miracle_n the_o two_o thing_n which_o he_o urge_v to_o the_o jew_n or_o heathen_n wheresoever_o he_o preach_v as_o thing_n which_o he_o be_v sure_a they_o can_v no_o more_o contradict_v than_o demonstration_n themselves_o there_o be_v so_o many_o then_o alive_a that_o can_v witness_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o in_o which_o respect_n he_o after_o tell_v they_o of_o god_n have_v confirm_v they_o into_o christ_n and_o anoint_a and_o seal_v they_o all_o in_o the_o same_o sense_n to_o signify_v god_n have_v afford_v they_o these_o convince_a testimony_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n preach_v to_o they_o by_o those_o on_o who_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v descend_v and_o who_o wrought_v miracle_n among_o they_o sect._n 14_o that_o this_o be_v a_o very_a competent_a confirmation_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n may_v yet_o far_o appear_v by_o consider_v first_o the_o person_n to_o who_o this_o be_v to_o be_v do_v the_o than_o church_n of_o god_n the_o people_n of_o the_o jew_n which_o be_v acquaint_v with_o his_o voice_n and_o his_o prophet_n and_o his_o economy_n former_o among_o they_o second_o the_o matter_n that_o be_v thus_o to_o be_v confirm_v no_o great_a change_n then_o to_o which_o this_o way_n of_o attestation_n may_v in_o reason_n be_v deem_v abundant_o proportionable_a for_o the_o thing_n to_o be_v believe_v only_o the_o real_a completion_n of_o some_o thing_n which_o have_v be_v before_o foretell_v and_o the_o reveal_v some_o truth_n which_o have_v be_v more_o obscure_o represent_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o than_o those_o how_o high_a and_o mysterious_a soever_o yet_o be_v clear_o reveal_v by_o christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o new_a and_o the_o explicit_a belief_n of_o they_o no_o further_o require_v of_o any_o then_o in_o proportion_n to_o the_o degree_n of_o the_o revelation_n of_o they_o the_o reveal_n of_o they_o must_v be_v look_v on_o as_o the_o satisfy_n of_o a_o appetite_n a_o desire_n of_o more_o knowledge_n which_o be_v natural_o in_o all_o man_n and_o be_v sharpen_v by_o the_o have_v receive_v some_o imperfect_a ray_n of_o it_o and_o consequent_o shall_v not_o in_o reason_n be_v expect_v to_o be_v attest_v with_o such_o a_o pomp_n of_o sign_n and_o prodigy_n as_o imposition_n of_o task_n and_o exacting_n of_o obedience_n be_v wont_a to_o be_v then_o for_o the_o thing_n to_o be_v do_v in_o christianity_n the_o duty_n and_o observance_n it_o be_v again_o considerable_a that_o the_o change_n in_o that_o respect_n be_v not_o such_o as_o will_v denominate_v it_o a_o new_a religion_n but_o only_o the_o reform_n and_o perfect_v that_o which_o be_v before_o receive_v among_o the_o jew_n and_o the_o make_v it_o more_o tolerable_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v receive_v by_o other_o part_n of_o the_o gentile_a world_n the_o worship_n of_o the_o one_o true_a god_n creator_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n contrary_a to_o the_o false_a worship_n of_o the_o many_o god_n and_o idol_n of_o the_o heathen_n and_o to_o all_o the_o unnatural_a lust_n attend_v they_o have_v be_v sufficient_o testify_v to_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o jew_n by_o many_o voice_n from_o heaven_n and_o undeniable_a attestation_n of_o god_n himself_o and_o indeed_o to_o other_o nation_n by_o the_o fearful_a miraculous_a judgement_n show_v in_o egypt_n and_o on_o the_o canaanite_n under_o the_o conduct_n of_o moses_n and_o joshuah_n etc._n etc._n and_o by_o god_n continual_a reside_n among_o that_o people_n and_o his_o attest_v that_o by_o the_o urim_fw-he and_o thummim_fw-la by_o the_o several_a prophet_n send_v by_o he_o and_o the_o other_o way_n of_o revelation_n and_o to_o those_o that_o grant_v all_o this_o it_o be_v foretell_v so_o often_o that_o no_o jew_n doubt_v of_o it_o that_o there_o shall_v come_v day_n of_o reformation_n that_o there_o shall_v come_v a_o messiah_n this_o be_v long_o ago_o promise_v through_o all_o passage_n of_o their_o story_n to_o adam_n under_o the_o title_n of_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n to_o sem_n that_o god_n shall_v dwell_v or_o pitch_v his_o tabernacle_n in_o the_o tent_n of_o sem_n take_v flesh_n upon_o he_o in_o his_o family_n to_o abraham_n to_o judah_n to_o david_n and_o all_o along_o through_o the_o writing_n of_o their_o prophet_n concerning_o this_o messiah_n their_o carnal_a heart_n have_v preconceived_a