they_o on_o the_o bright_a side_n they_o appear_v great_a sublime_a and_o conformable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n worthy_a of_o god_n and_o close_o unite_v to_o the_o most_o inviolable_a principle_n both_o of_o our_o heart_n and_o understanding_n their_o greatness_n and_o sublimity_n cause_v such_o a_o admiration_n in_o those_o person_n who_o have_v the_o honour_n to_o divulge_v they_o to_o the_o world_n as_o they_o can_v not_o possible_o conceal_v for_o sometime_o they_o be_v force_v to_o declare_v that_o they_o be_v thing_n which_o eye_n have_v not_o see_v nor_o ear_n hear_v neither_o have_v enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n 1_o cor._n 2._o 9_o a_o expression_n which_o be_v as_o natural_a as_o full_a of_o energy_n and_o clear_o demonstrate_v what_o great_a idea_n they_o have_v of_o they_o another_o while_n they_o express_v themselves_o after_o this_o manner_n and_o without_o controversy_n great_a be_v the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n god_n be_v manifest_a in_o the_o flesh_n justify_v in_o the_o spirit_n etc._n etc._n 1_o tim._n 3._o 16._o and_o again_o colos_n 2._o 3._o they_o call_v they_o the_o treasure_n of_o wisdom_n and_o seem_v to_o be_v continual_o at_o a_o loss_n to_o find_v out_o expression_n worthy_a the_o majesty_n of_o they_o and_o these_o object_n be_v infinite_o raise_v above_o our_o sense_n scarce_o seem_v to_o have_v any_o probability_n be_v altogether_o repugnant_a to_o the_o idea_n of_o the_o heathen_n and_o carnal_a notion_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v above_o any_o conjecture_n of_o man_n and_o consequent_o object_n worthy_a of_o god_n himself_o for_o they_o glorify_v he_o after_o a_o excellent_a manner_n and_o clear_o reveal_v unto_o we_o his_o greatness_n and_o majesty_n either_o in_o the_o gift_n he_o confer_v upon_o man_n or_o the_o sublimity_n of_o those_o duty_n he_o prescribe_v they_o to_o follow_v or_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o reward_n he_o propose_v to_o they_o or_o the_o use_n of_o those_o mean_n whereby_o he_o lead_v they_o to_o it_o compare_v the_o notion_n of_o christianity_n with_o those_o of_o other_o religion_n and_o you_o will_v be_v convince_v of_o this_o truth_n but_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a that_o those_o mystery_n seem_v to_o we_o far_o above_o the_o capacity_n of_o man_n who_o can_v never_o have_v invent_v they_o and_o worthy_a the_o majesty_n of_o god_n who_o alone_o be_v able_a to_o reveal_v they_o to_o we_o we_o may_v also_o further_o add_v that_o the_o principle_n of_o reason_n and_o natural_a religion_n exact_o fall_v in_o with_o they_o for_o they_o be_v not_o like_o the_o idle_a tale_n and_o fiction_n of_o the_o poet_n which_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n former_o so_o eager_o embrace_v when_o at_o the_o same_o time_n their_o reason_n condemn_v they_o for_o it_o the_o creation_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n by_o a_o almighty_a be_v the_o redemption_n of_o the_o world_n by_o a_o mediator_n the_o expiatory_a sacrifice_n of_o christ_n the_o communion_n of_o saint_n the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a the_o remission_n of_o sin_n and_o life_n everlasting_a be_v all_o object_n equal_o reasonable_a sublime_a and_o full_a of_o majesty_n and_o the_o denial_n of_o they_o will_v take_v away_o the_o improvement_n of_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n by_o the_o clear_a revelation_n and_o destroy_v the_o very_a nature_n of_o the_o supreme_a be_v what_o will_v become_v then_o of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n will_v it_o suffer_v man_n to_o be_v whole_o take_v up_o by_o such_o end_n as_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o design_n of_o their_o creation_n will_v god_n permit_v irregularity_n and_o confusion_n to_o reign_v in_o public_a society_n and_o never_o compose_v they_o whilst_o at_o the_o same_o time_n he_o establish_v a_o firm_a union_n and_o as_o it_o be_v a_o society_n among_o irrational_a creature_n if_o so_o what_o will_v then_o signify_v those_o principle_n of_o morality_n and_o that_o natural_a law_n which_o he_o have_v write_v in_o our_o heart_n wherefore_o shall_v he_o make_v so_o many_o thing_n for_o the_o good_a and_o preservation_n of_o man_n that_o be_v not_o the_o end_n he_o be_v design_v for_o what_o will_v become_v of_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n and_o what_o will_v be_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o inward_a sense_n of_o conscience_n what_o will_v be_v the_o punishment_n reserve_v for_o the_o wicked_a and_o the_o reward_n which_o attend_v the_o just_a what_o will_v become_v of_o our_o soul_n since_o reason_n have_v teach_v we_o that_o the_o think_v principle_n within_o we_o be_v distinct_a from_o matter_n and_o that_o the_o soul_n depend_v not_o upon_o any_o dissolution_n of_o the_o part_n of_o matter_n whence_o be_v it_o that_o this_o soul_n have_v notion_n of_o its_o immortality_n what_o use_n will_v there_o be_v of_o equity_n and_o justice_n why_o may_v not_o man_n rather_o give_v themselves_o up_o to_o vice_n which_o will_v then_o be_v whole_o preferable_a before_o virtue_n who_o then_o will_v refuse_v to_o acknowledge_v such_o principle_n to_o be_v in_o themselves_o lawful_a and_o reasonable_a without_o which_o there_o be_v nothing_o but_o confusion_n and_o disorder_n in_o public_a society_n darkness_n and_o incertainty_n in_o the_o mind_n nothing_o but_o error_n and_o illusion_n in_o the_o conscience_n and_o natural_a law_n of_o reason_n nothing_o but_o prejudice_n and_o misery_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n and_o if_o thing_n be_v so_o then_o also_o the_o goodness_n wisdom_n and_o justice_n of_o god_n be_v at_o a_o end_n those_o excellent_a attribute_n which_o have_v so_o clear_o prove_v to_o we_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o existence_n these_o be_v not_o the_o speculation_n of_o contemplative_a man_n or_o the_o nicety_n of_o schoolman_n but_o certain_a truth_n that_o slow_a from_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o in_o a_o excellent_a manner_n agree_v with_o the_o ultimate_a end_n of_o man._n but_o how_o clear_a soever_o the_o one_o side_n of_o these_o mystery_n may_v be_v they_o be_v very_o obscure_a on_o the_o other_o not_o that_o they_o have_v or_o can_v contain_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v repugnant_a to_o sound_v and_o unprejudiced_a reason_n but_o it_o be_v because_o they_o can_v be_v fathom_v by_o our_o shallow_a understanding_n and_o that_o it_o be_v neither_o secure_a nor_o allowable_a or_o even_o possible_a for_o any_o man_n to_o search_v into_o the_o depth_n of_o they_o now_o though_o it_o be_v not_o absolute_o necessary_a for_o we_o to_o inquire_v why_o god_n be_v please_v not_o to_o explicate_v all_o difficulty_n in_o his_o mystery_n and_o though_o it_o be_v sufficient_a only_o to_o allege_v that_o such_o be_v his_o will_n and_o the_o decree_n of_o his_o wisdom_n yet_o we_o must_v not_o neglect_v to_o illustrate_v and_o interpret_v they_o as_o far_o as_o scripture_n and_o reason_n will_v permit_v every_o body_n know_v the_o difference_n between_o sight_n and_o faith_n sight_n admit_v of_o no_o difficulty_n but_o faith_n be_v intermix_v both_o with_o light_n and_o darkness_n both_o their_o object_n be_v very_o different_a from_o one_o another_o for_o we_o do_v not_o see_v what_o we_o believe_v and_o proper_o speak_v we_o do_v not_o believe_v that_o which_o we_o see_v to_o see_v be_v to_o perceive_v by_o one_o self_n but_o to_o believe_v be_v to_o perceive_v by_o another_o man_n eye_n sight_n be_v twofold_a that_o of_o the_o sense_n which_o perceive_v those_o object_n only_o that_o be_v suitable_a to_o its_o nature_n and_o that_o of_o the_o understanding_n when_o it_o judge_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n by_o its_o own_o proper_a light_n faith_n also_o be_v twofold_a humane_a and_o divine_a the_o first_o be_v that_o persuasion_n we_o have_v of_o sacred_a mystery_n ground_v upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o man_n and_o the_o other_o that_o which_o be_v establish_v upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n so_o that_o after_o what_o have_v be_v thus_o premise_v it_o be_v a_o easy_a matter_n to_o understand_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o apostle_n who_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v that_o we_o shall_v walk_v by_o faith_n and_o not_o by_o sight_n that_o be_v we_o must_v lay_v aside_o our_o reason_n and_o follow_v only_o the_o light_n of_o revelation_n and_o receive_v those_o truth_n which_o promise_v we_o salvation_n on_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n alone_o nevertheless_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o perceive_v how_o great_a a_o repugnance_n we_o have_v to_o it_o in_o as_o much_o as_o the_o pleasure_n of_o god_n in_o not_o give_v we_o mystery_n without_o difficulty_n restrain_v the_o rove_a speculation_n of_o our_o mind_n it_o humble_v the_o proud_a reason_n of_o man_n and_o rob_v he_o of_o the_o privilege_n of_o a_o full_a insight_n into_o matter_n which_o yet_o infinite_o concern_v he_o when_o we_o shall_v renounce_v the_o world_n which_o be_v present_a to_o our_o eye_n we_o will_v fain_o see_v those_o object_n religion_n have_v put_v in_o
manner_n which_o be_v sufficient_a to_o persuade_v we_o that_o it_o be_v not_o insert_v by_o one_o and_o the_o same_o author_n in_o the_o gospel_n according_a to_o st._n matthew_n in_o the_o gospel_n according_a to_o st._n mark_n and_o in_o the_o gospel_n according_a to_o st._n luke_n for_o to_o examine_v the_o beginning_n of_o it_o only_o it_o appear_v that_o st._n matthew_n relate_v it_o thus_o chap._n 24._o and_o jesus_n say_v unto_o they_o see_v you_o not_o all_o these_o thing_n very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o there_o shall_v not_o be_v leave_v here_o one_o stone_n upon_o another_o that_o shall_v not_o be_v throw_v down_o and_o as_o he_o sit_v upon_o the_o mount_n of_o olive_n the_o disciple_n come_v unto_o he_o private_o say_v tell_v we_o when_o shall_v these_o thing_n be_v etc._n etc._n now_o st._n luke_n express_v himself_o thus_o chap._n 21._o and_o as_o some_o speak_v of_o the_o temple_n how_o it_o be_v adorn_v with_o goodly_a stone_n he_o say_v as_o for_o these_o thing_n which_o you_o behold_v the_o day_n will_v come_v in_o the_o which_o there_o shall_v not_o be_v leave_v one_o stone_n upon_o another_o here_o he_o do_v not_o say_v as_o st._n matthew_n that_o the_o disciple_n as_o he_o sit_v upon_o the_o mount_n of_o olive_n ask_v he_o say_v master_n but_o when_o shall_v these_o thing_n be_v etc._n etc._n last_o after_o this_o manner_n also_o st._n mark_n begin_v this_o narration_n chap._n 13._o and_o as_o he_o go_v out_o of_o the_o temple_n one_o of_o his_o disciple_n say_v unto_o he_o master_n see_v what_o stone_n and_o building_n be_v here_o and_o jesus_n answer_v say_v unto_o he_o see_v thou_o these_o great_a building_n there_o shall_v not_o be_v leave_v one_o stone_n upon_o another_o that_o shall_v not_o be_v throw_v down_o and_o as_o he_o sit_v upon_o the_o mount_n of_o olive_n over_o against_o the_o temple_n peter_n and_o james_n and_o john_n and_o andrew_n ask_v he_o private_o tell_v we_o when_o shall_v these_o thing_n be_v etc._n etc._n this_o last_o evangelist_n perfect_o explain_v and_o reconcile_v the_o other_o two_o together_o by_o deliver_v all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n viz._n that_o jesus_n be_v two_o several_a time_n ask_v concern_v the_o building_n of_o the_o temple_n and_o that_o the_o last_o time_n be_v as_o he_o sit_v upon_o the_o mount_n of_o olive_n from_o whence_o one_o may_v very_o well_o see_v the_o temple_n and_o where_o that_o prospect_n give_v occasion_n to_o his_o disciple_n to_o desire_v that_o he_o will_v explain_v what_o he_o say_v of_o its_o demolish_n when_o he_o be_v yet_o in_o the_o temple_n itself_o in_o the_o mean_a while_o it_o be_v to_o be_v confess_v that_o the_o little_a difference_n we_o perceive_v in_o this_o respect_n between_o the_o evangelist_n utter_o overthrow_v the_o suspicion_n we_o may_v entertain_v that_o this_o prophecy_n be_v forge_v by_o some_o body_n or_o other_o who_o have_v insert_v it_o in_o all_o the_o three_o gospel_n but_o ii_o it_o be_v worth_a our_o observation_n that_o the_o disciple_n have_v confound_v together_o two_o very_o remote_a event_n in_o the_o question_n they_o ask_v their_o master_n viz._n the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n say_v tell_v we_o when_o shall_v these_o thing_n be_v and_o what_o shall_v be_v the_o sign_n of_o thy_o come_n and_o of_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n mat._n 24._o 3._o jesus_n christ_n answer_v without_o undeceive_v his_o disciple_n and_o without_o distinguish_v what_o they_o have_v thus_o confound_v together_o now_o what_o likelihood_n be_v there_o that_o a_o man_n who_o have_v see_v the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n but_o can_v not_o imagine_v it_o shall_v be_v attend_v with_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n shall_v make_v the_o disciple_n utter_v such_o a_o question_n without_o make_v jesus_n christ_n answer_v the_o least_o thing_n for_o the_o clear_n of_o it_o but_o rather_o iii_o how_o shall_v he_o have_v be_v able_a to_o join_v in_o this_o prophecy_n the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n to_o the_o come_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n in_o the_o cloud_n with_o great_a power_n and_o glory_n how_o can_v that_o man_n who_o have_v be_v a_o eye-witness_n to_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n have_v reasonable_o say_v that_o present_o after_o the_o tribulation_n of_o those_o day_n the_o sun_n shall_v be_v darken_v and_o the_o moon_n shall_v not_o give_v her_o light_n that_o the_o star_n shall_v fall_v from_o heaven_n and_o the_o power_n of_o heaven_n be_v shake_v that_o man_n heart_n shall_v fail_v they_o for_o fear_n and_o for_o look_v after_o those_o thing_n and_o that_o the_o world_n shall_v mourn_v etc._n etc._n how_o be_v it_o possible_a he_o shall_v have_v intermix_v all_o those_o circumstance_n with_o the_o history_n of_o that_o matter_n of_o fact_n the_o falsehood_n of_o which_o he_o must_v needs_o well_o know_v