these_o qualification_n as_o we_o have_v also_o see_v take_v away_o all_o cause_n of_o suspicion_n that_o the_o prophet_n either_o be_v deceive_v or_o have_v a_o design_n to_o deceive_v other_o in_o their_o prophecy_n and_o beside_o that_o either_o by_o prediction_n or_o miracle_n they_o give_v such_o evidence_n of_o a_o prophetic_a spirit_n as_o can_v possible_o come_v from_o none_o but_o god_n and_o therefore_o in_o motive_n of_o credibility_n a_o word_n of_o prophecy_n do_v far_o exceed_v a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n because_o for_o aught_o we_o know_v the_o prince_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o air_n may_v deceive_v we_o with_o something_o like_o it_o or_o the_o pretend_a hearer_n of_o it_o be_v it_o may_v be_v themselves_o deceive_v or_o have_v a_o design_n to_o deceive_v other_o since_o than_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n as_o we_o have_v large_o prove_v be_v a_o sort_n of_o prophet_n that_o most_o eminent_o have_v all_o the_o qualification_n requisite_a to_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n and_o both_o by_o prediction_n and_o miracle_n give_v thâ—_n clear_a evidence_n that_o ever_o the_o world_n have_v of_o it_o we_o have_v the_o high_a reason_n whereof_o a_o revelation_n be_v capable_a most_o firm_o to_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n that_o they_o have_v teach_v we_o what_o though_o the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n be_v as_o without_o controversy_n it_o be_v very_o great_a yet_o the_o theist_n of_o our_o age_n have_v no_o reason_n on_o that_o account_n to_o disbelieve_v it_o for_o though_o perhaps_o it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o expect_v that_o our_o religion_n shall_v befriend_v our_o reason_n yet_o not_o so_o far_o as_o to_o make_v it_o the_o rule_n and_o measure_n of_o divine_a revelation_n the_o reason_n be_v because_o the_o divine_a intellect_n be_v infinite_a and_o we_o finite_a although_o therefore_o without_o a_o experiment_n or_o other_o demonstration_n there_o seem_v to_o be_v no_o obligation_n on_o we_o firm_o to_o assent_v to_o any_o thing_n in_o philosophy_n yet_o be_v we_o not_o permit_v to_o be_v such_o virtuosâ—_n in_o religion_n the_o reason_n be_v because_o thing_n in_o themselves_o uncapable_a of_o a_o demonstration_n be_v reveal_v with_o a_o command_n to_o believe_v and_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o make_v they_o a_o râ—morâ—_n to_o our_o belief_n for_o as_o after_o all_o our_o search_n into_o nature_n and_o great_a discovery_n of_o thing_n therein_o we_o be_v force_v to_o confess_v there_o may_v be_v more_o in_o her_o dark_a bosom_n than_o we_o can_v discover_v and_o we_o on_o that_o account_n have_v no_o reason_n to_o deny_v the_o be_v of_o nature_n so_o also_o in_o thing_n reveal_v if_o after_o all_o our_o hard_a study_n we_o can_v comprehend_v they_o we_o thereupon_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o deny_v the_o be_v of_o they_o because_o god_n who_o have_v make_v may_v also_o reveal_v thing_n that_o pass_v our_o understanding_n if_o therefore_o there_o be_v evidence_n sufficient_a to_o convince_v the_o understanding_n as_o in_o the_o case_n now_o before_o we_o there_o be_v that_o the_o revelation_n come_v from_o god_n there_o be_v no_o reason_n on_o the_o account_n of_o its_o mystery_n to_o reject_v it_o and_o indeed_o the_o mystery_n of_o christianity_n be_v so_o far_o from_o give_v just_a occasion_n of_o unbelief_n as_o that_o they_o be_v apt_a to_o strengthen_v our_o faith_n in_o it_o for_o the_o gospel_n teach_v we_o to_o glorify_v god_n in_o 20._o our_o spirit_n as_o well_o as_o body_n it_o be_v very_o reasonable_a and_o convenient_a that_o it_o shall_v require_v we_o to_o honour_v he_o by_o the_o submission_n of_o our_o understanding_n to_o indemonstrable_v revelation_n as_o well_o as_o by_o the_o obedience_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o life_n unto_o his_o law_n and_o therefore_o as_o it_o be_v fit_v for_o we_o to_o obey_v the_o divine_a law_n though_o our_o will_n reluct_v never_o so_o much_o against_o it_o so_o also_o be_v it_o for_o we_o to_o believe_v whatever_o god_n have_v reveal_v think_v never_o so_o improbable_a to_o our_o understanding_n for_o unless_o we_o do_v so_o we_o shall_v undoubted_o fall_v short_a of_o our_o duty_n which_o in_o this_o case_n without_o dispute_n be_v to_o tread_v in_o the_o step_n of_o our_o father_n abraham_n who_o give_v glory_n to_o god_n by_o be_v so_o strong_a in_o faith_n as_o to_o believe_v that_o that_o be_v impossible_a in_o nature_n and_o therefore_o incredible_a unto_o reason_n if_o we_o will_v believe_v no_o more_o than_o what_o we_o can_v demonstrate_v to_o be_v true_a our_o assent_n be_v not_o faith_n but_o science_n for_o it_o be_v not_o build_v upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o god_n testimony_n but_o on_o demonstration_n from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n testify_v and_o so_o it_o honour_v not_o god_n at_o all_o because_o it_o receive_v not_o the_o truth_n for_o his_o sake_n but_o he_o for_o the_o truth_n sake_n and_o so_o it_o pay_v no_o respect_n to_o his_o word_n but_o only_o to_o our_o own_o ratiocination_n but_o forasmuch_o as_o the_o mind_n assent_v to_o testimony_n as_o well_o as_o reason_n and_o the_o divine_a prerogative_n extend_v itself_o to_o the_o whole_a man_n that_o religion_n that_o become_v god_n and_o it_o be_v suitable_a to_o man_n must_v have_v something_o in_o it_o to_o exercise_v this_o his_o innate_a power_n about_o and_o for_o this_o cause_n the_o mystery_n of_o christianity_n ought_v to_o be_v look_v on_o as_o a_o motive_n to_o believe_v rather_o than_o to_o reject_v it_o for_o be_v there_o no_o mystery_n in_o it_o we_o shall_v have_v some_o reason_n to_o entertain_v a_o temptation_n to_o think_v that_o it_o be_v not_o of_o god_n because_o whatsoever_o else_o we_o be_v assure_v there_o be_v have_v something_o in_o it_o that_o exceed_v the_o reach_n of_o our_o reason_n yea_o and_o conjecture_n too_o for_o if_o we_o contemplate_v the_o work_n of_o creation_n thing_n that_o we_o daily_o see_v and_o handle_v which_o â—eem_v to_o lie_v level_a with_o our_o understanding_n yet_o after_o our_o most_o accurate_a researche_n into_o their_o nature_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o the_o most_o pierce_a judgement_n or_o profound_a reason_n be_v not_o able_a to_o solve_v all_o the_o phaenomena_n or_o attain_v to_o a_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o they_o and_o who_o be_v there_o that_o observe_v well_o the_o dispensation_n of_o divine_a providence_n but_o may_v therein_o find_v such_o riddle_n as_o his_o reason_n can_v unfold_v such_o mystery_n as_o baffle_v his_o understanding_n and_o confound_v his_o curiosity_n in_o his_o inquire_n after_o the_o cause_n of_o they_o the_o end_n and_o reason_n of_o god_n proceed_n with_o man_n although_o always_o most_o just_a and_o righteous_a yet_o very_o often_o be_v so_o secret_a and_o hide_a as_o that_o they_o convince_v we_o his_o judgement_n be_v unsearchable_a and_o his_o way_n past_o find_v out_o and_o from_o the_o work_n of_o creation_n and_o providence_n result_v a_o natural_a religion_n the_o chief_a principle_n whereof_o we_o know_v be_v that_o there_o be_v a_o be_v infinite_a in_o all_o perfection_n this_o be_v the_o dictate_v of_o reason_n as_o well_o as_o conscience_n yet_o reason_n can_v fathom_v the_o depth_n of_o it_o for_o it_o have_v only_o a_o negative_a conception_n of_o infinity_o and_o whatever_o there_o be_v that_o it_o have_v no_o conception_n of_o do_v undoubted_o surpass_v its_o reach_n and_o comprehension_n so_o that_o natural_a theology_n as_o well_o as_o reveal_v have_v its_o mystery_n if_o therefore_o christianity_n have_v none_o how_o unlike_a will_v it_o be_v to_o all_o thing_n else_o in_o the_o world_n that_o have_v god_n for_o their_o author_n how_o just_a a_o prejudice_n will_v this_o be_v to_o the_o reception_n of_o it_o as_o divine_a truth_n and_o revelation_n who_o will_v believe_v it_o to_o be_v of_o god_n when_o he_o see_v nothing_o that_o surpass_v man_n in_o it_o how_o decent_a then_o and_o useful_a be_v the_o mystery_n of_o christianity_n since_o they_o make_v it_o like_v to_o all_o thing_n else_o of_o god_n make_v they_o beautify_v and_o adorn_v it_o with_o fair_a character_n than_o otherwise_o it_o will_v have_v of_o god_n image_n on_o it_o and_o the_o fair_a the_o character_n of_o his_o image_n be_v upon_o it_o the_o more_o legible_a be_v his_o truth_n in_o it_o for_o infiniteness_n of_o truth_n be_v inseparable_a from_o right_a reason_n idea_n of_o deity_n and_o where_o there_o be_v infiniteness_n of_o truth_n there_o be_v no_o possibility_n of_o a_o lie_n mistake_v or_o deceit_n and_o where_o these_o be_v exclude_v there_o be_v no_o room_n for_o hesitance_n or_o doubt_v but_o the_o strong_a reason_n imaginable_a to_o believe_v since_o therefore_o our_o christian_a faith_n have_v the_o impression_n of_o god_n image_n on_o it_o and_o the_o word_n of_o prophecy_n reveal_v it_o it_o be_v most_o high_o reasonable_a to_o believe_v it_o sect._n 5._o
sea_n and_o land_n and_o find_v out_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n contain_v in_o they_o and_o then_o lift_v itself_o up_o from_o thing_n below_o it_o soar_v aloft_o and_o so_o the_o air_n and_o its_o affection_n consider_v it_o fly_v high_a even_o to_o the_o sky_n and_o ride_v the_o circuit_n of_o heaven_n and_o bend_v its_o course_n with_o that_o of_o â—_o the_o wander_v and_o fix_a star_n in_o their_o dance_n after_o the_o music_n of_o the_o sphere_n it_o follow_v the_o love_n of_o wisdom_n as_o its_o leader_n and_o when_o it_o have_v raise_v itself_o above_o every_o nature_n that_o be_v apt_a to_o move_v the_o sense_n it_o be_v lead_v with_o a_o desire_n of_o come_v to_o that_o which_o reason_n only_o can_v perceive_v and_o when_o in_o that_o it_o contemplate_v the_o example_n and_o fair_a form_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o here_o fall_n under_o our_o sense_n be_v as_o man_n inflame_v with_o fury_n even_o bring_v asleep_a by_o a_o kind_n of_o modest_a drunkenness_n and_o fill_v with_o another_o desire_n and_o better_a love_n it_o partake_v of_o divine_a afflation_n thence_o its_o intelligence_n be_v raise_v to_o the_o supreme_a globe_n of_o thing_n perceive_v it_o seem_v to_o have_v arrive_v at_o the_o great_a and_o omnipotent_a king_n himself_o yet_o while_o it_o covet_v to_o see_v he_o the_o pure_a and_o immix_v ray_n of_o divine_a light_n as_o of_o a_o torrent_n be_v so_o pour_v forth_o as_o that_o through_o their_o clarity_n and_o brightness_n as_o if_o it_o be_v overspread_v with_o darkness_n the_o very_a sharpness_n of_o its_o sight_n wax_v dull_a and_o dim_a xophorson_n thus_o elegant_o do_v platonize_a philo_n display_v the_o power_n of_o the_o soul_n in_o reference_n to_o its_o attainment_n of_o knowledge_n and_o thereby_o we_o learn_v that_o though_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v able_a to_o discern_v much_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o all_o creature_n yet_o when_o it_o pry_v into_o the_o secret_n of_o their_o maker_n it_o be_v strike_v with_o blindness_n and_o can_v see_v nothing_o of_o they_o think_v you_o then_o that_o creature_n of_o a_o far_o inferior_a nature_n be_v acquaint_v with_o they_o have_v the_o eternal_a king_n almighty_a constitute_v the_o host_n of_o heaven_n to_o be_v his_o secretary_n and_o be_v the_o planet_n so_o treacherous_a as_o by_o their_o conjunction_n and_o opposition_n to_o reveal_v the_o arcana_fw-la imperii_fw-la to_o astrologer_n or_o be_v the_o firmament_n so_o untrusty_a as_o by_o its_o spangle_n to_o make_v they_o know_v to_o stargazer_n or_o be_v the_o moon_n so_o unfaithful_a as_o by_o her_o course_n or_o countenance_n to_o declare_v they_o to_o monthly_a prognosticator_n or_o be_v they_o commit_v to_o the_o custody_n of_o beast_n that_o the_o aruspices_fw-la may_v read_v they_o in_o their_o entrails_n or_o be_v they_o so_o little_o set_v by_o as_o to_o be_v lay_v on_o the_o wing_n put_v into_o the_o mouth_n or_o trample_v under_o the_o foot_n of_o bird_n that_o the_o augur_n may_v know_v they_o by_o their_o fly_n noise_n or_o sit_v how_o fond_o ridiculous_a be_v it_o to_o fancy_n that_o the_o secret_n of_o heaven_n be_v entrust_v with_o any_o of_o these_o thing_n while_o they_o be_v hide_v from_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n which_o as_o it_o far_o exceed_v they_o in_o the_o nobleness_n of_o its_o nature_n so_o also_o in_o dearness_n to_o its_o maker_n for_o man_n in_o his_o creation_n be_v ally_v to_o god_n a_o creature_n so_o near_o conjoin_v unto_o he_o and_o so_o gracious_a with_o he_o as_o that_o in_o a_o sort_n all_o thing_n else_o be_v prepare_v for_o he_o how_o strange_a then_o be_v it_o and_o incredible_a that_o they_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o tell_v he_o such_o thing_n as_o his_o most_o bountiful_a and_o indulgent_a creator_n think_v fit_a to_o conceal_v from_o he_o if_o then_o this_o be_v not_o likely_a it_o be_v certain_o the_o dictate_v of_o reason_n that_o that_o knowledge_n which_o at_o any_o time_n any_o man_n at_o first_o have_v of_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v resolve_v into_o immediate_a revelation_n and_o for_o that_o cause_n it_o be_v likely_a prediction_n ever_o be_v and_o still_o deserve_v to_o be_v account_v infallible_a proof_n of_o a_o prophetic_a spirit_n since_o then_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v author_n of_o prediction_n exact_o accomplish_v it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v but_o they_o be_v prophet_n hereof_o also_o we_o have_v yet_o another_o and_o great_a evidence_n viz._n their_o miracle_n that_o they_o real_o wrought_v many_o and_o great_a miracle_n we_o have_v already_o assert_v all_o therefore_o that_o now_o remain_v will_v be_v to_o show_v the_o force_n of_o that_o argument_n in_o order_n whereunto_o it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o observe_v 1._o that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n wrought_v their_o miracle_n on_o purpose_n to_o confirm_v their_o doctrine_n or_o their_o mission_n from_o god_n to_o teach_v it_o 2._o that_o miracle_n be_v always_o look_v on_o as_o undeniable_a or_o demonstrative_a proof_n of_o divine_a authority_n 3._o the_o reason_n for_o which_o those_o of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n deserve_v to_o be_v so_o account_v 1._o that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n wrought_v their_o miracle_n on_o purpose_n to_o confirm_v their_o doctrine_n or_o demonstrate_v their_o mission_n from_o god_n to_o teach_v it_o it_o be_v true_a indeed_o each_o one_o of_o their_o miracle_n consider_v single_o and_o apart_o from_o the_o rest_n of_o its_o fellow_n may_v seem_v to_o be_v wrought_v on_o some_o other_o occasion_n and_o to_o other_o purpose_n but_o consider_v in_o the_o whole_a and_o in_o conjunction_n with_o the_o rest_n it_o will_v be_v easy_a to_o observe_v that_o the_o ultimate_a end_n scope_n and_o design_n of_o it_o be_v to_o demonstrate_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o doctrine_n and_o the_o reality_n of_o their_o mission_n from_o god_n to_o teach_v it_o hereof_o methinks_v it_o be_v no_o trivial_a argument_n that_o may_v be_v draw_v from_o the_o time_n of_o they_o and_o this_o be_v not_o before_o but_o present_o after_o our_o saviour_n inauguration_n into_o his_o office_n of_o preach_v the_o gospel_n that_o he_o himself_o can_v have_v do_v and_o enable_v other_o to_o do_v miracle_n before_o that_o be_v firm_o believe_v among_o christian_n yet_o we_o find_v not_o that_o he_o do_v it_o till_o after_o his_o baptism_n and_o consecration_n to_o the_o sacred_a and_o solemn_a office_n of_o preach_v hereof_o sure_o there_o can_v no_o reason_n so_o probable_o be_v give_v as_o that_o because_o he_o wrought_v his_o miracle_n to_o confirm_v his_o doctrine_n but_o if_o this_o suffice_v not_o pray_v observe_v what_o he_o himself_o say_v to_o the_o nobleman_n of_o capernaum_n except_o 48._o you_o see_v sign_n and_o wonder_n that_o will_v not_o believe_v whereby_o it_o be_v plain_a not_o only_o that_o miracle_n be_v great_a inducement_n of_o assent_n but_o also_o that_o christ_n wrought_v his_o on_o purpose_n to_o be_v so_o thence_o sure_o it_o be_v that_o he_o require_v belief_n if_o not_o on_o the_o authority_n of_o his_o word_n yet_o on_o the_o account_n of_o his_o work_n if_o say_v he_o to_o the_o jew_n i_o do_v not_o the_o work_v of_o my_o father_n i._n e._n such_o as_o god_n only_o can_v do_v namely_o miracle_n then_o believe_v i_o not_o on_o this_o supposition_n he_o christen_v infidelity_n unblameable_a but_o again_o he_o say_v if_o i_o do_v the_o work_n of_o my_o father_n though_o 38._o you_o believe_v not_o i_o i._n e._n my_o word_n for_o my_o sake_n yet_o believe_v the_o work_n viz._n the_o purport_n of_o they_o that_o you_o may_v know_v and_o believe_v that_o the_o father_n be_v in_o i_o and_o i_o in_o he_o viz._n either_o by_o identity_n of_o nature_n or_o else_o at_o least_o by_o the_o energy_n of_o his_o spirit_n work_v in_o i_o and_o most_o perfect_o obey_v by_o i_o this_o it_o seem_v in_o his_o judgement_n they_o may_v have_v know_v by_o the_o work_n that_o he_o do_v for_o they_o be_v the_o work_v that_o the_o father_n have_v give_v he_o to_o 36._o finish_v they_o do_v bear_v witness_n of_o he_o that_o the_o father_n have_v send_v he_o and_o that_o he_o be_v the_o christ_n the_o anoint_a of_o god_n as_o appear_v by_o his_o do_v they_o 25._o in_o his_o name_n for_o it_o be_v a_o astonishment_n to_o reason_n a_o thing_n altogether_o incredible_a that_o god_n will_v give_v power_n to_o a_o impostor_n to_o do_v such_o work_n in_o his_o name_n on_o this_o account_n it_o be_v most_o likely_a that_o our_o most_o bless_a saviour_n upbraid_v the_o city_n wherein_o 20._o most_o of_o his_o mighty_a work_n be_v do_v because_o they_o repent_v not_o and_o say_v to_o his_o disciple_n if_o i_o have_v not_o do_v among_o they_o the_o work_n which_o none_o other_o man_n do_v 24._o they_o have_v not_o have_v