some_o mistake_n as_o that_o he_o shall_v be_v a_o glorious_a king_n here_o and_o make_v they_o again_o after_o their_o be_v subdue_v by_o the_o roman_n a_o most_o victorious_a glorious_a people_n on_o earth_n and_o this_o howsoever_o they_o demean_v themselves_o only_o by_o the_o privilege_n of_o have_v abraham_n to_o who_o great_a promise_n be_v make_v to_o their_o father_n at_o last_o this_o messiah_n otherwise_o describe_v by_o their_o prophet_n as_o one_o that_o shall_v come_v in_o a_o mean_a and_o lowly_a manner_n no_o way_n desirable_a to_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o world_n isa._n 53._o come_v just_a as_o he_o have_v be_v foretell_v a_o forerunner_n be_v send_v before_o he_o on_o purpose_n to_o prepare_v his_o way_n to_o dispossess_v they_o of_o their_o fond_a persuasion_n of_o their_o absolute_a election_n by_o have_v abraham_n to_o their_o father_n and_o point_v he_o out_o particular_o as_o the_o son_n of_o god_n the_o messiah_n that_o be_v now_o to_o be_v receive_v as_o he_o have_v be_v so_o greedy_o and_o so_o long_o expect_v by_o they_o this_o forerunner_n that_o thus_o foretell_v and_o after_o point_v he_o out_o be_v as_o they_o that_o crucify_v christ_n confess_v by_o all_o the_o *_o 26._o jew_n take_v for_o a_o prophet_n and_o moreover_o to_o this_o testimony_n of_o this_o acknowledge_a prophet_n come_v in_o the_o addition_n of_o the_o miraculous_a descent_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o the_o voice_n from_o heaven_n and_o all_o that_o have_v be_v mention_v consequent_a to_o that_o and_o to_o those_o among_o who_o this_o have_v always_o be_v acknowledge_v a_o authentic_a way_n of_o attest_v god_n will_n nothing_o can_v be_v more_o require_v but_o this_o christ_n then_o or_o god_n himself_o in_o human_a nature_n assume_v of_o a_o virgin_n and_o bear_v after_o a_o supernatural_a manner_n when_o he_o come_v to_o thirty_o year_n old_a the_o age_n of_o a_o doctor_n among_o that_o people_n set_v to_o this_o business_n which_o it_o be_v foretell_v he_o shall_v perform_v tell_v they_o how_o the_o former_a law_n be_v to_o be_v reform_v and_o especial_o their_o former_a life_n from_o external_a observance_n to_o internal_a purity_n and_o how_o to_o be_v fill_v up_o and_o perfect_v in_o some_o particular_n and_o then_o light_o change_v some_o ceremony_n customary_a among_o they_o and_o accommodate_v they_o to_o present_a use_n remove_v the_o wall_n of_o division_n which_o have_v be_v between_o they_o and_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n show_v they_o that_o that_o be_v mean_v only_o to_o keep_v they_o from_o imitate_v the_o heathen_n sin_n and_o now_o that_o there_o be_v more_o need_n that_o heathen_n and_o they_o shall_v love_v one_o another_o and_o join_v to_o reform_v both_o their_o life_n and_o practice_n christian_a virtue_n then_o keep_v that_o supercilious_a distance_n from_o one_o another_o and_o in_o a_o word_n he_o bring_v the_o whole_a matter_n to_o such_o a_o model_n as_o all_o other_o man_n but_o the_o jew_n like_v extreme_o better_a then_o that_o which_o be_v before_o among_o they_o and_o consequent_o come_v in_o in_o shoal_n at_o the_o preach_n of_o it_o and_o the_o jew_n that_o do_v not_o so_o acknowledge_v the_o only_a reason_n why_o they_o do_v not_o to_o be_v their_o zeal_n to_o their_o law_n of_o outward_a performance_n and_o the_o persuasion_n of_o their_o absolute_a election_n that_o be_v in_o effect_n that_o they_o have_v no_o other_o quarrel_n to_o he_o but_o only_o that_o he_o do_v not_o teach_v the_o doctrine_n that_o they_o like_v and_o be_v before_o imbue_v with_o which_o if_o he_o have_v he_o have_v by_o that_o very_a mean_n do_v contrary_a to_o the_o prophecy_n by_o they_o allow_v of_o which_o foretell_v he_o shall_v work_v a_o reformation_n upon_o these_o unreasonable_a term_n they_o crucify_v he_o and_o by_o their_o do_v so_o more_o wonderful_a attestation_n yet_o be_v give_v to_o all_o this_o in_o his_o very_a death_n the_o sun_n be_v miraculous_o eclipse_v at_o a_o time_n of_o the_o moon_n when_o by_o nature_n it_o be_v absolute_o impossible_a and_o so_o far_o against_o all_o rule_n of_o astronomy_n that_o learned_a man_n in_o other_o place_n take_v notice_n of_o it_o to_o be_v a_o violence_n do_v to_o nature_n which_o must_v signify_v some_o great_a matter_n then_o a_o prodigy_n befall_v the_o temple_n and_o that_o a_o very_a significant_a one_o then_o the_o body_n of_o many_o dead_a man_n arise_v and_o go_v to_o jerusalem_n and_o be_v see_v by_o many_o but_o above_o all_o
