desperateness_n of_o the_o disease_n magnify_v the_o skill_n of_o the_o physician_n so_o the_o fatal_a and_o universal_a degeneracy_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n commend_v the_o transcendent_a love_n of_o god_n in_o their_o recovery_n and_o redemption_n great_a love_n than_o this_o can_v no_o man_n show_v than_o to_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n for_o his_o friend_n but_o herein_o have_v god_n commend_v his_o love_n to_o we_o in_o that_o while_o we_o be_v enemy_n to_o god_n and_o righteousness_n and_o stranger_n to_o his_o life_n christ_n die_v for_o we_o such_o be_v that_o testimony_n and_o witness_n which_o our_o saviour_n bear_v to_o divine_a love_n and_o goodness_n every_o word_n of_o which_o be_v strange_o emphatical_a 3.16_o so_o in_o such_o a_o wonderful_a and_o transcendent_a manner_n god_n the_o great_a lord_n of_o all_o being_n who_o stand_v not_o in_o need_n of_o any_o of_o his_o creature_n but_o be_v infinite_a fullness_n and_o happiness_n to_o himself_o love_a first_o and_o without_o any_o motive_n or_o occasion_n of_o this_o love_n give_v from_o we_o herein_o be_v love_n not_o that_o we_o love_v god_n 4.10_o but_o that_o he_o love_v we_o the_o world_n not_o only_o the_o particular_a nation_n of_o the_o jew_n with_o who_o former_o he_o enter_v into_o covenant_n but_o the_o whole_a race_n of_o mankind_n christ_n become_v a_o propitiation_n for_o our_o sin_n say_v the_o apostle_n the_o best_a interpreter_n of_o himself_o 1_o joh._n 2.2_o and_o not_o for_o we_o only_o but_o also_o for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n that_o he_o give_v deliver_v unto_o death_n free_o and_o that_o upon_o no_o other_o motive_n or_o invitation_n but_o that_o of_o his_o own_o eternal_a goodness_n and_o love_n his_o only_a beget_v son_n not_o a_o servant_n or_o a_o angel_n not_o a_o adopt_a but_o his_o own_o natural_a son_n that_o son_n who_o be_v one_o with_o himself_o and_o in_o who_o he_o be_v well_o please_v as_o the_o obedience_n of_o abraham_n be_v more_o grateful_a to_o god_n when_o he_o withhold_v not_o his_o son_n 22.12_o his_o only_a son_n from_o he_o the_o whole_a gospel_n be_v a_o design_n and_o contrivance_n of_o infinite_a love_n and_o goodness_n a_o palpable_a pledge_n and_o assurance_n of_o which_o be_v the_o send_n of_o jesus_n christ_n from_o heaven_n he_o that_o spare_v not_o his_o own_o son_n say_v the_o apostle_n as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v the_o deliver_v up_o of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n to_o be_v a_o expiatory_a sacrifice_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n be_v so_o high_a a_o demonstration_n of_o infinite_a love_n that_o it_o beget_v in_o we_o a_o confident_a assurance_n and_o full_a persuasion_n that_o the_o same_o goodness_n will_v not_o fail_v of_o bestow_v upon_o we_o whatever_o may_v possible_o contribute_v to_o our_o everlasting_a happiness_n as_o far_o as_o our_o nature_n be_v capable_a of_o the_o sum_n of_o all_o be_v this_o that_o to_o infinite_a goodness_n we_o owe_v not_o only_o the_o production_n but_o the_o continual_a preservation_n of_o our_o being_n not_o only_o the_o free_v we_o from_o a_o certain_a misery_n and_o a_o just_a and_o deserve_a punishment_n but_o the_o receive_v we_o into_o grace_n and_o favour_n and_o invest_v we_o with_o a_o happiness_n much_o big_a than_o our_o hope_n and_o expectation_n even_o the_o eternal_a enjoyment_n of_o himself_o in_o heaven_n and_o that_o this_o shall_v be_v wrought_v and_o effect_v by_o jesus_n christ_n the_o only_o beget_v son_n of_o god_n who_o leave_v the_o sacred_a mansion_n of_o heaven_n and_o veil_v his_o glory_n under_o a_o clould_n of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n and_o while_o he_o live_v upon_o earth_n endure_v the_o contradiction_n of_o sinner_n the_o bitter_a reproach_n of_o vile_a and_o ungodly_a man_n and_o at_o last_o suffer_v a_o ignominious_a and_o accurse_a death_n upon_o the_o cross_n what_o be_v it_o but_o a_o everlasting_a monument_n of_o divine_a goodness_n such_o a_o high_a demonstration_n of_o infinite_a love_n as_o may_v well_o make_v we_o cry_v out_o with_o wonder_n and_o amazement_n behold_v what_o manner_n of_o love_n the_o father_n have_v bestow_v upon_o we_o 2._o second_o in_o the_o frame_n and_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n there_o be_v a_o clear_a demonstration_n of_o infinite_a wisdom_n 1.24_o to_o they_o who_o be_v call_v say_v the_o apostle_n christ_n the_o power_n and_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n i._n e._n though_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v