divinity_n itself_o and_o happy_a be_v it_o will_v man_n consider_v the_o ground_n of_o their_o faith_n that_o they_o may_v with_o the_o apostle_n amid_o all_o the_o opposition_n of_o the_o world_n stand_v firm_a with_o a_o nevertheless_o i_o be_o not_o ashamed_a for_o i_o 12._o 2_o tim._n 1._o 12._o know_v who_o i_o have_v believe_v and_o that_o mankind_n may_v have_v rational_a and_o satisfactory_a ground_n for_o faith_n in_o jesus_n the_o divine_a spirit_n which_o ever_o give_v testimony_n to_o he_o exert_v itself_o both_o as_o a_o spirit_n of_o omnipotency_n in_o miracle_n and_o of_o omniscience_n in_o prophecy_n to_o the_o end_n man_n may_v believe_v the_o great_a concern_v of_o revelation_n upon_o the_o demonstrative_a ground_n of_o divine_a perfection_n this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v st._n paul_n meaning_n when_o he_o say_v my_o preach_n be_v not_o with_o entice_a word_n of_o man_n 4_o 1_o cor_fw-la 2._o v._o 4_o wisdom_n but_o in_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o of_o power_n i._n e._n of_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o omnipotency_n and_o of_o demonstrative_a conviction_n out_o of_o the_o prophet_n who_o appear_v to_o have_v be_v act_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o omniscience_n and_o truth_n itself_o by_o the_o event_n answer_v their_o prediction_n that_o your_o faith_n say_v he_o shall_v 5._o verse_n 5._o not_o stand_v in_o the_o wisdom_n of_o man_n either_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o civil_a state_n with_o the_o leviathan_n or_o strong_a probability_n with_o other_o but_o in_o the_o power_n of_o god_n i._n e._n in_o 4._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d v._o 4._o the_o divinity_n itself_o which_o when_o it_o give_v testimony_n natural_a light_n unquestionable_o conclude_v it_o true_a and_o if_o it_o be_v demand_v which_o way_n the_o apostle_n make_v his_o demonstration_n in_o the_o spirit_n i_o suppose_v he_o tell_v we_o v._o 13._o we_o speak_v not_o in_o the_o word_n which_o man_n wisdom_n teach_v i_o e._n according_a to_o the_o study_a rule_n of_o art_n now_o in_o greece_n but_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n teach_v compare_v spiritual_a thing_n with_o spiritual_a i._n e._n compare_v the_o doctrine_n and_o transaction_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n with_o the_o prophecy_n of_o the_o old_a and_o hereby_o the_o faith_n of_o jesus_n be_v demonstrate_v to_o be_v divine_a because_o attest_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n for_o in_o the_o 9th_o verse_n he_o have_v quote_v the_o prophet_n isaiah_n and_o so_o in_o all_o his_o preach_v as_o act_n 17._o 2_o 3._o and_o for_o study_v this_o demonstration_n or_o compare_v the_o new_a testament_n with_o the_o old_a the_o berean_o be_v so_o much_o commend_v v._o 11._o and_o nothing_o be_v plain_a than_o that_o all_o the_o evangelist_n and_o apostle_n and_o even_o christ_n himself_o do_v thus_o argue_v or_o convince_v out_o of_o the_o old_a testament_n prophet_n the_o force_n therefore_o of_o the_o testimony_n depend_v sole_o upon_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n or_o that_o it_o be_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o prime_n and_o omniscient_a verity_n i_o must_v not_o stay_v to_o clear_v my_o hand_n of_o the_o tractatus_fw-la theologico-politicus_a who_o have_v resolve_v the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n not_o as_o st._n peter_n do_v into_o be_v move_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 2_o pet_n 1._o 21._o but_o into_o the_o crasis_n of_o the_o imaginative_a faculty_n that_o so_o you_o may_v know_v he_o the_o first-born_a of_o the_o leviathan_n and_o by_o their_o hypothesis_n who_o scholar_n etc._n tract_n p._n 7_o etc._n etc._n both_o be_v even_o his_o who_o resolve_v the_o creation_n of_o the_o universe_n into_o the_o fortuitous_a concur_v of_o atom_n neither_o may_v i_o reflect_v upon_o that_o moral_a probability_n which_o some_o seem_v to_o think_v a_o sufficient_a foundation_n for_o faith_n further_o than_o to_o say_v that_o matter_n reveal_v and_o confirm_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n be_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v so_o far_o as_o reveal_v as_o certain_a truth_n as_o any_o demonstration_n in_o the_o world_n beside_o i_o fear_v not_o after_o st._n paul_n to_o say_v that_o matter_n of_o a_o moral_a and_o spiritual_a nature_n may_v be_v demonstrate_v take_v demonstration_n not_o in_o the_o confine_v signification_n which_o the_o school_n of_o heathen_a philosophy_n affix_v to_o it_o but_o in_o the_o reality_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o end_n for_o which_o demonstration_n serve_v viz._n a_o proof_n that_o create_v a_o knowledge_n certain_a and_o indubitable_a and_o this_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n not_o as_o reveal_n but_o as_o confirm_v revelation_n by_o prediction_n do_v which_o bring_v i_o to_o the_o three_o and_o chief_a design_v particular_a three_o that_o of_o all_o other_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n be_v the_o testimony_n my_o meaning_n be_v there_o be_v no_o such_o stand_a satisfactory_a and_o demonstrative_a proof_n of_o the_o divinity_n of_o jesvs_n transaction_n faith_n and_o doctrine_n as_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n be_v there_o be_v indeed_o many_o other_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n better_a than_o most_o or_o any_o other_o cause_n beside_o he_o can_v produce_v first_o the_o testimony_n of_o angel_n both_o good_a and_o bad_a the_o good_a in_o obsequious_a attendancy_n upon_o his_o birth_n his_o etc._n luke_n 2._o 13._o 22._o 43_o etc._n etc._n agony_n his_o resurrection_n and_o ascension_n the_o bad_a in_o fly_a fear_n