requisite_a to_o the_o proof_n of_o a_o revelation_n somewhat_o peculiar_a to_o it_o and_o that_o so_o belong_v to_o it_o as_o not_o to_o be_v common_a to_o any_o thing_n with_o it_o and_o that_o be_v a_o point_n i_o shall_v now_o take_v into_o consideration_n towards_o the_o clear_a proof_n of_o which_o i_o shall_v distribute_v it_o after_o a_o threefold_a manner_n 1._o i_o shall_v consider_v the_o case_n of_o such_o as_o be_v themselves_o inspire_v and_o to_o who_o the_o revelation_n be_v make_v and_o how_o they_o can_v be_v satisfy_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o such_o a_o revelation_n 2._o the_o case_n of_o those_o that_o receive_v the_o matter_n reveal_v immediate_o from_o the_o person_n inspire_v and_o how_o they_o be_v to_o judge_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o such_o a_o revelation_n 3._o the_o case_n of_o those_o that_o live_v in_o age_n remote_a from_o that_o of_o the_o inspire_a person_n and_o after_o that_o the_o revelation_n be_v complete_v as_o be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o jew_n more_o especial_o that_o live_v between_o the_o time_n of_o malachi_n and_o john_n the_o baptist_n and_o as_o the_o case_n be_v of_o all_o christian_n since_o the_o apostolical_a time_n and_o what_o satisfaction_n and_o evidence_n may_v there_o be_v expect_v in_o those_o circumstance_n 1._o the_o case_n of_o those_o that_o receive_v the_o revelation_n and_o how_o they_o themselves_o can_v be_v satisfy_v about_o the_o certainty_n of_o such_o a_o revelation_n the_o resolution_n of_o this_o point_n belong_v in_o part_n to_o the_o three_o general_n under_o which_o the_o difference_n remain_v to_o be_v show_v between_o a_o revelation_n and_o imagination_n but_o i_o shall_v not_o whole_o refer_v it_o thither_o there_o seem_v to_o be_v so_o near_o a_o affinity_n between_o revelation_n and_o imagination_n and_o imagination_n be_v so_o far_o operative_a in_o many_o branch_n of_o inspiration_n that_o it_o be_v very_o difficult_a to_o set_v out_o the_o bound_n exact_o and_o to_o say_v this_o be_v of_o divine_a inspiration_n and_o this_o the_o effect_n of_o fancy_n but_o whatever_o it_o may_v seem_v to_o we_o that_o have_v no_o sensation_n or_o experience_n of_o such_o divine_a representation_n as_o the_o prophet_n have_v and_o so_o it_o be_v no_o more_o possible_a for_o we_o to_o describe_v it_o than_o it_o be_v for_o one_o that_o never_o have_v his_o sight_n to_o conceive_v what_o light_n and_o colour_n be_v yet_o as_o the_o blind_a man_n may_v be_v convince_v that_o there_o be_v such_o thing_n as_o light_n colour_n figure_n and_o sight_n by_o what_o he_o hear_v and_o observe_v from_o those_o that_o be_v about_o he_o and_o that_o he_o converse_v with_o so_o we_o may_v be_v as_o well_o assure_v that_o there_o be_v in_o prophetical_a scheme_n that_o powerful_a representation_n on_o the_o part_n of_o the_o divine_a agent_n and_o that_o clearness_n of_o perception_n on_o the_o part_n of_o the_o person_n inspire_v as_o will_v abundant_o make_v good_a those_o phrase_n of_o vision_n and_o speak_v by_o which_o it_o be_v describe_v in_o scripture_n and_o which_o may_v well_o be_v suppose_v as_o much_o more_o to_o advantage_n as_o the_o power_n that_o operate_v upon_o they_o be_v beyond_o that_o of_o mere_a imagination_n so_o that_o those_o inspire_a person_n after_o such_o illumination_n may_v as_o well_o question_v what_o they_o hear_v or_o see_v by_o the_o natural_a organ_n of_o sense_n as_o doubt_v of_o what_o be_v reveal_v to_o they_o by_o the_o impression_n make_v upon_o they_o through_o the_o agency_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n to_o deny_v this_o be_v to_o deny_v that_o god_n can_v so_o communicate_v himself_o to_o a_o intelligent_a creature_n that_o the_o creature_n shall_v certain_o know_v that_o it_o proceed_v from_o his_o immediate_a suggestion_n which_o i_o have_v before_o show_v it_o be_v unreasonable_a to_o question_v and_o indeed_o what_o be_v no_o more_o to_o be_v question_v or_o deny_v because_o we_o ourselves_o have_v no_o experience_n of_o it_o than_o the_o blind_a from_o their_o birth_n can_v reasonable_o question_v or_o deny_v there_o be_v what_o we_o call_v light_n and_o colour_n or_o the_o deaf_a that_o there_o be_v sound_n voices_z and_o word_n because_o they_o have_v no_o notion_n or_o idea_n of_o these_o thing_n now_o if_o we_o think_v it_o reasonable_a that_o the_o deaf_a and_o the_o blind_a shall_v notwithstanding_o a_o natural_a inaptitude_n and_o incapacity_n in_o themselves_o assent_n to_o what_o all_o mankind_n beside_o do_v unanimous_o aver_v and_o not_o call_v in_o question_n the_o truth_n or_o possibility_n of_o what_o be_v thus_o affirm_v because_o of_o their_o want_n of_o sensation_n so_o it_o be_v not_o fit_a or_o reasonable_a to_o think_v this_o way_n of_o revelation_n never_o be_v and_o can_v be_v because_o we_o have_v not_o a_o experimental_a knowledge_n of_o such_o a_o manifestation_n for_o almighty_a god_n can_v so_o clarify_v the_o understanding_n by_o a_o beam_n of_o light_n let_v in_o from_o above_o as_o shall_v be_v as_o evident_a a_o proof_n of_o its_o divine_a original_a as_o it_o be_v that_o the_o light_n proceed_v from_o the_o sun_n the_o fountain_n of_o it_o or_o as_o a_o person_n himself_o be_v sure_a of_o the_o truth_n of_o any_o proposition_n which_o by_o a_o argument_n before_o unthought_a of_o