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church_n age_n article_n faith_n 3,029 5 5.0412 4 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A38026 Polpoikilos sophia, a compleat history or survey of all the dispensations and methods of religion, from the beginning of the world to the consummation of all things, as represented in the Old and New Testament shewing the several reasons and designs of those different administrations, and the wisdom and goodness of God in the government of His church, through all the ages of it : in which also, the opinion of Dr. Spencer concerning the Jewish rites and sacrifices is examin'd, and the certainty of the Christian religion demonstrated against the cavils of the Deists, &c. / by John Edwards ... Edwards, John, 1637-1716. 1699 (1699) Wing E210; ESTC R17845 511,766 792

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jew_n and_o
in_o order_n to_o the_o complete_a enlarge_n of_o the_o church_n to_o work_v wonder_n but_o at_o present_a this_o way_n of_o divine_a attestation_n be_v unnecessary_a for_o christian_n have_v sufficient_a mean_n with_o regard_n to_o all_o the_o end_n of_o religion_n and_o salvation_n among_o themselves_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o any_o great_a at_o present_a nay_o the_o cessation_n of_o those_o extraordinary_a visible_a and_o sensible_a mean_n be_v a_o argument_n of_o the_o meliority_n of_o our_o condition_n bless_a be_v they_o that_o have_v not_o see_v and_o yet_o have_v believe_v say_v our_o saviour_n john_n 20._o 29._o the_o meaning_n be_v they_o be_v more_o bless_v i._n e._n their_o faith_n be_v more_o excellent_a and_o laudable_a and_o they_o shall_v have_v a_o great_a reward_n it_o be_v a_o more_o bless_a and_o eligible_a state_n to_o believe_v without_o such_o forcible_a and_o violent_a mean_n than_o with_o they_o other_o thing_n may_v be_v here_o mention_v as_o under_o the_o law_n and_o before_o that_o time_n there_o be_v scarce_o any_o thing_n do_v without_o the_o ministration_n of_o angel_n so_o in_o the_o first_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o appearance_n of_o these_o glorious_a spirit_n be_v common_a but_o after_o christ_n ascension_n and_o to_o this_o very_a time_n the_o church_n be_v a_o stranger_n to_o this_o particular_a dispensation_n and_o be_v not_o to_o expect_v the_o attestation_n or_o confirmation_n of_o any_o truth_n in_o this_o way_n the_o reason_n be_v because_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v now_o give_v we_o that_o former_a way_n of_o revelation_n which_o be_v a_o sign_n of_o a_o imperfect_a and_o weak_a state_n now_o cease_v there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o these_o divine_a admonitor_n see_v we_o have_v the_o write_n of_o the_o evangelist_n and_o apostle_n which_o be_v a_o certain_a stand_a rule_n and_o a_o infallible_a direction_n to_o we_o and_o in_o several_a other_o particular_n if_o it_o be_v requisite_a it_o may_v be_v show_v that_o the_o state_n of_o religion_n be_v alter_v and_o improve_v since_o our_o saviour_n time_n and_o the_o time_n after_o the_o apostle_n and_o now_o in_o the_o close_a of_o this_o head_n we_o can_v but_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o usefulness_n and_o necessity_n of_o attend_v to_o what_o have_v be_v suggest_v concern_v the_o different_a administration_n of_o religion_n and_o particular_o of_o the_o christian._n we_o can_v frame_v right_a thought_n concern_v the_o nature_n and_o model_n of_o it_o unless_o we_o careful_o observe_v the_o several_a degree_n and_o various_a modification_n of_o it_o before_o mention_v for_o though_o there_o be_v the_o same_o general_a dispensation_n yet_o there_o be_v a_o alteration_n as_o to_o the_o particular_a scene_n of_o it_o that_o which_o we_o be_v under_o at_o present_a differ_v much_o from_o those_o which_o be_v in_o the_o first_o and_o early_a age_n of_o christianism_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v unreasonable_a to_o require_v now_o the_o very_a same_o thing_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v then_o there_o be_v some_o sober_a and_o well_o mean_v person_n that_o attend_v not_o to_o this_o persuade_v themselves_o that_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v as_o to_o every_o particular_a the_o same_o face_n of_o administration_n at_o present_a that_o there_o be_v at_o first_o and_o thence_o they_o look_v to_o the_o primitive_a state_n of_o the_o church_n and_o examine_v every_o thing_n by_o that_o but_o this_o be_v not_o right_a for_o there_o have_v be_v a_o change_n of_o thing_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o this_o change_n be_v by_o the_o particular_a superintendency_n and_o disposal_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n and_o supreme_a director_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o we_o be_v not_o to_o expect_v that_o all_o thing_n shall_v be_v now_o as_o they_o be_v in_o the_o beginning_n god_n himself_o have_v be_v please_v to_o alter_v the_o dispensation_n in_o part_n let_v we_o then_o remember_v the_o particular_a division_n of_o the_o oeconomy_n we_o be_v under_o and_o let_v we_o be_v concern_v to_o do_v what_o be_v fit_v and_o proper_a to_o it_o and_o thereby_o we_o shall_v help_v to_o promote_v and_o hasten_v the_o next_o and_o better_a one_o which_o i_o be_o now_o to_o speak_v of_o chap._n xix_o that_o christianity_n shall_v arrive_v to_o manhood_n or_o full_a age_n be_v prove_v by_o several_a argument_n 1._o god_n method_n in_o the_o world_n 2._o the_o low_a ebb_n of_o christianity_n hitherto_o 3._o the_o number_n of_o those_o that_o perish_v 4._o the_o gradual_a improvement_n of_o all_o art_n and_o science_n the_o several_a objection_n concern_v the_o decay_n and_o senescency_n of_o the_o world_n make_v use_v of_o by_o jewish_a pagan_a and_o christian_a writer_n full_o answer_v that_o the_o world_n decay_v not_o as_o to_o learning_n and_o art_n be_v make_v good_a from_o the_o improvement_n of_o navigation_n the_o invention_n of_o gunpowder_n and_o gun_n of_o print_v of_o clock_n and_o watch_n the_o prepare_v of_o sugar_n the_o advances_n in_o anatomy_n and_o physic_n astronomy_n arithmetic_n chemistry_n mechanic_n the_o style_n of_o writer_n it_o be_v congruous_a to_o the_o divine_a providence_n and_o wisdom_n that_o religion_n also_o shall_v have_v its_o improvement_n as_o well_o as_o art_n and_o science_n and_o according_o it_o have_v be_v great_o advance_v and_o increase_v by_o the_o reformation_n from_o the_o increase_n it_o have_v have_v already_o we_o may_v gather_v that_o there_o will_v be_v far_a accession_n afterward_o the_o virile_a and_o complete_a state_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n prove_v from_o several_a place_n of_o scripture_n mat._n 24._o 3._o &_o 19_o 28._o act_n 3._o 21._o rom._n 8._o 19_o 20._o heb._n 2._o 5._o &_o 9_o 10._o 1_o cor._n 1._o 7._o 1_o pet._n 3._o 8._o from_o those_o divers_a text_n that_o we_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o make_v mention_v of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o reign_v of_o the_o messiah_n a_o fivefold_a acception_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o 1_o cor._n 15._o 25._o urge_v the_o millenary_a reign_n the_o rise_n of_o the_o ancient_a opinion_n about_o it_o it_o be_v prove_v that_o christ_n shall_v not_o personal_o reign_v upon_o earth_n the_o decease_a saint_n shall_v not_o rise_v again_o to_o reign_v with_o he_o here_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o soul_n of_o they_o that_o be_v behead_v for_o the_o witness_n of_o jesus_n what_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v by_o their_o live_n and_o reign_v with_o christ._n two_o late_a writer_n take_v it_o in_o a_o literal_a sense_n but_o without_o any_o ground_n who_o be_v the_o rest_n of_o the_o dead_a that_o live_v not_o again_o what_o be_v the_o first_o and_o second_o resurrection_n the_o reign_n of_o christ_n a_o thousand_o year_n be_v to_o be_v upon_o earth_n by_o a_o thousand_o year_n we_o be_v to_o understand_v a_o certain_a and_o definite_a number_n some_o opinion_n concern_v the_o beginning_n and_o end_n of_o the_o thousand_o year_n refute_v mr._n brightman_n odd_a fancy_n reject_v we_o have_v have_v some_o forerunner_n and_o previous_a pledge_n of_o the_o millenary_a kingdom_n mr._n medes_n opinion_n which_o join_v christ_n reign_n and_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n together_o consider_v the_o ●●ird_n and_o most_o eminent_a part_n of_o the_o evangelical_n oeconomy_n be_v that_o which_o i_o call_v the_o manhood_n or_o full_a age_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n before_o i_o enter_v upon_o the_o description_n of_o this_o i_o will_v give_v you_o some_o account_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o such_o a_o state_n by_o show_v that_o christianity_n shall_v arrive_v to_o a_o great_a height_n and_o perfection_n than_o it_o be_v at_o present_a it_o be_v very_o observable_a what_o one_o of_o the_o ancient_a writer_n who_o be_v a_o great_a judge_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o genius_n of_o christianity_n say_v of_o this_o matter_n 28._o the_o understanding_n knowledge_n and_o wisdom_n of_o single_a person_n as_o well_o as_o of_o whole_a body_n of_o every_o individual_a as_o well_o as_o of_o church_n in_o general_a shall_v huge_o increase_v and_o be_v exceed_o advance_v according_a to_o the_o gradual_a succession_n of_o time_n and_o age_n but_o as_o he_o explain_v himself_o this_o proficiency_n shall_v be_v in_o the_o same_o kind_n in_o the_o same_o persuasion_n in_o the_o same_o sense_n and_o judgement_n so_o that_o the_o christian_a faith_n shall_v still_o remain_v the_o same_o as_o to_o its_o substance_n though_o it_o shall_v be_v much_o better_o explain_v and_o know_v than_o it_o be_v no●_n and_o he_o use_v the_o same_o comparison_n that_o i_o ha●e_v express_v this_o matter_n by_o for_o he_o distinguish_v between_o the_o young_a and_o the_o ripe_a year_n of_o christianity_n he_o hold_v the_o former_a to_o be_v the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o
instance_n of_o this_o dr._n spencer_n oppose_v it_o his_o two_o parallel_n of_o the_o jewish_a and_o gentile_a rite_n his_o opinion_n show_v to_o be_v unreasonable_a absurd_a and_o contradictious_a he_o make_v the_o eucharist_n a_o imitation_n of_o a_o pagan_a barbarous_a usage_n other_o writer_n mention_v who_o have_v fall_v into_o the_o like_a notion_n the_o ceremonial_a law_n be_v prescribe_v the_o jew_n because_o it_o be_v suitable_a to_o that_o age_n and_o disposition_n of_o the_o church_n particular_o it_o agree_v with_o they_o as_o they_o be_v child_n and_o minor_n it_o be_v serviceable_a to_o teach_v they_o something_o of_o morality_n those_o ritual_a observance_n be_v design_v to_o be_v type_n and_o representation_n of_o great_a and_o high_a thing_n more_o especial_o they_o prefigure_v the_o messiah_n the_o content_n of_o the_o judicial_a law_n some_o part_n of_o it_o be_v in_o force_n before_o moses_n time_n what_o obligation_n it_o have_v upon_o christian_n now_o under_o the_o gospel_n p._n 240_o chap._n ix_o the_o several_a way_n and_o kind_n of_o divine_a revelation_n under_o the_o different_a oeconomy_n ordinary_a external_n revelation_n be_v by_o hear_v or_o by_o see_v inward_a reve●l●tion_n be_v by_o dream_n or_o prophetic_a inspiration_n what_o prophecy_n be_v how_o th●y_o know_v to_o distinguish_v between_o true_a prophet_n and_o false_a one_o the_o extraordinary_a way_n of_o revelation_n be_v 1._o that_o which_o be_v vouchsafe_v to_o moses_n alone_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o it_o differ_v from_o other_o revelation_n as_o to_o degree_n o●ly_o 2._o that_o from_o between_o the_o cherubim_n 3._o the_o urim_n and_o thummim_n these_o be_v not_o the_o same_o with_o the_o teraphim_n they_o be_v not_o borrow_v from_o pagan_a idolater_n this_o will_v be_v a_o countenance_v of_o image-worship_n the_o absurdity_n and_o impiety_n of_o their_o opinion_n who_o hold_v that_o the_o urim_n and_o thummim_n be_v of_o heathen_a extraction_n these_o be_v no_o other_o than_o those_o bare_a word_n write_v or_o engrave_v on_o the_o high_a priest_n breastplate_n a_o objection_n answer_v p._n 264_o chap._n x._o the_o gentile_a oeconomy_n other_o beside_o those_o of_o the_o family_n of_o abraham_n be_v of_o the_o church_n some_o of_o these_o be_v in_o palestine_n a_o enumeration_n of_o the_o several_a opinion_n concern_v melchisedech_n he_o be_v a_o canaanitish_a king_n and_o priest_n job_n country_n his_o character_n his_o friend_n several_a other_o pious_a and_o religious_a gentile_n in_o other_o country_n hebrew_n prophet_n send_v to_o the_o people_n of_o other_o nation_n malachi_n speak_v of_o true_a worshipper_n among_o the_o gentile_n the_o proselyte_n of_o the_o gate_n the_o proselyte_n of_o righteousness_n though_o the_o nation_n be_v general_o for_o saken_a of_o god_n because_o of_o their_o idolatry_n yet_o some_o among_o they_o profess_v and_o worship_v the_o true_a god_n those_o place_n of_o scripture_n in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n which_o set_v forth_o the_o peculiar_a privilege_n of_o the_o jewish_a people_n be_v not_o inconsistent_a with_o this_o no_o nation_n be_v debar_v and_o exclude_v from_o god_n grace_n and_o favour_n p._n 285_o chap._n xi_o the_o christian_a or_o evangelical_n oeconomy_n it_o agree_v with_o the_o former_a dispensation_n of_o grace_n as_o to_o the_o designation_n of_o the_o messiah_n as_o to_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n as_o to_o the_o condition_n and_o qualification_n of_o it_o this_o corroborate_v by_o the_o suffrage_n of_o the_o ancient_a father_n it_o differ_v from_o the_o mosaic_a oeconomy_n or_o law_n as_o to_o the_o author_n in_o some_o respect_n as_o to_o the_o actual_a discovery_n of_o it_o as_o to_o the_o clearness_n of_o it_o as_o to_o its_o spirituality_n as_o to_o its_o extent_n as_o to_o several_a circumstance_n that_o relate_v to_o the_o condition_n of_o salvation_n which_o be_v large_o enumerate_v as_o to_o the_o motive_n of_o obedience_n the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o socinian_o viz._n that_o there_o be_v no_o promise_n of_o eternal_a life_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n confute_v as_o to_o the_o perfection_n of_o its_o pattern_n as_o to_o its_o help_n and_o assistance_n this_o query_n whether_o christ_n add_v any_o new_a law_n to_o those_o which_o be_v before_o under_o the_o old_a testament_n resolve_v in_o several_a particular_n it_o be_v prove_v against_o the_o socinian_o that_o prayer_n be_v command_v under_o the_o law_n how_o love_n be_v call_v a_o new_a commandment_n p._n 306_o chap._n xii_o a_o answer_n to_o a_o objection_n from_o mat._n 5._o 17._o show_v distinct_o and_o particular_o what_o be_v the_o law_n and_o how_o christ_n come_v to_o fulfil_v it_o it_o be_v hold_v by_o some_o that_o christ_n come_v to_o add_v new_a precept_n to_o the_o moral_a law_n in_o confutation_n of_o which_o opinion_n it_o be_v prove_v that_o anger_n be_v forbid_v by_o the_o decalogue_n so_o be_v a_o lustful_a eye_n so_o be_v all_o rash_a and_o profane_a swear_v so_o be_v divorce_n unless_o in_o the_o case_n of_o adultery_n so_o be_v resist_v of_o evil._n so_o be_v hate_v of_o our_o enemy_n it_o be_v large_o discuss_v whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o the_o israelite_n to_o hate_v the_o seven_o nation_n who_o they_o be_v command_v to_o destroy_v and_o whether_o the_o command_n to_o destroy_v they_o be_v absolute_a objection_n from_o deut._n 13._o 8_o 9_o &_o psal._n 139._o 21._o answer_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o two_o covenant_n viz._n of_o work_n and_o of_o grace_n full_o state_v the_o condition_n on_o our_o part_n how_o do_v this_o and_o live_v be_v applicable_a to_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n the_o covenant_n make_v with_o the_o israelite_n at_o the_o give_v of_o the_o law_n on_o mount_n sinai_n be_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n though_o it_o seem_v to_o resemble_v the_o covenant_n of_o work_n the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v complete_v and_o perfect_v by_o christ_n come_v and_o not_o before_o the_o mediator_n the_o term_n the_o seal_n of_o this_o covenant_n now_o full_o manifest_v it_o be_v prove_v that_o according_a to_o the_o style_n of_o scripture_n the_o old_a and_o new_a covenant_n be_v the_o same_o covenant_n of_o grace_n p._n 340_o chap._n xiii_o though_o we_o can_v assign_v no_o reason_n why_o the_o christian_a oeconomy_n be_v so_o late_o and_o why_o our_o saviour_n arrive_v no_o soon_o in_o the_o world_n this_o be_v sufficient_a to_o satisfy_v we_o that_o it_o be_v god_n pleasure_n it_o shall_v be_v so_o but_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o inquisitive_a such_o reason_n and_o consideration_n as_o these_o be_v offer_v 1._o it_o must_v be_v remember_v that_o christ_n appear_v in_o the_o world_n even_o in_o the_o early_a time_n of_o the_o patriarch_n 2._o the_o benefit_n of_o christ_n redemption_n be_v impart_v to_o the_o faithful_a before_o he_o actual_o appear_v in_o the_o flesh_n 3._o the_o world_n be_v not_o fit_a to_o receive_v he_o soon_o 4._o he_o delay_v his_o come_v to_o make_v the_o world_n sensible_a of_o their_o misery_n 5._o that_o the_o advantage_n of_o his_o come_v may_v be_v prize_v 6._o it_o be_v congruous_a that_o so_o great_a a_o prince_n shall_v not_o arrive_v without_o solemn_a harbinger_n and_o herald_n of_o his_o come_v 7._o the_o necessity_n of_o mankind_n call_v for_o he_o at_o that_o particular_a time_n and_o juncture_n when_o he_o come_v the_o jewish_a church_n grow_v worse_a and_o worse_o a_o enumeration_n of_o the_o several_a sect_n and_o faction_n which_o they_o be_v divide_v into_o viz._n essenes_n pharisee_n sadducee_n herodian_o samaritan_n galilaean_o 8._o god_n proceed_v in_o a_o gradual_a order_n and_o method_n the_o most_o perfect_a thing_n be_v reserve_v till_o the_o last_o p._n 379_o of_o the_o different_a dispensation_n of_o religion_n chap._n i._n the_o great_a advantage_n of_o the_o present_a undertake_n a_o general_a distribution_n of_o the_o work_n the_o state_n of_o innocence_n the_o folly_n of_o the_o praeadamitick_a opinion_n the_o solemn_a consultation_n of_o the_o sacred_a trinity_n about_o the_o make_n of_o man._n his_o excellency_n what_o god_n image_n in_o man_n be_v not_o what_o it_o be_v large_o discourse_v of_o the_o various_a opinion_n concern_v paradise_n it_o be_v prove_v by_o sundry_a argument_n that_o it_o be_v in_o babylon_n a_o account_n of_o its_o four_o river_n a_o objection_n full_o answer_v whereby_o the_o author_n opinion_n concern_v those_o river_n be_v explain_v and_o establish_v the_o employment_n of_o our_o first_o parent_n in_o paradise_n beside_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n there_o be_v these_o positive_a law_n in_o the_o state_n of_o primitive_a integrity_n 1._o that_o of_o matrimony_n 2._o that_o concern_v propagation_n 3._o observe_v the_o sabbath_n or_o seven_o day_n it_o be_v prove_v that_o adam_n and_o eve_n keep_v this_o day_n 4._o abstain_v from_o the_o fruit_n of_o a_o certain_a tree_n in_o the_o garden_n of_o eden_n a_o
two_o parallel_n of_o the_o jewish_a and_o gentle_a rite_n his_o opinion_n show_v to_o be_v unreasonable_a absurd_a and_o contradictious_a he_o make_v the_o eucharist_n a_o imitation_n of_o a_o pagan_a barbarous_a usage_n other_o writer_n mention_v who_o have_v fall_v into_o the_o like_a notion_n the_o ceremonial_a law_n be_v prescribe_v the_o jew_n because_o it_o be_v suitable_a to_o that_o age_n and_o disposition_n of_o the_o church_n particular_o it_o agree_v with_o they_o as_o they_o be_v child_n and_o minor_n it_o be_v serviceable_a to_o teach_v they_o something_o of_o morality_n those_o ritual_a observance_n be_v design_v to_o be_v type_n and_o representation_n of_o great_a and_o high_a thing_n more_o especial_o they_o prefigure_v the_o messiah_n the_o content_n of_o the_o judicial_a law_n some_o part_n of_o it_o be_v in_o force_n before_o moses_n time_n what_o obligation_n it_o have_v upon_o christian_n now_o under_o the_o gospel_n i_o will_v now_o enter_v upon_o another_o task_n for_o though_o i_o have_v already_o as_o i_o go_v along_o intersperse_v some_o reason_n of_o the_o particular_a rite_n and_o ceremonial_a practice_n which_o i_o mention_v yet_o before_o i_o proceed_v to_o the_o next_o main_a head_n propound_v i_o will_v yet_o further_o produce_v some_o general_n and_o some_o more_o particular_a reason_n of_o those_o ceremony_n and_o observance_n already_o mention_v as_o also_o of_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o judaical_a custom_n and_o practice_n and_o these_o six_o reason_n i_o offer_v 1._o by_o these_o ceremonious_a rite_n god_n be_v please_v to_o try_v and_o exercise_v the_o jew_n obedience_n i_o do_v not_o say_v with_o cocceiu●_n and_o some_o that_o have_v espouse_v his_o notion_n that_o the_o ceremony_n and_o observance_n prescribe_v the_o jew_n be_v impose_v upon_o they_o by_o god_n as_o a_o punishment●or_n ●or_z make_v the_o golden_a calf_n as_o if_o the_o whole_a ceremonial_a law_n be_v give_v they_o mere_o to_o chastise_v they_o for_o their_o idolatry_n this_o be_v a_o groundless_a ●ancy_n and_o confound_v the_o notion_n of_o a_o law_n and_o punishment_n which_o be_v two_o distinct_a thing_n but_o this_o we_o may_v safe_o and_o on_o good_a ground_n assert_v that_o god_n design_v this_o law_n to_o be_v a_o trial_n of_o they_o as_o god_n think_v fit_a to_o try_v the_o obedience_n of_o our_o first_o parent_n by_o the_o fruit_n of_o one_o single_a tree_n as_o it_o be_v his_o pleasure_n to_o choose_v that_o particular_a way_n so_o here_o it_o seem_v good_a to_o he_o to_o make_v experiment_n of_o the_o jew_n readiness_n to_o comply_v with_o his_o will_n by_o impose_v these_o rit●s_n upon_o they_o and_o by_o require_v their_o submission_n to_o they_o 2._o god_n think_v good_a to_o put_v this_o restraint_n upon_o the_o jewish_a people_n before_o faith_n come_v say_v the_o apostle_n we_o be_v 〈◊〉_d keep_v under_o the_o law_n shut_v up_o unto_o the_o faith_n which_o shall_v afterward_o be_v reveal_v gal._n 3._o 23._o those_o that_o be_v critical_a tell_v we_o that_o he_o here_o compare_v the_o ceremonial_a law_n to_o a_o strict_a watch_n or_o military_a guard_n set_v upon_o the_o jew_n this_o as_o it_o be_v imprison_v and_o shut_v they_o up_o this_o confine_v and_o check_v they_o this_o s●jag_n let●rah_n this_o hedge_n of_o the_o law_n as_o the_o jew_n call_v the_o mosaic_a rite_n enclose_v they_o and_o keep_v they_o in_o it_o be_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n to_o keep_v that_o people_n in_o awe_n by_o this_o severe_a discipline_n if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o account_n to_o be_v give_v of_o the_o impose_v of_o the_o legal_a ceremony_n but_o this_o this_o be_v enough_o but_o there_o be_v several_a other_o 3._o the_o primary_n reason_n of_o the_o mosaic_a rite_n be_v to_o keep_v the_o people_n from_o idolatry_n this_o i_o have_v occasion_n to_o touch_v upon_o when_o i_o give_v the_o particular_a reason_n of_o the_o law_n concern_v the_o distinction_n of_o meat_n but_o now_o i_o apply_v it_o more_o general_o to_o all_o the_o part_n of_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n the_o observance_n of_o these_o keep_v they_o from_o idolatry_n and_o this_o it_o do_v two_o way_n 1._o as_o those_o rite_n hold_v the_o people_n in_o employment_n 2._o as_o they_o be_v direct_o opposite_a to_o the_o rite_n and_o custom_n of_o the_o idolatrous_a nations●_n first_o i_o say_v they_o serve_v to_o keep_v they_o employ_v and_o so_o in_o some_o measure_n hinder_v they_o from_o idolatry_n this_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o jewish_a people_n be_v strange_o prone_a to_o imitate_v the_o heathen_n that_o live_v about_o they_o they_o use_v to_o ape_n their_o gross_a idolatry_n wherefore_o god_n use_v this_o method_n he_o prescribe_v they_o all_o these_o various_a rite_n which_o he_o know_v will_v certain_o keep_v they_o in_o action_n and_o not_o allow_v they_o leisure_n to_o mind_v the_o usage_n of_o other_o nation_n they_o have_v their_o hand_n full_a and_o can_v not_o well_o apply_v themselves_o to_o any_o thing_n else_o by_o busy_v themselves_o with_o their_o own_o rite_n and_o custom_n they_o be_v divert_v from_o follow_v idolatrous_a one_o by_o the_o multitude_n and_o variety_n of_o those_o ceremony_n they_o be_v divert_v from_o the_o idolatry_n of_o the_o gentile_n who_o be_v round_o about_o they_o and_o who_o otherwise_o will_v have_v infect_v they_o with_o their_o pagan_a fashion_n st._n chrysostom_n express_v it_o thus_o corint●●_n th●se_o ceremony_n be_v prescribe_v to_o the_o jew_n for_o a_o certain_a bridle_n to_o they_o and_o that_o they_o may_v yield_v a_o occasion_n of_o business_n and_o employment_n they_o have_v work_n enough_o to_o do_v and_o so_o can_v not_o attend_v to_o idolatrous_a practice_n second_o the_o mosaic_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n be_v a_o good_a remedy_n against_o these_o because_o they_o be_v direct_o opposite_a to_o the_o idolatrous_a rite_n of_o the_o gentile_n i_o have_v show_v this_o already_o in_o the_o instance_n of_o forbid_v of_o swine_n flesh_n etc._n etc._n but_o now_o i_o will_v make_v it_o good_a in_o other_o part_n of_o the_o mosaic_a law_n i_o will_v let_v you_o see_v that_o they_o be_v institute_v in_o opposition_n to_o the_o custom_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o heathen_a idolater_n we_o must_v know_v then_o that_o the_o eastern_a nation_n as_o assyrian_n and_o egyptian_n and_o other_o that_o be_v neighbour_n to_o the_o jew_n use_v these_o follow_a ceremony_n viz._n cut_v their_o flesh_n round_v the_o corner_n of_o their_o head_n sow_v the_o ground_n with_o divers_a seed_n it_o be_v usual_a for_o woman_n to_o wear_v the_o garment_n of_o man_n and_o man_n those_o of_o woman_n they_o accustom_a themselves_o to_o eat_v of_o the_o blood_n of_o animal_n look_v towards_o the_o east_n when_o they_o worship_v and_o adore_v the_o rise_a sun_n and_o some_o thing_n likewise_o relate_v to_o sacrifice_n and_o oblation_n may_v be_v mention_v these_o and_o many_o more_o be_v constant_o practise_v by_o the_o zabian_o and_o other_o neighbour_a people_n who_o be_v give_v to_o idolatry_n and_o they_o be_v use_v by_o they_o in_o a_o superstitious_a and_o idolatrous_a manner_n this_o you_o will_v find_v prove_v by_o the_o excellent_a selden_n hottinger_n and_o other_o learned_a writer_n out_o of_o 3._o maimonides_n and_o from_o he_o the_o learned_a 3._o dr._n spencer_n and_o other_o show_v that_o even_o all_o the_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n use_v at_o the_o paschal_n feast_n which_o i_o particular_o enumerate_v before_o be_v in_o opposition_n to_o idolatrous_a custom_n among_o the_o gentile_n the_o paschal_n lamb_n be_v to_o be_v a_o male_a of_o the_o first_o year_n i._n e._n a_o young_a ram_n in_o defiance_n of_o the_o idolatrous_a egyptian_n who_o count_v a_o ram_n the_o most_o sacred_a animal_n this_o therefore_o god_n bid_v they_o kill_v and_o sacrifice_n they_o must_v not_o eat_v it_o raw_a because_o the_o heathen_n eat_v their_o sacrifice_n raw_a it_o be_v to_o be_v eat_v in_o the_o house_n to_o avoid_v the_o procession_n use_v by_o the_o gentile_n a_o bone_n be_v not_o to_o be_v break_v because_o the_o heathen_n tear_v their_o sacrifice_n in_o piece_n the_o head_n with_o the_o leg_n and_o purtenance_n be_v to_o be_v eat_v to_o affront_v the_o pagan_n who_o eat_v the_o entrail_n only_o nothing_o be_v to_o remain_v till_o the_o morning_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o heathen_n who_o use_v the_o relic_n of_o sacrifice_n superstitious_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v sod_v in_o water_n but_o to_o be_v roast_v to_o oppose_v the_o custom_n of_o the_o egyptian_n and_o other_o who_o boil_a their_o sacrifice_n this_o maimonides_n be_v indeed_o the_o first_o that_o oppose_v and_o confute_v that_o receive_v opinion_n of_o some_o jewish_a doctor_n that_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o be_v give_v of_o the_o ritual_a law_n but_o that_o it_o be_v whole_o from_o the_o sovereign_n will_v and_o pleasure_n
