flesh_n only_o it_o teach_v we_o to_o distinguish_v between_o the_o affection_n and_o the_o frailty_n of_o they_o which_o if_o we_o do_v in_o the_o case_n now_o before_o we_o we_o â—hall_v find_v it_o not_o impossible_a to_o conceive_v how_o compassion_n remain_v with_o he_o in_o glory_n for_o as_o to_o the_o nature_n and_o essence_n of_o it_o it_o be_v we_o know_v little_a or_o nothing_o eâ—se_v but_o a_o motion_n of_o the_o appetite_n follow_v the_o apprehension_n of_o another_o evil_n as_o for_o that_o grief_n and_o sorrow_n which_o in_o this_o life_n do_v sometime_o follow_v it_o it_o be_v no_o way_n essential_a to_o it_o for_o they_o who_o be_v most_o generous_a and_o passion_n have_v the_o great_a spirit_n so_o that_o they_o fear_v not_o any_o evil_n to_o themselves_o and_o hold_v themselves_o above_o the_o power_n of_o fortune_n be_v not_o exempt_v from_o compassion_n 1â—7_n when_o they_o sâ—e_v the_o infirmity_n of_o other_o man_n and_o hear_v their_o complaint_n for_o it_o be_v a_o part_n of_o generosity_n to_o bear_v good_a will_n to_o every_o man_n but_o the_o sadness_n of_o this_o pity_n be_v not_o bitter_a and_o if_o not_o bitter_a then_o sure_o not_o grievous_a and_o if_o so_o then_o grief_n be_v not_o essential_a to_o compassion_n yea_o it_o seem_v so_o fâ—r_n may_v it_o be_v from_o be_v grievous_a as_o that_o it_o may_v be_v rather_o joyous_a for_o we_o take_v a_o delight_n to_o feel_v passion_n excite_v in_o we_o and_o this_o delight_n be_v a_o intellectual_a joy_n which_o may_v ideâ—â—_n spring_v as_o well_o from_o sadness_n as_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o passion_n 147._o why_o then_o shall_v it_o seem_v strange_a to_o any_o one_o that_o the_o heart_n of_o christ_n in_o glory_n shall_v be_v touch_v with_o a_o feel_n of_o our_o infirmity_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o such_o frailty_n of_o affection_n as_o be_v a_o disturbance_n to_o the_o joy_n of_o his_o soul_n or_o a_o impediment_n to_o either_o of_o the_o beatific_a qualification_n of_o his_o body_n be_v not_o to_o be_v think_v to_o remain_v with_o he_o yet_o since_o our_o faith_n assure_v we_o that_o our_o bless_a saviour_n now_o fit_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n in_o that_o very_a same_o body_n which_o be_v crucify_a at_o jerusalem_n our_o reason_n tell_v we_o that_o it_o have_v true_a humane_a blood_n run_v in_o its_o vein_n and_o artery_n as_o former_o it_o have_v and_o this_o blood_n and_o spirit_n by_o their_o motion_n may_v affect_v his_o heart_n with_o pity_n and_o compassion_n on_o we_o and_o that_o without_o any_o the_o least_o diminution_n of_o his_o joy_n and_o glory_n or_o impair_v to_o his_o body_n by_o weaken_v themselves_o for_o his_o body_n be_v now_o a_o spiritual_a body_n it_o live_v not_o in_o glory_n as_o former_o it_o do_v and_o we_o do_v here_o on_o earth_n viz._n by_o meat_n and_o drink_v produce_v out_o of_o corruptible_a element_n but_o by_o the_o immediate_a sustentation_n of_o the_o spirit_n so_o that_o the_o support_n of_o his_o life_n and_o joy_n be_v alter_v the_o same_o affection_n of_o pity_n and_o compassion_n may_v be_v in_o he_o still_o which_o be_v in_o he_o heretofore_o yet_o without_o cause_v the_o least_o degree_n of_o grief_n in_o his_o soul_n or_o of_o obstruction_n to_o the_o vital_a motion_n of_o the_o heart_n in_o his_o body_n as_o it_o former_o do_v in_o he_o and_o still_o do_v in_o we_o here_o on_o earth_n we_o may_v conceive_v that_o thus_o it_o may_v be_v and_o forasmuch_o as_o it_o be_v plain_o reveal_v that_o notwithstanding_o his_o exaltation_n above_o we_o he_o do_v still_o sympathize_v with_o we_o it_o be_v at_o least_o probable_a that_o thus_o it_o be_v but_o whether_o it_o be_v or_o no_o be_v not_o material_a our_o curiosity_n shall_v give_v way_n to_o our_o faith_n and_o let_v it_o so_o triumph_v over_o all_o its_o objection_n as_o that_o since_o it_o be_v reveal_v we_o shall_v firm_o believe_v that_o in_o that_o christ_n have_v suffer_v be_v tempt_v he_o be_v able_a i._n e._n out_o of_o pity_n and_o compassion_n dispose_v or_o of_o his_o own_o will_n incline_v to_o succour_v they_o that_o be_v tempt_v i._n e._n to_o afford_v they_o grace_n and_o mercy_n to_o help_v in_o time_n of_o need_n hereby_o than_o it_o appear_v that_o he_o be_v able_a to_o save_v to_o the_o uttermost_a they_o that_o come_v to_o god_n by_o he_o have_v he_o only_o conquer_v the_o devil_n and_o make_v atonement_n to_o god_n for_o we_o and_o so_o leave_v we_o to_o work_v out_o our_o salvation_n with_o only_a our_o own_o strength_n we_o shall_v certain_o have_v relapse_v into_o the_o state_n of_o nature_n after_o the_o fall_n but_o since_o he_o have_v not_o only_o conquer_v the_o devil_n and_o make_v atonement_n to_o god_n but_o also_o ever_o live_v to_o make_v intercession_n for_o we_o to_o afford_v succour_n and_o assistance_n to_o we_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o he_o have_v most_o complete_o redeem_a we_o nothing_n now_o be_v want_v to_o our_o deliverance_n and_o salvation_n but_o our_o own_o acceptance_n of_o what_o he_o have_v do_v for_o we_o and_o submission_n to_o the_o direction_n which_o he_o by_o his_o command_n be_v please_v to_o give_v we_o and_o hereunto_o we_o be_v undoubted_o oblige_v by_o what_o he_o have_v do_v for_o we_o for_o a_o obligation_n according_a to_o the_o definition_n that_o civilian_n give_v of_o it_o be_v little_a or_o nothing_o else_o but_o a_o bond_n of_o the_o law_n whereby_o one_o be_v bind_v to_o pay_v what_o he_o owe_v which_o definition_n if_o it_o be_v not_o restrain_v to_o the_o law_n of_o man_n but_o extend_v to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o nature_n may_v be_v commodious_a enough_o for_o the_o explication_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o appertain_v to_o the_o internal_a court_n of_o conscience_n as_o well_o as_o of_o those_o that_o belong_v to_o the_o court_n of_o church_n or_o state_n and_o forasmuch_o as_o all_o obligation_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o very_a definition_n of_o it_o take_v its_o original_a from_o some_o law_n and_o there_o be_v a_o twofold_a law_n the_o one_o divine_a and_o natural_a the_o other_o civil_a and_o humane_a there_o must_v also_o be_v a_o twofold_a obligation_n the_o one_o natural_a which_o by_o force_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n i._n e._n of_o god_n law_n oblige_v in_o the_o court_n of_o conscience_n the_o other_o civil_a which_o by_o force_n of_o man_n law_n bind_v external_o in_o ecclesiastical_a court_n or_o court_n of_o civil_a jurisdiction_n at_o present_a i_o have_v nothing_o to_o 11._o do_v with_o the_o latter_a but_o only_o with_o the_o former_a viz._n the_o obligation_n that_o arise_v on_o man_n from_o the_o law_n of_o god_n or_o of_o nature_n and_o this_o again_o seem_v to_o be_v twofold_a the_o one_o we_o may_v call_v a_o obligation_n of_o authority_n the_o other_o of_o goodness_n the_o first_o arise_v from_o the_o sovereignty_n or_o dominion_n of_o god_n the_o second_o from_o his_o beneficence_n or_o goodness_n they_o both_o make_v it_o our_o duty_n to_o keep_v his_o commandment_n the_o one_o because_o of_o his_o most_o just_a authority_n and_o dominion_n over_o we_o the_o other_o because_o of_o his_o great_a goodness_n bounty_n and_o beneficence_n towards_o we_o now_o both_o these_o obligation_n be_v lay_v upon_o we_o by_o the_o redemption_n which_o our_o bless_a lord_n jesus_n have_v wrought_v out_o for_o we_o for_o christ_n as_o we_o have_v see_v redeem_v we_o by_o force_n he_o conquer_v the_o devil_n cancel_v his_o claim_n to_o we_o and_o have_v so_o far_o take_v we_o out_o of_o his_o hand_n into_o his_o own_o custody_n as_o that_o he_o can_v approach_v to_o hurt_v we_o but_o by_o his_o permission_n so_o that_o we_o may_v be_v save_v if_o we_o will_v in_o despite_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o all_o his_o work_n it_o be_v not_o in_o his_o power_n to_o hinder_v it_o he_o can_v take_v we_o out_o of_o christ_n hand_n but_o by_o our_o own_o voluntary_a revolt_n and_o backslide_n to_o he_o the_o captain_n of_o our_o salvation_n hâ—th_v rescue_v we_o out_o of_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n and_o if_o we_o do_v not_o run_v away_o from_o he_o by_o infidelity_n or_o disobedience_n he_o will_v keep_v we_o through_o faith_n unto_o salvation_n and_o the_o devil_n and_o the_o world_n yea_o a_o whole_a world_n of_o devil_n shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o help_v it_o take_v therefore_o it_o be_v certain_a we_o be_v and_o keep_v also_o by_o the_o force_n of_o arm_n or_o in_o war_n from_o the_o devil_n and_o since_o as_o we_o have_v already_o observe_v out_o of_o grotius_n all_o that_o be_v so_o take_v by_o the_o law_n of_o nation_n be_v servant_n to_o they_o that_o so_o take_v they_o it_o follow_v that_o we_o be_v so_o to_o he_o by_o his_o redemption_n therefore_o
