresistible_a power_n the_o truth_n or_o falsehood_n of_o which_o position_n will_v best_o appear_v by_o a_o few_o observation_n manifest_a almost_o by_o their_o own_o light_n as_o first_o that_o sovereignty_n dominion_n or_o lordship_n be_v a_o essential_a attribute_n of_o the_o deity_n for_o a_o be_v infinite_o perfect_a it_o be_v evident_a there_o can_v be_v without_o it_o the_o prime_a basis_n oâ—_n foundation_n therefore_o of_o this_o as_o of_o all_o the_o other_o attribute_n be_v lay_v in_o the_o divine_a essence_n itself_o yet_o manifest_v it_o be_v second_o that_o this_o sovereignty_n can_v be_v bring_v into_o act_n or_o exercise_n without_o the_o existence_n of_o something_o else_o beside_o god_n for_o he_o be_v not_o a_o sovereign_n over_o himself_o but_o over_o or_o unto_o other_o thing_n or_o person_n it_o must_v therefore_o be_v conclude_v three_o that_o this_o attribute_n be_v relative_a i._n e._n it_o include_v a_o relation_n or_o reference_n which_o god_n have_v to_o the_o person_n or_o thing_n whereof_o he_o be_v the_o sovereign_n and_o forasmuch_o as_o party_n relate_v have_v not_o their_o be_v as_o such_o the_o one_o before_o the_o other_o but_o both_o together_o it_o follow_v that_o in_o this_o relation_n between_o god_n and_o we_o we_o be_v as_o old_a as_o he_o and_o for_o this_o cause_n the_o next_o and_o immediate_a right_n of_o his_o sovereignty_n can_v arise_v from_o his_o sole_a irresistible_a power_n because_o that_o be_v positive_a and_o eternal_a it_o be_v long_o before_o we_o and_o be_v no_o emanative_a cause_n of_o a_o relation_n to_o we_o but_o it_o must_v arise_v from_o something_o else_o by_o the_o intervention_n whereof_o god_n stand_v relate_v to_o we_o and_o we_o to_o he_o that_o act_n therefore_o or_o those_o act_n of_o god_n whereby_o this_o relation_n be_v produce_v i_o â—ake_v to_o be_v his_o next_o and_o
immediate_a right_n of_o sovereignty_n over_o we_o for_o right_o in_o general_a be_v little_a or_o nothing_o else_o but_o that_o which_o be_v just_a or_o the_o object_n of_o justice_n viz._n that_o equity_n which_o justice_n do_v constitute_v and_o preserve_v the_o right_a of_o sovereignty_n muâ—t_v arise_v immediate_o from_o that_o whereby_o the_o sovereign_n do_v just_o acquire_v that_o relation_n to_o his_o subject_n for_o this_o cause_n also_o god_n right_a of_o sovereignty_n can_v arise_v mere_o and_o immediate_o from_o his_o sole_a irresistible_a power_n absolute_o consider_v because_o as_o such_o it_o neither_o cause_v a_o relation_n between_o we_o nor_o confer_v any_o such_o benefit_n upon_o we_o as_o make_v it_o just_a and_o equal_a either_o for_o he_o to_o claim_v or_o for_o we_o to_o yield_v he_o such_o sovereign_a authority_n over_o we_o if_o therefore_o we_o shall_v admit_v the_o rudiment_n strange_a supposition_n viz._n that_o there_o have_v be_v a_o man_n who_o so_o far_o 5._o exceed_v the_o rest_n in_o power_n as_o that_o all_o of_o they_o with_o join_v force_n can_v not_o have_v resist_v he_o yet_o by_o this_o excess_n of_o power_n without_o any_o overtact_n or_o exercise_n of_o it_o for_o the_o general_a good_a of_o other_o nature_n will_v perhaps_o have_v give_v he_o ability_n but_o no_o more_o right_o to_o rule_v the_o rest_n than_o highway_n man_n have_v to_o my_o money_n by_o their_o force_n which_o i_o be_o not_o able_a to_o resist_v the_o conclusion_n therefore_o be_v that_o though_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o supereminence_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n it_o be_v impossible_a for_o god_n to_o do_v any_o wrong_n yet_o the_o next_o and_o immediate_a right_n of_o