the_o most_o solemn_a office_n of_o christianity_n to_o be_v in_o pure_a imitation_n of_o a_o pagan_a usage_n for_o 3._o he_o say_v christ_n in_o celebrate_v the_o holy_a sacrament_n of_o his_o supper_n refer_v to_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o barbarous_a scythian_n and_o other_o savage_a nation_n who_o use_v to_o drink_v blood_n at_o their_o make_n of_o covenant_n and_o bargain_n thence_o it_o be_v say_v this_o cup_n be_v my_o blood_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n drink_v you_o all_o of_o this_o this_o be_v the_o high_a and_o most_o dare_a result_n of_o his_o ●ormer_a notion_n but_o i_o hope_v the_o learned_a doctor_n before_o he_o leave_v the_o world_n correct_v his_o error_n and_o entertain_v other_o thought_n of_o these_o thing_n and_o therefore_o i_o will_v not_o press_v they_o any_o further_o especial_o because_o i_o discourse_v of_o this_o matter_n somewhat_o free_o when_o i_o make_v it_o my_o business_n to_o prove_v that_o many_o of_o the_o pagan_a rite_n and_o custom_n in_o religion_n as_o well_o as_o in_o secular_a affair_n be_v borrow_a from_o the_o jew_n and_o their_o sacred_a usage_n which_o be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o what_o this_o author_n assert_n viz._n that_o the_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n enjoin_v by_o god_n himself_o to_o the_o jew_n be_v of_o pagan_a extraction_n i_o may_v here_o mention_v that_o some_o other_o have_v fall_v into_o the_o same_o or_o the_o like_a notion_n and_o have_v make_v use_n of_o it_o to_o ill_a purpose_n our_o 49._o english_a socinian_n approve_v of_o this_o doctrine_n that_o god_n comply_v with_o the_o idolatrous_a nation_n in_o the_o sacrifice_n and_o other_o rite_n which_o he_o institute_v and_o some_o of_o the_o ancient_a racovian_o run_v up_o high_o and_o refer_v the_o method_n of_o man_n redemption_n and_o salvation_n to_o the_o usage_n of_o the_o pagan_a world_n thus_o a_o 25._o note_a man_n among_o they_o tell_v we_o that_o god_n send_v christ_n into_o the_o world_n in_o compliance_n with_o a_o custom_n that_o be_v very_o prevail_v viz._n that_o those_o who_o be_v eminent_a and_o celebrate_v for_o their_o virtue_n and_o their_o serviceableness_n to_o mankind_n be_v after_o their_o death_n canonize_v as_o it_o be_v and_o place_v in_o heaven_n as_o a_o inferior_a kind_n of_o deity_n and_o those_o that_o want_v their_o help_n use_v to_o implore_v it_o and_o make_v they_o their_o mediator_n even_o so_o god_n exalt_v christ_n who_o have_v be_v a_o excellent_a and_o useful_a person_n and_o make_v he_o a_o kind_n of_o god_n and_o as_o note_v a_o person_n of_o our_o own_o seem_v to_o have_v imbibe_v the_o same_o doctrine_n for_o christ._n he_o assert_n that_o a_o gre●●_n part_n of_o the_o jewish_a religion_n which_o be_v institute_v by_o god_n himself_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v a_o plain_a condescension_n to_o the_o general_a apprehension_n of_o mankind_n i._n e._n the_o heathen_a world_n as_o he_o explain_v himself_o afterward_o concern_v the_o way_n of_o appease_v the_o offend_a deity_n by_o sacrifice_n nay_o he_o make_v the_o incarnation_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o suffer_v of_o death_n to_o be_v a_o condescension_n to_o the_o pagan_n who_o he_o say_v love_v a_o visible_a deity_n and_o have_v a_o great_a esteem_n of_o sacrifice_n especial_o of_o human_a sacrifice_n and_o use_v to_o dei●y_v their_o benefactor_n a●d_v hero_n that_o be_v very_o strange_a which_o he_o give_v as_o reason_v why_o christ_n be_v incarnate_a 188._o that_o man_n viz._n the_o gentile_n who_o be_v much_o give_v to_o admire_v mystery_n in_o religion_n may_v have_v one_o that_o be_v a_o mystery_n indeed_o so_o that_o all_o be_v direct_a compliance_n with_o the_o gentile_n and_o according_a to_o this_o writer_n the_o way_n of_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n be_v derive_v from_o the_o impious_a custom_n of_o the_o heathen_n but_o his_o 23._o more_o particular_a word_n which_o be_v almost_o too_o harsh_a to_o be_v mention_v i_o shall_v have_v occasion_n short_o to_o represent_v to_o the_o reader_n in_o a_o more_o proper_a place_n 4._o the_o ceremonial_a law_n and_o other_o mosaic_a usage_n be_v prescribe_v the_o jewish_a people_n because_o these_o be_v fit_a and_o proper_a for_o they_o at_o that_o time_n because_o they_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o their_o present_a genius_n and_o disposition_n thus_o the_o apostle_n in_o gal._n 3._o 24_o etc._n etc._n very_o handsome_o illustrate_v the_o nature_n of_o this_o part_n of_o the_o legal_a dispensation_n the_o law_n be_v our_o schoolmaster_n say_v he_o here_o be_v moses_n with_o a_o rod_n in_o his_o hand_n we_o be_v institute_v and_o educate_v say_v the_o apostle_n under_o the_o pedagogic_n of_o the_o law_n for_o be_v but_o in_o our_o minority_n we_o be_v not_o capable_a then_o of_o a_o high_a institution_n and_o instruction_n but_o this_o fit_v and_o prepare_v we_o by_o degree_n for_o the_o reception_n of_o that_o other_o and_o this_o schoolmaster_n of_o the_o law_n serve_v as_o a_o usher_n to_o the_o gospel_n but_o say_v the_o apostle_n in_o the_o next_o verse_n after_o that_o faith_n i._n e._n the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v come_v w●_n be_v no_o long_o under_o a_o schoolmaster_n we_o be_v then_o no_o long_o under_o the_o lash_n of_o the_o law_n our_o state_n and_o condition_n do_v not_o require_v it_o and_o god_n be_v please_v to_o administer_v thing_n wise_o according_a to_o the_o condition_n and_o circumstance_n we_o be_v under_o and_o this_o apostle_n by_o another_o fit_a allusion_n in_o gal._n 4._o 1_o etc._n etc._n set_v forth_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o oeconomy_n which_o he_o have_v speak_v of_o before_o the_o heir_n as_o long_o as_o he_o be_v a_o child_n differ_v nothing_o from_o a_o servant_n though_o he_o be_v lord_n of_o all_o bu●_n be_v under_o tutor_n and_o governor_n until_o the_o time_n appoint_v of_o the_o father_n even_o so_o we_o when_o we_o be_v child_n be_v in_o bondage_n under_o the_o element_n of_o the_o world_n but_o when_o the_o fullness_n of_o the_o time_n be_v come_v god_n send_v forth_o his_o son_n etc._n etc._n in_o which_o word_n st._n paul_n compare_v the_o judaical_a law_n to_o a_o tutor_n or_o guardian_n under_o who_o the_o heir_n do_v not_o enjoy_v that_o freedom_n of_o a_o son_n which_o afterward_o he_o be_v to_o come_v to_o this_o say_v he_o be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o jewish_a people_n they_o be_v but_o minor_n and_o pupil_n and_o so_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o a_o tutor_n i._n e._n one_o that_o be_v appoint_v to_o take_v care_n and_o have_v the_o charge_n of_o those_o who_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o insufficient_a age_n and_o understanding_n can_v look_v to_o themselves_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n be_v the_o jew_n guardian_n whilst_o they_o be_v under_o age_n this_o sour_a governor_n and_o overseer_n keep_v they_o in_o and_o curb_v they_o and_o on_o that_o account_n be_v very_o useful_a to_o they_o at_o that_o time_n but_o the_o apostle_n seem_v here_o to_o recur_v to_o his_o former_a comparison_n of_o the_o law_n to_o a_o schoolmaster_n when_o he_o add_v that_o the_o jew_n as_o long_a as_o they_o be_v child_n be_v in_o bondage_n under_o the_o element_n of_o the_o world_n the_o jew_n be_v then_o get_v no_o further_a than_o their_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d their_o first_o element_n they_o be_v but_o con_v their_o alphabet_n their_o sacrifice_n and_o circumcision_n be_v as_o it_o be_v so_o many_o plain_a letter_n in_o blood_n and_o there_o be_v other_o fair_a and_o legible_a character_n but_o there_o be_v few_o of_o the_o common_a jew_n so_o good_a proficient_n as_o to_o spell_n out_o of_o they_o any_o thing_n of_o a_o future_a and_o high_a concernment_n these_o and_o their_o other_o rudiment_n be_v suitable_a to_o the_o mean_a capacity_n and_o nonage_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n when_o they_o be_v in_o this_o state_n such_o a_o low_a and_o mean_a dispensation_n as_o this_o be_v good_a enough_o for_o they_o diversity_n of_o age_n call_v ●or_a diversity_n of_o action_n and_o behaviour_n and_o consequent_o for_o diversity_n of_o law_n parent_n rule_v child_n after_o another_o manner_n than_o when_o they_o arrive_v to_o any_o ripeness_n of_o year_n and_o be_v capable_a of_o discourse_n so_o god_n order_v his_o church_n that_o be_v fit_a for_o it_o at_o one_o time_n which_o be_v not_o at_o another_o israel_n be_v a_o child_n hos._n 11._o 1._o that_o be_v the_o state_n of_o the_o jew_n when_o they_o be_v call_v out_o of_o egypt_n and_o the_o apostle_n use_v the_o same_o expression_n as_o you_o have_v hear_v now_o when_o the_o jewish_a church_n be_v in_o this_o low_a form_n the_o first_o rudiment_n be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o that_o condition_n these_o beginner_n be_v to_o be_v use_v to_o their_o letter_n god_n deal_v with_o that_o people_n according_a to_o their_o weakness_n and_o shallowness_n wherefore_o we_o may_v
will_v gather_v that_o he_o live_v not_o in_o the_o time_n of_o any_o of_o the_o holy_a patriarch_n or_o of_o moses_n for_o than_o it_o can_v not_o be_v say_v that_o he_o have_v not_o his_o fellow_n in_o the_o earth_n but_o this_o inference_n be_v of_o no_o weight_n because_o it_o be_v most_o probable_a that_o this_o be_v speak_v of_o that_o particular_a country_n wherein_o job_n live_v as_o the_o earth_n be_v sometime_o take_v in_o that_o restrain_a sense_n in_o scripture_n so_o that_o the_o meaning_n be_v there_o be_v no_o man_n like_o he_o in_o the_o land_n of_o uz_n for_o the_o hebrew_n word_n eretz_n be_v the_o same_o in_o both_o place_n he_o be_v the_o most_o eminent_a saint_n in_o that_o region_n of_o the_o world_n that_o which_o we_o observe_v at_o present_a be_v that_o he_o be_v so_o though_o he_o be_v no_o israelite_n though_o he_o be_v not_o of_o the_o holy_a seed_n notwithstanding_o this_o he_o be_v a_o worshipper_n of_o the_o true_a god_n and_o a_o righteous_a person_n in_o chap._n 31._o you_o may_v hear_v he_o make_v a_o solemn_a protestation_n of_o his_o integrity_n as_o to_o many_o grand_a thing_n of_o religion_n and_o particular_o his_o abhorrence_n of_o idolatry_n ver_fw-la 26._o indeed_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o book_n be_v a_o testimony_n of_o his_o singular_a faith_n patience_n and_o piety_n whereupon_o st._n augustine_n say_v thus_o of_o he_o 16._o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o it_o be_v particular_o order_v by_o divine_a providence_n that_o we_o shall_v learn_v from_o this_o one_o person_n that_o even_o among_o other_o nation_n there_o may_v be_v those_o who_o live_v according_a to_o god_n and_o please_v he_o and_o belong_v to_o the_o spiritual_a jerusalem_n iob_n friend_n likewise_o may_v be_v reckon_v among_o the_o gentile_n for_o eliphaz_n the_o temanite_n be_v of_o esau_n lineage_n gen._n 36._o 11._o and_o bildad_o the_o shuite_n be_v of_o the_o posterity_n of_o shuah_n the_o son_n of_o abraham_n by_o keturah_n gen._n 25._o 2._o and_o elihu_n the_o buzite_n be_v of_o buz_n the_o son_n of_o nahor_n gen._n 22._o 21._o as_o job_n sacrifice_v for_o his_o son_n chap._n 1._o ver_fw-la 5._o so_o eliphaz_n do_v for_o himself_o and_o his_o two_o friend_n job_n 42._o 8_o to_o appease_v god_n wrath_n and_o all_o of_o they_o show_v themselves_o religious_a and_o pious_a person_n for_o though_o they_o be_v faulty_a as_o to_o their_o misrepresentation_n of_o job_n sometime_o yet_o they_o be_v in_o their_o design_n upright_o and_o intend_v only_o to_o justify_v god_n and_o to_o assert_v his_o providence_n and_o to_o check_v sin_n and_o wickedness_n where_o they_o think_v they_o espy_v they_o and_o it_o be_v not_o unreasonable_a to_o think_v that_o job_n and_o his_o companion_n who_o be_v person_n of_o such_o eminent_a goodness_n and_o moreover_o be_v rich_a and_o wealthy_a man_n and_o of_o great_a authority_n in_o the_o land_n of_o we_o for_o as_o job_n himself_o be_v a_o great_a man_n a_o kind_n of_o king_n in_o that_o country_n so_o his_o three_o friend_n be_v man_n of_o power_n and_o eminency_n and_o be_v call_v king_n by_o the_o author_n of_o the_o book_n of_o tobit_n use_v their_o wealth_n and_o authority_n for_o the_o promote_a of_o religion_n among_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o that_o place_n and_o so_o it_o be_v probable_a that_o there_o be_v several_a that_o fear_v god_n there_o and_o consequent_o that_o the_o church_n be_v not_o confine_v to_o one_o nation_n but_o that_o god_n reveal_v himself_o in_o a_o save_a manner_n to_o other_o country_n of_o this_o we_o have_v further_a proof_n for_o as_o there_o be_v these_o religious_a people_n in_o canaan_n and_o arabia_n or_o idumea_n so_o in_o other_o place_n some_o of_o those_o that_o be_v uncircumcised_a be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o true_a religion_n abraham_n brother_n nahor_n and_o his_o family_n though_o they_o dwell_v in_o mes●potamia_n a_o heathenish_a country_n and_o which_o abraham_n leave_v for_o that_o reason_n be_v not_o stranger_n to_o the_o true_a god_n and_o his_o worship_n though_o they_o mix_v it_o with_o some_o superstition_n thus_o in_o gen._n 24._o 31_o 50._o the_o language_n of_o laba●_n and_o bethuel_n show_v that_o they_o have_v a_o good_a sense_n of_o religion_n and_o know_v and_o worship_v jeh●vah_n if_o we_o pass_v to_o egypt_n we_o shall_v find_v there_o that_o the_o midwife_n that_o be_v native_n of_o that_o country_n for_o such_o they_o be_v deserve_o think_v to_o be_v by_o the_o learned_a jewish_a historian_n and_o antiquary_n and_o though_o they_o be_v call_v hebrew_n midwife_n ver_fw-la 15._o yet_o the_o reason_n of_o that_o denomination_n be_v because_o as_o it_o be_v explain_v in_o the_o next_o verse_n they_o do_v the_o office_n of_o midwife_n to_o the_o hebrew_n woman_n and_o from_o several_a circumstance_n in_o that_o part_n of_o the_o sacred_a history_n we_o may_v gather_v that_o they_o be_v of_o the_o egyptian_a nation_n and_o not_o hebrew_n fear_v god_n exod._n 1._o 17._o and_o give_v a_o remarkable_a testimony_n of_o it_o and_o according_o be_v reward_v by_o god_n for_o it_o ver_fw-la 21._o hagar_n who_o be_v original_o a_o egyptian_a be_v honour_v with_o divine_a apparition_n and_o favour_v by_o god_n in_o a_o particular_a manner_n gen._n 16._o 10_o 11_o 13._o and_o afterward_o when_o the_o jewish_a nation_n and_o church_n be_v set_v up_o by_o god_n other_o person_n and_o people_n be_v not_o exclude_v from_o his_o grace_n and_o favour_n ruth_n be_v a_o mo●bite_n of_o the_o race_n of_o the_o daughter_n of_o lot_n but_o be_v convert_v to_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o true_a god_n and_o her_o virtue_n and_o piety_n be_v so_o signal_n that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n have_v record_v they_o in_o a_o entire_a book_n our_o saviour_n take_v notice_n that_o the_o prophet_n elias_n be_v send_v to_o the_o widow_n of_o sarep●a_n who_o be_v a_o gentile_a a_o sidonian_a luke_o 4._o 26_o but_o show_v herself_o a_o very_a good_a religious_a woman_n and_o believe_v in_o the_o god_n of_o the_o patriarch_n naaman_n the_o syrian_a be_v a_o proselyte_n he_o sacrifice_v to_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n alone_o and_o carry_v earth_n with_o he_o out_o of_o judea_n to_o build_v a_o altar_n a_o king_n 5._o 15_o 17._o and_o without_o doubt_n he_o propagate_v the_o true_a religion_n and_o knowledge_n of_o god_n in_o his_o own_o country_n ebedmelech_n a_o ethiopian_a chamberlain_n or_o some_o such_o like_a great_a officer_n to_o king_n zedekiah_n be_v a_o patron_n of_o the_o prophet_n jeremiah_n and_o a_o man_n of_o singular_a zeal_n and_o piety_n and_o be_v therefore_o eminent_o favour_v of_o god_n jer._n 38._o 7._o &_o 39_o 16._o it_o be_v not_o improbable_a that_o hiram_n king_n of_o tyre_n be_v a_o prosolyte_n 1_o king_n 5._o 7._o and_o such_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o think_v the_o queen_n of_o sheba_n be_v 1_o king_n 10._o 9_o nabuchadnezzar_n be_v of_o this_o sort_n and_o become_v a_o convert_n as_o may_v be_v partly_o collect_v from_o dan._n 3._o 28_o 29._o dan._n 4._o 34_o etc._n etc._n and_o it_o may_v be_v cyrus_n who_o be_v style_v by_o god_n his_o anoint_v isai._n 45._o 1._o may_v be_v reckon_v in_o this_o number_n but_o though_o there_o may_v be_v some_o doubt_n as_o to_o these_o latter_a yet_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o rest_n and_o several_a other_o that_o may_v be_v name_v in_o gentile_a country_n be_v proselyte_n to_o the_o true_a faith_n in_o prosecution_n of_o which_o subject_n it_o may_v be_v further_o observe_v that_o god_n send_v hebrew_n prophet_n to_o the_o people_n of_o other_o nation_n isaiah_n jeremiah_n and_o ezeky_a prophesy_v almost_o to_o all_o nation_n obadiah_n to_o the_o idumean_n and_o jonas_n be_v dispatch_v to_o the_o people_n of_o ninive_n the_o metropolis_n of_o assyria_n who_o believe_v and_o repent_v at_o ionas_n preach_v this_o show_v that_o god_n be_v kind_a to_o they_o as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o jew_n and_o that_o they_o have_v the_o true_a god_n and_o his_o will_n in_o some_o measure_n discover_v to_o they_o before_o otherwise_o they_o will_v not_o have_v be_v so_o capable_a of_o understand_v the_o divine_a message_n when_o it_o come_v to_o they_o and_o of_o behave_v themselves_o suitable_o to_o it_o for_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v question_v that_o the_o ninivites_n repentance_n be_v true_a it_o proceed_v as_o some_o of_o the_o ancient_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n have_v observe_v from_o a_o true_a faith_n jon._n 2._o 5._o mat._n 12._o 41._o their_o fast_n and_o humiliation_n be_v so_o eminent_a that_o the_o abyssine_a church_n keep_v yearly_o a_o fast_a of_o threeday_n in_o remembrance_n of_o it_o and_o i_o find_v it_o be_v the_o comfortable_a note_n of_o rabbi_n kimchi_n question_v why_o the_o book_n of_o jonas_n be_v rank_v among_o the_o holy_a scripture_n it_o make_v no_o mention_n
the_o same_o or_o suppose_v this_o phrase_n from_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n do_v not_o denote_v eternity_n yet_o it_o be_v enough_o for_o our_o purpose_n that_o christ_n the_o lamb_n of_o god_n be_v slay_v from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n for_o from_o thence_o we_o may_v gather_v that_o it_o be_v design_v and_o appoint_v to_o reach_v to_o all_o follow_a generation_n 2._o the_o way_n and_o method_n of_o salvation_n be_v the_o same_o under_o all_o the_o dispensation_n of_o grace_n for_o christ_n instruct_v his_o church_n in_o all_o age_n the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v to_o they_o a●_n well_o as_o to_o we_o heb._n 4._o 2._o all_o the_o patriarch_n and_o prophet_n and_o holy_a man_n of_o past_a age_n arrive_v at_o heaven_n and_o happiness_n by_o the_o conduct_n of_o this_o great_a guide_n 8._o jesus_n christ_n the_o same_o yesterday_o 〈…〉_z day_n and_o for_o ever_o be_v word_n appliable_a to_o christ_n nor_o only_o as_o he_o be_v king_n and_o priest_n but_o also_o as_o he_o be_v prophet_n and_o teacher_n of_o his_o church_n which_o sacred_a office_n he_o have_v faithful_o perform_v in_o all_o age_n and_o there_o have_v be_v no_o time_n since_o the_o church_n be_v found_v but_o he_o have_v be_v the_o instructor_n of_o it_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v make_v first_o of_o all_o with_o adam_n in_o paradise_n and_o god_n have_v from_o age_n to_o age_n renew_v that_o covenant_n to_o his_o church_n and_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n be_v common_a to_o the_o ancient_a patriarch_n and_o jew_n with_o we_o so_o that_o from_o the_o fall_n of_o our_o first_o parent_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n the_o way_n of_o expiation_n and_o of_o obtain_v salvation_n have_v be_v be_v and_o shall_v be_v the_o same_o viz._n by_o christ_n and_o by_o his_o merit_n the_o virtue_n of_o his_o death_n although_o he_o actual_o die_v long_o after_o commence_v with_o the_o first_o promise_v make_v to_o adam_n the_o 28._o socinian_o oppose_v this_o and_o general_o hold_v that_o the_o godly_a who_o live_v before_o the_o time_n of_o the_o messiah_n be_v not_o save_v by_o he_o they_o assert_v that_o they_o know_v nothing_o of_o it_o and_o that_o there_o be_v other_o mean_n of_o be_v save_v under_o the_o old_a testament_n than_o there_o be_v under_o the_o new_a but_o this_o be_v a_o doctrine_n deserve_o explode_v by_o all_o person_n who_o be_v of_o the_o orthodox_n faith_n and_o who_o own_o the_o true_a christian_a religion_n they_o all_o agree_v that_o the_o same_o way_n of_o salvation_n have_v always_o prevail_v that_o all_o who_o be_v save_v under_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v save_v by_o virtue_n of_o christ_n death_n and_o satisfaction_n there_o be_v justification_n under_o the_o law_n though_o not_o by_o it_o or_o by_o virtue_n of_o it_o those_o that_o believe_v with_o their_o whole_a heart_n on_o god_n and_o faithful_o serve_v he_o be_v justify_v and_o obtain_v remission_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o eternal_a life_n by_o that_o grace_n which_o be_v couch_v in_o the_o law_n i._n e._n promise_v in_o the_o messiah_n and_o figure_v and_o represent_v by_o the_o obscure_a type_n of_o the_o law_n by_o virtue_n of_o the_o grace_n to_o be_v exhibit_v by_o christ_n even_o those_o who_o be_v before_o his_o arrival_n be_v save_v this_o be_v the_o doctrine_n which_o st._n peter_n preach_v act_v 15._o 11._o we_o believe_v that_o through_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n we_o shall_v be_v save_v even_o as_o they_o i._n e._n the_o father_n before_o christ_n as_o be_v clear_a from_o the_o forego_n verse_n the_o holy_a man_n than_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o substance_n of_o this_o covenant_n viz._n the_o promise_n of_o restoration_n by_o christ_n and_o consequent_o the_o old_a testament_n saint_n be_v save_v by_o he_o thus_o we_o be_v tell_v by_o another_o inspire_a author_n that_o by_o mean_n of_o christ_n death_n there_o be_v redemption_n for_o the_o transgressor_n that_o be_v under_o the_o first_o testament_n heb._n 9_o 15._o for_o though_o the_o redemption_n of_o mankind_n be_v not_o actual_o wrought_v by_o he_o till_o he_o die_v on_o the_o cross_n yet_o the_o virtue_n and_o benefit_n of_o it_o be_v in_o all_o age_n as_o the_o sun_n spread_v its_o light_n and_o illuminate_v our_o region_n before_o its_o glorious_a body_n appear_v above_o the_o horizon_n 3._o as_o to_o the_o condition_n and_o qualification_n on_o our_o part_n all_o the_o dispensation_n of_o grace_n be_v the_o same_o all_o substantial_a duty_n towards_o god_n and_o man_n be_v the_o same_o now_o that_o they_o be_v then_o even_o faith_n in_o the_o messiah_n be_v as_o ancient_a as_o that_o promise_n on_o which_o it_o be_v first_o found_v that_o the_o blessed_a seed_n shall_v break_v the_o serpent_n head_n gen._n 3._o 15._o they_o who_o live_v before_o christ_n incarnation_n confide_v in_o this_o promise_a deliverer_n by_o who_o merit_n they_o hope_v to_o be_v reconcile_v to_o god_n faith_n in_o christ_n be_v a_o duty_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n because_o there_o be_v promise_n concern_v the_o messiah_n then_o as_o be_v evident_a from_o luke_n 1._o 72._o and_o what_o be_v these_o promisessor_n but_o to_o be_v credit_v and_o rely_v upon_o therefore_o it_o be_v record_v that_o abraham_n believe_v rom._n 4._o 3._o gal._n 3._o 6._o and_o our_o saviour_n witness_v that_o abraham_n rejoice_v to_o see_v his_o day_n and_o he_o see_v it_o and_o be_v glad_a joh._n 8._o 56._o the_o reason_n be_v because_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v god_n preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o abraham_n gal._n 3._o 8._o and_o discover_v the_o messiah_n to_o he_o the_o just_a live_v by_o faith_n in_o habakkuk_n time_n hab._n 2._o 4._o which_o by_o the_o apostle_n be_v apply_v to_o the_o evangelical_n faith_n in_o rom._n 1._o 17._o gal._n 3._o 11._o therefore_o when_o justificat_fw-la socinus_n tell_v we_o that_o faith_n in_o christ_n be_v not_o comprehend_v in_o the_o mosaic_a covenant_n and_o when_o one_o of_o his_o scholar_n confident_o aver_v that_o frantz_n it_o be_v a_o gross_a error_n to_o think_v that_o the_o father_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n believe_v in_o christ_n to_o come_v and_o be_v justify_v by_o that_o faith_n we_o know_v whence_o to_o confute_v these_o bold_a men._n that_o the_o evangelical_n righteousness_n and_o justification_n be_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v clear_a because_o the_o apostle_n bring_v example_n of_o this_o free_a justification_n out_o of_o the_o old_a testament_n rom._n 4._o 3_o 6_o etc._n etc._n that_o salvation_n by_o faith_n in_o christ_n be_v no_o new_a thing_n be_v evident_a from_o other_o place_n as_o act_n 10._o 43._o to_o he_o give_v all_o the_o prophet_n witness_n that_o through_o his_o name_n whosoever_o believe_v in_o he_o shall_v receive_v remission_n of_o sin_n and_o rom._n 3._o 21_o 22._o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n without_o the_o law_n be_v manifest_v be_v witness_v by_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n even_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n which_o be_v by_o faith_n of_o jesus_n christ_n unto_o all_o and_o upon_o all_o they_o that_o believe_v a●d_a st._n peter_n 1_o epis●_n chap._n 2._o ver_fw-la 6._o prove_v that_o chris●_n be_v the_o foundation_n whereupon_o all_o the_o saint_n be_v build_v from_o isa._n 28._o 16._o behold_v i_o lie_v in_o zion_n a_o chief_a cornerstone_n elect_v precious_a and_o he_o that_o believe_v on_o he_o shall_v not_o be_v confound_v from_o all_o which_o it_o may_v be_v undeniable_o infe●ed_v that_o under_o the_o law_n they_o believe_v in_o christ_n for_o justification_n and_o that_o the_o father_n before_o christ_n be_v save_v by_o faith_n in_o he_o and_o in_o a_o word_n that_o all_o from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n have_v be_v justify_v and_o save_v the_o same_o way_n viz._n for_o christ_n merit_n and_o upon_o the_o gospel-term_n of_o sincere_a faith_n and_o obedience_n and_o of_o persevere_v in_o the_o same_o unto_o the_o end_n thus_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o designation_n the_o way_n and_o the_o efficacy_n of_o salvation_n the_o evangelical_n dispensation_n differ_v not_o from_o the_o precede_a one_o this_o the_o ancient_a father_n speak_v of_o particular_o they_o defend_v the_o antiquity_n of_o christianity_n and_o prove_v it_o to_o be_v as_o old_a as_o moses_n yea_o as_o adam_n pium._n justin_n martyr_n reckon_v abraham_n and_o elias_n but_o he_o go_v too_o far_o when_o he_o reckon_v heraclitus_n and_o socrates_n among_o christian_n in_o answer_n to_o that_o objection_n that_o those_o be_v christian_n only_o that_o live_v within_o a_o hundred_o and_o fifty_o year_n this_o pious_a father_n in_o gentiles_n another_o place_n argue_v from_o the_o antiquity_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o the_o author_n of_o it_o that_o religion_n which_o have_v the_o best_a author_n and_o be_v old_a be_v
shadow_n christ_n in_o this_o sense_n be_v call_v the_o tr●e_a light_n and_o true_a bread_n joh._n 1._o 9_o joh._n 6._o 32._o the_o ceremonial_a law_n be_v but_o a_o figure_n of_o the_o evangelical_n truth_n and_o this_o be_v deserve_o call_v tr●th_o because_o all_o the_o ceremonial_a type_n be_v verify_v and_o fulfil_v in_o christ._n all_o those_o judaic_a hieroglyphic_n be_v now_o unridle_v and_o plain_o discover_v to_o the_o world_n and_o he_o that_o run_v may_v read_v they_o the_o type_n and_o symbol_n be_v go_v and_o now_o the_o thing_n themselves_o be_v present_a and_o be_v clear_o understand_v by_o we_o this_o make_v the_o difference_n between_o the_o mosaic_a dispensation_n and_o the_o evangelical_n one._n the_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n and_o the_o mean_n of_o life_n by_o christ_n be_v more_o intelligible_a and_o plain_a than_o they_o be_v before_o their_o conception_n of_o those_o thing_n be_v intricate_a and_o obscure_a but_o we_o have_v arrive_v to_o clear_a and_o distinct_a notion_n concern_v they_o in_o short_a the_o way_n of_o salvation_n be_v before_o more_o dark_a and_o general_a they_o see_v christ_n through_o ●ertain_a perspective_n afar_o off_o but_o now_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n be_v come_v and_o have_v give_v we_o a_o near_a and_o more_o perfect_a view_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o see_v but_o in_o a_o glass_n dark_o 4._o the_o religion_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v more_o inward_a and_o lively_a than_o that_o of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o jewish_a administration_n there_o be_v now_o introduce_v a_o rational_a and_o manly_a service_n our_o religion_n be_v chief_o the_o employment_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o understanding_n and_o not_o so_o much_o of_o our_o body_n and_o low_a faculty_n we_o now_o worship_n god_n in_o spirit_n as_o well_o as_o in_o truth_n of_o which_o i_o speak_v before_o we_o worship_v in_o a_o spiritual_a manner_n oppose_v to_o outward_a and_o bodily_a service_n as_o sacrifice_n purification_n etc._n etc._n the_o evangelical_n righteousness_n be_v a_o spiritual_a administration_n a_o vital_a principle_n able_a to_o beget_v a_o divine_a life_n whereas_o the_o law_n comparative_o be_v a_o external_a dead_a letter_n and_o do_v not_o sufficient_o actuate_v the_o mind_n and_o spirit_n of_o men._n it_o be_v true_a the_o history_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o evangelist_n as_o it_o be_v mere_o propound_v and_o write_v be_v as_o much_o external_a as_o the_o law_n but_o the_o ministration_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o the_o apostle_n call_v it_o go_v along_o with_o the_o gospel_n in_o a_o more_o especial_a and_o peculiar_a manner_n be_v a_o powerful_a principle_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n whereby_o they_o be_v inward_o renew_v and_o transform_v and_o so_o the_o gospel_n compare_v with_o the_o law_n be_v of_o great_a power_n may_v and_o efficacy_n and_o be_v able_a to_o produce_v a_o heavenly_a and_o spiritual_a frame_n of_o soul_n and_o a_o sincere_a performance_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n this_o be_v the_o law_n promise_v to_o be_v write_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n and_o to_o be_v put_v into_o their_o inward_a part_n jer._n 31._o 33._o 5._o this_o dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v large_a and_o ample_a than_o that_o of_o the_o law_n and_o of_o other_o dispensation_n before_o it_o for_o the_o church_n be_v shut_v up_o in_o narrow_a bound_n and_o confine_v to_o a_o few_o family_n of_o the_o patriarch_n afterward_o it_o be_v limit_v to_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n and_o to_o the_o h●brew_n people_n except_v a_o few_o that_o be_v without_o who_o know_v god_n will_n and_o be_v gracious_o accept_v but_o after_o christ_n come_v the_o church_n be_v not_o tie_v to_o one_o place_n or_o certain_a nation_n but_o have_v be_v ever_o since_o the_o congregation_n of_o all_o such_o as_o true_o know_v and_o worship_n christ_n in_o any_o part_n of_o the_o world_n the_o christian_a dispensation_n be_v not_o local_a and_o temporary_a not_o confine_v to_o place_n or_o time_n not_o circumscribe_v by_o a_o particular_a country_n now_o not_o one_o nat●on_n only_o or_o a_o few_o of_o other_o be_v honour_v with_o law_n give_v from_o god_n himself_o but_o gentile_n and_o jew_n greek_n and_o barbarian_n all_o kindred_n and_o tongue_n all_o country_n and_o region_n of_o the_o universe_n have_v hear_v the_o sound_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o have_v have_v the_o divine_a law_n which_o be_v give_v by_o christ_n himself_o offer_v to_o they_o our_o saviour_n bid_v his_o disciple_n 19_o go_v into_o all_o the_o world_n and_o teach_v all_o nation_n and_o according_o as_o be_v observe_v before_o they_o travel_v into_o all_o the_o world_n which_o be_v at_o that_o time_n know_v and_o proclaim_v the_o messiah_n to_o they_o thus_o christ_n come_v and_o preach_v peace_n to_o they_o that_o be_v afar_o off_o and_o to_o they_o that_o be_v nigh_o ephes._n 2._o 17._o all_o place_n and_o country_n have_v the_o privilege_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o may_v receive_v advantage_n by_o it_o this_o be_v one_o remarkable_a difference_n between_o the_o legal_a and_o the_o evangelical_n dispensation_n the_o former_a be_v narrow_a and_o contract_a the_o latter_a be_v full_a ample_n comprehensive_a and_o catholic_n 6._o although_o as_o have_v be_v say_v the_o condition_n of_o salvation_n be_v the_o same_o now_o as_o to_o the_o main_a with_o those_o before_o yet_o they_o vary_v as_o to_o several_a circumstance_n to_o begin_v with_o faith_n the_o first_o and_o chief_a condition_n of_o salvation_n the_o grand_a fundamental_a grace_n of_o christianity_n this_o be_v reckon_v by_o the_o reverend_a bishop_n tailor_n among_o the_o instance_n of_o duty_n which_o be_v new_a under_o the_o gospel_n but_o the_o true_a account_n be_v this_o that_o faith_n be_v not_o a_o precept_n of_o the_o natural_a or_o moral_a law_n but_o be_v a_o new_a precept_n add_v to_o it_o by_o revelation_n when_o the_o first_o promise_n and_o new_a covenant_n be_v make_v but_o ever_o since_o that_o it_o have_v not_o be_v new_a for_o as_o i_o have_v prove_v the_o ancient_a patriarch_n be_v save_v by_o faith_n in_o christ._n he_o be_v the_o object_n of_o faith_n then_o as_o well_o as_o now_o the_o augustin_n faith_n of_o the_o first_o believer_n be_v the_o same_o with_o the_o faith_n of_o christian_n yet_o notwithstanding_o this_o this_o grace_n of_o faith_n have_v a_o different_a aspect_n from_o what_o it_o have_v the_o father_n believe_v in_o the_o messiah_n that_o be_v to_o come_v and_o we_o believe_v in_o the_o same_o jesus_n who_o be_v come_v and_o have_v take_v on_o he_o our_o nature_n and_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n and_o shed_v his_o precious_a blood_n for_o the_o redemption_n of_o lose_a man_n and_o rise_v again_o and_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n thus_o the_o believe_v of_o christ_n birth_n passion_n resurrection_n and_o ascension_n be_v in_o this_o respect_n n●w_o that_o faith_n look_v upon_o they_o as_o accomplish_v but_o otherwise_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o it_o be_v the_o old_a faith_n i._n e._n the_o same_o which_o those_o that_o live_v before_o the_o time_n of_o the_o messiah_n exert_v christ_n that_o be_v to_o be_v crucify_v be_v the_o object_n of_o their_o belief_n and_o christ_n already_o crucify_v be_v the_o object_n of_o we_o this_o be_v confirm_v ●rom_o isa._n 53._o act_n 15._o 11._o 1_o cor._n 5._o 7._o heb._n 9_o 11._o and_o abundance_n of_o other_o text_n st._n augustine_n have_v affirm_v that_o the_o saint_n of_o old_a be_v save_v in_o the_o same_o way_n that_o we_o be_v viz._n by_o faith_n in_o jesus_n add_v 43._o this_o distinction_n they_o say_v he_o be_v save_v by_o faith_n in_o christ_n future_a suffering_n and_o we_o by_o faith_n in_o those_o suffering_n as_o they_o be_v already_o past_a this_o be_v that_o which_o our_o church_n say_v part._n speak_v of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n that_o live_v before_o christ_n incarnation_n alth●_n they_o be_v not_o name_v christian_a man_n yet_o be_v it_o a_o christian_a faith_n which_o they_o have_v for_o they_o look_v for_o all_o the_o benefit_n of_o god_n the_o father_n through_o the_o merit_n of_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n as_o we_o now_o do_v this_o difference_n be_v between_o they_o and_o we_o that_o they_o look_v when_o christ_n shall_v come_v and_o we_o be_v in_o the_o time_n when_o he_o be_v come_v beside_o a_o more_o general_a belief_n be_v sufficient_a for_o man_n salvation_n before_o the_o messias_n come_n then_o be_v now_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n to_o believe_v so_o express_o and_o explicit_o concern_v christ_n and_o his_o undertake_n as_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v since_o so_o that_o though_o there_o be_v not_o now_o a_o new_a faith_n neither_o be_v there_o new_a article_n of_o faith_n yet_o there_o be_v new_a exertment_n of_o faith_n and_o more_o clear_a
