Selected quad for the lemma: truth_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
truth_n admit_v age_n great_a 55 3 2.0642 3 false
View all documents for the selected quad

Text snippets containing the quad

ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A49339 A vindication of the divine authority and inspiration of the writings of the Old and New Testament in answer to a treatise lately translated out of French, entituled, Five letters concerning the inspiration of the Holy Scriptures / by William Lowth ... Lowth, William, 1660-1732. 1692 (1692) Wing L3330; ESTC R22996 119,092 328

There are 9 snippets containing the selected quad. | View original text

their_o authority_n be_v immediate_o establish_v and_o so_o much_o for_o the_o prove_v the_o six_o proposition_n and_o i_o think_v suppose_v these_o six_o proposition_n prove_v this_o conclusion_n will_v plain_o follow_v from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new-testament_n be_v write_v by_o god_n direction_n and_o design_v by_o he_o for_o the_o perpetual_a use_n and_o instruction_n of_o the_o church_n and_o be_v the_o only_o fix_a rule_n which_o he_o have_v appoint_v for_o this_o purpose_n i_o shall_v draw_v some_o conclusion_n from_o these_o premise_n which_o will_v tend_v to_o illustrate_v and_o explain_v the_o divine_a inspiration_n of_o the_o holy_a write_n 1._o it_o follow_v from_o hence_o that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n assist_v the_o apostle_n as_o full_o when_o they_o write_v as_o when_o they_o preach_v how_o far_o this_o assistance_n extend_v and_o wherein_o it_o consist_v i_o shall_v examine_v particular_o in_o the_o next_o chapter_n at_o present_a i_o intend_v only_o to_o show_v that_o we_o may_v presume_v there_o be_v as_o great_a a_o degree_n of_o inspiration_n to_o be_v find_v in_o their_o write_n as_o be_v in_o their_o preach_v for_o since_o the_o reason_n why_o this_o assistance_n accompany_v they_o in_o their_o preach_v be_v the_o benefit_n of_o the_o church_n that_o they_o may_v guide_n it_o into_o all_o truth_n without_o any_o danger_n of_o mix_v error_n with_o it_o the_o same_o reason_n hold_v much_o strong_a for_o their_o write_n which_o do_v not_o serve_v for_o the_o instruction_n of_o one_o age_n only_o as_o their_o preach_v do_v but_o of_o many_o and_o therefore_o though_o we_o shall_v suppose_v that_o they_o use_v argument_n ad_fw-la hominem_fw-la sometime_o and_o proceed_v upon_o such_o principle_n as_o be_v general_o admit_v in_o the_o age_n they_o live_v without_o nice_o examine_v whether_o they_o be_v true_a or_o not_o yet_o this_o only_a show_n that_o they_o think_v fit_a to_o explain_v divine_a truth_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o person_n they_o be_v immediate_o to_o instruct_v and_o as_o we_o must_v grant_v that_o though_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v design_v for_o the_o use_n of_o future_a age_n yet_o the_o phrase_n and_o style_n and_o argumentation_n use_v in_o it_o be_v whole_o accommodate_v to_o the_o sentiment_n and_o usage_n of_o that_o age_n in_o which_o it_o be_v write_v so_o s._n paul_n himself_o do_v plain_o imply_v that_o he_o do_v not_o always_o use_v the_o best_a argument_n but_o sometime_o such_o as_o be_v best_a fit_v to_o the_o capacity_n and_o notion_n of_o those_o he_o write_v to_o for_o thus_o we_o find_v he_o express_v himself_o by_o way_n of_o excuse_n for_o the_o argument_n he_o make_v use_v of_o 6.19_o of_o rom._n 6.19_o i_o speak_v after_o the_o manner_n of_o man_n because_o of_o the_o infirmity_n of_o your_o flesh_n which_o be_v as_o much_o as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v i_o can_v bring_v a_o better_a argument_n to_o prove_v what_o i_o say_v but_o this_o which_o i_o make_v use_n of_o be_v more_o suitable_a to_o your_o capacity_n and_o may_v perhaps_o more_o effectual_o convince_v you_o than_o a_o better_a 2._o it_o follow_v second_o that_o since_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o the_o same_o reason_n hold_v as_o to_o any_o other_o write_n of_o the_o same_o rank_n and_o use_v be_v design_v to_o be_v a_o stand_a rule_n of_o faith_n to_o christian_n the_o holy_a ghost_n though_o he_o do_v not_o general_o dictate_v the_o word_n which_o the_o holy_a writer_n use_v yet_o direct_v they_o to_o express_v their_o mind_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n that_o those_o who_o have_v a_o regard_n to_o the_o dialect_n and_o way_n of_o speak_v in_o which_o they_o write_v may_v right_o understand_v they_o or_o at_o least_o the_o holy_a spirit_n prevent_v their_o give_v just_a occasion_n for_o man_n error_n and_o mistake_n in_o matter_n of_o consequence_n by_o their_o phrase_n and_o expression_n and_o such_o a_o degree_n of_o assistance_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o make_v these_o book_n a_o stand_a rule_n of_o faith_n for_o though_o we_o suppose_v the_o holy_a writer_n use_v a_o popular_a style_n and_o consequent_o make_v use_n of_o such_o hyperbole_n and_o metaphor_n and_o other_o impropriety_n of_o speech_n which_o common_a practice_n allow_v of_o in_o all_o language_n especial_o where_o they_o occasional_o speak_v of_o philosophical_a matter_n and_o thing_n not_o immediate_o relate_v to_o religion_n yet_o unless_o we_o suppose_v they_o to_o speak_v proper_o in_o those_o term_n of_o art_n which_o be_v of_o fundamental_a use_n in_o the_o explain_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n and_o upon_o the_o sense_n of_o which_o whole_a controversy_n turn_v and_o as_o they_o be_v different_o take_v they_o alter_v the_o very_a face_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n i_o say_v except_o we_o suppose_v the_o apostle_n to_o speak_v proper_o i._n e._n agreeable_o to_o their_o own_o simplicity_n and_o plainness_n of_o speech_n and_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o be_v most_o likely_a to_o be_v understand_v by_o those_o they_o write_v to_o when_o they_o treat_v of_o matter_n of_o great_a importance_n and_o such_o as_o be_v just_o to_o be_v reckon_v fundamental_a doctrine_n the_o new_a testament_n will_v not_o answer_v the_o end_n of_o a_o rule_n of_o faith_n for_o a_o book_n be_v of_o no_o use_n to_o explain_v or_o decide_v any_o controversy_n if_o we_o can_v have_v no_o sixth_o rule_v whereby_o to_o judge_v of_o its_o style_n so_o as_o to_o be_v in_o some_o measure_n certain_a what_o be_v its_o true_a sense_n and_o it_o be_v very_o strange_a if_o a_o book_n write_v by_o person_n who_o have_v a_o extraordinary_a assistance_n from_o god_n and_o which_o be_v design_v for_o universal_a use_n shall_v not_o be_v word_v with_o that_o care_n which_o humane_a industry_n use_v in_o matter_n of_o importance_n and_o therefore_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o rely_v upon_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n even_o with_o relation_n to_o the_o phrase_n and_o letter_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o to_o believe_v that_o he_o have_v so_o far_o direct_v the_o holy_a penman_n that_o their_o phrase_n and_o expression_n shall_v not_o lead_v man_n into_o error_n in_o matter_n of_o consequence_n but_o may_v be_v right_o understand_v by_o those_o that_o acquaint_v themselves_o with_o the_o dialect_n in_o which_o they_o write_v and_o consult_v the_o age_n near_a the_o apostle_n who_o must_v needs_o be_v next_o to_o their_o own_o style_n the_o best_a judge_n of_o their_o sense_n if_o indeed_o the_o socinian_n doctrine_n concern_v the_o nature_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o christ_n be_v true_a it_o must_v be_v confess_v there_o will_v be_v little_a reason_n to_o believe_v that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v a_o hand_n in_o word_v the_o scripture_n nay_o then_o the_o scripture_n will_v appear_v to_o be_v write_v in_o such_o a_o style_n as_o if_o the_o writer_n design_v to_o lead_v man_n into_o error_n and_o the_o socinian_o themselves_o when_o they_o make_v reason_n the_o sole_a judge_n of_o sripture_n and_o tell_v we_o they_o will_v not_o believe_v any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o reason_n though_o it_o be_v never_o so_o plain_o assert_v in_o scripture_n do_v in_o effect_n confess_v that_o the_o expression_n of_o scripture_n take_v in_o their_o natural_a and_o most_o obvious_a sense_n do_v not_o at_o all_o favour_n their_o opinion_n 6._o opinion_n socin_n de_fw-fr christ_n seruat_fw-la l._n 3._o c._n 6._o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n to_o find_v these_o gentleman_n warn_v their_o reader_n so_o often_o not_o to_o make_v inference_n from_o the_o phrase_n of_o scripture_n as_o if_o they_o be_v use_v strict_o and_o proper_o that_o they_o so_o often_o tell_v we_o of_o the_o impropriety_n and_o metaphor_n which_o the_o eastern_a writer_n and_o those_o who_o imitate_v they_o abound_v with_o that_o the_o apostle_n play_v with_o word_n as_o socinus_n with_o reverence_n speak_v 1_o speak_v amavit_fw-la paulus_n in_fw-la execrationis_fw-la verbo_fw-la esse_fw-la argutus_fw-la socm_n de_fw-fr chr_n ser●_n l._n 2._o c._n 1_o and_o take_v they_o sometime_o in_o one_o sense_n and_o sometime_o in_o another_o our_o author_n follow_v they_o in_o this_o as_o well_o as_o in_o some_o other_o thing_n 146._o thing_n v_o fr._n p_o 234._o eng_n p._n 146._o and_o often_o caution_n 234._o caution_n eng._n p_o 107_o 111._o fr._n p._n 280_o 281._o en._n p._n 11●_n fr._n p._n 285._o eng._n p._n 145_o 146._o fr._n p._n 233_o 234._o we_o not_o to_o subtilise_v about_o the_o expression_n nor_o stick_v too_o close_o to_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o scripture_n since_o the_o style_n of_o scripture_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v exact_a that_o it_o be_v very_o careless_a and_o tell_v we_o 285._o we_o eng._n p._n 107_o 116._o
