always_o impart_v they_o be_v clothe_v with_o the_o holy_a spirit_n neither_o do_v they_o need_v to_o prepare_v themselves_o to_o prophesy_v but_o be_v always_o dispose_v and_o in_o a_o readiness_n to_o deliver_v such_o truth_n of_o god_n as_o can_v no_o way_n be_v know_v but_o by_o the_o free_a influx_n of_o the_o divine_a mind_n upon_o they_o i_o e._n by_o prophecy_n have_v not_o all_o this_o be_v true_a it_o will_v be_v very_o hard_a to_o conceive_v how_o without_o any_o premeditation_n they_o can_v possible_o have_v have_v a_o mouth_n and_o wisdom_n which_o all_o their_o adversary_n be_v not_o able_a to_o 15._o gainsay_v nor_o resist_v have_v not_o the_o divine_a spirit_n be_v always_o present_a with_o they_o it_o have_v be_v impossible_a for_o they_o on_o all_o occasion_n even_o before_o king_n and_o other_o ruler_n so_o to_o speak_v as_o that_o all_o their_o adversary_n can_v not_o with_o any_o show_n of_o truth_n make_v any_o opposition_n against_o it_o and_o have_v it_o not_o be_v true_a that_o so_o they_o do_v it_o be_v altogether_o unlikely_a that_o their_o adversary_n will_v have_v burst_v out_o into_o such_o rage_n and_o passion_n such_o cruelty_n and_o inhumanity_n as_o we_o find_v they_o often_o do_v against_o they_o it_o seem_v therefore_o the_o degree_n they_o have_v of_o prophecy_n be_v no_o whit_n inserior_fw-la to_o that_o of_o moses_n but_o whether_o it_o be_v or_o no_o be_v a_o question_n that_o i_o be_o not_o solicitous_a about_o from_o what_o i_o have_v 1._o discourse_v concern_v the_o nature_n of_o prophecy_n in_o general_n it_o may_v not_o obscure_o be_v collect_v that_o if_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v man_n who_o by_o immediate_a influence_n from_o god_n upon_o their_o mind_n and_o faculty_n do_v attain_v to_o such_o knowledge_n of_o his_o mind_n as_o by_o their_o natural_a ability_n will_v be_v unattainable_a it_o be_v as_o much_o as_o i_o mean_v and_o contend_v for_o in_o the_o word_n prophet_n now_o that_o such_o knowledge_n they_o have_v together_o with_o commission_n from_o god_n to_o teach_v it_o it_o be_v the_o primary_n design_n of_o this_o treatise_n to_o prove_v yet_o that_o be_v not_o my_o ultimate_a aim_n therein_o but_o beside_o that_o i_o have_v do_v my_o endeavour_n as_o much_o as_o i_o can_v within_o the_o bound_n of_o the_o propose_a method_n to_o conciliate_v our_o most_o excellent_a religion_n to_o our_o reason_n and_o to_o settle_v it_o as_o much_o as_o in_o i_o lie_v upon_o its_o true_a foundation_n in_o order_n to_o this_o end_n i_o have_v in_o the_o four_o chapter_n discourse_v somewhat_o more_o large_o than_o perhaps_o otherwise_o be_v requisite_a about_o the_o transcendent_a wisdom_n of_o christianity_n and_o have_v add_v the_o six_o chapter_n almost_o on_o purpose_n to_o shake_v the_o sandy_a foundation_n of_o bare_a humane_a authority_n whereon_o mr._n hobbs_n and_o his_o complice_n will_v have_v it_o whole_o to_o depend_v i_o do_v most_o free_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n be_v very_o great_a about_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o that_o the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v exceed_o oblige_v to_o those_o christian_a prince_n who_o by_o good_a and_o wholesome_a law_n be_v become_v its_o nurse_n father_n yet_o can_v i_o not_o believe_v there_o be_v nothing_o of_o obligation_n in_o christianity_n beside_o what_o it_o receive_v extrinsecal_o from_o the_o law_n of_o civil_a sovereign_n the_o reason_n the_o leviathan_n give_v of_o this_o position_n i_o endeavour_v to_o answer_v and_o expose_v to_o this_o undertake_n it_o be_v i_o hope_v nothing_o but_o a_o just_a resentment_n of_o the_o affront_v mr._n hobbs_n have_v cast_v and_o injury_n he_o have_v do_v to_o our_o religion_n thereby_o i_o can_v hardly_o think_v any_o man_n worthy_a the_o name_n of_o a_o good_a christian_a much_o less_o of_o a_o minister_n of_o christ_n that_o can_v read_v such_o pernicious_a principle_n and_o perverse_a dispute_n against_o the_o honour_n of_o his_o religion_n without_o something_o of_o indignation_n for_o to_o make_v religion_n so_o to_o truckle_n under_o civil_a sovereign_n as_o in_o and_o of_o itself_o to_o have_v nothing_o of_o obligation_n what_o be_v it_o less_o than_o to_o clip_v the_o wing_n of_o all_o true_a devotion_n towards_o god_n and_o render_v it_o unable_a to_o fly_v high_a than_o the_o throne_n and_o sceptre_n on_o earth_n yea_o also_o and_o to_o null_a the_o authority_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o buy_v we_o for_o though_o all_o power_n be_v give_v to_o he_o in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n yet_o this_o opinion_n make_v he_o so_o far_o from_o be_v the_o prince_n of_o the_o king_n of_o 5._o the_o earth_n as_o that_o he_o be_v at_o best_a but_o their_o counsellor_n modest_o propose_v his_o advice_n which_o it_o seem_v they_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o take_v because_o that_o neither_o he_o nor_o his_o apostle_n have_v a_o kingdom_n and_o so_o can_v make_v no_o law_n for_o which_o reason_n such_o as_o it_o be_v the_o leviathan_n affirm_v that_o the_o command_v of_o the_o gospel_n be_v but_o precept_n or_o invitation_n of_o man_n to_o receive_v it_o and_o invitation_n we_o know_v we_o may_v accept_v of_o or_o refuse_v as_o we_o think_v fit_a and_o yet_o without_o sin_n so_o that_o our_o acceptance_n be_v a_o act_n of_o civility_n rather_o than_o of_o duty_n and_o our_o refusal_n a_o act_n of_o unkindness_n and_o not_o at_o all_o of_o disobedience_n have_v not_o civil_a sovereign_n do_v christianity_n the_o kindness_n to_o imbody_n it_o into_o their_o law_n we_o have_v be_v under_o no_o obligation_n to_o be_v christian_n we_o may_v have_v be_v turk_n or_o jew_n pagan_n or_o atheist_n and_o yet_o without_o sin_n and_o what_o will_v a_o laodicean_n desire_v more_o how_o kind_o do_v it_o cajole_a his_o lukewarmness_n and_o how_o fair_o do_v it_o promise_v he_o security_n from_o danger_n by_o be_v against_o christ_n in_o his_o heart_n and_o life_n as_o long_o as_o he_o be_v with_o he_o in_o his_o profession_n thus_o do_v it_o turn_n christianity_n into_o hypocrisy_n and_o make_v we_o to_o serve_v god_n for_o fear_n of_o men._n but_o if_o we_o be_v not_o so_o bere_v of_o reason_n as_o to_o think_v that_o god_n borrow_v his_o authority_n from_o his_o lieutenant_n than_o the_o philosophical_a rudiment_n of_o that_o epicurean_a whereof_o the_o author_n of_o the_o late_a reflection_n on_o philosophy_n say_v thomas_n hobbs_n be_v one_o of_o the_o bold_a 9_o of_o these_o last_o age_n have_v take_v care_n to_o corrupt_v our_o religion_n another_o way_n and_o that_o be_v by_o persuade_v we_o to_o think_v that_o the_o obligation_n of_o yield_a god_n obedience_n lie_v upon_o we_o by_o reason_n of_o our_o weakness_n this_o convert_v religion_n into_o superstition_n for_o it_o make_v we_o to_o serve_v god_n not_o out_o of_o love_n to_o his_o goodness_n but_o only_o for_o