future_a whether_o by_o dream_n or_o otherwise_o beside_o those_o of_o prophecy_n be_v like_a to_o chaff_n for_o as_o in_o that_o there_o may_v be_v some_o few_o grain_n of_o wheat_n so_o say_v they_o perhaps_o there_o be_v in_o these_o some_o small_a measure_n of_o truth_n mix_v with_o much_o more_o mistake_n and_o falsehood_n but_o prophecy_n be_v a_o thing_n pure_a have_v no_o more_o mixture_n than_o wheat_n well_o zer_n winnow_v have_v with_o chaff_n hereby_o than_o they_o distinguish_v the_o prediction_n of_o prophet_n from_o those_o of_o soothsayer_n astrologer_n etc._n etc._n who_o prognostication_n be_v very_o much_o unlike_o the_o prediction_n of_o true_a sup_v prophet_n for_o of_o necessity_n say_v my_o author_n they_o have_v falsehood_n as_o well_o as_o truth_n in_o they_o this_o we_o always_o see_v and_o they_o themselves_o that_o profess_v these_o art_n confirm_v it_o to_o we_o because_o they_o make_v it_o matter_n of_o glory_n to_o themselves_o that_o their_o lie_n be_v not_o so_o many_o as_o another_o of_n the_o same_o profession_n but_o that_o any_o one_o of_o they_o shall_v speak_v truth_n in_o each_o of_o his_o prediction_n be_v impossible_a nor_o indeed_o do_v the_o skilful_a therein_o arrogate_v that_o to_o themselves_o for_o when_o something_o come_v to_o pass_v which_o look_v but_o like_o a_o accomplishment_n they_o account_v thâ—_n foreteller_n excellent_a and_o enroll_v he_o among_o man_n of_o illustrious_a fame_n who_o history_n celebrate_v and_o this_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o what_o isaiah_n say_v to_o 13._o babylon_n let_v now_o the_o astrologer_n the_o stargazer_n the_o monthly_a prognosticator_n stand_v up_o and_o save_v thou_o from_o these_o thing_n that_o shall_v come_v upon_o thou_o let_v they_o try_v if_o they_o can_v foretell_v these_o thing_n that_o thou_o may_v escape_v from_o they_o the_o challenge_n imply_v that_o they_o can_v and_o r._n albo_n it_o seem_v give_v the_o reason_n of_o it_o viz._n because_o 3_o all_o such_o art_n or_o whatsoever_o else_o some_o be_v please_v to_o call_v they_o be_v found_v in_o fancy_n they_o be_v creature_n of_o imagination_n that_o have_v a_o be_v in_o nothing_o but_o man_n conceit_n they_o be_v found_v on_o no_o demonstrable_a hypothesis_n and_o be_v therefore_o vanity_n as_o be_v also_o abundant_o demonstrate_v by_o a_o learned_a writer_n 17._o of_o our_o own_o and_o true_o the_o thing_n from_o whence_o these_o foreteller_n pretend_v to_o deduce_v their_o judgement_n be_v certain_o so_o remote_a intricate_a and_o various_a as_o that_o it_o seem_v impossible_a for_o any_o to_o arrive_v at_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o they_o how_o then_o be_v it_o possible_a for_o their_o prognostication_n to_o be_v certain_a prediction_n they_o can_v be_v but_o conjecture_n and_o conjecture_n we_o know_v especial_o in_o such_o case_n be_v very_o often_o whole_o false_a very_o rare_o if_o ever_o whole_o true_a but_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o prophet_n say_v our_o author_n be_v very_o much_o otherwise_o viz._n always_o true_a but_o never_o false_a it_o can_v be_v find_v throughout_o all_o age_n that_o ever_o any_o thing_n either_o much_o or_o little_a of_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n by_o the_o prophet_n unless_o the_o condition_n be_v alter_v ever_o yet_o fall_v to_o the_o ground_n but_o the_o ibid._n prediction_n of_o god_n prophet_n be_v full_o answer_v by_o the_o event_n and_o thereby_o the_o jew_n know_v that_o they_o be_v endue_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n because_o such_o certain_a foreknowledge_n of_o future_a contingence_n be_v no_o way_n attainable_a without_o it_o and_o for_o this_o cause_n it_o be_v like_a it_o be_v that_o among_o all_o the_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o try_v prophet_n this_o be_v account_v the_o most_o demonstrative_a of_o miracle_n sect._n 4._o but_o beside_o these_o ordinary_a the_o jew_n have_v some_o extraordinary_a mean_n of_o discern_v the_o truth_n of_o man_n pretension_n to_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n viz._n miracle_n not_o only_o the_o vulgar_a but_o more_o than_o a_o few_o of_o the_o better_a sort_n among_o the_o jew_n wâ—re_v of_o opinion_n they_o be_v not_o to_o believe_v any_o pretender_n to_o prophecy_n till_o he_o have_v do_v a_o miracle_n equal_a to_o some_o of_o those_o of_o moses_n or_o have_v disturb_v the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o nature_n as_o elijah_n do_v in_o raise_v the_o widow_n son_n but_o zer_n this_o rule_n say_v maimonides_n have_v nothing_o of_o truth_n in_o it_o and_o indeed_o we_o be_v apt_a to_o think_v it_o have_v not_o much_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o the_o order_n of_o prophet_n be_v at_o first_o found_v by_o miracle_n for_o evident_a it_o be_v that_o moses_n the_o first_o of_o that_o order_n be_v endue_v with_o a_o power_n of_o work_a miracle_n on_o purpose_n to_o 9_o convince_v the_o child_n of_o israel_n that_o the_o lord_n god_n of_o their_o father_n have_v appear_v unto_o he_o yet_o that_o great_a r._n maimonides_n out_o of_o design_n i_o suppose_v to_o derogate_v from_o the_o belief_n of_o chriâ—tianity_n be_v not_o ashamed_a 1._o to_o say_v the_o israelite_n do_v not_o believe_v moses_n our_o master_n because_o of_o the_o miracle_n he_o wrought_v and_o elsewhere_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o elias_n elisha_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o prophet_n do_v not_o their_o miracle_n to_o confirm_v thâ—ir_a zer_n prophecy_n but_o to_o supply_v their_o own_o and_o other_o necessity_n but_o it_o seem_v at_o another_o time_n he_o be_v of_o another_o mind_n for_o he_o express_o affirm_v that_o a_o prophet_n may_v be_v send_v to_o the_o common_a people_n or_o to_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o a_o city_n or_o kingdom_n to_o prepare_v and_o warn_v they_o what_o shall_v be_v do_v unto_o they_o or_o to_o dehort_v they_o from_o the_o wicked_a work_n that_o be_v in_o their_o hand_n but_o when_o god_n so_o send_v he_o he_o gives_z he_o a_o sign_n or_o a_o wonder_n that_o the_o people_n 11._o may_v know_v god_n have_v true_o send_v he_o and_o in_o the_o next_o section_n he_o say_v but_o we_o believe_v not_o every_o one_o that_o show_v a_o sign_n or_o do_v a_o miracle_n to_o be_v a_o prophet_n unless_o from_o the_o beginning_n we_o have_v know_v he_o to_o be_v sit_v for_o prophecy_n that_o in_o his_o wisdom_n and_o his_o work_n he_o have_v excel_v his_o contemporary_n and_o have_v walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o prophecy_n in_o holiness_n and_o separation_n from_o other_o then_o if_o such_o a_o one_o shall_v come_v and_o do_v a_o sign_n or_o a_o wonder_n and_o shall_v sâ—y_v that_o god_n have_v send_v he_o than_o it_o be_v command_v that_o we_o shall_v hear_v he_o as_o it_o be_v say_v you_o shall_v hear_v he_o these_o his_o concession_n although_o 15._o they_o speak_v he_o somewhat_o unconstant_a to_o himself_o yet_o we_o have_v no_o great_a reason_n to_o thank_v he_o for_o because_o the_o evidence_n of_o truth_n in_o holy_a scripture_n do_v extort_v they_o from_o he_o thus_o the_o prophet_n that_o be_v send_v to_o bethel_n give_v they_o a_o sign_n that_o his_o word_n be_v what_o the_o lord_n have_v speak_v thus_o in_o the_o 3._o fire-ordeal_a trial_n between_o elijah_n and_o the_o prophet_n of_o baal_n elijah_n obtain_v fire_n to_o fall_v upon_o the_o sacrifice_n 14._o and_o consume_v it_o thus_o also_o elisha_n to_o demonstrate_v his_o calling_n to_o succeed_v elijah_n divide_v the_o water_n of_o jordan_n with_o elijah_n mantle_n by_o which_o example_n we_o learn_v that_o though_o among_o the_o jew_n the_o ordinary_a trial_n of_o prophet_n be_v make_v by_o prediction_n yet_o in_o some_o case_n extraordinary_a they_o be_v by_o miracle_n to_o make_v proof_n of_o their_o mission_n to_o teach_v and_o do_v what_o they_o do_v chap._n iu._n the_o application_n of_o the_o foregoing_a discourse_n to_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n sect._n 1_o have_v thus_o clear_v the_o ground_n and_o lay_v the_o foundation_n we_o be_v next_o to_o erect_v the_o superstructure_n i._n e._n to_o show_v that_o by_o all_o these_o mean_n of_o probation_n viz._n both_o by_o the_o probable_a and_o demonstrative_a argument_n both_o ordinary_a and_o extraordinary_a it_o may_v be_v prove_v that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v prophet_n we_o be_v to_o take_v they_o as_o they_o lie_v in_o order_n and_o so_o to_o begin_v with_o the_o condition_n whereon_o among_o the_o jew_n pretender_n to_o prophecy_n be_v admit_v to_o a_o trial_n by_o what_o we_o have_v already_o discuss_v out_o of_o maimonides_n it_o appear_v that_o pretender_n to_o prophecy_n even_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v not_o admit_v to_o a_o trial_n but_o upon_o condition_n of_o conformity_n to_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n they_o be_v in_o no_o point_n allow_v to_o teach_v a_o perpetual_a variation_n from_o it_o unless_o they_o give_v as_o great_a or_o great_a evidence_n of_o god_n intention_n by_o they_o to_o change_v
