when_o this_o great_a nimrod_n have_v swallow_v as_o many_o several_a kingdom_n or_o nation_n in_o hope_n as_o the_o jew_n can_v expect_v their_o messiah_n shall_v in_o one_o age_n conquer_v the_o philosopher_n ask_v he_o what_o he_o mean_v to_o do_v after_o he_o have_v conquer_v the_o roman_n then_o say_v he_o i_o will_v conquer_v the_o gaul_n and_o spaniard_n and_o when_o he_o have_v do_v with_o they_o he_o will_v bend_v his_o force_n against_o africa_n but_o when_o you_o have_v conquer_v they_o and_o as_o many_o more_o as_o you_o intend_v to_o conquer_v what_o do_v you_o last_o resolve_n upon_o his_o answer_n be_v to_o live_v merry_o and_o at_o ease_n in_o plenty_n and_o pleasure_n why_o quoth_v the_o philosopher_n this_o you_o may_v do_v already_o without_o either_o hazard_n of_o your_o own_o or_o your_o follower_n life_n for_o none_o of_o these_o nation_n which_o you_o intend_v to_o vanquish_v be_v likely_a to_o endanger_v you_o so_o you_o will_v not_o begin_v with_o they_o the_o 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shall_v come_v &_o i_o will_v fill_v this_o house_n with_o glory_n say_v the_o lord_n of_o host_n haggai_n 2._o 6_o 7._o in_o what_o sense_n our_o saviour_n christ_n for_o of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n this_o place_n be_v undoubred_o mean_v shall_v be_v instile_v the_o desite_fw-la of_o all_o nation_n be_v a_o question_n which_o have_v perplex_v some_o good_a preacher_n and_o may_v exercise_v the_o wit_n of_o a_o good_a interpreter_n first_o how_o can_v the_o gentile_n which_o be_v far_o more_o than_o a_o mayor_n part_n of_o all_o nation_n here_o intimate_v be_v say_v at_o that_o time_n to_o desire_v he_o in_o who_o they_o do_v not_o in_o any_o sort_n believe_v who_o they_o do_v not_o at_o all_o expect_v for_o how_o shall_v they_o expect_v he_o how_o shall_v they_o believe_v in_o he_o of_o who_o they_o have_v not_o hear_v the_o jewish_a nation_n indeed_o or_o seed_n of_o abraham_n have_v hear_v of_o he_o and_o do_v expect_v he_o and_o yet_o as_o the_o prophet_n have_v foretold_v so_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o when_o they_o see_v he_o they_o see_v no_o beauty_n in_o he_o that_o they_o shall_v desire_v he_o isaiah_n 53._o vers_fw-la 2._o and_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o he_o shall_v be_v the_o desire_n of_o all_o nation_n who_o no_o nation_n do_v desire_v yes_o in_o as_o much_o as_o god_n have_v consecrate_v he_o to_o be_v the_o only_a fountain_n of_o that_o happiness_n which_o all_o man_n which_o all_o nation_n natural_o do_v desire_n and_o which_o be_v all_o that_o any_o man_n of_o what_o nation_n soever_o jew_n gentile_n greek_n or_o barbarian_a can_v desire_v he_o be_v true_o instile_v by_o the_o prophet_n the_o desire_n of_o all_o nation_n to_o say_v that_o as_o many_o as_o desire_a happiness_n do_v desire_v our_o saviour_n christ_n can_v seem_v no_o paradox_n if_o we_o consider_v what_o no_o philosopher_n will_v deny_v that_o even_o such_o as_o follow_v poison_a pleasure_n seek_v after_o happiness_n and_o life_n in_o these_o by-path_n which_o lead_v to_o death_n and_o misery_n though_o most_o man_n take_v the_o highway_n to_o death_n and_o misery_n yet_o no_o man_n desire_v to_o die_v or_o to_o be_v miserable_a but_o their_o contrary_n 13._o so_o that_o our_o saviour_n answer_n though_o it_o seem_v doubtful_a in_o the_o premise_n be_v in_o conclusion_n as_o perfect_v as_o if_o he_o have_v direct_o and_o express_o say_v go_v tell_v john_n that_o i_o be_o he_o that_o be_v to_o come_v and_o that_o you_o be_v not_o to_o expect_v another_o see_v whatsoever_o you_o can_v expect_v or_o desire_v in_o any_o one_o or_o more_o who_o you_o may_v 1._o imagine_v yet_o to_o come_v that_o you_o may_v have_v in_o i_o alone_o for_o true_a blessedness_n be_v all_o that_o you_o or_o any_o man_n can_v desire_v and_o bless_a be_v he_o whosoever_o shall_v not_o be_v offend_v in_o i_o matth._n 11._o 6._o isaiah_n 53._o vers_fw-la 2._o but_o though_o john_n and_o his_o disciple_n can_v desire_v no_o more_o of_o he_o that_o be_v to_o come_v than_o to_o be_v true_o bless_v in_o he_o yet_o may_v they_o desire_v some_o further_a proof_n than_o his_o bare_a assertion_n or_o authority_n that_o they_o may_v be_v true_o bless_v in_o he_o for_o this_o blessedness_n whereof_o he_o speak_v be_v none_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o do_v hear_v or_o see_v see_v it_o can_v be_v know_v by_o corporal_a sight_n or_o hear_n it_o be_v like_o that_o new_a name_n speak_v of_o in_o the_o revelation_n which_o no_o man_n can_v read_v but_o he_o which_o have_v it_o all_o this_o be_v true_a yet_o not_o withstand_v all_o this_o the_o thing_n which_o they_o do_v hear_v &_o see_v be_v undoubted_a pledge_n &_o visible_a assurance_n of_o this_o invisible_a blessedness_n which_o here_o he_o promise_v and_o of_o which_o every_o man_n may_v have_v undoubted_a experience_n in_o himself_o so_o he_o will_v not_o be_v offend_v in_o he_o for_o though_o our_o saviour_n with_o far_o better_a reason_n may_v yet_o do_v he_o never_o exact_v such_o absolute_a belief_n unto_o his_o word_n as_o the_o pope_n or_o visible_a church_n of_o rome_n do_v to_o they_o to_o whatsoever_o they_o shall_v decree_v without_o either_o express_a warrant_n or_o testimony_n of_o god_n word_n write_v before_o or_o experimental_a knowledge_n in_o themselves_o this_o will_v better_o appear_v in_o the_o second_o point_n propose_v which_o be_v what_o these_o word_n do_v intimate_v or_o suggest_v to_o john_n the_o point_n now_o to_o be_v inquire_v after_o be_v two_o 1._o first_o what_o be_v it_o to_o be_v bless_v and_o happy_a in_o christ_n or_o wherein_o this_o happiness_n or_o blessedness_n which_o here_o he_o promise_v do_v consist_v 2._o second_o how_o these_o particular_n here_o mention_v the_o blind_a
