thence_o conclude_v that_o if_o providence_n have_v a_o respect_n to_o any_o one_o part_n of_o the_o world_n it_o can_v be_v imagine_v but_o it_o shall_v have_v a_o influence_n over_o all_o for_o else_o it_o must_v either_o be_v finite_a or_o partial_a which_o be_v absurd_a so_o in_o the_o assert_v of_o scripture_n begin_v with_o that_o which_o they_o all_o point_n at_o and_o which_o if_o one_o place_n be_v question_v thousand_o of_o the_o same_o kind_n will_v evince_v viz._n that_o the_o messiah_n be_v to_o come_v which_o be_v the_o great_a design_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n that_o the_o messiah_n be_v come_v which_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o the_o new_a and_o then_o all_o the_o other_o part_n of_o scripture_n will_v be_v own_v as_o suit_v to_o the_o divine_a and_o heavenly_a nature_n of_o our_o messiah_n who_o take_v a_o body_n not_o only_o that_o he_o may_v die_v our_o price_n but_o that_o he_o may_v live_v our_o pattern_n and_o almost_o each_o line_n of_o scripture_n especial_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n describe_v either_o his_o life_n or_o his_o language_n 2._o here_o the_o doubter_n must_v begin_v because_o this_o be_v the_o ready_a way_n to_o ascertain_v himself_o whether_o he_o be_v guide_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n or_o not_o so_o the_o apostle_n paul_n 12.3_o 2_o cor._n 12.3_o none_o can_v call_v jesus_n the_o lord_n but_o by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o john_n 4.2_o 1_o joh._n 4.2_o every_o spirit_n that_o confess_v jesus_n the_o messiah_n to_o be_v come_v in_o the_o flesh_n be_v of_o god_n they_o do_v not_o mean_v that_o say_v this_o in_o word_n be_v a_o sign_n of_o the_o spirit_n for_o what_o be_v more_o easy_a but_o the_o own_n it_o in_o heart_n this_o whoever_o do_v may_v be_v sure_o he_o have_v the_o spirit_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v plain_a because_o where_o the_o object_n propose_v do_v exceed_v any_o natural_a power_n there_o must_v be_v a_o new_a power_n give_v by_o which_o that_o object_n be_v to_o be_v receive_v thus_o the_o apostle_n john_n argue_v concern_v future_a glory_n hereafter_o 3.3_o 1_o joh._n 3.3_o say_v he_o we_o shall_v be_v like_o he_o i._n e._n christ_n because_o we_o shall_v see_v he_o as_o he_o be_v there_o will_v be_v a_o proportion_n and_o similitude_n between_o christ_n body_n and_o we_o because_o our_o visive_a faculty_n shall_v be_v so_o exceed_o advance_v as_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o perceive_v he_o in_o his_o utmost_a radiance_n of_o glory_n so_o in_o belief_n since_o the_o soul_n when_o it_o do_v it_o be_v heighten_v beyond_o any_o native_a virtue_n of_o its_o own_o it_o be_v a_o sign_n that_o god_n spirit_n have_v illuminate_v and_o enlarge_v its_o capacity_n thus_o the_o apostle_n we_o be_v save_v by_o grace_n through_o faith_n 2.8_o eph._n 2.8_o and_o that_o not_o of_o ourselves_o it_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n i._n e._n that_o very_a faith_n by_o which_o we_o apprehend_v christ_n be_v as_o much_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n as_o christ_n himself_o that_o be_v apprehend_v by_o it_o i_o know_v very_o well_o this_o seem_v harsh_a to_o many_o who_o be_v willing_a to_o boast_v in_o themselves_o but_o if_o ever_o you_o come_v to_o believe_v indeed_o you_o will_v find_v the_o difficulty_n your_o natural_a reason_n do_v urge_v and_o vex_v you_o with_o to_o be_v insuperable_a until_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n by_o infuse_v new_a light_n do_v explain_v and_o solve_v they_o last_o begin_v with_o inquire_v whether_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n because_o upon_o this_o depend_v the_o whole_a course_n of_o your_o future_a obedience_n our_o saviour_n require_v no_o more_o of_o any_o that_o come_v unto_o he_o but_o to_o believe_v that_o he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n not_o that_o he_o do_v exclude_v good_a work_n but_o he_o know_v that_o this_o be_v the_o only_a way_n to_o facilitate_v and_o expedite_v they_o all_o the_o while_o we_o be_v either_o uncertain_a that_o our_o past_a sin_n be_v pardon_v or_o our_o present_a service_n accept_v how_o lame_o how_o untoward_o do_v we_o set_v about_o our_o duty_n but_o when_o once_o we_o believe_v on_o christ_n all_o that_o care_n be_v over_o and_o the_o firm_a our_o faith_n be_v the_o high_a and_o more_o ardent_a will_v our_o love_n be_v which_o like_o a_o flame_n shoot_v through_o the_o soul_n and_o carry_v it_o out_o with_o a_o