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
down_o from_o its_o first_o and_o proper_a state_n to_o another_o far_o inferior_a hereby_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o 30._o light_n of_o nature_n discover_v our_o fall_a condition_n herein_o i_o say_v where_o can_v reason_n without_o revelation_n find_v a_o promise_n of_o eternal_a happiness_n make_v unto_o we_o the_o vast_a volume_n of_o the_o creation_n do_v not_o afford_v it_o the_o book_n of_o nature_n do_v not_o contain_v it_o where_o then_o will_v it_o look_v for_o it_o or_o can_v it_o possible_o find_v it_o here_o then_o this_o suppose_a infallible_a guide_n be_v at_o a_o stand_n it_o can_v carry_v we_o one_o step_n far_o it_o be_v at_o such_o a_o loss_n as_o that_o it_o can_v tell_v we_o what_o to_o do_v or_o which_o way_n to_o go_v that_o we_o may_v gâ—t_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o a_o promise_n of_o salvation_n without_o which_o we_o walk_v in_o darkness_n and_o at_o all_o adventure_n and_o so_o our_o wander_n be_v like_a to_o be_v very_o tedious_a and_o troublesome_a indeed_o object_n but_o what_o if_o they_o be_v the_o matter_n be_v not_o much_o for_o those_o who_o commit_v themselves_o to_o the_o guidance_n of_o their_o own_o understand_n if_o they_o do_v commit_v themselves_o whole_o to_o it_o be_v as_o safe_a on_o the_o left_a hand_n as_o on_o the_o right_n as_o secure_v of_o happiness_n in_o their_o error_n as_o other_o be_v who_o 65._o be_v otherwise_o guide_v even_o in_o the_o truth_n which_o they_o happen_v to_o fall_v into_o behold_v hâ—re_o the_o power_n of_o reason_n how_o broad_a it_o make_v the_o way_n to_o heaven_n and_o how_o wide_o its_o gate_n it_o throw_v it_o open_a and_o take_v it_o on_o every_o side_n no_o matter_n with_o what_o it_o approach_v it_o error_n as_o well_o as_o truth_n if_o it_o be_v the_o dictate_v of_o our_o own_o understanding_n will_v let_v we_o into_o it_o what_o scrupulous_a coxcomb_n than_o be_v those_o who_o ask_v with_o the_o tremble_a jailor_n sir_n what_o must_v we_o do_v to_o be_v save_v can_v they_o not_o whole_o commit_v themselves_o to_o their_o own_o understanding_n and_o then_o they_o will_v be_v save_v right_a or_o wrong_n what_o though_o we_o be_v turk_n jew_n heathen_n or_o atheist_n in_o our_o persuasion_n it_o be_v no_o matter_n if_o we_o therein_o whole_o commit_v ourselves_o to_o the_o guidance_n of_o our_o own_o understanding_n we_o be_v as_o secure_v of_o happiness_n in_o our_o error_n as_o other_o be_v who_o be_v guide_v even_o in_o the_o ibid._n truth_n which_o they_o happen_v to_o fall_v into_o for_o there_o be_v no_o danger_n of_o perish_v but_o from_o disobedience_n without_o which_o every_o man_n may_v often_o err_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n be_v not_o to_o find_v out_o truth_n especial_o every_o particular_a one_o but_o to_o endeavour_v the_o find_v it_o he_o command_v no_o more_o but_o to_o search_v and_o you_o shall_v find_v say_v be_v not_o every_o particular_a truth_n for_o experience_n teach_v we_o that_o can_v be_v the_o interpretation_n but_o whether_o you_o find_v or_o no_o the_o truth_n which_o you_o search_v for_o you_o shall_v find_v the_o 66._o reward_n of_o search_v which_o be_v happiness_n so_o that_o if_o your_o understanding_n search_v and_o you_o do_v commit_v yourselves_o whole_o to_o the_o guidance_n oâ—_n it_o there_o be_v no_o danger_n of_o perish_v from_o disobedience_n to_o the_o law_n even_o of_o god_n himself_o much_o less_o from_o error_n well_o little_a do_v we_o think_v what_o a_o amulet_n we_o carry_v about_o with_o we_o and_o little_o do_v we_o know_v till_o this_o treatise_n tell_v we_o that_o such_o be_v the_o force_n and_o virtue_n of_o our_o understanding_n as_o that_o if_o it_o do_v what_o it_o may_v the_o most_o venomous_a error_n can_v hurt_v we_o if_o it_o do_v but_o search_n we_o shall_v be_v sure_a to_o find_v the_o reward_n of_o search_v which_o be_v happiness_n this_o indeed_o be_v a_o very_a comfortable_a speculation_n but_o it_o fall_v out_o somewhat_o unlucky_o that_o he_o who_o acquaint_v we_o with_o it_o as_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v speak_v without-book_a for_o the_o promise_n be_v not_o make_v to_o search_v but_o to_o seek_v i._n e._n to_o prayer_n and_o devotion_n 7._o not_o to_o study_v and_o enquiry_n after_o truth_n in_o opinion_n it_o do_v therefore_o give_v we_o no_o reason_n to_o think_v either_o that_o happiness_n be_v the_o reward_n of_o such_o search_a or_o that_o we_o shall_v ever_o find_v it_o thereby_o no_o though_o we_o commit_v ourselves_o whole_o to_o the_o guidance_n of_o our_o understanding_n therein_o for_o if_o on_o those_o term_n man_n may_v attain_v to_o salvation_n i_o can_v understand_v that_o st._n paul_n the_o apostle_n be_v ever_o a_o whit_n secure_a of_o happiness_n than_o saul_n the_o persecutor_n for_o he_o very_o think_v with_o himself_o that_o he_o ought_v 9_o to_o do_v many_o thing_n contrary_a to_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n this_o be_v the_o guidance_n of_o his_o understanding_n and_o he_o whole_o commit_v himself_o to_o it_o for_o even_o then_o he_o live_v in_o all_o good_a conscience_n why_o then_o be_v 1._o not_o he_o as_o safe_a on_o the_o left_a hand_n as_o on_o the_o right_a i._o e._n while_o a_o pesecutor_n as_o when_o a_o eminent_a believer_n if_o he_o be_v why_o do_v he_o magnify_v the_o mercy_n etc._n of_o god_n in_o his_o conversion_n if_o he_o be_v not_o what_o reason_n have_v we_o to_o believe_v the_o now_o controvert_v and_o grand_a assertion_n in_o this_o treatise_n that_o therefore_o notwithstanding_o we_o conclude_v that_o since_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v prophet_n it_o be_v unreasonable_a to_o think_v our_o own_o reason_n a_o sufficient_a guide_n to_o eternal_a happiness_n sect._n 4._o hence_o also_o it_o follow_v that_o it_o be_v very_o reasonable_a for_o we_o to_o believe_v whatsoever_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n have_v undoubted_o teach_v we_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o consequence_n most_o manifest_o be_v because_o they_o 21._o be_v prophet_n and_o be_v prophet_n they_o speak_v as_o they_o be_v move_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o forasmuch_o as_o god_n can_v lie_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o doctrine_n must_v needs_o be_v beyond_o all_o question_n for_o such_o be_v the_o certainty_n of_o the_o word_n of_o prophecy_n as_o that_o st._n peter_n prefer_v it_o before_o the_o voice_n which_o he_o himself_o hear_v 19_o from_o heaven_n when_o he_o be_v with_o jesus_n in_o the_o holy_a mount_n but_o can_v any_o thing_n be_v more_o sure_a than_o such_o a_o voice_n no_o not_o in_o itself_o consider_v absolute_o but_o unto_o we_o god_n be_v truth_n and_o in_o he_o there_o be_v no_o possibility_n of_o lie_v or_o shadow_n of_o falsehood_n all_o thing_n therefore_o that_o come_v from_o he_o must_v needs_o be_v equal_o sure_a and_o certain_a infallible_a and_o true_a in_o themselves_o yet_o for_o all_o that_o one_o thing_n may_v have_v great_a evidence_n of_o its_o descent_n and_o more_o apparent_a credential_n of_o its_o mission_n from_o he_o than_o another_o have_v as_o for_o example_n st._n john_n the_o baptist_n and_o our_o bless_a saviour_n be_v both_o send_v from_o god_n but_o both_o do_v not_o give_v equal_a evidence_n of_o their_o mission_n from_o he_o st._n john_n do_v no_o miracle_n but_o our_o saviour_n 36._o wrought_v many_o and_o the_o work_n that_o he_o do_v do_v bear_v witness_n of_o he_o that_o the_o father_n send_v he_o and_o as_o it_o be_v in_o person_n so_o may_v it_o be_v in_o several_a way_n of_o revelation_n and_o so_o i_o conceive_v it_o be_v in_o those_o that_o now_o lie_v before_o we_o a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n and_o a_o word_n of_o prophecy_n the_o question_n be_v not_o which_o be_v most_o true_a consider_v as_o in_o itself_o for_o so_o there_o can_v be_v no_o comparison_n between_o they_o but_o which_o of_o the_o two_o be_v most_o sure_a as_o to_o we_o i_o e._n which_o of_o they_o give_v we_o the_o fair_a credential_n of_o its_o come_n from_o god_n st._n peter_n decide_v the_o question_n the_o word_n of_o prophecy_n and_o for_o this_o his_o decision_n he_o have_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o jew_n among_o who_o it_o seem_v that_o in_o those_o day_n it_o be_v and_o perhaps_o still_o be_v a_o receive_a opinion_n that_o the_o bath_n kol_n filia_fw-la vocis_fw-la such_o as_o st._n peter_n speak_v of_o be_v inferior_a to_o the_o very_o low_a degree_n of_o prophecy_n not_o in_o its_o truth_n as_o in_o itself_o consider_v but_o in_o motive_n of_o credibility_n to_o other_o hereof_o maimonides_n insinuate_v this_o reason_n viz._n because_o it_o 42._o may_v happen_v to_o such_o as_o be_v not_o prepare_v for_o prophecy_n there_o be_v as_o we_o have_v show_v divers_a qualification_n antecedent_o or_o concomitant_o necessary_a to_o fit_a man_n for_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n and_o
and_o since_o such_o be_v the_o reason_n that_o we_o have_v most_o firm_o to_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n have_v teach_v we_o such_o also_o we_o have_v most_o steadfast_o to_o hope_v in_o the_o promise_n that_o they_o have_v make_v we_o for_o hope_n be_v the_o expectation_n and_o wait_v of_o faith_n arise_v out_o of_o it_o and_o have_v itâ—_n growth_n with_o it_o although_o the_o object_n of_o hope_n be_v some_o difficultly_a attainable_a future_a good_a thing_n yet_o faith_n receive_v the_o promise_n of_o it_o put_v we_o upon_o expect_v and_o wait_v for_o it_o if_o therefore_o it_o be_v reasonable_a for_o we_o to_o believe_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n it_o be_v also_o reasonable_a for_o we_o to_o hope_v for_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o they_o the_o hope_n of_o a_o christian_a be_v not_o like_o our_o golden_a dream_n which_o vanish_v when_o we_o awake_v but_o it_o be_v such_o a_o expectation_n of_o good_a thing_n not_o see_v as_o will_v endure_v the_o test_n of_o the_o severe_a reason_n for_o it_o be_v found_v on_o the_o promise_v of_o the_o gospel_n and_o these_o promise_n make_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n in_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v little_a or_o nothing_o else_o but_o declaration_n of_o what_o god_n will_v do_v for_o the_o good_a of_o man_n and_o since_o they_o declare_v his_o purpose_n they_o open_v to_o we_o a_o part_n of_o that_o external_a law_n which_o he_o himself_o have_v set_v for_o himself_o to_o work_v by_o they_o therefore_o be_v and_o must_v needs_o be_v as_o immutable_a as_o that_o law_n and_o that_o law_n be_v as_o immutable_a as_o god_n himself_o because_o it_o be_v his_o external_a wisdom_n and_o herein_o there_o can_v be_v no_o variableness_n or_o shadow_n of_o turn_v because_o 13._o his_o understanding_n be_v infinite_a on_o this_o account_n i_o suppose_v it_o be_v that_o st._n paul_n insinuate_v it_o as_o possible_a for_o god_n to_o deny_v himself_o as_o to_o fail_v of_o perform_v his_o promise_n in_o they_o therefore_o we_o may_v have_v hope_n without_o despair_n and_o confidence_n without_o diffidence_n obj._n but_o hereunto_o some_o perhaps_o suspend_v their_o assent_n because_o as_o they_o think_v their_o experience_n confute_v the_o christian_n faith_n the_o apostle_n teach_v we_o that_o 8._o godliness_n be_v profitable_a unto_o all_o thing_n have_v promise_n of_o the_o life_n that_o â—ow_o be_v and_o of_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v but_o we_o find_v that_o all_o thing_n come_v alike_o to_o all_o there_o be_v no_o more_o care_n take_v of_o the_o most_o pious_a christian_a than_o of_o the_o lewd_a among_o man_n we_o can_v therefore_o believe_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o think_v it_o safe_a to_o put_v our_o trust_n in_o they_o if_o they_o deceive_v our_o expectation_n in_o thing_n that_o fall_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o our_o experience_n what_o reason_n have_v we_o to_o give_v credit_n or_o to_o take_v heed_n unto_o they_o in_o those_o that_o do_v not_o anâ—_n if_o our_o expectation_n have_v be_v deceive_v it_o be_v most_o rational_a as_o well_o as_o pious_a to_o resolve_v the_o deceit_n not_o into_o god_n promise_n but_o into_o our_o own_o misunderstand_a of_o they_o but_o such_o usual_o be_v the_o peevish_a worldly-mindedness_a of_o those_o that_o be_v use_v to_o make_v such_o as_o this_o objection_n as_o that_o they_o take_v the_o dirt_n of_o their_o own_o ignorance_n and_o misapprehension_n and_o throw_v it_o in_o the_o face_n of_o god_n promise_n for_o very_o easy_a it_o be_v to_o observe_v that_o this_o and_o all_o such_o like_a objection_n be_v found_v upon_o a_o opinion_n that_o god_n promise_n concern_v the_o life_n that_o now_o be_v do_v import_n that_o those_o who_o perform_v the_o condition_n of_o they_o shall_v enjoy_v such_o a_o uninterrupted_a series_n of_o worldly_a prosperity_n as_o that_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v afflict_v like_o other_o folk_n but_o this_o certain_o be_v a_o great_a mistake_n for_o affliction_n and_o trouble_n be_v so_o inseparable_o annex_v to_o christian_a piety_n as_o that_o if_o any_o man_n will_v 27._o come_v after_o christ_n he_o must_v deny_v himself_o and_o take_v up_o his_o cross_n and_o follow_v he_o and_o unless_o he_o do_v so_o he_o can_v be_v his_o disciple_n it_o seem_v therefore_o that_o those_o grim_a duty_n of_o self-denial_n and_o mature_a resolution_n