if_o he_o compose_v the_o prophecy_n after_o the_o event_n but_o do_v we_o not_o fall_v here_o from_o one_o difficulty_n into_o a_o great_a for_o if_o all_o those_o sign_n which_o be_v to_o accompany_v the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n do_v not_o real_o come_v to_o pass_v wherein_o then_o lie_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o same_o prophecy_n to_o answer_v this_o objection_n some_o think_v it_o sufficient_a to_o say_v that_o jesus_n christ_n express_v himself_o in_o this_o place_n after_o the_o usual_a manner_n of_o the_o prophet_n who_o say_v that_o nature_n tremble_v and_o heaven_n and_o earth_n be_v move_v when_o god_n visit_v man_n after_o some_o extraordinary_a manner_n either_o in_o his_o goodness_n or_o justice_n they_o further_o add_v that_o the_o judgement_n of_o christ_n execute_v on_o the_o jew_n be_v represent_v to_o we_o as_o a_o come_n and_o as_o a_o singular_a come_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o terrible_a plague_n he_o inflict_v on_o they_o but_o what_o seem_v to_o i_o more_o reasonable_a and_o natural_a than_o this_o be_v that_o jesus_n christ_n think_v it_o not_o convenient_a to_o undeceive_v his_o disciple_n who_o be_v prepossess_v with_o a_o favourable_a opinion_n of_o their_o nation_n think_v that_o jerusalem_n shall_v last_v as_o long_o as_o the_o world_n and_o that_o the_o ruin_n of_o the_o one_o shall_v be_v the_o ruin_n of_o the_o other_o he_o therefore_o seem_v to_o side_n with_o their_o opinion_n and_o represent_v those_o two_o event_n to_o they_o by_o the_o same_o sign_n and_o indeed_o i_o conceive_v there_o may_v be_v several_a reason_n which_o oblige_v jesus_n christ_n so_o to_o act_v for_o not_o to_o allege_v here_o that_o obscurity_n be_v the_o true_a character_n of_o all_o prophecy_n and_o that_o it_o be_v necessary_a this_o here_o shall_v be_v somewhat_o overshadow_a as_o well_o as_o the_o rest_n lest_o any_o one_o shall_v foreknow_v the_o time_n of_o its_o accomplishment_n god_n have_v reserve_v that_o knowledge_n to_o himself_o as_o it_o be_v deliver_v to_o we_o in_o this_o same_o prophecy_n be_v it_o not_o also_o necessary_a that_o jesus_n christ_n shall_v follow_v the_o ordinary_a custom_n of_o all_o the_o prophet_n which_o be_v to_o unite_v several_a very_o remote_a event_n together_o in_o one_o single_a prophecy_n to_o show_v that_o the_o remote_a thing_n be_v nigh_o one_o another_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n beside_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v the_o great_a and_o most_o perfect_a description_n of_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n what_o can_v be_v more_o wise_o think_v of_o than_o to_o represent_v the_o one_o to_o we_o by_o the_o other_o according_a to_o the_o notion_n of_o the_o disciple_n who_o confound_v those_o two_o event_n together_o there_o happen_v pestilence_n war_n and_o famine_n immediate_o before_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n there_o will_v also_o happen_v the_o like_a immediate_o before_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n as_o the_o tribe_n which_o dwell_v in_o the_o holy_a land_n mourn_v to_o see_v the_o effect_n of_o the_o curse_n of_o heaven_n fall_v upon_o their_o nation_n so_o shall_v all_o the_o tribe_n of_o the_o earth_n mourn_v and_o be_v astonish_v when_o god_n shall_v destroy_v this_o inferior_a world_n and_o proceed_v to_o the_o last_o judgement_n as_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n happen_v not_o till_o the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v throughout_o the_o world_n that_o be_v in_o all_o the_o part_n of_o the_o know_a world_n so_o in_o all_o appearance_n the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n will_v not_o happen_v till_o all_o the_o nation_n which_o lay_v conceal_v and_o unknown_a have_v be_v convert_v to_o the_o faith_n of_o jesus_n christ_n as_o there_o be_v see_v false_a christ_n and_o false_a prophet_n before_o the_o final_a destruction_n of_o the_o jew_n so_o there_o will_v be_v also_o false_a teacher_n who_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o seduce_v man_n before_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o
just_a go_v to_o shed_v the_o blood_n of_o christian_n he_o go_v about_o afterward_o preach_v that_o he_o have_v see_v jesus_n christ_n that_o a_o great_a light_n shine_v round_o about_o he_o that_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v reveal_v unto_o he_o he_o affirm_v that_o god_n have_v set_v he_o forth_o unto_o the_o world_n and_o that_o he_o become_v a_o spectacle_n unto_o man_n and_o angel_n 1_o cor._n 4._o 9_o if_o man_n will_v not_o credit_v his_o report_n let_v they_o try_v he_o by_o torment_n and_o see_v what_o effect_n they_o will_v have_v upon_o he_o let_v they_o load_v he_o with_o chain_n and_o cast_v he_o into_o prison_n let_v they_o expose_v he_o to_o wild_a beast_n at_o ephesus_n let_v the_o element_n man_n and_o devil_n be_v all_o at_o once_o set_v against_o he_o let_v they_o scourge_v he_o drag_v he_o along_o stone_n he_o let_v they_o bring_v he_o from_o jerusalem_n to_o caesarea_n from_o caesarea_n to_o rome_n increase_n and_o prolong_v his_o affliction_n saul_n the_o witness_n of_o the_o synagogue_n it_o be_v true_a recant_v his_o opinion_n but_o paul_n the_o witness_n of_o jesus_n will_v never_o recant_v he_o have_v see_v the_o strange_a alteration_n which_o happen_v to_o the_o person_n of_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o synagogue_n let_v we_o reflect_v a_o little_a on_o that_o which_o happen_v to_o the_o person_n of_o the_o apostle_n of_o jesus_n christ_n judas_n betray_v his_o master_n and_o receive_v for_o his_o reward_n thirty_o piece_n of_o silver_n but_o how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v he_o be_v so_o much_o disturb_v after_o he_o have_v do_v it_o the_o jew_n the_o roman_n the_o people_n the_o doctor_n the_o magistrate_n and_o judge_n all_o favour_v his_o crime_n and_o let_v he_o go_v unpunished_a yet_o the_o remorse_n of_o his_o own_o conscience_n torment_v he_o to_o that_o degree_n that_o he_o can_v not_o rest_v any_o where_o and_o at_o length_n not_o be_v able_a to_o overcome_v his_o despair_n he_o make_v away_o with_o himself_o and_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n so_o order_v it_o that_o the_o jew_n themselves_o preserve_v the_o memory_n of_o that_o astonish_a event_n by_o buy_v with_o that_o money_n a_o field_n which_o be_v since_o call_v aceldama_n because_o it_o be_v the_o price_n of_o blood_n what_o a_o strange_a difference_n we_o find_v in_o these_o two_o person_n of_o judas_n and_o saul_n judas_n kill_v himself_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o his_o prosperity_n but_o saul_n rejoice_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o his_o affliction_n judas_n prevail_v upon_o by_o the_o synagogue_n can_v not_o be_v comfort_v by_o the_o same_o but_o die_v in_o despair_n paul_n become_v the_o disciple_n and_o witness_n of_o jesus_n and_o to_o he_o the_o cross_n of_o jesus_n be_v matter_n of_o the_o great_a joy_n god_n forbid_v say_v he_o gal._n 6._o 14_o that_o i_o shall_v glory_v save_v in_o the_o cross_n of_o my_o saviour_n christ_n by_o who_o the_o world_n be_v crucify_v unto_o i_o and_o i_o unto_o the_o world_n will_v any_o one_o believe_v that_o judas_n be_v his_o own_o executioner_n mere_o out_o of_o remorse_n for_o have_v betray_v a_o impostor_n to_o the_o jew_n or_o that_o st._n paul_n derive_v from_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o infidelity_n the_o courage_n he_o show_v in_o all_o his_o suffering_n certain_o it_o may_v be_v very_o proper_o say_v that_o they_o be_v both_o the_o martyr_n of_o god_n but_o only_o with_o this_o difference_n that_o judas_n be_v so_o against_o his_o will_n but_o paul_n voluntary_o if_o the_o constancy_n of_o the_o one_o testify_v in_o behalf_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o despair_n of_o the_o other_o be_v no_o small_a honour_n to_o he_o and_o the_o only_a difference_n be_v this_o that_o paul_n be_v proper_o a_o martyr_n but_o judas_n in_o spite_n of_o himself_o a_o witness_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n chap._n xvii_o where_o we_o further_o answer_v the_o objection_n of_o the_o incredulous_a of_o all_o the_o object_n which_o the_o christian_a religion_n offer_v to_o our_o understanding_n there_o be_v no_o one_o seem_v more_o to_o shock_v the_o reason_n of_o a_o prejudice_v and_o incredulous_a person_n than_o the_o death_n of_o the_o messiah_n the_o cross_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v according_a to_o the_o expression_n of_o a_o apostle_n a_o scandal_n to_o the_o jew_n and_o a_o folly_n to_o the_o greek_a but_o in_o our_o opinion_n there_o be_v nothing_o bear_v more_o visible_a character_n of_o greatness_n and_o divinity_n than_o that_o do_v the_o incredulous_a tell_v we_o that_o can_v we_o but_o rid_v ourselves_o of_o all_o our_o prejudices_fw-la we_o shall_v be_v hearty_o ashamed_a to_o entertain_v such_o strange_a idea_n of_o god_n and_o we_o also_o tell_v they_o that_o can_v they_o once_o but_o free_v themselves_o of_o those_o passion_n which_o darken_v their_o understanding_n they_o will_v certain_o admire_v with_o we_o the_o wonder_n of_o so_o divine_a a_o object_n who_o then_o be_v in_o the_o wrong_n in_o this_o thing_n that_o will_v best_o appear_v by_o the_o answer_v we_o shall_v make_v to_o their_o objection_n we_o find_v in_o the_o person_n of_o jesus_n christ_n one_o who_o suffer_v himself_o to_o be_v seize_v upon_o and_o be_v afterward_o nail_v on_o a_o cross_n not_o have_v any_o one_o to_o deliver_v he_o from_o the_o power_n of_o his_o enemy_n this_o they_o object_n be_v a_o mark_n of_o his_o weakness_n for_o say_v they_o have_v he_o be_v the_o king_n of_o the_o jew_n why_o do_v he_o not_o come_v down_o from_o the_o cross_n and_o all_o the_o world_n will_v have_v believe_v on_o he_o he_o die_v as_o one_o condemn_v by_o the_o grand_a council_n of_o the_o jew_n which_o god_n himself_o have_v establish_v this_o be_v he_o as_o be_v find_v guilty_a he_o be_v seize_v with_o sorrowfulness_n even_o unto_o death_n the_o day_n before_o his_o passion_n and_o cry_v out_o bitter_o when_o he_o give_v up_o the_o ghost_n this_o show_v his_o wretched_a condition_n he_o be_v make_v to_o suffer_v a_o punishment_n proper_a only_o for_o slave_n it_o can_v therefore_o be_v doubt_v but_o that_o he_o die_v a_o most_o infamous_a death_n and_o who_o can_v imagine_v that_o weakness_n gild_n or_o at_o least_o condemnation_n wretchedness_n and_o infamy_n shall_v be_v the_o true_a character_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n thus_o the_o incredulous_a argue_v we_o answer_v that_o jesus_n christ_n suffer_v by_o the_o determinate_a council_n of_o god_n since_o the_o scripture_n foretell_v that_o he_o be_v to_o be_v wound_v for_o our_o transgression_n and_o bruise_v for_o our_o iniquity_n that_o he_o be_v to_o make_v his_o soul_n a_o offering_n for_o sin_n that_o he_o be_v to_o be_v cut_v off_o but_o not_o for_o himself_o and_o st._n john_n the_o baptist_n see_v he_o come_v to_o he_o at_o a_o time_n wherein_o it_o be_v very_o unlikely_a he_o shall_v ever_o suffer_v call_v he_o the_o lamb_n of_o god_n that_o take_v away_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o world_n john_n 1._o 29._o jesus_n christ_n suffer_v voluntary_o he_o foretell_v all_o his_o own_o suffering_n to_o his_o disciple_n invite_v they_o to_o take_v up_o their_o cross_n and_o follow_v he_o he_o tell_v they_o that_o he_o have_v make_v choice_n of_o a_o company_n of_o miserable_a and_o afflict_a wretch_n in_o the_o world_n who_o be_v notwithstanding_o to_o overcome_v the_o world_n and_o by_o their_o suffering_n establish_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n upon_o earth_n he_o free_o own_v to_o they_o that_o he_o be_v not_o come_v to_o settle_v peace_n in_o the_o world_n but_o the_o sword_n that_o god_n will_v smite_v the_o shepherd_n and_o that_o the_o sheep_n shall_v be_v scatter_v that_o they_o be_v to_o drink_v of_o the_o same_o cup_n with_o he_o and_o be_v baptize_v with_o his_o baptism_n that_o be_v to_o taste_v the_o bitter_a cup_n of_o his_o affliction_n and_o be_v baptize_v with_o he_o with_o a_o baptism_n of_o blood_n he_o intermix_v his_o suffering_n with_o they_o that_o they_o may_v the_o better_o bear_v they_o in_o remembrance_n if_o we_o shall_v in_o the_o least_o doubt_n whether_o christ_n foretell_v his_o suffering_n we_o need_v only_o consider_v the_o design_n of_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o eucharist_n and_o the_o time_n wherein_o this_o ceremony_n be_v institute_v for_o unless_o we_o shall_v call_v in_o question_n the_o real_a institution_n of_o that_o sacrament_n and_o so_o affirm_v that_o the_o disciple_n out_o of_o a_o unaccountable_a and_o fantastical_a extravagance_n pretend_v only_o that_o jesus_n christ_n have_v institute_v that_o ceremony_n when_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n it_o will_v appear_v that_o jesus_n christ_n foresee_v his_o death_n that_o he_o prepare_v himself_o for_o it_o and_o affirm_v he_o suffer_v it_o voluntary_o for_o the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o eucharist_n which_o he_o
