not_o of_o human_a race_n and_o further_o it_o be_v remarkable_a that_o this_o people_n endeavour_v in_o the_o emperor_n adrian_n reign_n to_o restore_v and_o re-edify_v their_o temple_n but_o be_v force_v to_o desist_v from_o it_o and_o afterward_o when_o julian_n out_o of_o hatred_n to_o the_o christian_n set_v they_o about_o that_o work_n as_o they_o be_v lay_v the_o foundation_n a_o earthquake_n shatter_v all_o they_o have_v do_v and_o fire_v flash_v out_o of_o the_o ground_n wherewith_o many_o thousand_o of_o the_o jew_n be_v destroy_v as_o be_v testify_v not_o only_o by_o several_a 17._o christian_a writer_n but_o by_o 23._o ammianus_n marcellinus_n who_o be_v a_o heathen_a but_o by_o the_o way_n it_o may_v be_v observe_v when_o the_o christian_n build_v a_o temple_n in_o the_o same_o place_n they_o be_v not_o molest_v but_o finish_v it_o and_o make_v it_o the_o patriarchal_a seat_n and_o flourish_v five_o hundred_o year_n till_o the_o time_n that_o jerusalem_n be_v take_v by_o the_o saracen_n this_o jewish_a people_n now_o have_v neither_o temple_n nor_o priest_n altar_n nor_o sacrifice_n their_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n be_v cease_v their_o tribe_n be_v confound_v their_o prophet_n be_v extinct_a they_o have_v no_o certain_a state_n or_o commonwealth_n no_o law_n no_o prince_n no_o governor_n of_o their_o own_o they_o be_v scatter_v over_o the_o face_n of_o the_o whole_a earth_n and_o be_v a_o despise_a and_o loathe_a people_n this_o can_v but_o be_v think_v to_o be_v the_o just_a judgement_n of_o god_n upon_o they_o for_o their_o murder_n of_o christ._n and_o there_o can_v be_v a_o more_o visible_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n than_o this_o viz._n the_o destruction_n of_o the_o jewish_a poliâ—y_n and_o the_o miserable_a dispersion_n of_o that_o people_n for_o these_o sixteen_o hundred_o year_n it_o be_v observe_v by_o the_o enemy_n of_o the_o jew_n heretofore_o how_o they_o prosper_v above_o all_o other_o people_n 36._o they_o be_v a_o certain_a sort_n of_o man_n say_v a_o historian_n who_o though_o they_o have_v be_v often_o diminish_v yet_o they_o have_v so_o increase_v that_o they_o have_v be_v too_o hard_o for_o the_o power_n of_o the_o roman_a law_n and_o they_o have_v almost_o arrive_v to_o the_o confidence_n and_o liberty_n of_o make_v law_n for_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n but_o this_o singular_a providence_n of_o god_n towards_o the_o jew_n be_v long_o since_o change_v and_o they_o have_v be_v through_o many_o age_n the_o remarkable_a example_n of_o divine_a justice_n and_o vengeance_n such_o as_o no_o story_n can_v parallel_v tully_n be_v not_o to_o be_v regard_v when_o speak_v of_o the_o jew_n he_o say_v flac._n that_o nation_n do_v sufficient_o declare_v by_o its_o be_v conquer_v and_o make_v tributary_n and_o by_o be_v reduce_v to_o the_o utmost_a servitude_n how_o dear_a it_o be_v to_o the_o go_n he_o speak_v this_o after_o his_o pagan_a manner_n but_o sulpitius_n severus_n who_o be_v a_o better_a judge_n of_o religion_n and_o of_o the_o issue_n of_o it_o speak_v of_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n by_o titus_n and_o of_o the_o dispersion_n of_o the_o jew_n thereupon_o give_v we_o this_o remark_n lib._n this_o last_o overthrow_n of_o the_o temple_n and_o captivity_n of_o the_o jew_n whereby_o they_o be_v banish_v from_o their_o country_n and_o be_v daily_o see_v to_o be_v scatter_v over_o the_o whole_a earth_n be_v a_o testimony_n to_o the_o world_n that_o this_o punishment_n have_v befall_v they_o for_o no_o other_o cause_n than_o for_o lay_v their_o wicked_a hand_n upon_o christ_n for_o when_o at_o other_o time_n this_o people_n be_v deliver_v to_o captivity_n for_o their_o sin_n they_o never_o undergo_v that_o slavery_n beyond_o seventy_o year_n but_o now_o these_o person_n who_o be_v the_o dear_a offspring_n of_o those_o that_o be_v the_o darling_n of_o god_n almighty_n the_o belove_a of_o the_o lord_n his_o choose_a people_n his_o peculiar_a charge_n and_o the_o singular_a care_n of_o heaven_n have_v be_v for_o sixteen_o century_n forsake_v of_o god_n and_o all_o man_n and_o be_v the_o very_a offscowr_n of_o the_o world_n this_o utter_a extermination_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v a_o unanswerable_a argument_n against_o they_o and_o show_v that_o they_o lie_v under_o the_o curse_n of_o god_n for_o their_o reject_v the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n and_o for_o put_v to_o death_n the_o messiah_n mensal_n two_o of_o their_o rabbi_n serious_o ponder_v this_o argument_n urge_v upon_o they_o by_o luther_n be_v convince_v of_o their_o gross_a error_n and_o sin_n and_o be_v the_o day_n after_o baptize_v at_o wittenberg_n in_o the_o face_n of_o the_o whole_a university_n and_o true_o this_o must_v be_v say_v that_o the_o total_a dispersion_n of_o the_o jew_n can_v never_o in_o all_o its_o circumstance_n be_v reconcile_v with_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n his_o goodness_n wisdom_n and_o promise_n if_o they_o continue_v the_o people_n of_o god_n still_o and_o be_v in_o favour_n with_o he_o for_o can_v it_o be_v imagine_v that_o god_n will_v leave_v his_o belove_a people_n so_o long_o and_o whole_o disow_v they_o be_v it_o worthy_a of_o god_n and_o agreeable_a to_o his_o wisdom_n and_o mercy_n which_o be_v interest_v in_o the_o salvation_n of_o man_n to_o let_v the_o true_a religion_n so_o they_o count_v judaism_n fall_v to_o the_o ground_n and_o be_v utter_o abolish_v and_o to_o set_v up_o another_o a_o false_a one_o so_o they_o reckon_v christianity_n to_o be_v in_o its_o place_n this_o be_v plain_a and_o convince_a i_o think_v it_o be_v harsh_a and_o incredible_a that_o the_o god_n of_o order_n and_o righteousness_n shall_v deal_v thus_o that_o he_o shall_v cause_v this_o confusion_n in_o the_o world_n and_o throw_v down_o and_o even_o break_v in_o piece_n a_o religion_n which_o be_v the_o only_a true_a one_o according_a to_o they_o it_o can_v enter_v into_o any_o reasonable_a man_n mind_n that_o god_n will_v let_v his_o own_o religion_n and_o people_n be_v thus_o confound_v it_o be_v evident_a therefore_o that_o the_o jewish_a religion_n be_v but_o for_o a_o time_n and_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v to_o succeed_v that_o and_o that_o this_o be_v the_o true_a religion_n likewise_o that_o god_n send_v this_o severe_a punishment_n on_o the_o jew_n for_o their_o refuse_v of_o christ_n the_o true_a and_o only_a messiah_n and_o for_o their_o oppose_v and_o persecute_v and_o at_o last_o crucify_a this_o holy_a one._n thus_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v attest_v and_o vouch_v by_o the_o dreadful_a plague_n and_o judgement_n on_o the_o person_n and_o nation_n that_o oppose_v it_o vengeance_n have_v pursue_v the_o enemy_n of_o the_o gospel_n last_o from_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o of_o all_o the_o principle_n doctrine_n and_o truth_n that_o belong_v to_o it_o i_o gather_v the_o reality_n and_o certainty_n of_o it_o this_o be_v another_o divine_a testimony_n which_o may_v be_v enlarge_v upon_o never_o be_v holiness_n so_o strict_o urge_v as_o now_o never_o be_v there_o a_o institution_n that_o be_v so_o heavenly_a and_o sublime_a as_o this_o never_o be_v there_o any_o that_o direct_v man_n to_o such_o noble_a end_n and_o afford_v they_o such_o joy_n and_o solace_n wherefore_o it_o can_v proceed_v from_o any_o but_o god_n a_o religion_n that_o so_o immediate_o lead_v to_o he_o must_v needs_o come_v from_o he_o since_o christianity_n do_v fit_v we_o for_o heaven_n we_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v that_o it_o come_v from_o thence_o but_o because_o i_o have_v occasion_n to_o insist_v large_o upon_o this_o particular_a when_o i_o undertake_v to_o assert_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o afterward_o when_o i_o demonstrate_v the_o excellency_n and_o perfection_n of_o they_o i_o will_v say_v no_o more_o of_o this_o last_o argument_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n and_o thus_o you_o see_v the_o firm_a basis_n of_o it_o these_o arâ—_n the_o testimonial_n to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o that_o it_o be_v a_o dispensation_n different_a from_o all_o the_o rest_n these_o be_v the_o proof_n whereon_o we_o find_v this_o oeconomy_n and_o there_o be_v no_o other_o evidence_n that_o a_o reasonable_a man_n can_v desire_v i_o say_v no_o other_o because_o here_o be_v all_o kind_n of_o evidience_n christianity_n be_v prove_v by_o the_o witness_n of_o credible_a man_n and_o by_o the_o attestation_n of_o god_n himself_o it_o be_v prove_v by_o natural_a and_o supernatural_a argument_n by_o reason_n and_o by_o faith_n we_o have_v the_o certainty_n both_o of_o human_a and_o divine_a testimony_n which_o may_v be_v call_v a_o demonstration_n for_o a_o thing_n be_v demonstrate_v when_o it_o appear_v that_o there_o be_v a_o absolute_a impossibility_n that_o the_o thing_n shall_v not_o be_v thus_o
in_o order_n to_o the_o complete_a enlarge_n of_o the_o church_n to_o work_v wonder_n but_o at_o present_a this_o way_n of_o divine_a attestation_n be_v unnecessary_a for_o christian_n have_v sufficient_a mean_n with_o regard_n to_o all_o the_o end_n of_o religion_n and_o salvation_n among_o themselves_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o any_o great_a at_o present_a nay_o the_o cessation_n of_o those_o extraordinary_a visible_a and_o sensible_a mean_n be_v a_o argument_n of_o the_o meliority_n of_o our_o condition_n bless_a be_v they_o that_o have_v not_o see_v and_o yet_o have_v believe_v say_v our_o saviour_n john_n 20._o 29._o the_o meaning_n be_v they_o be_v more_o bless_v i._n e._n their_o faith_n be_v more_o excellent_a and_o laudable_a and_o they_o shall_v have_v a_o great_a reward_n it_o be_v a_o more_o bless_a and_o eligible_a state_n to_o believe_v without_o such_o forcible_a and_o violent_a mean_n than_o with_o they_o other_o thing_n may_v be_v here_o mention_v as_o under_o the_o law_n and_o before_o that_o time_n there_o be_v scarce_o any_o thing_n do_v without_o the_o ministration_n of_o angel_n so_o in_o the_o first_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o appearance_n of_o these_o glorious_a spirit_n be_v common_a but_o after_o christ_n ascension_n and_o to_o this_o very_a time_n the_o church_n be_v a_o stranger_n to_o this_o particular_a dispensation_n and_o be_v not_o to_o expect_v the_o attestation_n or_o confirmation_n of_o any_o truth_n in_o this_o way_n the_o reason_n be_v because_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v now_o give_v we_o that_o former_a way_n of_o revelation_n which_o be_v a_o sign_n of_o a_o imperfect_a and_o weak_a state_n now_o cease_v there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o these_o divine_a admonitor_n see_v we_o have_v the_o write_n of_o the_o evangelist_n and_o apostle_n which_o be_v a_o certain_a stand_a rule_n and_o a_o infallible_a direction_n to_o we_o and_o in_o several_a other_o particular_n if_o it_o be_v requisite_a it_o may_v be_v show_v that_o the_o state_n of_o religion_n be_v alter_v and_o improve_v since_o our_o saviour_n time_n and_o the_o time_n after_o the_o apostle_n and_o now_o in_o the_o close_a of_o this_o head_n we_o can_v but_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o usefulness_n and_o necessity_n of_o attend_v to_o what_o have_v be_v suggest_v concern_v the_o different_a administration_n of_o religion_n and_o particular_o of_o the_o christian._n we_o can_v frame_v right_a thought_n concern_v the_o nature_n and_o model_n of_o it_o unless_o we_o careful_o observe_v the_o several_a degree_n and_o various_a modification_n of_o it_o before_o mention_v for_o though_o there_o be_v the_o same_o general_a dispensation_n yet_o there_o be_v a_o alteration_n as_o to_o the_o particular_a scene_n of_o it_o that_o which_o we_o be_v under_o at_o present_a differ_v much_o from_o those_o which_o be_v in_o the_o first_o and_o early_a age_n of_o christianism_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v unreasonable_a to_o require_v now_o the_o very_a same_o thing_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v then_o there_o be_v some_o sober_a and_o well_o mean_v person_n that_o attend_v not_o to_o this_o persuade_v themselves_o that_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v as_o to_o every_o particular_a the_o same_o face_n of_o administration_n at_o present_a that_o there_o be_v at_o first_o and_o thence_o they_o look_v to_o the_o primitive_a state_n of_o the_o church_n and_o examine_v every_o thing_n by_o that_o but_o this_o be_v not_o right_a for_o there_o have_v be_v a_o change_n of_o thing_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o this_o change_n be_v by_o the_o particular_a superintendency_n and_o disposal_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n and_o supreme_a director_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o we_o be_v not_o to_o expect_v that_o all_o thing_n shall_v be_v now_o as_o they_o be_v in_o the_o beginning_n god_n himself_o have_v be_v please_v to_o alter_v the_o dispensation_n in_o part_n let_v we_o then_o remember_v the_o particular_a division_n of_o the_o oeconomy_n we_o be_v under_o and_o let_v we_o be_v concern_v to_o do_v what_o be_v fit_v and_o proper_a to_o it_o and_o thereby_o we_o shall_v help_v to_o promote_v and_o hasten_v the_o next_o and_o better_a one_o which_o i_o be_o now_o to_o speak_v of_o chap._n xix_o that_o christianity_n shall_v arrive_v to_o manhood_n or_o full_a age_n be_v prove_v by_o several_a argument_n 1._o god_n method_n in_o the_o world_n 2._o the_o low_a ebb_n of_o christianity_n hitherto_o 3._o the_o number_n of_o those_o that_o perish_v 4._o the_o gradual_a improvement_n of_o all_o art_n and_o science_n the_o several_a objection_n concern_v the_o decay_n and_o senescency_n of_o the_o world_n make_v use_v of_o by_o jewish_a pagan_a and_o christian_a writer_n full_o answer_v that_o the_o world_n decay_v not_o as_o to_o learning_n and_o art_n be_v make_v good_a from_o the_o improvement_n of_o navigation_n the_o invention_n of_o gunpowder_n and_o gun_n of_o print_v of_o clock_n and_o watch_n the_o prepare_v of_o sugar_n the_o advances_n in_o anatomy_n and_o physic_n astronomy_n arithmetic_n chemistry_n mechanic_n the_o style_n of_o writer_n it_o be_v congruous_a to_o the_o divine_a providence_n and_o wisdom_n that_o religion_n also_o shall_v have_v its_o improvement_n as_o well_o as_o art_n and_o science_n and_o according_o it_o have_v be_v great_o advance_v and_o increase_v by_o the_o reformation_n from_o the_o increase_n it_o have_v have_v already_o we_o may_v gather_v that_o there_o will_v be_v far_a accession_n afterward_o the_o virile_a and_o complete_a state_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n prove_v from_o several_a place_n of_o scripture_n mat._n 24._o 3._o &_o 19_o 28._o act_n 3._o 21._o rom._n 8._o 19_o 20._o heb._n 2._o 5._o &_o 9_o 10._o 1_o cor._n 1._o 7._o 1_o pet._n 3._o 8._o from_o those_o divers_a text_n that_o we_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o make_v mention_v of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o reign_v of_o the_o messiah_n a_o fivefold_a acception_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o 1_o cor._n 15._o 25._o urge_v the_o millenary_a reign_n the_o rise_n of_o the_o ancient_a opinion_n about_o it_o it_o be_v prove_v that_o christ_n shall_v not_o personal_o reign_v upon_o earth_n the_o decease_a saint_n shall_v not_o rise_v again_o to_o reign_v with_o he_o here_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o soul_n of_o they_o that_o be_v behead_v for_o the_o witness_n of_o jesus_n what_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v by_o their_o live_n and_o reign_v with_o christ._n two_o late_a writer_n take_v it_o in_o a_o literal_a sense_n but_o without_o any_o ground_n who_o be_v the_o rest_n of_o the_o dead_a that_o live_v not_o again_o what_o be_v the_o first_o and_o second_o resurrection_n the_o reign_n of_o christ_n a_o thousand_o year_n be_v to_o be_v upon_o earth_n by_o a_o thousand_o year_n we_o be_v to_o understand_v a_o certain_a and_o definite_a number_n some_o opinion_n concern_v the_o beginning_n and_o end_n of_o the_o thousand_o year_n refute_v mr._n brightman_n odd_a fancy_n reject_v we_o have_v have_v some_o forerunner_n and_o previous_a pledge_n of_o the_o millenary_a kingdom_n mr._n medes_n opinion_n which_o join_v christ_n reign_n and_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n together_o consider_v the_o â—â—ird_n and_o most_o eminent_a part_n of_o the_o evangelical_n oeconomy_n be_v that_o which_o i_o call_v the_o manhood_n or_o full_a age_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n before_o i_o enter_v upon_o the_o description_n of_o this_o i_o will_v give_v you_o some_o account_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o such_o a_o state_n by_o show_v that_o christianity_n shall_v arrive_v to_o a_o great_a height_n and_o perfection_n than_o it_o be_v at_o present_a it_o be_v very_o observable_a what_o one_o of_o the_o ancient_a writer_n who_o be_v a_o great_a judge_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o genius_n of_o christianity_n say_v of_o this_o matter_n 28._o the_o understanding_n knowledge_n and_o wisdom_n of_o single_a person_n as_o well_o as_o of_o whole_a body_n of_o every_o individual_a as_o well_o as_o of_o church_n in_o general_a shall_v huge_o increase_v and_o be_v exceed_o advance_v according_a to_o the_o gradual_a succession_n of_o time_n and_o age_n but_o as_o he_o explain_v himself_o this_o proficiency_n shall_v be_v in_o the_o same_o kind_n in_o the_o same_o persuasion_n in_o the_o same_o sense_n and_o judgement_n so_o that_o the_o christian_a faith_n shall_v still_o remain_v the_o same_o as_o to_o its_o substance_n though_o it_o shall_v be_v much_o better_o explain_v and_o know_v than_o it_o be_v noâ—_n and_o he_o use_v the_o same_o comparison_n that_o i_o haâ—e_v express_v this_o matter_n by_o for_o he_o distinguish_v between_o the_o young_a and_o the_o ripe_a year_n of_o christianity_n he_o hold_v the_o former_a to_o be_v the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o
cogent_a reason_n to_o persuade_v we_o that_o they_o true_o and_o faithful_o deliver_v down_o to_o we_o those_o thing_n this_o i_o will_v make_v good_a from_o the_o consideration_n 1._o of_o the_o person_n that_o transmit_v these_o thing_n 2._o of_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o cause_n first_o as_o to_o the_o person_n i_o will_v consider_v both_o their_o life_n and_o their_o death_n their_o life_n be_v sufficient_a proof_n of_o their_o integrity_n in_o deliver_v the_o scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n to_o we_o and_o of_o their_o confident_a belief_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o all_o that_o be_v contain_v in_o they_o the_o primitive_a christian_n live_v after_o another_o rate_n than_o we_o do_v now_o they_o do_v not_o wrangle_v and_o quarrel_n as_o we_o do_v they_o do_v not_o â—ight_a and_o devour_v one_o another_o as_o the_o manner_n of_o too_o many_o be_v of_o latter_a time_n but_o they_o be_v remarkable_a for_o their_o mutual_a love_n and_o concord_n for_o their_o humility_n meekness_n and_o condescension_n to_o one_o another_o and_o they_o be_v admire_v for_o their_o gravity_n sobriety_n self-denial_n and_o patience_n they_o be_v eminent_a for_o their_o piety_n towards_o god_n and_o their_o innocent_a and_o righteous_a deal_n with_o all_o men._n the_o minister_n practise_v what_o they_o preach_v and_o the_o people_n be_v ambitious_a to_o imitate_v their_o preacher_n and_o both_o be_v singular_o good_a and_o virtuous_a this_o be_v it_o which_o gain_v so_o many_o proselyte_n to_o christianity_n in_o those_o first_o time_n this_o bring_v they_o to_o a_o persuasion_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o christ_n doctrine_n therefore_o when_o origen_n have_v excellent_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n to_o alexander_n severus_n that_o noble_a emperor_n ingenuous_o confess_v that_o he_o be_v more_o convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o religion_n by_o the_o humble_a and_o love_a carriage_n of_o christian_n than_o by_o all_o origen_n argument_n the_o exemplary_a and_o blameless_a conversation_n of_o those_o primitive_a professor_n argue_v that_o the_o doctrine_n and_o principle_n of_o their_o religion_n be_v real_a and_o certain_a for_o how_o can_v it_o enter_v into_o any_o sober_a man_n thought_n that_o such_o holy_a and_o upright_a man_n true_a follower_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n of_o christ_n will_v have_v constant_o confess_v and_o own_v the_o christian_a way_n unless_o they_o have_v be_v thorough_o convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o and_o that_o it_o be_v the_o very_a same_o which_o be_v confess_v and_o acknowledge_v by_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o these_o holy_a and_o godly_a man_n make_v conscience_n of_o a_o lie_n and_o count_v it_o a_o heinous_a crime_n to_o falsify_v yea_o they_o esteem_v it_o no_o less_o than_o a_o damnable_a sin_n to_o disbelieve_v or_o misreport_v those_o thing_n concern_v christ_n and_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n they_o be_v real_o persuade_v in_o their_o mind_n that_o their_o salvation_n lie_v at_o stake_n that_o their_o eternal_a welfare_n or_o everlasting_a ruin_n be_v concern_v in_o these_o thing_n and_o can_v you_o imagine_v then_o that_o they_o will_v report_v they_o false_o and_o impose_v upon_o the_o world_n by_o deliver_v thing_n which_o be_v counterfeit_a again_o as_o the_o live_v so_o the_o suffer_v and_o death_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o the_o primitive_a day_n and_o in_o the_o succeed_a age_n be_v a_o undeniable_a argument_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o be_v deliver_v to_o they_o and_o of_o what_o they_o convey_v to_o we_o they_o undergo_v the_o most_o exquisite_a pain_n and_o torment_n with_o ineffable_a courage_n and_o constancy_n and_o nothing_o can_v prevail_v with_o they_o to_o renounce_v the_o christian_a religion_n insomuch_o that_o when_o the_o pagan_a adversary_n in_o those_o day_n will_v express_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v impossible_a they_o do_v it_o thus_o galen_n you_o may_v soon_o make_v the_o professor_n of_o christ_n quit_v their_o masters_n doctrine_n this_o be_v a_o thing_n not_o to_o be_v effect_v for_o those_o person_n first_o of_o all_o forsake_v their_o worldly_a good_n and_o then_o part_v with_o their_o life_n to_o hold_v fast_o their_o religion_n this_o patient_a suffer_v and_o undaunted_a die_v of_o so_o many_o thousand_o be_v a_o unquestionable_a proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n for_o those_o enlighten_v and_o sanctify_v man_n will_v never_o lay_v down_o their_o life_n to_o maintain_v a_o falsehood_n and_o to_o perpetuate_v a_o lie_n no_o they_o know_v who_o they_o believe_v in_o and_o for_o who_o they_o suffer_v and_o that_o make_v they_o so_o courageous_a we_o may_v conclude_v then_o that_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n be_v confirm_v by_o the_o blood_n of_o those_o worthy_a man_n those_o expire_a saint_n do_v testify_v the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v style_v martyr_n second_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o cause_n be_v a_o impregnable_a argument_n of_o the_o reality_n and_o truth_n of_o these_o thing_n which_o i_o be_o speak_v of_o there_o be_v this_o follow_a heap_n of_o evidence_n 1._o a_o great_a presumption_n arise_v from_o just_a cause_n and_o circumstance_n yea_o and_o from_o a_o multiplicity_n of_o they_o which_o in_o all_o court_n of_o judicature_n be_v of_o considerable_a weight_n and_o value_n with_o understand_a