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
far_o apart_o as_o that_o not_o only_o the_o eâ—pressions_n which_o drop_v from_o my_o pen_n but_o sometime_o also_o the_o very_a argument_n of_o discourse_n be_v utter_o flee_v my_o memory_n i_o can_v therefore_o but_o suspect_n there_o may_v be_v some_o ungrateful_a but_o i_o hope_v not_o nauseous_a repetition_n in_o it_o and_o the_o truth_n be_v my_o design_n not_o be_v auram_fw-la captare_fw-la but_o if_o not_o to_o convince_v gainsayer_n whereof_o i_o fear_v this_o age_n have_v more_o than_o some_o former_a have_v have_v yet_o to_o make_v the_o weak_a steadfast_a in_o faith_n and_o joyful_a through_o hope_n root_v in_o charity_n and_o resolute_a in_o obedience_n i_o be_v not_o very_o solicitous_a to_o avoid_v they_o but_o my_o chief_a care_n be_v to_o speak_v as_o clear_o and_o to_o argue_v as_o strong_o as_o i_o can_v and_o if_o by_o so_o do_v i_o have_v do_v any_o thing_n that_o may_v be_v not_o injurious_a but_o serviceable_a to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o it_o be_v receive_v in_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o that_o i_o have_v much_o reason_n to_o believe_v be_v as_o it_o still_o be_v in_o we_o if_o i_o say_v i_o have_v cast_v but_o two_o mite_n into_o this_o corban_n i_o trust_v that_o god_n and_o all_o good_a man_n will_v accept_v of_o it_o and_o therefore_o i_o think_v i_o need_v no_o apology_n at_o least_o shall_v make_v none_o for_o write_v this_o treatise_n the_o content_n chap._n i._n it_o be_v certain_a the_o mind_n do_v assent_v and_o that_o to_o testimony_n the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n what_o why_o so_o call_v the_o nature_n of_o prophecy_n what_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n what_o that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v prophet_n prove_v by_o scripture_n the_o method_n of_o prove_v it_o otherwise_o propose_v 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 deduce_v from_o the_o definition_n of_o prophecy_n assent_v to_o by_o mr._n hobbs_n it_o be_v agreeable_a to_o reason_n and_o all_o mâ—n_z receive_v it_o that_o moses_n be_v a_o prophet_n prove_v by_o the_o testimony_n of_o heathen_n he_o promise_v in_o his_o law_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v prophet_n among_o the_o jew_n prove_v by_o deut._n 18._o 15._o the_o certainty_n that_o there_o be_v so_o thence_o deduce_v chap._n iii_o the_o trial_n of_o prophet_n among_o the_o jew_n of_o the_o condition_n on_o which_o man_n be_v admit_v to_o a_o trial_n sect._n 1_o these_o transcribe_v out_o of_o maimonides_n the_o first_o of_o they_o impertinent_a to_o our_o purpose_n the_o second_o except_v against_o the_o original_n of_o oral_a tradition_n the_o improbability_n of_o it_o the_o falsehood_n of_o it_o concern_v alteration_n to_o be_v make_v in_o the_o write_a law_n of_o moses_n it_o be_v not_o immutable_a a_o objection_n out_o of_o maimonides_n another_o objection_n moses_n himself_o and_o the_o prophet_n teach_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v change_v a_o objection_n the_o antecedent_n or_o concomitant_n of_o a_o prophetic_a spirit_n sect._n 2_o these_o reduce_v to_o six_o head_n the_o jew_n maxim_n that_o prophecy_n rest_v on_o none_o but_o the_o wise_a the_o strong_a and_o the_o rich_a we_o christian_n may_v well_o except_v against_o it_o be_v not_o universal_o true_a by_o their_o own_o concession_n yet_o may_v it_o be_v admit_v on_o two_o condition_n the_o prophet_n wisdom_n consist_v not_o in_o humane_a learning_n acquire_v by_o study_n but_o in_o prudence_n and_o knowledge_n supernatural_a their_o strength_n consist_v in_o courage_n or_o fortitude_n and_o their_o riches_n in_o contentment_n and_o all_o probity_n of_o manner_n of_o prophetic_a prediction_n sect._n 3_o the_o warrant_n the_o jew_n have_v thereby_o to_o make_v trial_n of_o man_n pretence_n to_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n the_o difficulty_n thereof_o from_o jer._n 18._o 7_o etc._n etc._n how_o unfolded_a the_o jew_n sense_n of_o jer._n 23_o 28._o the_o vanity_n of_o astrology_n of_o miracle_n sect._n 4_o the_o jew_n be_v not_o to_o expect_v they_o from_o all_o the_o prophet_n that_o moses_n and_o other_o of_o the_o prophet_n wrought_v miracle_n to_o confirm_v their_o prophecy_n be_v both_o deny_v and_o grant_v by_o maimonides_n prove_v by_o scripture_n chap._n iu._n the_o application_n of_o the_o forego_n discourse_n to_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n sect._n 1_o that_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o have_v be_v deny_v a_o fair_a trial_n the_o jew_n only_o be_v oblige_v to_o observe_v the_o letter_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n yet_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n as_o to_o the_o design_n and_o meaning_n of_o it_o do_v most_o excellent_o establish_v it_o among_o the_o gentile_n demonstrate_v out_o of_o maimonides_n and_o abravanels_n account_n of_o it_o compare_v with_o christian_a doctrine_n they_o themselves_o conform_v to_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o teach_v the_o jew_n so_o to_o do_v of_o their_o wisdom_n sect._n 2_o that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v man_n of_o excellent_a intellectual_n supernatural_a knowledge_n be_v more_o especial_o inquire_v after_o by_o the_o jew_n in_o the_o trial_n of_o prophet_n that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n have_v such_o knowledge_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o manner_n of_o it_o and_o also_o in_o respect_n of_o its_o degree_n or_o measure_n christian_a theology_n more_o excellent_a than_o that_o of_o the_o jew_n and_o that_o in_o a_o threefold_a reference_n viz._n 1_o to_o faith_n the_o object_n whereof_o be_v more_o clear_o reveal_v by_o chriâ—tianity_n than_o it_o be_v by_o judaisme_n 2_o to_o hope_n 3_o to_o practice_n the_o burdensomness_n of_o the_o jewish_a religion_n the_o excellency_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n which_o be_v fulfil_v by_o christ_n a_o objection_n from_o the_o impossibility_n of_o keep_v that_o law_n so_o fill_v up_o propose_v the_o mitigation_n of_o the_o law_n by_o the_o gospel_n in_o four_o particular_n the_o motive_n we_o have_v to_o obey_v the_o gospel_n the_o assistance_n it_o give_v we_o in_o well-doing_n from_o all_o which_o the_o excellency_n of_o christianity_n to_o judaisme_n be_v conclude_v much_o more_o do_v it_o excel_v the_o philosophy_n of_o the_o gentile_n and_o that_o in_o respect_n 1_o of_o the_o general_n nature_n 2_o of_o the_o object_n 3_o of_o ehe_fw-ge end_n and_o scope_n of_o wisdom_n from_o all_o which_o the_o transcendent_a wisdom_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v demonstrate_v of_o their_o fortitude_n sect._n 3_o the_o great_a degeneracy_n â—f_o the_o jew_n their_o preposterous_a zeal_n for_o their_o religion_n their_o malice_n against_o all_o that_o observe_v not_o their_o tradition_n christ_n detect_v the_o shortness_n and_o vanity_n thereof_o the_o horridness_n of_o the_o gentile_n condition_n the_o fortitude_n of_o the_o apostle_n thence_o deduce_v of_o the_o prophetic_a riches_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n sect._n 4_o that_o they_o be_v rich_a prove_v by_o the_o design_a end_n of_o their_o doctrine_n by_o their_o deportment_n among_o man_n distinct_o of_o our_o saviour_n of_o the_o apostle_n from_o the_o multitude_n of_o their_o follower_n and_o from_o the_o silence_n of_o their_o adversary_n of_o the_o prediction_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n sect._n 5_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n the_o prediction_n of_o its_o forerunner_n and_o of_o its_o approach_n and_o consummation_n all_o exact_o accomplish_v the_o call_n of_o the_o gentile_n foretell_v accomplish_v error_n and_o division_n among_o christian_n foretell_v and_o apparent_o accomplish_v yea_o the_o mean_n and_o manner_n of_o their_o production_n viz._n the_o addiction_n and_o design_n the_o artifices_fw-la and_o cunning_a of_o seducer_n together_o with_o the_o nature_n of_o their_o doctrine_n and_o speciousness_n of_o their_o pretence_n all_o foretold_a and_o fulfil_v prove_v at_o large_a of_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n sect._n 6_o that_o they_o real_o wrought_v many_o and_o great_a miracle_n prove_v 1_o by_o reason_n 2_o by_o tradition_n of_o the_o church_n the_o great_a credibility_n of_o this_o tradition_n 3_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o adversary_n of_o all_o sort_n a_o objection_n the_o answer_n they_o be_v not_o do_v by_o enchantment_n prove_v 1_o by_o reason_n 2_o by_o the_o continuance_n of_o miracle_n in_o the_o church_n for_o several_a age_n attest_v by_o the_o father_n the_o evident_a certainty_n both_o that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n wrought_v miracle_n and_o that_o not_o by_o enchantment_n thence_o deduce_v a_o objection_n out_o of_o hobbs_n against_o the_o credibility_n of_o miracle_n ans_fw-fr 1_o that_o miracle_n have_v be_v do_v may_v be_v believe_v upon_o testimony_n 2_o it_o be_v needless_a to_o demand_v the_o do_v of_o miracle_n to_o prove_v that_o there_o have_v be_v some_o do_v 3_o it_o be_v wicked_a and_o absurd_a so_o to_o do_v the_o tradition_n of_o the_o church_n
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