of_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o christian_a religion_n by_o h._n h._n d._n d._n {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o 1_o pet._n 3._o 15._o the_o three_o edition_n london_n print_v by_o j._n g._n for_o r._n royston_n at_o the_o angel_n in_o ivy-lane_n 1650._o of_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o christian_a religion_n the_o introduction_n sect._n 1_o it_o have_v always_o be_v account_v more_o reasonable_a to_o doubt_v of_o principle_n first_o and_o then_o to_o throw_v off_o the_o deduction_n that_o natural_o arise_v from_o they_o then_o to_o contest_v the_o conclusion_n when_o the_o principle_n or_o premise_n be_v grant_v this_o occasion_v that_o say_v of_o picus_n mirandula_n that_o the_o speculative_a atheist_n be_v the_o great_a prodigy_n but_o one_o and_o that_o be_v the_o practical_a atheist_n to_o acknowledge_v christian_a religion_n to_o be_v true_a and_o consequent_o that_o without_o sincere_a obedience_n to_o all_o christ_n precept_n not_o only_o the_o infinite_a reward_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v forfeit_v but_o the_o infinite_a torment_n become_v our_o portion_n and_o yet_o to_o live_v life_n of_o profaneness_n and_o luxury_n and_o indulgence_n to_o every_o liberty_n that_o suit_n with_o our_o humour_n without_o fear_n or_o discomfeiture_n of_o mind_n be_v a_o shortness_n of_o discourse_n that_o no_o man_n that_o have_v consideration_n enough_o to_o examine_v or_o judgement_n to_o compare_v can_v choose_v but_o discern_v and_o condemn_v in_o himself_o as_o therefore_o the_o *_o 1._o epicurean_a that_o be_v resolve_v not_o to_o be_v repress_v or_o live_v in_o the_o awe_n of_o religion_n and_o priest_n count_v it_o but_o necessary_a to_o disbelieve_v the_o perpetuity_n of_o torment_n beyond_o this_o life_n so_o have_v it_o be_v satan_n method_n and_o the_o advantage_n which_o he_o have_v take_v of_o these_o time_n from_o the_o commonness_n of_o cast_v down_o mound_n and_o hedge_n of_o dispute_v and_o question_v the_o most_o establish_a truth_n to_o offer_v it_o to_o the_o reason_n and_o judgement_n of_o his_o client_n whether_o it_o be_v not_o more_o easy_a and_o hopeful_a to_o break_v up_o the_o foundation_n itself_o then_o while_o that_o remain_v in_o its_o firmness_n to_o demolish_v that_o which_o be_v erect_v upon_o it_o and_o by_o entangle_v man_n in_o those_o practice_n which_o render_v they_o uncapable_a of_o receive_v benefit_n by_o christianity_n to_o oblige_v they_o to_o endeavour_v to_o cast_v off_o the_o doctrine_n and_o to_o rid_v themselves_o from_o the_o ill_a consequence_n of_o it_o thus_o have_v some_o man_n teach_v themselves_o the_o skill_n and_o dexterity_n of_o unravel_a principle_n and_o by_o give_v themselves_o liberty_n to_o disobey_v christ_n in_o some_o pleasant_a or_o gainful_a particular_n have_v at_o last_o in_o their_o own_o defence_n that_o they_o may_v salve_v their_o phaenomena_n and_o appear_v congruous_a to_o themselves_o arrive_v calm_o to_o the_o scorner_n chair_n the_o cast_n off_o christianity_n itself_o sect._n 2_o in_o stead_n of_o gainless_a complaint_n i_o shall_v therefore_o hasten_v to_o give_v some_o check_n to_o this_o grow_a evil_n and_o reduce_v the_o whole_a matter_n of_o debate_n to_o these_o two_o head_n sect._n 3_o first_o i_o shall_v consider_v the_o ground_n of_o christianity_n in_o the_o gross_a or_o bulk_n all_o of_o it_o together_o and_o in_o some_o measure_n justify_v the_o reasonableness_n of_o they_o and_o then_o second_o i_o shall_v descend_v in_o the_o retail_n to_o the_o survey_n and_o vindication_n of_o those_o particular_a branch_n of_o christianity_n which_o appear_v to_o man_n at_o this_o time_n to_o be_v least_o support_v with_o reason_n chap._n i._n the_o ground_n of_o christianity_n or_o the_o reason_n upon_o which_o man_n embrace_v christian_a religion_n in_o the_o gross_a all_o of_o it_o together_o sect._n 1_o in_o lieu_n of_o the_o many_o ground_n or_o several_a branch_n and_o improvement_n of_o the_o same_o one_o complicate_a ground_n which_o *_o etc._n other_o man_n have_v very_o rational_o enlarge_v on_o this_o present_a discourse_n which_o desire_v not_o to_o expatiate_v nor_o to_o suppose_v the_o reader_n to_o have_v renounce_v his_o christianity_n whole_o shall_v confine_v itself_o to_o these_o two_o head_n first_o the_o testimony_n on_o which_o christianity_n be_v build_v second_o the_o advantage_n that_o those_o which_o embrace_v it_o shall_v reap_v by_o it_o