as_o convince_a as_o the_o sight_n of_o our_o own_o eye_n chap._n v._n the_o strength_n and_o force_n of_o the_o precede_a argument_n 1_o they_o remove_v all_o suspicion_n that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v not_o prophet_n for_o thereby_o it_o appear_v 1_o that_o they_o pretend_v to_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n 2_o that_o they_o therein_o be_v not_o deceive_v 3_o they_o have_v no_o design_n to_o deceive_v other_o 2_o they_o give_v positive_a evidence_n that_o they_o be_v prophet_n 1_o from_o their_o fortitude_n 2_o from_o their_o wisdom_n 3_o from_o their_o prediction_n 4_o from_o their_o miracle_n here_o to_o show_v the_o force_n of_o this_o argument_n it_o be_v observe_v 1_o that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n wrought_v their_o miracle_n on_o purpose_n to_o confirm_v their_o doctrine_n 2_o miracle_n be_v always_o look_v on_o as_o demonstrative_a proof_n of_o divine_a authority_n in_o they_o that_o do_v they_o 3_o the_o reason_n for_o which_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n deserve_v to_o be_v so_o account_v 1_o from_o their_o nature_n 2_o from_o their_o number_n 3_o from_o their_o greatness_n 4_o from_o their_o goodness_n thereby_o they_o confer_v on_o man_n 1_o the_o good_n of_o fortune_n 2_o of_o the_o body_n 3_o of_o the_o soul_n chap._n vi_o some_o use_n that_o may_v be_v make_v of_o this_o doctrine_n of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o christian_a religion_n sect._n 1_o this_o deduce_v therefrom_o the_o leviathan_n deny_v it_o the_o first_o reason_n of_o this_o opinion_n answer_v the_o second_o reason_n answer_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o holy_a scripture_n sect._n 2_o uncontrolled_a tradition_n prove_v that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o n._n testament_n be_v write_v by_o those_o man_n who_o name_n they_o bear_v and_o since_o they_o be_v prophet_n the_o old_a testament_n also_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o word_n of_o prophecy_n a_o doubt_n about_o the_o gospel_n of_o st._n mark_n and_o st._n luke_n and_o the_o act_n these_o book_n have_v the_o approbation_n of_o the_o apostle_n a_o objection_n out_o of_o the_o leviathan_n object_n 2._o object_n 3._o the_o insufficiency_n of_o humane_a reason_n sect._n 3_o the_o treatise_n thereof_o ascribe_v as_o much_o thereunto_o as_o pelagius_n do_v to_o free_a will_n it_o evacuate_v the_o necessity_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n prophetic_a office_n the_o impiety_n of_o it_o reason_n itself_o condemn_v it_o a_o objection_n out_o of_o that_o treatise_n the_o reasonableness_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n sect._n 4_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o word_n of_o prophecy_n great_a than_o that_o of_o a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n the_o mystery_n of_o christianity_n do_v not_o make_v it_o incredible_a but_o be_v apt_a to_o strengthen_v our_o faith_n the_o reasonableness_n of_o christian_a hope_n sect._n 5_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o promise_n a_o objection_n draw_v from_o experience_n another_o from_o the_o suppose_a impossibility_n of_o a_o general_n resurrection_n the_o reasonableness_n of_o obedience_n sect._n 6_o all_o acknowledge_v a_o obligation_n to_o obey_v god_n whence_o do_v this_o obligation_n arise_v 1_o not_o from_o our_o weakness_n 2_o not_o from_o god_n sole_a irresistible_a power_n the_o nature_n of_o divine_a sovereignty_n god_n right_a of_o it_o a_o view_n of_o our_o state_n by_o nature_n the_o way_n that_o god_n have_v choose_v for_o our_o redemption_n christ_n conquer_v the_o devil_n at_o all_o those_o weapon_n whereby_o he_o overcome_v our_o first_o parent_n and_o their_o posterity_n we_o be_v therefore_o his_o by_o right_n of_o conquest_n christ_n make_v satisfaction_n for_o we_o christ_n now_o in_o heaven_n be_v able_a to_o succour_v we_o when_o we_o be_v tempt_v a_o question_n another_o question_n the_o nature_n of_o a_o obligation_n which_o be_v twofold_a the_o redemption_n of_o christ_n oblige_v we_o by_o both_o to_o keep_v his_o commandment_n 1_o by_o that_o of_o authority_n 2_o by_o that_o ad_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o nature_n of_o it_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o 1_o the_o benefit_n we_o receive_v by_o redemption_n 2_o the_o satisfactoriness_n of_o it_o to_o our_o reason_n 3_o the_o incomparable_a encouragement_n that_o it_o give_v we_o to_o keep_v the_o commandment_n the_o conclusion_n rev._n 19_o 10._o the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n be_v the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n chap._n i._n that_o we_o have_v a_o power_n of_o assent_v be_v so_o manifest_a as_o that_o scepticism_n itself_o can_v doubt_v it_o for_o that_o it_o be_v very_o apparent_o build_v on_o assent_n to_o this_o proposition_n there_o be_v nothing_o certain_a who_o can_v be_v of_o that_o persuasion_n without_o assent_n it_o seem_v therefore_o certain_a that_o the_o mind_n assent_v and_o this_o it_o do_v to_o testimony_n as_o well_o as_o reason_n for_o the_o latter_a can_v be_v at_o least_o improve_v without_o the_o former_a because_o there_o be_v no_o reason_v without_o word_n and_o word_n without_o testimony_n signify_v nothing_o be_v it_o not_o for_o testimony_n the_o wise_a of_o word_n and_o the_o most_o inarticulate_a of_o sound_n will_v be_v to_o we_o equal_o significant_a so_o that_o not_o only_a religion_n but_o also_o all_o art_n and_o science_n be_v behold_v 16_o to_o testimony_n they_o be_v if_o not_o found_v on_o it_o yet_o unattainable_a without_o it_o it_o seem_v therefore_o those_o who_o traduce_v our_o religion_n as_o fond_a credulity_n because_o it_o depend_v on_o testimony_n be_v therein_o very_o disingenuous_o partial_a and_o irrational_a especial_o consider_v the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n be_v the_o spirit_n of_o prophesy_n which_o word_n be_v a_o entire_a proposition_n not_o so_o difficult_a but_o that_o it_o may_v be_v understand_v nor_o yet_o so_o plain_a but_o that_o both_o the_o subject_a and_o the_o predicate_v will_v need_v some_o explication_n in_o order_n whereunto_o it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o observe_v that_o in_o all_o probability_n the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n be_v either_o that_o which_o he_o himself_o give_v or_o else_o that_o which_o his_o witness_n do_v bear_v of_o he_o of_o the_o former_a 33._o st._n john_n speak_v in_o his_o gospel_n of_o the_o latter_a in_o his_o revelation_n here_o in_o my_o text_n which_o to_o i_o seem_v evident_a by_o the_o scope_n and_o design_n of_o the_o whole_a verse_n the_o drift_n whereof_o be_v to_o prove_v that_o the_o angel_n who_o word_n they_o be_v to_o st._n john_n be_v fellow-servant_n with_o he_o and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n st._n john_n fall_v at_o the_o angel_n foot_n to_o worship_n he_o but_o the_o angel_n say_v unto_o he_o see_v thou_o do_v it_o not_o of_o which_o prohibition_n he_o give_v this_o reason_n because_o say_v he_o i_o be_o thy_o fellow-servant_n and_o of_o thy_o brethren_n that_o have_v the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n and_o who_o be_v they_o that_o have_v the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n sure_o they_o be_v those_o who_o jesus_n himself_o have_v choose_v to_o be_v his_o witness_n viz._n the_o 8._o apostle_n of_o these_o man_n than_o the_o angel_n be_v fellow-servant_n to_o prove_v that_o he_o be_v so_o he_o allege_v my_o text_n for_o the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n be_v the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n which_o word_n can_v be_v no_o way_n argumentative_a unless_o the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n be_v understand_v to_o signify_v not_o that_o which_o jesus_n himself_o give_v but_o that_o which_o his_o apostle_n do_v give_v of_o he_o but_o be_v thus_o take_v they_o import_v a_o twofold_a argument_n viz._n ad_fw-la hominem_fw-la and_o ad_fw-la rem_fw-la st._n john_n we_o know_v be_v as_o all_o the_o other_o apostle_n a_o jew_n by_o birth_n one_o of_o that_o nation_n wherein_o it_o be_v a_o receive_a opinion_n that_o there_o be_v ten_o degree_n or_o order_n of_o angel_n the_o low_a whereof_o be_v call_v ischim_n by_o the_o intervention_n and_o ministry_n of_o this_o sort_n of_o angel_n they_o say_v whether_o true_o or_o false_o i_o affirm_v 2._o not_o that_o prophecy_n be_v communicate_v unto_o men._n these_o angel_n as_o we_o be_v tell_v be_v chief_o employ_v to_o prophesy_v and_o when_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n rest_v on_o any_o here_o on_o earth_n his_o soul_n be_v â—ixt_v with_o and_o advance_v to_o this_o order_n of_o angel_n in_o heaven_n and_o be_v enroll_v among_o they_o if_o then_o this_o be_v a_o vulgar_a opinion_n of_o the_o jew_n at_o the_o time_n of_o st._n john_n s_o revelation_n it_o be_v apparent_a enough_o that_o my_o text_n contain_v a_o argument_n ad_fw-la hominem_fw-la but_o the_o truth_n be_v the_o force_n of_o the_o angel_n argument_n do_v not_o lie_v so_o much_o in_o st._n john_n opinion_n as_o in_o his_o own_o employment_n at_o that_o time_n which_o be_v to_o prophesy_v concern_v thing_n pertain_v to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o precede_a verse_n let_v we_o then_o but_o cast_v the_o
far_o apart_o as_o that_o not_o only_o the_o eâ—pressions_n which_o drop_v from_o my_o pen_n but_o sometime_o also_o the_o very_a argument_n of_o discourse_n be_v utter_o flee_v my_o memory_n i_o can_v therefore_o but_o suspect_n there_o may_v be_v some_o ungrateful_a but_o i_o hope_v not_o nauseous_a repetition_n in_o it_o and_o the_o truth_n be_v my_o design_n not_o be_v auram_fw-la captare_fw-la but_o if_o not_o to_o convince_v gainsayer_n whereof_o i_o fear_v this_o age_n have_v more_o than_o some_o former_a have_v have_v yet_o to_o make_v the_o weak_a steadfast_a in_o faith_n and_o joyful_a through_o hope_n root_v in_o charity_n and_o resolute_a in_o obedience_n i_o be_v not_o very_o solicitous_a to_o avoid_v they_o but_o my_o chief_a care_n be_v to_o speak_v as_o clear_o and_o to_o argue_v as_o strong_o as_o i_o can_v and_o if_o by_o so_o do_v i_o have_v do_v any_o thing_n that_o may_v be_v not_o injurious_a but_o serviceable_a to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o it_o be_v receive_v in_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o that_o i_o have_v much_o reason_n to_o believe_v be_v as_o it_o still_o be_v in_o we_o if_o i_o say_v i_o have_v cast_v but_o two_o mite_n into_o this_o corban_n i_o trust_v that_o god_n and_o all_o good_a man_n will_v accept_v of_o it_o and_o therefore_o i_o think_v i_o need_v no_o apology_n at_o least_o shall_v make_v none_o for_o write_v this_o treatise_n the_o content_n chap._n i._n it_o be_v certain_a the_o mind_n do_v assent_v and_o that_o to_o testimony_n the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n what_o why_o so_o call_v the_o nature_n of_o prophecy_n what_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n what_o that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v prophet_n prove_v by_o scripture_n the_o method_n of_o prove_v it_o otherwise_o propose_v chap._n ii_o of_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o prophet_n and_o that_o there_o be_v prophet_n among_o the_o jew_n the_o notion_n of_o a_o prophet_n deduce_v from_o the_o definition_n of_o prophecy_n assent_v to_o by_o mr._n hobbs_n it_o be_v agreeable_a to_o reason_n and_o all_o mâ—n_z receive_v it_o that_o moses_n be_v a_o prophet_n prove_v by_o the_o testimony_n of_o heathen_n he_o promise_v in_o his_o law_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v prophet_n among_o the_o jew_n prove_v by_o deut._n 18._o 15._o the_o certainty_n that_o there_o be_v so_o thence_o deduce_v chap._n iii_o the_o trial_n of_o prophet_n among_o the_o jew_n of_o the_o condition_n on_o which_o man_n be_v admit_v to_o a_o trial_n sect._n 1_o these_o transcribe_v out_o of_o maimonides_n the_o first_o of_o they_o impertinent_a to_o our_o purpose_n the_o second_o except_v against_o the_o original_n of_o oral_a tradition_n the_o improbability_n of_o it_o the_o falsehood_n of_o it_o concern_v alteration_n to_o be_v make_v in_o the_o write_a law_n of_o moses_n it_o be_v not_o immutable_a a_o objection_n out_o of_o maimonides_n another_o objection_n moses_n himself_o and_o the_o prophet_n teach_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v change_v a_o objection_n the_o antecedent_n or_o concomitant_n of_o a_o prophetic_a spirit_n sect._n 2_o these_o reduce_v to_o six_o head_n the_o jew_n maxim_n 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 we_o christian_n may_v well_o except_v against_o it_o be_v not_o universal_o true_a by_o their_o own_o concession_n yet_o may_v it_o be_v admit_v on_o two_o condition_n the_o prophet_n wisdom_n consist_v not_o in_o humane_a learning_n acquire_v by_o study_n but_o in_o prudence_n and_o knowledge_n supernatural_a their_o strength_n consist_v in_o courage_n or_o fortitude_n and_o their_o riches_n in_o contentment_n and_o all_o probity_n of_o manner_n of_o prophetic_a prediction_n sect._n 3_o the_o warrant_n the_o jew_n have_v thereby_o to_o make_v trial_n of_o man_n pretence_n to_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n the_o difficulty_n thereof_o from_o jer._n 18._o 7_o etc._n etc._n how_o unfolded_a the_o jew_n sense_n of_o jer._n 23_o 28._o the_o vanity_n of_o astrology_n of_o miracle_n sect._n 4_o the_o jew_n be_v not_o to_o expect_v they_o from_o all_o the_o prophet_n that_o moses_n and_o other_o of_o the_o prophet_n wrought_v miracle_n to_o confirm_v their_o prophecy_n be_v both_o deny_v and_o grant_v by_o maimonides_n prove_v by_o scripture_n chap._n iu._n the_o application_n of_o the_o forego_n discourse_n to_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n sect._n 1_o that_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o have_v be_v deny_v a_o fair_a trial_n the_o jew_n only_o be_v oblige_v to_o observe_v the_o letter_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n yet_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n as_o to_o the_o design_n and_o meaning_n of_o it_o do_v most_o excellent_o establish_v it_o among_o the_o gentile_n demonstrate_v out_o of_o maimonides_n and_o abravanels_n account_n of_o it_o compare_v with_o christian_a doctrine_n they_o themselves_o conform_v to_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o teach_v the_o jew_n so_o to_o do_v of_o their_o wisdom_n sect._n 2_o that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v man_n of_o excellent_a intellectual_n supernatural_a knowledge_n be_v more_o especial_o inquire_v after_o by_o the_o jew_n in_o the_o trial_n of_o prophet_n that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n have_v such_o knowledge_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o manner_n of_o it_o and_o also_o in_o respect_n of_o its_o degree_n or_o measure_n christian_a theology_n more_o excellent_a than_o that_o of_o the_o jew_n and_o that_o in_o a_o threefold_a reference_n viz._n 1_o to_o faith_n the_o object_n whereof_o be_v more_o clear_o reveal_v by_o chriâ—tianity_n than_o it_o be_v by_o judaisme_n 2_o to_o hope_n 3_o to_o practice_n the_o burdensomness_n of_o the_o jewish_a religion_n the_o excellency_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n which_o be_v fulfil_v by_o christ_n a_o objection_n from_o the_o impossibility_n of_o keep_v that_o law_n so_o fill_v up_o propose_v the_o mitigation_n of_o the_o law_n by_o the_o gospel_n in_o four_o particular_n the_o motive_n we_o have_v to_o obey_v the_o gospel_n the_o assistance_n it_o give_v we_o in_o well-doing_n from_o all_o which_o the_o excellency_n of_o christianity_n to_o judaisme_n be_v conclude_v much_o more_o do_v it_o excel_v the_o philosophy_n of_o the_o gentile_n and_o that_o in_o respect_n 1_o of_o the_o general_n nature_n 2_o of_o the_o object_n 3_o of_o ehe_fw-ge end_n and_o scope_n of_o wisdom_n from_o all_o which_o the_o transcendent_a wisdom_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v demonstrate_v of_o their_o fortitude_n sect._n 3_o the_o great_a degeneracy_n â—f_o the_o jew_n their_o preposterous_a zeal_n for_o their_o religion_n their_o malice_n against_o all_o that_o observe_v not_o their_o tradition_n christ_n detect_v the_o shortness_n and_o vanity_n thereof_o the_o horridness_n of_o the_o gentile_n condition_n the_o fortitude_n of_o the_o apostle_n thence_o deduce_v of_o the_o prophetic_a riches_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n sect._n 4_o that_o they_o be_v rich_a prove_v by_o the_o design_a end_n of_o their_o doctrine_n by_o their_o deportment_n among_o man_n distinct_o of_o our_o saviour_n of_o the_o apostle_n from_o the_o multitude_n of_o their_o follower_n and_o from_o the_o silence_n of_o their_o adversary_n of_o the_o prediction_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n sect._n 5_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n the_o prediction_n of_o its_o forerunner_n and_o of_o its_o approach_n and_o consummation_n all_o exact_o accomplish_v the_o call_n of_o the_o gentile_n foretell_v accomplish_v error_n and_o division_n among_o christian_n foretell_v and_o apparent_o accomplish_v yea_o the_o mean_n and_o manner_n of_o their_o production_n viz._n the_o addiction_n and_o design_n the_o artifices_fw-la and_o cunning_a of_o seducer_n together_o with_o the_o nature_n of_o their_o doctrine_n and_o speciousness_n of_o their_o pretence_n all_o foretold_a and_o fulfil_v prove_v at_o large_a of_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n sect._n 6_o that_o they_o real_o wrought_v many_o and_o great_a miracle_n prove_v 1_o by_o reason_n 2_o by_o tradition_n of_o the_o church_n the_o great_a credibility_n of_o this_o tradition_n 3_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o adversary_n of_o all_o sort_n a_o objection_n the_o answer_n they_o be_v not_o do_v by_o enchantment_n prove_v 1_o by_o reason_n 2_o by_o the_o continuance_n of_o miracle_n in_o the_o church_n for_o several_a age_n attest_v by_o the_o father_n the_o evident_a certainty_n both_o that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n wrought_v miracle_n and_o that_o not_o by_o enchantment_n thence_o deduce_v a_o objection_n out_o of_o hobbs_n against_o the_o credibility_n of_o miracle_n ans_fw-fr 1_o that_o miracle_n have_v be_v do_v may_v be_v believe_v upon_o testimony_n 2_o it_o be_v needless_a to_o demand_v the_o do_v of_o miracle_n to_o prove_v that_o there_o have_v be_v some_o do_v 3_o it_o be_v wicked_a and_o absurd_a so_o to_o do_v the_o tradition_n of_o the_o church_n
degenerate_a from_o all_o virtue_n as_o to_o put_v no_o brand_n of_o infamy_n upon_o vice_n for_o of_o all_o the_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n there_o be_v hardly_o any_o but_o that_o shameful_a at_o least_o not_o so_o apt_a to_o blast_v the_o reputation_n of_o man_n and_o lessen_v their_o credit_n among_o other_o be_v it_o then_o likely_a the_o apostle_n can_v have_v draw_v the_o world_n after_o they_o by_o their_o doctrine_n if_o they_o have_v be_v stain_v with_o moral_a vice_n in_o their_o practice_n be_v the_o world_n so_o weary_a of_o its_o old_a religion_n as_o to_o change_v it_o for_o a_o new_a one_o teach_v they_o by_o a_o few_o person_n that_o have_v neither_o any_o authority_n from_o man_n to_o oblige_v they_o nor_o eloquence_n to_o allure_v they_o and_o withal_o be_v so_o inconsistent_a with_o themselves_o as_o that_o their_o life_n give_v their_o mouth_n the_o lie_n there_o be_v nothing_o more_o unlikely_a it_o be_v therefore_o beyond_o a_o probability_n that_o the_o apostle_n be_v burn_v and_o shine_a light_n in_o their_o life_n as_o well_o as_o doctrine_n hereof_o methinks_v the_o silence_n of_o their_o adversary_n give_v occasion_n of_o confidence_n for_o the_o heathen_n exclaim_v against_o the_o christian_n as_o their_o common_a enemy_n that_o have_v a_o design_n to_o shake_v and_o unsettle_v all_o thing_n both_o sacred_a and_o civil_a and_o to_o use_v their_o own_o language_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d all_o common_a calamity_n they_o account_v demet_n effect_n of_o the_o god_n anger_n because_o of_o they_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o be_v because_o they_o believe_v in_o christ_n who_o come_v have_v almost_o drive_v the_o rabble_n of_o their_o god_n out_o of_o the_o world_n nor_o be_v that_o all_o but_o they_o affirm_v their_o doctrine_n be_v apt_a to_o extinguish_v all_o humanity_n and_o to_o introduce_v the_o gross_a barbarity_n that_o can_v be_v and_o be_v it_o not_o remarkable_a that_o among_o all_o this_o a_o great_a deal_n more_o filth_n which_o they_o scrape_v together_o against_o christianity_n they_o can_v find_v no_o dirt_n to_o cast_v at_o the_o apostle_n yet_o sure_o so_o it_o be_v for_o it_o be_v hard_a to_o find_v any_o of_o the_o gentile_n charge_v they_o with_o any_o immorality_n except_o such_o as_o shameful_o beg_v the_o question_n or_o betray_v the_o slanderous_a humour_n of_o the_o accuser_n thus_o hierocles_n if_o it_o be_v he_o of_o who_o lactantius_n say_v he_o rail_v against_o the_o disciple_n especial_o st._n paul_n and_o peter_n as_o sower_n of_o 2._o deceit_n who_o also_o porphyrius_n slander_v as_o if_o they_o contend_v each_o against_o other_o in_o a_o childish_a manner_n yea_o that_o paul_n grow_v hot_a with_o envy_n at_o peter_n virtue_n and_o write_v those_o thing_n vainglorious_o which_o he_o either_o never_o do_v or_o if_o he_o do_v it_o be_v saucy_o do_v of_o he_o and_o all_o this_o he_o gather_v no_o man_n know_v 11._o how_o from_o st._n paul_n withstand_v st._n peter_n to_o his_o face_n but_o this_o be_v so_o frivolous_a and_o withal_o so_o groundless_a a_o accusation_n as_o that_o it_o loud_o speak_v the_o author_n malice_n and_o the_o apostle_n innocence_n in_o their_o case_n such_o accusation_n of_o adversary_n be_v much_o more_o demonstrative_a than_o the_o testimony_n of_o friend_n that_o they_o be_v holy_a and_o if_o they_o be_v holy_a in_o their_o life_n then_o certain_o they_o be_v content_v with_o their_o present_a portion_n they_o be_v so_o far_o satisfy_v with_o what_o the_o time_n present_a do_v afford_v they_o as_o that_o they_o do_v not_o sinful_o grieve_v at_o or_o labour_n after_o what_o it_o deny_v they_o for_o contentment_n be_v at_o least_o a_o integral_n if_o not_o a_o essential_a part_n of_o holiness_n if_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v holy_a yet_o not_o entire_o so_o without_o contentment_n you_o lose_v a_o limb_n if_o not_o the_o life_n of_o holiness_n without_o it_o since_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n be_v eminent_o holy_a it_o be_v more_o than_o probable_a that_o they_o be_v also_o content_v which_o likewise_o lactantius_n prove_v not_o by_o consequence_n from_o their_o holiness_n but_o by_o the_o cohererence_n of_o their_o doctrine_n such_o say_v he_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o lie_n as_o that_o they_o can_v agree_v but_o the_o tradition_n or_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n because_o it_o be_v true_a quadrate_v on_o every_o side_n and_o agree_v with_o itself_o in_o all_o thing_n and_o therefore_o it_o persuade_v because_o it_o be_v stay_v up_o with_o constant_a reason_n they_o do_v not_o therefore_o devise_v this_o religion_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o gain_n or_o any_o earthly_a convenience_n for_o both_o in_o their_o precept_n and_o their_o practice_n they_o lead_v such_o a_o life_n as_o be_v void_a of_o pleasure_n and_o despise_a profit_n they_o do_v not_o only_o die_v for_o the_o faith_n but_o they_o also_o both_o know_v and_o foretell_v that_o so_o they_o shall_v yea_o also_o that_o whosoever_o will_v live_v godly_a