fear_v of_o his_o greatness_n if_o we_o can_v resist_v he_o and_o escape_v harmless_a it_o be_v no_o matter_n it_o seem_v if_o we_o do_v but_o since_o we_o can_v we_o must_v obey_v thus_o be_v we_o drag_v to_o obedience_n by_o the_o force_n of_o mere_a omnipotence_n and_o when_o we_o be_v so_o it_o be_v evident_a we_o be_v act_v by_o such_o dreadful_a and_o terrible_a apprehension_n of_o the_o deity_n as_o debauch_v our_o religion_n and_o make_v it_o a_o mere_a slavery_n utter_o inconsistent_a with_o that_o charity_n or_o love_n of_o god_n without_o which_o the_o most_o liberal_a alms-deed_n and_o martyrdom_n itself_o much_o less_o inferior_a act_n of_o worship_n will_v find_v no_o acceptance_n this_o therefore_o i_o look_v on_o as_o another_o most_o pernicious_a principle_n and_o for_o that_o cause_n i_o have_v make_v a_o long_a digression_n to_o prove_v that_o god_n dominion_n be_v not_o found_v in_o his_o sole_a irresistible_a power_n but_o that_o he_o have_v a_o right_a to_o rule_v we_o from_o his_o great_a mercy_n and_o goodness_n to_o we_o in_o his_o work_n of_o creation_n providence_n and_o redemption_n and_o forasmuch_o as_o it_o be_v requisite_a for_o all_o christian_n right_o to_o understand_v this_o latter_a which_o be_v at_o first_o make_v know_v unto_o we_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophâ—â—y_n in_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n i_o have_v sâ—â—ar_o enlarge_v the_o digression_n as_o to_o giâ—e_v a_o account_n of_o it_o that_o from_o thence_o we_o may_v see_v what_o obligation_n â—herefrom_o do_v arise_v upon_o we_o to_o keâ—p_v the_o commâ—nds_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o therewith_o i_o put_v a_o end_n to_o this_o treatise_n wherein_o perhaps_o the_o reader_n may_v find_v a_o coincidence_n of_o expression_n and_o it_o may_v be_v of_o matter_n also_o if_o he_o be_v inquisitive_a after_o the_o occasion_n of_o it_o he_o may_v please_v to_o know_v that_o it_o be_v write_v temporibus_fw-la successivis_fw-la which_o often_o be_v so_o
their_o fault_n if_o they_o do_v not_o receive_v benefit_n by_o they_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v so_o sufficient_o attest_v as_o that_o be_v it_o not_o for_o prejudice_n or_o laziness_n inadvertence_n or_o one_o such_o vice_n or_o other_o i_o very_o think_v there_o neither_o be_v nor_o ever_o be_v any_o consider_a man_n in_o the_o world_n but_o either_o he_o be_v or_o may_v thereby_o have_v be_v convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o doctrine_n and_o so_o bless_v by_o the_o excellency_n of_o their_o religion_n as_o that_o his_o mind_n shall_v no_o long_o be_v blind_v with_o superstition_n or_o fluctuate_v in_o uncertainty_n but_o shall_v know_v assure_o where_o to_o have_v the_o most_o perfect_a object_n of_o all_o his_o faculty_n how_o great_a then_o i_o say_v be_v the_o goodness_n of_o these_o miracle_n that_o confirm_v such_o a_o treasure_n unto_o we_o how_o plain_o do_v it_o show_v their_o descent_n from_o the_o essential_a and_o eternal_a goodness_n viz._n god_n himself_o for_o who_o but_o a_o almighty_a goodness_n can_v be_v author_n of_o such_o production_n such_o unparalleled_a instance_n of_o love_n and_o kindness_n such_o inimitable_a beneficence_n so_o immense_a and_o immix_v a_o goodness_n from_o who_o can_v it_o come_v but_o from_o god_n who_o be_v love_n and_o goodness_n itself_o in_o my_o apprehension_n therefore_o the_o goodness_n of_o these_o miracle_n show_v as_o plain_o that_o they_o be_v the_o work_n of_o god_n in_o testimony_n to_o his_o word_n as_o the_o image_n and_o superscription_n on_o the_o money_n do_v that_o the_o coin_n be_v caesar_n let_v we_o then_o lay_v all_o these_o thing_n together_o viz_o that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n do_v take_v upon_o they_o the_o office_n of_o prophet_n and_o that_o have_v the_o antecedent_n to_o or_o concomitant_a attendant_n on_o the_o prophetic_a spirit_n they_o therein_o neither_o be_v deceive_v nor_o have_v a_o design_n to_o deceive_v other_o and_o by_o their_o prediction_n exact_o accomplish_v it_o appear_v that_o they_o have_v such_o certain_a foreknowledge_n as_o no_o man_n by_o any_o art_n or_o science_n whatever_o can_v possible_o have_v of_o god_n eternal_a purpose_n concern_v future_a contingence_n and_o beside_o this_o supernatural_a knowledge_n to_o confirm_v their_o doctrine_n or_o demonstrate_v their_o mission_n from_o god_n to_o teach_v it_o they_o wrought_v such_o miracle_n as_o in_o the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o their_o nature_n and_o the_o incomparableness_n of_o their_o number_n greatness_n and_o goodness_n do_v most_o evident_o and_o eminent_o appear_v to_o be_v the_o work_n of_o god_n and_o consequent_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n who_o do_v they_o be_v teacher_n of_o such_o a_o excellent_a wisdom_n as_o the_o world_n know_v not_o before_o be_v therein_o inspire_v by_o god_n and_o so_o prophet_n chap._n vi_o some_o use_n that_o may_v be_v make_v of_o this_o doctrine_n thus_o have_v we_o pass_v through_o the_o several_a part_n of_o the_o propose_a method_n and_o in_o so_o do_v have_v i_o hope_v find_v the_o truth_n of_o our_o assertion_n sufficient_o evince_v and_o if_o so_o it_o be_v than_o thence_o sure_o we_o may_v see_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o christian_a religion_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o insufficiency_n of_o humane_a reason_n and_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o christian_a faith_n hope_n and_o practice_n sect._n 1_o 1._o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o christian_a religion_n it_o be_v not_o of_o so_o base_a and_o low_a a_o extraction_n as_o to_o spring_v from_o a_o opinion_n of_o ghost_n or_o ignorance_n of_o 12._o second_o cause_n devotion_n towards_o what_o man_n fear_v or_o the_o mistake_n of_o thing_n casual_a for_o prognostic_n but_o it_o be_v a_o heavenborn_a thing_n it_o descend_v from_o the_o father_n of_o light_n it_o derive_v its_o pedigree_n from_o god_n himself_o and_o have_v the_o image_n not_o only_o of_o his_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n but_o likewise_o of_o his_o dominion_n and_o lordship_n enstamp_v upon_o it_o in_o so_o much_o that_o it_o bring_v its_o own_o obligation_n along_o with_o it_o and_o make_v it_o not_o only_o convenient_a but_o necessary_a not_o only_a prudence_n in_o we_o but_o duty_n to_o receive_v it_o for_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v prophet_n do_v not_o only_o teach_v it_o by_o god_n commandment_n and_o direrection_n ibid._n but_o also_o in_o so_o do_v they_o lay_v the_o high_a obligation_n that_o can_v be_v on_o all_o to_o receive_v it_o god_n we_o know_v be_v the_o supreme_a lord_n the_o fountain_n of_o all_o just_a authority_n be_v in_o he_o as_o therefore_o watâ—rs_n drink_n sweet_a out_o of_o a_o fountain_n so_o those_o law_n that_o come_v as_o the_o