a_o stumble_a block_n to_o the_o jew_n and_o account_v but_o foolishness_n by_o the_o greek_n the_o one_o expect_v their_o messiah_n to_o be_v a_o earthly_a prince_n and_o dream_v of_o nothing_o but_o worldly_a felicity_n and_o the_o other_o count_v it_o not_o worth_a the_o hear_n because_o not_o agree_v with_o the_o principle_n of_o that_o vain_a philosophy_n they_o have_v addict_v themselves_o to_o yet_o to_o those_o who_o be_v docible_a tractable_a and_o obedient_a there_o appear_v a_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o a_o eternal_a understanding_n they_o can_v not_o look_v into_o it_o but_o they_o behold_v as_o the_o same_o apostle_n speak_v the_o mysterious_a and_o recondite_v wisdom_n of_o god_n 2.7_o which_o he_o ordain_v before_o the_o world_n that_o be_v who_o sacred_a plot_n and_o contrivance_n be_v not_o then_o frame_v or_o lay_v when_o it_o be_v first_o promulgate_v and_o manifest_v to_o the_o world_n but_o lay_v hide_v in_o the_o bosom_n of_o a_o infinite_a understanding_n from_o all_o eternity_n it_o be_v true_a the_o loveliness_n and_o glory_n of_o this_o great_a wisdom_n appear_v not_o so_o evident_o to_o all_o partly_o from_o their_o own_o carelessness_n and_o negligence_n in_o not_o arrive_v to_o that_o measure_n and_o degree_n of_o holiness_n which_o may_v fit_v and_o qualify_v they_o for_o a_o clear_a discern_a of_o it_o hence_o the_o apostle_n say_v 2.6_o that_o he_o speak_v wisdom_n among_o they_o that_o be_v perfect_a such_o as_o be_v well_o grow_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o office_n and_o duty_n of_o christianity_n such_o as_o have_v sense_n exercise_v to_o discern_v good_a and_o evil_n heb._n 5.14_o and_o partly_o through_o the_o great_a corruption_n depravity_n and_o degeneracy_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o other_o which_o put_v they_o into_o a_o utter_a incapacity_n and_o impossibility_n while_o they_o remain_v such_o of_o understand_v divine_a and_o heavenly_a truth_n for_o the_o natural_a animal_n or_o sensual_a man_n receive_v not_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n 2.14_o but_o where_o these_o impediment_n be_v remove_v and_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n apt_o dispose_v for_o the_o reception_n of_o so_o great_a a_o blessing_n such_o person_n behold_v with_o enravishment_n and_o joy_n the_o exact_a stroke_n and_o perfect_a lineament_n of_o a_o eternal_a wisdom_n which_o wisdom_n appear_v 1._o in_o the_o admirableness_n of_o the_o contrivance_n of_o the_o gospel_n christianity_n carry_v with_o it_o such_o evident_a proof_n of_o a_o incomprehensible_a wisdom_n that_o those_o sagacious_a creature_n the_o angel_n employ_v themselves_o in_o search_v into_o it_o and_o sure_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o admirable_a piece_n of_o wisdom_n and_o a_o wonderful_a contrivance_n 1.12_o that_o must_v draw_v those_o bless_a creature_n to_o look_v into_o it_o now_o the_o wonderfulness_n and_o admirableness_n of_o the_o evangelical_n plot_n and_o contrivance_n for_o the_o salvation_n of_o humane_a soul_n show_v itself_o 1._o in_o find_v out_o a_o way_n whereby_o god_n may_v demonstrate_v both_o his_o just_a and_o implacable_a hatred_n of_o sin_n and_o his_o exuberant_a love_n and_o goodness_n in_o save_v men._n sin_n be_v no_o part_n of_o god_n creation_n nor_o any_o thing_n of_o the_o true_a nature_n of_o the_o soul_n but_o a_o extraneous_a and_o adventitious_a be_v bring_v first_o into_o the_o world_n by_o the_o devil_n the_o great_a enemy_n of_o mankind_n it_o be_v the_o destruction_n and_o ruin_n of_o the_o workmanship_n of_o god_n own_o hand_n and_o be_v so_o infinite_o contrary_a to_o his_o sacred_a life_n and_o nature_n it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o he_o bear_v a_o irreconcilable_a hatred_n against_o it_o and_o seek_v by_o all_o mean_n the_o drive_v it_o quite_o out_o of_o the_o world_n but_o although_o god_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o infinite_a purity_n and_o holiness_n of_o his_o nature_n can_v not_o look_v with_o any_o favourable_a eye_n upon_o sin_n yet_o his_o almighty_a love_n pity_v his_o creature_n 63.15_o and_o his_o bowel_n yern_v over_o they_o be_v as_o it_o be_v grieve_v and_o trouble_v at_o the_o heart_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v miserable_a for_o ever_o wherefore_o god_n through_o his_o eternal_a wisdom_n resolve_v upon_o a_o course_n which_o shall_v both_o effectual_o extirpate_v and_o eradicate_v sin_n and_o evil_a out_o of_o the_o world_n and_o yet_o reduce_v those_o stray_a soul_n which_o through_o it_o have_v revolt_v from_o his_o bless_a
