a_o unreasonable_a humour_n it_o importune_v almighty_a power_n and_o wisdom_n without_o any_o necessity_n to_o change_v the_o course_n of_o nature_n or_o at_o least_o to_o act_v beside_o it_o and_o what_o affront_n more_o petulant_a and_o saucy_a can_v we_o easy_o offer_v to_o divine_a majesty_n it_o be_v also_o absurd_a as_o well_o as_o wicked_a for_o suppose_v a_o man_n in_o this_o age_n shall_v real_o work_v a_o miracle_n if_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n may_v not_o be_v receive_v on_o testimony_n then_o neither_o may_v that_o how_o then_o shall_v the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o be_v convey_v to_o all_o that_o be_v concern_v in_o it_o why_o they_o themselves_o must_v both_o see_v it_o do_v and_o use_v all_o mean_n possible_a to_o consider_v whether_o it_o be_v such_o as_o no_o man_n can_v do_v the_o like_a by_o his_o natural_a power_n but_o that_o it_o require_v the_o immediate_a hand_n of_o god_n 37._o it_o seem_v then_o if_o what_o one_o say_v be_v confirm_v by_o miracle_n be_v of_o concern_v as_o christian_a religion_n be_v to_o all_o people_n in_o all_o age_n and_o place_n of_o the_o world_n there_o must_v be_v almost_o as_o many_o miracle_n wrought_v to_o confirm_v this_o say_n as_o there_o be_v single_a person_n how_o else_o shall_v each_o person_n concern_v therein_o see_v one_o do_v and_o than_o miracle_n will_v be_v no_o wonder_n they_o will_v change_v their_o nature_n and_o lose_v their_o efficacy_n and_o beside_o that_o every_o one_o must_v then_o be_v a_o diligent_a searcher_n into_o nature_n how_o else_o can_v he_o use_v all_o mean_n possible_a to_o consider_v whether_o the_o pretend_a miracle_n be_v such_o as_o no_o man_n can_v do_v the_o like_a by_o his_o natural_a power_n no_o say_v the_o author_n that_o be_v needless_a herein_o also_o they_o must_v have_v recourse_n to_o god_n lieutenant_n it_o seem_v then_o at_o last_o ibid._n they_o must_v be_v assure_v by_o testimony_n but_o why_o may_v not_o the_o testimony_n or_o tradition_n of_o the_o holy_a catholic_a church_n strengthen_v by_o the_o concession_n and_o suffrage_n of_o its_o enemy_n be_v believe_v as_o well_o as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n lieutenant_n but_o i_o shall_v say_v no_o more_o hereby_o it_o be_v plain_a enough_o that_o this_o author_n and_o his_o follower_n seek_v not_o for_o truth_n and_o certainty_n but_o to_o palliate_v their_o atheism_n or_o infidelity_n and_o pity_v it_o be_v that_o their_o suggestion_n shall_v disturb_v any_o one_o reliance_n on_o the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n the_o house_n and_o church_n of_o the_o live_a god_n by_o who_o testimony_n and_o tradition_n we_o be_v so_o very_o well_o assure_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n miracle_n as_o that_o we_o have_v little_a or_o no_o reason_n to_o envy_v either_o the_o jew_n or_o gentile_n who_o eye_n be_v bless_v with_o the_o sight_n of_o they_o for_o to_o what_o purpose_n do_v their_o eye_n then_o serve_v they_o be_v it_o not_o to_o convey_v those_o their_o credential_n to_o their_o understanding_n yes_o doubtless_o they_o therein_o have_v little_a other_o benefit_n by_o the_o use_n of_o they_o and_o be_v not_o this_o abundant_o supply_v unto_o we_o by_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o church_n which_o if_o well_o consider_v will_v be_v find_v as_o incapable_a of_o deception_n as_o our_o sense_n for_o aught_o i_o know_v my_o eye_n may_v as_o soon_o be_v deceive_v in_o a_o object_n of_o sight_n as_o the_o whole_a church_n in_o this_o its_o tradition_n however_o if_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n do_v not_o do_v miracle_n it_o certain_o be_v a_o miracle_n that_o the_o world_n shall_v receive_v their_o report_n without_o they_o and_o a_o lie_a wonder_n much_o more_o incredible_a than_o what_o we_o plead_v for_o that_o the_o whole_a church_n throughout_o all_o age_n shall_v so_o confident_o believe_v and_o teach_v that_o they_o do_v they_o although_o therefore_o the_o sight_n of_o miracle_n may_v perhaps_o make_v deep_a impression_n on_o the_o fancy_n and_o affection_n yet_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o church_n be_v full_a out_o as_o convince_a to_o our_o reason_n and_o judgement_n that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n wrought_v many_o and_o great_a miracle_n chap._n v._o the_o strength_n and_o force_n of_o the_o precede_a argument_n nothing_o now_o therefore_o remain_v of_o my_o promise_n but_o the_o last_o part_n which_o be_v to_o show_v that_o this_o way_n of_o prove_v christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v prophet_n be_v very_o sufficient_a and_o rational_a and_o this_o it_o will_v appear_v to_o be_v on_o the_o account_n both_o of_o its_o removal_n of_o all_o suspicion_n that_o they_o be_v not_o and_o of_o its_o positive_a evidence_n that_o they_o be_v all_o just_a suspicion_n that_o they_o be_v no_o prophet_n must_v be_v found_v on_o a_o probability_n either_o that_o they_o pretend_v not_o to_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n or_o if_o they_o do_v that_o they_o therein_o be_v deceive_v or_o else_o that_o they_o have_v a_o design_n to_o deceive_v other_o but_o by_o the_o precede_a argument_n it_o be_v manifest_a that_o neither_o of_o these_o be_v true_a for_o 1._o it_o be_v hardly_o possible_a for_o man_n to_o have_v the_o antecedent_n or_o concomitant_n and_o consequent_n of_o prophecy_n and_o to_o use_v they_o as_o they_o do_v â—n_v order_n to_o the_o propagation_n of_o doctrine_n and_o yet_o not_o pretend_v to_o the_o spirit_n of_o it_o have_v their_o mouth_n be_v perfect_o silent_a their_o action_n will_v have_v declare_v plain_o to_o what_o they_o pretend_v their_o doctrine_n they_o teach_v to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o not_o of_o man_n in_o the_o propagation_n of_o it_o they_o make_v evidence_n of_o that_o wisdom_n fortitude_n and_o virtue_n which_o attend_v the_o prophet_n in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o function_n and_o for_o the_o demonstration_n of_o their_o mission_n to_o teach_v it_o they_o foretell_v future_a contingence_n and_o wrought_v many_o and_o great_a miracle_n and_o how_o can_v all_o this_o be_v without_o a_o pretence_n to_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n and_o the_o office_n of_o prophet_n and_o if_o this_o be_v evident_a by_o their_o action_n without_o their_o word_n much_o more_o so_o be_v it_o in_o conjunction_n with_o they_o for_o as_o a_o man_n action_n may_v either_o enervate_a or_o strengthen_v the_o credibility_n of_o his_o protestation_n and_o pretension_n so_o his_o word_n protestation_n or_o declaration_n may_v very_o much_o illustrate_v the_o purport_n of_o his_o action_n they_o remove_v all_o doubt_n that_o otherwise_o may_v be_v make_v concern_v they_o since_o than_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n do_v not_o only_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o do_v the_o work_n of_o the_o prophetic_a office_n but_o do_v also_o say_v that_o they_o be_v prophet_n 5._o it_o be_v very_o evident_a that_o they_o take_v themselves_o or_o at_o least_o pretend_a to_o be_v so_o 2._o and_o that_o they_o be_v not_o deceive_v in_o take_v themselves_o to_o be_v prophet_n will_v hence_o also_o be_v evident_a if_o we_o consider_v that_o this_o be_v hardly_o possible_a without_o enthusiasm_n the_o spirit_n of_o divination_n or_o some_o such_o other_o fantastic_a delusion_n but_o enthusiast_n or_o diviner_n it_o be_v evident_a they_o be_v not_o because_o they_o be_v wise_a man_n of_o sound_a mind_n and_o discern_a intellect_n which_o be_v so_o great_a preservative_n against_o the_o delusion_n of_o enthusiasm_n and_o defec_fw-la divination_n as_o that_o in_o the_o opinion_n of_o plutarch_n prudence_n do_v repel_v and_o oftentimes_o extinguish_v they_o hereof_o he_o insinuate_v a_o reason_n viz._n because_o prudence_n do_v cherish_v that_o modesty_n and_o sobriety_n which_o be_v destructive_a to_o those_o calenture_n and_o inflammation_n which_o be_v requisite_a to_o the_o be_v of_o they_o and_o these_o usual_o be_v therein_o so_o great_a and_o fervent_a as_o that_o during_o the_o prevalence_n of_o enthusiasm_n or_o divination_n man_n have_v not_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n nor_o indeed_o can_v they_o because_o these_o thing_n be_v in_o themselves_o such_o as_o partake_v not_o of_o reason_n they_o can_v rise_v no_o high_o than_o the_o fancy_n where_o dwell_v like_o storm_n and_o tempest_n in_o the_o middle_a region_n of_o the_o air_n they_o do_v disturb_v and_o disorder_v the_o phantasm_n and_o present_v they_o tumultuous_o to_o the_o understanding_n and_o by_o so_o do_v they_o do_v eclipse_v its_o light_n and_o hinder_v its_o influence_n in_o so_o much_o that_o either_o as_o maimonides_n say_v nothing_o 37._o of_o the_o rational_a faculty_n can_v pass_v fâ—rth_o into_o art_n or_o else_o at_o least_o it_o can_v pass_v no_o true_a judgement_n on_o thing_n so_o represent_v to_o it_o hence_o no_o doubt_n it_o be_v that_o all_o sort_n of_o writer_n concern_v they_o viz._n 4._o heathen_n and_o jew_n as_o