the_o first_o will_v render_v the_o belief_n rational_a and_o conclude_v it_o impious_a to_o doubt_v of_o it_o the_o second_o will_v render_v the_o belief_n gainful_a and_o conclude_v it_o most_o uncharitable_a to_o ourselves_o yea_o and_o unsafe_a and_o treacherous_a not_o to_o adhere_v to_o it_o the_o first_o will_v pronounce_v it_o with_o the_o apostle_n a_o faithful_a say_n the_o second_o worthy_a of_o all_o acceptation_n the_o first_o will_v reconcile_v it_o to_o our_o brain_n the_o second_o to_o our_o heart_n the_o first_o will_v give_v it_o possession_n of_o our_o understanding_n the_o second_o will_v ravish_v our_o will_n with_o the_o beauty_n and_o luster_n of_o it_o sect._n 2_o the_o testimony_n on_o which_o we_o believe_v christianity_n i_o e._n on_o which_o we_o believe_v that_o christ_n be_v send_v from_o god_n to_o reveal_v his_o father_n will_n unto_o we_o and_o to_o be_v believe_v in_o all_o that_o he_o deliver_v to_o the_o world_n which_o when_o it_o be_v believe_v it_o necessary_o follow_v that_o all_o and_o every_o part_n of_o christian_a religion_n be_v infallible_o true_a and_o capable_a of_o no_o far_o doubt_v be_v the_o most_o important_a and_o convince_n of_o belief_n or_o faith_n which_o can_v be_v imagine_v sect._n 3_o for_o if_o the_o apostle_n have_v not_o say_v it_o it_o be_v yet_o in_o itself_o most_o evident_a to_o common_a sense_n that_o faith_n come_v by_o hear_v i_o e._n that_o i_o can_v believe_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v true_a on_o any_o better_a nay_o on_o any_o other_o ground_n but_o only_o that_o i_o hear_v it_o thus_o affirm_v and_o as_o the_o affirmation_n be_v such_o be_v the_o belief_n if_o the_o affirmation_n be_v from_o a_o fallible_a person_n from_o a_o mere_a man_n the_o belief_n must_v be_v a_o fallible_a belief_n but_o if_o the_o person_n affirm_v be_v infallible_a then_o be_v the_o belief_n infallible_a also_o sect._n 4_o that_o infallible_a affirmer_n be_v but_o one_o viz._n god_n of_o who_o nature_n it_o be_v to_o be_v veracious_a to_o be_v able_a to_o do_v any_o thing_n but_o to_o lie_v which_o be_v also_o affirm_v by_o christ_n out_o of_o the_o principle_n of_o common_a nature_n let_v god_n be_v true_a and_o every_o man_n a_o liar_n i_o e._n though_o no_o infallibility_n of_o testimony_n can_v be_v attribute_v to_o any_o mere_a man_n yet_o whatsoever_o be_v testify_v by_o god_n do_v certain_o deserve_v to_o be_v full_o credit_v sect._n 5_o and_o therefore_o if_o god_n shall_v testify_v the_o truth_n of_o any_o thing_n there_o can_v be_v no_o far_o scruple_n or_o possibility_n of_o doubt_v or_o suspect_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o be_v so_o testify_v than_o there_o be_v actual_a doubt_n whether_o the_o god_n of_o heaven_n be_v god_n or_o whether_o the_o god_n of_o truth_n be_v the_o father_n of_o lie_n which_o as_o it_o be_v a_o degree_n above_o the_o deny_n of_o christ_n and_o above_o the_o infidelity_n either_o of_o the_o jew_n or_o mahemetane_a or_o even_o of_o heathenism_n itself_o in_o that_o notion_n wherein_o it_o signify_v the_o a_o {non-roman}_o acknowledgement_n of_o more_o god_n than_o one_o for_o all_o that_o have_v adote_v any_o deity_n have_v acknowledge_v that_o god_n or_o god_n to_o b_o {non-roman}_o speak_v nothing_o but_o truth_n so_o be_v the_o pretend_n to_o it_o peculiar_a to_o very_o few_o since_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o world_n there_o be_v not_o many_o that_o appear_v in_o story_n to_o have_v affirm_v that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n at_o all_o and_o those_o not_o able_a to_o persuade_v other_o that_o they_o do_v believe_v themselves_o when_o they_o so_o affirm_v sect._n 6_o now_o this_o affirmation_n or_o testisication_n of_o god_n that_o christ_n be_v send_v from_o he_o to_o declare_v his_o will_n to_o we_o etc._n etc._n upon_o which_o be_v once_o suppose_v the_o truth_n of_o all_o christian_a religion_n true_o so_o call_v be_v immediate_o and_o infallible_o found_v have_v more_o than_o one_o way_n be_v authentical_o interpose_v such_o be_v the_o many_o repeat_a testimony_n of_o the_o prophet_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o find_v a_o perfect_a completion_n in_o christ_n and_o none_o but_o christ_n do_v amount_v to_o a_o divine_a testimony_n such_o be_v the_o come_n of_o the_o angel_n to_o mary_n the_o mother_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o elizabeth_n the_o mother_n of_o john_n baptist_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n as_o also_o the_o star_n which_o light_v the_o wise_a man_n of_o the_o east_n unto_o he_o and_o of_o which_o