or_o unconsidered_a he_o come_v to_o be_v full_o convince_v of_o in_o spite_n of_o all_o former_a prejudices_fw-la and_o opinion_n so_o little_a truth_n or_o reason_n be_v there_o in_o a_o bold_a assertion_n of_o a_o certain_a author_n 2._o that_o revelation_n be_v uncertain_a and_o never_o certain_a without_o a_o sign_n and_o therefore_o say_v he_o abraham_n moses_n and_o gideon_n ask_v a_o sign_n over_o and_o above_o revelation_n but_o it_o be_v far_o from_o be_v true_a that_o those_o person_n therefore_o desire_v a_o sign_n because_o they_o conceive_v the_o revelation_n to_o be_v uncertain_a or_o that_o they_o doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o but_o as_o a_o sign_n be_v for_o the_o great_a confirmation_n of_o their_o faith_n in_o some_o point_v difficult_a to_o be_v believe_v or_o in_o some_o very_a difficult_a service_n for_o faith_n as_o other_o grace_n be_v capable_a of_o addition_n and_o improvement_n in_o which_o case_n their_o ask_v a_o sign_n be_v no_o more_o a_o evidence_n of_o their_o distrust_n of_o god_n or_o a_o doubt_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o revelation_n than_o god_n confirm_v his_o promise_n by_o a_o oath_n be_v a_o evidence_n that_o he_o think_v not_o his_o word_n sufficient_a without_o it_o or_o than_o abraham_n can_v be_v suppose_v not_o oblige_v to_o believe_v upon_o a_o promise_n alone_o without_o that_o superabundant_a confirmation_n of_o a_o oath_n heb._n 6.17_o thus_o it_o be_v even_o in_o the_o case_n of_o that_o holy_a patriarch_n to_o which_o this_o author_n refer_v where_o before_o ever_o he_o ask_v a_o sign_n he_o be_v say_v to_o have_v so_o believe_v in_o the_o lord_n that_o it_o be_v count_v to_o he_o for_o righteousness_n gen._n 15.6_o 8._o his_o faith_n be_v high_o commend_v and_o he_o be_v for_o that_o reason_n call_v the_o father_n of_o the_o faithful_a so_o that_o revelation_n may_v be_v certain_a when_o there_o be_v no_o sign_n and_o the_o person_n be_v bind_v to_o believe_v it_o and_o be_v oblige_v by_o it_o as_o well_o where_o there_o be_v no_o sign_n as_o where_o there_o be_v i_o grant_v when_o the_o revelation_n come_v at_o second_o hand_n to_o a_o person_n and_o rest_v on_o human_a testimony_n on_o the_o ability_n and_o sincerity_n of_o the_o relater_n or_o person_n suppose_v to_o be_v inspire_v there_o need_v some_o far_a evidence_n some_o sign_n or_o sign_n that_o be_v to_o be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o credential_n from_o heaven_n since_o all_o man_n be_v liar_n psal._n 116.11_o that_o be_v may_v be_v deceive_v or_o may_v deceive_v may_v either_o be_v so_o weak_a as_o to_o be_v impose_v upon_o by_o their_o own_o imagination_n or_o the_o imposture_n and_o practice_n of_o evil_a spirit_n or_o be_v so_o wicked_a as_o under_o the_o pretence_n of_o revelation_n and_o inspiration_n to_o impose_v upon_o other_o in_o such_o a_o case_n no_o man_n affirmation_n or_o pretence_n be_v ordinary_o to_o be_v heed_v further_o than_o as_o he_o be_v able_a to_o produce_v such_o testimony_n as_o be_v real_o as_o divine_a as_o he_o will_v have_v his_o revelation_n account_v to_o be_v but_o when_o a_o person_n be_v himself_o the_o recipient_a to_o who_o the_o revelation_n be_v impart_v there_o be_v no_o absolute_a need_n of_o a_o sign_n or_o further_a evidence_n to_o ascertain_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o to_o he_o when_o if_o god_n so_o please_v the_o revelation_n of_o itself_o may_v be_v make_v as_o clear_v as_o it_o can_v be_v make_v by_o the_o sign_n what_o need_n be_v there_o of_o a_o sign_n to_o prove_v
that_o it_o be_v day_n when_o by_o the_o light_n of_o it_o we_o see_v every_o thing_n about_o we_o or_o to_o justify_v the_o truth_n of_o a_o self-evident_a proposition_n these_o be_v thing_n in_o their_o own_o nature_n that_o need_v no_o proof_n and_o when_o a_o revelation_n have_v a_o evidence_n of_o its_o own_o as_o truth_n have_v it_o need_v no_o other_o light_n to_o discover_v it_o no_o further_a sign_n to_o prove_v it_o for_o its_o own_o sake_n and_o as_o to_o the_o person_n to_o who_o the_o revelation_n be_v make_v a_o sign_n therefore_o make_v no_o alteration_n in_o the_o evidence_n for_o whether_o with_o a_o sign_n or_o without_o a_o sign_n the_o revelation_n be_v to_o be_v believe_v for_o else_o they_o that_o have_v a_o revelation_n without_o a_o sign_n be_v not_o oblige_v to_o believe_v and_o the_o revelation_n without_o the_o sign_n have_v in_o effect_n be_v no_o revelation_n since_o no_o one_o be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v where_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n for_o it_o and_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n for_o it_o where_o there_o be_v no_o evidence_n or_o that_o evidence_n not_o sufficient_a so_o that_o if_o it_o be_v ask_v how_o a_o person_n shall_v himself_o be_v satisfy_v concern_v the_o certainty_n of_o a_o revelation_n make_v to_o he_o it_o will_v receive_v the_o same_o answer_n with_o that_o how_o he_o shall_v be_v satisfy_v concern_v the_o truth_n of_o a_o proposition_n or_o a_o self-evident_a proposition_n for_o the_o further_a proof_n of_o which_o god_n may_v work_v a_o miracle_n and_o give_v a_o sign_n but_o the_o thing_n be_v the_o proof_n of_o itself_o but_o however_o suppose_v a_o person_n never_o so_o well_o satisfy_v in_o what_o he_o call_v revelation_n and_o that_o in_o his_o own_o