maxima_fw-la pars_fw-la veterum_fw-la concesserunt_fw-la the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o ancient_a father_n be_v by_o his_o confession_n of_o this_o opinion_n concern_v the_o interpretation_n of_o this_o place_n but_o will_v he_o therefore_o subscribe_v unto_o they_o or_o rest_n upon_o their_o interpretation_n no_o he_o have_v no_o reason_n so_o to_o do_v see_v the_o father_n themselves_o do_v follow_v this_o interpretation_n because_o as_o then_o no_o better_o be_v find_v out_o we_o have_v gain_v thus_o much_o from_o this_o learned_a jesuite_n for_o some_o after_o dispute_n that_o latter_a age_n may_v find_v out_o some_o better_a exposition_n of_o prinpall_a passage_n of_o scripture_n than_o most_o of_o the_o best_a &_o ancient_a father_n know_v 5._o what_o then_o be_v that_o better_a exposition_n of_o this_o place_n whereunto_o he_o and_o most_o of_o his_o fellow_n subscribe_v it_o be_v this_o john_n do_v not_o move_v this_o question_n out_o of_o any_o doubt_n or_o distrust_v of_o his_o own_o but_o only_o for_o the_o better_a instruction_n of_o his_o disciple_n in_o who_o he_o can_v hardly_o beget_v any_o true_a conceit_n oâ—_n estimate_n of_o our_o saviour_n worth_n so_o factious_a they_o be_v for_o their_o master_n that_o they_o disdain_v or_o envy_a that_o our_o saviour_n shall_v have_v more_o follower_n than_o he_o have_v so_o it_o be_v story_v joh._n 3._o vers_fw-la 25_o 26._o there_o arise_v a_o question_n between_o some_o of_o johns_n disciple_n and_o the_o jew_n about_o purify_n and_o they_o come_v unto_o john_n and_o say_v unto_o he_o rabbi_n he_o that_o be_v with_o thou_o beyond_o jordane_n to_o who_o thou_o bear_v witness_v behold_v the_o same_o baptize_v and_o all_o man_n come_v unto_o he_o now_o see_v john_n as_o the_o author_n of_o this_o interpretation_n think_v can_v not_o assuage_v this_o humour_n in_o his_o disciple_n which_o he_o earnest_o labour_v in_o the_o forecited_n place_n but_o the_o more_o he_o debase_v himself_o in_o comparison_n of_o christ_n the_o more_o worthy_a they_o think_v he_o of_o great_a honour_n he_o therefore_o now_o send_v they_o unto_o christ_n himself_o who_o instruction_n be_v grace_v with_o miracle_n he_o presume_v will_v be_v more_o effectual_a in_o they_o than_o all_o the_o exhortation_n he_o can_v bestow_v upon_o they_o the_o main_a stream_n of_o late_a interpreter_n as_o well_o protestant_n as_o papist_n run_v this_o way_n and_o if_o the_o question_n do_v arise_v from_o distrust_n or_o diffidence_n these_o imperfection_n be_v in_o all_o likelihood_n more_o incident_a to_o the_o affectionate_a scholar_n than_o to_o the_o sanctify_a and_o prudent_a master_n 6._o other_o there_o be_v but_o not_o so_o many_o to_o my_o remembrance_n as_o to_o make_v a_o few_o which_o will_v derive_v the_o former_a question_n be_v thou_o he_o that_o shall_v come_v &_o c_o not_o from_o any_o doubt_n much_o less_o from_o any_o diffidence_n or_o distrust_n either_o in_o john_n or_o in_o his_o disciple_n but_o rather_o from_o joy_n of_o heart_n in_o john_n as_o if_o it_o be_v rather_o vox_fw-la exultantis_fw-la vel_fw-la iubilantis_fw-la quam_fw-la dubitantis_fw-la and_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o man_n ofttimes_o make_v pathetical_a expression_n as_o well_o of_o present_a joy_n as_o of_o dislike_n or_o discontent_n by_o way_n of_o interrogation_n thus_o honest_a housekeeper_n or_o hearty_a host_n will_v sometime_o welcome_v their_o grateful_a and_o long_o expect_v guest_n with_o this_o or_o the_o like_a salutation_n be_v you_o come_v when_o they_o can_v true_o doubt_v whether_o they_o be_v come_v or_o no_o if_o they_o will_v believe_v their_o own_o sense_n we_o see_v the_o wise_a man_n not_o apt_a to_o give_v swift_a credence_n unto_o extraordinary_a good_a news_n lest_o their_o sorrow_n shall_v prove_v great_a if_o the_o report_n shall_v prove_v false_a and_o natural_o when_o excessive_a joy_n either_o spring_v too_o fast_o or_o grow_v too_o rank_a we_o seek_v to_o allay_v or_o snip_n it_o by_o a_o fictitious_a or_o imaginary_a distrust_n of_o those_o truth_n whence_o it_o grow_v of_o which_o we_o can_v make_v any_o real_a or_o constant_a doubt_n so_o he_o say_v in_o the_o poet_n hâ—rret_fw-la adhuc_fw-la animus_n manifestaque_fw-la gaudia_fw-la differt_fw-la mens_fw-la stupet_fw-la &_o tanto_fw-la cunctatur_fw-la credere_fw-la votâ—_n 7._o i_o dare_v not_o take_v upon_o i_o to_o determine_v which_o of_o these_o four_o several_a interpretation_n be_v the_o best_a but_o sure_o the_o second_o though_o most_o follow_v by_o the_o ancient_n be_v far_a wide_a from_o the_o evangelist_n meaning_n and_o i_o think_v it_o be_v easy_a to_o find_v out_o a_o five_o which_o may_v