of_o bear_v the_o cross_n be_v so_o essential_o unite_v to_o the_o other_o part_n of_o christianity_n as_o there_o be_v no_o be_v a_o good_a christian_n without_o they_o impossible_a therefore_o it_o be_v that_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n shall_v be_v design_v to_o evacuate_v the_o necessity_n or_o frustrate_v the_o use_n of_o these_o essential_a part_n of_o christianity_n and_o for_o this_o cause_o it_o be_v most_o probable_a if_o not_o certain_a that_o the_o importance_n of_o its_o promise_n concern_v thing_n temporal_a be_v that_o they_o who_o seek_v those_o that_o be_v eternal_a shall_v have_v no_o just_a cause_n of_o such_o destract_a care_n about_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n as_o render_v they_o unable_a acceptable_o to_o mind_v the_o concern_v of_o the_o other_o that_o this_o be_v the_o design_n and_o scope_n of_o they_o we_o have_v methinks_v a_o demonstration_n in_o that_o grand_a promise_n of_o our_o saviour_n that_o all_o these_o thing_n shall_v 33._o be_v add_v to_o they_o that_o seek_v first_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n for_o be_v a_o part_n of_o his_o sermon_n on_o the_o mount_n wherein_o he_o give_v his_o disciple_n a_o abstract_n of_o christian_a philosophy_n it_o be_v to_o be_v look_v on_o as_o a_o standard_n whereby_o we_o be_v to_o take_v the_o measure_n of_o other_o promise_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n in_o our_o interpretation_n of_o they_o and_o if_o so_o than_o the_o design_n and_o intendment_n of_o they_o all_o must_v needs_o be_v not_o to_o raise_v our_o hope_n to_o a_o expectation_n of_o freedom_n from_o affliction_n but_o to_o keep_v our_o soul_n from_o sink_v into_o dispondence_n and_o distrust_n of_o god_n providence_n in_o provide_v for_o we_o for_o this_o manifest_o be_v the_o scope_n of_o our_o saviour_n promise_n now_o under_o consideration_n and_o that_o be_v as_o ample_a as_o any_o or_o all_o the_o rest_n and_o pronounce_v by_o our_o lord_n own_o mouth_n when_o he_o be_v deliver_v the_o sum_n and_o substance_n of_o his_o practical_a doctrine_n may_v most_o just_o be_v think_v to_o show_v we_o their_o importance_n and_o if_o it_o be_v grant_v so_o to_o do_v i_o dare_v appeal_n to_o the_o experience_n of_o good_a christian_n concern_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o what_o though_o they_o be_v sometime_o reduce_v to_o such_o strait_o and_o difficulty_n as_o a_o natural_a man_n can_v see_v no_o way_n out_o of_o yet_o even_o than_o their_o trust_n in_o the_o promise_n do_v buoy_v up_o their_o hope_n that_o they_o shall_v find_v away_o to_o escape_v and_o i_o dare_v i_o say_v appeal_v to_o their_o experience_n whether_o or_o no_o divine_a providence_n if_o on_o a_o impartial_a scrutiny_n they_o can_v find_v that_o they_o themselves_o have_v omit_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o promise_n have_v not_o so_o far_o fulfil_v they_o as_o to_o let_v they_o see_v that_o god_n so_o care_v for_o they_o as_o in_o due_a time_n to_o do_v it_o and_o if_o they_o can_v say_v but_o that_o though_o in_o this_o sea_n of_o trouble_n god_n promise_v of_o temporal_a blessing_n do_v not_o keep_v they_o from_o storm_n yet_o they_o cast_v out_o such_o a_o anchor_n oâ—_n hope_v unto_o they_o as_o secure_v they_o from_o be_v overwhelm_v with_o billow_n of_o sorrow_n or_o split_v upon_o the_o rock_n of_o desperation_n it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o they_o sufficient_o do_v the_o work_n for_o which_o they_o be_v intend_v and_o if_o so_o they_o do_v there_o certain_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o stagger_v at_o the_o promise_v of_o god_n through_o unbelief_n but_o much_o rather_o to_o give_v he_o glory_n by_o be_v therein_o strong_a in_o faith_n especial_o consider_v moreover_o that_o the_o great_a inducement_n we_o have_v to_o believe_v the_o gospel_n viz_o the_o miracle_n that_o be_v wrought_v to_o confirm_v it_o do_v also_o assure_v we_o of_o the_o infallible_a truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o its_o promise_n for_o blessedness_n we_o know_v be_v the_o sum_n and_o substance_n of_o all_o that_o they_o can_v import_n or_o we_o can_v hope_v ro_o enjoy_v and_o that_o this_o we_o shall_v have_v if_o we_o be_v not_o offend_v in_o christ_n be_v his_o own_o inference_n from_o his_o miracle_n and_o that_o the_o premise_n will_v very_o well_o bear_v the_o conclusion_n will_v be_v evident_a to_o any_o one_o who_o impartial_o consider_v that_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n or_o at_o least_o some_o of_o they_o
and_o compassion_n on_o we_o affliction_n and_o temptation_n we_o know_v be_v often_o grievous_a unto_o we_o our_o heart_n be_v trouble_v and_o our_o soul_n be_v sorrowful_a and_o sad_a under_o they_o those_o good_a man_n that_o know_v our_o condition_n and_o love_n our_o person_n especial_o if_o they_o be_v mere_o relate_v to_o we_o and_o have_v affection_n suitable_a to_o that_o â—â—lation_n these_o man_n i_o say_v dâ—_n sympathiâ—e_v with_o we_o in_o soâ—e_a sort_n they_o feel_v what_o we_o â—ndâ—â—e_v and_o share_v with_o we_o in_o our_o suffering_n and_o thus_o have_v god_n provide_v that_o our_o mediator_n shall_v to_o this_o end_n it_o behove_v he_o in_o all_o thing_n to_o be_v make_v like_o unot_n his_o brother_n by_o his_o incarnation_n he_o be_v make_v like_o unto_o we_o in_o the_o part_n and_o property_n the_o faculty_n and_o affection_n the_o imperfection_n and_o infirmity_n of_o our_o nature_n sin_n only_o except_v the_o same_o affection_n therefore_o of_o pity_n and_o compassion_n which_o in_o we_o be_v natural_a be_v by_o he_o assume_v together_o with_o the_o rest_n our_o sinless_a nature_n and_o probable_a it_o be_v that_o this_o most_o sweet_a and_o indear_n affection_n be_v more_o tender_a in_o he_o than_o it_o be_v in_o we_o because_o it_o be_v pure_a and_o altogether_o unmixed_a with_o the_o leaven_n of_o vice_n and_o so_o without_o any_o allay_n of_o acerbity_n envy_n or_o cruelty_n whatsoever_o and_o beside_o that_o this_o affection_n he_o assume_v to_o this_o very_a end_n that_o he_o may_v be_v a_o merciful_a 17._o and_o faithful_a high_a priest_n in_o thing_n pertain_v unto_o god_n i._n e._n that_o he_o may_v have_v compassion_n on_o we_o in_o our_o misery_n and_o temptation_n and_o that_o out_o of_o this_o affection_n of_o commiseration_n he_o may_v faithful_o and_o sincere_o mind_n our_o business_n in_o heaven_n and_o get_v it_o do_v for_o we_o with_o god_n almighty_a now_o unto_o this_o his_o merciful_a and_o faithful_a high-priesthood_a he_o be_v consecrate_a i_o e._n set_v apart_o or_o render_v more_o apt_a and_o fit_a by_o his_o suffering_n and_o temptation_n and_o this_o be_v his_o ability_n to_o succour_v they_o that_o be_v tempt_v but_o here_o the_o inquisitive_a will_n certain_o be_v ready_a to_o ask_v not_o only_a how_o the_o suffering_n and_o temptation_n of_o christ_n do_v conduce_v hereunto_o but_o also_o how_o it_o can_v be_v for_o their_o satisfaction_n therefore_o i_o shall_v so_o far_o enlarge_v this_o digression_n as_o to_o return_v answer_n to_o these_o two_o question_n quest_n 1_o how_o do_v the_o suffering_n and_o temptation_n of_o christ_n conduce_v to_o his_o ability_n to_o succour_v they_o that_o be_v tempt_v ans_fw-fr by_o way_n of_o experiment_n christ_n in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o flesh_n suffer_v as_o â—ight_n easy_o be_v demonstrate_v all_o those_o evil_n which_o be_v common_a to_o all_o mankind_n and_o be_v in_o all_o point_v tempt_v like_a as_o we_o be_v yet_o without_o sin_n hereby_o than_o he_o do_v experimental_o find_v and_o feel_v the_o very_a selfsame_a kind_n of_o sorrow_n and_o trouble_n grief_n and_o pertuâ—bations_n which_o we_o endure_v under_o our_o suffering_n and_o temptation_n now_o then_o observe_v that_o not_o only_o the_o divine_a but_o also_o the_o humane_a nature_n of_o chriâ—t_n in_o glory_n have_v knowledge_n of_o all_o occurrence_n that_o in_o this_o life_n do_v befall_v we_o be_v it_o not_o so_o it_o will_v be_v impossible_a that_o he_o shall_v be_v as_o the_o apostle_n say_v he_o be_v touch_v 15._o with_o a_o feel_n of_o our_o infirmity_n this_o he_o affirm_v not_o of_o the_o divine_a nature_n but_o of_o that_o that_o be_v tempt_v in_o all_o â—oints_v like_a as_o we_o be_v i_z e._n of_o the_o humane_a and_o affirm_v iâ—_n he_o do_v for_o our_o encouragement_n to_o hold_v fast_o our_o profession_n but_o a_o encouragement_n it_o can_v be_v unto_o we_o unless_o that_o he_o know_v all_o our_o infirmity_n bâ—cause_n if_o otherwise_o we_o not_o know_v which_o he_o know_v and_o which_o not_o shall_v be_v utter_o discourage_v from_o seek_v succour_n from_o he_o in_o any_o the_o conclusion_n therefore_o must_v be_v that_o he_o know_v all_o our_o infirmity_n and_o temptation_n and_o together_o with_o this_o his_o knowledge_n it_o be_v more_o than_o probable_a that_o he_o have_v a_o act_n of_o memory_n whereby_o he_o call_v to_o mind_n how_o he_o himself_o be_v affect_v under_o the_o same_o or_o the_o like_a trial_n and_o temptation_n here_o on_o earth_n for_o sure_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v but_o the_o memory_n â—f_a thing_n do_v and_o endure_v in_o this_o world_n remain_v with_o he_o in_o glory_n for_o if_o the_o immediate_a seat_n of_o memory_n be_v the_o soul_n herself_o 11._o and_o all_o the_o representation_n with_o their_o circumstance_n be_v reserve_v in_o she_o not_o in_o the_o spirit_n nor_o in_o any_o part_n of_o the_o body_n then_o sure_o it_o remain_v with_o the_o soul_n of_o all_o man_n depart_v either_o into_o hell_n or_o heaven_n son_n remember_v thou_o in_o thy_o life-time_n receive_v thy_o good_a thing_n and_o likewise_o lazarus_n evil_a thing_n 25._o say_v abraham_n to_o dives_n in_o hell_n remember_v i_o when_o thou_o come_v into_o thy_o kingdom_n say_v the_o good_a thief_n 42._o to_o christ_n on_o the_o cross_n so_o that_o both_o in_o heaven_n and_o in_o hell_n there_o be_v a_o remembrance_n of_o thing_n do_v in_o this_o life_n but_o to_o come_v near_o to_o the_o case_n in_o hand_n namely_o our_o saviour_n remembrance_n heaven_n of_o his_o temptation_n and_o suffering_n here_o on_o earth_n he_o himself_o say_v to_o st._n john_n i_o be_o he_o that_o â—â—_o live_v and_o be_v dead_a he_o remember_v then_o that_o he_o be_v dead_a and_o strange_a it_o be_v that_o he_o shall_v remember_v his_o death_n and_o forget_v the_o temptation_n and_o suffering_n that_o bring_v he_o to_o it_o this_o can_v be_v by_o his_o remembrance_n then_o thereof_o he_o be_v able_a i._n e._n apt_a and_o incline_v or_o affectionate_o dispose_v out_o of_o compassion_n and_o pity_n to_o succour_v they_o that_o be_v tempt_v for_o know_v it_o be_v sufficient_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o world_n that_o do_v so_o much_o move_v man_n to_o pity_n and_o compassion_n on_o other_o in_o misery_n as_o their_o own_o â—_z that_o they_o themselves_o have_v suffer_v in_o the_o same_o or_o the_o like_a manner_n hand_n ignara_fw-la mali_fw-la miseris_fw-la succurrere_fw-la disco_fw-la 1._o say_v dido_n to_o aeneas_n i_o myself_o being_n not_o unacquainted_a with_o evil_n do_v now_o learn_v to_o succour_v those_o that_o be_v in_o misery_n thus_o our_o bless_a saviour_n have_v suffer_v in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o flesh_n and_o endure_v temptation_n in_o all_o point_n like_v unto_o we_o he_o be_v able_a i._n e._n his_o heart_n be_v fit_v and_o dispose_v out_o of_o his_o own_o experience_n to_o pity_v and_o succour_v they_o that_o be_v tempt_v 2._o but_o how_o can_v this_o be_v the_o humane_a nature_n of_o christ_n be_v now_o advance_v unto_o glory_n and_o make_v perfect_a in_o bliss_n and_o happiness_n sure_o therefore_o he_o be_v not_o now_o subject_a to_o pity_n or_o compassion_n for_o such_o we_o know_v be_v the_o nature_n of_o that_o affection_n as_o that_o in_o some_o sort_n it_o make_v we_o share_v with_o other_o in_o their_o suffering_n and_o to_o feel_v what_o they_o endure_v how_o then_o can_v it_o remain_v with_o christ_n in_o glory_n can_v we_o throw_v sorrow_n into_o the_o region_n of_o joy_n or_o grief_n into_o the_o place_n yea_o the_o very_a fountain_n of_o gladness_n how_o can_v these_o thing_n be_v ans_fw-fr this_o difficult_a objection_n the_o apostle_n foresee_v and_o therefore_o by_o way_n of_o pre-occupation_n or_o prevention_n he_o say_v we_o have_v not_o a_o highpriest_n which_o can_v i_o e._n we_o have_v one_o that_o can_v be_v touch_v with_o the_o feel_n of_o our_o infirmity_n and_o forasmuch_o as_o he_o have_v say_v it_o by_o what_o we_o have_v already_o discourse_v concern_v the_o reasonableness_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n it_o appear_v that_o we_o ought_v believe_v it_o although_o we_o can_v apprehend_v the_o manner_n of_o it_o yet_o even_o here_o our_o reason_n be_v not_o at_o a_o loss_n for_o it_o tell_v we_o that_o since_o chriâ—t_n even_o now_o in_o his_o state_n of_o exaltation_n be_v our_o merciful_a and_o faithful_a highpriest_n he_o undoubted_o have_v such_o affection_n for_o we_o as_o be_v suitable_a to_o that_o office_n and_o relation_n to_o we_o and_o he_o be_v a_o man_n yea_o the_o very_a same_o man_n that_o he_o be_v before_o his_o exaltation_n reason_n again_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o have_v all_o those_o affection_n which_o be_v essential_a to_o our_o nature_n i_o e._n the_o very_a same_o affection_n that_o he_o have_v in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o