judge_n this_o first_o but_o low_a sort_n of_o evidence_n the_o christian_a church_n since_o our_o saviour_n have_v not_o be_v destitute_a of_o for_o there_o be_v never_o high_a presumption_n in_o any_o cause_n under_o heaven_n than_o there_o be_v in_o this_o but_o we_o need_v not_o mention_v this_o when_o we_o have_v 2._o the_o notoriety_n of_o the_o fact_n i._n e._n when_o the_o thing_n in_o trial_n be_v open_o and_o common_o know_v when_o they_o be_v avouch_v by_o public_a fame_n and_o the_o universal_a vogue_n of_o men._n and_o that_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o christianity_n ever_o since_o christ_n leave_v the_o earth_n can_v be_v deny_v by_o any_o man_n of_o modesty_n and_o truth_n 3._o the_o succession_n of_o christian_n and_o church_n in_o the_o world_n be_v a_o plain_a proof_n that_o they_o very_o believe_v those_o thing_n which_o make_v they_o christian_n and_o church_n hereupon_o they_o deliver_v to_o we_o those_o write_n which_o they_o receive_v from_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o evangelist_n and_o apostle_n by_o their_o transmit_v they_o to_o posterity_n they_o show_v that_o they_o believe_v they_o to_o be_v sacred_a and_o certain_a verity_n 4._o the_o succession_n of_o bishop_n and_o pastor_n be_v a_o other_o evidence_n for_o it_o be_v their_o office_n to_o read_v public_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o to_o preach_v the_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o they_o and_o consequent_o to_o own_v they_o to_o be_v truth_n which_o be_v a_o good_a motive_n to_o we_o to_o do_v the_o same_o 5._o the_o frequent_a dispute_n which_o christian_n in_o all_o age_n have_v hold_v with_o those_o who_o oppose_v the_o scripture_n and_o christianity_n be_v no_o mean_a testimony_n in_o this_o cause_n 6._o to_o these_o may_v be_v add_v the_o famous_a write_n of_o the_o christian_n in_o the_o several_a century_n their_o apology_n dialogue_n sermon_n homily_n oration_n commentary_n history_n all_o which_o proclaim_v their_o serious_a and_o firm_a belief_n of_o what_o they_o have_v convey_v down_o to_o we_o 7._o all_o christian_a church_n have_v deliver_v to_o we_o certain_a symbol_n or_o article_n of_o belief_n which_o they_o reckon_v to_o be_v the_o standard_n of_o evangelical_n faith_n and_o truth_n 8._o the_o constant_a communion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n in_o the_o solemn_a assembly_n of_o christian_n ever_o since_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n the_o set_v apart_o a_o day_n for_o that_o worship_n the_o read_n of_o the_o scripture_n at_o such_o time_n the_o instruct_v the_o people_n out_o of_o they_o the_o celebrate_v the_o lord_n supper_n the_o constant_a custom_n of_o open_o rehearse_v and_o profess_v the_o christian_a belief_n the_o prayer_n and_o praise_n offer_v to_o god_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n the_o yearly_a commemoration_n of_o the_o birth_n death_n and_o resurrection_n of_o our_o saviour_n the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n which_o acknowledge_v the_o father_n the_o son_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 9_o the_o sundry_a decree_n and_o canon_n of_o synod_n and_o council_n hold_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n last_o the_o many_o law_n and_o edict_n of_o christian_a emperor_n and_o prince_n in_o defence_n and_o confirmation_n of_o our_o most_o holy_a religion_n these_o and_o all_o the_o rest_n beforenamed_n be_v clear_a proof_n and_o evidence_n that_o the_o evangelical_n write_n which_o contain_v the_o doctrine_n and_o action_n of_o our_o bless_a lord_n be_v right_o and_o true_o convey_v to_o we_o and_o that_o we_o be_v in_o possession_n of_o the_o same_o faith_n and_o
religion_n which_o christ_n himself_o found_v and_o deliver_v to_o his_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n the_o tradition_n of_o these_o thing_n be_v true_a and_o certain_a and_o we_o may_v safe_o rely_v upon_o it_o for_o though_o the_o authority_n of_o divine_a truth_n depend_v not_o whole_o on_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n for_o then_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n will_v not_o be_v divine_a but_o humane_a and_o consequent_o not_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o of_o man_n yet_o the_o church_n do_v yield_v its_o testimony_n to_o the_o scripture_n and_o that_o testimony_n or_o tradition_n be_v a_o good_a ground_n of_o belief_n for_o tradition_n be_v one_o way_n of_o communicate_v matter_n of_o faith_n and_o fact_n to_o we_o by_o it_o we_o have_v they_o transmit_v to_o we_o but_o this_o be_v neither_o the_o grand_a motive_n nor_o the_o rule_n of_o our_o faith_n yet_o it_o be_v the_o medium_fw-la or_o channel_n to_o convey_v the_o belief_n of_o such_o thing_n to_o we_o and_o we_o be_v to_o use_v it_o and_o prize_v it_o as_o such_o and_o to_o thank_v god_n that_o we_o have_v this_o among_o other_o mean_n to_o establish_v we_o in_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n hitherto_o i_o have_v consider_v the_o testimony_n of_o friend_n i_o will_v show_v you_o in_o the_o next_o place_n that_o even_o stranger_n and_o enemy_n viz._n jew_n and_o heathen_n bear_v witness_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n first_o as_o for_o the_o jew_n if_o christ_n have_v not_o be_v think_v by_o they_o to_o have_v be_v some_o extraordinary_a person_n yea_o to_o be_v of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n miraculous_o why_o do_v they_o not_o prosecute_v mary_n for_o a_o adulteress_n the_o sin_n of_o adultery_n be_v severe_o punish_v by_o their_o law_n and_o it_o be_v a_o very_a reproachful_a crime_n you_o may_v be_v sure_o they_o will_v have_v urge_v this_o hard_a to_o the_o disgrace_v of_o the_o son_n through_o the_o mother_n but_o though_o joseph_n deny_v he_o to_o be_v his_o son_n and_o consequent_o she_o fall_v under_o the_o law_n yet_o you_o read_v no_o where_o that_o the_o jew_n make_v use_v of_o this_o against_o she_o which_o show_v their_o tacit_n approve_v of_o christ_n and_o that_o his_o birth_n be_v extraordinary_a and_o divine_a 〈◊〉_d suidas_n tell_v we_o that_o christ_n be_v choose_v one_o of_o the_o priest_n of_o the_o temple_n at_o jerusalem_n upon_o the_o death_n of_o one_o of_o the_o two_o and_o twenty_o for_o his_o singular_a piety_n and_o excellent_a doctrine_n josephus_n his_o testimony_n of_o christ_n be_v well_o know_v and_o st._n john_n baptist_n his_o forerunner_n be_v make_v mention_n of_o by_o most_o of_o the_o hebrew_n writer_n with_o exceed_a praise_n and_o admiration_n of_o his_o holiness_n but_o i_o will_v conâ—ine_v myself_o to_o those_o instance_n which_o be_v record_v by_o the_o evangelist_n st._n luke_n observe_v that_o when_o he_o teach_v in_o their_o synagogue_n he_o be_v glorify_v of_o all_o luke_n 4._o 15._o and_o in_o the_o follow_a verse_n he_o subjoin_v a_o particular_a instance_n of_o his_o preach_n in_o one_o of_o their_o synagogue_n at_o nazareth_n and_o then_o add_v all_o bear_v he_o witness_v and_o wonder_v at_o the_o gracious_a word_n which_o proceed_v out_o of_o his_o mouth_n ver_fw-la 22._o even_o some_o of_o the_o jewish_a people_n who_o believe_v not_o in_o christ_n cry_v out_o he_o be_v a_o good_a man_n john_n 7._o 12._o other_o say_v of_o a_o truth_n this_o be_v the_o prophet_n ver_fw-la 40._o and_o other_o this_o be_v the_o christ_n ver_fw-la 41._o and_o the_o jewish_a officer_n who_o be_v send_v by_o the_o high_a priest_n to_o lay_v hand_n on_o he_o admire_v his_o wise_a deportment_n and_o excellent_a discourse_n and_o free_o declare_v that_o never_o man_n speak_v like_o this_o man_n ver_fw-la 46._o no_o one_o ever_o speak_v matter_n of_o great_a moment_n and_o concern_v and_o with_o that_o simplicity_n and_o plainness_n that_o authority_n and_o efficacy_n which_o he_o do_v when_o herod_n harangued_a the_o people_n they_o cry_v out_o it_o be_v the_o voice_n of_o god_n but_o it_o be_v only_o the_o flatter_a voice_n of_o the_o multitude_n which_o make_v his_o such_o here_o it_o be_v otherwise_o it_o be_v the_o real_a voice_n of_o the_o true_a god_n and_o his_o very_a enemy_n attest_v the_o unparalleled_a efficacy_n of_o it_o christ_n be_v confess_v and_o own_v by_o the_o jew_n in_o a_o most_o signal_n manner_n when_o he_o rid_v into_o jerusalem_n on_o a_o ass_n and_o when_o they_o strew_v the_o way_n with_o palm-branche_n and_o when_o all_o the_o people_n applaud_v he_o and_o treat_v he_o as_o some_o great_a conqueror_n or_o mighty_a prince_n mat._n 21._o 8_o etc._n etc._n for_o they_o be_v wont_a to_o congratulate_v the_o come_n of_o such_o person_n to_o a_o place_n after_o that_o manner_n so_o the_o valiant_a simon_n be_v receive_v after_o his_o military_a success_n 1_o mac._n 13._o 51._o so_o the_o old_a grecian_n in_o their_o olympic_a game_n after_o victory_n wear_v wreath_n of_o palm_n as_o a_o reward_n of_o conqueror_n and_o sometime_o they_o bear_v the_o branch_n of_o palm-tree_n in_o their_o hand_n as_o the_o emblem_n of_o victory_n because_o the_o branch_n of_o this_o tree_n grow_v straight_o and_o stately_a as_o the_o name_n hand_n extend_v and_o though_o they_o be_v load_v with_o much_o weight_n yet_o they_o bear_v up_o against_o it_o and_o shoot_v upward_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o this_o honour_n of_o bear_v palm-branche_n and_o sometime_o branch_n of_o other_o tree_n beside_o the_o palm_n be_v give_v to_o prince_n in_o triumph_n thus_o heliodorus_n say_v that_o hydaspes_n the_o king_n send_v before_o he_o harbinger_n of_o his_o victory_n shake_v bough_n of_o palm_n in_o token_n of_o it_o hence_o he_o that_o be_v general_o applaud_v and_o receive_v public_o with_o the_o acclamation_n of_o the_o people_n be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d because_o they_o do_v not_o only_o strew_v bough_n but_o leave_n and_o flower_n in_o his_o way_n which_o sort_n of_o honour_n be_v style_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d nor_o be_v they_o content_v with_o this_o sign_n of_o favour_n but_o they_o use_v to_o affix_v on_o the_o door_n of_o great_a man_n the_o bough_n of_o palm_n especial_o which_o honour_n doctore_fw-la lucian_n take_v notice_n of_o tell_v we_o that_o green_a palm-branche_n be_v set_v up_o at_o the_o door_n of_o the_o rhetorician_n many_o more_o testimony_n may_v be_v allege_v to_o this_o purpose_n and_o i_o can_v add_v also_o that_o this_o bear_n of_o branch_n be_v use_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o pagan_n it_o be_v a_o testimony_n of_o honour_n to_o their_o go_n how_o fit_o then_o do_v it_o come_v to_o pass_v by_o the_o overrule_a hand_n of_o providence_n that_o the_o messiah_n who_o be_v true_o god_n and_o king_n be_v receive_v by_o the_o people_n with_o palm-branche_n he_o come_v in_o this_o triumphant_a manner_n into_o jerusalem_n and_o be_v salute_v with_o cry_n of_o hosanna_n and_o with_o that_o gratulatory_a benediction_n bless_a be_v the_o king_n of_o israel_n that_o come_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n john_n 12._o 13._o to_o testify_v that_o his_o kingdom_n be_v come_v that_o he_o be_v to_o be_v victorious_a over_o death_n and_o hell_n and_o that_o he_o be_v to_o be_v a_o mighty_a saviour_n and_o deliverer_n i_o will_v brief_o add_v two_o or_o three_o other_o testimony_n of_o the_o jew_n caiphas_n the_o highpriest_n prophesy_v of_o christ_n john_n 11._o 50_o 51._o one_o of_o the_o thief_n on_o the_o cross_n if_o he_o be_v a_o jew_n which_o some_o have_v question_v acknowledge_v christ_n and_o clear_v he_o this_o man_n say_v he_o have_v do_v nothing_o amiss_o luke_n 23._o 41._o and_o even_o judas_n who_o betray_v our_o saviour_n confess_v his_o innocency_n i_o have_v sin_v in_o betray_v innocent_a blood_n mat._n 27._o 4._o second_o heathen_n bear_v witness_n to_o christ_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n he_o be_v acknowledge_v and_o adore_v by_o the_o wise_a man_n that_o come_v from_o the_o east_n though_o he_o be_v condemn_v by_o pilate_n yet_o he_o be_v first_o acquit_v by_o he_o he_o declare_v that_o he_o find_v no_o fault_n in_o he_o at_o all_o john_n 18._o 38._o and_o his_o wife_n send_v to_o he_o when_o he_o be_v on_o the_o bench_n to_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o that_o just_a man_n mat._n 27._o 19_o when_o a_o title_n be_v to_o be_v set_v over_o the_o cross_n pilate_n write_v christ_n the_o king_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o will_v not_o alter_v it_o though_o he_o be_v tell_v of_o it_o john_n 19_o 22._o the_o centurion_n who_o have_v at_o that_o time_n the_o sheriff_n place_n and_o be_v to_o see_v the_o execution_n perform_v when_o he_o see_v
revelation_n there_o be_v need_n of_o this_o help_n of_o the_o spirit_n the_o internal_a testimony_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n such_o a_o hide_a but_o powerful_a operation_n of_o that_o giver_n of_o all_o grace_n whereby_o a_o firm_a faith_n and_o certain_a persuasion_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o thing_n be_v wrought_v in_o we_o for_o that_o we_o may_v be_v certain_a of_o divine_a truth_n first_o it_o be_v requisite_a that_o we_o be_v outward_o help_v that_o we_o make_v use_v of_o moral_a argument_n and_o evidence_n that_o we_o attend_v to_o reason_n and_o proof_n that_o we_o weigh_v especial_o the_o several_a particular_a testimony_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n these_o in_o a_o moral_a way_n will_v make_v it_o evident_a to_o the_o mind_n that_o this_o or_o that_o which_o be_v propound_v to_o we_o be_v divine_o reveal_v and_o can_v proceed_v from_o no_o other_o but_o god_n but_o then_o beside_o these_o outward_a mean_n we_o must_v have_v our_o mind_n inward_o illuminate_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n for_o it_o be_v this_o alone_a which_o can_v enable_v we_o effectual_o to_o see_v and_o discern_v the_o light_n and_o to_o take_v the_o force_n of_o the_o argument_n which_o prove_v the_o several_a truth_n and_o to_o turn_v the_o moral_a evidence_n into_o divine_a demonstration_n last_o as_o i_o mention_v among_o the_o divers_a way_n of_o revelation_n under_o the_o former_a dispensation_n the_o divine_a impulse_n whereby_o person_n be_v instruct_v and_o excite_v to_o undertake_v and_o achieve_v great_a thing_n so_o at_o the_o erect_n of_o the_o gospel_n there_o be_v not_o want_v this_o way_n of_o communicate_v the_o divine_a will_n and_o pleasure_n by_o such_o a_o impulse_n as_o this_o christ_n himself_o whip_v the_o buyer_n and_o seller_n out_o of_o the_o temple_n by_o this_o powerful_a afflation_n his_o apostle_n and_o follower_n be_v stir_v up_o to_o do_v strange_a and_o extraordinary_a thing_n several_a of_o which_o be_v mention_v in_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o many_o more_o in_o ecclesiastical_a history_n which_o nothing_o but_o this_o divine_a motion_n can_v legitimate_a it_o be_v immediate_o from_o the_o spirit_n whereby_o they_o be_v instruct_v as_o well_o as_o enable_v to_o effect_v these_o wonderful_a thing_n second_o the_o next_o divine_a testimony_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o christian_a oeconomy_n and_o religion_n be_v the_o fulfil_n of_o the_o prophecy_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o have_v respect_n to_o the_o new_a i_o have_v already_o in_o another_o place_n when_o i_o prove_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n insist_v upon_o the_o fulfil_n of_o the_o prophecy_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n as_o they_o be_v a_o attestation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o sacred_a write_n but_o at_o present_a i_o be_o to_o mention_v only_o the_o prophecy_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o among_o they_o only_o those_o that_o relate_v to_o the_o messiah_n and_o the_o circumstance_n which_o more_o near_o and_o peculiar_o appertain_v to_o he_o and_o the_o produce_v of_o these_o and_o show_v how_o they_o be_v exact_o fulfil_v will_v be_v a_o clear_a and_o demonstrative_a argument_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n for_o though_o spinosa_n will_v persuade_v man_n that_o all_o the_o prophecy_n in_o the_o bible_n be_v the_o mere_a result_n of_o a_o brisk_a fancy_n that_o there_o be_v no_o foundation_n in_o the_o thing_n themselves_o but_o that_o imagination_n make_v all_o yet_o sure_o the_o bold_a and_o impious_a man_n will_v not_o have_v go_v so_o far_o as_o to_o have_v assert_v that_o the_o actual_a fulfil_n of_o the_o prophecy_n be_v nothing_o but_o fancy_n no_o certain_o he_o can_v not_o have_v the_o face_n to_o deny_v that_o the_o completion_n of_o those_o prediction_n be_v some_o real_a thing_n and_o not_o found_v on_o imagination_n for_o here_o be_v matter_n of_o fact_n which_o carry_v reality_n and_o certainty_n with_o it_o and_o therefore_o be_v a_o convince_a proof_n not_o only_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o prophecy_n but_o of_o christianity_n itself_o this_o then_o be_v that_o which_o i_o will_v now_o enter_v upon_o the_o prophet_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n speak_v frequent_o of_o the_o messiah_n they_o have_v describe_v and_o characterise_v he_o nothing_o almost_o be_v do_v by_o christ_n but_o they_o predict_v it_o every_o particular_a act_n circumstance_n and_o accident_n of_o importance_n that_o shall_v happen_v about_o he_o be_v foretell_v now_o all_o these_o be_v actual_o verify_v and_o fulfil_v as_o namely_o what_o relate_v to_o his_o birth_n his_o life_n his_o death_n his_o rise_n again_o first_o what_o relate_v to_o his_o birth_n as_o that_o john_n baptist_n shall_v be_v his_o forerunner_n and_o make_v way_n for_o he_o behold_v i_o will_v send_v my_o messenger_n and_o he_o shall_v prepare_v the_o way_n before_o i_o mal._n 3._o 1._o and_o ch_z 4._o v._n 5._o behold_v i_o will_v send_v you_o elijah_n the_o prophet_n before_o the_o come_n of_o the_o great_a and_o dreadful_a day_n of_o the_o lord_n compare_v these_o place_n with_o mat._n 11._o 10_o 14_o mark_v 1_o 2_o &_o 9_o 11._o luke_n 1._o 17_o and_o 76._o &_o 7._o 27._o and_o you_o will_v not_o question_v their_o accomplishment_n and_o the_o birth_n itself_o and_o the_o conception_n which_o be_v in_o order_n to_o it_o be_v plain_o prophesy_v of_o many_o age_n before_o as_o that_o in_o jer._n 31._o 22._o be_v think_v to_o be_v a_o prophecy_n concern_v the_o conception_n of_o christ_n the_o lord_n have_v create_v a_o new_a thing_n in_o the_o earth_n a_o woman_n shall_v compass_v a_o man._n some_o indeed_o have_v interpret_v it_o thus_o the_o church_n though_o weak_a as_o a_o woman_n shall_v compass_v and_o besiege_v her_o enemy_n and_o take_v they_o captive_n but_o this_o be_v very_o flat_a and_o frigid_a especial_o if_o you_o observe_v the_o preface_n to_o the_o prediction_n the_o lord_n have_v create_v a_o new_a thing_n in_o the_o earth_n it_o be_v no_o new_a thing_n that_o the_o church_n get_v the_o better_a of_o her_o enemy_n there_o be_v many_o instance_n of_o this_o in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o israelity_n so_o that_o something_o else_o be_v just_o think_v to_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n and_o what_o shall_v it_o be_v but_o this_o that_o christ_n who_o be_v make_v of_o a_o woman_n shall_v be_v encompass_v and_o shut_v up_o by_o she_o in_o her_o virgin-womb_n her_o compass_v a_o man_n express_v the_o conception_n of_o he_o the_o word_n sabab_n circumdedit_fw-la agree_v very_o well_o with_o it_o for_o the_o mother_n encompass_n round_o the_o faetus_fw-la with_o her_o womb._n and_o the_o greek_a â—itly_o answer_v to_o it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d mat._n 1._o 23._o and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d luke_n 1._o 31._o the_o plain_a meaning_n then_o be_v that_o a_o woman_n nekebah_n not_o ishah_n one_o that_o be_v no_o wife_n but_o a_o virgin_n shall_v conceive_v a_o manchild_n in_o her_o womb._n and_o the_o woman_n here_o mean_v be_v the_o bless_a virgin_n mary_n and_o the_o man_n be_v christ_n who_o be_v god_n and_o man._n see_v dr._n pâ—câ—ck_n in_o not._n miscall_v in_o port._n mos._n and_o this_o interpretation_n be_v the_o more_o remarkable_a by_o reason_n of_o the_o geber_n hebrew_n word_n which_o we_o here_o translate_v man._n it_o denote_v not_o bare_o one_o of_o the_o male_a kind_n in_o contradistinction_n to_o one_o of_o the_o other_o sex_n but_o it_o proper_o signify_v a_o man_n of_o power_n and_o may_v and_o so_o it_o be_v fit_o apply_v to_o the_o messiah_n who_o be_v omnipotent_a yea_o the_o ancient_a jew_n as_o abarbinel_n one_o of_o their_o own_o rabbin_n miscel._n testify_v understand_v by_o this_o word_n here_o god_n himself_o to_o who_o power_n more_o peculiarly_a and_o eminent_o belong_v it_o be_v no_o wonder_n therefore_o that_o the_o father_n of_o the_o church_n general_o interpret_v this_o place_n of_o the_o virgin_n mary_n bear_v christ_n in_o her_o womb_n in_o which_o he_o may_v proper_o be_v say_v to_o be_v encompass_v and_o enfold_v by_o she_o this_o be_v a_o new_a thing_n indeed_o there_o never_o be_v the_o like_o before_o nor_o shall_v ever_o be_v afterward_o and_o therefore_o a_o place_n worthy_a writer_n be_v here_o to_o be_v blame_v who_o unadvised_o say_v the_o jew_n may_v just_o laugh_v at_o this_o interpretation_n the_o delivery_n and_o birth_n of_o the_o messiah_n thus_o shut_v up_o in_o the_o womb_n be_v express_o foretell_v in_o isa._n 9_o 6._o to_o we_o a_o child_n be_v bear_v to_o we_o a_o son_n be_v give_v and_o the_o government_n shall_v be_v upon_o his_o shoulder_n it_o be_v true_a some_o of_o the_o jew_n say_v hezâ—kiah_n be_v speak_v of_o here_o but_o they_o be_v confute_v hence_o that_o the_o epithet_n here_o
