etc._n etc._n your_o god_n prove_v you_o the_o meaning_n be_v in_o matter_n of_o immorality_n the_o case_n be_v not_o to_o be_v try_v by_o the_o rule_n of_o sign_n but_o by_o the_o primary_n rule_n that_o of_o a_o former_a law_n whether_o in_o creation_n which_o we_o call_v natural_a religion_n or_o in_o some_o wellgrounded_n former_a revelation_n as_o this_o of_o moses_n be_v in_o respect_n of_o all_o follow_a prophet_n and_o so_o the_o gospel_n in_o respect_n of_o all_o new_a light_n etc._n etc._n for_o whatever_o have_v any_o intrinsical_v evil_a necessary_o adherent_a or_o repugnant_a to_o a_o former_a law_n sure_o believe_v to_o be_v divine_a whatever_o overthrow_v humanity_n the_o natural_a notion_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a truth_n and_o falsehood_n which_o be_v natural_a religion_n or_o the_o law_n of_o creation_n upon_o who_o bottom_n all_o supernatural_a stand_v let_v it_o pretend_v catholicism_n and_o infallibility_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n or_o spiritual_a giftedness_n and_o inspiration_n on_o the_o other_o it_o be_v certain_o not_o divine_a but_o diabolical_a though_o strengthen_v with_o sign_n and_o wonder_n and_o it_o be_v then_o man_n be_v give_v up_o to_o strong_a delusion_n to_o believe_v lie_n when_o through_o pretence_n of_o inspiration_n they_o have_v not_o receive_v the_o love_n of_o this_o truth_n but_o let_v go_v this_o grand_a and_o primary_n rule_v of_o trial_n for_o doubtless_o be_v the_o pretence_n of_o new_a revelation_n and_o inspiration_n examine_v close_o by_o this_o rule_n and_o observe_v how_o they_o overthrow_v natural_a religion_n or_o the_o plain_a maxim_n and_o duty_n of_o christian_n it_o will_v discover_v the_o imposture_n of_o popery_n fanaticism_n mahometism_n as_o well_o as_o gentilism_n but_o what_o pretend_v to_o prophetical_a revelation_n or_o to_o be_v god_n will_n be_v not_o peccant_a against_o this_o first_o rule_n and_o be_v confirm_v with_o sign_n or_o prediction_n fulfil_v must_v be_v allow_v to_o be_v divine_a as_o have_v the_o seal_n of_o god_n annex_v and_o no_o mark_n leave_v to_o discern_v the_o counterfeit_n by_o which_o be_v a_o case_n omnipotent_a and_o omniscient_a truth_n be_v concern_v to_o etc._n isai_n 44._o 25_o etc._n etc._n look_v to_o it_o will_v perhaps_o be_v demand_v if_o this_o be_v so_o how_o can_v the_o several_a age_n of_o the_o world_n make_v trial_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n in_o its_o testimony_n to_o jesus_n see_v they_o live_v not_o to_o see_v the_o predicted_a sign_n fulfil_v to_o which_o i_o answer_v they_o live_v to_o see_v and_o know_v other_o sign_n or_o prediction_n fulfil_v which_o the_o same_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n in_o connexion_n to_o the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n have_v foretell_v and_o that_o be_v sufficient_a ex._n gr_n the_o deluge_n be_v sign_n sufficient_a to_o noah_n and_o all_o his_o posterity_n till_o abraham_n day_n isaak'_v birth_n be_v so_o to_o abraham_n the_o egyptian_a bondage_n and_o delivery_n precise_o foretell_v to_o abraham_n be_v so_o to_o jacob_n and_o his_o posterity_n till_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n arise_v and_o then_o there_o want_v none_o till_o christ_n time_n as_o may_v be_v easy_o show_v so_o that_o in_o every_o age_n god_n submit_v to_o trial_n that_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n that_o give_v testimony_n to_o jesus_n by_o such_o event_n or_o prediction_n fulfil_v as_o peculiar_o concern_v the_o sight_n or_o experience_a knowledge_n of_o those_o age_n 7._o age_n nam_fw-la quae_fw-la melior_fw-la &_o validior_fw-la ratio_fw-la de_fw-la rebus_fw-la talibus_fw-la redditur_fw-la quà m_fw-la cum_fw-la omnipotens_fw-la