accomplishment_n of_o these_o prediction_n for_o the_o primitive_a seducer_n be_v man_n of_o so_o profligate_v a_o conscience_n and_o lewd_a a_o addiction_n as_o that_o they_o serve_v not_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n but_o their_o own_o belly_n though_o they_o profess_v friendship_n 18._o yet_o they_o be_v enemy_n to_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n their_o god_n be_v their_o belly_n their_o glory_n be_v in_o their_o shame_n and_o they_o do_v mind_n earthly_a thing_n whereby_o it_o be_v plain_a 19_o they_o be_v as_o it_o be_v foretell_v they_o will_v be_v viz._n man_n of_o corrupt_a mind_n and_o destitute_a of_o the_o truth_n suppose_v that_o gain_n be_v godliness_n and_o this_o their_o perverse_a â—_o supposition_n do_v doubtless_o dispose_v they_o to_o make_v merchandise_n of_o other_o christian_n insomuch_o that_o they_o seek_v not_o they_o but_o they_o not_o their_o spiritual_a good_a and_o welfare_n but_o their_o worldly_a wealth_n and_o temporal_a interest_n that_o so_o they_o may_v make_v advantage_n to_o themselves_o thereby_o this_o be_v their_o design_n in_o order_n hereunto_o they_o seem_v wise_o to_o have_v consider_v that_o their_o power_n be_v only_o persuasive_a not_o coercive_a it_o will_v be_v their_o best_a way_n to_o adapt_v a_o religion_n to_o the_o humour_n and_o vice_n of_o man_n according_o we_o find_v that_o the_o contemplative_a and_o studious_a they_o allure_v with_o great_a swell_a word_n of_o vanity_n about_o no_o man_n know_v what_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o age_n which_o 1._o they_o divide_v into_o a_o ogdoad_n a_o decad_n and_o a_o dodecad_n wherein_o there_o be_v as_o the_o apostle_n say_v fables_n and_o endless_a genealogy_n which_o minister_v question_n 19_o rather_o than_o godly_a edify_n which_o be_v in_o faith_n the_o fiction_n of_o which_o fable_n and_o genealogy_n they_o steal_v out_o of_o antiphanes_n his_o theogony_n so_o likewise_o they_o do_v divers_a of_o their_o precept_n out_o of_o heathen_a philosophy_n for_o their_o practical_a divinity_n consist_v in_o the_o rudiment_n of_o the_o world_n the_o commandment_n and_o doctrine_n 20._o of_o man_n touch_v not_o 〈◊〉_d not_o handle_v not_o tertullian_n therefore_o say_v of_o the_o heretic_n that_o they_o have_v bring_v forth_o a_o stoical_a platonical_a and_o dialectical_a 8._o christianity_n herewith_o they_o entertain_v the_o studious_a but_o they_o be_v but_o few_o in_o number_n in_o comparison_n with_o the_o more_o ignorant_a and_o vicious_a they_o find_v it_o expedient_a to_o allow_v of_o the_o vice_n as_o well_o as_o the_o learning_n of_o the_o gentile_n and_o according_o so_o 23._o they_o do_v for_o they_o hold_v the_o use_n of_o all_o lust_n indifferent_a and_o herein_o their_o practice_n be_v agreeable_a to_o their_o opinion_n for_o it_o be_v a_o shame_n even_o to_o speak_v of_o those_o thing_n 12._o which_o be_v do_v of_o they_o in_o secret_a and_o so_o infectious_o wicked_a it_o seem_v they_o be_v as_o that_o they_o persuade_v other_o to_o be_v as_o bad_a as_o themselves_o thence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o ephesian_n be_v in_o some_o danger_n of_o be_v deceive_v with_o vain_a word_n into_o a_o opinion_n that_o fornication_n and_o all_o uncleanness_n avarice_n and_o filthiness_n obscene_a and_o foolish_a talk_n and_o jest_n be_v thing_n 6_o lawful_a or_o at_o most_o but_o venial_a sin_n yet_o for_o all_o this_o to_o allure_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o rigorous_a and_o austere_a they_o pretend_v to_o great_a mortification_n and_o severity_n of_o live_v other_o christian_n indulge_v themselves_o the_o use_n of_o marriage_n and_o all_o manner_n of_o meat_n without_o distinction_n but_o these_o be_v more_o mortify_v than_o so_o they_o do_v forbid_v to_o marry_v and_o command_v to_o abstain_v from_o meat_n the_o appetite_n of_o 3_o the_o flesh_n be_v so_o hateful_a and_o impure_a in_o their_o sight_n as_o that_o they_o think_v marriage_n and_o the_o better_a â—orts_n of_o meat_n too_o great_a a_o indulgence_n to_o they_o yâ—a_o such_o be_v their_o zeal_n against_o they_o as_o that_o some_o of_o they_o say_v marriage_n be_v of_o the_o devil_n and_o many_o of_o they_o abstain_v from_o all_o live_a creature_n and_o by_o this_o pretence_n of_o perfect_a continence_n they_o seduce_v many_o and_o no_o wonder_n â—3_n since_o they_o be_v such_o mortified_a man_n who_o will_v not_o take_v they_o for_o saint_n with_o these_o bait_n do_v these_o cunning_a angler_n fish_n for_o christian_n from_o among_o the_o gentile_n almost_o of_o all_o sort_n and_o all_o inclination_n the_o jewish_a christian_n who_o be_v yet_o zealous_a of_o 20._o the_o law_n they_o entice_v by_o assert_v a_o necessity_n of_o circumcision_n and_o keep_v their_o law_n for_o they_o teach_v the_o brethren_n and_o say_v except_o you_o be_v circumcise_v after_o the_o manner_n of_o moses_n and_o keep_v the_o law_n you_o can_v be_v save_v by_o this_o part_n of_o their_o doctrine_n they_o 24._o do_v conciliate_v the_o obstinate_a jew_n and_o insinuate_v themselves_o into_o those_o that_o believe_v who_o partly_o for_o fear_n of_o prosecution_n from_o their_o unbelieve_a countryman_n and_o partly_o out_o of_o love_n to_o their_o old_a religion_n be_v very_o apt_a to_o swallow_v their_o poison_n whereunto_o also_o they_o add_v several_a ingredient_n of_o most_o damnable_a heresy_n for_o even_o in_o st._n john_n time_n many_o deceiver_n be_v enter_v into_o the_o world_n who_o confess_v not_o that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v come_v in_o the_o flesh_n but_o because_o 7._o 30._o other_o think_v he_o be_v they_o make_v a_o high_a profession_n of_o he_o that_o by_o the_o sweetness_n of_o his_o name_n they_o may_v reach_v out_o this_o their_o bitter_a poison_n unto_o they_o which_o poison_n they_o sweeten_v with_o pretence_n it_o be_v very_o wholesome_a and_o useful_a to_o purge_v the_o soul_n from_o the_o dregs_n of_o ignorance_n and_o error_n to_o enlighten_v the_o mind_n and_o inform_v the_o understanding_n for_o their_o profane_a and_o vain_a babble_n they_o have_v the_o confidence_n 21._o to_o call_v science_n and_o to_o make_v profession_n of_o it_o and_o from_o a_o pretend_a excellency_n of_o knowledge_n they_o lay_v peculiar_a claim_n to_o the_o title_n of_o gnostic_n know_v man_n as_o if_o none_o no_o not_o st._n paul_n or_o st._n peter_n or_o any_o other_o of_o the_o apostle_n can_v plead_v a_o equality_n to_o the_o greatness_n of_o their_o knowledge_n for_o they_o boast_v that_o 9_o they_o know_v more_o than_o all_o man_n else_o and_o knowledge_n we_o know_v be_v a_o thing_n so_o invite_v as_o that_o it_o have_v no_o enemy_n but_o the_o ignorant_a and_o scarce_o any_o so_o sottish_a as_o not_o to_o desire_v it_o insomuch_o that_o it_o be_v a_o temptation_n even_o to_o eve_n in_o innocence_n when_o doubtless_o her_o knowledge_n be_v complete_o suit_v to_o her_o innocence_n yet_o even_o then_o â—he_v judge_v the_o forbid_a 6._o fruit_n desirable_a because_o it_o will_v make_v one_o wise_a we_o be_v true_a have_v lose_v her_o innocence_n but_o not_o the_o desire_n after_o knowledge_n no_o marvel_n then_o if_o with_o this_o pretence_n they_o allure_v many_o especial_o consider_v that_o though_o their_o wisdom_n be_v earthly_a sensual_a devilish_a yet_o they_o pretend_v it_o be_v from_o above_o it_o come_v not_o of_o blood_n or_o of_o the_o will_n of_o the_o flesh_n or_o of_o the_o will_n of_o man_n but_o of_o god_n for_o as_o the_o devil_n in_o tempt_v our_o bless_a saviour_n hide_v his_o lie_n under_o text_n of_o holy_a scripture_n so_o say_v irenaeus_n do_v all_o heretic_n what_o though_o as_o polycarp_n observe_v they_o wrest_v the_o word_n of_o phil_n god_n according_a to_o their_o own_o lust_n yâ—t_v it_o appear_v thereby_o they_o father_v their_o lie_n upon_o the_o god_n of_o truth_n from_o who_o also_o as_o they_o pretend_v their_o fable_n sometime_o descend_v by_o tradition_n and_o sometime_o by_o revelation_n when_o they_o be_v urge_v and_o baffle_v out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n they_o fall_v foul_a upon_o they_o and_o accuse_v they_o of_o such_o depravation_n insufficience_n variety_n and_o obscurity_n as_o that_o the_o truth_n can_v not_o therein_o be_v find_v by_o any_o that_o know_v not_o tradition_n and_o by_o tradition_n they_o understand_v not_o as_o other_o do_v that_o which_o every_o where_o always_o and_o by_o all_o christian_n 3._o be_v believe_v but_o a_o more_o secret_a delivery_n of_o truth_n down_o from_o one_o to_o another_o not_o by_o write_v but_o by_o 2._o word_n of_o mouth_n thus_o it_o seem_v they_o pretend_v to_o have_v receive_v their_o doctrine_n not_o from_o the_o apostle_n but_o from_o the_o mouth_n of_o christ_n himself_o and_o therefore_o in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n they_o be_v neither_o for_o paul_n nor_o apollo_n no_o nor_o yet_o for_o cephas_n but_o for_o 12._o christ_n as_o if_o christ_n have_v transmit_v such_o doctrine_n to_o they_o as_o he_o withhold_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
future_a whether_o by_o dream_n or_o otherwise_o beside_o those_o of_o prophecy_n be_v like_a to_o chaff_n for_o as_o in_o that_o there_o may_v be_v some_o few_o grain_n of_o wheat_n so_o say_v they_o perhaps_o there_o be_v in_o these_o some_o small_a measure_n of_o truth_n mix_v with_o much_o more_o mistake_n and_o falsehood_n but_o prophecy_n be_v a_o thing_n pure_a have_v no_o more_o mixture_n than_o wheat_n well_o zer_n winnow_v have_v with_o chaff_n hereby_o than_o they_o distinguish_v the_o prediction_n of_o prophet_n from_o those_o of_o soothsayer_n astrologer_n etc._n etc._n who_o prognostication_n be_v very_o much_o unlike_o the_o prediction_n of_o true_a sup_v prophet_n for_o of_o necessity_n say_v my_o author_n they_o have_v falsehood_n as_o well_o as_o truth_n in_o they_o this_o we_o always_o see_v and_o they_o themselves_o that_o profess_v these_o art_n confirm_v it_o to_o we_o because_o they_o make_v it_o matter_n of_o glory_n to_o themselves_o that_o their_o lie_n be_v not_o so_o many_o as_o another_o of_n the_o same_o profession_n but_o that_o any_o one_o of_o they_o shall_v speak_v truth_n in_o each_o of_o his_o prediction_n be_v impossible_a nor_o indeed_o do_v the_o skilful_a therein_o arrogate_v that_o to_o themselves_o for_o when_o something_o come_v to_o pass_v which_o look_v but_o like_o a_o accomplishment_n they_o account_v thâ—_n foreteller_n excellent_a and_o enroll_v he_o among_o man_n of_o illustrious_a fame_n who_o history_n celebrate_v and_o this_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o what_o isaiah_n say_v to_o 13._o babylon_n let_v now_o the_o astrologer_n the_o stargazer_n the_o monthly_a prognosticator_n stand_v up_o and_o save_v thou_o from_o these_o thing_n that_o shall_v come_v upon_o thou_o let_v they_o try_v if_o they_o can_v foretell_v these_o thing_n that_o thou_o may_v escape_v from_o they_o the_o challenge_n imply_v that_o they_o can_v and_o r._n albo_n it_o seem_v give_v the_o reason_n of_o it_o viz._n because_o 3_o all_o such_o art_n or_o whatsoever_o else_o some_o be_v please_v to_o call_v they_o be_v found_v in_o fancy_n they_o be_v creature_n of_o imagination_n that_o have_v a_o be_v in_o nothing_o but_o man_n conceit_n they_o be_v found_v on_o no_o demonstrable_a hypothesis_n and_o be_v therefore_o vanity_n as_o be_v also_o abundant_o demonstrate_v by_o a_o learned_a writer_n 17._o of_o our_o own_o and_o true_o the_o thing_n from_o whence_o these_o foreteller_n pretend_v to_o deduce_v their_o judgement_n be_v certain_o so_o remote_a intricate_a and_o various_a as_o that_o it_o seem_v impossible_a for_o any_o to_o arrive_v at_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o they_o how_o then_o be_v it_o possible_a for_o their_o prognostication_n to_o be_v certain_a prediction_n they_o can_v be_v but_o conjecture_n and_o conjecture_n we_o know_v especial_o in_o such_o case_n be_v very_o often_o whole_o false_a very_o rare_o if_o ever_o whole_o true_a but_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o prophet_n say_v our_o author_n be_v very_o much_o otherwise_o viz._n always_o true_a but_o never_o false_a it_o can_v be_v find_v throughout_o all_o age_n that_o ever_o any_o thing_n either_o much_o or_o little_a of_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n by_o the_o prophet_n unless_o the_o condition_n be_v alter_v ever_o yet_o fall_v to_o the_o ground_n but_o the_o ibid._n prediction_n of_o god_n prophet_n be_v full_o answer_v by_o the_o event_n and_o thereby_o the_o jew_n know_v that_o they_o be_v endue_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n because_o such_o certain_a foreknowledge_n of_o future_a contingence_n be_v no_o way_n attainable_a without_o it_o and_o for_o this_o cause_n it_o be_v like_a it_o be_v that_o among_o all_o the_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o try_v prophet_n this_o be_v account_v the_o most_o demonstrative_a of_o miracle_n sect._n 4._o but_o beside_o these_o ordinary_a the_o jew_n have_v some_o extraordinary_a mean_n of_o discern_v the_o truth_n of_o man_n pretension_n to_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n viz._n miracle_n not_o only_o the_o vulgar_a but_o more_o than_o a_o few_o of_o the_o better_a sort_n among_o the_o jew_n wâ—re_v of_o opinion_n they_o be_v not_o to_o believe_v any_o pretender_n to_o prophecy_n till_o he_o have_v do_v a_o miracle_n equal_a to_o some_o of_o those_o of_o moses_n or_o have_v disturb_v the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o nature_n as_o elijah_n do_v in_o raise_v the_o widow_n son_n but_o zer_n this_o rule_n say_v maimonides_n have_v nothing_o of_o truth_n in_o it_o and_o indeed_o we_o be_v apt_a to_o think_v it_o have_v not_o much_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o the_o order_n of_o prophet_n be_v at_o first_o found_v by_o miracle_n for_o evident_a it_o be_v that_o moses_n the_o first_o of_o that_o order_n be_v endue_v with_o a_o power_n of_o work_a