only_o speak_v be_v more_o easy_o misunderstand_v which_o maldonat_a prol_n assign_v as_o one_o great_a reason_n of_o the_o evangelist_n write_v their_o several_a gospel_n st._n john_n likewise_o give_v a_o account_n himself_o of_o the_o reason_n of_o his_o writing_n and_o that_o the_o great_a imaginable_a but_o these_o be_v write_v that_o you_o may_v believe_v that_o jesus_n be_v 31_o the_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o that_o believe_v you_o may_v have_v life_n through_o his_o name_n why_o write_v that_o you_o may_v believe_v do_v the_o apostle_n in_o his_o old_a age_n mistrust_v the_o understanding_n or_o the_o memory_n of_o christian_n be_v not_o the_o apostle_n teach_v sufficient_a to_o keep_v up_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o people_n no_o not_o while_n st._n john_n himself_o be_v yet_o live_v he_o have_v certain_o a_o very_a mean_a opinion_n of_o tradition_n that_o think_v it_o necessary_a for_o he_o to_o write_v that_o they_o may_v believe_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n for_o there_o be_v no_o point_n of_o faith_n more_o necessary_a than_o this_o which_o be_v require_v of_o all_o person_n to_o be_v own_v before_o baptism_n yet_o for_o all_o this_o and_o whatever_o else_o can_v be_v say_v st._n john_n think_v it_o necessary_a that_o these_o thing_n be_v write_v that_o they_o may_v believe_v he_o live_v the_o long_a of_o any_o of_o the_o apostle_n and_o therefore_o see_v how_o little_a tradition_n be_v to_o be_v trust_v for_o it_o be_v already_o corrupt_v in_o so_o weighty_a a_o point_n as_o the_o divinity_n of_o christ._n cerinthus_n and_o his_o follower_n allow_v the_o general_a tradition_n of_o the_o church_n that_o jesus_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n but_o then_o they_o give_v their_o own_o sense_n of_o it_o by_o extraordinary_a favour_n and_o adoption_n and_o from_o hence_o the_o father_n agree_v that_o st._n john_n take_v occasion_n to_o write_v his_o divine_a 24._o gospel_n to_o clear_v this_o fundamental_a point_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o withal_o observe_v that_o the_o other_o evangelist_n insist_v chief_o on_o the_o action_n of_o christ_n for_o one_o year_n viz._n after_o john_n be_v imprisonment_n he_o resume_v the_o whole_a matter_n and_o add_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v omit_v by_o the_o rest_n that_o so_o the_o church_n may_v be_v furnish_v with_o a_o full_a relation_n of_o all_o that_o be_v necessary_a to_o complete_a and_o establish_v the_o faith_n of_o christian_n 2._o as_o to_o the_o epistle_n the_o first_o epistle_n we_o read_v of_o in_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o in_o probability_n the_o first_o writing_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v the_o decretal_a epistle_n of_o the_o council_n of_o jerusalem_n 23._o what_o shall_v make_v the_o apostle_n put_v these_o decree_n into_o write_v they_o be_v very_o short_a and_o concern_v the_o practice_n of_o man_n and_o withal_o be_v send_v by_o barnabas_n and_o paul_n and_o judas_n and_o silas_n be_v not_o these_o sufficient_a to_o deliver_v the_o apostle_n sense_n to_o the_o church_n without_o letter_n from_o they_o what_o a_o pitiful_a thing_n do_v they_o take_v oral_a tradition_n to_o be_v if_o they_o think_v such_o man_n can_v not_o by_o it_o give_v full_a satisfaction_n to_o the_o church_n of_o syria_n and_o cilicia_n unless_o they_o send_v it_o under_o their_o hand_n the_o epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n be_v write_v by_o st._n paul_n on_o purpose_n to_o clear_v some_o main_a point_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n which_o be_v then_o warm_o dispute_v between_o the_o jew_n and_o the_o christian_n and_o between_o the_o judaize_v christian_n and_o other_o as_o about_o justification_n rejection_n of_o the_o jew_n the_o difference_n of_o meat_n etc._n etc._n and_o st._n paul_n take_v very_o needless_a pain_n in_o write_v that_o excellent_a epistle_n if_o he_o know_v of_o christ_n appoint_v a_o judge_n of_o controversy_n there_o or_o if_o he_o think_v write_v be_v not_o a_o certain_a way_n to_o make_v a_o rule_n of_o faith_n whereby_o they_o be_v to_o judge_v in_o those_o matter_n the_o first_o epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n be_v write_v not_o mere_o to_o reprove_v their_o faction_n and_o disorder_n but_o to_o direct_v they_o and_o to_o establish_v and_o