prophecy_n of_o he_o than_o in_o his_o person_n again_o obscurity_n be_v necessary_a because_o some_o event_n can_v never_o have_v be_v bring_v to_o pass_v if_o they_o have_v be_v express_o and_o in_o plain_a term_n foretell_v unless_o god_n will_v have_v force_v man_n to_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o his_o prediction_n which_o must_v have_v take_v away_o the_o liberty_n of_o human_a action_n for_o man_n will_v scarce_o have_v venture_v upon_o such_o action_n as_o they_o know_v beforehand_o must_v end_v in_o affliction_n and_o great_a calamity_n and_o perhaps_o in_o the_o ruin_n of_o themselves_o or_o of_o their_o family_n or_o nation_n and_o yet_o it_o may_v be_v necessary_a that_o these_o thing_n shall_v come_v to_o pass_v for_o the_o wise_a end_n of_o providence_n and_o for_o the_o good_a and_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n few_o will_v have_v show_v that_o courage_n and_o resolution_n which_o st_n peter_n and_o st_n paul_n do_v in_o preach_v the_o gospel_n if_o they_o have_v be_v tell_v so_o long_o before_o as_o st_z peter_z be_v that_o it_o must_v end_v in_o martyrdom_n or_o if_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v witness_v in_o every_o city_n concern_v they_o as_o he_o do_v of_o st_n paul_n say_v in_o express_a term_n that_o bond_n and_o affliction_n do_v abide_v he_o must_v other_o man_n will_v have_v be_v move_v though_o he_o be_v not_o by_o any_o of_o these_o thing_n act_n xx_o 23._o for_o we_o find_v that_o the_o disciple_n upon_o this_o account_n be_v earnest_a with_o he_o not_o to_o go_v up_o to_o jerusalem_n so_o difficult_a be_v it_o for_o the_o best_a man_n in_o the_o best_a cause_n to_o resolve_v to_o meet_v certain_a and_o apparent_a danger_n the_o nature_n therefore_o of_o some_o thing_n require_v that_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v more_o particular_o describe_v in_o the_o prophecy_n concern_v they_o for_o either_o they_o must_v have_v be_v obscure_o speak_v of_o or_o else_o they_o can_v not_o have_v be_v prophesy_v of_o at_o all_o because_o if_o they_o have_v be_v clear_o foretell_v they_o can_v never_o have_v come_v to_o pass_v which_o imply_v a_o contradiction_n for_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o what_o god_n declare_v by_o his_o prophet_n shall_v not_o be_v fulfil_v if_o all_o that_o be_v to_o befall_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n have_v be_v set_v down_o with_o the_o circumstance_n of_o time_n and_o place_n and_o person_n by_o st_n john_n in_o the_o revelation_n so_o as_o to_o prevent_v the_o objection_n of_o those_o who_o except_o against_o the_o obscurity_n of_o that_o book_n this_o certain_o will_v have_v prove_v a_o great_a discouragement_n to_o many_o christian_n in_o the_o performance_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o must_v have_v hinder_v the_o bring_v to_o pass_v the_o event_n unless_o god_n shall_v have_v overrule_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o force_v they_o upon_o act_v which_o have_v be_v to_o deprive_v they_o of_o their_o freedom_n of_o will._n 4._o if_o prophecy_n have_v punctual_o foretell_v the_o thing_n to_o be_v fulfil_v in_o all_o their_o circumstance_n man_n will_v have_v purposely_o contrive_v to_o frame_v their_o action_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o to_o appear_v to_o fulfil_v many_o of_o they_o and_o whenever_o they_o have_v be_v fulfil_v it_o may_v have_v be_v suppose_v to_o have_v be_v by_o design_n and_o contrivance_n which_o will_v have_v be_v only_o to_o act_v a_o part_n or_o live_v by_o a_o rule_n and_o pattern_n describe_v and_o set_v before_o they_o but_o when_o the_o obscurity_n be_v such_o that_o they_o become_v fulfil_v without_o any_o intention_n or_o knowledge_n of_o the_o person_n employ_v in_o fulfil_v they_o this_o manifest_v the_o wisdom_n and_o providence_n of_o god_n if_o prophecy_n have_v be_v less_o obscure_a man_n will_v have_v be_v the_o more_o prone_a to_o venture_v upon_o the_o commission_n of_o sin_n in_o order_n to_o fulfil_v they_o we_o find_v by_o experience_n how_o apt_a all_o enthusiast_n and_o such_o as_o persuade_v themselves_o that_o they_o have_v a_o clear_a and_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o the_o obscure_a prophecy_n be_v to_o think_v any_o thing_n lawful_a to_o be_v do_v which_o may_v bring_v about_o those_o event_n that_o they_o fancy_v to_o be_v the_o accomplishment_n of_o they_o and_o if_o the_o event_n of_o all_o prophecy_n have_v be_v conceal_v under_o no_o