the_o wing_a foot_n but_o the_o reason_n assign_v in_o the_o history_n why_o st._n paul_n be_v take_v for_o mercury_n be_v because_o he_o be_v so_o excellent_a a_o speaker_n barnabas_n say_v little_a or_o nothing_o and_o so_o pass_v with_o they_o for_o grave_a jupiter_n who_o have_v his_o interpreter_n and_o this_o be_v st._n paul_n he_o be_v mercurius_n a_o good_a spokesman_n indeed_o one_o of_o a_o admirable_a tongue_n that_o can_v persuade_v the_o lame_a to_o walk_v and_o a_o cripple_n to_o use_v his_o foot_n however_o these_o ignorant_a heathen_n be_v mistake_v as_o to_o their_o make_v god_n of_o man_n yet_o in_o the_o main_a they_o be_v in_o the_o right_n viz._n that_o that_o miraculous_a healing_n argue_v divinity_n and_o that_o none_o can_v do_v such_o thing_n but_o those_o who_o be_v authorize_v by_o heaven_n and_o as_o this_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o mankind_n so_o indeed_o it_o must_v be_v thus_o in_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o for_o what_o be_v above_o create_v power_n proceed_v from_o god_n and_o what_o be_v from_o he_o be_v to_o some_o great_a end_n and_o purpose_n worthy_a of_o he_o thus_o miracle_n exceed_v the_o power_n of_o nature_n be_v the_o attestation_n of_o god_n himself_o and_o be_v design_v to_o evidence_n that_o truth_n and_o to_o authorise_v that_o doctrine_n which_o be_v from_o god_n which_o be_v very_o great_a and_o excellent_a end_n and_o become_v the_o author_n of_o they_o according_o the_o miracle_n which_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n wrought_v be_v intend_v to_o confirm_v and_o establish_v the_o gospel_n which_o they_o preach_v and_o to_o demonstrate_v to_o the_o world_n that_o that_o gospel_n be_v true_a for_o god_n will_v not_o throw_v away_o miracle_n much_o less_o will_v he_o use_v they_o to_o confirm_v a_o false_a doctrine_n we_o may_v be_v assure_v of_o this_o that_o god_n infinite_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n will_v not_o give_v up_o the_o world_n to_o such_o a_o unavoidable_a deceit_n as_o such_o a_o multitude_n of_o miracle_n will_v lead_v man_n into_o if_o they_o be_v use_v to_o attest_v a_o imposture_n to_o confirm_v a_o lie_n if_o i_o can_v know_v the_o messiah_n to_o be_v send_v of_o god_n when_o he_o raise_v the_o dead_a wrought_v all_o other_o sort_n of_o miracle_n and_o rise_v himself_o from_o the_o dead_a i_o have_v no_o possibility_n of_o know_v who_o speak_v from_o god_n or_o whether_o i_o be_o deceive_v or_o no_o or_o whether_o there_o be_v any_o truth_n and_o reality_n in_o thing_n or_o no._n this_o than_o we_o may_v build_v upon_o there_o be_v truth_n in_o the_o world_n miracle_n undeniable_o point_v we_o to_o it_o for_o they_o be_v a_o testimony_n from_o god_n they_o can_v attest_v falsehood_n but_o must_v necessary_o direct_v we_o to_o and_o confirm_v we_o in_o that_o which_o be_v true_a our_o christianity_n be_v found_v on_o miracle_n can_v but_o be_v of_o divine_a allowance_n it_o be_v impossible_a but_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v from_o god_n christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n can_v not_o have_v have_v power_n to_o work_v true_a miracle_n if_o their_o doctrine_n have_v not_o be_v true_a for_o god_n will_v not_o and_o can_v maintain_v a_o lie_n by_o a_o miracle_n for_o than_o he_o be_v no_o god_n we_o can_v then_o expect_v a_o more_o convince_a evidence_n of_o divine_a authority_n than_o this_o viz._n that_o our_o saviour_n speak_v great_a and_o excellent_a thing_n and_o that_o he_o wrought_v miracle_n to_o confirm_v what_o he_o say_v what_o will_v you_o have_v more_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o he_o shall_v confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o doctrine_n by_o his_o miracle_n and_o now_o they_o be_v wrought_v there_o be_v a_o necessity_n in_o order_n to_o our_o be_v christian_n that_o we_o hearty_o believe_v they_o i_o say_v miracle_n be_v necessary_a for_o confirm_v the_o gospel_n because_o the_o gospel_n be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o thing_n new_a and_o unheard_a of_o as_o you_o may_v remember_v the_o complaint_n of_o the_o athenian_a philosopher_n against_o st._n paul_n be_v that_o he_o deliver_v a_o new_a doctrine_n and_o bring_v strange_a thing_n to_o their_o ear_n act_n 17._o 19_o 20._o they_o be_v long_o accustom_v to_o other_o notion_n and_o so_o there_o be_v a_o vast_a prejudice_n on_o their_o mind_n wherefore_o miracle_n be_v necessary_a to_o gain_v credit_n to_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o to_o bring_v they_o off_o effectual_o from_o their_o former_a sentiment_n again_o many_o thing_n in_o the_o gospel_n be_v above_o the_o flight_n of_o humane_a reason_n and_o on_o that_o account_n be_v not_o easy_o entertain_v which_o make_v it_o requisite_a that_o they_o shall_v be_v declare_v to_o be_v true_a by_o extraordinary_a sign_n and_o wonder_n likewise_o because_o the_o person_n who_o preach_v and_o profess_v the_o christian_a religion_n be_v poor_a inconsiderable_a man_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o they_o shall_v bring_v credential_n from_o god_n to_o attest_v what_o they_o deliver_v when_o they_o show_v this_o seal_n this_o broad_a seal_n of_o heaven_n none_o can_v question_v their_o commission_n beside_o the_o world_n be_v then_o full_a of_o idolatry_n and_o false_a religion_n which_o can_v not_o be_v root_v out_o but_o by_o such_o a_o strange_a and_o unusual_a way_n as_o this_o viz._n the_o work_n of_o mighty_a sign_n and_o miracle_n even_o such_o as_o outvie_v the_o power_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o prank_n of_o magician_n last_o the_o mosaic_a law_n and_o oeconomy_n have_v be_v before_o establish_v by_o miracle_n it_o be_v neeessary_a that_o the_o evangelical_n law_n and_o dispensation_n shall_v be_v attest_v in_o the_o like_a manner_n god_n himself_o have_v constitute_v several_a thing_n before_o which_o now_o be_v take_v away_o by_o christ_n therefore_o he_o take_v they_o away_o aught_o to_o show_v his_o authority_n which_o he_o do_v by_o work_v of_o uncontrollable_a miracle_n and_o to_o show_v that_o the_o law_n be_v to_o give_v place_n to_o the_o gospel_n he_o and_o his_o follower_n wrought_v far_o great_a miracle_n than_o any_o that_o be_v do_v before_o to_o attest_v the_o mosaic_a religion_n therefore_o he_o tell_v the_o jew_n that_o he_o do_v among_o they_o the_o work_n which_o none_o other_o man_n do_v john_n 15._o 24._o and_o as_o they_o be_v great_a so_o they_o be_v more_o in_o number_n than_o those_o of_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n which_o be_v also_o necessary_a to_o take_v away_o all_o scruple_n from_o man_n mind_n and_o to_o beget_v in_o they_o a_o hearty_a and_o full_a belief_n of_o christ_n doctrine_n for_o this_o be_v the_o end_n of_o their_o be_v wrought_v viz._n to_o confirm_v the_o belief_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o to_o ascertain_v man_n even_o we_o at_o this_o day_n that_o god_n himself_o bear_v witness_v to_o what_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n deliver_v the_o use_n of_o these_o miracle_n i_o say_v extend_v to_o we_o and_o to_o all_o age_n of_o the_o church_n though_o we_o see_v they_o not_o yet_o their_o virtue_n come_v down_o to_o we_o all_o the_o miracle_n do_v by_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v as_o forcible_a and_o convince_a now_o as_o if_o they_o be_v do_v in_o our_o day_n they_o be_v still_o and_o ever_o will_v be_v a_o infallible_a proof_n evidence_n and_o demonstration_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n to_o shut_v up_o this_o head_n if_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v found_v on_o the_o mighty_a miracle_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o his_o apostle_n the_o scripture_n be_v true_a and_o our_o religion_n be_v true_a but_o if_o these_o be_v not_o take_v notice_n to_o confound_v the_o folly_n and_o sottishness_n of_o such_o supposer_n it_o be_v the_o great_a miracle_n of_o all_o if_o i_o may_v so_o say_v that_o christianity_n be_v receive_v and_o believe_v without_o miracle_n so_o much_o concern_v the_o divine_a testimony_n of_o miracle_n chap._n xvii_o the_o wonderful_a prevail_a and_o spread_v of_o christianity_n another_o proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o some_o of_o the_o learnede_a and_o wise_a jew_n convert_v to_o christianity_n a_o catalogue_n of_o know_v and_o learned_a pagan_n in_o the_o five_o first_o century_n that_o abandon_v gentilism_n and_o embrace_v the_o christian_a religion_n remarkable_a instance_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o christian_a truth_n the_o virtue_n of_o the_o gospel_n far_o exceed_v that_o of_o philosophy_n example_n of_o great_a and_o rich_a man_n convert_v to_o the_o christian_a faith_n this_o prevail_v against_o the_o rage_n of_o the_o most_o powerful_a persecutor_n the_o more_o the_o gospel_n be_v oppress_v the_o more_o it_o flourish_v and_o prosper_v in_o all_o nation_n example_n of_o god_n remarkable_a judgement_n on_o the_o enemy_n of_o christianity_n especial_o on_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o jew_n this_o latter_a insist_v upon_o and_o show_v to_o be_v a_o argument_n of_o
prevail_v with_o he_o to_o do_v as_o she_o do_v i._n e._n to_o violate_v the_o commandment_n because_o she_o do_v so_o which_o we_o may_v gather_v from_o those_o word_n of_o he_o gen._n 3._o 12._o the_o woman_n who_o thou_o give_v to_o be_v with_o i_o and_o to_o be_v my_o other-self_n she_o give_v i_o of_o the_o tree_n and_o i_o do_v eat_v for_o though_o he_o do_v ill_o in_o lay_v his_o fault_n and_o transfer_v his_o gild_n on_o the_o woman_n thereby_o only_o to_o excuse_v himself_o yet_o thus_o far_o we_o may_v believe_v he_o that_o he_o be_v draw_v into_o this_o transgression_n by_o she_o who_o god_n have_v give_v unto_o he_o his_o passionate_a regard_n to_o she_o betray_v he_o to_o this_o folly_n thus_o this_o desire_n of_o his_o eye_n be_v one_o occasion_n of_o his_o misery_n by_o the_o enchantment_n and_o solicitation_n of_o a_o woman_n man_n be_v first_o ruin_v whilst_o he_o be_v alone_o he_o do_v well_o but_o when_o he_o see_v so_o fair_a and_o image_n he_o be_v tempt_v to_o fall_v down_o to_o it_o and_o to_o comply_v with_o it_o and_o to_o forget_v himself_o and_o his_o duty_n this_o be_v the_o origine_fw-la of_o adam_n prevarication_n the_o sensitive_a part_n be_v too_o powerful_a pleasure_n betray_v he_o and_o ever_o since_o all_o mankind_n the_o animal_n and_o sensual_a life_n get_v the_o better_a of_o the_o divine_a 3._o another_o previous_a sin_n of_o our_o first_o parent_n be_v a_o be_v dissatisfy_v with_o their_o condition_n and_o a_o ambitious_a desire_v to_o know_v more_o and_o to_o become_v great_a it_o be_v a_o vile_a compound_n of_o curiosity_n discontent_n and_o pride_n yea_o this_o latter_a seem_v to_o have_v the_o predominancy_n whence_o it_o be_v the_o determination_n of_o matth._n one_o of_o the_o ancient_a father_n that_o adam_n and_o eve_n first_o sin_n by_o which_o they_o fall_v be_v pride_n the_o devil_n inveigle_v they_o with_o tell_v they_o that_o their_o eye_n shall_v be_v open_v and_o that_o they_o shall_v know_v good_a and_o evil_a nay_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v as_o god_n in_o knowledge_n and_o perfection_n gen._n 3._o 5._o this_o be_v no_o mean_a incentive_a to_o the_o breach_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n though_o indeed_o it_o be_v a_o strange_a solecism_n and_o absurdity_n and_o it_o be_v a_o strange_a that_o our_o first_o parent_n shall_v not_o observe_v it_o viz._n that_o they_o shall_v be_v like_o god_n by_o break_v his_o law_n this_o be_v a_o arrant_a piece_n of_o nonsense_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v swallow_v the_o vehement_a desire_n of_o see_v have_v blind_v they_o their_o inordinate_a longing_n after_o wisdom_n render_v they_o so_o foolish_a and_o sottish_a their_o affection_n of_o knowledge_n and_o their_o vain_a ambition_n ruin_v they_o their_o desire_n to_o arrive_v to_o the_o partner_n with_o god_n almighty_a make_v they_o forget_v they_o be_v his_o creature_n their_o wish_v to_o be_v god_n make_v they_o become_v like_o beast_n which_o perish_v as_o you_o shall_v hear_v afterward_o yea_o their_o desire_n to_o be_v like_o god_n make_v they_o too_o like_a unto_o devil_n the_o 4_o the_o sin_n which_o make_v way_n for_o their_o actual_a violate_v god_n command_n be_v unbelief_n god_n have_v himself_o tell_v he_o that_o in_o the_o day_n they_o eat_v of_o the_o forbid_a fruit_n they_o shall_v sure_o die_v gen._n 2._o 17._o but_o satan_n come_v and_o conâ—ronts_v this_o and_o tell_v they_o yâ—_n shall_v not_o sure_o die_v gen._n 3._o 4._o whereupon_o they_o give_v credit_n to_o this_o tempter_n and_o disbelieve_v what_o god_n have_v say_v they_o attend_v not_o to_o the_o divine_a threaten_n but_o listen_v to_o the_o devil_n promise_n of_o impunity_n they_o believe_v the_o father_n of_o lie_n but_o what_o the_o god_n of_o truth_n say_v be_v none_o of_o their_o creed_n this_o be_v the_o curse_a infidelity_n which_o be_v the_o forerunner_n of_o the_o actual_a break_n of_o the_o divine_a command_n thus_o you_o may_v be_v convince_v that_o though_o the_o eat_v the_o forbid_a fruit_n may_v at_o first_o sight_n seem_v to_o be_v a_o small_a matter_n a_o kind_n of_o venial_a fault_n and_o some_o vain_a man_n have_v labour_v to_o represent_v it_o as_o such_o yet_o upon_o a_o particular_a and_o narrow_a view_n of_o it_o and_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o circumstance_n that_o attend_v it_o it_o be_v a_o most_o grievous_a and_o horrid_a crime_n that_o sin_n which_o be_v usher_v in_o with_o so_o many_o vile_a harbinger_n must_v needs_o be_v a_o capital_a offence_n beside_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o transgression_n must_v be_v esteem_v and_o measure_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o lawgiver_n we_o must_v consider_v not_o so_o much_o what_o be_v forbid_v as_o who_o forbid_v it_o god_n their_o creator_n and_o father_n who_o have_v absolute_a power_n and_o command_n over_o they_o god_n who_o know_v best_o how_o to_o govern_v they_o and_o what_o be_v most_o for_o their_o real_a good_a and_o advantage_n god_n who_o require_v the_o observance_n but_o of_o a_o small_a and_o easy_a thing_n aught_o to_o have_v be_v obey_v with_o all_o exactness_n adam_n and_o eve_n have_v no_o father_n but_o god_n how_o just_a and_o reasonable_a then_o be_v it_o that_o they_o shall_v express_v all_o duty_n and_o obedience_n to_o he_o that_o they_o shall_v observe_v his_o law_n and_o not_o dare_v to_o break_v the_o â—east_n command_v of_o he_o that_o they_o shall_v do_v nothing_o without_o his_o order_n and_o never_o listen_v to_o any_o that_o will_v attempt_v to_o withdraw_v they_o from_o their_o duty_n but_o that_o they_o shall_v continual_o live_v in_o a_o sense_n of_o their_o dependence_n upon_o he_o that_o they_o shall_v call_v upon_o he_o trust_v in_o he_o honour_n and_o worship_v he_o only_o that_o they_o shall_v strive_v to_o walk_v worthy_a of_o the_o singular_a favour_n they_o have_v receive_v from_o he_o and_o that_o they_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o persevere_v in_o their_o innocence_n and_o integrity_n and_o to_o continue_v in_o that_o bless_a state_n wherein_o god_n have_v create_v they_o and_o as_o for_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o sin_n the_o letter_n and_o light_a it_o be_v the_o great_a be_v the_o sinner_n contempt_n of_o god_n this_o inhance_v his_o fault_n that_o he_o prefer_v so_o slight_a a_o thing_n before_o god_n will_n and_o pleasure_n that_o he_o regard_v not_o the_o divine_a anger_n though_o it_o be_v so_o easy_a to_o avoid_v it_o here_o we_o may_v say_v as_o cicero_n do_v in_o defence_n of_o the_o stoic_n paradox_n viz._n that_o all_o sin_n be_v alike_o culpa_fw-la the_o matter_n be_v small_a but_o the_o fault_n be_v great_a yea_o i_o may_v add_v the_o latter_a be_v the_o great_a because_o the_o former_a be_v so_o small_a the_o sin_n of_o adam_n and_o eve_n be_v the_o more_o grievous_a and_o inexcusable_a because_o it_o be_v in_o so_o little_a a_o matter_n as_o the_o bare_a taste_n of_o the_o fruit_n of_o a_o tree_n which_o be_v a_o thing_n they_o have_v no_o temptation_n to_o if_o we_o consider_v that_o the_o whole_a garden_n of_o fruit_n be_v before_o they_o and_o there_o be_v but_o one_o single_a tree_n only_o forbid_v they_o but_o it_o seem_v all_o the_o rest_n be_v insipid_a without_o this_o no_o tree_n will_v so_o content_v they_o as_o the_o forbid_a one_o there_o be_v no_o fruit_n so_o desirable_a as_o this_o and_o it_o be_v likely_a this_o have_v not_o be_v desire_v if_o it_o have_v not_o be_v forbid_v this_o argue_v great_a perverseness_n and_o obstinacy_n and_o consequent_o aggravate_v their_o sin_n and_o sender_n their_o offence_n very_o heinous_a say_v not_o then_o the_o eat_n of_o the_o fruit_n of_o a_o tree_n be_v a_o light_n and_o inconsiderable_a thing_n so_o it_o may_v be_v say_v lot_n wise_n do_v only_o look_v back_o to_o see_v the_o miserable_a ruin_n of_o the_o place_n she_o live_v in_o what!_o may_v she_o not_o look_v behind_o she_o it_o be_v out_o of_o pity_n that_o she_o do_v this_o do_v this_o deserve_v so_o sore_a a_o punishment_n abraham_n 28._o look_v on_o sodâ—m_n in_o its_o flame_n and_o be_v not_o punish_v it_o be_v not_o criminal_a in_o he_o to_o do_v so_o why_o then_o be_v it_o in_o this_o poor_a woman_n the_o plain_a answer_n be_v this_o that_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n from_o whence_o action_n be_v denominate_v good_a or_o evil._n they_o be_v sometime_o repute_v so_o by_o god_n according_a to_o the_o intrinsic_a cause_n and_o reason_n of_o they_o sometime_o also_o according_a to_o their_o good_a or_o evil_a adjunct_n but_o at_o all_o time_n according_a to_o the_o will_n and_o command_n of_o god_n allow_v or_o disallow_v of_o such_o action_n by_o these_o we_o must_v judge_n of_o lot_n wife_n be_v sinâ—_n out_o of_o a_o immoderate_a love_n of_o the_o city_n which_o have_v be_v the_o place_n of_o her_o abode_n or_o
and_o that_o by_o the_o wonderful_a disposal_n of_o heaven_n whereupon_o the_o evangelist_n say_v this_o be_v do_v that_o the_o scripture_n may_v be_v fulfil_v a_o bâ—nâ—_n of_o he_o shall_v not_o be_v break_v ver_fw-la 36._o which_o plain_o refer_v to_o this_o passage_n concern_v the_o paschal_n lamb_n of_o the_o jew_n that_o they_o be_v command_v not_o to_o break_v any_o bone_n of_o it_o and_o if_o according_a to_o st._n john_n that_o particular_a injunction_n concern_v the_o lamb_n be_v applicable_a to_o christ_n and_o be_v fulfil_v in_o he_o there_o be_v just_a ground_n so_o believe_v that_o the_o other_o passage_n and_o circumstance_n relate_v to_o that_o lamb_n be_v to_o be_v apply_v to_o christ_n the_o lamb_n of_o god_n and_o be_v accomplish_v in_o he_o this_o no_o man_n of_o compose_a thought_n can_v deny_v and_o whereas_o the_o jew_n be_v to_o eat_v their_o paschal_n lamb_n with_o unleavened_a bread_n ver_fw-la 8_o &_o 20._o the_o apostle_n have_v tell_v we_o the_o meaning_n of_o that_o for_o after_o he_o have_v say_v christ_n our_o passover_n iâ—_n sacrifice_v for_o we_o he_o immediate_o add_v let_v we_o therefore_o keep_v the_o feast_n not_o with_o old_a leaven_n neither_o with_o the_o leaven_n of_o malice_n and_o wickedness_n but_o with_o the_o unleavened_a bread_n of_o sincerity_n and_o truth_n the_o corrupt_a ferment_n of_o sin_n especial_o of_o hypocrisy_n and_o dissimulation_n which_o our_o saviour_n also_o call_v leaven_n luk_n 12._o 1._o fute_v not_o with_o the_o bread_n of_o life_n which_o we_o be_v to_o eat_v yea_o we_o must_v purge_v out_o all_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n which_o the_o same_o inspire_a author_n in_o the_o same_o place_n again_o call_v the_o old_a leaven_n ver_fw-la 7._o if_o we_o will_v keep_v the_o christian_a passover_n aright_o we_o must_v abandon_v every_o know_a vice_n which_o be_v fit_o compare_v to_o leaven_v because_o it_o spread_v itself_o and_o soon_o corrupt_v the_o soul_n a_o little_a leaven_n leaven_v the_o whole_a lump_n ver_fw-la 6._o &_o gal._n 5._o 9_o but_o from_o what_o we_o read_v in_o deut._n 16._o 3._o we_o may_v gather_v that_o something_o beside_o this_o be_v shadow_v out_o there_o they_o be_v bid_v to_o eat_v all_o the_o time_n of_o the_o passover_n unleavened_a bread_n even_o the_o bread_n of_o affliction_n because_o they_o come_v forth_o out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n in_o haste_n unleavened_a bread_n than_o be_v the_o bread_n of_o affliction_n but_o why_o be_v it_o call_v so_o i_o conceive_v it_o have_v this_o name_n because_o it_o be_v such_o bread_n as_o the_o poor_a and_o afflict_a by_o reason_n of_o press_a hunger_n eat_v not_o stay_v till_o it_o be_v leaven_v this_o sort_n of_o bread_n they_o be_v to_o eat_v and_o so_o we_o be_v teach_v here_o in_o what_o manner_n we_o be_v to_o eat_v the_o christian_a passover_n viz._n with_o the_o bread_n of_o affliction_n we_o must_v not_o pamper_v our_o carnal_a part_n we_o must_v not_o make_v provision_n for_o the_o flesh_n to_o fulfil_v the_o lust_n thereof_o we_o must_v according_a to_o the_o apostle_n example_n keep_v under_o our_o body_n and_o bring_v they_o into_o subjection_n to_o our_o better_a part_n and_o this_o be_v partly_o signify_v by_o the_o eat_n of_o the_o paschal_n lamb_n with_o bitter_a herb_n ver_fw-la 8._o the_o spiritual_a meaning_n whereof_o be_v that_o we_o shall_v not_o indulge_v ourselves_o in_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n that_o we_o shall_v celebrate_v our_o evangelical_n passover_n with_o godly_a contrition_n and_o sorrow_n with_o hearty_a remorse_n and_o repentance_n and_o that_o with_o the_o penitent_a apostle_n we_o shall_v weep_v bitter_o for_o our_o sin_n the_o crucify_a jesus_n be_v best_a entertain_v with_o a_o break_a heart_n and_o moreover_o the_o posture_n and_o demeanour_n which_o the_o israelite_n be_v to_o observe_v in_o their_o celebrate_n the_o passover_n viz._n with_o their_o loin_n gird_v and_o with_o shâ—â—s_n on_o their_o foot_n and_o staff_n in_o their_o hand_n ver_fw-la 11._o which_o express_v their_o readiness_n to_o leave_v egypt_n and_o to_o depart_v out_o of_o it_o at_o the_o first_o warning_n represent_v unto_o we_o our_o duty_n which_o be_v to_o be_v prepare_v to_o quit_v our_o sin_n which_o make_v we_o worse_o than_o egyptian_a bondslave_n christ_n be_v sacrifice_v and_o ascend_v we_o be_v to_o fit_v ourselves_o to_o follow_v he_o we_o must_v gird_v up_o the_o loin_n of_o our_o mind_n we_o must_v have_v our_o foot_n shâ—â—_n with_o the_o evangelical_n preparation_n we_o must_v be_v constant_o in_o the_o posture_n of_o pilgrim_n who_o thought_n be_v on_o leave_v the_o place_n where_o they_o be_v and_o we_o must_v be_v willing_a and_o ready_a to_o follow_v our_o bless_a saviour_n which_o way_n soever_o he_o call_v we_o this_o be_v to_o be_v remark_v likewise_o that_o no_o uncircumcised_a person_n be_v to_o eat_v of_o the_o passover_n no_o foreigner_n or_o stranger_n ver_fw-la 43_o 44._o which_o acquaint_v we_o that_o none_o but_o those_o who_o be_v admit_v into_o christ_n church_n and_o be_v true_a and_o proper_a member_n of_o it_o can_v partake_v of_o the_o benefit_n which_o accrue_v by_o the_o death_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o also_o that_o stranger_n and_o alien_n from_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o those_o that_o be_v uncircumcised_a in_o heart_n receive_v no_o real_a advantage_n by_o come_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n they_o partake_v only_o of_o the_o outward_a element_n but_o be_v exclude_v from_o share_v in_o the_o inward_a grace_n and_o blessing_n which_o be_v represent_v by_o those_o external_n sign_n thus_o you_o see_v the_o parallel_n between_o the_o jewish_a and_o christian_a passover_n the_o paschal_n lamb_n be_v a_o male_a and_o without_o blemish_n and_o of_o the_o first_o year_n it_o be_v take_v out_o of_o their_o own_o fold_n and_o kill_v in_o the_o evening_n and_o the_o door-post_n be_v sprinkle_v with_o the_o blood_n it_o be_v roast_v and_o then_o eat_v whole_a not_o a_o bone_n of_o it_o be_v to_o be_v break_v and_o nothing_o of_o it_o be_v to_o remain_v it_o be_v eat_v with_o unleavened_a bread_n and_o bitter_a herb_n with_o loin_n gird_v and_o in_o haste_n it_o be_v eat_v not_o by_o stranger_n and_o uncircumcised_a person_n and_o in_o every_o one_o of_o these_o particular_n it_o be_v typical_a and_o representative_a for_o though_o it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v this_o general_a reason_n why_o these_o several_a observance_n concern_v the_o paschal_n lamb_n be_v enjoin_v namely_o because_o of_o their_o direct_a opposition_n to_o the_o heathen_a ceremony_n then_o in_o practice_n as_o you_o shall_v hear_v afterward_o yet_o there_o be_v a_o more_o particular_a reason_n and_o distinct_a ground_n of_o the_o prescribe_v of_o these_o several_a rite_n viz._n because_o they_o in_o some_o manner_n be_v type_n and_o signification_n of_o what_o our_o lord_n christ_n be_v to_o do_v or_o suffer_v and_o of_o what_o be_v require_v of_o we_o in_o solemnize_n the_o gospel-passover_n if_o any_o man_n shall_v despise_v these_o thing_n and_o imagine_v they_o little_a and_o not_o worthy_a of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n he_o may_v correct_v his_o profane_a mistake_n by_o look_v into_o the_o epistle_n of_o st._n paul_n especial_o that_o to_o the_o hebrew_n where_o he_o will_v find_v that_o the_o apostle_n take_v notice_n of_o such_o passage_n as_o these_o which_o relate_v to_o the_o jewish_a observance_n and_o by_o the_o direction_n of_o the_o divine_a and_o infallible_a spirit_n apply_v they_o to_o our_o lord_n and_o his_o bless_a undertake_n and_o the_o main_a thing_n of_o the_o gospel-dispensation_n let_v none_o then_o be_v so_o presumptuous_a and_o impious_a as_o to_o say_v that_o these_o be_v little_a and_o contemptible_a see_v they_o be_v such_o as_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v please_v to_o dictate_v nay_o i_o may_v add_v with_o great_a reason_n and_o truth_n that_o this_o mystical_a way_n of_o deliver_v the_o most_o weighty_a matter_n be_v heretofore_o use_v and_o approve_v of_o by_o all_o the_o ancient_a sage_n and_o man_n of_o wisdom_n especial_o by_o the_o egyptian_n who_o learning_n chief_o consist_v in_o hieroglyphic_n and_o therefore_o when_o we_o see_v that_o some_o man_n who_o have_v a_o great_a esteem_n of_o the_o egyptian_a learning_n and_o admire_v it_o at_o a_o very_a high_a rate_n do_v yet_o slight_a and_o vilify_v those_o mysterious_a representation_n of_o the_o great_a and_o most_o important_a truth_n which_o the_o old_a testament_n present_v we_o with_o we_o can_v but_o observe_v their_o wicked_a perverseness_n whilst_o they_o disregard_n and_o even_a ridicule_n that_o very_a way_n of_o communicate_v truth_n in_o the_o holy_a and_o inspire_a scripture_n which_o they_o magnify_v and_o extol_v in_o profane_a writer_n but_o i_o have_v not_o finish_v this_o parallel_n yet_o to_o make_v it_o every_o way_n complete_a christ_n our_o