teach_v but_o also_o by_o the_o like_a consent_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n i_o e._n whole_a multitude_n of_o that_o age_n wherein_o this_o be_v pretend_v to_o be_v write_v and_o teach_v who_o be_v convince_v with_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o we_o now_o inquire_v after_o ready_o give_v up_o their_o name_n to_o the_o belief_n of_o it_o and_o to_o the_o consequent_a confession_n of_o christ_n though_o the_o do_v it_o do_v in_o like_o manner_n cost_v they_o very_o dear_a the_o part_n with_o their_o espouse_a custom_n of_o living_n whether_o among_o the_o jewish_a or_o gentile_a world_n their_o pleasure_n their_o worldly_a wealth_n and_o ofttimes_o their_o life_n also_o sect._n 26_o beyond_o all_o this_o the_o success_n which_o attend_v it_o have_v so_o much_o of_o strangeness_n in_o it_o viz._n that_o from_o such_o mean_a and_o simple_a beginning_n and_o instrument_n without_o any_o kind_n of_o power_n or_o earthly_a authority_n to_o back_v it_o without_o one_o sword_n ever_o draw_v in_o defence_n of_o it_o christianity_n shall_v soon_o obtain_v such_o a_o victory_n over_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n in_o so_o great_a a_o part_n of_o the_o world_n that_o nothing_o but_o truth_n which_o have_v that_o overrule_a force_n in_o it_o can_v be_v deem_v to_o have_v be_v its_o champion_n sect._n 27_o last_o that_o these_o be_v the_o writing_n those_o the_o tradition_n of_o those_o eye-witness_n who_o they_o pretend_v to_o be_v and_o that_o they_o be_v by_o such_o shoal_n such_o multitude_n of_o man_n of_o all_o nation_n believe_v then_o and_o that_o belief_n sign_v by_o the_o blood_n of_o many_o by_o the_o hazard_n and_o adventure_n of_o most_o by_o the_o profess_a nonresistance_n of_o all_o this_o be_v as_o full_o testify_v to_o we_o as_o any_o matter_n of_o fact_n can_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v by_o the_o concurrent_a testimony_n of_o all_o of_o that_o age_n which_o say_v any_o thing_n of_o it_o and_o by_o a_o general_a successive_a attestation_n of_o all_o intervene_a age_n since_o that_o time_n the_o authority_n of_o *_o apostle_n those_o writing_n be_v never_o contest_v by_o any_o i_o e._n by_o the_o same_o mean_n of_o probation_n upon_o which_o we_o believe_v those_o thing_n which_o we_o least_o doubt_v of_o and_o against_o which_o man_n can_v feign_v any_o sound_n or_o show_v of_o proof_n save_v only_o that_o testimony_n be_v not_o demonstration_n which_o exception_n will_v in_o like_o manner_n be_v in_o a_o like_a or_o far_o great_a force_n against_o all_o other_o thing_n which_o we_o believe_v most_o confident_o sect._n 28_o i_o be_o not_o willing_a to_o leave_v any_o possible_a scruple_n unsatisfy_v in_o this_o matter_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v proceed_v to_o that_o other_o bold_a objection_n still_o behind_o that_o that_o which_o be_v pretend_v to_o be_v the_o voice_n of_o god_n may_v not_o have_v be_v such_o but_o some_o delusion_n of_o the_o hearer_n or_o at_o least_o the_o voice_n of_o some_o other_o and_o not_o of_o god_n as_o the_o devil_n in_o the_o oracle_n deliver_v himself_o by_o voice_n and_o therefore_o though_o it_o be_v confess_v that_o if_o this_o voice_n be_v god_n it_o be_v infallible_o creditable_a yet_o there_o will_v need_v some_o certain_a way_n of_o discrimination_n to_o assure_v it_o be_v he_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o the_o person_n who_o objection_n this_o may_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v be_v either_o a_o bare_a theist_n that_o acknowledge_v a_o god_n but_o not_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n or_o else_o he_o that_o acknowledge_v what_o the_o jew_n do_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n i_o shall_v reply_v somewhat_o to_o each_o of_o these_o sect._n 29_o to_o the_o former_a that_o if_o this_o way_n of_o object_v will_v be_v of_o force_n there_o can_v be_v no_o way_n for_o god_n to_o reveal_v himself_o to_o man_n veracity_n will_v be_v a_o empty_a attribute_n of_o god_n of_o no_o signification_n to_o we_o for_o it_o be_v not_o imaginable_a that_o there_o shall_v any_o great_a assurance_n of_o god_n speak_v to_o man_n then_o by_o the_o heaven_n open_v and_o from_o thence_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n descend_v visible_o and_o light_v on_o one_o and_o out_o of_o the_o cloud_n a_o