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
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
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
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
as_o convince_a as_o the_o sight_n of_o our_o own_o eye_n chap._n v._n the_o strength_n and_o force_n of_o the_o precede_a argument_n 1_o they_o remove_v all_o suspicion_n that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v not_o prophet_n for_o thereby_o it_o appear_v 1_o that_o they_o pretend_v to_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n 2_o that_o they_o therein_o be_v not_o deceive_v 3_o they_o have_v no_o design_n to_o deceive_v other_o 2_o they_o give_v positive_a evidence_n that_o they_o be_v prophet_n 1_o from_o their_o fortitude_n 2_o from_o their_o wisdom_n 3_o from_o their_o prediction_n 4_o from_o their_o miracle_n here_o to_o show_v the_o force_n of_o this_o argument_n it_o be_v observe_v 1_o that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n wrought_v their_o miracle_n on_o purpose_n to_o confirm_v their_o doctrine_n 2_o miracle_n be_v always_o look_v on_o as_o demonstrative_a proof_n of_o divine_a authority_n in_o they_o that_o do_v they_o 3_o the_o reason_n for_o which_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n deserve_v to_o be_v so_o account_v 1_o from_o their_o nature_n 2_o from_o their_o number_n 3_o from_o their_o greatness_n 4_o from_o their_o goodness_n thereby_o they_o confer_v on_o man_n 1_o the_o good_n of_o fortune_n 2_o of_o the_o body_n 3_o of_o the_o soul_n chap._n vi_o some_o use_n that_o may_v be_v make_v of_o this_o doctrine_n of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o christian_a religion_n sect._n 1_o this_o deduce_v therefrom_o the_o leviathan_n deny_v it_o the_o first_o reason_n of_o this_o opinion_n answer_v the_o second_o reason_n answer_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o holy_a scripture_n sect._n 2_o uncontrolled_a tradition_n prove_v that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o n._n testament_n be_v write_v by_o those_o man_n who_o name_n they_o bear_v and_o since_o they_o be_v prophet_n the_o old_a testament_n also_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o word_n of_o prophecy_n a_o doubt_n about_o the_o gospel_n of_o st._n mark_n and_o st._n luke_n and_o the_o act_n these_o book_n have_v the_o approbation_n of_o the_o apostle_n a_o objection_n out_o of_o the_o leviathan_n object_n 2._o object_n 3._o the_o insufficiency_n of_o humane_a reason_n sect._n 3_o the_o treatise_n thereof_o ascribe_v as_o much_o thereunto_o as_o pelagius_n do_v to_o free_a will_n it_o evacuate_v the_o necessity_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n prophetic_a office_n the_o impiety_n of_o it_o reason_n itself_o condemn_v it_o a_o objection_n out_o of_o that_o treatise_n the_o reasonableness_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n sect._n 4_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o word_n of_o prophecy_n great_a than_o that_o of_o a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n the_o mystery_n of_o christianity_n do_v not_o make_v it_o incredible_a but_o be_v apt_a to_o strengthen_v our_o faith_n the_o reasonableness_n of_o christian_a hope_n sect._n 5_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o promise_n a_o objection_n draw_v from_o experience_n another_o from_o the_o suppose_a impossibility_n of_o a_o general_n resurrection_n the_o reasonableness_n of_o obedience_n sect._n 6_o all_o acknowledge_v a_o obligation_n to_o obey_v god_n whence_o do_v this_o obligation_n arise_v 1_o not_o from_o our_o weakness_n 2_o not_o from_o god_n sole_a irresistible_a power_n the_o nature_n of_o divine_a sovereignty_n god_n right_a of_o it_o a_o view_n of_o our_o state_n by_o nature_n the_o way_n that_o god_n have_v choose_v for_o our_o redemption_n christ_n conquer_v the_o devil_n at_o all_o those_o weapon_n whereby_o he_o overcome_v our_o first_o parent_n and_o their_o posterity_n we_o be_v therefore_o his_o by_o right_n of_o conquest_n christ_n make_v satisfaction_n for_o we_o christ_n now_o in_o heaven_n be_v able_a to_o succour_v we_o when_o we_o be_v tempt_v a_o question_n another_o question_n the_o nature_n of_o a_o obligation_n which_o be_v twofold_a the_o redemption_n of_o christ_n oblige_v we_o by_o both_o to_o keep_v his_o commandment_n 1_o by_o that_o of_o authority_n 2_o by_o that_o ad_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o nature_n of_o it_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o 1_o the_o benefit_n we_o receive_v by_o redemption_n 2_o the_o satisfactoriness_n of_o it_o to_o our_o reason_n 3_o