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it_o be_v a_o sign_n of_o a_o little_a mind_n when_o one_o be_v able_a to_o distinguish_v himself_o only_o by_o singularity_n by_o a_o odd_a dress_n or_o a_o new_a mode_n when_o his_o wit_n border_n upon_o madness_n and_o profaneness_n and_o his_o learning_n be_v all_o out_o of_o the_o way_n many_o who_o be_v neither_o heterodox_n in_o religion_n nor_o fond_a of_o be_v singular_a in_o any_o thing_n else_o have_v show_v a_o extraordinary_a sagacity_n and_o a_o surprise_a variety_n of_o excellent_a learning_n upon_o subject_n which_o be_v unusual_a and_o in_o themselves_o but_o little_a considerable_a and_o i_o will_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o some_o of_o the_o man_n of_o singularity_n have_v no_o worse_o design_n than_o to_o gratify_v a_o little_a vanity_n and_o to_o appear_v like_o some_o body_n in_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o learning_n as_o if_o learning_n be_v a_o mere_a trifle_n a_o very_a play-thing_n to_o be_v employ_v to_o no_o serious_a and_o useful_a purpose_n but_o will_v serve_v only_o to_o give_v man_n occasion_n to_o talk_v and_o to_o be_v talk_v of_o this_o be_v call_v pedantry_n and_o i_o know_v not_o why_o that_o shall_v go_v under_o a_o better_a name_n which_o be_v of_o a_o worse_a nature_n and_o join_v the_o trifle_a of_o pedantry_n to_o the_o mischief_n of_o irreligion_n if_o this_o sort_n of_o man_n will_v but_o busy_v themselves_o no_o worse_o than_o tiberius_n do_v when_o he_o examine_v who_o be_v the_o mother_n of_o hecuba_n what_o name_n achilles_n go_v by_o whilst_o he_o hide_v himself_o in_o woman_n apparel_n and_o what_o song_n those_o be_v which_o the_o siren_n be_v wont_a to_o sing_v those_o indeed_o be_v profound_a inquiry_n and_o so_o worthy_a of_o they_o that_o it_o be_v pity_v they_o shall_v be_v disturb_v in_o such_o ingenious_a disquisition_n but_o if_o man_n will_v be_v for_o remove_v foundation_n and_o reject_v establish_v doctrine_n and_o deny_v the_o principle_n of_o religion_n it_o be_v fit_a they_o shall_v be_v tell_v that_o there_o be_v neither_o wisdom_n nor_o learning_n in_o this_o and_o those_o who_o be_v act_v themselves_o by_o a_o spirit_n of_o contradiction_n have_v the_o least_o reason_n of_o any_o man_n to_o take_v it_o amiss_o to_o be_v contradict_v though_o it_o be_v in_o never_o so_o plain_a a_o manner_n in_o short_a it_o be_v possible_a that_o some_o may_v be_v well_o skill_v in_o trick_n and_o artifices_fw-la who_o know_v little_a of_o the_o substantial_a and_o useful_a part_n of_o the_o law_n and_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o many_o who_o talk_v bold_o of_o the_o high_a point_n of_o religion_n be_v ignorant_a even_o of_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ._n there_o sure_o can_v be_v little_a need_n for_o any_o man_n to_o have_v recourse_n to_o error_n and_o extravagancy_n for_o the_o exercise_n and_o improvement_n of_o his_o faculty_n they_o must_v be_v strange_a faculty_n to_o want_v such_o improvement_n truth_n itself_o be_v infinite_a though_o always_o uniform_a and_o consistent_a in_o every_o part_n and_o will_v afford_v room_n enough_o for_o the_o free_a use_n of_o reason_n in_o examine_v and_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n in_o state_v particular_a case_n by_o general_a rule_n in_o the_o study_n of_o antiquity_n and_o in_o explain_v particular_a text_n of_o scripture_n according_a to_o the_o analogy_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o tenor_n of_o sound_a doctrine_n and_o it_o may_v just_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o defect_n of_o judgement_n and_o good_a sense_n or_o be_v suspect_v which_o be_v much_o worse_o of_o want_n of_o sincerity_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n when_o man_n can_v find_v nothing_o by_o which_o they_o may_v recommend_v themselves_o to_o the_o world_n but_o by_o set_v up_o for_o novelty_n in_o religion_n for_o what_o man_n of_o a_o honest_a mean_v and_o of_o sufficient_a ability_n and_o strength_n of_o part_n to_o proceed_v secure_o in_o direct_a and_o approve_a path_n will_v run_v out_o of_o the_o way_n by_o cunning_a 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groundless_a a_o calumny_n that_o they_o be_v neither_o able_a to_o insist_v upon_o any_o proof_n of_o it_o nor_o to_o reconcile_v it_o to_o what_o they_o themselves_o have_v elsewhere_o say_v the_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v acknowledge_v by_o the_o ancient_a jew_n and_o have_v be_v confess_v by_o their_o posterity_n they_o can_v not_o contradict_v the_o miracle_n but_o deny_v the_o consequence_n of_o they_o though_o the_o man_n we_o have_v to_o deal_v withal_o to_o make_v clear_a work_n with_o much_o confidence_n but_o with_o as_o much_o ignorance_n deny_v both_o let_v they_o know_v then_o that_o they_o be_v in_o part_n confute_v by_o the_o enemy_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o it_o be_v strange_a if_o its_o friend_n shall_v fail_v in_o the_o other_o part._n iv_o i_o have_v here_o endeavour_v to_o do_v some_o right_n to_o our_o religion_n and_o to_o satisfy_v all_o such_o as_o be_v willing_a to_o be_v satisfy_v in_o the_o most_o difficult_a point_n of_o it_o and_o though_o i_o have_v discourse_v at_o large_a upon_o the_o subject_n of_o which_o i_o treat_v and_o not_o in_o the_o usual_a method_n of_o objection_n and_o answer_n yet_o i_o have_v always_o have_v my_o eye_n upon_o the_o objection_n which_o i_o have_v know_v that_o i_o can_v think_v at_o material_a but_o to_o bring_v in_o objection_n at_o every_o turn_v in_o plain_a discourse_n such_o as_o these_o be_v design_v to_o be_v as_o far_o as_o the_o matter_n will_v permit_v may_v have_v be_v of_o no_o good_a consequence_n a_o man_n may_v very_o well_o be_v guide_v in_o the_o right_a road_n without_o have_v all_o the_o wrong_n and_o dangerous_a path_n describe_v to_o he_o and_o he_o may_v be_v direct_v how_o to_o recover_v or_o preserve_v his_o health_n without_o be_v present_v with_o a_o catalogue_n of_o disease_n he_o may_v get_v safe_a to_o his_o journey_n end_v without_o know_v all_o the_o bog_n and_o precipice_n by_o which_o he_o may_v have_v miscarry_v and_o in_o order_n to_o be_v well_o there_o be_v no_o need_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v acquaint_v how_o many_o way_n there_o be_v of_o be_v sick_a i_o have_v hear_v of_o some_o that_o read_v objection_n without_o the_o answer_n as_o late_o a_o shameless_a writer_n have_v produce_v the_o objection_n of_o celsus_n and_o faustus_n against_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n without_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o answer_v give_v by_o origen_n and_o st._n austin_n from_o who_o he_o have_v they_o and_o though_o both_o the_o objection_n and_o answer_n shall_v be_v read_v yet_o objection_n be_v common_o in_o few_o word_n and_o be_v often_o remember_v when_o the_o answer_n be_v forget_v and_o indeed_o though_o i_o be_v never_o so_o expert_a at_o it_o i_o have_v no_o ambition_n to_o try_v my_o strength_n in_o tie_v a_o knot_n that_o i_o may_v show_v my_o skill_n in_o unloose_v it_o but_o to_o provide_v against_o all_o exception_n as_o much_o as_o it_o be_v possible_a i_o have_v prove_v at_o large_a that_o if_o all_o objection_n can_v not_o be_v answer_v this_o will_v be_v no_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o reject_v or_o question_v the_o authority_n of_o our_o religion_n i_o can_v say_v i_o must_v confess_v that_o i_o have_v be_v able_a or_o have_v be_v much_o solicitous_a to_o obviate_v all_o the_o cavil_n which_o may_v have_v be_v start_v many_o have_v be_v give_v up_o and_o other_o seem_v never_o to_o have_v be_v serious_o urge_v a_o author_n who_o have_v more_o learning_n it_o seem_v than_o judgement_n to_o spare_v write_v a_o book_n to_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v man_n before_o adam_n but_o this_o be_v reject_v by_o judicious_a man_n as_o a_o very_a absurd_a and_o ridiculous_a conceit_n particular_o by_o grotius_n as_o the_o author_n complain_v who_o yet_o afterward_o retract_v it_o himself_o some_o notwithstanding_o be_v so_o fond_a of_o any_o