be_v mr._n le_fw-fr clerc_n publish_v those_o letter_n which_o i_o have_v undertake_v to_o answer_v the_o two_o first_o of_o they_o in_o his_o sentimens_n de_fw-la theologiens_fw-la de_fw-fr hollande_n sur_fw-fr l'_fw-fr histoire_n critic_n etc._n etc._n the_o rest_n in_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o sentiment_n who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o these_o letter_n whether_o mr._n le_fw-fr clerc_n himself_o or_o as_o he_o pretend_v a_o friend_n of_o his_o who_o he_o call_v mr._n n._n signify_v little_a to_o the_o controversy_n itself_o and_o therefore_o i_o do_v not_o think_v it_o worth_a while_n to_o inquire_v and_o as_o to_o the_o author_n design_n in_o write_v these_o tract_n whether_o they_o be_v write_v by_o way_n of_o enquiry_n only_o or_o out_o of_o a_o design_n to_o undermine_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n i_o shall_v not_o take_v upon_o i_o to_o determine_v but_o shall_v leave_v that_o to_o the_o searcher_n of_o heart_n charity_n that_o believe_v all_o thing_n prompt_v i_o to_o believe_v the_o author_n solemn_a protestation_n which_o he_o make_v 229._o make_v eng._n ed._n p._n 38._o french_a p._n 229._o that_o he_o disow_v the_o ill_a consequence_n which_o some_o have_v draw_v from_o his_o principle_n and_o his_o argument_n for_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o last_o letter_n encourage_v i_o to_o persist_v in_o that_o christian_a persuasion_n however_o when_o i_o find_v the_o author_n earnest_o desirous_a 51._o desirous_a fr._n p._n 245._o eng._n p._n 51._o that_o some_o body_n will_v fair_o answer_v he_o and_o endeavour_v to_o give_v further_a light_n to_o this_o matter_n and_o withal_o be_v sensible_a that_o he_o have_v lay_v down_o several_a assertion_n which_o tend_v to_o lessen_v the_o authority_n and_o credit_n of_o the_o sacred_a writer_n and_o that_o ill_a man_n have_v make_v use_n of_o they_o to_o this_o purpose_n as_o it_o be_v their_o constant_a method_n to_o run_v away_o with_o any_o thing_n that_o seem_v to_o favour_v their_o side_n but_o to_o overlook_v what_o make_v against_o they_o all_o these_o consideration_n persuade_v i_o to_o undertake_v a_o particular_a examination_n of_o all_o those_o passage_n in_o these_o letter_n that_o reflect_v upon_o the_o holy_a penman_n or_o their_o write_n i_o know_v mr._n simon_n have_v make_v a_o brief_a answer_n to_o all_o the_o material_a objection_n of_o this_o author_n the_o substance_n of_o which_o be_v insert_v in_o the_o four_o letter_n together_o with_o mr._n n_n reply_n but_o i_o must_v free_o profess_v i_o be_o not_o at_o all_o satisfy_v with_o mr._n simon_n be_v performance_n and_o his_o answer_n seem_v to_o have_v be_v draw_v up_o in_o haste_v without_o a_o thorough_a examination_n of_o the_o force_n of_o the_o objection_n perhaps_o mr._n simon_n be_v not_o so_o well_o verse_v in_o the_o subtlety_n of_o reason_v as_o he_o be_v in_o the_o nicety_n of_o criticism_n and_o indeed_o both_o his_o answer_n to_o mr._n le_fw-fr clerc_n discover_v as_o much_o where_o he_o spend_v most_o of_o his_o time_n in_o rail_a against_o the_o protestant_n which_o may_v much_o better_o have_v be_v employ_v in_o vindicacate_v his_o own_o principle_n from_o his_o adversary_n objection_n or_o defend_v those_o common_a truth_n in_o which_o the_o generality_n both_o of_o protestant_n and_o papist_n agree_v though_o neither_o he_o nor_o his_o adversary_n seem_v to_o have_v any_o great_a regard_n for_o they_o but_o this_o be_v the_o usual_a fault_n of_o such_o zealot_n as_o mr._n simon_n have_v of_o late_o discover_v himself_o to_o be_v that_o they_o be_v more_o concern_v for_o the_o particular_a opinion_n of_o their_o own_o party_n than_o for_o the_o fundamental_a article_n of_o our_o common_a christianity_n and_o therefore_o they_o very_o often_o advance_v such_o argument_n in_o defence_n of_o their_o own_o particular_a doctrine_n which_o if_o they_o be_v pursue_v further_o undermine_v the_o foundation_n of_o christianity_n itself_o or_o it_o may_v be_v of_o religion_n in_o general_n of_o which_o mr._n simon_n himself_o be_v a_o instance_n who_o have_v take_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o pain_n to_o weaken_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n text_n on_o purpose_n to_o set_v up_o the_o certainty_n of_o tradition_n in_o its_o place_n but_o i_o believe_v another_o reason_n may_v be_v assign_v of_o mr._n simon_n be_v fierceness_n against_o the_o protestant_n and_o that_o be_v because_o he_o live_v in_o a_o country_n where_o heresy_n now-adays_a be_v reckon_v a_o great_a crime_n than_o infidelity_n and_o it_o be_v less_o dangerous_a to_o be_v think_v no_o christian_n than_o no_o catholic_n and_o consequent_o it_o more_o near_o concern_v mr._n simon_n to_o clear_v himself_o from_o the_o suspicion_n of_o heresy_n than_o to_o prove_v himself_o a_o good_a christian_a though_o perhaps_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o world_n he_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o a_o apology_n in_o that_o respect_n as_o much_o as_o in_o the_o other_o and_o perhaps_o he_o can_v not_o take_v a_o better_a method_n to_o atone_v for_o his_o disrespect_n towards_o the_o scripture_n and_o to_o regain_v the_o favour_n of_o his_o superior_n who_o displeasure_n he_o have_v feel_v upon_o that_o account_n than_o by_o cry_v up_o in_o opposition_n to_o they_o the_o infallibility_n of_o tradition_n and_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n and_o inveigh_v against_o the_o protestant_n with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o bitterness_n and_o virulency_n and_o since_o mr._n simon_n be_v answer_v give_v so_o little_a satisfaction_n to_o the_o difficulty_n which_o this_o author_n have_v start_v concern_v the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o scripture_n i_o think_v it_o may_v be_v a_o useful_a thing_n to_o examine_v the_o substance_n of_o these_o letter_n over_o again_o and_o vindicate_v the_o holy_a write_n from_o this_o author_n objection_n i_o must_v leave_v it_o to_o the_o reader_n to_o judge_v of_o the_o performance_n all_o i_o shall_v say_v for_o myself_o be_v that_o i_o have_v manage_v the_o dispute_n with_o all_o the_o calmness_n and_o freedom_n from_o passion_n which_o become_v a_o impartial_a searcher_n after_o truth_n and_o in_o that_o respect_n i_o hope_v i_o have_v full_o satisfy_v the_o desire_n of_o my_o antagonist_n 51._o antagonist_n fr._n p._n 245._o eng._n p._n 51._o i_o have_v keep_v myself_o close_o to_o his_o main_a design_n which_o be_v not_o to_o question_v the_o veracity_n of_o the_o holy_a writer_n or_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n or_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o they_o deliver_v but_o only_o to_o propose_v some_o doubt_n and_o question_n how_o far_o they_o be_v inspire_a either_o with_o the_o matter_n or_o word_n which_o they_o write_v so_o that_o in_o this_o discourse_n man_n must_v not_o expect_v i_o shall_v handle_v all_o the_o argument_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o be_v proper_a to_o be_v allege_v against_a atheist_n and_o infidel_n this_o as_o it_o be_v foreign_a to_o the_o present_a design_n so_o it_o have_v be_v do_v so_o often_o and_o so_o full_o by_o several_a learned_a man_n and_o among_o other_o by_o this_o very_a author_n in_o his_o five_o letter_n that_o nothing_o more_o need_v or_o can_v be_v say_v upon_o this_o subject_a and_o if_o man_n will_v still_o shut_v their_o eye_n against_o all_o conviction_n we_o must_v even_o despair_v of_o do_v any_o good_a upon_o they_o and_o can_v only_o say_v to_o they_o in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n he_o that_o be_v ignorant_a let_v he_o be_v ignorant_a and_o if_o our_o gospel_n be_v hide_v it_o be_v hide_v to_o they_o that_o be_v lose_v who_o mind_n the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n have_v blind_v however_o to_o do_v what_o service_n i_o be_o able_a to_o the_o cause_n of_o religion_n and_o to_o make_v this_o discourse_n as_o useful_a as_o i_o can_v i_o have_v venture_v to_o go_v a_o little_a beyond_o the_o bound_n which_o my_o adversary_n have_v set_v i_o and_o have_v endeavour_v brief_o to_o explain_v the_o nature_n and_o design_n of_o the_o prophetical_a write_n where_o i_o have_v discourse_v upon_o some_o thing_n not_o common_o treat_v of_o the_o explain_v of_o which_o i_o hope_v may_v tend_v to_o illustrate_v that_o noble_a part_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o remove_v some_o prejudices_fw-la against_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o prophet_n which_o have_v be_v greedy_o entertain_v by_o such_o person_n as_o be_v apt_a to_o be_v unreasonable_o suspicious_a and_o jealous_a of_o be_v impose_v upon_o and_o because_o there_o have_v be_v false_a prophet_n think_v it_o be_v impossible_a there_o shall_v be_v true_a one_o if_o i_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o any_o mistake_v i_o hope_v the_o reader_n will_v the_o more_o easy_o pardon_v they_o when_o he_o consider_v the_o niceness_n of_o the_o subject_a and_o that_o it_o have_v never_o yet_o be_v purposely_o treat_v of_o by_o any_o
and_o from_o thence_o proceed_v to_o explain_v what_o be_v more_o doubtful_a and_o obscure_a and_o if_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o write_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v once_o prove_v that_o of_o the_o old_a must_v follow_v as_o a_o necessary_a consequence_n because_o the_o former_a give_v testimony_n to_o the_o latter_a and_o most_o of_o the_o argument_n which_o prove_v the_o one_o may_v be_v easy_o apply_v to_o the_o other_o mr._n n._n allow_v the_o history_n of_o the_o n._n testament_n to_o be_v exact_a and_o true_a relation_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n but_o suppose_n that_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o inspiration_n to_o write_v a_o true_a history_n etc._n history_n fr._n p._n 231_o etc._n etc._n engl._n p._n 28._o etc._n etc._n he_o grant_v likewise_o that_o the_o apostolical_a epistle_n contain_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v conformable_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n but_o yet_o that_o the_o apostle_n have_v no_o need_n of_o a_o extraordinary_a inspiration_n for_o write_v their_o epistle_n 113._o epistle_n fr._n p._n 282_o 283._o eng._n p._n 112_o 113._o but_o all_o this_o while_n he_o take_v no_o notice_n that_o these_o write_n be_v design_v by_o god_n for_o the_o perpetual_a use_n and_o instruction_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o be_v a_o rule_n of_o christian_a faith_n to_o all_o age_n which_o one_o thing_n if_o it_o be_v make_v out_o will_v prove_v their_o divine_a original_a and_o sufficient_o distinguish_v they_o from_o all_o other_o write_n pure_o humane_a where_o providence_n can_v be_v suppose_v to_o have_v have_v such_o a_o extraordinary_a hand_n in_o the_o composure_n since_o it_o neither_o can_v be_v pretend_v that_o the_o author_n be_v the_o immediate_a instrument_n