the_o incomparable_a encouragement_n that_o it_o give_v we_o to_o keep_v the_o commandment_n the_o conclusion_n rev._n 19_o 10._o the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n be_v the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n chap._n i._n that_o we_o have_v a_o power_n of_o assent_v be_v so_o manifest_a as_o that_o scepticism_n itself_o can_v doubt_v it_o for_o that_o it_o be_v very_o apparent_o build_v on_o assent_n to_o this_o proposition_n there_o be_v nothing_o certain_a who_o can_v be_v of_o that_o persuasion_n without_o assent_n it_o seem_v therefore_o certain_a that_o the_o mind_n assent_v and_o this_o it_o do_v to_o testimony_n as_o well_o as_o reason_n for_o the_o latter_a can_v be_v at_o least_o improve_v without_o the_o former_a because_o there_o be_v no_o reason_v without_o word_n and_o word_n without_o testimony_n signify_v nothing_o be_v it_o not_o for_o testimony_n the_o wise_a of_o word_n and_o the_o most_o inarticulate_a of_o sound_n will_v be_v to_o we_o equal_o significant_a so_o that_o not_o only_a religion_n but_o also_o all_o art_n and_o science_n be_v behold_v 16_o to_o testimony_n they_o be_v if_o not_o found_v on_o it_o yet_o unattainable_a without_o it_o it_o seem_v therefore_o those_o who_o traduce_v our_o religion_n as_o fond_a credulity_n because_o it_o depend_v on_o testimony_n be_v therein_o very_o disingenuous_o partial_a and_o irrational_a especial_o consider_v the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n be_v the_o spirit_n of_o prophesy_n which_o word_n be_v a_o entire_a proposition_n not_o so_o difficult_a but_o that_o it_o may_v be_v understand_v nor_o yet_o so_o plain_a but_o that_o both_o the_o subject_a and_o the_o predicate_v will_v need_v some_o explication_n in_o order_n whereunto_o it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o observe_v that_o in_o all_o probability_n the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n be_v either_o that_o which_o he_o himself_o give_v or_o else_o that_o which_o his_o witness_n do_v bear_v of_o he_o of_o the_o former_a 33._o st._n john_n speak_v in_o his_o gospel_n of_o the_o latter_a in_o his_o revelation_n here_o in_o my_o text_n which_o to_o i_o seem_v evident_a by_o the_o scope_n and_o design_n of_o the_o whole_a verse_n the_o drift_n whereof_o be_v to_o prove_v that_o the_o angel_n who_o word_n they_o be_v to_o st._n john_n be_v fellow-servant_n with_o he_o and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n st._n john_n fall_v at_o the_o angel_n foot_n to_o worship_n he_o but_o the_o angel_n say_v unto_o he_o see_v thou_o do_v it_o not_o of_o which_o prohibition_n he_o give_v this_o reason_n because_o say_v he_o i_o be_o thy_o fellow-servant_n and_o of_o thy_o brethren_n that_o have_v the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n and_o who_o be_v they_o that_o have_v the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n sure_o they_o be_v those_o who_o jesus_n himself_o have_v choose_v to_o be_v his_o witness_n viz._n the_o 8._o apostle_n of_o these_o man_n than_o the_o angel_n be_v fellow-servant_n to_o prove_v that_o he_o be_v so_o he_o allege_v my_o text_n for_o the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n be_v the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n which_o word_n can_v be_v no_o way_n argumentative_a unless_o the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n be_v understand_v to_o signify_v not_o that_o which_o jesus_n himself_o give_v but_o that_o which_o his_o apostle_n do_v give_v of_o he_o but_o be_v thus_o take_v they_o import_v a_o twofold_a argument_n viz._n ad_fw-la hominem_fw-la and_o ad_fw-la rem_fw-la st._n john_n we_o know_v be_v as_o all_o the_o other_o apostle_n a_o jew_n by_o birth_n one_o of_o that_o nation_n wherein_o it_o be_v a_o receive_a opinion_n that_o there_o be_v ten_o degree_n or_o order_n of_o angel_n the_o low_a whereof_o be_v call_v ischim_n by_o the_o intervention_n and_o ministry_n of_o this_o sort_n of_o angel_n they_o say_v whether_o true_o or_o false_o i_o affirm_v 2._o not_o that_o prophecy_n be_v communicate_v unto_o men._n these_o angel_n as_o we_o be_v tell_v be_v chief_o employ_v to_o prophesy_v and_o when_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n rest_v on_o any_o here_o on_o earth_n his_o soul_n be_v â—ixt_v with_o and_o advance_v to_o this_o order_n of_o angel_n in_o heaven_n and_o be_v enroll_v among_o they_o if_o then_o this_o be_v a_o vulgar_a opinion_n of_o the_o jew_n at_o the_o time_n of_o st._n john_n s_o revelation_n it_o be_v apparent_a enough_o that_o my_o text_n contain_v a_o argument_n ad_fw-la hominem_fw-la but_o the_o truth_n be_v the_o force_n of_o the_o angel_n argument_n do_v not_o lie_v so_o much_o in_o st._n john_n opinion_n as_o in_o his_o own_o employment_n at_o that_o time_n which_o be_v to_o prophesy_v concern_v thing_n pertain_v to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o precede_a verse_n let_v we_o then_o but_o cast_v the_o