opinion_n he_o be_v as_o sure_a of_o it_o as_o of_o his_o own_o be_v and_o existence_n yet_o what_o be_v this_o to_o other_o that_o be_v concern_v in_o that_o revelation_n if_o it_o be_v true_a and_o as_o much_o bind_v to_o believe_v it_o and_o be_v direct_v by_o it_o as_o if_o they_o themselves_o have_v be_v in_o the_o place_n of_o that_o inspire_a person_n and_o receive_v it_o as_o he_o do_v immediate_o from_o god_n this_o bring_v we_o to_o the_o second_o case_n 2._o the_o case_n of_o those_o that_o do_v not_o themselves_o receive_v that_o revelation_n immediate_o from_o god_n but_o from_o the_o person_n or_o person_n inspire_v and_o then_o the_o question_n be_v how_o these_o be_v to_o judge_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o revelation_n a_o revelation_n to_o another_o how_o evident_o and_o convince_o soever_o it_o may_v be_v represent_v to_o he_o be_v nothing_o to_o i_o unless_o i_o be_o full_o assure_v that_o he_o have_v have_v such_o a_o revelation_n but_o that_o i_o can_v be_v assure_v of_o unless_o it_o be_v by_o the_o like_a immediate_a revelation_n or_o by_o sufficient_a and_o uncontrollable_a testimony_n but_o it_o will_v be_v a_o unreasonable_a motion_n to_o demand_v that_o we_o be_v alike_o inspire_v and_o have_v the_o same_o revelation_n to_o confirm_v his_o revelation_n for_o that_o will_v be_v as_o if_o one_o that_o be_v bear_v blind_a shall_v obstinate_o refuse_v to_o believe_v there_o be_v a_o sun_n in_o the_o firmament_n or_o day_n or_o sight_n unless_o he_o have_v the_o same_o visive_n faculty_n with_o those_o that_o do_v affirm_v it_o it_o may_v then_o as_o reasonable_o be_v require_v with_o thomas_n that_o we_o see_v the_o print_n of_o the_o nail_n and_o put_v our_o hand_n into_o the_o side_n and_o have_v all_o actual_o bring_v home_o to_o our_o sense_n or_o else_o we_o will_v remain_v infidel_n and_o not_o believe_v this_o will_v be_v to_o drive_v all_o faith_n out_o of_o the_o world_n and_o so_o it_o will_v be_v unpracticable_a we_o must_v then_o take_v the_o case_n for_o grant_v and_o that_o it_o be_v as_o reasonable_a for_o we_o to_o believe_v where_o there_o be_v sufficient_a motive_n of_o credibility_n as_o if_o we_o be_v alike_o actual_o inspire_v as_o they_o to_o who_o the_o revelation_n be_v immediate_o convey_v and_o here_o let_v we_o place_v ourselves_o in_o those_o circumstance_n as_o if_o we_o be_v to_o judge_v of_o the_o truth_n or_o falsehood_n of_o a_o revelation_n and_o consider_v what_o we_o ourselves_o will_v in_o reason_n desire_n for_o our_o own_o satisfaction_n when_o the_o person_n to_o who_o this_o revelation_n be_v make_v stand_v ready_a to_o give_v it_o and_o if_o i_o mistake_v not_o in_o judge_v for_o other_o by_o what_o i_o myself_o will_v desire_v it_o may_v be_v resolve_v 1._o into_o the_o veracity_n sincerity_n and_o credibility_n of_o the_o person_n pretend_v to_o inspiration_n 2._o into_o the_o matter_n or_o subject_n of_o revelation_n 3._o into_o the_o testimony_n produce_v for_o it_o 1._o the_o credibility_n of_o the_o person_n by_o which_o we_o understand_v his_o probity_n and_o sincerity_n his_o capacity_n prudence_n and_o understanding_n which_o render_v he_o worthy_a of_o credit_n and_o be_v meet_v and_o necessary_a qualification_n for_o a_o divine_a missionary_n the_o be_v a_o prophet_n to_o other_o as_o those_o be_v to_o who_o a_o revelation_n be_v make_v and_o that_o be_v inspire_v by_o almighty_a god_n so_o as_o to_o teach_v and_o direct_v they_o in_o the_o stead_n as_o it_o be_v of_o god_n who_o mouth_n and_o representatives_n they_o be_v unto_o the_o people_n be_v a_o office_n of_o great_a dignity_n and_o require_v somewhat_o of_o the_o divine_a image_n as_o well_o as_o authority_n to_o recommend_v they_o and_o their_o message_n to_o other_o and_o therefore_o prophet_n and_o holy_a man_n be_v in_o scripture_n frequent_o put_v together_o 2_o pet._n 1.21_o matth._n 13.17_o imply_v that_o none_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v employ_v in_o so_o sacred_a a_o office_n that_o be_v not_o person_n of_o know_a probity_n and_o approve_a integrity_n i_o grant_v in_o the_o ordinary_a case_n as_o there_o be_v prophet_n breed_v up_o in_o the_o school_n or_o nursery_n of_o learning_n and_o morality_n there_o may_v be_v such_o person_n as_o be_v employ_v without_o a_o strict_a regard_n have_v to_o these_o qualification_n as_o messenger_n that_o carry_v a_o errand_n by_o the_o order_n of_o their_o superior_a as_o 2_o king_n 9.1_o i_o grant_v again_o that_o god_n may_v and_o do_v sometime_o upon_o some_o occasion_n inspire_v such_o person_n as_o have_v none_o of_o these_o qualification_n to_o recommend_v they_o as_o he_o do_v balaam_n but_o then_o this_o be_v no_o more_o than_o when_o god_n open_v the_o mouth_n of_o the_o ass_n to_o rebuke_v the_o madness_n of_o that_o prophet_n and_o who_o be_v so_o overrule_v by_o the_o divine_a power_n as_o against_o his_o will_n to_o bless_v those_o who_o he_o come_v to_o curse_v which_o be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o considerable_a as_o it_o be_v the_o testimony_n of_o a_o enemy_n but_o as_o revelation_n be_v a_o divine_a communication_n and_o a_o mark_n of_o divine_a favour_n so_o it_o do_v suppose_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o that_o the_o person_n so_o dignify_v be_v due_o qualify_v for_o it_o and_o which_o be_v so_o requisite_a in_o