what_o reason_n have_v john_n to_o deny_v he_o be_v elias_n when_o he_o be_v ask_v this_o question_n see_v our_o saviour_n after_o his_o denial_n have_v twice_o affirm_v it_o non_fw-la male_a respondit_fw-la malè_fw-la enim_fw-la prio_fw-la ille_fw-la rogavit_fw-la the_o foreman_n or_o speaker_n of_o the_o priest_n and_o levite_n do_v propound_v this_o question_n amiss_o and_o in_o such_o a_o sense_n as_o john_n can_v not_o answer_v affirmative_o to_o it_o for_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o interrogatory_n be_v whether_o he_o be_v that_o very_a elias_n the_o thisbite_n which_o be_v take_v up_o into_o 2._o heaven_n in_o the_o fiery_a chariot_n and_o john_n know_v himself_o not_o to_o be_v this_o elias_n nor_o do_v our_o saviour_n ever_o affirm_v that_o he_o be_v this_o elias_n 39_o but_o some_o man_n happy_o will_v reply_v that_o albeit_o they_o be_v mistake_v in_o this_o particular_a to_o which_o john_n do_v well_o to_o give_v a_o negative_a answer_n yet_o john_n have_v so_o fair_a a_o occasion_n to_o rectify_v the_o error_n of_o the_o priest_n and_o levite_n may_v have_v do_v better_o if_o he_o have_v more_o full_o express_v himself_o and_o answer_v with_o a_o distinction_n that_o he_o be_v not_o elias_n the_o thisbite_n but_o yet_o that_o elias_n which_o the_o prophet_n malachy_n have_v foretold_v the_o lord_n will_v send_v chap._n 4._o for_o john_n can_v not_o in_o all_o probability_n be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o prophet_n malachy_n his_o meaning_n see_v the_o angel_n gabriel_n have_v express_o expound_v it_o to_o his_o father_n zachrias_n luke_n 1._o vers_n 17._o he_o shall_v go_v before_o he_o in_o the_o spirit_n and_o power_n of_o elias_n to_o turn_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o father_n unto_o the_o child_n and_o the_o disobedient_a to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o just_a to_o make_v ready_a a_o people_n prepare_v for_o the_o lord_n but_o this_o perhaps_o be_v more_o than_o john_n have_v occasion_n to_o call_v to_o mind_n he_o may_v be_v ignorant_a without_o offence_n whether_o elias_n himself_o be_v not_o to_o come_v after_o he_o for_o even_o the_o best_a of_o god_n saint_n and_o prophet_n as_o be_v observe_v before_o know_v no_o more_o of_o god_n will_v concern_v thing_n to_o come_v than_o it_o be_v his_o will_n and_o pleasure_n to_o impart_v unto_o they_o each_o of_o they_o know_v his_o cue_n the_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o time_n when_o he_o be_v to_o begin_v and_o when_o to_o end_v each_o have_v the_o part_n which_o god_n have_v appoint_v he_o to_o utter_v or_o act_v perfect_o by_o heart_n each_o know_v the_o tenor_n of_o his_o own_o commission_n but_o none_o or_o few_o of_o they_o do_v so_o well_o understand_v another_o commission_n until_o they_o have_v see_v it_o speed_v or_o the_o meaning_n of_o it_o unfold_v by_o the_o event_n now_o although_o the_o word_n of_o malachy_n be_v literal_o mean_v of_o john_n baptist_n yet_o be_v they_o a_o kind_n of_o riddle_n until_o our_o saviour_n do_v unfold_v they_o and_o it_o seem_v by_o the_o phrase_n which_o our_o saviour_n use_v matthew_n 11._o vers_n 14._o that_o their_o true_a meaning_n be_v a_o mystery_n which_o he_o himself_o or_o john_n only_o know_v and_o be_v to_o be_v reveal_v only_o to_o such_o as_o be_v already_o true_a disciple_n for_o the_o word_n receive_v be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o term_n of_o art_n among_o the_o hebrew_n and_o import_v some_o such_o mystery_n as_o the_o jew_n imagine_v to_o be_v contain_v in_o their_o cabalistical_a art_n the_o like_a force_n have_v the_o same_o word_n in_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n 1._o timoth._n 1._o 15._o this_o be_v a_o faithful_a say_n and_o worthy_a 15._o of_o all_o reception_n or_o cabalism_n not_o that_o he_o approve_v that_o art_n at_o least_o as_o since_o that_o time_n it_o have_v be_v use_v but_o rather_o that_o this_o be_v a_o mystery_n of_o great_a worth_n and_o consequence_n than_o all_o the_o mystery_n which_o the_o cabalist_n can_v imagine_v to_o be_v in_o their_o art_n contain_v the_o manner_n of_o importance_n or_o the_o apostle_n speech_n be_v muchwhat_a like_a to_o that_o answer_n of_o he_o in_o the_o μ._n poet_n who_o when_o they_o seek_v to_o terrify_v he_o from_o fight_n by_o the_o ill-aboding_a or_o sinister_a fly_v of_o bird_n make_v answer_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v the_o best_a augurium_fw-la or_o soothsaying_a for_o a_o man_n to_o fight_v for_o his_o country_n 