challenge_v as_o great_a a_o share_n or_o portion_n of_o probability_n as_o any_o of_o the_o former_a can_v do_v for_o my_o own_o part_n as_o i_o dare_v not_o impeach_v john_n himself_o of_o any_o doubt_n or_o distrust_n as_o justin_n martyr_n and_o tertullian_n do_v so_o i_o can_v account_v it_o any_o sin_n in_o john_n or_o any_o impeachment_n to_o his_o dignity_n if_o at_o this_o time_n he_o seek_v the_o confirmation_n of_o his_o former_a belief_n in_o christ_n by_o new_a document_n or_o some_o fresh_a supply_n of_o inward_a comfort_n to_o allay_v the_o tediousness_n of_o a_o hard_a linger_a durance_n from_o his_o mouth_n that_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o comfort_n and_o have_v the_o word_n of_o eternal_a life_n part_n ii_o christ_n answer_n how_o it_o be_v satisfactory_a to_o the_o question_n 8._o but_o from_o what_o disposition_n soever_o the_o former_a question_n be_v thou_o he_o that_o shall_v come_v etc._n etc._n do_v arise_v whether_o from_o joy_n or_o exultation_n in_o john_n or_o from_o distrust_n or_o diffidence_n in_o his_o disciple_n or_o partly_o from_o the_o one_o and_o partly_o from_o the_o other_o nor_o be_v the_o diverse_a opinion_n concern_v this_o point_n incompatible_o opposite_a there_o yet_o remain_v a_o question_n of_o great_a difficulty_n and_o of_o far_o more_o useful_a enquiry_n for_o right_a unfold_n the_o content_n and_o pith_n of_o my_o text._n the_o question_n be_v this_o how_o this_o answer_n of_o our_o saviour_n can_v possible_o either_o confirm_v or_o ratify_v johns_n former_a belief_n of_o christ_n person_n office_n or_o action_n or_o add_v any_o increase_n to_o his_o knowledge_n or_o comfort_n or_o last_o give_v any_o part_n of_o satisfaction_n to_o the_o distrust_n or_o diffidence_n of_o his_o disciple_n see_v there_o be_v nothing_o more_o contain_v in_o this_o answer_n than_o john_n and_o his_o disciple_n undoubted_o know_v before_o for_o so_o it_o be_v say_v in_o the_o second_o verse_n of_o this_o chapter_n when_o john_n be_v in_o prison_n have_v hear_v the_o work_n of_o christ_n he_o send_v two_o of_o his_o disciple_n and_o say_v unto_o he_o be_v thou_o he_o that_o shall_v come_v or_o do_v we_o look_v for_o another_o now_o what_o work_v do_v by_o christ_n can_v john_n hear_v of_o in_o prison_n which_o be_v not_o true_o miraculous_a which_o be_v not_o the_o very_a same_o with_o those_o which_o our_o saviour_n in_o my_o text_n inform_v john_n to_o have_v be_v wrought_v by_o he_o as_o restore_v of_o the_o blind_a to_o their_o sight_n the_o lame_a to_o their_o limb_n the_o sick_a to_o health_n the_o dumb_a to_o speech_n the_o dead_a to_o life_n &_o c_o and_o that_o which_o most_o increase_v the_o difficulty_n among_o other_o work_n of_o christ_n which_o john_n disciple_n be_v present_a as_o it_o seem_v by_o saint_n luke_n chap._n 7._o verse_n 27._o relate_v unto_o he_o his_o raise_n up_o of_o the_o widow_n son_n of_o naim_n from_o death_n to_o life_n to_o the_o great_a astonishment_n of_o the_o spectator_n be_v one_o now_o who_o do_v ever_o know_v a_o man_n true_o dead_a as_o this_o widow_n son_n be_v who_o be_v not_o withal_o more_o than_o deaf_a more_o than_o dumb_a more_o than_o blind_a of_o both_o his_o eye_n more_o than_o lame_a of_o arm_n and_o leg_n of_o foot_n and_o hand_n wherefore_o in_o as_o much_o as_o john_n know_v before_o that_o christ_n have_v raise_v he_o up_o that_o be_v dead_a and_o make_v he_o sit_v up_o and_o speak_v and_o deliver_v he_o to_o his_o mother_n he_o can_v not_o be_v ignorant_a that_o he_o have_v make_v one_o that_o be_v more_o than_o dumb_a to_o speak_v one_o that_o be_v more_o than_o halt_v to_o go_v one_o that_o be_v more_o than_o blind_a to_o see_v what_o satisfaction_n then_o can_v this_o answer_n give_v either_o to_o john_n or_o to_o his_o disciple_n both_o of_o who_o know_v thus_o much_o before_o especial_o see_v the_o one_o of_o they_o at_o least_o as_o most_o interpreter_n think_v do_v distrust_n or_o doubt_n whether_o christ_n notwithstanding_o all_o this_o be_v he_o that_o shall_v come_v and_o both_o of_o they_o can_v not_o but_o expect_v some_o ratification_n or_o confirmation_n of_o their_o former_a belief_n from_o his_o
mention_v again_o happy_a they_o be_v than_o such_o man_n as_o never_o have_v be_v blind_a or_o lame_a or_o leprous_a or_o deaf_a or_o never_o have_v taste_v of_o bodily_a death_n for_o albeit_o the_o blessing_n of_o life_n of_o health_n of_o strength_n of_o soundness_n of_o limb_n be_v in_o themselves_o if_o we_o measure_v they_o by_o themselves_o the_o self-same_a in_o both_o yet_o these_o mention_v in_o my_o text_n know_v much_o better_o how_o to_o value_v or_o prize_v these_o bodily_a blessing_n aright_o or_o how_o to_o use_v they_o to_o their_o right_a end_n by_o their_o former_a long_a want_n or_o absence_n than_o other_o can_v do_v by_o their_o continual_a presence_n or_o fruition_n of_o they_o again_o happy_a they_o be_v in_o respect_n of_o themselves_o or_o their_o former_a estate_n much_o happy_a in_o that_o they_o be_v now_o able_a to_o walk_v whereas_o before_o they_o have_v be_v lame_a much_o happy_a in_o that_o whereas_o now_o they_o see_v they_o have_v sometime_o be_v blind_a that_o whereas_o now_o they_o be_v cleanse_v they_o have_v sometime_o be_v leper_n in_o