word_n of_o prophecy_n do_v immediate_o from_o god_n have_v the_o high_a majesty_n and_o authority_n enstamp_v upon_o they_o for_o this_o cause_n the_o jew_n when_o they_o be_v assure_v of_o any_o man_n call_v to_o the_o prophetic_a office_n think_v themselves_o oblige_v and_o bind_v to_o obey_v he_o in_o all_o thing_n except_o idolatry_n yea_o though_o he_o require_v the_o omission_n of_o the_o affirmative_a or_o the_o do_n of_o the_o negative_a precept_n of_o their_o law_n notwithstanding_o their_o mighty_a zeal_n for_o their_o law_n and_o the_o profound_a reverence_n they_o have_v for_o moses_n their_o master_n yet_o they_o judge_v it_o their_o indispensable_a duty_n in_o all_o thing_n to_o obey_v the_o prophet_n and_o whosoever_o will_v not_o they_o hold_v worthy_a and_o guilty_a of_o death_n by_o the_o immediate_a hand_n of_o heaven_n this_o be_v the_o opinion_n of_o their_o wise_a man_n in_o the_o talmud_n where_o they_o say_v in_o all_o thing_n except_o idolatry_n if_o a_o prophet_n zâ—r_n say_v unto_o thou_o transgress_v the_o law_n thou_o shall_v obey_v he_o and_o good_a reason_n too_o for_o a_o prophet_n be_v 36._o god_n spokesman_n to_o the_o people_n his_o herald_n to_o proclaim_v his_o law_n there_o be_v good_a reason_n he_o shall_v be_v hear_v and_o attend_v to_o whosoever_o else_o be_v neglect_v the_o reason_n be_v because_o the_o word_n of_o prophecy_n come_v immediate_o from_o god_n be_v clothe_v with_o his_o authority_n and_o if_o where_o the_o word_n of_o a_o king_n be_v there_o be_v power_n much_o more_o methinks_v be_v there_o where_o the_o word_n of_o he_o be_v by_o who_o king_n reign_n have_v not_o this_o be_v the_o dictate_v of_o natural_a reason_n numa_n pompilius_n and_o other_o ancient_a lawgiver_n among_o the_o heathen_n have_v be_v very_o foolish_a as_o well_o as_o false_a in_o pretend_v to_o have_v receive_v their_o law_n from_o the_o god_n but_o man_n natural_a reason_n tell_v they_o that_o the_o high_a authority_n of_o man_n be_v far_o inferior_a to_o that_o of_o god_n this_o politic_a pretence_n be_v think_v a_o very_a effectual_a engine_n to_o make_v man_n obedient_a to_o their_o law_n and_o this_o engine_n we_o see_v be_v to_o stand_v upon_o the_o ground_n that_o god_n above_o all_o be_v to_o be_v obey_v since_o than_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v prophet_n those_o be_v no_o good_a subject_n unto_o god_n yea_o they_o be_v worse_o than_o jew_n or_o heathen_n that_o deny_v the_o religion_n that_o they_o have_v teach_v we_o to_o have_v power_n of_o bind_v we_o to_o receive_v it_o obj._n yet_o the_o leviathan_n will_v have_v it_o in_o and_o of_o itself_o to_o have_v none_o for_o it_o faith_n express_o the_o precept_n repent_v be_v baptise_a keep_v the_o commandment_n believe_v the_o gospel_n come_v unto_o i_o sell_v all_o that_o thou_o have_v give_v it_o to_o the_o poor_a and_o follow_v i_o be_v not_o command_n but_o invitation_n and_o calling_n of_o mâ—n_z to_o christianity_n like_o that_o of_o isaiah_n ho_o every_o man_n 1_o that_o thirst_v come_v you_o to_o the_o water_n come_v and_o 42._o buy_v wine_n and_o milk_n without_o money_n ans_fw-fr the_o difference_n between_o precept_n and_o command_n especial_o in_o point_n of_o obligation_n i_o be_o hardly_o so_o subtle_a as_o to_o understand_v i_o have_v read_v indeed_o that_o the_o jew_n put_v a_o difference_n between_o law_n statute_n and_o judgement_n but_o hardly_o ever_o that_o either_o they_o oâ—_n the_o gentile_n find_v any_o between_o precept_n and_o command_n but_o this_o be_v a_o matter_n too_o trivial_a to_o be_v debate_v whether_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o profound_a piâ—ce_n of_o subtlety_n or_o a_o contradiction_n i_o shall_v not_o now_o take_v upon_o i_o to_o determine_v but_o let_v it_o pass_v as_o a_o specimen_fw-la of_o that_o extraordinary_a wit_n which_o the_o treatise_n of_o human_a reason_n observe_v in_o that_o author_n we_o shall_v inquire_v why_o he_o â—aith_v so_o viz._n why_o he_o â—aith_v that_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o its_o calling_n of_o man_n to_o christianity_n have_v not_o the_o obligation_n of_o command_n in_o they_o his_o reason_n be_v
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 even_o before_o i_o have_v that_o idea_n of_o it_o which_o you_o will_v find_v in_o this_o treatise_n i_o do_v conjecture_n must_v needs_o be_v very_o rational_a because_o it_o be_v not_o only_o project_v but_o practise_v and_o that_o as_o far_o as_o we_o find_v without_o control_n for_o many_o age_n among_o god_n peculiar_a people_n and_o that_o i_o be_v not_o mistake_v in_o this_o conjecture_n the_o five_o chapter_n of_o this_o treatise_n do_v i_o hope_v make_v manifest_a by_o show_v the_o strength_n and_o force_n of_o the_o precede_a argument_n to_o prove_v that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v prophet_n now_o if_o any_o man_n ask_v what_o degree_n of_o prophecy_n it_o be_v which_o i_o ascribe_v unto_o they_o he_o may_v be_v please_v to_o know_v his_o curiosity_n exceed_v i_o yet_o for_o a_o answer_n i_o refer_v he_o to_o that_o prophecy_n of_o moses_n wherein_o he_o tell_v the_o jew_n that_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n 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 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
as_o make_v we_o with_o david_n to_o have_v respect_n to_o all_o god_n commandment_n and_o careful_a to_o keep_v they_o as_o well_o as_o we_o can_v although_o for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o honour_n of_o his_o law_n for_o the_o patefaction_n of_o his_o most_o holy_a nature_n and_o most_o just_a dominion_n over_o we_o i_o say_v that_o although_o for_o these_o and_o such_o like_a great_a end_n the_o gospel_n have_v make_v the_o most_o perfect_a unsinning_a obedience_n to_o be_v our_o duty_n yet_o not_o that_o but_o only_o sincere_a obedience_n be_v indispensable_o necessary_a in_o order_n to_o our_o salvation_n for_o three_o those_o sin_n which_o be_v real_o inavoidable_a the_o gospel_n do_v not_o impute_v to_o we_o for_o our_o condemnation_n i_o will_v not_o be_v mistake_v that_o that_o i_o say_v be_v that_o though_o according_a to_o the_o rigour_n and_o severity_n of_o the_o law_n as_o a_o covenant_n of_o work_n the_o wage_n of_o every_o sin_n be_v death_n yet_o such_o be_v the_o mercy_n of_o god_n in_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n as_o that_o those_o sin_n which_o to_o we_o be_v real_o and_o true_o inavoidable_a shall_v not_o be_v impute_v to_o we_o for_o our_o condemnation_n hereof_o one_o reason_n be_v because_o the_o gospel_n put_v we_o into_o a_o state_n of_o trial_n and_o probation_n in_o this_o life_n in_o reference_n to_o another_o after_o it_o sure_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o inavoidable_a guilt_n thereby_o charge_v upon_o we_o to_o our_o eternal_a condemnation_n it_o be_v not_o imaginable_a it_o shall_v so_o tantaliâ—e_v we_o