as_o convince_a as_o the_o sight_n of_o our_o own_o eye_n chap._n v._n the_o strength_n and_o force_n of_o the_o precede_a argument_n 1_o they_o remove_v all_o suspicion_n that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v not_o prophet_n for_o thereby_o it_o appear_v 1_o that_o they_o pretend_v to_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n 2_o that_o they_o therein_o be_v not_o deceive_v 3_o they_o have_v no_o design_n to_o deceive_v other_o 2_o they_o give_v positive_a evidence_n that_o they_o be_v prophet_n 1_o from_o their_o fortitude_n 2_o from_o their_o wisdom_n 3_o from_o their_o prediction_n 4_o from_o their_o miracle_n here_o to_o show_v the_o force_n of_o this_o argument_n it_o be_v observe_v 1_o that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n wrought_v their_o miracle_n on_o purpose_n to_o confirm_v their_o doctrine_n 2_o miracle_n be_v always_o look_v on_o as_o demonstrative_a proof_n of_o divine_a authority_n in_o they_o that_o do_v they_o 3_o the_o reason_n for_o which_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n deserve_v to_o be_v so_o account_v 1_o from_o their_o nature_n 2_o from_o their_o number_n 3_o from_o their_o greatness_n 4_o from_o their_o goodness_n thereby_o they_o confer_v on_o man_n 1_o the_o good_n of_o fortune_n 2_o of_o the_o body_n 3_o of_o the_o soul_n chap._n vi_o some_o use_n that_o may_v be_v make_v of_o this_o doctrine_n of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o christian_a religion_n sect._n 1_o this_o deduce_v therefrom_o the_o leviathan_n deny_v it_o the_o first_o reason_n of_o this_o opinion_n answer_v the_o second_o reason_n answer_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o holy_a scripture_n sect._n 2_o uncontrolled_a tradition_n prove_v that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o n._n testament_n be_v write_v by_o those_o man_n who_o name_n they_o bear_v and_o since_o they_o be_v prophet_n the_o old_a testament_n also_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o word_n of_o prophecy_n a_o doubt_n about_o the_o gospel_n of_o st._n mark_n and_o st._n luke_n and_o the_o act_n these_o book_n have_v the_o approbation_n of_o the_o apostle_n a_o objection_n out_o of_o the_o leviathan_n object_n 2._o object_n 3._o the_o insufficiency_n of_o humane_a reason_n sect._n 3_o the_o treatise_n thereof_o ascribe_v as_o much_o thereunto_o as_o pelagius_n do_v to_o free_a will_n it_o evacuate_v the_o necessity_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n prophetic_a office_n the_o impiety_n of_o it_o reason_n itself_o condemn_v it_o a_o objection_n out_o of_o that_o treatise_n the_o reasonableness_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n sect._n 4_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o word_n of_o prophecy_n great_a than_o that_o of_o a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n the_o mystery_n of_o christianity_n do_v not_o make_v it_o incredible_a but_o be_v apt_a to_o strengthen_v our_o faith_n the_o reasonableness_n of_o christian_a hope_n sect._n 5_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o promise_n a_o objection_n draw_v from_o experience_n another_o from_o the_o suppose_a impossibility_n of_o a_o general_n resurrection_n the_o reasonableness_n of_o obedience_n sect._n 6_o all_o acknowledge_v a_o obligation_n to_o obey_v god_n whence_o do_v this_o obligation_n arise_v 1_o not_o from_o our_o weakness_n 2_o not_o from_o god_n sole_a irresistible_a power_n the_o nature_n of_o divine_a sovereignty_n god_n right_a of_o it_o a_o view_n of_o our_o state_n by_o nature_n the_o way_n that_o god_n have_v choose_v for_o our_o redemption_n christ_n conquer_v the_o devil_n at_o all_o those_o weapon_n whereby_o he_o overcome_v our_o first_o parent_n and_o their_o posterity_n we_o be_v therefore_o his_o by_o right_n of_o conquest_n christ_n make_v satisfaction_n for_o we_o christ_n now_o in_o heaven_n be_v able_a to_o succour_v we_o when_o we_o be_v tempt_v a_o question_n another_o question_n the_o nature_n of_o a_o obligation_n which_o be_v twofold_a the_o redemption_n of_o christ_n oblige_v we_o by_o both_o to_o keep_v his_o commandment_n 1_o by_o that_o of_o authority_n 2_o by_o that_o ad_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o nature_n of_o it_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o 1_o the_o benefit_n we_o receive_v by_o redemption_n 2_o the_o satisfactoriness_n of_o it_o to_o our_o reason_n 3_o the_o incomparable_a encouragement_n that_o it_o give_v we_o to_o keep_v the_o commandment_n the_o conclusion_n rev._n 19_o 10._o the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n be_v the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n chap._n i._n that_o we_o have_v a_o power_n of_o assent_v be_v so_o manifest_a as_o that_o scepticism_n itself_o can_v doubt_v it_o for_o that_o it_o be_v very_o apparent_o build_v on_o assent_n to_o this_o proposition_n there_o be_v nothing_o certain_a who_o can_v be_v of_o that_o persuasion_n without_o assent_n it_o seem_v therefore_o certain_a that_o the_o mind_n assent_v and_o this_o it_o do_v to_o testimony_n as_o well_o as_o reason_n for_o the_o latter_a can_v be_v at_o least_o improve_v without_o the_o former_a because_o there_o be_v no_o reason_v without_o word_n and_o word_n without_o testimony_n signify_v nothing_o be_v it_o not_o for_o testimony_n the_o wise_a of_o word_n and_o the_o most_o inarticulate_a of_o sound_n will_v be_v to_o we_o equal_o significant_a so_o that_o not_o only_a religion_n but_o also_o all_o art_n and_o science_n be_v behold_v 16_o to_o testimony_n they_o be_v if_o not_o found_v on_o it_o yet_o unattainable_a without_o it_o it_o seem_v therefore_o those_o who_o traduce_v our_o religion_n as_o fond_a credulity_n because_o it_o depend_v on_o testimony_n be_v therein_o very_o disingenuous_o partial_a and_o irrational_a especial_o consider_v the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n be_v the_o spirit_n of_o prophesy_n which_o word_n be_v a_o entire_a proposition_n not_o so_o difficult_a but_o that_o it_o may_v be_v understand_v nor_o yet_o so_o plain_a but_o that_o both_o the_o subject_a and_o the_o predicate_v will_v need_v some_o explication_n in_o order_n whereunto_o it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o observe_v that_o in_o all_o probability_n the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n be_v either_o that_o which_o he_o himself_o give_v or_o else_o that_o which_o his_o witness_n do_v bear_v of_o he_o of_o the_o former_a 33._o st._n john_n speak_v in_o his_o gospel_n of_o the_o latter_a in_o his_o revelation_n here_o in_o my_o text_n which_o to_o i_o seem_v evident_a by_o the_o scope_n and_o design_n of_o the_o whole_a verse_n the_o drift_n whereof_o be_v to_o prove_v that_o the_o angel_n who_o word_n they_o be_v to_o st._n john_n be_v fellow-servant_n with_o he_o and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n st._n john_n fall_v at_o the_o angel_n foot_n to_o worship_n he_o but_o the_o angel_n say_v unto_o he_o see_v thou_o do_v it_o not_o of_o which_o prohibition_n he_o give_v this_o reason_n because_o say_v he_o i_o be_o thy_o fellow-servant_n and_o of_o thy_o brethren_n that_o have_v the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n and_o who_o be_v they_o that_o have_v the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n sure_o they_o be_v those_o who_o jesus_n himself_o have_v choose_v to_o be_v his_o witness_n viz._n the_o 8._o apostle_n of_o these_o man_n than_o the_o angel_n be_v fellow-servant_n to_o prove_v that_o he_o be_v so_o he_o allege_v my_o text_n for_o the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n be_v the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n which_o word_n can_v be_v no_o way_n argumentative_a unless_o the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n be_v understand_v to_o signify_v not_o that_o which_o jesus_n himself_o give_v but_o that_o which_o his_o apostle_n do_v give_v of_o he_o but_o be_v thus_o take_v they_o import_v a_o twofold_a argument_n viz._n ad_fw-la hominem_fw-la and_o ad_fw-la rem_fw-la st._n john_n we_o know_v be_v as_o all_o the_o other_o apostle_n a_o jew_n by_o birth_n one_o of_o that_o nation_n wherein_o it_o be_v a_o receive_a opinion_n that_o there_o be_v ten_o degree_n or_o order_n of_o angel_n the_o low_a whereof_o be_v call_v ischim_n by_o the_o intervention_n and_o ministry_n of_o this_o sort_n of_o angel_n they_o say_v whether_o true_o or_o false_o i_o affirm_v 2._o not_o that_o prophecy_n be_v communicate_v unto_o men._n these_o angel_n as_o we_o be_v tell_v be_v chief_o employ_v to_o prophesy_v and_o when_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n rest_v on_o any_o here_o on_o earth_n his_o soul_n be_v â—ixt_v with_o and_o advance_v to_o this_o order_n of_o angel_n in_o heaven_n and_o be_v enroll_v among_o they_o if_o then_o this_o be_v a_o vulgar_a opinion_n of_o the_o jew_n at_o the_o time_n of_o st._n john_n s_o revelation_n it_o be_v apparent_a enough_o that_o my_o text_n contain_v a_o argument_n ad_fw-la hominem_fw-la but_o the_o truth_n be_v the_o force_n of_o the_o angel_n argument_n do_v not_o lie_v so_o much_o in_o st._n john_n opinion_n as_o in_o his_o own_o employment_n at_o that_o time_n which_o be_v to_o prophesy_v concern_v thing_n pertain_v to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o precede_a verse_n let_v we_o then_o but_o cast_v the_o