sin_n but_o now_o have_v they_o both_o see_v and_o hate_v both_o i_o and_o my_o father_n so_o convince_a do_v he_o account_v his_o miracle_n as_o that_o he_o impute_v their_o unbelief_n to_o malice_n and_o enmity_n against_o god_n and_o himself_o all_o which_o or_o any_o thing_n whereof_o he_o can_v not_o have_v do_v unless_o he_o have_v wrought_v his_o miracle_n to_o consirm_v his_o doctrine_n or_o attest_v his_o mission_n from_o god_n to_o teach_v it_o to_o this_o end_n also_o it_o be_v evident_a the_o miracle_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v design_v for_o they_o go_v forth_o and_o preach_v every_o where_o the_o 20._o lord_n work_v with_o they_o and_o consirm_v the_o word_n with_o sign_n follow_v it_o be_v the_o dictate_v of_o nature_n as_o well_o as_o of_o scripture_n that_o god_n can_v lie_v or_o avouch_v a_o falsehood_n therefore_o sure_o the_o word_n of_o his_o grace_n be_v truth_n for_o we_o find_v that_o he_o give_v testimony_n to_o it_o and_o this_o he_o do_v by_o grant_v sign_n 3._o and_o wonder_n to_o be_v do_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o apostle_n the_o salvation_n the_o gospel_n propose_v first_o begin_v to_o be_v speak_v of_o by_o the_o lord_n and_o be_v confirm_v unto_o the_o first_o christian_n by_o they_o that_o hear_v he_o i._n e._n by_o the_o apostle_n but_o lest_o their_o testimony_n shall_v be_v 4._o suspect_v god_n do_v bear_v they_o witness_v with_o sign_n and_o wonder_n and_o with_o divers_a miracle_n hereby_o than_o it_o be_v manifest_a not_o only_o that_o their_o doctrine_n be_v true_a but_o also_o that_o the_o wisdom_n of_o providence_n do_v design_n the_o miracle_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o confirmation_n of_o it_o and_o so_o doubtless_o do_v they_o themselves_o for_o their_o embassy_n to_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n be_v somewhat_o like_o that_o of_o moses_n unto_o pharaoh_n viz._n unlikely_a to_o be_v believe_v among_o they_o they_o find_v it_o expedient_a to_o have_v some_o letter_n of_o credence_n from_o the_o king_n of_o heaven_n and_o hereupon_o they_o pray_v god_n to_o stretch_v forth_o his_o hand_n to_o heal_v and_o to_o grant_v that_o sign_n and_o wonder_n may_v be_v do_v by_o the_o name_n of_o 30._o his_o holy_a child_n jesus_n and_o this_o they_o desire_v to_o the_o end_n that_o with_o all_o boldness_n they_o may_v speak_v his_o word_n and_o have_v obtain_v their_o request_n by_o the_o grant_n of_o sign_n and_o wonder_n to_o be_v do_v by_o their_o hand_n they_o 3_o speak_v bold_o in_o the_o lord_n neither_o the_o malice_n of_o the_o unbelieve_a jew_n nor_o the_o ill_a affect_a mind_n of_o the_o seduce_a gentile_n can_v deter_v they_o from_o speak_v bold_o the_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o jesus_n it_o seem_v than_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n to_o that_o word_n by_o the_o miracle_n of_o their_o work_n be_v the_o ground_n of_o their_o confidence_n in_o preach_v the_o gospel_n but_o this_o it_o can_v never_o have_v be_v without_o their_o intendment_n thereof_o to_o the_o confirmation_n of_o their_o doctrine_n for_o without_o this_o they_o can_v neither_o pretend_v nor_o indeed_o believe_v their_o miracle_n be_v the_o testimony_n of_o god_n to_o the_o word_n of_o his_o grace_n how_o can_v they_o look_v on_o they_o as_o such_o unless_o that_o they_o also_o themselves_o do_v use_v and_o intend_v they_o to_o this_o end_n manifest_a therefore_o i_o take_v it_o to_o be_v that_o they_o wrought_v they_o 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 and_o much_o reason_n there_o be_v for_o their_o do_v they_o to_o this_o end_n for_o 2._o miracle_n be_v always_o look_v on_o as_o indisputable_a or_o demonstrative_a proof_n of_o divine_a power_n or_o authority_n in_o they_o that_o do_v they_o to_o deny_v this_o be_v little_o less_o than_o to_o charge_n god_n foolish_o for_o he_o endue_v moses_n with_o power_n of_o do_v miracle_n to_o the_o end_n that_o the_o israelite_n may_v believe_v that_o the_o 5._o lord_n god_n of_o their_o father_n have_v appear_v unto_o he_o a_o charge_n also_o he_o have_v to_o do_v all_o his_o wonder_n before_o 21._o pharaoh_n and_o although_o his_o heart_n be_v harden_v yet_o be_v do_v in_o the_o siglit_fw-la of_o the_o people_n they_o believe_v and_o bow_v their_o head_n and_o worship_v and_o 31._o after_o they_o it_o seem_v the_o magician_n be_v almost_o of_o the_o same_o persuasion_n for_o they_o say_v unto_o pharaoh_n this_o be_v the_o finger_n of_o god_n by_o this_o their_o grant_n of_o 19_o the_o premise_n they_o draw_v on_o themselves_o a_o necessity_n of_o confess_v the_o conclusion_n for_o if_o the_o miracle_n of_o moses_n be_v do_v by_o the_o finger_n of_o god_n then_o have_v god_n appear_v unto_o he_o or_o send_v he_o thus_o almost_o in_o the_o morning_n of_o the_o world_n we_o find_v both_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n and_o the_o wise_a of_o the_o egyptian_n confess_v the_o force_n of_o miracle_n to_o induce_v belief_n and_o that_o not_o as_o a_o probable_a argument_n but_o demonstrative_a such_o as_o rather_o command_v assent_n than_o beg_v it_o for_o when_o elijah_n sojourn_v with_o the_o widow_n of_o zarephath_n by_o his_o raise_v her_o son_n to_o life_n she_o know_v that_o he_o be_v a_o man_n of_o god_n and_o that_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o his_o mouth_n be_v truth_n and_o 24._o when_o the_o prophet_n of_o jericho_n see_v that_o elisha_n divide_v the_o water_n of_o jordan_n with_o elijah_n mantle_n they_o say_v the_o spirit_n of_o eiljah_n do_v rest_n on_o elisha_n hereof_o it_o seem_v they_o be_v thereby_o so_o convince_v as_o that_o though_o they_o themselves_o be_v prophet_n partaker_n in_o some_o measure_n of_o the_o same_o spirit_n yet_o they_o meet_v he_o and_o bow_v themselves_o to_o the_o ground_n 1â—_n before_o he_o as_o to_o the_o father_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o the_o chief_a of_o their_o order_n and_o not_o only_o they_o who_o have_v their_o education_n in_o the_o school_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o therefore_o perhaps_o be_v think_v apt_a to_o have_v ascribe_v somewhat_o too_o much_o to_o their_o miracle_n but_o also_o naaman_n a_o syrian_a a_o alien_n from_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o israel_n be_v at_o the_o appointment_n of_o the_o same_o prophet_n miraculous_o cure_a of_o his_o leprosy_n be_v so_o convince_v of_o the_o 15._o true_a god_n as_o that_o he_o return_v to_o the_o man_n of_o god_n and_o say_v behold_v now_o i_o know_v that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n in_o all_o the_o earth_n but_o in_o israel_n his_o mind_n be_v cleanse_v from_o the_o grossness_n of_o idolatry_n as_o wâ—ll_n as_o his_o body_n from_o the_o loathsomeness_n of_o his_o leprosy_n but_o to_o draw_v our_o discourse_n a_o little_a near_o the_o business_n in_o hand_n we_o may_v observe_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o among_o the_o jew_n many_o that_o adhere_v not_o to_o christ_n do_v yet_o believe_v that_o he_o come_v from_o god_n when_o they_o see_v his_o miracle_n thus_o when_o he_o be_v in_o jerusalem_n at_o the_o passeover_n many_o believe_v in_o his_o name_n 23._o when_o the_o see_v the_o miracle_n which_o he_o do_v these_o many_o believer_n sure_o be_v not_o disciple_n for_o 25._o jesus_n do_v not_o commit_v himself_o unto_o they_o or_o intrust_v himself_o with_o they_o as_o well_o affect_v to_o he_o because_o he_o know_v all_o man_n and_o what_o be_v in_o they_o he_o search_v their_o heart_n and_o dive_v into_o the_o hide_a secret_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o by_o so_o do_v he_o find_v that_o though_o these_o man_n understanding_n be_v convince_v by_o his_o miracle_n yet_o their_o will_n be_v not_o subdue_v to_o his_o doctrine_n and_o after_o they_o many_o of_o 31._o the_o people_n believe_v on_o he_o and_o say_v when_o christ_n come_v will_v be_v do_v more_o miracle_n than_o these_o which_o this_o man_n have_v do_v to_o they_o it_o seem_v improbable_a that_o when_o their_o expect_a messiah_n shall_v come_v he_o either_o will_v or_o can_v do_v more_o or_o great_a miracle_n than_o our_o jesus_n do_v consider_v therefore_o his_o work_n and_o his_o say_n they_o peremptory_o conclude_v that_o of_o a_o truth_n this_o be_v the_o prophet_n viz._n foretell_v 4â—_n by_o moses_n deut._n 18._o 15._o and_o believe_v by_o they_o to_o be_v different_a from_o the_o messiah_n but_o otherâ—_n say_v this_o be_v the_o christ_n but_o when_o the_o pharisee_n hear_v that_o the_o 41._o people_n murmur_v such_o thing_n concern_v he_o they_o and_o the_o chief_a priest_n send_v officer_n to_o take_v he_o but_o the_o 32._o officer_n be_v astonish_v at_o his_o doctrine_n return_v without_o he_o whereupon_o they_o expostulate_v with_o they_o and_o in_o a_o scornful_a manner_n ask_v he_o have_v any_o of_o the_o ruler_n or_o of_o the_o pharisee_n believe_v on_o
moses_n which_o promise_v petrus_n galatinus_n 22._o prove_v the_o ancient_a jew_n themselves_o understand_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o mâ—ssiah_n and_o in_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n st._n peter_n affirm_v that_o our_o jesus_n be_v that_o prophet_n and_o christ_n himself_o give_v such_o evidence_n of_o it_o as_o that_o his_o disciple_n think_v he_o a_o prophet_n mighty_a 19_o in_o deed_n and_o word_n before_o god_n and_o all_o the_o people_n i._n e._n that_o god_n do_v demonstrate_v and_o the_o people_n do_v confess_v that_o he_o be_v a_o great_a prophet_n and_o that_o they_o do_v so_o be_v manifest_a for_o the_o jew_n themselves_o who_o heart_n be_v not_o subdue_v to_o his_o doctrine_n do_v yet_o believe_v that_o of_o a_o truth_n he_o be_v that_o prophet_n that_o shall_v 14._o come_v into_o the_o world_n the_o samaritan_n woman_n also_o perceive_v that_o he_o be_v a_o prophet_n and_o the_o man_n of_o samaria_n 19_o believe_v and_o know_v as_o much_o namely_o that_o indeed_o he_o be_v the_o christ_n the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n a_o part_n 2d_o of_o who_o office_n as_o they_o think_v be_v to_o tell_v they_o all_o thing_n and_o so_o to_o be_v a_o prophet_n and_o then_o for_o the_o apostle_n we_o do_v not_o only_o read_v that_o god_n by_o his_o spirit_n 10_o reveal_v thing_n unto_o they_o but_o moreover_o we_o find_v it_o record_v that_o he_o do_v it_o in_o this_o manner_n our_o bless_a lord_n jesus_n christ_n promise_v his_o disciple_n to_o send_v they_o a_o comforter_n and_o that_o when_o he_o the_o spirit_n of_o 13._o truth_n shall_v come_v he_o will_v guide_v they_o into_o all_o truth_n which_o it_o seem_v fell_a out_o according_o for_o when_o the_o day_n of_o pentecost_n be_v full_o come_v the_o apostle_n be_v all_o with_o one_o accord_n in_o one_o place_n and_o sudden_o there_o come_v a_o sound_n from_o heaven_n as_o of_o a_o rush_v mighty_a wind_n and_o it_o fill_v all_o the_o house_n where_o they_o be_v sit_v and_o there_o appear_v to_o they_o cleave_a tongue_n like_v as_o of_o fire_n and_o it_o sit_v upon_o each_o of_o they_o and_o they_o be_v all_o fill_v with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o begin_v to_o speak_v with_o other_o tongue_n etc._n as_o the_o spirit_n give_v they_o utterance_n nor_o