indeed_o we_o be_v not_o ignorant_a of_o his_o device_n among_o which_o perhaps_o it_o be_v sometime_o one_o at_o the_o word_n of_o enchanter_n to_o recede_v a_o while_n as_o a_o army_n may_v feign_v a_o slight_a thereby_o to_o get_v a_o great_a advantage_n of_o the_o enemy_n but_o to_o weaken_v his_o kingdom_n much_o more_o to_o destroy_v it_o be_v undoubted_o none_o of_o satan_n contrivance_n be_v he_o such_o a_o fool_n as_o to_o cast_v himself_o out_o of_o possession_n no_o sure_o the_o common_a sentiment_n of_o all_o man_n concern_v he_o abhor_v it_o well_o then_o those_o miracle_n the_o scope_n and_o tendency_n whereof_o be_v to_o dispossess_v he_o and_o destroy_v his_o work_n can_v be_v the_o product_n of_o his_o power_n no_o enchanter_n or_o juggler_n by_o any_o thing_n that_o he_o do_v as_o origen_n well_o observe_v ever_o call_v his_o spectator_n to_o the_o correction_n of_o their_o manner_n nor_o do_v such_o sight_n ever_o instruct_v those_o that_o be_v endue_v with_o the_o 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your_o lordship_n very_a much_o oblige_v in_o all_o duty_n and_o humble_a observance_n w._n h._n to_o the_o reader_n in_o this_o treatise_n you_o will_v find_v christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n put_v together_o in_o one_o proposition_n the_o meaning_n whereof_o be_v not_o either_o that_o our_o bless_a lord_n jesus_n be_v no_o more_o nor_o no_o other_o than_o a_o prophet_n or_o that_o the_o humane_a nature_n of_o christ_n have_v no_o high_a a_o degree_n than_o the_o apostle_n have_v of_o immediate_a illumination_n for_o be_v hypostatical_o unite_v to_o the_o divine_a it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o believe_v it_o have_v such_o communication_n of_o knowledge_n therefrom_o as_o be_v vouchsase_v to_o no_o other_o man_n whatever_o but_o the_o meaning_n be_v that_o the_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n have_v gracious_o be_v please_v to_o take_v our_o nature_n upon_o he_o make_v of_o a_o woman_n make_v under_o the_o law_n to_o redeem_v they_o that_o be_v under_o the_o law_n find_v it_o expedient_a in_o 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befriend_v natural_a theology_n yet_o itself_o if_o it_o be_v of_o god_n be_v reveal_v it_o must_v be_v conclude_v that_o christ_n the_o author_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o his_o apostle_n the_o first_o preacher_n of_o it_o be_v prophet_n yet_o among_o the_o many_o good_a book_n that_o have_v either_o heretofore_o or_o late_o be_v write_v to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n i_o have_v neither_o see_v nor_o ever_o hear_v of_o any_o purposely_o write_v and_o direct_o design_v to_o make_v good_a this_o principle_n i_o can_v not_o but_o somewhat_o wonder_v at_o it_o and_o wish_v it_o be_v well_o do_v and_o this_o my_o desire_n do_v at_o length_n vent_v itself_o in_o a_o sermon_n on_o the_o text_n you_o find_v prefix_v to_o this_o treatise_n and_o this_o sermon_n i_o resolve_v on_o a_o occasion_n give_v i_o by_o a_o person_n of_o great_a learning_n and_o authority_n in_o the_o church_n to_o transcribe_v and_o enlarge_v in_o that_o method_n which_o be_v there_o propose_v and_o you_o will_v find_v here_o observe_v from_o this_o undertake_n the_o slenderness_n of_o my_o acquaintance_n with_o oriental_a language_n and_o learning_n do_v a_o long_a time_n deter_v i_o but_o consider_v that_o beside_o my_o own_o satisfaction_n and_o diversion_n from_o less_o please_a employment_n i_o write_v it_o only_o for_o his_o lordship_n perusal_n who_o i_o know_v have_v goodness_n enough_o to_o pardon_v my_o defect_n as_o well_o as_o learning_n to_o discover_v they_o i_o reassume_v my_o former_a resolution_n and_o in_o order_n to_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o i_o look_v more_o narrow_o than_o former_o i_o have_v do_v into_o those_o book_n which_o i_o have_v that_o be_v likely_a to_o acquaint_v i_o with_o the_o custom_n and_o method_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o the_o trial_n of_o prophet_n and_o by_o so_o do_v have_v i_o hope_v find_v and_o pitch_v upon_o the_o principal_a mean_n and_o method_n observe_v by_o that_o people_n in_o that_o affair_n and_o this_o way_n of_o procedure_v 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midst_n of_o thou_o of_o thy_o brethren_n like_v 5._o unto_o i_o unto_o he_o shall_v you_o hearken_v this_o 22._o prophecy_n i_o find_v by_o st._n peter_n apply_v to_o our_o bless_a saviour_n in_o particular_a and_o by_o st._n stephen_n 37._o to_o the_o evangelical_n state_n in_o general_a and_o from_o thence_o perhaps_o we_o may_v gather_v not_o only_o that_o this_o prediction_n do_v more_o especial_o pertain_v to_o the_o day_n of_o the_o messiah_n but_o also_o that_o it_o speak_v not_o of_o one_o single_a person_n only_o but_o of_o a_o order_n of_o prophet_n like_v unto_o moses_n and_o therefore_o though_o it_o be_v most_o eminent_o fulfil_v in_o christ_n yet_o be_v it_o also_o accomplish_a in_o those_o that_o he_o send_v as_o the_o father_n have_v send_v he_o viz._n the_o 21._o apostle_n whether_o
that_o they_o receive_v their_o law_n from_o the_o god_n as_o numa_n pompilius_n from_o egeria_n minos_n from_o jupiter_n lycurgus_n flor._n from_o apollo_n zaleucus_n locrus_n from_o minerva_n 29._o jupiter_n also_o and_o lachesis_n have_v their_o distinct_a prophet_n and_o prophetess_n there_o be_v as_o well_o as_o prophet_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o reputation_n of_o sibyl_n among_o they_o and_o that_o their_o philosopher_n have_v such_o a_o notion_n as_o we_o be_v of_o prophecy_n appear_v by_o the_o opinion_n of_o pla_z to_o concern_v divination_n wherein_o he_o agree_v with_o the_o stoic_n who_o hold_v it_o a_o effect_n of_o divine_a instinct_n and_o inflation_n and_o long_o i_o think_v it_o be_v before_o they_o that_o the_o zabian_o believe_v man_n have_v this_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n from_o all_o this_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o the_o notiâ—â—_n of_o a_o prophet_n be_v entertain_v by_o heathen_n as_o well_o as_o jew_n turk_n and_o christian_n and_o therefore_o sure_o since_o all_o own_o it_o it_o be_v very_a consonant_n to_o reason_n if_o any_o of_o our_o modern_a scoffer_n think_v otherwise_o i_o desire_v they_o to_o know_v that_o the_o seat_n of_o the_o scornful_a be_v no_o infallible_a chair_n there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o think_v they_o wise_a than_o all_o the_o world_n beside_o especial_o consider_v our_o second_o assertion_n that_o there_o actual_o be_v prophet_n among_o the_o jew_n which_o assertion_n appear_v more_o than_o probable_a not_o by_o the_o jew_n only_o but_o by_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o heathen_n concern_v moses_n who_o the_o egyptian_n think_v to_o 1._o be_v a_o man_n wonderful_n and_o divine_a and_o good_a reason_n they_o have_v for_o so_o think_v as_o be_v manifest_a by_o his_o conquest_n of_o janne_n and_o jambres_n their_o most_o renown_a magician_n and_o also_o by_o the_o plague_n which_o according_a to_o his_o word_n be_v bring_v upon_o egypt_n all_o 8._o which_o be_v attest_v by_o eumenius_n nor_o do_v the_o have_fw-mi then_v represent_v he_o as_o the_o jew_n do_v michael_n to_o have_v be_v the_o minister_n of_o god_n justice_n only_o but_o they_o also_o speak_v of_o he_o as_o those_o do_v of_o gabriel_n that_o he_o be_v the_o minister_n of_o god_n mercy_n to_o they_o for_o they_o tell_v we_o that_o moses_n be_v author_n of_o so_o many_o useful_a invention_n among_o the_o egyptian_n as_o that_o he_o gain_v not_o only_o the_o love_n of_o the_o people_n but_o also_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o 27._o priest_n for_o they_o name_v he_o mercury_n and_o give_v he_o equal_a honour_n with_o their_o god_n which_o testimony_n be_v the_o more_o credible_a because_o diodorus_n among_o many_o other_o high_a commendation_n of_o moses_n which_o he_o profess_v to_o have_v have_v from_o the_o egyptian_a priest_n express_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o be_v call_v god_n not_o that_o corhorâ—_n moses_n pretend_v to_o be_v so_o but_o because_o say_v he_o man_n think_v his_o mind_n be_v whole_o admirable_a and_o divine_a all_o which_o methinks_v can_v amount_v to_o no_o less_o than_o a_o competent_a evidence_n their_o thought_n be_v well_o enough_o express_v by_o chalcidius_n his_o word_n of_o moses_n viz._n that_o he_o be_v most_o wise_a as_o be_v enliven_v not_o with_o man_n wisdom_n but_o as_o it_o be_v report_v with_o divine_a inspiration_n 1â—_n and_o if_o so_o then_o sure_o moses_n be_v they_o think_v he_o at_o least_o a_o prophet_n and_o in_o this_o their_o judgement_n of_o he_o it_o be_v very_o notorious_a that_o the_o jew_n christian_n and_o mahometan_n do_v concur_v with_o they_o so_o that_o in_o effect_n we_o have_v all_o mankind_n give_v its_o suffrage_n to_o this_o truth_n insomuch_o that_o if_o any_o please_v to_o deny_v it_o they_o seem_v to_o undermine_v their_o own_o credit_n as_o well_o as_o reason_n for_o unless_o they_o have_v a_o charter_n of_o credibility_n peculiar_o grant_v to_o they_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o believe_v they_o wherein_o they_o make_v all_o man_n else_o fool_n or_o liar_n we_o shall_v therefore_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o moses_n be_v a_o prophet_n next_o than_o we_o be_v to_o observe_v that_o this_o moses_n the_o prophet_n be_v the_o jew_n lawgiver_n hereof_o i_o know_v none_o that_o make_v a_o doubt_n if_o there_o be_v they_o may_v easy_o 15._o be_v satisfy_v by_o a_o multitude_n of_o witness_n from_o among_o the_o gentile_n to_o prove_v it_o all_o then_o that_o remain_v to_o be_v far_o observe_v be_v that_o this_o moses_n the_o prophet_n do_v promise_n in_o his_o law_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v prophet_n among_o the_o jew_n the_o lord_n thy_o god_n say_v he_o will_v raise_v up_o unto_o thou_o a_o prophet_n from_o the_o midst_n of_o thou_o of_o thy_o brethren_n like_v unto_o i_o which_o promise_n i_o confess_v be_v most_o complete_o fulfil_v in_o christ_n the_o supreme_a prophet_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o that_o hinder_v not_o its_o be_v first_o to_o be_v fulfil_v by_o some_o other_o prophet_n or_o rather_o order_n of_o prophet_n who_o before_o the_o come_n of_o messiah_n be_v short_o to_o succeed_v moses_n in_o the_o prophetic_a part_n of_o his_o office_n whoever_o methinks_v consider_v all_o circumstance_n must_v needs_o conceive_v that_o it_o be_v so_o for_o it_o be_v at_o first_o give_v and_o afterward_o renew_v on_o such_o occasion_n as_o require_v its_o speedy_a accomplishment_n for_o moses_n have_v conduct_v the_o israelite_n almost_o to_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n be_v command_v to_o gather_v the_o people_n together_o in_o horeb_n and_o they_o come_v near_o and_o stand_v under_o the_o mountain_n and_o the_o mountain_n burn_v with_o fire_n 11._o unto_o the_o midst_n of_o heaven_n with_o darkness_n cloud_n and_o thick_a darkness_n and_o all_o the_o people_n see_v the_o thundering_n and_o lightning_n and_o the_o noise_n of_o the_o trumpet_n and_o the_o mountain_n smoke_v and_o when_o the_o people_n see_v it_o they_o remove_v and_o stand_v afar_o off_o and_o they_o say_v unto_o moses_n 19_o speak_v thou_o with_o we_o and_o we_o will_v hear_v but_o let_v not_o god_n speak_v with_o we_o lest_o we_o die_v whereby_o it_o be_v plain_a they_o request_v that_o god_n will_v speak_v no_o more_o immediate_o at_o least_o not_o so_o terrible_o unto_o they_o but_o that_o for_o the_o future_a he_o will_v please_v to_o use_v the_o ministry_n of_o moses_n 17._o and_o such_o like_a prophet_n in_o reveal_v his_o will_n unto_o they_o this_o their_o request_n the_o lord_n approve_v of_o and_o condescend_v to_o their_o infirmity_n he_o give_v this_o promise_n in_o answer_n to_o it_o viz._n that_o he_o will_v raise_v they_o up_o a_o prophet_n from_o among_o their_o brethren_n like_v unto_o moses_n and_o will_v put_v his_o word_n in_o his_o mouth_n and_o he_o 18._o shall_v speak_v unto_o they_o all_o that_o the_o lord_n shall_v command_v he_o this_o be_v the_o first_o occasion_n of_o this_o promise_n afterward_o moses_n admonish_v they_o to_o beware_v of_o learning_n 9_o to_o do_v after_o the_o abomination_n of_o those_o nation_n which_o be_v cast_v out_o to_o let_v they_o in_o among_o which_o abomination_n 14._o harken_v to_o observer_n of_o time_n and_o to_o diviner_n be_v one_o this_o than_o be_v forbid_v to_o the_o jew_n by_o which_o prohibition_n doubtless_o there_o be_v so_o great_a a_o restraint_n lay_v upon_o their_o curiosity_n and_o desire_n of_o know_v future_a contingence_n which_o be_v very_o great_a almost_o in_o all_o man_n as_o that_o without_o something_o in_o lieu_n of_o divination_n etc._n etc._n it_o will_v have_v 1._o be_v almost_o impossible_a to_o have_v keep_v they_o within_o the_o bound_n of_o due_a obedience_n to_o their_o law_n but_o either_o they_o will_v have_v think_v there_o be_v nothing_o divine_a in_o it_o or_o else_o they_o will_v have_v fall_v into_o some_o heathenish_a abomination_n or_o else_o they_o will_v have_v institute_v something_o else_o somewhat_o like_o it_o among_o themselves_o now_o to_o show_v they_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o so_o do_v moses_n call_v to_o mind_v the_o promise_n that_o god_n have_v make_v they_o to_o raise_v they_o up_o a_o prophet_n like_o unto_o he_o unto_o which_o promise_n he_o subjoin_v the_o mean_n of_o try_v the_o truth_n of_o pretension_n to_o the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n 22._o now_o to_o i_o it_o seem_v strange_a that_o this_o promise_n at_o first_o make_v and_o afterward_o renew_v on_o those_o solemn_a and_o important_a occasion_n and_o attend_v with_o these_o circumstance_n shall_v have_v no_o reference_n at_o all_o to_o some_o prophet_n or_o order_n of_o prophet_n that_o shall_v short_o succeed_v moses_n when_o the_o people_n be_v afraid_a they_o shall_v die_v and_o beg_v as_o it_o be_v for_o their_o life_n that_o god_n will_v speak_v no_o more_o immediate_o unto_o they_o but_o that_o he_o will_v use_v the_o ministry_n of_o moses_n be_v