obscurity_n of_o word_n and_o circumstance_n but_o have_v be_v obvious_a and_o visible_a to_o every_o reader_n the_o number_n of_o such_o undertaker_n will_v have_v be_v much_o great_a for_o it_o be_v a_o hard_a matter_n to_o make_v man_n distinguish_v between_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o prophecy_n and_o the_o sin_n which_o be_v often_o commit_v in_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o they_o but_o when_o they_o can_v serve_v their_o interest_n by_o it_o they_o be_v willing_a to_o believe_v the_o worst_a action_n lawful_a which_o may_v fulfil_v a_o prophecy_n and_o the_o clear_a prophecy_n have_v be_v the_o more_o occasion_n and_o pretence_n have_v be_v give_v to_o such_o dilusion_n to_o which_o none_o be_v now_o subject_a but_o such_o as_o think_v they_o clear_a and_o persuade_v themselves_o or_o will_v persuade_v other_o that_o they_o thorough_o understand_v they_o 5._o another_o reason_n be_v that_o sometime_o a_o prophecy_n may_v be_v deliver_v obscure_o in_o mercy_n to_o the_o instrument_n who_o be_v to_o bring_v about_o the_o event_n foretell_v by_o it_o for_o god_n foresee_v that_o some_o man_n notwithstanding_o the_o clear_a revelation_n will_v persist_v in_o their_o wickedness_n and_o become_v instrumental_a in_o accomplish_v the_o prediction_n may_v in_o mercy_n to_o they_o forbear_v to_o discover_v the_o particular_n of_o the_o event_n lest_o thiâ—_n shall_v add_v to_o their_o guilt_n and_o prove_v a_o greaâ—_n aggravation_n both_o of_o their_o â—rime_n and_o punishment_n our_o saviour_n though_o he_o know_v from_o the_o beginning_n who_o it_o be_v that_o shall_v betray_v he_o yet_o conceal_v it_o till_o his_o last_o supper_n and_o then_o discover_v it_o to_o judas_n in_o the_o mild_a manner_n to_o move_v he_o to_o repentance_n if_o he_o have_v not_o harden_v himself_o against_o it_o not_o to_o make_v he_o desperate_a upon_o the_o discovery_n of_o so_o wicked_a a_o design_n again_o other_o prophecy_n may_v be_v hide_v in_o obscurity_n for_o a_o judgement_n upon_o those_o who_o be_v obstinate_a and_o will_v not_o make_v a_o due_a use_n of_o the_o mean_n afford_v they_o of_o salvation_n but_o harden_v their_o heart_n and_o resolve_v to_o continue_v impenitent_a against_o all_o the_o method_n which_o god_n have_v be_v please_v to_o use_v to_o reclaim_v they_o for_o of_o such_o our_o saviour_n give_v this_o reason_n why_o he_o speak_v to_o they_o in_o parable_n that_o see_v they_o may_v see_v and_o not_o perceive_v and_o hear_v they_o may_v hear_v and_o not_o understand_v lest_o at_o any_o time_n they_o shall_v be_v convert_v and_o their_o sin_n shall_v be_v forgive_v they_o markiv_n 12._o for_o when_o god_n have_v both_o by_o miracle_n and_o other_o prophecy_n unquestionable_o clear_a and_o plain_a admonish_v and_o forewarn_v they_o of_o the_o folly_n and_o danger_n of_o their_o way_n and_o they_o will_v take_v no_o notice_n of_o it_o but_o reject_v his_o revelation_n and_o just_a affront_n his_o mercy_n it_o be_v very_o for_o he_o to_o deny_v they_o that_o further_a declaration_n and_o manifestation_n of_o his_o will_n and_o power_n which_o may_v effectual_o produce_v a_o true_a faith_n in_o they_o and_o bring_v they_o to_o repentance_n especial_o when_o the_o obscurity_n of_o prophecy_n may_v be_v conduce_v to_o the_o method_n of_o his_o providence_n and_o to_o his_o gracious_a design_n of_o mercy_n towards_o other_o man_n who_o have_v not_o stand_v out_o in_o so_o bold_a a_o defiance_n of_o his_o other_o declaration_n of_o himself_o god_n endure_v with_o much_o long-suffering_a thevessel_n of_o wrath_n fit_v for_o destruction_n he_o have_v mercy_n on_o who_o he_o will_v have_v mercy_n and_o who_o he_o will_v he_o harden_v and_o therefore_o the_o obscurity_n of_o prophecy_n may_v be_v in_o mercy_n to_o some_o to_o prevent_v the_o aggravation_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o for_o a_o judgement_n upon_o other_o to_o harden_v they_o 6._o it_o be_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n to_o conceal_v a_o thing_n but_o the_o honour_n of_o king_n be_v to_o search_v out_o a_o matter_n prov._n twenty-five_o 2._o the_o obscurity_n of_o prophecy_n may_v be_v design_v to_o abate_v the_o confidence_n and_o confound_v the_o pride_n of_o some_o and_o to_o provoke_v the_o diligence_n and_o industry_n of_o other_o for_o as_o some_o man_n care_v to_o be_v at_o no_o pain_n to_o attain_v the_o most_o useful_a and_o necessary_a knowledge_n so_o other_o despise_v all_o that_o be_v obvious_a and_o have_v no_o satisfaction_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v easy_o know_v by_o other_o as_o