this_o necessity_n and_o it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o allege_v his_o meanness_n and_o wretchedness_n for_o that_o circumstance_n rather_o aggravate_v the_o crime_n than_o excuse_v it_o it_o be_v impudent_a beyond_o all_o pardon_n for_o a_o traitor_n to_o plead_v innocence_n because_o he_o be_v a_o peasant_n and_o not_o a_o lord_n it_o will_v be_v also_o in_o vain_a to_o lay_v the_o fault_n upon_o the_o evil_a temperament_n of_o body_n and_o mind_n for_o if_o either_o submit_v to_o those_o reason_n which_o you_o have_v for_o commit_v no_o indecent_a action_n before_o a_o sovereign_n and_o if_o that_o and_o all_o its_o passion_n be_v calm_a when_o you_o fall_v into_o any_o danger_n or_o expect_v sentence_n of_o death_n there_o be_v the_o same_o reason_n that_o the_o presence_n the_o will_n and_o judgement_n of_o god_n shall_v have_v the_o same_o effect_n upon_o it_o nor_o will_v ignorance_n be_v any_o excuse_n it_o will_v indeed_o justify_v you_o if_o it_o be_v not_o only_o a_o bare_a pretence_n as_o it_o do_v brute_n child_n and_o idiot_n but_o what_o man_n know_v not_o his_o duty_n it_o be_v also_o in_o vain_a to_o rely_v on_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n for_o that_o extend_v not_o to_o impenitent_a sinner_n and_o the_o almighty_a save_v only_o those_o that_o desire_n and_o endeavour_v to_o be_v save_v last_o it_o be_v mere_a folly_n to_o assert_v that_o eternal_a punishment_n be_v disproportionable_a to_o the_o weakness_n of_o our_o nature_n for_o be_v not_o god_n himself_o eternal_a who_o you_o have_v offend_v and_o be_v not_o your_o soul_n also_o eternal_a that_o have_v sin_v against_o he_o self-love_n however_o blind_v think_v not_o life_n eternal_a a_o thing_n disagreeable_a and_o imagine_v nothing_o in_o it_o disproportionable_a to_o our_o condition_n but_o it_o be_v shock_a at_o the_o thought_n of_o everlasting_a pain_n and_o therefore_o willing_a to_o believe_v they_o improbable_a dream_n and_o whimsy_n but_o why_o it_o do_v so_o be_v hard_o to_o be_v imagine_v unless_o we_o suppose_v its_o design_n to_o be_v at_o any_o rate_n to_o impose_v upon_o itself_o in_o the_o mean_a while_n since_o you_o can_v neither_o destroy_v the_o eternity_n of_o god_n or_o the_o soul_n which_o reason_n itself_o force_v you_o to_o acknowledge_v you_o must_v either_o suppose_v that_o the_o soul_n be_v to_o dwell_v eternal_o with_o god_n or_o that_o it_o must_v be_v eternal_o banish_v from_o his_o presence_n that_o be_v that_o it_o must_v live_v or_o die_v eternal_o for_o to_o live_v with_o god_n be_v to_o enjoy_v the_o great_a perfection_n of_o happiness_n and_o to_o be_v banish_v his_o presence_n be_v certain_o the_o great_a misery_n that_o can_v be_v think_v of_o as_o soon_o as_o we_o know_v the_o existence_n of_o god_n that_o the_o soul_n have_v no_o part_n and_o that_o it_o be_v incapable_a of_o any_o dissolution_n that_o its_o nature_n altogether_o distinct_a from_o that_o of_o matter_n can_v be_v bury_v under_o the_o ruin_n of_o the_o body_n it_o be_v then_o very_o hard_o for_o we_o to_o oppose_v the_o doctrine_n which_o the_o gospel_n teach_v we_o concern_v the_o state_n of_o the_o soul_n after_o death_n nay_o we_o be_v so_o far_o from_o impugn_v of_o it_o that_o there_o be_v even_o a_o necessity_n incumbent_n upon_o we_o ready_o to_o embrace_v the_o same_o for_o if_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o wicked_a together_o with_o those_o of_o the_o good_a be_v equal_o to_o be_v banish_v the_o presence_n of_o god_n than_o reason_n nature_n and_o all_o our_o other_o knowledge_n impose_v upon_o we_o in_o give_v we_o hope_n of_o a_o future_a reward_n and_o if_o the_o soul_n both_o of_o the_o wicked_a and_o the_o good_a be_v to_o enjoy_v alike_o the_o presence_n of_o almighty_a god_n then_o too_o those_o very_a principle_n delude_v we_o in_o make_v we_o dread_v his_o pretend_a judgement_n and_o so_o god_n justice_n and_o veracity_n together_o with_o all_o our_o other_o knowledge_n be_v at_o a_o end_n to_o avoid_v therefore_o fall_v into_o such_o a_o impious_a assertion_n we_o must_v own_v that_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o good_a be_v to_o dwell_v for_o ever_o with_o god_n but_o that_o contrariwise_o those_o of_o the_o wicked_a be_v to_o be_v banish_v his_o presence_n and_o in_o own_v this_o we_o affirmthe_v only_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n that_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o all_o our_o knowledge_n and_o most_o visible_o flow_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n themselves_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n excellent_o answer_v his_o liberal_a promise_n and_o the_o formidable_a severity_n of_o his_o punishment_n all_o the_o creature_n of_o this_o visible_a world_n conspire_v together_o to_o do_v we_o good_a and_o beside_o all_o the_o temporal_a blessing_n daily_o confer_v upon_o we_o beside_o the_o whole_a earth_n be_v replenish_v with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o true_a god_n the_o heart_n of_o man_n be_v sanctify_v their_o soul_n comfort_v the_o gospel_n preach_v throughout_o the_o whole_a world_n the_o son_n of_o god_n die_v for_o our_o offence_n and_o be_v raise_v for_o our_o justification_n our_o crucify_a saviour_n come_v out_o of_o the_o grave_a to_o bring_v we_o peace_n from_o god_n and_o seal_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o gospel_n by_o his_o frequent_a apparition_n after_o his_o death_n there_o be_v a_o visible_a and_o frequent_a effusion_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n upon_o man_n a_o multitude_n of_o martyr_n send_v from_o god_n to_o reclaim_v the_o world_n by_o their_o example_n and_o conversation_n from_o vice_n and_o idolatrous_a superstition_n all_o these_o thing_n i_o say_v be_v such_o blessing_n as_o be_v wonderful_o suitable_a to_o the_o promise_n and_o threaten_n of_o god_n and_o full_o convince_v we_o that_o the_o christian_a morality_n have_v as_o many_o object_n to_o exalt_v and_o comfort_v man_n soul_n as_o it_o have_v to_o excite_v and_o terrify_v their_o mind_n to_o the_o performance_n of_o their_o duty_n x._o but_o to_o prove_v that_o this_o morality_n be_v not_o a_o mere_a idea_n of_o perfection_n god_n in_o be_v wisdom_n be_v please_v not_o only_o to_o have_v it_o set_v down_o in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n but_o also_o to_o have_v it_o lively_o paint_v first_o in_o the_o life_n of_o christ_n and_o afterward_o in_o the_o daily_a practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n these_o man_n be_v not_o such_o teacher_n as_o may_v deserve_o be_v accuse_v of_o speak_v well_o but_o do_v ill_a as_o it_o be_v object_v former_o to_o seneca_n who_o compose_v very_o excellent_a discourse_n concern_v poverty_n and_o the_o contempt_n of_o the_o good_n of_o fortune_n when_o he_o himself_o be_v rich_a than_o the_o wealthy_a citizen_n of_o rome_n these_o on_o the_o contrary_n confirm_v by_o their_o practice_n what_o they_o teach_v and_o by_o extirpate_v their_o evil_a desire_n form_v such_o a_o society_n as_o be_v conformable_a to_o that_o we_o have_v have_v above_o but_o a_o faint_a prospect_n of_o when_o we_o lay_v down_o the_o idea_n of_o man_n duty_n they_o utter_o renounce_v those_o passion_n which_o put_v a_o distinction_n betwixt_o they_o and_o other_o men._n they_o forget_v their_o quality_n and_o condition_n the_o better_a to_o use_v one_o another_o like_a brethren_n the_o same_o interest_n be_v common_a to_o they_o all_o they_o sell_v their_o possession_n to_o ease_v the_o want_v and_o necessity_n of_o those_o that_o suffer_v adversity_n they_o rejoice_v for_o have_v be_v think_v worthy_a to_o suffer_v for_o the_o name_n of_o god_n every_o thing_n conduce_v to_o their_o happiness_n even_o affliction_n themselves_o they_o pray_v for_o those_o that_o despiteful_o use_v they_o and_o as_o charity_n and_o not selflove_o selflove_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o their_o affection_n so_o all_o the_o motion_n of_o their_o heart_n tend_v to_o one_o as_o to_o the_o same_o centre_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o good_a of_o their_o neighbour_n which_o give_v the_o scripture_n occasion_n to_o say_v that_o they_o be_v but_o one_o heart_n and_o one_o soul_n i_o confess_v that_o state_n can_v not_o always_o continue_v in_o the_o church_n but_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n permit_v it_o shall_v last_v for_o some_o time_n to_o give_v we_o a_o lively_a image_n and_o idea_n of_o heaven_n here_o on_o earth_n and_o so_o to_o confirm_v by_o the_o excellence_n of_o such_o a_o example_n a_o morality_n already_o support_v by_o so_o many_o great_a and_o powerful_a motive_n viii_o portraiture_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o it_o be_v consider_v in_o its_o mystery_n the_o mystery_n god_n have_v reveal_v unto_o we_o in_o his_o word_n be_v like_o the_o cloudy_a pillar_n which_o lead_v the_o child_n of_o israel_n through_o the_o wilderness_n for_o like_o that_o they_o be_v clear_a on_o one_o side_n but_o dark_a and_o obscure_a on_o the_o other_o if_o we_o contemplate_v
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that_o they_o be_v thus_o expose_v to_o persecution_n not_o one_o single_a party_n be_v on_o their_o side_n but_o jew_n and_o heathen_n king_n and_o magistrate_n prelate_n and_o people_n open_o declare_v themselves_o their_o adversary_n they_o be_v not_o only_o assault_v with_o persecution_n but_o revile_v contemn_v and_o reproach_v yet_o for_o all_o that_o not_o one_o of_o they_o recant_v his_o opinion_n be_v separate_v or_o confront_v they_o all_o unanimous_o depose_v not_o only_o that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a but_o that_o they_o have_v see_v he_o after_o the_o resurrection_n if_o this_o be_v the_o method_n common_o use_v to_o maintain_v a_o imposture_n i_o will_v glad_o know_v how_o truth_n itself_o be_v to_o be_v defend_v but_o perhaps_o the_o disciple_n be_v themselves_o delude_v and_o peter_n or_o some_o other_o apostle_n be_v so_o cunning_a as_o to_o remove_v the_o body_n of_o our_o lord_n out_o of_o his_o sepulchre_n persuade_v the_o other_o disciple_n 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it_o will_v be_v often_o say_v lo_o here_o be_v christ_n or_o lo_o he_o be_v there_o before_o the_o last_o day_n of_o judgement_n as_o before_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n jesus_n christ_n gather_v together_o in_o some_o christian_a church_n the_o elect_n from_o the_o four_o wind_n of_o heaven_n and_o that_o by_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o apostle_n his_o mystical_a angel_n so_o likewise_o at_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n he_o will_v send_v his_o angel_n to_o raise_v his_o elect_n from_o the_o dust_n and_o obscurity_n of_o the_o grave_a for_o the_o lord_n himself_o shall_v descend_v from_o heaven_n with_o a_o shout_n with_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o archangel_n and_o the_o dead_a in_o christ_n shall_v rise_v 1_o thess_n 4._o 16._o as_o there_o be_v see_v several_a comet_n and_o terrible_a sign_n that_o foretell_v the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n as_o the_o smoke_n of_o the_o city_n and_o flame_v temple_n hide_v the_o light_n of_o the_o day_n and_o darken_v the_o sun_n and_o star_n so_o without_o doubt_n the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n will_v be_v also_o attend_v with_o sign_n and_o prodigy_n much_o more_o terrible_a st._n peter_n say_v the_o earth_n shall_v be_v burn_v up_o and_o the_o element_n shall_v melt_v with_o fervent_a heat_n etc._n etc._n 2._o epistle_n 3._o 10._o as_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o jew_n happen_v after_o a_o unexpected_a manner_n so_o also_o shall_v the_o last_o day_n come_v as_o a_o thief_n in_o the_o night_n as_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o temple_n be_v utter_o destroy_v as_o soon_o as_o the_o jew_n have_v complete_v the_o measure_n of_o their_o sin_n so_o this_o world_n which_o we_o inhabit_v must_v perish_v as_o soon_o as_o the_o end_n or_o call_v of_o all_o nation_n shall_v be_v fulfil_v as_o jesus_n christ_n himself_o say_v in_o that_o prophecy_n we_o now_o have_v under_o consideration_n beside_o one_o may_v reasonable_o imagine_v the_o disciple_n to_o be_v always_o prepossess_v with_o this_o opinion_n that_o the_o end_n 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mind_n or_o be_v trouble_v neither_o by_o spirit_n nor_o by_o word_n nor_o by_o letter_n as_o from_o we_o as_o that_o the_o day_n of_o chrst_n be_v at_o hand_n let_v no_o man_n deceive_v you_o by_o any_o mean_n for_o that_o day_n shall_v not_o come_v except_o first_o etc._n etc._n 2_o thess_n 2._o 2_o 3._o in_o a_o word_n there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o wonder_v that_o that_o prophecy_n of_o jesus_n christ_n so_o faithful_o relate_v by_o his_o disciple_n shall_v have_v leave_v this_o impression_n in_o their_o mind_n for_o jesus_n christ_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n have_v give_v such_o mark_n and_o sign_n of_o his_o come_n that_o it_o seem_v as_o if_o the_o last_o judgement_n be_v immediate_o to_o follow_v it_o say_v that_o he_o shall_v appear_v as_o the_o lightning_n that_o come_v out_o of_o the_o east_n and_o shine_v even_o unto_o the_o west_n and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n he_o have_v declare_v several_a time_n that_o all_o those_o thing_n shall_v happen_v to_o that_o generation_n that_o many_o of_o those_o who_o be_v present_a with_o he_o shall_v not_o taste_v of_o death_n until_o they_o have_v see_v all_o those_o thing_n since_o than_o jesus_n christ_n unite_v thus_o two_o several_a event_n in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o description_n but_o two_o subordinate_a event_n as_o like_v unto_o one_o another_o as_o the_o copy_n and_o the_o original_a may_v be_v it_o follow_v thence_o that_o his_o prophecy_n must_v have_v have_v two_o accomplishment_n the_o one_o very_o nigh_o and_o the_o other_o remote_a this_o in_o my_o opinion_n be_v the_o true_a way_n of_o unravel_v all_o those_o difficulty_n the_o disciple_n confound_v together_o two_o very_o remote_a event_n and_o jesus_n christ_n suffer_v they_o to_o continue_v in_o that_o opinion_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o the_o event_n shall_v justify_v the_o prophecy_n but_o not_o that_o the_o prophecy_n shall_v be_v contrary_a to_o their_o event_n it_o be_v necessary_a therefore_o they_o shall_v be_v obscure_a before_o their_o completion_n but_o clear_a and_o easy_a when_o once_o accomplish_v but_o however_o probable_a what_o i_o have_v lay_v down_o may_v seem_v to_o be_v i_o shall_v be_v very_o sorry_a any_o one_o shall_v think_v i_o lay_v the_o stress_n of_o my_o argument_n upon_o it_o i_o make_v a_o distinction_n between_o bare_a conjecture_n and_o true_a and_o certain_a principle_n and_o i_o leave_v all_o the_o explanation_n i_o have_v just_a now_o give_v to_o the_o reader_n judgement_n to_o use_v according_a to_o his_o discretion_n i_o be_o indifferent_a whether_o he_o use_v my_o notion_n or_o those_o of_o any_o other_o man_n to_o solve_v certain_a difficulty_n which_o may_v occur_v therein_o i_o shall_v only_o insist_v upon_o two_o certain_a truth_n which_o in_o my_o opinion_n admit_v of_o no_o difficulty_n the_o first_o be_v that_o this_o prophecy_n be_v so_o circumstantial_o relate_v that_o it_o be_v absurd_a to_o imagine_v it_o compose_v