endowment_n with_o good_n both_o of_o wit_n and_o fortune_n 3._o sequestration_n from_o the_o common_a and_o profane_a manner_n of_o live_v 4._o convenience_n of_o place_n and_o that_o they_o make_v proper_a to_o their_o own_o land_n 5._o seasonableness_n of_o time_n because_o say_v they_o all_o time_n be_v not_o equal_o apt_a for_o the_o reception_n of_o prophecy_n 1._o 6._o divine_a disposition_n or_o the_o free_a gift_n and_o suggestion_n of_o god_n the_o necessity_n of_o all_o these_o be_v deserve_o question_v not_o only_o by_o christian_n but_o also_o by_o some_o of_o the_o jew_n themselves_o insomuth_n that_o as_o far_o as_o i_o can_v find_v there_o be_v no_o one_o of_o they_o that_o have_v speak_v distinct_o of_o they_o all_o as_o requisite_n to_o prophecy_n yet_o one_o maxim_n there_o be_v pertinent_a to_o this_o subject_a whereunto_o they_o all_o seem_v to_o yield_v assent_n and_o that_o be_v that_o prophecy_n re_v on_o none_o but_o the_o wise_a the_o strong_a and_o the_o zer_n rich._n this_o say_n among_o the_o jew_n be_v perhaps_o think_v worthy_a of_o all_o acceptation_n yet_o by_o some_o christian_n it_o be_v esteem_v more_o worthy_a of_o rejection_n not_o only_o because_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v not_o tie_v his_o gift_n to_o such_o requisite_n but_o also_o because_o it_o sâ—ems_v to_o savour_v of_o a_o design_n to_o kâ—ep_v people_n in_o unbelief_n of_o christianity_n such_o we_o know_v be_v the_o mâ—lice_n of_o the_o jew_n against_o the_o son_n of_o god_n as_o that_o their_o rabbi_n labour_v what_o they_o can_v to_o hinder_v the_o growth_n of_o our_o christian_a faith_n to_o that_o end_n they_o have_v teach_v such_o principle_n and_o magisterial_o dictate_v such_o say_n and_o rule_n to_o the_o people_n as_o be_v apt_a to_o prepossess_v their_o mind_n and_o fortify_v their_o unbelieve_a heart_n with_o such_o prâ—judices_fw-la as_o make_v they_o impregnable_a by_o all_o the_o weapon_n and_o strength_n of_o our_o christian_a warfare_n such_o as_o these_o be_v those_o fundamental_a article_n of_o their_o faith_n concern_v the_o perpetuity_n and_o immutability_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o time_n of_o the_o come_n of_o the_o mâ—ssâ—as_n which_o opinion_n seem_v form_v almost_o on_o purpose_n to_o hinder_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o stop_v its_o course_n among_o men._n and_o in_o my_o apprehension_n the_o rule_n now_o under_o debate_n may_v be_v think_v like_o unto_o they_o for_o while_o man_n believe_v that_o prophecy_n rest_v on_o none_o but_o the_o wise_a the_o strong_a and_o the_o rich_a how_o hard_o be_v it_o for_o they_o to_o believe_v that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v prophet_n the_o reason_n be_v because_o in_o their_o birth_n and_o body_n their_o education_n and_o fortune_n thâ—re_o seem_v little_a or_o nothing_o that_o may_v denominate_v they_o so_o qualify_v but_o much_o otherwise_o for_o this_o reason_n be_v there_o no_o other_o we_o christian_n have_v just_a cause_n to_o question_v this_o rule_n of_o their_o rabbi_n but_o moreover_o we_o be_v sure_a that_o it_o be_v not_o universal_o true_a and_o indeed_o the_o jew_n themselves_o confess_v as_o much_o for_o they_o except_o moses_n and_o samuel_n amos_n and_o ionas_n from_o it_o whereunto_o they_o may_v have_v add_v deborah_n and_o elisha_n 4._o whereof_o the_o former_a although_o a_o prophetess_n yet_o be_v one_o of_o the_o weak_a sex_n sure_o be_v not_o so_o strong_a as_o this_o râ—le_n will_v have_v the_o prophet_n and_o 19_o elisha_n be_v call_v from_o follow_v the_o plough_n and_o so_o not_o likely_a to_o have_v be_v so_o wise_a and_o learned_a as_o this_o rule_n pretâ—nds_v the_o prophet_n shall_v and_o then_o as_o for_o riches_n we_o may_v well_o say_v with_o vorstius_n there_o be_v nothing_o more_o foolish_a and_o unsavoury_a than_o to_o join_v matter_n of_o money_n with_o the_o prophetic_a office_n or_o spirit_n his_o reason_n be_v manifest_a because_o it_o be_v certain_o apparent_a that_o many_o if_o not_o most_o of_o the_o prophet_n be_v sometime_o reduce_v to_o such_o poverty_n as_o that_o they_o endure_v hunger_n yea_o perhaps_o cold_a and_o nakedness_n through_o their_o want_n and_o pentoy_n yet_o still_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophesy_n rest_v on_o they_o by_o these_o their_o concession_n and_o observation_n it_o plain_o appear_v that_o this_o their_o rule_n according_a to_o the_o most_o common_a acceptation_n of_o the_o word_n among_o the_o vulgar_a be_v not_o universal_o true_a there_o be_v no_o indispensible_a necessity_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o that_o seâ—ms_n to_o make_v requisite_a for_o the_o reception_n of_o prophecy_n i_o be_o therefore_o incline_v to_o think_v that_o that_o opinion_n concern_v the_o election_n of_o prophet_n which_o mâ—imenides_n ascribe_v to_o the_o vulgar_a 4._o be_v the_o only_a true_a one_o namely_o that_o god_n choose_v and_o send_v who_o he_o please_v without_o regard_v whether_o they_o be_v wise_a and_o learned_a ignorant_a young_a or_o old_a and_o if_o so_o than_o we_o may_v conclude_v with_o hottinger_n that_o this_o rule_n be_v not_o worth_a a_o nutshell_n or_o else_o we_o must_v find_v out_o some_o sâ—nse_n wherein_o it_o may_v be_v admit_v but_o admit_v it_o i_o think_v we_o may_v not_o unless_o it_o be_v on_o these_o two_o condition_n 1._o that_o the_o prophet_n wisdom_n distinct_a from_o that_o they_o have_v by_o revelation_n be_v not_o think_v always_o to_o consist_v in_o humane_a learning_n acquire_v by_o sâ—udy_n but_o in_o their_o natural_a sagacity_n or_o prudence_n improve_v by_o experience_n or_o otherwise_o and_o that_o their_o strength_n be_v not_o always_o that_o of_o the_o body_n but_o the_o fortitude_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o last_o that_o their_o riches_n be_v not_o those_o of_o the_o world_n but_o of_o virtue_n and_o probity_n of_o manner_n 2._o that_o these_o thing_n even_o thus_o understand_v be_v not_o make_v necessary_a antecedent_n of_o prophecy_n but_o concomitant_a attendant_n on_o it_o they_o be_v not_o necessary_a for_o the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n but_o convenient_a for_o the_o office_n of_o a_o prophet_n in_o this_o sense_n and_o this_o only_a the_o jew_n perhaps_o may_v justify_v their_o rule_n and_o we_o may_v allow_v it_o some_o measure_n of_o admittance_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n we_o be_v not_o unwilling_a that_o the_o spirit_n or_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n which_o we_o assert_v to_o have_v be_v in_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n shall_v be_v try_v by_o it_o in_o order_n whereunto_o it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o take_v a_o distinct_a survey_n of_o the_o prophet_n wisdom_n strength_n and_o riches_n by_o the_o prophet_n wisdom_n maimonides_n understand_v humane_a learning_n and_o knowledge_n acquire_v by_o study_n this_o therefore_o say_v he_o be_v our_o foundation_n without_o without_o study_n and_o perfection_n no_o man_n can_v prophesy_v and_o 32._o that_o the_o possibility_n of_o it_o depend_v thereon_o but_o be_v samuel_n perfect_a in_o his_o childhood_n have_v elisha_n and_o amos_n be_v so_o studious_a as_o to_o arrive_v at_o perfection_n before_o god_n take_v the_o one_o from_o hold_v the_o plough_n and_o the_o other_o from_o follow_v the_o flock_n it_o seem_v not_o although_o 15._o therefore_o maimonides_n be_v a_o master-builder_n in_o israel_n yet_o he_o lay_v his_o foundation_n in_o the_o sand_n otherwise_o it_o can_v not_o have_v be_v so_o easy_o shake_v we_o be_v not_o of_o his_o mind_n that_o fool_n and_o son_n of_o the_o earth_n can_v possible_o prophesy_v no_o more_o than_o a_o ass_n or_o a_o frog_n or_o the_o possibility_n of_o prophecy_n have_v a_o dependence_n on_o study_n and_o perfection_n acquire_v by_o it_o we_o dare_v not_o so_o to_o limit_v the_o almighty_a or_o set_v bound_n to_o omnipotence_n yet_o we_o think_v it_o become_v the_o excellency_n of_o prophecy_n and_o convenient_a for_o the_o office_n of_o a_o prophet_n that_o the_o person_n inspire_v shall_v be_v one_o of_o no_o contemptible_a natural_a part_n and_o prudence_n not_o that_o natural_a sagacity_n or_o any_o acquire_v endowment_n can_v conduce_v by_o way_n of_o efficiency_n to_o the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n but_o yet_o they_o may_v and_o do_v by_o way_n of_o anticipation_n although_o they_o be_v not_o absolute_o needful_a in_o order_n to_o the_o production_n or_o reception_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n yet_o they_o be_v convenient_a to_o anticipate_v and_o prevent_v the_o prejudices_fw-la which_o otherwise_o will_v arise_v against_o the_o person_n of_o the_o prophet_n how_o hard_o a_o thing_n be_v it_o especial_o if_o their_o age_n be_v such_o as_o we_o to_o make_v man_n believe_v that_o the_o god_n of_o infinite_a wisdom_n will_v inspire_v man_n of_o shallow_a intellectual_n and_o incompetent_a apprehension_n prophecy_n be_v one_o of_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o perfection_n whereof_o in_o this_o life_n our_o humane_a nature_n be_v capable_a and_o how_o hardly_o be_v we_o persuade_v
that_o so_o good_a and_o perfect_a a_o gift_n shall_v be_v congruous_o bestow_v by_o the_o most_o wise_a disposer_n of_o all_o thing_n but_o if_o they_o be_v so_o successful_a as_o to_o convince_v man_n of_o their_o call_v yet_o how_o can_v they_o perform_v their_o office_n without_o discretion_n and_o prudence_n by_o their_o office_n as_o we_o may_v gather_v from_o the_o use_n of_o 16._o their_o scripture_n the_o prophet_n be_v to_o teach_v reprove_v correct_v and_o instruct_v man_n in_o righteousness_n to_o declare_v what_o they_o ought_v to_o know_v and_o believe_v to_o convince_v they_o in_o falsehood_n and_o error_n to_o reform_v and_o amend_v their_o life_n to_o build_v they_o up_o and_o carry_v they_o on_o unto_o perfection_n in_o all_o virtue_n and_o holiness_n of_o live_v without_o discretion_n and_o prudence_n who_o be_v sufficient_a for_o these_o thing_n can_v ignorance_n teach_v or_o folly_n reprove_v can_v weakness_n of_o judgement_n demolish_v the_o strong_a hold_v of_o error_n or_o discover_v the_o fallacy_n of_o falsehood_n can_v shallow_a apprehension_n fathom_v the_o depth_n of_o sin_n or_o detect_v the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n can_v idiot_n make_v man_n wise_a or_o fool_n instruct_v other_o in_o righteousness_n yet_o so_o they_o must_v unless_o the_o rational_a faculty_n of_o the_o people_n rather_o than_o of_o the_o prophet_n be_v almost_o whole_o absorb_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n and_o so_o their_o wisdom_n and_o holiness_n be_v increase_v by_o a_o strange_a antiperistasis_n of_o folly_n and_o ignorance_n than_o which_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o unlikely_a and_o ridiculous_a it_o must_v therefore_o be_v grant_v to_o the_o jew_n that_o god_n prophet_n be_v though_o it_o may_v be_v not_o always_o learned_a in_o language_n art_n and_o science_n etc._n etc._n yet_o wise_a and_o prudent_a man_n and_o this_o their_o prudence_n dwell_v with_o such_o knowledge_n as_o be_v unattainable_a without_o revelation_n and_o that_o in_o one_o or_o more_o of_o these_o three_o respect_n either_o first_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n know_v as_o in_o their_o prediction_n of_o future_a contingence_n of_o which_o hereafter_o or_o second_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o knowledge_n my_o meaning_n be_v that_o those_o thing_n which_o of_o their_o own_o nature_n be_v such_o as_o may_v have_v be_v know_v by_o the_o power_n of_o our_o natural_a ability_n be_v sometime_o make_v know_v to_o the_o prophet_n by_o immediate_a revelation_n thus_o the_o prophet_n samuel_n know_v where_o saul_n ass_n be_v and_o 9_o thus_o elisha_n know_v whither_o his_o servant_n gehazi_n be_v go_v and_o what_o he_o do_v when_o he_o follow_v naaman_n 26._o and_o have_v overtake_v he_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o the_o measure_n of_o their_o knowledge_n thâ—re_o be_v nothing_o extraordinary_a but_o the_o thing_n themselves_o be_v remote_a from_o these_o prophet_n and_o they_o not_o be_v inform_v by_o any_o creature_n concern_v they_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o knowledge_n or_o the_o mean_n whereby_o they_o attain_v unto_o it_o be_v supernatural_a three_o the_o prophet_n knowledge_n of_o some_o thing_n be_v supernatural_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o measure_n of_o it_o as_o be_v evident_a by_o their_o clear_n up_o the_o principle_n of_o natural_a theology_n and_o this_o they_o have_v do_v so_o 47._o successful_o as_o that_o tertullian_n offer_v to_o prove_v to_o the_o gentile_n that_o not_o only_o their_o poet_n and_o their_o sophister_n drink_v out_o of_o the_o prophet_n fountain_n but_o also_o their_o philosopher_n quench_v the_o thirst_n of_o their_o wit_n therefrom_o they_o all_o be_v plagiaries_n and_o steal_v the_o choice_a of_o their_o notion_n from_o the_o revelation_n make_v to_o the_o prophet_n how_o partial_a then_o be_v we_o in_o count_v the_o philosopher_n wise_a unless_o we_o also_o reckon_v that_o the_o prophet_n do_v excel_v they_o in_o wisdom_n if_o not_o in_o respect_n of_o that_o which_o they_o themselves_o acquire_v yet_o in_o respect_n of_o that_o which_o be_v reveal_v unto_o they_o and_o this_o their_o wisdom_n be_v far_o more_o excellent_a than_o that_o of_o the_o philosopher_n not_o only_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o matter_n manner_n or_o measure_n of_o it_o but_o also_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o effect_n or_o operation_n of_o it_o in_o they_o and_o this_o bring_v i_o to_o the_o second_o thing_n inquire_v after_o by_o the_o jew_n in_o the_o trial_n of_o prophet_n â—amely_o their_o strength_n or_o fortitude_n so_o servile_a and_o pusillanimous_a be_v the_o heathen_a philosopher_n even_a plato_n himself_o as_o that_o for_o fear_n graec._n of_o man_n they_o conceal_v truth_n of_o great_a importance_n thus_o may_v man_n do_v by_o acquire_v knowledge_n but_o not_o with_o infuse_v at_o least_o not_o so_o easy_o that_o which_o they_o get_v by_o study_n they_o may_v stifle_v but_o what_o they_o have_v by_o prophecy_n they_o can_v hardly_o conceal_v be_v not_o my_o word_n like_o as_o fire_n say_v the_o lord_n and_o like_o a_o 29._o hammer_n that_o break_v the_o rock_n in_o piece_n the_o word_n of_o prophesy_n can_v hardly_o be_v imprison_v in_o unrighteousness_n the_o prophet_n must_v â—ither_o burn_v or_o break_v unless_o they_o utter_v it_o hence_o no_o doubt_n it_o be_v that_o when_o the_o prophet_n jeremiah_n be_v so_o passionate_a and_o pettish_a as_o to_o say_v i_o will_v not_o make_v mention_n of_o the_o lord_n nor_o speak_v any_o more_o in_o his_o name_n he_o think_v no_o doubt_n it_o have_v bâ—â—n_v in_o his_o power_n to_o have_v conceal_v god_n word_n and_o he_o it_o seem_v resolve_v so_o to_o do_v but_o say_v he_o his_o word_n be_v in_o my_o heart_n as_o a_o burn_a fire_n shut_v up_o â—_o in_o my_o bone_n and_o i_o be_v weary_a with_o forbear_v and_o i_o can_v not_o stay_v such_o be_v the_o strength_n of_o the_o prophetic_a impression_n and_o such_o the_o energy_n of_o its_o power_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o prophet_n as_o that_o like_o a_o fire_n burn_v in_o their_o bone_n it_o will_v force_v its_o way_n out_o or_o else_o consume_v they_o this_o i_o presume_v be_v a_o great_a cause_n of_o that_o admirable_a fortitude_n and_o magnanimity_n which_o make_v they_o despise_v the_o terror_n of_o man_n and_o the_o threat_n of_o wicked_a prince_n neither_o the_o indocible_a temper_n of_o the_o people_n nor_o the_o ruggedness_n of_o their_o behaviour_n neither_o the_o power_n of_o monarch_n nor_o the_o menace_n of_o ruler_n can_v ever_o