be_v god_n so_o here_o man_n must_v be_v merciful_a unto_o 5._o god_n or_o else_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o power_n in_o his_o word_n for_o those_o book_n only_o be_v canonical_a that_o be_v law_n in_o every_o nation_n which_o be_v establish_v for_o such_o by_o the_o sovereign_a authority_n it_o be_v true_a that_o god_n be_v the_o sovereign_n of_o all_o sovereign_n and_o therefore_o when_o he_o speak_v of_o any_o subject_a he_o ought_v to_o be_v obey_v whatsoever_o any_o earthly_a potentate_n command_v to_o the_o contrary_n but_o the_o question_n be_v not_o of_o obedience_n to_o god_n but_o of_o when_o and_o what_o god_n have_v say_v which_o to_o subject_n that_o have_v no_o supernatural_a revelation_n can_v be_v know_v but_o by_o that_o natural_a reason_n which_o guide_v they_o for_o the_o obtain_n of_o peace_n and_o justice_n to_o obey_v the_o authority_n of_o their_o several_a common_a wealth_n â—od_a that_o be_v to_o say_v of_o their_o lawful_a sovereign_n it_o seem_v then_o by_o natural_a reason_n it_o may_v be_v know_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o that_o a_o thing_n which_o none_o can_v know_v but_o those_o to_o who_o god_n have_v reveal_v it_o supernatural_o may_v yet_o be_v know_v by_o natural_a reason_n be_v so_o gross_a a_o contradiction_n as_o may_v perhaps_o puzzle_v his_o extraordinary_a wit_n to_o reconcile_v but_o whether_o it_o do_v or_o no_o it_o be_v no_o matter_n it_o suffice_v i_o that_o since_o botâ—_n part_n of_o it_o be_v the_o spawn_n of_o the_o leviathan_n he_o have_v grant_v that_o it_o may_v be_v know_v by_o natural_a reason_n but_o by_o what_o mean_v i_o pray_v do_v natural_a reason_n attain_v to_o this_o knowledge_n by_o its_o guidance_n of_o man_n to_o obedience_n to_o the_o authority_n of_o their_o several_a commonwealth_n i._n e._n of_o their_o lawful_a sovereign_n and_o how_o do_v natural_a reason_n know_v what_o book_n those_o be_v which_o lawful_a sovereign_n have_v command_v to_o be_v acknowledge_v for_o canonical_a how_o i_o say_v do_v natural_a reason_n know_v this_o but_o by_o the_o promulgation_n of_o their_o law_n and_o what_o be_v promulgation_n but_o a_o proclamation_n or_o public_a attestation_n or_o testimony_n that_o they_o be_v the_o sovereign_n law_n and_o hereupon_o we_o know_v that_o subject_n yield_v their_o assent_n that_o they_o be_v so_o but_o assent_n that_o be_v build_v upon_o testimony_n be_v faith_n not_o knowledge_n yet_o upon_o this_o the_o king_n require_v obedience_n and_o all_o good_a subject_n think_v themselves_o bind_v to_o obâ—y_n faith_n therefore_o oblige_v to_o obedience_n as_o well_o as_o knowledge_n if_o not_o then_o evident_a it_o be_v that_o the_o leviathan_n rob_v the_o king_n of_o his_o sceptre_n as_o well_o as_o god_n word_n of_o authority_n and_o iâ—_n so_o i_o can_v but_o recover_v some_o hope_n that_o one_o time_n or_o other_o this_o writing_n of_o he_o may_v fall_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o sovereign_n who_o will_v consider_v it_o he_o sâ—lf_o and_o by_o the_o exercise_n of_o entire_a sovereignty_n in_o protect_v the_o public_a not_o teach_v but_o burn_v of_o it_o convert_v it_o into_o ash_n but_o if_o faith_n i._n e._n assent_n unto_o testimony_n â—1_n do_v oblige_v unâ—o_o obedience_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o king_n why_o not_o also_o in_o reference_n to_o god_n almighty_a if_o there_o be_v no_o reâ—son_n as_o sure_o there_o be_v none_o why_o it_o shall_v not_o then_o suppose_v we_o do_v not_o know_v but_o only_o believe_v the_o scripture_n be_v god_n word_n yet_o we_o be_v thereby_o oblige_v to_o obey_v they_o 3_o all_o that_o the_o leviathan_n have_v far_a to_o say_v against_o it_o be_v that_o if_o it_o be_v not_o the_o legislative_a authority_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n that_o give_v they_o the_o force_n of_o law_n it_o must_v be_v some_o other_o authority_n derive_v from_o god_n either_o private_a or_o public_a if_o private_a it_o oblige_v only_o he_o to_o who_o in_o particular_a god_n have_v be_v please_v to_o reveal_v it_o iâ—_n public_a it_o be_v the_o authority_n 33._o of_o the_o commonwealth_n or_o of_o the_o church_n ans_fw-fr but_o suppose_v we_o shall_v deny_v his_o dilemma_n and_o say_v it_o be_v not_o the_o authority_n either_o of_o the_o commonwealth_n or_o of_o the_o church_n but_o of_o god_n himself_o immediate_o send_v his_o minister_n and_o messenger_n his_o herald_n viz._n the_o apostle_n to_o proclaim_v his_o gracious_a law_n and_o if_o they_o give_v evidence_n as_o we_o have_v abundant_o prove_v that_o they_o do_v of_o this_o their_o immediate_a mission_n from_o he_o then_o be_v these_o his_o law_n so_o sufficient_o publish_v as_o that_o no_o man_n can_v excuse_v himself_o by_o say_v he_o know_v not_o or_o can_v not_o know_v they_o be_v his_o and_o sinâ—e_o they_o be_v so_o sufficient_o publish_v according_a to_o the_o leviathan_n own_o concâ—ssion_n they_o a_o e_z law_n tâ—_n ibid._n they_o to_o who_o they_o be_v so_o and_o thus_o we_o see_v they_o be_v without_o the_o authority_n either_o of_o the_o church_n or_o commonwealth_n to_o make_v they_o so_o and_o therefore_o their_o authority_n be_v divine_a sect._n 3_o but_o leave_v he_o a_o while_n and_o his_o dangerous_a position_n let_v we_o look_v a_o little_a into_o the_o treatise_n of_o humane_a reason_n wherein_o we_o find_v pelagianism_n in_o a_o disguise_n or_o free_a will_n in_o maskerade_n for_o one_o of_o the_o error_n of_o pelagius_n be_v quòd_fw-la satis_fw-la ad_fw-la propriam_fw-la possit_fw-la confer_v salutem_fw-la arbitra_fw-la libertas_fw-la etiamsi_fw-la gratia_n desit_fw-la 1._o that_o a_o man_n own_o free_a will_n even_o without_o grace_n be_v sufficient_a for_o his_o salvation_n and_o so_o say_v this_o treatise_n be_v humane_a reason_n for_o it_o inform_v we_o that_o a_o long_a and_o serious_a debate_n about_o the_o choice_n of_o a_o guide_n to_o happiness_n can_v bring_v the_o author_n thereof_o no_o other_o but_o his_o own_o reason_n which_o say_v he_o if_o it_o take_v such_o direction_n as_o it_o ought_v and_o may_v do_v before_o it_o set_v forth_o and_o pursue_v those_o direction_n with_o care_n and_o constancy_n though_o it_o may_v possible_o lead_v i_o into_o error_n yet_o will_v bring_v i_o at_o last_o even_o through_o they_o to_o the_o purpose_a end_n of_o my_o journey_n which_o be_v 2._o happiness_n and_o let_v we_o know_v that_o this_o be_v no_o peculiar_a excellency_n of_o his_o reason_n the_o next_o page_n tell_v we_o this_o be_v the_o only_a north_n star_n which_o god_n have_v give_v we_o for_o the_o right_n steer_v of_o our_o course_n and_o afterward_o it_o say_v that_o every_o man_n particular_a reason_n if_o well_o follow_v i._n e._n with_o constancy_n diligence_n and_o sobriety_n will_v infallible_o carry_v he_o at_o 28._o last_o though_o perhaps_o through_o many_o tedious_a and_o troublesome_a wander_n to_o his_o eternal_a happiness_n this_o be_v there_o affirm_v of_o reason_n in_o contradistinction_n to_o whâ—â—soever_o other_o guide_n you_o pitch_v on_o whether_o it_o be_v the_o scripture_n spirit_n church_n past_a or_o present_a or_o any_o thing_n else_o imaginable_a it_o be_v therefore_o somewhat_o more_o than_o probable_a that_o our_o reason_n in_o some_o kind_n of_o opposition_n to_o revelation_n be_v that_o which_o that_o treatise_n will_v have_v we_o take_v for_o our_o infallible_a guide_n to_o happiness_n but_o if_o this_o be_v our_o guide_n whence_o be_v it_o that_o it_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o take_v direction_n before_o it_o set_v forth_o what_o a_o guide_n and_o take_v direction_n this_o be_v such_o a_o solecism_n as_o evacuate_v all_o pretence_n to_o the_o ability_n of_o a_o guide_n and_o speak_v it_o a_o stranger_n in_o the_o way_n or_o at_o least_o not_o well_o acquaint_v with_o it_o since_o than_o reason_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o take_v direction_n before_o it_o set_v forth_o it_o be_v but_o a_o traveller_n not_o a_o guide_n unless_o it_o be_v a_o blind_a one_o in_o the_o way_n to_o happiness_n and_o indeed_o if_o it_o be_v not_o so_o what_o need_n have_v man_n of_o any_o other_o and_o if_o no_o need_n of_o another_o to_o what_o end_n be_v christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n prophet_n whence_o be_v it_o that_o through_o the_o tender_a mercy_n of_o our_o 79._o god_n the_o dayspring_n from_o on_o high_a have_v visit_v we_o to_o give_v light_n to_o they_o that_o sit_v in_o darkness_n and_o to_o guide_v our_o foot_n into_o the_o way_n of_o peace_n if_o man_n can_v have_v see_v this_o way_n by_o the_o light_n of_o humane_a reason_n what_o necessity_n be_v there_o that_o the_o dayspring_n from_o on_o high_a shall_v visit_v they_o on_o purpose_n to_o guide_n their_o foot_n into_o it_o but_o since_o so_o it_o do_v we_o must_v either_o charge_n god_n foolish_o and_o set_v his_o tender_a mercy_n at_o nought_o or_o else_o we_o must_v confess_v that_o
their_o fault_n if_o they_o do_v not_o receive_v benefit_n by_o they_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v so_o sufficient_o attest_v as_o that_o be_v it_o not_o for_o prejudice_n or_o laziness_n inadvertence_n or_o one_o such_o vice_n or_o other_o i_o very_o think_v there_o neither_o be_v nor_o ever_o be_v any_o consider_a man_n in_o the_o world_n but_o either_o he_o be_v or_o may_v thereby_o have_v be_v convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o doctrine_n and_o so_o bless_v by_o the_o excellency_n of_o their_o religion_n as_o that_o his_o mind_n shall_v no_o long_o be_v blind_v with_o superstition_n or_o fluctuate_v in_o uncertainty_n but_o shall_v know_v assure_o where_o to_o have_v the_o most_o perfect_a object_n of_o all_o his_o faculty_n how_o great_a then_o i_o say_v be_v the_o goodness_n of_o these_o miracle_n that_o confirm_v such_o a_o treasure_n unto_o we_o how_o plain_o do_v it_o show_v their_o descent_n from_o the_o essential_a and_o eternal_a goodness_n viz._n god_n himself_o for_o who_o but_o a_o almighty_a goodness_n can_v be_v author_n of_o such_o production_n such_o unparalleled_a instance_n of_o love_n and_o kindness_n such_o inimitable_a beneficence_n so_o immense_a and_o immix_v a_o goodness_n from_o who_o can_v it_o come_v but_o from_o god_n who_o be_v love_n and_o goodness_n itself_o in_o my_o apprehension_n therefore_o the_o goodness_n of_o these_o miracle_n show_v as_o plain_o that_o they_o be_v the_o work_n of_o god_n in_o testimony_n to_o his_o word_n as_o the_o image_n and_o superscription_n on_o the_o money_n do_v that_o the_o coin_n be_v caesar_n let_v we_o then_o lay_v all_o these_o thing_n together_o viz_o that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n do_v take_v upon_o they_o the_o office_n of_o prophet_n and_o that_o have_v the_o antecedent_n to_o or_o concomitant_a attendant_n on_o the_o prophetic_a spirit_n they_o therein_o neither_o be_v deceive_v nor_o have_v a_o design_n to_o deceive_v other_o and_o by_o their_o prediction_n exact_o accomplish_v it_o appear_v that_o they_o have_v such_o certain_a foreknowledge_n as_o no_o man_n by_o any_o art_n or_o science_n whatever_o can_v possible_o have_v of_o god_n eternal_a purpose_n concern_v future_a contingence_n and_o beside_o this_o supernatural_a knowledge_n to_o confirm_v their_o doctrine_n or_o demonstrate_v their_o mission_n from_o god_n to_o teach_v it_o they_o wrought_v such_o miracle_n as_o in_o the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o their_o nature_n and_o the_o incomparableness_n of_o their_o number_n greatness_n and_o goodness_n do_v most_o evident_o and_o eminent_o appear_v to_o be_v the_o work_n of_o god_n and_o consequent_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n who_o do_v they_o be_v teacher_n of_o such_o a_o excellent_a wisdom_n as_o the_o world_n know_v not_o before_o be_v therein_o inspire_v by_o god_n and_o so_o prophet_n chap._n vi_o some_o use_n that_o may_v be_v make_v of_o this_o doctrine_n thus_o have_v we_o pass_v through_o the_o several_a part_n of_o the_o propose_a method_n and_o in_o so_o do_v have_v i_o hope_v find_v the_o truth_n of_o our_o assertion_n sufficient_o evince_v and_o if_o so_o it_o be_v than_o thence_o sure_o we_o may_v see_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o christian_a religion_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o insufficiency_n of_o humane_a reason_n and_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o christian_a faith_n hope_n and_o practice_n sect._n 1_o 1._o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o christian_a religion_n it_o be_v not_o of_o so_o base_a and_o low_a a_o extraction_n as_o to_o spring_v from_o a_o opinion_n of_o ghost_n or_o ignorance_n of_o 12._o second_o cause_n devotion_n towards_o what_o man_n fear_v or_o the_o mistake_n of_o thing_n casual_a for_o prognostic_n but_o it_o be_v a_o heavenborn_a thing_n it_o descend_v from_o the_o father_n of_o light_n it_o derive_v its_o pedigree_n from_o god_n himself_o and_o have_v the_o image_n not_o only_o of_o his_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n but_o likewise_o of_o his_o dominion_n and_o lordship_n enstamp_v upon_o it_o in_o so_o much_o that_o it_o bring_v its_o own_o obligation_n along_o with_o it_o and_o make_v it_o not_o only_o convenient_a but_o necessary_a not_o only_a prudence_n in_o we_o but_o duty_n to_o receive_v it_o for_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v prophet_n do_v not_o only_o teach_v it_o by_o god_n commandment_n and_o direrection_n