40._o final_o although_o malachy_n do_v prophesy_v of_o john_n baptist_n come_v before_o christ_n in_o the_o power_n and_o spirit_n of_o elias_n yet_o john_n baptist_n do_v not_o receive_v his_o instruction_n from_o this_o prophet_n nor_o have_v he_o his_o commission_n for_o be_v christ_n forerunner_n or_o his_o warrant_n for_o baptise_v from_o malachy_n but_o from_o the_o prophet_n 2._o isay._n and_o therefore_o when_o the_o priest_n and_o levite_n press_v he_o further_o say_v who_o be_v thou_o that_o we_o may_v give_v a_o answer_n to_o they_o that_o send_v we_o what_o say_v thou_o of_o thyself_o he_o say_v i_o be_o the_o voice_n of_o one_o cry_v in_o the_o wilderness_n make_v straight_o the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o say_v the_o prophet_n esaias_n this_o be_v the_o peremptory_a answer_n which_o he_o mean_v to_o stand_v unto_o this_o and_o other_o passage_n of_o the_o same_o prophet_n be_v join_v with_o the_o internal_a testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o do_v interpret_v their_o true_a meaning_n unto_o he_o be_v his_o warrant_n for_o do_v what_o he_o do_v for_o baptise_v or_o for_o prepare_v the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n which_o be_v to_o come_v but_o whether_o the_o lord_n will_v send_v elias_n or_o some_o other_o great_a messenger_n than_o himself_o be_v more_o than_o he_o dare_v take_v upon_o he_o to_o resolve_v the_o priest_n and_o levite_n in_o special_o see_v they_o be_v of_o the_o sect_n of_o the_o pharisee_n and_o more_o perhaps_o than_o he_o in_o his_o religious_a modesty_n or_o sobriety_n do_v question_n or_o inquire_v after_o but_o when_o the_o same_o priest_n and_o levite_n do_v by_o way_n of_o demand_n or_o interrogation_n seem_v to_o upbraid_v he_o with_o arrogancy_n in_o take_v more_o upon_o he_o than_o be_v befit_v he_o unless_o he_o be_v either_o the_o christ_n or_o elias_n or_o the_o prophet_n like_v to_o moses_n to_o some_o of_o which_o so_o great_a a_o work_n as_o the_o administration_n of_o baptism_n do_v sole_o belong_v he_o modest_o answer_v distinguende_fw-it i_o baptize_v with_o water_n but_o there_o stand_v one_o among_o you_o who_o you_o know_v not_o he_o it_o be_v who_o come_v after_o i_o be_v prefer_v before_o i_o who_o shoe_n latchet_n i_o be_o not_o worthy_a to_o unloose_v joh._n 1._o 26_o 27._o in_o which_o word_n the_o evangelist_n saint_n john_n do_v intimate_v as_o much_o as_o be_v express_v by_o the_o evangelist_n saint_n matthew_n to_o wit_n that_o christ_n shall_v baptize_v they_o after_o another_o manner_n than_o john_n do_v that_o be_v with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o with_o fire_n chap._n 3._o 11._o i_o will_v not_o trouble_v you_o but_o rather_o request_v you_o not_o to_o trouble_v yourselves_o with_o that_o needless_a question_n and_o for_o the_o most_o part_n as_o ill_o state_v by_o such_o as_o have_v most_o meddle_v with_o it_o as_o it_o be_v needless_a how_o johns_n baptism_n do_v differ_v from_o christ_n baptism_n or_o whether_o they_o be_v two_o baptism_n altogether_o distinct_a 41._o thus_o much_o you_o may_v evident_o conceive_v out_o of_o what_o have_v be_v now_o deliver_v first_o that_o the_o priest_n and_o levite_n at_o least_o the_o sect_n of_o the_o pharisee_n of_o which_o sect_n the_o priest_n and_o levite_n which_o question_v john_n concern_v his_o baptism_n be_v do_v not_o err_v in_o their_o prenotion_n or_o belief_n in_o general_a that_o the_o messiah_n his_o come_n or_o manifestation_n to_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v solemnize_v by_o baptism_n nor_o do_v they_o fail_v in_o their_o conjecture_n that_o the_o christ_n or_o messiah_n himself_o be_v to_o baptize_v but_o with_o what_o baptism_n he_o be_v to_o baptize_v they_o be_v ignorant_a second_o you_o may_v perceive_v that_o john_n baptist_n have_v not_o only_o a_o prenotion_n but_o a_o distinct_a belief_n or_o knowledge_n in_o particular_a that_o as_o he_o himself_o do_v baptize_v with_o water_n so_o the_o christ_n or_o messiah_n who_o forerunner_n he_o be_v shall_v baptize_v with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o with_o fire_n the_o only_a useful_a or_o pertinent_a question_n which_o remain_v to_o be_v resolve_v or_o discuss_v be_v but_o two_o the_o first_o 1._o whether_o the_o priest_n and_o levite_n or_o the_o pharisee_n have_v their_o prenotion_n or_o belief_n in_o general_a that_o the_o messiah_n his_o first_o manifestation_n to_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v solemnize_v by_o baptizme_n from_o