deter_v they_o from_o utter_v their_o prophecy_n of_o this_o we_o have_v a_o pregnant_a instance_n in_o moses_n who_o with_o nothing_o but_o his_o staff_n go_v bold_o to_o pharaoh_n and_o notwithstanding_o his_o power_n and_o tyranny_n undaunted_o tell_v he_o the_o lord_n god_n of_o israel_n will_v have_v he_o to_o let_v his_o people_n go_v 1._o and_o because_o pharaoh_n harden_v his_o heart_n and_o will_v not_o hearken_v moses_n threaten_v he_o to_o his_o face_n that_o the_o water_n in_o the_o river_n shall_v be_v turn_v into_o blood_n etc._n and_o that_o all_o his_o border_n shall_v be_v smite_v with_o frog_n etc._n etc._n thus_o do_v he_o prevail_v against_o a_o mighty_a king_n and_o retrieve_v a_o whole_a nation_n out_o of_o bondage_n nor_o be_v this_o courage_n peculiar_a to_o the_o mosaic_a degree_n of_o prophecy_n but_o common_a therewith_o to_o other_o as_o appear_v by_o nathan_n application_n of_o his_o parable_n to_o david_n 18._o elijah_n reprehension_n of_o ahab_n isaiah_n jeremiah_n ezekiel_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o prophet_n most_o faithful_a and_o courageous_a discharge_n of_o their_o office_n they_o all_o therein_o have_v and_o discover_v such_o prowess_n and_o fortitude_n such_o magnanimity_n and_o nobleness_n of_o resolution_n as_o can_v be_v parallel_v by_o the_o example_n of_o the_o most_o heroic_a teacher_n of_o wisdom_n and_o virtue_n among_o the_o gentile_n that_o therefore_o in_o respect_n of_o this_o their_o fortitude_n and_o courage_n in_o the_o execution_n of_o their_o office_n the_o prophet_n be_v always_o strong_a will_v easy_o be_v grant_v but_o that_o they_o be_v always_o rich_a in_o respect_n of_o worldly_a wealth_n may_v just_o be_v deny_v and_o since_o the_o jew_n give_v we_o no_o reason_n for_o their_o confidence_n in_o affirm_v it_o we_o need_v give_v they_o none_o for_o our_o deny_v it_o yet_o since_o the_o rabbi_n be_v oftentimes_o please_v to_o speak_v mystical_o in_o other_o thing_n it_o be_v possible_a they_o do_v so_o in_o this_o and_o if_o they_o do_v so_o who_o know_v but_o that_o the_o word_n rich_a may_v be_v take_v in_o they_o as_o it_o 6._o once_o be_v in_o solomon_n viz._n for_o one_o that_o be_v rich_a not_o so_o much_o money_n and_o earthly_a possession_n as_o in_o prudence_n and_o moral_a virtue_n which_o conjecture_n seem_v somewhat_o strengthen_v by_o
maimonides_n his_o exposition_n of_o the_o rule_n now_o debate_v for_o he_o therein_o make_v no_o mention_n at_o all_o of_o riches_n but_o of_o learning_n religion_n continence_n understanding_n and_o all_o probity_n of_o manner_n and_o zer_n elsewhere_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o prophecy_n fall_v on_o none_o but_o the_o excellent_o wise_a one_o that_o be_v able_a to_o rule_v his_o affection_n and_o cast_v off_o the_o dominion_n of_o worldly_a concupiscence_n one_o who_o reason_n rule_v his_o appetite_n and_o be_v endue_v with_o 1._o large_a and_o very_a well_o dispose_v intellectual_n not_o one_o word_n of_o wealth_n or_o worldly_a riches_n and_o be_v it_o not_o somewhat_o strange_a that_o when_o he_o profess_o expound_v this_o rule_n he_o shall_v so_o utter_o forget_v the_o three_o part_n of_o its_o content_n if_o they_o have_v so_o be_v or_o he_o have_v think_v they_o so_o sure_o he_o do_v not_o for_o in_o another_o place_n of_o his_o write_n he_o tell_v we_o that_o in_o this_o rule_n the_o word_n wise_a without_o doubt_n comprehend_v intellectual_a virtue_n but_o the_o word_n strong_a and_o rich_a import_n moral_n the_o former_a denote_v fortitude_n the_o latter_a contentment_n for_o his_o word_n be_v these_o gihbor_n strong_a be_v of_o the_o moral_a virtue_n viz_o he_o who_o do_v moderate_a and_o rule_v the_o power_n of_o his_o soul_n according_a to_o right_a reason_n and_o this_o be_v it_o which_o they_o say_v when_o they_o ask_v who_o be_v strong_a and_o answer_v he_o that_o subjugate_v his_o own_o concupiscence_n and_o so_o also_o ashir_n rich_a be_v of_o the_o moral_a virtue_n viz._n the_o virtue_n of_o a_o content_a mind_n for_o he_o that_o be_v content_v with_o his_o portion_n they_o call_v rich_a this_o be_v it_o they_o say_v when_o describe_v a_o rich_a man_n they_o ask_v who_o be_v rich_a and_o return_v answer_n he_o that_o rejoice_v in_o his_o own_o portion_n i_o e._n he_o that_o be_v content_a with_o what_o the_o time_n present_a afford_v he_o and_o do_v not_o grieve_v at_o what_o it_o deny_v he_o by_o all_o this_o it_o be_v very_o 7._o plain_a that_o if_o he_o have_v give_v we_o the_o true_a meaning_n of_o this_o rule_n the_o jew_n thereby_o understand_v no_o more_o than_o that_o the_o prophet_n be_v excellent_a man_n in_o respect_n both_o of_o intellectual_a and_o moral_a virtue_n especial_o fortitude_n and_o contentment_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n we_o affirm_v as_o well_o as_o they_o that_o general_o they_o be_v strong_a and_o rich_a namely_o in_o virtue_n and_o probity_n of_o manner_n in_o good_a work_n and_o all_o holiness_n of_o live_v especial_o in_o courage_n and_o magnanimity_n in_o contentment_n and_o well-pleasedness_a with_o their_o condition_n and_o we_o will_v not_o contradict_v our_o author_n say_v there_o never_o be_v any_o one_o hitherto_o who_o will_v have_v it_o that_o god_n make_v his_o divine_a majesty_n so_o he_o call_v the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n 32._o to_o dwell_v in_o a_o wicked_a man_n for_o a_o man_n of_o a_o more_o excellent_a spirit_n than_o he_o have_v tell_v we_o they_o be_v holy_a man_n of_o god_n that_o in_o old_a time_n speak_v as_o they_o be_v tryph._n move_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n they_o be_v bless_v and_o just_a lover_n of_o god_n and_o belove_v of_o he_o and_o it_o be_v need_v full_a for_o they_o so_o to_o be_v for_o be_v by_o their_o office_n oblige_v to_o pull_v the_o mote_n out_o of_o the_o eye_n of_o other_o it_o high_o concern_v they_o to_o have_v no_o beam_n in_o their_o own_o so_o base_a a_o thing_n be_v vice_n that_o it_o villify_v the_o authority_n of_o instruction_n and_o abate_v the_o credit_n of_o prediction_n by_o they_o that_o be_v vicious_a and_o on_o the_o contrary_a a_o holy_a magnanimity_n and_o contempt_n of_o the_o world_n accompany_v with_o all_o other_o probity_n of_o manner_n do_v conciliate_v authority_n and_o facilitate_v belief_n since_o then_o the_o prophet_n be_v man_n of_o god_n own_o immediate_a choose_n and_o that_o on_o purpose_n to_o propagate_v his_o holiness_n to_o other_o and_o infuse_v it_o into_o they_o it_o be_v more_o than_o probable_a that_o they_o themselves_o have_v a_o great_a share_n of_o it_o concern_v these_o thing_n then_o viz._n wisdom_n strength_n and_o holiness_n but_o especial_o fortitude_n and_o contentment_n when_o the_o jew_n be_v satisfy_v they_o have_v at_o least_o some_o probable_a argument_n that_o the_o pretender_n to_o prophecy_n be_v indeed_o endue_v with_o it_o for_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n and_o the_o office_n of_o a_o prophet_n have_v so_o little_a of_o secular_a advantage_n to_o allure_v man_n affection_n and_o so_o much_o of_o likelihood_n to_o expose_v they_o to_o all_o manner_n of_o hardship_n yea_o perhaps_o to_o death_n itself_o as_o that_o it_o be_v altogether_o improbable_a that_o a_o wise_a and_o prudent_a man_n will_v undertake_v it_o without_o a_o call_n or_o necessity_n lay_v upon_o he_o to_o do_v it_o much_o more_o unlikely_a be_v it_o that_o he_o shall_v be_v courageous_a and_o resolute_a in_o it_o when_o in_o his_o conscience_n he_o know_v he_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v and_o so_o may_v be_v put_v to_o death_n and_o damn_v for_o meddle_v with_o it_o nor_o be_v it_o at_o all_o likely_a that_o any_o holy_a man_n content_a and_o well-pleased_n with_o his_o condition_n shall_v lie_v so_o horrid_o and_o prevaricate_v so_o prodigious_o in_o a_o matter_n of_o this_o nature_n if_o then_o the_o pretender_n to_o prophephecy_n be_v find_v to_o be_v wise_a strong_a and_o rich_a i._n e._n eminent_o endue_v both_o with_o intellectual_a and_o moral_a virtue_n especial_o fortitude_n and_o contentment_n the_o jew_n have_v great_a reason_n to_o believe_v they_o or_o at_o least_o to_o proceed_v to_o some_o far_a trial_n of_o they_o of_o prophetic_a prediction_n sect._n 3_o for_o the_o performance_n whereof_o they_o have_v yet_o another_o kind_n of_o ordinary_a mean_n which_o in_o their_o esteem_n be_v most_o certain_a and_o demonstrative_a viz._n the_o accomplishment_n of_o prediction_n these_o they_o inquire_v after_o and_o sufficient_a warrant_n they_o have_v for_o so_o do_v for_o moses_n have_v tell_v they_o that_o by_o the_o non-accomplishment_n of_o prediction_n they_o may_v know_v the_o word_n which_o 22._o the_o lord_n have_v not_o speak_v it_o be_v easy_a and_o logical_a from_o thence_o to_o infer_v that_o by_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o prediction_n they_o may_v know_v the_o prophet_n do_v not_o speak_v presumptuous_o yet_o forasmuch_o as_o most_o if_o not_o all_o prediction_n be_v either_o promise_n of_o some_o future_a good_a or_o commination_n of_o evil_a to_o come_v and_o the_o lord_n have_v declare_v that_o the_o condition_n of_o both_o 10._o be_v mutable_a there_o be_v certain_o no_o small_a difficulty_n in_o try_v the_o truth_n of_o a_o pretention_n to_o prophecy_n by_o the_o success_n of_o prediction_n it_o seem_v therefore_o the_o rabbin_n have_v take_v some_o pain_n to_o extricate_v themselves_o and_o other_o out_o of_o this_o labyrinth_n we_o need_v not_o take_v notice_n of_o their_o unsuccessful_a attempt_n to_o do_v it_o it_o suffice_v we_o they_o seem_v all_o agree_v in_o this_o that_o the_o full_a and_o exact_a accomplishment_n of_o prediction_n whether_o promise_v or_o commination_n be_v sure_a and_o certain_a sign_n of_o a_o prophetic_a spirit_n they_o expect_v that_o not_o so_o much_o as_o a_o tittle_n of_o what_o the_o prophet_n foretell_v shall_v ever_o fail_v or_o fall_v to_o the_o ground_n but_o that_o all_o shall_v be_v fulfil_v and_o accomplish_v by_o the_o event_n and_o this_o they_o pretend_v to_o have_v learn_v from_o the_o word_n of_o jehu_n to_o the_o ruler_n of_o jesreel_n there_o shall_v fall_v unto_o 10._o the_o earth_n nothing_o of_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n which_o also_o as_o they_o think_v the_o lord_n himself_o insinuate_v when_o he_o say_v the_o prophet_n that_o have_v a_o dream_n let_v he_o tell_v a_o dream_n and_o he_o that_o have_v my_o word_n let_v he_o speak_v my_o word_n faithful_o what_o be_v the_o chaff_n to_o the_o wheat_n say_v 28._o the_o lord_n in_o which_o word_n say_v mâ—imâ—nides_n there_o be_v some_o person_n reprehend_v for_o take_v their_o dream_n to_o be_v prophetic_a and_o divulge_v they_o for_o such_o and_o themselves_o for_o prophet_n although_o the_o lord_n allow_v they_o to_o tell_v their_o dream_n yet_o he_o approve_v not_o their_o do_v it_o for_o revelation_n however_o he_o that_o have_v his_o word_n may_v say_v that_o he_o have_v so_o provide_v he_o do_v it_o faithful_o i._n e._n without_o addition_n or_o diminution_n and_o this_o sure_o say_v the_o lord_n will_v be_v discernible_a from_o dream_n for_o what_o be_v the_o chaff_n to_o the_o wheat_n the_o sense_n of_o which_o question_n our_o author_n say_v their_o wise_a man_n have_v render_v to_o be_v this_o that_o all_o indication_n of_o thing_n
he_o but_o by_o make_v câ—r_n thyself_o fit_a to_o receive_v from_o he_o for_o the_o pythagorean_n say_v thou_o shall_v best_o honour_v god_n when_o thou_o make_v thy_o mind_n like_a unto_o he_o if_o so_o it_o be_v evident_a there_o can_v be_v no_o law_n so_fw-mi subservient_fw-fr to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n as_o the_o moral_a law_n be_v and_o consequent_o none_o so_o good_a and_o excellent_a as_o that_o be_v because_o none_o so_o apt_a to_o promote_v the_o supreme_a end_n of_o all_o law_n whatever_o viz._n the_o glory_n of_o the_o lawgiver_n and_o the_o good_a of_o the_o subject_n yet_o so_o brutish_o wicked_a be_v the_o jewish_a rabbi_n as_o that_o they_o make_v it_o void_a and_o of_o none_o effect_v not_o only_o its_o precept_n be_v neglect_v and_o slight_v in_o comparison_n with_o their_o ceremonial_a performance_n but_o it_o be_v very_o native_a sense_n and_o mean_v be_v almost_o whole_o cloud_v and_o eclipse_v by_o their_o false_a gloss_n vain_a interpretation_n and_o tradition_n wherefore_o one_o end_n of_o christ_n his_o come_n into_o the_o world_n it_o seem_v 17._o be_v to_o â—ulsill_a the_o law_n i._n e._n not_o only_o to_o do_v but_o also_o to_o teach_v and_o declare_v what_o the_o law_n require_v whâ—t_o wâ—s_v natural_a in_o the_o law_n as_o be_v before_o observe_v out_o of_o irenâ—eus_n the_o lord_n bathe_v not_o only_o destroy_v but_o also_o extend_v and_o â—illed_v up_o those_o that_o desire_v to_o know_v wherein_o this_o extension_n or_o adimpletion_n of_o the_o law_n do_v consi_v may_v learn_v it_o from_o the_o same_o father_n who_o tell_v 27._o we_o it_o be_v in_o require_v abstinence_n not_o only_o from_o all_o evil_a work_n but_o also_o from_o the_o very_a desire_n of_o they_o it_o seem_v then_o the_o moral_a law_n as_o it_o be_v now_o constitute_v the_o rule_n of_o our_o obedience_n be_v so_o pure_a and_o spiritual_a as_o that_o it_o reach_v the_o faculty_n of_o our_o soul_n as_o well_o as_o the_o work_n word_n and_o gesture_n of_o our_o body_n strict_o forbid_v the_o thought_n or_o assent_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o the_o very_o feeble_a inclination_n of_o our_o will_n and_o affection_n to_o sin_n as_o well_o as_o the_o outward_a perpetration_n of_o it_o and_o how_o much_o this_o exceed_v the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n i._n e._n of_o the_o strict_a professor_n among_o the_o jew_n our_o saviour_n 5._o himself_o have_v demonstrate_v in_o divers_a instance_n the_o prohibition_n of_o murder_n they_o restrain_v to_o shed_v 33._o of_o blood_n but_o chrisâ—â—xtended_v even_o to_o immoderate_a anger_n that_o of_o adultery_n they_o restrain_v to_o the_o external_n commission_n of_o folly_n but_o christ_n extend_v even_o to_o the_o very_a eructation_n of_o concupiscence_n the_o prohibition_n 28._o of_o take_v god_n name_n in_o vain_a they_o restrain_v to_o perjury_n but_o christ_n extend_v to_o all_o manner_n of_o vain_a and_o false_a swear_v etc._n etc._n there_o be_v therefore_o nothing_o 34._o more_o evident_a than_o that_o the_o moral_a law_n as_o establish_v by_o the_o gospel_n be_v far_o more_o pure_a and_o spiritual_a more_o extend_v and_o comprehensive_a than_o it_o be_v as_o expound_v by_o the_o jewish_a tradition_n and_o rabbi_n and_o indeed_o they_o do_v rather_o explode_v the_o law_n than_o expound_v it_o for_o if_o the_o be_v of_o sin_n consist_v in_o consent_n as_o it_o apparent_o do_v in_o most_o case_n a_o man_n may_v be_v guilty_a almost_o of_o all_o sin_n and_o yet_o according_a to_o they_o be_v no_o sinner_n because_o no_o transgressor_n of_o the_o law_n according_a to_o their_o exposition_n of_o it_o but_o as_o christ_n have_v now_o restore_v it_o to_o