as_o make_v we_o with_o david_n to_o have_v respect_n to_o all_o god_n commandment_n and_o careful_a to_o keep_v they_o as_o well_o as_o we_o can_v although_o for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o honour_n of_o his_o law_n for_o the_o patefaction_n of_o his_o most_o holy_a nature_n and_o most_o just_a dominion_n over_o we_o i_o say_v that_o although_o for_o these_o and_o such_o like_a great_a end_n the_o gospel_n have_v make_v the_o most_o perfect_a unsinning_a obedience_n to_o be_v our_o duty_n yet_o not_o that_o but_o only_o sincere_a obedience_n be_v indispensable_o necessary_a in_o order_n to_o our_o salvation_n for_o three_o those_o sin_n which_o be_v real_o inavoidable_a the_o gospel_n do_v not_o impute_v to_o we_o for_o our_o condemnation_n i_o will_v not_o be_v mistake_v that_o that_o i_o say_v be_v that_o though_o according_a to_o the_o rigour_n and_o severity_n of_o the_o law_n as_o a_o covenant_n of_o work_n the_o wage_n of_o every_o sin_n be_v death_n yet_o such_o be_v the_o mercy_n of_o god_n in_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n as_o that_o those_o sin_n which_o to_o we_o be_v real_o and_o true_o inavoidable_a shall_v not_o be_v impute_v to_o we_o for_o our_o condemnation_n hereof_o one_o reason_n be_v because_o the_o gospel_n put_v we_o into_o a_o state_n of_o trial_n and_o probation_n in_o this_o life_n in_o reference_n to_o another_o after_o it_o sure_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o inavoidable_a guilt_n thereby_o charge_v upon_o we_o to_o our_o eternal_a condemnation_n it_o be_v not_o imaginable_a it_o shall_v so_o tantaliâ—e_v we_o with_o hope_n of_o heaven_n in_o the_o confine_n and_o power_n of_o hell_n however_o evident_a it_o be_v four_o that_o the_o gospel_n do_v promise_v that_o our_o know_a sin_n as_o well_o as_o other_o how_o heinous_a soever_o they_o be_v either_o in_o their_o nature_n or_o their_o aggravation_n yet_o if_o they_o be_v timely_o retract_v by_o true_a repentance_n and_o humiliation_n contrition_n and_o confession_n change_n of_o mind_n and_o amendment_n of_o life_n they_o shall_v be_v forgive_v we_o no_o man_n sin_n be_v either_o so_o many_o in_o number_n or_o so_o heinous_a in_o their_o quality_n but_o on_o these_o term_n they_o may_v be_v forgive_v insomuch_o that_o to_o i_o it_o seem_v most_o probable_a that_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v impardonable_a not_o for_o want_v of_o grace_n in_o the_o gospel_n but_o for_o want_v of_o repentance_n in_o the_o sinner_n let_v then_o our_o modern_a scoffer_n add_v these_o thing_n as_o they_o ought_v to_o that_o against_o which_o they_o level_v their_o objection_n and_o then_o let_v they_o tell_v we_o what_o impossibility_n there_o be_v in_o obey_v the_o gospel_n so_o far_o forth_o as_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n be_v it_o impossible_a to_o do_v what_o we_o can_v or_o to_o repent_v when_o we_o have_v do_v amiss_o i_o suppose_v not_o especial_o while_o we_o have_v those_o motive_n and_o assistâ—nces_n which_o the_o gospel_n give_v we_o to_o keep_v the_o commandment_n since_o the_o nature_n of_o reasonable_a â—_z be_v to_o be_v draw_v by_o the_o alliciency_n of_o those_o proâ—itâ—râ—icks_n that_o present_v themselves_o to_o it_o we_o may_v well_o wonder_v at_o our_o own_o disobedience_n for_o so_o many_o and_o so_o great_a be_v the_o motive_n the_o gospel_n give_v to_o keep_v its_o commandment_n as_o that_o there_o be_v no_o active_a virtue_n in_o we_o but_o may_v receive_v the_o high_a incitement_n therefrom_o what_o entertainment_n so_o fit_a for_o the_o mind_n as_o truth_n and_o what_o truth_n so_o sweet_a as_o that_o that_o be_v eternal_a what_o so_o desirable_a to_o the_o will_n as_o goodness_n and_o what_o goodness_n so_o great_a as_o that_o that_o be_v infinite_a and_o where_o can_v you_o find_v eternal_a truth_n and_o infinite_a goodness_n so_o clear_o reveal_v as_o they_o be_v in_o the_o gospel_n where_o can_v the_o affection_n have_v the_o like_a motive_n to_o set_v we_o a_o do_v have_v not_o the_o rule_n of_o our_o life_n the_o high_a majesty_n and_o authority_n instamp_v on_o it_o be_v we_o not_o promise_v the_o great_a reward_n that_o can_v be_v desire_v in_o case_n we_o walk_v by_o it_o and_o be_v we_o not_o threaten_v with_o the_o great_a evil_n that_o can_v be_v fear_v in_o case_n we_o neglect_v it_o be_v we_o not_o assure_v of_o a_o suâ—â—iciency_n of_o temporal_a blessing_n and_o spiritual_a grace_n in_o this_o world_n if_o we_o will_v seek_v first_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n