heathen_n and_o other_o who_o be_v only_o lead_v by_o humane_a reason_n do_v absolute_o despise_v as_o seem_a foolishness_n unto_o they_o nor_o can_v they_o by_o any_o study_n of_o their_o own_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o they_o for_o they_o be_v only_o to_o be_v have_v by_o understand_v the_o prophecy_n of_o scripture_n and_o other_o such_o mean_n as_o depend_v upon_o divine_a revelation_n so_o that_o the_o christian_n do_v receive_v and_o believe_v the_o gospel_n and_o the_o thing_n therein_o contain_v by_o argument_n draw_v from_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o by_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n and_o other_o evidence_n of_o divine_a revelation_n afford_v therein_o and_o by_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n derive_v therefrom_o but_o then_o this_o do_v not_o exclude_v but_o include_v reason_n for_o grace_n be_v not_o a_o super_fw-la addition_n of_o a_o new_a faculty_n but_o a_o new_a power_n and_o principle_n to_o the_o old_a now_o i_o see_v no_o reason_n why_o those_o who_o be_v baptise_v into_o the_o same_o faith_n and_o live_v in_o the_o same_o christian_a communion_n and_o give_v all_o due_a obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o man_n according_a to_o their_o power_n why_o any_o such_o shall_v be_v suppose_v to_o act_v from_o a_o principle_n of_o mere_a natural_a reason_n and_o not_o also_o from_o that_o of_o a_o true_o divine_a and_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n save_v grace_n and_o that_o for_o no_o other_o reason_n but_o only_o because_o some_o few_o man_n who_o be_v high_o conceit_v of_o themselves_o and_o censorious_a of_o other_o who_o pretend_v to_o a_o monopoly_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o as_o it_o be_v to_o a_o commission_n from_o heaven_n to_o pass_v sentence_n on_o all_o who_o differ_v from_o they_o only_o because_o these_o man_n be_v please_v to_o vote_n whosoever_o they_o will_v formal_a moral_a and_o mere_a rational_a men._n but_o indeed_o those_o who_o be_v thus_o particular_a in_o describe_v how_o far_o a_o mere_a rational_a man_n may_v go_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n what_o sin_n he_o may_v avoid_v and_o what_o duty_n he_o may_v perform_v and_o yet_o have_v nothing_o of_o the_o true_a spirit_n of_o god_n and_o save_v grace_n these_o man_n however_o they_o may_v pretend_v and_o perhaps_o real_o be_v great_a enemy_n to_o pelagianism_n yet_o they_o seem_v herein_o to_o be_v too_o great_a exalter_n of_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n and_o in_o all_o probability_n too_o uncharitable_a censurer_n of_o divine_a grace_n whilst_o they_o attribute_v all_o the_o good_a work_n perform_v by_o those_o mere_a rational_a man_n either_o to_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n or_o to_o common_a grace_n as_o they_o call_v it_o which_o according_a to_o their_o interpretation_n and_o explication_n of_o it_o be_v little_o better_a see_v it_o be_v neither_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n sufficient_a nor_o by_o god_n appointment_n intend_v to_o bring_v any_o one_o to_o salvation_n that_o distinction_n therefore_o betwixt_o common_a and_o save_v grace_n as_o grace_n do_v signify_v those_o inward_a motion_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n by_o which_o we_o be_v enable_v to_o believe_v and_o practice_v aright_o according_a to_o this_o acceptation_n it_o have_v no_o foundation_n in_o scripture_n for_o all_o such_o grace_n be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n sufficient_a and_o by_o god_n appointment_n design_v to_o bring_v salvation_n if_o we_o by_o our_o own_o fault_n do_v not_o hinder_v the_o event_n though_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o this_o also_o may_v differ_v in_o degree_n among_o other_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o this_o their_o mistake_n this_o seem_v not_o the_o least_o that_o they_o entertain_v too_o mean_a apprehension_n of_o that_o covenant_n which_o god_n have_v make_v with_o christian_n and_o their_o child_n and_o also_o of_o the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n by_o which_o they_o be_v admit_v member_n of_o christ_n church_n yet_o notwithstanding_o both_o these_o they_o look_v upon_o a_o man_n before_o a_o certain_a critical_a moment_n of_o conversion_n as_o they_o suppose_v it_o little_o better_o than_o a_o heathen_a and_o that_o all_o the_o good_a work_n that_o they_o have_v or_o can_v perform_v before_o it_o stand_v they_o in_o little_a or_o no_o stead_n in_o order_n to_o