as_o convince_a as_o the_o sight_n of_o our_o own_o eye_n chap._n v._n the_o strength_n and_o force_n of_o the_o precede_a argument_n 1_o they_o remove_v all_o suspicion_n that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v not_o prophet_n for_o thereby_o it_o appear_v 1_o that_o they_o pretend_v to_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n 2_o that_o they_o therein_o be_v not_o deceive_v 3_o they_o have_v no_o design_n to_o deceive_v other_o 2_o they_o give_v positive_a evidence_n that_o they_o be_v prophet_n 1_o from_o their_o fortitude_n 2_o from_o their_o wisdom_n 3_o from_o their_o prediction_n 4_o from_o their_o miracle_n here_o to_o show_v the_o force_n of_o this_o argument_n it_o be_v observe_v 1_o that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n wrought_v their_o miracle_n on_o purpose_n to_o confirm_v their_o doctrine_n 2_o miracle_n be_v always_o look_v on_o as_o demonstrative_a proof_n of_o divine_a authority_n in_o they_o that_o do_v they_o 3_o the_o reason_n for_o which_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n deserve_v to_o be_v so_o account_v 1_o from_o their_o nature_n 2_o from_o their_o number_n 3_o from_o their_o greatness_n 4_o from_o their_o goodness_n thereby_o they_o confer_v on_o man_n 1_o the_o good_n of_o fortune_n 2_o of_o the_o body_n 3_o of_o the_o soul_n chap._n vi_o some_o use_n that_o may_v be_v make_v of_o this_o doctrine_n of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o christian_a religion_n sect._n 1_o this_o deduce_v therefrom_o the_o leviathan_n deny_v it_o the_o first_o reason_n of_o this_o opinion_n answer_v the_o second_o reason_n answer_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o holy_a scripture_n sect._n 2_o uncontrolled_a tradition_n prove_v that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o n._n testament_n be_v write_v by_o those_o man_n who_o name_n they_o bear_v and_o since_o they_o be_v prophet_n the_o old_a testament_n also_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o word_n of_o prophecy_n a_o doubt_n about_o the_o gospel_n of_o st._n mark_n and_o st._n luke_n and_o the_o act_n these_o book_n have_v the_o approbation_n of_o the_o apostle_n a_o objection_n out_o of_o the_o leviathan_n object_n 2._o object_n 3._o the_o insufficiency_n of_o humane_a reason_n sect._n 3_o the_o treatise_n thereof_o ascribe_v as_o much_o thereunto_o as_o pelagius_n do_v to_o free_a will_n it_o evacuate_v the_o necessity_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n prophetic_a office_n the_o impiety_n of_o it_o reason_n itself_o condemn_v it_o a_o objection_n out_o of_o that_o treatise_n the_o reasonableness_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n sect._n 4_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o word_n of_o prophecy_n great_a than_o that_o of_o a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n the_o mystery_n of_o christianity_n do_v not_o make_v it_o incredible_a but_o be_v apt_a to_o strengthen_v our_o faith_n the_o reasonableness_n of_o christian_a hope_n sect._n 5_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o promise_n a_o objection_n draw_v from_o experience_n another_o from_o the_o suppose_a impossibility_n of_o a_o general_n resurrection_n the_o reasonableness_n of_o obedience_n sect._n 6_o all_o acknowledge_v a_o obligation_n to_o obey_v god_n whence_o do_v this_o obligation_n arise_v 1_o not_o from_o our_o weakness_n 2_o not_o from_o god_n sole_a irresistible_a power_n the_o nature_n of_o divine_a sovereignty_n god_n right_a of_o it_o a_o view_n of_o our_o state_n by_o nature_n the_o way_n that_o god_n have_v choose_v for_o our_o redemption_n christ_n conquer_v the_o devil_n at_o all_o those_o weapon_n whereby_o he_o overcome_v our_o first_o parent_n and_o their_o posterity_n we_o be_v therefore_o his_o by_o right_n of_o conquest_n christ_n make_v satisfaction_n for_o we_o christ_n now_o in_o heaven_n be_v able_a to_o succour_v we_o when_o we_o be_v tempt_v a_o question_n another_o question_n the_o nature_n of_o a_o obligation_n which_o be_v twofold_a the_o redemption_n of_o christ_n oblige_v we_o by_o both_o to_o keep_v his_o commandment_n 1_o by_o that_o of_o authority_n 2_o by_o that_o ad_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o nature_n of_o it_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o 1_o the_o benefit_n we_o receive_v by_o redemption_n 2_o the_o satisfactoriness_n of_o it_o to_o our_o reason_n 3_o the_o incomparable_a encouragement_n that_o it_o give_v we_o to_o keep_v the_o commandment_n the_o conclusion_n rev._n 19_o 10._o the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n be_v the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n chap._n i._n that_o we_o have_v a_o power_n of_o assent_v be_v so_o manifest_a as_o that_o scepticism_n itself_o can_v doubt_v it_o for_o that_o it_o be_v very_o apparent_o build_v on_o assent_n to_o this_o proposition_n there_o be_v nothing_o certain_a who_o can_v be_v of_o that_o persuasion_n without_o assent_n it_o seem_v therefore_o certain_a that_o the_o mind_n assent_v and_o this_o it_o do_v to_o testimony_n as_o well_o as_o reason_n for_o the_o latter_a can_v be_v at_o least_o improve_v without_o the_o former_a because_o there_o be_v no_o reason_v without_o word_n and_o word_n without_o testimony_n signify_v nothing_o be_v it_o not_o for_o testimony_n the_o wise_a of_o word_n and_o the_o most_o inarticulate_a of_o sound_n will_v be_v to_o we_o equal_o significant_a so_o that_o not_o only_a religion_n but_o also_o all_o art_n and_o science_n be_v behold_v 16_o to_o testimony_n they_o be_v if_o not_o found_v on_o it_o yet_o unattainable_a without_o it_o it_o seem_v therefore_o those_o who_o traduce_v our_o religion_n as_o fond_a credulity_n because_o it_o depend_v on_o testimony_n be_v therein_o very_o disingenuous_o partial_a and_o irrational_a especial_o consider_v the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n be_v the_o spirit_n of_o prophesy_n which_o word_n be_v a_o entire_a proposition_n not_o so_o difficult_a but_o that_o it_o may_v be_v understand_v nor_o yet_o so_o plain_a but_o that_o both_o the_o subject_a and_o the_o predicate_v will_v need_v some_o explication_n in_o order_n whereunto_o it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o observe_v that_o in_o all_o probability_n the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n be_v either_o that_o which_o he_o himself_o give_v or_o else_o that_o which_o his_o witness_n do_v bear_v of_o he_o of_o the_o former_a 33._o st._n john_n speak_v in_o his_o gospel_n of_o the_o latter_a in_o his_o revelation_n here_o in_o my_o text_n which_o to_o i_o seem_v evident_a by_o the_o scope_n and_o design_n of_o the_o whole_a verse_n the_o drift_n whereof_o be_v to_o prove_v that_o the_o angel_n who_o word_n they_o be_v to_o st._n john_n be_v fellow-servant_n with_o he_o and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n st._n john_n fall_v at_o the_o angel_n foot_n to_o worship_n he_o but_o the_o angel_n say_v unto_o he_o see_v thou_o do_v it_o not_o of_o which_o prohibition_n he_o give_v this_o reason_n because_o say_v he_o i_o be_o thy_o fellow-servant_n and_o of_o thy_o brethren_n that_o have_v the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n and_o who_o be_v they_o that_o have_v the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n sure_o they_o be_v those_o who_o jesus_n himself_o have_v choose_v to_o be_v his_o witness_n viz._n the_o 8._o apostle_n of_o these_o man_n than_o the_o angel_n be_v fellow-servant_n to_o prove_v that_o he_o be_v so_o he_o allege_v my_o text_n for_o the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n be_v the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n which_o word_n can_v be_v no_o way_n argumentative_a unless_o the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n be_v understand_v to_o signify_v not_o that_o which_o jesus_n himself_o give_v but_o that_o which_o his_o apostle_n do_v give_v of_o he_o but_o be_v thus_o take_v they_o import_v a_o twofold_a argument_n viz._n ad_fw-la hominem_fw-la and_o ad_fw-la rem_fw-la st._n john_n we_o know_v be_v as_o all_o the_o other_o apostle_n a_o jew_n by_o birth_n one_o of_o that_o nation_n wherein_o it_o be_v a_o receive_a opinion_n that_o there_o be_v ten_o degree_n or_o order_n of_o angel_n the_o low_a whereof_o be_v call_v ischim_n by_o the_o intervention_n and_o ministry_n of_o this_o sort_n of_o angel_n they_o say_v whether_o true_o or_o false_o i_o affirm_v 2._o not_o that_o prophecy_n be_v communicate_v unto_o men._n these_o angel_n as_o we_o be_v tell_v be_v chief_o employ_v to_o prophesy_v and_o when_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n rest_v on_o any_o here_o on_o earth_n his_o soul_n be_v â—ixt_v with_o and_o advance_v to_o this_o order_n of_o angel_n in_o heaven_n and_o be_v enroll_v among_o they_o if_o then_o this_o be_v a_o vulgar_a opinion_n of_o the_o jew_n at_o the_o time_n of_o st._n john_n s_o revelation_n it_o be_v apparent_a enough_o that_o my_o text_n contain_v a_o argument_n ad_fw-la hominem_fw-la but_o the_o truth_n be_v the_o force_n of_o the_o angel_n argument_n do_v not_o lie_v so_o much_o in_o st._n john_n opinion_n as_o in_o his_o own_o employment_n at_o that_o time_n which_o be_v to_o prophesy_v concern_v thing_n pertain_v to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o precede_a verse_n let_v we_o then_o but_o cast_v the_o
endowment_n with_o good_n both_o of_o wit_n and_o fortune_n 3._o sequestration_n from_o the_o common_a and_o profane_a manner_n of_o live_v 4._o convenience_n of_o place_n and_o that_o they_o make_v proper_a to_o their_o own_o land_n 5._o seasonableness_n of_o time_n because_o say_v they_o all_o time_n be_v not_o equal_o apt_a for_o the_o reception_n of_o prophecy_n 1._o 6._o divine_a disposition_n or_o the_o free_a gift_n and_o suggestion_n of_o god_n the_o necessity_n of_o all_o these_o be_v deserve_o question_v not_o only_o by_o christian_n but_o also_o by_o some_o of_o the_o jew_n themselves_o insomuth_n that_o as_o far_o as_o i_o can_v find_v there_o be_v no_o one_o of_o they_o that_o have_v speak_v distinct_o of_o they_o all_o as_o requisite_n to_o prophecy_n yet_o one_o maxim_n there_o be_v pertinent_a to_o this_o subject_a whereunto_o they_o all_o seem_v to_o yield_v assent_n and_o that_o be_v that_o prophecy_n re_v on_o none_o but_o the_o wise_a the_o strong_a and_o the_o zer_n rich._n this_o say_n among_o the_o jew_n be_v perhaps_o think_v worthy_a of_o all_o acceptation_n yet_o by_o some_o christian_n it_o be_v esteem_v more_o worthy_a of_o rejection_n not_o only_o because_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v not_o tie_v his_o gift_n to_o such_o requisite_n but_o also_o because_o it_o sâ—ems_v to_o savour_v of_o a_o design_n to_o kâ—ep_v people_n in_o unbelief_n of_o christianity_n such_o we_o know_v be_v the_o mâ—lice_n of_o the_o jew_n against_o the_o son_n of_o god_n as_o that_o their_o rabbi_n labour_v what_o they_o can_v to_o hinder_v the_o growth_n of_o our_o christian_a faith_n to_o that_o end_n they_o have_v teach_v such_o principle_n and_o magisterial_o dictate_v such_o say_n and_o rule_n to_o the_o people_n as_o be_v apt_a to_o prepossess_v their_o mind_n and_o fortify_v their_o unbelieve_a heart_n with_o such_o prâ—judices_fw-la as_o make_v they_o impregnable_a by_o all_o the_o weapon_n and_o strength_n of_o our_o christian_a warfare_n such_o as_o these_o be_v those_o fundamental_a article_n of_o their_o faith_n concern_v the_o perpetuity_n and_o immutability_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o time_n of_o the_o come_n of_o the_o mâ—ssâ—as_n which_o opinion_n seem_v form_v almost_o on_o purpose_n to_o hinder_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o stop_v its_o course_n among_o men._n and_o in_o my_o apprehension_n the_o rule_n now_o under_o debate_n may_v be_v think_v like_o unto_o they_o for_o while_o man_n believe_v that_o prophecy_n rest_v on_o none_o but_o the_o wise_a the_o strong_a and_o the_o rich_a how_o hard_o be_v it_o for_o they_o to_o believe_v that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v