in_o christ_n jesus_n must_v suffer_v persecution_n yet_o evident_a it_o be_v by_o their_o enterprise_n 3._o use_v travail_n that_o they_o forsake_v their_o house_n and_o habitation_n their_o estate_n and_o calling_n their_o kindred_n and_o relation_n and_o whatsoever_o else_o have_v a_o subservience_n to_o wealth_n pleasure_n or_o honour_n in_o the_o world_n and_o rely_v whole_o upon_o the_o immediate_a provision_n of_o providence_n think_v you_o then_o that_o they_o do_v hunger_n after_o riches_n or_o thirst_n after_o pleasure_n it_o be_v evident_a they_o do_v not_o and_o therefore_o they_o be_v content_v with_o their_o present_a portion_n of_o earthly_a enjoyment_n and_o so_o be_v rich_a in_o the_o sense_n before_o mention_v thus_o have_v we_o pass_v through_o the_o prerequisites_n to_o prophecy_n or_o rather_o the_o concomitant_a attendant_n on_o it_o and_o have_v find_v that_o in_o respect_n of_o they_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n as_o well_o as_o the_o forego_n prophet_n be_v wise_a strong_a and_o rich_a i_o e._n endow_v with_o all_o those_o intellectual_a and_o moral_a virtue_n which_o the_o jew_n think_v needful_a to_o expect_v in_o their_o prophet_n the_o force_n hereof_o to_o prove_v that_o they_o also_o be_v such_o i_o reserve_v for_o another_o place_n where_o god_n will_v i_o shall_v join_v it_o with_o that_o of_o the_o more_o demonstrative_a evidence_n of_o their_o prophetic_a spirit_n and_o this_o be_v it_o that_o come_v next_o to_o be_v consider_v sect._n 5._o of_o the_o prediction_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n it_o be_v before_o observe_v that_o the_o evidence_n of_o a_o prophetic_a spirit_n which_o the_o jew_n esteem_v certain_a and_o demonstrative_a be_v twofold_a viz._n either_o ordinary_a or_o extraordinary_a each_o one_o evacuate_v the_o necessity_n of_o the_o other_o for_o when_o divine_a providence_n afford_v the_o ordinary_a mark_n of_o prophecy_n the_o jew_n have_v no_o more_o need_n of_o extraordinary_a than_o elijah_n have_v the_o raven_n shall_v feed_v he_o while_o he_o sit_v at_o his_o own_o table_n in_o gilead_n and_o when_o man_n make_v proof_n of_o the_o prophetic_a spirit_n in_o they_o by_o the_o extraordinary_a sign_n of_o it_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o ordinary_a be_v as_o eminent_o supersede_v as_o the_o same_o prophet_n want_n of_o his_o ordinary_a provision_n be_v by_o the_o extraordinary_a supply_n thereof_o at_o the_o brook_n cherith_n since_o therefore_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n do_v abundant_o demonstrate_v their_o mission_n from_o god_n by_o extraordinary_a proof_n of_o it_o as_o we_o shall_v see_v hereafter_o there_o certain_o be_v the_o less_o need_n of_o the_o ordinary_a but_o god_n will_v more_o abundant_o to_o show_v to_o the_o heir_n of_o his_o promise_n the_o unquestionable_a certainty_n of_o their_o mission_n confirm_v it_o by_o both_o our_o design_n it_o be_v to_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o he_o do_v so_o and_o our_o method_n require_v we_o to_o begin_v with_o that_o which_o among_o the_o jew_n by_o god_n appointment_n be_v ordinary_o expect_v viz._n prediction_n full_o and_o exact_o accomplish_v and_o sure_o those_o that_o be_v acquaint_v with_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o have_v read_v the_o new_a testament_n can_v be_v ignorant_a that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n give_v this_o evidence_n of_o the_o prophetic_a spirit_n in_o they_o as_o well_o as_o in_o any_o of_o the_o jewish_a prophet_n before_o they_o for_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o jew_n their_o city_n and_o the_o temple_n we_o therein_o find_v by_o they_o so_o plain_o foretold_v and_o by_o divine_a wrath_n and_o vengeance_n so_o notorious_o fulfil_v as_o that_o all_o the_o world_n i_o presume_v know_v it_o yet_o since_o particular_a demonstration_n be_v far_o more_o convince_a than_o general_a assertion_n it_o will_v perhaps_o be_v worth_a the_o while_n to_o take_v a_o brief_a survey_n of_o it_o as_o it_o lie_v both_o
from_o other_o or_o at_o least_o such_o doctrine_n as_o be_v but_o obscure_o reveal_v to_o other_o by_o holy_a scripture_n be_v plain_o make_v know_v to_o they_o by_o tradition_n but_o beside_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o tradition_n they_o or_o at_o least_o some_o of_o they_o pretend_v revelation_n in_o behalf_n of_o their_o idle_a fable_n as_o irenaeus_n make_v evident_a by_o the_o example_n of_o one_o marcus_n and_o other_o gnostic_n who_o as_o they_o give_v out_o do_v not_o only_o prophesy_v themselves_o but_o have_v power_n to_o communicate_v the_o gift_n thereof_o to_o other_o and_o according_o as_o they_o boast_v and_o their_o disciple_n believe_v so_o they_o do_v to_o divers_a especial_o of_o the_o weak_a sex_n and_o by_o this_o pretence_n they_o deceive_v and_o draw_v many_o after_o they_o 9_o and_o no_o wonder_n if_o they_o do_v so_o for_o all_o man_n take_v prophet_n to_o be_v holy_a man_n of_o god_n who_o speak_v as_o they_o be_v move_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o who_o so_o profligate_v from_o all_o religion_n as_o to_o think_v that_o they_o be_v such_o and_o yet_o refuse_v to_o be_v lead_v by_o or_o partake_v of_o their_o spirit_n by_o this_o pretence_n therefore_o how_o false_a and_o fabulous_a soever_o their_o doctrine_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o faith_n in_o it_o and_o of_o obedience_n to_o it_o be_v lay_v in_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n and_o this_o foundation_n be_v of_o all_o other_o the_o most_o firm_a and_o immovable_a able_a to_o bear_v whatever_o superstructure_n shall_v be_v lay_v upon_o it_o yea_o also_o and_o to_o beat_v off_o whatever_o assault_n shall_v be_v make_v against_o it_o as_o appear_v by_o the_o improbability_n of_o some_o doctrine_n and_o severity_n of_o some_o order_n still_o receive_v and_o defend_v because_o at_o first_o found_v on_o the_o credit_n of_o pretend_a vision_n and_o revelation_n all_o the_o difficulty_n be_v in_o the_o choice_n of_o the_o ground_n wherein_o to_o lay_v this_o foundation_n the_o mind_n of_o man_n that_o be_v of_o sharp_a deep_a and_o strong_a discourse_n be_v not_o apt_a to_o receive_v it_o but_o man_n of_o shallow_a apprehension_n and_o weak_a intellectual_n be_v fit_a and_o most_o prepare_v for_o it_o this_o those_o builder_n of_o babel_n the_o primitive_a seducer_n seem_v wise_o to_o have_v consider_v for_o s._n peter_n insinuate_v they_o be_v unstable_a soul_n who_o they_o beguile_v 6._o and_o s._n paul_n more_o express_o say_v they_o be_v the_o simple_a who_o heart_n they_o deceive_v they_o creep_v into_o house_n and_o lead_v captive_a silly_a woman_n lade_v with_o sin_n and_o lead_v away_o with_o divers_a lust_n thus_o those_o in_o the_o apostle_n day_n and_o irenaeus_n tell_v we_o of_o other_o who_o a_o little_a after_o they_o be_v most_o busy_a with_o woman_n especial_o those_o that_o be_v of_o great_a quality_n and_o most_o famous_a for_o worldly_a eod_a grandieur_fw-fr and_o riches_n these_o they_o most_o frequent_o seek_v to_o impose_v upon_o and_o allure_v by_o flattery_n but_o lest_o their_o deceiveableness_n of_o unrighteousness_n viz._n their_o artifices_fw-la of_o deceit_n shall_v not_o be_v sufficient_a to_o secure_v the_o foundation_n they_o come_v also_o as_o it_o be_v foretell_v they_o will_v with_o the_o work_n of_o satan_n with_o all_o power_n and_o sign_n and_o lie_a wonder_n for_o we_o read_v of_o simon_n the_o samaritan_n the_o founder_n of_o heresy_n and_o father_n 30._o of_o heretic_n that_o he_o use_v sorcery_n and_o bewitch_v the_o people_n of_o samaria_n give_v out_o that_o he_o himself_o be_v some_o great_a one_o to_o who_o they_o all_o give_v heed_n from_o the_o least_o to_o the_o great_a say_v this_o man_n be_v the_o great_a power_n of_o god_n 10._o yet_o as_o great_a as_o he_o be_v he_o at_o length_n be_v in_o some_o measure_n subdue_v by_o a_o great_a power_n than_o he_o for_o he_o believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v yet_o his_o heart_n not_o be_v 21._o right_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n but_o suppose_v the_o apostle_n to_o be_v great_a magician_n than_o himself_o he_o greedy_o contend_v against_o they_o that_o he_o may_v seem_v more_o glorious_a than_o they_o to_o this_o end_n he_o desist_v not_o from_o the_o study_n of_o magic_n but_o make_v such_o far_a progress_n in_o it_o as_o that_o he_o provoke_v many_o to_o amazement_n by_o it_o for_o claudius_n caesar_n erect_v a_o statue_n in_o honour_n of_o he_o for_o it_o after_o he_o the_o carpocratian_o 20._o be_v much_o addict_v to_o magic_n and_o enchantment_n that_o they_o may_v entice_v other_o to_o love_v they_o yea_o and_o they_o draw_v devil_n to_o their_o assistance_n that_o by_o many_o delusion_n it_o may_v be_v in_o their_o power_n to_o be_v lord_n and_o master_n of_o who_o they_o please_v thus_o also_o it_o be_v report_v 27._o of_o the_o before_o mention_v marcus_n that_o he_o be_v a_o very_a great_a proficient_a in_o magical_a imposture_n whereby_o he_o deceive_v many_o both_o man_n and_o woman_n the_o like_a 8._o may_v i_o observe_v concern_v other_o but_o this_o may_v suffice_v to_o show_v that_o in_o this_o respect_n as_o well_o as_o other_o the_o primitive_a seducer_n do_v exact_o fulfil_v the_o prophecy_n that_o go_v before_o of_o they_o and_o from_o thence_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o infer_v that_o they_o who_o utter_v they_o viz._n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v prophet_n because_o the_o only_a ordinary_a and_o certain_a mark_n of_o a_o prophetic_a spirit_n viz._n prediction_n exact_o accomplish_v be_v manifest_o find_v in_o they_o but_o forasmuch_o as_o the_o prediction_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n concern_v seducer_n be_v of_o use_n not_o only_o to_o confirm_v the_o faith_n but_o also_o to_o direct_v the_o judgement_n in_o the_o choice_n of_o what_o teacher_n man_n ought_v to_o follow_v and_o adhere_v to_o it_o will_v not_o be_v unuseful_a for_o we_o to_o make_v trial_n of_o our_o modern_a teacher_n thereby_o which_o if_o we_o shall_v do_v impartial_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o we_o shall_v find_v that_o the_o copy_n which_o be_v set_v by_o the_o false_a teacher_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n be_v too_o fair_o transcribe_v by_o too_o many_o especial_o the_o papist_n in_o we_o and_o consequent_o we_o need_v not_o search_v the_o record_n of_o antiquity_n our_o own_o age_n will_v afford_v we_o too_o sure_a and_o sad_a accomplishment_n of_o these_o prediction_n the_o demonstration_n hereof_o i_o do_v once_o intend_v but_o find_v i_o shall_v thereby_o grasp_v at_o matter_n more_o sit_v for_o a_o volume_n than_o a_o section_n i_o shall_v not_o so_o far_o digress_v but_o proceed_v to_o speak_v sect._n 6._o concern_v the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o here_o my_o business_n will_v be_v to_o prove_v that_o they_o real_o wrought_v many_o and_o great_a miracle_n the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o which_o proposition_n because_o miracle_n be_v matter_n of_o fact_n be_v most_o proper_o demonstrable_a only_o by_o testimony_n yet_o reason_n methinks_v prove_v it_o probable_a or_o somewhat_o more_o for_o grant_v it_o be_v on_o all_o side_n that_o our_o bless_a saviour_n himself_o in_o regard_n of_o his_o manhood_n be_v but_o mean_a in_o the_o world_n his_o parent_n be_v no_o person_n of_o honour_n and_o he_o himself_o have_v but_o a_o mean_a reception_n at_o his_o birth_n nor_o be_v he_o by_o the_o jew_n much_o set_v by_o in_o his_o life_n he_o grow_v up_o as_o a_o root_n out_o of_o a_o dry_a ground_n they_o think_v there_o be_v no_o form_n comeliness_n or_o beauty_n in_o he_o that_o they_o shall_v desire_v he_o they_o will_v see_v no_o such_o blossom_n in_o his_o youth_n as_o promise_v any_o extraordinary_a fruit_n in_o his_o ripe_a age_n wherein_o also_o he_o be_v despise_v and_o reject_v of_o man_n a_o man_n of_o sorrow_n and_o acquaint_v with_o grief_n a_o rock_n of_o offence_n and_o stone_n of_o stumble_v set_v at_o naught_o by_o the_o master-builder_n of_o israel_n reject_v by_o the_o chief_a of_o his_o own_o nation_n pursue_v by_o his_o enemy_n betray_v by_o one_o of_o his_o pretend_a friend_n deny_v by_o another_o and_o suspect_v by_o all_o pursue_v and_o apprehend_v bind_v and_o buffet_v arraign_v and_o spit_v on_o condemn_v and_o crucify_v by_o his_o own_o countryman_n as_o one_o of_o the_o worst_a of_o malefactor_n be_v this_o man_n name_n like_a to_o become_v great_a in_o israel_n and_o famous_a among_o the_o gentile_n yet_o this_o be_v he_o that_o send_v forth_o his_o apostle_n and_o who_o be_v they_o why_o man_n as_o mean_a as_o himself_o person_n of_o obscure_a parentage_n of_o no_o reputation_n for_o wealth_n or_o wisdom_n honour_n or_o authority_n in_o their_o own_o country_n yea_o so_o far_o from_o it_o as_o that_o the_o chief_a of_o they_o be_v a_o fisherman_n and_o other_o as_o rude_a and_o illiterate_a as_o the_o mean_a
from_o advice_n or_o counsel_n consist_v in_o obligation_n for_o the_o latter_a do_v only_o direct_v ligando_fw-la to_o the_o do_v of_o what_o be_v think_v fit_a to_o be_v do_v but_o the_o former_a do_v moreover_o oblige_v and_o bind_v they_o to_o who_o it_o be_v give_v to_o the_o do_v of_o it_o thus_o also_o do_v the_o gospel_n and_o that_o very_o severe_o to_o they_o to_o who_o it_o be_v preach_v for_o the_o author_n and_o finisher_n of_o our_o faith_n in_o it_o viz._n christ_n jesus_n our_o lord_n be_v he_o of_o who_o moses_n say_v unto_o the_o father_n a_o prophet_n shall_v the_o lord_n your_o god_n raise_v up_o unto_o you_o of_o your_o brethren_n like_v unto_o i_o he_o shall_v you_o â—ear_v in_o all_o thing_n whatsoever_o he_o shall_v say_v unto_o you_o and_o it_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o every_o soul_n which_o will_v not_o â—ear_v 23._o that_o prophet_n shall_v be_v destroy_v from_o among_o the_o people_n we_o ought_v therefore_o to_o give_v the_o more_o earnest_a heed_n to_o the_o thing_n that_o we_o have_v hear_v lâ—â—t_v at_o any_o time_n â—e_n shall_v let_v they_o slip_v for_o if_o the_o word_n speak_v by_o angel_n be_v steadfast_a and_o every_o transgression_n and_o disobedience_n receive_v a_o just_a recompense_n of_o reward_n how_o shall_v 3._o we_o escape_v if_o we_o neglect_v so_o great_a salvation_n oblige_a then_o it_o seem_v we_o be_v by_o the_o gospel_n much_o more_o severe_o than_o the_o jew_n be_v by_o the_o law_n because_o the_o gospel_n first_o begin_v to_o be_v speak_v by_o the_o lord_n and_o be_v confirm_v unto_o we_o by_o they_o that_o hear_v he_o god_n also_o bear_v they_o witness_n both_o with_o sign_n and_o 4._o wonder_n and_o with_o divers_a miracle_n and_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n according_a to_o his_o own_o so_o that_o this_o its_o obligation_n be_v primary_o derive_v not_o from_o the_o law_n of_o civil_a sovereign_n in_o favour_n of_o it_o but_o from_o the_o lord_n speak_v it_o its_o authority_n therefore_o be_v 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the_o apostolic_a church_n where_o thou_o may_v find_v the_o very_a chair_n of_o the_o apostle_n yet_o abide_v in_o their_o proper_a place_n wherein_o also_o their_o very_a authentic_a epistle_n as_o it_o be_v sound_a each_o one_o voice_n and_o represent_v his_o face_n be_v still_o recite_v if_o achaia_n be_v nigh_a thou_o thou_o have_v corinth_n if_o macedonia_n be_v not_o 36._o far_o from_o the_o thou_o have_v the_o philippian_n and_o thessalonian_n if_o thou_o can_v go_v into_o asia_n there_o thou_o have_v ephesus_n but_o if_o thou_o be_v near_o italy_n thou_o have_v rome_n from_o these_o and_o other_o apostolical_a church_n copy_n of_o the_o apostle_n write_n be_v undoubted_o disperse_v among_o the_o primitive_a christian_n who_o receive_v and_o deliver_v they_o as_o they_o and_o this_o their_o tradition_n have_v run_v throughout_o all_o age_n down_o to_o we_o and_o that_o without_o any_o contradiction_n for_o those_o that_o either_o in_o the_o primitive_a or_o latter_a time_n have_v think_v fit_a to_o oppose_v christianity_n yet_o do_v it_o not_o under_o the_o pretence_n that_o these_o book_n be_v spurious_a neither_o â—ews_n nor_o heathen_n ever_o have_v the_o confidence_n to_o make_v that_o objection_n but_o rather_o they_o have_v yield_v their_o suffrage_n to_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n that_o they_o be_v write_v by_o the_o apostle_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o that_o some_o few_o particular_a and_o private_a person_n have_v both_o of_o late_a and_o heretofore_o either_o out_o of_o their_o error_n reject_v or_o out_o of_o their_o curiosity_n more_o than_o befit_v they_o debate_v the_o canonical_a authority_n of_o the_o epistle_n of_o st._n paul_n to_o the_o hebrew_n the_o epistle_n of_o st._n james_n the_o second_o epistle_n of_o st._n peter_n the_o second_o and_o three_o of_o st._n john_n the_o epistle_n of_o st._n judas_n and_o the_o apocalypse_n beside_o some_o other_o lesser_a part_n of_o the_o gospel_n yet_o can_v it_o never_o be_v show_v that_o any_o entire_a church_n nor_o that_o any_o national_a or_o provincial_a council_n nor_o that_o any_o multitude_n of_o man_n in_o their_o confession_n or_o catechism_n or_o other_o such_o public_a write_n have_v reject_v they_o or_o make_v any_o doubt_n at_o all_o 9_o of_o they_o so_o that_o the_o scruple_n that_o some_o few_o have_v raise_v about_o they_o shall_v no_o more_o weaken_v the_o credit_n of_o such_o a_o universal_a tradition_n than_o the_o opinion_n of_o atheist_n overthrow_v the_o faith_n of_o all_o the_o world_n beside_o for_o very_o evident_a it_o be_v that_o such_o conjecture_n be_v at_o best_a but_o negative_a probability_n against_o the_o affirmative_a deposition_n of_o all_o the_o christian_a world_n beside_o and_o forasmuch_o as_o negative_n especial_o in_o such_o competition_n prove_v nâ—thing_v be_v they_o embrace_v by_o ten_o thousand_o time_n more_o than_o they_o be_v or_o ever_o be_v they_o will_v not_o amount_v to_o a_o proof_n against_o and_o therefore_o â—ught_v not_o in_o reason_n to_o derogate_v from_o the_o credibility_n of_o the_o church_n tradition_n that_o they_o be_v write_v by_o those_o apostle_n concern_v these_o therefore_o and_o those_o other_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o bear_v the_o name_n of_o apostle_n we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o doubt_v and_o that_o they_o write_v they_o in_o prosecution_n of_o their_o apostolic_a office_n the_o book_n themselves_o declare_v and_o for_o this_o cause_n since_o the_o apostle_n be_v prophet_n concern_v they_o it_o must_v be_v conclude_v that_o they_o be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n of_o god_n and_o if_o these_o be_v so_o then_o so_o also_o be_v the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n because_o they_o be_v therein_o say_v express_o 19_o to_o be_v so_o and_o impossible_a it_o be_v for_o scripture_n give_v by_o divine_a inspiration_n to_o testify_v a_o falsehood_n and_o indeed_o have_v not_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v so_o express_o call_v the_o word_n of_o prophecy_n and_o say_v to_o have_v be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n of_o god_n as_o we_o find_v they_o be_v in_o the_o new_a yet_o because_o the_o apostle_n in_o their_o write_n find_v their_o disputation_n upon_o they_o and_o prove_v their_o doctrine_n by_o they_o as_o the_o word_n and_o truth_n of_o god_n from_o whence_o there_o lie_v no_o appeal_n it_o will_v be_v very_o evident_a that_o they_o ascribe_v divine_a authority_n to_o they_o and_o this_o their_o testimony_n be_v give_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n be_v beyond_o the_o reach_n of_o a_o doubt_n about_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o all_o the_o doubt_n therefore_o that_o can_v be_v raise_v will_v be_v about_o those_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o do_v not_o write_v viz._n the_o gospel_n of_o st._n mark_n and_o st._n luke_n together_o with_o his_o history_n of_o their_o act_n but_o for_o the_o removal_n hereof_o from_o all_o beside_o sceptic_n it_o may_v methinks_v suffice_v that_o these_o book_n also_o have_v the_o approbation_n of_o the_o apostle_n for_o the_o gospel_n of_o these_o evangelist_n do_v not_o only_o agree_v with_o the_o other_o two_o but_o they_o themselves_o after_o the_o death_n and_o resurrection_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n converse_v with_o and_o adhere_v to_o the_o apostle_n and_o forasmuch_o as_o they_o be_v eminent_a fellow-labourer_n with_o the_o apostle_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v but_o they_o receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n perhaps_o at_o the_o day_n of_o pentâ—cost_n as_o well_o as_o other_o after_o which_o time_n we_o know_v that_o the_o apostle_n disperse_v themselves_o into_o their_o respective_a province_n and_o certain_a it_o be_v by_o all_o antiquity_n that_o st._n mark_n do_v accompany_v st._n peter_n and_o st._n luke_n st._n paul_n in_o almost_o all_o his_o travel_n it_o be_v therefore_o very_o unlikely_a that_o