prove_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o resurrection_n which_o be_v 12._o then_o contest_v among_o they_o the_o epistle_n be_v send_v by_o stephanus_n and_o fortunatus_n who_o can_v have_v carry_v the_o apostle_n sense_n without_o his_o write_n but_o there_o be_v many_o weighty_a thing_n beside_o the_o particular_a occasion_n which_o be_v of_o last_a concernment_n to_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n as_o there_o be_v likewise_o in_o his_o second_o epistle_n to_o they_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o galatian_n be_v write_v on_o occasion_n of_o one_o of_o the_o great_a point_n of_o controversy_n at_o that_o time_n viz._n the_o use_n and_o obligation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o st._n paul_n find_v by_o sad_a experience_n among_o they_o that_o it_o be_v very_o possible_a for_o those_o who_o have_v the_o best_a instruction_n either_o to_o forget_v they_o or_o to_o grow_v out_o of_o love_n with_o they_o and_o to_o be_v fond_a of_o a_o change_n else_o he_o will_v never_o have_v say_v o_o foolish_a galatian_n who_o have_v 1._o bewitch_v you_o that_o you_o shall_v not_o obey_v the_o truth_n and_o i_o marvel_v that_o you_o be_v so_o soon_o 6._o remove_v from_o he_o that_o call_v you_o into_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n into_o another_o gospel_n how_o be_v it_o indeed_o possible_a for_o they_o to_o be_v remove_v and_o to_o be_v so_o soon_o remove_v who_o have_v receive_v the_o faith_n by_o the_o delivery_n of_o st._n paul_n himself_o then_o for_o all_o that_o i_o can_v see_v humane_a nature_n take_v with_o all_o its_o advantage_n and_o motive_n and_o evidence_n be_v a_o very_a fallible_a thing_n and_o if_o then_o it_o may_v be_v deceive_v and_o that_o so_o easy_o and_o gross_o then_o much_o more_o in_o any_o follow_a age_n of_o the_o church_n unless_o humane_a nature_n be_v mighty_o change_v for_o the_o better_a since_o the_o apostle_n time_n or_o any_o teacher_n since_o be_v more_o effectual_a than_o the_o apostle_n and_o especial_o than_o st._n paul_n who_o labour_v more_o 10._o abundant_o than_o they_o all_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o ephesian_n though_o write_v upon_o a_o general_a argument_n yet_o do_v suppose_v that_o they_o be_v in_o continual_a danger_n of_o be_v deceive_v and_o toss_v up_o and_o down_o and_o carry_v about_o with_o 14._o every_o wind_n of_o doctrine_n by_o the_o slight_a of_o man_n and_o cunning_a craftiness_n whereby_o they_o lie_v in_o wait_n to_o deceive_v and_o therefore_o he_o advise_v they_o to_o be_v upon_o their_o guard_n and_o to_o have_v their_o armour_n about_o they_o and_o one_o choice_a part_n of_o it_o be_v the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n 17._o the_o philippian_n be_v assault_v by_o a_o rude_a violent_a headstrong_a faction_n of_o judaizer_n which_o the_o apostle_n bid_v they_o to_o beware_v of_o and_o write_v his_o epistle_n to_o 2._o they_o for_o that_o purpose_n and_o he_o exhort_v they_o to_o stand_v fast_o in_o one_o spirit_n with_o one_o 27._o mind_n strive_v together_o for_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o second_o epistle_n to_o the_o thessalonian_n and_o in_o both_o epistle_n to_o timothy_n he_o 3._o give_v notice_n of_o a_o great_a defection_n from_o the_o christian_a faith_n he_o describe_v the_o manner_n of_o it_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v with_o sign_n â—0_n and_o lie_a word_n and_o with_o all_o deceivableness_n of_o unrighteousness_n in_o they_o that_o perish_v because_o they_o receive_v not_o the_o love_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o they_o shall_v speak_v lie_n in_o 3._o hypocrisy_n and_o forbid_v to_o marry_v and_o command_v to_o abstain_v from_o meat_n be_v evil_a man_n have_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n and_o deny_v 5._o the_o power_n of_o it_o i_o meddle_v not_o now_o with_o the_o time_n when_o this_o apostasy_n begin_v but_o from_o hence_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o st._n paul_n suppose_v that_o those_o who_o at_o first_o receive_v the_o christian_a faith_n by_o tradition_n from_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o may_v notwithstanding_o through_o their_o own_o weakness_n and_o folly_n and_o the_o artifices_fw-la of_o deceiver_n be_v draw_v from_o it_o and_o that_o to_o prevent_v such_o mischievous_a consequence_n he_o know_v no_o better_a mean_n than_o a_o write_a rule_n which_o he_o tell_v timothy_n be_v able_a to_o make_v he_o wise_a to_o salvation_n 17._o and_o to_o make_v the_o man_n of_o god_n perfect_a thorough_o furnish_v to_o every_o good_a work_n and_o to_o name_v no_o more_o the_o colossian_n be_v set_v upon_o by_o some_o who_o think_v to_o refine_v christianity_n or_o