of_o god_n in_o publish_v his_o will_n nor_o that_o their_o work_n be_v design_v for_o so_o general_a a_o use_n as_o the_o instruction_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n i_o shall_v therefore_o in_o the_o first_o place_n give_v a_o definition_n of_o a_o inspire_a write_n and_o then_o prove_v that_o the_o write_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v true_o such_o a_o inspire_a write_v i_o take_v to_o be_v a_o book_n that_o be_v write_v by_o the_o incitation_n direction_n and_o assistance_n of_o god_n and_o design_v by_o he_o for_o the_o perpetual_a use_n of_o the_o church_n the_o proof_n of_o the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o new-testament-writing_n i_o shall_v comprise_v in_o these_o follow_a proposition_n i._o god_n design_v to_o provide_v a_o mean_n for_o the_o preserve_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n ii_o this_n can_v not_o be_v do_v so_o well_o in_o any_o ordinary_a way_n or_o humane_a mean_n as_o by_o commit_v this_o doctrine_n to_o write_v iii_o it_o be_v more_o reasonable_a to_o suppose_v that_o god_n will_v make_v use_n of_o this_o way_n than_o any_o other_o because_o he_o make_v use_v of_o the_o same_o mean_n before_o for_o the_o instruction_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n iv_o he_o have_v actual_o make_v use_n of_o no_o other_o way_n for_o the_o convey_n down_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n that_o can_v be_v assign_v v._o the_o apostle_n themselves_o design_v their_o write_n for_o the_o perpetual_a use_n of_o the_o church_n and_o look_v upon_o they_o of_o equal_a authority_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n as_o the_o write_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v in_o the_o jewish_a vi_o the_o age_n immediate_o after_o the_o apostle_n look_v upon_o the_o write_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n as_o the_o stand_a rule_n of_o faith_n to_o the_o christian_a church_n i_o think_v the_o make_v out_o these_o proposition_n some_o of_o which_o need_v very_o little_a proof_n will_v full_o prove_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o book_n contain_v in_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o when_o they_o be_v make_v out_o such_o consequence_n may_v be_v draw_v from_o they_o as_o will_v silence_v most_o of_o the_o cavil_n and_o objection_n which_o the_o author_n of_o these_o letter_n and_o some_o other_o have_v raise_v against_o the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o scripture_n i._o the_o first_o proposition_n to_o be_v prove_v be_v this_o god_n design_v to_o provide_v a_o mean_n for_o the_o preserve_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n this_o proposition_n i_o think_v any_o christian_n will_v take_v for_o grant_v and_o my_o design_n at_o present_a be_v not_o to_o dispute_v with_o infidel_n but_o to_o lay_v down_o those_o principle_n upon_o which_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v build_v the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n be_v presuppose_v because_o the_o author_n i_o be_o to_o deal_v with_o profess_v the_o belief_n of_o christianity_n and_o yet_o have_v raise_v objection_n against_o a_o great_a many_o of_o those_o write_n which_o christian_n have_v all_o along_o look_v upon_o to_o be_v of_o divine_a authority_n i_o say_v therefore_o that_o no_o christian_n can_v doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o proposition_n for_o every_o christian_a believe_v the_o gospel_n to_o be_v the_o last_o and_o most_o perfect_a revelation_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n which_o he_o intend_v to_o afford_v to_o the_o world_n he_o believe_v that_o christ_n will_v be_v with_o his_o church_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n 16.18_o mat._n 28.20_o 16.18_o and_o that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o it_o i._n e._n it_o shall_v never_o be_v so_o far_o weaken_v as_o that_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n shall_v cease_v or_o the_o church_n be_v perfect_o deprive_v of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o save_a truth_n nothing_o further_o be_v needful_a for_o the_o illustrate_v this_o proposition_n i_o proceed_v to_o the_o ii_o proposition_n god_n can_v not_o preserve_v the_o knowledge_n of_o christianity_n in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n or_o by_o any_o humane_a mean_n so_o well_o as_o by_o convey_v the_o doctrine_n of_o it_o to_o after_o age_n by_o write_v i_o do_v not_o pretend_v to_o prescribe_v to_o god_n almighty_a what_o method_n he_o shall_v use_v to_o discover_v his_o will_n to_o the_o world_n or_o confine_v he_o to_o any_o one_o way_n of_o do_v it_o but_o thus_o much_o i_o think_v i_o may_v safe_o say_v that_o a_o stand_a rule_n of_o faith_n commit_v to_o write_v be_v liable_a to_o less_o inconvenience_n and_o difficulty_n than_o any_o other_o way_n of_o convey_v down_o divine_a truth_n whereas_o all_o other_o way_n that_o can_v be_v assign_v of_o transmit_v divine_a revelation_n be_v encumber_v with_o so_o many_o difficulty_n that_o without_o a_o constant_a series_n of_o miracle_n they_o can_v never_o attain_v their_o end_n and_o therefore_o we_o can_v reasonable_o suppose_v that_o god_n will_v make_v choice_n of_o any_o such_o method_n to_o reveal_v his_o will_n by_o for_o this_o be_v to_o be_v lay_v down_o for_o a_o certain_a truth_n that_o god_n never_o work_v more_o miracle_n than_o needs_o must_v nor_o ever_o suspend_v or_o overbear_v the_o force_n of_o natural_a agent_n without_o evident_a necessity_n but_o always_o use_v second_o cause_n and_o humane_a mean_n as_o far_o as_o they_o will_v go_v and_o therefore_o that_o method_n which_o offer_v least_o violence_n to_o nature_n be_v more_o likely_a to_o be_v make_v choice_n of_o by_o god_n some_o man_n indeed_o be_v apt_a to_o think_v that_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n can_v show_v itself_o without_o a_o constant_a series_n of_o miracle_n but_o they_o that_o consider_v thing_n more_o exact_o rather_o judge_v that_o a_o continue_a succession_n of_o miracle_n will_v real_o be_v a_o reproach_n to_o god_n ordinary_a providence_n for_o often_o to_o interrupt_v the_o course_n of_o nature_n must_v needs_o be_v a_o reflection_n upon_o the_o wisdom_n that_o first_o contrive_v it_o we_o can_v imagine_v but_o two_o way_n of_o god_n communicate_v his_o will_n to_o several_a successive_a age_n without_o the_o help_n of_o write_v either_o oral_a tradition_n or_o make_v a_o particular_a revelation_n to_o every_o single_a person_n or_o at_o least_o to_o all_o those_o who_o business_n it_o be_v to_o teach_v and_o instruct_v other_o in_o their_o duty_n now_o both_o these_o way_n be_v liable_a to_o such_o difficulty_n and_o do_v suppose_v so_o many_o immediate_a interposition_n of_o god_n power_n to_o prevent_v those_o error_n which_o must_v of_o necessity_n attend_v they_o consider_v the_o present_a state_n of_o humane_a nature_n as_o be_v not_o suitable_a to_o the_o method_n which_o god_n use_v in_o govern_v the_o world_n i_o shall_v not_o pursue_v this_o matter_n any_o further_a nor_o give_v a_o particular_a account_n of_o the_o inconvenience_n to_o which_o both_o these_o method_n be_v obnoxious_a and_o to_o correct_v which_o a_o constant_a interposition_n of_o miracle_n will_v be_v necessary_a the_o absurdity_n of_o the_o former_a have_v be_v abundant_o demonstrate_v by_o the_o faith_n the_o dr._n tillotson_n
by_o passion_n yet_o still_o there_o will_v appear_v evident_a token_n of_o a_o divine_a assistance_n accompany_v he_o if_o we_o take_v a_o entire_a view_n of_o the_o whole_a history_n of_o his_o suffering_n at_o jerusalem_n with_o what_o a_o undaunted_a resolution_n he_o go_v thither_o when_o he_o know_v beforehand_o that_o bond_n and_o affliction_n do_v abide_v he_o and_o do_v not_o value_v his_o life_n so_o he_o may_v finish_v his_o course_n with_o joy_n 24._o joy_n acc._n 20.23_o 24._o how_o he_o persist_v in_o the_o same_o resolution_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o importunity_n and_o tear_n of_o his_o friend_n be_v ready_a not_o only_o to_o be_v bind_v at_o jerusalem_n but_o also_o to_o die_v for_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n 21.14_o jesus_n act._n 21.14_o with_o what_o courage_n he_o set_v forth_o the_o ground_n of_o his_o conversion_n before_o the_o enrage_v multitude_n 22._o multitude_n act._n 22._o with_o what_o authority_n he_o preach_v concern_v the_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o the_o fundamental_o of_o christianity_n to_o felix_n and_o lay_v his_o sin_n so_o home_o to_o he_o that_o he_o make_v he_o tremble_v 24.25_o act._n 24.25_o how_o powerful_o he_o plead_v for_o himself_o and_o his_o religion_n before_o agrippa_n 26._o agrippa_n act._n 26._o so_o as_o to_o make_v impression_n upon_o the_o king_n himself_o and_o almost_o persuade_v he_o to_o be_v a_o christian_n he_o that_o shall_v lay_v all_o these_o thing_n together_o will_v see_v reason_n to_o admire_v the_o power_n of_o god_n grace_n in_o st._n paul_n behaviour_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o will_v not_o think_v that_o that_o one_o slip_n if_o it_o be_v one_o be_v able_a to_o obscure_v the_o glory_n of_o all_o the_o other_o part_n of_o it_o and_o as_o for_o that_o prudential_n act_n of_o st._n paul_n which_o our_o author_n say_v 46._o say_v fr._n p._n 242._o eng._n p._n 46._o have_v nothing_o of_o inspiration_n in_o it_o viz._n his_o divide_v the_o council_n 23.6_o council_n act._n 23.6_o and_o thereby_o make_v one_o half_o of_o they_o his_o friend_n it_o be_v exact_o agreeable_a to_o our_o savior_n advice_n to_o the_o apostle_n 10.16_o apostle_n matth._n 10.16_o to_o use_v all_o prudence_n that_o be_v consistent_a with_o innocency_n as_o this_o certain_o be_v but_o beside_o it_o imply_v a_o excellent_a argument_n ad_fw-la homines_fw-la viz._n to_o jew_n in_o behalf_n of_o christianity_n namely_o that_o it_o be_v unreasonable_a for_o they_o to_o reject_v that_o religion_n or_o persecute_v the_o abetter_n of_o it_o who_o great_a design_n it_o be_v to_o establish_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o resurrection_n the_o belief_n of_o which_o point_n the_o chief_a of_o their_o own_o sect_n for_o reputation_n look_v upon_o as_o one_o of_o the_o principal_a article_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o therefore_o we_o find_v