these_o qualification_n as_o we_o have_v also_o see_v take_v away_o all_o cause_n of_o suspicion_n that_o the_o prophet_n either_o be_v deceive_v or_o have_v a_o design_n to_o deceive_v other_o in_o their_o prophecy_n and_o beside_o that_o either_o by_o prediction_n or_o miracle_n they_o give_v such_o evidence_n of_o a_o prophetic_a spirit_n as_o can_v possible_o come_v from_o none_o but_o god_n and_o therefore_o in_o motive_n of_o credibility_n a_o word_n of_o prophecy_n do_v far_o exceed_v a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n because_o for_o aught_o we_o know_v the_o prince_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o air_n may_v deceive_v we_o with_o something_o like_o it_o or_o the_o pretend_a hearer_n of_o it_o be_v it_o may_v be_v themselves_o deceive_v or_o have_v a_o design_n to_o deceive_v other_o since_o than_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n as_o we_o have_v large_o prove_v be_v a_o sort_n of_o prophet_n that_o most_o eminent_o have_v all_o the_o qualification_n requisite_a to_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n and_o both_o by_o prediction_n and_o miracle_n give_v thâ—_n clear_a evidence_n that_o ever_o the_o world_n have_v of_o it_o we_o have_v the_o high_a reason_n whereof_o a_o revelation_n be_v capable_a most_o firm_o to_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n that_o they_o have_v teach_v we_o what_o though_o the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n be_v as_o without_o controversy_n it_o be_v very_o great_a yet_o the_o theist_n of_o our_o age_n have_v no_o reason_n on_o that_o account_n to_o disbelieve_v it_o for_o though_o perhaps_o it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o expect_v that_o our_o religion_n shall_v befriend_v our_o reason_n yet_o not_o so_o far_o as_o to_o make_v it_o the_o rule_n and_o measure_n of_o divine_a revelation_n the_o reason_n be_v because_o the_o divine_a intellect_n be_v infinite_a and_o we_o finite_a although_o therefore_o without_o a_o experiment_n or_o other_o demonstration_n there_o seem_v to_o be_v no_o obligation_n on_o we_o firm_o to_o assent_v to_o any_o thing_n in_o philosophy_n yet_o be_v we_o not_o permit_v to_o be_v such_o virtuosâ—_n in_o religion_n the_o reason_n be_v because_o thing_n in_o themselves_o uncapable_a of_o a_o demonstration_n be_v reveal_v with_o a_o command_n to_o believe_v and_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o make_v they_o a_o râ—morâ—_n to_o our_o belief_n for_o as_o after_o all_o our_o search_n into_o nature_n and_o great_a discovery_n of_o thing_n therein_o we_o be_v force_v to_o confess_v there_o may_v be_v more_o in_o her_o dark_a bosom_n than_o we_o can_v discover_v and_o we_o on_o that_o account_n have_v no_o reason_n to_o deny_v the_o be_v of_o nature_n so_o also_o in_o thing_n reveal_v if_o after_o all_o our_o hard_a study_n we_o can_v comprehend_v they_o we_o thereupon_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o deny_v the_o be_v of_o they_o because_o god_n who_o have_v make_v may_v also_o reveal_v thing_n that_o pass_v our_o understanding_n if_o therefore_o there_o be_v evidence_n sufficient_a to_o convince_v the_o understanding_n as_o in_o the_o case_n now_o before_o we_o there_o be_v that_o the_o revelation_n come_v from_o god_n there_o be_v no_o reason_n on_o the_o account_n of_o its_o mystery_n to_o reject_v it_o and_o indeed_o the_o mystery_n of_o christianity_n be_v so_o far_o from_o give_v just_a occasion_n of_o unbelief_n as_o that_o they_o be_v apt_a to_o strengthen_v our_o faith_n in_o it_o for_o the_o gospel_n teach_v we_o to_o glorify_v god_n in_o 20._o our_o spirit_n as_o well_o as_o body_n it_o be_v very_o reasonable_a and_o convenient_a that_o it_o shall_v require_v we_o to_o honour_v he_o by_o the_o submission_n of_o our_o understanding_n to_o indemonstrable_v revelation_n as_o well_o as_o by_o the_o obedience_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o life_n unto_o his_o law_n and_o therefore_o as_o it_o be_v fit_v for_o we_o to_o obey_v the_o divine_a law_n though_o our_o will_n reluct_v never_o so_o much_o against_o it_o so_o also_o be_v it_o for_o we_o to_o believe_v whatever_o god_n have_v reveal_v think_v never_o so_o improbable_a to_o our_o understanding_n for_o unless_o we_o do_v so_o we_o shall_v undoubted_o fall_v short_a of_o our_o duty_n which_o in_o this_o case_n without_o dispute_n be_v to_o tread_v in_o the_o step_n of_o our_o father_n abraham_n who_o give_v glory_n to_o god_n by_o be_v so_o strong_a in_o faith_n as_o to_o believe_v that_o that_o be_v impossible_a in_o nature_n and_o therefore_o incredible_a unto_o reason_n if_o we_o will_v believe_v no_o more_o than_o what_o we_o can_v demonstrate_v to_o be_v true_a our_o assent_n be_v not_o faith_n but_o science_n for_o it_o be_v not_o build_v upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o god_n testimony_n but_o on_o demonstration_n from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n testify_v and_o so_o it_o honour_v not_o god_n at_o all_o because_o it_o receive_v not_o the_o truth_n for_o his_o sake_n but_o he_o for_o the_o truth_n sake_n and_o so_o it_o pay_v no_o respect_n to_o his_o word_n but_o only_o to_o our_o own_o ratiocination_n but_o forasmuch_o as_o the_o mind_n assent_v to_o testimony_n as_o well_o as_o reason_n and_o the_o divine_a prerogative_n extend_v itself_o to_o the_o whole_a man_n that_o religion_n that_o become_v god_n and_o it_o be_v suitable_a to_o man_n must_v have_v something_o in_o it_o to_o exercise_v this_o his_o innate_a power_n about_o and_o for_o this_o cause_n the_o mystery_n of_o christianity_n ought_v to_o be_v look_v on_o as_o a_o motive_n to_o believe_v rather_o than_o to_o reject_v it_o for_o be_v there_o no_o mystery_n in_o it_o we_o shall_v have_v some_o reason_n to_o entertain_v a_o temptation_n to_o think_v that_o it_o be_v not_o of_o god_n because_o whatsoever_o else_o we_o be_v assure_v there_o be_v have_v something_o in_o it_o that_o exceed_v the_o reach_n of_o our_o reason_n yea_o and_o conjecture_n too_o for_o if_o we_o contemplate_v the_o work_n of_o creation_n thing_n that_o we_o daily_o see_v and_o handle_v which_o â—eem_v to_o lie_v level_a with_o our_o understanding_n yet_o after_o our_o most_o accurate_a researche_n into_o their_o nature_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o the_o most_o pierce_a judgement_n or_o profound_a reason_n be_v not_o able_a to_o solve_v all_o the_o phaenomena_n or_o attain_v to_o a_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o they_o and_o who_o be_v there_o that_o observe_v well_o the_o dispensation_n of_o divine_a providence_n but_o may_v therein_o find_v such_o riddle_n as_o his_o reason_n can_v unfold_v such_o mystery_n as_o baffle_v his_o understanding_n and_o confound_v his_o curiosity_n in_o his_o inquire_n after_o the_o cause_n of_o they_o the_o end_n and_o reason_n of_o god_n proceed_n with_o man_n although_o always_o most_o just_a and_o righteous_a yet_o very_o often_o be_v so_o secret_a and_o hide_a as_o that_o they_o convince_v we_o his_o judgement_n be_v unsearchable_a and_o his_o way_n past_o find_v out_o and_o from_o the_o