or_o no_o this_o collection_n be_v logical_a it_o be_v not_o material_a to_o dispute_v because_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n not_o only_o in_o christ_n but_o also_o in_o his_o apostle_n do_v itself_o declare_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o for_o easy_a it_o be_v to_o observe_v that_o those_o prerogative_n which_o the_o jew_n ascribe_v to_o the_o prophecy_n of_o moses_n their_o master_n be_v very_o discernible_a in_o they_o as_o will_v appear_v by_o a_o transcript_n 7._o of_o they_o out_o of_o maimonides_n who_o tell_v we_o 1_o that_o all_o the_o other_o prophet_n prophesy_v in_o a_o dream_n or_o a_o vision_n but_o moses_n our_o master_n behold_v and_o stand_v while_o he_o be_v awake_a according_a to_o that_o that_o be_v say_v when_o moses_n be_v go_v into_o the_o tabernacle_n of_o the_o congregation_n to_o speak_v with_o he_o i._n e._n god_n than_o he_o hear_v the_o voice_n of_o one_o speak_v unto_o he_o which_o 89._o text_n be_v so_o interpret_v by_o the_o jew_n as_o that_o it_o seem_v among_o the_o talmudist_n it_o be_v a_o rule_n that_o moses_n have_v never_o any_o prophecy_n in_o the_o night_n i._n e._n in_o a_o dream_n or_o vision_n of_o the_o night_n as_o the_o other_o prophet_n have_v but_o when_o he_o be_v awake_a and_o in_o the_o full_a vigour_n of_o his_o sense_n than_o the_o word_n of_o prophecy_n come_v unto_o he_o 2_o all_o the_o other_o prophet_n prophesy_v by_o the_o help_n or_o ministry_n of_o a_o angel_n and_o therefore_o whatever_o they_o see_v they_o behold_v it_o in_o riddle_n and_o similitude_n but_o moses_n our_o master_n prophesy_v without_o the_o intervention_n of_o a_o angel_n as_o it_o be_v say_v with_o he_o will_v i_o speak_v mouth_n to_o mouth_n thus_o again_o 8._o it_o be_v say_v the_o lord_n speak_v unto_o moses_n face_n to_o face_n it_o be_v also_o say_v the_o similitude_n of_o the_o 8._o lord_n shall_v he_o behold_v to_o show_v not_o that_o there_o be_v any_o similitude_n there_o but_o that_o he_o see_v clear_o without_o a_o riddle_n or_o parable_n which_o also_o the_o law_n there_o testify_v concern_v he_o even_o apparent_o and_o not_o in_o dark_a speech_n because_o he_o prophesy_v not_o in_o a_o riddle_n but_o he_o perspicuous_o behold_v the_o matter_n in_o vision_n 3_o all_o the_o other_o prophet_n be_v horrible_o afraid_a and_o astonish_v and_o become_v faint_a but_o moses_n our_o master_n be_v not_o so_o and_o this_o the_o scripture_n say_v as_o â—_o a_o man_n speak_v to_o his_o friend_n as_o if_o it_o have_v be_v say_v as_o one_o be_v not_o afraid_a to_o hear_v the_o speech_n of_o his_o companion_n so_o can_v the_o mind_n of_o moses_n our_o master_n understand_v the_o word_n of_o prophecy_n and_o remain_v in_o its_o perfect_a constancy_n 4_o none_o of_o the_o other_o prophet_n can_v prophesy_v when_o they_o will_v it_o be_v not_o so_o with_o moses_n our_o master_n but_o at_o what_o time_n soever_o he_o will_v he_o be_v clothe_v with_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o prophecy_n do_v abide_v upon_o he_o neither_o have_v he_o need_v to_o dispose_v or_o prepare_v his_o mind_n for_o it_o for_o he_o be_v always_o dispose_v and_o in_o a_o readiness_n as_o a_o minister_a angel_n at_o what_o time_n therefore_o he_o will_v he_o can_v prophesy_v according_a to_o that_o which_o be_v say_v stand_v you_o here_o that_o i_o may_v hear_v what_o the_o lord_n will_v 8._o command_v concern_v you_o and_o herein_o his_o confidence_n be_v place_v in_o god_n as_o it_o be_v say_v go_v say_v to_o they_o get_v you_o into_o your_o tent_n but_o 31._o as_o for_o thou_o stand_v thou_o here_o by_o i_o thus_o maimonides_n concern_v the_o difference_n between_o the_o prophecy_n of_o moses_n and_o of_o the_o other_o prophet_n i_o will_v not_o pass_v my_o word_n how_o little_a soever_o it_o may_v signify_v either_o for_o the_o truth_n of_o all_o that_o he_o say_v or_o yet_o for_o its_o consistence_n either_o with_o the_o holy_a scripture_n or_o the_o write_n of_o other_o hebrew_n master_n or_o of_o himself_o yet_o suppose_v it_o to_o be_v all_o true_a we_o may_v thence_o gather_v that_o in_o the_o moysaicall_a degree_n of_o prophecy_n i._n e._n the_o high_a among_o the_o jew_n imagination_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v divine_a truth_n be_v represent_v immediate_o to_o the_o understanding_n the_o character_n of_o it_o be_v clear_o and_o plain_o write_v on_o the_o mind_n itself_o and_o therein_o the_o prophet_n may_v read_v it_o without_o the_o hieroglyphic_n of_o material_a phantasm_n a_o soft_a and_o gentle_a irradiation_n do_v so_o enlighten_v his_o understanding_n as_o that_o he_o may_v know_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n without_o either_o study_n or_o teach_v from_o man_n or_o angel_n dream_n or_o vision_n panic_n fear_n or_o passion_n and_o this_o degree_n of_o prophecy_n be_v in_o he_o not_o as_o the_o transient_a effect_n of_o a_o sudden_a act_n upon_o the_o patient_n but_o rather_o as_o a_o intellectual_a habit_n who_o act_n he_o may_v elicit_v when_o he_o please_v this_o be_v that_o degree_n of_o prophecy_n which_o maimonides_n and_o his_o adherent_n attribute_v to_o moses_n their_o master_n and_o we_o christian_n may_v do_v it_o i_o think_v with_o great_a truth_n to_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n for_o certain_o the_o soul_n of_o our_o saviour_n have_v whatever_o knowledge_n be_v convenient_a for_o it_o to_o have_v in_o order_n to_o his_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 and_o forasmuch_o as_o even_o in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o flesh_n he_o be_v as_o well_o as_o he_o now_o be_v the_o captain_n of_o our_o salvation_n it_o seem_v convenient_a for_o he_o 10_o even_o then_o to_o have_v have_v no_o less_o knowledge_n than_o that_o wherein_o it_o do_v consist_v the_o reason_n be_v because_o that_o that_o be_v only_o in_o a_o possibility_n of_o be_v must_v be_v bring_v into_o actual_a existence_n by_o that_o that_o actual_o be_v and_o forasmuch_o as_o man_n in_o this_o world_n be_v only_o in_o a_o possibility_n of_o attain_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o bless_a be_v and_o ever_o be_v to_o be_v actual_o bring_v unto_o it_o by_o the_o man_n christ_n jesus_n it_o follow_v that_o he_o even_o in_o his_o staâ—e_v of_o humiliation_n have_v that_o knowledge_n of_o vision_n whereunto_o he_o then_o do_v and_o still_o do_v conduct_v they_o and_o this_o knowledge_n i_o suppose_v will_v be_v grant_v to_o exceed_v all_o that_o ever_o moses_n or_o the_o prophet_n or_o any_o other_o mortal_n whatever_o either_o do_v or_o can_v attain_v to_o but_o we_o need_v not_o fly_v so_o high_a in_o speculation_n because_o it_o be_v foretell_v of_o he_o that_o the_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n and_o understanding_n the_o spirit_n of_o counsel_n and_o knowledge_n 2._o shall_v rest_v upon_o he_o these_o four_o say_v aquinas_n comprehend_v all_o thing_n whatever_o can_v be_v know_v for_o the_o knowledge_n of_o thing_n divine_a and_o immaterial_a pertain_v to_o the_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n and_o understanding_n and_o the_o knowledge_n of_o all_o practical_a and_o speculative_a conclusion_n to_o the_o spirit_n of_o counsel_n and_o knowledge_n 1._o since_o therefore_o the_o spirit_n of_o these_o thing_n do_v in_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n or_o rather_o without_o measure_n rest_v upon_o our_o messiah_n it_o be_v to_o be_v conclude_v that_o whatever_o gift_n the_o holy_a ghost_n do_v embellish_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n withal_o be_v most_o eminent_o shed_v forth_o on_o the_o soul_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n and_o consequent_o that_o of_o prophecy_n far_o beyond_o the_o degree_n of_o moses_n or_o all_o other_o mortal_n put_v together_o and_o if_o so_o it_o be_v then_o doubtless_o he_o can_v elicit_v the_o act_n of_o a_o prophetic_a spirit_n without_o either_o previous_a disposition_n or_o preparation_n dream_n or_o vision_n angel_n or_o consternation_n and_o that_o when_o he_o will_v in_o a_o manner_n far_o superior_a to_o that_o of_o moses_n and_o then_o for_o the_o apostle_n it_o seem_v not_o that_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n in_o they_o be_v in_o any_o point_n inferior_a to_o that_o of_o moses_n but_o rather_o more_o excellent_a for_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n do_v guide_v they_o into_o all_o truth_n and_o show_v they_o 13._o thing_n to_o come_v and_o this_o he_o do_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o that_o they_o know_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n without_o dream_n or_o vision_n or_o angel_n to_o teach_v they_o and_o the_o knowledge_n they_o have_v of_o divine_a truth_n it_o be_v evident_a they_o receive_v without_o those_o discomposure_n of_o soul_n and_o terrible_a shake_n of_o body_n which_o usual_o befall_v the_o old_a prophet_n evident_a also_o it_o be_v by_o the_o sermon_n and_o discourse_n that_o they_o utter_v upon_o all_o occasion_n that_o the_o knowledge_n they_o have_v they_o can_v