prophet_n the_o reason_n be_v because_o in_o their_o birth_n and_o body_n their_o education_n and_o fortune_n thâ—re_o seem_v little_a or_o nothing_o that_o may_v denominate_v they_o so_o qualify_v but_o much_o otherwise_o for_o this_o reason_n be_v there_o no_o other_o we_o christian_n have_v just_a cause_n to_o question_v this_o rule_n of_o their_o rabbi_n but_o moreover_o we_o be_v sure_a that_o it_o be_v not_o universal_o true_a and_o indeed_o the_o jew_n themselves_o confess_v as_o much_o for_o they_o except_o moses_n and_o samuel_n amos_n and_o ionas_n from_o it_o whereunto_o they_o may_v have_v add_v deborah_n and_o elisha_n 4._o whereof_o the_o former_a although_o a_o prophetess_n yet_o be_v one_o of_o the_o weak_a sex_n sure_o be_v not_o so_o strong_a as_o this_o râ—le_n will_v have_v the_o prophet_n and_o 19_o elisha_n be_v call_v from_o follow_v the_o plough_n and_o so_o not_o likely_a to_o have_v be_v so_o wise_a and_o learned_a as_o this_o rule_n pretâ—nds_v the_o prophet_n shall_v and_o then_o as_o for_o riches_n we_o may_v well_o say_v with_o vorstius_n there_o be_v nothing_o more_o foolish_a and_o unsavoury_a than_o to_o join_v matter_n of_o money_n with_o the_o prophetic_a office_n or_o spirit_n his_o reason_n be_v manifest_a because_o it_o be_v certain_o apparent_a that_o many_o if_o not_o most_o of_o the_o prophet_n be_v sometime_o reduce_v to_o such_o poverty_n as_o that_o they_o endure_v hunger_n yea_o perhaps_o cold_a and_o nakedness_n through_o their_o want_n and_o pentoy_n yet_o still_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophesy_n rest_v on_o they_o by_o these_o their_o concession_n and_o observation_n it_o plain_o appear_v that_o this_o their_o rule_n according_a to_o the_o most_o common_a acceptation_n of_o the_o word_n among_o the_o vulgar_a be_v not_o universal_o true_a there_o be_v no_o indispensible_a necessity_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o that_o seâ—ms_n to_o make_v requisite_a for_o the_o reception_n of_o prophecy_n i_o be_o therefore_o incline_v to_o think_v that_o that_o opinion_n concern_v the_o election_n of_o prophet_n which_o mâ—imenides_n ascribe_v to_o the_o vulgar_a 4._o be_v the_o only_a true_a one_o namely_o that_o god_n choose_v and_o send_v who_o he_o please_v without_o regard_v whether_o they_o be_v wise_a and_o learned_a ignorant_a young_a or_o old_a and_o if_o so_o than_o we_o may_v conclude_v with_o hottinger_n that_o this_o rule_n be_v not_o worth_a a_o nutshell_n or_o else_o we_o must_v find_v out_o some_o sâ—nse_n wherein_o it_o may_v be_v admit_v but_o admit_v it_o i_o think_v we_o may_v not_o unless_o it_o be_v on_o these_o two_o condition_n 1._o that_o the_o prophet_n wisdom_n distinct_a from_o that_o they_o have_v by_o revelation_n be_v not_o think_v always_o to_o consist_v in_o humane_a learning_n acquire_v by_o sâ—udy_n but_o in_o their_o natural_a sagacity_n or_o prudence_n improve_v by_o experience_n or_o otherwise_o and_o that_o their_o strength_n be_v not_o always_o that_o of_o the_o body_n but_o the_o fortitude_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o last_o that_o their_o riches_n be_v not_o those_o of_o the_o world_n but_o of_o virtue_n and_o probity_n of_o manner_n 2._o that_o these_o thing_n even_o thus_o understand_v be_v not_o make_v necessary_a antecedent_n of_o prophecy_n but_o concomitant_a attendant_n on_o it_o they_o be_v not_o necessary_a for_o the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n but_o convenient_a for_o the_o office_n of_o a_o prophet_n in_o this_o sense_n and_o this_o only_a the_o jew_n perhaps_o may_v justify_v their_o rule_n and_o we_o may_v allow_v it_o some_o measure_n of_o admittance_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n we_o be_v not_o unwilling_a that_o the_o spirit_n or_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n which_o we_o assert_v to_o have_v be_v in_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n shall_v be_v try_v by_o it_o in_o order_n whereunto_o it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o take_v a_o distinct_a survey_n of_o the_o prophet_n wisdom_n strength_n and_o riches_n by_o the_o prophet_n wisdom_n maimonides_n understand_v humane_a learning_n and_o knowledge_n acquire_v by_o study_n this_o therefore_o say_v he_o be_v our_o foundation_n without_o without_o study_n and_o perfection_n no_o man_n can_v prophesy_v and_o 32._o that_o the_o possibility_n of_o it_o depend_v thereon_o but_o be_v samuel_n perfect_a in_o his_o childhood_n have_v elisha_n and_o amos_n be_v so_o studious_a as_o to_o arrive_v at_o perfection_n before_o god_n take_v the_o one_o from_o hold_v the_o plough_n and_o the_o other_o from_o follow_v the_o flock_n it_o seem_v not_o although_o 15._o therefore_o maimonides_n be_v a_o master-builder_n in_o israel_n yet_o he_o lay_v his_o foundation_n in_o the_o sand_n otherwise_o it_o can_v not_o have_v be_v so_o easy_o shake_v we_o be_v not_o of_o his_o mind_n that_o fool_n and_o son_n of_o the_o earth_n can_v possible_o prophesy_v no_o more_o than_o a_o ass_n or_o a_o frog_n or_o the_o possibility_n of_o prophecy_n have_v a_o dependence_n on_o study_n and_o perfection_n acquire_v by_o it_o we_o dare_v not_o so_o to_o limit_v the_o almighty_a or_o set_v bound_n to_o omnipotence_n yet_o we_o think_v it_o become_v the_o excellency_n of_o prophecy_n and_o convenient_a for_o the_o office_n of_o a_o prophet_n that_o the_o person_n inspire_v shall_v be_v one_o of_o no_o contemptible_a natural_a part_n and_o prudence_n not_o that_o natural_a sagacity_n or_o any_o acquire_v endowment_n can_v conduce_v by_o way_n of_o efficiency_n to_o the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n but_o yet_o they_o may_v and_o do_v by_o way_n of_o anticipation_n although_o they_o be_v not_o absolute_o needful_a in_o order_n to_o the_o production_n or_o reception_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n yet_o they_o be_v convenient_a to_o anticipate_v and_o prevent_v the_o prejudices_fw-la which_o otherwise_o will_v arise_v against_o the_o person_n of_o the_o prophet_n how_o hard_o a_o thing_n be_v it_o especial_o if_o their_o age_n be_v such_o as_o we_o to_o make_v man_n believe_v that_o the_o god_n of_o infinite_a wisdom_n will_v inspire_v man_n of_o shallow_a intellectual_n and_o incompetent_a apprehension_n prophecy_n be_v one_o of_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o perfection_n whereof_o in_o this_o life_n our_o humane_a nature_n be_v capable_a and_o how_o hardly_o be_v we_o persuade_v
that_o so_o good_a and_o perfect_a a_o gift_n shall_v be_v congruous_o bestow_v by_o the_o most_o wise_a disposer_n of_o all_o thing_n but_o if_o they_o be_v so_o successful_a as_o to_o convince_v man_n of_o their_o call_v yet_o how_o can_v they_o perform_v their_o office_n without_o discretion_n and_o prudence_n by_o their_o office_n as_o we_o may_v gather_v from_o the_o use_n of_o 16._o their_o scripture_n the_o prophet_n be_v to_o teach_v reprove_v correct_v and_o instruct_v man_n in_o righteousness_n to_o declare_v what_o they_o ought_v to_o know_v and_o believe_v to_o convince_v they_o in_o falsehood_n and_o error_n to_o reform_v and_o amend_v their_o life_n to_o build_v they_o up_o and_o carry_v they_o on_o unto_o perfection_n in_o all_o virtue_n and_o holiness_n of_o live_v without_o discretion_n and_o prudence_n who_o be_v sufficient_a for_o these_o thing_n can_v ignorance_n teach_v or_o folly_n reprove_v can_v weakness_n of_o judgement_n demolish_v the_o strong_a hold_v of_o error_n or_o discover_v the_o fallacy_n of_o falsehood_n can_v shallow_a apprehension_n fathom_v the_o depth_n of_o sin_n or_o detect_v the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n can_v idiot_n make_v man_n wise_a or_o fool_n instruct_v other_o in_o righteousness_n yet_o so_o they_o must_v unless_o the_o rational_a faculty_n of_o the_o people_n rather_o than_o of_o the_o prophet_n be_v almost_o whole_o absorb_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n and_o so_o their_o wisdom_n and_o holiness_n be_v increase_v by_o a_o strange_a antiperistasis_n of_o folly_n and_o ignorance_n than_o which_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o unlikely_a and_o ridiculous_a it_o must_v therefore_o be_v grant_v to_o the_o jew_n that_o god_n prophet_n be_v though_o it_o may_v be_v not_o always_o learned_a in_o language_n art_n and_o science_n etc._n etc._n yet_o wise_a and_o prudent_a man_n and_o this_o their_o prudence_n dwell_v with_o such_o knowledge_n as_o be_v unattainable_a without_o revelation_n and_o that_o in_o one_o or_o more_o of_o these_o three_o respect_n either_o first_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n know_v as_o in_o their_o prediction_n of_o future_a contingence_n of_o which_o hereafter_o or_o second_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o knowledge_n my_o meaning_n be_v that_o 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 our_o natural_a ability_n be_v sometime_o make_v know_v to_o the_o prophet_n by_o immediate_a revelation_n thus_o the_o prophet_n samuel_n know_v where_o saul_n ass_n be_v and_o 9_o thus_o elisha_n know_v whither_o his_o servant_n gehazi_n be_v go_v and_o what_o he_o do_v when_o he_o follow_v naaman_n 26._o and_o have_v overtake_v he_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o the_o measure_n of_o their_o knowledge_n thâ—re_o be_v nothing_o extraordinary_a but_o the_o thing_n themselves_o be_v remote_a from_o these_o prophet_n and_o they_o not_o be_v inform_v by_o any_o creature_n concern_v they_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o knowledge_n or_o the_o mean_n whereby_o they_o attain_v unto_o it_o be_v supernatural_a three_o the_o prophet_n knowledge_n of_o some_o thing_n be_v supernatural_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o measure_n of_o it_o as_o be_v evident_a by_o their_o clear_n up_o the_o principle_n of_o natural_a theology_n and_o this_o they_o have_v do_v so_o 47._o successful_o as_o that_o tertullian_n offer_v to_o prove_v to_o the_o gentile_n that_o not_o only_o their_o poet_n and_o their_o sophister_n drink_v out_o of_o the_o prophet_n fountain_n but_o also_o their_o philosopher_n quench_v the_o thirst_n of_o their_o wit_n therefrom_o they_o all_o be_v plagiaries_n and_o steal_v the_o choice_a of_o their_o notion_n from_o the_o revelation_n make_v to_o the_o prophet_n how_o partial_a then_o be_v we_o in_o count_v the_o philosopher_n wise_a unless_o we_o also_o reckon_v that_o the_o prophet_n do_v excel_v they_o in_o wisdom_n if_o not_o in_o respect_n of_o that_o which_o they_o themselves_o acquire_v yet_o in_o respect_n of_o that_o which_o be_v reveal_v unto_o they_o and_o this_o their_o wisdom_n be_v far_o more_o excellent_a