voice_n deliver_v whatsoever_o else_o can_v be_v imagine_v or_o name_v will_v not_o be_v above_o this_o and_o if_o all_o the_o way_n that_o god_n can_v use_v be_v not_o able_a to_o give_v assurance_n that_o it_o be_v god_n that_o speak_v what_o be_v we_o the_o near_o for_o know_v that_o god_n can_v lie_v as_o long_o as_o there_o be_v suppose_v for_o we_o no_o way_n to_o know_v what_o at_o any_o time_n he_o say_v nay_o to_o what_o use_n as_o to_o this_o particular_a be_v his_o omnipotence_n if_o he_o can_v reveal_v himself_o to_o we_o in_o such_o a_o way_n that_o may_v be_v reasonable_a for_o we_o to_o believe_v to_o be_v his_o and_o not_o some_o deceiver_n voice_n nay_o in_o this_o god_n shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o do_v so_o much_o as_o any_o ordinary_a man_n for_o he_o can_v so_o reveal_v himself_o or_o speak_v as_o no_o man_n that_o be_v present_a and_o do_v not_o stop_v his_o ear_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o doubt_v of_o his_o speak_v sect._n 30_o to_o the_o second_o sort_n of_o objecter_n i_o answer_v that_o the_o objection_n will_v lose_v all_o its_o seem_a force_n if_o it_o be_v remember_v that_o although_o now_o among_o we_o voice_n from_o heaven_n be_v not_o hear_v and_o therefore_o we_o be_v not_o at_o this_o distance_n so_o competent_a judge_n of_o the_o clearness_n or_o certainty_n that_o such_o when_o they_o be_v be_v not_o delusion_n and_o according_o the_o assent_n require_v of_o we_o of_o this_o age_n be_v but_o proportionable_a to_o the_o ground_n of_o belief_n which_o we_o enjoy_v yet_o among_o that_o people_n of_o the_o jew_n this_o be_v very_o ordinary_a god_n law_n be_v give_v to_o moses_n in_o that_o manner_n and_o god_n lead_v that_o people_n by_o a_o pillar_n of_o cloud_n and_o fire_n which_o be_v answerable_a to_o this_o and_o in_o after_o time_n under_o the_o second_o temple_n they_o confess_v this_o the_o only_a way_n of_o god_n reveal_v himself_o to_o they_o and_o therefore_o in_o this_o very_a matter_n it_o be_v allow_v and_o plead_v by_o some_o prime_a man_n of_o that_o people_n that_o if_o the_o spirit_n or_o a_o angel_n have_v speak_v to_o paul_n the_o resist_v he_o will_v be_v a_o fight_n against_o god_n and_o thereupon_o act_n 23._o 9_o they_o confess_v that_o they_o find_v no_o harm_n in_o he_o that_o god_n have_v thus_o speak_v to_o he_o those_o man_n than_o think_v probable_a but_o do_v not_o avow_v the_o know_v it_o certain_o have_v no_o present_a evidence_n of_o the_o fact_n save_v only_o the_o affirmation_n of_o paul_n himself_o at_o that_o time_n but_o have_v they_o have_v evidence_n of_o the_o fact_n by_o be_v present_a at_o it_o as_o they_o that_o testify_v the_o voice_n to_o christ_n be_v eye_n and_o ear-witness_n of_o it_o they_o will_v not_o then_o have_v think_v reasonable_a to_o make_v any_o far_a question_n whether_o that_o which_o they_o call_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o spirit_n or_o a_o angel_n be_v such_o or_o no_o and_o be_v such_o whether_o the_o resist_n what_o be_v speak_v by_o it_o be_v the_o fight_n against_o god_n for_o the_o testify_v therefore_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o such_o pretend_a fact_n and_o indeed_o to_o leave_v no_o place_n for_o rational_a doubt_n in_o this_o matter_n there_o be_v yet_o a_o far_a answer_n that_o the_o power_n of_o miracle_n and_o the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n that_o attend_v these_o voice_n and_o descent_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n from_o heaven_n be_v irrefragable_a testimony_n and_o evidence_n of_o the_o reality_n of_o they_o and_o can_v not_o be_v the_o immediate_a effect_n of_o delusion_n be_v such_o as_o can_v not_o be_v wrought_v by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o devil_n nor_o ever_o be_v pretend_v the_o effect_n of_o his_o oracular_a response_n sect._n 31_o many_o other_o way_n of_o discrimination_n there_o be_v by_o which_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o devil_n or_o delusion_n magical_a may_v be_v distinguish_v from_o divine_a as_o that_o of_o concordance_n with_o prediction_n acknowledge_v to_o have_v come_v from_o god_n and_o such_o be_v the_o voice_n that_o be_v deliver_v at_o the_o descent_n of_o the_o spirit_n upon_o christ_n the_o same_o that_o be_v foretell_v by_o the_o prophet_n and_o by_o he_o join_v with_o the_o mention_n of_o the_o descent_n of_o god_n spirit_n upon_o he_o and_o to_o the_o same_o belong_v also_o the_o completion_n of_o the_o so_o many_o other_o thing_n in_o he_o which_o have_v certain_o be_v foretell_v of_o the_o messiah_n which_o concordance_n with_o divine_a truth_n be_v most_o diametrical_o contrary_a to_o delusion_n and_o beside_o of_o the_o