work_n of_o creation_n and_o providence_n result_v a_o natural_a religion_n the_o chief_a principle_n whereof_o we_o know_v be_v that_o there_o be_v a_o be_v infinite_a in_o all_o perfection_n this_o be_v the_o dictate_v of_o reason_n as_o well_o as_o conscience_n yet_o reason_n can_v fathom_v the_o depth_n of_o it_o for_o it_o have_v only_o a_o negative_a conception_n of_o infinity_o and_o whatever_o there_o be_v that_o it_o have_v no_o conception_n of_o do_v undoubted_o surpass_v its_o reach_n and_o comprehension_n so_o that_o natural_a theology_n as_o well_o as_o reveal_v have_v its_o mystery_n if_o therefore_o christianity_n have_v none_o how_o unlike_a will_v it_o be_v to_o all_o thing_n else_o in_o the_o world_n that_o have_v god_n for_o their_o author_n how_o just_a a_o prejudice_n will_v this_o be_v to_o the_o reception_n of_o it_o as_o divine_a truth_n and_o revelation_n who_o will_v believe_v it_o to_o be_v of_o god_n when_o he_o see_v nothing_o that_o surpass_v man_n in_o it_o how_o decent_a then_o and_o useful_a be_v the_o mystery_n of_o christianity_n since_o they_o make_v it_o like_v to_o all_o thing_n else_o of_o god_n make_v they_o beautify_v and_o adorn_v it_o with_o fair_a character_n than_o otherwise_o it_o will_v have_v of_o god_n image_n on_o it_o and_o the_o fair_a the_o character_n of_o his_o image_n be_v upon_o it_o the_o more_o legible_a be_v his_o truth_n in_o it_o for_o infiniteness_n of_o truth_n be_v inseparable_a from_o right_a reason_n idea_n of_o deity_n and_o where_o there_o be_v infiniteness_n of_o truth_n there_o be_v no_o possibility_n of_o a_o lie_n mistake_v or_o deceit_n and_o where_o these_o be_v exclude_v there_o be_v no_o room_n for_o hesitance_n or_o doubt_v but_o the_o strong_a reason_n imaginable_a to_o believe_v since_o therefore_o our_o christian_a faith_n have_v the_o impression_n of_o god_n image_n on_o it_o and_o the_o word_n of_o prophecy_n reveal_v it_o it_o be_v most_o high_o reasonable_a to_o believe_v it_o sect._n 5._o
argument_n into_o this_o form_n and_o the_o strength_n of_o it_o will_v be_v evident_a those_o who_o god_n employ_v to_o prophesy_v be_v fellow_n servant_n but_o you_o and_o your_o brethren_n the_o apostle_n as_o well_o as_o i_o god_n employ_v to_o prophesy_v therefore_o we_o be_v fellow-servant_n st._n john_n can_v make_v a_o doubt_n of_o nothing_o in_o this_o argument_n but_o the_o assumption_n whether_o he_o and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v send_v to_o prophesy_v yes_o say_v the_o angel_n that_o you_o be_v for_o the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n be_v the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n hereby_o to_o i_o it_o seem_v apparent_a that_o the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n here_o signify_v that_o which_o the_o apostle_n give_v unto_o he_o and_o will_v you_o know_v why_o this_o be_v call_v the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n not_o of_o the_o apostle_n concern_v he_o then_o observe_v that_o this_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n may_v be_v consider_v two_o way_n viz._n strictly_n or_o large_o if_o abstract_o or_o strict_o in_o itself_o than_o it_o be_v little_a or_o nothing_o else_o but_o the_o record_n they_o give_v of_o christ_n or_o the_o doctrine_n they_o teach_v concern_v he_o and_o this_o be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n because_o he_o be_v the_o principal_a thing_n it_o treat_v of_o but_o if_o it_o be_v consider_v large_o it_o comprehend_v not_o only_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n concern_v christ_n but_o also_o the_o strength_n power_n and_o authority_n whereby_o they_o teach_v it_o thus_o consider_v it_o be_v the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n not_o only_o because_o they_o give_v it_o to_o he_o but_o also_o because_o they_o receive_v it_o from_o he_o for_o he_o give_v they_o not_o only_o command_v 15._o to_o bear_v this_o witness_n of_o he_o i._n e._n to_o go_v into_o all_o the_o world_n and_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o every_o creature_n but_o also_o strength_n and_o power_n so_o to_o do_v for_o he_o first_o 45._o open_v their_o understand_n that_o they_o shall_v understand_v the_o scripture_n and_o afterward_o he_o endue_v they_o with_o power_n from_o on_o high_a by_o send_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o father_n i._n e._n the_o spirit_n upon_o they_o to_o lead_v they_o into_o all_o truth_n and_o enable_v they_o to_o speak_v it_o to_o all_o nation_n whatsoever_o and_o this_o be_v do_v so_o 6._o effectual_o as_o that_o man_n of_o every_o nation_n under_o heaven_n hear_v they_o speak_v in_o their_o own_o language_n and_o this_o sure_o in_o itself_o consider_v be_v no_o small_a matter_n of_o testimony_n to_o our_o jesus_n the_o apostle_n we_o know_v be_v ignorant_a and_o unlearned_a man_n that_o understand_v but_o little_a of_o scripture_n less_o of_o foreign_a language_n yet_o hereby_o on_o a_o sudden_a they_o be_v enable_v exquisite_o to_o understand_v the_o one_o and_o to_o speak_v the_o other_o of_o all_o sort_n and_o do_v it_o not_o surpass_v the_o power_n of_o nature_n to_o make_v so_o stupendous_a a_o change_n as_o this_o be_v what_o creature_n can_v make_v man_n wise_a holy_a and_o learned_a in_o a_o instant_n it_o be_v a_o work_n of_o wonder_n that_o fall_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o little_a less_o than_o omnipotent_a power_n and_o wisdom_n sure_o therefore_o the_o author_n of_o it_o be_v god_n and_o if_o so_o then_o jesus_n to_o who_o the_o apostle_n be_v thereby_o enable_v to_o give_v testimony_n be_v at_o least_o a_o man_n approve_v of_o he_o on_o that_o account_n therefore_o their_o doctrine_n or_o rather_o their_o preach_a or_o promulgation_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o it_o may_v well_o be_v call_v the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n and_o this_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n my_o text_n tell_v we_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n the_o truth_n and_o essence_n of_o prophecy_n say_v maimonides_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o influence_n from_o god_n by_o the_o mediation_n of_o the_o active_a intellect_n operate_n first_o upon_o the_o rational_a afterward_o 36._o on_o the_o imaginable_a faculty_n this_o definition_n be_v think_v somewhat_o too_o scanty_a and_o obscure_a to_o express_v the_o nature_n of_o prophecy_n in_o its_o full_a latitude_n it_o be_v therefore_o conceive_v that_o by_o a_o little_a alteration_n of_o its_o definition_n by_o another_o rabbi_n we_o may_v have_v a_o more_o adequate_a and_o clear_a conception_n of_o its_o nature_n viz._n that_o it_o be_v a_o influence_n from_o god_n upon_o the_o rational_a faculty_n either_o by_o the_o mediation_n of_o the_o fancy_n or_o otherwise_o and_o by_o this_o influence_n whether_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o a_o angel_n or_o otherwise_o a_o man_n attain_v to_o such_o knowledge_n as_o by_o his_o natural_a ability_n will_v be_v unattainable_a in_o these_o definition_n of_o prophecy_n we_o 2._o have_v nothing_o at_o present_a to_o observe_v but_o that_o wherein_o they_o both_o do_v agree_v namely_o the_o general_a nature_n of_o it_o which_o they_o make_v to_o consist_v in_o influence_n from_o god_n prophecy_n be_v not_o a_o ignis_fw-la fatuus_fw-la of_o a_o disturb_a fancy_n but_o a_o impression_n of_o divine_a light_n thence_o perhaps_o it_o be_v that_o in_o old_a time_n the_o prophet_n be_v call_v seer_n not_o because_o or_o at_o least_o not_o so_o proper_o because_o of_o their_o foresight_n of_o thing_n future_a as_o of_o their_o vision_n those_o image_n or_o appearance_n of_o thing_n as_o visible_a which_o by_o divine_a influence_n be_v represent_v on_o the_o stage_n of_o their_o fancy_n to_o the_o sight_n of_o their_o understanding_n and_o afterward_o the_o prophet_n be_v call_v man_n of_o god_n because_o god_n be_v please_v immediate_o to_o reveal_v himself_o loose_a unto_o they_o and_o