conclude_v at_o least_o strong_o suspect_v by_o 24._o luke_n 8._o 28._o mark_v 1._o 24._o the_o prediction_n of_o the_o old_a prophet_n who_o it_o be_v they_o now_o have_v to_o deal_v with_o in_o humane_a nature_n even_o the_o holy_a one_o of_o god_n or_o the_o seed_n promise_v to_o break_v the_o serpent_n head_n second_o the_o testimony_n of_o man_n both_o his_o friend_n and_o enemy_n his_o friend_n extol_v adore_v he_o die_v for_o he_o his_o enemy_n of_o all_o sort_n confess_v he_o a_o extraordinary_a person_n though_o a_o deceiver_n as_o celsus_n jalian_n mahomed_n the_o jew_n the_o philosopher_n the_o apostate_n the_o impostor_n the_o infidel_n mahomed_n be_v kind_a of_o all_o the_o rest_n for_o he_o will_v allow_v he_o to_o be_v his_o pewfellow_n in_o prophecy_n upon_o condition_n he_o may_v but_o sit_v above_o he_o nay_o three_o there_o be_v more_o venerable_a witness_n than_o either_o angel_n or_o man_n i_o mean_v those_o three_o in_o heaven_n 8._o 1_o joh._n 5._o 7_o 8._o and_o those_o three_o on_o earth_n where_o though_o the_o divine_a spirit_n make_v one_o in_o either_o three_o yet_o which_o i_o wonder_v be_v no_o more_o observe_v and_o insist_v on_o the_o spirit_n as_o it_o be_v in_o this_o sense_n explain_v the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n be_v however_o to_o my_o apprehension_n the_o testimony_n not_o in_o preference_n to_o the_o other_o consider_v in_o themselves_o but_o consider_v with_o reference_n to_o mankind_n who_o be_v to_o be_v judge_n of_o their_o evidence_n and_o who_o judge_a faculty_n be_v more_o susceptive_a of_o satisfaction_n from_o the_o spirit_n as_o a_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n or_o infinite_a science_n in_o truth_n than_o from_o the_o same_o spirit_n in_o any_o other_o way_n of_o evidence_n the_o reason_n of_o which_o i_o conceive_v to_o be_v this_o that_o the_o conviction_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o way_n of_o prophecy_n or_o in_o the_o display_v of_o omniscience_n be_v more_o direct_o accommodate_v to_o humane_a intellect_n our_o faculty_n of_o science_n than_o any_o other_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v for_o the_o strong_a tendency_n of_o intellect_n be_v to_o the_o science_n of_o truth_n and_o therefore_o act_n of_o omniscient_a truth_n be_v more_o accommodate_v to_o humane_a understanding_n than_o act_n of_o power_n wisdom_n be_v that_o it_o be_v more_o delight_v in_o than_o strength_n if_o any_o revelation_n be_v from_o god_n by_o the_o foresay_a rule_n of_o natural_a knowledge_n it_o ought_v to_o be_v accept_v and_o submit_v to_o but_o whether_o that_o which_o pretend_v revelation_n be_v from_o god_n or_o no_o be_v the_o only_a question_n now_o the_o argument_n from_o miracle_n be_v press_v by_o all_o this_o of_o prediction_n by_o few_o or_o none_o but_o without_o depreciate_a the_o former_a i_o must_v confess_v ever_o since_o i_o consider_v it_o the_o latter_a be_v weighty_a and_o more_o convictive_a with_o i_o for_o i_o be_o more_o full_o satisfy_v that_o the_o whole_a series_n of_o scriptural_a revelation_n be_v divine_a because_o i_o find_v all_o along_o the_o spirit_n of_o prediction_n interweave_v than_o because_o i_o read_v such_o and_o such_o miracle_n do_v for_o i_o find_v the_o alcharon_n pretend_v miracle_n but_o not_o dare_v to_o pretend_v prediction_n so_o that_o of_o all_o the_o innate_a character_n of_o divinity_n pretend_v to_o in_o any_o write_a law_n this_o of_o prediction_n be_v peculiar_a to_o the_o scripture_n this_o
ward_n mayor_n martis_n xxv_o to_o die_v januarii_n 1680._o annoque_fw-la regni_fw-la regis_fw-la caroli_n secundi_fw-la angl_n '_o etc._n etc._n xxxii_o do_o upon_o the_o motion_n of_o sir_n john_n laurence_n kt._n and_o alderman_n this_o court_n do_v desire_n mr._n turner_n to_o print_v his_o sermon_n sometime_o since_o preach_v at_o the_o guildhall-chappel_n before_o the_o lord_n mayor_n and_o alderman_n wagstaffe_n testimonium_n jesv_n or_o the_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o christian_a faith_n and_o conviction_n of_o all_o infidelity_n a_o sermon_n preach_v before_o the_o right_n honourable_a the_o lord_z mayor_z and_z aldermen_z of_o the_o city_n of_o london_n at_o the_o guildhall-chappel_n by_o bryan_n turner_n b._n d._n rector_n of_o solderne_a oxon_n and_o chaplain_n to_o the_o right_n honourable_a charles_n earl_n of_o carlisle_z london_n print_v by_o s._n roycroft_n for_o walter_n kettleby_n at_o the_o bishops-head_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n 1681._o revel_v xix_o 10._o and_o i_o fall_v at_o his_o foot_n to_o worship_v he_o and_o he_o say_v unto_o i_o see_v thou_o do_v it_o not_o i_o be_o thy_o fellow_n servant_n and_o of_o thy_o brethren_n that_o have_v the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n worship_n god_n for_o the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n be_v the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n whither_o st._n john_n here_o be_v through_o joy_n transport_v into_o too_o submiss_a a_o reverence_n or_o he_o mistake_v the_o person_n for_o christ_n as_o the_o angel_n tell_v he_o who_o he_o be_v seem_v rather_o to_o insinuate_v be_v not_o needful_a to_o determine_v if_o transport_v into_o too_o submiss_a a_o reverence_n such_o as_o be_v usual_o appropriate_v to_o divine_a worship_n than_o it_o read_v we_o this_o lecture_n that_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n bodily_a adoration_n be_v within_o the_o list_n of_o divine_a worship_n and_o necessary_o due_a by_o the_o commandment_n worship_n god_n and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n to_o transfer_v it_o to_o saint_n or_o angel_n be_v sacrilegious_a and_o idolatrous_a see_v thou_o do_v it_o not_o now_o what_o bodily_a gesture_n be_v appropriate_a to_o divine_a worship_n must_v not_o