can_v admit_v of_o no_o demonstration_n but_o that_o of_o the_o spirit_n and_o this_o indeed_o be_v make_v à _fw-la posteriori_fw-la yet_o not_o from_o the_o constant_a and_o ordinary_a phaenomena_n of_o nature_n but_o from_o thing_n novel_a and_o anomalous_a such_o as_o prediction_n and_o miracle_n purposely_o design_v for_o that_o end_n and_o this_o be_v the_o way_n of_o prove_v the_o gospel_n to_o be_v divine_a far_o more_o decent_a and_o proper_a than_o any_o other_o because_o it_o become_v the_o majesty_n of_o god_n and_o conciliate_n authority_n to_o his_o word_n by_o make_v 5._o our_o faith_n to_o stand_v not_o in_o the_o wisdom_n of_o man_n but_o on_o the_o power_n of_o god_n now_o to_o show_v that_o this_o demonstration_n be_v abundant_o make_v by_o the_o spirit_n in_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v the_o great_a design_n of_o this_o treatise_n which_o be_v write_v on_o a_o occasion_n of_o a_o command_n lay_v on_o i_o by_o your_o lordship_n be_v by_o i_o humble_o offer_v to_o the_o honour_n of_o your_o lordship_n view_n and_o have_v attain_v thereunto_o your_o lordship_n it_o seem_v be_v please_v to_o condescend_v so_o far_o as_o to_o read_v over_o as_o much_o as_o your_o lordship_n time_n will_v give_v leave_n and_o then_o to_o return_v it_o with_o many_o thanks_o to_o i_o for_o my_o good_a pain_n as_o your_o lordship_n be_v please_v to_o call_v they_o wise_o place_v on_o so_o worthy_a a_o theme_n together_o with_o such_o other_o expression_n of_o your_o lordship_n approbation_n as_o neither_o i_o do_v expect_v nor_o as_o i_o fear_v do_v the_o treatise_n deserve_v but_o i_o submit_v to_o your_o lordship_n judgement_n and_o have_v i_o not_o so_o do_v this_o treatise_n have_v be_v bury_v in_o obscurity_n with_o its_o author_n but_o have_v that_o encouragement_n i_o think_v myself_o sufficient_o arm_v against_o all_o elation_n or_o dejection_n of_o mind_n at_o the_o various_a censure_n that_o may_v possible_o be_v pass_v upon_o it_o if_o it_o shall_v come_v abroad_o because_o i_o neither_o know_v nor_o be_o like_a to_o mâ—et_v with_o any_o more_o able_a to_o judge_v of_o such_o matter_n or_o impartial_a in_o judge_v than_o your_o lordship_n hereupon_o i_o give_v my_o consent_n to_o its_o be_v make_v public_a and_o for_o its_o free_a passage_n among_o man_n in_o this_o decline_a age_n of_o christianity_n i_o be_o humble_o bold_a to_o let_v the_o world_n know_v that_o your_o lordship_n be_v thus_o far_o concern_v therein_o and_o forasmuch_o as_o it_o contend_v for_o that_o faith_n which_o be_v once_o deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n which_o be_v at_o this_o day_n god_n be_v thank_v most_o excellent_o establish_v and_o most_o merciful_o preserve_v in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n whereof_o also_o your_o lordship_n very_o deserve_o be_v one_o of_o the_o chief_a minister_n with_o all_o humble_a confidence_n i_o persuade_v myself_o that_o for_o so_o do_v your_o lordship_n will_v either_o not_o be_v offend_v at_o or_o will_v easy_o pardon_v 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befriend_v natural_a theology_n yet_o itself_o if_o it_o be_v of_o god_n be_v reveal_v it_o must_v be_v conclude_v that_o christ_n the_o author_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o his_o apostle_n the_o first_o preacher_n of_o it_o be_v prophet_n yet_o among_o the_o many_o good_a book_n that_o have_v either_o heretofore_o or_o late_o be_v write_v to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n i_o have_v neither_o see_v nor_o ever_o hear_v of_o any_o purposely_o write_v and_o direct_o design_v to_o make_v good_a this_o principle_n i_o can_v not_o but_o somewhat_o wonder_v at_o it_o and_o wish_v it_o be_v well_o do_v and_o this_o my_o desire_n do_v at_o length_n vent_v itself_o in_o a_o sermon_n on_o the_o text_n you_o find_v prefix_v to_o this_o treatise_n and_o this_o sermon_n i_o resolve_v on_o a_o occasion_n give_v i_o by_o a_o person_n of_o great_a learning_n and_o authority_n in_o the_o church_n to_o transcribe_v and_o enlarge_v in_o that_o method_n which_o be_v there_o propose_v and_o you_o will_v find_v here_o observe_v from_o this_o undertake_n the_o slenderness_n of_o my_o acquaintance_n with_o oriental_a language_n and_o learning_n do_v a_o long_a time_n deter_v i_o but_o consider_v that_o beside_o my_o own_o satisfaction_n and_o diversion_n from_o less_o please_a employment_n i_o write_v it_o only_o for_o his_o lordship_n perusal_n who_o i_o know_v have_v goodness_n enough_o to_o pardon_v my_o defect_n as_o well_o as_o learning_n to_o discover_v they_o i_o reassume_v my_o former_a resolution_n and_o in_o order_n to_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o i_o look_v more_o narrow_o than_o former_o i_o have_v do_v into_o those_o book_n which_o i_o have_v that_o be_v likely_a to_o acquaint_v i_o with_o the_o custom_n and_o method_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o the_o trial_n of_o prophet_n and_o by_o so_o do_v have_v i_o hope_v find_v and_o pitch_v upon_o the_o principal_a mean_n and_o method_n observe_v by_o that_o people_n in_o that_o affair_n and_o this_o way_n of_o procedure_v even_o before_o i_o have_v that_o idea_n of_o it_o which_o you_o will_v find_v in_o this_o treatise_n i_o do_v conjecture_n must_v needs_o be_v very_o rational_a because_o it_o be_v not_o only_o project_v but_o practise_v and_o that_o as_o far_o as_o we_o find_v without_o control_n for_o many_o age_n among_o god_n peculiar_a people_n and_o that_o i_o be_v not_o mistake_v in_o this_o conjecture_n the_o five_o chapter_n of_o this_o treatise_n do_v i_o hope_v make_v manifest_a by_o show_v the_o strength_n and_o force_n of_o the_o precede_a argument_n to_o prove_v that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v prophet_n now_o if_o any_o man_n ask_v what_o degree_n of_o prophecy_n it_o be_v which_o i_o ascribe_v unto_o they_o he_o may_v be_v please_v to_o know_v his_o curiosity_n exceed_v i_o yet_o for_o a_o answer_n i_o refer_v he_o to_o that_o prophecy_n of_o moses_n wherein_o he_o tell_v the_o jew_n that_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n will_v raise_v up_o unto_o thou_o a_o prophet_n from_o the_o midst_n of_o thou_o of_o thy_o brethren_n like_v 5._o unto_o i_o unto_o he_o shall_v you_o hearken_v this_o 22._o prophecy_n i_o find_v by_o st._n peter_n apply_v to_o our_o bless_a saviour_n in_o particular_a and_o by_o st._n stephen_n 37._o to_o the_o evangelical_n state_n in_o general_a and_o from_o thence_o perhaps_o we_o may_v gather_v not_o only_o that_o this_o prediction_n do_v more_o especial_o pertain_v to_o the_o day_n of_o the_o messiah_n but_o also_o that_o it_o speak_v not_o of_o one_o single_a person_n only_o but_o of_o a_o order_n of_o prophet_n like_v unto_o moses_n and_o therefore_o though_o it_o be_v most_o eminent_o fulfil_v in_o christ_n yet_o be_v it_o also_o accomplish_a in_o those_o that_o he_o send_v as_o the_o father_n have_v send_v he_o viz._n the_o 21._o apostle_n whether_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
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
or_o no_o this_o collection_n be_v logical_a it_o be_v not_o material_a to_o dispute_v because_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n not_o only_o in_o christ_n but_o also_o in_o his_o apostle_n do_v itself_o declare_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o for_o easy_a it_o be_v to_o observe_v that_o those_o prerogative_n which_o the_o jew_n ascribe_v to_o the_o prophecy_n of_o moses_n their_o master_n be_v very_o discernible_a in_o they_o as_o will_v appear_v by_o a_o transcript_n 7._o of_o they_o out_o of_o maimonides_n who_o tell_v we_o 1_o that_o all_o the_o other_o prophet_n prophesy_v in_o a_o dream_n or_o a_o vision_n but_o moses_n our_o master_n behold_v and_o stand_v while_o he_o be_v awake_a according_a to_o that_o that_o be_v say_v when_o moses_n be_v go_v into_o the_o tabernacle_n of_o the_o congregation_n to_o speak_v with_o he_o i._n e._n god_n than_o he_o hear_v the_o voice_n of_o one_o speak_v unto_o he_o which_o 89._o text_n be_v so_o interpret_v by_o the_o jew_n as_o that_o it_o seem_v among_o the_o talmudist_n it_o be_v a_o rule_n that_o moses_n have_v never_o any_o prophecy_n in_o the_o night_n i._n e._n in_o a_o dream_n or_o vision_n of_o the_o night_n as_o the_o other_o prophet_n have_v but_o when_o he_o be_v awake_a and_o in_o the_o full_a vigour_n of_o his_o sense_n than_o the_o word_n of_o prophecy_n come_v unto_o he_o 2_o all_o the_o other_o prophet_n prophesy_v by_o the_o help_n or_o ministry_n of_o a_o angel_n and_o therefore_o whatever_o they_o see_v they_o behold_v it_o in_o riddle_n and_o similitude_n but_o moses_n our_o master_n prophesy_v without_o the_o intervention_n of_o a_o angel_n as_o it_o be_v say_v with_o he_o will_v i_o speak_v mouth_n to_o mouth_n thus_o again_o 8._o it_o be_v say_v the_o lord_n speak_v unto_o moses_n face_n to_o face_n it_o be_v also_o say_v the_o similitude_n of_o the_o 8._o lord_n shall_v he_o behold_v to_o show_v not_o that_o there_o be_v any_o similitude_n there_o but_o that_o he_o see_v clear_o without_o a_o riddle_n or_o parable_n which_o also_o the_o law_n there_o testify_v concern_v he_o even_o apparent_o and_o not_o in_o dark_a speech_n because_o he_o prophesy_v not_o in_o a_o riddle_n but_o he_o perspicuous_o behold_v the_o matter_n in_o vision_n 3_o all_o the_o other_o prophet_n be_v horrible_o afraid_a and_o astonish_v and_o become_v faint_a but_o moses_n our_o master_n be_v not_o so_o and_o this_o the_o scripture_n say_v as_o â—_o a_o man_n speak_v to_o his_o friend_n as_o if_o it_o have_v be_v say_v as_o one_o be_v not_o afraid_a to_o hear_v the_o speech_n of_o his_o companion_n so_o can_v the_o mind_n of_o moses_n our_o master_n understand_v the_o word_n of_o prophecy_n and_o remain_v in_o its_o perfect_a constancy_n 4_o none_o of_o the_o other_o prophet_n can_v prophesy_v when_o