therefore_o sensual_a and_o hypocritical_a person_n judge_v it_o to_o be_v hard_a troublesome_a and_o uneasy_a but_o three_o man_n general_o distemper_v as_o they_o be_v have_v no_o mind_n to_o set_v upon_o religion_n in_o good_a earnest_n they_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n in_o love_n with_o sin_n and_o vice_n be_v become_v customary_a and_o natural_a and_o because_o it_o be_v some_o trouble_n to_o root_v out_o and_o extirpate_v a_o habitual_a corruption_n therefore_o they_o fair_o lay_v religion_n by_o as_o a_o thing_n too_o austere_a and_o unpleasant_a so_o that_o there_o be_v not_o so_o much_o difficulty_n in_o religion_n as_o in_o bring_v man_n to_o entertain_v firm_a purpose_n and_o resolution_n of_o embrace_v it_o that_o be_v of_o better_v their_o life_n by_o it_o be_v but_o man_n sincere_a in_o their_o endeavour_n after_o holiness_n and_o the_o participation_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n the_o pretend_a roughness_n and_o asperity_n of_o religion_n will_v quick_o wear_v off_o and_o they_o will_v see_v that_o its_o way_n be_v way_n of_o pleasantness_n and_o all_o its_o path_n peace_n by_o which_o it_o appear_v that_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o objection_n of_o our_o sensual_a and_o animal_n life_n that_o it_o be_v possible_a nay_o easy_a for_o we_o to_o become_v sincere_a christian_n and_o that_o the_o command_n of_o god_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v tyrannical_a and_o grievous_a that_o they_o be_v the_o most_o agreeable_a to_o our_o intellectual_a and_o rational_a nature_n 2._o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o man_n be_v endue_v with_o a_o sufficient_a power_n for_o though_o the_o condition_n of_o salvation_n be_v in_o themselves_o possible_a yet_o if_o we_o be_v not_o put_v into_o a_o capacity_n and_o endue_v with_o power_n from_o on_o high_a sufficient_a for_o the_o performance_n of_o they_o we_o be_v never_o the_o better_a though_o the_o walk_n of_o a_o mile_n be_v a_o thing_n possible_a and_o feasible_a yet_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o he_o that_o have_v lose_v the_o use_n of_o his_o leg_n if_o christ_n when_o he_o cure_v the_o impotent_a and_o lame_a in_o the_o gospel_n by_o bid_v they_o rise_v up_o and_o walk_v have_v not_o at_o the_o same_o time_n confirm_v and_o strengthen_v their_o feeble_a limb_n his_o command_n have_v be_v utter_o ineffectual_a so_o although_o we_o through_o our_o own_o fault_n be_v fall_v into_o a_o state_n of_o sin_n and_o misery_n weakness_n and_o imperfection_n yet_o if_o god_n intend_v to_o better_v our_o condition_n and_o to_o recover_v we_o to_o our_o former_a life_n and_o health_n he_o must_v confer_v upon_o we_o such_o a_o power_n as_o may_v make_v his_o design_n effectual_a it_o be_v confess_v that_o all_o mankind_n have_v utter_o disable_v themselves_o for_o the_o attainment_n of_o everlasting_a blessedness_n by_o their_o own_o naked_a and_o solitary_a endeavour_n but_o god_n out_o of_o his_o free_a goodness_n and_o love_n make_v a_o new_a covenant_n with_o the_o world_n and_o propound_v certain_a term_n and_o condition_n upon_o which_o they_o may_v again_o be_v make_v happy_a it_o be_v altogether_o repugnant_a with_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o justice_n to_o require_v of_o man_n the_o performance_n of_o these_o condition_n without_o indue_a they_o with_o a_o sufficient_a strength_n for_o that_o purpose_n shall_v god_n offer_v life_n and_o salvation_n upon_o the_o term_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o yet_o never_o endue_v we_o with_o a_o ability_n to_o embrace_v and_o accept_v of_o they_o it_o will_v not_o be_v a_o design_n worthy_a of_o he_o nor_o agreeable_a with_o those_o serious_a profession_n and_o desire_n of_o our_o immortal_a happiness_n for_o the_o full_a illustration_n of_o this_o we_o must_v know_v that_o god_n have_v always_o declare_v his_o delight_n in_o the_o felicity_n and_o his_o aversation_n of_o the_o misery_n and_o destruction_n of_o his_o creature_n and_o lest_o we_o shall_v question_v the_o reality_n of_o this_o his_o love_n he_o have_v confirm_v it_o with_o a_o oath_n as_o i_o live_v 33.11_o say_v the_o lord_n god_n i_o have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o the_o death_n of_o the_o wicked_a and_o this_o fervent_a desire_n of_o the_o good_a and_o welfare_n of_o the_o world_n move_v he_o to_o enter_v into_o a_o covenant_n with_o they_o in_o christ_n jesus_n now_o as_o in_o all_o mutual_a compact_n and_o stipulation_n between_o party_n there_o be_v term_n and_o condition_n on_o both_o