the_o son_n of_o nun_n be_v to_o be_v final_o accomplish_v the_o open_n of_o the_o heaven_n and_o the_o emission_n of_o that_o voice_n from_o god_n presence_n this_o be_v my_o belove_a son_n in_o who_o i_o be_o well_o please_v be_v a_o full_a and_o satisfactory_a answer_n unto_o all_o the_o prayer_n which_o the_o high-prists_a do_v annual_o make_v when_o they_o go_v into_o the_o most_o holy_a place_n but_o in_o what_o sort_n jesus_n the_o son_n of_o nun_n or_o that_o other_o jesus_n the_o son_n of_o josedech_n do_v fore-shaddow_n the_o son_n of_o god_n will_v come_v into_o more_o particular_a consideration_n in_o a_o fit_a place_n thus_o far_o of_o the_o prophecy_n on_o which_o 3._o john_n baptist_n belief_n or_o warrant_n for_o baptise_v be_v ground_v and_o of_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o time_n expound_v the_o meaning_n of_o these_o prophecy_n unto_o he_o or_o his_o attentive_a auditor_n before_o his_o imprisonment_n the_o three_o branch_n of_o the_o second_o member_n the_o consonancy_n between_o those_o scripture_n whereunto_o our_o saviour_n in_o this_o answer_n refer_v john_n and_o the_o former_a prophecy_n on_o which_o johns_n faith_n be_v ground_v with_o the_o congruity_n of_o time_n and_o other_o circumstance_n or_o occurrence_n which_o unfold_v their_o meaning_n iisdem_fw-la alimur_fw-la ex_fw-la quibus_fw-la constituimur_fw-la as_o every_o thing_n be_v first_o breed_v or_o begin_n 66._o have_v be_v such_o common_o be_v the_o manner_n of_o its_o nourishment_n or_o feed_n body_n or_o creature_n mere_o vegetable_a as_o tree_n plant_n herb_n corn_n grasse_n and_o the_o like_a seek_v after_o no_o other_o nutriment_n than_o the_o juice_n or_o moisture_n of_o the_o fatten_v earth_n with_o which_o kind_n of_o nutriment_n creature_n endue_v with_o sense_n can_v thrive_v or_o prosper_v the_o mean_a food_n that_o can_v give_v satisfaction_n to_o the_o mean_a of_o they_o be_v vegetable_a as_o grass_n corn_n herb_n or_o other_o fruit_n of_o the_o field_n or_o tree_n some_o kind_n of_o creature_n endue_v with_o sense_n there_o be_v which_o must_v be_v nourish_v with_o other_o of_o the_o same_o but_o of_o inferior_a kind_n as_o the_o lion_n will_v not_o feed_v on_o straw_n with_o the_o ox_n or_o ass_n but_o feed_v on_o these_o and_o other_o like_a creature_n consist_v of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n as_o these_o do_v on_o vegetable_n so_o that_o there_o be_v almost_o as_o many_o several_a sort_n of_o nutriment_n or_o feed_n as_o there_o be_v several_a or_o distinct_a kind_n of_o creature_n nourish_v and_o feed_v and_o not_o so_o only_o but_o even_o creature_n of_o the_o same_o kind_n have_v their_o variety_n of_o nutriment_n though_o all_o receive_v their_o nutriment_n from_o the_o fatness_n of_o the_o earth_n yet_o be_v not_o every_o vegetable_a alike_o content_a with_o every_o soil_n hîc_fw-la segetes_fw-la illic_fw-la veniunt_fw-la foelicius_fw-la vuae_fw-la some_o soil_n yield_v plentiful_a nutriment_n to_o vine_n or_o plant_n but_o be_v not_o so_o kind_a nurse_n unto_o corn_n or_o herb_n some_o kind_n of_o mould_n be_v good_a for_o corn_n not_o altogether_o so_o good_a for_o grass_n and_o in_o the_o same_o mould_n wherein_o rye_n or_o oat_n grow_v up_o and_o prosper_v wheat_n or_o barley_n thrive_v not_o so_o well_o now_o albeit_o god_n allow_v great_a variety_n of_o food_n or_o nourishment_n to_o mankind_n than_o to_o all_o other_o kind_n of_o creature_n beside_o for_o most_o creature_n vegetable_a or_o such_o as_o feed_v on_o vegetable_n be_v give_v by_o express_a charter_n unto_o man_n for_o food_n yet_o we_o see_v by_o experience_n that_o some_o man_n either_o by_o peculiar_a constitution_n of_o body_n or_o by_o long_o accustom_v themselves_o unto_o some_o special_a kind_n of_o food_n be_v more_o delight_v &_o like_o better_a with_o that_o than_o with_o any_o other_o and_o albeit_o a_o man_n by_o ill_a diet_n whereunto_o he_o have_v be_v long_o accustom_v shall_v contract_v any_o disease_n or_o distemperature_n yet_o a_o skilful_a physician_n will_v be_v as_o careful_a to_o give_v some_o contentment_n unto_o custom_n as_o to_o correct_v the_o present_a distemper_n the_o use_n or_o end_n of_o all_o nutriment_n in_o what_o body_n soever_o be_v to_o continue_v life_n and_o health_n and_o to_o augment_v strength_n and_o our_o several_a refection_n shall_v be_v as_o so_o many_o several_a invitation_n 3._o or_o entertainment_n of_o the_o soul_n or_o spirit_n of_o life_n that_o it_o will_v be_v please_v to_o reside_v where_o now_o it_o do_v until_o god_n provide_v it_o