at_o all_o it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v not_o such_o plain_a and_o evident_a discovery_n to_o those_o ancient_n of_o a_o future_a endless_a existence_n and_o consequent_o a_o reward_n in_o another_o world_n as_o there_o have_v be_v since_o the_o come_n of_o the_o messiah_n it_o be_v grant_v that_o the_o law_n deal_v in_o temporal_a and_o secular_a thing_n most_o of_o all_o but_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v thence_o that_o the_o jew_n have_v no_o high_a promise_n than_o those_o that_o be_v earthly_a and_o respect_v this_o life_n only_o yea_o this_o also_o must_v be_v further_o grant_v that_o though_o moses_n and_o daniel_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o the_o most_o devout_a person_n among_o they_o be_v sensible_a of_o this_o yet_o it_o be_v likely_a many_o of_o the_o jew_n look_v no_o further_o than_o the_o present_a enjoyment_n of_o this_o animal_n life_n and_o indeed_o most_o of_o the_o blessing_n we_o read_v of_o seem_v to_o hold_v forth_o nothing_o else_o but_o under_o the_o new_a testament_n eternal_a life_n be_v open_o and_o clear_o offer_v and_o all_o person_n may_v be_v make_v apprehensive_a of_o it_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o christ_n be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o mediator_n of_o a_o better_a covenant_n which_o be_v establish_v on_o better_a promise_n heb._n 8._o 6._o the_o promise_n under_o the_o gospel_n be_v better_o than_o those_o under_o the_o law_n because_o they_o be_v clear_a and_o plain_o concern_v a_o immortal_a state_n hereafter_o here_o be_v one_o great_a difference_n between_o the_o evangelical_n and_o the_o legal_a dispensation_n the_o latter_a propound_v future_a punishment_n without_o end_n to_o terrify_v offender_n and_o endless_a reward_n to_o ●●courage_v the_o faithful_a but_o the_o former_a add_v a_o assur●●●●_n of_o both_o these_o it_o make_v it_o manifest_a evident_a and_o undeniable_a that_o there_o be_v such_o thing_n it_o demonstrate_v to_o we_o that_o there_o be_v never-ceasing_a torment_n for_o the_o wicked_a and_o eternal_a joy_n for_o the_o righteous_a of_o which_o latter_a christ_n have_v assure_v we_o by_o his_o ascend_n into_o heaven_n there_o to_o prepare_v perpetual_a mansion_n of_o glory_n for_o all_o his_o follower_n he_o come_v from_o above_o and_o go_v thither_o again_o that_o we_o may_v have_v life_n and_o that_o we_o may_v have_v it_o more_o abundant_o john_n 100l_n 10._o that_o we_o may_v be_v every_o way_n ascertain_v of_o a_o immortal_a state_n of_o glory_n and_o thereby_o be_v effectual_o move_v and_o excite_v to_o obedience_n three_o there_o be_v this_o motive_n peculiar_a to_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n viz_o the_o love_n of_o god_n the_o father_n who_o send_v his_o son_n and_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n who_o die_v for_o we_o god_n so_o love_v the_o world_n that_o he_o give_v his_o only_a beget_v son_n say_v that_o bless_a disciple_n who_o jesus_n love_v john_n 3._o 16._o and_o again_o 1_o john_n 4._o 9_o 10._o in_o this_o be_v manifest_v the_o love_n of_o god_n towards_o we_o because_o that_o god_n send_v his_o only_o beget_v son_n into_o the_o world_n that_o we_o may_v live_v through_o he_o herein_o be_v love_n not_o that_o we_o first_o love_v he_o but_o that_o he_o love_v we_o first_o now_o observe_v how_o he_o make_v this_o a_o motive_n to_o the_o duty_n of_o evangelical_n love_n if_o god_n so_o love_v we_o we_o ought_v to_o love_v one_o another_o ver_fw-la 11._o no_o former_a dispensation_n afford_v this_o motive_n christ_n therefore_o may_v well_o say_v a_o new_a commandment_n i_o give_v unto_o you_o that_o you_o love_v one_o another_o as_o i_o have_v love_v you_o john_n 13._o 34._o this_o be_v a_o new_a thing_n and_o be_v proper_a to_o christianity_n only_o here_o the_o love_n of_o god_n be_v shed_v abroad_o in_o our_o heart_n rom._n 5._o 5._o here_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n constrain_v we_o 2_o cor._n 5._o 14._o and_o then_o no_o duty_n in_o religion_n come_v amiss_o to_o we_o than_o we_o act_v with_o vigour_n and_o cheerfulness_n and_o exert_v our_o utmost_a power_n and_o that_o with_o ease_n and_o complacency_n this_o principle_n of_o love_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n which_o be_v most_o proper_a to_o the_o occonomy_n of_o the_o law_n to_o the_o breach_n of_o every_o part_n of_o which_o god_n have_v annex_v severe_a curse_n to_o terrify_v offender_n and_o these_o general_o be_v the_o most_o powerful_a motive_n they_o have_v to_o make_v they_o obedient_a the_o promulgation_n of_o the_o law_n be_v with_o great_a terror_n and_o astonishment_n mount_v sinai_n be_v another_o aetna_n it_o cast_v out_o flame_n and_o smoke_n and_o nothing_o be_v see_v and_o hear_v but_o what_o be_v very_o frightful_a this_o well_o represent_v the_o terrible_a administration_n of_o the_o law_n which_o breathe_v severity_n and_o rigour_n and_o be_v right_o call_v esh_n do_v a_o fiery_a law_n deut._n 33._o 2._o they_o be_v scare_v into_o their_o duty_n for_o the_o most_o part_n but_o this_o servile_a spirit_n this_o principle_n of_o legal_a fear_n be_v banish_v out_o of_o christianity_n those_o that_o be_v effectual_o bring_v under_o this_o dispensation_n act_n by_o a_o principle_n of_o love_n for_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v free_a and_o ingenuous_a sweet_a and_o gentle_a and_o need_v not_o to_o be_v push_v on_o by_o rigour_n and_o austerity_n god_n have_v not_o give_v we_o the_o spirit_n of_o fear_n but_o of_o love_n 2_o tim._n 1._o 7._o therefore_o we_o may_v right_o conclude_v with_o st._n augustine_n amor_fw-la that_o fear_v and_o love_n be_v the_o grand_a difference_n between_o the_o law_n and_o the_o gospel_n 8._o as_o christianity_n have_v 〈◊〉_d motive_n as_o our_o duty_n be_v fasten_v on_o we_o by_o new_a obligation_n and_o those_o the_o great_a and_o noble_a so_o we_o have_v the_o perfect_a p●●tern_n the_o example_n of_o christ_n jesus_n our_o bless_a lord_n en●ch_n noah_n abraham_n moses_n job_n david_n and_o many_o other_o be_v worthy_a and_o eminent_a example_n of_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n in_o the_o former_a dispensation_n but_o alas_o these_o be_v man_n of_o like_a fail_n and_o infirmity_n with_o ourselves_o and_o their_o life_n be_v not_o a_o exact_a rule_n for_o we_o to_o walk_v by_o but_o the_o bless_a jesu●_n the_o founder_n of_o our_o religion_n be_v without_o spot_n and_o blemish_n in_o his_o life_n he_o neither_o speak_v nor_o do_v any_o thing_n amiss_o he_o be_v every_o way_n blameless_a and_o harmless_a pure_a and_o under●●led_v he_o give_v we_o a_o perfect_a example_n of_o piety_n and_o devotion_n of_o justice_n and_o righteousness_n of_o moderation_n and_o sobriety_n of_o mercy_n and_o charity_n of_o humility_n and_o self-denial_n of_o contentedness_n and_o resignation_n of_o religious_a zeal_n and_o courage_n of_o all_o virtue_n and_o grace_n whatsoever_o which_o be_v to_o adorn_v the_o life_n of_o a_o christian._n our_o saviour_n be_v send_v on_o purpose_n to_o be_v a_o guide_n a_o pattern_n a_o rule_n to_o the_o degenerate_a world_n that_o by_o the_o excellency_n and_o transcendency_n of_o his_o example_n he_o may_v reduce_v mankind_n to_o the_o way_n of_o religion_n and_o righteousness_n that_o in_o he_o they_o may_v behold_v and_o admire_v the_o beauty_n of_o goodness_n and_o the_o worth_n of_o piety_n and_o holiness_n and_o that_o by_o this_o mean_v christianity_n may_v be_v commend_v to_o the_o world_n and_o that_o man_n may_v esteem_v and_o love_v it_o when_o it_o shine_v forth_o so_o glorious_o in_o this_o admirable_a and_o unparalleled_a example_n in_o this_o we_o have_v a_o advantage_n above_o those_o who_o live_v be●ore_o our_o saviour_n time_n therefore_o this_o may_v be_v reckon_v as_o one_o difference_n between_o the_o jewish_a and_o the_o christian_a church_n 9_o we_o under_o the_o gospel_n have_v great_a help_n and_o assistance_n towards_o the_o perform_n of_o our_o duty_n than_o those_o who_o live_v under_o other_o dispensation_n have_v we_o have_v great_a light_n to_o direct_v we_o we_o have_v more_o effectual_a mean_n to_o make_v use_n of_o we_o have_v all_o the_o reveal_v knowledge_n which_o they_o have_v and_o we_o have_v much_o more_o beside_o we_o have_v the_o holy_a scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n to_o enlighten_v to_o inform_v to_o instruct_v we_o to_o check_v and_o reprove_v we_o to_o com●ort_v and_o support_v we_o we_o be_v bless_v with_o the_o sacred_a ordinance_n of_o christ_n own_o institution_n the_o sole_a design_n of_o which_o be_v to_o convey_v knowledge_n and_o grace_n strength_n and_o establishment_n to_o our_o soul_n god_n have_v set_v in_o the_o church_n some_o apostle_n some_o prophet_n some_o evangelist_n some_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n for_o the_o perfect_a of_o the_o saint_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
there_o be_v this_o threefold_a difference_n between_o they_o which_o i_o request_n may_v be_v well_o weigh_v because_o it_o will_v be_v of_o singular_a use_n to_o rectify_v our_o notion_n about_o the_o matter_n in_o hand_n and_o to_o give_v we_o a_o true_a insight_n into_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o covenant_n 1._o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n say_v do_v this_o by_o thy_o own_o natural_a strength_n and_o power_n and_o if_o thou_o do_v so_o thou_o shall_v live_v for_o this_o be_v certain_a that_o in_o ●he_n first_o covenant_n the_o condition_n be_v to_o be_v perform_v by_o adam_n and_o eve_n and_o we_o in_o they_o by_o a_o natural_a strength_n give_v in_o the_o state_n of_o innocency_n they_o be_v create_v with_o a_o sufficient_a power_n to_o do_v what_o god_n require_v of_o they_o by_o their_o own_o freewill_n they_o may_v have_v stand_v but_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n say_v do_v this_o by_o a_o supernatural_a assistance_n by_o that_o grace_n which_o be_v give_v through_o christ_n jesus_n no_o man_n be_v natural_o bear_v with_o a_o ability_n to_o do_v god_n will_n and_o to_o please_v he_o there_o be_v a_o new_a birth_n whereby_o he_o be_v empower_v to_o do_v this_o there_o be_v a_o divine_a principle_n superad_v to_o his_o nature_n and_o by_o virtue_n of_o this_o he_o believe_v repent_v etc._n etc._n this_o be_v the_o first_o difference_n between_o the_o do_v under_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n and_o under_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n 2._o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n say_v do_v this_o and_o for_o do_v thou_o shall_v live_v but_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n say_v do_v this_o and_o for_o christ_n merit_n and_o satisfaction_n thy_o do_v shall_v be_v accept_v of_o god_n for_o his_o sake_n thou_o shall_v liu●_n and_o be_v happy_a there_o be_v another_o cause_n you_o see_v viz._n the_o meritorious_a righteousness_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n which_o make_v a_o infinite_a difference_n between_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o this_o we_o must_v remember_v that_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v that_o whereby_o man_n be_v recover_v and_o restore_v to_o happiness_n by_o the_o undertake_n of_o another_o whereas_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n a_o man_n attain_v to_o life_n and_o happiness_n by_o his_o own_o work_n and_o obedience_n his_o personal_a righteousness_n entitle_v he_o to_o heaven_n by_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o first_o compact_n but_o now_o the_o term_n be_v otherwise_o that_o which_o procure_v li●e_z and_o immortality_n under_o the_o second_o covenant_n be_v the_o obedience_n of_o christ._n there_o be_v nothing_o we_o can_v do_v that_o will_v be_v acceptable_a for_o our_o own_o sake_n but_o on_o the_o account_n of_o the_o messi●●_n the_o mediator_n we_o and_o our_o service_n be_v accept_v the_o covenant_n of_o work_n require_v d●ing_v as_o a_o performance_n merit_v salvation_n and_o ble●●edness_n but_o this_o other_o agreement_n exact_v of_o we_o do_v only_o as_o it_o be_v the_o appoint_a way_n and_o mean_n of_o salvation_n this_o render_v the_o difference_n very_o great_a and_o wide_o between_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o 3._o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n ●aith_n do_v this_o but_o be_v sure_a to_o do_v it_o without_o the_o least_o ●ailing_a and_o imperfection_n and_o thou_o shall_v liu●_n if_o thou_o do_v it_o thus_o otherwise_o not_o for_o this_o covenant_n make_v with_o ad●●_n and_o his_o posterity_n be_v upon_o condition_n of_o sinless_a obedience_n as_o we_o find_v by_o the_o consequence_n and_o as_o we_o can_v prove_v from_o the_o law_n which_o be_v found_v on_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n curse_a be_v he_o that_o continue_v not_o in_o 〈◊〉_d thing_n write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n to_o do_v they_o d●ut_o 27._o 26._o universal_a and_o entire_a obedience_n be_v absolute_o require_v but_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n say_v d●_n this_o and_o though_o it_o be_v do_v on_o thy_o part_n imperfect_o yet_o thou_o shall_v live_v thou_o shall_v be_v accept_v for_o the_o perfect_a and_o consummate_a righteousness_n of_o christ_n although_o thy_o service_n be_v mix_v with_o weakness_n and_o sin_n the_o difference_n then_o between_o the_o cou●nant_n of_o work_n and_o that_o of_o grac●_n be_v not_o do_v or_o not_o do_v keep_v or_o not_o keep_v the_o commandment_n but_o the_o difference_n be_v here_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n require_v the_o keep_v the_o commandment_n without_o sin●ing_n whereas_o by_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n no_o such_o thing_n be_v require_v this_o be_v the_o difference_n between_o the_o covenant_n and_o thence_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o the_o latter_a of_o they_o require_v not_o only_o believe_v but_o act_v though_o it_o be_v true_a believe_v be_v the_o principal_a thing_n under_o the_o new_a covenant_n and_o therefore_o we_o find_v this_o chief_o urge_v by_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n faith_n be_v the_o main_a thing_n inculcate_v in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o the_o contrary_n be_v that_o which_o be_v most_o lay_v to_o man_n charge_n on_o this_o account_n it_o be_v right_o say_v that_o believe_v and_o be_v s●u●●_n be_v the_o language_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n but_o yet_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o do_v or_o work_v be_v not_o exclude_v for_o we_o find_v in_o the_o evangelical_n write_n that_o both_o faith_n and_o good_a work_n be_v make_v the_o necessary_a condition_n in_o order_n to_o eternal_a life_n he_o that_o believe_v shall_v be_v save_v mark_v 16._o 16._o believe_v on_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o thou_o shall_v be_v save_v act_v 16._o 31._o repent_v and_o be_v convert_v that_o your_o sin_n may_v be_v blot_v out_o act_v 3._o 19_o circumcision_n be_v nothing_o and_o uncircumcision_n be_v nothing_o but_o keep_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n ●_o cor._n 7._o 19_o without_o holiness_n no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o lord_n heb._n 12._o 14._o and_o many_o other_o place_n of_o scripture_n show_v that_o something_o be_v require_v to_o be_v do_v by_o we_o under_o the_o new_a cou●n●nt_n wherefore_o we_o need_v not_o be_v afraid_a to_o say_v that_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v ●_o law_n viz._n on_o this_o account_n that_o it_o command_v something_o to_o be_v do_v so_o that_o one_o will_v wonder_v that_o any_o man_n of_o reason_n and_o discourse_n shall_v assert_v and_o that_o with_o much_o confidence_n that_o the_o gospel_n be_v not_o a_o law_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o sanction_n there_o be_v no_o precept_n no_o threatening_n no_o pr●mises_n belong_v to_o it_o as_o i_o find_v some_o have_v late_o maintain_v notwithstanding_o it_o be_v style_v a_o law_n by_o two_o apostle_n heb._n 8._o 6._o james_n 1._o 25._o and_o we_o need_v not_o be_v afraid_a to_o say_v that_o there_o be_v condition_n propound_v and_o to_o be_v perform_v under_o this_o covenant_n for_o what_o be_v a_o condition_n do_v not_o every_o one_o grant_v that_o it_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n require_v of_o 〈◊〉_d without_o the_o performance_n of_o which_o we_o shall_v never_o obtain_v the_o thing_n offer_v and_o pr●mised_v and_o be_v not_o this_o applicable_a to_o the_o present_a case_n be_v not_o faith_n and_o obedience_n absolute_o require_v antecedent_o to_o our_o enjoy_n the_o benefit_n and_o privilege_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n that_o be_v offer_v to_o we_o do_v not_o the_o word_n condition_n express_v the_o manner_n of_o our_o partake_v the_o benefit_n of_o the_o gospel-covenant_n do_v it_o not_o signify_v that_o order_n and_o disposition_n of_o the_o divine_a grace_n which_o be_v to_o be_v see_v in_o confer_v pardon_n and_o happiness_n god_n have_v appoint_v that_o none_o shall_v reap_v this_o fruit_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n unless_o they_o first_o believe_v and_o repent_v this_o be_v a_o fix_a and_o establish_a order_n and_o without_o observe_v and_o perform_v of_o this_o latter_a we_o shall_v never_o have_v any_o advantage_n of_o the_o former_a it_o be_v evident_a then_o that_o believe_v and_o repent_v be_v condition_n and_o no_o man_n of_o correct_a thought_n can_v boggle_v at_o the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o it_o but_o perhaps_o it_o will_v be_v say_v the_o conditionality_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v explode_v by_o the_o first_o reform●rs_n for_o calvin_n and_o other_o be_v quote_v for_o this_o that_o the_o gospel_n promise_v not_o eternal_a life_n upon_o condition_n of_o obedience_n but_o i_o answer_v and_o that_o with_o sincerity_n and_o truth_n that_o the_o reformer_n speak_v thus_o in_o opposition_n only_o to_o the_o popish_a interpretation_n of_o the_o word_n condition_n for_o those_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rom●_n make_v faith_n and_o good_a work_n such_o a_o condition_n as_o give_v a_o right_a to_o eternal_a life_n and_o include_v in_o it_o merit_n in_o this_o sense_n they_o disclaim_v all_o
condition_n and_o so_o do_v we_o because_o it_o be_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o the_o satisfaction_n make_v by_o christ_n that_o give_v we_o right_a and_o title_n to_o pardon_n and_o life_n and_o eternal_a glory_n but_o none_o of_o the_o reform_v church_n ever_o doubt_v whether_o faith_n and_o obedience_n be_v condition_n of_o the_o evangelical_n covenant_n in_o the_o sense_n above_o propound_v viz._n that_o they_o be_v such_o thing_n without_o the_o performance_n of_o which_o we_o shall_v never_o obtain_v the_o blessing_n promise_v to_o we_o and_o this_o be_v ingenuous_o confess_v by_o justification_n one_o who_o be_v think_v by_o some_o to_o incline_v whole_o to_o the_o contrary_a opinion_n speak_v of_o the_o true_a acception_n of_o the_o word_n condition_n in_o this_o present_a matter_n he_o have_v these_o express_a word_n if_o it_o be_v intend_v that_o these_o thing_n viz._n faith_n and_o obedience_n though_o promise_v in_o the_o covenant_n and_o wrought_v in_o we_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n ar●_n ye●_n duty_n require_v of_o we_o in_o order_n to_o the_o participation_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o full_a end_n of_o the_o covenant_n it_o be_v the_o truth_n that_o be_v assert_v i._n e._n they_o be_v proper_o condition_n and_o thus_o in_o some_o respect_n the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o covenant_n of_o work_n i._n e._n so_o far_o as_o it_o require_v certain_a condition_n to_o be_v perform_v by_o we_o though_o not_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n that_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n require_v they_o for_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o meritorious_a and_o impulsive_a cause_n as_o they_o be_v then_o but_o only_o as_o a_o instrument_n or_o mean_n in_o order_n to_o eternal_a happiness_n but_o otherwise_o as_o have_v be_v say_v there_o be_v a_o vast_a difference_n between_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n and_o of_o grace_n for_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o former_a be_v that_o our_o first_o parent_n and_o in_o they_o all_o mankind_n shall_v without_o the_o least_o defect_n and_o transgression_n perform_v the_o law_n which_o god_n give_v they_o and_o that_o upon_o the_o sole_a account_n of_o this_o performance_n they_o shall_v purchase_v happiness_n but_o if_o they_o be_v deficient_a in_o their_o duty_n they_o shall_v perish_v without_o any_o hope_n of_o mercy_n there_o be_v no_o provision_n of_o forgiveness_n in_o case_n they_o shall_v break_v god_n law_n there_o be_v no_o promise_n of_o be_v receive_v into_o god_n favour_n again_o but_o the_o term_n of_o the_o latter_a be_v that_o god_n will_v not_o be_v exact_a with_o we_o and_o require_v a_o obedience_n void_a of_o all_o sin_n but_o that_o for_o the_o worth_n of_o christ_n sinless_a obedience_n for_o the_o value_n of_o his_o perfect_a righteousness_n we_o shall_v be_v reward_v with_o life_n and_o bliss_n and_o this_o covenant_n allow_v of_o hearty_a repentance_n after_o we_o have_v transgress_v the_o divine_a law_n and_o assure_v we_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v reconcile_v unto_o god_n and_o be_v restore_v to_o his_o favour_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o our_o bless_a mediator_n our_o sin_n and_o fail_n shall_v be_v forgive_v we_o if_o we_o sincere_o repent_v of_o they_o and_o betake_v ourselves_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o contrary_a duty_n this_o be_v the_o way_n and_o method_n of_o salvation_n under_o this_o covenant_n instead_o of_o exact_a righteousness_n i._n e._n whole_o live_v without_o sin_n god_n accept_v of_o our_o do_v according_a to_o the_o utmost_a of_o our_o capacity_n and_o our_o act_n with_o sincerity_n and_o uprightness_n and_o the_o defect_n of_o this_o personal_a righteousness_n and_o obedience_n be_v supply_v by_o the_o meritorious_a righteousness_n and_o obedience_n of_o christ_n jesus_n thus_o you_o see_v how_o these_o two_o covenant_n differ_v and_o that_o they_o answer_v to_o the_o different_a state_n of_o man_n innocence_n and_o of_o his_o fall_n and_o that_o the_o second_o covenant_n be_v make_v because_o we_o can_v observe_v the_o strict_a condition_n of_o the_o first_o the_o second_o covenant_n or_o covenant_n of_o grace_n make_v with_o adam_n first_o be_v a_o long_a time_n after_o that_o repeat_v to_o ●●ra●am_n gen._n 22._o 18._o and_o afterward_o renew_v and_o in_o a_o solemn_a manner_n confirm_v to_o the_o israelite_n at_o the_o give_v of_o the_o law_n on_o m●●nt_n sinai_n there_o be_v then_o this_o 9_o covenant_n make_v between_o god_n and_o they_o god_n promise_v life_n and_o they_o obedience_n therefore_o moses_n who_o transact_v this_o on_o the_o mount_n be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o mediator_n between_o god_n and_o they_o it_o be_v say_v mos●s_n take_v the_o book_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o read_v it_o in_o the_o ear_n of_o the_o people_n exod._n 24._o 7._o which_o refer_v to_o all_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n which_o moses_n write_v ver_fw-la 4._o i._n e._n all_o those_o law_n precept_n and_o judgement_n which_o god_n give_v to_o the_o people_n and_o which_o they_o unanimous_o accept_v of_o and_o promise_a obedience_n to_o but_o the_o decalogue_n be_v the_o sum_n of_o this_o covenant_n as_o appear_v from_o deut._n 4._o 13._o god_n declare_v to_o you_o his_o covenant_n which_o he_o command_v you_o to_o perform_v even_o ten_o commandment_n some_o hold_n that_o this_o covenant_n make_v with_o the_o israelite_n be_v the_o covenant_n of_o work_n the_o same_o as_o to_o the_o main_n which_o be_v make_v with_o adam_n before_o the_o fall_n i_o grant_v there_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o a_o go_v back_o as_o i_o have_v observe_v before_o a_o seem_a revive_a of_o the_o old_a covenant_n of_o work_n and_o so_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n be_v as_o it_o be_v after_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n or_o rather_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o work_n seem_v to_o be_v at_o the_o same_o time_n but_o this_o be_v not_o so_o in_o reality_n but_o only_o in_o appearance_n there_o be_v a_o evangelical_n promise_v to_o adam_n and_o abraham_n viz._n that_o they_o shall_v be_v justify_v by_o the_o messiah_n and_o there_o be_v a_o promise_n also_o to_o the_o jew_n that_o they_o shall_v live_v i._n e._n be_v save_v if_o they_o perform_v the_o law_n but_o these_o two_o promise_n be_v not_o inconsistent_a neither_o do_v the_o latter_a of_o these_o abrogate_v the_o former_a as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v in_o gal._n 3._o 17._o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n which_o be_v confirm_v before_o of_o god_n in_o christ_n the_o law_n which_o be_v four_o hundred_o and_o thirty_o year_n after_o can_v not_o disannul_v that_o it_o shall_v make_v the_o promise_n or_o covenant_n of_o none_o effect_n but_o as_o the_o apostle_n subjoin_v the_o law_n which_o look_v something_o like_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n be_v add_v to_o it_o because_o of_o transgression_n until_o the_o bless_a seed_n shall_v come_v ver_fw-la 19_o the_o law_n be_v to_o be_v serviceable_a to_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o to_o be_v a_o schoolmaster_n to_o bring_v they_o to_o christ._n hereby_o they_o be_v to_o be_v convince_v of_o sin_n and_o of_o their_o inability_n to_o keep_v the_o commandment_n and_o the_o same_o law_n denounce_v wrath_n and_o a_o curse_n stir_v man_n up_o to_o fly_v to_o divine_a mercy_n and_o to_o beg_v forgiveness_n and_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o so_o prepare_v they_o for_o the_o gospel_n god_n give_v that_o people_n precept_n about_o external_n rite_n of_o divine_a worship_n and_o also_o judicial_a law_n for_o their_o commonwealth_n and_o beside_o these_o he_o write_v in_o table_n the_o moral_a law_n and_o cause_v it_o to_o be_v promulge_v all_o which_o he_o close_v with_o those_o solemn_a sanction_n this_o do_v and_o live_v and_o curse_a be_v every_o one_o that_o continue_v not_o in_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v write_v here_o be_v a_o very_a great_a resemblance_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n and_o the_o law_n of_o faith_n seem_v to_o be_v lay_v aside_o or_o there_o may_v seem_v to_o be_v two_o covenant_n on_o foot_n together_o but_o the_o design_n of_o heaven_n be_v only_o this_o that_o hereby_o the_o jew_n may_v be_v bring_v to_o see_v their_o great_a gild_n and_o their_o deplorable_a state_n that_o they_o may_v be_v sensible_a that_o they_o lie_v under_o wrath_n and_o a_o curse_n and_o that_o thence_o they_o may_v be_v provoke_v to_o look_v for_o a_o remedy_n or_o when_o it_o be_v offer_v to_o they_o to_o accept_v of_o it_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o they_o be_v under_o the_o law_n which_o have_v some_o affinity_n with_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n but_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n make_v with_o adam_n soon_o after_o his_o fall_n be_v not_o lay_v aside_o but_o still_o prevail_v and_o no_o other_o but_o that_o even_o under_o the_o law_n they_o be_v not_o justify_v by_o work_n but_o by_o faith_n they_o obtain_v not_o