miracle_n on_o purpose_n to_o 9_o convince_v the_o child_n of_o israel_n that_o the_o lord_n god_n of_o their_o father_n have_v appear_v unto_o he_o yet_o that_o great_a r._n maimonides_n out_o of_o design_n i_o suppose_v to_o derogate_v from_o the_o belief_n of_o chriâ—tianity_n be_v not_o ashamed_a 1._o to_o say_v the_o israelite_n do_v not_o believe_v moses_n our_o master_n because_o of_o the_o miracle_n he_o wrought_v and_o elsewhere_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o elias_n elisha_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o prophet_n do_v not_o their_o miracle_n to_o confirm_v thâ—ir_a zer_n prophecy_n but_o to_o supply_v their_o own_o and_o other_o necessity_n but_o it_o seem_v at_o another_o time_n he_o be_v of_o another_o mind_n for_o he_o express_o affirm_v that_o a_o prophet_n may_v be_v send_v to_o the_o common_a people_n or_o to_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o a_o city_n or_o kingdom_n to_o prepare_v and_o warn_v they_o what_o shall_v be_v do_v unto_o they_o or_o to_o dehort_v they_o from_o the_o wicked_a work_n that_o be_v in_o their_o hand_n but_o when_o god_n so_o send_v he_o he_o gives_z he_o a_o sign_n or_o a_o wonder_n that_o the_o people_n 11._o may_v know_v god_n have_v true_o send_v he_o and_o in_o the_o next_o section_n he_o say_v but_o we_o believe_v not_o every_o one_o that_o show_v a_o sign_n or_o do_v a_o miracle_n to_o be_v a_o prophet_n unless_o from_o the_o beginning_n we_o have_v know_v he_o to_o be_v sit_v for_o prophecy_n that_o in_o his_o wisdom_n and_o his_o work_n he_o have_v excel_v his_o contemporary_n and_o have_v walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o prophecy_n in_o holiness_n and_o separation_n from_o other_o then_o if_o such_o a_o one_o shall_v come_v and_o do_v a_o sign_n or_o a_o wonder_n and_o shall_v sâ—y_v that_o god_n have_v send_v he_o than_o it_o be_v command_v that_o we_o shall_v hear_v he_o as_o it_o be_v say_v you_o shall_v hear_v he_o these_o his_o concession_n although_o 15._o they_o speak_v he_o somewhat_o unconstant_a to_o himself_o yet_o we_o have_v no_o great_a reason_n to_o thank_v he_o for_o because_o the_o evidence_n of_o truth_n in_o holy_a scripture_n do_v extort_v they_o from_o he_o thus_o the_o prophet_n that_o be_v send_v to_o bethel_n give_v they_o a_o sign_n that_o his_o word_n be_v what_o the_o lord_n have_v speak_v thus_o in_o the_o 3._o fire-ordeal_a trial_n between_o elijah_n and_o the_o prophet_n of_o baal_n elijah_n obtain_v fire_n to_o fall_v upon_o the_o sacrifice_n 14._o and_o consume_v it_o thus_o also_o elisha_n to_o demonstrate_v his_o calling_n to_o succeed_v elijah_n divide_v the_o water_n of_o jordan_n with_o elijah_n mantle_n by_o which_o example_n we_o learn_v that_o though_o among_o the_o jew_n the_o ordinary_a trial_n of_o prophet_n be_v make_v by_o prediction_n yet_o in_o some_o case_n extraordinary_a they_o be_v by_o miracle_n to_o make_v proof_n of_o their_o mission_n to_o teach_v and_o do_v what_o they_o do_v chap._n iu._n the_o application_n of_o the_o foregoing_a discourse_n to_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n sect._n 1_o have_v thus_o clear_v the_o ground_n and_o lay_v the_o foundation_n we_o be_v next_o to_o erect_v the_o superstructure_n i._n e._n to_o show_v that_o by_o all_o these_o mean_n of_o probation_n viz._n both_o by_o the_o probable_a and_o demonstrative_a argument_n both_o ordinary_a and_o extraordinary_a it_o may_v be_v prove_v that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v prophet_n we_o be_v to_o take_v they_o as_o they_o lie_v in_o order_n and_o so_o to_o begin_v with_o the_o condition_n whereon_o among_o the_o jew_n pretender_n to_o prophecy_n be_v admit_v to_o a_o trial_n by_o what_o we_o have_v already_o discuss_v out_o of_o maimonides_n it_o appear_v that_o pretender_n to_o prophecy_n even_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v not_o admit_v to_o a_o trial_n but_o upon_o condition_n of_o conformity_n to_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n they_o be_v in_o no_o point_n allow_v to_o teach_v a_o perpetual_a variation_n from_o it_o unless_o they_o give_v as_o great_a or_o great_a evidence_n of_o god_n intention_n by_o they_o to_o change_v
these_o evangelist_n shall_v write_v without_o their_o knowledge_n and_o approbation_n especial_o consider_v that_o tertullian_n faith_n s._n mark_v gospel_n may_v be_v affirm_v to_o be_v st._n peter_n and_o st._n luke_n the_o apostolical_a church_n be_v wont_n to_o ascribe_v 5_o unto_o st._n paul_n insomuch_o that_o st._n hierom_n it_o seem_v affirm_v that_o this_o be_v the_o gospel_n which_o st._n 16._o paul_n call_v his._n what_o shadow_n of_o probability_n have_v 58._o there_o be_v in_o these_o assertion_n if_o these_o evangelist_n have_v not_o have_v at_o least_o the_o approbation_n of_o these_o apostle_n in_o their_o write_n and_o approve_a it_o seem_v they_o be_v by_o st._n john_n as_o well_o as_o they_o for_o eusebius_n report_v the_o tradition_n of_o the_o church_n inform_v we_o that_o when_o the_o write_n of_o these_o evangelist_n be_v come_v unto_o he_o he_o approve_v of_o they_o and_o give_v they_o his_o testimony_n to_o their_o truth_n only_o â—e_v desire_v that_o in_o these_o write_n there_o â—ad_v be_v a_o account_n give_v of_o those_o thing_n which_o christ_n do_v when_o he_o first_o begin_v to_o preach_v and_o that_o that_o be_v say_v be_v true_a for_o it_o may_v be_v discern_v that_o these_o thrâ—â—_n evangelist_n viz._n st._n matthew_n st._n mark_n and_o st._n luke_n have_v commit_v to_o write_v only_o thâ—se_a thing_n which_o our_o saviour_n do_v in_o the_o space_n of_o a_o year_n after_o the_o imprisonment_n and_o captivity_n of_o st._n john_n the_o baptist_n they_o say_v therefore_o that_o st._n john_n the_o apostle_n bathe_v deliver_v in_o his_o gospel_n 24._o the_o thing_n which_o our_o saviour_n do_v in_o that_o space_n of_o time_n which_o the_o former_a evangelist_n â—ad_v pass_v over_o in_o silence_n the_o time_n namely_o before_o the_o imprisonment_n of_o the_o baptist_n a_o observation_n not_o unworthy_a of_o our_o notice_n but_o at_o present_a we_o have_v no_o use_n for_o any_o part_n of_o it_o but_o only_o the_o beginning_n viz._n that_o st._n john_n the_o apostle_n do_v not_o only_o approve_v of_o but_o add_v his_o authority_n to_o the_o gospel_n of_o st._n mark_n and_o st._n luke_n which_o testimony_n of_o eusebius_n or_o rather_o of_o the_o church_n by_o he_o be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o credible_a because_o justin_n martyr_n in_o many_o place_n of_o his_o work_n call_v these_o as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o gospel_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o commemoration_n â—apâ—usculè_fw-la or_o narration_n of_o the_o apostle_n but_o this_o they_o can_v not_o be_v unless_o as_o tertullian_n faith_n the_o evangelical_n instrument_n â—ad_v for_o its_o â—_z the_o apostle_n on_o who_o the_o lord_n impose_v the_o office_n of_o promulgate_a the_o gospel_n or_o if_o apostolical_a man_n have_v any_o hand_n in_o it_o yet_o not_o alone_o but_o with_o the_o apostle_n and_o after_o the_o apostle_n because_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o disciple_n may_v be_v suspect_v of_o vain_a glory_n if_o it_o have_v not_o â—ad_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o master_n yea_o of_o christ_n 2._o who_o make_v the_o apostle_n master_n to_o assist_v it_o and_o have_v the_o assistance_n of_o their_o authority_n it_o be_v very_o evident_a that_o since_o they_o be_v prophet_n the_o truth_n and_o authority_n of_o these_o write_n muâ—â—_n needs_o be_v divine_a lucae_n the_o author_n of_o they_o write_v as_o origen_n faith_n by_o inspiration_n and_o so_o clear_a have_v this_o argument_n heretofore_o be_v think_v by_o its_o own_o light_n as_o that_o among_o the_o jew_n it_o be_v a_o rule_n that_o of_o whosoever_o a_o prophet_n bear_v witness_v that_o he_o be_v a_o prophâ—t_n 9_o he_o shall_v be_v receive_v as_o a_o prophet_n neither_o shall_v there_o any_o far_a trial_n be_v make_v of_o he_o since_o then_o the_o apostle_n be_v prophet_n and_o do_v either_o write_v or_o approve_v of_o and_o authorize_v all_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n wherein_o also_o they_o give_v testimony_n to_o those_o of_o the_o old_a that_o they_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n we_o ought_v to_o acquiesce_v and_o cease_v from_o make_v a_o doubt_n of_o it_o shall_v conclude_v that_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o whole_a bible_n be_v divine_a 1_o but_o it_o be_v manifest_a faith_n the_o leviathan_n that_o none_o can_v know_v the_o scripture_n be_v god_n word_n though_o all_o true_a christian_n believe_v it_o but_o those_o 33._o to_o who_o god_n himself_o â—ath_v reveal_v it_o supernatural_o anâ—_n it_o be_v manifest_a yes_o that_o it_o be_v very_o good_a but_o i_o pray_v what_o make_v it_o so_o why_o the_o sole_a authority_n of_o the_o leviathan_n and_o let_v i_o tell_v you_o you_o will_v never_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v his_o disciple_n unless_o he_o have_v power_n enough_o over_o you_o to_o make_v you_o think_v so_o for_o he_o be_v â—o_o authentic_a a_o teacher_n as_o that_o he_o often_o suggett_v such_o principle_n as_o this_o upon_o his_o bare_a word_n and_o this_o you_o must_v take_v although_o perhaps_o you_o have_v good_a reason_n to_o the_o contrary_n if_o you_o be_v so_o ill_o nature_a as_o to_o deny_v he_o this_o little_a postulatum_fw-la you_o spoil_v all_o and_o leave_v no_o hope_n that_o ever_o you_o will_v be_v of_o his_o opinion_n for_o a_o instance_n of_o this_o you_o need_v not_o seek_v far_o there_o be_v one_o before_o you_o for_o what_o be_v knowledge_n but_o a_o firm_a certain_a and_o evident_a assent_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o proposition_n and_o our_o assent_n to_o that_o under_o debate_n viz._n that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n seem_v to_o have_v all_o these_o degree_n of_o perfection_n in_o it_o for_o it_o be_v firm_a because_o without_o hesitation_n and_o doubt_v it_o be_v certain_a because_o build_v upon_o such_o sure_a and_o solid_a foundation_n as_o can_v be_v make_v unable_a to_o bear_v it_o and_o it_o be_v evident_a because_o it_o be_v evident_o and_o plain_o deduce_v from_o the_o next_o and_o immediate_a cause_n of_o any_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n namely_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n but_o whether_o or_o no_o according_a to_o the_o strict_a and_o rigorous_a definition_n of_o philosopher_n it_o be_v knowledge_n proper_o so_o call_v it_o be_v not_o material_a to_o inquire_v because_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a that_o so_o it_o shall_v be_v for_o as_o in_o all_o art_n and_o science_n firm_a assent_n to_o first_o principle_n by_o what_o mean_v soever_o it_o be_v attain_v be_v sufficient_a for_o learner_n so_o here_o the_o chief_a design_n of_o holy_a scripture_n be_v to_o teach_v we_o knowledge_n of_o thing_n supernatural_a and_o our_o assent_n to_o the_o divinity_n of_o its_o authority_n be_v one_o of_o the_o first_o premise_n requisite_a to_o our_o attainment_n of_o that_o knowledge_n it_o have_v need_v only_o to_o be_v firm_a because_o firmness_n of_o assent_n thereunto_o be_v of_o itself_o sufficient_a to_o make_v we_o learn_v believe_v and_o obey_v the_o scripture_n as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o be_v evident_a by_o the_o example_n of_o all_o those_o pious_a and_o good_a man_n who_o although_o illiterate_a do_v yet_o take_v heed_n thereunto_o as_o to_o the_o rule_n that_o god_n have_v give_v they_o both_o of_o their_o faith_n and_o practice_n this_o they_o do_v although_o they_o can_v give_v no_o other_o reason_n why_o they_o think_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v so_o than_o because_o they_o be_v general_o receive_v as_o such_o and_o vogue_v to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n these_o man_n it_o be_v confess_v do_v not_o know_v but_o only_o believe_v that_o they_o be_v so_o yet_o their_o faith_n be_v steadfast_a i._n e._n their_o assent_n firm_a they_o we_o see_v do_v learn_v believe_v and_o obey_v they_o as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n 2_o but_o this_o be_v more_o than_o they_o need_v to_o do_v for_o he_o to_o who_o god_n have_v not_o supernatural_o reveal_v that_o they_o be_v his_o nor_o that_o those_o that_o publish_v they_o be_v send_v by_o he_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o obey_v they_o by_o any_o authority_n but_o he_o who_o command_n have_v already_o the_o force_n of_o law_n that_o be_v to_o say_v by_o any_o other_o authority_n than_o that_o of_o the_o common_a wealth_n reside_v in_o ibid._n the_o sovereign_n who_o only_o have_v the_o legislative_a power_n the_o postulatum_fw-la before_o mention_v be_v obtrude_v upon_o we_o because_o it_o be_v big_a with_o this_o monster_n ans_fw-fr which_o the_o leviathan_n have_v midwife_v into_o the_o world_n with_o its_o unhallowed_a mouth_n against_o heaven_n absolve_v as_o much_o as_o in_o that_o lie_v all_o man_n live_v from_o obedience_n to_o the_o word_n of_o their_o maker_n unless_o the_o common_a wealth_n require_v it_o this_o put_v i_o in_o mind_n of_o the_o roman_a senate_n decree_n and_o tertullia_n irrision_n of_o it_o that_o unless_o god_n please_v man_n he_o shall_v not_o