of_o a_o better_a residence_n now_o as_o every_o vegetable_a or_o sensitive_a body_n live_v by_o its_o soul_n so_o the_o reasonable_a soul_n of_o man_n live_v by_o faith_n the_o first_o original_a or_o seed_n of_o faith_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o only_a nutriment_n of_o faith_n or_o of_o the_o soul_n which_o seek_v to_o live_v by_o faith_n be_v experiment_n or_o observation_n of_o event_n whether_o in_o ourselves_o or_o without_o we_o answerable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n from_o which_o faith_n have_v its_o first_o seed_n or_o beginning_n again_o as_o every_o man_n be_v most_o bind_v to_o observe_v those_o rule_n of_o scripture_n which_o most_o concern_v himself_o or_o his_o profession_n so_o those_o experience_n or_o taste_n of_o god_n blessing_n which_o suit_n best_o with_o his_o peculiar_a kind_n of_o life_n yield_v best_a nutriment_n unto_o faith_n once_o beget_v every_o man_n growth_n in_o faith_n be_v then_o most_o firm_a and_o solid_a when_o it_o proceed_v from_o a_o perfect_a growth_n in_o those_o scripture_n from_o which_o it_o take_v first_o root_n and_o from_o who_o experience_a truth_n it_o be_v former_o nourish_v and_o increase_v 67._o see_v then_o johns_n faith_n in_o jesus_n of_o nazareth_n as_o in_o the_o messiah_n then_o reveal_v do_v spring_n from_o god_n word_n utter_v by_o isaias_n the_o prophet_n as_o from_o its_o first_o root_n and_o have_v be_v nourish_v by_o sensible_a experiment_n and_o manifest_a sign_n of_o the_o time_n answerable_a to_o the_o prophet_n isaias_n prediction_n concern_v johns_n office_n for_o this_o reason_n it_o be_v that_o our_o saviour_n who_o best_o know_v what_o answer_n will_v be_v most_o fit_v and_o most_o satisfactory_a to_o johns_n demand_n return_v he_o no_o other_o answer_n than_o you_o often_o have_v hear_v read_v unto_o you_o the_o blind_a receive_v their_o sight_n the_o halt_n go_v etc._n etc._n the_o sum_n of_o the_o answer_n be_v a_o brief_a rehearsal_n of_o the_o various_a miracle_n which_o our_o saviour_n have_v late_o wrought_v and_o continue_v to_o work_v when_o johns_n disciple_n come_v unto_o he_o now_o all_o the_o miracle_n here_o recite_v be_v but_o so_o many_o sensible_a experiment_n of_o those_o prediction_n wherein_o johns_n faith_n concern_v the_o discharge_n of_o his_o office_n be_v first_o ground_v experiment_n of_o the_o very_a selfsame_o kind_n by_o which_o his_o former_a faith_n have_v be_v nourish_v and_o confirm_v such_o experiment_n they_o be_v as_o can_v not_o but_o strengthen_v his_o faith_n although_o it_o have_v be_v weaken_v by_o doubt_n or_o distrust_v experiment_n in_o themselves_o able_a to_o revive_v his_o faith_n although_o it_o have_v be_v more_o than_o half_o stifle_v by_o despair_n 68_o the_o special_a place_n of_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n by_o which_o john_n be_v direct_v in_o the_o execution_n of_o his_o office_n of_o preach_v repentance_n or_o baptise_v and_o whereon_o his_o faith_n or_o belief_n of_o the_o messiah_n which_o be_v to_o come_v be_v ground_v have_v be_v allege_v and_o expound_v to_o you_o before_o they_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n such_o as_o do_v foretell_v strange_a wonder_n to_o be_v wrought_v in_o the_o desert_n as_o the_o burst_v out_o of_o water_n in_o dry_a place_n turn_v of_o valley_n into_o mountain_n plant_v of_o the_o wilderness_n with_o pleasant_a tree_n all_o which_o prediction_n be_v only_o or_o especial_o to_o be_v fulfil_v in_o their_o allegorical_a or_o parabolicall_a sense_n that_o be_v in_o the_o strange_a alteration_n of_o man_n affection_n and_o disposition_n which_o do_v follow_v upon_o johns_n baptism_n yet_o not_o wrought_v by_o john_n but_o by_o he_o that_o come_v after_o he_o which_o be_v to_o baptize_v with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o with_o fire_n john_n before_o his_o imprisonment_n have_v see_v good_a fruit_n of_o his_o baptism_n and_o preach_v of_o repentance_n he_o have_v see_v the_o holy_a ghost_n likewise_o descend_v in_o miraculous_a manner_n upon_o our_o saviour_n whereby_o he_o know_v he_o to_o be_v the_o anoint_v 3._o of_o the_o lord_n and_o that_o righteous_a branch_n of_o david_n which_o be_v to_o accomplish_v whatsoever_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n or_o john_n out_o of_o he_o have_v foretell_v but_o as_o for_o miracle_n john_n himself_o wrought_v none_o before_o his_o imprisonment_n nor_o have_v he_o see_v or_o hear_v our_o saviour_n