ability_n in_o god_n yet_o be_v not_o this_o so_o communicate_v as_o his_o justice_n or_o goodness_n be_v say_v to_o be_v for_o goodness_n in_o the_o creature_n be_v a_o kind_n of_o image_n true_o resemble_v the_o goodness_n in_o god_n and_o that_o a_o kind_n of_o natural_a image_n as_o be_v the_o face_n in_o the_o glass_n not_o a_o voluntary_a one_o which_o have_v its_o being_n from_o the_o variable_a will_n of_o the_o artificer_n but_o power_n or_o ability_n in_o the_o creature_n be_v not_o thus_o a_o natural_a image_n of_o god_n power_n but_o as_o a_o reflection_n of_o a_o thing_n which_o voluntary_o and_o various_o cast_v its_o beam_n voluntary_o i_o say_v because_o the_o dispense_n of_o his_o power_n either_o in_o manner_n or_o measure_n be_v a_o free_a act_n of_o his_o will_n and_o various_o because_o he_o do_v it_o first_o unequal_o and_o second_o not_o so_o to_o any_o but_o that_o he_o can_v and_o sometime_o do_v withdraw_v or_o suspend_v it_o when_o it_o be_v bestow_v so_o that_o i_o can_v say_v that_o as_o that_o which_o be_v just_a in_o god_n to_o be_v do_v be_v just_a to_o be_v do_v by_o the_o creature_n so_o what_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v do_v by_o god_n be_v possible_a to_o be_v do_v by_o the_o creature_n sect._n 10_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o not_o communicate_v of_o god_n power_n to_o the_o creature_n as_o well_o as_o his_o justice_n may_v be_v this_o because_o it_o conduce_v not_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o creature_n creation_n as_o the_o other_o do_v for_o though_o god_n intend_v to_o make_v a_o creature_n true_o good_a and_o just_a yet_o he_o do_v not_o true_o powerful_a power_n indeed_o be_v in_o itself_o not_o a_o virtue_n as_o justice_n be_v nor_o in_o itself_o moral_o good_a or_o evil_a and_o therefore_o not_o so_o agreeable_a to_o the_o condition_n of_o a_o creature_n but_o rather_o indeed_o peculiar_a to_o the_o majesty_n of_o a_o creator_n sect._n 11_o from_o all_o this_o it_o follow_v by_o the_o say_a second_o rule_n that_o man_n be_v not_o able_a to_o fathom_v potential_a truth_n because_o power_n be_v not_o the_o same_o in_o substance_n in_o god_n and_o in_o the_o creature_n and_o therefore_o by_o what_o be_v in_o the_o creature_n he_o be_v no_o way_n enable_v to_o conceive_v what_o be_v in_o god_n and_o so_o consequent_o to_o define_v of_o any_o potential_a truth_n because_o though_o it_o may_v not_o be_v wrought_v by_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o the_o creature_n or_o within_o his_o sphere_n of_o knowledge_n yet_o it_o may_v be_v by_o god_n sect._n 12_o all_o the_o natural_a impression_n or_o light_n that_o in_o this_o behalf_n a_o rational_a creature_n have_v be_v that_o two_o contradictory_n can_v be_v true_a at_o once_o and_o therefore_o i_o think_v all_o principle_n that_o be_v not_o think_v fit_a to_o be_v prove_v in_o any_o natural_a science_n if_o they_o be_v true_o so_o may_v easy_o be_v resolve_v into_o this_o one_o a_o thing_n can_v at_o once_o be_v and_o not_o be_v and_o this_o natural_a impression_n rise_v not_o from_o any_o observation_n of_o the_o power_n communicate_v to_o the_o creature_n for_o then_o still_o it_o will_v hold_v that_o though_o man_n can_v do_v contradictory_n at_o once_o yet_o god_n may_v but_o from_o a_o sight_n that_o this_o will_v be_v a_o effect_n of_o extreme_a impotency_n more_o than_o be_v conceivable_a in_o any_o creature_n and_o therefore_o can_v be_v impute_v to_o god_n who_o be_v conceive_v omnipotent_a nor_o consequent_o to_o man_n unless_o god_n shall_v take_v away_o all_o degree_n of_o power_n quite_o from_o he_o and_o then_o he_o shall_v be_v annihilate_v sect._n 13_o now_o for_o actual_a truth_n already_o in_o be_v which_o be_v work_n either_o mediate_o or_o immediate_o of_o god_n will_n our_o reason_n be_v no_o far_a judge_n of_o they_o then_o as_o god_n will_n be_v communicate_v to_o we_o by_o some_o image_n or_o picture_n of_o it_o either_o substantial_a and_o real_a as_o when_o a_o thing_n do_v be_v present_v to_o the_o faculty_n to_o which_o it_o be_v objicible_a there_o a_o real_a image_n of_o god_n will_n be_v impress_v in_o i_o and_o by_o that_o i_o may_v judge_v distinct_o or_o when_o it_o be_v reveal_v to_o i_o either_o from_o god_n or_o from_o any_o other_o