argument_n into_o this_o form_n and_o the_o strength_n of_o it_o will_v be_v evident_a those_o who_o god_n employ_v to_o prophesy_v be_v fellow_n servant_n but_o you_o and_o your_o brethren_n the_o apostle_n as_o well_o as_o i_o god_n employ_v to_o prophesy_v therefore_o we_o be_v fellow-servant_n st._n john_n can_v make_v a_o doubt_n of_o nothing_o in_o this_o argument_n but_o the_o assumption_n whether_o he_o and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v send_v to_o prophesy_v yes_o say_v the_o angel_n that_o you_o be_v for_o the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n be_v the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n hereby_o to_o i_o it_o seem_v apparent_a that_o the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n here_o signify_v that_o which_o the_o apostle_n give_v unto_o he_o and_o will_v you_o know_v why_o this_o be_v call_v the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n not_o of_o the_o apostle_n concern_v he_o then_o observe_v that_o this_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n may_v be_v consider_v two_o way_n viz._n strictly_n or_o large_o if_o abstract_o or_o strict_o in_o itself_o than_o it_o be_v little_a or_o nothing_o else_o but_o the_o record_n they_o give_v of_o christ_n or_o the_o doctrine_n they_o teach_v concern_v he_o and_o this_o be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n because_o he_o be_v the_o principal_a thing_n it_o treat_v of_o but_o if_o it_o be_v consider_v large_o it_o comprehend_v not_o only_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n concern_v christ_n but_o also_o the_o strength_n power_n and_o authority_n whereby_o they_o teach_v it_o thus_o consider_v it_o be_v the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n not_o only_o because_o they_o give_v it_o to_o he_o but_o also_o because_o they_o receive_v it_o from_o he_o for_o he_o give_v they_o not_o only_o command_v 15._o to_o bear_v this_o witness_n of_o he_o i._n e._n to_o go_v into_o all_o the_o world_n and_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o every_o creature_n but_o also_o strength_n and_o power_n so_o to_o do_v for_o he_o first_o 45._o open_v their_o understand_n that_o they_o shall_v understand_v the_o scripture_n and_o afterward_o he_o endue_v they_o with_o power_n from_o on_o high_a by_o send_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o father_n i._n e._n the_o spirit_n upon_o they_o to_o lead_v they_o into_o all_o truth_n and_o enable_v they_o to_o speak_v it_o to_o all_o nation_n whatsoever_o and_o this_o be_v do_v so_o 6._o effectual_o as_o that_o man_n of_o every_o nation_n under_o heaven_n hear_v they_o speak_v in_o their_o own_o language_n and_o this_o sure_o in_o itself_o consider_v be_v no_o small_a matter_n of_o testimony_n to_o our_o jesus_n the_o apostle_n we_o know_v be_v ignorant_a and_o unlearned_a man_n that_o understand_v but_o little_a of_o scripture_n less_o of_o foreign_a language_n yet_o hereby_o on_o a_o sudden_a they_o be_v enable_v exquisite_o to_o understand_v the_o one_o and_o to_o speak_v the_o other_o of_o all_o sort_n and_o do_v it_o not_o surpass_v the_o power_n of_o nature_n to_o make_v so_o stupendous_a a_o change_n as_o this_o be_v what_o creature_n can_v make_v man_n wise_a holy_a and_o learned_a in_o a_o instant_n it_o be_v a_o work_n of_o wonder_n that_o fall_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o little_a less_o than_o omnipotent_a power_n and_o wisdom_n sure_o therefore_o the_o author_n of_o it_o be_v god_n and_o if_o so_o then_o jesus_n to_o who_o the_o apostle_n be_v thereby_o enable_v to_o give_v testimony_n be_v at_o least_o a_o man_n approve_v of_o he_o on_o that_o account_n therefore_o their_o doctrine_n or_o rather_o their_o preach_a or_o promulgation_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o it_o may_v well_o be_v call_v the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n and_o this_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n my_o text_n tell_v we_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n the_o truth_n and_o essence_n of_o prophecy_n say_v maimonides_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o influence_n from_o god_n by_o the_o mediation_n of_o the_o active_a intellect_n operate_n first_o upon_o the_o rational_a afterward_o 36._o on_o the_o imaginable_a faculty_n this_o definition_n be_v think_v somewhat_o too_o scanty_a and_o obscure_a to_o express_v the_o nature_n of_o prophecy_n in_o its_o full_a latitude_n it_o be_v therefore_o conceive_v that_o by_o a_o little_a alteration_n of_o its_o definition_n by_o another_o rabbi_n we_o may_v have_v a_o more_o adequate_a and_o clear_a conception_n of_o its_o nature_n viz._n that_o it_o be_v a_o influence_n from_o god_n upon_o the_o rational_a faculty_n either_o by_o the_o mediation_n of_o the_o fancy_n or_o otherwise_o and_o by_o this_o influence_n whether_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o a_o angel_n or_o otherwise_o a_o man_n attain_v to_o such_o knowledge_n as_o by_o his_o natural_a ability_n will_v be_v unattainable_a in_o these_o definition_n of_o prophecy_n we_o 2._o have_v nothing_o at_o present_a to_o observe_v but_o that_o wherein_o they_o both_o do_v agree_v namely_o the_o general_a nature_n of_o it_o which_o they_o make_v to_o consist_v in_o influence_n from_o god_n prophecy_n be_v not_o a_o ignis_fw-la fatuus_fw-la of_o a_o disturb_a fancy_n but_o a_o impression_n of_o divine_a light_n thence_o perhaps_o it_o be_v that_o in_o old_a time_n the_o prophet_n be_v call_v seer_n not_o because_o or_o at_o least_o not_o so_o proper_o because_o of_o their_o foresight_n of_o thing_n future_a as_o of_o their_o vision_n those_o image_n or_o appearance_n of_o thing_n as_o visible_a which_o by_o divine_a influence_n be_v represent_v on_o the_o stage_n of_o their_o fancy_n to_o the_o sight_n of_o their_o understanding_n and_o afterward_o the_o prophet_n be_v call_v man_n of_o god_n because_o god_n be_v please_v immediate_o to_o reveal_v himself_o loose_a unto_o they_o and_o so_o the_o word_n render_v prophet_n denote_v one_o that_o receive_v what_o he_o say_v from_o god_n it_o seem_v then_o that_o all_o prophecy_n true_o so_o call_v have_v its_o descent_n from_o above_o it_o be_v not_o of_o any_o private_a interpretation_n or_o rather_o of_o a_o man_n own_o start_n or_o suggestion_n for_o it_o come_v not_o by_o the_o will_n of_o man_n but_o holy_a man_n of_o god_n do_v thereby_o speak_v as_o they_o be_v move_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n we_o 2._o christian_n therefore_o believe_v the_o holy_a ghost_n speak_v by_o the_o prophet_n and_o that_o prophecy_n be_v a_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n for_o which_o cause_n no_o doubt_n it_o be_v that_o justin_n martyr_n entitle_v he_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n but_o when_o we_o consider_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n as_o in_o my_o text_n be_v affirm_v