we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o assign_v a_o particular_a reason_n the_o wisdom_n and_o equity_n of_o god_n dealing_n be_v undeniable_a he_o must_v be_v le●t_v to_o dispense_v his_o benefit_n when_o he_o please_v and_o most_o certain_o that_o be_v the_o best_a time_n which_o he_o choose_v it_o be_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n say_v the_o 2._o wife_n man_n to_o conceal_v a_o thing_n to_o hide_v the_o cause_n and_o reason_n of_o his_o action_n from_o man_n especial_o of_o the_o particular_a circumstance_n of_o time_n which_o be_v not_o of_o such_o concern_v to_o we_o as_o the_o thing_n themselves_o therefore_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v very_o inquisitive_a and_o scrupulous_a but_o final_o to_o resolve_v all_o into_o god_n good_a will_n and_o pleasure_n thus_o when_o the_o primitive_a christian_n be_v ask_v in_o a_o cavil_v way_n by_o the_o pagan_n why_o christ_n come_v so_o late_o they_o ingenuous_o answer_v 2._o we_o deny_v not_o that_o we_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o we_o can_v see_v and_o tell_v god_n secret_a will_n and_o how_o he_o order_v his_o affair_n he_o alone_o know_v what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v and_o how_o and_o at_o what_o time_n and_o again_o thus_o in_o a_o eternal_a and_o infinite_a course_n of_o age_n where_o there_o be_v no_o beginning_n nor_o end_n nothing_o can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v soon_o or_o late_a and_o st._n augustin_n answer_n to_o those_o that_o ask_v why_o christ_n come_v not_o before_o be_v this_o johan_n because_o say_v he_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n be_v not_o yet_o come_v according_a to_o the_o appointment_n of_o he_o by_o who_o all_o time_n be_v for_o it_o be_v best_a know_v to_o he_o when_o christ_n ought_v to_o come_v and_o in_o another_o place_n he_o give_v the_o like_a reason_n why_o christ_n come_v just_a at_o that_o time_n and_o no_o other_o 118._o the_o lord_n say_v he_o who_o dispose_v all_o thing_n in_o measure_n number_n and_o weight_n know_v when_o he_o do_v any_o thing_n it_o may_v suffice_v then_o to_o answer_v that_o so_o it_o please_v god_n who_o wisdom_n be_v infinite_a he_o have_v his_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d his_o own_o time_n for_o so_o it_o shall_v be_v render_v tit._n 1._o 3_o when_o these_o come_v he_o set_v such_o and_o such_o a_o dispensation_n on_o foot_n though_o this_o will_v not_o satisfy_v some_o yet_o it_o ought_v to_o pass_v for_o good_a divinity_n with_o those_o that_o be_v wise_a to_o sobriety_n but_o yet_o though_o we_o must_v not_o saucy_o pry_v into_o the_o secret_n of_o heaven_n we_o be_v permit_v with_o modesty_n to_o inquire_v how_o far_o they_o may_v be_v discover_v to_o we_o therefore_o to_o give_v satisfaction_n even_o to_o the_o curious_a i_o will_v offer_v some_o consideration_n wherein_o be_v contain_v the_o particular_a reason_n of_o the_o dat●_n of_o the_o christian_a oeconomy_n why_o christ_n come_v not_o into_o the_o world_n till_o it_o be_v about_o four_o thousand_o year_n old_a and_o why_o he_o come_v at_o that_o time_n rather_o than_o at_o another_o 1._o you_o be_v to_o consider_v that_o though_o christ_n be_v not_o bear_v of_o the_o virgin_n mary_n till_o that_o very_a time_n yet_o he_o appear_v long_o before_o to_o some_o of_o the_o patriarch_n and_o saint_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n the_o angel_n that_o appear_v to_o hagar_n be_v the_o messi●●_n the_o son_n of_o god_n therefore_o m●s●s_n call_v he_o the_o l●rd_n or_o je●ovab_n gen._n 16._o 13._o it_o be_v the_o opinion_n of_o the_o ancient_a alii_fw-la ●_z that_o this_o second_o person_n in_o the_o glorious_a trinity_n appear_v in_o human_a shape_n to_o abraham_n as_o he_o sit_v in_o the_o plain_n of_o mamre_n gen._n 18._o 13_o etc._n etc._n where_o he_o be_v style_v jehova●_n and_o afterward_o the_o god_n of_o bethel_n chap._n 31._o 21._o and_o he_o appear_v to_o jacob_n in_o the_o form_n of_o a_o angel_n and_o wrestle_v with_o he_o he_o be_v call_v a_o 24._o man_n in_o the_o entrance_n of_o the_o story_n and_o 28._o god_n in_o the_o sequel_n of_o it_o and_o the_o prophet_n hosea_n speak_v of_o he_o call_v he_o god_n chap._n 12._o 3._o this_o be_v that_o angel_n of_o the_o covenant_n who_o appear_v num._n 7._o ultireneus_n tertullian_n st._n austin_n and_o most_o of_o the_o ancient_n hold_v that_o it_o be_v christ_n who_o appear_v as_o a_o arm_a man_n and_o captain_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n to_o encourage_v joshua_n when_o he_o be_v to_o take_v jericho_n jos._n 5._o 13_o 14._o and_o many_o of_o the_o father_n be_v of_o opinion_n that_o christ_n be_v the_o conductor_n of_o the_o israelite_n out_o of_o egypt_n into_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n who_o lead_v they_o through_o the_o wilderness_n of_o arabia_n and_o descend_v on_o mount_n sinai_n and_o reside_v in_o the_o tabernacle_n and_o the_o temple_n and_o that_o of_o daniel_n chap._n 3._o 25._o the_o form_n of_o the_o four_o person_n who_o be_v see_v in_o the_o fiery_a furnace_n be_v like_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v interpret_v by_o some_o of_o the_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n who_o use_v to_o visit_v the_o patriarch_n and_o now_o visible_o bear_v the_o three_o child_n company_n in_o the_o flame_n and_o from_o several_a other_o place_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n it_o may_v be_v gather_v that_o christ_n appear_v to_o the_o holy_a man_n in_o those_o day_n upon_o extraordinary_a occasion_n so_o then_o he_o appear_v soon_o than_o be_v imagine_v his_o incarnation_n be_v not_o the_o first_o time_n of_o his_o appearance_n in_o the_o world_n he_o actual_o manifest_v and_o show_v himself_o before_o his_o birth_n his_o early_a visit_n of_o the_o patriarch_n and_o prophet_n be_v a_o forerunner_n of_o his_o more_o signal_n appear_v in_o the_o ●ulness_n of_o time_n when_o he_o take_v on_o he_o our_o humane_a nature_n and_o converse_v with_o mankind_n 2._o if_o you_o consider_v that_o all_o the_o benefit_n which_o accrue_v to_o mankind_n by_o a_o saviour_n be_v impart_v even_o before_o christ_n be_v make_v flesh_n you_o will_v not_o think_v that_o his_o appearance_n in_o the_o world_n be_v late_a he_o as_o you_o have_v hear_v be_v the_o lamb_n slay_v from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n that_o he_o who_o repent_v and_o believe_v shall_v be_v save_v be_v make_v immediate_o after_o man_n fall_n the_o merit_n of_o the_o messi●●_n his_o undertake_n be_v valid_a from_o that_o very_a time_n and_o therefore_o the_o promise_n of_o mercy_n in_o christ_n be_v contain_v though_o obscure_o in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n the_o gospel_n be_v ancient_a the_o design_n of_o god_n in_o all_o age_n tend_v to_o the_o consummate_v of_o this_o which_o may_v take_v off_o our_o marvel_v at_o its_o being_n no_o soon_o it_o be_v in_o be_v long_o before_o as_o to_o the_o grand_a efficacy_n and_o virtue_n of_o it_o have_v then_o this_o right_a notion_n of_o the_o true_a date_n of_o christianity_n and_o you_o will_v not_o ask_v why_o christ_n appear_v not_o before_o 3._o persuade_v yourselves_o of_o this_o that_o christ_n will_v have_v actual_o appear_v soon_o and_o that_o in_o our_o flesh_n if_o the_o world_n have_v be_v fit_a to_o receive_v he_o before_o god_n act_v according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n according_a to_o the_o capacity_n and_o faculty_n of_o mankind_n according_a to_o the_o condition_n and_o frame_n of_o men._n hence_o his_o deal_n with_o they_o be_v different_a and_o various_a his_o administration_n and_o method_n be_v not_o alike_o but_o they_o be_v always_o most_o suitable_a and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o present_a circumstance_n when_o plutarch_n solon_n be_v ask_v whether_o he_o have_v le●t_v the_o athenian_n the_o best_a law_n he_o can_v he_o answer_v he_o have_v give_v they_o the_o best_a they_o be_v capable_a of_o this_o be_v more_o eminent_o true_a of_o the_o law_n and_o institution_n the_o discovery_n and_o administration_n which_o be_v from_o god_n the_o great_a and_o infalliable_a lawgiver_n they_o be_v the_o most_o exact_o fit_v to_o the_o capacity_n and_o disposition_n the_o inclination_n and_o genius_n of_o the_o people_n who_o be_v to_o make_v use_n of_o they_o he_o prescribe_v law_n not_o according_a to_o what_o he_o be_v able_a to_o do_v but_o according_a to_o our_o ability_n to_o hear_v and_o receive_v they_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o though_o true_a religion_n be_v but_o one_o yet_o it_o have_v have_v different_a discovery_n and_o mani●estations_n according_a to_o the_o different_a state_n and_o condition_n of_o man_n in_o the_o several_a age_n of_o the_o world_n this_o argue_v not_o any_o changeableness_n in_o god_n but_o his_o great_a wisdom_n and_o care_n of_o his_o church_n as_o a_o prudent_a master_n of_o a_o family_n give_v different_a order_n and_o rule_n according_a to_o the_o diversity_n of_o
beast_n that_o have_v a_o sensitive_a life_n and_o at_o last_o he_o come_v to_o what_o be_v perfect_a man_n who_o have_v a_o reasonable_a soul_n and_o be_v the_o most_o excellent_a of_o all_o god_n work_n in_o this_o low_a world_n man_n the_o worthy_a piece_n of_o the_o creation_n be_v make_v last_o of_o all_o so_o there_o be_v the_o like_a order_n and_o method_n observe_v by_o god_n in_o frame_v and_o fashion_v his_o church_n it_o be_v set_v up_o first_o with_o weak_a and_o imperfect_a thing_n the_o law_n and_o constitution_n give_v to_o the_o son_n of_o man_n be_v mean_a and_o low_a and_o go_v no_o further_a than_o natural_a religion_n it_o be_v like_o their_o feed_n upon_o herb_n and_o plant_n only_o but_o afterward_o religion_n be_v enhance_v by_o extraordinary_a revelation_n and_o discovery_n by_o positive_a law_n and_o precept_n and_o by_o the_o offer_n of_o beast_n and_o other_o such_o legal_a observance_n the_o sensitive_a and_o animal_n life_n as_o i_o may_v so_o say_v the_o external_n and_o bodily_a part_n of_o religion_n be_v chief_o maintain_v but_o at_o length_n religion_n be_v inspire_v as_o it_o be_v with_o a_o rational_a soul_n it_o become_v manly_n spiritual_a and_o refine_a by_o the_o gospel_n it_o come_v to_o be_v a_o reasonable_a service_n indeed_o a_o inward_a principle_n a_o law_n of_o liberty_n and_o love_n christianity_n be_v the_o last_o but_o be_v the_o perfect_a dispensation_n in_o this_o life_n what_o the_o platonist_n hold_v concern_v the_o several_a power_n and_o faculty_n of_o man_n soul_n that_o in_o due_a time_n and_o place_n they_o orderly_o awaken_v into_o act_n and_o when_o a_o low_a power_n be_v extinguish_v a_o more_o extend_v and_o enlarge_v capacity_n succeed_v it_o a_o more_o divine_a faculty_n and_o life_n spring_v up_o and_o be_v envigorate_v what_o these_o philosopher_n i_o say_v hold_v concern_v human_a soul_n be_v true_a of_o religion_n and_o its_o several_a dispensation_n there_o be_v a_o gradual_a subordination_n of_o these_o several_a oeconomy_n and_o upon_o the_o cessation_n and_o extinction_n of_o one_o that_o be_v inferior_a a_o more_o sublime_a and_o perfect_a one_o arise_v in_o its_o room_n and_o it_o be_v god_n will_n and_o pleasure_n that_o these_o divers_a administration_n shall_v take_v place_n in_o their_o order_n and_o that_o one_o shall_v not_o anticipate_v the_o other_o it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o alwise_a creator_n to_o reveal_v the_o knowledge_n of_o himself_o by_o degree_n to_o discover_v his_o will_n as_o it_o be_v by_o parcel_n god_n dispense_v not_o all_o his_o favour_n together_o not_o all_o at_o once_o but_o the_o mani●estations_n of_o he_o will_v grow_v great_a and_o great_a successive_o he_o gradual_o instill_a into_o the_o world_n the_o notion_n of_o a_o messiah_n the_o prophetical_a promise_n concern_v he_o be_v high_a and_o high_o by_o little_a and_o little_a the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n arise_v and_o shine_v more_o and_o more_o unto_o a_o perfect_a day_n this_o be_v the_o divine_a method_n he_o proceed_v from_o imperfect_a to_o perfect_a thing_n from_o the_o shadow_n to_o the_o substance_n from_o type_n to_o reality_n from_o lesser_a to_o great_a discovery_n he_o think_v good_a to_o train_v up_o his_o church_n in_o this_o manner_n and_o by_o mean_a communication_n to_o make_v way_n for_o the_o most_o complete_a deliver_v of_o his_o will._n still_o all_o along_o one_o administration_n exceed_v another_o till_o at_o last_o christianity_n arrive_v which_o be_v high_a of_o all_o those_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n be_v very_o remarkable_a to_o this_o purpose_n those_o under_o the_o law_n say_v he_o receive_v not_o the_o promise_n i._n e._n the_o full_a extent_n of_o it_o in_o the_o come_v of_o christ_n god_n have_v provide_v some_o better_a thing_n for_o we_o that_o they_o without_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v make_v perfect_a heb._n 11._o 39_o 40._o he_o give_v here_o the_o reason_n why_o the_o jew_n under_o the_o legal_a oeconomy_n have_v not_o the_o promise_v complete_v why_o christ_n come_v not_o in_o those_o day_n viz._n because_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v perfect_v by_o degree_n the_o condition_n of_o the_o church_n before_o christ_n be_v not_o to_o be_v complete_a they_o have_v their_o good_a thing_n but_o we_o be_v to_o have_v some_o better_a thing_n that_o it_o may_v be_v see_v that_o god_n proceed_v in_o a_o gradual_a and_o successive_a way_n and_o that_o he_o will_v have_v thing_n do_v in_o their_o due_a season_n and_o course_n that_o we_o may_v take_v notice_n of_o this_o that_o the_o frame_n and_o fabric_n of_o religion_n shall_v be_v rear_v by_o little_a and_o little_a to_o its_o perfection_n that_o god_n intend_v to_o reserve_v the_o best_a thing_n till_o last_v in_o short_a that_o after_o christ_n come_v religion_n be_v to_o be_v at_o its_o full_a age_n and_o that_o this_o glorious_a dispensation_n shall_v crown_v all_o thus_o by_o the_o different_a stage_n and_o progression_n the_o divers_a course_n and_o period_n of_o the_o church_n in_o successive_a age_n god_n have_v think_v fit_a to_o show_v himself_o a_o god_n of_o order_n and_o not_o of_o confusion_n and_o so_o i_o have_v finish_v the_o reason_n why_o the_o christian_a dispensation_n be_v defer_v so_o long_o and_o why_o the_o bless_a author_n and_o founder_n of_o it_o come_v no_o soon_o the_o end_n of_o the_o first_o volume_n πολυποικιλος_n σοφια_n a_o complete_a history_n or_o survey_n of_o all_o the_o dispensation_n and_o method_n of_o religion_n from_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o world_n to_o the_o consummation_n of_o all_o thing_n as_o represent_v in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n show_v the_o several_a reason_n and_o design_n of_o those_o different_a administration_n and_o the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n in_o the_o government_n of_o his_o church_n through_o all_o the_o age_n of_o it_o the_o second_o volume_n in_o which_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v demonstrate_v against_o the_o cavil_n of_o the_o jew_n deist_n etc._n etc._n by_o john_n edward_n b._n d._n london_n print_v for_o daniel_n brown_n jonath_n robinson_n andrew_n bell_n john_n wyatt_n and_o e._n harris_n m._n dc.xc.ix_n the_o content_n of_o the_o second_o volume_n chap._n fourteen_o the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o christian_a oeconomy_n and_o consequent_o of_o christianity_n itself_o evince_v that_o the_o mosaic_a dispensation_n be_v not_o design_v to_o be_v perpetual_a be_v prove_v from_o 1._o the_o prophecy_n concern_v the_o enlarge_n of_o the_o church_n together_o with_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o jewish_a observance_n 2._o god_n dispense_n with_o the_o mosaic_a rite_n and_o law_n 3._o their_o be_v neglect_v sometime_o by_o the_o holy_a men._n 4._o god_n disregard_v they_o 5._o the_o confession_n of_o the_o jewish_a rabbi_n a_o objection_n viz._n that_o it_o be_v say_v the_o mosaic_a law_n shall_v be_v for_o ever_o distinct_o answer_v prophecy_n which_o seem_v to_o relate_v to_o the_o jewish_a church_n be_v to_o be_v interpret_v concern_v the_o christian_a one_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a that_o there_o shall_v ●e_v a_o formal_a abrogation_n of_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n because_o when_o the_o reason_n of_o a_o law_n cease_v the_o law_n itself_o cease_v but_o yet_o it_o be_v show_v from_o sundry_a place_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n be_v formal_o and_o express_o abrogate_a we_o be_v assure_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n from_o humane_a testimony_n the_o testimony_n of_o the_o outward_a and_o bodily_a sense_n be_v make_v use_n of_o and_o appeal_v to_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n as_o a_o argument_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n st._n john_n word_n 1_o ep._n 1_o chap._n 1_o 2_o 3._o ver_fw-la comment_v upon_o there_o be_v no_o certainty_n in_o religion_n especial_o in_o the_o christian_a if_o the_o testimony_n of_o sense_n be_v not_o allow_v of_o the_o apostle_n and_o those_o who_o hear_v and_o see_v the_o thing_n do_v by_o our_o saviour_n be_v credible_a person_n the_o four_o evangelist_n and_o other_o writer_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v competent_a witness_n of_o what_o they_o relate_v their_o personal_a quality_n which_o be_v particular_o recknoe_v up_o render_v their_o testimony_n worthy_a of_o all_o acceptation_n the_o christian_n that_o succeed_v they_o faithful_o deliver_v thing_n to_o we_o their_o life_n be_v a_o proof_n of_o their_o integrity_n their_o suffering_n and_o death_n be_v a_o undeniable_a argument_n of_o their_o testify_v the_o truth_n to_o we_o a_o heap_n of_o evidence_n that_o we_o be_v not_o impose_v upon_o by_o they_o the_o very_a jew_n bear_v witness_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n the_o manner_n of_o their_o congratulate_v our_o saviour_n at_o his_o ride_n into_o jerusalem_n particular_o consider_v heathen_n attest_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o
christian_a religion_n so_o do_v infernal_a spirit_n p._n 417._o chap._n xv._n all_o the_o way_n of_o divine_a revelation_n under_o the_o mosaic_a dispensation_n be_v make_v use_n of_o under_o the_o christian_a one_o voice_n the_o testimony_n of_o angel_n vision_n dream_n the_o holy_a spirit_n the_o fulfil_n of_o the_o prophecy_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v a_o irrefragable_a argument_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n prophecy_n concern_v the_o birth_n of_o our_o saviour_n isa._n 7._o 14._o clear_v from_o the_o cavil_n of_o the_o jewish_a expositor_n it_o be_v show_v how_o these_o word_n may_v have_v reference_n to_o something_o in_o king_n ahaz'_v day_n and_o yet_o belong_v to_o christ_n birth_n prophecy_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n that_o relate_v to_o christ_n life_n and_o action_n other_o that_o refer_v to_o his_o suffering_n and_o death_n some_o that_o foretell_v his_o resurrection_n and_o ascension_n other_o more_o general_a prediction_n concern_v he_o several_a prophetic_a passage_n concern_v the_o branch_n prove_v to_o be_v speak_v of_o christ._n the_o hebrew_n word_n for_o the_o branch_n be_v refer_v to_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o two_o zacharies_n agree_v the_o jew_n objection_n viz._n that_o the_o messiah_n be_v to_o be_v another_o kind_n of_o person_n than_o what_o jesus_n of_o nazareth_n be_v answer_v another_o objection_n viz._n that_o the_o messiah_n be_v to_o bring_v universal_a peace_n answer_v a_o three_o objection_n of_o the_o jew_n viz._n that_o their_o sin_n have_v hinder_v the_o messias_n come_v at_o the_o promise_a time_n answer_v the_o objection_n raise_v from_o 2_o sam._n 7._o 13._o remove_v by_o clear_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o text._n other_o extravagant_a fancy_n concern_v the_o mess●as_n cause_v by_o their_o mistake_v the_o prophecy_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n concern_v christ_n come_v the_o conclusion_n that_o all_o the_o prophecy_n concern_v the_o messiah_n be_v fulfil_v in_o jesus_n and_o consequent_o be_v a_o demonstration_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n p._n 457._o chap._n xvi_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o christ._n what_o those_o basket_n be_v which_o be_v fill_v with_o fragment_n christ_n not_o only_o feed_v but_o heal_v the_o body_n of_o men._n he_o do_v other_o miraculous_a work_n the_o apostle_n as_o well_o as_o our_o saviour_n exert_v many_o miracle_n a_o objection_n from_o 1_o tim._n 5._o 23._o answer_v five_o property_n of_o a_o true_a miracle_n counterfeit_v and_o lie_a wonder_n the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v accompany_v with_o seven_o peculiar_a circumstance_n which_o prove_v they_o to_o be_v from_o god_n what_o be_v the_o end_n and_o design_n t●ey_v propound_v to_o themselves_o in_o work_v of_o miracle_n a_o objection_n from_o mark_n 11._o 14._o answer_v several_a interpretation_n of_o 〈◊〉_d word_n the_o time_n of_o fig_n be_v not_o yet_o why_o christ_n curse_v the_o barren_a figtree_n another_o objection_n from_o mat._n 8._o 30._o answer_v two_o other_o objection_n answer_v the_o personal_a quality_n of_o the_o apostle_n argue_v the_o miracle_n which_o they_o wrought_v to_o be_v true_a and_o real_a a_o reply_n to_o the_o several_a cavil_n against_o the_o miracle_n of_o our_o saviour_n a_o account_n of_o the_o wonderful_a thing_n do_v by_o some_o pagan_n especial_o vespasian_n and_o apollonius_n tyanaeus_n the_o miracle_n which_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n pretend_v to_o be_v prove_v to_o be_v counterfeit_n it_o be_v show_v from_o scripture_n the_o confession_n of_o jew_n and_o pagan_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o that_o miracle_n be_v a_o testimony_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n miracle_n be_v necessary_a for_o confirm_v of_o the_o gospel_n on_o several_a account_n p._n 491._o chap._n xvii_o the_o wonderful_a prevail_a and_o spread_v of_o christianity_n another_o proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o some_o of_o the_o learn_a and_o wise_a jew_n convert_v to_o christianity_n a_o catalogue_n of_o know_v and_o learned_a pagan_n in_o the_o five_o first_o century_n that_o abandon_v gentilism_n and_o embrace_v the_o christian_a religion_n remarkable_a instance_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o christian_a truth_n the_o virtue_n of_o the_o gospel_n far_o exceed_v that_o of_o philosophy_n example_n of_o great_a and_o rich_a man_n convert_v to_o the_o christian_a faith_n this_o prevail_v against_o the_o rage_n of_o the_o most_o powerful_a persecutor_n the_o more_o the_o gospel_n be_v oppress_v the_o more_o it_o flourish_v and_o prosper_v in_o all_o nation_n example_n of_o god_n remarkable_a judgement_n on_o the_o enemy_n of_o christianity_n especial_o on_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o jew_n this_o latter_a insist_v upon_o and_o show_v to_o be_v a_o argument_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n particular_a inference_n from_o this_o part_n of_o the_o discourse_n viz._n 1._o assent_n t●_n the_o christian_a religion_n 2._o assert_v and_o defend_v it_o more_o general_a inference_n from_o the_o whole_a christian_a dispenpensation_n be_v such_o as_o these_o 1._o admire_v the_o transcendent_a excellency_n of_o it_o 2._o be_v thankful_a for_o it_o 3._o learn_v ●ence_o our_o great_a obligation_n to_o holiness_n and_o strictness_n of_o life_n this_o enlarge_v upon_o 4._o if_o we_o live_v not_o suitable_o to_o this_o dispensation_n our_o doom_n will_v be_v more_o intolerable_a than_o that_o of_o other_o under_o the_o forego_n oeconomy_n it_o appear_v from_o the_o general_a behaviour_n of_o man_n that_o this_o be_v not_o think_v of_o 5._o we_o be_v to_o look_v upon_o this_o as_o the_o last_o dispensation_n this_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o eph._n 1._o 10._o which_o word_n be_v full_o expound_v this_o be_v infer_v from_o the_o gospel_n be_v call_v the_o new_a testament_n and_o from_o those_o expression_n the_o last_o time_n the_o last_o day_n wherefore_o we_o must_v not_o expect_v any_o new_a dispensation_n p._n 534._o chap._n xviii_o the_o several_a age_n of_o christianity_n it_o be_v in_o its_o infancy_n in_o our_o saviour_n time_n the_o apostle_n know_v little_a concern_v his_o suffering_n and_o his_o resurrection_n the_o effusion_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v but_o mean_a in_o respect_n of_o what_o it_o be_v afterward_o the_o church_n be_v in_o its_o childhood_n in_o the_o time_n immediate_o after_o our_o saviour_n there_o be_v no_o error_n and_o mistake_v in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n some_o necessary_a point_n of_o christianity_n deliver_v in_o the_o apostolical_a epistle_n that_o be_v not_o in_o the_o gospel_n and_o acts._n some_o relic_n of_o judaisme_n remain_v in_o the_o apostle_n time_n a_o explication_n of_o the_o decree_n of_o the_o council_n at_o jerusalem_n it_o be_v particular_o prove_v that_o the_o prohibition_n concern_v the_o eat_n of_o blood_n be_v not_o obligatory_a under_o the_o gospel_n yet_o in_o the_o first_o time_n of_o the_o church_n many_o observe_v it_o the_o difference_n of_o dispensation_n as_o to_o abstinence_n from_o some_o sort_n of_o food_n judaisme_n and_o christianity_n be_v mingle_v together_o in_o the_o primitive_a age_n a_o enumeration_n of_o several_a extraordinary_a gift_n that_o be_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n at_o first_o the_o youth_n or_o ripe_a year_n of_o christianity_n describe_v the_o cessation_n of_o extraordinary_a gift_n argue_v the_o progress_n and_o growth_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n miracle_n no_o part_n of_o this_o subordinate_a dispensation_n the_o non-appearance_n of_o angel_n be_v a_o proof_n of_o the_o improvement_n of_o christianity_n the_o usefulness_n and_o necessity_n of_o attend_v to_o the_o different_a administration_n of_o religion_n especial_o the_o christian_n p._n 585._o chap._n xix_o that_o christianity_n shall_v arrive_v to_o manhood_n or_o full_a age_n be_v prove_v by_o several_a argument_n 1._o god_n method_n in_o the_o world_n 2._o the_o low_a ebb_n of_o christianity_n hitherto_o 3._o the_o number_n of_o those_o that_o perish_v 4._o the_o gradual_a improvement_n of_o all_o art_n and_o science_n the_o several_a objection_n concern_v the_o decay_n and_o senescency_n of_o the_o world_n make_v use_v of_o by_o jewish_a pagan_a and_o christian_a writer_n full_o answer_v that_o the_o world_n decay_v not_o as_o to_o learning_n and_o art_n be_v make_v good_a from_o the_o improvement_n of_o navigation_n the_o invention_n of_o gunpowder_n and_o gun_n of_o print_v of_o clock_n and_o watch_n the_o prepare_v of_o sugar_n the_o advances_n in_o anatomy_n and_o physic_n astronomy_n arithmetic_n chemistry_n mechanic_n the_o style_n of_o writer_n it_o be_v congruous_a to_o the_o divine_a providence_n and_o wisdom_n that_o religion_n also_o shall_v have_v its_o improvement_n as_o well_o as_o art_n and_o science_n and_o according_o it_o have_v be_v great_o advance_v and_o increase_v by_o the_o reformation_n from_o the_o increase_n it_o have_v have_v already_o we_o may_v gather_v that_o there_o will_v be_v far_a accession_n afterward_o the_o virile_a and_o complete_a
religion_n which_o christ_n himself_o found_v and_o deliver_v to_o his_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n the_o tradition_n of_o these_o thing_n be_v true_a and_o certain_a and_o we_o may_v safe_o rely_v upon_o it_o for_o though_o the_o authority_n of_o divine_a truth_n depend_v not_o whole_o on_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n for_o then_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n will_v not_o be_v divine_a but_o humane_a and_o consequent_o not_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o of_o man_n yet_o the_o church_n do_v yield_v its_o testimony_n to_o the_o scripture_n and_o that_o testimony_n or_o tradition_n be_v a_o good_a ground_n of_o belief_n for_o tradition_n be_v one_o way_n of_o communicate_v matter_n of_o faith_n and_o fact_n to_o we_o by_o it_o we_o have_v they_o transmit_v to_o we_o but_o this_o be_v neither_o the_o grand_a motive_n nor_o the_o rule_n of_o our_o faith_n yet_o it_o be_v the_o medium_fw-la or_o channel_n to_o convey_v the_o belief_n of_o such_o thing_n to_o we_o and_o we_o be_v to_o use_v it_o and_o prize_v it_o as_o such_o and_o to_o thank_v god_n that_o we_o have_v this_o among_o other_o mean_n to_o establish_v we_o in_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n hitherto_o i_o have_v consider_v the_o testimony_n of_o friend_n i_o will_v show_v you_o in_o the_o next_o place_n that_o even_o stranger_n and_o enemy_n viz._n jew_n and_o heathen_n bear_v witness_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n first_o as_o for_o the_o jew_n if_o christ_n have_v not_o be_v think_v by_o they_o to_o have_v be_v some_o extraordinary_a person_n yea_o to_o be_v of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n miraculous_o why_o do_v they_o not_o prosecute_v mary_n for_o a_o adulteress_n the_o sin_n of_o adultery_n be_v severe_o punish_v by_o their_o law_n and_o it_o be_v a_o very_a reproachful_a crime_n you_o may_v be_v sure_o they_o will_v have_v urge_v this_o hard_a to_o the_o disgrace_v of_o the_o son_n through_o the_o mother_n but_o though_o joseph_n deny_v he_o to_o be_v his_o son_n and_o consequent_o she_o fall_v under_o the_o law_n yet_o you_o read_v no_o where_o that_o the_o jew_n make_v use_v of_o this_o against_o she_o which_o show_v their_o tacit_n approve_v of_o christ_n and_o that_o his_o birth_n be_v extraordinary_a and_o divine_a 〈◊〉_d suidas_n tell_v we_o that_o christ_n be_v choose_v one_o of_o the_o priest_n of_o the_o temple_n at_o jerusalem_n upon_o the_o death_n of_o one_o of_o the_o two_o and_o twenty_o for_o his_o singular_a piety_n and_o excellent_a doctrine_n josephus_n his_o testimony_n of_o christ_n be_v well_o know_v and_o st._n john_n baptist_n his_o forerunner_n be_v make_v mention_n of_o by_o most_o of_o the_o hebrew_n writer_n with_o exceed_a praise_n and_o admiration_n of_o his_o holiness_n but_o i_o will_v con●ine_v myself_o to_o those_o instance_n which_o be_v record_v by_o the_o evangelist_n st._n luke_n observe_v that_o when_o he_o teach_v in_o their_o synagogue_n he_o be_v glorify_v of_o all_o luke_n 4._o 15._o and_o in_o the_o follow_a verse_n he_o subjoin_v a_o particular_a instance_n of_o his_o preach_n in_o one_o of_o their_o synagogue_n at_o nazareth_n and_o then_o add_v all_o bear_v he_o witness_v and_o wonder_v at_o the_o gracious_a word_n which_o proceed_v out_o of_o his_o mouth_n ver_fw-la 22._o even_o some_o of_o the_o jewish_a people_n who_o believe_v not_o in_o christ_n cry_v out_o he_o be_v a_o good_a man_n john_n 7._o 12._o other_o say_v of_o a_o truth_n this_o be_v the_o prophet_n ver_fw-la 40._o and_o other_o this_o be_v the_o christ_n ver_fw-la 41._o and_o the_o jewish_a officer_n who_o be_v send_v by_o the_o high_a priest_n to_o lay_v hand_n on_o he_o admire_v his_o wise_a deportment_n and_o excellent_a discourse_n and_o free_o declare_v that_o never_o man_n speak_v like_o this_o man_n ver_fw-la 46._o no_o one_o ever_o speak_v matter_n of_o great_a moment_n and_o concern_v and_o with_o that_o simplicity_n and_o plainness_n that_o authority_n and_o efficacy_n which_o he_o do_v when_o herod_n harangued_a the_o people_n they_o cry_v out_o it_o be_v the_o voice_n of_o god_n but_o it_o be_v only_o the_o flatter_a voice_n of_o the_o multitude_n which_o make_v his_o such_o here_o it_o be_v otherwise_o it_o be_v the_o real_a voice_n of_o the_o true_a god_n and_o his_o very_a enemy_n attest_v the_o unparalleled_a efficacy_n of_o it_o christ_n be_v confess_v and_o own_v by_o the_o jew_n in_o a_o most_o signal_n manner_n when_o he_o rid_v into_o jerusalem_n on_o a_o ass_n and_o when_o they_o strew_v the_o way_n with_o palm-branche_n and_o when_o all_o the_o people_n applaud_v he_o and_o treat_v he_o as_o some_o great_a conqueror_n or_o mighty_a prince_n mat._n 21._o 8_o etc._n etc._n for_o they_o be_v wont_a to_o congratulate_v the_o come_n of_o such_o person_n to_o a_o place_n after_o that_o manner_n so_o the_o valiant_a simon_n be_v receive_v after_o his_o military_a success_n 1_o mac._n 13._o 51._o so_o the_o old_a grecian_n in_o their_o olympic_a game_n after_o victory_n wear_v wreath_n of_o palm_n as_o a_o reward_n of_o conqueror_n and_o sometime_o they_o bear_v the_o branch_n of_o palm-tree_n in_o their_o hand_n as_o the_o emblem_n of_o victory_n because_o the_o branch_n of_o this_o tree_n grow_v straight_o and_o stately_a as_o the_o name_n hand_n extend_v and_o though_o they_o be_v load_v with_o much_o weight_n yet_o they_o bear_v up_o against_o it_o and_o shoot_v upward_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o this_o honour_n of_o bear_v palm-branche_n and_o sometime_o branch_n of_o other_o tree_n beside_o the_o palm_n be_v give_v to_o prince_n in_o triumph_n thus_o heliodorus_n say_v that_o hydaspes_n the_o king_n send_v before_o he_o harbinger_n of_o his_o victory_n shake_v bough_n of_o palm_n in_o token_n of_o it_o hence_o he_o that_o be_v general_o applaud_v and_o receive_v public_o with_o the_o acclamation_n of_o the_o people_n be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d because_o they_o do_v not_o only_o strew_v bough_n but_o leave_n and_o flower_n in_o his_o way_n which_o sort_n of_o honour_n be_v style_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d nor_o be_v they_o content_v with_o this_o sign_n of_o favour_n but_o they_o use_v to_o affix_v on_o the_o door_n of_o great_a man_n the_o bough_n of_o palm_n especial_o which_o honour_n doctore_fw-la lucian_n take_v notice_n of_o tell_v we_o that_o green_a palm-branche_n be_v set_v up_o at_o the_o door_n of_o the_o rhetorician_n many_o more_o testimony_n may_v be_v allege_v to_o this_o purpose_n and_o i_o can_v add_v also_o that_o this_o bear_n of_o branch_n be_v use_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o pagan_n it_o be_v a_o testimony_n of_o honour_n to_o their_o go_n how_o fit_o then_o do_v it_o come_v to_o pass_v by_o the_o overrule_a hand_n of_o providence_n that_o the_o messiah_n who_o be_v true_o god_n and_o king_n be_v receive_v by_o the_o people_n with_o palm-branche_n he_o come_v in_o this_o triumphant_a manner_n into_o jerusalem_n and_o be_v salute_v with_o cry_n of_o hosanna_n and_o with_o that_o gratulatory_a benediction_n bless_a be_v the_o king_n of_o israel_n that_o come_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n john_n 12._o 13._o to_o testify_v that_o his_o kingdom_n be_v come_v that_o he_o be_v to_o be_v victorious_a over_o death_n and_o hell_n and_o that_o he_o be_v to_o be_v a_o mighty_a saviour_n and_o deliverer_n i_o will_v brief_o add_v two_o or_o three_o other_o testimony_n of_o the_o jew_n caiphas_n the_o highpriest_n prophesy_v of_o christ_n john_n 11._o 50_o 51._o one_o of_o the_o thief_n on_o the_o cross_n if_o he_o be_v a_o jew_n which_o some_o have_v question_v acknowledge_v christ_n and_o clear_v he_o this_o man_n say_v he_o have_v do_v nothing_o amiss_o luke_n 23._o 41._o and_o even_o judas_n who_o betray_v our_o saviour_n confess_v his_o innocency_n i_o have_v sin_v in_o betray_v innocent_a blood_n mat._n 27._o 4._o second_o heathen_n bear_v witness_n to_o christ_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n he_o be_v acknowledge_v and_o adore_v by_o the_o wise_a man_n that_o come_v from_o the_o east_n though_o he_o be_v condemn_v by_o pilate_n yet_o he_o be_v first_o acquit_v by_o he_o he_o declare_v that_o he_o find_v no_o fault_n in_o he_o at_o all_o john_n 18._o 38._o and_o his_o wife_n send_v to_o he_o when_o he_o be_v on_o the_o bench_n to_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o that_o just_a man_n mat._n 27._o 19_o when_o a_o title_n be_v to_o be_v set_v over_o the_o cross_n pilate_n write_v christ_n the_o king_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o will_v not_o alter_v it_o though_o he_o be_v tell_v of_o it_o john_n 19_o 22._o the_o centurion_n who_o have_v at_o that_o time_n the_o sheriff_n place_n and_o be_v to_o see_v the_o execution_n perform_v when_o he_o see_v