have_v forbid_v to_o make_v addition_n to_o or_o diminution_n from_o say_v thou_o shall_v neither_o add_v unto_o 32._o it_o nor_o diminish_v from_o it_o and_o therefore_o our_o ancestor_n with_o who_o be_v peace_n have_v say_v from_o that_o time_n it_o be_v not_o grant_v to_o a_o prophet_n to_o change_v any_o thing_n when_o therefore_o we_o know_v he_o the_o prophet_n in_o that_o which_o he_o claim_v to_o himself_o to_o lie_v against_o god_n and_o to_o feign_v that_o of_o he_o which_o he_o never_o say_v unto_o he_o we_o be_v necessitate_v to_o kill_v he_o according_a to_o what_o the_o holy_a scripture_n declare_v while_o it_o say_v the_o prophet_n that_o 20._o shall_v have_v add_v etc._n etc._n even_o that_o prophet_n shall_v die_v the_o second_o sort_n of_o prophet_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v when_o one_o invite_v man_n to_o worship_n god_n and_o incite_v they_o to_o keep_v his_o commandment_n and_o declare_v they_o shall_v observe_v the_o law_n and_o that_o without_o addition_n or_o diminution_n as_o the_o last_o of_o they_o have_v say_v remember_v 4_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n my_o servant_n which_o i_o command_v unto_o he_o in_o horeb_n for_o all_o israel_n with_o the_o statute_n and_o judgement_n promise_v good_a to_o he_o that_o shall_v keep_v and_o threaten_a punishment_n to_o he_o that_o shall_v break_v this_o law_n as_o isaiah_n jeremiah_n ezekiel_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o they_o do_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n command_v and_o forbid_v thing_n different_a from_o those_o of_o the_o law_n as_o for_o example_n sake_n if_o he_o shall_v say_v drive_v out_o now_o that_o country_n or_o this_o faction_n as_o samuel_n of_o old_a command_v saul_n that_o he_o shall_v destroy_v amalek_n or_o if_o he_o prohibit_v the_o put_v one_o to_o death_n as_o eliâ—ha_n forbid_v jehoram_n to_o vanquish_v the_o host_n of_o hazael_n which_o have_v enter_v samaria_n as_o it_o be_v know_v and_o as_o isaiah_n forbid_v water_n to_o be_v convey_v within_o the_o wall_n and_o as_o jâ—remiah_n forbid_v the_o israelite_n tp_n go_v out_o of_o jerusalem_n and_o other_o such_o like_a thing_n when_o therefore_o a_o prophet_n do_v claim_v to_o himself_o the_o gift_n of_o prophesy_n so_o as_o that_o he_o neither_o ascribe_v it_o to_o any_o idol_n nor_o add_v to_o or_o diminish_v aught_o from_o the_o law_n but_o walk_v in_o other_o way_n in_o that_o manner_n we_o have_v explain_v than_o our_o next_o work_n be_v to_o try_v he_o thus_o far_o mâ—imenides_n concern_v those_o condition_n on_o which_o pretender_n to_o prophecy_n be_v to_o be_v admit_v to_o a_o trial_n and_o thereby_o we_o see_v that_o according_a to_o he_o admit_v they_o be_v not_o but_o on_o these_o two_o condition_n 1_o that_o they_o prophesy_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n this_o we_o have_v already_o grant_v 2_o that_o they_o make_v no_o alteration_n either_o in_o the_o write_a law_n of_o moses_n or_o in_o the_o explication_n of_o it_o receive_v by_o tradition_n this_o rule_n how_o confident_o soever_o it_o be_v give_v yet_o must_v not_o be_v receive_v without_o exception_n for_o first_o the_o explication_n of_o the_o law_n therein_o mention_v certain_o have_v no_o such_o authority_n as_o be_v thereby_o pretend_a and_o to_o the_o end_n we_o may_v the_o more_o full_o see_v what_o that_o be_v together_o with_o the_o improbability_n of_o it_o i_o shall_v show_v you_o the_o pretend_v original_a of_o this_o explication_n as_o it_o be_v record_v by_o our_o cod_n author_n who_o will_v have_v we_o to_o know_v that_o all_o the_o prophet_n of_o the_o law_n which_o come_v from_o god_n to_o moses_n come_v to_o he_o together_o with_o their_o interpretation_n first_o god_n speak_v the_o text_n unto_o he_o and_o then_o the_o explication_n or_o interpretation_n of_o it_o and_o what_o the_o authentic_a text_n itself_o comprehend_v and_o the_o manner_n of_o teach_v they_o to_o israel_n be_v such_o as_o i_o be_o now_o about_o to_o describe_v unto_o thou_o moses_n be_v go_v into_o his_o tent_n the_o first_o that_o come_v unto_o he_o be_v aaron_n to_o who_o he_o tell_v the_o text_n which_o be_v give_v he_o from_o god_n and_o teach_v he_o the_o interpretation_n of_o it_o afterward_o he_o have_v place_v himself_o at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o moses_n eleazar_n and_o ithamar_n his_o son_n come_v in_o to_o who_o also_o moses_n tell_v the_o same_o he_o have_v tell_v to_o aaron_n they_o than_o rise_v and_o go_v one_o to_o the_o left_a hand_n of_o moses_n our_o master_n the_o other_o to_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o aaron_n afterward_o the_o seventy_o elder_n come_v in_o who_o also_o moses_n teach_v in_o the_o same_o manner_n that_o he_o have_v teach_v aaron_n and_o his_o son_n after_o they_o a_o promiscuous_a assembly_n of_o the_o people_n viz._n every_o one_o that_o seek_v the_o lord_n come_v in_o to_o he_o also_o he_o repeat_v the_o same_o till_o they_o all_o have_v hear_v it_o from_o he_o and_o now_o aaron_n have_v hear_v the_o text_n four_o time_n from_o moses_n his_o son_n twice_o the_o elder_n twice_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o assembly_n once_o then_o moses_n go_v out_o from_o they_o and_o the_o text_n which_o aaron_n have_v hear_v four_o time_n from_o moses_n he_o repeat_v to_o all_o that_o be_v present_a so_o that_o now_o his_o son_n as_o well_o as_o himself_o have_v hear_v it_o four_o time_n thrice_o from_o moses_n and_o once_o from_o he_o and_o then_o he_o himself_o also_o withdraw_v and_o eleazâ—r_n and_o ithamar_n repeat_v the_o same_o text_n which_o they_o have_v so_o hear_v to_o the_o whole_a assembly_n and_o they_o rise_v up_o from_o teach_v and_o by_o these_o mean_v the_o seventy_o elder_n also_o have_v now_o hear_v the_o text_n four_o time_n twice_o from_o moses_n once_o from_o aaron_n and_o once_o from_o his_o son_n then_o they_o also_o repeat_v it_o once_o to_o the_o people_n and_o so_o all_o hear_v it_o four_o time_n firâ—t_o from_o moses_n second_o from_o aaron_n three_o from_o his_o son_n and_o four_a from_o the_o seventy_o elder_n who_o then_o depart_v some_o teach_v some_o and_o some_o other_o that_o which_o they_o have_v receive_v from_o god_n messenger_n the_o text_n they_o write_v in_o volume_n then_o the_o chief_a of_o the_o people_n disperse_v themselves_o throughout_o all_o israel_n to_o teach_v and_o instruct_v they_o until_o they_o remember_v the_o text_n and_o can_v read_v it_o in_o writing_n afterward_o they_o teach_v they_o also_o the_o interpretation_n of_o the_o text_n it_o sâ—lf_o which_o come_v from_o god_n which_o interpretation_n contain_v the_o universal_a sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o it_o the_o text_n they_o commit_v to_o writing_n but_o the_o tradition_n to_o memory_n and_o have_v they_o not_o all_o good_a memory_n to_o retain_v so_o much_o yes_o sure_o for_o moses_n they_o say_v bring_v no_o lâ—ss_o than_o 613_o precept_n together_o with_o their_o interpretation_n from_o mount_n sinai_n of_o necessity_n we_o know_v the_o comment_n must_v be_v large_a than_o the_o text_n and_o be_v it_o not_o a_o wonder_n that_o he_o at_o once_o and_o they_o at_o four_o time_n hear_v shall_v be_v able_a to_o repeat_v it_o yet_o if_o you_o will_v believe_v he_o they_o do_v it_o so_o exact_o as_o that_o neither_o the_o text_n nor_o its_o interpretation_n lose_v any_o thing_n of_o their_o perfection_n or_o authority_n for_o not_o the_o text_n only_o but_o the_o interpretation_n too_o have_v the_o nature_n of_o a_o law_n and_o thus_o