far_o apart_o as_o that_o not_o only_o the_o eâ—pressions_n which_o drop_v from_o my_o pen_n but_o sometime_o also_o the_o very_a argument_n of_o discourse_n be_v utter_o flee_v my_o memory_n i_o can_v therefore_o but_o suspect_n there_o may_v be_v some_o ungrateful_a but_o i_o hope_v not_o nauseous_a repetition_n in_o it_o and_o the_o truth_n be_v my_o design_n not_o be_v auram_fw-la captare_fw-la but_o if_o not_o to_o convince_v gainsayer_n whereof_o i_o fear_v this_o age_n have_v more_o than_o some_o former_a have_v have_v yet_o to_o make_v the_o weak_a steadfast_a in_o faith_n and_o joyful_a through_o hope_n root_v in_o charity_n and_o resolute_a in_o obedience_n i_o be_v not_o very_o solicitous_a to_o avoid_v they_o but_o my_o chief_a care_n be_v to_o speak_v as_o clear_o and_o to_o argue_v as_o strong_o as_o i_o can_v and_o if_o by_o so_o do_v i_o have_v do_v any_o thing_n that_o may_v be_v not_o injurious_a but_o serviceable_a to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o it_o be_v receive_v in_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o that_o i_o have_v much_o reason_n to_o believe_v be_v as_o it_o still_o be_v in_o we_o if_o i_o say_v i_o have_v cast_v but_o two_o mite_n into_o this_o corban_n i_o trust_v that_o god_n and_o all_o good_a man_n will_v accept_v of_o it_o and_o therefore_o i_o think_v i_o need_v no_o apology_n at_o least_o shall_v make_v none_o for_o write_v this_o treatise_n the_o content_n chap._n i._n it_o be_v certain_a the_o mind_n do_v assent_v and_o that_o to_o testimony_n the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n what_o why_o so_o call_v the_o nature_n of_o prophecy_n what_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n what_o that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v prophet_n prove_v by_o scripture_n the_o method_n of_o prove_v it_o otherwise_o propose_v chap._n ii_o of_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o prophet_n and_o that_o there_o be_v prophet_n among_o the_o jew_n the_o notion_n of_o a_o prophet_n deduce_v from_o the_o definition_n of_o prophecy_n assent_v to_o by_o mr._n hobbs_n it_o be_v agreeable_a to_o reason_n and_o all_o mâ—n_z receive_v it_o that_o moses_n be_v a_o prophet_n prove_v by_o the_o testimony_n of_o heathen_n he_o promise_v in_o his_o law_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v prophet_n among_o the_o jew_n prove_v by_o deut._n 18._o 15._o the_o certainty_n that_o there_o be_v so_o thence_o deduce_v chap._n iii_o the_o trial_n of_o prophet_n among_o the_o jew_n of_o the_o condition_n on_o which_o man_n be_v admit_v to_o a_o trial_n sect._n 1_o these_o transcribe_v out_o of_o maimonides_n the_o first_o of_o they_o impertinent_a to_o our_o purpose_n the_o second_o except_v against_o the_o original_n of_o oral_a tradition_n the_o improbability_n of_o it_o the_o falsehood_n of_o it_o concern_v alteration_n to_o be_v make_v in_o the_o write_a law_n of_o moses_n it_o be_v not_o immutable_a a_o objection_n out_o of_o maimonides_n another_o objection_n moses_n himself_o and_o the_o prophet_n teach_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v change_v a_o objection_n the_o antecedent_n or_o concomitant_n of_o a_o prophetic_a spirit_n sect._n 2_o these_o reduce_v to_o six_o head_n the_o jew_n maxim_n that_o prophecy_n rest_v on_o none_o but_o the_o wise_a the_o strong_a and_o the_o rich_a we_o christian_n may_v well_o except_v against_o it_o be_v not_o universal_o true_a by_o their_o own_o concession_n yet_o may_v it_o be_v admit_v on_o two_o condition_n the_o prophet_n wisdom_n consist_v not_o in_o humane_a learning_n acquire_v by_o study_n but_o in_o prudence_n and_o knowledge_n supernatural_a their_o strength_n consist_v in_o courage_n or_o fortitude_n and_o their_o riches_n in_o contentment_n and_o all_o probity_n of_o manner_n of_o prophetic_a prediction_n sect._n 3_o the_o warrant_n the_o jew_n have_v thereby_o to_o make_v trial_n of_o man_n pretence_n to_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n the_o difficulty_n thereof_o from_o jer._n 18._o 7_o etc._n etc._n how_o unfolded_a the_o jew_n sense_n of_o jer._n 23_o 28._o the_o vanity_n of_o astrology_n of_o miracle_n sect._n 4_o the_o jew_n be_v not_o to_o expect_v they_o from_o all_o the_o prophet_n that_o moses_n and_o other_o of_o the_o prophet_n wrought_v miracle_n to_o confirm_v their_o prophecy_n be_v both_o deny_v and_o grant_v by_o maimonides_n prove_v by_o scripture_n chap._n iu._n the_o application_n of_o the_o forego_n discourse_n to_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n sect._n 1_o that_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o have_v be_v deny_v a_o fair_a trial_n the_o jew_n only_o be_v oblige_v to_o observe_v the_o letter_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n yet_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n as_o to_o the_o design_n and_o meaning_n of_o it_o do_v most_o excellent_o establish_v it_o among_o the_o gentile_n demonstrate_v out_o of_o maimonides_n and_o abravanels_n account_n of_o it_o compare_v with_o christian_a doctrine_n they_o themselves_o conform_v to_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o teach_v the_o jew_n so_o to_o do_v of_o their_o wisdom_n sect._n 2_o that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v man_n of_o excellent_a intellectual_n supernatural_a knowledge_n be_v more_o especial_o inquire_v after_o by_o the_o jew_n in_o the_o trial_n of_o prophet_n that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n have_v such_o knowledge_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o manner_n of_o it_o and_o also_o in_o respect_n of_o its_o degree_n or_o measure_n christian_a theology_n more_o excellent_a than_o that_o of_o the_o jew_n and_o that_o in_o a_o threefold_a reference_n viz._n 1_o to_o faith_n the_o object_n whereof_o be_v more_o clear_o reveal_v by_o chriâ—tianity_n than_o it_o be_v by_o judaisme_n 2_o to_o hope_n 3_o to_o practice_n the_o burdensomness_n of_o the_o jewish_a religion_n the_o excellency_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n which_o be_v fulfil_v by_o christ_n a_o objection_n from_o the_o impossibility_n of_o keep_v that_o law_n so_o fill_v up_o propose_v the_o mitigation_n of_o the_o law_n by_o the_o gospel_n in_o four_o particular_n the_o motive_n we_o have_v to_o obey_v the_o gospel_n the_o assistance_n it_o give_v we_o in_o well-doing_n from_o all_o which_o the_o excellency_n of_o christianity_n to_o judaisme_n be_v conclude_v much_o more_o do_v it_o excel_v the_o philosophy_n of_o the_o gentile_n and_o that_o in_o respect_n 1_o of_o the_o general_n nature_n 2_o of_o the_o object_n 3_o of_o ehe_fw-ge end_n and_o scope_n of_o wisdom_n from_o all_o which_o the_o transcendent_a wisdom_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v demonstrate_v of_o their_o fortitude_n sect._n 3_o the_o great_a degeneracy_n â—f_o the_o jew_n their_o preposterous_a zeal_n for_o their_o religion_n their_o malice_n against_o all_o that_o observe_v not_o their_o tradition_n christ_n detect_v the_o shortness_n and_o vanity_n thereof_o the_o horridness_n of_o the_o gentile_n condition_n the_o fortitude_n of_o the_o apostle_n thence_o deduce_v of_o the_o prophetic_a riches_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n sect._n 4_o that_o they_o be_v rich_a prove_v by_o the_o design_a end_n of_o their_o doctrine_n by_o their_o deportment_n among_o man_n distinct_o of_o our_o saviour_n of_o the_o apostle_n from_o the_o multitude_n of_o their_o follower_n and_o from_o the_o silence_n of_o their_o adversary_n of_o the_o prediction_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n sect._n 5_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n the_o prediction_n of_o its_o forerunner_n and_o of_o its_o approach_n and_o consummation_n all_o exact_o accomplish_v the_o call_n of_o the_o gentile_n foretell_v accomplish_v error_n and_o division_n among_o christian_n foretell_v and_o apparent_o accomplish_v yea_o the_o mean_n and_o manner_n of_o their_o production_n viz._n the_o addiction_n and_o design_n the_o artifices_fw-la and_o cunning_a of_o seducer_n together_o with_o the_o nature_n of_o their_o doctrine_n and_o speciousness_n of_o their_o pretence_n all_o foretold_a and_o fulfil_v prove_v at_o large_a of_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n sect._n 6_o that_o they_o real_o wrought_v many_o and_o great_a miracle_n prove_v 1_o by_o reason_n 2_o by_o tradition_n of_o the_o church_n the_o great_a credibility_n of_o this_o tradition_n 3_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o adversary_n of_o all_o sort_n a_o objection_n the_o answer_n they_o be_v not_o do_v by_o enchantment_n prove_v 1_o by_o reason_n 2_o by_o the_o continuance_n of_o miracle_n in_o the_o church_n for_o several_a age_n attest_v by_o the_o father_n the_o evident_a certainty_n both_o that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n wrought_v miracle_n and_o that_o not_o by_o enchantment_n thence_o deduce_v a_o objection_n out_o of_o hobbs_n against_o the_o credibility_n of_o miracle_n ans_fw-fr 1_o that_o miracle_n have_v be_v do_v may_v be_v believe_v upon_o testimony_n 2_o it_o be_v needless_a to_o demand_v the_o do_v of_o miracle_n to_o prove_v that_o there_o have_v be_v some_o do_v 3_o it_o be_v wicked_a and_o absurd_a so_o to_o do_v the_o tradition_n of_o the_o church_n
be_v partaker_n and_o these_o it_o be_v confess_v be_v sometime_o those_o useful_a ornament_n of_o art_n and_o science_n but_o more_o frequent_o if_o not_o always_o those_o of_o intelligence_n and_o prudence_n somewhat_o above_o the_o ordinary_a rate_n of_o other_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n seldom_o or_o never_o rest_v on_o any_o but_o those_o who_o mind_n be_v very_o capable_a of_o first_o principle_n and_o able_a to_o guide_v their_o action_n with_o judgement_n and_o discretion_n now_o that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v so_o be_v a_o thing_n whereof_o it_o seem_v needless_a to_o make_v proof_n because_o among_o all_o the_o enemy_n of_o christianity_n i_o can_v find_v none_o that_o ever_o have_v the_o impudence_n to_o say_v that_o its_o founder_n be_v fool_n but_o rather_o they_o acknowledge_v it_o be_v such_o a_o cunning_o devise_v fable_n or_o so_o subtle_a a_o contrivance_n as_o that_o they_o be_v force_v to_o confess_v the_o author_n of_o it_o be_v man_n of_o excellent_a intellectual_n even_o atheist_n themselves_o by_o say_v that_o our_o religion_n be_v a_o humane_a invention_n allow_v of_o and_o defend_v by_o prince_n to_o keep_v man_n in_o subjection_n do_v declare_v plain_o that_o its_o author_n or_o first_o founder_n who_o in_o all_o appearance_n be_v christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v man_n of_o no_o shallow_a apprehension_n but_o rather_o of_o deep_a judgement_n and_o profound_a ratiocination_n the_o whole_a christian_a world_n must_v be_v think_v to_o consist_v of_o these_o fool_n if_o those_o that_o have_v give_v these_o law_n to_o it_o be_v not_o wise_a yet_o evident_a it_o be_v whoever_o say_v so_o deserve_v to_o be_v reckon_v one_o of_o that_o number_n or_o worse_o however_o it_o seeâ—s_v the_o first_o opponent_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n