the_o opinion_n of_o mankind_n that_o without_o it_o he_o will_v rather_o be_v account_v a_o impostor_n than_o a_o messenger_n from_o god_n and_o ordinary_o have_v no_o more_o reverence_n pay_v to_o his_o errand_n than_o to_o his_o person_n and_o what_o have_v be_v thus_o say_v in_o general_a as_o to_o the_o morality_n and_o virtue_n of_o person_n inspire_v will_v hold_v in_o some_o degree_n as_o to_o their_o prudence_n and_o understanding_n which_o be_v so_o necessary_a a_o qualification_n that_o the_o divine_a election_n of_o person_n for_o so_o peculiar_a a_o sevice_n do_v in_o that_o way_n either_o find_v or_o make_v they_o fit_a it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o a_o late_a author_n maintain_v revelation_n to_o be_v uncertain_a 2._o when_o he_o say_v that_o the_o prophet_n be_v not_o endue_v with_o a_o more_o perfect_a understanding_n than_o other_o but_o only_o with_o a_o more_o vivid_n power_n of_o imagination_n and_o that_o the_o wise_a of_o man_n such_o as_o solomon_n and_o heman_n etc._n etc._n be_v not_o prophet_n but_o contrariwise_o rustic_n and_o untaught_a person_n and_o even_o despicable_a woman_n such_o as_o hagar_n for_o if_o these_o and_o such_o as_o these_o be_v the_o only_a person_n employ_v in_o the_o message_n of_o heaven_n to_o mankind_n and_o who_o all_o the_o revelation_n centre_v in_o there_o will_v be_v no_o improbable_a ground_n of_o suspicion_n that_o they_o be_v mislead_v into_o such_o a_o opinion_n by_o the_o fascination_n of_o a_o work_a imagination_n and_o so_o it_o will_v be_v fancy_n and_o not_o revelation_n but_o what_o think_v he_o of_o moses_n a_o person_n acquaint_v with_o all_o the_o learning_n of_o the_o egyptian_n and_o rich_o accomplish_v with_o all_o endowment_n requisite_a to_o
d_o r_o williams's_fw-fr three_o sermon_n at_o mr._n boyle_n lecture_n 1695._o imprimatur_fw-la march_v 6._o 1694_o 5._o guil._n lancaster_n the_o character_n of_o divine_a revelation_n a_o sermon_n preach_v at_o st._n martin_n in_o the_o field_n march_v 4._o 1694_o 5._o be_v the_o three_o of_o the_o lecture_n for_o the_o ensue_a year_n found_v by_o the_o honourable_a robert_n boyle_n esquire_n by_o john_n williams_z d._n d._n chaplain_n in_o ordinary_a to_o his_o majesty_n london_n print_v for_o ri._n chiswell_n and_o tho._n cockerill_n at_o the_o rose_n and_o crown_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n and_o at_o the_o three_o leg_n in_o the_o poultry_n m_o dc_o xc_o v._o heb._n i._n 1_o 2._o god_n who_o at_o sundry_a time_n and_o in_o divers_a manner_n speak_v in_o time_n pass_v unto_o the_o father_n by_o the_o prophet_n have_v in_o these_o last_o day_n speak_v unto_o we_o by_o his_o son_n in_o these_o word_n there_o be_v as_o i_o have_v show_v i._o a_o description_n give_v of_o revelation_n it_o be_v god_n speak_v or_o declare_v his_o will_n to_o mankind_n ii_o the_o certainty_n of_o it_o it_o be_v by_o way_n of_o declaration_n god_n who_o at_o sundry_a time_n and_o in_o divers_a manner_n speak_v etc._n etc._n it_o be_v take_v for_o grant_v and_o that_o it_o need_v no_o proof_n iii_o the_o order_n observe_v in_o deliver_v this_o revelation_n it_o be_v at_o sundry_a time_n and_o in_o divers_a manner_n in_o time_n pass_v by_o the_o prophet_n and_o in_o the_o last_o day_n by_o his_o son_n iv._o the_o perfection_n and_o conclusion_n of_o all_o it_o be_v in_o the_o last_o day_n by_o his_o son_n under_o the_o first_o i_o have_v show_v 1._o what_o be_v mean_v by_o revelation_n in_o contradistinction_n to_o natural_a light_n 2._o the_o possibility_n of_o it_o 3._o the_o expedience_n usefulness_n and_o necessity_n of_o it_o under_o the_o second_o i_o have_v show_v 1._o the_o certainty_n of_o it_o or_o that_o there_o have_v be_v such_o a_o revelation_n 2._o i_o shall_v now_o proceed_v to_o show_v the_o difference_n between_o pretend_a and_o true_a revelation_n or_o what_o be_v the_o character_n by_o which_o we_o may_v know_v revelation_n to_o be_v true_a in_o treat_v upon_o which_o i_o shall_v premise_v 1._o that_o the_o proper_a subject-matter_n of_o revelation_n call_v here_o god_n speak_v be_v not_o self-evident_a and_o out_o of_o the_o road_n of_o nature_n require_v some_o extraneous_a principle_n to_o prove_v it_o by_o sensible_n object_n lie_v open_a to_o the_o sense_n and_o need_v no_o proof_n for_o who_o ever_o think_v it_o necessary_a to_o labour_v in_o prove_v there_o be_v a_o sun_n in_o the_o heaven_n that_o it_o rise_v and_o set_v and_o have_v its_o state_v time_n and_o period_n of_o revolution_n which_o every_o man_n that_o have_v his_o eyesight_n know_v and_o see_v as_o well_o as_o himself_o and_o there_o be_v rational_a inference_n which_o we_o make_v from_o precedent_n postulata_fw-la that_o be_v as_o evident_a as_o the_o principle_n from_o which_o they_o be_v deduce_v and_o which_o all_o man_n alike_o agree_v in_o but_o in_o matter_n of_o mere_a revelation_n there_o be_v no_o manner_n of_o connection_n between_o they_o and_o what_o we_o know_v before_o and_o be_v therefore_o never_o to_o be_v wrought_v out_o or_o learn_v by_o the_o book_n of_o nature_n or_o reason_n but_o be_v only_o to_o be_v understand_v and_o know_v as_o god_n be_v please_v to_o communicate_v they_o we_o may_v search_v and_o search_v eternal_o and_o yet_o never_o have_v find_v out_o the_o mystery_n of_o our_o redemption_n that_o mystery_n which_o not_o only_o the_o prophet_n inquire_v