the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n a_o treatise_n to_o prove_v by_o the_o way_n former_o in_o use_n among_o the_o jew_n in_o the_o trial_n of_o pretender_n to_o a_o prophetic_a spirit_n that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v prophetâ—_n together_o with_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o christian_a religion_n and_o the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o insufficiency_n of_o humane_a reason_n and_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n hope_n and_o practice_n deduce_v therefrom_o and_o assert_v against_o mr._n hobbs_n and_o the_o treatise_n of_o humane_a reason_n by_o w._n h._n london_n print_v for_o w._n crook_n at_o the_o green_a dragon_n without_o temple-bar_n mdclxxix_o to_o the_o right_n reverend_a father_n in_o god_n peter_z lord_n bishop_n of_o ely_z my_o lord_n when_o the_o gospel_n be_v first_o promulgate_v by_o the_o preach_a of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n among_o the_o jew_n the_o philosopher_n and_o disputer_n of_o this_o world_n among_o the_o gentile_n i._n e._n the_o wit_n of_o that_o age_n be_v some_o of_o the_o most_o eminent_a opposer_n and_o rejecter_n of_o it_o the_o one_o require_v 22._o a_o sign_n the_o other_o seek_v after_o wisdom_n the_o one_o will_v have_v sign_n and_o miâ—â—â—les_n wrought_v at_o their_o demand_n the_o other_o will_v have_v philosophical_a reason_n draw_v from_o natural_a cause_n to_o make_v they_o believe_v and_o for_o lack_v of_o these_o as_o it_o seem_v they_o pretend_v christ_n crucify_v be_v to_o the_o jew_n a_o stumbling-block_n and_o to_o the_o greek_n foolishness_n and_o that_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n such_o as_o they_o be_v he_o seemâ—_n to_o be_v so_o still_o to_o some_o of_o the_o wit_n of_o these_o time_n i_o be_o assure_v by_o the_o writing_n of_o such_o person_n as_o want_v neither_o opportunity_n of_o converse_n with_o man_n nor_o ability_n to_o understand_v their_o principle_n and_o pretence_n some_o there_o be_v that_o have_v hear_v and_o perhaps_o have_v read_v a_o little_a of_o the_o thing_n call_v miracle_n and_o demonstration_n and_o for_o want_v of_o these_o they_o seem_v to_o despise_v and_o contemn_v the_o gospel_n but_o the_o truth_n be_v can_v these_o brisk_a and_o airy_a these_o talkative_a and_o dogmatical_a man_n obtain_v leave_n of_o themselves_o to_o be_v sâ—â—ious_a so_o long_o as_o to_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n they_o may_v perhaps_o find_v themselves_o somewhat_o like_o those_o in_o the_o primitive_a 22._o time_n who_o profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v wise_a become_v fool_n nor_o have_v they_o any_o reason_n to_o look_v on_o this_o as_o a_o reproachful_a suggestion_n foâ—_n since_o life_n and_o immortality_n be_v bring_v to_o light_n by_o the_o gospel_n upon_o either_o of_o these_o pretence_n and_o they_o can_v have_v no_o better_a to_o reject_v it_o be_v but_o to_o play_v the_o fool_n very_o wise_o and_o to_o run_v mad_a with_o a_o reason_n for_o it_o and_o that_o not_o only_o because_o the_o gospel_n acquaint_v we_o with_o matter_n of_o the_o high_a and_o best_a importance_n that_o can_v be_v unto_o we_o but_o also_o because_o which_o of_o these_o way_n soever_o they_o choose_v to_o palliate_v their_o infidelity_n it_o will_v at_o length_n lead_v they_o to_o deplorable_a absurdity_n for_o the_o semeiotical_a or_o jewish_a postulatum_fw-la be_v a_o very_a manife_a and_o malepeâ—t_a piece_n of_o folly_n not_o only_o because_o the_o gospel_n be_v at_o first_o abundant_o confirm_v by_o miracle_n uncontrollable_o attest_v but_o also_o because_o if_o that_o be_v constitute_v the_o way_n of_o demonstrate_v the_o truth_n of_o divine_a revelation_n it_o will_v lead_v man_n to_o the_o impudence_n of_o prescribe_v to_o the_o most_o high_a and_o set_v bound_n to_o the_o almighty_a of_o expect_v alteration_n in_o the_o course_n of_o nature_n and_o of_o have_v preacher_n like_o juggler_n to_o show_v trick_n at_o the_o demand_n of_o every_o petulant_a requirer_n instance_n hereof_o we_o have_v divers_a in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n but_o few_o i_o think_v so_o pregnant_a as_o that_o of_o the_o pharisee_n seek_v of_o christ_n 11._o a_o sign_n from_o heaven_n tempt_v he_o they_o have_v no_o mind_n to_o be_v his_o disciple_n but_o to_o make_v trial_n of_o his_o skill_n and_o ability_n and_o therefore_o they_o demand_v a_o sign_n and_o that_o present_o upon_o the_o spot_n and_o this_o sign_n must_v be_v not_o that_o which_o he_o have_v give_v they_o but_o the_o day_n before_o by_o feed_v four_o thousand_o with_o seven_o loaf_n and_o a_o few_o small_a fish_n this_o do_v not_o please_v their_o palate_n but_o they_o must_v have_v a_o sign_n of_o their_o own_o choose_n and_o that_o not_o from_o the_o earth_n the_o wind_n or_o the_o sea_n but_o from_o heaven_n from_o thence_o it_o must_v come_v in_o all_o haste_n to_o satisfy_v their_o wanton_a curiosity_n and_o be_v not_o this_o to_o expect_v that_o the_o power_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n shall_v dance_v attendance_n on_o they_o at_o their_o senseless_a and_o impudent_a demand_n it_o be_v plain_a then_o that_o insolence_n and_o impiety_n folly_n and_o asinine_a stupidity_n be_v the_o brood_n that_o this_o postulatum_fw-la bring_v forth_o and_o if_o this_o be_v the_o way_n of_o prove_v the_o gospel_n to_o be_v of_o god_n how_o shall_v future_a age_n be_v secure_v against_o it_o be_v man_n more_o wise_a and_o modest_a now_o than_o they_o be_v then_o i_o doubt_v it_o because_o there_o be_v some_o even_o in_o our_o nation_n that_o be_v fall_v into_o such_o as_o this_o absurdity_n whence_o else_o be_v it_o that_o they_o require_v a_o miracle_n to_o prove_v that_o miracle_n have_v be_v do_v but_o will_v they_o stand_v a_o little_a and_o consider_v whither_o they_o be_v go_v they_o may_v perhaps_o perceive_v that_o he_o who_o put_v they_o into_o this_o way_n have_v no_o extraordinary_a wit_n as_o be_v pretend_v and_o they_o that_o think_v to_o excuse_v their_o infidelity_n or_o neutrality_n by_o the_o grecanick_n postulatum_fw-la seem_v not_o to_o i_o to_o be_v much_o wise_a because_o they_o hanker_v after_o such_o proof_n as_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n will_v not_o admit_v and_o reject_v that_o that_o be_v most_o prope_a for_o the_o gospel_n we_o know_v contain_v matter_n of_o faith_n and_o these_o matter_n of_o faith_n especial_o those_o of_o they_o that_o be_v most_o except_v against_o be_v contain_v either_o in_o historical_a narration_n or_o doctrinal_a proposition_n the_o former_a have_v receive_v their_o be_v from_o free_a agent_n not_o from_o cause_n necessary_a or_o of_o their_o own_o nature_n determine_v to_o the_o do_v of_o that_o that_o be_v be_v believe_v can_v admit_v of_o strict_a and_o rigorous_a demonstration_n but_o be_v capable_a of_o proof_n only_o by_o testimony_n and_o this_o we_o have_v for_o matter_n mere_o historical_a in_o the_o gospel_n as_o full_o as_o for_o any_o other_o of_o the_o same_o or_o as_o i_o think_v of_o a_o far_o lesser_a distance_n for_o not_o only_o all_o christian_n of_o the_o remote_a region_n but_o jew_n and_o pagan_n heathen_n and_o infidel_n of_o all_o sort_n have_v receive_v they_o for_o true_a and_o confirm_v they_o 21_o unto_o we_o this_o be_v all_o the_o proof_n we_o either_o have_v or_o can_v reasonable_o desire_v of_o these_o thing_n because_o their_o nature_n will_v admit_v of_o no_o other_o and_o if_o they_o be_v not_o much_o less_o be_v the_o doctrinal_a proposition_n contain_v mere_a matter_n of_o divine_a faith_n capable_a of_o demonstration_n because_o they_o be_v a_o mystery_n concern_v god_n his_o nature_n essence_n or_o operation_n and_o one_o will_v think_v that_o man_n of_o wit_n and_o part_n shall_v not_o betray_v so_o much_o folly_n ignorance_n and_o want_v of_o learning_n as_o to_o expect_v philosophical_a demonstration_n for_o thing_n of_o that_o nature_n for_o such_o demonstration_n must_v be_v either_o à _fw-la priori_fw-la or_o à _fw-la posteriori_fw-la à _fw-la priori_fw-la it_o can_v be_v because_o that_o suppose_v cause_n precedent_n to_o the_o first_o viz._n god_n himself_o and_o so_o imply_v a_o contradiction_n nor_o can_v it_o be_v à _fw-la posteriori_fw-la because_o the_o gospel_n 26._o be_v the_o mystery_n which_o have_v be_v hide_v from_o age_n and_o from_o generation_n if_o it_o be_v not_o whence_o be_v it_o that_o all_o the_o learned_a as_o well_o as_o the_o vulgar_a among_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n be_v ignorant_a of_o it_o till_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n make_v it_o manife_v it_o seem_v therefore_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v a_o sort_n of_o supernatural_a doctrine_n which_o can_v possible_o be_v demonstrate_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o for_o that_o reason_n be_v there_o no_o other_o it_o be_v unreasonable_a to_o demand_v it_o and_o senseless_a to_o reject_v the_o gospel_n for_o lack_v of_o it_o such_o doctrine_n
argument_n into_o this_o form_n and_o the_o strength_n of_o it_o will_v be_v evident_a those_o who_o god_n employ_v to_o prophesy_v be_v fellow_n servant_n but_o you_o and_o your_o brethren_n the_o apostle_n as_o well_o as_o i_o god_n employ_v to_o prophesy_v therefore_o we_o be_v fellow-servant_n st._n john_n can_v make_v a_o doubt_n of_o nothing_o in_o this_o argument_n but_o the_o assumption_n whether_o he_o and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v send_v to_o prophesy_v yes_o say_v the_o angel_n that_o you_o be_v for_o the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n be_v the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n hereby_o to_o i_o it_o seem_v apparent_a that_o the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n here_o signify_v that_o which_o the_o apostle_n give_v unto_o he_o and_o will_v you_o know_v why_o this_o be_v call_v the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n not_o of_o the_o apostle_n concern_v he_o then_o observe_v that_o this_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n may_v be_v consider_v two_o way_n viz._n strictly_n or_o large_o if_o abstract_o or_o strict_o in_o itself_o than_o it_o be_v little_a or_o nothing_o else_o but_o the_o record_n they_o give_v of_o christ_n or_o the_o doctrine_n they_o teach_v concern_v he_o and_o this_o be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n because_o he_o be_v the_o principal_a thing_n it_o treat_v of_o but_o if_o it_o be_v consider_v large_o it_o comprehend_v not_o only_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n concern_v christ_n but_o also_o the_o strength_n power_n and_o authority_n whereby_o they_o teach_v it_o thus_o consider_v it_o be_v the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n not_o only_o because_o they_o give_v it_o to_o he_o but_o also_o because_o they_o receive_v it_o from_o he_o for_o he_o give_v they_o not_o only_o command_v 15._o to_o bear_v this_o witness_n of_o he_o i._n e._n to_o go_v into_o all_o the_o world_n and_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o every_o creature_n but_o also_o strength_n and_o power_n so_o to_o do_v for_o he_o first_o 45._o open_v their_o understand_n that_o they_o shall_v understand_v the_o scripture_n and_o afterward_o he_o endue_v they_o with_o power_n from_o on_o high_a by_o send_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o father_n i._n e._n the_o spirit_n upon_o they_o to_o lead_v they_o into_o all_o truth_n and_o enable_v they_o to_o speak_v it_o to_o all_o nation_n whatsoever_o and_o this_o be_v do_v so_o 6._o effectual_o as_o that_o man_n of_o every_o nation_n under_o heaven_n hear_v they_o speak_v in_o their_o own_o language_n and_o this_o sure_o in_o itself_o consider_v be_v no_o small_a matter_n of_o testimony_n to_o our_o jesus_n the_o apostle_n we_o know_v be_v ignorant_a and_o unlearned_a man_n that_o understand_v but_o little_a of_o scripture_n less_o of_o foreign_a language_n yet_o hereby_o on_o a_o sudden_a they_o be_v enable_v exquisite_o to_o understand_v the_o one_o and_o to_o speak_v the_o other_o of_o all_o sort_n and_o do_v it_o not_o surpass_v the_o power_n of_o nature_n to_o make_v so_o stupendous_a a_o change_n as_o this_o be_v what_o creature_n can_v make_v man_n wise_a holy_a and_o learned_a in_o a_o instant_n it_o be_v a_o work_n of_o wonder_n that_o fall_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o little_a less_o than_o omnipotent_a power_n and_o wisdom_n sure_o therefore_o the_o author_n of_o it_o be_v god_n and_o if_o so_o then_o jesus_n to_o who_o the_o apostle_n be_v thereby_o enable_v to_o give_v testimony_n be_v at_o least_o a_o man_n approve_v of_o he_o on_o that_o account_n therefore_o their_o doctrine_n or_o rather_o their_o preach_a or_o promulgation_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o it_o may_v well_o be_v call_v the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n and_o this_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n my_o text_n tell_v we_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n the_o truth_n and_o essence_n of_o prophecy_n say_v maimonides_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o influence_n from_o god_n by_o the_o mediation_n of_o the_o active_a intellect_n operate_n first_o upon_o the_o rational_a afterward_o 36._o on_o the_o imaginable_a faculty_n this_o definition_n be_v think_v somewhat_o too_o scanty_a and_o obscure_a to_o express_v the_o nature_n of_o prophecy_n in_o its_o full_a latitude_n it_o be_v therefore_o conceive_v that_o by_o a_o little_a alteration_n of_o its_o definition_n by_o another_o rabbi_n we_o may_v have_v a_o more_o adequate_a and_o clear_a conception_n of_o its_o nature_n viz._n that_o it_o be_v a_o influence_n from_o god_n upon_o the_o rational_a faculty_n either_o by_o the_o mediation_n of_o the_o fancy_n or_o otherwise_o and_o by_o this_o influence_n whether_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o a_o angel_n or_o otherwise_o a_o man_n attain_v to_o such_o knowledge_n as_o by_o his_o natural_a ability_n will_v be_v unattainable_a in_o these_o definition_n of_o prophecy_n we_o 2._o have_v nothing_o at_o present_a to_o observe_v but_o that_o wherein_o they_o both_o do_v agree_v namely_o the_o general_a nature_n of_o it_o which_o they_o make_v to_o consist_v in_o influence_n from_o god_n prophecy_n be_v not_o a_o ignis_fw-la fatuus_fw-la of_o a_o disturb_a fancy_n but_o a_o impression_n of_o divine_a light_n thence_o perhaps_o it_o be_v that_o in_o old_a time_n the_o prophet_n be_v call_v seer_n not_o because_o or_o at_o least_o not_o so_o proper_o because_o of_o their_o foresight_n of_o thing_n future_a as_o of_o their_o vision_n those_o image_n or_o appearance_n of_o thing_n as_o visible_a which_o by_o divine_a influence_n be_v represent_v on_o the_o stage_n of_o their_o fancy_n to_o the_o sight_n of_o their_o understanding_n and_o afterward_o the_o prophet_n be_v call_v man_n of_o god_n because_o god_n be_v please_v immediate_o to_o reveal_v himself_o loose_a unto_o they_o and_o so_o the_o word_n render_v prophet_n denote_v one_o that_o receive_v what_o he_o say_v from_o god_n it_o seem_v then_o that_o all_o prophecy_n true_o so_o call_v have_v its_o descent_n from_o above_o it_o be_v not_o of_o any_o private_a interpretation_n or_o rather_o of_o a_o man_n own_o start_n or_o suggestion_n for_o it_o come_v not_o by_o the_o will_n of_o man_n but_o holy_a man_n of_o god_n do_v thereby_o speak_v as_o they_o be_v move_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n we_o 2._o christian_n therefore_o believe_v the_o holy_a ghost_n speak_v by_o the_o prophet_n and_o that_o prophecy_n be_v a_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n for_o which_o cause_n no_o doubt_n it_o be_v that_o justin_n martyr_n entitle_v he_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n but_o when_o we_o consider_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n as_o in_o my_o text_n be_v affirm_v of_o the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n it_o seem_v most_o probable_a that_o it_o therein_o signify_v not_o his_o person_n but_o his_o gift_n not_o his_o essence_n or_o subsistence_n but_o a_o effect_v produce_v by_o he_o which_o be_v here_o call_v by_o his_o name_n thus_o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o sound_a mind_n the_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n and_o meckness_n the_o spirit_n of_o knowledge_n the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n signify_v effect_n work_n or_o gift_n which_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n produce_v in_o the_o soul_n of_o men._n so_o here_o in_o my_o text_n the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n by_o a_o ordinary_a metonymy_n of_o the_o cause_n for_o the_o effect_n be_v put_v for_o the_o gift_n or_o ability_n to_o prophesy_v which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n wrought_v in_o some_o of_o god_n minister_n this_o gift_n the_o angel_n have_v when_o he_o speak_v to_o st._n john_n and_o so_o say_v he_o have_v st._n john_n too_o and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o their_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n i._n e._n in_o the_o record_n they_o give_v of_o christ_n or_o in_o the_o promulgation_n of_o the_o doctrine_n they_o teach_v concern_v he_o from_o whence_o it_o apparent_o follow_v that_o the_o angel_n here_o speak_v and_o they_o be_v fellow-servant_n but_o it_o be_v not_o this_o their_o association_n with_o angel_n which_o i_o now_o intend_v to_o discourse_v of_o but_o the_o reason_n and_o cause_n of_o it_o viz._n their_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n it_o be_v we_o see_v here_o avouch_v by_o a_o angel_n that_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o promulgation_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v endue_v with_o the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n or_o in_o short_a that_o they_o be_v prophet_n and_o if_o they_o in_o their_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n be_v prophet_n much_o more_o be_v he_o himself_o by_o who_o spirit_n they_o give_v it_o to_o he_o a_o prophet_n all_o than_o that_o remain_v for_o i_o to_o do_v will_v be_v to_o prove_v that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v prophet_n hereof_o methinks_v none_o can_v doubt_v but_o those_o that_o be_v slow_a of_o heart_n to_o believe_v the_o holy_a scripture_n for_o therein_o we_o first_o find_v it_o foretold_v to_o the_o jew_n that_o 18._o god_n will_v raise_v they_o up_o a_o prophet_n from_o among_o their_o brethren_n like_v unto_o
it_o as_o moses_n at_o first_o do_v to_o establish_v it_o whether_o or_o no_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n on_o the_o account_n hereof_o be_v just_o deny_v the_o benefit_n of_o a_o fair_a trial_n we_o ourselves_o may_v perceive_v by_o these_o follow_a observation_n 1._o there_o be_v two_o thing_n considerable_a in_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n viz._n the_o external_n and_o the_o internal_a part_n of_o of_o it_o the_o former_a be_v the_o letter_n or_o the_o word_n wherein_o it_o be_v express_v the_o latter_a be_v the_o sense_n and_o mean_v the_o scope_n design_n and_o end_v of_o it_o the_o one_o be_v the_o shell_n the_o other_o the_o kernel_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o one_o it_o be_v civil_a or_o positive_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o other_o natural_a as_o positive_a it_o can_v oblige_v only_o that_o people_n to_o who_o it_o be_v give_v and_o therefore_o the_o literal_a observation_n of_o it_o among_o the_o gentile_n be_v no_o way_n necessary_a nor_o be_v it_o so_o esteem_v by_o the_o jew_n '_o themselves_z as_o appear_v by_o the_o proselyte_n of_o their_o gate_n who_o be_v neither_o circumcise_v nor_o do_v they_o conform_v to_o the_o rite_n and_o ordinance_n of_o that_o law_n according_a to_o the_o letter_n of_o it_o the_o seven_o precept_n of_o noâ—h_n wâ—re_v think_v sufficient_a for_o they_o they_o wâ—re_v oblige_v to_o no_o more_o if_o thâ—n_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n in_o pose_v no_o more_o than_o these_o upon_o the_o gentile_n and_o dissuade_v not_o the_o jew_n from_o literal_a obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n they_o can_v not_o be_v judge_v false_a prophet_n on_o the_o account_n of_o subvert_v it_o next_o then_o observe_v 2._o that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v so_o far_o from_o dâ—troying_v the_o law_n as_o that_o they_o do_v most_o excellent_o fulfil_v and_o establish_v it_o among_o the_o gentile_n as_o to_o the_o sense_n and_o mean_v the_o scope_n design_n and_o end_v of_o it_o what_o be_v natural_a in_o the_o law_n say_v irenaeus_n 27._o the_o lord_n bathe_v extend_v and_o fulfil_v and_o again_o all_o the_o natural_a precept_n be_v common_a to_o we_o with_o they_o viz._n the_o jew_n among_o they_o they_o have_v their_o beginning_n and_o their_o rise_n among_o we_o they_o receive_v their_o increase_n and_o adimpletion_n so_o that_o the_o whole_a law_n as_o to_o the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o it_o if_o that_o be_v moral_a and_o pure_o natural_a be_v not_o only_o not_o abolish_v but_o extend_v and_o improve_v by_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n among_o we_o gentile_n in_o order_n to_o the_o demonstration_n hereof_o it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o observe_v out_o of_o mâ—imonides_n that_o the_o general_a intention_n of_o the_o law_n be_v a_o double_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o wellbeing_a 3._o viz._n of_o the_o body_n and_o of_o tâ—e_v soul_n all_o and_o every_o of_o the_o precept_n tend_v either_o to_o the_o one_o or_o to_o the_o other_o to_o demonstrate_v 23._o the_o truth_n whereof_o he_o reduce_v the_o precept_n 35._o of_o their_o whole_a law_n to_o 14_o class_n and_o then_o render_v the_o reason_n of_o each_o one_o distinct_o by_o which_o account_n of_o his_o we_o shall_v find_v that_o the_o design_a end_n of_o 6._o the_o whole_a law_n be_v to_o teach_v sound_a doctrine_n a_o to_o establish_v religion_n both_o the_o inward_a grace_n b_o and_o the_o outward_a exercise_n of_o it_o c_o and_o together_o herewith_o a_o great_a part_n of_o its_o design_n be_v to_o cohibit_v idolatry_n d_o to_o extirpate_v vice_n e_o to_o promote_v virtue_n f_o especial_o charity_n g_o and_o justice_n both_o commutative_a h_z and_o distributive_a i_o by_o the_o promotion_n of_o these_o thing_n it_o teach_v and_o direct_v man_n towards_o the_o attainment_n of_o that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o wellbeing_a both_o of_o body_n and_o soul_n whereunto_o it_o be_v ultimate_o design_v and_o intend_v now_o whâ—thâ—r_n or_o no_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n do_v not_o at_o least_o pretend_v by_o the_o same_o mean_n to_o direct_v man_n to_o the_o obtainment_n of_o the_o same_o end_n i_o dare_v leave_n to_o any_o ingenuous_a jâ—w_n to_o judge_v i_o be_o confident_o persuade_v that_o whoever_o do_v impartial_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o their_o doctrine_n and_o the_o excellency_n of_o their_o precept_n will_v think_v it_o reasonable_a to_o conclude_v that_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n do_v establish_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n as_o to_o the_o scope_n and_o end_n of_o it_o but_o now_o mention_v for_o the_o foundation_n of_o that_o law_n or_o the_o article_n of_o the_o jewish_a faith_n according_a to_o abravanel_n recension_n of_o they_o be_v thirteen_o in_o number_n viz._n the_o existence_n and_o unity_n the_o spirituality_n eternity_n and_o omniscience_n of_o god_n that_o he_o only_o be_v to_o be_v worship_v the_o be_v of_o prophecy_n and_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o prophecy_n of_o moses_n that_o his_o law_n be_v from_o heaven_n and_o be_v never_o to_o be_v extirpate_v god_n future_a judgement_n the_o day_n of_o the_o messiah_n and_o the_o resurrection_n of_o 1._o the_o dead_a now_o manifest_v it_o be_v that_o the_o be_v and_o attribute_n of_o god_n that_o he_o only_o be_v to_o be_v worship_v his_o fâ—ture_n judgement_n the_o day_n of_o the_o messiah_n and_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a be_v more_o clear_o reveal_v by_o the_o gospel_n than_o they_o be_v by_o the_o law_n yea_o the_o be_v of_o prophecy_n and_o the_o precedence_n of_o moses_n to_o all_o the_o other_o prophet_n the_o descent_n of_o his_o law_n from_o heaven_n and_o its_o non-extirpation_n as_o to_o the_o end_n and_o scope_n of_o it_o be_v at_o least_o as_o plain_o assert_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n as_o ever_o they_o be_v by_o moses_n or_o the_o succeed_a prophet_n the_o jew_n therefore_o can_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o they_o teach_v sound_a doctrine_n and_o then_o for_o the_o religion_n that_o they_o have_v establish_v among_o we_o it_o apparent_o be_v as_o one_o say_v a_o excellent_a 238._o endowment_n of_o mind_n continual_o flourish_v from_o due_a piety_n towards_o god_n with_o a_o ardent_a study_n of_o the_o eternal_a beauty_n and_o a_o imitation_n of_o it_o and_o this_o it_o be_v not_o only_o in_o the_o inward_a operation_n but_o also_o in_o the_o outward_a exercise_n of_o it_o for_o the_o christian_a worship_n of_o god_n tend_v to_o nothing_o so_o much_o as_o his_o glory_n by_o make_v we_o like_o unto_o he_o it_o consist_v not_o in_o mystical_a oblation_n sacrifice_n and_o purification_n but_o in_o direct_a and_o strenuous_a strive_v after_o that_o holiness_n and_o purity_n which_o perhaps_o be_v shadow_v thereby_o that_o pure_a and_o spiritual_a devotion_n which_o be_v hardly_o discernible_a in_o the_o carnal_a ordinance_n of_o the_o law_n be_v open_o and_o clear_o propose_v unto_o we_o by_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o gospel_n insomuch_o that_o among_o christian_n there_o be_v hardly_o any_o so_o ignorant_a as_o not_o to_o know_v they_o ought_v to_o pursue_v it_o in_o all_o the_o part_n of_o divine_a worship_n and_o together_o herewith_o it_o do_v not_o only_o as_o the_o law_n restrain_v man_n from_o idolatry_n but_o it_o utter_o destroy_v it_o and_o what_o can_v be_v more_o effectual_a to_o extirpate_v vice_n and_o promote_v virtue_n than_o such_o a_o religion_n and_o beside_o that_o the_o gospel_n give_v we_o the_o severe_a precept_n and_o strong_a motive_n that_o can_v be_v to_o avoid_v all_o vice_n and_o wickedness_n of_o live_v and_o to_o follow_v holiness_n in_o all_o manner_n of_o conversation_n and_o above_o all_o thing_n it_o assert_v the_o high_a necessity_n of_o charity_n which_o will_v certain_o uphold_v justice_n and_o equity_n and_o indeed_o the_o most_o elevate_a virtue_n of_o all_o sort_n apparent_a therefore_o it_o be_v that_o the_o gospel_n do_v most_o high_o establish_v the_o law_n as_o to_o the_o general_a intention_n of_o it_o viz._n the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o wellbeing_a both_o of_o the_o soul_n and_o body_n of_o man_n in_o their_o respective_a society_n what_o then_o though_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v not_o so_o zealous_a for_o obedience_n to_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o law_n as_o to_o the_o end_n and_o scope_n of_o it_o be_v they_o therefore_o transgressor_n of_o the_o law_n no_o sure_o for_o they_o therein_o have_v the_o example_n of_o the_o prophet_n to_o warrant_v they_o in_o so_o be_v sore_n which_o of_o they_o be_v there_o that_o have_v not_o more_o regard_n to_o the_o sense_n and_o mean_v than_o to_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o law_n of_o mâ—sâ—s_n how_o severe_o do_v they_o reprehend_v the_o moral_a vice_n forbid_v and_o constant_o inculcate_v the_o duty_n of_o morality_n that_o lie_v hide_v under_o it_o yea_o so_o contemptuous_o do_v they_o seem_v to_o speak_v of_o