after_o the_o event_n or_o that_o a_o man_n take_v occasion_n from_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n at_o which_o none_o but_o titus_n and_o his_o army_n be_v see_v to_o make_v jesus_n christ_n say_v when_o he_o foretell_v that_o devastation_n that_o he_o will_v come_v in_o the_o cloud_n of_o heaven_n that_o he_o will_v send_v his_o angel_n to_o gather_v his_o elect_n from_o the_o four_o wind_n that_o they_o will_v see_v he_o come_v with_o power_n and_o great_a glory_n as_o the_o lightning_n that_o come_v out_o of_o the_o east_n and_o shine_v even_o unto_o the_o west_n that_o all_o the_o tribe_n of_o the_o earth_n shall_v mourn_v at_o his_o come_n and_o that_o day_n shall_v come_v as_o sudden_o as_o the_o fire_n of_o sodom_n and_o gomorrah_n the_o second_o truth_n which_o seem_v to_o i_o altogether_o unquestionable_a be_v that_o notwithstanding_o that_o little_a darkness_n with_o which_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n think_v fit_a to_o overshadow_v this_o prophecy_n it_o be_v nevertheless_o in_o all_o respect_n so_o very_o exact_o relate_v in_o all_o its_o circumstance_n and_o so_o clear_o fulfil_v that_o suppose_v it_o compose_v before_o the_o event_n we_o can_v but_o acknowledge_v it_o to_o proceed_v from_o a_o prophetical_a spirit_n for_o what_o can_v we_o read_v in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o jew_n but_o what_o be_v include_v in_o this_o prophecy_n the_o beginning_n the_o continuation_n and_o end_n of_o the_o misfortune_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v all_o to_o be_v find_v in_o it_o it_o do_v not_o foretell_v a_o particular_a captivity_n of_o that_o people_n but_o a_o general_a dispersion_n of_o the_o whole_a nation_n and_o they_o shall_v be_v lead_v captive_n into_o all_o nation_n luk._n 21._o 24._o jesus_n christ_n weep_v over_o jerusalem_n on_o another_o occasion_n at_o his_o enter_v into_o it_o and_o utter_v these_o compassionate_a word_n o_o that_o thou_o have_v know_v even_o thou_o at_o least_o in_o this_o thy_o day_n the_o thing_n which_o belong_v unto_o thy_o peace_n but_o now_o they_o be_v hide_v from_o thy_o eye_n for_o the_o day_n shall_v come_v that_o thy_o enemy_n shall_v cast_v a_o trench_n about_o thou_o and_o compass_v thou_o round_o and_o keep_v the_o in_o on_o every_o side_n and_o shall_v â—ay_n thou_o even_o with_o the_o ground_n and_o thy_o child_n within_o thou_o and_o they_o shall_v not_o leave_v in_o thou_o one_o stone_n upon_o another_o because_o thou_o know_v not_o the_o time_n of_o thy_o visitation_n luke_n â—9_n 42_o 43_o 44._o and_o can_v any_o one_o believe_v that_o this_o passage_n of_o our_o saviour_n weep_v over_o jerusalem_n be_v also_o insert_v in_o â—he_n gospel_n be_v all_o those_o prophetical_a parable_n inâ—erted_v too_o in_o which_o jesus_n christ_n threaten_v the_o jew_n â—ith_z their_o approach_a destruction_n tell_v they_o â—ne_a while_n that_o the_o lord_n will_v let_v his_o vineyard_n to_o other_o
be_v clear_o explain_v by_o their_o event_n neither_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a or_o new_a testament_n bear_v the_o least_o record_n of_o mahomet_n whereas_o the_o prophet_n have_v foretell_v the_o come_n of_o jesus_n christ_n as_o of_o a_o messiah_n that_o be_v to_o unite_v the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n and_o to_o carry_v the_o covenant_n of_o god_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n mahomet_n establish_v himself_o in_o the_o world_n by_o force_n and_o violence_n but_o jesus_n christ_n only_o by_o patience_n and_o suffering_n the_o former_a be_v environ_v with_o soldier_n the_o latter_a be_v attend_v with_o martyr_n the_o one_o put_v man_n to_o death_n but_o the_o other_o receive_v death_n for_o our_o sake_n mahomet_n ambition_n who_o establish_v such_o a_o flourish_a empire_n be_v present_o see_v in_o the_o success_n he_o have_v in_o his_o undertake_n but_o jesus_n christ_n be_v far_o from_o self_n interest_n or_o ambition_n since_o he_o withdraw_v himself_o when_o they_o will_v have_v make_v he_o king_n and_o declare_v his_o kingdom_n be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n instead_o of_o encourage_v the_o carnal_a prejudices_fw-la of_o his_o disciple_n he_o take_v care_n to_o undeceive_v they_o and_o to_o foretell_v all_o the_o evil_n they_o be_v to_o expect_v and_o though_o any_o shall_v presume_v open_o to_o dispute_v all_o these_o matter_n of_o fact_n still_o they_o appear_v by_o the_o end_n and_o success_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o design_n of_o which_o be_v to_o sanctify_v the_o heart_n and_o calm_v the_o disorderly_a passion_n of_o the_o soul_n mahomet_n invent_v such_o a_o religion_n which_o agree_v only_o with_o corrupt_a reason_n and_o the_o loose_a inordinate_a desire_n of_o the_o heart_n he_o make_v the_o scandal_n of_o the_o cross_n to_o give_v place_n to_o the_o magnificence_n and_o grandeur_n of_o the_o world_n he_o take_v away_o the_o most_o spiritual_a and_o difficult_a matter_n of_o morality_n to_o fill_v the_o mind_n of_o his_o disciple_n with_o carnal_a and_o sensual_a idea_n but_o not_o so_o do_v our_o saviour_n act_n who_o propose_v his_o cross_n to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n as_o a_o astonish_a paradox_n and_o a_o continual_a cause_n of_o mortification_n and_o repentance_n mahomet_n establish_v his_o religion_n by_o the_o help_n of_o ignorance_n and_o darkness_n by_o suppress_v such_o book_n as_o may_v have_v enlighten_v man_n understanding_n and_o by_o require_v a_o blind_a submission_n from_o they_o jesus_n christ_n on_o the_o contrary_n will_v not_o have_v they_o believe_v his_o doctrine_n but_o as_o they_o find_v it_o conformable_a to_o that_o of_o the_o prophet_n search_v the_o scripture_n say_v he_o for_o in_o they_o you_o think_v you_o have_v eternal_a life_n john_n 5._o 39_o mahomet_n establish_v himself_o in_o the_o world_n by_o dissemble_v and_o disguise_v his_o thought_n he_o promise_v in_o the_o begin_n a_o toleration_n of_o all_o religion_n carry_v it_o fair_a to_o the_o christian_n but_o afterwasd_n do_v his_o utmost_a endeavour_n to_o extirpate_v they_o utter_o but_o jesus_n christ_n declare_v at_o first_o his_o intention_n and_o design_n which_o be_v to_o save_v mankind_n and_o overthrow_v superstition_n itself_o nor_o he_o nor_o his_o disciple_n use_v any_o policy_n or_o circumvention_n in_o this_o respect_n mahomet_n die_v but_o never_o rise_v nor_o pretend_v to_o rise_v again_o from_o the_o dead_a thereby_o to_o show_v he_o be_v approve_v of_o god_n jesus_n christ_n die_v but_o it_o be_v believe_v he_o rise_v again_o from_o the_o dead_a upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o those_o who_o have_v see_v he_o after_o his_o resurrection_n and_o testify_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o matter_n of_o fact_n to_o all_o the_o world_n at_o the_o expense_n of_o their_o life_n and_o effusion_n of_o their_o blood_n mahomet_n religion_n be_v invent_v maintain_v and_o support_v by_o policy_n but_o that_o of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v at_o first_o offensive_a to_o all_o the_o prince_n upon_o earth_n and_o be_v establish_v in_o the_o world_n notwithstanding_o all_o their_o endeavour_n to_o the_o contrary_n mahomets_n religion_n appear_v at_o first_o view_n to_o be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o triumph_n of_o humane_a industry_n and_o covetousness_n but_o the_o religion_n of_o jesus_n christ_n show_v that_o of_o integrity_n and_o justice_n in_o their_o full_a perfection_n and_o natural_a religion_n in_o that_o proper_a purity_n and_o simplicity_n that_o be_v restore_v to_o it_o by_o charity_n mahomet_n lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o a_o particular_a monarchy_n and_o establish_v such_o law_n as_o human_o speak_v be_v serviceable_a only_o in_o those_o place_n wherein_o he_o have_v settle_v his_o dominion_n but_o jesus_n christ_n have_v give_v we_o new_a principle_n of_o union_n and_o intelligence_n very_o useful_a to_o the_o good_a of_o public_a society_n in_o general_n and_o very_o fit_a to_o cement_v the_o union_n of_o all_o man_n together_o by_o make_v the_o spirit_n of_o charity_n reign_v in_o the_o world_n the_o come_n of_o mahomet_n do_v not_o sanctify_v mankind_n but_o that_o of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v attend_v with_o a_o innumerable_a company_n of_o person_n who_o all_o renounce_v the_o world_n mere_o by_o the_o faith_n they_o have_v in_o he_o it_o be_v not_o mahomet_n but_o jesus_n christ_n who_o exact_o fulfil_v the_o oracle_n concern_v the_o call_n of_o the_o gentile_n because_o mahomet_n derive_v all_o his_o knowledge_n of_o the_o true_a god_n from_o jesus_n christ_n as_o we_o have_v already_o show_v last_o temporal_a prosperity_n be_v the_o true_a character_n of_o the_o religion_n of_o mahomet_n and_o it_o may_v be_v very_o well_o affirm_v that_o mahomet_n be_v a_o man_n of_o god_n if_o it_o be_v true_a that_o all_o those_o who_o enjoy_v the_o great_a prosperity_n in_o the_o world_n that_o be_v all_o tyrant_n wicked_a and_o unjust_a man_n be_v the_o favourite_n of_o god_n but_o the_o character_n of_o the_o religion_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v patience_n self-denial_n innocence_n and_o a_o simplicity_n of_o manner_n and_o certain_o he_o be_v approve_v of_o god_n if_o god_n approve_v of_o virtuous_a patient_a humble_a and_o charitable_a man_n it_o concern_v now_o the_o incredulous_a to_o answer_v all_o these_o difference_n if_o they_o will_v have_v we_o allow_v of_o this_o comparison_n for_o otherwise_o we_o shall_v ever_o reject_v it_o as_o be_v very_o ridiculous_a and_o extravagant_a chap._n xv._n where_o we_o further_o examine_v the_o objection_n of_o the_o incredulous_a the_o incredulous_a be_v apt_a to_o raise_v as_o many_o suspicion_n against_o the_o miracle_n of_o jesus_n christ_n as_o against_o his_o person_n because_o of_o all_o those_o proof_n which_o establish_v his_o religion_n there_o be_v none_o that_o can_v move_v the_o sense_n so_o much_o as_o that_o take_v from_o true_a miracle_n i._o then_o they_o object_n that_o jesus_n the_o son_n of_o mary_n may_v have_v heal_v two_o or_o three_o people_n either_o by_o chance_n or_o by_o virtue_n of_o second_o cause_n and_o that_o that_o good_a success_n may_v have_v get_v he_o afterward_o the_o name_n of_o a_o prophet_n through_o the_o ignorance_n of_o the_o people_n who_o be_v wont_a to_o ascribe_v to_o supernatural_a cause_n every_o thing_n that_o be_v unknown_a to_o they_o we_o answer_v that_o we_o have_v here_o a_o very_a great_a number_n of_o miracle_n all_o of_o different_a kind_n evident_a and_o sensible_a miracle_n in_o their_o nature_n unimitable_a and_o above_o all_o imposture_n such_o be_v the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a heal_v the_o blind_a the_o lame_a and_o the_o sick_a of_o the_o palsy_n etc._n etc._n ii_o they_o pretend_v that_o he_o may_v perhaps_o have_v suborn_v witness_n to_o testify_v some_o fabulous_a miracle_n but_o how_o can_v this_o be_v since_o jesus_n christ_n have_v neither_o money_n to_o give_v nor_o dignity_n to_o promise_v and_o as_o for_o cunning_a politic_a nicety_n riches_n and_o credit_n they_o be_v only_o among_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n and_o doctor_n of_o the_o law_n his_o implacable_a enemy_n who_o take_v all_o opportunity_n to_o prejudice_v he_o because_o he_o public_o censure_v their_o hypocrisy_n upon_o all_o occasion_n iii_o they_o object_n that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v so_o prudent_a as_o to_o work_v his_o miracle_n only_o before_o three_o of_o his_o choose_a disciple_n viz._n peter_n james_n and_o john_n now_o say_v they_o who_o know_v but_o that_o those_o three_o disciple_n to_o flatter_v the_o ambition_n of_o their_o master_n may_v have_v attest_v certain_a miracle_n as_o true_a which_o be_v not_o real_o so_o to_o remove_v this_o suspicion_n we_o need_v only_o reflect_v upon_o the_o many_o miracle_n jesus_n christ_n wrought_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o his_o other_o disciple_n he_o raise_v from_o the_o dead_a the_o son_n of_o the_o widow_n of_o naim_n as_o he_o be_v a_o carry_v to_o be_v inter_v he_o raise_v lazarus_n from_o the_o grave_n in_o