be_v measure_v from_o the_o gesture_n themselves_o for_o one_o may_v fall_v at_o the_o foot_n of_o their_o superior_a without_o a_o crime_n as_o abigail_n do_v to_o david_n but_o from_o the_o circumstance_n of_o customary_a 24._o 1_o sam_n 25._o 24._o time_n place_n and_o matter_n in_o hand_n as_o when_o they_o be_v tender_v upon_o a_o holiday_n in_o a_o temple_n or_o oratory_n and_o when_o religion_n prayer_n and_o devotion_n be_v the_o matter_n pretend_v but_o if_o the_o crime_n the_o apostle_n be_v here_o incur_v be_v through_o mistake_n of_o the_o person_n think_v he_o to_o be_v christ_n then_o it_o we_o read_v this_o lecture_n that_o bodily_a adoration_n intend_v right_o but_o mistake_v in_o the_o object_n be_v yet_o peccant_a against_o the_o commandment_n of_o worship_n and_o both_o these_o will_v affright_v a_o considerative_a mind_n at_o the_o peril_n of_o idolatry_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n where_o if_o the_o host_n be_v not_o mistake_v the_o sense_n of_o mankind_n must_v and_o if_o all_o the_o canonize_v saint_n be_v true_o what_o they_o be_v esteem_v yet_o doubtless_o no_o better_o than_o the_o angel_n in_o the_o text._n neither_o will_v the_o distinction_n of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d salve_v the_o crime_n object_v in_o this_o latter_a case_n see_v there_o be_v no_o room_n for_o it_o in_o this_o of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o angel_n here_o for_o why_o can_v not_o this_o angel_n have_v apply_v the_o distinction_n to_o salve_v the_o breach_n of_o the_o commandment_n as_o well_o as_o the_o angelical_a doctor_n can_v but_o that_o when_o the_o circumstance_n speak_v religion_n there_o be_v indeed_o no_o distinction_n at_o all_o but_o it_o be_v the_o importance_n of_o the_o last_o word_n i_o design_n to_o consider_v for_o the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n be_v the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n which_o word_n be_v a_o reason_n why_o the_o angel_n be_v the_o apostle_n fellow_n servant_n etc._n etc._n for_o whosoever_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n reveal_v the_o divine_a will_n be_v concern_v in_o the_o common_a testimony_n of_o jesus_n because_o all_o prophecy_n true_o so_o call_v have_v jesus_n and_o his_o interest_n for_o its_o grand_a subject_n therefore_o whosoever_o be_v employ_v therein_o whether_o angel_n to_o man_n or_o one_o man_n to_o another_o whether_o before_o or_o after_o the_o exhibition_n of_o jesus_n be_v as_o to_o that_o employment_n fellow_n servant_n and_o have_v the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n though_o subpoena_v to_o it_o as_o balaam_n be_v by_o that_o power_n that_o can_v give_v the_o man_n the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n as_o well_o as_o his_o ass_n the_o gift_n of_o speak_v and_o so_o etc._n numb_a 24._o 2._o etc._n etc._n much_o may_v serve_v to_o account_v for_o the_o word_n as_o they_o be_v a_o reason_n why_o the_o angel_n be_v the_o apostle_n fellow_n servant_n and_o of_o brethren_n i_o shall_v now_o consider_v they_o as_o a_o distinct_a proposition_n the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n be_v the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n which_o in_o logical_a order_n be_v to_o be_v place_v thus_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n be_v the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n not_o discuss_v the_o variety_n either_o the_o word_n prophecy_n etc._n after_o christ_n exhibition_n the_o prophetical_a light_n shine_v clear_a even_o to_o discover_v the_o obscurity_n of_o its_o own_o former_a shade_n so_o that_o in_o this_o illustration_n of_o the_o former_a ancient_a prophet_n do_v the_o latter_a spirit_n of_o prophecy_n very_o much_o consist_v and_o hence_o in_o apostolical_a day_n to_o prophecy_n be_v to_o explain_v the_o intend_a or_o evangelical_n mean_v of_o the_o old_a testament_n 1_o cor._n 14._o 1_o 2_o 3_o 4_o 5_o 13_o 19_o etc._n etc._n hence_o the_o phrase_n liberty_n of_o prophesy_v etc._n etc._n or_o testimony_n may_v admit_v in_o their_o signification_n elsewhere_o i_o shall_v take_v they_o here_o as_o i_o judge_v they_o ought_v to_o be_v in_o their_o most_o obvious_a and_o primary_n sense_n a_o testimony_n be_v a_o declarative_a proof_n to_o make_v good_a his_o cause_n for_o who_o it_o be_v produce_v prophecy_n most_o proper_o imply_v two_o thing_n first_o revelation_n of_o the_o divine_a will_n or_o mind_n and_o second_o prediction_n which_o latter_a be_v annex_v to_o the_o former_a as_o a_o sign_n or_o rational_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o divinity_n of_o the_o revelation_n for_o god_n offer_v no_o revelation_n to_o mankind_n but_o upon_o ground_n of_o rational_a satisfaction_n that_o it_o be_v from_o himself_o i._n e._n under_o some_o convictive_a character_n of_o divinity_n and_o truth_n now_o prediction_n be_v this_o character_n annex_v to_o the_o revelation_n as_o a_o seal_n for_o humane_a satisfaction_n that_o it_o be_v divine_a or_o from_o god_n himself_o this_o be_v a_o presumptive_a rule_n with_o humane_a nature_n that_o what_o gody_n say_v be_v indubitable_o true_a and_o what_o he_o command_v aught_o instant_o to_o be_v obey_v and_o it_o be_v upon_o these_o ground_n of_o nature_n allowance_n that_o all_o divine_a revelation_n be_v found_v but_o that_o which_o convictive_o prove_v the_o word_n or_o revelation_n to_o be_v divine_a be_v the_o determinate_a prediction_n of_o thing_n future_o not_o necessary_a in_o their_o cause_n thus_o that_o pharaoh_n shall_v let_v israel_n go_v be_v the_o revelation_n etc._n exod._n 7._o 16_o 17_o 18_o etc._n etc._n and_o that_o moses_n will_v at_o such_o a_o time_n work_v such_o a_o wonder_n be_v the_o prediction_n i._n e._n the_o sign_n give_v to_o prove_v the_o revelation_n