obedience_n to_o the_o letter_n without_o conformity_n to_o the_o scope_n of_o it_o as_o will_v even_o tempt_v one_o to_o think_v it_o be_v a_o part_n of_o their_o office_n to_o contradict_v and_o null_a the_o law_n of_o moses_n a_o instance_n of_o this_o we_o have_v in_o isaiah_n who_o bring_v in_o the_o lord_n thus_o speak_v to_o his_o formal_a people_n 14._o to_o what_o purpose_n be_v the_o multitude_n of_o your_o sacrisices_n unto_o i_o i_o be_o full_a of_o the_o burnt-offering_n of_o ram_n and_o the_o fat_a of_o sâ—d_a beast_n and_o i_o delight_v not_o in_o the_o blood_n of_o bullock_n or_o os_fw-la lamb_n or_o of_o he-goat_n when_o you_o come_v to_o appear_v bâ—fore_o i_o who_o â—â—th_v require_v this_o at_o your_o bâ—nd_n to_o treâ—d_v my_o court_n bring_v no_o more_o vain_a oblâ—tions_n incense_n be_v a_o abomination_n unto_o i_o the_o new_a moon_n and_o sabbath_n the_o call_n of_o assembly_n i_o can_v away_o with_o it_o be_v iniquity_n even_o the_o solemn_a meeting_n your_o new_a moon_n and_o your_o appointed_a feast_n my_o soul_n hate_v they_o aâ—e_v a_o trouble_n to_o i_o i_o be_o weary_a to_o bear_v they_o and_o elsewhere_o to_o express_v his_o detestation_n of_o their_o formal_a hypocrisy_n he_o tell_v they_o he_o that_o kill_v a_o ox_n be_v as_o if_o he_o slay_v a_o man_n he_o that_o sacrifice_v a_o lamb_n as_o if_o he_o cut_v off_o a_o dog_n neck_n he_o that_o offer_v a_o oblation_n as_o if_o he_o offer_v swine_n blood_n he_o that_o burn_v incense_n as_o if_o he_o bless_v a_o idol_n but_o why_o so_o be_v not_o 3._o sacrifice_n and_o burnt-offering_n oblation_n and_o incense_n the_o new_a moon_n and_o sabbath_n the_o call_n of_o assembly_n and_o solemn_a meeting_n some_o of_o god_n own_o ordinance_n in_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n yes_o but_o whence_o then_o be_v it_o that_o they_o be_v thus_o abominable_a and_o loathsome_a why_o it_o arise_v from_o the_o people_n neglect_n of_o and_o disrespect_n to_o the_o end_n and_o scope_n of_o those_o precept_n they_o it_o be_v true_a conform_v themselves_o to_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o law_n but_o regard_v not_o that_o real_a holiness_n and_o moral_a goodness_n whereunto_o it_o tend_v thence_o it_o be_v that_o not_o only_a isaiah_n but_o other_o also_o of_o the_o prophet_n reprove_v 4._o they_o as_o a_o nation_n that_o do_v not_o rightcousness_n but_o forsake_v the_o ordinance_n of_o their_o god_n even_o while_o they_o seek_v he_o daily_o and_o delight_v to_o know_v his_o way_n even_o while_o they_o ask_v of_o he_o the_o ordinance_n of_o justice_n and_o take_v delight_n in_o approach_v to_o 2._o god_n yet_o even_o then_o when_o they_o seem_v to_o be_v most_o obedient_a because_o they_o neglect_v the_o scope_n of_o the_o law_n they_o choose_v their_o own_o way_n and_o their_o soul_n delight_v 3._o in_o their_o abomination_n and_o the_o prophet_n we_o see_v do_v as_o sharp_o reprove_v they_o for_o it_o as_o if_o they_o have_v have_v no_o respect_n at_o all_o to_o the_o law_n of_o their_o god_n among_o they_o whence_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o they_o do_v prefer_v obedience_n to_o the_o intention_n of_o the_o law_n far_o before_o that_o to_o the_o letter_n of_o it_o the_o latter_a they_o look_v on_o as_o a_o thing_n of_o no_o value_n yea_o detestable_a and_o odious_a without_o the_o former_a if_o then_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n do_v so_o likewise_o they_o be_v not_o for_o that_o cause_n worthy_a of_o rejection_n but_o rather_o of_o all_o acceptation_n because_o they_o thereby_o give_v evidence_n of_o a_o true_o prophetic_a spirit_n in_o they_o by_o make_v the_o scope_n of_o the_o law_n the_o rule_n and_o standard_n of_o their_o doctrine_n they_o do_v most_o excellent_o fulfil_v it_o and_o by_o so_o do_v they_o cast_v a_o great_a honour_n upon_o moses_n and_o his_o law_n than_o ever_o they_o receive_v from_o the_o great_a bigot_n among_o the_o jew_n for_o the_o fame_n of_o the_o one_o and_o the_o worth_a of_o the_o other_o be_v hereby_o propagate_v to_o all_o nation_n how_o rash_a then_o and_o ignorant_a be_v their_o zeal_n how_o absurd_a the_o fierceness_n of_o their_o devotion_n in_o reject_v they_o especial_o consider_v 3_o that_o as_o the_o prophet_n of_o old_a so_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v strict_a observer_n of_o the_o law_n even_o according_a to_o the_o letter_n of_o it_o they_o be_v not_o only_o circumcise_v the_o eight_o day_n but_o in_o their_o life_n they_o discharge_v the_o obligation_n of_o their_o circumcision_n by_o their_o literal_a observance_n of_o the_o whole_a law_n as_o well_o the_o statute_n as_o the_o judgement_n of_o it_o i._n e._n those_o precept_n who_o reason_n be_v not_o vulgar_o know_v as_o well_o as_o those_o that_o be_v 26._o so_o that_o touch_v the_o righteousness_n which_o be_v in_o the_o law_n they_o be_v as_o blameless_a as_o any_o other_o jew_n whatever_o yea_o though_o they_o do_v not_o put_v the_o neck_n of_o the_o gentile_n under_o the_o yoke_n of_o literal_a obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n yet_o they_o never_o teach_v the_o jew_n to_o withdraw_v they_o but_o rather_o to_o keep_v they_o under_o and_o submit_v unto_o it_o for_o jesus_n speak_v to_o the_o multitude_n and_o to_o his_o disciple_n say_v the_o scribe_n and_o the_o pharisee_n sit_v in_o mosâ—s_n seat_n all_o therefore_o whatsoever_o thâ—y_v bid_v you_o observe_v that_o 3._o observe_v and_o do_v nor_o do_v the_o apostle_n ever_o teach_v they_o otherwise_o it_o be_v true_a indeed_o it_o be_v once_o report_v of_o st._n paul_n that_o he_o teach_v â—he_n jew_n which_o be_v among_o the_o gentile_n to_o forsake_v moses_n say_v that_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o circumcise_v their_o child_n neither_o to_o walk_v after_o tâ—e_v custom_n the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n be_v so_o concern_v at_o this_o news_n as_o that_o to_o wipe_v off_o the_o scandal_n they_o advise_v he_o by_o all_o mean_n to_o purify_v himself_o with_o four_o man_n that_o have_v the_o nazarite_n vow_v 15_o upon_o they_o and_o to_o be_v at_o charge_n with_o they_o to_o provide_v such_o sacrifice_n for_o they_o as_o the_o law_n prescribe_v this_o they_o will_v have_v he_o to_o do_v that_o all_o may_v know_v that_o those_o thing_n whereof_o they_o be_v inform_v concern_v â—im_a be_v nothing_o but_o that_o he_o himself_o also_o walk_v orderly_a and_o keep_v the_o law_n thus_o careful_a be_v they_o 24._o that_o they_o themselves_o and_o other_o shall_v keep_v the_o law_n and_o give_v none_o offence_n by_o break_v it_o it_o be_v true_a indeed_o as_o touch_v the_o gentile_n which_o believe_v they_o write_v and_o conclude_v they_o be_v oblige_v to_o observe_v no_o such_o thing_n nor_o have_v the_o jew_n any_o reason_n to_o take_v it_o ill_a that_o they_o do_v so_o for_o christ_n and_o they_o give_v as_o great_a or_o great_a evidence_n of_o god_n intention_n to_o accept_v the_o gentile_n without_o the_o law_n as_o ever_o moses_n give_v of_o his_o purpose_n to_o guide_v the_o jew_n to_o salvation_n by_o the_o law_n that_o so_o they_o do_v be_v manifest_a by_o their_o miracle_n which_o be_v so_o far_o froâ—_n be_v inferior_a to_o those_o of_o moses_n as_o that_o they_o do_v fâ—â—â—xceed_v they_o both_o in_o number_n and_o nature_n as_o we_o 〈◊〉_d see_v hereafter_o and_o if_o so_o then_o thereby_o evident_a it_o be_v that_o they_o give_v far_o great_a evidence_n of_o their_o mission_n from_o god_n than_o moses_n do_v of_o his_o how_o unreasonable_a than_o be_v it_o in_o the_o jew_n to_o deny_v they_o audience_n how_o brutish_a to_o reject_v they_o and_o barbarous_a to_o kill_v they_o for_o i_o know_v not_o what_o nonconformity_n to_o their_o law_n whereof_o by_o what_o we_o have_v 〈…〉_z it_o appear_v they_o be_v only_o suppose_v and_o that_o very_o falâ—ly_o to_o be_v guilty_a they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o make_v void_a the_o law_n as_o that_o they_o fulfil_v it_o and_o that_o both_o according_a to_o the_o intention_n and_o the_o letter_n of_o it_o and_o this_o they_o constant_o do_v by_o their_o doctrine_n as_o well_o as_o practice_n and_o therefore_o they_o deserve_v not_o to_o have_v be_v reject_v as_o false_a prophet_n but_o to_o be_v receive_v as_o true_a which_o will_v yet_o far_o appear_v if_o we_o consider_v the_o antecedent_n or_o concomitant_n of_o a_o prophetic_a spirit_n the_o first_o whereof_o be_v wisdom_n sect._n 2._o and_o these_o we_o have_v already_o grant_v be_v wisdom_n fortitude_n and_o probity_n of_o manner_n especial_o contentment_n the_o method_n propose_v lead_v i_o to_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o of_o these_o viz._n wisdom_n which_o be_v a_o intellectual_a virtue_n be_v without_o doubt_n in_o the_o precede_a rule_n of_o the_o rabbin_n put_v to_o signify_v those_o excellent_a endowment_n of_o mind_n whereof_o the_o prophet_n usual_o
be_v partaker_n and_o these_o it_o be_v confess_v be_v sometime_o those_o useful_a ornament_n of_o art_n and_o science_n but_o more_o frequent_o if_o not_o always_o those_o of_o intelligence_n and_o prudence_n somewhat_o above_o the_o ordinary_a rate_n of_o other_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n seldom_o or_o never_o rest_v on_o any_o but_o those_o who_o mind_n be_v very_o capable_a of_o first_o principle_n and_o able_a to_o guide_v their_o action_n with_o judgement_n and_o discretion_n now_o that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v so_o be_v a_o thing_n whereof_o it_o seem_v needless_a to_o make_v proof_n because_o among_o all_o the_o enemy_n of_o christianity_n i_o can_v find_v none_o that_o ever_o have_v the_o impudence_n to_o say_v that_o its_o founder_n be_v fool_n but_o rather_o they_o acknowledge_v it_o be_v such_o a_o cunning_o devise_v fable_n or_o so_o subtle_a a_o contrivance_n as_o that_o they_o be_v force_v to_o confess_v the_o author_n of_o it_o be_v man_n of_o excellent_a intellectual_n even_o atheist_n themselves_o by_o say_v that_o our_o religion_n be_v a_o humane_a invention_n allow_v of_o and_o defend_v by_o prince_n to_o keep_v man_n in_o subjection_n do_v declare_v plain_o that_o its_o author_n or_o first_o founder_n who_o in_o all_o appearance_n be_v christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v man_n of_o no_o shallow_a apprehension_n but_o rather_o of_o deep_a judgement_n and_o profound_a ratiocination_n the_o whole_a christian_a world_n must_v be_v think_v to_o consist_v of_o these_o fool_n if_o those_o that_o have_v give_v these_o law_n to_o it_o be_v not_o wise_a yet_o evident_a it_o be_v whoever_o say_v so_o deserve_v to_o be_v reckon_v one_o of_o that_o number_n or_o worse_o however_o it_o seeâ—s_v the_o first_o opponent_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n although_o they_o be_v extreme_o malicious_a yet_o be_v not_o so_o far_o transport_v with_o the_o madness_n of_o pride_n as_o to_o say_v any_o such_o thing_n of_o they_o but_o contrariwise_o they_o admire_v and_o marvel_v at_o they_o insomuch_o that_o not_o only_o the_o people_n be_v astonish_v at_o the_o doctrine_n 47._o of_o christ_n and_o his_o countryman_n at_o his_o wisdom_n but_o also_o the_o very_a doctor_n themselves_o at_o his_o understanding_n and_o answer_n when_o he_o be_v but_o twelve_o year_n old_a and_o afterward_o be_v come_v to_o maturity_n never_o man_n speak_v like_o this_o man_n insomuch_o that_o the_o wicked_a 46._o heart_n of_o many_o among_o they_o prompt_v they_o to_o think_v he_o have_v a_o devil_n but_o other_o say_v and_o give_v a_o good_a reason_n 21._o for_o it_o too_o that_o his_o be_v not_o the_o word_n of_o one_o that_o have_v a_o devil_n if_o we_o lay_v both_o together_o we_o may_v from_o thence_o gather_v that_o his_o discourse_n be_v extraordinary_a so_o far_o above_o the_o pitch_n of_o the_o hearer_n as_o that_o it_o give_v evidence_n of_o transcendent_a wisdom_n in_o the_o speaker_n which_o also_o in_o some_o measure_n discover_v itself_o in_o his_o apostle_n for_o the_o elder_n of_o israel_n marvel_v and_o sergius_n 12._o paulus_n a_o prudent_a man_n be_v astonish_v at_o what_o they_o hear_v from_o they_o and_o wise_a man_n we_o know_v use_v not_o to_o admire_v and_o marvel_v at_o the_o rhapsody_n of_o fool_n if_o therefore_o the_o people_n or_o yet_o their_o ruler_n be_v wise_a it_o must_v be_v conclude_v that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v such_o because_o in_o despite_n of_o malice_n they_o be_v force_v to_o admire_v they_o for_o so_o be_v but_o in_o this_o point_n the_o confession_n of_o our_o modern_a scoffer_n have_v give_v i_o a_o supersedeas_fw-la from_o the_o trouble_n of_o say_v any_o more_o for_o though_o they_o will_v sometime_o shoot_v their_o bolt_n at_o some_o part_n of_o our_o religion_n divide_v from_o the_o rest_n yet_o they_o dare_v not_o say_v but_o that_o the_o whole_a be_v so_o consistent_a with_o itself_o and_o subservient_fw-fr to_o the_o end_n whereunto_o they_o say_v it_o be_v design_v as_o that_o thâ—y_v presume_v to_o disgrace_v it_o only_o with_o sly_a insinuation_n that_o it_o savour_v more_o of_o subtlety_n and_o guile_n than_o of_o honesty_n of_o craft_n and_o cunning_a than_o of_o the_o thing_n call_v conscience_n be_v this_o as_o great_a a_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v a_o slander_n yet_o this_o may_v we_o learn_v from_o it_o namely_o that_o the_o author_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o founder_n of_o our_o religion_n be_v very_o intelligent_a person_n man_n so_o far_o from_o defect_n in_o their_o understanding_n as_o that_o they_o have_v very_o large_a intellectual_n and_o comprehensive_a capacity_n can_v natural_n befool_v the_o world_n and_o make_v it_o dance_v after_o their_o pipe_n no_o sure_o it_o must_v therefore_o be_v conclude_v that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v man_n of_o part_n and_o prudence_n of_o profound_a judgement_n and_o deep_a intention_n and_o in_o that_o respect_n they_o be_v such_o as_o the_o precede_a rule_n of_o the_o rabbin_n style_v wise_a but_o this_o sort_n of_o wisdom_n not_o be_v peculiar_a to_o prophet_n be_v not_o i_o suppose_v so_o much_o inquire_v after_o in_o the_o trial_n of_o those_o that_o pretend_v to_o the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n as_o that_o that_o be_v supernatural_a namely_o that_o knowledge_n which_o without_o revelation_n be_v utter_o unattainable_a and_o that_o in_o respect_n either_o of_o the_o matter_n manner_n or_o measure_n of_o it_o that_o knowledge_n ledg_n or_o wisdom_n which_o in_o one_o or_o other_o of_o these_o respect_n be_v supernatural_a be_v i_o think_v principal_o inquire_v after_o in_o the_o trial_n of_o pretender_n to_o prophecy_n the_o reason_n of_o this_o my_o conjecture_n be_v not_o only_o because_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n require_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o but_o because_o the_o contumelious_a carriage_n of_o the_o jew_n towards_o our_o bless_a saviour_n seem_v to_o intimate_v that_o it_o be_v so_o for_o when_o they_o have_v blindfolded_a he_o they_o strike_v he_o on_o the_o face_n and_o ask_v he_o say_v prophecy_n who_o be_v it_o that_o smite_v thou_o it_o seem_v far_o more_o probable_a 64._o to_o i_o that_o this_o their_o usage_n of_o christ_n shall_v refer_v to_o a_o custom_n of_o their_o own_o rather_o than_o to_o a_o sport_n call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d among_o the_o grecian_a child_n or_o blind-mans-buff_n among_o our_o own_o if_o this_o sport_n be_v of_o use_n among_o the_o jew_n also_o yet_o i_o do_v not_o think_v their_o malice_n be_v then_o so_o gamesome_a and_o childish_a it_o seem_v a_o more_o solemn_a jeer_n allusive_a to_o some_o custom_n or_o enquiry_n that_o wont_a to_o be_v make_v in_o the_o trial_n of_o prophet_n and_o if_o so_o it_o be_v then_o be_v it_o most_o probable_a that_o in_o this_o affair_n the_o jew_n require_v evidence_n of_o some_o supernatural_a knowledge_n in_o he_o that_o pretend_v to_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n and_o such_o knowledge_n as_o this_o we_o have_v already_o observe_v the_o old_a prophet_n have_v in_o respect_n either_o of_o the_o matter_n manner_n or_o measure_n of_o their_o knowledge_n and_o that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n have_v so_o as_o well_o as_o they_o be_v the_o thing_n which_o we_o be_v now_o to_o demonstrate_v foreknowledge_n of_o future_a contingency_n the_o jew_n very_o just_o hold_v to_o be_v supernatural_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v endue_v therewith_o will_v hereafter_o appear_v by_o the_o account_n we_o be_v to_o give_v of_o their_o prediction_n at_o present_a therefore_o i_o shall_v wave_v that_o and_o observe_v that_o they_o as_o well_o as_o the_o prophet_n before_o they_o have_v a_o sort_n of_o knowledge_n which_o be_v true_o supernatural_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o manner_n of_o it_o i._n e._n 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 man_n natural_a faculty_n be_v sometime_o make_v know_v to_o they_o by_o immediate_a revelation_n as_o appear_v not_o only_o by_o jesus_n his_o knowledge_n of_o nathaneel_n 5._o and_o of_o all_o other_o man_n but_o also_o by_o the_o discovery_n which_o the_o apostle_n make_v of_o ananias_n and_o sapphira_n sacrilege_n neither_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n know_v nor_o yet_o in_o the_o measure_n of_o their_o knowledge_n do_v there_o seem_v any_o thing_n extraordinary_a yet_o not_o be_v inform_v concern_v it_o it_o be_v evident_a the_o manner_n of_o their_o knowledge_n or_o the_o mean_n whereby_o they_o attain_v to_o it_o be_v supernatural_a they_o receive_v it_o by_o inspiration_n or_o revelation_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o that_o be_v the_o 4._o reason_n why_o st._n peter_n tell_v ananias_n that_o he_o have_v not_o lie_v unto_o man_n but_o to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n i._n e._n to_o god_n himself_o but_o of_o
this_o i_o shall_v say_v no_o more_o because_o i_o will_v here_o speak_v somewhat_o large_o of_o the_o three_o sort_n of_o supernatural_a knowledge_n viz._n that_o that_o be_v so_o in_o respect_n of_o its_o degree_n or_o measure_n the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n do_v not_o only_o reveal_v those_o thing_n all_o knowledge_n whereof_o be_v utter_o unattainable_a by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n but_o moreover_o it_o do_v ofttimes_o illustrate_v those_o thing_n whereof_o man_n have_v some_o obscure_a conception_n without_o it_o thus_o the_o be_v and_o attribute_n of_o god_n although_o they_o may_v in_o some_o measure_n be_v understand_v by_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v make_v yet_o much_o more_o clear_o by_o those_o that_o be_v reveal_v now_o that_o knowledge_n which_o do_v clear_a up_o and_o elucidate_v the_o principle_n of_o natural_a theology_n beyond_o the_o possibility_n of_o study_n and_o industry_n be_v that_o which_o i_o mean_v by_o divine_a and_o supernatural_a knowledge_n in_o respect_n of_o its_o degree_n or_o measure_n and_o this_o be_v that_o knowledge_n which_o ought_v in_o all_o reason_n among_o the_o jew_n to_o have_v be_v honour_v with_o the_o name_n of_o wisdom_n if_o they_o be_v so_o prodigal_a of_o that_o honourable_a 16._o title_n as_o to_o bestow_v it_o on_o the_o puny_a art_n of_o arithmetic_n astrology_n and_o the_o like_a in_o justice_n methinks_v they_o ought_v much_o rather_o to_o have_v give_v it_o to_o theology_n and_o so_o indeed_o we_o find_v that_o they_o do_v for_o among_o 1._o they_o it_o be_v better_o know_v almost_o by_o no_o name_n than_o that_o of_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o well_o may_v it_o be_v so_o call_v because_o not_o only_o the_o object_n but_o also_o the_o teacher_n of_o it_o be_v divine_a for_o they_o be_v the_o man_n of_o god_n or_o the_o prophet_n from_o who_o they_o first_o learn_v it_o probable_a therefore_o it_o be_v that_o in_o the_o trial_n of_o pretender_n to_o the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n especial_a sâ—arch_n be_v make_v after_o this_o wisdom_n and_o for_o this_o cause_n it_o will_v now_o be_v my_o business_n to_o inquire_v whether_o or_o no_o on_o the_o account_n of_o this_o wisdom_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v not_o worthy_a to_o be_v think_v wise_a this_o question_v it_o be_v true_a be_v deny_v by_o many_o in_o the_o day_n of_o their_o flesh_n and_o seem_v hardly_o believe_v by_o more_o than_o a_o few_o now_o in_o we_o and_o among_o those_o that_o affirm_v it_o in_o their_o word_n there_o be_v many_o that_o deny_v it_o in_o their_o deed_n as_o if_o there_o be_v wisdom_n in_o the_o profession_n but_o foolishness_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o our_o religion_n i_o fear_v therefore_o it_o will_v be_v no_o needless_a or_o unseasonable_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o demonstrate_v their_o superlative_a wisdom_n in_o this_o kind_n which_o it_o seem_v be_v so_o transcendent_a as_o that_o justine_n martyr_n after_o all_o his_o hard_a study_n and_o travel_v in_o almost_o all_o sort_n of_o humane_a learning_n find_v christianity_n to_o be_v the_o only_a sure_a and_o useful_a philosophy_n try_n we_o can_v except_v against_o his_o judgement_n as_o that_o of_o a_o party_n because_o this_o be_v his_o experience_n before_o his_o conversion_n yet_o because_o those_o that_o be_v wise_a in_o their_o own_o eye_n will_v not_o see_v with_o he_o we_o shall_v submit_v our_o cause_n to_o a_o trial_n at_o the_o bar_n of_o its_o adversary_n jew_n and_o heathen_n the_o jew_n we_o know_v rest_v in_o the_o law_n and_o make_v their_o boast_n of_o god_n that_o they_o know_v his_o will_n and_o approve_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v more_o excellent_a be_v instruct_v out_o of_o the_o law_n on_o this_o account_n they_o be_v confident_a that_o they_o be_v guide_n of_o the_o blind_a light_n of_o they_o which_o be_v in_o darkness_n instructer_n of_o the_o foolish_a and_o teacher_n 2._o of_o babe_n and_o although_o their_o theology_n be_v grievous_o corrupt_v by_o their_o tradition_n yet_o those_o that_o be_v learned_a in_o their_o law_n be_v on_o that_o account_n so_o conceit_a and_o insolent_a as_o that_o they_o do_v almost_o whole_o engross_v the_o name_n of_o wise_a man_n to_o themselves_o this_o they_o do_v with_o such_o a_o matchless_a pride_n and_o contempt_n of_o