there_o be_v this_o threefold_a difference_n between_o they_o which_o i_o request_n may_v be_v well_o weigh_v because_o it_o will_v be_v of_o singular_a use_n to_o rectify_v our_o notion_n about_o the_o matter_n in_o hand_n and_o to_o give_v we_o a_o true_a insight_n into_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o covenant_n 1._o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n say_v do_v this_o by_o thy_o own_o natural_a strength_n and_o power_n and_o if_o thou_o do_v so_o thou_o shall_v live_v for_o this_o be_v certain_a that_o in_o â—he_n first_o covenant_n the_o condition_n be_v to_o be_v perform_v by_o adam_n and_o eve_n and_o we_o in_o they_o by_o a_o natural_a strength_n give_v in_o the_o state_n of_o innocency_n they_o be_v create_v with_o a_o sufficient_a power_n to_o do_v what_o god_n require_v of_o they_o by_o their_o own_o freewill_n they_o may_v have_v stand_v but_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n say_v do_v this_o by_o a_o supernatural_a assistance_n by_o that_o grace_n which_o be_v give_v through_o christ_n jesus_n no_o man_n be_v natural_o bear_v with_o a_o ability_n to_o do_v god_n will_n and_o to_o please_v he_o there_o be_v a_o new_a birth_n whereby_o he_o be_v empower_v to_o do_v this_o there_o be_v a_o divine_a principle_n superad_v to_o his_o nature_n and_o by_o virtue_n of_o this_o he_o believe_v repent_v etc._n etc._n this_o be_v the_o first_o difference_n between_o the_o do_v under_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n and_o under_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n 2._o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n say_v do_v this_o and_o for_o do_v thou_o shall_v live_v but_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n say_v do_v this_o and_o for_o christ_n merit_n and_o satisfaction_n thy_o do_v shall_v be_v accept_v of_o god_n for_o his_o sake_n thou_o shall_v liuâ—_n and_o be_v happy_a there_o be_v another_o cause_n you_o see_v viz._n the_o meritorious_a righteousness_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n which_o make_v a_o infinite_a difference_n between_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o this_o we_o must_v remember_v that_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v that_o whereby_o man_n be_v recover_v and_o restore_v to_o happiness_n by_o the_o undertake_n of_o another_o whereas_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n a_o man_n attain_v to_o life_n and_o happiness_n by_o his_o own_o work_n and_o obedience_n his_o personal_a righteousness_n entitle_v he_o to_o heaven_n by_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o first_o compact_n but_o now_o the_o term_n be_v otherwise_o that_o which_o procure_v liâ—e_z and_o immortality_n under_o the_o second_o covenant_n be_v the_o obedience_n of_o christ._n there_o be_v nothing_o we_o can_v do_v that_o will_v be_v acceptable_a for_o our_o own_o sake_n but_o on_o the_o account_n of_o the_o messiâ—â—_n the_o mediator_n we_o and_o our_o service_n be_v accept_v the_o covenant_n of_o work_n require_v dâ—ing_v as_o a_o performance_n merit_v salvation_n and_o bleâ—â—edness_n but_o this_o other_o agreement_n exact_v of_o we_o do_v only_o as_o it_o be_v the_o appoint_a way_n and_o mean_n of_o salvation_n this_o render_v the_o difference_n very_o great_a and_o wide_o between_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o 3._o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n â—aith_n do_v this_o but_o be_v sure_a to_o do_v it_o without_o the_o least_o â—ailing_a and_o imperfection_n and_o thou_o shall_v liuâ—_n if_o thou_o do_v it_o thus_o otherwise_o not_o for_o this_o covenant_n make_v with_o adâ—â—_n and_o his_o posterity_n be_v upon_o condition_n of_o sinless_a obedience_n as_o we_o find_v by_o the_o consequence_n and_o as_o we_o can_v prove_v from_o the_o law_n which_o be_v found_v on_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n curse_a be_v he_o that_o continue_v not_o in_o 〈◊〉_d thing_n write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n to_o do_v they_o dâ—ut_o 27._o 26._o universal_a and_o entire_a obedience_n be_v absolute_o require_v but_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n say_v dâ—_n this_o and_o though_o it_o be_v do_v on_o thy_o part_n imperfect_o yet_o thou_o shall_v live_v thou_o shall_v be_v accept_v for_o the_o perfect_a and_o consummate_a righteousness_n of_o christ_n although_o thy_o service_n be_v mix_v with_o weakness_n and_o sin_n the_o difference_n then_o between_o the_o couâ—nant_n of_o work_n and_o that_o of_o gracâ—_n be_v not_o do_v or_o not_o do_v keep_v or_o not_o keep_v the_o commandment_n but_o the_o difference_n be_v here_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n require_v the_o keep_v the_o commandment_n without_o sinâ—ing_n whereas_o by_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n no_o such_o thing_n be_v require_v this_o be_v the_o difference_n between_o the_o covenant_n and_o thence_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o the_o latter_a of_o they_o require_v not_o only_o believe_v but_o act_v though_o it_o be_v true_a believe_v be_v the_o principal_a thing_n under_o the_o new_a covenant_n and_o therefore_o we_o find_v this_o chief_o urge_v by_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n faith_n be_v the_o main_a thing_n inculcate_v in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o the_o contrary_n be_v that_o which_o be_v most_o lay_v to_o man_n charge_n on_o this_o account_n it_o be_v right_o say_v that_o believe_v and_o be_v sâ—uâ—â—_n be_v the_o language_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n but_o yet_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o do_v or_o work_v be_v not_o exclude_v for_o we_o find_v in_o the_o evangelical_n write_n that_o both_o faith_n and_o good_a work_n be_v make_v the_o necessary_a condition_n in_o order_n to_o eternal_a life_n he_o that_o believe_v shall_v be_v save_v mark_v 16._o 16._o believe_v on_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o thou_o shall_v be_v save_v act_v 16._o 31._o repent_v and_o be_v convert_v that_o your_o sin_n may_v be_v blot_v out_o act_v 3._o 19_o circumcision_n be_v nothing_o and_o uncircumcision_n be_v nothing_o but_o keep_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n â—_o cor._n 7._o 19_o without_o holiness_n no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o lord_n heb._n 12._o 14._o and_o many_o other_o place_n of_o scripture_n show_v that_o something_o be_v require_v to_o be_v do_v by_o we_o under_o the_o new_a couâ—nâ—nt_n wherefore_o we_o need_v not_o be_v afraid_a to_o say_v that_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v â—_o law_n viz._n on_o this_o account_n that_o it_o command_v something_o to_o be_v do_v so_o that_o one_o will_v wonder_v that_o any_o man_n of_o reason_n and_o discourse_n shall_v assert_v and_o that_o with_o much_o confidence_n that_o the_o gospel_n be_v not_o a_o law_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o sanction_n there_o be_v no_o precept_n no_o threatening_n no_o prâ—mises_n belong_v to_o it_o as_o i_o find_v some_o have_v late_o maintain_v notwithstanding_o it_o be_v style_v a_o law_n by_o two_o apostle_n heb._n 8._o 6._o james_n 1._o 25._o and_o we_o need_v not_o be_v afraid_a to_o say_v that_o there_o be_v condition_n propound_v and_o to_o be_v perform_v under_o this_o covenant_n for_o what_o be_v a_o condition_n do_v not_o every_o one_o grant_v that_o it_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n require_v of_o 〈◊〉_d without_o the_o performance_n of_o which_o we_o shall_v never_o obtain_v the_o thing_n offer_v and_o prâ—mised_v and_o be_v not_o this_o applicable_a to_o the_o present_a case_n be_v not_o faith_n and_o obedience_n absolute_o require_v antecedent_o to_o our_o enjoy_n the_o benefit_n and_o privilege_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n that_o be_v offer_v to_o we_o do_v not_o the_o word_n condition_n express_v the_o manner_n of_o our_o partake_v the_o benefit_n of_o the_o gospel-covenant_n do_v it_o not_o signify_v that_o order_n and_o disposition_n of_o the_o divine_a grace_n which_o be_v to_o be_v see_v in_o confer_v pardon_n and_o happiness_n god_n have_v appoint_v that_o none_o shall_v reap_v this_o fruit_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n unless_o they_o first_o believe_v and_o repent_v this_o be_v a_o fix_a and_o establish_a order_n and_o without_o observe_v and_o perform_v of_o this_o latter_a we_o shall_v never_o have_v any_o advantage_n of_o the_o former_a it_o be_v evident_a then_o that_o believe_v and_o repent_v be_v condition_n and_o no_o man_n of_o correct_a thought_n can_v boggle_v at_o the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o it_o but_o perhaps_o it_o will_v be_v say_v the_o conditionality_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v explode_v by_o the_o first_o reformâ—rs_n for_o calvin_n and_o other_o be_v quote_v for_o this_o that_o the_o gospel_n promise_v not_o eternal_a life_n upon_o condition_n of_o obedience_n but_o i_o answer_v and_o that_o with_o sincerity_n and_o truth_n that_o the_o reformer_n speak_v thus_o in_o opposition_n only_o to_o the_o popish_a interpretation_n of_o the_o word_n condition_n for_o those_o of_o the_o church_n of_o româ—_n make_v faith_n and_o good_a work_n such_o a_o condition_n as_o give_v a_o right_a to_o eternal_a life_n and_o include_v in_o it_o merit_n in_o this_o sense_n they_o disclaim_v all_o
only_o to_o be_v hiss_v at_o as_o for_o natural_a magic_n it_o be_v gross_a folly_n to_o allege_v that_o here_o see_v i_o have_v already_o prove_v that_o true_a miracle_n surpass_v the_o power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o nature_n to_o impute_v they_o to_o imagination_n be_v yet_o more_o wild_a and_o extravagant_a as_o if_o fancy_n can_v fill_v above_o five_o thousand_o hungry_a people_n belly_n with_o five_o loaf_n and_o two_o fish_n or_o as_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o raise_v the_o dead_a by_o mere_o imagine_v such_o a_o thing_n from_o the_o premise_n likewise_o we_o may_v be_v teach_v how_o to_o return_v answer_n to_o those_o instance_n of_o cure_n and_o other_o wonderful_a thing_n do_v by_o some_o pagan_n which_o seem_v to_o vie_v with_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n plutarch_n in_o the_o life_n of_o pyrrhus_n tell_v we_o that_o he_o cure_v some_o disease_n especial_o the_o spleen_n by_o touch_v the_o respective_a party_n with_o the_o toe_n of_o his_o right_a foot_n but_o what_o great_a matter_n be_v this_o here_o be_v no_o sign_n of_o a_o miracle_n for_o the_o king_n of_o england_n and_o those_o of_o france_n too_o be_v think_v to_o have_v a_o virtue_n to_o cure_v the_o scrofulous_a humour_n with_o a_o touch._n and_o with_o these_o royal_a toucher_n may_v be_v reckon_v the_o famous_a stroker_n valentine_n greatareck_n who_o have_v a_o faculty_n of_o chase_v pain_n and_o ache_n out_o of_o the_o body_n through_o the_o toe_n and_o finger_n end_n here_o be_v something_o that_o be_v rare_a and_o unusual_a but_o i_o have_v suggest_v before_o that_o this_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o make_v a_o miracle_n it_o must_v be_v something_o that_o transcend_v human_a power_n and_o that_o can_v be_v no_o way_n effect_v by_o it_o which_o can_v be_v say_v of_o these_o above_o name_v instance_n for_o in_o the_o former_a sort_n the_o fancy_n be_v envigorate_v by_o receive_v the_o honour_n of_o a_o touch_n from_o a_o great_a commander_n foot_n or_o from_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o great_a monarch_n and_o in_o the_o latter_a a_o laborious_a friction_n and_o stroke_v be_v use_v and_o that_o for_o a_o considerable_a time_n and_o in_o some_o particular_a pain_n only_o be_v sufficient_a to_o solve_v the_o phaenomenon_n without_o have_v recourse_n to_o a_o miracle_n especial_o if_o you_o consider_v that_o the_o cure_v reach_v but_o to_o some_o person_n and_o to_o some_o time_n as_o well_o as_o to_o some_o malady_n which_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v compare_v with_o the_o heal_n of_o all_o disease_n in_o all_o person_n and_o at_o all_o time_n without_o the_o least_o fail_v but_o strange_a thing_n be_v attribute_v to_o vespasian_n by_o 4._o tacitus_n and_o 7._o suetonius_n these_o tell_v we_o that_o at_o alexandria_n he_o cure_v the_o lame_a and_o blind_a by_o the_o direction_n of_o serapis_n a_o fame_a god_n among_o the_o egyptian_n this_o make_v a_o great_a noise_n among_o some_o man_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v give_v some_o account_n of_o it_o there_o be_v some_o very_a worthy_a person_n who_o think_v this_o relation_n of_o the_o foresay_a historian_n be_v true_a i._n e._n that_o vespasian_n do_v real_o do_v those_o cure_n and_o that_o by_o a_o extraordinary_a and_o divine_a assistance_n in_o those_o cure_n say_v 23._o dr._n jackson_n there_o be_v the_o finger_n of_o god_n point_v out_o vespasian_n to_o be_v christ_n right_a hand_n appoint_v for_o some_o extraordinary_a and_o peculiar_a service_n even_o to_o inflict_v the_o plague_n foretell_v by_o he_o upon_o those_o jew_n who_o have_v revile_v and_o crucify_v the_o lord_n of_o glory_n for_o the_o like_a and_o other_o infinite_o far_a great_a miracle_n wrought_v among_o they_o and_o 3._o another_o great_a man_n go_v yet_o further_o tell_v we_o that_o vespasian_n be_v a_o representative_a of_o our_o saviour_n and_o thence_o his_o come_v to_o destroy_v jerusalem_n be_v often_o call_v christ_n come_v and_o he_o endeavour_v to_o show_v in_o several_a particular_n the_o parallel_n between_o christ_n and_o titus_n vespasian_n and_o between_o the_o come_v of_o one_o and_o the_o other_o and_o thence_o it_o be_v think_v probable_a that_o what_o the_o foresay_a historian_n say_v of_o vespasian_n heal_v the_o blind_a and_o lame_a be_v real_o true_a for_o he_o be_v such_o a_o extraordinary_a person_n it_o be_v not_o incredible_a that_o he_o be_v blessed_v with_o the_o gift_n of_o healing_n but_o with_o submission_n to_o the_o judgement_n of_o these_o excellent_a man_n i_o think_v we_o need_v not_o take_v this_o course_n and_o exalt_v this_o pagan_a emperor_n to_o such_o a_o height_n mere_o because_o a_o couple_n of_o historian_n his_o own_o countryman_n tell_v we_o such_o thing_n of_o he_o i_o rather_o choose_v to_o satisfy_v myself_o and_o other_o about_o this_o matter_n by_o such_o offer_v as_o these_o 1._o it_o be_v not_o improbable_a that_o it_o be_v in_o flattery_n to_o vespasian_n that_o this_o be_v report_v of_o he_o for_o you_o will_v find_v that_o these_o very_a author_n flatter_v this_o prince_n in_o as_o high_a a_o strain_n on_o another_o account_n they_o 7._o tell_v we_o that_o the_o prophecy_n which_o be_v abroad_o of_o one_o to_o come_v out_o of_o the_o east_n who_o shall_v rule_v over_o all_o the_o world_n be_v mean_v of_o this_o emperor_n and_o apollonius_n the_o tyanaan_n as_o philostratus_n relate_v labour_v to_o persuade_v he_o of_o the_o same_o and_o true_o they_o may_v be_v pardon_v for_o so_o do_v when_o 12._o josephus_n the_o jew_n out_o of_o servile_a flattery_n do_v the_o like_a and_o will_v in_o a_o manner_n persuade_v he_o he_o be_v the_o messiah_n thus_o you_o may_v easy_o be_v induce_v to_o believe_v that_o in_o a_o fawn_a way_n they_o give_v out_o that_o this_o great_a prince_n can_v cure_v the_o blind_a and_o lame_a and_o this_o will_v fill_v the_o people_n head_n with_o a_o conceit_n of_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o emperor_n which_o they_o be_v very_o ambitious_a of_o 2._o suppose_v there_o be_v some_o thing_n of_o truth_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n yet_o there_o seem_v to_o be_v in_o it_o a_o affect_a imitation_n of_o our_o saviour_n for_o as_o he_o restore_v a_o blind_a man_n to_o his_o sight_n by_o use_v of_o spittle_n so_o the_o emperor_n will_v attempt_v to_o heal_v a_o blind_a man_n with_o spit_v on_o his_o eye_n as_o suetonius_n testify_v this_o look_n like_o a_o fond_a ap_v of_o our_o lord_n which_o render_v the_o thing_n suspicious_a and_o show_v the_o cure_n to_o be_v counterfeit_a 3._o it_o be_v observable_a that_o there_o be_v only_o this_o one_o blind_a man_n on_o who_o the_o pretend_a cure_n be_v say_v to_o be_v wrought_v and_o they_o tell_v we_o but_o of_o one_o lame_a man_n that_o be_v heal_v by_o this_o emperor_n which_o show_v the_o vast_a difference_n between_o this_o and_o our_o saviour_n cure_n which_o be_v many_o and_o frequent_a and_o daily_o expose_v to_o view_v which_o be_v no_o small_a argument_n of_o their_o be_v real_a and_o true_a whereas_o cheat_n dare_v not_o venture_v above_o once_o or_o twice_o for_o fear_n of_o a_o discovery_n 4._o it_o be_v to_o be_v remember_v that_o vespasian_n be_v a_o great_a favourer_n and_o friend_n of_o apollonius_n of_o tyana_n and_o they_o be_v both_o together_o present_a at_o the_o same_o time_n at_o alexandria_n when_o this_o cure_n be_v say_v to_o be_v do_v say_v philostratus_n hence_o i_o gather_v that_o apollonius_n do_v the_o feat_n though_o it_o be_v ascribe_v to_o the_o emperor_n for_o the_o reason_n aforesaid_a if_o any_o wondrous_a thing_n be_v effect_v it_o be_v by_o that_o apollonius_n art_n therefore_o of_o he_o and_o his_o prank_n i_o will_v speak_v next_o this_o person_n who_o be_v a_o grecian_a philosopher_n and_o of_o the_o pythagorean_n sect_n be_v much_o celebrate_v in_o history_n and_o his_o exploit_n be_v exceed_o cry_v up_o by_o philostratus_n who_o write_v eight_o book_n of_o the_o history_n of_o this_o man_n and_o by_o damis_n who_o be_v his_o perpetual_a companion_n and_o write_v his_o life_n hierocles_n take_v this_o apollonius_n to_o be_v as_o sacred_a a_o person_n as_o christ_n and_o in_o his_o write_n compare_v he_o with_o he_o yea_o exalt_v he_o above_o he_o but_o the_o admirable_a eusebius_n have_v learned_o baffle_v this_o hierocles_n and_o those_o two_o other_o who_o write_v the_o legend_n of_o apollonius_n life_n he_o free_o grant_v that_o this_o apollonius_n be_v a_o great_a and_o very_o improve_v philosopher_n and_o that_o he_o have_v brave_a and_o excellent_a notion_n and_o talk_v above_o the_o rate_n of_o a_o common_a philosopher_n but_o then_o he_o give_v he_o his_o due_a on_o the_o other_o hand_n he_o show_v how_o foolish_a absurd_a and_o ridiculous_a most_o of_o his_o action_n be_v in_o answer_n to_o damis_n and_o philostratus_n he_o let_v they_o
know_v that_o their_o testimony_n of_o he_o be_v fabulous_a and_o incredible_a as_o namely_o when_o they_o write_v that_o he_o perfect_o understand_v language_n which_o he_o never_o learn_v that_o he_o cure_v all_o disease_n that_o he_o know_v man_n heart_n and_o thought_n and_o foresee_v all_o futurity_n they_o shall_v not_o say_v he_o have_v say_v so_o high_a thing_n of_o he_o if_o they_o will_v have_v be_v believe_v they_o have_v outdo_v the_o thing_n they_o undertake_v for_o since_o they_o hold_v apollonius_n to_o be_v no_o more_o than_o a_o philosopher_n they_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o ascribe_v such_o great_a and_o prodigious_a thing_n to_o he_o whereas_o it_o be_v report_v that_o this_o apollonius_n fetch_v a_o woman_n to_o life_n as_o she_o be_v carry_v to_o be_v bury_v philostratus_n himself_o think_v she_o be_v not_o dead_a it_o be_v incredible_a even_o to_o he_o and_o therefore_o he_o only_o say_v she_o 16._o seem_v to_o be_v dead_a in_o brief_a eusebius_n show_v that_o most_o of_o the_o prodigious_a and_o portentous_a thing_n relate_v concern_v this_o man_n be_v cheat_n and_o forgery_n and_o the_o rest_n be_v the_o effect_n of_o magic_n and_o witchcraft_n philostratus_n do_v not_o deny_v that_o it_o be_v report_v he_o study_v magic_a and_o to_o that_o purpose_n converse_v with_o the_o egyptian_a gymnosophist_n and_o indian_a bracmans_n in_o his_o travel_n and_o though_o he_o endeavour_v to_o disprove_v it_o yet_o there_o be_v enough_o in_o that_o very_a history_n to_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o apollonius_n give_v his_o mind_n to_o that_o sort_n of_o unlawful_a study_n and_o be_v a_o great_a wizard_n and_o necromancer_n he_o be_v a_o person_n so_o note_v over_o all_o the_o roman_a empire_n for_o his_o magical_a erterprise_n that_o grotius_n and_o hammond_n think_v these_o be_v speak_v of_o in_o rev._n 13._o 11._o to_o his_o magic_n we_o must_v impute_v not_o only_o all_o the_o great_a wonder_n he_o do_v in_o his_o life_n but_o what_o happen_v in_o the_o close_a of_o it_o for_o as_o those_o forename_a author_n write_v when_o he_o be_v arraign_v before_o domitian_n who_o hate_v he_o as_o much_o as_o titus_n love_v he_o he_o brag_v that_o he_o be_v not_o to_o be_v hurt_v and_o that_o he_o be_v immortal_a and_o soon_o after_o that_o he_o vanish_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o court_n to_o the_o amazement_n of_o the_o emperor_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o judge_n thus_o this_o great_a sorcerer_n make_v his_o exit_fw-la now_o from_o what_o i_o have_v lay_v down_o before_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o these_o strange_a and_o wonderful_a action_n of_o he_o be_v not_o true_a miracle_n for_o i_o have_v prove_v such_o can_v be_v do_v by_o the_o help_n of_o devil_n and_o evil_a spirit_n diabolical_a wonder_n be_v to_o magnify_v the_o author_n of_o they_o the_o devil_n and_o to_o promote_v superstition_n and_o idolatry_n in_o the_o world_n as_o these_o do_v therefore_o they_o can_v be_v from_o god_n and_o consequent_o they_o be_v no_o real_a miracle_n for_o such_o be_v always_o exert_v by_o a_o divine_a power_n last_o we_o may_v from_o the_o forego_n discourse_n judge_v of_o the_o miracle_n which_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n pretend_v to_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n to_o determine_v that_o they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v true_a miracle_n that_o they_o be_v downright_a forgery_n and_o imposture_n for_o i._o some_o of_o they_o be_v no_o other_o than_o what_o impostor_n in_o all_o age_n be_v permit_v by_o god_n to_o do_v as_o appear_v from_o what_o have_v be_v deliver_v 2._o many_o of_o they_o be_v only_o seem_v wonder_n and_o such_o as_o greek_a and_o latin_a historian_n be_v full_a of_o but_o never_o think_v they_o to_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o divine_a power_n 6._o valerius_n maximus_n have_v gather_v some_o of_o they_o together_o 3._o many_o of_o the_o popish_a miracle_n be_v frivolous_a and_o impertinent_a vain_a trifle_a and_o ridiculous_a witness_v the_o fantastic_a and_o romantic_a story_n of_o the_o exploit_n of_o the_o virgin_n mary_n st._n francis_n st._n dominick_n and_o several_a other_o any_o unprejudiced_a person_n that_o read_v they_o will_v say_v that_o they_o be_v unworthy_a of_o a_o divine_a