condition_n of_o our_o soul_n 3._o the_o scripture_n discover_v to_o we_o the_o only_a way_n of_o please_a god_n and_o enjoy_v his_o favour_n that_o clear_o reveal_v the_o way_n which_o man_n may_v have_v seek_v for_o to_o all_o eternity_n without_o particular_a revelation_n whereby_o sin_n may_v be_v pardon_v and_o whatever_o we_o do_v may_v be_v acceptable_a unto_o god_n it_o show_v we_o that_o the_o ground_n of_o our_o acceptance_n with_o god_n be_v through_o christ_n who_o he_o have_v make_v a_o propitiation_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o world_n and_o who_o alone_o be_v the_o true_a and_o live_a way_n whereby_o we_o may_v draw_v near_o to_o god_n with_o a_o true_a heart_n in_o full_a assurance_n of_o faith_n have_v our_o heart_n sprinkle_v from_o a_o evil_a conscience_n through_o christ_n we_o understand_v the_o term_n on_o which_o god_n will_v show_v favour_n and_o grace_n to_o the_o world_n and_o by_o he_o we_o have_v ground_n of_o a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d access_n with_o freedom_n and_o boldness_n unto_o god_n on_o his_o account_n we_o may_v hope_v not_o only_o for_o grace_n so_o subdue_v our_o sin_n resist_v temptation_n conquer_v the_o devil_n and_o the_o world_n but_o have_v fight_v this_o good_a fight_n and_o finish_v our_o course_n by_o patient_a continuance_n in_o well_o do_v we_o may_v just_o look_v for_o glory_n honour_n and_o immortality_n and_o that_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n which_o be_v lay_v up_o for_o those_o who_o wait_v in_o faith_n holiness_n and_o humility_n for_o the_o appearance_n of_o christ_n from_o heaven_n now_o what_o thing_n can_v there_o be_v of_o great_a moment_n and_o importance_n for_o man_n to_o know_v or_o god_n to_o reveal_v than_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o our_o self_n the_o state_n and_o condition_n of_o our_o soul_n the_o only_a way_n to_o avoid_v eternal_a misery_n and_o enjoy_v everlasting_a bliss_n the_o scripture_n discover_v not_o only_a matter_n of_o importance_n 2._o but_o of_o the_o great_a depth_n and_o mysteriousness_n there_o be_v many_o wonderful_a thing_n in_o the_o law_n of_o god_n thing_n we_o may_v admire_v but_o be_v never_o able_a to_o comprehend_v such_o be_v the_o eternal_a purpose_n and_o decree_n of_o god_n the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n on_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n which_o be_v all_o thing_n of_o great_a weight_n and_o moment_n for_o we_o to_o understand_v and_o believe_v that_o they_o be_v and_o yet_o may_v be_v unsearchable_a to_o our_o reason_n as_o to_o the_o particular_a manner_n of_o they_o what_o certain_a ground_n our_o faith_n stand_v on_o as_o to_o these_o thing_n have_v be_v already_o show_v and_o therefore_o i_o forbear_v insist_v on_o 3._o they_o the_o scripture_n comprehend_v matter_n of_o the_o most_o universal_a satisfaction_n to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n though_o many_o thing_n do_v much_o exceed_v our_o 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be_v bear_v again_o we_o can_v never_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n these_o and_o such_o like_a thing_n be_v so_o plain_a and_o clear_a that_o it_o be_v nothing_o but_o man_n shut_v their_o eye_n against_o the_o light_n can_v keep_v they_o from_o understand_v they_o god_n intend_v these_o thing_n as_o direction_n to_o man_n and_o be_v not_o he_o able_a to_o speak_v intelligible_o when_o he_o please_v he_o that_o make_v the_o tongue_n shall_v he_o not_o speak_v so_o as_o to_o be_v understand_v without_o a_o infallible_a interpreter_n especial_o when_o it_o be_v his_o design_n to_o make_v know_v to_o man_n the_o term_n of_o their_o eternal_a happiness_n will_v god_n judge_v man_n at_o the_o great_a day_n for_o not_o believe_v those_o thing_n which_o they_o can_v not_o understand_v strange_a that_o ever_o man_n shall_v judge_v the_o scripture_n obscure_a in_o matter_n necessary_a when_o the_o scripture_n account_v it_o so_o great_a a_o judgement_n for_o man_n not_o to_o understand_v they_o if_o our_o gospel_n be_v hide_v it_o be_v 4._o hide_v to_o they_o that_o be_v lose_v in_o who_o the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n have_v blind_v the_o mind_n of_o they_o which_o believe_v not_o lest_o the_o light_n of_o the_o glorious_a gospel_n of_o christ_n shall_v shine_v unto_o they_o sure_a lot_n door_n be_v visible_a enough_o if_o it_o be_v a_o judgement_n for_o the_o man_n of_o sodom_n not_o to_o see_v it_o and_o the_o scripture_n than_o be_v plain_a and_o intelligible_a enough_o if_o it_o be_v so_o great_a a_o judgement_n not_o to_o understand_v they_o 2._o in_o a_o powerful_a and_o authoritative_a manner_n as_o the_o thing_n contain_v in_o scripture_n do_v not_o so_o much_o beg_v acceptance_n as_o command_v it_o in_o that_o the_o expression_n wherein_o our_o duty_n be_v concern_v be_v such_o as_o awe_v man_n conscience_n and_o pierce_v to_o their_o heart_n and_o to_o their_o secret_a thought_n all_o thing_n be_v open_a 13._o and_o naked_a before_o this_o word_n of_o god_n every_o secret_a of_o the_o mind_n and_o thought_n of_o the_o heart_n lie_v open_a to_o its_o stroke_n and_o force_n it_o be_v quick_a and_o powerful_a sharp_a than_o a_o two-edged_a sword_n pierce_v to_o the_o divide_v asunder_o of_o soul_n and_o spirit_n and_o of_o the_o joint_n and_o marrow_n and_o be_v a_o discerner_n of_o the_o thought_n and_o intent_n of_o the_o heart_n the_o word_n be_v a_o telescope_n to_o discover_v the_o great_a luminary_n of_o the_o world_n the_o truth_n of_o high_a concernment_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o it_o be_v such_o a_o microscope_n as_o discover_v to_o we_o the_o small_a atom_n of_o our_o thought_n and_o discern_v the_o most_o secret_a intent_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o as_o far_o as_o this_o light_n reach_v it_o come_v with_o power_n and_o authority_n as_o it_o come_v arm_v with_o the_o majesty_n
who_o it_o be_v very_o frequent_a who_o worship_v the_o devil_n instead_o of_o go_n 2._o because_o of_o the_o general_a dispersion_n of_o copy_n in_o the_o world_n upon_o the_o first_o publish_v of_o they_o we_o can_v otherwise_o conceive_v but_o that_o record_n contain_v so_o weighty_a and_o important_a thing_n will_v be_v transcribe_v by_o all_o those_o church_n which_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n contain_v in_o they_o we_o see_v how_o far_o curiosity_n will_v carry_v man_n as_o to_o the_o care_n of_o transcribe_v ancient_a mss._n of_o old_a author_n which_o contain_v only_o some_o history_n of_o thing_n past_o that_o be_v of_o no_o great_a concernment_n to_o we_o can_v we_o then_o imagine_v those_o who_o venture_v estate_n and_o life_n upon_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n reveal_v in_o scripture_n will_v not_o be_v very_o careful_a to_o preserve_v the_o authentic_a instrument_n whereby_o they_o be_v reveal_v in_o a_o certain_a way_n to_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o beside_o this_o for_o a_o long_a time_n the_o original_n themselves_o of_o the_o apostolical_a write_n be_v preserve_v in_o the_o church_n which_o make_v tertullian_n in_o his_o time_n appeal_v to_o they_o age_fw-la jam_fw-la qui_fw-la voles_fw-fr curiositatem_fw-la melius_fw-la exercere_fw-la in_o negotio_fw-la salutis_fw-la tuus_fw-la 36._o percurre_fw-la ecclesias_fw-la apostolicas_fw-la apud_fw-la quasipsae_fw-la adhuc_fw-la cathedrae_fw-la apostolorum_fw-la suis_fw-la locis_fw-la praesidentur_fw-la apud_fw-la quas_fw-la ipsae_fw-la authenticae_fw-la corum_fw-la literae_fw-la recitantur_fw-la sonantes_fw-la vocem_fw-la &_o representantes_fw-la faciem_fw-la uniuscujusque_fw-la now_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o in_o that_o time_n the_o scripture_n can_v be_v corrupt_v when_o in_o some_o of_o the_o church_n the_o original_a write_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v preserve_v in_o a_o continual_a succession_n of_o person_n from_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o and_o from_o these_o original_n so_o many_o copy_n be_v transcribe_v as_o be_v convey_v almost_o all_o the_o world_n over_o through_o the_o large_a spread_v of_o the_o christian_a church_n at_o that_o time_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o conceive_v that_o a_o copy_n shall_v be_v corrupt_v in_o one_o church_n when_o it_o will_v so_o speedy_o be_v discover_v by_o another_o especial_o consider_v these_o three_o circumstance_n 1._o the_o innumerable_a multitude_n of_o copy_n wh_z ch_z will_v speedy_o be_v take_v both_o consider_v the_o moment_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o the_o easiness_n of_o do_v it_o god_n probable_o for_o that_o very_a end_n not_o load_v the_o world_n with_o pandâ—cts_n and_o code_o of_o his_o law_n but_o contrive_v the_o whole_a instrument_n of_o man_n salvation_n in_o so_o narrow_a a_o compass_n that_o it_o may_v be_v easy_o preserve_v and_o transcribe_v by_o such_o who_o be_v passionate_a admirer_n of_o the_o scripture_n 2._o the_o great_a number_n of_o learned_a and_o inquisitive_a man_n who_o soon_o spring_v up_o in_o the_o christian_a church_n who_o great_a care_n be_v to_o explain_v and_o vindicate_v the_o sacred_a scripture_n can_v we_o then_o think_v that_o all_o these_o watchman_n shall_v be_v asleep_a together_o when_o the_o â—vil_a one_o come_v to_o sow_v his_o tare_n which_o it_o be_v most_o unreasonable_a to_o imagine_v when_o in_o the_o write_n of_o all_o these_o learned_a man_n which_o be_v very_o many_o and_o voluminous_a so_o much_o of_o the_o scripture_n be_v insert_v that_o have_v there_o be_v corruption_n in_o the_o copy_n themselves_o yet_o compare_v they_o with_o those_o write_n the_o corruption_n will_v be_v soon_o discover_v 3._o the_o great_a veneration_n which_o all_o christian_n have_v of_o the_o scripture_n that_o they_o place_v the_o hope_n of_o their_o eternal_a happiness_n upon_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n can_v