heavenly_a quickness_n and_o ardency_n therefore_o say_v the_o apostle_n 10._o rom._n 10.9_o 10._o if_o thou_o confess_v with_o thy_o mouth_n that_o jesus_n be_v the_o lord_n i.e._n if_o thou_o obeye_v he_o and_o believe_v in_o thy_o heart_n that_o god_n have_v raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a i.e._n that_o he_o be_v the_o true_a messiah_n of_o which_o his_o resurrection_n be_v a_o infallible_a proof_n thou_o shall_v be_v save_v for_o with_o the_o heart_n man_n believe_v unto_o righteousness_n i.e._n unto_o the_o justification_n of_o their_o person_n and_o with_o the_o mouth_n be_v confession_n make_v unto_o salvation_n but_o to_o think_v of_o make_v confession_n or_o do_v any_o act_n of_o religion_n without_o faith_n desire_n at_o least_o and_o the_o desire_n of_o faith_n be_v faith_n this_o be_v only_o to_o mock_v god_n and_o to_o undo_v ourselves_o by_o our_o foolish_a and_o hypocritical_a presumption_n in_o present_v unto_o he_o a_o sacrifice_n which_o he_o abhor_v for_o without_o faith_n i._n e._n reliance_n upon_o he_o for_o mercy_n and_o out_o of_o christ_n god_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o justice_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v he_o when_o the_o doubter_n have_v go_v thus_o far_o as_o to_o find_v that_o if_o he_o will_v be_v satisfy_v here_o he_o must_v begin_v his_o next_o course_n will_v be_v to_o run_v over_o in_o his_o mind_n those_o argument_n which_o our_o saviour_n use_v to_o evince_v his_o be_v the_o messiah_n such_o be_v the_o heavenliness_n of_o his_o language_n 8.43_o joh._n 8.43_o why_o do_v you_o not_o say_v our_o saviour_n know_v my_o speech_n i.e._n why_o do_v you_o not_o perceive_v even_o by_o my_o manner_n of_o discourse_n that_o i_o be_o come_v from_o heaven_n full_a of_o that_o god_n in_o who_o name_n i_o speak_v 10.21_o joh._n 10.21_o for_o as_o some_o of_o the_o jew_n say_v these_o be_v not_o the_o word_n of_o he_o that_o have_v a_o devil_n these_o be_v not_o the_o word_n of_o one_o that_o come_v to_o deceive_v the_o world_n and_o to_o boast_v of_o himself_o to_o be_v that_o which_o he_o be_v not_o another_o argument_n our_o saviour_n urge_v be_v the_o holiness_n of_o his_o life_n 10.32_o joh_n 8.46_o joh._n 10.32_o which_o of_o you_o say_v he_o do_v convince_v i_o of_o sin_n and_o many_o good_a work_n have_v i_o do_v among_o you_o for_o which_o of_o they_o do_v you_o stone_n i_o a_o holy_a humble_a self-denying_a man_n who_o forbid_v even_o his_o miracle_n to_o be_v publish_v can_v without_o intolerable_a malice_n be_v suppose_v to_o assume_v a_o title_n which_o do_v not_o belong_v to_o he_o add_v to_o this_o the_o godlike_a patience_n and_o resolution_n of_o his_o death_n die_v in_o defence_n of_o this_o very_a tenet_n unprovoke_v with_o injury_n breathe_v out_o his_o soul_n in_o charity_n to_o man_n father_n forgive_v they_o 23.34_o luk._n 23.34_o for_o they_o know_v not_o what_o they_o do_v at_o the_o same_o time_n both_o pray_v and_o plead_v for_o his_o bitter_a enemy_n and_o then_o give_v up_o himself_o unto_o his_o father_n with_o perfect_a affiance_n father_n 46._o ibid._n v._o 46._o into_o thy_o hand_n do_v i_o commend_v my_o spirit_n add_v yet_o far_o the_o testimony_n of_o his_o follower_n who_o see_v he_o after_o he_o be_v rise_v the_o success_n of_o his_o doctrine_n in_o spite_n of_o persecution_n and_o above_o all_o the_o fulfil_n of_o prophecy_n as_o i_o have_v already_o mention_v true_o then_o if_o he_o that_o doubt_v be_v not_o satisfy_v if_o he_o that_o be_v almost_o do_v not_o become_v altogether_o a_o christian_a he_o be_v strange_o want_v to_o himself_o for_o god_n be_v not_o want_v to_o assist_v those_o who_o do_v but_o begin_v to_o inquire_v after_o he_o every_o doubt_n that_o arise_v be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o motion_n of_o god_n spirit_n whereby_o he_o will_v draw_v we_o unto_o himself_o have_v thus_o clear_v that_o to_o believe_v be_v not_o unreasonable_a as_o the_o unbeliever_n suppose_v the_o next_o thing_n i_o shall_v propose_v be_v this_o that_o 2._o to_o obey_v be_v not_o dangerous_a for_o though_o we_o may_v lose_v our_o life_n yet_o sure_o we_o shall_v be_v sufficient_a gainer_n if_o we_o save_v our_o soul_n and_o therefore_o let_v the_o doubter_n strengthen_v himself_o with_o represent_v heaven_n in_o its_o fullness_n of_o joy_n always_o before_o his_o eye_n that_o doctrine_n which_o teach_v that_o we_o be_v not_o to_o have_v a_o eye_n to_o the_o
