proceed_v from_o the_o spirit_n of_o error_n now_o if_o you_o think_v that_o i_o be_o injurious_a in_o refer_v thus_o the_o trial_n of_o spirit_n and_o doctrine_n only_o to_o this_o one_o rule_n while_o i_o have_v tell_v you_o before_o that_o s._n john_n lay_v down_o two_o more_o in_o this_o chapter_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n i_o shall_v ready_o confess_v the_o charge_n but_o without_o any_o imputation_n of_o injustice_n yea_o shall_v take_v advantage_n from_o hence_o the_o more_o to_o strengthen_v this_o assertion_n and_o to_o lay_v down_o this_o as_o the_o chief_a and_o principal_a rule_n forasmuch_o as_o both_o the_o other_o do_v relate_v to_o it_o and_o be_v instance_n of_o it_o for_o a_o free_a undaunted_a confess_v of_o christ_n in_o time_n of_o danger_n and_o love_v cordial_o our_o brethren_n be_v both_o of_o they_o chief_a branch_n of_o christian_a virtue_n and_o holiness_n and_o indeed_o as_o they_o be_v almost_o above_o all_o other_o thing_n command_v by_o our_o saviour_n 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this_o hereafter_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n we_o may_v rest_v satisfy_v that_o our_o saviour_n mean_v by_o fruit_n such_o thing_n as_o be_v the_o natural_a consequence_n and_o proper_a product_n of_o such_o doctrine_n and_o this_o he_o clear_v and_o assure_v the_o truth_n and_o reasonableness_n of_o by_o a_o excellent_a and_o well_o know_v comparison_n and_o indeed_o it_o hold_v true_a both_o way_n man_n do_v not_o gather_v grape_n from_o thorn_n nor_o fig_n from_o thistle_n nor_o do_v vine_n yield_v the_o berry_n of_o thorn_n nor_o do_v the_o down_o of_o thistle_n grow_v upon_o figtree_n for_o though_o it_o be_v possible_a and_o god_n know_v too_o common_a too_o for_o a_o man_n to_o detain_v the_o truth_n in_o unrighteousness_n 1.18_o rom._n 1.18_o yet_o the_o unrighteousness_n issue_v from_o the_o man_n not_o from_o the_o truth_n and_o though_o a_o heretic_n may_v possible_o be_v eminent_a in_o some_o good_a thing_n yet_o his_o heart_n be_v to_o be_v praise_v for_o it_o not_o his_o head_n i._n e._n his_o goodness_n be_v not_o the_o effect_n of_o his_o error_n nor_o upon_o any_o account_n at_o all_o ascribable_a to_o it_o so_o than_o if_o we_o keep_v we_o to_o our_o saviour_n sense_n the_o rule_n be_v true_a and_o will_v never_o deceive_v we_o those_o doctrine_n that_o design_v nothing_o but_o to_o make_v man_n pure_a and_o holy_a and_o conscientious_a and_o strict_o regardful_a of_o our_o christian_a duty_n can_v but_o issue_n from_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n and_o satan_n can_v never_o be_v contributive_a to_o a_o doctrine_n that_o tend_v so_o much_o to_o the_o overthrow_n of_o his_o design_n and_o great_a interest_n in_o the_o world_n but_o whatever_o doctrine_n or_o broacher_n of_o they_o do_v any_o way_n infuse_v into_o man_n or_o encourage_v and_o prompt_v they_o to_o any_o impiety_n any_o sin_n let_v their_o show_n be_v never_o so_o specious_a their_o pretence_n never_o so_o fair_a yet_o those_o prophet_n be_v false_a prophet_n and_o those_o doctrine_n fume_n from_o hell_n who_o great_a design_n it_o be_v to_o corrupt_v man_n manner_n debauch_v their_o life_n and_o keep_v they_o from_o the_o love_n and_o practice_n of_o piety_n this_o be_v all_o that_o i_o have_v to_o offer_v from_o these_o two_o place_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o true_o i_o think_v what_o have_v be_v offer_v enough_o to_o confirm_v the_o collection_n and_o to_o gain_v the_o assent_n of_o every_o good_a christian_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o chap._n iu._n the_o old_a testament_n cite_v also_o for_o the_o proof_n of_o this_o and_o two_o great_a consideration_n add_v to_o give_v more_o evidence_n to_o it_o this_o the_o rule_n to_o try_v prophet_n by_o of_o old_a and_o the_o best_a criterion_n of_o a_o true_a divine_a miracle_n the_o former_a chapter_n have_v acquaint_v you_o with_o some_o proof_n for_o this_o out_o of_o the_o