side_n and_o each_o party_n oblige_v himself_o to_o the_o performance_n of_o something_o so_o in_o this_o great_a indenture_n or_o covenant_n which_o god_n have_v make_v with_o the_o world_n he_o be_v gracious_o please_v to_o oblige_v himself_o to_o do_v something_o for_o we_o and_o we_o be_v likewise_o tie_v to_o the_o observation_n of_o certain_a article_n and_o condition_n require_v on_o our_o part_n and_o this_o notion_n of_o the_o gospel_n seem_v to_o be_v intimate_v by_o the_o apostle_n 2_o tim._n 2.19_o the_o foundation_n of_o god_n stand_v sure_a have_v this_o seal_n the_o lord_n know_v who_o be_v he_o and_o let_v every_o one_o that_o name_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n depart_v from_o iniquity_n where_o give_v i_o leave_v to_o insert_v what_o a_o very_a learned_a man_n observe_v concern_v the_o signification_n of_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d mede_n which_o our_o translation_n render_v foundation_n that_o the_o hebrew_n word_n to_o which_o it_o answer_v in_o the_o rabbinical_a dialect_n be_v use_v for_o tabulae_fw-la contractûs_fw-la a_o bill_n of_o contract_n and_o so_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d here_o signify_v the_o compact_a or_o covenant_n of_o god_n for_o the_o very_o mention_v of_o a_o seal_n here_o imply_v a_o bill_n of_o contract_n for_o bill_n of_o contract_n have_v their_o seal_n appendant_a to_o they_o each_o side_n whereof_o have_v his_o motto_n the_o one_o suit_v with_o the_o one_o party_n contrahent_fw-la the_o other_o with_o the_o other_o to_o this_o the_o apostle_n here_o allude_v god_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d say_v he_o stand_v sure_a that_o be_v god_n bill_n of_o contract_n or_o his_o chirographum_fw-la have_v a_o seal_n according_a to_o the_o manner_n the_o one_o side_n whereof_o carry_v this_o motto_n the_o lord_n know_v they_o that_o be_v he_o i._n e._n he_o will_v never_o fail_v to_o own_o those_o who_o continue_v faithful_a to_o he_o the_o other_o this_o let_v every_o man_n that_o name_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n depart_v from_o iniquity_n which_o if_o he_o do_v not_o he_o forfeit_v all_o the_o privilege_n which_o he_o may_v otherwise_o hope_v for_o from_o this_o covenant_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o this_o god_n enter_v into_o a_o covenant_n be_v in_o other_o term_n express_v by_o be_v reconcile_v to_o the_o world_n god_n be_v in_o christ_n 5.19_o reconcile_a the_o world_n unto_o himself_o not_o so_o as_o to_o take_v all_o man_n immediate_o into_o heaven_n but_o so_o far_o as_o to_o put_v all_o mankind_n by_o the_o gospel_n into_o a_o capacity_n of_o salvation_n to_o which_o end_n and_o purpose_n among_o other_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o gratuitous_a donation_n which_o god_n have_v free_o engage_v himself_o to_o bestow_v this_o be_v one_o very_o considerable_a the_o give_v of_o all_o man_n sufficient_a power_n and_o strength_n to_o enable_v they_o to_o perform_v his_o will_n and_o command_n so_o as_o he_o will_v accept_v of_o which_o very_o thing_n be_v make_v a_o part_n of_o god_n holy_a covenant_n 1.74_o that_o he_o will_v grant_v unto_o we_o i_o e._n that_o he_o will_v give_v we_o power_n as_o the_o word_n be_v use_v revel_v 11.3_o or_o qualify_v we_o with_o a_o sufficient_a strength_n and_o ability_n to_o serve_v he_o in_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n before_o he_o all_o the_o day_n of_o our_o life_n for_o the_o further_a proof_n of_o this_o i_o shall_v offer_v these_o two_o argument_n 1._o that_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o god_n shall_v empower_v all_o man_n to_o who_o the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v with_o a_o sufficient_a ability_n to_o perform_v what_o be_v require_v in_o it_o that_o he_o may_v manifest_v his_o intention_n of_o save_v all_o the_o world_n to_o be_v real_a the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o god_n be_v the_o saviour_n of_o all_o man_n 4.10_o and_o how_o he_o can_v be_v so_o unless_o he_o put_v all_o man_n some_o way_n or_o other_o into_o a_o capacity_n of_o salvation_n i_o profess_v myself_o not_o able_a to_o understand_v now_o what_o be_v it_o to_o put_v any_o one_o into_o a_o capacity_n of_o salvation_n but_o to_o place_v he_o in_o that_o way_n and_o to_o provide_v for_o he_o all_o those_o mean_n which_o shall_v be_v necessary_a and_o effectual_a for_o the_o obtain_v that_o glorious_a end_n hence_o the_o same_o apostle_n inform_v we_o that_o god_n will_v have_v all_o man_n to_o be_v save_v that_o be_v 2.4_o as_o far_o as_o lie_v in_o he_o