and_o search_v diligent_o 1_o pet._n 1.10_o but_o also_o the_o angel_n desire_v to_o look_v or_o pry_v into_o ver_fw-la 12._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o be_v oblige_v to_o wait_v till_o the_o manifold_a wisdom_n of_o god_n be_v in_o its_o proper_a time_n make_v know_v to_o they_o by_o the_o church_n eph._n 3.10_o as_o have_v be_v before_o suggest_v this_o then_o be_v the_o subject_a of_o revelation_n it_o be_v reasonable_a that_o this_o revelation_n shall_v have_v some_o other_o way_n of_o proof_n that_o what_o be_v thus_o divine_a in_o its_o discovery_n shall_v have_v a_o suitable_a evidence_n to_o justify_v it_o 2._o the_o matter_n of_o revelation_n be_v thus_o of_o divine_a inspiration_n and_o authority_n must_v also_o be_v worthy_a of_o god_n and_o of_o great_a importance_n and_o consequent_o require_v a_o proof_n suitable_a to_o the_o nature_n and_o importance_n of_o it_o if_o the_o matter_n in_o debate_n be_v inconsiderable_a we_o be_v content_v with_o probable_a argument_n nor_o be_v we_o much_o concern_v which_o way_n it_o be_v determine_v as_o it_o be_v indifferent_a whether_o the_o sun_n or_o the_o earth_n be_v the_o centre_n as_o long_o as_o we_o receive_v the_o benefit_n of_o both_o or_o whether_o our_o diet_n nourish_v or_o physic_n operate_v by_o quality_n or_o the_o texture_n of_o its_o part_n as_o long_o as_o we_o find_v the_o happy_a effect_n of_o it_o let_v philosopher_n and_o naturalist_n write_v volume_n and_o wrangle_v eternal_o about_o these_o disputable_a point_n i_o find_v not_o myself_o concern_v as_o long_o as_o my_o interest_n be_v not_o affect_v nor_o concern_v in_o the_o quarrel_n but_o when_o the_o matter_n be_v of_o no_o less_o consequence_n than_o my_o eternal_a happiness_n it_o require_v the_o most_o serious_a thought_n and_o attention_n to_o be_v satisfy_v which_o be_v the_o right_n and_o which_o the_o wrong_n whether_o there_o be_v a_o revelation_n or_o which_o be_v the_o true_a and_o which_o the_o false_a especial_o since_o there_o be_v different_a pretender_n to_o it_o 3._o revelation_n be_v the_o declaration_n of_o god_n will_n to_o mankind_n as_o he_o do_v not_o require_v we_o to_o believe_v without_o sufficient_a evidence_n so_o it_o do_v suppose_v that_o there_o be_v such_o evidence_n and_o that_o there_o be_v some_o mark_n or_o sign_n by_o which_o the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o such_o revelation_n may_v be_v know_v and_o prove_v for_o otherwise_o every_o pretender_n to_o revelation_n will_v challenge_v our_o belief_n and_o we_o shall_v not_o know_v but_o that_o the_o true_a revelation_n may_v be_v the_o false_a and_o the_o false_a the_o true_a 4._o there_o be_v some_o thing_n so_o necessary_a and_o inseparable_o belong_v to_o revelation_n that_o the_o want_n of_o they_o will_v utter_o overthrow_v the_o veracity_n and_o authority_n of_o it_o and_o yet_o without_o further_a evidence_n they_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o prove_v it_o of_o this_o kind_n be_v self-agreement_n a_o consonancy_n to_o the_o principle_n of_o nature_n and_o to_o the_o true_a and_o certain_a notion_n of_o mankind_n concern_v good_a and_o evil._n we_o be_v certain_a if_o a_o revelation_n fail_v in_o any_o one_o or_o more_o of_o these_o that_o it_o be_v false_a and_o not_o of_o divine_a inspiration_n for_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o a_o true_a and_o right_a notion_n of_o thing_n be_v from_o god_n and_o to_o suppose_v a_o revelation_n to_o be_v opposite_a to_o these_o be_v to_o make_v god_n contradict_v himself_o thus_o if_o we_o understand_v any_o thing_n we_o know_v god_n to_o be_v infinite_o good_a and_o holy_a worthy_a of_o the_o profound_a and_o most_o solemn_a adoration_n because_o of_o the_o perfection_n of_o his_o nature_n and_o his_o good_a will_n and_o beneficence_n to_o mankind_n and_o therefore_o to_o sacrifice_v man_n and_o child_n and_o to_o mingle_v the_o most_o impure_a and_o ludicrous_a practice_n with_o the_o worship_n pay_v to_o he_o be_v rather_o a_o offer_v to_o be_v present_v to_o the_o most_o beastly_a and_o savage_a daemon_n than_o the_o holy_a and_o merciful_a creator_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o consequent_o can_v be_v of_o his_o institution_n in_o this_o case_n a_o contradiction_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n will_v be_v like_o a_o contradiction_n in_o term_n or_o a_o contradiction_n in_o the_o revelation_n itself_o and_o therefore_o a_o revelation_n that_o shall_v evident_o contradict_v they_o be_v a_o revelation_n in_o pretence_n only_o it_o be_v not_o divine_a but_o though_o these_o be_v thus_o necessary_a to_o revelation_n that_o the_o want_n of_o they_o be_v sufficient_a to_o detect_v what_o be_v false_a yet_o however_o it_o will_v not_o follow_v that_o wherever_o these_o be_v that_o because_o a_o sum_n of_o doctrine_n agree_v with_o itself_o be_v consonant_n to_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o right_a notion_n we_o have_v of_o thing_n that_o it_o be_v therefore_o of_o divine_a revelation_n for_o though_o it_o be_v seldom_o but_o the_o imposture_n fail_v in_o one_o or_o more_o of_o these_o yet_o it_o may_v have_v all_o these_o character_n and_o be_v a_o doctrine_n of_o man_n of_o human_a contrivance_n and_o composure_n and_o therefore_o there_o be_v somewhat_o far_a