although_o they_o be_v extreme_o malicious_a yet_o be_v not_o so_o far_o transport_v with_o the_o madness_n of_o pride_n as_o to_o say_v any_o such_o thing_n of_o they_o but_o contrariwise_o they_o admire_v and_o marvel_v at_o they_o insomuch_o that_o not_o only_o the_o people_n be_v astonish_v at_o the_o doctrine_n 47._o of_o christ_n and_o his_o countryman_n at_o his_o wisdom_n but_o also_o the_o very_a doctor_n themselves_o at_o his_o understanding_n and_o answer_n when_o he_o be_v but_o twelve_o year_n old_a and_o afterward_o be_v come_v to_o maturity_n never_o man_n speak_v like_o this_o man_n insomuch_o that_o the_o wicked_a 46._o heart_n of_o many_o among_o they_o prompt_v they_o to_o think_v he_o have_v a_o devil_n but_o other_o say_v and_o give_v a_o good_a reason_n 21._o for_o it_o too_o that_o his_o be_v not_o the_o word_n of_o one_o that_o have_v a_o devil_n if_o we_o lay_v both_o together_o we_o may_v from_o thence_o gather_v that_o his_o discourse_n be_v extraordinary_a so_o far_o above_o the_o pitch_n of_o the_o hearer_n as_o that_o it_o give_v evidence_n of_o transcendent_a wisdom_n in_o the_o speaker_n which_o also_o in_o some_o measure_n discover_v itself_o in_o his_o apostle_n for_o the_o elder_n of_o israel_n marvel_v and_o sergius_n 12._o paulus_n a_o prudent_a man_n be_v astonish_v at_o what_o they_o hear_v from_o they_o and_o wise_a man_n we_o know_v use_v not_o to_o admire_v and_o marvel_v at_o the_o rhapsody_n of_o fool_n if_o therefore_o the_o people_n or_o yet_o their_o ruler_n be_v wise_a it_o must_v be_v conclude_v that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v such_o because_o in_o despite_n of_o malice_n they_o be_v force_v to_o admire_v they_o for_o so_o be_v but_o in_o this_o point_n the_o confession_n of_o our_o modern_a scoffer_n have_v give_v i_o a_o supersedeas_fw-la from_o the_o trouble_n of_o say_v any_o more_o for_o though_o they_o will_v sometime_o shoot_v their_o bolt_n at_o some_o part_n of_o our_o religion_n divide_v from_o the_o rest_n yet_o they_o dare_v not_o say_v but_o that_o the_o whole_a be_v so_o consistent_a with_o itself_o and_o subservient_fw-fr to_o the_o end_n whereunto_o they_o say_v it_o be_v design_v as_o that_o thâ—y_v presume_v to_o disgrace_v it_o only_o with_o sly_a insinuation_n that_o it_o savour_v more_o of_o subtlety_n and_o guile_n than_o of_o honesty_n of_o craft_n and_o cunning_a than_o of_o the_o thing_n call_v conscience_n be_v this_o as_o great_a a_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v a_o slander_n yet_o this_o may_v we_o learn_v from_o it_o namely_o that_o the_o author_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o founder_n of_o our_o religion_n be_v very_o intelligent_a person_n man_n so_o far_o from_o defect_n in_o their_o understanding_n as_o that_o they_o have_v very_o large_a intellectual_n and_o comprehensive_a capacity_n can_v natural_n befool_v the_o world_n and_o make_v it_o dance_v after_o their_o pipe_n no_o sure_o it_o must_v therefore_o be_v conclude_v that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v man_n of_o part_n and_o prudence_n of_o profound_a judgement_n and_o deep_a intention_n and_o in_o that_o respect_n they_o be_v such_o as_o the_o precede_a rule_n of_o the_o rabbin_n style_v wise_a but_o this_o sort_n of_o wisdom_n not_o be_v peculiar_a to_o prophet_n be_v not_o i_o suppose_v so_o much_o inquire_v after_o in_o the_o trial_n of_o those_o that_o pretend_v to_o the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n as_o that_o that_o be_v supernatural_a namely_o that_o knowledge_n which_o without_o revelation_n be_v utter_o unattainable_a and_o that_o in_o respect_n either_o of_o the_o matter_n manner_n or_o measure_n of_o it_o that_o knowledge_n ledg_n or_o wisdom_n which_o in_o one_o or_o other_o of_o these_o respect_n be_v supernatural_a be_v i_o think_v principal_o inquire_v after_o in_o the_o trial_n of_o pretender_n to_o prophecy_n the_o reason_n of_o this_o my_o conjecture_n be_v not_o only_o because_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n require_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o but_o because_o the_o contumelious_a carriage_n of_o the_o jew_n towards_o our_o bless_a saviour_n seem_v to_o intimate_v that_o it_o be_v so_o for_o when_o they_o have_v blindfolded_a he_o they_o strike_v he_o on_o the_o face_n and_o ask_v he_o say_v prophecy_n who_o be_v it_o that_o smite_v thou_o it_o seem_v far_o more_o probable_a 64._o to_o i_o that_o this_o their_o usage_n of_o christ_n shall_v refer_v to_o a_o custom_n of_o their_o own_o rather_o than_o to_o a_o sport_n call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d among_o the_o grecian_a child_n or_o blind-mans-buff_n among_o our_o own_o if_o this_o sport_n be_v of_o use_n among_o the_o jew_n also_o yet_o i_o do_v not_o think_v their_o malice_n be_v then_o so_o gamesome_a and_o childish_a it_o seem_v a_o more_o solemn_a jeer_n allusive_a to_o some_o custom_n or_o enquiry_n that_o wont_a to_o be_v make_v in_o the_o trial_n of_o prophet_n and_o if_o so_o it_o be_v then_o be_v it_o most_o probable_a that_o in_o this_o affair_n the_o jew_n require_v evidence_n of_o some_o supernatural_a knowledge_n in_o he_o that_o pretend_v to_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n and_o such_o knowledge_n as_o this_o we_o have_v already_o observe_v the_o old_a prophet_n have_v in_o respect_n either_o of_o the_o matter_n manner_n or_o measure_n of_o their_o knowledge_n and_o that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n have_v so_o as_o well_o as_o they_o be_v the_o thing_n which_o we_o be_v now_o to_o demonstrate_v foreknowledge_n of_o future_a contingency_n the_o jew_n very_o just_o hold_v to_o be_v supernatural_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v endue_v therewith_o will_v hereafter_o appear_v by_o the_o account_n we_o be_v to_o give_v of_o their_o prediction_n at_o present_a therefore_o i_o shall_v wave_v that_o and_o observe_v that_o they_o as_o well_o as_o the_o prophet_n before_o they_o have_v a_o sort_n of_o knowledge_n which_o be_v true_o supernatural_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o manner_n of_o it_o i._n e._n those_o thing_n which_o of_o their_o own_o nature_n be_v such_o as_o may_v have_v be_v know_v by_o the_o power_n of_o man_n natural_a faculty_n be_v sometime_o make_v know_v to_o they_o by_o immediate_a revelation_n as_o appear_v not_o only_o by_o jesus_n his_o knowledge_n of_o nathaneel_n 5._o and_o of_o all_o other_o man_n but_o also_o by_o the_o discovery_n which_o the_o apostle_n make_v of_o ananias_n and_o sapphira_n sacrilege_n neither_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n know_v nor_o yet_o in_o the_o measure_n of_o their_o knowledge_n do_v there_o seem_v any_o thing_n extraordinary_a yet_o not_o be_v inform_v concern_v it_o it_o be_v evident_a the_o manner_n of_o their_o knowledge_n or_o the_o mean_n whereby_o they_o attain_v to_o it_o be_v supernatural_a they_o receive_v it_o by_o inspiration_n or_o revelation_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o that_o be_v the_o 4._o reason_n why_o st._n peter_n tell_v ananias_n that_o he_o have_v not_o lie_v unto_o man_n but_o to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n i._n e._n to_o god_n himself_o but_o of_o
this_o i_o shall_v say_v no_o more_o because_o i_o will_v here_o speak_v somewhat_o large_o of_o the_o three_o sort_n of_o supernatural_a knowledge_n viz._n that_o that_o be_v so_o in_o respect_n of_o its_o degree_n or_o measure_n the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n do_v not_o only_o reveal_v those_o thing_n all_o knowledge_n whereof_o be_v utter_o unattainable_a by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n but_o moreover_o it_o do_v ofttimes_o illustrate_v those_o thing_n whereof_o man_n have_v some_o obscure_a conception_n without_o it_o thus_o the_o be_v and_o attribute_n of_o god_n although_o they_o may_v in_o some_o measure_n be_v understand_v by_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v make_v yet_o much_o more_o clear_o by_o those_o that_o be_v reveal_v now_o that_o knowledge_n which_o do_v clear_a up_o and_o elucidate_v the_o principle_n of_o natural_a theology_n beyond_o the_o possibility_n of_o study_n and_o industry_n be_v that_o which_o i_o mean_v by_o divine_a and_o supernatural_a knowledge_n in_o respect_n of_o its_o degree_n or_o measure_n and_o this_o be_v that_o knowledge_n which_o ought_v in_o all_o reason_n among_o the_o jew_n to_o have_v be_v honour_v with_o the_o name_n of_o wisdom_n if_o they_o be_v so_o prodigal_a of_o that_o honourable_a 16._o title_n as_o to_o bestow_v it_o on_o the_o puny_a art_n of_o arithmetic_n astrology_n and_o the_o like_a in_o justice_n methinks_v they_o ought_v much_o rather_o to_o have_v give_v it_o to_o theology_n and_o so_o indeed_o we_o find_v that_o they_o do_v for_o among_o 1._o they_o it_o be_v better_o know_v almost_o by_o no_o name_n than_o that_o of_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o well_o may_v it_o be_v so_o call_v because_o not_o only_o the_o object_n but_o also_o the_o teacher_n of_o it_o be_v divine_a for_o they_o be_v the_o man_n of_o god_n or_o the_o prophet_n from_o who_o they_o first_o learn_v it_o probable_a therefore_o it_o be_v that_o in_o the_o trial_n of_o pretender_n to_o the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n especial_a sâ—arch_n be_v make_v after_o this_o wisdom_n and_o for_o this_o cause_n it_o will_v now_o be_v my_o business_n to_o inquire_v whether_o or_o no_o on_o the_o account_n of_o this_o wisdom_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v not_o worthy_a to_o be_v think_v wise_a this_o question_v it_o be_v true_a be_v deny_v by_o many_o in_o the_o day_n of_o their_o flesh_n and_o seem_v hardly_o believe_v by_o more_o than_o a_o few_o now_o in_o we_o and_o among_o those_o that_o affirm_v it_o in_o their_o word_n there_o be_v many_o that_o deny_v it_o in_o their_o deed_n as_o if_o there_o be_v wisdom_n in_o the_o profession_n but_o foolishness_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o our_o religion_n i_o fear_v therefore_o it_o will_v be_v no_o