its_o primitive_a sense_n and_o mean_v it_o be_v we_o see_v so_o transcendent_o holy_a and_o immaculate_o pure_a as_o that_o the_o way_n of_o our_o â—_z as_o well_o as_o work_n of_o our_o hand_n and_o word_n of_o our_o mouth_n be_v or_o may_v be_v unclean_a and_o impure_a before_o it_o this_o then_o be_v the_o prime_a rule_n of_o our_o practice_n hereunto_o the_o gospel_n require_v most_o absolute_o perfect_a unsinning_a obedience_n insomuch_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v humble_a for_o our_o imperfection_n as_o well_o as_o penitent_a for_o our_o more_o grievous_a transgression_n and_o all_o this_o must_v spring_v from_o faith_n that_o work_v by_o love_n for_o without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a 2_o to_o please_v god_n and_o without_o charity_n faith_n be_v nothing_o worth_a obj._n but_o here_o perhaps_o it_o may_v be_v object_v that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o keep_v the_o law_n thus_o expound_v it_o be_v rather_o fit_a for_o adam_n in_o innocence_n than_o for_o any_o of_o his_o fallen_n posterity_n be_v there_o no_o depravity_n in_o our_o nature_n or_o â—_z in_o the_o world_n to_o do_v wicked_o it_o may_v perhaps_o with_o justice_n and_o equity_n be_v impose_v on_o we_o but_o since_o as_o chriâ—t_n and_o his_o apostle_n themselves_o teach_v we_o all_o have_v siâ—ned_v and_o can_v live_v without_o sin_n it_o be_v rather_o apt_a to_o increase_v our_o damnation_n than_o to_o promote_v our_o salvation_n it_o be_v therefore_o very_o unbecoming_a that_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n whereunto_o they_o pretend_v in_o the_o promulgation_n of_o the_o gospel_n it_o speak_v more_o zeal_n than_o wisdom_n to_o require_v impossibility_n answ_n this_o objection_n have_v something_a of_o truth_n and_o reason_n in_o it_o even_o tempt_v i_o to_o wish_v it_o be_v find_v in_o the_o mouth_n only_o of_o humble_a and_o â—ober_a enquirer_n after_o truth_n but_o experience_n have_v teach_v i_o that_o our_o semi-atheist_n think_v to_o serve_v their_o lust_n by_o it_o for_o since_o gradual_o perfect_a obedience_n be_v impossible_a and_o no_o man_n be_v oblige_v to_o impossibility_n they_o say_v and_o perhaps_o will_v swear_v it_o too_o it_o be_v senseless_a folly_n and_o brutish_a inadvertency_n to_o trouble_v our_o head_n about_o it_o either_o by_o repent_v what_o we_o have_v not_o do_v according_a to_o the_o law_n or_o by_o take_v care_n for_o the_o future_a to_o walk_v by_o it_o but_o let_v they_o not_o be_v too_o haâ—â—y_a in_o their_o conclusion_n or_o too_o confident_a in_o the_o strength_n of_o their_o argument_n for_o it_o be_v but_o a_o piece_n of_o sophistry_n it_o divide_v what_o ought_v to_o be_v join_v viz._n the_o law_n and_o its_o exposition_n from_o the_o mitigation_n of_o it_o by_o the_o gospel_n take_v in_o this_o and_o the_o argument_n will_v be_v find_v very_o inconclusive_a on_o their_o part_n but_o demonstrative_a on_o we_o for_o though_o it_o be_v confess_v we_o find_v the_o law_n extend_v and_o far_o more_o comprehensive_o expound_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n than_o for_o aught_o we_o know_v it_o ever_o be_v by_o moses_n or_o the_o prophet_n much_o more_o by_o the_o jewish_a â—_z and_o rabbiâ—s_n yet_o withal_o we_o find_v it_o so_o qualify_a and_o mitigate_v its_o rigour_n and_o severity_n so_o allay_v as_o that_o the_o evangelical_n constitution_n of_o it_o be_v far_o more_o eligible_a than_o the_o legal_a it_o dâ—monstratâ—s_v far_o great_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n than_o ever_o it_o do_v either_o in_o the_o time_n of_o man_n innocence_n or_o afterward_o under_o the_o moysaicall_a dispensation_n for_o first_o evident_a it_o be_v that_o the_o law_n be_v not_o now_o establish_v as_o a_o covenant_n of_o work_n as_o at_o first_o it_o be_v in_o the_o time_n of_o man_n innocence_n nor_o be_v it_o now_o yoke_v with_o a_o great_a number_n of_o positive_a precept_n as_o it_o be_v by_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n for_o beside_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o the_o due_a use_n of_o his_o sacrament_n it_o be_v not_o easy_a to_o think_v of_o any_o thing_n enjoin_v by_o the_o gospel_n but_o what_o be_v reducible_a to_o the_o moral_a law_n which_o law_n be_v capable_a of_o a_o twofold_a use_n viz._n either_o as_o a_o rule_n of_o life_n or_o also_o as_o a_o covenant_n of_o work_n be_v both_o establish_v and_o abolish_v by_o the_o gospel_n for_o although_o as_o a_o rule_n of_o life_n and_o manner_n the_o gospel_n be_v so_o far_o from_o make_v void_a the_o law_n as_o that_o there_o be_v no_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n do_v so_o apparent_o establish_v it_o yet_o as_o a_o covenant_n of_o work_n whereby_o to_o obtain_v salvation_n the_o gospel_n do_v abolish_v it_o for_o in_o that_o it_o establish_v a_o new_a covenant_n it_o make_v the_o first_o old_a insomuch_o 13._o that_o that_o complete_a and_o gradual_a perfect_a obedience_n which_o in_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n to_o adam_n in_o innocence_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o eternal_a life_n although_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o a_o indispensable_a condition_n of_o our_o salvation_n for_o second_o though_o the_o gospel_n require_v perfect_a obedience_n yet_o it_o accept_v sincere_a which_o be_v such_o
foolish_a for_o the_o word_n speak_v with_o power_n have_v overcome_v the_o nature_n of_o all_o man_n insomuch_o that_o there_o be_v no_o sort_n of_o man_n whatever_o to_o be_v see_v among_o who_o the_o doctrine_n of_o jesus_n be_v not_o receive_v and_o to_o 2._o those_o place_n speak_v of_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n tertullian_n add_v the_o mention_n of_o so_o many_o more_o large_a and_o vast_a region_n together_o with_o so_o many_o province_n and_o island_n almost_o hide_v and_o unknown_a before_o beside_o other_o innumerable_a as_o that_o he_o conclude_v though_o the_o most_o flourish_a and_o large_a kingdom_n on_o earth_n have_v their_o limit_n yet_o the_o kingdom_n and_o name_n of_o christ_n spread_v every_o where_o be_v every_o where_o believe_v all_o nation_n every_o where_o worship_v it_o and_o submit_v to_o it_o it_o be_v every_o where_o adore_v and_o to_o all_o every_o 7._o where_o equal_o distribute_v without_o respect_n to_o person_n christ_n to_o all_o be_v equal_a to_o all_o he_o be_v king_n and_o judge_n to_o all_o he_o be_v god_n and_o lord_n not_o long_o after_o he_o arnobius_n ask_v the_o gentile_n whence_o it_o be_v that_o in_o so_o short_a a_o time_n the_o whole_a world_n be_v fill_v with_o christian_a religion_n 1._o but_o in_o this_o case_n methinks_v we_o have_v not_o much_o need_n of_o appeal_n to_o antiquity_n for_o for_o aught_o i_o know_v the_o very_a be_v of_o christianity_n at_o this_o day_n among_o the_o gentile_n be_v a_o demonstration_n that_o the_o prediction_n which_o go_v before_o of_o their_o conversion_n to_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n be_v evident_o fulfil_v what_o therefore_o tertullian_n say_v to_o the_o jew_n may_v well_o enough_o be_v say_v to_o any_o one_o that_o doubt_v it_o what_o we_o see_v do_v thou_o may_v avouch_v with_o confidence_n and_o believe_v without_o hesitance_n the_o like_a may_v we_o do_v concern_v another_o sort_n of_o prediction_n viz._n of_o those_o about_o the_o be_v of_o heresy_n and_o division_n among_o christian_n whereof_o our_o saviour_n give_v more_o than_o a_o intimation_n by_o his_o description_n of_o false_a prophet_n and_o his_o caution_n against_o etc._n they_o and_o the_o apostle_n also_o of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n speak_v before_o and_o tell_v we_o there_o shall_v be_v mocker_n in_o the_o last_o time_n who_o shall_v walk_v after_o their_o own_o ungodly_a 19_o lust_n these_o be_v they_o who_o separate_v themselves_o mocker_n and_o separatist_n they_o can_v not_o be_v without_o heresy_n and_o division_n manifest_a therefore_o it_o be_v the_o apostle_n foretell_v the_o be_v thereof_o among_o christian_n and_o there_o be_v scarce_o any_o call_v by_o that_o name_n but_o can_v bear_v witness_n to_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o it_o yea_o the_o very_a enemy_n of_o christianity_n as_o celsus_n for_o instance_n 3._o take_v notice_n of_o it_o though_o it_o be_v confess_v they_o do_v it_o to_o disgrace_n christianity_n yet_o unaware_o they_o do_v thereby_o somewhat_o confirm_v it_o because_o the_o founder_n foretell_v that_o so_o it_o shall_v be_v in_o after_o age_n and_o that_o in_o very_a deed_n it_o be_v and_o be_v so_o both_o ancient_a and_o modern_a heresy_n together_o with_o our_o present_a division_n be_v so_o sad_a and_o evident_a a_o demonstration_n as_o that_o all_o necessity_n of_o prove_v it_o be_v perfect_o supersede_v obj._n yet_o here_o perhaps_o a_o observation_n which_o origen_n long_o since_o allege_v in_o behalf_n of_o christianity_n may_v ibid._n be_v object_v against_o it_o or_o the_o founder_n of_o it_o viz._n that_o there_o never_o be_v any_o thing_n of_o great_a use_n and_o estimation_n among_o man_n but_o there_o arise_v division_n and_o diversity_n of_o opinion_n and_o sect_n about_o it_o as_o for_o example_n physic_n it_o be_v and_o ever_o be_v hold_v to_o be_v good_a and_o useful_a to_o mankind_n yet_o it_o be_v confess_v that_o among_o the_o greek_n perhaps_o also_o among_o the_o barbarian_n that_o give_v their_o mind_n to_o the_o study_n of_o it_o there_o be_v not_o only_o many_o question_n but_o divers_a sect_n and_o sort_n of_o physician_n thus_o also_o philosophy_n that_o promise_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o direction_n for_o a_o good_a life_n it_o be_v well_o know_v there_o be_v divers_a sect_n about_o it_o some_o more_o some_o less_o famous_a yea_o and_o judaisme_n itself_o though_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v of_o divine_a origine_fw-la yet_o give_v occasion_n to_o sect_n and_o division_n among_o those_o that_o own_v it_o so_o to_o be_v from_o hence_o it_o follow_v that_o though_o it_o be_v grant_v christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n do_v foresee_v and_o foretell_v there_o will_v be_v division_n among_o their_o follower_n yet_o this_o do_v not_o argue_v they_o be_v endue_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n because_o wise_a man_n by_o compare_v thing_n pass_v with_o thing_n present_a may_v guess_v at_o thing_n future_a yea_o by_o the_o strength_n of_o ratiocination_n they_o may_v be_v so_o very_o persuade_v concern_v their_o future_a existence_n as_o that_o with_o some_o confidence_n and_o good_a success_n they_o may_v foretell_v it_o ans_fw-fr it_o seem_v than_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v wise_a man_n otherwise_o they_o can_v not_o have_v be_v author_n of_o such_o conjecture_n but_o that_o their_o wisdom_n be_v herein_o more_o than_o rational_a conjecture_n viz._n supernatural_a foreknowledge_n of_o future_a contingence_n will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v that_o they_o 19_o foretell_v not_o only_o that_o there_o must_v be_v offence_n and_o heresy_n but_o also_o the_o mean_n and_o manner_n of_o their_o production_n viz._n the_o addiction_n and_o design_n the_o artifices_fw-la and_o cunning_a of_o seducer_n together_o with_o the_o nature_n of_o their_o doctrine_n and_o speciousness_n of_o their_o pretence_n all_o which_o i_o say_v be_v plain_o foretell_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n for_o our_o saviour_n give_v caution_n against_o they_o because_o inward_o they_o 15._o be_v raven_a wolf_n and_o st._n paul_n know_v that_o after_o his_o depart_n shall_v grievous_a wolf_n enter_v in_o among_o the_o 29._o elder_n of_o ephesus_n not_o spare_v the_o flock_n whereby_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o they_o will_v be_v man_n of_o a_o avaritious_a rapacious_a humour_n make_v advantage_n to_o themselves_o out_o of_o other_o expense_n and_o destruction_n and_o their_o design_n will_v be_v very_o suitable_a to_o this_o their_o addiction_n for_o it_o be_v to_o be_v to_o draw_v away_o disciple_n 30._o after_o they_o and_o that_o not_o only_o for_o ostentation_n and_o vain_a glory_n but_o for_o their_o own_o more_o real_a profit_n and_o advantage_n for_o through_o covetousness_n they_o will_v make_v 3._o merchandise_n of_o they_o to_o this_o end_n it_o seem_v by_o prediction_n both_o their_o doctrine_n and_o pretence_n be_v to_o be_v very_a subservient_fw-fr for_o though_o by_o their_o doctrine_n 4._o man_n be_v turn_v unto_o fable_n yet_o these_o fable_n as_o st._n peter_n insinuate_v be_v cunning_o devise_v not_o to_o make_v sport_n and_o laughter_n but_o to_o suit_v the_o humour_n of_o man_n that_o they_o may_v privy_o bring_v in_o damnable_a 1._o heresy_n even_o deny_v the_o lord_n that_o buy_v they_o but_o for_o these_o fable_n and_o heresy_n they_o first_o prepare_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n by_o specious_a pretence_n either_o to_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n or_o the_o excellency_n of_o virtue_n or_o the_o gift_n of_o work_a miracle_n for_o they_o be_v to_o come_v 15._o in_o sheep_n clothing_n i._n e._n either_o wear_v sheepskin_n as_o the_o prophet_n sometime_o do_v and_o so_o they_o pretend_v to_o partake_v of_o their_o spirit_n and_o be_v therefore_o here_o caution_v against_o under_o their_o name_n or_o else_o at_o their_o first_o come_v they_o make_v show_v of_o great_a innocence_n and_o meekness_n patience_n and_o humility_n etc._n etc._n but_o it_o be_v but_o the_o 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mechanic_n and_o when_o they_o come_v abroad_o among_o the_o gentile_n they_o be_v look_v on_o as_o foolish_a babbler_n and_o be_v make_v as_o the_o filth_n of_o the_o world_n and_o offscouring_a of_o all_o thing_n be_v these_o man_n likely_a to_o out_o wit_n the_o wise_a one_o and_o to_o baffle_v the_o philosopher_n to_o be_v too_o cunning_a for_o the_o devil_n and_o too_o strong_a for_o the_o power_n of_o darkness_n be_v their_o bare_a word_n likely_a to_o pull_v down_o the_o strong_a hold_v of_o sin_n and_o satan_n and_o to_o convert_v the_o world_n from_o the_o error_n of_o its_o way_n and_o that_o by_o a_o sort_n of_o doctrine_n which_o in_o divers_a point_n seem_v foolishness_n to_o the_o wise_a direct_a opposition_n and_o contrariety_n to_o the_o carnal_a and_o this_o deliver_v not_o with_o entice_v word_n of_o man_n wisdom_n but_o in_o the_o plain_a simplicity_n of_o speech_n naked_o represent_v what_o they_o believe_v have_v see_v and_o hear_v be_v these_o man_n likely_a by_o 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doctrine_n as_o that_o though_o the_o grecian_a and_o roman_a lawgiver_n notwithstanding_o their_o authority_n and_o reputation_n for_o wisdom_n and_o power_n and_o their_o pretence_n to_o inspiration_n from_o the_o god_n then_o worship_v can_v not_o persuade_v even_o their_o next_o neighbour_n but_o only_o their_o own_o immediate_a subject_n to_o embrace_v their_o law_n yet_o the_o