down_o from_o its_o first_o and_o proper_a state_n to_o another_o far_o inferior_a hereby_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o 30._o light_n of_o nature_n discover_v our_o fall_a condition_n herein_o i_o say_v where_o can_v reason_n without_o revelation_n find_v a_o promise_n of_o eternal_a happiness_n make_v unto_o we_o the_o vast_a volume_n of_o the_o creation_n do_v not_o afford_v it_o the_o book_n of_o nature_n do_v not_o contain_v it_o where_o then_o will_v it_o look_v for_o it_o or_o can_v it_o possible_o find_v it_o here_o then_o this_o suppose_a infallible_a guide_n be_v at_o a_o stand_n it_o can_v carry_v we_o one_o step_n far_o it_o be_v at_o such_o a_o loss_n as_o that_o it_o can_v tell_v we_o what_o to_o do_v or_o which_o way_n to_o go_v that_o we_o may_v gâ—t_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o a_o promise_n of_o salvation_n without_o which_o we_o walk_v in_o darkness_n and_o at_o all_o adventure_n and_o so_o our_o wander_n be_v like_a to_o be_v very_o tedious_a and_o troublesome_a indeed_o object_n but_o what_o if_o they_o be_v the_o matter_n be_v not_o much_o for_o those_o who_o commit_v themselves_o to_o the_o guidance_n of_o their_o own_o understand_n if_o they_o do_v commit_v themselves_o whole_o to_o it_o be_v as_o safe_a on_o the_o left_a hand_n as_o on_o the_o right_n as_o secure_v of_o happiness_n in_o their_o error_n as_o other_o be_v who_o 65._o be_v otherwise_o guide_v even_o in_o the_o truth_n which_o they_o happen_v to_o fall_v into_o behold_v hâ—re_o the_o power_n of_o reason_n how_o broad_a it_o make_v the_o way_n to_o heaven_n and_o how_o wide_o its_o gate_n it_o throw_v it_o open_a and_o take_v it_o on_o every_o side_n no_o matter_n with_o what_o it_o approach_v it_o error_n as_o well_o as_o truth_n if_o it_o be_v the_o dictate_v of_o our_o own_o understanding_n will_v let_v we_o into_o it_o what_o scrupulous_a coxcomb_n than_o be_v those_o who_o ask_v with_o the_o tremble_a jailor_n sir_n what_o must_v we_o do_v to_o be_v save_v can_v they_o not_o whole_o commit_v themselves_o to_o their_o own_o understanding_n and_o then_o they_o will_v be_v save_v right_a or_o wrong_n what_o though_o we_o be_v turk_n jew_n heathen_n or_o atheist_n in_o our_o persuasion_n it_o be_v no_o matter_n if_o we_o therein_o whole_o commit_v ourselves_o to_o the_o guidance_n of_o our_o own_o understanding_n we_o be_v as_o secure_v of_o happiness_n in_o our_o error_n as_o other_o be_v who_o be_v guide_v even_o in_o the_o ibid._n truth_n which_o they_o happen_v to_o fall_v into_o for_o there_o be_v no_o danger_n of_o perish_v but_o from_o disobedience_n without_o which_o every_o man_n may_v often_o err_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n be_v not_o to_o find_v out_o truth_n especial_o every_o particular_a one_o but_o to_o endeavour_v the_o find_v it_o he_o command_v no_o more_o but_o to_o search_v and_o you_o shall_v find_v say_v be_v not_o every_o particular_a truth_n for_o experience_n teach_v we_o that_o can_v be_v the_o interpretation_n but_o whether_o you_o find_v or_o no_o the_o truth_n which_o you_o search_v for_o you_o shall_v find_v the_o 66._o reward_n of_o search_v which_o be_v happiness_n so_o that_o if_o your_o understanding_n search_v and_o you_o do_v commit_v yourselves_o whole_o to_o the_o guidance_n oâ—_n it_o there_o be_v no_o danger_n of_o perish_v from_o disobedience_n to_o the_o law_n even_o of_o god_n himself_o much_o less_o from_o error_n well_o little_a do_v we_o think_v what_o a_o amulet_n we_o carry_v about_o with_o we_o and_o little_o do_v we_o know_v till_o this_o treatise_n tell_v we_o that_o such_o be_v the_o force_n and_o virtue_n of_o our_o understanding_n as_o that_o if_o it_o do_v what_o it_o may_v the_o most_o venomous_a error_n can_v hurt_v we_o if_o it_o do_v but_o search_n we_o shall_v be_v sure_a to_o find_v the_o reward_n of_o search_v which_o be_v happiness_n this_o indeed_o be_v a_o very_a comfortable_a speculation_n but_o it_o fall_v out_o somewhat_o unlucky_o that_o he_o who_o acquaint_v we_o with_o it_o as_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v speak_v without-book_a for_o the_o promise_n be_v not_o make_v to_o search_v but_o to_o seek_v i._n e._n to_o prayer_n and_o devotion_n 7._o not_o to_o study_v and_o enquiry_n after_o truth_n in_o opinion_n it_o do_v therefore_o give_v we_o no_o reason_n to_o think_v either_o that_o happiness_n be_v the_o reward_n of_o such_o search_a or_o that_o we_o shall_v ever_o find_v it_o thereby_o no_o though_o we_o commit_v ourselves_o whole_o to_o the_o guidance_n of_o our_o understanding_n therein_o for_o if_o on_o those_o term_n man_n may_v attain_v to_o salvation_n i_o can_v understand_v that_o st._n paul_n the_o apostle_n be_v ever_o a_o whit_n secure_a of_o happiness_n than_o saul_n the_o persecutor_n for_o he_o very_o think_v with_o himself_o that_o he_o ought_v 9_o to_o do_v many_o thing_n contrary_a to_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n this_o be_v the_o guidance_n of_o his_o understanding_n and_o he_o whole_o commit_v himself_o to_o it_o for_o even_o then_o he_o live_v in_o all_o good_a conscience_n why_o then_o be_v 1._o not_o he_o as_o safe_a on_o the_o left_a hand_n as_o on_o the_o right_a i._o e._n while_o a_o pesecutor_n as_o when_o a_o eminent_a believer_n if_o he_o be_v why_o do_v he_o magnify_v the_o mercy_n etc._n of_o god_n in_o his_o conversion_n if_o he_o be_v not_o what_o reason_n have_v we_o to_o believe_v the_o now_o controvert_v and_o grand_a assertion_n in_o this_o treatise_n that_o therefore_o notwithstanding_o we_o conclude_v that_o since_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v prophet_n it_o be_v unreasonable_a to_o think_v our_o own_o reason_n a_o sufficient_a guide_n to_o eternal_a happiness_n sect._n 4._o hence_o also_o it_o follow_v that_o it_o be_v very_o reasonable_a for_o we_o to_o believe_v whatsoever_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n have_v undoubted_o teach_v we_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o consequence_n most_o manifest_o be_v because_o they_o 21._o be_v prophet_n and_o be_v prophet_n they_o speak_v as_o they_o be_v move_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o forasmuch_o as_o god_n can_v lie_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o doctrine_n must_v needs_o be_v beyond_o all_o question_n for_o such_o be_v the_o certainty_n of_o the_o word_n of_o prophecy_n as_o that_o st._n peter_n prefer_v it_o before_o the_o voice_n which_o he_o himself_o hear_v 19_o from_o heaven_n when_o he_o be_v with_o jesus_n in_o the_o holy_a mount_n but_o can_v any_o thing_n be_v more_o sure_a than_o such_o a_o voice_n no_o not_o in_o itself_o consider_v absolute_o but_o unto_o we_o god_n be_v truth_n and_o in_o he_o there_o be_v no_o possibility_n of_o lie_v or_o shadow_n of_o falsehood_n all_o thing_n therefore_o that_o come_v from_o he_o must_v needs_o be_v equal_o sure_a and_o certain_a infallible_a and_o true_a in_o themselves_o yet_o for_o all_o that_o one_o thing_n may_v have_v great_a evidence_n of_o its_o descent_n and_o more_o apparent_a credential_n of_o its_o mission_n from_o he_o than_o another_o have_v as_o for_o example_n st._n john_n the_o baptist_n and_o our_o bless_a saviour_n be_v both_o send_v from_o god_n but_o both_o do_v not_o give_v equal_a evidence_n of_o their_o mission_n from_o he_o st._n john_n do_v no_o miracle_n but_o our_o saviour_n 36._o wrought_v many_o and_o the_o work_n that_o he_o do_v do_v bear_v witness_n of_o he_o that_o the_o father_n send_v he_o and_o as_o it_o be_v in_o person_n so_o may_v it_o be_v in_o several_a way_n of_o revelation_n and_o so_o i_o conceive_v it_o be_v in_o those_o that_o now_o lie_v before_o we_o a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n and_o a_o word_n of_o prophecy_n the_o question_n be_v not_o which_o be_v most_o true_a consider_v as_o in_o itself_o for_o so_o there_o can_v be_v no_o comparison_n between_o they_o but_o which_o of_o the_o two_o be_v most_o sure_a as_o to_o we_o i_o e._n which_o of_o they_o give_v we_o the_o fair_a credential_n of_o its_o come_n from_o god_n st._n peter_n decide_v the_o question_n the_o word_n of_o prophecy_n and_o for_o this_o his_o decision_n he_o have_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o jew_n among_o who_o it_o seem_v that_o in_o those_o day_n it_o be_v and_o perhaps_o still_o be_v a_o receive_a opinion_n that_o the_o bath_n kol_n filia_fw-la vocis_fw-la such_o as_o st._n peter_n speak_v of_o be_v inferior_a to_o the_o very_o low_a degree_n of_o prophecy_n not_o in_o its_o truth_n as_o in_o itself_o consider_v but_o in_o motive_n of_o credibility_n to_o other_o hereof_o maimonides_n insinuate_v this_o reason_n viz._n because_o it_o 42._o may_v happen_v to_o such_o as_o be_v not_o prepare_v for_o prophecy_n there_o be_v as_o we_o have_v show_v divers_a qualification_n antecedent_o or_o concomitant_o necessary_a to_o fit_a man_n for_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n and_o
moses_n which_o promise_v petrus_n galatinus_n 22._o prove_v the_o ancient_a jew_n themselves_o understand_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o mâ—ssiah_n and_o in_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n st._n peter_n affirm_v that_o our_o jesus_n be_v that_o prophet_n and_o christ_n himself_o give_v such_o evidence_n of_o it_o as_o that_o his_o disciple_n think_v he_o a_o prophet_n mighty_a 19_o in_o deed_n and_o word_n before_o god_n and_o all_o the_o people_n i._n e._n that_o god_n do_v demonstrate_v and_o the_o people_n do_v confess_v that_o he_o be_v a_o great_a prophet_n and_o that_o they_o do_v so_o be_v manifest_a for_o the_o jew_n themselves_o who_o heart_n be_v not_o subdue_v to_o his_o doctrine_n do_v yet_o believe_v that_o of_o a_o truth_n he_o be_v that_o prophet_n that_o shall_v 14._o come_v into_o the_o world_n the_o samaritan_n woman_n also_o perceive_v that_o he_o be_v a_o prophet_n and_o the_o man_n of_o samaria_n 19_o believe_v and_o know_v as_o much_o namely_o that_o indeed_o he_o be_v the_o christ_n the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n a_o part_n 2d_o of_o who_o office_n as_o they_o think_v be_v to_o tell_v they_o all_o thing_n and_o so_o to_o be_v a_o prophet_n and_o then_o for_o the_o apostle_n we_o do_v not_o only_o read_v that_o god_n by_o his_o spirit_n 10_o reveal_v thing_n unto_o they_o but_o moreover_o we_o find_v it_o record_v that_o he_o do_v it_o in_o this_o manner_n our_o bless_a lord_n jesus_n christ_n promise_v his_o disciple_n to_o send_v they_o a_o comforter_n and_o that_o when_o he_o the_o spirit_n of_o 13._o truth_n shall_v come_v he_o will_v guide_v they_o into_o all_o truth_n which_o it_o seem_v fell_a out_o according_o for_o when_o the_o day_n of_o pentecost_n be_v full_o come_v the_o apostle_n be_v all_o with_o one_o accord_n in_o one_o place_n and_o sudden_o there_o come_v a_o sound_n from_o heaven_n as_o of_o a_o rush_v mighty_a wind_n and_o it_o fill_v all_o the_o house_n where_o they_o be_v sit_v and_o there_o appear_v to_o they_o cleave_a tongue_n like_v as_o of_o fire_n and_o it_o sit_v upon_o each_o of_o they_o and_o they_o be_v all_o fill_v with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o begin_v to_o speak_v with_o other_o tongue_n etc._n as_o the_o spirit_n give_v they_o utterance_n nor_o do_v they_o then_o receive_v only_o the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n but_o that_o also_o of_o prophecy_n for_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n by_o the_o prophet_n joel_n that_o he_o will_v pour_v out_o his_o spirit_n upon_o all_o flesh_n and_o that_o their_o son_n 28._o and_o daughter_n shall_v prophesy_v etc._n etc._n the_o importance_n of_o which_o promise_n be_v that_o in_o the_o day_n a_o little_a before_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n there_o shall_v be_v so_o great_a and_o unusual_a a_o effusion_n of_o his_o spirit_n upon_o pâ—rsons_n of_o all_o sort_n as_o that_o those_o who_o be_v not_o bring_v up_o in_o the_o school_n of_o prophet_n shall_v yet_o be_v endue_v with_o the_o spirit_n or_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n this_o prediction_n of_o joel_n be_v fulfil_v in_o the_o apostle_n by_o the_o most_o auspicious_a descent_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n upon_o they_o for_o st._n peter_n affirm_v this_o be_v that_o 16._o which_o be_v speak_v by_o the_o prophet_n joel_n it_o seem_v then_o the_o mystery_n of_o christ_n which_o in_o other_o age_n be_v not_o make_v know_v unto_o the_o son_n of_o man_n as_o now_o it_o be_v be_v reveal_v unto_o his_o holy_a apostle_n and_o prophet_n by_o the_o spirit_n 5._o it_o be_v therefore_o manifest_a there_o can_v be_v no_o doubt_n make_v of_o our_o assertion_n if_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v think_v sufficient_a to_o prove_v it_o on_o this_o account_n i_o suppose_v it_o be_v that_o among_o those_o who_o believe_v the_o scripture_n it_o seem_v a_o hypothesis_n rather_o take_v for_o grant_v than_o otherwise_o prove_v by_o any_o but_o because_o our_o age_n be_v inquisitive_a and_o somewhat_o too_o apt_a to_o derogate_v from_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o sacred_a pandect_n because_o also_o since_o those_o part_n thereof_o which_o make_v mention_v of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n do_v drop_n from_o their_o mouth_n and_o pen_n to_o allege_v text_n from_o thence_o be_v but_o to_o produce_v their_o own_o testimony_n concern_v themselves_o and_o therefore_o whatever_o truth_n there_o may_v be_v there_o certain_o be_v but_o little_a force_n in_o that_o way_n of_o argue_v unless_o it_o be_v to_o those_o that_o already_o be_v well_o persuade_v of_o their_o authority_n for_o these_o reason_n i_o shall_v at_o present_a ascribe_v no_o more_o authority_n to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n than_o be_v usual_o give_v to_o other_o write_n far_o inferior_a and_o argue_v only_o from_o reason_n and_o testimony_n that_o can_v be_v suspect_v of_o partiality_n by_o the_o help_n thereof_o together_o with_o god_n blessing_n i_o doubt_v not_o to_o prove_v these_o five_o particular_n 1._o that_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o prophet_n be_v very_o agreeable_a to_o reason_n 2._o that_o there_o be_v prophet_n among_o the_o jew_n 3._o that_o for_o the_o trial_n of_o pretender_n to_o the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n they_o have_v certain_a rule_n note_n and_o sign_n whereby_o to_o judge_n of_o they_o 4._o that_n if_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v try_v thereby_o it_o will_v be_v find_v that_o they_o be_v prophet_n 5._o that_o this_o way_n