with_o hope_n of_o heaven_n in_o the_o confine_n and_o power_n of_o hell_n however_o evident_a it_o be_v four_o that_o the_o gospel_n do_v promise_v that_o our_o know_a sin_n as_o well_o as_o other_o how_o heinous_a soever_o they_o be_v either_o in_o their_o nature_n or_o their_o aggravation_n yet_o if_o they_o be_v timely_o retract_v by_o true_a repentance_n and_o humiliation_n contrition_n and_o confession_n change_n of_o mind_n and_o amendment_n of_o life_n they_o shall_v be_v forgive_v we_o no_o man_n sin_n be_v either_o so_o many_o in_o number_n or_o so_o heinous_a in_o their_o quality_n but_o on_o these_o term_n they_o may_v be_v forgive_v insomuch_o that_o to_o i_o it_o seem_v most_o probable_a that_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v impardonable_a not_o for_o want_v of_o grace_n in_o the_o gospel_n but_o for_o want_v of_o repentance_n in_o the_o sinner_n let_v then_o our_o modern_a scoffer_n add_v these_o thing_n as_o they_o ought_v to_o that_o against_o which_o they_o level_v their_o objection_n and_o then_o let_v they_o tell_v we_o what_o impossibility_n there_o be_v in_o obey_v the_o gospel_n so_o far_o forth_o as_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n be_v it_o impossible_a to_o do_v what_o we_o can_v or_o to_o repent_v when_o we_o have_v do_v amiss_o i_o suppose_v not_o especial_o while_o we_o have_v those_o motive_n and_o assistâ—nces_n which_o the_o gospel_n give_v we_o to_o keep_v the_o commandment_n since_o the_o nature_n of_o reasonable_a â—_z be_v to_o be_v draw_v by_o the_o alliciency_n of_o those_o proâ—itâ—râ—icks_n that_o present_v themselves_o to_o it_o we_o may_v well_o wonder_v at_o our_o own_o disobedience_n for_o so_o many_o and_o so_o great_a be_v the_o motive_n the_o gospel_n give_v to_o keep_v its_o commandment_n as_o that_o there_o be_v no_o active_a virtue_n in_o we_o but_o may_v receive_v the_o high_a incitement_n therefrom_o what_o entertainment_n so_o fit_a for_o the_o mind_n as_o truth_n and_o what_o truth_n so_o sweet_a as_o that_o that_o be_v eternal_a what_o so_o desirable_a to_o the_o will_n as_o goodness_n and_o what_o goodness_n so_o great_a as_o that_o that_o be_v infinite_a and_o where_o can_v you_o find_v eternal_a truth_n and_o infinite_a goodness_n so_o clear_o reveal_v as_o they_o be_v in_o the_o gospel_n where_o can_v the_o affection_n have_v the_o like_a motive_n to_o set_v we_o a_o do_v have_v not_o the_o rule_n of_o our_o life_n the_o high_a majesty_n and_o authority_n instamp_v on_o it_o be_v we_o not_o promise_v the_o great_a reward_n that_o can_v be_v desire_v in_o case_n we_o walk_v by_o it_o and_o be_v we_o not_o threaten_v with_o the_o great_a evil_n that_o can_v be_v fear_v in_o case_n we_o neglect_v it_o be_v we_o not_o assure_v of_o a_o suâ—â—iciency_n of_o temporal_a blessing_n and_o spiritual_a grace_n in_o this_o world_n if_o we_o will_v seek_v first_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n i._n e_o for_o glory_n and_o honour_n and_o immortality_n in_o the_o other_o be_v it_o not_o then_o strange_a that_o be_v thus_o besiege_v with_o motive_n to_o do_v well_o we_o shall_v be_v so_o prone_a to_o do_v ill_a although_o we_o know_v very_o well_o the_o commandment_n be_v such_o as_o that_o it_o be_v not_o more_o our_o duty_n than_o our_o interest_n to_o do_v they_o we_o promote_v our_o own_o good_a as_o much_o as_o god_n glory_n by_o obedience_n to_o they_o for_o they_o be_v apt_a not_o only_o to_o enlighten_v our_o mind_n and_o perfect_a our_o understanding_n to_o refine_v our_o nature_n and_o sublimate_v our_o gross_a affection_n to_o amend_v our_o life_n and_o purify_v our_o conversation_n but_o also_o to_o preserve_v our_o estate_n and_o advance_v our_o fortune_n to_o secure_v our_o reputation_n and_o promote_v our_o honour_n and_o that_o in_o all_o condition_n and_o capacity_n whatever_o insomuch_o that_o their_o own_o goodness_n may_v be_v their_o own_o eternal_a obligation_n how_o admirable_a then_o be_v that_o wisdom_n justice_n and_o goodness_n which_o impose_v they_o on_o we_o and_o require_v obedience_n of_o we_o especial_o consider_v the_o assistance_n provide_v for_o we_o to_o have_v in_o well-doing_n and_o true_o it_o be_v more_o than_o a_o little_a we_o do_v or_o shall_v receive_v in_o our_o childhood_n by_o be_v bring_v up_o in_o the_o nurture_n and_o admonition_n of_o 4._o the_o lord_n for_o a_o child_n be_v lead_v by_o little_a of_o itself_o but_o a_o chain_n of_o imagination_n education_n have_v the_o force_n of_o a_o natural_a agent_n rather_o than_o a_o moral_a hence_o it_o be_v that_o child_n of_o the_o same_o parent_n be_v sometime_o lib._n like_o lycurgus_n his_o whelp_n of_o the_o same_o litter_n whereas_o one_o run_v to_o his_o dish_n the_o other_o after_o the_o hare_n because_o he_o have_v bring_v they_o up_o so_o to_o do_v which_o experiment_n he_o make_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o his_o subject_n on_o purpose_n to_o teach_v they_o to_o train_v their_o child_n in_o the_o way_n they_o shall_v go_v and_o that_o when_o they_o be_v old_a 6._o they_o will_v not_o depart_v from_o it_o but_o if_o they_o do_v the_o gospel_n have_v sufficient_o provide_v for_o their_o reduction_n for_o it_o do_v not_o only_o encourage_v brotherly_a admonition_n and_o oblige_v we_o to_o pray_v for_o each_o other_o but_o it_o have_v also_o ordain_v a_o sacred_a function_n for_o the_o perfect_a of_o the_o sâ—ints_n for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n for_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n till_o we_o all_o come_v in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n unto_o a_o perfect_a man_n unto_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o 13._o stature_n of_o the_o fullness_n of_o christ_n now_o not_o only_a man_n on_o earth_n but_o also_o the_o angel_n of_o heaven_n be_v oblige_v to_o afford_v we_o their_o assistance_n be_v they_o not_o all_o minister_a spirit_n send_v forth_o to_o minister_v for_o they_o who_o shall_v be_v heir_n of_o salvation_n and_o beside_o the_o assistance_n of_o 4_o angel_n we_o may_v have_v that_o of_o the_o eternal_a spirit_n also_o to_o help_v we_o for_o the_o father_n of_o flesh_n here_o on_o earth_n be_v not_o so_o ready_a to_o give_v good_a gift_n unto_o their_o child_n as_o our_o heavenly_a father_n be_v to_o give_v the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o they_o that_o ask_v he_o and_o this_o it_o seem_v he_o do_v 8._o so_o abundant_o in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o that_o it_o be_v call_v by_o his_o name_n and_o the_o ministration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o law_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o life_n in_o christ_n jesus_n which_o make_v man_n free_a from_o the_o law_n of_o sin_n and_o death_n whereby_o it_o seem_v that_o though_o the_o history_n 2_o and_o outward_a communication_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v to_o we_o in_o scriptis_fw-la yet_o we_o be_v not_o to_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o mere_a piece_n of_o book-learning_n but_o as_o a_o vital_a quicken_a thing_n able_a to_o give_v life_n to_o those_o that_o be_v dead_a in_o trespass_n and_o sin_n to_o beget_v they_o again_o in_o christ_n jesus_n and_o to_o form_v divine_a goodness_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o by_o so_o do_v to_o help_v their_o