complete_a a_o governor_n of_o a_o numerous_a people_n and_o to_o consolidate_v they_o into_o a_o settle_a constitution_n and_o therefore_o have_v the_o preference_n give_v he_o to_o all_o the_o most_o famous_a and_o ancient_a lawgiver_n by_o plato_n pythagoras_n diodorus_n siculus_n &_o c._n what_o think_v he_o of_o joshua_n that_o be_v breed_v up_o under_o the_o best_a instructor_n and_o that_o know_v the_o art_n of_o government_n and_o conduct_n in_o peace_n and_o war_n what_o of_o samuel_n that_o from_o his_o youth_n and_o even_o childhood_n indeed_o commence_v a_o prophet_n and_o be_v also_o the_o judge_n of_o the_o whole_a nation_n in_o unsettled_a and_o perilous_a time_n act_n 3.24_o 13.20_o what_o of_o david_n just_o call_v a_o prophet_n act_v 2.30_o and_o who_o write_n show_v he_o to_o excel_v in_o all_o manner_n of_o poetry_n and_o sublime_a composure_n what_o last_o of_o solomon_n himself_o to_o who_o it_o be_v say_v the_o lord_n appear_v twice_o 1_o king_n 11.9_o in_o a_o more_o eminent_a manner_n and_o at_o other_o time_n 1_o king_n 3.5_o 6.12_o 9.2_o 11.11_o and_o if_o at_o other_o time_n god_n who_o be_v not_o confine_v in_o his_o choice_n or_o operation_n to_o the_o capacity_n of_o instrument_n be_v please_v to_o reveal_v himself_o to_o and_o employ_v such_o rustic_n and_o illiterate_a person_n as_o amos_n and_o afterward_o the_o apostle_n he_o give_v they_o a_o mouth_n and_o wisdom_n luke_n 21.15_o and_o endue_v they_o with_o such_o extraordinary_a gift_n of_o elocution_n and_o magnanimity_n as_o make_v they_o fit_a to_o appear_v before_o king_n and_o to_o confront_v the_o wise_a of_o philosopher_n so_o as_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n be_v abundant_o verify_v in_o they_o 1_o cor._n 1.25_o etc._n etc._n that_o the_o foolishness_n of_o god_n be_v wise_a than_o man_n and_o the_o weakness_n of_o god_n be_v strong_a than_o man_n etc._n etc._n but_o it_o be_v not_o only_o requisite_a that_o the_o person_n to_o who_o the_o revelation_n be_v make_v and_o that_o be_v employ_v in_o deliver_v that_o revelation_n to_o other_o be_v wise_a and_o cautious_a such_o as_o be_v capable_a of_o discern_v and_o not_o apt_a to_o be_v impose_v upon_o but_o it_o be_v as_o requisite_a that_o they_o be_v faithful_a and_o sincere_a and_o that_o will_v not_o impose_v upon_o other_o for_o otherwise_o the_o more_o know_v they_o be_v the_o more_o able_a be_v they_o by_o plausible_a insinuation_n and_o pretence_n to_o deceive_v and_o what_o great_a evidence_n of_o this_o can_v be_v desire_v than_o when_o the_o person_n inspire_v live_v by_o the_o best_a rule_n as_o well_o as_o give_v they_o what_o great_a evidence_n than_o when_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o publish_v propagate_a and_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o they_o teach_v they_o deny_v themselves_o of_o all_o the_o pleasure_n profit_n and_o honour_n of_o this_o present_a life_n when_o though_o they_o know_v before_o hand_n that_o bond_n and_o tribulation_n abide_v they_o yet_o none_o of_o these_o thing_n move_v they_o neither_o count_v they_o their_o life_n dear_a unto_o they_o but_o with_o admirable_a patience_n resolution_n and_o constancy_n expose_v themselves_o to_o the_o utmost_a severity_n for_o the_o hope_n of_o such_o reward_n as_o they_o propose_v for_o their_o own_o and_o the_o encouragement_n of_o other_o what_o great_a testimony_n can_v be_v give_v of_o their_o sincerity_n and_o if_o not_o of_o the_o truth_n yet_o of_o their_o own_o belief_n of_o it_o who_o can_v with_o such_o cheerfulness_n invite_v the_o great_a danger_n and_o with_o such_o a_o brave_a magnanimity_n despise_v all_o the_o threaten_n of_o the_o most_o potent_a adversary_n and_o run_v the_o gantelope_n as_o it_o be_v through_o the_o most_o formidable_a persecution_n without_o the_o least_o demur_n or_o haesitation_n if_o they_o themselves_o be_v not_o abundant_o and_o full_o convince_v of_o the_o truth_n excellency_n and_o necessity_n of_o that_o doctrine_n they_o be_v thus_o commission_v to_o teach_v if_o these_o be_v not_o sincere_a there_o be_v no_o sincerity_n in_o the_o world_n so_o that_o as_o far_o as_o the_o credibility_n of_o the_o person_n be_v a_o proof_n of_o a_o revelation_n and_o so_o far_o as_o the_o wisdom_n probity_n and_o sincerity_n of_o person_n be_v a_o proof_n of_o their_o credibility_n we_o have_v a_o evidence_n to_o rest_n upon_o and_o a_o character_n to_o try_v the_o truth_n of_o a_o revelation_n by_o the_o 2_o d._n proof_n in_o this_o case_n desirable_a and_o necessary_a towards_o a_o satisfaction_n be_v the_o subject-matter_n of_o it_o i_o mean_v that_o which_o run_v as_o it_o be_v a_o vein_n through_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o revelation_n there_o be_v some_o revelation_n which_o concern_v particular_a person_n or_o family_n as_o that_o of_o the_o angel_n to_o hagar_n concern_v ishmael_n and_o his_o posterity_n which_o neither_o make_v she_o a_o prophet_n nor_o be_v strict_o of_o concernment_n to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n but_o when_o we_o inquire_v after_o the_o matter_n of_o revelation_n it_o be_v principal_o the_o main_a subject_n of_o it_o such_o as_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o new_a and_o here_o it_o may_v be_v reasonable_o expect_v that_o the_o revelation_n shall_v be_v worthy_a of_o god_n as_o it_o be_v a_o revelation_n from_o he_o and_o what_o