apostle_n draw_v not_o only_o they_o but_o all_o barbarous_a legibus_fw-la nation_n to_o the_o love_n of_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o not_o by_o the_o force_n of_o arm_n and_o weapon_n but_o against_o it_o insomuch_o that_o they_o and_o their_o follower_n in_o all_o place_n be_v begird_v with_o reproach_n and_o encircle_v with_o great_a danger_n both_o to_o their_o life_n and_o fortune_n yet_o all_o mankind_n and_o all_o nation_n they_o persuade_v to_o embrace_v the_o faith_n and_o law_n of_o our_o crucify_a jesus_n and_o think_v you_o man_n be_v then_o so_o mortify_v to_o the_o flesh_n and_o crucify_v to_o the_o world_n as_o that_o they_o will_v hazard_v their_o ease_n and_o pleasure_n wealth_n and_o honour_n relation_n and_o life_n and_o all_o that_o be_v dear_a to_o they_o upon_o the_o bare_a word_n of_o a_o few_o private_a person_n preach_v one_o jesus_n crucify_v at_o jerusalem_n think_v you_o that_o that_o can_v have_v do_v it_o without_o the_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o almighty_a work_v miracle_n to_o induce_v and_o persuade_v man_n to_o it_o sure_o all_o nation_n can_v not_o be_v allure_v by_o naked_a asseveration_n or_o induce_v with_o vain_a hope_n to_o jeopard_v their_o life_n when_o they_o see_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o miracle_n to_o invite_v they_o to_o 1._o this_o their_o new_a worship_n it_o be_v hardly_o imaginable_a that_o this_o can_v be_v how_o much_o more_o rational_a therefore_o be_v it_o to_o conclude_v that_o god_n by_o they_o do_v work_v wonder_n and_o many_o miracle_n among_o the_o jew_n and_o heathen_n of_o which_o conclusion_n we_o be_v also_o assure_v by_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o church_n which_o in_o this_o case_n be_v so_o augu_v and_o illustrious_a as_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o want_v to_o make_v it_o most_o absolute_o complete_a and_o perfect_a it_o have_v universality_n antiquity_n and_o consent_v of_o all_o christian_n to_o avouch_v its_o authority_n and_o credibility_n it_o be_v every_o where_o always_o and_o by_o all_o believe_v that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n wrought_v miracle_n to_o confirm_v their_o doctrine_n be_v there_o ever_o any_o nation_n on_o earth_n where_o the_o gospel_n be_v plant_v but_o this_o be_v believe_v of_o they_o and_o what_o age_n have_v ever_o pass_v since_o their_o time_n without_o transmit_v the_o same_o belief_n to_o posterity_n man_n of_o all_o quality_n and_o country_n of_o remote_a region_n and_o different_a custom_n language_n and_o persuasion_n in_o other_o matter_n do_v all_o and_o ever_o do_v agree_v in_o this_o assertion_n thence_o be_v it_o that_o arnobius_n with_o great_a reason_n ask_v the_o gentile_n what_o we_o shall_v say_v of_o the_o man_n of_o that_o time_n viz._n wherein_o the_o gospel_n be_v first_o preach_v be_v they_o so_o vain_a and_o false_a so_o foolish_a and_o brutish_a as_o to_o feign_v themselves_o to_o have_v see_v those_o thing_n they_o never_o see_v and_o so_o by_o false_a witness_n and_o childish_a asseveration_n to_o avouch_v those_o thing_n that_o never_o be_v and_o that_o when_o they_o do_v not_o only_o lose_v the_o sweet_n of_o unanimity_n and_o peaceable_a converse_n with_o their_o old_a acquaintance_n but_o also_o free_o become_v so_o odious_a unto_o they_o as_o that_o their_o very_a name_n be_v execrable_a if_o the_o history_n of_o these_o thing_n be_v false_a whence_o be_v it_o that_o the_o whole_a world_n in_o so_o short_a a_o time_n become_v christian_n or_o that_o nation_n of_o the_o far_a distant_a region_n drive_v as_o it_o be_v with_o the_o wind_n and_o convexion_n of_o heaven_n shall_v yet_o come_v â—od_a together_o in_o this_o one_o mind_n be_v it_o possible_a they_o shall_v be_v all_o deceive_v or_o have_v a_o design_n to_o deceive_v other_o be_v the_o world_n so_o sottish_a as_o that_o it_o can_v be_v so_o imimpose_v on_o or_o be_v it_o so_o knavish_a as_o that_o it_o will_v so_o impose_v on_o all_o other_o yet_o among_o so_o many_o myriad_n both_o of_o deceiver_n and_o deceive_v there_o shall_v be_v none_o able_a and_o willing_a to_o discover_v the_o cheat_n that_o be_v impossible_a and_o so_o it_o will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v the_o circumstance_n of_o that_o testimony_n wherein_o the_o belief_n and_o tradition_n of_o the_o church_n seem_v found_v viz._n the_o time_n and_o place_n wherein_o and_o the_o confidence_n wherewith_o it_o be_v give_v as_o for_o the_o time_n wherein_o it_o be_v first_o report_v that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n wrought_v miracle_n it_o be_v not_o as_o we_o know_v other_o report_n have_v be_v raise_v viz._n long_o after_o the_o fact_n be_v do_v but_o in_o that_o age_n wherein_o the_o doer_n live_v yea_o in_o those_o year_n month_n and_o day_n wherein_o the_o fact_n suppose_v to_o be_v miracle_n be_v do_v while_o all_o man_n be_v muse_v in_o their_o heart_n concern_v the_o wonder_n they_o see_v and_o hear_v and_o consequent_o while_o interest_n in_o some_o and_o curiosity_n in_o other_o do_v prompt_v they_o to_o make_v enquiry_n into_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o report_n and_o while_o if_o false_a it_o may_v most_o easy_o have_v be_v find_v to_o be_v so_o yet_o then_o do_v the_o first_o witness_n of_o these_o thing_n with_o all_o â—oldness_n give_v evidence_n thereof_o and_o that_o not_o in_o place_n far_o remote_a and_o distant_a from_o those_o wherein_o they_o be_v do_v but_o even_o in_o they_o where_o certain_o if_o there_o have_v be_v any_o fraud_n it_o may_v best_o and_o will_v effectual_o have_v be_v discover_v for_o the_o person_n that_o find_v the_o effect_n those_o also_o that_o oppose_v the_o design_n of_o these_o miracle_n viz._n those_o on_o who_o they_o be_v wrought_v and_o those_o who_o be_v enemy_n to_o the_o belief_n of_o they_o be_v then_o and_o there_o live_v when_o and_o where_o the_o report_n be_v first_o spread_v of_o they_o and_o without_o all_o doubt_n in_o those_o time_n and_o place_n wherein_o christianity_n be_v a_o sect_n that_o be_v every_o where_o speak_v against_o there_o want_v not_o 22._o those_o who_o have_v both_o wit_n and_o vigilance_n enough_o to_o have_v discover_v the_o cheat_n and_o falsehood_n if_o there_o have_v be_v any_o to_o be_v find_v either_o in_o the_o pretend_a miracle_n or_o the_o testimony_n that_o be_v give_v of_o they_o and_o be_v it_o not_o very_o strange_a that_o in_o such_o time_n and_o place_n there_o be_v none_o that_o will_v undertake_v to_o
this_o be_v that_o appeal_n of_o minutius_n felix_n to_o other_o heathen_n most_o of_o you_o 23._o know_v that_o they_o themselves_o confess_v themselves_o devil_n as_o oft_o as_o by_o the_o torment_n of_o adjuration_n or_o flame_n of_o devotion_n we_o cast_v they_o out_o of_o possession_n even_o saturn_n serapis_n and_o jupiter_n himself_o and_o whatever_o other_o devil_n you_o worship_v be_v overcome_v with_o grief_n speak_v what_o they_o be_v neither_o lie_v they_o for_o the_o advantage_n of_o their_o villainy_n as_o they_o do_v to_o some_o especial_o of_o you_o that_o patronize_v their_o cause_n confess_v the_o truth_n of_o themselves_o believe_v that_o they_o be_v devil_n themselves_o be_v witness_n for_o be_v adjure_v by_o the_o true_a and_o only_o god_n they_o unwilling_o either_o cling_v to_o the_o miserable_a body_n of_o the_o possess_v or_o else_o they_o forthwith_o forsake_v they_o â—r_o else_o they_o vanish_v by_o degree_n according_a to_o the_o 1â—36_n faith_n of_o the_o patient_n or_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o physician_n about_o the_o same_o time_n origen_n tell_v celsus_n that_o to_o that_o â—ry_a 2._o day_n cures_n be_v wrought_v by_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n and_o again_o afterward_o he_o say_v we_o can_v show_v innumerable_a multitude_n both_o of_o greek_n and_o barbarian_n that_o confess_v the_o faith_n of_o jesus_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o which_o faith_n some_o of_o they_o have_v receive_v something_o miraculous_a the_o sign_n whereof_o they_o show_v by_o cure_v the_o sick_a on_o who_o they_o use_v no_o other_o mean_n of_o recovery_n but_o call_v on_o the_o god_n of_o all_o and_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n together_o with_o the_o history_n of_o he_o for_o by_o these_o mean_v we_o ourselves_o hâ—ve_v see_v many_o rescue_v from_o grievous_a evil_n distraction_n and_o madness_n and_o many_o other_o disease_n which_o neither_o man_n nor_o devil_n be_v 3._o able_a to_o cure_v and_o that_o the_o christian_n of_o that_o age_n wrought_v not_o these_o cure_n by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o devil_n he_o far_o yet_o make_v evident_a by_o their_o ejection_n of_o he_o wherever_o they_o find_v he_o the_o power_n of_o christ_n do_v so_o triumph_v over_o he_o as_o that_o almost_o the_o mean_a christian_n can_v dispossess_v he_o for_o more_o than_o a_o few_o of_o they_o be_v able_a to_o drive_v he_o away_o from_o they_o that_o suffer_v by_o he_o and_o that_o without_o any_o curious_a magical_a or_o poisonous_a thing_n but_o only_o by_o prayer_n and_o pure_a invocation_n such_o as_o a_o simple_a 7._o man_n may_v make_v for_o private_a christian_n most_o frequent_o do_v it_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o word_n thereby_o discover_v the_o contemptibleness_n and_o weakness_n of_o the_o devil_n be_v that_o in_o order_n to_o their_o ejection_n from_o the_o soul_n and_o body_n of_o a_o man_n there_o be_v no_o need_n so_o much_o as_o of_o a_o wise_a man_n or_o one_o that_o be_v mighty_a in_o rational_a demonstration_n of_o the_o faith_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n st._n cyprian_n wish_v that_o the_o proconsul_n of_o africa_n a_o great_a persecutor_n of_o the_o christian_n will_v hear_v and_o see_v the_o devil_n who_o he_o worship_v as_o go_n when_o say_v he_o we_o adjure_v and_o vex_v they_o with_o spiritual_a scourge_v and_o when_o by_o the_o torment_n of_o word_n we_o cast_v they_o out_o of_o possess_v body_n when_o at_o the_o word_n of_o man_n by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n as_o it_o be_v feel_v stripe_n and_o scourge_v they_o cry_v out_o and_o groan_n and_o confess_v there_o be_v a_o judgement_n to_o come_v come_v and_o know_v that_o what_o we_o say_v be_v true_a and_o because_o thou_o say_v thou_o so_o worship_v the_o god_n either_o believe_v those_o who_o thou_o do_v worship_n or_o if_o thou_o will_v believe_v thyself_o he_o that_o have_v now_o besiege_v thy_o breast_n and_o blind_v thy_o mind_n with_o a_o night_n of_o ignorance_n shall_v spâ—â—k_v iâ—â—hy_a hâ—â—ring_n concern_v thyself_o thou_o shall_v see_v that_o we_o be_v entreat_v by_o those_o of_o who_o thou_o be_v afraid_a and_o adore_v thou_o shall_v see_v they_o sâ—and_v bind_v under_o our_o hand_n and_o tremble_v bâ—ing_a captive_n who_o thou_o do_v honour_n and_o venerate_a as_o lord_n and_o demâ—trianum_n after_o he_o laâ—tantius_n testify_v that_o they_o fly_v from_o the_o just_a and_o tremble_v because_o when_o they_o possess_v the_o body_n of_o man_n and_o vex_v their_o soul_n be_v by_o they_o adjure_v the_o name_n of_o the_o true_a god_n chase_v they_o away_o for_o have_v hear_v it_o they_o tremble_v cry_v out_o and_o testify_v that_o they_o be_v burn_v and_o scourge_v and_o be_v ask_v who_o they_o be_v when_o when_o they_o come_v and_o how_o they_o enter_v into_o a_o man_n they_o confess_v be_v thus_o constrain_v and_o torture_v by_o the_o virtue_n of_o god_n name_n they_o be_v banish_v because_o of_o these_o lash_n and_o threaten_n they_o have_v always_o hate_v holy_a and_o just_a man_n and_o because_o by_o themselves_o they_o can_v hurt_v they_o those_o who_o they_o feel_v grievous_a to_o they_o they_o pursue_v with_o public_a hatred_n and_o exercise_v cruelty_n as_o violent_o as_o they_o can_v either_o that_o by_o grief_n they_o may_v diminish_v their_o faith_n or_o if_o they_o can_v effect_v that_o that_o they_o may_v utter_o take_v they_o 22._o from_o the_o earth_n leâ—t_v they_o shall_v survive_v to_o restrain_v their_o wickedness_n now_o than_o this_o what_o be_v there_o more_o demonstrative_a that_o christian_a miracle_n be_v not_o wrought_v by_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n since_o they_o bind_v and_o scourge_v he_o take_v he_o captive_a and_o thrâ—w_v he_o out_o of_o possession_n it_o be_v manifest_v the_o power_n that_o do_v they_o be_v great_a than_o he_o and_o contrary_a to_o it_o and_o can_v he_o give_v great_a power_n than_o he_o himself_o have_v no_o sure_o nor_o will_v he_o neither_o indeed_o can_v he_o change_v himself_o into_o a_o angel_n of_o light_a to_o destroy_v but_o only_o to_o uphold_v the_o kingdom_n of_o darkness_n and_o if_o that_o be_v impossible_a much_o more_o so_o be_v it_o for_o he_o to_o have_v give_v power_n to_o one_o that_o at_o the_o invocation_n of_o his_o name_n by_o other_o not_o only_o all_o disease_n shall_v be_v heal_v but_o also_o he_o himself_o torment_v and_o eject_v this_o power_n arnobius_n observe_v that_o jupiter_n câ—pitolinus_n himself_o scarce_o grant_v to_o any_o moral_a no_o not_o to_o his_o own_o chief_a priâ—â—â—_n i_o wilâ—_n not_o demand_v say_v he_o that_o he_o shall_v râ—ise_v the_o dead_a or_o restore_v light_n unto_o the_o blind_a or_o give_v strength_n and_o beauty_n to_o the_o lame_a and_o deform_v but_o that_o either_o by_o the_o command_n of_o his_o voice_n or_o touch_n of_o his_o hand_n he_o shall_v so_o much_o as_o suppress_v a_o pimple_n a_o â—lâ—ft_n from_o the_o nail_n or_o wheal_n of_o the_o skin_n and_o since_o so_o trivial_a a_o power_n as_o this_o be_v not_o confer_v by_o the_o chief_a of_o the_o god_n he_o may_v well_o as_o he_o do_v with_o confidence_n challenge_v the_o gentile_n to_o summon_v the_o most_o renown_a magician_n from_o all_o quarter_n to_o give_v to_o one_o of_o the_o people_n power_n â—o_o make_v the_o dumb_a to_o speak_v the_o deaf_a to_o hear_v the_o born-blind_a to_o see_v to_o restore_v sense_n and_o motion_n to_o member_n long_o cold_a and_o wither_v or_o if_o that_o be_v a_o hard_a matter_n such_o as_o they_o can_v give_v power_n of_o do_v unto_o other_o let_v they_o do_v it_o themselves_o and_o that_o with_o their_o rite_n too_o whatever_o poisonous_a herb_n the_o bosom_n of_o the_o earth_n do_v nourish_v whatever_o force_n there_o be_v in_o their_o rumble_a of_o word_n and_o the_o adjoin_v causality_n of_o verse_n we_o envy_v it_o not_o let_v they_o gather_v it_o it_o like_v we_o to_o try_v and_o know_v whether_o they_o with_o their_o god_n can_v do_v that_o which_o country_n christian_n can_v by_o their_o naked_a command_n 1._o and_o it_o seem_v by_o st._n austin_n that_o this_o power_n of_o work_a miracle_n continue_v in_o the_o church_n though_o not_o so_o conspicuous_o a_o long_a time_n after_o for_o he_o testify_v that_o even_o in_o his_o time_n viz._n in_o the_o four_o century_n miracle_n be_v do_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n either_o by_o his_o sacrament_n or_o by_o prayer_n at_o the_o monument_n of_o his_o saint_n and_o for_o proof_n hereof_o he_o relate_v the_o story_n of_o divers_a whereof_o 8._o he_o himself_o have_v be_v a_o eye-witness_n thus_o apparent_a it_o be_v and_o much_o more_o abundant_o evident_a may_v it_o be_v make_v that_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n for_o several_a age_n after_o his_o death_n wrought_v miracle_n in_o his_o name_n and_o cast_v out_o devil_n and_o sure_o these_o miracle_n of_o they_o do_v conciliate_v authority_n