ibid._n but_o also_o in_o so_o do_v they_o lay_v the_o high_a obligation_n that_o can_v be_v on_o all_o to_o receive_v it_o god_n we_o know_v be_v the_o supreme_a lord_n the_o fountain_n of_o all_o just_a authority_n be_v in_o he_o as_o therefore_o watâ—rs_n drink_n sweet_a out_o of_o a_o fountain_n so_o those_o law_n that_o come_v as_o the_o word_n of_o prophecy_n do_v immediate_o from_o god_n have_v the_o high_a majesty_n and_o authority_n enstamp_v upon_o they_o for_o this_o cause_n the_o jew_n when_o they_o be_v assure_v of_o any_o man_n call_v to_o the_o prophetic_a office_n think_v themselves_o oblige_v and_o bind_v to_o obey_v he_o in_o all_o thing_n except_o idolatry_n yea_o though_o he_o require_v the_o omission_n of_o the_o affirmative_a or_o the_o do_n of_o the_o negative_a precept_n of_o their_o law_n notwithstanding_o their_o mighty_a zeal_n for_o their_o law_n and_o the_o profound_a reverence_n they_o have_v for_o moses_n their_o master_n yet_o they_o judge_v it_o their_o indispensable_a duty_n in_o all_o thing_n to_o obey_v the_o prophet_n and_o whosoever_o will_v not_o they_o hold_v worthy_a and_o guilty_a of_o death_n by_o the_o immediate_a hand_n of_o heaven_n this_o be_v the_o opinion_n of_o their_o wise_a man_n in_o the_o talmud_n where_o they_o say_v in_o all_o thing_n except_o idolatry_n if_o a_o prophet_n zâ—r_n say_v unto_o thou_o transgress_v the_o law_n thou_o shall_v obey_v he_o and_o good_a reason_n too_o for_o a_o prophet_n be_v 36._o god_n spokesman_n to_o the_o people_n his_o herald_n to_o proclaim_v his_o law_n there_o be_v good_a reason_n he_o shall_v be_v hear_v and_o attend_v to_o whosoever_o else_o be_v neglect_v the_o reason_n be_v because_o the_o word_n of_o prophecy_n come_v immediate_o from_o god_n be_v clothe_v with_o his_o authority_n and_o if_o where_o the_o word_n of_o a_o king_n be_v there_o be_v power_n much_o more_o methinks_v be_v there_o where_o the_o word_n of_o he_o be_v by_o who_o king_n reign_n have_v not_o this_o be_v the_o dictate_v of_o natural_a reason_n numa_n pompilius_n and_o other_o ancient_a lawgiver_n among_o the_o heathen_n have_v be_v very_o foolish_a as_o well_o as_o false_a in_o pretend_v to_o have_v receive_v their_o law_n from_o the_o god_n but_o man_n natural_a reason_n tell_v they_o that_o the_o high_a authority_n of_o man_n be_v far_o inferior_a to_o that_o of_o god_n this_o politic_a pretence_n be_v think_v a_o very_a effectual_a engine_n to_o make_v man_n obedient_a to_o their_o law_n and_o this_o engine_n we_o see_v be_v to_o stand_v upon_o the_o ground_n that_o god_n above_o all_o be_v to_o be_v obey_v since_o than_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v prophet_n those_o be_v no_o good_a subject_n unto_o god_n yea_o they_o be_v worse_o than_o jew_n or_o heathen_n that_o deny_v the_o religion_n that_o they_o have_v teach_v we_o to_o have_v power_n of_o bind_v we_o to_o receive_v it_o obj._n yet_o the_o leviathan_n will_v have_v it_o in_o and_o of_o itself_o to_o have_v none_o for_o it_o faith_n express_o the_o precept_n repent_v be_v baptise_a keep_v the_o commandment_n believe_v the_o gospel_n come_v unto_o i_o sell_v all_o that_o thou_o have_v give_v it_o to_o the_o poor_a and_o follow_v i_o be_v not_o command_n but_o invitation_n and_o calling_n of_o mâ—n_z to_o christianity_n like_o that_o of_o isaiah_n ho_o every_o man_n 1_o that_o thirst_v come_v you_o to_o the_o water_n come_v and_o 42._o buy_v wine_n and_o milk_n without_o money_n ans_fw-fr the_o difference_n between_o precept_n and_o command_n especial_o in_o point_n of_o obligation_n i_o be_o hardly_o so_o subtle_a as_o to_o understand_v i_o have_v read_v indeed_o that_o the_o jew_n put_v a_o difference_n between_o law_n statute_n and_o judgement_n but_o hardly_o ever_o that_o either_o they_o oâ—_n the_o gentile_n find_v any_o between_o precept_n and_o command_n but_o this_o be_v a_o matter_n too_o trivial_a to_o be_v debate_v whether_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o profound_a piâ—ce_n of_o subtlety_n or_o a_o contradiction_n i_o shall_v not_o now_o take_v upon_o i_o to_o determine_v but_o let_v it_o pass_v as_o a_o specimen_fw-la of_o that_o extraordinary_a wit_n which_o the_o treatise_n of_o human_a reason_n observe_v in_o that_o author_n we_o shall_v inquire_v why_o he_o â—aith_v so_o viz._n why_o he_o â—aith_v that_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o its_o calling_n of_o man_n to_o christianity_n have_v not_o the_o obligation_n of_o command_n in_o they_o his_o reason_n be_v
these_o evangelist_n shall_v write_v without_o their_o knowledge_n and_o approbation_n especial_o consider_v that_o tertullian_n faith_n s._n mark_v gospel_n may_v be_v affirm_v to_o be_v st._n peter_n and_o st._n luke_n the_o apostolical_a church_n be_v wont_n to_o ascribe_v 5_o unto_o st._n paul_n insomuch_o that_o st._n hierom_n it_o seem_v affirm_v that_o this_o be_v the_o gospel_n which_o st._n 16._o paul_n call_v his._n what_o shadow_n of_o probability_n have_v 58._o there_o be_v in_o these_o assertion_n if_o these_o evangelist_n have_v not_o have_v at_o least_o the_o approbation_n of_o these_o apostle_n in_o their_o write_n and_o approve_a it_o seem_v they_o be_v by_o st._n john_n as_o well_o as_o they_o for_o eusebius_n report_v the_o tradition_n of_o the_o church_n inform_v we_o that_o when_o the_o write_n of_o these_o evangelist_n be_v come_v unto_o he_o he_o approve_v of_o they_o and_o give_v they_o his_o testimony_n to_o their_o truth_n only_o â—e_v desire_v that_o in_o these_o write_n there_o â—ad_v be_v a_o account_n give_v of_o those_o thing_n which_o christ_n do_v when_o he_o first_o begin_v to_o preach_v and_o that_o that_o be_v say_v be_v true_a for_o it_o may_v be_v discern_v that_o these_o thrâ—â—_n evangelist_n viz._n st._n matthew_n st._n mark_n and_o st._n luke_n have_v commit_v to_o write_v only_o thâ—se_a thing_n which_o our_o saviour_n do_v in_o the_o space_n of_o a_o year_n after_o the_o imprisonment_n and_o captivity_n of_o st._n john_n the_o baptist_n they_o say_v therefore_o that_o st._n john_n the_o apostle_n bathe_v deliver_v in_o his_o gospel_n 24._o the_o thing_n which_o our_o saviour_n do_v in_o that_o space_n of_o time_n which_o the_o former_a evangelist_n â—ad_v pass_v over_o in_o silence_n the_o time_n namely_o before_o the_o imprisonment_n of_o the_o baptist_n a_o observation_n not_o unworthy_a of_o our_o notice_n but_o at_o present_a we_o have_v no_o use_n for_o any_o part_n of_o it_o but_o only_o the_o beginning_n viz._n that_o st._n john_n the_o apostle_n do_v not_o only_o approve_v of_o but_o add_v his_o authority_n to_o the_o gospel_n of_o st._n mark_n and_o st._n luke_n which_o testimony_n of_o eusebius_n or_o rather_o of_o the_o church_n by_o he_o be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o credible_a because_o justin_n martyr_n in_o many_o place_n of_o his_o work_n call_v these_o as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o gospel_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o commemoration_n â—apâ—usculè_fw-la or_o narration_n of_o the_o apostle_n but_o this_o they_o can_v not_o be_v unless_o as_o tertullian_n faith_n the_o evangelical_n instrument_n â—ad_v for_o its_o â—_z the_o apostle_n on_o who_o the_o lord_n impose_v the_o office_n of_o promulgate_a the_o gospel_n or_o if_o apostolical_a man_n have_v any_o hand_n in_o it_o yet_o not_o alone_o but_o with_o the_o apostle_n and_o after_o the_o apostle_n because_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o disciple_n may_v be_v suspect_v of_o vain_a glory_n if_o it_o have_v not_o â—ad_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o master_n yea_o of_o christ_n 2._o who_o make_v the_o apostle_n master_n to_o assist_v it_o and_o have_v the_o assistance_n of_o their_o authority_n it_o be_v very_o evident_a that_o since_o they_o be_v prophet_n the_o truth_n and_o authority_n of_o these_o write_n muâ—â—_n needs_o be_v divine_a lucae_n the_o author_n of_o they_o write_v as_o origen_n faith_n by_o inspiration_n and_o so_o clear_a have_v this_o argument_n heretofore_o be_v think_v by_o its_o own_o light_n as_o that_o among_o the_o jew_n it_o be_v a_o rule_n that_o of_o whosoever_o a_o prophet_n bear_v witness_v that_o he_o be_v a_o prophâ—t_n 9_o he_o shall_v be_v receive_v as_o a_o prophet_n neither_o shall_v there_o any_o far_a trial_n be_v make_v of_o he_o since_o then_o the_o apostle_n be_v prophet_n and_o do_v either_o write_v or_o approve_v of_o and_o authorize_v all_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n wherein_o also_o they_o give_v testimony_n to_o those_o of_o the_o old_a that_o they_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n we_o ought_v to_o acquiesce_v and_o cease_v from_o make_v a_o doubt_n of_o it_o shall_v conclude_v that_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o whole_a bible_n be_v divine_a 1_o but_o it_o be_v manifest_a faith_n the_o leviathan_n that_o none_o can_v know_v the_o scripture_n be_v god_n word_n though_o all_o true_a christian_n believe_v it_o but_o those_o 33._o to_o who_o god_n himself_o â—ath_v reveal_v it_o supernatural_o anâ—_n it_o be_v manifest_a yes_o that_o it_o be_v very_o good_a but_o i_o pray_v what_o make_v it_o so_o why_o the_o sole_a authority_n of_o the_o leviathan_n and_o let_v i_o tell_v you_o you_o will_v never_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v his_o disciple_n unless_o he_o have_v power_n enough_o over_o you_o to_o make_v you_o think_v so_o for_o he_o be_v â—o_o authentic_a a_o teacher_n as_o that_o he_o often_o suggett_v such_o principle_n as_o this_o upon_o his_o bare_a word_n and_o this_o you_o must_v take_v although_o perhaps_o you_o have_v good_a reason_n to_o the_o contrary_n if_o you_o be_v so_o ill_o nature_a as_o to_o deny_v he_o this_o little_a postulatum_fw-la you_o spoil_v all_o and_o leave_v no_o hope_n that_o ever_o you_o will_v be_v of_o his_o opinion_n for_o a_o instance_n of_o this_o you_o need_v not_o seek_v far_o there_o be_v one_o before_o you_o for_o what_o be_v knowledge_n but_o a_o firm_a certain_a and_o evident_a assent_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o proposition_n and_o our_o assent_n to_o that_o under_o debate_n viz._n that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n seem_v to_o have_v all_o these_o degree_n of_o perfection_n in_o it_o for_o it_o be_v firm_a because_o without_o hesitation_n and_o doubt_v it_o be_v certain_a because_o build_v upon_o such_o sure_a and_o solid_a foundation_n as_o can_v be_v make_v unable_a to_o bear_v it_o and_o it_o be_v evident_a because_o it_o be_v evident_o and_o plain_o deduce_v from_o the_o next_o and_o immediate_a cause_n of_o any_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n namely_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n but_o whether_o or_o no_o according_a to_o the_o strict_a and_o rigorous_a definition_n of_o philosopher_n it_o be_v knowledge_n proper_o so_o call_v it_o be_v not_o material_a to_o inquire_v because_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a that_o so_o it_o shall_v be_v for_o as_o in_o all_o art_n and_o science_n firm_a assent_n to_o first_o principle_n by_o what_o mean_v soever_o it_o be_v attain_v be_v sufficient_a for_o learner_n so_o here_o the_o chief_a design_n of_o holy_a scripture_n be_v to_o teach_v we_o knowledge_n of_o thing_n supernatural_a and_o our_o assent_n to_o the_o divinity_n of_o its_o authority_n be_v one_o of_o the_o first_o premise_n requisite_a to_o our_o attainment_n of_o that_o knowledge_n it_o have_v need_v only_o to_o be_v firm_a because_o firmness_n of_o assent_n thereunto_o be_v of_o itself_o sufficient_a to_o make_v we_o learn_v believe_v and_o obey_v the_o scripture_n as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o be_v evident_a by_o the_o example_n of_o all_o those_o pious_a and_o good_a man_n who_o although_o illiterate_a do_v yet_o take_v heed_n thereunto_o as_o to_o the_o rule_n that_o god_n have_v give_v they_o both_o of_o their_o faith_n and_o practice_n this_o they_o do_v although_o they_o can_v give_v no_o other_o reason_n why_o they_o think_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v so_o than_o because_o they_o be_v general_o receive_v as_o such_o and_o vogue_v to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n these_o man_n it_o be_v confess_v do_v not_o know_v but_o only_o believe_v that_o they_o be_v so_o yet_o their_o faith_n be_v steadfast_a i._n e._n their_o assent_n firm_a they_o we_o see_v do_v learn_v believe_v and_o obey_v they_o as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n 2_o but_o this_o be_v more_o than_o they_o need_v to_o do_v for_o he_o to_o who_o god_n have_v not_o supernatural_o reveal_v that_o they_o be_v his_o nor_o that_o those_o that_o publish_v they_o be_v send_v by_o he_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o obey_v they_o by_o any_o authority_n but_o he_o who_o command_n have_v already_o the_o force_n of_o law_n that_o be_v to_o say_v by_o any_o other_o authority_n than_o that_o of_o the_o common_a wealth_n reside_v in_o ibid._n the_o sovereign_n who_o only_o have_v the_o legislative_a power_n the_o postulatum_fw-la before_o mention_v be_v obtrude_v upon_o we_o because_o it_o be_v big_a with_o this_o monster_n ans_fw-fr which_o the_o leviathan_n have_v midwife_v into_o the_o world_n with_o its_o unhallowed_a mouth_n against_o heaven_n absolve_v as_o much_o as_o in_o that_o lie_v all_o man_n live_v from_o obedience_n to_o the_o word_n of_o their_o maker_n unless_o the_o common_a wealth_n require_v it_o this_o put_v i_o in_o mind_n of_o the_o roman_a senate_n decree_n and_o tertullia_n irrision_n of_o it_o that_o unless_o god_n please_v man_n he_o shall_v not_o