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
nation_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o all_o people_n shall_v be_v gather_v together_o in_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n much_o more_o in_o one_o of_o the_o tribe_n of_o israel_n impossible_a it_o be_v also_o that_o the_o tribe_n of_o levi_n shall_v be_v numerous_a enough_o to_o find_v priest_n to_o offer_v all_o their_o sacrifice_n there_o must_v therefore_o of_o necessity_n be_v a_o change_n make_v both_o in_o the_o place_n of_o worship_n and_o also_o in_o the_o priesthood_n and_o this_o which_o we_o have_v thus_o deduce_v from_o the_o prediction_n of_o moses_n be_v more_o full_o reveal_v by_o succeed_a prophet_n viz._n that_o it_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v in_o the_o last_o day_n that_o the_o mountain_n of_o the_o lord_n house_n shall_v be_v establish_v on_o the_o top_n of_o the_o mountain_n and_o shall_v be_v exalt_v above_o the_o hill_n and_o all_o nation_n 2_o shall_v flow_v unto_o it_o the_o prophet_n here_o teach_v that_o not_o only_o temporal_a good_a thing_n but_o also_o spiritual_a shall_v be_v give_v unto_o man_n of_o all_o nation_n when_o the_o messiah_n shall_v come_v say_v the_o last_o cite_v author_n i_o have_v no_o pleasure_n sâ—p_n in_o you_o the_o priest_n of_o the_o jew_n say_v the_o lord_n of_o host_n neither_o will_v i_o accept_v a_o offering_n at_o your_o hand_n for_o from_o the_o rise_n of_o the_o sun_n even_o unto_o the_o go_n down_o of_o the_o same_o my_o name_n shall_v be_v great_a among_o the_o gentile_n and_o in_o every_o place_n incense_n shall_v be_v offer_v unto_o my_o name_n a_o pure_a offer_n for_o my_o name_n shall_v be_v great_a among_o the_o heathen_a say_v the_o lord_n of_o host_n but_o who_o shall_v then_o 11_o be_v priest_n to_o offer_v this_o incense_n and_o pure_a offering_n why_o it_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v say_v the_o lord_n that_o i_o will_v gather_v all_o nation_n and_o tongue_n and_o they_o shall_v come_v and_o see_v my_o glory_n and_o i_o will_v also_o take_v of_o they_o for_o priest_n and_o for_o levite_n say_v the_o lord_n whereby_o it_o be_v plain_a 21_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o priesthood_n take_v out_o of_o all_o nation_n and_o tongue_n and_o these_o priest_n sure_o be_v to_o be_v subject_a to_o he_o to_o who_o the_o lord_n have_v swear_v thou_o be_v a_o priest_n for_o ever_o after_o the_o order_n of_o melchisedek_n for_o this_o priest_n be_v to_o judge_v i._n e._n to_o reign_n and_o rule_n among_o the_o heathen_a and_o to_o wound_v the_o head_n of_o those_o that_o oppose_v he_o over_o many_o country_n and_o 6._o that_o in_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o jew_n as_o well_o as_o of_o we_o christian_n this_o priest_n be_v their_o expect_a messiah_n petrus_n galatinus_n make_v evident_a by_o divers_a of_o their_o most_o 24._o ancient_a and_o authentic_a write_n from_o these_o premise_n they_o may_v have_v infer_v that_o there_o be_v to_o be_v a_o priesthood_n subject_a to_o the_o messâ—as_n not_o after_o the_o order_n of_o aaron_n but_o take_v out_o of_o all_o nation_n and_o concern_v the_o promise_a messiah_n the_o jew_n be_v express_o teach_v to_o believe_v not_o only_o that_o he_o shall_v confirm_v the_o covenant_n viz._n which_o god_n make_v with_o abraham_n 27._o &c._n &c._n but_o also_o that_o he_o shall_v cause_v the_o sacrifice_n and_o oblation_n to_o cease_v on_o this_o account_n it_o be_v like_o it_o be_v that_o many_o master_n in_o israâ—l_n have_v say_v as_o much_o viz._n that_o all_o the_o feast_n and_o oblation_n besides_o that_o of_o confession_n or_o give_v of_o thanks_o shall_v cease_v in_o the_o future_a age_n yea_o that_o the_o holy_a bless_a one_o now_o reâ—ts_v and_o consider_v of_o a_o new_a law_n which_o â—e_n will_v give_v by_o the_o hâ—nd_n of_o 13._o the_o messiah_n and_o that_o god_n shall_v make_v a_o new_a covenant_n with_o he_o and_o sure_o not_o with_o he_o only_o but_o in_o he_o with_o they_o also_o for_o behold_v the_o day_n â—ome_v say_v the_o lord_n that_o i_o will_v make_v a_o new_a covenant_n with_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n and_o with_o the_o house_n of_o judaâ—_n nâ—t_o according_a to_o the_o covenant_n which_o i_o make_v with_o their_o father_n in_o the_o day_n that_o i_o take_v they_o by_o the_o