so_o the_o word_n render_v prophet_n denote_v one_o that_o receive_v what_o he_o say_v from_o god_n it_o seem_v then_o that_o all_o prophecy_n true_o so_o call_v have_v its_o descent_n from_o above_o it_o be_v not_o of_o any_o private_a interpretation_n or_o rather_o of_o a_o man_n own_o start_n or_o suggestion_n for_o it_o come_v not_o by_o the_o will_n of_o man_n but_o holy_a man_n of_o god_n do_v thereby_o speak_v as_o they_o be_v move_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n we_o 2._o christian_n therefore_o believe_v the_o holy_a ghost_n speak_v by_o the_o prophet_n and_o that_o prophecy_n be_v a_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n for_o which_o cause_n no_o doubt_n it_o be_v that_o justin_n martyr_n entitle_v he_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n but_o when_o we_o consider_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n as_o in_o my_o text_n be_v affirm_v of_o the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n it_o seem_v most_o probable_a that_o it_o therein_o signify_v not_o his_o person_n but_o his_o gift_n not_o his_o essence_n or_o subsistence_n but_o a_o effect_v produce_v by_o he_o which_o be_v here_o call_v by_o his_o name_n thus_o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o sound_a mind_n the_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n and_o meckness_n the_o spirit_n of_o knowledge_n the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n signify_v effect_n work_n or_o gift_n which_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n produce_v in_o the_o soul_n of_o men._n so_o here_o in_o my_o text_n the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n by_o a_o ordinary_a metonymy_n of_o the_o cause_n for_o the_o effect_n be_v put_v for_o the_o gift_n or_o ability_n to_o prophesy_v which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n wrought_v in_o some_o of_o god_n minister_n this_o gift_n the_o angel_n have_v when_o he_o speak_v to_o st._n john_n and_o so_o say_v he_o have_v st._n john_n too_o and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o their_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n i._n e._n in_o the_o record_n they_o give_v of_o christ_n or_o in_o the_o promulgation_n of_o the_o doctrine_n they_o teach_v concern_v he_o from_o whence_o it_o apparent_o follow_v that_o the_o angel_n here_o speak_v and_o they_o be_v fellow-servant_n but_o it_o be_v not_o this_o their_o association_n with_o angel_n which_o i_o now_o intend_v to_o discourse_v of_o but_o the_o reason_n and_o cause_n of_o it_o viz._n their_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n it_o be_v we_o see_v here_o avouch_v by_o a_o angel_n that_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o promulgation_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v endue_v with_o the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n or_o in_o short_a that_o they_o be_v prophet_n and_o if_o they_o in_o their_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n be_v prophet_n much_o more_o be_v he_o himself_o by_o who_o spirit_n they_o give_v it_o to_o he_o a_o prophet_n all_o than_o that_o remain_v for_o i_o to_o do_v will_v be_v to_o prove_v that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v prophet_n hereof_o methinks_v none_o can_v doubt_v but_o those_o that_o be_v slow_a of_o heart_n to_o believe_v the_o holy_a scripture_n for_o therein_o we_o first_o find_v it_o foretold_v to_o the_o jew_n that_o 18._o god_n will_v raise_v they_o up_o a_o prophet_n from_o among_o their_o brethren_n like_v unto_o
well_o as_o christian_n have_v observe_v that_o they_o be_v always_o accompany_v with_o alienation_n and_o abreption_n of_o mind_n but_o that_o the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n be_v so_o in_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n who_o so_o absurd_a as_o well_o as_o impudent_a to_o affirm_v in_o pretend_v to_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n therein_o how_o then_o can_v it_o be_v thought_n that_o they_o be_v deceive_v by_o enthusiasm_n or_o the_o spirit_n of_o divination_n what_o madness_n or_o frenzy_n what_o alienation_n or_o abreption_n of_o mind_n can_v impartial_a reason_n charge_n upon_o they_o where_o can_v we_o find_v such_o admirable_a wisdom_n so_o become_v the_o attribute_n of_o god_n and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o reason_n of_o man_n so_o transcendent_a to_o other_o and_o coherent_a with_o itself_o as_o in_o their_o doctrine_n and_o where_o be_v wisdom_n ever_o teach_v with_o so_o great_a temper_n and_o moderation_n calmness_n of_o spirit_n and_o presence_n of_o mind_n as_o in_o their_o delivery_n of_o it_o what_o shadow_n than_o of_o enthusiasm_n or_o of_o any_o other_o such_o delusion_n can_v there_o be_v find_v in_o they_o and_o if_o not_o by_o such_o delusion_n much_o less_o probable_a if_o possible_a be_v it_o they_o shall_v have_v be_v deceive_v into_o a_o conceit_n that_o they_o be_v prophet_n by_o the_o persuasion_n of_o other_o it_o seem_v noâ—_n in_o the_o power_n of_o any_o mere_o by_o moâ—al_a suasion_n as_o this_o be_v if_o any_o way_n because_o oppose_v by_o all_o the_o power_n and_o the_o fury_n of_o the_o people_n then_o in_o be_v to_o beat_v it_o into_o the_o head_n of_o wise_a man_n or_o the_o heart_n of_o good_a one_o so_o to_o believe_v that_o they_o themselves_o be_v prophet_n as_o to_o jeopard_v their_o life_n in_o pursuit_n of_o the_o other_o suggestion_n and_o that_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o divine_a revelation_n can_v wisdom_n be_v seduce_v into_o such_o folly_n or_o holiness_n be_v guilty_a of_o such_o lie_n and_o wickedness_n since_o therefore_o they_o be_v wise_a strong_a and_o rich_a in_o contentment_n and_o all_o virtue_n it_o be_v at_o least_o moral_o impossible_a they_o shall_v be_v so_o deceive_v by_o any_o such_o sly_a insinuation_n 3._o hence_o also_o it_o follow_v that_o they_o have_v no_o design_n to_o deceive_v other_o for_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a for_o wise_a man_n that_o fear_v god_n and_o eschew_v evil_a ever_o to_o consent_v to_o and_o prosecute_v so_o wicked_a and_o improbable_a a_o undertake_n it_o be_v no_o way_n likely_a that_o man_n who_o rejoice_v be_v this_o the_o testimony_n of_o their_o conscience_n that_o in_o simplicity_n and_o godly_a sincerity_n not_o with_o fleshly_a wisdom_n but_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n they_o have_v have_v their_o conversation_n in_o this_o world_n it_o be_v i_o say_v very_o unlikely_a if_o not_o impossible_a that_o such_o man_n as_o these_o shall_v be_v impostor_n in_o the_o main_a work_n of_o their_o life_n have_v they_o be_v man_n of_o artifice_n and_o fineness_n of_o lewd_a life_n and_o dissolute_a example_n that_o follow_v cunning_o devise_v fable_n of_o fleshly_a wisdom_n it_o may_v have_v be_v suspect_v that_o they_o contrive_v a_o story_n but_o such_o be_v the_o plainness_n of_o their_o speech_n and_o openness_n of_o their_o carriage_n among_o man_n as_o that_o they_o not_o only_o preach_v but_o live_v down_o deceit_n and_o forgery_n and_o be_v it_o possible_a for_o such_o man_n to_o lay_v out_o their_o life_n against_o their_o conscience_n and_o all_o in_o pursuance_n of_o a_o cheat_n and_o to_o begin_v it_o at_o jerusalem_n where_o if_o there_o have_v be_v any_o fraud_n it_o best_a might_n and_o certain_o will_v have_v be_v discover_v yea_o and_o there_o to_o be_v so_o confident_a and_o dare_a as_o to_o challenge_v their_o enemy_n to_o convince_v they_o of_o sin_n and_o appeal_v to_o they_o concern_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o they_o avouch_v how_o foolish_a and_o mad_a have_v they_o be_v in_o so_o do_v beyond_o all_o example_n if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v far_o from_o a_o design_n of_o threaten_v the_o world_n out_o of_o its_o old_a religion_n into_o a_o new_a one_o of_o their_o own_o devise_v but_o by_o the_o wisdom_n and_o prudence_n we_o before_o observe_v to_o be_v in_o they_o it_o appear_v