new_a testament_n i_o shall_v proceed_v to_o add_v some_o to_o they_o also_o out_o of_o the_o old_a for_o this_o be_v no_o new_a thing_n nor_o unknown_a to_o the_o jew_n in_o time_n of_o old_a but_o it_o be_v deliver_v to_o they_o also_o as_o the_o great_a rule_n to_o judge_v by_o in_o this_o case_n of_o which_o i_o take_v that_o place_n of_o the_o prophet_n to_o be_v clear_a evidence_n to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n 8.20_o isaiah_n 8.20_o and_o if_o they_o speak_v not_o according_a to_o this_o rule_n it_o be_v because_o there_o be_v no_o light_n in_o they_o in_o the_o precede_a verse_n the_o prophet_n be_v inveigh_v against_o and_o condemn_v the_o attend_v to_o any_o extraordinary_a pretender_n to_o knowledge_n or_o revelation_n such_o as_o wizard_n and_o necromancer_n and_o those_o that_o consult_v familiar_a spirit_n and_o in_o this_o verse_n he_o lay_v down_o a_o rule_n by_o which_o to_o try_v all_o revelation_n and_o
pretence_n of_o knowledge_n bring_v they_o to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n and_o if_o in_o any_o thing_n they_o differ_v from_o that_o than_o there_o be_v no_o morning_n or_o light_n in_o they_o but_o they_o arise_v out_o of_o the_o infernal_a specus_fw-la and_o be_v suggest_v by_o the_o spirit_n and_o prince_n of_o darkness_n this_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v very_o clear_a and_o yet_o i_o shall_v add_v something_o more_o that_o this_o be_v not_o only_o appoint_v to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o judge_v in_o all_o ordinary_a difference_n about_o doctrine_n but_o in_o the_o most_o extraordinary_a also_o that_o can_v possible_o happen_v i_o shall_v instance_n in_o two_o that_o be_v the_o chief_a of_o all_o pretension_n to_o prophecy_n and_o work_n of_o miracle_n these_o be_v indeed_o extraordinary_a case_n and_o therefore_o though_o the_o judge_n of_o they_o do_v not_o belong_v to_o every_o private_a man_n but_o only_o to_o the_o great_a sanhedrim_n as_o learned_a man_n have_v clear_o prove_v yet_o it_o will_v be_v very_o much_o to_o our_o purpose_n if_o we_o can_v prove_v that_o even_o this_o great_a consistory_n be_v to_o judge_v by_o this_o rule_n of_o the_o truth_n or_o falsehood_n of_o both_o of_o they_o and_o first_o for_o prophet_n i_o think_v the_o case_n be_v sufficient_o clear_a from_o that_o place_n of_o moses_n deut._n 13._o from_o verse_n 1_o to_o 6._o from_o which_o if_o you_o read_v and_o consider_v it_o well_o you_o will_v be_v able_a to_o make_v this_o collection_n that_o neither_o the_o predict_v of_o a_o future_a event_n no_o nor_o the_o come_n of_o that_o to_o pass_v according_a to_o the_o prediction_n be_v safe_a and_o warrantable_a thing_n to_o judge_v a_o prophet_n by_o for_o if_o that_o prophet_n entice_v any_o way_n to_o idolatry_n or_o deliver_v any_o thing_n that_o may_v draw_v they_o away_o from_o their_o duty_n in_o walk_v after_o the_o lord_n and_o fear_v he_o and_o keep_v his_o commandment_n and_o obey_v his_o voice_n he_o be_v to_o be_v reject_v yea_o to_o be_v stone_v as_o a_o impostor_n and_o a_o deceiver_n so_o that_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o the_o divinity_n of_o his_o prophecy_n be_v to_o be_v judge_v only_o or_o at_o least_o chief_o by_o the_o consonancy_n thereof_o to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n this_o be_v a_o thing_n that_o i_o judge_v worth_a our_o take_a notice_n of_o at_o this_o time_n alas_o if_o the_o bold_a pretender_n to_o prophecy_n in_o this_o age_n can_v make_v this_o plea_n for_o themselves_o that_o thing_n fall_v out_o exact_o according_a to_o their_o prediction_n what_o a_o great_a noise_n will_v they_o soon_o make_v how_o mighty_o will_v they_o boast_v and_o plead_v and_o perhaps_o believe_v too_o themselves_o to_o be_v true_a prophet_n and_o yet_o god_n himself_o tell_v we_o this_o be_v no_o safe_a and_o sure_a rule_n to_o judge_v man_n true_a prophet_n by_o for_o the_o spirit_n of_o error_n may_v possible_o predict_v many_o thing_n and_o the_o