i._n e_o for_o glory_n and_o honour_n and_o immortality_n in_o the_o other_o be_v it_o not_o then_o strange_a that_o be_v thus_o besiege_v with_o motive_n to_o do_v well_o we_o shall_v be_v so_o prone_a to_o do_v ill_a although_o we_o know_v very_o well_o the_o commandment_n be_v such_o as_o that_o it_o be_v not_o more_o our_o duty_n than_o our_o interest_n to_o do_v they_o we_o promote_v our_o own_o good_a as_o much_o as_o god_n glory_n by_o obedience_n to_o they_o for_o they_o be_v apt_a not_o only_o to_o enlighten_v our_o mind_n and_o perfect_a our_o understanding_n to_o refine_v our_o nature_n and_o sublimate_v our_o gross_a affection_n to_o amend_v our_o life_n and_o purify_v our_o conversation_n but_o also_o to_o preserve_v our_o estate_n and_o advance_v our_o fortune_n to_o secure_v our_o reputation_n and_o promote_v our_o honour_n and_o that_o in_o all_o condition_n and_o capacity_n whatever_o insomuch_o that_o their_o own_o goodness_n may_v be_v their_o own_o eternal_a obligation_n how_o admirable_a then_o be_v that_o wisdom_n justice_n and_o goodness_n which_o impose_v they_o on_o we_o and_o require_v obedience_n of_o we_o especial_o consider_v the_o assistance_n provide_v for_o we_o to_o have_v in_o well-doing_n and_o true_o it_o be_v more_o than_o a_o little_a we_o do_v or_o shall_v receive_v in_o our_o childhood_n by_o be_v bring_v up_o in_o the_o nurture_n and_o admonition_n of_o 4._o the_o lord_n for_o a_o child_n be_v lead_v by_o little_a of_o itself_o but_o a_o chain_n of_o imagination_n education_n have_v the_o force_n of_o a_o natural_a agent_n rather_o than_o a_o moral_a hence_o it_o be_v that_o child_n of_o the_o same_o parent_n be_v sometime_o lib._n like_o lycurgus_n his_o whelp_n of_o the_o same_o litter_n whereas_o one_o run_v to_o his_o dish_n the_o other_o after_o the_o hare_n because_o he_o have_v bring_v they_o up_o so_o to_o do_v which_o experiment_n he_o make_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o his_o subject_n on_o purpose_n to_o teach_v they_o to_o train_v their_o child_n in_o the_o way_n they_o shall_v go_v and_o that_o when_o they_o be_v old_a 6._o they_o will_v not_o depart_v from_o it_o but_o if_o they_o do_v the_o gospel_n have_v sufficient_o provide_v for_o their_o reduction_n for_o it_o do_v not_o only_o encourage_v brotherly_a admonition_n and_o oblige_v we_o to_o pray_v for_o each_o other_o but_o it_o have_v also_o ordain_v a_o sacred_a function_n for_o the_o perfect_a of_o the_o sâ—ints_n for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n for_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n till_o we_o all_o come_v in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n unto_o a_o perfect_a man_n unto_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o 13._o stature_n of_o the_o fullness_n of_o christ_n now_o not_o only_a man_n on_o earth_n but_o also_o the_o angel_n of_o heaven_n be_v oblige_v to_o afford_v we_o their_o assistance_n be_v they_o not_o all_o minister_a spirit_n send_v forth_o to_o minister_v for_o they_o who_o shall_v be_v heir_n of_o salvation_n and_o beside_o the_o assistance_n of_o 4_o angel_n we_o may_v have_v that_o of_o the_o eternal_a spirit_n also_o to_o help_v we_o for_o the_o father_n of_o flesh_n here_o on_o earth_n be_v not_o so_o ready_a to_o give_v good_a gift_n unto_o their_o child_n as_o our_o heavenly_a father_n be_v to_o give_v the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o they_o that_o ask_v he_o and_o this_o it_o seem_v he_o do_v 8._o so_o abundant_o in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o that_o it_o be_v call_v by_o his_o name_n and_o the_o ministration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o law_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o life_n in_o christ_n jesus_n which_o make_v man_n free_a from_o the_o law_n of_o sin_n and_o death_n whereby_o it_o seem_v that_o though_o the_o history_n 2_o and_o outward_a communication_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v to_o we_o in_o scriptis_fw-la yet_o we_o be_v not_o to_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o mere_a piece_n of_o book-learning_n but_o as_o a_o vital_a quicken_a thing_n able_a to_o give_v life_n to_o those_o that_o be_v dead_a in_o trespass_n and_o sin_n to_o beget_v they_o again_o in_o christ_n jesus_n and_o to_o form_v divine_a goodness_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o by_o so_o do_v to_o help_v their_o
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
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