estate_n of_o the_o rich_a in_o teach_v they_o how_o to_o consecrate_v they_o to_o god_n and_o to_o comfort_v the_o poor_a in_o their_o necessity_n by_o enact_v such_o admirable_a law_n design_v only_o for_o their_o subsistence_n levit._n 19_o deut._n 15._o 7_o 8_o 24._o last_o to_o all_o this_o you_o may_v yet_o further_o add_v those_o wonderful_a law_n of_o equity_n and_o justice_n whereby_o their_o lawgiver_n have_v so_o prudent_o determine_v what_o judgement_n shouldbe_v execute_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o that_o people_n those_o law_n which_o seem_v to_o be_v only_o the_o first_o and_o most_o just_a determination_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o which_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o serve_v for_o a_o example_n to_o all_o civil_a and_o political_a law_n establish_v in_o the_o world_n now_o from_o all_o this_o it_o necessary_o follow_v first_o that_o the_o disciple_n can_v not_o look_v upon_o jesus_n christ_n as_o the_o messiah_n who_o be_v to_o come_v and_o who_o their_o nation_n expect_v with_o so_o great_a impatience_n without_o expect_v from_o he_o a_o temporal_a happiness_n and_o prosperity_n this_o plain_o appear_v by_o the_o request_n which_o the_o mother_n of_o zebedee_n child_n make_v to_o jesus_n christ_n when_o she_o come_v to_o he_o say_v lord_n grant_v that_o these_o my_o two_o son_n may_v sit_v the_o one_o on_o the_o right_a hand_n and_o the_o other_o on_o the_o left_a in_o thy_o kingdom_n mat._n 20._o 21._o the_o disciple_n therefore_o must_v necessary_o be_v strange_o offend_v to_o hear_v that_o their_o master_n be_v not_o come_v to_o command_v but_o to_o serve_v and_o give_v his_o life_n as_o a_o ransom_n for_o many_o that_o he_o shall_v be_v the_o great_a in_o his_o kingdom_n who_o be_v most_o humble_a and_o that_o the_o great_a be_v to_o be_v as_o the_o least_o and_o as_o one_o that_o serve_v beside_o how_o strange_o must_v their_o hope_n be_v cross_v to_o see_v that_o nothing_o but_o misery_n poverty_n and_o affliction_n continual_o attend_v the_o profession_n they_o have_v embrace_v of_o follow_v jesus_n christ_n they_o must_v have_v certain_o find_v something_o or_o other_o in_o their_o master_n which_o recompense_v the_o loss_n of_o that_o temporal_a prosperity_n they_o so_o eager_o thirst_v after_o and_o make_v they_o patient_o endure_v all_o sort_n of_o affliction_n and_o that_o recompense_n can_v be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o doctrine_n or_o miracle_n of_o jesus_n christ_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o his_o doctrine_n because_o they_o understand_v it_o not_o for_o along_o time_n as_o be_v evident_a by_o so_o many_o vain_a frivolous_a absurd_a and_o ridiculous_a question_n that_o be_v offensive_a and_o savour_v of_o little_a respect_n to_o their_o master_n beside_o what_o be_v most_o holy_a and_o most_o proper_a to_o persuade_v man_n to_o embrace_v his_o doctrine_n be_v that_o part_n of_o it_o which_o be_v most_o spiritual_a and_o that_o part_n be_v hide_v from_o they_o and_o they_o can_v not_o understand_v it_o because_o their_o mind_n be_v fill_v only_o with_o gross_a and_o carnal_a idea_n of_o the_o world_n as_o it_o appear_v by_o their_o discourse_n to_o their_o master_n which_o they_o themselves_o relate_v after_o so_o simple_a and_o ingenuous_a a_o manner_n they_o must_v then_o necessary_o have_v find_v in_o jesus_n christ_n such_o miracle_n as_o serve_v they_o instead_o of_o all_o their_o oâ—her_n desire_v and_o it_o be_v by_o they_o chief_o that_o jesus_n christ_n prove_v the_o truth_n and_o divinity_n of_o his_o call_v to_o they_o he_o tell_v they_o that_o the_o father_n have_v not_o leave_v he_o without_o a_o witness_n but_o that_o the_o work_n which_o he_o do_v testify_v that_o the_o father_n have_v send_v he_o and_o on_o another_o occasion_n he_o solemn_o declare_v that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a witness_n than_o john_n the_o baptist_n add_v that_o the_o work_n which_o the_o father_n have_v give_v he_o to_o do_v be_v those_o that_o shall_v testify_v of_o he_o but_o perhaps_o it_o may_v here_o be_v object_v that_o john_n the_o baptist_n can_v draw_v a_o great_a multitude_n after_o he_o and_o be_v esteem_v a_o prophet_n among_o the_o jew_n without_o have_v wrought_v any_o miracle_n at_o lest_o none_o that_o we_o know_v of_o or_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o gospel_n and_o consequent_o that_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o jesus_n christ_n as_o well_o as_o john_n the_o baptist_n draw_v a_o great_a number_n of_o disciple_n after_o he_o not_o so_o much_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o his_o miracle_n as_o his_o extraordinary_a piety_n and_o the_o promise_n he_o make_v they_o of_o a_o eternal_a life_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v first_o that_o though_o we_o read_v of_o no_o kind_n of_o miracle_n that_o john_n the_o baptist_n wrought_v himself_o in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o his_o life_n or_o of_o his_o ministry_n yet_o it_o be_v sufficient_a that_o his_o birth_n be_v signalise_v by_o a_o very_a surprise_a miracle_n which_o be_v sufficient_o know_v by_o all_o his_o nation_n to_o make_v they_o expect_v great_a and_o wonderful_a matter_n from_o he_o second_o i_o say_v that_o as_o john_n the_o baptist_n wrought_v no_o miracle_n so_o neither_o be_v he_o look_v upon_o as_o a_o prophet_n that_o be_v to_o have_v do_v any_o he_o be_v not_o that_o messiah_n of_o who_o it_o have_v beeen_n foretell_v that_o he_o shall_v be_v the_o desire_n of_o all_o nation_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v call_v the_o god_n and_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n at_o who_o come_v god_n will_v shake_v heaven_n and_o earth_n the_o sea_n and_o the_o dry_a land_n he_o be_v no_o more_o than_o his_o forerunner_n he_o be_v the_o voice_n of_o one_o cry_v in_o the_o wilderness_n prepare_v you_o the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n make_v his_o path_n straight_o matt._n 3._o 3_o three_o john_n the_o baptist_n declare_v only_o to_o they_o the_o come_n of_o the_o messiah_n which_o can_v not_o but_o very_o much_o please_v the_o jew_n and_o which_o perfect_o well_o agree_v with_o their_o hope_n and_o opinion_n his_o ministry_n have_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v very_o grateful_a and_o pleasant_a and_o it_o be_v not_o requisite_a he_o shall_v work_v any_o miracle_n to_o exhort_v the_o jew_n to_o receive_v the_o most_o welcome_a tiding_n they_o can_v ever_o hear_v of_o but_o it_o be_v not_o so_o with_o jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v oblige_v to_o show_v the_o messiah_n in_o his_o own_o person_n and_o he_o too_o so_o contrary_a to_o that_o idea_n they_o have_v frame_v to_o themselves_o of_o he_o even_o from_o their_o infancy_n so_o that_o he_o can_v not_o choose_v but_o exasperate_v they_o against_o he_o and_o to_o this_o if_o i_o may_v mention_v it_o by_o the_o way_n we_o ought_v to_o refer_v the_o different_a success_n of_o the_o ministry_n of_o john_n the_o baptist_n and_o that_o of_o jesus_n christ_n which_o be_v signify_v in_o the_o prediction_n of_o the_o prophet_n who_o foretell_v that_o john_n the_o baptist_n shall_v reconcile_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o parent_n to_o the_o child_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a that_o jesus_n christ_n will_v be_v a_o stumble_a block_n and_o a_o offence_n to_o israel_n since_o the_o jew_n so_o eager_o expect_v the_o come_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o messiah_n they_o frame_v a_o very_a agreeable_a idea_n of_o he_o to_o themselves_o as_o they_o do_v still_o to_o this_o day_n they_o invest_v he_o with_o all_o the_o splendour_n and_o glory_n they_o can_v possible_o wish_v to_o themselves_o they_o paint_v he_o if_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v in_o colour_n suitable_a to_o their_o own_o pride_n and_o ambition_n they_o expect_v they_o shall_v speedy_o have_v king_n of_o the_o earth_n for_o their_o nurse_n father_n and_o queen_n for_o their_o nurse_n mother_n nay_o they_o imagine_v no_o less_o than_o to_o have_v they_o immediate_o for_o man_n servant_n and_o maid_n servant_n these_o thing_n they_o have_v be_v tell_v of_o from_o their_o infancy_n and_o that_o carnal_a and_o temporal_a messiah_n they_o fancy_v be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o idol_n of_o their_o heart_n soon_o after_o john_n baptist_n appear_v in_o the_o world_n who_o set_v forth_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o messiah_n in_o such_o term_n as_o the_o prophet_n daniel_n have_v make_v use_n of_o before_o he_o public_o affirm_v that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v at_o hand_n mat._n 3_o 2_o at_o the_o report_n of_o this_o agreeable_a voice_n all_o the_o people_n run_v in_o crowd_n to_o hear_v it_o from_o jerusalem_n from_o decapolis_n from_o judea_n from_o galilee_n and_o from_o the_o city_n beyond_o jordain_n john_n preach_v repentance_n to_o they_o as_o a_o necessary_a preparation_n to_o become_v partaker_n of_o all_o the_o benefit_n they_o be_v to_o expect_v under_o the_o messiah_n and_o they_o willing_o hearken_v to_o his_o preach_n he_o exhort_v they_o to_o be_v reconcile_v to_o
mankind_n or_o at_o least_o those_o country_n where_o all_o those_o thing_n come_v to_o pass_v i_o answer_v first_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v not_o in_o the_o least_o stifle_v or_o conceal_v they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o it_o that_o they_o convert_v a_o infinite_a number_n both_o of_o jew_n and_o gentile_n and_o that_o too_o in_o a_o very_a short_a time_n second_o there_o be_v several_a external_a cause_n which_o very_o much_o contribute_v towards_o the_o weaken_n the_o impression_n they_o will_v otherwise_o have_v make_v upon_o mankind_n for_o first_o the_o elder_n among_o the_o jew_n endeavour_v as_o much_o as_o they_o can_v to_o persuade_v the_o people_n that_o all_o those_o miracle_n be_v nothing_o but_o the_o product_n of_o some_o magic_a power_n or_o a_o kind_n of_o compact_n with_o the_o devil_n second_o those_o that_o be_v in_o power_n be_v so_o much_o exasperate_v against_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n that_o whosoever_o resolve_v to_o embrace_v his_o doctrine_n must_v immediate_o prepare_v himself_o to_o be_v cast_v into_o a_o dungeon_n or_o execute_v upon_o a_o scaffold_n nay_o to_o undergo_v if_o possible_a any_o thing_n more_o sorrowful_a and_o fatal_a than_o this_o and_o because_o nothing_o make_v a_o great_a impression_n upon_o man_n than_o to_o see_v punishment_n inflict_v on_o other_o all_o parent_n strict_o charge_v their_o child_n not_o to_o hold_v any_o conversation_n with_o the_o christian_n lest_o they_o shall_v see_v they_o end_v their_o day_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o torment_n nay_o they_o be_v very_o cautious_a and_o strict_a themselves_o in_o avoid_v their_o society_n which_o be_v the_o reason_n that_o keep_v such_o a_o extraordinary_a distance_n from_o the_o christian_n they_o shut_v their_o eye_n and_o stop_v their_o ear_n that_o they_o may_v not_o hear_v their_o word_n nor_o see_v the_o miracle_n which_o they_o perform_v three_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v so_o contrary_a to_o the_o opinion_n the_o jew_n have_v be_v prepossess_v with_o that_o they_o can_v not_o but_o hate_n and_o avoid_v it_o for_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n become_v a_o scandal_n to_o the_o jew_n and_o be_v treat_v as_o a_o folly_n by_o the_o greek_n last_o the_o christian_a religion_n put_v a_o end_n to_o the_o bondage_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o heathen_n a_o jew_n then_o can_v not_o be_v convert_v to_o christanity_n without_o utter_o renounce_v what_o he_o always_o esteem_v inviolable_a nor_o can_v a_o heathen_a believe_v in_o jesus_n christ_n without_o look_v upon_o that_o as_o profane_v which_o he_o think_v before_o most_o sacred_a hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n speak_v to_o we_o of_o the_o effect_n of_o the_o gospel_n attend_v with_o the_o power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o of_o the_o creation_n of_o new_a heaven_n and_o of_o a_o new_a earth_n if_o we_o add_v to_o this_o the_o extraordinary_a care_n the_o jewish_a and_o heathenish_a priest_n and_o the_o magistrate_n of_o both_o nation_n take_v to_o smother_v the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o weakness_n and_o passion_n of_o man_n who_o be_v unable_a to_o sustain_v so_o much_o as_o the_o idea_n of_o the_o torment_n that_o be_v invent_v on_o purpose_n to_o hinder_v the_o progress_n of_o christanity_n i_o say_v if_o we_o consider_v this_o we_o shall_v have_v no_o reason_n to_o be_v any_o long_o astonish_v at_o that_o which_o at_o first_o view_n so_o much_o surprise_v we_o but_o second_o it_o may_v be_v ask_v why_o the_o historian_n among_o the_o heathen_n never_o mention_v any_o thing_n of_o those_o mighty_a wonder_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o yet_o deserve_v to_o have_v the_o most_o considerable_a place_n among_o the_o many_o other_o event_n they_o have_v so_o careful_o relate_v we_o answer_v that_o this_o consideration_n prove_v nothing_o against_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n we_o have_v so_o firm_o establish_v first_o because_o it_o be_v needless_a and_o extravagant_a to_o draw_v any_o further_a consequence_n from_o a_o principle_n which_o prove_v more_o than_o enough_o already_o it_o be_v true_a the_o heathen_a writer_n say_v little_a or_o nothing_o concern_v jesus_n christ_n for_o they_o hardly_o know_v his_o name_n suetonius_n speak_v of_o he_o after_o this_o manner_n judaei_n tumultuati_fw-la sunt_fw-la cresto_n impulsore_fw-la but_o what_o then_o do_v it_o follow_v that_o because_o suetonius_n hardly_o know_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o person_n as_o christ_n or_o that_o he_o be_v not_o real_o call_v christus_fw-la the_o heathen_a author_n you_o see_v relate_v not_o how_o several_a christian_a church_n be_v in_o a_o small_a time_n settle_v at_o rome_n at_o corinth_n at_o ephesus_n at_o sardis_n at_o smirna_n at_o philippi_n at_o thessalonica_n etc._n etc._n but_o must_v it_o follow_v from_o thence_o that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n certain_o if_o any_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v true_a this_o be_v undoubted_o true_a i_o grant_v indeed_o that_o the_o miracle_n resurrection_n and_o ascension_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v all_o matter_n of_o fact_n that_o may_v be_v doubt_v of_o yet_o we_o may_v at_o least_o affirm_v that_o the_o establishment_n of_o those_o christian_a church_n compose_v of_o such_o man_n as_o believe_v all_o those_o thing_n be_v a_o thing_n not_o to_o be_v doubt_v of_o this_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o fact_n very_o important_a and_o remarkable_a yet_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o least_o mention_v by_o the_o historian_n of_o that_o age_n therefore_o the_o objection_n go_v too_o far_o it_o prove_v too_o much_o and_o so_o consequent_o prove_v nothing_o second_o i_o say_v that_o the_o historian_n of_o those_o time_n have_v so_o ignorant_o treat_v of_o the_o jewish_a affair_n that_o we_o need_v not_o wonder_v they_o appear_v so_o little_o instruct_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o what_o concern_v the_o christian_n who_o they_o suppose_v to_o have_v be_v a_o sect_n belong_v to_o the_o jew_n for_o if_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o history_n those_o author_n compose_v of_o they_o agree_v not_o very_o well_o with_o the_o gospel_n of_o the_o apostle_n it_o be_v but_o compare_v it_o with_o that_o of_o josephus_n and_o we_o may_v clear_o see_v that_o it_o agree_v no_o better_a with_o one_o than_o with_o the_o other_o last_o the_o heathen_a author_n consider_v the_o christian_a religion_n as_o a_o kind_n of_o magic_n and_o a_o detestable_a superstition_n which_o aim_v at_o the_o total_a destruction_n of_o mankind_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o some_o man_n earnest_o endeavour_v to_o make_v it_o pass_v for_o such_o among_o those_o who_o live_v both_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o long_o after_o they_o and_o it_o be_v very_o dangerous_a to_o give_v it_o any_o other_o name_n the_o world_n be_v divide_v between_o the_o friend_n and_o enemy_n of_o christanity_n those_o who_o be_v the_o friend_n of_o it_o profess_v it_o and_o deliver_v not_o only_o by_o word_n of_o mouth_n but_o in_o write_v what_o they_o know_v concern_v the_o wonder_n of_o it_o as_o for_o its_o enemy_n they_o neither_o have_v the_o boldness_n power_n or_o will_v to_o write_v ofit_n as_o the_o former_a have_v do_v they_o will_v not_o do_v it_o lest_o they_o shall_v wrong_v their_o own_o cause_n and_o dishonour_v their_o own_o religion_n and_o they_o can_v not_o do_v it_o because_o they_o themselves_o be_v not_o so_o well_o acquaint_v with_o the_o miracle_n of_o christanity_n have_v always_o be_v afraid_a to_o converse_v with_o the_o christian_n and_o esteem_v the_o belief_n of_o those_o man_n a_o very_a sorrowful_a and_o dangerous_a persuasion_n since_o by_o profess_v their_o religion_n they_o be_v sure_a of_o get_v nothing_o but_o torment_n and_o death_n itself_o last_o they_o dare_v not_o presume_v to_o write_v thing_n as_o they_o real_o be_v though_o they_o have_v be_v never_o so_o well_o acquaint_v with_o they_o because_o their_o own_o write_n will_v accuse_v they_o of_o have_v embrace_v christianity_n a_o crime_n which_o be_v so_o severe_o punish_v in_o those_o day_n that_o it_o will_v unavoidable_o have_v bring_v upon_o they_o certain_a death_n and_o ruin_n or_o at_o least_o after_o their_o death_n shame_n and_o infamy_n upon_o their_o family_n but_o three_o it_o may_v be_v ask_v why_o the_o apostle_n who_o have_v power_n to_o heal_v the_o sick_a and_o raise_v the_o dead_a do_v not_o raise_v all_o the_o dead_a to_o life_n again_o nor_o heal_v all_o the_o sick_a that_o be_v in_o judea_n because_o then_o all_o the_o world_n will_v have_v be_v force_v in_o spite_n of_o themselves_o to_o believe_v in_o jesus_n christ_n we_o answer_v that_o this_o question_n be_v much_o like_o what_o the_o murderer_n of_o jesus_n christ_n say_v to_o he_o upon_o the_o cross_n he_o save_v other_o let_v he_o save_v himself_o let_v he_o come_v