needless_a or_o unseasonable_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o demonstrate_v their_o superlative_a wisdom_n in_o this_o kind_n which_o it_o seem_v be_v so_o transcendent_a as_o that_o justine_n martyr_n after_o all_o his_o hard_a study_n and_o travel_v in_o almost_o all_o sort_n of_o humane_a learning_n find_v christianity_n to_o be_v the_o only_a sure_a and_o useful_a philosophy_n try_n we_o can_v except_v against_o his_o judgement_n as_o that_o of_o a_o party_n because_o this_o be_v his_o experience_n before_o his_o conversion_n yet_o because_o those_o that_o be_v wise_a in_o their_o own_o eye_n will_v not_o see_v with_o he_o we_o shall_v submit_v our_o cause_n to_o a_o trial_n at_o the_o bar_n of_o its_o adversary_n jew_n and_o heathen_n the_o jew_n we_o know_v rest_v in_o the_o law_n and_o make_v their_o boast_n of_o god_n that_o they_o know_v his_o will_n and_o approve_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v more_o excellent_a be_v instruct_v out_o of_o the_o law_n on_o this_o account_n they_o be_v confident_a that_o they_o be_v guide_n of_o the_o blind_a light_n of_o they_o which_o be_v in_o darkness_n instructer_n of_o the_o foolish_a and_o teacher_n 2._o of_o babe_n and_o although_o their_o theology_n be_v grievous_o corrupt_v by_o their_o tradition_n yet_o those_o that_o be_v learned_a in_o their_o law_n be_v on_o that_o account_n so_o conceit_a and_o insolent_a as_o that_o they_o do_v almost_o whole_o engross_v the_o name_n of_o wise_a man_n to_o themselves_o this_o they_o do_v with_o such_o a_o matchless_a pride_n and_o contempt_n of_o other_o as_o will_v even_o tempt_v one_o to_o think_v that_o at_o least_o in_o their_o opinion_n there_o be_v â—â—arce_o any_o wisdom_n in_o any_o thing_n but_o theology_n methinks_v then_o if_o they_o have_v understand_v it_o they_o can_v not_o have_v be_v so_o disingenuous_o partial_a as_o to_o have_v deny_v the_o title_n of_o wisdom_n to_o christianity_n the_o reason_n be_v because_o it_o be_v a_o sort_n of_o theology_n far_o more_o excellent_a than_o their_o own_o and_o that_o in_o a_o threefold_a reference_n namely_o to_o our_o faith_n our_o hope_n and_o our_o practice_n for_o the_o object_n of_o faith_n be_v more_o clear_o reveal_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n than_o by_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n for_o very_o evident_a it_o be_v that_o not_o only_o the_o trinity_n of_o person_n in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o divine_a essence_n the_o person_n and_o office_n of_o the_o messiah_n be_v more_o full_o discover_v but_o also_o the_o very_a attribute_n of_o god_n be_v most_o auspicious_o assert_v and_o illustrate_v by_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n no_o man_n have_v see_v god_n at_o any_o 18._o time_n the_o only_o beget_v son_n which_o be_v in_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o father_n he_o have_v declare_v he_o our_o mind_n may_v apprehend_v god_n but_o our_o eye_n can_v see_v he_o we_o can_v therefore_o have_v no_o knowledge_n of_o he_o but_o by_o ratiocination_n or_o revelation_n the_o former_a we_o have_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n the_o latter_a by_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n which_o sure_o be_v apt_a and_o able_a to_o advance_v our_o knowledge_n above_o the_o high_a pitch_n of_o mere_a nature_n for_o to_o that_o end_n among_o the_o jew_n it_o speak_v by_o the_o prophet_n and_o after_o they_o by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n for_o they_o have_v bless_v the_o world_n with_o the_o great_a illustration_n 5._o that_o ever_o yet_o be_v make_v of_o the_o divine_a attribute_n which_o it_o seem_v according_a to_o the_o jew_n be_v distinguish_v into_o two_o sort_n viz._n fundamental_a and_o practical_a the_o former_a be_v those_o who_o foundation_n be_v lay_v in_o the_o very_a essence_n of_o god_n itself_o such_o as_o power_n wisdom_n holiness_n etc._n etc._n the_o latter_a be_v such_o as_o have_v relation_n and_o reference_n to_o the_o work_n of_o god_n in_o and_o about_o his_o creature_n such_o as_o mercy_n goodness_n truth_n etc._n etc._n whether_o this_o distinction_n be_v orthodox_n and_o adequate_a i_o will_v not_o now_o inquire_v but_o sure_o i_o be_o that_o divine_a attribute_n of_o both_o sort_n be_v most_o evident_o illustrate_v by_o the_o gospel_n for_o its_o doctrine_n do_v not_o only_o teach_v we_o to_o believe_v that_o god_n be_v powerful_a wise_a and_o holy_a merciful_a just_a and_o true_a but_o the_o work_n of_o redemption_n therein_o make_v know_v do_v demonstrate_v that_o he_o be_v so_o where_o can_v we_o find_v so_o magnificent_a a_o demonstration_n of_o infinite_a power_n and_o wisdom_n as_o in_o the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a wherein_o be_v god_n holiness_n and_o mercy_n his_o justice_n and_o goodness_n so_o conspicuous_a as_o in_o the_o death_n and_o suffering_n of_o christ_n and_o where_o do_v divine_a truth_n and_o veracity_n shine_v so_o bright_o as_o in_o the_o completion_n of_o prophecy_n in_o and_o by_o our_o saviour_n from_o his_o birth_n to_o his_o burial_n yea_o from_o his_o conception_n to_o his_o ascension_n it_o seem_v then_o the_o object_n of_o faith_n as_o to_o the_o great_a part_n of_o it_o be_v not_o only_o more_o clear_o reveal_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n than_o by_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n but_o also_o that_o part_n thereof_o wherein_o they_o be_v most_o distinct_a and_o clear_a be_v illustrious_o demonstrate_v by_o the_o gospel_n nor_o have_v they_o therein_o provide_v worse_o for_o our_o hope_n than_o they_o have_v for_o our_o faith_n but_o as_o in_o the_o object_n of_o that_o so_o also_o of_o this_o the_o gospel_n far_o excel_v the_o divinity_n of_o the_o jew_n for_o their_o master_n moses_n in_o the_o institution_n of_o their_o religion_n either_o promise_v they_o nothing_o beyond_o the_o good_a thing_n of_o this_o life_n or_o if_o he_o do_v it_o be_v cover_v with_o such_o cloud_n and_o wrap_v up_o in_o such_o obscurity_n as_o that_o none_o but_o the_o most_o pierce_a eye_n can_v see_v it_o thence_o it_o be_v that_o 9_o a_o great_a and_o learned_a part_n of_o his_o follower_n viz._n the_o sadducee_n do_v reject_v all_o hope_n
this_o be_v that_o appeal_n of_o minutius_n felix_n to_o other_o heathen_n most_o of_o you_o 23._o know_v that_o they_o themselves_o confess_v themselves_o devil_n as_o oft_o as_o by_o the_o torment_n of_o adjuration_n or_o flame_n of_o devotion_n we_o cast_v they_o out_o of_o possession_n even_o saturn_n serapis_n and_o jupiter_n himself_o and_o whatever_o other_o devil_n you_o worship_v be_v overcome_v with_o grief_n speak_v what_o they_o be_v neither_o lie_v they_o for_o the_o advantage_n of_o their_o villainy_n as_o they_o do_v to_o some_o especial_o of_o you_o that_o patronize_v their_o cause_n confess_v the_o truth_n of_o themselves_o believe_v that_o they_o be_v devil_n themselves_o be_v witness_n for_o be_v adjure_v by_o the_o true_a and_o only_o god_n they_o unwilling_o either_o cling_v to_o the_o miserable_a body_n of_o the_o possess_v or_o else_o they_o forthwith_o forsake_v they_o â—r_o else_o they_o vanish_v by_o degree_n according_a to_o the_o 1â—36_n faith_n of_o the_o patient_n or_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o physician_n about_o the_o same_o time_n origen_n tell_v celsus_n that_o to_o that_o â—ry_a 2._o day_n cures_n be_v wrought_v by_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n and_o again_o afterward_o he_o say_v we_o can_v show_v innumerable_a multitude_n both_o of_o greek_n and_o barbarian_n that_o confess_v the_o faith_n of_o jesus_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o which_o faith_n some_o of_o they_o have_v receive_v something_o miraculous_a the_o sign_n whereof_o they_o show_v by_o cure_v the_o sick_a on_o who_o they_o use_v no_o other_o mean_n of_o recovery_n but_o call_v on_o the_o god_n of_o all_o and_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n together_o with_o the_o history_n of_o he_o for_o by_o these_o mean_v we_o ourselves_o hâ—ve_v see_v many_o rescue_v from_o grievous_a evil_n distraction_n and_o madness_n and_o many_o other_o disease_n which_o neither_o man_n nor_o devil_n be_v 3._o able_a to_o cure_v and_o that_o the_o christian_n of_o that_o age_n wrought_v not_o these_o cure_n by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o devil_n he_o far_o yet_o make_v evident_a by_o their_o ejection_n of_o he_o wherever_o they_o find_v he_o the_o power_n of_o christ_n do_v so_o triumph_v over_o he_o as_o that_o almost_o the_o mean_a christian_n can_v dispossess_v he_o for_o more_o than_o a_o few_o of_o they_o be_v able_a to_o drive_v he_o away_o from_o they_o that_o suffer_v by_o he_o and_o that_o without_o any_o curious_a magical_a or_o poisonous_a thing_n but_o only_o by_o prayer_n and_o pure_a invocation_n such_o as_o a_o simple_a 7._o man_n may_v make_v for_o private_a christian_n most_o frequent_o do_v it_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o word_n thereby_o discover_v the_o contemptibleness_n and_o weakness_n of_o the_o devil_n be_v that_o in_o order_n to_o their_o ejection_n from_o the_o soul_n and_o body_n of_o a_o man_n there_o be_v no_o need_n so_o much_o as_o of_o a_o wise_a man_n or_o one_o that_o be_v mighty_a in_o rational_a demonstration_n of_o the_o faith_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n st._n cyprian_n wish_v that_o the_o proconsul_n of_o africa_n a_o great_a persecutor_n of_o the_o christian_n will_v hear_v and_o see_v the_o devil_n who_o he_o worship_v as_o go_n when_o say_v he_o we_o adjure_v and_o vex_v they_o with_o spiritual_a scourge_v and_o when_o by_o the_o torment_n of_o word_n we_o cast_v they_o out_o of_o possess_v body_n when_o at_o the_o word_n of_o man_n by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n as_o it_o be_v feel_v stripe_n and_o scourge_v they_o cry_v out_o and_o groan_n and_o confess_v there_o be_v a_o judgement_n to_o come_v come_v and_o know_v that_o what_o we_o say_v be_v true_a and_o because_o thou_o say_v thou_o so_o worship_v the_o god_n either_o believe_v those_o