immediate_a right_n of_o sovereignty_n over_o we_o for_o right_o in_o general_a be_v little_a or_o nothing_o else_o but_o that_o which_o be_v just_a or_o the_o object_n of_o justice_n viz._n that_o equity_n which_o justice_n do_v constitute_v and_o preserve_v the_o right_a of_o sovereignty_n muâ—t_v arise_v immediate_o from_o that_o whereby_o the_o sovereign_n do_v just_o acquire_v that_o relation_n to_o his_o subject_n for_o this_o cause_n also_o god_n right_a of_o sovereignty_n can_v arise_v mere_o and_o immediate_o from_o his_o sole_a irresistible_a power_n absolute_o consider_v because_o as_o such_o it_o neither_o cause_v a_o relation_n between_o we_o nor_o confer_v any_o such_o benefit_n upon_o we_o as_o make_v it_o just_a and_o equal_a either_o for_o he_o to_o claim_v or_o for_o we_o to_o yield_v he_o such_o sovereign_a authority_n over_o we_o if_o therefore_o we_o shall_v admit_v the_o rudiment_n strange_a supposition_n viz._n that_o there_o have_v be_v a_o man_n who_o so_o far_o 5._o exceed_v the_o rest_n in_o power_n as_o that_o all_o of_o they_o with_o join_v force_n can_v not_o have_v resist_v he_o yet_o by_o this_o excess_n of_o power_n without_o any_o overtact_n or_o exercise_n of_o it_o for_o the_o general_a good_a of_o other_o nature_n will_v perhaps_o have_v give_v he_o ability_n but_o no_o more_o right_o to_o rule_v the_o rest_n than_o highway_n man_n have_v to_o my_o money_n by_o their_o force_n which_o i_o be_o not_o able_a to_o resist_v the_o conclusion_n therefore_o be_v that_o though_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o supereminence_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n it_o be_v impossible_a for_o god_n to_o do_v any_o wrong_n yet_o the_o next_o and_o immediate_a right_n of_o his_o sovereignty_n be_v something_o whereby_o he_o do_v most_o just_o acquire_v that_o relation_n to_o we_o and_o what_o can_v we_o imagine_v this_o to_o be_v but_o his_o incomparable_a goodness_n and_o inestimable_a bounty_n to_o we_o in_o our_o creation_n preservation_n and_o redemption_n a_o relation_n to_o god_n it_o be_v manifest_a we_o have_v from_o these_o act_n of_o his_o towards_o we_o and_o that_o that_o of_o subject_n to_o he_o as_o sovereign_n do_v result_v therefrom_o be_v so_o evident_a to_o every_o man_n reason_n as_o that_o the_o whole_a world_n as_o it_o be_v with_o one_o mouth_n do_v confess_v it_o for_o every_o man_n much_o more_o have_v god_n have_v power_n over_o the_o work_n of_o his_o own_o hand_n and_o every_o man_n ought_v to_o obey_v he_o by_o 102._o who_o he_o be_v preserve_v and_o much_o more_o methinks_v aught_o he_o so_o to_o do_v if_o also_o he_o be_v by_o he_o redeem_v it_o be_v therefore_o most_o just_a and_o equal_a that_o the_o first_o author_n of_o our_o be_v preservation_n and_o redemption_n shall_v have_v the_o pre-eminence_n of_o rule_n over_o we_o from_o hence_o then_o it_o be_v that_o god_n have_v his_o right_n to_o rule_n and_o to_o punish_v those_o that_o break_v his_o law_n and_o from_o hence_o it_o follow_v that_o whatsoever_o there_o be_v in_o creation_n providence_n or_o redemption_n to_o oblige_v we_o that_o there_o be_v in_o god_n commandment_n to_o bind_v we_o to_o obedience_n here_o than_o i_o may_v be_v very_o large_a but_o because_o the_o province_n that_o i_o have_v undertake_v reach_v no_o far_a than_o the_o gospel_n i_o shall_v only_o show_v that_o by_o the_o redemption_n thereby_o make_v know_v unto_o we_o god_n have_v renew_v his_o right_n to_o rule_v we_o together_o with_o the_o obligation_n that_o thence_o arise_v upon_o we_o to_o keep_v his_o commandment_n in_o order_n to_o a_o distinct_a and_o clear_a declaration_n hereof_o it_o will_v be_v requisite_a to_o take_v a_o brief_a view_n of_o our_o state_n by_o nature_n without_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o the_o gospel_n of_o his_o son_n and_o this_o i_o suppose_v most_o christian_n know_v to_o have_v be_v a_o state_n of_o sin_n against_o god_n and_o of_o vassalage_n or_o subjection_n to_o the_o devil_n such_o it_o seem_v be_v the_o malicious_a pride_n of_o the_o fall_v angel_n as_o that_o soon_o after_o the_o creation_n they_o shake_v off_o obedience_n to_o god_n and_o choose_v to_o contend_v with_o he_o for_o the_o supremacy_n and_o government_n of_o all_o his_o other_o creature_n whereupon_o man_n be_v the_o lord_n under_o god_n of_o all_o the_o low_a world_n the_o serpent_n tempt_v he_o to_o transgress_v and_o rebel_v as_o he_o himself_o have_v do_v against_o his_o maker_n in_o this_o temptation_n he_o be_v we_o know_v so_o unhappy_o successful_a as_o that_o man_n revolt_v from_o god_n his_o natural_a lord_n and_o sovereign_n and_o become_v subject_a unto_o satan_n not_o that_o adam_n do_v avowed_o renounce_v his_o duty_n unto_o god_n but_o that_o as_o ireneus_fw-la say_v 3â—_n he_o become_v the_o first_o vessel_n of_o the_o devil_n possession_n and_o he_o hold_v he_o under_o his_o power_n insomuch_o that_o he_o can_v not_o recover_v his_o primitive_a innocence_n and_o immortality_n but_o be_v necessitate_v to_o involve_v himself_o and_o his_o posterity_n yet_o far_o in_o the_o grief_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o snare_n of_o death_n for_o by_o this_o fall_n it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o nature_n of_o every_o man_n that_o be_v natural_o engender_v of_o the_o offspring_n of_o adam_n be_v very_o far_o go_v from_o original_a righteousness_n and_o be_v of_o itself_o incline_v unto_o evil_a so_o that_o the_o flâ—sh_n lust_v against_o arti._n the_o spirit_n and_o therefore_o in_o every_o person_n bear_v into_o the_o world_n it_o deserve_v god_n wrath_n and_o damnation_n and_o this_o degeneracy_n or_o corruption_n of_o our_o humane_a nature_n do_v certain_o give_v the_o devil_n so_o great_a a_o advantage_n over_o we_o as_o that_o he_o will_v sure_o detain_v we_o in_o his_o service_n for_o he_o have_v overcome_v our_o first_o parent_n by_o his_o temptation_n seem_v to_o have_v claim_v they_o for_o he_o by_o a_o kind_n of_o right_n by_o conquest_n over_o they_o and_o all_o man_n in_o their_o successive_a generation_n be_v descend_v from_o they_o after_o their_o revolt_n and_o apostasy_n from_o god_n seem_v in_o a_o sort_n to_o be_v bear_v in_o his_o subjection_n and_o be_v certain_o less_o able_a than_o they_o be_v to_o withstand_v his_o temptation_n and_o forasmuch_o as_o he_o neither_o ever_o do_v nor_o ever_o will_v neglect_v therewith_o to_o assault_v they_o and_o that_o if_o need_v be_v to_o the_o utmost_a of_o his_o power_n it_o be_v manifest_a that_o in_o the_o state_n of_o nature_n without_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o the_o gospel_n of_o his_o son_n we_o either_o whole_o surrender_v our_o sâ—lves_n to_o the_o sâ—ductions_n of_o the_o devil_n or_o â—lse_o we_o make_v too_o feeble_a a_o resistance_n oâ—_n too_o weak_a a_o opposition_n against_o they_o since_o satan_n conquer_v our_o first_o parents_n while_n there_o be_v nothing_o in_o they_o of_o a_o evil_a inclination_n certain_a it_o be_v to_o our_o reason_n that_o since_o of_o our_o own_o nature_n we_o be_v incline_v unto_o evil_n he_o will_v undoubted_o keep_v we_o in_o his_o subjection_n either_o by_o his_o fraud_n or_o by_o his_o force_n by_o his_o subâ—ilâ—y_n or_o his_o strength_n he_o will_v make_v the_o tendency_n of_o our_o heart_n life_n and_o action_n more_o to_o his_o pernicious_a design_n than_o to_o godâ—_n glory_n and_o thus_o it_o ever_o will_v have_v be_v without_o a_o almighty_a arm_n to_o help_v we_o and_o although_o in_o this_o universal_a monarchy_n the_o devil_n be_v a_o tyrant_n and_o usurper_n 10._o yet_o because_o it_o become_v he_o for_o who_o be_v all_o thing_n and_o by_o who_o be_v all_o thing_n in_o bring_v many_o son_n unto_o glâ—ry_n to_o makâ—_n the_o captain_n of_o thâ—ir_a salvation_n perfect_a through_o suffering_n infinite_a wisdom_n do_v not_o think_v fit_a to_o rescue_v we_o out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o satan_n by_o the_o almighty_a force_n of_o mere_a omnipotence_n but_o be_v please_v to_o choose_v another_o a_o fair_a and_o more_o noble_a way_n for_o our_o redemption_n and_o that_o be_v to_o raise_v up_o one_o in_o our_o nature_n who_o shall_v not_o only_o conquer_v satan_n at_o his_o own_o weapon_n and_o so_o dissolve_v his_o seem_a right_o of_o conquest_n over_o we_o but_o also_o shall_v make_v atonement_n and_o satisfaction_n to_o god_n for_o our_o offeveâ—s_n and_o shall_v afterwards_o be_v able_a to_o succour_v they_o that_o be_v tempt_v now_o all_o these_o three_o part_n of_o redemption_n be_v undertake_v and_o be_v most_o happy_o accomplish_v by_o our_o blessed_a lord_n jesus_n partly_o in_o his_o temptation_n and_o suffering_n for_o we_o and_o partly_o in_o his_o state_n of_o exaltation_n far_o above_o we_o in_o order_n to_o make_v manifest_a the_o truth_n hereof_o it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o observe_v that_o the_o whole_a world_n be_v a_o kind_n of_o armoury_n from_o whence_o the_o
can_v admit_v of_o no_o demonstration_n but_o that_o of_o the_o spirit_n and_o this_o indeed_o be_v make_v à _fw-la posteriori_fw-la yet_o not_o from_o the_o constant_a and_o ordinary_a phaenomena_n of_o nature_n but_o from_o thing_n novel_a and_o anomalous_a such_o as_o prediction_n and_o miracle_n purposely_o design_v for_o that_o end_n and_o this_o be_v the_o way_n of_o prove_v the_o gospel_n to_o be_v divine_a far_o more_o decent_a and_o proper_a than_o any_o other_o because_o it_o become_v the_o majesty_n of_o god_n and_o conciliate_n authority_n to_o his_o word_n by_o make_v 5._o our_o faith_n to_o stand_v not_o in_o the_o wisdom_n of_o man_n but_o on_o the_o power_n of_o god_n now_o to_o show_v that_o this_o demonstration_n be_v abundant_o make_v by_o the_o spirit_n in_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v the_o great_a design_n of_o this_o treatise_n which_o be_v write_v on_o a_o occasion_n of_o a_o command_n lay_v on_o i_o by_o your_o lordship_n be_v by_o i_o humble_o offer_v to_o the_o honour_n of_o your_o lordship_n view_n and_o have_v attain_v thereunto_o your_o lordship_n it_o seem_v be_v please_v to_o condescend_v so_o far_o as_o to_o read_v over_o as_o much_o as_o your_o lordship_n time_n will_v give_v leave_n and_o then_o to_o return_v it_o with_o many_o thanks_o to_o i_o for_o my_o good_a pain_n as_o your_o lordship_n be_v please_v to_o call_v they_o wise_o place_v on_o so_o worthy_a a_o theme_n together_o with_o such_o other_o expression_n of_o your_o lordship_n approbation_n as_o neither_o i_o do_v expect_v nor_o as_o i_o fear_v do_v the_o treatise_n deserve_v but_o i_o submit_v to_o your_o lordship_n judgement_n and_o have_v i_o not_o so_o do_v this_o treatise_n have_v be_v bury_v in_o obscurity_n with_o its_o author_n but_o have_v that_o encouragement_n i_o think_v myself_o sufficient_o arm_v against_o all_o elation_n or_o dejection_n of_o mind_n at_o the_o various_a censure_n that_o may_v possible_o be_v pass_v upon_o it_o if_o it_o shall_v come_v abroad_o because_o i_o neither_o know_v nor_o be_o like_a to_o mâ—et_v with_o any_o more_o able_a to_o judge_v of_o such_o matter_n or_o impartial_a in_o judge_v than_o your_o lordship_n hereupon_o i_o give_v my_o consent_n to_o its_o be_v make_v public_a and_o for_o its_o free_a passage_n among_o man_n in_o this_o decline_a age_n of_o christianity_n i_o be_o humble_o bold_a to_o let_v the_o world_n know_v that_o your_o lordship_n be_v thus_o far_o concern_v therein_o and_o forasmuch_o as_o it_o contend_v for_o that_o faith_n which_o be_v once_o deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n which_o be_v at_o this_o day_n god_n be_v thank_v most_o excellent_o establish_v and_o most_o merciful_o preserve_v in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n whereof_o also_o your_o lordship_n very_o deserve_o be_v one_o of_o the_o chief_a minister_n with_o all_o humble_a confidence_n i_o persuade_v myself_o that_o for_o so_o do_v your_o lordship_n will_v either_o not_o be_v offend_v at_o or_o will_v easy_o pardon_v your_o lordship_n very_a much_o oblige_v in_o all_o duty_n and_o humble_a observance_n w._n h._n to_o the_o reader_n in_o this_o treatise_n you_o will_v find_v christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n put_v together_o in_o one_o proposition_n the_o meaning_n whereof_o be_v not_o either_o that_o our_o bless_a lord_n jesus_n be_v no_o more_o nor_o no_o other_o than_o a_o prophet_n or_o that_o the_o humane_a nature_n of_o christ_n have_v no_o high_a a_o degree_n than_o the_o apostle_n have_v of_o immediate_a illumination_n for_o be_v hypostatical_o unite_v to_o the_o divine_a it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o believe_v it_o have_v such_o communication_n of_o knowledge_n therefrom_o as_o be_v vouchsase_v to_o no_o other_o man_n whatever_o but_o the_o meaning_n be_v that_o the_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n have_v gracious_o be_v please_v to_o take_v our_o nature_n upon_o he_o make_v of_o a_o woman_n make_v under_o the_o law_n to_o redeem_v they_o that_o be_v under_o the_o law_n find_v it_o expedient_a in_o order_n to_o this_o end_n for_o he_o to_o execute_v the_o office_n of_o a_o prophet_n and_o to_o inspire_v his_o apostle_n with_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n that_o so_o he_o do_v lie_v we_o know_v at_o the_o bottom_n of_o