the_o divinity_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n st._n mark_n chapt_n i._o 14._o now_o after_o that_o john_n be_v put_v in_o prison_n jesus_n come_v into_o galilee_n preach_v the_o gospel_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n all_o these_o expression_n the_o gospel_n or_o good_a tiding_n the_o gospel_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n be_v very_o strange_a and_o extraordinary_a and_o because_o our_o ear_n be_v somewhat_o use_v to_o they_o we_o do_v not_o reflect_v on_o they_o so_o much_o as_o we_o ought_v certain_o it_o must_v be_v a_o strange_a kind_n of_o mutual_a agreement_n that_o several_a fisherman_n make_v together_o to_o go_v preach_v about_o the_o world_n and_o call_v the_o subject_a of_o their_o preach_n by_o the_o name_n of_o gospel_n chap._n iu._n 19_o and_o the_o care_n of_o this_o world_n and_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o riches_n and_o the_o lust_n of_o other_o thing_n enter_v in_o choke_v the_o word_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v not_o usual_a for_o other_o man_n thus_o to_o declare_v open_a war_n against_o their_o passion_n or_o if_o they_o do_v they_o fail_v not_o present_o to_o discover_v themselves_o and_o lay_v open_a their_o own_o hypocrisy_n to_o the_o world_n verse_n 41._o and_o they_o say_v one_o to_o another_o what_o manner_n of_o man_n be_v this_o that_o even_o the_o wind_n and_o sea_n obey_v he_o etc._n etc._n we_o too_o may_v as_o well_o say_v what_o manner_n of_o man_n be_v this_o that_o not_o only_o the_o sea_n and_o wind_n but_o disease_n grave_n death_n hell_n earth_n man_n and_o devil_n all_o obey_v he_o for_o it_o be_v observable_a there_o be_v nothing_o within_o the_o bound_n of_o nature_n but_o what_o be_v sensible_a of_o his_o miracle_n chap._n vi_o 2_o 3._o from_o whence_o have_v this_o man_n these_o thing_n and_o what_o wisdom_n be_v this_o which_o be_v give_v unto_o he_o that_o even_o such_o mighty_a work_n be_v wrought_v by_o his_o hand_n be_v not_o this_o the_o carpenter_n the_o son_n of_o mary_n etc._n etc._n whence_o rather_o proceed_v this_o astonishment_n of_o they_o and_o what_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o this_o sort_n of_o reproach_n have_v not_o christ_n wrought_v several_a miracle_n among_o they_o verse_n 4_o 5_o 6._o but_o jesus_n say_v unto_o they_o a_o prophet_n be_v not_o without_o honour_n but_o in_o his_o own_o country_n etc._n etc._n and_o he_o can_v not_o do_v many_o mighty_a work_n there_o save_v that_o he_o lay_v his_o hand_n upon_o a_o few_o sick_a folk_n and_o he_o heal_v they_o and_o he_o marvel_v because_o of_o their_o unbelief_n every_o thing_n in_o this_o passage_n carry_v with_o it_o a_o air_n of_o truth_n without_o the_o least_o semblance_n of_o falsity_n for_o he_o that_o will_v invent_v a_o story_n and_o desire_v other_o man_n shall_v believe_v it_o will_v never_o make_v choice_n of_o such_o circumstance_n as_o these_o verse_n 56._o and_o whithersoever_o he_o enter_v into_o village_n or_o city_n or_o country_n they_o lay_v the_o sick_a in_o the_o street_n and_o beseech_v that_o they_o may_v touch_v if_o it_o be_v but_o the_o border_n of_o his_o garment_n and_o as_o many_o as_o touch_v he_o be_v make_v whole_a it_o be_v impossible_a for_o any_o man_n to_o impose_v upon_o other_o people_n in_o such_o matter_n of_o fact_n as_o these_o chap._n viii_o 27_o 28._o and_o by_o the_o way_n he_o ask_v his_o disciple_n say_v unto_o they_o who_o do_v man_n say_v that_o i_o be_o and_o they_o answer_v some_o say_v john_n the_o baptist_n but_o some_o say_v elias_n and_o other_o one_o of_o the_o prophet_n here_o we_o may_v observe_v what_o a_o great_a impression_n christ_n be_v miracle_n have_v already_o make_v upon_o other_o man_n mind_n chap._n fourteen_o 33._o and_o he_o begin_v to_o be_v sore_o amaze_v and_o to_o be_v very_o heavy_a to_o own_o that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v reduce_v to_o this_o state_n nay_o he_o who_o they_o will_v have_v man_n look_v upon_o as_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v the_o effect_n of_o a_o strange_a and_o surprise_v sincerity_n verse_n 62._o and_o jesus_n say_v i_o be_o and_o you_o shall_v see_v the_o son_n of_o man_n sit_v on_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o power_n and_o come_v in_o the_o cloud_n of_o heaven_n do_v ever_o any_o criminal_a bring_v before_o a_o tribunal_n of_o justice_n speak_v thus_o chap._n xvi_o 17_o 18_o 20._o and_o these_o sign_n shall_v follow_v they_o that_o believe_v in_o my_o name_n they_o shall_v cast_v out_o devil_n they_o shall_v speak_v with_o strange_a tongue_n they_o shall_v take_v up_o serpent_n and_o if_o they_o drink_v any_o deadly_a thing_n it_o shall_v not_o hurt_v they_o they_o shall_v lay_v hand_n on_o the_o sick_a and_o they_o shall_v recover_v etc._n etc._n and_o they_o go_v forth_o and_o preach_v every_o where_o the_o lord_n work_v with_o they_o and_o confirm_v the_o word_n with_o sign_n etc._n etc._n either_o all_o these_o matter_n of_o fact_n must_v have_v be_v necessary_o true_a or_o st._n mark_n must_v have_v be_v strange_o beside_o himself_o when_o he_o relate_v they_o let_v we_o consider_v what_o be_v it_o that_o he_o relate_v or_o who_o do_v he_o design_n to_o impose_v upon_o nay_o what_o time_n do_v he_o choose_v to_o effect_v it_o how_o can_v he_o possible_o persuade_v the_o disciple_n that_o they_o have_v do_v such_o miracle_n as_o they_o be_v never_o able_a to_o do_v and_o how_o shall_v they_o persuade_v themselves_o that_o christ_n have_v give_v they_o that_o power_n to_o do_v miracle_n which_o they_o never_o receive_v st._n luke_n chap._n i._n 64._o and_o his_o mouth_n be_v open_v immediate_o and_o his_o tongue_n loose_v and_o he_o speak_v and_o praise_v god_n and_o fear_n come_v on_o all_o that_o dwell_v round_o about_o they_o and_o all_o these_o say_n be_v noise_v abroad_o throughout_o all_o the_o hill_n country_n of_o judea_n no_o man_n be_v so_o mad_a as_o to_o pretend_v to_o impose_v upon_o man_n belief_n in_o matter_n of_o fact_n so_o public_a as_o these_o he_o will_v rather_o make_v choice_n of_o passage_n scarce_o hear_v of_o or_o at_o least_o but_o obscure_o know_v chap._n ii_o 16._o and_o find_v mary_n and_o joseph_n and_o the_o babe_n lie_v in_o a_o manger_n great_a be_v the_o exactness_n of_o these_o writer_n in_o give_v we_o a_o simple_a relation_n of_o thing_n as_o they_o real_o be_v what_o can_v seem_v more_o contrary_a and_o irreconcilable_a one_o with_o another_o than_o all_o these_o circumstance_n a_o child_n sleep_v in_o a_o manger_n but_o a_o child_n who_o nativity_n be_v declare_v even_o by_o angel_n and_o celebrate_v by_o all_o the_o host_n of_o heaven_n a_o child_n that_o be_v banish_v the_o society_n of_o man_n but_o elevate_v in_o dignity_n even_o above_o the_o bless_a spirit_n a_o child_n that_o be_v inconsiderable_a and_o of_o no_o esteem_n on_o earth_n but_o great_a in_o heaven_n and_o adore_v by_o angel_n that_o be_v indeed_o a_o while_n after_o his_o birth_n worship_v by_o some_o wiseman_n that_o bring_v he_o present_n but_o soon_o force_v to_o fly_v into_o egypt_n for_o the_o safety_n of_o his_o life_n certain_o there_o appear_v nothing_o like_o a_o fiction_n in_o all_o these_o circumstance_n chap._n v._o 19_o and_o when_o they_o can_v not_o find_v by_o what_o way_n they_o may_v bring_v he_o in_o because_o of_o the_o multitude_n they_o go_v upon_o the_o housetop_n and_o let_v he_o down_o through_o the_o til_n with_o his_o couch_n into_o the_o midst_n before_o jesus_n do_v such_o thing_n as_o these_o enter_v easy_o of_o themselves_o into_o a_o man_n mind_n who_o write_v nothing_o but_o of_o his_o own_o invention_n chap._n vii_o 38._o and_o she_o stand_v at_o his_o foot_n behind_o he_o weep_v and_o begin_v to_o wash_v his_o foot_n with_o tear_n and_o do_v wipe_v they_o with_o the_o hair_n of_o her_o head_n and_o kiss_v his_o foot_n and_o anoint_v they_o with_o the_o ointment_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o know_v the_o redeemer_n of_o the_o world_n by_o that_o save_a alteration_n he_o be_v see_v to_o make_v in_o those_o that_o follow_v he_o chap._n ix_o 45._o but_o they_o understand_v not_o this_o say_n and_o it_o be_v hide_v from_o they_o that_o they_o perceive_v it_o not_o great_a indeed_o be_v the_o evangelist_n sincerity_n who_o stick_v not_o to_o own_v the_o ignorance_n and_o stupidity_n of_o the_o disciple_n chap._n x._o 19_o 20._o behold_v i_o give_v unto_o you_o power_n to_o tread_v on_o serpent_n and_o scorpion_n and_o over_o all_o the_o power_n of_o the_o enemy_n and_o nothing_o shall_v by_o any_o mean_n hurt_v you_o notwithstanding_o in_o this_o rejoice_v not_o that_o the_o spirit_n be_v subject_a unto_o you_o but_o rather_o rejoice_v because_o your_o name_n be_v write_v in_o heaven_n a_o certain_a character_n of_o true_a religion_n indeed_o which_o set_v a_o great_a value_n upon_o
be_v several_a famous_a emperor_n who_o be_v not_o able_a to_o conceal_v from_o the_o world_n their_o favourable_a opinion_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o some_o of_o they_o have_v for_o inscription_n in_o their_o public_a edifice_n several_a maxim_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o other_o will_v have_v consecrate_v church_n for_o the_o use_v of_o the_o christian_n and_o last_o that_o other_o profess_a themselves_o admirer_n of_o the_o morality_n of_o christ._n but_o what_o shall_v we_o say_v of_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n who_o not_o be_v able_a to_o deny_v christ_n miracle_n be_v force_v to_o refer_v they_o some_o to_o a_o magic_a power_n and_o other_o to_o a_o certain_a i_o know_v not_o what_o mysterious_a pronunciation_n of_o the_o word_n jehovah_n so_o strange_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v that_o even_o the_o very_a enemy_n of_o our_o religion_n shall_v thus_o testify_v of_o it_o and_o yet_o scarce_o perceive_v it_o the_o seven_o testimony_n be_v that_o of_o several_a strange_a event_n which_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n so_o order_v that_o they_o firm_o establish_v the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n of_o these_o there_o be_v several_a very_o remarkable_a but_o it_o shall_v suffice_v at_o present_a to_o mention_v three_o only_a which_o among_o the_o rest_n deserve_v a_o particular_a consideration_n the_o first_o be_v the_o destruction_n of_o the_o four_o monarchy_n which_o have_v sore_o afflict_v and_o harass_v god_n people_n at_o the_o end_n of_o which_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v immediate_o to_o be_v establish_v the_o second_o the_o entire_a destruction_n of_o the_o jewish_a government_n and_o the_o signal_n devastation_n of_o the_o holy_a land_n a_o effect_n of_o the_o divine_a wrath_n pour_v out_o upon_o that_o nation_n the_o three_o and_o last_o the_o settlement_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n or_o the_o call_v of_o the_o gentile_n attend_v with_o so_o many_o circumstance_n as_o plain_o show_v that_o nothing_o but_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n can_v perfect_v so_o great_a a_o work_n the_o eight_o be_v that_o testimony_n give_v of_o christ_n by_o the_o revelation_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o nine_o that_o which_o be_v give_v of_o he_o by_o natural_a religion_n but_o of_o these_o two_o testimony_n we_o shall_v not_o speak_v at_o present_a for_o as_o much_o as_o we_o design_v to_o end_v this_o work_n with_o a_o particular_a consideration_n of_o they_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n it_o be_v plain_a the_o christian_a religion_n must_v be_v true_a because_o it_o be_v confirm_v by_o the_o testimony_n of_o so_o many_o authentic_a person_n which_o can_v be_v suspect_v of_o deceit_n and_o it_o will_v be_v extravagant_o ridiculous_a to_o imagine_v that_o the_o prophet_n shall_v have_v so_o clear_a a_o insight_n into_o futurity_n mere_o to_o countenance_n and_o authorise_v a_o fiction_n that_o john_n the_o baptist_n have_v be_v at_o first_o take_v by_o the_o jew_n for_o the_o messiah_n shall_v renounce_v the_o honour_n which_o that_o title_n will_v have_v confer_v upon_o he_o only_o out_o of_o love_n and_o complaisance_n to_o a_o impostor_n that_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o disciple_n shall_v so_o ready_o sacrifice_v their_o estate_n reputation_n repose_v and_o