st._n paul_n know_v what_o force_n there_o be_v in_o it_o insist_v again_o and_o again_o upon_o the_o very_a same_o apology_n for_o himself_o 28.20_o himself_o act._n 24.15_o c._n 26.6_o 7._o c._n 28.20_o nay_o god_n himself_o approve_v of_o it_o as_o appear_v by_o the_o vision_n which_o st._n paul_n have_v to_o encourage_v he_o the_o very_o next_o night_n after_o his_o appearance_n before_o the_o council_n by_o which_o our_o lord_n himself_o give_v testimony_n to_o he_o that_o he_o have_v witness_v a_o good_a confession_n 23.11_o confession_n act._n 23.11_o but_o it_o be_v a_o wonder_n to_o i_o that_o our_o 48.49_o our_o fr._n p._n 243._o eng._n p._n 48.49_o author_n shall_v think_v st._n stephen_n behaviour_n and_o harangue_n 7_o harangue_n act._n 7_o a_o proper_a instance_n to_o show_v that_o the_o apostle_n and_o primitive_a confessor_n have_v no_o immediate_a assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n when_o they_o appear_v before_o secular_a magistrate_n for_o if_o courage_n to_o speak_v the_o truth_n and_o to_o back_o it_o with_o unanswerable_a argument_n be_v a_o sign_n of_o a_o extraordinary_a assistance_n certain_o not_o person_n ever_o give_v great_a evidence_n of_o it_o than_o st._n stephen_n to_o declare_v public_o that_o the_o temple_n and_o its_o worship_n shall_v short_o be_v destroy_v 6.14_o destroy_v act._n 6.14_o be_v such_o a_o invidious_a truth_n that_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o do_v not_o think_v fit_a at_o first_o to_o speak_v it_o open_o but_o show_v a_o great_a respect_n to_o the_o establish_a worship_n by_o constant_o attend_v upon_o it_o 26._o it_o act._n 3_o 1.-18.21.-20_a 16_o 21_o 26._o the_o dissolution_n of_o the_o moysaicall_a oeconomy_n be_v a_o truth_n that_o the_o new_a convert_v from_o judaisme_n be_v not_o yet_o able_a to_o bear_v but_o even_o this_o truth_n st._n stephen_n have_v the_o boldness_n to_o profess_v and_o maintain_v it_o too_o by_o a_o continue_a series_n of_o argument_n from_o abraham_n who_o the_o jew_n boast_v to_o be_v their_o father_n down_o to_o the_o build_n of_o the_o temple_n wherein_o he_o show_v that_o the_o patriarch_n and_o founder_n of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n be_v accept_v by_o god_n before_o the_o temple_n or_o its_o service_n have_v a_o beginning_n nay_o that_o moses_n himself_o the_o institutor_n of_o this_o worship_n prophesy_v of_o christ_n 7.37_o christ_n act_n 7.37_o and_o design_v the_o tabernacle_n only_o for_o a_o pattern_n of_o heavenly_a thing_n 44._o thing_n ibid_fw-la ver_fw-la 44._o beside_o this_o st._n stephen_n all_o along_o make_v reflection_n upon_o the_o stubborn_a and_o refractory_a temper_n of_o the_o jew_n from_o the_o beginning_n and_o tell_v they_o that_o their_o reject_v and_o murder_v of_o christ_n when_o he_o come_v be_v but_o agreeable_a to_o their_o usage_n of_o the_o prophet_n who_o foretell_v he_o 52._o he_o ib._n ver_fw-la 52._o i_o think_v he_o that_o say_v these_o thing_n have_v the_o gift_n of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o the_o apostle_n pray_v for_o 4.29_o for_o act_n 4.29_o in_o a_o great_a measure_n and_o though_o our_o author_n be_v please_v to_o say_v supr_fw-la say_v ubi_fw-la supr_fw-la that_o st._n stephen_n mention_n divers_a circumstance_n of_o history_n which_o be_v nothing_o to_o the_o purpose_n yet_o for_o my_o part_n i_o must_v declare_v i_o see_v none_o but_o what_o be_v necessary_a to_o make_v it_o a_o full_a and_o complete_a narrative_n or_o else_o serve_v to_o set_v forth_o the_o ill_a manner_n of_o the_o jew_n under_o the_o several_a dispensation_n of_o providence_n and_o i_o be_o apt_a to_o think_v st._n luke_n be_v of_o the_o same_o mind_n for_o abstract_v from_o his_o divine_a character_n he_o be_v too_o judicious_a a_o man_n to_o trouble_v himself_o or_o his_o reader_n with_o a_o rehearsal_n of_o impertinent_a circumstance_n i_o be_o sure_a there_o be_v several_a particular_n which_o be_v of_o great_a use_n to_o explain_v the_o write_n of_o moses_n 26._o moses_n act_n 7.20_o 26._o which_o we_o can_v never_o have_v know_v if_o this_o discourse_n have_v not_o be_v preserve_v this_o gentleman_n may_v call_v these_o impertinency_n if_o he_o please_v but_o i_o believe_v few_o will_v follow_v he_o in_o this_o bold_a and_o unscholar-like_a censure_n and_o it_o be_v well_o st_n luke_n be_v of_o another_o mind_n for_o we_o shall_v have_v have_v a_o great_a loss_n if_o he_o have_v not_o preserve_v they_o and_o as_o for_o those_o particular_n which_o he_o say_v supr_fw-la say_v ubi_fw-la supr_fw-la can_v be_v reconcile_v with_o the_o history_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n 7.16_o testament_n act_n 7.16_o if_o s._n luke_n make_v these_o mistake_v they_o have_v be_v account_v for_o above_o 46._o above_o supr_fw-la p._n 45_o 46._o if_o st._n stephen_n himself_o do_v i_o suppose_v the_o same_o defence_n that_o be_v make_v for_o a_o writer_n will_v hold_v more_o strong_o for_o a_o speaker_n and_o though_o we_o suppose_v st._n stephen_n to_o have_v be_v full_a of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n when_o he_o speak_v 10.-7.55_a speak_v act_n 6_o 10.-7.55_a yet_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n the_o spirit_n shall_v dictate_v a_o history_n to_o he_o which_o he_o be_v before_o so_o well_o acquaint_v with_o and_o why_o may_v we_o not_o say_v that_o although_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v so_o remarkable_o present_a with_o he_o at_o this_o time_n that_o the_o glory_n which_o be_v shed_v forth_o upon_o his_o soul_n shine_v through_o his_o body_n and_o make_v his_o face_n look_v like_o the_o face_n of_o a_o angel_n 6.15_o angel_n act_n 6.15_o yet_o the_o holy_a ghost_n think_v fit_a not_o to_o supply_v the_o defect_n of_o his_o memory_n in_o one_o or_o two_o particular_n to_o show_v that_o inspire_a person_n even_o in_o their_o bright_a minute_n be_v still_o but_o man_n and_o that_o the_o excellency_n may_v appear_v to_o be_v of_o god_n and_o not_o of_o themselves_o what_o have_v be_v say_v be_v sufficient_a to_o show_v what_o little_a ground_n there_o be_v for_o this_o author_n be_v unworthy_a reflection_n upon_o the_o behaviour_n of_o the_o first_o christian_n before_o
the_o heathen_a tribunal_n wherein_o he_o seem_v not_o only_o to_o attack_v two_o or_o three_o passage_n of_o scripture_n but_o to_o endeavour_v to_o overthrow_v one_o of_o the_o principal_a argument_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n for_o certain_o never_o be_v there_o great_a evidence_n of_o a_o divine_a power_n present_a with_o its_o professor_n than_o when_o they_o be_v summon_v before_o the_o magistrate_n to_o give_v a_o reason_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o they_o i_o proceed_v in_o the_o vth_z place_n to_o answer_v the_o objection_n which_o he_o have_v advance_v against_o the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o apostle_n 1._o the_o first_o which_o i_o shall_v take_v notice_n of_o be_v the_o apostle_n dispute_v and_o confer_v with_o each_o other_o before_o they_o come_v to_o a_o resolution_n at_o the_o synod_n of_o jerusalem_n 57_o jerusalem_n fr._n p._n 248_o 249._o eng._n p._n 57_o which_o he_o think_v be_v needless_a among_o person_n inspire_a as_o likewise_o that_o prophet_n shall_v submit_v what_o they_o say_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o other_o prophet_n according_a to_o st._n paul_n order_n 14.29_o order_n 1_o cor._n 14.29_o but_o the_o force_n of_o this_o objection_n will_v be_v take_v away_o if_o we_o consider_v that_o god_n distribute_v his_o gift_n to_o each_o person_n several_o as_o he_o think_v fit_a 11._o fit_a 1_o cor._n 12_o 11._o so_o that_o even_o the_o great_a apostle_n may_v think_v it_o necessary_a to_o advise_v with_o their_o brethren_n in_o matter_n of_o consequence_n where_o the_o edification_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v near_o concern_v and_o indeed_o one_o reason_n why_o god_n give_v his_o spirit_n by_o measure_n to_o they_o seem_v to_o be_v this_o that_o he_o design_v to_o engage_v all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n into_o a_o strict_a union_n and_o alliance_n with_o each_o other_o by_o this_o mean_n because_o they_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o one_o another_o help_n and_o direction_n and_o the_o eye_n can_v not_o say_v to_o the_o hand_n i_o have_v no_o need_n of_o thou_o nor_o the_o head_n to_o the_o foot_n i_o have_v no_o need_n of_o you_o 21._o you_o ibid._n v._o 21._o i._n e._n the_o more_o eminent_a member_n of_o the_o church_n very_o often_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o the_o assistance_n and_o direction_n of_o the_o inferior_a and_o less_o considerable_a one_o and_o according_o we_o find_v the_o apostle_n and_o head_n of_o the_o church_n be_v inform_v by_o the_o inferior_a and_o more_o ordinary_a member_n of_o it_o of_o several_a particular_n they_o be_v ignorant_a of_o before_o so_o agabus_n inform_v st._n paul_n of_o his_o suffering_n at_o jerusalem_n 21.11_o jerusalem_n act._n 21.11_o and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n witness_v the_o same_o in_o every_o city_n 20.23_o city_n act._n 20.23_o no_o doubt_n by_o person_n of_o a_o much_o inferior_a station_n in_o the_o church_n than_o st._n paul_n himself_o thus_o the_o distribution_n of_o spiritual_a gift_n in_o different_a measure_n and_o degree_n be_v very_o effectual_a to_o prevent_v schism_n in_o the_o body_n 12.25_o body_n 1_o cor._n 12.25_o of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o oblige_v the_o member_n to_o have_v the_o same_o care_n one_o for_o another_o and_o we_o may_v observe_v to_o this_o purpose_n that_o our_o saviour_n make_v a_o especial_a promise_n of_o his_o presence_n among_o his_o disciple_n where_o two_o or_o three_o be_v gather_v together_o 2d_o together_o matth._n 18_o 2d_o to_o engage_v they_o thereby_o to_o preserve_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n and_o not_o to_o forsake_v the_o assemble_v themselves_o together_o and_o as_o by_o their_o exercise_v their_o gift_n in_o the_o public_a assembly_n each_o man_n be_v private_a gift_n be_v produce_v in_o common_a and_o make_v serviceable_a to_o the_o church_n in_o general_a so_o this_o prevent_v false_a prophet_n creep_v in_o among_o they_o because_o they_o will_v present_o be_v detect_v whereas_o if_o private_a prophesy_v have_v be_v in_o use_n a_o impostor_n