without_o shadow_n of_o probability_n that_o they_o will_v have_v engage_v in_o a_o design_n so_o dangerous_a in_o the_o attempt_n and_o so_o unlikely_a to_o take_v effect_n unless_o they_o have_v have_v divine_a warrant_n and_o command_n for_o it_o no_o prudent_a man_n content_v with_o his_o condition_n study_v his_o own_o death_n and_o misery_n it_o be_v hope_n of_o obtain_v some_o good_a or_o avoid_v some_o evil_n which_o make_v man_n expose_v themselves_o to_o danger_n but_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v strip_v of_o all_o manner_n of_o defence_n and_o succour_n from_o wealth_n friend_n or_o honour_n whence_o can_v they_o hope_v for_o any_o such_o thing_n what_o gain_n or_o glory_n what_o ease_n or_o pleasure_n what_o safety_n or_o any_o thing_n else_o that_o allure_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v they_o like_v to_o get_v yea_o rather_o what_o loss_n and_o poverty_n what_o infamy_n and_o disgrace_n what_o hardship_n and_o labour_n what_o peril_n and_o evil_n of_o all_o sort_n do_v they_o not_o foresee_v be_v like_a to_o befall_v they_o in_o their_o enterprise_n yet_o be_v they_o not_o move_v with_o fear_n or_o divert_v from_o it_o but_o all_o their_o day_n they_o pursue_v it_o even_o to_o the_o effusion_n of_o their_o blood_n which_o one_o thing_n to_o a_o impartial_a considerer_n ought_v in_o all_o reason_n to_o persuade_v he_o that_o since_o they_o be_v wise_a and_o sober_a man_n no_o way_n mislead_v by_o the_o delusion_n of_o enthusiasm_n or_o any_o other_o phanaticism_n it_o be_v the_o force_n of_o conviction_n and_o energy_n of_o the_o prophetic_a spirit_n that_o wrought_v in_o they_o so_o mighty_o what_o else_o can_v possible_o be_v the_o cause_n or_o reason_n of_o their_o admirable_a fortitude_n and_o magnanimity_n in_o the_o propagation_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o how_o be_v it_o imaginable_a that_o wise_a sober_a and_o prudent_a man_n who_o understanding_n be_v perfect_v and_o advance_v beyond_o example_n both_o of_o former_a and_o latter_a age_n how_o i_o say_v can_v it_o be_v imagine_v that_o these_o man_n continue_v such_o shall_v be_v so_o rash_a and_o brutish_a as_o to_o live_v contradictious_a to_o the_o propensity_n of_o nature_n and_o injunction_n of_o their_o own_o doctrine_n among_o the_o phaenomena_n of_o nature_n there_o be_v none_o more_o manifest_a than_o that_o it_o dictate_v its_o own_o preservation_n so_o far_o as_o lawful_o it_o may_v and_o among_o the_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n there_o be_v scarce_o any_o more_o plain_o teach_v 31._o we_o than_o that_o though_o christ_n be_v over_o all_o god_n bless_v for_o ever_o yet_o he_o be_v send_v in_o the_o likeness_n of_o sinful_a flesh_n not_o that_o he_o so_o take_v the_o likeness_n of_o sinful_a flesh_n as_o if_o he_o have_v assume_v only_o the_o image_n not_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o body_n but_o by_o the_o likeness_n of_o sinful_a flesh_n the_o apostle_n be_v to_o be_v think_v to_o mean_v that_o that_o very_a flesh_n which_o christ_n assume_v although_o in_o he_o it_o be_v innocent_a yet_o be_v it_o like_a to_o that_o which_o in_o 16._o we_o be_v sinful_a like_v it_o in_o the_o kind_n not_o in_o the_o vice_n of_o adam_n and_o consequent_o that_o it_o have_v all_o the_o part_n property_n and_o general_a infirmity_n sin_n only_o except_v of_o our_o mortal_a body_n sure_o therefore_o he_o have_v as_o we_o have_v a_o natural_a appetite_n to_o meat_n and_o drink_n and_o other_o support_v of_o human_a nature_n in_o this_o its_o estate_n of_o mortality_n and_o imperfection_n and_o that_o his_o apostle_n be_v man_n of_o the_o like_a necessity_n appetite_n and_o passion_n there_o be_v none_o that_o make_v a_o question_n how_o then_o be_v it_o possible_a but_o that_o nature_n shall_v prompt_v they_o to_o put_v some_o esteem_n on_o those_o person_n thing_n and_o calling_n which_o be_v most_o likely_a to_o supply_v thâ—ir_n natural_a necessity_n and_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o their_o doctrine_n that_o teach_v a_o neglect_n of_o they_o but_o much_o otherwise_o for_o it_o 20._o oblige_v every_o man_n to_o abide_v in_o the_o same_o call_n wherein_o he_o be_v call_v and_o prohibit_v those_o to_o eat_v that_o will_v not_o work_v and_o declare_v that_o they_o walk_v disorderly_a 11._o and_o be_v therefore_o to_o be_v withdraw_v from_o now_o it_o be_v no_o way_n probable_a that_o wise_a man_n labour_v under_o the_o natural_a necessity_n and_o common_a infirmitiesof_o human_a nature_n shall_v abandon_v all_o their_o worldly_a interest_n and_o concern_v disoblige_v their_o friend_n and_o forsake_v their_o calling_n throw_v away_o
the_o staff_n of_o life_n and_o neglect_v their_o own_o body_n to_o promote_v a_o â—iction_n of_o their_o own_o or_o other_o fancy_n that_o if_o such_o can_v have_v assure_v they_o of_o nothing_o but_o contradicton_n and_o gainsay_n yea_o the_o worst_a of_o usage_n from_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n that_o be_v otherwise_o mind_v yet_o herein_o to_o take_v unparalleled_a pain_n and_o travail_n to_o undergo_v the_o great_a misery_n and_o peril_n torture_n and_o death_n itself_o how_o wonderful_a be_v their_o constancy_n how_o admirable_a their_o resolution_n whereunto_o can_v it_o rational_o be_v impute_v but_o to_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n which_o be_v in_o their_o heart_n as_o a_o burn_a fire_n shut_v up_o in_o their_o bone_n make_v they_o weary_a with_o forbear_v and_o unable_a to_o hold_v speak_v of_o which_o spirit_n in_o they_o we_o be_v yet_o far_o assure_v by_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o wisdom_n which_o be_v peculair_o they_o for_o we_o have_v find_v it_o to_o excel_v not_o only_o that_o of_o the_o gentile_n but_o of_o the_o jew_n also_o and_o sure_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o they_o without_o revelation_n to_o have_v teach_v a_o sort_n of_o wisdom_n more_o excellent_a than_o that_o that_o be_v reveal_v can_v man_n be_v wise_a than_o his_o maker_n or_o his_o wisdom_n more_o excellent_a than_o that_o of_o his_o creator_n that_o be_v impossible_a or_o be_v not_o the_o foolishness_n of_o god_n iâ—_n i_o may_v so_o call_v the_o most_o imperfect_a of_o his_o revelation_n wise_a than_o man_n yes_o sure_o that_o it_o be_v why_o else_o be_v it_o make_v know_v unto_o they_o since_o then_o the_o wisdom_n discover_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v more_o excellent_a than_o that_o reveal_v by_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n they_o can_v not_o have_v attain_v unto_o it_o but_o by_o revelation_n whence_o else_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o these_o man_n shall_v have_v this_o wisdom_n sure_o it_o be_v neither_o from_o themselves_o nor_o any_o other_o creature_n they_o themselves_o in_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o world_n be_v very_o unlikely_a to_o be_v author_n of_o 13._o so_o excellent_a a_o production_n for_o they_o be_v ignorant_a and_o unlearned_a man_n their_o education_n have_v not_o raise_v they_o above_o the_o vulgar_a nor_o their_o calling_n distinguish_v they_o from_o the_o common_a sort_n for_o to_o say_v nothing_o of_o our_o saviour_n his_o apostle_n be_v fisher_n artificer_n and_o rustics_n or_o such_o like_a unlearned_a man_n and_o be_v these_o man_n likely_a of_o themselves_o to_o bless_v the_o world_n with_o a_o sort_n of_o wisdom_n more_o excellent_a than_o that_o both_o of_o jew_n and_o gentile_n no_o sure_o it_o be_v therefore_o evident_a they_o have_v it_o not_o of_o themselves_o no_o nor_o yet_o of_o other_o creature_n either_o man_n or_o angel_n good_a or_o bad_a not_o from_o oâ—her_o good_a man_n or_o angel_n for_o these_o neither_o will_v â—or_a can_v without_o loss_n of_o their_o goodness_n devise_v a_o religion_n and_o impose_v it_o on_o the_o world_n for_o divine_a so_o father_v their_o lie_n on_o god_n himself_o much_o less_o can_v they_o have_v it_o from_o bad_a man_n or_o yet_o from_o the_o