life_n itself_o to_o a_o person_n they_o know_v to_o be_v a_o false_a christ_n that_o the_o heaven_n shall_v countenance_v a_o flame_n and_o a_o lie_n by_o work_v such_o signal_n and_o sensible_a miracle_n that_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n shall_v have_v find_v every_o thing_n that_o can_v supply_v its_o want_n and_o necessity_n in_o a_o mere_a cheat_n that_o even_o the_o enemy_n of_o our_o religion_n shall_v countenance_v and_o approve_v of_o our_o false_a prejudices_fw-la that_o all_o event_n shall_v so_o exact_o coincide_v with_o a_o erroneous_a imposture_n and_o that_o the_o revelation_n of_o moses_n and_o natural_a religion_n shall_v thus_o testify_v so_o palpable_a a_o fiction_n to_o this_o we_o may_v add_v the_o necessity_n and_o importance_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n since_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n lead_v we_o to_o it_o by_o so_o many_o different_a way_n as_o also_o the_o admirable_a perfection_n and_o transcendency_n of_o it_o since_o in_o a_o manner_n heaven_n and_o earth_n the_o time_n past_a and_o present_a event_n ordinary_a and_o natural_a as_o well_o as_o those_o supernatural_a and_o miraculous_a since_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n who_o be_v altogether_o unknown_a to_o one_o another_o have_v agree_v unanimous_o to_o reveal_v it_o and_o propose_v it_o to_o we_o as_o a_o object_n for_o its_o transcendent_a excellency_n worthy_a of_o our_o great_a admiration_n two_o portraiture_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o it_o be_v oppose_v to_o all_o other_o religion_n all_o these_o truth_n will_v more_o evident_o appear_v if_o we_o consider_v the_o christian_a religion_n in_o its_o opposition_n to_o all_o other_o religion_n the_o excellency_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n consist_v in_o that_o it_o have_v advantage_n which_o other_o religion_n have_v not_o and_o yet_o none_o of_o their_o fault_n i_o say_v no_o other_o religion_n have_v advantage_n equal_a to_o those_o of_o the_o christian_a religion_n for_o no_o other_o can_v boast_v of_o its_o have_v be_v confirm_v by_o ancient_a prophecy_n even_o mahomet_n think_v it_o better_a to_o oblige_v man_n to_o call_v the_o scripture_n in_o question_n than_o do_v derive_v any_o argument_n from_o it_o which_o may_v serve_v to_o confirm_v his_o mission_n as_o appear_v by_o his_o not_o boast_v that_o he_o have_v be_v precede_v by_o any_o forerunner_n who_o make_v his_o path_n straight_o there_o be_v indeed_o several_a religion_n which_o perhaps_o may_v have_v have_v their_o martyr_n but_o what_o sort_n of_o martyr_n superstitious_a man_n who_o blind_o expose_v themselves_o to_o death_n without_o know_v what_o they_o do_v like_o those_o barbarian_n who_o prostrate_v themselves_o by_o thousand_o before_o their_o idol_n that_o their_o colossus_n may_v crush_v they_o in_o piece_n with_o its_o wheel_n as_o it_o pass_v along_o but_o no_o religion_n beside_o the_o christian_a be_v ever_o confirm_v by_o the_o blood_n of_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o sensible_a understand_a martyr_n who_o voluntary_o suffer_v death_n in_o defence_n of_o what_o they_o have_v see_v who_o from_o vicious_a and_o profligate_v person_n become_v saint_n upon_o the_o confidence_n they_o have_v in_o their_o master_n and_o who_o at_o length_n be_v disperse_v in_o all_o place_n of_o the_o world_n by_o their_o death_n gain_v proselyte_n and_o make_a their_o blood_n the_o seed_n of_o the_o church_n cheerful_o suffer_v martyrdom_n have_v certain_a assurance_n of_o be_v crown_v after_o their_o death_n a_o certain_a assurance_n which_o they_o derive_v from_o what_o they_o themselves_o have_v former_o see_v we_o find_v other_o religion_n which_o pretend_v to_o be_v confirm_v and_o authorize_v by_o several_a sign_n and_o extraordinary_a event_n from_o heaven_n the_o roman_n feliâ—_n use_v to_o attribute_v to_o their_o religion_n all_o the_o advantage_n they_o get_v over_o other_o nation_n and_o the_o mahometan_n pretend_v that_o the_o great_a success_n god_n be_v please_v to_o give_v their_o prophet_n be_v so_o many_o certain_a and_o undeniable_a mark_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o religion_n but_o to_o pretend_v that_o temporal_a prosperity_n be_v a_o certain_a character_n of_o a_o true_a religion_n or_o adversity_n that_o of_o a_o false_a one_o be_v to_o suppose_v as_o we_o have_v already_o say_v else_o where_o that_o the_o most_o profligate_v wretch_n provide_v they_o be_v happy_a in_o this_o world_n be_v the_o great_a favourite_n of_o god_n but_o certain_o it_o be_v not_o prosperity_n or_o adversity_n simple_o consider_v but_o prosperity_n or_o adversity_n as_o foretell_v by_o god_n or_o his_o prophet_n that_o be_v a_o certain_a character_n of_o true_a religion_n and_o when_o we_o affirm_v that_o several_a extraordinary_a event_n bear_v witness_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n we_o mean_v only_o those_o event_n which_o have_v be_v foretell_v by_o the_o prophet_n as_o for_o instance_n the_o call_n of_o the_o gentile_n the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o establishment_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n final_o there_o may_v be_v several_a religion_n that_o may_v deceive_v but_o none_o but_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o can_v true_o satisfy_v mankind_n there_o be_v some_o religion_n ground_v upon_o fabulous_a miracle_n and_o confirm_v by_o witness_n easy_o convince_v of_o imposture_n but_o none_o but_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v firm_o and_o solid_o establish_v to_o upon_o true_a miracle_n and_o valid_a testimony_n it_o appear_v then_o that_o no_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n have_v such_o extraordinary_a qualification_n as_o the_o christian_a religion_n of_o which_o it_o must_v also_o be_v affirm_v that_o it_o be_v free_a from_o all_o such_o defect_n as_o be_v incident_a to_o other_o religion_n we_o need_v no_o deep_a
the_o paper_n it_o be_v write_v upon_o yet_o they_o be_v enjoin_v to_o oppress_v man_n that_o bear_v the_o image_n of_o god_n by_o their_o religion_n which_o breathe_v out_o nothing_o but_o violence_n fury_n and_o oppression_n the_o reason_n why_o man_n usual_o refer_v thus_o every_o thing_n to_o their_o sense_n be_v because_o a_o worship_n that_o be_v corporeal_a and_o sensual_a be_v far_o more_o easy_a it_o be_v much_o easy_a for_o a_o man_n to_o take_v the_o sun_n for_o a_o god_n than_o to_o be_v continual_o take_v up_o in_o seek_v after_o a_o god_n that_o be_v invisible_a to_o solemnize_v game_n and_o festival_n in_o honour_n of_o a_o pretend_a deity_n than_o to_o renounce_v himself_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o a_o true_a one_o it_o be_v much_o easy_a for_o he_o to_o fast_o than_o to_o renounce_v his_o vice_n to_o sing_v spiritual_a song_n or_o bow_v to_o a_o statue_n than_o forgive_v his_o enemy_n it_o appear_v then_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n bear_v a_o more_o excellent_a character_n in_o that_o it_o give_v we_o for_o the_o object_n of_o our_o worship_n not_o a_o god_n under_o a_o human_a shape_n but_o a_o god_n that_o be_v a_o spirit_n in_o that_o it_o teach_v we_o to_o honour_v he_o not_o with_o a_o carnal_a but_o a_o spiritual_a worship_n and_o this_o christ_n himself_o have_v very_o elegant_o tell_v we_o in_o these_o word_n god_n be_v a_o spirit_n and_o they_o that_o worship_v he_o must_v worship_v he_o in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n john_n 4._o 24._o who_o can_v fill_v his_o mind_n with_o such_o elevate_a notion_n and_o how_o come_v it_o that_o he_o so_o excellent_o set_v down_o in_o that_o short_a precept_n the_o genius_n of_o true_a religion_n of_o which_o man_n before_o be_v whole_o ignorant_a v._o it_o may_v be_v say_v of_o all_o other_o religion_n without_o exception_n that_o they_o induce_v we_o to_o look_v after_o the_o pleasure_n and_o profit_n of_o the_o world_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n whereas_o the_o christian_a religion_n make_v we_o glorify_v god_n by_o renounce_v the_o world_n thus_o the_o heathen_n design_v rather_o to_o please_v themselves_o than_o their_o deity_n introduce_v into_o religion_n whatever_o can_v any_o way_n flatter_v and_o divert_v they_o and_o the_o mahumatan_n religion_n not_o be_v encumber_v with_o many_o ceremony_n at_o least_o affix_n temporal_a advantage_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o its_o worship_n as_o if_o the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o world_n be_v to_o be_v the_o future_a reward_n of_o religion_n but_o certain_o both_o of_o they_o be_v much_o mistake_v for_o the_o heathen_n shall_v have_v know_v that_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n consist_v not_o in_o divert_v and_o please_v themselves_o and_o the_o mahometan_n shall_v not_o have_v be_v ignorant_a that_o since_o temporal_a and_o worldly_a advantage_n be_v insufficient_a in_o themselves_o to_o satisfy_v the_o boundless_a desire_n of_o man_n heart_n they_o can_v not_o come_v in_o competition_n with_o those_o benefit_n which_o true_a religion_n have_v peculiar_o design_v for_o he_o but_o both_o these_o follow_v the_o motion_n of_o self-love_n which_o be_v natural_o hold_v in_o suspense_n between_o the_o world_n and_o religion_n imagine_v that_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o pleasant_a than_o to_o unite_v they_o both_o think_v thereby_o to_o reconcile_v its_o inclination_n and_o duty_n consecrate_v its_o pleasure_n and_o put_v no_o difference_n between_o conscience_n and_o interest_n but_o the_o first_o rule_n of_o true_a religion_n teach_v we_o that_o that_o mutual_a agreement_n be_v impossible_a or_o to_o use_v it_o be_v own_o word_n that_o christ_n and_o belial_n be_v incompatible_a one_o with_o the_o other_o that_o we_o must_v either_o glorify_v god_n at_o the_o expense_n of_o worldly_a pleasure_n or_o possess_v the_o advantage_n of_o the_o world_n with_o the_o loss_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o this_o certain_o show_v the_o christian_a religion_n to_o have_v a_o divine_a character_n vi_o other_o false_a religion_n debase_v the_o deity_n and_o exalt_v man_n whereas_o the_o christian_a religion_n humble_v man_n and_o exalt_v the_o deity_n the_o egyptian_n a_o nation_n that_o boast_v so_o much_o of_o their_o antiquity_n make_v monster_n of_o their_o deity_n and_o the_o roman_n make_v deity_n of_o their_o emperor_n who_o be_v rather_o monster_n than_o man_n the_o most_o famous_a philosopher_n be_v not_o ashamed_a to_o rank_v their_o deity_n below_o themselves_o and_o themselves_o ever_o before_o jupiter_n but_o the_o christian_a religion_n teach_v we_o that_o we_o owe_v all_o to_o god_n who_o owe_v nothing_o at_o all_o to_o we_o it_o humble_v we_o by_o the_o consideration_n of_o that_o infinite_a distance_n there_o be_v between_o god_n and_o we_o it_o show_v that_o we_o be_v miserable_a despicable_a creature_n in_o comparison_n of_o god_n who_o be_v a_o supreme_a be_v and_o only_o worthy_a our_o love_n and_o adoration_n who_o then_o can_v choose_v but_o admire_v so_o excellent_a a_o religion_n vii_o other_o religion_n make_v we_o depend_v upon_o those_o being_n which_o be_v give_v we_o to_o command_v and_o saucy_o pretend_v a_o power_n over_o that_o supreme_a be_v upon_o who_o we_o ought_v whole_o to_o depend_v they_o teach_v man_n to_o burn_v incense_n to_o the_o mean_a creature_n and_o impudent_o to_o equal_v themselves_o to_o the_o universal_a monarch_n of_o the_o world_n but_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o man_n shall_v be_v so_o impious_a as_o to_o desire_v to_o become_v god_n since_o they_o be_v so_o base_a as_o to_o forget_v that_o they_o be_v man_n and_o yet_o how_o ill_o their_o pride_n become_v they_o when_o they_o disdain_v not_o to_o submit_v to_o the_o fourfooted_a beast_n to_o the_o fowl_n of_o the_o air_n the_o creep_a animal_n and_o plant_n of_o the_o earth_n as_o st._n paul_n reproach_n they_o and_o how_o base_o superstitious_a be_v they_o in_o that_o they_o be_v not_o content_a to_o deify_v themselves_o but_o will_v also_o deify_v their_o own_o vice_n and_o imperfection_n but_o the_o christian_a religion_n alone_o restore_v that_o equitable_a order_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v establish_v in_o the_o world_n by_o submit_v every_o thing_n to_o the_o power_n of_o man_n that_o he_o may_v submit_v himself_o to_o the_o will_n of_o his_o god_n and_o what_o can_v be_v the_o duty_n of_o true_a religion_n but_o to_o restore_v such_o just_a and_o become_a order_n in_o the_o world_n viii_o we_o need_v no_o deep_a search_n into_o other_o religion_n to_o find_v that_o they_o chief_o tend_v to_o flatter_v man_n corrupt_a desire_n and_o efface_v those_o principle_n of_o justice_n and_o uprightness_n which_o god_n have_v imprint_v on_o their_o mind_n but_o he_o that_o shall_v true_o consider_v the_o christian_a religion_n will_v certain_o find_v that_o it_o tend_v to_o the_o root_n up_o those_o corrupt_a desire_n out_o of_o our_o heart_n and_o restore_v those_o bright_a character_n of_o honesty_n and_o justice_n imprint_v on_o our_o mind_n by_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n the_o heathen_n flatter_v their_o passion_n to_o that_o degree_n as_o to_o erect_v altar_n in_o honour_n of_o they_o and_o mahomet_n be_v so_o well_o please_v with_o temporal_a prosperity_n that_o he_o make_v it_o the_o end_n and_o reward_n of_o his_o religion_n the_o gnostic_n imagine_v that_o when_o they_o have_v arrive_v to_o a_o certain_a degree_n of_o knowledge_n which_o they_o call_v a_o state_n of_o perfection_n they_o may_v commit_v all_o sort_n of_o action_n without_o any_o scruple_n of_o conscience_n and_o that_o sin_n which_o pollute_a other_o will_v be_v sanctify_v in_o they_o but_o what_o blindness_n what_o impiety_n be_v this_o how_o admirable_a be_v the_o christian_a religion_n which_o alone_o among_o all_o other_o show_v we_o our_o own_o wickedness_n and_o corruption_n and_o heal_v it_o with_o such_o remedy_n as_o be_v as_o wholesome_a to_o the_o soul_n as_o unpleasing_a to_o the_o body_n ix_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o other_o religion_n be_v contrary_a to_o policy_n either_o in_o favour_v or_o restrain_v too_o much_o human_a weakness_n and_o corruption_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o policy_n whereas_o the_o christian_a religion_n preserve_v its_o right_n and_o privilege_n inviolable_a independent_a from_o either_o the_o pagan_a religion_n be_v against_o policy_n in_o give_v too_o much_o to_o human_a weakness_n and_o corruption_n it_o will_v have_v be_v much_o better_a for_o the_o good_a and_o welfare_n of_o the_o state_n if_o man_n have_v frame_v to_o themselves_o a_o great_a idea_n of_o the_o holiness_n of_o their_o god_n because_o they_o will_v have_v be_v less_o licentious_a and_o more_o submissive_a to_o the_o civil_a law_n whereas_o they_o be_v encourage_v by_o the_o example_n of_o their_o deity_n to_o violate_v the_o most_o sacred_a and_o inviolable_a right_n mahomet_n desirous_a to_o avoid_v this_o irregularity_n retain_v the_o notion_n of_o a_o true_a