they_o will_v it_o be_v not_o so_o with_o moses_n our_o master_n but_o at_o what_o time_n soever_o he_o will_v he_o be_v clothe_v with_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o prophecy_n do_v abide_v upon_o he_o neither_o have_v he_o need_v to_o dispose_v or_o prepare_v his_o mind_n for_o it_o for_o he_o be_v always_o dispose_v and_o in_o a_o readiness_n as_o a_o minister_a angel_n at_o what_o time_n therefore_o he_o will_v he_o can_v prophesy_v according_a to_o that_o which_o be_v say_v stand_v you_o here_o that_o i_o may_v hear_v what_o the_o lord_n will_v 8._o command_v concern_v you_o and_o herein_o his_o confidence_n be_v place_v in_o god_n as_o it_o be_v say_v go_v say_v to_o they_o get_v you_o into_o your_o tent_n but_o 31._o as_o for_o thou_o stand_v thou_o here_o by_o i_o thus_o maimonides_n concern_v the_o difference_n between_o the_o prophecy_n of_o moses_n and_o of_o the_o other_o prophet_n i_o will_v not_o pass_v my_o word_n how_o little_a soever_o it_o may_v signify_v either_o for_o the_o truth_n of_o all_o that_o he_o say_v or_o yet_o for_o its_o consistence_n either_o with_o the_o holy_a scripture_n or_o the_o write_n of_o other_o hebrew_n master_n or_o of_o himself_o yet_o suppose_v it_o to_o be_v all_o true_a we_o may_v thence_o gather_v that_o in_o the_o moysaicall_a degree_n of_o prophecy_n i._n e._n the_o high_a among_o the_o jew_n imagination_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v divine_a truth_n be_v represent_v immediate_o to_o the_o understanding_n the_o character_n of_o it_o be_v clear_o and_o plain_o write_v on_o the_o mind_n itself_o and_o therein_o the_o prophet_n may_v read_v it_o without_o the_o hieroglyphic_n of_o material_a phantasm_n a_o soft_a and_o gentle_a irradiation_n do_v so_o enlighten_v his_o understanding_n as_o that_o he_o may_v know_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n without_o either_o study_n or_o teach_v from_o man_n or_o angel_n dream_n or_o vision_n panic_n fear_n or_o passion_n and_o this_o degree_n of_o prophecy_n be_v in_o he_o not_o as_o the_o transient_a effect_n of_o a_o sudden_a act_n upon_o the_o patient_n but_o rather_o as_o a_o intellectual_a habit_n who_o act_n he_o may_v elicit_v when_o he_o please_v this_o be_v that_o degree_n of_o prophecy_n which_o maimonides_n and_o his_o adherent_n attribute_v to_o moses_n their_o master_n and_o we_o christian_n may_v do_v it_o i_o think_v with_o great_a truth_n to_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n for_o certain_o the_o soul_n of_o our_o saviour_n have_v whatever_o knowledge_n be_v convenient_a for_o it_o to_o have_v in_o order_n to_o his_o be_v able_a to_o save_v to_o the_o uttermost_a they_o that_o come_v to_o god_n by_o he_o and_o forasmuch_o as_o even_o in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o flesh_n he_o be_v as_o well_o as_o he_o now_o be_v the_o captain_n of_o our_o salvation_n it_o seem_v convenient_a for_o he_o 10_o even_o then_o to_o have_v have_v no_o less_o knowledge_n than_o that_o wherein_o it_o do_v consist_v the_o reason_n be_v because_o that_o that_o be_v only_o in_o a_o possibility_n of_o be_v must_v be_v bring_v into_o actual_a existence_n by_o that_o that_o actual_o be_v and_o forasmuch_o as_o man_n in_o this_o world_n be_v only_o in_o a_o possibility_n of_o attain_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o bless_a be_v and_o ever_o be_v to_o be_v actual_o bring_v unto_o it_o by_o the_o man_n christ_n jesus_n it_o follow_v that_o he_o even_o in_o his_o staâ—e_v of_o humiliation_n have_v that_o knowledge_n of_o vision_n whereunto_o he_o then_o do_v and_o still_o do_v conduct_v they_o and_o this_o knowledge_n i_o suppose_v will_v be_v grant_v to_o exceed_v all_o that_o ever_o moses_n or_o the_o prophet_n or_o any_o other_o mortal_n whatever_o either_o do_v or_o can_v attain_v to_o but_o we_o need_v not_o fly_v so_o high_a in_o speculation_n because_o it_o be_v foretell_v of_o he_o that_o the_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n and_o understanding_n the_o spirit_n of_o counsel_n and_o knowledge_n 2._o shall_v rest_v upon_o he_o these_o four_o say_v aquinas_n comprehend_v all_o thing_n whatever_o can_v be_v know_v for_o the_o knowledge_n of_o thing_n divine_a and_o immaterial_a pertain_v to_o the_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n and_o understanding_n and_o the_o knowledge_n of_o all_o practical_a and_o speculative_a conclusion_n to_o the_o spirit_n of_o counsel_n and_o knowledge_n 1._o since_o therefore_o the_o spirit_n of_o these_o thing_n do_v in_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n or_o rather_o without_o measure_n rest_v upon_o our_o messiah_n it_o be_v to_o be_v conclude_v that_o whatever_o gift_n the_o holy_a ghost_n do_v embellish_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n withal_o be_v most_o eminent_o shed_v forth_o on_o the_o soul_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n and_o consequent_o that_o of_o prophecy_n far_o beyond_o the_o degree_n of_o moses_n or_o all_o other_o mortal_n put_v together_o and_o if_o so_o it_o be_v then_o doubtless_o he_o can_v elicit_v the_o act_n of_o a_o prophetic_a spirit_n without_o either_o previous_a disposition_n or_o preparation_n dream_n or_o vision_n angel_n or_o consternation_n and_o that_o when_o he_o will_v in_o a_o manner_n far_o superior_a to_o that_o of_o moses_n and_o then_o for_o the_o apostle_n it_o seem_v not_o that_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n in_o they_o be_v in_o any_o point_n inferior_a to_o that_o of_o moses_n but_o rather_o more_o excellent_a for_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n do_v guide_v they_o into_o all_o truth_n and_o show_v they_o 13._o thing_n to_o come_v and_o this_o he_o do_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o that_o they_o know_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n without_o dream_n or_o vision_n or_o angel_n to_o teach_v they_o and_o the_o knowledge_n they_o have_v of_o divine_a truth_n it_o be_v evident_a they_o receive_v without_o those_o discomposure_n of_o soul_n and_o terrible_a shake_n of_o body_n which_o usual_o befall_v the_o old_a prophet_n evident_a also_o it_o be_v by_o the_o sermon_n and_o discourse_n that_o they_o utter_v upon_o all_o occasion_n that_o the_o knowledge_n they_o have_v they_o can_v
always_o impart_v they_o be_v clothe_v with_o the_o holy_a spirit_n neither_o do_v they_o need_v to_o prepare_v themselves_o to_o prophesy_v but_o be_v always_o dispose_v and_o in_o a_o readiness_n to_o deliver_v such_o truth_n of_o god_n as_o can_v no_o way_n be_v know_v but_o by_o the_o free_a influx_n of_o the_o divine_a mind_n upon_o they_o i_o e._n by_o prophecy_n have_v not_o all_o this_o be_v true_a it_o will_v be_v very_o hard_a to_o conceive_v how_o without_o any_o premeditation_n they_o can_v possible_o have_v have_v a_o mouth_n and_o wisdom_n which_o all_o their_o adversary_n be_v not_o able_a to_o 15._o gainsay_v nor_o resist_v have_v not_o the_o divine_a spirit_n be_v always_o present_a with_o they_o it_o have_v be_v impossible_a for_o they_o on_o all_o occasion_n even_o before_o king_n and_o other_o ruler_n so_o to_o speak_v as_o that_o all_o their_o adversary_n can_v not_o with_o any_o show_n of_o truth_n make_v any_o opposition_n against_o it_o and_o have_v it_o not_o be_v true_a that_o so_o they_o do_v it_o be_v altogether_o unlikely_a that_o their_o adversary_n will_v have_v burst_v out_o into_o such_o rage_n and_o passion_n such_o cruelty_n and_o inhumanity_n as_o we_o find_v they_o often_o do_v against_o they_o it_o seem_v therefore_o the_o degree_n they_o have_v of_o prophecy_n be_v no_o whit_n inserior_fw-la to_o that_o of_o moses_n but_o whether_o it_o be_v or_o no_o be_v a_o question_n that_o i_o be_o not_o solicitous_a about_o from_o what_o i_o have_v 1._o discourse_v concern_v the_o nature_n of_o prophecy_n in_o general_n it_o may_v not_o obscure_o be_v collect_v that_o if_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v man_n who_o by_o immediate_a influence_n from_o god_n upon_o their_o mind_n and_o faculty_n do_v attain_v to_o such_o knowledge_n of_o his_o mind_n as_o by_o their_o natural_a ability_n will_v be_v unattainable_a it_o be_v as_o much_o as_o i_o mean_v and_o contend_v for_o in_o the_o word_n prophet_n now_o that_o such_o knowledge_n they_o have_v together_o with_o commission_n from_o god_n to_o teach_v it_o it_o be_v the_o primary_n design_n of_o this_o treatise_n to_o prove_v yet_o that_o be_v not_o my_o ultimate_a aim_n therein_o but_o beside_o that_o i_o have_v do_v my_o endeavour_n as_o much_o as_o i_o can_v within_o the_o bound_n of_o the_o propose_a method_n to_o conciliate_v our_o most_o excellent_a religion_n to_o our_o reason_n and_o to_o settle_v it_o as_o much_o as_o in_o i_o lie_v upon_o its_o true_a foundation_n in_o order_n to_o this_o end_n i_o have_v in_o the_o four_o chapter_n discourse_v somewhat_o more_o large_o than_o perhaps_o otherwise_o be_v requisite_a about_o the_o transcendent_a wisdom_n of_o christianity_n and_o have_v add_v the_o six_o chapter_n almost_o on_o purpose_n to_o shake_v the_o sandy_a foundation_n of_o bare_a humane_a authority_n whereon_o mr._n hobbs_n and_o his_o complice_n will_v have_v it_o whole_o to_o depend_v i_o do_v most_o free_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n be_v very_o great_a about_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o that_o the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v exceed_o oblige_v to_o those_o christian_a prince_n who_o by_o good_a and_o wholesome_a law_n be_v become_v its_o nurse_n father_n yet_o can_v i_o not_o believe_v there_o be_v nothing_o of_o obligation_n in_o christianity_n beside_o what_o it_o receive_v extrinsecal_o from_o the_o law_n of_o civil_a sovereign_n the_o reason_n the_o leviathan_n give_v of_o this_o position_n i_o endeavour_v to_o answer_v and_o expose_v to_o this_o undertake_n it_o