than_o that_o of_o the_o philosopher_n not_o only_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o matter_n manner_n or_o measure_n of_o it_o but_o also_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o effect_n or_o operation_n of_o it_o in_o they_o and_o this_o bring_v i_o to_o the_o second_o thing_n inquire_v after_o by_o the_o jew_n in_o the_o trial_n of_o prophet_n â—amely_o their_o strength_n or_o fortitude_n so_o servile_a and_o pusillanimous_a be_v the_o heathen_a philosopher_n even_a plato_n himself_o as_o that_o for_o fear_n graec._n of_o man_n they_o conceal_v truth_n of_o great_a importance_n thus_o may_v man_n do_v by_o acquire_v knowledge_n but_o not_o with_o infuse_v at_o least_o not_o so_o easy_o that_o which_o they_o get_v by_o study_n they_o may_v stifle_v but_o what_o they_o have_v by_o prophecy_n they_o can_v hardly_o conceal_v be_v not_o my_o word_n like_o as_o fire_n say_v the_o lord_n and_o like_o a_o 29._o hammer_n that_o break_v the_o rock_n in_o piece_n the_o word_n of_o prophesy_n can_v hardly_o be_v imprison_v in_o unrighteousness_n the_o prophet_n must_v â—ither_o burn_v or_o break_v unless_o they_o utter_v it_o hence_o no_o doubt_n it_o be_v that_o when_o the_o prophet_n jeremiah_n be_v so_o passionate_a and_o pettish_a as_o to_o say_v i_o will_v not_o make_v mention_n of_o the_o lord_n nor_o speak_v any_o more_o in_o his_o name_n he_o think_v no_o doubt_n it_o have_v bâ—â—n_v in_o his_o power_n to_o have_v conceal_v god_n word_n and_o he_o it_o seem_v resolve_v so_o to_o do_v but_o say_v he_o his_o word_n be_v in_o my_o heart_n as_o a_o burn_a fire_n shut_v up_o â—_o in_o my_o bone_n and_o i_o be_v weary_a with_o forbear_v and_o i_o can_v not_o stay_v such_o be_v the_o strength_n of_o the_o prophetic_a impression_n and_o such_o the_o energy_n of_o its_o power_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o prophet_n as_o that_o like_o a_o fire_n burn_v in_o their_o bone_n it_o will_v force_v its_o way_n out_o or_o else_o consume_v they_o this_o i_o presume_v be_v a_o great_a cause_n of_o that_o admirable_a fortitude_n and_o magnanimity_n which_o make_v they_o despise_v the_o terror_n of_o man_n and_o the_o threat_n of_o wicked_a prince_n neither_o the_o indocible_a temper_n of_o the_o people_n nor_o the_o ruggedness_n of_o their_o behaviour_n neither_o the_o power_n of_o monarch_n nor_o the_o menace_n of_o ruler_n can_v ever_o deter_v they_o from_o utter_v their_o prophecy_n of_o this_o we_o have_v a_o pregnant_a instance_n in_o moses_n who_o with_o nothing_o but_o his_o staff_n go_v bold_o to_o pharaoh_n and_o notwithstanding_o his_o power_n and_o tyranny_n undaunted_o tell_v he_o the_o lord_n god_n of_o israel_n will_v have_v he_o to_o let_v his_o people_n go_v 1._o and_o because_o pharaoh_n harden_v his_o heart_n and_o will_v not_o hearken_v moses_n threaten_v he_o to_o his_o face_n that_o the_o water_n in_o the_o river_n shall_v be_v turn_v into_o blood_n etc._n and_o that_o all_o his_o border_n shall_v be_v smite_v with_o frog_n etc._n etc._n thus_o do_v he_o prevail_v against_o a_o mighty_a king_n and_o retrieve_v a_o whole_a nation_n out_o of_o bondage_n nor_o be_v this_o courage_n peculiar_a to_o the_o mosaic_a degree_n of_o prophecy_n but_o common_a therewith_o to_o other_o as_o appear_v by_o nathan_n application_n of_o his_o parable_n to_o david_n 18._o elijah_n reprehension_n of_o ahab_n isaiah_n jeremiah_n ezekiel_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o prophet_n most_o faithful_a and_o courageous_a discharge_n of_o their_o office_n they_o all_o therein_o have_v and_o discover_v such_o prowess_n and_o fortitude_n such_o magnanimity_n and_o nobleness_n of_o resolution_n as_o can_v be_v parallel_v by_o the_o example_n of_o the_o most_o heroic_a teacher_n of_o wisdom_n and_o virtue_n among_o the_o gentile_n that_o therefore_o in_o respect_n of_o this_o their_o fortitude_n and_o courage_n in_o the_o execution_n of_o their_o office_n the_o prophet_n be_v always_o strong_a will_v easy_o be_v grant_v but_o that_o they_o be_v always_o rich_a in_o respect_n of_o worldly_a wealth_n may_v just_o be_v deny_v and_o since_o the_o jew_n give_v we_o no_o reason_n for_o their_o confidence_n in_o affirm_v it_o we_o need_v give_v they_o none_o for_o our_o deny_v it_o yet_o since_o the_o rabbi_n be_v oftentimes_o please_v to_o speak_v mystical_o in_o other_o thing_n it_o be_v possible_a they_o do_v so_o in_o this_o and_o if_o they_o do_v so_o who_o know_v but_o that_o the_o word_n rich_a may_v be_v take_v in_o they_o as_o it_o 6._o once_o be_v in_o solomon_n viz._n for_o one_o that_o be_v rich_a not_o so_o much_o money_n and_o earthly_a possession_n as_o in_o prudence_n and_o moral_a virtue_n which_o conjecture_n seem_v somewhat_o strengthen_v by_o
obedience_n to_o the_o letter_n without_o conformity_n to_o the_o scope_n of_o it_o as_o will_v even_o tempt_v one_o to_o think_v it_o be_v a_o part_n of_o their_o office_n to_o contradict_v and_o null_a the_o law_n of_o moses_n a_o instance_n of_o this_o we_o have_v in_o isaiah_n who_o bring_v in_o the_o lord_n thus_o speak_v to_o his_o formal_a people_n 14._o to_o what_o purpose_n be_v the_o multitude_n of_o your_o sacrisices_n unto_o i_o i_o be_o full_a of_o the_o burnt-offering_n of_o ram_n and_o the_o fat_a of_o sâ—d_a beast_n and_o i_o delight_v not_o in_o the_o blood_n of_o bullock_n or_o os_fw-la lamb_n or_o of_o he-goat_n when_o you_o come_v to_o appear_v bâ—fore_o i_o who_o â—â—th_v require_v this_o at_o your_o bâ—nd_n to_o treâ—d_v my_o court_n bring_v no_o more_o vain_a oblâ—tions_n incense_n be_v a_o abomination_n unto_o i_o the_o new_a moon_n and_o sabbath_n the_o call_n of_o assembly_n i_o can_v away_o with_o it_o be_v iniquity_n even_o the_o solemn_a meeting_n your_o new_a moon_n and_o your_o appointed_a feast_n my_o soul_n hate_v they_o aâ—e_v a_o trouble_n to_o i_o i_o be_o weary_a to_o bear_v they_o and_o elsewhere_o to_o express_v his_o detestation_n of_o their_o formal_a hypocrisy_n he_o tell_v they_o he_o that_o kill_v a_o ox_n be_v as_o if_o he_o slay_v a_o man_n he_o that_o sacrifice_v a_o lamb_n as_o if_o he_o cut_v off_o a_o dog_n neck_n he_o that_o offer_v a_o oblation_n as_o if_o he_o offer_v swine_n blood_n he_o that_o burn_v incense_n as_o if_o he_o bless_v a_o idol_n but_o why_o so_o be_v not_o 3._o sacrifice_n and_o burnt-offering_n oblation_n and_o incense_n the_o new_a moon_n and_o sabbath_n the_o call_n of_o assembly_n and_o solemn_a meeting_n some_o of_o god_n own_o ordinance_n in_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n yes_o but_o whence_o then_o be_v it_o that_o they_o be_v thus_o abominable_a and_o loathsome_a why_o it_o arise_v from_o the_o people_n neglect_n of_o and_o disrespect_n to_o the_o end_n and_o scope_n of_o those_o precept_n they_o it_o be_v true_a conform_v themselves_o to_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o law_n but_o regard_v not_o that_o real_a holiness_n and_o moral_a goodness_n whereunto_o it_o tend_v thence_o it_o be_v that_o not_o only_a isaiah_n but_o other_o also_o of_o the_o prophet_n reprove_v 4._o they_o as_o a_o nation_n that_o do_v not_o rightcousness_n but_o forsake_v the_o ordinance_n of_o their_o god_n even_o while_o they_o seek_v he_o daily_o and_o delight_v to_o know_v his_o way_n even_o while_o they_o ask_v of_o he_o the_o ordinance_n of_o justice_n and_o take_v delight_n in_o approach_v to_o 2._o god_n yet_o even_o then_o when_o they_o seem_v to_o be_v most_o obedient_a because_o they_o neglect_v the_o scope_n of_o the_o law_n they_o choose_v their_o own_o way_n and_o their_o soul_n delight_v 3._o in_o their_o abomination_n and_o the_o prophet_n we_o see_v do_v as_o sharp_o reprove_v they_o for_o it_o as_o if_o they_o have_v have_v no_o respect_n at_o all_o to_o the_o law_n of_o their_o god_n among_o they_o whence_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o they_o do_v prefer_v obedience_n to_o the_o intention_n of_o the_o law_n far_o before_o that_o to_o the_o letter_n of_o it_o the_o latter_a they_o look_v on_o as_o a_o thing_n of_o no_o value_n yea_o detestable_a and_o odious_a without_o the_o former_a if_o then_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n do_v so_o likewise_o they_o be_v not_o for_o that_o cause_n worthy_a of_o rejection_n but_o rather_o of_o all_o acceptation_n because_o they_o thereby_o give_v evidence_n of_o a_o true_o prophetic_a spirit_n in_o they_o by_o make_v the_o scope_n of_o the_o law_n the_o rule_n and_o standard_n of_o their_o doctrine_n they_o do_v most_o excellent_o fulfil_v it_o and_o by_o so_o do_v they_o cast_v a_o great_a honour_n upon_o moses_n and_o his_o law_n than_o ever_o they_o receive_v from_o the_o great_a bigot_n among_o the_o jew_n for_o the_o fame_n of_o the_o one_o and_o the_o worth_a of_o the_o other_o be_v hereby_o propagate_v to_o all_o nation_n how_o rash_a then_o and_o ignorant_a be_v their_o zeal_n how_o absurd_a the_o fierceness_n of_o their_o devotion_n in_o reject_v they_o especial_o consider_v 3_o that_o as_o the_o prophet_n of_o old_a so_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v strict_a observer_n of_o the_o law_n even_o according_a to_o the_o letter_n of_o it_o they_o be_v not_o only_o circumcise_v the_o eight_o day_n but_o in_o their_o life_n they_o discharge_v the_o obligation_n of_o their_o circumcision_n by_o their_o literal_a observance_n of_o the_o whole_a law_n as_o well_o the_o statute_n as_o the_o judgement_n of_o it_o i._n e._n those_o precept_n who_o reason_n be_v not_o vulgar_o know_v as_o well_o as_o those_o that_o be_v 26._o so_o that_o touch_v the_o righteousness_n which_o be_v in_o the_o law_n they_o be_v as_o blameless_a as_o any_o other_o jew_n whatever_o yea_o though_o they_o do_v not_o put_v the_o neck_n of_o the_o gentile_n under_o the_o yoke_n of_o literal_a obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n yet_o they_o never_o teach_v the_o jew_n to_o withdraw_v they_o but_o rather_o to_o keep_v they_o under_o and_o submit_v unto_o it_o for_o jesus_n speak_v to_o the_o multitude_n and_o to_o his_o disciple_n say_v the_o scribe_n and_o the_o pharisee_n sit_v in_o mosâ—s_n seat_n all_o therefore_o whatsoever_o thâ—y_v bid_v you_o observe_v that_o 3._o observe_v and_o do_v nor_o do_v the_o apostle_n ever_o teach_v they_o otherwise_o it_o be_v true_a indeed_o it_o be_v once_o report_v of_o st._n paul_n that_o he_o teach_v â—he_n jew_n which_o be_v among_o the_o gentile_n to_o forsake_v moses_n say_v that_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o circumcise_v their_o child_n neither_o to_o walk_v after_o tâ—e_v custom_n the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n be_v so_o concern_v at_o this_o news_n as_o that_o to_o wipe_v off_o the_o scandal_n they_o advise_v