fiend_n of_o darkness_n it_o be_v utter_o inconsistent_a with_o their_o lust_n and_o interest_n to_o be_v author_n of_o so_o much_o glory_n to_o god_n and_o good_a to_o man_n or_o of_o such_o destruction_n to_o themselves_o and_o their_o impiety_n as_o we_o find_v design_v and_o effect_v by_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n if_o then_o these_o man_n have_v not_o this_o wisdom_n from_o any_o creature_n we_o must_v conclude_v with_o st._n paul_n that_o god_n 10_o reveal_v it_o to_o they_o by_o his_o spirit_n but_o that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v prophet_n we_o have_v yet_o great_a evidence_n than_o that_o of_o the_o antecedent_n or_o concomitant_a attendant_n on_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n namely_o that_o of_o their_o prediction_n and_o miracle_n that_o the_o exact_a accomplishment_n of_o prediction_n concerniug_v future_a contingency_n be_v look_v on_o as_o infallible_a proof_n of_o a_o prophetic_a spirit_n and_o that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v author_n of_o such_o prediction_n we_o have_v already_o see_v all_o therefore_o that_o now_o remain_v will_v be_v to_o show_v the_o reason_n of_o the_o consequence_n viz._n why_o from_o thence_o we_o conclude_v they_o to_o be_v prophet_n what_o strength_n or_o force_n be_v there_o in_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o such_o prediction_n to_o show_v that_o the_o author_n of_o they_o be_v divine_o inspire_v what_o cause_n or_o reason_n be_v there_o on_o that_o account_n to_o conclude_v that_o they_o be_v prophet_n hereto_o i_o answer_v the_o reason_n be_v because_o thereby_o it_o appear_v they_o be_v entrust_v with_o some_o knowledge_n of_o god_n secret_a purpose_n concern_v future_a contingent_n to_o discover_v the_o force_n of_o this_o reason_n it_o will_v be_v needful_a to_o observe_v that_o contingent_n be_v twofold_a viz._n either_o such_o as_o happen_v as_o we_o call_v it_o by_o chance_n namely_o such_o as_o have_v their_o be_v from_o the_o concourse_n of_o diverse_a natural_a cause_n in_o some_o sort_n hinder_v as_o well_o as_o help_v one_o another_o or_o else_o such_o as_o come_v to_o pass_v according_a to_o the_o purpose_n and_o intention_n of_o some_o free_a agent_n there_o be_v no_o natural_a necessity_n of_o their_o production_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n the_o ability_n of_o their_o cause_n may_v otherwise_o have_v produce_v its_o effect_n there_o be_v no_o necessary_a connection_n between_o they_o and_o the_o series_n of_o natural_a cause_n their_o 53._o be_v depend_v whole_o as_o to_o their_o contingency_n on_o the_o will_v either_o of_o god_n himself_o or_o of_o his_o reasonable_a creature_n these_o thing_n be_v most_o proper_o contingent_a and_o if_o so_o then_o evident_a it_o be_v that_o the_o before_o knowledge_n of_o they_o can_v come_v within_o the_o compasâ—_n of_o any_o art_n or_o science_n whatever_o because_o all_o art_n and_o science_n be_v habit_n of_o do_v or_o demonstrate_v from_o thing_n natural_a and_o necessary_a they_o neither_o do_v nor_o can_v reach_v those_o that_o have_v no_o necesary_a connection_n with_o they_o or_o dependence_n on_o they_o yet_o by_o the_o prediction_n concern_v they_o evident_a it_o be_v that_o god_n foreknow_v they_o if_o not_o how_o can_v he_o foretell_v they_o i_o may_v therefore_o say_v with_o tertullian_n 5._o that_o god_n foreknowledge_n have_v as_o many_o and_o great_a witness_n as_o he_o have_v make_v prophet_n now_o this_o his_o foreknowledge_n must_v needs_o be_v though_o not_o the_o efficient_a yet_o the_o directive_n cause_n of_o all_o future_a contingent_n otherwise_o there_o will_v some_o thing_n come_v to_o pass_v which_o neither_o of_o themselves_o nor_o yet_o by_o any_o superintendence_n of_o providence_n will_v have_v any_o subservience_n to_o the_o supreme_a end_n of_o all_o thing_n viz._n the_o glory_n of_o their_o maker_n but_o this_o be_v absurd_a and_o unworthy_a of_o god_n for_o it_o be_v not_o credible_a that_o the_o infinite_o wise_a and_o almighty_a creator_n who_o at_o first_o make_v and_o still_o uphold_v all_o thing_n in_o their_o be_v and_o virtue_n for_o his_o own_o glory_n shall_v suffer_v any_o thing_n to_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o neither_o of_o itself_o nor_o by_o his_o direction_n be_v subservient_fw-fr thereunto_o for_o providence_n be_v the_o reason_n of_o the_o order_n of_o thing_n as_o well_o as_o the_o actual_a gubernation_n of_o they_o in_o reference_n 1._o to_o their_o end_n especial_o the_o last_o it_o must_v needs_o belong_v to_o the_o perfection_n of_o it_o to_o direct_v all_o thing_n as_o well_o contingent_n as_o other_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o for_o this_o cause_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o of_o all_o the_o contingency_n within_o the_o vast_a circuit_n of_o possibility_n those_o that_o come_v to_o pass_v shall_v be_v if_o not_o predefined_a i._n e._n absolute_o will_v yet_o as_o i_o may_v say_v pre-permitted_n i_o e._n in_o the_o prescience_n 5._o and_o eternal_a order_n of_o all_o thing_n in_o the_o divine_a intellect_n allow_v to_o come_v to_o pass_v in_o their_o respective_a season_n which_o it_o be_v evident_a they_o can_v be_v without_o some_o secret_a purpose_n concern_v they_o of_o which_o secret_a purpose_n it_o be_v as_o evident_a by_o the_o exact_a accomplishment_n of_o prediction_n that_o the_o prophet_n have_v some_o foreknowledge_n but_o whence_o i_o pray_v have_v these_o man_n this_o knowledge_n be_v their_o soul_n themselves_o without_o revelation_n able_a to_o attain_v unto_o it_o no_o sure_o for_o though_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n walk_v in_o all_o the_o path_n of_o art_n and_o science_n as_o well_o those_o that_o lie_v dâ—ep_v in_o reason_n as_o those_o that_o be_v usual_a and_o beat_v and_o though_o it_o compass_v
then_o be_v the_o goodness_n of_o these_o miracle_n how_o beneficial_a to_o their_o body_n and_o oblige_v to_o ingenuous_a spirit_n and_o that_o not_o of_o they_o only_o on_o who_o they_o be_v wrought_v but_o of_o all_o their_o friend_n yea_o of_o all_o in_o the_o like_a condition_n throughout_o the_o vicinage_n for_o they_o be_v no_o select_a company_n but_o a_o promiscuous_a multitude_n of_o foe_n as_o well_o as_o friend_n on_o who_o it_o please_v christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n to_o do_v these_o miracle_n it_o be_v thereby_o make_v know_v unto_o all_o that_o all_o man_n every_o where_o that_o be_v so_o or_o otherwise_o afflict_v in_o body_n may_v be_v relieve_v if_o either_o they_o themselves_o or_o other_o in_o their_o behalf_n will_v have_v make_v their_o due_a address_n how_o admirable_a then_o and_o divine_a be_v these_o miracle_n they_o do_v not_o only_o do_v good_a to_o the_o body_n of_o many_o thousand_o but_o proclaim_v it_o to_o all_o that_o need_v or_o desire_v it_o what_o a_o lively_a resemblance_n therefore_o be_v they_o of_o god_n who_o mercy_n be_v over_o all_o his_o work_n nor_o be_v the_o goodness_n of_o these_o miracle_n confine_v to_o man_n body_n for_o doubtless_o their_o soul_n be_v thereby_o instruct_v not_o only_o to_o make_v a_o better_a use_n than_o former_o they_o have_v do_v of_o god_n mercy_n but_o also_o in_o and_o by_o who_o to_o seek_v for_o salvation_n for_o thereby_o they_o may_v clear_o perceive_v that_o he_o who_o do_v they_o or_o in_o who_o name_n they_o be_v do_v be_v a_o teacher_n must_v needs_o be_v come_v from_o god_n and_o so_o have_v the_o word_n of_o eternal_a life_n abide_v with_o he_o to_o who_o then_o shall_v they_o go_v but_o to_o he_o for_o it_o but_o if_o they_o be_v so_o slow_a of_o understanding_n as_o not_o to_o get_v this_o good_a to_o their_o soul_n by_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v upon_o their_o body_n yet_o doubtless_o there_o be_v some_o that_o do_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o catalogue_n of_o miracle_n which_o our_o saviour_n 5._o return_v in_o answer_n to_o st._n john_n baptist_n