of_o the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n it_o seem_v most_o probable_a that_o it_o therein_o signify_v not_o his_o person_n but_o his_o gift_n not_o his_o essence_n or_o subsistence_n but_o a_o effect_v produce_v by_o he_o which_o be_v here_o call_v by_o his_o name_n thus_o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o sound_a mind_n the_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n and_o meckness_n the_o spirit_n of_o knowledge_n the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n signify_v effect_n work_n or_o gift_n which_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n produce_v in_o the_o soul_n of_o men._n so_o here_o in_o my_o text_n the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n by_o a_o ordinary_a metonymy_n of_o the_o cause_n for_o the_o effect_n be_v put_v for_o the_o gift_n or_o ability_n to_o prophesy_v which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n wrought_v in_o some_o of_o god_n minister_n this_o gift_n the_o angel_n have_v when_o he_o speak_v to_o st._n john_n and_o so_o say_v he_o have_v st._n john_n too_o and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o their_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n i._n e._n in_o the_o record_n they_o give_v of_o christ_n or_o in_o the_o promulgation_n of_o the_o doctrine_n they_o teach_v concern_v he_o from_o whence_o it_o apparent_o follow_v that_o the_o angel_n here_o speak_v and_o they_o be_v fellow-servant_n but_o it_o be_v not_o this_o their_o association_n with_o angel_n which_o i_o now_o intend_v to_o discourse_v of_o but_o the_o reason_n and_o cause_n of_o it_o viz._n their_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n it_o be_v we_o see_v here_o avouch_v by_o a_o angel_n that_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o promulgation_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v endue_v with_o the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n or_o in_o short_a that_o they_o be_v prophet_n and_o if_o they_o in_o their_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n be_v prophet_n much_o more_o be_v he_o himself_o by_o who_o spirit_n they_o give_v it_o to_o he_o a_o prophet_n all_o than_o that_o remain_v for_o i_o to_o do_v will_v be_v to_o prove_v that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v prophet_n hereof_o methinks_v none_o can_v doubt_v but_o those_o that_o be_v slow_a of_o heart_n to_o believe_v the_o holy_a scripture_n for_o therein_o we_o first_o find_v it_o foretold_v to_o the_o jew_n that_o 18._o god_n will_v raise_v they_o up_o a_o prophet_n from_o among_o their_o brethren_n like_v unto_o
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
be_v partaker_n and_o these_o it_o be_v confess_v be_v sometime_o those_o useful_a ornament_n of_o art_n and_o science_n but_o more_o frequent_o if_o not_o always_o those_o of_o intelligence_n and_o prudence_n somewhat_o above_o the_o ordinary_a rate_n of_o other_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n seldom_o or_o never_o rest_v on_o any_o but_o those_o who_o mind_n be_v very_o capable_a of_o first_o principle_n and_o able_a to_o guide_v their_o action_n with_o judgement_n and_o discretion_n now_o that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v so_o be_v a_o thing_n whereof_o it_o seem_v needless_a to_o make_v proof_n because_o among_o all_o the_o enemy_n of_o christianity_n i_o can_v find_v none_o that_o ever_o have_v the_o impudence_n to_o say_v that_o its_o founder_n be_v fool_n but_o rather_o they_o acknowledge_v it_o be_v such_o a_o cunning_o devise_v fable_n or_o so_o subtle_a a_o contrivance_n as_o that_o they_o be_v force_v to_o confess_v the_o author_n of_o it_o be_v man_n of_o excellent_a intellectual_n even_o atheist_n themselves_o by_o say_v that_o our_o religion_n be_v a_o humane_a invention_n allow_v of_o and_o defend_v by_o prince_n to_o keep_v man_n in_o subjection_n do_v declare_v plain_o that_o its_o author_n or_o first_o founder_n who_o in_o all_o appearance_n be_v christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v man_n of_o no_o shallow_a apprehension_n but_o rather_o of_o deep_a judgement_n and_o profound_a ratiocination_n the_o whole_a christian_a world_n must_v be_v think_v to_o consist_v of_o these_o fool_n if_o those_o that_o have_v give_v these_o law_n to_o it_o be_v not_o wise_a yet_o evident_a it_o be_v whoever_o say_v so_o deserve_v to_o be_v reckon_v one_o of_o that_o number_n or_o worse_o however_o it_o seeâ—s_v the_o first_o opponent_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n although_o they_o be_v extreme_o malicious_a yet_o be_v not_o so_o far_o transport_v with_o the_o madness_n of_o pride_n as_o to_o say_v any_o such_o thing_n of_o they_o but_o contrariwise_o they_o admire_v and_o marvel_v at_o they_o insomuch_o that_o not_o only_o the_o people_n be_v astonish_v at_o the_o doctrine_n 47._o of_o christ_n and_o his_o countryman_n at_o his_o wisdom_n but_o also_o the_o very_a doctor_n themselves_o at_o his_o understanding_n and_o answer_n when_o he_o be_v but_o twelve_o year_n old_a and_o afterward_o be_v come_v to_o maturity_n never_o man_n speak_v like_o this_o man_n insomuch_o that_o the_o wicked_a 46._o heart_n of_o many_o among_o they_o prompt_v they_o to_o think_v he_o have_v a_o devil_n but_o other_o say_v and_o give_v a_o good_a reason_n 21._o for_o it_o too_o that_o his_o be_v not_o the_o word_n of_o one_o that_o have_v a_o devil_n if_o we_o lay_v both_o together_o we_o may_v from_o thence_o gather_v that_o his_o discourse_n be_v extraordinary_a so_o far_o above_o the_o pitch_n of_o the_o hearer_n as_o that_o it_o give_v evidence_n of_o transcendent_a wisdom_n in_o the_o speaker_n which_o also_o in_o some_o measure_n discover_v itself_o in_o his_o apostle_n for_o the_o elder_n of_o israel_n marvel_v and_o sergius_n 12._o paulus_n a_o prudent_a man_n be_v astonish_v at_o what_o they_o hear_v from_o they_o and_o wise_a man_n we_o know_v use_v not_o to_o admire_v and_o marvel_v at_o the_o rhapsody_n of_o fool_n if_o therefore_o the_o people_n or_o yet_o their_o ruler_n be_v wise_a it_o must_v be_v conclude_v that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v such_o because_o in_o despite_n of_o malice_n they_o be_v force_v to_o admire_v they_o for_o so_o be_v but_o in_o this_o point_n the_o confession_n of_o our_o modern_a scoffer_n have_v give_v i_o a_o supersedeas_fw-la from_o the_o trouble_n of_o say_v any_o more_o for_o though_o they_o will_v sometime_o shoot_v their_o bolt_n at_o some_o part_n of_o our_o religion_n divide_v from_o the_o rest_n yet_o they_o dare_v not_o say_v but_o that_o the_o whole_a be_v so_o consistent_a with_o itself_o and_o subservient_fw-fr to_o the_o end_n whereunto_o they_o say_v it_o be_v design_v as_o that_o thâ—y_v presume_v to_o disgrace_v it_o only_o with_o sly_a insinuation_n that_o it_o savour_v more_o of_o subtlety_n and_o guile_n than_o of_o honesty_n of_o craft_n and_o cunning_a than_o of_o the_o thing_n call_v conscience_n be_v this_o as_o great_a a_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v a_o slander_n yet_o this_o may_v we_o learn_v from_o it_o namely_o that_o the_o author_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o founder_n of_o our_o religion_n be_v very_o intelligent_a person_n man_n so_o far_o from_o defect_n in_o their_o understanding_n as_o that_o they_o have_v very_o large_a intellectual_n and_o comprehensive_a capacity_n can_v natural_n befool_v the_o world_n and_o make_v it_o dance_v after_o their_o pipe_n no_o sure_o it_o must_v therefore_o be_v conclude_v that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v man_n of_o part_n and_o prudence_n of_o profound_a judgement_n and_o deep_a intention_n and_o in_o that_o respect_n they_o be_v such_o as_o the_o precede_a rule_n of_o the_o rabbin_n style_v wise_a but_o this_o sort_n of_o wisdom_n not_o be_v peculiar_a to_o prophet_n be_v not_o i_o suppose_v so_o much_o inquire_v after_o in_o the_o trial_n of_o those_o that_o pretend_v to_o