be_v debar_v of_o very_o little_a in_o their_o civil_a right_n and_o all_o encouragement_n imaginable_a be_v give_v to_o stranger_n to_o come_v and_o dwell_v among_o the_o jew_n the_o law_n join_v they_o together_o with_o the_o natural_a israelite_n both_o in_o the_o curse_v it_o denounce_v and_o in_o the_o blessing_n it_o promise_n it_o severe_o threaten_v all_o that_o shall_v oppress_v or_o defraud_v they_o it_o command_v the_o same_o charity_n towards_o they_o as_o towards_o the_o fatherless_a and_o widow_n the_o great_a object_n of_o humane_a compassion_n and_o of_o the_o merciful_a care_n and_o providence_n of_o god_n and_o the_o prophet_n with_o the_o utmost_a severity_n rebuke_v the_o jew_n for_o any_o oppression_n or_o abuse_n of_o they_o the_o proselyte_n be_v not_o exclude_v from_o their_o sacrifice_n their_o prayer_n and_o sacrament_n and_o if_o they_o refuse_v to_o take_v upon_o they_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o whole_a law_n yet_o they_o have_v free_a leave_n and_o great_a encouragement_n to_o live_v among_o they_o believe_v only_o in_o the_o true_a god_n and_o obey_v those_o precept_n which_o be_v give_v to_o all_o the_o race_n of_o mankind_n after_o the_o flood_n they_o may_v share_v in_o all_o the_o right_n of_o their_o religious_a worship_n and_o be_v invite_v to_o do_v it_o but_o if_o they_o will_v not_o submit_v to_o this_o yet_o they_o be_v not_o therefore_o reject_v but_o may_v partake_v of_o their_o civil_a privilege_n and_o live_v under_o the_o protection_n of_o their_o government_n and_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o where_o the_o same_o law_n be_v repeat_v in_o several_a place_n of_o scripture_n the_o stranger_n be_v not_o where_o omit_v but_o what_o relate_v to_o he_o be_v constant_o repeat_v with_o the_o rest_n as_o a_o necessary_a and_o essential_a part_n of_o the_o law_n so_o that_o never_o any_o government_n have_v so_o particular_a regard_n for_o stranger_n or_o be_v so_o peculiar_o contrive_v for_o their_o encouragement_n to_o live_v under_o it_o other_o government_n as_o those_o of_o sparta_n and_o china_n have_v be_v so_o jealous_a of_o foreigner_n that_o by_o their_o original_a constitution_n they_o have_v forbid_v any_o deal_n with_o they_o and_o will_v not_o suffer_v they_o to_o abide_v in_o their_o city_n and_o the_o roman_n 3._o roman_n tull._n offic._n l._n 3._o have_v some_o law_n to_o the_o same_o effect_n which_o tully_n indeed_o say_v be_v a_o inhuman_a thing_n the_o freedom_n and_o privilege_n of_o a_o citizen_n of_o rome_n be_v purchase_v at_o a_o great_a price_n act._n xxii_o 28._o and_o in_o their_o league_n balbo_n league_n tull._n pro_fw-la balbo_n with_o divers_a nation_n the_o roman_n insert_v this_o express_a condition_n that_o none_o of_o they_o shall_v be_v make_v free_a of_o the_o city_n the_o athenian_n xenocrat_n athenian_n menag_fw-mi observe_v ad_fw-la diog_n laert._n in_o xenocrat_n have_v a_o tax_n call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o be_v pay_v yearly_o by_o all_o foreigner_n both_o man_n and_o woman_n and_o they_o be_v so_o severe_a in_o exact_v it_o that_o those_o who_o be_v unable_a to_o pay_v it_o be_v sell_v but_o the_o jewish_a government_n on_o the_o contrary_a be_v so_o adapt_v and_o contrive_v for_o the_o reception_n of_o foreign_a nation_n that_o if_o they_o will_v but_o comply_v with_o their_o law_n they_o make_v little_a or_o no_o distinction_n between_o the_o native_n and_o stranger_n and_o the_o own_v the_o true_a god_n and_o profess_v to_o obey_v and_o serve_v he_o entitle_v they_o not_o only_o to_o all_o the_o right_n of_o humanity_n and_o kindness_n but_o to_o a_o more_o peculiar_a care_n and_o providence_n of_o god_n himself_o if_o the_o jew_n do_v not_o always_o show_v so_o much_o humanity_n to_o stranger_n as_o their_o law_n require_v this_o be_v to_o be_v ascribe_v whole_o to_o their_o own_o fault_n and_o it_o be_v not_o the_o only_a law_n which_o they_o be_v too_o prone_a to_o disobey_v yet_o in_o the_o corrupte_v state_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n the_o gentile_n have_v a_o court_n to_o worship_n in_o at_o the_o temple_n and_o the_o jew_n always_o teach_v that_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o relieve_v the_o heathen_a with_o their_o alm_n 2._o alm_n doctor_n lightsoot_n on_o act._n x._o 28._o and_o hebr._n and_o talmud_n exercitat_fw-la on_o mat._n vi_fw-la 2._o and_o