as_o our_o author_n inform_v as_o say_v the_o wise_a man_n the_o law_n that_o be_v write_v and_o the_o law_n that_o be_v deliver_v by_o ibid._n word_n of_o mouth_n it_o seem_v then_o that_o they_o just_a as_o the_o papist_n do_v now_o do_v receive_v and_o venerate_v the_o sess_z holy_a scripture_n and_o tradition_n with_o equal_a affection_n of_o piâ—ty_n and_o reverence_n but_o be_v not_o this_o tradition_n more_o liable_a to_o the_o corruption_n of_o man_n and_o the_o injury_n of_o time_n than_o the_o text_n be_v yes_o sure_o for_o maimonides_n himself_o insinuate_v that_o even_o in_o the_o day_n of_o joshua_n there_o be_v some_o small_a dissension_n about_o it_o but_o that_o be_v appease_v by_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o great_a part_n he_o commend_v it_o to_o the_o elder_n that_o overlive_v he_o and_o they_o to_o the_o prophet_n and_o the_o prophet_n deliver_v it_o one_o to_o another_o till_o at_o length_n it_o come_v to_o the_o great_a synagogue_n at_o which_o time_n there_o be_v such_o a_o stir_v as_o that_o that_o council_n be_v fain_o to_o make_v decree_n and_o constitution_n about_o it_o nor_o be_v it_o then_o safe_a and_o therefore_o rabbenu_fw-fr hakkadosh_n about_o 18_o generation_n afterward_o gather_v together_o the_o sentence_n and_o say_n thereof_o aâ—d_v compose_v the_o mishna_n which_o contain_v the_o explication_n of_o all_o
accomplishment_n of_o these_o prediction_n for_o the_o primitive_a seducer_n be_v man_n of_o so_o profligate_v a_o conscience_n and_o lewd_a a_o addiction_n as_o that_o they_o serve_v not_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n but_o their_o own_o belly_n though_o they_o profess_v friendship_n 18._o yet_o they_o be_v enemy_n to_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n their_o god_n be_v their_o belly_n their_o glory_n be_v in_o their_o shame_n and_o they_o do_v mind_n earthly_a thing_n whereby_o it_o be_v plain_a 19_o they_o be_v as_o it_o be_v foretell_v they_o will_v be_v viz._n man_n of_o corrupt_a mind_n and_o destitute_a of_o the_o truth_n suppose_v that_o gain_n be_v godliness_n and_o this_o their_o perverse_a â—_o supposition_n do_v doubtless_o dispose_v they_o to_o make_v merchandise_n of_o other_o christian_n insomuch_o that_o they_o seek_v not_o they_o but_o they_o not_o their_o spiritual_a good_a and_o welfare_n but_o their_o worldly_a wealth_n and_o temporal_a interest_n that_o so_o they_o may_v make_v advantage_n to_o themselves_o thereby_o this_o be_v their_o design_n in_o order_n hereunto_o they_o seem_v wise_o to_o have_v consider_v that_o their_o power_n be_v only_o persuasive_a not_o coercive_a it_o will_v be_v their_o best_a way_n to_o adapt_v a_o religion_n to_o the_o humour_n and_o vice_n of_o man_n according_o we_o find_v that_o the_o contemplative_a and_o studious_a they_o allure_v with_o great_a swell_a word_n of_o vanity_n about_o no_o man_n know_v what_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o age_n which_o 1._o they_o divide_v into_o a_o ogdoad_n a_o decad_n and_o a_o dodecad_n wherein_o there_o be_v as_o the_o apostle_n say_v fables_n and_o endless_a genealogy_n which_o minister_v question_n 19_o rather_o than_o godly_a edify_n which_o be_v in_o faith_n the_o fiction_n of_o which_o fable_n and_o genealogy_n they_o steal_v out_o of_o antiphanes_n his_o theogony_n so_o likewise_o they_o do_v divers_a of_o their_o precept_n out_o of_o heathen_a philosophy_n for_o their_o practical_a divinity_n consist_v in_o the_o rudiment_n of_o the_o world_n the_o commandment_n and_o doctrine_n 20._o of_o man_n touch_v not_o 〈◊〉_d not_o handle_v not_o tertullian_n therefore_o say_v of_o the_o heretic_n that_o they_o have_v bring_v forth_o a_o stoical_a platonical_a and_o dialectical_a 8._o christianity_n herewith_o they_o entertain_v the_o studious_a but_o they_o be_v but_o few_o in_o number_n in_o comparison_n with_o the_o more_o ignorant_a and_o vicious_a they_o find_v it_o expedient_a to_o allow_v of_o the_o vice_n as_o well_o as_o the_o learning_n of_o the_o gentile_n and_o according_o so_o 23._o they_o do_v for_o they_o hold_v the_o use_n of_o all_o lust_n indifferent_a and_o herein_o their_o practice_n be_v agreeable_a to_o their_o opinion_n for_o it_o be_v a_o shame_n even_o to_o speak_v of_o those_o thing_n 12._o which_o be_v do_v of_o they_o in_o secret_a and_o so_o infectious_o wicked_a it_o seem_v they_o be_v as_o that_o they_o persuade_v other_o to_o be_v as_o bad_a as_o themselves_o thence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o ephesian_n be_v in_o some_o danger_n of_o be_v deceive_v with_o vain_a word_n into_o a_o opinion_n that_o fornication_n and_o all_o uncleanness_n avarice_n and_o filthiness_n obscene_a and_o foolish_a talk_n and_o jest_n be_v thing_n 6_o lawful_a or_o at_o most_o but_o venial_a sin_n yet_o for_o all_o this_o to_o allure_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o rigorous_a and_o austere_a they_o pretend_v to_o great_a mortification_n and_o severity_n of_o live_v other_o christian_n indulge_v themselves_o the_o use_n of_o marriage_n and_o all_o manner_n of_o meat_n without_o distinction_n but_o these_o be_v more_o mortify_v than_o so_o they_o do_v forbid_v to_o marry_v and_o command_v to_o abstain_v from_o meat_n the_o appetite_n of_o 3_o the_o flesh_n be_v so_o hateful_a and_o impure_a in_o their_o sight_n as_o that_o they_o think_v marriage_n and_o the_o better_a â—orts_n of_o meat_n too_o great_a a_o indulgence_n to_o they_o yâ—a_o such_o be_v their_o zeal_n against_o they_o as_o that_o some_o of_o they_o say_v marriage_n be_v of_o the_o devil_n and_o many_o of_o they_o abstain_v from_o all_o live_a creature_n and_o by_o this_o pretence_n of_o perfect_a continence_n they_o seduce_v many_o and_o no_o wonder_n â—3_n since_o they_o be_v such_o mortified_a man_n who_o will_v not_o take_v they_o for_o saint_n with_o these_o bait_n do_v these_o cunning_a angler_n fish_n for_o christian_n from_o among_o the_o gentile_n almost_o of_o all_o sort_n and_o all_o inclination_n the_o jewish_a christian_n who_o be_v yet_o zealous_a of_o 20._o the_o law_n they_o entice_v by_o assert_v a_o necessity_n of_o circumcision_n and_o keep_v their_o law_n for_o they_o teach_v the_o brethren_n and_o say_v except_o you_o be_v circumcise_v after_o the_o manner_n of_o moses_n and_o keep_v the_o law_n you_o can_v be_v save_v by_o this_o part_n of_o their_o doctrine_n they_o 24._o do_v conciliate_v the_o obstinate_a jew_n and_o insinuate_v themselves_o into_o those_o that_o believe_v who_o partly_o for_o fear_n of_o prosecution_n from_o their_o unbelieve_a countryman_n and_o partly_o out_o of_o love_n to_o their_o old_a religion_n be_v very_o apt_a to_o swallow_v their_o poison_n whereunto_o also_o they_o add_v several_a ingredient_n of_o most_o damnable_a heresy_n for_o even_o in_o st._n john_n time_n many_o deceiver_n be_v enter_v into_o the_o world_n who_o confess_v not_o that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v come_v in_o the_o flesh_n but_o because_o 7._o 30._o other_o think_v he_o be_v they_o make_v a_o high_a profession_n of_o he_o that_o by_o the_o sweetness_n of_o his_o name_n they_o may_v reach_v out_o this_o their_o bitter_a poison_n unto_o they_o which_o poison_n they_o sweeten_v with_o pretence_n it_o be_v very_o wholesome_a and_o useful_a to_o purge_v the_o soul_n from_o the_o dregs_n of_o ignorance_n and_o error_n to_o enlighten_v the_o mind_n and_o inform_v the_o understanding_n for_o their_o profane_a and_o vain_a babble_n they_o have_v the_o confidence_n 21._o to_o call_v science_n and_o to_o make_v profession_n of_o it_o and_o from_o a_o pretend_a excellency_n of_o knowledge_n they_o lay_v peculiar_a claim_n to_o the_o title_n of_o gnostic_n know_v man_n as_o if_o none_o no_o not_o st._n paul_n or_o st._n peter_n or_o any_o other_o of_o the_o apostle_n can_v plead_v a_o equality_n to_o the_o greatness_n of_o their_o knowledge_n for_o they_o boast_v that_o 9_o they_o know_v more_o than_o all_o man_n else_o and_o knowledge_n we_o know_v be_v a_o thing_n so_o invite_v as_o that_o it_o have_v no_o enemy_n but_o the_o ignorant_a and_o scarce_o any_o so_o sottish_a as_o not_o to_o desire_v it_o insomuch_o that_o it_o be_v a_o temptation_n even_o to_o eve_n in_o innocence_n when_o doubtless_o her_o knowledge_n be_v complete_o suit_v to_o her_o innocence_n yet_o even_o then_o â—he_v judge_v the_o forbid_a 6._o fruit_n desirable_a because_o it_o will_v make_v one_o wise_a we_o be_v true_a have_v lose_v her_o innocence_n but_o