our_o christian_a faith_n whoever_o believe_v the_o gospel_n to_o be_v of_o god_n do_v in_o a_o sort_n suppose_v it_o and_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v for_o whatever_o religion_n be_v divine_a must_v needs_o be_v either_o natural_a or_o reveal_v if_o reveal_v than_o the_o first_o preacher_n of_o it_o be_v prophet_n because_o prophecy_n be_v the_o only_a way_n whereby_o reveal_v truth_n either_o be_v or_o can_v be_v dispense_v unto_o we_o for_o very_o evident_a it_o be_v that_o the_o positive_a truth_n of_o god_n beside_o or_o above_o what_o be_v natural_a can_v no_o way_n be_v make_v know_v unto_o we_o but_o by_o a_o free_a influx_n of_o the_o divine_a mind_n upon_o we_o since_o therefore_o as_o all_o agree_v that_o though_o christianity_n do_v most_o high_o befriend_v natural_a theology_n yet_o itself_o if_o it_o be_v of_o god_n be_v reveal_v it_o must_v be_v conclude_v that_o christ_n the_o author_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o his_o apostle_n the_o first_o preacher_n of_o it_o be_v prophet_n yet_o among_o the_o many_o good_a book_n that_o have_v either_o heretofore_o or_o late_o be_v write_v to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n i_o have_v neither_o see_v nor_o ever_o hear_v of_o any_o purposely_o write_v and_o direct_o design_v to_o make_v good_a this_o principle_n i_o can_v not_o but_o somewhat_o wonder_v at_o it_o and_o wish_v it_o be_v well_o do_v and_o this_o my_o desire_n do_v at_o length_n vent_v itself_o in_o a_o sermon_n on_o the_o text_n you_o find_v prefix_v to_o this_o treatise_n and_o this_o sermon_n i_o resolve_v on_o a_o occasion_n give_v i_o by_o a_o person_n of_o great_a learning_n and_o authority_n in_o the_o church_n to_o transcribe_v and_o enlarge_v in_o that_o method_n which_o be_v there_o propose_v and_o you_o will_v find_v here_o observe_v from_o this_o undertake_n the_o slenderness_n of_o my_o acquaintance_n with_o oriental_a language_n and_o learning_n do_v a_o long_a time_n deter_v i_o but_o consider_v that_o beside_o my_o own_o satisfaction_n and_o diversion_n from_o less_o please_a employment_n i_o write_v it_o only_o for_o his_o lordship_n perusal_n who_o i_o know_v have_v goodness_n enough_o to_o pardon_v my_o defect_n as_o well_o as_o learning_n to_o discover_v they_o i_o reassume_v my_o former_a resolution_n and_o in_o order_n to_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o i_o look_v more_o narrow_o than_o former_o i_o have_v do_v into_o those_o book_n which_o i_o have_v that_o be_v likely_a to_o acquaint_v i_o with_o the_o custom_n and_o method_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o the_o trial_n of_o prophet_n and_o by_o so_o do_v have_v i_o hope_v find_v and_o pitch_v upon_o the_o principal_a mean_n and_o method_n observe_v by_o that_o people_n in_o that_o affair_n and_o this_o way_n of_o procedure_v even_o before_o i_o have_v that_o idea_n of_o it_o which_o you_o will_v find_v in_o this_o treatise_n i_o do_v conjecture_n must_v needs_o be_v very_o rational_a because_o it_o be_v not_o only_o project_v but_o practise_v and_o that_o as_o far_o as_o we_o find_v without_o control_n for_o many_o age_n among_o god_n peculiar_a people_n and_o that_o i_o be_v not_o mistake_v in_o this_o conjecture_n the_o five_o chapter_n of_o this_o treatise_n do_v i_o hope_v make_v manifest_a by_o show_v the_o strength_n and_o force_n of_o the_o precede_a argument_n to_o prove_v that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v prophet_n now_o if_o any_o man_n ask_v what_o degree_n of_o prophecy_n it_o be_v which_o i_o ascribe_v unto_o they_o he_o may_v be_v please_v to_o know_v his_o curiosity_n exceed_v i_o yet_o for_o a_o answer_n i_o refer_v he_o to_o that_o prophecy_n of_o moses_n wherein_o he_o tell_v the_o jew_n that_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n will_v raise_v up_o unto_o thou_o a_o prophet_n from_o the_o midst_n of_o thou_o of_o thy_o brethren_n like_v 5._o unto_o i_o unto_o he_o shall_v you_o hearken_v this_o 22._o prophecy_n i_o find_v by_o st._n peter_n apply_v to_o our_o bless_a saviour_n in_o particular_a and_o by_o st._n stephen_n 37._o to_o the_o evangelical_n state_n in_o general_a and_o from_o thence_o perhaps_o we_o may_v gather_v not_o only_o that_o this_o prediction_n do_v more_o especial_o pertain_v to_o the_o day_n of_o the_o messiah_n but_o also_o that_o it_o speak_v not_o of_o one_o single_a person_n only_o but_o of_o a_o order_n of_o prophet_n like_v unto_o moses_n and_o therefore_o though_o it_o be_v most_o eminent_o fulfil_v in_o christ_n yet_o be_v it_o also_o accomplish_a in_o those_o that_o he_o send_v as_o the_o father_n have_v send_v he_o viz._n the_o 21._o apostle_n whether_o
always_o impart_v they_o be_v clothe_v with_o the_o holy_a spirit_n neither_o do_v they_o need_v to_o prepare_v themselves_o to_o prophesy_v but_o be_v always_o dispose_v and_o in_o a_o readiness_n to_o deliver_v such_o truth_n of_o god_n as_o can_v no_o way_n be_v know_v but_o by_o the_o free_a influx_n of_o the_o divine_a mind_n upon_o they_o i_o e._n by_o prophecy_n have_v not_o all_o this_o be_v true_a it_o will_v be_v very_o hard_a to_o conceive_v how_o without_o any_o premeditation_n they_o can_v possible_o have_v have_v a_o mouth_n and_o wisdom_n which_o all_o their_o adversary_n be_v not_o able_a to_o 15._o gainsay_v nor_o resist_v have_v not_o the_o divine_a spirit_n be_v always_o present_a with_o they_o it_o have_v be_v impossible_a for_o they_o on_o all_o occasion_n even_o before_o king_n and_o other_o ruler_n so_o to_o speak_v as_o that_o all_o their_o adversary_n can_v not_o with_o any_o show_n of_o truth_n make_v any_o opposition_n against_o it_o and_o have_v it_o not_o be_v true_a that_o so_o they_o do_v it_o be_v altogether_o unlikely_a that_o their_o adversary_n will_v have_v burst_v out_o into_o such_o rage_n and_o passion_n such_o cruelty_n and_o inhumanity_n as_o we_o find_v they_o often_o do_v against_o they_o it_o seem_v therefore_o the_o degree_n they_o have_v of_o prophecy_n be_v no_o whit_n inserior_fw-la to_o that_o of_o moses_n but_o whether_o it_o be_v or_o no_o be_v a_o question_n that_o i_o be_o not_o solicitous_a about_o from_o what_o i_o have_v 1._o discourse_v concern_v the_o nature_n of_o prophecy_n in_o general_n it_o may_v not_o obscure_o be_v collect_v that_o if_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v man_n who_o by_o immediate_a influence_n from_o god_n upon_o their_o mind_n and_o faculty_n do_v attain_v to_o such_o knowledge_n of_o his_o mind_n as_o by_o their_o natural_a ability_n will_v be_v unattainable_a it_o be_v as_o much_o as_o i_o mean_v and_o contend_v for_o in_o the_o word_n prophet_n now_o that_o such_o knowledge_n they_o have_v together_o with_o commission_n from_o god_n to_o teach_v it_o it_o be_v the_o primary_n design_n of_o this_o treatise_n to_o prove_v yet_o that_o be_v not_o my_o ultimate_a aim_n therein_o but_o beside_o that_o i_o have_v do_v my_o endeavour_n as_o much_o as_o i_o can_v within_o the_o bound_n of_o the_o propose_a method_n to_o conciliate_v our_o most_o excellent_a religion_n to_o our_o reason_n and_o to_o settle_v it_o as_o much_o as_o in_o i_o lie_v upon_o its_o true_a foundation_n in_o order_n to_o this_o end_n i_o have_v in_o the_o four_o chapter_n discourse_v somewhat_o more_o large_o than_o perhaps_o otherwise_o be_v requisite_a about_o the_o transcendent_a wisdom_n of_o christianity_n and_o have_v add_v the_o six_o chapter_n almost_o on_o purpose_n to_o shake_v the_o sandy_a foundation_n of_o bare_a humane_a authority_n whereon_o mr._n hobbs_n and_o his_o complice_n will_v have_v it_o whole_o to_o depend_v i_o do_v most_o free_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n be_v very_o great_a about_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o that_o the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v exceed_o oblige_v to_o those_o christian_a prince_n who_o by_o good_a and_o wholesome_a law_n be_v become_v its_o nurse_n father_n yet_o can_v i_o not_o believe_v there_o be_v nothing_o of_o obligation_n in_o christianity_n beside_o what_o it_o receive_v extrinsecal_o from_o the_o law_n of_o civil_a sovereign_n the_o reason_n the_o leviathan_n give_v of_o this_o position_n i_o endeavour_v to_o answer_v and_o expose_v to_o this_o undertake_n it_o be_v i_o hope_v nothing_o but_o a_o just_a resentment_n of_o the_o affront_v mr._n hobbs_n have_v cast_v and_o injury_n he_o have_v do_v to_o our_o religion_n thereby_o i_o can_v hardly_o think_v any_o man_n worthy_a the_o name_n of_o a_o good_a christian_a much_o less_o of_o a_o minister_n of_o christ_n that_o can_v read_v such_o pernicious_a principle_n and_o perverse_a dispute_n against_o the_o honour_n of_o his_o religion_n without_o something_o of_o indignation_n for_o to_o make_v religion_n so_o to_o truckle_n under_o civil_a sovereign_n as_o in_o and_o of_o itself_o to_o have_v nothing_o of_o obligation_n what_o be_v it_o less_o than_o to_o clip_v the_o wing_n of_o all_o true_a devotion_n towards_o god_n and_o render_v it_o unable_a to_o fly_v high_a than_o the_o throne_n and_o sceptre_n on_o earth_n yea_o also_o and_o to_o null_a the_o authority_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o buy_v we_o for_o though_o all_o power_n be_v give_v to_o he_o in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n yet_o this_o opinion_n make_v he_o so_o far_o from_o be_v the_o prince_n of_o the_o king_n of_o 5._o the_o earth_n as_o that_o he_o be_v at_o best_a but_o their_o counsellor_n modest_o propose_v his_o advice_n which_o it_o seem_v they_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o take_v because_o that_o neither_o he_o nor_o his_o apostle_n have_v a_o kingdom_n and_o so_o can_v make_v no_o law_n for_o which_o reason_n such_o as_o it_o be_v the_o leviathan_n affirm_v that_o the_o command_v of_o the_o gospel_n be_v but_o precept_n or_o invitation_n of_o man_n to_o receive_v it_o and_o invitation_n we_o know_v we_o may_v accept_v of_o or_o refuse_v as_o we_o think_v fit_a and_o yet_o without_o sin_n so_o that_o our_o acceptance_n be_v a_o act_n of_o civility_n rather_o than_o of_o duty_n and_o our_o refusal_n a_o act_n of_o unkindness_n and_o not_o at_o all_o of_o disobedience_n have_v not_o civil_a sovereign_n do_v christianity_n the_o kindness_n to_o imbody_n it_o into_o their_o law_n we_o have_v be_v under_o no_o obligation_n to_o be_v christian_n we_o may_v have_v be_v turk_n or_o jew_n pagan_n or_o atheist_n and_o yet_o without_o sin_n and_o what_o will_v a_o laodicean_n desire_v more_o how_o kind_o do_v it_o cajole_a his_o lukewarmness_n and_o how_o fair_o do_v it_o promise_v he_o security_n from_o danger_n by_o be_v against_o christ_n in_o his_o heart_n and_o life_n as_o long_o as_o he_o be_v with_o he_o in_o his_o profession_n thus_o do_v it_o turn_n christianity_n into_o hypocrisy_n and_o make_v we_o to_o serve_v god_n for_o fear_n of_o men._n but_o if_o we_o be_v not_o so_o bere_v of_o reason_n as_o to_o think_v that_o god_n borrow_v his_o authority_n from_o his_o lieutenant_n than_o the_o philosophical_a rudiment_n of_o that_o epicurean_a whereof_o the_o author_n of_o the_o late_a reflection_n on_o philosophy_n say_v thomas_n hobbs_n be_v one_o of_o the_o bold_a 9_o of_o these_o last_o age_n have_v take_v care_n to_o corrupt_v our_o religion_n another_o way_n and_o that_o be_v by_o persuade_v we_o to_o think_v that_o the_o obligation_n of_o yield_a god_n obedience_n lie_v upon_o we_o by_o reason_n of_o our_o weakness_n this_o convert_v religion_n into_o superstition_n for_o it_o make_v we_o to_o serve_v god_n not_o out_o of_o love_n to_o his_o goodness_n but_o only_o for_o fear_v of_o his_o greatness_n if_o we_o can_v resist_v he_o and_o escape_v harmless_a it_o be_v no_o matter_n it_o seem_v if_o we_o do_v but_o since_o we_o can_v we_o must_v obey_v thus_o be_v we_o drag_v to_o obedience_n by_o the_o force_n of_o mere_a omnipotence_n and_o when_o we_o be_v so_o it_o be_v evident_a we_o be_v act_v by_o such_o dreadful_a and_o terrible_a apprehension_n of_o the_o deity_n as_o debauch_v our_o religion_n and_o make_v it_o a_o mere_a slavery_n utter_o inconsistent_a with_o that_o charity_n or_o love_n of_o god_n without_o which_o the_o most_o liberal_a alms-deed_n and_o martyrdom_n itself_o much_o less_o inferior_a act_n of_o worship_n will_v find_v no_o acceptance_n this_o therefore_o i_o look_v on_o as_o another_o most_o pernicious_a principle_n and_o for_o that_o cause_n i_o have_v make_v a_o long_a digression_n to_o prove_v that_o god_n dominion_n be_v not_o found_v in_o his_o sole_a irresistible_a power_n but_o that_o he_o have_v a_o right_a to_o rule_v we_o from_o his_o great_a mercy_n and_o goodness_n to_o we_o in_o his_o work_n of_o creation_n providence_n and_o redemption_n and_o forasmuch_o as_o it_o be_v requisite_a for_o all_o christian_n right_o to_o understand_v this_o latter_a which_o be_v at_o first_o make_v know_v unto_o we_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophâ—â—y_n in_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n i_o have_v sâ—â—ar_o enlarge_v the_o digression_n as_o to_o giâ—e_v a_o account_n of_o it_o that_o from_o thence_o we_o may_v see_v what_o obligation_n â—herefrom_o do_v arise_v upon_o we_o to_o keâ—p_v the_o commâ—nds_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o therewith_o i_o put_v a_o end_n to_o this_o treatise_n wherein_o perhaps_o the_o reader_n may_v find_v a_o coincidence_n of_o expression_n and_o it_o may_v be_v of_o matter_n also_o if_o he_o be_v inquisitive_a after_o the_o occasion_n of_o it_o he_o may_v please_v to_o know_v that_o it_o be_v write_v temporibus_fw-la successivis_fw-la which_o often_o be_v so_o