that_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o converse_v with_o the_o gentile_n if_o they_o do_v not_o eat_v with_o they_o nor_o go_v into_o their_o house_n but_o what_o effect_n this_o abundant_a provision_n of_o the_o law_n for_o the_o conversion_n of_o other_o nation_n have_v fall_v under_o the_o next_o head_n it_o be_v more_o proper_a to_o consider_v in_o this_o place_n a_o objection_n which_o come_v in_o our_o way_n that_o the_o israelite_n be_v to_o make_v no_o marriage_n nor_o covenant_n with_o the_o seven_o nation_n of_o the_o land_n of_o cannaan_n nor_o to_o show_v they_o any_o mercy_n but_o utter_o to_o destroy_v they_o or_o drive_v they_o out_o exod._n xxiii_o 31._o deut._n seven_o 2._o to_o which_o i_o answer_v that_o this_o be_v a_o peculiar_a and_o except_a case_n and_o therefore_o suppose_v that_o they_o be_v not_o thus_o to_o deal_v with_o any_o other_o except_o the_o nation_n there_o express_o name_v but_o they_o may_v enter_v into_o marriage_n and_o covenant_n with_o all_o other_o nation_n and_o beside_o what_o have_v be_v already_o observe_v of_o the_o great_a mercy_n which_o god_n vouchsafe_v to_o these_o nation_n in_o send_v the_o patriarch_n to_o sojourn_v among_o they_o and_o that_o wonderful_a judgement_n upon_o sodom_n and_o gomorrah_n to_o bring_v they_o to_o repentance_n and_o prevent_v that_o destruction_n which_o be_v at_o last_o bring_v upon_o they_o after_o so_o long_a and_o great_a provocation_n these_o nation_n be_v not_o unavoidable_o to_o be_v extirpate_v but_o the_o israelite_n be_v in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o proffer_n peace_n to_o they_o and_o if_o they_o refuse_v to_o accept_v of_o peace_n than_o they_o be_v to_o proceed_v against_o they_o in_o the_o utmost_a extremity_n which_o appear_v from_o deut._n xx_o 10_o etc._n etc._n for_o after_o a_o general_a command_n to_o offer_v term_n of_o peace_n to_o the_o city_n which_o they_o shall_v go_v to_o fight_v against_o and_o if_o they_o refuse_v it_o to_o smite_v every_o male_a thereof_o with_o the_o edge_n of_o the_o sword_n ver_fw-la 13._o it_o be_v add_v ver_fw-la 15._o thus_o shall_v thou_o do_v to_o all_o the_o city_n that_o be_v very_o far_o from_o thou_o which_o be_v not_o of_o the_o city_n of_o these_o nation_n but_o of_o the_o city_n of_o these_o people_n which_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n do_v give_v thou_o for_o a_o inheritance_n thou_o shall_v save_v alive_a nothing_o that_o breathe_v but_o thou_o shall_v utter_o destroy_v they_o etc._n etc._n where_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o what_o concern_v their_o make_a proposal_n of_o peace_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v in_o general_a of_o all_o nation_n with_o who_o they_o shall_v at_o any_o time_n have_v war._n but_o then_o in_o their_o deal_n with_o they_o upon_o a_o victory_n after_o their_o refusal_n of_o the_o peace_n offer_v they_o be_v to_o distinguish_v between_o the_o canaanite_n and_o other_o nation_n for_o the_o canaanite_n be_v to_o be_v utter_o destroy_v if_o they_o shall_v reject_v term_n of_o peace_n but_o all_o except_o the_o male_n be_v to_o be_v spare_v of_o other_o nation_n though_o they_o be_v overcome_v after_o they_o have_v refuse_v to_o make_v peace_n with_o they_o and_o the_o term_n of_o peace_n to_o be_v propose_v be_v that_o they_o shall_v become_v tributary_n and_o proselyte_n so_o far_o as_o to_o own_o and_o worship_v the_o true_a god_n and_o then_o the_o reason_n for_o their_o extirpation_n cease_v which_o be_v that_o these_o idolatrous_a nation_n may_v not_o teach_v the_o child_n of_o israel_n to_o do_v after_o all_o their_o abomination_n which_o they_o have_v do_v unto_o their_o god_n deut._n xx_o 18._o when_o the_o man_n of_o israel_n tell_v the_o gibeonite_n peradventure_o you_o dwell_v among_o we_o and_o how_o shall_v we_o make_v a_o league_n with_o you_o josh_n ix_o 7._o this_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o a_o league_n with_o they_o upon_o equal_a term_n not_o of_o a_o peace_n whereby_o they_o may_v become_v tributary_n deut._n xx_o 11._o and_o therefore_o the_o gibeonite_n immediate_o answer_v and_o say_v to_o joshua_n we_o be_v thy_o servant_n josh_n ix_o 8._o that_o be_v do_v with_o we_o as_o you_o please_v at_o least_o grant_v we_o our_o life_n though_o not_o upon_o any_o other_o term_n of_o a_o league_n yet_o on_o condition_n of_o servitude_n and_o we_o find_v the_o peace_n and_o the_o league_n distinguish_v josh_n ix_o 15._o but_o this_o fraudulent_a way_n of_o get_v into_o a_o league_n with_o the_o israelite_n if_o it_o have_v not_o be_v