the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n a_o treatise_n to_o prove_v by_o the_o way_n former_o in_o use_n among_o the_o jew_n in_o the_o trial_n of_o pretender_n to_o a_o prophetic_a spirit_n that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v prophetâ—_n together_o with_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o christian_a religion_n and_o the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o insufficiency_n of_o humane_a reason_n and_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n hope_n and_o practice_n deduce_v therefrom_o and_o assert_v against_o mr._n hobbs_n and_o the_o treatise_n of_o humane_a reason_n by_o w._n h._n london_n print_v for_o w._n crook_n at_o the_o green_a dragon_n without_o temple-bar_n mdclxxix_o to_o the_o right_n reverend_a father_n in_o god_n peter_z lord_n bishop_n of_o ely_z my_o lord_n when_o the_o gospel_n be_v first_o promulgate_v by_o the_o preach_a of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n among_o the_o jew_n the_o philosopher_n and_o disputer_n of_o this_o world_n among_o the_o gentile_n i._n e._n the_o wit_n of_o that_o age_n be_v some_o of_o the_o most_o eminent_a opposer_n and_o rejecter_n of_o it_o the_o one_o require_v 22._o a_o sign_n the_o other_o seek_v after_o wisdom_n the_o one_o will_v have_v sign_n and_o miâ—â—â—les_n wrought_v at_o their_o demand_n the_o other_o will_v have_v philosophical_a reason_n draw_v from_o natural_a cause_n to_o make_v they_o believe_v and_o for_o lack_v of_o these_o as_o it_o seem_v they_o pretend_v christ_n crucify_v be_v to_o the_o jew_n a_o stumbling-block_n and_o to_o the_o greek_n foolishness_n and_o that_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n such_o as_o they_o be_v he_o seemâ—_n to_o be_v so_o still_o to_o some_o of_o the_o wit_n of_o these_o time_n i_o be_o assure_v by_o the_o writing_n of_o such_o person_n as_o want_v neither_o opportunity_n of_o converse_n with_o man_n nor_o ability_n to_o understand_v their_o principle_n and_o pretence_n some_o there_o be_v that_o have_v hear_v and_o perhaps_o have_v read_v a_o little_a of_o the_o thing_n call_v miracle_n and_o demonstration_n and_o for_o want_v of_o these_o they_o seem_v to_o despise_v and_o contemn_v the_o gospel_n but_o the_o truth_n be_v can_v these_o brisk_a and_o airy_a these_o talkative_a and_o dogmatical_a man_n obtain_v leave_n of_o themselves_o to_o be_v sâ—â—ious_a so_o long_o as_o to_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n they_o may_v perhaps_o find_v themselves_o somewhat_o like_o those_o in_o the_o primitive_a 22._o time_n who_o profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v wise_a become_v fool_n nor_o have_v they_o any_o reason_n to_o look_v on_o this_o as_o a_o reproachful_a suggestion_n foâ—_n since_o life_n and_o immortality_n be_v bring_v to_o light_n by_o the_o gospel_n upon_o either_o of_o these_o pretence_n and_o they_o can_v have_v no_o better_a to_o reject_v it_o be_v but_o to_o play_v the_o fool_n very_o wise_o and_o to_o run_v mad_a with_o a_o reason_n for_o it_o and_o that_o not_o only_o because_o the_o gospel_n acquaint_v we_o with_o matter_n of_o the_o high_a and_o best_a importance_n that_o can_v be_v unto_o we_o but_o also_o because_o which_o of_o these_o way_n soever_o they_o choose_v to_o palliate_v their_o infidelity_n it_o will_v at_o length_n lead_v they_o to_o deplorable_a absurdity_n for_o the_o semeiotical_a or_o jewish_a postulatum_fw-la be_v a_o very_a manife_a and_o malepeâ—t_a piece_n of_o folly_n not_o only_o because_o the_o gospel_n be_v at_o first_o abundant_o confirm_v by_o miracle_n uncontrollable_o attest_v but_o also_o because_o if_o that_o be_v constitute_v the_o way_n of_o demonstrate_v the_o truth_n of_o divine_a revelation_n it_o will_v lead_v man_n to_o the_o impudence_n of_o prescribe_v to_o the_o most_o high_a and_o set_v bound_n to_o the_o almighty_a of_o expect_v alteration_n in_o the_o course_n of_o nature_n and_o of_o have_v preacher_n like_o juggler_n to_o show_v trick_n at_o the_o demand_n of_o every_o petulant_a requirer_n instance_n hereof_o we_o have_v divers_a in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n but_o few_o i_o think_v so_o pregnant_a as_o that_o of_o the_o pharisee_n seek_v of_o christ_n 11._o a_o sign_n from_o heaven_n tempt_v he_o they_o have_v no_o mind_n to_o be_v his_o disciple_n but_o to_o make_v trial_n of_o his_o skill_n and_o ability_n and_o therefore_o they_o demand_v a_o sign_n and_o that_o present_o upon_o the_o spot_n and_o this_o sign_n must_v be_v not_o that_o which_o he_o have_v give_v they_o but_o the_o day_n before_o by_o feed_v four_o thousand_o with_o seven_o loaf_n and_o a_o few_o small_a fish_n this_o do_v not_o please_v their_o palate_n but_o they_o must_v have_v a_o sign_n of_o their_o own_o choose_n and_o that_o not_o from_o the_o earth_n the_o wind_n or_o the_o sea_n but_o from_o heaven_n from_o thence_o it_o must_v come_v in_o all_o haste_n to_o satisfy_v their_o wanton_a curiosity_n and_o be_v not_o this_o to_o expect_v that_o the_o power_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n shall_v dance_v attendance_n on_o they_o at_o their_o senseless_a and_o impudent_a demand_n it_o be_v plain_a then_o that_o insolence_n and_o impiety_n folly_n and_o asinine_a stupidity_n be_v the_o brood_n that_o this_o postulatum_fw-la bring_v forth_o and_o if_o this_o be_v the_o way_n of_o prove_v the_o gospel_n to_o be_v of_o god_n how_o shall_v future_a age_n be_v secure_v against_o it_o be_v man_n more_o wise_a and_o modest_a now_o than_o they_o be_v then_o i_o doubt_v it_o because_o there_o be_v some_o even_o in_o our_o nation_n that_o be_v fall_v into_o such_o as_o this_o absurdity_n whence_o else_o be_v it_o that_o they_o require_v a_o miracle_n to_o prove_v that_o miracle_n have_v be_v do_v but_o will_v they_o stand_v a_o little_a and_o consider_v whither_o they_o be_v go_v they_o may_v perhaps_o perceive_v that_o he_o who_o put_v they_o into_o this_o way_n have_v no_o extraordinary_a wit_n as_o be_v pretend_v and_o they_o that_o think_v to_o excuse_v their_o infidelity_n or_o neutrality_n by_o the_o grecanick_n postulatum_fw-la seem_v not_o to_o i_o to_o be_v much_o wise_a because_o they_o hanker_v after_o such_o proof_n as_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n will_v not_o admit_v and_o reject_v that_o that_o be_v most_o prope_a for_o the_o gospel_n we_o know_v contain_v matter_n of_o faith_n and_o these_o matter_n of_o faith_n especial_o those_o of_o they_o that_o be_v most_o except_v against_o be_v contain_v either_o in_o historical_a narration_n or_o doctrinal_a proposition_n the_o former_a have_v receive_v their_o be_v from_o free_a agent_n not_o from_o cause_n necessary_a or_o of_o their_o own_o nature_n determine_v to_o the_o do_v of_o that_o that_o be_v be_v believe_v can_v admit_v of_o strict_a and_o rigorous_a demonstration_n but_o be_v capable_a of_o proof_n only_o by_o testimony_n and_o this_o we_o have_v for_o matter_n mere_o historical_a in_o the_o gospel_n as_o full_o as_o for_o any_o other_o of_o the_o same_o or_o as_o i_o think_v of_o a_o far_o lesser_a distance_n for_o not_o only_o all_o christian_n of_o the_o remote_a region_n but_o jew_n and_o pagan_n heathen_n and_o infidel_n of_o all_o sort_n have_v receive_v they_o for_o true_a and_o confirm_v they_o 21_o unto_o we_o this_o be_v all_o the_o proof_n we_o either_o have_v or_o can_v reasonable_o desire_v of_o these_o thing_n because_o their_o nature_n will_v admit_v of_o no_o other_o and_o if_o they_o be_v not_o much_o less_o be_v the_o doctrinal_a proposition_n contain_v mere_a matter_n of_o divine_a faith_n capable_a of_o demonstration_n because_o they_o be_v a_o mystery_n concern_v god_n his_o nature_n essence_n or_o operation_n and_o one_o will_v think_v that_o man_n of_o wit_n and_o part_n shall_v not_o betray_v so_o much_o folly_n ignorance_n and_o want_v of_o learning_n as_o to_o expect_v philosophical_a demonstration_n for_o thing_n of_o that_o nature_n for_o such_o demonstration_n must_v be_v either_o à _fw-la priori_fw-la or_o à _fw-la posteriori_fw-la à _fw-la priori_fw-la it_o can_v be_v because_o that_o suppose_v cause_n precedent_n to_o the_o first_o viz._n god_n himself_o and_o so_o imply_v a_o contradiction_n nor_o can_v it_o be_v à _fw-la posteriori_fw-la because_o the_o gospel_n 26._o be_v the_o mystery_n which_o have_v be_v hide_v from_o age_n and_o from_o generation_n if_o it_o be_v not_o whence_o be_v it_o that_o all_o the_o learned_a as_o well_o as_o the_o vulgar_a among_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n be_v ignorant_a of_o it_o till_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n make_v it_o manife_v it_o seem_v therefore_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v a_o sort_n of_o supernatural_a doctrine_n which_o can_v possible_o be_v demonstrate_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o for_o that_o reason_n be_v there_o no_o other_o it_o be_v unreasonable_a to_o demand_v it_o and_o senseless_a to_o reject_v the_o gospel_n for_o lack_v of_o it_o such_o doctrine_n
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
that_o they_o receive_v their_o law_n from_o the_o god_n as_o numa_n pompilius_n from_o egeria_n minos_n from_o jupiter_n lycurgus_n flor._n from_o apollo_n zaleucus_n locrus_n from_o minerva_n 29._o jupiter_n also_o and_o lachesis_n have_v their_o distinct_a prophet_n and_o prophetess_n there_o be_v as_o well_o as_o prophet_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o reputation_n of_o sibyl_n among_o they_o and_o that_o their_o philosopher_n have_v such_o a_o notion_n as_o we_o be_v of_o prophecy_n appear_v by_o the_o opinion_n of_o pla_z to_o concern_v divination_n wherein_o he_o agree_v with_o the_o stoic_n who_o hold_v it_o a_o effect_n of_o divine_a instinct_n and_o inflation_n and_o long_o i_o think_v it_o be_v before_o they_o that_o the_o zabian_o believe_v man_n have_v this_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n from_o all_o this_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o the_o notiâ—â—_n of_o a_o prophet_n be_v entertain_v by_o heathen_n as_o well_o as_o jew_n turk_n and_o christian_n and_o therefore_o sure_o since_o all_o own_o it_o it_o be_v very_a consonant_n to_o reason_n if_o any_o of_o our_o modern_a scoffer_n think_v otherwise_o i_o desire_v they_o to_o know_v that_o the_o seat_n of_o the_o scornful_a be_v no_o infallible_a chair_n there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o think_v they_o wise_a than_o all_o the_o world_n beside_o especial_o consider_v our_o second_o assertion_n that_o there_o actual_o be_v prophet_n among_o the_o jew_n which_o assertion_n appear_v more_o than_o probable_a not_o by_o the_o jew_n only_o but_o by_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o heathen_n concern_v moses_n who_o the_o egyptian_n think_v to_o 1._o be_v a_o man_n wonderful_n and_o divine_a and_o good_a reason_n they_o have_v for_o so_o think_v as_o be_v manifest_a by_o his_o conquest_n of_o janne_n and_o jambres_n their_o most_o renown_a magician_n and_o also_o by_o the_o plague_n which_o according_a to_o his_o word_n be_v bring_v upon_o egypt_n all_o 8._o which_o be_v attest_v by_o eumenius_n nor_o do_v the_o have_fw-mi then_v represent_v he_o as_o the_o jew_n do_v michael_n to_o have_v be_v the_o minister_n of_o god_n justice_n only_o but_o they_o also_o speak_v of_o he_o as_o those_o do_v of_o gabriel_n that_o he_o be_v the_o minister_n of_o god_n mercy_n to_o they_o for_o they_o tell_v we_o that_o moses_n be_v author_n of_o so_o many_o useful_a invention_n among_o the_o egyptian_n as_o that_o he_o gain_v not_o only_o the_o love_n of_o the_o people_n but_o also_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o 27._o priest_n for_o they_o name_v he_o mercury_n and_o give_v he_o equal_a honour_n with_o their_o god_n which_o testimony_n be_v the_o more_o credible_a because_o diodorus_n among_o many_o other_o high_a commendation_n of_o moses_n which_o he_o profess_v to_o have_v have_v from_o the_o egyptian_a priest_n express_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o be_v call_v god_n not_o that_o corhorâ—_n moses_n pretend_v to_o be_v so_o but_o because_o say_v he_o man_n think_v his_o mind_n be_v whole_o admirable_a and_o divine_a all_o which_o methinks_v can_v amount_v to_o no_o less_o than_o a_o competent_a evidence_n their_o thought_n be_v well_o enough_o express_v by_o chalcidius_n his_o word_n of_o moses_n viz._n that_o he_o be_v most_o wise_a as_o be_v enliven_v not_o with_o man_n wisdom_n but_o as_o it_o be_v report_v with_o divine_a inspiration_n 1â—_n and_o if_o so_o then_o sure_o moses_n be_v they_o think_v he_o at_o least_o a_o prophet_n and_o in_o this_o their_o judgement_n of_o he_o it_o be_v very_o notorious_a that_o the_o jew_n christian_n and_o mahometan_n do_v concur_v with_o they_o so_o that_o in_o effect_n we_o have_v all_o mankind_n give_v its_o suffrage_n to_o this_o truth_n insomuch_o that_o if_o any_o please_v to_o deny_v it_o they_o seem_v to_o undermine_v their_o own_o credit_n as_o well_o as_o reason_n for_o unless_o they_o have_v a_o charter_n of_o credibility_n peculiar_o grant_v to_o they_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o believe_v they_o wherein_o they_o make_v all_o man_n else_o fool_n or_o liar_n we_o shall_v therefore_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o moses_n be_v a_o prophet_n next_o than_o we_o be_v to_o observe_v that_o this_o moses_n the_o prophet_n be_v the_o jew_n lawgiver_n hereof_o i_o know_v none_o that_o make_v a_o doubt_n if_o there_o be_v they_o may_v easy_o 15._o be_v satisfy_v by_o a_o multitude_n of_o witness_n from_o among_o the_o gentile_n to_o prove_v it_o all_o then_o that_o remain_v to_o be_v far_o observe_v be_v that_o this_o moses_n the_o prophet_n do_v promise_n in_o his_o law_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v prophet_n among_o the_o jew_n the_o lord_n thy_o god_n say_v he_o 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 unto_o i_o which_o promise_n i_o confess_v be_v most_o complete_o fulfil_v in_o christ_n the_o supreme_a prophet_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o that_o hinder_v not_o its_o be_v first_o to_o be_v fulfil_v by_o some_o other_o prophet_n or_o rather_o order_n of_o prophet_n who_o before_o the_o come_n of_o messiah_n be_v short_o to_o succeed_v moses_n in_o the_o prophetic_a part_n of_o his_o office_n whoever_o methinks_v consider_v all_o circumstance_n must_v needs_o conceive_v that_o it_o be_v so_o for_o it_o be_v at_o first_o give_v and_o afterward_o renew_v on_o such_o occasion_n as_o require_v its_o speedy_a accomplishment_n for_o moses_n have_v conduct_v the_o israelite_n almost_o to_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n be_v command_v to_o gather_v the_o people_n together_o in_o horeb_n and_o they_o come_v near_o and_o stand_v under_o the_o mountain_n and_o the_o mountain_n burn_v with_o fire_n 11._o unto_o the_o midst_n of_o heaven_n with_o darkness_n cloud_n and_o thick_a darkness_n and_o all_o the_o people_n see_v the_o thundering_n and_o lightning_n and_o the_o noise_n of_o the_o trumpet_n and_o the_o mountain_n smoke_v and_o when_o the_o people_n see_v it_o they_o remove_v and_o stand_v afar_o off_o and_o they_o say_v unto_o moses_n 19_o speak_v thou_o with_o we_o and_o we_o will_v hear_v but_o let_v not_o god_n speak_v with_o we_o lest_o we_o die_v whereby_o it_o be_v plain_a they_o request_v that_o god_n will_v speak_v no_o more_o immediate_o at_o least_o not_o so_o terrible_o unto_o they_o but_o that_o for_o the_o future_a he_o will_v please_v to_o use_v the_o ministry_n of_o moses_n 17._o and_o such_o like_a prophet_n in_o reveal_v his_o will_n unto_o they_o this_o their_o request_n the_o lord_n approve_v of_o and_o condescend_v to_o their_o infirmity_n he_o give_v this_o promise_n in_o answer_n to_o it_o viz._n that_o he_o will_v raise_v they_o up_o a_o prophet_n from_o among_o their_o brethren_n like_v unto_o moses_n and_o will_v put_v his_o word_n in_o his_o mouth_n and_o he_o 18._o shall_v speak_v unto_o they_o all_o that_o the_o lord_n shall_v command_v he_o this_o be_v the_o first_o occasion_n of_o this_o promise_n afterward_o moses_n admonish_v they_o to_o beware_v of_o learning_n 9_o to_o do_v after_o the_o abomination_n of_o those_o nation_n which_o be_v cast_v out_o to_o let_v they_o in_o among_o which_o abomination_n 14._o harken_v to_o observer_n of_o time_n and_o to_o diviner_n be_v one_o this_o than_o be_v forbid_v to_o the_o jew_n by_o which_o prohibition_n doubtless_o there_o be_v so_o great_a a_o restraint_n lay_v upon_o their_o curiosity_n and_o desire_n of_o know_v future_a contingence_n which_o be_v very_o great_a almost_o in_o all_o man_n as_o that_o without_o something_o in_o lieu_n of_o divination_n etc._n etc._n it_o will_v have_v 1._o be_v almost_o impossible_a to_o have_v keep_v they_o within_o the_o bound_n of_o due_a obedience_n to_o their_o law_n but_o either_o they_o will_v have_v think_v there_o be_v nothing_o divine_a in_o it_o or_o else_o they_o will_v have_v fall_v into_o some_o heathenish_a abomination_n or_o else_o they_o will_v have_v institute_v something_o else_o somewhat_o like_o it_o among_o themselves_o now_o to_o show_v they_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o so_o do_v moses_n call_v to_o mind_v the_o promise_n that_o god_n have_v make_v they_o to_o raise_v they_o up_o a_o prophet_n like_o unto_o he_o unto_o which_o promise_n he_o subjoin_v the_o mean_n of_o try_v the_o truth_n of_o pretension_n to_o the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n 22._o now_o to_o i_o it_o seem_v strange_a that_o this_o promise_n at_o first_o make_v and_o afterward_o renew_v on_o those_o solemn_a and_o important_a occasion_n and_o attend_v with_o these_o circumstance_n shall_v have_v no_o reference_n at_o all_o to_o some_o prophet_n or_o order_n of_o prophet_n that_o shall_v short_o succeed_v moses_n when_o the_o people_n be_v afraid_a they_o shall_v die_v and_o beg_v as_o it_o be_v for_o their_o life_n that_o god_n will_v speak_v no_o more_o immediate_o unto_o they_o but_o that_o he_o will_v use_v the_o ministry_n of_o moses_n be_v