these_o qualification_n as_o we_o have_v also_o see_v take_v away_o all_o cause_n of_o suspicion_n that_o the_o prophet_n either_o be_v deceive_v or_o have_v a_o design_n to_o deceive_v other_o in_o their_o prophecy_n and_o beside_o that_o either_o by_o prediction_n or_o miracle_n they_o give_v such_o evidence_n of_o a_o prophetic_a spirit_n as_o can_v possible_o come_v from_o none_o but_o god_n and_o therefore_o in_o motive_n of_o credibility_n a_o word_n of_o prophecy_n do_v far_o exceed_v a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n because_o for_o aught_o we_o know_v the_o prince_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o air_n may_v deceive_v we_o with_o something_o like_o it_o or_o the_o pretend_a hearer_n of_o it_o be_v it_o may_v be_v themselves_o deceive_v or_o have_v a_o design_n to_o deceive_v other_o since_o than_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n as_o we_o have_v large_o prove_v be_v a_o sort_n of_o prophet_n that_o most_o eminent_o have_v all_o the_o qualification_n requisite_a to_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n and_o both_o by_o prediction_n and_o miracle_n give_v thâ—_n clear_a evidence_n that_o ever_o the_o world_n have_v of_o it_o we_o have_v the_o high_a reason_n whereof_o a_o revelation_n be_v capable_a most_o firm_o to_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n that_o they_o have_v teach_v we_o what_o though_o the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n be_v as_o without_o controversy_n it_o be_v very_o great_a yet_o the_o theist_n of_o our_o age_n have_v no_o reason_n on_o that_o account_n to_o disbelieve_v it_o for_o though_o perhaps_o it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o expect_v that_o our_o religion_n shall_v befriend_v our_o reason_n yet_o not_o so_o far_o as_o to_o make_v it_o the_o rule_n and_o measure_n of_o divine_a revelation_n the_o reason_n be_v because_o the_o divine_a intellect_n be_v infinite_a and_o we_o finite_a although_o therefore_o without_o a_o experiment_n or_o other_o demonstration_n there_o seem_v to_o be_v no_o obligation_n on_o we_o firm_o to_o assent_v to_o any_o thing_n in_o philosophy_n yet_o be_v we_o not_o permit_v to_o be_v such_o virtuosâ—_n in_o religion_n the_o reason_n be_v because_o thing_n in_o themselves_o uncapable_a of_o a_o demonstration_n be_v reveal_v with_o a_o command_n to_o believe_v and_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o make_v they_o a_o râ—morâ—_n to_o our_o belief_n for_o as_o after_o all_o our_o search_n into_o nature_n and_o great_a discovery_n of_o thing_n therein_o we_o be_v force_v to_o confess_v there_o may_v be_v more_o in_o her_o dark_a bosom_n than_o we_o can_v discover_v and_o we_o on_o that_o account_n have_v no_o reason_n to_o deny_v the_o be_v of_o nature_n so_o also_o in_o thing_n reveal_v if_o after_o all_o our_o hard_a study_n we_o can_v comprehend_v they_o we_o thereupon_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o deny_v the_o be_v of_o they_o because_o god_n who_o have_v make_v may_v also_o reveal_v thing_n that_o pass_v our_o understanding_n if_o therefore_o there_o be_v evidence_n sufficient_a to_o convince_v the_o understanding_n as_o in_o the_o case_n now_o before_o we_o there_o be_v that_o the_o revelation_n come_v from_o god_n there_o be_v no_o reason_n on_o the_o account_n of_o its_o mystery_n to_o reject_v it_o and_o indeed_o the_o mystery_n of_o christianity_n be_v so_o far_o from_o give_v just_a occasion_n of_o unbelief_n as_o that_o they_o be_v apt_a to_o strengthen_v our_o faith_n in_o it_o for_o the_o gospel_n teach_v we_o to_o glorify_v god_n in_o 20._o our_o spirit_n as_o well_o as_o body_n it_o be_v very_o reasonable_a and_o convenient_a that_o it_o shall_v require_v we_o to_o honour_v he_o by_o the_o submission_n of_o our_o understanding_n to_o indemonstrable_v revelation_n as_o well_o as_o by_o the_o obedience_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o life_n unto_o his_o law_n and_o therefore_o as_o it_o be_v fit_v for_o we_o to_o obey_v the_o divine_a law_n though_o our_o will_n reluct_v never_o so_o much_o against_o it_o so_o also_o be_v it_o for_o we_o to_o believe_v whatever_o god_n have_v reveal_v think_v never_o so_o improbable_a to_o our_o understanding_n for_o unless_o we_o do_v so_o we_o shall_v undoubted_o fall_v short_a of_o our_o duty_n which_o in_o this_o case_n without_o dispute_n be_v to_o tread_v in_o the_o step_n of_o our_o father_n abraham_n who_o give_v glory_n to_o god_n by_o be_v so_o strong_a in_o faith_n as_o to_o believe_v that_o that_o be_v impossible_a in_o nature_n and_o therefore_o incredible_a unto_o reason_n if_o we_o will_v believe_v no_o more_o than_o what_o we_o can_v demonstrate_v to_o be_v true_a our_o assent_n be_v not_o faith_n but_o science_n for_o it_o be_v not_o build_v upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o god_n testimony_n but_o on_o demonstration_n from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n testify_v and_o so_o it_o honour_v not_o god_n at_o all_o because_o it_o receive_v not_o the_o truth_n for_o his_o sake_n but_o he_o for_o the_o truth_n sake_n and_o so_o it_o pay_v no_o respect_n to_o his_o word_n but_o only_o to_o our_o own_o ratiocination_n but_o forasmuch_o as_o the_o mind_n assent_v to_o testimony_n as_o well_o as_o reason_n and_o the_o divine_a prerogative_n extend_v itself_o to_o the_o whole_a man_n that_o religion_n that_o become_v god_n and_o it_o be_v suitable_a to_o man_n must_v have_v something_o in_o it_o to_o exercise_v this_o his_o innate_a power_n about_o and_o for_o this_o cause_n the_o mystery_n of_o christianity_n ought_v to_o be_v look_v on_o as_o a_o motive_n to_o believe_v rather_o than_o to_o reject_v it_o for_o be_v there_o no_o mystery_n in_o it_o we_o shall_v have_v some_o reason_n to_o entertain_v a_o temptation_n to_o think_v that_o it_o be_v not_o of_o god_n because_o whatsoever_o else_o we_o be_v assure_v there_o be_v have_v something_o in_o it_o that_o exceed_v the_o reach_n of_o our_o reason_n yea_o and_o conjecture_n too_o for_o if_o we_o contemplate_v the_o work_n of_o creation_n thing_n that_o we_o daily_o see_v and_o handle_v which_o â—eem_v to_o lie_v level_a with_o our_o understanding_n yet_o after_o our_o most_o accurate_a researche_n into_o their_o nature_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o the_o most_o pierce_a judgement_n or_o profound_a reason_n be_v not_o able_a to_o solve_v all_o the_o phaenomena_n or_o attain_v to_o