author_n and_o therefore_o they_o must_v be_v exclude_v from_o the_o number_n of_o true_a miracle_n once_o upon_o a_o time_n conformitat_fw-la when_o st._n francis_n be_v preach_v in_o the_o field_n there_o come_v a_o ass_n and_o make_v some_o disturbance_n among_o his_o auditor_n which_o cause_v st._n francis_n to_o speak_v thus_o to_o the_o brute_n brother_n ass_n be_v quiet_a till_o i_o have_v end_v my_o sermon_n whereupon_o upon_o the_o ass_n present_o come_v and_o lay_v he_o down_o very_o peaceable_o at_o the_o preacher_n foot_n to_o tell_v the_o world_n they_o must_v all_o be_v such_o ass_n and_o come_v and_o crouch_v to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o lie_v prostrate_a at_o the_o priest_n foot_n 4._o there_o be_v ground_n to_o believe_v that_o several_a of_o the_o miracle_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v the_o effect_n of_o diabolical_a magic_n platina_n and_o other_o who_o have_v write_v the_o pope_n life_n tell_v we_o very_o plain_o that_o some_o of_o they_o study_v and_o practise_v magical_a art_n and_o be_v very_o great_a with_o the_o devil_n or_o else_o some_o of_o they_o have_v never_o arrive_v to_o the_o triple_a crown_n whilst_o that_o church_n lay_v claim_v to_o simon_n peter_n they_o be_v no_o stranger_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o simon_n magus_n it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o sundry_a of_o their_o priest_n deal_v with_o the_o diabolical_a spirit_n and_o thence_o we_o may_v just_o conclude_v that_o many_o of_o their_o pretend_a miracle_n be_v specimens_n of_o the_o black_a art_n 5._o let_v it_o be_v remember_v that_o it_o be_v foretell_v in_o 2_o thess._n 2._o 9_o that_o their_o friend_n antichrist_n shall_v do_v miracle_n such_o be_v they_o yea_o they_o be_v the_o very_a same_o and_o be_v permit_v by_o god_n to_o be_v do_v among_o they_o for_o the_o same_o purpose_n viz._n that_o they_o shall_v believe_v a_o lie_n i._n e._n their_o religion_n and_o that_o they_o all_o may_v be_v damn_v who_o believe_v not_o the_o truth_n i._n e._n the_o christian_a religion_n in_o its_o simplicity_n and_o purity_n 6._o see_v miracle_n be_v for_o beget_v belief_n and_o they_o look_v upon_o we_o as_o heretic_n who_o with_o they_o be_v as_o bad_a as_o infidel_n why_o do_v they_o not_o come_v among_o we_o and_o before_o our_o face_n work_v wonder_n and_o miracle_n let_v they_o not_o be_v do_v in_o spain_n portugal_n or_o italy_n but_o open_o here_o in_o england_n or_o in_o some_o other_o protestant_a country_n where_o we_o may_v behold_v what_o they_o do_v that_o miracle-working_a faculty_n which_o operate_v only_o at_o so_o great_a a_o distance_n from_o we_o will_v gain_v little_a credit_n or_o let_v not_o a_o sorry_a friar_n but_o the_o pope_n himself_o do_v some_o great_a miracle_n where_o he_o be_v till_o than_o we_o have_v cause_n to_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o counterfeit_v again_o 7._o this_o be_v to_o be_v think_v of_o that_o their_o own_o author_n give_v they_o the_o lie_v as_o for_o example_n whereas_o they_o talk_v and_o write_v of_o xaverius_n miracle_n in_o the_o indies_n 4._o acosta_n the_o jesuit_n acknowledge_v that_o they_o do_v no_o miracle_n there_o and_o he_o add_v that_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o any_o nay_o xaverius_n himself_o in_o his_o letter_n which_o he_o write_v concern_v his_o travel_n and_o undertake_n in_o these_o part_n make_v no_o mention_n of_o they_o so_o some_o of_o the_o miracle_n attribute_v to_o ignatius_n loiola_n be_v confess_v by_o those_o that_o write_v his_o life_n to_o be_v uncertain_a and_o incredible_a and_o by_o other_o of_o the_o roman_a party_n they_o be_v say_v to_o be_v forge_v after_o his_o death_n as_o dr._n stillingfleet_n now_o bishop_n show_v in_o his_o enthusiasm_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n p._n 118_o etc._n etc._n and_o even_o st._n francis_n miracle_n of_o the_o five_o wound_n imprint_v on_o his_o body_n be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o fable_n by_o pope_n gregory_n the_o nine_o we_o may_v then_o just_o disbelieve_v the_o story_n of_o ignatius_n and_o xaverius_n and_o st._n francis_n miracle_n and_o of_o the_o rest_n of_o that_o persuasion_n and_o be_v convince_v that_o they_o be_v falsehood_n to_o magnify_v the_o cause_n and_o to_o extol_v their_o church_n 8._o many_o of_o these_o popish_a miracle_n have_v be_v actual_o discover_v to_o be_v cheat_n it_o have_v be_v manifest_o prove_v and_o there_o be_v several_a record_n of_o it_o extant_a that_o they_o be_v the_o mere_a contrivance_n of_o their_o priest_n and_o such_o particular_o be_v some_o of_o those_o miracle_n which_o be_v pretend_v to_o be_v do_v by_o the_o virgin_n mary_n at_o
loretto_n and_o by_o st._n james_n at_o compostella_n i_o can_v show_v that_o the_o miracle_n of_o the_o papist_n be_v question_v by_o themselves_o their_o truth_n be_v doubt_v of_o by_o cajetan_n the_o concept_n virg._n espencaeus_fw-la in_o 2._o tim._n 4._o and_o other_o of_o that_o communion_n 9_o we_o may_v with_o reason_n suspect_v the_o roman_a miracle_n because_o our_o religion_n be_v prove_v and_o confirm_v by_o miracle_n long_o before_o it_o be_v not_o requisite_a they_o shall_v be_v repeat_v and_o reiterated_a afresh_o there_o be_v no_o more_o need_n of_o new_a miracle_n than_o there_o be_v of_o new_a revelation_n they_o be_v wrought_v to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n which_o we_o hold_v at_o this_o day_n therefore_o since_o we_o have_v the_o same_o truth_n that_o be_v confirm_v by_o those_o miracle_n of_o old_a what_o need_n be_v there_o of_o any_o far_a confirmation_n last_o the_o popish_a miracle_n be_v no_o true_a miracle_n because_o they_o be_v exert_v to_o maintain_v a_o false_a religion_n for_o such_o be_v that_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n consist_v of_o damnable_a doctrine_n superstition_n idolatry_n and_o all_o manner_n of_o ungodly_a lewd_a and_o profane_a practice_n we_o can_v think_v then_o that_o god_n will_v by_o miracle_n attest_v and_o allow_v of_o such_o abomination_n if_o then_o they_o still_o insist_v on_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o some_o of_o they_o among_o the_o indian_n as_o they_o pretend_v i_o say_v this_o that_o if_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v they_o be_v do_v among_o those_o infidel_n it_o be_v to_o confirm_v the_o christian_a religion_n not_o the_o popish_a thus_o you_o see_v that_o these_o boaster_n of_o miracle_n and_o who_o make_v they_o a_o note_n of_o their_o church_n be_v find_v to_o be_v but_o pretender_n and_o can_v lay_v no_o claim_n as_o they_o be_v of_o that_o church_n to_o those_o miracle_n which_o be_v real_a genuine_a and_o true_a and_o which_o only_o be_v the_o certain_a testimony_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n which_o bring_v i_o to_o the_o 3_o d_o and_o last_o thing_n i_o undertake_v viz._n to_o evince_v that_o these_o miracle_n be_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o infallible_a testimony_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n to_o these_o christ_n himself_o appeal_v as_o a_o proof_n of_o his_o divinity_n and_o messiahship_n mat._n 11._o 4_o 5._o to_o that_o question_n be_v thou_o he_o that_o shall_v come_v or_o do_v we_o look_v for_o another_o the_o answer_n be_v go_v and_o show_v those_o thing_n which_o you_o hear_v and_o see_v the_o blind_a receive_v their_o sight_n the_o lame_a walk_n &_o c._n so_o when_o the_o jew_n be_v earnest_a with_o he_o to_o declare_v who_o he_o be_v if_o thou_o be_v the_o christ_n say_v they_o tell_v we_o plain_o jesus_n answer_v they_o the_o work_n which_o i_o do_v in_o my_o father_n name_n they_o bear_v witness_n of_o i_o john_n 10._o 24_o 25._o these_o be_v a_o sufficient_a attestation_n of_o my_o divine_a authority_n therefore_o he_o say_v in_o john_n 15._o 24._o if_o i_o have_v not_o do_v among_o they_o the_o work_n which_o no_o other_o man_n do_v they_o have_v not_o have_v sin_n i._n e._n their_o unbelief_n have_v be_v no_o sin_n for_o if_o those_o work_n be_v not_o a_o proof_n of_o my_o divine_a commission_n they_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o believe_v i_o but_o on_o the_o contrary_a those_o miraculous_a work_n be_v undeniable_a evidence_n of_o his_o act_n by_o a_o power_n from_o heaven_n it_o be_v a_o grievous_a and_o damn_v sin_n to_o disbelieve_v he_o so_o the_o apostle_n when_o their_o preach_v the_o gospel_n be_v oppose_v and_o contradict_v think_v they_o sufficient_o disprove_v the_o gainsayer_n by_o show_v that_o jesus_n of_o nazareth_n who_o they_o preach_v be_v a_o man_n approve_v or_o 〈◊〉_d demonstrate_v of_o god_n among_o they_o by_o miracle_n and_o wonder_n and_o sign_n which_o god_n do_v by_o he_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o as_o they_o themselves_o also_o know_v act_v 2._o 22._o christ_n miracle_n be_v a_o demonstration_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o doctrine_n and_o consequent_o of_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n because_o it_o be_v the_o same_o thus_o st._n paul_n argue_v the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n from_o the_o miraculous_a endowment_n and_o gift_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o declare_v to_o the_o hebrew_n that_o it_o be_v extreme_a dangerous_a to_o neglect_v that_o doctrine_n and_o that_o salvation_n which_o at_o the_o first_o begin_v to_o be_v speak_v by_o the_o lord_n himself_o and_o be_v afterward_o confirm_v unto_o they_o by_o they_o that_o hear_v he_o god_n also_o bear_v they_o witness_n both_o with_o sign_n and_o wonder_n and_o with_o diverse_a miracle_n and_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n heb._n 2._o 3_o 4._o here_o be_v the_o just_a method_n of_o the_o progress_n and_o proof_n of_o the_o gospel_n here_o be_v first_o the_o author_n and_o founder_n of_o it_o the_o lord_n christ_n jesus_n who_o at_o the_o first_o begin_v to_o speak_v and_o deliver_v it_o second_o the_o evidence_n of_o its_o delivery_n it_o be_v confirm_v by_o they_o that_o hear_v it_o i._n e._n by_o the_o apostle_n who_o be_v ear-witness_n of_o this_o divine_a doctrine_n three_o the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o apostle_n testimony_n concern_v christ_n and_o his_o doctrine_n god_n bear_v they_o witness_v with_o sign_n and_o wonder_n and_o with_o diverse_a miracle_n which_o be_v as_o great_a a_o confirmation_n of_o what_o they_o deliver_v as_o can_v possible_o be_v desire_v yea_o miracle_n have_v be_v always_o account_v such_o even_o by_o those_o who_o be_v not_o very_o forward_o to_o embrace_v our_o saviour_n and_o his_o doctrine_n the_o common_a people_n when_o they_o have_v see_v the_o miracle_n that_o jesus_n do_v can_v say_v this_o be_v of_o a_o truth_n that_o prophet_n that_o shall_v come_v into_o the_o world_n john_n 6._o 14._o this_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o the_o man_n that_o be_v bear_v blind_a and_o be_v restore_v to_o his_o sight_n since_o the_o world_n begin_v be_v it_o not_o hear_v that_o any_o man_n by_o his_o own_o power_n open_v the_o eye_n of_o one_o that_o be_v bear_v blind_a if_o this_o man_n be_v not_o of_o god_n be_v not_o assist_v with_o a_o infinite_a power_n he_o can_v do_v nothing_o of_o this_o nature_n john_n 9_o 32_o 33._o and_o not_o only_o the_o simple_a and_o illiterate_a but_o the_o wise_a and_o learned_a argue_v after_o this_o manner_n nicodemus_n a_o ruler_n of_o the_o jew_n come_v to_o christ_n with_o this_o acknowledgement_n we_o know_v that_o thou_o be_v a_o teacher_n come_v from_o god_n for_o no_o man_n can_v do_v these_o miracle_n that_o thou_o do_v except_v god_n be_v with_o he_o john_n 3._o 2._o here_o he_o confess_v it_o as_o a_o know_a truth_n that_o miracle_n be_v sufficient_a to_o attest_v a_o person_n or_o doctrine_n to_o be_v from_o god_n and_o consequent_o they_o be_v good_a argument_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o our_o saviour_n teach_v and_o they_o prove_v he_o to_o be_v the_o messiah_n and_o the_o chief_a priest_n and_o pharisee_n can_v say_v this_o man_n do_v many_o miracle_n if_o we_o let_v he_o thus_o alone_o all_o will_v believe_v on_o he_o john_n 11._o 47_o 48._o this_o strong_o imply_v that_o miracle_n be_v able_a to_o create_v belief_n and_o so_o unaware_o they_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o miracle_n which_o christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n wrought_v be_v good_a evidence_n that_o their_o doctrine_n be_v from_o god_n and_o that_o it_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v and_o embrace_v the_o jewish_a rabbin_n in_o their_o write_n speak_v much_o of_o the_o miracle_n the_o messiah_n shall_v do_v which_o be_v a_o argument_n that_o those_o man_n be_v real_o persuade_v that_o miracle_n be_v a_o proof_n of_o a_o divine_a commission_n and_o that_o they_o be_v to_o seal_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n this_o be_v the_o very_a notion_n and_o sense_n of_o the_o pagan_a world_n as_o be_v plain_a from_o that_o passage_n record_v in_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n chap._n 14._o 8_o 11_o 12._o when_o paul_n cure_v a_o certain_a man_n at_o lystra_n impotent_a in_o his_o foot_n be_v a_o cripple_n from_o his_o mother_n womb_n who_o never_o have_v walk_v the_o people_n of_o the_o place_n see_v this_o miracle_n present_o lift_v up_o their_o voice_n say_v the_o god_n be_v come_v down_o to_o we_o in_o the_o likeness_n of_o men._n their_o natural_a reason_n dictate_v to_o they_o that_o this_o be_v do_v by_o divine_a power_n and_o can_v not_o be_v do_v otherwise_o the_o worker_n of_o miracle_n be_v by_o these_o poor_a heathen_n repute_v as_o go_n st._n paul_n be_v take_v by_o they_o for_o mercury_n he_o that_o can_v give_v motion_n and_o nimbleness_n to_o the_o lame_a man_n of_o lystra_n be_v think_v to_o be_v the_o god_n with_o
prove_v that_o several_a great_a professor_n of_o the_o imperial_a law_n be_v well-willer_n to_o the_o christian_a institution_n and_o some_o of_o those_o juris_fw-la sacerdotes_fw-la as_o the_o râ—man_n law_n style_v they_o become_v christian_a priest_n i_o have_v already_o mention_v a_o early_a instance_n of_o a_o convert_n of_o this_o rank_n i_o mean_v zenas_n to_o who_o we_o may_v now_o add_v minutius_n fâ—lix_fw-la a_o eminent_a roman_a lawyer_n who_o afterward_o turn_v christian._n and_o to_o he_o may_v be_v join_v arnobius_n and_o laâ—tantius_n his_o scholar_n notable_a rhetorician_n all_o three_o witty_a and_o solid_a defender_n of_o christianity_n against_o paganism_n in_o which_o they_o have_v be_v breed_v up_o to_o who_o may_v be_v add_v julius_n firmicus_n a_o pagan_a first_o and_o then_o give_v his_o name_n to_o christ_n and_o write_v a_o book_n of_o the_o error_n of_o profane_a religion_n afterward_o in_o the_o four_o century_n we_o may_v reckon_v gregory_n bishop_n of_o neocaesarea_n common_o call_v thaumaturgus_n in_o the_o catalogue_n of_o learned_a pagan_n convert_v to_o the_o christian_a faith_n as_o also_o nemesius_n a_o philosopher_n in_o gregory_n nazianzen_n time_n hilary_n bishop_n of_o poitiers_n be_v a_o heathen_a at_o first_o so_o be_v victorinus_n a_o 2._o learned_a rhetorician_n of_o rome_n though_o a_o african_a by_o birth_n but_o in_o his_o old_a age_n he_o renounce_v the_o pagan_a religion_n and_o become_v a_o zealous_a christian_a the_o manner_n of_o who_o conversion_n be_v set_v down_o by_o st._n augustin_n and_o in_o the_o five_o century_n there_o be_v synesius_n original_o of_o cyrene_n in_o egypt_n first_o a_o heathen_a philosopher_n and_o afterward_o a_o christian_a and_o bishop_n of_o ptolemais_n in_o africa_n know_v by_o his_o excellent_a write_n sulpitius_n severus_n a_o learned_a frenchman_n of_o a_o noble_a extraction_n and_o famous_a at_o the_o bar_n forsake_v his_o pagan_a principle_n and_o practice_n and_o betake_v himself_o to_o christianity_n and_o be_v a_o zealous_a defender_n of_o it_o and_o in_o part_n vindicate_v it_o with_o his_o eloquent_a pen._n all_o these_o great_a scholar_n these_o master_n of_o art_n and_o reason_n with_o many_o more_o beside_o in_o those_o first_o age_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n fall_v down_o before_o the_o simplicity_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o be_v captivate_v by_o it_o these_o person_n of_o great_a endowment_n and_o acquirement_n and_o the_o most_o zealous_a admirer_n and_o follower_n of_o paganism_n become_v greedy_a proselyte_n to_o the_o christian_a faith_n which_o certain_o be_v no_o small_a demonstration_n of_o its_o wondrous_a power_n and_o energy_n questionless_a it_o be_v one_o great_a and_o notable_a miracle_n that_o christianity_n be_v receive_v in_o the_o world_n and_o be_v entertain_v by_o the_o person_n we_o have_v be_v speak_v of_o who_o have_v by_o their_o principle_n and_o education_n the_o high_a prejudices_fw-la against_o it_o 5._o râ—finus_n and_o 7._o sozomen_n report_v that_o alexander_n archbishop_n of_o constantinople_n be_v present_a at_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a with_o a_o word_n strike_v philosopher_n dumb_a but_o that_o be_v a_o more_o notable_a instance_n which_o we_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o foresay_a 17._o sozomen_n and_o in_o 5._o socrates_n viz._n that_o one_o spyridion_n a_o old_a disciple_n of_o christ_n who_o have_v suffer_v under_o dioclesian_n for_o his_o constant_a maintain_v the_o christian_a faith_n and_o be_v grow_v lame_a and_o blind_a with_o his_o suffering_n and_o with_o his_o age_n this_o weather-beaten_a champion_n live_v so_o long_o i_o can_v say_v as_o to_o see_v the_o great_a convention_n at_o nice_a but_o as_o to_o be_v present_a at_o it_o and_o particular_o interest_v in_o the_o debate_n of_o it_o more_o especial_o it_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o how_o this_o totter_a confessor_n this_o almost_o emerit_fw-la and_o disable_v soldier_n of_o christ_n rally_v his_o force_n afresh_o and_o with_o a_o new_a and_o as_o it_o be_v a_o divine_o inspire_v vigour_n engage_v the_o enemy_n and_o opposer_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n that_o be_v some_o captious_a philosopher_n who_o come_v on_o purpose_n to_o show_v their_o part_n and_o wit_n at_o that_o great_a assembly_n but_o this_o ancient_a worthy_a grapple_v with_o they_o with_o a_o marvellous_a and_o almost_o incredible_a vivacity_n he_o beat_v back_o their_o cavil_n he_o baffle_v their_o sophistries_n he_o defend_v the_o christian_a cause_n and_o gain_v upon_o some_o of_o its_o very_a adversary_n to_o own_o the_o same_o and_o particular_o when_o a_o famous_a philosopher_n disturb_v the_o whole_a council_n with_o his_o dispute_n he_o only_o stand_v up_o and_o bare_o propound_v the_o main_a christian_a truth_n to_o he_o and_o bid_v he_o in_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n attend_v to_o they_o make_v he_o become_v mute_a and_o leave_v off_o his_o logic_n and_o wrangle_a and_o confess_v before_o they_o that_o he_o believe_v those_o thing_n to_o be_v true_a and_o that_o there_o come_v force_n and_o virtue_n out_o of_o the_o mouth_n of_o this_o age_a saint_n and_o confessor_n which_o he_o be_v not_o able_a to_o resist_v here_o be_v see_v the_o virtue_n and_o power_n of_o the_o christian_a truth_n by_o its_o own_o native_a strength_n and_o efficacy_n it_o gain_v these_o mighty_a conquest_n it_o pretend_v not_o to_o mathematical_a demonstration_n it_o boast_v not_o of_o skill_n in_o art_n and_o science_n and_o yet_o it_o baffle_v all_o these_o and_o confound_v the_o wise_a philosopher_n and_o prevail_v upon_o the_o man_n who_o be_v cry_v up_o for_o the_o most_o excellent_a attainment_n this_o be_v wonderful_a indeed_o and_o therefore_o you_o read_v that_o when_o the_o jewish_a sanhedrim_n 13._o perceive_v that_o the_o apostle_n be_v unlearned_a and_o ignorant_a man_n they_o marvel_v and_o well_o they_o may_v when_o they_o see_v what_o be_v do_v by_o these_o silly_a illiterate_a folk_n void_a of_o all_o art_n and_o embellishment_n these_o sorry_a creature_n as_o they_o be_v then_o deem_v by_o the_o wise_a man_n prevail_v upon_o the_o world_n when_o it_o be_v most_o learned_a and_o improve_v as_o all_o history_n assure_v we_o it_o be_v at_o that_o time_n not_o only_o some_o of_o the_o rabbi_n of_o jerusalem_n but_o the_o philosopher_n of_o rome_n and_o athens_n sit_v at_o the_o foot_n of_o the_o despise_a apostle_n who_o be_v person_n of_o mean_a education_n the_o most_o know_a and_o cultivated_a spirit_n submit_v to_o the_o sermon_n of_o the_o ignorant_a and_o artless_a which_o undoubted_o be_v a_o proof_n of_o the_o eminency_n of_o christianity_n above_o all_o philosophy_n which_o make_v the_o apostle_n not_o only_o start_v this_o interrogatory_n etc._n where_o be_v the_o scribe_n i._o e._n the_o man_n verse_v in_o the_o jewish_a law_n but_o demand_v likewise_o where_o be_v the_o wise_a i._o e._n where_o be_v the_o professor_n of_o art_n and_o science_n especial_o the_o moral_a philosopher_n the_o dictator_n of_o ethic_n who_o be_v signal_o style_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d wise_a men._n where_o be_v the_o disputer_n of_o this_o world_n the_o natural_a philosopher_n the_o man_n of_o physics_n that_o acquaint_v himself_o with_o the_o fabric_n of_o this_o world_n where_o be_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o questionist_n the_o busy_a diver_n into_o the_o profound_a mystery_n of_o nature_n or_o where_o be_v the_o politician_n that_o great_a searcher_n into_o the_o intrigue_n of_o the_o world_n where_o be_v all_o these_o what_o have_v they_o do_v by_o all_o their_o lecture_n have_v they_o reform_v man_n life_n as_o the_o christian_n have_v do_v do_v their_o principle_n make_v such_o a_o change_n in_o man_n manner_n as_o the_o other_o have_v do_v have_v not_o the_o gospel_n effect_v far_o great_a thing_n than_o all_o the_o dictate_v of_o philosophy_n ever_o do_v have_v not_o god_n make_v foolish_a the_o wisdom_n of_o this_o world_n yea_o it_o please_v god_n by_o the_o foolishness_n of_o preach_v i._n e._n by_o that_o ordinance_n of_o preach_v which_o by_o so_o many_o of_o the_o learned_a and_o wise_a philosopher_n be_v reckon_v as_o foolishness_n by_o this_o method_n and_o mean_v it_o please_v the_o divine_a providence_n to_o save_v they_o that_o believe_v it_o be_v true_a the_o greek_n seek_v after_o wisdom_n as_o the_o apostle_n add_v i._n e._n the_o philosopher_n will_v have_v all_o prove_v by_o natural_a cause_n they_o judge_v all_o by_o the_o verdict_n of_o reason_n and_o run_v all_o thing_n up_o to_o the_o strict_a law_n of_o nature_n therefore_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n be_v to_o these_o greek_n foolishness_n but_o we_o say_v the_o apostle_n in_o behalf_n of_o himself_o and_o his_o fellow-labourer_n in_o the_o gospel_n preach_v christ_n crucify_v to_o the_o jew_n indeed_o a_o stumbling-block_n and_o to_o the_o greek_n foolishness_n but_o unto_o they_o that_o be_v call_v both_o jew_n and_o