he_o by_o all_o mean_n to_o purify_v himself_o with_o four_o man_n that_o have_v the_o nazarite_n vow_v 15_o upon_o they_o and_o to_o be_v at_o charge_n with_o they_o to_o provide_v such_o sacrifice_n for_o they_o as_o the_o law_n prescribe_v this_o they_o will_v have_v he_o to_o do_v that_o all_o may_v know_v that_o those_o thing_n whereof_o they_o be_v inform_v concern_v â—im_a be_v nothing_o but_o that_o he_o himself_o also_o walk_v orderly_a and_o keep_v the_o law_n thus_o careful_a be_v they_o 24._o that_o they_o themselves_o and_o other_o shall_v keep_v the_o law_n and_o give_v none_o offence_n by_o break_v it_o it_o be_v true_a indeed_o as_o touch_v the_o gentile_n which_o believe_v they_o write_v and_o conclude_v they_o be_v oblige_v to_o observe_v no_o such_o thing_n nor_o have_v the_o jew_n any_o reason_n to_o take_v it_o ill_a that_o they_o do_v so_o for_o christ_n and_o they_o give_v as_o great_a or_o great_a evidence_n of_o god_n intention_n to_o accept_v the_o gentile_n without_o the_o law_n as_o ever_o moses_n give_v of_o his_o purpose_n to_o guide_v the_o jew_n to_o salvation_n by_o the_o law_n that_o so_o they_o do_v be_v manifest_a by_o their_o miracle_n which_o be_v so_o far_o froâ—_n be_v inferior_a to_o those_o of_o moses_n as_o that_o they_o do_v fâ—â—â—xceed_v they_o both_o in_o number_n and_o nature_n as_o we_o 〈◊〉_d see_v hereafter_o and_o if_o so_o then_o thereby_o evident_a it_o be_v that_o they_o give_v far_o great_a evidence_n of_o their_o mission_n from_o god_n than_o moses_n do_v of_o his_o how_o unreasonable_a than_o be_v it_o in_o the_o jew_n to_o deny_v they_o audience_n how_o brutish_a to_o reject_v they_o and_o barbarous_a to_o kill_v they_o for_o i_o know_v not_o what_o nonconformity_n to_o their_o law_n whereof_o by_o what_o we_o have_v 〈…〉_z it_o appear_v they_o be_v only_o suppose_v and_o that_o very_o falâ—ly_o to_o be_v guilty_a they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o make_v void_a the_o law_n as_o that_o they_o fulfil_v it_o and_o that_o both_o according_a to_o the_o intention_n and_o the_o letter_n of_o it_o and_o this_o they_o constant_o do_v by_o their_o doctrine_n as_o well_o as_o practice_n and_o therefore_o they_o deserve_v not_o to_o have_v be_v reject_v as_o false_a prophet_n but_o to_o be_v receive_v as_o true_a which_o will_v yet_o far_o appear_v if_o we_o consider_v the_o antecedent_n or_o concomitant_n of_o a_o prophetic_a spirit_n the_o first_o whereof_o be_v wisdom_n sect._n 2._o and_o these_o we_o have_v already_o grant_v be_v wisdom_n fortitude_n and_o probity_n of_o manner_n especial_o contentment_n the_o method_n propose_v lead_v i_o to_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o of_o these_o viz._n wisdom_n which_o be_v a_o intellectual_a virtue_n be_v without_o doubt_n in_o the_o precede_a rule_n of_o the_o rabbin_n put_v to_o signify_v those_o excellent_a endowment_n of_o mind_n whereof_o the_o prophet_n usual_o
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
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
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
a_o unreasonable_a humour_n it_o importune_v almighty_a power_n and_o wisdom_n without_o any_o necessity_n to_o change_v the_o course_n of_o nature_n or_o at_o least_o to_o act_v beside_o it_o and_o what_o affront_n more_o petulant_a and_o saucy_a can_v we_o easy_o offer_v to_o divine_a majesty_n it_o be_v also_o absurd_a as_o well_o as_o wicked_a for_o suppose_v a_o man_n in_o this_o age_n shall_v real_o work_v a_o miracle_n if_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n may_v not_o be_v receive_v on_o testimony_n then_o neither_o may_v that_o how_o then_o shall_v the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o be_v convey_v to_o all_o that_o be_v concern_v in_o it_o why_o they_o themselves_o must_v both_o see_v it_o do_v and_o use_v all_o mean_n possible_a to_o consider_v whether_o it_o be_v such_o as_o no_o man_n can_v do_v the_o like_a by_o his_o natural_a power_n but_o that_o it_o require_v the_o immediate_a hand_n of_o god_n 37._o it_o seem_v then_o if_o what_o one_o say_v be_v confirm_v by_o miracle_n be_v of_o concern_v as_o christian_a religion_n be_v to_o all_o people_n in_o all_o age_n and_o place_n of_o the_o world_n there_o must_v be_v almost_o as_o many_o miracle_n wrought_v to_o confirm_v this_o say_n as_o there_o be_v single_a person_n how_o else_o shall_v each_o person_n concern_v therein_o see_v one_o do_v and_o than_o miracle_n will_v be_v no_o wonder_n they_o will_v change_v their_o nature_n and_o lose_v their_o efficacy_n and_o beside_o that_o every_o one_o must_v then_o be_v a_o diligent_a searcher_n into_o nature_n how_o else_o can_v he_o use_v all_o mean_n possible_a to_o consider_v whether_o the_o pretend_a miracle_n be_v such_o as_o no_o man_n can_v do_v the_o like_a by_o his_o natural_a power_n no_o say_v the_o author_n that_o be_v needless_a herein_o also_o they_o must_v have_v recourse_n to_o god_n lieutenant_n it_o seem_v then_o at_o last_o ibid._n they_o must_v be_v assure_v by_o testimony_n but_o why_o may_v not_o the_o testimony_n or_o tradition_n of_o the_o holy_a catholic_a church_n strengthen_v by_o the_o concession_n and_o suffrage_n of_o its_o enemy_n be_v believe_v as_o well_o as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n lieutenant_n but_o i_o shall_v say_v no_o more_o hereby_o it_o be_v plain_a enough_o that_o this_o author_n and_o his_o follower_n seek_v not_o for_o truth_n and_o certainty_n but_o to_o palliate_v their_o atheism_n or_o infidelity_n and_o pity_v it_o be_v that_o their_o suggestion_n shall_v disturb_v any_o one_o reliance_n on_o the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n the_o house_n and_o church_n of_o the_o live_a god_n by_o who_o testimony_n and_o tradition_n we_o be_v so_o very_o well_o assure_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n miracle_n as_o that_o we_o have_v little_a or_o no_o reason_n to_o envy_v either_o the_o jew_n or_o gentile_n who_o eye_n be_v bless_v with_o the_o sight_n of_o they_o for_o to_o what_o purpose_n do_v their_o eye_n then_o serve_v they_o be_v it_o not_o to_o convey_v those_o their_o credential_n to_o their_o understanding_n yes_o doubtless_o they_o therein_o have_v little_a other_o benefit_n by_o the_o use_n of_o they_o and_o be_v not_o this_o abundant_o supply_v unto_o we_o by_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o church_n which_o if_o well_o consider_v will_v be_v find_v as_o incapable_a of_o deception_n as_o our_o sense_n for_o aught_o i_o know_v my_o eye_n may_v as_o soon_o be_v deceive_v in_o a_o object_n of_o sight_n as_o the_o whole_a church_n in_o this_o its_o tradition_n however_o if_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n do_v not_o do_v miracle_n it_o certain_o be_v a_o miracle_n that_o the_o world_n shall_v receive_v their_o report_n without_o they_o and_o a_o lie_a wonder_n much_o more_o incredible_a than_o what_o we_o plead_v for_o that_o the_o whole_a church_n throughout_o all_o age_n shall_v so_o confident_o believe_v and_o teach_v that_o they_o do_v they_o although_o therefore_o the_o sight_n of_o miracle_n may_v perhaps_o make_v deep_a impression_n on_o the_o fancy_n and_o affection_n yet_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o church_n be_v full_a out_o as_o convince_a to_o our_o reason_n and_o judgement_n that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n wrought_v many_o and_o great_a miracle_n chap._n v._o the_o strength_n and_o force_n of_o the_o precede_a argument_n nothing_o now_o therefore_o remain_v of_o my_o promise_n but_o the_o last_o part_n which_o be_v to_o show_v that_o this_o way_n of_o prove_v christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v prophet_n be_v very_o sufficient_a and_o rational_a and_o this_o it_o will_v appear_v to_o be_v on_o the_o account_n both_o of_o its_o removal_n of_o all_o suspicion_n that_o they_o be_v not_o and_o of_o its_o positive_a evidence_n that_o they_o be_v all_o just_a suspicion_n that_o they_o be_v no_o prophet_n must_v be_v found_v on_o a_o probability_n either_o that_o they_o pretend_v not_o to_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n or_o if_o they_o do_v that_o they_o therein_o be_v deceive_v or_o else_o that_o they_o have_v a_o design_n to_o deceive_v other_o but_o by_o the_o precede_a argument_n it_o be_v manifest_a that_o neither_o of_o these_o be_v true_a for_o 1._o it_o be_v hardly_o possible_a for_o man_n to_o have_v the_o antecedent_n or_o concomitant_n and_o consequent_n of_o prophecy_n and_o to_o use_v they_o as_o they_o do_v â—n_v order_n to_o the_o propagation_n of_o doctrine_n and_o yet_o not_o pretend_v to_o the_o spirit_n of_o it_o have_v their_o mouth_n be_v perfect_o silent_a their_o action_n will_v have_v declare_v plain_o to_o what_o they_o pretend_v their_o doctrine_n they_o teach_v to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o not_o of_o man_n in_o the_o propagation_n of_o it_o they_o make_v evidence_n of_o that_o wisdom_n fortitude_n and_o virtue_n which_o attend_v the_o prophet_n in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o function_n and_o for_o the_o demonstration_n of_o their_o mission_n to_o teach_v it_o they_o foretell_v future_a contingence_n and_o wrought_v many_o and_o great_a miracle_n and_o how_o can_v all_o this_o be_v without_o a_o pretence_n to_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n and_o the_o office_n of_o prophet_n and_o if_o this_o be_v evident_a by_o their_o action_n without_o their_o word_n much_o more_o so_o be_v it_o in_o conjunction_n with_o they_o for_o as_o a_o man_n action_n may_v either_o enervate_a or_o strengthen_v the_o credibility_n of_o his_o protestation_n and_o pretension_n so_o his_o word_n protestation_n or_o declaration_n may_v very_o much_o illustrate_v the_o purport_n of_o his_o action_n they_o remove_v all_o doubt_n that_o otherwise_o may_v be_v make_v concern_v they_o since_o than_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n do_v not_o only_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o do_v the_o work_n of_o the_o prophetic_a office_n but_o do_v also_o say_v that_o they_o be_v prophet_n 5._o it_o be_v very_o evident_a that_o they_o take_v themselves_o or_o at_o least_o pretend_a to_o be_v so_o 2._o and_o that_o they_o be_v not_o deceive_v in_o take_v themselves_o to_o be_v prophet_n will_v hence_o also_o be_v evident_a if_o we_o consider_v that_o this_o be_v hardly_o possible_a without_o enthusiasm_n the_o spirit_n of_o divination_n or_o some_o such_o other_o fantastic_a delusion_n but_o enthusiast_n or_o diviner_n it_o be_v evident_a they_o be_v not_o because_o they_o be_v wise_a man_n of_o sound_a mind_n and_o discern_a intellect_n which_o be_v so_o great_a preservative_n against_o the_o delusion_n of_o enthusiasm_n and_o defec_fw-la divination_n as_o that_o in_o the_o opinion_n of_o plutarch_n prudence_n do_v repel_v and_o oftentimes_o extinguish_v they_o hereof_o he_o insinuate_v a_o reason_n viz._n because_o prudence_n do_v cherish_v that_o modesty_n and_o sobriety_n which_o be_v destructive_a to_o those_o calenture_n and_o inflammation_n which_o be_v requisite_a to_o the_o be_v of_o they_o and_o these_o usual_o be_v therein_o so_o great_a and_o fervent_a as_o that_o during_o the_o prevalence_n of_o enthusiasm_n or_o divination_n man_n have_v not_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n nor_o indeed_o can_v they_o because_o these_o thing_n be_v in_o themselves_o such_o as_o partake_v not_o of_o reason_n they_o can_v rise_v no_o high_o than_o the_o fancy_n where_o dwell_v like_o storm_n and_o tempest_n in_o the_o middle_a region_n of_o the_o air_n they_o do_v disturb_v and_o disorder_v the_o phantasm_n and_o present_v they_o tumultuous_o to_o the_o understanding_n and_o by_o so_o do_v they_o do_v eclipse_v its_o light_n and_o hinder_v its_o influence_n in_o so_o much_o that_o either_o as_o maimonides_n say_v nothing_o 37._o of_o the_o rational_a faculty_n can_v pass_v fâ—rth_o into_o art_n or_o else_o at_o least_o it_o can_v pass_v no_o true_a judgement_n on_o thing_n so_o represent_v to_o it_o hence_o no_o doubt_n it_o be_v that_o all_o sort_n of_o writer_n concern_v they_o viz._n 4._o heathen_n and_o jew_n as_o