the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n a_o treatise_n to_o prove_v by_o the_o way_n former_o in_o use_n among_o the_o jew_n in_o the_o trial_n of_o pretender_n to_o a_o prophetic_a spirit_n that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v prophetâ—_n together_o with_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o christian_a religion_n and_o the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o insufficiency_n of_o humane_a reason_n and_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n hope_n and_o practice_n deduce_v therefrom_o and_o assert_v against_o mr._n hobbs_n and_o the_o treatise_n of_o humane_a reason_n by_o w._n h._n london_n print_v for_o w._n crook_n at_o the_o green_a dragon_n without_o temple-bar_n mdclxxix_o to_o the_o right_n reverend_a father_n in_o god_n peter_z lord_n bishop_n of_o ely_z my_o lord_n when_o the_o gospel_n be_v first_o promulgate_v by_o the_o preach_a of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n among_o the_o jew_n the_o philosopher_n and_o disputer_n of_o this_o world_n among_o the_o gentile_n i._n e._n the_o wit_n of_o that_o age_n be_v some_o of_o the_o most_o eminent_a opposer_n and_o rejecter_n of_o it_o the_o one_o require_v 22._o a_o sign_n the_o other_o seek_v after_o wisdom_n the_o one_o will_v have_v sign_n and_o miâ—â—â—les_n wrought_v at_o their_o demand_n the_o other_o will_v have_v philosophical_a reason_n draw_v from_o natural_a cause_n to_o make_v they_o believe_v and_o for_o lack_v of_o these_o as_o it_o seem_v they_o pretend_v christ_n crucify_v be_v to_o the_o jew_n a_o stumbling-block_n and_o to_o the_o greek_n foolishness_n and_o that_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n such_o as_o they_o be_v he_o seemâ—_n to_o be_v so_o still_o to_o some_o of_o the_o wit_n of_o these_o time_n i_o be_o assure_v by_o the_o writing_n of_o such_o person_n as_o want_v neither_o opportunity_n of_o converse_n with_o man_n nor_o ability_n to_o understand_v their_o principle_n and_o pretence_n some_o there_o be_v that_o have_v hear_v and_o perhaps_o have_v read_v a_o little_a of_o the_o thing_n call_v miracle_n and_o demonstration_n and_o for_o want_v of_o these_o they_o seem_v to_o despise_v and_o contemn_v the_o gospel_n but_o the_o truth_n be_v can_v these_o brisk_a and_o airy_a these_o talkative_a and_o dogmatical_a man_n obtain_v leave_n of_o themselves_o to_o be_v sâ—â—ious_a so_o long_o as_o to_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n they_o may_v perhaps_o find_v themselves_o somewhat_o like_o those_o in_o the_o primitive_a 22._o time_n who_o profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v wise_a become_v fool_n nor_o have_v they_o any_o reason_n to_o look_v on_o this_o as_o a_o reproachful_a suggestion_n foâ—_n since_o life_n and_o immortality_n be_v bring_v to_o light_n by_o the_o gospel_n upon_o either_o of_o these_o pretence_n and_o they_o can_v have_v no_o better_a to_o reject_v it_o be_v but_o to_o play_v the_o fool_n very_o wise_o and_o to_o run_v mad_a with_o a_o reason_n for_o it_o and_o that_o not_o only_o because_o the_o gospel_n acquaint_v we_o with_o matter_n of_o the_o high_a and_o best_a importance_n that_o can_v be_v unto_o we_o but_o also_o because_o which_o of_o these_o way_n soever_o they_o choose_v to_o palliate_v their_o infidelity_n it_o will_v at_o length_n lead_v they_o to_o deplorable_a absurdity_n for_o the_o semeiotical_a or_o jewish_a postulatum_fw-la be_v a_o very_a manife_a and_o malepeâ—t_a piece_n of_o folly_n not_o only_o because_o the_o gospel_n be_v at_o first_o abundant_o confirm_v by_o miracle_n uncontrollable_o attest_v but_o also_o because_o if_o that_o be_v constitute_v the_o way_n of_o demonstrate_v the_o truth_n of_o divine_a revelation_n it_o will_v lead_v man_n to_o the_o impudence_n of_o prescribe_v to_o the_o most_o high_a and_o set_v bound_n to_o the_o almighty_a of_o expect_v alteration_n in_o the_o course_n of_o nature_n and_o of_o have_v preacher_n like_o juggler_n to_o show_v trick_n at_o the_o demand_n of_o every_o petulant_a requirer_n instance_n hereof_o we_o have_v divers_a in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n but_o few_o i_o think_v so_o pregnant_a as_o that_o of_o the_o pharisee_n seek_v of_o christ_n 11._o a_o sign_n from_o heaven_n tempt_v he_o they_o have_v no_o mind_n to_o be_v his_o disciple_n but_o to_o make_v trial_n of_o his_o skill_n and_o ability_n and_o therefore_o they_o demand_v a_o sign_n and_o that_o present_o upon_o the_o spot_n and_o this_o sign_n must_v be_v not_o that_o which_o