their_o conversion_n and_o that_o after_o this_o all_o the_o wickedness_n that_o they_o do_v or_o can_v commit_v shall_v do_v they_o no_o prejudice_n in_o reference_n to_o their_o salvation_n which_o opinion_n be_v of_o very_o bad_a consequence_n to_o the_o concernment_n of_o a_o christian_a life_n but_o here_o we_o must_v also_o know_v that_o there_o be_v need_n of_o a_o continue_a course_n of_o sanctification_n throughout_o our_o whole_a life_n both_o to_o complete_a and_o perfect_a that_o holiness_n first_o begin_v in_o we_o and_o also_o by_o reason_n of_o those_o many_o sin_n and_o infirmity_n which_o we_o be_v all_o subject_n to_o which_o be_v to_o be_v turn_v from_o by_o repentance_n and_o reformation_n and_o as_o this_o opposition_n betwixt_o the_o spiritual_a and_o mere_a rational_a man_n be_v without_o any_o warrant_n from_o scripture_n so_o be_v it_o very_o difficult_a if_o at_o all_o possible_a to_o assign_v the_o exact_a limit_n betwixt_o grace_n and_o reason_n in_o ourselves_o and_o then_o much_o more_o in_o other_o 1._o in_o ourselves_o it_o be_v very_o hard_a to_o say_v that_o this_o be_v a_o action_n of_o our_o reason_n only_o that_o a_o act_n of_o the_o more_o immediate_a assistance_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n joh._n 3.8_o the_o wind_n blow_v where_o it_o list_v and_o thou_o hear_v the_o sound_n thereof_o but_o can_v not_o tell_v whence_o it_o come_v and_o whether_o it_o go_v so_o be_v every_o one_o that_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n thus_o he_o that_o be_v bear_v anew_o be_v discernable_o another_o kind_n of_o man_n than_o he_o be_v before_o thus_o his_o new_a birth_n be_v see_v by_o the_o fruit_n though_o the_o beginning_n and_o the_o mode_n of_o procedure_n and_o the_o mean_n of_o convey_v this_o to_o he_o be_v undiscernible_a mark_v 4._o 26._o 27._o so_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n that_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o grace_n as_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v cast_v feed_v into_o the_o ground_n and_o shall_v sleep_v and_o rise_v night_n and_o day_n and_o the_o seed_n shall_v spring_v and_o grow_v up_o he_o know_v not_o how_o these_o be_v the_o more_o ordinary_a method_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n but_o then_o when_o god_n call_v out_o some_o particular_a person_n on_o some_o great_a and_o eminent_a employment_n either_o to_o do_v or_o suffer_v in_o his_o service_n he_o frequent_o confer_v more_o sensible_a influence_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o spirit_n on_o such_o neither_o be_v this_o speak_v in_o the_o least_o to_o oppose_v the_o joy_n and_o consolation_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n nor_o the_o sober_a and_o well-grounded_n experience_n of_o pious_a men._n and_o as_o we_o can_v distinguish_v betwixt_o these_o in_o ourselves_o much_o less_o can_v we_o do_v it_o in_o other_o for_o if_o a_o man_n be_v outward_o pious_a and_o give_v no_o just_a occasion_n of_o suspect_v his_o real_a honesty_n and_o sincerity_n whether_o such_o a_o one_o be_v notwithstanding_o a_o hypocrite_n this_o be_v best_a know_v to_o god_n and_o his_o own_o conscience_n yet_o we_o by_o the_o law_n of_o charity_n be_v to_o judge_v the_o best_a but_o if_o such_o a_o one_o under_o all_o this_o be_v a_o hypocrite_n this_o be_v that_o which_o a_o man_n may_v also_o be_v under_o the_o high_a pretence_n to_o the_o spirit_n so_o that_o it_o be_v only_o the_o event_n that_o must_v determine_v the_o truth_n and_o sincerity_n of_o man_n profession_n the_o sum_n of_o what_o i_o here_o intend_v be_v this_o that_o provide_v we_o become_v new_a man_n if_o we_o cease_v to_o sin_n and_o learn_v to_o do_v well_o if_o we_o turn_v from_o wickedness_n and_o perform_v real_a and_o sincere_a obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n as_o the_o divine_a spirit_n indeed_o be_v so_o must_v it_o be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v the_o principal_a cause_n of_o this_o change_n in_o we_o yet_o we_o need_v not_o here_o trouble_v ourselves_o too_o nice_o to_o determine_v the_o exact_a limit_n how_o far_o our_o reason_n as_o a_o less_o principal_a cause_n either_o might_n or_o may_v not_o be_v instrumental_a herein_o but_o the_o proper_a use_n and_o just_a extent_n of_o reason_n will_v further_o appear_v by_o consider_v its_o object_n which_o be_v the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o the_o divine_a will_n the_o knowledge_n of_o ourselves_o and_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n so_o far_o as_o these_o or_o any_o of_o these_o come_v under_o humane_a cognisance_n so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v either_o our_o perfection_n to_o know_v or_o our_o duty_n to_o practice_v so_o that_o nothing_o but_o either_o the_o impossibility_n or_o the_o unlawfulness_n of_o the_o