what_o happen_v utter_v these_o word_n true_o this_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n mat._n 26._o 54._o he_o be_v a_o pagan_a do_v not_o mean_a that_o christ_n the_o person_n who_o then_o suffer_v be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n by_o eternal_a generation_n it_o be_v not_o the_o same_o testimony_n with_o that_o of_o st._n peter_n concern_v christ_n of_o a_o truth_n thou_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n mat._n 14._o 33._o nor_o of_o the_o disciple_n we_o believe_v that_o thou_o be_v christ_n the_o son_n of_o the_o live_a god_n mat._n 16._o 16._o but_o he_o mean_v he_o be_v a_o brave_a and_o excellent_a person_n a_o holy_a and_o good_a man_n unworthy_a of_o that_o which_o he_o undergo_v one_o who_o have_v deserve_v nothing_o of_o what_o he_o suffer_v and_o that_o this_o be_v the_o meaning_n be_v plain_a from_o st._n luke_n who_o relate_v this_o passage_n of_o the_o centurion_n thus_o certain_o this_o be_v a_o righteous_a man_n luke_n 23._o 47._o so_o he_o explain_v st._n matthew_n pliny_n a_o heathen_a governor_n under_o the_o roman_a emperor_n speak_v honourable_o of_o the_o christian_n and_o he_o have_v leave_v a_o particular_a testimony_n of_o their_o fair_a and_o peaceable_a demeanour_n as_o well_o as_o of_o their_o early_a devotion_n in_o a_o letter_n which_o he_o write_v to_o trajan_n the_o public_a archive_v at_o rome_n and_o the_o know_v write_n and_o monument_n of_o the_o heathen_n preserve_v the_o memory_n of_o many_o notable_a thing_n relate_v to_o christ._n therefore_o tertullian_n in_o his_o apology_n for_o the_o christian_n often_o appeal_v to_o these_o and_o bid_v they_o consult_v the_o censual_a table_n and_o other_o public_a record_n which_o testify_v of_o those_o thing_n in_o brief_a profane_a history_n relate_v many_o thing_n of_o our_o saviour_n his_o person_n his_o action_n his_o death_n the_o prodigy_n that_o accompany_v it_o the_o great_a change_n make_v by_o that_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n and_o many_o other_o thing_n appertain_v to_o it_o of_o which_o i_o shall_v large_o speak_v in_o another_o place_n thus_o god_n direct_v the_o heart_n of_o enemy_n to_o testify_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o certain_o this_o sort_n of_o testimony_n be_v very_o considerable_a and_o convince_a 4._o the_o confession_n of_o adversary_n be_v ever_o look_v upon_o as_o such_o this_o be_v deserve_o think_v to_o be_v authentic_a nay_o i_o can_v proceed_v further_o and_o show_v you_o that_o the_o infernal_a spirit_n who_o be_v emphatical_o style_v the_o adversary_n and_o have_v show_v himself_o the_o most_o implacable_a enemy_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o cause_n have_v yet_o bear_v witness_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o our_o saviour_n be_v attest_v by_o satan_n the_o devil_n acknowledge_v and_o confess_v he_o to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n mat._n 8._o 29._o and_o at_o another_o time_n they_o confess_v they_o know_v who_o he_o be_v the_o holy_a one_o of_o god_n mark_v 1._o 24._o the_o very_a impure_a daemon_n set_v forth_o the_o praise_n of_o christ_n follower_n act_n 16._o 17._o these_o man_n say_v they_o be_v the_o servant_n of_o the_o most_o high_a god_n who_o show_v unto_o we_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n we_o read_v that_o one_o of_o the_o pagan_a oracle_n own_v the_o child_n jesus_n and_o if_o that_o be_v true_a which_o some_o think_v that_o the_o sibyl_n be_v act_v by_o a_o evil_a spirit_n there_o be_v further_a proof_n that_o the_o devil_n bear_v testimony_n to_o the_o holy_a jesus_n and_o that_o that_o lie_a spirit_n vouch_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o here_o i_o must_v confess_v i_o have_v digress_v and_o not_o observe_v the_o bound_n which_o i_o set_v myself_o for_o i_o propound_v to_o speak_v only_o of_o humane_a and_o divine_a testimony_n the_o former_a i_o hope_v i_o have_v finish_v to_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o sober_a and_o considerate_a person_n i_o have_v evince_v the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n by_o all_o these_o proof_n and_o evidence_n viz._n by_o the_o attestation_n of_o our_o sense_n by_o history_n by_o tradition_n by_o tongue_n and_o pen_n by_o speech_n and_o write_n by_o the_o church_n and_o the_o world_n by_o friend_n and_o enemy_n and_o by_o all_o thing_n that_o prove_v any_o other_o relation_n or_o give_v evidence_n concern_v any_o other_o matter_n of_o fact_n so_o much_o concern_v humane_a testimony_n which_o be_v able_a to_o create_v in_o we_o a_o moral_a certainty_n and_o the_o strong_a humane_a faith_n imaginable_a and_o which_o be_v very_o serviceable_a to_o sit_v and_o prepare_v we_o for_o the_o divine_a testimony_n which_o i_o be_o next_o to_o speak_v of_o chap._n xv._n all_o the_o way_n of_o divine_a revelation_n under_o the_o mosaic_a dispensation_n be_v make_v use_n of_o under_o the_o christian_a one_o voice_n the_o testimony_n of_o angel_n vision_n dream_n the_o holy_a spirit_n the_o fulfil_n of_o the_o prophecy_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v a_o irrefragable_a argument_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n prophecy_n concern_v the_o birth_n of_o our_o saviour_n isa._n 7._o 14._o clear_v from_o the_o cavil_n of_o the_o jewish_a expositor_n it_o be_v show_v how_o these_o word_n may_v have_v reference_n to_o something_o in_o king_n ahaz'_v day_n and_o yet_o belong_v to_o christ_n birth_n prophecy_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n that_o relate_v to_o christ_n life_n and_o action_n other_o that_o refer_v to_o his_o suffering_n and_o death_n some_o that_o foretell_v his_o resurrection_n and_o ascension_n other_o more_o general_a prediction_n concern_v he_o several_a prophetic_a passage_n concern_v the_o branch_n prove_v to_o be_v speak_v of_o christ._n the_o hebrew_n word_n for_o the_o branch_n be_v refer_v to_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o two_o zacharies_n agree_v the_o jew_n objection_n viz._n that_o the_o messiah_n be_v to_o be_v another_o kind_n of_o person_n than_o what_o jesus_n of_o nazareth_n be_v answer_v another_o objection_n viz._n that_o the_o messiah_n be_v to_o bring_v universal_a peace_n answer_v a_o three_o objection_n of_o the_o jew_n viz._n that_o their_o sin_n have_v hinder_v the_o messias_n come_v at_o the_o promise_a time_n answer_v the_o objection_n raise_v from_o 2_o sam._n 7._o 13._o remove_v by_o clear_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o text._n other_o extravagant_a fancy_n concern_v the_o messiah_n cause_v by_o their_o mistake_v the_o prophecy_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n concern_v christ_n come_n the_o conclusion_n that_o all_o the_o prophecy_n concern_v the_o messiah_n be_v fulfil_v in_o jesus_n and_o consequent_o be_v a_o demonstration_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n in_o the_o next_o place_n then_o the_o christian_a oeconomy_n and_o the_o whole_a institution_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v confirm_v by_o divine_a testimony_n we_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v from_o god_n and_o consequent_o be_v undoubted_o true_a because_o it_o be_v attest_v 1._o by_o all_o the_o way_n of_o divine_a revelation_n use_v heretofore_o 2._o by_o the_o fulfil_n of_o all_o the_o prophecy_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n 3._o by_o the_o exert_n of_o miracle_n 4._o by_o the_o strange_a and_o stupendous_a prevail_a of_o the_o gospel_n 5._o by_o the_o judgement_n which_o god_n inflict_v on_o the_o enemy_n of_o it_o first_o i_o will_v show_v that_o by_o all_o the_o way_n whereby_o god_n speak_v under_o the_o mosaic_a dispensation_n he_o speak_v likewise_o under_o the_o christian_a one_o and_o this_o be_v after_o that_o it_o will_v at_o the_o same_o time_n convince_v the_o i●ws_n that_o their_o dispensation_n be_v abolish_v and_o confirm_v christian_n in_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o dispensation_n which_o they_o be_v now_o under_o the_o revelation_n i_o say_v under_o the_o gospel_n be_v of_o the_o same_o kind_n with_o those_o before_o i_o will_v reduce_v they_o to_o these_o follow_a head_n 1._o the_o jew_n have_v their_o bath_n kol_n i._n e._n a_o audible_a and_o articulate_v sound_a or_o voice_n from_o heaven_n and_o so_o have_v we_o christian_n our_o saviour_n have_v this_o divine_a testimony_n thrice_o first_o at_o his_o baptism_n lo_o a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n say_v this_o be_v my_o belove_a son_n in_o who_o i_o be_o well_o please_v mat._n 3._o 17._o god_n the_o father_n again_o by_o a_o voice_n bear_v witness_v to_o he_o when_o he_o be_v on_o the_o mount_n with_o peter_n james_n and_o john_n and_o be_v there_o transfigure_v mat._n 17._o 5._o mark_v 9_o 1._o behold_v a_o voice_n out_o of_o the_o cloud_n which_o say_v this_o be_v my_o belove_a son_n in_o who_o i_o be_o well_o please_v hear_v he_o of_o which_o you_o will_v find_v st._n peter_n speak_v in_o epist._n 2._o ch._n 1._o v._n 17._o and_o three_o at_o his_o passion_n when_o he_o be_v pray_v to_o his_o father_n there_o come_v a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n and_o testify_v that_o his_o
revelation_n there_o be_v need_n of_o this_o help_n of_o the_o spirit_n the_o internal_a testimony_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n such_o a_o hide_a but_o powerful_a operation_n of_o that_o giver_n of_o all_o grace_n whereby_o a_o firm_a faith_n and_o certain_a persuasion_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o thing_n be_v wrought_v in_o we_o for_o that_o we_o may_v be_v certain_a of_o divine_a truth_n first_o it_o be_v requisite_a that_o we_o be_v outward_o help_v that_o we_o make_v use_v of_o moral_a argument_n and_o evidence_n that_o we_o attend_v to_o reason_n and_o proof_n that_o we_o weigh_v especial_o the_o several_a particular_a testimony_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n these_o in_o a_o moral_a way_n will_v make_v it_o evident_a to_o the_o mind_n that_o this_o or_o that_o which_o be_v propound_v to_o we_o be_v divine_o reveal_v and_o can_v proceed_v from_o no_o other_o but_o god_n but_o then_o beside_o these_o outward_a mean_n we_o must_v have_v our_o 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mention_v in_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o many_o more_o in_o ecclesiastical_a history_n which_o nothing_o but_o this_o divine_a motion_n can_v legitimate_a it_o be_v immediate_o from_o the_o spirit_n whereby_o they_o be_v instruct_v as_o well_o as_o enable_v to_o effect_v these_o wonderful_a thing_n second_o the_o next_o divine_a testimony_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o christian_a oeconomy_n and_o religion_n be_v the_o fulfil_n of_o the_o prophecy_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o have_v respect_n to_o the_o new_a i_o have_v already_o in_o another_o place_n when_o i_o prove_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n insist_v upon_o the_o fulfil_n of_o the_o prophecy_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n as_o they_o be_v a_o attestation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o sacred_a write_n but_o at_o present_a i_o be_o to_o mention_v only_o the_o prophecy_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o among_o they_o only_o those_o that_o relate_v to_o the_o messiah_n and_o the_o circumstance_n which_o more_o near_o and_o peculiar_o appertain_v to_o he_o and_o the_o produce_v of_o these_o and_o show_v how_o they_o be_v exact_o fulfil_v will_v be_v a_o clear_a and_o demonstrative_a argument_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n for_o though_o spinosa_n will_v persuade_v man_n that_o all_o the_o prophecy_n in_o the_o bible_n be_v the_o mere_a result_n of_o a_o brisk_a fancy_n that_o there_o be_v no_o foundation_n in_o the_o thing_n themselves_o but_o that_o imagination_n make_v all_o yet_o sure_o the_o bold_a and_o impious_a man_n will_v not_o have_v go_v so_o far_o as_o to_o have_v assert_v that_o the_o actual_a fulfil_n of_o the_o prophecy_n be_v nothing_o but_o fancy_n no_o certain_o he_o can_v not_o have_v the_o face_n to_o deny_v that_o the_o completion_n of_o those_o prediction_n be_v some_o real_a thing_n and_o not_o found_v on_o imagination_n for_o here_o be_v matter_n of_o fact_n which_o carry_v reality_n and_o certainty_n with_o it_o and_o therefore_o be_v a_o convince_a proof_n not_o only_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o prophecy_n but_o of_o christianity_n itself_o this_o then_o be_v that_o which_o i_o will_v now_o enter_v upon_o the_o prophet_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n speak_v frequent_o of_o the_o messiah_n they_o have_v describe_v and_o characterise_v he_o nothing_o almost_o be_v do_v by_o christ_n but_o they_o predict_v it_o every_o particular_a act_n circumstance_n and_o accident_n of_o importance_n that_o shall_v happen_v about_o he_o be_v foretell_v now_o all_o these_o be_v actual_o verify_v and_o fulfil_v as_o namely_o what_o relate_v to_o his_o birth_n his_o life_n his_o death_n his_o rise_n again_o first_o what_o relate_v to_o his_o birth_n as_o that_o john_n baptist_n shall_v be_v his_o forerunner_n and_o make_v way_n for_o he_o behold_v i_o will_v send_v my_o messenger_n and_o he_o shall_v prepare_v the_o way_n before_o i_o mal._n 3._o 1._o and_o ch_z 4._o v._n 5._o behold_v i_o will_v send_v you_o elijah_n the_o prophet_n before_o the_o come_n of_o the_o great_a and_o dreadful_a day_n of_o the_o lord_n compare_v these_o place_n with_o mat._n 11._o 10_o 14_o mark_v 1_o 2_o &_o 9_o 11._o luke_n 1._o 17_o and_o 76._o &_o 7._o 27._o and_o you_o will_v not_o question_v their_o accomplishment_n and_o the_o birth_n itself_o and_o the_o conception_n which_o be_v in_o order_n to_o it_o be_v plain_o prophesy_v of_o many_o age_n before_o as_o that_o in_o jer._n 31._o 22._o be_v think_v to_o be_v a_o prophecy_n concern_v the_o conception_n of_o christ_n the_o lord_n have_v create_v a_o new_a thing_n in_o the_o earth_n a_o woman_n shall_v compass_v a_o man._n some_o indeed_o have_v interpret_v it_o thus_o the_o church_n though_o weak_a as_o a_o woman_n shall_v compass_v and_o besiege_v her_o enemy_n and_o take_v they_o captive_n but_o this_o be_v very_o flat_a and_o frigid_a especial_o if_o you_o observe_v the_o preface_n to_o the_o prediction_n the_o lord_n have_v create_v a_o new_a thing_n in_o the_o earth_n it_o be_v no_o new_a thing_n that_o the_o church_n get_v the_o better_a of_o her_o enemy_n there_o be_v many_o instance_n of_o this_o in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o israelity_n so_o that_o something_o else_o be_v just_o think_v to_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n and_o what_o shall_v it_o be_v but_o this_o that_o christ_n who_o be_v make_v of_o a_o woman_n shall_v be_v encompass_v and_o shut_v up_o by_o she_o in_o her_o virgin-womb_n her_o compass_v a_o man_n express_v the_o conception_n of_o he_o the_o word_n sabab_n circumdedit_fw-la agree_v very_o well_o with_o it_o for_o the_o mother_n encompass_n round_o the_o faetus_fw-la with_o her_o womb._n and_o the_o greek_a ●itly_o answer_v to_o it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d mat._n 1._o 23._o and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d luke_n 1._o 31._o the_o plain_a meaning_n then_o be_v that_o a_o woman_n nekebah_n not_o ishah_n one_o that_o be_v no_o wife_n but_o a_o virgin_n shall_v conceive_v a_o manchild_n in_o her_o womb._n and_o the_o woman_n here_o mean_v be_v the_o bless_a virgin_n mary_n and_o the_o man_n be_v christ_n who_o be_v god_n and_o man._n see_v dr._n p●c●ck_n in_o not._n miscall_v in_o port._n mos._n and_o this_o interpretation_n be_v the_o more_o remarkable_a by_o reason_n of_o the_o geber_n hebrew_n word_n which_o we_o here_o translate_v man._n it_o denote_v not_o bare_o one_o of_o the_o male_a kind_n in_o contradistinction_n to_o one_o of_o the_o other_o sex_n but_o it_o proper_o signify_v a_o man_n of_o power_n and_o may_v and_o so_o it_o be_v fit_o apply_v to_o the_o messiah_n who_o be_v omnipotent_a yea_o the_o ancient_a jew_n as_o abarbinel_n one_o of_o their_o own_o rabbin_n miscel._n testify_v understand_v by_o this_o word_n here_o god_n himself_o to_o who_o power_n more_o peculiarly_a and_o eminent_o belong_v it_o be_v no_o wonder_n therefore_o that_o the_o father_n of_o the_o church_n general_o interpret_v this_o place_n of_o the_o virgin_n mary_n bear_v christ_n in_o her_o womb_n in_o which_o he_o may_v proper_o be_v say_v to_o be_v encompass_v and_o enfold_v by_o she_o this_o be_v a_o new_a thing_n indeed_o there_o never_o be_v the_o like_o before_o nor_o shall_v ever_o be_v afterward_o and_o therefore_o a_o place_n worthy_a writer_n be_v here_o to_o be_v blame_v who_o unadvised_o say_v the_o jew_n may_v just_o laugh_v at_o this_o interpretation_n the_o delivery_n and_o birth_n of_o the_o messiah_n thus_o shut_v up_o in_o the_o womb_n be_v express_o foretell_v in_o isa._n 9_o 6._o to_o we_o a_o child_n be_v bear_v to_o we_o a_o son_n be_v give_v and_o the_o government_n shall_v be_v upon_o his_o shoulder_n it_o be_v true_a some_o of_o the_o jew_n say_v hez●kiah_n be_v speak_v of_o here_o but_o they_o be_v confute_v hence_o that_o the_o epithet_n here_o
the_o wing_a foot_n but_o the_o reason_n assign_v in_o the_o history_n why_o st._n paul_n be_v take_v for_o mercury_n be_v because_o he_o be_v so_o excellent_a a_o speaker_n barnabas_n say_v little_a or_o nothing_o and_o so_o pass_v with_o they_o for_o grave_a jupiter_n who_o have_v his_o interpreter_n and_o this_o be_v st._n paul_n he_o be_v mercurius_n a_o good_a spokesman_n indeed_o one_o of_o a_o admirable_a tongue_n that_o can_v persuade_v the_o lame_a to_o walk_v and_o a_o cripple_n to_o use_v his_o foot_n however_o these_o ignorant_a heathen_n be_v mistake_v as_o to_o their_o make_v god_n of_o man_n yet_o in_o the_o main_a they_o be_v in_o the_o right_n viz._n that_o that_o miraculous_a healing_n argue_v divinity_n and_o that_o none_o can_v do_v such_o thing_n but_o those_o who_o be_v authorize_v by_o heaven_n and_o as_o this_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o mankind_n so_o indeed_o it_o must_v be_v thus_o in_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o for_o what_o be_v above_o create_v power_n proceed_v from_o god_n and_o what_o be_v from_o he_o be_v to_o some_o great_a end_n and_o purpose_n worthy_a of_o he_o thus_o miracle_n exceed_v the_o power_n of_o nature_n be_v the_o attestation_n of_o god_n himself_o and_o be_v design_v to_o evidence_n that_o truth_n and_o to_o authorise_v that_o doctrine_n which_o be_v from_o god_n which_o be_v very_o great_a and_o excellent_a end_n and_o become_v the_o author_n of_o they_o according_o the_o miracle_n which_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n wrought_v be_v intend_v to_o confirm_v and_o establish_v the_o gospel_n which_o they_o preach_v and_o to_o demonstrate_v to_o the_o world_n that_o that_o gospel_n be_v true_a for_o god_n will_v not_o throw_v away_o miracle_n much_o less_o will_v he_o use_v they_o to_o confirm_v a_o false_a doctrine_n we_o may_v be_v assure_v of_o this_o that_o god_n infinite_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n will_v not_o give_v up_o the_o world_n to_o such_o a_o unavoidable_a deceit_n as_o such_o a_o multitude_n of_o miracle_n will_v lead_v man_n into_o if_o they_o be_v use_v to_o attest_v a_o imposture_n to_o confirm_v a_o lie_n if_o i_o can_v know_v the_o messiah_n to_o be_v send_v of_o god_n when_o he_o raise_v the_o dead_a wrought_v all_o other_o sort_n of_o miracle_n and_o rise_v himself_o from_o the_o dead_a i_o have_v no_o possibility_n of_o know_v who_o speak_v from_o god_n or_o whether_o i_o be_o deceive_v or_o no_o or_o whether_o there_o be_v any_o truth_n and_o reality_n in_o thing_n or_o no._n this_o than_o we_o may_v build_v upon_o there_o be_v truth_n in_o the_o world_n miracle_n undeniable_o point_v we_o to_o it_o for_o they_o be_v a_o testimony_n from_o god_n they_o can_v attest_v falsehood_n but_o must_v necessary_o direct_v we_o to_o and_o confirm_v we_o in_o that_o which_o be_v true_a our_o christianity_n be_v found_v on_o miracle_n can_v but_o be_v of_o divine_a allowance_n it_o be_v impossible_a but_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v from_o god_n christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n can_v not_o have_v have_v power_n to_o work_v true_a miracle_n if_o their_o doctrine_n have_v not_o be_v true_a for_o god_n will_v not_o and_o can_v maintain_v a_o lie_n by_o a_o miracle_n for_o than_o he_o be_v no_o god_n we_o can_v then_o expect_v a_o more_o convince_a evidence_n of_o divine_a authority_n than_o this_o viz._n that_o our_o saviour_n speak_v great_a and_o excellent_a thing_n and_o that_o he_o wrought_v miracle_n to_o confirm_v what_o he_o say_v what_o will_v you_o have_v more_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o he_o shall_v confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o doctrine_n by_o his_o miracle_n and_o now_o they_o be_v wrought_v there_o be_v a_o necessity_n in_o order_n to_o our_o be_v christian_n that_o we_o hearty_o believe_v they_o i_o say_v miracle_n be_v necessary_a for_o confirm_v the_o gospel_n because_o the_o gospel_n be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o thing_n new_a and_o unheard_a of_o as_o you_o may_v remember_v the_o complaint_n of_o the_o athenian_a philosopher_n against_o st._n paul_n be_v that_o he_o deliver_v a_o new_a doctrine_n and_o bring_v strange_a thing_n to_o their_o ear_n act_n 17._o 19_o 20._o they_o be_v long_o accustom_v to_o other_o notion_n and_o so_o there_o be_v a_o vast_a prejudice_n on_o their_o mind_n wherefore_o miracle_n be_v necessary_a to_o gain_v credit_n to_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o to_o bring_v they_o off_o effectual_o from_o their_o former_a sentiment_n again_o many_o thing_n in_o the_o gospel_n be_v above_o the_o flight_n of_o humane_a reason_n and_o on_o that_o account_n be_v not_o easy_o entertain_v which_o make_v it_o requisite_a that_o they_o shall_v be_v declare_v to_o be_v true_a by_o extraordinary_a sign_n and_o wonder_n likewise_o because_o the_o person_n who_o preach_v and_o profess_v the_o christian_a religion_n be_v poor_a inconsiderable_a man_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o they_o shall_v bring_v credential_n from_o god_n to_o attest_v what_o they_o deliver_v when_o they_o show_v this_o seal_n this_o broad_a seal_n of_o heaven_n none_o can_v question_v their_o commission_n beside_o the_o world_n be_v then_o full_a of_o idolatry_n and_o false_a religion_n which_o can_v not_o be_v root_v out_o but_o by_o such_o a_o strange_a and_o unusual_a way_n as_o this_o viz._n the_o work_n of_o mighty_a sign_n and_o miracle_n even_o such_o as_o outvie_v the_o power_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o prank_n of_o magician_n last_o the_o mosaic_a law_n and_o oeconomy_n have_v be_v before_o establish_v by_o miracle_n it_o be_v neeessary_a that_o the_o evangelical_n law_n and_o dispensation_n shall_v be_v attest_v in_o the_o like_a manner_n god_n himself_o have_v constitute_v several_a thing_n before_o which_o now_o be_v take_v away_o by_o christ_n therefore_o he_o take_v they_o away_o aught_o to_o show_v his_o authority_n which_o he_o do_v by_o work_v of_o uncontrollable_a miracle_n and_o to_o show_v that_o the_o law_n be_v to_o give_v place_n to_o the_o gospel_n he_o and_o his_o follower_n wrought_v far_o great_a miracle_n than_o any_o that_o be_v do_v before_o to_o attest_v the_o mosaic_a religion_n therefore_o he_o tell_v the_o jew_n that_o he_o do_v among_o they_o the_o work_n which_o none_o other_o man_n do_v john_n 15._o 24._o and_o as_o they_o be_v great_a so_o they_o be_v more_o in_o number_n than_o those_o of_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n which_o be_v also_o necessary_a to_o take_v away_o all_o scruple_n from_o man_n mind_n and_o to_o beget_v in_o they_o a_o hearty_a and_o full_a belief_n of_o christ_n doctrine_n for_o this_o be_v the_o end_n of_o their_o be_v wrought_v viz._n to_o confirm_v the_o belief_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o to_o ascertain_v man_n even_o we_o at_o this_o day_n that_o god_n himself_o bear_v witness_v to_o what_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n deliver_v the_o use_n of_o these_o miracle_n i_o say_v extend_v to_o we_o and_o to_o all_o age_n of_o the_o church_n though_o we_o see_v they_o not_o yet_o their_o virtue_n come_v down_o to_o we_o all_o the_o miracle_n do_v by_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v as_o forcible_a and_o convince_a now_o as_o if_o they_o be_v do_v in_o our_o day_n they_o be_v still_o and_o ever_o will_v be_v a_o infallible_a proof_n evidence_n and_o demonstration_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n to_o shut_v up_o this_o head_n if_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v found_v on_o the_o mighty_a miracle_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o his_o apostle_n the_o scripture_n be_v true_a and_o our_o religion_n be_v true_a but_o if_o these_o be_v not_o take_v notice_n to_o confound_v the_o folly_n and_o sottishness_n of_o such_o supposer_n it_o be_v the_o great_a miracle_n of_o all_o if_o i_o may_v so_o say_v that_o christianity_n be_v receive_v and_o believe_v without_o miracle_n so_o much_o concern_v the_o divine_a testimony_n of_o miracle_n chap._n xvii_o the_o wonderful_a prevail_a and_o spread_v of_o christianity_n another_o proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o some_o of_o the_o learnede_a and_o wise_a jew_n convert_v to_o christianity_n a_o catalogue_n of_o know_v and_o learned_a pagan_n in_o the_o five_o first_o century_n that_o abandon_v gentilism_n and_o embrace_v the_o christian_a religion_n remarkable_a instance_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o christian_a truth_n the_o virtue_n of_o the_o gospel_n far_o exceed_v that_o of_o philosophy_n example_n of_o great_a and_o rich_a man_n convert_v to_o the_o christian_a faith_n this_o prevail_v against_o the_o rage_n of_o the_o most_o powerful_a persecutor_n the_o more_o the_o gospel_n be_v oppress_v the_o more_o it_o flourish_v and_o prosper_v in_o all_o nation_n example_n of_o god_n remarkable_a judgement_n on_o the_o enemy_n of_o christianity_n especial_o on_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o jew_n this_o latter_a insist_v upon_o and_o show_v to_o be_v a_o argument_n of_o