do_v they_o then_o receive_v only_o the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n but_o that_o also_o of_o prophecy_n for_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n by_o the_o prophet_n joel_n that_o he_o will_v pour_v out_o his_o spirit_n upon_o all_o flesh_n and_o that_o their_o son_n 28._o and_o daughter_n shall_v prophesy_v etc._n etc._n the_o importance_n of_o which_o promise_n be_v that_o in_o the_o day_n a_o little_a before_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n there_o shall_v be_v so_o great_a and_o unusual_a a_o effusion_n of_o his_o spirit_n upon_o pâ—rsons_n of_o all_o sort_n as_o that_o those_o who_o be_v not_o bring_v up_o in_o the_o school_n of_o prophet_n shall_v yet_o be_v endue_v with_o the_o spirit_n or_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n this_o prediction_n of_o joel_n be_v fulfil_v in_o the_o apostle_n by_o the_o most_o auspicious_a descent_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n upon_o they_o for_o st._n peter_n affirm_v this_o be_v that_o 16._o which_o be_v speak_v by_o the_o prophet_n joel_n it_o seem_v then_o the_o mystery_n of_o christ_n which_o in_o other_o age_n be_v not_o make_v know_v unto_o the_o son_n of_o man_n as_o now_o it_o be_v be_v reveal_v unto_o his_o holy_a apostle_n and_o prophet_n by_o the_o spirit_n 5._o it_o be_v therefore_o manifest_a there_o can_v be_v no_o doubt_n make_v of_o our_o assertion_n if_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v think_v sufficient_a to_o prove_v it_o on_o this_o account_n i_o suppose_v it_o be_v that_o among_o those_o who_o believe_v the_o scripture_n it_o seem_v a_o hypothesis_n rather_o take_v for_o grant_v than_o otherwise_o prove_v by_o any_o but_o because_o our_o age_n be_v inquisitive_a and_o somewhat_o too_o apt_a to_o derogate_v from_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o sacred_a pandect_n because_o also_o since_o those_o part_n thereof_o which_o make_v mention_v of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n do_v drop_n from_o their_o mouth_n and_o pen_n to_o allege_v text_n from_o thence_o be_v but_o to_o produce_v their_o own_o testimony_n concern_v themselves_o and_o therefore_o whatever_o truth_n there_o may_v be_v there_o certain_o be_v but_o little_a force_n in_o that_o way_n of_o argue_v unless_o it_o be_v to_o those_o that_o already_o be_v well_o persuade_v of_o their_o authority_n for_o these_o reason_n i_o shall_v at_o present_a ascribe_v no_o more_o authority_n to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n than_o be_v usual_o give_v to_o other_o write_n far_o inferior_a and_o argue_v only_o from_o reason_n and_o testimony_n that_o can_v be_v suspect_v of_o partiality_n by_o the_o help_n thereof_o together_o with_o god_n blessing_n i_o doubt_v not_o to_o prove_v these_o five_o particular_n 1._o that_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o prophet_n be_v very_o agreeable_a to_o reason_n 2._o that_o there_o be_v prophet_n among_o the_o jew_n 3._o that_o for_o the_o trial_n of_o pretender_n to_o the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n they_o have_v certain_a rule_n note_n and_o sign_n whereby_o to_o judge_n of_o they_o 4._o that_n if_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v try_v thereby_o it_o will_v be_v find_v that_o they_o be_v prophet_n 5._o that_o this_o way_n of_o prove_v they_o be_v so_o be_v very_o sufficient_a and_o rational_a chap._n ii_o of_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o prophet_n and_o that_o there_o be_v prophet_n among_o the_o jew_n the_o notion_n of_o a_o prophet_n may_v certain_o best_o be_v learn_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o prophecy_n before_o define_v from_o which_o definition_n of_o prophecy_n we_o may_v gather_v this_o of_o a_o prophet_n viz._n that_o he_o be_v a_o person_n who_o by_o the_o influence_n of_o god_n upon_o his_o rational_a faculty_n do_v attain_v to_o such_o knowledge_n as_o by_o his_o natural_a ability_n will_v in_o one_o respect_n or_o other_o be_v unattainable_a in_o which_o description_n it_o concern_v we_o at_o present_a to_o observe_v only_o that_o it_o be_v not_o prediction_n but_o influence_n from_o god_n which_o constitute_v a_o prophet_n at_o least_o such_o a_o one_o as_o we_o be_v now_o speak_v of_o and_o that_o this_o be_v no_o new_a notion_n adapt_v to_o our_o present_a undertake_n be_v evident_a enough_o by_o the_o word_n of_o a_o late_a author_n who_o principle_n be_v think_v most_o unlucky_o of_o any_o to_o undermine_v such_o foundation_n as_o we_o be_v now_o lay_v yet_o he_o express_v himself_o in_o these_o word_n although_o there_o be_v many_o signification_n in_o scripture_n of_o the_o word_n prophet_n yet_o be_v that_o the_o most_o frequent_a in_o which_o it_o be_v take_v for_o he_o to_o who_o god_n speak_v immediate_o that_o which_o the_o prophet_n be_v to_o say_v from_o he_o to_o some_o other_o man_n or_o to_o the_o people_n god_n speak_v to_o man_n immediate_o he_o himself_o say_v be_v to_o be_v interpret_v 36._o that_o way_n whatsoever_o it_o be_v i_o suppose_v he_o mean_v without_o the_o ministry_n of_o man_n by_o which_o god_n make_v they_o to_o understand_v his_o will._n hereby_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o in_o his_o judgement_n as_o well_o as_o we_o a_o prophet_n be_v a_o person_n on_o who_o understanding_n god_n have_v immediate_a influence_n how_o else_o be_v it_o possible_a he_o shall_v make_v he_o immediate_o to_o understand_v his_o will_n and_o sure_o it_o can_v seem_v strange_a to_o any_o that_o there_o have_v or_o may_v have_v be_v such_o man_n in_o the_o world_n the_o power_n and_o wisdom_n of_o god_n together_o with_o the_o capacity_n of_o man_n soul_n be_v enough_o to_o remove_v all_o suspicion_n of_o its_o impossibility_n he_o that_o make_v the_o mind_n shall_v not_o he_o be_v able_a to_o teach_v man_n knowledge_n and_o he_o that_o be_v make_v on_o purpose_n to_o know_v god_n and_o give_v he_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o handiwork_n shall_v not_o he_o be_v think_v capable_a of_o learning_n from_o such_o a_o teacher_n there_o be_v therefore_o no_o show_n of_o reason_n to_o doubt_v the_o possibility_n of_o prophecy_n especial_o consider_v that_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n how_o wide_a soever_o their_o difference_n be_v in_o other_o matter_n do_v yet_o agree_v in_o this_o viz._n that_o there_o be_v or_o have_v be_v such_o prophet_n in_o the_o world_n this_o be_v so_o manifest_a and_o vulgar_o know_v to_o be_v the_o belief_n of_o christian_n jew_n and_o turk_n as_o that_o among_o all_o that_o have_v hear_v of_o christ_n moses_n or_o mahomet_n all_o necessity_n of_o prove_v it_o be_v perfect_o forestalled_n and_o that_o the_o heathen_n also_o be_v of_o the_o same_o opinion_n be_v evident_a by_o what_o they_o have_v report_v of_o some_o of_o their_o lawgiver_n viz._n
maimonides_n his_o exposition_n of_o the_o rule_n now_o debate_v for_o he_o therein_o make_v no_o mention_n at_o all_o of_o riches_n but_o of_o learning_n religion_n continence_n understanding_n and_o all_o probity_n of_o manner_n and_o zer_n elsewhere_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o prophecy_n fall_v on_o none_o but_o the_o excellent_o wise_a one_o that_o be_v able_a to_o rule_v his_o affection_n and_o cast_v off_o the_o dominion_n of_o worldly_a concupiscence_n one_o who_o reason_n rule_v his_o appetite_n and_o be_v endue_v with_o 1._o large_a and_o very_a well_o dispose_v intellectual_n not_o one_o word_n of_o wealth_n or_o worldly_a riches_n and_o be_v it_o not_o somewhat_o strange_a that_o when_o he_o profess_o expound_v this_o rule_n he_o shall_v so_o utter_o forget_v the_o three_o part_n of_o its_o content_n if_o they_o have_v so_o be_v or_o he_o have_v think_v they_o so_o sure_o he_o do_v not_o for_o in_o another_o place_n of_o his_o write_n he_o tell_v we_o that_o in_o this_o rule_n the_o word_n wise_a without_o doubt_n comprehend_v intellectual_a virtue_n but_o the_o word_n strong_a and_o rich_a import_n moral_n the_o former_a denote_v fortitude_n the_o latter_a contentment_n for_o his_o word_n be_v these_o gihbor_n strong_a be_v of_o the_o moral_a virtue_n viz_o he_o who_o do_v moderate_a and_o rule_v the_o power_n of_o his_o soul_n according_a to_o right_a reason_n and_o this_o be_v it_o which_o they_o say_v when_o they_o ask_v who_o be_v strong_a and_o answer_v he_o that_o subjugate_v his_o own_o concupiscence_n and_o so_o also_o ashir_n rich_a be_v of_o the_o moral_a virtue_n viz._n the_o virtue_n of_o a_o content_a mind_n for_o he_o that_o be_v content_v with_o his_o portion_n they_o call_v rich_a this_o be_v it_o they_o say_v when_o describe_v a_o rich_a man_n they_o ask_v who_o be_v rich_a and_o return_v answer_n he_o that_o rejoice_v in_o his_o own_o portion_n i_o e._n he_o that_o be_v content_a with_o what_o the_o time_n present_a afford_v he_o and_o do_v not_o grieve_v at_o what_o it_o deny_v he_o by_o all_o this_o it_o be_v very_o 7._o plain_a that_o if_o he_o have_v give_v we_o the_o true_a meaning_n of_o this_o rule_n the_o jew_n thereby_o understand_v no_o more_o than_o that_o the_o prophet_n be_v excellent_a man_n in_o respect_n both_o of_o intellectual_a and_o moral_a virtue_n especial_o fortitude_n and_o contentment_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n we_o affirm_v as_o well_o as_o they_o that_o general_o they_o be_v strong_a and_o rich_a namely_o in_o virtue_n and_o probity_n of_o manner_n in_o good_a work_n and_o all_o holiness_n of_o live_v especial_o in_o courage_n and_o magnanimity_n in_o contentment_n and_o well-pleasedness_a with_o their_o condition_n and_o we_o will_v not_o contradict_v our_o author_n say_v there_o never_o be_v any_o one_o hitherto_o who_o will_v have_v it_o that_o god_n make_v his_o divine_a majesty_n so_o he_o call_v the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n 32._o to_o dwell_v in_o a_o wicked_a man_n for_o a_o man_n of_o a_o more_o excellent_a spirit_n than_o he_o have_v tell_v we_o they_o be_v holy_a man_n of_o god_n that_o in_o old_a time_n speak_v as_o they_o be_v tryph._n move_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n they_o be_v bless_v and_o just_a lover_n of_o god_n