not_o the_o desire_n after_o knowledge_n no_o marvel_n then_o if_o with_o this_o pretence_n they_o allure_v many_o especial_o consider_v that_o though_o their_o wisdom_n be_v earthly_a sensual_a devilish_a yet_o they_o pretend_v it_o be_v from_o above_o it_o come_v not_o of_o blood_n or_o of_o the_o will_n of_o the_o flesh_n or_o of_o the_o will_n of_o man_n but_o of_o god_n for_o as_o the_o devil_n in_o tempt_v our_o bless_a saviour_n hide_v his_o lie_n under_o text_n of_o holy_a scripture_n so_o say_v irenaeus_n do_v all_o heretic_n what_o though_o as_o polycarp_n observe_v they_o wrest_v the_o word_n of_o phil_n god_n according_a to_o their_o own_o lust_n yâ—t_v it_o appear_v thereby_o they_o father_v their_o lie_n upon_o the_o god_n of_o truth_n from_o who_o also_o as_o they_o pretend_v their_o fable_n sometime_o descend_v by_o tradition_n and_o sometime_o by_o revelation_n when_o they_o be_v urge_v and_o baffle_v out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n they_o fall_v foul_a upon_o they_o and_o accuse_v they_o of_o such_o depravation_n insufficience_n variety_n and_o obscurity_n as_o that_o the_o truth_n can_v not_o therein_o be_v find_v by_o any_o that_o know_v not_o tradition_n and_o by_o tradition_n they_o understand_v not_o as_o other_o do_v that_o which_o every_o where_o always_o and_o by_o all_o christian_n 3._o be_v believe_v but_o a_o more_o secret_a delivery_n of_o truth_n down_o from_o one_o to_o another_o not_o by_o write_v but_o by_o 2._o word_n of_o mouth_n thus_o it_o seem_v they_o pretend_v to_o have_v receive_v their_o doctrine_n not_o from_o the_o apostle_n but_o from_o the_o mouth_n of_o christ_n himself_o and_o therefore_o in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n they_o be_v neither_o for_o paul_n nor_o apollo_n no_o nor_o yet_o for_o cephas_n but_o for_o 12._o christ_n as_o if_o christ_n have_v transmit_v such_o doctrine_n to_o they_o as_o he_o withhold_v
from_o advice_n or_o counsel_n consist_v in_o obligation_n for_o the_o latter_a do_v only_o direct_v ligando_fw-la to_o the_o do_v of_o what_o be_v think_v fit_a to_o be_v do_v but_o the_o former_a do_v moreover_o oblige_v and_o bind_v they_o to_o who_o it_o be_v give_v to_o the_o do_v of_o it_o thus_o also_o do_v the_o gospel_n and_o that_o very_o severe_o to_o they_o to_o who_o it_o be_v preach_v for_o the_o author_n and_o finisher_n of_o our_o faith_n in_o it_o viz._n christ_n jesus_n our_o lord_n be_v he_o of_o who_o moses_n say_v unto_o the_o father_n a_o prophet_n shall_v the_o lord_n your_o god_n raise_v up_o unto_o you_o of_o your_o brethren_n like_v unto_o i_o he_o shall_v you_o â—ear_v in_o all_o thing_n whatsoever_o he_o shall_v say_v unto_o you_o and_o it_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o every_o soul_n which_o will_v not_o â—ear_v 23._o that_o prophet_n shall_v be_v destroy_v from_o among_o the_o people_n we_o ought_v therefore_o to_o give_v the_o more_o earnest_a heed_n to_o the_o thing_n that_o we_o have_v hear_v lâ—â—t_v at_o any_o time_n â—e_n shall_v let_v they_o slip_v for_o if_o the_o word_n speak_v by_o angel_n be_v steadfast_a and_o every_o transgression_n and_o disobedience_n receive_v a_o just_a recompense_n of_o reward_n how_o shall_v 3._o we_o escape_v if_o we_o neglect_v so_o great_a salvation_n oblige_a then_o it_o seem_v we_o be_v by_o the_o gospel_n much_o more_o severe_o than_o the_o jew_n be_v by_o the_o law_n because_o the_o gospel_n first_o begin_v to_o be_v speak_v by_o the_o lord_n and_o be_v confirm_v unto_o we_o by_o they_o that_o hear_v he_o god_n also_o bear_v they_o witness_n both_o with_o sign_n and_o 4._o wonder_n and_o with_o divers_a miracle_n and_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n according_a to_o his_o own_o so_o that_o this_o its_o obligation_n be_v primary_o derive_v not_o from_o the_o law_n of_o civil_a sovereign_n in_o favour_n of_o it_o but_o from_o the_o lord_n speak_v it_o its_o authority_n therefore_o be_v divine_a sect._n 2._o so_o also_o be_v that_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o those_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o bear_v the_o apostle_n name_n do_v drop_n from_o their_o pen_n we_o have_v as_o great_a assurance_n as_o any_o can_v be_v give_v of_o a_o matter_n of_o that_o nature_n affirmative_a demonstration_n that_o homer_n write_v the_o poem_n plato_n or_o aâ—istotle_n cicero_n or_o plutarch_n the_o book_n that_o be_v extant_a under_o their_o name_n be_v impossible_a uncontrolled_a tradition_n be_v all_o the_o proof_n whereof_o this_o matter_n be_v capable_a and_o this_o we_o have_v in_o behalf_n of_o those_o book_n that_o bear_v the_o apostle_n name_n as_o full_o as_o of_o any_o other_o whatsoever_o the_o sceptical_a heretic_n in_o tertullia_n time_n who_o it_o seem_v make_v a_o question_n of_o it_o he_o therefore_o thus_o bespeak_v go_v to_o now_o thou_o that_o will_v exercise_v thy_o curiosity_n in_o matter_n of_o thy_o salvation_n betake_v thyself_o to_o the_o apostolic_a church_n where_o thou_o may_v find_v the_o very_a chair_n of_o the_o apostle_n yet_o abide_v in_o their_o proper_a place_n wherein_o also_o their_o very_a authentic_a epistle_n as_o it_o be_v sound_a each_o one_o voice_n and_o represent_v his_o face_n be_v still_o recite_v if_o achaia_n be_v nigh_a thou_o thou_o have_v corinth_n if_o macedonia_n be_v not_o 36._o far_o from_o the_o thou_o have_v the_o philippian_n and_o thessalonian_n if_o thou_o can_v go_v into_o asia_n there_o thou_o have_v ephesus_n but_o if_o thou_o be_v near_o italy_n thou_o have_v rome_n from_o these_o and_o other_o apostolical_a church_n copy_n of_o the_o apostle_n write_n be_v undoubted_o disperse_v among_o the_o primitive_a christian_n who_o receive_v and_o deliver_v they_o as_o they_o and_o this_o their_o tradition_n have_v run_v throughout_o all_o age_n down_o to_o we_o and_o that_o without_o any_o contradiction_n for_o those_o that_o either_o in_o the_o primitive_a or_o latter_a time_n have_v think_v fit_a to_o oppose_v christianity_n yet_o do_v it_o not_o under_o the_o pretence_n that_o these_o book_n be_v spurious_a neither_o â—ews_n nor_o heathen_n ever_o have_v the_o confidence_n to_o make_v that_o objection_n but_o rather_o they_o have_v yield_v their_o suffrage_n to_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n that_o they_o be_v write_v by_o the_o apostle_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o that_o some_o few_o particular_a and_o private_a person_n have_v both_o of_o late_a and_o heretofore_o either_o out_o of_o their_o error_n reject_v or_o out_o of_o their_o curiosity_n more_o than_o befit_v they_o debate_v the_o canonical_a authority_n of_o the_o epistle_n of_o st._n paul_n to_o the_o hebrew_n the_o epistle_n of_o st._n james_n the_o second_o epistle_n of_o st._n peter_n the_o second_o and_o three_o of_o st._n john_n the_o epistle_n of_o st._n judas_n and_o the_o apocalypse_n beside_o some_o other_o lesser_a part_n of_o the_o gospel_n yet_o can_v it_o never_o be_v show_v that_o any_o entire_a church_n nor_o that_o any_o national_a or_o provincial_a council_n nor_o that_o any_o multitude_n of_o man_n in_o their_o confession_n or_o catechism_n or_o other_o such_o public_a write_n have_v reject_v they_o or_o make_v any_o doubt_n at_o all_o 9_o of_o they_o so_o that_o the_o scruple_n that_o some_o few_o have_v raise_v about_o they_o shall_v no_o more_o weaken_v the_o credit_n of_o such_o a_o universal_a tradition_n than_o the_o opinion_n of_o atheist_n overthrow_v the_o faith_n of_o all_o the_o world_n beside_o for_o very_o evident_a it_o be_v that_o such_o conjecture_n be_v at_o best_a but_o negative_a probability_n against_o the_o affirmative_a deposition_n of_o all_o the_o christian_a world_n beside_o and_o forasmuch_o as_o negative_n especial_o in_o such_o competition_n prove_v nâ—thing_v be_v they_o embrace_v by_o ten_o thousand_o time_n more_o than_o they_o be_v or_o ever_o be_v they_o will_v not_o amount_v to_o a_o proof_n against_o and_o therefore_o â—ught_v not_o in_o reason_n to_o derogate_v from_o the_o credibility_n of_o the_o church_n tradition_n that_o they_o be_v write_v by_o those_o apostle_n concern_v these_o therefore_o and_o those_o other_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o bear_v the_o name_n of_o apostle_n we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o doubt_v and_o that_o they_o write_v they_o in_o prosecution_n of_o their_o apostolic_a office_n the_o book_n themselves_o declare_v and_o for_o this_o cause_n since_o the_o