of_o prove_v they_o be_v so_o be_v very_o sufficient_a and_o rational_a chap._n ii_o of_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o prophet_n and_o that_o there_o be_v prophet_n among_o the_o jew_n the_o notion_n of_o a_o prophet_n may_v certain_o best_o be_v learn_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o prophecy_n before_o define_v from_o which_o definition_n of_o prophecy_n we_o may_v gather_v this_o of_o a_o prophet_n viz._n that_o he_o be_v a_o person_n who_o by_o the_o influence_n of_o god_n upon_o his_o rational_a faculty_n do_v attain_v to_o such_o knowledge_n as_o by_o his_o natural_a ability_n will_v in_o one_o respect_n or_o other_o be_v unattainable_a in_o which_o description_n it_o concern_v we_o at_o present_a to_o observe_v only_o that_o it_o be_v not_o prediction_n but_o influence_n from_o god_n which_o constitute_v a_o prophet_n at_o least_o such_o a_o one_o as_o we_o be_v now_o speak_v of_o and_o that_o this_o be_v no_o new_a notion_n adapt_v to_o our_o present_a undertake_n be_v evident_a enough_o by_o the_o word_n of_o a_o late_a author_n who_o principle_n be_v think_v most_o unlucky_o of_o any_o to_o undermine_v such_o foundation_n as_o we_o be_v now_o lay_v yet_o he_o express_v himself_o in_o these_o word_n although_o there_o be_v many_o signification_n in_o scripture_n of_o the_o word_n prophet_n yet_o be_v that_o the_o most_o frequent_a in_o which_o it_o be_v take_v for_o he_o to_o who_o god_n speak_v immediate_o that_o which_o the_o prophet_n be_v to_o say_v from_o he_o to_o some_o other_o man_n or_o to_o the_o people_n god_n speak_v to_o man_n immediate_o he_o himself_o say_v be_v to_o be_v interpret_v 36._o that_o way_n whatsoever_o it_o be_v i_o suppose_v he_o mean_v without_o the_o ministry_n of_o man_n by_o which_o god_n make_v they_o to_o understand_v his_o will._n hereby_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o in_o his_o judgement_n as_o well_o as_o we_o a_o prophet_n be_v a_o person_n on_o who_o understanding_n god_n have_v immediate_a influence_n how_o else_o be_v it_o possible_a he_o shall_v make_v he_o immediate_o to_o understand_v his_o will_n and_o sure_o it_o can_v seem_v strange_a to_o any_o that_o there_o have_v or_o may_v have_v be_v such_o man_n in_o the_o world_n the_o power_n and_o wisdom_n of_o god_n together_o with_o the_o capacity_n of_o man_n soul_n be_v enough_o to_o remove_v all_o suspicion_n of_o its_o impossibility_n he_o that_o make_v the_o mind_n shall_v not_o he_o be_v able_a to_o teach_v man_n knowledge_n and_o he_o that_o be_v make_v on_o purpose_n to_o know_v god_n and_o give_v he_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o handiwork_n shall_v not_o he_o be_v think_v capable_a of_o learning_n from_o such_o a_o teacher_n there_o be_v therefore_o no_o show_n of_o reason_n to_o doubt_v the_o possibility_n of_o prophecy_n especial_o consider_v that_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n how_o wide_a soever_o their_o difference_n be_v in_o other_o matter_n do_v yet_o agree_v in_o this_o viz._n that_o there_o be_v or_o have_v be_v such_o prophet_n in_o the_o world_n this_o be_v so_o manifest_a and_o vulgar_o know_v to_o be_v the_o belief_n of_o christian_n jew_n and_o turk_n as_o that_o among_o all_o that_o have_v hear_v of_o christ_n moses_n or_o mahomet_n all_o necessity_n of_o prove_v it_o be_v perfect_o forestalled_n and_o that_o the_o heathen_n also_o be_v of_o the_o same_o opinion_n be_v evident_a by_o what_o they_o have_v report_v of_o some_o of_o their_o lawgiver_n viz._n
that_o so_o good_a and_o perfect_a a_o gift_n shall_v be_v congruous_o bestow_v by_o the_o most_o wise_a disposer_n of_o all_o thing_n but_o if_o they_o be_v so_o successful_a as_o to_o convince_v man_n of_o their_o call_v yet_o how_o can_v they_o perform_v their_o office_n without_o discretion_n and_o prudence_n by_o their_o office_n as_o we_o may_v gather_v from_o the_o use_n of_o 16._o their_o scripture_n the_o prophet_n be_v to_o teach_v reprove_v correct_v and_o instruct_v man_n in_o righteousness_n to_o declare_v what_o they_o ought_v to_o know_v and_o believe_v to_o convince_v they_o in_o falsehood_n and_o error_n to_o reform_v and_o amend_v their_o life_n to_o build_v they_o up_o and_o carry_v they_o on_o unto_o perfection_n in_o all_o virtue_n and_o holiness_n of_o live_v without_o discretion_n and_o prudence_n who_o be_v sufficient_a for_o these_o thing_n can_v ignorance_n teach_v or_o folly_n reprove_v can_v weakness_n of_o judgement_n demolish_v the_o strong_a hold_v of_o error_n or_o discover_v the_o fallacy_n of_o falsehood_n can_v shallow_a apprehension_n fathom_v the_o depth_n of_o sin_n or_o detect_v the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n can_v idiot_n make_v man_n wise_a or_o fool_n instruct_v other_o in_o righteousness_n yet_o so_o they_o must_v unless_o the_o rational_a faculty_n of_o the_o people_n rather_o than_o of_o the_o prophet_n be_v almost_o whole_o absorb_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n and_o so_o their_o wisdom_n and_o holiness_n be_v increase_v by_o a_o strange_a antiperistasis_n of_o folly_n and_o ignorance_n than_o which_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o unlikely_a and_o ridiculous_a it_o must_v therefore_o be_v grant_v to_o the_o jew_n that_o god_n prophet_n be_v though_o it_o may_v be_v not_o always_o learned_a in_o language_n art_n and_o science_n etc._n etc._n yet_o wise_a and_o prudent_a man_n and_o this_o their_o prudence_n dwell_v with_o such_o knowledge_n as_o be_v unattainable_a without_o revelation_n and_o that_o in_o one_o or_o more_o of_o these_o three_o respect_n either_o first_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n know_v as_o in_o their_o prediction_n of_o future_a contingence_n of_o which_o hereafter_o or_o second_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o knowledge_n my_o meaning_n be_v that_o those_o thing_n which_o of_o their_o own_o nature_n be_v such_o as_o may_v have_v be_v know_v by_o the_o power_n of_o our_o natural_a ability_n be_v sometime_o make_v know_v to_o the_o prophet_n by_o immediate_a revelation_n thus_o the_o prophet_n samuel_n know_v where_o saul_n ass_n be_v and_o 9_o thus_o elisha_n know_v whither_o his_o servant_n gehazi_n be_v go_v and_o what_o he_o do_v when_o he_o follow_v naaman_n 26._o and_o have_v overtake_v he_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o the_o measure_n of_o their_o knowledge_n thâ—re_o be_v nothing_o extraordinary_a but_o the_o thing_n themselves_o be_v remote_a from_o these_o prophet_n and_o they_o not_o be_v inform_v by_o any_o creature_n concern_v they_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o knowledge_n or_o the_o mean_n whereby_o they_o attain_v unto_o it_o be_v supernatural_a three_o the_o prophet_n knowledge_n of_o some_o thing_n be_v supernatural_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o measure_n of_o it_o as_o be_v evident_a by_o their_o clear_n up_o the_o principle_n of_o natural_a theology_n and_o this_o they_o have_v do_v so_o 47._o successful_o as_o that_o tertullian_n offer_v to_o prove_v to_o the_o gentile_n that_o not_o only_o their_o poet_n and_o their_o sophister_n drink_v out_o of_o the_o prophet_n fountain_n but_o also_o their_o philosopher_n quench_v the_o thirst_n of_o their_o wit_n therefrom_o they_o all_o be_v plagiaries_n and_o steal_v the_o choice_a of_o their_o notion_n from_o the_o revelation_n make_v to_o the_o prophet_n how_o partial_a then_o be_v we_o in_o count_v the_o philosopher_n wise_a unless_o we_o also_o reckon_v that_o the_o prophet_n do_v excel_v they_o in_o wisdom_n if_o not_o in_o respect_n of_o that_o which_o they_o themselves_o acquire_v yet_o in_o respect_n of_o that_o which_o be_v reveal_v unto_o they_o and_o this_o their_o wisdom_n be_v far_o more_o excellent_a than_o that_o of_o the_o philosopher_n not_o only_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o matter_n manner_n or_o measure_n of_o it_o but_o also_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o effect_n or_o operation_n of_o it_o in_o they_o and_o this_o bring_v i_o to_o the_o second_o thing_n inquire_v after_o by_o the_o jew_n in_o the_o trial_n of_o prophet_n â—amely_o their_o strength_n or_o fortitude_n so_o servile_a and_o pusillanimous_a be_v the_o heathen_a philosopher_n even_a plato_n himself_o as_o that_o for_o fear_n graec._n of_o man_n they_o conceal_v truth_n of_o great_a importance_n thus_o may_v man_n do_v by_o acquire_v knowledge_n but_o not_o with_o infuse_v at_o least_o not_o so_o easy_o that_o which_o they_o get_v by_o study_n they_o may_v stifle_v but_o what_o they_o have_v by_o prophecy_n they_o can_v hardly_o conceal_v be_v not_o my_o word_n like_o as_o fire_n say_v the_o lord_n and_o like_o a_o 29._o hammer_n that_o break_v the_o rock_n in_o piece_n the_o word_n of_o prophesy_n can_v hardly_o be_v imprison_v in_o unrighteousness_n the_o prophet_n must_v â—ither_o burn_v or_o break_v unless_o they_o utter_v it_o hence_o no_o doubt_n it_o be_v that_o when_o the_o prophet_n jeremiah_n be_v so_o passionate_a and_o pettish_a as_o to_o say_v i_o will_v not_o make_v mention_n of_o the_o lord_n nor_o speak_v any_o more_o in_o his_o name_n he_o think_v no_o doubt_n it_o have_v bâ—â—n_v in_o his_o power_n to_o have_v conceal_v god_n word_n and_o he_o it_o seem_v resolve_v so_o to_o do_v but_o say_v he_o his_o word_n be_v in_o my_o heart_n as_o a_o burn_a fire_n shut_v up_o â—_o in_o my_o bone_n and_o i_o be_v weary_a with_o forbear_v and_o i_o can_v not_o stay_v such_o be_v the_o strength_n of_o the_o prophetic_a impression_n and_o such_o the_o energy_n of_o its_o power_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o prophet_n as_o that_o like_o a_o fire_n burn_v in_o their_o bone_n it_o will_v force_v its_o way_n out_o or_o else_o consume_v they_o this_o i_o presume_v be_v a_o great_a cause_n of_o that_o admirable_a fortitude_n and_o magnanimity_n which_o make_v they_o despise_v the_o terror_n of_o man_n and_o the_o threat_n of_o wicked_a prince_n neither_o the_o indocible_a temper_n of_o the_o people_n nor_o the_o ruggedness_n of_o their_o behaviour_n neither_o the_o power_n of_o monarch_n nor_o the_o menace_n of_o ruler_n can_v ever_o deter_v they_o from_o utter_v their_o prophecy_n of_o this_o we_o have_v a_o pregnant_a instance_n in_o moses_n who_o with_o nothing_o but_o his_o staff_n go_v bold_o to_o pharaoh_n and_o notwithstanding_o his_o power_n and_o tyranny_n undaunted_o tell_v he_o the_o lord_n god_n of_o israel_n will_v have_v he_o to_o let_v his_o people_n go_v 1._o and_o because_o pharaoh_n harden_v his_o heart_n and_o will_v not_o hearken_v moses_n threaten_v he_o to_o his_o face_n that_o the_o water_n in_o the_o river_n shall_v be_v turn_v into_o blood_n etc._n and_o that_o all_o his_o border_n shall_v be_v smite_v with_o frog_n etc._n etc._n thus_o do_v he_o prevail_v against_o a_o mighty_a king_n and_o retrieve_v a_o whole_a nation_n out_o of_o bondage_n nor_o be_v this_o courage_n peculiar_a to_o the_o mosaic_a degree_n of_o prophecy_n but_o common_a therewith_o to_o other_o as_o appear_v by_o nathan_n application_n of_o his_o parable_n to_o david_n 18._o elijah_n reprehension_n of_o ahab_n isaiah_n jeremiah_n ezekiel_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o prophet_n most_o faithful_a and_o courageous_a discharge_n of_o their_o office_n they_o all_o therein_o have_v and_o discover_v such_o prowess_n and_o fortitude_n such_o magnanimity_n and_o nobleness_n of_o resolution_n as_o can_v be_v parallel_v by_o the_o example_n of_o the_o most_o heroic_a teacher_n of_o wisdom_n and_o virtue_n among_o the_o gentile_n that_o therefore_o in_o respect_n of_o this_o their_o fortitude_n and_o courage_n in_o the_o execution_n of_o their_o office_n the_o prophet_n be_v always_o strong_a will_v easy_o be_v grant_v but_o that_o they_o be_v always_o rich_a in_o respect_n of_o worldly_a wealth_n may_v just_o be_v deny_v and_o since_o the_o jew_n give_v we_o no_o reason_n for_o their_o confidence_n in_o affirm_v it_o we_o need_v give_v they_o none_o for_o our_o deny_v it_o yet_o since_o the_o rabbi_n be_v oftentimes_o please_v to_o speak_v mystical_o in_o other_o thing_n it_o be_v possible_a they_o do_v so_o in_o this_o and_o if_o they_o do_v so_o who_o know_v but_o that_o the_o word_n rich_a may_v be_v take_v in_o they_o as_o it_o 6._o once_o be_v in_o solomon_n viz._n for_o one_o that_o be_v rich_a not_o so_o much_o money_n and_o earthly_a possession_n as_o in_o prudence_n and_o moral_a virtue_n which_o conjecture_n seem_v somewhat_o strengthen_v by_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