either_o concern_v the_o tradition_n of_o the_o jew_n or_o the_o doubtful_a and_o disputatious_a philosophy_n of_o the_o gentile_n either_o of_o the_o science_n false_o so_o call_v which_o the_o gnostic_n so_o boast_v of_o or_o of_o mere_a natural_a reason_n as_o such_o destitute_a of_o divine_a revelation_n or_o last_o of_o the_o carnal_a appetite_n of_o christian_n of_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o law_n of_o the_o member_n war_a against_o the_o law_n of_o the_o mind_n second_o by_o reason_n we_o know_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o by_o reason_n we_o come_v to_o the_o true_a meaning_n and_o sense_n of_o they_o and_o by_o reason_n we_o know_v the_o obligation_n that_o lie_v upon_o we_o therefrom_o and_o without_o this_o it_o be_v not_o easy_a to_o conceive_v a_o way_n how_o god_n can_v either_o have_v convey_v the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o will_n to_o we_o or_o of_o our_o duty_n to_o he_o and_o it_o be_v not_o probable_a that_o scripture_n shall_v condemn_v that_o without_o which_o all_o its_o own_o command_n will_v signify_v very_o little_a or_o nothing_o i_o shall_v here_o therefore_o brief_o inquire_v into_o the_o nature_n of_o reason_n both_o as_o it_o be_v in_o innocence_n before_o the_o fall_n and_o as_o it_o be_v now_o in_o this_o state_n of_o depravation_n for_o the_o want_n of_o a_o right_n distinguish_v herein_o have_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o many_o error_n and_o mistake_n about_o the_o power_n and_o property_n of_o it_o however_o it_o be_v that_o which_o must_v needs_o cause_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o obscurity_n in_o what_o be_v say_v concern_v it_o in_o this_o complexed_a and_o undistinguished_a capacity_n and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o seem_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o first_o fundamental_a error_n in_o mr._n hobbs_n his_o politic_n that_o he_o do_v not_o sufficient_o distinguish_v betwixt_o pure_a and_o corrupt_a nature_n so_o that_o there_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o falsehood_n in_o some_o thing_n and_o confusion_n in_o other_o when_o he_o ascribe_v that_o to_o nature_n in_o general_a which_o do_v not_o belong_v to_o it_o but_o in_o such_o a_o particular_a respect_n and_o private_a consideration_n reason_n in_o innocence_n be_v that_o inward_a principle_n that_o divine_a light_n set_v up_o in_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n which_o bear_v a_o equal_a respect_n to_o truth_n and_o goodness_n by_o which_o we_o be_v both_o instruct_v in_o our_o duty_n and_o enable_v to_o perform_v it_o it_o be_v part_n of_o that_o divine_a image_n wherein_o man_n be_v create_v and_o that_o which_o direct_v both_o the_o speculative_a and_o practical_a dictate_v of_o the_o understanding_n to_o their_o respective_a end_n viz._n to_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n in_o matter_n of_o speculation_n and_o yield_a obedience_n to_o his_o will_n in_o matter_n of_o practice_n now_o do_v right_a reason_n enjoy_v a_o universal_a and_o undisturbed_a empire_n now_o be_v there_o not_o that_o contrariety_n in_o the_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n but_o what_o be_v knowledge_n in_o the_o understanding_n immediate_o become_v obedience_n in_o the_o will_n and_o affection_n now_o be_v reason_n and_o righteousness_n as_o it_o be_v the_o very_a complexion_n of_o the_o man_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o further_a need_n of_o supernatural_a grace_n to_o be_v super_fw-la add_v to_o he_o beside_o what_o be_v natural_o contain_v in_o these_o essential_a principle_n of_o his_o constitution_n which_o make_v he_o such_o as_o god_n design_v he_o viz._n a_o man_n in_o innocence_n this_o be_v the_o state_n of_o reason_n before_o the_o fall_n and_o it_o yet_o remain_v the_o same_o in_o substance_n though_o not_o in_o the_o same_o degree_n of_o purity_n and_o perfection_n as_o before_o it_o be_v the_o relic_n of_o the_o divine_a image_n yet_o remain_v in_o we_o by_o which_o we_o be_v still_o enable_v in_o some_o measure_n to_o understand_v truth_n and_o practice_v our_o duty_n it_o be_v that_o power_n or_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n or_o the_o soul_n itself_o as_o it_o contain_v in_o it_o the_o