it_o be_v a_o more_o heinous_a sin_n to_o transgress_v they_o than_o the_o write_a law_n yea_o that_o whosoever_o dissent_v from_o his_o teacher_n do_v as_o much_o as_o if_o he_o dissent_v from_o the_o divine_a majesty_n and_o sin_v against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o for_o that_o cause_n be_v guilty_a of_o death_n viz._n by_o the_o scourge_n of_o rebellion_n 4._o which_o be_v a_o sort_n of_o punishment_n by_o cudgel_n inflict_v for_o the_o breach_n and_o contempt_n of_o tradition_n since_o i_o say_v they_o have_v these_o and_o many_o other_o such_o prodigious_o wicked_a and_o cruel_a invention_n to_o uphold_v the_o authority_n of_o their_o tradition_n and_o dictatorship_n it_o be_v no_o marvel_n if_o they_o proceed_v against_o those_o that_o speak_v light_o of_o they_o as_o if_o malice_n be_v the_o fit_a affection_n vengeance_n and_o cruelty_n the_o best_a behaviour_n towards_o they_o yet_o evident_a it_o be_v that_o christ_n do_v not_o spare_v they_o but_o as_o the_o prophet_n of_o old_a so_o do_v he_o detect_v the_o hypocrisy_n and_o sharp_o reprove_v the_o fault_n of_o their_o elder_n he_o do_v demonstrate_v the_o vanity_n of_o their_o righteousness_n and_o expose_v the_o cunning_a wickedness_n of_o their_o tradition_n he_o discover_v the_o impiety_n of_o their_o magisterial_a dictate_v and_o free_o unfold_v the_o mystery_n of_o their_o iniquity_n he_o pull_v off_o the_o guild_v and_o paint_v of_o their_o seem_a devotion_n and_o uncovered_v the_o rottenness_n and_o putrefaction_n of_o their_o heart_n he_o despise_v the_o pageant_n of_o a_o pompous_a formality_n and_o set_v at_o naught_o the_o ceremony_n of_o their_o external_n performance_n without_o inward_a and_o real_a goodness_n though_o the_o people_n do_v rage_n and_o the_o ruler_n take_v council_n together_o against_o he_o yet_o he_o do_v constant_o affirm_v that_o god_n have_v send_v he_o and_o as_o the_o prophet_n before_o he_o so_o do_v he_o undaunted_o show_v the_o people_n their_o transgression_n and_o the_o house_n of_o jacob_n their_o sin_n and_o in_o so_o do_v he_o strive_v to_o retrieve_v the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n to_o rescue_v they_o from_o false_a gloss_n and_o misconstruction_n to_o discover_v the_o insufficiency_n of_o tradition_n and_o pharisaical_a righteousness_n to_o inculcate_v the_o necessity_n of_o morality_n and_o so_o to_o reduce_v the_o jew_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o piety_n in_o all_o holiness_n of_o live_v and_o fervour_n of_o divine_a worship_n in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n without_o their_o numerous_a ceremony_n or_o at_o least_o their_o mighty_a confidence_n in_o their_o privilege_n and_o performance_n which_o both_o he_o and_o his_o apostle_n teach_v they_o to_o place_n in_o our_o lord_n jesus_n a_o stumble_a block_n and_o rock_n of_o offence_n unto_o they_o and_o be_v not_o this_o a_o great_a and_o strange_a undertake_n such_o as_o loud_o speak_v the_o greatness_n of_o their_o mind_n and_o the_o bravery_n of_o their_o courage_n which_o be_v not_o in_o the_o least_o abate_v but_o rather_o increase_v by_o opposition_n in_o their_o life_n it_o do_v assist_v they_o to_o bear_v all_o sort_n of_o affliction_n and_o to_o endure_v the_o rude_a contradiction_n of_o sinner_n against_o they_o and_o at_o their_o death_n it_o do_v not_o forsake_v they_o for_o though_o after_o some_o solemn_a mockery_n of_o justice_n enough_o to_o move_v one_o indignation_n they_o be_v cruel_o murder_v and_o barbarous_o butcher_v yet_o their_o patience_n and_o charity_n those_o true_a sign_n of_o magnanimity_n in_o suffering_n be_v conspicuous_a and_o admirable_a insomuch_o that_o they_o only_o of_o all_o teacher_n may_v be_v compare_v with_o the_o prophet_n or_o rather_o prefer_v before_o they_o for_o fortitude_n whereof_o also_o the_o apostle_n give_v abundant_a evidence_n among_o the_o gentile_n who_o they_o find_v dead_a in_o trespass_n and_o sin_n prone_a to_o nothing_o so_o much_o as_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n the_o lust_n of_o the_o eye_n and_o the_o pride_n of_o life_n i._n e._n sensual_a pleasure_n riches_n and_o honour_n these_o thing_n they_o do_v not_o only_a love_n and_o live_v in_o but_o in_o a_o sort_n adore_v and_o deirie_v for_o not_o only_a god_n creature_n and_o man_n that_o be_v famous_a in_o their_o life_n nor_o only_o the_o fancy_n and_o fiction_n of_o poet_n but_o their_o own_o lust_n and_o passion_n call_v by_o other_o name_n be_v also_o enroll_v among_o their_o go_n venus_n and_o cupid_n mars_n and_o baccbus_n be_v the_o name_n of_o deify_v concupiscence_n wrath_n and_o drunkenness_n although_o they_o forbid_v these_o vice_n and_o make_v law_n against_o they_o yet_o their_o cause_n as_o theodoret_n graec._n tell_v they_o they_o salute_v as_o heavenly_a god_n and_o give_v divine_a worship_n unto_o they_o and_o be_v it_o not_o a_o sad_a and_o direful_a apotheosis_n whereby_o enmity_n against_o god_n be_v advance_v to_o his_o throne_n the_o gross_a superstition_n and_o uncleanness_n establish_v for_o religion_n for_o in_o their_o festival_n and_o solemn_a ceremony_n of_o divine_a worship_n all_o manner_n of_o vice_n and_o wickedness_n be_v appoint_v to_o be_v commit_v such_o filthiness_n as_o the_o most_o salacious_a will_v almost_o blush_v at_o in_o a_o closet_n be_v commit_v sac._n in_o open_a pomp_n and_o ostentation_n insomuch_o that_o almost_o all_o the_o sacred_a game_n but_o especial_o the_o bacchanal_n be_v as_o one_o call_v they_o the_o cause_n and_o seed-plot_n of_o the_o great_a wickedness_n if_o the_o 19_o ethiopian_a may_v change_v his_o skin_n and_o the_o leopard_n his_o as_o soon_o as_o those_o do_v good_a who_o be_v accustom_v 23._o to_o do_v evil_a although_o their_o religion_n teach_v they_o to_o do_v the_o one_o and_o eschew_v the_o other_o how_o hard_o be_v it_o for_o those_o to_o do_v good_a who_o have_v be_v not_o only_o accustom_v but_o teach_v to_o do_v evil_a and_o that_o under_o pain_n of_o transgression_n against_o conscience_n or_o at_o least_o the_o law_n and_o custom_n of_o their_o country_n if_o they_o omit_v it_o especial_o consider_v their_o most_o wicked_a and_o filthy_a practice_n can_v plead_v prescription_n in_o the_o example_n of_o their_o forefather_n and_o noble_a hero_n yea_o also_o it_o have_v the_o power_n and_o policy_n the_o stratagem_n and_o device_n of_o the_o devil_n the_o cunning_a guile_n and_o craft_n of_o his_o agent_n the_o force_n and_o authority_n of_o civil_a power_n to_o countenance_n and_o uphold_v it_o in_o despite_n of_o all_o opposition_n be_v it_o not_o then_o a_o hard_a thing_n for_o any_o much_o more_o for_o a_o few_o private_a man_n and_o stranger_n such_o as_o the_o apostle_n to_o turn_v they_o from_o darkness_n unto_o light_n from_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n unto_o god_n yet_o they_o undertake_v to_o do_v it_o and_o pursue_v it_o all_o their_o day_n although_o they_o very_o well_o know_v that_o not_o only_a labour_n travel_n and_o hardship_n of_o divers_a kind_n but_o also_o bond_n and_o affliction_n of_o all_o sort_n and_o degree_n stripe_n and_o imprisonment_n yea_o and_o death_n itself_o will_v abide_v they_o in_o so_o do_v yet_o none_o of_o these_o thing_n can_v trouble_v their_o mind_n nor_o discourage_v their_o attempt_n nothing_o can_v make_v they_o retract_v their_o resolution_n or_o abate_v their_o endeavour_n as_o they_o be_v able_a to_o promote_v it_o which_o to_o i_o seem_v a_o demonstration_n of_o prophetic_a fortitude_n viz._n that_o that_o same_o courage_n and_o magnanimity_n whereby_o the_o prophet_n be_v act_v in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o office_n do_v assist_v they_o in_o promulgate_a the_o gospel_n of_o the_o prophetic_a riches_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n sect._n 4._o and_o as_o in_o wisdom_n and_o fortitude_n so_o also_o in_o the_o riches_n of_o the_o prophet_n i_o e._n in_o all_o moral_a virtue_n but_o especial_o contentment_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v equal_a yea_o superior_n unto_o they_o hereof_o we_o need_v no_o other_o demonstration_n than_o the_o design_a end_n of_o their_o doctrine_n which_o as_o we_o before_o see_v be_v the_o promotion_n and_o establishment_n of_o the_o most_o elevate_v virtue_n and_o immaculate_a purity_n but_o if_o any_o far_a proof_n of_o it_o be_v desire_v we_o may_v find_v it_o in_o st._n paul_n by_o who_o we_o learn_v that_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o bring_v salvation_n which_o word_n be_v but_o a_o periphrasis_n of_o the_o gospel_n teach_v we_o that_o deny_v all_o ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n we_o shall_v live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n 12._o to_o this_o end_n both_o the_o precept_n and_o institution_n the_o promise_n and_o the_o threat_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v so_o extraordinary_a subservient_fw-fr as_o that_o they_o loud_o speak_v the_o holiness_n as_o well_o as_o wisdom_n of_o its_o first_o teacher_n it_o be_v no_o way_n probable_a that_o lover_n of_o vice_n shall_v so_o
mechanic_n and_o when_o they_o come_v abroad_o among_o the_o gentile_n they_o be_v look_v on_o as_o foolish_a babbler_n and_o be_v make_v as_o the_o filth_n of_o the_o world_n and_o offscouring_a of_o all_o thing_n be_v these_o man_n likely_a to_o out_o wit_n the_o wise_a one_o and_o to_o baffle_v the_o philosopher_n to_o be_v too_o cunning_a for_o the_o devil_n and_o too_o strong_a for_o the_o power_n of_o darkness_n be_v their_o bare_a word_n likely_a to_o pull_v down_o the_o strong_a hold_v of_o sin_n and_o satan_n and_o to_o convert_v the_o world_n from_o the_o error_n of_o its_o way_n and_o that_o by_o a_o sort_n of_o doctrine_n which_o in_o divers_a point_n seem_v foolishness_n to_o the_o wise_a direct_a opposition_n and_o contrariety_n to_o the_o carnal_a and_o this_o deliver_v not_o with_o entice_v word_n of_o man_n wisdom_n but_o in_o the_o plain_a simplicity_n of_o speech_n naked_o represent_v what_o they_o believe_v have_v see_v and_o hear_v be_v these_o man_n likely_a by_o such_o doctrine_n so_o deliver_v without_o miracle_n to_o take_v down_o the_o gate_n of_o brass_n and_o break_v the_o bar_n of_o iron_n in_o sunder_o to_o reform_v the_o world_n in_o spite_n of_o all_o opposition_n yet_o so_o they_o do_v for_o by_o their_o preach_n man_n beloved_a lust_n be_v divorce_v the_o devil_n oracle_n be_v put_v to_o silence_n his_o prophet_n strike_v dumb_a and_o soothsayer_n be_v unconsult_v temple_n be_v lay_v waist_n and_o altar_n demolish_v the_o wise_a be_v confound_v by_o the_o foolish_a the_o mighty_a by_o the_o weak_a the_o base_a and_o despise_a thing_n of_o the_o world_n yea_o and_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o bring_v to_o naught_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v although_o they_o be_v favour_v and_o patronise_v by_o the_o love_n and_o like_n the_o great_a power_n and_o polity_n of_o man_n and_o devil_n of_o earth_n and_o hell_n all_o which_o take_v council_n together_o and_o stand_v up_o against_o they_o yet_o such_o be_v the_o efficacy_n of_o their_o doctrine_n as_o that_o though_o the_o grecian_a and_o roman_a lawgiver_n notwithstanding_o their_o authority_n and_o reputation_n for_o wisdom_n and_o power_n and_o their_o pretence_n to_o inspiration_n from_o the_o god_n then_o worship_v can_v not_o persuade_v even_o their_o next_o neighbour_n but_o only_o their_o own_o immediate_a subject_n to_o embrace_v their_o law_n yet_o the_o apostle_n draw_v not_o only_o they_o but_o all_o barbarous_a legibus_fw-la nation_n to_o the_o love_n of_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o not_o by_o the_o force_n of_o arm_n and_o weapon_n but_o against_o it_o insomuch_o that_o they_o and_o their_o follower_n in_o all_o place_n be_v begird_v with_o reproach_n and_o encircle_v with_o great_a danger_n both_o to_o their_o life_n and_o fortune_n yet_o all_o mankind_n and_o all_o nation_n they_o persuade_v to_o embrace_v the_o faith_n and_o law_n of_o our_o crucify_a jesus_n and_o think_v you_o man_n be_v then_o so_o mortify_v to_o the_o flesh_n and_o crucify_v to_o the_o world_n as_o that_o they_o will_v hazard_v their_o ease_n and_o pleasure_n wealth_n and_o honour_n relation_n and_o life_n and_o all_o that_o be_v dear_a to_o they_o upon_o the_o bare_a word_n of_o a_o few_o private_a person_n preach_v one_o jesus_n crucify_v at_o jerusalem_n think_v you_o that_o that_o can_v have_v do_v it_o without_o the_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o almighty_a work_v miracle_n to_o induce_v and_o persuade_v man_n to_o it_o sure_o all_o nation_n can_v not_o be_v allure_v by_o naked_a asseveration_n or_o induce_v with_o vain_a hope_n to_o jeopard_v their_o life_n when_o they_o see_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o miracle_n to_o invite_v they_o to_o 1._o this_o their_o new_a worship_n it_o be_v hardly_o imaginable_a that_o this_o can_v be_v how_o much_o more_o rational_a therefore_o be_v it_o to_o conclude_v that_o god_n by_o they_o do_v work_v wonder_n and_o many_o miracle_n among_o the_o jew_n and_o heathen_n of_o which_o conclusion_n we_o be_v also_o assure_v by_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o church_n which_o in_o this_o case_n be_v so_o augu_v and_o illustrious_a