event_n answer_v the_o prediction_n and_o many_o time_n we_o know_v it_o have_v be_v thus_o and_o we_o do_v not_o know_v how_o far_o the_o skill_n of_o the_o devil_n may_v extend_v in_o this_o matter_n beside_o god_n have_v tell_v we_o that_o he_o many_o time_n permit_v such_o thing_n to_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o he_o may_v thereby_o try_v the_o love_n and_o fidelity_n of_o man_n cause_v these_o to_o be_v a_o punishment_n unto_o all_o those_o that_o be_v unreasonable_o fickle_a and_o unconstant_a and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n that_o as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v in_o case_n of_o heresy_n those_o that_o be_v cordial_a and_o approve_a may_v be_v make_v know_v 11.19_o 1_o cor._n 11.19_o i_o know_v there_o be_v many_o rule_v lay_v down_o by_o the_o jewish_a rabbi_n and_o other_o after_o they_o for_o the_o trial_n of_o prophet_n and_o a_o great_a stir_n make_v about_o they_o but_o he_o that_o will_v considerate_o read_v they_o over_o as_o he_o will_v find_v this_o always_o mention_v as_o one_o rule_n so_o he_o will_v find_v that_o it_o be_v the_o chief_a and_o safe_a and_o that_o to_o which_o all_o at_o last_o be_v force_v to_o flee_v the_o second_o case_n that_o i_o choose_v to_o instance_n in_o be_v the_o case_n of_o miracle_n for_o that_o there_o be_v true_a and_o lie_a wonder_n the_o scripture_n clear_o assure_v we_o but_o how_o to_o distinguish_v betwixt_o these_o be_v real_o a_o very_a great_a and_o perplex_v difficulty_n and_o some_o man_n have_v take_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o pain_n to_o give_v direction_n herein_o and_o indeed_o must_v do_v so_o still_o until_o they_o come_v to_o fix_v and_o rest_v upon_o this_o for_o when_o all_o be_v do_v this_o certain_o be_v the_o easy_a and_o safe_a too_o namely_o to_o consider_v what_o the_o effect_n and_o design_n of_o they_o be_v if_o they_o have_v divine_a effect_n upon_o man_n especial_o if_o they_o only_o design_v to_o make_v man_n holy_a and_o good_a or_o to_o attest_v a_o doctrine_n that_o teach_v man_n how_o to_o be_v so_o then_o they_o carry_v the_o clear_a stamp_n of_o divinity_n upon_o they_o that_o can_v be_v but_o if_o they_o tend_v in_o any_o measure_n to_o the_o contrary_a either_o to_o encourage_v man_n in_o sin_n or_o attest_v any_o doctrine_n that_o teach_v any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o the_o holy_a law_n and_o precept_n of_o god_n than_o they_o be_v to_o be_v suspect_v and_o reject_v as_o immediate_a effect_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o delusion_n chap._n v._o a_o further_a discourse_n of_o miracle_n and_o of_o their_o evidence_n and_o how_o to_o know_v which_o be_v divine_a and_o which_o not_o a_o addition_n to_o all_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o heresy_n and_o wherein_o the_o notion_n of_o it_o do_v chief_o consist_v but_o this_o sir_n may_v perhaps_o by_o you_o be_v think_v too_o little_a to_o be_v say_v on_o this_o great_a subject_n of_o miracle_n for_o the_o whole_a world_n do_v look_v upon_o they_o to_o be_v divine_a testimony_n sufficient_a evidence_n of_o truth_n and_o able_a to_o assure_v the_o verity_n gain_v assent_n to_o and_o entertainment_n of_o any_o doctrine_n that_o they_o be_v intend_v to_o attest_v the_o christian_a church_n in_o all_o age_n have_v speak_v great_a thing_n of_o they_o and_o glory_v in_o they_o and_o argue_v with_o great_a assurance_n the_o divinity_n and_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n from_o they_o and_o he_o will_v certain_o do_v a_o great_a disservice_n to_o christianity_n that_o shall_v go_v about_o in_o any_o measure_n to_o weaken_v the_o testimony_n of_o they_o and_o therefore_o sir_n that_o i_o may_v not_o suffer_v under_o any_o of_o these_o prejudices_fw-la i_o shall_v a_o little_a further_o enlarge_v this_o discourse_n of_o they_o and_o what_o i_o have_v to_o say_v that_o it_o may_v be_v distinct_a and_o plain_a shall_v be_v contain_v in_o these_o