and_o belove_v of_o he_o and_o it_o be_v need_v full_a for_o they_o so_o to_o be_v for_o be_v by_o their_o office_n oblige_v to_o pull_v the_o mote_n out_o of_o the_o eye_n of_o other_o it_o high_o concern_v they_o to_o have_v no_o beam_n in_o their_o own_o so_o base_a a_o thing_n be_v vice_n that_o it_o villify_v the_o authority_n of_o instruction_n and_o abate_v the_o credit_n of_o prediction_n by_o they_o that_o be_v vicious_a and_o on_o the_o contrary_a a_o holy_a magnanimity_n and_o contempt_n of_o the_o world_n accompany_v with_o all_o other_o probity_n of_o manner_n do_v conciliate_v authority_n and_o facilitate_v belief_n since_o then_o the_o prophet_n be_v man_n of_o god_n own_o immediate_a choose_n and_o that_o on_o purpose_n to_o propagate_v his_o holiness_n to_o other_o and_o infuse_v it_o into_o they_o it_o be_v more_o than_o probable_a that_o they_o themselves_o have_v a_o great_a share_n of_o it_o concern_v these_o thing_n then_o viz._n wisdom_n strength_n and_o holiness_n but_o especial_o fortitude_n and_o contentment_n when_o the_o jew_n be_v satisfy_v they_o have_v at_o least_o some_o probable_a argument_n that_o the_o pretender_n to_o prophecy_n be_v indeed_o endue_v with_o it_o for_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n and_o the_o office_n of_o a_o prophet_n have_v so_o little_a of_o secular_a advantage_n to_o allure_v man_n affection_n and_o so_o much_o of_o likelihood_n to_o expose_v they_o to_o all_o manner_n of_o hardship_n yea_o perhaps_o to_o death_n itself_o as_o that_o it_o be_v altogether_o improbable_a that_o a_o wise_a and_o prudent_a man_n will_v undertake_v it_o without_o a_o call_n or_o necessity_n lay_v upon_o he_o to_o do_v it_o much_o more_o unlikely_a be_v it_o that_o he_o shall_v be_v courageous_a and_o resolute_a in_o it_o when_o in_o his_o conscience_n he_o know_v he_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v and_o so_o may_v be_v put_v to_o death_n and_o damn_v for_o meddle_v with_o it_o nor_o be_v it_o at_o all_o likely_a that_o any_o holy_a man_n content_a and_o well-pleased_n with_o his_o condition_n shall_v lie_v so_o horrid_o and_o prevaricate_v so_o prodigious_o in_o a_o matter_n of_o this_o nature_n if_o then_o the_o pretender_n to_o prophephecy_n be_v find_v to_o be_v wise_a strong_a and_o rich_a i._n e._n eminent_o endue_v both_o with_o intellectual_a and_o moral_a virtue_n especial_o fortitude_n and_o contentment_n the_o jew_n have_v great_a reason_n to_o believe_v they_o or_o at_o least_o to_o proceed_v to_o some_o far_a trial_n of_o they_o of_o prophetic_a prediction_n sect._n 3_o for_o the_o performance_n whereof_o they_o have_v yet_o another_o kind_n of_o ordinary_a mean_n which_o in_o their_o esteem_n be_v most_o certain_a and_o demonstrative_a viz._n the_o accomplishment_n of_o prediction_n these_o they_o inquire_v after_o and_o sufficient_a warrant_n they_o have_v for_o so_o do_v for_o moses_n have_v tell_v they_o that_o by_o the_o non-accomplishment_n of_o prediction_n they_o may_v know_v the_o word_n which_o 22._o the_o lord_n have_v not_o speak_v it_o be_v easy_a and_o logical_a from_o thence_o to_o infer_v that_o by_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o prediction_n they_o may_v know_v the_o prophet_n do_v not_o speak_v presumptuous_o yet_o forasmuch_o as_o most_o if_o not_o all_o prediction_n be_v either_o promise_n of_o some_o future_a good_a or_o commination_n of_o evil_a to_o come_v and_o the_o lord_n have_v declare_v that_o the_o condition_n of_o both_o 10._o be_v mutable_a there_o be_v certain_o no_o small_a difficulty_n in_o try_v the_o truth_n of_o a_o pretention_n to_o prophecy_n by_o the_o success_n of_o prediction_n it_o seem_v therefore_o the_o rabbin_n have_v take_v some_o pain_n to_o extricate_v themselves_o and_o other_o out_o of_o this_o labyrinth_n we_o need_v not_o take_v notice_n of_o their_o unsuccessful_a attempt_n to_o do_v it_o it_o suffice_v we_o they_o seem_v all_o agree_v in_o this_o that_o the_o full_a and_o exact_a accomplishment_n of_o prediction_n whether_o promise_v or_o commination_n be_v sure_a and_o certain_a sign_n of_o a_o prophetic_a spirit_n they_o expect_v that_o not_o so_o much_o as_o a_o tittle_n of_o what_o the_o prophet_n foretell_v shall_v ever_o fail_v or_o fall_v to_o the_o ground_n but_o that_o all_o shall_v be_v fulfil_v and_o accomplish_v by_o the_o event_n and_o this_o they_o pretend_v to_o have_v learn_v from_o the_o word_n of_o jehu_n to_o the_o ruler_n of_o jesreel_n there_o shall_v fall_v unto_o 10._o the_o earth_n nothing_o of_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n which_o also_o as_o they_o think_v the_o lord_n himself_o insinuate_v when_o he_o say_v the_o prophet_n that_o have_v a_o dream_n let_v he_o tell_v a_o dream_n and_o he_o that_o have_v my_o word_n let_v he_o speak_v my_o word_n faithful_o what_o be_v the_o chaff_n to_o the_o wheat_n say_v 28._o the_o lord_n in_o which_o word_n say_v mâ—imâ—nides_n there_o be_v some_o person_n reprehend_v for_o take_v their_o dream_n to_o be_v prophetic_a and_o divulge_v they_o for_o such_o and_o themselves_o for_o prophet_n although_o the_o lord_n allow_v they_o to_o tell_v their_o dream_n yet_o he_o approve_v not_o their_o do_v it_o for_o revelation_n however_o he_o that_o have_v his_o word_n may_v say_v that_o he_o have_v so_o provide_v he_o do_v it_o faithful_o i._n e._n without_o addition_n or_o diminution_n and_o this_o sure_o say_v the_o lord_n will_v be_v discernible_a from_o dream_n for_o what_o be_v the_o chaff_n to_o the_o wheat_n the_o sense_n of_o which_o question_n our_o author_n say_v their_o wise_a man_n have_v render_v to_o be_v this_o that_o all_o indication_n of_o thing_n
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
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
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
those_o etc._n precept_n which_o be_v write_v in_o the_o law_n and_o why_o be_v this_o comment_n commit_v to_o write_v as_o well_o as_o the_o text_n but_o because_o there_o be_v no_o preserve_v it_o entire_a without_o it_o why_o then_o shall_v it_o be_v set_v cheek_n by_o jowl_n with_o the_o text_n itself_o be_v rabbie_a judah_n a_o prophet_n as_o well_o as_o moses_n no_o he_o live_v a_o long_a time_n after_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n be_v cease_v among_o they_o his_o write_n therefore_o ought_v in_o all_o reason_n to_o truckle_n under_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n of_o god_n and_o although_o the_o matter_n contain_v in_o they_o as_o be_v pretend_v come_v together_o with_o those_o of_o holy_a scripture_n from_o god_n almighty_a yet_o have_v be_v for_o many_o hundred_o of_o year_n most_o easy_o subject_a to_o corruption_n change_n and_o depravation_n for_o the_o prevention_n whereof_o he_o commit_v they_o to_o writing_n there_o can_v be_v but_o little_a or_o no_o certainty_n and_o consequent_o no_o knowledge_n of_o such_o authority_n as_o be_v pretend_v to_o be_v in_o they_o and_o if_o not_o after_o much_o less_o before_o he_o write_v they_o for_o by_o commit_v they_o to_o writing_n without_o all_o doubt_n he_o do_v rather_o add_v unto_o then_o diminish_v their_o authority_n and_o true_o it_o seem_v probable_a that_o he_o devise_v the_o fable_n of_o their_o descent_n from_o god_n almighty_a for_o have_v there_o be_v such_o a_o explication_n as_o they_o say_v deliver_v by_o god_n to_o moses_n by_o moses_n to_o aaron_n and_o his_o son_n by_o they_o to_o the_o seventy_o elder_n by_o they_o to_o joshuâ—_n by_o he_o to_o the_o survive_a elder_n by_o they_o to_o the_o succeed_a prophet_n who_o deliver_v it_o from_o one_o to_o another_o through_o at_o least_o a_o thousand_o year_n have_v this_o i_o say_v be_v true_a it_o be_v very_o strange_a that_o in_o all_o that_o time_n they_o do_v not_o drop_v one_o word_n from_o their_o pen_n about_o it_o although_o certain_o they_o have_v frequent_a occasion_n of_o so_o do_v for_o a_o great_a part_n of_o their_o office_n be_v to_o uphold_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o law_n in_o the_o purity_n and_o integrity_n of_o it_o which_o they_o can_v no_o way_n have_v do_v better_a than_o by_o reduce_v transgressor_n to_n that_o authentic_a interpretation_n of_o it_o yet_o we_o find_v not_o a_o word_n of_o it_o but_o that_o that_o fall_v out_o most_o unlucky_o be_v that_o this_o traditional_a interpretation_n of_o the_o law_n do_v thwrat_fw-mi and_o contradict_v the_o exposition_n thereof_o by_o the_o prophet_n this_o wretched_a tradition_n restrain_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o law_n to_o the_o letter_n of_o it_o 5._o and_o teach_v man_n to_o believe_v it_o forbid_v no_o more_o than_o it_o express_v but_o the_o prophet_n sure_o teach_v they_o otherwise_o 14._o whence_o â—lse_o be_v it_o that_o they_o reprove_v they_o 6._o for_o the_o thought_n of_o their_o heart_n as_o well_o as_o the_o work_n of_o their_o hand_n thus_o do_v the_o comment_n make_v void_a the_o text_n and_o this_o tradition_n make_v the_o commandment_n of_o none_o â—ffâ—ct_v it_o be_v therefore_o most_o manife_a that_o they_o come_v not_o from_o the_o same_o hand_n can_v infinite_a wisdom_n speak_v contradiction_n or_o destroy_v what_o it_o build_v it_o be_v blasphemy_n to_o say_v it_o can_v since_o then_o this_o tradition_n explode_v the_o law_n instead_o of_o expound_v it_o we_o be_v sure_a it_o come_v not_o from_o god_n be_v it_o then_o likely_a that_o the_o divine_a majesty_n as_o our_o author_n often_o call_v the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n shall_v be_v make_v to_o hold_v up_o its_o hand_n at_o the_o bar_n of_o this_o tradition_n which_o perhaps_o be_v make_v worse_o by_o its_o keeper_n 9_o than_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o it_o be_v always_o imprison_v in_o a_o consistory_n where_o no_o man_n know_v what_o usage_n it_o have_v or_o how_o it_o may_v be_v dress_v up_o to_o serve_v the_o emergent_a exigence_n of_o prophecy_n be_v try_v by_o tradition_n and_o that_o tradition_n know_v only_o in_o a_o consistory_n and_o that_o consistory_n consist_v of_o man_n subject_a as_o doubtless_o they_o be_v to_o error_n and_o corruption_n the_o ark_n be_v more_o like_a to_o fall_v before_o dagon_n than_o dagon_n