as_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o want_v to_o make_v it_o most_o absolute_o complete_a and_o perfect_a it_o have_v universality_n antiquity_n and_o consent_v of_o all_o christian_n to_o avouch_v its_o authority_n and_o credibility_n it_o be_v every_o where_o always_o and_o by_o all_o believe_v that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n wrought_v miracle_n to_o confirm_v their_o doctrine_n be_v there_o ever_o any_o nation_n on_o earth_n where_o the_o gospel_n be_v plant_v but_o this_o be_v believe_v of_o they_o and_o what_o age_n have_v ever_o pass_v since_o their_o time_n without_o transmit_v the_o same_o belief_n to_o posterity_n man_n of_o all_o quality_n and_o country_n of_o remote_a region_n and_o different_a custom_n language_n and_o persuasion_n in_o other_o matter_n do_v all_o and_o ever_o do_v agree_v in_o this_o assertion_n thence_o be_v it_o that_o arnobius_n with_o great_a reason_n ask_v the_o gentile_n what_o we_o shall_v say_v of_o the_o man_n of_o that_o time_n viz._n wherein_o the_o gospel_n be_v first_o preach_v be_v they_o so_o vain_a and_o false_a so_o foolish_a and_o brutish_a as_o to_o feign_v themselves_o to_o have_v see_v those_o thing_n they_o never_o see_v and_o so_o by_o false_a witness_n and_o childish_a asseveration_n to_o avouch_v those_o thing_n that_o never_o be_v and_o that_o when_o they_o do_v not_o only_o lose_v the_o sweet_n of_o unanimity_n and_o peaceable_a converse_n with_o their_o old_a acquaintance_n but_o also_o free_o become_v so_o odious_a unto_o they_o as_o that_o their_o very_a name_n be_v execrable_a if_o the_o history_n of_o these_o thing_n be_v false_a whence_o be_v it_o that_o the_o whole_a world_n in_o so_o short_a a_o time_n become_v christian_n or_o that_o nation_n of_o the_o far_a distant_a region_n drive_v as_o it_o be_v with_o the_o wind_n and_o convexion_n of_o heaven_n shall_v yet_o come_v â—od_a together_o in_o this_o one_o mind_n be_v it_o possible_a they_o shall_v be_v all_o deceive_v or_o have_v a_o design_n to_o deceive_v other_o be_v the_o world_n so_o sottish_a as_o that_o it_o can_v be_v so_o imimpose_v on_o or_o be_v it_o so_o knavish_a as_o that_o it_o will_v so_o impose_v on_o all_o other_o yet_o among_o so_o many_o myriad_n both_o of_o deceiver_n and_o deceive_v there_o shall_v be_v none_o able_a and_o willing_a to_o discover_v the_o cheat_n that_o be_v impossible_a and_o so_o it_o will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v the_o circumstance_n of_o that_o testimony_n wherein_o the_o belief_n and_o tradition_n of_o the_o church_n seem_v found_v viz._n the_o time_n and_o place_n wherein_o and_o the_o confidence_n wherewith_o it_o be_v give_v as_o for_o the_o time_n wherein_o it_o be_v first_o report_v that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n wrought_v miracle_n it_o be_v not_o as_o we_o know_v other_o report_n have_v be_v raise_v viz._n long_o after_o the_o fact_n be_v do_v but_o in_o that_o age_n wherein_o the_o doer_n live_v yea_o in_o those_o year_n month_n and_o day_n wherein_o the_o fact_n suppose_v to_o be_v miracle_n be_v do_v while_o all_o man_n be_v muse_v in_o their_o heart_n concern_v the_o wonder_n they_o see_v and_o hear_v and_o consequent_o while_o interest_n in_o some_o and_o curiosity_n in_o other_o do_v prompt_v they_o to_o make_v enquiry_n into_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o report_n and_o while_o if_o false_a it_o may_v most_o easy_o have_v be_v find_v to_o be_v so_o yet_o then_o do_v the_o first_o witness_n of_o these_o thing_n with_o all_o â—oldness_n give_v evidence_n thereof_o and_o that_o not_o in_o place_n far_o remote_a and_o distant_a from_o those_o wherein_o they_o be_v do_v but_o even_o in_o they_o where_o certain_o if_o there_o have_v be_v any_o fraud_n it_o may_v best_o and_o will_v effectual_o have_v be_v discover_v for_o the_o person_n that_o find_v the_o effect_n those_o also_o that_o oppose_v the_o design_n of_o these_o miracle_n viz._n those_o on_o who_o they_o be_v wrought_v and_o those_o who_o be_v enemy_n to_o the_o belief_n of_o they_o be_v then_o and_o there_o live_v when_o and_o where_o the_o report_n be_v first_o spread_v of_o they_o and_o without_o all_o doubt_n in_o those_o time_n and_o place_n wherein_o christianity_n be_v a_o sect_n that_o be_v every_o where_o speak_v against_o there_o want_v not_o 22._o those_o who_o have_v both_o wit_n and_o vigilance_n enough_o to_o have_v discover_v the_o cheat_n and_o falsehood_n if_o there_o have_v be_v any_o to_o be_v find_v either_o in_o the_o pretend_a miracle_n or_o the_o testimony_n that_o be_v give_v of_o they_o and_o be_v it_o not_o very_o strange_a that_o in_o such_o time_n and_o place_n there_o be_v none_o that_o will_v undertake_v to_o
sin_n but_o now_o have_v they_o both_o see_v and_o hate_v both_o i_o and_o my_o father_n so_o convince_a do_v he_o account_v his_o miracle_n as_o that_o he_o impute_v their_o unbelief_n to_o malice_n and_o enmity_n against_o god_n and_o himself_o all_o which_o or_o any_o thing_n whereof_o he_o can_v not_o have_v do_v unless_o he_o have_v wrought_v his_o miracle_n to_o consirm_v his_o doctrine_n or_o attest_v his_o mission_n from_o god_n to_o teach_v it_o to_o this_o end_n also_o it_o be_v evident_a the_o miracle_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v design_v for_o they_o go_v forth_o and_o preach_v every_o where_o the_o 20._o lord_n work_v with_o they_o and_o consirm_v the_o word_n with_o sign_n follow_v it_o be_v the_o dictate_v of_o nature_n as_o well_o as_o of_o scripture_n that_o god_n can_v lie_v or_o avouch_v a_o falsehood_n therefore_o sure_o the_o word_n of_o his_o grace_n be_v truth_n for_o we_o find_v that_o he_o give_v testimony_n to_o it_o and_o this_o he_o do_v by_o grant_v sign_n 3._o and_o wonder_n to_o be_v do_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o apostle_n the_o salvation_n the_o gospel_n propose_v first_o begin_v to_o be_v speak_v of_o by_o the_o lord_n and_o be_v confirm_v unto_o the_o first_o christian_n by_o they_o that_o hear_v he_o i._n e._n by_o the_o apostle_n but_o lest_o their_o testimony_n shall_v be_v 4._o suspect_v god_n do_v bear_v they_o witness_v with_o sign_n and_o wonder_n and_o with_o divers_a miracle_n hereby_o than_o it_o be_v manifest_a not_o only_o that_o their_o doctrine_n be_v true_a but_o also_o that_o the_o wisdom_n of_o providence_n do_v design_n the_o miracle_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o confirmation_n of_o it_o and_o so_o doubtless_o do_v they_o themselves_o for_o their_o embassy_n to_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n be_v somewhat_o like_o that_o of_o moses_n unto_o pharaoh_n viz._n unlikely_a to_o be_v believe_v among_o they_o they_o find_v it_o expedient_a to_o have_v some_o letter_n of_o credence_n from_o the_o king_n of_o heaven_n and_o hereupon_o they_o pray_v god_n to_o stretch_v forth_o his_o hand_n to_o heal_v and_o to_o grant_v that_o sign_n and_o wonder_n may_v be_v do_v by_o the_o name_n of_o 30._o his_o holy_a child_n jesus_n and_o this_o they_o desire_v to_o the_o end_n that_o with_o all_o boldness_n they_o may_v speak_v his_o word_n and_o have_v obtain_v their_o request_n by_o the_o grant_n of_o sign_n and_o wonder_n to_o be_v do_v by_o their_o hand_n they_o 3_o speak_v bold_o in_o the_o lord_n neither_o the_o malice_n of_o the_o unbelieve_a jew_n nor_o the_o ill_a affect_a mind_n of_o the_o seduce_a gentile_n can_v deter_v they_o from_o speak_v bold_o the_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o jesus_n it_o seem_v than_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n to_o that_o word_n by_o the_o miracle_n of_o their_o work_n be_v the_o ground_n of_o their_o confidence_n in_o preach_v the_o gospel_n but_o this_o it_o can_v never_o have_v be_v without_o their_o intendment_n thereof_o to_o the_o confirmation_n of_o their_o doctrine_n for_o without_o this_o they_o can_v neither_o pretend_v nor_o indeed_o believe_v their_o miracle_n be_v the_o testimony_n of_o god_n to_o the_o word_n of_o his_o grace_n how_o can_v they_o look_v on_o they_o as_o such_o unless_o that_o they_o also_o themselves_o do_v use_v and_o intend_v they_o to_o this_o end_n manifest_a therefore_o i_o take_v it_o to_o be_v that_o they_o wrought_v they_o on_o purpose_n to_o confirm_v their_o doctrine_n or_o demonstrate_v their_o mission_n from_o god_n to_o teach_v it_o and_o much_o reason_n there_o be_v for_o their_o do_v they_o to_o this_o end_n for_o 2._o miracle_n be_v always_o look_v on_o as_o indisputable_a or_o demonstrative_a proof_n of_o divine_a power_n or_o authority_n in_o they_o that_o do_v they_o to_o deny_v this_o be_v little_o less_o than_o to_o charge_n god_n foolish_o for_o he_o endue_v moses_n with_o power_n of_o do_v miracle_n to_o the_o end_n that_o the_o israelite_n may_v believe_v that_o the_o 5._o lord_n god_n of_o their_o father_n have_v appear_v unto_o he_o a_o charge_n also_o he_o have_v to_o do_v all_o his_o wonder_n before_o 21._o pharaoh_n and_o although_o his_o heart_n be_v harden_v yet_o be_v do_v in_o the_o siglit_fw-la of_o the_o people_n they_o believe_v and_o bow_v their_o head_n and_o worship_v and_o 31._o after_o they_o it_o seem_v the_o magician_n be_v almost_o of_o the_o same_o persuasion_n for_o they_o say_v unto_o pharaoh_n this_o be_v the_o finger_n of_o god_n by_o this_o their_o grant_n of_o 19_o the_o premise_n they_o draw_v on_o themselves_o a_o necessity_n of_o confess_v the_o conclusion_n for_o if_o the_o miracle_n of_o moses_n be_v do_v by_o the_o finger_n of_o god_n then_o have_v god_n appear_v unto_o he_o or_o send_v he_o thus_o almost_o in_o the_o morning_n of_o the_o world_n we_o find_v both_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n and_o the_o wise_a of_o the_o egyptian_n confess_v the_o force_n of_o miracle_n to_o induce_v belief_n and_o that_o not_o as_o a_o probable_a argument_n but_o demonstrative_a such_o as_o rather_o command_v assent_n than_o beg_v it_o for_o when_o elijah_n sojourn_v with_o the_o widow_n of_o zarephath_n by_o his_o raise_v her_o son_n to_o life_n she_o know_v that_o he_o be_v a_o man_n of_o god_n and_o that_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o his_o mouth_n be_v truth_n and_o 24._o when_o the_o prophet_n of_o jericho_n see_v that_o elisha_n divide_v the_o water_n of_o jordan_n with_o elijah_n mantle_n they_o say_v the_o spirit_n of_o eiljah_n do_v rest_n on_o elisha_n hereof_o it_o seem_v they_o be_v thereby_o so_o convince_v as_o that_o though_o they_o themselves_o be_v prophet_n partaker_n in_o some_o measure_n of_o the_o same_o spirit_n yet_o they_o meet_v he_o and_o bow_v themselves_o to_o the_o ground_n 1â—_n before_o he_o as_o to_o the_o father_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o the_o chief_a of_o their_o order_n and_o not_o only_o they_o who_o have_v their_o education_n in_o the_o school_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o therefore_o perhaps_o be_v think_v apt_a to_o have_v ascribe_v somewhat_o too_o much_o to_o their_o miracle_n but_o also_o naaman_n a_o syrian_a a_o alien_n from_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o israel_n be_v at_o the_o appointment_n of_o the_o same_o prophet_n miraculous_o cure_a of_o his_o leprosy_n be_v so_o convince_v of_o the_o 15._o true_a god_n as_o that_o he_o return_v to_o the_o man_n of_o god_n and_o say_v behold_v now_o i_o know_v that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n in_o all_o the_o earth_n but_o in_o israel_n his_o mind_n be_v cleanse_v from_o the_o grossness_n of_o idolatry_n as_o wâ—ll_n as_o his_o body_n from_o the_o loathsomeness_n of_o his_o leprosy_n but_o to_o draw_v our_o discourse_n a_o little_a near_o the_o business_n in_o hand_n we_o may_v observe_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o among_o the_o jew_n many_o that_o adhere_v not_o to_o christ_n do_v yet_o believe_v that_o he_o come_v from_o god_n when_o they_o see_v his_o miracle_n thus_o when_o he_o be_v in_o jerusalem_n at_o the_o passeover_n many_o believe_v in_o his_o name_n 23._o when_o the_o see_v the_o miracle_n which_o he_o do_v these_o many_o believer_n sure_o be_v not_o disciple_n for_o 25._o jesus_n do_v not_o commit_v himself_o unto_o they_o or_o intrust_v himself_o with_o they_o as_o well_o affect_v to_o he_o because_o he_o know_v all_o man_n and_o what_o be_v in_o they_o he_o search_v their_o heart_n and_o dive_v into_o the_o hide_a secret_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o by_o so_o do_v he_o find_v that_o though_o these_o man_n understanding_n be_v convince_v by_o his_o miracle_n yet_o their_o will_n be_v not_o subdue_v to_o his_o doctrine_n and_o after_o they_o many_o of_o 31._o the_o people_n believe_v on_o he_o and_o say_v when_o christ_n come_v will_v be_v do_v more_o miracle_n than_o these_o which_o this_o man_n have_v do_v to_o they_o it_o seem_v improbable_a that_o when_o their_o expect_a messiah_n shall_v come_v he_o either_o will_v or_o can_v do_v more_o or_o great_a miracle_n than_o our_o jesus_n do_v consider_v therefore_o his_o work_n and_o his_o say_n they_o peremptory_o conclude_v that_o of_o a_o truth_n this_o be_v the_o prophet_n viz._n foretell_v 4â—_n by_o moses_n deut._n 18._o 15._o and_o believe_v by_o they_o to_o be_v different_a from_o the_o messiah_n but_o otherâ—_n say_v this_o be_v the_o christ_n but_o when_o the_o pharisee_n hear_v that_o the_o 41._o people_n murmur_v such_o thing_n concern_v he_o they_o and_o the_o chief_a priest_n send_v officer_n to_o take_v he_o but_o the_o 32._o officer_n be_v astonish_v at_o his_o doctrine_n return_v without_o he_o whereupon_o they_o expostulate_v with_o they_o and_o in_o a_o scornful_a manner_n ask_v he_o have_v any_o of_o the_o ruler_n or_o of_o the_o pharisee_n believe_v on_o