he_o but_o by_o make_v câ—r_n thyself_o fit_a to_o receive_v from_o he_o for_o the_o pythagorean_n say_v thou_o shall_v best_o honour_v god_n when_o thou_o make_v thy_o mind_n like_a unto_o he_o if_o so_o it_o be_v evident_a there_o can_v be_v no_o law_n so_fw-mi subservient_fw-fr to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n as_o the_o moral_a law_n be_v and_o consequent_o none_o so_o good_a and_o excellent_a as_o that_o be_v because_o none_o so_o apt_a to_o promote_v the_o supreme_a end_n of_o all_o law_n whatever_o viz._n the_o glory_n of_o the_o lawgiver_n and_o the_o good_a of_o the_o subject_n yet_o so_o brutish_o wicked_a be_v the_o jewish_a rabbi_n as_o that_o they_o make_v it_o void_a and_o of_o none_o effect_v not_o only_o its_o precept_n be_v neglect_v and_o slight_v in_o comparison_n with_o their_o ceremonial_a performance_n but_o it_o be_v very_o native_a sense_n and_o mean_v be_v almost_o whole_o cloud_v and_o eclipse_v by_o their_o false_a gloss_n vain_a interpretation_n and_o tradition_n wherefore_o one_o end_n of_o christ_n his_o come_n into_o the_o world_n it_o seem_v 17._o be_v to_o â—ulsill_a the_o law_n i._n e._n not_o only_o to_o do_v but_o also_o to_o teach_v and_o declare_v what_o the_o law_n require_v whâ—t_o wâ—s_v natural_a in_o the_o law_n as_o be_v before_o observe_v out_o of_o irenâ—eus_n the_o lord_n bathe_v not_o only_o destroy_v but_o also_o extend_v and_o â—illed_v up_o those_o that_o desire_v to_o know_v wherein_o this_o extension_n or_o adimpletion_n of_o the_o law_n do_v consi_v may_v learn_v it_o from_o the_o same_o father_n who_o tell_v 27._o we_o it_o be_v in_o require_v abstinence_n not_o only_o from_o all_o evil_a work_n but_o also_o from_o the_o very_a desire_n of_o they_o it_o seem_v then_o the_o moral_a law_n as_o it_o be_v now_o constitute_v the_o rule_n of_o our_o obedience_n be_v so_o pure_a and_o spiritual_a as_o that_o it_o reach_v the_o faculty_n of_o our_o soul_n as_o well_o as_o the_o work_n word_n and_o gesture_n of_o our_o body_n strict_o forbid_v the_o thought_n or_o assent_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o the_o very_o feeble_a inclination_n of_o our_o will_n and_o affection_n to_o sin_n as_o well_o as_o the_o outward_a perpetration_n of_o it_o and_o how_o much_o this_o exceed_v the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n i._n e._n of_o the_o strict_a professor_n among_o the_o jew_n our_o saviour_n 5._o himself_o have_v demonstrate_v in_o divers_a instance_n the_o prohibition_n of_o murder_n they_o restrain_v to_o shed_v 33._o of_o blood_n but_o chrisâ—â—xtended_v even_o to_o immoderate_a anger_n that_o of_o adultery_n they_o restrain_v to_o the_o external_n commission_n of_o folly_n but_o christ_n extend_v even_o to_o the_o very_a eructation_n of_o concupiscence_n the_o prohibition_n 28._o of_o take_v god_n name_n in_o vain_a they_o restrain_v to_o perjury_n but_o christ_n extend_v to_o all_o manner_n of_o vain_a and_o false_a swear_v etc._n etc._n there_o be_v therefore_o nothing_o 34._o more_o evident_a than_o that_o the_o moral_a law_n as_o establish_v by_o the_o gospel_n be_v far_o more_o pure_a and_o spiritual_a more_o extend_v and_o comprehensive_a than_o it_o be_v as_o expound_v by_o the_o jewish_a tradition_n and_o rabbi_n and_o indeed_o they_o do_v rather_o explode_v the_o law_n than_o expound_v it_o for_o if_o the_o be_v of_o sin_n consist_v in_o consent_n as_o it_o apparent_o do_v in_o most_o case_n a_o man_n may_v be_v guilty_a almost_o of_o all_o sin_n and_o yet_o according_a to_o they_o be_v no_o sinner_n because_o no_o transgressor_n of_o the_o law_n according_a to_o their_o exposition_n of_o it_o but_o as_o christ_n have_v now_o restore_v it_o to_o its_o primitive_a sense_n and_o mean_v it_o be_v we_o see_v so_o transcendent_o holy_a and_o immaculate_o pure_a as_o that_o the_o way_n of_o our_o â—_z as_o well_o as_o work_n of_o our_o hand_n and_o word_n of_o our_o mouth_n be_v or_o may_v be_v unclean_a and_o impure_a before_o it_o this_o then_o be_v the_o prime_a rule_n of_o our_o practice_n hereunto_o the_o gospel_n require_v most_o absolute_o perfect_a unsinning_a obedience_n insomuch_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v humble_a for_o our_o imperfection_n as_o well_o as_o penitent_a for_o our_o more_o grievous_a transgression_n and_o all_o this_o must_v spring_v from_o faith_n that_o work_v by_o love_n for_o without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a 2_o to_o please_v god_n and_o without_o charity_n faith_n be_v nothing_o worth_a obj._n but_o here_o perhaps_o it_o may_v be_v object_v that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o keep_v the_o law_n thus_o expound_v it_o be_v rather_o fit_a for_o adam_n in_o innocence_n than_o for_o any_o of_o his_o fallen_n posterity_n be_v there_o no_o depravity_n in_o our_o nature_n or_o â—_z in_o the_o world_n to_o do_v wicked_o it_o may_v perhaps_o with_o justice_n and_o equity_n be_v impose_v on_o we_o but_o since_o as_o chriâ—t_n and_o his_o apostle_n themselves_o teach_v we_o all_o have_v siâ—ned_v and_o can_v live_v without_o sin_n it_o be_v rather_o apt_a to_o increase_v our_o damnation_n than_o to_o promote_v our_o salvation_n it_o be_v therefore_o very_o unbecoming_a that_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n whereunto_o they_o pretend_v in_o the_o promulgation_n of_o the_o gospel_n it_o speak_v more_o zeal_n than_o wisdom_n to_o require_v impossibility_n answ_n this_o objection_n have_v something_a of_o truth_n and_o reason_n in_o it_o even_o tempt_v i_o to_o wish_v it_o be_v find_v in_o the_o mouth_n only_o of_o humble_a and_o â—ober_a enquirer_n after_o truth_n but_o experience_n have_v teach_v i_o that_o our_o semi-atheist_n think_v to_o serve_v their_o lust_n by_o it_o for_o since_o gradual_o perfect_a obedience_n be_v impossible_a and_o no_o man_n be_v oblige_v to_o impossibility_n they_o say_v and_o perhaps_o will_v swear_v it_o too_o it_o be_v senseless_a folly_n and_o brutish_a inadvertency_n to_o trouble_v our_o head_n about_o it_o either_o by_o repent_v what_o we_o have_v not_o do_v according_a to_o the_o law_n or_o by_o take_v care_n for_o the_o future_a to_o walk_v by_o it_o but_o let_v they_o not_o be_v too_o haâ—â—y_a in_o their_o conclusion_n or_o too_o confident_a in_o the_o strength_n of_o their_o argument_n for_o it_o be_v but_o a_o piece_n of_o sophistry_n it_o divide_v what_o ought_v to_o be_v join_v viz._n the_o law_n and_o its_o exposition_n from_o the_o mitigation_n of_o it_o by_o the_o gospel_n take_v in_o this_o and_o the_o argument_n will_v be_v find_v very_o inconclusive_a on_o their_o part_n but_o demonstrative_a on_o we_o for_o though_o it_o be_v confess_v we_o find_v the_o law_n extend_v and_o far_o more_o comprehensive_o expound_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n than_o for_o aught_o we_o know_v it_o ever_o be_v by_o moses_n or_o the_o prophet_n much_o more_o by_o the_o jewish_a â—_z and_o rabbiâ—s_n yet_o withal_o we_o find_v it_o so_o qualify_a and_o mitigate_v its_o rigour_n and_o severity_n so_o allay_v as_o that_o the_o evangelical_n constitution_n of_o it_o be_v far_o more_o eligible_a than_o the_o legal_a it_o dâ—monstratâ—s_v far_o great_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n than_o ever_o it_o do_v either_o in_o the_o time_n of_o man_n innocence_n or_o afterward_o under_o the_o moysaicall_a dispensation_n for_o first_o evident_a it_o be_v that_o the_o law_n be_v not_o now_o establish_v as_o a_o covenant_n of_o work_n as_o at_o first_o it_o be_v in_o the_o time_n of_o man_n innocence_n nor_o be_v it_o now_o yoke_v with_o a_o great_a number_n of_o positive_a precept_n as_o it_o be_v by_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n for_o beside_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o the_o due_a use_n of_o his_o sacrament_n it_o be_v not_o easy_a to_o think_v of_o any_o thing_n enjoin_v by_o the_o gospel_n but_o what_o be_v reducible_a to_o the_o moral_a law_n which_o law_n be_v capable_a of_o a_o twofold_a use_n viz._n either_o as_o a_o rule_n of_o life_n or_o also_o as_o a_o covenant_n of_o work_n be_v both_o establish_v and_o abolish_v by_o the_o gospel_n for_o although_o as_o a_o rule_n of_o life_n and_o manner_n the_o gospel_n be_v so_o far_o from_o make_v void_a the_o law_n as_o that_o there_o be_v no_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n do_v so_o apparent_o establish_v it_o yet_o as_o a_o covenant_n of_o work_n whereby_o to_o obtain_v salvation_n the_o gospel_n do_v abolish_v it_o for_o in_o that_o it_o establish_v a_o new_a covenant_n it_o make_v the_o first_o old_a insomuch_o 13._o that_o that_o complete_a and_o gradual_a perfect_a obedience_n which_o in_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n to_o adam_n in_o innocence_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o eternal_a life_n although_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o a_o indispensable_a condition_n of_o our_o salvation_n for_o second_o though_o the_o gospel_n require_v perfect_a obedience_n yet_o it_o accept_v sincere_a which_o be_v such_o
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 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study_v the_o promotion_n of_o virtue_n especial_o when_o they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o have_v any_o worldly_a temptation_n to_o do_v it_o as_o that_o they_o have_v all_o imaginable_a discouragement_n from_o it_o who_o but_o lover_n of_o god_n and_o belove_v of_o he_o in_o such_o a_o case_n will_v so_o strenuous_o propugnate_n his_o glory_n by_o the_o extirpation_n of_o vice_n and_o plantation_n of_o virtue_n and_o holiness_n of_o live_v be_v it_o likely_a that_o worker_n of_o wickedness_n shall_v be_v planter_n of_o holiness_n and_o that_o with_o design_n to_o have_v it_o spread_v universal_o and_o continue_v perpetual_o yet_o such_o we_o know_v be_v christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o so_o zealous_a be_v they_o in_o it_o as_o that_o their_o labour_n and_o industry_n do_v far_o outstrip_a that_o of_o the_o most_o admire_a teacher_n of_o virtue_n among_o the_o gentile_n for_o they_o do_v not_o only_o despise_v their_o family-concerns_a and_o renounce_v all_o sinful_a pleasure_n 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above_o it_o for_o they_o think_v he_o a_o god_n thus_o chalcidius_n a_o platonist_n mention_n the_o star_n that_o conduce_v the_o eastern_a sage_n to_o christ_n and_o say_v of_o it_o it_o do_v not_o presage_v disease_n or_o mortality_n but_o the_o 34._o descent_n of_o a_o venerable_a god_n to_o converse_v with_o man_n and_o settle_v the_o affair_n of_o mortal_n apollophanes_n and_o his_o friend_n dionysius_n it_o seem_v be_v of_o the_o same_o opinion_n for_o be_v together_o at_o heliopolis_n in_o egypt_n and_o contemplate_v the_o supernatural_a eclipse_n of_o the_o sun_n at_o our_o saviour_n passion_n o_o good_a dionysius_n say_v apollophanes_n thing_n divine_v now_o have_v their_o turn_n to_o suffer_v and_o dionysius_n think_v so_o too_o for_o he_o reply_v 21._o either_o god_n himself_o suffer_v or_o sympathize_v with_o he_o that_o do_v afterward_o pontius_n pilate_n give_v such_o a_o account_n of_o christ_n to_o tiberius_n as_o that_o in_o tertullia_n judgement_n pilate_n himself_o in_o his_o conscience_n be_v a_o christian_a yea_o and_o tiberius_n think_v he_o a_o god_n and_o will_v have_v have_v the_o sâ—nate_a declare_v that_o he_o be_v so_o but_o the_o senator_n because_o pilate_n do_v not_o give_v they_o the_o first_o notice_n of_o it_o be_v please_v to_o refuse_v he_o however_o câ—â—sar_n continue_v in_o his_o opinion_n and_o do_v threaten_v those_o that_o shall_v presume_v to_o accuse_v the_o christian_n and_o so_o much_o reason_n it_o seem_v there_o be_v for_o this_o his_o opinion_n as_o that_o his_o successor_n will_v have_v believe_v in_o christ_n if_o the_o 21._o caesar_n have_v not_o then_o be_v necessary_a or_o if_o they_o can_v have_v be_v christian_n and_o caesar_n too_o have_v these_o thing_n be_v false_a or_o doubtful_a or_o capable_a of_o be_v prove_v so_o tertullian_n have_v much_o better_o have_v spare_v his_o apology_n than_o send_v it_o to_o tell_v falsâ—_n tale_n of_o such_o importance_n concern_v emperor_n and_o that_o in_o write_v to_o 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whoever_o own_v the_o one_o confess_v the_o other_o and_o for_o the_o apostle_n though_o they_o themselves_o confess_v they_o do_v not_o live_v without_o sin_n yet_o sure_o they_o be_v in_o holiness_n that_o which_o saul_n be_v in_o stature_n viz._n high_o than_o other_o by_o the_o head_n and_o shoulder_n by_o their_o doctrine_n they_o teach_v man_n to_o abstain_v from_o the_o very_a appearance_n of_o evil_a and_o to_o follow_v holiness_n in_o all_o manner_n of_o conversation_n and_o for_o their_o help_n in_o so_o do_v they_o make_v no_o doubt_n of_o propound_v their_o own_o example_n to_o their_o imitation_n most_o unlikely_a therefore_o it_o be_v that_o that_o do_v enervate_a their_o doctrine_n especial_o consider_v the_o multitude_n of_o their_o follower_n and_o the_o science_n of_o their_o adversary_n although_o our_o nature_n be_v corrupt_a and_o deprave_a yet_o not_o so_o
sin_n but_o now_o have_v they_o both_o see_v and_o hate_v both_o i_o and_o my_o father_n so_o convince_a do_v he_o account_v his_o miracle_n as_o that_o he_o impute_v their_o unbelief_n to_o malice_n and_o enmity_n against_o god_n and_o himself_o all_o which_o or_o any_o thing_n whereof_o he_o can_v not_o have_v do_v unless_o he_o have_v wrought_v his_o miracle_n to_o consirm_v his_o doctrine_n or_o attest_v his_o mission_n from_o god_n to_o teach_v it_o to_o this_o end_n also_o it_o be_v evident_a the_o miracle_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v design_v for_o they_o go_v forth_o and_o preach_v every_o where_o the_o 20._o lord_n work_v with_o they_o and_o consirm_v the_o word_n with_o sign_n follow_v it_o be_v the_o dictate_v of_o nature_n as_o well_o as_o of_o scripture_n that_o god_n can_v lie_v or_o avouch_v a_o falsehood_n therefore_o sure_o the_o word_n of_o his_o grace_n be_v truth_n for_o we_o find_v that_o he_o give_v testimony_n to_o it_o and_o this_o he_o do_v by_o grant_v sign_n 3._o and_o wonder_n to_o be_v do_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o apostle_n the_o salvation_n the_o gospel_n propose_v first_o begin_v to_o be_v speak_v of_o by_o the_o lord_n and_o be_v confirm_v unto_o the_o first_o christian_n by_o they_o that_o hear_v he_o i._n e._n by_o the_o apostle_n but_o lest_o their_o testimony_n shall_v be_v 4._o suspect_v god_n do_v bear_v they_o witness_v with_o sign_n and_o wonder_n and_o with_o divers_a miracle_n hereby_o than_o it_o be_v manifest_a not_o only_o that_o their_o doctrine_n be_v true_a but_o also_o that_o the_o wisdom_n of_o providence_n do_v design_n the_o miracle_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o confirmation_n of_o it_o and_o so_o doubtless_o do_v they_o themselves_o for_o their_o embassy_n to_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n be_v somewhat_o like_o that_o of_o moses_n unto_o pharaoh_n viz._n unlikely_a to_o be_v believe_v among_o they_o they_o find_v it_o expedient_a to_o have_v some_o letter_n of_o credence_n from_o the_o king_n of_o heaven_n and_o hereupon_o they_o pray_v god_n to_o stretch_v forth_o his_o hand_n to_o heal_v and_o to_o grant_v that_o sign_n and_o wonder_n may_v be_v do_v by_o the_o name_n of_o 30._o his_o