he_o have_v give_v they_o but_o the_o day_n before_o by_o feed_v four_o thousand_o with_o seven_o loaf_n and_o a_o few_o small_a fish_n this_o do_v not_o please_v their_o palate_n but_o they_o must_v have_v a_o sign_n of_o their_o own_o choose_n and_o that_o not_o from_o the_o earth_n the_o wind_n or_o the_o sea_n but_o from_o heaven_n from_o thence_o it_o must_v come_v in_o all_o haste_n to_o satisfy_v their_o wanton_a curiosity_n and_o be_v not_o this_o to_o expect_v that_o the_o power_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n shall_v dance_v attendance_n on_o they_o at_o their_o senseless_a and_o impudent_a demand_n it_o be_v plain_a then_o that_o insolence_n and_o impiety_n folly_n and_o asinine_a stupidity_n be_v the_o brood_n that_o this_o postulatum_fw-la bring_v forth_o and_o if_o this_o be_v the_o way_n of_o prove_v the_o gospel_n to_o be_v of_o god_n how_o shall_v future_a age_n be_v secure_v against_o it_o be_v man_n more_o wise_a and_o modest_a now_o than_o they_o be_v then_o i_o doubt_v it_o because_o there_o be_v some_o even_o in_o our_o nation_n that_o be_v fall_v into_o such_o as_o this_o absurdity_n whence_o else_o be_v it_o that_o they_o require_v a_o miracle_n to_o prove_v that_o miracle_n have_v be_v do_v but_o will_v they_o stand_v a_o little_a and_o consider_v whither_o they_o be_v go_v they_o may_v perhaps_o perceive_v that_o he_o who_o put_v they_o into_o this_o way_n have_v no_o extraordinary_a wit_n as_o be_v pretend_v and_o they_o that_o think_v to_o excuse_v their_o infidelity_n or_o neutrality_n by_o the_o grecanick_n postulatum_fw-la seem_v not_o to_o i_o to_o be_v much_o wise_a because_o they_o hanker_v after_o such_o proof_n as_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n will_v not_o admit_v and_o reject_v that_o that_o be_v most_o prope_a for_o the_o gospel_n we_o know_v contain_v matter_n of_o faith_n and_o these_o matter_n of_o faith_n especial_o those_o of_o they_o that_o be_v most_o except_v against_o be_v contain_v either_o in_o historical_a narration_n or_o doctrinal_a proposition_n the_o former_a have_v receive_v their_o be_v from_o free_a agent_n not_o from_o cause_n necessary_a or_o of_o their_o own_o nature_n determine_v to_o the_o do_v of_o that_o that_o be_v be_v believe_v can_v admit_v of_o strict_a and_o rigorous_a demonstration_n but_o be_v capable_a of_o proof_n only_o by_o testimony_n and_o this_o we_o have_v for_o matter_n mere_o historical_a in_o the_o gospel_n as_o full_o as_o for_o any_o other_o of_o the_o same_o or_o as_o i_o think_v of_o a_o far_o lesser_a distance_n for_o not_o only_o all_o christian_n of_o the_o remote_a region_n but_o jew_n and_o pagan_n heathen_n and_o infidel_n of_o all_o sort_n have_v receive_v they_o for_o true_a and_o confirm_v they_o 21_o unto_o we_o this_o be_v all_o the_o proof_n we_o either_o have_v or_o can_v reasonable_o desire_v of_o these_o thing_n because_o their_o nature_n will_v admit_v of_o no_o other_o and_o if_o they_o be_v not_o much_o less_o be_v the_o doctrinal_a proposition_n contain_v mere_a matter_n of_o divine_a faith_n capable_a of_o demonstration_n because_o they_o be_v a_o mystery_n concern_v god_n his_o nature_n essence_n or_o operation_n and_o one_o will_v think_v that_o man_n of_o wit_n and_o part_n shall_v not_o betray_v so_o much_o folly_n ignorance_n and_o want_v of_o learning_n as_o to_o expect_v philosophical_a demonstration_n for_o thing_n of_o that_o nature_n for_o such_o demonstration_n must_v be_v either_o à _fw-la priori_fw-la or_o à _fw-la posteriori_fw-la à _fw-la priori_fw-la it_o can_v be_v because_o that_o suppose_v cause_n precedent_n to_o the_o first_o viz._n god_n himself_o and_o so_o imply_v a_o contradiction_n nor_o can_v it_o be_v à _fw-la posteriori_fw-la because_o the_o gospel_n 26._o be_v the_o mystery_n which_o have_v be_v hide_v from_o age_n and_o from_o generation_n if_o it_o be_v not_o whence_o be_v it_o that_o all_o the_o learned_a as_o well_o as_o the_o vulgar_a among_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n be_v ignorant_a of_o it_o till_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n make_v it_o manife_v it_o seem_v therefore_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v a_o sort_n of_o supernatural_a doctrine_n which_o can_v possible_o be_v demonstrate_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o for_o that_o reason_n be_v there_o no_o other_o it_o be_v unreasonable_a to_o demand_v it_o and_o senseless_a to_o reject_v the_o gospel_n for_o lack_v of_o it_o such_o doctrine_n