may_v have_v take_v his_o opportunity_n and_o by_o impose_v upon_o the_o weak_a sort_n have_v get_v such_o a_o reputation_n before_o the_o cheat_n can_v have_v be_v discover_v that_o it_o will_v have_v be_v difficult_a afterward_o to_o have_v convince_v man_n of_o the_o imposture_n but_o by_o make_v every_o one_o that_o pretend_v to_o inspiration_n undergo_v a_o public_a trial_n a_o false_a prophet_n can_v not_o hope_v to_o escape_v long_o without_o be_v convince_v by_o all_o and_o judge_v by_o all_o and_o this_o show_v the_o reasonableness_n of_o that_o command_n of_o st._n paul_n that_o the_o prophet_n shall_v submit_v what_o they_o say_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o their_o brethren_n 14.29_o brethren_n 1_o cor._n 14.29_o for_o since_o from_o the_o very_a beginning_n there_o be_v false_a prophet_n and_o deceitful_a worker_n who_o endeavour_v to_o transform_v themselves_o into_o the_o true_a apostle_n and_o messenger_n of_o christ_n 11.13_o christ_n 2_o cor._n 11.13_o the_o apostle_n think_v fit_a to_o lay_v down_o rule_n for_o the_o try_v of_o spirit_n etc._n spirit_n 1_o cor._n 12.3_o 1_o joh._n 4_o 1_o etc._n etc._n and_o the_o discern_a of_o spirit_n be_v a_o particular_a gift_n design_v for_o this_o purpose_n 10._o purpose_n 1_o cor._n 12_o 10._o now_o the_o fit_a way_n of_o do_v this_o be_v by_o the_o joint_a advice_n of_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n assemble_v together_o as_o we_o find_v the_o bishop_n of_o asia_n meet_v together_o discover_v the_o falseness_n of_o montanus_n and_o his_o follower_n pretence_n to_o prophecy_n 16.19_o prophecy_n v._o euseb_n ii_o e._n l._n 5._o c_o 16.19_o to_o all_o which_o we_o may_v add_v that_o beside_o the_o usefulness_n of_o this_o method_n to_o secure_v the_o church_n against_o imposture_n it_o have_v this_o further_a advantage_n in_o it_o that_o what_o several_a inspire_a person_n do_v agree_v in_o bring_v along_o with_o it_o great_a evidence_n of_o its_o come_n from_o god_n than_o if_o it_o have_v be_v deliver_v only_o by_o one_o for_o though_o every_o thing_n which_o come_v from_o god_n deserve_v equal_a credit_n in_o itself_o yet_o there_o may_v be_v great_a evidence_n to_o we_o of_o the_o divine_a original_a of_o one_o doctrine_n than_o of_o another_o 26._o another_o v._o cl._n dodwell_n prolegom_o in_o dissert_n iren._n n._n 6-9_a &_o dissert_n 2._o in_o iren._n n._n 26._o and_o as_o there_o be_v great_a and_o more_o evident_a proof_n of_o the_o divine_a mission_n of_o the_o apostle_n than_o of_o the_o prophet_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n have_v the_o precedence_n of_o the_o prophet_n 12.28_o prophet_n 1_o cor_fw-la 12.28_o and_o the_o prophet_n be_v to_o submit_v to_o their_o order_n and_o regulate_v their_o gift_n by_o their_o injunction_n 3●_n injunction_n 1_o cor._n 14_o 3●_n though_o what_o a_o true_a prophet_n speak_v be_v as_o much_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o what_o a_o apostle_n do_v so_o in_o like_a manner_n that_o which_o be_v confirm_v by_o the_o concur_v testimony_n of_o two_o or_o three_o inspire_a witness_n bring_v great_a evidence_n of_o its_o divine_a authority_n than_o that_o which_o rely_v whole_o upon_o the_o credit_n and_o integrity_n of_o one_o because_o two_o or_o three_o be_v less_o liable_a to_o mistake_v than_o one_o and_o therefore_o we_o find_v our_o saviour_n himself_o argue_v from_o the_o common_a sentiment_n of_o man_n and_o appeal_v to_o the_o concur_v testimony_n of_o john_n 5.33_o john_n joh._n 5.33_o as_o a_o corroborate_n evidence_n though_o his_o miracle_n sufficient_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o mission_n nay_o he_o reckon_v that_o the_o joint_a testimony_n of_o his_o father_n and_o himself_o be_v more_o credible_a humane_o speak_v than_o either_o of_o they_o single_o 18._o single_o joh_n 8_o 17_o 18._o and_o what_o have_v be_v say_v concern_v inspire_a person_n of_o a_o inferior_a rank_n hold_v true_a of_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o for_o though_o i_o make_v no_o question_n but_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v always_o so_o far_o present_a with_o they_o as_o to_o guide_v and_o direct_v they_o in_o all_o matter_n that_o be_v of_o consequence_n such_o as_o that_o be_v which_o give_v occasion_n to_o the_o synod_n at_o jerusalem_n yet_o to_o make_v they_o capable_a of_o this_o assistance_n we_o must_v suppose_v that_o they_o observe_v those_o rule_n of_o our_o saviour_n which_o be_v necessary_a condition_n in_o order_n to_o the_o procure_v this_o assistance_n one_o of_o which_o as_o i_o have_v observe_v already_o be_v their_o assemble_v together_o when_o they_o have_v opportunity_n and_o where_o the_o case_n concern_v the_o whole_a church_n in_o general_n and_o since_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o do_v but_o know_v in_o part_n and_o prophesy_v in_o part_n 13.9_o part_n 1_o cor._n 13.9_o and_o consequent_o may_v receive_v further_a light_n from_o other_o what_o
the_o whole_a college_n of_o apostle_n agree_v in_o come_v with_o great_a authority_n and_o evidence_n of_o its_o be_v god_n will_n than_o what_o be_v deliver_v by_o one_o apostle_n only_o just_o as_o we_o be_v more_o assure_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o doctrine_n which_o be_v often_o repeat_v by_o different_a writer_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n than_o of_o those_o which_o be_v only_o mention_v by_o one_o because_o the_o authority_n of_o several_a writer_n add_v weight_n to_o the_o matter_n itself_o and_o the_o compare_v they_o together_o prevent_v our_o mistake_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o scripture_n concern_v it_o whereas_o what_o be_v but_o once_o mention_v be_v more_o liable_a to_o ambiguity_n and_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o more_o easy_o mistake_v from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v i_o hope_v it_o appear_v that_o there_o be_v sufficient_a reason_n why_o inspire_a person_n shall_v consult_v each_o other_o and_o that_o this_o be_v no_o prejudice_n to_o their_o inspiration_n 2._o the_o second_o objection_n be_v 58._o be_v fr_n p._n 249._o eng_n p_o 58._o that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o the_o apostle_n receive_v on_o the_o day_n of_o pentecost_n have_v not_o teach_v they_o all_o they_o ought_v to_o know_v so_o far_o be_v it_o from_o render_v they_o at_o first_o dash_v infallibe_n so_o that_o st._n peter_n need_v a_o vision_n to_o learn_v that_o he_o ought_v not_o to_o scruple_n preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o the_o gentile_n i_o do_v not_o know_v any_o body_n that_o ever_o yet_o maintain_v that_o the_o spirit_n once_o for_o all_o instruct_v the_o apostle_n in_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v needful_a for_o the_o discharge_v of_o their_o office_n it_o be_v certain_a several_a thing_n be_v reveal_v to_o they_o by_o degree_n and_o in_o proportion_n to_o the_o exigence_n of_o the_o church_n and_o this_o author_n himself_o own_v as_o much_o when_o he_o tell_v we_o 62._o we_o fr._n p._n 252._o eng._n p._n 62._o that_o the_o apostle_n have_v many_o immediate_a revelation_n and_o divers_a heavenly_a vision_n and_o as_o for_o the_o descent_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n upon_o they_o in_o a_o visible_a manner_n on_o the_o day_n of_o pentecost_n the_o chief_a design_n of_o that_o be_v public_o to_o authorize_v they_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o to_o initiate_v they_o into_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n church_n which_o be_v then_o found_v and_o to_o do_v this_o by_o more_o solemn_a token_n of_o the_o divine_a presence_n among_o the_o first_o professor_n than_o any_o other_o institution_n can_v ever_o pretend_v to_o according_a to_o what_o the_o baptist_n foretell_v 3.11_o foretell_v matth._n 3.11_o and_o our_o saviour_n promise_v 1.5_o promise_v act._n 1.5_o that_o john_n indeed_o baptize_v or_o admit_v proselyte_n with_o the_o bare_a ceremony_n of_o water_n which_o have_v be_v a_o rite_n make_v use_v of_o by_o the_o jew_n long_o before_o upon_o such_o occasion_n but_o the_o apostle_n shall_v be_v baptise_a or_o admit_v into_o the_o church_n with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o with_o fire_n 3._o the_o three_o objection_n be_v that_o 57_o that_o fr._n p._n 248._o eng._n p._n 57_o when_o the_o dispute_n arise_v whether_o the_o gentile_n that_o be_v convert_v be_v to_o be_v circumcise_a or_o not_o though_o st._n paul_n and_o st._n barnabas_n be_v against_o this_o yet_o their_o authority_n be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o put_v to_o silence_v the_o judaize_v christian_n which_o be_v a_o sign_n they_o do_v not_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o infallible_a to_o the_o same_o purpose_n he_o urge_v 58._o urge_v fr._n p._n 249._o eng._n p._n 58._o the_o believer_n that_o be_v of_o the_o circumcision_n contend_v with_o st._n peter_n for_o go_v to_o man_n uncircumcised_a and_o converse_v with_o they_o 3._o they_o act._n 11_o 2_o 3._o to_o begin_v with_o the_o latter_a part_n of_o the_o objection_n to_o the_o instance_n of_o st._n peter_n i_o answer_v that_o the_o convert_v of_o the_o circumcision_n be_v thorough_o persuade_v that_o the_o law_n and_o institution_n of_o moses_n be_v of_o perpetual_a obligation_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o at_o first_o they_o be_v surprise_v to_o see_v any_o of_o they_o lay_v aside_o and_o a_o door_n open_v to_o let_v in_o the_o gentile_n to_o the_o same_o privilege_n with_o the_o jew_n and_o to_o take_v away_o that_o discrimination_n which_o the_o law_n make_v between_o the_o jew_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n 7.6_o world_n exod._n 19.5_o 6._o deut._n 7.6_o and_o since_o this_o action_n of_o st._n peter_n touch_v they_o so_o near_o in_o their_o privilege_n and_o prerogative_n or_o at_o least_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o tradition_n they_o have_v receive_v from_o their_o teacher_n and_o hold_v as_o sacred_a as_o the_o law_n itself_o 18.28_o itself_o matt._n 15.2_o mat._n 7.3_o joh._n 18.28_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n they_o be_v not_o easy_o satisfy_v about_o it_o till_o they_o examine_v the_o reason_n upon_o which_o st._n peter_n act_v in_o this_o matter_n and_o the_o apostle_n never_o lay_v so_o much_o stress_n upon_o