a_o discourse_n about_o christ_n and_o antichrist_n or_o a_o demonstration_n that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n from_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o prediction_n especial_o the_o come_v and_o the_o seduction_n of_o antichrist_n to_o which_o be_v add_v a_o treatise_n about_o the_o resurrection_n by_o edward_n bagshaw_n stu._n of_o ch._n ch._n in_o oxon._n london_n print_v for_o simon_n miller_n at_o the_o star_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n 1661._o insignissimis_fw-la et_fw-la fidaei_n christianae_n studiosissimis_fw-la viris_fw-la humphredo_n wynch_n equiti_fw-la &_o baronetto_n et_fw-fr johanni_n browne_n armigero_fw-la opellam_fw-la hanc_fw-la de_fw-fr jesus_n &_o resurrectione_n religionis_fw-la nostrae_fw-la fundamenta_fw-la confirmantem_fw-la et_fw-la piis_fw-la uti_fw-la sperat_fw-la omnibus_fw-la non_fw-la inutilem_fw-la futuram_fw-la author_n svi_fw-la amoris_fw-la ac_fw-la observantiae_fw-la ergo_fw-la d._n d._n c._n q._n edward_n bagshawe_n the_o preface_n to_o the_o christian_a and_o candid_a reader_n although_o the_o dispute_n and_o controversy_n in_o religion_n have_v multiply_v themselves_o into_o many_o large_a and_o tedious_a volume_n yet_o i_o believe_v christian_a reader_n thou_o will_v easy_o agree_v with_o i_o that_o be_v but_o one_o question_n right_o state_v and_o thorough_o believe_v most_o other_o may_v safe_o be_v neglect_v by_o we_o as_o useless_a and_o impertinent_a and_o the_o question_n be_v this_o whether_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o to_o use_v a_o expression_n which_o will_v give_v no_o party_n offence_n a_o full_a and_o perfect_a declaration_n of_o god_n will._n be_v this_o but_o once_o real_o assent_v to_o who_o do_v not_o see_v that_o all_o additional_n be_v either_o impious_a or_o else_o at_o the_o best_a but_o needless_a and_o unnecessary_a appendix_n much_o like_a rot_a and_o paint_a post_n affix_v unto_o a_o stately_a edifice_n which_o do_v not_o only_o deface_v the_o beauty_n of_o the_o building_n but_o likewise_o make_v the_o strength_n of_o it_o to_o be_v suspect_v since_o scripture_n if_o it_o indeed_o it_o do_v come_v from_o god_n do_v best_a alone_o without_o the_o least_o mixture_n of_o humane_a invention_n to_o underprop_v it_o this_o therefore_o be_v that_o great_a thing_n which_o in_o this_o follow_a treatise_n i_o have_v undertake_v to_o demonstrate_v in_o a_o method_n if_o my_o read_n and_o observation_n fail_v i_o not_o which_o none_o have_v attempt_v before_o i_o for_o whereas_o there_o be_v two_o way_n by_o which_o man_n ordinary_o do_v come_v to_o be_v ascertain_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o scripture_n the_o one_o by_o a_o inward_a experimental_a assurance_n the_o other_o by_o a_o argumentative_a and_o rational_a evidence_n the_o first_o of_o these_o i_o have_v altogether_o wave_v because_o though_o experience_n be_v a_o infallible_a argument_n to_o he_o that_o have_v it_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o a_o demonstration_n that_o can_v be_v improve_v to_o the_o conviction_n of_o another_o and_o therefore_o i_o have_v apply_v myself_o whole_o unto_o the_o second_o way_n of_o proof_n wherein_o deal_v with_o man_n as_o man_n and_o enlarge_n upon_o those_o common_a and_o know_v principle_n of_o reason_n that_o all_o acknowledge_v the_o unbeliever_n must_v find_v some_o strong_a argument_n than_o any_o i_o have_v yet_o meet_v with_o to_o justify_v himself_o by_o or_o else_o with_o i_o be_v win_v over_o to_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n i_o do_v not_o speak_v this_o as_o if_o i_o think_v it_o possible_a for_o any_o endeavour_n or_o art_n of_o man_n to_o persuade_v another_o to_o believe_v but_o because_o this_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o poise_n to_o which_o the_o mind_n be_v bring_v by_o a_o sober_a and_o calm_a debate_v the_o matter_n on_o both_o side_n be_v that_o way_n by_o which_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o inquisitive_a man_n do_v usual_o prepare_v a_o entrance_n for_o faith_n for_o the_o strong_a man_n must_v first_o be_v cast_v out_o and_o every_o objection_n single_v out_o and_o disarm_v before_o a_o strong_a than_o he_o can_v enter_v in_o and_o this_o christian_a reader_n be_v the_o very_a utmost_a design_n of_o this_o small_a treatise_n which_o i_o have_v never_o publish_v but_o that_o i_o think_v it_o my_o duty_n to_o impart_v unto_o other_o that_o satisfaction_n which_o i_o myself_o have_v receive_v if_o there_o be_v any_o that_o make_v another_o interpretation_n and_o from_o what_o i_o have_v speak_v concern_v antichrist_n wherein_o i_o have_v use_v the_o