gift_n any_o one_o have_v receive_v he_o be_v confine_v to_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o and_o may_v not_o presume_v to_o pretend_v to_o another_o which_o he_o have_v not_o receive_v the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n and_o of_o the_o interpretation_n of_o tongue_n be_v so_o particular_o distinguish_v this_o must_v imply_v that_o the_o apostle_n who_o be_v suppose_v to_o have_v have_v all_o the_o gift_n which_o other_o have_v but_o in_o part_n be_v guide_v by_o the_o spirit_n in_o their_o word_n and_o expression_n since_o those_o who_o speak_v by_o the_o spirit_n be_v unable_a to_o interpret_v without_o a_o particular_a gift_n for_o no_o interpretation_n be_v sufficient_a but_o such_o as_o render_v the_o sense_n with_o infallible_a truth_n and_o exactness_n and_o if_o this_o exactness_n of_o word_n be_v requisite_a in_o their_o assembly_n it_o must_v be_v much_o rather_o necessary_a in_o the_o writing_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n among_o other_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v reckon_v the_o word_n of_o wisdom_n and_o the_o word_n of_o knowledge_n 1_o cor._n 12.8_o the_o former_a grotius_n understand_v of_o speak_v wise_a say_n and_o the_o latter_a of_o knowledge_n in_o history_n and_o to_o the_o rest_n be_v add_v the_o gift_n of_o discern_v of_o spirit_n v._o 10._o and_o as_o there_o be_v several_a gift_n so_o there_o be_v several_a office_n in_o the_o church_n ephes_n 4.11_o 12._o now_o the_o several_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v not_o all_o bestow_v ordinary_o upon_o the_o same_o person_n but_o such_o as_o be_v necessary_a for_o that_o office_n and_o employment_n which_o he_o be_v to_o execute_v but_o as_o the_o apostolical_a power_n comprehend_v in_o it_o the_o power_n of_o every_o other_o office_n so_o it_o be_v requisite_a that_o they_o shall_v possess_v the_o gift_n proper_a for_o the_o performance_n of_o whatever_o be_v to_o be_v do_v by_o they_o and_o when_o god_n by_o his_o providence_n and_o disposal_n of_o thing_n give_v the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n occasion_n of_o write_v upon_o such_o and_o such_o subject_n and_o to_o such_o and_o such_o person_n or_o church_n he_o by_o his_o spirit_n inward_o excite_v and_o assist_v they_o in_o it_o bestow_v upon_o they_o the_o gift_n of_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n and_o of_o writing_n and_o speak_v either_o in_o their_o own_o or_o any_o other_o language_n in_o which_o they_o be_v require_v to_o write_v or_o speak_v for_o we_o be_v not_o to_o suppose_v that_o any_o gift_n be_v bestow_v upon_o other_o and_o yet_o deny_v to_o they_o to_o who_o they_o be_v most_o useful_a and_o necessary_a in_o order_n to_o the_o deliver_n of_o that_o faith_n and_o doctrine_n which_o be_v to_o be_v the_o stand_a rule_n for_o the_o attainment_n of_o salvation_n to_o all_o christian_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n when_o other_o have_v the_o gift_n of_o speak_v and_o interpret_n strange_a language_n it_o can_v be_v conceive_v that_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n shall_v be_v refuse_v that_o necessary_a assistance_n in_o the_o language_n in_o which_o they_o write_v that_o may_v preserve_v they_o from_o error_n and_o if_o any_o without_o the_o gift_n proper_a for_o it_o have_v undertake_v any_o office_n or_o ministration_n the_o gift_n of_o discern_v of_o spirit_n be_v a_o security_n to_o the_o church_n from_o any_o hurt_n that_o may_v ensue_v by_o the_o pretence_n of_o such_o undertaker_n we_o may_v be_v certain_a that_o all_o the_o gift_n which_o be_v bestow_v for_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n be_v as_o far_o as_o they_o be_v needful_a vouchsafe_v more_o especial_o to_o all_o such_o as_o be_v to_o leave_v behind_o they_o for_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n a_o account_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o term_n of_o the_o salvation_n to_o be_v obtain_v thereby_o and_o that_o no_o such_o guidance_n and_o direction_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v want_v as_o may_v preserve_v they_o from_o error_n in_o any_o particular_a for_o there_o be_v no_o particular_a but_o it_o will_v fall_v under_o some_o one_o of_o those_o gift_n which_o be_v bestow_v upon_o the_o first_o disciple_n they_o be_v not_o necessary_o to_o write_v in_o a_o exact_a and_o elegant_a style_n but_o in_o such_o as_o be_v secure_v from_o error_n in_o whatever_o they_o deliver_v to_o what_o purpose_n else_o have_v be_v so_o many_o several_a gift_n to_o keep_v they_o from_o gross_a error_n and_o fundamental_a mistake_n there_o can_v have_v be_v no_o need_n of_o such_o a_o variety_n of_o gift_n but_o when_o every_o sort_n of_o error_n which_o man_n be_v prone_a to_o have_v a_o remedy_n provide_v to_o prevent_v it_o we_o may_v be_v assure_v that_o no_o error_n be_v suffer_v in_o those_o write_n which_o be_v the_o most_o important_a work_n of_o the_o apostolical_a function_n and_o design_v for_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n not_o in_o one_o age_n and_o nation_n only_o but_o throughout_o all_o age_n and_o in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n ii_o i_o shall_v now_o proceed_v to_o make_v such_o inference_n as_o may_v afford_v a_o sufficient_a answer_n to_o the_o objection_n allege_v upon_o this_o subject_n 1._o the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o exclude_v humane_a mean_n such_o as_o information_n in_o matter_n of_o fact_n either_o by_o their_o own_o sense_n or_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o other_o or_o reason_v from_o their_o own_o notion_n and_o observation_n but_o the_o holy_a ghost_n guide_v they_o infallible_o in_o the_o use_n of_o all_o such_o mean_n 2._o the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n or_o evangelist_n do_v not_o exclude_v the_o use_n of_o their_o own_o word_n and_o style_n and_o as_o they_o may_v be_v permit_v the_o use_n of_o these_o so_o they_o may_v be_v permit_v or_o in_o some_o case_n direct_v to_o use_v the_o word_n of_o other_o many_o thing_n deliver_v in_o one_o book_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v likewise_o deliver_v in_o another_o and_o some_o thing_n be_v repeat_v in_o the_o same_o word_n that_o god_n reveal_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o in_o the_o same_o express_a word_n at_o different_a time_n and_o by_o different_a person_n may_v make_v the_o revelation_n of_o they_o the_o more_o evident_a and_o remarkable_a for_o that_o in_o which_o several_a inspire_a person_n concur_v be_v the_o more_o take_v notice_n of_o and_o become_v the_o more_o observe_v as_o a_o thing_n of_o great_a weight_n and_o moment_n the_o reason_n why_o the_o dream_n be_v double_v unto_o pharaoh_n twice_o be_v because_o the_o thing_n be_v establish_v by_o god_n and_o god_n will_v short_o bring_v it_o to_o pass_v gen_n 41.32_o it_o be_v in_o this_o as_o it_o be_v in_o all_o other_o thing_n it_o be_v expedient_a that_o in_o matter_n of_o great_a concernment_n there_o shall_v be_v the_o more_o solemnity_n and_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v the_o often_o repeat_v and_o the_o more_o insist_v upon_o and_o if_o they_o be_v express_v in_o the_o same_o word_n this_o imply_v that_o those_o word_n carry_v more_o than_o ordinary_a weight_n in_o they_o and_o therefore_o not_o only_o all_o the_o divine_a writer_n agree_v in_o the_o same_o purpose_n and_o design_n and_o testiâ—â—ie_v the_o same_o thing_n as_o to_o the_o chief_a point_n