who_o thou_o do_v worship_n or_o if_o thou_o will_v believe_v thyself_o he_o that_o have_v now_o besiege_v thy_o breast_n and_o blind_v thy_o mind_n with_o a_o night_n of_o ignorance_n shall_v spâ—â—k_v iâ—â—hy_a hâ—â—ring_n concern_v thyself_o thou_o shall_v see_v that_o we_o be_v entreat_v by_o those_o of_o who_o thou_o be_v afraid_a and_o adore_v thou_o shall_v see_v they_o sâ—and_v bind_v under_o our_o hand_n and_o tremble_v bâ—ing_a captive_n who_o thou_o do_v honour_n and_o venerate_a as_o lord_n and_o demâ—trianum_n after_o he_o laâ—tantius_n testify_v that_o they_o fly_v from_o the_o just_a and_o tremble_v because_o when_o they_o possess_v the_o body_n of_o man_n and_o vex_v their_o soul_n be_v by_o they_o adjure_v the_o name_n of_o the_o true_a god_n chase_v they_o away_o for_o have_v hear_v it_o they_o tremble_v cry_v out_o and_o testify_v that_o they_o be_v burn_v and_o scourge_v and_o be_v ask_v who_o they_o be_v when_o when_o they_o come_v and_o how_o they_o enter_v into_o a_o man_n they_o confess_v be_v thus_o constrain_v and_o torture_v by_o the_o virtue_n of_o god_n name_n they_o be_v banish_v because_o of_o these_o lash_n and_o threaten_n they_o have_v always_o hate_v holy_a and_o just_a man_n and_o because_o by_o themselves_o they_o can_v hurt_v they_o those_o who_o they_o feel_v grievous_a to_o they_o they_o pursue_v with_o public_a hatred_n and_o exercise_v cruelty_n as_o violent_o as_o they_o can_v either_o that_o by_o grief_n they_o may_v diminish_v their_o faith_n or_o if_o they_o can_v effect_v that_o that_o they_o may_v utter_o take_v they_o 22._o from_o the_o earth_n leâ—t_v they_o shall_v survive_v to_o restrain_v their_o wickedness_n now_o than_o this_o what_o be_v there_o more_o demonstrative_a that_o christian_a miracle_n be_v not_o wrought_v by_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n since_o they_o bind_v and_o scourge_v he_o take_v he_o captive_a and_o thrâ—w_v he_o out_o of_o possession_n it_o be_v manifest_v the_o power_n that_o do_v they_o be_v great_a than_o he_o and_o contrary_a to_o it_o and_o can_v he_o give_v great_a power_n than_o he_o himself_o have_v no_o sure_o nor_o will_v he_o neither_o indeed_o can_v he_o change_v himself_o into_o a_o angel_n of_o light_a to_o destroy_v but_o only_o to_o uphold_v the_o kingdom_n of_o darkness_n and_o if_o that_o be_v impossible_a much_o more_o so_o be_v it_o for_o he_o to_o have_v give_v power_n to_o one_o that_o at_o the_o invocation_n of_o his_o name_n by_o other_o not_o only_o all_o disease_n shall_v be_v heal_v but_o also_o he_o himself_o torment_v and_o eject_v this_o power_n arnobius_n observe_v that_o jupiter_n câ—pitolinus_n himself_o scarce_o grant_v to_o any_o moral_a no_o not_o to_o his_o own_o chief_a priâ—â—â—_n i_o wilâ—_n not_o demand_v say_v he_o that_o he_o shall_v râ—ise_v the_o dead_a or_o restore_v light_n unto_o the_o blind_a or_o give_v strength_n and_o beauty_n to_o the_o lame_a and_o deform_v but_o that_o either_o by_o the_o command_n of_o his_o voice_n or_o touch_n of_o his_o hand_n he_o shall_v so_o much_o as_o suppress_v a_o pimple_n a_o â—lâ—ft_n from_o the_o nail_n or_o wheal_n of_o the_o skin_n and_o since_o so_o trivial_a a_o power_n as_o this_o be_v not_o confer_v by_o the_o chief_a of_o the_o god_n he_o may_v well_o as_o he_o do_v with_o confidence_n challenge_v the_o gentile_n to_o summon_v the_o most_o renown_a magician_n from_o all_o quarter_n to_o give_v to_o one_o of_o the_o people_n power_n â—o_o make_v the_o dumb_a to_o speak_v the_o deaf_a to_o hear_v the_o born-blind_a to_o see_v to_o restore_v sense_n and_o motion_n to_o member_n long_o cold_a and_o wither_v or_o if_o that_o be_v a_o hard_a matter_n such_o as_o they_o can_v give_v power_n of_o do_v unto_o other_o let_v they_o do_v it_o themselves_o and_o that_o with_o their_o rite_n too_o whatever_o poisonous_a herb_n the_o bosom_n of_o the_o earth_n do_v nourish_v whatever_o force_n there_o be_v in_o their_o rumble_a of_o word_n and_o the_o adjoin_v causality_n of_o verse_n we_o envy_v it_o not_o let_v they_o gather_v it_o it_o like_v we_o to_o try_v and_o know_v whether_o they_o with_o their_o god_n can_v do_v that_o which_o country_n christian_n can_v by_o their_o naked_a command_n 1._o and_o it_o seem_v by_o st._n austin_n that_o this_o power_n of_o work_a miracle_n continue_v in_o the_o church_n though_o not_o so_o conspicuous_o a_o long_a time_n after_o for_o he_o testify_v that_o even_o in_o his_o time_n viz._n in_o the_o four_o century_n miracle_n be_v do_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n either_o by_o his_o sacrament_n or_o by_o prayer_n at_o the_o monument_n of_o his_o saint_n and_o for_o proof_n hereof_o he_o relate_v the_o story_n of_o divers_a whereof_o 8._o he_o himself_o have_v be_v a_o eye-witness_n thus_o apparent_a it_o be_v and_o much_o more_o abundant_o evident_a may_v it_o be_v make_v that_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n for_o several_a age_n after_o his_o death_n wrought_v miracle_n in_o his_o name_n and_o cast_v out_o devil_n and_o sure_o these_o miracle_n of_o they_o do_v conciliate_v authority_n
their_o fault_n if_o they_o do_v not_o receive_v benefit_n by_o they_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v so_o sufficient_o attest_v as_o that_o be_v it_o not_o for_o prejudice_n or_o laziness_n inadvertence_n or_o one_o such_o vice_n or_o other_o i_o very_o think_v there_o neither_o be_v nor_o ever_o be_v any_o consider_a man_n in_o the_o world_n but_o either_o he_o be_v or_o may_v thereby_o have_v be_v convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o doctrine_n and_o so_o bless_v by_o the_o excellency_n of_o their_o religion_n as_o that_o his_o mind_n shall_v no_o long_o be_v blind_v with_o superstition_n or_o fluctuate_v in_o uncertainty_n but_o shall_v know_v assure_o where_o to_o have_v the_o most_o perfect_a object_n of_o all_o his_o faculty_n how_o great_a then_o i_o say_v be_v the_o goodness_n of_o these_o miracle_n that_o confirm_v such_o a_o treasure_n unto_o we_o how_o plain_o do_v it_o show_v their_o descent_n from_o the_o essential_a and_o eternal_a goodness_n viz._n god_n himself_o for_o who_o but_o a_o almighty_a goodness_n can_v be_v author_n of_o such_o production_n such_o unparalleled_a instance_n of_o love_n and_o kindness_n such_o inimitable_a beneficence_n so_o immense_a and_o immix_v a_o goodness_n from_o who_o can_v it_o come_v but_o from_o god_n who_o be_v love_n and_o goodness_n itself_o in_o my_o apprehension_n therefore_o the_o goodness_n of_o these_o miracle_n show_v as_o plain_o that_o they_o be_v the_o work_n of_o god_n in_o testimony_n to_o his_o word_n as_o the_o image_n and_o superscription_n on_o the_o money_n do_v that_o the_o coin_n be_v caesar_n let_v we_o then_o lay_v all_o these_o thing_n together_o viz_o that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n do_v take_v upon_o they_o the_o office_n of_o prophet_n and_o that_o have_v the_o antecedent_n to_o or_o concomitant_a attendant_n on_o the_o prophetic_a spirit_n they_o therein_o neither_o be_v deceive_v nor_o have_v a_o design_n to_o deceive_v other_o and_o by_o their_o prediction_n exact_o accomplish_v it_o appear_v that_o they_o have_v such_o certain_a foreknowledge_n as_o no_o man_n by_o any_o art_n or_o science_n whatever_o can_v possible_o have_v of_o god_n eternal_a purpose_n concern_v future_a contingence_n and_o beside_o this_o supernatural_a knowledge_n to_o confirm_v their_o doctrine_n or_o demonstrate_v their_o mission_n from_o god_n to_o teach_v it_o they_o wrought_v such_o miracle_n as_o in_o the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o their_o nature_n and_o the_o incomparableness_n of_o their_o number_n greatness_n and_o goodness_n do_v most_o evident_o and_o eminent_o appear_v to_o be_v the_o work_n of_o god_n and_o consequent_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n who_o do_v they_o be_v teacher_n of_o such_o a_o excellent_a wisdom_n as_o the_o world_n know_v not_o before_o be_v therein_o inspire_v by_o god_n and_o so_o prophet_n chap._n vi_o some_o use_n that_o may_v be_v make_v of_o this_o doctrine_n thus_o have_v we_o pass_v through_o the_o several_a part_n of_o the_o propose_a method_n and_o in_o so_o do_v have_v i_o hope_v find_v the_o truth_n of_o our_o assertion_n sufficient_o evince_v and_o if_o so_o it_o be_v than_o thence_o sure_o we_o may_v see_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o christian_a religion_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o insufficiency_n of_o humane_a reason_n and_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o christian_a faith_n hope_n and_o practice_n sect._n 1_o 1._o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o christian_a religion_n it_o be_v not_o of_o so_o base_a and_o low_a a_o extraction_n as_o to_o spring_v from_o a_o opinion_n of_o ghost_n or_o ignorance_n of_o 12._o second_o cause_n devotion_n towards_o what_o man_n fear_v or_o the_o mistake_n of_o thing_n casual_a for_o prognostic_n but_o it_o be_v a_o heavenborn_a thing_n it_o descend_v from_o the_o father_n of_o light_n it_o derive_v its_o pedigree_n from_o god_n himself_o and_o have_v the_o image_n not_o only_o of_o his_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n but_o likewise_o of_o his_o dominion_n and_o lordship_n enstamp_v upon_o it_o in_o so_o much_o that_o it_o bring_v its_o own_o obligation_n along_o with_o it_o and_o make_v it_o not_o only_o convenient_a but_o necessary_a not_o only_a prudence_n in_o we_o but_o duty_n to_o receive_v it_o for_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v prophet_n do_v not_o only_o teach_v it_o by_o god_n commandment_n and_o direrection_n ibid._n but_o also_o in_o so_o do_v they_o lay_v the_o high_a obligation_n that_o can_v be_v on_o all_o to_o receive_v it_o god_n we_o know_v be_v the_o supreme_a lord_n the_o fountain_n of_o all_o just_a authority_n be_v in_o he_o as_o therefore_o watâ—rs_n drink_n sweet_a out_o of_o a_o fountain_n so_o those_o law_n that_o come_v as_o the_o word_n of_o prophecy_n do_v immediate_o from_o god_n have_v the_o high_a majesty_n and_o authority_n enstamp_v upon_o they_o for_o this_o cause_n the_o jew_n when_o they_o be_v