question_n be_v doubtless_o such_o poor_a as_o take_v the_o stamp_n and_o receive_v the_o impression_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o be_v thereby_o as_o real_o wrought_v upon_o transform_v and_o alter_v in_o their_o soul_n as_o the_o blind_a or_o the_o lame_a the_o deaf_a or_o the_o dead_a werein_o their_o body_n the_o verb_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d some_o it_o seem_v have_v here_o render_v active_o as_o if_o the_o meaning_n of_o our_o saviour_n word_n crit._n be_v that_o the_o poor_a viz._n his_o apostle_n preach_v the_o gospel_n but_o this_o be_v so_o far_o from_o a_o miracle_n as_o that_o it_o seem_v a_o lesson_n too_o trivial_a for_o so_o great_a a_o master_n as_o our_o saviour_n so_o solemn_o to_o teach_v or_o so_o great_a a_o scholar_n as_o st._n john_n so_o solemn_o to_o learn_v as_o it_o be_v here_o propose_v here_o therefore_o as_o well_o as_o else_o where_o it_o be_v to_o be_v take_v passive_o and_o observable_a it_o be_v that_o verb_n passive_a often_o import_v a_o real_a passion_n or_o true_a change_n in_o the_o person_n or_o thing_n speak_v of_o as_o well_o as_o one_o mere_o grammatical_a thus_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 11._o be_v one_o that_o not_o only_o be_v persuade_v but_o also_o effectual_o wrought_v upon_o and_o corrupt_v by_o 1._o seducer_n and_o thus_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o be_v tempt_v and_o 6._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o be_v offend_v signify_v not_o bare_o to_o have_v a_o temptation_n oâ—_n a_o scandal_n cast_v before_o one_o but_o to_o be_v wrought_v upon_o by_o the_o temptation_n and_o to_o be_v real_o discourage_v in_o the_o way_n of_o godliness_n by_o the_o scandal_n thus_o here_o the_o verb_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o be_v evangelize_v be_v not_o bare_o to_o have_v the_o gospel_n preach_v to_o the_o poor_a but_o moreover_o to_o be_v real_o wrought_v upon_o transform_v and_o change_v by_o the_o preach_a of_o it_o their_o understanding_n be_v englightn_v by_o the_o gospel_n and_o their_o heart_n subdue_v unto_o it_o their_o nature_n be_v renew_v and_o their_o whole_a soul_n or_o all_o their_o faculty_n change_v for_o the_o better_a by_o it_o and_o in_o they_o that_o our_o saviour_n make_v mention_n of_o this_o châ—nge_n seem_v to_o have_v be_v make_v almost_o as_o sudden_o and_o conspicuous_o as_o that_o in_o saul_n heart_n after_o his_o unction_n to_o be_v king_n over_o israel_n as_o when_o jesus_n walk_v 9_o by_o the_o sea_n of_o galilce_n call_v peter_n and_o andrew_n james_n and_o john_n and_o immediate_o upon_o his_o call_n they_o forsake_v their_o ship_n and_o their_o net_n their_o father_n â—â—_o and_o all_n and_o follow_v he_o what_o a_o strange_a and_o wonderful_a change_n be_v there_o on_o a_o sudden_a wrought_v in_o they_o how_o else_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o by_o a_o word_n or_o two_o speak_v they_o shall_v be_v prevail_v with_o to_o quit_v their_o worldly_a interest_n relation_n and_o calling_n to_o follow_v a_o private_a person_n who_o it_o be_v likely_a they_o have_v not_o see_v perhaps_o never_o so_o much_o as_o hear_v of_o before_o they_o therefore_o undoubted_o be_v evangelize_v on_o a_o sudden_a and_o so_o i_o conceive_v be_v the_o poor_a our_o saviour_n speak_v of_o in_o his_o answer_n to_o st._n john_n question_n and_o if_o so_o they_o be_v than_o well_o may_v this_o be_v rank_v among_o miracle_n for_o indeed_o it_o be_v the_o great_a in_o all_o the_o catalogue_n if_o not_o in_o regard_n of_o its_o advance_n above_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n yet_o of_o its_o goodness_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o they_o on_o who_o it_o be_v do_v for_o before_o it_o they_o seem_v if_o not_o to_o have_v be_v oppress_v with_o the_o insupportable_a burden_n of_o a_o wound_a spirit_n yet_o to_o have_v walk_v in_o some_o darkness_n as_o to_o their_o great_a i._n e._n their_o eternal_a concern_v and_o to_o such_o benight_a soul_n what_o so_o good_a as_o light_v to_o such_o lose_a night-wanderer_n what_o so_o welcome_a as_o a_o guide_n for_o such_o deject_a break_a heart_n what_o so_o proper_a as_o comfort_v to_o wound_a trouble_a spirit_n what_o so_o gracious_a as_o refreshment_n and_o what_o light_n be_v there_o so_o clear_a as_o that_o of_o the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n what_o guide_v so_o sufficient_a as_o that_o of_o christ_n his_o precept_n and_o example_n what_o comfort_n so_o great_a as_o that_o of_o his_o promise_n and_o what_o refreshment_n so_o revive_v as_o that_o of_o his_o spirit_n and_o these_o good_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v adapt_v to_o and_o sufficient_a for_o its_o faculty_n as_o large_a and_o capacious_a as_o they_o be_v ought_v in_o all_o reason_n to_o be_v prefer_v as_o far_o before_o the_o good_n of_o the_o body_n as_o that_o exceed_v they_o if_o then_o the_o poor_a be_v evangelize_v by_o our_o saviour_n miracle_n they_o thereby_o receive_v the_o great_a good_n whereof_o in_o this_o life_n they_o be_v capable_a however_o though_o perhaps_o we_o have_v not_o evidence_n enough_o to_o be_v confident_a that_o the_o poor_a our_o saviour_n speak_v of_o be_v sudden_o and_o miraculous_o evangelize_v yet_o this_o we_o be_v or_o may_v be_v sufficient_o assure_v of_o namely_o that_o the_o ultimate_a end_n and_o scope_n of_o all_o his_o and_o his_o apostle_n miracle_n be_v that_o they_o and_o we_o shall_v be_v so_o and_o since_o so_o it_o be_v they_o certain_o whereas_o good_a and_o gracious_a to_o man_n soul_n in_o their_o tendâ—ncy_n as_o they_o be_v to_o their_o body_n in_o the_o performance_n the_o reason_n hereof_o be_v because_o as_o have_v already_o be_v in_o part_n and_o may_v hereafter_o more_o full_o be_v demonstrate_v christianity_n afford_v such_o supply_n for_o the_o want_v and_o object_n for_o the_o faculty_n of_o our_o soul_n as_o be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v in_o any_o one_o or_o in_o all_o other_o religion_n whatever_o now_o to_o the_o end_n that_o our_o want_n may_v be_v supply_v thereby_o and_o our_o soul_n possess_v thereof_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n have_v abundant_o confirm_v it_o unto_o we_o by_o their_o miracle_n how_o great_a then_o be_v their_o goodness_n nothing_o but_o the_o incapacity_n of_o the_o subject_n hinder_v it_o from_o bear_v a_o full_a proportion_n with_o the_o power_n that_o do_v they_o for_o it_o extend_v itself_o to_o all_o man_n every_o where_o throughout_o all_o generation_n those_o that_o do_v or_o do_v live_v in_o the_o remote_a region_n and_o that_o in_o these_o latter_a age_n may_v have_v hear_v of_o christ_n and_o his_o miracle_n and_o the_o design_n â—f_v they_o being_n confirm_v his_o doctrine_n to_o convey_v the_o most_o excellent_a religion_n into_o their_o soul_n it_o be_v