we_o then_o think_v these_o will_v suffer_v any_o material_a alteration_n to_o creep_v into_o these_o record_n without_o their_o observe_n and_o discover_v it_o can_v we_o now_o think_v when_o all_o person_n be_v so_o exceed_o careful_a of_o their_o deed_n and_o the_o record_n whereon_o their_o estate_n depend_v that_o the_o christian_n who_o value_v not_o this_o world_n in_o comparison_n of_o that_o to_o come_v shall_v suffer_v the_o magna_fw-la charta_fw-la of_o that_o to_o be_v lose_v corrupt_a or_o imbezzele_v away_o especial_o consider_v what_o care_n and_o industry_n be_v use_v by_o many_o primitive_a christian_n to_o compare_v copy_n together_o as_o be_v evident_a in_o pantaenus_n who_o bring_v the_o hebrew_n copy_n of_o matthew_n out_o of_o the_o indies_n to_o alexandria_n as_o eusebius_n tell_v we_o in_o pamphilus_n and_o the_o library_n he_o errect_v at_o caesarâ—a_n but_o especial_o in_o origen_n admirable_a hexapla_n which_o be_v main_o intend_v for_o this_o end_n 3._o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o conceive_v a_o corruption_n of_o the_o copy_n of_o the_o scripture_n because_o of_o the_o great_a difference_n which_o be_v all_o along_o the_o several_a age_n of_o the_o church_n between_o those_o who_o acknowledge_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v divine_a so_o that_o if_o one_o party_n of_o they_o have_v foist_v in_o or_o take_v out_o any_o thing_n another_o party_n be_v ready_a to_o take_v notice_n of_o it_o and_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o tell_v the_o world_n of_o it_o and_o this_o may_v be_v one_o great_a reason_n why_o god_n in_o his_o wise_a providence_n may_v permit_v such_o a_o increase_n of_o heresy_n in_o the_o infancy_n of_o the_o church_n viz._n that_o thereby_o christian_n may_v be_v force_v to_o stand_v upon_o their_o guard_n and_o to_o have_v a_o special_a eye_n to_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v always_o the_o great_a eyesore_n of_o heretic_n and_o from_o this_o great_a wariness_n of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v that_o some_o of_o the_o epistle_n be_v so_o long_o abroad_o before_o they_o find_v general_a entertainment_n in_o all_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n because_o in_o those_o epistle_n which_o be_v doubt_v for_o some_o tâ—me_n there_o be_v some_o passage_n which_o seem_v to_o favour_v some_o of_o the_o heresy_n then_o abroad_o but_o when_o upon_o severe_a enquiry_n they_o be_v find_v to_o be_v what_o they_o pretend_v they_o be_v receive_v in_o all_o the_o christian_a church_n 4._o because_o of_o the_o agreement_n between_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o the_o new_a the_o prophecy_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n appear_v with_o their_o full_a accomplishment_n in_o the_o new_a which_o we_o have_v so_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o think_v the_o new_a shall_v be_v corrupt_v unless_o the_o old_a be_v too_o which_o be_v most_o unreasonable_a to_o imagine_v when_o the_o jew_n who_o have_v be_v the_o great_a conservator_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n have_v be_v all_o along_o the_o most_o inveterate_a enemy_n of_o the_o christian_n so_o that_o we_o can_v at_o all_o conceive_v it_o possible_a that_o any_o material_a corruption_n or_o alteration_n shall_v creep_v into_o the_o scripture_n much_o less_o that_o the_o true_a copy_n shall_v be_v lose_v and_o a_o new_a one_o forge_v suppose_v then_o that_o we_o have_v the_o same_o authentic_a record_n preserve_v and_o hand_v down_o to_o we_o by_o the_o care_n of_o all_o christian_a 5â—_n church_n which_o be_v write_v in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n what_o necessity_n can_v we_o imagine_v that_o god_n shall_v work_v new_a miracle_n to_o confirm_v that_o doctrine_n which_o be_v convey_v down_o in_o a_o certain_a uninterrupted_a way_n to_o we_o as_o be_v seâ—led_v by_o miracle_n undoubted_o divine_a in_o the_o first_o promulgation_n and_o pen_n of_o it_o and_o this_o be_v the_o first_o reason_n why_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n need_v not_o now_o be_v seal_v by_o new_a miracle_n 2._o another_o may_v be_v because_o god_n in_o the_o scripture_n have_v appoint_v other_o thing_n to_o continue_v in_o his_o church_n to_o be_v as_o seal_n to_o his_o people_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n contain_v in_o scripture_n such_o be_v outward_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o gospel_n baptism_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n which_o be_v set_v apart_o to_o be_v as_o seal_n to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o covenant_n on_o god_n part_n towards_o we_o in_o reference_n to_o the_o great_a promise_n contain_v in_o it_o in_o reference_n to_o pardon_v of_o sin_n and_o the_o ground_n of_o our_o acceptance_n with_o god_n by_o jesus_n christ_n and_o inward_o god_n have_v promise_v his_o spirit_n to_o be_v as_o a_o witness_n within_o they_o that_o by_o its_o work_n and_o strengthen_v grace_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o believer_n it_o may_v confirm_v to_o they_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o record_n of_o scripture_n when_o they_o find_v the_o counter_a part_n of_o they_o write_v in_o their_o heart_n by_o the_o singer_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n it_o can_v then_o be_v with_o any_o reason_n at_o all_o suppose_a
writer_n speak_v so_o much_o of_o viz._n of_o dream_n and_o vision_n the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n the_o gradus_fw-la mosaicus_n the_o external_a voice_n etc._n etc._n now_o in_o every_o one_o of_o these_o degree_n the_o prophet_n can_v go_v no_o further_o than_o his_o present_a revelation_n extend_v and_o therefore_o aquinas_n determine_v that_o the_o understanding_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v instrumenta_fw-la deficientia_fw-la respectu_fw-la principalis_fw-la agentis_fw-la i._n e._n that_o in_o prophetical_a 3._o illumination_n the_o mind_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v so_o move_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n as_o a_o instrument_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o artificer_n which_o bear_v no_o proportion_n with_o the_o skill_n of_o the_o workman_n and_o therefore_o the_o mind_n of_o a_o prophet_n be_v move_v sometime_o only_o to_o apprehend_v the_o thing_n represent_v which_o they_o call_v instinctus_fw-la divinus_fw-la of_o which_o they_o say_v a_o prophet_n may_v have_v no_o certainty_n whether_o it_o come_v from_o god_n or_o no_o sometime_o it_o be_v move_v so_o far_o as_o to_o know_v certain_o that_o this_o revelation_n be_v from_o god_n this_o they_o call_v lumen_fw-la propheticum_fw-la sometime_o a_o prophet_n may_v be_v move_v to_o speak_v those_o thing_n which_o he_o full_o understand_v so_o it_o be_v with_o most_o of_o the_o true_a psophet_n but_o sometime_o man_n may_v be_v move_v to_o speak_v that_o which_o they_o understand_v not_o as_o be_v plain_a in_o caiaphas_n and_o probable_a in_o balaam_n sometime_o a_o thing_n be_v represent_v to_o the_o fancy_n of_o one_o without_o any_o possibility_n of_o understand_v the_o meaning_n of_o those_o imaginary_a species_n as_o in_o pharaoh_n and_o nebnchadnezzar_n dream_n and_o to_o another_o may_v be_v give_v the_o true_a judgement_n of_o those_o motion_n of_o fancy_n without_o the_o representation_n of_o the_o thing_n to_o they_o as_o in_o joseph_n and_o daniel_n now_o in_o these_o and_o many_o other_o different_a impression_n of_o this_o prophetical_a spirit_n the_o prophet_n to_o who_o the_o thing_n be_v reveal_v can_v go_v no_o further_o than_o the_o degree_n of_o the_o revelation_n make_v to_o they_o do_v extend_v god_n do_v not_o always_o reveal_v to_o the_o prophet_n the_o internal_a counsel_n and_o decree_n of_o his_o own_o will_n but_o often_o only_a the_o method_n and_o 〈◊〉_d series_n of_o his_o providence_n in_o the_o administration_n of_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n which_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o that_o threefold_a distinction_n of_o prophecy_n in_o the_o school_n into_o prophetia_fw-la praedestinationis_fw-la prophetia_fw-la praescientiae_fw-la and_o prophetia_fw-la comminationis_fw-la which_o be_v take_v from_o the_o ordinary_a gloss_n upon_o matth._n 1._o where_o they_o be_v thus_o explain_v the_o prophecy_n of_o predestination_n be_v when_o the_o event_n depend_v whole_o upon_o god_n will_n without_o any_o respect_n to_o we_o as_o the_o prophecy_n of_o the_o incarnation_n of_o christ_n the_o prophecy_n of_o prescience_n be_v of_o such_o thing_n as_o depend_v upon_o the_o liberty_n of_o man_n will_n and_o the_o prophecy_n of_o commination_n only_o denote_v god_n denunciation_n of_o heavy_a judgement_n against_o a_o people_n but_o aquinas_n do_v better_a reduce_v the_o two_o former_a to_o one_o and_o so_o the_o ground_n of_o the_o difference_n be_v to_o be_v fetch_v from_o the_o different_a way_n whereby_o god_n know_v thing_n in_o the_o world_n which_o be_v either_o as_o they_o be_v in_o their_o cause_n and_o so_o they_o note_v the_o order_n and_o series_n of_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n with_o the_o mutual_a respect_n and_o dependency_n they_o have_v one_o upon_o another_o and_o this_o refer_v to_o god_n administration_n of_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n or_o else_o god_n look_v upon_o they_o as_o they_o be_v in_o themselves_o or_o according_a to_o his_o own_o positive_a determination_n of_o they_o and_o now_o in_o this_o sense_n they_o be_v unalterable_a but_o in_o the_o other_o they_o be_v not_o but_o god_n may_v alter_v those_o respect_n of_o thing_n when_o he_o please_v now_o though_o this_o different_a manner_n of_o knowledge_n can_v never_o be_v conceive_v separate_a from_o one_o another_o in_o the_o divine_a understanding_n yet_o in_o the_o revelation_n make_v to_o the_o mind_n of_o a_o prophet_n they_o may_v be_v disjoin_v