the_o jew_n relate_v of_o the_o bath-kol_a be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n fabulous_a or_o else_o magical_a and_o satanical_a delusion_n certain_a it_o be_v as_o a_o very_a learned_a author_n observe_v there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o mention_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n of_o a_o voice_n speak_v from_o heaven_n lightfoot_n between_o the_o give_v of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o baptism_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o it_o be_v very_o strange_a if_o god_n withdraw_v those_o ordinary_a way_n of_o reveal_v his_o will_n under_o the_o second_o temple_n shall_v yet_o continue_v the_o most_o noble_a of_o all_o by_o speak_v to_o man_n from_o heaven_n and_o that_o we_o may_v not_o think_v there_o be_v any_o plot_n or_o combination_n between_o john_n the_o baptist_n and_o our_o saviour_n christ_n it_o be_v say_v joh._n 1.33_o that_o john_n know_v he_o not_o but_o have_v this_o sign_n give_v he_o that_o upon_o who_o he_o shall_v see_v the_o spirit_n descend_v and_o remain_v on_o he_o that_o same_o be_v the_o true_a messiah_n and_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n and_o to_o this_o voice_n our_o lord_n himself_o appeal_v joh._n 6.27_o he_o have_v god_n the_o father_n seal_v i._n e._n visible_o approve_v and_o own_a christ_n from_o heaven_n to_o the_o end_n that_o he_o have_v this_o wonderful_a attestation_n of_o god_n himself_o may_v be_v believe_v on_o in_o the_o world_n and_o his_o doctrine_n as_o unquestionable_o receive_v as_o the_o letter_n of_o a_o king_n when_o his_o seal_n be_v affix_v to_o they_o 2._o another_o confirmation_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o doctrine_n be_v at_o his_o transfiguration_n mat._n 17.5_o a_o voice_n come_v out_o of_o the_o cloud_n which_o say_v this_o be_v my_o belove_a son_n in_o who_o i_o be_o well_o please_v hear_v you_o he_o and_o this_o st._n peter_n bring_v as_o a_o demonstration_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n 17._o for_o we_o have_v not_o follow_v cunning_o devise_v fable_n when_o we_o make_v know_v unto_o you_o the_o power_n and_o come_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n q._n d._n we_o have_v not_o impose_v upon_o the_o mind_n and_o spirit_n of_o man_n as_o the_o manner_n of_o cheater_n and_o deceiver_n be_v but_o have_v deliver_v to_o you_o such_o thing_n as_o we_o have_v see_v and_o hear_v be_v eye-witness_n of_o his_o majesty_n for_o he_o receive_v from_o god_n the_o father_n honour_n and_o glory_n when_o there_o come_v such_o a_o voice_n to_o he_o from_o the_o excellent_a glory_n this_o be_v my_o belove_a son_n in_o who_o i_o be_o well_o please_v and_o this_o voice_n which_o come_v from_o heaven_n we_o hear_v when_o we_o be_v with_o he_o in_o the_o holy_a mount_n 3._o god_n approve_v our_o lord_n jesus_n by_o enable_v he_o to_o work_v miracle_n which_o be_v such_o a_o clear_a testimony_n of_o the_o divine_a mission_n of_o our_o saviour_n that_o both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n ought_v to_o be_v convince_v by_o it_o to_o the_o jew_n it_o ought_v to_o be_v convictive_a from_o their_o own_o law_n deut._n 18.22_o when_o a_o prophet_n speak_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n if_o the_o thing_n follow_v not_o nor_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o be_v the_o thing_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o speak_v which_o rule_n be_v give_v they_o to_o discern_v true_a prophet_n from_o false_a for_o if_o the_o prophet_n bring_v to_o they_o a_o new_a doctrine_n and_o confirm_v it_o by_o supernatural_a and_o miraculous_a operation_n though_o he_o command_v they_o something_o contrary_a to_o the_o law_n yet_o if_o he_o persuade_v nothing_o but_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o one_o true_a god_n of_o israel_n they_o ought_v to_o obey_v he_o forasmuch_o as_o there_o can_v be_v no_o great_a evidence_n of_o the_o divine_a testimony_n and_o approbation_n than_o by_o enable_v such_o a_o man_n to_o work_v miracle_n and_o though_o this_o general_n rule_n may_v be_v apply_v to_o all_o the_o jewish_a prophet_n yet_o do_v it_o more_o particular_o respect_v the_o come_n of_o the_o messiah_n there_o be_v none_o more_o conspicuous_a and_o illustrious_a for_o all_o those_o sign_n by_o which_o god_n will_v have_v the_o prophet_n that_o speak_v in_o his_o name_n to_o be_v know_v than_o jesus_n christ_n nor_o be_v it_o of_o less_o moment_n and_o argument_n to_o the_o gentile_n for_o miracle_n be_v such_o unquestionable_a evidence_n of_o the_o interposition_n of_o a_o divine_a