principle_n and_o foundation_n of_o ratiocination_n and_o a_o power_n and_o ability_n of_o draw_v right_a consequence_n therefrom_o but_o yet_o so_o obscure_v and_o weaken_v that_o there_o be_v now_o need_v of_o divine_a illumination_n and_o assistance_n for_o the_o perform_n of_o that_o which_o before_o we_o be_v able_a of_o ourselves_o to_o do_v but_o then_o though_o god_n do_v thus_o punish_v man_n by_o take_v away_o part_n of_o that_o strength_n which_o he_o have_v so_o misemploy_v which_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o his_o justice_n yet_o do_v not_o his_o goodness_n suffer_v he_o to_o sink_v below_o himself_o though_o he_o become_v weak_a and_o guilty_a yet_o he_o remain_v a_o man_n his_o faculty_n though_o deprave_v yet_o be_v they_o not_o annihilate_v and_o as_o the_o principle_n be_v not_o whole_o take_v away_o so_o neither_o be_v the_o act_n and_o exercise_n thereof_o necessary_o false_a so_o that_o we_o be_v not_o abandon_v to_o a_o eternal_a scepticism_n but_o we_o have_v still_o sufficient_a ground_n of_o truth_n and_o certainty_n within_o ourselves_o for_o we_o have_v better_o have_v no_o such_o faculty_n as_o pretend_v to_o reason_n than_o such_o as_o shall_v always_o deceive_v we_o even_o in_o thing_n that_o we_o clear_o and_o distinct_o perceive_v and_o here_o may_v be_v as_o strong_a argument_n draw_v from_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n that_o the_o punishment_n of_o the_o first_o sin_n do_v not_o extend_v to_o a_o absolute_a falsification_n or_o total_a corruption_n of_o our_o faculty_n as_o there_o may_v be_v from_o his_o veracity_n that_o he_o give_v we_o true_a one_o at_o first_o for_o indeed_o to_o assert_v reason_n thus_o whole_o corrupt_v will_v be_v to_o introduce_v such_o a_o confusion_n and_o disorder_n into_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n as_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o providence_n such_o a_o one_o as_o we_o shall_v think_v that_o god_n will_v rather_o have_v annihilate_v the_o whole_a race_n of_o mankind_n than_o ever_o have_v suffer_v it_o in_o the_o world_n and_o this_o be_v the_o true_a state_n of_o reason_n in_o itself_o before_o the_o fall_n and_o as_o it_o be_v in_o we_o now_o since_o only_o here_o we_o must_v further_o know_v that_o this_o natural_a faculty_n of_o reason_n in_o christian_n be_v further_o enlighten_v and_o enable_v by_o the_o divine_a revelation_n of_o his_o will_n and_o by_o the_o assistance_n and_o influence_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n i_o can_v wish_v therefore_o that_o those_o man_n will_v speak_v more_o intelligible_o who_o go_v about_o to_o give_v such_o particular_a &_o distinct_a difference_n betwixt_o the_o spiritual_a and_o mere_a rational_a man_n as_o they_o call_v he_o in_o their_o action_n relate_v to_o religion_n as_o if_o there_o be_v any_o character_n either_o more_o certain_a in_o itself_o or_o more_o warrantable_a to_o we_o to_o judge_v of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o a_o man_n by_o then_o by_o its_o produce_v the_o effect_n of_o righteousness_n in_o he_o that_o the_o principle_n of_o natural_a reason_n and_o grace_n be_v two_o distinct_a thing_n flow_v from_o different_a fountain_n be_v certain_o true_a but_o then_o why_o we_o shall_v oppose_v these_o two_o especial_o in_o a_o christian_a state_n where_o god_n be_v never_o want_v by_o his_o grace_n to_o assist_v the_o humble_a and_o sincere_a exercise_n of_o man_n reason_n where_o the_o more_o true_o rational_a any_o man_n be_v the_o more_o spiritual_a they_o be_v and_o the_o more_o spiritual_a the_o more_o true_o rational_a here_o actual_o to_o distinguish_v betwixt_o the_o spiritual_a and_o mere_a rational_a man_n when_o the_o same_o effect_n of_o real_a righteousness_n equal_o appear_v in_o both_o this_o be_v arrogant_o to_o take_v upon_o himself_o that_o which_o be_v only_o proper_a to_o god_n to_o be_v a_o searcher_n of_o heart_n as_o for_o that_o place_n of_o 1_o cor._n 2._o 14._o upon_o the_o misunderstanding_n whereof_o they_o seem_v principal_o to_o find_v this_o their_o opinion_n but_o the_o natural_a man_n receive_v not_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o they_o be_v foolishness_n unto_o he_o neither_o can_v he_o know_v they_o because_o they_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v here_o by_o the_o natural_a man_n be_v not_o mean_v the_o christian_a rational_a man_n but_o a_o man_n endow_v only_o with_o the_o principle_n of_o natural_a reason_n void_a of_o evangelical_n grace_n and_o divine_a revelation_n now_o this_o can_v be_v apply_v to_o a_o christian_n who_o enjoy_v both_o in_o their_o respective_a degree_n so_o that_o the_o true_a meaning_n of_o that_o place_n be_v brief_o this_o that_o the_o matter_n reveal_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o preach_v by_o the_o apostle_n be_v such_o as_o the_o learned_a philosopher_n of_o the_o