that_o such_o of_o they_o as_o now_o live_v have_v be_v sometime_o dead_a for_o although_o the_o habit_n be_v in_o itself_o much_o better_a than_o the_o privation_n as_o sight_n be_v much_o better_a than_o blindness_n health_n much_o better_a than_o sickness_n soundness_n of_o limb_n much_o 1._o better_o than_o lameness_n life_n much_o better_a than_o death_n vet_n sometime_o the_o sufferance_n of_o want_n or_o privation_n of_o thing_n in_o their_o nature_n good_a and_o pleasant_a may_v be_v more_o profitable_a or_o useful_a for_o attain_v some_o great_a good_a than_o the_o present_a possession_n or_o fruition_n of_o good_a thing_n now_o it_o be_v not_o the_o habit_n or_o present_a fruition_n of_o life_n and_o health_n not_o the_o right_a use_n of_o limb_n and_o bodily_a sense_n but_o the_o former_a want_n or_o privation_n of_o they_o which_o be_v as_o the_o root_n or_o stock_n wherein_o the_o three_o part_n of_o that_o happiness_n which_o consist_v in_o the_o health_n or_o welfare_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v ingraft_v if_o some_o of_o these_o man_n have_v always_o enjoy_v their_o perfect_a sight_n it_o be_v more_o than_o twenty_o to_o one_o but_o that_o their_o own_o right_a eye_n have_v offend_v they_o and_o better_o it_o be_v they_o shall_v have_v be_v pluck_v out_o than_o have_v offend_v they_o but_o best_a of_o all_o that_o they_o have_v none_o to_o offend_v they_o or_o draw_v they_o from_o christ_n the_o fountain_n of_o happiness_n unto_o other_o vanity_n if_o other_o of_o they_o have_v be_v always_o sound_a of_o body_n and_o limb_n their_o own_o right_a hand_n or_o foot_n will_v have_v be_v as_o a_o stumbling-blocke_n to_o they_o in_o the_o way_n of_o life_n and_o have_v hinder_v they_o from_o come_v to_o christ._n if_o other_o of_o they_o have_v not_o be_v smite_v with_o leprosy_n or_o other_o like_o grievous_a disease_n they_o have_v not_o seek_v to_o christ_n as_o to_o their_o physician_n and_o not_o find_v he_o so_o happy_a a_o physician_n as_o they_o find_v he_o for_o the_o body_n they_o will_v not_o so_o earnest_o have_v seek_v unto_o he_o as_o the_o only_a physician_n of_o their_o soul_n although_o he_o be_v usual_o find_v of_o none_o but_o such_o as_o seek_v he_o final_o unless_o the_o lord_n have_v humble_v all_o of_o they_o with_o some_o one_o or_o other_o bodily_a grievance_n or_o with_o want_n and_o poverty_n they_o have_v not_o become_v so_o humble_a in_o mind_n or_o poor_a in_o spirit_n as_o now_o they_o be_v and_o not_o be_v such_o they_o have_v not_o be_v capable_a of_o the_o great_a miracle_n or_o best_a blessing_n here_o bestow_v that_o be_v they_o have_v not_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o so_o it_o be_v remarkable_o say_v in_o the_o text_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o dead_a be_v raise_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d &_o the_o poor_a as_o our_o late_a english_a translation_n read_v it_o have_v the_o gospel_n preach_v unto_o they_o much_o better_o i_o must_v confess_v than_o some_o of_o the_o ancient_a father_n which_o expound_v the_o original_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v as_o the_o latin_n say_v a_o verb_n common_a or_o as_o the_o grecian_n say_v verbum_fw-la medium_n that_o be_v sometime_o active_a sometime_o passive_a according_a to_o its_o active_a signification_n in_o this_o place_n and_o render_v it_o thus_o the_o poor_a preach_v the_o gospel_n but_o as_o maldonate_fw-it well_o observe_v for_o the_o poor_a to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n be_v never_o any_o matter_n of_o wonder_n and_o therefore_o no_o part_n of_o our_o saviour_n message_n unto_o john_n as_o be_v no_o point_n worthy_a so_o great_a a_o master_n as_o our_o saviour_n be_v solemn_o to_o teach_v or_o so_o great_a a_o scholar_n as_o john_n be_v solemn_o to_o learn_v and_o howsoever_o the_o word_n in_o the_o original_a be_v render_v by_o interpreter_n the_o thing_n signify_v by_o it_o be_v the_o great_a miracle_n in_o this_o catalogue_n that_o the_o gospel_n shall_v be_v preach_v unto_o the_o poor_a as_o maldonate_fw-it will_v have_v it_o be_v valdè_fw-la mirum_fw-la a_o great_a and_o real_a wonder_n and_o why_o so_o great_a or_o real_a a_o wonder_n because_o say_v he_o to_o have_v the_o gospel_n preach_v unto_o they_o be_v as_o much_o as_o to_o have_v a_o promise_n to_o be_v make_v king_n as_o he_o right_o prove_v from_o diverse_a place_n of_o this_o gospel_n by_o saint_n matthew_n quid_fw-la autem_fw-la admirabilius_fw-la quam_fw-la pauperem_fw-la regem_fw-la fieri_fw-la what_o more_o admirable_a or_o wonderful_a than_o for_o poor_a man_n and_o beggar_n to_o be_v make_v king_n he_o further_o add_v that_o although_o the_o gospel_n be_v equal_o and_o indifferent_o preach_v to_o all_o yet_o it_o 1._o please_v our_o saviour_n only_o to_o mention_v the_o poor_a both_o because_o that_o be_v most_o strange_a and_o unusual_a according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o world_n that_o the_o poor_a shall_v have_v the_o promise_n to_o be_v make_v king_n and_o withal_o that_o he_o may_v show_v himself_o to_o be_v the_o messiah_n or_o the_o anoint_v of_o the_o lord_n who_o as_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n have_v foretold_v shall_v preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o the_o poor_a thus_o far_a maldonate_fw-it but_o under_o correction_n the_o original_a phrase_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d import_v a_o great_a deal_n more_o than_o either_o maldonate_fw-it express_v in_o latin_a when_o he_o say_v euangelium_fw-la praedicatur_fw-la pauperibus_fw-la or_o then_o be_v express_v in_o our_o latter_a english_a the_o poor_a have_v the_o gospel_n preach_v unto_o they_o our_o former_a english_a come_v somewhat_o near_o the_o original_a when_o it_o say_v the_o poor_a receive_v the_o gospel_n but_o the_o vulgar_a latin_a though_o it_o miss_v it_o many_o yet_o in_o this_o particular_a best_o express_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o evangelist_n if_o the_o romish_a priest_n and_o jesuit_n which_o hold_v it_o to_o be_v authentic_a do_v understand_v the_o meaning_n of_o it_o or_o improve_v it_o to_o the_o best_a sense_n for_o so_o it_o render_v the_o original_a verbatim_o pauperes_fw-la euangelizantur_fw-la for_o right_a unfold_n the_o content_n of_o this_o speech_n or_o take_v the_o full_a value_n of_o the_o original_a we_o be_v to_o observe_v that_o verb_n passive_a whether_o in_o the_o hebrew_n greek_a latin_a or_o english_a may_v include_v or_o import_v a_o twofold_a passion_n the_o one_o mere_o grammatical_a or_o intentional_a the_o other_o real_a either_o natural_a or_o supernatural_a one_o and_o the_o same_o verb_n may_v sometime_o include_v the_o former_a only_o sometime_o the_o latter_a according_a to_o the_o diversity_n of_o the_o matter_n or_o subject_n whereunto_o it_o be_v apply_v to_o give_v instance_n in_o that_o speech_n of_o melchizedeck_n genes_n 14._o 19_o bless_a be_v abraham_n of_o the_o most_o high_a god_n possessor_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o bless_v be_v the_o most_o high_a god_n which_o have_v deliver_v thy_o enemy_n into_o thy_o hand_n now_o though_o the_o word_n in_o the_o original_a be_v the_o same_o though_o it_o be_v for_o signification_n as_o true_o passive_a when_o it_o be_v say_v bless_a be_v the_o most_o high_a god_n and_o when_o it_o be_v say_v bless_a be_v abraham_n of_o the_o most_o high_a god_n yet_o we_o must_v always_o note_v this_o difference_n in_o the_o thing_n itself_o that_o whensoever_o god_n be_v bless_v by_o man_n as_o here_o he_o be_v by_o melchizedeck_n man_n blessing_n can_v produce_v no_o real_a passion_n or_o alteration_n in_o god_n it_o can_v add_v no_o degree_n of_o bliss_n or_o happiness_n to_o he_o but_o whensoever_o man_n be_v bless_v by_o god_n his_o blessing_n always_o add_v some_o increase_n of_o blessedness_n either_o in_o his_o good_n in_o his_o body_n or_o in_o
together_o and_o the_o lion_n shall_v eat_v straw_n like_o the_o ox_n and_o the_o suck_a child_n shall_v play_v on_o the_o hole_n of_o the_o asp_n and_o the_o wean_a child_n shall_v put_v his_o hand_n on_o the_o cockatrice_n den_fw-mi they_o shall_v not_o hurt_v nor_o destroy_v in_o all_o my_o holy_a mountain_n for_o the_o earth_n shall_v be_v full_a of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o the_o water_n cover_v the_o sea_n the_o exact_a fulfil_n of_o this_o prophecy_n in_o its_o literal_a sense_n that_o be_v according_a to_o the_o strict_a propriety_n of_o native_a or_o unborrowed_a signification_n of_o word_n credat_fw-la judaeus_fw-la let_v it_o be_v expect_v by_o the_o unbelieve_a jew_n who_o too_o much_o credulity_n to_o the_o letter_n have_v bring_v forth_o a_o absolute_a infidelity_n concern_v the_o mystery_n of_o his_o salvation_n but_o while_o he_o expect_v such_o a_o league_n and_o amity_n betwixt_o the_o creature_n here_o mention_v as_o the_o word_n literal_o import_v he_o plain_o declare_v himself_o to_o be_v more_o cruel_a more_o rancorous_a &_o untamed_a than_o the_o most_o ravenous_a beast_n or_o most_o venomous_a creature_n here_o mention_v for_o neither_o the_o sweet_a invitation_n of_o our_o saviour_n nor_o all_o the_o good_a deed_n which_o he_o wrought_v among_o this_o people_n while_o he_o live_v on_o earth_n nor_o the_o punish_a hand_n of_o god_n which_o have_v be_v always_o heavy_a upon_o they_o since_o his_o death_n have_v to_o this_o day_n wrought_v such_o a_o placable_a or_o reconcileable_a disposition_n towards_o we_o gentile_n or_o towards_o their_o own_o brethren_n which_o trust_v in_o christ_n as_o they_o expect_v in_o the_o day_n of_o their_o messiah_n shall_v be_v wrought_v in_o the_o wolf_n towards_o the_o lamb_n or_o in_o the_o asp_n or_o cockatrice_n towards_o the_o child_n or_o suck_a infant_n we_o may_v take_v this_o among_o other_o as_o a_o sure_a argument_n of_o our_o interest_n in_o the_o woman_n seed_n in_o that_o this_o generation_n of_o viper_n or_o serpent_n as_o john_n baptist_n term_v they_o have_v exercise_v the_o venomous_a enmity_n of_o serpent_n against_o all_o that_o have_v profess_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n since_o his_o death_n but_o the_o great_a their_o enmity_n be_v unto_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n or_o the_o long_o it_o have_v continue_v the_o more_o strange_a and_o admirable_a will_v that_o reconciliation_n or_o agreement_n seem_v which_o the_o evangelist_n record_v to_o have_v fall_v out_o at_o the_o