assure_v of_o any_o man_n call_v to_o the_o prophetic_a office_n think_v themselves_o oblige_v and_o bind_v to_o obey_v he_o in_o all_o thing_n except_o idolatry_n yea_o though_o he_o require_v the_o omission_n of_o the_o affirmative_a or_o the_o do_n of_o the_o negative_a precept_n of_o their_o law_n notwithstanding_o their_o mighty_a zeal_n for_o their_o law_n and_o the_o profound_a reverence_n they_o have_v for_o moses_n their_o master_n yet_o they_o judge_v it_o their_o indispensable_a duty_n in_o all_o thing_n to_o obey_v the_o prophet_n and_o whosoever_o will_v not_o they_o hold_v worthy_a and_o guilty_a of_o death_n by_o the_o immediate_a hand_n of_o heaven_n this_o be_v the_o opinion_n of_o their_o wise_a man_n in_o the_o talmud_n where_o they_o say_v in_o all_o thing_n except_o idolatry_n if_o a_o prophet_n zâ—r_n say_v unto_o thou_o transgress_v the_o law_n thou_o shall_v obey_v he_o and_o good_a reason_n too_o for_o a_o prophet_n be_v 36._o god_n spokesman_n to_o the_o people_n his_o herald_n to_o proclaim_v his_o law_n there_o be_v good_a reason_n he_o shall_v be_v hear_v and_o attend_v to_o whosoever_o else_o be_v neglect_v the_o reason_n be_v because_o the_o word_n of_o prophecy_n come_v immediate_o from_o god_n be_v clothe_v with_o his_o authority_n and_o if_o where_o the_o word_n of_o a_o king_n be_v there_o be_v power_n much_o more_o methinks_v be_v there_o where_o the_o word_n of_o he_o be_v by_o who_o king_n reign_n have_v not_o this_o be_v the_o dictate_v of_o natural_a reason_n numa_n pompilius_n and_o other_o ancient_a lawgiver_n among_o the_o heathen_n have_v be_v very_o foolish_a as_o well_o as_o false_a in_o pretend_v to_o have_v receive_v their_o law_n from_o the_o god_n but_o man_n natural_a reason_n tell_v they_o that_o the_o high_a authority_n of_o man_n be_v far_o inferior_a to_o that_o of_o god_n this_o politic_a pretence_n be_v think_v a_o very_a effectual_a engine_n to_o make_v man_n obedient_a to_o their_o law_n and_o this_o engine_n we_o see_v be_v to_o stand_v upon_o the_o ground_n that_o god_n above_o all_o be_v to_o be_v obey_v since_o than_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v prophet_n those_o be_v no_o good_a subject_n unto_o god_n yea_o they_o be_v worse_o than_o jew_n or_o heathen_n that_o deny_v the_o religion_n that_o they_o have_v teach_v we_o to_o have_v power_n of_o bind_v we_o to_o receive_v it_o obj._n yet_o the_o leviathan_n will_v have_v it_o in_o and_o of_o itself_o to_o have_v none_o for_o it_o faith_n express_o the_o precept_n repent_v be_v baptise_a keep_v the_o commandment_n believe_v the_o gospel_n come_v unto_o i_o sell_v all_o that_o thou_o have_v give_v it_o to_o the_o poor_a and_o follow_v i_o be_v not_o command_n but_o invitation_n and_o calling_n of_o mâ—n_z to_o christianity_n like_o that_o of_o isaiah_n ho_o every_o man_n 1_o that_o thirst_v come_v you_o to_o the_o water_n come_v and_o 42._o buy_v wine_n and_o milk_n without_o money_n ans_fw-fr the_o difference_n between_o precept_n and_o command_n especial_o in_o point_n of_o obligation_n i_o be_o hardly_o so_o subtle_a as_o to_o understand_v i_o have_v read_v indeed_o that_o the_o jew_n put_v a_o difference_n between_o law_n statute_n and_o judgement_n but_o hardly_o ever_o that_o either_o they_o oâ—_n the_o gentile_n find_v any_o between_o precept_n and_o command_n but_o this_o be_v a_o matter_n too_o trivial_a to_o be_v debate_v whether_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o profound_a piâ—ce_n of_o subtlety_n or_o a_o contradiction_n i_o shall_v not_o now_o take_v upon_o i_o to_o determine_v but_o let_v it_o pass_v as_o a_o specimen_fw-la of_o that_o extraordinary_a wit_n which_o the_o treatise_n of_o human_a reason_n observe_v in_o that_o author_n we_o shall_v inquire_v why_o he_o â—aith_v so_o viz._n why_o he_o â—aith_v that_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o its_o calling_n of_o man_n to_o christianity_n have_v not_o the_o obligation_n of_o command_n in_o they_o his_o reason_n be_v
these_o evangelist_n shall_v write_v without_o their_o knowledge_n and_o approbation_n especial_o consider_v that_o tertullian_n faith_n s._n mark_v gospel_n may_v be_v affirm_v to_o be_v st._n peter_n and_o st._n luke_n the_o apostolical_a church_n be_v wont_n to_o ascribe_v 5_o unto_o st._n paul_n insomuch_o that_o st._n hierom_n it_o seem_v affirm_v that_o this_o be_v the_o gospel_n which_o st._n 16._o paul_n call_v his._n what_o shadow_n of_o probability_n have_v 58._o there_o be_v in_o these_o assertion_n if_o these_o evangelist_n have_v not_o have_v at_o least_o the_o approbation_n of_o these_o apostle_n in_o their_o write_n and_o approve_a it_o seem_v they_o be_v by_o st._n john_n as_o well_o as_o they_o for_o eusebius_n report_v the_o tradition_n of_o the_o church_n inform_v we_o that_o when_o the_o write_n of_o these_o evangelist_n be_v come_v unto_o he_o he_o approve_v of_o they_o and_o give_v they_o his_o testimony_n to_o their_o truth_n only_o â—e_v desire_v that_o in_o these_o write_n there_o â—ad_v be_v a_o account_n give_v of_o those_o thing_n which_o christ_n do_v when_o he_o first_o begin_v to_o preach_v and_o that_o that_o be_v say_v be_v true_a for_o it_o may_v be_v discern_v that_o these_o thrâ—â—_n evangelist_n viz._n st._n matthew_n st._n mark_n and_o st._n luke_n have_v commit_v to_o write_v only_o thâ—se_a thing_n which_o our_o saviour_n do_v in_o the_o space_n of_o a_o year_n after_o the_o imprisonment_n and_o captivity_n of_o st._n john_n the_o baptist_n they_o say_v therefore_o that_o st._n john_n the_o apostle_n bathe_v deliver_v in_o his_o gospel_n 24._o the_o thing_n which_o our_o saviour_n do_v in_o that_o space_n of_o time_n which_o the_o former_a evangelist_n â—ad_v pass_v over_o in_o silence_n the_o time_n namely_o before_o the_o imprisonment_n of_o the_o baptist_n a_o observation_n not_o unworthy_a of_o our_o notice_n but_o at_o present_a we_o have_v no_o use_n for_o any_o part_n of_o it_o but_o only_o the_o beginning_n viz._n that_o st._n john_n the_o apostle_n do_v not_o only_o approve_v of_o but_o add_v his_o authority_n to_o the_o gospel_n of_o st._n mark_n and_o st._n luke_n which_o testimony_n of_o eusebius_n or_o rather_o of_o the_o church_n by_o he_o be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o credible_a because_o justin_n martyr_n in_o many_o place_n of_o his_o work_n call_v these_o as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o gospel_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o commemoration_n â—apâ—usculè_fw-la or_o narration_n of_o the_o apostle_n but_o this_o they_o can_v not_o be_v unless_o as_o tertullian_n faith_n the_o evangelical_n instrument_n â—ad_v for_o its_o â—_z the_o apostle_n on_o who_o the_o lord_n impose_v the_o office_n of_o promulgate_a the_o gospel_n or_o if_o apostolical_a man_n have_v any_o hand_n in_o it_o yet_o not_o alone_o but_o with_o the_o apostle_n and_o after_o the_o apostle_n because_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o disciple_n may_v be_v suspect_v of_o vain_a glory_n if_o it_o have_v not_o â—ad_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o master_n yea_o of_o christ_n 2._o who_o make_v the_o apostle_n master_n to_o assist_v it_o and_o have_v the_o assistance_n of_o their_o authority_n it_o be_v very_o evident_a that_o since_o they_o be_v prophet_n the_o truth_n and_o authority_n of_o these_o write_n muâ—â—_n needs_o be_v divine_a lucae_n the_o author_n of_o they_o write_v as_o origen_n faith_n by_o inspiration_n and_o so_o clear_a have_v this_o argument_n heretofore_o be_v think_v by_o its_o own_o light_n as_o that_o among_o the_o jew_n it_o be_v a_o rule_n that_o of_o whosoever_o a_o prophet_n bear_v witness_v that_o he_o be_v a_o prophâ—t_n 9_o he_o shall_v be_v receive_v as_o a_o prophet_n neither_o shall_v there_o any_o far_a trial_n be_v make_v of_o he_o since_o then_o the_o apostle_n be_v prophet_n and_o do_v either_o write_v or_o approve_v of_o and_o authorize_v all_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n wherein_o also_o they_o give_v testimony_n to_o those_o of_o the_o old_a that_o they_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n we_o ought_v to_o acquiesce_v and_o cease_v from_o make_v a_o doubt_n of_o it_o shall_v conclude_v that_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o whole_a bible_n be_v divine_a 1_o but_o it_o be_v manifest_a faith_n the_o leviathan_n that_o none_o can_v know_v the_o scripture_n be_v god_n word_n though_o all_o true_a christian_n believe_v it_o but_o those_o 33._o to_o who_o god_n himself_o â—ath_v reveal_v it_o supernatural_o anâ—_n it_o be_v manifest_a yes_o that_o it_o be_v very_o good_a but_o i_o pray_v what_o make_v it_o so_o why_o the_o sole_a authority_n of_o the_o leviathan_n and_o let_v i_o tell_v you_o you_o will_v never_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v his_o disciple_n unless_o he_o have_v power_n enough_o over_o you_o to_o make_v you_o think_v so_o for_o he_o be_v â—o_o authentic_a a_o teacher_n as_o that_o he_o often_o suggett_v such_o principle_n as_o this_o upon_o his_o bare_a word_n and_o this_o you_o must_v take_v although_o perhaps_o you_o have_v good_a reason_n to_o the_o contrary_n if_o you_o be_v so_o ill_o nature_a as_o to_o deny_v he_o this_o little_a postulatum_fw-la you_o spoil_v all_o and_o leave_v no_o hope_n that_o ever_o you_o will_v be_v of_o his_o opinion_n for_o a_o instance_n of_o this_o you_o need_v not_o seek_v far_o there_o be_v one_o before_o you_o for_o what_o be_v knowledge_n but_o a_o firm_a certain_a and_o evident_a assent_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o proposition_n and_o our_o assent_n to_o that_o under_o debate_n viz._n that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n seem_v to_o have_v all_o these_o degree_n of_o perfection_n in_o it_o for_o it_o be_v firm_a because_o without_o hesitation_n and_o doubt_v it_o be_v certain_a because_o build_v upon_o such_o sure_a and_o solid_a foundation_n as_o can_v be_v make_v unable_a to_o bear_v it_o and_o it_o be_v evident_a because_o it_o be_v evident_o and_o plain_o deduce_v from_o the_o next_o and_o immediate_a cause_n of_o any_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n