shall_v be_v for_o the_o advantage_n satisfaction_n and_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n as_o it_o be_v a_o revelation_n to_o they_o it_o be_v to_o be_v worthy_a of_o god_n and_o what_o will_v become_v he_o to_o speak_v dictate_v and_o do_v if_o he_o be_v himself_o to_o speak_v dictate_v and_o act_n in_o all_o relation_n and_o description_n there_o be_v a_o certain_a decorum_n to_o be_v observe_v with_o respect_n to_o the_o nature_n condition_n and_o circumstance_n of_o the_o thing_n relate_v and_o describe_v which_o make_v up_o what_o be_v call_v symmetry_n and_o proportion_n but_o above_o all_o a_o due_a regard_n be_v to_o be_v have_v hereunto_o in_o the_o idea_n and_o notion_n we_o entertain_v or_o the_o representation_n we_o make_v of_o god_n that_o they_o may_v be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o dignity_n and_o perfection_n of_o his_o nature_n and_o if_o in_o all_o our_o conception_n of_o the_o divine_a be_v such_o a_o scrupulous_a care_n be_v to_o be_v take_v that_o we_o judge_v not_o amiss_o of_o his_o nature_n will_n and_o operation_n we_o can_v but_o suppose_v that_o in_o the_o revelation_n of_o himself_o to_o mankind_n he_o who_o best_o and_o only_o know_v himself_o will_v give_v such_o a_o representation_n of_o those_o as_o be_v suitable_a to_o his_o majesty_n and_o authority_n and_o may_v ingenerate_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n such_o a_o awe_n reverence_n and_o regard_v as_o be_v due_a from_o finite_a create_v and_o imperfect_a being_n to_o he_o that_o be_v infinite_a uncreated_a and_o in_o all_o point_n absolute_o perfect_a there_o we_o may_v well_o expect_v to_o find_v the_o most_o lively_a character_n of_o the_o divine_a perfection_n as_o far_o as_o we_o be_v capable_a of_o conceive_v where_o justice_n and_o power_n be_v set_v forth_o in_o all_o their_o authority_n and_o yet_o so_o temper_v with_o his_o mercy_n and_o kindness_n as_o shall_v as_o well_o raise_v and_o quicken_v the_o hope_n attract_v the_o love_n and_o establish_v the_o comfort_n of_o good_a man_n as_o administer_v matter_n of_o just_a terror_n to_o the_o wicked_a there_o we_o may_v suppose_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o divine_a counsel_n unlock_v and_o the_o beauty_n and_o harmony_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n illustrate_v and_o describe_v as_o far_o as_o god_n government_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o condition_n of_o mankind_n in_o it_o will_v permit_v there_o we_o may_v expect_v to_o find_v the_o best_a principle_n rule_n and_o precept_n to_o inform_v and_o direct_v we_o in_o what_o we_o be_v to_o know_v and_o do_v the_o best_a argument_n and_o motive_n for_o our_o encouragement_n and_o the_o best_a mean_n for_o the_o purify_n and_o the_o perfect_a of_o our_o nature_n and_o the_o make_v we_o as_o happy_a as_o we_o be_v capable_a and_o which_o shall_v as_o much_o exceed_v what_o we_o find_v in_o the_o moralist_n as_o revelation_n be_v above_o nature_n and_o the_o dictate_v of_o almighty_a god_n be_v beyond_o the_o prescript_n of_o human_a wisdom_n such_o in_o fine_a as_o will_v lead_v we_o to_o god_n make_v we_o like_a to_o he_o and_o fit_v we_o for_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o he_o so_o that_o as_o much_o as_o virtue_n make_v for_o the_o good_a perfection_n and_o happiness_n of_o man_n so_o much_o shall_v revelation_n make_v for_o the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n by_o its_o principle_n and_o rule_n its_o precept_n and_o its_o argument_n last_o there_o we_o may_v expect_v to_o be_v satisfy_v about_o the_o chief_a subject_n of_o human_n enquiry_n of_o what_o
mankind_n will_v not_o only_o desire_v but_o what_o be_v best_a and_o most_o necessary_a for_o they_o to_o know_v and_o what_o be_v there_o more_o material_a and_o of_o great_a importance_n than_o to_o be_v satisfy_v about_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o all_o thing_n and_o how_o they_o come_v at_o first_o to_o be_v what_o more_o desirable_a than_o since_o god_n be_v infinite_o good_a and_o consequent_o can_v produce_v nothing_o that_o be_v in_o itself_o evil_a than_o to_o know_v how_o the_o nature_n of_o mankind_n come_v to_o be_v corrupt_v and_o that_o where_o there_o be_v such_o a_o clear_a sense_n of_o the_o difference_n between_o good_a and_o evil_n such_o conviction_n follow_v that_o sense_n such_o memento_n and_o such_o presignification_n such_o reflection_n upon_o it_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v such_o a_o potent_a sway_n bent_n and_o propension_n to_o evil_a that_o with_o all_o their_o care_n it_o can_v never_o be_v prevent_v or_o total_o exterminate_v what_o more_o desirable_a than_o to_o know_v what_o nature_n and_o reason_n of_o itself_o be_v insufficient_a for_o when_o we_o can_v get_v no_o further_o than_o a_o video_fw-la meliora_fw-la proboque_fw-la etc._n etc._n in_o the_o apostle_n language_n the_o good_a that_o i_o will_v i_o do_v not_o but_o the_o evil_n which_o i_o will_v not_o that_o i_o do_v may_v be_v otherwise_o effect_v that_o these_o inclination_n may_v be_v subdue_v and_o nature_n bring_v to_o a_o regular_a state_n what_o more_o desirable_a than_o to_o know_v how_o after_o all_o god_n may_v be_v appease_v forgiveness_n may_v be_v obtain_v and_o that_o heavy_a load_n upon_o human_a nature_n arise_v from_o the_o gild_n