other_o way_n now_o among_o all_o the_o way_n and_o method_n make_v use_v of_o for_o this_o purpose_n there_o be_v none_o more_o proper_a nor_o suitable_a then_o that_o of_o dream_n for_o as_o plato_n say_v when_o a_o man_n who_o stomach_n be_v full_a of_o wine_n and_o victual_n come_v to_o sleep_v it_o be_v certain_a that_o such_o a_o one_o be_v very_o unfit_a to_o receive_v the_o communication_n of_o the_o deity_n and_o the_o vision_n frame_v in_o such_o a_o one_o fancy_n will_v be_v very_o obscure_a confuse_a and_o turbulent_a but_o when_o a_o honest_a man_n one_o who_o be_v sober_a and_o temperate_a when_o such_o a_o one_o dream_n and_o that_o after_o a_o perfect_a concoction_n of_o his_o meat_n there_o now_o rise_v no_o more_o vapour_n to_o his_o head_n but_o be_v in_o a_o profound_a sleep_n his_o humour_n calm_a and_o sedate_v his_o imagination_n still_o and_o clear_a as_o the_o smooth_a surface_n of_o a_o mirror_n or_o looking-glass_n be_v then_o sequester_v from_o all_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o present_a life_n and_o the_o commerce_n of_o sense_n he_o be_v thus_o a_o very_a proper_a subject_n to_o receive_v the_o impression_n of_o divine_a thing_n therefore_o god_n himself_o declare_v the_o way_n by_o which_o he_o will_v reveal_v himself_o among_o the_o prophet_n which_o he_o raise_v to_o his_o people_n israel_n he_o say_v that_o he_o will_v do_v it_o by_o vision_n and_o dream_n chap._n iu._n the_o character_n by_o which_o they_o may_v know_v that_o those_o dream_n be_v true_o divine_a and_o not_o vain_a delusion_n before_o i_o come_v to_o decide_v the_o second_o question_n i_o must_v brief_o premise_v this_o that_o when_o i_o do_v distinguish_v dream_n into_o three_o kind_n and_o place_v those_o that_o proceed_v from_o the_o operation_n of_o angel_n in_o the_o second_o and_o divine_a dream_n in_o the_o three_o rank_n i_o understand_v the_o distinction_n thus_o among_o those_o that_o proceed_v from_o the_o operation_n of_o angel_n there_o may_v also_o be_v find_v divine_a one_o in_o as_o much_o as_o god_n do_v not_o only_o permit_v but_o also_o may_v command_v the_o impression_n of_o they_o but_o those_o i_o call_v angelical_a dream_n be_v mere_o such_o as_o those_o which_o i_o have_v give_v example_n of_o in_o as_o much_o as_o neither_o the_o formation_n of_o the_o image_n of_o which_o they_o consist_v do_v exceed_v their_o power_n nor_o be_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o these_o image_n represent_v above_o their_o natural_a intelligence_n nor_o above_o the_o quickness_n of_o their_o conjecture_n and_o divination_n for_o their_o spiritual_a nature_n their_o long_a experience_n of_o thing_n the_o knowledge_n they_o have_v of_o the_o secret_n of_o nature_n and_o of_o the_o inclination_n of_o man_n with_o divers_a other_o assistance_n which_o we_o have_v not_o do_v enable_v they_o to_o reach_v much_o further_o than_o we_o can_v into_o the_o knowledge_n of_o future_a thing_n among_o those_o i_o call_v divine_a dream_n there_o be_v also_o some_o which_o consist_v of_o certain_a image_n the_o formation_n whereof_o be_v not_o above_o the_o power_n of_o angel_n and_o yet_o i_o call_v they_o divine_a because_o that_o whether_o it_o be_v god_n that_o employ_v these_o angel_n to_o convey_v they_o or_o whether_o they_o be_v immediate_o cause_v by_o himself_o nevertheless_o the_o thing_n signify_v by_o they_o do_v so_o far_o exceed_v the_o natural_a ability_n of_o a_o angel_n understanding_n that_o it_o be_v absolute_o impossible_a they_o shall_v ever_o attain_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o they_o but_o by_o a_o particular_a revelation_n for_o though_o their_o knowledge_n if_o compare_v with_o we_o be_v much_o great_a and_o their_o foresight_n of_o thing_n reach_v much_o further_o yet_o it_o be_v limit_v and_o that_o so_o that_o they_o neither_o see_v thing_n to_o come_v either_o long_a before_o or_o with_o any_o great_a certainty_n those_o than_o may_v be_v repute_v to_o come_v from_o god_n which_o by_o what_o messenger_n soever_o they_o be_v convey_v yet_o contain_v such_o thing_n as_o god_n only_o be_v able_a to_o know_v and_o to_o reveal_v to_o return_v then_o to_o my_o purpose_n we_o may_v bold_o affirm_v both_o that_o those_o dream_n have_v some_o mark_n by_o