namely_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n but_o whether_o or_o no_o according_a to_o the_o strict_a and_o rigorous_a definition_n of_o philosopher_n it_o be_v knowledge_n proper_o so_o call_v it_o be_v not_o material_a to_o inquire_v because_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a that_o so_o it_o shall_v be_v for_o as_o in_o all_o art_n and_o science_n firm_a assent_n to_o first_o principle_n by_o what_o mean_v soever_o it_o be_v attain_v be_v sufficient_a for_o learner_n so_o here_o the_o chief_a design_n of_o holy_a scripture_n be_v to_o teach_v we_o knowledge_n of_o thing_n supernatural_a and_o our_o assent_n to_o the_o divinity_n of_o its_o authority_n be_v one_o of_o the_o first_o premise_n requisite_a to_o our_o attainment_n of_o that_o knowledge_n it_o have_v need_v only_o to_o be_v firm_a because_o firmness_n of_o assent_n thereunto_o be_v of_o itself_o sufficient_a to_o make_v we_o learn_v believe_v and_o obey_v the_o scripture_n as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o be_v evident_a by_o the_o example_n of_o all_o those_o pious_a and_o good_a man_n who_o although_o illiterate_a do_v yet_o take_v heed_n thereunto_o as_o to_o the_o rule_n that_o god_n have_v give_v they_o both_o of_o their_o faith_n and_o practice_n this_o they_o do_v although_o they_o can_v give_v no_o other_o reason_n why_o they_o think_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v so_o than_o because_o they_o be_v general_o receive_v as_o such_o and_o vogue_v to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n these_o man_n it_o be_v confess_v do_v not_o know_v but_o only_o believe_v that_o they_o be_v so_o yet_o their_o faith_n be_v steadfast_a i._n e._n their_o assent_n firm_a they_o we_o see_v do_v learn_v believe_v and_o obey_v they_o as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n 2_o but_o this_o be_v more_o than_o they_o need_v to_o do_v for_o he_o to_o who_o god_n have_v not_o supernatural_o reveal_v that_o they_o be_v his_o nor_o that_o those_o that_o publish_v they_o be_v send_v by_o he_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o obey_v they_o 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these_o qualification_n as_o we_o have_v also_o see_v take_v away_o all_o cause_n of_o suspicion_n that_o the_o prophet_n either_o be_v deceive_v or_o have_v a_o design_n to_o deceive_v other_o in_o their_o prophecy_n and_o beside_o that_o either_o by_o prediction_n or_o miracle_n they_o give_v such_o evidence_n of_o a_o prophetic_a spirit_n as_o can_v possible_o come_v from_o none_o but_o god_n and_o therefore_o in_o motive_n of_o credibility_n a_o word_n of_o prophecy_n do_v far_o exceed_v a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n because_o for_o aught_o we_o know_v the_o prince_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o air_n may_v deceive_v we_o with_o something_o like_o it_o or_o the_o pretend_a hearer_n of_o it_o be_v it_o may_v be_v themselves_o deceive_v or_o have_v a_o design_n to_o deceive_v other_o since_o than_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n as_o we_o have_v large_o prove_v be_v a_o sort_n of_o prophet_n that_o most_o eminent_o have_v all_o the_o qualification_n requisite_a to_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n and_o both_o by_o prediction_n and_o miracle_n give_v thâ—_n clear_a evidence_n that_o ever_o the_o world_n have_v of_o it_o we_o have_v the_o high_a reason_n whereof_o a_o revelation_n be_v capable_a most_o firm_o to_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n that_o they_o have_v teach_v we_o what_o though_o the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n be_v as_o without_o controversy_n it_o be_v very_o great_a yet_o the_o theist_n of_o our_o age_n have_v no_o reason_n on_o that_o account_n to_o disbelieve_v it_o for_o though_o perhaps_o it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o expect_v that_o our_o religion_n shall_v befriend_v our_o reason_n yet_o not_o so_o far_o as_o to_o make_v it_o the_o rule_n and_o measure_n of_o divine_a revelation_n the_o reason_n be_v because_o the_o divine_a intellect_n be_v infinite_a and_o we_o finite_a although_o therefore_o without_o a_o experiment_n or_o other_o demonstration_n there_o seem_v to_o be_v no_o obligation_n on_o we_o firm_o to_o assent_v to_o any_o thing_n in_o philosophy_n yet_o be_v we_o not_o permit_v to_o be_v such_o virtuosâ—_n in_o religion_n the_o reason_n be_v because_o thing_n in_o themselves_o uncapable_a of_o a_o demonstration_n be_v reveal_v with_o a_o command_n to_o believe_v and_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o make_v they_o a_o râ—morâ—_n to_o our_o belief_n for_o as_o after_o all_o our_o search_n into_o nature_n and_o great_a discovery_n of_o thing_n therein_o we_o be_v force_v to_o confess_v there_o may_v be_v more_o in_o her_o dark_a bosom_n than_o we_o can_v discover_v and_o we_o on_o that_o account_n have_v no_o reason_n to_o deny_v the_o be_v of_o nature_n so_o also_o in_o thing_n reveal_v if_o after_o all_o our_o hard_a study_n we_o can_v comprehend_v they_o we_o thereupon_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o deny_v the_o be_v of_o they_o because_o god_n who_o have_v make_v may_v also_o reveal_v thing_n that_o pass_v our_o understanding_n if_o therefore_o there_o be_v evidence_n sufficient_a to_o convince_v the_o understanding_n as_o in_o the_o case_n now_o before_o we_o there_o be_v that_o the_o revelation_n come_v from_o god_n there_o be_v no_o reason_n on_o the_o account_n of_o its_o mystery_n to_o reject_v it_o and_o indeed_o the_o mystery_n of_o christianity_n be_v so_o far_o from_o give_v just_a occasion_n of_o unbelief_n as_o that_o they_o be_v apt_a to_o strengthen_v our_o faith_n in_o it_o for_o the_o gospel_n teach_v we_o to_o glorify_v god_n in_o 20._o our_o spirit_n as_o well_o as_o body_n it_o be_v very_o reasonable_a and_o convenient_a that_o it_o shall_v require_v we_o to_o honour_v he_o by_o the_o submission_n of_o our_o understanding_n to_o indemonstrable_v revelation_n as_o well_o as_o by_o the_o obedience_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o life_n unto_o his_o law_n and_o therefore_o as_o it_o be_v fit_v for_o we_o to_o obey_v the_o divine_a law_n though_o our_o will_n reluct_v never_o so_o much_o against_o it_o so_o also_o be_v it_o for_o we_o to_o believe_v whatever_o god_n have_v reveal_v think_v never_o so_o improbable_a to_o our_o understanding_n for_o unless_o we_o do_v so_o we_o shall_v undoubted_o fall_v short_a of_o our_o duty_n which_o in_o this_o case_n without_o dispute_n be_v to_o tread_v in_o the_o step_n of_o our_o father_n abraham_n who_o give_v glory_n to_o god_n by_o be_v so_o strong_a in_o faith_n as_o to_o believe_v that_o that_o be_v impossible_a in_o nature_n and_o therefore_o incredible_a unto_o reason_n if_o we_o will_v believe_v no_o more_o than_o what_o we_o can_v demonstrate_v to_o be_v true_a our_o assent_n be_v not_o faith_n but_o science_n for_o it_o be_v not_o build_v upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o god_n testimony_n but_o on_o demonstration_n from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n testify_v and_o so_o it_o honour_v not_o god_n at_o all_o because_o it_o receive_v not_o the_o truth_n for_o his_o sake_n but_o he_o for_o the_o truth_n sake_n and_o so_o it_o pay_v no_o respect_n to_o his_o word_n but_o only_o to_o our_o own_o ratiocination_n but_o forasmuch_o as_o the_o mind_n assent_v to_o testimony_n as_o well_o as_o reason_n and_o the_o divine_a prerogative_n extend_v itself_o to_o the_o whole_a man_n that_o religion_n that_o become_v god_n and_o it_o be_v suitable_a to_o man_n must_v have_v something_o in_o it_o to_o exercise_v this_o his_o innate_a power_n about_o and_o for_o this_o cause_n the_o mystery_n of_o christianity_n ought_v to_o be_v look_v on_o as_o a_o motive_n to_o believe_v rather_o than_o to_o reject_v it_o for_o be_v there_o no_o mystery_n in_o it_o we_o shall_v have_v some_o reason_n to_o entertain_v a_o temptation_n to_o think_v that_o it_o be_v not_o of_o god_n because_o whatsoever_o else_o we_o be_v assure_v there_o be_v have_v something_o in_o it_o that_o exceed_v the_o reach_n of_o our_o reason_n yea_o and_o conjecture_n too_o for_o if_o we_o contemplate_v the_o work_n of_o creation_n thing_n that_o we_o daily_o see_v and_o handle_v which_o â—eem_v to_o lie_v level_a with_o our_o understanding_n yet_o after_o our_o most_o accurate_a researche_n into_o their_o nature_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o the_o most_o pierce_a judgement_n or_o profound_a reason_n be_v not_o able_a to_o solve_v all_o the_o phaenomena_n or_o attain_v to_o a_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o they_o and_o who_o be_v there_o that_o observe_v well_o the_o dispensation_n of_o divine_a providence_n but_o may_v therein_o find_v such_o riddle_n as_o his_o reason_n can_v unfold_v such_o mystery_n as_o baffle_v his_o understanding_n and_o confound_v his_o curiosity_n in_o his_o inquire_n after_o the_o cause_n of_o they_o the_o end_n and_o reason_n of_o god_n proceed_n with_o man_n although_o always_o most_o just_a and_o righteous_a yet_o very_o often_o be_v so_o secret_a and_o hide_a as_o that_o they_o convince_v we_o his_o judgement_n be_v unsearchable_a and_o his_o way_n past_o find_v out_o and_o from_o the_o work_n of_o creation_n and_o providence_n result_v a_o natural_a religion_n the_o chief_a principle_n whereof_o we_o know_v be_v that_o there_o be_v a_o be_v infinite_a in_o all_o perfection_n this_o be_v the_o dictate_v of_o reason_n as_o well_o as_o conscience_n yet_o reason_n can_v fathom_v the_o depth_n of_o it_o for_o it_o have_v only_o a_o negative_a conception_n of_o infinity_o and_o whatever_o there_o be_v that_o it_o have_v no_o conception_n of_o do_v undoubted_o surpass_v its_o reach_n and_o comprehension_n so_o that_o natural_a theology_n as_o well_o as_o reveal_v have_v its_o mystery_n if_o therefore_o christianity_n have_v none_o how_o unlike_a will_v it_o be_v to_o all_o thing_n else_o in_o the_o world_n that_o have_v god_n for_o their_o author_n how_o just_a a_o prejudice_n will_v this_o be_v to_o the_o reception_n of_o it_o as_o divine_a truth_n and_o revelation_n who_o will_v believe_v it_o to_o be_v of_o god_n when_o he_o see_v nothing_o that_o surpass_v man_n in_o it_o how_o decent_a then_o and_o useful_a be_v the_o mystery_n of_o christianity_n since_o they_o make_v it_o like_v to_o all_o thing_n else_o of_o god_n make_v they_o beautify_v and_o adorn_v it_o with_o fair_a character_n than_o otherwise_o it_o will_v have_v of_o god_n image_n on_o it_o and_o the_o fair_a the_o character_n of_o his_o image_n be_v upon_o it_o the_o more_o legible_a be_v his_o truth_n in_o it_o for_o infiniteness_n of_o truth_n be_v inseparable_a from_o right_a reason_n idea_n of_o deity_n and_o where_o there_o be_v infiniteness_n of_o truth_n there_o be_v no_o possibility_n of_o a_o lie_n mistake_v or_o deceit_n and_o where_o these_o be_v exclude_v there_o be_v no_o room_n for_o hesitance_n or_o doubt_v but_o the_o strong_a reason_n imaginable_a to_o believe_v since_o therefore_o our_o christian_a faith_n have_v the_o impression_n of_o god_n image_n on_o it_o and_o the_o word_n of_o prophecy_n reveal_v it_o it_o be_v most_o high_o reasonable_a to_o believe_v it_o sect._n 5._o