ea_fw-la facere_fw-la perhibetur_fw-la &_o facturu_n dicitur_fw-la quae_fw-la praenunciasse_n ibi_fw-la legitur_fw-la ubi_fw-la alia_fw-la multa_fw-la praenunciaâ—it_fw-la quae_fw-la fecisse_fw-la monstratuâ—_n aug_n de_fw-fr civit._n lib._n 21._o cap._n 7._o and_o from_o hence_o it_o be_v reasonable_a they_o shall_v conclude_v that_o the_o same_o spirit_n will_v not_o miscarry_v in_o its_o testimony_n to_o jesus_n or_o the_o messiah_n promise_v and_o so_o particular_o decipher_v and_o this_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o patriarchal_a religion_n so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v supernatural_a i._n e._n of_o their_o 〈◊〉_d their_o 1_o pet._n 1._o 10_o 11_o 12._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d v._o 10._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n v._n 11._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n v._n 12._o where_o prediction_n and_o revelation_n be_v distinguish_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n for_o the_o revelation_n be_v v._o 12_o in_o the_o thing_n they_o minister_v or_o the_o same_o gospel_n to_o we_o and_o they_o heb._n 4._o 2._o the_o prediction_n be_v in_o testify_v beforehand_o v._o 11._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d faith_n as_o st._n paul_n call_v it_o heb._n 11._o from_o all_o which_o i_o hope_v i_o may_v conclude_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n in_o this_o sense_n be_v the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n as_o be_v that_o tally_n can_v not_o be_v counterfeit_v like_o the_o roman_a ancile_v by_o mamurrius_fw-la without_o discovery_n by_o the_o easy_a rule_n of_o trial_n whereas_o to_o i_o all_o the_o other_o testimony_n without_o this_o seem_v liable_a to_o it_o and_o i_o be_o persuade_v my_o freedom_n in_o say_v so_o will_v not_o be_v esteem_v impious_a by_o he_o that_o consider_v st._n peter_n have_v say_v as_o much_o before_o i_o who_o recognise_v the_o father_n voice_n which_o he_o himself_o hear_v on_o the_o holy_a mountain_n yet_o immediate_o subjoin_v we_o have_v also_o a_o more_o sure_a word_n 19_o 2_o pet._n 1._o 18._o 19_o of_o prophecy_n i._n e._n more_o sure_a than_o a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n for_o the_o question_n be_v not_o which_o be_v sure_a in_o itself_o the_o father_n voice_n on_o mount_n tabor_n or_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n in_o the_o scripture_n but_o which_o be_v sure_a unto_o we_o in_o the_o way_n of_o our_o discern_a the_o one_o i_o conceive_v can_v be_v counterfeit_v without_o discovery_n but_o may_v not_o the_o other_o for_o a_o voice_n in_o the_o air_n from_o a_o good_a angel_n have_v be_v hear_v why_o then_o not_o from_o a_o bad_a one_o we_o have_v no_o rule_n of_o trial_n that_o i_o know_v of_o for_o the_o one_o as_o i_o have_v show_v we_o have_v for_o the_o other_o therefore_o that_o other_o be_v sure_a to_o we_o and_o to_o evidence_n this_o further_a it_o be_v observable_a that_o the_o father_n witness_v refer_v to_o the_o son_n hear_v he_o and_o the_o 39_o matt._n 17._o 5._o joh._n 5._o 39_o son_n witness_v refer_v to_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n search_v the_o scripture_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d they_o be_v they_o that_o testify_v of_o i_o which_o be_v as_o much_o as_o i_o affirm_v from_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o text_n the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n be_v eminent_o the_o testimony_n so_o that_o of_o the_o three_o that_o bear_v record_n in_o heaven_n to_o we_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n be_v the_o test_n of_o the_o other_o as_o be_v that_o which_o can_v be_v counterfeit_v but_o may_v be_v discover_v by_o the_o