be_v i_o hope_v nothing_o but_o a_o just_a resentment_n of_o the_o affront_v mr._n hobbs_n have_v cast_v and_o injury_n he_o have_v do_v to_o our_o religion_n thereby_o i_o can_v hardly_o think_v any_o man_n worthy_a the_o name_n of_o a_o good_a christian_a much_o less_o of_o a_o minister_n of_o christ_n that_o can_v read_v such_o pernicious_a principle_n and_o perverse_a dispute_n against_o the_o honour_n of_o his_o religion_n without_o something_o of_o indignation_n for_o to_o make_v religion_n so_o to_o truckle_n under_o civil_a sovereign_n as_o in_o and_o of_o itself_o to_o have_v nothing_o of_o obligation_n what_o be_v it_o less_o than_o to_o clip_v the_o wing_n of_o all_o true_a devotion_n towards_o god_n and_o render_v it_o unable_a to_o fly_v high_a than_o the_o throne_n and_o sceptre_n on_o earth_n yea_o also_o and_o to_o null_a the_o authority_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o buy_v we_o for_o though_o all_o power_n be_v give_v to_o he_o in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n yet_o this_o opinion_n make_v he_o so_o far_o from_o be_v the_o prince_n of_o the_o king_n of_o 5._o the_o earth_n as_o that_o he_o be_v at_o best_a but_o their_o counsellor_n modest_o propose_v his_o advice_n which_o it_o seem_v they_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o take_v because_o that_o neither_o he_o nor_o his_o apostle_n have_v a_o kingdom_n and_o so_o can_v make_v no_o law_n for_o which_o reason_n such_o as_o it_o be_v the_o leviathan_n affirm_v that_o the_o command_v of_o the_o gospel_n be_v but_o precept_n or_o invitation_n of_o man_n to_o receive_v it_o and_o invitation_n we_o know_v we_o may_v accept_v of_o or_o refuse_v as_o we_o think_v fit_a and_o yet_o without_o sin_n so_o that_o our_o acceptance_n be_v a_o act_n of_o civility_n rather_o than_o of_o duty_n and_o our_o refusal_n a_o act_n of_o unkindness_n and_o not_o at_o all_o of_o disobedience_n have_v not_o civil_a sovereign_n do_v christianity_n the_o kindness_n to_o imbody_n it_o into_o their_o law_n we_o have_v be_v under_o no_o obligation_n to_o be_v christian_n we_o may_v have_v be_v turk_n or_o jew_n pagan_n or_o atheist_n and_o yet_o without_o sin_n and_o what_o will_v a_o laodicean_n desire_v more_o how_o kind_o do_v it_o cajole_a his_o lukewarmness_n and_o how_o fair_o do_v it_o promise_v he_o security_n from_o danger_n by_o be_v against_o christ_n in_o his_o heart_n and_o life_n as_o long_o as_o he_o be_v with_o he_o in_o his_o profession_n thus_o do_v it_o turn_n christianity_n into_o hypocrisy_n and_o make_v we_o to_o serve_v god_n for_o fear_n of_o men._n but_o if_o we_o be_v not_o so_o bere_v of_o reason_n as_o to_o think_v that_o god_n borrow_v his_o authority_n from_o his_o lieutenant_n than_o the_o philosophical_a rudiment_n of_o that_o epicurean_a whereof_o the_o author_n of_o the_o late_a reflection_n on_o philosophy_n say_v thomas_n hobbs_n be_v one_o of_o the_o bold_a 9_o of_o these_o last_o age_n have_v take_v care_n to_o corrupt_v our_o religion_n another_o way_n and_o that_o be_v by_o persuade_v we_o to_o think_v that_o the_o obligation_n of_o yield_a god_n obedience_n lie_v upon_o we_o by_o reason_n of_o our_o weakness_n this_o convert_v religion_n into_o superstition_n for_o it_o make_v we_o to_o serve_v god_n not_o out_o of_o love_n to_o his_o goodness_n but_o only_o for_o fear_v of_o his_o greatness_n if_o we_o can_v resist_v he_o and_o escape_v harmless_a it_o be_v no_o matter_n it_o seem_v if_o we_o do_v but_o since_o we_o can_v we_o must_v obey_v thus_o be_v we_o drag_v to_o obedience_n by_o the_o force_n of_o mere_a omnipotence_n and_o when_o we_o be_v so_o it_o be_v evident_a we_o be_v act_v by_o such_o dreadful_a and_o terrible_a apprehension_n of_o the_o deity_n as_o debauch_v our_o religion_n and_o make_v it_o a_o mere_a slavery_n utter_o inconsistent_a with_o that_o charity_n or_o love_n of_o god_n without_o which_o the_o most_o liberal_a alms-deed_n and_o martyrdom_n itself_o much_o less_o inferior_a act_n of_o worship_n will_v find_v no_o acceptance_n this_o therefore_o i_o look_v on_o as_o another_o most_o pernicious_a principle_n and_o for_o that_o cause_n i_o have_v make_v a_o long_a digression_n to_o prove_v that_o god_n dominion_n be_v not_o found_v in_o his_o sole_a irresistible_a power_n but_o that_o he_o have_v a_o right_a to_o rule_v we_o from_o his_o great_a mercy_n and_o goodness_n to_o we_o in_o his_o work_n of_o creation_n providence_n and_o redemption_n and_o forasmuch_o as_o it_o be_v requisite_a for_o all_o christian_n right_o to_o understand_v this_o latter_a which_o be_v at_o first_o make_v know_v unto_o we_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophâ—â—y_n in_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n i_o have_v sâ—â—ar_o enlarge_v the_o digression_n as_o to_o giâ—e_v a_o account_n of_o it_o that_o from_o thence_o we_o may_v see_v what_o obligation_n â—herefrom_o do_v arise_v upon_o we_o to_o keâ—p_v the_o commâ—nds_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o therewith_o i_o put_v a_o end_n to_o this_o treatise_n wherein_o perhaps_o the_o reader_n may_v find_v a_o coincidence_n of_o expression_n and_o it_o may_v be_v of_o matter_n also_o if_o he_o be_v inquisitive_a after_o the_o occasion_n of_o it_o he_o may_v please_v to_o know_v that_o it_o be_v write_v temporibus_fw-la successivis_fw-la which_o often_o be_v so_o
that_o they_o receive_v their_o law_n from_o the_o god_n as_o numa_n pompilius_n from_o egeria_n minos_n from_o jupiter_n lycurgus_n flor._n from_o apollo_n zaleucus_n locrus_n from_o minerva_n 29._o jupiter_n also_o and_o lachesis_n have_v their_o distinct_a prophet_n and_o prophetess_n there_o be_v as_o well_o as_o prophet_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o reputation_n of_o sibyl_n among_o they_o and_o that_o their_o philosopher_n have_v such_o a_o notion_n as_o we_o be_v of_o prophecy_n appear_v by_o the_o opinion_n of_o pla_z to_o concern_v divination_n wherein_o he_o agree_v with_o the_o stoic_n who_o hold_v it_o a_o effect_n of_o divine_a instinct_n and_o inflation_n and_o long_o i_o think_v it_o be_v before_o they_o that_o the_o zabian_o believe_v man_n have_v this_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n from_o all_o this_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o the_o notiâ—â—_n of_o a_o prophet_n be_v entertain_v by_o heathen_n as_o well_o as_o jew_n turk_n and_o christian_n and_o therefore_o sure_o since_o all_o own_o it_o it_o be_v very_a consonant_n to_o reason_n if_o any_o of_o our_o modern_a scoffer_n think_v otherwise_o i_o desire_v they_o to_o know_v that_o the_o seat_n of_o the_o scornful_a be_v no_o infallible_a chair_n there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o think_v they_o wise_a than_o all_o the_o world_n beside_o especial_o consider_v our_o second_o assertion_n that_o there_o actual_o be_v prophet_n among_o the_o jew_n which_o assertion_n appear_v more_o than_o probable_a not_o by_o the_o jew_n only_o but_o by_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o heathen_n concern_v moses_n who_o the_o egyptian_n think_v to_o 1._o be_v a_o man_n wonderful_n and_o divine_a and_o good_a reason_n they_o have_v for_o so_o think_v as_o be_v manifest_a by_o his_o conquest_n of_o janne_n and_o jambres_n their_o most_o renown_a magician_n and_o also_o by_o the_o plague_n which_o according_a to_o his_o word_n be_v bring_v upon_o egypt_n all_o 8._o which_o be_v attest_v by_o eumenius_n nor_o do_v the_o have_fw-mi then_v represent_v he_o as_o the_o jew_n do_v michael_n to_o have_v be_v the_o minister_n of_o god_n justice_n only_o but_o they_o also_o speak_v of_o he_o as_o those_o do_v of_o gabriel_n that_o he_o be_v the_o minister_n of_o god_n mercy_n to_o they_o for_o they_o tell_v we_o that_o moses_n be_v author_n of_o so_o many_o useful_a invention_n among_o the_o egyptian_n as_o that_o he_o gain_v not_o only_o the_o love_n of_o the_o people_n but_o also_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o 27._o priest_n for_o they_o name_v he_o mercury_n and_o give_v he_o equal_a honour_n with_o their_o god_n which_o testimony_n be_v the_o more_o credible_a because_o diodorus_n among_o many_o other_o high_a commendation_n of_o moses_n which_o he_o profess_v to_o have_v have_v from_o the_o egyptian_a priest_n express_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o be_v call_v god_n not_o that_o corhorâ—_n moses_n pretend_v to_o be_v so_o but_o because_o say_v he_o man_n think_v his_o mind_n be_v whole_o admirable_a and_o divine_a all_o which_o methinks_v can_v amount_v to_o no_o less_o than_o a_o competent_a evidence_n their_o thought_n be_v well_o enough_o express_v by_o chalcidius_n his_o word_n of_o moses_n viz._n that_o he_o be_v most_o wise_a as_o be_v enliven_v not_o with_o man_n wisdom_n but_o as_o it_o be_v report_v with_o divine_a inspiration_n 1â—_n and_o if_o so_o then_o sure_o moses_n be_v they_o think_v he_o at_o least_o a_o prophet_n and_o in_o this_o their_o judgement_n of_o he_o it_o be_v very_o notorious_a that_o the_o jew_n christian_n and_o mahometan_n do_v concur_v with_o they_o so_o that_o in_o effect_n we_o have_v all_o mankind_n give_v its_o suffrage_n to_o this_o truth_n insomuch_o that_o if_o any_o please_v to_o deny_v it_o they_o seem_v to_o undermine_v their_o own_o credit_n as_o well_o as_o reason_n for_o unless_o they_o have_v a_o charter_n of_o credibility_n peculiar_o grant_v to_o they_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o believe_v they_o wherein_o they_o make_v all_o man_n else_o fool_n or_o liar_n we_o shall_v therefore_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o moses_n be_v a_o prophet_n next_o than_o we_o be_v to_o observe_v that_o this_o moses_n the_o prophet_n be_v the_o jew_n lawgiver_n hereof_o i_o know_v none_o that_o make_v a_o doubt_n if_o there_o be_v they_o may_v easy_o 15._o be_v satisfy_v by_o a_o multitude_n of_o witness_n from_o among_o