their_o fault_n if_o they_o do_v not_o receive_v benefit_n by_o they_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v so_o sufficient_o attest_v as_o that_o be_v it_o not_o for_o prejudice_n or_o laziness_n inadvertence_n or_o one_o such_o vice_n or_o other_o i_o very_o think_v there_o neither_o be_v nor_o ever_o be_v any_o consider_a man_n in_o the_o world_n but_o either_o he_o be_v or_o may_v thereby_o have_v be_v convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o doctrine_n and_o so_o bless_v by_o the_o excellency_n of_o their_o religion_n as_o that_o his_o mind_n shall_v no_o long_o be_v blind_v with_o superstition_n or_o fluctuate_v in_o uncertainty_n but_o shall_v know_v assure_o where_o to_o have_v the_o most_o perfect_a object_n of_o all_o his_o faculty_n how_o great_a then_o i_o say_v be_v the_o goodness_n of_o these_o miracle_n that_o confirm_v such_o a_o treasure_n unto_o we_o how_o plain_o do_v it_o show_v their_o descent_n from_o the_o essential_a and_o eternal_a goodness_n viz._n god_n himself_o for_o who_o but_o a_o almighty_a goodness_n can_v be_v author_n of_o such_o production_n such_o unparalleled_a instance_n of_o love_n and_o kindness_n such_o inimitable_a beneficence_n so_o immense_a and_o immix_v a_o goodness_n from_o who_o can_v it_o come_v but_o from_o god_n who_o be_v love_n and_o goodness_n itself_o in_o my_o apprehension_n therefore_o the_o goodness_n of_o these_o miracle_n show_v as_o plain_o that_o they_o be_v the_o work_n of_o god_n in_o testimony_n to_o his_o word_n as_o the_o image_n and_o superscription_n on_o the_o money_n do_v that_o the_o coin_n be_v caesar_n let_v we_o then_o lay_v all_o these_o thing_n together_o viz_o that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n do_v take_v upon_o they_o the_o office_n of_o prophet_n and_o that_o have_v the_o antecedent_n to_o or_o concomitant_a attendant_n on_o the_o prophetic_a spirit_n they_o therein_o neither_o be_v deceive_v nor_o have_v a_o design_n to_o deceive_v other_o and_o by_o their_o prediction_n exact_o accomplish_v it_o appear_v that_o they_o have_v such_o certain_a foreknowledge_n as_o no_o man_n by_o any_o art_n or_o science_n whatever_o can_v possible_o have_v of_o god_n eternal_a purpose_n concern_v future_a contingence_n and_o beside_o this_o supernatural_a knowledge_n to_o confirm_v their_o doctrine_n or_o demonstrate_v their_o mission_n from_o god_n to_o teach_v it_o they_o wrought_v such_o miracle_n as_o in_o the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o their_o nature_n and_o the_o incomparableness_n of_o their_o number_n greatness_n and_o goodness_n do_v most_o evident_o and_o eminent_o appear_v to_o be_v the_o work_n of_o god_n and_o consequent_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n who_o do_v they_o be_v teacher_n of_o such_o a_o excellent_a wisdom_n as_o the_o world_n know_v not_o before_o be_v therein_o inspire_v by_o god_n and_o so_o prophet_n chap._n vi_o some_o use_n that_o may_v be_v make_v of_o this_o doctrine_n thus_o have_v we_o pass_v through_o the_o several_a part_n of_o the_o propose_a method_n and_o in_o so_o do_v have_v i_o hope_v find_v the_o truth_n of_o our_o assertion_n sufficient_o evince_v and_o if_o so_o it_o be_v than_o thence_o sure_o we_o may_v see_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o christian_a religion_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o insufficiency_n of_o humane_a reason_n and_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o christian_a faith_n hope_n and_o practice_n sect._n 1_o 1._o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o christian_a religion_n it_o be_v not_o of_o so_o base_a and_o low_a a_o extraction_n as_o to_o spring_v from_o a_o opinion_n of_o ghost_n or_o ignorance_n of_o 12._o second_o cause_n devotion_n towards_o what_o man_n fear_v or_o the_o mistake_n of_o thing_n casual_a for_o prognostic_n but_o it_o be_v a_o heavenborn_a thing_n it_o descend_v from_o the_o father_n of_o light_n it_o derive_v its_o pedigree_n from_o god_n himself_o and_o have_v the_o image_n not_o only_o of_o his_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n but_o likewise_o of_o his_o dominion_n and_o lordship_n enstamp_v upon_o it_o in_o so_o much_o that_o it_o bring_v its_o own_o obligation_n along_o with_o it_o and_o make_v it_o not_o only_o convenient_a but_o necessary_a not_o only_a prudence_n in_o we_o but_o duty_n to_o receive_v it_o for_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v prophet_n do_v not_o only_o teach_v it_o by_o god_n commandment_n and_o direrection_n ibid._n but_o also_o in_o so_o do_v they_o lay_v the_o high_a obligation_n that_o can_v be_v on_o all_o to_o receive_v it_o god_n we_o know_v be_v the_o supreme_a lord_n the_o fountain_n of_o all_o just_a authority_n be_v in_o he_o as_o therefore_o watâ—rs_n drink_n sweet_a out_o of_o a_o fountain_n so_o those_o law_n that_o come_v as_o the_o word_n of_o prophecy_n do_v immediate_o from_o god_n have_v the_o high_a majesty_n and_o authority_n enstamp_v upon_o they_o for_o this_o cause_n the_o jew_n when_o they_o be_v assure_v of_o any_o man_n call_v to_o the_o prophetic_a office_n think_v themselves_o oblige_v and_o bind_v to_o obey_v he_o in_o all_o thing_n except_o idolatry_n yea_o though_o he_o require_v the_o omission_n of_o the_o affirmative_a or_o the_o do_n of_o the_o negative_a precept_n of_o their_o law_n notwithstanding_o their_o mighty_a zeal_n for_o their_o law_n and_o the_o profound_a reverence_n they_o have_v for_o moses_n their_o master_n yet_o they_o judge_v it_o their_o indispensable_a duty_n in_o all_o thing_n to_o obey_v the_o prophet_n and_o whosoever_o will_v not_o they_o hold_v worthy_a and_o guilty_a of_o death_n by_o the_o immediate_a hand_n of_o heaven_n this_o be_v the_o opinion_n of_o their_o wise_a man_n in_o the_o talmud_n where_o they_o say_v in_o all_o thing_n except_o idolatry_n if_o a_o prophet_n zâ—r_n say_v unto_o thou_o transgress_v the_o law_n thou_o shall_v obey_v he_o and_o good_a reason_n too_o for_o a_o prophet_n be_v 36._o god_n spokesman_n to_o the_o people_n his_o herald_n to_o proclaim_v his_o law_n there_o be_v good_a reason_n he_o shall_v be_v hear_v and_o attend_v to_o whosoever_o else_o be_v neglect_v the_o reason_n be_v because_o the_o word_n of_o prophecy_n come_v immediate_o from_o god_n be_v clothe_v with_o his_o authority_n and_o if_o where_o the_o word_n of_o a_o king_n be_v there_o be_v power_n much_o more_o methinks_v be_v there_o where_o the_o word_n of_o he_o be_v by_o who_o king_n reign_n have_v not_o this_o be_v the_o dictate_v of_o natural_a reason_n numa_n pompilius_n and_o other_o ancient_a lawgiver_n among_o the_o heathen_n have_v be_v very_o foolish_a as_o well_o as_o false_a in_o pretend_v to_o have_v receive_v their_o law_n from_o the_o god_n but_o man_n natural_a reason_n tell_v they_o that_o the_o high_a authority_n of_o man_n be_v far_o inferior_a to_o that_o of_o god_n this_o politic_a pretence_n be_v think_v a_o very_a effectual_a engine_n to_o make_v man_n obedient_a to_o their_o law_n and_o this_o engine_n we_o see_v be_v to_o stand_v upon_o the_o ground_n that_o god_n above_o all_o be_v to_o be_v obey_v since_o than_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v prophet_n those_o be_v no_o good_a subject_n unto_o god_n yea_o they_o be_v worse_o than_o jew_n or_o heathen_n that_o deny_v the_o religion_n that_o they_o have_v teach_v we_o to_o have_v power_n of_o bind_v we_o to_o receive_v it_o obj._n yet_o the_o leviathan_n will_v have_v it_o in_o and_o of_o itself_o to_o have_v none_o for_o it_o faith_n express_o the_o precept_n repent_v be_v baptise_a keep_v the_o commandment_n believe_v the_o gospel_n come_v unto_o i_o sell_v all_o that_o thou_o have_v give_v it_o to_o the_o poor_a and_o follow_v i_o be_v not_o command_n but_o invitation_n and_o calling_n of_o mâ—n_z to_o christianity_n like_o that_o of_o isaiah_n ho_o every_o man_n 1_o that_o thirst_v come_v you_o to_o the_o water_n come_v and_o 42._o buy_v wine_n and_o milk_n without_o money_n ans_fw-fr the_o difference_n between_o precept_n and_o command_n especial_o in_o point_n of_o obligation_n i_o be_o hardly_o so_o subtle_a as_o to_o understand_v i_o have_v read_v indeed_o that_o the_o jew_n put_v a_o difference_n between_o law_n statute_n and_o judgement_n but_o hardly_o ever_o that_o either_o they_o oâ—_n the_o gentile_n find_v any_o between_o precept_n and_o command_n but_o this_o be_v a_o matter_n too_o trivial_a to_o be_v debate_v whether_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o profound_a piâ—ce_n of_o subtlety_n or_o a_o contradiction_n i_o shall_v not_o now_o take_v upon_o i_o to_o determine_v but_o let_v it_o pass_v as_o a_o specimen_fw-la of_o that_o extraordinary_a wit_n which_o the_o treatise_n of_o human_a reason_n observe_v in_o that_o author_n we_o shall_v inquire_v why_o he_o â—aith_v so_o viz._n why_o he_o â—aith_v that_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o its_o calling_n of_o man_n to_o christianity_n have_v not_o the_o obligation_n of_o command_n in_o they_o his_o reason_n be_v
these_o qualification_n as_o we_o have_v also_o see_v take_v away_o all_o cause_n of_o suspicion_n that_o the_o prophet_n either_o be_v deceive_v or_o have_v a_o design_n to_o deceive_v other_o in_o their_o prophecy_n and_o beside_o that_o either_o by_o prediction_n or_o miracle_n they_o give_v such_o evidence_n of_o a_o prophetic_a spirit_n as_o can_v possible_o come_v from_o none_o but_o god_n and_o therefore_o in_o motive_n of_o credibility_n a_o word_n of_o prophecy_n do_v far_o exceed_v a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n because_o for_o aught_o we_o know_v the_o prince_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o air_n may_v deceive_v we_o with_o something_o like_o it_o or_o the_o pretend_a hearer_n of_o it_o be_v it_o may_v be_v themselves_o deceive_v or_o have_v a_o design_n to_o deceive_v other_o since_o than_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n as_o we_o have_v large_o prove_v be_v a_o sort_n of_o prophet_n that_o most_o eminent_o have_v all_o the_o qualification_n requisite_a to_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n and_o both_o by_o prediction_n and_o miracle_n give_v thâ—_n clear_a evidence_n that_o ever_o the_o world_n have_v of_o it_o we_o have_v the_o high_a reason_n whereof_o a_o revelation_n be_v capable_a most_o firm_o to_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n that_o they_o have_v teach_v we_o what_o though_o the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n be_v as_o without_o controversy_n it_o be_v very_o great_a yet_o the_o theist_n of_o our_o age_n have_v no_o reason_n on_o that_o account_n to_o disbelieve_v it_o for_o though_o perhaps_o it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o expect_v that_o our_o religion_n shall_v befriend_v our_o reason_n yet_o not_o so_o far_o as_o to_o make_v it_o the_o rule_n and_o measure_n of_o divine_a revelation_n the_o reason_n be_v because_o the_o divine_a intellect_n be_v infinite_a and_o we_o finite_a although_o therefore_o without_o a_o experiment_n or_o other_o demonstration_n there_o seem_v to_o be_v no_o obligation_n on_o we_o firm_o to_o assent_v to_o any_o thing_n in_o philosophy_n yet_o be_v we_o not_o permit_v to_o be_v such_o virtuosâ—_n in_o religion_n the_o reason_n be_v because_o thing_n in_o themselves_o uncapable_a of_o a_o demonstration_n be_v reveal_v with_o a_o command_n to_o believe_v and_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o make_v they_o a_o râ—morâ—_n to_o our_o belief_n for_o as_o after_o all_o our_o search_n into_o nature_n and_o great_a discovery_n of_o thing_n therein_o we_o be_v force_v to_o confess_v there_o may_v be_v more_o in_o her_o dark_a bosom_n than_o we_o can_v discover_v and_o we_o on_o that_o account_n have_v no_o reason_n to_o deny_v the_o be_v of_o nature_n so_o also_o in_o thing_n reveal_v if_o after_o all_o our_o hard_a study_n we_o can_v comprehend_v they_o we_o thereupon_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o deny_v the_o be_v of_o they_o because_o god_n who_o have_v make_v may_v also_o reveal_v thing_n that_o pass_v our_o understanding_n if_o therefore_o there_o be_v evidence_n sufficient_a to_o convince_v the_o understanding_n as_o in_o the_o case_n now_o before_o we_o there_o be_v that_o the_o revelation_n come_v from_o god_n there_o be_v no_o reason_n on_o the_o account_n of_o its_o mystery_n to_o reject_v it_o and_o indeed_o the_o mystery_n of_o christianity_n be_v so_o far_o from_o give_v just_a occasion_n of_o unbelief_n as_o that_o they_o be_v apt_a to_o strengthen_v our_o faith_n in_o it_o for_o the_o gospel_n teach_v we_o to_o glorify_v god_n in_o 20._o our_o spirit_n as_o well_o as_o body_n it_o be_v very_o reasonable_a and_o convenient_a that_o it_o shall_v require_v we_o to_o honour_v he_o by_o the_o submission_n of_o our_o understanding_n to_o indemonstrable_v revelation_n as_o well_o as_o by_o the_o obedience_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o life_n unto_o his_o law_n and_o therefore_o as_o it_o be_v fit_v for_o we_o to_o obey_v the_o divine_a law_n though_o our_o will_n reluct_v never_o so_o much_o against_o it_o so_o also_o be_v it_o for_o we_o to_o believe_v whatever_o god_n have_v reveal_v think_v never_o so_o improbable_a to_o our_o understanding_n for_o unless_o we_o do_v so_o we_o shall_v undoubted_o fall_v short_a of_o our_o duty_n which_o in_o this_o case_n without_o dispute_n be_v to_o tread_v in_o the_o step_n of_o our_o father_n abraham_n who_o give_v glory_n to_o god_n by_o be_v so_o strong_a in_o faith_n as_o to_o believe_v that_o that_o be_v impossible_a in_o nature_n and_o therefore_o incredible_a unto_o reason_n if_o we_o will_v believe_v no_o more_o than_o what_o we_o can_v demonstrate_v to_o be_v true_a our_o assent_n be_v not_o faith_n but_o science_n for_o it_o be_v not_o build_v upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o god_n testimony_n but_o on_o demonstration_n from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n testify_v and_o so_o it_o honour_v not_o god_n at_o all_o because_o it_o receive_v not_o the_o truth_n for_o his_o sake_n but_o he_o for_o the_o truth_n sake_n and_o so_o it_o pay_v no_o respect_n to_o his_o word_n but_o only_o to_o our_o own_o ratiocination_n but_o forasmuch_o as_o the_o mind_n assent_v to_o testimony_n as_o well_o as_o reason_n and_o the_o divine_a prerogative_n extend_v itself_o to_o the_o whole_a man_n that_o religion_n that_o become_v god_n and_o it_o be_v suitable_a to_o man_n must_v have_v