Selected quad for the lemma: spirit_n

Word A	Word B	Word C	Word D	Occurrence	Frequency Band	MI	MI Band	Prominent
spirit_n	flesh_n	law_n	sin_n	20,113	5	5.9622	4	true

Text snippets containing the quad

ID	Title	Author	Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication)	STC	Words	Pages
A44932	The spirit of prophecy a treatise to prove, by the wayes formerly in use among the Jews, in the tryal of pretenders to a prophetic spirit, that Christ and his Apostles were prophets : together with the divine authority of christian religion and the Holy Scriptures, the insufficiency of human reason, and the reasonableness of the christian faith, hope, and practice, deduced therefrom, and asserted against Mr. Hobbs, and the Treatise of Hvmane Reason / by W.H.	Hughes, William, b. 1624 or 5.	1679 (1679)	Wing H3346; ESTC R19799	183,906	298

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 tantali●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 assist●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 ●_z be_v to_o be_v draw_v by_o the_o alliciency_n of_o those_o pro●it●r●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 su●●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 s●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

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 m●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 p●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

infirmity_n yea_o not_o only_o the_o spirit_n but_o also_o the_o son_n of_o god_n himself_o notwithstanding_o his_o exaltation_n now_o in_o heaven_n humble_v himself_o to_o sympathize_v with_o we_o here_o on_o earth_n for_o we_o have_v not_o a_o high_a priest_n which_o can_v be_v touch_v with_o a_o feel_n of_o our_o infirmity_n but_o be_v in_o all_o point_n tempt_v like_a as_o we_o be_v yet_o without_o sin_n if_o therefore_o we_o come_v bold_o to_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n we_o may_v obtain_v mercy_n and_o find_v grace_n to_o help_v in_o time_n of_o need._n and_o if_o 16._o we_o may_v have_v mercy_n and_o grace_n for_o come_v for_o it_o i_o hope_v we_o have_v no_o cause_n be_v our_o duty_n what_o it_o will_v to_o complain_v of_o hard_a usage_n let_v we_o then_o lay_v all_o these_o thing_n together_o viz._n that_o the_o object_n of_o our_o faith_n be_v most_o clear_o reveal_v by_o the_o gospel_n that_o that_o of_o our_o hope_n be_v most_o full_o declare_v to_o be_v most_o excellent_a and_o certain_a and_o that_o the_o rule_n of_o our_o life_n be_v most_o become_v the_o attribute_n of_o god_n and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o reason_n of_o man_n and_o withal_o be_v so_o complete_o suit_v to_o his_o ability_n as_o that_o no_o other_o law_n can_v possible_o be_v so_o good_a for_o he_o in_o his_o present_a state_n of_o nature_n morality_n and_o imperfection_n le_fw-fr we_o i_o say_v lay_v all_o these_o thing_n together_o and_o then_o methinks_v we_o must_v needs_o see_v something_o of_o that_o stupendous_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n whereby_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v guide_v in_o the_o oeconomy_n of_o the_o gospel_n far_o more_o excellent_a than_o the_o wisdom_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n in_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o law_n and_o if_o they_o do_v excel_v the_o jew_n in_o wisdom_n much_o more_o the_o gentile_n for_o since_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n they_o be_v teach_v of_o god_n it_o be_v evident_a they_o have_v more_o excellent_a wisdom_n not_o than_o the_o vulgar_a only_o but_o than_o those_o also_o that_o seem_v to_o be_v philosopher_n 5._o yet_o at_o the_o bar_n of_o their_o judgement_n we_o be_v willing_a to_o try_v the_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o jesus_n viz._n whether_o it_o be_v real_a and_o true_a wisdom_n yea_o or_o no_o whereof_o we_o shall_v need_v no_o long_o to_o doubt_n if_o we_o consider_v what_o the_o most_o famous_a philosopher_n have_v tell_v we_o concern_v the_o