subsequent_a proposition_n 1._o i_o do_v most_o ready_o grant_v and_o cordial_o believe_v that_o divine_a miracle_n be_v certain_a evidence_n of_o truth_n for_o it_o be_v no_o way_n reasonable_a to_o suppose_v that_o god_n shall_v annex_v his_o seal_n to_o attest_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v untrue_a whatever_o god_n assert_n must_v needs_o for_o that_o very_a reason_n be_v true_a be_v there_o none_o else_o and_o all_o the_o world_n be_v agree_v in_o their_o belief_n of_o this_o so_o that_o i_o take_v it_o miracle_n be_v not_o add_v to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o god_n have_v declare_v but_o rather_o to_o convince_v man_n that_o he_o do_v declare_v such_o thing_n or_o to_o attest_v the_o divine_a commission_n of_o those_o that_o be_v his_o instrument_n therein_o 2._o but_o than_o second_o i_o do_v as_o assure_o believe_v that_o they_o be_v not_o the_o only_a evidence_n of_o truth_n a_o divine_a doctrine_n may_v carry_v in_o it_o many_o thing_n that_o may_v be_v as_o clear_a signature_n and_o aught_o to_o be_v as_o convince_a character_n of_o truth_n as_o immediate_a miracle_n be_v this_o may_v in_o some_o measure_n be_v collect_v from_o that_o parabolical_a discourse_n of_o abraham_n to_o the_o rich_a man_n in_o hell_n 16.31_o luke_n 16.31_o if_o they_o believe_v not_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n neither_o will_v they_o believe_v though_o one_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a intimate_v that_o those_o doctrine_n in_o moses_n and_o the_o prophetic_a writing_n have_v as_o much_o evidence_n of_o truth_n and_o as_o clear_a conviction_n thereof_o in_o they_o as_o the_o miraculous_a appearance_n of_o one_o from_o the_o dead_a can_v give_v to_o they_o but_o there_o be_v a_o clear_a place_n in_o the_o gospel_n to_o assure_v this_o upon_o for_o our_o saviour_n do_v in_o one_o place_n viz._n john_n 15.22_o as_o much_o aggravate_v the_o guilt_n of_o the_o jew_n infidelity_n in_o not_o believe_v his_o heavenly_a pure_a doctrine_n
omniscient_a and_o active_a and_o can_v never_o fail_v either_o to_o know_v what_o doctrine_n will_v best_o comport_v with_o its_o great_a design_n among_o man_n or_o to_o pursue_v and_o reveal_v those_o doctrine_n to_o man_n when_o it_o have_v pitch_v on_o they_o and_o he_o that_o will_v consider_v how_o very_a subtle_a a_o spirit_n the_o devil_n be_v and_o how_o unwearied_o restless_a in_o manage_v his_o own_o design_n in_o the_o world_n can_v neither_o think_v he_o ignorant_a and_o unable_a to_o pitch_v upon_o such_o doctrine_n as_o be_v conducive_a to_o that_o design_n nor_o slow_a and_o backward_o to_o obtrude_v the_o belief_n of_o they_o upon_o man_n he_o that_o think_v otherwise_o of_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n think_v very_o unbecome_o of_o god_n and_o as_o much_o as_o in_o he_o lie_v preclude_v the_o way_n to_o his_o own_o welfare_n and_o safety_n and_o deprive_v himself_o of_o that_o comfort_n which_o will_v issue_v from_o the_o hearty_a belief_n of_o the_o omniscience_n and_o providence_n and_o watchfulness_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n for_o his_o good_a and_o he_o that_o think_v otherwise_o of_o the_o spirit_n of_o error_n and_o look_n upon_o the_o devil_n either_o as_o a_o dull_a and_o unactive_a or_o a_o silly_a and_o ignorant_a spirit_n be_v imprudent_a and_o injurious_a to_o himself_o in_o undervalue_v that_o enemy_n against_o who_o subtlety_n and_o strength_n his_o utmost_a endeavour_n will_v be_v little_a enough_o he_o be_v call_v a_o lion_n for_o his_o strength_n and_o a_o old_a serpent_n for_o his_o subtlety_n and_o his_o restlessness_n to_o execute_v the_o effect_n of_o both_o render_v he_o just_o formidable_a 3._o three_o the_o great_a end_n of_o these_o two_o spirit_n in_o the_o world_n be_v only_o these_o to_o make_v man_n real_o and_o true_o holy_a and_o to_o make_v they_o real_o impure_a and_o vicious_a the_o first_o be_v the_o great_a design_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n