of_o religion_n but_o some_o prophet_n have_v foretell_v the_o same_o thing_n even_o in_o the_o same_o word_n with_o other_o as_o isai_n 2.2_o 3_o 4._o mic._n 4.1_o â—_o 3._o and_o several_a law_n and_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v repeat_v in_o word_n which_o be_v very_o near_o the_o same_o 3._o though_o some_o thing_n be_v set_v down_o in_o the_o scripture_n indefinite_o and_o without_o any_o positive_a assertion_n or_o determination_n this_o be_v no_o proof_n against_o their_o be_v write_v by_o divine_a inspiration_n for_o this_o do_v not_o prove_v that_o the_o penman_n of_o those_o passage_n be_v uncertain_a and_o doubtful_a in_o the_o particular_n so_o express_v because_o the_o thing_n be_v of_o that_o nature_n that_o it_o be_v needless_a to_o speak_v precise_o of_o they_o as_o when_o st_n john_n say_v jo._n 21.8_o they_o be_v not_o far_o from_o land_n but_o as_o it_o be_v two_o hundred_o cubit_n it_o can_v from_o hence_o be_v conclude_v that_o the_o evangelist_n be_v ignorant_a how_o far_o they_o be_v from_o land_n for_o it_o be_v not_o material_a to_o his_o design_n to_o be_v more_o particular_a in_o a_o circumstance_n of_o that_o nature_n but_o it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o say_v that_o they_o be_v about_o two_o hundred_o cubit_n off_o at_o sea_n and_o it_o be_v usual_a with_o all_o writer_n to_o omit_v fraction_n and_o insert_v only_o whole_a number_n when_o it_o be_v not_o material_a to_o their_o purpose_n to_o insist_v upon_o every_o minute_n circumstance_n it_o
be_v ordinary_a with_o the_o best_a writer_n to_o express_v thing_n uncertain_o which_o they_o be_v notwithstane_v thorough_o acquaint_v withal_o and_o to_o seem_v ignorant_a of_o thing_n which_o they_o perfect_o understand_v but_o pass_v over_o as_o not_o worth_a the_o take_a notice_n of_o or_o not_o considerable_a enough_o for_o they_o to_o own_o the_o knowledge_n of_o they_o it_o be_v a_o know_a elegancy_n to_o say_v nescio_fw-la quid_fw-la or_o nescio_fw-la quem_fw-la when_o the_o author_n so_o speak_v be_v not_o ignorant_a of_o the_o thing_n or_o person_n there_o mean_v but_o either_o signify_v his_o contempt_n of_o the_o person_n or_o thing_n or_o intimate_v that_o it_o be_v not_o worth_a his_o while_n to_o trouble_v himself_o or_o his_o hearer_n or_o reader_n with_o a_o more_o particular_a relation_n the_o fonteio_fw-la the_o credo_fw-la haec_fw-la eadem_fw-la indutiomarum_fw-la in_o testimonio_fw-la timuisse_fw-la aut_fw-la cogitasse_fw-la qui_fw-la primum_fw-la illud_fw-la verbum_fw-la consideratissimum_fw-la nostrae_fw-la consuetudinis_fw-la arbitror_fw-la quo_fw-la nos_fw-la etiam_fw-la tunc_fw-la utimur_fw-la cum_fw-la ea_fw-la dicimus_fw-la jurati_fw-la quae_fw-la comperta_fw-la habemus_fw-la quae_fw-la ipsi_fw-la vidimus_fw-la ex_fw-la toto_fw-la teslimonio_fw-la svo_fw-la sustulit_fw-la atque_fw-la omne_fw-la se_fw-la scire_fw-la dixit_fw-la cic._n pro_fw-la m._n fonteio_fw-la roman_n out_o of_o that_o awe_n and_o reverence_n which_o they_o have_v for_o oath_n never_o speak_v positive_o in_o give_v evidence_n of_o thing_n which_o they_o be_v certain_a of_o and_o have_v see_v themselves_o and_o uncertain_a form_n of_o speech_n be_v observe_v 1._o observe_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d uip._n in_o demost_a olynth_n 1._o by_o ulpian_n to_o have_v be_v usual_a thy_o aneient_a greek_a author_n in_o their_o speak_n of_o thing_n whereof_o they_o be_v very_o well_o assure_v it_o can_v be_v of_o no_o use_n or_o moment_n in_o relation_n to_o the_o miraculous_a draught_n of_o fish_n to_o know_v whether_o the_o ship_n be_v two_o hundred_o cubit_n or_o half_o a_o cubit_n or_o a_o quarter_n of_o a_o cubit_n over_o or_o under_o from_o the_o land_n and_o it_o be_v usual_a with_o st_n john_n to_o express_v himself_o in_o this_o manner_n jo._n 2.6_o 6.10_o 19.14_o either_o then_o to_o keep_v to_o the_o same_o instance_n st_n john_n may_v know_v the_o precise_a distance_n and_o for_o the_o reason_n mention_v not_o declare_v it_o or_o it_o not_o be_v of_o any_o use_n or_o consequence_n for_o we_o to_o be_v more_o particular_o inform_v in_o a_o matter_n of_o that_o nature_n the_o holy_a ghost_n may_v suffer_v he_o to_o be_v ignorant_a of_o it_o if_o he_o have_v no_o other_o mean_n of_o know_v it_o but_o by_o inspiration_n for_o the_o holy_a ghost_n assist_v the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n to_o write_v infallible_a truth_n but_o not_o always_o to_o write_v every_o little_a circumstance_n concern_v the_o thing_n which_o they_o relate_v many_o miracle_n be_v whole_o omit_v and_o many_o circumstance_n not_o considerable_a or_o material_a to_o be_v mention_v be_v omit_v of_o those_o miracle_n which_o be_v record_v but_o if_o nothing_o be_v relate_v which_o may_v lead_v we_o into_o error_n and_o nothing_o omit_v which_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v know_v this_o be_v sufficient_a and_o be_v all_o that_o can_v be_v expect_v in_o a_o book_n which_o be_v to_o be_v a_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n to_o we_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o nothing_o but_o truth_n shall_v be_v contain_v in_o it_o but_o not_o that_o every_o truth_n shall_v be_v in_o it_o for_o then_o the_o world_n itself_o can_v not_o contain_v the_o book_n that_o shall_v be_v write_v suppose_v therefore_o that_o st_n john_n do_v not_o know_v precise_o how_o many_o cubit_n the_o ship_n be_v from_o shore_n what_o do_v this_o prove_v that_o he_o do_v not_o know_v the_o miracle_n which_o he_o there_o relate_v do_v it_o prove_v that_o he_o be_v not_o inspire_v in_o what_o he_o do_v relate_v if_o he_o be_v not_o inspire_v in_o what_o he_o omit_v if_o he_o have_v determine_v the_o precise_a distance_n and_o have_v not_o know_v it_o this_o may_v have_v discredit_v the_o authority_n of_o his_o gospel_n but_o when_o he_o have_v not_o determine_v it_o can_v this_o be_v a_o argument_n in_o diminution_n of_o its_o authority_n if_o he_o do_v not_o know_v what_o he_o do_v not_o profess_v to_o know_v be_v it_o not_o 〈◊〉_d good_a argument_n in_o confirmation_n of_o its_o authority_n that_o he_o will_v assert_v nothing_o but_o what_o he_o certain_o know_v if_o in_o what_o he_o be_v not_o persect_o assure_v he_o mention_n no_o further_o than_o he_o know_v of_o it_o so_o st_o paul_n acquaint_v we_o when_o he_o speak_v himself_o and_o not_o the_o lord_n which_o be_v a_o argument_n to_o we_o that_o in_o all_o other_o case_n he_o do_v not_o speak_v of_o himself_o but_o the_o lord_n speak_v by_o he_o it_o be_v a_o consirmation_n of_o his_o integrity_n that_o he_o will_v impose_v nothing_o upon_o we_o as_o of_o divine_a authority_n which_o be_v not_o real_o so_o because_o he_o that_o tell_v we_o in_o any_o one_o case_n that_o he_o speak_v of_o himself_o not_o as_o from_o the_o lord_n will_v have_v make_v the_o same_o declaration_n in_o other_o case_n whenever_o he_o have_v write_v any_o thing_n without_o express_a revelation_n 4._o in_o thing_n which_o may_v fall_v under_o human_a prudence_n and_o observation_n there_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n seem_v not_o to_o have_v dictate_v immediate_o to_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n but_o only_o to_o have_v use_v a_o directive_n or_o conduct_a power_n and_o influence_n so_o as_o to_o supply_v such_o thought_n and_o apprehension_n to_o they_o as_o may_v be_v most_o proper_a and_o seasonable_a and_o to_o keep_v they_o in_o the_o use_n of_o their_o own_o reason_n within_o the_o bound_n of_o infallible_a truth_n and_o of_o expediency_n for_o the_o present_a case_n and_o occasion_n they_o may_v be_v permit_v to_o insert_v such_o thing_n as_o the_o state_n of_o affair_n require_v which_o though_o not_o immediate_o dictate_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n yet_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o his_o