other_o as_o will_v even_o tempt_v one_o to_o think_v that_o at_o least_o in_o their_o opinion_n there_o be_v â—â—arce_o any_o wisdom_n in_o any_o thing_n but_o theology_n methinks_v then_o if_o they_o have_v understand_v it_o they_o can_v not_o have_v be_v so_o disingenuous_o partial_a as_o to_o have_v deny_v the_o title_n of_o wisdom_n to_o christianity_n the_o reason_n be_v because_o it_o be_v a_o sort_n of_o theology_n far_o more_o excellent_a than_o their_o own_o and_o that_o in_o a_o threefold_a reference_n namely_o to_o our_o faith_n our_o hope_n and_o our_o practice_n for_o the_o object_n of_o faith_n be_v more_o clear_o reveal_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n than_o by_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n for_o very_o evident_a it_o be_v that_o not_o only_o the_o trinity_n of_o person_n in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o divine_a essence_n the_o person_n and_o office_n of_o the_o messiah_n be_v more_o full_o discover_v but_o also_o the_o very_a attribute_n of_o god_n be_v most_o auspicious_o assert_v and_o illustrate_v by_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n no_o man_n have_v see_v god_n at_o any_o 18._o time_n the_o only_o beget_v son_n which_o be_v in_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o father_n he_o have_v declare_v he_o our_o mind_n may_v apprehend_v god_n but_o our_o eye_n can_v see_v he_o we_o can_v therefore_o have_v no_o knowledge_n of_o he_o but_o by_o ratiocination_n or_o revelation_n the_o former_a we_o have_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n the_o latter_a by_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n which_o sure_o be_v apt_a and_o able_a to_o advance_v our_o knowledge_n above_o the_o high_a pitch_n of_o mere_a nature_n for_o to_o that_o end_n among_o the_o jew_n it_o speak_v by_o the_o prophet_n and_o after_o they_o by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n for_o they_o have_v bless_v the_o world_n with_o the_o great_a illustration_n 5._o that_o ever_o yet_o be_v make_v of_o the_o divine_a attribute_n which_o it_o seem_v according_a to_o the_o jew_n be_v distinguish_v into_o two_o sort_n viz._n fundamental_a and_o practical_a the_o former_a be_v those_o who_o foundation_n be_v lay_v in_o the_o very_a essence_n of_o god_n itself_o such_o as_o power_n wisdom_n holiness_n etc._n etc._n the_o latter_a be_v such_o as_o have_v relation_n and_o reference_n to_o the_o work_n of_o god_n in_o and_o about_o his_o creature_n such_o as_o mercy_n goodness_n truth_n etc._n etc._n whether_o this_o distinction_n be_v orthodox_n and_o adequate_a i_o will_v not_o now_o inquire_v but_o sure_o i_o be_o that_o divine_a attribute_n of_o both_o sort_n be_v most_o evident_o illustrate_v by_o the_o gospel_n for_o its_o doctrine_n do_v not_o only_o teach_v we_o to_o believe_v that_o god_n be_v powerful_a wise_a and_o holy_a merciful_a just_a and_o true_a but_o the_o work_n of_o redemption_n therein_o make_v know_v do_v demonstrate_v that_o he_o be_v so_o where_o can_v we_o find_v so_o magnificent_a a_o demonstration_n of_o infinite_a power_n and_o wisdom_n as_o in_o the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a wherein_o be_v god_n holiness_n and_o mercy_n his_o justice_n and_o goodness_n so_o conspicuous_a as_o in_o the_o death_n and_o suffering_n of_o christ_n and_o where_o do_v divine_a truth_n and_o veracity_n shine_v so_o bright_o as_o in_o the_o completion_n of_o prophecy_n in_o and_o by_o our_o saviour_n from_o his_o birth_n to_o his_o burial_n yea_o from_o his_o conception_n to_o his_o ascension_n it_o seem_v then_o the_o object_n of_o faith_n as_o to_o the_o great_a part_n of_o it_o be_v not_o only_o more_o clear_o reveal_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n than_o by_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n but_o also_o that_o part_n thereof_o wherein_o they_o be_v most_o distinct_a and_o clear_a be_v illustrious_o demonstrate_v by_o the_o gospel_n nor_o have_v they_o therein_o provide_v worse_o for_o our_o hope_n than_o they_o have_v for_o our_o faith_n but_o as_o in_o the_o object_n of_o that_o so_o also_o of_o this_o the_o gospel_n far_o excel_v the_o divinity_n of_o the_o jew_n for_o their_o master_n moses_n in_o the_o institution_n of_o their_o religion_n either_o promise_v they_o nothing_o beyond_o the_o good_a thing_n of_o this_o life_n or_o if_o he_o do_v it_o be_v cover_v with_o such_o cloud_n and_o wrap_v up_o in_o such_o obscurity_n as_o that_o none_o but_o the_o most_o pierce_a eye_n can_v see_v it_o thence_o it_o be_v that_o 9_o a_o great_a and_o learned_a part_n of_o his_o follower_n viz._n the_o sadducee_n do_v reject_v all_o hope_n
out_o the_o priest_n by_o sacrifice_n purge_v their_o temple_n and_o the_o magistrate_n their_o city_n it_o be_v also_o report_v that_o some_o of_o the_o epicurean_o be_v look_v on_o as_o inventor_n of_o a_o esseminate_a degenerate_a and_o filthy_a sort_n of_o wisdom_n odious_a to_o the_o god_n be_v by_o a_o law_n write_v in_o the_o vulgar_a tongue_n drive_v out_o of_o lyctos_n a_o city_n of_o crete_n by_o which_o law_n it_o be_v provide_v that_o if_o any_o one_o of_o they_o shall_v presume_v to_o come_v thither_o he_o shall_v be_v bind_v and_o put_v naked_a into_o a_o cage_n near_o the_o senate_n and_o be_v anoint_v with_o milk_n and_o honey_n for_o twenty_o day_n together_o that_o bee_n and_o fly_n the_o mean_a while_n may_v devour_v he_o but_o if_o he_o survive_v this_o torment_n than_o be_v he_o clothe_v in_o woman_n apparel_n and_o cast_v headlong_o from_o a_o rock_n by_o this_o their_o reproachful_a epicurus_n severity_n they_o declare_v plain_o what_o be_v the_o end_n of_o philosophy_n or_o at_o lest_o what_o they_o expect_v from_o it_o viz._n that_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o far_o from_o debauch_v man_n manner_n as_o that_o it_o shall_v purify_v thâ—ir_a soul_n and_o sublimate_v their_o affection_n destroy_v their_o vice_n and_o promote_v virtue_n senâ—ca_n therefore_o tell_v lucilius_n that_o wisdom_n form_v the_o mind_n and_o build_v it_o dispose_v the_o life_n and_o rule_v the_o action_n show_v what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v and_o demonstrate_v what_o be_v to_o be_v omit_v it_o be_v to_o we_o as_o a_o rudder_n to_o a_o ship_n it_o direct_v the_o course_n of_o they_o that_o 16._o fluctuate_v and_o waver_v in_o uncertainty_n if_o then_o this_o be_v the_o design_a work_n and_o end_n of_o wisdom_n there_o be_v no_o doctrine_n in_o the_o world_n can_v lay_v so_o just_a a_o claim_n as_o that_o of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n to_o that_o title_n for_o the_o design_n of_o it_o be_v not_o to_o fill_v man_n head_n with_o notion_n or_o to_o teach_v they_o system_n of_o opinion_n but_o to_o furnish_v their_o mind_n with_o encouragement_n to_o virtue_n to_o mortify_v their_o passion_n and_o self-will_n in_o order_n to_o the_o love_n of_o the_o eternal_a beauty_n and_o a_o imitation_n of_o it_o that_o so_o in_o a_o sort_n they_o may_v anticipate_v heaven_n by_o a_o resemblance_n of_o god_n here_o on_o earth_n for_o our_o saviour_n have_v teach_v we_o to_o be_v perfect_a as_o our_o father_n in_o heaven_n 48._o be_v perfect_a to_o this_o end_n both_o the_o precept_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v so_o exquisite_o adapt_v as_o that_o they_o do_v not_o only_o most_o effectual_o forestall_v all_o those_o vice_n which_o the_o wise_a of_o man_n law_n and_o instruction_n have_v but_o in_o vain_a attempt_v to_o destroy_v but_o they_o do_v also_o promote_v such_o exact_a and_o elevate_a virtue_n as_o be_v apt_a to_o make_v we_o as_o like_v to_o our_o maker_n as_o in_o this_o life_n be_v possible_a for_o the_o exceed_a great_a and_o precious_a promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v give_v we_o to_o this_o 4._o end_n that_o by_o they_o we_o may_v be_v partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o the_o end_n of_o the_o commandment_n be_v charity_n out_o of_o a_o pure_a heart_n and_o of_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o of_o 5._o faith_n unfeigned_a i'faith_o unfeigned_a beget_v a_o good_a conscience_n a_o good_a conscience_n a_o pure_a heart_n and_o a_o pure_a heart_n charity_n and_o charity_n we_o know_v must_v 30._o needs_o be_v as_o one_o call_v it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o likeness_n to_o god_n or_o resemblance_n of_o he_o for_o god_n be_v love_n a_o eternal_a and_o immutable_a a_o omniscient_a and_o almighty_a goodness_n to_o the_o imitation_n hereof_o the_o gospel_n do_v allure_v and_o direct_v we_o to_o this_o end_n it_o be_v intend_v and_o design_v its_o efficacy_n in_o order_n thereunto_o st._n paul_n insinuate_v when_o he_o call_v it_o the_o ministration_n of_o righteousness_n and_o 9_o the_o powâ—r_n of_o god_n unto_o salvation_n it_o be_v a_o thing_n more_o 16._o divine_a than_o any_o demonstration_n it_o have_v heat_n to_o quicken_v and_o enliven_v our_o affection_n as_o well_o as_o light_a to_o guide_v they_o it_o so_o form_v christ_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o believer_n as_o that_o it_o incline_v they_o to_o say_v of_o he_o and_o his_o word_n as_o the_o priest_n of_o mercury_n do_v in_o eat_v sacrifice_n truth_n be_v sweet_a and_o when_o once_o it_o be_v so_o and_o well_o digest_v it_o will_v so_o transform_v they_o by_o the_o renew_n of_o their_o mind_n as_o that_o they_o may_v prove_v what_o be_v that_o good_a and_o acceptable_a and_o perfect_a will_n of_o god_n and_o by_o so_o do_v it_o will_v dispose_v they_o to_o such_o a_o cheerful_a compliance_n therewith_o as_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v follower_n of_o god_n as_o dear_a child_n and_o this_o as_o seneca_n insinuate_v be_v the_o ultimate_a end_n and_o design_n the_o utmost_a scope_n and_o tendency_n of_o wisdom_n ut_fw-la dâ—um_fw-la sup_v sequaris_fw-la since_o therefore_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n give_v better_a rule_n and_o afford_v great_a help_n for_o so_o do_v than_o any_o there_o be_v either_o in_o the_o theology_n of_o the_o jew_n or_o the_o philosophy_n of_o the_o gentile_n most_o manifest_a it_o be_v that_o it_o do_v most_o high_o deserve_v not_o only_o to_o be_v call_v wisdom_n but_o also_o to_o be_v account_v supernatural_a and_o divine_a because_o it_o excel_v all_o former_a revelation_n of_o god_n as_o well_o as_o the_o wisdom_n of_o man_n and_o it_o that_o be_v such_o excellent_a wisdom_n most_o evident_a it_o be_v that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v most_o excellent_o wise_a endue_v with_o a_o sort_n of_o knowledge_n which_o be_v utter_o unattainable_a without_o inspiration_n of_o god_n because_o if_o otherwise_o it_o will_v have_v beâ—n_o impossible_a that_o they_o shall_v hauâ—_n be_v author_n of_o such_o a_o excellent_a production_n sect._n 3_o of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n fortitude_n and_o that_o this_o their_o wisdom_n dwell_v with_o fortitude_n i._n e._n such_o courage_n and_o magnanimity_n as_o the_o prophet_n have_v in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o office_n be_v the_o next_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v and_o demonstrate_v and_o this_o it_o may_v be_v from_o the_o greatness_n and_o strangeness_n of_o their_o undertake_n which_o we_o know_v be_v to_o reform_v the_o jew_n and_o to_o convert_v the_o gentile_n in_o prosecution_n of_o this_o design_n their_o action_n and_o their_o suffering_n declare_v the_o greatness_n of_o their_o mind_n for_o the_o jew_n although_o they_o only_o of_o all_o people_n worship_v the_o true_a god_n and_o have_v the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o law_n yet_o be_v very_o corrupt_a and_o degenerate_a both_o in_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n which_o corruption_n seem_v introduce_v by_o their_o tradition_n the_o spawn_n of_o that_o pretend_a interpretation_n of_o their_o law_n beforementioned_a for_o in_o process_n of_o time_n the_o comment_n make_v void_a the_o text_n tradition_n be_v so_o much_o regard_v as_o that_o the_o text_n be_v little_o mind_v the_o commandment_n of_o man_n be_v teach_v for_o doctrine_n and_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n be_v make_v of_o none_o effect_v by_o their_o tradition_n 1._o not_o only_o their_o faith_n be_v found_v thereon_o but_o a_o path_n be_v thereby_o pave_v for_o all_o israelite_n though_o never_o so_o bad_a to_o go_v to_o heaven_n in_o for_o so_o absurd_o partial_a and_o indulgent_a be_v they_o to_o their_o own_o nation_n as_o that_o it_o be_v a_o most_o authentic_a opinion_n of_o their_o doctor_n that_o every_o israelite_n 76._o shall_v have_v a_o portion_n in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v whosoever_o believe_v the_o thirteen_o fundamental_o of_o the_o jewish_a law_n beforementioned_a be_v admit_v say_v maimonides_n into_o the_o number_n of_o israelite_n and_o so_o sure_o he_o obtain_v as_o great_a a_o right_a as_o any_o have_v to_o receive_v benefit_n by_o this_o their_o grand_a charter_n for_o heaven_n and_o this_o right_n he_o hold_v unless_o he_o be_v so_o unhappy_a as_o to_o fall_v into_o the_o number_n of_o those_o that_o be_v exempt_v therefrom_o but_o there_o be_v no_o great_a danger_n of_o that_o because_o there_o be_v but_o six_o sort_n of_o offence_n whereby_o the_o man_n of_o israel_n may_v forfeit_v this_o their_o inestimable_a privilege_n and_o true_o those_o offence_n be_v such_o as_o they_o may_v easy_o withstand_v all_o temptation_n to_o commit_v for_o one_o half_a of_o they_o concern_v matter_n of_o faith_n and_o therefore_o may_v be_v avoid_v with_o little_a displeasure_n to_o the_o flesh_n and_o less_o entrenchment_n upon_o worldly_a interest_n the_o other_o half_o concern_v such_o petty_a trivial_a matter_n of_o practice_n as_o that_o no_o man_n well_o in_o his_o wit_n will_v
it_o be_v a_o more_o heinous_a sin_n to_o transgress_v they_o than_o the_o write_a law_n yea_o that_o whosoever_o dissent_v from_o his_o teacher_n do_v as_o much_o as_o if_o he_o dissent_v from_o the_o divine_a majesty_n and_o sin_v against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o for_o that_o cause_n be_v guilty_a of_o death_n viz._n by_o the_o scourge_n of_o rebellion_n 4._o which_o be_v a_o sort_n of_o punishment_n by_o cudgel_n inflict_v for_o the_o breach_n and_o contempt_n of_o tradition_n since_o i_o say_v they_o have_v these_o and_o many_o other_o such_o prodigious_o wicked_a and_o cruel_a invention_n to_o uphold_v the_o authority_n of_o their_o tradition_n and_o dictatorship_n it_o be_v no_o marvel_n if_o they_o proceed_v against_o those_o that_o speak_v light_o of_o they_o as_o if_o malice_n be_v the_o fit_a affection_n vengeance_n and_o cruelty_n the_o best_a behaviour_n towards_o they_o yet_o evident_a it_o be_v that_o christ_n do_v not_o spare_v they_o but_o as_o the_o prophet_n of_o old_a so_o do_v he_o detect_v the_o hypocrisy_n and_o sharp_o reprove_v the_o fault_n of_o their_o elder_n he_o do_v demonstrate_v the_o vanity_n of_o their_o righteousness_n and_o expose_v the_o cunning_a wickedness_n of_o their_o tradition_n he_o discover_v the_o impiety_n of_o their_o magisterial_a dictate_v and_o free_o unfold_v the_o mystery_n of_o their_o iniquity_n he_o pull_v off_o the_o guild_v and_o paint_v of_o their_o seem_a devotion_n and_o uncovered_v the_o rottenness_n and_o putrefaction_n of_o their_o heart_n he_o despise_v the_o pageant_n of_o a_o pompous_a formality_n and_o set_v at_o naught_o the_o ceremony_n of_o their_o external_n performance_n without_o inward_a and_o real_a goodness_n though_o the_o people_n do_v rage_n and_o the_o ruler_n take_v council_n together_o against_o he_o yet_o he_o do_v constant_o affirm_v that_o god_n have_v send_v he_o and_o as_o the_o prophet_n before_o he_o so_o do_v he_o undaunted_o show_v the_o people_n their_o transgression_n and_o the_o house_n of_o jacob_n their_o sin_n and_o in_o so_o do_v he_o strive_v to_o retrieve_v the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n to_o rescue_v they_o from_o false_a gloss_n and_o misconstruction_n to_o discover_v the_o insufficiency_n of_o tradition_n and_o pharisaical_a righteousness_n to_o inculcate_v the_o necessity_n of_o morality_n and_o so_o to_o reduce_v the_o jew_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o piety_n in_o all_o holiness_n of_o live_v and_o fervour_n of_o divine_a worship_n in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n without_o their_o numerous_a ceremony_n or_o at_o least_o their_o mighty_a confidence_n in_o their_o privilege_n and_o performance_n which_o both_o he_o and_o his_o apostle_n teach_v they_o to_o place_n in_o our_o lord_n jesus_n a_o stumble_a block_n and_o rock_n of_o offence_n unto_o they_o and_o be_v not_o this_o a_o great_a and_o strange_a undertake_n such_o as_o loud_o speak_v the_o greatness_n of_o their_o mind_n and_o the_o bravery_n of_o their_o courage_n which_o be_v not_o in_o the_o least_o abate_v but_o rather_o increase_v by_o opposition_n in_o their_o life_n it_o do_v assist_v they_o to_o bear_v all_o sort_n of_o affliction_n and_o to_o endure_v the_o rude_a contradiction_n of_o sinner_n against_o they_o and_o at_o their_o death_n it_o do_v not_o forsake_v they_o for_o though_o after_o some_o solemn_a mockery_n of_o justice_n enough_o to_o move_v one_o indignation_n they_o be_v cruel_o murder_v and_o barbarous_o butcher_v yet_o their_o patience_n and_o charity_n those_o true_a sign_n of_o magnanimity_n in_o suffering_n be_v conspicuous_a and_o admirable_a insomuch_o that_o they_o only_o of_o all_o teacher_n may_v be_v compare_v with_o the_o prophet_n or_o rather_o prefer_v before_o they_o for_o fortitude_n whereof_o also_o the_o apostle_n give_v abundant_a evidence_n among_o the_o gentile_n who_o they_o find_v dead_a in_o trespass_n and_o sin_n prone_a to_o nothing_o so_o much_o as_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n the_o lust_n of_o the_o eye_n and_o the_o pride_n of_o life_n i._n e._n sensual_a pleasure_n riches_n and_o honour_n these_o thing_n they_o do_v not_o only_a love_n and_o live_v in_o but_o in_o a_o sort_n adore_v and_o deirie_v for_o not_o only_a god_n creature_n and_o man_n that_o be_v famous_a in_o their_o life_n nor_o only_o the_o fancy_n and_o fiction_n of_o poet_n but_o their_o own_o lust_n and_o passion_n call_v by_o other_o name_n be_v also_o enroll_v among_o their_o go_n venus_n and_o cupid_n mars_n and_o baccbus_n be_v the_o name_n of_o deify_v concupiscence_n wrath_n and_o drunkenness_n although_o they_o forbid_v these_o vice_n and_o make_v law_n against_o they_o yet_o their_o cause_n as_o theodoret_n graec._n tell_v they_o they_o salute_v as_o heavenly_a god_n and_o give_v divine_a worship_n unto_o they_o and_o be_v it_o not_o a_o sad_a and_o direful_a apotheosis_n whereby_o enmity_n against_o god_n be_v advance_v to_o his_o throne_n the_o gross_a superstition_n and_o uncleanness_n establish_v for_o religion_n for_o in_o their_o festival_n and_o solemn_a ceremony_n of_o divine_a worship_n all_o manner_n of_o vice_n and_o wickedness_n be_v appoint_v to_o be_v commit_v such_o filthiness_n as_o the_o most_o salacious_a will_v almost_o blush_v at_o in_o a_o closet_n be_v commit_v sac._n in_o open_a pomp_n and_o ostentation_n insomuch_o that_o almost_o all_o the_o sacred_a game_n but_o especial_o the_o bacchanal_n be_v as_o one_o call_v they_o the_o cause_n and_o seed-plot_n of_o the_o great_a wickedness_n if_o the_o 19_o ethiopian_a may_v change_v his_o skin_n and_o the_o leopard_n his_o as_o soon_o as_o those_o do_v good_a who_o be_v accustom_v 23._o to_o do_v evil_a although_o their_o religion_n teach_v they_o to_o do_v the_o one_o and_o eschew_v the_o other_o how_o hard_o be_v it_o for_o those_o to_o do_v good_a who_o have_v be_v not_o only_o accustom_v but_o teach_v to_o do_v evil_a and_o that_o under_o pain_n of_o transgression_n against_o conscience_n or_o at_o least_o the_o law_n and_o custom_n of_o their_o country_n if_o they_o omit_v it_o especial_o consider_v their_o most_o wicked_a and_o filthy_a practice_n can_v plead_v prescription_n in_o the_o example_n of_o their_o forefather_n and_o noble_a hero_n yea_o also_o it_o have_v the_o power_n and_o policy_n the_o stratagem_n and_o device_n of_o the_o devil_n the_o cunning_a guile_n and_o craft_n of_o his_o agent_n the_o force_n and_o authority_n of_o civil_a power_n to_o countenance_n and_o uphold_v it_o in_o despite_n of_o all_o opposition_n be_v it_o not_o then_o a_o hard_a thing_n for_o any_o much_o more_o for_o a_o few_o private_a man_n and_o stranger_n such_o as_o the_o apostle_n to_o turn_v they_o from_o darkness_n unto_o light_n from_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n unto_o god_n yet_o they_o undertake_v to_o do_v it_o and_o pursue_v it_o all_o their_o day_n although_o they_o very_o well_o know_v that_o not_o only_a labour_n travel_n and_o hardship_n of_o divers_a kind_n but_o also_o bond_n and_o affliction_n of_o all_o sort_n and_o degree_n stripe_n and_o imprisonment_n yea_o and_o death_n itself_o will_v abide_v they_o in_o so_o do_v yet_o none_o of_o these_o thing_n can_v trouble_v their_o mind_n nor_o discourage_v their_o attempt_n nothing_o can_v make_v they_o retract_v their_o resolution_n or_o abate_v their_o endeavour_n as_o they_o be_v able_a to_o promote_v it_o which_o to_o i_o seem_v a_o demonstration_n of_o prophetic_a fortitude_n viz._n that_o that_o same_o courage_n and_o magnanimity_n whereby_o the_o prophet_n be_v act_v in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o office_n do_v assist_v they_o in_o promulgate_a the_o gospel_n of_o the_o prophetic_a riches_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n sect._n 4._o and_o as_o in_o wisdom_n and_o fortitude_n so_o also_o in_o the_o riches_n of_o the_o prophet_n i_o e._n in_o all_o moral_a virtue_n but_o especial_o contentment_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v equal_a yea_o superior_n unto_o they_o hereof_o we_o need_v no_o other_o demonstration_n than_o the_o design_a end_n of_o their_o doctrine_n which_o as_o we_o before_o see_v be_v the_o promotion_n and_o establishment_n of_o the_o most_o elevate_v virtue_n and_o immaculate_a purity_n but_o if_o any_o far_a proof_n of_o it_o be_v desire_v we_o may_v find_v it_o in_o st._n paul_n by_o who_o we_o learn_v that_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o bring_v salvation_n which_o word_n be_v but_o a_o periphrasis_n of_o the_o gospel_n teach_v we_o that_o deny_v all_o ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n we_o shall_v live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n 12._o to_o this_o end_n both_o the_o precept_n and_o institution_n the_o promise_n and_o the_o threat_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v so_o extraordinary_a subservient_fw-fr as_o that_o they_o loud_o speak_v the_o holiness_n as_o well_o as_o wisdom_n of_o its_o first_o teacher_n it_o be_v no_o way_n probable_a that_o lover_n of_o vice_n shall_v so_o