very_a language_n and_o so_o far_o as_o i_o understand_v it_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n will_v infer_v that_o i_o be_o either_o for_o or_o against_o any_o of_o the_o party_n who_o now_o contend_v about_o their_o several_a form_n of_o worship_n they_o will_v wrong_v i_o very_o much_o but_o themselves_o more_o since_o the_o misjudging_a of_o other_o be_v a_o uncharitable_a presumption_n which_o be_v incompatible_a with_o a_o christian_a temper_n what_o my_o judgement_n be_v concern_v episcopacy_n and_o how_o suitable_a to_o right_a reason_n and_o scripture_n that_o order_n be_v i_o have_v already_o assert_v and_o i_o think_v none_o be_v great_a enemy_n to_o bishop_n than_o those_o who_o seek_v to_o establish_v they_o by_o plead_v a_o necessity_n of_o ceremony_n which_o whether_o they_o may_v at_o all_o be_v use_v be_v a_o question_n but_o that_o they_o may_v very_o sase_o be_v disuse_v be_v no_o question_n at_o all_o it_o be_v therefore_o liberty_n in_o small_a thing_n alone_o that_o i_o have_v former_o and_o do_v yet_o plead_v for_o and_o that_o upon_o this_o single_a argument_n because_o i_o think_v christ_n come_v to_o set_v his_o church_n free_a from_o all_o unnecessary_a yoke_n and_o therefore_o it_o do_v not_o lie_v in_o the_o power_n of_o any_o man_n to_o bring_v they_o into_o bondage_n again_o and_o let_v but_o any_o sober_a disinterest_v person_n convince_v i_o once_o that_o the_o church_n i.e._n where_o the_o state_n be_v christian_n the_o civil_a magistrate_n have_v power_n to_o impose_v in_o religious_a worship_n and_o i_o shall_v then_o so_o far_o alter_v my_o judgement_n as_o instead_o of_o be_v trouble_v that_o we_o be_v go_v thus_o far_o be_v very_o sorry_a that_o we_o go_v no_o far_o in_o our_o conformity_n but_o till_o then_o it_o be_v my_o constant_a prayer_n that_o if_o our_o ruler_n will_v stretch_v their_o power_n to_o make_v some_o harmony_n between_o the_o christian_a and_o the_o civil_a state_n all_o man_n may_v quiet_o suffer_v for_o what_o they_o can_v cheerful_o submit_v to_o without_o make_v any_o more_o noise_n in_o the_o world_n than_o what_o a_o calm_a and_o dispassionate_a debate_n of_o truth_n may_v amount_v to_o have_v this_o course_n at_o first_o be_v take_v we_o shall_v not_o have_v have_v some_o cry_n down_o dagon_n and_o set_v up_o baalberith_a i._n e_o superstitious_o if_o not_o worse_o displace_v superstition_n and_o exercise_v a_o great_a tyranny_n than_o that_o which_o they_o complain_v of_o but_o i_o leave_v this_o sad_a argument_n and_o entreat_v thou_o christian_a reader_n to_o look_v upon_o i_o as_o one_o that_o by_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n can_v call_v himself_o a_o christian_n in_o the_o most_o large_a and_o comprehensive_a notion_n of_o the_o word_n according_a to_o our_o saviour_n explication_n whoever_o be_v not_o against_o christ_n be_v for_o he_o and_o wherever_o i_o see_v the_o least_o appearance_n of_o sincerity_n and_o uprightness_n though_o in_o person_n differ_v from_o myself_o in_o judgement_n i_o can_v preserve_v my_o own_o opinion_n without_o the_o least_o prejudice_n to_o that_o charity_n i_o owe_v mankind_n in_o general_n or_o that_o endearedness_n of_o affection_n which_o be_v particular_o due_a to_o all_o sort_n of_o zealous_a though_o mistake_v christian_n with_o this_o confession_n i_o close_o my_o preface_n and_o dismiss_v thou_o to_o the_o book_n itself_o which_o i_o desire_v may_v be_v read_v as_o it_o be_v write_v with_o a_o single_a and_o unprejudiced_a mind_n and_o if_o thou_o find_v anything_o of_o satisfaction_n by_o it_o give_v god_n the_o glory_n who_o have_v make_v use_n of_o a_o very_a unlikely_a instrument_n to_o do_v thou_o good_a by_o but_o if_o in_o any_o place_n thou_o find_v my_o reason_v do_v not_o seem_v close_a and_o pertinent_a let_v i_o know_v my_o error_n and_o i_o shall_v think_v myself_o more_o oblige_v to_o thou_o for_o thy_o serious_a reproof_n than_o for_o thy_o partial_a and_o unweighed_a commendation_n farewell_n edw._n bagshawe_n christ_n church_n in_o oxon._n may_v 21._o 1661._o a_o demonstration_n that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n joh_n 13.19_o now_o i_o tell_v you_o of_o it_o before_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o when_o it_o do_v come_v to_o pass_v you_o may_v know_v that_o i_o be_o these_o be_v the_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n speak_v by_o way_n of_o inference_n or_o use_v from_o the_o prediction_n he_o have_v make_v concern_v the_o treachery_n