baptize_v other_o with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n these_o general_n he_o believe_v and_o know_v from_o the_o prediction_n of_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n expound_v to_o he_o by_o the_o internal_a revelation_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o time_n immediate_o precede_v but_o of_o these_o particular_n follow_v he_o be_v ignorant_a until_o the_o event_n and_o the_o sign_n immediate_o follow_v do_v unfold_v they_o 1._o the_o day_n and_o hour_n wherein_o the_o messiah_n be_v first_o to_o be_v manifest_v when_o he_o first_o begin_v to_o baptize_v he_o distinct_o know_v not_o 2._o the_o day_n and_o hour_n of_o the_o messiah_n come_v unto_o he_o be_v know_v yet_o he_o know_v not_o how_o to_o distinguish_v the_o messiah_n from_o other_o man_n by_o face_n or_o sight_n 3._o after_o he_o have_v know_v &_o see_v he_o face_n to_o face_n yet_o he_o know_v not_o whether_o he_o shall_v baptize_v he_o with_o other_o or_o no_o but_o rather_o presuppose_v it_o as_o a_o matter_n unfitting_a that_o the_o messenger_n who_o commission_n only_o be_v to_o baptize_v with_o water_n shall_v baptize_v his_o lord_n and_o master_n who_o he_o know_v to_o be_v send_v of_o purpose_n to_o baptize_v other_o with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n this_o last_o point_n be_v evident_a from_o saint_n matthew_n chap._n 3._o vers_fw-la 13_o 14_o 15._o when_o jesus_n come_v from_o galilee_n to_o jordane_n unto_o john_n to_o be_v baptize_v of_o he_o john_n forbid_v he_o say_v i_o have_v need_n to_o be_v baptize_v of_o thou_o and_o come_v thou_o to_o i_o and_o jesus_n answer_v say_v unto_o he_o suffer_v it_o to_o be_v so_o now_o for_o thus_o it_o become_v we_o to_o fulfil_v all_o righteousness_n then_o he_o suffer_v he_o 49._o that_o john_n baptist_n before_o this_o time_n do_v not_o know_v our_o saviour_n by_o face_n be_v evident_a from_o saint_n john_n chap._n 1._o vers_fw-la 29_o 30_o 31_o 32._o the_o next_o day_n not_o the_o next_o day_n after_o our_o saviour_n baptism_n but_o the_o next_o day_n after_o the_o priest_n and_o levite_n have_v question_v john_n or_o the_o next_o day_n after_o our_o saviour_n return_n from_o the_o wilderness_n john_n see_v jesus_n come_v unto_o he_o sai_z behâ—ld_v the_o lamb_n of_o god_n which_o take_v away_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o world_n this_o be_v he_o of_o who_o i_o say_v after_o i_o come_v a_o man_n which_o be_v prefer_v before_o i_o for_o he_o be_v before_o i_o and_o i_o know_v he_o not_o but_o that_o he_o shall_v be_v make_v manifest_a to_o israel_n therefore_o be_o i_o come_v baptise_v with_o water_n and_o john_n bare_a record_n say_v i_o see_v the_o spirit_n descend_v from_o heaven_n like_o a_o dove_n and_o it_o abide_v upon_o he_o and_o further_o to_o prevent_v all_o suspicion_n of_o compact_n or_o collusion_n betwixt_o they_o or_o rather_o to_o stir_v up_o the_o people_n to_o admire_v with_o he_o the_o sweet_a disposition_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n in_o all_o this_o business_n he_o repeat_v again_o what_o he_o say_v before_o and_o i_o know_v he_o not_o but_o he_o that_o send_v i_o to_o baptize_v with_o water_n the_o same_o say_v unto_o i_o upon_o who_o thou_o shall_v see_v the_o spirit_n descend_v and_o remain_v on_o he_o the_o same_o be_v he_o which_o baptize_v with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o i_o see_v and_o bear_v record_n that_o this_o be_v the_o 2._o son_n of_o god_n but_o while_o i_o be_o a_o twist_a these_o two_o evangelicall_a narration_n together_o you_o have_v perhaps_o already_o espy_v or_o may_v hereafter_o espy_v a_o knot_n or_o rivell_v where_o with_o your_o belief_n one_o time_n or_o another_o may_v be_v entangle_v special_o if_o the_o jew_n atheist_n or_o libertine_n shall_v draw_v it_o fast_o or_o a_o weak_a interpreter_n of_o scripture_n have_v the_o handle_n of_o it_o that_o you_o may_v the_o better_a know_v whensoever_o occasion_n shall_v be_v offer_v how_o to_o loose_v or_o untwist_v the_o knot_n give_v i_o leave_v first_o to_o cast_v it_o for_o as_o the_o great_a philosopher_n tell_v we_o no_o man_n know_v right_o how_o to_o assoil_v or_o resolve_v a_o question_n unless_o he_o first_o know_v how_o to_o frame_v it_o the_o right_a make_n of_o any_o objection_n as_o the_o same_o philosopher_n tell_v we_o be_v more_o than_o half_a the_o solution_n of_o it_o the_o doubt_n or_o knot_n which_o arise_v out_o of_o the_o two_o narration_n of_o the_o clcer_v evangelist_n saint_n matthew_n and_o saint_n john_n be_v frame_v thus_o first_o it_o be_v evident_a out_o of_o they_o