power_n it_o follow_v that_o whoever_o shall_v lead_v a_o sincere_a and_o unblameable_a life_n and_o teach_v nothing_o but_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n and_o the_o conscientious_a practice_n of_o virtue_n and_o for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o this_o his_o doctrine_n shall_v work_v miracle_n we_o ought_v to_o believe_v he_o send_v from_o god_n this_o be_v it_o which_o convince_v nicodemus_n we_o know_v that_o thou_o be_v a_o teacher_n come_v from_o god_n 3.2_o for_o no_o man_n can_v do_v these_o miracle_n that_o thou_o do_v except_v god_n be_v with_o he_o he_o see_v that_o jesus_n christ_n profess_v and_o command_v only_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n and_o that_o he_o exhort_v only_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o real_a righteousness_n and_o holiness_n and_o therefore_o that_o those_o great_a miracle_n which_o he_o wrought_v exceed_v the_o power_n of_o evil_a spirit_n be_v a_o sensible_a demonstration_n that_o he_o be_v send_v from_o god_n it_o may_v now_o not_o improper_o be_v inquire_v whether_o miracle_n be_v always_o necessary_a to_o beget_v belief_n of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o a_o doctrine_n and_o how_o far_o they_o be_v so_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o miracle_n to_o some_o person_n and_o in_o some_o circumstance_n be_v proper_a mean_n to_o beget_v assent_n for_o that_o they_o be_v not_o always_o convictive_a appear_v from_o the_o incredulity_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o neither_o the_o frequent_a and_o stupendous_a miracle_n of_o our_o saviour_n nor_o of_o his_o apostle_n can_v persuade_v but_o notwithstanding_o this_o powerful_a way_n of_o conviction_n they_o put_v the_o master_n to_o death_n as_o a_o malefactor_n and_o murder_v his_o servant_n i_o say_v therefore_o that_o to_o some_o person_n and_o in_o some_o circumstance_n miracle_n be_v proper_a mean_n to_o beget_v faith_n 1._o they_o be_v necessary_a mean_n to_o they_o who_o have_v be_v constant_o use_v and_o train_v up_o by_o miracle_n such_o be_v the_o jew_n who_o receive_v their_o law_n in_o a_o miraculous_a manner_n the_o divinity_n of_o which_o be_v frequent_o afterward_o attest_v by_o miracle_n and_o upon_o any_o great_a and_o notable_a defection_n of_o the_o people_n to_o idolatry_n god_n be_v please_v to_o reduce_v they_o by_o send_v and_o enable_v a_o prophet_n to_o work_v miracle_n now_o it_o be_v very_o unreasonable_a to_o think_v that_o the_o gospel_n which_o shall_v introduce_v and_o make_v so_o mighty_a a_o change_n in_o the_o judaical_a oeconomy_n shall_v gain_v belief_n of_o they_o unassisted_a of_o miraculous_a evidence_n and_o testimony_n who_o be_v already_o in_o possession_n of_o a_o law_n which_o god_n himself_o have_v so_o often_o own_v and_o set_v his_o seal_n to_o by_o miracle_n and_o supernatural_a operation_n hence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o jew_n demand_v of_o christ_n a_o sign_n joh._n 2.18_o forasmuch_o as_o he_o call_v god_n his_o father_n and_o carry_v himself_o in_o the_o way_n of_o a_o prophet_n they_o require_v he_o to_o evidence_n this_o his_o authority_n by_o some_o miraculous_a action_n which_o our_o bless_a saviour_n both_o promise_n and_o fulfil_v by_o raise_v himself_o from_o the_o dead_a 2._o miracle_n do_v more_o powerful_o strike_v the_o sense_n and_o so_o be_v more_o apt_a to_o beget_v belief_n in_o they_o who_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o a_o rational_a apprehension_n and_o dijudication_n of_o truth_n hitherto_o we_o may_v refer_v christ_n upbraid_v chorazin_n and_o bethsaida_n if_o the_o mighty_a work_n which_o be_v do_v in_o they_o 11.21_o have_v be_v do_v in_o tyre_n and_o sidon_n they_o will_v have_v repent_v long_o ago_o in_o sackcloth_n and_o ash_n that_o be_v they_o will_v very_o probable_o have_v do_v so_o for_o they_o lie_v under_o a_o great_a and_o inveterate_a ignorance_n and_o be_v so_o perfect_o enslave_v to_o sense_n be_v more_o likely_a to_o have_v be_v rouse_v out_o of_o their_o blockishness_n and_o stupidity_n by_o miracle_n which_o so_o forcible_o strike_v the_o imagination_n than_o by_o the_o most_o rational_a discourse_n to_o which_o they_o have_v so_o little_a vital_a congruity_n and_o agreeableness_n and_o it_o be_v very_o observable_a that_o the_o apostle_n never_o wrought_v a_o miracle_n but_o upon_o a_o urgent_a occasion_n and_o great_a necessity_n where_o they_o find_v their_o auditor_n capable_a and_o apprehensive_a when_o the_o great_a apostle_n of_o the_o gentile_n s._n paul_n come_v to_o athens_n a_o place_n long_o famous_a for_o all_o polite_a learning_n 17._o