from_o god_n therefore_o his_o wonder_n 7._o 1_o kin._n 22._o 25_o 28._o 1_o sam._n 10._o 2_o 3_o 4_o 5_o 7._o be_v call_v sign_n not_o only_o because_o wonder_n or_o miracle_n for_o all_o prophetical_a sign_n be_v not_o so_o but_o because_o presignify_v and_o therein_o when_o fulfil_v significator_n of_o divinity_n in_o the_o revelation_n see_v then_o that_o the_o revelation_n which_o i_o conceive_v be_v always_o a_o precept_n or_o prohibition_n with_o promise_n or_o threaten_n annex_v in_o its_o acceptance_n with_o man_n depend_v upon_o prediction_n as_o the_o commission_n do_v upon_o the_o seal_n the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n be_v most_o proper_o the_o spirit_n of_o prediction_n or_o that_o spirit_n which_o can_v confirm_v the_o revelation_n by_o foretell_v futurity_n of_o a_o contingent_a nature_n i._n e._n thing_n only_a within_o the_o sphere_n of_o omniscience_n for_o i_o judge_v the_o weight_n of_o this_o text_n lie_v here_o and_o not_o in_o the_o abstract_n notion_n of_o revelation_n as_o the_o late_a tract_n upon_o it_o seem_v to_o apprehend_v and_o this_o be_v premise_v for_o the_o sense_n i_o take_v the_o word_n in_o every_o word_n in_o the_o
proposition_n seem_v pregnant_a with_o a_o peculiar_a observation_n which_o i_o shall_v offer_v you_o in_o these_o three_o particular_n first_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n be_v the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n i._n e._n he_o and_o none_o beside_o second_o it_o be_v not_o the_o person_n employ_v man_n or_o angel_n upon_o who_o the_o validity_n of_o this_o testimony_n depend_v but_o it_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n three_o that_o primary_o and_o above_o all_o other_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n be_v the_o testimony_n this_o last_o because_o little_o consider_v by_o any_o that_o i_o have_v see_v or_o not_o so_o much_o as_o the_o argument_n in_o my_o apprehension_n deserve_v be_v that_o i_o main_o intend_v and_o therefore_o without_o occur_v to_o all_o the_o objection_n i_o foresee_v in_o the_o two_o former_a i_o shall_v dispatch_v they_o brief_o first_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n be_v the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n so_o peculiar_o he_o that_o it_o never_o be_v produce_v to_o abet_v any_o cause_n or_o interest_n but_o he_o and_o what_o relate_v to_o it_o the_o first_o time_n the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n appear_v in_o the_o world_n be_v in_o the_o concern_v of_o jesus_n to_o foretell_v his_o come_n and_o his_o undertake_n the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n shall_v break_v the_o serpent_n head_n gen._n 3._o 15._o it_o be_v true_a the_o divine_a spirit_n before_o reduce_v the_o creation_n into_o order_n when_o it_o move_v or_o brood_a upon_o the_o 2._o gen._n 1._o 2._o face_n of_o the_o water_n and_o as_o that_o word_n import_v hatch_v the_o world_n into_o a_o lively_a form_n but_o this_o it_o do_v as_o a_o spirit_n of_o power_n not_o as_o a_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n when_o it_o exert_v itself_o as_o a_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n from_o first_o to_o last_o it_o treat_v sole_o of_o jesus_n and_o his_o interest_n such_o as_o be_v either_o antecedent_o concomitant_o or_o consequent_o relate_v to_o his_o exhibition_n and_o undertake_n as_o all_o thing_n relate_v to_o his_o church_n in_o all_o age_n or_o its_o enemy_n be_v as_o in_o egypt_n case_n the_o nation_n the_o four_o monarchy_n whether_o this_o spirit_n step_v abroad_o into_o the_o heathen_a world_n as_o in_o the_o baalamitick_a and_o sybilline_a or_o it_o confine_v itself_o as_o general_o to_o the_o patriarchal_a and_o israelitish_n part_n as_o in_o the_o prophetical_a oracle_n its_o chief_a errand_n be_v to_o give_v testimony_n to_o jesus_n and_o mention_v other_o matter_n as_o cyrus_n the_o nation_n the_o four_o monarchy_n for_o the_o connexion_n sake_n of_o he_o and_o his_o church_n the_o grand_a objection_n that_o i_o here_o foresee_v be_v that_o of_o the_o heathen_a divination_n in_o matter_n where_o jesus_n or_o his_o interest_n be_v unconcern_v but_o sure_o will_v the_o limit_n of_o this_o discourse_n permit_v they_o may_v all_o be_v show_v to_o fall_v much_o short_a of_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n for_o first_o premonition_n by_o dream_n either_o in_o the_o first_o age_n or_o our_o own_o which_o i_o will_v not_o absolute_o reject_v i_o esteem_v no_o other_o than_o the_o preventive_a act_n of_o a_o gracious_a providence_n the_o like_a to_o which_o may_v by_o wise_a man_n be_v observe_v in_o other_o various_a instance_n of_o common_a life_n which_o natural_o awaken_v the_o mind_n to_o caution_n and_o reflection_n but_o will_v not_o amount_v to_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n or_o else_o if_o ever_o they_o arise_v to_o the_o dignity_n of_o that_o title_n it_o will_v be_v find_v they_o be_v in_o order_n to_o the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n as_o abimelech_n may_v be_v show_v to_o be_v for_o i_o can_v never_o 20._o gen._n 20._o think_v that_o any_o other_o cause_n beside_o what_o relate_v to_o he_o as_o sarahs_n do_v shall_v be_v vouchsafe_v the_o honour_n of_o so_o divine_a a_o testimony_n isai_n 41._o 21_o etc._n etc._n chap._n 43._o 9_o and_o chap._n 44._o 7._o 24_o etc._n etc._n second_o humane_a prudence_n may_v conjecture_v and_o sometime_o hit_v it_o it_o can_v certain_o foretell_v future_a contingency_n without_o this_o spirit_n three_o angelical_a sagacity_n may_v with_o great_a probability_n foresee_v contingency_n near_o at_o hand_n when_o once_o conceive_v and_o animate_v in_o the_o womb_n of_o second_o cause_n as_o the_o issue_n of_o a_o battle_n or_o a_o cause_n depend_v but_o