easy_a rule_n of_o trial_n and_o as_o for_o those_o three_o on_o earth_n the_o spirit_n the_o water_n and_o the_o blood_n i._n e._n as_o they_o be_v general_o interpret_v christ_n miracle_n wrought_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o power_n his_o holiness_n and_o purity_n denote_v by_o the_o water_n and_o his_o constancy_n to_o death_n imply_v by_o the_o blood_n it_o may_v well_o be_v scruple_v whether_o they_o may_v not_o all_o be_v so_o far_o counterfeit_v that_o without_o other_o consideration_n they_o may_v not_o always_o by_o we_o be_v discern_v whether_o they_o attest_v a_o divine_a revelation_n or_o imposture_n for_o first_o holiness_n and_o purity_n be_v a_o garb_n hypocrite_n may_v put_v on_o so_o artificial_o that_o it_o may_v not_o be_v in_o our_o power_n to_o detect_v it_o second_o constancy_n to_o death_n be_v but_o what_o a_o strong_a delusion_n may_v animate_v a_o man_n to_o if_o it_o be_v but_o of_o the_o right_a roman_a temper_n and_o jesuitical_a metal_n which_o the_o instance_n of_o our_o age_n sure_o have_v evince_v three_o the_o spirit_n of_o power_n i._n e._n miracle_n though_o i_o grant_v a_o divine_a testimony_n in_o itself_o yet_o may_v not_o always_o be_v so_o to_o we_o because_o not_o subject_v to_o such_o easy_a rule_n of_o trial_n as_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n be_v for_o how_o far_o sensible_a nature_n may_v be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o art_n or_o the_o agency_n of_o evil_a spirit_n who_o be_v so_o skilful_a as_o to_o determine_v the_o most_o that_o may_v be_v and_o the_o least_o that_o be_v so_o that_o a_o beholder_n may_v be_v at_o a_o loss_n betwixt_o a_o true_a miracle_n and_o a_o lie_a wonder_n and_o not_o know_v who_o to_o believe_v moses_n or_o the_o magician_n till_o one_o party_n quit_v the_o field_n and_o confess_v 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
eutychianus_n whether_o it_o be_v oraculum_fw-la daemonum_fw-la aut_fw-la figmentum_fw-la hominum_fw-la he_o assure_v we_o not_o to_o i_o it_o seem_v ground_v on_o some_o opinion_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n concern_v antichrist_n appearance_n but_o how_o miserable_o it_o fail_v st._n austin_n observe_v that_o in_o the_o very_a year_n gaudentius_n and_o jovius_n overthrow_v the_o temple_n of_o the_o heathen_a god_n in_o cartage_n et_fw-la plurimi_fw-la christiani_n facti_fw-la qui_fw-la tanquam_fw-la verâ_fw-la illâ_fw-la divinatione_fw-la revocabantur_fw-la à _fw-la fide_fw-la postquam_fw-la eam_fw-la completo_fw-la eodem_fw-la annorum_fw-la numero_fw-la inanem_fw-la irridendamque_fw-la viderunt_fw-la de_fw-fr civet_fw-la lib._n 18._o cap._n 54._o the_o papal_a or_o mahometan_n under_o the_o character_n of_o a_o divine_a institution_n for_o certain_o this_o he_o will_v have_v do_v have_v not_o the_o ability_n of_o his_o own_o spirit_n fail_v he_o both_z as_o to_o the_o certainty_n and_o distance_n of_o such_o a_o contingency_n because_o nothing_o imaginable_a can_v have_v bruise_v the_o heel_n of_o the_o woman_n seed_n so_o dangerous_o confirm_v gentile_a idolatry_n and_o staggare_v the_o faith_n of_o mankind_n so_o effectual_o as_o this_o by_o confront_v a_o testimony_n for_o antichrist_n out_o of_o the_o heathen_a oracle_n as_o good_a as_o that_o for_o christ_n out_o of_o the_o old_a testament_n prophecy_n and_o therefore_o all_o that_o the_o serpent_n can_v do_v in_o this_o matter_n be_v to_o play_v the_o aftergame_n as_o subtle_o as_o may_v be_v and_o inspire_v mahomet_n when_o he_o find_v he_o enthusiastic_a and_o among_o a_o people_n fit_a for_o delusion_n and_o so_o to_o club_n to_o perfect_v the_o imposture_n or_o else_o to_o transform_v himself_o into_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n