yet_o there_o may_v be_v great_a reason_n to_o take_v it_o and_o since_o the_o command_n of_o a_o superior_a much_o more_o of_o god_n may_v equal_v it_o in_o goodness_n there_o certain_o may_v be_v some_o reason_n to_o obey_v it_o beside_o the_o power_n it_o have_v of_o oblige_v to_o obedience_n and_o this_o be_v saul_n case_n his_o duty_n undoubted_o it_o be_v to_o desist_v from_o persecution_n to_o induce_v or_o persuade_v he_o hereunto_o our_o bless_a saviour_n tell_v he_o it_o be_v hard_a for_o thou_o to_o kick_v against_o the_o prick_n i._n e._n thou_o will_v expose_v thyself_o to_o danger_n by_o persist_v in_o thy_o way_n therefore_o desist_v from_o it_o but_o the_o assertion_n now_o under_o consideration_n be_v a_o deduction_n from_o another_o position_n send_v we_o back_o to_o the_o five_o article_n where_o we_o find_v it_o affirm_v that_o god_n have_v a_o right_a to_o rule_v and_o to_o punish_v those_o who_o break_v his_o law_n from_o his_o sole_a irresistible_a power_n and_o that_o god_n almighty_n derive_v his_o right_n of_o sovereignty_n from_o the_o power_n itself_o to_o say_v that_o the_o right_n of_o sovereignty_n in_o the_o sovereign_n of_o all_o sovereign_n be_v derive_v be_v certain_o somewhat_o incongruous_a but_o let_v that_o pass_n it_o be_v plain_a his_o meaning_n be_v that_o god_n be_v our_o sovereign_a lord_n because_o his_o power_n be_v irresistible_a so_o that_o his_o dominion_n arise_v from_o his_o 4._o power_n for_o proof_n hereof_o he_o allege_v a_o place_n or_o 7._o two_o out_o of_o job_n but_o how_o much_o they_o be_v to_o the_o purpose_n will_v best_o be_v see_v by_o abridge_n the_o analysis_n of_o the_o disputation_n between_o job_n and_o his_o friend_n occasion_v by_o his_o affliction_n the_o question_n discuss_v be_v whether_o the_o righteousness_n or_o unrighteousness_n the_o sincerity_n or_o hypocrisy_n of_o a_o person_n pretend_v to_o serve_v god_n may_v be_v judge_v of_o by_o god_n outward_a dispensation_n of_o prosperity_n or_o adversity_n unto_o he_o this_o question_n be_v stiff_o affirm_v by_o eliphaz_n bildad_n and_o zophar_n the_o opponent_n and_o as_o vehement_o deny_v by_o job_n the_o respondent_fw-la and_o so_o they_o join_v issue_n in_o the_o management_n of_o this_o dispute_n although_o job_n be_v in_o the_o right_n yet_o it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o sometime_o be_v chafe_v into_o passion_n either_o by_o the_o sharpness_n of_o his_o suffering_n â—or_a the_o bitterness_n of_o his_o opponent_n invective_n he_o speak_v unadvised_o and_o rash_o 22._o even_o of_o god_n himself_o who_o he_o dare_o challenge_v either_o to_o call_v and_o he_o will_v answer_v or_o to_o let_v he_o speak_v and_o god_n shall_v answer_v hereupon_o god_n have_v hear_v both_o he_o and_o they_o for_o the_o vindication_n of_o his_o own_o honour_n and_o for_o the_o satisfaction_n and_o humiliation_n of_o his_o servant_n job_n be_v please_v to_o answer_v he_o out_o of_o the_o whirlwind_n and_o say_v 1._o where_o be_v thou_o when_o i_o lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o earth_n etc._n etc._n hereupon_o job_n be_v so_o far_o convince_v of_o the_o folly_n and_o evil_n the_o irreverence_n and_o rashness_n of_o 4._o his_o challenge_n and_o expostulation_n with_o god_n as_o that_o he_o confess_v his_o own_o vileness_n and_o lay_v his_o hand_n upâ—n_o his_o mouth_n after_o this_o it_o please_v god_n to_o 6._o â—nlarge_v his_o answer_n so_o far_o as_o that_o job_n abhor_v himself_o and_o do_v repent_v in_o dust_n and_o ash_n the_o lord_n then_o cease_v to_o speak_v any_o more_o unto_o job_n be_v please_v direct_o to_o determine_v the_o question_n dispute_v on_o between_o he_o and_o his_o opponent_n this_o he_o do_v by_o say_v unto_o â—â—â—phaz_n my_o wrath_n be_v kindle_v against_o 7._o thou_o and_o against_o â—hy_a two_o friend_n for_o you_o have_v not_o speak_v of_o i_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v right_a as_o my_o servant_n job_n bath_n how_o these_o text_n do_v prove_v that_o god_n have_v his_o right_n of_o sovereignty_n from_o his_o sole_a irresistible_a power_n he_o must_v have_v other_o eye_n than_o i_o that_o can_v see_v agreeable_a to_o this_o be_v his_o argue_v from_o that_o speech_n of_o our_o saviour_n in_o the_o man_n case_n who_o be_v bear_v blind_a when_o his_o disciple_n ask_v he_o whether_o he_o or_o his_o parent_n have_v sin_v that_o he_o be_v bear_v blind_a he_o answer_v neither_o have_v this_o man_n sin_v nor_o his_o parent_n 3._o but_o that_o the_o work_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v manifest_a in_o he_o for_o though_o it_o be_v say_v that_o death_n enter_v into_o the_o 12._o world_n by_o sin_n it_o follow_v not_o but_o that_o god_n by_o his_o right_n may_v have_v make_v man_n subject_a unto_o disease_n and_o 6._o death_n although_o they_o have_v never_o sin_v even_o as_o he_o have_v make_v the_o oeher_n animal_n mortal_a and_o sickly_a although_o they_o can_v sin_v but_o what_o of_o all_o this_o be_v it_o true_a or_o false_a how_o i_o wonder_n do_v it_o prove_v that_o god_n have_v right_o to_o rule_v from_o his_o sole_a irresistible_a power_n if_o it_o have_v any_o relation_n at_o all_o to_o it_o or_o connection_n with_o it_o it_o seem_v rather_o to_o conclude_v the_o contrary_a viz._n that_o god_n irresistible_a power_n arise_v from_o his_o right_n of_o sovereignty_n or_o at_o lest_o be_v as_o i_o may_v say_v warrant_v thereby_o for_o all_o that_o this_o argument_n amount_v to_o be_v but_o this_o that_o god_n may_v have_v do_v otherwise_o than_o he_o do_v or_o he_o may_v do_v whatsoever_o he_o will_v do_v to_o say_v that_o he_o have_v this_o power_n from_o his_o sovereignty_n or_o dominion_n be_v good_a sense_n and_o agreeable_a to_o reason_n but_o to_o say_v that_o he_o have_v this_o power_n from_o his_o sole_a irresistible_a power_n be_v to_o say_v it_o be_v so_o because_o it_o be_v so_o this_o argument_n therefore_o as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o i_o look_v on_o as_o so_o far_o fetch_v and_o unworthy_a of_o a_o philosopher_n as_o that_o a_o modest_a man_n may_v blush_v to_o have_v make_v use_n of_o it_o but_o this_o author_n either_o know_v or_o conceit_v himself_o to_o be_v think_v some_o body_n seem_v to_o have_v presume_v that_o from_o he_o it_o will_v pass_v as_o perhaps_o it_o do_v among_o his_o credulous_a disciple_n for_o a_o demonstration_n although_o therein_o be_v scarce_o so_o much_o as_o the_o shadow_n of_o a_o probability_n for_o it_o be_v very_o hard_a if_o not_o impossible_a to_o discern_v wherein_o the_o force_n of_o it_o lie_v and_o since_o there_o can_v no_o other_o estimate_n be_v make_v of_o thing_n that_o appear_v not_o than_o there_o be_v of_o those_o that_o be_v noâ—_n the_o law_n of_o civility_n will_v scarce_o forbid_v we_o to_o say_v it_o be_v a_o piece_n either_o of_o mysterious_a nonsense_n or_o of_o grave_a impertinence_n to_o prove_v his_o incongruous_a assertion_n that_o god_n almighty_n derive_v his_o â—ight_n of_o sovereignty_n from_o his_o sole_a irresistible_a power_n the_o truth_n or_o falsehood_n of_o which_o position_n will_v best_o appear_v by_o a_o few_o observation_n manifest_a almost_o by_o their_o own_o light_n as_o first_o that_o sovereignty_n dominion_n or_o lordship_n be_v a_o essential_a attribute_n of_o the_o deity_n for_o a_o be_v infinite_o perfect_a it_o be_v evident_a there_o can_v be_v without_o it_o the_o prime_a basis_n oâ—_n foundation_n therefore_o of_o this_o as_o of_o all_o the_o other_o attribute_n be_v lay_v in_o the_o divine_a essence_n itself_o yet_o manifest_v it_o be_v second_o that_o this_o sovereignty_n can_v be_v bring_v into_o act_n or_o exercise_n without_o the_o existence_n of_o something_o else_o beside_o god_n for_o he_o be_v not_o a_o sovereign_n over_o himself_o but_o over_o or_o unto_o other_o thing_n or_o person_n it_o must_v therefore_o be_v conclude_v three_o that_o this_o attribute_n be_v relative_a i._n e._n it_o include_v a_o relation_n or_o reference_n which_o god_n have_v to_o the_o person_n or_o thing_n whereof_o he_o be_v the_o sovereign_n and_o forasmuch_o as_o party_n relate_v have_v not_o their_o be_v as_o such_o the_o one_o before_o the_o other_o but_o both_o together_o it_o follow_v that_o in_o this_o relation_n between_o god_n and_o we_o we_o be_v as_o old_a as_o he_o and_o for_o this_o cause_n the_o next_o and_o immediate_a right_n of_o his_o sovereignty_n can_v arise_v from_o his_o sole_a irresistible_a power_n because_o that_o be_v positive_a and_o eternal_a it_o be_v long_o before_o we_o and_o be_v no_o emanative_a cause_n of_o a_o relation_n to_o we_o but_o it_o must_v arise_v from_o something_o else_o by_o the_o intervention_n whereof_o god_n stand_v relate_v to_o we_o and_o we_o to_o he_o that_o act_n therefore_o or_o those_o act_n of_o god_n whereby_o this_o relation_n be_v produce_v i_o â—ake_v to_o be_v his_o next_o and_o
this_o be_v that_o appeal_n of_o minutius_n felix_n to_o other_o heathen_n most_o of_o you_o 23._o know_v that_o they_o themselves_o confess_v themselves_o devil_n as_o oft_o as_o by_o the_o torment_n of_o adjuration_n or_o flame_n of_o devotion_n we_o cast_v they_o out_o of_o possession_n even_o saturn_n serapis_n and_o jupiter_n himself_o and_o whatever_o other_o devil_n you_o worship_v be_v overcome_v with_o grief_n speak_v what_o they_o be_v neither_o lie_v they_o for_o the_o advantage_n of_o their_o villainy_n as_o they_o do_v to_o some_o especial_o of_o you_o that_o patronize_v their_o cause_n confess_v the_o truth_n of_o themselves_o believe_v that_o they_o be_v devil_n themselves_o be_v witness_n for_o be_v adjure_v by_o the_o true_a and_o only_o god_n they_o unwilling_o either_o cling_v to_o the_o miserable_a body_n of_o the_o possess_v or_o else_o they_o forthwith_o forsake_v they_o â—r_o else_o they_o vanish_v by_o degree_n according_a to_o the_o 1â—36_n faith_n of_o the_o patient_n or_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o physician_n about_o the_o same_o time_n origen_n tell_v celsus_n that_o to_o that_o â—ry_a 2._o day_n cures_n be_v wrought_v by_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n and_o again_o afterward_o he_o say_v we_o can_v show_v innumerable_a multitude_n both_o of_o greek_n and_o barbarian_n that_o confess_v the_o faith_n of_o jesus_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o which_o faith_n some_o of_o they_o have_v receive_v something_o miraculous_a the_o sign_n whereof_o they_o show_v by_o cure_v the_o sick_a on_o who_o they_o use_v no_o other_o mean_n of_o recovery_n but_o call_v on_o the_o god_n of_o all_o and_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n together_o with_o the_o history_n of_o he_o for_o by_o these_o mean_v we_o ourselves_o hâ—ve_v see_v many_o rescue_v from_o grievous_a evil_n distraction_n and_o madness_n and_o many_o other_o disease_n which_o neither_o man_n nor_o devil_n be_v 3._o able_a to_o cure_v and_o that_o the_o christian_n of_o that_o age_n wrought_v not_o these_o cure_n by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o devil_n he_o far_o yet_o make_v evident_a by_o their_o ejection_n of_o he_o wherever_o they_o find_v he_o the_o power_n of_o christ_n do_v so_o triumph_v over_o he_o as_o that_o almost_o the_o mean_a christian_n can_v dispossess_v he_o for_o more_o than_o a_o few_o of_o they_o be_v able_a to_o drive_v he_o away_o from_o they_o that_o suffer_v by_o he_o and_o that_o without_o any_o curious_a magical_a or_o poisonous_a thing_n but_o only_o by_o prayer_n and_o pure_a invocation_n such_o as_o a_o simple_a 7._o man_n may_v make_v for_o private_a christian_n most_o frequent_o do_v it_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o word_n thereby_o discover_v the_o contemptibleness_n and_o weakness_n of_o the_o devil_n be_v that_o in_o order_n to_o their_o ejection_n from_o the_o soul_n and_o body_n of_o a_o man_n there_o be_v no_o need_n so_o much_o as_o of_o a_o wise_a man_n or_o one_o that_o be_v mighty_a in_o rational_a demonstration_n of_o the_o faith_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n st._n cyprian_n wish_v that_o the_o proconsul_n of_o africa_n a_o great_a persecutor_n of_o the_o christian_n will_v hear_v and_o see_v the_o devil_n who_o he_o worship_v as_o go_n when_o say_v he_o we_o adjure_v and_o vex_v they_o with_o spiritual_a scourge_v and_o when_o by_o the_o torment_n of_o word_n we_o cast_v they_o out_o of_o possess_v body_n when_o at_o the_o word_n of_o man_n by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n as_o it_o be_v feel_v stripe_n and_o scourge_v they_o cry_v out_o and_o groan_n and_o confess_v there_o be_v a_o judgement_n to_o come_v come_v and_o know_v that_o what_o we_o say_v be_v true_a and_o because_o thou_o say_v thou_o so_o worship_v the_o god_n either_o believe_v those_o who_o thou_o do_v worship_n or_o if_o thou_o will_v believe_v thyself_o he_o that_o have_v now_o besiege_v thy_o breast_n and_o blind_v thy_o mind_n with_o a_o night_n of_o ignorance_n shall_v spâ—â—k_v iâ—â—hy_a hâ—â—ring_n concern_v thyself_o thou_o shall_v see_v that_o we_o be_v entreat_v by_o those_o of_o who_o thou_o be_v afraid_a and_o adore_v thou_o shall_v see_v they_o sâ—and_v bind_v under_o our_o hand_n and_o tremble_v bâ—ing_a captive_n who_o thou_o do_v honour_n and_o venerate_a as_o lord_n and_o demâ—trianum_n after_o he_o