he_o make_v a_o excellent_a metaphysical_a discourse_n and_o prove_v the_o unnaturalness_n and_o unreasonableness_n of_o idolatry_n by_o such_o principle_n as_o be_v common_a to_o and_o universal_o receive_v by_o the_o intellectual_a nature_n of_o man._n and_o indeed_o a_o rational_a conviction_n seem_v more_o clear_a and_o evident_a than_o a_o miraculous_a one_o by_o how_o much_o the_o innate_a idea_n and_o dictate_v of_o the_o understanding_n be_v more_o sure_a and_o constant_a than_o the_o perplex_a motion_n of_o a_o versatile_a imagination_n and_o we_o find_v that_o the_o jew_n evade_v the_o force_n of_o our_o saviour_n miracle_n by_o say_v they_o be_v do_v by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o though_o lazarus_n come_v to_o they_o from_o the_o dead_a yet_o they_o do_v not_o believe_v but_o seek_v to_o murder_v he_o and_o a_o perverse_a spirit_n will_v find_v various_a artifices_fw-la to_o elude_v the_o assent_n which_o a_o miracle_n command_v from_o we_o but_o now_o humane_a reason_n be_v in_o all_o man_n one_o and_o the_o same_o it_o be_v more_o likely_a to_o prevail_v when_o advantageous_o propound_v from_o that_o antecedent_n sutableness_n and_o harmony_n there_o be_v between_o it_o and_o all_o truth_n and_o without_o doubt_n our_o bless_a saviour_n himself_o seem_v to_o intimate_v that_o the_o assent_n which_o be_v extort_a upon_o the_o work_n of_o miracle_n be_v much_o less_o generous_a and_o noble_a than_o that_o which_o be_v gain_v from_o the_o understanding_n by_o the_o native_a evidence_n and_o beauty_n of_o truth_n except_o you_o see_v sign_n and_o wonder_n you_o will_v not_o believe_v 4.18_o whereas_o the_o facility_n of_o the_o samaritan_n be_v commend_v who_o believe_v on_o jesus_n upon_o his_o own_o discourse_n 42._o though_o he_o do_v no_o miracle_n among_o they_o and_o beside_o all_o this_o christ_n say_v express_o that_o the_o very_a nature_n and_o frame_n the_o sanctity_n and_o majesty_n of_o the_o doctrine_n he_o propound_v be_v alike_o sufficient_a to_o render_v the_o jew_n inexcusable_a as_o the_o unparalleled_a work_n he_o perform_v in_o their_o presence_n if_o i_o have_v not_o come_v and_o speak_v to_o they_o they_o have_v not_o have_v sin_n but_o now_o they_o have_v no_o cloak_n for_o their_o sin_n again_o 24._o if_o i_o have_v not_o do_v among_o they_o the_o work_n which_o none_o other_o man_n do_v they_o have_v not_o have_v sin_n wherefore_o to_o we_o who_o have_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n the_o discourse_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o the_o write_n of_o his_o apostle_n transmit_v if_o we_o shall_v yet_o be_v incredulous_a it_o be_v as_o likely_a and_o probable_a we_o shall_v still_o continue_v so_o though_o one_o come_v to_o we_o from_o the_o dead_a for_o 1._o we_o have_v already_o all_o thing_n pertain_v to_o life_n and_o godliness_n perspicuous_o deliver_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o this_o doctrine_n at_o the_o first_o delivery_n of_o it_o be_v sufficient_o confirm_v and_o attest_v by_o miracle_n and_o supernatural_a action_n the_o history_n of_o which_o be_v make_v as_o credible_a to_o we_o as_o any_o record_n of_o thing_n can_v be_v which_o we_o ourselves_o be_v not_o spectator_n of_o now_o if_o we_o can_v believe_v any_o history_n of_o former_a age_n any_o record_n of_o time_n past_a we_o have_v the_o same_o reason_n to_o believe_v the_o history_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o he_o that_o sincere_o credit_n that_o will_v be_v as_o much_o confirm_v in_o the_o religion_n he_o profess_v by_o those_o miracle_n he_o find_v long_o ago_o wrought_v to_o evidence_n its_o divine_a authority_n as_o if_o they_o be_v do_v now_o at_o this_o present_a before_o his_o eye_n bless_a be_v they_o who_o have_v not_o see_v 20.29_o and_o yet_o have_v believe_v 2._o to_o desire_v new_a miracle_n for_o the_o beget_n of_o faith_n be_v to_o question_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n in_o the_o contrivance_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o either_o the_o scripture_n be_v sufficient_o confirm_v and_o attest_v by_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n to_o beget_v faith_n and_o credence_n in_o any_o unprejudiced_a and_o disinterest_v person_n or_o they_o be_v not_o if_o they_o be_v it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o require_v the_o reproduction_n of_o miracle_n in_o its_o behalf_n if_o they_o be_v not_o we_o then_o call_v in_o question_n the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n as_o if_o he_o either_o know_v not_o the_o