inspiration_n and_o serviceable_a to_o the_o ministry_n to_o which_o they_o be_v appoint_v there_o seem_v to_o be_v no_o necessity_n to_o assert_v that_o st_n paul_n send_v for_o his_o cloak_n and_o parchment_n by_o inspiration_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n or_o that_o he_o have_v any_o immediate_a command_n or_o direction_n to_o salute_v the_o particular_a person_n name_v at_o the_o end_n of_o his_o epistle_n but_o only_o that_o his_o doctrine_n be_v immediate_o inspire_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o as_o he_o may_v be_v permit_v to_o put_v that_o into_o his_o own_o word_n but_o so_o as_o never_o to_o be_v suffer_v to_o express_v it_o otherwise_o than_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o be_v full_o agreeable_a to_o the_o mind_n and_o intention_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o therefore_o infallible_o true_a so_o in_o these_o lesser_a and_o indifferent_a matter_n which_o some_o present_a occasion_n make_v requisite_a to_o be_v write_v of_o he_o have_v the_o guidance_n and_o assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o prevent_v he_o from_o write_v any_o thing_n but_o what_o be_v expedient_a in_o those_o circumstance_n and_o serviceable_a to_o his_o call_n and_o ministry_n in_o the_o propagation_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o thing_n of_o a_o indifferent_a nature_n in_o themselves_o may_v become_v necessary_a as_o to_o time_n and_o place_n and_o person_n and_o therefore_o may_v in_o some_o case_n be_v of_o divine_a inspiration_n st_o paul_n journey_v into_o macedonia_n rather_o than_o into_o any_o other_o country_n be_v in_o itself_o a_o thing_n indifferent_a but_o the_o salvation_n of_o many_o soul_n may_v depend_v upon_o it_o and_o therefore_o he_o be_v warn_v by_o revelation_n not_o to_o preach_v the_o word_n in_o asia_n nor_o to_o go_v into_o bythinia_n but_o into_o macedonia_n act_v 16.6_o 7_o 9_o in_o like_a manner_n the_o salutation_n of_o particular_a person_n at_o the_o end_n of_o his_o epistle_n though_o they_o may_v seem_v to_o we_o to_o be_v of_o no_o great_a importance_n yet_o may_v be_v of_o mighty_a consideration_n and_o consequence_n to_o those_o who_o be_v concern_v in_o they_o to_o be_v salute_v by_o a_o apostle_n in_o so_o particular_a and_o solemn_a a_o manner_n may_v revive_v their_o spirit_n and_o encourage_v they_o to_o perseverance_n under_o their_o temptation_n and_o assliction_n for_o his_o salutation_n include_v his_o benediction_n which_o be_v the_o exercise_n of_o his_o apostolic_a office_n and_o authority_n in_o one_o great_a branch_n of_o it_o and_o god_n himself_o may_v direct_v the_o apostle_n to_o salute_v such_o person_n for_o their_o support_n and_o comfort_n and_o encouragement_n in_o the_o faith_n beside_o the_o salutation_n add_v at_o the_o end_n of_o the_o epistle_n be_v
and_o love_v be_v the_o only_a principle_n of_o obedience_n which_o can_v be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n this_o must_v be_v the_o most_o proper_a and_o sit_v dispensation_n which_o be_v most_o apt_a to_o excite_v in_o we_o the_o love_n of_o god_n the_o power_n and_o majesty_n of_o god_n have_v be_v manifest_v before_o in_o the_o creation_n and_o preservation_n and_o government_n of_o the_o world_n and_o in_o many_o signal_n judgement_n upon_o sinner_n the_o divine_a mercy_n and_o goodness_n be_v likewise_o visible_a in_o the_o daily_a blessing_n bestow_v upon_o mankind_n but_o the_o exceed_a riches_n of_o his_o grace_n be_v make_v know_v in_o his_o kindness_n towards_o we_o through_o christ_n jesus_n ephes_n two_o 7._o and_o as_o this_o must_v cause_v we_o to_o love_n god_n so_o â—t_a must_v make_v we_o if_o any_o thing_n can_v do_v it_o to_o have_v love_n one_o for_o another_o god_n incarnate_a be_v the_o head_n and_o vital_a principle_n the_o common_a bond_n of_o life_n and_o union_n between_o christian_n and_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o mutual_a love_n not_o only_o because_o we_o be_v all_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n but_o because_o the_o son_n of_o god_n have_v be_v please_v to_o dignify_v that_o nature_n in_o assume_v it_o this_o aught_o to_o make_v we_o value_v our_o own_o nature_n and_o to_o have_v a_o due_a esteem_n and_o affection_n for_o it_o in_o whosoever_o it_o be_v how_o can_v we_o despise_v and_o one_o who_o be_v a_o partaker_n of_o that_o nature_n of_o which_o the_o son_n of_o god_n have_v vouchsafe_v to_o partake_v in_o its_o mean_a condition_n or_o hate_v any_o who_o he_o love_v so_o well_o as_o to_o die_v for_o he_o this_o make_v all_o man_n worthy_a of_o our_o respect_n and_o love_n not_o of_o our_o contempt_n or_o hatred_n they_o be_v of_o that_o nature_n which_o christ_n as_o man_n be_v of_o and_o they_o be_v his_o purchase_n and_o we_o must_v love_v what_o be_v his_o and_o what_o he_o have_v so_o dear_o pay_v for_o iâ—â—_n we_o love_v christ_n himself_o belove_a say_v st._n john_n if_o god_n so_o love_v we_o we_o ought_v also_o to_o love_v one_o another_o 1_o joh._n four_o 11._o and_o this_o be_v st._n paul_n argument_n to_o the_o corinthian_n to_o excite_v they_o to_o charity_n towards_o their_o poor_a brethren_n for_o you_o know_v the_o grace_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o though_o he_o be_v rich_a yet_o for_o your_o sake_n he_o become_v poor_a that_o you_o through_o his_o poverty_n may_v be_v rich_a 2_o cor._n viij_o 9_o the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n must_v likewise_o cause_v we_o to_o have_v the_o great_a hatred_n and_o detestation_n of_o sin_n as_o be_v that_o which_o be_v most_o displease_v to_o god_n and_o that_o which_o occasion_v the_o death_n of_o his_o only_a son_n to_o atone_v for_o it_o and_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o all_o who_o neglect_n so_o great_a salvation_n must_v expect_v the_o heavy_a punishment_n for_o so_o heinous_a a_o contempt_n and_o provocation_n if_o we_o will_v be_v gain_v by_o any_o method_n of_o love_n christ_n have_v do_v all_o that_o be_v possible_a to_o effect_v it_o but_o if_o we_o will_v not_o be_v move_v by_o all_o the_o kindness_n and_o compassion_n of_o love_n itself_o we_o can_v hope_v for_o no_o further_a favour_n if_o the_o son_n of_o god_n come_v to_o die_v for_o we_o and_o we_o will_v not_o regard_v it_o so_o as_o to_o be_v make_v the_o better_a by_o it_o nothing_o more_o can_v be_v look_v for_o but_o wrath_n and_o fiery_a indignation_n so_o that_o the_o manifestation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n in_o the_o flesh_n be_v the_o most_o proper_a and_o fit_a mean_n to_o work_v upon_o the_o love_n and_o fear_v and_o hope_v and_o all_o the_o passion_n of_o mankind_n and_o to_o produce_v all_o those_o grace_n in_o we_o which_o the_o gospel_n require_v it_o be_v the_o best_a fit_v both_o to_o the_o nature_n and_o design_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n and_o therefore_o if_o any_o other_o mean_n have_v be_v possible_a yet_o none_o that_o we_o can_v conceive_v can_v have_v be_v so_o effectual_a to_o procure_v the_o salvation_n of_o men._n chap._n xxi_o of_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n or_o the_o time_n appoint_v by_o god_n for_o the_o incarnation_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n since_o we_o have_v so_o great_a evidence_n to_o satisfy_v we_o that_o christ_n do_v come_v into_o the_o world_n and_o die_v for_o we_o it_o will_v be_v the_o great_a ingratitude_n and_o folly_n as_o well_o as_o impiety_n to_o reject_v he_o though_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o give_v any_o exact_a account_n concern_v the_o reason_n for_o the_o time_n of_o his_o come_n it_o be_v not_o for_o we_o to_o know_v the_o time_n or_o the_o season_n which_o the_o father_n have_v put_v in_o his_o own_o power_n act_v i_o 7._o these_o thing_n be_v in_o god_n disposal_n