inevitable_a difficulty_n when_o join_v to_o religion_n their_o end_n be_v so_o different_a that_o they_o may_v just_o be_v allow_v to_o be_v opposite_a for_o 1._o the_o main_a design_n of_o philosophy_n be_v to_o gratify_v the_o vain_a curiosity_n of_o man_n whereas_o religion_n design_n only_o to_o mortify_v it_o 2._o the_o one_o endeavour_n to_o find_v out_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n the_o other_o profess_v a_o utter_a ignorance_n of_o they_o 3._o that_o swell_v up_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n by_o increase_a his_o knowledge_n this_o humble_v it_o by_o require_v he_o to_o submit_v his_o reason_n to_o his_o faith_n last_o philosophy_n endeavour_n to_o comprehend_v all_o thing_n whereas_o one_o of_o the_o most_o essential_a part_n of_o religion_n consist_v in_o hmble_o acknowledge_v that_o we_o comprehend_v nothing_o at_o all_o of_o the_o hide_a mystery_n of_o nature_n much_o less_o of_o those_o of_o religion_n and_o therefore_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o philosophy_n seldom_o agree_v with_o religion_n nor_o religion_n with_o philosophy_n thus_o copernicus_n and_o descartes_n doubtless_o be_v not_o well_o please_v with_o the_o description_n the_o author_n of_o genesis_n give_v we_o of_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n of_o the_o two_o great_a luminary_n of_o heaven_n of_o the_o miracle_n of_o joshuah_n who_o stop_v the_o course_n of_o the_o sun_n of_o the_o three_o heaven_n which_o st._n paul_n speak_v of_o of_o the_o new_a heaven_n and_o the_o new_a earth_n which_o sacred_a author_n make_v we_o expect_v of_o the_o conflagration_n of_o the_o heaven_n the_o dissolution_n of_o the_o element_n and_o the_o put_v out_o the_o light_n of_o the_o star_n all_o which_o sign_n be_v to_o precede_v the_o great_a and_o wonderful_a day_n of_o judgement_n i_o say_v such_o philosopher_n as_o these_o will_v perhaps_o cry_v out_o that_o these_o object_n have_v no_o relation_n to_o their_o idea_n of_o astronomy_n but_o certain_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o wonder_v at_o it_o for_o those_o holy_a writer_n intend_v to_o speak_v in_o the_o language_n of_o the_o people_n and_o not_o in_o that_o of_o the_o philosopher_n they_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o sanctify_v mankind_n and_o not_o to_o explain_v the_o mystery_n of_o nature_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v high_o necessary_a they_o shall_v accommodate_v their_o expression_n to_o the_o vulgar_a notion_n nay_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v please_v they_o shall_v use_v no_o other_o that_o so_o his_o mystery_n be_v represent_v under_o those_o vulgar_a idea_n may_v be_v suitable_a to_o every_o one_o capacity_n at_o least_o in_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o revelation_n since_o they_o can_v not_o be_v so_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n nor_o ought_v we_o to_o think_v this_o conduct_n of_o he_o extraordinary_a or_o unusual_a for_o thus_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n act_v when_o it_o be_v to_o represent_v to_o the_o ancient_n israelites_n the_o wonder_n of_o the_o gospel_n dispensation_n and_o it_o make_v use_v of_o expression_n borrow_v from_o custom_n and_o practice_n general_o receive_v among_o men._n it_o say_v that_o all_o nation_n shall_v go_v up_o to_o mount_n zion_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o altar_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n that_o in_o every_o place_n incense_n shall_v be_v offer_v unto_o god_n and_o a_o pure_a offer_n that_o the_o tabernacle_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v with_o the_o gentile_n etc._n etc._n but_o if_o it_o be_v ask_v then_o why_o the_o prophet_n foretell_v the_o call_v of_o the_o gentile_n in_o this_o familiar_a way_n it_o be_v because_o those_o be_v the_o notion_n of_o the_o people_n and_o that_o it_o be_v necessary_a they_o shall_v use_v only_a expression_n know_v and_o familiar_a to_o the_o vulgar_a since_o revelation_n itself_o will_v have_v become_v unintelligible_a without_o that_o condescend_v goodness_n of_o god_n who_o be_v wont_a to_o accommodate_v himself_o to_o the_o capacity_n of_o every_o man_n without_o exception_n for_o suppose_v that_o god_n have_v defer_v his_o reveal_n to_o we_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n the_o miracle_n of_o joshua_n the_o glory_n which_o the_o bless_a enjoy_v in_o the_o other_o world_n the_o judgement_n to_o come_v etc._n etc._n till_o all_o man_n have_v be_v make_v to_o understand_v by_o the_o principle_n of_o philosophy_n that_o the_o star_n be_v big_a than_o the_o moon_n that_o it_o be_v the_o earth_n and_o not_o the_o sun_n which_o move_v that_o the_o heaven_n be_v nothing_o but_o liquid_a space_n of_o a_o infinite_a extension_n that_o the_o sun_n be_v so_o essential_o bright_a that_o he_o can_v lose_v his_o brightness_n without_o a_o immediate_a annihilation_n of_o his_o essence_n etc._n etc._n heaven_n where_o shall_v we_o be_v and_o what_o will_v become_v of_o we_o if_o all_o man_n must_v necessary_o first_o become_v philosopher_n before_o they_o can_v learn_v to_o fear_n god_n but_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n be_v so_o wonderful_a in_o that_o he_o not_o only_a accomodate_n himself_o to_o the_o notion_n of_o every_o man_n that_o he_o may_v render_v himself_o intelligible_a to_o all_o but_o also_o in_o that_o he_o have_v at_o the_o same_o time_n take_v care_n we_o shall_v not_o be_v deceive_v in_o urge_v too_o far_o the_o literal_a sense_n of_o all_o those_o vulgar_a expression_n thus_o for_o instance_n nothing_o can_v be_v more_o insipid_a than_o the_o ridiculous_a jest_n of_o our_o incredulous_a adversary_n touch_v those_o description_n which_o the_o scripture_n give_v we_o of_o hell-fire_n and_o certain_o they_o do_v but_o expose_v themselves_o as_o often_o as_o they_o pretend_v to_o mock_v and_o despise_v religion_n for_o he_o that_o will_v true_o consider_v what_o holy_a writ_n tell_v we_o in_o that_o respect_n will_v certain_o find_v that_o it_o put_v several_a different_a image_n together_o to_o represent_v to_o we_o by_o know_v and_o familiar_a idea_n a_o object_n altogether_o unknown_a and_o set_v before_o we_o by_o all_o those_o different_a image_n such_o notion_n as_o one_o single_a idea_n be_v whole_o unable_a to_o represent_v thus_o for_o that_o end_n it_o borrow_v the_o notion_n of_o the_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n of_o sodom_n the_o sore_a affliction_n of_o the_o day_n of_o noah_n the_o judgement_n which_o god_n himself_o display_v over_o the_o nation_n in_o the_o valley_n of_o josaphat_n the_o terrible_a darkness_n spread_v over_o all_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n whilst_o at_o the_o same_o time_n the_o people_n of_o israel_n free_o enjoy_v the_o the_o light_n of_o god_n in_o the_o land_n of_o goshen_n the_o unquenchable_a fire_n and_o the_o worm_n of_o the_o valley_n of_o the_o child_n of_o hinnon_n which_o die_v not_o etc._n etc._n the_o weep_n and_o gnash_n of_o tooth_n of_o those_o child_n sacrifice_v to_o moloch_n who_o for_o that_o end_n be_v throw_v alive_a into_o the_o arm_n of_o that_o burn_a statue_n now_o it_o will_v be_v full_a as_o reasonable_a to_o carry_v on_o the_o sense_n of_o some_o of_o these_o idea_n too_o far_o as_o to_o raise_v any_o difficulty_n upon_o the_o notion_n of_o paradise_n the_o bosom_n of_o abraham_n the_o celestial_a canaan_n the_o heavenly_a jerusalem_n etc._n etc._n all_o which_o notion_n be_v particular_o design_v to_o represent_v to_o we_o the_o bliss_n that_o attend_v the_o faithful_a and_o these_o idea_n will_v be_v absolute_o false_a and_o contradictory_n if_o understand_v in_o a_o literal_a sense_n because_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o paradise_n can_v never_o be_v take_v for_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n or_o jerusalem_n for_o the_o bosom_n of_o abraham_n hence_o therefore_o it_o plain_o appear_v by_o the_o variety_n of_o all_o those_o image_n that_o they_o can_v never_o be_v take_v in_o a_o strict_a and_o literal_a sense_n and_o that_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o object_n represent_v to_o we_o after_o so_o many_o different_a way_n be_v too_o great_a and_o sublime_a to_o be_v describe_v unto_o man_n by_o any_o one_o single_a idea_n of_o this_o kind_a and_o indeed_o according_a to_o this_o notion_n it_o be_v a_o easy_a matter_n to_o answer_v a_o certain_a objection_n raise_v about_o a_o future_a judgement_n which_o at_o first_o may_v seem_v somewhat_o considerable_a and_o to_o carry_v in_o it_o some_o intricate_a difficulty_n some_o hold_n that_o the_o description_n which_o holy_a writ_n give_v we_o of_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n when_o it_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v to_o be_v precede_v by_o his_o holy_a angel_n that_o he_o will_v place_v man_n some_o on_o his_o right_a hand_n and_o other_o on_o his_o left_a etc._n etc._n i_o say_v they_o affirm_v that_o this_o description_n neither_o agree_v with_o the_o idea_n which_o we_o already_o have_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o spirit_n nor_o with_o that_o we_o shall_v entertain_v of_o so_o great_a and_o signal_n a_o event_n to_o answer_v this_o objection_n we_o be_v only_o to_o
easy_o believe_v mystery_n though_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o dive_v into_o the_o manner_n of_o they_o 3_o dly_z this_o submission_n to_o god_n be_v so_o very_o reasonable_a that_o none_o but_o a_o man_n utter_o void_a of_o sense_n can_v be_v so_o stupid_a as_o not_o to_o perceive_v it_o for_o till_o we_o be_v endow_v with_o a_o infinite_a understanding_n we_o shall_v never_o be_v able_a to_o know_v but_o one_o side_n of_o thing_n and_o consequent_o we_o must_v necessary_o be_v for_o ever_o ignorant_a of_o the_o other_o 4_o thly_a it_o be_v very_o just_a and_o equitable_a if_o ever_o any_o thing_n be_v so_o and_o it_o aim_v at_o nothing_o but_o show_v we_o our_o ignorance_n and_o represent_v to_o we_o that_o be_v liable_a to_o be_v deceive_v we_o ought_v careful_o to_o follow_v revelation_n as_o a_o true_a and_o faithful_a guide_n we_o shall_v certain_o be_v extravagant_a proud_o to_o deny_v our_o own_o ignorance_n or_o impious_o suspect_v that_o god_n can_v deceive_v we_o when_o his_o design_n be_v to_o reveal_v his_o majesty_n to_o we_o v._o but_o what_o be_v chief_o to_o be_v observe_v for_o the_o honour_n of_o our_o religion_n what_o show_v the_o character_n of_o its_o divinity_n and_o force_v we_o to_o acknowledge_v they_o be_v that_o it_o teach_v we_o that_o to_o see_v clear_a into_o matter_n of_o religion_n we_o ought_v not_o to_o rely_v upon_o the_o light_n of_o our_o understanding_n and_o that_o we_o must_v lay_v aside_o the_o evidence_n of_o reason_n if_o we_o will_v be_v free_a from_o error_n in_o point_n of_o faith_n it_o be_v a_o wonderful_a effect_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o it_o render_v we_o happy_a by_o induce_v we_o to_o renounce_v ourselves_o and_o no_o less_o admirable_a that_o it_o enlighten_v our_o mind_n by_o oblige_v we_o to_o renounce_v our_o reason_n to_o look_v bold_o and_o steadfast_o upon_o mystery_n be_v the_o way_n to_o be_v blind_a whereas_o we_o shall_v easy_o perceive_v the_o light_n of_o god_n shine_v about_o we_o if_o we_o do_v but_o humble_o cast_v down_o our_o eye_n we_o shall_v be_v sufficient_o learn_v if_o we_o rest_v satisfy_v with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o what_o god_n have_v be_v please_v to_o reveal_v unto_o we_o and_o nothing_o more_o betray_v a_o universal_a ignorance_n than_o a_o insignificant_a desire_n to_o be_v ignorant_a of_o nothing_o in_o other_o science_n a_o man_n skill_n be_v measure_v by_o his_o knowledge_n but_o in_o that_o of_o salvation_n he_o be_v best_o instruct_v who_o be_v most_o humble_a he_o who_o have_v the_o least_o pride_n have_v the_o most_o understanding_n and_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o be_v easy_a we_o have_v already_o see_v that_o the_o nice_a speculation_n of_o reason_n about_o mystery_n do_v but_o more_o perplex_v and_o darken_v what_o be_v before_o obscure_a let_v we_o now_o see_v how_o much_o the_o submit_v our_o reason_n to_o faith_n make_v we_o have_v a_o clear_a insight_n into_o those_o mystery_n or_o at_o least_o how_o much_o it_o hinder_v our_o be_v confound_v by_o they_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o by_o continue_v in_o such_o a_o state_n of_o humility_n whatsoever_o difficulty_n may_v arise_v they_o will_v not_o have_v force_n enough_o to_o discompose_v our_o mind_n we_o shall_v not_o be_v surprise_v that_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o comprehend_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n or_o his_o manner_n of_o know_v love_a and_o act_v or_o his_o eternity_n immensity_n etc._n etc._n but_o we_o shall_v rather_o be_v ravish_v with_o admiration_n to_o think_v that_o we_o that_o be_v no_o better_a than_o worm_n or_o atom_n be_v yet_o think_v worthy_a to_o know_v he_o and_o raise_v to_o that_o pitch_n of_o glory_n as_o to_o have_v some_o prospect_n though_o but_o a_o faint_a one_o of_o his_o wondrous_a work_n and_o infinite_a perfection_n neither_o shall_v we_o have_v any_o reason_n to_o be_v offend_v because_o god_n former_o abandon_v the_o gentile_n and_o cast_v away_o other_o nation_n which_o still_o abide_v in_o profound_a ignorance_n 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