laâ—tantius_n testify_v that_o they_o fly_v from_o the_o just_a and_o tremble_v because_o when_o they_o possess_v the_o body_n of_o man_n and_o vex_v their_o soul_n be_v by_o they_o adjure_v the_o name_n of_o the_o true_a god_n chase_v they_o away_o for_o have_v hear_v it_o they_o tremble_v cry_v out_o and_o testify_v that_o they_o be_v burn_v and_o scourge_v and_o be_v ask_v who_o they_o be_v when_o when_o they_o come_v and_o how_o they_o enter_v into_o a_o man_n they_o confess_v be_v thus_o constrain_v and_o torture_v by_o the_o virtue_n of_o god_n name_n they_o be_v banish_v because_o of_o these_o lash_n and_o threaten_n they_o have_v always_o hate_v holy_a and_o just_a man_n and_o because_o by_o themselves_o they_o can_v hurt_v they_o those_o who_o they_o feel_v grievous_a to_o they_o they_o pursue_v with_o public_a hatred_n and_o exercise_v cruelty_n as_o violent_o as_o they_o can_v either_o that_o by_o grief_n they_o may_v diminish_v their_o faith_n or_o if_o they_o can_v effect_v that_o that_o they_o may_v utter_o take_v they_o 22._o from_o the_o earth_n leâ—t_v they_o shall_v survive_v to_o restrain_v their_o wickedness_n now_o than_o this_o what_o be_v there_o more_o demonstrative_a that_o christian_a miracle_n be_v not_o wrought_v by_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n since_o they_o bind_v and_o scourge_v he_o take_v he_o captive_a and_o thrâ—w_v he_o out_o of_o possession_n it_o be_v manifest_v the_o power_n that_o do_v they_o be_v great_a than_o he_o and_o contrary_a to_o it_o and_o can_v he_o give_v great_a power_n than_o he_o himself_o have_v no_o sure_o nor_o will_v he_o neither_o indeed_o can_v he_o change_v himself_o into_o a_o angel_n of_o light_a to_o destroy_v but_o only_o to_o uphold_v the_o kingdom_n of_o darkness_n and_o if_o that_o be_v impossible_a much_o more_o so_o be_v it_o for_o he_o to_o have_v give_v power_n to_o one_o that_o at_o the_o invocation_n of_o his_o name_n by_o other_o not_o only_o all_o disease_n shall_v be_v heal_v but_o also_o he_o himself_o torment_v and_o eject_v this_o power_n arnobius_n observe_v that_o jupiter_n câ—pitolinus_n himself_o scarce_o grant_v to_o any_o moral_a no_o not_o to_o his_o own_o chief_a priâ—â—â—_n i_o wilâ—_n not_o demand_v say_v he_o that_o he_o shall_v râ—ise_v the_o dead_a or_o restore_v light_n unto_o the_o blind_a or_o give_v strength_n and_o beauty_n to_o the_o lame_a and_o deform_v but_o that_o either_o by_o the_o command_n of_o his_o voice_n or_o touch_n of_o his_o hand_n he_o shall_v so_o much_o as_o suppress_v a_o pimple_n a_o â—lâ—ft_n from_o the_o nail_n or_o wheal_n of_o the_o skin_n and_o since_o so_o trivial_a a_o power_n as_o this_o be_v not_o confer_v by_o the_o chief_a of_o the_o god_n he_o may_v well_o as_o he_o do_v with_o confidence_n challenge_v the_o gentile_n to_o summon_v the_o most_o renown_a magician_n from_o all_o quarter_n to_o give_v to_o one_o of_o the_o people_n power_n â—o_o make_v the_o dumb_a to_o speak_v the_o deaf_a to_o hear_v the_o born-blind_a to_o see_v to_o restore_v sense_n and_o motion_n to_o member_n long_o cold_a and_o wither_v or_o if_o that_o be_v a_o hard_a matter_n such_o as_o they_o can_v give_v power_n of_o do_v unto_o other_o let_v they_o do_v it_o themselves_o and_o that_o with_o their_o rite_n too_o whatever_o poisonous_a herb_n the_o bosom_n of_o the_o earth_n do_v nourish_v whatever_o force_n there_o be_v in_o their_o rumble_a of_o word_n and_o the_o adjoin_v causality_n of_o verse_n we_o envy_v it_o not_o let_v they_o gather_v it_o it_o like_v we_o to_o try_v and_o know_v whether_o they_o with_o their_o god_n can_v do_v that_o which_o country_n christian_n can_v by_o their_o naked_a command_n 1._o and_o it_o seem_v by_o st._n austin_n that_o this_o power_n of_o work_a miracle_n continue_v in_o the_o church_n though_o not_o so_o conspicuous_o a_o long_a time_n after_o for_o he_o testify_v that_o even_o in_o his_o time_n viz._n in_o the_o four_o century_n miracle_n be_v do_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n either_o by_o his_o sacrament_n or_o by_o prayer_n at_o the_o monument_n of_o his_o saint_n and_o for_o proof_n hereof_o he_o relate_v the_o story_n of_o divers_a whereof_o 8._o he_o himself_o have_v be_v a_o eye-witness_n thus_o apparent_a it_o be_v and_o much_o more_o abundant_o evident_a may_v it_o be_v make_v that_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n for_o several_a age_n after_o his_o death_n wrought_v miracle_n in_o his_o name_n and_o cast_v out_o devil_n and_o sure_o these_o miracle_n of_o they_o do_v conciliate_v authority_n
to_o the_o church_n tradition_n concern_v those_o of_o christ_n himself_o and_o his_o apostle_n for_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a that_o he_o who_o grant_v this_o power_n to_o his_o disciple_n shall_v want_v it_o himself_o and_o next_o to_o a_o impossibility_n it_o be_v that_o in_o his_o circumstance_n he_o shall_v never_o make_v use_n of_o it_o nor_o be_v it_o at_o all_o probable_a that_o he_o will_v confer_v it_o on_o his_o mean_a disciple_n in_o private_a capacity_n and_o that_o when_o his_o gospel_n be_v every_o where_o plant_v and_o deny_v or_o withhold_v it_o from_o the_o chief_a of_o his_o follower_n those_o who_o he_o choose_v to_o be_v his_o witness_n and_o founder_n of_o his_o faith_n throughout_o all_o nation_n that_o this_o shall_v be_v the_o oeconomy_n of_o his_o dispensation_n it_o be_v a_o astonishment_n to_o reason_n to_o imagine_v but_o that_o it_o be_v not_o be_v most_o high_o agreeable_a insomuch_o that_o with_o confidence_n we_o may_v conclude_v there_o be_v no_o matter_n of_o fact_n whatever_o although_o of_o a_o far_o less_o distance_n of_o who_o truth_n we_o have_v more_o or_o indeed_o so_o much_o reason_n to_o be_v persuade_v as_o we_o have_v of_o the_o church_n tradition_n that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n wrought_v many_o and_o great_a miracle_n yet_o if_o we_o may_v believe_v st._n austin_n that_o he_o who_o still_o require_v prodigy_n that_o he_o may_v believe_v be_v himself_o sup_v a_o great_a prodigy_n it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v there_o be_v more_o than_o a_o few_o such_o prodigy_n in_o our_o age_n for_o a_o admire_a author_n ask_v the_o question_n how_o can_v one_o that_o say_v those_o thing_n he_o say_v or_o teachâ—th_v be_v confirm_v by_o miracle_n be_v believe_v unless_o that_o he_o also_o himself_o have_v do_v a_o miracle_n the_o reason_n of_o this_o question_n such_o as_o it_o be_v he_o subjoin_v in_o another_o for_o if_o a_o private_a man_n be_v to_o be_v believe_v without_o a_o miracle_n why_o among_o those_o 3_o that_o teach_v diverse_a thing_n be_v one_o to_o be_v believe_v rather_o than_o another_o because_o there_o be_v other_o motive_n of_o credibility_n beside_o miracle_n why_o else_o shall_v this_o unlucky_a author_n be_v believe_v in_o any_o thing_n he_o say_v that_o be_v different_a from_o other_o but_o whether_o it_o be_v fit_a he_o shall_v or_o no_o i_o shall_v not_o now_o inquire_v but_o only_o observe_v first_o that_o miracle_n have_v be_v do_v may_v be_v believe_v upon_o the_o credit_n of_o testimony_n without_o the_o do_n of_o any_o miracle_n to_o confirm_v it_o the_o possibility_n of_o miracle_n i_o now_o take_v for_o grant_v and_o so_o also_o i_o may_v this_o observation_n have_v it_o not_o be_v for_o this_o author_n sly_a insinuation_n that_o without_o the_o do_n of_o a_o miracle_n it_o can_v appear_v credible_a that_o ever_o there_o be_v any_o but_o why_o so_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o miracle_n that_o render_v the_o attestation_n of_o it_o incredible_a it_o seem_v not_o for_o the_o same_o author_n else_o where_o define_v a_o miracle_n to_o be_v a_o work_n of_o god_n beside_o his_o operation_n by_o the_o way_n of_o nature_n ordain_v in_o the_o creation_n do_v for_o the_o make_v manifest_a to_o his_o elect_a the_o mission_n of_o a_o extraordinary_a minister_n for_o their_o salvation_n 37._o whether_o a_o miracle_n be_v a_o work_n of_o god_n only_o beside_o and_o not_o also_o above_o his_o operation_n by_o the_o way_n of_o nature_n ordain_v in_o the_o creation_n and_o what_o precious_a one_o this_o author_n elect_n be_v it_o do_v not_o at_o present_a concern_v i_o to_o inquire_v but_o only_o to_o observe_v that_o whosoever_o they_o be_v the_o design_a end_n of_o a_o miracle_n according_a to_o he_o be_v to_o make_v manifest_a unto_o they_o the_o mission_n of_o some_o extraordinary_a minister_n for_o their_o salvation_n be_v it_o so_o that_o this_o as_o in_o part_n at_o least_o it_o undoubted_o be_v the_o end_n and_o scope_n of_o real_a and_o true_a miracle_n i_o will_v fain_o know_v of_o this_o author_n how_o a_o thing_n that_o be_v incredible_a can_v make_v manifest_a a_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o the_o mission_n of_o a_o extraordinary_a minister_n although_o not_o hasty_o to_o be_v believe_v yet_o be_v not_o incredible_a but_o a_o miracle_n it_o seem_v be_v how_o then_o can_v it_o make_v it_o manifest_v but_o if_o this_o be_v impossible_a or_o unintelligible_a whence_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o god_n make_v choice_n of_o such_o a_o thing_n to_o make_v manifest_a another_o do_v this_o author_n think_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n so_o short_a or_o his_o power_n so_o weak_a as_o to_o lay_v and_o effect_v his_o design_n no_o better_o if_o so_o he_o may_v change_v apprehension_n with_o epicurus_n 14._o as_o wretched_a as_o he_o think_v he_o and_o yet_o be_v no_o loose_a by_o the_o bargain_n but_o whatever_o he_o think_v of_o god_n i_o can_v think_v he_o so_o void_a of_o reason_n as_o to_o deny_v that_o that_o which_o make_v manifest_a must_v itself_o be_v more_o manifest_a than_o that_o which_o it_o make_v so_o manifest_a therefore_o i_o take_v it_o to_o be_v that_o if_o the_o end_n of_o miracle_n be_v to_o make_v manifest_a they_o themselves_o must_v needs_o be_v so_o and_o if_o manifest_a then_o credible_a and_o if_o credible_a why_o may_v they_o not_o be_v do_v before_o credible_a witness_n and_o why_o may_v not_o those_o witness_n report_v they_o true_o to_o other_o credible_a person_n and_o why_o may_v not_o this_o report_n be_v transmit_v to_o posterity_n and_o why_o may_v not_o posterity_n believe_v it_o as_o well_o as_o it_o do_v those_o concern_v alexander_n julius_n câ—â—sar_n &_o c_o what_o impossibility_n immorality_n or_o imprudence_n be_v there_o in_o so_o do_v if_o there_o be_v none_o then_o second_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 the_o reason_n be_v manifest_a because_o this_o assent_n may_v be_v build_v upon_o another_o foundation_n viz._n testimony_n of_o credible_a witness_n transmit_v or_o deliver_v down_o throughout_o all_o age_n to_o posterity_n the_o sufficiency_n of_o this_o foundation_n to_o bear_v that_o superstructure_n will_v be_v evident_a by_o the_o firm_a assent_n that_o man_n build_v upon_o less_o credible_a testimony_n whereof_o they_o give_v evidence_n in_o almost_o all_o affair_n of_o humane_a life_n the_o nobleman_n claim_v his_o peerage_n the_o gentleman_n his_o estate_n the_o merchant_n venture_v his_o money_n and_o the_o traveller_n take_v his_o journey_n the_o honest_a lawyer_n plead_v and_o the_o just_a judge_n pronounce_v sentence_n upon_o the_o credit_n of_o testimony_n and_o such_o be_v the_o necessity_n of_o testimony_n as_o that_o the_o child_n can_v learn_v his_o letter_n nor_o the_o scholar_n attain_v his_o knowledge_n in_o the_o science_n nor_o the_o mechanic_n skill_n in_o his_o trade_n nor_o indeed_o can_v we_o ourselves_o know_v our_o own_o name_n without_o assent_v to_o testimony_n yet_o so_o firm_a a_o assent_n do_v we_o yield_v unto_o it_o as_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o ridiculous_a and_o hardly_o accomplish_v than_o persuasion_n of_o we_o out_o of_o our_o name_n most_o firm_a assent_n therefore_o we_o see_v be_v yield_v to_o testimony_n and_o that_o such_o as_o be_v not_o more_o perhaps_o less_o credible_a than_o that_o whereby_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n miracle_n be_v convey_v unto_o we_o for_o it_o have_v not_o antiquity_n universality_n and_o consent_v of_o all_o party_n as_o this_o have_v to_o avouch_v its_o credibility_n most_o firm_a assent_v therefore_o may_v and_o in_o reason_n ought_v to_o be_v give_v to_o it_o for_o where_o there_o be_v certain_a credibility_n in_o the_o matter_n propound_v and_o also_o in_o the_o testimony_n that_o propound_v it_o there_o do_v arise_v upon_o man_n a_o obligation_n to_o believe_v as_o appear_v by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n concern_v converse_n which_o will_v serve_v to_o very_o little_a or_o no_o purpose_n if_o the_o motive_n of_o credibility_n do_v not_o induce_v a_o obligation_n to_o believe_v it_o seem_v therefore_o that_o the_o testimony_n or_o tradition_n whereby_o we_o understand_v that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n do_v many_o and_o great_a miracle_n we_o not_o only_o may_v but_o also_o we_o ought_v to_o believe_v because_o there_o be_v a_o certainty_n of_o credibility_n both_o in_o the_o matter_n propound_v and_o also_o in_o the_o manner_n of_o its_o proposition_n to_o our_o consideration_n and_o if_o this_o render_v it_o a_o duty_n to_o believe_v then_o three_o it_o be_v both_o wicked_a and_o absurd_a to_o demand_v a_o miracle_n to_o induce_v our_o assent_n unto_o it_o it_o be_v wicked_a because_o it_o not_o only_o hinder_v the_o performance_n of_o our_o duty_n but_o also_o mere_o to_o gratify_v