moses_n which_o promise_v petrus_n galatinus_n 22._o prove_v the_o ancient_a jew_n themselves_o understand_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o mâ—ssiah_n and_o in_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n st._n peter_n affirm_v that_o our_o jesus_n be_v that_o prophet_n and_o christ_n himself_o give_v such_o evidence_n of_o it_o as_o that_o his_o disciple_n think_v he_o a_o prophet_n mighty_a 19_o in_o deed_n and_o word_n before_o god_n and_o all_o the_o people_n i._n e._n that_o god_n do_v demonstrate_v and_o the_o people_n do_v confess_v that_o he_o be_v a_o great_a prophet_n and_o that_o they_o do_v so_o be_v manifest_a for_o the_o jew_n themselves_o who_o heart_n be_v not_o subdue_v to_o his_o doctrine_n do_v yet_o believe_v that_o of_o a_o truth_n he_o be_v that_o prophet_n that_o shall_v 14._o come_v into_o the_o world_n the_o samaritan_n woman_n also_o perceive_v that_o he_o be_v a_o prophet_n and_o the_o man_n of_o samaria_n 19_o believe_v and_o know_v as_o much_o namely_o that_o indeed_o he_o be_v the_o christ_n the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n a_o part_n 2d_o of_o who_o office_n as_o they_o think_v be_v to_o tell_v they_o all_o thing_n and_o so_o to_o be_v a_o prophet_n and_o then_o for_o the_o apostle_n we_o do_v not_o only_o read_v that_o god_n by_o his_o spirit_n 10_o reveal_v thing_n unto_o they_o but_o moreover_o we_o find_v it_o record_v that_o he_o do_v it_o in_o this_o manner_n our_o bless_a lord_n jesus_n christ_n promise_v his_o disciple_n to_o send_v they_o a_o comforter_n and_o that_o when_o he_o the_o spirit_n of_o 13._o truth_n shall_v come_v he_o will_v guide_v they_o into_o all_o truth_n which_o it_o seem_v fell_a out_o according_o for_o when_o the_o day_n of_o pentecost_n be_v full_o come_v the_o apostle_n be_v all_o with_o one_o accord_n in_o one_o place_n and_o sudden_o there_o come_v a_o sound_n from_o heaven_n as_o of_o a_o rush_v mighty_a wind_n and_o it_o fill_v all_o the_o house_n where_o they_o be_v sit_v and_o there_o appear_v to_o they_o cleave_a tongue_n like_v as_o of_o fire_n and_o it_o sit_v upon_o each_o of_o they_o and_o they_o be_v all_o fill_v with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o begin_v to_o speak_v with_o other_o tongue_n etc._n as_o the_o spirit_n give_v they_o utterance_n nor_o do_v they_o then_o receive_v only_o the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n but_o that_o also_o of_o prophecy_n for_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n by_o the_o prophet_n joel_n that_o he_o will_v pour_v out_o his_o spirit_n upon_o all_o flesh_n and_o that_o their_o son_n 28._o and_o daughter_n shall_v prophesy_v etc._n etc._n the_o importance_n of_o which_o promise_n be_v that_o in_o the_o day_n a_o little_a before_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n there_o shall_v be_v so_o great_a and_o unusual_a a_o effusion_n of_o his_o spirit_n upon_o pâ—rsons_n of_o all_o sort_n as_o that_o those_o who_o be_v not_o bring_v up_o in_o the_o school_n of_o prophet_n shall_v yet_o be_v endue_v with_o the_o spirit_n or_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n this_o prediction_n of_o joel_n be_v fulfil_v in_o the_o apostle_n by_o the_o most_o auspicious_a descent_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n upon_o they_o for_o st._n peter_n affirm_v this_o be_v that_o 16._o which_o be_v speak_v by_o the_o prophet_n joel_n it_o seem_v then_o the_o mystery_n of_o christ_n which_o in_o other_o age_n be_v not_o make_v know_v unto_o the_o son_n of_o man_n as_o now_o it_o be_v be_v reveal_v unto_o his_o holy_a apostle_n and_o prophet_n by_o the_o spirit_n 5._o it_o be_v therefore_o manifest_a there_o can_v be_v no_o doubt_n make_v of_o our_o assertion_n if_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v think_v sufficient_a to_o prove_v it_o on_o this_o account_n i_o suppose_v it_o be_v that_o among_o those_o who_o believe_v the_o scripture_n it_o seem_v a_o hypothesis_n rather_o take_v for_o grant_v than_o otherwise_o prove_v by_o any_o but_o because_o our_o age_n be_v inquisitive_a and_o somewhat_o too_o apt_a to_o derogate_v from_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o sacred_a pandect_n because_o also_o since_o those_o part_n thereof_o which_o make_v mention_v of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n do_v drop_n from_o their_o mouth_n and_o pen_n to_o allege_v text_n from_o thence_o be_v but_o to_o produce_v their_o own_o testimony_n concern_v themselves_o and_o therefore_o whatever_o truth_n there_o may_v be_v there_o certain_o