and_o unless_o we_o can_v be_v content_v to_o leave_v the_o manner_n and_o circumstance_n of_o our_o salvation_n to_o his_o wisdom_n we_o only_o show_v how_o little_o we_o deserve_v his_o mercy_n and_o how_o unwilling_a we_o be_v to_o believe_v they_o and_o to_o accept_v of_o they_o but_o though_o it_o be_v a_o mere_a cavil_v to_o dispute_v the_o come_n of_o christ_n upon_o a_o bare_a circumstance_n and_o nicety_n concern_v the_o reason_n for_o the_o particular_a time_n of_o his_o incarnation_n yet_o it_o will_v be_v easy_a to_o give_v such_o a_o account_n of_o the_o time_n appoint_v for_o the_o incarnation_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n as_o may_v serve_v to_o silence_v all_o objection_n against_o it_o and_o to_o desire_v to_o know_v any_o further_a of_o it_o be_v a_o useless_a and_o unwarrantable_a curiosity_n for_o all_o must_v acknowledge_v that_o god_n may_v have_v the_o best_a and_o wise_a reason_n for_o his_o dispensation_n which_o yet_o we_o may_v not_o be_v able_a to_o comprehend_v and_o which_o it_o do_v not_o concern_v we_o to_o know_v the_o scripture_n teach_v we_o that_o christ_n be_v bear_v in_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n when_o all_o thing_n be_v fulfil_v and_o accomplish_v in_o order_n to_o it_o and_o the_o world_n be_v in_o a_o due_a readiness_n and_o preparation_n for_o his_o come_n 1._o god_n have_v beforehand_o use_v all_o other_o mean_n to_o show_v the_o necessity_n of_o send_v his_o son_n at_o last_o for_o he_o be_v not_o to_o be_v send_v but_o upon_o necessity_n and_o it_o be_v fit_a they_o to_o who_o he_o be_v send_v shall_v be_v sensible_a of_o that_o necessity_n that_o they_o may_v the_o better_o know_v how_o to_o value_v the_o infinite_a mercy_n of_o god_n towards_o they_o in_o send_v his_o only_a son_n to_o be_v bear_v and_o to_o die_v for_o they_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n and_o at_o the_o repeople_a it_o after_o the_o flood_n revelation_n be_v so_o frequent_a and_o the_o will_n and_o command_n of_o god_n so_o well_o know_v and_o his_o promise_n to_o send_v his_o son_n so_o clear_o understand_v that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o necessity_n that_o christ_n shall_v be_v bear_v then_o since_o their_o faith_n in_o he_o and_o their_o obedience_n to_o god_n commandment_n be_v as_o effectual_a to_o the_o salvation_n of_o they_o that_o live_v so_o long_o before_o his_o come_n as_o it_o be_v to_o we_o that_o live_v so_o many_o age_n after_o it_o the_o life_n of_o man_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n be_v so_o long_o and_o the_o generations-deceased_n be_v so_o few_o before_o the_o flood_n that_o nothing_o but_o wilful_a ignorance_n and_o negligence_n can_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o so_o much_o wickedness_n and_o after_o the_o flood_n the_o race_n of_o mankind_n be_v reduce_v to_o so_o few_o person_n the_o example_n and_o instruction_n of_o noah_n and_o abraham_n and_o the_o other_o patriarch_n may_v have_v be_v sufficient_a to_o keep_v man_n within_o the_o measure_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o to_o preserve_v a_o belief_n and_o expectation_n of_o the_o promise_a messiah_n for_o they_o be_v save_v by_o their_o faith_n in_o christ_n to_o come_v as_o we_o must_v be_v save_v by_o faith_n in_o he_o already_o come_v so_o many_o age_n past_a and_o therefore_o to_o suppose_v it_o necessary_a that_o he_o shall_v be_v bear_v in_o those_o age_n we_o must_v suppose_v it_o necessary_a that_o he_o shall_v be_v bear_v in_o every_o age_n of_o the_o world_n which_o i_o think_v no_o man_n will_v imagine_v but_o when_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n be_v general_o fall_v away_o to_o idolatry_n god_n choose_v to_o himself_o one_o person_n from_o who_o by_o a_o course_n of_o miracle_n he_o raise_v a_o mighty_a nation_n who_o by_o their_o journeying_n and_o captivity_n and_o by_o all_o the_o dispensation_n of_o his_o providence_n towards_o they_o be_v appoint_v
unbelief_n the_o evil_a spirit_n be_v cast_v out_o of_o his_o son_n mark_v ix_o 23.24_o the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o christ_n miracle_n require_v that_o those_o who_o be_v cure_a by_o he_o shall_v believe_v in_o he_o for_o they_o be_v wrought_v with_o a_o design_n to_o convince_v man_n that_o he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o that_o he_o be_v come_v not_o so_o much_o to_o cure_v their_o body_n as_o to_o save_v their_o soul_n and_o he_o forgive_v their_o sin_n at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o he_o heal_v they_o of_o their_o disease_n mark_v two_o 5._o and_o since_o faith_n be_v so_o necessary_a a_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n it_o be_v as_o requisite_a that_o christ_n shall_v teach_v this_o as_o any_o other_o doctrine_n but_o how_o can_v he_o do_v it_o more_o proper_o and_o more_o effectual_o than_o by_o require_v faith_n in_o those_o who_o come_v to_o be_v heal_v if_o they_o will_v partake_v of_o his_o mercy_n they_o must_v qualify_v themselves_o for_o it_o by_o believe_v that_o he_o be_v the_o great_a prophet_n and_o messiah_n who_o be_v then_o so_o much_o expect_v and_o of_o who_o it_o be_v foretell_v that_o he_o shall_v make_v the_o blind_a to_o see_v and_o the_o lame_a to_o walk_v and_o the_o deaf_a to_o hear_v etc._n etc._n luke_n seven_o 22._o isa_n xxxv_o 5._o and_o unless_o their_o bodily_a cure_n do_v conduce_v to_o the_o cure_n of_o their_o soul_n by_o faith_n and_o repentance_n it_o will_v be_v but_o ill_o bestow_v upon_o they_o and_o therefore_o with_o great_a reason_n may_v be_v deny_v they_o and_o upon_o this_o account_n we_o find_v our_o bless_a saviour_n both_o require_v faith_n in_o some_o and_o reward_v it_o in_o other_o to_o who_o his_o miraculous_a power_n be_v extend_v luke_n viij_o 48._o xviii_o 42._o and_o st._n paul_n perceive_v that_o the_o cripple_n at_o lystra_n have_v faith_n to_o be_v heal_v immediate_o heal_v he_o without_o be_v ask_v to_o do_v it_o act_n fourteen_o 9_o 2._o faith_n in_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n be_v require_v of_o man_n in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o world_n though_o miracle_n be_v cease_v and_o if_o this_o be_v reasonable_a now_o it_o can_v not_o but_o be_v fit_v then_o that_o those_o who_o come_v to_o christ_n shall_v believe_v in_o he_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o miracle_n which_o they_o have_v be_v certify_v that_o he_o have_v do_v upon_o other_o for_o miracle_n when_o they_o be_v full_o attest_v be_v as_o sufficient_a a_o ground_n of_o faith_n as_o if_o we_o have_v see_v they_o do_v and_o to_o manifest_v that_o they_o be_v so_o our_o saviour_n may_v require_v belief_n in_o his_o former_a miracle_n of_o those_o who_o expect_v any_o advantage_n from_o such_o as_o they_o desire_v he_o to_o do_v if_o they_o will_v give_v no_o credit_n to_o the_o miracle_n which_o be_v so_o notorious_a and_o so_o abundant_o testify_v by_o multitude_n who_o see_v they_o do_v how_o shall_v other_o believe_v in_o time_n to_o come_v when_o no_o more_o miracle_n shall_v be_v wrought_v for_o the_o conviction_n of_o unbeliever_n may_v no_o man_n be_v require_v to_o believe_v unless_o he_o see_v the_o miracle_n himself_o then_o how_o shall_v the_o the_o church_n subsist_v in_o future_a age_n when_o miracle_n will_v be_v no_o long_o wrought_v but_o be_v for_o great_a reason_n to_o be_v withhold_v we_o must_v now_o believe_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o the_o miracle_n which_o be_v then_o do_v and_o why_o therefore_o shall_v they_o not_o be_v require_v to_o believe_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o they_o who_o live_v at_o the_o very_a time_n and_o in_o the_o same_o country_n where_o they_o be_v wrought_v though_o they_o have_v never_o see_v they_o our_o saviour_n in_o these_o instance_n may_v