this_o presage_a faculty_n of_o angel_n whether_o good_a or_o bad_a be_v ever_o defective_a in_o two_o property_n requisite_a to_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n first_o in_o the_o certainty_n of_o their_o foresight_n second_o in_o the_o distance_n of_o the_o thing_n fore-seen_a for_o defect_n in_o certainty_n the_o most_o renown_a heathen_a oracle_n be_v general_o ambiguous_a thereby_o to_o salve_v their_o reputation_n be_v the_o event_n what_o it_o will_v and_o for_o defect_n in_o distance_n they_o be_v seldom_o i_o think_v or_o never_o consult_v but_o about_o the_o success_n of_o a_o action_n already_o on_o the_o wheel_n or_o prepare_v for_o and_o i_o suppose_v these_o two_o consideration_n may_v help_v we_o to_o account_v for_o all_o the_o art_n of_o heathen_a divination_n for_o why_o may_v not_o a_o prudent_a man_n that_o understand_v the_o temper_n and_o interest_n of_o both_o army_n have_v satisfy_v young_a pompey_n the_o night_n before_o the_o pharsalian_a field_n as_o well_o as_o the_o witch_n of_o thessaly_n by_o her_o familiar_a daemon_n 6._o lucan_n lib._n 6._o especial_o if_o acquaint_v with_o daniel_n prophecy_n as_o no_o doubt_n the_o devil_n be_v concern_v the_o four_o monarchy_n which_o now_o call_v for_o its_o proper_a head_n in_o caesar_n and_o be_v inconsistent_a long_o under_o pompey_n cause_n i._n e._n the_o senate_n four_o how_o far_o soever_o into_o the_o future_a the_o contrivance_n of_o man_n or_o angel_n may_v succeed_v without_o this_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n yet_o in_o all_o such_o matter_n two_o thing_n be_v observable_a first_o that_o the_o last_o result_v of_o such_o plot_n and_o contrivance_n prove_v ever_o something_o beside_o if_o not_o contrary_a to_o the_o grand_a intendment_n of_o the_o projector_n of_o which_o instance_n in_o all_o politic_a gest_n record_v be_v innumerable_a second_o the_o most_o project_v politician_n abstract_v from_o this_o spirit_n ever_o find_v some_o link_n in_o the_o chain_n of_o his_o contrivance_n break_v which_o he_o be_v force_v to_o piece_n up_o anew_o as_o the_o circumstance_n of_o his_o affair_n will_v permit_v and_o to_o let_v all_o man_n see_v that_o only_o the_o all-seeing_a counsel_n of_o god_n shall_v stand_v all_o other_o consult_v even_o at_o their_o height_n have_v fall_v as_o in_o the_o four_o monarchy_n whereof_o the_o best_a account_n that_o can_v be_v give_v be_v that_o the_o utmost_a create_a foresight_n be_v short_a and_o defectible_a and_o therefore_o the_o best_a lay_v project_n subject_a to_o defeat_v whereas_o the_o unerring_a spirit_n of_o prophecy_n be_v both_o certain_a and_o extend_v to_o the_o most_o distant_a futurity_n so_o that_o it_o have_v determinate_o foretell_v ex_fw-la gr_n the_o rise_n and_o fall_v of_o the_o four_o monarchy_n that_o so_o it_o may_v make_v heaven_n make_v for_o the_o communication_n the_o world_n enjoy_v by_o be_v under_o one_o monarchy_n do_v extreme_o facilitate_v the_o gospel_n propagation_n and_o be_v foretell_v to_o be_v in_o the_o four_o monarchy_n do_v in_o all_o reason_n oblige_v it_o to_o 〈◊〉_d submission_n as_o to_o the_o ordinance_n of_o heaven_n way_n for_o jesus_n and_o his_o everlasting_a kingdom_n last_o what_o look_v with_o the_o face_n of_o the_o most_o difficult_a objection_n the_o oracle_n and_o divination_n of_o the_o heathen_a for_o i_o shall_v say_v nothing_o of_o our_o astrological_a vanity_n be_v apparent_o act_v by_o the_o sophistry_n of_o evil_n man_n or_o angel_n and_o be_v as_o far_o below_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n as_o liegerdu-main_a be_v of_o work_v of_o miracle_n and_o that_o the_o prince_n of_o devil_n though_o so_o ambitious_a to_o be_v like_o god_n can_v never_o reach_v the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n this_o to_o i_o be_v a_o demonstration_n viz._n that_o in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o celebrate_a oracle_n when_o it_o be_v proper_a he_o have_v not_o foretell_v the_o come_n of_o some_o successful_a antichristian_a power_n as_o 54._o the_o bold_a attempt_n in_o a_o determinate_a prediction_n that_o i_o remember_v among_o the_o heathen_n be_v that_o mention_v by_o st._n austin_n de_fw-fr civet_fw-la lib_n 18._o cap._n 53._o excogitaverunt_fw-la nescio_fw-la quos_fw-la versus_fw-la graecos_n tanquam_fw-la consulenti_fw-la cuidam_fw-la divino_fw-la oraculo_fw-la effusos_fw-la ut_fw-la coleretur_fw-la christi_fw-la nomen_fw-la per_fw-la 365_o annos_fw-la deinde_fw-la completo_fw-la memorato_fw-la numero_fw-la annorum_fw-la sine_fw-la morâ_fw-la sumeret_fw-la finem_fw-la this_o as_o he_o in_o the_o next_o chapter_n compute_v shall_v have_v be_v fulfil_v in_o the_o consulship_n of_o honorius_n and_o
finger_n of_o god_n i_o be_o sensible_a the_o common_a opinion_n press_v i_o most_o with_o this_o objection_n as_o if_o my_o doctrine_n evacuate_v the_o conviction_n of_o our_o saviour_n miracle_n and_o patronise_v the_o jew_n infidelity_n in_o not_o believe_v for_o the_o work_v sake_n but_o as_o have_v be_v observe_v by_o a_o judicious_a man_n this_o be_v a_o jackson_n dr._n jackson_n mistake_n for_o the_o jew_n have_v a_o certain_a rule_n of_o trial_n whereby_o to_o discern_v that_o the_o work_n of_o jesus_n be_v wrought_v in_o god_n and_o not_o in_o beelzebub_n and_o that_o rule_n be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n which_o like_o the_o light_n as_o it_o self-evident_o manifest_v its_o own_o divinity_n so_o by_o its_o illustration_n it_o manifest_v other_o thing_n which_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n those_o oracle_n commit_v to_o the_o jew_n have_v foretell_v that_o the_o messiah_n so_o bear_v so_o 2._o rom._n 3._o 2._o qualify_v so_o circumstantiate_v as_o jesus_n and_o none_o other_o ever_o be_v shall_v do_v these_o particular_a work_n