this_o latter_a of_o the_o spirit_n of_o error_n the_o first_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n intend_v as_o the_o only_a way_n to_o make_v man_n happy_a the_o second_o the_o devil_n main_o intend_v as_o the_o sure_a way_n to_o render_v they_o eternal_o miserable_a there_o need_v not_o much_o be_v say_v on_o this_o branch_n of_o our_o argument_n the_o scripture_n be_v copious_a in_o attest_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o on_o both_o hand_n the_o great_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o o.t._n be_v to_o strive_v with_o man_n as_o be_v intimate_v by_o moses_n gen._n 6.3_o i_o e._n to_o withdraw_v he_o from_o sin_n and_o to_o induce_v he_o to_o the_o love_n and_o practice_n of_o virtue_n and_o the_o same_o be_v the_o end_n he_o be_v send_v for_o in_o the_o new_a to_o convince_v man_n of_o the_o evil_a of_o sin_n of_o the_o gain_n of_o righteousness_n and_o as_o a_o mean_n to_o both_o to_o assure_v they_o of_o the_o certainty_n of_o judgement_n 16.18_o john_n 16.18_o and_o for_o this_o reason_n be_v call_v the_o spirit_n of_o holiness_n often_o not_o only_o because_o he_o be_v essential_o and_o eminent_o so_o himself_o but_o likewise_o because_o his_o main_a business_n be_v to_o teach_v and_o encourage_v man_n to_o be_v so_o too_o and_o to_o assist_v they_o in_o be_v faithful_a to_o those_o encouragement_n and_o teach_n and_o then_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n as_o it_o assure_v we_o that_o the_o first_o sin_n of_o man_n owe_v itself_o to_o the_o temptation_n and_o suggestion_n of_o the_o devil_n so_o it_o assure_v we_o that_o all_o his_o endeavour_n ever_o since_o have_v be_v to_o heighten_v that_o sin_n and_o to_o promote_v the_o love_n and_o practice_n of_o wickedness_n among_o man_n for_o this_o reason_n he_o be_v frequent_o call_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o wicked_a one_o not_o only_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o his_o own_o wickedness_n but_o for_o his_o strive_v perpetual_o to_o propagate_v that_o wickedness_n by_o draw_v man_n into_o all_o the_o sad_a instance_n of_o it_o and_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n he_o be_v call_v the_o enemy_n and_o the_o effect_n of_o his_o enmity_n chief_o discover_v themselves_o in_o this_o the_o endeavour_v to_o make_v man_n wicked_a like_o himself_o and_o so_o to_o bring_v on_o they_o a_o portion_n of_o those_o torment_n that_o be_v reserve_v for_o himself_o and_o for_o all_o those_o mad_a son_n of_o man_n that_o be_v wicked_a as_o he_o be_v and_o whosoever_o observe_v his_o act_n as_o they_o be_v record_v in_o the_o scripture_n or_o will_v but_o consult_v the_o story_n of_o his_o deal_n with_o the_o heathen_a world_n examine_v but_o the_o doctrine_n which_o he_o teach_v they_o and_o the_o rite_n and_o mode_n of_o religion_n that_o he_o institute_v among_o they_o will_v clear_o see_v how_o all_o those_o doctrine_n tend_v to_o sin_n and_o how_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o heathen_a worship_n be_v indeed_o what_o the_o apostle_n call_v it_o a_o mystery_n of_o wickedness_n now_o from_o these_o thing_n the_o strength_n of_o the_o argument_n will_v discover_v itself_o for_o since_o all_o the_o design_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n be_v to_o make_v man_n holy_a to_o guide_v they_o into_o all_o truth_n that_o it_o may_v thereby_o lead_v they_o to_o all_o goodness_n and_o since_o the_o spirit_n of_o error_n design_n direct_o the_o contrary_a and_o since_o all_o the_o doctrine_n that_o issue_n from_o these_o be_v direct_v only_o to_o these_o great_a end_n it_o must_v needs_o follow_v that_o whatever_o doctrine_n tend_v to_o holiness_n must_v needs_o issue_v from_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n and_o whatever_o tend_v to_o the_o contrary_a must_v needs_o proceed_v from_o the_o spirit_n of_o error_n and_o that_o this_o be_v a_o sure_a and_o safe_a way_n to_o judge_v whence_o they_o