nature_n the_o object_n and_o the_o end_n of_o wisdom_n as_o for_o its_o nature_n in_o general_a it_o seem_v the_o common_a concession_n of_o they_o all_o that_o wisdom_n be_v one_o of_o the_o best_a if_o not_o absolute_o the_o most_o excellent_a kind_n of_o knowledge_n they_o therefore_o define_v it_o by_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o with_o they_o seem_v to_o denote_v more_o than_o a_o bare_a perception_n of_o thing_n viz._n some_o knowledge_n of_o they_o by_o undeniable_a necessary_a argument_n such_o as_o command_v assent_v rather_o than_o beg_v it_o now_o that_o christianity_n be_v a_o sort_n of_o knowledge_n found_v on_o such_o argument_n i_o hope_v you_o will_v find_v in_o the_o end_n of_o this_o treatise_n the_o design_n whereof_o be_v to_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v so_o at_o present_v therefore_o i_o shall_v say_v no_o more_o of_o its_o general_a nature_n but_o observe_v that_o the_o object_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n as_o well_o as_o its_o nature_n do_v high_o justify_v its_o claim_n to_o the_o title_n of_o wisdom_n for_o what_o i_o pray_v be_v it_o that_o wisdom_n treat_v of_o about_o what_o be_v it_o conversant_a the_o first_o vi●_n cause_n say_v pythagoras_n the_o best_a thing_n or_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v most_o honourable_a say_v aristotle_n and_o which_o be_v those_o all_o man_n except_o atheist_n will_v answer_v they_o be_v god_n and_o the_o thing_n that_o approach_v near_o unto_o and_o partake_v most_o of_o his_o nature_n otherwise_o anaxagoras_n thales_n and_o such_o like_a will_v not_o have_v have_v a_o reputation_n for_o wisdom_n as_o the_o philosopher_n last_o mention_v report_n they_o have_v because_o they_o know_v matter_n of_o divinity_n and_o where_o shall_v we_o find_v the_o great_a 6._o knowledge_n of_o these_o thing_n be_v it_o in_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o gentile_n no_o very_o their_o philosophy_n be_v here_o dumb_a or_o worse_o simonides_n though_o a_o learned_a and_o wise_a man_n in_o their_o esteem_n can_v give_v no_o account_n of_o the_o divine_a essence_n and_o those_o of_o the_o heathen_n that_o undertake_v to_o do_v it_o have_v better_o be_v as_o spare_v and_o modest_a as_o he_o be_v as_o be_v more_o than_o probable_a by_o the_o account_n that_o plutarch_n and_o cic●ro_n give_v of_o their_o sentiment_n 1._o in_o this_o particular_a they_o be_v so_o weak_a and_o obscure_a so_o absurd_a and_o irrational_a so_o unworthy_a of_o god_n and_o unbecoming_a the_o deity_n as_o that_o the_o orator_n say_v of_o they_o they_o be_v almost_o not_o the_o judgement_n of_o philosopher_n but_o the_o dream_n of_o madman_n we_o see_v then_o that_o ibid._n man_n of_o great_a and_o excellent_a wit_n after_o all_o their_o hard_a study_n and_o travel_v to_o find_v out_o the_o truth_n have_v yet_o lose_v their_o labour_n and_o their_o industry_n but_o bless_v be_v god_n 1._o who_o pity_v it_o seem_v the_o ignorance_n and_o weakness_n of_o humane_a nature_n have_v send_v his_o only_o beget_v son_n which_o be_v in_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o father_n and_o he_o have_v declare_v he_o both_o his_o be_v and_o his_o nature_n his_o attribute_n and_o his_o will_n he_o have_v more_o full_o declare_v than_o either_o be_v or_o can_v be_v know_v without_o it_o and_o that_o which_o most_o high_o commend_v the_o revelation_n of_o god_n by_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n be_v that_o it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o contradict_v those_o prime_a notion_n of_o a_o deity_n wherewith_o nature_n have_v endue_v we_o as_o that_o it_o do_v exceed_o advance_v and_o improve_v they_o it_o become_v the_o majesty_n of_o god_n and_o accord_v with_o the_o reason_n of_o man._n hereof_o origen_n be_v so_o confident_a as_o that_o he_o doubt_v not_o to_o bid_v celsus_n see_v whether_o it_o be_v not_o the_o agreeableness_n of_o our_o faith_n with_o the_o common_a sense_n of_o man_n from_o the_o beginning_n which_o