apostle_n be_v prophet_n concern_v they_o it_o must_v be_v conclude_v that_o they_o be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n of_o god_n and_o if_o these_o be_v so_o then_o so_o also_o be_v the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n because_o they_o be_v therein_o say_v express_o 19_o to_o be_v so_o and_o impossible_a it_o be_v for_o scripture_n give_v by_o divine_a inspiration_n to_o testify_v a_o falsehood_n and_o indeed_o have_v not_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v so_o express_o call_v the_o word_n of_o prophecy_n and_o say_v to_o have_v be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n of_o god_n as_o we_o find_v they_o be_v in_o the_o new_a yet_o because_o the_o apostle_n in_o their_o write_n find_v their_o disputation_n upon_o they_o and_o prove_v their_o doctrine_n by_o they_o as_o the_o word_n and_o truth_n of_o god_n from_o whence_o there_o lie_v no_o appeal_n it_o will_v be_v very_o evident_a that_o they_o ascribe_v divine_a authority_n to_o they_o and_o this_o their_o testimony_n be_v give_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n be_v beyond_o the_o reach_n of_o a_o doubt_n about_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o all_o the_o doubt_n therefore_o that_o can_v be_v raise_v will_v be_v about_o those_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o do_v not_o write_v viz._n the_o gospel_n of_o st._n mark_n and_o st._n luke_n together_o with_o his_o history_n of_o their_o act_n but_o for_o the_o removal_n hereof_o from_o all_o beside_o sceptic_n it_o may_v methinks_v suffice_v that_o these_o book_n also_o have_v the_o approbation_n of_o the_o apostle_n for_o the_o gospel_n of_o these_o evangelist_n do_v not_o only_o agree_v with_o the_o other_o two_o but_o they_o themselves_o after_o the_o death_n and_o resurrection_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n converse_v with_o and_o adhere_v to_o the_o apostle_n and_o forasmuch_o as_o they_o be_v eminent_a fellow-labourer_n with_o the_o apostle_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v but_o they_o receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n perhaps_o at_o the_o day_n of_o pentâ—cost_n as_o well_o as_o other_o after_o which_o time_n we_o know_v that_o the_o apostle_n disperse_v themselves_o into_o their_o respective_a province_n and_o certain_a it_o be_v by_o all_o antiquity_n that_o st._n mark_n do_v accompany_v st._n peter_n and_o st._n luke_n st._n paul_n in_o almost_o all_o his_o travel_n it_o be_v therefore_o very_o unlikely_a that_o
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 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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 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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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can_v admit_v of_o no_o demonstration_n but_o that_o of_o the_o spirit_n and_o this_o indeed_o be_v make_v à _fw-la posteriori_fw-la yet_o not_o from_o the_o constant_a and_o ordinary_a phaenomena_n of_o nature_n but_o from_o thing_n novel_a and_o anomalous_a such_o as_o prediction_n and_o miracle_n purposely_o design_v for_o that_o end_n and_o this_o be_v the_o way_n of_o prove_v the_o gospel_n to_o be_v divine_a far_o more_o decent_a and_o proper_a than_o any_o other_o because_o it_o become_v the_o majesty_n of_o god_n and_o conciliate_n authority_n to_o his_o word_n by_o make_v 5._o our_o faith_n to_o stand_v not_o in_o the_o wisdom_n of_o man_n but_o on_o the_o power_n of_o god_n now_o to_o show_v that_o this_o demonstration_n be_v abundant_o make_v by_o the_o spirit_n in_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v the_o great_a design_n of_o this_o treatise_n which_o be_v write_v on_o a_o occasion_n of_o a_o command_n lay_v on_o i_o by_o your_o lordship_n be_v by_o i_o humble_o offer_v to_o the_o honour_n of_o your_o lordship_n view_n and_o have_v attain_v thereunto_o your_o lordship_n it_o seem_v be_v please_v to_o condescend_v so_o far_o as_o to_o read_v over_o as_o much_o as_o your_o lordship_n time_n will_v give_v leave_n and_o then_o to_o return_v it_o with_o many_o thanks_o to_o i_o for_o my_o good_a pain_n as_o your_o lordship_n be_v please_v to_o call_v they_o wise_o place_v on_o so_o worthy_a a_o theme_n together_o with_o such_o other_o expression_n of_o your_o lordship_n approbation_n as_o neither_o i_o do_v expect_v nor_o as_o i_o fear_v do_v the_o treatise_n deserve_v but_o i_o submit_v to_o your_o lordship_n judgement_n and_o have_v i_o not_o so_o do_v this_o treatise_n have_v be_v bury_v in_o obscurity_n with_o its_o author_n but_o have_v that_o encouragement_n i_o think_v myself_o sufficient_o arm_v against_o all_o elation_n or_o dejection_n of_o mind_n at_o the_o various_a censure_n that_o may_v possible_o be_v pass_v upon_o it_o if_o it_o shall_v 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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 order_n to_o this_o end_n for_o he_o to_o execute_v the_o office_n of_o a_o prophet_n and_o to_o inspire_v his_o apostle_n with_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n that_o so_o he_o do_v lie_v we_o know_v at_o the_o bottom_n of_o our_o christian_a faith_n whoever_o believe_v the_o gospel_n to_o be_v of_o god_n do_v in_o a_o sort_n suppose_v it_o and_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v for_o whatever_o religion_n be_v divine_a must_v needs_o be_v either_o natural_a or_o reveal_v if_o reveal_v than_o the_o first_o preacher_n of_o it_o be_v prophet_n because_o prophecy_n be_v the_o only_a way_n whereby_o reveal_v truth_n either_o be_v or_o can_v be_v dispense_v unto_o we_o for_o very_o evident_a it_o be_v that_o the_o positive_a truth_n of_o god_n beside_o or_o above_o what_o be_v natural_a can_v no_o way_n be_v make_v know_v unto_o we_o but_o by_o a_o free_a influx_n of_o the_o divine_a mind_n upon_o we_o since_o therefore_o as_o all_o agree_v that_o though_o christianity_n do_v most_o high_o 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
argument_n into_o this_o form_n and_o the_o strength_n of_o it_o will_v be_v evident_a those_o who_o god_n employ_v to_o prophesy_v be_v fellow_n servant_n but_o you_o and_o your_o brethren_n the_o apostle_n as_o well_o as_o i_o god_n employ_v to_o prophesy_v therefore_o we_o be_v fellow-servant_n st._n john_n can_v make_v a_o doubt_n of_o nothing_o in_o this_o argument_n but_o the_o assumption_n whether_o he_o and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v send_v to_o prophesy_v yes_o say_v the_o angel_n that_o you_o be_v for_o the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n be_v the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n hereby_o to_o i_o it_o seem_v apparent_a that_o the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n here_o signify_v that_o which_o the_o apostle_n give_v unto_o he_o and_o will_v you_o know_v why_o this_o be_v call_v the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n not_o of_o the_o apostle_n concern_v he_o then_o observe_v that_o this_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n may_v be_v consider_v two_o way_n viz._n strictly_n or_o large_o if_o abstract_o or_o strict_o in_o itself_o than_o it_o be_v little_a or_o nothing_o else_o but_o the_o record_n they_o give_v of_o christ_n or_o the_o doctrine_n they_o teach_v concern_v he_o and_o this_o be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n because_o he_o be_v the_o principal_a thing_n it_o treat_v of_o but_o if_o it_o be_v consider_v large_o it_o comprehend_v not_o only_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n concern_v christ_n but_o also_o the_o strength_n power_n and_o authority_n whereby_o they_o teach_v it_o thus_o consider_v it_o be_v the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n not_o only_o because_o they_o give_v it_o to_o he_o but_o also_o because_o they_o receive_v it_o from_o he_o for_o he_o give_v they_o not_o only_o command_v 15._o to_o bear_v this_o witness_n of_o he_o i._n e._n to_o go_v into_o all_o the_o world_n and_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o every_o creature_n but_o also_o strength_n and_o power_n so_o to_o do_v for_o he_o first_o 45._o open_v their_o understand_n that_o they_o shall_v understand_v the_o scripture_n and_o afterward_o he_o endue_v they_o with_o power_n from_o on_o high_a by_o send_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o father_n i._n e._n the_o spirit_n upon_o they_o to_o