before_o the_o ark_n i_o mean_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n to_o be_v repel_v by_o vice_n and_o wickedness_n often_o than_o they_o correct_v by_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n how_o easy_a be_v it_o for_o vice_n to_o pretend_v to_o this_o tradition_n and_o for_o wickedness_n to_o plead_v prescription_n by_o this_o oral_a law_n for_o its_o protection_n and_o if_o they_o dwell_v in_o the_o consistory_n as_o too_o often_o they_o do_v or_o can_v make_v some_o friend_n there_o as_o no_o doubt_n they_o may_v they_o will_v certain_o be_v more_o mindful_a of_o their_o concern_v than_o to_o neglect_v so_o fair_a a_o advantage_n and_o then_o if_o the_o consistory_n declare_v that_o tradition_n be_v for_o they_o that_o prophet_n must_v die_v who_o presume_v to_o speak_v against_o they_o but_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o the_o god_n of_o holiness_n shall_v make_v a_o law_n so_o apt_a to_o establish_v wickedness_n no_o it_o border_n upon_o blasphemy_n to_o say_v he_o do_v piety_n therefore_o as_o well_o as_o reason_n incline_v we_o to_o look_v on_o this_o tradition_n as_o a_o mere_a fiction_n at_o first_o invent_v to_o uphold_v the_o totter_a reputation_n of_o their_o magisterial_a rabbi_n and_o afterward_o improve_v and_o use_v to_o patronize_v their_o infidelity_n and_o justify_v their_o barbarous_a proceed_n against_o our_o bless_a lord_n jesus_n and_o all_o that_o adhere_v to_o he_o this_o therefore_o we_o do_v utter_o reject_v but_o the_o other_o part_n of_o maimonides_n his_o assertion_n viz._n that_o pretender_n to_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n be_v not_o admit_v to_o a_o trial_n unless_o they_o make_v no_o alteration_n in_o the_o write_a law_n of_o moses_n be_v something_o more_o probable_a for_o doubtless_o a_o attempt_n to_o null_a the_o obligation_n of_o a_o law_n which_o god_n himself_o have_v establish_v if_o he_o that_o make_v it_o give_v little_a or_o no_o evidence_n of_o god_n intention_n by_o he_o to_o do_v it_o be_v a_o strong_a presumption_n yea_o a_o sufficient_a argument_n that_o he_o therein_o be_v a_o false_a prophet_n but_o if_o god_n have_v constitute_v a_o law_n which_o in_o itself_o be_v mutable_a and_o withal_o have_v declare_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v change_v if_o the_o pretender_n to_o prophecy_n give_v as_o great_a or_o great_a evidence_n of_o god_n intention_n by_o he_o to_o do_v it_o than_o he_o do_v at_o first_o to_o establish_v it_o there_o be_v no_o more_o reason_n to_o reject_v he_o than_o there_o be_v moses_n and_o if_o so_o the_o jew_n be_v certain_o very_o rude_a and_o barbarous_a if_o they_o will_v not_o vouchsafe_v he_o a_o trial_n but_o forthwith_o put_v he_o to_o death_n without_o it_o what_o law_n therefore_o of_o the_o jew_n it_o be_v wherein_o our_o author_n say_v this_o rule_n be_v contain_v be_v yet_o unknown_a to_o we_o however_o assure_v we_o be_v that_o though_o it_o may_v be_v of_o they_o yet_o it_o be_v no_o part_n of_o god_n law_n because_o it_o inflict_v death_n on_o they_o who_o bring_v the_o broad_a seal_n of_o heaven_n to_o avouch_v their_o authority_n to_o speak_v what_o they_o do_v in_o his_o name_n i_o suppose_v therefore_o the_o rule_n be_v seldom_o or_o never_o true_a but_o in_o case_n either_o of_o immutability_n in_o the_o law_n itself_o or_o want_v of_o sufficient_a evidence_n of_o god_n intention_n by_o the_o pretender_n to_o change_v it_o and_o that_o neither_o of_o these_o be_v the_o case_n now_o under_o debate_n will_v be_v evident_a by_o consider_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o that_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n as_o to_o the_o ceremonial_a and_o judicial_a part_n of_o it_o be_v not_o immutable_a for_o it_o be_v found_v upon_o no_o immutable_a reason_n this_o methinks_v maimonides_n himself_o must_v needs_o have_v confess_v if_o he_o have_v consider_v what_o he_o himself_o have_v elsewhere_o tell_v we_o viz._n that_o the_o first_o intention_n of_o our_o law_n be_v to_o take_v away_o idolatry_n to_o blot_v out_o the_o memory_n of_o it_o and_o of_o all_o thing_n that_o adhere_v to_o it_o or_o give_v occasion_n of_o it_o and_o then_o after_o some_o digression_n he_o return_v to_o his_o purpose_n and_o say_v the_o reason_n and_o cause_n of_o many_o of_o our_o law_n become_v know_v to_o i_o through_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o faith_n rite_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o zabian_o the_o knowledge_n of_o their_o opinion_n and_o science_n be_v a_o great_a gate_n i._n e._n it_o serve_v much_o to_o let_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o precept_n for_o the_o
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
foolish_a for_o the_o word_n speak_v with_o power_n have_v overcome_v the_o nature_n of_o all_o man_n insomuch_o that_o there_o be_v no_o sort_n of_o man_n whatever_o to_o be_v see_v among_o who_o the_o doctrine_n of_o jesus_n be_v not_o receive_v and_o to_o 2._o those_o place_n speak_v of_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n tertullian_n add_v the_o mention_n of_o so_o many_o more_o large_a and_o vast_a region_n together_o with_o so_o many_o province_n and_o island_n almost_o hide_v and_o unknown_a before_o beside_o other_o innumerable_a as_o that_o he_o conclude_v though_o the_o most_o flourish_a and_o large_a kingdom_n on_o earth_n have_v their_o limit_n yet_o the_o kingdom_n and_o name_n of_o christ_n spread_v every_o where_o be_v every_o where_o believe_v all_o nation_n every_o where_o worship_v it_o and_o submit_v to_o it_o it_o be_v every_o where_o adore_v and_o to_o all_o every_o 7._o where_o equal_o distribute_v without_o respect_n to_o person_n christ_n to_o all_o be_v equal_a to_o all_o he_o be_v king_n and_o judge_n to_o all_o he_o be_v god_n and_o lord_n not_o long_o after_o he_o arnobius_n ask_v the_o gentile_n whence_o it_o be_v that_o in_o so_o short_a a_o time_n the_o whole_a world_n be_v fill_v with_o christian_a religion_n 1._o but_o in_o this_o case_n methinks_v we_o have_v not_o much_o need_n of_o appeal_n to_o antiquity_n for_o for_o aught_o i_o know_v the_o very_a be_v of_o christianity_n at_o this_o day_n among_o the_o gentile_n be_v a_o demonstration_n that_o the_o prediction_n which_o go_v before_o of_o their_o conversion_n to_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n be_v evident_o fulfil_v what_o therefore_o tertullian_n say_v to_o the_o jew_n may_v well_o enough_o be_v say_v to_o any_o one_o that_o doubt_v it_o what_o we_o see_v do_v thou_o may_v avouch_v with_o confidence_n and_o believe_v without_o hesitance_n the_o like_a may_v we_o do_v concern_v another_o sort_n of_o prediction_n viz._n of_o those_o about_o the_o be_v of_o heresy_n and_o division_n among_o christian_n whereof_o our_o saviour_n give_v more_o than_o a_o intimation_n by_o his_o description_n of_o false_a prophet_n and_o his_o caution_n against_o etc._n they_o and_o the_o apostle_n also_o of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n speak_v before_o and_o tell_v we_o there_o shall_v be_v mocker_n in_o the_o last_o time_n who_o shall_v walk_v after_o their_o own_o ungodly_a 19_o lust_n these_o be_v they_o who_o separate_v themselves_o mocker_n and_o separatist_n they_o can_v not_o be_v without_o heresy_n and_o division_n manifest_a therefore_o it_o be_v the_o apostle_n foretell_v the_o be_v thereof_o among_o christian_n and_o there_o be_v scarce_o any_o call_v by_o that_o name_n but_o can_v bear_v witness_n to_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o it_o yea_o the_o very_a enemy_n of_o christianity_n as_o celsus_n for_o instance_n 3._o take_v notice_n of_o it_o though_o it_o be_v confess_v they_o do_v it_o to_o disgrace_n christianity_n yet_o unaware_o they_o do_v thereby_o somewhat_o confirm_v it_o because_o the_o founder_n foretell_v that_o so_o it_o shall_v be_v in_o after_o age_n and_o that_o in_o very_a deed_n it_o be_v and_o be_v so_o both_o ancient_a and_o modern_a heresy_n together_o with_o our_o present_a division_n be_v so_o sad_a and_o evident_a a_o demonstration_n as_o that_o all_o necessity_n of_o prove_v it_o be_v perfect_o supersede_v obj._n yet_o here_o perhaps_o a_o observation_n which_o origen_n long_o since_o allege_v in_o behalf_n of_o christianity_n may_v ibid._n be_v object_v against_o it_o or_o the_o founder_n of_o it_o viz._n that_o there_o never_o be_v any_o thing_n of_o great_a use_n and_o estimation_n among_o man_n but_o there_o arise_v division_n and_o diversity_n of_o opinion_n and_o sect_n about_o it_o as_o for_o example_n physic_n it_o be_v and_o ever_o be_v hold_v to_o be_v good_a and_o useful_a to_o mankind_n yet_o it_o be_v confess_v that_o among_o the_o greek_n perhaps_o also_o among_o the_o barbarian_n that_o give_v their_o mind_n to_o the_o study_n of_o it_o there_o be_v not_o only_o many_o question_n but_o divers_a sect_n and_o sort_n of_o physician_n thus_o also_o philosophy_n that_o promise_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o direction_n for_o a_o good_a life_n it_o be_v well_o know_v there_o be_v divers_a sect_n about_o it_o some_o more_o some_o less_o famous_a yea_o and_o judaisme_n itself_o though_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v of_o divine_a origine_fw-la yet_o give_v occasion_n to_o sect_n and_o division_n among_o those_o that_o own_v it_o so_o to_o be_v from_o hence_o it_o follow_v that_o though_o it_o be_v grant_v christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n do_v foresee_v and_o foretell_v there_o will_v be_v division_n among_o their_o follower_n yet_o this_o do_v not_o argue_v they_o be_v endue_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n because_o wise_a man_n by_o compare_v thing_n pass_v with_o thing_n present_a may_v guess_v at_o thing_n future_a yea_o by_o the_o strength_n of_o ratiocination_n they_o may_v be_v so_o very_o persuade_v concern_v their_o future_a existence_n as_o that_o with_o some_o confidence_n and_o good_a success_n they_o may_v foretell_v it_o ans_fw-fr it_o seem_v than_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v wise_a man_n otherwise_o they_o can_v not_o have_v be_v author_n of_o such_o conjecture_n but_o that_o their_o