introduce_v that_o method_n and_o establish_v the_o evidence_n and_o certainty_n of_o those_o mean_n and_o motive_n whereby_o faith_n be_v to_o be_v produce_v in_o man_n of_o all_o succeed_a age_n and_o may_v hereby_o signify_v and_o declare_v that_o he_o require_v the_o same_o faith_n of_o we_o from_o the_o testimony_n of_o other_o that_o he_o will_v do_v if_o we_o have_v see_v and_o experience_v his_o miraculous_a power_n ourselves_o chap._n xxix_o of_o the_o cease_v of_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n prophecy_n be_v general_o of_o more_o concernment_n and_o afford_v great_a evidence_n and_o conviction_n in_o future_a age_n than_o when_o they_o be_v first_o deliver_v for_o it_o be_v not_o the_o delivery_n but_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o prophecy_n which_o give_v evidence_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o any_o doctrine_n the_o event_n of_o thing_n in_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o prophecy_n be_v a_o stand_a argument_n to_o all_o age_n and_o the_o length_n of_o time_n add_v to_o its_o force_n and_o efficacy_n and_o therefore_o when_o all_o that_o god_n see_v requisite_a to_o be_v foretell_v be_v deliver_v to_o we_o in_o the_o scripture_n there_o can_v no_o long_o be_v any_o need_n of_o new_a prophecy_n which_o will_v be_v of_o less_o authority_n than_o the_o ancient_a one_o inasmuch_o as_o their_o antiquity_n be_v the_o thing_n chief_o to_o be_v regard_v in_o prophecy_n for_o if_o to_o foretell_v thing_n to_o come_v be_v a_o argument_n of_o a_o divine_a prescience_n the_o long_a thing_n be_v foretell_v before_o they_o come_v to_o pass_v the_o better_a must_v the_o argument_n need_v be_v he_o therefore_o that_o require_v new_a prophecy_n to_o confirm_v the_o old_a little_a consider_v the_o nature_n of_o prophecy_n and_o wherein_o the_o evidence_n and_o use_v of_o they_o lie_v but_o in_o great_a wisdom_n and_o caution_n will_v give_v no_o credit_n to_o the_o best_a evidence_n unless_o there_o be_v something_o less_o evident_a to_o prove_v it_o by_o the_o chief_a enquiry_n then_o seem_v to_o be_v concern_v the_o cessation_n of_o miracle_n but_o from_o what_o have_v be_v elsewhere_o say_v the_o reason_n may_v appear_v why_o the_o miraculous_a power_n which_o the_o apostle_n receive_v by_o the_o descent_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v not_o to_o be_v of_o perpetual_a continuance_n in_o the_o church_n but_o be_v to_o cease_v in_o future_a age_n for_o the_o cause_n and_o end_v of_o the_o gift_n of_o miracle_n bestow_v upon_o the_o apostle_n be_v to_o make_v they_o capable_a of_o be_v witness_n to_o christ_n and_o when_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n be_v sufficient_o testify_v there_o can_v be_v no_o long_o need_v of_o such_o a_o power_n which_o be_v give_v to_o enable_v man_n to_o bear_v testimony_n to_o it_o for_o what_o be_v once_o effectual_o prove_v by_o sufficient_a witness_n be_v for_o ever_o prove_v and_o needs_o no_o after_o evidence_n if_o this_o proof_n be_v preserve_v and_o transmit_v down_o to_o posterity_n the_o power_n of_o miracle_n continue_v till_o the_o gospel_n have_v be_v preach_v not_o only_o in_o jerusalem_n and_o in_o all_o judea_n and_o in_o samaria_n but_o unto_o the_o utmost_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n which_o be_v the_o declare_a intention_n of_o our_o saviour_n in_o bestow_v it_o act_n i_o 8._o and_o when_o the_o gospel_n have_v stand_v at_o the_o trial_n and_o conquer_v all_o the_o opposition_n that_o can_v be_v make_v against_o it_o by_o jew_n and_o heathen_n and_o apostate_n themselves_o when_o miracle_n have_v be_v wrought_v for_o several_a age_n before_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n upon_o all_o occasion_n and_o have_v extort_a a_o confession_n from_o the_o devil_n themselves_o of_o the_o divine_a power_n by_o which_o they_o be_v wrought_v when_o the_o book_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n in_o which_o these_o miracle_n be_v record_v have_v be_v disperse_v in_o all_o nation_n and_o language_n so_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o the_o memory_n of_o they_o shall_v be_v lose_v whence_o once_o the_o gospel_n be_v thus_o divulge_v and_o attest_v to_o the_o world_n it_o can_v not_o be_v necessary_a that_o this_o miraculous_a power_n shall_v be_v any_o long_o continue_v because_o this_o be_v the_o only_a reason_n and_o design_n why_o miracle_n shall_v be_v wrought_v to_o awaken_v man_n attention_n and_o prepare_v they_o for_o the_o reception_n of_o the_o doctrine_n which_o be_v reveal_v and_o convince_v they_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o if_o then_o it_o be_v inquire_v why_o the_o miraculous_a gift_n which_o be_v at_o first_o bestow_v upon_o the_o church_n be_v not_o continue_v to_o it_o in_o all_o succeed_a age_n the_o plain_a answer_n be_v because_o this_o power_n be_v bestow_v for_o the_o establishment_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o the_o world_n by_o convince_a man_n of_o its_o truth_n and_o authority_n and_o therefore_o when_o a_o sufficient_a evidence_n have_v be_v give_v in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o that_o religion_n upon_o the_o account_n whereof_o these_o gift_n be_v bestow_v the_o reason_n for_o the_o bestow_n
christian_n unless_o god_n shall_v miraculous_o and_o irresistible_o interpose_v to_o prevent_v they_o there_o must_v be_v also_o heresy_n among_o you_o the_o miraculous_a power_n and_o demonstration_n of_o a_o infallible_a spirit_n in_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o can_v not_o hinder_v the_o rise_n of_o they_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v say_v our_o saviour_n that_o offence_n or_o it_o be_v impossible_a but_o that_o offence_n will_v come_v but_o woe_n unto_o he_o through_o who_o they_o come_v matth._n xviii_o 7._o luke_n xvii_o the_o church_n can_v by_o no_o mean_n be_v free_a from_o offence_n scandal_n and_o division_n unless_o god_n shall_v forcible_o restrain_v man_n from_o run_v into_o they_o the_o temper_n and_o capacity_n of_o man_n be_v very_o different_a and_o therefore_o in_o many_o case_n they_o will_v make_v a_o different_a judgement_n of_o thing_n much_o attention_n and_o thoughtfulness_n and_o a_o exact_a knowledge_n of_o antiquity_n be_v requisite_a to_o make_v a_o true_a judgement_n in_o divers_a controversy_n and_o few_o man_n be_v willing_a to_o be_v at_o that_o pain_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o inform_v themselves_o aright_o in_o lesser_a difficulty_n they_o be_v content_v to_o take_v up_o with_o the_o appearance_n of_o thing_n which_o first_o offer_v themselves_o or_o to_o which_o by_o custom_n and_o education_n they_o have_v be_v most_o use_v there_o be_v so_o much_o difficulty_n to_o get_v rid_v of_o prejudices_fw-la so_o much_o labour_n and_o study_n be_v in_o many_o case_n require_v in_o the_o search_n after_o truth_n that_o few_o can_v prevail_v with_o themselves_o to_o undergo_v it_o few_o man_n examine_v the_o ground_n of_o thing_n and_o few_o do_v it_o to_o any_o purpose_n most_o man_n follow_v as_o they_o be_v lead_v without_o any_o further_a care_n or_o thought_n and_o die_v in_o the_o religion_n in_o which_o they_o be_v bring_v up_o without_o much_o trouble_v themselves_o whether_o it_o be_v true_a or_o false_a but_o take_v all_o upon_o trust_n if_o they_o happen_v to_o be_v in_o the_o right_n it_o be_v by_o chance_n and_o more_o than_o they_o know_v or_o be_v able_a to_o prove_v if_o they_o be_v in_o the_o wrong_n they_o know_v as_o little_a of_o it_o but_o right_o or_o wrong_v they_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o other_o of_o who_o they_o have_v conceive_v a_o favourable_a opinion_n or_o who_o have_v some_o authority_n with_o they_o to_o influence_n they_o they_o profess_v their_o religion_n as_o they_o practise_v other_o