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
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
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
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
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
reason_n alone_o can_v not_o find_v it_o and_o unreasonable_a methinks_v it_o be_v that_o any_o man_n much_o more_o a_o christian_n shall_v be_v rich_a of_o make_v this_o confession_n for_o what_o a_o astonishment_n to_o reason_n be_v it_o that_o a_o person_n of_o the_o ever_o bless_a and_o glorious_a trinity_n shall_v in_o a_o sort_n lessen_v himself_o and_o lay_v aside_o his_o glory_n leave_v his_o heaven_n and_o come_v down_o to_o earth_n take_v upon_o he_o our_o nature_n together_o with_o the_o infirmity_n and_o servile_a condition_n of_o it_o and_o herein_o shall_v take_v incomparable_a pain_n in_o preach_v good_a tiding_n to_o the_o meek_a and_o shall_v send_v his_o apostle_n by_o induce_v they_o with_o power_n from_o on_o high_a to_o do_v the_o like_a to_o all_o nation_n and_o to_o confirm_v their_o word_n with_o sign_n follow_v and_o all_o this_o on_o little_a or_o no_o necessity_n this_o be_v such_o a_o kindness_n as_o no_o romance_n ever_o fancve_v but_o since_o the_o measure_n of_o friendship_n be_v usual_o take_v not_o only_o from_o the_o good_a thing_n it_o bestow_v but_o also_o from_o the_o need_n we_o have_v of_o they_o it_o be_v altogether_o unlikely_a that_o infinite_a wisdom_n will_v be_v so_o lavish_a of_o its_o favour_n to_o little_a or_o no_o purpose_n into_o which_o absurdity_n if_o not_o blasphemy_n we_o can_v avoid_v fall_v if_o we_o think_v our_o own_o reason_n sufficient_a as_o this_o treatise_n say_v it_o be_v to_o carry_v we_o at_o last_o infallible_o to_o eternal_a happiness_n if_o this_o be_v true_a what_o need_n be_v there_o of_o revelation_n what_o can_v that_o do_v more_o it_o can_v sure_o carry_v we_o to_o heaven_n before_o we_o come_v at_o the_o last_o here_o on_o earth_n nor_o can_v the_o certainty_n of_o its_o do_v it_o then_o be_v great_a than_o infallibility_n but_o all_o this_o we_o have_v before_o by_o our_o own_o reason_n wherein_o then_o be_v we_o or_o can_v we_o be_v behold_v to_o revelation_n thus_o manifest_o do_v 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 this_o life_n be_v attainable_a hence_o indeed_o reason_n conclude_v that_o there_o be_v a_o state_n of_o eternal_a happiness_n provide_v for_o humane_a nature_n but_o this_o its_o conclusion_n leave_v the_o mind_n altogether_o in_o the_o dark_a as_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o its_o beatific_a object_n the_o object_n provide_v for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o other_o creature_n reason_n by_o the_o information_n of_o the_o sense_n for_o the_o most_o part_n perceive_v but_o what_o there_o be_v provide_v for_o its_o own_o it_o can_v conceive_v somewhat_o it_o seek_v but_o what_o that_o be_v it_o direct_o know_v not_o but_o be_v very_o persuade_v that_o god_n have_v make_v nothing_o in_o vain_a and_o perceive_v that_o all_o attainment_n in_o this_o world_n will_v not_o satisfy_v the_o appetite_n of_o our_o reasonable_a nature_n it_o conclude_v there_o be_v something_o else_o provide_v for_o iâ—_n that_o exceed_v all_o thing_n else_o that_o it_o know_v of_o in_o goodness_n but_o what_o that_o 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 they_o or_o no_o and_o so_o without_o a_o metaphor_n to_o take_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heauâ—n_n by_o force_n and_o to_o commit_v a_o rape_n upon_o the_o almighty_a but_o this_o be_v so_o gross_a a_o absurdity_n as_o that_o every_o man_n particular_a reason_n abhor_v it_o the_o supreme_a perfection_n of_o our_o nature_n if_o any_o way_n attainable_a by_o our_o work_n must_v therefore_o be_v the_o reward_n of_o they_o but_o then_o reason_n perceive_v that_o a_o reward_n be_v twofold_a viz._n either_o of_o debt_n or_o of_o gift_n the_o former_a be_v such_o as_o be_v due_a to_o the_o receiver_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o something_o that_o he_o of_o his_o own_o accord_n without_o any_o obligation_n on_o he_o have_v do_v which_o in_o justice_n or_o equity_n be_v worthy_a of_o it_o but_o who_o so_o void_a of_o reason_n as_o after_o a_o just_a and_o impartial_a examination_n of_o his_o work_n to_o think_v they_o worthy_a of_o eternal_a life_n humane_a reason_n sure_o be_v not_o so_o silly_a as_o to_o think_v that_o they_o be_v so_o meritorious_a and_o beneficial_a unto_o god_n as_o to_o deserve_v it_o at_o his_o hand_n a_o reward_n therefore_o reason_n can_v conclude_v it_o to_o be_v of_o debt_n but_o of_o gift_n and_o this_o be_v such_o as_o may_v become_v due_a to_o the_o receiver_n but_o not_o for_o the_o merit_n or_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o work_n but_o by_o the_o undeserved_a promise_n of_o the_o giver_n but_o without_o revelation_n where_o will_v humane_a reason_n find_v a_o promise_n of_o eternal_a happiness_n to_o man_n in_o his_o present_n fall_v condition_n the_o fall_n of_o man_n be_v so_o discernible_a by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n as_o that_o scarce_o any_o sort_n of_o philosopher_n be_v whole_o ignorant_a of_o it_o but_o the_o pythagorean_n be_v more_o especial_o trouble_v about_o it_o there_o be_v a_o time_n say_v porphyrius_n when_o we_o be_v intellectual_a purge_v from_o the_o dregs_n of_o sense_n and_o irrationality_n and_o so_o we_o still_o be_v 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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 acquaint_v we_o with_o it_o as_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v speak_v without-book_a for_o the_o promise_n be_v not_o make_v to_o search_v but_o to_o seek_v i._n e._n to_o prayer_n and_o devotion_n 7._o not_o to_o study_v and_o enquiry_n after_o truth_n in_o opinion_n it_o do_v therefore_o give_v we_o no_o reason_n to_o think_v either_o that_o happiness_n be_v the_o reward_n of_o such_o search_a or_o that_o we_o shall_v ever_o find_v it_o thereby_o no_o though_o we_o commit_v ourselves_o whole_o to_o the_o guidance_n of_o our_o understanding_n therein_o for_o if_o on_o those_o term_n man_n may_v attain_v to_o salvation_n i_o can_v understand_v that_o st._n paul_n the_o apostle_n be_v ever_o a_o whit_n secure_a of_o happiness_n than_o saul_n the_o persecutor_n for_o he_o very_o think_v with_o himself_o that_o he_o ought_v 9_o to_o do_v many_o thing_n contrary_a to_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n this_o be_v the_o guidance_n of_o his_o understanding_n and_o he_o whole_o commit_v himself_o to_o 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
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