Riches of mercy to men in misery, or, Certain excellent treatises concerning the dignity…

Secondly, Christ receiveth not mans testimony, John 5. ¹34. and he gave the reason, ver. 36. Because I have a greater witness then that of John. If it be objected that John bare record of Christ, and all the Disciples were sent forth as witnesses of him in all Judea and Samaria.

Secondly, Christ receiveth not mans testimony, Iohn 5. ¹34. and he gave the reason, ver. 36. Because I have a greater witness then that of Iohn. If it be objected that Iohn bare record of Christ, and all the Disciples were sent forth as witnesses of him in all Iudea and Samaria.

1. 12. Ground.

I answer, they were not co-witnesses, but declaratory witnesses, as a Praeco or Crier witnesseth that he speaks nothing but that which is suggested from the chief Speaker, and a Scribe, that he writes nothing but that which was dictated unto him from another, and those which had been present at some things, that they relate nothing ⟨p. 308⟩but what they have seen and heard. And this distinction of a declaratory witness, I have from that place in John, where it is said, He confirmed his witness by signs and wonders. Now none can be witnesses declaratory, because they see not Christ, nor have their doctrine immediately from the Holy Ghost. May I not say it is so interpreted, because they agree in it?

I answer, they were not co-witnesses, but declaratory witnesses, as a Praeco or Cryer witnesseth that he speaks nothing but that which is suggested from the chief Speaker, and a Scribe, that he writes nothing but that which was dictated unto him from another, and those which had been present at some things, that they relate nothing