a_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o they_o and_o who_o be_v there_o that_o observe_v well_o the_o dispensation_n of_o divine_a providence_n but_o may_v therein_o find_v such_o riddle_n as_o his_o reason_n can_v unfold_v such_o mystery_n as_o baffle_v his_o understanding_n and_o confound_v his_o curiosity_n in_o his_o inquire_n after_o the_o cause_n of_o they_o the_o end_n and_o reason_n of_o god_n proceed_n with_o man_n although_o always_o most_o just_a and_o righteous_a yet_o very_o often_o be_v so_o secret_a and_o hide_a as_o that_o they_o convince_v we_o his_o judgement_n be_v unsearchable_a and_o his_o way_n past_o find_v out_o and_o from_o the_o work_n of_o creation_n and_o providence_n result_v a_o natural_a religion_n the_o chief_a principle_n whereof_o we_o know_v be_v that_o there_o be_v a_o be_v infinite_a in_o all_o perfection_n this_o be_v the_o dictate_v of_o reason_n as_o well_o as_o conscience_n yet_o reason_n can_v fathom_v the_o depth_n of_o it_o for_o it_o have_v only_o a_o negative_a conception_n of_o infinity_o and_o whatever_o there_o be_v that_o it_o have_v no_o conception_n of_o do_v undoubted_o surpass_v its_o reach_n and_o comprehension_n so_o that_o natural_a theology_n as_o well_o as_o reveal_v have_v its_o mystery_n if_o therefore_o christianity_n have_v none_o how_o unlike_a will_v it_o be_v to_o all_o thing_n else_o in_o the_o world_n that_o have_v god_n for_o their_o author_n how_o just_a a_o prejudice_n will_v this_o be_v to_o the_o reception_n of_o it_o as_o divine_a truth_n and_o revelation_n who_o will_v believe_v it_o to_o be_v of_o god_n when_o he_o see_v nothing_o that_o surpass_v man_n in_o it_o how_o decent_a then_o and_o useful_a be_v the_o mystery_n of_o christianity_n since_o they_o make_v it_o like_v to_o all_o thing_n else_o of_o god_n make_v they_o beautify_v and_o adorn_v it_o with_o fair_a character_n than_o otherwise_o it_o will_v have_v of_o god_n image_n on_o it_o and_o the_o fair_a the_o character_n of_o his_o image_n be_v upon_o it_o the_o more_o legible_a be_v his_o truth_n in_o it_o for_o infiniteness_n of_o truth_n be_v inseparable_a from_o right_a reason_n idea_n of_o deity_n and_o where_o there_o be_v infiniteness_n of_o truth_n there_o be_v no_o possibility_n of_o a_o lie_n mistake_v or_o deceit_n and_o where_o these_o be_v exclude_v there_o be_v no_o room_n for_o hesitance_n or_o doubt_v but_o the_o strong_a reason_n imaginable_a to_o believe_v since_o therefore_o our_o christian_a faith_n have_v the_o impression_n of_o god_n image_n on_o it_o and_o the_o word_n of_o prophecy_n reveal_v it_o it_o be_v most_o high_o reasonable_a to_o believe_v it_o sect._n 5._o
to_o the_o church_n tradition_n concern_v those_o of_o christ_n himself_o and_o his_o apostle_n for_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a that_o he_o who_o grant_v this_o power_n to_o his_o disciple_n shall_v want_v it_o himself_o and_o next_o to_o a_o impossibility_n it_o be_v that_o in_o his_o circumstance_n he_o shall_v never_o make_v use_n of_o it_o nor_o be_v it_o at_o all_o probable_a that_o he_o will_v confer_v it_o on_o his_o mean_a disciple_n in_o private_a capacity_n and_o that_o when_o his_o gospel_n be_v every_o where_o plant_v and_o deny_v or_o withhold_v it_o from_o the_o chief_a of_o his_o follower_n those_o who_o he_o choose_v to_o be_v his_o witness_n and_o founder_n of_o his_o faith_n throughout_o all_o nation_n that_o this_o shall_v be_v the_o oeconomy_n of_o his_o dispensation_n it_o be_v a_o astonishment_n to_o reason_n to_o imagine_v but_o that_o it_o be_v not_o be_v most_o high_o agreeable_a insomuch_o that_o with_o confidence_n we_o may_v conclude_v there_o be_v no_o matter_n of_o fact_n whatever_o although_o of_o a_o far_o less_o distance_n of_o who_o truth_n we_o have_v more_o or_o indeed_o so_o much_o reason_n to_o be_v persuade_v as_o we_o have_v of_o the_o church_n tradition_n that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n wrought_v many_o and_o great_a miracle_n yet_o if_o we_o may_v believe_v st._n austin_n that_o he_o who_o still_o require_v prodigy_n that_o he_o may_v believe_v be_v himself_o sup_v a_o great_a prodigy_n it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v there_o be_v more_o than_o a_o few_o such_o prodigy_n in_o our_o age_n for_o a_o admire_a author_n ask_v the_o question_n how_o can_v one_o that_o say_v those_o thing_n he_o say_v or_o teachâ—th_v be_v confirm_v by_o miracle_n be_v believe_v unless_o that_o he_o also_o himself_o have_v do_v a_o miracle_n the_o reason_n of_o this_o question_n such_o as_o it_o be_v he_o subjoin_v in_o another_o for_o if_o a_o private_a man_n be_v to_o be_v believe_v without_o a_o miracle_n why_o among_o those_o 3_o that_o teach_v diverse_a thing_n be_v one_o to_o be_v believe_v rather_o than_o another_o because_o there_o be_v other_o motive_n of_o credibility_n beside_o miracle_n why_o else_o shall_v this_o unlucky_a author_n be_v believe_v in_o any_o thing_n he_o say_v that_o be_v different_a from_o other_o but_o whether_o it_o be_v fit_a he_o shall_v or_o no_o i_o shall_v not_o now_o inquire_v but_o only_o observe_v first_o that_o miracle_n have_v be_v do_v may_v be_v believe_v upon_o the_o credit_n of_o testimony_n without_o the_o do_n of_o any_o miracle_n to_o confirm_v it_o the_o possibility_n of_o miracle_n i_o now_o take_v for_o grant_v and_o so_o also_o i_o may_v this_o observation_n have_v it_o not_o be_v for_o this_o author_n sly_a insinuation_n that_o without_o the_o do_n of_o a_o miracle_n it_o can_v appear_v credible_a that_o ever_o there_o be_v any_o but_o why_o so_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o miracle_n that_o render_v the_o attestation_n of_o it_o incredible_a it_o seem_v not_o for_o the_o same_o author_n else_o where_o define_v a_o miracle_n to_o be_v a_o work_n of_o god_n beside_o his_o operation_n by_o the_o way_n of_o nature_n ordain_v in_o the_o creation_n do_v for_o the_o make_v manifest_a to_o his_o elect_a the_o mission_n of_o a_o extraordinary_a minister_n for_o their_o salvation_n 37._o whether_o a_o miracle_n be_v a_o work_n of_o god_n only_o beside_o and_o not_o also_o above_o his_o operation_n by_o the_o way_n of_o nature_n ordain_v in_o the_o creation_n and_o what_o precious_a one_o this_o author_n elect_n be_v it_o do_v not_o at_o present_a concern_v i_o to_o inquire_v but_o only_o to_o observe_v that_o whosoever_o they_o be_v the_o design_a end_n of_o a_o miracle_n according_a to_o he_o be_v to_o make_v manifest_a unto_o they_o the_o mission_n of_o some_o extraordinary_a minister_n for_o their_o salvation_n be_v it_o so_o that_o this_o as_o in_o part_n at_o least_o it_o undoubted_o be_v the_o end_n and_o scope_n of_o real_a and_o true_a miracle_n i_o will_v fain_o know_v of_o this_o author_n how_o a_o thing_n that_o be_v incredible_a can_v make_v manifest_a a_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o the_o mission_n of_o a_o extraordinary_a minister_n although_o