the_o gentile_n to_o prove_v it_o all_o then_o that_o remain_v to_o be_v far_o observe_v be_v that_o this_o moses_n the_o prophet_n do_v promise_n in_o his_o law_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v prophet_n among_o the_o jew_n the_o lord_n thy_o god_n say_v he_o will_v raise_v up_o unto_o thou_o a_o prophet_n from_o the_o midst_n of_o thou_o of_o thy_o brethren_n like_v unto_o i_o which_o promise_n i_o confess_v be_v most_o complete_o fulfil_v in_o christ_n the_o supreme_a prophet_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o that_o hinder_v not_o its_o be_v first_o to_o be_v fulfil_v by_o some_o other_o prophet_n or_o rather_o order_n of_o prophet_n who_o before_o the_o come_n of_o messiah_n be_v short_o to_o succeed_v moses_n in_o the_o prophetic_a part_n of_o his_o office_n whoever_o methinks_v consider_v all_o circumstance_n must_v needs_o conceive_v that_o it_o be_v so_o for_o it_o be_v at_o first_o give_v and_o afterward_o renew_v on_o such_o occasion_n as_o require_v its_o speedy_a accomplishment_n for_o moses_n have_v conduct_v the_o israelite_n almost_o to_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n be_v command_v to_o gather_v the_o people_n together_o in_o horeb_n and_o they_o come_v near_o and_o stand_v under_o the_o mountain_n and_o the_o mountain_n burn_v with_o fire_n 11._o unto_o the_o midst_n of_o heaven_n with_o darkness_n cloud_n and_o thick_a darkness_n and_o all_o the_o people_n see_v the_o thundering_n and_o lightning_n and_o the_o noise_n of_o the_o trumpet_n and_o the_o mountain_n smoke_v and_o when_o the_o people_n see_v it_o they_o remove_v and_o stand_v afar_o off_o and_o they_o say_v unto_o moses_n 19_o speak_v thou_o with_o we_o and_o we_o will_v hear_v but_o let_v not_o god_n speak_v with_o we_o lest_o we_o die_v whereby_o it_o be_v plain_a they_o request_v that_o god_n will_v speak_v no_o more_o immediate_o at_o least_o not_o so_o terrible_o unto_o they_o but_o that_o for_o the_o future_a he_o will_v please_v to_o use_v the_o ministry_n of_o moses_n 17._o and_o such_o like_a prophet_n in_o reveal_v his_o will_n unto_o they_o this_o their_o request_n the_o lord_n approve_v of_o and_o condescend_v to_o their_o infirmity_n he_o give_v this_o promise_n in_o answer_n to_o it_o viz._n that_o he_o will_v raise_v they_o up_o a_o prophet_n from_o among_o their_o brethren_n like_v unto_o moses_n and_o will_v put_v his_o word_n in_o his_o mouth_n and_o he_o 18._o shall_v speak_v unto_o they_o all_o that_o the_o lord_n shall_v command_v he_o this_o be_v the_o first_o occasion_n of_o this_o promise_n afterward_o moses_n admonish_v they_o to_o beware_v of_o learning_n 9_o to_o do_v after_o the_o abomination_n of_o those_o nation_n which_o be_v cast_v out_o to_o let_v they_o in_o among_o which_o abomination_n 14._o harken_v to_o observer_n of_o time_n and_o to_o diviner_n be_v one_o this_o than_o be_v forbid_v to_o the_o jew_n by_o which_o prohibition_n doubtless_o there_o be_v so_o great_a a_o restraint_n lay_v upon_o their_o curiosity_n and_o desire_n of_o know_v future_a contingence_n which_o be_v very_o great_a almost_o in_o all_o man_n as_o that_o without_o something_o in_o lieu_n of_o divination_n etc._n etc._n it_o will_v have_v 1._o be_v almost_o impossible_a to_o have_v keep_v they_o within_o the_o bound_n of_o due_a obedience_n to_o their_o law_n but_o either_o they_o will_v have_v think_v there_o be_v nothing_o divine_a in_o it_o or_o else_o they_o will_v have_v fall_v into_o some_o heathenish_a abomination_n or_o else_o they_o will_v have_v institute_v something_o else_o somewhat_o like_o it_o among_o themselves_o now_o to_o show_v they_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o so_o do_v moses_n call_v to_o mind_v the_o promise_n that_o god_n have_v make_v they_o to_o raise_v they_o up_o a_o prophet_n like_o unto_o he_o unto_o which_o promise_n he_o subjoin_v the_o mean_n of_o try_v the_o truth_n of_o pretension_n to_o the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n 22._o now_o to_o i_o it_o seem_v strange_a that_o this_o promise_n at_o first_o make_v and_o afterward_o renew_v on_o those_o solemn_a and_o important_a occasion_n and_o attend_v with_o these_o circumstance_n shall_v have_v no_o reference_n at_o all_o to_o some_o prophet_n or_o order_n of_o prophet_n that_o shall_v short_o succeed_v moses_n when_o the_o people_n be_v afraid_a they_o shall_v die_v and_o beg_v as_o it_o be_v for_o their_o life_n that_o god_n will_v speak_v no_o more_o immediate_o unto_o they_o but_o that_o he_o will_v use_v the_o ministry_n of_o moses_n be_v
as_o make_v we_o with_o david_n to_o have_v respect_n to_o all_o god_n commandment_n and_o careful_a to_o keep_v they_o as_o well_o as_o we_o can_v although_o for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o honour_n of_o his_o law_n for_o the_o patefaction_n of_o his_o most_o holy_a nature_n and_o most_o just_a dominion_n over_o we_o i_o say_v that_o although_o for_o these_o and_o such_o like_a great_a end_n the_o gospel_n have_v make_v the_o most_o perfect_a unsinning_a obedience_n to_o be_v our_o duty_n yet_o not_o that_o but_o only_o sincere_a obedience_n be_v indispensable_o necessary_a in_o order_n to_o our_o salvation_n for_o three_o those_o sin_n which_o be_v real_o inavoidable_a the_o gospel_n do_v not_o impute_v to_o we_o for_o our_o condemnation_n i_o will_v not_o be_v mistake_v that_o that_o i_o say_v be_v that_o though_o according_a to_o the_o rigour_n and_o severity_n of_o the_o law_n as_o a_o covenant_n of_o work_n the_o wage_n of_o every_o sin_n be_v death_n yet_o such_o be_v the_o mercy_n of_o god_n in_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n as_o that_o those_o sin_n which_o to_o we_o be_v real_o and_o true_o inavoidable_a shall_v not_o be_v impute_v to_o we_o for_o our_o condemnation_n hereof_o one_o reason_n be_v because_o the_o gospel_n put_v we_o into_o a_o state_n of_o trial_n and_o probation_n in_o this_o life_n in_o reference_n to_o another_o after_o it_o sure_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o inavoidable_a guilt_n thereby_o charge_v upon_o we_o to_o our_o eternal_a condemnation_n it_o be_v not_o imaginable_a it_o shall_v so_o tantaliâ—e_v we_o with_o hope_n of_o heaven_n in_o the_o confine_n and_o power_n of_o hell_n however_o evident_a it_o be_v four_o that_o the_o gospel_n do_v promise_v that_o our_o know_a sin_n as_o well_o as_o other_o how_o heinous_a soever_o they_o be_v either_o in_o their_o nature_n or_o their_o aggravation_n yet_o if_o they_o be_v timely_o retract_v by_o true_a repentance_n and_o humiliation_n contrition_n and_o confession_n change_n of_o mind_n and_o amendment_n of_o life_n they_o shall_v be_v forgive_v we_o no_o man_n sin_n be_v either_o so_o many_o in_o number_n or_o so_o heinous_a in_o their_o quality_n but_o on_o these_o term_n they_o may_v be_v forgive_v insomuch_o that_o to_o i_o it_o seem_v most_o probable_a that_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v impardonable_a not_o for_o want_v of_o grace_n in_o the_o gospel_n but_o for_o want_v of_o repentance_n in_o the_o sinner_n let_v then_o our_o modern_a scoffer_n add_v these_o thing_n as_o they_o ought_v to_o that_o against_o which_o they_o level_v their_o objection_n and_o then_o let_v they_o tell_v we_o what_o impossibility_n there_o be_v in_o obey_v the_o gospel_n so_o far_o forth_o as_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n be_v it_o impossible_a to_o do_v what_o we_o can_v or_o to_o repent_v when_o we_o have_v do_v amiss_o i_o suppose_v not_o especial_o while_o we_o have_v those_o motive_n and_o assistâ—nces_n which_o the_o gospel_n give_v we_o to_o keep_v the_o commandment_n since_o the_o nature_n of_o reasonable_a â—_z be_v to_o be_v draw_v by_o the_o alliciency_n of_o those_o proâ—itâ—râ—icks_n that_o present_v themselves_o to_o it_o we_o may_v well_o wonder_v at_o our_o own_o disobedience_n for_o so_o many_o and_o so_o great_a be_v the_o motive_n the_o gospel_n give_v to_o keep_v its_o commandment_n as_o that_o there_o be_v no_o active_a virtue_n in_o we_o but_o may_v receive_v the_o high_a incitement_n therefrom_o what_o entertainment_n so_o fit_a for_o the_o mind_n as_o truth_n and_o what_o truth_n so_o sweet_a as_o that_o that_o be_v eternal_a what_o so_o desirable_a to_o the_o will_n as_o goodness_n and_o what_o goodness_n so_o great_a as_o that_o that_o be_v infinite_a and_o where_o can_v you_o find_v eternal_a truth_n and_o infinite_a goodness_n so_o clear_o reveal_v as_o they_o be_v in_o the_o gospel_n where_o can_v the_o affection_n have_v the_o like_a motive_n to_o set_v we_o a_o do_v have_v not_o the_o rule_n of_o our_o life_n the_o high_a majesty_n and_o authority_n instamp_v on_o it_o be_v we_o not_o promise_v the_o great_a reward_n that_o can_v be_v desire_v in_o case_n we_o walk_v by_o it_o and_o be_v we_o not_o threaten_v with_o the_o great_a evil_n that_o can_v be_v fear_v in_o case_n we_o neglect_v it_o be_v we_o not_o assure_v of_o a_o suâ—â—iciency_n of_o temporal_a blessing_n and_o spiritual_a grace_n in_o this_o world_n if_o we_o will_v seek_v first_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n i._n e_o for_o glory_n and_o honour_n and_o immortality_n in_o the_o other_o be_v it_o not_o then_o strange_a that_o be_v thus_o besiege_v with_o motive_n to_o do_v well_o we_o shall_v be_v so_o prone_a to_o do_v ill_a although_o we_o know_v very_o well_o the_o commandment_n be_v such_o as_o that_o it_o be_v not_o more_o our_o duty_n than_o our_o interest_n to_o do_v they_o we_o promote_v our_o own_o good_a as_o much_o as_o god_n glory_n by_o obedience_n to_o they_o for_o they_o be_v apt_a not_o only_o to_o enlighten_v our_o mind_n and_o perfect_a our_o understanding_n to_o refine_v our_o nature_n and_o sublimate_v our_o gross_a affection_n to_o amend_v our_o life_n and_o purify_v our_o conversation_n but_o also_o to_o preserve_v our_o estate_n and_o advance_v our_o fortune_n to_o secure_v