do_v as_o far_o exceed_v the_o power_n of_o nature_n as_o the_o donation_n of_o blessedness_n or_o any_o thing_n else_o contain_v in_o the_o promise_n by_o they_o therefore_o it_o appear_v that_o all_o thing_n requisite_a thereunto_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o he_o by_o who_o or_o in_o who_o name_n they_o be_v do_v and_o the_o goodness_n of_o his_o miracle_n declare_v he_o as_o willing_a as_o able_a to_o bestow_v they_o on_o we_o and_o where_o both_o power_n and_o will_n do_v concur_v to_o make_v man_n bless_v it_o be_v very_o evident_a there_o be_v no_o place_n leave_v for_o diffâ—â—ence_n or_o room_n for_o despair_n since_o then_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n do_v demonstrate_v both_o his_o ability_n and_o willingness_n to_o make_v we_o bless_v and_o all_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v empty_a themselves_o into_o blessedness_n it_o thence_o follow_v that_o on_o that_o account_n we_o may_v and_o in_o reason_n we_o ought_v to_o have_v strong_a confidence_n in_o the_o promise_n but_o here_o perhaps_o some_o will_v say_v no_z because_o the_o performance_n obj._n of_o they_o in_o order_n to_o the_o acquisition_n of_o blessedness_n include_v a_o general_a resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a whiâ—h_n be_v impossible_a because_o if_o some_o man_n have_v not_o be_v nourish_v by_o feed_v on_o the_o flesh_n of_o other_o yet_o sure_o fish_n eat_v man_n and_o man_n eat_v those_o fish_n so_o that_o that_o which_o former_o be_v the_o flesh_n of_o one_o man_n be_v frequent_o take_v into_o the_o substance_n of_o another_o body_n and_o because_o it_o can_v be_v that_o the_o same_o numerical_a matter_n shall_v constitute_v divers_a body_n it_o seem_v impossible_a that_o these_o man_n shall_v have_v a_o resurrection_n ans_fw-fr be_v it_o so_o that_o a_o general_a resurrection_n seem_v incredible_a yet_o ought_v not_o that_o to_o prejudice_v our_o hope_n any_o more_o than_o the_o mystery_n of_o christianity_n do_v our_o faith_n because_o that_o he_o who_o make_v and_o reveal_v thing_n that_o pass_v our_o comprehension_n may_v propose_v the_o like_a to_o our_o hope_n and_o forasmuch_o as_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o honour_v he_o by_o the_o submission_n of_o our_o irascible_a faculty_n as_o well_o as_o rational_a it_o ought_v not_o to_o seem_v strange_a that_o so_o he_o shall_v but_o why_o shall_v it_o be_v think_v impossible_a for_o god_n to_o raise_v the_o dead_a if_o the_o loadstone_n can_v so_o extract_v the_o file_n of_o steel_n out_o of_o dust_n as_o that_o nothing_o thereof_o shall_v be_v lose_v why_o shall_v it_o be_v think_v impossible_a for_o god_n to_o gather_v together_o and_o raise_v up_o every_o the_o least_o particle_n of_o each_o man_n body_n wheresoever_o hide_v or_o intermingle_v with_o other_o and_o there_o be_v no_o fear_n of_o a_o contention_n at_o thou_o rsurrection_n among_o the_o cannibal_n or_o other_o for_o their_o respective_a body_n for_o it_o seem_v to_o i_o more_o than_o probable_a that_o infinite_a wisdom_n power_n and_o justice_n will_v so_o order_v the_o matter_n aâ—_n that_o humane_a flesh_n which_o man_n have_v devour_v 20._o shall_v be_v as_o st._n austin_n faith_n restore_v unto_o they_o in_o who_o it_o first_o begin_v to_o be_v man_n flesh_n and_o they_o from_o who_o body_n the_o restitution_n be_v make_v shall_v have_v no_o cause_n to_o be_v trouble_v at_o it_o for_o as_o the_o imperfâ—ctions_n or_o the_o defect_n of_o strength_n and_o nature_n in_o the_o body_n of_o infant_n at_o their_o decease_n shall_v by_o the_o almighty_a power_n and_o wisdom_n be_v supply_v at_o the_o resurrection_n so_o may_v and_o so_o i_o believe_v shall_v they_o nâ—r_n do_v this_o supply_n make_v they_o cease_v any_o more_o to_o be_v the_o same_o body_n than_o the_o cure_n of_o a_o old_a ulcer_n in_o the_o leg_n makâ—s_v it_o cease_v to_o be_v the_o same_o leg_n although_o in_o order_n thereunto_o the_o putrefy_a flesh_n be_v remove_v that_o sound_n may_v be_v restore_v in_o all_o this_o there_o be_v nothing_o impossible_a and_o since_o christianity_n do_v so_o clear_o assert_v a_o future_a resurrection_n and_o we_o have_v so_o much_o reason_n to_o believe_v it_o it_o be_v not_o only_o possible_a but_o probable_a that_o so_o it_o shall_v be_v however_o since_o so_o it_o may_v be_v there_o be_v no_o truth_n or_o force_n in_o the_o objection_n to_o make_v our_o christian_a hope_n unreasonable_a but_o since_o it_o grasp_v at_o nothing_o that_o be_v real_o impossible_a and_o withal_o be_v so_o well_o found_v on_o promise_n of_o who_o truth_n and_o certainty_n we_o be_v so_o abundant_o assure_v it_o must_v be_v conclude_v to_o be_v very_o rational_a sect._n 6_o last_o since_o it_o be_v thus_o reasonable_a to_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n and_o to_o hope_v in_o the_o promise_v of_o christianity_n it_o be_v also_o very_o reasonable_a for_o we_o to_o keep_v its_o commandment_n faith_n and_o hope_n be_v so_o great_a engine_n of_o action_n as_o that_o in_o natural_a and_o civil_a affair_n scarce_o any_o man_n omit_v do_v of_o any_o thing_n whereby_o he_o believe_v and_o hope_n to_o obtain_v some_o good_a or_o to_o avoid_v some_o evil_n and_o if_o in_o those_o affair_n all_o the_o world_n think_v it_o reasonable_a for_o faith_n and_o hope_n to_o set_v we_o on_o do_v why_o be_v it_o not_o so_o also_o in_o religious_a since_o therefore_o in_o these_o affair_n we_o have_v as_o we_o have_v see_v very_o fair_a ground_n to_o plant_v these_o engine_n on_o it_o be_v very_o reasonable_a to_o set_v they_o on_o work_n in_o keep_v the_o commandment_n and_o not_o for_o this_o cause_n only_o but_o especial_o because_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n who_o reveal_v they_o to_o we_o and_o impose_v they_o on_o we_o be_v prophet_n it_o be_v thence_o manifest_a that_o they_o have_v no_o less_o than_o divine_a authority_n enstamp_v upon_o they_o and_o so_o indisputable_o evident_a and_o transcendent_o great_a be_v this_o authority_n as_o that_o the_o whole_a earth_n heathen_n and_o turk_n as_o well_o as_o jew_n and_o christian_n acknowledge_v a_o obligation_n to_o obey_v it_o and_o since_o god_n command_n have_v so_o confess_v a_o obligation_n in_o they_o it_o be_v certain_o a_o part_n of_o the_o synteresis_fw-la or_o habit_n of_o practical_a principle_n wherewith_o nature_n have_v endue_v all_o man_n conscience_n that_o god_n be_v to_o be_v obey_v since_o then_o because_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v prophet_n the_o precept_n of_o that_o religion_n that_o they_o have_v teach_v we_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o command_v of_o god_n we_o be_v self-condemned_n wretch_n perhaps_o worse_o than_o infidel_n if_o we_o do_v not_o obey_v they_o but_o here_o to_o demonstrate_v at_o once_o both_o the_o nature_n and_o the_o greatness_n of_o our_o obligation_n to_o obedience_n it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o though_o it_o may_v seem_v a_o digression_n to_o inquire_v whence_o our_o obligation_n to_o obey_v god_n do_v arise_v if_o we_o consult_v the_o philosophical_a rudiment_n concern_v government_n and_o civil_a society_n for_o a_o answer_n to_o this_o question_n we_o shall_v there_o find_v it_o affirm_v that_o the_o obligation_n of_o yield_a god_n obedience_n 7._o lie_v on_o man_n by_o reason_n of_o their_o weakness_n if_o this_o shall_v seem_v hard_a to_o any_o man_n the_o author_n in_o his_o annotation_n desire_v he_o with_o a_o silent_a thought_n to_o consider_v if_o there_o be_v two_o omnipotents_a whether_o be_v bind_v to_o obey_v and_o well_o may_v it_o seem_v hard_a since_o it_o admit_v of_o no_o proof_n without_o the_o supposition_n of_o a_o impossibility_n viz._n that_o there_o may_v be_v two_o omnipotents_a which_o can_v be_v because_o the_o one_o be_v or_o it_o be_v not_o able_a to_o destroy_v the_o other_o if_o it_o be_v than_o the_o other_o be_v not_o omnipotent_a because_o it_o be_v not_o able_a to_o resist_v it_o if_o it_o be_v not_o then_o be_v it_o not_o omnipotent_a because_o there_o be_v something_o which_o it_o can_v do_v so_o that_o the_o be_v of_o two_o omnipotents_a be_v impossible_a let_v a_o man_n therefore_o consider_v his_o argue_v with_o never_o so_o silent_a a_o thought_n he_o shall_v find_v but_o little_a or_o no_o force_n in_o it_o and_o true_o though_o our_o saviour_n admonish_v paul_n who_o at_o that_o time_n be_v a_o enemy_n to_o the_o church_n that_o he_o shall_v not_o kick_v against_o the_o prick_n seem_v to_o require_v obedience_n from_o he_o for_o this_o cause_n because_o he_o have_v not_o power_n enough_o to_o resist_v yet_o do_v it_o not_o thence_o follow_v that_o his_o weakness_n be_v the_o formal_a reason_n of_o his_o obligation_n to_o yield_v obedience_n because_o there_o may_v be_v many_o motive_n to_o obey_v beside_o the_o basis_n and_o radix_fw-la of_o our_o obligation_n so_o to_o do_v in_o the_o advice_n of_o a_o friend_n there_o be_v no_o obligation_n at_o all_o