his_o sovereignty_n be_v something_o whereby_o he_o do_v most_o just_o acquire_v that_o relation_n to_o we_o and_o what_o can_v we_o imagine_v this_o to_o be_v but_o his_o incomparable_a goodness_n and_o inestimable_a bounty_n to_o we_o in_o our_o creation_n preservation_n and_o redemption_n a_o relation_n to_o god_n it_o be_v manifest_a we_o have_v from_o these_o act_n of_o his_o towards_o we_o and_o that_o that_o of_o subject_n to_o he_o as_o sovereign_n do_v result_v therefrom_o be_v so_o evident_a to_o every_o man_n reason_n as_o that_o the_o whole_a world_n as_o it_o be_v with_o one_o mouth_n do_v confess_v it_o for_o every_o man_n much_o more_o have_v god_n have_v power_n over_o the_o work_n of_o his_o own_o hand_n and_o every_o man_n ought_v to_o obey_v he_o by_o 102._o who_o he_o be_v preserve_v and_o much_o more_o methinks_v aught_o he_o so_o to_o do_v if_o also_o he_o be_v by_o he_o redeem_v it_o be_v therefore_o most_o just_a and_o equal_a that_o the_o first_o author_n of_o our_o be_v preservation_n and_o redemption_n shall_v have_v the_o pre-eminence_n of_o rule_n over_o we_o from_o hence_o then_o it_o be_v that_o god_n have_v his_o right_n to_o rule_n and_o to_o punish_v those_o that_o break_v his_o law_n and_o from_o hence_o it_o follow_v that_o whatsoever_o there_o be_v in_o creation_n providence_n or_o redemption_n to_o oblige_v we_o that_o there_o be_v in_o god_n commandment_n to_o bind_v we_o to_o obedience_n here_o than_o i_o may_v be_v very_o large_a but_o because_o the_o province_n that_o i_o have_v undertake_v reach_v no_o far_a than_o the_o gospel_n i_o shall_v only_o show_v that_o by_o the_o redemption_n thereby_o make_v know_v unto_o we_o god_n have_v renew_v his_o right_n to_o rule_v we_o together_o with_o the_o obligation_n that_o thence_o arise_v upon_o we_o to_o keep_v his_o commandment_n in_o order_n to_o a_o distinct_a and_o clear_a declaration_n hereof_o it_o will_v be_v requisite_a to_o take_v a_o brief_a view_n of_o our_o state_n by_o nature_n without_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o the_o gospel_n of_o his_o son_n and_o this_o i_o suppose_v most_o christian_n know_v to_o have_v be_v a_o state_n of_o sin_n against_o god_n and_o of_o vassalage_n or_o subjection_n to_o the_o devil_n such_o it_o seem_v be_v the_o malicious_a pride_n of_o the_o fall_v angel_n as_o that_o soon_o after_o the_o creation_n they_o shake_v off_o obedience_n to_o god_n and_o choose_v to_o contend_v with_o he_o for_o the_o supremacy_n and_o government_n of_o all_o his_o other_o creature_n whereupon_o man_n be_v the_o lord_n under_o god_n of_o all_o the_o low_a world_n the_o serpent_n tempt_v he_o to_o transgress_v and_o rebel_v as_o he_o himself_o have_v do_v against_o his_o maker_n in_o this_o temptation_n he_o be_v we_o know_v so_o unhappy_o successful_a as_o that_o man_n revolt_v from_o god_n his_o natural_a lord_n and_o sovereign_n and_o become_v subject_a unto_o satan_n not_o that_o adam_n do_v avowed_o renounce_v his_o duty_n unto_o god_n but_o that_o as_o ireneus_fw-la say_v 3â—_n he_o become_v the_o first_o vessel_n of_o the_o devil_n possession_n and_o he_o hold_v he_o under_o his_o power_n insomuch_o that_o he_o can_v not_o recover_v his_o primitive_a innocence_n and_o immortality_n but_o be_v necessitate_v to_o involve_v himself_o and_o his_o posterity_n yet_o far_o in_o the_o grief_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o snare_n of_o death_n for_o by_o this_o fall_n it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o nature_n of_o every_o man_n that_o be_v natural_o engender_v of_o the_o offspring_n of_o adam_n be_v