hand_n to_o bring_v they_o out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n but_o this_o shall_v be_v the_o covenant_n that_o i_o will_v make_v with_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n â—fter_o those_o day_n say_v the_o lord_n i_o will_v put_v my_o law_n in_o their_o inward_a 33._o part_n and_o write_v it_o in_o their_o heart_n and_o will_v be_v their_o god_n and_o they_o shall_v be_v my_o people_n in_o that_o he_o say_v a_o new_a covenant_n he_o make_v the_o â—irst_n old_a and_o in_o that_o 13._o he_o say_v i_o will_v put_v my_o law_n in_o their_o inward_a part_n and_o write_v it_o in_o their_o heart_n he_o clear_o teach_v that_o this_o new_a covenant_n be_v to_o be_v a_o more_o spiritual_a dispensation_n than_o the_o former_a the_o first_o have_v multifarious_a ordinance_n of_o divine_a service_n and_o pandect_n of_o law_n enjoin_v such_o thing_n as_o be_v not_o good_a in_o themselves_o but_o only_o because_o they_o be_v command_v but_o the_o new_a covenant_n have_v law_n agreeable_a to_o the_o dictate_v of_o right_a reason_n and_o natural_a morality_n write_v in_o our_o heart_n and_o these_o shall_v be_v those_o whereby_o man_n in_o this_o covenant_n shall_v have_v the_o lord_n to_o be_v their_o god_n and_o they_o his_o people_n by_o all_o which_o it_o be_v evident_a not_o only_o that_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n be_v in_o itself_o mutable_a but_o also_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v actual_o change_v another_o more_o divine_a and_o spiritual_a dispensation_n be_v to_o be_v substitute_v in_o the_o room_n of_o it_o and_o if_o so_o it_o be_v very_o unlikely_a that_o by_o god_n authority_n any_o be_v deny_v admittance_n to_o a_o trial_n of_o their_o pretend_a gift_n of_o prophecy_n bare_o for_o want_v of_o strict_a conformity_n to_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n especial_o if_o they_o give_v evidence_n of_o god_n intention_n by_o they_o to_o repeal_v either_o the_o whole_a or_o any_o part_n of_o it_o the_o reason_n be_v manifest_a because_o god_n not_o intend_v it_o to_o bâ—_n perpetual_a do_v not_o certain_o tyâ—_n himself_o up_o to_o send_v no_o prophet_n but_o such_o as_o shall_v in_o no_o case_n teach_v a_o abrogation_n of_o it_o nay_o by_o declare_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v change_v he_o have_v evident_o reserve_v to_o himself_o a_o power_n of_o so_o do_v and_o of_o this_o we_o be_v assure_v by_o maimonides_n his_o own_o concession_n viz._n that_o a_o prophet_n have_v powâ—r_a to_o command_v the_o omission_n of_o a_o affirmative_a precept_n and_o to_o enjoin_v the_o do_n of_o what_o be_v forbid_v by_o a_o negative_a except_o only_o in_o case_n of_o idolatry_n and_o this_o say_v he_o be_v the_o opinion_n of_o the_o wise_a man_n in_o â—heir_n talmud_n where_o they_o say_v in_o all_o thing_n zer_n except_o idolatry_n if_o a_o prophet_n shall_v say_v unto_o thou_o transgress_v the_o law_n thou_o be_v bind_v to_o obey_v he_o and_o be_v it_o likely_a that_o god_n shall_v endue_v man_n with_o power_n to_o suspend_v his_o law_n and_o yet_o give_v order_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v put_v to_o death_n for_o offer_v to_o do_v it_o it_o be_v unworthy_a of_o god_n to_o think_v so_o of_o he_o obj._n ay_o buâ—_n say_v our_o author_n this_o powâ—r_n be_v grant_v not_o to_o candidate_n for_o the_o prophetic_a office_n but_o only_o to_o those_o of_o who_o it_o be_v certain_o know_v they_o be_v call_v unto_o it_o as_o samuel_n elias_n etc._n etc._n answ_n but_o where_o i_o pray_v have_v god_n declare_v he_o will_v not_o do_v it_o by_o any_o other_o but_o if_o he_o have_v not_o why_o may_v not_o one_o but_o new_o â—ndued_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n give_v sufficient_a and_o certain_a evidence_n of_o it_o and_o if_o he_o do_v it_o be_v unreasonable_a to_o reject_v he_o rebellicus_fw-la against_o god_n to_o râ—fuse_v he_o and_o barbarous_a murder_n to_o kill_v he_o in_o this_o case_n therefore_o and_o doubtless_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n they_o ought_v not_o so_o to_o do_v but_o to_o allow_v he_o a_o fair_a trial_n and_o so_o i_o come_v to_o consider_v sect._n 2._o the_o antâ—â—â—dents_n or_o concomitant_n of_o a_o prophetic_a spirit_n the_o jewish_a rabbi_n inform_v we_o there_o be_v certain_a qualification_n antecedent_o or_o concomitant_o useful_a to_o sit_v a_o man_n for_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophesy_n or_o rather_o for_o the_o office_n of_o a_o prophet_n all_o which_o according_a to_o their_o recension_n of_o they_o vorstius_n have_v reduce_v to_o these_o six_o head_n viz._n 1._o good_a constitution_n of_o body_n even_o from_o the_o very_a conception_n 2._o