the_o only_a way_n to_o mischief_n the_o christian_a church_n as_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n do_v himself_o into_o the_o catholic_n or_o a_o jesuit_n himself_o into_o a_o christian_a or_o a_o quaker_n himself_o into_o a_o man_n of_o perfection_n and_o because_o i_o may_v not_o scan_v every_o object_v instance_n in_o heathen_a divination_n i_o shall_v in_o general_a only_o say_v that_o who_o so_o affirm_v any_o other_o than_o the_o divine_a can_v be_v the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n seem_v to_o suffrage_n with_o they_o that_o blaspheme_v against_o he_o in_o leave_v no_o distinctive_a character_n to_o discern_v the_o holy_a spirit_n by_o and_o so_o may_v ascribe_v to_o beelzebub_n what_o be_v the_o divine_a spirit_n be_v prerogative_n and_o i_o call_v this_o of_o prediction_n the_o divine_a spirit_n be_v prerogative_n because_o god_n in_o the_o prophet_n put_v all_o other_o diviner_n upon_o this_o test_n isa_n 41._o 21_o etc._n etc._n produce_v your_o cause_n say_v the_o lord_n bring_v forth_o your_o strong_a reason_n say_v the_o king_n of_o jacob._n let_v they_o bring_v they_o forth_o and_o show_v we_o 7._o see_v isa_n 47._o 3_o 4_o 5_o 6_o 7._o what_o shall_v happen_v let_v they_o show_v the_o former_a thing_n what_o they_o be_v that_o we_o may_v consider_v they_o and_o know_v the_o latter_a end_n of_o they_o or_o declare_v we_o thing_n for_o to_o come_v show_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v to_o come_v hereafter_o that_o we_o may_v know_v that_o you_o be_v god_n allow_v then_o that_o the_o sphere_n of_o jesus_n interest_n be_v as_o large_a as_o the_o concern_v of_o his_o church_n in_o all_o age_n the_o prophecy_n of_o enoch_n noah_n jacob_n and_o other_o before_o his_o incarnation_n or_o of_o agabus_n st._n john_n and_z other_o after_o it_o make_v no_o objection_n against_o this_o truth_n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n be_v the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n and_o nonce_n else_o so_o that_o no_o cause_n distinct_a or_o opposite_a to_o he_o can_v produce_v it_o all_o divine_a revelation_n centre_v in_o he_o to_o which_o give_v all_o the_o 43._o act._n 10._o 43._o prophet_n witness_n it_o be_v theresore_n call_v the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o prophet_n 1_o pet._n 1._o 11._o and_o it_o be_v observable_a when_o this_o divine_a spirit_n be_v to_o convince_v the_o world_n of_o sin_n for_o not_o believe_v it_o silence_v all_o the_o oracle_n in_o the_o world_n both_o true_a and_o false_a i_o mean_v both_o jewish_a and_o heathen_a 19_o act_n 16._o 16_o 17._o 19_o 16_o 19_o which_o may_v be_v make_v use_n of_o in_o opposition_n to_o the_o gospel_n and_o that_o be_v my_o first_o observation_n it_o be_v the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n i._n e._n peculiarly_a and_o nonce_n else_o second_o it_o be_v not_o the_o person_n employ_v man_n or_o angel_n on_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 not_o only_o as_o reveal_v god_n mind_n but_o as_o predict_v to_o confirm_v the_o revelation_n i._n e._n it_o be_v the_o testimony_n of_o omniscient_a veracity_n or_o of_o the_o prime_a verity_n for_o nothing_o can_v furnish_v out_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n but_o a_o science_n and_o truth_n that_o be_v indefectible_a and_o infinite_a for_o the_o account_n of_o certainty_n in_o the_o divine_a prescience_n as_o to_o contingency_n and_o the_o product_n of_o liberty_n must_v not_o be_v resolve_v into_o the_o decree_n as_o if_o god_n certain_o foreknow_v this_o will_v be_v the_o product_n of_o liberty_n therefore_o because_o he_o decree_v it_o for_o the_o decree_n make_v all_o contingency_n equal_o possible_a unless_o we_o introduce_v fatality_n