study_v the_o promotion_n of_o virtue_n especial_o when_o they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o have_v any_o worldly_a temptation_n to_o do_v it_o as_o that_o they_o have_v all_o imaginable_a discouragement_n from_o it_o who_o but_o lover_n of_o god_n and_o belove_v of_o he_o in_o such_o a_o case_n will_v so_o strenuous_o propugnate_n his_o glory_n by_o the_o extirpation_n of_o vice_n and_o plantation_n of_o virtue_n and_o holiness_n of_o live_v be_v it_o likely_a that_o worker_n of_o wickedness_n shall_v be_v planter_n of_o holiness_n and_o that_o with_o design_n to_o have_v it_o spread_v universal_o and_o continue_v perpetual_o yet_o such_o we_o know_v be_v christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o so_o zealous_a be_v they_o in_o it_o as_o that_o their_o labour_n and_o industry_n do_v far_o outstrip_a that_o of_o the_o most_o admire_a teacher_n of_o virtue_n among_o the_o gentile_n for_o they_o do_v not_o only_o despise_v their_o family-concerns_a and_o renounce_v all_o sinful_a pleasure_n whatever_o but_o they_o endure_v the_o utmost_a malice_n of_o man_n and_o the_o rude_a contradiction_n of_o sinner_n in_o the_o defence_n of_o truth_n and_o propagation_n of_o virtue_n the_o one_o they_o sign_v the_o other_o they_o seal_v with_o their_o blood_n be_v it_o then_o possible_a they_o shall_v be_v no_o lover_n of_o it_o great_a love_n than_o this_o we_o know_v have_v no_o man_n that_o he_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n for_o the_o belove_a and_o the_o object_n of_o strong_a love_n be_v like_o the_o green_a poplar_n that_o jacob_n set_v before_o the_o flock_n of_o laban_n it_o make_v the_o lover_n bring_v forth_o something_o that_o be_v like_o itself_o it_o always_o have_v a_o kind_n of_o plastic_a power_n whereby_o it_o be_v able_a to_o form_v its_o own_o image_n and_o work_v its_o own_o likeness_n in_o the_o soul_n and_o life_n of_o the_o lover_n and_o thus_o it_o seem_v the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n wrought_v in_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n as_o be_v apparent_a by_o their_o deportment_n and_o conversation_n among_o man_n which_o be_v so_o high_o become_v the_o gospel_n as_o that_o that_o heroic_a virtue_n which_o in_o other_o be_v a_o mere_a phantasm_n in_o they_o be_v real_a the_o life_n of_o christ_n be_v so_o unblemished_a a_o pattern_n of_o piety_n and_o transcendent_a virtue_n as_o that_o he_o 46._o challenge_v his_o enemy_n to_o convince_v he_o of_o sin_n what_o he_o himself_o do_v to_o the_o jew_n his_o follower_n have_v since_o do_v to_o the_o gentile_n thus_o arnobius_n upbraid_v the_o partiality_n of_o their_o judgement_n and_o behaviour_n towards_o the_o decease_a those_o say_v he_o that_o in_o their_o life_n be_v prodigious_o profligate_v and_o lascivious_a after_o their_o death_n you_o admire_v and_o extol_v to_o the_o sky_n in_o your_o praise_n you_o repose_v their_o memoirs_fw-fr in_o the_o safe_a place_n of_o library_n you_o reward_v they_o with_o chariot_n and_o statue_n and_o as_o much_o as_o in_o you_o lie_v you_o endow_v they_o with_o a_o kind_n of_o eternity_n by_o the_o testification_n of_o immortal_a title_n only_a christ_n if_o you_o can_v you_o will_v tear_v and_o mangle_v into_o piece_n yea_o he_o only_o be_v it_o lawful_a you_o will_v chew_v like_o savage_a beast_n with_o bloody_a mouth_n and_o devour_v all_o with_o bruise_a bone_n but_o for_o what_o cause_n i_o beseech_v you_o speak_v what_o sin_n what_o fault_n be_v it_o for_o what_o be_v there_o that_o he_o do_v which_o swerve_v from_o the_o rule_n of_o righteousness_n or_o may_v stir_v you_o up_o to_o your_o sharp_a hatred_n against_o he_o thus_o 1._o also_o origen_n tell_v celsus_n divers_a of_o their_o repute_a god_n be_v stain_v with_o the_o vice_n of_o man_n but_o of_o our_o jesus_n there_o be_v nothing_o report_v that_o he_o do_v intemperate_o for_o those_o that_o lay_v in_o wait_n and_o seek_v false_a witness_n against_o he_o will_v certain_o have_v find_v something_o of_o probability_n to_o have_v put_v into_o the_o evidence_n that_o so_o for_o that_o intemperance_n they_o may_v the_o more_o plausible_o have_v draw_v up_o their_o accusation_n against_o he_o but_o nothing_o of_o that_o nature_n can_v with_o any_o show_n of_o probability_n be_v allege_v against_o he_o for_o the_o truth_n hereof_o he_o refer_v celsus_n to_o some_o history_n which_o it_o seem_v they_o then_o have_v of_o he_o and_o if_o by_o 3._o they_o or_o any_o other_o mean_n either_o origen_n or_o arnobius_n can_v have_v be_v find_v liar_n how_o rash_a and_o ill-advised_n have_v they_o be_v in_o thus_o appeal_n to_o their_o adversary_n who_o want_v neither_o wit_n nor_o malice_n to_o have_v do_v it_o if_o they_o can_v but_o since_o they_o leave_v it_o unattempted_a it_o be_v more_o than_o probable_a that_o they_o as_o well_o as_o pontius_n pilate_n can_v find_v no_o evil_n that_o 22._o our_o saviour_n do_v nay_o so_o far_o be_v he_o from_o it_o as_o that_o in_o some_o of_o their_o esteem_n as_o well_o as_o we_o he_o be_v infinite_o above_o it_o for_o they_o think_v he_o a_o god_n thus_o chalcidius_n a_o platonist_n mention_n the_o star_n that_o conduce_v the_o eastern_a sage_n to_o christ_n and_o say_v of_o it_o it_o do_v not_o presage_v disease_n or_o mortality_n but_o the_o 34._o descent_n of_o a_o venerable_a god_n to_o converse_v with_o man_n and_o settle_v the_o affair_n of_o mortal_n apollophanes_n and_o his_o friend_n dionysius_n it_o seem_v be_v of_o the_o same_o opinion_n for_o be_v together_o at_o heliopolis_n in_o egypt_n and_o contemplate_v the_o supernatural_a eclipse_n of_o the_o sun_n at_o our_o saviour_n passion_n o_o good_a dionysius_n say_v apollophanes_n thing_n divine_v now_o have_v their_o turn_n to_o suffer_v and_o dionysius_n think_v so_o too_o for_o he_o reply_v 21._o either_o god_n himself_o suffer_v or_o sympathize_v with_o he_o that_o do_v afterward_o pontius_n pilate_n give_v such_o a_o account_n of_o christ_n to_o tiberius_n as_o that_o in_o tertullia_n judgement_n pilate_n himself_o in_o his_o conscience_n be_v a_o christian_a yea_o and_o tiberius_n think_v he_o a_o god_n and_o will_v have_v have_v the_o sâ—nate_a declare_v that_o he_o be_v so_o but_o the_o senator_n because_o pilate_n do_v not_o give_v they_o the_o first_o notice_n of_o it_o be_v please_v to_o refuse_v he_o however_o câ—â—sar_n continue_v in_o his_o opinion_n and_o do_v threaten_v those_o that_o shall_v presume_v to_o accuse_v the_o christian_n and_o so_o much_o reason_n it_o seem_v there_o be_v for_o this_o his_o opinion_n as_o that_o his_o successor_n will_v have_v believe_v in_o christ_n if_o the_o 21._o caesar_n have_v not_o then_o be_v necessary_a or_o if_o they_o can_v have_v be_v christian_n and_o caesar_n too_o have_v these_o thing_n be_v false_a or_o doubtful_a or_o capable_a of_o be_v prove_v so_o tertullian_n have_v much_o better_o have_v spare_v his_o apology_n than_o send_v it_o to_o tell_v falsâ—_n tale_n of_o such_o importance_n concern_v emperor_n and_o that_o in_o write_v to_o their_o successor_n be_v much_o more_o likely_a to_o betray_v his_o own_o folly_n and_o impudence_n than_o to_o obtain_v their_o belief_n and_o clemency_n to_o enrage_v their_o anger_n than_o to_o acquire_v their_o favour_n but_o whoever_o read_v his_o work_n will_v â—ind_v cause_n enough_o to_o think_v tertullian_n much_o more_o wise_a and_o learned_a than_o to_o be_v so_o bad_a a_o advocate_n yea_o so_o rash_a and_o impudent_a a_o liar_n as_o he_o must_v needs_o have_v be_v if_o these_o thing_n have_v not_o be_v true_a we_o have_v therefore_o much_o reason_n to_o believe_v and_o none_o to_o doubt_v that_o they_o be_v so_o and_o consequent_o that_o in_o the_o esteem_n of_o the_o gentile_n as_o well_o as_o of_o we_o christian_n our_o saviour_n be_v holy_a harmless_a and_o undefiled_a with_o sin_n and_o full_o satisfy_v in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o himself_o for_o holiness_n selfsufficiency_n and_o perfect_a happiness_n be_v such_o essential_a attribute_n of_o the_o deity_n as_o that_o whoever_o own_v the_o one_o confess_v the_o other_o and_o for_o the_o apostle_n though_o they_o themselves_o confess_v they_o do_v not_o live_v without_o sin_n yet_o sure_o they_o be_v in_o holiness_n that_o which_o saul_n be_v in_o stature_n viz._n high_o than_o other_o by_o the_o head_n and_o shoulder_n by_o their_o doctrine_n they_o teach_v man_n to_o abstain_v from_o the_o very_a appearance_n of_o evil_a and_o to_o follow_v holiness_n in_o all_o manner_n of_o conversation_n and_o for_o their_o help_n in_o so_o do_v they_o make_v no_o doubt_n of_o propound_v their_o own_o example_n to_o their_o imitation_n most_o unlikely_a therefore_o it_o be_v that_o that_o do_v enervate_a their_o doctrine_n especial_o consider_v the_o multitude_n of_o their_o follower_n and_o the_o science_n of_o their_o adversary_n although_o our_o nature_n be_v corrupt_a and_o deprave_a yet_o not_o so_o
accomplishment_n of_o these_o prediction_n for_o the_o primitive_a seducer_n be_v man_n of_o so_o profligate_v a_o conscience_n and_o lewd_a a_o addiction_n as_o that_o they_o serve_v not_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n but_o their_o own_o belly_n though_o they_o profess_v friendship_n 18._o yet_o they_o be_v enemy_n to_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n their_o god_n be_v their_o belly_n their_o glory_n be_v in_o their_o shame_n and_o they_o do_v mind_n earthly_a thing_n whereby_o it_o be_v plain_a 19_o they_o be_v as_o it_o be_v foretell_v they_o will_v be_v viz._n man_n of_o corrupt_a mind_n and_o destitute_a of_o the_o truth_n suppose_v that_o gain_n be_v godliness_n and_o this_o their_o perverse_a â—_o supposition_n do_v doubtless_o dispose_v they_o to_o make_v merchandise_n of_o other_o christian_n insomuch_o that_o they_o seek_v not_o they_o but_o they_o not_o their_o spiritual_a good_a and_o welfare_n but_o their_o worldly_a wealth_n and_o temporal_a interest_n that_o so_o they_o may_v make_v advantage_n to_o themselves_o thereby_o this_o be_v their_o design_n in_o order_n hereunto_o they_o seem_v wise_o to_o have_v consider_v that_o their_o power_n be_v only_o persuasive_a not_o coercive_a it_o will_v be_v their_o best_a way_n to_o adapt_v a_o religion_n to_o the_o humour_n and_o vice_n of_o man_n according_o we_o find_v that_o the_o contemplative_a and_o studious_a they_o allure_v with_o great_a swell_a word_n of_o vanity_n about_o no_o man_n know_v what_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o age_n which_o 1._o they_o divide_v into_o a_o ogdoad_n a_o decad_n and_o a_o dodecad_n wherein_o there_o be_v as_o the_o apostle_n say_v fables_n and_o endless_a genealogy_n which_o minister_v question_n 19_o rather_o than_o godly_a edify_n which_o be_v in_o faith_n the_o fiction_n of_o which_o fable_n and_o genealogy_n they_o steal_v out_o of_o antiphanes_n his_o theogony_n so_o likewise_o they_o do_v divers_a of_o their_o precept_n out_o of_o heathen_a philosophy_n for_o their_o practical_a divinity_n consist_v in_o the_o rudiment_n of_o the_o world_n the_o commandment_n and_o doctrine_n 20._o of_o man_n touch_v not_o 〈◊〉_d not_o handle_v not_o tertullian_n therefore_o say_v of_o the_o heretic_n that_o they_o have_v bring_v forth_o a_o stoical_a platonical_a and_o dialectical_a 8._o christianity_n herewith_o they_o entertain_v the_o studious_a but_o they_o be_v but_o few_o in_o number_n in_o comparison_n with_o the_o more_o ignorant_a and_o vicious_a they_o find_v it_o expedient_a to_o allow_v of_o the_o vice_n as_o well_o as_o the_o learning_n of_o the_o gentile_n and_o according_o so_o 23._o they_o do_v for_o they_o hold_v the_o use_n of_o all_o lust_n indifferent_a and_o herein_o their_o practice_n be_v agreeable_a to_o their_o opinion_n for_o it_o be_v a_o shame_n even_o to_o speak_v of_o those_o thing_n 12._o which_o be_v do_v of_o they_o in_o secret_a and_o so_o infectious_o wicked_a it_o seem_v they_o be_v as_o that_o they_o persuade_v other_o to_o be_v as_o bad_a as_o themselves_o thence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o ephesian_n be_v in_o some_o danger_n of_o be_v deceive_v with_o vain_a word_n into_o a_o opinion_n that_o fornication_n and_o all_o uncleanness_n avarice_n and_o filthiness_n obscene_a and_o foolish_a talk_n and_o jest_n be_v thing_n 6_o lawful_a or_o at_o most_o but_o venial_a sin_n yet_o for_o all_o this_o to_o allure_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o rigorous_a and_o austere_a they_o pretend_v to_o great_a mortification_n and_o severity_n of_o live_v other_o christian_n indulge_v themselves_o the_o use_n of_o marriage_n and_o all_o manner_n of_o meat_n without_o distinction_n but_o these_o be_v more_o mortify_v than_o so_o they_o do_v forbid_v to_o marry_v and_o command_v to_o abstain_v from_o meat_n the_o appetite_n of_o 3_o the_o flesh_n be_v so_o hateful_a and_o impure_a in_o their_o sight_n as_o that_o they_o think_v marriage_n and_o the_o better_a â—orts_n of_o meat_n too_o great_a a_o indulgence_n to_o they_o yâ—a_o such_o be_v their_o zeal_n against_o they_o as_o that_o some_o of_o they_o say_v marriage_n be_v of_o the_o devil_n and_o many_o of_o they_o abstain_v from_o all_o live_a creature_n and_o by_o this_o pretence_n of_o perfect_a continence_n they_o seduce_v many_o and_o no_o wonder_n â—3_n since_o they_o be_v such_o mortified_a man_n who_o will_v not_o take_v they_o for_o saint_n with_o these_o bait_n do_v these_o cunning_a angler_n fish_n for_o christian_n from_o among_o the_o gentile_n almost_o of_o all_o sort_n and_o all_o inclination_n the_o jewish_a christian_n who_o be_v yet_o zealous_a of_o 20._o the_o law_n they_o entice_v by_o assert_v a_o necessity_n of_o circumcision_n and_o keep_v their_o law_n for_o they_o teach_v the_o brethren_n and_o say_v except_o you_o be_v circumcise_v after_o the_o manner_n of_o moses_n and_o keep_v the_o law_n you_o can_v be_v save_v by_o this_o part_n of_o their_o doctrine_n they_o 24._o do_v conciliate_v the_o obstinate_a jew_n and_o insinuate_v themselves_o into_o those_o that_o believe_v who_o partly_o for_o fear_n of_o prosecution_n from_o their_o unbelieve_a countryman_n and_o partly_o out_o of_o love_n to_o their_o old_a religion_n be_v very_o apt_a to_o swallow_v their_o poison_n whereunto_o also_o they_o add_v several_a ingredient_n of_o most_o damnable_a heresy_n for_o even_o in_o st._n john_n time_n many_o deceiver_n be_v enter_v into_o the_o world_n who_o confess_v not_o that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v come_v in_o the_o flesh_n but_o because_o 7._o 30._o other_o think_v he_o be_v they_o make_v a_o high_a profession_n of_o he_o that_o by_o the_o sweetness_n of_o his_o name_n they_o may_v reach_v out_o this_o their_o bitter_a poison_n unto_o they_o which_o poison_n they_o sweeten_v with_o pretence_n it_o be_v very_o wholesome_a and_o useful_a to_o purge_v the_o soul_n from_o the_o dregs_n of_o ignorance_n and_o error_n to_o enlighten_v the_o mind_n and_o inform_v the_o understanding_n for_o their_o profane_a and_o vain_a babble_n they_o have_v the_o confidence_n 21._o to_o call_v science_n and_o to_o make_v profession_n of_o it_o and_o from_o a_o pretend_a excellency_n of_o knowledge_n they_o lay_v peculiar_a claim_n to_o the_o title_n of_o gnostic_n know_v man_n as_o if_o none_o no_o not_o st._n paul_n or_o st._n peter_n or_o any_o other_o of_o the_o apostle_n can_v plead_v a_o equality_n to_o the_o greatness_n of_o their_o knowledge_n for_o they_o boast_v that_o 9_o they_o know_v more_o than_o all_o man_n else_o and_o knowledge_n we_o know_v be_v a_o thing_n so_o invite_v as_o that_o it_o have_v no_o enemy_n but_o the_o ignorant_a and_o scarce_o any_o so_o sottish_a as_o not_o to_o desire_v it_o insomuch_o that_o it_o be_v a_o temptation_n even_o to_o eve_n in_o innocence_n when_o doubtless_o her_o knowledge_n be_v complete_o suit_v to_o her_o innocence_n yet_o even_o then_o â—he_v judge_v the_o forbid_a 6._o fruit_n desirable_a because_o it_o will_v make_v one_o wise_a we_o be_v true_a have_v lose_v her_o innocence_n but_o not_o the_o desire_n after_o knowledge_n no_o marvel_n then_o if_o with_o this_o pretence_n they_o allure_v many_o especial_o consider_v that_o though_o their_o wisdom_n be_v earthly_a sensual_a devilish_a yet_o they_o pretend_v it_o be_v from_o above_o it_o come_v not_o of_o blood_n or_o of_o the_o will_n of_o the_o flesh_n or_o of_o the_o will_n of_o man_n but_o of_o god_n for_o as_o the_o devil_n in_o tempt_v our_o bless_a saviour_n hide_v his_o lie_n under_o text_n of_o holy_a scripture_n so_o say_v irenaeus_n do_v all_o heretic_n what_o though_o as_o polycarp_n observe_v they_o wrest_v the_o word_n of_o phil_n god_n according_a to_o their_o own_o lust_n yâ—t_v it_o appear_v thereby_o they_o father_v their_o lie_n upon_o the_o god_n of_o truth_n from_o who_o also_o as_o they_o pretend_v their_o fable_n sometime_o descend_v by_o tradition_n and_o sometime_o by_o revelation_n when_o they_o be_v urge_v and_o baffle_v out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n they_o fall_v foul_a upon_o they_o and_o accuse_v they_o of_o such_o depravation_n insufficience_n variety_n and_o obscurity_n as_o that_o the_o truth_n can_v not_o therein_o be_v find_v by_o any_o that_o know_v not_o tradition_n and_o by_o tradition_n they_o understand_v not_o as_o other_o do_v that_o which_o every_o where_o always_o and_o by_o all_o christian_n 3._o be_v believe_v but_o a_o more_o secret_a delivery_n of_o truth_n down_o from_o one_o to_o another_o not_o by_o write_v but_o by_o 2._o word_n of_o mouth_n thus_o it_o seem_v they_o pretend_v to_o have_v receive_v their_o doctrine_n not_o from_o the_o apostle_n but_o from_o the_o mouth_n of_o christ_n himself_o and_o therefore_o in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n they_o be_v neither_o for_o paul_n nor_o apollo_n no_o nor_o yet_o for_o cephas_n but_o for_o 12._o christ_n as_o if_o christ_n have_v transmit_v such_o doctrine_n to_o they_o as_o he_o withhold_v
mechanic_n and_o when_o they_o come_v abroad_o among_o the_o gentile_n they_o be_v look_v on_o as_o foolish_a babbler_n and_o be_v make_v as_o the_o filth_n of_o the_o world_n and_o offscouring_a of_o all_o thing_n be_v these_o man_n likely_a to_o out_o wit_n the_o wise_a one_o and_o to_o baffle_v the_o philosopher_n to_o be_v too_o cunning_a for_o the_o devil_n and_o too_o strong_a for_o the_o power_n of_o darkness_n be_v their_o bare_a word_n likely_a to_o pull_v down_o the_o strong_a hold_v of_o sin_n and_o satan_n and_o to_o convert_v the_o world_n from_o the_o error_n of_o its_o way_n and_o that_o by_o a_o sort_n of_o doctrine_n which_o in_o divers_a point_n seem_v foolishness_n to_o the_o wise_a direct_a opposition_n and_o contrariety_n to_o the_o carnal_a and_o this_o deliver_v not_o with_o entice_v word_n of_o man_n wisdom_n but_o in_o the_o plain_a simplicity_n of_o speech_n naked_o represent_v what_o they_o believe_v have_v see_v and_o hear_v be_v these_o man_n likely_a by_o such_o doctrine_n so_o deliver_v without_o miracle_n to_o take_v down_o the_o gate_n of_o brass_n and_o break_v the_o bar_n of_o iron_n in_o sunder_o to_o reform_v the_o world_n in_o spite_n of_o all_o opposition_n yet_o so_o they_o do_v for_o by_o their_o preach_n man_n beloved_a lust_n be_v divorce_v the_o devil_n oracle_n be_v put_v to_o silence_n his_o prophet_n strike_v dumb_a and_o soothsayer_n be_v unconsult_v temple_n be_v lay_v waist_n and_o altar_n demolish_v the_o wise_a be_v confound_v by_o the_o foolish_a the_o mighty_a by_o the_o weak_a the_o base_a and_o despise_a thing_n of_o the_o world_n yea_o and_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o bring_v to_o naught_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v although_o they_o be_v favour_v and_o patronise_v by_o the_o love_n and_o like_n the_o great_a power_n and_o polity_n of_o man_n and_o devil_n of_o earth_n and_o hell_n all_o which_o take_v council_n together_o and_o stand_v up_o against_o they_o yet_o such_o be_v the_o efficacy_n of_o their_o doctrine_n as_o that_o though_o the_o grecian_a and_o roman_a lawgiver_n notwithstanding_o their_o authority_n and_o reputation_n for_o wisdom_n and_o power_n and_o their_o pretence_n to_o inspiration_n from_o the_o god_n then_o worship_v can_v not_o persuade_v even_o their_o next_o neighbour_n but_o only_o their_o own_o immediate_a subject_n to_o embrace_v their_o law_n yet_o the_o apostle_n draw_v not_o only_o they_o but_o all_o barbarous_a legibus_fw-la nation_n to_o the_o love_n of_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o not_o by_o the_o force_n of_o arm_n and_o weapon_n but_o against_o it_o insomuch_o that_o they_o and_o their_o follower_n in_o all_o place_n be_v begird_v with_o reproach_n and_o encircle_v with_o great_a danger_n both_o to_o their_o life_n and_o fortune_n yet_o all_o mankind_n and_o all_o nation_n they_o persuade_v to_o embrace_v the_o faith_n and_o law_n of_o our_o crucify_a jesus_n and_o think_v you_o man_n be_v then_o so_o mortify_v to_o the_o flesh_n and_o crucify_v to_o the_o world_n as_o that_o they_o will_v hazard_v their_o ease_n and_o pleasure_n wealth_n and_o honour_n relation_n and_o life_n and_o all_o that_o be_v dear_a to_o they_o upon_o the_o bare_a word_n of_o a_o few_o private_a person_n preach_v one_o jesus_n crucify_v at_o jerusalem_n think_v you_o that_o that_o can_v have_v do_v it_o without_o the_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o almighty_a work_v miracle_n to_o induce_v and_o persuade_v man_n to_o it_o sure_o all_o nation_n can_v not_o be_v allure_v by_o naked_a asseveration_n or_o induce_v with_o vain_a hope_n to_o jeopard_v their_o life_n when_o they_o see_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o miracle_n to_o invite_v they_o to_o 1._o this_o their_o new_a worship_n it_o be_v hardly_o imaginable_a that_o this_o can_v be_v how_o much_o more_o rational_a therefore_o be_v it_o to_o conclude_v that_o god_n by_o they_o do_v work_v wonder_n and_o many_o miracle_n among_o the_o jew_n and_o heathen_n of_o which_o conclusion_n we_o be_v also_o assure_v by_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o church_n which_o in_o this_o case_n be_v so_o augu_v and_o illustrious_a as_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o want_v to_o make_v it_o most_o absolute_o complete_a and_o perfect_a it_o have_v universality_n antiquity_n and_o consent_v of_o all_o christian_n to_o avouch_v its_o authority_n and_o credibility_n it_o be_v every_o where_o always_o and_o by_o all_o believe_v that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n wrought_v miracle_n to_o confirm_v their_o doctrine_n be_v there_o ever_o any_o nation_n on_o earth_n where_o the_o gospel_n be_v plant_v but_o this_o be_v believe_v of_o they_o and_o what_o age_n have_v ever_o pass_v since_o their_o time_n without_o transmit_v the_o same_o belief_n to_o posterity_n man_n of_o all_o quality_n and_o country_n of_o remote_a region_n and_o different_a custom_n language_n and_o persuasion_n in_o other_o matter_n do_v all_o and_o ever_o do_v agree_v in_o this_o assertion_n thence_o be_v it_o that_o arnobius_n with_o great_a reason_n ask_v the_o gentile_n what_o we_o shall_v say_v of_o the_o man_n of_o that_o time_n viz._n wherein_o the_o gospel_n be_v first_o preach_v be_v they_o so_o vain_a and_o false_a so_o foolish_a and_o brutish_a as_o to_o feign_v themselves_o to_o have_v see_v those_o thing_n they_o never_o see_v and_o so_o by_o false_a witness_n and_o childish_a asseveration_n to_o avouch_v those_o thing_n that_o never_o be_v and_o that_o when_o they_o do_v not_o only_o lose_v the_o sweet_n of_o unanimity_n and_o peaceable_a converse_n with_o their_o old_a acquaintance_n but_o also_o free_o become_v so_o odious_a unto_o they_o as_o that_o their_o very_a name_n be_v execrable_a if_o the_o history_n of_o these_o thing_n be_v false_a whence_o be_v it_o that_o the_o whole_a world_n in_o so_o short_a a_o time_n become_v christian_n or_o that_o nation_n of_o the_o far_a distant_a region_n drive_v as_o it_o be_v with_o the_o wind_n and_o convexion_n of_o heaven_n shall_v yet_o come_v â—od_a together_o in_o this_o one_o mind_n be_v it_o possible_a they_o shall_v be_v all_o deceive_v or_o have_v a_o design_n to_o deceive_v other_o be_v the_o world_n so_o sottish_a as_o that_o it_o can_v be_v so_o imimpose_v on_o or_o be_v it_o so_o knavish_a as_o that_o it_o will_v so_o impose_v on_o all_o other_o yet_o among_o so_o many_o myriad_n both_o of_o deceiver_n and_o deceive_v there_o shall_v be_v none_o able_a and_o willing_a to_o discover_v the_o cheat_n that_o be_v impossible_a and_o so_o it_o will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v the_o circumstance_n of_o that_o testimony_n wherein_o the_o belief_n and_o tradition_n of_o the_o church_n seem_v found_v viz._n the_o time_n and_o place_n wherein_o and_o the_o confidence_n wherewith_o it_o be_v give_v as_o for_o the_o time_n wherein_o it_o be_v first_o report_v that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n wrought_v miracle_n it_o be_v not_o as_o we_o know_v other_o report_n have_v be_v raise_v viz._n long_o after_o the_o fact_n be_v do_v but_o in_o that_o age_n wherein_o the_o doer_n live_v yea_o in_o those_o year_n month_n and_o day_n wherein_o the_o fact_n suppose_v to_o be_v miracle_n be_v do_v while_o all_o man_n be_v muse_v in_o their_o heart_n concern_v the_o wonder_n they_o see_v and_o hear_v and_o consequent_o while_o interest_n in_o some_o and_o curiosity_n in_o other_o do_v prompt_v they_o to_o make_v enquiry_n into_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o report_n and_o while_o if_o false_a it_o may_v most_o easy_o have_v be_v find_v to_o be_v so_o yet_o then_o do_v the_o first_o witness_n of_o these_o thing_n with_o all_o â—oldness_n give_v evidence_n thereof_o and_o that_o not_o in_o place_n far_o remote_a and_o distant_a from_o those_o wherein_o they_o be_v do_v but_o even_o in_o they_o where_o certain_o if_o there_o have_v be_v any_o fraud_n it_o may_v best_o and_o will_v effectual_o have_v be_v discover_v for_o the_o person_n that_o find_v the_o effect_n those_o also_o that_o oppose_v the_o design_n of_o these_o miracle_n viz._n those_o on_o who_o they_o be_v wrought_v and_o those_o who_o be_v enemy_n to_o the_o belief_n of_o they_o be_v then_o and_o there_o live_v when_o and_o where_o the_o report_n be_v first_o spread_v of_o they_o and_o without_o all_o doubt_n in_o those_o time_n and_o place_n wherein_o christianity_n be_v a_o sect_n that_o be_v every_o where_o speak_v against_o there_o want_v not_o 22._o those_o who_o have_v both_o wit_n and_o vigilance_n enough_o to_o have_v discover_v the_o cheat_n and_o falsehood_n if_o there_o have_v be_v any_o to_o be_v find_v either_o in_o the_o pretend_a miracle_n or_o the_o testimony_n that_o be_v give_v of_o they_o and_o be_v it_o not_o very_o strange_a that_o in_o such_o time_n and_o place_n there_o be_v none_o that_o will_v undertake_v to_o