time_n of_o our_o saviour_n baptism_n or_o anoyntment_n not_o only_o between_o the_o jew_n and_o the_o gentile_a but_o between_o 2._o the_o pharisee_n and_o publican_n between_o the_o sadduce_n and_o the_o roman_a soldier_n all_o of_o they_o communicate_v together_o in_o the_o solemnity_n or_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n for_o many_o of_o every_o sort_n here_o mention_v be_v baptize_v 〈◊〉_d in_o jordane_n confess_v their_o sin_n this_o sudden_a and_o unexpected_a obedience_n of_o all_o sort_n unto_o the_o summons_n of_o johns_n calling_n to_o repentance_n and_o the_o strange_a alteration_n which_o follow_v upon_o the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n and_o the_o repentance_n which_o john_n preach_v aswell_o in_o the_o jew_n as_o in_o the_o gentile_a be_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o the_o prophet_n fore-picture_n in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o wolf_n agree_v with_o the_o lamb_n of_o the_o leopard_n reconciliation_n with_o the_o kid_n and_o of_o the_o lion_n near_o familaritie_n with_o the_o ox_n or_o ass_n the_o publican_n which_o before_o the_o preach_n of_o baptism_n and_o repentance_n by_o john_n be_v as_o ravenous_a as_o the_o evening_n wolf_n become_v as_o innocent_a as_o the_o lamb_n the_o soldier_n likewise_o which_o have_v be_v former_o as_o fierce_a and_o cruel_a as_o the_o lion_n become_v as_o tame_v and_o gentle_a as_o the_o ox_n or_o cow_n and_o submit_v their_o neck_n unto_o the_o yoke_n of_o the_o gospel_n such_o of_o the_o phaâ—ises_n likewise_o as_o before_o their_o baptism_n have_v be_v as_o venomous_a as_o the_o asp_n or_o cockatrice_n do_v by_o the_o worthy_a receive_n of_o this_o baptism_n and_o the_o grace_n which_o god_n do_v give_v they_o become_v as_o mild_a and_o gentle_a as_o the_o suck_a infant_n baptist._n or_o wean_a child_n 57_o this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v the_o true_a interpretation_n and_o native_a meaning_n though_o not_o of_o these_o word_n which_o he_o use_v yet_o of_o the_o prophet_n himself_o and_o that_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n do_v purposely_o intend_v to_o express_v in_o the_o forecited_n place_n but_o may_v not_o the_o prediction_n though_o mere_o or_o for_o the_o most_o part_n as_o be_v observe_v parabolical_a have_v some_o special_a reference_n to_o the_o day_n of_o noah_n wherein_o the_o like_a reconciliation_n of_o hostile_a &_o antipathize_v nature_n be_v literal_o and_o historical_o verify_v and_o experience_v yes_o doubtless_o the_o sign_n of_o that_o old_a world_n and_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o time_n wherein_o our_o saviour_n be_v baptize_v do_v as_o exact_o resemble_v the_o one_o the_o other_o as_o the_o shape_n or_o image_n of_o the_o face_n in_o the_o glass_n do_v the_o picture_n that_o produce_v it_o or_o the_o picture_n do_v the_o live_a body_n which_o it_o represent_v and_o beside_o the_o power_n of_o god_n which_o be_v able_a to_o effect_v all_o thing_n without_o secondary_a cause_n or_o mean_n subordinate_a we_o can_v imagine_v any_o other_o cause_n or_o reason_n that_o shall_v move_v the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n the_o pharise_n &_o publican_n to_o communicate_v together_o in_o johns_n baptism_n beside_o that_o which_o move_v the_o beast_n of_o every_o kind_n heremention_v by_o the_o prophet_n and_o other_o beside_o they_o to_o hold_v better_a consort_n in_o noah_n ark_n or_o at_o their_o entrance_n into_o it_o than_o they_o have_v do_v while_o they_o enjoy_v their_o natural_a liberty_n in_o the_o field_n and_o open_a air_n the_o true_a reason_n of_o both_o these_o strange_a reconciliation_n &_o composal_n of_o these_o inbred_a fohood_n be_v that_o which_o the_o great_a philosopher_n tell_v we_o will_v unite_v the_o deadly_a enemy_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i._o the_o sudden_a approach_n or_o joint_a apprehension_n of_o dread_n or_o danger_n alike_o common_a and_o alike_o imminent_a to_o both_o now_o the_o strange_a and_o uncouth_a dread_n of_o this_o universal_a deluge_n can_v not_o choose_v but_o compel_v all_o the_o land_n creature_n to_o keep_v the_o peace_n of_o nature_n before_o they_o enter_v noah_n ark_n to_o forbear_v the_o exercise_n of_o wont_a hostility_n while_o they_o be_v in_o it_o and_o to_o entertain_v a_o general_a truce_n while_o the_o deluge_n last_v but_o what_o fear_n or_o dread_n of_o danger_n alike_o imminent_a to_o all_o can_v the_o pharisee_n and_o publican_n the_o sadducee_n and_o 2._o the_o heathen_a soldier_n joint_o apprehend_v that_o may_v move_v they_o to_o like_a peace_n or_o consort_n during_o the_o time_n of_o johns_n baptism_n or_o before_o he_o be_v to_o baptize_v our_o saviour_n the_o prophet_n malachy_n to_o my_o apprehension_n in_o the_o conclusion_n of_o his_o prophecy_n intimate_v some_o great_a plague_n or_o curse_v ready_a to_o fall_v either_o upon_o the_o whole_a world_n or_o at_o least_o upon_o the_o land_n of_o jewry_n unless_o it_o be_v prevent_v by_o such_o mean_n as_o the_o flood_n may_v have_v be_v or_o as_o the_o destruction_n of_o niniveh_n in_o the_o day_n of_o jonas_n be_v prevent_v that_o be_v by_o humiliation_n and_o true_a repentance_n and_o this_o