something_o in_o it_o to_o exercise_v this_o his_o innate_a power_n about_o and_o for_o this_o cause_n the_o mystery_n of_o christianity_n ought_v to_o be_v look_v on_o as_o a_o motive_n to_o believe_v rather_o than_o to_o reject_v it_o for_o be_v there_o no_o mystery_n in_o it_o we_o shall_v have_v some_o reason_n to_o entertain_v a_o temptation_n to_o think_v that_o it_o be_v not_o of_o god_n because_o whatsoever_o else_o we_o be_v assure_v there_o be_v have_v something_o in_o it_o that_o exceed_v the_o reach_n of_o our_o reason_n yea_o and_o conjecture_n too_o for_o if_o we_o contemplate_v the_o work_n of_o creation_n thing_n that_o we_o daily_o see_v and_o handle_v which_o â—eem_v to_o lie_v level_a with_o our_o understanding_n yet_o after_o our_o most_o accurate_a researche_n into_o their_o nature_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o the_o most_o pierce_a judgement_n or_o profound_a reason_n be_v not_o able_a to_o solve_v all_o the_o phaenomena_n or_o attain_v to_o a_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o they_o and_o who_o be_v there_o that_o observe_v well_o the_o dispensation_n of_o divine_a providence_n but_o may_v therein_o find_v such_o riddle_n as_o his_o reason_n can_v unfold_v such_o mystery_n as_o baffle_v his_o understanding_n and_o confound_v his_o curiosity_n in_o his_o inquire_n after_o the_o cause_n of_o they_o the_o end_n and_o reason_n of_o god_n proceed_n with_o man_n although_o always_o most_o just_a and_o righteous_a yet_o very_o often_o be_v so_o secret_a and_o hide_a as_o that_o they_o convince_v we_o his_o judgement_n be_v unsearchable_a and_o his_o way_n past_o find_v out_o and_o from_o the_o work_n of_o creation_n and_o providence_n result_v a_o natural_a religion_n the_o chief_a principle_n whereof_o we_o know_v be_v that_o there_o be_v a_o be_v infinite_a in_o all_o perfection_n this_o be_v the_o dictate_v of_o reason_n as_o well_o as_o conscience_n yet_o reason_n can_v fathom_v the_o depth_n of_o it_o for_o it_o have_v only_o a_o negative_a conception_n of_o infinity_o and_o whatever_o there_o be_v that_o it_o have_v no_o conception_n of_o do_v undoubted_o surpass_v its_o reach_n and_o comprehension_n so_o that_o natural_a theology_n as_o well_o as_o reveal_v have_v its_o mystery_n if_o therefore_o christianity_n have_v none_o how_o unlike_a will_v it_o be_v to_o all_o thing_n else_o in_o the_o world_n that_o have_v god_n for_o their_o author_n how_o just_a a_o prejudice_n will_v this_o be_v to_o the_o reception_n of_o it_o as_o divine_a truth_n and_o revelation_n who_o will_v believe_v it_o to_o be_v of_o god_n when_o he_o see_v nothing_o that_o surpass_v man_n in_o it_o how_o decent_a then_o and_o useful_a be_v the_o mystery_n of_o christianity_n since_o they_o make_v it_o like_v to_o all_o thing_n else_o of_o god_n make_v they_o beautify_v and_o adorn_v it_o with_o fair_a character_n than_o otherwise_o it_o will_v have_v of_o god_n image_n on_o it_o and_o the_o fair_a the_o character_n of_o his_o image_n be_v upon_o it_o the_o more_o legible_a be_v his_o truth_n in_o it_o for_o infiniteness_n of_o truth_n be_v inseparable_a from_o right_a reason_n idea_n of_o deity_n and_o where_o there_o be_v infiniteness_n of_o truth_n there_o be_v no_o possibility_n of_o a_o lie_n mistake_v or_o deceit_n and_o where_o these_o be_v exclude_v there_o be_v no_o room_n for_o hesitance_n or_o doubt_v but_o the_o strong_a reason_n imaginable_a to_o believe_v since_o therefore_o our_o christian_a faith_n have_v the_o impression_n of_o god_n image_n on_o it_o and_o the_o word_n of_o prophecy_n reveal_v it_o it_o be_v most_o high_o reasonable_a to_o believe_v it_o sect._n 5._o
follow_v his_o example_n with_o what_o vigorous_a resolution_n may_v it_o inspirit_v we_o with_o what_o magnaninmity_n and_o fortitude_n notwithstanding_o all_o opposition_n mâ—y_v it_o animate_v and_o embolden_v we_o to_o wressle_v not_o with_o â—lâ—sh_n and_o blood_n only_o but_o with_o principality_n and_o power_n with_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o darkness_n of_o this_o world_n and_o spiritual_a wickedness_n in_o high_a plaâ—â—s_n since_o the_o captain_n of_o our_o salvation_n all_o alone_a and_o that_o when_o he_o be_v at_o the_o low_a both_o in_o single_a duel_n and_o when_o their_o force_n be_v unite_v against_o he_o have_v foil_v and_o beat_v both_o he_o and_o our_o enemy_n and_o be_v now_o make_v perfect_a in_o glory_n and_o power_n over_o they_o who_o shall_v we_o fear_v of_o who_o nâ—ed_v we_o be_v afraid_a in_o the_o way_n of_o our_o duty_n when_o we_o consider_v that_o he_o who_o uphold_v all_o thing_n by_o the_o word_n of_o his_o power_n by_o which_o also_o they_o be_v make_v to_o bow_v unto_o and_o ob_fw-la y_o he_o do_v himself_o sympathize_v with_o we_o in_o all_o our_o prâ—ssures_n and_o trouble_n affliction_n and_o temptation_n to_o the_o end_n that_o he_o may_v be_v able_a i._n e._n affectionate_o dispose_v to_o succour_v and_o therein_o to_o help_v we_o how_o exceed_o almost_o infinite_o do_v it_o preponderate_a and_o outweigh_v all_o the_o discouragement_n that_o we_o can_v possible_o find_v or_o fancy_n either_o from_o the_o imbecility_n of_o humane_a nature_n or_o the_o power_n of_o temptation_n or_o whatever_o other_o topic_n there_o be_v from_o whence_o man_n think_v to_o draw_v excuse_n for_o their_o disobedience_n how_o do_v they_o all_o vanish_v and_o evaporate_v into_o air_n before_o this_o one_o consideration_n viz._n that_o he_o who_o now_o govern_v the_o world_n and_o shall_v hereafter_o judge_v it_o be_v touch_v with_o a_o feel_n of_o our_o infirmity_n and_o be_v able_a to_o succour_v they_o that_o be_v tempt_v what_o encouragement_n can_v we_o desire_v or_o indeed_o can_v he_o give_v we_o great_a than_o this_o to_o continue_v his_o faithful_a souldiâ—rs_n and_o servant_n unto_o our_o life_n end_n let_v we_o then_o hear_v the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o whole_a matter_n which_o be_v this_o that_o see_v our_o blessed_a lord_n jesus_n in_o redeem_v we_o have_v so_o effectual_o rescue_v we_o out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o sâ—_n bring_v we_o into_o the_o liberty_n of_o god_n service_n as_o that_o the_o prince_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o air_n who_o rule_v in_o the_o child_n of_o disobedience_n can_v now_o approach_v to_o hurt_v we_o without_o his_o permission_n and_o our_o own_o unworthy_a defection_n from_o he_o he_o have_v thereby_o obtain_v such_o a_o indisputable_a right_n of_o dominion_n over_o we_o as_o that_o his_o command_n do_v most_o evident_o lay_v the_o obligation_n of_o most_o just_a authority_n upon_o we_o and_o forasmuch_o as_o christ_n in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o flesh_n make_v such_o a_o all-sufficient_a atonement_n to_o his_o father_n and_o now_o live_v to_o make_v such_o intercession_n for_o we_o as_o have_v and_o do_v procure_v to_o we_o the_o most_o inestimable_a benefit_n and_o favour_n that_o in_o this_o life_n can_v be_v confer_v on_o we_o the_o most_o ample_a and_o the_o high_a satisfaction_n that_o our_o reason_n can_v expect_v to_o find_v in_o our_o religion_n together_o with_o the_o great_a encouragement_n that_o our_o soul_n can_v have_v to_o obey_v it_o we_o must_v of_o necessity_n by_o the_o rule_n of_o gratitude_n i._n e._n by_o the_o law_n of_o our_o own_o nature_n be_v most_o high_o oblige_v so_o to_o do_v for_o that_o a_o man_n which_o receive_v benefit_n from_o another_o of_o mere_a grace_n endeavour_v that_o he_o which_o give_v it_o have_v no_o reasonable_a cause_n to_o repeâ—t_v he_o of_o his_o good_a will_n the_o leviathan_n itself_o grant_v to_o be_v a_o 15._o law_n of_o nature_n although_o this_o be_v true_a yet_o be_v it_o but_o a_o ill-favoured_a definition_n of_o gratitude_n for_o it_o deform_v the_o face_n of_o that_o fair_a virtue_n as_o if_o it_o look_v direct_o only_a on_o itself_o and_o asquint_o upon_o its_o benefactor_n and_o have_v no_o design_n but_o only_o to_o avoid_v a_o impendent_a evil_n viz._n his_o repentance_n of_o his_o good_a will_n but_o there_o be_v more_o in_o it_o than_o so_o for_o it_o belong_v to_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o for_o a_o benefit_n receive_v from_o any_o one_o present_o in_o heart_n and_o good_a will_v large_o to_o requite_v the_o 5._o donor_n and_o afterward_o seasonable_o to_o do_v it_o in_o word_n and_o deed_n according_a to_o the_o affection_n of_o the_o giver_n â—nd_v the_o ability_n of_o the_o receiver_n and_o to_o this_o we_o be_v oblige_v by_o the_o very_a law_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o consequent_o this_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o do_v unto_o god_n for_o the_o benefit_n of_o our_o redemption_n by_o our_o bless_a lord_n jesus_n but_o alas_o they_o be_v so_o free_a and_o transcendent_o great_a as_o that_o they_o infinite_o exceed_v all_o requital_n and_o justify_v astonishment_n at_o the_o goodness_n of_o the_o donor_n what_o then_o shall_v we_o render_v unto_o the_o lord_n for_o they_o it_o be_v evident_a we_o can_v be_v sufficient_o thankful_a yet_o the_o fruit_n of_o our_o lip_n give_v thanks_o to_o his_o name_n and_o that_o of_o our_o life_n in_o keep_v his_o commandment_n it_o be_v manifest_a we_o may_v render_v unto_o he_o can_v we_o do_v more_o more_o we_o shall_v be_v oblige_v to_o do_v the_o very_a law_n of_o our_o own_o nature_n will_v tell_v we_o that_o both_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o benefit_n and_o the_o affection_n of_o the_o giver_n will_v deserve_v it_o at_o our_o hand_n how_o just_a therefore_o and_o reasonable_a be_v it_o for_o we_o to_o do_v what_o we_o can_v i._o e._n out_o of_o a_o principle_n of_o love_n and_o gratitude_n and_o not_o of_o fear_n only_o to_o keep_v his_o commandment_n and_o what_o ever_o it_o cost_v we_o to_o walâ—_n in_o the_o same_o to_o our_o life_n end_v which_o god_n of_o his_o mercy_n grant_v all_o man_n grace_v to_o do_v through_o the_o same_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n to_o who_o with_o the_o father_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v glory_n and_o honour_n power_n and_o dominion_n praise_n and_o thanksgiving_n world_n without_o end_n amen_n finis_fw-la book_n print_v for_o william_n crook_n at_o the_o green-dragon_n without_o temple-bar_n 1679._o 1._o the_o complete_a vineyard_n or_o a_o most_o excellent_a way_n for_o the_o plant_n of_o vine_n in_o england_n and_o to_o make_v winâ—_n of_o their_o grape_n according_a to_o the_o french_a and_o german_a way_n by_o w._n hughes_n price_n 2_o s._n 2._o a_o description_n of_o candia_n with_o a_o account_n of_o the_o siege_n and_o surrender_n of_o it_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o turk_n octa_fw-la price_n 1_o s._n 3._o the_o deaf_a and_o dumb_a man_n discourse_n be_v a_o discourse_n of_o such_o as_o be_v bear_v deaf_a and_o dumb_a show_v how_o they_o may_v express_v the_o sentiment_n of_o their_o mind_n together_o with_o a_o account_n of_o the_o rationality_n of_o beast_n particular_o of_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o elephant_n price_n 1_o s._n 4._o a_o answer_n to_o mr._n fergusons_n doctrine_n about_o christ_n justification_n and_o sanctification_n together_o with_o a_o account_n of_o the_o extent_n of_o christ_n death_n by_o j._n knowles_n octa_fw-la pr._n 1_o s._n 6_o d._n 5._o sir_n henry_n blunt_n voyage_n in_o the_o levant_n in_o twelves_o price_n 1_o s._n 6._o the_o complete_a measurer_n or_o a_o new_a and_o exact_a way_n of_o mensuration_n by_o tho._n hammond_n octavo_fw-la price_n 1_o s._n 7._o mr._n hobbes's_fw-fr rosetum_fw-la geometricum_fw-la five_o propositiones_fw-la aliquot_fw-la frustra_fw-la antehac_fw-la tentatae_fw-la cum_fw-la censura_fw-la brevi_fw-la doctrinae_fw-la wallisianae_n authore_fw-la t._n hobbes_n quarto_fw-la 8._o the_o carpenter_n rule_v make_v easy_a or_o the_o art_n of_o measure_v of_o superficies_n and_o solid_n etc._n etc._n 3_o d._n edition_n to_o which_o be_v add_v gaugeing_n by_o j._n darling_n 9_o the_o flower-garden_n enlarge_v show_v how_o to_o order_v and_o increase_v all_o manner_n of_o flower_n whether_o by_o layer_n slip_v off_o set_v cut_n sâ—eds_n etc._n etc._n also_o how_o to_o draw_v a_o horizontal_n dial_n in_o a_o garden_n with_o a_o treatise_n of_o all_o root_n plant_n tree_n shrub_n fruit_n herb_n in_o the_o king_n plantation_n twelve_o 10._o the_o elegant_a poem_n of_o dr._n richard_n corbet_n dean_n of_o christ-church_n in_o oxford_n after_z bishop_n of_o norwich_n twelve_o 11._o brownlow_n report_v complete_a in_o two_o part_n quarto_fw-la 12._o the_o court_n of_o curiosity_n wherein_o by_o the_o lot_n the_o most_o intricate_a question_n be_v resolve_v and_o nocturnal_a dream_n and_o vision_n explain_v according_a to_o the_o
these_o evangelist_n shall_v write_v without_o their_o knowledge_n and_o approbation_n especial_o consider_v that_o tertullian_n faith_n s._n mark_v gospel_n may_v be_v affirm_v to_o be_v st._n peter_n and_o st._n luke_n the_o apostolical_a church_n be_v wont_n to_o ascribe_v 5_o unto_o st._n paul_n insomuch_o that_o st._n hierom_n it_o seem_v affirm_v that_o this_o be_v the_o gospel_n which_o st._n 16._o paul_n call_v his._n what_o shadow_n of_o probability_n have_v 58._o there_o be_v in_o these_o assertion_n if_o these_o evangelist_n have_v not_o have_v at_o least_o the_o approbation_n of_o these_o apostle_n in_o their_o write_n and_o approve_a it_o seem_v they_o be_v by_o st._n john_n as_o well_o as_o they_o for_o eusebius_n report_v the_o tradition_n of_o the_o church_n inform_v we_o that_o when_o the_o write_n of_o these_o evangelist_n be_v come_v unto_o he_o he_o approve_v of_o they_o and_o give_v they_o his_o testimony_n to_o their_o truth_n only_o â—e_v desire_v that_o in_o these_o write_n there_o â—ad_v be_v a_o account_n give_v of_o those_o thing_n which_o christ_n do_v when_o he_o first_o begin_v to_o preach_v and_o that_o that_o be_v say_v be_v true_a for_o it_o may_v be_v discern_v that_o these_o thrâ—â—_n evangelist_n viz._n st._n matthew_n st._n mark_n and_o st._n luke_n have_v commit_v to_o write_v only_o thâ—se_a thing_n which_o our_o saviour_n do_v in_o the_o space_n of_o a_o year_n after_o the_o imprisonment_n and_o captivity_n of_o st._n john_n the_o baptist_n they_o say_v therefore_o that_o st._n john_n the_o apostle_n bathe_v deliver_v in_o his_o gospel_n 24._o the_o thing_n which_o our_o saviour_n do_v in_o that_o space_n of_o time_n which_o the_o former_a evangelist_n â—ad_v pass_v over_o in_o silence_n the_o time_n namely_o before_o the_o imprisonment_n of_o the_o baptist_n a_o observation_n not_o unworthy_a of_o our_o notice_n but_o at_o present_a we_o have_v no_o use_n for_o any_o part_n of_o it_o but_o only_o the_o beginning_n viz._n that_o st._n john_n the_o apostle_n do_v not_o only_o approve_v of_o but_o add_v his_o authority_n to_o the_o gospel_n of_o st._n mark_n and_o st._n luke_n which_o testimony_n of_o eusebius_n or_o rather_o of_o the_o church_n by_o he_o be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o credible_a