believe_v no_o life_n after_o this_o be_v compare_v with_o the_o pain_n and_o martyrdom_n of_o those_o who_o have_v suffer_v for_o their_o religion_n these_o will_v appear_v to_o be_v far_o more_o eligible_a than_o the_o other_o because_o the_o mind_n have_v far_o great_a satisfaction_n under_o they_o and_o a_o certain_a expectation_n of_o a_o infinite_a reward_n to_o follow_v upon_o they_o whereas_o the_o other_o can_v have_v no_o comfort_n in_o look_v back_o on_o what_o they_o have_v do_v or_o forward_o in_o what_o they_o be_v to_o expect_v for_o they_o have_v destroy_v their_o own_o happiness_n and_o hasten_v that_o upon_o themselves_o which_o they_o account_v their_o only_a misery_n 2._o as_o to_o the_o common_a calamity_n of_o life_n which_o none_o can_v prevent_v or_o avoid_v the_o spiritual_a mind_n have_v very_o much_o the_o advantage_n of_o the_o carnal_a for_o the_o one_o â—ills_v they_o with_o inward_a peace_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o mind_n which_o of_o all_o thing_n carry_v man_n best_o through_o the_o trouble_n of_o life_n be_v join_v with_o patience_n humility_n self-denial_n and_o submission_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n which_o be_v all_o the_o genuine_a effect_n of_o a_o spiritual_a mind_n but_o a_o carnal_a mind_n be_v froward_a and_o impatient_a uneasy_a to_o itself_o and_o to_o all_o about_o it_o and_o this_o make_v every_o pain_n and_o trouble_v to_o be_v much_o great_a than_o it_o will_v have_v be_v like_o the_o ass_n in_o the_o fable_n which_o lie_v down_o in_o the_o water_n with_o his_o burden_n of_o wool_n and_o so_o make_v it_o heavy_a than_o before_o there_o be_v two_o thing_n the_o philosophical_a man_n of_o pleasure_n seek_v to_o comfort_v themselves_o by_o under_o the_o unavoidable_a trouble_n of_o life_n which_o the_o spiritual_a mind_n have_v far_o great_a advantage_n than_o any_o of_o they_o have_v as_o to_o both_o of_o they_o and_o these_o be_v reflection_n and_o expectation_n 1._o reflection_n when_o epicurus_n be_v in_o his_o last_o agony_n under_o the_o stone_n what_o a_o miserable_a way_n be_v it_o for_o he_o to_o go_v about_o to_o comfort_v himself_o by_o reflect_v upon_o his_o atom_n and_o his_o maxim_n his_o imaginary_a notion_n of_o the_o happiness_n v._o of_o life_n consist_v in_o pleasure_n when_o his_o life_n be_v so_o near_o be_v end_v by_o excessive_a pain_n but_o a_o good_a man_n that_o have_v sincere_o 30._o endeavour_v to_o serve_v god_n in_o his_o generation_n and_o to_o do_v all_o the_o good_a he_o can_v and_o to_o promote_v the_o interest_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n in_o the_o world_n may_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o many_o fail_n and_o infirmity_n look_v back_o with_o comfort_n on_o the_o course_n of_o his_o former_a life_n and_o by_o the_o peace_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n may_v enjoy_v inward_a satisfaction_n under_o such_o pain_n and_o distemper_n which_o make_v life_n uneasy_a and_o death_n more_o welcome_a as_o it_o be_v a_o passage_n to_o a_o far_o better_a state_n and_o that_o be_v the_o next_o thing_n 2._o expectation_n it_o be_v a_o sorrowful_a expectation_n which_o epicurus_n support_v himself_o with_o when_o he_o be_v in_o the_o prospect_n of_o death_n which_o be_v no_o more_o than_o that_o the_o subtle_a atom_n which_o make_v up_o his_o soul_n will_v soon_o be_v scatter_v and_o disperse_v he_o know_v not_o where_o and_o then_o he_o shall_v be_v as_o if_o he_o have_v never_o be_v but_o what_o comfort_n be_v there_o in_o such_o a_o dissolution_n man_n that_o have_v deserve_v it_o may_v hearty_o wish_v it_o but_o they_o have_v deserve_v something_o worse_a and_o that_o they_o must_v expect_v for_o the_o just_a and_o holy_a god_n will_v certain_o call_v they_o to_o a_o account_n for_o all_o their_o vice_n and_o folly_n and_o it_o be_v a_o fearful_a thing_n to_o 31._o fall_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o live_a god_n and_o what_o a_o miserable_a case_n be_v those_o in_o who_o have_v nothing_o to_o look_v for_o but_o judgement_n 