thing_n for_o no_o better_a reason_n than_o because_o they_o see_v other_o have_v do_v it_o before_o they_o and_o they_o stand_v up_o for_o it_o only_o as_o they_o do_v for_o all_o custom_n which_o by_o long_a use_n be_v become_v familiar_a and_o almost_o natural_a to_o they_o but_o may_v be_v wear_v out_o by_o a_o different_a practice_n and_o custom_n and_o when_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n be_v thus_o careless_a and_o unconcerned_a to_o examine_v the_o ground_n and_o principle_n of_o their_o several_a religion_n this_o give_v a_o mighty_a opportunity_n and_o advantage_n to_o man_n of_o ill_a principle_n and_o ill_a design_n to_o infuse_v and_o spread_v their_o opinion_n for_o if_o by_o the_o plausibleness_n and_o importunity_n of_o their_o insinuation_n or_o by_o the_o profession_n of_o a_o more_o than_o ordinary_a zeal_n and_o strictness_n in_o some_o thing_n that_o be_v most_o popular_a they_o can_v but_o gain_v a_o few_o person_n of_o note_n and_o interest_n who_o may_v influence_n other_o a_o party_n be_v make_v and_o a_o sect_n set_v up_o which_o may_v perhaps_o continue_v for_o some_o generation_n and_o a_o fondness_n for_o novelty_n and_o a_o personal_a dislike_n and_o prejudice_n against_o some_o man_n and_o a_o esteem_n and_o admiration_n of_o other_o and_o several_a accident_n as_o they_o fall_v in_o with_o the_o several_a temper_n and_o inclination_n of_o man_n may_v make_v great_a addition_n to_o a_o sect_n that_o be_v once_o form_v man_n who_o think_v themselves_o disoblige_v among_o the_o jew_n be_v wont_a to_o go_v over_o to_o the_o samaritan_n and_o deserter_n in_o religion_n be_v as_o usual_a as_o in_o war_n upon_o any_o great_a discontent_n or_o upon_o hope_n of_o great_a advantage_n and_o these_o man_n to_o testify_v their_o sincerity_n be_v observe_v common_o to_o be_v most_o violent_a however_o they_o serve_v to_o make_v a_o number_n and_o to_o strengthen_v a_o party_n most_o schism_n and_o heresy_n have_v be_v begin_v by_o man_n of_o ill_a design_n who_o under_o pretence_n of_o godliness_n gratify_v their_o own_o passion_n of_o ambition_n or_o covetousness_n or_o more_o scandalous_a vice_n this_o be_v the_o original_a of_o the_o heresy_n in_o the_o apostle_n day_n and_o it_o have_v be_v observable_a in_o the_o first_o author_n of_o they_o ever_o since_o a_o affectation_n of_o singularity_n of_o popular_a fame_n and_o preeminence_n have_v be_v the_o occasion_n of_o great_a mischief_n in_o the_o church_n some_o man_n be_v as_o fond_a of_o their_o own_o new_a opinion_n as_o other_o be_v of_o honour_n or_o wealth_n or_o pleasure_n and_o can_v bear_v no_o contradiction_n but_o contend_v for_o a_o kind_n of_o empire_n in_o knowledge_n and_o show_v a_o mighty_a zeal_n to_o gain_v proselyte_n because_o this_o be_v to_o extend_v their_o conquest_n and_o enlarge_v their_o dominion_n over_o man_n faith_n some_o that_o devour_v widow_n house_n have_v for_o a_o pretence_n make_v long_a prayer_n matt._n xxiii_o 14._o and_o it_o be_v a_o shame_n and_o horror_n even_o to_o speak_v of_o those_o thing_n which_o have_v be_v do_v by_o other_o not_o only_o in_o secret_a but_o open_o and_o in_o the_o view_n of_o the_o world_n under_o the_o most_o solemn_a and_o zealous_a profession_n for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o good_a of_o soul_n and_o the_o error_n of_o man_n of_o no_o ill_a meaning_n but_o of_o great_a zeal_n with_o little_a knowledge_n have_v sometime_o find_v a_o strange_a acceptance_n in_o the_o world_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o that_o integrity_n and_o sincerity_n which_o appear_v in_o their_o first_o author_n now_o when_o all_o the_o passion_n and_o infirmity_n and_o vice_n of_o man_n thus_o contribute_v to_o produce_v and_o promote_v difference_n in_o religion_n it_o be_v no_o great_a wonder_n that_o there_o be_v such_o difference_n than_o that_o there_o be_v frailty_n and_o vice_n among_o man_n that_o some_o man_n be_v vicious_a and_o ready_a to_o seduce_v other_o and_o that_o other_o be_v easy_a to_o be_v seduce_v st._n paul_n complain_v of_o false_a apostle_n deceitful_a worker_n transform_v themselves_o into_o the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n and_o no_o marvel_n say_v he_o for_o satan_n himself_o be_v transform_v into_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n therefore_o it_o be_v no_o great_a thing_n if_o his_o minister_n also_o be_v transform_v as_o the_o minister_n of_o righteousness_n who_o end_n shall_v be_v according_a to_o their_o work_n 2_o cor._n xi_o 13.14.15_o satan_n himself_o strive_v to_o appear_v like_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n and_o sin_n be_v force_v to_o take_v the_o disguise_n of_o religion_n vice_n be_v a_o thing_n which_o few_o man_n care_v much_o to_o own_o how_o fond_a soever_o they_o be_v of_o it_o number_n in_o other_o case_n be_v wont_a to_o bring_v thing_n into_o reputation_n but_o it_o be_v not_o so_o in_o most_o vice_n which_o though_o they_o have_v be_v practise_v by_o great_a number_n of_o man_n in_o all_o age_n yet_o have_v be_v always_o nevertheless_o infamous_a and_o this_o show_v the_o detestable_a nature_n of_o vice_n and_o irreligion_n that_o they_o can_v never_o become_v creditable_a in_o a_o vicious_a and_o irreligious_a world_n but_o bad_a man_n be_v ashamed_a of_o they_o and_o endeavour_v to_o conceal_v and_o hide_v they_o under_o some_o colour_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n but_o since_o every_o vice_n and_o every_o passion_n and_o interest_n of_o man_n may_v conduce_v to_o the_o raise_n and_o soment_v of_o difference_n in_o religion_n it_o be_v as_o impossible_a that_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v in_o the_o world_n as_o that_o sin_n itself_o shall_v not_o be_v in_o it_o which_o can_v never_o be_v whole_o prevent_v unless_o god_n shall_v force_v man_n to_o be_v good_a and_o therefore_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o difference_n in_o religion_n unless_o the_o same_o force_n and_o necessity_n shall_v restrain_v man_n from_o they_o ii_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a nor_o expedient_a that_o god_n shall_v miraculous_o and_o irresistible_o interpose_v to_o prevent_v difference_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n because_o it_o will_v contradict_v the_o very_a design_n of_o all_o religion_n for_o god_n thus_o to_o interpose_v the_o design_n of_o religion_n be_v to_o direct_v and_o command_v man_n what_o to_o believe_v and_o what_o to_o do_v upon_o such_o term_n as_o may_v prevail_v with_o they_o by_o reasonable_a argument_n
thing_n else_o be_v of_o the_o same_o colour_n or_o taste_n which_o it_o appear_v to_o be_v of_o because_o they_o can_v amuse_v themselves_o with_o difficulty_n and_o they_o be_v too_o much_o philosopher_n to_o assent_v to_o any_o thing_n that_o they_o do_v not_o understand_v though_o it_o be_v confirm_v by_o the_o sense_n and_o experience_n of_o all_o mankind_n they_o be_v rational_a man_n and_o it_o be_v below_o they_o to_o believe_v their_o sense_n unless_o their_o reason_n be_v convince_v and_o that_o be_v too_o acute_a to_o be_v convince_v as_o long_o as_o any_o difficulty_n that_o can_v be_v start_v remain_v unanswered_a and_o thus_o under_o the_o pretence_n of_o reason_n and_o philosophy_n they_o expose_v themselves_o to_o the_o scorn_n and_o derision_n of_o all_o who_o have_v but_o the_o common_a sense_n of_o man_n without_o the_o art_n and_o subtlety_n of_o impose_v upon_o themselves_o and_o other_o and_o it_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n in_o effect_n as_o to_o matter_n of_o religion_n the_o scripture_n come_v confirm_v down_o to_o we_o by_o all_o the_o way_n of_o confirmation_n that_o the_o authority_n of_o any_o revelation_n at_o this_o distance_n of_o time_n can_v be_v expect_v to_o have_v if_o it_o real_o be_v what_o