because_o justin_n martyr_n in_o many_o place_n of_o his_o work_n call_v these_o as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o gospel_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o commemoration_n â—apâ—usculè_fw-la or_o narration_n of_o the_o apostle_n but_o this_o they_o can_v not_o be_v unless_o as_o tertullian_n faith_n the_o evangelical_n instrument_n â—ad_v for_o its_o â—_z the_o apostle_n on_o who_o the_o lord_n impose_v the_o office_n of_o promulgate_a the_o gospel_n or_o if_o apostolical_a man_n have_v any_o hand_n in_o it_o yet_o not_o alone_o but_o with_o the_o apostle_n and_o after_o the_o apostle_n because_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o disciple_n may_v be_v suspect_v of_o vain_a glory_n if_o it_o have_v not_o â—ad_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o master_n yea_o of_o christ_n 2._o who_o make_v the_o apostle_n master_n to_o assist_v it_o and_o have_v the_o assistance_n of_o their_o authority_n it_o be_v very_o evident_a that_o since_o they_o be_v prophet_n the_o truth_n and_o authority_n of_o these_o write_n muâ—â—_n needs_o be_v divine_a lucae_n the_o author_n of_o they_o write_v as_o origen_n faith_n by_o inspiration_n and_o so_o clear_a have_v this_o argument_n heretofore_o be_v think_v by_o its_o own_o light_n as_o that_o among_o the_o jew_n it_o be_v a_o rule_n that_o of_o whosoever_o a_o prophet_n bear_v witness_v that_o he_o be_v a_o prophâ—t_n 9_o he_o shall_v be_v receive_v as_o a_o prophet_n neither_o shall_v there_o any_o far_a trial_n be_v make_v of_o he_o since_o then_o the_o apostle_n be_v prophet_n and_o do_v either_o write_v or_o approve_v of_o and_o authorize_v all_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n wherein_o also_o they_o give_v testimony_n to_o those_o of_o the_o old_a that_o they_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n we_o ought_v to_o acquiesce_v and_o cease_v from_o make_v a_o doubt_n of_o it_o shall_v conclude_v that_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o whole_a bible_n be_v divine_a 1_o but_o it_o be_v manifest_a faith_n the_o leviathan_n that_o none_o can_v know_v the_o scripture_n be_v god_n word_n though_o all_o true_a christian_n believe_v it_o but_o those_o 33._o to_o who_o god_n himself_o â—ath_v reveal_v it_o supernatural_o anâ—_n it_o be_v manifest_a yes_o that_o it_o be_v very_o good_a but_o i_o pray_v what_o make_v it_o so_o why_o the_o sole_a authority_n of_o the_o leviathan_n and_o let_v i_o tell_v you_o you_o will_v never_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v his_o disciple_n unless_o he_o have_v power_n enough_o over_o you_o to_o make_v you_o think_v so_o for_o he_o be_v â—o_o authentic_a a_o teacher_n as_o that_o he_o often_o suggett_v such_o principle_n as_o this_o upon_o his_o bare_a word_n and_o this_o you_o must_v take_v although_o perhaps_o you_o have_v good_a reason_n to_o the_o contrary_n if_o you_o be_v so_o ill_o nature_a as_o to_o deny_v he_o this_o little_a postulatum_fw-la you_o spoil_v all_o and_o leave_v no_o hope_n that_o ever_o you_o will_v be_v of_o his_o opinion_n for_o a_o instance_n of_o this_o you_o need_v not_o seek_v far_o there_o be_v one_o before_o you_o for_o what_o be_v knowledge_n but_o a_o firm_a certain_a and_o evident_a assent_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o proposition_n and_o our_o assent_n to_o that_o under_o debate_n viz._n that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n seem_v to_o have_v all_o these_o degree_n of_o perfection_n in_o it_o for_o it_o be_v firm_a because_o without_o hesitation_n and_o doubt_v it_o be_v certain_a because_o build_v upon_o such_o sure_a and_o solid_a foundation_n as_o can_v be_v make_v unable_a to_o bear_v it_o and_o it_o be_v evident_a because_o it_o be_v evident_o and_o plain_o deduce_v from_o the_o next_o and_o immediate_a cause_n of_o any_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n namely_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n but_o whether_o or_o no_o according_a to_o the_o strict_a and_o rigorous_a definition_n of_o philosopher_n it_o be_v knowledge_n proper_o so_o call_v it_o be_v not_o material_a to_o inquire_v because_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a that_o so_o it_o shall_v be_v for_o as_o in_o all_o art_n and_o science_n firm_a assent_n to_o first_o principle_n by_o what_o mean_v soever_o it_o be_v attain_v be_v sufficient_a for_o learner_n so_o here_o the_o chief_a design_n of_o holy_a scripture_n be_v to_o teach_v we_o knowledge_n of_o thing_n supernatural_a and_o our_o assent_n to_o the_o divinity_n of_o its_o authority_n be_v one_o of_o the_o first_o premise_n requisite_a to_o our_o attainment_n of_o that_o knowledge_n it_o have_v need_v only_o to_o be_v firm_a because_o firmness_n of_o assent_n thereunto_o be_v of_o itself_o sufficient_a to_o make_v we_o learn_v believe_v and_o obey_v the_o scripture_n as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o be_v evident_a by_o the_o example_n of_o all_o those_o pious_a and_o good_a man_n who_o although_o illiterate_a do_v yet_o take_v heed_n thereunto_o as_o to_o the_o rule_n that_o god_n have_v give_v they_o both_o of_o their_o faith_n and_o practice_n this_o they_o do_v although_o they_o can_v give_v no_o other_o reason_n why_o they_o think_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v so_o than_o because_o they_o be_v general_o receive_v as_o such_o and_o vogue_v to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n these_o man_n it_o be_v confess_v do_v not_o know_v but_o only_o believe_v that_o they_o be_v so_o yet_o their_o faith_n be_v steadfast_a i._n e._n their_o assent_n firm_a they_o we_o see_v do_v learn_v believe_v and_o obey_v they_o as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n 2_o but_o this_o be_v more_o than_o they_o need_v to_o do_v for_o he_o to_o who_o god_n have_v not_o supernatural_o reveal_v that_o they_o be_v his_o nor_o that_o those_o that_o publish_v they_o be_v send_v by_o he_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o obey_v they_o 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be_v god_n so_o here_o man_n must_v be_v merciful_a unto_o 5._o god_n or_o else_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o power_n in_o his_o word_n for_o those_o book_n only_o be_v canonical_a that_o be_v law_n in_o every_o nation_n which_o be_v establish_v for_o such_o by_o the_o sovereign_a authority_n it_o be_v true_a that_o god_n be_v the_o sovereign_n of_o all_o sovereign_n and_o therefore_o when_o he_o speak_v of_o any_o subject_a he_o ought_v to_o be_v obey_v whatsoever_o any_o earthly_a potentate_n command_v to_o the_o contrary_n but_o the_o question_n be_v not_o of_o obedience_n to_o god_n but_o of_o when_o and_o what_o god_n have_v say_v which_o to_o subject_n that_o have_v no_o supernatural_a revelation_n can_v be_v know_v but_o by_o that_o natural_a reason_n which_o guide_v they_o for_o the_o obtain_n of_o peace_n and_o justice_n to_o obey_v the_o authority_n of_o their_o several_a common_a wealth_n â—od_a that_o be_v to_o say_v of_o their_o lawful_a sovereign_n it_o seem_v then_o by_o natural_a reason_n it_o may_v be_v know_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o that_o a_o thing_n which_o none_o can_v know_v but_o those_o to_o who_o god_n have_v reveal_v it_o supernatural_o may_v yet_o be_v know_v by_o natural_a reason_n be_v so_o gross_a a_o contradiction_n as_o may_v perhaps_o puzzle_v his_o extraordinary_a wit_n to_o reconcile_v but_o whether_o it_o do_v or_o no_o it_o be_v no_o matter_n it_o suffice_v i_o that_o since_o botâ—_n part_n of_o it_o be_v the_o spawn_n of_o the_o leviathan_n he_o have_v grant_v that_o it_o may_v be_v know_v by_o natural_a reason_n but_o by_o what_o mean_v i_o pray_v do_v natural_a reason_n attain_v to_o this_o knowledge_n by_o its_o guidance_n of_o man_n to_o obedience_n to_o the_o authority_n of_o their_o several_a commonwealth_n i._n e._n of_o their_o lawful_a sovereign_n and_o how_o do_v natural_a reason_n know_v what_o book_n those_o be_v which_o lawful_a sovereign_n have_v command_v to_o be_v acknowledge_v for_o canonical_a how_o i_o say_v do_v natural_a reason_n know_v this_o but_o by_o the_o promulgation_n of_o their_o law_n and_o what_o be_v promulgation_n but_o a_o proclamation_n or_o public_a attestation_n or_o testimony_n that_o they_o be_v the_o sovereign_n law_n and_o hereupon_o we_o know_v that_o subject_n yield_v their_o assent_n that_o they_o be_v so_o but_o assent_n that_o be_v build_v upon_o testimony_n be_v faith_n not_o knowledge_n yet_o upon_o this_o the_o king_n require_v obedience_n and_o all_o good_a subject_n think_v themselves_o bind_v to_o obâ—y_n faith_n therefore_o oblige_v to_o obedience_n as_o well_o as_o knowledge_n if_o not_o then_o evident_a it_o be_v that_o the_o leviathan_n rob_v the_o king_n of_o his_o sceptre_n as_o well_o as_o god_n word_n of_o authority_n and_o iâ—_n so_o i_o can_v but_o recover_v some_o hope_n that_o one_o time_n or_o other_o this_o writing_n of_o he_o may_v fall_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o sovereign_n who_o will_v consider_v it_o he_o sâ—lf_o and_o by_o the_o exercise_n of_o entire_a sovereignty_n in_o protect_v the_o public_a not_o teach_v but_o burn_v of_o it_o convert_v it_o into_o ash_n but_o if_o faith_n i._n e._n assent_n unto_o testimony_n â—1_n do_v oblige_v unâ—o_o obedience_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o king_n why_o not_o also_o in_o reference_n to_o god_n almighty_a if_o there_o be_v no_o reâ—son_n as_o sure_o there_o be_v none_o why_o it_o shall_v not_o then_o suppose_v we_o do_v not_o know_v but_o only_o believe_v the_o scripture_n be_v god_n word_n yet_o we_o be_v thereby_o oblige_v to_o obey_v they_o 3_o all_o that_o the_o leviathan_n have_v far_a to_o say_v against_o it_o be_v that_o if_o it_o be_v not_o the_o legislative_a authority_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n that_o give_v they_o the_o force_n of_o law_n it_o must_v be_v some_o other_o authority_n derive_v from_o god_n either_o private_a or_o public_a if_o private_a it_o oblige_v only_o he_o to_o who_o in_o particular_a god_n have_v be_v please_v to_o reveal_v it_o iâ—_n public_a it_o be_v the_o authority_n 33._o of_o the_o commonwealth_n or_o of_o the_o church_n ans_fw-fr but_o suppose_v we_o shall_v deny_v his_o dilemma_n and_o say_v it_o be_v not_o the_o authority_n either_o of_o the_o commonwealth_n or_o of_o the_o church_n but_o of_o god_n himself_o immediate_o send_v his_o minister_n and_o messenger_n his_o herald_n viz._n the_o apostle_n to_o proclaim_v his_o gracious_a law_n and_o if_o they_o give_v evidence_n as_o we_o have_v abundant_o prove_v that_o they_o do_v of_o this_o their_o immediate_a mission_n from_o he_o then_o be_v these_o his_o law_n so_o sufficient_o publish_v as_o that_o no_o man_n can_v excuse_v himself_o by_o say_v he_o know_v not_o or_o can_v not_o know_v they_o be_v his_o and_o sinâ—e_o they_o be_v so_o sufficient_o publish_v according_a to_o the_o leviathan_n own_o concâ—ssion_n they_o a_o e_z law_n tâ—_n ibid._n they_o to_o who_o they_o be_v so_o and_o thus_o we_o see_v they_o be_v without_o the_o authority_n either_o of_o the_o church_n or_o commonwealth_n to_o make_v they_o so_o and_o therefore_o their_o authority_n be_v divine_a sect._n 3_o but_o leave_v he_o a_o while_n and_o his_o dangerous_a position_n let_v we_o look_v a_o little_a into_o the_o treatise_n of_o humane_a reason_n wherein_o we_o find_v pelagianism_n in_o a_o disguise_n or_o free_a will_n in_o maskerade_n for_o one_o of_o the_o error_n of_o pelagius_n be_v quòd_fw-la satis_fw-la ad_fw-la propriam_fw-la possit_fw-la confer_v salutem_fw-la arbitra_fw-la libertas_fw-la etiamsi_fw-la gratia_n desit_fw-la 1._o that_o a_o man_n own_o free_a will_n even_o without_o grace_n be_v sufficient_a for_o his_o salvation_n and_o so_o say_v this_o treatise_n be_v humane_a reason_n for_o it_o inform_v we_o that_o a_o long_a and_o serious_a debate_n about_o the_o choice_n of_o a_o guide_n to_o happiness_n can_v bring_v the_o author_n thereof_o no_o other_o but_o his_o own_o reason_n which_o say_v he_o if_o it_o take_v such_o direction_n as_o it_o ought_v and_o may_v do_v before_o it_o set_v forth_o and_o pursue_v those_o direction_n with_o care_n and_o constancy_n though_o it_o may_v possible_o lead_v i_o into_o error_n yet_o will_v bring_v i_o at_o last_o even_o through_o they_o to_o the_o purpose_a end_n of_o my_o journey_n which_o be_v 2._o happiness_n and_o let_v we_o know_v that_o this_o be_v no_o peculiar_a excellency_n of_o his_o reason_n the_o next_o page_n tell_v we_o this_o be_v the_o only_a north_n star_n which_o god_n have_v give_v we_o for_o the_o right_n steer_v of_o our_o course_n and_o afterward_o it_o say_v that_o every_o man_n particular_a reason_n if_o well_o follow_v i._n e._n with_o constancy_n diligence_n and_o sobriety_n will_v infallible_o carry_v he_o at_o 28._o last_o though_o perhaps_o through_o many_o tedious_a and_o troublesome_a wander_n to_o his_o eternal_a happiness_n this_o be_v there_o affirm_v of_o reason_n in_o contradistinction_n to_o whâ—â—soever_o other_o guide_n you_o pitch_v on_o whether_o it_o be_v the_o scripture_n spirit_n church_n past_a or_o present_a or_o any_o thing_n else_o imaginable_a it_o be_v therefore_o somewhat_o more_o than_o probable_a that_o our_o reason_n in_o some_o kind_n of_o opposition_n to_o revelation_n be_v that_o which_o that_o treatise_n will_v have_v we_o take_v for_o our_o infallible_a guide_n to_o happiness_n but_o if_o this_o be_v our_o guide_n whence_o be_v it_o that_o it_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o take_v direction_n before_o it_o set_v forth_o what_o a_o guide_n and_o take_v direction_n this_o be_v such_o a_o solecism_n as_o evacuate_v all_o pretence_n to_o the_o ability_n of_o a_o guide_n and_o speak_v it_o a_o stranger_n in_o the_o way_n or_o at_o least_o not_o well_o acquaint_v with_o it_o since_o than_o reason_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o take_v direction_n before_o it_o set_v forth_o it_o be_v but_o a_o traveller_n not_o a_o guide_n unless_o it_o be_v a_o blind_a one_o in_o the_o way_n to_o happiness_n and_o indeed_o if_o it_o be_v not_o so_o what_o need_n have_v man_n of_o any_o other_o and_o if_o no_o need_n of_o another_o to_o what_o end_n be_v christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n prophet_n whence_o be_v it_o that_o through_o the_o tender_a mercy_n of_o our_o 79._o god_n the_o dayspring_n from_o on_o high_a have_v visit_v we_o to_o give_v light_n to_o they_o that_o sit_v in_o darkness_n and_o to_o guide_v our_o foot_n into_o the_o way_n of_o peace_n if_o man_n can_v have_v see_v this_o way_n by_o the_o light_n of_o humane_a reason_n what_o necessity_n be_v there_o that_o the_o dayspring_n from_o on_o high_a shall_v visit_v they_o on_o purpose_n to_o guide_n their_o foot_n into_o it_o but_o since_o so_o it_o do_v we_o must_v either_o charge_n god_n foolish_o and_o set_v his_o tender_a mercy_n at_o nought_o or_o else_o we_o must_v confess_v that_o