this_o i_o shall_v say_v no_o more_o because_o i_o will_v here_o speak_v somewhat_o large_o of_o the_o three_o sort_n of_o supernatural_a knowledge_n viz._n that_o that_o be_v so_o in_o respect_n of_o its_o degree_n or_o measure_n the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n do_v not_o only_o reveal_v those_o thing_n all_o knowledge_n whereof_o be_v utter_o unattainable_a by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n but_o moreover_o it_o do_v ofttimes_o illustrate_v those_o thing_n whereof_o man_n have_v some_o obscure_a conception_n without_o it_o thus_o the_o be_v and_o attribute_n of_o god_n although_o they_o may_v in_o some_o measure_n be_v understand_v by_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v make_v yet_o much_o more_o clear_o by_o those_o that_o be_v reveal_v now_o that_o knowledge_n which_o do_v clear_a up_o and_o elucidate_v the_o principle_n of_o natural_a theology_n beyond_o the_o possibility_n of_o study_n and_o industry_n be_v that_o which_o i_o mean_v by_o divine_a and_o supernatural_a knowledge_n in_o respect_n of_o its_o degree_n or_o measure_n and_o this_o be_v that_o knowledge_n which_o ought_v in_o all_o reason_n among_o the_o jew_n to_o have_v be_v honour_v with_o the_o name_n of_o wisdom_n if_o they_o be_v so_o prodigal_a of_o that_o honourable_a 16._o title_n as_o to_o bestow_v it_o on_o the_o puny_a art_n of_o arithmetic_n astrology_n and_o the_o like_a in_o justice_n methinks_v they_o ought_v much_o rather_o to_o have_v give_v it_o to_o theology_n and_o so_o indeed_o we_o find_v that_o they_o do_v for_o among_o 1._o they_o it_o be_v better_o know_v almost_o by_o no_o name_n than_o that_o of_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o well_o may_v it_o be_v so_o call_v because_o not_o only_o the_o object_n but_o also_o the_o teacher_n of_o it_o be_v divine_a for_o they_o be_v the_o man_n of_o god_n or_o the_o prophet_n from_o who_o they_o first_o learn_v it_o probable_a therefore_o it_o be_v that_o in_o the_o trial_n of_o pretender_n to_o the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n especial_a sâ—arch_n be_v make_v after_o this_o wisdom_n and_o for_o this_o cause_n it_o will_v now_o be_v my_o business_n to_o inquire_v whether_o or_o no_o on_o the_o account_n of_o this_o wisdom_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v not_o worthy_a to_o be_v think_v wise_a this_o question_v it_o be_v true_a be_v deny_v by_o many_o in_o the_o day_n of_o their_o flesh_n and_o seem_v hardly_o believe_v by_o more_o than_o a_o few_o now_o in_o we_o and_o among_o those_o that_o affirm_v it_o in_o their_o word_n there_o be_v many_o that_o deny_v it_o in_o their_o deed_n as_o if_o there_o be_v wisdom_n in_o the_o profession_n but_o foolishness_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o our_o religion_n i_o fear_v therefore_o it_o will_v be_v no_o needless_a or_o unseasonable_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o demonstrate_v their_o superlative_a wisdom_n in_o this_o kind_n which_o it_o seem_v be_v so_o transcendent_a as_o that_o justine_n martyr_n after_o all_o his_o hard_a study_n and_o travel_v in_o almost_o all_o sort_n of_o humane_a learning_n find_v christianity_n to_o be_v the_o only_a sure_a and_o useful_a philosophy_n try_n we_o can_v except_v against_o his_o judgement_n as_o that_o of_o a_o party_n because_o this_o be_v his_o experience_n before_o his_o conversion_n yet_o because_o those_o that_o be_v wise_a in_o their_o own_o eye_n will_v not_o see_v with_o he_o we_o shall_v submit_v our_o cause_n to_o a_o trial_n at_o the_o bar_n of_o its_o adversary_n jew_n and_o heathen_n the_o jew_n we_o know_v rest_v in_o the_o law_n and_o make_v their_o boast_n of_o god_n that_o they_o know_v his_o will_n and_o approve_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v more_o excellent_a be_v instruct_v out_o of_o the_o law_n on_o this_o account_n they_o be_v confident_a that_o they_o be_v guide_n of_o the_o blind_a light_n of_o they_o which_o be_v in_o darkness_n instructer_n of_o the_o foolish_a and_o teacher_n 2._o of_o babe_n and_o although_o their_o theology_n be_v grievous_o corrupt_v by_o their_o tradition_n yet_o those_o that_o be_v learned_a in_o their_o law_n be_v on_o that_o account_n so_o conceit_a and_o insolent_a as_o that_o they_o do_v almost_o whole_o engross_v the_o name_n of_o wise_a man_n to_o themselves_o this_o they_o do_v with_o such_o a_o matchless_a pride_n and_o contempt_n of_o other_o as_o will_v even_o tempt_v one_o to_o think_v that_o at_o least_o in_o their_o opinion_n there_o be_v â—â—arce_o any_o wisdom_n in_o any_o