be_v but_o little_a force_n in_o that_o way_n of_o argue_v unless_o it_o be_v to_o those_o that_o already_o be_v well_o persuade_v of_o their_o authority_n for_o these_o reason_n i_o shall_v at_o present_a ascribe_v no_o more_o authority_n to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n than_o be_v usual_o give_v to_o other_o write_n far_o inferior_a and_o argue_v only_o from_o reason_n and_o testimony_n that_o can_v be_v suspect_v of_o partiality_n by_o the_o help_n thereof_o together_o with_o god_n blessing_n i_o doubt_v not_o to_o prove_v these_o five_o particular_n 1._o that_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o prophet_n be_v very_o agreeable_a to_o reason_n 2._o that_o there_o be_v prophet_n among_o the_o jew_n 3._o that_o for_o the_o trial_n of_o pretender_n to_o the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n they_o have_v certain_a rule_n note_n and_o sign_n whereby_o to_o judge_n of_o they_o 4._o that_n if_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v try_v thereby_o it_o will_v be_v find_v that_o they_o be_v prophet_n 5._o that_o this_o way_n of_o prove_v they_o be_v so_o be_v very_o sufficient_a and_o rational_a chap._n ii_o of_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o prophet_n and_o that_o there_o be_v prophet_n among_o the_o jew_n the_o notion_n of_o a_o prophet_n may_v certain_o best_o be_v learn_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o prophecy_n before_o define_v from_o which_o definition_n of_o prophecy_n we_o may_v gather_v this_o of_o a_o prophet_n viz._n that_o he_o be_v a_o person_n who_o by_o the_o influence_n of_o god_n upon_o his_o rational_a faculty_n do_v attain_v to_o such_o knowledge_n as_o by_o his_o natural_a ability_n will_v in_o one_o respect_n or_o other_o be_v unattainable_a in_o which_o description_n it_o concern_v we_o at_o present_a to_o observe_v only_o that_o it_o be_v not_o prediction_n but_o influence_n from_o god_n which_o constitute_v a_o prophet_n at_o least_o such_o a_o one_o as_o we_o be_v now_o speak_v of_o and_o that_o this_o be_v no_o new_a notion_n adapt_v to_o our_o present_a undertake_n be_v evident_a enough_o by_o the_o word_n of_o a_o late_a author_n who_o principle_n be_v think_v most_o unlucky_o of_o any_o to_o undermine_v such_o foundation_n as_o we_o be_v now_o lay_v yet_o he_o express_v himself_o in_o these_o word_n although_o there_o be_v many_o signification_n in_o scripture_n of_o the_o word_n prophet_n yet_o be_v that_o the_o most_o frequent_a in_o which_o it_o be_v take_v for_o he_o to_o who_o god_n speak_v immediate_o that_o which_o the_o prophet_n be_v to_o say_v from_o he_o to_o some_o other_o man_n or_o to_o the_o people_n god_n speak_v to_o man_n immediate_o he_o himself_o say_v be_v to_o be_v interpret_v 36._o that_o way_n whatsoever_o it_o be_v i_o suppose_v he_o mean_v without_o the_o ministry_n of_o man_n by_o which_o god_n make_v they_o to_o understand_v his_o will._n hereby_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o in_o his_o judgement_n as_o well_o as_o we_o a_o prophet_n be_v a_o person_n on_o who_o understanding_n god_n have_v immediate_a influence_n how_o else_o be_v it_o possible_a he_o shall_v make_v he_o immediate_o to_o understand_v his_o will_n and_o sure_o it_o can_v seem_v strange_a to_o any_o that_o there_o have_v or_o may_v have_v be_v such_o man_n in_o the_o world_n the_o power_n and_o wisdom_n of_o god_n together_o with_o the_o capacity_n of_o man_n soul_n be_v enough_o to_o remove_v all_o suspicion_n of_o its_o impossibility_n he_o that_o make_v the_o mind_n shall_v not_o he_o be_v able_a to_o teach_v man_n knowledge_n and_o he_o that_o be_v make_v on_o purpose_n to_o know_v god_n and_o give_v he_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o handiwork_n shall_v not_o he_o be_v think_v capable_a of_o learning_n from_o such_o a_o teacher_n there_o be_v therefore_o no_o show_n of_o reason_n to_o doubt_v the_o possibility_n of_o prophecy_n especial_o consider_v that_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n how_o wide_a soever_o their_o difference_n be_v in_o other_o matter_n do_v yet_o agree_v in_o this_o viz._n that_o there_o be_v or_o have_v be_v such_o prophet_n in_o the_o world_n this_o be_v so_o manifest_a and_o vulgar_o know_v to_o be_v the_o belief_n of_o christian_n jew_n and_o turk_n as_o that_o among_o all_o that_o have_v hear_v of_o christ_n moses_n or_o mahomet_n all_o necessity_n of_o prove_v it_o be_v perfect_o forestalled_n and_o that_o the_o heathen_n also_o be_v of_o the_o same_o opinion_n be_v evident_a by_o what_o they_o have_v report_v of_o some_o of_o their_o lawgiver_n viz._n