proceed_v by_o for_o these_o two_o spirit_n will_v ever_o be_v true_a to_o their_o own_o purpose_n and_o interest_n and_o will_v always_o have_v a_o eye_n to_o the_o promote_a of_o they_o in_o all_o the_o doctrine_n that_o they_o propose_v to_o the_o faith_n of_o man_n 2._o another_o argument_n may_v be_v draw_v from_o the_o great_a end_n and_o design_n of_o christian_a religion_n for_o if_o we_o suppose_v the_o author_n thereof_o prudent_a and_o wise_a every_o doctrine_n therein_o will_v be_v so_o contrive_v as_o to_o comport_v with_o and_o promote_v the_o great_a aim_n of_o the_o whole_a otherwise_o he_o will_v in_o effect_n pull_v down_o with_o one_o hand_n what_o he_o endeavour_v to_o build_v with_o the_o other_o now_o he_o that_o will_v consider_v and_o examine_v this_o religion_n with_o that_o seriousness_n and_o impartiality_n that_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n may_v just_o expect_v and_o challenge_v from_o all_o man_n will_v soon_o find_v that_o it_o be_v indeed_o what_o s._n paul_n call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 3.16_o 2_o tim._n 3.16_o a_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n the_o author_n of_o it_o the_o ever_o bless_a jesus_n be_v indeed_o the_o lamb_n of_o god_n for_o his_o spotless_a innocency_n as_o well_o as_o other_o reason_n a_o perfect_a pattern_n of_o all_o holiness_n and_o virtue_n a_o divine_a person_n who_o life_n be_v never_o sully_v with_o the_o least_o of_o those_o crime_n which_o so_o horrible_o stain_v the_o life_n of_o the_o heathen_a deity_n who_o innocency_n approve_v itself_o so_o clear_o to_o his_o very_a judge_n as_o to_o extort_v from_o he_o this_o confession_n that_o he_o be_v a_o just_a person_n 27.24_o mat._n 27.24_o yea_o that_o most_o envious_a and_o critical_a observer_n as_o well_o as_o virulent_a accuser_n of_o good_a man_n can_v find_v nothing_o whereof_o to_o accuse_v the_o bless_a jesus_n the_o prince_n of_o this_o world_n come_v and_o find_v nothing_o in_o i_o and_o if_o you_o look_v into_o the_o religion_n that_o he_o institute_v in_o the_o world_n you_o will_v soon_o find_v how_o exact_o it_o resemble_v and_o bear_v the_o lineament_n of_o its_o holy_a author_n in_o all_o the_o part_n of_o it_o all_o its_o precept_n and_o command_n be_v so_o many_o injunction_n of_o all_o the_o instance_n of_o holiness_n or_o prohibition_n of_o the_o contrary_a instance_n of_o wickedness_n and_o vice_n all_o its_o promise_n be_v great_a encouragement_n to_o induce_v man_n to_o comply_v with_o the_o purpose_n of_o those_o command_n and_o its_o threaten_n be_v add_v only_o to_o deter_v and_o affright_v they_o from_o all_o neglect_n and_o contempt_n of_o the_o same_o and_o shall_v we_o survey_v the_o article_n of_o its_o faith_n and_o the_o doctrine_n that_o it_o propose_v to_o the_o belief_n of_o man_n we_o shall_v soon_o find_v how_o mighty_a wise_o they_o be_v all_o contrive_v to_o promote_v the_o same_o great_a end_n even_o those_o that_o seem_v most_o speculative_a and_o irrelative_a to_o duty_n yet_o upon_o a_o close_a view_n will_v be_v find_v to_o be_v excellent_o conducive_a to_o it_o for_o
as_o he_o do_v in_o another_o viz._n verse_n the_o 24._o of_o the_o same_o chapter_n for_o their_o not_o believe_v the_o unparalleled_a miracle_n which_o he_o do_v among_o they_o which_o certain_o he_o will_v never_o have_v do_v but_o that_o the_o evidence_n and_o conviction_n of_o truth_n be_v equal_a in_o both_o 3._o but_o than_o three_o i_o add_v that_o every_o miracle_n be_v not_o a_o unquestionable_a evidence_n of_o truth_n nor_o a_o sufficient_a warrant_n for_o man_n present_o to_o believe_v upon_o its_o sole_a account_n all_o the_o world_n i_o think_v be_v agree_v about_o this_o also_o for_o all_o man_n unanimous_o believe_v that_o only_o true_a and_o real_o divine_a miracle_n be_v sufficient_a to_o assure_v the_o credibility_n of_o thing_n and_o all_o miracle_n be_v not_o so_o for_o there_o be_v lie_v wonder_n as_o well_o as_o true_a and_o it_o be_v not_o safe_a to_o