their_o infallibility_n as_o to_o require_v their_o disciple_n to_o believe_v they_o upon_o their_o own_o word_n as_o mr._n n._n himself_o 112._o himself_o fr._n p._n 283._o eng._n p._n 112._o observe_v or_o without_o demand_v a_o reason_n why_o they_o do_v so_o but_o if_o we_o shall_v grant_v all_o this_o objection_n contend_v for_o certain_o it_o be_v but_o a_o weak_a argument_n that_o the_o apostle_n be_v not_o infallible_a because_o some_o new_a convert_v 19_o convert_v see_v mr._n dodwel_n of_o schism_n ch_n 19_o sect_n 18_o 19_o do_v not_o think_v so_o who_o it_o be_v plain_a do_v not_o well_o understand_v the_o principle_n of_o their_o own_o religion_n and_o have_v not_o as_o yet_o entire_o submit_v to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n we_o may_v argue_v that_o our_o saviour_n be_v not_o infallible_a which_o yet_o mr._n n._n himself_o look_v upon_o 109._o upon_o fr._n p._n 257_o 260_o 281._o eng._n p._n 70_o 75_o 109._o as_o a_o certain_a truth_n because_o his_o disciple_n seem_v not_o to_o be_v satisfy_v sometime_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o he_o say_v 16.22_o say_v matth._n 16.22_o and_o demand_v of_o he_o a_o reason_n 15.15_o reason_n matth_n 15.15_o of_o those_o doctrine_n of_o his_o that_o look_v like_o paradox_n to_o they_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o what_o have_v be_v say_v will_v hold_v much_o strong_a in_o the_o case_n of_o st._n paul_n and_o barnabas_n 15._o barnabas_n act_n 15._o for_o the_o admit_v the_o gentile_n into_o the_o church_n without_o circumcision_n must_v needs_o be_v think_v a_o great_a violation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n by_o those_o that_o look_v upon_o it_o to_o be_v of_o perpetual_a obligation_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n to_o which_o may_v be_v add_v that_o st._n paul_n and_o barnabas_n have_v not_o so_o clear_a and_o indisputable_a a_o authority_n as_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n not_o be_v of_o the_o number_n of_o the_o twelve_o who_o commission_n be_v so_o solemn_o seal_v and_o ratify_v on_o the_o day_n of_o pentecost_n and_o they_o who_o be_v of_o a_o different_a persuasion_n from_o they_o will_v in_o all_o likelihood_n lie_v hold_v of_o this_o objection_n against_o their_o authority_n as_o man_n be_v willing_a to_o take_v advantage_n of_o any_o exception_n to_o a_o authority_n that_o be_v against_o they_o and_o according_o we_o find_v in_o after_o time_n when_o the_o judaize_v christian_n find_v st._n paul_n zealous_a in_o assert_v the_o liberty_n of_o the_o gentile_a convert_v and_o teach_v man_n every_o where_o to_o apostatise_v from_o moses_n as_o they_o term_v it_o 21.21_o it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d act._n 21.21_o that_o they_o do_v what_o they_o can_v to_o lessen_v his_o authority_n and_o represent_v he_o as_o far_o inferior_a to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o therefore_o that_o no_o great_a stress_n be_v to_o be_v lay_v upon_o his_o doctrine_n which_o force_v he_o to_o vindicate_v himself_o and_o his_o apostleship_n at_o large_a galat._n 1._o and_o 2._o chapter_n 4._o the_o four_o objection_n be_v 60._o be_v fr._n p._n 250._o eng._n p._n 60._o st._n peter_n dissimulation_n at_o antioch_n for_o which_o st._n paul_n reprove_v he_o as_o he_o tell_v we_o 2.11_o we_o gal._n 2.11_o and_o here_o i_o agree_v with_o our_o author_n that_o st._n peter_n act_v contrary_a to_o his_o judgement_n and_o dissemble_v his_o opinion_n for_o he_o that_o have_v be_v warn_v by_o a_o vision_n 10.28_o vision_n act._n 10.28_o that_o he_o shall_v not_o call_v any_o man_n common_a or_o unclean_a and_o but_o just_a before_o have_v a_o great_a hand_n in_o make_v the_o decree_n at_o the_o synod_n of_o jerusalem_n 7._o jerusalem_n act._n 15_o 7._o whereby_o the_o gentile_n be_v make_v member_n of_o the_o church_n upon_o
their_o virtue_n so_o extraordinary_a that_o none_o of_o the_o whifle_a pretender_n to_o prophecy_n can_v in_o the_o least_o compare_n with_o they_o with_o what_o undaunted_a courage_n and_o constancy_n do_v they_o reprove_v the_o popular_a vice_n of_o the_o time_n they_o live_v in_o not_o spare_v the_o great_a person_n either_o out_o of_o fear_n or_o flattery_n and_o if_o we_o suppose_v they_o to_o have_v act_v like_o man_n in_o their_o wit_n and_o there_o be_v no_o tolerable_a reason_n to_o suspect_v the_o contrary_a we_o must_v conclude_v that_o nothing_o but_o a_o sense_n of_o their_o duty_n can_v prompt_v they_o to_o do_v this_o for_o they_o can_v propose_v no_o advantage_n to_o themselves_o by_o it_o but_o on_o the_o contrary_n be_v to_o expect_v all_o the_o scorn_n and_o misery_n which_o the_o angry_a and_o revengeful_a temper_n of_o wicked_a man_n in_o power_n who_o they_o have_v offend_v can_v bring_v upon_o they_o and_o it_o can_v certain_o be_v no_o pleasure_n to_o be_v continual_o reprove_v man_n when_o there_o be_v little_a or_o no_o hope_n of_o reclaim_v they_o nay_o when_o they_o have_v not_o so_o much_o civility_n as_o to_o thank_v they_o for_o their_o good_a intention_n and_o take_v the_o good_a advice_n which_o they_o offer_v kind_o at_o their_o hand_n if_o it_o have_v not_o be_v pure_o out_o of_o a_o principle_n of_o conscience_n and_o that_o they_o be_v persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n and_o great_a concern_v of_o these_o thing_n and_o therefore_o speak_v they_o may_v with_o much_o more_o advantage_n to_o themselves_o have_v let_v man_n be_v quiet_a and_o go_v on_o secure_o in_o their_o sin_n many_o of_o their_o trouble_n and_o suffering_n we_o find_v record_v in_o their_o own_o book_n 7.10_o book_n jer._n 15.10_o etc._n etc._n c._n 18_o 18_o 20_o 1._o etc._n etc._n 26.8_o etc._n etc._n 36_o 26_o 37_o 15_o 38_o 6._o dan._n 6._o amos_n 7.10_o but_o several_a other_o scripture-writer_n 9.26_o scripture-writer_n matt._n 5_o 12.-2●.37_a act_n 7.52_o heb._n 11.36_o 37_o 38._o u●_n etiam_fw-la 1_o king_n 19.10_o nehem._n 9.26_o assure_v we_o that_o they_o be_v general_o martyr_n for_o the_o truth_n sake_n and_o yet_o none_o of_o these_o suffering_n can_v prevail_v with_o they_o to_o retract_v any_o thing_n they_o have_v say_v or_o to_o confess_v that_o they_o have_v be_v delude_v themselves_o or_o impose_v upon_o other_o and_o say_v the_o lord_n say_v though_o he_o have_v not_o speak_v origen_n have_v a_o excellent_a passage_n to_o our_o present_a purpose_n which_o i_o shall_v here_o set_v down_o at_o length_n cant._n length_n c._n celsum_fw-la l._n 7._o p._n 336._o ed._n cant._n he_o be_v speak_v just_a before_o concern_v the_o heathen_a prophet_n and_o priest_n that_o utter_v the_o oracle_n and_o then_o he_o add_v these_o remarkable_a word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d deest_fw-la vox_fw-la f._n supplend_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d well_o legend_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n ex_fw-la hebr._fw-la 11.37_o 38._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d but_o as_o for_o the_o jewish_a prophet_n some_o of_o they_o be_v honour_v with_o divine_a inspiration_n as_o be_v eminent_a for_o wisdom_n before_o and_o some_o of_o they_o have_v their_o mind_n enlighten_v by_o the_o very_a gift_n of_o prophecy_n become_v wise_a be_v make_v choice_n of_o by_o providence_n as_o person_n fit_a to_o be_v entrust_v with_o the_o divine_a spirit_n and_o the_o dictate_v of_o it_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o inimitable_a perfection_n of_o their_o life_n their_o boldness_n impartiality_n and_o courage_n that_o can_v not_o be_v daunt_v by_o death_n or_o danger_n for_o reason_n tell_v we_o that_o it_o be_v fit_a the_o prophet_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v such_o man_n for_o courage_n and_o constancy_n of_o mind_n that_o if_o we_o shall_v compare_v the_o fortitude_n of_o antisthenes_n crates_n or_o diogenes_n with_o they_o this_o will_v look_v but_o like_o childrens-play_a to_o that_o and_o therefore_o because_o they_o speak_v the_o truth_n and_o rebuke_v sinner_n with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o freedom_n 38._o freedom_n heb._n 11.37_o 38._o they_o be_v stone_v saw_v asunder_o be_v tempt_v be_v slay_v with_o the_o sword_n they_o wander_v about_o in_o sheepskin_n and_o goats-skin_n be_v destitute_a afflict_a torment_v they_o wander_v in_o desert_n in_o mountain_n in_o den_n and_o cave_n of_o the_o earth_n of_o who_o the_o world_n be_v not_o worthy_a have_v their_o mind_n always_o fix_v upon_o god_n and_o upon_o the_o invisible_a thing_n which_o be_v with_o he_o which_o can_v be_v discern_v by_o sense_n and_o therefore_o be_v eternal_a a_o little_a after_o the_o same_o author_n have_v these_o word_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d we_o say_v he_o do_v not_o value_v the_o pythian_a or_o any_o other_o of_o the_o fame_a heathen_a oracle_n yet_o we_o reverence_v the_o prophet_n that_o be_v among_o the_o jew_n because_o we_o see_v that_o the_o unshaken_a courage_n and_o constancy_n of_o their_o life_n make_v they_o worthy_a to_o receive_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n that_o prophesy_v quite_o another_o way_n and_o have_v nothing_o in_o it_o like_o the_o oracle_n which_o the_o devil_n utter_v from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v we_o may_v conclude_v that_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o prophet_n with_o relation_n to_o their_o personal_a qualification_n only_o they_o will_v appear_v to_o be_v person_n of_o unquestionable_a credit_n since_o their_o intellectual_a accomplishment_n be_v such_o that_o they_o can_v not_o probable_o be_v deceive_v themselves_o and_o the_o integrity_n of_o their_o life_n be_v so_o great_a that_o we_o can_v suppose_v they_o have_v any_o design_n to_o impose_v upon_o other_o i_o proceed_v in_o the_o ii_o place_n to_o consider_v the_o chief_a aim_n and_o design_n of_o god_n send_v prophet_n to_o the_o jew_n and_o what_o be_v the_o principal_a end_n of_o their_o office_n i_o confess_v i_o be_o apt_a to_o believe_v that_o the_o occasion_n of_o god_n promise_v to_o send_v a_o succession_n of_o prophet_n to_o the_o jew_n as_o many_o learned_a man_n understand_v that_o place_n 18.15_o place_n deut._n 18.15_o of_o deuteronomy_n be_v that_o they_o may_v have_v no_o temptation_n to_o have_v recourse_n to_o the_o heathen_a oracle_n and_o soothsayer_n to_o know_v what_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v