lead_v they_o into_o all_o truth_n and_o enable_v they_o to_o speak_v it_o to_o all_o nation_n whatsoever_o and_o this_o be_v do_v so_o 6._o effectual_o as_o that_o man_n of_o every_o nation_n under_o heaven_n hear_v they_o speak_v in_o their_o own_o language_n and_o this_o sure_o in_o itself_o consider_v be_v no_o small_a matter_n of_o testimony_n to_o our_o jesus_n the_o apostle_n we_o know_v be_v ignorant_a and_o unlearned_a man_n that_o understand_v but_o little_a of_o scripture_n less_o of_o foreign_a language_n yet_o hereby_o on_o a_o sudden_a they_o be_v enable_v exquisite_o to_o understand_v the_o one_o and_o to_o speak_v the_o other_o of_o all_o sort_n and_o do_v it_o not_o surpass_v the_o power_n of_o nature_n to_o make_v so_o stupendous_a a_o change_n as_o this_o be_v what_o creature_n can_v make_v man_n wise_a holy_a and_o learned_a in_o a_o instant_n it_o be_v a_o work_n of_o wonder_n that_o fall_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o little_a less_o than_o omnipotent_a power_n and_o wisdom_n sure_o therefore_o the_o author_n of_o it_o be_v god_n and_o if_o so_o then_o jesus_n to_o who_o the_o apostle_n be_v thereby_o enable_v to_o give_v testimony_n be_v at_o least_o a_o man_n approve_v of_o he_o on_o that_o account_n therefore_o their_o doctrine_n or_o rather_o their_o preach_a or_o promulgation_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o it_o may_v well_o be_v call_v the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n and_o this_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n my_o text_n tell_v we_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n the_o truth_n and_o essence_n of_o prophecy_n say_v maimonides_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o influence_n from_o god_n by_o the_o mediation_n of_o the_o active_a intellect_n operate_n first_o upon_o the_o rational_a afterward_o 36._o on_o the_o imaginable_a faculty_n this_o definition_n be_v think_v somewhat_o too_o scanty_a and_o obscure_a to_o express_v the_o nature_n of_o prophecy_n in_o its_o full_a latitude_n it_o be_v therefore_o conceive_v that_o by_o a_o little_a alteration_n of_o its_o definition_n by_o another_o rabbi_n we_o may_v have_v a_o more_o adequate_a and_o clear_a conception_n of_o its_o nature_n viz._n that_o it_o be_v a_o influence_n from_o god_n upon_o the_o rational_a faculty_n either_o by_o the_o mediation_n of_o the_o fancy_n or_o otherwise_o and_o by_o this_o influence_n whether_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o a_o angel_n or_o otherwise_o a_o man_n attain_v to_o such_o knowledge_n as_o by_o his_o natural_a ability_n will_v be_v unattainable_a in_o these_o definition_n of_o prophecy_n we_o 2._o have_v nothing_o at_o present_a to_o observe_v but_o that_o wherein_o they_o both_o do_v agree_v namely_o the_o general_a nature_n of_o it_o which_o they_o make_v to_o consist_v in_o influence_n from_o god_n prophecy_n be_v not_o a_o ignis_fw-la fatuus_fw-la of_o a_o disturb_a fancy_n but_o a_o impression_n of_o divine_a light_n thence_o perhaps_o it_o be_v that_o in_o old_a time_n the_o prophet_n be_v call_v seer_n not_o because_o or_o at_o least_o not_o so_o proper_o because_o of_o their_o foresight_n of_o thing_n future_a as_o of_o their_o vision_n those_o image_n or_o appearance_n of_o thing_n as_o visible_a which_o by_o divine_a influence_n be_v represent_v on_o the_o stage_n of_o their_o fancy_n to_o the_o sight_n of_o their_o understanding_n and_o afterward_o the_o prophet_n be_v call_v man_n of_o god_n because_o god_n be_v please_v immediate_o to_o reveal_v himself_o loose_a unto_o they_o and_o so_o the_o word_n render_v prophet_n denote_v one_o that_o receive_v what_o he_o say_v from_o god_n it_o seem_v then_o that_o all_o prophecy_n true_o so_o call_v have_v its_o descent_n from_o above_o it_o be_v not_o of_o any_o private_a interpretation_n or_o rather_o of_o a_o man_n own_o start_n or_o suggestion_n for_o it_o come_v not_o by_o the_o will_n of_o man_n but_o holy_a man_n of_o god_n do_v thereby_o speak_v as_o they_o be_v move_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n we_o 2._o christian_n therefore_o believe_v the_o holy_a ghost_n speak_v by_o the_o prophet_n and_o that_o prophecy_n be_v a_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n for_o which_o cause_n no_o doubt_n it_o be_v that_o justin_n martyr_n entitle_v he_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n but_o when_o we_o consider_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n as_o in_o my_o text_n be_v affirm_v of_o the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n it_o seem_v most_o probable_a that_o it_o therein_o signify_v not_o his_o person_n but_o his_o gift_n not_o his_o essence_n or_o subsistence_n but_o a_o effect_v produce_v by_o he_o which_o be_v here_o call_v by_o his_o name_n thus_o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o sound_a mind_n the_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n and_o meckness_n the_o spirit_n of_o knowledge_n the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n signify_v effect_n work_n or_o gift_n which_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n produce_v in_o the_o soul_n of_o men._n so_o here_o in_o my_o text_n the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n by_o a_o ordinary_a metonymy_n of_o the_o cause_n for_o the_o effect_n be_v put_v for_o the_o gift_n or_o ability_n to_o prophesy_v which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n wrought_v in_o some_o of_o god_n minister_n this_o gift_n the_o angel_n have_v when_o he_o speak_v to_o st._n john_n and_o so_o say_v he_o have_v st._n john_n too_o and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o their_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n i._n e._n in_o the_o record_n they_o give_v of_o christ_n or_o in_o the_o promulgation_n of_o the_o doctrine_n they_o teach_v concern_v he_o from_o whence_o it_o apparent_o follow_v that_o the_o angel_n here_o speak_v and_o they_o be_v fellow-servant_n but_o it_o be_v not_o this_o their_o association_n with_o angel_n which_o i_o now_o intend_v to_o discourse_v of_o but_o the_o reason_n and_o cause_n of_o it_o viz._n their_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n it_o be_v we_o see_v here_o avouch_v by_o a_o angel_n that_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o promulgation_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v endue_v with_o the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n or_o in_o short_a that_o they_o be_v prophet_n and_o if_o they_o in_o their_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n be_v prophet_n much_o more_o be_v he_o himself_o by_o who_o spirit_n they_o give_v it_o to_o he_o a_o prophet_n all_o than_o that_o remain_v for_o i_o to_o do_v will_v be_v to_o prove_v that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v prophet_n hereof_o methinks_v none_o can_v doubt_v but_o those_o that_o be_v slow_a of_o heart_n to_o believe_v the_o holy_a scripture_n for_o therein_o we_o first_o find_v it_o foretold_v to_o the_o jew_n that_o 18._o god_n will_v raise_v they_o up_o a_o prophet_n from_o among_o their_o brethren_n like_v unto_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
those_o etc._n precept_n which_o be_v write_v in_o the_o law_n and_o why_o be_v this_o comment_n commit_v to_o write_v as_o well_o as_o the_o text_n but_o because_o there_o be_v no_o preserve_v it_o entire_a without_o it_o why_o then_o shall_v it_o be_v set_v cheek_n by_o jowl_n with_o the_o text_n itself_o be_v rabbie_a judah_n a_o prophet_n as_o well_o as_o moses_n no_o he_o live_v a_o long_a time_n after_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n be_v cease_v among_o they_o his_o write_n therefore_o ought_v in_o all_o reason_n to_o truckle_n under_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n of_o god_n and_o although_o the_o matter_n contain_v in_o they_o as_o be_v pretend_v come_v together_o with_o those_o of_o holy_a scripture_n from_o god_n almighty_a yet_o have_v be_v for_o many_o hundred_o of_o year_n most_o easy_o subject_a to_o corruption_n change_n and_o depravation_n for_o the_o prevention_n whereof_o he_o commit_v they_o to_o writing_n there_o can_v be_v but_o little_a or_o no_o certainty_n and_o consequent_o no_o knowledge_n of_o such_o authority_n as_o be_v pretend_v to_o be_v in_o they_o and_o if_o not_o after_o much_o less_o before_o he_o write_v they_o for_o by_o commit_v they_o to_o writing_n without_o all_o doubt_n he_o do_v