the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n as_o that_o that_o be_v supernatural_a namely_o that_o knowledge_n which_o without_o revelation_n be_v utter_o unattainable_a and_o that_o in_o respect_n either_o of_o the_o matter_n manner_n or_o measure_n of_o it_o that_o knowledge_n ledg_n or_o wisdom_n which_o in_o one_o or_o other_o of_o these_o respect_n be_v supernatural_a be_v i_o think_v principal_o inquire_v after_o in_o the_o trial_n of_o pretender_n to_o prophecy_n the_o reason_n of_o this_o my_o conjecture_n be_v not_o only_o because_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n require_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o but_o because_o the_o contumelious_a carriage_n of_o the_o jew_n towards_o our_o bless_a saviour_n seem_v to_o intimate_v that_o it_o be_v so_o for_o when_o they_o have_v blindfolded_a he_o they_o strike_v he_o on_o the_o face_n and_o ask_v he_o say_v prophecy_n who_o be_v it_o that_o smite_v thou_o it_o seem_v far_o more_o probable_a 64._o to_o i_o that_o this_o their_o usage_n of_o christ_n shall_v refer_v to_o a_o custom_n of_o their_o own_o rather_o than_o to_o a_o sport_n call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d among_o the_o grecian_a child_n or_o blind-mans-buff_n among_o our_o own_o if_o this_o sport_n be_v of_o use_n among_o the_o jew_n also_o yet_o i_o do_v not_o think_v their_o malice_n be_v then_o so_o gamesome_a and_o childish_a it_o seem_v a_o more_o solemn_a jeer_n allusive_a to_o some_o custom_n or_o enquiry_n that_o wont_a to_o be_v make_v in_o the_o trial_n of_o prophet_n and_o if_o so_o it_o be_v then_o be_v it_o most_o probable_a that_o in_o this_o affair_n the_o jew_n require_v evidence_n of_o some_o supernatural_a knowledge_n in_o he_o that_o pretend_v to_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n and_o such_o knowledge_n as_o this_o we_o have_v already_o observe_v the_o old_a prophet_n have_v in_o respect_n either_o of_o the_o matter_n manner_n or_o measure_n of_o their_o knowledge_n and_o that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n have_v so_o as_o well_o as_o they_o be_v the_o thing_n which_o we_o be_v now_o to_o demonstrate_v foreknowledge_n of_o future_a contingency_n the_o jew_n very_o just_o hold_v to_o be_v supernatural_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v endue_v therewith_o will_v hereafter_o appear_v by_o the_o account_n we_o be_v to_o give_v of_o their_o prediction_n at_o present_a therefore_o i_o shall_v wave_v that_o and_o observe_v that_o they_o as_o well_o as_o the_o prophet_n before_o they_o have_v a_o sort_n of_o knowledge_n which_o be_v true_o supernatural_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o manner_n of_o it_o i._n e._n those_o thing_n which_o of_o their_o own_o nature_n be_v such_o as_o may_v have_v be_v know_v by_o the_o power_n of_o man_n natural_a faculty_n be_v sometime_o make_v know_v to_o they_o by_o immediate_a revelation_n as_o appear_v not_o only_o by_o jesus_n his_o knowledge_n of_o nathaneel_n 5._o and_o of_o all_o other_o man_n but_o also_o by_o the_o discovery_n which_o the_o apostle_n make_v of_o ananias_n and_o sapphira_n sacrilege_n neither_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n know_v nor_o yet_o in_o the_o measure_n of_o their_o knowledge_n do_v there_o seem_v any_o thing_n extraordinary_a yet_o not_o be_v inform_v concern_v it_o it_o be_v evident_a the_o manner_n of_o their_o knowledge_n or_o the_o mean_n whereby_o they_o attain_v to_o it_o be_v supernatural_a they_o receive_v it_o by_o inspiration_n or_o revelation_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o that_o be_v the_o 4._o reason_n why_o st._n peter_n tell_v ananias_n that_o he_o have_v not_o lie_v unto_o man_n but_o to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n i._n e._n to_o god_n himself_o but_o of_o
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
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
those_o etc._n precept_n which_o be_v write_v in_o the_o law_n and_o why_o be_v this_o comment_n commit_v to_o write_v as_o well_o as_o the_o text_n but_o because_o there_o be_v no_o preserve_v it_o entire_a without_o it_o why_o then_o shall_v it_o be_v set_v cheek_n by_o jowl_n with_o the_o text_n itself_o be_v rabbie_a judah_n a_o prophet_n as_o well_o as_o moses_n no_o he_o live_v a_o long_a time_n after_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n be_v cease_v among_o they_o his_o write_n therefore_o ought_v in_o all_o reason_n to_o truckle_n under_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n of_o god_n and_o although_o the_o matter_n contain_v in_o they_o as_o be_v pretend_v come_v together_o with_o those_o of_o holy_a scripture_n from_o god_n almighty_a yet_o have_v be_v for_o many_o hundred_o of_o year_n most_o easy_o subject_a to_o corruption_n change_n and_o depravation_n for_o the_o prevention_n whereof_o he_o commit_v they_o to_o writing_n there_o can_v be_v but_o little_a or_o no_o certainty_n and_o consequent_o no_o knowledge_n of_o such_o authority_n as_o be_v pretend_v to_o be_v in_o they_o and_o if_o not_o after_o much_o less_o before_o he_o write_v they_o for_o by_o commit_v they_o to_o writing_n without_o all_o doubt_n he_o do_v rather_o add_v unto_o then_o diminish_v their_o authority_n and_o true_o it_o seem_v probable_a that_o he_o devise_v the_o fable_n of_o their_o descent_n from_o god_n almighty_a for_o have_v there_o be_v such_o a_o explication_n as_o they_o say_v deliver_v by_o god_n to_o moses_n by_o moses_n to_o aaron_n and_o his_o son_n by_o they_o to_o the_o seventy_o elder_n by_o they_o to_o joshuâ—_n by_o he_o to_o the_o survive_a elder_n by_o they_o to_o the_o succeed_a prophet_n who_o deliver_v it_o from_o one_o to_o another_o through_o at_o least_o a_o thousand_o year_n have_v this_o i_o say_v be_v true_a it_o be_v very_o strange_a that_o in_o all_o that_o time_n they_o do_v not_o drop_v one_o word_n from_o their_o pen_n about_o it_o although_o certain_o they_o have_v frequent_a occasion_n of_o so_o do_v for_o a_o great_a part_n of_o their_o office_n be_v to_o uphold_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o law_n in_o the_o purity_n and_o integrity_n of_o it_o which_o they_o can_v no_o way_n have_v do_v better_a than_o by_o reduce_v transgressor_n to_n that_o authentic_a interpretation_n of_o it_o yet_o we_o find_v not_o a_o word_n of_o it_o but_o that_o that_o fall_v out_o most_o unlucky_o be_v that_o this_o traditional_a interpretation_n of_o the_o law_n do_v thwrat_fw-mi and_o contradict_v the_o exposition_n thereof_o by_o the_o prophet_n this_o wretched_a tradition_n restrain_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o law_n to_o the_o letter_n of_o it_o 5._o and_o teach_v man_n to_o believe_v it_o forbid_v no_o more_o than_o it_o express_v but_o the_o prophet_n sure_o teach_v they_o otherwise_o 14._o whence_o â—lse_o be_v it_o that_o they_o reprove_v they_o 6._o for_o the_o thought_n of_o their_o heart_n as_o well_o as_o the_o work_n of_o their_o hand_n thus_o do_v the_o comment_n make_v void_a the_o text_n and_o this_o tradition_n make_v the_o commandment_n of_o none_o â—ffâ—ct_v it_o be_v therefore_o most_o manife_a that_o they_o come_v not_o from_o the_o same_o hand_n can_v infinite_a wisdom_n speak_v contradiction_n or_o destroy_v what_o it_o build_v it_o be_v blasphemy_n to_o say_v it_o can_v since_o then_o this_o tradition_n explode_v the_o law_n instead_o of_o expound_v it_o we_o be_v sure_a it_o come_v not_o from_o god_n be_v it_o then_o likely_a that_o the_o divine_a majesty_n as_o our_o author_n often_o call_v the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n shall_v be_v make_v to_o hold_v up_o its_o hand_n at_o the_o bar_n of_o this_o tradition_n which_o perhaps_o be_v make_v worse_o by_o its_o keeper_n 9_o than_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o it_o be_v always_o imprison_v in_o a_o consistory_n where_o no_o man_n know_v what_o usage_n it_o have_v or_o how_o it_o may_v be_v dress_v up_o to_o serve_v the_o emergent_a exigence_n of_o prophecy_n