mechanic_n and_o when_o they_o come_v abroad_o among_o the_o gentile_n they_o be_v look_v on_o as_o foolish_a babbler_n and_o be_v make_v as_o the_o filth_n of_o the_o world_n and_o offscouring_a of_o all_o thing_n be_v these_o man_n likely_a to_o out_o wit_n the_o wise_a one_o and_o to_o baffle_v the_o philosopher_n to_o be_v too_o cunning_a for_o the_o devil_n and_o too_o strong_a for_o the_o power_n of_o darkness_n be_v their_o bare_a word_n likely_a to_o pull_v down_o the_o strong_a hold_v of_o sin_n and_o satan_n and_o to_o convert_v the_o world_n from_o the_o error_n of_o its_o way_n and_o that_o by_o a_o sort_n of_o doctrine_n which_o in_o divers_a point_n seem_v foolishness_n to_o the_o wise_a direct_a opposition_n and_o contrariety_n to_o the_o carnal_a and_o this_o deliver_v not_o with_o entice_v word_n of_o man_n wisdom_n but_o in_o the_o plain_a simplicity_n of_o speech_n naked_o represent_v what_o they_o believe_v have_v see_v and_o hear_v be_v these_o man_n likely_a by_o such_o doctrine_n so_o deliver_v without_o miracle_n to_o take_v down_o the_o gate_n of_o brass_n and_o break_v the_o bar_n of_o iron_n in_o sunder_o to_o reform_v the_o world_n in_o spite_n of_o all_o opposition_n yet_o so_o they_o do_v for_o by_o their_o preach_n man_n beloved_a lust_n be_v divorce_v the_o devil_n oracle_n be_v put_v to_o silence_n his_o prophet_n strike_v dumb_a and_o soothsayer_n be_v unconsult_v temple_n be_v lay_v waist_n and_o altar_n demolish_v the_o wise_a be_v confound_v by_o the_o foolish_a the_o mighty_a by_o the_o weak_a the_o base_a and_o despise_a thing_n of_o the_o world_n yea_o and_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o bring_v to_o naught_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v although_o they_o be_v favour_v and_o patronise_v by_o the_o love_n and_o like_n the_o great_a power_n and_o polity_n of_o man_n and_o devil_n of_o earth_n and_o hell_n all_o which_o take_v council_n together_o and_o stand_v up_o against_o they_o yet_o such_o be_v the_o efficacy_n of_o their_o doctrine_n as_o that_o though_o the_o grecian_a and_o roman_a lawgiver_n notwithstanding_o their_o authority_n and_o reputation_n for_o wisdom_n and_o power_n and_o their_o pretence_n to_o inspiration_n from_o the_o god_n then_o worship_v can_v not_o persuade_v even_o their_o next_o neighbour_n but_o only_o their_o own_o immediate_a subject_n to_o embrace_v their_o law_n yet_o the_o apostle_n draw_v not_o only_o they_o but_o all_o barbarous_a legibus_fw-la nation_n to_o the_o love_n of_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o not_o by_o the_o force_n of_o arm_n and_o weapon_n but_o against_o it_o insomuch_o that_o they_o and_o their_o follower_n in_o all_o place_n be_v begird_v with_o reproach_n and_o encircle_v with_o great_a danger_n both_o to_o their_o life_n and_o fortune_n yet_o all_o mankind_n and_o all_o nation_n they_o persuade_v to_o embrace_v the_o faith_n and_o law_n of_o our_o crucify_a jesus_n and_o think_v you_o man_n be_v then_o so_o mortify_v to_o the_o flesh_n and_o crucify_v to_o the_o world_n as_o that_o they_o will_v hazard_v their_o ease_n and_o pleasure_n wealth_n and_o honour_n relation_n and_o life_n and_o all_o that_o be_v dear_a to_o they_o upon_o the_o bare_a word_n of_o a_o few_o private_a person_n preach_v one_o jesus_n crucify_v at_o jerusalem_n think_v you_o that_o that_o can_v have_v do_v it_o without_o the_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o almighty_a work_v miracle_n to_o induce_v and_o persuade_v man_n to_o it_o sure_o all_o nation_n can_v not_o be_v allure_v by_o naked_a asseveration_n or_o induce_v with_o vain_a hope_n to_o jeopard_v their_o life_n when_o they_o see_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o miracle_n to_o invite_v they_o to_o 1._o this_o their_o new_a worship_n it_o be_v hardly_o imaginable_a that_o this_o can_v be_v how_o much_o more_o rational_a therefore_o be_v it_o to_o conclude_v that_o god_n by_o they_o do_v work_v wonder_n and_o many_o miracle_n among_o the_o jew_n and_o heathen_n of_o which_o conclusion_n we_o be_v also_o assure_v by_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o church_n which_o in_o this_o case_n be_v so_o augu_v and_o illustrious_a as_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o want_v to_o make_v it_o most_o absolute_o complete_a and_o perfect_a it_o have_v universality_n antiquity_n and_o consent_v of_o all_o christian_n to_o avouch_v its_o authority_n and_o