for_o want_v of_o prophet_n of_o their_o own_o thus_o much_o the_o word_n of_o moses_n seem_v to_o imply_v 15._o imply_v ibid._n a_o v._o 10_o ad_fw-la v._o 15._o there_o shall_v not_o be_v any_o among_o you_o that_o use_v divination_n or_o a_o observer_n of_o time_n or_o a_o enchanter_n for_o these_o nation_n who_o thou_o shall_v possess_v hearken_v to_o observer_n of_o time_n and_o to_o diviner_n but_o as_o for_o thou_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n have_v not_o suffer_v thou_o so_o to_o do_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n shall_v raise_v thou_o up_o a_o prophet_n of_o thy_o brethren_n like_v unto_o i_o unto_o he_o shall_v you_o hearken_v the_o promise_n of_o a_o prophet_n which_o though_o it_o eminent_o relate_v to_o the_o messiah_n yet_o the_o context_n show_v it_o be_v primary_o and_o immediate_o mean_v of_o a_o order_n of_o prophet_n that_o shall_v succeed_v moses_n this_o promise_n i_o say_v be_v give_v to_o the_o jew_n as_o appear_v from_o this_o place_n to_o prevent_v their_o apply_v themselves_o to_o the_o heathen_a pretender_n to_o prophecy_n this_o be_v origen_n observation_n upon_o this_o place_n cant._n place_n l._n 1._o c._n celsum_fw-la p._n 28._o ed._n cant._n and_o he_o add_v this_o judicious_a remark_n therefore_o say_v he_o when_o the_o nation_n round_o about_o the_o jew_n have_v their_o oracle_n and_o several_a way_n of_o divination_n all_o which_o be_v strict_o prohibit_v among_o the_o jew_n if_o they_o have_v not_o have_v the_o satisfaction_n of_o foreknow_v thing_n to_o come_v some_o way_n or_o other_o it_o have_v be_v almost_o impossible_a consider_v the_o great_a curiosity_n of_o humane_a nature_n to_o have_v keep_v they_o from_o despise_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n as_o have_v no_o mark_n of_o divinity_n upon_o it_o or_o reject_v the_o prophet_n who_o succeed_v he_o and_o take_v no_o care_n to_o preserve_v their_o discourse_n or_o else_o apostatise_v to_o the_o heathen_a oracle_n or_o set_v up_o something_o like_o they_o among_o themselves_o therefore_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o the_o prophet_n now_o and_o then_o give_v answer_n to_o those_o that_o inquire_v of_o they_o about_o ordinary_a accident_n as_o samuel_n 10.2_o samuel_n 1_o sam._n 10.2_o tell_v saul_n that_o his_o ass_n be_v find_v and_o ahijah_n the_o prophet_n 14.12_o prophet_n 1_o king_n 14.12_o foretell_v the_o death_n of_o jeroboam_n son_n or_o else_o how_o can_v they_o that_o stand_v up_o for_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n reprove_v they_o that_o go_v to_o consult_v
idol_n as_o we_o find_v elias_n 1.3_o elias_n 2_o king_n 1.3_o reprove_v ahaziah_n say_v be_v it_o because_o there_o be_v not_o a_o god_n in_o israel_n that_o you_o go_v to_o inquire_v of_o baalzebub_n the_o god_n of_o ekron_n thus_o far_o that_o excellent_a writer_n which_o word_n of_o he_o as_o they_o give_v we_o a_o very_a good_a account_n of_o the_o original_a institution_n of_o prophet_n among_o the_o jew_n and_o likewise_o furnish_v we_o with_o a_o very_a satisfactory_a reason_n why_o the_o prophet_n condescend_v now_o and_o then_o to_o satisfy_v people_n demand_n about_o private_a and_o trivial_a concern_v which_o seem_v to_o be_v below_o the_o dignity_n of_o god_n prophet_n to_o meddle_v with_o so_o i_o do_v question_n but_o god_n have_v some_o further_a design_n in_o institute_v a_o succession_n of_o prophet_n and_o charge_v the_o people_n to_o have_v a_o regard_n to_o what_o they_o shall_v deliver_v than_o mere_o to_o satisfy_v the_o jew_n curiosity_n or_o prevent_v their_o seek_n to_o idol_n for_o the_o knowledge_n of_o futurity_n and_o i_o suppose_v that_o the_o institution_n of_o prophet_n be_v design_v chief_o for_o these_o three_o end_n 1._o to_o admonish_v the_o people_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o press_v they_o to_o practice_v it_o by_o propose_v god_n mercy_n and_o judgement_n according_a as_o they_o have_v behave_v themselves_o 2._o to_o keep_v up_o a_o sense_n of_o god_n providence_n in_o their_o mind_n 3._o to_o foretell_v the_o time_n of_o the_o messiah_n and_o prepare_v man_n mind_n for_o the_o reception_n of_o he_o 1._o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o prophetical_a office_n be_v to_o admonish_v the_o people_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o persuade_v they_o to_o practice_v it_o by_o set_v before_o they_o god_n mercy_n or_o judgement_n which_o they_o will_v sudden_o feel_v according_a as_o they_o behave_v themselves_o the_o prophet_n be_v principal_o intend_v to_o be_v preacher_n of_o righteousness_n and_o general_o speak_v foretell_v future_a event_n only_o in_o order_n to_o make_v their_o exhortation_n successful_a and_o with_o respect_n to_o this_o part_n of_o the_o prophetical_a office_n we_o find_v the_o word_n prophet_n and_o prophecy_n use_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n for_o instruct_v man_n in_o their_o duty_n etc._n duty_n act_n 15.31_o rom._n 12._o 1_o cor._n 6.14.1_o etc._n etc._n without_o question_v it_o be_v proper_o the_o priest_n business_n to_o instruct_v the_o people_n in_o their_o duty_n and_o they_o be_v to_o seek_v the_o law_n at_o their_o mouth_n 2.7_o mouth_n malac._n 2.7_o but_o the_o refractory_a temper_n of_o the_o jew_n make_v they_o despise_v the_o ordinary_a method_n of_o reproof_n and_o correction_n and_o their_o dulness_n withal_o make_v it_o necessary_a for_o god_n to_o awaken_v they_o out_o of_o their_o sin_n sometime_o by_o a_o extraordinary_a call_n from_o heaven_n by_o send_v person_n upon_o a_o particular_a message_n to_o they_o and_z giving_z testimony_n to_o their_o divine_a mission_n by_o some_o sign_n or_o wonder_n which_o i_o suppose_v be_v general_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o trial_n of_o a_o true_a prophet_n of_o which_o more_o hereafter_o and_o all_o this_o to_o reinforce_v the_o promise_n and_o threaten_n contain_v in_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o assure_v the_o jew_n he_o will_v be_v as_o good_a as_o his_o word_n and_o they_o shall_v quick_o find_v that_o as_o if_o they_o will_v amend_v their_o way_n there_o shall_v not_o fail_v one_o word_n of_o all_o his_o good_a promise_n so_o if_o they_o persist_v in_o their_o ill_a course_n all_o the_o evil_n that_o be_v write_v in_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n shall_v sudden_o come_v upon_o they_o and_o overtake_v they_o and_o in_o this_o respect_n the_o prophecy_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n differ_v very_o much_o from_o all_o the_o false_a pretence_n to_o prophecy_n that_o in_o the_o former_a future_a event_n be_v not_o foretell_v mere_o to_o please_v man_n curiosity_n but_o only_o in_o order_n to_o the_o make_v they_o better_o whereas_o the_o latter_a do_v not_o make_v it_o any_o part_n of_o their_o concern_n to_o awaken_v man_n to_o a_o sense_n of_o god_n overrule_a providence_n and_o justice_n or_o of_o the_o ill_a consequence_n that_o attend_v vice_n when_o it_o grow_v predominant_a and_o have_v no_o other_o design_n but_o mere_o to_o gratify_v that_o itch_a desire_n man_n have_v to_o be_v pry_v into_o the_o secret_n of_o futurity_n which_o be_v a_o piece_n of_o knowledge_n that_o of_o itself_o will_v do_v man_n more_o harm_n than_o good_a and_o which_o god_n upon_o that_o account_n conceal_v for_o the_o most_o part_n from_o man_n or_o if_o he_o reveal_v it_o yet_o he_o do_v it_o by_o dark_a and_o imperfect_a hint_n on_o purpose_n the_o reason_n of_o which_o we_o shall_v discourse_v of_o more_o at_o large_a in_o the_o next_o chapter_n now_o as_o god_n make_v the_o promote_a of_o virtue_n and_o holiness_n the_o principal_a design_n of_o his_o send_v the_o prophet_n with_o respect_n to_o those_o particular_a person_n to_o who_o he_o send_v they_o so_o we_o find_v according_o that_o they_o bestow_v their_o pain_n and_o labour_n chief_o upon_o this_o subject_a to_o persuade_v man_n to_o break_v off_o their_o sin_n by_o repentance_n and_o to_o cease_v to_o do_v evil_a and_o learn_v to_o do_v well_o witness_v those_o pathetic_a disswasives_n from_o sin_n and_o exhortation_n to_o virtue_n which_o make_v up_o far_o the_o great_a part_n of_o their_o write_n in_o which_o they_o discover_v such_o a_o spirit_n of_o piety_n and_o holiness_n as_o be_v far_o above_o the_o rudiment_n of_o the_o law_n and_o approach_v very_o near_o to_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o of_o this_o more_o by_o and_o by_o 2._o the_o second_o design_n of_o god_n institute_v the_o prophetical_a office_n be_v to_o keep_v up_o a_o sense_n of_o god_n providence_n in_o man_n mind_n the_o jew_n be_v none_o of_o the_o acute_a or_o best_a temper_a people_n in_o the_o world_n and_o perhaps_o the_o great_a wisdom_n and_o integrity_n will_v have_v be_v little_a enough_o to_o make_v they_o keep_v firm_a to_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o true_a god_n the_o sole_a creator_n and_o governor_n of_o all_o thing_n when_o the_o whole_a world_n beside_o be_v give_v up_o to_o idolatry_n for_o as_o strong_a and_o prevalent_a as_o truth_n be_v yet_o it_o be_v in_o danger_n of_o be_v overpower_v by_o multitude_n nay_o singularity_n make_v truth_n itself_o look_v suspicious_a and_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o think_v it_o be_v more_o likely_a a_o few_o shall_v be_v mistake_v than_o a_o great_a many_o upon_o this_o account_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o god_n shall_v sometime_o reinforce_v the_o doctrine_n of_o his_o universal_a providence_n and_o government_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o jew_n by_o a_o extraordinary_a method_n and_o by_o lay_v open_a the_o secret_n of_o his_o providence_n and_o show_v they_o first_o what_o shall_v befall_v themselves_o if_o they_o do_v not_o repent_v and_o then_o their_o neighbour_n convince_v they_o that_o he_o be_v the_o supreme_a lord_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o kingdom_n of_o it_o be_v at_o his_o disposal_n it_o be_v further_a to_o be_v consider_v that_o when_o the_o jew_n see_v how_o much_o great_a and_o more_o flourish_v the_o neighbour_a kingdom_n of_o assyria_n and_o egypt_n be_v than_o their_o own_o this_o be_v a_o likely_a argument_n to_o make_v a_o impression_n upon_o they_o that_o judge_v of_o god_n love_n or_o hatred_n by_o what_o they_o see_v before_o they_o this_o may_v make_v they_o imagine_v that_o some_o other_o be_v have_v a_o great_a share_n in_o manage_v affair_n below_o beside_o their_o god_n and_o tempt_v they_o to_o conclude_v that_o since_o the_o god_n who_o they_o worship_v be_v not_o so_o kind_a to_o his_o servant_n as_o the_o heathen_a god_n be_v to_o their_o votary_n either_o he_o be_v not_o so_o able_a or_o not_o so_o willing_a to_o reward_v his_o worshipper_n as_o the_o deity_n of_o their_o neighbour_a country_n be_v and_o it_o be_v probable_a that_o in_o the_o latter_a time_n of_o the_o jewish_a kingdom_n when_o their_o enemy_n make_v frequent_a incursion_n into_o their_o country_n and_o threaten_v entire_o to_o subdue_v it_o and_o at_o length_n do_v so_o it_o be_v a_o temptation_n to_o many_o of_o the_o jew_n to_o forsake_v the_o true_a god_n and_o turn_v to_o idol_n because_o they_o see_v it_o be_v better_a with_o their_o worshipper_n than_o with_o those_o of_o true_a god_n 18._o god_n see_v jer._n 44.17_o 18._o for_o these_o reason_n it_o be_v fit_a that_o god_n shall_v often_o give_v this_o dull_a and_o unthinking_a people_n fresh_a assurance_n that_o all_o thing_n be_v at_o his_o disposal_n that_o it_o be_v in_o his_o power_n to_o make_v they_o happy_a or_o miserable_a and_o that_o they_o must_v