be_v try_v by_o tradition_n and_o that_o tradition_n know_v only_o in_o a_o consistory_n and_o that_o consistory_n consist_v of_o man_n subject_a as_o doubtless_o they_o be_v to_o error_n and_o corruption_n the_o ark_n be_v more_o like_a to_o fall_v before_o dagon_n than_o dagon_n before_o the_o ark_n i_o mean_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n to_o be_v repel_v by_o vice_n and_o wickedness_n often_o than_o they_o correct_v by_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n how_o easy_a be_v it_o for_o vice_n to_o pretend_v to_o this_o tradition_n and_o for_o wickedness_n to_o plead_v prescription_n by_o this_o oral_a law_n for_o its_o protection_n and_o if_o they_o dwell_v in_o the_o consistory_n as_o too_o often_o they_o do_v or_o can_v make_v some_o friend_n there_o as_o no_o doubt_n they_o may_v they_o will_v certain_o be_v more_o mindful_a of_o their_o concern_v than_o to_o neglect_v so_o fair_a a_o advantage_n and_o then_o if_o the_o consistory_n declare_v that_o tradition_n be_v for_o they_o that_o prophet_n must_v die_v who_o presume_v to_o speak_v against_o they_o but_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o the_o god_n of_o holiness_n shall_v make_v a_o law_n so_o apt_a to_o establish_v wickedness_n no_o it_o border_n upon_o blasphemy_n to_o say_v he_o do_v piety_n therefore_o as_o well_o as_o reason_n incline_v we_o to_o look_v on_o this_o tradition_n as_o a_o mere_a fiction_n at_o first_o invent_v to_o uphold_v the_o totter_a reputation_n of_o their_o magisterial_a rabbi_n and_o afterward_o improve_v and_o use_v to_o patronize_v their_o infidelity_n and_o justify_v their_o barbarous_a proceed_n against_o our_o bless_a lord_n jesus_n and_o all_o that_o adhere_v to_o he_o this_o therefore_o we_o do_v utter_o reject_v but_o the_o other_o part_n of_o maimonides_n his_o assertion_n viz._n that_o pretender_n to_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n be_v not_o admit_v to_o a_o trial_n unless_o they_o make_v no_o alteration_n in_o the_o write_a law_n of_o moses_n be_v something_o more_o probable_a for_o doubtless_o a_o attempt_n to_o null_a the_o obligation_n of_o a_o law_n which_o god_n himself_o have_v establish_v if_o he_o that_o make_v it_o give_v little_a or_o no_o evidence_n of_o god_n intention_n by_o he_o to_o do_v it_o be_v a_o strong_a presumption_n yea_o a_o sufficient_a argument_n that_o he_o therein_o be_v a_o false_a prophet_n but_o if_o god_n have_v constitute_v a_o law_n which_o in_o itself_o be_v mutable_a and_o withal_o have_v declare_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v change_v if_o the_o pretender_n to_o prophecy_n give_v as_o great_a or_o great_a evidence_n of_o god_n intention_n by_o he_o to_o do_v it_o than_o he_o do_v at_o first_o to_o establish_v it_o there_o be_v no_o more_o reason_n to_o reject_v he_o than_o there_o be_v moses_n and_o if_o so_o the_o jew_n be_v certain_o very_o rude_a and_o barbarous_a if_o they_o will_v not_o vouchsafe_v he_o a_o trial_n but_o forthwith_o put_v he_o to_o death_n without_o it_o what_o law_n therefore_o of_o the_o jew_n it_o be_v wherein_o our_o author_n say_v this_o rule_n be_v contain_v be_v yet_o unknown_a to_o we_o however_o assure_v we_o be_v that_o though_o it_o may_v be_v of_o they_o yet_o it_o be_v no_o part_n of_o god_n law_n because_o it_o inflict_v death_n on_o they_o who_o bring_v the_o broad_a seal_n of_o heaven_n to_o avouch_v their_o authority_n to_o speak_v what_o they_o do_v in_o his_o name_n i_o suppose_v therefore_o the_o rule_n be_v seldom_o or_o never_o true_a but_o in_o case_n either_o of_o immutability_n in_o the_o law_n itself_o or_o want_v of_o sufficient_a evidence_n of_o god_n intention_n by_o the_o pretender_n to_o change_v it_o and_o that_o neither_o of_o these_o be_v the_o case_n now_o under_o debate_n will_v be_v evident_a by_o consider_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o that_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n as_o to_o the_o ceremonial_a and_o judicial_a part_n of_o it_o be_v not_o immutable_a for_o it_o be_v found_v upon_o no_o immutable_a reason_n this_o methinks_v maimonides_n himself_o must_v needs_o have_v confess_v if_o he_o have_v consider_v what_o he_o himself_o have_v elsewhere_o tell_v we_o viz._n that_o the_o first_o intention_n of_o our_o law_n be_v to_o take_v away_o idolatry_n to_o blot_v out_o the_o memory_n of_o it_o and_o of_o all_o thing_n that_o adhere_v to_o it_o or_o give_v occasion_n of_o it_o and_o then_o after_o some_o digression_n he_o return_v to_o his_o purpose_n and_o say_v the_o reason_n and_o cause_n of_o many_o of_o our_o law_n become_v know_v to_o i_o through_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o faith_n rite_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o zabian_o the_o knowledge_n of_o their_o opinion_n and_o science_n be_v a_o great_a gate_n i._n e._n it_o serve_v much_o to_o let_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o precept_n for_o the_o
maimonides_n his_o exposition_n of_o the_o rule_n now_o debate_v for_o he_o therein_o make_v no_o mention_n at_o all_o of_o riches_n but_o of_o learning_n religion_n continence_n understanding_n and_o all_o probity_n of_o manner_n and_o zer_n elsewhere_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o prophecy_n fall_v on_o none_o but_o the_o excellent_o wise_a one_o that_o be_v able_a to_o rule_v his_o affection_n and_o cast_v off_o the_o dominion_n of_o worldly_a concupiscence_n one_o who_o reason_n rule_v his_o appetite_n and_o be_v endue_v with_o 1._o large_a and_o very_a well_o dispose_v intellectual_n not_o one_o word_n of_o wealth_n or_o worldly_a riches_n and_o be_v it_o not_o somewhat_o strange_a that_o when_o he_o profess_o expound_v this_o rule_n he_o shall_v so_o utter_o forget_v the_o three_o part_n of_o its_o content_n if_o they_o have_v so_o be_v or_o he_o have_v think_v they_o so_o sure_o he_o do_v not_o for_o in_o another_o place_n of_o his_o write_n he_o tell_v we_o that_o in_o this_o rule_n the_o word_n wise_a without_o doubt_n comprehend_v intellectual_a virtue_n but_o the_o word_n strong_a and_o rich_a import_n moral_n the_o former_a denote_v fortitude_n the_o latter_a contentment_n for_o his_o word_n be_v these_o gihbor_n strong_a be_v of_o the_o moral_a virtue_n viz_o he_o who_o do_v moderate_a and_o rule_v the_o power_n of_o his_o soul_n according_a to_o right_a reason_n and_o this_o be_v it_o which_o they_o say_v when_o they_o ask_v who_o be_v strong_a and_o answer_v he_o that_o subjugate_v his_o own_o concupiscence_n and_o so_o also_o ashir_n rich_a be_v of_o the_o moral_a virtue_n viz._n the_o virtue_n of_o a_o content_a mind_n for_o he_o that_o be_v content_v with_o his_o portion_n they_o call_v rich_a this_o be_v it_o they_o say_v when_o describe_v a_o rich_a man_n they_o ask_v who_o be_v rich_a and_o return_v answer_n he_o that_o rejoice_v in_o his_o own_o portion_n i_o e._n he_o that_o be_v content_a with_o what_o the_o time_n present_a afford_v he_o and_o do_v not_o grieve_v at_o what_o it_o deny_v he_o by_o all_o this_o it_o be_v very_o 7._o plain_a that_o if_o he_o have_v give_v we_o the_o true_a meaning_n of_o this_o rule_n the_o jew_n thereby_o understand_v no_o more_o than_o that_o the_o prophet_n be_v excellent_a man_n in_o respect_n both_o of_o intellectual_a and_o moral_a virtue_n especial_o fortitude_n and_o contentment_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n we_o affirm_v as_o well_o as_o they_o that_o general_o they_o be_v strong_a and_o rich_a namely_o in_o virtue_n and_o probity_n of_o manner_n in_o good_a work_n and_o all_o holiness_n of_o live_v especial_o in_o courage_n and_o magnanimity_n in_o contentment_n and_o well-pleasedness_a with_o their_o condition_n and_o we_o will_v not_o contradict_v our_o author_n say_v there_o never_o be_v any_o one_o hitherto_o who_o will_v have_v it_o that_o god_n make_v his_o divine_a majesty_n so_o he_o call_v the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n 32._o to_o dwell_v in_o a_o wicked_a man_n for_o a_o man_n