rev._n 19.20_o so_o that_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n do_v both_o grant_v that_o miracle_n may_v be_v do_v by_o a_o false_a power_n and_o likewise_o affirm_v that_o whoever_o have_v nothing_o else_o to_o allege_v for_o his_o religion_n but_o mere_o miracle_n that_o same_o be_v antichrist_n for_o truth_n stand_v not_o in_o need_n of_o such_o outward_a circumstance_n to_o underprop_v it_o and_o according_a to_o the_o scripture_n miracle_n be_v not_o to_o prove_v the_o doctrine_n but_o the_o doctrine_n be_v to_o prove_v the_o miracle_n whether_o they_o be_v from_o god_n or_o not_o but_o yet_o say_v our_o saviour_n with_o those_o art_n and_o way_n he_o shall_v so_o far_o prevail_v as_o even_o almost_o to_o stagger_v the_o belief_n of_o the_o very_a elect_n many_o shall_v follow_v their_o destructive_a doctrine_n 13._o 2_o pet._n 2.2_o rev._n 13._o say_v peter_n the_o world_n shall_v wonder_v after_o the_o beast_n say_v john_n and_o he_o shall_v deceive_v the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o earth_n etc._n etc._n all_o which_o place_n do_v note_v a_o almost_o universal_a seduction_n and_o if_o any_o ask_v how_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o corruption_n so_o contrary_a to_o the_o receive_a tenet_n and_o maxim_n of_o christianity_n shall_v be_v so_o general_o embrace_v 11_o 2_o thes_n 2_o 10_o 11_o the_o apostle_n paul_n have_v give_v it_o because_o man_n have_v not_o receive_v the_o love_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o they_o may_v be_v save_v therefore_o shall_v god_n send_v upon_o they_o the_o strong_a work_n of_o deceit_n 2.9_o 2_o thes_n 2.9_o that_o they_o shall_v believe_v a_o lie_n i.e._n man_n be_v unwilling_a to_o give_v themselves_o up_o to_o the_o guidance_n of_o truth_n which_o shine_v clear_o by_o its_o own_o light_n both_o in_o scripture_n and_o in_o their_o own_o understanding_n therefore_o shall_v god_n suffer_v they_o to_o be_v so_o brutish_a and_o sottish_a as_o to_o quit_v their_o reason_n and_o to_o be_v lead_v up_o and_o down_o by_o any_o fond_a and_o ridiculous_a error_n as_o those_o impostor_n shall_v guide_v they_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o prediction_n of_o our_o saviour_n concern_v antichrist_n trident._n v._o canenes_n council_n trident._n and_o if_o upon_o your_o enquiry_n you_o find_v that_o there_o be_v that_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n which_o have_v espouse_v and_o embody_v into_o their_o confession_n of_o faith_n all_o the_o opinion_n of_o antichrist_n if_o there_o be_v that_o church_n in_o the_o world_n which_o still_o pretend_v to_o do_v and_z for_o aught_o i_o know_v do_v real_a miracle_n upon_o which_o they_o bottom_n their_o plea_n to_o be_v the_o true_a church_n if_o they_o maintain_v persecution_n violence_n and_o fraud_n if_o they_o have_v dispirited_a and_o disenvigoured_a religion_n by_o their_o worldly_a pomp_n and_o gallantry_n and_o make_v thrive_a in_o this_o world_n a_o sign_n that_o god_n do_v love_n and_o favour_v they_o all_o which_o be_v antichristian_a tenet_n and_o practice_n if_o there_o be_v that_o person_n in_o the_o world_n who_o have_v assume_v the_o very_a stile_n of_o antichrist_n who_o have_v trample_v upon_o king_n and_o tread_v upon_o the_o neck_n of_o emperor_n who_o in_o his_o canon_n law_n be_v call_v god_n and_o like_o god_n do_v dispense_v with_o all_o both_o divine_a and_o humane_a law_n then_o first_o certain_o antichrist_n be_v already_o come_v and_o to_o deny_v it_o be_v to_o deny_v as_o great_a evidence_n and_o notoriety_n of_o fact_n as_o to_o deny_v it_o be_v day_n when_o the_o sun_n shine_v and_o second_o he_o which_o foretell_v that_o antichrist_n shall_v thus_o come_v with_o all_o these_o circumstance_n that_o i_o have_v sum_v up_o he_o be_v undoubted_o a_o true_a prophet_n the_o true_a messiah_n for_o to_o repeat_v the_o argument_n in_o my_o text_n he_o tell_v we_o these_o thing_n before_o they_o come_v to_o pass_v and_o we_o find_v that_o they_o be_v come_v to_o pass_v and_o therefore_o he_o be_v the_o use_n that_o i_o shall_v make_v of_o this_o whole_a discourse_n be_v 1._o to_o convince_v the_o unresolved_a 2._o to_o confirm_v those_o who_o be_v already_o settle_v use_v 1_o the_o first_o use_n shall_v be_v to_o convince_v the_o unresolved_a i_o have_v already_o speak_v something_o to_o awaken_v those_o that_o be_v resolute_a and_o peremptory_a unbeliever_n but_o there_o be_v many_o who_o may_v be_v yet_o in_o their_o inquire_n doubt_v and_o dispute_v state_n who_o be_v not_o unwilling_a to_o embrace_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n