our_o reputation_n and_o promote_v our_o honour_n and_o that_o in_o all_o condition_n and_o capacity_n whatever_o insomuch_o that_o their_o own_o goodness_n may_v be_v their_o own_o eternal_a obligation_n how_o admirable_a then_o be_v that_o wisdom_n justice_n and_o goodness_n which_o impose_v they_o on_o we_o and_o require_v obedience_n of_o we_o especial_o consider_v the_o assistance_n provide_v for_o we_o to_o have_v in_o well-doing_n and_o true_o it_o be_v more_o than_o a_o little_a we_o do_v or_o shall_v receive_v in_o our_o childhood_n by_o be_v bring_v up_o in_o the_o nurture_n and_o admonition_n of_o 4._o the_o lord_n for_o a_o child_n be_v lead_v by_o little_a of_o itself_o but_o a_o chain_n of_o imagination_n education_n have_v the_o force_n of_o a_o natural_a agent_n rather_o than_o a_o moral_a hence_o it_o be_v that_o child_n of_o the_o same_o parent_n be_v sometime_o lib._n like_o lycurgus_n his_o whelp_n of_o the_o same_o litter_n whereas_o one_o run_v to_o his_o dish_n the_o other_o after_o the_o hare_n because_o he_o have_v bring_v they_o up_o so_o to_o do_v which_o experiment_n he_o make_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o his_o subject_n on_o purpose_n to_o teach_v they_o to_o train_v their_o child_n in_o the_o way_n they_o shall_v go_v and_o that_o when_o they_o be_v old_a 6._o they_o will_v not_o depart_v from_o it_o but_o if_o they_o do_v the_o gospel_n have_v sufficient_o provide_v for_o their_o reduction_n for_o it_o do_v not_o only_o encourage_v brotherly_a admonition_n and_o oblige_v we_o to_o pray_v for_o each_o other_o but_o it_o have_v also_o ordain_v a_o sacred_a function_n for_o the_o perfect_a of_o the_o sâ—ints_n for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n for_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n till_o we_o all_o come_v in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n unto_o a_o perfect_a man_n unto_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o 13._o stature_n of_o the_o fullness_n of_o christ_n now_o not_o only_a man_n on_o earth_n but_o also_o the_o angel_n of_o heaven_n be_v oblige_v to_o afford_v we_o their_o assistance_n be_v they_o not_o all_o minister_a spirit_n send_v forth_o to_o minister_v for_o they_o who_o shall_v be_v heir_n of_o salvation_n and_o beside_o the_o assistance_n of_o 4_o angel_n we_o may_v have_v that_o of_o the_o eternal_a spirit_n also_o to_o help_v we_o for_o the_o father_n of_o flesh_n here_o on_o earth_n be_v not_o so_o ready_a to_o give_v good_a gift_n unto_o their_o child_n as_o our_o heavenly_a father_n be_v to_o give_v the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o they_o that_o ask_v he_o and_o this_o it_o seem_v he_o do_v 8._o so_o abundant_o in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o that_o it_o be_v call_v by_o his_o name_n and_o the_o ministration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o law_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o life_n in_o christ_n jesus_n which_o make_v man_n free_a from_o the_o law_n of_o sin_n and_o death_n whereby_o it_o seem_v that_o though_o the_o history_n 2_o and_o outward_a communication_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v to_o we_o in_o scriptis_fw-la yet_o we_o be_v not_o to_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o mere_a piece_n of_o book-learning_n but_o as_o a_o vital_a quicken_a thing_n able_a to_o give_v life_n to_o those_o that_o be_v dead_a in_o trespass_n and_o sin_n to_o beget_v they_o again_o in_o christ_n jesus_n and_o to_o form_v divine_a goodness_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o by_o so_o do_v to_o help_v their_o
out_o the_o priest_n by_o sacrifice_n purge_v their_o temple_n and_o the_o magistrate_n their_o city_n it_o be_v also_o report_v that_o some_o of_o the_o epicurean_o be_v look_v on_o as_o inventor_n of_o a_o esseminate_a degenerate_a and_o filthy_a sort_n of_o wisdom_n odious_a to_o the_o god_n be_v by_o a_o law_n write_v in_o the_o vulgar_a tongue_n drive_v out_o of_o lyctos_n a_o city_n of_o crete_n by_o which_o law_n it_o be_v provide_v that_o if_o any_o one_o of_o they_o shall_v presume_v to_o come_v thither_o he_o shall_v be_v bind_v and_o put_v naked_a into_o a_o cage_n near_o the_o senate_n and_o be_v anoint_v with_o milk_n and_o honey_n for_o twenty_o day_n together_o that_o bee_n and_o fly_n the_o mean_a while_n may_v devour_v he_o but_o if_o he_o survive_v this_o torment_n than_o be_v he_o clothe_v in_o woman_n apparel_n and_o cast_v headlong_o from_o a_o rock_n by_o this_o their_o reproachful_a epicurus_n severity_n they_o declare_v plain_o what_o be_v the_o end_n of_o philosophy_n or_o at_o lest_o what_o they_o expect_v from_o it_o viz._n that_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o far_o from_o debauch_v man_n manner_n as_o that_o it_o shall_v purify_v thâ—ir_a soul_n and_o sublimate_v their_o affection_n destroy_v their_o vice_n and_o promote_v virtue_n senâ—ca_n therefore_o tell_v lucilius_n that_o wisdom_n form_v the_o mind_n and_o build_v it_o dispose_v the_o life_n and_o rule_v the_o action_n show_v what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v and_o demonstrate_v what_o be_v to_o be_v omit_v it_o be_v to_o we_o as_o a_o rudder_n to_o a_o ship_n it_o direct_v the_o course_n of_o they_o that_o 16._o fluctuate_v and_o waver_v in_o uncertainty_n if_o then_o this_o be_v the_o design_a work_n and_o end_n of_o wisdom_n there_o be_v no_o doctrine_n in_o the_o world_n can_v lay_v so_o just_a a_o claim_n as_o that_o of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n to_o that_o title_n for_o the_o design_n of_o it_o be_v not_o to_o fill_v man_n head_n with_o notion_n or_o to_o teach_v they_o system_n of_o opinion_n but_o to_o furnish_v their_o mind_n with_o encouragement_n to_o virtue_n to_o mortify_v their_o passion_n and_o self-will_n in_o order_n to_o the_o love_n of_o the_o eternal_a beauty_n and_o a_o imitation_n of_o it_o that_o so_o in_o a_o sort_n they_o may_v anticipate_v heaven_n by_o a_o resemblance_n of_o god_n here_o on_o earth_n for_o our_o saviour_n have_v teach_v we_o to_o be_v perfect_a as_o our_o father_n in_o heaven_n 48._o be_v perfect_a to_o this_o end_n both_o the_o precept_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v so_o exquisite_o adapt_v as_o that_o they_o do_v not_o only_o most_o effectual_o forestall_v all_o those_o vice_n which_o the_o wise_a of_o man_n law_n and_o instruction_n have_v but_o in_o vain_a attempt_v to_o destroy_v but_o they_o do_v also_o promote_v such_o exact_a and_o elevate_a virtue_n as_o be_v apt_a to_o make_v we_o as_o like_v to_o our_o maker_n as_o in_o this_o life_n be_v possible_a for_o the_o exceed_a great_a and_o precious_a promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v give_v we_o to_o this_o 4._o end_n that_o by_o they_o we_o may_v be_v partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o the_o end_n of_o the_o commandment_n be_v charity_n out_o of_o a_o pure_a heart_n and_o of_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o of_o 5._o faith_n unfeigned_a i'faith_o unfeigned_a beget_v a_o good_a conscience_n a_o good_a conscience_n a_o pure_a heart_n and_o a_o pure_a heart_n charity_n and_o charity_n we_o know_v must_v 30._o needs_o be_v as_o one_o call_v it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o likeness_n to_o god_n or_o resemblance_n of_o he_o for_o god_n be_v love_n a_o eternal_a and_o immutable_a a_o omniscient_a and_o almighty_a goodness_n to_o the_o imitation_n hereof_o the_o gospel_n do_v allure_v and_o direct_v we_o to_o this_o end_n it_o be_v intend_v and_o design_v its_o efficacy_n in_o order_n thereunto_o st._n paul_n insinuate_v when_o he_o call_v it_o the_o ministration_n of_o righteousness_n and_o 9_o the_o powâ—r_n of_o god_n unto_o salvation_n it_o be_v a_o thing_n more_o 16._o divine_a than_o any_o demonstration_n it_o have_v heat_n to_o quicken_v and_o enliven_v our_o affection_n as_o well_o as_o light_a to_o guide_v they_o it_o so_o form_v christ_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o believer_n as_o that_o it_o incline_v they_o to_o say_v of_o he_o and_o his_o word_n as_o the_o priest_n of_o mercury_n do_v in_o eat_v sacrifice_n truth_n be_v sweet_a and_o when_o once_o it_o be_v so_o and_o well_o digest_v it_o will_v so_o transform_v they_o by_o the_o renew_n of_o their_o mind_n as_o that_o they_o may_v prove_v what_o be_v that_o good_a and_o acceptable_a and_o perfect_a will_n of_o god_n and_o by_o so_o do_v it_o will_v dispose_v they_o to_o such_o a_o cheerful_a compliance_n therewith_o as_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v follower_n of_o god_n as_o dear_a child_n and_o this_o as_o seneca_n insinuate_v be_v the_o ultimate_a end_n and_o design_n the_o utmost_a scope_n and_o tendency_n of_o wisdom_n ut_fw-la dâ—um_fw-la sup_v sequaris_fw-la since_o therefore_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n give_v better_a rule_n and_o afford_v great_a help_n for_o so_o do_v than_o any_o there_o be_v either_o in_o the_o theology_n of_o the_o jew_n or_o the_o philosophy_n of_o the_o gentile_n most_o manifest_a it_o be_v that_o it_o do_v most_o high_o deserve_v not_o only_o to_o be_v call_v wisdom_n but_o also_o to_o be_v account_v supernatural_a and_o divine_a because_o it_o excel_v all_o former_a revelation_n of_o god_n as_o well_o as_o the_o wisdom_n of_o man_n and_o it_o that_o be_v such_o excellent_a wisdom_n most_o evident_a it_o be_v that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v most_o excellent_o wise_a endue_v with_o a_o sort_n of_o knowledge_n which_o be_v utter_o unattainable_a without_o inspiration_n of_o god_n because_o if_o otherwise_o it_o will_v have_v beâ—n_o impossible_a that_o they_o shall_v hauâ—_n be_v author_n of_o such_o a_o excellent_a production_n sect._n 3_o of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n fortitude_n and_o that_o this_o their_o wisdom_n dwell_v