wisdom_n be_v herein_o more_o than_o rational_a conjecture_n viz._n supernatural_a foreknowledge_n of_o future_a contingence_n will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v that_o they_o 19_o foretell_v not_o only_o that_o there_o must_v be_v offence_n and_o heresy_n but_o also_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 which_o i_o say_v be_v plain_o foretell_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n for_o our_o saviour_n give_v caution_n against_o they_o because_o inward_o they_o 15._o be_v raven_a wolf_n and_o st._n paul_n know_v that_o after_o his_o depart_n shall_v grievous_a wolf_n enter_v in_o among_o the_o 29._o elder_n of_o ephesus_n not_o spare_v the_o flock_n whereby_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o they_o will_v be_v man_n of_o a_o avaritious_a rapacious_a humour_n make_v advantage_n to_o themselves_o out_o of_o other_o expense_n and_o destruction_n and_o their_o design_n will_v be_v very_o suitable_a to_o this_o their_o addiction_n for_o it_o be_v to_o be_v to_o draw_v away_o disciple_n 30._o after_o they_o and_o that_o not_o only_o for_o ostentation_n and_o vain_a glory_n but_o for_o their_o own_o more_o real_a profit_n and_o advantage_n for_o through_o covetousness_n they_o will_v make_v 3._o merchandise_n of_o they_o to_o this_o end_n it_o seem_v by_o prediction_n both_o their_o doctrine_n and_o pretence_n be_v to_o be_v very_a subservient_fw-fr for_o though_o by_o their_o doctrine_n 4._o man_n be_v turn_v unto_o fable_n yet_o these_o fable_n as_o st._n peter_n insinuate_v be_v cunning_o devise_v not_o to_o make_v sport_n and_o laughter_n but_o to_o suit_v the_o humour_n of_o man_n that_o they_o may_v privy_o bring_v in_o damnable_a 1._o heresy_n even_o deny_v the_o lord_n that_o buy_v they_o but_o for_o these_o fable_n and_o heresy_n they_o first_o prepare_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n by_o specious_a pretence_n either_o to_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n or_o the_o excellency_n of_o virtue_n or_o the_o gift_n of_o work_a miracle_n for_o they_o be_v to_o come_v 15._o in_o sheep_n clothing_n i._n e._n either_o wear_v sheepskin_n as_o the_o prophet_n sometime_o do_v and_o so_o they_o pretend_v to_o partake_v of_o their_o spirit_n and_o be_v therefore_o here_o caution_v against_o under_o their_o name_n or_o else_o at_o their_o first_o come_v they_o make_v show_v of_o great_a innocence_n and_o meekness_n patience_n and_o humility_n etc._n etc._n but_o it_o be_v but_o the_o sleight_n of_o man_n and_o cunning_a craftiness_n 4_o whereby_o they_o lie_v in_o wait_n to_o deceive_v to_o which_o end_n their_o come_n be_v attend_v not_o only_o with_o all_o deceiveableness_n of_o vnrighteousness_n but_o also_o with_o the_o work_n of_o satan_n with_o all_o power_n and_o sign_n and_o lie_a wonder_n insomuch_o that_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a they_o 24._o will_v deceive_v the_o very_a elect._n these_o thing_n we_o find_v foretell_v of_o seducer_n and_o every_o eye_n see_v they_o be_v in_o their_o nature_n as_o contingent_a and_o hide_v as_o deep_o as_o any_o thing_n the_o world_n afford_v from_o humane_a conjecture_n if_o then_o we_o can_v make_v it_o appear_v that_o these_o prediction_n be_v punctual_o fulfil_v it_o will_v clear_v our_o way_n to_o the_o design_a conclusion_n know_v therefore_o that_o even_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n when_o the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n first_o begin_v to_o work_v they_o themselves_o discern_v the_o
indeed_o we_o be_v not_o ignorant_a of_o his_o device_n among_o which_o perhaps_o it_o be_v sometime_o one_o at_o the_o word_n of_o enchanter_n to_o recede_v a_o while_n as_o a_o army_n may_v feign_v a_o slight_a thereby_o to_o get_v a_o great_a advantage_n of_o the_o enemy_n but_o to_o weaken_v his_o kingdom_n much_o more_o to_o destroy_v it_o be_v undoubted_o none_o of_o satan_n contrivance_n be_v he_o such_o a_o fool_n as_o to_o cast_v himself_o out_o of_o possession_n no_o sure_o the_o common_a sentiment_n of_o all_o man_n concern_v he_o abhor_v it_o well_o then_o those_o miracle_n the_o scope_n and_o tendency_n whereof_o be_v to_o dispossess_v he_o and_o destroy_v his_o work_n can_v be_v the_o product_n of_o his_o power_n no_o enchanter_n or_o juggler_n by_o any_o thing_n that_o he_o do_v as_o origen_n well_o observe_v ever_o call_v his_o spectator_n to_o the_o correction_n of_o their_o manner_n nor_o do_v such_o sight_n ever_o instruct_v those_o that_o be_v endue_v with_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n nor_o do_v any_o juggler_n ever_o so_o much_o as_o attempt_v â—o_o persuade_v beholder_n so_o to_o live_v as_o those_o who_o god_n will_v judge_v enchanter_n do_v none_o of_o these_o thing_n because_o they_o neither_o can_v nor_o will_v have_v any_o thing_n to_o do_v with_o the_o amendment_n of_o man_n life_n for_o they_o themselves_o be_v full_a of_o the_o foul_a vice_n and_o guilty_a of_o the_o 1._o most_o detestable_a wickedness_n their_o sight_n and_o show_v serve_v for_o no_o other_o purpose_n but_o to_o raise_v wonder_n and_o admiration_n to_o beget_v astonishment_n and_o amaze_v the_o multitude_n but_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v not_o do_v with_o vain_a ostentation_n to_o display_v their_o own_o power_n or_o cunning_n but_o that_o hard_a heart_a man_n and_o incredulous_a may_v know_v that_o what_o they_o avouch_v be_v not_o false_a and_o from_o the_o goodness_n of_o the_o work_n may_v learn_v more_o 1._o thorough_o to_o conjeciure_v what_o the_o true_a god_n be_v so_o that_o they_o by_o their_o miracle_n do_v not_o only_o confirm_v their_o doctrine_n the_o scope_n and_o design_n whereof_o be_v to_o extirpate_v vice_n and_o implant_v the_o choice_a virtue_n of_o all_o sorâ—s_n but_o also_o they_o thereby_o give_v the_o high_a instance_n thereof_o by_o declare_v the_o power_n and_o goodnessof_n the_o divine_a nature_n their_o heal_v the_o sick_a of_o all_o disease_n their_o make_v the_o lame_a to_o walk_v the_o blind_a to_o see_v the_o deaâ—_n to_o hear_v and_o the_o dumb_a to_o speak_v together_o with_o their_o cleanse_n of_o leper_n and_o feed_v the_o hungry_a raise_v the_o dead_a and_o cast_v out_o devil_n what_o incomparable_a mercy_n in_o god_n and_o kindness_n in_o they_o be_v they_o to_o the_o afflict_a as_o well_o as_o wonder_n to_o all_o how_o evident_o do_v they_o demonstrate_v god_n goodness_n and_o their_o charity_n as_o well_o as_o their_o mission_n from_o god_n and_o their_o zeal_n for_o he_o and_o what_o can_v be_v more_o direct_o opposite_a to_o satan_n or_o destructive_a to_o his_o kingdom_n than_o such_o miracle_n they_o chase_v away_o evil_a spirit_n and_o impose_v silence_n on_o their_o prophet_n they_o make_v soothsayer_n unconsult_v and_o frustrate_v the_o action_n of_o arrogant_a magician_n not_o by_o the_o horror_n of_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n but_o by_o the_o licence_n of_o its_o great_a power_n so_o that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n ibid._n by_o their_o miracle_n do_v in_o a_o manner_n wage_v open_a war_n with_o satan_n and_o declare_v themselves_o his_o utter_a enemy_n how_o than_o can_v the_o power_n whereby_o they_o do_v they_o since_o they_o use_v it_o against_o he_o be_v derive_v from_o he_o satan_n we_o know_v be_v subtle_a and_o his_o subtlety_n direct_v the_o establishment_n of_o his_o kingdom_n not_o its_o eversion_n think_v you_o then_o that_o he_o will_v enable_v man_n to_o destroy_v it_o to_o release_v his_o captive_n and_o set_v free_a his_o vassal_n to_o turn_v he_o out_o of_o possession_n and_o so_o to_o beat_v he_o with_o his_o own_o weapon_n this_o be_v impossible_a impossible_a therefore_o it_o be_v that_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n shall_v be_v his_o delusion_n what_o then_o be_v they_o but_o real_a and_o true_a miracle_n work_n that_o god_n do_v by_o they_o above_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n ordain_v in_o the_o creation_n hereof_o also_o we_o be_v yet_o fâ—rther_o assure_v by_o the_o continuance_n of_o miracle_n in_o the_o church_n for_o several_a age_n after_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n and_o all_o his_o apostle_n and_o of_o this_o we_o be_v assure_v by_o very_o credible_a testimony_n of_o the_o ancient_a father_n who_o herein_o can_v be_v suspect_v of_o falsehood_n or_o forgery_n because_o if_o so_o it_o may_v easy_o as_o they_o give_v it_o and_o will_v certain_o have_v be_v detect_v by_o their_o adversary_n to_o who_o for_o the_o most_o part_n they_o allege_v it_o thus_o justin_n martyr_v tell_v trypho_n the_o jew_n that_o the_o devil_n do_v fear_n and_o tremble_v at_o the_o name_n of_o our_o redeemer_n for_o to_o this_o very_a day_n say_v he_o be_v adjure_v by_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n christ_n crucify_v under_o pontius_n pilate_n governor_n of_o judaea_n they_o obey_v that_o thence_o also_o it_o may_v be_v manifest_a to_o all_o that_o the_o father_n have_v give_v he_o such_o power_n as_o that_o devil_n be_v subject_a to_o his_o name_n par_fw-fr and_o the_o oeconomy_n of_o his_o passion_n wherefore_o also_o by_o his_o name_n say_v irenaeus_n those_o that_o be_v true_o his_o disciple_n receive_v grace_n from_o he_o confer_v benefit_n on_o other_o man_n according_a to_o the_o gift_n which_o each_o one_o have_v receive_v from_o he_o for_o some_o do_v assure_o and_o true_o cast_v out_o devil_n that_o they_o who_o be_v cleanse_v from_o evil_a spirit_n may_v believe_v and_o be_v in_o the_o church_n as_o they_o be_v most_o frequent_o other_o have_v the_o knowledge_n of_o future_a contingence_n vision_n and_o the_o word_n of_o prophecy_n other_o by_o the_o imposition_n of_o hand_n cure_v the_o sick_a and_o make_v they_o sound_v yea_o also_o in_o this_o age_n the_o dead_a have_v rise_v and_o continue_v with_o we_o many_o year_n and_o what_o shall_v i_o say_v more_o i_o can_v reckon_v the_o benefit_n which_o the_o church_n throughout_o all_o the_o world_n receive_v from_o god_n do_v every_o day_n confer_v on_o the_o gentile_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n jesus_n crucify_v under_o pontius_n pilate_n and_o this_o she_o