both_o as_o also_o out_o of_o the_o other_o two_o evangelist_n that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n do_v not_o descend_v upon_o our_o saviour_n until_o john_n have_v baptize_v he_o it_o be_v evident_a again_o out_o of_o saint_n johns_n word_n forecited_n cap._n 1._o ver_fw-la 33._o that_o the_o descend_v of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n upon_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o rest_v upon_o he_o be_v give_v by_o god_n himself_o unto_o john_n baptist_n for_o a_o sign_n whereby_o to_o know_v or_o distinguish_v the_o messiah_n or_o he_o that_o be_v to_o baptize_v with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n from_o all_o other_o man_n now_o if_o john_n know_v he_o by_o face_n from_o all_o other_o man_n before_o the_o spirit_n do_v descend_v and_o rest_n upon_o he_o what_o need_v this_o sign_n and_o if_o he_o know_v he_o not_o by_o face_n before_o the_o descend_v of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n what_o construction_n can_v we_o make_v of_o saint_n matthews_n word_n before_o recite_v chap._n 3._o ver_fw-la 13_o 14._o where_o he_o say_v that_o when_o jesus_n come_v to_o be_v baptize_v of_o he_o john_n reply_v i_o have_v need_n to_o be_v baptize_v of_o thou_o and_o come_v thou_o to_o i_o for_o to_o who_o can_v the_o baptist_n himself_o in_o good_a earnest_n say_v i_o have_v need_n to_o be_v baptize_v of_o thou_o save_v only_o unto_o he_o who_o he_o know_v can_v baptize_v he_o with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o with_o fire_n and_o if_o john_n baptist_n know_v jesus_n of_o nazareth_n at_o his_o first_o come_v to_o he_o to_o be_v the_o man_n which_o be_v to_o baptize_v with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n before_o he_o have_v see_v the_o holy_a ghost_n descend_v upon_o he_o as_o out_o of_o saint_n matthew_n it_o plain_o appear_v that_o he_o do_v so_o know_v he_o how_o be_v it_o true_a which_o saint_n john_n say_v in_o the_o person_n of_o john_n the_o baptist_n i_o know_v he_o not_o that_o be_v in_o ordinary_a construction_n as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v i_o have_v not_o know_v he_o but_o by_o the_o descend_v and_o rest_v of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n upon_o he_o 50._o the_o seem_a contradiction_n betwixt_o these_o two_o evangelist_n have_v occasion_v some_o of_o the_o ancient_n to_o conceit_n that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n do_v twice_o descend_v upon_o our_o saviour_n once_o before_o his_o baptism_n of_o which_o descension_n john_n only_o or_o some_o few_o more_o be_v spectator_n and_o by_o this_o sign_n in_o private_a john_n do_v know_v he_o before_o he_o come_v in_o public_a to_o be_v baptize_v of_o he_o and_o again_o immediate_o after_o his_o baptism_n but_o a_o man_n can_v more_o strengthen_v or_o confirm_v a_o weak_a crazy_a or_o unsound_a objection_n than_o by_o give_v it_o a_o lame_a unsolid_a or_o unsatisfactory_a answer_n the_o one_o part_n of_o this_o distinction_n consist_v mere_o in_o imagination_n will_v serve_v as_o a_o foil_n to_o give_v some_o tincture_n or_o colour_n of_o truth_n unto_o the_o object_v contradiction_n which_o if_o it_o be_v well_o examine_v and_o better_o look_v into_o consist_v only_o in_o appearance_n jansenius_n seek_v to_o salve_v this_o object_v contradiction_n in_o this_o manner_n 38._o the_o baptist_n in_o the_o word_n forecited_n say_v no_o that_o he_o 2._o do_v not_o know_v our_o saviour_n before_o the_o holy_a ghost_n do_v point_v he_o out_o by_o descend_v upon_o he_o but_o that_o he_o have_v receive_v a_o revelation_n from_o god_n concern_v the_o holy_a ghost_n descend_v upon_o he_o the_o solution_n be_v borrow_v in_o part_n from_o saint_n chrysostome_n perhaps_o sufficient_a enough_o to_o blank_a a_o forward_a disputant_n that_o will_v undertake_v to_o prove_v a_o plain_a contradiction_n between_o the_o baptist_n word_n as_o they_o be_v relate_v by_o saint_n matthew_n chap._n 3._o and_o by_o saint_n john_n but_o many_o speech_n which_o can_v legal_o be_v convince_v of_o falsehood_n be_v often_o apparent_o delusory_a or_o impertinent_a and_o imply_v some_o moral_a inconvenience_n albeit_o they_o can_v easy_o be_v draw_v to_o a_o logical_a impossibility_n or_o irreconcilable_a repugnancy_n if_o we_o take_v the_o baptist_n word_n as_o saint_n john_n relate_v they_o chap._n 1._o ver_fw-la 33._o and_o i_o know_v he_o not_o etc._n etc._n according_a to_o the_o ordinary_a standard_n of_o civil_a dialect_n in_o matter_n