credibility_n it_o be_v every_o where_o always_o and_o by_o all_o believe_v that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n wrought_v miracle_n to_o confirm_v their_o doctrine_n be_v there_o ever_o any_o nation_n on_o earth_n where_o the_o gospel_n be_v plant_v but_o this_o be_v believe_v of_o they_o and_o what_o age_n have_v ever_o pass_v since_o their_o time_n without_o transmit_v the_o same_o belief_n to_o posterity_n man_n of_o all_o quality_n and_o country_n of_o remote_a region_n and_o different_a custom_n language_n and_o persuasion_n in_o other_o matter_n do_v all_o and_o ever_o do_v agree_v in_o this_o assertion_n thence_o be_v it_o that_o arnobius_n with_o great_a reason_n ask_v the_o gentile_n what_o we_o shall_v say_v of_o the_o man_n of_o that_o time_n viz._n wherein_o the_o gospel_n be_v first_o preach_v be_v they_o so_o vain_a and_o false_a so_o foolish_a and_o brutish_a as_o to_o feign_v themselves_o to_o have_v see_v those_o thing_n they_o never_o see_v and_o so_o by_o false_a witness_n and_o childish_a asseveration_n to_o avouch_v those_o thing_n that_o never_o be_v and_o that_o when_o they_o do_v not_o only_o lose_v the_o sweet_n of_o unanimity_n and_o peaceable_a converse_n with_o their_o old_a acquaintance_n but_o also_o free_o become_v so_o odious_a unto_o they_o as_o that_o their_o very_a name_n be_v execrable_a if_o the_o history_n of_o these_o thing_n be_v false_a whence_o be_v it_o that_o the_o whole_a world_n in_o so_o short_a a_o time_n become_v christian_n or_o that_o nation_n of_o the_o far_a distant_a region_n drive_v as_o it_o be_v with_o the_o wind_n and_o convexion_n of_o heaven_n shall_v yet_o come_v â—od_a together_o in_o this_o one_o mind_n be_v it_o possible_a they_o shall_v be_v all_o deceive_v or_o have_v a_o design_n to_o deceive_v other_o be_v the_o world_n so_o sottish_a as_o that_o it_o can_v be_v so_o imimpose_v on_o or_o be_v it_o so_o knavish_a as_o that_o it_o will_v so_o impose_v on_o all_o other_o yet_o among_o so_o many_o myriad_n both_o of_o deceiver_n and_o deceive_v there_o shall_v be_v none_o able_a and_o willing_a to_o discover_v the_o cheat_n that_o be_v impossible_a and_o so_o it_o will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v the_o circumstance_n of_o that_o testimony_n wherein_o the_o belief_n and_o tradition_n of_o the_o church_n seem_v found_v viz._n the_o time_n and_o place_n wherein_o and_o the_o confidence_n wherewith_o it_o be_v give_v as_o for_o the_o time_n wherein_o it_o be_v first_o report_v that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n wrought_v miracle_n it_o be_v not_o as_o we_o know_v other_o report_n have_v be_v raise_v viz._n long_o after_o the_o fact_n be_v do_v but_o in_o that_o age_n wherein_o the_o doer_n live_v yea_o in_o those_o year_n month_n and_o day_n wherein_o the_o fact_n suppose_v to_o be_v miracle_n be_v do_v while_o all_o man_n be_v muse_v in_o their_o heart_n concern_v the_o wonder_n they_o see_v and_o hear_v and_o consequent_o while_o interest_n in_o some_o and_o curiosity_n in_o other_o do_v prompt_v they_o to_o make_v enquiry_n into_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o report_n and_o while_o if_o false_a it_o may_v most_o easy_o have_v be_v find_v to_o be_v so_o yet_o then_o do_v the_o first_o witness_n of_o these_o thing_n with_o all_o â—oldness_n give_v evidence_n thereof_o and_o that_o not_o in_o place_n far_o remote_a and_o distant_a from_o those_o wherein_o they_o be_v do_v but_o even_o in_o they_o where_o certain_o if_o there_o have_v be_v any_o fraud_n it_o may_v best_o and_o will_v effectual_o have_v be_v discover_v for_o the_o person_n that_o find_v the_o effect_n those_o also_o that_o oppose_v the_o design_n of_o these_o miracle_n viz._n those_o on_o who_o they_o be_v wrought_v and_o those_o who_o be_v enemy_n to_o the_o belief_n of_o they_o be_v then_o and_o there_o live_v when_o and_o where_o the_o report_n be_v first_o spread_v of_o they_o and_o without_o all_o doubt_n in_o those_o time_n and_o place_n wherein_o christianity_n be_v a_o sect_n that_o be_v every_o where_o speak_v against_o there_o want_v not_o 22._o those_o who_o have_v both_o wit_n and_o vigilance_n enough_o to_o have_v discover_v the_o cheat_n and_o falsehood_n if_o there_o have_v be_v any_o to_o be_v find_v either_o in_o the_o pretend_a miracle_n or_o the_o testimony_n that_o be_v give_v of_o they_o and_o be_v it_o not_o very_o strange_a that_o in_o such_o time_n and_o place_n there_o be_v none_o that_o will_v undertake_v to_o
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