make_v it_o so_o effectual_a as_o to_o work_v the_o conversion_n of_o its_o candid_a and_o 3._o ingenuous_a hearer_n how_o rash_a and_o ill-advised_n have_v he_o be_v in_o thus_o appeal_n to_o his_o subtle_a adversary_n if_o he_o have_v not_o be_v well_o assure_v that_o christianity_n open_v and_o offer_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v worthy_a of_o heaven_n to_o those_o that_o embrace_v it_o here_o on_o earth_n that_o here_o we_o may_v see_v the_o express_a image_n of_o that_o solid_a wisdom_n and_o felicity_n which_o the_o jew_n in_o their_o talmudical_a rhapsody_n and_o the_o gentile_n too_o in_o their_o philosophy_n have_v hitherto_o seek_v in_o vain_a hereof_o also_o we_o be_v assure_v by_o the_o design_a end_n and_o scope_n of_o it_o which_o in_o effect_n be_v the_o same_o with_o that_o which_o be_v pretend_v by_o the_o heathen_a philosopher_n and_o what_o be_v that_o let_v porphyrius_n answer_v for_o pythagoras_n who_o as_o he_o tell_v we_o profess_v a_o sort_n of_o philosophy_n the_o scope_n whereof_o be_v to_o snatch_v and_o deliver_v the_o mind_n that_o be_v in_o we_o from_o sensual_a impediment_n pyth._n and_o fetter_n but_o to_o wave_v the_o trouble_n of_o many_o quotation_n it_o seem_v by_o maximus_n tyrius_n that_o the_o pretend_a end_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o philosophy_n be_v to_o direct_v man_n to_o true_a happiness_n they_o all_o agree_v in_o the_o end_n but_o be_v miserable_o divide_v in_o the_o choice_n of_o the_o mean_n we_o need_v not_o wonder_v at_o either_o for_o as_o that_o philosopher_n say_v the_o desire_n of_o good_a god_n have_v kindle_v as_o a_o spark_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n but_o the_o find_v of_o it_o he_o have_v hide_v from_o they_o thence_o it_o be_v that_o one_o send_v his_o scholar_n to_o one_o thing_n another_o to_o another_o to_o find_v it_o pythagoras_n to_o music_n thales_n to_o astronomy_n heraclitus_n to_o solitude_n socrates_n to_o love_n carne●des_v to_o chastity_n diogenes_n to_o labour_n epicurus_n to_o pleasure_n they_o all_o aim_v at_o happiness_n but_o epicurus_n 19_o be_v think_v to_o have_v miss_v the_o mark_n so_o gross_o as_o that_o the_o roman_n and_o messenian_n do_v banish_v and_o expel_v his_o follower_n from_o their_o respective_a dominion_n call_v they_o because_o of_o their_o softness_n and_o impiety_n the_o pest_n of_o youth_n and_o spot_n of_o philosophy_n they_o be_v therefore_o command_v to_o depart_v the_o messenian_a territory_n and_o be_v so_o thrust_v

two_o 1._o because_o the_o apostle_n power_n be_v no_o other_o than_o that_o of_o our_o saviour_n to_o invite_v man_n to_o embrace_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n which_o they_o themselves_o acknowledge_v for_o a_o kingdom_n not_o present_a but_o to_o come_v and_o ibid._n they_o that_o have_v no_o kingdom_n can_v make_v no_o law_n it_o be_v very_o true_a they_o that_o have_v no_o kingdom_n ans_fw-fr can_v make_v no_o law_n yet_o since_o as_o the_o same_o page_n tell_v we_o god_n be_v the_o sovereign_n of_o all_o the_o world_n they_o that_o have_v no_o kingdom_n may_v proclaim_v his_o law_n and_o this_o be_v the_o office_n of_o the_o apostle_n as_o prophet_n or_o man_n inspire_v by_o god_n and_o send_v to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n their_o call_n of_o m●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 ●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 j●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 over●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 th●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 john●aith_o ●aith_z not_o the_o wr●th_n of_o god_n shall_v come_v upon_o they_o 3●_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 g●m●r●●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 le●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 fl●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 gomorr●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 ●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