the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n particular_a inference_n from_o this_o part_n of_o the_o discourse_n viz._n 1._o assent_v to_o the_o christian_a religion_n 2._o assert_v and_o defend_v it_o more_o general_a inference_n from_o the_o whole_a christian_a dispensation_n be_v such_o as_o these_o 1._o admire_v the_o transcendent_a excellency_n of_o it_o 2._o be_v thankful_a for_o it_o 3._o learn_v hence_o our_o great_a obligation_n to_o holiness_n and_o strictness_n of_o life_n this_o enlarge_v upon_o 4._o if_o we_o live_v not_o suitable_o to_o this_o dispensation_n our_o doom_n will_v be_v more_o intolerable_a than_o that_o of_o other_o under_o the_o forego_n o●conomies_n it_o appear_v from_o the_o general_a behaviour_n of_o man_n that_o this_o be_v not_o think_v of_o 5._o we_o be_v to_o look_v upon_o this_o as_o the_o last_o dispensation_n this_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o eph._n 1._o 10._o which_o word_n be_v full_o expound_v this_o be_v infer_v from_o the_o gospel_n be_v call_v the_o 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st._n cyprian_n and_o lo_o in_o this_o time_n the_o church_n have_v spread_v out_o her_o branch_n wide_a than_o the_o roman_a empire_n at_o last_o christ_n gospel_n break_v in_o piece_n gentilism_n and_o within_o much_o less_o than_o a_o century_n cast_v the_o empire_n into_o the_o lap_n of_o the_o church_n this_o quick_a advance_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n this_o strange_a progress_n and_o success_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n proclaim_v it_o to_o be_v from_o god_n and_o he_o alone_o this_o wonderful_a increase_n of_o christianity_n in_o so_o short_a a_o time_n be_v signify_v in_o our_o saviour_n parable_n in_o the_o 13_o of_o st._n matthew_n where_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v compare_v to_o a_o grain_n of_o mustardseed_n which_o increase_v to_o a_o tree_n in_o a_o short_a time_n so_o the_o gospel_n at_o first_o be_v little_a and_o mean_a a_o few_o contemptible_a man_n come_v to_o christ_n and_o own_v his_o doctrine_n but_o their_o number_n grow_v great_a and_o great_a and_o in_o few_o year_n the_o christian_a religion_n spread_v itself_o over_o the_o world_n and_o all_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o earth_n in_o the_o same_o chapter_n the_o gospel_n be_v compare_v to_o leaven_v which_o spread_v itself_o through_o the_o whole_a mass_n so_o the_o evangelical_n doctrine_n diffuse_v itself_o of_o a_o sudden_a and_o be_v see_v to_o be_v dilate_v into_o a_o very_a spacious_a circumference_n in_o a_o little_a time_n christianity_n so_o overran_a the_o empire_n that_o those_o who_o before_o be_v name_v ethnic_n and_o gentile_n be_v now_o call_v pagan_n because_o they_o live_v in_o poor_a country_n town_n only_o the_o infidel_n be_v now_o but_o few_o and_o of_o mean_a quality_n the_o chief_a city_n and_o town_n be_v fill_v with_o those_o that_o profess_v the_o christian_a religion_n though_o as_o be_v say_v the_o country_n be_v not_o leave_v empty_a of_o they_o but_o by_o what_o mean_n be_v this_o do_v be_v it_o by_o deep_a policy_n or_o mighty_a force_n no._n christianity_n prevail_v not_o as_o mahomet_n sect_n do_v that_o get_v up_o by_o military_a success_n by_o sword_n and_o war_n and_o force_v of_o arms._n but_o the_o christian_n never_o strike_v one_o stroke_n for_o their_o cause_n unless_o you_o reckon_v that_o of_o st._n peter_n when_o he_o cut_v off_o the_o high_a priest_n servant_n ear_n but_o then_o he_o be_v command_v by_o his_o master_n to_o put_v up_o his_o weapon_n and_o they_o never_o draw_v it_o afterward_o christianity_n be_v not_o acquaint_v with_o martial_a discipline_n and_o the_o law_n of_o arm_n there_o be_v no_o use_n of_o these_o harsh_a method_n in_o the_o propagate_a of_o it_o again_o mahometism_n prevail_v in_o a_o rude_a and_o illiterate_a nation_n that_o impostor_n be_v witty_a and_o know_v how_o to_o cajole_v the_o ignorant_a people_n but_o christianity_n grow_v up_o in_o the_o most_o civilise_a part_n of_o the_o world_n where_o there_o be_v the_o great_a knowledge_n and_o the_o most_o art_n and_o we_o have_v example_n of_o the_o profound_a philosopher_n and_o sage_n that_o embrace_v the_o christian_a faith_n i_o wave_v the_o mention_v of_o other_o beside_o mahomet_n who_o have_v a_o martial_a or_o a_o politic_a spirit_n to_o help_v they_o in_o their_o erterprise_n and_o to_o carry_v on_o their_o design_n i_o only_o observe_v to_o you_o the_o marvellous_a power_n and_o prevalency_n of_o christianity_n which_o be_v see_v in_o this_o that_o though_o it_o make_v no_o use_n of_o these_o mean_n yet_o it_o daily_o increase_v and_o be_v every_o where_o propagate_v from_o low_a and_o mean_a beginning_n it_o grow_v up_o to_o a_o vast_a proportion_n and_o at_o length_n it_o arrive_v to_o the_o sway_n and_o sovereignty_n over_o the_o great_a kingdom_n here_o i_o will_v insist_v on_o these_o two_o head_n 1._o that_o in_o the_o propagate_a of_o christianity_n the_o ignorant_a prevail_v against_o the_o learned_a and_o wise._n 2._o that_o the_o weak_a prevail_v against_o the_o strong_a and_o powerful_a both_o which_o be_v no_o mean_a argument_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n first_o the_o ignorant_a prevail_v against_o the_o wise._n for_o what_o be_v the_o apostle_n be_v they_o any_o other_o than_o ignorant_a and_o unlearned_a simple_a rude_a man_n not_o breed_v up_o in_o the_o school_n of_o learning_n not_o acquaint_v with_o art_n and_o science_n whole_o stranger_n to_o philosophy_n and_o the_o fashionable_a learning_n of_o those_o day_n what_o be_v the_o apostle_n but_o poor_a despicable_a mechanic_n who_o know_v nothing_o but_o their_o sorry_a boat_n and_o homely_a cottage_n and_o what_o be_v the_o man_n that_o these_o illiterate_a person_n oppose_v they_o be_v the_o learned_a doctor_n and_o rabbin_n the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n who_o be_v the_o wise_a clerk_n and_o scholar_n among_o the_o jew_n yet_o we_o read_v that_o some_o of_o these_o know_a man_n attend_v to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n preach_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n some_o of_o these_o own_a christ_n and_o christianity_n when_o jesus_n be_v present_v in_o the_o temple_n simeon_n a_o grave_a and_o reverend_a person_n one_o of_o singular_a wisdom_n and_o sanctity_n among_o the_o jew_n acknowledge_v he_o public_o to_o be_v the_o messiah_n and_o saviour_n foretell_v also_o many_o thing_n of_o he_o christianity_n be_v favour_v by_o joseph_n of_o arimathea_n a_o wise_a counsellor_n by_o nicodemus_n a_o doctor_n of_o the_o jewish_a law_n and_o afterward_o by_o gamaliel_n another_o learned_a doctor_n of_o the_o law_n who_o by_o the_o 34._o advice_n he_o give_v may_v be_v think_v to_o have_v be_v a_o friend_n of_o christianity_n saul_n a_o man_n of_o great_a learning_n and_o ability_n bring_v up_o at_o the_o foot_n of_o this_o or_o another_o gamaliel_n and_o apollo_n of_o alexandria_n very_o know_v and_o powerful_a in_o the_o scripture_n be_v convert_v to_o christianity_n and_o submit_v themselves_o to_o
the_o faith_n of_o christ._n so_o in_o the_o next_o age_n although_o the_o jew_n out_o of_o malice_n and_o hatred_n to_o christianity_n as_o tryph._n one_o tell_v they_o to_o their_o face_n send_v out_o their_o emissary_n and_o those_o of_o no_o mean_a ability_n into_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n to_o persuade_v people_n against_o that_o religion_n and_o to_o make_v they_o believe_v that_o the_o professor_n of_o it_o be_v guilty_a of_o atheism_n and_o all_o impiety_n yet_o this_o have_v but_o little_a effect_n upon_o they_o and_o several_a man_n of_o good_a understanding_n and_o knowledge_n embrace_v the_o christian_a faith_n and_o live_v and_o die_v in_o it_o and_o as_o some_o of_o the_o learnede_a jew_n be_v convert_v by_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o they_o once_o count_v foolishness_n so_o among_o the_o gentile_n some_o of_o the_o wise_a philosopher_n and_o witty_a orator_n and_o skilfule_a artist_n for_o the_o art_n as_o well_o as_o empire_n be_v at_o their_o height_n when_o the_o gospel_n appear_v when_o christ_n come_v acknowledge_v the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n and_o hearty_o espouse_v it_o these_o man_n who_o be_v of_o considerable_a learning_n and_o part_n quit_v their_o belove_a sentiment_n and_o principle_n and_o free_o embrace_v the_o evangelical_n doctrine_n the_o early_a trophy_n of_o the_o victorious_a gospel_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n among_o the_o learned_a pagan_n be_v such_o as_o these_o luke_n the_o physician_n zenas_n a_o learned_a 13._o advocate_n of_o the_o civil_a law_n for_o he_o be_v no_o scribe_n or_o doctor_n of_o the_o jewish_a law_n who_o in_o other_o place_n be_v indeed_o style_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d but_o as_o our_o own_o learned_a annotatour_n have_v make_v it_o probable_a he_o be_v one_o that_o practise_v the_o primitive_a roman_a law_n which_o prevail_v not_o only_o at_o rome_n but_o in_o all_o place_n which_o be_v under_o the_o command_n of_o the_o emperor_n likewise_o a_o vast_a number_n of_o learned_a man_n at_o ephesus_n 19_o who_o be_v professor_n of_o curious_a art_n but_o be_v convert_v forthwith_o commit_v their_o book_n to_o the_o flame_n although_o they_o be_v value_v to_o be_v worth_a fifty_o thousand_o piece_n of_o silver_n dionysius_n the_o ar●opagite_n i._n e._n a_o learned_a philosopher_n and_o a_o celebrate_a judge_n in_o the_o high_a court_n of_o judicature_n at_o athens_n be_v 34._o bring_v to_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n by_o st._n paul_n preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n there_o and_o as_o ecclesiastical_a writer_n report_v be_v make_v the_o first_o bishop_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n at_o athens_n the_o famous_a polycarp_n bid_v adieu_o to_o his_o pagan_a rite_n and_o resolute_o admit_v himself_o a_o disciple_n under_o st._n john_n and_o afterward_o be_v deserve_o constitute_v bishop_n of_o smyrna_n with_o he_o i_o may_v rank_a ignatius_n who_o abandon_v his_o former_a persuasion_n and_o embrace_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o crucify_a jesus_n and_o afterward_o arrive_v to_o the_o episcopal_a chair_n at_o antioch_n who_o ancient_a and_o godly_a epistle_n be_v of_o great_a note_n and_o eminency_n in_o the_o church_n and_o have_v be_v just_o vindicate_v by_o one_o of_o our_o learned_a prelate_n some_o will_v rank_v here_o clement_a the_o roman_n who_o become_v a_o convert_n to_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o manful_o undertake_v the_o defence_n of_o christianity_n and_o have_v leave_v we_o many_o noble_a discovery_n of_o primitive_a action_n especial_o that_o rare_a piece_n of_o st._n peter_n life_n who_o have_v not_o hear_v of_o irenaeus_n for_o now_o i_o will_v step_v into_o the_o second_o century_n that_o most_o eminent_a and_o note_a enquirer_n after_o truth_n who_o submit_v at_o last_o to_o that_o of_o the_o gospel_n and_o make_v it_o his_o particular_a employment_n to_o rehearse_v and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n to_o confute_v the_o several_a heretic_n that_o confront_v any_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a belief_n aristides_n a_o eloquent_a philosopher_n of_o athens_n change_v his_o religion_n and_o present_v a_o apology_n for_o the_o christian_n to_o the_o emperor_n adrian_n athenagoras_n another_o excellent_a athenian_a philosopher_n and_o famous_a for_o all_o sort_n of_o heathen_a learning_n must_v not_o be_v omit_v here_o who_o bid_v adieu_n to_o his_o former_a heathenish_a life_n and_o institution_n undaunted_o maintain_v that_o of_o the_o christian_n theophilus_n of_o a●tioch_n be_v another_o convert_a philosopher_n and_o so_o be_v tatianus_n who_o when_o he_o have_v abandon_v the_o pagan_a religion_n write_v a_o excellent_a orationagainst_a the_o greek_n wherein_o he_o apologise_v for_o christianity_n and_o confute_v heathenism_n though_o he_o mingle_v some_o error_n with_o his_o doctrine_n afterward_o pantanus_n who_o be_v afterward_o catechist_n at_o alexandria_n be_v a_o christian_a convert_n from_o the_o stoic_a philosophy_n i_o must_v by_o no_o mean_n forget_v clement_n the_o great_a philosopher_n of_o alexandria_n who_o be_v convert_v to_o christianity_n endeavour_v by_o his_o write_n to_o promote_v that_o cause_n and_o according_o put_v forth_o a_o 〈◊〉_d exhortatory_n oration_n to_o the_o gentile_n wherein_o he_o discover_v the_o folly_n and_o falsehood_n of_o paganism_n and_o earnest_o persuade_v they_o to_o embrace_v christianity_n and_o he_o write_v a_o body_n 〈◊〉_d of_o christian_a ethic_n in_o which_o he_o inform_v the_o manner_n of_o a_o new_o convert_v christian_n and_o he_o add_v 〈◊〉_d another_o treatise_n full_a of_o variety_n of_o matter_n make_v out_o of_o diverse_a author_n sacred_a and_o profane_a wherein_o he_o suppose_v the_o convert_v arrive_v to_o some_o perfection_n and_o therefore_o lay_v he_o down_o great_a and_o high_a rule_n with_o this_o worthy_a convert_n i_o will_v rank_a justin_n who_o as_o tryph._n he_o tell_v we_o himself_o have_v run_v through_o all_o the_o family_n and_o sect_n of_o philosophy_n have_v be_v first_o a_o stoic_a than_o a_o disciple_n of_o the_o peripatetic_n afterward_o a_o pythagorean_n and_o pitch_v at_o length_n upon_o platonism_n and_o become_v a_o profess_a assertour_n of_o it_o a_o long_a time_n but_o at_o last_o a_o ancient_a christian●_n man_n he_o say_v meet_v he_o as_o he_o be_v walk_v by_o the_o seaside_n and_o give_v he_o some_o account_n of_o christianity_n from_o which_o time_n he_o have_v a_o fire_n kindle_v in_o his_o breast_n he_o feel_v a_o love_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n and_o follower_n of_o christ_n and_o serious_o reflect_v on_o that_o man_n discourse_n he_o find_v after_o all_o his_o tedious_a search_n and_o the_o long_a risque_n of_o philosophy_n which_o he_o have_v run_v that_o christianity_n dialog_n be_v the_o only_a safe_a and_o useful_a philosophy_n here_o he_o find_v certainty_n and_o profit_n which_o two_o thing_n he_o never_o meet_v with_o before_o hereupon_o he_o be_v studious_a to_o advance_v the_o christian_a religion_n and_o to_o that_o end_n write_v and_o admonitory_a piece_n to_o the_o greek_n against_o gentilism_n and_o two_o incomparable_a apology_n for_o christianity_n with_o a_o defence_n likewise_o of_o it_o against_o judaism_n in_o a_o dialogue_n with_o one_o trypho_n a_o jew_n and_o at_o last_o suffer_v death_n for_o the_o christian_a cause_n and_o thence_o just_o purchase_v the_o surname_n of_o martyr_n but_o i_o will_v pass_v to_o the_o three_o century_n and_o there_o mention_v cyprian_a who_o be_v convert_v from_o paganism_n and_o afterward_o be_v make_v bishop_n of_o carthage_n he_o become_v the_o most_o zealous_a assertour_n of_o christianity_n and_o in_o his_o write_n acquit_v himself_o with_o so_o great_a a_o courage_n as_o can_v never_o be_v express_v he_o manful_o wield_v his_o pen_n against_o the_o n●vatians_n and_o against_o apostate_n from_o christianity_n in_o time_n of_o persecution_n he_o suffer_v much_o and_o at_o last_o be_v honour_v with_o the_o crown_n of_o martyrdom_n i_o must_v add_v tertullian_n a_o native_a of_o africa_n who_o of_o a_o civil_a lawyer_n commence_v a_o solid_a advocate_n and_o maintainer_n of_o christianity_n this_o be_v that_o tertullianus_n according_a to_o some_o who_o be_v mention_v in_o the_o digest_v and_o have_v some_o consulta_fw-la of_o his_o set_n down_o there_o and_o indeed_o he_o that_o observe_v his_o stile_n shall_v find_v many_o law-term_n as_o his_o prescription_n against_o heretic_n etc._n etc._n which_o be_v borrow_v from_o the_o civilian_n or_o old_a roman_a lawyer_n though_o i_o know_v the_o learned_a grotius_n of_o the_o same_o faculty_n deny_v it_o utter_o but_o against_o grotius_n i_o set_v eusebius_n who_o tell_v we_o that_o tertullian_n 2._o be_v most_o accurate_o skilled_a in_o the_o roman_a law_n and_o then_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o he_o use_v several_a forensick_a word_n and_o particular_o prescription_n which_o as_o we_o learn_v from_o quintilian_n ulpian_n and_o the_o pandect_n be_v the_o defendant_n reply_v to_o the_o plaintiff_n action_n beside_o it_o may_v be_v
and_o when_o there_o be_v a_o contradiction_n involve_v in_o the_o matter_n otherwise_o so_o here_o be_v a_o moral_a impossibility_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v otherwise_o take_v all_o thing_n together_o and_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a but_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v thus_o and_o the_o contrary_n imply_v a_o contradiction_n to_o sense_n reason_n and_o scripture_n i_o shall_v now_o proceed_v to_o the_o last_o thing_n i_o propound_v to_o speak_v of_o viz._n the_o degree_n of_o the_o evangelical_n dispensation_n but_o this_o b●ing_n the_o administration_n which_o be_v peculiar_o we_o and_o wherein_o we_o be_v most_o concern_v i_o will_v before_o i_o go_v any_o further_a offer_v such_o rational_a deduction_n to_o you_o as_o this_o part_n of_o our_o discourse_n natural_o afford_v 1._o assent_v to_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o be_v a_o very_a reasonable_a inference_n for_o assent_v or_o belief_n natural_o follow_v on_o the_o clearness_n of_o evidence_n and_o the_o more_o clear_a and_o 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may_v believe_v those_o that_o best_o understand_v they_o be_v mix_v with_o uncertainty_n and_o falsehood_n there_o be_v fallacy_n and_o paralogism_n in_o geometry_n all_o be_v not_o plain_o downright_a demonstration_n as_o appear_v from_o the_o quarrel_n and_o contest_v among_o mathematician_n themselves_o but_o divinity_n be_v true_o a_o science_n and_o surpass_v all_o other_o because_o the_o ground_n of_o it_o be_v supernatural_a light_n and_o the_o very_a testimony_n of_o god_n himself_o particular_o the_o article_n of_o christianity_n be_v found_v on_o divine_a revelation_n and_o therefore_o be_v unquestionable_a the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v build_v on_o this_o rock_n this_o stable_a and_o impregnable_a rock_n the_o foundation_n of_o god_n stand_v sure_a it_o continue_v the_o same_o and_o can_v be_v move_v christian_n theology_n be_v found_v on_o a_o sure_a bottom_n christ_n jesus_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o who_o be_v himself_o god_fw-we have_v fix_v it_o heaven_n and_o earth_n shall_v pass_v away_o but_o this_o word_n shall_v not_o pass_v away_o with_o relation_n to_o this_o mr._n boyle_n treatise_n of_o the_o excellency_n of_o theology_n compare_v with_o natural_a philosophy_n be_v well_o worth_a our_o perusal_n that_o admirable_a person_n so_o well_o skilled_a in_o the_o study_n of_o physiologie_n show_v the_o preeminence_n of_o the_o study_n of_o divinity_n above_o it_o on_o this_o account_n that_o theological_a truth_n be_v evidence_v by_o divine_a testimony_n and_o therefore_o we_o may_v firm_o acquiesce_v in_o they_o and_o require_v no_o further_o or_o great_a proof_n as_o indeed_o there_o can_v be_v no_o great_a tho_o as_o i_o have_v show_v they_o be_v not_o destitute_a of_o other_o evidence_n the_o evangelical_n truth_n especial_o be_v the_o true_a theology_n that_o of_o plato_n and_o aristotle_n and_o other_o philosopher_n to_o which_o they_o be_v please_v to_o vouchsafe_v this_o name_n be_v but_o a_o sorry_a and_o ill_o contrive_v rhapsody_n therefore_o the_o christian_a church_n give_v the_o title_n of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o st._n john_n because_o he_o above_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o evangelist_n so_o express_o declare_v the_o divinity_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o noble_a and_o sublimest_n point_v of_o christianity_n and_o be_v matter_n of_o pure_a faith_n and_o divine_a revelation_n be_v convince_v then_o of_o the_o true_a ground_n of_o your_o christian_a belief_n of_o the_o solid_a foundation_n and_o undeniable_a evidence_n which_o christianity_n be_v build_v upon_o know_v this_o that_o god_n can_v not_o have_v do_v more_o for_o the_o beget_n of_o a_o strong_a faith_n and_o assurance_n 2._o assert_v and_o defend_v maintain_v and_o hold_v fast_o your_o religion_n and_o let_v nothing_o shake_v your_o faith_n and_o confidence_n indeed_o it_o be_v a_o wonder_n that_o such_o strong_a supporter_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n shall_v be_v strike_v at_o by_o any_o but_o so_o it_o be_v heretic_n jew_n and_o pagan_n of_o old_a and_o high-flown_a enthusiast_n deist_n atheist_n lewd_a and_o dissolute_a christian_n of_o late_a have_v endeavour_v to_o shake_v these_o foundation_n be_v you_o therefore_o the_o more_o zealous_a in_o the_o defence_n of_o christianity_n know_v that_o it_o be_v no_o shadow_n or_o phantom_n it_o depend_v not_o on_o imagination_n and_o conceit_n but_o be_v certain_o true_a beyond_o all_o the_o subtle_a evasion_n and_o subterfuge_n of_o sophister_n it_o be_v a_o excellency_n in_o a_o man_n life_n to_o be_v upon_o sure_a ground_n and_o consequent_o to_o know_v what_o to_o do_v you_o have_v this_o advantage_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n it_o be_v something_o which_o be_v certain_a and_o fix_a and_o therefore_o this_o shall_v make_v you_o constant_a in_o the_o profession_n and_o exercise_n of_o it_o this_o shall_v make_v you_o steady_a in_o your_o resolve_n and_o action_n your_o religion_n be_v so_o firm_a and_o certain_a you_o ought_v to_o stand_v to_o it_o and_o to_o suffer_v none_o to_o rob_v you_o of_o it_o but_o to_o part_v with_o all_o for_o it_o these_o be_v the_o two_o particular_a inference_n from_o this_o last_o thing_n i_o have_v discourse_v of_o viz._n the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n there_o be_v more_o general_a deduction_n to_o be_v make_v from_o the_o whole_a dispensation_n and_o they_o be_v these_o 1._o let_v we_o take_v notice_n of_o and_o admire_v the_o transcendent_a worth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n i_o have_v trace_v religion_n through_o all_o its_o several_a stage_n i_o have_v l●t_v you_o see_v the_o whole_a entire_a progress_n of_o it_o and_o you_o can_v but_o observe_v that_o all_o the_o former_a dispensation_n make_v way_n for_o this_o of_o christianity_n it_o must_v then_o be_v a_o very_a admirable_a thing_n to_o which_o all_o that_o go_v before_o in_o god_n own_o oeconomy_n be_v but_o a_o prelude_n a_o preface_n a_o preparative_a all_o before_o be_v but_o rude_a draught_n and_o imperfect_a model_n they_o be_v a_o foil_n only_o to_o set_v this_o off_o they_o be_v but_o as_o the_o dusky_a twilight_n to_o the_o bright_a day_n all_o that_o go_v before_o be_v but_o infancy_n and_o childhood_n this_o be_v manhood_n and_o full_a age._n this_o one_o consideration_n be_v sufficient_a to_o convince_v we_o of_o the_o greatness_n and_o majesty_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n under_o the_o gospel_n though_o the_o law_n which_o immediate_o precede_v it_o and_o be_v the_o choice_a of_o all_o the_o former_a dispensation_n have_v some_o lustre_n in_o it_o yet_o in_o comparison_n of_o the_o gospel_n it_o have_v none_o its_o glory_n vanish_v as_o the_o light_n of_o the_o star_n when_o the_o sun_n appear_v they_o see_v in_o a_o glass_n dark_o they_o have_v but_o short_a and_o dim_a representation_n of_o thing_n they_o have_v none_o of_o that_o clearness_n and_o certainty_n which_o we_o under_o the_o gospel_n have_v attain_v to_o notwithstanding_o what_o be_v say_v before_o that_o they_o have_v many_o way_n and_o rule_n to_o judge_n of_o true_a prophet_n by_o and_o to_o know_v they_o from_o false_a one_o yet_o this_o must_v be_v add_v that_o it_o be_v very_o difficult_a prophecy_n may_v be_v easy_o counterfeit_v fancy_n and_o imagination_n make_v strong_a impression_n and_o deceive_v many_o they_o frequent_o have_v delusive_a dream_n and_o vision_n in_o most_o of_o the_o difference_n between_o the_o true_a prophetic_a spirit_n and_o the_o enthusiastic_a imposture_n of_o pseudo-prophet_n as_o they_o be_v set_v down_o by_o the_o jewish_a writer_n i_o find_v little_a satisfaction_n nor_o can_v any_o one_o who_o look_v for_o rational_a and_o solid_a account_n but_o the_o prophecy_n and_o revelation_n under_o the_o evangelical_n dispensation_n be_v satisfactory_a and_o certain_a we_o have_v now_o a_o more_o sure_a word_n of_o prophecy_n the_o excellent_a discovery_n make_v to_o the_o world_n by_o the_o sacred_a oracle_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v
concern_v christ_n and_o his_o kingdom_n the_o seal_n be_v set_v upon_o they_o there_o be_v no_o other_o vision_n or_o prophecy_n of_o this_o nature_n to_o be_v look_v for_o afterward_o from_o all_o which_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o evangelical_n dispensation_n be_v the_o last_o of_o all_o we_o have_v now_o the_o perfect_a edition_n of_o god_n will_n and_o we_o must_v look_v after_o no_o other_o thus_o tertullian_n acquaint_v we_o that_o this_o be_v the_o great_a and_o prevail_a rule_n among_o the_o christian_n 8._o no_o more_o be_v ever_o to_o be_v believe_v by_o we_o than_o what_o be_v now_o deliver_v to_o we_o by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n we_o have_v all_o our_o belief_n give_v we_o god_n whole_a will_n be_v set_v down_o you_o see_v how_o divine_a providence_n have_v as_o it_o be_v go_v about_o in_o the_o several_a former_a age_n of_o the_o world_n it_o have_v be_v all_o along_o upon_o the_o reserve_n the_o time_n before_o christ_n be_v more_o or_o less_o move_a and_o grow_v 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the_o discovery_n of_o a_o unknown_a continent_n some_o new_a plantation_n in_o religion_n we_o must_v expect_v no_o columbus_n to_o discover_v new_a world_n and_o treasure_n to_o we_o of_o that_o kind_n our_o religion_n have_v be_v profess_v in_o the_o world_n very_o near_o seventeen_o century_n of_o year_n and_o it_o be_v still_o the_o same_o and_o will_v never_o be_v superannuated_a and_o out_o of_o date_n but_o will_v continue_v to_o the_o end_n of_o all_o thing_n for_o it_o be_v the_o top_n and_o flower_n the_o crown_n and_o perfection_n of_o all_o divine_a institution_n it_o be_v the_o most_o consummate_v administration_n of_o all_o that_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o for_o that_o reason_n it_o be_v the_o last_o revelation_n that_o god_n will_v make_v to_o mankind_n but_o although_o this_o be_v the_o last_o dispensation_n yet_o there_o be_v great_a variety_n in_o it_o which_o bring_v i_o to_o the_o next_o thing_n i_o propound_v chap._n xviii_o the_o several_a age_n of_o christianity_n it_o be_v in_o its_o infancy_n in_o our_o saviour_n time_n the_o apostle_n know_v little_a concern_v his_o suffering_n and_o his_o resurrection_n the_o effusion_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v but_o mean_a in_o respect_n of_o what_o it_o be_v afterward_o the_o church_n be_v in_o its_o childhood_n in_o the_o time_n immediate_o after_o our_o saviour_n there_o be_v no_o error_n and_o mistake_v in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n some_o necessary_a point_n of_o christianity_n deliver_v in_o the_o apostolical_a epistle_n that_o be_v not_o in_o the_o gospel_n and_o acts._n some_o relic_n of_o judaisme_n remain_v in_o the_o apostle_n time_n a_o explication_n of_o the_o decree_n of_o the_o council_n at_o jerusalem_n it_o be_v particular_o prove_v that_o the_o prohibition_n concern_v the_o eat_n of_o blood_n be_v not_o obligatory_a under_o the_o gospel_n yet_o in_o the_o first_o time_n of_o the_o church_n many_o observe_v it_o the_o difference_n of_o dispensation_n as_o to_o abstinence_n from_o some_o sort_n of_o food_n judaisme_n and_o christianity_n be_v mingle_v together_o in_o the_o primitive_a age_n a_o enumeration_n of_o several_a extraordinary_a gift_n that_o be_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n at_o first_o the_o youth_n or_o ripe_a year_n of_o christianity_n describe_v the_o cessation_n of_o extraordinary_a gift_n argue_v the_o progress_n and_o growth_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n miracle_n no_o part_n of_o this_o subordinate_a dispensation_n the_o non-appearance_n of_o angel_n be_v a_o proof_n of_o the_o improvement_n of_o christianity_n the_o usefulness_n and_o necessity_n of_o attend_v to_o the_o different_a administration_n of_o religion_n especial_o the_o christian._n the_o four_o and_o last_o thing_n i_o undertake_v be_v to_o show_v you_o the_o several_a degree_n of_o this_o evangelical_n oeconomy_n this_o gospel_n period_n which_o begin_v at_o christ_n come_v and_o continues_z to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n have_v four_o distinct_a partition_n which_o differ_v much_o from_o one_o another_o 1._o the_o primitive_a partition_n or_o period_n which_o be_v past_a 2._o the_o period_n ensue_v that_o which_o be_v now_o present_a and_o there_o be_v two_o period_n yet_o to_o come_v i_o may_v divide_v they_o according_a to_o the_o several_a age_n of_o man_n for_o there_o be_v as_o of_o man_n so_o of_o the_o christian_a religion_n four_o distinct_a age_n it_o have_v its_o infancy_n and_o childhood_n at_o christ_n first_o come_v and_o some_o year_n after_o its_o youth_n since_o that_o to_o the_o present_a time_n it_o shall_v have_v its_o manhood_n or_o full_a strength_n which_o be_v to_o come_v in_o a_o short_a time_n we_o hope_v and_o there_o shall_v be_v the_o old_a age_n or_o declension_n of_o religion_n a_o little_a before_o the_o world_n end_n i_o have_v not_o meet_v with_o any_o writer_n that_o have_v due_o observe_v this_o distinction_n in_o the_o gospel_n oeconomy_n the_o neglect_n of_o which_o have_v cause_v several_a ●alse_a notion_n about_o this_o last_o administration_n of_o religion_n but_o the_o inquisitive_a and_o thoughtful_a reader_n will_v find_v that_o these_o thing_n which_o i_o have_v suggest_v and_o shall_v now_o proceed_v to_o explain_v be_v absolute_o necessary_a for_o the_o frame_n of_o a_o right_a idea_n of_o the_o evangelical_n dispensation_n 1._o i_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o and_o tender_a year_n of_o christianity_n in_o which_o be_v comprehend_v 1._o the_o time_n when_o our_o saviour_n be_v on_o earth_n 2._o the_o time_n which_o immediate_o succeed_v that_o first_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o in_o the_o day_n of_o our_o saviour_n the_o christian_a church_n be_v in_o her_o infancy_n and_o minority_n and_o that_o she_o be_v not_o grow_v up_o to_o a_o sufficient_a knowledge_n and_o understanding_n when_o christ_n first_o preach_v concern_v the_o call_v and_o convert_v of_o the_o gentile_n luke_o 13._o 29._o mat._n 22._o 9_o 10._o his_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n understand_v not_o his_o meaning_n they_o know_v not_o that_o both_o gentile_n and_o jew_n shall_v be_v preach_v to_o under_o the_o evangelical_n dispensation_n and_o therefore_o afterward_o st._n peter_n be_v convince_v of_o it_o by_o no_o less_o than_o a_o particular_a revelation_n act_v 10._o 14._o even_o the_o apostle_n be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o spiritual_a kingdom_n of_o the_o messiah_n and_o look_v for_o a_o outward_o glorious_a and_o magnificent_a one_o when_o christ_n tell_v his_o disciple_n as_o he_o be_v on_o his_o journey_n with_o they_o to_o to_o jerusalem_n what_o grievous_a thing_n he_o be_v to_o suffer_v they_o notwithstanding_o this_o admonishment_n think_v he_o be_v go_v thither_o to_o be_v make_v king_n and_o the_o son_n of_o zebedee_n make_v their_o suit_n to_o he_o by_o their_o mother_n that_o they_o may_v have_v the_o first_o place_n in_o the_o kingdom_n which_o the_o other_o apostle_n take_v ill_o mat._n 20._o 20._o luke_n 19_o 11._o st._n peter_n the_o prime_a apostle_n be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o method_n of_o man_n redemption_n by_o the_o suffering_n and_o death_n of_o christ_n which_o appear_v from_o this_o that_o he_o will_v fain_o have_v prevail_v with_o he_o to_o spare_v himself_o and_o not_o to_o suffer_v at_o jerusalem_n mat._n 16._o 22._o and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v infect_v with_o the_o same_o common_a error_n and_o mistake_n they_o persuade_v themselves_o that_o they_o shall_v enjoy_v halcyon_n day_n and_o that_o their_o master_n shall_v be_v a_o very_a great_a earthly_a prince_n you_o read_v therefore_o in_o luke_n 18._o 31._o that_o when_o christ_n speak_v to_o they_o of_o his_o passion_n they_o be_v at_o a_o loss_n they_o understand_v none_o of_o these_o thing_n and_o this_o say_v be_v hide_v from_o they_o neither_o know_v they_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v speak_v ver_fw-la 34._o in_o so_o great_a darkness_n and_o ignorance_n be_v