holy_a child_n jesus_n and_o this_o they_o desire_v to_o the_o end_n that_o with_o all_o boldness_n they_o may_v speak_v his_o word_n and_o have_v obtain_v their_o request_n by_o the_o grant_n of_o sign_n and_o wonder_n to_o be_v do_v by_o their_o hand_n they_o 3_o speak_v bold_o in_o the_o lord_n neither_o the_o malice_n of_o the_o unbelieve_a jew_n nor_o the_o ill_a affect_a mind_n of_o the_o seduce_a gentile_n can_v deter_v they_o from_o speak_v bold_o the_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o jesus_n it_o seem_v than_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n to_o that_o word_n by_o the_o miracle_n of_o their_o work_n be_v the_o ground_n of_o their_o confidence_n in_o preach_v the_o gospel_n but_o this_o it_o can_v never_o have_v be_v without_o their_o intendment_n thereof_o to_o the_o confirmation_n of_o their_o doctrine_n for_o without_o this_o they_o can_v neither_o pretend_v nor_o indeed_o believe_v their_o miracle_n be_v the_o testimony_n of_o god_n to_o the_o word_n of_o his_o grace_n how_o can_v they_o look_v on_o they_o as_o such_o unless_o that_o they_o also_o themselves_o do_v use_v and_o intend_v they_o to_o this_o end_n manifest_a therefore_o i_o take_v it_o to_o be_v that_o they_o wrought_v they_o on_o purpose_n to_o confirm_v their_o doctrine_n or_o demonstrate_v their_o mission_n from_o god_n to_o teach_v it_o and_o much_o reason_n there_o be_v for_o their_o do_v they_o to_o this_o end_n for_o 2._o miracle_n be_v always_o look_v on_o as_o indisputable_a or_o demonstrative_a proof_n of_o divine_a power_n or_o authority_n in_o they_o that_o do_v they_o to_o deny_v this_o be_v little_o less_o than_o to_o charge_n god_n foolish_o for_o he_o endue_v moses_n with_o power_n of_o do_v miracle_n to_o the_o end_n that_o the_o israelite_n may_v believe_v that_o the_o 5._o lord_n god_n of_o their_o father_n have_v appear_v unto_o he_o a_o charge_n also_o he_o have_v to_o do_v all_o his_o wonder_n before_o 21._o pharaoh_n and_o although_o his_o heart_n be_v harden_v yet_o be_v do_v in_o the_o siglit_fw-la of_o the_o people_n they_o believe_v and_o bow_v their_o head_n and_o worship_v and_o 31._o after_o they_o it_o seem_v the_o magician_n be_v almost_o of_o the_o same_o persuasion_n for_o they_o say_v unto_o pharaoh_n this_o be_v the_o finger_n of_o god_n by_o this_o their_o grant_n of_o 19_o the_o premise_n they_o draw_v on_o themselves_o a_o necessity_n of_o confess_v the_o conclusion_n for_o if_o the_o miracle_n of_o moses_n be_v do_v by_o the_o finger_n of_o god_n then_o have_v god_n appear_v unto_o he_o or_o send_v he_o thus_o almost_o in_o the_o morning_n of_o the_o world_n we_o find_v both_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n and_o the_o wise_a of_o the_o egyptian_n confess_v the_o force_n of_o miracle_n to_o induce_v belief_n and_o that_o not_o as_o a_o probable_a argument_n but_o demonstrative_a such_o as_o rather_o command_v assent_n than_o beg_v it_o for_o when_o elijah_n sojourn_v with_o the_o widow_n of_o zarephath_n by_o his_o raise_v her_o son_n to_o life_n she_o know_v that_o he_o be_v a_o man_n of_o god_n and_o that_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o his_o mouth_n be_v truth_n and_o 24._o when_o the_o prophet_n of_o jericho_n see_v that_o elisha_n divide_v the_o water_n of_o jordan_n with_o elijah_n mantle_n they_o say_v the_o spirit_n of_o eiljah_n do_v rest_n on_o elisha_n hereof_o it_o seem_v they_o be_v thereby_o so_o convince_v as_o that_o though_o they_o themselves_o be_v prophet_n partaker_n in_o some_o measure_n of_o the_o same_o spirit_n yet_o they_o meet_v he_o and_o bow_v themselves_o to_o the_o ground_n 1â—_n before_o he_o as_o to_o the_o father_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o the_o chief_a of_o their_o order_n and_o not_o only_o they_o who_o have_v their_o education_n in_o the_o school_n of_o the_o prophet_n 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jerusalem_n at_o the_o passeover_n many_o believe_v in_o his_o name_n 23._o when_o the_o see_v the_o miracle_n which_o he_o do_v these_o many_o believer_n sure_o be_v not_o disciple_n for_o 25._o jesus_n do_v not_o commit_v himself_o unto_o they_o or_o intrust_v himself_o with_o they_o as_o well_o affect_v to_o he_o because_o he_o know_v all_o man_n and_o what_o be_v in_o they_o he_o search_v their_o heart_n and_o dive_v into_o the_o hide_a secret_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o by_o so_o do_v he_o find_v that_o though_o these_o man_n understanding_n be_v convince_v by_o his_o miracle_n yet_o their_o will_n be_v not_o subdue_v to_o his_o doctrine_n and_o after_o they_o many_o of_o 31._o the_o people_n believe_v on_o he_o and_o say_v when_o christ_n come_v will_v be_v do_v more_o miracle_n than_o these_o which_o this_o man_n have_v do_v to_o they_o it_o seem_v improbable_a that_o when_o their_o expect_a messiah_n shall_v come_v he_o either_o will_v or_o can_v do_v more_o or_o great_a miracle_n than_o our_o jesus_n do_v consider_v therefore_o his_o work_n and_o his_o say_n they_o peremptory_o conclude_v that_o of_o a_o truth_n this_o be_v the_o prophet_n viz._n foretell_v 4â—_n by_o moses_n deut._n 18._o 15._o and_o believe_v by_o they_o to_o be_v different_a from_o the_o messiah_n but_o otherâ—_n say_v this_o be_v the_o christ_n but_o when_o the_o pharisee_n hear_v that_o the_o 41._o people_n murmur_v such_o thing_n concern_v he_o they_o and_o the_o chief_a priest_n send_v officer_n to_o take_v he_o but_o the_o 32._o officer_n be_v astonish_v at_o his_o doctrine_n return_v without_o he_o whereupon_o they_o expostulate_v with_o they_o and_o in_o a_o scornful_a manner_n ask_v he_o have_v any_o of_o the_o ruler_n or_o of_o the_o pharisee_n believe_v on_o
their_o fault_n if_o they_o do_v not_o receive_v benefit_n by_o they_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v so_o sufficient_o attest_v as_o that_o be_v it_o not_o for_o prejudice_n or_o laziness_n inadvertence_n or_o one_o such_o vice_n or_o other_o i_o very_o think_v there_o neither_o be_v nor_o ever_o be_v any_o consider_a man_n in_o the_o world_n but_o either_o he_o be_v or_o may_v thereby_o have_v be_v convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o doctrine_n and_o so_o bless_v by_o the_o excellency_n of_o their_o religion_n as_o that_o his_o mind_n shall_v no_o long_o be_v blind_v with_o superstition_n or_o fluctuate_v in_o uncertainty_n but_o shall_v know_v assure_o where_o to_o have_v the_o most_o perfect_a object_n of_o all_o his_o faculty_n how_o great_a then_o i_o say_v be_v the_o goodness_n of_o these_o miracle_n that_o confirm_v such_o a_o treasure_n unto_o we_o how_o plain_o do_v it_o show_v their_o descent_n from_o the_o essential_a and_o eternal_a goodness_n viz._n god_n himself_o for_o who_o but_o a_o almighty_a goodness_n can_v be_v author_n of_o such_o production_n such_o unparalleled_a instance_n of_o love_n and_o kindness_n such_o inimitable_a beneficence_n so_o immense_a and_o immix_v a_o goodness_n from_o who_o can_v it_o come_v but_o from_o god_n who_o be_v love_n and_o goodness_n itself_o in_o my_o apprehension_n therefore_o the_o goodness_n of_o these_o miracle_n show_v as_o plain_o that_o they_o be_v the_o work_n of_o god_n in_o testimony_n to_o his_o word_n as_o the_o image_n and_o superscription_n on_o the_o money_n do_v that_o the_o coin_n be_v caesar_n let_v we_o then_o lay_v all_o these_o thing_n together_o viz_o that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n do_v take_v upon_o they_o the_o office_n of_o prophet_n and_o that_o have_v the_o antecedent_n to_o or_o concomitant_a attendant_n on_o the_o prophetic_a spirit_n they_o therein_o neither_o be_v deceive_v nor_o have_v a_o design_n to_o deceive_v other_o and_o by_o their_o prediction_n exact_o accomplish_v it_o appear_v that_o they_o have_v such_o certain_a foreknowledge_n as_o no_o man_n by_o any_o art_n or_o science_n whatever_o can_v possible_o have_v of_o god_n eternal_a purpose_n concern_v future_a contingence_n and_o beside_o this_o supernatural_a knowledge_n to_o confirm_v their_o doctrine_n or_o demonstrate_v their_o mission_n from_o god_n to_o teach_v it_o they_o wrought_v such_o miracle_n as_o in_o the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o their_o nature_n and_o the_o incomparableness_n of_o their_o number_n greatness_n and_o goodness_n do_v most_o evident_o and_o eminent_o appear_v to_o be_v the_o work_n of_o god_n and_o consequent_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n who_o do_v they_o be_v teacher_n of_o such_o a_o excellent_a wisdom_n as_o the_o world_n know_v not_o before_o be_v therein_o inspire_v by_o god_n and_o so_o prophet_n chap._n vi_o some_o use_n that_o may_v be_v make_v of_o this_o doctrine_n thus_o have_v we_o pass_v through_o the_o several_a part_n of_o the_o propose_a method_n and_o in_o so_o do_v have_v i_o hope_v find_v the_o truth_n of_o our_o assertion_n sufficient_o evince_v and_o if_o so_o it_o be_v than_o thence_o sure_o we_o may_v see_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o christian_a religion_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o insufficiency_n of_o humane_a reason_n and_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o christian_a faith_n hope_n and_o practice_n sect._n 1_o 1._o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o christian_a religion_n it_o be_v not_o of_o so_o base_a and_o low_a a_o extraction_n as_o to_o spring_v from_o a_o opinion_n of_o ghost_n or_o ignorance_n of_o 12._o second_o cause_n devotion_n towards_o what_o man_n fear_v or_o the_o mistake_n of_o thing_n casual_a for_o prognostic_n but_o it_o be_v a_o heavenborn_a thing_n it_o descend_v from_o the_o father_n of_o light_n it_o derive_v its_o pedigree_n from_o god_n himself_o and_o have_v the_o image_n not_o only_o of_o his_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n but_o likewise_o of_o his_o dominion_n and_o lordship_n enstamp_v upon_o it_o in_o so_o much_o that_o it_o bring_v its_o own_o obligation_n along_o with_o it_o and_o make_v it_o not_o only_o convenient_a but_o necessary_a not_o only_a prudence_n in_o we_o but_o duty_n to_o receive_v it_o for_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v prophet_n do_v not_o only_o teach_v it_o by_o god_n commandment_n and_o direrection_n ibid._n but_o also_o in_o so_o do_v they_o lay_v the_o high_a obligation_n that_o can_v be_v on_o all_o to_o receive_v it_o god_n we_o know_v be_v the_o supreme_a lord_n the_o fountain_n of_o all_o just_a authority_n be_v in_o he_o as_o therefore_o watâ—rs_n drink_n sweet_a out_o of_o a_o fountain_n so_o those_o law_n that_o come_v as_o the_o word_n of_o prophecy_n do_v immediate_o from_o god_n have_v the_o high_a majesty_n and_o authority_n enstamp_v upon_o they_o for_o this_o cause_n the_o jew_n when_o they_o be_v assure_v of_o any_o man_n call_v to_o the_o prophetic_a office_n think_v themselves_o oblige_v and_o bind_v to_o obey_v he_o in_o all_o thing_n except_o idolatry_n yea_o though_o he_o require_v the_o omission_n of_o the_o affirmative_a or_o the_o do_n of_o the_o negative_a precept_n of_o their_o law_n notwithstanding_o their_o mighty_a zeal_n for_o their_o law_n and_o the_o profound_a reverence_n they_o have_v for_o moses_n their_o master_n yet_o they_o judge_v it_o their_o indispensable_a duty_n in_o all_o thing_n to_o obey_v the_o prophet_n and_o whosoever_o will_v not_o they_o hold_v worthy_a and_o guilty_a of_o death_n by_o the_o immediate_a hand_n of_o heaven_n this_o be_v the_o opinion_n of_o their_o wise_a man_n in_o the_o talmud_n where_o they_o say_v in_o all_o thing_n except_o idolatry_n if_o a_o prophet_n zâ—r_n say_v unto_o thou_o transgress_v the_o law_n thou_o shall_v obey_v he_o and_o good_a reason_n too_o for_o a_o prophet_n be_v 36._o god_n spokesman_n to_o the_o people_n his_o herald_n to_o proclaim_v his_o law_n there_o be_v good_a reason_n he_o shall_v be_v hear_v and_o attend_v to_o whosoever_o else_o be_v neglect_v the_o reason_n be_v because_o the_o word_n of_o prophecy_n come_v immediate_o from_o god_n be_v clothe_v with_o his_o authority_n and_o if_o where_o the_o word_n of_o a_o king_n be_v there_o be_v power_n much_o more_o methinks_v be_v there_o where_o the_o word_n of_o he_o be_v by_o who_o king_n reign_n have_v not_o this_o be_v the_o dictate_v of_o natural_a reason_n numa_n pompilius_n and_o other_o ancient_a lawgiver_n among_o the_o heathen_n have_v be_v very_o foolish_a as_o well_o as_o false_a in_o pretend_v to_o have_v receive_v their_o law_n from_o the_o god_n but_o man_n natural_a reason_n tell_v they_o that_o the_o high_a authority_n of_o man_n be_v far_o inferior_a to_o that_o of_o god_n this_o politic_a pretence_n be_v think_v a_o very_a effectual_a engine_n to_o make_v man_n obedient_a to_o their_o law_n and_o this_o engine_n we_o see_v be_v to_o stand_v upon_o the_o ground_n that_o god_n above_o all_o be_v to_o be_v obey_v since_o than_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v prophet_n those_o be_v no_o good_a subject_n unto_o god_n yea_o they_o be_v worse_o than_o jew_n or_o heathen_n that_o deny_v the_o religion_n that_o they_o have_v teach_v we_o to_o have_v power_n of_o bind_v we_o to_o receive_v it_o obj._n yet_o the_o leviathan_n will_v have_v it_o in_o and_o of_o itself_o to_o have_v none_o for_o it_o faith_n express_o the_o precept_n repent_v be_v baptise_a keep_v the_o commandment_n believe_v the_o gospel_n come_v unto_o i_o sell_v all_o that_o thou_o have_v give_v it_o to_o the_o poor_a and_o follow_v i_o be_v not_o command_n but_o invitation_n and_o calling_n of_o mâ—n_z to_o christianity_n like_o that_o of_o isaiah_n ho_o every_o man_n 1_o that_o thirst_v come_v you_o to_o the_o water_n come_v and_o 42._o buy_v wine_n and_o milk_n without_o money_n ans_fw-fr the_o difference_n between_o precept_n and_o command_n especial_o in_o point_n of_o obligation_n i_o be_o hardly_o so_o subtle_a as_o to_o understand_v i_o have_v read_v indeed_o that_o the_o jew_n put_v a_o difference_n between_o law_n statute_n and_o judgement_n but_o hardly_o ever_o that_o either_o they_o oâ—_n the_o gentile_n find_v any_o between_o precept_n and_o command_n but_o this_o be_v a_o matter_n too_o trivial_a to_o be_v debate_v whether_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o profound_a piâ—ce_n of_o subtlety_n or_o a_o contradiction_n i_o shall_v not_o now_o take_v upon_o i_o to_o determine_v but_o let_v it_o pass_v as_o a_o specimen_fw-la of_o that_o extraordinary_a wit_n which_o the_o treatise_n of_o human_a reason_n observe_v in_o that_o author_n we_o shall_v inquire_v why_o he_o â—aith_v so_o viz._n why_o he_o â—aith_v that_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o its_o calling_n of_o man_n to_o christianity_n have_v not_o the_o obligation_n of_o command_n in_o they_o his_o reason_n be_v