here_o the_o grand_a point_n of_o the_o christian_a belief_n be_v here_o set_v forth_o in_o a_o clear_a light_n than_o before_o they_o be_v prove_v and_o confirm_v in_o these_o write_n yea_o several_a great_a truth_n and_o weighty_a doctrine_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n be_v mention_v and_o illustrate_v here_o which_o neither_o the_o gospel_n nor_o the_o act_n speak_v of_o especial_o st._n paul_n epistle_n which_o be_v thrice_o as_o many_o as_o any_o of_o the_o other_o apostle_n write_v be_v fraught_v with_o extraordinary_a discovery_n of_o divine_a and_o heavenly_a mystery_n and_o we_o can_v not_o expect_v less_o for_o this_o apostle_n be_v the_o only_a person_n of_o they_o all_o that_o have_v the_o privilege_n to_o be_v take_v up_o into_o the_o three_o heaven_n the_o seat_n of_o glory_n where_o he_o be_v in_o a_o more_o especial_a manner_n enlighten_v and_o have_v those_o sublime_a point_n of_o the_o trinity_n etc._n etc._n as_o his_o write_n abundant_o testify_v reveal_v and_o open_v to_o he_o so_o far_o as_o the_o matter_n be_v capable_a of_o it_o which_o the_o evangelist_n and_o other_o apostle_n know_v but_o little_a of_o which_o make_v his_o write_n more_o eligible_a and_o valuable_a than_o all_o the_o rest_n this_o be_v so_o plain_a and_o obvious_a that_o it_o be_v wonderful_a that_o any_o man_n who_o have_v read_v and_o peruse_v his_o epistle_n can_v contradict_v it_o and_o which_o be_v worse_o undervalue_v they_o as_o if_o they_o be_v write_v only_o by_o the_o by_o and_o be_v not_o design_o indict_v to_o instruct_v we_o in_o the_o most_o necessary_a article_n of_o our_o religion_n we_o can_v believe_v this_o when_o we_o consider_v the_o extraordinary_a revelation_n which_o this_o apostle_n be_v honour_v with_o and_o when_o we_o observe_v the_o gradual_a discovery_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o still_o the_o gospel_n be_v in_o its_o childhood_n and_o inferior_a state_n which_o be_v the_o thing_n i_o have_v now_o undertake_v to_o make_v good_a this_o dispensation_n of_o christianity_n under_o which_o the_o apostle_n be_v be_v not_o arrive_v to_o a_o very_a considerable_a pitch_n there_o be_v some_o relic_n of_o the_o jewish_a oeconomy_n still_o remain_v they_o have_v not_o quite_o lay_v aside_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n and_o mosaic_a rite_n st._n paul_n when_o he_o be_v among_o the_o gentile_n or_o write_v to_o they_o as_o to_o the_o galatian_n declare_v against_o all_o mosaic_a observance_n whatsoever_o but_o the_o other_o apostle_n when_o they_o be_v among_o the_o jew_n do_v no_o such_o thing_n yea_o st._n paul_n himself_o to_o comport_v with_o the_o jew_n or_o gentile_n as_o he_o see_v occasion_n use_v or_o use_v not_o the_o jewish_a ceremony_n thus_o he_o circumcise_a timothy_n but_o not_o â—itus_fw-la and_o so_o without_o doubt_n the_o other_o apostle_n behave_v themselves_o according_a to_o the_o people_n they_o deal_v with_o they_o keep_v the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n the_o true_a christian_a sabbath_n act_v 17._o 7._o &_o 20._o 7._o &_o 25._o 66._o 1_o cor._n 16._o 2._o and_o they_o observe_v likewise_o the_o jewish_a one_o act_v 13._o 14_o 42._o &_o 16._o 13._o for_o they_o find_v it_o convenient_a to_o comply_v with_o some_o because_o of_o their_o weakness_n therefore_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o convert_a jew_n they_o observe_v the_o seven_o day_n sabbath_n though_o with_o the_o convert_a gentile_n they_o celebrate_v the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n we_o find_v that_o two_o or_o three_o jewish_a ceremony_n be_v keep_v up_o by_o the_o apostle_n when_o all_o the_o rest_n be_v abrogate_a act_v 15._o 28_o 29._o it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o to_o we_o to_o lay_v upon_o you_o no_o great_a burden_n than_o these_o necessary_a thing_n that_o you_o abstain_v from_o meat_n offer_v to_o idol_n and_o from_o blood_n and_o from_o thing_n strangle_v and_o from_o fornication_n here_o st._n james_n the_o bishop_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o st._n peter_n and_o st._n john_n apostles_n and_o other_o of_o the_o church_n determine_v what_o the_o gentile_a christian_n shall_v do_v in_o antioch_n and_o syria_n and_o cilicia_n as_o touch_v the_o jewish_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v circumcise_a but_o it_o be_v require_v of_o they_o as_o of_o all_o proselyte_n of_o the_o gate_n that_o they_o observe_v the_o precept_n of_o abstain_v from_o thing_n offer_v to_o idol_n etc._n etc._n this_o be_v the_o decretal_a epistle_n or_o you_o may_v call_v these_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o apostolic_a council_n and_o these_o thing_n be_v enjoin_v for_o no_o other_o end_n but_o to_o comply_v with_o the_o believe_a jew_n that_o in_o some_o observance_n those_o gentile_a convert_v may_v agree_v with_o they_o beside_o as_o 3._o one_o observe_v these_o thing_n name_v in_o the_o decree_n and_o forbid_v by_o it_o be_v such_o as_o the_o pagan_a idolater_n chief_o observe_v and_o practise_v they_o be_v four_o grand_a mark_n of_o gentilism_n and_o therefore_o those_o gentile_n who_o be_v convert_v to_o christianity_n ought_v to_o renounce_v all_o those_o thing_n as_o idolatrous_a especial_o as_o to_o fornication_n they_o be_v bid_v to_o abstain_v from_o this_o not_o as_o if_o it_o be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n and_o as_o indifferent_a in_o itself_o as_o the_o other_o thing_n mention_v but_o they_o be_v join_v together_o because_o the_o gentile_n think_v fornication_n or_o whoredom_n a_o indifferent_a thing_n and_o they_o usual_o allow_v themselves_o in_o it_o a_o hebâ—_n learned_a man_n of_o our_o nation_n be_v of_o opinion_n that_o by_o fornication_n be_v mean_v polygamy_n a_o sort_n of_o fornication_n as_o he_o call_v it_o among_o the_o jew_n which_o seem_v to_o they_o lawful_a and_o marry_v within_o the_o prohibit_v degree_n be_v he_o think_v here_o forbid_v likewise_o but_o if_o we_o remember_v that_o what_o the_o synod_n decree_v here_o be_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o convert_v gentile_n not_o the_o jew_n we_o shall_v rather_o believe_v that_o fornication_n proper_o so_o call_v be_v here_o forbid_v especial_o if_o we_o consider_v that_o the_o pagan_n have_v no_o positive_a law_n among_o they_o against_o this_o though_o they_o have_v against_o adultery_n wherefore_o this_o practice_n which_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o indifferent_a thing_n among_o they_o be_v here_o direct_o caution_v against_o and_o hence_o you_o see_v the_o reason_n why_o this_o be_v rank_v with_o the_o rest_n and_o the_o abstain_v from_o these_o thing_n be_v mention_v as_o necessary_a not_o as_o if_o they_o be_v all_o unlawful_a in_o themselves_o and_o their_o own_o nature_n for_o fornication_n only_o be_v so_o but_o the_o rest_n be_v for_o that_o time_n and_o juncture_n necessary_a otherwise_o they_o be_v call_v a_o burden_n and_o therefore_o not_o moral_o good_a and_o consequent_o not_o necessary_a in_o themselves_o yet_o they_o be_v i_o say_v necessary_a though_o not_o to_o all_o christian_n yet_o to_o all_o proselyte_n of_o the_o gate_n and_o for_o that_o time_n only_o because_o it_o be_v requisite_a to_o symbolize_v with_o the_o judaize_v christian_n who_o urge_v some_o ceremonial_a observance_n and_o this_o be_v the_o way_n to_o unite_v both_o convert_v jew_n and_o gentile_n who_o then_o be_v mix_v together_o but_o when_o christianity_n prevail_v and_o there_o be_v no_o fear_n of_o give_v offence_n to_o the_o weak_a the_o obligation_n of_o this_o decree_n cease_v and_o these_o thing_n be_v not_o observe_v in_o the_o church_n but_o one_o of_o these_o viz._n abstain_v from_o blood_n have_v not_o so_o soon_o and_o so_o easy_o be_v lay_v aside_o as_o the_o other_o the_o reason_n of_o which_o i_o conceive_v be_v this_o this_o be_v a_o early_a prohibition_n this_o be_v a_o law_n give_v to_o noah_n gen._n 9_o 4._o flesh_n with_o the_o life_n thereof_o which_o be_v the_o blood_n thereof_o you_o shall_v not_o eat_v and_o thus_o have_v the_o start_n of_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n of_o moses_n they_o may_v think_v it_o forbid_v something_o which_o be_v moral_o evil_a and_o that_o as_o it_o oblige_v before_o moses_n law_n so_o it_o ought_v to_o do_v afterward_o and_o that_o therefore_o there_o lay_v a_o obligation_n on_o christian_n to_o observe_v it_o but_o several_a thing_n i_o will_v here_o suggest_v 1._o it_o shall_v be_v consider_v there_o be_v ceremonial_a law_n and_o rite_n prescribe_v before_o moses_n that_o be_v universal_o acknowledge_v to_o have_v no_o obligation_n under_o chrisâ—ianity_n and_o therefore_o this_o may_v cease_v as_o well_o as_o they_o 2._o it_o shall_v be_v remember_v that_o when_o this_o law_n be_v deliver_v to_o moses_n the_o reason_n annex_v to_o it_o be_v this_o the_o life_n of_o the_o flesh_n be_v in_o the_o blood_n and_o i_o have_v give_v it_o to_o you_o upon_o the_o altar_n to_o make_v a_o atonement_n for_o your_o soul_n for_o it_o be_v the_o
as_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o art_n and_o science_n but_o be_v still_o impregnate_v and_o be_v still_o teem_a with_o they_o and_o shall_v we_o think_v that_o as_o to_o religion_n only_o there_o be_v a_o decay_n there_o be_v no_o ground_n for_o such_o a_o surmise_n shall_v divinity_n which_o be_v the_o great_a art_n of_o art_n remain_v unimproved_a shall_v we_o think_v that_o all_o knowledge_n but_o that_o which_o be_v the_o best_a of_o all_o increase_v and_o prosper_v no_o we_o can_v prove_v the_o contrary_a and_o thence_o entertain_v hope_n of_o great_a increase_v yet_o to_o come_v the_o first_o christian_n as_o have_v be_v observe_v do_v not_o understand_v some_o part_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o so_o well_o as_o they_o do_v afterward_o or_o so_o well_o as_o it_o shall_v be_v understand_v they_o be_v not_o exact_v in_o point_n but_o epist._n live_v better_a than_o now_o the_o ancient_a writer_n such_o as_o clement_n of_o alexandria_n origen_n athanasius_n jerom_n augustin_n chrysostom_n hilary_n ambrose_n theodoret_n theophylact_fw-mi and_o the_o rest_n have_v do_v excellent_o towards_o the_o explain_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n but_o the_o modern_n especial_o since_o the_o reformation_n have_v wonderful_o add_v to_o they_o and_o yet_o the_o great_a harvest_n of_o truth_n be_v yet_o to_o come_v not_o for_o discover_v any_o new_a doctrine_n but_o for_o explain_v the_o old_a one_o and_o penetrate_v further_o into_o difficult_a place_n of_o scripture_n who_o see_v not_o what_o a_o vast_a difference_n there_o be_v between_o these_o and_o the_o former_a time_n in_o point_n of_o divine_a knowledge_n how_o little_o be_v there_o of_o it_o heretofore_o among_o those_o who_o ought_v to_o have_v have_v a_o large_a stock_n of_o it_o i_o mean_v the_o clergy_n who_o ignorance_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christian_a theology_n be_v scandalous_a and_o even_o ridiculous_a indeed_o some_o of_o they_o be_v verse_v in_o school-divinity_n but_o this_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n so_o far_o from_o make_v they_o more_o know_v in_o the_o useful_a and_o practical_a doctrine_n of_o christianity_n that_o it_o rather_o darken_v and_o confound_v they_o in_o the_o former_a day_n of_o popery_n hebrew_n and_o greek_a the_o language_n in_o which_o the_o bible_n be_v write_v be_v mere_a unintelligible_a jargon_n to_o the_o generality_n of_o churchman_n and_o as_o for_o the_o people_n their_o ignorance_n and_o blindness_n be_v yet_o grosser_n and_o they_o be_v not_o suffer_v to_o make_v any_o enquiry_n into_o religion_n then_o that_o politic_a maxim_n prevail_v keep_v man_n in_o ignorance_n and_o thereby_o enslave_v they_o it_o be_v a_o unpardonable_a crime_n for_o man_n to_o think_v their_o own_o thought_n much_o more_o to_o speak_v or_o write_v they_o ramus_n have_v publish_v some_o new_a notion_n of_o logic_n and_o particular_o against_o aristotle_n who_o be_v at_o that_o time_n in_o great_a credit_n be_v murder_v among_o the_o calvinist_n in_o the_o parisian_a massacre_n the_o poor_a man_n be_v a_o martyr_n for_o logic_n it_o be_v no_o wonder_n then_o that_o so_o many_o be_v for_o divinity_n there_o be_v no_o liberty_n for_o scruple_n in_o those_o peremptory_a time_n for_o the_o roman_a doctor_n cut_v out_o man_n belief_n and_o then_o force_v it_o upon_o they_o a_o strange_a kind_n of_o casuist_n that_o solve_v all_o controversy_n in_o religion_n as_o alexander_n do_v the_o gordian-knot_n by_o the_o sword_n by_o mere_a violence_n thus_o man_n soul_n and_o body_n be_v injure_v the_o former_a be_v blind_v the_o latter_a enslave_v they_o may_v be_v true_o say_v to_o be_v bind_v in_o chain_n of_o darkness_n but_o we_o by_o the_o divine_a blessing_n be_v free_v from_o that_o ignorance_n and_o bondage_n which_o we_o owe_v to_o the_o reformation_n whereby_o that_o darkness_n be_v dispel_v and_o that_o vassalage_n remove_v and_o now_o we_o be_v no_o long_o tie_v up_o in_o the_o dark_a we_o both_o see_v and_o walk_v and_o we_o daily_o make_v progress_n in_o divine_a learning_n a_o undeniable_a eviction_n of_o which_o be_v the_o discourse_n and_o write_n of_o those_o of_o the_o reform_a church_n especial_o of_o divine_n for_o from_o these_o we_o may_v gather_v the_o vast_a improvement_n in_o sacred_a knowledge_n they_o general_o argue_v with_o close_a reason_n they_o talk_v great_a sense_n they_o show_v a_o deep_a insight_n into_o the_o inspire_a write_n they_o clothe_v their_o matter_n with_o fit_a word_n they_o use_v a_o intelligible_a and_o easy_a method_n they_o be_v happy_a in_o apply_v of_o divine_a truth_n in_o brief_a their_o notion_n be_v amend_v and_o all_o the_o important_a doctrine_n of_o christianity_n be_v more_o plain_o and_o clear_o deliver_v than_o before_o and_o the_o people_n knowledge_n be_v proportionable_a they_o hear_v with_o judgement_n they_o discourse_v with_o understanding_n they_o try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n they_o be_v able_a to_o confute_v gainsayers_a in_o the_o country_n where_o protestantism_n have_v take_v good_a foot_n there_o be_v scarce_o any_o difference_n between_o the_o clergy_n and_o laity_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o chief_a and_o practical_a point_n of_o our_o most_o holy_a religion_n these_o be_v understand_v by_o the_o inferior_a and_o most_o ordinary_a people_n as_o well_o as_o by_o gentleman_n merchant_n and_o tradesman_n yea_o the_o other_o sex_n study_n read_v and_o discourse_n of_o they_o thus_o humane_a mind_n be_v enlighten_v and_o enfranchise_v the_o elastic_a power_n be_v restore_v to_o they_o they_o act_n without_o restraint_n and_o fill_v the_o earth_n with_o knowledge_n and_o truth_n judge_v now_o whether_o the_o world_n grow_v old_a and_o decay_n and_o be_v sink_v into_o a_o degenerate_a posture_n say_v rather_o that_o it_o be_v much_o amend_v and_o be_v like_a to_o be_v improve_v yet_o further_o in_o future_a time_n for_o from_o what_o have_v be_v already_o we_o may_v infer_v what_o shall_v be_v afterward_o we_o see_v divine_a knowledge_n and_o learning_n have_v be_v continual_o in_o the_o increase_n allow_v only_o for_o some_o interruption_n that_o be_v violent_a and_o last_v not_o long_o and_o yet_o we_o be_v sensible_a they_o be_v not_o come_v to_o the_o full_a whence_o therefore_o we_o reasonable_o conclude_v that_o there_o be_v to_o be_v far_o and_o great_a augmentation_n in_o succeed_a age_n and_o where_o the_o knowledge_n of_o divine_a thing_n prevail_v there_o religion_n will_v get_v sure_a foot_n and_o virtue_n and_o piety_n will_v be_v powerful_o advance_v and_o the_o church_n edify_v and_o enlarge_v these_o be_v the_o ground_n i_o lay_v of_o that_o expectation_n which_o i_o have_v of_o a_o more_o complete_a and_o improve_a state_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n here_o on_o earth_n before_o the_o conclusion_n of_o all_o thing_n but_o because_o our_o thought_n and_o reason_n concern_v this_o matter_n may_v be_v shallow_a and_o vain_a or_o too_o dare_v and_o presumptuous_a i_o will_v build_v my_o hope_n and_o belief_n of_o that_o more_o perfect_a state_n of_o christianity_n on_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n i_o grant_v that_o some_o be_v too_o forward_o to_o press_v text_n to_o this_o purpose_n they_o be_v wont_n to_o allege_v several_a place_n in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n which_o have_v nâ—_n relation_n to_o this_o matter_n especial_o those_o that_o 〈◊〉_d for_o christ_n personal_a reign_n on_o earth_n quote_v 〈◊〉_d out_o of_o every_o book_n of_o the_o bible_n several_a passage_n which_o they_o interpret_v in_o favour_n of_o their_o opinion_n wherever_o they_o find_v the_o word_n king_n or_o kingdom_n if_o they_o respect_v the_o messiah_n and_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n they_o present_o snatch_v at_o they_o and_o apply_v they_o this_o way_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n overlook_a the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n which_o have_v be_v all_o this_o while_n under_o the_o gospel_n and_o be_v speak_v and_o prophesy_v of_o so_o often_o in_o the_o sacred_a write_n but_o though_o they_o be_v to_o be_v blame_v for_o this_o that_o they_o strive_v to_o make_v all_o scripture_n speak_v their_o opinion_n and_o according_o force_v they_o to_o do_v it_o yet_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a and_o undeniable_a that_o this_o future_a state_n which_o i_o be_o now_o speak_v of_o be_v foretell_v in_o many_o place_n of_o scripture_n in_o plain_a and_o intelligible_a term_n and_o particular_o in_o some_o of_o those_o place_n where_o christ_n be_v mention_v as_o a_o king_n and_o his_o administration_n under_o the_o gospel_n be_v call_v a_o kingdom_n but_o first_o i_o will_v produce_v some_o other_o text_n where_o this_o new_a and_o last_o dispensation_n be_v speak_v of_o it_o be_v probable_a that_o this_o be_v mean_v by_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d mat._n 24._o 3._o thâ—_n consummation_n or_o end_n of_o the_o age_n i._n e
innocent_a christian_n this_o be_v sufficient_a to_o confute_v that_o opinion_n therefore_o other_o hold_v the_o thousand_o year_n begin_v under_o constantine_n the_o great_a when_o come_v to_o the_o empire_n he_o cause_v the_o persecution_n to_o cease_v and_o set_v up_o christianity_n as_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o empire_n which_o be_v about_o the_o year_n of_o our_o lord_n 310._o and_o they_o end_v at_o the_o rise_n of_o the_o ottoman_a empire_n and_o with_o â—the_v papacy_n of_o boniface_n the_o eight_o who_o make_v the_o sanguinary_a law_n against_o the_o waldenses_n and_o albigenses_n which_o be_v about_o the_o year_n 1300._o thus_o think_v those_o great_a man_n willet_n forbes_n napier_n grotius_n hammond_n and_o brightman_n likewise_o seem_v to_o hold_v that_o the_o reign_v of_o the_o saint_n and_o the_o bind_v of_o satan_n be_v from_o constantine_n the_o great_a to_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o fourteen_o century_n of_o thereabouts_o but_o this_o can_v not_o be_v the_o time_n of_o the_o saint_n reign_v for_o we_o read_v in_o rev._n 12._o that_o the_o woman_n viz._n the_o church_n as_o soon_o as_o she_o shall_v be_v deliver_v be_v to_o be_v in_o the_o wilderness_n a_o state_n of_o distress_n how_o then_o can_v she_o reign_v which_o denote_v her_o prosperity_n and_o she_o be_v to_o be_v in_o this_o state_n for_o the_o space_n of_o 1260._o day_n i._n e._n year_n this_o begin_v according_a to_o mr._n brightman_n from_o the_o time_n that_o constantine_n the_o great_a be_v take_v up_o to_o heaven_n for_o he_o be_v the_o manchild_n catch_v up_o to_o god_n v_o 5._o and_o to_o he_o the_o context_n refer_v now_o reckon_v from_o the_o death_n of_o that_o emperor_n which_o be_v a._n d._n 337._o till_o the_o time_n that_o the_o 1260._o year_n be_v expire_v and_o you_o will_v find_v that_o the_o thousand_o year_n end_v late_a than_o he_o have_v set_v they_o for_o instead_o of_o end_v in_o 1300._o they_o can_v not_o according_a to_o this_o computation_n have_v their_o period_n till_o the_o year_n of_o christ_n 1597._o here_o you_o see_v one_o prophecy_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o revelation_n be_v so_o interpret_v as_o to_o thwart_v another_o which_o be_v a_o argument_n that_o his_o calculation_n be_v not_o right_a and_o indeed_o what_o considerate_a person_n can_v believe_v that_o the_o thousand_o year_n of_o christ_n reign_n and_o of_o satan_n imprisonment_n be_v part_n there_o have_v be_v nothing_o yet_o that_o have_v look_v like_o it_o when_o be_v satan_n so_o bind_v that_o he_o seduce_v not_o the_o nation_n or_o when_o be_v he_o loose_v again_o so_o that_o we_o may_v discern_v the_o palpable_a difference_n between_o either_o do_v we_o not_o know_v that_o when_o the_o ten_o note_a persecution_n be_v expire_v yet_o other_o be_v raise_v against_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n in_o this_o period_n and_o all_o this_o time_n either_o old_a heresy_n be_v revive_v or_o new_a one_o invent_v therefore_o i_o infer_v that_o the_o time_n of_o the_o thousand_o year_n be_v not_o yet_o come_v when_o the_o angel_n be_v to_o cast_v satan_n into_o the_o bottomless_a pit_n and_o to_o shut_v he_o up_o and_o set_v a_o seal_n upon_o he_o that_o he_o shall_v deceive_v the_o nation_n no_o more_o and_o as_o for_o gog_n and_o magog_n who_o be_v to_o appear_v soon_o after_o satan_n be_v loose_v where_o be_v they_o at_o this_o time_n if_o by_o those_o be_v mean_v thâ—_n pope_n and_o turk_n than_o they_o make_v the_o date_n of_o popery_n and_o turcism_n to_o be_v before_o satan_n lose_v and_o the_o expire_a of_o the_o thousand_o year_n of_o the_o saint_n reign_v which_o be_v a_o absurdity_n which_o they_o will_v willing_o avoid_v mr._n brightman_n have_v a_o odd_a fancy_n of_o his_o own_o that_o though_o the_o reign_v of_o the_o saint_n a_o thousand_o year_n be_v their_o reign_v all_o the_o thousand_o year_n in_o which_o the_o devil_n be_v bind_v i._o e._n from_o constantine_n the_o great_a to_o the_o year_n 1300._o yet_o there_o be_v another_o reign_v a_o thousand_o year_n viz._n from_o the_o year_n 1300._o till_o a_o thousand_o year_n after_o that_o be_v expire_v but_o if_o there_o be_v any_o good_a ground_n for_o this_o it_o be_v in_o this_o 20_o chapter_n of_o the_o revelation_n where_o the_o thousand_o year_n of_o christ_n reign_n be_v speak_v of_o express_o and_o no_o where_o else_o but_o here_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o the_o reign_v and_o the_o bind_v be_v in_o the_o same_o thousand_o year_n for_o it_o be_v say_v v._n 7._o when_o the_o thousand_o year_n viz._n of_o christ_n reign_n express_o mention_n in_o the_o verse_n immediate_o before_o be_v expire_v satan_n shall_v be_v loose_a out_o of_o his_o prison_n therefore_o the_o reign_v of_o christ_n and_o the_o bind_v of_o satan_n shall_v both_o expire_v together_o which_o prove_v also_o that_o they_o both_o begin_v together_o the_o same_o thousand_o year_n include_v both_o the_o opinion_n then_o of_o mr._n brightman_n and_o other_o that_o the_o thousand_o year_n of_o christ_n reign_n be_v past_a have_v no_o foundation_n at_o all_o but_o be_v a_o mere_a imaginary_a and_o precarious_a assertion_n and_o yet_o this_o assertion_n be_v take_v up_o and_o believe_v by_o very_o learned_a and_o pious_a man_n the_o cause_n of_o which_o i_o apprehend_v to_o be_v this_o they_o be_v prejudice_v against_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o old_a millennary_n and_o look_v upon_o it_o and_o that_o just_o as_o a_o groundless_a and_o scandalous_a opinion_n and_o thereupon_o be_v willing_a to_o resolve_v the_o thousand_o year_n into_o some_o past_a time_n rather_o than_o into_o any_o that_o be_v to_o come_v and_o thereby_o quash_v that_o fond_a conceit_n of_o a_o personal_a reign_n this_o be_v a_o ill_a method_n they_o take_v but_o their_o great_a dislike_n of_o the_o other_o opinion_n occasion_v it_o and_o therefore_o they_o be_v on_o that_o account_n excusable_a but_o if_o they_o have_v reject_v what_o be_v amiss_o in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o chiliast_n and_o have_v retain_v what_o be_v true_a in_o the_o general_n viz._n that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o future_a state_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n which_o shall_v be_v every_o way_n better_o than_o its_o former_a one_o they_o have_v take_v the_o right_a course_n and_o have_v assert_v a_o truth_n which_o be_v found_v on_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n thence_o any_o unprejudiced_a person_n may_v inform_v himself_o that_o the_o thousand_o year_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v past_a as_o some_o have_v think_v that_o they_o be_v not_o yet_o come_v only_o to_o assure_v we_o before_o hand_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v such_o a_o thing_n the_o christian_a world_n have_v have_v some_o foreta_v of_o it_o already_o i_o can_v positive_o say_v with_o cradock_n some_o that_o the_o thousand_o year_n begin_v at_o the_o reformation_n and_o that_o luther_n be_v the_o angel_n that_o have_v the_o key_n of_o the_o bottomless_a pit_n and_o bind_v the_o devil_n i_o can_v fix_v the_o beginning_n just_o here_o because_o wickliff_n jerom_n of_o prague_n and_o john_n huss_n and_o several_a other_o before_o luther_n do_v something_o of_o this_o nature_n they_o in_o some_o measure_n restrain_v satan_n power_n and_o jurisdiction_n by_o convert_v many_o person_n from_o the_o papal_a impiety_n so_o that_o if_o we_o say_v babylon_n begin_v to_o fall_v in_o those_o time_n and_o mean_v no_o other_o than_o this_o that_o those_o forename_a worthy_n make_v way_n for_o it_o i_o grant_v the_o assertion_n to_o be_v true_a but_o it_o be_v to_o be_v remember_v that_o i_o be_o not_o now_o treat_v of_o the_o preparative_n and_o forerunner_n of_o the_o bless_a millennum_fw-la but_o of_o that_o determinate_a state_n and_o time_n itself_o i_o grant_v that_o at_o the_o reformation_n the_o soul_n of_o those_o that_o be_v behead_v for_o the_o witness_n of_o jesus_n and_o for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n may_v true_o be_v say_v to_o live_v they_o be_v as_o it_o be_v raise_v from_o the_o dead_a when_o luther_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o god_n faithful_a servant_n appear_v and_o be_v active_a in_o restore_a and_o reform_v religion_n the_o holy_a apostle_n and_o martyr_n and_o all_o the_o primitive_a professor_n of_o the_o true_a faith_n be_v then_o as_o it_o be_v revive_v and_o come_v upon_o the_o earth_n again_o this_o be_v a_o forerunner_n and_o pledge_n of_o that_o which_o be_v call_v the_o first_o resurrection_n this_o be_v a_o previous_a assurance_n of_o the_o millennary_n reign_v or_o christ_n here_o on_o earth_n in_o that_o sense_n which_o i_o have_v before_o explain_v mr._n mede_n conceit_n that_o the_o thousand_o year_n of_o christ_n reign_n shall_v not_o begin_v till_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n be_v not_o worthy_a of_o so_o learned_a a_o person_n and_o be_v confute_v from_o what_o you_o read_v in_o this_o chapter_n so_o