from_o each_o other_o because_o god_n do_v not_o always_o reveal_v thing_n in_o the_o high_a degree_n to_o the_o prophet_n for_o no_o free_a agent_n do_v always_o act_v as_o far_o as_o he_o can_v and_o therefore_o prophetical_a revelation_n be_v sometime_o a_o representation_n of_o god_n internal_a decree_n and_o then_o they_o always_o take_v effect_n and_o sometime_o only_a the_o order_n of_o cause_n and_o effect_n and_o they_o may_v admit_v of_o a_o alteration_n and_o the_o prophecy_n nevertheless_o be_v true_a because_o than_o it_o refer_v only_o to_o the_o series_n of_o cause_n in_o the_o world_n according_a to_o which_o the_o event_n will_v follow_v if_o god_n himself_o do_v not_o interpose_v these_o thing_n be_v thus_o premise_v we_o come_v to_o particular_a resolution_n which_o must_v arise_v from_o the_o evidence_n that_o may_v be_v give_v when_o prophetical_a prediction_n do_v express_v god_n internal_a purpose_n and_o decree_n and_o when_o only_o the_o order_n of_o cause_n in_o the_o world_n for_o in_o these_o latter_a it_o be_v apparent_a that_o event_n may_v not_o answer_v prediction_n and_o yet_o the_o prophet_n be_v a_o true_a prophet_n which_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o great_a difficulty_n viz._n to_o find_v out_o the_o exact_a difference_n of_o these_o two_o till_o the_o event_n have_v make_v it_o apparent_a which_o come_v from_o god_n unalterable_a purpose_n and_o which_o not_o but_o though_o it_o be_v a_o subject_n little_o speak_v to_o either_o by_o jewish_a or_o christian_a writer_n yet_o we_o be_v in_o hope_n there_o may_v be_v some_o such_o clear_a note_n of_o distinction_n discover_v between_o they_o even_o à _fw-la priori_fw-la which_o may_v sufficient_o clear_v god_n faithfulness_n and_o the_o prophet_n truth_n though_o the_o event_n be_v not_o always_o correspondent_a to_o the_o word_n of_o a_o prediction_n i_o begin_v then_o with_o the_o evidence_n that_o may_v be_v give_v when_o 5._o prediction_n do_v flow_v from_o internal_a purpose_n and_o decree_n every_o prediction_n confirm_v by_o a_o present_a miracle_n do_v not_o express_v mere_o the_o order_n of_o cause_n but_o the_o determination_n of_o 1._o god_n will_v because_o there_o can_v be_v no_o sufficient_a reason_n give_v why_o the_o order_n of_o cause_n in_o nature_n shall_v be_v alter_v to_o express_v the_o dependence_n of_o thing_n on_o each_o other_o for_o herein_o a_o miracle_n will_v rather_o ten_o d_o to_o weaken_v then_o strengthen_v faith_n because_o the_o end_n of_o the_o miracle_n will_v be_v to_o confirm_v their_o faith_n as_o to_o event_n follow_v upon_o their_o cause_n but_o now_o the_o medium_n use_v for_o that_o end_n seem_v to_o prove_v the_o contrary_a viz._n that_o god_n can_v alter_v the_o series_n of_o cause_n when_o he_o please_v himself_o by_o work_v miracle_n and_o therein_o go_v contrary_a to_o the_o course_n of_o nature_n and_o therefore_o a_o miracle_n seem_v to_o be_v a_o very_a incongruous_a argument_n in_o this_o because_o its_o self_n be_v a_o evidence_n that_o may_v be_v which_o it_o come_v to_o prove_v shall_v not_o be_v but_o when_o prophet_n come_v to_o declare_v the_o internal_a purpose_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n concern_v future_a contingency_n no_o argument_n can_v be_v more_o suitable_a to_o demonstrate_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o be_v speak_v then_o the_o work_n of_o a_o present_a miracle_n for_o this_o demonstrate_v to_o the_o sense_n of_o man_n that_o however_o unlikely_a the_o event_n may_v be_v to_o they_o which_o be_v foretell_v yet_o with_o god_n all_o thing_n be_v possible_a and_o that_o it_o be_v very_o unlikely_a god_n will_v send_v such_o a_o messenger_n to_o declare_v a_o falsehood_n who_o he_o entrust_v so_o great_a a_o power_n with_o as_o that_o of_o work_a miracle_n thus_o it_o be_v in_o that_o remarkable_a prophecy_n concern_v josias_n by_o the_o man_n of_o god_n at_o bethel_n 260_o year_n before_o his_o birth_n which_o though_o it_o be_v to_o come_v to_o pass_v so_o long_o after_o god_n confirm_v it_o by_o a_o sign_n which_o 3._o be_v the_o rent_v of_o the_o altar_n and_o the_o pour_v out_o of_o the_o ash_n upon_o it_o and_o the_o wither_a of_o jeroboam_n hand_n we_o can_v therefore_o in_o reason_n think_v that_o god_n will_v set_v so_o clear_a a_o seal_n to_o any_o deed_n which_o he_o do_v intend_v himself_o to_o cancel_v afterward_o prediction_n express_v god_n inward_a purpose_n when_o the_o thing_n foretell_v do_v exceed_v all_o probability_n of_o second_o cause_n in_o which_o 2._o case_n those_o word_n of_o tertullian_n seem_v very_o harsh_a credo_fw-la quia_fw-la
their_o genuine_a follower_n they_o instead_o of_o the_o common_a and_o rude_a name_n of_o impostor_n give_v they_o a_o more_o civil_a title_n of_o philosopher_n and_o look_v upon_o their_o doctrine_n as_o a_o sublime_a kind_n of_o philosophy_n non_fw-la utique_fw-la divinum_fw-la negotium_fw-la existimant_fw-la sed_fw-la make_fw-mi be_v philosophiae_fw-la genus_fw-la as_o tertullian_n 46._o tell_v we_o because_o the_o philosopher_n pretend_v so_o much_o to_o moral_a virtue_n which_o they_o see_v the_o christian_n so_o excellent_a in_o but_o as_o tertullian_n there_o reply_v nomen_fw-la hoc_fw-la philosophorum_fw-la daemonia_fw-la non_fw-la fugat_fw-la the_o devil_n be_v never_o afraid_a of_o a_o philosopher_n beard_n nor_o be_v disease_n cure_v by_o the_o touch_n of_o a_o philosophic_a pallium_fw-la there_o be_v something_o more_o divine_a in_o christian_n then_o in_o the_o grave_a philosopher_n and_o that_o not_o only_o in_o reference_n to_o their_o life_n and_o the_o divine_a power_n which_o be_v see_v in_o they_o but_o in_o reference_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o their_o doctrine_n it_o be_v a_o true_a character_n give_v of_o both_o by_o that_o same_o excellent_a writer_n in_o behalf_n of_o the_o christian_n of_o his_o time_n veritatem_fw-la philosophi_fw-la quidem_fw-la affâ—ctant_fw-la possident_fw-la autem_fw-la christiani_n what_o the_o philosopher_n desire_v only_o the_o christian_n enjoy_v 4._o which_o be_v truth_n and_o as_o he_o elsewhere_o more_o full_o speak_v mimicè_fw-la philosophi_fw-la affectant_fw-la veritatem_fw-la &_o affectando_fw-la corrum_fw-la punt_n ut_fw-la qui_fw-la gloriam_fw-la captant_fw-la christianieam_fw-la necessariò_fw-la appetunt_fw-la 46._o &_o integri_fw-la praestant_fw-la ut_fw-la qui_fw-la saluti_fw-la suae_fw-la curant_fw-la truth_n be_v the_o philosopher_n mistress_n which_o by_o court_v he_o vitiate_v and_o corrupt_v look_v at_o nothing_o but_o his_o own_o glory_n but_o truth_n be_v the_o christian_n matron_n who_o direction_n he_o observe_v and_o follow_v because_o he_o regard_v no_o glory_n but_o that_o to_o come_v and_o to_o let_v they_o further_o see_v what_o a_o difference_n there_o be_v between_o a_o christian_a and_o a_o philosopher_n he_o conclude_v that_o discourse_n with_o these_o word_n quid_fw-la adeo_fw-la simile_n philosophus_fw-la &_o christianus_n graeciae_fw-la discipulus_fw-la et_fw-la coeli_fw-la famae_fw-la negotiator_fw-la et_fw-la aquavitae_fw-la verborum_fw-la et_fw-fr factorum_fw-la operator_fw-la rerum_fw-la aedificator_n et_fw-la destructor_n amicus_fw-la et_fw-fr inimicus_fw-la erroris_fw-la veritatis_fw-la interpolator_n et_fw-la integrator_fw-la furator_fw-la ejus_fw-la et_fw-la custos_fw-la as_o much_o distance_n say_v he_o as_o there_o be_v between_o greece_n and_o heaven_n between_o applause_n and_o eternal_a glory_n between_o word_n and_o thing_n between_o building_n and_o destroy_v between_o truth_n and_o error_n between_o a_o plagiary_n and_o corrupter_n of_o truth_n and_o a_o preserver_n and_o advancer_n of_o it_o so_o much_o be_v there_o between_o a_o philosopher_n and_o a_o christian._n the_o heathen_n may_v suspect_v indeed_o some_o kind_n of_o affinity_n between_o the_o first_o preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o ancient_a sophist_n of_o greece_n because_o of_o their_o frequent_a go_v from_o place_n to_o place_n and_o pretend_v a_o kind_n of_o enthusiasm_n as_o they_o do_v but_o as_o much_o difference_n as_o there_o be_v between_o a_o knight_n errant_a and_o hercules_n between_o a_o mountebank_n and_o hypocrates_n that_o and_o much_o great_a there_o be_v between_o a_o greek_a sophist_n and_o a_o apostle_n socrates_n in_o plato_n euthydemus_n have_v excellent_o discover_v the_o vanity_n and_o futility_n of_o those_o person_n under_o the_o person_n of_o euthydemus_n and_o dionysodorus_n and_o so_o likewise_o in_o his_o protagoras_n their_o intent_n be_v only_o like_o the_o retiaries_n in_o the_o roman_a spectacle_n to_o catch_v their_o adversary_n in_o a_o net_n to_o entangle_v they_o with_o some_o captious_a question_n or_o other_o but_o how_o vast_o different_a from_o this_o be_v the_o design_n of_o the_o apostle_n who_o abhor_v those_o endless_a contention_n which_o then_o be_v in_o the_o heathen_a world_n and_o come_v to_o show_v they_o that_o truth_n which_o be_v reveal_v with_o a_o intent_n of_o make_v they_o better_a man_n we_o see_v the_o apostle_n be_v not_o carry_v forth_o by_o any_o mean_a 12._o and_o vulgar_a motive_n neither_o do_v they_o drive_v on_o any_o private_a end_n of_o their_o own_o all_o that_o they_o mind_v be_v the_o promote_a of_o the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o preach_v nay_o they_o account_v no_o hazard_n comparable_a with_o the_o advantage_n which_o the_o world_n enjoy_v through_o the_o propagation_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n this_o show_v a_o true_o noble_a and_o generous_a spirit_n in_o they_o which_o will_v not_o be_v hinder_v from_o do_v the_o world_n good_a though_o they_o find_v so_o bad_a entertainment_n from_o it_o yea_o they_o rejoice_v in_o their_o great_a suffering_n which_o they_o undergo_v in_o so_o good_a a_o cause_n wherein_o those_o primitive_a christian_n who_o be_v the_o genuine_a follower_n of_o the_o apostle_n do_v so_o far_o imitate_v they_o that_o etiam_fw-la damnati_fw-la gratias_fw-la