of_o wonder_n so_o that_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n be_v to_o they_o true_o sign_n and_o therefore_o convictive_a not_o sole_o because_o divine_a operation_n for_o that_o be_v the_o question_n but_o because_o they_o be_v contingency_n determinate_o foretell_v and_o this_o be_v plain_a from_o our_o saviour_n answer_n to_o the_o pharisee_n require_v a_o sign_n matt._n 16._o 3._o can_v you_o not_o discern_v the_o sign_n of_o the_o time_n or_o as_o st._n luke_n this_o time_n chap._n 12._o 56._o where_o in_o st._n luke_n christ_n add_v as_o awaken_n their_o common_a reason_n yea_o why_o do_v you_o not_o of_o yourselves_o judge_v what_o be_v right_a which_o argue_v that_o they_o have_v a_o rule_n to_o judge_v by_o i._n e._n why_o do_v you_o not_o of_o yourselves_o without_o my_o grant_v your_o request_n of_o a_o sign_n judge_v out_o of_o the_o prophet_n that_o i_o be_o the_o messiah_n the_o work_n that_o i_o do_v in_o my_o father_n name-bear_a witness_n of_o 36._o john_n 5._o 36._o i_o i._n e._n who_o i_o be_o why_o how_o the_o answer_n christ_n make_v to_o john_n the_o baptist_n disciple_n matt._n 11._o 4._o resolve_n it_o go_v tell_v john_n what_o you_o see_v and_o hear_v the_o blind_a see_v the_o lame_a walk_n etc._n etc._n i._n e._n go_v tell_v he_o that_o isaiah_n prophecy_n you_o see_v be_v 46._o all_o christ_n miracle_n be_v sign_n to_o the_o jew_n because_o presignify_v by_o the_o prophet_n who_o the_o jew_n believe_v and_o in_o the_o oeconomy_n of_o grace_n the_o messiah_n be_v therefore_o send_v to_o that_o people_n first_o who_o have_v the_o record_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n i_o be_o not_o send_v but_o to_o the_o lose_a sheep_n of_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n why_o mankind_n have_v as_o much_o interest_n in_o he_o as_o they_o but_o the_o most_o satisfactory_a convictive_a way_n of_o propagate_a his_o faith_n to_o mankind_n be_v from_o they_o which_o be_v the_o reason_n it_o be_v to_o be_v preach_v to_o all_o nation_n begin_v from_o jerusalem_n luke_n 24._o 46._o fulfil_v by_o i_o isai_n 35._o 6._o and_o 61._o 1._o and_o then_o let_v he_o and_o you_o consider_v who_o i_o be_o where_o christ_n to_o that_o grand_a question_n which_o be_v the_o pharisee_n as_o well_o as_o john_n in_o answer_n produce_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n and_o hereby_o he_o prove_v his_o work_n to_o be_v divine_a or_o that_o he_o be_v send_v by_o the_o father_n as_o he_o himself_o speak_v and_o then_o i_o allow_v most_o unquestionable_a and_o demonstrative_a conviction_n and_o why_o be_v not_o this_o that_o which_o aggrandize_v their_o sin_n into_o blasphemy_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n matt._n 12._o that_o they_o wilful_o withstand_v the_o conviction_n not_o only_o of_o the_o spirit_n of_o power_n but_o of_o prophecy_n too_o of_o which_o latter_a they_o be_v such_o competent_a judge_n whatever_o they_o be_v of_o the_o former_a nay_o it_o be_v further_a observable_a in_o this_o matter_n that_o after_o jesus_n have_v press_v the_o jew_n with_o the_o two_o first_o witness_n in_o heaven_n viz._n the_o father_n voice_n and_o the_o son_n miracle_n joh._n 5._o 36_o 37._o he_o final_o lay_v the_o stress_n of_o his_o conviction_n on_o the_o write_n of_o the_o prophet_n have_v you_o believe_v moses_n you_o will_v have_v believe_v i_o for_o he_o write_v of_o i_o i._n e._n 46_o joh._n 5._o 46_o the_o grand_a witness_n i_o appeal_v to_o at_o the_o bar_n of_o man_n judgement_n be_v the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n in_o the_o write_a record_n search_v the_o scripture_n and_o all_o this_o to_o prove_v what_o christ_n 39_o v._o 39_o have_v say_v v._o 30._o that_o the_o father_n send_v he_o where_o after_o all_o the_o other_o testimony_n produce_v he_o final_o rely_v upon_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n but_o if_o you_o believe_v not_o his_o writing_n how_o shall_v you_o believe_v my_o word_n where_o jesus_n himself_o 47._o v._o 47._o plain_o acknowledge_v that_o in_o humane_a judgement_n the_o test_n both_o of_o his_o word_n and_o work_n and_o all_o his_o pretension_n of_o divine_a mission_n mention_v v._o 30_o etc._n etc._n be_v the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n as_o predict_v so_o that_o i_o see_v not_o but_o we_o may_v conclude_v without_o any_o derogation_n that_o christ_n miracle_n receive_v the_o force_n of_o their_o conviction_n from_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n not_o of_o power_n only_o and_o so_o the_o apostle_n miracle_n do_v too_o for_o as_o christ_n miracle_n be_v determinate_o foretell_v by_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n so_o the_o apostle_n miracle_n be_v by_o christ_n both_o be_v sign_n i._n e._n foretell_v christ_n work_n in_o all_o the_o old_a testament_n the_o apostle_n mark_v 16._o 17._o these_o sign_n shall_v follow_v they_o and_o elsewhere_o and_o this_o be_v the_o gospel_n confirmation_n god_n bear_v they_o witness_n both_o with_o sign_n and_o wonder_n and_o divers_a 4._o heb._n 2._o 3_o 4._o miracle_n and_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o first_o of_o sign_n convictive_a as_o be_v the_o testimony_n of_o omniscient_a verity_n the_o second_o of_o miracle_n awaken_n the_o sense_n and_o thereby_o the_o understanding_n to_o consider_v that_o conviction_n as_o the_o force_n of_o omnipotence_n most_o effectual_o in_o this_o dull_a state_n can_v the_o last_o of_o gift_n as_o qualify_a the_o gospel_n minister_n to_o so_o difficult_a a_o employment_n last_o after_o all_o their_o miracle_n both_o jesus_n and_o his_o apostle_n back_o their_o doctrine_n with_o this_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n and_o hang_v the_o weight_n of_o their_o conviction_n thereon_o this_o be_v that_o which_o be_v