which_o they_o may_v be_v know_v to_o be_v divine_a and_o also_o that_o be_v be_v necessary_a that_o they_o shall_v have_v so_o although_o we_o do_v not_o now_o certain_o know_v wherein_o those_o mark_n do_v consist_v first_o that_o they_o have_v such_o for_o all_o those_o other_o way_n by_o which_o god_n be_v reveal_v to_o man_n of_o which_o we_o have_v speak_v before_o have_v be_v distinguish_v each_o by_o its_o particular_a mark_n and_o character_n by_o which_o it_o may_v be_v discern_v from_o all_o other_o thing_n where_o the_o resemblance_n or_o similitude_n they_o bear_v to_o each_o other_o may_v cause_v any_o doubt_n whether_o these_o may_v come_v from_o god_n or_o no._n the_o voice_n which_o abraham_n hear_v have_v something_o in_o it_o whereby_o to_o distinguish_v it_o from_o other_o voice_n which_o may_v be_v make_v by_o the_o ministry_n of_o evil_a angel_n and_o especial_o that_o where_o god_n command_v he_o to_o sacrifice_v his_o son_n this_o command_n be_v so_o contrary_a to_o his_o natural_a affection_n and_o have_v the_o appearance_n of_o a_o barbarous_a and_o unparalleled_a cruelty_n how_o shall_v this_o holy_a man_n be_v persuade_v to_o execute_v it_o if_o he_o have_v not_o have_v some_o mark_n to_o know_v god_n to_o be_v the_o author_n of_o it_o and_o that_o so_o certain_a that_o it_o can_v not_o be_v impute_v to_o any_o other_o cause_n moses_n his_o vision_n in_o the_o bush_n to_o persuade_v he_o to_o undertake_v the_o deliverance_n of_o israel_n out_o of_o egypt_n and_o his_o introduction_n of_o it_o into_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n ought_v likewise_o to_o have_v some_o such_o signal_n character_n upon_o it_o for_o how_o can_v he_o resolve_v upon_o so_o great_a a_o enterprise_n accompany_v with_o so_o great_a difficulty_n if_o he_o have_v not_o be_v well_o persuade_v that_o it_o be_v god_n who_o promise_v that_o he_o shall_v overcome_v they_o all_o s._n peter_n vision_n can_v not_o be_v less_o remarkable_a which_o prevail_v with_o he_o to_o begin_v the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n among_o the_o gentile_n be_v a_o thing_n which_o the_o jew_n have_v a_o great_a aversion_n against_o the_o impression_n of_o those_o thing_n in_o the_o understanding_n of_o moses_n of_o david_n and_o solomon_n and_o divers_a other_o ought_v also_o to_o have_v some_o sign_n by_o which_o they_o may_v be_v acknowledge_v for_o divine_a truth_n otherwise_o these_o great_a person_n will_v never_o have_v relate_v they_o with_o so_o great_a confidence_n to_o other_o and_o as_o to_o themselves_o can_v never_o have_v receive_v so_o great_a satisfaction_n therein_o last_o those_o heroic_a transportation_n of_o ehud_n and_o phineas_n to_o those_o action_n relate_v in_o scripture_n aught_o to_o be_v very_o distinct_a clear_a and_o evident_a otherwise_o they_o will_v not_o have_v suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v carry_v to_o those_o action_n which_o have_v be_v true_o punishable_a and_o even_o in_o some_o sort_n horrible_a both_o before_o god_n man_n if_o they_o have_v not_o proceed_v from_o a_o divine_a command_n dream_n then_o without_o doubt_n have_v likewise_o have_v their_o certain_a mark_n whereby_o to_o distinguish_v they_o from_o the_o nocturnal_a illusion_n that_o proceed_v either_o from_o the_o impression_n of_o evil_a angel_n or_o from_o natural_a cause_n as_o i_o intimate_v before_o 2._o and_o it_o be_v also_o necessary_a that_o they_o shall_v have_v such_o mark_n for_o the_o same_o reason_n which_o i_o allege_v before_o upon_o former_a occasion_n for_o when_o god_n command_v joseph_n in_o a_o dream_n to_o carry_v jesus_n into_o egypt_n such_o thought_n as_o these_o may_v have_v come_v into_o his_o mind_n this_o dream_n perhaps_o may_v be_v only_o a_o vain_a imagination_n and_o a_o mere_a phantasm_n of_o my_o own_o brain_n which_o have_v no_o foundation_n of_o truth_n in_o it_o perhaps_o the_o great_a solicitude_n i_o be_o always_o in_o for_o the_o preservation_n of_o this_o miraculous_a infant_n have_v send_v into_o my_o soul_n this_o idea_n or_o opinion_n that_o they_o now_o seek_v his_o life_n though_o perhaps_o they_o never_o so_o much_o as_o think_v of_o any_o such_o thing_n perhaps_o it_o be_v some_o evil_a spirit_n which_o either_o take_v pleasure_n to_o give_v i_o needless_a fear_n or_o will_v incite_v i_o to_o remove_v this_o infant_n from_o hence_o that_o so_o upon_o the_o way_n he_o may_v more_o easy_o lay_v and_o execute_v his_o treacherous_a design_n in_o a_o word_n divers_a such_o like_a thing_n may_v come_v into_o his_o thought_n and_o cause_v a_o great_a uncertainty_n of_o resolution_n what_o he_o have_v best_a to_o do_v upon_o the_o command_n