the_o disciple_n for_o a_o time_n such_o prejudices_fw-la have_v they_o on_o their_o mind_n that_o they_o can_v not_o conceive_v the_o meaning_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o they_o dare_v not_o ask_v he_o concern_v those_o thing_n it_o be_v not_o as_o yet_o reveal_v to_o they_o by_o what_o mean_v the_o messiah_n be_v to_o deliver_v they_o they_o dream_v of_o a_o earthly_a kingdom_n as_o the_o blind_a jew_n at_o this_o day_n they_o promise_v themselves_o much_o temporal_a prosperity_n and_o grandeur_n in_o the_o world_n neither_o can_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n resurrection_n gain_v assent_n with_o they_o for_o we_o read_v that_o when_o he_o speak_v of_o it_o to_o the_o three_o apostle_n before_o who_o he_o be_v transfigure_v they_o question_v one_o with_o another_o what_o the_o rise_n from_o the_o dead_a shall_v mean_v mark_v 9_o 10._o and_o afterward_o when_o he_o tell_v the_o other_o apostle_n as_o well_o as_o these_o that_o he_o shall_v rise_v again_o the_o three_o day_n they_o understand_v not_o that_o say_n mark_v 9_o 31_o 32._o that_o our_o saviour_n friend_n believe_v not_o his_o resurrection_n appear_v from_o their_o dress_n his_o dead_a body_n with_o aromatic_a gum_n and_o spice_n which_o be_v design_v to_o preserve_v it_o it_o have_v be_v vain_a to_o use_v these_o glutinous_a gum_n and_o perfume_n if_o they_o think_v he_o be_v in_o a_o short_a time_n to_o rise_v again_o and_o when_o he_o be_v rise_v they_o will_v not_o believe_v it_o as_o appear_v too_o plain_o from_o that_o speech_n of_o cleophas_n one_o of_o those_o who_o jesus_n talk_v with_o present_o after_o his_o resurrection_n though_o then_o he_o pass_v incognito_o we_o trust_v say_v he_o that_o it_o have_v be_v he_o who_o shall_v have_v redeem_v israel_n luke_n 24._o 21._o still_o he_o doubt_v though_o he_o have_v hear_v of_o the_o lord_n resurrection_n in_o say_v we_o trust_v he_o discover_v his_o distrust_n and_o imply_v that_o jesus_n can_v not_o be_v the_o messiah_n who_o be_v to_o redeem_v israel_n though_o the_o apostle_n be_v certify_v of_o christ_n resurrection_n by_o those_o that_o see_v he_o yet_o their_o word_n seem_v to_o they_o as_o idle_a tale_n luke_o 24._o 11._o and_o they_o will_v not_o be_v persuade_v till_o they_o themselves_o see_v christ_n among_o they_o nor_o do_v they_o know_v that_o he_o be_v to_o ascend_v for_o just_a before_o he_o leave_v they_o they_o put_v this_o question_n to_o he_o will_v thou_o at_o this_o time_n restore_v the_o kingdom_n to_o israel_n act_n 1._o 6._o will_v thou_o repair_v the_o jewish_a state_n and_o recover_v its_o pristine_a splendour_n yea_o raise_v it_o to_o a_o high_a dignity_n than_o ever_o it_o arrive_v to_o as_o we_o expect_v shall_v be_v do_v by_o the_o messiah_n so_o likewise_o it_o may_v be_v prove_v that_o some_o of_o they_o be_v in_o a_o error_n about_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n for_o they_o believe_v it_o will_v be_v about_o that_o time_n by_o these_o and_o other_o instance_n their_o ignorance_n and_o mistake_n be_v apparent_o discover_v they_o have_v very_o false_a apprehension_n and_o conception_n of_o thing_n and_o some_o of_o the_o chief_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a belief_n be_v not_o credit_v by_o they_o here_o i_o may_v add_v that_o in_o our_o bless_a saviour_n time_n there_o be_v not_o such_o a_o effusion_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n as_o there_o be_v afterward_o john_n 7._o 35._o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v not_o yet_o give_v because_o that_o jesus_n be_v not_o yet_o glorify_v for_o this_o reason_n several_a thing_n be_v not_o disclose_v to_o they_o but_o be_v reserve_v till_o a_o further_a communication_n of_o the_o spirit_n for_o though_o christ_n have_v say_v all_o thing_n which_o i_o have_v hear_v of_o my_o father_n i_o have_v make_v know_v unto_o you_o yet_o he_o add_v i_o have_v yet_o many_o thing_n to_o say_v unto_o you_o but_o you_o can_v hear_v they_o now_o howbeit_o when_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n be_v come_v he_o will_v guide_v you_o into_o all_o truth_n john_n 16._o 12_o 13._o as_o much_o as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v there_o be_v no_o new_a truth_n or_o other_o doctrine_n to_o be_v preach_v to_o you_o than_o what_o you_o have_v receive_v from_o i_o already_o but_o the_o time_n be_v come_v when_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o great_a manifestation_n of_o those_o thing_n to_o you_o though_o the_o truth_n as_o to_o the_o main_n shall_v be_v the_o same_o yet_o your_o understanding_n and_o capacity_n shall_v be_v great_a you_o shall_v then_o comprehend_v those_o matter_n which_o before_o you_o can_v not_o as_o the_o call_n of_o the_o gentile_n the_o spiritual_a kingdom_n of_o the_o messiah_n etc._n etc._n and_o moreover_o the_o holy_a spirit_n shall_v increase_v your_o love_n and_o zeal_n to_o god_n and_o all_o truth_n so_o that_o you_o shall_v be_v enable_v not_o only_o to_o preach_v it_o to_o all_o nation_n but_o undaunted_o to_o suffer_v persecution_n and_o even_o to_o lay_v down_o your_o life_n in_o the_o defence_n of_o it_o by_o this_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o christianity_n be_v reveal_v by_o degree_n as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o former_a dispensation_n of_o religion_n their_o knowledge_n in_o the_o christian_a institution_n be_v gradual_a they_o be_v not_o to_o know_v all_o together_o neither_o be_v their_o zeal_n and_o courage_n of_o the_o same_o proportion_n that_o they_o be_v afterward_o second_o in_o the_o time_n and_o age_n immediate_o succeed_v our_o saviour_n be_v upon_o earth_n the_o church_n be_v but_o yet_o in_o its_o childhood_n and_o state_n of_o infirmity_n it_o be_v true_a they_o be_v much_o increase_v and_o advance_v in_o their_o knowledge_n of_o spiritual_a truth_n this_o be_v the_o accomplishment_n of_o our_o saviour_n promise_n as_o well_o as_o prediction_n that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n shall_v guide_v they_o into_o all_o truth_n by_o a_o more_o immediate_a and_o special_a direction_n of_o this_o holy_a guide_n the_o evangelist_n and_o apostle_n indict_v and_o pen_v the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o error_n and_o mistake_v in_o they_o of_o any_o kind_n therefore_o what_o a_o 〈◊〉_d learned_a writer_n say_v on_o 1_o cor._n 15._o 51._o and_o 2_o pet._n 3._o 11._o and_o other_o place_n in_o st._n paul_n and_o st._n peter_n epistle_n viz._n that_o these_o apostle_n very_o believe_v the_o day_n of_o judgement_n be_v at_o hand_n and_o consequent_o be_v under_o a_o mistake_n be_v not_o to_o be_v admit_v be_v by_o no_o mean_n to_o be_v credit_v for_o these_o person_n as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o penman_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v immediate_o inspire_v by_o that_o infallible_a guide_n and_o director_n can_v not_o possible_o commit_v any_o error_n in_o their_o write_n whatever_o their_o misapprehension_n be_v at_o other_o time_n when_o therefore_o they_o use_v those_o term_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o last_o day_n we_o and_o you_o as_o if_o they_o of_o that_o age_n shall_v survive_v to_o see_v that_o day_n we_o must_v remember_v that_o they_o speak_v not_o of_o themselves_o particular_o and_o definitive_o but_o of_o the_o whole_a successive_a body_n of_o christian_n in_o several_a age_n who_o will_v be_v expect_v the_o last_o day_n this_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o those_o expression_n as_o be_v plain_a from_o their_o use_v they_o on_o 52._o other_o occasion_n we_o have_v no_o reason_n then_o to_o think_v that_o the_o apostle_n be_v deceive_v about_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n or_o any_o other_o matter_n that_o they_o write_v of_o and_o deliver_v to_o the_o world_n here_o be_v no_o weakness_n no_o defect_n as_o to_o any_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n nay_o there_o be_v a_o great_a advance_n and_o accession_n in_o respect_n of_o what_o there_o be_v before_o in_o the_o forego_n part_n of_o this_o dispensation_n viz._n in_o the_o time_n that_o our_o saviour_n live_v upon_o the_o earth_n for_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o which_o i_o speak_v now_o be_v gradual_o deliver_v and_o consequent_o the_o apostle_n attain_v now_o to_o more_o than_o be_v discover_v in_o christ_n time_n he_o have_v not_o think_v fit_a then_o to_o communicate_v all_o in_o so_o evident_a and_o plain_a a_o manner_n as_o we_o find_v it_o be_v afterward_o do_v therefore_o that_o late_a etc._n writer_n be_v under_o a_o great_a mistake_n who_o declare_v that_o the_o apostle_n epistle_n be_v only_o occasional_a and_o that_o we_o can_v find_v no_o necessary_a point_n of_o divinity_n deliver_v there_o which_o be_v not_o deliver_v before_o in_o the_o gospel_n and_o act_n whereas_o the_o truth_n be_v the_o epistle_n contain_v the_o most_o perfect_a and_o complete_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o by_o degree_n the_o evangelical_n truth_n display_v itself_o all_o the_o necessary_a and_o fundamental_a article_n of_o christianity_n be_v explain_v
christian_a observance_n in_o the_o first_o age_n tertullian_n who_o flourish_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o three_o century_n frequent_o join_v christianity_n and_o judaism_n together_o and_o particular_o in_o his_o dialogue_n with_o trypho_n the_o jew_n he_o declare_v there_o be_v salvation_n in_o both_o there_o be_v the_o coelicolae_fw-la mention_v in_o the_o code_n those_o that_o worship_v god_n as_o pra●ceperat_v he_o have_v command_v from_o heaven_n i._n e._n according_a to_o the_o precept_n and_o rite_n of_o the_o mosaic_a law_n and_o according_a to_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o they_o hold_v that_o heaven_n i._n e._n god_n be_v the_o author_n and_o institutor_n of_o both_o and_o intend_v that_o both_o shall_v be_v observe_v thus_o the_o mosaic_a law_n and_o ceremony_n be_v a_o good_a while_n go_v off_o they_o gradual_o and_o gentle_o vanish_v away_o for_o the_o church_n be_v then_o but_o in_o its_o childhood_n and_o be_v tender_o to_o be_v treat_v it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v deny_v that_o the_o jewish_a rite_n be_v nail_v with_o christ_n to_o the_o cross_n they_o die_v when_o he_o give_v up_o the_o ghost_n but_o though_o they_o be_v dead_a and_o be_v of_o no_o efficacy_n yet_o man_n be_v leave_v free_a to_o use_v or_o not_o use_v they_o as_o they_o see_v fit_a after_o their_o decease_n they_o be_v not_o present_o bury_v but_o as_o one_o of_o the_o father_n speak_v be_v to_o have_v a_o honourable_a interment_n in_o brief_a judaism_n stay_v some_o time_n with_o christianity_n and_o then_o take_v its_o leave_n here_o it_o must_v be_v observe_v in_o the_o next_o place_n that_o extraordinary_a gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v peculiar_a to_o this_o period_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n which_o be_v a_o certain_a argument_n of_o the_o weak_a state_n of_o it_o and_o that_o it_o have_v not_o outgrow_v its_o childhood_n but_o that_o knowledge_n and_o faith_n be_v feeble_a in_o many_o and_o that_o unbelief_n have_v whole_o possess_v other_o and_o there_o be_v need_n of_o some_o very_a great_a power_n which_o be_v in_o those_o day_n exert_v in_o a_o wonderful_a manner_n among_o the_o extraordinary_a endowment_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o be_v then_o bestow_v prayer_n be_v one_o i_o e._n a_o infuse_a and_o supernatural_a gift_n of_o prayer_n be_v give_v to_o the_o apostle_n and_o primitive_a christian_n which_o be_v call_v pray_v with_o the_o spirit_n 1_o cor._n 14._o 15._o and_o those_o who_o be_v bless_v with_o this_o singular_a gratuity_n have_v matter_n and_o word_n dictate_v to_o they_o by_o a_o special_a afflation_n or_o inspiration_n from_o heaven_n prophesy_v be_v also_o after_o a_o extraordinary_a and_o supernatural_a manner_n as_o the_o fourteen_o chapter_n of_o the_o first_o epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n will_v inform_v we_o it_o be_v a_o power_n to_o interpret_v and_o explain_v the_o dark_a scripture_n to_o unriddle_v all_o sacred_a mystery_n to_o urge_v with_o great_a efficacy_n the_o duty_n of_o christianity_n on_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n and_o sometime_o to_o foretell_v futurity_n of_o great_a importance_n all_o which_o be_v effect_v by_o the_o immediate_a influence_n of_o the_o spirit_n this_o gift_n expire_v soon_o after_o the_o second_o century_n after_o which_o they_o tell_v we_o there_o be_v little_a or_o no_o mention_n of_o the_o prophetic_a spirit_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n to_o which_o perhaps_o that_o passage_n of_o the_o apostle_n relate_v and_o be_v prophetic_a even_o of_o the_o expiration_n of_o prophecy_n 1_o cor._n 13._o 8._o whether_o there_o be_v prophecy_n they_o shall_v fail_v and_o as_o there_o be_v in_o the_o first_o time_n inspire_v prayer_n and_o prophesying_n so_o there_o be_v inspire_v hymn_n which_o be_v call_v sing_v with_o the_o spirit_n ver_fw-la 15._o but_o the_o work_n of_o strange_a and_o wonderful_a thing_n above_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n which_o be_v most_o proper_o do_v of_o miracle_n be_v a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o dispensation_n of_o those_o day_n not_o only_o the_o apostle_n but_o their_o follower_n in_o the_o age_n immediate_o succeed_v be_v endue_v with_o this_o power_n hence_o lucius_n king_n of_o this_o british_a island_n hear_v of_o strange_a thing_n do_v by_o christian_n in_o many_o place_n about_o the_o end_n of_o the_o second_o century_n send_v to_o eleu●herius_n bishop_n of_o rome_n to_o receive_v the_o christian_a faith_n of_o he_o and_o be_v the_o first_o christian_a king_n in_o the_o world_n from_o justin_n martyr_n tertullian_n and_o cyprian_n write_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o miracle_n be_v frequent_o wrought_v in_o the_o church_n and_o these_o person_n appeal_v to_o they_o as_o thing_n that_o be_v of_o common_a notice_n and_o can_v not_o be_v deny_v gregory_n bishop_n of_o neocaesarea_n who_o live_v in_o the_o three_o century_n purchase_v the_o title_n of_o thaumat●rg●●_n by_o the_o miraculous_a act_n which_o he_o do_v even_o in_o the_o next_o age_n miracle_n be_v do_v by_o many_o as_o be_v testify_v by_o ruffinus_n theodoret_n and_o sozomen_n from_o pentecost_n several_a passage_n in_o chrysostom_n write_n it_o may_v be_v gather_v that_o they_o cease_v in_o his_o time_n more_o especial_o from_o his_o 32d_o homily_n on_o st._n matthew_n where_o he_o reply_v to_o the_o objection_n of_o the_o pagan_n against_o the_o christian_n viz._n that_o they_o do_v not_o confirm_v their_o doctrine_n by_o miracle_n and_o so_o again_o in_o his_o 40_o the_o homily_n on_o the_o act_n he_o give_v the_o reason_n of_o the_o cessation_n of_o miracle_n but_o though_o he_o do_v this_o he_o must_v be_v understand_v of_o the_o common_a and_o ordinary_a use_n of_o they_o for_o sometime_o and_o rare_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v in_o that_o age_n or_o else_o st._n augustin_n and_o other_o father_n misrepresent_v those_o time_n particular_o 8._o st._n augustin_n who_o live_v in_o st._n chrysostom_n time_n bear_v witness_v that_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v at_o the_o monument_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o those_o day_n but_o yet_o from_o this_o father_n be_v own_o word_n in_o 25._o another_o place_n we_o may_v gather_v that_o miracle_n be_v then_o at_o a_o end_n in_o some_o part_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n the_o short_a be_v this_o that_o for_o three_o or_o four_o hundred_o year_n in_o one_o place_n or_o other_o miracle_n be_v general_o do_v in_o confirmation_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n viz._n as_o long_o as_o the_o church_n be_v in_o her_o tender_a and_o childish_a year_n and_o it_o may_v be_v observe_v further_o that_o there_o be_v a_o power_n in_o the_o primitive_a time_n bestow_v on_o the_o church_n of_o punish_v the_o disobedient_a in_o a_o strange_a and_o dreadful_a manner_n viz._n by_o inflict_a sudde●_n disease_n nay_o death_n itself_o sometime_o upon_o offender_n as_o be_v evident_a in_o the_o relation_n concern_v ananias_n and_o saphira_n act_v 5._o 1_o etc._n etc._n and_o some_o such_o thing_n as_o this_o it_o be_v likely_a be_v mean_v by_o those_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d do_v by_o the_o apostle_n act_n 2._o 43._o and_o indeed_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o in_o those_o primitive_a time_n they_o shall_v have_v such_o a_o power_n of_o inflict_v extraordinary_a judgement_n on_o criminal_n if_o you_o consider_v the_o state_n of_o thing_n then_o for_o the_o magistrate_n be_v at_o that_o time_n heathen_n do_v not_o animadvert_v on_o those_o who_o offend_v against_o the_o christian_a law_n on_o which_o account_n likewise_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o church_n be_v weak_a and_o low_a and_o it_o may_v be_v further_o observe_v that_o in_o order_n to_o this_o gift_n or_o ability_n of_o strike_v with_o bodily_a malady_n or_o death_n those_o that_o be_v gross_a offender_n there_o be_v another_o gift_n bestow_v viz._n discern_v of_o spirit_n 1_o cor._n 12._o 10._o by_o virtue_n of_o which_o the_o apostle_n have_v a_o insight_n into_o the_o secret_n of_o man_n mind_n and_o can_v tell_v whether_o their_o heart_n be_v right_a towards_o god_n hereby_o 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latter_a those_o that_o succeed_v and_o yet_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o growth_n of_o human_a body_n though_o the_o strength_n and_o stature_n of_o they_o be_v alter_v yet_o the_o same_o nature_n and_o person_n remain_v in_o the_o mature_a year_n that_o be_v before_o so_o it_o be_v here_o say_v he_o christianity_n be_v consolidate_v by_o year_n it_o be_v enlarge_v by_o time_n it_o be_v sublime_v by_o age_n but_o still_o it_o continue_v incorrupt_a and_o entire_a and_o afterward_o cap._n 29._o it_o be_v ●itting_v say_v he_o that_o the_o heavenly_a philosophy_n for_o so_o he_o style_v the_o christian_a religion_n which_o be_v sow_v in_o the_o church_n by_o the_o primitive_a father_n shall_v afterward_o grow_v up_o flourish_n and_o be_v cultivate_v by_o the_o industry_n of_o their_o son_n that_o by_o process_n of_o time_n it_o shall_v become_v more_o polish_a but_o yet_o that_o it_o shall_v retain_v the_o same_o plenitude_n property_n and_o integrity_n that_o it_o have_v as_o to_o its_o 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dissension_n what_o unchristian_a feud_n and_o animosity_n be_v there_o what_o variety_n of_o opinion_n be_v there_o among_o they_o how_o unsettle_a be_v they_o in_o their_o notion_n and_o apprehension_n how_o little_a of_o the_o true_a virtue_n of_o religion_n and_o power_n of_o godliness_n be_v to_o be_v observe_v among_o they_o how_o be_v the_o satanical_a kingdom_n keep_v up_o and_o maintain_v every_o where_o how_o industrious_o be_v it_o recruit_v and_o establish_v whereas_o christian_n shall_v live_v better_a than_o all_o the_o world_n beside_o it_o be_v sad_a and_o deplorable_a that_o their_o word_n and_o action_n bid_v de●iance_n to_o every_o thing_n which_o appertain_v to_o so_o sacred_a and_o honourable_a a_o title_n they_o profess_v the_o best_a religion_n in_o the_o world_n and_o do_v thing_n that_o be_v the_o worst_a some_o that_o bear_v this_o venerable_a name_n be_v as_o wicked_a and_o profligate_v as_o any_o other_o sort_n of_o man_n upon_o earth_n the_o gross_a 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conduct_n of_o the_o world_n another_o argument_n that_o i_o shall_v make_v use_n of_o shall_v be_v from_o the_o gradual_a improvement_n of_o all_o art_n and_o science_n in_o the_o world_n it_o be_v well_o note_v by_o one_o of_o the_o ancient_n and_o that_o with_o reference_n to_o the_o dispensation_n of_o religion_n that_o 4._o the_o commencement_n of_o science_n be_v defective_a and_o imperfect_a but_o by_o little_a and_o gradual_a addition_n they_o come_v at_o last_o to_o their_o complete_a pitch_n nothing_o be_v more_o observable_a than_o that_o learning_n have_v have_v its_o noble_a accession_n in_o the_o several_a successive_a generation_n of_o mankind_n which_o be_v foretell_v by_o seneca_n long_o ago_o who_o speak_v of_o the_o ph●nomena_n of_o comet_n and_o the_o like_a philosophical_a disquisition_n prophetical_o utter_v these_o word_n quaest._n the_o time_n shall_v come_v when_o
a_o bright_a day_n and_o the_o industry_n of_o a_o far_a age_n shall_v bring_v to_o light_v those_o thing_n that_o now_o lie_v hide_v in_o darkness_n the_o time_n will_v come_v when_o our_o posterity_n shall_v wonder_v that_o we_o be_v ignorant_a of_o thing_n which_o be_v so_o plain_a and_o intelligible_a this_o prediction_n be_v now_o fulfil_v we_o have_v a_o clear_a discovery_n of_o many_o secret_n which_o be_v keep_v from_o former_a age_n we_o have_v fresh_a experiment_n by_o which_o the_o stock_n of_o notion_n be_v great_o improve_v and_o advance_v diligent_a researche_n at_o home_n and_o travel_n into_o remote_a country_n have_v produce_v new_a observation_n and_o remark_n unheard-of_a discovery_n and_o invention_n thus_o we_o surpass_v all_o the_o time_n that_o have_v be_v before_o we_o and_o it_o be_v high_o probable_a that_o those_o that_o succeed_v will_v far_o surpass_v these_o in_o all_o manner_n of_o human_a literature_n and_o why_o a_o proportionable_a improvement_n in_o divine_a knowledge_n and_o in_o moral_a and_o christian_a endowment_n may_v not_o be_v expect_v i_o confess_v i_o do_v understand_v can_v there_o be_v any_o reason_n give_v why_o god_n shall_v not_o prosper_v religion_n as_o well_o as_o art_n why_o we_o may_v not_o look_v for_o increase_v of_o knowledge_n in_o the_o church_n as_o well_o as_o in_o matte●s_n that_o relate_v only_o to_o nature_n why_o there_o may_v not_o be_v a_o perfection_n of_o understanding_n in_o the_o one_o as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o other_o i_o be_o sensible_a that_o it_o will_v be_v say_v here_o and_o that_o with_o truth_n that_o the_o daily_a decay_n of_o the_o world_n as_o to_o intellectual_a and_o moral_a quality_n be_v believe_v and_o hold_v by_o some_o very_a great_a man_n yea_o they_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o natural_a frame_n and_o constitution_n of_o it_o wax_v old_a it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o jew_n have_v this_o apprehension_n 10._o the_o world_n have_v lose_v its_o youth_n and_o the_o time_n begin_v to_o wax_v old_a and_o again_o 17._o the_o world_n shall_v be_v weak_a through_o age._n the_o hebrew_n doctor_n and_o rabbin_n cry_v out_o that_o the_o generation_n grow_v worse_o every_o day_n and_o knowledge_n be_v more_o and_o more_o decrease_v and_o what_o a_o vast_a difference_n they_o make_v between_o the_o ancient_n and_o modern_n may_v be_v see_v in_o another_o proverbial_a say_v joma_n one_o mail_n of_o our_o forefather_n finger_n be_v better_a than_o the_o main_a body_n of_o they_o that_o come_v after_o they_o and_o we_o may_v learn_v from_o another_o adage_n of_o they_o how_o exceed_o they_o prefer_v the_o former_a day_n before_o the_o latter_a the_o heart_n of_o our_o predecessor_n say_v they_o be_v like_o the_o gate_n of_o the_o outward_a court_n in_o amplitude_n but_o the_o heart_n of_o their_o successor_n be_v like_o the_o gate_n of_o the_o temple_n which_o be_v far_o less_o but_o we_o be_v like_o the_o eye_n of_o a_o needle_n lest_o of_o all_o and_o several_a shab_n other_o say_n they_o have_v to_o this_o purpose_n that_o the_o world_n be_v impair_v and_o grow_v worse_a and_o worse_o and_o that_o the_o further_o we_o be_v remove_v from_o the_o beginning_n the_o more_o we_o decline_v but_o who_o know_v not_o that_o have_v converse_v with_o these_o gentleman_n that_o they_o be_v very_o fanciful_a and_o capricious_a and_o that_o they_o either_o out_o of_o prejudice_n or_o discontent_n pronounce_v what_o they_o please_v of_o any_o thing_n so_o that_o their_o approbation_n or_o dislike_n be_v not_o to_o be_v a_o standard_n to_o any_o man_n thought_n and_o sentiment_n and_o as_o to_o the_o text_n before_o cite_v they_o refer_v to_o the_o iweish_a state_n which_o be_v foretell_v to_o be_v mean_a and_o low_a and_o run_v to_o decay_v and_o therefore_o no_o general_a judgement_n can_v be_v make_v thence_o among_o some_o of_o the_o pagan_n likewise_o there_o be_v this_o notion_n that_o the_o world_n be_v decay_v as_o to_o man_n and_o manner_n 6._o damnosa_fw-la quid_fw-la non_fw-la imminuit_fw-la dies_fw-la aetas_fw-la parentum_fw-la pejor_fw-la avis_fw-fr tulit_fw-la nos_fw-la nequiores_fw-la mox_fw-la daturos_fw-la progeniem_fw-la vitiosiorem_fw-la and_o they_o particular_o allege_v the_o stature_n of_o man_n to_o confirm_v their_o opinion_n thus_o lucretius_n jamque_fw-la ade●_n fracta_fw-la est_fw-la ●tas_fw-la eff●tque_fw-la tellus_fw-la vix_fw-la animalia_fw-la parvacreat_a qu●_n cuncta_fw-la creau●t_fw-la s●cla_fw-la deditque_fw-la f●r_fw-la arum_fw-la ingentia_fw-la corpora_fw-la partu_fw-la according_a to_o he_o all_o animal_n as_o well_o as_o man_n himself_o be_v at_o first_o form_v out_o of_o their_o mother_n earth_n but_o since_o that_o time_n the_o procreative_a virtue_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v wear_v out_o and_o the_o kindly_a heat_n and_o moisture_n be_v go_v and_o nature_n be_v grow_v feeble_a and_o therefore_o man_n and_o other_o creature_n have_v not_o that_o bulk_n and_o size_n which_o they_o be_v fame_v for_o in_o the_o day_n of_o yore_o so_o 16._o pliny_n the_o naturalist_n have_v a_o conceit_n of_o the_o senescency_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o declension_n of_o nature_n and_o he_o instance_n in_o the_o stature_n of_o men._n the_o same_o do_v aulus_n gellius_n and_o complain_v of_o the_o 10._o decrescency_n and_o wear_v away_o of_o thing_n and_o men._n this_o be_v found_v on_o what_o they_o have_v hear_v or_o read_v concern_v giant_n heretofore_o the_o notice_n of_o who_o may_v be_v derive_v to_o they_o not_o only_o from_o their_o own_o author_n but_o from_o the_o sacred_a write_n which_o mention_n og_n king_n of_o bashan_n and_o goliath_n of_o gath_n and_o the_o zummim_n zanzummim_n anakim_n emim_n who_o be_v of_o a_o vast_a procerity_n whence_o they_o gather_v that_o the_o world_n be_v decay_v because_o we_o see_v no_o such_o people_n now_o adays_o but_o such_o consequence_n be_v easy_o silence_v if_o we_o consider_v first_o that_o some_o of_o their_o own_o author_n be_v of_o little_a credit_n or_o repute_v and_o many_o report_n of_o giant_n be_v poetical_a invention_n so_o if_o you_o will_v believe_v geoffery_n of_o monmouth_n and_o some_o other_o fabulous_a writer_n albion_n now_o call_v britain_n the_o isle_n which_o we_o inhabit_v be_v keep_v only_o by_o a_o remnant_n of_o giant_n second_o those_o writer_n that_o we_o can_v depend_v upon_o especial_o the_o sacred_a penman_n though_o they_o assure_v we_o that_o there_o be_v such_o big_a and_o tall_a man_n yet_o they_o represent_v it_o as_o a_o very_a rare_a and_o uncommon_a thing_n they_o give_v we_o to_o understand_v that_o the_o number_n of_o those_o huge_a person_n be_v very_o small_a whence_o we_o gather_v that_o though_o there_o be_v none_o such_o now_o in_o be_v it_o do_v not_o alter_v the_o case_n of_o the_o world_n considerable_o but_o three_o it_o appear_v that_o since_o those_o time_n speak_v of_o by_o ancient_a historian_n there_o have_v be_v and_o even_o at_o this_o time_n be_v some_o of_o that_o large_a ●ize_n modern_a traveller_n of_o good_a esteem_n and_o credit_n ascertain_v we_o that_o there_o be_v giant_n in_o some_o particular_a country_n which_o overthrow_v the_o vain_a conceit_n of_o those_o that_o find_v the_o decay_n of_o the_o world_n on_o a_o supposal_n that_o none_o but_o the_o former_a age_n afford_v gigantic_a folk_n but_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o matter_n be_v this_o that_o though_o country_n differ_v as_o to_o their_o size_n of_o man_n nay_o though_o some_o be_v in_o the_o same_o country_n of_o a_o large_a other_o of_o a_o lesser_a proportion_n yet_o the_o stature_n of_o man_n be_v not_o general_o high_a and_o big_a heretofore_o than_o it_o be_v now_o all_o people_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n of_o the_o same_o height_n and_o breadth_n that_o they_o be_v three_o thousand_o year_n ago_o and_o upward_o as_o be_v demonstrate_v by_o doctor_n hackwill_n and_o other_o from_o the_o urn_n and_o ring_n and_o several_a other_o antiquity_n which_o have_v be_v derive_v to_o after-age_n there_o be_v no_o decay_n then_o as_o to_o this_o i_o may_v observe_v further_o that_o some_o of_o the_o christian_a persuasion_n as_o well_o as_o jew_n and_o pagan_n have_v assert_v and_o defend_v nature_n universal_a decay_n some_o of_o the_o ancient_a writer_n of_o the_o church_n have_v incline_v this_o way_n but_o cyprian_n be_v very_o positive_a demetrian_n you_o must_v know_v this_o in_o the_o first_o place_n say_v he_o that_o the_o world_n be_v now_o arrive_v to_o its_o old_a age_n it_o have_v not_o that_o force_n and_o virtue_n that_o strength_n and_o vigour_n which_o it_o be_v endue_v with_o heretofore_o and_o he_o go_v on_o to_o instance_n both_o in_o natu●●●_n a●d_v moral_a thing_n wherein_o he_o think_v this_o defection_n and_o failure_n may_v be_v see_v among_o some_o of_o the_o modern_n this_o sentiment_n have_v prevail_v and_o i_o will_v mention_v only_o two_o of_o they_o and_o they_o be_v of_o
as_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o art_n and_o science_n but_o be_v still_o impregnate_v and_o be_v still_o teem_a with_o they_o and_o shall_v we_o think_v that_o as_o to_o religion_n only_o there_o be_v a_o decay_n there_o be_v no_o ground_n for_o such_o a_o surmise_n shall_v divinity_n which_o be_v the_o great_a art_n of_o art_n remain_v unimproved_a shall_v we_o think_v that_o all_o knowledge_n but_o that_o which_o be_v the_o best_a of_o all_o increase_v and_o prosper_v no_o we_o can_v prove_v the_o contrary_a and_o thence_o entertain_v hope_n of_o great_a increase_v yet_o to_o come_v the_o first_o christian_n as_o have_v be_v observe_v do_v not_o understand_v some_o part_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o so_o well_o as_o they_o do_v afterward_o or_o so_o well_o as_o it_o shall_v be_v understand_v they_o be_v not_o exact_v in_o point_n but_o epist._n live_v better_a than_o now_o the_o ancient_a writer_n such_o as_o clement_n of_o alexandria_n origen_n athanasius_n jerom_n augustin_n chrysostom_n hilary_n ambrose_n theodoret_n theophylact_fw-mi and_o the_o rest_n have_v do_v excellent_o towards_o the_o explain_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n but_o the_o modern_n especial_o since_o the_o reformation_n have_v wonderful_o add_v to_o they_o and_o yet_o the_o great_a harvest_n of_o truth_n be_v yet_o to_o come_v not_o for_o discover_v any_o new_a doctrine_n but_o for_o explain_v the_o old_a one_o and_o penetrate_v further_o into_o difficult_a place_n of_o scripture_n who_o see_v not_o what_o a_o vast_a difference_n there_o be_v between_o these_o and_o the_o former_a time_n in_o point_n of_o divine_a knowledge_n how_o little_o be_v there_o of_o it_o heretofore_o among_o those_o who_o ought_v to_o have_v have_v a_o large_a stock_n of_o it_o i_o mean_v the_o clergy_n who_o ignorance_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christian_a theology_n be_v scandalous_a and_o even_o ridiculous_a indeed_o some_o of_o they_o be_v verse_v in_o school-divinity_n but_o this_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n so_o far_o from_o make_v they_o more_o know_v in_o the_o useful_a and_o practical_a doctrine_n of_o christianity_n that_o it_o rather_o darken_v and_o confound_v they_o in_o the_o former_a day_n of_o popery_n hebrew_n and_o greek_a the_o language_n in_o which_o the_o bible_n be_v write_v be_v mere_a unintelligible_a jargon_n to_o the_o generality_n of_o churchman_n and_o as_o for_o the_o people_n their_o ignorance_n and_o blindness_n be_v yet_o grosser_n and_o they_o be_v not_o suffer_v to_o make_v any_o enquiry_n into_o religion_n then_o that_o politic_a maxim_n prevail_v keep_v man_n in_o ignorance_n and_o thereby_o enslave_v they_o it_o be_v a_o unpardonable_a crime_n for_o man_n to_o think_v their_o own_o thought_n much_o more_o to_o speak_v or_o write_v they_o ramus_n have_v publish_v some_o new_a notion_n of_o logic_n and_o particular_o against_o aristotle_n who_o be_v at_o that_o time_n in_o great_a credit_n be_v murder_v among_o the_o calvinist_n in_o the_o parisian_a massacre_n the_o poor_a man_n be_v a_o martyr_n for_o logic_n it_o be_v no_o wonder_n then_o that_o so_o many_o be_v for_o divinity_n there_o be_v no_o liberty_n for_o scruple_n in_o those_o peremptory_a time_n for_o the_o roman_a doctor_n cut_v out_o man_n belief_n and_o then_o force_v it_o upon_o they_o a_o strange_a kind_n of_o casuist_n that_o solve_v all_o controversy_n in_o religion_n as_o alexander_n do_v the_o gordian-knot_n by_o the_o sword_n by_o mere_a violence_n thus_o man_n soul_n and_o body_n be_v injure_v the_o former_a be_v blind_v the_o latter_a enslave_v they_o may_v be_v true_o say_v to_o be_v bind_v in_o chain_n of_o darkness_n but_o we_o by_o the_o divine_a blessing_n be_v free_v from_o that_o ignorance_n and_o bondage_n which_o we_o owe_v to_o the_o reformation_n whereby_o that_o darkness_n be_v dispel_v and_o that_o vassalage_n remove_v and_o now_o we_o be_v no_o long_o tie_v up_o in_o the_o dark_a we_o both_o see_v and_o walk_v and_o we_o daily_o make_v progress_n in_o divine_a learning_n a_o undeniable_a eviction_n of_o which_o be_v the_o discourse_n and_o write_n of_o those_o of_o the_o reform_a church_n especial_o of_o divine_n for_o from_o these_o we_o may_v gather_v the_o vast_a improvement_n in_o sacred_a knowledge_n they_o general_o argue_v with_o close_a reason_n they_o talk_v great_a sense_n they_o show_v a_o deep_a insight_n into_o the_o inspire_a write_n they_o clothe_v their_o matter_n with_o fit_a word_n they_o use_v a_o intelligible_a and_o easy_a method_n they_o be_v happy_a in_o apply_v of_o divine_a truth_n in_o brief_a their_o notion_n be_v amend_v and_o all_o the_o important_a doctrine_n of_o christianity_n be_v more_o plain_o and_o clear_o deliver_v than_o before_o and_o the_o people_n knowledge_n be_v proportionable_a they_o hear_v with_o judgement_n they_o discourse_v with_o understanding_n they_o try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n they_o be_v able_a to_o confute_v gainsayers_a in_o the_o country_n where_o protestantism_n have_v take_v good_a foot_n there_o be_v scarce_o any_o difference_n between_o the_o clergy_n and_o laity_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o chief_a and_o practical_a point_n of_o our_o most_o holy_a religion_n these_o be_v understand_v by_o the_o inferior_a and_o most_o ordinary_a people_n as_o well_o as_o by_o gentleman_n merchant_n and_o tradesman_n yea_o the_o other_o sex_n study_n read_v and_o discourse_n of_o they_o thus_o humane_a mind_n be_v enlighten_v and_o enfranchise_v the_o elastic_a power_n be_v restore_v to_o they_o they_o act_n without_o restraint_n and_o fill_v the_o earth_n with_o knowledge_n and_o truth_n judge_v now_o whether_o the_o world_n grow_v old_a and_o decay_n and_o be_v sink_v into_o a_o degenerate_a posture_n say_v rather_o that_o it_o be_v much_o amend_v and_o be_v like_a to_o be_v improve_v yet_o further_o in_o future_a time_n for_o from_o what_o have_v be_v already_o we_o may_v infer_v what_o shall_v be_v afterward_o we_o see_v divine_a knowledge_n and_o learning_n have_v be_v continual_o in_o the_o increase_n allow_v only_o for_o some_o interruption_n that_o be_v violent_a and_o last_v not_o long_o and_o yet_o we_o be_v sensible_a they_o be_v not_o come_v to_o the_o full_a whence_o therefore_o we_o reasonable_o conclude_v that_o there_o be_v to_o be_v far_o and_o great_a augmentation_n in_o succeed_a age_n and_o where_o the_o knowledge_n of_o divine_a thing_n prevail_v there_o religion_n will_v get_v sure_a foot_n and_o virtue_n and_o piety_n will_v be_v powerful_o advance_v and_o the_o church_n edify_v and_o enlarge_v these_o be_v the_o ground_n i_o lay_v of_o that_o expectation_n which_o i_o have_v of_o a_o more_o complete_a and_o improve_a state_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n here_o on_o earth_n before_o the_o conclusion_n of_o all_o thing_n but_o because_o our_o thought_n and_o reason_n concern_v this_o matter_n may_v be_v shallow_a and_o vain_a or_o too_o dare_v and_o presumptuous_a i_o will_v build_v my_o hope_n and_o belief_n of_o that_o more_o perfect_a state_n of_o christianity_n on_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n i_o grant_v that_o some_o be_v too_o forward_o to_o press_v text_n to_o this_o purpose_n they_o be_v wont_n to_o allege_v several_a place_n in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n which_o have_v n●_n relation_n to_o this_o matter_n especial_o those_o that_o 〈◊〉_d for_o christ_n personal_a reign_n on_o earth_n quote_v 〈◊〉_d out_o of_o every_o book_n of_o the_o bible_n several_a passage_n which_o they_o interpret_v in_o favour_n of_o their_o opinion_n wherever_o they_o find_v the_o word_n king_n or_o kingdom_n if_o they_o respect_v the_o messiah_n and_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n they_o present_o snatch_v at_o they_o and_o apply_v they_o this_o way_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n overlook_a the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n which_o have_v be_v all_o this_o while_n under_o the_o gospel_n and_o be_v speak_v and_o prophesy_v of_o so_o often_o in_o the_o sacred_a write_n but_o though_o they_o be_v to_o be_v blame_v for_o this_o that_o they_o strive_v to_o make_v all_o scripture_n speak_v their_o opinion_n and_o according_o force_v they_o to_o do_v it_o yet_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a and_o undeniable_a that_o this_o future_a state_n which_o i_o be_o now_o speak_v of_o be_v foretell_v in_o many_o place_n of_o scripture_n in_o plain_a and_o intelligible_a term_n and_o particular_o in_o some_o of_o those_o place_n where_o christ_n be_v mention_v as_o a_o king_n and_o his_o administration_n under_o the_o gospel_n be_v call_v a_o kingdom_n but_o first_o i_o will_v produce_v some_o other_o text_n where_o this_o new_a and_o last_o dispensation_n be_v speak_v of_o it_o be_v probable_a that_o this_o be_v mean_v by_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d mat._n 24._o 3._o th●_n consummation_n or_o end_n of_o the_o age_n i._n e