well_o as_o christian_n have_v observe_v that_o they_o be_v always_o accompany_v with_o alienation_n and_o abreption_n of_o mind_n but_o that_o the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n be_v so_o in_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n who_o so_o absurd_a as_o well_o as_o impudent_a to_o affirm_v in_o pretend_v to_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n therein_o how_o then_o can_v it_o be_v thought_n that_o they_o be_v deceive_v by_o enthusiasm_n or_o the_o spirit_n of_o divination_n what_o madness_n or_o frenzy_n what_o alienation_n or_o abreption_n of_o mind_n can_v impartial_a reason_n charge_n upon_o they_o where_o can_v we_o find_v such_o admirable_a wisdom_n so_o become_v the_o attribute_n of_o god_n and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o reason_n of_o man_n so_o transcendent_a to_o other_o and_o coherent_a with_o itself_o as_o in_o their_o doctrine_n and_o where_o be_v wisdom_n ever_o teach_v with_o so_o great_a temper_n and_o moderation_n calmness_n of_o spirit_n and_o presence_n of_o mind_n as_o in_o their_o delivery_n of_o it_o what_o shadow_n than_o of_o enthusiasm_n or_o of_o any_o other_o such_o delusion_n can_v there_o be_v find_v in_o they_o and_o if_o not_o by_o such_o delusion_n much_o less_o probable_a if_o possible_a be_v it_o they_o shall_v have_v be_v deceive_v into_o a_o conceit_n that_o they_o be_v prophet_n by_o the_o persuasion_n of_o other_o it_o seem_v noâ—_n in_o the_o power_n of_o any_o mere_o by_o moâ—al_a suasion_n as_o this_o be_v if_o any_o way_n because_o oppose_v by_o all_o the_o power_n and_o the_o fury_n of_o the_o people_n then_o in_o be_v to_o beat_v it_o into_o the_o head_n of_o wise_a man_n or_o the_o heart_n of_o good_a one_o so_o to_o believe_v that_o they_o themselves_o be_v prophet_n as_o to_o jeopard_v their_o life_n in_o pursuit_n of_o the_o other_o suggestion_n and_o that_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o divine_a revelation_n can_v wisdom_n be_v seduce_v into_o such_o folly_n or_o holiness_n be_v guilty_a of_o such_o lie_n and_o wickedness_n since_o therefore_o they_o be_v wise_a strong_a and_o rich_a in_o contentment_n and_o all_o virtue_n it_o be_v at_o least_o moral_o impossible_a they_o shall_v be_v so_o deceive_v by_o any_o such_o sly_a insinuation_n 3._o hence_o also_o it_o follow_v that_o they_o have_v no_o design_n to_o deceive_v other_o for_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a for_o wise_a man_n that_o fear_v god_n and_o eschew_v evil_a ever_o to_o consent_v to_o and_o prosecute_v so_o wicked_a and_o improbable_a a_o undertake_n it_o be_v no_o way_n likely_a that_o man_n who_o rejoice_v be_v this_o the_o testimony_n of_o their_o conscience_n that_o in_o simplicity_n and_o godly_a sincerity_n not_o with_o fleshly_a wisdom_n but_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n they_o have_v have_v their_o conversation_n in_o this_o world_n it_o be_v i_o say_v very_o unlikely_a if_o not_o impossible_a that_o such_o man_n as_o these_o shall_v be_v impostor_n in_o the_o main_a work_n of_o their_o life_n have_v they_o be_v man_n of_o artifice_n and_o fineness_n of_o lewd_a life_n and_o dissolute_a example_n that_o follow_v cunning_o devise_v fable_n of_o fleshly_a wisdom_n it_o may_v have_v be_v suspect_v that_o they_o contrive_v a_o story_n but_o such_o be_v the_o plainness_n of_o their_o speech_n and_o openness_n of_o their_o carriage_n among_o man_n as_o that_o they_o not_o only_o preach_v but_o live_v down_o deceit_n and_o forgery_n and_o be_v it_o possible_a for_o such_o man_n to_o lay_v out_o their_o life_n against_o their_o conscience_n and_o all_o in_o pursuance_n of_o a_o cheat_n and_o to_o begin_v it_o at_o jerusalem_n where_o if_o there_o have_v be_v any_o fraud_n it_o best_a might_n and_o certain_o will_v have_v be_v discover_v yea_o and_o there_o to_o be_v so_o confident_a and_o dare_a as_o to_o challenge_v their_o enemy_n to_o convince_v they_o of_o sin_n and_o appeal_v to_o they_o concern_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o they_o avouch_v how_o foolish_a and_o mad_a have_v they_o be_v in_o so_o do_v beyond_o all_o example_n if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v far_o from_o a_o design_n of_o threaten_v the_o world_n out_o of_o its_o old_a religion_n into_o a_o new_a one_o of_o their_o own_o devise_v but_o by_o the_o wisdom_n and_o prudence_n we_o before_o observe_v to_o be_v in_o they_o it_o appear_v without_o shadow_n of_o probability_n that_o they_o will_v have_v engage_v in_o a_o design_n so_o dangerous_a in_o the_o attempt_n and_o so_o unlikely_a to_o take_v effect_n unless_o they_o have_v have_v divine_a warrant_n and_o command_n for_o it_o no_o prudent_a man_n content_v with_o his_o condition_n study_v his_o own_o death_n and_o misery_n it_o be_v hope_n of_o obtain_v some_o good_a or_o avoid_v some_o evil_n which_o make_v man_n expose_v themselves_o to_o danger_n but_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v strip_v of_o all_o manner_n of_o defence_n and_o succour_n from_o wealth_n friend_n or_o honour_n whence_o can_v they_o hope_v for_o any_o such_o thing_n what_o gain_n or_o glory_n what_o ease_n or_o pleasure_n what_o safety_n or_o any_o thing_n else_o that_o allure_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v they_o like_v to_o get_v yea_o rather_o what_o loss_n and_o poverty_n what_o infamy_n and_o disgrace_n what_o hardship_n and_o labour_n what_o peril_n and_o evil_n of_o all_o sort_n do_v they_o not_o foresee_v be_v like_a to_o befall_v they_o in_o their_o enterprise_n yet_o be_v they_o not_o move_v with_o fear_n or_o divert_v from_o it_o but_o all_o their_o day_n they_o pursue_v it_o even_o to_o the_o effusion_n of_o their_o blood_n which_o one_o thing_n to_o a_o impartial_a considerer_n ought_v in_o all_o reason_n to_o persuade_v he_o that_o since_o they_o be_v wise_a and_o sober_a man_n no_o way_n mislead_v by_o the_o delusion_n of_o enthusiasm_n or_o any_o other_o phanaticism_n it_o be_v the_o force_n of_o conviction_n and_o energy_n of_o the_o prophetic_a spirit_n that_o wrought_v in_o they_o so_o mighty_o what_o else_o can_v possible_o be_v the_o cause_n or_o reason_n of_o their_o admirable_a fortitude_n and_o magnanimity_n in_o the_o propagation_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o how_o be_v it_o imaginable_a that_o wise_a sober_a and_o prudent_a man_n who_o understanding_n be_v perfect_v and_o advance_v beyond_o example_n both_o of_o former_a and_o latter_a age_n how_o i_o say_v can_v it_o be_v imagine_v that_o these_o man_n continue_v such_o shall_v be_v so_o rash_a and_o brutish_a as_o to_o live_v contradictious_a to_o the_o propensity_n of_o nature_n and_o injunction_n of_o their_o own_o doctrine_n among_o the_o phaenomena_n of_o nature_n there_o be_v none_o more_o manifest_a than_o that_o it_o dictate_v its_o own_o preservation_n so_o far_o as_o lawful_o it_o may_v and_o among_o the_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n there_o be_v scarce_o any_o more_o plain_o teach_v 31._o we_o than_o that_o though_o christ_n be_v over_o all_o god_n bless_v for_o ever_o yet_o he_o be_v send_v in_o the_o likeness_n of_o sinful_a flesh_n not_o that_o he_o so_o take_v the_o 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that_o nature_n shall_v prompt_v they_o to_o put_v some_o esteem_n on_o those_o person_n thing_n and_o calling_n which_o be_v most_o likely_a to_o supply_v thâ—ir_n natural_a necessity_n and_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o their_o doctrine_n that_o teach_v a_o neglect_n of_o they_o but_o much_o otherwise_o for_o it_o 20._o oblige_v every_o man_n to_o abide_v in_o the_o same_o call_n wherein_o he_o be_v call_v and_o prohibit_v those_o to_o eat_v that_o will_v not_o work_v and_o declare_v that_o they_o walk_v disorderly_a 11._o and_o be_v therefore_o to_o be_v withdraw_v from_o now_o it_o be_v no_o way_n probable_a that_o wise_a man_n labour_v under_o the_o natural_a necessity_n and_o common_a infirmitiesof_o human_a nature_n shall_v abandon_v all_o their_o worldly_a interest_n and_o concern_v disoblige_v their_o friend_n and_o forsake_v their_o calling_n throw_v away_o