rather_o add_v unto_o then_o diminish_v their_o authority_n and_o true_o it_o seem_v probable_a that_o he_o devise_v the_o fable_n of_o their_o descent_n from_o god_n almighty_a for_o have_v there_o be_v such_o a_o explication_n as_o they_o say_v deliver_v by_o god_n to_o moses_n by_o moses_n to_o aaron_n and_o his_o son_n by_o they_o to_o the_o seventy_o elder_n by_o they_o to_o joshuâ—_n by_o he_o to_o the_o survive_a elder_n by_o they_o to_o the_o succeed_a prophet_n who_o deliver_v it_o from_o one_o to_o another_o through_o at_o least_o a_o thousand_o year_n have_v this_o i_o say_v be_v true_a it_o be_v very_o strange_a that_o in_o all_o that_o time_n they_o do_v not_o drop_v one_o word_n from_o their_o pen_n about_o it_o although_o certain_o they_o have_v frequent_a occasion_n of_o so_o do_v for_o a_o great_a part_n of_o their_o office_n be_v to_o uphold_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o law_n in_o the_o purity_n and_o integrity_n of_o it_o which_o they_o can_v no_o way_n have_v do_v better_a than_o by_o reduce_v transgressor_n to_n that_o authentic_a interpretation_n of_o it_o yet_o we_o find_v not_o a_o word_n of_o it_o but_o that_o that_o fall_v out_o most_o unlucky_o be_v that_o this_o traditional_a interpretation_n of_o the_o law_n do_v thwrat_fw-mi and_o contradict_v the_o exposition_n thereof_o by_o the_o prophet_n this_o wretched_a tradition_n restrain_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o law_n to_o the_o letter_n of_o it_o 5._o and_o teach_v man_n to_o believe_v it_o forbid_v no_o more_o than_o it_o express_v but_o the_o prophet_n sure_o teach_v they_o otherwise_o 14._o whence_o â—lse_o be_v it_o that_o they_o reprove_v they_o 6._o for_o the_o thought_n of_o their_o heart_n as_o well_o as_o the_o work_n of_o their_o hand_n thus_o do_v the_o comment_n make_v void_a the_o text_n and_o this_o tradition_n make_v the_o commandment_n of_o none_o â—ffâ—ct_v it_o be_v therefore_o most_o manife_a that_o they_o come_v not_o from_o the_o same_o hand_n can_v infinite_a wisdom_n speak_v contradiction_n or_o destroy_v what_o it_o build_v it_o be_v blasphemy_n to_o say_v it_o can_v since_o then_o this_o tradition_n explode_v the_o law_n instead_o of_o expound_v it_o we_o be_v sure_a it_o come_v not_o from_o god_n be_v it_o then_o likely_a that_o the_o divine_a majesty_n as_o our_o author_n often_o call_v the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n shall_v be_v make_v to_o hold_v up_o its_o hand_n at_o the_o bar_n of_o this_o tradition_n which_o perhaps_o be_v make_v worse_o by_o its_o keeper_n 9_o than_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o it_o be_v always_o imprison_v in_o a_o consistory_n where_o no_o man_n know_v what_o usage_n it_o have_v or_o how_o it_o may_v be_v dress_v up_o to_o serve_v the_o emergent_a exigence_n of_o prophecy_n be_v try_v by_o tradition_n and_o that_o tradition_n know_v only_o in_o a_o consistory_n and_o that_o consistory_n consist_v of_o man_n subject_a as_o doubtless_o they_o be_v to_o error_n and_o corruption_n the_o ark_n be_v more_o like_a to_o fall_v before_o dagon_n than_o dagon_n before_o the_o ark_n i_o mean_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n to_o be_v repel_v by_o vice_n and_o wickedness_n often_o than_o they_o correct_v by_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n how_o easy_a be_v it_o for_o vice_n to_o pretend_v to_o this_o tradition_n and_o for_o wickedness_n to_o plead_v prescription_n by_o this_o oral_a law_n for_o its_o protection_n and_o if_o they_o dwell_v in_o the_o consistory_n as_o too_o often_o they_o do_v or_o can_v make_v some_o friend_n there_o as_o no_o doubt_n they_o may_v they_o will_v certain_o be_v more_o mindful_a of_o their_o concern_v than_o to_o neglect_v so_o fair_a a_o advantage_n and_o then_o if_o the_o consistory_n declare_v that_o tradition_n be_v for_o they_o that_o prophet_n must_v die_v who_o presume_v to_o speak_v against_o they_o but_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o the_o god_n of_o holiness_n shall_v make_v a_o law_n so_o apt_a to_o establish_v wickedness_n no_o it_o border_n upon_o blasphemy_n to_o say_v he_o do_v piety_n therefore_o as_o well_o as_o reason_n incline_v we_o to_o look_v on_o this_o tradition_n as_o a_o mere_a fiction_n at_o first_o invent_v to_o uphold_v the_o totter_a reputation_n of_o their_o magisterial_a rabbi_n and_o afterward_o improve_v and_o use_v to_o patronize_v their_o infidelity_n and_o justify_v their_o barbarous_a proceed_n against_o our_o bless_a lord_n jesus_n and_o all_o that_o adhere_v to_o he_o this_o therefore_o we_o do_v utter_o reject_v but_o the_o other_o part_n of_o maimonides_n his_o assertion_n viz._n that_o pretender_n to_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n be_v not_o admit_v to_o a_o trial_n unless_o they_o make_v no_o alteration_n in_o the_o write_a law_n of_o moses_n be_v something_o more_o probable_a for_o doubtless_o a_o attempt_n to_o null_a the_o obligation_n of_o a_o law_n which_o god_n himself_o have_v establish_v if_o he_o that_o make_v it_o give_v little_a or_o no_o evidence_n of_o god_n intention_n by_o he_o to_o do_v it_o be_v a_o strong_a presumption_n yea_o a_o sufficient_a argument_n that_o he_o therein_o be_v a_o false_a prophet_n but_o if_o god_n have_v constitute_v a_o law_n which_o in_o itself_o be_v mutable_a and_o withal_o have_v declare_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v change_v if_o the_o pretender_n to_o prophecy_n give_v as_o great_a or_o great_a evidence_n of_o god_n intention_n by_o he_o to_o do_v it_o than_o he_o do_v at_o first_o to_o establish_v it_o there_o be_v no_o more_o reason_n to_o reject_v he_o than_o there_o be_v moses_n and_o if_o so_o the_o jew_n be_v certain_o very_o rude_a and_o barbarous_a if_o they_o will_v not_o vouchsafe_v he_o a_o trial_n but_o forthwith_o put_v he_o to_o death_n without_o it_o what_o law_n therefore_o of_o the_o jew_n it_o be_v wherein_o our_o author_n say_v this_o rule_n be_v contain_v be_v yet_o unknown_a to_o we_o however_o assure_v we_o be_v that_o though_o it_o may_v be_v of_o they_o yet_o it_o be_v no_o part_n of_o god_n law_n because_o it_o inflict_v death_n on_o they_o who_o bring_v the_o broad_a seal_n of_o heaven_n to_o avouch_v their_o authority_n to_o speak_v what_o they_o do_v in_o his_o name_n i_o suppose_v therefore_o the_o rule_n be_v seldom_o or_o never_o true_a but_o in_o case_n either_o of_o immutability_n in_o the_o law_n itself_o or_o want_v of_o sufficient_a evidence_n of_o god_n intention_n by_o the_o pretender_n to_o change_v it_o and_o that_o neither_o of_o these_o be_v the_o case_n now_o under_o debate_n will_v be_v evident_a by_o consider_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o that_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n as_o to_o the_o ceremonial_a and_o judicial_a part_n of_o it_o be_v not_o immutable_a for_o it_o be_v found_v upon_o no_o immutable_a reason_n this_o methinks_v maimonides_n himself_o must_v needs_o have_v confess_v if_o he_o have_v consider_v what_o he_o himself_o have_v elsewhere_o tell_v we_o viz._n that_o the_o first_o intention_n of_o our_o law_n be_v to_o take_v away_o idolatry_n to_o blot_v out_o the_o memory_n of_o it_o and_o of_o all_o thing_n that_o adhere_v to_o it_o or_o give_v occasion_n of_o it_o and_o then_o after_o some_o digression_n he_o return_v to_o his_o purpose_n and_o say_v the_o reason_n and_o cause_n of_o many_o of_o our_o law_n become_v know_v to_o i_o through_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o faith_n rite_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o zabian_o the_o knowledge_n of_o their_o opinion_n and_o science_n be_v a_o great_a gate_n i._n e._n it_o serve_v much_o to_o let_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o precept_n for_o the_o