humiliation_n of_o the_o people_n or_o turn_v to_o the_o lord_n by_o true_a repentance_n be_v to_o be_v wrought_v as_o malachy_n speak_v by_o the_o prophet_n eliah_n that_o be_v as_o you_o hear_v before_o by_o john_n the_o baptist._n the_o prophet_n word_n be_v these_o behold_v i_o will_v send_v you_o eliah_n the_o prophet_n before_o the_o come_n of_o the_o great_a and_o dreadful_a day_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o he_o shall_v turn_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o father_n unto_o the_o child_n and_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o child_n unto_o the_o father_n lest_o i_o come_v and_o smite_v the_o earth_n with_o a_o curse_n malac._n 4._o vers_fw-la 5_o 6._o the_o best_a interpretation_n of_o this_o place_n be_v make_v by_o the_o angel_n gabriel_n luk._n 1._o vers_fw-la 16_o 17._o and_o many_o of_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n shall_v he_o turn_v to_o the_o lord_n their_o god_n and_o he_o shall_v go_v before_o he_o in_o the_o spirit_n and_o power_n of_o elias_n to_o turn_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o father_n to_o the_o child_n and_o the_o disobedient_a to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o just_a to_o make_v ready_a a_o people_n prepare_v to_o the_o lord_n unless_o some_o competent_a multitude_n have_v be_v thus_o prepare_v to_o entertain_v the_o kingdom_n of_o grace_n or_o the_o gospel_n or_o christ_n
mean_v but_o of_o one_o which_o be_v christ_n the_o lord_n and_o under_o these_o general_a or_o royal_a title_n the_o promise_a seed_n or_o messiah_n be_v apprehend_v and_o know_v by_o the_o best_a of_o god_n servant_n as_o well_o before_o the_o law_n be_v give_v as_o while_o the_o law_n be_v ready_a to_o expire_v and_o determine_v 2._o thus_o we_o read_v exod._n 4._o verse_n 13._o that_o moses_n after_o many_o pretence_n and_o excuse_n to_o avoid_v the_o embassage_n unto_o pharaoh_n for_o the_o deliverance_n of_o god_n people_n last_o conclude_v with_o this_o request_n o_fw-fr my_o lord_n send_v i_o pray_v thou_o by_o the_o hand_n of_o he_o who_o thou_o will_v send_v which_o be_v so_o much_o in_o the_o interpretation_n of_o the_o ancient_n as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v lord_n i_o know_v thou_o have_v ordain_v from_o the_o beginning_n to_o send_v a_o authentic_a messenger_n unto_o the_o world_n for_o the_o deliverance_n of_o thy_o people_n one_o that_o shall_v speak_v as_o never_o man_n speak_v and_o do_v those_o work_n which_o no_o man_n beside_o can_v do_v and_o i_o beseech_v thou_o to_o send_v he_o at_o this_o time_n unto_o pharaoh_n to_o let_v thy_o people_n go_v for_o this_o be_v a_o work_n worthy_a his_o pain_n i_o know_v some_o late_a writer_n reject_v this_o interpretation_n but_o their_o exception_n against_o the_o ancient_a interpreter_n be_v not_o concludent_fw-la and_o therefore_o not_o to_o be_v admit_v especial_o when_o the_o better_a sort_n of_o late_a writer_n with_o who_o i_o accord_n do_v embrace_v the_o interpretation_n of_o the_o ancient_n again_o although_o god_n have_v send_v john_n baptist_n on_o as_o great_a a_o embassage_n as_o this_o of_o moses_n he_o be_v send_v as_o a_o messenger_n to_o prepare_v the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n yet_o he_o do_v not_o affect_v but_o do_v utter_o disclaim_v this_o title_n of_o be_v he_o who_o god_n have_v send_v as_o know_v it_o to_o be_v peculiar_a unto_o the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n for_o so_o he_o speak_v of_o he_o in_o opposition_n unto_o himself_o joh._n 3._o vers_fw-la 34._o for_o he_o who_o god_n have_v send_v speak_v the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o god_n give_v the_o spirit_n not_o by_o measure_n unto_o he_o for_o this_o reason_n john_n who_o be_v send_v from_o god_n as_o a_o messenger_n to_o prepare_v his_o way_n who_o never_o doubt_v of_o his_o miraculous_a birth_n and_o conception_n john_n who_o have_v hear_v and_o see_v he_o declare_v by_o voice_n and_o vision_n from_o heaven_n unto_o israel_n even_o after_o he_o himself_o have_v proclaim_v he_o to_o be_v the_o lamb_n of_o god_n which_o be_v to_o take_v away_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o world_n yet_o for_o a_o period_n or_o upshot_n of_o all_o that_o he_o desire_v to_o know_v concern_v jesus_n his_o person_n his_o office_n his_o action_n in_o this_o life_n comprise_v all_o in_o this_o short_a interrogative_n be_v thou_o he_o that_o shall_v come_v or_o do_v we_o look_v for_o another_o 3._o unto_o this_o question_n or_o demand_v be_v the_o entire_a tenor_n of_o johns_n solemn_a embassage_n and_o the_o sum_n of_o all_o which_o he_o desire_v to_o know_v concern_v christ_n our_o saviour_n vouchsafe_v no_o other_o answer_n than_o what_o have_v be_v read_v unto_o you_o jesus_n answer_v etc._n etc._n now_o if_o we_o consider_v that_o ample_a testimony_n which_o our_o saviour_n in_o the_o word_n follow_v my_o text_n do_v give_v of_o john_n in_o the_o audience_n of_o the_o multitude_n to_o wit_n that_o he_o be_v a_o prophet_n yea_o and_o more_o than_o a_o prophet_n that_o of_o all_o that_o be_v bear_v of_o woman_n there_o be_v none_o great_a than_o john_n charity_n and_o christian_a modesty_n will_v constrain_v we_o to_o presume_v