do_v neither_o seduce_v any_o man_n nor_o take_v his_o money_n from_o he_o but_o as_o she_o have_v receive_v free_o from_o god_n so_o free_o she_o give_v neither_o do_v she_o any_o thing_n by_o invocation_n of_o angel_n nor_o by_o enchantment_n or_o any_o kind_n of_o wicked_a curiosity_n but_o pure_o and_o sincere_o and_o manifest_o direct_v her_o prayer_n to_o the_o lord_n who_o have_v make_v all_o thing_n and_o exalt_v the_o name_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n in_o great_a power_n 58._o for_o the_o profit_n of_o man_n and_o not_o for_o their_o seduction_n not_o long_o after_o he_o tertullian_n send_v a_o bold_a and_o dare_a challenge_n to_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n wherein_o to_o prove_v that_o their_o god_n be_v devil_n he_o offer_v they_o to_o make_v a_o experiment_n in_o this_o manner_n let_v there_o say_v he_o he_o a_o man_n bring_v before_o your_o tribunal_n of_o who_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o he_o be_v possess_v with_o a_o devil_n that_o spirit_n be_v command_v by_o any_o christian_n to_o speak_v shall_v there_o of_o a_o truth_n confess_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o devil_n as_o well_o as_o elsewhere_o false_o to_o be_v a_o god_n let_v there_o also_o be_v another_o produce_v of_o who_o it_o be_v think_v that_o he_o be_v under_o the_o force_n of_o divine_a asslation_n namely_o one_o of_o those_o who_o attend_v the_o altar_n suck_v in_o divinity_n from_o the_o smell_n or_o of_o those_o who_o be_v cure_v by_o the_o belch_a of_o the_o priest_n or_o of_o those_o that_o foretell_v by_o the_o difficulty_n of_o their_o breathe_n yea_o the_o celestial_a virgin_n herself_o that_o promiser_n of_o rain_n aesculapius_n that_o demonstrator_n of_o medicine_n or_o otherwise_o the_o dispenser_n of_o scordium_n denatium_n not._n and_o asclepiadoton_n to_o the_o die_a unless_o they_o confess_v themselves_o devil_n not_o dare_v to_o lie_v unto_o a_o christian_a there_o shed_v you_o the_o blood_n of_o that_o shameless_a christian_a than_o this_o work_n what_o more_o manifest_a than_o this_o proof_n what_o more_o faithful_a the_o sincerity_n of_o truth_n be_v conspicuous_a its_o virtue_n assist_v it_o there_o will_v be_v no_o colour_n for_o suspicion_n that_o it_o be_v do_v by_o magic_n or_o any_o the_o like_a fallacy_n like_o unto_o
these_o qualification_n as_o we_o have_v also_o see_v take_v away_o all_o cause_n of_o suspicion_n that_o the_o prophet_n either_o be_v deceive_v or_o have_v a_o design_n to_o deceive_v other_o in_o their_o prophecy_n and_o beside_o that_o either_o by_o prediction_n or_o miracle_n they_o give_v such_o evidence_n of_o a_o prophetic_a spirit_n as_o can_v possible_o come_v from_o none_o but_o god_n and_o therefore_o in_o motive_n of_o credibility_n a_o word_n of_o prophecy_n do_v far_o exceed_v a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n because_o for_o aught_o we_o know_v the_o prince_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o air_n may_v deceive_v we_o with_o something_o like_o it_o or_o the_o pretend_a hearer_n of_o it_o be_v it_o may_v be_v themselves_o deceive_v or_o have_v a_o design_n to_o deceive_v other_o since_o than_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n as_o we_o have_v large_o prove_v be_v a_o sort_n of_o prophet_n that_o most_o eminent_o have_v all_o the_o qualification_n requisite_a to_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n and_o both_o by_o prediction_n and_o miracle_n give_v thâ—_n clear_a evidence_n that_o ever_o the_o world_n have_v of_o it_o we_o have_v the_o high_a reason_n whereof_o a_o revelation_n be_v capable_a most_o firm_o to_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n that_o they_o have_v teach_v we_o what_o though_o the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n be_v as_o without_o controversy_n it_o be_v very_o great_a yet_o the_o theist_n of_o our_o age_n have_v no_o reason_n on_o that_o account_n to_o disbelieve_v it_o for_o though_o perhaps_o it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o expect_v that_o our_o religion_n shall_v befriend_v our_o reason_n yet_o not_o so_o far_o as_o to_o make_v it_o the_o rule_n and_o measure_n of_o divine_a revelation_n the_o reason_n be_v because_o the_o divine_a intellect_n be_v infinite_a and_o we_o finite_a although_o therefore_o without_o a_o experiment_n or_o other_o demonstration_n there_o seem_v to_o be_v no_o obligation_n on_o we_o firm_o to_o assent_v to_o any_o thing_n in_o philosophy_n yet_o be_v we_o not_o permit_v to_o be_v such_o virtuosâ—_n in_o religion_n the_o reason_n be_v because_o thing_n in_o themselves_o uncapable_a of_o a_o demonstration_n be_v reveal_v with_o a_o command_n to_o believe_v and_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o make_v they_o a_o râ—morâ—_n to_o our_o belief_n for_o as_o after_o all_o our_o search_n into_o nature_n and_o great_a discovery_n of_o thing_n therein_o we_o be_v force_v to_o confess_v there_o may_v be_v more_o in_o her_o dark_a bosom_n than_o we_o can_v discover_v and_o we_o on_o that_o account_n have_v no_o reason_n to_o deny_v the_o be_v of_o nature_n so_o also_o in_o thing_n reveal_v if_o after_o all_o our_o hard_a study_n we_o can_v comprehend_v they_o we_o thereupon_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o deny_v the_o be_v of_o they_o because_o god_n who_o have_v make_v may_v also_o reveal_v thing_n that_o pass_v our_o understanding_n if_o therefore_o there_o be_v evidence_n sufficient_a to_o convince_v the_o understanding_n as_o in_o the_o case_n now_o before_o we_o there_o be_v that_o the_o revelation_n come_v from_o god_n there_o be_v no_o reason_n on_o the_o account_n of_o its_o mystery_n to_o reject_v it_o and_o indeed_o the_o mystery_n of_o christianity_n be_v so_o far_o from_o give_v just_a occasion_n of_o unbelief_n as_o that_o they_o be_v apt_a to_o strengthen_v our_o faith_n in_o it_o for_o the_o gospel_n teach_v we_o to_o glorify_v god_n in_o 20._o our_o spirit_n as_o well_o as_o body_n it_o be_v very_o reasonable_a and_o convenient_a that_o it_o shall_v require_v we_o to_o honour_v he_o by_o the_o submission_n of_o our_o understanding_n to_o indemonstrable_v revelation_n as_o well_o as_o by_o the_o obedience_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o life_n unto_o his_o law_n and_o therefore_o as_o it_o be_v fit_v for_o we_o to_o obey_v the_o divine_a law_n though_o our_o will_n reluct_v never_o so_o much_o against_o it_o so_o also_o be_v it_o for_o we_o to_o believe_v whatever_o god_n have_v reveal_v think_v never_o so_o improbable_a to_o our_o understanding_n for_o unless_o we_o do_v so_o we_o shall_v undoubted_o fall_v short_a of_o our_o duty_n which_o in_o this_o case_n without_o dispute_n be_v to_o tread_v in_o the_o step_n of_o our_o father_n abraham_n who_o give_v glory_n to_o god_n by_o be_v so_o strong_a in_o faith_n as_o to_o believe_v that_o that_o be_v impossible_a in_o nature_n and_o therefore_o incredible_a unto_o reason_n if_o we_o will_v believe_v no_o more_o than_o what_o we_o can_v demonstrate_v to_o be_v true_a our_o assent_n be_v not_o faith_n but_o science_n for_o it_o be_v not_o build_v upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o god_n testimony_n but_o on_o demonstration_n from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n testify_v and_o so_o it_o honour_v not_o god_n at_o all_o because_o it_o receive_v not_o the_o truth_n for_o his_o sake_n but_o he_o for_o the_o truth_n sake_n and_o so_o it_o pay_v no_o respect_n to_o his_o word_n but_o only_o to_o our_o own_o ratiocination_n but_o forasmuch_o as_o the_o mind_n assent_v to_o testimony_n as_o well_o as_o reason_n and_o the_o divine_a prerogative_n extend_v itself_o to_o the_o whole_a man_n that_o religion_n that_o become_v god_n and_o it_o be_v suitable_a to_o man_n must_v have_v something_o in_o it_o to_o exercise_v this_o his_o innate_a power_n about_o and_o for_o this_o cause_n the_o mystery_n of_o christianity_n ought_v to_o be_v look_v on_o as_o a_o motive_n to_o believe_v rather_o than_o to_o reject_v it_o for_o be_v there_o no_o mystery_n in_o it_o we_o shall_v have_v some_o reason_n to_o entertain_v a_o temptation_n to_o think_v that_o it_o be_v not_o of_o god_n because_o whatsoever_o else_o we_o be_v assure_v there_o be_v have_v something_o in_o it_o that_o exceed_v the_o reach_n of_o our_o reason_n yea_o and_o conjecture_n too_o for_o if_o we_o contemplate_v the_o work_n of_o creation_n thing_n that_o we_o daily_o see_v and_o handle_v which_o â—eem_v to_o lie_v level_a with_o our_o understanding_n yet_o after_o our_o most_o accurate_a researche_n into_o their_o nature_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o the_o most_o pierce_a judgement_n or_o profound_a reason_n be_v not_o able_a to_o solve_v all_o the_o phaenomena_n or_o attain_v to_o a_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o they_o and_o who_o be_v there_o that_o observe_v well_o the_o dispensation_n of_o divine_a providence_n but_o may_v therein_o find_v such_o riddle_n as_o his_o reason_n can_v unfold_v such_o mystery_n as_o baffle_v his_o understanding_n and_o confound_v his_o curiosity_n in_o his_o inquire_n after_o the_o cause_n of_o they_o the_o end_n and_o reason_n of_o god_n proceed_n with_o man_n although_o always_o most_o just_a and_o righteous_a yet_o very_o often_o be_v so_o secret_a and_o hide_a as_o that_o they_o convince_v we_o his_o judgement_n be_v unsearchable_a and_o his_o way_n past_o find_v out_o and_o from_o the_o work_n of_o creation_n and_o providence_n result_v a_o natural_a religion_n the_o chief_a principle_n whereof_o we_o know_v be_v that_o there_o be_v a_o be_v infinite_a in_o all_o perfection_n this_o be_v the_o dictate_v of_o reason_n as_o well_o as_o conscience_n yet_o reason_n can_v fathom_v the_o depth_n of_o it_o for_o it_o have_v only_o a_o negative_a conception_n of_o infinity_o and_o whatever_o there_o be_v that_o it_o have_v no_o conception_n of_o do_v undoubted_o surpass_v its_o reach_n and_o comprehension_n so_o that_o natural_a theology_n as_o well_o as_o reveal_v have_v its_o mystery_n if_o therefore_o christianity_n have_v none_o how_o unlike_a will_v it_o be_v to_o all_o thing_n else_o in_o the_o world_n that_o have_v god_n for_o their_o author_n how_o just_a a_o prejudice_n will_v this_o be_v to_o the_o reception_n of_o it_o as_o divine_a truth_n and_o revelation_n who_o will_v believe_v it_o to_o be_v of_o god_n when_o he_o see_v nothing_o that_o surpass_v man_n in_o it_o how_o decent_a then_o and_o useful_a be_v the_o mystery_n of_o christianity_n since_o they_o make_v it_o like_v to_o all_o thing_n else_o of_o god_n make_v they_o beautify_v and_o adorn_v it_o with_o fair_a character_n than_o otherwise_o it_o will_v have_v of_o god_n image_n on_o it_o and_o the_o fair_a the_o character_n of_o his_o image_n be_v upon_o it_o the_o more_o legible_a be_v his_o truth_n in_o it_o for_o infiniteness_n of_o truth_n be_v inseparable_a from_o right_a reason_n idea_n of_o deity_n and_o where_o there_o be_v infiniteness_n of_o truth_n there_o be_v no_o possibility_n of_o a_o lie_n mistake_v or_o deceit_n and_o where_o these_o be_v exclude_v there_o be_v no_o room_n for_o hesitance_n or_o doubt_v but_o the_o strong_a reason_n imaginable_a to_o believe_v since_o therefore_o our_o christian_a faith_n have_v the_o impression_n of_o god_n image_n on_o it_o and_o the_o word_n of_o prophecy_n reveal_v it_o it_o be_v most_o high_o reasonable_a to_o believe_v it_o sect._n 5._o