but_o they_o find_v it_o to_o be_v so_o repugnant_a to_o every_o thing_n of_o natural_a reason_n within_o they_o and_o likely_a to_o be_v attend_v with_o so_o much_o hazard_n and_o danger_n that_o they_o be_v either_o ashamed_a or_o afraid_a to_o own_v it_o but_o yet_o be_v not_o fix_v in_o positive_a denial_n of_o it_o but_o through_o uncertainty_n they_o be_v always_o anxious_a and_o waver_a such_o as_o these_o aught_o to_o be_v tender_o and_o gentle_o deal_v with_o and_o two_o thing_n i_o shall_v propose_v to_o they_o which_o may_v help_v to_o alleviate_v and_o to_o abate_v their_o prejudices_fw-la 1._o that_o christian_a religion_n be_v in_o no_o part_n of_o it_o unreasonable_a for_o since_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o in_o general_n depend_v upon_o the_o clear_a demonstration_n viz._n the_o fulfil_n of_o prophecy_n than_o the_o belief_n of_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v rational_a i_o know_v very_o well_o that_o the_o thing_n contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n viz._n the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n three_o person_n of_o the_o godhead_n the_o immediate_a act_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n upon_o the_o heart_n of_o believer_n and_o the_o like_a be_v all_o mysterious_a and_o no_o way_n reconcileable_a to_o humane_a apprehension_n but_o then_o we_o must_v consider_v that_o these_o thing_n be_v not_o propose_v to_o our_o understanding_n to_o comprehend_v they_o but_o mere_o to_o our_o faith_n to_o believe_v they_o which_o where_o there_o be_v a_o firm_a and_o demonstrable_a ground_n of_o belief_n may_v be_v do_v even_o to_o many_o thing_n that_o we_o understand_v not_o and_o the_o great_a hindrance_n that_o have_v keep_v christian_a faith_n from_o enter_v into_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v want_n of_o attendance_n to_o that_o distinction_n for_o many_o have_v both_o confound_v themselves_o and_o subvert_v the_o faith_n of_o other_o by_o press_v upon_o they_o a_o comprehension_n of_o what_o be_v no_o way_n by_o we_o intelligible_a and_o therefore_o all_o those_o dispute_n about_o predestination_n trinity_n resurrection_n incarnation_n and_o the_o like_a be_v for_o the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o unprofitable_a and_o dangerous_a because_o they_o be_v not_o content_v bare_o to_o assert_v the_o truth_n which_o be_v then_o best_a do_v when_o it_o be_v put_v into_o the_o plain_a and_o most_o unscholastick_a language_n of_o scripture_n but_o our_o arguer_n do_v over_o and_o above_o inquire_v de_fw-fr modo_fw-la and_o labour_n to_o give_v reason_n for_o those_o stupendous_a and_o amaze_a mystery_n which_o the_o apostle_n paul_n cry_v out_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d upon_o and_z for_o the_o most_o part_n end_v the_o dispute_n with_o a_o reproof_n of_o the_o disputer_n and_o therefore_o such_o of_o you_o as_o be_v not_o yet_o fix_v in_o your_o belief_n set_v yourselves_o pure_o upon_o this_o article_n viz._n to_o inquire_v whether_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n and_o never_o give_v it_o over_o till_o it_o have_v please_v god_n full_o to_o confirm_v you_o in_o it_o and_o my_o reason_n for_o this_o advice_n be_v these_o three_o 1._o because_o this_o be_v the_o most_o effectual_a and_o ready_a way_n to_o prove_v unto_o you_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n those_o who_o set_v upon_o this_o work_n by_o endeavour_v to_o prove_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o they_o lie_v in_o gross_a and_o in_o their_o diffuse_a bulk_n proceed_v by_o chapter_n and_o verse_n do_v undertake_v a_o tedious_a and_o impossible_a task_n for_o there_o those_o ordinary_a and_o trivial_a objection_n of_o mistake_n and_o variation_n in_o copy_n mistranslation_n and_o the_o like_a be_v never_o to_o be_v assoil_v but_o if_o you_o draw_v the_o several_a line_n in_o scripture_n into_o their_o centre_n and_o contract_v they_o into_o christ_n as_o you_o use_v to_o do_v the_o sunbeam_n into_o a_o burning-glass_n then_o do_v they_o cast_v a_o quick_a and_o vigorous_a lustre_n sufficient_a to_o enlighten_v and_o warm_v even_o the_o most_o stiff_a and_o rigid_a opposer_n he_o that_o will_v demonstrate_v the_o providence_n of_o god_n will_v not_o i_o suppose_v begin_v with_o the_o minutiae_fw-la mundi_fw-la the_o lesser_a thing_n of_o the_o world_n as_o fly_n and_o infect_v but_o he_o will_v fix_v as_o david_n do_v upon_o the_o sun_n or_o some_o noble_a and_o conspicuous_a part_n who_o use_n be_v undeniable_a and_o