very_o far_o go_v from_o original_a righteousness_n and_o be_v of_o itself_o incline_v unto_o evil_a so_o that_o the_o flâ—sh_n lust_v against_o arti._n the_o spirit_n and_o therefore_o in_o every_o person_n bear_v into_o the_o world_n it_o deserve_v god_n wrath_n and_o damnation_n and_o this_o degeneracy_n or_o corruption_n of_o our_o humane_a nature_n do_v certain_o give_v the_o devil_n so_o great_a a_o advantage_n over_o we_o as_o that_o he_o will_v sure_o detain_v we_o in_o his_o service_n for_o he_o have_v overcome_v our_o first_o parent_n by_o his_o temptation_n seem_v to_o have_v claim_v they_o for_o he_o by_o a_o kind_n of_o right_n by_o conquest_n over_o they_o and_o all_o man_n in_o their_o successive_a generation_n be_v descend_v from_o they_o after_o their_o revolt_n and_o apostasy_n from_o god_n seem_v in_o a_o sort_n to_o be_v bear_v in_o his_o subjection_n and_o be_v certain_o less_o able_a than_o they_o be_v to_o withstand_v his_o temptation_n and_o forasmuch_o as_o he_o neither_o ever_o do_v nor_o ever_o will_v neglect_v therewith_o to_o assault_v they_o and_o that_o if_o need_v be_v to_o the_o utmost_a of_o his_o power_n it_o be_v manifest_a that_o in_o the_o state_n of_o nature_n without_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o the_o gospel_n of_o his_o son_n we_o either_o whole_o surrender_v our_o sâ—lves_n to_o the_o sâ—ductions_n of_o the_o devil_n or_o â—lse_o we_o make_v too_o feeble_a a_o resistance_n oâ—_n too_o weak_a a_o opposition_n against_o they_o since_o satan_n conquer_v our_o first_o parents_n while_n there_o be_v nothing_o in_o they_o of_o a_o evil_a inclination_n certain_a it_o be_v to_o our_o reason_n that_o since_o of_o our_o own_o nature_n we_o be_v incline_v unto_o evil_n he_o will_v undoubted_o keep_v we_o in_o his_o subjection_n either_o by_o his_o fraud_n or_o by_o his_o force_n by_o his_o subâ—ilâ—y_n or_o his_o strength_n he_o will_v make_v the_o tendency_n of_o our_o heart_n life_n and_o action_n more_o to_o his_o pernicious_a design_n than_o to_o godâ—_n glory_n and_o thus_o it_o ever_o will_v have_v be_v without_o a_o almighty_a arm_n to_o help_v we_o and_o although_o in_o this_o universal_a monarchy_n the_o devil_n be_v a_o tyrant_n and_o usurper_n 10._o yet_o because_o it_o become_v he_o for_o who_o be_v all_o thing_n and_o by_o who_o be_v all_o thing_n in_o bring_v many_o son_n unto_o glâ—ry_n to_o makâ—_n the_o captain_n of_o thâ—ir_a salvation_n perfect_a through_o suffering_n infinite_a wisdom_n do_v not_o think_v fit_a to_o rescue_v we_o out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o satan_n by_o the_o almighty_a force_n of_o mere_a omnipotence_n but_o be_v please_v to_o choose_v another_o a_o fair_a and_o more_o noble_a way_n for_o our_o redemption_n and_o that_o be_v to_o raise_v up_o one_o in_o our_o nature_n who_o shall_v not_o only_o conquer_v satan_n at_o his_o own_o weapon_n and_o so_o dissolve_v his_o seem_a right_o of_o conquest_n over_o we_o but_o also_o shall_v make_v atonement_n and_o satisfaction_n to_o god_n for_o our_o offeveâ—s_n and_o shall_v afterwards_o be_v able_a to_o succour_v they_o that_o be_v tempt_v now_o all_o these_o three_o part_n of_o redemption_n be_v undertake_v and_o be_v most_o happy_o accomplish_v by_o our_o blessed_a lord_n jesus_n partly_o in_o his_o temptation_n and_o suffering_n for_o we_o and_o partly_o in_o his_o state_n of_o exaltation_n far_o above_o we_o in_o order_n to_o make_v manifest_a the_o truth_n hereof_o it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o observe_v that_o the_o whole_a world_n be_v a_o kind_n of_o armoury_n from_o whence_o the_o