nature_n and_o constitution_n of_o man_n or_o do_v not_o foresee_v what_o be_v sufficient_a to_o work_v belief_n in_o they_o 3._o the_o perpetuate_a miracle_n for_o every_o man_n conviction_n will_v destroy_v and_o make_v useless_a their_o rational_a faculty_n for_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v a_o manifestation_n of_o the_o high_a reason_n that_o ever_o the_o world_n have_v any_o cognizance_n of_o and_o all_o its_o part_n and_o doctrine_n be_v every_o way_n fit_v to_o rational_a capacity_n but_o now_o miracle_n be_v only_o convictive_a to_o sense_n if_o for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o every_o article_n of_o religion_n there_o must_v be_v the_o concurrent_a testimony_n of_o a_o miracle_n all_o appeal_n to_o our_o reason_n and_o intellectual_a faculty_n be_v useless_a and_o supervacaneous_a 4._o the_o resurrection_n of_o jesus_n christ_n from_o the_o dead_a be_v a_o notable_a suffrage_n and_o testimony_n of_o his_o divine_a mission_n it_o be_v the_o high_a instance_n of_o divine_a providence_n watch_v over_o and_o careful_o superintend_v the_o person_n of_o our_o holy_a lord_n and_o master_n which_o though_o it_o permit_v he_o to_o fall_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o wicked_a and_o cruel_a man_n who_o bereave_v he_o of_o his_o innocent_a life_n yet_o forsake_v he_o not_o in_o death_n and_o the_o grave_a but_o justify_v and_o approve_v the_o design_n and_o cause_n he_o manage_v in_o the_o world_n by_o dismantling_n those_o infernal_a prison_n and_o bring_v he_o up_o to_o life_n again_o and_o this_o the_o apostle_n take_v as_o a_o eminent_a declaration_n of_o the_o divinity_n of_o jesus_n who_o though_o according_a to_o that_o mortal_a and_o frail_a state_n he_o take_v upon_o he_o in_o the_o world_n become_v a_o man_n of_o the_o seed_n of_o david_n 1.4_o yet_o in_o regard_n of_o that_o spiritual_a and_o celestial_a condition_n which_o he_o obtain_v by_o the_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a be_v manifest_o declare_v the_o glorious_a and_o powerful_a son_n of_o god_n for_o we_o can_v think_v that_o god_n will_v do_v so_o much_o for_o a_o impostor_n or_o that_o the_o divine_a power_n will_v so_o high_o concern_v itself_o in_o raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a and_o thereby_o own_v he_o in_o so_o singular_a and_o eminent_a a_o manner_n if_o he_o have_v not_o speak_v in_o his_o name_n and_o do_v all_o thing_n by_o his_o authority_n and_o commission_n 5._o another_o instance_n of_o the_o divine_a approbation_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o saviour_n appear_v in_o send_v down_o the_o holy_a ghost_n after_o his_o ascension_n into_o heaven_n this_o mission_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n christ_n promise_v his_o disciple_n before_o he_o leave_v the_o world_n and_o signal_o perform_v it_o upon_o the_o day_n of_o pentecost_n and_o this_o very_a thing_n be_v bring_v by_o the_o author_n to_o the_o hebrew_n as_o a_o indubitable_a confirmation_n of_o the_o gospel_n how_o shall_v we_o escape_v if_o we_o neglect_v so_o great_a salvation_n which_o at_o the_o first_o begin_v to_o be_v speak_v by_o the_o lord_n 4._o and_o be_v confirm_v unto_o we_o by_o they_o that_o hear_v he_o god_n also_o bear_v they_o witness_v approve_v and_o own_v the_o doctrine_n of_o his_o son_n jesus_n both_o with_o sign_n and_o wonder_n and_o with_o divers_a miracle_n and_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n according_a to_o his_o own_o will_n god_n be_v bring_v in_o here_o as_o a_o witness_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o his_o testimony_n be_v the_o mission_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n by_o who_o the_o apostle_n be_v enable_v and_o furnish_v with_o divers_a gift_n and_o miraculous_a power_n for_o the_o conviction_n of_o the_o world_n that_o jesus_n be_v the_o belove_a son_n of_o god_n and_o saviour_n of_o mankind_n and_o this_o redargution_n of_o the_o world_n be_v make_v a_o part_n of_o the_o advocateship_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n by_o our_o lord_n when_o he_o be_v come_v he_o will_v reprove_v the_o world_n of_o sin_n 10._o because_o they_o believe_v not_o on_o i_o that_o be_v he_o shall_v take_v upon_o he_o the_o defence_n of_o my_o cause_n and_o convince_v the_o world_n of_o their_o great_a sin_n in_o slay_v i_o a_o true_a prophet_n who_o come_v to_o declare_v the_o will_n of_o god_n unto_o they_o of_o righteousness_n because_o i_o go_v to_o my_o father_n and_o you_o see_v i_o no_o more_o that_o be_v he_o shall_v make_v it_o appear_v that_o i_o be_v just_a and_o innocent_a