what_o they_o have_v see_v until_o the_o son_n of_o man_n be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a the_o evangelist_n add_v that_o they_o keep_v the_o matter_n private_a to_o themselves_o but_o question_v or_o dispute_v with_o one_o another_o what_o the_o rise_n from_o the_o dead_a shall_v mean_v at_o which_o time_n it_o seem_v they_o be_v so_o utter_o ignorant_a of_o the_o thing_n that_o they_o scarce_o understand_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n hence_o be_v it_o that_o even_o then_o when_o the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o saviour_n have_v clear_v the_o point_n 15.12_o 1_o cor._n 15.12_o and_o leave_v scarce_o room_n for_o the_o least_o umbrage_n of_o suspicion_n to_o enter_v yet_o there_o be_v some_o in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n who_o utter_o deny_v it_o and_o other_o 2.18_o 2_o tim._n 2.18_o of_o the_o sect_n of_o hymenaeus_n and_o philetus_n who_o affirm_v that_o it_o be_v pass_v already_o so_o hard_a a_o matter_n be_v it_o for_o this_o doctrine_n to_o get_v ground_n in_o the_o world_n 13.6_o 1_o tim._n 13.6_o and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n when_o he_o sum_v up_o the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n i.e._n as_o it_o be_v reveal_v by_o our_o saviour_n he_o make_v this_o to_o be_v one_o great_a part_n of_o it_o that_o christ_n be_v not_o only_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a but_o believe_v on_o in_o the_o world_n the_o subdue_a of_o the_o world_n unto_o the_o persuasion_n and_o credence_n of_o our_o saviour_n resurrection_n be_v every_o whit_n as_o miraculous_a as_o the_o raise_v he_o the_o reason_n why_o this_o appear_v so_o to_o incredible_a to_o natural_a man_n be_v 1._o because_o natural_o man_n do_v doubt_v the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n i_o know_v very_o well_o that_o there_o be_v many_o excellent_a discourse_n about_o this_o in_o the_o heathen_a writer_n and_o plato_n phade_n phade_n in_o a_o certain_a dialogue_n of_o he_o bring_v in_o his_o master_n socrates_n dispute_v about_o it_o with_o as_o much_o strength_n of_o reason_n and_o clearness_n of_o expression_n as_o the_o wit_n of_o man_n can_v possible_o invent_v but_o after_o all_o his_o fine_a say_n he_o conclude_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d but_o express_o to_o affirm_v that_o the_o matter_n be_v indeed_o so_o as_o i_o have_v discourse_v of_o do_v by_o no_o mean_n become_v a_o understanding_n man_n and_o so_o make_v it_o at_o the_o best_a only_a a_o probable_a opinion_n without_o dare_v to_o think_v as_o our_o modern_a demonstrator_n do_v that_o he_o have_v full_o and_o satisfactory_o clear_v it_o and_o therefore_o his_o so_o much_o magnify_v socrates_n when_o he_o be_v now_o to_o be_v lead_v unto_o execution_n take_v his_o farewell_n of_o the_o judge_n in_o these_o word_n which_o discover_v nothing_o but_o his_o uncertainty_n apol._n apol._n i_o go_v to_o die_v and_o you_o to_o live_v and_o which_o of_o we_o do_v go_v unto_o the_o best_a estate_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d senect_n de_fw-fr senect_n none_o know_v but_o god_n alone_o so_o tully_n the_o most_o learned_a of_o the_o roman_n call_v immortality_n a_o error_n which_o he_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n part_n with_o because_o he_o be_v please_v and_o delight_v with_o it_o wherein_o he_o discover_v his_o wish_n animâ_fw-la de_fw-fr animâ_fw-la rather_o than_o his_o hope_n for_o as_o tertullian_n excellent_o argue_v to_o suppose_v the_o soul_n immortal_a it_o be_v in_o the_o heathen_a nothing_o else_o but_o a_o bold_a and_o vain_a presumption_n since_o it_o always_o lay_v in_o his_o power_n to_o destroy_v the_o soul_n who_o make_v it_o and_o whether_o he_o will_v or_o not_o he_o have_v not_o as_o to_o they_o reveal_v his_o pleasure_n and_o indeed_o the_o word_n of_o job_n in_o his_o despair_n be_v the_o high_a reason_v of_o most_o philosopher_n 14.10_o c._n 14.10_o man_n say_v he_o die_v and_o waste_v away_o yea_o man_n give_v up_o the_o ghost_n and_o where_o be_v he_o and_o solomon_n in_o the_o person_n of_o a_o natural_a man_n ask_v a_o question_n which_o he_o challenge_v the_o world_n to_o answer_v 3.21_o eccl._n 3.21_o who_o know_v the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n that_o go_v upward_o and_o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o beast_n that_o go_v downward_o to_o the_o earth_n who_o know_v i.e._n upon_o the_o principle_n of_o mere_a reason_n and_o research_v of_o natural_a cause_n