give_v to_o he_o a_o thorn_n in_o the_o flesh_n the_o messenger_n of_o satan_n to_o busset_a he_o lest_o he_o shall_v be_v exalt_v above_o measure_n and_o declare_v himself_o to_o be_v nothing_o 2_o cor._n twelve_o 5_o 7_o 11._o he_o give_v all_o the_o glory_n to_o god_n magnify_v his_o office_n and_o the_o grace_n which_o enable_v he_o in_o the_o administration_n of_o it_o and_o as_o upon_o all_o other_o occasion_n he_o speak_v with_o the_o great_a abasement_n of_o himself_o so_o when_o the_o importunate_a malice_n of_o his_o enemy_n constrain_v he_o to_o it_o and_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o man_n require_v he_o to_o speak_v something_o less_o submissive_o of_o himself_o he_o discover_v his_o great_a humility_n in_o that_o he_o use_v so_o much_o caution_n and_o put_v in_o so_o many_o lessen_v and_o abate_v clause_n that_o the_o glory_n may_v redound_v to_o god_n and_o not_o to_o himself_o insomuch_o that_o it_o appear_v to_o have_v be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a instance_n of_o the_o humiliation_n and_o self-denial_n of_o so_o true_o humble_a and_o holy_a a_o man_n to_o be_v force_v to_o speak_v thing_n which_o may_v seem_v boast_v and_o make_v he_o incur_v the_o censure_n of_o pride_n and_o folly_n but_o he_o be_v willing_a to_o be_v count_v vain_a and_o proud_a for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o have_v so_o far_o mortify_v all_o pride_n and_o vain_a glory_n as_o to_o be_v content_v upon_o so_o just_a a_o account_n to_o incur_v the_o disgrace_n of_o be_v suppose_v guilty_a of_o it_o for_o there_o can_v be_v no_o high_a instance_n of_o a_o true_o humble_a and_o pious_a mind_n than_o to_o forego_v the_o esteem_n and_o reputation_n of_o be_v think_v so_o when_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o charity_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n require_v it_o he_o be_v not_o thorough_o humble_a who_o in_o such_o a_o case_n will_v not_o be_v think_v proud_a but_o his_o very_a humility_n be_v matter_n of_o pride_n to_o he_o and_o it_o be_v the_o last_o degree_n of_o vanity_n which_o a_o humble_a man_n can_v part_v with_o to_o be_v desirous_a not_o to_o be_v esteem_v proud_a the_o truth_n be_v if_o it_o be_v not_o for_o the_o pride_n of_o man_n there_o will_v be_v no_o need_n of_o great_a caution_n and_o reservedness_n when_o we_o speak_v of_o ourselves_o than_o when_o we_o speak_v of_o other_o but_o man_n will_v speak_v the_o truth_n of_o themselves_o and_o other_o with_o the_o same_o freedom_n and_o plainness_n so_o that_o this_o be_v a_o infallible_a argument_n of_o the_o integrity_n and_o sincerity_n of_o the_o apostle_n that_o they_o speak_v always_o what_o be_v proper_a and_o seasonable_a to_o be_v speak_v the_o praise_n or_o dispraise_v of_o themselves_o or_o other_o be_v not_o their_o business_n but_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o good_a of_o men._n they_o write_v no_o encomium_n upon_o one_o another_o nor_o upon_o their_o master_n himself_o and_o they_o write_v no_o invective_n upon_o their_o worst_a enemy_n judas_n and_o herod_n and_o pontius_n pilate_n but_o set_v down_o plain_a truth_n and_o matter_n of_o fact_n whoever_o be_v concern_v with_o the_o same_o simplicity_n with_o which_o they_o tell_v their_o own_o fault_n what_o qualification_n then_o can_v be_v desire_v in_o any_o witness_n which_o do_v not_o all_o concur_v in_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n the_o apostle_n show_v by_o their_o write_n that_o they_o be_v man_n of_o understand_v sufficient_a to_o apprehend_v the_o thing_n they_o attest_v and_o write_v about_o and_o indeed_o what_o man_n of_o any_o understanding_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o witness_v that_o to_o be_v true_a which_o he_o see_v and_o hear_v and_o perceive_v with_o every_o sense_n they_o have_v all_o the_o advantage_n and_o opportunity_n that_o ever_o any_o witness_n can_v have_v to_o know_v what_o they_o say_v to_o be_v true_a and_o they_o be_v plain_a man_n without_o art_n or_o disguise_n breed_v up_o most_o of_o they_o to_o mean_v and_o laborious_a calling_n and_o they_o have_v no_o expectation_n of_o any_o thing_n but_o suffering_n in_o this_o life_n and_o therefore_o be_v as_o far_o from_o any_o temptation_n as_o from_o any_o possibility_n of_o impose_v upon_o the_o world_n and_o they_o set_v down_o their_o own_o fault_n upon_o all_o occasion_n as_o particular_o as_o they_o do_v whatever_o