agunt_fw-la they_o give_v the_o judge_n 46._o thanks_o that_o they_o think_v they_o worthy_a to_o lose_v their_o life_n in_o a_o cause_n which_o they_o have_v reason_n to_o triumph_v in_o though_o they_o die_v for_o it_o and_o when_o any_o of_o they_o be_v apprehend_v they_o discover_v so_o little_a fear_n of_o punishment_n ut_fw-la unum_fw-la solummodo_fw-la quod_fw-la non_fw-la ante_fw-la suerint_fw-la paeniteret_fw-la that_o nothing_o trouble_v they_o so_o much_o as_o that_o they_o have_v be_v christian_n no_o soon_o as_o one_o of_o fellix_fw-la their_o number_n speak_v and_o when_o the_o heathen_n usual_o scoff_v at_o they_o and_o call_v they_o sarmentitii_fw-la and_o semaxii_fw-la because_o they_o be_v burn_v upon_o the_o cross_n one_o of_o they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o rest_n answer_v hic_fw-la est_fw-la habitus_fw-la victoriae_fw-la nostrae_fw-la haec_fw-la palmata_fw-la vestis_fw-la tali_fw-la curru_fw-la triumphamus_fw-la the_o cross_n be_v only_o 50._o their_o triumphant_a chariot_n which_o carry_v they_o soon_o to_o heaven_n now_o this_o courage_n and_o resolution_n of_o spirit_n which_o be_v see_v in_o the_o first_o planter_n of_o christianity_n in_o the_o world_n make_v all_o serious_a and_o inquisitive_a person_n look_v more_o narrow_o into_o those_o thing_n which_o make_v man_n slight_a so_o much_o the_o common_a bugbear_n of_o humane_a nature_n suffering_n and_o death_n quis_fw-la enim_fw-la non_fw-la contemplatione_fw-la ejus_fw-la concutitur_fw-la adrequirendum_fw-la â—_o quid_fw-la intus_fw-la in_o re_fw-la sit_fw-la quis_fw-la non_fw-la ubi_fw-la requisivit_fw-la accedit_fw-la ubi_fw-la accessit_fw-la patiexoptat_fw-la these_o suffering_n make_v man_n inquire_v this_o enquiry_n make_v they_o believe_v that_o belief_n make_v they_o as_o willing_a to_o suffer_v themselves_o as_o they_o have_v see_v other_o do_v it_o before_o they_o thus_o it_o appear_v to_o be_v true_a in_o they_o 〈◊〉_d qâ—â—que_fw-la crudelitas_fw-la illecebra_fw-la magis_fw-la est_fw-la sectae_fw-la plures_fw-la â—fficimur_fw-la quâ—â—ties_fw-la metimur_fw-la a_o vobis_fw-la semen_fw-mi est_fw-la sanguis_fw-la christianorum_fw-la the_o cruelty_n of_o their_o â—_z do_v but_o increase_v their_o number_n the_o harvest_n of_o their_o pretend_a justice_n be_v but_o the_o seedtime_n of_o christianity_n and_o no_o seed_n be_v so_o fruitful_a as_o that_o which_o be_v steep_v in_o the_o blood_n of_o martyr_n thence_o justin_n martyr_v ingenuous_o say_v of_o himself_o that_o while_o he_o be_v a_o platonic_a philosopher_n he_o deride_v and_o scoff_v at_o the_o christian_n but_o when_o he_o consider_v their_o great_a courage_n and_o constancy_n in_o die_v for_o their_o profession_n he_o can_v not_o think_v those_o can_v possible_o be_v man_n wicked_a and_o voluptuous_a who_o when_o offer_v of_o life_n be_v make_v they_o will_v rather_o choose_v death_n then_o deny_v christ._n by_o which_o he_o find_v plain_o that_o there_o be_v a_o high_a spirit_n in_o christianity_n then_o can_v be_v obtain_v by_o the_o sublime_a notion_n and_o speculation_n of_o plato_n and_o that_o a_o poor_a ignorant_a christian_n will_v do_v and_o suffer_v more_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o christ_n then_o any_o of_o the_o academy_n in_o defence_n of_o their_o master_n plato_n now_o since_o all_o man_n natural_o abhor_v suffering_n what_o be_v it_o which_o shall_v so_o powerful_o alter_v the_o nature_n and_o disposition_n of_o christian_n above_o all_o other_o person_n that_o they_o alone_o shall_v seem_v in_o that_o to_o have_v forget_v humanity_n that_o not_o only_o with_o patience_n but_o with_o joy_n they_o endure_v torment_n and_o abode_n the_o flame_n what!_o be_v they_o all_o possess_v with_o a_o far_o more_o than_o stoical_a apathy_n that_o no_o sense_n oâ—_n pain_n can_v work_v at_o all_o upon_o they_o or_o be_v they_o all_o besot_v and_o infatuate_v person_n that_o do_v not_o know_v what_o it_o be_v they_o undergo_v â—t_z be_v true_a some_o of_o the_o
be_v the_o great_a seal_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n therefore_o we_o find_v the_o apostle_n so_o frequent_o attest_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o themselves_o be_v eye-witness_n of_o it_o this_o jesus_n say_v peter_n have_v god_n raise_v up_o whereof_o we_o all_o be_v witness_n and_o again_o and_o kill_v the_o prince_n of_o life_n who_o 32._o god_n have_v raise_v up_o from_o the_o dead_a whereof_o we_o be_v witness_n and_o both_o peter_n and_o john_n to_o the_o sanhedrin_n for_o we_o can_v 15._o but_o speak_v the_o thing_n which_o we_o have_v see_v and_o hear_v and_o the_o 20._o whole_a college_n of_o apostle_n afterward_o and_o we_o be_v his_o witness_n of_o these_o thing_n and_o so_o be_v also_o the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o god_n 32._o have_v give_v to_o they_o that_o obey_v he_o in_o which_o word_n they_o give_v they_o that_o twofold_a rational_a evidence_n which_o do_v manifest_v the_o undoubted_a truth_n of_o what_o they_o speak_v for_o they_o deliver_v nothing_o but_o what_o themselves_o be_v witness_n of_o and_o withal_o be_v declare_v to_o be_v true_a by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o miracle_n which_o be_v wrought_v by_o and_o upon_o believer_n afterward_o we_o read_v the_o sum_n oâ—_n the_o apostle_n preach_v and_o the_o manner_n use_v by_o they_o to_o persuade_v man_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o in_o the_o word_n of_o peter_n to_o cernâ—lius_n and_o his_o company_n how_o god_n anoint_v jesus_n of_o nazareth_n with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o with_o power_n who_o go_v about_o do_v good_a and_o heal_v all_o that_o be_v 42._o oppress_v of_o the_o devil_n for_o god_n be_v with_o he_o and_o we_o be_v witness_n of_o all_o thing_n which_o he_o do_v both_o in_o the_o land_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o in_o jerusalem_n who_o they_o stew_n and_o hang_v on_o a_o tree_n him_n god_n raise_v up_o the_o three_o day_n and_o show_v he_o open_o not_o to_o all_o the_o people_n but_o unto_o witness_n choose_v before_o of_o god_n even_o to_o we_o who_o do_v eat_v and_o drink_v with_o he_o after_o he_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o he_o command_v we_o to_o â—reach_v unto_o the_o people_n that_o it_o be_v be_v which_o be_v ordain_v of_o god_n to_o be_v the_o judge_n of_o quick_a and_o dead_a by_o all_o which_o we_o see_v what_o care_n god_n be_v please_v to_o take_v for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o world_n in_o point_n of_o rational_a evidence_n as_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o matter_n which_o be_v discover_v concern_v our_o saviour_n christ_n because_o he_o make_v choice_n of_o such_o person_n to_o be_v the_o preacher_n and_o writer_n of_o these_o thing_n who_o be_v the_o best_a able_a to_o satisfy_v the_o world_n about_o they_o viz._n such_o as_o have_v be_v eye_n witness_n of_o they_o now_o in_o order_n to_o the_o make_v it_o more_o full_o evident_a what_o 14._o strength_n there_o be_v in_o this_o testimony_n give_v by_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n we_o shall_v more_o full_o manifest_v the_o rational_a evidence_n which_o attend_v it_o in_o these_o follow_a proposition_n where_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o doctrine_n depend_v upon_o a_o matter_n of_o fact_n the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n be_v sufficient_o manifest_v if_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v evident_o prove_v in_o the_o high_a way_n it_o be_v capable_a 1._o of_o thus_o it_o be_v in_o reference_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o be_v so_o interweave_v with_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o story_n of_o christ_n that_o if_o the_o relation_n concern_v christ_n be_v true_a his_o doctrine_n must_v needs_o be_v divine_a and_o infallible_a for_o if_o it_o be_v undoubted_o true_a that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o person_n as_o christ_n bear_v at_o bethlehem_n who_o do_v so_o many_o miracle_n and_o at_o last_o suffer_v the_o death_n of_o the_o cross_n and_o after_o he_o have_v lie_v three_o day_n in_o the_o grave_n rise_v again_o from_o the_o dead_a what_o reason_n imaginable_a can_v i_o have_v to_o question_v but_o that_o the_o testimony_n of_o this_o person_n be_v certain_o divine_a and_o consequent_o what_o ever_o he_o preach_v to_o the_o world_n be_v most_o certain_a and_o undoubted_a truth_n so_o that_o if_o we_o have_v clear_a evidence_n as_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o passage_n concern_v our_o saviour_n we_o must_v likewise_o believe_v his_o doctrine_n which_o come_v attest_v with_o such_o pregnant_a evidence_n of_o a_o divine_a commission_n which_o he_o have_v from_o god_n to_o the_o world_n no_o prince_n can_v think_v he_o have_v any_o reason_n to_o refuse_v audience_n to_o a_o ambassador_n when_o he_o find_v his_o credential_n such_o as_o he_o may_v rely_v upon_o although_o himself_o do_v not_o see_v the_o seal_n of_o they_o much_o less_o reason_n have_v we_o to_o question_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n if_o we_o have_v sufficient_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n concern_v christ_n in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o those_o thing_n be_v capable_a of_o be_v prove_v the_o great_a evidence_n which_o can_v be_v give_v to_o a_o matter_n of_o fact_n 2._o be_v the_o attest_v of_o it_o by_o those_o person_n who_o be_v eye-witness_n of_o it_o this_o be_v the_o foundation_n whereon_o the_o firm_a assent_n be_v build_v as_o to_o any_o matter_n of_o fact_n for_o although_o we_o conceive_v we_o have_v reason_n to_o suspect_v the_o truth_n of_o a_o story_n as_o long_o as_o it_o be_v convey_v only_o in_o a_o general_a way_n by_o a_o uncertain_a fame_n and_o tradition_n yet_o when_o it_o come_v to_o be_v attest_v by_o a_o sufficient_a number_n of_o credible_a person_n who_o profess_v themselves_o the_o cye-witness_n