not_o hasty_o to_o be_v believe_v yet_o be_v not_o incredible_a but_o a_o miracle_n it_o seem_v be_v how_o then_o can_v it_o make_v it_o manifest_v but_o if_o this_o be_v impossible_a or_o unintelligible_a whence_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o god_n make_v choice_n of_o such_o a_o thing_n to_o make_v manifest_a another_o do_v this_o author_n think_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n so_o short_a or_o his_o power_n so_o weak_a as_o to_o lay_v and_o effect_v his_o design_n no_o better_o if_o so_o he_o may_v change_v apprehension_n with_o epicurus_n 14._o as_o wretched_a as_o he_o think_v he_o and_o yet_o be_v no_o loose_a by_o the_o bargain_n but_o whatever_o he_o think_v of_o god_n i_o can_v think_v he_o so_o void_a of_o reason_n as_o to_o deny_v that_o that_o which_o make_v manifest_a must_v itself_o be_v more_o manifest_a than_o that_o which_o it_o make_v so_o manifest_a therefore_o i_o take_v it_o to_o be_v that_o if_o the_o end_n of_o miracle_n be_v to_o make_v manifest_a they_o themselves_o must_v needs_o be_v so_o and_o if_o manifest_a then_o credible_a and_o if_o credible_a why_o may_v they_o not_o be_v do_v before_o credible_a witness_n and_o why_o may_v not_o those_o witness_n report_v they_o true_o to_o other_o credible_a person_n and_o why_o may_v not_o this_o report_n be_v transmit_v to_o posterity_n and_o why_o may_v not_o posterity_n believe_v it_o as_o well_o as_o it_o do_v those_o concern_v alexander_n julius_n câ—â—sar_n &_o c_o what_o impossibility_n immorality_n or_o imprudence_n be_v there_o in_o so_o do_v if_o there_o be_v none_o then_o second_o it_o be_v needless_a to_o demand_v the_o do_v of_o miracle_n to_o prove_v that_o there_o have_v be_v some_o do_v the_o reason_n be_v manifest_a because_o this_o assent_n may_v be_v build_v upon_o another_o foundation_n viz._n testimony_n of_o credible_a witness_n transmit_v or_o deliver_v down_o throughout_o all_o age_n to_o posterity_n the_o sufficiency_n of_o this_o foundation_n to_o bear_v that_o superstructure_n will_v be_v evident_a by_o the_o firm_a assent_n that_o man_n build_v upon_o less_o credible_a testimony_n whereof_o they_o give_v evidence_n in_o almost_o all_o affair_n of_o humane_a life_n the_o nobleman_n claim_v his_o peerage_n the_o gentleman_n his_o estate_n the_o merchant_n venture_v his_o money_n and_o the_o traveller_n take_v his_o journey_n the_o honest_a lawyer_n plead_v and_o the_o just_a judge_n pronounce_v sentence_n upon_o the_o credit_n of_o testimony_n and_o such_o be_v the_o necessity_n of_o testimony_n as_o that_o the_o child_n can_v learn_v his_o letter_n nor_o the_o scholar_n attain_v his_o knowledge_n in_o the_o science_n nor_o the_o mechanic_n skill_n in_o his_o trade_n nor_o indeed_o can_v we_o ourselves_o know_v our_o own_o name_n without_o assent_v to_o testimony_n yet_o so_o firm_a a_o assent_n do_v we_o yield_v unto_o it_o as_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o ridiculous_a and_o hardly_o accomplish_v than_o persuasion_n of_o we_o out_o of_o our_o name_n most_o firm_a assent_n therefore_o we_o see_v be_v yield_v to_o testimony_n and_o that_o such_o as_o be_v not_o more_o perhaps_o less_o credible_a than_o that_o whereby_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n miracle_n be_v convey_v unto_o we_o for_o it_o have_v not_o antiquity_n universality_n and_o consent_v of_o all_o party_n as_o this_o have_v to_o avouch_v its_o credibility_n most_o firm_a assent_v therefore_o may_v and_o in_o reason_n ought_v to_o be_v give_v to_o it_o for_o where_o there_o be_v certain_a credibility_n in_o the_o matter_n propound_v and_o also_o in_o the_o testimony_n that_o propound_v it_o there_o do_v arise_v upon_o man_n a_o obligation_n to_o believe_v as_o appear_v by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n concern_v converse_n which_o will_v serve_v to_o very_o little_a or_o no_o purpose_n if_o the_o motive_n of_o credibility_n do_v not_o induce_v a_o obligation_n to_o believe_v it_o seem_v therefore_o that_o the_o testimony_n or_o tradition_n whereby_o we_o understand_v that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n do_v many_o and_o great_a miracle_n we_o not_o only_o may_v but_o also_o we_o ought_v to_o believe_v because_o there_o be_v a_o certainty_n of_o credibility_n both_o in_o the_o matter_n propound_v and_o also_o in_o the_o manner_n of_o its_o proposition_n to_o our_o consideration_n and_o if_o this_o render_v it_o a_o duty_n to_o believe_v then_o three_o it_o be_v both_o wicked_a and_o absurd_a to_o demand_v a_o miracle_n to_o induce_v our_o assent_n unto_o it_o it_o be_v wicked_a because_o it_o not_o only_o hinder_v the_o performance_n of_o our_o duty_n but_o also_o mere_o to_o gratify_v
a_o unreasonable_a humour_n it_o importune_v almighty_a power_n and_o wisdom_n without_o any_o necessity_n to_o change_v the_o course_n of_o nature_n or_o at_o least_o to_o act_v beside_o it_o and_o what_o affront_n more_o petulant_a and_o saucy_a can_v we_o easy_o offer_v to_o divine_a majesty_n it_o be_v also_o absurd_a as_o well_o as_o wicked_a for_o suppose_v a_o man_n in_o this_o age_n shall_v real_o work_v a_o miracle_n if_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n may_v not_o be_v receive_v on_o testimony_n then_o neither_o may_v that_o how_o then_o shall_v the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o be_v convey_v to_o all_o that_o be_v concern_v in_o it_o why_o they_o themselves_o must_v both_o see_v it_o do_v and_o use_v all_o mean_n possible_a to_o consider_v whether_o it_o be_v such_o as_o no_o man_n can_v do_v the_o like_a by_o his_o natural_a power_n but_o that_o it_o require_v the_o immediate_a hand_n of_o god_n 37._o it_o seem_v then_o if_o what_o one_o say_v be_v confirm_v by_o miracle_n be_v of_o concern_v as_o christian_a religion_n be_v to_o all_o people_n in_o all_o age_n and_o place_n of_o the_o world_n there_o must_v be_v almost_o as_o many_o miracle_n wrought_v to_o confirm_v this_o say_n as_o there_o be_v single_a person_n how_o else_o shall_v each_o person_n concern_v therein_o see_v one_o do_v and_o than_o miracle_n will_v be_v no_o wonder_n they_o will_v change_v their_o nature_n and_o lose_v their_o efficacy_n and_o beside_o that_o every_o one_o must_v then_o be_v a_o diligent_a searcher_n into_o nature_n how_o else_o can_v he_o use_v all_o mean_n possible_a to_o consider_v whether_o the_o pretend_a miracle_n be_v such_o as_o no_o man_n can_v do_v the_o like_a by_o his_o natural_a power_n no_o say_v the_o author_n that_o be_v needless_a herein_o also_o they_o must_v have_v recourse_n to_o god_n lieutenant_n it_o seem_v then_o at_o last_o ibid._n they_o must_v be_v assure_v by_o testimony_n but_o why_o may_v not_o the_o testimony_n or_o tradition_n of_o the_o holy_a catholic_a church_n strengthen_v by_o the_o concession_n and_o suffrage_n of_o its_o enemy_n be_v believe_v as_o well_o as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n