witness_n of_o which_o in_o this_o matter_n i_o be_o convince_v that_o he_o partake_v of_o god_n veracity_n i_o e._n will_v not_o lie_v to_o i_o and_o this_o may_v be_v call_v a_o intentional_a image_n of_o god_n will_n impress_v in_o i_o sect._n 14_o thus_o may_v right_o reason_n judge_n of_o thing_n in_o be_v either_o because_o it_o be_v so_o real_o represent_v to_o the_o sense_n and_o that_o be_v evidence_n or_o because_o be_v either_o reveal_v or_o else_o attest_v by_o god_n which_o reason_n know_v can_n neither_o err_v nor_o deceive_v and_o this_o be_v adherence_n or_o because_o such_o a_o concurrence_n of_o testimony_n agree_v to_o tell_v i_o so_o as_o i_o have_v no_o motive_n or_o reason_n to_o disbeleive_v and_o this_o be_v human_a faith_n which_o may_v reasonable_o take_v place_n until_o i_o either_o see_v somewhat_o or_o receive_v somewhat_o by_o a_o high_a testimony_n reveal_v to_o the_o contrary_a which_o also_o be_v weak_a or_o strong_a according_a to_o the_o importance_n of_o the_o matter_n authority_n of_o the_o testifier_n my_o particular_a danger_n if_o i_o be_v deceive_v in_o it_o etc._n etc._n hence_o the_o conclusion_n be_v that_o sect._n 15_o right_a reason_n be_v able_a to_o judge_v of_o all_o mere_o moral_a object_n whether_o any_o thing_n be_v good_a or_o bad_a moral_o of_o natural_a object_n in_o matter_n of_o fact_n whether_o such_o a_o thing_n be_v do_v or_o no_o by_o the_o help_n of_o the_o mean_n specify_v and_o by_o discourse_n and_o analogy_n from_o thing_n that_o we_o see_v be_v do_v to_o judge_n that_o such_o another_o thing_n be_v possible_a but_o of_o supernatural_a truth_n such_o thing_n as_o it_o never_o discern_v in_o nature_n either_o in_o the_o kind_n or_o the_o like_a it_o can_v judge_v any_o far_a than_o thus_o either_o first_o that_o though_o we_o can_v do_v it_o yet_o for_o aught_o we_o know_v it_o be_v possible_a nay_o it_o have_v a_o be_v with_o god_n or_o second_o that_o god_n have_v affirm_v it_o so_o therefore_o i_o be_o sure_a it_o be_v or_o three_o that_o come_v to_o i_o from_o authority_n that_o i_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o suspect_v but_o on_o the_o contrary_a concurrence_n of_o all_o reason_n to_o be_v persuade_v by_o it_o nay_o there_o be_v some_o inward_a character_n in_o the_o thing_n itself_o that_o make_v i_o cast_v off_o all_o jealousy_n or_o doubt_n of_o such_o affirmation_n and_o therefore_o i_o believe_v it_o be_v so_o but_o general_o and_o in_fw-la thesi_fw-la it_o be_v no_o way_n judge_n of_o these_o last_o kind_n of_o controversy_n sect._n 16_o and_o therefore_o though_o god_n in_o moral_a action_n even_o in_o himself_o submit_v and_o appeal_v to_o man_n reason_n isa._n 5._o 3._o ezek._n 18._o 25._o yet_o in_o these_o latter_a he_o deride_v all_o those_o that_o go_v about_o to_o judge_v of_o they_o by_o reason_n 1_o cor._n 1._o 20._o and_o agreeable_o saint_n paul_n in_o his_o preach_v the_o gospel_n for_o the_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n be_v fain_o say_v a_o 4._o origen_n to_o use_v a_o peculiar_a way_n of_o demonstration_n first_o by_o compare_v of_o prophecy_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n concerning_o christ_n second_o by_o miracle_n but_o in_o practical_a matter_n he_o appeal_v to_o that_o which_o be_v write_v in_o every_o one_o heart_n rom._n 2._o 15._o sect._n 17_o to_o this_o purpose_n have_v eulogius_n a_o oration_n against_o those_o who_o think_v to_o be_v able_a to_o comprehend_v the_o true_a theology_n of_o christian_n i_o e._n christian_n discourse_n concerning_o the_o person_n of_o the_o deity_n b_o 862._o by_o the_o wit_n or_o reason_n of_o man_n and_o photius_n have_v approve_v of_o that_o discourse_n of_o he_o that_o he_o do_v c_o {non-roman}_o talk_v of_o god_n pious_o and_o devout_o and_o set_v christian_a divinity_n a_o pitch_n beyond_o human_a wisdom_n d_o {non-roman}_o superior_a to_o all_o other_o e_o a._o artificial_a method_n or_o rule_n of_o art_n sect._n 18_o in_o sum_n it_o be_v observable_a in_o the_o writing_n of_o the_o scripture_n that_o general_o in_o define_v these_o last_o sort_n of_o truth_n god_n authority_n be_v set_v down_o as_o the_o only_a proof_n of_o what_o be_v say_v without_o use_v any_o other_o way_n of_o argue_v or_o secular_a demonstration_n all_o that_o be_v indulge_v to_o man_n reason_n be_v only_o this_o first_o to_o consider_v whether_o it_o be_v not_o very_o equal_a and_o reasonable_a to_o believe_v god_n without_o any_o other_o motive_n or_o topic_n of_o proof_n even_o