endowment_n with_o good_n both_o of_o wit_n and_o fortune_n 3._o sequestration_n from_o the_o common_a and_o profane_a manner_n of_o live_v 4._o convenience_n of_o place_n and_o that_o they_o make_v proper_a to_o their_o own_o land_n 5._o seasonableness_n of_o time_n because_o say_v they_o all_o time_n be_v not_o equal_o apt_a for_o the_o reception_n of_o prophecy_n 1._o 6._o divine_a disposition_n or_o the_o free_a gift_n and_o suggestion_n of_o god_n the_o necessity_n of_o all_o these_o be_v deserve_o question_v not_o only_o by_o christian_n but_o also_o by_o some_o of_o the_o jew_n themselves_o insomuth_n that_o as_o far_o as_o i_o can_v find_v there_o be_v no_o one_o of_o they_o that_o have_v speak_v distinct_o of_o they_o all_o as_o requisite_n to_o prophecy_n yet_o one_o maxim_n there_o be_v pertinent_a to_o this_o subject_a whereunto_o they_o all_o seem_v to_o yield_v assent_n and_o that_o be_v that_o prophecy_n re_v on_o none_o but_o the_o wise_a the_o strong_a and_o the_o zer_n rich._n this_o say_n among_o the_o jew_n be_v perhaps_o think_v worthy_a of_o all_o acceptation_n yet_o by_o some_o christian_n it_o be_v esteem_v more_o worthy_a of_o rejection_n not_o only_o because_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v not_o tie_v his_o gift_n to_o such_o requisite_n but_o also_o because_o it_o sâ—ems_v to_o savour_v of_o a_o design_n to_o kâ—ep_v people_n in_o unbelief_n of_o christianity_n such_o we_o know_v be_v the_o mâ—lice_n of_o the_o jew_n against_o the_o son_n of_o god_n as_o that_o their_o rabbi_n labour_v what_o they_o can_v to_o hinder_v the_o growth_n of_o our_o christian_a faith_n to_o that_o end_n they_o have_v teach_v such_o principle_n and_o magisterial_o dictate_v such_o say_n and_o rule_n to_o the_o people_n as_o be_v apt_a to_o prepossess_v their_o mind_n and_o fortify_v their_o unbelieve_a heart_n with_o such_o prâ—judices_fw-la as_o make_v they_o impregnable_a by_o all_o the_o weapon_n and_o strength_n of_o our_o christian_a warfare_n such_o as_o these_o be_v those_o fundamental_a article_n of_o their_o faith_n concern_v the_o perpetuity_n and_o immutability_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o time_n of_o the_o come_n of_o the_o mâ—ssâ—as_n which_o opinion_n seem_v form_v almost_o on_o purpose_n to_o hinder_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o stop_v its_o course_n among_o men._n and_o in_o my_o apprehension_n the_o rule_n now_o under_o debate_n may_v be_v think_v like_o unto_o they_o for_o while_o man_n believe_v that_o prophecy_n rest_v on_o none_o but_o the_o wise_a the_o strong_a and_o the_o rich_a how_o hard_o be_v it_o for_o they_o to_o believe_v that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v prophet_n the_o reason_n be_v because_o in_o their_o birth_n and_o body_n their_o education_n and_o fortune_n thâ—re_o seem_v little_a or_o nothing_o that_o may_v denominate_v they_o so_o qualify_v but_o much_o otherwise_o for_o this_o reason_n be_v there_o no_o other_o we_o christian_n have_v just_a cause_n to_o question_v this_o rule_n of_o their_o rabbi_n but_o moreover_o we_o be_v sure_a that_o it_o be_v not_o universal_o true_a and_o indeed_o the_o jew_n themselves_o confess_v as_o much_o for_o they_o except_o moses_n and_o samuel_n amos_n and_o ionas_n from_o it_o whereunto_o they_o may_v have_v add_v deborah_n and_o elisha_n 4._o whereof_o the_o former_a although_o a_o prophetess_n yet_o be_v one_o of_o the_o weak_a sex_n sure_o be_v not_o so_o strong_a as_o this_o râ—le_n will_v have_v the_o prophet_n and_o 19_o elisha_n be_v call_v from_o follow_v the_o plough_n and_o so_o not_o likely_a to_o have_v be_v so_o wise_a and_o learned_a as_o this_o rule_n pretâ—nds_v the_o prophet_n shall_v and_o then_o as_o for_o riches_n we_o may_v well_o say_v with_o vorstius_n there_o be_v nothing_o more_o foolish_a and_o unsavoury_a than_o to_o join_v matter_n of_o money_n with_o the_o prophetic_a office_n or_o spirit_n his_o reason_n be_v manifest_a because_o it_o be_v certain_o apparent_a that_o many_o if_o not_o most_o of_o the_o prophet_n be_v sometime_o reduce_v to_o such_o poverty_n as_o that_o they_o endure_v hunger_n yea_o perhaps_o cold_a and_o nakedness_n through_o their_o want_n and_o pentoy_n yet_o still_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophesy_n rest_v on_o they_o by_o these_o their_o concession_n and_o observation_n it_o plain_o appear_v that_o this_o their_o rule_n according_a to_o the_o most_o common_a acceptation_n of_o the_o word_n among_o the_o vulgar_a be_v not_o universal_o true_a there_o be_v no_o indispensible_a necessity_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o that_o seâ—ms_n to_o make_v requisite_a for_o the_o reception_n of_o prophecy_n i_o be_o therefore_o incline_v to_o think_v that_o that_o opinion_n concern_v the_o election_n of_o prophet_n which_o mâ—imenides_n ascribe_v to_o the_o vulgar_a 4._o be_v the_o only_a true_a one_o namely_o that_o god_n choose_v and_o send_v who_o he_o please_v without_o regard_v whether_o they_o be_v wise_a and_o learned_a ignorant_a young_a or_o old_a and_o if_o so_o than_o we_o may_v conclude_v with_o hottinger_n that_o this_o rule_n be_v not_o worth_a a_o nutshell_n or_o else_o we_o must_v find_v out_o some_o sâ—nse_n wherein_o it_o may_v be_v admit_v but_o admit_v it_o i_o think_v we_o may_v not_o unless_o it_o be_v on_o these_o two_o condition_n 1._o that_o the_o prophet_n wisdom_n distinct_a from_o that_o they_o have_v by_o revelation_n be_v not_o think_v always_o to_o consist_v in_o humane_a learning_n acquire_v by_o sâ—udy_n but_o in_o their_o natural_a sagacity_n or_o prudence_n improve_v by_o experience_n or_o otherwise_o and_o that_o their_o strength_n be_v not_o always_o that_o of_o the_o body_n but_o the_o fortitude_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o last_o that_o their_o riches_n be_v not_o those_o of_o the_o world_n but_o of_o virtue_n and_o probity_n of_o manner_n 2._o that_o these_o thing_n even_o thus_o understand_v be_v not_o make_v necessary_a antecedent_n of_o prophecy_n but_o concomitant_a attendant_n on_o it_o they_o be_v not_o necessary_a for_o the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n but_o convenient_a for_o the_o office_n of_o a_o prophet_n in_o this_o sense_n and_o this_o only_a the_o jew_n perhaps_o may_v justify_v their_o rule_n and_o we_o may_v allow_v it_o some_o measure_n of_o admittance_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n we_o be_v not_o unwilling_a that_o the_o spirit_n or_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n which_o we_o assert_v to_o have_v be_v in_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n shall_v be_v try_v by_o it_o in_o order_n whereunto_o it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o take_v a_o distinct_a survey_n of_o the_o prophet_n wisdom_n strength_n and_o riches_n by_o the_o prophet_n wisdom_n maimonides_n understand_v humane_a learning_n and_o knowledge_n acquire_v by_o study_n this_o therefore_o say_v he_o be_v our_o foundation_n without_o without_o study_n and_o perfection_n no_o man_n can_v prophesy_v and_o 32._o that_o the_o possibility_n of_o it_o depend_v thereon_o but_o be_v samuel_n perfect_a in_o his_o childhood_n have_v elisha_n and_o amos_n be_v so_o studious_a as_o to_o arrive_v at_o perfection_n before_o god_n take_v the_o one_o from_o hold_v the_o plough_n and_o the_o other_o from_o follow_v the_o flock_n it_o seem_v not_o although_o 15._o therefore_o maimonides_n be_v a_o master-builder_n in_o israel_n yet_o he_o lay_v his_o foundation_n in_o the_o sand_n otherwise_o it_o can_v not_o have_v be_v so_o easy_o shake_v we_o be_v not_o of_o his_o mind_n that_o fool_n and_o son_n of_o the_o earth_n can_v possible_o prophesy_v no_o more_o than_o a_o ass_n or_o a_o frog_n or_o the_o possibility_n of_o prophecy_n have_v a_o dependence_n on_o study_n and_o perfection_n acquire_v by_o it_o we_o dare_v not_o so_o to_o limit_v the_o almighty_a or_o set_v bound_n to_o omnipotence_n yet_o we_o think_v it_o become_v the_o excellency_n of_o prophecy_n and_o convenient_a for_o the_o office_n of_o a_o prophet_n that_o the_o person_n inspire_v shall_v be_v one_o of_o no_o contemptible_a natural_a part_n and_o prudence_n not_o that_o natural_a sagacity_n or_o any_o acquire_v endowment_n can_v conduce_v by_o way_n of_o efficiency_n to_o the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n but_o yet_o they_o may_v and_o do_v by_o way_n of_o anticipation_n although_o they_o be_v not_o absolute_o needful_a in_o order_n to_o the_o production_n or_o reception_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n yet_o they_o be_v convenient_a to_o anticipate_v and_o prevent_v the_o prejudices_fw-la which_o otherwise_o will_v arise_v against_o the_o person_n of_o the_o prophet_n how_o hard_o a_o thing_n be_v it_o especial_o if_o their_o age_n be_v such_o as_o we_o to_o make_v man_n believe_v that_o the_o god_n of_o infinite_a wisdom_n will_v inspire_v man_n of_o shallow_a intellectual_n and_o incompetent_a apprehension_n prophecy_n be_v one_o of_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o perfection_n whereof_o in_o this_o life_n our_o humane_a nature_n be_v capable_a and_o how_o hardly_o be_v we_o persuade_v
obedience_n to_o the_o letter_n without_o conformity_n to_o the_o scope_n of_o it_o as_o will_v even_o tempt_v one_o to_o think_v it_o be_v a_o part_n of_o their_o office_n to_o contradict_v and_o null_a the_o law_n of_o moses_n a_o instance_n of_o this_o we_o have_v in_o isaiah_n who_o bring_v in_o the_o lord_n thus_o speak_v to_o his_o formal_a people_n 14._o to_o what_o purpose_n be_v the_o multitude_n of_o your_o sacrisices_n unto_o i_o i_o be_o full_a of_o the_o burnt-offering_n of_o ram_n and_o the_o fat_a of_o sâ—d_a beast_n and_o i_o delight_v not_o in_o the_o blood_n of_o bullock_n or_o os_fw-la lamb_n or_o of_o he-goat_n when_o you_o come_v to_o appear_v bâ—fore_o i_o who_o â—â—th_v require_v this_o at_o your_o bâ—nd_n to_o treâ—d_v my_o court_n bring_v no_o more_o vain_a oblâ—tions_n incense_n be_v a_o abomination_n unto_o i_o the_o new_a moon_n and_o sabbath_n the_o call_n of_o assembly_n i_o can_v away_o with_o it_o be_v iniquity_n even_o the_o solemn_a meeting_n your_o new_a moon_n and_o your_o appointed_a feast_n my_o soul_n hate_v they_o aâ—e_v a_o trouble_n to_o i_o i_o be_o weary_a to_o bear_v they_o and_o elsewhere_o to_o express_v his_o detestation_n of_o their_o formal_a hypocrisy_n he_o tell_v they_o he_o that_o kill_v a_o ox_n be_v as_o if_o he_o slay_v a_o man_n he_o that_o sacrifice_v a_o lamb_n as_o if_o he_o cut_v off_o a_o dog_n neck_n he_o that_o offer_v a_o oblation_n as_o if_o he_o offer_v swine_n blood_n he_o that_o burn_v incense_n as_o if_o he_o bless_v a_o idol_n but_o why_o so_o be_v not_o 3._o sacrifice_n and_o burnt-offering_n oblation_n and_o incense_n the_o new_a moon_n and_o sabbath_n the_o call_n of_o assembly_n and_o solemn_a meeting_n some_o of_o god_n own_o ordinance_n in_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n yes_o but_o whence_o then_o be_v it_o that_o they_o be_v thus_o abominable_a and_o loathsome_a why_o it_o arise_v from_o the_o people_n neglect_n of_o and_o disrespect_n to_o the_o end_n and_o scope_n of_o those_o precept_n they_o it_o be_v true_a conform_v themselves_o to_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o law_n but_o regard_v not_o that_o real_a holiness_n and_o moral_a goodness_n whereunto_o it_o tend_v thence_o it_o be_v that_o not_o only_a isaiah_n but_o other_o also_o of_o the_o prophet_n reprove_v 4._o they_o as_o a_o nation_n that_o do_v not_o rightcousness_n but_o forsake_v the_o ordinance_n of_o their_o god_n even_o while_o they_o seek_v he_o daily_o and_o delight_v to_o know_v his_o way_n even_o while_o they_o ask_v of_o he_o the_o ordinance_n of_o justice_n and_o take_v delight_n in_o approach_v to_o 2._o god_n yet_o even_o then_o when_o they_o seem_v to_o be_v most_o obedient_a because_o they_o neglect_v the_o scope_n of_o the_o law_n they_o choose_v their_o own_o way_n and_o their_o soul_n delight_v 3._o in_o their_o abomination_n and_o the_o prophet_n we_o see_v do_v as_o sharp_o reprove_v they_o for_o it_o as_o if_o they_o have_v have_v no_o respect_n at_o all_o to_o the_o law_n of_o their_o god_n among_o they_o whence_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o they_o do_v prefer_v obedience_n to_o the_o intention_n of_o the_o law_n far_o before_o that_o to_o the_o letter_n of_o it_o the_o latter_a they_o look_v on_o as_o a_o thing_n of_o no_o value_n yea_o detestable_a and_o odious_a without_o the_o former_a if_o then_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n do_v so_o likewise_o they_o be_v not_o for_o that_o cause_n worthy_a of_o rejection_n but_o rather_o of_o all_o acceptation_n because_o they_o thereby_o give_v evidence_n of_o a_o true_o prophetic_a spirit_n in_o they_o by_o make_v the_o scope_n of_o the_o law_n the_o rule_n and_o standard_n of_o their_o doctrine_n they_o do_v most_o excellent_o fulfil_v it_o and_o by_o so_o do_v they_o cast_v a_o great_a honour_n upon_o moses_n and_o his_o law_n than_o ever_o they_o receive_v from_o the_o great_a bigot_n among_o the_o jew_n for_o the_o fame_n of_o the_o one_o and_o the_o worth_a of_o the_o other_o be_v hereby_o propagate_v to_o all_o nation_n how_o rash_a then_o and_o ignorant_a be_v their_o zeal_n how_o absurd_a the_o fierceness_n of_o their_o devotion_n in_o reject_v they_o especial_o consider_v 3_o that_o as_o the_o prophet_n of_o old_a so_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v strict_a observer_n of_o the_o law_n even_o according_a to_o the_o letter_n of_o it_o they_o be_v not_o only_o circumcise_v the_o eight_o day_n but_o in_o their_o life_n they_o discharge_v the_o obligation_n of_o their_o circumcision_n by_o their_o literal_a observance_n of_o the_o whole_a law_n as_o well_o the_o statute_n as_o the_o judgement_n of_o it_o i._n e._n those_o precept_n who_o reason_n be_v not_o vulgar_o know_v as_o well_o as_o those_o that_o be_v 26._o so_o that_o touch_v the_o righteousness_n which_o be_v in_o the_o law_n they_o be_v as_o blameless_a as_o any_o other_o jew_n whatever_o yea_o though_o they_o do_v not_o put_v the_o neck_n of_o the_o gentile_n under_o the_o yoke_n of_o literal_a obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n yet_o they_o never_o teach_v the_o jew_n to_o withdraw_v they_o but_o rather_o to_o keep_v they_o under_o and_o submit_v unto_o it_o for_o jesus_n speak_v to_o the_o multitude_n and_o to_o his_o disciple_n say_v the_o scribe_n and_o the_o pharisee_n sit_v in_o mosâ—s_n seat_n all_o therefore_o whatsoever_o thâ—y_v bid_v you_o observe_v that_o 3._o observe_v and_o do_v nor_o do_v the_o apostle_n ever_o teach_v they_o otherwise_o it_o be_v true_a indeed_o it_o be_v once_o report_v of_o st._n paul_n that_o he_o teach_v â—he_n jew_n which_o be_v among_o the_o gentile_n to_o forsake_v moses_n say_v that_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o circumcise_v their_o child_n neither_o to_o walk_v after_o tâ—e_v custom_n the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n be_v so_o concern_v at_o this_o news_n as_o that_o to_o wipe_v off_o the_o scandal_n they_o advise_v he_o by_o all_o mean_n to_o purify_v himself_o with_o four_o man_n that_o have_v the_o nazarite_n vow_v 15_o upon_o they_o and_o to_o be_v at_o charge_n with_o they_o to_o provide_v such_o sacrifice_n for_o they_o as_o the_o law_n prescribe_v this_o they_o will_v have_v he_o to_o do_v that_o all_o may_v know_v that_o those_o thing_n whereof_o they_o be_v inform_v concern_v â—im_a be_v nothing_o but_o that_o he_o himself_o also_o walk_v orderly_a and_o keep_v the_o law_n thus_o careful_a be_v they_o 24._o that_o they_o themselves_o and_o other_o shall_v keep_v the_o law_n and_o give_v none_o offence_n by_o break_v it_o it_o be_v true_a indeed_o as_o touch_v the_o gentile_n which_o believe_v they_o write_v and_o conclude_v they_o be_v oblige_v to_o observe_v no_o such_o thing_n nor_o have_v the_o jew_n any_o reason_n to_o take_v it_o ill_a that_o they_o do_v so_o for_o christ_n and_o they_o give_v as_o great_a or_o great_a evidence_n of_o god_n intention_n to_o accept_v the_o gentile_n without_o the_o law_n as_o ever_o moses_n give_v of_o his_o purpose_n to_o guide_v the_o jew_n to_o salvation_n by_o the_o law_n that_o so_o they_o do_v be_v manifest_a by_o their_o miracle_n which_o be_v so_o far_o froâ—_n be_v inferior_a to_o those_o of_o moses_n as_o that_o they_o do_v fâ—â—â—xceed_v they_o both_o in_o number_n and_o nature_n as_o we_o 〈◊〉_d see_v hereafter_o and_o if_o so_o then_o thereby_o evident_a it_o be_v that_o they_o give_v far_o great_a evidence_n of_o their_o mission_n from_o god_n than_o moses_n do_v of_o his_o how_o unreasonable_a than_o be_v it_o in_o the_o jew_n to_o deny_v they_o audience_n how_o brutish_a to_o reject_v they_o and_o barbarous_a to_o kill_v they_o for_o i_o know_v not_o what_o nonconformity_n to_o their_o law_n whereof_o by_o what_o we_o have_v 〈…〉_z it_o appear_v they_o be_v only_o suppose_v and_o that_o very_o falâ—ly_o to_o be_v guilty_a they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o make_v void_a the_o law_n as_o that_o they_o fulfil_v it_o and_o that_o both_o according_a to_o the_o intention_n and_o the_o letter_n of_o it_o and_o this_o they_o constant_o do_v by_o their_o doctrine_n as_o well_o as_o practice_n and_o therefore_o they_o deserve_v not_o to_o have_v be_v reject_v as_o false_a prophet_n but_o to_o be_v receive_v as_o true_a which_o will_v yet_o far_o appear_v if_o we_o consider_v the_o antecedent_n or_o concomitant_n of_o a_o prophetic_a spirit_n the_o first_o whereof_o be_v wisdom_n sect._n 2._o and_o these_o we_o have_v already_o grant_v be_v wisdom_n fortitude_n and_o probity_n of_o manner_n especial_o contentment_n the_o method_n propose_v lead_v i_o to_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o of_o these_o viz._n wisdom_n which_o be_v a_o intellectual_a virtue_n be_v without_o doubt_n in_o the_o precede_a rule_n of_o the_o rabbin_n put_v to_o signify_v those_o excellent_a endowment_n of_o mind_n whereof_o the_o prophet_n usual_o