thing_n but_o theology_n methinks_v then_o if_o they_o have_v understand_v it_o they_o can_v not_o have_v be_v so_o disingenuous_o partial_a as_o to_o have_v deny_v the_o title_n of_o wisdom_n to_o christianity_n the_o reason_n be_v because_o it_o be_v a_o sort_n of_o theology_n far_o more_o excellent_a than_o their_o own_o and_o that_o in_o a_o threefold_a reference_n namely_o to_o our_o faith_n our_o hope_n and_o our_o practice_n for_o the_o object_n of_o faith_n be_v more_o clear_o reveal_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n than_o by_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n for_o very_o evident_a it_o be_v that_o not_o only_o the_o trinity_n of_o person_n in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o divine_a essence_n the_o person_n and_o office_n of_o the_o messiah_n be_v more_o full_o discover_v but_o also_o the_o very_a attribute_n of_o god_n be_v most_o auspicious_o assert_v and_o illustrate_v by_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n no_o man_n have_v see_v god_n at_o any_o 18._o time_n the_o only_o beget_v son_n which_o be_v in_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o father_n he_o have_v declare_v he_o our_o mind_n may_v apprehend_v god_n but_o our_o eye_n can_v see_v he_o we_o can_v therefore_o have_v no_o knowledge_n of_o he_o but_o by_o ratiocination_n or_o revelation_n the_o former_a we_o have_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n the_o latter_a by_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n which_o sure_o be_v apt_a and_o able_a to_o advance_v our_o knowledge_n above_o the_o high_a pitch_n of_o mere_a nature_n for_o to_o that_o end_n among_o the_o jew_n it_o speak_v by_o the_o prophet_n and_o after_o they_o by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n for_o they_o have_v bless_v the_o world_n with_o the_o great_a illustration_n 5._o that_o ever_o yet_o be_v make_v of_o the_o divine_a attribute_n which_o it_o seem_v according_a to_o the_o jew_n be_v distinguish_v into_o two_o sort_n viz._n fundamental_a and_o practical_a the_o former_a be_v those_o who_o foundation_n be_v lay_v in_o the_o very_a essence_n of_o god_n itself_o such_o as_o power_n wisdom_n holiness_n etc._n etc._n the_o latter_a be_v such_o as_o have_v relation_n and_o reference_n to_o the_o work_n of_o god_n in_o and_o about_o his_o creature_n such_o as_o mercy_n goodness_n truth_n etc._n etc._n whether_o this_o distinction_n be_v orthodox_n and_o adequate_a i_o will_v not_o now_o inquire_v but_o sure_o i_o be_o that_o divine_a attribute_n of_o both_o sort_n be_v most_o evident_o illustrate_v by_o the_o gospel_n for_o its_o doctrine_n do_v not_o only_o teach_v we_o to_o believe_v that_o god_n be_v powerful_a wise_a and_o holy_a merciful_a just_a and_o true_a but_o the_o work_n of_o redemption_n therein_o make_v know_v do_v demonstrate_v that_o he_o be_v so_o where_o can_v we_o find_v so_o magnificent_a a_o demonstration_n of_o infinite_a power_n and_o wisdom_n as_o in_o the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a wherein_o be_v god_n holiness_n and_o mercy_n his_o justice_n and_o goodness_n so_o conspicuous_a as_o in_o the_o death_n and_o suffering_n of_o christ_n and_o where_o do_v divine_a truth_n and_o veracity_n shine_v so_o bright_o as_o in_o the_o completion_n of_o prophecy_n in_o and_o by_o our_o saviour_n from_o his_o birth_n to_o his_o burial_n yea_o from_o his_o conception_n to_o his_o ascension_n it_o seem_v then_o the_o object_n of_o faith_n as_o to_o the_o great_a part_n of_o it_o be_v not_o only_o more_o clear_o reveal_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n than_o by_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n but_o also_o that_o part_n thereof_o wherein_o they_o be_v most_o distinct_a and_o clear_a be_v illustrious_o demonstrate_v by_o the_o gospel_n nor_o have_v they_o therein_o provide_v worse_o for_o our_o hope_n than_o they_o have_v for_o our_o faith_n but_o as_o in_o the_o object_n of_o that_o so_o also_o of_o this_o the_o gospel_n far_o excel_v the_o divinity_n of_o the_o jew_n for_o their_o master_n moses_n in_o the_o institution_n of_o their_o religion_n either_o promise_v they_o nothing_o beyond_o the_o good_a thing_n of_o this_o life_n or_o if_o he_o do_v it_o be_v cover_v with_o such_o cloud_n and_o wrap_v up_o in_o such_o obscurity_n as_o that_o none_o but_o the_o most_o pierce_a eye_n can_v see_v it_o thence_o it_o be_v that_o 9_o a_o great_a and_o learned_a part_n of_o his_o follower_n viz._n the_o sadducee_n do_v reject_v all_o hope_n
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