that_o person_n and_o against_o the_o faithful_a christian_n who_o shall_v then_o expect_v his_o reign_n and_o here_o the_o final_a overthrow_n and_o slaughter_n of_o these_o adversary_n of_o the_o church_n be_v plain_o foretell_v and_o particular_o describe_v with_o which_o be_v immediate_o join_v the_o 28._o gather_v of_o israel_n i._n e._n the_o perfect_a restore_n of_o that_o nation_n and_o the_o next_o thing_n be_v the_o etc._n vision_n of_o the_o temple_n which_o after_o all_o the_o various_a conjecture_n of_o papist_n and_o protestant_n must_v needs_o be_v mean_v of_o this_o state_n of_o the_o church_n which_o i_o be_o speak_v of_o otherwise_o you_o can_v make_v nothing_o of_o that_o strange_a draught_n of_o the_o temple_n what_o i_o have_v thus_o brief_o hint_v be_v large_o set_v forth_o in_o the_o prophecy_n itself_o which_o be_v worth_a the_o reader_n be_v perusal_n and_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o after_o he_o have_v well_o consider_v it_o he_o will_v come_v to_o this_o issue_n namely_o that_o this_o prophecy_n have_v not_o yet_o be_v fulfil_v and_o therefore_o it_o shall_v be_v in_o time_n and_o that_o time_n be_v the_o period_n i_o be_o now_o treat_v of_o if_o you_o say_v that_o by_o gog_n and_o magog_n be_v mean_v the_o syrian_a army_n which_o plague_v the_o jew_n of_o which_o the_o book_n of_o maccabee_n give_v we_o a_o particular_a account_n i_o reply_v that_o though_o we_o grant_v this_o yet_o those_o who_o i_o have_v name_v may_v be_v mean_v here_o also_o for_o i_o have_v in_o another_o place_n prove_v that_o there_o be_v a_o 1._o double_a literal_a and_o even_o historical_a sense_n in_o some_o place_n of_o the_o bible_n and_o so_o there_o be_v here_o i_o doubt_v not_o and_o i_o shall_v afterward_o show_v that_o the_o turk_n have_v a_o good_a claim_n to_o the_o name_n of_o gog_n and_o magog_n again_o the_o turk_n rise_v be_v foretell_v in_o rev._n 9_o 14_o etc._n etc._n so_o their_o ruin_n and_o downfall_n be_v mention_v in_o the_o same_o book_n 16._o chap._n 12._o v._n the_o vial_n be_v pour_v out_o upon_o the_o great_a river_n euphrates_n i._n e._n the_o people_n inhabit_v there_o the_o turk_n who_o dwell_v in_o that_o part_n of_o the_o world_n on_o the_o river_n euphrates_n the_o water_n thereof_o be_v dry_v up_o i._n e._n the_o turkish_a power_n and_o dominion_n be_v impair_v that_o the_o way_n of_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n may_v be_v prepare_v i._n e._n that_o some_o great_a and_o eminent_a person_n may_v be_v convert_v and_o come_v over_o to_o the_o christian_a church_n then_o in_o general_a we_o find_v seducer_n and_o false_a prophet_n threaten_v in_o scripture_n with_o ruin_n and_o shall_v we_o not_o think_v that_o that_o vile_a miscreant_n who_o glory_v in_o the_o title_n of_o prophet_n and_o be_v signal_o so_o style_v by_o those_o that_o adhere_v to_o his_o principle_n and_o law_n wherewith_o he_o have_v bewitch_v so_o great_a a_o part_n of_o the_o world_n shall_v we_o not_o think_v i_o say_v that_o that_o grand_a impostor_n be_v concern_v can_v we_o imagine_v or_o suppose_v that_o the_o vengeance_n of_o god_n which_o be_v threaten_v against_o seducer_n and_o false_a teacher_n reach_v not_o to_o he_o and_o when_o we_o consider_v what_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o mischief_n this_o mahometan_a sect_n have_v wrought_v in_o the_o world_n and_o what_o vast_a region_n of_o the_o earth_n it_o have_v possess_v we_o shall_v easy_o be_v incline_v to_o believe_v that_o when_o christ_n kingdom_n be_v set_v up_o and_o christianity_n be_v come_v to_o its_o perfection_n the_o world_n shall_v be_v clear_v of_o this_o spread_v pest._n as_o for_o the_o fall_n of_o the_o roman_a antichrist_n it_o be_v in_o express_a word_n foretell_v in_o many_o place_n of_o scripture_n out_o of_o the_o old_a testament_n i_o will_v mention_v only_o that_o famous_a prophecy_n of_o daniel_n concern_v the_o fall_n of_o rome_n and_o the_o reign_n of_o christ_n for_o both_o these_o go_v together_o 7._o dan._n 19_o 20_o etc._n etc._n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o chapter_n i_o have_v elsewhere_o comment_v upon_o it_o but_o now_o i_o shall_v only_o make_v use_v only_o of_o that_o part_n of_o it_o which_o be_v to_o our_o present_a purpose_n how_o natural_a be_v the_o character_n of_o the_o other_o horn_n which_o arise_v out_o of_o the_o four_o beast_n i._n e._n the_o four_o kingdom_n or_o empire_n upon_o earth_n appliable_a to_o papal_a rome_n for_o it_o be_v say_v it_o shall_v subdue_v three_o king_n i._n e._n the_o greek_a emperor_n who_o jurisdiction_n reach_v to_o italy_n and_o the_o kingdom_n of_o lombardy_n and_o the_o german_a emperor_n who_o have_v dominion_n in_o italy_n it_o be_v further_a say_v this_o horn_n have_v a_o mouth_n that_o speak_v very_o great_a thing_n v_o 20._o and_o more_o particular_o in_o the_o 25_o v._n he_o shall_v speak_v great_a word_n against_o the_o most_o high_a and_o shall_v wear_v out_o the_o saint_n of_o the_o most_o high_a and_o think_v to_o change_v time_n and_o law_n and_o the_o same_o horn_n make_v war_n with_o the_o saint_n and_o prevail_v against_o they_o v_o 21._o which_o by_o the_o most_o judicious_a protestant_a writer_n be_v apply_v to_o the_o papacy_n but_o now_o hear_v the_o doom_n of_o this_o great_a speaker_n and_o warrior_n the_o judgement_n shall_v sit_v and_o they_o shall_v take_v away_o his_o dominion_n to_o consume_v and_o to_o destroy_v it_o unto_o the_o end_n and_o the_o kingdom_n and_o dominion_n and_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o kingdom_n under_o the_o whole_a heaven_n shall_v be_v give_v to_o the_o people_n of_o the_o saint_n of_o the_o most_o high_a who_o kingdom_n be_v a_o everlasting_a kingdom_n and_o all_o dominion_n shall_v serve_v and_o obey_v he_o v._n 26_o 27._o which_o be_v answerable_a to_o what_o be_v say_v in_o v_o 14._o concern_v the_o come_v and_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n i._n e._n christ_n who_o frequent_o style_v himself_o so_o if_o you_o consider_v these_o thing_n with_o many_o more_o in_o this_o chapter_n you_o can_v apply_v they_o either_o to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o seleucidae_n or_o antiochus_n or_o mahomet_n and_o his_o empire_n but_o you_o must_v necessary_o understand_v they_o of_o the_o roman_a power_n and_o especial_o that_o which_o be_v papal_a and_o you_o can_v but_o see_v that_o they_o be_v a_o lively_a description_n of_o that_o bloody_a dominion_n and_o of_o the_o downfall_n of_o it_o and_o of_o the_o reign_n of_o christ_n which_o shall_v immediate_o succeed_v it_o that_o be_v of_o the_o flourish_a state_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n in_o a_o more_o glorious_a manner_n than_o ever_o thus_o the_o most_o eminent_a and_o learned_a expositor_n who_o be_v not_o friend_n to_o the_o roman_a see_v interpret_v this_o prophecy_n but_o none_o have_v comprise_v the_o sense_n and_o import_n of_o it_o in_o so_o few_o but_o full_a word_n as_o that_o reverend_a 55._o prelate_n of_o our_o church_n the_o seven_o chapter_n of_o daniel_n say_v he_o points_z at_o a_o state_n of_o christ_n church_n which_o be_v not_o yet_o come_v and_o when_o it_o do_v come_v will_v be_v with_o a_o vengeance_n to_o the_o roman_a church_n who_o present_a state_n will_v be_v utter_o overturn_v to_o make_v way_n for_o the_o sâ—tting_n up_o of_o christ_n universal_a and_o everlasting_a kingdom_n which_o be_v to_o be_v erect_v when_o the_o mystery_n of_o god_n be_v finish_v rev._n 10._o 7._o 12._o 15._o and_o that_o can_v be_v till_o babylon_n i._n e._n rome_n be_v throw_v down_o rev._n 18._o 2._o 19_o 1_o 2_o 6._o and_o we_o be_v so_o far_o from_o think_v this_o kingdom_n will_v be_v invisible_a that_o we_o believe_v it_o will_v be_v the_o most_o illustrious_a appearance_n that_o ever_o be_v of_o christian_a truth_n righteousness_n charity_n and_o peace_n among_o men._n in_o the_o new_a testament_n likewise_o this_o be_v signal_o foretell_v st._n paul_n who_o be_v bless_v with_o extraordinary_a revelation_n concern_v future_a thing_n acquaint_v we_o that_o the_o reign_n of_o christ_n which_o he_o call_v his_o come_v shall_v begin_v with_o the_o ruin_n and_o desolation_n of_o the_o antichrist_n of_o rome_n for_o every_o unprejudiced_a and_o impartial_a man_n must_v confess_v that_o the_o second_o chapter_n of_o the_o second_o epistle_n to_o the_o thessalonian_n speak_v of_o he_o and_o that_o the_o man_n of_o sin_n and_o that_o wicked_a one_o who_o the_o lord_n will_v consume_v and_o destroy_v be_v no_o other_o than_o he._n it_o be_v very_o strange_a to_o see_v how_o grotius_n bestir_v himself_o and_o use_v all_o artifices_fw-la imaginable_a to_o persuade_v the_o reader_n that_o the_o papal_a power_n be_v not_o mean_v here_o he_o be_v force_v to_o say_v that_o this_o second_o epistle_n to_o the_o thessalonian_n be_v write_v before_o the_o first_o and_o several_a such_o
foretell_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v great_a distress_n in_o the_o land_n and_o wrath_n upon_o this_o people_n and_o they_o shall_v fall_v by_o the_o edge_n of_o the_o sword_n and_o shall_v be_v lead_v away_o captive_a into_o all_o nation_n and_o jerusalem_n shall_v be_v tread_v down_o of_o the_o gentile_n until_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gentiles_n be_v fulfil_v we_o be_v abundant_o assure_v that_o at_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n by_o the_o roman_n the_o land_n of_o ludaea_n be_v in_o great_a distress_n and_o wrath_n be_v upon_o that_o people_n and_o they_o fall_v by_o the_o edge_n of_o the_o sword_n and_o those_o that_o remain_v be_v lead_v captive_a into_o all_o nation_n and_o disperse_v over_o the_o whole_a world_n but_o this_o captivity_n and_o dispersion_n this_o tread_v down_o of_o jerusalem_n by_o the_o gentile_n shall_v not_o last_v always_o but_o only_o until_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gentile_n be_v fulfil_v i._n e._n as_o i_o explain_v it_o before_o till_o the_o time_n of_o the_o full_a conversion_n of_o the_o gentile_a world_n so_o that_o it_o be_v plain_a from_o these_o word_n that_o the_o jewish_a nation_n be_v to_o be_v restore_v and_o that_o their_o present_a captivity_n and_o banishment_n shall_v have_v a_o end_n there_o shall_v be_v a_o time_n when_o the_o jew_n shall_v not_o be_v any_o more_o tread_v down_o of_o the_o gentile_n and_o this_o shall_v be_v when_o the_o time_n of_o these_o latter_a be_v full_o accomplish_v and_o run_v out_o i_o e._n when_o the_o particular_a time_n arrive_v in_o which_o they_o shall_v be_v call_v into_o the_o christian_a church_n of_o which_o i_o speak_v before_o the_o next_o passage_n to_o this_o purpose_n which_o i_o will_v take_v notice_n of_o be_v in_o 2_o cor._n 3._o 14_o etc._n etc._n where_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n say_v that_o their_o mind_n be_v blind_v god_n be_v please_v not_o to_o give_v they_o that_o light_n and_o knowledge_n which_o be_v common_a under_o the_o gospel_n their_o dark_a understanding_n be_v agreeable_a to_o their_o obscure_a administration_n which_o consist_v chief_o of_o type_n and_o shadow_n yea_o even_o unto_o this_o day_n say_v he_o the_o veil_n i._n e._n of_o ignorance_n and_o blindness_n be_v untaken_v away_o and_o be_v still_o upon_o their_o heart_n nevertheless_o when_o it_o i._n e._n israel_n say_v some_o but_o this_o be_v not_o probable_a because_o though_o there_o be_v mention_v make_v before_o of_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n yet_o not_o of_o israel_n bare_o it_o be_v more_o reasonable_a to_o believe_v that_o it_o refer_v to_o their_o heart_n immediate_o beforementioned_a when_o this_o shall_v turn_v to_o the_o lord_n when_o the_o jewish_a nation_n shall_v be_v hearty_o convert_v and_o embrace_v the_o gospel_n and_o the_o bless_a author_n of_o it_o than_o the_o veil_n shall_v be_v take_v away_o this_o ignorance_n shall_v be_v remove_v and_o they_o shall_v attain_v to_o a_o complete_a insight_n of_o the_o imperfection_n of_o that_o law_n which_o they_o before_o adhere_v to_o and_o of_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o christian_a institution_n and_o the_o founder_n of_o it_o this_o veil_n whenever_o it_o be_v remove_v be_v do_v away_o in_o christ_n and_o he_o only_o i._n e._n by_o believe_v in_o he_o and_o by_o renounce_v their_o former_a infidelity_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o a_o time_n when_o this_o shall_v be_v therefore_o it_o be_v not_o then_o past_a when_o he_o write_v this_o epistle_n though_o i_o grant_v it_o be_v partly_o accomplish_v at_o that_o time_n because_o several_a jew_n have_v receive_v the_o christian_a faith_n and_o i_o grant_v that_o it_o be_v further_o verify_v afterward_o when_o other_o of_o that_o nation_n renounce_v judaism_n and_o believe_v in_o jesus_n but_o yet_o still_o the_o apostle_n word_n which_o be_v a_o solemn_a prediction_n be_v not_o complete_o fulfil_v for_o you_o may_v take_v notice_n that_o he_o speak_v of_o the_o jew_n in_o general_n and_o as_o they_o be_v a_o body_n call_v they_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n which_o be_v always_o understand_v in_o this_o manner_n and_o i_o can_v observe_v that_o the_o way_n of_o speak_v here_o use_v intimate_v as_o much_o it_o i._n e._n their_o heart_n in_o the_o singular_a number_n shall_v turn_v to_o the_o lord_n which_o imply_v that_o this_o conversion_n shall_v be_v with_o a_o general_n consent_n they_o shall_v all_o turn_v to_o the_o lord_n as_o if_o they_o be_v one_o person_n they_o shall_v do_v it_o as_o it_o be_v in_o scripture_n express_v with_o one_o heart_n and_o with_o one_o soul_n the_o whole_a jewish_a people_n shall_v unanimous_o repent_v and_o believe_v the_o reader_n may_v choose_v whether_o he_o will_v attend_v to_o this_o criticism_n or_o no_o for_o i_o pretend_v not_o to_o prove_v the_o universality_n of_o the_o jew_n future_a conversion_n from_o this_o mode_n of_o speak_v i_o know_v this_o way_n of_o argue_v be_v not_o convince_a because_o we_o do_v not_o know_v but_o that_o this_o may_v be_v mere_o a_o enallage_n of_o number_n but_o then_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n we_o be_v not_o certain_a but_o that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n intend_v something_o remarkable_a and_o peculiar_a in_o this_o manner_n of_o expression_n and_o therefore_o i_o can_v not_o but_o offer_v it_o to_o your_o consideration_n to_o conclude_v the_o text_n assure_v we_o that_o there_o be_v a_o certain_a determine_a time_n when_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n shall_v turn_v unto_o the_o lord_n and_o then_o the_o veil_n shall_v be_v whole_o take_v away_o as_o it_o have_v be_v in_o part_n already_o this_o be_v to_o be_v full_o bring_v to_o pass_v at_o the_o time_n when_o the_o whole_a community_n of_o they_o shall_v own_o the_o messiah_n and_o become_v subject_n of_o his_o kingdom_n here_o on_o earth_n the_o other_o place_n which_o i_o will_v propound_v be_v the_o eleven_o chapter_n of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n a_o most_o eminent_a and_o illustrious_a proof_n of_o the_o matter_n before_o we_o there_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o the_o rejection_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o the_o call_v of_o the_o gentile_n express_o assert_n in_o the_o 12._o v_o the_o fullness_n of_o the_o former_a as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o latter_a afterward_o in_o the_o 25._o v_o as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v there_o shall_v be_v a_o time_n when_o the_o full_a conversion_n of_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o jew_n no_o less_o than_o of_o the_o gentile_n shall_v come_v to_o pass_v this_o he_o apposite_o call_v life_n from_o the_o dead_a v_o 15._o because_o it_o be_v so_o wonderful_a and_o withal_o so_o welcome_a a_o thing_n and_o the_o expression_n be_v the_o more_o observable_a because_o the_o 3._o prophet_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n express_v the_o restauration_n and_o conversion_n of_o the_o jew_n by_o the_o same_o manner_n of_o speak_v viz._n by_o live_v again_o or_o by_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o this_o give_v light_a to_o rev._n 20._o 5._o where_n as_o i_o have_v show_v you_o the_o glorious_a reign_n of_o christ_n with_o his_o saint_n be_v call_v the_o first_o resurrection_n it_o be_v as_o it_o be_v a_o live_n again_o after_o death_n and_o particular_o the_o restore_a and_o call_v of_o the_o jew_n which_o be_v so_o considerable_a a_o part_n of_o that_o reign_n be_v signalise_v by_o these_o very_a term_n even_o by_o the_o inspire_a prophet_n of_o god_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o by_o st._n paul_n in_o the_o new_a now_o then_o i_o argue_v thus_o from_o what_o the_o apostle_n here_o say_v if_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o fullness_n of_o the_o jew_n their_o conversion_n shall_v be_v complete_a and_o entire_a the_o number_n of_o those_o that_o be_v call_v shall_v be_v consummate_v i_o ask_v now_o whether_o this_o be_v past_a or_o whether_o it_o be_v to_o come_v it_o be_v past_a say_v some_o for_o the_o fullness_n which_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o here_o happen_v in_o the_o first_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n when_o both_o gentile_n and_o jew_n be_v convert_v by_o the_o preach_a of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n a_o great_a many_o jew_n turn_v to_o the_o lord_n and_o believe_v and_o become_v christian_n just_o about_o the_o time_n of_o the_o roman_n besiege_v jerusalem_n and_o soon_o after_o the_o destruction_n of_o that_o city_n many_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o christ_n prophecy_n and_o own_a christianity_n but_o can_v any_o impartial_a man_n persuade_v himself_o that_o all_o this_o amount_n to_o the_o fullness_n of_o the_o jew_n which_o the_o apostle_n here_o speak_v of_o no_o the_o apostle_n himself_o call_v it_o but_o a_o remnant_n v_o 5._o and_o he_o make_v a_o plain_a distinction_n betwixt_o this_o remnant_n and_o the_o general_n call_v of_o the_o jew_n which_o he_o say_v be_v their_o