speak_v or_o thus_o it_o be_v write_v throughout_o all_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o i_o think_v it_o be_v most_o remarkable_a that_o after_o all_o possible_a satisfaction_n give_v to_o their_o sense_n christ_n prove_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o resurrection_n from_o this_o testimony_n and_o it_o be_v speak_v signanter_n then_o open_v he_o their_o understanding_n that_o 46._o luk._n 24._o 45_o 46._o they_o may_v understand_v the_o scripture_n i._n e._n he_o explain_v the_o scripture_n intelligible_o to_o they_o and_o say_v unto_o they_o thus_o it_o be_v write_v etc._n etc._n from_o all_o which_o consider_v i_o may_v conclude_v this_o first_o reason_n why_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n be_v the_o testimony_n because_o it_o be_v that_o tally_n can_v not_o be_v counterfeit_v give_v therefore_o to_o prevent_v delusion_n for_o the_o rule_n of_o trial_n be_v easy_a and_o certain_a and_o no_o divination_n can_v bear_v the_o test_n but_o what_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n its_o author_n or_o else_o deserve_v not_o the_o name_n of_o prophecy_n second_o it_o be_v the_o testimony_n because_o all_o age_n be_v under_o its_o conviction_n equal_o more_o than_o they_o be_v of_o any_o other_o abstract_v from_o this_o and_o my_o reason_n be_v because_o this_o testimony_n be_v permanent_a and_o the_o rest_n without_o this_o be_v transient_a though_o this_o adjoin_v make_v even_o they_o permanent_a too_o ex._n gr_n 1._o the_o father_n voice_n as_o i_o remember_v be_v only_o hear_v at_o the_o baptism_n and_o transfiguration_n of_o jesus_n 2._o the_o word_n incarnate_a be_v personal_o present_a only_o in_o the_o day_n of_o augustus_n and_o tiberius_n 3._o the_o holy_a ghost_n visible_a descent_n be_v but_o once_o at_o jordan_n and_o once_o at_o jerusalem_n the_o day_n of_o pentecost_n and_o these_o as_o general_o interpret_v be_v the_o three_o in_o heaven_n so_o likewise_o for_o the_o other_o three_o on_o earth_n 1._o holiness_n or_o moral_a goodness_n be_v the_o pretence_n of_o every_o philosopher_n a_o stand_a and_o laudable_a testimony_n i_o confess_v and_o therefore_o the_o grand_a design_n
of_o jesus_n be_v to_o restore_v it_o effectual_o which_o he_o do_v by_o supernatural_a help_n whereas_o other_o essay_v it_o by_o the_o strength_n of_o nature_n alone_o which_o after_o the_o fall_n be_v impossible_a so_o that_o though_o jesus_n in_o this_o surpass_v all_o mankind_n yet_o some_o rival_n have_v be_v set_v up_o against_o he_o as_o apollonius_n by_o hierocles_n 2._o to_o be_v a_o martyr_n for_o a_o lie_n when_o a_o man_n believe_v it_o as_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o some_o shall_v be_v neither_o unusual_a nor_o 11._o 2_o thess_n 2._o 11._o unreasonable_a 3._o the_o age_n of_o miracle_n except_v the_o wisdom_n and_o conduct_n of_o providence_n which_o be_v not_o regard_v be_v wear_v out_o for_o all_o the_o legendary_a imposture_n of_o that_o church_n that_o still_o pretend_v they_o but_o that_o which_o strengthen_v all_o the_o rest_n by_o its_o connexion_n with_o they_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n stand_v like_o a_o fix_a star_n to_o give_v light_n to_o every_o hour_n of_o time_n call_v therefore_o the_o more_o sure_a word_n and_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 2_o pet._n 1._o 19_o 1_o pet._n 1._o 25._o not_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d but_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d word_n of_o god_n which_o abide_v for_o ever_o to_o which_o we_o do_v well_o if_o we_o give_v heed_n my_o meaning_n be_v the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n be_v stand_v witness_n to_o our_o faith_n in_o jesus_n all_o age_n may_v consult_v these_o record_n and_o find_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n so_o interweave_v in_o every_o part_n that_o it_o certain_o evidence_v their_o divinity_n and_o truth_n can_v any_o other_o write_v be_v produce_v that_o dare_v attempt_v to_o foretell_v such_o thing_n and_o at_o such_o a_o distance_n to_o confirm_v any_o other_o pretend_a revelation_n or_o institution_n contradictory_n to_o this_o or_o do_v not_o every_o event_n in_o these_o answer_n its_o prediction_n ex._n gr_n be_v not_o the_o disperse_a condition_n of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n a_o 47._o a_o on_o those_o word_n psal_n 59_o 11._o slay_v they_o not_o lest_o my_o people_n forget_v scatter_v they_o by_o thy_o power_n st._n austin_n apply_v they_o to_o the_o jew_n have_v this_o excellent_a remark_n ne_o obliti_fw-la legem_fw-la dei_fw-la ad_fw-la hoc_fw-la de_fw-la quo_fw-la agimus_fw-la testimonium_fw-la nihil_fw-la valerent_fw-la quoniam_fw-la si_fw-la cum_fw-la testimonio_fw-la scripturarum_fw-la in_o suâ_fw-la tantummodo_fw-la terrâ_fw-la non_fw-la ubique_fw-la essent_fw-la profecto_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la quae_fw-la ubique_fw-la est_fw-la eos_fw-la prophetiarum_fw-la quae_fw-la de_fw-la christo_fw-la pramissae_n sunt_fw-la testes_fw-la in_o omnibus_fw-la gentibus_fw-la non_fw-la haberet_fw-la de_fw-fr civit._n lib._n 18._o cap._n 46._o and_o then_o conclude_v ideo_fw-la nihil_fw-la est_fw-la firmius_fw-la ad_fw-la convincendos_fw-la quoslibet_fw-la alienos_fw-la si_fw-la de_fw-la hac_fw-la re_fw-la contenderint_fw-la nostrosque_fw-la fulciendos_fw-la si_fw-la rectè_fw-la sapuerint_fw-la quam_fw-la ut_fw-la divina_fw-la praedicla_fw-la de_fw-la christo_fw-la ea_fw-la proferantur_fw-la quae_fw-la in_o judaeorum_fw-la scripta_fw-la sunt_fw-la codicibus_fw-la quibus_fw-la avulsis_fw-la de_fw-la sedibus_fw-la proptil_v &_o propter_fw-la hoc_fw-la testimonium_fw-la toto_fw-la orb_n dispersis_fw-la christi_fw-la usquequaque_fw-la crevit_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la