and_o see_v if_o ever_o any_o thing_n like_v unto_o it_o do_v enter_v into_o a_o humane_a understanding_n certain_o the_o idea_n of_o such_o a_o image_n be_v so_o fair_a the_o variety_n of_o the_o metal_n and_o material_n that_o compose_v it_o so_o remarkable_a the_o continue_a series_n of_o they_o so_o admirable_o succeed_v each_o other_o the_o stone_n which_o break_v and_o dash_v it_o in_o piece_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o its_o come_n so_o extraordinary_a and_o surprise_a its_o increase_n so_o miraculous_a and_o in_o general_a the_o whole_a series_n of_o this_o representation_n so_o majestic_a that_o it_o can_v never_o enter_v into_o the_o imagination_n of_o man_n if_o it_o have_v not_o be_v send_v from_o above_o for_o certain_o humane_a understanding_n be_v too_o little_a to_o serve_v for_o a_o mould_n where_o so_o great_a and_o magnificent_a a_o work_n shall_v be_v frame_v and_o the_o effect_n which_o it_o produce_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o nabuchodonosor_n be_v very_o considerable_a he_o be_v a_o prince_n and_o those_o of_o that_o birth_n and_o dignity_n be_v not_o easy_o move_v by_o extraordinary_a thing_n he_o be_v a_o great_a monarch_n and_o conqueror_n and_o such_o prince_n have_v common_o more_o elevate_v thought_n then_o other_o and_o of_o monarch_n and_o conqueror_n he_o be_v one_o who_o be_v puff_v up_o with_o the_o opinion_n of_o his_o own_o grandeur_n and_o this_o will_v be_v apt_a to_o make_v he_o in_o all_o condition_n either_o sleep_v or_o wake_v to_o think_v most_o thing_n either_o ordinary_a or_o common_a and_o further_o when_o he_o awaken_v he_o do_v not_o at_o all_o remember_v his_o vision_n now_o when_o our_o dream_n be_v vanish_v from_o our_o mind_n the_o motion_n and_o impression_n which_o they_o then_o make_v upon_o we_o do_v usual_o cease_v and_o vanish_v with_o they_o and_o though_o there_o do_v not_o remain_v the_o least_o footstep_n of_o his_o dream_n in_o his_o memory_n but_o only_o thus_o far_o to_o remember_v that_o he_o have_v dream_v yet_o when_o he_o come_v to_o acquaint_v his_o soothsayer_n astrologer_n and_o magician_n herewith_o he_o tell_v they_o that_o his_o spirit_n do_v remain_v astonish_v and_o the_o passion_n which_o he_o have_v to_o retrieve_v what_o be_v flee_v from_o he_o that_o so_o he_o may_v have_v the_o interpretation_n of_o it_o cause_v he_o to_o denounce_v threaten_n and_o terrible_a punishment_n to_o they_o in_o case_n they_o do_v not_o acquaint_v he_o with_o it_o so_o that_o it_o must_v necessary_o be_v that_o he_o be_v inward_o sensible_a of_o something_o of_o divinity_n in_o the_o dream_n that_o produce_v in_o he_o such_o a_o passionate_a desire_n to_o know_v the_o interpretation_n i_o shall_v not_o here_o speak_v any_o thing_n of_o iacob_n vision_n for_o that_o speak_v enough_o of_o itself_o for_o certain_o the_o word_n he_o there_o hear_v do_v promise_v such_o great_a thing_n so_o far_o above_o either_o the_o power_n or_o knowledge_n of_o humane_a understanding_n the_o voice_n of_o the_o speaker_n be_v so_o majestic_a the_o image_n of_o a_o ladder_n which_o reach_v from_o earth_n to_o heaven_n upon_o which_o the_o angel_n do_v ascend_v and_o descend_v upon_o the_o top_n whereof_o god_n himself_o do_v seem_v to_o sit_v in_o a_o visible_a and_o humane_a shape_n and_o figure_n as_o a_o presage_n of_o the_o future_a incarnation_n of_o christ_n all_o this_o i_o say_v have_v so_o great_a so_o glorious_a a_o aspect_n and_o jacob_n himself_o be_v so_o strike_v with_o reverence_n admiration_n and_o amazement_n that_o he_o be_v force_v to_o cry_v out_o that_o the_o very_a place_n be_v terrible_a and_o that_o in_o see_v this_o vision_n he_o be_v set_v as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o threshold_n of_o the_o house_n god_n and_o in_o the_o very_a porch_n of_o heaven_n and_o this_o show_n that_o this_o dream_n have_v make_v a_o impression_n in_o he_o quite_o different_a from_o those_o which_o proceed_v from_o natural_a cause_n i_o suppose_v i_o have_v already_o sufficient_o discuss_v this_o question_n it_o only_o now_o remain_v to_o resolve_v the_o last_o chap._n v._n whether_o god_n do_v make_v use_n of_o this_o kind_n of_o revelation_n by_o dream_n now_o under_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n joel_n have_v thus_o prophesy_v concern_v the_o time_n of_o the_o come_n of_o the_o messiah_n it_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v in_o those_o day_n say_v god_n that_o i_o will_v pour_v out_o my_o spirit_n upon_o