12_o 13._o 44._o from_o these_o &_o the_o like_a particular_n in_o this_o prophet_n we_o may_v observe_v this_o general_a that_o in_o all_o or_o most_o place_n wherein_o the_o manifestation_n of_o the_o messiah_n or_o propagation_n of_o his_o kingdom_n be_v mention_v there_o be_v still_o foretell_v some_o strange_a miracle_n or_o wonder_n to_o be_v wrought_v in_o the_o desert_n and_o in_o particular_a the_o burst_n out_o of_o water_n the_o question_n be_v in_o what_o sense_n these_o and_o like_a place_n have_v be_v fulfil_v or_o whether_o the_o prediction_n be_v plain_o literal_a or_o rather_o by_o way_n of_o parable_n or_o allegory_n whatsoever_o may_v be_v say_v or_o think_v of_o some_o of_o these_o prediction_n certain_a it_o be_v that_o other_o of_o they_o be_v never_o verify_v or_o fulfil_v according_a to_o the_o literal_a plain_a or_o natural_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n either_o before_o or_o about_o our_o saviour_n manifestation_n in_o the_o wilderness_n that_o be_v as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v the_o mystery_n here_o true_o foretell_v upon_o johns_n baptism_n be_v not_o foreshaddowed_n or_o prefigure_v by_o matter_n of_o deed_n or_o fact_n or_o by_o any_o such_o real_a representation_n as_o these_o word_n proper_o imply_v or_o by_o any_o natural_a or_o visible_a alteration_n of_o the_o soil_n or_o tree_n in_o the_o wilderness_n only_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o prophecy_n or_o prediction_n be_v emblematical_a or_o allegorical_a that_o be_v the_o mystery_n here_o foretold_v be_v such_o in_o respect_n of_o man_n soul_n body_n or_o affection_n as_o these_o alteration_n in_o the_o soil_n or_o tree_n of_o the_o wilderness_n if_o they_o have_v literal_o fall_v out_o may_v have_v be_v true_a shadow_n or_o picture_n of_o they_o to_o begin_v with_o that_o place_n whence_o johns_n commission_n take_v his_o beginning_n isaiah_n 40._o vers_fw-la 3_o 4._o the_o voice_n of_o he_o that_o cry_v in_o the_o wilderness_n prepare_v you_o the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n make_v straight_o in_o the_o desert_a a_o high_a way_n for_o our_o god_n every_o valley_n shall_v be_v exalt_v and_o every_o mountain_n and_o hill_n shall_v be_v make_v low_o and_o the_o crooked_a shall_v be_v make_v straight_o and_o the_o rough_a place_n plain_a we_o be_v not_o hence_o to_o believe_v as_o some_o late_a jew_n foolish_o dream_v that_o all_o the_o hill_n in_o the_o wilderness_n or_o place_n where_o the_o messiah_n be_v to_o be_v manifest_v be_v to_o be_v level_v with_o the_o valley_n or_o low_a ground_n or_o that_o all_o the_o highway_n for_o man_n to_o come_v unto_o he_o shall_v be_v make_v as_o plain_a &_o smooth_a as_o a_o bowling-alley_n or_o garden_n walk_v the_o intent_n or_o purport_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v that_o this_o crier_n in_o the_o wilderness_n be_v so_o to_o prepare_v the_o heart_n the_o affection_n and_o disposition_n of_o man_n mind_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v offend_v in_o christ_n or_o the_o messiah_n when_o he_o shall_v be_v reveal_v that_o they_o shall_v remove_v all_o stumble_a block_n of_o pride_n arrogancy_n covetousness_n perverseness_n hypocrisy_n or_o the_o like_a which_o do_v hinder_v they_o from_o come_v unto_o he_o with_o all_o their_o soul_n and_o all_o their_o heart_n so_o when_o it_o be_v say_v the_o lord_n will_v turn_v the_o thorn_n into_o the_o fir_n tree_n or_o the_o briar_n into_o the_o myrtle_n tree_n in_o the_o wilderness_n we_o must_v not_o imagine_v such_o a_o real_a or_o corporeal_a transmutation_n upon_o our_o saviour_n approach_n for_o if_o this_o metamorphosis_n have_v be_v make_v john_n shall_v not_o have_v be_v a_o crier_n in_o the_o wilderness_n but_o in_o the_o garden_n what_o then_o do_v the_o word_n according_a to_o the_o prophet_n natural_a meaning_n and_o intention_n import_v as_o true_a as_o real_a and_o strange_a a_o alteration_n in_o man_n soul_n and_o affection_n which_o thus_o hearken_v to_o the_o crier_n voice_n as_o the_o suppose_a change_n of_o the_o thorn_n into_o the_o fir_n tree_n or_o the_o briar_n into_o the_o myrtle_n tree_n or_o the_o change_n of_o the_o wilderness_n itself_o 2._o into_o a_o garden_n if_o that_o have_v be_v real_o and_o miraculous_o wrought_v can_v have_v fore-pictured_n or_o foreshaddowed_n the_o metapâ—â—â—_n or_o aâ—â—gory_n be_v no_o other_o than_o that_o of_o the_o same_o prophet_n isaiah_n 5._o vers_fw-la 7._o the_o vineyard_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n be_v the_o house_n of_o