with_o fortitude_n i._n e._n such_o courage_n and_o magnanimity_n as_o the_o prophet_n have_v in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o office_n be_v the_o next_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v and_o demonstrate_v and_o this_o it_o may_v be_v from_o the_o greatness_n and_o strangeness_n of_o their_o undertake_n which_o we_o know_v be_v to_o reform_v the_o jew_n and_o to_o convert_v the_o gentile_n in_o prosecution_n of_o this_o design_n their_o action_n and_o their_o suffering_n declare_v the_o greatness_n of_o their_o mind_n for_o the_o jew_n although_o they_o only_o of_o all_o people_n worship_v the_o true_a god_n and_o have_v the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o law_n yet_o be_v very_o corrupt_a and_o degenerate_a both_o in_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n which_o corruption_n seem_v introduce_v by_o their_o tradition_n the_o spawn_n of_o that_o pretend_a interpretation_n of_o their_o law_n beforementioned_a for_o in_o process_n of_o time_n the_o comment_n make_v void_a the_o text_n tradition_n be_v so_o much_o regard_v as_o that_o the_o text_n be_v little_o mind_v the_o commandment_n of_o man_n be_v teach_v for_o doctrine_n and_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n be_v make_v of_o none_o effect_v by_o their_o tradition_n 1._o not_o only_o their_o faith_n be_v found_v thereon_o but_o a_o path_n be_v thereby_o pave_v for_o all_o israelite_n though_o never_o so_o bad_a to_o go_v to_o heaven_n in_o for_o so_o absurd_o partial_a and_o indulgent_a be_v they_o to_o their_o own_o nation_n as_o that_o it_o be_v a_o most_o authentic_a opinion_n of_o their_o doctor_n that_o every_o israelite_n 76._o shall_v have_v a_o portion_n in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v whosoever_o believe_v the_o thirteen_o fundamental_o of_o the_o jewish_a law_n beforementioned_a be_v admit_v say_v maimonides_n into_o the_o number_n of_o israelite_n and_o so_o sure_o he_o obtain_v as_o great_a a_o right_a as_o any_o have_v to_o receive_v benefit_n by_o this_o their_o grand_a charter_n for_o heaven_n and_o this_o right_n he_o hold_v unless_o he_o be_v so_o unhappy_a as_o to_o fall_v into_o the_o number_n of_o those_o that_o be_v exempt_v therefrom_o but_o there_o be_v no_o great_a danger_n of_o that_o because_o there_o be_v but_o six_o sort_n of_o offence_n whereby_o the_o man_n of_o israel_n may_v forfeit_v this_o their_o inestimable_a privilege_n and_o true_o those_o offence_n be_v such_o as_o they_o may_v easy_o withstand_v all_o temptation_n to_o commit_v for_o one_o half_a of_o they_o concern_v matter_n of_o faith_n and_o therefore_o may_v be_v avoid_v with_o little_a displeasure_n to_o the_o flesh_n and_o less_o entrenchment_n upon_o worldly_a interest_n the_o other_o half_o concern_v such_o petty_a trivial_a matter_n of_o practice_n as_o that_o no_o man_n well_o in_o his_o wit_n will_v
it_o be_v a_o more_o heinous_a sin_n to_o transgress_v they_o than_o the_o write_a law_n yea_o that_o whosoever_o dissent_v from_o his_o teacher_n do_v as_o much_o as_o if_o he_o dissent_v from_o the_o divine_a majesty_n and_o sin_v against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o for_o that_o cause_n be_v guilty_a of_o death_n viz._n by_o the_o scourge_n of_o rebellion_n 4._o which_o be_v a_o sort_n of_o punishment_n by_o cudgel_n inflict_v for_o the_o breach_n and_o contempt_n of_o tradition_n since_o i_o say_v they_o have_v these_o and_o many_o other_o such_o prodigious_o wicked_a and_o cruel_a invention_n to_o uphold_v the_o authority_n of_o their_o tradition_n and_o dictatorship_n it_o be_v no_o marvel_n if_o they_o proceed_v against_o those_o that_o speak_v light_o of_o they_o as_o if_o malice_n be_v the_o fit_a affection_n vengeance_n and_o cruelty_n the_o best_a behaviour_n towards_o they_o yet_o evident_a it_o be_v that_o christ_n do_v not_o spare_v they_o but_o as_o the_o prophet_n of_o old_a so_o do_v he_o detect_v the_o hypocrisy_n and_o sharp_o reprove_v the_o fault_n of_o their_o elder_n he_o do_v demonstrate_v the_o vanity_n of_o their_o righteousness_n and_o expose_v the_o cunning_a wickedness_n of_o their_o tradition_n he_o discover_v the_o impiety_n of_o their_o magisterial_a dictate_v and_o free_o unfold_v the_o mystery_n of_o their_o iniquity_n he_o pull_v off_o the_o guild_v and_o paint_v of_o their_o seem_a devotion_n and_o uncovered_v the_o rottenness_n and_o putrefaction_n of_o their_o heart_n he_o despise_v the_o pageant_n of_o a_o pompous_a formality_n and_o set_v at_o naught_o the_o ceremony_n of_o their_o external_n performance_n without_o inward_a and_o real_a goodness_n though_o the_o people_n do_v rage_n and_o the_o ruler_n take_v council_n together_o against_o he_o yet_o he_o do_v constant_o affirm_v that_o god_n have_v send_v he_o and_o as_o the_o prophet_n before_o he_o so_o do_v he_o undaunted_o show_v the_o people_n their_o transgression_n and_o the_o house_n of_o jacob_n their_o sin_n and_o in_o so_o do_v he_o strive_v to_o retrieve_v the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n to_o rescue_v they_o from_o false_a gloss_n and_o misconstruction_n to_o discover_v the_o insufficiency_n of_o tradition_n and_o pharisaical_a righteousness_n to_o inculcate_v the_o necessity_n of_o morality_n and_o so_o to_o reduce_v the_o jew_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o piety_n in_o all_o holiness_n of_o live_v and_o fervour_n of_o divine_a worship_n in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n without_o their_o numerous_a ceremony_n or_o at_o least_o their_o mighty_a confidence_n in_o their_o privilege_n and_o performance_n which_o both_o he_o and_o his_o apostle_n teach_v they_o to_o place_n in_o our_o lord_n jesus_n a_o stumble_a block_n and_o rock_n of_o offence_n unto_o they_o and_o be_v not_o this_o a_o great_a and_o strange_a undertake_n such_o as_o loud_o speak_v the_o greatness_n of_o their_o mind_n and_o the_o bravery_n of_o their_o courage_n which_o be_v not_o in_o the_o least_o abate_v but_o rather_o increase_v by_o opposition_n in_o their_o life_n it_o do_v assist_v they_o to_o bear_v all_o sort_n of_o affliction_n and_o to_o endure_v the_o rude_a contradiction_n of_o sinner_n against_o they_o and_o at_o their_o death_n it_o do_v not_o forsake_v they_o for_o though_o after_o some_o solemn_a mockery_n of_o justice_n enough_o to_o move_v one_o indignation_n they_o be_v cruel_o murder_v and_o barbarous_o butcher_v yet_o their_o patience_n and_o charity_n those_o true_a sign_n of_o magnanimity_n in_o suffering_n be_v conspicuous_a and_o admirable_a insomuch_o that_o they_o only_o of_o all_o teacher_n may_v be_v compare_v with_o the_o prophet_n or_o rather_o prefer_v before_o they_o for_o fortitude_n whereof_o also_o the_o apostle_n give_v abundant_a evidence_n among_o the_o gentile_n who_o they_o find_v dead_a in_o trespass_n and_o sin_n prone_a to_o nothing_o so_o much_o as_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n the_o lust_n of_o the_o eye_n and_o the_o pride_n of_o life_n i._n e._n sensual_a pleasure_n riches_n and_o honour_n these_o thing_n they_o do_v not_o only_a love_n and_o live_v in_o but_o in_o a_o sort_n adore_v and_o deirie_v for_o not_o only_a god_n creature_n and_o man_n that_o be_v famous_a in_o their_o life_n nor_o only_o the_o fancy_n and_o fiction_n of_o poet_n but_o their_o own_o lust_n and_o passion_n call_v by_o other_o name_n be_v also_o enroll_v among_o their_o go_n venus_n and_o cupid_n mars_n and_o baccbus_n be_v the_o name_n of_o deify_v concupiscence_n wrath_n and_o drunkenness_n although_o they_o forbid_v these_o vice_n and_o make_v law_n against_o they_o yet_o their_o cause_n as_o theodoret_n graec._n tell_v they_o they_o salute_v as_o heavenly_a god_n and_o give_v divine_a worship_n unto_o they_o and_o be_v it_o not_o a_o sad_a and_o direful_a apotheosis_n whereby_o enmity_n against_o god_n be_v advance_v to_o his_o throne_n the_o gross_a superstition_n and_o uncleanness_n establish_v for_o religion_n for_o in_o their_o festival_n and_o solemn_a ceremony_n of_o divine_a worship_n all_o manner_n of_o vice_n and_o wickedness_n be_v appoint_v to_o be_v commit_v such_o filthiness_n as_o the_o most_o salacious_a will_v almost_o blush_v at_o in_o a_o closet_n be_v commit_v sac._n in_o open_a pomp_n and_o ostentation_n insomuch_o that_o almost_o all_o the_o sacred_a game_n but_o especial_o the_o bacchanal_n be_v as_o one_o call_v they_o the_o cause_n and_o seed-plot_n of_o the_o great_a wickedness_n if_o the_o 19_o ethiopian_a may_v change_v his_o skin_n and_o the_o leopard_n his_o as_o soon_o as_o those_o do_v good_a who_o be_v accustom_v 23._o to_o do_v evil_a although_o their_o religion_n teach_v they_o to_o do_v the_o one_o and_o eschew_v the_o other_o how_o hard_o be_v it_o for_o those_o to_o do_v good_a who_o have_v be_v not_o only_o accustom_v but_o teach_v to_o do_v evil_a and_o that_o under_o pain_n of_o transgression_n against_o conscience_n or_o at_o least_o the_o law_n and_o custom_n of_o their_o country_n if_o they_o omit_v it_o especial_o consider_v their_o most_o wicked_a and_o filthy_a practice_n can_v plead_v prescription_n in_o the_o example_n of_o their_o forefather_n and_o noble_a hero_n yea_o also_o it_o have_v the_o power_n and_o policy_n the_o stratagem_n and_o device_n of_o the_o devil_n the_o cunning_a guile_n and_o craft_n of_o his_o agent_n the_o force_n and_o authority_n of_o civil_a power_n to_o countenance_n and_o uphold_v it_o in_o despite_n of_o all_o opposition_n be_v it_o not_o then_o a_o hard_a thing_n for_o any_o much_o more_o for_o a_o few_o private_a man_n and_o stranger_n such_o as_o the_o apostle_n to_o turn_v they_o from_o darkness_n unto_o light_n from_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n unto_o god_n yet_o they_o undertake_v to_o do_v it_o and_o pursue_v it_o all_o their_o day_n although_o they_o very_o well_o know_v that_o not_o only_a labour_n travel_n and_o