detect_v the_o forgery_n in_o such_o a_o case_n the_o silence_n of_o adversary_n seem_v more_o demonstrative_a than_o the_o testimony_n of_o friend_n especial_o consider_v they_o have_v not_o only_o the_o advantage_n of_o time_n and_o place_n but_o also_o provocation_n to_o have_v do_v it_o if_o they_o can_v for_o such_o be_v the_o confidence_n and_o noble_a magnanimity_n of_o those_o that_o first_o avouch_v it_o as_o that_o though_o they_o be_v strip_v of_o all_o succour_n and_o support_v from_o other_o man_n and_o expose_v to_o contempt_n and_o scorn_n curse_n and_o execration_n persecution_n and_o affliction_n stripe_n and_o imprisonment_n in_o short_a to_o all_o manner_n of_o hardship_n and_o death_n itself_o in_o give_v this_o testimony_n yet_o be_v they_o not_o move_v with_o fear_n or_o divert_v from_o it_o but_o they_o do_v constant_o avouch_v it_o and_o often_o appeal_v to_o the_o conscience_n of_o their_o implacable_a enemy_n concern_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o thus_o st._n peter_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o name_n of_o all_o the_o apostle_n tell_v the_o man_n of_o israel_n that_o jesus_n of_o nazareth_n be_v a_o man_n approve_v of_o god_n among_o they_o by_o miracle_n wonder_n and_o sign_n which_o god_n do_v by_o he_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o as_o 22._o say_v he_o you_o yourselves_o also_o know_v the_o jew_n therefore_o can_v not_o and_o arnobius_n tell_v the_o gentile_n that_o they_o dare_v not_o attempt_v to_o convince_v it_o of_o falsehood_n 1._o the_o reason_n i_o suppose_v be_v because_o as_o origen_n tell_v celsus_n it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o deny_v that_o the_o miracle_n 2._o report_v of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v do_v in_o this_o case_n wherein_o the_o christian_n have_v all_o imaginable_a motive_n to_o be_v silent_a and_o their_o enemy_n to_o speak_v yet_o that_o none_o of_o they_o either_o jew_n or_o gentile_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o contradict_v their_o testimony_n how_o strange_a be_v it_o how_o clear_o and_o plain_o do_v it_o speak_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o testimony_n and_o vindicate_v they_o from_o all_o shadow_n of_o suspicion_n they_o have_v a_o design_n to_o cheat_v the_o world_n into_o belief_n of_o lie_n how_o evident_o do_v it_o show_v the_o triumphant_a force_n of_o truth_n and_o energy_n of_o conviction_n that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n wrought_v miracle_n which_o energy_n of_o conviction_n discover_v itself_o by_o concession_n as_o well_o as_o by_o force_a silence_n for_o so_o apparent_o true_a be_v the_o church_n tradition_n in_o this_o particular_a as_o that_o some_o of_o his_o enemy_n have_v add_v their_o suffrage_n to_o she_o that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n wrought_v miracle_n the_o jew_n it_o seem_v do_v open_o confess_v it_o in_o their_o jerusalem-talmud_n and_o their_o midras_n cohele_v where_o they_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o grandson_n of_o r._n jehosua_n the_o son_n of_o levi_n have_v swallow_v poison_n be_v recover_v from_o danger_n of_o death_n thereby_o through_o the_o invocation_n of_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n but_o the_o father_n understanding_n by_o what_o mean_v his_o son_n be_v cure_v be_v so_o malicious_o ungrateful_a as_o to_o say_v it_o have_v be_v better_a for_o he_o to_o have_v avodazara_n die_v than_o to_o be_v so_o cure_v whereupon_o his_o ingratitude_n be_v present_o avenge_v by_o the_o death_n of_o his_o son_n to_o this_o story_n they_o add_v another_o the_o sum_n whereof_o be_v that_o r._n elazar_n the_o son_n of_o duma_n be_v bite_v with_o a_o serpent_n be_v heal_v by_o st._n james_n among_o the_o cap._n gentile_n the_o very_o bitter_a of_o the_o christian_n adversary_n do_v acknowledge_v as_o much_o for_o celsus_n protest_v himself_o to_o believe_v the_o story_n of_o christ_n miraculous_a cure_n oâ—_n the_o sick_a and_o raise_v the_o dead_a and_o feed_v the_o multitude_n with_o a_o few_o loaf_n and_o the_o fragment_n that_o remain_v all_o these_o thing_n and_o whatever_o else_o the_o disciple_n report_v as_o he_o think_v to_o amplify_v the_o greatness_n of_o his_o miracle_n he_o profess_v to_o believe_v be_v true_a and_o grant_v we_o may_v believe_v they_o be_v do_v it_o seem_v also_o that_o julian_n do_v acknowledge_v 1._o the_o lame_a and_o the_o blind_a be_v heal_v and_o those_o that_o be_v possess_v with_o devil_n receive_v help_v in_o bethsaida_n and_o bethanie_n and_o to_o enrage_v other_o against_o 6._o christ_n and_o his_o follower_n porphyrius_n undertake_v to_o tell_v they_o the_o reason_n why_o the_o city_n be_v so_o long_o afflict_v with_o sickness_n and_o that_o in_o his_o judgement_n be_v because_o neither_o aesculapius_n nor_o any_o other_o of_o the_o god_n can_v have_v access_n unto_o it_o for_o say_v he_o since_o the_o time_n that_o jesus_n be_v worship_v no_o man_n can_v get_v any_o public_a help_n from_o the_o god_n and_o from_o that_o 12._o gallimalfry_n of_o nonsense_n and_o error_n viz._n the_o alcoran_n we_o may_v gather_v this_o truth_n that_o messiah_n jesus_n the_o son_n of_o mary_n give_v sight_n to_o the_o blind_a heal_v the_o leprous_a raise_v the_o dead_a and_o teach_v the_o live_n and_o that_o the_o apostle_n do_v the_o same_o in_o his_o absence_n if_o then_o 3._o reason_n or_o tradition_n the_o testimony_n of_o friend_n or_o the_o write_n of_o enemy_n will_v satisfy_v we_o have_v one_o will_v think_v enough_o of_o all_o sort_n and_o that_o when_o some_o be_v vomit_v lie_n and_o belch_a blasphemy_n against_o christ_n his_o person_n and_o his_o doctrine_n yet_o even_o then_o they_o confess_v that_o he_o and_o his_o apostle_n do_v those_o thing_n which_o we_o take_v to_o be_v miracle_n obj._n but_o here_o perhaps_o it_o will_v be_v say_v that_o we_o be_v mistake_v it_o be_v of_o old_a object_v they_o be_v not_o real_a and_o true_a miracle_n but_o lie_v wonder_n delusion_n of_o satan_n and_o effect_n of_o magic_n thus_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n 1._o among_o the_o jew_n and_o thus_o also_o many_o among_o the_o gentile_n and_o this_o be_v think_v so_o apparent_a as_o that_o celsus_n himself_o although_o he_o have_v former_o write_v many_o book_n against_o magic_n be_v yet_o in_o a_o sort_n constrain_v to_o retract_v his_o opinion_n and_o confess_v that_o it_o have_v a_o be_v in_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v do_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o follower_n for_o have_v grant_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o report_n that_o such_o and_o such_o wonder_n be_v indeed_o do_v by_o they_o he_o immediate_o subjoin_v a_o comparison_n between_o they_o and_o the_o sleight_n of_o juggler_n who_o promise_v great_a matter_n and_o more_o wonderful_a yet_o be_v they_o but_o such_o as_o they_o learn_v from_o the_o egyptian_n and_o for_o a_o few_o farthing_n will_v show_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o market_n boast_v that_o by_o their_o art_n they_o can_v cast_v out_o devil_n heal_v disease_n recall_v the_o soul_n of_o the_o dead_a prepare_v table_n sumptuous_o furnish_v with_o all_o manner_n of_o dainty_n and_o raise_v ghost_n that_o seem_v to_o move_v though_o in_o truth_n they_o be_v void_a of_o all_o motion_n 1._o ans_fw-fr and_o so_o be_v this_o odious_a comparison_n of_o all_o truth_n and_o probability_n for_o what_o communion_n have_v substance_n with_o shadow_n what_o agreement_n have_v substantial_a change_n with_o bare_a appearance_n can_v celsus_n have_v prove_v that_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v mere_o phaenomena_n of_o fancy_n as_o he_o call_v these_o imposture_n of_o juggler_n which_o he_o base_o compare_v therewith_o he_o have_v say_v something_o to_o the_o purpose_n but_o he_o have_v not_o the_o impudence_n to_o affirm_v that_o nor_o so_o little_a wit_n as_o to_o attempt_v the_o prooâ—â—f_n it_o this_o therefore_o as_o origen_n just_o tell_v he_o be_v not_o the_o part_n of_o a_o disputant_n but_o of_o the_o unlearned_a vulgar_a a_o effect_n of_o passion_n unworthy_a of_o a_o philosopher_n who_o it_o become_v not_o impertinent_o to_o rail_v at_o but_o candid_o to_o examine_v a_o matter_n that_o lie_v bâ—fore_o he_o which_o if_o celsus_n have_v do_v impartial_o he_o will_v without_o doubt_n have_v find_v that_o sweâ—t_a waâ—â—r_n and_o bitter_a may_v be_v send_v forth_o from_o the_o same_o fountain_n as_o well_o as_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o delusion_n of_o enchanter_n from_o the_o same_o cause_n viz._n the_o devil_n malice_n for_o so_o evident_a it_o be_v to_o the_o reason_n of_o all_o man_n as_o that_o it_o be_v almost_o 26._o a_o proverb_n among_o the_o greek_n and_o roman_n as_o well_o as_o jew_n that_o every_o kingdom_n divide_v against_o itself_o be_v bring_v to_o desolation_n and_o every_o city_n or_o house_n divide_v against_o itself_o shall_v not_o stand_v and_o manifest_v it_o be_v that_o if_o satan_n cast_v out_o satan_n he_o be_v divide_v against_o himself_o how_o then_o shall_v his_o kingdom_n stand_v it_o be_v true_a
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
a_o unreasonable_a humour_n it_o importune_v almighty_a power_n and_o wisdom_n without_o any_o necessity_n to_o change_v the_o course_n of_o nature_n or_o at_o least_o to_o act_v beside_o it_o and_o what_o affront_n more_o petulant_a and_o saucy_a can_v we_o easy_o offer_v to_o divine_a majesty_n it_o be_v also_o absurd_a as_o well_o as_o wicked_a for_o suppose_v a_o man_n in_o this_o age_n shall_v real_o work_v a_o miracle_n if_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n may_v not_o be_v receive_v on_o testimony_n then_o neither_o may_v that_o how_o then_o shall_v the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o be_v convey_v to_o all_o that_o be_v concern_v in_o it_o why_o they_o themselves_o must_v both_o see_v it_o do_v and_o use_v all_o mean_n possible_a to_o consider_v whether_o it_o be_v such_o as_o no_o man_n can_v do_v the_o like_a by_o his_o natural_a power_n but_o that_o it_o require_v the_o immediate_a hand_n of_o god_n 37._o it_o seem_v then_o if_o what_o one_o say_v be_v confirm_v by_o miracle_n be_v of_o concern_v as_o christian_a religion_n be_v to_o all_o people_n in_o all_o age_n and_o place_n of_o the_o world_n there_o must_v be_v almost_o as_o many_o miracle_n wrought_v to_o confirm_v this_o say_n as_o there_o be_v single_a person_n how_o else_o shall_v each_o person_n concern_v therein_o see_v one_o do_v and_o than_o miracle_n will_v be_v no_o wonder_n they_o will_v change_v their_o nature_n and_o lose_v their_o efficacy_n and_o beside_o that_o every_o one_o must_v then_o be_v a_o diligent_a searcher_n into_o nature_n how_o else_o can_v he_o use_v all_o mean_n possible_a to_o consider_v whether_o the_o pretend_a miracle_n be_v such_o as_o no_o man_n can_v do_v the_o like_a by_o his_o natural_a power_n no_o say_v the_o author_n that_o be_v needless_a herein_o also_o they_o must_v have_v recourse_n to_o god_n lieutenant_n it_o seem_v then_o at_o last_o ibid._n they_o must_v be_v assure_v by_o testimony_n but_o why_o may_v not_o the_o testimony_n or_o tradition_n of_o the_o holy_a catholic_a church_n strengthen_v by_o the_o concession_n and_o suffrage_n of_o its_o enemy_n be_v believe_v as_o well_o as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n lieutenant_n but_o i_o shall_v say_v no_o more_o hereby_o it_o be_v plain_a enough_o that_o this_o author_n and_o his_o follower_n seek_v not_o for_o truth_n and_o certainty_n but_o to_o palliate_v their_o atheism_n or_o infidelity_n and_o pity_v it_o be_v that_o their_o suggestion_n shall_v disturb_v any_o one_o reliance_n on_o the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n the_o house_n and_o church_n of_o the_o live_a god_n by_o who_o testimony_n and_o tradition_n we_o be_v so_o very_o well_o assure_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n miracle_n as_o that_o we_o have_v little_a or_o no_o reason_n to_o envy_v either_o the_o jew_n or_o gentile_n who_o eye_n be_v bless_v with_o the_o sight_n of_o they_o for_o to_o what_o purpose_n do_v their_o eye_n then_o serve_v they_o be_v it_o not_o to_o convey_v those_o their_o credential_n to_o their_o understanding_n yes_o doubtless_o they_o therein_o have_v little_a other_o benefit_n by_o the_o use_n of_o they_o and_o be_v not_o this_o abundant_o supply_v unto_o we_o by_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o church_n which_o if_o well_o consider_v will_v be_v find_v as_o incapable_a of_o deception_n as_o our_o sense_n for_o aught_o i_o know_v my_o eye_n may_v as_o soon_o be_v deceive_v in_o a_o object_n of_o sight_n as_o the_o whole_a church_n in_o this_o its_o tradition_n however_o if_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n do_v not_o do_v miracle_n it_o certain_o be_v a_o miracle_n that_o the_o world_n shall_v receive_v their_o report_n without_o they_o and_o a_o lie_a wonder_n much_o more_o incredible_a than_o what_o we_o plead_v for_o that_o the_o whole_a church_n throughout_o all_o age_n shall_v so_o confident_o believe_v and_o teach_v that_o they_o do_v they_o although_o therefore_o the_o sight_n of_o miracle_n may_v perhaps_o make_v deep_a impression_n on_o the_o fancy_n and_o affection_n yet_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o church_n be_v full_a out_o as_o convince_a to_o our_o reason_n and_o judgement_n that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n wrought_v many_o and_o great_a miracle_n chap._n v._o the_o strength_n