the_o staff_n of_o life_n and_o neglect_v their_o own_o body_n to_o promote_v a_o â—iction_n of_o their_o own_o or_o other_o fancy_n that_o if_o such_o can_v have_v assure_v they_o of_o nothing_o but_o contradicton_n and_o gainsay_n yea_o the_o worst_a of_o usage_n from_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n that_o be_v otherwise_o mind_v yet_o herein_o to_o take_v unparalleled_a pain_n and_o travail_n to_o undergo_v the_o great_a misery_n and_o peril_n torture_n and_o death_n itself_o how_o wonderful_a be_v their_o constancy_n how_o admirable_a their_o resolution_n whereunto_o can_v it_o rational_o be_v impute_v but_o to_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n which_o be_v in_o their_o heart_n as_o a_o burn_a fire_n shut_v up_o in_o their_o bone_n make_v they_o weary_a with_o forbear_v and_o unable_a to_o hold_v speak_v of_o which_o spirit_n in_o they_o we_o be_v yet_o far_o assure_v by_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o wisdom_n which_o be_v peculair_o they_o for_o we_o have_v find_v it_o to_o excel_v not_o only_o that_o of_o the_o gentile_n but_o of_o the_o jew_n also_o and_o sure_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o they_o without_o revelation_n to_o have_v teach_v a_o sort_n of_o wisdom_n more_o excellent_a than_o that_o that_o be_v reveal_v can_v man_n be_v wise_a than_o his_o maker_n or_o his_o wisdom_n more_o excellent_a than_o that_o of_o his_o creator_n that_o be_v impossible_a or_o be_v not_o the_o foolishness_n of_o god_n iâ—_n i_o may_v so_o call_v the_o most_o imperfect_a of_o his_o revelation_n wise_a than_o man_n yes_o sure_o that_o it_o be_v why_o else_o be_v it_o make_v know_v unto_o they_o since_o then_o the_o wisdom_n discover_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v more_o excellent_a than_o that_o reveal_v by_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n they_o can_v not_o have_v attain_v unto_o it_o but_o by_o revelation_n whence_o else_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o these_o man_n shall_v have_v this_o wisdom_n sure_o it_o be_v neither_o from_o themselves_o nor_o any_o other_o 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religion_n and_o impose_v it_o on_o the_o world_n for_o divine_a so_o father_v their_o lie_n on_o god_n himself_o much_o less_o can_v they_o have_v it_o from_o bad_a man_n or_o yet_o from_o the_o fiend_n of_o darkness_n it_o be_v utter_o inconsistent_a with_o their_o lust_n and_o interest_n to_o be_v author_n of_o so_o much_o glory_n to_o god_n and_o good_a to_o man_n or_o of_o such_o destruction_n to_o themselves_o and_o their_o impiety_n as_o we_o find_v design_v and_o effect_v by_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n if_o then_o these_o man_n have_v not_o this_o wisdom_n from_o any_o creature_n we_o must_v conclude_v with_o st._n paul_n that_o god_n 10_o reveal_v it_o to_o they_o by_o his_o spirit_n but_o that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v prophet_n we_o have_v yet_o great_a evidence_n than_o that_o of_o the_o antecedent_n or_o concomitant_a attendant_n on_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n namely_o that_o of_o their_o prediction_n and_o miracle_n that_o the_o 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contingent_n be_v twofold_a viz._n either_o such_o as_o happen_v as_o we_o call_v it_o by_o chance_n namely_o such_o as_o have_v their_o be_v from_o the_o concourse_n of_o diverse_a natural_a cause_n in_o some_o sort_n hinder_v as_o well_o as_o help_v one_o another_o or_o else_o such_o as_o come_v to_o pass_v according_a to_o the_o purpose_n and_o intention_n of_o some_o free_a agent_n there_o be_v no_o natural_a necessity_n of_o their_o production_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n the_o ability_n of_o their_o cause_n may_v otherwise_o have_v produce_v its_o effect_n there_o be_v no_o necessary_a connection_n between_o they_o and_o the_o series_n of_o natural_a cause_n their_o 53._o be_v depend_v whole_o as_o to_o their_o contingency_n on_o the_o will_v either_o of_o god_n himself_o or_o of_o his_o reasonable_a creature_n these_o thing_n be_v most_o proper_o contingent_a and_o if_o so_o then_o evident_a it_o be_v that_o the_o before_o knowledge_n of_o they_o can_v come_v within_o the_o compasâ—_n of_o any_o art_n or_o science_n whatever_o because_o all_o art_n and_o science_n be_v habit_n of_o do_v or_o demonstrate_v from_o thing_n natural_a and_o necessary_a they_o neither_o do_v nor_o can_v reach_v those_o that_o have_v no_o necesary_a connection_n with_o they_o or_o dependence_n on_o they_o yet_o by_o the_o prediction_n concern_v they_o evident_a it_o be_v that_o god_n foreknow_v they_o if_o not_o how_o can_v he_o foretell_v they_o i_o may_v therefore_o say_v with_o tertullian_n 5._o that_o god_n foreknowledge_n have_v as_o many_o and_o great_a witness_n as_o he_o have_v make_v prophet_n now_o this_o his_o foreknowledge_n must_v needs_o be_v though_o not_o the_o efficient_a yet_o the_o directive_n cause_n of_o all_o future_a contingent_n otherwise_o there_o will_v some_o thing_n come_v to_o pass_v which_o neither_o of_o themselves_o nor_o yet_o by_o any_o superintendence_n of_o providence_n will_v have_v any_o subservience_n to_o the_o supreme_a end_n of_o all_o thing_n viz._n the_o glory_n of_o their_o maker_n but_o this_o be_v absurd_a and_o unworthy_a of_o god_n for_o it_o be_v not_o credible_a that_o the_o infinite_o wise_a and_o almighty_a creator_n who_o at_o first_o make_v and_o still_o uphold_v all_o thing_n in_o their_o be_v and_o virtue_n for_o his_o own_o glory_n shall_v suffer_v any_o thing_n to_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o neither_o of_o itself_o nor_o by_o his_o direction_n be_v subservient_fw-fr thereunto_o for_o providence_n be_v the_o reason_n of_o the_o order_n of_o thing_n as_o well_o as_o the_o actual_a gubernation_n of_o they_o in_o reference_n 1._o to_o their_o end_n especial_o the_o last_o it_o must_v needs_o belong_v to_o the_o perfection_n of_o it_o to_o direct_v all_o thing_n as_o well_o contingent_n as_o other_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o for_o this_o cause_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o of_o all_o the_o contingency_n within_o the_o vast_a circuit_n of_o possibility_n those_o that_o come_v to_o pass_v shall_v be_v if_o not_o predefined_a i._n e._n absolute_o will_v yet_o as_o i_o may_v say_v pre-permitted_n i_o e._n in_o the_o prescience_n 5._o and_o eternal_a order_n of_o all_o thing_n in_o the_o divine_a intellect_n allow_v to_o come_v to_o pass_v in_o their_o respective_a season_n which_o it_o be_v evident_a they_o can_v be_v without_o some_o secret_a purpose_n concern_v they_o of_o which_o secret_a purpose_n it_o be_v as_o evident_a by_o the_o exact_a accomplishment_n of_o prediction_n that_o the_o prophet_n have_v some_o foreknowledge_n but_o whence_o i_o pray_v have_v these_o man_n this_o knowledge_n be_v their_o soul_n themselves_o without_o revelation_n able_a to_o attain_v unto_o it_o no_o sure_o for_o though_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n walk_v in_o all_o the_o path_n of_o art_n and_o science_n as_o well_o those_o that_o lie_v dâ—ep_v in_o reason_n as_o those_o that_o be_v usual_a and_o beat_v and_o though_o it_o compass_v
sea_n and_o land_n and_o find_v out_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n contain_v in_o they_o and_o then_o lift_v itself_o up_o from_o thing_n below_o it_o soar_v aloft_o and_o so_o the_o air_n and_o its_o affection_n consider_v it_o fly_v high_a even_o to_o the_o sky_n and_o ride_v the_o circuit_n of_o heaven_n and_o bend_v its_o course_n with_o that_o of_o â—_o the_o wander_v and_o fix_a star_n in_o their_o dance_n after_o the_o music_n of_o the_o sphere_n it_o follow_v the_o love_n of_o wisdom_n as_o its_o leader_n and_o when_o it_o have_v raise_v itself_o above_o every_o nature_n that_o be_v apt_a to_o move_v the_o sense_n it_o be_v lead_v with_o a_o desire_n of_o come_v to_o that_o which_o reason_n only_o can_v perceive_v and_o when_o in_o that_o it_o contemplate_v the_o example_n and_o fair_a form_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o here_o fall_n under_o our_o sense_n be_v as_o man_n inflame_v with_o fury_n even_o bring_v asleep_a by_o a_o kind_n of_o modest_a drunkenness_n and_o fill_v with_o another_o desire_n and_o better_a love_n it_o partake_v of_o divine_a afflation_n thence_o its_o intelligence_n be_v raise_v to_o the_o supreme_a globe_n of_o thing_n perceive_v it_o seem_v to_o have_v arrive_v at_o the_o great_a and_o omnipotent_a king_n himself_o yet_o while_o it_o covet_v to_o see_v he_o the_o pure_a and_o immix_v ray_n of_o divine_a light_n as_o of_o a_o torrent_n be_v so_o pour_v forth_o as_o that_o through_o their_o clarity_n and_o brightness_n as_o if_o it_o be_v overspread_v with_o darkness_n the_o very_a sharpness_n of_o its_o sight_n wax_v dull_a and_o dim_a xophorson_n thus_o elegant_o do_v platonize_a philo_n display_v the_o power_n of_o the_o soul_n in_o reference_n to_o its_o attainment_n of_o knowledge_n and_o thereby_o we_o learn_v that_o though_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v able_a to_o discern_v much_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o all_o creature_n yet_o when_o it_o pry_v into_o the_o secret_n of_o their_o maker_n it_o be_v strike_v with_o blindness_n and_o can_v see_v nothing_o of_o they_o think_v you_o then_o that_o creature_n of_o a_o far_o inferior_a nature_n be_v acquaint_v with_o they_o have_v the_o eternal_a king_n almighty_a constitute_v the_o host_n of_o heaven_n to_o be_v his_o secretary_n and_o be_v the_o planet_n so_o treacherous_a as_o by_o their_o conjunction_n and_o opposition_n to_o reveal_v the_o arcana_fw-la imperii_fw-la to_o astrologer_n or_o be_v the_o firmament_n so_o untrusty_a as_o by_o its_o spangle_n to_o make_v they_o know_v to_o stargazer_n or_o be_v the_o moon_n so_o unfaithful_a as_o by_o her_o course_n or_o countenance_n to_o declare_v they_o to_o monthly_a prognosticator_n or_o be_v they_o commit_v to_o the_o custody_n of_o beast_n that_o the_o aruspices_fw-la may_v read_v they_o in_o their_o entrails_n or_o be_v they_o so_o little_o set_v by_o as_o to_o be_v lay_v on_o the_o wing_n put_v into_o the_o mouth_n or_o trample_v under_o the_o foot_n of_o bird_n that_o the_o augur_n may_v know_v they_o by_o their_o fly_n noise_n or_o sit_v how_o fond_o ridiculous_a be_v it_o to_o fancy_n that_o the_o secret_n of_o heaven_n be_v entrust_v with_o any_o of_o these_o thing_n while_o they_o be_v hide_v from_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n which_o as_o it_o far_o exceed_v they_o in_o the_o nobleness_n of_o its_o nature_n so_o also_o in_o dearness_n to_o its_o maker_n for_o man_n in_o his_o creation_n be_v ally_v to_o god_n a_o creature_n so_o near_o conjoin_v unto_o he_o and_o so_o gracious_a with_o he_o as_o that_o in_o a_o sort_n all_o thing_n else_o be_v prepare_v for_o he_o how_o strange_a then_o be_v it_o and_o incredible_a that_o they_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o tell_v he_o such_o thing_n as_o his_o most_o bountiful_a and_o indulgent_a creator_n think_v fit_a to_o conceal_v from_o he_o if_o then_o this_o be_v not_o likely_a it_o be_v certain_o the_o dictate_v of_o reason_n that_o that_o knowledge_n which_o at_o any_o time_n any_o man_n at_o first_o have_v of_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v resolve_v into_o immediate_a revelation_n and_o for_o that_o cause_n it_o be_v likely_a prediction_n ever_o be_v and_o still_o deserve_v to_o be_v account_v infallible_a proof_n of_o a_o prophetic_a spirit_n since_o then_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v author_n of_o prediction_n exact_o accomplish_v