else_o they_o relate_v have_v no_o regard_n to_o any_o thing_n but_o truth_n chap._n xvi_o of_o the_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n of_o the_o apostle_n etc._n etc._n there_o have_v be_v a_o long_a cessation_n or_o intermission_n both_o of_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n in_o the_o jewish_a church_n till_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n but_o by_o the_o descent_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n upon_o the_o apostle_n the_o prophecy_n of_o joel_n be_v fulfil_v and_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v pour_v out_o in_o great_a abundance_n than_o ever_o it_o have_v be_v before_o in_o bestow_v the_o gift_n of_o miracle_n and_o of_o prophecy_n in_o a_o more_o eminent_a manner_n and_o to_o great_a number_n of_o man_n and_o those_o of_o all_o nation_n than_o have_v ever_o be_v do_v at_o any_o time_n before_o for_o these_o be_v the_o latter_a day_n the_o last_o distinction_n of_o time_n or_o the_o last_o period_n of_o the_o world_n in_o which_o god_n have_v purpose_v to_o reveal_v himself_o and_o this_o be_v the_o last_o be_v in_o all_o respect_v the_o full_a and_o most_o perfect_a revelation_n i._o a_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n be_v bestow_v upon_o the_o apostle_n and_o other_o a_o famine_n cass_n famine_n sueton_n in_o claudio_n &_o dion_n cass_n take_v notice_n of_o by_o heathen_a author_n which_o happen_v throughout_o all_o the_o world_n in_o the_o day_n of_o claudius_n caesar_n be_v prophesy_v of_o by_o agabus_n act_v xi_o 28._o and_o the_o same_o prophet_n both_o by_o action_n and_o in_o express_a word_n signify_v that_o st._n paul_n shall_v be_v bind_v at_o jerusalem_n and_o deliver_v to_o the_o gentile_n act_n xxi_o 11._o which_o be_v likewise_o foretell_v by_o other_o even_o in_o every_o city_n where_o that_o apostle_n come_v act_v xx_o 23._o st._n paul_n himself_o foretell_v his_o own_o affliction_n 1_o thes_n iii._o 4._o he_o foretell_v to_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n that_o man_n will_v soon_o arise_v even_o from_o among_o themselves_o who_o will_v divide_v and_o disturb_v the_o church_n act_v xx_o 29_o 30._o and_o he_o foretell_v the_o same_o 1_o tim._n four_o 3._o 2_o tim._n iii._o 1._o st._n peter_n declare_v that_o in_o the_o last_o day_n there_o will_v come_v scoffer_n walk_v after_o their_o own_o lust_n 2_o pet._n three_o 3._o which_o prophecy_n st._n judas_n see_v fulfil_v in_o his_o time_n judas_n 18._o and_o god_n know_v we_o see_v it_o fulfil_v in_o we_o for_o the_o scoffer_n at_o religion_n will_v do_v well_o to_o consider_v that_o all_o their_o mockery_n and_o affront_n be_v so_o far_o from_o do_v any_o prejudice_n to_o religion_n that_o they_o by_o that_o very_a mean_n fulfil_v a_o prophecy_n and_o add_v a_o confirmation_n to_o it_o when_o they_o think_v themselves_o most_o successful_a against_o it_o st._n paul_n forewarn_v the_o thessalonian_o of_o the_o lie_a wonder_n and_o strong_a delusion_n and_o notorious_a wickedness_n which_o will_v break_v in_o upon_o the_o church_n at_o the_o come_n of_o antichrist_n 2_o thess_n two_o 3._o and_o that_o this_o according_o come_v to_o pass_v st._n john_n witness_v say_v that_o even_o then_o there_o be_v many_o antichrist_n 1_o john_n two_o 18._o four_o 3._o 2_o john_n 7._o and_o though_o it_o be_v various_o dispute_v who_o be_v the_o antichrist_n 1_o john_n two_o 22._o 2_o john_n 7._o suppose_v to_o be_v the_o beast_n rev._n xiii_o yet_o that_o the_o prophecy_n concern_v the_o delusion_n and_o the_o impiety_n and_o cruelty_n of_o antichrist_n express_v in_o the_o text_n now_o mention_v and_o more_o full_o describe_v in_o the_o revelation_n of_o st._n john_n have_v be_v in_o great_a measure_n already_o accomplish_v will_v admit_v of_o no_o dispute_n and_o the_o gradual_a and_o repeat_v accomplishment_n of_o they_o in_o divers_a age_n and_o in_o so_o many_o instance_n be_v that_o which_o have_v cause_v so_o much_o variety_n of_o opinion_n in_o this_o matter_n learned_a man_n easy_o mistake_v some_o of_o these_o many_o antichrist_n for_o the_o beast_n or_o the_o great_a antichrist_n in_o the_o revelation_n of_o st._n john_n we_o have_v the_o state_n and_o event_n in_o the_o church_n describe_v and_o many_o thing_n contain_v in_o it_o we_o know_v to_o be_v come_v to_o pass_v as_o what_o concern_v the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n etc._n etc._n and_o the_o obscurity_n of_o other_o place_n be_v elsewhere_o to_o be_v account_v for_o 7._o for_o euseb_n eccl._n hist_o lib._n iii._o c._n 36._o lib._n four_o