lieutenant_n but_o i_o shall_v say_v no_o more_o hereby_o it_o be_v plain_a enough_o that_o this_o author_n and_o his_o follower_n seek_v not_o for_o truth_n and_o certainty_n but_o to_o palliate_v their_o atheism_n or_o infidelity_n and_o pity_v it_o be_v that_o their_o suggestion_n shall_v disturb_v any_o one_o reliance_n on_o the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n the_o house_n and_o church_n of_o the_o live_a god_n by_o who_o testimony_n and_o tradition_n we_o be_v so_o very_o well_o assure_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n miracle_n as_o that_o we_o have_v little_a or_o no_o reason_n to_o envy_v either_o the_o jew_n or_o gentile_n who_o eye_n be_v bless_v with_o the_o sight_n of_o they_o for_o to_o what_o purpose_n do_v their_o eye_n then_o serve_v they_o be_v it_o not_o to_o convey_v those_o their_o credential_n to_o their_o understanding_n yes_o doubtless_o they_o therein_o have_v little_a other_o benefit_n by_o the_o use_n of_o they_o and_o be_v not_o this_o abundant_o supply_v unto_o we_o by_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o church_n which_o if_o well_o consider_v will_v be_v find_v as_o incapable_a of_o deception_n as_o our_o sense_n for_o aught_o i_o know_v my_o eye_n may_v as_o soon_o be_v deceive_v in_o a_o object_n of_o sight_n as_o the_o whole_a church_n in_o this_o its_o tradition_n however_o if_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n do_v not_o do_v miracle_n it_o certain_o be_v a_o miracle_n that_o the_o world_n shall_v receive_v their_o report_n without_o they_o and_o a_o lie_a wonder_n much_o more_o incredible_a than_o what_o we_o plead_v for_o that_o the_o whole_a church_n throughout_o all_o age_n shall_v so_o confident_o believe_v and_o teach_v that_o they_o do_v they_o although_o therefore_o the_o sight_n of_o miracle_n may_v perhaps_o make_v deep_a impression_n on_o the_o fancy_n and_o affection_n yet_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o church_n be_v full_a out_o as_o convince_a to_o our_o reason_n and_o judgement_n that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n wrought_v many_o and_o great_a miracle_n chap._n v._o the_o strength_n and_o force_n of_o the_o precede_a argument_n nothing_o now_o therefore_o remain_v of_o my_o promise_n but_o the_o last_o part_n which_o be_v to_o show_v that_o this_o way_n of_o prove_v christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v prophet_n be_v very_o sufficient_a and_o rational_a and_o this_o it_o will_v appear_v to_o be_v on_o the_o account_n both_o of_o its_o removal_n of_o all_o suspicion_n that_o they_o be_v not_o and_o of_o its_o positive_a evidence_n that_o they_o be_v all_o just_a suspicion_n that_o they_o be_v no_o prophet_n must_v be_v found_v on_o a_o probability_n either_o that_o they_o pretend_v not_o to_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n or_o if_o they_o do_v that_o they_o therein_o be_v deceive_v or_o else_o that_o they_o have_v a_o design_n to_o deceive_v other_o but_o by_o the_o precede_a argument_n it_o be_v manifest_a that_o neither_o of_o these_o be_v true_a for_o 1._o it_o be_v hardly_o possible_a for_o man_n to_o have_v the_o antecedent_n or_o concomitant_n and_o consequent_n of_o prophecy_n and_o to_o use_v they_o as_o they_o do_v â—n_v order_n to_o the_o propagation_n of_o doctrine_n and_o yet_o not_o pretend_v to_o the_o spirit_n of_o it_o have_v their_o mouth_n be_v perfect_o silent_a their_o action_n will_v have_v declare_v plain_o to_o what_o they_o pretend_v their_o doctrine_n they_o teach_v to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o not_o of_o man_n in_o the_o propagation_n of_o it_o they_o make_v evidence_n of_o that_o wisdom_n fortitude_n and_o virtue_n which_o attend_v the_o prophet_n in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o function_n and_o for_o the_o demonstration_n of_o their_o mission_n to_o teach_v it_o they_o foretell_v future_a contingence_n and_o wrought_v many_o and_o great_a miracle_n and_o how_o can_v all_o this_o be_v without_o a_o pretence_n to_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n and_o the_o office_n of_o prophet_n and_o if_o this_o be_v evident_a by_o their_o action_n without_o their_o word_n much_o more_o so_o be_v it_o in_o conjunction_n with_o they_o for_o as_o a_o man_n action_n may_v either_o enervate_a or_o strengthen_v the_o credibility_n of_o his_o protestation_n and_o pretension_n so_o his_o word_n protestation_n or_o declaration_n may_v very_o much_o illustrate_v the_o purport_n of_o his_o action_n they_o remove_v all_o doubt_n that_o otherwise_o may_v be_v make_v concern_v they_o since_o than_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n do_v not_o only_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o do_v the_o work_n of_o the_o prophetic_a office_n but_o do_v also_o say_v that_o they_o be_v prophet_n 5._o it_o be_v very_o evident_a that_o they_o take_v themselves_o or_o at_o least_o pretend_a to_o be_v so_o 2._o and_o that_o they_o be_v not_o deceive_v in_o take_v themselves_o to_o be_v prophet_n will_v hence_o also_o be_v evident_a if_o we_o consider_v that_o this_o be_v hardly_o possible_a without_o enthusiasm_n the_o spirit_n of_o divination_n or_o some_o such_o other_o fantastic_a delusion_n but_o enthusiast_n or_o diviner_n it_o be_v evident_a they_o be_v not_o because_o they_o be_v wise_a man_n of_o sound_a mind_n and_o discern_a intellect_n which_o be_v so_o great_a preservative_n against_o the_o delusion_n of_o enthusiasm_n and_o defec_fw-la divination_n as_o that_o in_o the_o opinion_n of_o plutarch_n prudence_n do_v repel_v and_o oftentimes_o extinguish_v they_o hereof_o he_o insinuate_v a_o reason_n viz._n because_o prudence_n do_v cherish_v that_o modesty_n and_o sobriety_n which_o be_v destructive_a to_o those_o calenture_n and_o inflammation_n which_o be_v requisite_a to_o the_o be_v of_o they_o and_o these_o usual_o be_v therein_o so_o great_a and_o fervent_a as_o that_o during_o the_o prevalence_n of_o enthusiasm_n or_o divination_n man_n have_v not_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n nor_o indeed_o can_v they_o because_o these_o thing_n be_v in_o themselves_o such_o as_o partake_v not_o of_o reason_n they_o can_v rise_v no_o high_o than_o the_o fancy_n where_o dwell_v like_o storm_n and_o tempest_n in_o the_o middle_a region_n of_o the_o air_n they_o do_v disturb_v and_o disorder_v the_o phantasm_n and_o present_v they_o tumultuous_o to_o the_o understanding_n and_o by_o so_o do_v they_o do_v eclipse_v its_o light_n and_o hinder_v its_o influence_n in_o so_o much_o that_o either_o as_o maimonides_n say_v nothing_o 37._o of_o the_o rational_a faculty_n can_v pass_v fâ—rth_o into_o art_n or_o else_o at_o least_o it_o can_v pass_v no_o true_a judgement_n on_o thing_n so_o represent_v to_o it_o hence_o no_o doubt_n it_o be_v that_o all_o sort_n of_o writer_n concern_v they_o viz._n 4._o heathen_n and_o jew_n as_o