of_o it_o it_o be_v account_v a_o unreasonable_a thing_n to_o distrust_v any_o long_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o especial_o in_o these_o two_o case_n 1._o when_o the_o matter_n they_o bear_v witness_v to_o be_v a_o thing_n which_o they_o may_v easy_o and_o clear_o perceive_v 2._o when_o many_o witness_n exact_o agree_v in_o the_o same_o testimony_n 1._o when_o the_o matter_n itself_o be_v of_o that_o nature_n that_o it_o may_v be_v full_o perceive_v by_o those_o who_o see_v it_o i._n e._n if_o it_o be_v a_o common_a object_n of_o sense_n and_o thus_o it_o certain_o be_v as_o to_o the_o person_n and_o action_n of_o jesus_n christ._n for_o he_o be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o mankind_n and_o they_o have_v as_o great_a evidence_n that_o they_o converse_v with_o jesus_n christ_n in_o the_o flesh_n as_o we_o can_v have_v that_o we_o converse_v one_o with_o another_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n be_v real_a and_o visible_a miracle_n they_o can_v be_v no_o illusion_n of_o sense_n nor_o deceit_n of_o their_o eye_n the_o man_n who_o be_v bear_v blind_a and_o cure_v by_o our_o saviour_n be_v know_v to_o have_v be_v bear_v blind_a through_o all_o the_o country_n and_o his_o cure_n be_v after_o as_o public_a as_o his_o blindness_n before_o and_o acknowledge_v by_o the_o great_a enemy_n of_o 26._o christ_n at_o the_o time_n of_o its_o be_v do_v when_o christ_n raise_v up_o the_o dead_a man_n at_o naim_n it_o be_v before_o much_o people_n and_o such_o 12._o person_n in_o probability_n who_o be_v many_o of_o they_o present_a at_o his_o death_n but_o least_o there_o may_v be_v any_o suspicion_n as_o to_o he_o that_o he_o be_v not_o real_o dead_a the_o case_n be_v plain_a and_o beyond_o all_o dispute_n in_o lazarus_n who_o have_v be_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o all_o person_n thereabouts_o dead_a four_o day_n here_o can_v be_v no_o deceit_n at_o all_o 39_o when_o the_o stone_n be_v roll_v away_o and_o lazarus_n come_v forth_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o they_o all_o and_o yet_o further_o the_o death_n and_o passion_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v a_o plain_a object_n of_o sense_n do_v in_o presence_n of_o his_o great_a adversary_n the_o soldier_n themselves_o be_v sufficient_a witness_n of_o his_o be_v real_o dead_a when_o they_o come_v to_o break_v his_o bone_n and_o spare_v he_o because_o they_o see_v he_o be_v dead_a already_o at_o his_o resurrection_n the_o stone_n be_v roll_v away_o from_o the_o sepulchre_n and_o no_o body_n find_v therein_o although_o the_o sepulchre_n be_v guard_v by_o soldier_n and_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n all_o so_o fearful_a that_o they_o be_v disperse_v up_o and_o down_o in_o several_a place_n and_o that_o it_o be_v the_o same_o real_a body_n which_o he_o rise_v withal_o and_o no_o aerial_a vehicle_n appear_v by_o thomas_n his_o serupulosity_n and_o unbelief_n who_o will_v not_o believe_v unless_o â—e_n may_v put_v his_o hand_n into_o the_o hole_n of_o his_o side_n and_o see_v 27._o
venture_v their_o life_n upon_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o they_o write_v concern_v he_o as_o the_o apostle_n do_v to_o attest_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o they_o preach_v concern_v our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n 2._o the_o fidelity_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v evident_a in_o their_o manner_n of_o 16._o report_v the_o thing_n which_o they_o deliver_v for_o if_o ever_o there_o may_v be_v any_o thing_n gather_v from_o the_o manner_n of_o expression_n or_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d concern_v the_o particular_a temper_n and_o disposition_n of_o the_o person_n from_o who_o it_o come_v we_o may_v certain_o read_v the_o great_a fidelity_n in_o the_o apostle_n from_o the_o peculiar_a manner_n of_o their_o express_a themselves_o to_o the_o world_n which_o they_o do_v 1._o with_o the_o great_a impartiality_n not_o declare_v only_o what_o be_v glorious_a and_o admirable_a to_o the_o world_n but_o what_o they_o know_v will_v be_v account_v foolishness_n by_o it_o they_o who_o have_v seek_v only_o to_o have_v be_v admire_v for_o the_o rare_a discovery_n which_o they_o bring_v to_o the_o world_n will_v be_v sure_a to_o conceal_v any_o thing_n which_o may_v be_v account_v ridiculous_a but_o the_o apostle_n fix_v themselves_o most_o on_o what_o be_v most_o contemptible_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o world_n and_o what_o they_o be_v most_o mock_v and_o deride_v for_o that_o they_o delight_v most_o in_o the_o preach_n of_o which_o be_v the_o cross_n of_o christ._n paul_n be_v so_o much_o in_o love_n with_o this_o which_o be_v a_o stumble_a block_n to_o the_o jew_n and_o foolishness_n to_o the_o greek_n that_o he_o value_v the_o knowledge_n of_o nothing_o else_o in_o comparison_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n and_o he_o crucify_v nay_o 14._o he_o elsewhere_o say_v god_n forbid_v that_o i_o shall_v glory_n save_v in_o the_o cross_n of_o christ._n what_o now_o shall_v be_v the_o reason_n that_o they_o shall_v rejoice_v in_o that_o most_o which_o be_v most_o despicable_a to_o the_o world_n have_v not_o they_o see_v far_o â—reater_a truth_n and_o excellency_n in_o it_o then_o in_o the_o most_o sublime_a speculation_n concern_v god_n or_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n in_o the_o school_n of_o plato_n or_o any_o other_o heathen_a philosopher_n that_o all_o man_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o order_n to_o their_o salvation_n to_o believe_v in_o one_o who_o be_v crucify_v at_o jerusalem_n be_v a_o strange_a doctrine_n to_o the_o unbelieve_a world_n but_o if_o the_o apostle_n have_v but_o endeavour_v to_o have_v suit_v their_o doctrine_n to_o the_o school_n of_o plato_n what_o rare_a person_n may_v they_o have_v be_v account_v among_o the_o heathen_a philosopher_n have_v they_o only_o in_o general_a term_n discourse_v of_o the_o benignity_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o the_o manifestation_n of_o divine_a goodness_n in_o the_o world_n and_o that_o in_o order_n to_o the_o bring_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n to_o a_o near_a participation_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n the_o perfect_a idea_n of_o true_a goodness_n and_o the_o express_a image_n of_o the_o person_n of_o god_n and_o the_o resplendency_n of_o his_o glory_n have_v veil_v himself_o in_o humane_a nature_n and_o have_v everywhere_o scatter_v such_o beam_n of_o light_n and_o goodness_n as_o warm_v and_o invigorate_v the_o freeze_a spirit_n of_o man_n with_o high_a sentiment_n of_o god_n and_o themselves_o and_o raise_v they_o up_o above_o the_o feculency_n of_o this_o terrestrial_a matter_n to_o breath_n in_o a_o free_a air_n and_o converse_v with_o more_o noble_a object_n and_o by_o degree_n to_o fit_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n for_o those_o more_o pure_a illapse_n of_o real_a goodness_n which_o may_v always_o satisfy_v the_o soul_n desire_n and_o yet_o always_o keep_v they_o up_o till_o the_o soul_n shall_v be_v sun_v its_o self_n to_o all_o eternity_n under_o the_o immediate_a beam_n of_o light_n and_o love_n and_o that_o after_o this_o incarnate_a deity_n have_v spread_v abroad_o the_o wing_n of_o his_o love_n for_o a_o while_n upon_o this_o low_a world_n till_o by_o his_o gentle_a heat_n and_o incubation_n he_o have_v quicken_v the_o more_o pliable_a world_n to_o some_o degree_n of_o a_o divine_a life_n he_o then_o retreat_v himself_o back_o again_o into_o the_o superior_a world_n and_o put_v off_o that_o vail_n by_o which_o he_o make_v himself_o know_v to_o those_o who_o be_v here_o confine_v to_o the_o prison_n of_o their_o body_n thus_o i_o say_v have_v the_o apostle_n mind_v applause_n among_o the_o admire_a philosopher_n of_o the_o heathen_n how_o easy_a have_v it_o be_v for_o they_o to_o have_v make_v some_o considerable_a addition_n to_o their_o high_a speculation_n and_o have_v leave_v out_o any_o thing_n which_o may_v seem_v so_o mean_a and_o contemptible_a as_o the_o death_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n but_o this_o they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o that_o the_o main_a thing_n which_o they_o preach_v to_o the_o world_n be_v the_o vanity_n of_o humane_a wisdom_n without_o christ_n and_o the_o necessity_n of_o all_o man_n believe_v in_o that_o jesus_n who_o be_v crucify_v at_o jerusalem_n the_o apostle_n indeed_o discover_v very_o much_o infinite_o more_o than_o ever_o the_o most_o lofty_a pl_z tonist_n can_v do_v concern_v the_o goodness_n and_o love_n of_o god_n to_o mankind_n but_o that_o wherein_o they_o manifest_v the_o love_n of_o god_n to_o the_o world_n be_v that_o he_o give_v his_o 16._o only_a beget_v son_n that_o whosoever_o believe_v in_o he_o shall_v not_o perish_v but_o have_v everlasting_a life_n and_o that_o herein_o be_v the_o love_n 8._o of_o god_n manifest_v that_o while_o we_o be_v yet_o sinner_n christ_n die_v for_o we_o and_o that_o this_o be_v the_o great_a truth_n and_o worthy_a of_o all_o 15._o acceptation_n that_o jesus_n christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o save_v sinner_n they_o never_o dream_v of_o any_o divine_a goodness_n which_o shall_v make_v man_n happy_a without_o christ_n no_o it_o be_v their_o design_n to_o persuade_v the_o world_n that_o all_o the_o communication_n of_o god_n goodness_n to_o the_o world_n be_v whole_o in_o and_o through_o jesus_n christ_n and_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o any_o shall_v think_v otherwise_o unless_o plato_n know_v more_o of_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n than_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o plotinus_n then_o saint_n paul_n can_v we_o think_v now_o that_o the_o apostle_n shall_v hazard_v the_o reputation_n of_o their_o own_o wit_n so_o much_o as_o they_o do_v to_o