detect_v the_o forgery_n in_o such_o a_o case_n the_o silence_n of_o adversary_n seem_v more_o demonstrative_a than_o the_o testimony_n of_o friend_n especial_o consider_v they_o have_v not_o only_o the_o advantage_n of_o time_n and_o place_n but_o also_o provocation_n to_o have_v do_v it_o if_o they_o can_v for_o such_o be_v the_o confidence_n and_o noble_a magnanimity_n of_o those_o that_o first_o avouch_v it_o as_o that_o though_o they_o be_v strip_v of_o all_o succour_n and_o support_v from_o other_o man_n and_o expose_v to_o contempt_n and_o scorn_n curse_n and_o execration_n persecution_n and_o affliction_n stripe_n and_o imprisonment_n in_o short_a to_o all_o manner_n of_o hardship_n and_o death_n itself_o in_o give_v this_o testimony_n yet_o be_v they_o not_o move_v with_o fear_n or_o divert_v from_o it_o but_o they_o do_v constant_o avouch_v it_o and_o often_o appeal_v to_o the_o conscience_n of_o their_o implacable_a enemy_n concern_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o thus_o st._n peter_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o name_n of_o all_o the_o apostle_n tell_v the_o man_n of_o israel_n that_o jesus_n of_o nazareth_n be_v a_o man_n approve_v of_o god_n among_o they_o by_o miracle_n wonder_n and_o sign_n which_o god_n do_v by_o he_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o as_o 22._o say_v he_o you_o yourselves_o also_o know_v the_o jew_n therefore_o can_v not_o and_o arnobius_n tell_v the_o gentile_n that_o they_o dare_v not_o attempt_v to_o convince_v it_o of_o falsehood_n 1._o the_o reason_n i_o suppose_v be_v because_o as_o origen_n tell_v celsus_n it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o deny_v that_o the_o miracle_n 2._o report_v of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v do_v in_o this_o case_n wherein_o the_o christian_n have_v all_o imaginable_a motive_n to_o be_v silent_a and_o their_o enemy_n to_o speak_v yet_o that_o none_o of_o they_o either_o jew_n or_o gentile_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o contradict_v their_o testimony_n how_o strange_a be_v it_o how_o clear_o and_o plain_o do_v it_o speak_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o testimony_n and_o vindicate_v they_o from_o all_o shadow_n of_o suspicion_n they_o have_v a_o design_n to_o cheat_v the_o world_n into_o belief_n of_o lie_n how_o evident_o do_v it_o show_v the_o triumphant_a force_n of_o truth_n and_o energy_n of_o conviction_n that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n wrought_v miracle_n which_o energy_n of_o conviction_n discover_v itself_o by_o concession_n as_o well_o as_o by_o force_a silence_n for_o so_o apparent_o true_a be_v the_o church_n tradition_n in_o this_o particular_a as_o that_o some_o of_o his_o enemy_n have_v add_v their_o suffrage_n to_o she_o that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n wrought_v miracle_n the_o jew_n it_o seem_v do_v open_o confess_v it_o in_o their_o jerusalem-talmud_n and_o their_o midras_n cohele_v where_o they_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o grandson_n of_o r._n jehosua_n the_o son_n of_o levi_n have_v swallow_v poison_n be_v recover_v from_o danger_n of_o death_n thereby_o through_o the_o invocation_n of_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n but_o the_o father_n understanding_n by_o what_o mean_v his_o son_n be_v cure_v be_v so_o malicious_o ungrateful_a as_o to_o say_v it_o have_v be_v better_a for_o he_o to_o have_v avodazara_n die_v than_o to_o be_v so_o cure_v whereupon_o his_o ingratitude_n be_v present_o avenge_v by_o the_o death_n of_o his_o son_n to_o this_o story_n they_o add_v another_o the_o sum_n whereof_o be_v that_o r._n elazar_n the_o son_n of_o duma_n be_v bite_v with_o a_o serpent_n be_v heal_v by_o st._n james_n among_o the_o cap._n gentile_n the_o very_o bitter_a of_o the_o christian_n adversary_n do_v acknowledge_v as_o much_o for_o celsus_n protest_v himself_o to_o believe_v the_o story_n of_o christ_n miraculous_a cure_n oâ—_n the_o sick_a and_o raise_v the_o dead_a and_o feed_v the_o multitude_n with_o a_o few_o loaf_n and_o the_o fragment_n that_o remain_v all_o these_o thing_n and_o whatever_o else_o the_o disciple_n report_v as_o he_o think_v to_o amplify_v the_o greatness_n of_o his_o miracle_n he_o profess_v to_o believe_v be_v true_a and_o grant_v we_o may_v believe_v they_o be_v do_v it_o seem_v also_o that_o julian_n do_v acknowledge_v 1._o the_o lame_a and_o the_o blind_a be_v heal_v and_o those_o that_o be_v possess_v with_o devil_n receive_v help_v in_o bethsaida_n and_o bethanie_n and_o to_o enrage_v other_o against_o 6._o christ_n and_o his_o follower_n porphyrius_n undertake_v to_o tell_v they_o the_o reason_n why_o the_o city_n be_v so_o long_o afflict_v with_o sickness_n and_o that_o in_o his_o judgement_n be_v because_o neither_o aesculapius_n nor_o any_o other_o of_o the_o god_n can_v have_v access_n unto_o it_o for_o say_v he_o since_o the_o time_n that_o jesus_n be_v worship_v no_o man_n can_v get_v any_o public_a help_n from_o the_o god_n and_o from_o that_o 12._o gallimalfry_n of_o nonsense_n and_o error_n viz._n the_o alcoran_n we_o may_v gather_v this_o truth_n that_o messiah_n jesus_n the_o son_n of_o mary_n give_v sight_n to_o the_o blind_a heal_v the_o leprous_a raise_v the_o dead_a and_o teach_v the_o live_n and_o that_o the_o apostle_n do_v the_o same_o in_o his_o absence_n if_o then_o 3._o reason_n or_o tradition_n the_o testimony_n of_o friend_n or_o the_o write_n of_o enemy_n will_v satisfy_v we_o have_v one_o will_v think_v enough_o of_o all_o sort_n and_o that_o when_o some_o be_v vomit_v lie_n and_o belch_a blasphemy_n against_o christ_n his_o person_n and_o his_o doctrine_n yet_o even_o then_o they_o confess_v that_o he_o and_o his_o apostle_n do_v those_o thing_n which_o we_o take_v to_o be_v miracle_n obj._n but_o here_o perhaps_o it_o will_v be_v say_v that_o we_o be_v mistake_v it_o be_v of_o old_a object_v they_o be_v not_o real_a and_o true_a miracle_n but_o lie_v wonder_n delusion_n of_o satan_n and_o effect_n of_o magic_n thus_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n 1._o among_o the_o jew_n and_o thus_o also_o many_o among_o the_o gentile_n and_o this_o be_v think_v so_o apparent_a as_o that_o celsus_n himself_o although_o he_o have_v former_o write_v many_o book_n against_o magic_n be_v yet_o in_o a_o sort_n constrain_v to_o retract_v his_o opinion_n and_o confess_v that_o it_o have_v a_o be_v in_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v do_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o follower_n for_o have_v grant_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o report_n that_o such_o and_o such_o wonder_n be_v indeed_o do_v by_o they_o he_o immediate_o subjoin_v a_o comparison_n between_o they_o and_o the_o sleight_n of_o juggler_n who_o promise_v great_a matter_n and_o more_o wonderful_a yet_o be_v they_o but_o such_o as_o they_o learn_v from_o the_o egyptian_n and_o for_o a_o few_o farthing_n will_v show_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o market_n boast_v that_o by_o their_o art_n they_o can_v cast_v out_o devil_n heal_v disease_n recall_v the_o soul_n of_o the_o dead_a prepare_v table_n sumptuous_o furnish_v with_o all_o manner_n of_o dainty_n and_o raise_v ghost_n that_o seem_v to_o move_v though_o in_o truth_n they_o be_v void_a of_o all_o motion_n 1._o ans_fw-fr and_o so_o be_v this_o odious_a comparison_n of_o all_o truth_n and_o probability_n for_o what_o communion_n have_v substance_n with_o shadow_n what_o agreement_n have_v substantial_a change_n with_o bare_a appearance_n can_v celsus_n have_v prove_v that_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v mere_o phaenomena_n of_o fancy_n as_o he_o call_v these_o imposture_n of_o juggler_n which_o he_o base_o compare_v therewith_o he_o have_v say_v something_o to_o the_o purpose_n but_o he_o have_v not_o the_o impudence_n to_o affirm_v that_o nor_o so_o little_a wit_n as_o to_o attempt_v the_o prooâ—â—f_n it_o this_o therefore_o as_o origen_n just_o tell_v he_o be_v not_o the_o part_n of_o a_o disputant_n but_o of_o the_o unlearned_a vulgar_a a_o effect_n of_o passion_n unworthy_a of_o a_o philosopher_n who_o it_o become_v not_o impertinent_o to_o rail_v at_o but_o candid_o to_o examine_v a_o matter_n that_o lie_v bâ—fore_o he_o which_o if_o celsus_n have_v do_v impartial_o he_o will_v without_o doubt_n have_v find_v that_o sweâ—t_a waâ—â—r_n and_o bitter_a may_v be_v send_v forth_o from_o the_o same_o fountain_n as_o well_o as_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o delusion_n of_o enchanter_n from_o the_o same_o cause_n viz._n the_o devil_n malice_n for_o so_o evident_a it_o be_v to_o the_o reason_n of_o all_o man_n as_o that_o it_o be_v almost_o 26._o a_o proverb_n among_o the_o greek_n and_o roman_n as_o well_o as_o jew_n that_o every_o kingdom_n divide_v against_o itself_o be_v bring_v to_o desolation_n and_o every_o city_n or_o house_n divide_v against_o itself_o shall_v not_o stand_v and_o manifest_v it_o be_v that_o if_o satan_n cast_v out_o satan_n he_o be_v divide_v against_o himself_o how_o then_o shall_v his_o kingdom_n stand_v it_o be_v true_a
sea_n and_o land_n and_o find_v out_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n contain_v in_o they_o and_o then_o lift_v itself_o up_o from_o thing_n below_o it_o soar_v aloft_o and_o so_o the_o air_n and_o its_o affection_n consider_v it_o fly_v high_a even_o to_o the_o sky_n and_o ride_v the_o circuit_n of_o heaven_n and_o bend_v its_o course_n with_o that_o of_o â—_o the_o wander_v and_o fix_a star_n in_o their_o dance_n after_o the_o music_n of_o the_o sphere_n it_o follow_v the_o love_n of_o wisdom_n as_o its_o leader_n and_o when_o it_o have_v raise_v itself_o above_o every_o nature_n that_o be_v apt_a to_o move_v the_o sense_n it_o be_v lead_v with_o a_o desire_n of_o come_v to_o that_o which_o reason_n only_o can_v perceive_v and_o when_o in_o that_o it_o contemplate_v the_o example_n and_o fair_a form_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o here_o fall_n under_o our_o sense_n be_v as_o man_n inflame_v with_o fury_n even_o bring_v asleep_a by_o a_o kind_n of_o modest_a drunkenness_n and_o fill_v with_o another_o desire_n and_o better_a love_n it_o partake_v of_o divine_a afflation_n thence_o its_o intelligence_n be_v raise_v to_o the_o supreme_a globe_n of_o thing_n perceive_v it_o seem_v to_o have_v arrive_v at_o the_o great_a and_o omnipotent_a king_n himself_o yet_o while_o it_o covet_v to_o see_v he_o the_o pure_a and_o immix_v ray_n of_o divine_a light_n as_o of_o a_o torrent_n be_v so_o pour_v forth_o as_o that_o through_o their_o clarity_n and_o brightness_n as_o if_o it_o be_v overspread_v with_o darkness_n the_o very_a sharpness_n of_o its_o sight_n wax_v dull_a and_o dim_a xophorson_n thus_o elegant_o do_v platonize_a philo_n display_v the_o power_n of_o the_o soul_n in_o reference_n to_o its_o attainment_n of_o knowledge_n and_o thereby_o we_o learn_v that_o though_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v able_a to_o discern_v much_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o all_o creature_n yet_o when_o it_o pry_v into_o the_o secret_n of_o their_o maker_n it_o be_v strike_v with_o 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be_v resolve_v into_o immediate_a revelation_n and_o for_o that_o cause_n it_o be_v likely_a prediction_n ever_o be_v and_o still_o deserve_v to_o be_v account_v infallible_a proof_n of_o a_o prophetic_a spirit_n since_o then_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v author_n of_o prediction_n exact_o accomplish_v it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v but_o they_o be_v prophet_n hereof_o also_o we_o have_v yet_o another_o and_o great_a evidence_n viz._n their_o miracle_n that_o they_o real_o wrought_v many_o and_o great_a miracle_n we_o have_v already_o assert_v all_o therefore_o that_o now_o remain_v will_v be_v to_o show_v the_o force_n of_o that_o argument_n in_o order_n whereunto_o it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o observe_v 1._o that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n wrought_v their_o miracle_n on_o purpose_n to_o confirm_v their_o doctrine_n or_o their_o mission_n from_o god_n to_o teach_v it_o 2._o that_o miracle_n be_v always_o look_v on_o as_o undeniable_a or_o demonstrative_a proof_n of_o divine_a authority_n 3._o the_o reason_n for_o which_o those_o of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n deserve_v to_o be_v so_o account_v 1._o that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n wrought_v their_o miracle_n on_o purpose_n to_o confirm_v their_o doctrine_n or_o demonstrate_v their_o mission_n from_o god_n to_o teach_v it_o it_o be_v true_a indeed_o each_o one_o of_o their_o miracle_n consider_v single_o and_o apart_o from_o the_o rest_n of_o its_o fellow_n may_v seem_v to_o be_v wrought_v on_o some_o other_o occasion_n and_o to_o other_o purpose_n but_o consider_v in_o the_o whole_a and_o in_o conjunction_n with_o the_o rest_n it_o will_v be_v easy_a to_o observe_v that_o the_o ultimate_a end_n scope_n and_o design_n of_o it_o be_v to_o demonstrate_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o doctrine_n and_o the_o reality_n of_o their_o mission_n from_o god_n to_o teach_v it_o hereof_o methinks_v it_o be_v no_o trivial_a argument_n that_o may_v be_v draw_v from_o the_o time_n of_o they_o and_o this_o be_v not_o before_o but_o present_o after_o our_o saviour_n inauguration_n into_o his_o office_n of_o preach_v the_o gospel_n that_o he_o himself_o can_v have_v do_v and_o enable_v other_o to_o do_v miracle_n before_o that_o be_v firm_o believe_v among_o christian_n yet_o we_o find_v not_o that_o he_o do_v it_o till_o after_o his_o baptism_n and_o consecration_n to_o the_o sacred_a and_o solemn_a office_n of_o preach_v hereof_o sure_o there_o can_v no_o reason_n so_o probable_o be_v give_v as_o that_o because_o he_o wrought_v his_o miracle_n to_o confirm_v his_o doctrine_n but_o if_o this_o suffice_v not_o pray_v observe_v what_o he_o himself_o say_v to_o the_o nobleman_n of_o capernaum_n except_o 48._o you_o see_v sign_n and_o wonder_n that_o will_v not_o believe_v whereby_o it_o be_v plain_a not_o only_o that_o miracle_n be_v great_a inducement_n of_o assent_n but_o also_o that_o christ_n wrought_v his_o on_o purpose_n to_o be_v so_o thence_o sure_o it_o be_v that_o he_o require_v belief_n if_o not_o on_o the_o authority_n of_o his_o word_n yet_o on_o the_o account_n of_o his_o work_n if_o say_v he_o to_o the_o jew_n i_o do_v not_o the_o work_v of_o my_o father_n i._n e._n such_o as_o god_n only_o can_v do_v namely_o miracle_n then_o believe_v i_o not_o on_o this_o supposition_n he_o christen_v infidelity_n unblameable_a but_o again_o he_o say_v if_o i_o do_v the_o work_n of_o my_o father_n though_o 38._o you_o believe_v not_o i_o i._n e._n my_o word_n for_o my_o sake_n yet_o believe_v the_o work_n viz._n the_o purport_n of_o they_o that_o you_o may_v know_v and_o believe_v that_o the_o father_n be_v in_o i_o and_o i_o in_o he_o viz._n either_o by_o identity_n of_o nature_n or_o else_o at_o least_o by_o the_o energy_n of_o his_o spirit_n work_v in_o i_o and_o most_o perfect_o obey_v by_o i_o this_o it_o seem_v in_o his_o judgement_n they_o may_v have_v know_v by_o the_o work_n that_o he_o do_v for_o they_o be_v the_o work_v that_o the_o father_n have_v give_v he_o to_o 36._o finish_v they_o do_v bear_v witness_n of_o he_o that_o the_o father_n have_v send_v he_o and_o that_o he_o be_v the_o christ_n the_o anoint_a of_o god_n as_o appear_v by_o his_o do_v they_o 25._o in_o his_o name_n for_o it_o be_v a_o astonishment_n to_o reason_n a_o thing_n altogether_o incredible_a that_o god_n will_v give_v power_n to_o a_o impostor_n to_o do_v such_o work_n in_o his_o name_n on_o this_o account_n it_o be_v most_o likely_a that_o our_o most_o bless_a saviour_n upbraid_v the_o city_n wherein_o 20._o most_o of_o his_o mighty_a work_n be_v do_v because_o they_o repent_v not_o and_o say_v to_o his_o disciple_n if_o i_o have_v not_o do_v among_o they_o the_o work_n which_o none_o other_o man_n do_v 24._o they_o have_v not_o have_v
sin_n but_o now_o have_v they_o both_o see_v and_o hate_v both_o i_o and_o my_o father_n so_o convince_a do_v he_o account_v his_o miracle_n as_o that_o he_o impute_v their_o unbelief_n to_o malice_n and_o enmity_n against_o god_n and_o himself_o all_o which_o or_o any_o thing_n whereof_o he_o can_v not_o have_v do_v unless_o he_o have_v wrought_v his_o miracle_n to_o consirm_v his_o doctrine_n or_o attest_v his_o mission_n from_o god_n to_o teach_v it_o to_o this_o end_n also_o it_o be_v evident_a the_o miracle_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v design_v for_o they_o go_v forth_o and_o preach_v every_o where_o the_o 20._o lord_n work_v with_o they_o and_o consirm_v the_o word_n with_o sign_n follow_v it_o be_v the_o dictate_v of_o nature_n as_o well_o as_o of_o scripture_n that_o god_n can_v lie_v or_o avouch_v a_o falsehood_n therefore_o sure_o the_o word_n of_o his_o grace_n be_v truth_n for_o we_o find_v that_o he_o give_v testimony_n to_o it_o and_o this_o he_o do_v by_o grant_v sign_n 3._o and_o wonder_n to_o be_v do_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o apostle_n the_o salvation_n the_o gospel_n propose_v first_o begin_v to_o be_v speak_v of_o by_o the_o lord_n and_o be_v confirm_v unto_o the_o first_o christian_n by_o they_o that_o hear_v he_o i._n e._n by_o the_o apostle_n but_o lest_o their_o testimony_n shall_v be_v 4._o suspect_v god_n do_v bear_v they_o witness_v with_o sign_n and_o wonder_n and_o with_o divers_a miracle_n hereby_o than_o it_o be_v manifest_a not_o only_o that_o their_o doctrine_n be_v true_a but_o also_o that_o the_o wisdom_n of_o providence_n do_v design_n the_o miracle_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o confirmation_n of_o it_o and_o so_o doubtless_o do_v they_o themselves_o for_o their_o embassy_n to_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n be_v somewhat_o like_o that_o of_o moses_n unto_o pharaoh_n viz._n unlikely_a to_o be_v believe_v among_o they_o they_o find_v it_o expedient_a to_o have_v some_o letter_n of_o credence_n from_o the_o king_n of_o heaven_n and_o hereupon_o they_o pray_v god_n to_o stretch_v forth_o his_o hand_n to_o heal_v and_o to_o grant_v that_o sign_n and_o wonder_n may_v be_v do_v by_o the_o name_n of_o 30._o his_o holy_a child_n jesus_n and_o this_o they_o desire_v to_o the_o end_n that_o with_o all_o boldness_n they_o may_v speak_v his_o word_n and_o have_v obtain_v their_o request_n by_o the_o grant_n of_o sign_n and_o wonder_n to_o be_v do_v by_o their_o hand_n they_o 3_o speak_v bold_o in_o the_o lord_n neither_o the_o malice_n of_o the_o unbelieve_a jew_n nor_o the_o ill_a affect_a mind_n of_o the_o seduce_a gentile_n can_v deter_v they_o from_o speak_v bold_o the_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o jesus_n it_o seem_v than_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n to_o that_o word_n by_o the_o miracle_n of_o their_o work_n be_v the_o ground_n of_o their_o confidence_n in_o preach_v the_o gospel_n but_o this_o it_o can_v never_o have_v be_v without_o their_o intendment_n thereof_o to_o the_o confirmation_n of_o their_o doctrine_n for_o without_o this_o they_o can_v neither_o pretend_v nor_o indeed_o believe_v their_o miracle_n be_v the_o testimony_n of_o god_n to_o the_o word_n of_o his_o grace_n how_o can_v they_o look_v on_o they_o as_o such_o unless_o that_o they_o also_o themselves_o do_v use_v and_o intend_v they_o to_o this_o end_n manifest_a therefore_o i_o take_v it_o to_o be_v that_o they_o wrought_v they_o on_o purpose_n to_o confirm_v their_o doctrine_n or_o demonstrate_v their_o mission_n from_o god_n to_o teach_v it_o and_o much_o reason_n there_o be_v for_o their_o do_v they_o to_o this_o end_n for_o 2._o miracle_n be_v always_o look_v on_o as_o indisputable_a or_o demonstrative_a proof_n of_o divine_a power_n or_o authority_n in_o they_o that_o do_v they_o to_o deny_v this_o be_v little_o less_o than_o to_o charge_n god_n foolish_o for_o he_o endue_v moses_n with_o power_n of_o do_v miracle_n to_o the_o end_n that_o the_o israelite_n may_v believe_v that_o the_o 5._o lord_n god_n of_o their_o father_n have_v appear_v unto_o he_o a_o charge_n also_o he_o have_v to_o do_v all_o his_o wonder_n before_o 21._o pharaoh_n and_o although_o his_o heart_n be_v harden_v yet_o be_v do_v in_o the_o siglit_fw-la of_o the_o people_n they_o believe_v and_o bow_v their_o head_n and_o worship_v and_o 31._o after_o they_o it_o seem_v the_o magician_n be_v almost_o of_o the_o same_o persuasion_n for_o they_o say_v unto_o pharaoh_n this_o be_v the_o finger_n of_o god_n by_o this_o their_o grant_n of_o 19_o the_o premise_n they_o draw_v on_o themselves_o a_o necessity_n of_o confess_v the_o conclusion_n for_o if_o the_o miracle_n of_o moses_n be_v do_v by_o the_o finger_n of_o god_n then_o have_v god_n appear_v unto_o he_o or_o send_v he_o thus_o almost_o in_o the_o morning_n of_o the_o world_n we_o find_v both_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n and_o the_o wise_a of_o the_o egyptian_n confess_v the_o force_n of_o miracle_n to_o induce_v belief_n and_o that_o not_o as_o a_o probable_a argument_n but_o demonstrative_a such_o as_o rather_o command_v assent_n than_o beg_v it_o for_o when_o elijah_n sojourn_v with_o the_o widow_n of_o zarephath_n by_o his_o raise_v her_o son_n to_o life_n she_o know_v that_o he_o be_v a_o man_n of_o god_n and_o that_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o his_o mouth_n be_v truth_n and_o 24._o when_o the_o prophet_n of_o jericho_n see_v that_o elisha_n divide_v the_o water_n of_o jordan_n with_o elijah_n mantle_n they_o say_v the_o spirit_n of_o eiljah_n do_v rest_n on_o elisha_n hereof_o it_o seem_v they_o be_v thereby_o so_o convince_v as_o that_o though_o they_o themselves_o be_v prophet_n partaker_n in_o some_o measure_n of_o the_o same_o spirit_n yet_o they_o meet_v he_o and_o bow_v themselves_o to_o the_o ground_n 1â—_n before_o he_o as_o to_o the_o father_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o the_o chief_a of_o their_o order_n and_o not_o only_o they_o who_o have_v their_o education_n in_o the_o school_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o therefore_o perhaps_o be_v think_v apt_a to_o have_v ascribe_v somewhat_o too_o much_o to_o their_o miracle_n but_o also_o naaman_n a_o syrian_a a_o alien_n from_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o israel_n be_v at_o the_o appointment_n of_o the_o same_o prophet_n miraculous_o cure_a of_o his_o leprosy_n be_v so_o convince_v of_o the_o 15._o true_a god_n as_o that_o he_o return_v to_o the_o man_n of_o god_n and_o say_v behold_v now_o i_o know_v that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n in_o all_o the_o earth_n but_o in_o israel_n his_o mind_n be_v cleanse_v from_o the_o grossness_n of_o idolatry_n as_o wâ—ll_n as_o his_o body_n from_o the_o loathsomeness_n of_o his_o leprosy_n but_o to_o draw_v our_o discourse_n a_o little_a near_o the_o business_n in_o hand_n we_o may_v observe_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o among_o the_o jew_n many_o that_o adhere_v not_o to_o christ_n do_v yet_o believe_v that_o he_o come_v from_o god_n when_o they_o see_v his_o miracle_n thus_o when_o he_o be_v in_o jerusalem_n at_o the_o passeover_n many_o believe_v in_o his_o name_n 23._o when_o the_o see_v the_o miracle_n which_o he_o do_v these_o many_o believer_n sure_o be_v not_o disciple_n for_o 25._o jesus_n do_v not_o commit_v himself_o unto_o they_o or_o intrust_v himself_o with_o they_o as_o well_o affect_v to_o he_o because_o he_o know_v all_o man_n and_o what_o be_v in_o they_o he_o search_v their_o heart_n and_o dive_v into_o the_o hide_a secret_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o by_o so_o do_v he_o find_v that_o though_o these_o man_n understanding_n be_v convince_v by_o his_o miracle_n yet_o their_o will_n be_v not_o subdue_v to_o his_o doctrine_n and_o after_o they_o many_o of_o 31._o the_o people_n believe_v on_o he_o and_o say_v when_o christ_n come_v will_v be_v do_v more_o miracle_n than_o these_o which_o this_o man_n have_v do_v to_o they_o it_o seem_v improbable_a that_o when_o their_o expect_a messiah_n shall_v come_v he_o either_o will_v or_o can_v do_v more_o or_o great_a miracle_n than_o our_o jesus_n do_v consider_v therefore_o his_o work_n and_o his_o say_n they_o peremptory_o conclude_v that_o of_o a_o truth_n this_o be_v the_o prophet_n viz._n foretell_v 4â—_n by_o moses_n deut._n 18._o 15._o and_o believe_v by_o they_o to_o be_v different_a from_o the_o messiah_n but_o otherâ—_n say_v this_o be_v the_o christ_n but_o when_o the_o pharisee_n hear_v that_o the_o 41._o people_n murmur_v such_o thing_n concern_v he_o they_o and_o the_o chief_a priest_n send_v officer_n to_o take_v he_o but_o the_o 32._o officer_n be_v astonish_v at_o his_o doctrine_n return_v without_o he_o whereupon_o they_o expostulate_v with_o they_o and_o in_o a_o scornful_a manner_n ask_v he_o have_v any_o of_o the_o ruler_n or_o of_o the_o pharisee_n believe_v on_o