we_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v why_o then_o do_v some_o man_n doubt_v whether_o they_o be_v authentic_a can_v they_o disprove_v the_o argument_n which_o be_v bring_v in_o defence_n of_o they_o can_v they_o produce_v any_o other_o revelation_n more_o authentic_a or_o be_v it_o more_o reasonable_a to_o believe_v that_o god_n shall_v not_o reveal_v himself_o to_o mankind_n than_o that_o this_o revelation_n shall_v be_v he_o no_o this_o be_v not_o the_o case_n but_o there_o be_v several_a thing_n to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o scripture_n which_o they_o think_v will_v not_o be_v in_o they_o if_o they_o be_v of_o divine_a revelation_n but_o a_o wise_a man_n will_v never_o disbelieve_v a_o thing_n for_o any_o objection_n make_v against_o it_o which_o do_v not_o reach_v the_o point_n nor_o touch_v these_o argument_n by_o which_o it_o be_v prove_v to_o he_o it_o be_v not_o inconsistent_a that_o that_o may_v be_v most_o true_a which_o may_v have_v many_o exception_n frame_v against_o it_o but_o it_o be_v absurd_a to_o reject_v that_o as_o incredible_a which_o come_v recommend_v by_o our_o belief_n by_o such_o evidence_n as_o can_v be_v disprove_v till_o this_o be_v do_v all_o which_o can_v be_v say_v beside_o only_o show_v that_o there_o be_v difficulty_n to_o be_v meet_v withal_o in_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v never_o deny_v by_o those_o who_o most_o firm_o and_o steadfast_o believe_v they_o but_o difficulty_n can_v never_o alter_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o make_v that_o which_o be_v true_a to_o become_v false_a there_o be_v no_o science_n without_o its_o difficulty_n and_o it_o be_v not_o pretend_v that_o theology_n be_v without_o they_o there_o be_v many_o great_a and_o inexplicable_a difficulty_n in_o the_o mathematics_n but_o shall_v we_o therefore_o reject_v this_o as_o a_o science_n of_o no_o value_n nor_o certainty_n and_o believe_v no_o demonstration_n in_o euclid_n to_o be_v true_a unless_o we_o can_v square_a the_o circle_n and_o yet_o this_o be_v every_o whit_n as_o reasonable_a as_o it_o be_v not_o to_o acknowledge_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n unless_o we_o can_v explain_v all_o the_o vision_n in_o ezekiel_n and_o the_o revelation_n of_o st._n john_n we_o must_v believe_v nothing_o and_o know_v nothing_o if_o we_o must_v disbelieve_v and_o reject_v every_o thing_n which_o be_v liable_a to_o difficulty_n we_o must_v not_o believe_v we_o have_v a_o soul_n unless_o we_o can_v give_v a_o account_n of_o all_o its_o operation_n nor_o that_o we_o have_v a_o body_n unless_o we_o can_v tell_v all_o the_o part_n and_o motion_n and_o the_o whole_a frame_n and_o composition_n of_o it_o we_o must_v not_o believe_v our_o sense_n till_o there_o be_v nothing_o relate_v to_o sensation_n but_o what_o we_o perfect_o understand_v nor_o that_o there_o be_v any_o object_n in_o the_o world_n till_o we_o know_v the_o exact_a manner_n how_o we_o perceive_v they_o and_o can_v solve_v all_o objection_n that_o may_v be_v raise_v concern_v they_o and_o if_o a_o man_n can_v be_v incredulous_a to_o this_o degree_n it_o can_v be_v expect_v that_o he_o shall_v believe_v the_o scripture_n but_o till_o he_o be_v come_v to_o this_o height_n of_o folly_n and_o stupidity_n if_o he_o will_v be_v consistent_a with_o himself_o and_o true_a to_o those_o principle_n of_o reason_n from_o which_o he_o argue_v in_o all_o other_o case_n he_o can_v reject_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o any_o difficulty_n that_o he_o find_v in_o they_o whilst_o the_o argument_n by_o which_o they_o be_v prove_v to_o be_v of_o divine_a authority_n remain_v unanswered_a and_o all_o the_o objection_n which_o can_v be_v invent_v against_o the_o scripture_n can_v seem_v near_o so_o absurd_a to_o a_o consider_v man_n as_o to_o suppose_v that_o god_n shall_v not_o at_o all_o reveal_v himself_o to_o mankind_n or_o that_o the_o heathen_a oracle_n or_o mahomet_n alcoran_n shall_v be_v of_o divine_a revelation_n chap._n xxxiv_o the_o conclusion_n contain_v a_o exhortation_n to_o a_o serious_a consideration_n of_o these_o thing_n both_o from_o the_o example_n of_o the_o wise_a and_o most_o learned_a man_n and_o from_o the_o infinite_a importance_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o as_o wise_a and_o as_o learned_a man_n as_o any_o that_o ever_o live_v in_o the_o world_n have_v die_v in_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n when_o they_o have_v no_o interest_n to_o engage_v they_o to_o it_o and_o many_o of_o they_o have_v lead_v their_o life_n under_o pesecution_n and_o have_v at_o last_o be_v put_v to_o death_n rather_o than_o they_o will_v renounce_v that_o faith_n which_o the_o scripture_n declare_v to_o we_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o there_o have_v be_v man_n of_o as_o great_a learning_n and_o as_o great_a number_n of_o they_o profess_v the_o christian_a religion_n as_o have_v be_v of_o all_o other_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n indeed_o all_o manner_n of_o art_n and_o science_n have_v be_v more_o improve_v by_o christian_n than_o by_o all_o other_o sort_n of_o man_n whatsoever_o and_o all_o rational_a and_o solid_a learning_n be_v confine_v as_o i_o may_v say_v within_o christendom_n for_o beside_o the_o idolatrous_a worship_n and_o other_o impiety_n notorious_a among_o they_o whatsoever_o learning_n be_v to_o be_v find_v among_o the_o chinese_n or_o other_o heathen_a nation_n their_o notion_n of_o thing_n so_o far_o as_o they_o differ_v from_o what_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n be_v so_o obscure_a and_o confuse_a at_o the_o best_a and_o so_o groundless_a that_o that_o christian_a must_v be_v very_o weary_a of_o his_o religion_n who_o can_v think_v of_o change_v it_o for_o such_o uncertainty_n and_o no_o man_n that_o profess_a and_o call_v himself_o a_o christian_a ever_o disbelieved_a the_o scripture_n but_o there_o be_v visible_o other_o reason_n for_o it_o than_o these_o which_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n can_v afford_v it_o be_v apparent_a in_o his_o life_n that_o he_o wish_v the_o christian_a religion_n be_v false_a before_o he_o endeavour_v to_o persuade_v himself_o that_o it_o be_v not_o true_a some_o be_v possess_v with_o that_o intolerable_a spirit_n of_o pride_n and_o contradiction_n that_o mere_a vanity_n and_o a_o conceit_n of_o be_v wise_a than_o other_o make_v they_o find_v fault_n with_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v general_o receive_v and_o the_o great_a fault_n which_o these_o man_n can_v find_v with_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v that_o they_o have_v be_v breed_v up_o in_o it_o and_o therefore_o they_o make_v heavy_a complaint_n of_o the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o education_n and_o the_o hindrance_n which_o ingenuous_a mind_n labour_v under_o from_o the_o influence_n of_o it_o in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o truth_n and_o these_o man_n perhaps_o may_v have_v talk_v as_o much_o and_o to_o as_o much_o purpose_n for_o christianity_n as_o they_o now_o talk_v against_o it_o if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v bear_v among_o christian_n and_o be_v breed_v up_o in_o the_o christian_a religion_n they_o scorn_v to_o be_v the_o better_a for_o their_o education_n and_o be_v ashamed_a of_o nothing_o more_o than_o to_o believe_v and_o think_v like_o other_o man_n and_o they_o may_v almost_o be_v persuade_v to_o be_v christian_n still_o if_o they_o can_v but_o be_v singular_a in_o be_v so_o for_o the_o mere_a affectation_n of_o singularity_n make_v they_o despise_v and_o dispute_v against_o any_o thing_n which_o other_o allow_v and_o esteem_v but_o it_o will_v be_v hard_a to_o find_v any_o learned_a man_n of_o tolerable_a modesty_n and_o virtue_n and_o