these_o 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
as_o it_o do_v dispose_v we_o to_o action_n of_o a_o high_a nature_n than_o those_o of_o brute_n especial_o those_o of_o religion_n be_v the_o form_n of_o our_o humane_a nature_n this_o be_v it_o that_o do_v constitute_v we_o man_n and_o most_o of_o all_o distinguish_v we_o from_o other_o animal_n and_o well_o may_v the_o honour_n of_o this_o distinction_n be_v cast_v upon_o religion_n rather_o than_o reason_n not_o only_o because_o it_o set_v we_o far_o off_o from_o brute_n than_o that_o do_v without_o it_o but_o also_o because_o it_o be_v as_o inseparable_a from_o our_o nature_n as_o that_o be_v for_o no_o creature_n that_o know_v itself_o to_o be_v so_o can_v be_v reasonable_a without_o own_v itself_o oblige_v to_o love_n reverence_n and_o worship_v its_o creator_n hence_o i_o suppose_v it_o be_v that_o the_o principle_n and_o foundation_n of_o religion_n viz._n the_o be_v of_o a_o deity_n and_o of_o a_o future_a state_n or_o judgement_n be_v so_o firm_o lay_v in_o all_o mankind_n and_o in_o no_o creature_n below_o it_o as_o that_o the_o utmost_a endeavour_n that_o can_v be_v use_v be_v insufficient_a whole_o to_o raze_v they_o out_o or_o utter_o to_o suppress_v their_o energy_n whence_o else_o be_v it_o that_o sometime_o when_o there_o be_v no_o apparent_a danger_n profess_a atheist_n be_v subject_a to_o fear_n as_o well_o as_o other_o man_n or_o whence_o else_o be_v it_o that_o it_o be_v almost_o as_o easy_a to_o find_v a_o nation_n without_o soul_n as_o without_o all_o religion_n these_o thing_n will_v be_v unaccountable_a if_o religion_n be_v not_o essential_a to_o our_o nature_n as_o well_o as_o reason_n if_o then_o so_o it_o be_v manifest_v it_o be_v that_o a_o religion_n we_o must_v have_v for_o we_o can_v be_v happy_a because_o our_o soul_n will_v not_o be_v satisfy_v without_o it_o and_o forasmuch_o as_o we_o aim_v at_o some_o good_a as_o our_o end_n in_o all_o our_o action_n and_o those_o of_o religion_n be_v conversant_a not_o about_o the_o little_a low_a thing_n of_o the_o world_n but_o about_o god_n himself_o and_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v he_o it_o be_v also_o manifest_a that_o we_o can_v therein_o regular_o aim_v at_o nothing_o less_o than_o some_o good_a or_o perfection_n which_o this_o world_n can_v afford_v and_o god_n only_o can_v give_v and_o what_o can_v this_o be_v but_o the_o supreme_a bliss_n and_o happiness_n whereof_o our_o nature_n be_v capable_a this_o then_o be_v it_o which_o we_o except_v to_o obtain_v by_o religion_n and_o difficult_a it_o be_v for_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n to_o pitch_v upon_o a_o religion_n which_o his_o own_o reason_n will_v think_v in_o all_o point_v sufficient_a for_o this_o end_n for_o this_o it_o can_v judge_v any_o religion_n to_o be_v unless_o it_o show_v we_o a_o likely_a way_n to_o happiness_n and_o remove_v the_o impediment_n or_o obstruction_n that_o therein_o be_v unto_o it_o the_o way_n that_o to_o our_o reason_n seem_v likely_a to_o lead_v we_o to_o happiness_n must_v of_o necessity_n lie_v through_o holiness_n the_o reason_n be_v because_o perfect_a righteousness_n and_o integrity_n in_o all_o our_o action_n be_v the_o way_n that_o be_v make_v and_o ordain_v in_o our_o creation_n and_o our_o soul_n retain_v so_o much_o of_o their_o primitive_a constitution_n as_o that_o though_o by_o our_o fall_n we_o be_v so_o bruise_v and_o maim_v as_o that_o we_o can_v walk_v in_o it_o yet_o our_o reason_n can_v full_o assent_v to_o any_o way_n that_o lead_v not_o to_o it_o there_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o reluctance_n in_o reason_n against_o it_o our_o own_o natural_a conscience_n can_v be_v full_o persuade_v that_o happiness_n can_v be_v attain_v without_o holiness_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o man_n that_o live_v in_o notorious_a wickedness_n by_o the_o wind_n of_o phanaticism_n may_v be_v blow_v up_o into_o a_o opinion_n of_o their_o own_o saintship_n and_o confidence_n of_o their_o salvation_n but_o if_o the_o power_n of_o imagination_n do_v not_o suppress_v their_o reason_n and_o put_v it_o to_o silence_n their_o own_o conscience_n will_v soon_o tell_v they_o that_o they_o can_v advance_v towards_o heaven_n by_o their_o verbal_a religion_n while_o they_o go_v towards_o hell_n by_o wickedness_n of_o live_v the_o way_n therefore_o that_o seem_v likely_a unto_o reason_n to_o carry_v we_o unto_o happiness_n must_v guide_v we_o unto_o and_o keep_v we_o in_o the_o path_n of_o holiness_n yet_o withal_o if_o it_o deal_v impartial_o it_o will_v tell_v we_o that_o we_o can_v therein_o so_o walk_v as_o by_o walk_v to_o attain_v to_o that_o end_n of_o our_o journey_n because_o as_o we_o be_v thereby_o convince_v we_o shall_v stumble_v into_o sin_n and_o by_o so_o do_v shall_v fall_v short_a of_o eternal_a glory_n for_o eternal_a life_n as_o we_o have_v already_o say_v be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o reward_n that_o in_o justice_n be_v due_a to_o our_o work_n as_o that_o we_o can_v reasonable_o expect_v that_o god_n on_o who_o very_a be_v as_o well_o as_o honour_n we_o have_v make_v most_o odious_a attempt_n by_o our_o sin_n shall_v ever_o be_v please_v without_o atonement_n and_o satisfaction_n either_o to_o give_v or_o again_o to_o proffer_n it_o unto_o we_o and_o indeed_o shall_v our_o own_o self-love_n flatter_v we_o into_o a_o firm_a persuasion_n that_o god_n be_v willing_a we_o shall_v be_v save_v yet_o if_o there_o be_v no_o way_n make_v for_o our_o salvation_n but_o what_o be_v at_o first_o ordain_v in_o our_o creation_n our_o reason_n will_v teach_v we_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v never_o the_o nigh_a for_o our_o soul_n be_v fetter_v to_o that_o that_o be_v fade_v and_o enslave_v to_o divers_a lust_n can_v possible_o enable_v we_o therein_o to_o walk_v to_o eternal_a happiness_n but_o of_o necessity_n we_o shall_v relapse_n into_o our_o former_a state_n of_o nature_n since_o the_o fall_n of_o our_o first_o parent_n by_o this_o discourse_n than_o it_o appear_v that_o that_o religion_n which_o we_o rational_o make_v choice_n of_o to_o bring_v we_o to_o the_o supreme_a end_n of_o our_o be_v and_o action_n viz._n eternal_a life_n and_o glory_n must_v of_o necessity_n do_v these_o three_o thing_n for_o we_o viz._n first_o it_o must_v show_v we_o a_o sufficient_a atonement_n or_o satisfaction_n make_v for_o our_o sin_n past_a present_a and_o to_o come_v second_o it_o must_v lead_v we_o unto_o virtue_n and_o all_o holiness_n of_o live_v three_o it_o must_v dispose_v we_o so_o to_o follow_v it_o as_o that_o with_o god_n we_o may_v find_v acceptance_n where_o then_o shall_v we_o find_v a_o religion_n that_o upon_o a_o just_a and_o impartial_a examination_n may_v in_o reason_n be_v judge_v sufficient_a for_o these_o thing_n shall_v we_o seek_v it_o among_o the_o gentile_n alas_o their_o wisdom_n be_v but_o foolishness_n their_o knowledge_n of_o god_n but_o ignorance_n their_o way_n of_o worship_n and_o exercise_v of_o religion_n profaneness_n their_o virtue_n unholiness_n and_o their_o strength_n weakness_n in_o respect_n of_o that_o that_o be_v requisite_a for_o we_o and_o as_o for_o the_o atonement_n and_o satisfaction_n they_o make_v to_o god_n for_o their_o offence_n who_o so_o weak_a sight_v as_o not_o to_o see_v the_o shortness_n and_o vanity_n of_o their_o sacrifice_n and_o lustration_n they_o exceed_v not_o the_o power_n of_o corrupt_a and_o enfeeble_a nature_n which_o by_o these_o mean_n strive_v to_o cast_v off_o the_o burden_n of_o guilt_n that_o it_o groan_v under_o they_o be_v therefore_o at_o best_a but_o imploration_n of_o mercy_n and_o so_o no_o satisfaction_n to_o injure_a justice_n in_o they_o therefore_o man_n can_v reasonable_o put_v no_o confidence_n much_o more_o unlikely_a be_v it_o that_o our_o anxious_a soul_n â—hould_v find_v rest_n among_o the_o turk_n for_o their_o alcoran_n which_o with_o profound_a reuâ—rence_n they_o receive_v as_o the_o rule_n of_o their_o faith_n hope_n and_o practice_n be_v indeed_o and_o in_o truth_n but_o a_o rhapsody_n of_o nonsense_n and_o gibberish_n filth_n and_o wickedness_n much_o more_o apt_a though_o blend_v with_o some_o sense_n and_o wholesome_a instruction_n to_o retain_v man_n in_o than_o to_o help_v they_o out_o of_o their_o spiritual_a want_n and_o necessity_n and_o true_o if_o we_o go_v to_o the_o jew_n themselves_o we_o shall_v find_v that_o though_o thâ—ir_a law_n by_o god_n appointment_n have_v a_o shadow_n of_o good_a thing_n to_o come_v and_o their_o prophet_n speak_v by_o inspiration_n of_o they_o yet_o the_o shadow_n be_v so_o dark_a and_o the_o prophet_n prenotion_n of_o they_o so_o obscure_v as_o that_o man_n have_v need_v to_o be_v very_o sharp_a sight_v and_o to_o lay_v their_o eye_n very_o close_o to_o see_v through_o they_o but_o in_o the_o redemption_n we_o have_v by_o christ_n we_o may_v behold_v with_o open_a face_n as_o in_o a_o glass_n
the_o wall_n be_v break_v down_o and_o the_o temple_n set_v on_o fire_n some_o cast_n themselves_o on_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o roman_n other_o destroy_v each_o other_o other_o murder_v themselves_o and_o other_o leap_v into_o the_o flame_n account_v it_o not_o a_o overthrow_n but_o a_o kind_n of_o victory_n health_n aâ—d_a happiness_n that_o they_o perish_v together_o with_o the_o 66._o temple_n but_o whatever_o they_o think_v of_o it_o our_o saviour_n foretell_v it_o shall_v be_v great_a tribulation_n such_o 21._o as_o be_v not_o since_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n till_o that_o time_n and_o such_o it_o seem_v it_o be_v for_o josephus_n think_v very_o that_o the_o calamity_n of_o the_o jew_n do_v for_o exceed_v judaico_fw-la all_o those_o of_o former_a age_n nor_o be_v he_o without_o reason_n to_o think_v so_o for_o there_o be_v according_a to_o his_o computation_n no_o less_o than_o a_o eleven_o hundred_o thousand_o that_o die_v by_o pestilence_n and_o famine_n fire_n and_o 17_o sword_n during_o the_o siege_n thus_o be_v jerusalem_n child_n lay_v on_o the_o ground_n within_o she_o and_o it_o be_v but_o a_o few_o day_n that_o she_o herself_o stand_v after_o for_o ninety_o seven_o thousand_o be_v reserve_v for_o captive_n the_o enrage_a soldier_n have_v no_o more_o to_o kill_v nor_o any_o thing_n else_o to_o do_v whereupon_o titus_n command_v they_o to_o pluck_v up_o the_o very_a foundation_n of_o the_o city_n and_o the_o temple_n and_o according_o they_o lay_v they_o so_o even_o with_o the_o ground_n as_o that_o traveller_n can_v scarce_o have_v faith_n enough_o to_o believe_v the_o city_n be_v ever_o inhabit_v or_o the_o temple_n ever_o stand_v for_o the_o foundation_n of_o it_o turnus_n rufus_n tear_v up_o with_o a_o ploughshare_n thus_o punctual_a be_v providence_n in_o fulfil_v our_o saviour_n prediction_n concern_v the_o destruction_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o be_v thus_o reject_v the_o next_o thing_n in_o the_o oeconomy_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o call_n of_o the_o gentile_n this_o also_o be_v foretell_v by_o christ_n if_o not_o likewise_o by_o his_o apostle_n but_o to_o i_o it_o seem_v unreasonable_a to_o expect_v record_n of_o such_o prediction_n by_o they_o because_o both_o the_o history_n of_o their_o act_n and_o also_o their_o epistle_n be_v all_o write_v to_o person_n so_o little_o concern_v in_o it_o and_o on_o occasion_n so_o remote_a from_o it_o if_o not_o also_o at_o time_n after_o it_o as_o that_o they_o have_v scarce_o any_o at_o all_o to_o make_v mention_n of_o it_o yet_o we_o therein_o read_v st._n peter_n have_v a_o vision_n on_o purpose_n to_o teach_v he_o that_o he_o shall_v not_o call_v any_o man_n common_a or_o unclean_a i._n e._n that_o he_o shall_v make_v no_o difference_n between_o jew_n and_o gentile_n but_o that_o he_o shall_v converse_v with_o and_o preach_v free_o to_o the_o one_o as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o other_o and_o therefore_o shall_v make_v no_o scruple_n of_o go_v to_o cornelius_n at_o coesarea_n st._n paul_n also_o in_o one_o vision_n be_v 10._o send_v to_o the_o gentile_n in_o another_o he_o be_v call_v to_o help_v the_o macedonian_n hereby_o they_o assure_o gather_v that_o the_o lord_n have_v call_v they_o to_o preach_v to_o the_o gentile_n and_o if_o so_o then_o sure_o they_o have_v some_o certain_a foreknowledge_n of_o good_a success_n in_o so_o do_v and_o that_o the_o rest_n of_o they_o have_v so_o too_o be_v manifest_a by_o their_o undertake_n to_o do_v it_o have_v they_o not_o have_v this_o assurance_n it_o will_v be_v hard_a to_o imagine_v that_o man_n so_o wise_a and_o rich_a as_o they_o be_v in_o all_o virtue_n both_o intellectual_a and_o moral_a shall_v also_o be_v so_o strong_a i._n e._n so_o careless_a of_o their_o own_o easy_a and_o unmindful_a of_o their_o worldly_a concern_v so_o resolute_a and_o courageous_a in_o pursuit_n of_o a_o project_n so_o dangerous_a and_o grievous_a to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n in_o the_o prosecution_n and_o withal_o so_o unlikely_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o humane_a reason_n to_o take_v â—ffect_n as_o they_o be_v it_o be_v therefore_o most_o rational_a to_o conclude_v they_o have_v some_o assure_a