but_o the_o certainty_n of_o prescience_n must_v be_v resolve_v sole_o into_o the_o infinity_o of_o science_n there_o be_v no_o search_v of_o his_o understanding_n isa_n 40._o 28._o so_o then_o whether_o it_o be_v man_n or_o angel_n that_o be_v act_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n whether_o moses_n or_o balaam_n simeon_n or_o caiphas_n it_o matter_n not_o contrary_a to_o maimonides_n rule_n about_o qualification_n the_o testimony_n be_v the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n the_o attestation_n to_o the_o revelation_n be_v make_v by_o the_o prime_a verity_n and_o the_o force_n lie_v in_o the_o presumptive_a truth_n of_o nature_n concession_n what_o god_n say_v be_v true_a or_o as_o st._n john_n express_v it_o if_o we_o receive_v the_o witness_n of_o man_n the_o witness_n of_o god_n be_v great_a 1_o joh._n 5._o 9_o for_o all_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n be_v true_a or_o false_a as_o they_o have_v or_o want_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o etc._n the_o thus_o the_o sun_n evidence_v itself_o by_o its_o own_o light_n and_o all_o other_o thing_n visible_a by_o that_o illustration_n of_o light_n it_o lend_v they_o either_o transient_o as_o to_o the_o air_n or_o permanent_o as_o to_o some_o precious_a stone_n etc._n etc._n prime_a verity_n whether_o that_o verity_n record_v its_o testimony_n in_o the_o settle_a law_n and_o volume_n of_o nature_n upon_o which_o the_o study_n of_o philosophy_n and_o all_o secular_a knowledge_n depend_v or_o in_o the_o prescript_n of_o revelation_n call_v for_o distinction_n sake_n supernatural_a knowledge_n i._n e._n therefore_o this_o or_o that_o knowledge_n be_v true_a in_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n because_o their_o cause_n and_o effect_n be_v apprehend_v as_o the_o first_o cause_n and_o the_o divine_a truth_n do_v constitute_v they_o and_o so_o in_o revelation_n this_o or_o that_o create_a knowledge_n and_o judgement_n be_v true_a or_o false_a which_o apprehend_v it_o according_a to_o the_o word_n and_o meaning_n of_o the_o first_o revealer_n or_o otherwise_o we_o see_v this_o in_o humane_a affair_n where_o the_o grand_a decision_n of_o truth_n depend_v entire_o upon_o a_o oath_n and_o therefore_o upon_o a_o oath_n because_o a_o oath_n be_v the_o attestation_n or_o appeal_v to_o the_o prime_a verity_n which_o testimony_n upon_o oath_n be_v ever_o esteem_v most_o sacred_a till_o the_o licentious_a and_o atheistical_a profaneness_n of_o our_o swear_v age_n assay_v to_o unhallow_a and_o make_v it_o common_a therefore_o it_o must_v follow_v that_o whatever_o be_v attest_v by_o the_o prime_a verity_n itself_o be_v true_a without_o any_o other_o or_o against_o any_o other_o contrary_a evidence_n and_o it_o be_v this_o that_o render_v the_o faith_n of_o christian_a mystery_n reasonable_a now_o the_o declaration_n or_o revelation_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n self-evident_o appear_v to_o proceed_v from_o the_o prime_a verity_n because_o no_o knowledge_n but_o the_o divine_a and_o infinite_a can_v reach_v the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n i._n e._n can_v confirm_v revelation_n by_o certain_a prediction_n and_o if_o i_o mistake_v not_o this_o wound_v the_o leviathan_n who_o have_v take_v his_o pastime_n in_o these_o water_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n and_o may_v show_v he_o that_o divine_a faith_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v resolve_v into_o divine_a truth_n that_o so_o its_o certainty_n may_v be_v steadfast_a as_o any_o knowledge_n in_o the_o world_n for_o whosoever_o may_v minister_v to_o this_o faith_n its_o reliance_n must_v be_v upon_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