expect_v to_o be_v one_o or_o tother_o according_a as_o they_o observe_v or_o neglect_v his_o command_n and_o though_o it_o may_v be_v sufficient_a for_o this_o design_n to_o have_v give_v they_o the_o prediction_n of_o such_o thing_n only_o as_o be_v to_o come_v to_o pass_v in_o their_o own_o time_n yet_o god_n be_v please_v to_o discover_v to_o his_o prophet_n what_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v in_o the_o latter_a day_n both_o to_o honour_v they_o with_o the_o prospect_n of_o that_o glorious_a scene_n of_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v reserve_v till_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n shall_v come_v and_o give_v they_o a_o foretaste_n of_o the_o joy_n they_o be_v to_o expect_v in_o the_o messias_n heavenly_a kingdom_n by_o discover_v to_o they_o some_o part_n of_o the_o happiness_n of_o his_o earthly_a one_o and_o likewise_o to_o give_v a_o convince_a proof_n to_o all_o age_n that_o he_o be_v the_o first_o and_o the_o last_o the_o sole_a orderer_n and_o disposer_n of_o all_o thing_n that_o when_o the_o thing_n themselves_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v man_n may_v say_v this_o have_v god_n do_v and_o may_v perceive_v that_o it_o be_v his_o work_n and_o this_o lead_v i_o to_o consider_v the_o 3._o the_o three_o thing_n which_o god_n intend_v in_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o prophetical_a office_n which_o be_v to_o foretell_v the_o time_n of_o the_o messiah_n and_o to_o prepare_v man_n mind_n for_o the_o reception_n of_o he_o and_o indeed_o to_o give_v man_n notice_n of_o these_o thing_n be_v god_n principal_a design_n in_o send_v the_o prophet_n and_o the_o come_n of_o the_o messiah_n be_v what_o god_n speak_v by_o the_o mouth_n of_o his_o holy_a prophet_n ever_o since_o the_o world_n begin_v and_o since_o god_n seem_v to_o have_v make_v this_o the_o principal_a part_n of_o the_o prophetical_a office_n i_o shall_v consider_v it_o as_o careful_o as_o i_o can_v and_o shall_v inquire_v 1._o first_o for_o what_o reason_n god_n think_v fit_a to_o reveal_v this_o so_o often_o and_o so_o particular_o 2._o i_o shall_v consider_v the_o manner_n how_o the_o prophet_n deliver_v this_o prophecy_n 1._o as_o to_o the_o first_o we_o may_v assign_v two_o reason_n why_o god_n reveal_v this_o so_o often_o and_o so_o particular_o 1._o to_o show_v that_o this_o be_v the_o masterpiece_n of_o his_o providence_n if_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v what_o he_o have_v a_o eye_n upon_o in_o all_o his_o particular_a dispensation_n towards_o the_o jew_n and_o what_o he_o design_v as_o the_o ultimate_a end_n and_o completion_n of_o they_o all_o 2._o to_o wean_v the_o jew_n by_o degree_n from_o the_o carnal_a institution_n of_o the_o law_n and_o by_o discover_v to_o they_o a_o better_a state_n than_o that_o they_o be_v under_o to_o raise_v their_o mind_n to_o spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a thing_n and_o thereby_o prepare_v they_o for_o the_o reception_n of_o the_o messiah_n 1._o as_o for_o the_o first_o of_o these_o reason_n it_o seem_v as_o if_o god_n design_v to_o raise_v man_n expectation_n and_o make_v they_o look_v upon_o this_o as_o the_o great_a masterpiece_n of_o his_o power_n and_o wisdom_n when_o he_o make_v the_o come_n of_o the_o messiah_n the_o common_a theme_n of_o all_o the_o prophet_n mystical_o imply_v it_o in_o all_o the_o promise_n and_o typical_o represent_v it_o not_o only_o in_o the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o law_n but_o also_o in_o the_o life_n and_o action_n of_o the_o eminent_a person_n among_o the_o jew_n in_o all_o age_n what_o god_n himself_o lay_v so_o much_o stress_n upon_o man_n ought_v to_o regard_v as_o something_o more_o than_o a_o ordinary_a work_n of_o providence_n and_o sure_o the_o prophet_n have_v great_a and_o noble_a idea_n of_o it_o since_o they_o seem_v to_o vye_n with_o each_o other_o who_o shall_v excel_v the_o rest_n in_o set_v forth_o its_o glory_n to_o the_o best_a advantage_n and_o by_o the_o most_o emphatical_a and_o lively_a representation_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o people_n to_o who_o they_o be_v to_o publish_v those_o glad_a tiding_n if_o the_o messiah_n have_v come_v into_o the_o world_n without_o any_o notice_n give_v of_o it_o before_o hand_n the_o unexpectedness_n of_o it_o will_v indeed_o have_v cause_v surprise_n and_o wonder_n but_o it_o will_v not_o have_v be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o effect_n of_o the_o determinate_a counsel_n and_o foreknowledge_n of_o god_n and_o of_o that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o foreordain_v this_o before_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n locum_fw-la eph._n 3.10_o v._o grot._n in_o locum_fw-la and_o make_v all_o the_o lesser_a dispensation_n of_o providence_n subservient_fw-fr to_o this_o great_a end_n and_o by_o various_a method_n and_o different_a measure_n pursue_v the_o same_o uniform_a design_n 2._o the_o second_o reason_n i_o assign_v why_o the_o come_n of_o the_o messiah_n do_v bear_v so_o great_a a_o part_n in_o the_o prophetical_a prediction_n be_v to_o wean_v the_o jew_n by_o degree_n from_o the_o legal_a ceremony_n and_o institution_n and_o by_o discover_v to_o they_o a_o better_a covenant_n than_o that_o they_o be_v under_o to_o raise_v their_o mind_n to_o spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a thing_n and_o thereby_o prepare_v they_o for_o the_o reception_n of_o the_o messiah_n i_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o certain_a truth_n that_o god_n institute_v a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o opinion_n that_o be_v general_o receive_v at_o the_o time_n when_o it_o be_v enact_v and_o in_o compliance_n with_o the_o rite_n that_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n use_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o their_o god_n 432._o god_n v._o maimonid_n more_n nevoch_n par._n 3._o c._n 32._o p._n 432._o that_o so_o by_o this_o condescension_n he_o may_v check_v that_o hanker_a after_o the_o religious_a rite_n of_o the_o nation_n round_o about_o they_o which_o the_o jew_n upon_o all_o occasion_n discover_v to_o be_v in_o their_o temper_n it_o be_v upon_o this_o account_n that_o st._n paul_n call_v the_o ceremonial_a law_n the_o element_n of_o the_o world_n 4.3_o world_n gal._n 4.3_o and_o weak_a and_o beggarly_a element_n 9_o element_n ib._n v._n 9_o but_o it_o be_v true_a withal_o that_o god_n in_o his_o wisdom_n so_o contrive_v it_o that_o these_o rudiment_n which_o be_v take_v from_o the_o rite_n and_o usage_n of_o the_o heathen_a world_n be_v to_o the_o jew_n the_o rudiment_n or_o first_o beginning_n of_o christianity_n according_a to_o what_o the_o same_o apostle_n say_v that_o the_o law_n be_v our_o schoolmaster_n to_o bring_v we_o unto_o christ_n 3.24_o christ_n gal._n 3.24_o it_o be_v indeed_o like_o the_o first_o rudiment_n of_o learning_n which_o young_a beginner_n at_o first_o do_v not_o know_v the_o use_n of_o but_o when_o they_o be_v go_v on_o a_o pretty_a way_n than_o they_o find_v those_o beginning_n make_v the_o way_n easy_o for_o that_o which_o come_v after_o and_o in_o like_a manner_n though_o the_o jew_n understand_v not_o at_o first_o god_n design_n in_o prescribe_v so_o many_o several_a kind_n of_o expiation_n for_o sin_n yet_o when_o the_o way_n to_o the_o holy_a by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n be_v lay_v open_a than_o they_o may_v easy_o discover_v that_o all_o those_o different_a rite_n be_v design_v to_o represent_v that_o one_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o lamb_n of_o god_n which_o be_v offer_v for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o world_n and_o as_o god_n thus_o comply_v with_o the_o ignorance_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o that_o state_n of_o nonage_n and_o feed_v they_o like_o child_n with_o milk_n and_o not_o with_o meat_n with_o such_o instruction_n as_o be_v suitable_a to_o their_o capacity_n so_o he_o reveal_v this_o great_a and_o ultimate_a end_n of_o the_o law_n by_o gentle_a and_o easy_a degree_n as_o they_o be_v able_a to_o bear_v it_o he_o first_o discover_v it_o faint_o under_o the_o shadow_n of_o the_o law_n which_o seem_v by_o their_o own_o weakness_n and_o imperfection_n to_o aim_v at_o something_o more_o perfect_a than_o themselves_o but_o then_o by_o the_o prophet_n god_n manifest_v this_o grand_a intention_n of_o his_o more_o clear_o by_o they_o he_o give_v large_a and_o distinct_a prediction_n of_o a_o new_a and_o better_a state_n of_o thing_n to_o come_v of_o a_o new_a covenant_n establish_v upon_o better_a promise_n and_o consist_v of_o more_o excellent_a precept_n 31.31_o precept_n jer._n 31.31_o that_o god_n kingdom_n shall_v be_v enlarge_v and_o all_o nation_n shall_v flow_v unto_o it_o 2.2_o it_o be_v 2.2_o than_o he_o will_v take_v priest_n and_o levite_n out_o of_o other_o nation_n 66.21_o nation_n 66.21_o and_o in_o 1.11_o in_o mal._n 1.11_o every_o place_n incense_n shall_v be_v offer_v to_o he_o and_o a_o pure_a offer_n and_o in_o order_n to_o prepare_v man_n mind_n for_o this_o new_a state_n the_o