and_o force_n of_o the_o precede_a argument_n nothing_o now_o therefore_o remain_v of_o my_o promise_n but_o the_o last_o part_n which_o be_v to_o show_v that_o this_o way_n of_o prove_v christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v prophet_n be_v very_o sufficient_a and_o rational_a and_o this_o it_o will_v appear_v to_o be_v on_o the_o account_n both_o of_o its_o removal_n of_o all_o suspicion_n that_o they_o be_v not_o and_o of_o its_o positive_a evidence_n that_o they_o be_v all_o just_a suspicion_n that_o they_o be_v no_o prophet_n must_v be_v found_v on_o a_o probability_n either_o that_o they_o pretend_v not_o to_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n or_o if_o they_o do_v that_o they_o therein_o be_v deceive_v or_o else_o that_o they_o have_v a_o design_n to_o deceive_v other_o but_o by_o the_o precede_a argument_n it_o be_v manifest_a that_o neither_o of_o these_o be_v true_a for_o 1._o it_o be_v hardly_o possible_a for_o man_n to_o have_v the_o antecedent_n or_o concomitant_n and_o consequent_n of_o prophecy_n and_o to_o use_v they_o as_o they_o do_v â—n_v order_n to_o the_o propagation_n of_o doctrine_n and_o yet_o not_o pretend_v to_o the_o spirit_n of_o it_o have_v their_o mouth_n be_v perfect_o silent_a their_o action_n will_v have_v declare_v plain_o to_o what_o they_o pretend_v their_o doctrine_n they_o teach_v to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o not_o of_o man_n in_o the_o propagation_n of_o it_o they_o make_v evidence_n of_o that_o wisdom_n fortitude_n and_o virtue_n which_o attend_v the_o prophet_n in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o function_n and_o for_o the_o demonstration_n of_o their_o mission_n to_o teach_v it_o they_o foretell_v future_a contingence_n and_o wrought_v many_o and_o great_a miracle_n and_o how_o can_v all_o this_o be_v without_o a_o pretence_n to_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n and_o the_o office_n of_o prophet_n and_o if_o this_o be_v evident_a by_o their_o action_n without_o their_o word_n much_o more_o so_o be_v it_o in_o conjunction_n with_o they_o for_o as_o a_o man_n action_n may_v either_o enervate_a or_o strengthen_v the_o credibility_n of_o his_o protestation_n and_o pretension_n so_o his_o word_n protestation_n or_o declaration_n may_v very_o much_o illustrate_v the_o purport_n of_o his_o action_n they_o remove_v all_o doubt_n that_o otherwise_o may_v be_v make_v concern_v they_o since_o than_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n do_v not_o only_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o do_v the_o work_n of_o the_o prophetic_a office_n but_o do_v also_o say_v that_o they_o be_v prophet_n 5._o it_o be_v very_o evident_a that_o they_o take_v themselves_o or_o at_o least_o pretend_a to_o be_v so_o 2._o and_o that_o they_o be_v not_o deceive_v in_o take_v themselves_o to_o be_v prophet_n will_v hence_o also_o be_v evident_a if_o we_o consider_v that_o this_o be_v hardly_o possible_a without_o enthusiasm_n the_o spirit_n of_o divination_n or_o some_o such_o other_o fantastic_a delusion_n but_o enthusiast_n or_o diviner_n it_o be_v evident_a they_o be_v not_o because_o they_o be_v wise_a man_n of_o sound_a mind_n and_o discern_a intellect_n which_o be_v so_o great_a preservative_n against_o the_o delusion_n of_o enthusiasm_n and_o defec_fw-la divination_n as_o that_o in_o the_o opinion_n of_o plutarch_n prudence_n do_v repel_v and_o oftentimes_o extinguish_v they_o hereof_o he_o insinuate_v a_o reason_n viz._n because_o prudence_n do_v cherish_v that_o modesty_n and_o sobriety_n which_o be_v destructive_a to_o those_o calenture_n and_o inflammation_n which_o be_v requisite_a to_o the_o be_v of_o they_o and_o these_o usual_o be_v therein_o so_o great_a and_o fervent_a as_o that_o during_o the_o prevalence_n of_o enthusiasm_n or_o divination_n man_n have_v not_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n nor_o indeed_o can_v they_o because_o these_o thing_n be_v in_o themselves_o such_o as_o partake_v not_o of_o reason_n they_o can_v rise_v no_o high_o than_o the_o fancy_n where_o dwell_v like_o storm_n and_o tempest_n in_o the_o middle_a region_n of_o the_o air_n they_o do_v disturb_v and_o disorder_v the_o phantasm_n and_o present_v they_o tumultuous_o to_o the_o understanding_n and_o by_o so_o do_v they_o do_v eclipse_v its_o light_n and_o hinder_v its_o influence_n in_o so_o much_o that_o either_o as_o maimonides_n say_v nothing_o 37._o of_o the_o rational_a faculty_n can_v pass_v fâ—rth_o into_o art_n or_o else_o at_o least_o it_o can_v pass_v no_o true_a judgement_n on_o thing_n so_o represent_v to_o it_o hence_o no_o doubt_n it_o be_v that_o all_o sort_n of_o writer_n concern_v they_o viz._n 4._o heathen_n and_o jew_n as_o
he_o 48._o and_o presume_v that_o none_o have_v they_o haughty_o censure_v the_o people_n who_o know_v not_o or_o profess_o study_v not_o the_o law_n as_o if_o these_o poor_a sergeant_n be_v a_o demonstration_n that_o they_o be_v curse_v but_o this_o 49._o their_o pride_n and_o confidence_n be_v mount_v upon_o ignorance_n for_o nicodemus_n a_o man_n of_o the_o pharisee_n and_o a_o ruler_n as_o well_o as_o themselves_o he_o though_o fearful_a of_o give_v offence_n and_o incur_v the_o censure_n of_o the_o sanhedrim_n yet_o for_o his_o far_a satisfaction_n go_v to_o jesus_n by_o night_n and_o say_v unto_o he_o 2._o rabbi_n we_o know_v that_o thou_o be_v a_o teacher_n come_v from_o god_n for_o no_o man_n can_v do_v these_o miracle_n which_o thou_o do_v except_o god_n be_v with_o he_o although_o he_o be_v not_o full_o persuade_v that_o jâ—â—us_n be_v the_o messiah_n or_o that_o prophet_n who_o they_o expect_v to_o come_v before_o he_o yet_o faith_n he_o we_o know_v we_o do_v not_o conjecture_v but_o it_o be_v evident_a and_o certain_a to_o we_o that_o thou_o be_v a_o teacher_n come_v from_o god_n hereof_o he_o be_v convince_v by_o the_o miracle_n he_o do_v they_o in_o his_o esteem_n be_v argument_n so_o demonstrative_a and_o necessary_a as_o vanquish_a all_o objection_n and_o make_v that_o his_o conclusion_n but_o a_o just_a trophy_n of_o their_o victory_n so_o that_o not_o only_o the_o common_a people_n or_o the_o vulgar_a rabble_n that_o know_v not_o the_o law_n but_o also_o the_o most_o wise_a and_o learned_a among_o they_o do_v account_v miracle_n undeniable_a argument_n of_o divine_a authority_n in_o they_o that_o do_v they_o on_o this_o score_n it_o be_v that_o the_o man_n who_o be_v bear_v blind_a urge_v his_o miraculous_a cure_n with_o great_a evidence_n of_o truth_n before_o the_o pharisee_n to_o who_o he_o declare_v that_o this_o miracle_n have_v such_o a_o influence_n upon_o he_o as_o that_o he_o think_v 17._o he_o that_o do_v it_o a_o prophet_n but_o they_o not_o willing_a to_o think_v so_o too_o will_v not_o believe_v that_o he_o have_v ever_o 18._o be_v blind_a whereupon_o they_o call_v his_o parent_n and_o ask_v they_o three_o question_n viz._n 1._o whether_o that_o be_v their_o son_n 2._o whether_o he_o be_v bear_v blind_a 3._o whether_o they_o know_v how_o this_o pretend_a cure_n 19_o be_v wrought_v or_o by_o who_o to_o the_o two_o first_o they_o answer_v direct_o we_o know_v that_o this_o be_v our_o 20._o son_n and_o that_o he_o be_v bear_v blind_a but_o for_o a_o answer_n to_o the_o three_o they_o refer_v they_o to_o he_o who_o 23._o be_v again_o call_v in_o be_v by_o the_o pharisee_n instruct_v to_o give_v god_n the_o praise_n and_o not_o to_o look_v on_o he_o that_o do_v it_o with_o any_o veneration_n or_o to_o think_v he_o a_o prophet_n as_o he_o have_v say_v he_o do_v no_o say_v they_o 24._o far_o be_v that_o from_o thou_o for_o we_o know_v that_o this_o man_n be_v a_o sinner_n i._n e._n surely_n as_o they_o will_v have_v it_o a_o impostor_n for_o afterward_o they_o institute_n a_o comparison_n 29._o between_o he_o and_o moses_n as_o for_o this_o latter_a they_o say_v we_o know_v that_o god_n speak_v unto_o he_o but_o as_o for_o this_o fellow_n we_o know_v not_o from_o whence_o he_o be_v of_o any_o commission_n he_o have_v from_o god_n as_o moses_n have_v we_o know_v nothing_o hereat_o the_o man_n marvail_v as_o well_o he_o may_v for_o it_o be_v a_o common_a principle_n know_v and_o allow_v among_o they_o that_o 12._o if_o a_o man_n have_v the_o requisite_n to_o a_o prophetic_a spirit_n and_o do_v a_o miracle_n to_o show_v that_o god_n have_v send_v he_o than_o it_o be_v the_o command_n of_o god_n that_o man_n shall_v hear_v and_o believe_v he_o and_o good_a reason_n too_o for_o say_v he_o we_o know_v i._n e._n you_o and_o i_o agree_v in_o it_o his_o persuasion_n that_o god_n hear_v not_o sinner_n viz._n such_o impesâ—ors_n asi_fw-la mâ—ortune_n heaven_n to_o seal_v their_o lie_n with_o miracle_n but_o he_o who_o prayer_n of_o that_o nature_n he_o hear_v be_v a_o worshipper_n of_o god_n and_o do_v 31._o his_o will_n he_o be_v on_o ethat_o be_v no_o idolater_n but_o a_o faithful_a servant_n of_o god_n that_o come_v to_o do_v his_o will_n if_o not_o then_o must_v it_o be_v grant_v that_o god_n work_v miracle_n to_o assist_v impostor_n but_o what_o wretch_n so_o profligate_v as_o not_o to_o abhor_v such_o a_o position_n since_o then_o since_o the_o world_n begin_v it_o be_v never_o hear_v that_o any_o man_n open_v the_o eye_n of_o onethat_o be_v bear_v blind_a it_o must_v be_v conclude_v that_o this_o man_n who_o have_v open_v i_o be_v of_o god_n send_v and_o impower_v by_o he_o o_o herwise_o hâ—_n can_v do_v nothing_o of_o this_o nature_n this_o 33._o conclusion_n be_v clear_o deduce_v from_o their_o own_o approve_a principle_n they_o have_v nothing_o to_o object_n against_o it_o as_o appear_v by_o their_o base_a supply_v the_o defect_n of_o their_o reason_n and_o impotent_a opinion_n by_o the_o scorn_v of_o insolence_n and_o rage_n of_o malice_n for_o they_o answer_v and_o say_v thou_o be_v altogether_o bear_v in_o sin_n and_o 34._o do_v thou_o teach_v we_o and_o they_o cast_v he_o out_o a_o clear_a sign_n of_o a_o baffle_a prejudice_n and_o a_o strong_a though_o stifle_v conviction_n that_o miracle_n be_v a_o demonstration_n of_o divine_a power_n and_o commission_n and_o have_v not_o the_o gentile_n be_v of_o the_o same_o opinion_n antiquity_n have_v be_v extreme_o senseless_a and_o sottish_a in_o feign_v miracle_n as_o i_o be_o tell_v it_o often_o do_v in_o some_o man_n arrival_n at_o crown_n and_o sceptre_n that_o thence_o they_o may_v seem_v preserve_v from_o danger_n and_o advance_v to_o the_o royal_a dignity_n not_o by_o chance_n and_o 31._o fortune_n but_o by_o the_o majesty_n and_o care_n of_o the_o go_n if_o man_n among_o the_o gentile_n as_o well_o as_o jew_n have_v not_o then_o general_o look_v on_o miracle_n as_o demonstration_n of_o divine_a authority_n the_o author_n of_o these_o fiction_n must_v have_v be_v think_v brute_n in_o the_o shape_n of_o man_n rather_o than_o partaker_n of_o a_o reasonable_a nature_n nor_o can_v vespasiâ—n_n have_v obtain_v the_o accession_n of_o authority_n and_o majesty_n as_o suetonius_n say_v he_o do_v by_o his_o miraculous_a cure_n 7._o or_o rather_o the_o fiction_n of_o they_o at_o alexandria_n thus_o than_o we_o see_v that_o all_o man_n every_o where_o jew_n and_o egyptian_n greek_n and_o roman_n and_o all_o other_o gentile_n yea_o that_o god_n himself_o esteem_v miracle_n undeniable_a or_o demonstrative_a proof_n of_o divine_a authority_n in_o they_o by_o who_o or_o for_o who_o sake_n they_o be_v do_v all_o therefore_o that_o now_o remain_v will_v be_v to_o show_v 3._o the_o reason_n for_o which_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n deserve_v as_o well_o yea_o better_o than_o any_o to_o be_v account_v and_o that_o this_o they_o do_v will_v be_v make_v apparent_a by_o a_o brief_a survey_n of_o their_o nature_n and_o their_o number_n their_o greatness_n and_o their_o goodness_n a_o miracle_n as_o to_o its_o general_a nature_n be_v define_v 37._o by_o a_o modern_a author_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 this_o perhaps_o may_v pass_v without_o exception_n but_o than_o it_o must_v be_v understand_v with_o aquinas_n his_o distinction_n that_o to_o the_o be_v of_o a_o miracle_n it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a that_o something_o be_v do_v beside_o the_o order_n of_o nature_n in_o some_o one_o particular_a for_o if_o so_o it_o be_v than_o the_o production_n of_o mule_n and_o monster_n yea_o the_o very_a cast_n of_o a_o stone_n upward_o will_v be_v a_o miracle_n because_o each_o of_o these_o thing_n in_o some_o one_o particular_a be_v beside_o the_o order_n of_o nature_n yet_o be_v it_o ridiculous_a to_o say_v that_o it_o be_v miraculous_a the_o schoolman_n therefore_o 4._o conclude_v that_o a_o miracle_n be_v beside_o the_o order_n of_o the_o whole_a create_v nature_n and_o consequent_o above_o it_o now_o that_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v such_o work_n be_v so_o apparent_a as_o that_o there_o be_v â—o_o need_v of_o recourse_n to_o god_n lieutenant_n as_o the_o leviathan_n direct_v to_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o for_o this_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o doubtful_a case_n as_o that_o by_o their_o ejection_n of_o devil_n it_o be_v evident_a to_o every_o man_n reason_n the_o power_n of_o the_o air_n be_v by_o all_o own_a to_o be_v as_o great_a if_o not_o superior_a to_o all_o other_o power_n in_o nature_n yet_o they_o by_o their_o power_n of_o do_v miracle_n cast_v
two_o 1._o because_o the_o apostle_n power_n be_v no_o other_o than_o that_o of_o our_o saviour_n to_o invite_v man_n to_o embrace_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n which_o they_o themselves_o acknowledge_v for_o a_o kingdom_n not_o present_a but_o to_o come_v and_o ibid._n they_o that_o have_v no_o kingdom_n can_v make_v no_o law_n it_o be_v very_o true_a they_o that_o have_v no_o kingdom_n ans_fw-fr can_v make_v no_o law_n yet_o since_o as_o the_o same_o page_n tell_v we_o god_n be_v the_o sovereign_n of_o all_o the_o world_n they_o that_o have_v no_o kingdom_n may_v proclaim_v his_o law_n and_o this_o be_v the_o office_n of_o the_o apostle_n as_o prophet_n or_o man_n inspire_v by_o god_n and_o send_v to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n their_o call_n of_o mâ—n_z to_o christianity_n derive_v not_o its_o authority_n original_o from_o they_o but_o from_o god_n that_o send_v they_o and_o send_v they_o he_o do_v not_o bare_o to_o invite_v man_n unto_o it_o but_o also_o in_o his_o name_n to_o command_v they_o to_o receive_v it_o for_o now_o 30._o god_n command_v all_o man_n every_o where_o to_o repent_v and_o this_o be_v his_o commandment_n that_o we_o shall_v believe_v on_o â—3_n the_o name_n of_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n under_o these_o two_o head_n of_o repentance_n towards_o god_n and_o of_o faith_n towards_o our_o lord_n jâ—sus_n christ_n st._n paul_n comprehend_v all_o invitation_n that_o can_v be_v to_o christianity_n and_o since_o they_o both_o be_v thus_o plain_o and_o emphatical_o 21._o command_v it_o be_v a_o strange_a overâ—ight_n or_o worse_o to_o say_v the_o precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v no_o command_n and_o yet_o more_o strange_a and_o worse_o than_o so_o it_o be_v to_o say_v 2._o we_o read_v not_o any_o where_o that_o they_o who_o receive_v 2._o not_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n do_v therein_o sin_n but_o thâ—t_o they_o die_v in_o their_o sin_n that_o be_v that_o their_o sin_n against_o the_o law_n to_o which_o they_o owe_v obedience_n be_v not_o pardon_v and_o therefore_o of_o infidel_n st._n johnâ—aith_o â—aith_z not_o the_o wrâ—th_n of_o god_n shall_v come_v upon_o they_o 3â—_n but_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n remain_v upon_o they_o and_o not_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v condemn_v but_o that_o they_o be_v condemn_v nor_o can_v it_o be_v conceive_v