all_o flesh_n and_o your_o son_n and_o your_o daughter_n shall_v prophesy_v your_o young_a man_n shall_v see_v vision_n and_o your_o old_a man_n shall_v dream_v dream_n and_o in_o those_o day_n i_o will_v sure_o pour_v out_o of_o my_o spirit_n upon_o my_o servant_n and_o upon_o my_o handmaid_n so_o that_o they_o shall_v prophesy_v and_o i_o will_v do_v wonder_n in_o heaven_n above_o and_o sign_n on_o earth_n beneath_o blood_n and_o vapour_n of_o smoke_n the_o sun_n shall_v be_v turn_v into_o darkness_n and_o the_o moon_n into_o blood_n before_o that_o great_a and_o notable_a day_n of_o the_o lord_n come_v it_o be_v clear_a from_o these_o very_a word_n of_o the_o prophet_n without_o any_o need_n of_o produce_v other_o that_o at_o the_o come_n of_o the_o messiah_n god_n will_v pour_v out_o a_o great_a abundance_n of_o his_o spirit_n upon_o his_o church_n which_o shall_v render_v the_o extraordinary_a and_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o prophesy_n of_o vision_n and_o of_o dream_n almost_o common_a to_o all_o the_o faithful_a which_o god_n before_o do_v but_o spare_o communicate_v to_o some_o particular_a person_n and_o indeed_o the_o apostle_n have_v apply_v this_o passage_n to_o the_o send_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n on_o the_o day_n of_o pentecost_n and_o the_o experience_n of_o thing_n at_o that_o time_n do_v very_o authentical_o testify_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o prophecy_n for_o the_o abundance_n and_o variety_n of_o gift_n which_o god_n pour_v upon_o christian_n at_o the_o first_o establishment_n of_o christianity_n be_v a_o thing_n much_o to_o be_v wonder_v at_o in_o as_o much_o as_o he_o do_v not_o only_o inspire_v the_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n &_o evangelist_n the_o pastor_n doctor_n and_o deacon_n and_o general_o all_o those_o who_o have_v any_o public_a office_n or_o charge_n in_o the_o church_n but_o also_o many_o particular_a person_n without_o any_o difference_n of_o age_n sex_n or_o condition_n and_o the_o history_n of_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n with_o that_o which_o we_o have_v yet_o remain_v of_o the_o succeed_a age_n do_v give_v we_o a_o very_a sufficient_a testimony_n hereof_o but_o here_o be_v yet_o further_o two_o thing_n very_o remarkable_a the_o first_o that_o the_o fulfil_n of_o this_o prophesy_n if_o we_o regard_v the_o emphasis_n of_o the_o term_n wherein_o it_o be_v express_v be_v not_o limit_v to_o the_o infancy_n of_o the_o church_n or_o a_o hundred_o or_o sixscore_o year_n after_o but_o extend_v to_o all_o the_o age_n of_o christianity_n even_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n for_o here_o be_v a_o opposition_n of_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o the_o time_n of_o the_o law_n and_o by_o consequence_n of_o all_o the_o duration_n of_o the_o one_o dispensation_n to_o all_o the_o duration_n of_o the_o other_o the_o second_o that_o notwithstanding_o this_o we_o see_v by_o experience_n that_o those_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v cease_v long_o ago_o so_o that_o it_o be_v now_o many_o age_n since_o we_o see_v the_o least_o footstep_n of_o they_o in_o the_o christian_a church_n for_o all_o that_o have_v be_v either_o speak_v or_o write_v these_o twelve_o hundred_o year_n concern_v those_o miraculous_a gift_n be_v either_o very_o much_o suspect_v or_o altogether_o false_a and_o supposititious_a and_o full_a of_o vanity_n and_o imposture_n how_o then_o shall_v we_o reconcile_v our_o experience_n with_o this_o prophecy_n in_o order_n to_o do_v it_o and_o to_o clear_v the_o way_n for_o the_o solution_n of_o the_o present_a question_n i_o think_v it_o convenient_a to_o lay_v down_o certain_a previous_a consideration_n first_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o which_o god_n promise_v by_o his_o prophet_n to_o give_v a_o great_a measure_n of_o his_o spirit_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o messiah_n must_v have_v its_o accomplishment_n from_o the_o first_o come_v of_o christ_n even_o unto_o his_o second_o but_o in_o what_o manner_n it_o shall_v be_v do_v be_v a_o thing_n that_o deserve_v a_o more_o attentive_a consideration_n for_o though_o the_o word_n of_o joel_n seem_v only_o to_o design_n the_o extraordinary_a and_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n yet_o under_o they_o be_v also_o comprise_v those_o more_o ordinary_a one_o which_o consist_v in_o the_o illumination_n of_o the_o understanding_n of_o the_o faithful_a in_o knowledge_n of_o the_o divine_a truth_n in_o consolation_n