by_o what_o proper_a method_n and_o art_n we_o can_v let_v we_o lay_v the_o axe_n to_o that_o root_n of_o bitterness_n which_o have_v spread_v itself_o among_o we_o and_o take_v such_o hold_n of_o some_o man_n earthly_a nature_n let_v we_o compose_v ourselves_o into_o a_o quiet_a posture_n and_o effectual_o promote_v peace_n and_o good_a will_n in_o the_o world_n let_v we_o bring_v out_o and_o make_v use_n of_o our_o julep_n to_o check_v that_o fierce_a that_o feverish_a distemper_n which_o reign_v among_o too_o many_o let_v we_o endeavour_v by_o mild_a and_o cool_a application_n to_o accommodate_v difference_n to_o reconcile_v disagree_v party_n especial_o in_o matter_n refer_v to_o religion_n but_o so_o as_o not_o to_o betrary_v the_o truth_n to_o allay_v all_o passionate_a heat_n and_o to_o discountenance_v all_o wilful_a author_n of_o division_n and_o as_o the_o word_n peace_n in_o scripture_n signify_v according_a to_o the_o usage_n of_o the_o hebrew_n all_o manner_n of_o outward_a blessing_n so_o here_o in_o the_o present_a case_n it_o be_v to_o be_v take_v in_o that_o comprehensive_a way_n in_o that_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n on_o earth_n there_o shall_v no_o kind_n of_o earthly_a convenience_n and_o advantage_n be_v want_v which_o shall_v be_v useful_a to_o the_o great_a end_n and_o purpose_n of_o that_o bless_a state_n but_o as_o for_o any_o other_o viz._n such_o as_o be_v serviceable_a to_o undue_a pleasure_n to_o lust_n and_o wantonness_n to_o vanity_n and_o pride_n to_o effeminacy_n and_o luxury_n no_o man_n of_o sober_a thought_n can_v reckon_v they_o in_o the_o number_n of_o those_o worldly_a good_a thing_n which_o the_o pious_a shall_v hereafter_o enjoy_v and_o therefore_o we_o must_v condemn_v that_o narrative_a which_o some_o have_v give_v of_o the_o millennium_n as_o too_o sensual_a and_o fulsome_a but_o we_o may_v with_o truth_n and_o soberness_n assert_v this_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o concurrence_n of_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o render_n man_n life_n true_o pleasant_a comfortable_a and_o joyful_a it_o be_v part_n of_o the_o description_n of_o that_o millennary_n jubilee_n that_o they_o shall_v come_v to_o zion_n with_o song_n and_o everlasting_a joy_n upon_o their_o head_n they_o shall_v obtain_v joy_n and_o gladness_n and_o sorrow_n and_o sigh_v shall_v flee_v away_o isai._n 35._o 10._o and_o again_o ch._n 65._o v._n 17._o behold_v i_o create_v new_a heaven_n and_o a_o new_a earth_n which_o questionless_a be_v mean_v of_o this_o glorious_a renovation_n and_o may_v have_v be_v allege_v among_o the_o other_o text_n as_o a_o proof_n of_o it_o and_o then_o it_o follow_v i_o create_v jerusalem_n a_o rejoice_n and_o her_o people_n a_o joy_n the_o voice_n of_o weep_v shall_v be_v no_o more_o hear_v in_o she_o nor_o the_o voice_n of_o cry_v v_o 18_o 19_o and_o if_o we_o go_v back_o to_o ch._n 9_o v._n 3._o we_o shall_v find_v that_o this_o rejoice_n and_o this_o joy_n shall_v be_v entire_a thou_o have_v multiply_v the_o nation_n and_o not_o increase_v the_o joy_n i._n e._n heretofore_o joy_n and_o sorrow_n be_v mingle_v sometime_o that_o nation_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v visit_v in_o mercy_n at_o other_o time_n it_o taste_v of_o god_n judgement_n they_o joy_v before_o thou_o according_a to_o the_o joy_n in_o harvest_n and_o as_o man_n rejoice_v when_o they_o divide_v the_o spoil_n i._n e._n there_o be_v in_o the_o time_n past_o a_o medley_n of_o joy_n and_o trouble_v of_o gladness_n and_o fear_n as_o in_o the_o service_n of_o war_n and_o harvest_n but_o when_o a_o child_n shall_v be_v bear_v to_o we_o when_o a_o son_n shall_v be_v give_v and_o the_o government_n shall_v be_v upon_o his_o shoulder_n v_o 6._o then_o there_o shall_v be_v joy_n without_o any_o allay_n than_o there_o shall_v be_v such_o a_o perfect_a state_n that_o nothing_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o impair_v it_o i_o know_v most_o interpreter_n expound_v the_o place_n otherwise_o and_o make_v the_o joy_n in_o harvest_n to_o be_v exceed_o great_a joy_n surpass_v all_o other_o but_o i_o crave_v leave_n to_o dissent_v from_o the_o common_a exposition_n and_o to_o understand_v this_o passage_n after_o the_o manner_n beforementioned_a viz._n that_o whereas_o heretofore_o they_o joy_v according_a to_o the_o joy_n of_o harvest_n i._n e._n their_o joy_n be_v mix_v with_o hardship_n they_o be_v accompany_v with_o sweat_n and_o toil_n and_o beside_o the_o joy_n of_o harvest_n do_v not_o last_v long_o for_o the_o husbandman_n as_o blithe_a and_o cheery_a as_o he_o isâ—_n must_v soon_o return_v to_o his_o wont_a circle_n of_o pain_n and_o labour_n whereas_o under_o the_o precede_a dispensation_n there_o be_v no_o entire_a and_o undisturbed_a joy_n now_o it_o shall_v be_v otherwise_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o continue_a and_o uninterrupted_a serenity_n without_o any_o dash_v of_o a_o contrary_a nature_n for_o as_o christ_n government_n increase_v v_o 7._o so_o as_o it_o follow_v there_o the_o peace_n i._n e._n the_o success_n and_o prosperity_n of_o it_o shall_v increase_v and_o have_v no_o end_n this_o be_v the_o happiness_n of_o the_o subject_n of_o that_o bless_a kingdom_n who_o be_v under_o the_o sceptre_n of_o the_o prince_n of_o peace_n as_o he_o be_v style_v v_o 6._o this_o in_o general_a but_o more_o particular_o the_o safety_n and_o security_n of_o their_o habitation_n their_o success_n in_o all_o their_o labour_n and_o their_o last_a fruition_n of_o they_o be_v mention_v as_o the_o attendant_n of_o this_o happy_a time_n v_o 21_o 22_o 23._o they_o shall_v build_v house_n and_o inhabit_v they_o and_o they_o shall_v plant_v vineyard_n and_o eat_v the_o fruit_n of_o they_o i_o elect_a shall_v long_o enjoy_v the_o work_n of_o their_o hand_n they_o shall_v not_o labour_v in_o vain_a etc._n etc._n these_o be_v the_o blessing_n of_o that_o adult_n state_n of_o the_o church_n far_o there_o will_v be_v great_a strength_n and_o soundness_n of_o body_n than_o ordinary_o i_o will_v not_o be_v positive_a that_o as_o in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o world_n so_o now_o there_o will_v be_v some_o of_o a_o gigantic_a stature_n but_o this_o be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v of_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v bodily_a strength_n and_o vigour_n in_o a_o unusual_a degree_n it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o new_a jerusalem_n for_o in_o the_o large_a and_o extensive_a sense_n it_o be_v speak_v of_o that_o place_n and_o state_n that_o the_o inhabitant_n shall_v not_o say_v i_o be_o sick_a isai._n 33._o 24._o many_o exorbitancy_n before_o be_v frequent_o the_o cause_n of_o corporal_a weakness_n and_o divers_a sort_n of_o malady_n and_o disease_n but_o now_o those_o shall_v general_o be_v remove_v and_o a_o sound_n and_o hale_v temper_n shall_v be_v give_v they_o for_o their_o body_n shall_v answer_v to_o their_o soul_n the_o whole_a tour_n of_o the_o blood_n shall_v be_v laudable_o perform_v there_o shall_v be_v a_o due_a and_o regular_a exercise_n of_o the_o natural_a vital_a and_o animal_n function_n and_o all_o person_n shall_v be_v healthful_a and_o vivacious_a brisk_a and_o sprightly_a this_o will_v be_v the_o more_o credible_a if_o we_o consider_v that_o the_o curse_v bring_v upon_o the_o earth_n by_o adam_n fall_n and_o afterward_o continue_v shall_v be_v reverse_v the_o soil_v every_o where_o shall_v become_v fertile_a and_o give_v its_o increase_n free_o and_o plentiful_o and_o all_o the_o fruit_n and_o product_n of_o the_o earth_n shall_v be_v not_o only_o numerous_a but_o wholesome_a god_n make_v all_o the_o creature_n good_a at_o first_o as_o we_o express_o find_v in_o the_o repeat_v approbation_n of_o this_o their_o goodness_n gen._n 1._o and_o they_o shall_v be_v good_a at_o last_o for_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v restore_v to_o its_o premitive_a state_n and_o the_o earth_n itself_o shall_v be_v renew_v and_o as_o for_o those_o live_a creature_n which_o be_v food_n for_o mankind_n they_o shall_v arrive_v to_o great_a degree_n of_o perfection_n than_o former_o and_o consequent_o shall_v yield_v more_o laudable_a and_o generous_a nourishment_n than_o heretofore_o beside_o that_o the_o continue_a health_n of_o those_o time_n will_v depend_v much_o upon_o the_o excellent_a temper_n of_o the_o air_n which_o shall_v then_o be_v agreeable_a to_o humane_a body_n and_o have_v no_o ill_a ferment_n from_o the_o continual_a vicissitude_n and_o succession_n of_o too_o much_o heat_n or_o too_o much_o cold._n to_o which_o may_v be_v add_v that_o the_o heavenly_a influence_n as_o well_o as_o the_o temper_n of_o the_o earth_n shall_v be_v meliorate_v and_o so_o even_o in_o a_o literal_a sense_n there_o shall_v be_v new_a heaven_n and_o a_o new_a earth_n as_o the_o consequence_n of_o all_o this_o the_o people_n of_o those_o day_n shall_v be_v long-lived_a which_o i_o gather_v from_o isai._n 65._o 20._o there_o shall_v be_v no_o
now_o wear_v off_o and_o that_o we_o shall_v have_v a_o end_n of_o it_o without_o any_o such_o thing_n but_o then_o when_o i_o consider_v that_o those_o place_n of_o holy_a scripture_n which_o foretell_v the_o calamity_n and_o distress_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n may_v have_v respect_n only_o to_o the_o time_n which_o precede_v those_o thousand_o year_n i_o be_v again_o induce_v to_o believe_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v such_o a_o state_n as_o i_o have_v represent_v that_o christ_n will_v set_v up_o his_o kingdom_n in_o a_o more_o illustrious_a and_o effectual_a manner_n than_o ever_o and_o that_o this_o kingdom_n shall_v be_v accompany_v with_o last_a peace_n and_o righteousness_n with_o the_o general_n conversion_n of_o jew_n and_o gentile_n and_o the_o ruin_n of_o anti-christ_n as_o to_o some_o particular_a circumstance_n which_o i_o have_v mention_v relate_v to_o this_o prosperous_a state_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n i_o be_o not_o positive_a it_o have_v please_v god_n to_o deliver_v thing_n of_o this_o nature_n dark_o and_o mystical_o and_o there_o be_v no_o express_a place_n of_o scripture_n on_o which_o a_o certain_a and_o unquestionable_a expectation_n of_o they_o can_v be_v ground_v because_o we_o have_v no_o sure_a word_n to_o ascertain_v our_o determination_n therefore_o as_o to_o the_o particular_a way_n and_o manner_n of_o the_o thing_n i_o have_v be_v discourse_v of_o i_o deliver_v nothing_o with_o confidence_n it_o be_v the_o main_a of_o the_o dispensation_n that_o i_o assert_v and_o which_o i_o very_o believe_v though_o i_o censure_v no_o man_n for_o think_v or_o say_v otherwise_o i_o be_o sensible_a of_o this_o that_o when_o we_o see_v how_o the_o world_n be_v at_o this_o day_n we_o may_v be_v incline_v to_o think_v there_o be_v no_o probability_n of_o this_o great_a change_n there_o seem_v to_o be_v little_a likelihood_n at_o present_a of_o this_o happy_a reign_n in_o other_o part_n of_o the_o world_n as_o well_o as_o among_o ourselves_o for_o we_o seem_v to_o be_v every_o day_n degenerate_v more_o and_o more_o and_o we_o run_v further_o from_o that_o excellent_a temper_n and_o genius_n which_o be_v require_v in_o that_o future_a paradise_n but_o then_o i_o consider_v that_o this_o be_v to_o be_v accomplish_v by_o a_o divine_a arm_n and_o conduct_v and_o shall_v be_v the_o work_n of_o heaven_n in_o a_o singular_a and_o particular_a degree_n the_o supreme_a arbitrator_n and_o manager_n of_o the_o world_n can_v of_o a_o sudden_a dispel_v all_o difficulty_n and_o alter_v the_o course_n of_o the_o universe_n and_o frame_v man_n mind_n as_o he_o please_v when_o we_o remember_v how_o mean_a and_o despicable_a christianity_n be_v at_o first_o but_o how_o strange_o it_o spread_v itself_o afterward_o and_o make_v its_o progress_n through_o the_o whole_a world_n against_o the_o great_a opposition_n imaginable_a we_o may_v then_o believe_v the_o same_o may_v happen_v again_o and_o that_o what_o have_v be_v foretell_v concern_v that_o glorious_a state_n may_v be_v fulfil_v thus_o i_o will_v not_o despair_v of_o that_o happy_a time_n both_o popery_n and_o mahometism_n or_o either_o of_o they_o may_v for_o a_o time_n decay_n and_o grow_v less_o and_o then_o recover_v strength_n or_o perhaps_o one_o or_o both_o of_o they_o may_v remain_v without_o any_o diminution_n entire_a there_o may_v be_v a_o superfoetation_n in_o the_o mother_n of_o harlot_n she_o may_v conceive_v and_o bring_v forth_o a_o new_a and_o replenish_v the_o earth_n with_o her_o child_n it_o may_v be_v the_o reformation_n which_o have_v be_v begin_v and_o set_v forward_o in_o some_o part_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n may_v be_v put_v back_o papal_a superstition_n and_o tyranny_n may_v return_v again_o and_o rome_n may_v sit_v a_o queen_n and_o know_v no_o sorrow_n but_o what_o she_o create_v to_o the_o true_a professor_n of_o religion_n one_o will_v be_v apt_a to_o think_v as_o much_o upon_o read_v what_o be_v say_v concern_v the_o two_o witness_n rev._n 11._o 7._o when_o they_o shall_v have_v finish_v the_o testimony_n viz._n at_o the_o end_n of_o 42._o month_n or_o 1260_o year_n the_o time_n of_o the_o anti-christian_n reign_n the_o beast_n that_o ascend_v out_o of_o the_o bottomless_a pit_n shall_v make_v war_n against_o they_o and_o overcome_v they_o and_o kill_v they_o whereupon_o there_o be_v great_a rejoice_v over_o they_o and_o make_v merry_a v_o 10._o it_o may_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o seven_o hill_n may_v be_v exalt_v high_a than_o ever_o and_o the_o reform_a religion_n depress_v and_o trample_v on_o christianity_n may_v as_o mr._n herbert_n presage_v hoist_v sail_n for_o america_n the_o gospel_n may_v leave_v we_o to_o go_v to_o they_o and_o we_o may_v be_v half_a pagan_n before_o it_o come_v to_o we_o again_o or_o if_o we_o hold_v fast-the_a faith_n we_o may_v be_v force_v to_o part_v with_o every_o thing_n else_o that_o be_v dear_a to_o we_o it_o may_v be_v our_o lot_n to_o undergo_v all_o danger_n calamity_n outrage_n and_o persecution_n before_o that_o bless_a sabbatism_n arrive_v there_o may_v be_v a_o very_a dark_a night_n before_o that_o lightsome_a day_n be_v see_v but_o at_o last_o it_o shall_v appear_v yea_o shine_v forth_o and_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v every_o way_n the_o better_a for_o it_o yea_o it_o may_v and_o i_o hope_v will_n show_v itself_o in_o god_n good_a time_n without_o any_o such_o sad_a and_o tragical_a prologue_n to_o it_o as_o this_o i_o have_v venture_v to_o offer_v my_o conjecture_n about_o it_o and_o the_o freedom_n i_o have_v take_v will_v not_o be_v dislike_v i_o conceive_v by_o person_n of_o sober_a mind_n in_o my_o judgement_n that_o be_v a_o very_a curious_a and_o notable_a say_v of_o mr._n mede_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o reader_n before_o his_o comment_n on_o the_o apocalypse_n speak_v of_o the_o interpret_n of_o the_o prophetical_a write_n and_o other_o obscure_a matter_n in_o scripture_n unless_o iri_fw-la say_v he_o there_o be_v liberty_n give_v to_o we_o to_o be_v somewhat_o free_a in_o our_o thought_n and_o opinion_n yea_o even_o in_o our_o error_n and_o mistake_v sometime_o about_o these_o thing_n we_o shall_v never_o clear_v our_o passage_n to_o those_o profound_a and_o hide_a secret_n of_o truth_n according_o i_o have_v free_o suggest_v my_o thought_n and_o if_o therein_o i_o have_v represent_v some_o thing_n amiss_o let_v it_o be_v remember_v that_o it_o be_v in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o truth_n and_o of_o that_o truth_n which_o it_o be_v difficult_a to_o attain_v to_o or_o rather_o let_v it_o be_v examine_v whether_o truth_n be_v not_o here_o find_v out_o by_o that_o which_o some_o interpret_v a_o mistake_n i_o declare_v i_o be_o not_o dogmatical_a in_o what_o i_o have_v say_v nor_o will_v i_o persuade_v other_o to_o sit_v down_o with_o peremptory_a confidence_n that_o this_o be_v the_o certain_a meaning_n of_o all_o the_o prophecy_n in_o scripture_n before_o allege_a but_o then_o this_o must_v be_v say_v there_o be_v several_a thing_n high_o probable_a of_o which_o we_o have_v no_o absolute_a certainty_n and_o this_o that_o i_o have_v be_v discourse_v of_o be_v of_o that_o nature_n many_o passage_n in_o holy_a writ_n do_v exceed_o favour_v it_o and_o there_o be_v no_o contemptible_a reason_n to_o incline_v we_o to_o a_o belief_n of_o it_o and_o when_o we_o have_v both_o scripture_n and_o rational_a argument_n on_o our_o side_n it_o be_v more_o than_o half_a of_o the_o opinion_n which_o make_v a_o very_a plausible_a show_n in_o the_o world_n can_v real_o lay_v claim_n to_o if_o after_o all_o you_o inquire_v concern_v the_o particular_a and_o determinate_a time_n when_o this_o sabbatick_a state_n shall_v begin_v my_o answer_n in_o brief_a be_v that_o i_o can_v neither_o will_v i_o attempt_v to_o assign_v any_o such_o thing_n when_o i_o say_v i_o can_v my_o meaning_n be_v that_o i_o apprehend_v no_o possible_a way_n of_o do_v it_o in_o a_o certain_a and_o satisfactory_a way_n for_o otherwise_o i_o can_v as_o some_o have_v do_v pretend_v to_o present_v the_o reader_n with_o a_o punctual_a calculation_n of_o the_o time_n when_o these_o thing_n shall_v happen_v perhaps_o i_o may_v say_v without_o ostentation_n that_o i_o have_v make_v enquiry_n into_o the_o chronology_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o well_o as_o other_o and_o have_v consider_v all_o that_o any_o writer_n of_o note_n have_v say_v on_o this_o matter_n and_o have_v make_v search_n into_o these_o mystery_n myself_o but_o after_o all_o i_o declare_v that_o i_o find_v no_o foundation_n for_o a_o precise_a and_o individual_a assignation_n of_o time_n in_o general_n we_o know_v christ_n kingdom_n on_o earth_n shall_v commence_v when_o the_o seven_o angel_n sound_v his_o trumpet_n for_o then_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o world_n become_v the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o of_o
the_o sea_n insomuch_o that_o they_o shall_v cover_v all_o the_o earth_n as_o it_o be_v for_o that_o be_v mean_v by_o their_o go_v up_o on_o the_o breadth_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o they_o shall_v lay_v close_a siege_n to_o the_o belove_a city_n that_o place_v whither_o the_o saint_n the_o belove_a of_o god_n shall_v fly_v for_o refuge_n or_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o christ_n the_o visible_a body_n and_o society_n of_o the_o faithful_a which_o shall_v be_v leave_v at_o that_o time_n may_v be_v understand_v by_o the_o belove_a city_n in_o a_o very_a lamentable_a and_o wretched_a condition_n they_o shall_v be_v you_o may_v imagine_v all_o the_o time_n of_o this_o gogick_n and_o magogick_n war_n and_o the_o siege_n which_o deny_v it_o it_o can_v be_v express_v what_o straits_n the_o saint_n be_v reduce_v to_o what_o calamity_n they_o undergo_v what_o misery_n they_o endure_v and_o this_o be_v but_o agreeable_a to_o what_o our_o bless_a lord_n foretell_v of_o the_o time_n immediate_o precede_v the_o day_n of_o judgement_n he_o have_v assure_v we_o that_o those_o day_n shall_v be_v very_o remarkable_a both_o in_o respect_n of_o sin_n and_o suffer_v as_o to_o the_o former_a when_o he_o compare_v they_o to_o 37._o the_o day_n of_o noah_n in_o which_o the_o old_a world_n give_v themselves_o up_o whole_o to_o their_o pleasure_n and_o forget_v god_n and_o defy_v his_o providence_n he_o show_v how_o corrupt_a and_o wicked_a the_o last_o time_n shall_v be_v so_o that_o interrogatory_n of_o our_o saviour_n luk._n 18._o 8._o when_o the_o son_n of_o man_n come_v shall_v be_v find_v faith_n on_o the_o earth_n be_v a_o downright_a negative_a and_o signify_v that_o he_o shall_v not_o find_v faith_n upon_o earth_n that_o be_v not_o only_o as_o some_o interpret_v it_o the_o faith_n even_o of_o god_n servant_n shall_v be_v very_o weak_a and_o little_a before_o the_o last_o come_v of_o christ_n the_o saint_n themselves_o have_v be_v persecute_v and_o harass_v by_o the_o wicked_a shall_v faint_v and_o flag_n they_o shall_v scarce_o believe_v the_o promise_n of_o his_o come_v they_o shall_v almost_o despond_v that_o christ_n will_v help_v and_o deliver_v they_o but_o the_o meaning_n rather_o seem_v to_o be_v this_o that_o faithfulness_n here_o call_v faith_n shall_v be_v very_o rare_a upon_o earth_n sincertiy_n and_o truth_n shall_v be_v banish_v and_o lie_v perfidiousness_n dissemble_v and_o which_o be_v the_o consequent_a of_o those_o inward_a hatred_n and_o malice_n and_o all_o outward_a injustice_n violence_n and_o oppression_n shall_v come_v in_o their_o place_n and_o so_o in_o another_o place_n 12._o christ_n foretell_v that_o not_o long_o before_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n iniquity_n shall_v abound_v and_o the_o love_n of_o many_o shall_v wax_v cold_a for_o this_o be_v to_o be_v remark_v that_o the_o sign_n forego_v the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o of_o the_o come_v of_o christ_n be_v intermix_v in_o that_o four_o and_o twenty_o chapter_n of_o st._n matthew_n or_o we_o may_v say_v the_o former_a sign_n be_v to_o be_v repeat_v and_o more_o full_o display_v in_o the_o latter_a event_n our_o saviour_n likewise_o fetch_v forth_o the_o state_n of_o the_o last_o day_n before_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n not_o only_o as_o extreme_o sinful_a abound_v with_o great_a wickedness_n and_o universal_a corruption_n of_o life_n but_o as_o most_o afflictive_a and_o dangerous_a most_o distress_a and_o calamitous_a there_o shall_v be_v say_v he_o distress_n of_o nation_n with_o perplexity_n the_o sea_n and_o the_o wave_n roar_v man_n heart_n fail_v they_o for_o fear_n luk._n 21._o 25_o 26._o yea_o those_o word_n of_o christ_n in_o mat._n 24._o 21._o be_v applicable_a here_o for_o the_o reason_n beforementioned_a then_o shall_v be_v great_a tribulation_n such_o as_o be_v not_o since_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n to_o this_o time_n no_o nor_o ever_o shall_v be_v and_o now_o the_o forerunner_n of_o that_o great_a and_o notable_a day_n of_o the_o lord_n mention_v by_o our_o saviour_n in_o this_o chapter_n shall_v appear_v viz._n war_n and_o great_a commotion_n in_o kingdom_n and_o nation_n sign_n in_o the_o heaven_n and_o in_o the_o earth_n earthquake_n pestilence_n and_o famine_n with_o other_o unusual_a and_o extraordinary_a occurrence_n and_o tremendous_a accident_n which_o shall_v give_v notice_n of_o the_o approach_a judgement_n thus_o our_o saviour_n not_o only_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o we_o read_v in_o the_o revelation_n but_o he_o further_o explain_v and_o set_v it_o forth_o he_o plain_o suggest_v unto_o we_o what_o a_o evil_a posture_n the_o world_n will_v be_v in_o before_o he_o come_v to_o judgement_n he_o let_v we_o know_v that_o the_o tribulation_n as_o well_o as_o the_o wickedness_n of_o those_o day_n which_o approach_v the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v more_o grievous_a than_o any_o that_o ever_o be_v before_o at_o that_o time_n the_o sin_n of_o the_o church_n enemy_n and_o the_o suffering_n of_o the_o godly_a shall_v be_v at_o the_o vertical_a point_n as_o high_a as_o they_o can_v go_v brief_o it_o will_v be_v find_v true_a that_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v most_o wicked_a and_o most_o perilous_a at_o last_o the_o worst_a state_n of_o it_o will_v be_v towards_o its_o end_n for_o the_o devil_n will_v be_v very_o wrathful_a and_o outrageous_a because_o he_o know_v that_o he_o have_v but_o a_o short_a time_n as_o it_o be_v say_v of_o he_o in_o rev._n 12._o 12._o and_o at_o that_o time_n it_o may_v more_o true_o be_v say_v of_o he_o than_o ever_o for_o the_o 1000_o year_n be_v end_v he_o be_v loose_v but_o for_o a_o little_a season_n rev._n 20._o 3._o he_o must_v soon_o go_v off_o the_o stage_n and_o that_o make_v he_o act_v his_o part_n with_o so_o much_o vigour_n and_o fierceness_n the_o judgement_n shall_v come_v present_o after_o the_o 1000_o year_n there_o shall_v be_v a_o very_a considerable_a time_n between_o the_o mellennium_fw-la and_o doomsday_n but_o it_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o small_a time_n in_o comparison_n of_o the_o thousand_o year_n and_o therefore_o on_o this_o account_n that_o malicious_a spirit_n shall_v bestir_v himself_o with_o a_o mighty_a concernedness_n the_o ten_o and_o last_o persecution_n which_o he_o raise_v in_o the_o primitive_a time_n be_v the_o bloody_a so_o now_o he_o rage_v most_o when_o he_o be_v to_o take_v his_o farewell_n of_o this_o earthly_a stage_n and_o now_o behold_v the_o tragical_a close_a of_o all_o fire_n come_v down_o from_o god_n out_o of_o heaven_n and_o devour_v these_o army_n of_o gog_n and_o magog_n and_o the_o devil_n that_o deceive_v they_o be_v cast_v into_o the_o lake_n of_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n rev._n 20._o 9_o 10._o for_o now_o after_o all_o christ_n appear_v from_o heaven_n and_o come_v to_o be_v avenge_v of_o his_o enemy_n and_o to_o judge_v the_o whole_a world_n as_o you_o read_v express_o in_o ver_fw-la 11_o 12_o of_o this_o chapter_n before_o his_o first_o come_v satan_n reign_v a_o long_a time_n as_o god_n of_o this_o world_n he_o have_v a_o kind_n of_o a_o unlimited_a rule_n and_o sway_v but_o our_o saviour_n by_o his_o come_v restrain_v his_o power_n and_o lordship_n and_o afterward_o in_o the_o millennary_n reign_n give_v a_o great_a check_n to_o they_o but_o at_o his_o last_o come_v he_o shall_v whole_o deprive_v he_o of_o his_o rule_n and_o dominion_n according_o he_o come_v at_o that_o day_n to_o drive_v satan_n down_o into_o his_o own_o place_n and_o there_o to_o leave_v he_o to_o be_v torment_v for_o ever_o and_o ever_o he_o come_v to_o take_v vengeance_n on_o sinner_n and_o to_o punish_v they_o with_o the_o utmost_a severity_n he_o come_v to_o rescue_v the_o righteous_a from_o the_o fury_n both_o of_o satan_n and_o wicked_a men._n this_o be_v the_o work_n of_o the_o last_o day_n there_o be_v nothing_o more_o to_o be_v add_v unless_o it_o be_v the_o conflagration_n of_o the_o world_n for_o this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v a_o evident_a truth_n that_o the_o fire_v of_o the_o whole_a frame_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n be_v a_o consequent_a of_o the_o final_a judgement_n which_o be_v after_o the_o millennium_n for_o to_o what_o purpose_n shall_v this_o material_a system_n be_v consume_v or_o rather_o indeed_o how_o can_v it_o till_o the_o present_a scene_n of_o action_n in_o this_o world_n be_v at_o a_o end_n which_o will_v not_o be_v till_o after_o the_o thousand_o year_n be_v past_a i_o deny_v not_o but_o there_o may_v be_v some_o beginning_n of_o it_o before_o which_o perhaps_o be_v mean_v in_o that_o forename_a place_n rev._n 20._o 9_o fire_n come_v down_o from_o god_n out_o of_o heaven_n and_o devour_v etc._n etc._n here_o be_v a_o essay_n of_o the_o last_o fire_v of_o the_o world_n which_o be_v prophesy_v of_o