of_o a_o more_o excellent_a spirit_n than_o he_o have_v tell_v we_o they_o be_v holy_a man_n of_o god_n that_o in_o old_a time_n speak_v as_o they_o be_v tryph._n move_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n they_o be_v bless_v and_o just_a lover_n of_o god_n and_o belove_v of_o he_o and_o it_o be_v need_v full_a for_o they_o so_o to_o be_v for_o be_v by_o their_o office_n oblige_v to_o pull_v the_o mote_n out_o of_o the_o eye_n of_o other_o it_o high_o concern_v they_o to_o have_v no_o beam_n in_o their_o own_o so_o base_a a_o thing_n be_v vice_n that_o it_o villify_v the_o authority_n of_o instruction_n and_o abate_v the_o credit_n of_o prediction_n by_o they_o that_o be_v vicious_a and_o on_o the_o contrary_a a_o holy_a magnanimity_n and_o contempt_n of_o the_o world_n accompany_v with_o all_o other_o probity_n of_o manner_n do_v conciliate_v authority_n and_o facilitate_v belief_n since_o then_o the_o prophet_n be_v man_n of_o god_n own_o immediate_a choose_n and_o that_o on_o purpose_n to_o propagate_v his_o holiness_n to_o other_o and_o infuse_v it_o into_o they_o it_o be_v more_o than_o probable_a that_o they_o themselves_o have_v a_o great_a share_n of_o it_o concern_v these_o thing_n then_o viz._n wisdom_n strength_n and_o holiness_n but_o especial_o fortitude_n and_o contentment_n when_o the_o jew_n be_v satisfy_v they_o have_v at_o least_o some_o probable_a argument_n that_o the_o pretender_n to_o prophecy_n be_v indeed_o endue_v with_o it_o for_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n and_o the_o office_n of_o a_o prophet_n have_v so_o little_a of_o secular_a advantage_n to_o allure_v man_n affection_n and_o so_o much_o of_o likelihood_n to_o expose_v they_o to_o all_o manner_n of_o hardship_n yea_o perhaps_o to_o death_n itself_o as_o that_o it_o be_v altogether_o improbable_a that_o a_o wise_a and_o prudent_a man_n will_v undertake_v it_o without_o a_o call_n or_o necessity_n lay_v upon_o he_o to_o do_v it_o much_o more_o unlikely_a be_v it_o that_o he_o shall_v be_v courageous_a and_o resolute_a in_o it_o when_o in_o his_o conscience_n he_o know_v he_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v and_o so_o may_v be_v put_v to_o death_n and_o damn_v for_o meddle_v with_o it_o nor_o be_v it_o at_o all_o likely_a that_o any_o holy_a man_n content_a and_o well-pleased_n with_o his_o condition_n shall_v lie_v so_o horrid_o and_o prevaricate_v so_o prodigious_o in_o a_o matter_n of_o this_o nature_n if_o then_o the_o pretender_n to_o prophephecy_n be_v find_v to_o be_v wise_a strong_a and_o rich_a i._n e._n eminent_o endue_v both_o with_o intellectual_a and_o moral_a virtue_n especial_o fortitude_n and_o contentment_n the_o jew_n have_v great_a reason_n to_o believe_v they_o or_o at_o least_o to_o proceed_v to_o some_o far_a trial_n of_o they_o of_o prophetic_a prediction_n sect._n 3_o for_o the_o performance_n whereof_o they_o have_v yet_o another_o kind_n of_o ordinary_a mean_n which_o in_o their_o esteem_n be_v most_o certain_a and_o demonstrative_a viz._n the_o accomplishment_n of_o prediction_n these_o they_o inquire_v after_o and_o sufficient_a warrant_n they_o have_v for_o so_o do_v for_o moses_n have_v tell_v they_o that_o by_o the_o non-accomplishment_n of_o prediction_n they_o may_v know_v the_o word_n which_o 22._o the_o lord_n have_v not_o speak_v it_o be_v easy_a and_o logical_a from_o thence_o to_o infer_v that_o by_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o prediction_n they_o may_v know_v the_o prophet_n do_v not_o speak_v presumptuous_o yet_o forasmuch_o as_o most_o if_o not_o all_o prediction_n be_v either_o promise_n of_o some_o future_a good_a or_o commination_n of_o evil_a to_o come_v and_o the_o lord_n have_v declare_v that_o the_o condition_n of_o both_o 10._o be_v mutable_a there_o be_v certain_o no_o small_a difficulty_n in_o try_v the_o truth_n of_o a_o pretention_n to_o prophecy_n by_o the_o success_n of_o prediction_n it_o seem_v therefore_o the_o rabbin_n have_v take_v some_o pain_n to_o extricate_v themselves_o and_o other_o out_o of_o this_o labyrinth_n we_o need_v not_o take_v notice_n of_o their_o unsuccessful_a attempt_n to_o do_v it_o it_o suffice_v we_o they_o seem_v all_o agree_v in_o this_o that_o the_o full_a and_o exact_a accomplishment_n of_o prediction_n whether_o promise_v or_o commination_n be_v sure_a and_o certain_a sign_n of_o a_o prophetic_a spirit_n they_o expect_v that_o not_o so_o much_o as_o a_o tittle_n of_o what_o the_o prophet_n foretell_v shall_v ever_o fail_v or_o fall_v to_o the_o ground_n but_o that_o all_o shall_v be_v fulfil_v and_o accomplish_v by_o the_o event_n and_o this_o they_o pretend_v to_o have_v learn_v from_o the_o word_n of_o jehu_n to_o the_o ruler_n of_o jesreel_n there_o shall_v fall_v unto_o 10._o the_o earth_n nothing_o of_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n which_o also_o as_o they_o think_v the_o lord_n himself_o insinuate_v when_o he_o say_v the_o prophet_n that_o have_v a_o dream_n let_v he_o tell_v a_o dream_n and_o he_o that_o have_v my_o word_n let_v he_o speak_v my_o word_n faithful_o what_o be_v the_o chaff_n to_o the_o wheat_n say_v 28._o the_o lord_n in_o which_o word_n say_v mâ—imâ—nides_n there_o be_v some_o person_n reprehend_v for_o take_v their_o dream_n to_o be_v prophetic_a and_o divulge_v they_o for_o such_o and_o themselves_o for_o prophet_n although_o the_o lord_n allow_v they_o to_o tell_v their_o dream_n yet_o he_o approve_v not_o their_o do_v it_o for_o revelation_n however_o he_o that_o have_v his_o word_n may_v say_v that_o he_o have_v so_o provide_v he_o do_v it_o faithful_o i._n e._n without_o addition_n or_o diminution_n and_o this_o sure_o say_v the_o lord_n will_v be_v discernible_a from_o dream_n for_o what_o be_v the_o chaff_n to_o the_o wheat_n the_o sense_n of_o which_o question_n our_o author_n say_v their_o wise_a man_n have_v render_v to_o be_v this_o that_o all_o indication_n of_o thing_n
from_o other_o or_o at_o least_o such_o doctrine_n as_o be_v but_o obscure_o reveal_v to_o other_o by_o holy_a scripture_n be_v plain_o make_v know_v to_o they_o by_o tradition_n but_o beside_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o tradition_n they_o or_o at_o least_o some_o of_o they_o pretend_v revelation_n in_o behalf_n of_o their_o idle_a fable_n as_o irenaeus_n make_v evident_a by_o the_o example_n of_o one_o marcus_n and_o other_o gnostic_n who_o as_o they_o give_v out_o do_v not_o only_o prophesy_v themselves_o but_o have_v power_n to_o communicate_v the_o gift_n thereof_o to_o other_o and_o according_o as_o they_o boast_v and_o their_o disciple_n believe_v so_o they_o do_v to_o divers_a especial_o of_o the_o weak_a sex_n and_o by_o this_o pretence_n they_o deceive_v and_o draw_v many_o after_o they_o 9_o and_o no_o wonder_n if_o they_o do_v so_o for_o all_o man_n take_v prophet_n to_o be_v holy_a man_n of_o god_n who_o speak_v as_o they_o be_v move_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o who_o so_o profligate_v from_o all_o religion_n as_o to_o think_v that_o they_o be_v such_o and_o yet_o refuse_v to_o be_v lead_v by_o or_o partake_v of_o their_o spirit_n by_o this_o pretence_n therefore_o how_o false_a and_o fabulous_a soever_o their_o doctrine_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o faith_n in_o it_o and_o of_o obedience_n to_o it_o be_v lay_v in_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n and_o this_o foundation_n be_v of_o all_o other_o the_o most_o firm_a and_o immovable_a able_a to_o bear_v whatever_o superstructure_n shall_v be_v lay_v upon_o it_o yea_o also_o and_o to_o beat_v off_o whatever_o assault_n shall_v be_v make_v against_o it_o as_o appear_v by_o the_o improbability_n of_o some_o doctrine_n and_o severity_n of_o some_o order_n still_o receive_v and_o defend_v because_o at_o first_o found_v on_o the_o credit_n of_o pretend_a vision_n and_o revelation_n all_o the_o difficulty_n be_v in_o the_o choice_n of_o the_o ground_n wherein_o to_o lay_v this_o foundation_n the_o mind_n of_o man_n that_o