the_o world_n and_o be_v account_v babbler_n and_o fool_n and_o madman_n for_o preach_v the_o way_n of_o salvation_n to_o be_v only_o by_o a_o person_n crucify_v between_o two_o thief_n at_o jerusalem_n have_v they_o not_o be_v convince_v not_o only_o of_o the_o truth_n but_o importance_n of_o it_o and_o that_o it_o concern_v man_n as_o much_o to_o believe_v it_o as_o it_o do_v to_o avoid_v eternal_a misery_n do_v saint_n paul_n preach_v ever_o the_o less_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n and_o soberness_n because_o he_o be_v tell_v to_o his_o face_n that_o his_o learning_n have_v make_v he_o mad_a but_o if_o he_o be_v beside_o himself_o it_o be_v for_o christ_n and_o what_o wonder_n be_v it_o if_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o apostle_n shall_v make_v he_o willing_a to_o lose_v his_o reputation_n for_o he_o see_v christ_n make_v himself_o of_o no_o reputation_n that_o he_o may_v be_v in_o a_o capacity_n to_o do_v we_o good_a we_o see_v the_o apostle_n be_v not_o ashamed_a of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n because_o they_o know_v it_o be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n to_o salvation_n and_o therefore_o neither_o in_o their_o preach_n or_o their_o write_n will_v they_o omit_v any_o of_o those_o passage_n concern_v our_o saviour_n death_n which_o may_v be_v account_v the_o most_o dishonourable_a to_o his_o person_n which_o be_v certain_o as_o great_a a_o evidence_n of_o their_o sidelity_n as_o can_v be_v expect_v which_o make_v origen_n say_v that_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n write_v all_o thing_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o candour_n and_o cels._n love_n of_o truth_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d not_o conceal_v from_o the_o world_n those_o passage_n of_o the_o life_n of_o christ_n which_o will_v be_v account_v most_o foolish_a and_o ridiculous_a 2._o with_o the_o great_a plainness_n and_o simplicity_n of_o speech_n such_o who_o design_n be_v to_o impose_v upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n with_o some_o cunning_o devise_v fable_n love_v as_o much_o ambiguity_n as_o ever_o apollo_n do_v in_o his_o most_o wind_a oracle_n of_o who_o it_o be_v say_v ambage_n nexâ_fw-la delphico_n mos_fw-la est_fw-la dco_o arcana_fw-la tegere_fw-la servius_n tell_v we_o that_o jupiter_n ammon_n be_v therefore_o picture_v id_fw-la with_o rams-horn_n because_o his_o answer_n
reason_n enough_o to_o reject_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o christ_n because_o celsus_n call_v they_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d galen_n christianity_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 4._o that_o they_o be_v such_o doctrine_n which_o require_v faith_n and_o obedience_n without_o give_v man_n reason_n a_o account_n of_o the_o thing_n command_v as_o though_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o legislator_n sufficient_o manifest_v be_v not_o enough_o to_o enforce_v a_o law_n unless_o a_o sufficient_a account_n be_v give_v of_o the_o thing_n require_v to_o the_o purblind_a reason_n of_o every_o individual_a person_n act_v by_o passion_n and_o private_a interest_n as_o to_o the_o justice_n and_o equity_n of_o it_o and_o so_o the_o primary_n obligation_n on_o man_n part_n to_o faith_n and_o obedience_n must_v arise_v not_o from_o the_o evidence_n of_o divine_a authority_n but_o of_o the_o thing_n itself_o which_o be_v reveal_v to_o the_o most_o partial_a judgement_n of_o every_o one_o to_o who_o it_o be_v propose_v which_o those_o who_o know_v how_o short_a the_o stock_n of_o reason_n be_v at_o the_o best_a in_o man_n and_o how_o easy_o that_o which_o be_v be_v fashion_v and_o mould_v according_a to_o prâ—judices_fw-la and_o interest_n already_o entertain_v will_v look_v upon_o only_a as_o a_o design_n to_o comply_v with_o the_o carnal_a desire_n of_o man_n in_o that_o thereby_o none_o shall_v be_v bind_v to_o go_v any_o further_a than_o this_o blind_a and_o corrupt_a guide_n shall_v lead_v they_o now_o these_o be_v the_o term_n on_o which_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n must_v have_v expect_v entertainment_n in_o the_o gentile_a world_n how_o impossible_a lâ—ad_v it_o be_v ever_o to_o have_v sound_a any_o success_n among_o man_n have_v there_o not_o be_v sufficient_a evidence_n give_v by_o a_o power_n of_o miracle_n that_o however_o strange_a and_o incredible_a the_o doctrine_n may_v seem_v yet_o it_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v because_o there_o be_v sufficient_a mean_n to_o convince_v man_n that_o it_o be_v of_o divine_a revelation_n neither_o be_v the_o matter_n of_o say_v only_o contrary_a to_o the_o 23._o inclination_n of_o the_o world_n but_o so_o be_v the_o precept_n of_o life_n or_o those_o thing_n in_o christianity_n which_o concern_v practice_n there_o be_v two_o thing_n which_o be_v the_o main_a scope_n and_o design_n of_o christianity_n in_o reference_n to_o man_n life_n to_o take_v they_o off_o from_o their_o sin_n and_o from_o the_o world_n and_o of_o all_o thing_n these_o be_v they_o which_o man_n heart_n be_v so_o bewitch_v with_o now_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v such_o which_o require_v the_o great_a 12._o purity_n of_o heart_n and_o life_n which_o call_v upon_o man_n to_o deny_v themselves_o and_o all_o ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n and_o to_o live_v sober_o and_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n that_o all_o that_o name_n the_o name_n of_o christ_n must_v depart_v from_o iniquity_n that_o 1._o all_o true_a christian_n must_v be_v cleanse_v from_o all_o filthiness_n of_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n and_o must_v perfect_a holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o the_o gospel_n enforce_v these_o precept_n of_o holiness_n with_o the_o most_o terrible_a denunciation_n of_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n on_o those_o who_o disobey_v they_o that_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n shall_v be_v reveal_v from_o 8._o heaven_n with_o his_o mighty_a angel_n in_o flame_a fire_n take_v vengeance_n on_o they_o that_o know_v not_o god_n and_o that_o obey_v not_o the_o gospel_n of_o jesus_n christ._n that_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n be_v reveal_v from_o heaven_n against_o all_o ungodliness_n and_o unrighteousness_n of_o man_n who_o 18._o hold_v the_o truth_n in_o unrighteousness_n that_o no_o person_n who_o live_v in_o the_o habitual_a practice_n of_o any_o know_a sin_n shall_v inherit_v the_o 6._o kingdom_n of_o god_n that_o no_o man_n shall_v deceive_v they_o with_o vain_a word_n for_o because_o of_o these_o thing_n come_v the_o wrath_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o child_n of_o disobedience_n that_o man_n do_v but_o vain_o flatter_v themselves_o when_o they_o seek_v to_o reconcile_v unholy_a life_n with_o the_o hope_n of_o future_a happiness_n for_o without_o holiness_n no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o lord_n and_o then_o in_o reference_n to_o the_o thing_n 34._o of_o this_o present_a life_n which_o man_n busy_a themselves_o so_o much_o about_o the_o gospel_n declare_v that_o they_o who_o love_v this_o world_n the_o love_n of_o the_o father_n be_v not_o in_o they_o that_o the_o friendship_n of_o this_o world_n 14._o be_v enmity_n with_o god_n and_o whosoever_o will_v be_v a_o friend_n of_o the_o 18._o world_n be_v a_o enemy_n to_o god_n that_o christian_n must_v not_o set_v their_o affection_n on_o earth_n but_o on_o thing_n in_o heaven_n that_o the_o conversation_n of_o true_a christian_n be_v in_o heaven_n that_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o lay_v up_o our_o treasure_n on_o earth_n but_o in_o heaven_n that_o we_o must_v not_o look_v at_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v see_v but_o at_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o see_v for_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v see_v be_v temporal_a but_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o see_v be_v eternal_a now_o the_o whole_a design_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n be_v to_o persuade_v man_n to_o lead_v a_o holy_a and_o heavenly_a life_n while_o they_o be_v in_o this_o world_n and_o thereby_o to_o be_v make_v meet_a to_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o inheritance_n with_o the_o saint_n in_o 12._o light_n can_v we_o think_v so_o many_o man_n who_o heart_n be_v wed_v to_o sin_n and_o the_o world_n can_v so_o sudden_o be_v bring_v off_o from_o both_o without_o a_o divine_a power_n accompany_v that_o doctrine_n which_o be_v preach_v to_o they_o and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n say_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i_o be_o not_o ashamed_a 16._o of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n i._n e._n though_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o only_a true_a mystery_n yet_o i_o do_v not_o by_o it_o as_o the_o heathen_n be_v wont_a to_o do_v with_o their_o famous_a eleusinian_n mystery_n which_o be_v keep_v so_o secret_a by_o all_o the_o mystae_fw-la and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d but_o say_v he_o i_o know_v no_o reason_n i_o have_v to_o be_v ashamed_a of_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o gospel_n that_o i_o shall_v labour_v its_o concealment_n to_o advance_v its_o veneration_n but_o the_o more_o public_a the_o gospel_n be_v the_o more_o it_o manifest_v its_o power_n for_o through_o it_o god_n be_v please_v mighty_o to_o work_v in_o order_n to_o the_o salvation_n both_o of_o jew_n and_o gentile_n and_o of_o all_o the_o success_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o upon_o the_o heart_n and_o life_n of_o man_n deserve_v the_o great_a consideration_n the_o great_a efficacy_n and_o power_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v abundant_o see_v in_o that_o great_a alteration_n which_o it_o wrought_v