israel_n and_o the_o man_n of_o judah_n his_o pleasant_a plant_n and_o he_o look_v for_o vine_n judgement_n but_o behold_v oppression_n for_o righteousness_n but_o behold_v a_o cry_n thaâ—_n this_o be_v the_o intent_n and_o meaning_n of_o isaiahs_n poetical_a manner_n of_o prediction_n or_o figurative_a kind_n of_o speech_n on_o the_o forecited_n place_n may_v be_v gather_v from_o john_n baptist_n himself_o who_o interpretation_n of_o they_o in_o this_o place_n be_v liâ—erall_a though_o his_o speech_n be_v metaphorical_a and_o suitable_a to_o the_o former_a allegory_n for_o the_o tenor_n of_o his_o proclamation_n or_o cry_v in_o the_o wilderness_n be_v repent_v for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v at_o hand_n now_o repentance_n according_a to_o the_o strict_a and_o proper_a sense_n of_o the_o original_n import_v a_o mutation_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o john_n in_o the_o very_a next_o word_n express_v wherein_o this_o change_n of_o mind_n whereto_o he_o exhort_v they_o do_v consist_v bring_v forth_o fruit_n worthy_a repentance_n math._n 3._o vers_fw-la 8._o this_o he_o speak_v unto_o the_o pharisee_n and_o sadducee_n when_o they_o come_v unto_o his_o baptism_n who_o he_o term_v a_o generation_n of_o viper_n more_o barren_a unto_o all_o good_a work_n or_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n than_o the_o thorn_n in_o the_o wilderness_n or_o the_o bramble_n in_o the_o desert_n and_o yet_o as_o proud_a that_o they_o be_v abraham_n son_n as_o the_o bramble_n in_o the_o parable_n of_o jotham_n judge_n 9_o vers_fw-la 15._o which_o seek_v to_o be_v anoint_a king_n over_o the_o tree_n of_o the_o forest_n all_o of_o they_o expect_v to_o be_v heir_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n which_o they_o right_o believe_v shall_v be_v establish_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o messiah_n or_o christ._n howbeit_o they_o think_v the_o chief_a glory_n of_o this_o kingdom_n shall_v consist_v in_o their_o tyrannize_a or_o domineer_a over_o the_o gentile_n like_o lord_n and_o king_n for_o quell_v this_o humour_n and_o work_v that_o change_n of_o mind_n wherein_o true_a repentance_n consist_v john_n admonish_v they_o think_v not_o to_o say_v within_o yourselves_o we_o have_v abraham_n for_o our_o father_n this_o proud_a conceit_n be_v as_o a_o mountain_n which_o be_v to_o be_v remove_v ere_o they_o can_v come_v to_o christ_n for_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o that_o god_n be_v able_a out_o of_o these_o stone_n to_o raise_v up_o child_n unto_o abraham_n matth._n 3._o this_o last_o clause_n in_o its_o literal_a and_o proper_a sense_n import_v a_o more_o miraculous_a change_n than_o the_o turn_n of_o the_o bramble_n into_o the_o myrtle_n or_o the_o thorn_n into_o the_o fir_n tree_n than_o the_o exalt_v of_o valley_n into_o mountain_n and_o yet_o rather_o than_o god_n promise_n shall_v not_o have_v be_v accomplish_v this_o speech_n of_o john_n must_v have_v be_v fulfil_v in_o its_o strict_a and_o proper_a sense_n however_o literal_o fulfil_v it_o be_v in_o the_o adoption_n of_o publican_n and_o sinner_n of_o who_o it_o be_v mean_v by_o john_n to_o be_v abraham_n seed_n and_o heir_n of_o promise_n but_o the_o baptist_n continue_v his_o former_a allegory_n or_o parabolicall_a speech_n according_a to_o the_o prophet_n esaiah_n intent_n and_o meaning_n now_o also_o the_o axe_n be_v lay_v to_o the_o root_n of_o the_o tree_n therefore_o every_o tree_n which_o bring_v not_o forth_o good_a fruit_n be_v hew_v down_o and_o cast_v into_o the_o fire_n vers_fw-la 10._o none_o be_v except_v no_o not_o the_o offspring_n of_o abraham_n for_o unless_o upon_o the_o baptism_n of_o water_n which_o john_n administer_v they_o become_v fruitful_a like_o the_o vine_n or_o olive_n they_o must_v be_v account_v among_o the_o thorn_n and_o bramble_n and_o be_v sentence_v unto_o the_o fire_n 45._o but_o what_o shall_v we_o say_v of_o the_o water_n burst_v forth_o in_o the_o wilderness_n so_o often_o mention_v by_o the_o 2._o prophet_n isaias_n be_v these_o prediction_n as_o mere_o figurative_a as_o the_o former_a and_o not_o at_o all_o fulfil_v according_a to_o the_o literal_a plain_a historical_a sense_n it_o be_v probable_a that_o they_o be_v thus_o fulfil_v and_o that_o god_n have_v show_v some_o wonder_n in_o the_o wilderness_n in_o cause_v spring_n of_o water_n to_o burst_v forth_o in_o dry_a and_o barren_a place_n prophet_n between_o isaias_n and_o john_n baptist_n day_n perhaps_o before_o the_o 107._o psalm_n be_v pen_v which_o