foreknowledge_n of_o good_a success_n in_o their_o labour_n and_o this_o certain_a foreknowledge_n however_o discover_v whether_o by_o prediction_n or_o otherwise_o be_v a_o sure_a sign_n of_o a_o prophetic_a spirit_n because_o it_o be_v above_o the_o power_n of_o art_n or_o ability_n of_o any_o creature_n to_o impart_v it_o to_o another_o and_o prediction_n themselves_o be_v no_o otherwise_o proof_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n than_o as_o they_o make_v evidence_n of_o such_o foreknowledge_n if_o then_o the_o apostle_n be_v endue_v with_o this_o the_o matter_n be_v not_o much_o whither_o or_o no_o they_o be_v author_n of_o those_o especial_o in_o the_o thing_n now_o under_o consideration_n because_o christ_n have_v foretell_v it_o before_o they_o and_o send_v to_o fulfil_v it_o and_o this_o he_o do_v so_o plain_o in_o his_o parable_n 45._o viz._n that_o of_o the_o king_n which_o make_v a_o marriage_n for_o his_o son_n and_o that_o of_o the_o housholder_n that_o plant_v a_o vine-yard_n etc._n etc._n as_o that_o the_o chief_a priest_n and_o pharisee_n perceive_v he_o speak_v of_o they_o and_o be_v much_o offend_v because_o they_o find_v they_o be_v not_o in_o his_o esteem_n as_o they_o be_v in_o their_o own_o viz._n such_o favourite_n of_o heaven_n as_o still_o to_o keep_v the_o key_n of_o god_n kingdom_n which_o as_o he_o plain_o tell_v they_o shall_v be_v take_v from_o they_o and_o give_v to_o a_o nation_n bring_v forth_o 43._o the_o fruit_n of_o it_o i._n e._n the_o gospel_n and_o privilege_n of_o be_v the_o only_a church_n and_o people_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v take_v from_o the_o jew_n and_o give_v to_o the_o gentile_n who_o will_v be_v persuade_v not_o only_o to_o believe_v but_o also_o to_o receive_v it_o and_o in_o their_o practice_n to_o pursue_v the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o it_o viz._n all_o virtue_n and_o holiness_n of_o live_v and_o this_o blessed_a efficacy_n of_o the_o gospel_n he_o illustrate_v by_o the_o similitude_n of_o mustardseed_n and_o leaven_n whereof_o the_o one_o though_o the_o least_o of_o all_o seed_n yet_o grow_v to_o so_o great_a a_o bigness_n as_o that_o the_o bird_n of_o the_o air_n may_v lodge_v in_o the_o branch_n of_o it_o and_o the_o other_o though_o little_a also_o in_o quantity_n yet_o be_v apt_a to_o diffuse_v itself_o and_o give_v a_o tincture_n to_o all_o the_o meal_n about_o it_o so_o it_o seem_v the_o gospel_n be_v sow_v by_o the_o apostle_n preach_v shall_v so_o exceed_o grow_v and_o prosper_v among_o the_o gentile_n as_o that_o they_o shall_v fly_v unto_o it_o and_o lodge_v their_o soul_n under_o it_o and_o then_o by_o its_o secret_a invisible_a influence_n upon_o they_o it_o shall_v change_v and_o affect_v their_o heart_n and_o action_n that_o flow_v from_o they_o which_o certain_o fall_v out_o according_o for_o such_o be_v the_o apostle_n pain_n and_o travail_n industry_n and_o success_n in_o preach_v as_o that_o their_o sound_n go_v out_o into_o all_o the_o earth_n 18._o and_o their_o word_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n which_o word_n of_o st._n paul_n be_v perhaps_o literal_o true_a of_o the_o apostle_n only_o in_o reference_n to_o the_o jew_n yet_o without_o any_o very_a great_a hyperbole_n be_v also_o applicable_a to_o the_o gentile_n for_o whosoever_o will_v take_v the_o pain_n to_o follow_v the_o apostle_n whithersoever_o they_o go_v will_v find_v they_o travail_v almost_o all_o the_o know_a world_n over_o insomuch_o that_o there_o be_v scarce_o any_o region_n on_o earth_n but_o by_o they_o be_v show_v the_o way_n to_o heaven_n and_o that_o they_o be_v so_o successful_a as_o to_o convert_v almost_o all_o nation_n be_v methinks_v manifest_a by_o those_o appeal_v the_o ancient_a father_n make_v to_o the_o enemy_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o kingdom_n irenaeus_n affirm_v that_o in_o his_o time_n which_o sure_o be_v in_o the_o early_a day_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o st._n hierom_n write_v he_o be_v ir._n the_o disciple_n of_o polycarp_n and_o it_o be_v think_v that_o polycarp_n be_v the_o disciple_n of_o st._n john_n the_o apostle_n the_o church_n be_v disperse_v all_o the_o world_n over_o and_o as_o the_o sun_n the_o creature_n of_o god_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o in_o all_o the_o world_n so_o also_o the_o preach_a of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o truth_n every_o where_o shine_v and_o enlighten_v they_o that_o be_v willing_a to_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o and_o origen_n tell_v celsus_n 13._o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n be_v preach_v in_o every_o nation_n under_o heaven_n to_o the_o greek_n and_o to_o the_o barbarian_n to_o the_o wise_a and_o to_o the_o
foolish_a for_o the_o word_n speak_v with_o power_n have_v overcome_v the_o nature_n of_o all_o man_n insomuch_o that_o there_o be_v no_o sort_n of_o man_n whatever_o to_o be_v see_v among_o who_o the_o doctrine_n of_o jesus_n be_v not_o receive_v and_o to_o 2._o those_o place_n speak_v of_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n tertullian_n add_v the_o mention_n of_o so_o many_o more_o large_a and_o vast_a region_n together_o with_o so_o many_o province_n and_o island_n almost_o hide_v and_o unknown_a before_o beside_o other_o innumerable_a as_o that_o he_o conclude_v though_o the_o most_o flourish_a and_o large_a kingdom_n on_o earth_n have_v their_o limit_n yet_o the_o kingdom_n and_o name_n of_o christ_n spread_v every_o where_o be_v every_o where_o believe_v all_o nation_n every_o where_o worship_v it_o and_o submit_v to_o it_o it_o be_v every_o where_o adore_v and_o to_o all_o every_o 7._o where_o equal_o distribute_v without_o respect_n to_o person_n christ_n to_o all_o be_v equal_a to_o all_o he_o be_v king_n and_o judge_n to_o all_o he_o be_v god_n and_o lord_n not_o long_o after_o he_o arnobius_n ask_v the_o gentile_n whence_o it_o be_v that_o in_o so_o short_a a_o time_n the_o whole_a world_n be_v fill_v with_o christian_a religion_n 1._o but_o in_o this_o case_n methinks_v we_o have_v not_o much_o need_n of_o appeal_n to_o antiquity_n for_o for_o aught_o i_o know_v the_o very_a be_v of_o christianity_n at_o this_o day_n among_o the_o gentile_n be_v a_o demonstration_n that_o the_o prediction_n which_o go_v before_o of_o their_o conversion_n to_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n be_v evident_o fulfil_v what_o therefore_o tertullian_n say_v to_o the_o jew_n may_v well_o enough_o be_v say_v to_o any_o one_o that_o doubt_v it_o what_o we_o see_v do_v thou_o may_v avouch_v with_o confidence_n and_o believe_v without_o hesitance_n the_o like_a may_v we_o do_v concern_v another_o sort_n of_o prediction_n viz._n of_o those_o about_o the_o be_v of_o heresy_n and_o division_n among_o christian_n whereof_o our_o saviour_n give_v more_o than_o a_o intimation_n by_o his_o description_n of_o false_a prophet_n and_o his_o caution_n against_o etc._n they_o and_o the_o apostle_n also_o of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n speak_v before_o and_o tell_v we_o there_o shall_v be_v mocker_n in_o the_o last_o time_n who_o shall_v walk_v after_o their_o own_o ungodly_a 19_o lust_n these_o be_v they_o who_o separate_v themselves_o mocker_n and_o separatist_n they_o can_v not_o be_v without_o heresy_n and_o division_n manifest_a therefore_o it_o be_v the_o apostle_n foretell_v the_o be_v thereof_o among_o christian_n and_o there_o be_v scarce_o any_o call_v by_o that_o name_n but_o can_v bear_v witness_n to_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o it_o yea_o the_o very_a enemy_n of_o christianity_n as_o celsus_n for_o instance_n 3._o take_v notice_n of_o it_o though_o it_o be_v confess_v they_o do_v it_o to_o disgrace_n christianity_n yet_o unaware_o they_o do_v thereby_o somewhat_o confirm_v it_o because_o the_o founder_n foretell_v that_o so_o it_o shall_v be_v in_o after_o age_n and_o that_o in_o very_a deed_n it_o be_v and_o be_v so_o both_o ancient_a and_o modern_a heresy_n together_o with_o our_o present_a division_n be_v so_o sad_a and_o evident_a a_o demonstration_n as_o that_o all_o necessity_n of_o prove_v it_o be_v perfect_o supersede_v obj._n yet_o here_o perhaps_o a_o observation_n which_o origen_n long_o since_o allege_v in_o behalf_n of_o christianity_n may_v ibid._n be_v object_v against_o it_o or_o the_o founder_n of_o it_o viz._n that_o there_o never_o be_v any_o thing_n of_o great_a use_n and_o estimation_n among_o man_n but_o there_o arise_v division_n and_o diversity_n of_o opinion_n and_o sect_n about_o it_o as_o for_o example_n physic_n it_o be_v and_o ever_o be_v hold_v to_o be_v good_a and_o useful_a to_o mankind_n yet_o it_o be_v confess_v that_o among_o the_o greek_n perhaps_o also_o among_o the_o barbarian_n that_o give_v their_o mind_n to_o the_o study_n of_o it_o there_o be_v not_o only_o many_o question_n but_o divers_a sect_n and_o sort_n of_o physician_n thus_o also_o philosophy_n that_o promise_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o direction_n for_o a_o good_a life_n it_o be_v well_o know_v there_o be_v divers_a sect_n about_o it_o some_o more_o some_o less_o famous_a yea_o and_o judaisme_n itself_o though_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v of_o divine_a origine_fw-la yet_o give_v occasion_n to_o sect_n and_o division_n among_o those_o that_o own_v it_o so_o to_o be_v from_o hence_o it_o follow_v that_o though_o it_o be_v grant_v christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n do_v foresee_v and_o foretell_v there_o will_v be_v division_n among_o their_o follower_n yet_o this_o do_v not_o argue_v they_o be_v endue_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n because_o wise_a man_n by_o compare_v thing_n pass_v with_o thing_n present_a may_v guess_v at_o thing_n future_a yea_o by_o the_o strength_n of_o ratiocination_n they_o may_v be_v so_o very_o persuade_v concern_v their_o future_a existence_n as_o that_o with_o some_o confidence_n and_o good_a success_n they_o may_v foretell_v it_o ans_fw-fr it_o seem_v than_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v wise_a man_n otherwise_o they_o can_v not_o have_v be_v author_n of_o such_o conjecture_n but_o that_o their_o wisdom_n be_v herein_o more_o than_o rational_a conjecture_n viz._n supernatural_a foreknowledge_n of_o future_a contingence_n will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v that_o they_o 19_o foretell_v not_o only_o that_o there_o must_v be_v offence_n and_o heresy_n but_o also_o the_o mean_n and_o manner_n of_o their_o production_n viz._n the_o addiction_n and_o design_n the_o artifices_fw-la and_o cunning_a of_o seducer_n together_o with_o the_o nature_n of_o their_o doctrine_n and_o speciousness_n of_o their_o pretence_n all_o which_o i_o say_v be_v plain_o foretell_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n for_o our_o saviour_n give_v caution_n against_o they_o because_o inward_o they_o 15._o be_v raven_a wolf_n and_o st._n paul_n know_v that_o after_o his_o depart_n shall_v grievous_a wolf_n enter_v in_o among_o the_o 29._o elder_n of_o ephesus_n not_o spare_v the_o flock_n whereby_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o they_o will_v be_v man_n of_o a_o avaritious_a rapacious_a humour_n make_v advantage_n to_o themselves_o out_o of_o other_o expense_n and_o destruction_n and_o their_o design_n will_v be_v very_o suitable_a to_o this_o their_o addiction_n for_o it_o be_v to_o be_v to_o draw_v away_o disciple_n 30._o after_o they_o and_o that_o not_o only_o for_o ostentation_n and_o vain_a glory_n but_o for_o their_o own_o more_o real_a profit_n and_o advantage_n for_o through_o covetousness_n they_o will_v make_v 3._o merchandise_n of_o they_o to_o this_o end_n it_o seem_v by_o prediction_n both_o their_o doctrine_n and_o pretence_n be_v to_o be_v very_a subservient_fw-fr for_o though_o by_o their_o doctrine_n 4._o man_n be_v turn_v unto_o fable_n yet_o these_o fable_n as_o st._n peter_n insinuate_v be_v cunning_o devise_v not_o to_o make_v sport_n and_o laughter_n but_o to_o suit_v the_o humour_n of_o man_n that_o they_o may_v privy_o bring_v in_o damnable_a 1._o heresy_n even_o deny_v the_o lord_n that_o buy_v they_o but_o for_o these_o fable_n and_o heresy_n they_o first_o prepare_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n by_o specious_a pretence_n either_o to_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n or_o the_o excellency_n of_o virtue_n or_o the_o gift_n of_o work_a miracle_n for_o they_o be_v to_o come_v 15._o in_o sheep_n clothing_n i._n e._n either_o wear_v sheepskin_n as_o the_o prophet_n sometime_o do_v and_o so_o they_o pretend_v to_o partake_v of_o their_o spirit_n and_o be_v therefore_o here_o caution_v against_o under_o their_o name_n or_o else_o at_o their_o first_o come_v they_o make_v show_v of_o great_a innocence_n and_o meekness_n patience_n and_o humility_n etc._n etc._n but_o it_o be_v but_o the_o sleight_n of_o man_n and_o cunning_a craftiness_n 4_o whereby_o they_o lie_v in_o wait_n to_o deceive_v to_o which_o end_n their_o come_n be_v attend_v not_o only_o with_o all_o deceiveableness_n of_o vnrighteousness_n but_o also_o with_o the_o work_n of_o satan_n with_o all_o power_n and_o sign_n and_o lie_a wonder_n insomuch_o that_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a they_o 24._o will_v deceive_v the_o very_a elect._n these_o thing_n we_o find_v foretell_v of_o seducer_n and_o every_o eye_n see_v they_o be_v in_o their_o nature_n as_o contingent_a and_o hide_v as_o deep_o as_o any_o thing_n the_o world_n afford_v from_o humane_a conjecture_n if_o then_o we_o can_v make_v it_o appear_v that_o these_o prediction_n be_v punctual_o fulfil_v it_o will_v clear_v our_o way_n to_o the_o design_a conclusion_n know_v therefore_o that_o even_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n when_o the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n first_o begin_v to_o work_v they_o themselves_o discern_v the_o