two_o 1._o because_o the_o apostle_n power_n be_v no_o other_o than_o that_o of_o our_o saviour_n to_o invite_v man_n to_o embrace_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n which_o they_o themselves_o acknowledge_v for_o a_o kingdom_n not_o present_a but_o to_o come_v and_o ibid._n they_o that_o have_v no_o kingdom_n can_v make_v no_o law_n it_o be_v very_o true_a they_o that_o have_v no_o kingdom_n ans_fw-fr can_v make_v no_o law_n yet_o since_o as_o the_o same_o page_n tell_v we_o god_n be_v the_o sovereign_n of_o all_o the_o world_n they_o that_o have_v no_o kingdom_n may_v proclaim_v his_o law_n and_o this_o be_v the_o office_n of_o the_o apostle_n as_o prophet_n or_o man_n inspire_v by_o god_n and_o send_v to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n their_o call_n of_o mâ—n_z to_o christianity_n derive_v not_o its_o authority_n original_o from_o they_o but_o from_o god_n that_o send_v they_o and_o send_v they_o he_o do_v not_o bare_o to_o invite_v man_n unto_o it_o but_o also_o in_o his_o name_n to_o command_v they_o to_o receive_v it_o for_o now_o 30._o god_n command_v all_o man_n every_o where_o to_o repent_v and_o this_o be_v his_o commandment_n that_o we_o shall_v believe_v on_o â—3_n the_o name_n of_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n under_o these_o two_o head_n of_o repentance_n towards_o god_n and_o of_o faith_n towards_o our_o lord_n jâ—sus_n christ_n st._n paul_n comprehend_v all_o invitation_n that_o can_v be_v to_o christianity_n and_o since_o they_o both_o be_v thus_o plain_o and_o emphatical_o 21._o command_v it_o be_v a_o strange_a overâ—ight_n or_o worse_o to_o say_v the_o precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v no_o command_n and_o yet_o more_o strange_a and_o worse_o than_o so_o it_o be_v to_o say_v 2._o we_o read_v not_o any_o where_o that_o they_o who_o receive_v 2._o not_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n do_v therein_o sin_n but_o thâ—t_o they_o die_v in_o their_o sin_n that_o be_v that_o their_o sin_n against_o the_o law_n to_o which_o they_o owe_v obedience_n be_v not_o pardon_v and_o therefore_o of_o infidel_n st._n johnâ—aith_o â—aith_z not_o the_o wrâ—th_n of_o god_n shall_v come_v upon_o they_o 3â—_n but_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n remain_v upon_o they_o and_o not_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v condemn_v but_o that_o they_o be_v condemn_v nor_o can_v it_o be_v conceive_v that_o the_o benefit_n of_o faith_n be_v remission_n of_o sin_n unless_o we_o conceive_v 18._o withal_o that_o the_o damage_n of_o infidelity_n be_v the_o retention_n of_o the_o same_o sin_n ans_fw-fr but_o do_v we_o not_o read_v that_o when_o christ_n send_v forth_o his_o disciple_n by_o two_o and_o two_o he_o give_v they_o order_n that_o in_o whatever_o house_n or_o city_n they_o be_v not_o receive_v and_o hear_v they_o shall_v shake_v off_o the_o dust_n under_o their_o foot_n for_o a_o testimony_n against_o they_o and_o withal_o 11._o assure_v they_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v more_o tolerable_a for_o sodom_n and_o gâ—mâ—râ—â—a_n in_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n than_o for_o that_o city_n and_o do_v we_o not_o read_v of_o jerusalem_n who_o house_n be_v leâ—t_o desolate_a because_o the_o inhabitant_n will_v not_o be_v gather_v unto_o he_o and_o do_v 38._o we_o not_o read_v that_o this_o be_v the_o condemnation_n that_o light_n be_v come_v into_o the_o world_n and_o man_n love_v darkness_n rather_o than_o light_v and_o do_v we_o not_o read_v that_o he_o who_o believe_v 16._o not_o shall_v be_v damn_v and_o do_v we_o not_o read_v that_o the_o lord_n jesus_n shall_v be_v reveal_v from_o heaven_n with_o his_o mighty_a angel_n in_o flâ—ming_a fire_n take_v vengeance_n on_o they_o that_o know_v not_o god_n and_o obey_v not_o the_o gospel_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o do_v we_o not_o read_v 8._o of_o the_o comforter_n who_o be_v to_o come_v and_o reprove_v the_o world_n of_o sin_n because_o they_o believe_v not_o 9_o on_o he_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o if_o we_o turn_v to_o our_o bibles_n we_o may_v read_v all_o these_o thing_n therein_o how_o strange_a then_o be_v it_o and_o horrid_a to_o say_v we_o read_v not_o any_o where_o that_o they_o who_o receive_v not_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n do_v therein_o sin_n be_v that_o no_o sin_n which_o will_v make_v eternal_a judgement_n more_o severe_a and_o intolerable_a to_o otherwise_o the_o best_a of_o city_n than_o to_o sodom_n and_o gomorrâ—a_n be_v that_o no_o sin_n for_o which_o god_n destroy_v jerusalem_n and_o cast_v off_o the_o â—eed_n of_o abraham_n his_o friend_n and_o the_o child_n of_o jacob_n his_o choose_a be_v that_o no_o sin_n for_o which_o above_o all_o thing_n the_o world_n be_v condemn_v be_v that_o no_o sin_n for_o which_o man_n shall_v be_v damn_v be_v that_o no_o sin_n for_o which_o they_o shall_v suffer_v the_o vengeance_n of_o eternal_a fire_n be_v that_o no_o sin_n for_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n reprove_v the_o world_n of_o sin_n who_o so_o blind_a in_o his_o apprehension_n or_o so_o perverse_a in_o his_o judgement_n as_o to_o think_v it_o be_v not_o even_o he_o that_o write_v it_o i_o very_o think_v do_v it_o with_o but_o at_o best_a a_o tremble_a assent_n unto_o it_o his_o allegation_n of_o scripture_n and_o reason_n to_o prove_v it_o be_v so_o impertinent_a and_o insufficient_a as_o that_o they_o rather_o conclude_v the_o contrary_n for_o what_o tho_o st._n john_n speak_v in_o the_o present_a tense_n and_o faith_n not_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n shall_v come_v but_o that_o it_o abide_v upon_o he_o that_o believe_v not_o and_o that_o he_o be_v condemn_v already_o do_v it_o thence_o follow_v that_o infidelity_n be_v no_o sin_n who_o will_v not_o rather_o thence_o conclude_v that_o it_o be_v yea_o and_o that_o so_o great_a a_o one_o as_o that_o the_o unbeliever_n shall_v as_o certain_o be_v punish_v for_o it_o as_o if_o god_n wrath_n be_v actual_o inflict_v or_o eternal_a condemnation_n have_v actual_o pass_v upon_o he_o this_o construction_n of_o the_o evangelist_n word_n be_v certain_o far_o more_o probable_a than_o the_o other_o because_o he_o there_o assign_v the_o reason_n of_o the_o unbeliever_n condemnation_n which_o be_v not_o because_o he_o have_v sin_v against_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o civil_a law_n of_o state_n but_z because_o he_o have_v not_o believe_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o 18._o only_o beget_v son_n of_o god_n since_o then_o this_o be_v the_o move_a cause_n or_o reason_n of_o his_o condemnation_n it_o be_v here_o evident_a that_o this_o be_v his_o sin_n nor_o do_v the_o reason_n that_o the_o leviathan_n allege_v to_o the_o contrary_a enforce_v any_o other_o conclusion_n for_o it_o can_v be_v conceive_v that_o the_o retention_n of_o sin_n be_v the_o damage_n of_o infidelity_n unless_o we_o conceive_v withal_o that_o infidelity_n do_v displease_v god_n nor_o can_v we_o conceive_v it_o to_o displease_v he_o unless_o withal_o we_o conceive_v it_o to_o be_v a_o sin_n and_o indeed_o when_o we_o well_o consider_v it_o we_o can_v possible_o methinks_v conceive_v it_o to_o be_v any_o other_o for_o very_o evident_a it_o be_v that_o christ_n crucify_a be_v either_o a_o rock_n of_o offence_n or_o foolishness_n unto_o it_o it_o set_v at_o naught_o the_o counsel_n of_o god_n in_o contrive_v and_o despise_v the_o riches_n of_o his_o grace_n in_o effect_v the_o redemption_n of_o the_o world_n by_o he_o it_o count_v the_o blood_n of_o the_o covenant_n a_o unholy_a or_o trivial_a thing_n not_o worth_a mind_v and_o do_v despite_n unto_o or_o at_o least_o resist_v the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n it_o make_v god_n a_o liar_n and_o all_o the_o witness_n to_o christianity_n it_o impudent_o charge_v with_o falsehood_n in_o short_a it_o frustrate_v the_o whole_a gospel_n and_o break_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o great_a sin_n nor_o indeed_o can_v it_o possible_o be_v otherwise_o because_o it_o be_v a_o notorious_a transgression_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o gospel_n be_v a_o law_n namely_o the_o law_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o life_n and_o the_o perfect_a law_n of_o liberty_n 25._o nor_o can_v it_o be_v think_v that_o these_o apostle_n do_v improper_o style_v the_o gospel_n a_o law_n for_o a_o law_n be_v little_a or_o nothing_o else_o but_o a_o ordinance_n and_o preception_n promulgate_v for_o the_o common_a good_a by_o he_o that_o have_v the_o care_n of_o the_o community_n it_o be_v very_o easy_a to_o discern_v that_o the_o gospel_n have_v in_o it_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o law_n because_o all_o the_o part_n of_o its_o definition_n 4._o be_v very_o agreeable_a thereto_o it_o concern_v i_o at_o present_a to_o take_v notice_n only_o of_o its_o obligation_n and_o this_o be_v so_o inseparable_a from_o a_o law_n as_o that_o it_o receive_v its_o name_n therefrom_o and_o indeed_o the_o most_o essential_a difference_n of_o a_o law_n