that_o the_o benefit_n of_o faith_n be_v remission_n of_o sin_n unless_o we_o conceive_v 18._o withal_o that_o the_o damage_n of_o infidelity_n be_v the_o retention_n of_o the_o same_o sin_n ans_fw-fr but_o do_v we_o not_o read_v that_o when_o christ_n send_v forth_o his_o disciple_n by_o two_o and_o two_o he_o give_v they_o order_n that_o in_o whatever_o house_n or_o city_n they_o be_v not_o receive_v and_o hear_v they_o shall_v shake_v off_o the_o dust_n under_o their_o foot_n for_o a_o testimony_n against_o they_o and_o withal_o 11._o assure_v they_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v more_o tolerable_a for_o sodom_n and_o gâ—mâ—râ—â—a_n in_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n than_o for_o that_o city_n and_o do_v we_o not_o read_v of_o jerusalem_n who_o house_n be_v leâ—t_o desolate_a because_o the_o inhabitant_n will_v not_o be_v gather_v unto_o he_o and_o do_v 38._o we_o not_o read_v that_o this_o be_v the_o condemnation_n that_o light_n be_v come_v into_o the_o world_n and_o man_n love_v darkness_n rather_o than_o light_v and_o do_v we_o not_o read_v that_o he_o who_o believe_v 16._o not_o shall_v be_v damn_v and_o do_v we_o not_o read_v that_o the_o lord_n jesus_n shall_v be_v reveal_v from_o heaven_n with_o his_o mighty_a angel_n in_o flâ—ming_a fire_n take_v vengeance_n on_o they_o that_o know_v not_o god_n and_o obey_v not_o the_o gospel_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o do_v we_o not_o read_v 8._o of_o the_o comforter_n who_o be_v to_o come_v and_o reprove_v the_o world_n of_o sin_n because_o they_o believe_v not_o 9_o on_o he_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o if_o we_o turn_v to_o our_o bibles_n we_o may_v read_v all_o these_o thing_n therein_o how_o strange_a then_o be_v it_o and_o horrid_a to_o say_v we_o read_v not_o any_o where_o that_o they_o who_o receive_v not_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n do_v therein_o sin_n be_v that_o no_o sin_n which_o will_v make_v eternal_a judgement_n more_o severe_a and_o intolerable_a to_o otherwise_o the_o best_a of_o city_n than_o to_o sodom_n and_o gomorrâ—a_n be_v that_o no_o sin_n for_o which_o god_n destroy_v jerusalem_n and_o cast_v off_o the_o â—eed_n of_o abraham_n his_o friend_n and_o the_o child_n of_o jacob_n his_o choose_a be_v that_o no_o sin_n for_o which_o above_o all_o thing_n the_o world_n be_v condemn_v be_v that_o no_o sin_n for_o which_o man_n shall_v be_v damn_v be_v that_o no_o sin_n for_o which_o they_o shall_v suffer_v the_o vengeance_n of_o eternal_a fire_n be_v that_o no_o sin_n for_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n reprove_v the_o world_n of_o sin_n who_o so_o blind_a in_o his_o apprehension_n or_o so_o perverse_a in_o his_o judgement_n as_o to_o think_v it_o be_v not_o even_o he_o that_o write_v it_o i_o very_o think_v do_v it_o with_o but_o at_o best_a a_o tremble_a assent_n unto_o it_o his_o allegation_n of_o scripture_n and_o reason_n to_o prove_v it_o be_v so_o impertinent_a and_o insufficient_a as_o that_o they_o rather_o conclude_v the_o contrary_n for_o what_o tho_o st._n john_n speak_v in_o the_o present_a tense_n and_o faith_n not_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n shall_v come_v but_o that_o it_o abide_v upon_o he_o that_o believe_v not_o and_o that_o he_o be_v condemn_v already_o do_v it_o thence_o follow_v that_o infidelity_n be_v no_o sin_n who_o will_v not_o rather_o thence_o conclude_v that_o it_o be_v yea_o and_o that_o so_o great_a a_o one_o as_o that_o the_o unbeliever_n shall_v as_o certain_o be_v punish_v for_o it_o as_o if_o god_n wrath_n be_v actual_o inflict_v or_o eternal_a condemnation_n have_v actual_o pass_v upon_o he_o this_o construction_n of_o the_o evangelist_n word_n be_v certain_o far_o more_o probable_a than_o the_o other_o because_o he_o there_o assign_v the_o reason_n of_o the_o unbeliever_n condemnation_n which_o be_v not_o because_o he_o have_v sin_v against_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o civil_a law_n of_o state_n but_z because_o he_o have_v not_o believe_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o 18._o only_o beget_v son_n of_o god_n since_o then_o this_o be_v the_o move_a cause_n or_o reason_n of_o his_o condemnation_n it_o be_v here_o evident_a that_o this_o be_v his_o sin_n nor_o do_v the_o reason_n that_o the_o leviathan_n allege_v to_o the_o contrary_a enforce_v any_o other_o conclusion_n for_o it_o can_v be_v conceive_v that_o the_o retention_n of_o sin_n be_v the_o damage_n of_o infidelity_n unless_o we_o conceive_v withal_o that_o infidelity_n do_v displease_v god_n nor_o can_v we_o conceive_v it_o to_o displease_v he_o unless_o withal_o we_o conceive_v it_o to_o be_v a_o sin_n and_o indeed_o when_o we_o well_o consider_v it_o we_o can_v possible_o methinks_v conceive_v it_o to_o be_v any_o other_o for_o very_o evident_a it_o be_v that_o christ_n crucify_a be_v either_o a_o rock_n of_o offence_n or_o foolishness_n unto_o it_o it_o set_v at_o naught_o the_o counsel_n of_o god_n in_o contrive_v and_o despise_v the_o riches_n of_o his_o grace_n in_o effect_v the_o redemption_n of_o the_o world_n by_o he_o it_o count_v the_o blood_n of_o the_o covenant_n a_o unholy_a or_o trivial_a thing_n not_o worth_a mind_v and_o do_v despite_n unto_o or_o at_o least_o resist_v the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n it_o make_v god_n a_o liar_n and_o all_o the_o witness_n to_o christianity_n it_o impudent_o charge_v with_o falsehood_n in_o short_a it_o frustrate_v the_o whole_a gospel_n and_o break_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o great_a sin_n nor_o indeed_o can_v it_o possible_o be_v otherwise_o because_o it_o be_v a_o notorious_a transgression_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o gospel_n be_v a_o law_n namely_o the_o law_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o life_n and_o the_o perfect_a law_n of_o liberty_n 25._o nor_o can_v it_o be_v think_v that_o these_o apostle_n do_v improper_o style_v the_o gospel_n a_o law_n for_o a_o law_n be_v little_a or_o nothing_o else_o but_o a_o ordinance_n and_o preception_n promulgate_v for_o the_o common_a good_a by_o he_o that_o have_v the_o care_n of_o the_o community_n it_o be_v very_o easy_a to_o discern_v that_o the_o gospel_n have_v in_o it_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o law_n because_o all_o the_o part_n of_o its_o definition_n 4._o be_v very_o agreeable_a thereto_o it_o concern_v i_o at_o present_a to_o take_v notice_n only_o of_o its_o obligation_n and_o this_o be_v so_o inseparable_a from_o a_o law_n as_o that_o it_o receive_v its_o name_n therefrom_o and_o indeed_o the_o most_o essential_a difference_n of_o a_o law_n
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
reason_n alone_o can_v not_o find_v it_o and_o unreasonable_a methinks_v it_o be_v that_o any_o man_n much_o more_o a_o christian_n shall_v be_v rich_a of_o make_v this_o confession_n for_o what_o a_o astonishment_n to_o reason_n be_v it_o that_o a_o person_n of_o the_o ever_o bless_a and_o glorious_a trinity_n shall_v in_o a_o sort_n lessen_v himself_o and_o lay_v aside_o his_o glory_n leave_v his_o heaven_n and_o come_v down_o to_o earth_n take_v upon_o he_o our_o nature_n together_o with_o the_o infirmity_n and_o servile_a condition_n of_o it_o and_o herein_o shall_v take_v incomparable_a pain_n in_o preach_v good_a tiding_n to_o the_o meek_a and_o shall_v send_v his_o apostle_n by_o induce_v they_o with_o power_n from_o on_o high_a to_o do_v the_o like_a to_o all_o nation_n and_o to_o confirm_v their_o word_n with_o sign_n follow_v and_o all_o this_o on_o little_a or_o no_o necessity_n this_o be_v such_o a_o kindness_n as_o no_o romance_n ever_o fancve_v but_o since_o the_o measure_n of_o friendship_n be_v usual_o take_v not_o only_o from_o the_o good_a thing_n it_o bestow_v but_o also_o from_o the_o need_n we_o have_v of_o they_o it_o be_v altogether_o unlikely_a that_o infinite_a wisdom_n will_v be_v so_o lavish_a of_o its_o favour_n to_o little_a or_o no_o purpose_n into_o which_o absurdity_n if_o not_o blasphemy_n we_o can_v avoid_v fall_v if_o we_o think_v our_o own_o reason_n sufficient_a as_o this_o treatise_n say_v it_o be_v to_o carry_v we_o at_o last_o infallible_o to_o eternal_a happiness_n if_o this_o be_v true_a what_o need_n be_v there_o of_o revelation_n what_o can_v that_o do_v more_o it_o can_v sure_o carry_v we_o to_o heaven_n before_o we_o come_v at_o the_o last_o here_o on_o earth_n nor_o can_v the_o certainty_n of_o its_o do_v it_o then_o be_v great_a than_o infallibility_n but_o all_o this_o we_o have_v before_o by_o our_o own_o reason_n wherein_o then_o be_v we_o or_o can_v we_o be_v behold_v to_o revelation_n thus_o manifest_o do_v this_o opinion_n evacuate_v the_o necessity_n of_o revelation_n and_o derogate_v extreme_o from_o the_o mercy_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n in_o bless_v the_o world_n with_o knowledge_n of_o his_o gospel_n it_o impute_v the_o folly_n of_o a_o needless_a labour_n to_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o vilisy_n the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o enable_v his_o apostle_n to_o preach_v it_o to_o all_o nation_n it_o set_v at_o nought_o the_o labour_n of_o man_n in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n and_o puff_v up_o sciolist_n with_o such_o a_o conceit_n of_o their_o own_o reason_n as_o make_v they_o swell_v and_o burstinto_o contempt_n of_o all_o supernatural_a knowledge_n it_o open_v a_o door_n to_o division_n and_o leâ—s_n in_o the_o wind_n of_o any_o false_a doctrine_n that_o conceit_a opinionist_n shall_v think_v reasonable_a piety_n therefore_o and_o the_o love_n of_o peace_n prompt_v we_o to_o abhor_v it_o and_o indeed_o reason_n itself_o can_v choose_v but_o speak_v against_o and_o condemn_v it_o for_o it_o must_v confess_v that_o life_n and_o immortality_n viz_o eternal_a happiness_n be_v bring_v to_o light_n through_o the_o gospel_n without_o the_o revelation_n thereof_o thereby_o reason_n can_v but_o surmise_v and_o conjecture_v at_o it_o contemplate_v the_o work_n of_o creation_n it_o find_v that_o all_o creature_n beside_o what_o they_o be_v in_o themselves_o receive_v external_o some_o perfection_n from_o other_o thing_n for_o there_o be_v not_o a_o creature_n in_o the_o world_n but_o may_v be_v what_o it_o be_v not_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o there_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o appetite_n or_o desire_n in_o all_o thing_n whereby_o they_o incline_v to_o somewhat_o which_o they_o be_v not_o that_o when_o they_o have_v attain_v it_o they_o may_v be_v perfect_a than_o they_o be_v without_o it_o this_o inclination_n show_v itself_o in_o no_o creature_n more_o than_o man_n who_o be_v capable_a of_o propend_v unto_o a_o perfection_n beyond_o all_o that_o in_o this_o life_n be_v attainable_a hence_o indeed_o reason_n conclude_v that_o there_o be_v a_o state_n of_o eternal_a happiness_n provide_v for_o humane_a nature_n but_o this_o its_o conclusion_n leave_v the_o mind_n altogether_o in_o the_o dark_a as_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o its_o beatific_a object_n the_o object_n provide_v for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o other_o creature_n reason_n by_o the_o information_n of_o the_o sense_n for_o the_o most_o part_n perceive_v but_o what_o there_o be_v provide_v for_o its_o own_o it_o can_v conceive_v somewhat_o it_o seek_v but_o what_o that_o be_v it_o direct_o know_v not_o but_o be_v very_o persuade_v that_o god_n have_v make_v nothing_o in_o vain_a and_o perceive_v that_o all_o attainment_n in_o this_o world_n will_v not_o satisfy_v the_o appetite_n of_o our_o reasonable_a nature_n it_o conclude_v there_o be_v something_o else_o provide_v for_o iâ—_n that_o exceed_v all_o thing_n else_o that_o it_o know_v of_o in_o goodness_n but_o what_o that_o be_v it_o can_v tell_v now_o from_o this_o its_o ignorance_n of_o the_o end_n arise_v so_o thick_a a_o cloud_n of_o darkness_n about_o the_o mean_n conduce_v to_o it_o as_o that_o it_o know_v not_o what_o to_o do_v or_o which_o way_n to_o go_v to_o attain_v it_o all_o that_o it_o can_v possible_o direct_v we_o to_o do_v be_v to_o work_v but_o when_o it_o well_o consider_v the_o happiness_n it_o seek_v for_o it_o can_v give_v no_o account_n of_o its_o be_v attainable_a by_o our_o work_n for_o it_o be_v something_o beyond_o or_o above_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n ordain_v in_o the_o creation_n it_o can_v be_v the_o natural_a effect_n or_o product_v of_o our_o work_n to_o imagine_v this_o be_v to_o think_v our_o work_n effectual_a beyond_o their_o proper_a strength_n and_o power_n yea_o it_o be_v to_o make_v god_n inferior_a in_o power_n unto_o man_n it_o give_v they_o the_o rule_n over_o he_o and_o suppose_v they_o able_a to_o attain_v to_o happiness_n whether_o he_o will_v give_v it_o they_o or_o no_o and_o so_o without_o a_o metaphor_n to_o take_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heauâ—n_n by_o force_n and_o to_o commit_v a_o rape_n upon_o the_o almighty_a but_o this_o be_v so_o gross_a a_o absurdity_n as_o that_o every_o man_n particular_a reason_n abhor_v it_o the_o supreme_a perfection_n of_o our_o nature_n if_o any_o way_n attainable_a by_o our_o work_n must_v therefore_o be_v the_o reward_n of_o they_o but_o then_o reason_n perceive_v that_o a_o reward_n be_v twofold_a viz._n either_o of_o debt_n or_o of_o gift_n the_o former_a be_v such_o as_o be_v due_a to_o the_o receiver_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o something_o that_o he_o of_o his_o own_o accord_n without_o any_o obligation_n on_o he_o have_v do_v which_o in_o justice_n or_o equity_n be_v worthy_a of_o it_o but_o who_o so_o void_a of_o reason_n as_o after_o a_o just_a and_o impartial_a examination_n of_o his_o work_n to_o think_v they_o worthy_a of_o eternal_a life_n humane_a reason_n sure_o be_v not_o so_o silly_a as_o to_o think_v that_o they_o be_v so_o meritorious_a and_o beneficial_a unto_o god_n as_o to_o deserve_v it_o at_o his_o hand_n a_o reward_n therefore_o reason_n can_v conclude_v it_o to_o be_v of_o debt_n but_o of_o gift_n and_o this_o be_v such_o as_o may_v become_v due_a to_o the_o receiver_n but_o not_o for_o the_o merit_n or_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o work_n but_o by_o the_o undeserved_a promise_n of_o the_o giver_n but_o without_o revelation_n where_o will_v humane_a reason_n find_v a_o promise_n of_o eternal_a happiness_n to_o man_n in_o his_o present_n fall_v condition_n the_o fall_n of_o man_n be_v so_o discernible_a by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n as_o that_o scarce_o any_o sort_n of_o philosopher_n be_v whole_o ignorant_a of_o it_o but_o the_o pythagorean_n be_v more_o especial_o trouble_v about_o it_o there_o be_v a_o time_n say_v porphyrius_n when_o we_o be_v intellectual_a purge_v from_o the_o dregs_n of_o sense_n and_o irrationality_n and_o so_o we_o still_o be_v in_o respect_n of_o our_o essence_n but_o now_o by_o reason_n of_o our_o inability_n perpetual_o to_o converse_v with_o intellectual_a and_o eternal_a object_n and_o through_o our_o proneness_n to_o those_o of_o sense_n we_o have_v wrap_v and_o fold_v ourselves_o up_o in_o they_o for_o the_o soul_n not_o remain_v in_o its_o primitive_a intellectual_a state_n all_o its_o power_n be_v actuate_v by_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o body_n be_v so_o hurt_v and_o maim_v as_o that_o like_a ground_n not_o well_o manure_v they_o bring_v forth_o tare_n instead_o of_o corn_n although_o good_a seed_n be_v throw_v into_o they_o and_o all_o this_o come_v to_o pass_v through_o the_o soul_n improbitie_n which_o though_o it_o do_v not_o corrupt_v the_o essence_n of_o it_o yet_o it_o fetter_n it_o to_o that_o which_o be_v fade_v and_o drag_n it_o