their_o fault_n if_o they_o do_v not_o receive_v benefit_n by_o they_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v so_o sufficient_o attest_v as_o that_o be_v it_o not_o for_o prejudice_n or_o laziness_n inadvertence_n or_o one_o such_o vice_n or_o other_o i_o very_o think_v there_o neither_o be_v nor_o ever_o be_v any_o consider_a man_n in_o the_o world_n but_o either_o he_o be_v or_o may_v thereby_o have_v be_v convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o doctrine_n and_o so_o bless_v by_o the_o excellency_n of_o their_o religion_n as_o that_o his_o mind_n shall_v no_o long_o be_v blind_v with_o superstition_n or_o fluctuate_v in_o uncertainty_n but_o shall_v know_v assure_o where_o to_o have_v the_o most_o perfect_a object_n of_o all_o his_o faculty_n how_o great_a then_o i_o say_v be_v the_o goodness_n of_o these_o miracle_n that_o confirm_v such_o a_o treasure_n unto_o we_o how_o plain_o do_v it_o show_v their_o descent_n from_o the_o essential_a and_o eternal_a goodness_n viz._n god_n himself_o for_o who_o but_o a_o almighty_a goodness_n can_v be_v author_n of_o such_o production_n such_o unparalleled_a instance_n of_o love_n and_o kindness_n such_o inimitable_a beneficence_n so_o immense_a and_o immix_v a_o goodness_n from_o who_o can_v it_o come_v but_o from_o god_n who_o be_v love_n and_o goodness_n itself_o in_o my_o apprehension_n therefore_o the_o goodness_n of_o these_o miracle_n show_v as_o plain_o that_o they_o be_v the_o work_n of_o god_n in_o testimony_n to_o his_o word_n as_o the_o image_n and_o superscription_n on_o the_o money_n do_v that_o the_o coin_n be_v caesar_n let_v we_o then_o lay_v all_o these_o thing_n together_o viz_o that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n do_v take_v upon_o they_o the_o office_n of_o prophet_n and_o that_o have_v the_o antecedent_n to_o or_o concomitant_a attendant_n on_o the_o prophetic_a spirit_n they_o therein_o neither_o be_v deceive_v nor_o have_v a_o design_n to_o deceive_v other_o and_o by_o their_o prediction_n exact_o accomplish_v it_o appear_v that_o they_o have_v such_o certain_a foreknowledge_n as_o no_o man_n by_o any_o art_n or_o science_n whatever_o can_v possible_o have_v of_o god_n eternal_a purpose_n concern_v future_a contingence_n and_o beside_o this_o supernatural_a knowledge_n to_o confirm_v their_o doctrine_n or_o demonstrate_v their_o mission_n from_o god_n to_o teach_v it_o they_o wrought_v such_o miracle_n as_o in_o the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o their_o nature_n and_o the_o incomparableness_n of_o their_o number_n greatness_n and_o goodness_n do_v most_o evident_o and_o eminent_o appear_v to_o be_v the_o work_n of_o god_n and_o consequent_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n who_o do_v they_o be_v teacher_n of_o such_o a_o excellent_a wisdom_n as_o the_o world_n know_v not_o before_o be_v therein_o inspire_v by_o god_n and_o so_o prophet_n chap._n vi_o some_o use_n that_o may_v be_v make_v of_o this_o doctrine_n thus_o have_v we_o pass_v through_o the_o several_a part_n of_o the_o propose_a method_n and_o in_o so_o do_v have_v i_o hope_v find_v the_o truth_n of_o our_o assertion_n sufficient_o evince_v and_o if_o so_o it_o be_v than_o thence_o sure_o we_o may_v see_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o christian_a religion_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o insufficiency_n of_o humane_a reason_n and_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o christian_a faith_n hope_n and_o practice_n sect._n 1_o 1._o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o christian_a religion_n it_o be_v not_o of_o so_o base_a and_o low_a a_o extraction_n as_o to_o spring_v from_o a_o opinion_n of_o ghost_n or_o ignorance_n of_o 12._o second_o cause_n devotion_n towards_o what_o man_n fear_v or_o the_o mistake_n of_o thing_n casual_a for_o prognostic_n but_o it_o be_v a_o heavenborn_a thing_n it_o descend_v from_o the_o father_n of_o light_n it_o derive_v its_o pedigree_n from_o god_n himself_o and_o have_v the_o image_n not_o only_o of_o his_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n but_o likewise_o of_o his_o dominion_n and_o lordship_n enstamp_v upon_o it_o in_o so_o much_o that_o it_o bring_v its_o own_o obligation_n along_o with_o it_o and_o make_v it_o not_o only_o convenient_a but_o necessary_a not_o only_a prudence_n in_o we_o but_o duty_n to_o receive_v it_o for_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v prophet_n do_v not_o only_o teach_v it_o by_o god_n commandment_n and_o direrection_n ibid._n but_o also_o in_o so_o do_v they_o lay_v the_o high_a obligation_n that_o can_v be_v on_o all_o to_o receive_v it_o god_n we_o know_v be_v the_o supreme_a lord_n