out_o the_o priest_n by_o sacrifice_n purge_v their_o temple_n and_o the_o magistrate_n their_o city_n it_o be_v also_o report_v that_o some_o of_o the_o epicurean_o be_v look_v on_o as_o inventor_n of_o a_o esseminate_a degenerate_a and_o filthy_a sort_n of_o wisdom_n odious_a to_o the_o god_n be_v by_o a_o law_n write_v in_o the_o vulgar_a tongue_n drive_v out_o of_o lyctos_n a_o city_n of_o crete_n by_o which_o law_n it_o be_v provide_v that_o if_o any_o one_o of_o they_o shall_v presume_v to_o come_v thither_o he_o shall_v be_v bind_v and_o put_v naked_a into_o a_o cage_n near_o the_o senate_n and_o be_v anoint_v with_o milk_n and_o honey_n for_o twenty_o day_n together_o that_o bee_n and_o fly_n the_o mean_a while_n may_v devour_v he_o but_o if_o he_o survive_v this_o torment_n than_o be_v he_o clothe_v in_o woman_n apparel_n and_o cast_v headlong_o from_o a_o rock_n by_o this_o their_o reproachful_a epicurus_n severity_n they_o declare_v plain_o what_o be_v the_o end_n of_o philosophy_n or_o at_o lest_o what_o they_o expect_v from_o it_o viz._n that_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o far_o from_o debauch_v man_n manner_n as_o that_o it_o shall_v purify_v thâ—ir_a soul_n and_o sublimate_v their_o affection_n destroy_v their_o vice_n and_o promote_v virtue_n senâ—ca_n therefore_o tell_v lucilius_n that_o wisdom_n form_v the_o mind_n and_o build_v it_o dispose_v the_o life_n and_o rule_v the_o action_n show_v what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v and_o demonstrate_v what_o be_v to_o be_v omit_v it_o be_v to_o we_o as_o a_o rudder_n to_o a_o ship_n it_o direct_v the_o course_n of_o they_o that_o 16._o fluctuate_v and_o waver_v in_o uncertainty_n if_o then_o this_o be_v the_o design_a work_n and_o end_n of_o wisdom_n there_o be_v no_o doctrine_n in_o the_o world_n can_v lay_v so_o just_a a_o claim_n as_o that_o of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n to_o that_o title_n for_o the_o design_n of_o it_o be_v not_o to_o fill_v man_n head_n with_o notion_n or_o to_o teach_v they_o system_n of_o opinion_n but_o to_o furnish_v their_o mind_n with_o encouragement_n to_o virtue_n to_o mortify_v their_o passion_n and_o self-will_n in_o order_n to_o the_o love_n of_o the_o eternal_a beauty_n and_o a_o imitation_n of_o it_o that_o so_o in_o a_o sort_n they_o may_v anticipate_v heaven_n by_o a_o resemblance_n of_o god_n here_o on_o earth_n for_o our_o saviour_n have_v teach_v we_o to_o be_v perfect_a as_o our_o father_n in_o heaven_n 48._o be_v perfect_a to_o this_o end_n both_o the_o precept_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v so_o exquisite_o adapt_v as_o that_o they_o do_v not_o only_o most_o effectual_o forestall_v all_o those_o vice_n which_o the_o wise_a of_o man_n law_n and_o instruction_n have_v but_o in_o vain_a attempt_v to_o destroy_v but_o they_o do_v also_o promote_v such_o exact_a and_o elevate_a virtue_n as_o be_v apt_a to_o make_v we_o as_o like_v to_o our_o maker_n as_o in_o this_o life_n be_v possible_a for_o the_o exceed_a great_a and_o precious_a promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v give_v we_o to_o this_o 4._o end_n that_o by_o they_o we_o may_v be_v partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o the_o end_n of_o the_o commandment_n be_v charity_n out_o of_o a_o pure_a heart_n and_o of_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o of_o 5._o faith_n unfeigned_a i'faith_o unfeigned_a beget_v a_o good_a conscience_n a_o good_a conscience_n a_o pure_a heart_n and_o a_o pure_a heart_n charity_n and_o charity_n we_o know_v must_v 30._o needs_o be_v as_o one_o call_v it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o likeness_n to_o god_n or_o resemblance_n of_o he_o for_o god_n be_v love_n a_o eternal_a and_o immutable_a a_o omniscient_a and_o almighty_a goodness_n to_o the_o imitation_n hereof_o the_o gospel_n do_v allure_v and_o direct_v we_o to_o this_o end_n it_o be_v intend_v and_o design_v its_o efficacy_n in_o order_n thereunto_o st._n paul_n insinuate_v when_o he_o call_v it_o the_o ministration_n of_o righteousness_n and_o 9_o the_o powâ—r_n of_o god_n unto_o salvation_n it_o be_v a_o thing_n more_o 16._o divine_a than_o any_o demonstration_n it_o have_v heat_n to_o quicken_v and_o enliven_v our_o affection_n as_o well_o as_o light_a to_o guide_v they_o it_o so_o form_v christ_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o believer_n as_o that_o it_o incline_v they_o to_o say_v of_o he_o and_o his_o word_n as_o the_o priest_n of_o mercury_n do_v in_o eat_v sacrifice_n truth_n be_v sweet_a and_o when_o once_o it_o be_v so_o and_o well_o digest_v it_o will_v so_o transform_v they_o by_o the_o renew_n of_o their_o mind_n as_o that_o they_o may_v prove_v what_o be_v that_o good_a and_o acceptable_a and_o perfect_a will_n of_o god_n and_o by_o so_o do_v it_o will_v dispose_v they_o to_o such_o a_o cheerful_a compliance_n therewith_o as_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v follower_n of_o god_n as_o dear_a child_n and_o this_o as_o seneca_n insinuate_v be_v the_o ultimate_a end_n and_o design_n the_o utmost_a scope_n and_o tendency_n of_o wisdom_n ut_fw-la dâ—um_fw-la sup_v sequaris_fw-la since_o therefore_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n give_v better_a rule_n and_o afford_v great_a help_n for_o so_o do_v than_o any_o there_o be_v either_o in_o the_o theology_n of_o the_o jew_n or_o the_o philosophy_n of_o the_o gentile_n most_o manifest_a it_o be_v that_o it_o do_v most_o high_o deserve_v not_o only_o to_o be_v call_v wisdom_n but_o also_o to_o be_v account_v supernatural_a and_o divine_a because_o it_o excel_v all_o former_a revelation_n of_o god_n as_o well_o as_o the_o wisdom_n of_o man_n and_o it_o that_o be_v such_o excellent_a wisdom_n most_o evident_a it_o be_v that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v most_o excellent_o wise_a endue_v with_o a_o sort_n of_o knowledge_n which_o be_v utter_o unattainable_a without_o inspiration_n of_o god_n because_o if_o otherwise_o it_o will_v have_v beâ—n_o impossible_a that_o they_o shall_v hauâ—_n be_v author_n of_o such_o a_o excellent_a production_n sect._n 3_o of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n fortitude_n and_o that_o this_o their_o wisdom_n dwell_v with_o fortitude_n i._n e._n such_o courage_n and_o magnanimity_n as_o the_o prophet_n have_v in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o office_n be_v the_o next_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v and_o demonstrate_v and_o this_o it_o may_v be_v from_o the_o greatness_n and_o strangeness_n of_o their_o undertake_n which_o we_o know_v be_v to_o reform_v the_o jew_n and_o to_o convert_v the_o gentile_n in_o prosecution_n of_o this_o design_n their_o action_n and_o their_o suffering_n declare_v the_o greatness_n of_o their_o mind_n for_o the_o jew_n although_o they_o only_o of_o all_o people_n worship_v the_o true_a god_n and_o have_v the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o law_n yet_o be_v very_o corrupt_a and_o degenerate_a both_o in_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n which_o corruption_n seem_v introduce_v by_o their_o tradition_n the_o spawn_n of_o that_o pretend_a interpretation_n of_o their_o law_n beforementioned_a for_o in_o process_n of_o time_n the_o comment_n make_v void_a the_o text_n tradition_n be_v so_o much_o regard_v as_o that_o the_o text_n be_v little_o mind_v the_o commandment_n of_o man_n be_v teach_v for_o doctrine_n and_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n be_v make_v of_o none_o effect_v by_o their_o tradition_n 1._o not_o only_o their_o faith_n be_v found_v thereon_o but_o a_o path_n be_v thereby_o pave_v for_o all_o israelite_n though_o never_o so_o bad_a to_o go_v to_o heaven_n in_o for_o so_o absurd_o partial_a and_o indulgent_a be_v they_o to_o their_o own_o nation_n as_o that_o it_o be_v a_o most_o authentic_a opinion_n of_o their_o doctor_n that_o every_o israelite_n 76._o shall_v have_v a_o portion_n in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v whosoever_o believe_v the_o thirteen_o fundamental_o of_o the_o jewish_a law_n beforementioned_a be_v admit_v say_v maimonides_n into_o the_o number_n of_o israelite_n and_o so_o sure_o he_o obtain_v as_o great_a a_o right_a as_o any_o have_v to_o receive_v benefit_n by_o this_o their_o grand_a charter_n for_o heaven_n and_o this_o right_n he_o hold_v unless_o he_o be_v so_o unhappy_a as_o to_o fall_v into_o the_o number_n of_o those_o that_o be_v exempt_v therefrom_o but_o there_o be_v no_o great_a danger_n of_o that_o because_o there_o be_v but_o six_o sort_n of_o offence_n whereby_o the_o man_n of_o israel_n may_v forfeit_v this_o their_o inestimable_a privilege_n and_o true_o those_o offence_n be_v such_o as_o they_o may_v easy_o withstand_v all_o temptation_n to_o commit_v for_o one_o half_a of_o they_o concern_v matter_n of_o faith_n and_o therefore_o may_v be_v avoid_v with_o little_a displeasure_n to_o the_o flesh_n and_o less_o entrenchment_n upon_o worldly_a interest_n the_o other_o half_o concern_v such_o petty_a trivial_a matter_n of_o practice_n as_o that_o no_o man_n well_o in_o his_o wit_n will_v