two_o 13._o and_o it_o be_v not_o only_o threaten_v that_o the_o wicked_a shall_v suffer_v eternal_a punishment_n but_o it_o be_v likewise_o express_o foretell_v that_o the_o wicked_a shall_v be_v sentence_v to_o everlasting_a fire_n at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n and_o that_o they_o shall_v go_v away_o into_o everlasting_a punishment_n matth._n twenty-five_o 41_o 46._o to_o leave_v no_o room_n for_o hope_n of_o any_o end_n or_o abatement_n of_o the_o punishment_n we_o have_v our_o saviour_n express_a declaration_n that_o the_o sentence_n shall_v be_v pass_v according_a to_o the_o threaten_v and_o that_o the_o everlasting_a punishment_n which_o be_v threaten_v shall_v be_v certain_o execute_v upon_o the_o wicked_a our_o judge_n have_v beforehand_o declare_v what_o sentence_n he_o will_v pass_v the_o term_n whereof_o be_v therefore_o as_o unalterable_a as_o if_o it_o be_v already_o pronounce_v he_o have_v declare_v that_o the_o punishment_n of_o the_o wicked_a as_o well_o as_o the_o reward_n of_o the_o righteous_a shall_v be_v eternal_a as_o direct_o and_o positive_o as_o he_o have_v say_v any_o thing_n else_o relate_v to_o the_o last_o judgement_n or_o concern_v any_o other_o part_n of_o his_o gospel_n and_o we_o have_v as_o little_a reason_n to_o imagine_v that_o his_o express_a and_o repeat_v affirmation_n be_v capable_a of_o a_o reserve_v mean_v in_o this_o particular_a as_o in_o any_o other_o matter_n whatsoever_o some_o of_o the_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n which_o be_v consequent_a to_o the_o punishment_n of_o this_o world_n be_v precedent_n to_o those_o of_o the_o next_o here_o man_n be_v punish_v for_o their_o own_o amendment_n or_o for_o the_o advantage_n and_o security_n of_o other_o or_o for_o both_o in_o the_o next_o world_n the_o actual_a inflict_v of_o punishment_n be_v not_o for_o these_o end_n but_o they_o be_v threaten_v for_o these_o and_o they_o must_v be_v inflict_v when_o they_o have_v be_v once_o threaten_v and_o declare_v by_o god_n who_o can_v lie_v it_o be_v for_o the_o repentance_n of_o sinner_n and_o for_o the_o benefit_n of_o good_a man_n in_o preserve_v they_o in_o the_o way_n of_o virtue_n and_o secure_v they_o from_o the_o pride_n and_o malice_n of_o the_o wicked_a that_o hell_n shall_v be_v threaten_v but_o because_o it_o be_v the_o final_a and_o eternal_a state_n of_o the_o wicked_a it_o can_v be_v for_o their_o amendment_n after_o the_o execution_n of_o its_o torment_n upon_o they_o and_o good_a man_n be_v once_o out_o of_o the_o power_n of_o temptation_n and_o place_v beyond_o the_o malice_n of_o the_o wicked_a can_v no_o long_o have_v any_o protection_n or_o advantage_n from_o the_o punishment_n dehounce_v against_o impenitent_a sinner_n but_o whether_o the_o advantage_n arise_v from_o punishment_n be_v before_o or_o after_o the_o inflict_a of_o punishment_n there_o be_v the_o same_o necessity_n for_o the_o appoint_v and_o consequent_o for_o the_o inflict_v they_o viz._n the_o good_a of_o mankind_n in_o keep_v man_n from_o sin_n and_o leave_v those_o without_o excuse_n who_o will_v not_o be_v restrain_v from_o it_o and_o work_v out_o their_o own_o salvation_n but_o another_o end_n of_o punishment_n be_v that_o satisfaction_n for_o the_o violation_n of_o the_o law_n may_v be_v make_v to_o the_o supreme_a authority_n which_o be_v despise_v and_o affront_v by_o it_o and_o the_o vindication_n of_o god_n honour_n and_o authority_n and_o of_o his_o truth_n and_o holiness_n in_o his_o hatred_n and_o detestation_n of_o sin_n and_o his_o indignation_n against_o sinner_n be_v manifest_v by_o the_o actual_a punishment_n of_o the_o damn_a and_o it_o will_v be_v a_o argument_n of_o the_o contrary_a to_o all_o this_o if_o they_o be_v threaten_v and_o not_o inflict_v and_o the_o number_n of_o person_n to_o be_v thus_o punish_v do_v not_o alter_v the_o case_n but_o only_o show_v that_o many_o be_v concern_v in_o it_o and_o if_o the_o case_n be_v the_o same_o the_o justice_n must_v be_v the_o same_o too_o though_o the_o person_n be_v never_o so_o many_o upon_o who_o it_o be_v execute_v that_o which_o be_v just_o towards_o one_o or_o merciful_a towards_o one_o be_v just_a or_o merciful_a towards_o never_o so_o many_o thousand_o for_o justice_n and_o mercy_n consist_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n not_o in_o the_o great_a or_o lesser_a number_n of_o person_n to_o who_o they_o be_v extend_v and_o though_o multitude_n of_o