devil_n take_v weapon_n of_o his_o warfare_n viz_o instrument_n of_o temptation_n and_o though_o these_o weapon_n be_v many_o in_o number_n yet_o st._n john_n have_v reduce_v they_o to_o three_o sort_n namely_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o flâ—sh_n the_o lust_n of_o the_o 16._o eye_n and_o the_o pride_n of_o life_n and_o observable_a it_o be_v that_o with_o all_o these_o three_o the_o devil_n set_v upon_o our_o saviour_n in_o the_o wilderness_n for_o firâ—t_o he_o assault_v he_o with_o a_o lust_n of_o the_o flâ—sh_n i._n e._n temptation_n to_o a_o inordinate_a appetite_n and_o endeavour_n after_o food_n to_o sustain_v nature_n to_o support_v and_o gratify_v the_o appetite_n of_o his_o flesh_n if_o thou_o be_v thâ—_n sâ—n_v of_o god_n command_v that_o thâ—se_a 3._o stone_n be_v make_v bread_n that_o we_o may_v see_v the_o devil_n dexterity_n in_o the_o management_n of_o this_o weapon_n observe_v that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v now_o to_o enter_v upon_o his_o ministry_n and_o to_o be_v consecrate_v for_o his_o everlasting_a priesthood_n be_v lead_v up_o of_o the_o spâ—rit_n into_o 2._o the_o wilderness_n and_o there_o he_o fast_v forty_o day_n and_o forty_o night_n why_o he_o make_v choice_n of_o this_o number_n of_o day_n for_o his_o fast_a i_o be_o not_o at_o present_a concern_v to_o inquire_v but_o only_o to_o observe_v that_o after_o this_o fast_a the_o evangelist_n say_v he_o be_v a_o hunger_a which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v of_o a_o ordinary_a hunger_n such_o as_o healthy_a man_n frequent_o feel_v before_o they_o eat_v their_o daily_a bread_n but_o the_o meaning_n be_v that_o he_o be_v then_o so_o pinch_v and_o bite_v with_o hunger_n as_o that_o nature_n be_v not_o well_o able_a to_o endure_v it_o any_o long_o it_o be_v such_o a_o hunger_n as_o do_v much_o weaken_v his_o body_n and_o breed_v great_a grievance_n and_o molestation_n to_o nature_n now_o in_o the_o throw_v and_o bitter_a pain_n of_o this_o hunger_n the_o devil_n assault_v he_o with_o a_o temptation_n to_o command_v that_o the_o stone_n be_v make_v bread_n never_o be_v temptation_n more_o cunning_o time_v than_o this_o when_o nature_n do_v not_o only_o begin_v to_o crave_v some_o supply_n but_o be_v almost_o ready_a to_o faint_a for_o lack_v of_o it_o when_o natural_a heat_n have_v so_o wrought_v upon_o former_a nourishment_n as_o that_o it_o be_v almost_o ready_a to_o commit_v a_o rape_n upon_o his_o unspotted_a life_n then_o to_o put_v he_o in_o a_o way_n how_o to_o get_v bread_n and_o that_o with_o ease_n as_o he_o may_v have_v do_v by_o let_v this_o command_n go_v forth_o how_o great_a how_o subtle_a how_o ensnare_a be_v this_o temptation_n especial_o consider_v it_o be_v somewhat_o hard_o to_o discern_v a_o fin_n in_o it_o but_o â—aâ—e_v to_o perceive_v there_o be_v at_o least_o seem_o veâ—y_v grâ—at_a nâ—â—d_n of_o it_o to_o supply_v the_o necessity_n of_o other_o our_o saviour_n frequent_o wrought_v miracle_n and_o here_o the_o devil_n advise_v he_o to_o work_v one_o to_o supply_v his_o owr_n and_o sâ—ems_v it_o not_o very_o reasonable_a and_o â—â—tting_v that_o so_o he_o shall_v yes_o doubtless_o so_o it_o will_v have_v sâ—â—med_v to_o low_a and_o uninstruct_v mind_n insomuch_o that_o no_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n can_v be_v great_a or_o indeed_o so_o great_a as_o this_o temptation_n but_o our_o saviour_n perceive_v that_o this_o smooth_a and_o well_o wrought_v dart_n of_o the_o wicked_a one_o be_v dip_v in_o the_o poison_n of_o distrâ—st_n of_o god_n providence_n in_o general_n and_o of_o his_o love_n to_o and_o care_n of_o he_o in_o particular_a and_o be_v also_o feather_v with_o vainglory_n and_o intemperance_n as_o well_o as_o undecent_a compliance_n with_o the_o devil_n all_o which_o sin_v that_o cunning_a archer_n will_v have_v shoot_v into_o he_o by_o the_o seem_a necessity_n easiness_n and_o expedience_n of_o his_o advice_n but_o â—â—r_a saviour_n i_o say_v perceive_v the_o design_n of_o it_o quench_v this_o fiery_a â—â—art_n by_o the_o shield_n of_o faith_n 4._o man_n shall_v not_o live_v by_o bread_n alone_o but_o by_o every_o word_n that_o procee_v out_o of_o the_o mouth_n â—f_o â—od_a hereby_o he_o restrain_v his_o flesh_n and_o convince_v the_o devil_n there_o be_v nothing_o in_o he_o whereon_o he_o may_v fasten_v a_o temptation_n to_o a_o fleshly_a lust_n whereupon_o satan_n assault_v he_o with_o another_o of_o his_o weapon_n viz._n the_o pride_n of_o life_n in_o order_n hereunto_o he_o take_v he_o up_o into_o the_o holy_a city_n and_o set_v he_o on_o a_o pinnacle_n of_o the_o temple_n and_o have_v here_o place_v 5._o he_o he_o say_v unto_o he_o if_o thou_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n cast_v thyself_o down_o show_v thy_o sâ—lf_n in_o the_o temple_n and_o that_o not_o to_o i_o but_o to_o the_o jew_n who_o frequent_o resort_v unto_o it_o that_o they_o may_v believe_v or_o at_o leaâ—t_n that_o thou_o may_v show_v that_o in_o very_a deed_n thou_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n support_v and_o uphold_v in_o all_o danger_n by_o his_o especial_a providence_n and_o for_o this_o thou_o 6_o have_v it_o sufficient_a warrant_n for_o it_o be_v write_v he_o shall_v give_v his_o angel_n charge_v concern_v thou_o and_o in_o their_o hand_n shall_v they_o bear_v thou_o up_o lest_o at_o any_o time_n thou_o dash_v thy_o foot_n against_o a_o stâ—ne_n have_v so_o plain_a a_o warrant_n and_o so_o great_a assurance_n of_o safety_n cast_v thyself_o down_o show_v thy_o power_n unto_o the_o jew_n that_o they_o may_v know_v that_o thou_o be_v their_o messiah_n because_o god_n have_v give_v his_o angel_n such_o charge_n concern_v thou_o have_v there_o be_v any_o thing_n of_o pride_n or_o ambition_n ostentation_n or_o vain_a glory_n in_o our_o bless_a saviour_n what_o can_v have_v be_v so_o great_a a_o gloze_a so_o luscious_a and_o grateful_a to_o he_o as_o this_o temptation_n for_o it_o be_v we_o see_v usher_v in_o with_o a_o sly_a insinuation_n of_o subservience_n to_o the_o end_n of_o his_o come_n viz_o convenience_n to_o make_v the_o jew_n believe_v that_o he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o be_v second_v with_o a_o plain_a and_o pregnant_a text_n of_o 12._o scripture_n yet_o this_o weapon_n also_o though_o thus_o steel_v and_o point_v can_v do_v hiâ—â—o_o hurt_v because_o he_o turn_v it_o aside_o by_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n the_o word_n of_o god_n it_o be_v write_v thou_o shall_v not_o tempt_v â—_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n a_o sâ—n_n that_o few_o live_v without_o though_o none_o have_v so_o great_a temptation_n to_o commit_v it_o yet_o here_o we_o see_v that_o to_o avoid_v it_o our_o saviour_n will_v not_o convince_v the_o jew_n that_o he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n by_o display_v his_o power_n before_o they_o hereby_o therefore_o the_o devil_n find_v by_o experience_n that_o no_o pride_n of_o life_n whatever_o will_v prevail_v upon_o he_o hereupon_o the_o devil_n betake_v himself_o to_o the_o other_o sort_n of_o his_o weapon_n viz._n the_o lust_n of_o the_o eye_n or_o the_o riches_n of_o the_o world_n herewith_o he_o use_v to_o be_v most_o successful_a and_o to_o the_o end_n that_o he_o may_v so_o be_v in_o this_o his_o encounter_n with_o our_o bless_a saviour_n he_o lay_v on_o his_o blow_n with_o all_o his_o may_v experience_n have_v teach_v he_o that_o it_o must_v be_v some_o extraordinary_a great_a matter_n that_o can_v move_v he_o who_o he_o then_o assail_v from_o strict_a obedience_n to_o god_n whereupon_o it_o seem_v he_o think_v it_o to_o no_o purpose_n to_o bid_v low_a for_o his_o disobedience_n and_o therefore_o he_o offer_v all_o perhaps_o more_o than_o he_o have_v to_o give_v viz._n all_o the_o 9_o kingdom_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o they_o haddit_n thâ—re_o be_v any_o thing_n of_o avarice_n or_o love_n of_o the_o world_n in_o our_o lord_n jesus_n this_o temptation_n can_v not_o have_v fail_v to_o kindle_v and_o inflame_v it_o yet_o be_v it_o resist_v with_o such_o admirable_a fortitude_n and_o magnanimity_n express_v by_o those_o word_n of_o indgnation_n 10._o get_v thâ—e_n hâ—nce_n satan_n as_o convince_a the_o devil_n there_o be_v no_o unlawful_a love_n of_o the_o world_n neither_o can_v any_o be_v raise_v in_o he_o he_o find_v that_o all_o the_o wealth_n and_o plenty_n all_o the_o palace_n and_o possession_n in_o the_o world_n will_v not_o tempt_v he_o to_o any_o the_o least_o diminution_n of_o his_o innocence_n and_o holiness_n thus_o we_o see_v that_o 〈◊〉_d bless_a saviour_n foil_v the_o devil_n at_o thâ—se_a weapon_n wherewith_o he_o have_v overcome_v our_o first_o parents_n and_o all_o their_o posterity_n ever_o since_o and_o thus_o also_o we_o see_v that_o in_o all_o point_n of_o allurement_n or_o enticement_n unto_o sin_n he_o be_v tempt_v like_a as_o we_o be_v vet_n without_o it_o