in_o all_o those_o who_o be_v the_o hearty_a imbracer_n of_o it_o the_o philosopher_n do_v very_o frequent_o and_o deserve_o complain_v of_o the_o great_a inefficacy_n of_o all_o their_o moral_a precept_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o that_o by_o all_o their_o instruction_n politiora_fw-la non_fw-la meliora_fw-la ingenia_fw-la fiunt_fw-la man_n improve_v more_o in_o knowledge_n than_o goodness_n but_o now_o christianity_n not_o only_o enforce_v duty_n on_o man_n with_o great_a power_n and_o authority_n for_o the_o scripture_n do_v as_o saint_n austin_n speak_v non_fw-la tanquam_fw-la ex_fw-la philosophorum_fw-la concertationibus_fw-la strepere_fw-la sed_fw-la tanquam_fw-la ex_fw-la oraculis_fw-la &_o dei_fw-la nubes_fw-la intonare_fw-la 19_o not_o make_v some_o obstreperous_a clamour_n like_o those_o tinkle_a cymbal_n the_o philosopher_n but_o awe_n the_o soul_n of_o man_n with_o the_o majesty_n of_o that_o god_n from_o who_o they_o come_v neither_o be_v it_o only_o a_o great_a and_o empty_a sound_n which_o be_v hear_v in_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o when_o god_n thunder_v therein_o he_o break_v down_o the_o stately_a cedar_n and_o shake_v the_o wilderness_n and_o make_v the_o hind_n to_o calf_n as_o it_o be_v say_v of_o thunder_n call_v the_o voice_n 9_o of_o the_o lord_n in_o scripture_n he_o humble_v the_o pride_n of_o man_n unsettled_a the_o gentile_a world_n from_o its_o former_a foundation_n and_o wrought_v great_a alteration_n on_o all_o those_o who_o hearken_v to_o it_o the_o who_o design_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v couch_v in_o those_o word_n which_o saint_n paul_n tell_v we_o be_v speak_v to_o he_o by_o christ_n himself_o when_o he_o appoint_v he_o to_o be_v a_o apostle_n to_o open_a man_n 18._o eye_n and_o to_o turn_v they_o from_o darkness_n to_o light_n and_o from_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n unto_o god_n that_o they_o may_v receive_v forgiveness_n of_o sin_n and_o inheritance_n among_o
the_o greek_n receive_v from_o the_o barbarian_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d they_o put_v it_o into_o epinom_n a_o better_a fashion_n i._n e._n they_o disguise_v it_o alter_z and_o change_v it_o as_o they_o please_v and_o put_v it_o into_o a_o greek_a habit_n that_o it_o may_v never_o be_v suspect_v to_o have_v be_v a_o foreigner_n thence_o tertullian_n speak_v with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o truth_n and_o freedom_n of_o such_o philosopher_n who_o do_v ingenii_fw-la sitim_fw-la de_fw-la prophetarum_fw-la fonte_fw-la irrigare_fw-la as_o he_o express_v it_o that_o quench_v their_o thirst_n after_o knowledge_n with_o the_o water_n of_o jordan_n though_o they_o do_v not_o like_o 47._o naaman_n cure_v the_o leproâ—ic_n of_o the_o head_n by_o wash_v in_o they_o for_o as_o tertullian_n say_v theâ—_n come_v only_o ex_fw-la negotio_fw-la curiositatis_fw-la more_o to_o please_v the_o i_o tch_n oâ—_n their_o curiosity_n then_o to_o cure_v it_o and_o wherein_o they_o seem_v most_o to_o agree_v with_o the_o scripture_n their_o difference_n be_v beyond_o their_o agreement_n siquidem_fw-la 2._o vera_fw-la quaeque_fw-la &_o consonantia_fw-la prophetis_fw-la aut_fw-la aliunde_fw-la commendant_fw-la aut_fw-la aliorsum_fw-la subornant_fw-la cum_fw-la maxima_fw-la injuria_fw-la veritatis_fw-la quam_fw-la efficiunt_fw-la aut_fw-la adjuvari_fw-la falsis_fw-la aut_fw-la patrocinari_fw-la whatever_o the_o philosopher_n speak_v agreeable_a to_o the_o scripture_n either_o they_o do_v not_o own_v whence_o they_o have_v it_o or_o turn_v it_o quite_o another_o way_n whereby_o they_o have_v do_v the_o truth_n a_o great_a deal_n of_o injury_n by_o mix_v it_o with_o their_o corruption_n of_o it_o and_o make_v that_o little_a truth_n a_o plea_n for_o the_o rest_n of_o their_o error_n neither_o be_v this_o only_a among_o the_o ancient_a philosopher_n but_o the_o primitive_a christian_n begin_v to_o discern_v the_o underhand_a work_n of_o such_o who_o seek_v to_o blend_v philosophy_n and_o christianity_n together_o for_o tertullian_n himself_o take_v great_a notice_n of_o such_o who_o do_v veritatis_fw-la dogmata_fw-la ad_fw-la philosophicas_fw-la sententias_fw-la adulterare_fw-la suborn_v christianity_n to_o maintain_v philosophy_n which_o make_v he_o cry_v out_o viderint_fw-la qui_fw-la stoicum_fw-la &_o platonicum_n &_o dialecticum_fw-la christianismum_fw-la protulerunt_fw-la by_o which_o we_o see_v what_o tamper_n there_o be_v betimes_o rather_o to_o bring_v christianity_n 7._o down_o to_o philosophy_n rather_o than_o to_o make_v philosophy_n truckle_n under_o the_o truth_n and_o simplicity_n of_o the_o scripture_n whether_o ammonius_n himself_o and_o some_o other_o of_o the_o school_n of_o alexandria_n may_v be_v guilty_a in_o this_o kind_n be_v not_o here_o a_o place_n to_o inquire_v though_o it_o be_v too_o evident_a in_o the_o write_n of_o some_o that_o they_o rather_o seek_v to_o accommodate_v the_o scripture_n to_o the_o sentiment_n of_o the_o school_n of_o plato_n then_o to_o reform_v that_o by_o the_o scripture_n but_o i_o say_v however_o it_o be_v with_o those_o who_o be_v christian_n yet_o those_o who_o be_v not_o but_o only_a philosopher_n make_v their_o great_a advantage_n by_o it_o for_o when_o they_o find_v what_o be_v reconcileable_a with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o plato_n in_o the_o scripture_n do_v already_o to_o their_o hand_n by_o the_o endeavour_n chief_o of_o ammonius_n and_o origen_n they_o greedy_o embrace_v those_o improvement_n of_o their_o philosophy_n which_o will_v tend_v so_o much_o to_o the_o credit_n of_o it_o and_o as_o contemptuous_o reject_v what_o they_o find_v irreconcilable_a with_o the_o dictate_v of_o their_o philosophy_n now_o what_o a_o unreasonable_a thing_n be_v it_o when_o what_o ever_o be_v noble_a and_o excellent_a in_o the_o heathen_a philosophy_n be_v derivative_a from_o 〈◊〉_d scripture_n as_o the_o sacred_a fountain_n of_o it_o that_o the_o meeting_n with_o such_o thing_n shall_v in_o the_o least_o redound_v to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o the_o scripture_n from_o whence_o it_o be_v original_o derive_v when_o on_o the_o other_o side_n it_o shall_v be_v a_o great_a confirmation_n to_o our_o faith_n as_o to_o the_o scripture_n that_o they_o who_o be_v profess_v philosopher_n and_o admirer_n only_o of_o reason_n do_v so_o ready_o embrace_v some_o of_o those_o grand_a truth_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o which_o we_o need_v no_o other_o instance_n then_o that_o before_o 14._o we_o concern_v the_o origine_fw-la of_o evil_a the_o make_v out_o of_o which_o will_v tend_v to_o the_o clear_v the_o last_o thing_n mention_v concern_v it_o which_o be_v that_o the_o most_o material_a thing_n in_o it_o be_v attest_v by_o the_o heathen_n themselves_o and_o this_o honey_n which_o be_v gain_v out_o of_o the_o lion_n mouth_n must_v needs_o taste_v sweet_a than_o any_o other_o do_v for_o it_o be_v a_o weak_a and_o groundless_a mistake_n on_o the_o other_o side_n which_o be_v the_o second_o which_o arise_v from_o meet_v thing_n consonant_a to_o the_o scripture_n in_o the_o write_n of_o philosopher_n present_o to_o conclude_v from_o such_o thing_n that_o they_o be_v christian_n as_o it_o be_v say_v some_o have_v late_o do_v in_o the_o behalf_n of_o hierocles_n for_o there_o be_v such_o clear_a account_n give_v in_o scripture_n of_o the_o grand_a difficulty_n and_o perplexity_n which_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v trouble_v with_o when_o these_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o such_o who_o be_v of_o philosophic_a and_o inquisitive_a head_n we_o can_v but_o think_v they_o will_v meet_v with_o acceptation_n among_o they_o especial_o if_o they_o may_v be_v make_v consistent_a with_o their_o former_a speculation_n thus_o it_o be_v in_o our_o present_a case_n concern_v the_o origine_fw-la of_o evil_a we_o have_v already_o behold_v the_o lamentable_a perplexity_n the_o ancient_a philosopher_n be_v in_o about_o it_o what_o maeander_n they_o be_v lose_v in_o for_o want_v of_o a_o clue_n to_o guide_v they_o through_o they_o now_o it_o please_v god_n after_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o flâ—shâ—o_o â—o_z declare_v to_o the_o world_n the_o only_a way_n for_o the_o recovery_n 〈◊〉_d soul_n and_o their_o eternal_a salvation_n the_o news_n of_o which_o be_v spread_v so_o far_o that_o it_o soon_o get_v among_o the_o philosopher_n can_v not_o but_o make_v they_o more_o inquisitive_a concern_v the_o state_n and_o condition_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o when_o they_o have_v search_v what_o the_o philosopher_n have_v former_o discover_v of_o it_o their_o curiosity_n will_v present_o prompt_v they_o to_o see_v what_o account_n of_o thing_n concern_v the_o soul_n of_o 〈◊〉_d deliver_v by_o the_o preacher_n of_o this_o new_a doctrine_n bâ—_n 〈◊〉_d they_o can_v not_o but_o present_o understand_v that_o they_o declare_v all_o man_n soul_n to_o be_v in_o a_o most_o degenerate_a and_o low_a condition_n by_o be_v so_o continual_o under_o the_o power_n of_o 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into_o a_o degenerate_a and_o apostate_n condition_n out_o of_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v recover_v without_o some_o extraordinary_a expression_n of_o divine_a favour_n now_o what_o be_v there_o in_o all_o this_o account_n but_o what_o be_v huge_o suitable_a to_o principle_n of_o reason_n and_o to_o the_o general_a experience_n of_o the_o world_n as_o to_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v capable_a of_o be_v try_v by_o it_o and_o those_o philosopher_n who_o be_v any_o thing_n ingenuous_a and_o lover_n of_o truth_n can_v not_o but_o confess_v the_o truth_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o be_v now_o speak_v of_o viz._n that_o man_n soul_n be_v in_o a_o very_a degenerate_a condition_n that_o the_o most_o rational_a account_n of_o it_o be_v that_o man_n by_o the_o act_n of_o his_o own_o will_n bring_v himself_o into_o it_o and_o that_o in_o order_n to_o the_o happiness_n of_o man_n soul_n there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o recovery_n out_o of_o this_o condition_n as_o to_o the_o degeneracy_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n this_o