it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v but_o they_o be_v prophet_n hereof_o also_o we_o have_v yet_o another_o and_o great_a evidence_n viz._n their_o miracle_n that_o they_o real_o wrought_v many_o and_o great_a miracle_n we_o have_v already_o assert_v all_o therefore_o that_o now_o remain_v will_v be_v to_o show_v the_o force_n of_o that_o argument_n in_o order_n whereunto_o it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o observe_v 1._o that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n wrought_v their_o miracle_n on_o purpose_n to_o confirm_v their_o doctrine_n or_o their_o mission_n from_o god_n to_o teach_v it_o 2._o that_o miracle_n be_v always_o look_v on_o as_o undeniable_a or_o demonstrative_a proof_n of_o divine_a authority_n 3._o the_o reason_n for_o which_o those_o of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n deserve_v to_o be_v so_o account_v 1._o that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n wrought_v their_o miracle_n on_o purpose_n to_o confirm_v their_o doctrine_n or_o demonstrate_v their_o mission_n from_o god_n to_o teach_v it_o it_o be_v true_a indeed_o each_o one_o of_o their_o miracle_n consider_v single_o and_o apart_o from_o the_o rest_n of_o its_o fellow_n may_v seem_v to_o be_v wrought_v on_o some_o other_o occasion_n and_o to_o other_o purpose_n but_o consider_v in_o the_o whole_a and_o in_o conjunction_n with_o the_o rest_n it_o will_v be_v easy_a to_o observe_v that_o the_o ultimate_a end_n scope_n and_o design_n of_o it_o be_v to_o demonstrate_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o doctrine_n and_o the_o reality_n of_o their_o mission_n from_o god_n to_o teach_v it_o hereof_o methinks_v it_o be_v no_o trivial_a argument_n that_o may_v be_v draw_v from_o the_o time_n of_o they_o and_o this_o be_v not_o before_o but_o present_o after_o our_o saviour_n inauguration_n into_o his_o office_n of_o preach_v the_o gospel_n that_o he_o himself_o can_v have_v do_v and_o enable_v other_o to_o do_v miracle_n before_o that_o be_v firm_o believe_v among_o christian_n yet_o we_o find_v not_o that_o he_o do_v it_o till_o after_o his_o baptism_n and_o consecration_n to_o the_o sacred_a and_o solemn_a office_n of_o preach_v hereof_o sure_o there_o can_v no_o reason_n so_o probable_o be_v give_v as_o that_o because_o he_o wrought_v his_o miracle_n to_o confirm_v his_o doctrine_n but_o if_o this_o suffice_v not_o pray_v observe_v what_o he_o himself_o say_v to_o the_o nobleman_n of_o capernaum_n except_o 48._o you_o see_v sign_n and_o wonder_n that_o will_v not_o believe_v whereby_o it_o be_v plain_a not_o only_o that_o miracle_n be_v great_a inducement_n of_o assent_n but_o also_o that_o christ_n wrought_v his_o on_o purpose_n to_o be_v so_o thence_o sure_o it_o be_v that_o he_o require_v belief_n if_o not_o on_o the_o authority_n of_o his_o word_n yet_o on_o the_o account_n of_o his_o work_n if_o say_v he_o to_o the_o jew_n i_o do_v not_o the_o work_v of_o my_o father_n i._n e._n such_o as_o god_n only_o can_v do_v namely_o miracle_n then_o believe_v i_o not_o on_o this_o supposition_n he_o christen_v infidelity_n unblameable_a but_o again_o he_o say_v if_o i_o do_v the_o work_n of_o my_o father_n though_o 38._o you_o believe_v not_o i_o i._n e._n my_o word_n for_o my_o sake_n yet_o believe_v the_o work_n viz._n the_o purport_n of_o they_o that_o you_o may_v know_v and_o believe_v that_o the_o father_n be_v in_o i_o and_o i_o in_o he_o viz._n either_o by_o identity_n of_o nature_n or_o else_o at_o least_o by_o the_o energy_n of_o his_o spirit_n work_v in_o i_o and_o most_o perfect_o obey_v by_o i_o this_o it_o seem_v in_o his_o judgement_n they_o may_v have_v know_v by_o the_o work_n that_o he_o do_v for_o they_o be_v the_o work_v that_o the_o father_n have_v give_v he_o to_o 36._o finish_v they_o do_v bear_v witness_n of_o he_o that_o the_o father_n have_v send_v he_o and_o that_o he_o be_v the_o christ_n the_o anoint_a of_o god_n as_o appear_v by_o his_o do_v they_o 25._o in_o his_o name_n for_o it_o be_v a_o astonishment_n to_o reason_n a_o thing_n altogether_o incredible_a that_o god_n will_v give_v power_n to_o a_o impostor_n to_o do_v such_o work_n in_o his_o name_n on_o this_o account_n it_o be_v most_o likely_a that_o our_o most_o bless_a saviour_n upbraid_v the_o city_n wherein_o 20._o most_o of_o his_o mighty_a work_n be_v do_v because_o they_o repent_v not_o and_o say_v to_o his_o disciple_n if_o i_o have_v not_o do_v among_o they_o the_o work_n which_o none_o other_o man_n do_v 24._o they_o have_v not_o have_v
always_o impart_v they_o be_v clothe_v with_o the_o holy_a spirit_n neither_o do_v they_o need_v to_o prepare_v themselves_o to_o prophesy_v but_o be_v always_o dispose_v and_o in_o a_o readiness_n to_o deliver_v such_o truth_n of_o god_n as_o can_v no_o way_n be_v know_v but_o by_o the_o free_a influx_n of_o the_o divine_a mind_n upon_o they_o i_o e._n by_o prophecy_n have_v not_o all_o this_o be_v true_a it_o will_v be_v very_o hard_a to_o conceive_v how_o without_o any_o premeditation_n they_o can_v possible_o have_v have_v a_o mouth_n and_o wisdom_n which_o all_o their_o adversary_n be_v not_o able_a to_o 15._o gainsay_v nor_o resist_v have_v not_o the_o divine_a spirit_n be_v always_o present_a with_o they_o it_o have_v be_v impossible_a for_o they_o on_o all_o occasion_n even_o before_o king_n and_o other_o ruler_n so_o to_o speak_v as_o that_o all_o their_o adversary_n can_v not_o with_o any_o show_n of_o truth_n make_v any_o opposition_n against_o it_o and_o have_v it_o not_o 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authority_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n be_v very_o great_a about_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o that_o the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v exceed_o oblige_v to_o those_o christian_a prince_n who_o by_o good_a and_o wholesome_a law_n be_v become_v its_o nurse_n father_n yet_o can_v i_o not_o believe_v there_o be_v nothing_o of_o obligation_n in_o christianity_n beside_o what_o it_o receive_v extrinsecal_o from_o the_o law_n of_o civil_a sovereign_n the_o reason_n the_o leviathan_n give_v of_o this_o position_n i_o endeavour_v to_o answer_v and_o expose_v to_o this_o undertake_n it_o be_v i_o hope_v nothing_o but_o a_o just_a resentment_n of_o the_o affront_v mr._n hobbs_n have_v cast_v and_o injury_n he_o have_v do_v to_o our_o religion_n thereby_o i_o can_v hardly_o think_v any_o man_n worthy_a the_o name_n of_o a_o good_a christian_a much_o less_o of_o a_o minister_n of_o christ_n that_o can_v read_v such_o pernicious_a principle_n and_o perverse_a dispute_n against_o the_o honour_n of_o his_o religion_n without_o something_o of_o indignation_n for_o to_o make_v religion_n so_o to_o truckle_n under_o civil_a sovereign_n as_o in_o and_o of_o itself_o to_o have_v nothing_o of_o obligation_n what_o be_v it_o less_o than_o to_o clip_v the_o wing_n of_o all_o true_a devotion_n towards_o god_n and_o render_v it_o unable_a to_o fly_v high_a than_o the_o throne_n and_o sceptre_n on_o earth_n yea_o also_o and_o to_o null_a the_o authority_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o buy_v we_o for_o though_o all_o power_n be_v give_v to_o he_o in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n yet_o this_o opinion_n make_v he_o so_o far_o from_o be_v the_o prince_n of_o the_o king_n of_o 5._o the_o earth_n as_o that_o he_o be_v at_o best_a but_o their_o counsellor_n modest_o propose_v his_o advice_n which_o it_o seem_v they_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o take_v because_o that_o neither_o he_o nor_o his_o apostle_n have_v a_o kingdom_n and_o so_o can_v make_v no_o law_n for_o which_o reason_n such_o as_o it_o be_v the_o leviathan_n affirm_v that_o the_o command_v of_o the_o gospel_n be_v but_o precept_n or_o invitation_n of_o man_n to_o receive_v it_o and_o invitation_n we_o know_v we_o may_v accept_v of_o or_o refuse_v as_o we_o think_v fit_a and_o yet_o without_o sin_n so_o that_o our_o acceptance_n be_v a_o act_n of_o civility_n rather_o than_o of_o duty_n and_o our_o refusal_n a_o act_n of_o unkindness_n and_o not_o at_o all_o of_o disobedience_n have_v not_o civil_a sovereign_n do_v christianity_n the_o kindness_n to_o imbody_n it_o into_o their_o law_n we_o have_v be_v under_o no_o obligation_n to_o be_v christian_n we_o may_v have_v be_v turk_n or_o jew_n pagan_n or_o atheist_n and_o yet_o without_o sin_n and_o what_o will_v a_o laodicean_n desire_v more_o how_o kind_o do_v it_o cajole_a his_o lukewarmness_n and_o how_o fair_o do_v it_o promise_v he_o security_n from_o danger_n by_o be_v against_o christ_n in_o his_o heart_n and_o life_n as_o long_o as_o he_o be_v with_o he_o in_o his_o profession_n thus_o do_v it_o turn_n christianity_n into_o hypocrisy_n and_o make_v we_o to_o serve_v god_n for_o fear_n of_o men._n but_o if_o we_o be_v not_o so_o bere_v of_o reason_n as_o to_o think_v that_o god_n borrow_v his_o authority_n from_o his_o lieutenant_n than_o the_o philosophical_a rudiment_n of_o that_o epicurean_a whereof_o the_o author_n of_o the_o late_a reflection_n on_o philosophy_n say_v thomas_n hobbs_n be_v one_o of_o the_o bold_a 9_o of_o these_o last_o age_n have_v take_v care_n to_o corrupt_v our_o religion_n another_o way_n and_o that_o be_v by_o persuade_v we_o to_o think_v that_o the_o obligation_n of_o yield_a god_n obedience_n lie_v upon_o we_o by_o reason_n of_o our_o weakness_n this_o convert_v religion_n into_o superstition_n for_o it_o make_v we_o to_o serve_v god_n not_o out_o of_o love_n to_o his_o goodness_n but_o only_o for_o fear_v of_o his_o greatness_n if_o we_o can_v resist_v he_o and_o escape_v harmless_a it_o be_v no_o matter_n it_o seem_v if_o we_o do_v but_o since_o we_o can_v we_o must_v obey_v thus_o be_v we_o drag_v to_o obedience_n by_o the_o force_n of_o mere_a omnipotence_n and_o when_o we_o be_v so_o it_o be_v evident_a we_o be_v act_v by_o such_o dreadful_a and_o terrible_a apprehension_n of_o the_o deity_n as_o debauch_v our_o religion_n and_o make_v it_o a_o mere_a slavery_n utter_o inconsistent_a with_o that_o charity_n or_o love_n of_o god_n without_o which_o the_o most_o liberal_a alms-deed_n and_o martyrdom_n itself_o much_o less_o inferior_a act_n of_o worship_n will_v find_v no_o acceptance_n this_o therefore_o i_o look_v on_o as_o another_o most_o pernicious_a principle_n and_o for_o that_o cause_n i_o have_v make_v a_o long_a digression_n to_o prove_v that_o god_n dominion_n be_v not_o found_v in_o his_o sole_a irresistible_a power_n but_o that_o he_o have_v a_o right_a to_o rule_v we_o from_o his_o great_a mercy_n and_o goodness_n to_o we_o in_o his_o work_n of_o creation_n providence_n and_o 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