that_o be_v behead_v for_o the_o witness_n of_o jesus_n we_o be_v to_o understand_v all_o martyr_n that_o be_v put_v to_o death_n for_o profess_v christianity_n the_o same_o that_o be_v mention_v rev._n 6._o 9_o they_o that_o be_v slay_v for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o testimony_n which_o they_o hold_v this_o particular_a manner_n of_o death_n behead_n be_v specify_v because_o it_o be_v most_o in_o use_n at_o that_o time_n this_o be_v the_o capital_a punishment_n that_o be_v frequent_a both_o among_o jew_n and_o roman_n as_o 12._o dr._n lightfoot_n have_v observe_v and_o prove_v and_o we_o read_v that_o john_n the_o baptist_n the_o first_o martyr_n for_o christ_n undergo_v it_o and_o not_o only_o those_o that_o suffer_v death_n but_o all_o other_o holy_a man_n that_o have_v any_o other_o punishment_n of_o a_o lesser_a sort_n inflict_v on_o they_o be_v here_o intend_v for_o one_o kind_n of_o corporal_a punishment_n be_v mention_v here_o to_o denote_v all_o the_o rest_n which_o be_v a_o way_n of_o speak_v very_o usual_a not_o only_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n but_o in_o other_o write_n they_o who_o have_v not_o worship_v the_o beast_n nor_o ●is_n image_n nor_o receive_v his_o mark_n upon_o their_o forehead_n or_o in_o their_o hand_n be_v those_o religious_a and_o holy_a person_n who_o keep_v themselves_o unspotted_a from_o the_o pollution_n of_o antichrist_n and_o do_v not_o in_o any_o kind_n whatsoever_o comply_v with_o they_o or_o allow_v of_o they_o these_o st._n john_n see_v as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o before_o mention_v and_o they_o live_v which_o may_v refer_v to_o this_o latter_a sort_n of_o person_n only_o and_o not_o to_o the_o former_a that_o be_v to_o those_o who_o have_v not_o worship_v the_o beast_n not_o to_o the_o soul_n of_o they_o that_o be_v behead_v for_o you_o may_v observe_v that_o it_o be_v express_v thus_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o whosoever_o which_o show_v these_o be_v a_o distinct_a company_n from_o the_o other_o mention_v before_o therefore_o to_o the_o latter_a must_v be_v apply_v those_o word_n they_o live_v i._n e._n these_o person_n be_v free_v from_o persecution_n under_o the_o happy_a reign_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v now_o come_v thus_o it_o be_v not_o absolute_o necessary_a that_o we_o shall_v interpret_v this_o concern_v the_o decease_a martyr_n the_o soul_n of_o they_o that_o be_v behead_v but_o only_o concern_v the_o saint_n then_o in_o be_v those_o that_o worship_v not_o the_o beast_n and_o consequent_o here_o be_v no_o ground_n for_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o martyr_n before_o the_o last_o and_o general_a resurrection_n as_o a_o recompense_n of_o their_o former_a suffering_n as_o some_o person_n imagine_v or_o suppose_v that_o they_o live_v refer_v here_o to_o these_o martyr_n yet_o still_o we_o can_v conclude_v thence_o their_o rise_n from_o the_o dead_a for_o it_o be_v only_o bare_o say_v they_o live_v not_o they_o revive_v or_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a what_o then_o be_v this_o live_n here_o speak_v of_o which_o be_v the_o introduction_n to_o the_o thousand_o year_n no_o other_o certain_o than_o this_o that_o whereas_o many_o of_o the_o faithful_a servant_n of_o christ_n have_v be_v put_v to_o death_n for_o the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n and_o other_o religious_a and_o holy_a man_n have_v be_v as_o it_o be_v kill_v in_o former_a time_n in_o the_o same_o sense_n that_o it_o be_v say_v we_o be_v kill_v all_o the_o day_n long_o psal._n 44._o 22._o i._n e._n they_o be_v persecute_v injure_a and_o abuse_v now_o they_o shall_v live_v now_o they_o shall_v flourish_v now_o they_o shall_v be_v free_v from_o persecution_n and_o enjoy_v peace_n and_o rest._n not_o that_o the_o individual_a person_n that_o real_o lose_v their_o life_n shall_v thus_o live_v upon_o the_o earth_n but_o the_o church_n be_v here_o consider_v as_o a_o successive_a body_n as_o be_v usual_a in_o this_o book_n of_o the_o revelation_n and_o elsewhere_o the_o mean_v then_o be_v this_o though_o the_o christian_n in_o the_o precede_a age_n be_v cruel_o and_o inhuman_o treat_v by_o their_o merciless_a persecutor_n though_o the_o church_n in_o those_o time_n labour_v under_o great_a and_o unspeakable_a misery_n yet_o upon_o the_o entrance_n of_o the_o joyful_a millennium_n for_o there_o shall_v be_v on_o earth_n such_o a_o millennium_n though_o not_o of_o that_o nature_n which_o the_o ancient_n chilia_v assert_v all_o these_o troublesome_a and_o afflictive_a thing_n shall_v cease_v and_o the_o faithful_a shall_v be_v put_v into_o the_o possession_n of_o a_o undisturbed_a repose_n and_o serenity_n but_o because_o not_o live_v again_o be_v mention_v in_o the_o next_o clause_n some_o may_v think_v that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d here_o be_v of_o the_o same_o import_n with_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d there_o and_o therefore_o they_o live_v must_v be_v equivalent_a with_o they_o revive_v which_o be_v as_o much_o as_o they_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a grant_v this_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v that_o it_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v literal_o and_o strict_o i._n e._n of_o a_o real_a live_n again_o after_o death_n or_o of_o the_o rise_n of_o their_o dead_a body_n out_o of_o the_o grave_a it_o be_v a_o figurative_a way_n of_o speak_v and_o it_o be_v probable_a be_v a_o allusion_n to_o ezek._n 37._o 11_o 14._o behold_v o_o my_o people_n i_o will_v open_v your_o grave_n and_o cause_v you_o to_o come_v up_o out_o of_o your_o grave_n and_o i_o will_v put_v my_o spitit_fw-la or_o breath_n into_o you_o and_o you_o shall_v live_v which_o word_n speak_v not_o of_o a_o bodily_a resurrection_n as_o at_o the_o first_o hear_v they_o may_v seem_v to_o do_v but_o of_o israel_n rise_n out_o of_o a_o low_a captivate_v condition_n in_o babylon_n your_o grave_n shall_v be_v open_v and_o you_o shall_v live_v i._n e._n you_o shall_v be_v restore_v to_o your_o own_o land_n again_o and_o there_o live_v in_o plenty_n and_o prosperity_n there_o be_v no_o expositor_n of_o any_o account_n but_o interpret_v the_o word_n thus_o and_o indeed_o there_o be_v several_a other_o text_n which_o back_o this_o interpretation_n for_o in_o psal._n 71._o 20._o 80._o 18._o isa._n 26._o 19_o hos._n 6._o 2._o revive_v and_o rise_v again_o be_v use_v to_o express_v a_o comfortable_a and_o prosperous_a condition_n so_o that_o one_o will_v a_o little_a wonder_n how_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o some_o writer_n who_o have_v make_v enquiry_n into_o the_o future_a state_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n take_v this_o place_n in_o the_o revelation_n in_o a_o literal_a sense_n and_o persuade_v themselves_o that_o it_o speak_v of_o a_o bodily_a resurrection_n of_o the_o saint_n when_o it_o may_v so_o convenient_o be_v take_v in_o a_o metaphorical_a and_o mystical_a sense_n nay_o when_o they_o themselves_o at_o other_o time_n be_v so_o delight_v with_o this_o latter_a cressener_n one_o of_o they_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o kill_n of_o the_o witness_n rev._n 11._o 7._o and_o their_o body_n lie_v dead_a be_v not_o mean_v of_o a_o literal_a death_n and_o with_o great_a diligence_n he_o labour_v to_o prove_v it_o and_o indeed_o perform_v that_o task_n very_o laudable_o and_o in_o many_o other_o place_n in_o this_o book_n he_o fly_v to_o a_o mystical_a mean_v why_o then_o may_v not_o the_o live_n or_o live_v again_o of_o the_o saint_n be_v understand_v here_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n the_o burnet_n other_o be_v know_v to_o be_v a_o great_a asserter_n of_o a_o improper_a and_o figurative_a sense_n in_o scripture_n but_o see_v the_o unhappiness_n of_o his_o place_n it_o he_o that_o expound_v the_o three_o chapter_n of_o genesis_n which_o be_v a_o plain_a downright_a history_n in_o a_o mystical_a and_o allegorical_a way_n to_o the_o enervate_n of_o a_o great_a part_n of_o reveal_v religion_n interpret_v this_o passage_n in_o the_o revelation_n where_o mystery_n and_o figure_n be_v so_o common_a in_o a_o literal_a sense_n but_o i_o think_v i_o have_v show_v from_o the_o tenor_n of_o this_o place_n that_o a_o real_a corporeal_a resurrection_n i._n e._n a_o return_v of_o depart_a soul_n into_o their_o body_n again_o be_v not_o here_o mean_v but_o that_o a_o political_a or_o civil_a resurrection_n be_v the_o thing_n here_o speak_v of_o that_o be_v the_o christian_a church_n after_o its_o great_a trouble_n and_o mortification_n shall_v revive_v shall_v as_o it_o be_v rise_v out_o of_o its_o grave_a and_o as_o the_o excellent_a dr._n hammond_n paraphrase_n on_o the_o place_n there_o shall_v be_v such_o a_o universal_a profession_n of_o christianity_n as_o if_o all_o the_o depart_v good_a christian_n have_v be_v alive_a again_o and_o be_v come_v upon_o the_o stage_n of_o this_o world_n once_o more_o or_o the_o reader_n may_v make_v use_n of_o the_o apostle_n word_n in_o gal._n
ketura●_n shall_v at_o last_o contribute_v towards_o the_o make_n up_o the_o great_a and_o entire_a body_n of_o convert_v gentile_n and_o iacob_n prophecy_n concern_v ephraim_n look_v this_o way_n his_o seed_n shall_v become_v the_o 〈◊〉_d fullness_n of_o the_o gentile_n gen._n 48._o 19_o for_o the_o word_n gojim_n be_v most_o proper_o apply_v to_o the_o gentile_n not_o to_o the_o jew_n and_o our_o translation_n be_v short_a when_o we_o render_v the_o other_o word_n a_o multitude_n for_o the_o proper_a import_n of_o it_o be_v plenitudo_fw-la fullness_n now_o when_o it_o be_v foretell_v that_o ephraim_n seed_n shall_v be_v the_o fullness_n of_o the_o gentile_n the_o meaning_n be_v that_o from_o ephraim_n shall_v proceed_v innumerable_a nation_n who_o shall_v embrace_v the_o gospel_n and_o so_o fill_v up_o the_o conversion_n of_o the_o gentile_n to_o this_o prophecy_n appertain_v psal_n ●_o 8._o ask_v of_o i_o and_o i_o shall_v give_v thou_o the_o heathen_a for_o thy_o inheritance_n and_o the_o uttermost_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n for_o thy_o possession_n the_o great_a and_o wonderful_a access_n of_o the_o gentile_n to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n from_o all_o region_n of_o the_o world_n be_v plain_o predict_v in_o isa._n 49._o 5_o etc._n etc._n 54._o 1_o etc._n etc._n 60._o 1._o to_o 15._o v_o 66._o 19_o etc._n etc._n the_o place_n be_v so_o well_o know_v that_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o recite_v they_o and_o in_o several_a other_o prophet_n there_o be_v the_o like_a prediction_n to_o which_o questionless_a our_o saviour_n refer_v when_o he_o tell_v the_o jew_n that_o such_o and_o such_o thing_n shall_v be●al_v they_o until_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gentile_n be_v fulfil_v 21._o luk._n 24_o until_o the_o full_a time_n come_v when_o the_o gentile_n shall_v be_v universal_o call_v into_o the_o church_n of_o this_o our_o lord_n speak_v joh_n 10._o 16._o other_o sheep_n from_o among_o the_o gentile_n i_o have_v which_o be_v not_o of_o this_o fold_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n they_o also_o i_o must_v bring_v and_o they_o shall_v hear_v my_o voice_n they_o shall_v be_v convert_v and_o become_v obedient_a christian_n and_o there_o shall_v be_v one_o fold_v one_o church_n agree_v in_o the_o same_o faith_n and_o worship_n and_o religious_a practice_n and_o one_o shep●erd_n they_o shall_v acknowledge_v i_o to_o be_v their_o head_n and_o pastor_n as_o it_o have_v be_v foretell_v concern_v the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n this_o last_o time_n especial_o they_o shall_v all_o have_v one_o shepherd_n ezek._n 37._o 24._o they_o shall_v be_v unite_v into_o one_o body_n under_o one_o and_o the_o same_o head_n and_o it_o may_v be_v that_o which_o he_o say_v to_o the_o church_n of_o thyatira_n be_v to_o be_v interpret_v of_o this_o he_o that_o overcome_v and_o keep_v my_o work_n unto_o the_o end_n to_o he_o will_v i_o give_v power_n over_o the_o nation_n and_o i_o will_v give_v he_o the_o morningstar_n rev._n 2._o 26_o 28._o the_o most_o easy_a and_o natural_a sense_n of_o which_o word_n be_v this_o that_o he_o that_o be_v faithful_a to_o the_o end_n shall_v be_v honour_v with_o the_o conversion_n of_o eastern_a nation_n i_o will_v give_v he_o those_o heathen_a people_n where_o the_o morningstar_n arise_v i_o will_v give_v he_o the_o conversion_n of_o those_o as_o the_o reward_n of_o his_o faithfulness_n a_o future_a call_v of_o the_o pagan_n may_v be_v expect_v at_o length_n as_o the_o recompense_n of_o overcome_v and_o of_o keep_v my_o work_n unto_o the_o end_n but_o suppose_v say_v some_o that_o this_o and_o other_o text_n of_o scripture_n before_o mention_v speak_v of_o the_o conversion_n of_o the_o gentile_n yet_o these_o prophecy_n be_v all_o fulfil_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n when_o they_o go_v out_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o all_o nation_n and_o so_o they_o have_v no_o reference_n to_o that_o conversion_n of_o the_o gentile_n which_o i_o be_o speak_v of_o but_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o the_o prophecy_n of_o the_o conversion_n of_o the_o gentile_n be_v not_o fulfil_v in_o those_o time_n for_o though_o many_o pagan_n be_v convert_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n yet_o that_o conversion_n be_v not_o general_n those_o person_n who_o be_v then_o call_v be_v but_o the_o first-fruit_n of_o the_o whole_a and_o complete_a call_v of_o the_o pagan_n to_o christianity_n which_o be_v to_o be_v a_o little_a before_o the_o conversion_n of_o the_o jew_n to_o this_o purpose_n the_o apostle_n of_o the_o gentile_n be_v very_o clear_a in_o rom._n 11._o 25_o 26._o i_o will_v not_o brethren_n that_o you_o shall_v be_v ignorant_a of_o this_o mystery_n that_o blindness_n in_o part_n be_v happen_v to_o israel_n until_o the_o fullness_n of_o the_o gentile_n be_v come_v in_o and_o so_o all_o israel_n shall_v be_v save_v the_o blindness_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o the_o gentile_n be_v here_o call_v by_o st._n paul_n a_o mystery_n and_o in_o this_o he_o intimate_v that_o those_o he_o write_v to_o do_v not_o know_v and_o comprehend_v the_o design_n of_o god_n in_o this_o matter_n wherefore_o he_o unfold_v this_o mystery_n this_o great_a secret_a of_o providence_n to_o they_o acquaint_v they_o that_o god_n take_v occasion_n from_o this_o strange_a event_n to_o communicate_v the_o gospel_n to_o the_o gentile_n and_o to_o convert_v they_o to_o the_o faith_n and_o then_o by_o the_o call_v of_o these_o the_o jew_n shall_v afterward_o be_v provoke_v to_o believe_v and_o to_o accept_v of_o the_o gospel_n and_o so_o they_o shall_v all_o be_v save_v but_o whether_o this_o be_v speak_v of_o a_o general_n conversion_n towards_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n or_o only_o of_o the_o great_a number_n convert_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n at_o the_o ●irst_n preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n as_o some_o be_v of_o opinion_n be_v now_o to_o be_v consider_v i_o conceive_v then_o that_o there_o be_v a_o twofold_a call_v or_o conversion_n of_o the_o gentile_n a_o partial_a and_o a_o total_a one_o the_o first_o be_v when_o the_o jew_n be_v reject_v viz._n in_o the_o time_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o the_o apostle_n then_o the_o gentile_n be_v call_v in_o to_o supply_v their_o room_n this_o be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o salvation_n which_o be_v come_v to_o the_o gentile_n ver_fw-la 11._o of_o this_o chapter_n and_o the_o reconcile_n of_o the_o world_n v_o 15._o but_o there_o be_v a_o second_o call_v of_o the_o gentile_n and_o that_o be_v name_v here_o the_o fullness_n of_o the_o gentile_n which_o be_v something_o that_o be_v great_a and_o high_a than_o the_o other_o for_o it_o denote_v a_o complete_a body_n of_o they_o this_o be_v set_v forth_o in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o great_a supper_n 14._o luke_n where_o the_o jew_n be_v those_o that_o be_v ●idden_v but_o upon_o their_o refusal_n of_o the_o invitation_n the_o servant_n be_v command_v to_o go_v into_o the_o street_n and_o lane_n of_o the_o city_n and_o bring_v in_o the_o poor_a maim_a halt_n and_o blind_a these_o be_v the_o gentile_n that_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o ever_o since_o have_v be_v convert_v to_o the_o christian_a faith_n but_o after_o this_o be_v do_v it_o be_v say_v yet_o there_o be_v room_n viz._n for_o more_o convert_v to_o christianity_n and_o according_o the_o servant_n be_v bid_v to_o go_v out_o into_o the_o highway_n and_o hedge_n and_o compel_v they_o to_o come_v in_o that_o the_o house_n may_v be_v fill_v here_o be_v a_o plain_a distinction_n between_o the_o former_a and_o the_o latter_a conversion_n of_o the_o gentile_n after_o the_o first_o invitation_n and_o entertainment_n there_o be_v more_o room_n which_o intimate_v in_o my_o opinion_n a_o future_a call_v of_o they_o and_o they_o be_v to_o be_v fetch_v out_o of_o the_o highway_n and_o hedge_n to_o show_v that_o though_o they_o be_v never_o so_o mean_a and_o unworthy_a they_o shall_v partake_v of_o this_o grace_n which_o shall_v be_v so_o powerful_a and_o effectual_a in_o those_o day_n that_o they_o shall_v seem_v to_o be_v force_v and_o compel_v to_o come_v in_o and_o what_o follow_v be_v very_o observable_a and_o much_o to_o our_o present_a purpose_n they_o be_v thus_o compel_v to_o come_v in_o to_o the_o great_a supper_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o his_o house_n may_v be_v fill_v that_o the_o church_n may_v be_v complete_v and_o make_v entire_a which_o it_o can_v not_o be_v without_o the_o conversion_n of_o these_o gentile_n at_o last_o many_o be_v convert_v before_o but_o now_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o general_n embrace_v of_o the_o faith_n all_o nation_n shall_v come_v to_o the_o messiah_n and_o there_o be_v another_o great_a difference_n between_o that_o first_o call_v and_o this_o viz._n that_o the_o general_n call_v of_o the_o jew_n which_o
then_o annex_v his_o expectation_n of_o a_o new_a and_o better_a state_n of_o thing_n but_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v thence_o that_o this_o shall_v be_v after_o that_o for_o the_o plain_a mind_n of_o the_o apostle_n seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v this_o notwithstanding_o that_o dreadful_a dissolution_n of_o all_o thing_n which_o i_o have_v be_v speak_v of_o you_o and_o i_o and_o all_o good_a christian_n must_v comfort_v and_o cheer_v ourselves_o with_o that_o expectance_n and_o belief_n of_o another_o state_n of_o thing_n which_o shall_v certain_o intervene_v between_o this_o and_o that_o we_o look_v for_o happy_a day_n before_o that_o time_n come_v these_o shall_v present_v we_o as_o it_o be_v with_o a_o new-made_a world_n these_o shall_v be_v new_a heaven_n and_o new_a earth_n to_o we_o and_o therefore_o let_v we_o not_o be_v discourage_v and_o dishearten_v with_o the_o thought_n of_o that_o terrible_a conflagration_n of_o the_o material_a earth_n and_o heaven_n we_o according_a to_o god_n promise_n record_v in_o the_o prophetic_a write_n isa._n 65._o 17._o 66._o 22._o hag._n 2._o 6._o look_v for_o this_o new_a scene_n of_o affair_n in_o the_o world_n viz._n a_o glorious_a church_n on_o earth_n and_o though_o thing_n look_v otherwise_o at_o present_a though_o there_o be_v no_o appearance_n of_o any_o such_o state_n now_o nevertheless_o i_o tell_v you_o there_o shall_v be_v before_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n a_o time_n when_o this_o shall_v be_v fulfil_v and_o though_o we_o of_o this_o age_n shall_v not_o survive_v to_o see_v this_o bless_a time_n yet_o we_o rejoice_v in_o the_o firm_a and_o certain_a belief_n of_o it_o and_o we_o exhort_v all_o holy_a man_n in_o succeed_a age_n to_o expect_v and_o long_o for_o this_o day_n the_o sum_n of_o these_o word_n than_o be_v this_o although_o this_o world_n shall_v be_v dissolve_v by_o flame_n yet_o before_o this_o amaze_a change_n happen_v we_o be_v to_o look_v for_o new_a heaven_n and_o a_o new_a earth_n i._n e._n such_o a_o state_n wherein_o universal_a holiness_n shall_v be_v last_a and_o permanent_a which_o be_v one_o of_o the_o qualification_n as_o you_o have_v hear_v of_o this_o happy_a state_n i_o have_v be_v treat_v of_o for_o that_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o those_o word_n whereinis_fw-la dwell_v righteousness_n this_o i_o conceive_v be_v the_o sense_n of_o this_o text_n of_o st._n peter_n which_o be_v vouch_v by_o the_o analogy_n of_o it_o with_o other_o text_n and_o the_o natural_a and_o facile_a scope_n of_o the_o word_n and_o the_o criticism_n of_o the_o adverb_n ●_o which_o in_o many_o other_o place_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v synonymous_n with_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d sed_fw-la attamen_fw-la quinetiam_fw-la this_o i_o say_v i_o take_v to_o be_v the_o genuine_a sense_n of_o this_o place_n and_o according_o the_o forementioned_a objection_n vanish_v or_o if_o you_o interpret_v it_o as_o some_o learned_a expositor_n do_v of_o the_o eternal_a glory_n and_o happiness_n of_o bless_a soul_n above_o which_o all_o holy_a man_n look_v for_o the_o objection_n have_v no_o force_n further_o it_o be_v intimate_v in_o this_o very_a chapter_n that_o the_o universal_a combustion_n of_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v after_o the_o millennium_n and_o after_o the_o judgement_n whereas_o this_o author_n place_n it_o before_o they_o both_o for_o the_o set_n of_o the_o heaven_n and_o the_o earth_n on_o fire_n be_v say_v to_o be_v in_o order_n to_o the_o perdition_n of_o ungodly_a man_n ver_fw-la 7._o for_o present_o after_o the_o last_o judgement_n be_v dispatch_v and_o the_o righteous_a be_v translate_v into_o the_o region_n of_o eternal_a happiness_n in_o the_o heaven_n of_o heaven_n present_o after_o this_o i_o say_v the_o earth_n and_o the_o elemental_a heaven_n shall_v be_v fire_v and_o those_o vile_a criminal_n who_o be_v adjudge_v to_o everlasting_a torment_n shall_v be_v plague_v and_o cruciate_v in_o these_o flame_n this_o at_o least_o be_v their_o inchoative_a perdition_n i_o conceive_v to_o shut_v up_o all_o and_o make_v a_o final_a period_n and_o now_o it_o be_v high_a time_n to_o do_v it_o when_o the_o world_n itself_o do_v so_o as_o the_o earth_n of_o old_a be_v overwhelm_v with_o water_n so_o now_o it_o feel_v a_o inundation_n if_o i_o may_v so_o say_v of_o fire_n a_o burn_a deluge_n a_o universal_a flood_n and_o torrent_n of_o devour_a flame_n now_o nature_n itself_o expire_v and_o be_v lay_v asleep_a in_o she_o own_o urn_n and_o bed_n of_o ash_n and_o as_o this_o general_a bonfire_n be_v as_o it_o be_v to_o light_v the_o saint_n to_o heaven_n so_o the_o loud_a blaze_n of_o it_o its_o crackle_n flame_n its_o horrid_a flash_n and_o eruption_n be_v to_o give_v the_o wicked_a some_o foreta_v of_o the_o contrary_a state_n and_o place_n for_o they_o shall_v pass_v but_o from_o one_o fire_n to_o another_o even_o to_o those_o everlasting_a burning_n which_o be_v prepare_v of_o old_a for_o they_o this_o earth_n which_o before_o be_v their_o only_a heaven_n shall_v now_o just_o become_v their_o hell_n and_o all_o the_o infernal_a vault_n which_o be_v the_o former_a receptacle_n of_o evil_a spirit_n shall_v be_v set_v wide_o open_a and_o make_v one_o large_a and_o capacious_a prison_n and_o place_n of_o execution_n for_o these_o condemn_a and_o torment_v wretch_n therefore_o this_o conflagration_n must_v be_v after_o the_o final_a sentence_n be_v pass_v upon_o they_o and_o not_o before_o it_o if_o the_o world_n be_v all_o on_o fire_n before_o the_o judgement_n as_o some_o assert_v it_o will_v be_v a_o hindrance_n to_o the_o trial_n and_o good_a man_n as_o well_o as_o bad_a will_v feel_v the_o effect_n of_o it_o therefore_o when_o the_o doom_n be_v over_o and_o the_o former_a be_v take_v up_o to_o heaven_n and_o safe_o lodge_v there_o the_o dreadful_a firework_n shall_v play_v upon_o the_o latter_a and_o the_o whole_a world_n at_o last_o shall_v become_v one_o funeral_n pile_n now_o hell_n be_v enlarge_v and_o the_o devil_n and_o other_o damn_a creature_n change_v their_o subterraneous_a vault_n of_o fire_n for_o a_o more_o capacious_a furnace_n of_o flame_n and_o smoke_n the_o whole_a low_a world_n be_v convert_v into_o one_o eternal_a hell_n this_o be_v the_o last_o catastrophe_n the_o final_a close_o of_o the_o incorrigible_a world_n the_o everlasting_a period_n of_o all_o the_o church_n enemy_n of_o all_o her_o calamity_n of_o what_o nature_n soever_o this_o be_v the_o true_a order_n as_o i_o conceive_v of_o the_o transaction_n of_o this_o conclude_a scene_n of_o the_o world_n thus_o i_o have_v finish_v my_o task_n i_o have_v set_v before_o you_o and_o explain_v the_o various_a administration_n discovery_n and_o manifestation_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n and_o his_o will_n to_o mankind_n in_o the_o world_n with_o the_o true_a series_n and_o order_n of_o time_n belong_v to_o they_o with_o their_o several_a date_n age_n and_o period_n i_o have_v present_v you_o with_o a_o scheme_n of_o the_o whole_a progress_n of_o religion_n since_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n yea_o i_o have_v make_v bold_a to_o inquire_v into_o the_o future_a state_n of_o it_o and_o of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o which_o and_o in_o all_o that_o go_v before_o i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o unfold_v and_o discover_v tremell_n the_o manifold_a wisdom_n of_o god_n as_o the_o apostle_n right_o style_v it_o the_o curious_a and_o admirable_a variety_n which_o be_v to_o be_v discern_v in_o the_o divine_a providence_n the_o consideration_n of_o which_o induce_v i_o to_o prefix_v that_o title_n to_o this_o treatise_n finis_fw-la finis_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈…〉_z 〈…〉_z mr._n blunt_n oracle_n of_o reason_n p._n 218._o 218._o is._n voss._n de_fw-fr aetat_fw-la mund_o cap._n 12._o 12._o whiston_n be_v new_a theory_n p._n 20_o 21_o 24._o 24._o de_fw-fr opi●icio_fw-la mundi_fw-la mundi_fw-la plato_n in_o timaeo_n timaeo_n scias_n non_fw-la esse_fw-la hominem_fw-la tumultuarium_fw-la &_o incogitatum_fw-la opus_fw-la ●e_v benefic_n l._n 6._o 6._o inter_fw-la maxima_fw-la rerum_fw-la suarum_fw-la natura_fw-la nihil_fw-la habet_fw-la qu●_n magis_fw-la glorietur_fw-la sen._n de_fw-fr benef._n benef._n magnum_fw-la miraculum_fw-la est_fw-la homo_fw-la animal_n adorandum_fw-la atque_fw-la honorandum_fw-la apuleius_n apuleius_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n chrysost._n hom._n 2._o tom._n 5._o 5._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d de_fw-fr mundi_fw-la opificio_fw-la &_o the_o vit●_n mosis_fw-la mosis_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d de_fw-fr special_a leg_n leg_n contra_fw-la gentes_fw-la l._n 1._o 1._o strom._n l._n 6._o 6._o maledictus_fw-la qui_fw-la deitatem_fw-la ad_fw-la hominis_fw-la lineamenta_fw-la refert_fw-la augustin_n in_o genes_n genes_n tertul._n the_o resurrect_a carnis_fw-la c._n 6._o 6._o lib._n de_fw-fr statu_fw-la primi_fw-la hominis_fw-la hominis_fw-la lib._n de_fw-fr ver_fw-la deit_n fill_v c._n 7._o