criminal_n be_v apt_a to_o move_v compassion_n in_o man_n yet_o this_o proceed_v partly_o from_o the_o sympathy_n and_o frailty_n of_o human_a nature_n which_o be_v mighty_o sway_v by_o number_n and_o multitude_n to_o do_v either_o good_a or_o evil_a partly_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o human_a affair_n for_o to_o destroy_v multitude_n will_v depopulate_v city_n and_o country_n and_o will_v be_v a_o affliction_n to_o multitude_n of_o innocent_a person_n their_o friend_n and_o relation_n but_o it_o be_v not_o so_o in_o the_o present_a case_n there_o will_v be_v no_o want_n of_o number_n in_o heaven_n and_o the_o righteous_a shall_v be_v everlasting_o happy_a and_o shall_v perceive_v no_o diminution_n of_o their_o happiness_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o damnation_n of_o such_o as_o be_v never_o so_o dear_a to_o they_o in_o this_o world_n and_o mercy_n and_o pity_n be_v not_o a_o passion_n in_o god_n as_o it_o be_v in_o man_n but_o a_o perfection_n it_o be_v the_o highst_a reason_n and_o equity_n and_o therefore_o though_o the_o misery_n of_o sinner_n be_v never_o so_o severe_a and_o the_o number_n of_o the_o miserable_a never_o so_o great_a yet_o when_o the_o equity_n and_o reasonableness_n of_o the_o case_n do_v not_o require_v it_o there_o be_v nothing_o to_o move_v god_n for_o their_o relief_n because_o he_o act_n by_o the_o stand_a rule_n of_o reason_n and_o wisdom_n not_o by_o any_o fondness_n and_o weakness_n of_o passion_n 2._o i_o come_v now_o to_o show_v the_o mercy_n of_o god_n in_o his_o inflict_a eternal_a torment_n upon_o sinner_n strict_a justice_n have_v a_o severe_a aspect_n and_o it_o may_v seem_v hard_a for_o frail_a man_n to_o abide_v the_o sentence_n that_o he_o may_v in_o strictness_n of_o justice_n deserve_v but_o from_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n it_o be_v natural_a for_o we_o to_o appeal_v to_o his_o mercy_n and_o thither_o he_o allow_v we_o to_o appeal_v but_o not_o so_o as_o to_o expect_v that_o he_o shall_v be_v so_o merciful_a as_o not_o to_o be_v just_a or_o shall_v forget_v that_o he_o be_v the_o supreme_a governor_n of_o the_o world_n whilst_o he_o extend_v his_o mercy_n to_o the_o offend_a and_o criminal_a part_n of_o it_o punishment_n be_v necessary_a to_o all_o government_n and_o god_n as_o governor_n of_o the_o world_n must_v inflict_v punishment_n and_o what_o these_o be_v to_o be_v it_o belong_v to_o his_o sovereign_a wisdom_n to_o appoint_v and_o eternal_a torment_n be_v appoint_v for_o the_o punishment_n of_o sin_n not_o only_o out_o of_o a_o very_a just_a but_o even_o out_o of_o a_o gracious_a design_n because_o nothing_o less_o than_o the_o threaten_n of_o they_o will_v keep_v man_n from_o sin_n and_o from_o that_o misery_n which_o be_v the_o unavoidable_a consequence_n of_o it_o and_o so_o bring_v they_o to_o heaven_n it_o be_v a_o ancient_n and_o true_a observation_n which_o edit_n which_o chrysad_a stagir_n lib._n 1._o tom_n 6._o sau._n edit_n st._n chrysostom_n have_v make_v that_o there_o be_v mercy_n even_o in_o the_o threat_n of_o eternal_a vengeance_n because_o nothing_o less_o can_v have_v bring_v many_o man_n to_o heaven_n for_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n to_o be_v make_v but_o many_o will_v be_v there_o who_o shall_v have_v cause_n to_o thank_v god_n for_o this_o as_o the_o thing_n which_o first_o open_v their_o eye_n and_o move_v they_o to_o repentance_n and_o thereby_o bring_v they_o to_o bliss_n and_o glory_n and_o the_o same_o mercy_n be_v extend_v to_o those_o that_o perish_v and_o will_v not_o make_v the_o same_o use_n of_o it_o which_o if_o they_o have_v do_v they_o have_v never_o perish_v though_o heaven_n and_o hell_n 7._o hell_n chrys_n ad_fw-la â—op_n antioch_n de_fw-fr sâ—â—tuis_fw-la hom._n 7._o say_v st._n chrysostom_n be_v contrary_a to_o each_o other_o yet_o they_o both_o aim_n at_o the_o same_o end_n the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n invite_v man_n to_o it_o and_o the_o fear_n of_o hell_n force_v those_o to_o heaven_n who_o otherwise_o will_v be_v regardless_o of_o their_o own_o happiness_n god_n have_v use_v the_o most_o proper_a and_o prevail_a mean_n to_o convince_v sinner_n of_o their_o danger_n and_o to_o persuade_v they_o to_o escape_v it_o and_o obtain_v salvation_n we_o have_v everlasting_a reward_n and_o everlasting_a punishment_n propose_v to_o our_o choice_n we_o be_v exhort_v with_o the_o great_a earnestness_n and_o move_v and_o assist_v with_o the_o continual_a influence_n