of_o a_o man_n mind_n may_v be_v remove_v last_o what_o more_o desirable_a than_o to_o know_v the_o certainty_n and_o condition_n of_o a_o future_a state_n and_o how_o we_o may_v attain_v to_o the_o happiness_n of_o it_o these_o and_o the_o like_a use_v to_o be_v the_o prime_a question_n which_o all_o and_o especial_o the_o most_o thoughtful_a and_o considerate_a part_n of_o mankind_n seek_v but_o in_o vain_a for_o satisfaction_n in_o and_o therefore_o since_o revelation_n be_v to_o make_v up_o the_o defect_n of_o natural_a light_n and_o be_v as_o well_o for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o mankind_n as_o to_o be_v worthy_a of_o god_n we_o may_v reasonable_o expect_v that_o these_o shall_v be_v the_o chief_a subject_n of_o such_o revelation_n and_o a_o revelation_n without_o this_o that_o shall_v leave_v mankind_n in_o the_o same_o circumstance_n of_o ignorance_n and_o dissatisfaction_n as_o they_o be_v in_o before_o such_o revelation_n be_v no_o more_o to_o be_v esteem_v than_o that_o course_n of_o physic_n which_o after_o all_o pretence_n to_o infallibility_n leave_v a_o person_n as_o much_o under_o the_o power_n of_o his_o disease_n as_o before_o he_o follow_v those_o prescription_n it_o be_v no_o revelation_n and_o can_v have_v no_o pretence_n to_o such_o a_o venerable_a title_n but_o when_o the_o 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lord_n have_v not_o appear_v unto_o thou_o there_o needs_o somewhat_o beyond_o a_o bare_a affirmation_n to_o support_v the_o credit_n of_o the_o revelation_n and_o the_o authority_n of_o he_o that_o pretend_v to_o it_o and_o according_o he_o be_v endue_v with_o a_o power_n of_o work_a miracle_n that_o say_v the_o text_n they_o may_v believe_v that_o the_o god_n of_o their_o father_n abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n have_v appear_v to_o thou_o a_o sort_n of_o evidence_n as_o that_o imply_v that_o be_v very_o necessary_a and_o what_o may_v reasonable_o be_v demand_v and_o which_o be_v a_o proof_n of_o the_o high_a nature_n and_o what_o as_o all_o ordinary_o can_v judge_v of_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o sense_n so_o where_o it_o be_v true_a what_o we_o be_v to_o be_v conclude_v by_o the_o first_o thing_n then_o require_v and_o to_o be_v consider_v be_v the_o reality_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o alteration_n in_o the_o course_n and_o state_n of_o nature_n which_o our_o own_o sense_n will_v inform_v we_o in_o the_o next_o thing_n be_v that_o this_o alteration_n can_v proceed_v from_o any_o natural_a or_o create_v cause_n for_o that_o will_v be_v to_o set_v nature_n above_o itself_o the_o last_o thing_n be_v that_o this_o alteration_n in_o nature_n be_v bring_v about_o for_o such_o a_o end_n and_o be_v sole_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o that_o revelation_n and_o to_o give_v testimony_n to_o it_o where_o this_o be_v there_o be_v the_o finger_n of_o god_n and_o a_o infallible_a proof_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o what_o it_o be_v to_o witness_v to_o now_o let_v we_o lay_v all_o this_o together_o and_o see_v what_o it_o amount_v to_o viz._n the_o capacity_n ability_n and_o integrity_n of_o the_o person_n to_o who_o this_o revelation_n be_v make_v the_o unanimity_n and_o consent_n of_o person_n remote_a and_o distant_a in_o time_n and_o place_n the_o usefulness_n and_o reasonableness_n the_o excellency_n sublimity_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o doctrine_n they_o teach_v the_o testimony_n give_v to_o they_o by_o such_o operation_n and_o production_n as_o exceed_v the_o power_n of_o create_a cause_n and_o be_v whole_o from_o the_o supreme_a where_o these_o be_v concur_v and_o with_o one_o mouth_n as_o it_o be_v give_v in_o their_o evidence_n we_o may_v say_v it_o be_v the_o voice_n of_o god_n and_o that_o it_o be_v his_o revelation_n which_o carry_v upon_o it_o the_o conspicuous_a stamp_n of_o his_o authority_n for_o god_n can_v be_v suppose_v to_o bear_v witness_n to_o a_o falsehood_n and_o to_o set_v up_o that_o as_o a_o light_n to_o direct_v man_n in_o their_o enquiry_n which_o be_v no_o other_o than_o a_o ignis_fw-la fatuus_fw-la and_o tend_v to_o their_o unavoidable_a amusement_n and_o deception_n but_o suppose_v those_o that_o be_v cotemporary_n with_o inspire_a person_n have_v all_o these_o concur_v evidence_n for_o their_o satisfaction_n yet_o what_o be_v this_o to_o those_o that_o live_v in_o time_n distant_a and_o remote_a from_o they_o and_o have_v it_o only_o by_o tradition_n of_o person_n uninspired_a or_o as_o contain_v in_o certain_a book_n say_v to_o be_v write_v by_o person_n inspire_v this_o bring_v i_o to_o the_o last_o point_n which_o be_v 3._o the_o case_n of_o those_o that_o live_v in_o after-age_n when_o inspiration_n be_v not_o pretend_v to_o and_o miracle_n have_v cease_v and_o so_o want_v those_o advantage_n for_o their_o satisfaction_n which_o they_o that_o be_v coetaneous_a with_o inspire_a person_n may_v receive_v and_o yet_o be_v oblige_v alike_o to_o believe_v as_o the_o other_o must_v be_v suppose_v to_o have_v sufficient_a authority_n and_o proof_n for_o what_o they_o be_v to_o believe_v and_o then_o the_o question_n be_v what_o be_v that_o evidence_n which_o will_v be_v sufficient_a for_o they_o to_o ground_v their_o belief_n upon_o i_o answer_v 1._o that_o if_o such_o have_v all_o