be_v of_o sharp_a deep_a and_o strong_a discourse_n be_v not_o apt_a to_o receive_v it_o but_o man_n of_o shallow_a apprehension_n and_o weak_a intellectual_n be_v fit_a and_o most_o prepare_v for_o it_o this_o those_o builder_n of_o babel_n the_o primitive_a seducer_n seem_v wise_o to_o have_v consider_v for_o s._n peter_n insinuate_v they_o be_v unstable_a soul_n who_o they_o beguile_v 6._o and_o s._n paul_n more_o express_o say_v they_o be_v the_o simple_a who_o heart_n they_o deceive_v they_o creep_v into_o house_n and_o lead_v captive_a silly_a woman_n lade_v with_o sin_n and_o lead_v away_o with_o divers_a lust_n thus_o those_o in_o the_o apostle_n day_n and_o irenaeus_n tell_v we_o of_o other_o who_o a_o little_a after_o they_o be_v most_o busy_a with_o woman_n especial_o those_o that_o be_v of_o great_a quality_n and_o most_o famous_a for_o worldly_a eod_a grandieur_fw-fr and_o riches_n these_o they_o most_o frequent_o seek_v to_o impose_v upon_o and_o allure_v by_o flattery_n but_o lest_o their_o deceiveableness_n of_o unrighteousness_n viz._n their_o artifices_fw-la of_o deceit_n shall_v not_o be_v sufficient_a to_o secure_v the_o foundation_n they_o come_v also_o as_o it_o be_v foretell_v they_o will_v with_o the_o work_n of_o satan_n with_o all_o power_n and_o sign_n and_o lie_a wonder_n for_o we_o read_v of_o simon_n the_o samaritan_n the_o founder_n of_o heresy_n and_o father_n 30._o of_o heretic_n that_o he_o use_v sorcery_n and_o bewitch_v the_o people_n of_o samaria_n give_v out_o that_o he_o himself_o be_v some_o great_a one_o to_o who_o they_o all_o give_v heed_n from_o the_o least_o to_o the_o great_a say_v this_o man_n be_v the_o great_a power_n of_o god_n 10._o yet_o as_o great_a as_o he_o be_v he_o at_o length_n be_v in_o some_o measure_n subdue_v by_o a_o great_a power_n than_o he_o for_o he_o believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v yet_o his_o heart_n not_o be_v 21._o right_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n but_o suppose_v the_o apostle_n to_o be_v great_a magician_n than_o himself_o he_o greedy_o contend_v against_o they_o that_o he_o may_v seem_v more_o glorious_a than_o they_o to_o this_o end_n he_o desist_v not_o from_o the_o study_n of_o magic_n but_o make_v such_o far_a progress_n in_o it_o as_o that_o he_o provoke_v many_o to_o amazement_n by_o it_o for_o claudius_n caesar_n erect_v a_o statue_n in_o honour_n of_o he_o for_o it_o after_o he_o the_o carpocratian_o 20._o be_v much_o addict_v to_o magic_n and_o enchantment_n that_o they_o may_v entice_v other_o to_o love_v they_o yea_o and_o they_o draw_v devil_n to_o their_o assistance_n that_o by_o many_o delusion_n it_o may_v be_v in_o their_o power_n to_o be_v lord_n and_o master_n of_o who_o they_o please_v thus_o also_o it_o be_v report_v 27._o of_o the_o before_o mention_v marcus_n that_o he_o be_v a_o very_a great_a proficient_a in_o magical_a imposture_n whereby_o he_o deceive_v many_o both_o man_n and_o woman_n the_o like_a 8._o may_v i_o observe_v concern_v other_o but_o this_o may_v suffice_v to_o show_v that_o in_o this_o respect_n as_o well_o as_o other_o the_o primitive_a seducer_n do_v exact_o fulfil_v the_o prophecy_n that_o go_v before_o of_o they_o and_o from_o thence_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o infer_v that_o they_o who_o utter_v they_o viz._n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v prophet_n because_o the_o only_a ordinary_a and_o certain_a mark_n of_o a_o prophetic_a spirit_n viz._n prediction_n exact_o accomplish_v be_v manifest_o find_v in_o they_o but_o forasmuch_o as_o the_o prediction_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n concern_v seducer_n be_v of_o use_n not_o only_o to_o confirm_v the_o faith_n but_o also_o to_o direct_v the_o judgement_n in_o the_o choice_n of_o what_o teacher_n man_n ought_v to_o follow_v and_o adhere_v to_o it_o will_v not_o be_v unuseful_a for_o we_o to_o make_v trial_n of_o our_o modern_a teacher_n thereby_o which_o if_o we_o shall_v do_v impartial_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o we_o shall_v find_v that_o the_o copy_n which_o be_v set_v by_o the_o false_a teacher_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n be_v too_o fair_o transcribe_v by_o too_o many_o especial_o the_o papist_n in_o we_o and_o consequent_o we_o need_v not_o search_v the_o record_n of_o antiquity_n our_o own_o age_n will_v afford_v we_o too_o sure_a and_o sad_a accomplishment_n of_o these_o prediction_n the_o demonstration_n hereof_o i_o do_v once_o intend_v but_o find_v i_o shall_v thereby_o grasp_v at_o matter_n more_o sit_v for_o a_o volume_n than_o a_o section_n i_o shall_v not_o so_o far_o digress_v but_o proceed_v to_o speak_v sect._n 6._o concern_v the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o here_o my_o business_n will_v be_v to_o prove_v that_o they_o real_o wrought_v many_o and_o great_a miracle_n the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o which_o proposition_n because_o miracle_n be_v matter_n of_o fact_n be_v most_o proper_o demonstrable_a only_o by_o testimony_n yet_o reason_n methinks_v prove_v it_o probable_a or_o somewhat_o more_o for_o grant_v it_o be_v on_o all_o side_n that_o our_o bless_a saviour_n himself_o in_o regard_n of_o his_o manhood_n be_v but_o mean_a in_o the_o world_n his_o parent_n be_v no_o person_n of_o honour_n and_o he_o himself_o have_v but_o a_o mean_a reception_n at_o his_o birth_n nor_o be_v he_o by_o the_o jew_n much_o set_v by_o in_o his_o life_n he_o grow_v up_o as_o a_o root_n out_o of_o a_o dry_a ground_n they_o think_v there_o be_v no_o form_n comeliness_n or_o beauty_n in_o he_o that_o they_o shall_v desire_v he_o they_o will_v see_v no_o such_o blossom_n in_o his_o youth_n as_o promise_v any_o extraordinary_a fruit_n in_o his_o ripe_a age_n wherein_o also_o he_o be_v despise_v and_o reject_v of_o man_n a_o man_n of_o sorrow_n and_o acquaint_v with_o grief_n a_o rock_n of_o offence_n and_o stone_n of_o stumble_v set_v at_o naught_o by_o the_o master-builder_n of_o israel_n reject_v by_o the_o chief_a of_o his_o own_o nation_n pursue_v by_o his_o enemy_n betray_v by_o one_o of_o his_o pretend_a friend_n deny_v by_o another_o and_o suspect_v by_o all_o pursue_v and_o apprehend_v bind_v and_o buffet_v arraign_v and_o spit_v on_o condemn_v and_o crucify_v by_o his_o own_o countryman_n as_o one_o of_o the_o worst_a of_o malefactor_n be_v this_o man_n name_n like_a to_o become_v great_a in_o israel_n and_o famous_a among_o the_o gentile_n yet_o this_o be_v he_o that_o send_v forth_o his_o apostle_n and_o who_o be_v they_o why_o man_n as_o mean_a as_o himself_o person_n of_o obscure_a parentage_n of_o no_o reputation_n for_o wealth_n or_o wisdom_n honour_n or_o authority_n in_o their_o own_o country_n yea_o so_o far_o from_o it_o as_o that_o the_o chief_a of_o they_o be_v a_o fisherman_n and_o other_o as_o rude_a and_o illiterate_a as_o the_o mean_a