that_o when_o a_o divine_a testimony_n be_v already_o confirm_v by_o miracle_n undoubted_o divine_a that_o new_a miracle_n shall_v be_v wrought_v in_o the_o church_n to_o assure_v we_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o so_o chrysostome_n full_o express_v himself_o concern_v miracle_n speak_v of_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o christian_a eton._n church_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d miracle_n be_v very_o useful_a then_o and_o not_o at_o all_o useful_a now_o for_o now_o we_o manifest_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o we_o speak_v from_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n and_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v in_o confirmation_n of_o they_o which_o that_o excellent_a author_n there_o full_o manifest_v in_o a_o discourse_n on_o this_o subject_n why_o miracle_n be_v necessary_a in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o be_v not_o now_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n st._n austin_n speak_v where_o he_o discourse_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n accepimus_fw-la majores_fw-la nostros_fw-la visibilia_fw-la miracula_fw-la secutos_fw-la esse_fw-la 25._o per_fw-la quos_fw-la id_fw-la actum_fw-la est_fw-la ut_fw-la necessaria_fw-la non_fw-la essent_fw-la posteris_fw-la because_o the_o world_n believe_v by_o the_o miracle_n which_o be_v wrought_v at_o the_o first_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n therefore_o miracle_n be_v no_o long_o necessary_a for_o we_o can_v conceive_v how_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v at_o first_o induce_v to_o believe_v without_o manifest_a and_o uncontrolled_a miracle_n for_o as_o chrysostome_n speak_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v the_o great_a miracle_n of_o all_o if_o the_o world_n shall_v believe_v without_o miracle_n which_o the_o poet_n dante_n be_v have_v well_o express_v in_o the_o twenty_o four_o canto_n of_o paradise_n for_o when_o the_o apostle_n be_v there_o bring_v in_o ask_v the_o poet_n upon_o what_o account_n he_o take_v the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n his_o answer_n be_v probatio_fw-la quae_fw-la verum_fw-la hoc_fw-la mihi_fw-la recludit_fw-la sunt_fw-la opera_fw-la quae_fw-la secuta_fw-la sunt_fw-la ad_fw-la quae_fw-la natura_fw-la non_fw-la candefecit_fw-la ferrum_fw-la unquam_fw-la aut_fw-la percussit_fw-la incudem_fw-la i_o e._n the_o evidence_n of_o that_o be_v the_o divine_a power_n of_o miracle_n which_o be_v in_o those_o who_o deliver_v these_o thing_n to_o the_o world_n and_o when_o the_o apostle_n catechise_v he_o further_o how_o he_o know_v those_o miracle_n be_v such_o as_o they_o pretend_v to_o be_v viz._n that_o they_o be_v true_a and_o divine_a his_o answer_n be_v si_fw-mi orbis_fw-la terrae_fw-la seize_v convertit_fw-la ad_fw-la christianismum_fw-la inquiebam_fw-la ego_fw-la sine_fw-la miraculis_fw-la hoc_fw-la unum_fw-la est_fw-la tale_n ut_fw-la reliqua_fw-la non_fw-la sint_fw-la ejus_fw-la cente_fw-la sima_fw-la pars_fw-la i_o e._n if_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v convert_v to_o the_o christian_a faith_n without_o miracle_n this_o will_v be_v so_o great_a a_o miracle_n that_o other_o be_v not_o to_o be_v compare_v with_o it_o i_o conclude_v this_o then_o with_o that_o know_a saying_n of_o st._n austin_n quisquis_fw-la adhuc_fw-la prodigia_fw-la ut_fw-la credat_fw-la inquirit_fw-la magnum_fw-la est_fw-la ipse_fw-la prodigium_fw-la qui_fw-la mundo_fw-la credente_fw-la 8._o non_fw-la credit_n he_o that_o seek_v for_o miracle_n still_o to_o induce_v he_o to_o faith_n when_o the_o world_n be_v convert_v to_o the_o christian_a faith_n he_o need_v not_o seek_v for_o prodigy_n abroad_o he_o want_v only_o a_o look_a glass_n to_o discover_v one_o for_o as_o he_o go_v on_o unde_fw-la temporibus_fw-la erudit_fw-la be_v &_o omne_fw-la quod_fw-la fieri_fw-la non_fw-la potest_fw-la respuentibus_fw-la sine_fw-la ullis_fw-la miraculis_fw-la nimium_fw-la mirabiliter_fw-la incredibiliter_fw-la credidit_fw-la mundus_fw-la whence_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o in_o so_o learned_a and_o wary_a a_o age_n as_o that_o be_v which_o the_o apostle_n preach_v in_o the_o world_n without_o miracle_n shall_v be_v bring_v to_o believe_v thing_n so_o strange_o incredible_a as_o those_o be_v which_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n preach_v so_o that_o by_o this_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o intention_n of_o miracle_n be_v to_o confirm_v a_o divine_a testimony_n to_o the_o world_n and_o to_o make_v that_o appear_v credible_a which_o otherwise_o will_v have_v seem_v incredible_a but_o to_o what_o end_n now_o when_o this_o divine_a testimony_n be_v believe_v in_o the_o world_n shall_v miracle_n be_v continue_v among_o those_o who_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n to_o be_v divine_a the_o miracle_n wrought_v for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o it_o to_o have_v be_v true_a and_o the_o scripture_n which_o contain_v both_o to_o be_v the_o undoubted_a word_n of_o god_n to_o what_o purpose_n then_o the_o huge_a outery_n of_o miracle_n in_o the_o roman_a church_n be_v hard_o to_o conceive_v unless_o it_o be_v to_o make_v it_o appear_v how_o ambition_n that_o church_n be_v of_o be_v call_v by_o the_o name_n of_o he_o who_o come_n be_v after_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 and_o with_o all_o deceivableness_n 10._o of_o unrighteousness_n in_o they_o that_o perish_v because_o they_o receive_v not_o the_o love_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o they_o may_v be_v save_v for_o have_v they_o receive_v the_o love_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n they_o will_v have_v believe_v it_o on_o the_o account_n of_o those_o miracle_n and_o sign_n and_o wonder_n which_o be_v wrought_v for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o it_o by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o not_o have_v go_v about_o by_o their_o juggle_n and_o imposture_n in_o stead_n of_o bring_v man_n to_o believe_v the_o gospel_n to_o make_v they_o question_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o first_o miracle_n when_o they_o see_v so_o many_o counterfeit_n have_v we_o not_o great_a assurance_n the_o apostle_n be_v man_n of_o other_o design_n and_o interest_n then_o popish_a priest_n be_v and_o that_o there_o be_v not_o now_o any_o such_o necessity_n of_o miracle_n as_o there_o be_v then_o when_o a_o divine_a testimony_n reveal_v the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n be_v confirm_v by_o they_o those_o miracle_n can_v be_v divine_a which_o be_v do_v now_o for_o 2._o the_o confirmation_n of_o any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o that_o divine_a testimony_n which_o be_v confirm_v by_o uncontrolled_a divine_a miracle_n the_o case_n be_v not_o the_o same_o now_o which_o be_v before_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n for_o than_o though_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n be_v confirm_v by_o miracle_n yet_o though_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n do_v null_a the_o obligation_n of_o that_o law_n the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n be_v to_o be_v look_v on_o as_o divine_a because_o god_n do_v not_o intend_v the_o ceremonial_a law_n to_o be_v perpetual_a and_o there_o be_v many_o prophecy_n which_o can_v not_o have_v their_o accomplishment_n but_o under_o a_o new_a state_n but_o now_o under_o the_o gospel_n god_n have_v declare_v this_o to_o be_v the_o last_o revelation_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o will_n to_o the_o world_n by_o his_o son_n that_o now_o the_o prophecy_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v accomplish_v and_o the_o prophecy_n of_o the_o new_a respect_n only_o the_o various_a condition_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n without_o any_o the_o least_o intimation_n of_o any_o further_a revelation_n of_o god_n mind_n and_o will_n to_o the_o world_n so_o that_o now_o the_o scripture_n be_v our_o adequate_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o that_o according_a to_o which_o we_o be_v to_o judge_v all_o pretender_n to_o inspiration_n or_o miracle_n and_o according_a to_o this_o rule_n we_o be_v to_o proceed_v in_o any_o thing_n which_o be_v propound_v to_o we_o to_o believe_v by_o any_o person_n upon_o any_o pretence_n whatsoever_o under_o the_o law_n after_o the_o establishment_n of_o the_o law_n its_o self_n by_o the_o miracle_n of_o moses_n the_o rule_n of_o judge_v all_o pretender_n to_o miracle_n be_v by_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n if_o there_o arise_v 3._o among_o you_o a_o prophet_n or_o a_o dreamer_n of_o dream_n and_o give_v thou_o a_o sign_n or_o a_o wonder_n and_o the_o sign_n or_o the_o wonder_n come_v to_o pass_v whereof_o he_o speak_v to_o thou_o say_v let_v we_o go_v after_o other_o god_n which_o thou_o have_v not_o know_v and_o let_v we_o serve_v they_o thou_o shall_v not_o hearken_v unto_o the_o word_n of_o that_o prophet_n or_o that_o dreamer_n of_o dream_n for_o the_o lord_n your_o god_n prove_v you_o to_o know_v whether_o you_o love_v the_o lord_n your_o god_n with_o all_o your_o heart_n and_o with_o all_o your_o soul._n whereby_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o after_o the_o true_a doctrine_n be_v confirm_v by_o divine_a miracle_n god_n may_v give_v the_o devil_n or_o false_a prophet_n power_n to_o work_v if_o not_o real_a miracle_n yet_o such_o as_o man_n can_v judge_v by_o the_o thing_n themselves_o whether_o they_o be_v real_a or_o no_o and_o