hardship_n of_o divers_a kind_n but_o also_o bond_n and_o affliction_n of_o all_o sort_n and_o degree_n stripe_n and_o imprisonment_n yea_o and_o death_n itself_o will_v abide_v they_o in_o so_o do_v yet_o none_o of_o these_o thing_n can_v trouble_v their_o mind_n nor_o discourage_v their_o attempt_n nothing_o can_v make_v they_o retract_v their_o resolution_n or_o abate_v their_o endeavour_n as_o they_o be_v able_a to_o promote_v it_o which_o to_o i_o seem_v a_o demonstration_n of_o prophetic_a fortitude_n viz._n that_o that_o same_o courage_n and_o magnanimity_n whereby_o the_o prophet_n be_v act_v in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o office_n do_v assist_v they_o in_o promulgate_a the_o gospel_n of_o the_o prophetic_a riches_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n sect._n 4._o and_o as_o in_o wisdom_n and_o fortitude_n so_o also_o in_o the_o riches_n of_o the_o prophet_n i_o e._n in_o all_o moral_a virtue_n but_o especial_o contentment_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v equal_a yea_o superior_n unto_o they_o hereof_o we_o need_v no_o other_o demonstration_n than_o the_o design_a end_n of_o their_o doctrine_n which_o as_o we_o before_o see_v be_v the_o promotion_n and_o establishment_n of_o the_o most_o elevate_v virtue_n and_o immaculate_a purity_n but_o if_o any_o far_a proof_n of_o it_o be_v desire_v we_o may_v find_v it_o in_o st._n paul_n by_o who_o we_o learn_v that_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o bring_v salvation_n which_o word_n be_v but_o a_o periphrasis_n of_o the_o gospel_n teach_v we_o that_o deny_v all_o ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n we_o shall_v live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n 12._o to_o this_o end_n both_o the_o precept_n and_o institution_n the_o promise_n and_o the_o threat_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v so_o extraordinary_a subservient_fw-fr as_o that_o they_o loud_o speak_v the_o holiness_n as_o well_o as_o wisdom_n of_o its_o first_o teacher_n it_o be_v no_o way_n probable_a that_o lover_n of_o vice_n shall_v so_o
he_o 48._o and_o presume_v that_o none_o have_v they_o haughty_o censure_v the_o people_n who_o know_v not_o or_o profess_o study_v not_o the_o law_n as_o if_o these_o poor_a sergeant_n be_v a_o demonstration_n that_o they_o be_v curse_v but_o this_o 49._o their_o pride_n and_o confidence_n be_v mount_v upon_o ignorance_n for_o nicodemus_n a_o man_n of_o the_o pharisee_n and_o a_o ruler_n as_o well_o as_o themselves_o he_o though_o fearful_a of_o give_v offence_n and_o incur_v the_o censure_n of_o the_o sanhedrim_n yet_o for_o his_o far_a satisfaction_n go_v to_o jesus_n by_o night_n and_o say_v unto_o he_o 2._o rabbi_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 which_o thou_o do_v except_o god_n be_v with_o he_o although_o he_o be_v not_o full_o persuade_v that_o jâ—â—us_n be_v the_o messiah_n or_o that_o prophet_n who_o they_o expect_v to_o come_v before_o he_o yet_o faith_n he_o we_o know_v we_o do_v not_o conjecture_v but_o it_o be_v evident_a and_o certain_a to_o we_o that_o thou_o be_v a_o teacher_n come_v from_o god_n hereof_o he_o be_v convince_v by_o the_o miracle_n he_o do_v they_o in_o his_o esteem_n be_v argument_n so_o demonstrative_a and_o necessary_a as_o vanquish_a all_o objection_n and_o make_v that_o his_o conclusion_n but_o a_o just_a trophy_n of_o their_o victory_n so_o that_o not_o only_o the_o common_a people_n or_o the_o vulgar_a rabble_n that_o know_v not_o the_o law_n but_o also_o the_o most_o wise_a and_o learned_a among_o they_o do_v account_v miracle_n undeniable_a argument_n of_o divine_a authority_n in_o they_o that_o do_v they_o on_o this_o score_n it_o be_v that_o the_o man_n who_o be_v bear_v blind_a urge_v his_o miraculous_a cure_n with_o great_a evidence_n of_o truth_n before_o the_o pharisee_n to_o who_o he_o declare_v that_o this_o miracle_n have_v such_o a_o influence_n upon_o he_o as_o that_o he_o think_v 17._o he_o that_o do_v it_o a_o prophet_n but_o they_o not_o willing_a to_o think_v so_o too_o will_v not_o believe_v that_o he_o have_v ever_o 18._o be_v blind_a whereupon_o they_o call_v his_o parent_n and_o ask_v they_o three_o question_n viz._n 1._o whether_o that_o be_v their_o son_n 2._o whether_o he_o be_v bear_v blind_a 3._o whether_o they_o know_v how_o this_o pretend_a cure_n 19_o be_v wrought_v or_o by_o who_o to_o the_o two_o first_o they_o answer_v direct_o we_o know_v that_o this_o be_v our_o 20._o son_n and_o that_o he_o be_v bear_v blind_a but_o for_o a_o answer_n to_o the_o three_o they_o refer_v they_o to_o he_o who_o 23._o be_v again_o call_v in_o be_v by_o the_o pharisee_n instruct_v to_o give_v god_n the_o praise_n and_o not_o to_o look_v on_o he_o that_o do_v it_o with_o any_o veneration_n or_o to_o think_v he_o a_o prophet_n as_o he_o have_v say_v he_o do_v no_o say_v they_o 24._o far_o be_v that_o from_o thou_o for_o we_o know_v that_o this_o man_n be_v a_o sinner_n i._n e._n surely_n as_o they_o will_v have_v it_o a_o impostor_n for_o afterward_o they_o institute_n a_o comparison_n 29._o between_o he_o and_o moses_n as_o for_o this_o latter_a they_o say_v we_o know_v that_o god_n speak_v unto_o he_o but_o as_o for_o this_o fellow_n we_o know_v not_o from_o whence_o he_o be_v of_o any_o commission_n he_o have_v from_o god_n as_o moses_n have_v we_o know_v nothing_o hereat_o the_o man_n marvail_v as_o well_o he_o may_v for_o it_o be_v a_o common_a principle_n know_v and_o allow_v among_o they_o that_o 12._o if_o a_o man_n have_v the_o requisite_n to_o a_o prophetic_a spirit_n and_o do_v a_o miracle_n to_o show_v that_o god_n have_v send_v he_o than_o it_o be_v the_o command_n of_o god_n that_o man_n shall_v hear_v and_o believe_v he_o and_o good_a reason_n too_o for_o say_v he_o we_o know_v i._n e._n you_o and_o i_o agree_v in_o it_o his_o persuasion_n that_o god_n hear_v not_o sinner_n viz._n such_o impesâ—ors_n asi_fw-la mâ—ortune_n heaven_n to_o seal_v their_o lie_n with_o miracle_n but_o he_o who_o prayer_n of_o that_o nature_n he_o hear_v be_v a_o worshipper_n of_o god_n and_o do_v 31._o his_o will_n he_o be_v on_o ethat_o be_v no_o idolater_n but_o a_o faithful_a servant_n of_o god_n that_o come_v to_o do_v his_o will_n if_o not_o then_o must_v it_o be_v grant_v that_o god_n work_v miracle_n to_o assist_v impostor_n but_o what_o wretch_n so_o profligate_v as_o not_o to_o abhor_v such_o a_o position_n since_o then_o since_o the_o world_n begin_v it_o be_v never_o hear_v that_o any_o man_n open_v the_o eye_n of_o onethat_o be_v bear_v blind_a it_o must_v be_v conclude_v that_o this_o man_n who_o have_v open_v i_o be_v of_o god_n send_v and_o impower_v by_o he_o o_o herwise_o hâ—_n can_v do_v nothing_o of_o this_o nature_n this_o 33._o conclusion_n be_v clear_o deduce_v from_o their_o own_o approve_a principle_n they_o have_v nothing_o to_o object_n against_o it_o as_o appear_v by_o their_o base_a supply_v the_o defect_n of_o their_o reason_n and_o impotent_a opinion_n by_o the_o scorn_v of_o insolence_n and_o rage_n of_o malice_n for_o they_o answer_v and_o say_v thou_o be_v altogether_o bear_v in_o sin_n and_o 34._o do_v thou_o teach_v we_o and_o they_o cast_v he_o out_o a_o clear_a sign_n of_o a_o baffle_a prejudice_n and_o a_o strong_a though_o stifle_v conviction_n that_o miracle_n be_v a_o demonstration_n of_o divine_a power_n and_o commission_n and_o have_v not_o the_o gentile_n be_v of_o the_o same_o opinion_n antiquity_n have_v be_v extreme_o senseless_a and_o sottish_a in_o feign_v miracle_n as_o i_o be_o tell_v it_o often_o do_v in_o some_o man_n arrival_n at_o crown_n and_o sceptre_n that_o thence_o they_o may_v seem_v preserve_v from_o danger_n and_o advance_v to_o the_o royal_a dignity_n not_o by_o chance_n and_o 31._o fortune_n but_o by_o the_o majesty_n and_o care_n of_o the_o go_n if_o man_n among_o the_o gentile_n as_o well_o as_o jew_n have_v not_o then_o general_o look_v on_o miracle_n as_o demonstration_n of_o divine_a authority_n the_o author_n of_o these_o fiction_n must_v have_v be_v think_v brute_n in_o the_o shape_n of_o man_n rather_o than_o partaker_n of_o a_o reasonable_a nature_n nor_o can_v vespasiâ—n_n have_v obtain_v the_o accession_n of_o authority_n and_o majesty_n as_o suetonius_n say_v he_o do_v by_o his_o miraculous_a cure_n 7._o or_o rather_o the_o fiction_n of_o they_o at_o alexandria_n thus_o than_o we_o see_v that_o all_o man_n every_o where_o jew_n and_o egyptian_n greek_n and_o roman_n and_o all_o other_o gentile_n yea_o that_o god_n himself_o esteem_v miracle_n undeniable_a or_o demonstrative_a proof_n of_o divine_a authority_n in_o they_o by_o who_o or_o for_o who_o sake_n they_o be_v do_v all_o therefore_o that_o now_o remain_v will_v be_v to_o show_v 3._o the_o reason_n for_o which_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n deserve_v as_o well_o yea_o better_o than_o any_o to_o be_v account_v and_o that_o this_o they_o do_v will_v be_v make_v apparent_a by_o a_o brief_a survey_n of_o their_o nature_n and_o their_o number_n their_o greatness_n and_o their_o goodness_n a_o miracle_n as_o to_o its_o general_a nature_n be_v define_v 37._o by_o a_o modern_a author_n to_o be_v a_o work_n of_o god_n beside_o his_o operation_n by_o the_o way_n of_o nature_n ordain_v in_o the_o creation_n this_o perhaps_o may_v pass_v without_o exception_n but_o than_o it_o must_v be_v understand_v with_o aquinas_n his_o distinction_n that_o to_o the_o be_v of_o a_o miracle_n it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a that_o something_o be_v do_v beside_o the_o order_n of_o nature_n in_o some_o one_o particular_a for_o if_o so_o it_o be_v than_o the_o production_n of_o mule_n and_o monster_n yea_o the_o very_a cast_n of_o a_o stone_n upward_o will_v be_v a_o miracle_n because_o each_o of_o these_o thing_n in_o some_o one_o particular_a be_v beside_o the_o order_n of_o nature_n yet_o be_v it_o ridiculous_a to_o say_v that_o it_o be_v miraculous_a the_o schoolman_n therefore_o 4._o conclude_v that_o a_o miracle_n be_v beside_o the_o order_n of_o the_o whole_a create_v nature_n and_o consequent_o above_o it_o now_o that_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v such_o work_n be_v so_o apparent_a as_o that_o there_o be_v â—o_o need_v of_o recourse_n to_o god_n lieutenant_n as_o the_o leviathan_n direct_v to_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o for_o this_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o doubtful_a case_n as_o that_o by_o their_o ejection_n of_o devil_n it_o be_v evident_a to_o every_o man_n reason_n the_o power_n of_o the_o air_n be_v by_o all_o own_a to_o be_v as_o great_a if_o not_o superior_a to_o all_o other_o power_n in_o nature_n yet_o they_o by_o their_o power_n of_o do_v miracle_n cast_v