the_o fountain_n of_o all_o just_a authority_n be_v in_o he_o as_o therefore_o watâ—rs_n drink_n sweet_a out_o of_o a_o fountain_n so_o those_o law_n that_o come_v as_o the_o word_n of_o prophecy_n do_v immediate_o from_o god_n have_v the_o high_a majesty_n and_o authority_n enstamp_v upon_o they_o for_o this_o cause_n the_o jew_n when_o they_o be_v assure_v of_o any_o man_n call_v to_o the_o prophetic_a office_n think_v themselves_o oblige_v and_o bind_v to_o obey_v he_o in_o all_o thing_n except_o idolatry_n yea_o though_o he_o require_v the_o omission_n of_o the_o affirmative_a or_o the_o do_n of_o the_o negative_a precept_n of_o their_o law_n notwithstanding_o their_o mighty_a zeal_n for_o their_o law_n and_o the_o profound_a reverence_n they_o have_v for_o moses_n their_o master_n yet_o they_o judge_v it_o their_o indispensable_a duty_n in_o all_o thing_n to_o obey_v the_o prophet_n and_o whosoever_o will_v not_o they_o hold_v worthy_a and_o guilty_a of_o death_n by_o the_o immediate_a hand_n of_o heaven_n this_o be_v the_o opinion_n of_o their_o wise_a man_n in_o the_o talmud_n where_o they_o say_v in_o all_o thing_n except_o idolatry_n if_o a_o prophet_n zâ—r_n say_v unto_o thou_o transgress_v the_o law_n thou_o shall_v obey_v he_o and_o good_a reason_n too_o for_o a_o prophet_n be_v 36._o god_n spokesman_n to_o the_o people_n his_o herald_n to_o proclaim_v his_o law_n there_o be_v good_a reason_n he_o shall_v be_v hear_v and_o attend_v to_o whosoever_o else_o be_v neglect_v the_o reason_n be_v because_o the_o word_n of_o prophecy_n come_v immediate_o from_o god_n be_v clothe_v with_o his_o authority_n and_o if_o where_o the_o word_n of_o a_o king_n be_v there_o be_v power_n much_o more_o methinks_v be_v there_o where_o the_o word_n of_o he_o be_v by_o who_o king_n reign_n have_v not_o this_o be_v the_o dictate_v of_o natural_a reason_n numa_n pompilius_n and_o other_o ancient_a lawgiver_n among_o the_o heathen_n have_v be_v very_o foolish_a as_o well_o as_o false_a in_o pretend_v to_o have_v receive_v their_o law_n from_o the_o god_n but_o man_n natural_a reason_n tell_v they_o that_o the_o high_a authority_n of_o man_n be_v far_o inferior_a to_o that_o of_o god_n this_o politic_a pretence_n be_v think_v a_o very_a effectual_a engine_n to_o make_v man_n obedient_a to_o their_o law_n and_o this_o engine_n we_o see_v be_v to_o stand_v upon_o the_o ground_n that_o god_n above_o all_o be_v to_o be_v obey_v since_o than_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v prophet_n those_o be_v no_o good_a subject_n unto_o god_n yea_o they_o be_v worse_o than_o jew_n or_o heathen_n that_o deny_v the_o religion_n that_o they_o have_v teach_v we_o to_o have_v power_n of_o bind_v we_o to_o receive_v it_o obj._n yet_o the_o leviathan_n will_v have_v it_o in_o and_o of_o itself_o to_o have_v none_o for_o it_o faith_n express_o the_o precept_n repent_v be_v baptise_a keep_v the_o commandment_n believe_v the_o gospel_n come_v unto_o i_o sell_v all_o that_o thou_o have_v give_v it_o to_o the_o poor_a and_o follow_v i_o be_v not_o command_n but_o invitation_n and_o calling_n of_o mâ—n_z to_o christianity_n like_o that_o of_o isaiah_n ho_o every_o man_n 1_o that_o thirst_v come_v you_o to_o the_o water_n come_v and_o 42._o buy_v wine_n and_o milk_n without_o money_n ans_fw-fr the_o difference_n between_o precept_n and_o command_n especial_o in_o point_n of_o obligation_n i_o be_o hardly_o so_o subtle_a as_o to_o understand_v i_o have_v read_v indeed_o that_o the_o jew_n put_v a_o difference_n between_o law_n statute_n and_o judgement_n but_o hardly_o ever_o that_o either_o they_o oâ—_n the_o gentile_n find_v any_o between_o precept_n and_o command_n but_o this_o be_v a_o matter_n too_o trivial_a to_o be_v debate_v whether_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o profound_a piâ—ce_n of_o subtlety_n or_o a_o contradiction_n i_o shall_v not_o now_o take_v upon_o i_o to_o determine_v but_o let_v it_o pass_v as_o a_o specimen_fw-la of_o that_o extraordinary_a wit_n which_o the_o treatise_n of_o human_a reason_n observe_v in_o that_o author_n we_o shall_v inquire_v why_o he_o â—aith_v so_o viz._n why_o he_o â—aith_v that_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o its_o calling_n of_o man_n to_o christianity_n have_v not_o the_o obligation_n of_o command_n in_o they_o his_o reason_n be_v
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 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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
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 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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