believe_v equal_o in_o both_o case_n 4._o and_o therefore_o fourthly_a there_o be_v a_o absolute_a necessity_n that_o a_o man_n be_v assure_v the_o miracle_n be_v true_o divine_a before_o he_o can_v safe_o believe_v upon_o the_o authority_n thereof_o otherwise_o he_o may_v believe_v the_o lie_a wonder_n as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o and_o believe_v what_o janne_n and_o jambres_n say_v as_o well_o as_o moses_n 5._o it_o be_v so_o very_o difficult_a that_o it_o be_v almost_o next_o to_o impossible_a by_o any_o thing_n immediate_o in_o the_o miracle_n themselves_o to_o know_v which_o be_v true_o divine_a and_o which_o be_v not_o so_o i_o say_v in_o the_o miracle_n themselves_o i_o mean_v they_o do_v not_o carry_v such_o signature_n upon_o they_o that_o a_o man_n by_o they_o only_o can_v easy_o make_v a_o judgement_n 1._o i_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o doubt_v but_o that_o evil_a spirit_n by_o god_n permission_n may_v effect_v thing_n that_o be_v true_o miraculous_a or_o if_o you_o require_v it_o plain_o true_a miracle_n for_o my_o part_n i_o do_v not_o see_v any_o reason_n why_o the_o same_o thing_n do_v by_o the_o forename_a sorcerer_n be_v not_o as_o true_a miracle_n as_o when_o do_v by_o moses_n and_o it_o will_v be_v hard_a for_o any_o man_n to_o show_v a_o difference_n if_o the_o turn_v a_o rod_n into_o a_o serpent_n be_v a_o miracle_n they_o do_v it_o as_o well_o as_o moses_n if_o convert_v water_n into_o blood_n be_v a_o miracle_n it_o be_v so_o when_o do_v by_o they_o as_o well_o as_o when_o do_v by_o moses_n and_o though_o it_o be_v true_a that_o moses_n do_v some_o miracle_n which_o they_o can_v not_o yet_o that_o relieve_v we_o little_a for_o though_o they_o do_v not_o all_o miracle_n which_o he_o do_v yet_o they_o do_v some_o so_o that_o still_o they_o wrought_v true_a miracle_n as_o well_o as_o moses_n 2._o nor_o second_o shall_v man_n be_v relieve_v by_o say_v some_o be_v lie_v wonder_n and_o some_o be_v true_a for_o it_o be_v probable_a those_o wonder_n be_v call_v lie_v wonder_n not_o because_o they_o be_v not_o real_o wonder_v or_o miracle_n for_o the_o word_n signify_v equal_o both_a but_o because_o they_o be_v design_v to_o attest_v a_o untruth_n a_o lie_n for_o so_o the_o greek_a seem_v especial_o to_o mean_v 2.9_o 2_o thess_n 2.9_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d miracle_n or_o wonder_n of_o falsehood_n as_o our_o own_o translator_n put_v it_o in_o the_o margin_n and_o so_o the_o learned_a grotius_n expound_v it_o and_o justify_v the_o exposition_n by_o a_o know_a truth_n nam_fw-la quod_fw-la vice_fw-la genitivi_fw-la est_fw-la apud_fw-la hebreos_n saepe_fw-la finem_fw-la significat_fw-la where_o you_o have_v a_o learned_a discourse_n to_o the_o purpose_n i_o be_o now_o upon_o and_o beza_n also_o expound_v it_o to_o the_o same_o pupose_v too_o mendacii_fw-la stabiliendi_fw-la causâ_fw-la edita_fw-la wonder_v wrought_v on_o purpose_n to_o confirm_v a_o lie_n 3._o nor_o three_o will_v it_o any_o more_o help_v we_o to_o grant_v that_o some_o be_v lie_v wonder_n in_o the_o other_o sense_n unless_o we_o can_v certain_o tell_v which_o be_v so_o whether_o the_o wonder_n be_v real_a or_o no_o it_o be_v all_o one_o to_o i_o unless_o i_o be_v able_a to_o distinguish_v betwixt_o they_o suppose_v those_o of_o the_o egyptian_a sorcerer_n or_o simon_n magus_n or_o apollonius_n tyaneus_n who_o the_o heathen_n set_v up_o to_o vie_v with_o christ_n i_o say_v suppose_v these_o be_v not_o real_a miracle_n but_o prestigious_a and_o delusive_a yet_o how_o shall_v any_o man_n know_v and_o make_v it_o appear_v they_o be_v so_o they_o be_v as_o convictive_a as_o true_a one_o unless_o they_o can_v be_v plain_o discover_v not_o to_o be_v so_o and_o how_o to_o do_v this_o from_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o thing_n themselves_o i_o profess_v myself_o whole_o ignorant_a 4._o for_o fourthly_a i_o shall_v receive_v little_a satisfaction_n by_o what_o be_v common_o say_v in_o this_o