who_o be_v able_a to_o resolve_v it_o whereupon_o among_o the_o jew_n 23.8_o act_n 23.8_o the_o sadducee_n who_o deny_v the_o resurrection_n deny_v likewise_o both_o angel_n and_o spirit_n i._n e._n the_o survive_a of_o the_o soul_n as_o well_o as_o the_o restore_n of_o the_o body_n so_o that_o since_o man_n do_v natural_o doubt_v of_o the_o less_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o they_o despair_v of_o the_o great_a they_o who_o be_v apt_a to_o give_v the_o soul_n itself_o for_o lose_v how_o can_v they_o imagine_v that_o the_o body_n shall_v ever_o be_v recover_v 2._o the_o second_o reason_n why_o natural_a man_n be_v so_o apt_a to_o disbelieve_v the_o resurrection_n be_v because_o they_o make_v a_o wrong_a estimate_n of_o god_n power_n we_o see_v in_o this_o world_n nothing_o better_o and_o therefore_o we_o be_v ready_a to_o measure_n god_n by_o ourselves_o and_o believe_v no_o more_o of_o his_o power_n than_o what_o fall_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o humane_a probability_n which_o be_v the_o true_a and_o fix_a ground_n of_o all_o that_o atheistical_a distrust_n which_o in_o all_o time_n do_v so_o much_o abound_v among_o man_n who_o be_v the_o lord_n say_v pharaoh_n 5.2_o exod._n 5.2_o that_o i_o shall_v let_v israel_n go_v and_o who_o be_v jehova_n say_v insult_a senacherib_n 18.35_o 2_o reg_n 18.35_o that_o he_o shall_v deliver_v jerusalem_n out_o of_o my_o hand_n nay_o not_o only_o these_o wicked_a man_n but_o the_o saint_n of_o old_a have_v most_o stumble_v when_o they_o have_v be_v put_v to_o act_n faith_n upon_o god_n omnipotency_n 18.11_o gen._n 18.11_o thus_o sarah_n when_o she_o hear_v the_o promise_n of_o a_o son_n she_o laugh_v what_o say_v she_o now_o i_o be_o old_a shall_v i_o have_v pleasure_n my_o husband_n be_v old_a also_o wherein_o she_o muster_v up_o argument_n to_o make_v her_o distrust_n seem_v rational_a so_o moses_n find_v out_o many_o excuse_n to_o avoid_v be_v send_v upon_o god_n errand_n i_o be_o not_o eloquent_a faith_n he_o 4.10_o exod._n 4.10_o but_o slow_a of_o speech_n and_o slow_a of_o tongue_n and_o at_o last_o in_o plain_a term_n he_o entreat_v that_o god_n will_v find_v out_o a_o fit_a messenger_n to_o go_v upon_o his_o embassy_n and_o whence_o do_v this_o proceed_v 13._o ver._n 13._o but_o from_o his_o distrust_n of_o god_n power_n to_o qualify_v he_o first_o and_o to_o protect_v he_o afterward_o thus_o david_n jeremy_n zachary_n nay_o almost_o all_o when_o a_o stress_n or_o difficulty_n have_v be_v lay_v upon_o their_o faith_n they_o have_v be_v ready_a to_o cry_v out_o with_o nicodemus_n how_o can_v these_o thing_n be_v thus_o it_o fare_v in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o resurrection_n man_n do_v first_o confine_v the_o omnipotence_n of_o god_n to_o their_o own_o notion_n and_o then_o deny_v what_o otherwise_o they_o will_v never_o have_v doubt_v of_o 22.29_o mat._n 22.29_o our_o saviour_n therefore_o tell_v the_o unbelieving_a and_o gainsay_v sadducee_n you_o err_v not_o know_v the_o scripture_n nor_o the_o power_n of_o god_n not_o know_v the_o scripture_n which_o declare_v the_o resurrection_n nor_o the_o power_n of_o god_n which_o be_v able_a to_o effect_v it_o 3._o the_o three_o reason_n of_o this_o unbelief_n be_v because_o natural_a man_n be_v guide_v only_o by_o sensible_a impression_n what_o they_o see_v that_o they_o believe_v and_o be_v not_o without_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o difficulty_n carry_v one_o jot_n far_o hence_o be_v the_o jew_n so_o importunate_a with_o our_o saviour_n to_o show_v they_o a_o sign_n from_o heaven_n 16.1_o mat._n 16.1_o and_o when_o our_o saviour_n tell_v foam_n of_o his_o follower_n in_o answer_n to_o their_o demand_n that_o it_o be_v the_o work_n of_o god_n i.e._n well-pleasing_a to_o 31._o joh._n 6.30_o 31._o and_o require_v by_o he_o to_o believe_v on_o he_o who_o he_o have_v send_v they_o present_o reply_v upon_o he_o what_o sign_n show_v thou_o then_o that_o we_o may_v see_v and_o believe_v thou_o so_o those_o scoffer_n in_o isaiah_n when_o the_o prophet_n have_v denounce_v terrible_a thing_n against_o they_o let_v he_o make_v speed_n say_v they_o and_o hasten_v his_o work_n that_o we_o may_v see_v it_o that_o be_v you_o speak_v much_o to_o we_o of_o what_o shall_v come_v hereafter_o but_o we_o see_v no_o danger_n near_o and_o therefore_o we_o will_v not_o believe_v you_o thus_o those_o wretched_a pharisee_n when_o they_o have_v nail_v our_o saviour_n to_o the_o cross_n let_v he_o now_o say_v they_o come_v down_o from_o the_o cross_n and_o we_o