this_o i_o shall_v say_v no_o more_o because_o i_o will_v here_o speak_v somewhat_o large_o of_o the_o three_o sort_n of_o supernatural_a knowledge_n viz._n that_o that_o be_v so_o in_o respect_n of_o its_o degree_n or_o measure_n the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n do_v not_o only_o reveal_v those_o thing_n all_o knowledge_n whereof_o be_v utter_o unattainable_a by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n but_o moreover_o it_o do_v ofttimes_o illustrate_v those_o thing_n whereof_o man_n have_v some_o obscure_a conception_n without_o it_o thus_o the_o be_v and_o attribute_n of_o god_n although_o they_o may_v in_o some_o measure_n be_v understand_v by_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v make_v yet_o much_o more_o clear_o by_o those_o that_o be_v reveal_v now_o that_o knowledge_n which_o do_v clear_a up_o and_o elucidate_v the_o principle_n of_o natural_a theology_n beyond_o the_o possibility_n of_o study_n and_o industry_n be_v that_o which_o i_o mean_v by_o divine_a and_o supernatural_a knowledge_n in_o respect_n of_o its_o degree_n or_o measure_n and_o this_o be_v that_o knowledge_n which_o ought_v in_o all_o reason_n among_o the_o jew_n to_o have_v be_v honour_v with_o the_o name_n of_o wisdom_n if_o they_o be_v so_o prodigal_a of_o that_o honourable_a 16._o title_n as_o to_o bestow_v it_o on_o the_o puny_a art_n of_o arithmetic_n astrology_n and_o the_o like_a in_o justice_n methinks_v they_o ought_v much_o rather_o to_o have_v give_v it_o to_o theology_n and_o so_o indeed_o we_o find_v that_o they_o do_v for_o among_o 1._o they_o it_o be_v better_o know_v almost_o by_o no_o name_n than_o that_o of_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o well_o may_v it_o be_v so_o call_v because_o not_o only_o the_o object_n but_o also_o the_o teacher_n of_o it_o be_v divine_a for_o they_o be_v the_o man_n of_o god_n or_o the_o prophet_n from_o who_o they_o first_o learn_v it_o probable_a therefore_o it_o be_v that_o in_o the_o trial_n of_o pretender_n to_o the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n especial_a sâ—arch_n be_v make_v after_o this_o wisdom_n and_o for_o this_o cause_n it_o will_v now_o be_v my_o business_n to_o inquire_v whether_o or_o no_o on_o the_o account_n of_o this_o wisdom_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v not_o worthy_a to_o be_v think_v wise_a this_o question_v it_o be_v true_a be_v deny_v by_o many_o in_o the_o day_n of_o their_o flesh_n and_o seem_v hardly_o believe_v by_o more_o than_o a_o few_o now_o in_o we_o and_o among_o those_o that_o affirm_v it_o in_o their_o word_n there_o be_v many_o that_o deny_v it_o in_o their_o deed_n as_o if_o there_o be_v wisdom_n in_o the_o profession_n but_o foolishness_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o our_o religion_n i_o fear_v therefore_o it_o will_v be_v no_o needless_a or_o unseasonable_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o demonstrate_v their_o superlative_a wisdom_n in_o this_o kind_n which_o it_o seem_v be_v so_o transcendent_a as_o that_o justine_n martyr_n after_o all_o his_o hard_a study_n and_o travel_v in_o almost_o all_o sort_n of_o humane_a learning_n find_v christianity_n to_o be_v the_o only_a sure_a and_o useful_a philosophy_n try_n we_o can_v except_v against_o his_o judgement_n as_o that_o of_o a_o party_n because_o this_o be_v his_o experience_n before_o his_o conversion_n yet_o because_o those_o that_o be_v wise_a in_o their_o own_o eye_n will_v not_o see_v with_o he_o we_o shall_v submit_v our_o cause_n to_o a_o trial_n at_o the_o bar_n of_o its_o adversary_n jew_n and_o heathen_n the_o jew_n we_o know_v rest_v in_o the_o law_n and_o make_v their_o boast_n of_o god_n that_o they_o know_v his_o will_n and_o approve_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v more_o excellent_a be_v instruct_v out_o of_o the_o law_n on_o this_o account_n they_o be_v confident_a that_o they_o be_v guide_n of_o the_o blind_a light_n of_o they_o which_o be_v in_o darkness_n instructer_n of_o the_o foolish_a and_o teacher_n 2._o of_o babe_n and_o although_o their_o theology_n be_v grievous_o corrupt_v by_o their_o tradition_n yet_o those_o that_o be_v learned_a in_o their_o law_n be_v on_o that_o account_n so_o conceit_a and_o insolent_a as_o that_o they_o do_v almost_o whole_o engross_v the_o name_n of_o wise_a man_n to_o themselves_o this_o they_o do_v with_o such_o a_o matchless_a pride_n and_o contempt_n of_o other_o as_o will_v even_o tempt_v one_o to_o think_v that_o at_o least_o in_o their_o opinion_n there_o be_v â—â—arce_o any_o wisdom_n in_o any_o thing_n but_o theology_n methinks_v then_o if_o they_o have_v understand_v it_o they_o can_v not_o have_v be_v so_o disingenuous_o partial_a as_o to_o have_v deny_v the_o title_n of_o wisdom_n to_o christianity_n the_o reason_n be_v because_o it_o be_v a_o sort_n of_o theology_n far_o more_o excellent_a than_o their_o own_o and_o that_o in_o a_o threefold_a reference_n namely_o to_o our_o faith_n our_o hope_n and_o our_o practice_n for_o the_o object_n of_o faith_n be_v more_o clear_o reveal_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n than_o by_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n for_o very_o evident_a it_o be_v that_o not_o only_o the_o trinity_n of_o person_n in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o divine_a essence_n the_o person_n and_o office_n of_o the_o messiah_n be_v more_o full_o discover_v but_o also_o the_o very_a attribute_n of_o god_n be_v most_o auspicious_o assert_v and_o illustrate_v by_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n no_o man_n have_v see_v god_n at_o any_o 18._o time_n the_o only_o beget_v son_n which_o be_v in_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o father_n he_o have_v declare_v he_o our_o mind_n may_v apprehend_v god_n but_o our_o eye_n can_v see_v he_o we_o can_v therefore_o have_v no_o knowledge_n of_o he_o but_o by_o ratiocination_n or_o revelation_n the_o former_a we_o have_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n the_o latter_a by_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n which_o sure_o be_v apt_a and_o able_a to_o advance_v our_o knowledge_n above_o the_o high_a pitch_n of_o mere_a nature_n for_o to_o that_o end_n among_o the_o jew_n it_o speak_v by_o the_o prophet_n and_o after_o they_o by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n for_o they_o have_v bless_v the_o world_n with_o the_o great_a illustration_n 5._o that_o ever_o yet_o be_v make_v of_o the_o divine_a attribute_n which_o it_o seem_v according_a to_o the_o jew_n be_v distinguish_v into_o two_o sort_n viz._n fundamental_a and_o practical_a the_o former_a be_v those_o who_o foundation_n be_v lay_v in_o the_o very_a essence_n of_o god_n itself_o such_o as_o power_n wisdom_n holiness_n etc._n etc._n the_o latter_a be_v such_o as_o have_v relation_n and_o reference_n to_o the_o work_n of_o god_n in_o and_o about_o his_o creature_n such_o as_o mercy_n goodness_n truth_n etc._n etc._n whether_o this_o distinction_n be_v orthodox_n and_o adequate_a i_o will_v not_o now_o inquire_v but_o sure_o i_o be_o that_o divine_a attribute_n of_o both_o sort_n be_v most_o evident_o illustrate_v by_o the_o gospel_n for_o its_o doctrine_n do_v not_o only_o teach_v we_o to_o believe_v that_o god_n be_v powerful_a wise_a and_o holy_a merciful_a just_a and_o true_a but_o the_o work_n of_o redemption_n therein_o make_v know_v do_v demonstrate_v that_o he_o be_v so_o where_o can_v we_o find_v so_o magnificent_a a_o demonstration_n of_o infinite_a power_n and_o wisdom_n as_o in_o the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a wherein_o be_v god_n holiness_n and_o mercy_n his_o justice_n and_o goodness_n so_o conspicuous_a as_o in_o the_o death_n and_o suffering_n of_o christ_n and_o where_o do_v divine_a truth_n and_o veracity_n shine_v so_o bright_o as_o in_o the_o completion_n of_o prophecy_n in_o and_o by_o our_o saviour_n from_o his_o birth_n to_o his_o burial_n yea_o from_o his_o conception_n to_o his_o ascension_n it_o seem_v then_o the_o object_n of_o faith_n as_o to_o the_o great_a part_n of_o it_o be_v not_o only_o more_o clear_o reveal_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n than_o by_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n but_o also_o that_o part_n thereof_o wherein_o they_o be_v most_o distinct_a and_o clear_a be_v illustrious_o demonstrate_v by_o the_o gospel_n nor_o have_v they_o therein_o provide_v worse_o for_o our_o hope_n than_o they_o have_v for_o our_o faith_n but_o as_o in_o the_o object_n of_o that_o so_o also_o of_o this_o the_o gospel_n far_o excel_v the_o divinity_n of_o the_o jew_n for_o their_o master_n moses_n in_o the_o institution_n of_o their_o religion_n either_o promise_v they_o nothing_o beyond_o the_o good_a thing_n of_o this_o life_n or_o if_o he_o do_v it_o be_v cover_v with_o such_o cloud_n and_o wrap_v up_o in_o such_o obscurity_n as_o that_o none_o but_o the_o most_o pierce_a eye_n can_v see_v it_o thence_o it_o be_v that_o 9_o a_o great_a and_o learned_a part_n of_o his_o follower_n viz._n the_o sadducee_n do_v reject_v all_o hope_n