case_n that_o be_v a_o true_a miracle_n which_o can_v only_o be_v effect_v by_o a_o divine_a power_n for_o suppose_v that_o be_v grant_v true_a yet_o how_o shall_v i_o know_v what_o can_v only_o be_v effect_v so_o and_o what_o not_o no_o man_n know_v the_o limit_n of_o satan_n power_n nor_o can_v say_v hitherto_o can_v he_o go_v and_o no_o further_o unless_o he_o can_v tell_v more_o than_o ever_o man_n yet_o do_v nay_o perhaps_o no_o man_n can_v exact_o tell_v the_o utmost_a reach_n of_o natural_a power_n or_o define_v precise_o how_o far_o natural_a cause_n when_o right_o apply_v can_v work_v and_o if_o he_o know_v not_o this_o he_o know_v little_a in_o order_n to_o satisfaction_n in_o this_o matter_n 5._o nor_o true_o be_v there_o much_o more_o relief_n in_o fly_v to_o the_o evident_a greatness_n of_o miracle_n though_o i_o glad_o confess_v there_o be_v something_o in_o it_o and_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v adore_v as_o a_o signal_n act_n of_o divine_a providence_n that_o moses_n and_o especial_o christ_n herein_o have_v the_o eminency_n above_o any_o other_o pretender_n to_o miracle_n in_o the_o world_n for_o moses_n his_o rod_n swallow_v up_o the_o magician_n rod_n and_o apollonius_n can_v not_o heal_v all_o disease_n as_o christ_n do_v etc._n etc._n but_o still_o this_o be_v short_a of_o full_o relieve_v we_o for_o perhaps_o some_o thing_n may_v seem_v great_a miracle_n to_o we_o which_o be_v not_o so_o indeed_o and_o subtle_a wit_n will_v say_v many_o thing_n to_o make_v it_o seem_v at_o least_o that_o all_o miracle_n be_v equal_o great_a and_o suppose_v it_o to_o be_v so_o that_o many_o people_n may_v see_v some_o of_o these_o miracle_n only_o and_o not_o the_o other_o as_o suppose_v the_o samaritan_n that_o see_v the_o miracle_n of_o simon_n magus_n do_v not_o see_v those_o of_o christ_n or_o the_o apostle_n nor_o those_o that_o see_v the_o wonder_n of_o apollonius_n to_o have_v hear_v of_o the_o other_o i_o ask_v now_o what_o they_o shall_v do_v in_o this_o case_n if_o a_o miracle_n be_v a_o good_a ground_n of_o truth_n than_o they_o have_v that_o warrant_n to_o believe_v as_o grand_a falsehood_n as_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o world_n but_o further_a yet_o if_o you_o look_v into_o the_o gospel_n you_o shall_v find_v christ_n tell_v his_o apostle_n 24.24_o mat._n 24.24_o that_o the_o false_a christ_n that_n shall_v arise_v after_o he_o shall_v show_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d great_a sign_n and_o wonder_n and_o so_o great_a as_o to_o deceive_v the_o very_a elect_n be_v they_o not_o mighty_o assist_v to_o avoid_v that_o deception_n 6._o from_o all_o which_o i_o collect_v that_o a_o bare_a miracle_n be_v not_o enough_o to_o assure_v the_o truth_n and_o warrant_v the_o belief_n of_o every_o doctrine_n attest_v by_o it_o for_o then_o the_o doctrine_n of_o apollonius_n and_o simon_n magus_n have_v the_o same_o credibility_n as_o that_o of_o christ_n 13.14_o rev._n 13.14_o and_o if_o you_o look_v into_o the_o revelation_n of_o s._n john_n you_o shall_v find_v mention_n of_o a_o beast_n which_o deceive_v man_n by_o miracle_n which_o he_o have_v power_n to_o do_v and_o in_o another_o 16.14_o another_o rev._n 16.14_o place_n we_o read_v of_o the_o spirit_n of_o devil_n go_v forth_o to_o work_v miracle_n and_o 19.20_o and_o cap._n 19.20_o again_o of_o a_o false_a prophet_n that_o wrought_v miracle_n if_o miracle_n therefore_o warrant_v faith_n of_o every_o doctrine_n than_o they_o do_v also_o warrant_v that_o of_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o spirit_n which_o god_n forbid_v 7._o upon_o the_o strength_n of_o all_o which_o consideration_n i_o say_v that_o miracle_n themselves_o need_v something_o to_o attest_v they_o and_o show_v man_n when_o they_o be_v to_o believe_v they_o and_o when_o not_o to_o do_v so_o and_o i_o mistake_v much_o if_o what_o have_v be_v say_v do_v not_o make_v this_o apparent_a 8._o and_o therefore_o last_o to_o bring_v all_o to_o a_o final_a