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
their_o fault_n if_o they_o do_v not_o receive_v benefit_n by_o they_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v so_o sufficient_o attest_v as_o that_o be_v it_o not_o for_o prejudice_n or_o laziness_n inadvertence_n or_o one_o such_o vice_n or_o other_o i_o very_o think_v there_o neither_o be_v nor_o ever_o be_v any_o consider_a man_n in_o the_o world_n but_o either_o he_o be_v or_o may_v thereby_o have_v be_v convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o doctrine_n and_o so_o bless_v by_o the_o excellency_n of_o their_o religion_n as_o that_o his_o mind_n shall_v no_o long_o be_v blind_v with_o superstition_n or_o fluctuate_v in_o uncertainty_n but_o shall_v know_v assure_o where_o to_o have_v the_o most_o perfect_a object_n of_o all_o his_o faculty_n how_o great_a then_o i_o say_v be_v the_o goodness_n of_o these_o miracle_n that_o confirm_v such_o a_o treasure_n unto_o we_o how_o plain_o do_v it_o show_v their_o descent_n from_o the_o essential_a and_o eternal_a goodness_n viz._n god_n himself_o for_o who_o but_o a_o almighty_a goodness_n can_v be_v author_n of_o such_o production_n such_o unparalleled_a instance_n of_o love_n and_o kindness_n such_o inimitable_a beneficence_n so_o immense_a and_o immix_v a_o goodness_n from_o who_o can_v it_o come_v but_o from_o god_n who_o be_v love_n and_o goodness_n itself_o in_o my_o apprehension_n therefore_o the_o goodness_n of_o these_o miracle_n show_v as_o plain_o that_o they_o be_v the_o work_n of_o god_n in_o testimony_n to_o his_o word_n as_o the_o image_n and_o superscription_n on_o the_o money_n do_v that_o the_o coin_n be_v caesar_n let_v we_o then_o lay_v all_o these_o thing_n together_o viz_o that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n do_v take_v upon_o they_o the_o office_n of_o prophet_n and_o that_o have_v the_o antecedent_n to_o or_o concomitant_a attendant_n on_o the_o prophetic_a spirit_n they_o therein_o neither_o be_v deceive_v nor_o have_v a_o design_n to_o deceive_v other_o and_o by_o their_o prediction_n exact_o accomplish_v it_o appear_v that_o they_o have_v such_o certain_a foreknowledge_n as_o no_o man_n by_o any_o art_n or_o science_n whatever_o can_v possible_o have_v of_o god_n eternal_a purpose_n concern_v future_a contingence_n and_o beside_o this_o supernatural_a knowledge_n to_o confirm_v their_o doctrine_n or_o demonstrate_v their_o mission_n from_o god_n to_o teach_v it_o they_o wrought_v such_o miracle_n as_o in_o the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o their_o nature_n and_o the_o incomparableness_n of_o their_o number_n greatness_n and_o goodness_n do_v most_o evident_o and_o eminent_o appear_v to_o be_v the_o work_n of_o god_n and_o consequent_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n who_o do_v they_o be_v teacher_n of_o such_o a_o excellent_a wisdom_n as_o the_o world_n know_v not_o before_o be_v therein_o inspire_v by_o god_n and_o so_o prophet_n chap._n vi_o some_o use_n that_o may_v be_v make_v of_o this_o doctrine_n thus_o have_v we_o pass_v through_o the_o several_a part_n of_o the_o propose_a method_n and_o in_o so_o do_v have_v i_o hope_v find_v the_o truth_n of_o our_o assertion_n sufficient_o evince_v and_o if_o so_o it_o be_v than_o thence_o sure_o we_o may_v see_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o christian_a religion_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o insufficiency_n of_o humane_a reason_n and_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o christian_a faith_n hope_n and_o practice_n sect._n 1_o 1._o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o christian_a religion_n it_o be_v not_o of_o so_o base_a and_o low_a a_o extraction_n as_o to_o spring_v from_o a_o opinion_n of_o ghost_n or_o ignorance_n of_o 12._o second_o cause_n devotion_n towards_o what_o man_n fear_v or_o the_o mistake_n of_o thing_n casual_a for_o prognostic_n but_o it_o be_v a_o heavenborn_a thing_n it_o descend_v from_o the_o father_n of_o light_n it_o derive_v its_o pedigree_n from_o god_n himself_o and_o have_v the_o image_n not_o only_o of_o his_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n but_o likewise_o of_o his_o dominion_n and_o lordship_n enstamp_v upon_o it_o in_o so_o much_o that_o it_o bring_v its_o own_o obligation_n along_o with_o it_o and_o make_v it_o not_o only_o convenient_a but_o necessary_a not_o only_a prudence_n in_o we_o but_o duty_n to_o receive_v it_o for_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v prophet_n do_v not_o only_o teach_v it_o by_o god_n commandment_n and_o direrection_n ibid._n but_o also_o in_o so_o do_v they_o lay_v the_o high_a obligation_n that_o can_v be_v on_o all_o to_o receive_v it_o god_n we_o know_v be_v the_o supreme_a lord_n the_o fountain_n of_o all_o just_a authority_n be_v in_o he_o as_o therefore_o watâ—rs_n drink_n sweet_a out_o of_o a_o fountain_n so_o those_o law_n that_o come_v as_o the_o word_n of_o prophecy_n do_v immediate_o from_o god_n have_v the_o high_a majesty_n and_o authority_n enstamp_v upon_o they_o for_o this_o cause_n the_o jew_n when_o they_o be_v assure_v of_o any_o man_n call_v to_o the_o prophetic_a office_n think_v themselves_o oblige_v and_o bind_v to_o obey_v he_o in_o all_o thing_n except_o idolatry_n yea_o though_o he_o require_v the_o omission_n of_o the_o affirmative_a or_o the_o do_n of_o the_o negative_a precept_n of_o their_o law_n notwithstanding_o their_o mighty_a zeal_n for_o their_o law_n and_o the_o profound_a reverence_n they_o have_v for_o moses_n their_o master_n yet_o they_o judge_v it_o their_o indispensable_a duty_n in_o all_o thing_n to_o obey_v the_o prophet_n and_o whosoever_o will_v not_o they_o hold_v worthy_a and_o guilty_a of_o death_n by_o the_o immediate_a hand_n of_o heaven_n this_o be_v the_o opinion_n of_o their_o wise_a man_n in_o the_o talmud_n where_o they_o say_v in_o all_o thing_n except_o idolatry_n if_o a_o prophet_n zâ—r_n say_v unto_o thou_o transgress_v the_o law_n thou_o shall_v obey_v he_o and_o good_a reason_n too_o for_o a_o prophet_n be_v 36._o god_n spokesman_n to_o the_o people_n his_o herald_n to_o proclaim_v his_o law_n there_o be_v good_a reason_n he_o shall_v be_v hear_v and_o attend_v to_o whosoever_o else_o be_v neglect_v the_o reason_n be_v because_o the_o word_n of_o prophecy_n come_v immediate_o from_o god_n be_v clothe_v with_o his_o authority_n and_o if_o where_o the_o word_n of_o a_o king_n be_v there_o be_v power_n much_o more_o methinks_v be_v there_o where_o the_o word_n of_o he_o be_v by_o who_o king_n reign_n have_v not_o this_o be_v the_o dictate_v of_o natural_a reason_n numa_n pompilius_n and_o other_o ancient_a lawgiver_n among_o the_o heathen_n have_v be_v very_o foolish_a as_o well_o as_o false_a in_o pretend_v to_o have_v receive_v their_o law_n from_o the_o god_n but_o man_n natural_a reason_n tell_v they_o that_o the_o high_a authority_n of_o man_n be_v far_o inferior_a to_o that_o of_o god_n this_o politic_a pretence_n be_v think_v a_o very_a effectual_a engine_n to_o make_v man_n obedient_a to_o their_o law_n and_o this_o engine_n we_o see_v be_v to_o stand_v upon_o the_o ground_n that_o god_n above_o all_o be_v to_o be_v obey_v since_o than_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v prophet_n those_o be_v no_o good_a subject_n unto_o god_n yea_o they_o be_v worse_o than_o jew_n or_o heathen_n that_o deny_v the_o religion_n that_o they_o have_v teach_v we_o to_o have_v power_n of_o bind_v we_o to_o receive_v it_o obj._n yet_o the_o leviathan_n will_v have_v it_o in_o and_o of_o itself_o to_o have_v none_o for_o it_o faith_n express_o the_o precept_n repent_v be_v baptise_a keep_v the_o commandment_n believe_v the_o gospel_n come_v unto_o i_o sell_v all_o that_o thou_o have_v give_v it_o to_o the_o poor_a and_o follow_v i_o be_v not_o command_n but_o invitation_n and_o calling_n of_o mâ—n_z to_o christianity_n like_o that_o of_o isaiah_n ho_o every_o man_n 1_o that_o thirst_v come_v you_o to_o the_o water_n come_v and_o 42._o buy_v wine_n and_o milk_n without_o money_n ans_fw-fr the_o difference_n between_o precept_n and_o command_n especial_o in_o point_n of_o obligation_n i_o be_o hardly_o so_o subtle_a as_o to_o understand_v i_o have_v read_v indeed_o that_o the_o jew_n put_v a_o difference_n between_o law_n statute_n and_o judgement_n but_o hardly_o ever_o that_o either_o they_o oâ—_n the_o gentile_n find_v any_o between_o precept_n and_o command_n but_o this_o be_v a_o matter_n too_o trivial_a to_o be_v debate_v whether_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o profound_a piâ—ce_n of_o subtlety_n or_o a_o contradiction_n i_o shall_v not_o now_o take_v upon_o i_o to_o determine_v but_o let_v it_o pass_v as_o a_o specimen_fw-la of_o that_o extraordinary_a wit_n which_o the_o treatise_n of_o human_a reason_n observe_v in_o that_o author_n we_o shall_v inquire_v why_o he_o â—aith_v so_o viz._n why_o he_o â—aith_v that_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o its_o calling_n of_o man_n to_o christianity_n have_v not_o the_o obligation_n of_o command_n in_o they_o his_o reason_n be_v
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this_o opinion_n evacuate_v the_o necessity_n of_o revelation_n and_o derogate_v extreme_o from_o the_o mercy_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n in_o bless_v the_o world_n with_o knowledge_n of_o his_o gospel_n it_o impute_v the_o folly_n of_o a_o needless_a labour_n to_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o vilisy_n the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o enable_v his_o apostle_n to_o preach_v it_o to_o all_o nation_n it_o set_v at_o nought_o the_o labour_n of_o man_n in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n and_o puff_v up_o sciolist_n with_o such_o a_o conceit_n of_o their_o own_o reason_n as_o make_v they_o swell_v and_o burstinto_o contempt_n of_o all_o supernatural_a knowledge_n it_o open_v a_o door_n to_o division_n and_o leâ—s_n in_o the_o wind_n of_o any_o false_a doctrine_n that_o conceit_a opinionist_n shall_v think_v reasonable_a piety_n therefore_o and_o the_o love_n of_o peace_n prompt_v we_o to_o abhor_v it_o and_o indeed_o reason_n itself_o can_v choose_v but_o speak_v against_o and_o condemn_v it_o for_o it_o must_v confess_v that_o life_n and_o immortality_n viz_o eternal_a happiness_n be_v bring_v to_o light_n through_o the_o gospel_n without_o the_o revelation_n thereof_o thereby_o reason_n can_v but_o surmise_v and_o conjecture_v at_o it_o contemplate_v the_o work_n of_o creation_n it_o find_v that_o all_o creature_n beside_o what_o they_o be_v in_o themselves_o receive_v external_o some_o perfection_n from_o other_o thing_n for_o there_o be_v not_o a_o creature_n in_o the_o world_n but_o may_v be_v what_o it_o be_v not_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o there_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o appetite_n or_o desire_n in_o all_o thing_n whereby_o they_o incline_v to_o somewhat_o which_o they_o be_v not_o that_o when_o they_o have_v attain_v it_o they_o may_v be_v perfect_a than_o they_o be_v without_o it_o this_o inclination_n show_v itself_o in_o no_o creature_n more_o than_o man_n who_o be_v capable_a of_o propend_v unto_o a_o perfection_n beyond_o all_o that_o in_o 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be_v it_o can_v tell_v now_o from_o this_o its_o ignorance_n of_o the_o end_n arise_v so_o thick_a a_o cloud_n of_o darkness_n about_o the_o mean_n conduce_v to_o it_o as_o that_o it_o know_v not_o what_o to_o do_v or_o which_o way_n to_o go_v to_o attain_v it_o all_o that_o it_o can_v possible_o direct_v we_o to_o do_v be_v to_o work_v but_o when_o it_o well_o consider_v the_o happiness_n it_o seek_v for_o it_o can_v give_v no_o account_n of_o its_o be_v attainable_a by_o our_o work_n for_o it_o be_v something_o beyond_o or_o above_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n ordain_v in_o the_o creation_n it_o can_v be_v the_o natural_a effect_n or_o product_v of_o our_o work_n to_o imagine_v this_o be_v to_o think_v our_o work_n effectual_a beyond_o their_o proper_a strength_n and_o power_n yea_o it_o be_v to_o make_v god_n inferior_a in_o power_n unto_o man_n it_o give_v they_o the_o rule_n over_o he_o and_o suppose_v they_o able_a to_o attain_v to_o happiness_n whether_o he_o will_v give_v it_o 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down_o from_o its_o first_o and_o proper_a state_n to_o another_o far_o inferior_a hereby_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o 30._o light_n of_o nature_n discover_v our_o fall_a condition_n herein_o i_o say_v where_o can_v reason_n without_o revelation_n find_v a_o promise_n of_o eternal_a happiness_n make_v unto_o we_o the_o vast_a volume_n of_o the_o creation_n do_v not_o afford_v it_o the_o book_n of_o nature_n do_v not_o contain_v it_o where_o then_o will_v it_o look_v for_o it_o or_o can_v it_o possible_o find_v it_o here_o then_o this_o suppose_a infallible_a guide_n be_v at_o a_o stand_n it_o can_v carry_v we_o one_o step_n far_o it_o be_v at_o such_o a_o loss_n as_o that_o it_o can_v tell_v we_o what_o to_o do_v or_o which_o way_n to_o go_v that_o we_o may_v gâ—t_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o a_o promise_n of_o salvation_n without_o which_o we_o walk_v in_o darkness_n and_o at_o all_o adventure_n and_o so_o our_o wander_n be_v like_a to_o be_v very_o tedious_a and_o troublesome_a indeed_o object_n but_o what_o if_o they_o be_v the_o matter_n be_v not_o much_o for_o those_o who_o commit_v themselves_o to_o the_o guidance_n of_o their_o own_o understand_n if_o they_o do_v commit_v themselves_o whole_o to_o it_o be_v as_o safe_a on_o the_o left_a hand_n as_o on_o the_o right_n as_o secure_v of_o happiness_n in_o their_o error_n as_o other_o be_v who_o 65._o be_v otherwise_o guide_v even_o in_o the_o truth_n which_o they_o happen_v to_o fall_v into_o behold_v hâ—re_o the_o power_n of_o reason_n how_o broad_a it_o make_v the_o way_n to_o heaven_n and_o how_o wide_o its_o gate_n it_o throw_v it_o open_a and_o take_v it_o on_o every_o side_n no_o matter_n with_o what_o it_o approach_v it_o error_n as_o well_o as_o truth_n if_o it_o be_v the_o dictate_v of_o our_o own_o understanding_n will_v let_v we_o into_o it_o what_o scrupulous_a coxcomb_n than_o be_v those_o who_o ask_v with_o the_o tremble_a jailor_n sir_n what_o must_v we_o do_v to_o be_v save_v can_v they_o not_o whole_o commit_v themselves_o to_o their_o own_o understanding_n and_o then_o they_o will_v be_v save_v right_a or_o wrong_n what_o though_o we_o be_v turk_n jew_n heathen_n or_o atheist_n in_o our_o persuasion_n it_o be_v no_o matter_n if_o we_o therein_o whole_o commit_v ourselves_o to_o the_o guidance_n of_o our_o own_o understanding_n we_o be_v as_o secure_v of_o happiness_n in_o our_o error_n as_o other_o be_v who_o be_v guide_v even_o in_o the_o ibid._n truth_n which_o they_o happen_v to_o fall_v into_o for_o there_o be_v no_o danger_n of_o perish_v but_o from_o disobedience_n without_o which_o every_o man_n may_v often_o err_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n be_v not_o to_o find_v out_o truth_n especial_o every_o particular_a one_o but_o to_o endeavour_v the_o find_v it_o he_o command_v no_o more_o but_o to_o search_v and_o you_o shall_v find_v say_v be_v not_o every_o particular_a truth_n for_o experience_n teach_v we_o that_o can_v be_v the_o interpretation_n but_o whether_o you_o find_v or_o no_o the_o truth_n which_o you_o search_v for_o you_o shall_v find_v the_o 66._o reward_n of_o search_v which_o be_v happiness_n so_o that_o if_o your_o understanding_n search_v and_o you_o do_v commit_v yourselves_o whole_o to_o the_o guidance_n oâ—_n it_o there_o be_v no_o danger_n of_o perish_v from_o disobedience_n to_o the_o law_n even_o of_o god_n himself_o much_o less_o from_o error_n well_o little_a do_v we_o think_v what_o a_o amulet_n we_o carry_v about_o with_o we_o and_o little_o do_v we_o know_v till_o this_o treatise_n tell_v we_o that_o such_o be_v the_o force_n and_o virtue_n of_o our_o understanding_n as_o that_o if_o it_o do_v what_o it_o may_v the_o most_o venomous_a error_n can_v hurt_v we_o if_o it_o do_v but_o search_n we_o shall_v be_v sure_a to_o find_v the_o reward_n of_o search_v which_o be_v happiness_n this_o indeed_o be_v a_o very_a comfortable_a speculation_n but_o it_o fall_v out_o somewhat_o unlucky_o that_o he_o who_o 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it_o for_o even_o then_o he_o live_v in_o all_o good_a conscience_n why_o then_o be_v 1._o not_o he_o as_o safe_a on_o the_o left_a hand_n as_o on_o the_o right_a i._o e._n while_o a_o pesecutor_n as_o when_o a_o eminent_a believer_n if_o he_o be_v why_o do_v he_o magnify_v the_o mercy_n etc._n of_o god_n in_o his_o conversion_n if_o he_o be_v not_o what_o reason_n have_v we_o to_o believe_v the_o now_o controvert_v and_o grand_a assertion_n in_o this_o treatise_n that_o therefore_o notwithstanding_o we_o conclude_v that_o since_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v prophet_n it_o be_v unreasonable_a to_o think_v our_o own_o reason_n a_o sufficient_a guide_n to_o eternal_a happiness_n sect._n 4._o hence_o also_o it_o follow_v that_o it_o be_v very_o reasonable_a for_o we_o to_o believe_v whatsoever_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n have_v undoubted_o teach_v we_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o consequence_n most_o manifest_o be_v because_o they_o 21._o be_v prophet_n and_o be_v prophet_n they_o speak_v as_o they_o be_v move_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o forasmuch_o as_o god_n can_v lie_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o doctrine_n must_v needs_o be_v beyond_o all_o question_n for_o such_o be_v the_o certainty_n of_o the_o word_n of_o prophecy_n as_o that_o st._n peter_n prefer_v it_o before_o the_o voice_n which_o he_o himself_o hear_v 19_o from_o heaven_n when_o he_o be_v with_o jesus_n in_o the_o holy_a mount_n but_o can_v any_o thing_n be_v more_o sure_a than_o such_o a_o voice_n no_o not_o in_o itself_o consider_v absolute_o but_o unto_o we_o god_n be_v truth_n and_o in_o he_o there_o be_v no_o possibility_n of_o lie_v or_o shadow_n of_o falsehood_n all_o thing_n therefore_o that_o come_v from_o he_o must_v needs_o be_v equal_o sure_a and_o certain_a infallible_a and_o true_a in_o themselves_o yet_o for_o all_o that_o one_o thing_n may_v have_v great_a evidence_n of_o its_o descent_n and_o more_o apparent_a credential_n of_o its_o mission_n from_o he_o than_o another_o have_v as_o for_o example_n st._n john_n the_o baptist_n and_o our_o bless_a saviour_n be_v both_o send_v from_o god_n but_o both_o do_v not_o give_v equal_a evidence_n of_o their_o mission_n from_o he_o st._n john_n do_v no_o miracle_n but_o our_o saviour_n 36._o wrought_v many_o and_o the_o work_n that_o he_o do_v do_v bear_v witness_n of_o he_o that_o the_o father_n send_v he_o and_o as_o it_o be_v in_o person_n so_o may_v it_o be_v in_o several_a way_n of_o revelation_n and_o so_o i_o conceive_v it_o be_v in_o those_o that_o now_o lie_v before_o we_o a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n and_o a_o word_n of_o prophecy_n the_o question_n be_v not_o which_o be_v most_o true_a consider_v as_o in_o itself_o for_o so_o there_o can_v be_v no_o comparison_n between_o they_o but_o which_o of_o the_o two_o be_v most_o sure_a as_o to_o we_o i_o e._n which_o of_o they_o give_v we_o the_o fair_a credential_n of_o its_o come_n from_o god_n st._n peter_n decide_v the_o question_n the_o word_n of_o prophecy_n and_o for_o this_o his_o decision_n he_o have_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o jew_n among_o who_o it_o seem_v that_o in_o those_o day_n it_o be_v and_o perhaps_o still_o be_v a_o receive_a opinion_n that_o the_o bath_n kol_n filia_fw-la vocis_fw-la such_o as_o st._n peter_n speak_v of_o be_v inferior_a to_o the_o very_o low_a degree_n of_o prophecy_n not_o in_o its_o truth_n as_o in_o itself_o consider_v but_o in_o motive_n of_o credibility_n to_o other_o hereof_o maimonides_n insinuate_v this_o reason_n viz._n because_o it_o 42._o may_v happen_v to_o such_o as_o be_v not_o prepare_v for_o prophecy_n there_o be_v as_o we_o have_v show_v divers_a qualification_n antecedent_o or_o concomitant_o necessary_a to_o fit_a man_n for_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n and_o