from_o advice_n or_o counsel_n consist_v in_o obligation_n for_o the_o latter_a do_v only_o direct_v ligando_fw-la to_o the_o do_v of_o what_o be_v think_v fit_a to_o be_v do_v but_o the_o former_a do_v moreover_o oblige_v and_o bind_v they_o to_o who_o it_o be_v give_v to_o the_o do_v of_o it_o thus_o also_o do_v the_o gospel_n and_o that_o very_o severe_o to_o they_o to_o who_o it_o be_v preach_v for_o the_o author_n and_o finisher_n of_o our_o faith_n in_o it_o viz._n christ_n jesus_n our_o lord_n be_v he_o of_o who_o moses_n say_v unto_o the_o father_n a_o prophet_n shall_v the_o lord_n your_o god_n raise_v up_o unto_o you_o of_o your_o brethren_n like_v unto_o i_o he_o shall_v you_o â—ear_v in_o all_o thing_n whatsoever_o he_o shall_v say_v unto_o you_o and_o it_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o every_o soul_n which_o will_v not_o â—ear_v 23._o that_o prophet_n shall_v be_v destroy_v from_o among_o the_o people_n we_o ought_v therefore_o to_o give_v the_o more_o earnest_a heed_n to_o the_o thing_n that_o we_o have_v hear_v lâ—â—t_v at_o any_o time_n â—e_n shall_v let_v they_o slip_v for_o if_o the_o word_n speak_v by_o angel_n be_v steadfast_a and_o every_o transgression_n and_o disobedience_n receive_v a_o just_a recompense_n of_o reward_n how_o shall_v 3._o we_o escape_v if_o we_o neglect_v so_o great_a salvation_n oblige_a then_o it_o seem_v we_o be_v by_o the_o gospel_n much_o more_o severe_o than_o the_o jew_n be_v by_o the_o law_n because_o the_o gospel_n first_o begin_v to_o be_v speak_v by_o the_o lord_n and_o be_v confirm_v unto_o we_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 4._o wonder_n and_o with_o divers_a miracle_n and_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n according_a to_o his_o own_o so_o that_o this_o its_o obligation_n be_v primary_o derive_v not_o from_o the_o law_n of_o civil_a sovereign_n in_o favour_n of_o it_o but_o from_o the_o lord_n speak_v it_o its_o authority_n therefore_o be_v divine_a sect._n 2._o so_o also_o be_v that_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o those_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o bear_v the_o apostle_n name_n do_v drop_n from_o their_o pen_n we_o have_v as_o great_a assurance_n as_o any_o can_v be_v give_v of_o a_o matter_n of_o that_o nature_n affirmative_a demonstration_n that_o homer_n write_v the_o poem_n plato_n or_o aâ—istotle_n cicero_n or_o plutarch_n the_o book_n that_o be_v extant_a under_o their_o name_n be_v impossible_a uncontrolled_a tradition_n be_v all_o the_o proof_n whereof_o this_o matter_n be_v capable_a and_o this_o we_o have_v in_o behalf_n of_o those_o book_n that_o bear_v the_o apostle_n name_n as_o full_o as_o of_o any_o other_o whatsoever_o the_o sceptical_a heretic_n in_o tertullia_n time_n who_o it_o seem_v make_v a_o question_n of_o it_o he_o therefore_o thus_o bespeak_v go_v to_o now_o thou_o that_o will_v exercise_v thy_o curiosity_n in_o matter_n of_o thy_o salvation_n betake_v thyself_o to_o the_o apostolic_a church_n where_o thou_o may_v find_v the_o very_a chair_n of_o the_o apostle_n yet_o abide_v in_o their_o proper_a place_n wherein_o also_o their_o very_a authentic_a epistle_n as_o it_o be_v sound_a each_o one_o voice_n and_o represent_v his_o face_n be_v still_o recite_v if_o achaia_n be_v nigh_a thou_o thou_o have_v corinth_n if_o macedonia_n be_v not_o 36._o far_o from_o the_o thou_o have_v the_o philippian_n and_o thessalonian_n if_o thou_o can_v go_v into_o asia_n there_o thou_o have_v ephesus_n but_o if_o thou_o be_v near_o italy_n thou_o have_v rome_n from_o these_o and_o other_o apostolical_a church_n copy_n of_o the_o apostle_n write_n be_v undoubted_o disperse_v among_o the_o primitive_a christian_n who_o receive_v and_o deliver_v they_o as_o they_o and_o this_o their_o tradition_n have_v run_v throughout_o all_o age_n down_o to_o we_o and_o that_o without_o any_o contradiction_n for_o those_o that_o either_o in_o the_o primitive_a or_o latter_a time_n have_v think_v fit_a to_o oppose_v christianity_n yet_o do_v it_o not_o under_o the_o pretence_n that_o these_o book_n be_v spurious_a neither_o â—ews_n nor_o heathen_n ever_o have_v the_o confidence_n to_o make_v that_o objection_n but_o rather_o they_o have_v yield_v their_o suffrage_n to_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n that_o they_o be_v write_v by_o the_o apostle_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o that_o some_o few_o particular_a and_o private_a person_n have_v both_o of_o late_a and_o heretofore_o either_o out_o of_o their_o error_n reject_v or_o out_o of_o their_o curiosity_n more_o than_o befit_v they_o debate_v the_o canonical_a authority_n of_o the_o epistle_n of_o st._n paul_n to_o the_o hebrew_n the_o epistle_n of_o st._n james_n the_o second_o epistle_n of_o st._n peter_n the_o second_o and_o three_o of_o st._n john_n the_o epistle_n of_o st._n judas_n and_o the_o apocalypse_n beside_o some_o other_o lesser_a part_n of_o the_o gospel_n yet_o can_v it_o never_o be_v show_v that_o any_o entire_a church_n nor_o that_o any_o national_a or_o provincial_a council_n nor_o that_o any_o multitude_n of_o man_n in_o their_o confession_n or_o catechism_n or_o other_o such_o public_a write_n have_v reject_v they_o or_o make_v any_o doubt_n at_o all_o 9_o of_o they_o so_o that_o the_o scruple_n that_o some_o few_o have_v raise_v about_o they_o shall_v no_o more_o weaken_v the_o credit_n of_o such_o a_o universal_a tradition_n than_o the_o opinion_n of_o atheist_n overthrow_v the_o faith_n of_o all_o the_o world_n beside_o for_o very_o evident_a it_o be_v that_o such_o conjecture_n be_v at_o best_a but_o negative_a probability_n against_o the_o affirmative_a deposition_n of_o all_o the_o christian_a world_n beside_o and_o forasmuch_o as_o negative_n especial_o in_o such_o competition_n prove_v nâ—thing_v be_v they_o embrace_v by_o ten_o thousand_o time_n more_o than_o they_o be_v or_o ever_o be_v they_o will_v not_o amount_v to_o a_o proof_n against_o and_o therefore_o â—ught_v not_o in_o reason_n to_o derogate_v from_o the_o credibility_n of_o the_o church_n tradition_n that_o they_o be_v write_v by_o those_o apostle_n concern_v these_o therefore_o and_o those_o other_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o bear_v the_o name_n of_o apostle_n we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o doubt_v and_o that_o they_o write_v they_o in_o prosecution_n of_o their_o apostolic_a office_n the_o book_n themselves_o declare_v and_o for_o this_o cause_n since_o the_o apostle_n be_v prophet_n concern_v they_o it_o must_v be_v conclude_v that_o they_o be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n of_o god_n and_o if_o these_o be_v so_o then_o so_o also_o be_v the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n because_o they_o be_v therein_o say_v express_o 19_o to_o be_v so_o and_o impossible_a it_o be_v for_o scripture_n give_v by_o divine_a inspiration_n to_o testify_v a_o falsehood_n and_o indeed_o have_v not_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v so_o express_o call_v the_o word_n of_o prophecy_n and_o say_v to_o have_v be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n of_o god_n as_o we_o find_v they_o be_v in_o the_o new_a yet_o because_o the_o apostle_n in_o their_o write_n find_v their_o disputation_n upon_o they_o and_o prove_v their_o doctrine_n by_o they_o as_o the_o word_n and_o truth_n of_o god_n from_o whence_o there_o lie_v no_o appeal_n it_o will_v be_v very_o evident_a that_o they_o ascribe_v divine_a authority_n to_o they_o and_o this_o their_o testimony_n be_v give_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n be_v beyond_o the_o reach_n of_o a_o doubt_n about_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o all_o the_o doubt_n therefore_o that_o can_v be_v raise_v will_v be_v about_o those_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o do_v not_o write_v viz._n the_o gospel_n of_o st._n mark_n and_o st._n luke_n together_o with_o his_o history_n of_o their_o act_n but_o for_o the_o removal_n hereof_o from_o all_o beside_o sceptic_n it_o may_v methinks_v suffice_v that_o these_o book_n also_o have_v the_o approbation_n of_o the_o apostle_n for_o the_o gospel_n of_o these_o evangelist_n do_v not_o only_o agree_v with_o the_o other_o two_o but_o they_o themselves_o after_o the_o death_n and_o resurrection_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n converse_v with_o and_o adhere_v to_o the_o apostle_n and_o forasmuch_o as_o they_o be_v eminent_a fellow-labourer_n with_o the_o apostle_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v but_o they_o receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n perhaps_o at_o the_o day_n of_o pentâ—cost_n as_o well_o as_o other_o after_o which_o time_n we_o know_v that_o the_o apostle_n disperse_v themselves_o into_o their_o respective_a province_n and_o certain_a it_o be_v by_o all_o antiquity_n that_o st._n mark_n do_v accompany_v st._n peter_n and_o st._n luke_n st._n paul_n in_o almost_o all_o his_o travel_n it_o be_v therefore_o very_o unlikely_a that_o