that_o this_o question_n be_v thou_o he_o that_o shall_v come_v or_o do_v we_o look_v for_o another_o be_v thus_o solemn_o by_o john_n propose_v be_v no_o idle_a but_o a_o serious_a and_o useful_a question_n fit_v not_o only_o for_o he_o but_o for_o posterity_n to_o be_v resolve_v in_o again_o if_o we_o consider_v that_o this_o answer_n which_o i_o have_v read_v unto_o you_o be_v make_v by_o our_o bless_a saviour_n we_o stand_v bind_v upon_o our_o allegiance_n to_o believe_v that_o as_o the_o question_n be_v serious_a and_o useful_a so_o the_o answer_n be_v pertinent_a full_a and_o satisfactory_a all_o this_o be_v most_o plain_a in_o the_o general_a but_o if_o we_o descend_v unto_o particular_n the_o difficulty_n be_v two_o 1_o first_o from_o what_o affection_n or_o disposition_n of_o discourse_n mind_n this_o question_n shall_v proceed_v or_o what_o it_o be_v that_o shall_v occasion_n john_n to_o make_v it_o 2._o second_o in_o what_o manner_n and_o how_o far_o our_o saviour_n answer_n or_o the_o word_n which_o i_o have_v read_v unto_o you_o do_v fit_a the_o occasion_n which_o move_v john_n to_o make_v the_o question_n or_o full_o satisfy_v the_o question_n itself_o 4._o concern_v the_o first_o point_n to_o wit_n from_o what_o affection_n or_o disposition_n of_o mind_n this_o question_n shall_v proceed_v or_o what_o shall_v moâ—e_n john_n to_o make_v it_o there_o be_v great_a variety_n or_o diversity_n then_o opposition_n or_o contrariety_n of_o opinion_n among_o the_o learned_a locum_fw-la justin_n martyr_n and_o tertullian_n be_v not_o afraid_a to_o say_v and_o deliver_v in_o write_v to_o posterity_n that_o john_n himself_o do_v at_o this_o time_n true_o doubt_v and_o distrust_n whether_o he_o that_o wrought_v these_o miracle_n here_o mention_v in_o my_o text_n be_v the_o promise_a seed_n or_o no_o and_o that_o out_o of_o this_o doubt_n or_o distrust_v in_o himself_o he_o send_v this_o message_n unto_o our_o saviour_n be_v thou_o he_o that_o shall_v come_v or_o do_v we_o look_v for_o another_o tertullian_n in_o his_o four_o book_n against_o martion_n go_v further_a and_o say_v that_o after_o our_o saviour_n do_v enter_v upon_o his_o prophetical_a function_n and_o take_v upon_o he_o to_o instruct_v the_o people_n public_o by_o word_n and_o miracle_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o be_v give_v to_o he_o not_o by_o measure_n begin_v now_o to_o dilate_v and_o show_v itself_o unto_o the_o world_n do_v withdraw_v or_o call_v in_o that_o portion_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n wherewith_o john_n baptist_n have_v former_o be_v endue_v to_o prepare_v the_o way_n of_o this_o his_o lord_n as_o great_a flame_n draw_v fly_v sparkle_n to_o they_o or_o suck_v out_o the_o lesser_a light_n or_o candle_n that_o be_v near_o they_o as_o if_o john_n baptist_n himself_o when_o he_o say_v oportet_fw-la illum_fw-la crescere_fw-la i_o autem_fw-la decrescere_fw-la have_v unwitting_o or_o otherwise_o prophesy_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophefie_n shall_v decrease_v in_o he_o as_o it_o do_v increase_v or_o more_o ample_o manifest_v itself_o in_o our_o saviour_n yet_o this_o interpretation_n i_o must_v tell_v you_o though_o avouch_v by_o two_o of_o the_o most_o ancient_a father_n who_o write_n be_v now_o extant_a be_v slender_o second_v by_o late_a writer_n whether_o of_o romish_a or_o reform_a religion_n maldonat_n a_o learned_a jesuite_n do_v thus_o censure_v they_o or_o rather_o the_o time_n wherein_o they_o live_v in_o illa_fw-la nimirum_fw-la aetate_fw-la nondum_fw-la satis_fw-la culta_fw-la theologia_fw-la hujusmodi_fw-la spinas_fw-la aliquando_fw-la proferebat_fw-la that_o be_v that_o goodly_a garden_n of_o god_n which_o we_o call_v divinity_n be_v not_o in_o that_o age_n so_o well_o dress_v but_o that_o it_o do_v sometime_o bring_v forth_o such_o thorn_n and_o bramble_n as_o these_o be_v shall_v the_o best_a of_o our_o writer_n or_o preacher_n speak_v on_o this_o fashion_n of_o the_o ancient_a father_n the_o romish_a church_n will_v take_v it_o as_o a_o sufficient_a testimony_n to_o condemn_v we_o for_o heretic_n howbeit_o we_o will_v not_o condemn_v it_o as_o a_o heresy_n in_o her_o child_n for_o speak_v or_o write_v thus_o but_o rather_o wish_v they_o will_v be_v constant_a to_o themselves_o and_o unpartial_a towards_o we_o to_o permit_v we_o that_o liberty_n which_o they_o take_v in_o refuse_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o most_o ancient_a father_n especial_o in_o the_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n other_o there_o be_v and_o these_o very_a ancient_a too_o which_o dislike_a justin_n martyr_n and_o tertullians_n interpretation_n of_o this_o place_n will_v qualify_v it_o thus_o john_n the_o baptist_n do_v not_o question_v nor_o doubt_n whether_o jesus_n who_o he_o have_v baptize_v be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n the_o promise_a and_o long_o expect_v messiah_n or_o no_o but_o utrum_fw-la esset_fw-la ad_fw-la inferos_fw-la descensurus_fw-la whether_o he_o be_v to_o taste_v of_o death_n himself_o or_o whether_o he_o will_v come_v to_o rescue_v the_o dead_a from_o the_o power_n of_o hell_n and_o the_o grave_n et_fw-la in_o hanc_fw-la sententiam_fw-la say_v the_o same_o maldonat_n