ibid._n cap._n 47._o stand_a sign_n to_o all_o age_n of_o the_o world_n since_o the_o gospel_n promulgation_n and_o a_o permanent_a rule_n of_o trial_n lay_v before_o all_o considerative_a man_n that_o both_o testament_n which_o foretell_v it_o proceed_v from_o the_o unerring_a spirit_n of_o omniscience_n or_o be_v there_o ever_o any_o parallel_a case_n to_o they_o to_o continue_v so_o many_o hundred_o year_n without_o any_o tie_v of_o national_a government_n and_o yet_o not_o to_o be_v lose_v in_o the_o crowd_n of_o the_o nation_n where_o so_o many_o mutation_n have_v happen_v nor_o at_o all_o like_o the_o ten_o tribe_n swallow_v up_o in_o their_o dispersion_n as_o wide_o as_o the_o universe_n i_o must_v not_o insist_v upon_o other_o permanent_a sign_n confirm_v the_o scriptural_a revelation_n as_o the_o case_n of_o the_o four_o monarchy_n the_o conversion_n of_o the_o gentile_n and_o many_o more_o foretell_v in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n which_o our_o age_n and_o other_o may_v see_v fulfil_v and_o therefore_o be_v under_o the_o conviction_n of_o this_o testimony_n equal_o i_o mean_v we_o of_o this_o and_o every_o age_n be_v under_o the_o conviction_n of_o that_o revelation_n which_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n have_v attest_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o because_o it_o have_v so_o attest_v as_o much_o as_o those_o who_o live_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o prophet_n or_o in_o the_o age_n of_o miracle_n for_o else_o i_o see_v not_o how_o abraham_n answer_n to_o dives_n be_v good_a nay_o certain_o posterity_n be_v better_a enable_v to_o judge_v of_o prophecy_n than_o the_o age_n in_o which_o it_o first_o appear_v and_o this_o after_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n shut_v up_o and_o universal_o receive_v render_v all_o new_a light_n and_o extraordinary_a inspiration_n not_o only_o suspect_v but_o perfect_o needless_a the_o design_n of_o my_o discourse_n be_v chief_o this_o to_o show_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n thus_o explain_v which_o so_o apparent_o run_v parallel_v to_o the_o whole_a line_n of_o scriptural_a revelation_n do_v most_o rational_o convince_v we_o and_o all_o age_n of_o the_o divine_a truth_n of_o that_o revelation_n and_o if_o so_o we_o gain_v two_o point_n not_o only_o of_o great_a advantage_n always_o but_o most_o needful_a at_o this_o day_n when_o christian_a religion_n be_v either_o look_v out_o of_o countenance_n by_o atheism_n and_o scepticism_n or_o look_v itself_o we_o know_v not_o whither_o by_o the_o distortion_n of_o popery_n and_o phanaticism_n the_o first_o point_n we_o gain_v be_v to_o confirm_v our_o christian_a faith_n in_o general_n upon_o most_o rational_a and_o accountable_a ground_n that_o it_o may_v endure_v the_o concussion_n and_o mutation_n of_o the_o world_n the_o second_o be_v to_o confirm_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o particular_a as_o our_o sure_a rule_n both_o of_o faith_n and_o duty_n for_o if_o we_o confess_v as_o can_v be_v deny_v till_o some_o other_o be_v produce_v as_o able_a that_o the_o divine_a spirit_n be_v author_n of_o the_o prediction_n in_o scripture_n what_o reason_n can_v we_o have_v against_o the_o institution_n of_o life_n reveal_v it_o be_v in_o all_o man_n allowance_n unreasonable_o unjust_a to_o allow_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o record_n in_o one_o part_n that_o it_o declare_v and_o not_o in_o another_o unless_o we_o can_v better_a than_o by_o bold_a affirm_v prove_v it_o in_o that_o part_n corrupt_v to_o draw_v these_o point_n out_o to_o the_o great_a advantage_n let_v i_o reflect_v upon_o this_o discourse_n and_o infer_v three_o thing_n first_o that_o the_o great_a design_n of_o our_o merciful_a creator_n in_o give_v this_o testimony_n be_v man_n conviction_n in_o order_n to_o the_o faith_n i._n e._n the_o obedience_n of_o jesus_n for_o in_o its_o most_o plentiful_a effusion_n and_o powerful_a operation_n this_o be_v its_o first_o grand_a end_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o shall_v convince_v the_o world_n john_n 16._o 18._o which_o when_o it_o have_v do_v the_o revelation_n itself_o become_v the_o undoubted_a rule_n as_o to_o believer_n but_o they_o who_o disbelieve_v the_o whole_a revelation_n be_v principal_o to_o be_v convince_v by_o this_o testimony_n which_o i_o have_v assert_v to_o be_v most_o demonstrative_a and_o satisfactory_a and_o such_o sure_o our_o saviour_n think_v it_o himself_o i_o have_v tell_v you_o before_o that_o when_o it_o be_v come_v to_o pass_v you_o may_v believe_v joh._n 13._o 19_o and_o 16._o 4._o whether_o then_o the_o unbeliever_n who_o pretend_v to_o a_o primogeniture_n in_o wit_n and_o reason_n have_v this_o conviction_n offer_v they_o under_o all_o the_o advantage_n of_o prediction_n fulfil_v more_o than_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n have_v as_o the_o atheist_n and_o sceptic_n of_o our_o age_n may_v not_o by_o ascribe_v all_o to_o a_o cheat_n sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o well_o as_o they_o in_o matt._n 12._o be_v a_o question_n i_o will_v not_o absolute_o determine_v in_o the_o affirmative_a but_o ought_v not_o methinks_v to_o be_v carry_v in_o the_o negative_a so_o dogmatical_o as_o by_o the_o author_n of_o our_o age_n it_o have_v who_o lead_v i_o believe_v etc._n hales_n etc._n etc._n by_o their_o own_o native_a tenderness_n and_o benignity_n have_v conclude_v there_o be_v no_o meridian_n for_o that_o sin_n to_o appear_v in_o now_o the_o age_n of_o miracle_n be_v past_a to_o confirm_v the_o faith_n of_o jesus_n the_o spirit_n both_o of_o power_n and_o prophecy_n be_v give_v believer_n as_o the_o prophet_n and_o jesus_n foretell_v and_o the_o manifest_a effect_n of_o this_o remain_n unto_o