27._o and_o fiery_a indignation_n which_o shall_v consume_v the_o adversary_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n but_o o_o the_o bless_a hope_n and_o joyful_a expectation_n that_o attend_v a_o spiritual_a mind_n especial_o when_o it_o be_v enliven_v and_o assist_v by_o the_o powerful_a influence_n of_o divine_a grace_n for_o without_o that_o even_o good_a man_n may_v be_v liable_a to_o some_o dejection_n and_o fear_n as_o to_o another_o world_n from_o the_o vastness_n of_o the_o change_n the_o sense_n of_o their_o fail_n the_o weakness_n of_o their_o mind_n and_o mistrust_v of_o their_o own_o fitness_n for_o heaven_n but_o so_o great_a be_v the_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n towards_o they_o that_o sincere_o love_v and_o fear_v he_o that_o he_o always_o make_v their_o passage_n safe_a though_o it_o be_v not_o so_o triumphant_a and_o although_o the_o valley_n of_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n may_v seem_v gloomy_a and_o uncomfortable_a at_o a_o distance_n yet_o when_o god_n be_v please_v to_o conduct_v his_o servant_n through_o it_o he_o make_v it_o a_o happy_a passage_n into_o a_o state_n of_o a_o glorious_a immortality_n and_o everlasting_a life_n and_o peace_n to_o which_o god_n etc._n etc._n sermon_n ix_o preach_v before_o the_o king_n and_o queen_n at_o whitehall_n on_o christmass-day_n 1693._o st._n john_n iii_o 17._o for_o god_n send_v not_o his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n to_o condemn_v the_o world_n but_o that_o the_o world_n through_o he_o may_v be_v save_v these_o word_n be_v part_n of_o the_o gospel_n write_v by_o st._n john_n wherein_o he_o do_v not_o only_o fill_v up_o the_o history_n of_o our_o saviour_n with_o many_o particular_a discourse_n omit_v by_o the_o other_o evangelist_n but_o the_o whole_a seem_v to_o be_v pen_v in_o another_o strain_n and_o with_o some_o different_a purpose_n and_o design_n it_o be_v true_a that_o they_o all_o agree_v in_o the_o same_o general_a end_n of_o write_v which_o st._n john_n mention_n viz._n that_o we_o may_v believe_v that_o jesus_n 31._o be_v the_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o that_o believe_v we_o may_v have_v life_n through_o his_o name_n but_o they_o make_v use_v of_o several_a method_n as_o most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o time_n and_o place_n and_o occasion_n of_o their_o write_n st._n matthew_n write_v his_o gospel_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o therefore_o he_o begin_v with_o the_o genealogy_n of_o jesus_n christ_n from_o abraham_n and_o show_v that_o the_o prophecy_n be_v accomplish_v in_o he_o and_o how_o he_o come_v not_o to_o destroy_v the_o law_n but_o to_o fulfil_v it_o and_o that_o his_o miracle_n and_o doctrine_n be_v sufficient_a to_o convince_v they_o that_o he_o be_v the_o promise_a messiah_n st._n mark_v write_v only_o a_o summary_n account_v of_o the_o most_o material_a passage_n relate_v to_o the_o person_n and_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o gentile_n st._n luke_n take_v a_o large_a compass_n and_o put_v thing_n into_o a_o exacter_n order_n of_o time_n as_o himself_o tell_v 3._o we_o and_o add_v many_o circumstance_n relate_v to_o the_o birth_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o general_a advantage_n to_o mankind_n by_o his_o come_n that_o he_o be_v to_o be_v a_o light_n to_o 32._o lighten_v the_o gentile_n as_o well_o as_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o people_n israel_n st._n john_n succeed_v the_o rest_n find_v two_o great_a thing_n which_o give_v he_o occasion_n of_o write_v his_o gospel_n 1._o the_o pervert_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n by_o the_o ebionite_n and_o cerinthian_o who_o pretend_v to_o give_v great_a honour_n to_o christ_n as_o a_o excellent_a person_n both_o for_o wisdom_n and_o holiness_n but_o yet_o so_o that_o he_o be_v but_o a_o mere_a man_n to_o who_o god_n upon_o his_o baptism_n have_v give_v extraordinary_a gift_n and_o assistance_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n 2._o the_o other_o be_v that_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v design_v for_o the_o universal_a good_a of_o the_o world_n meet_v with_o such_o cold_a reception_n and_o entertainment_n from_o it_o he_o be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o the_o world_n be_v 11._o make_v by_o he_o and_o the_o world_n know_v he_o not_o he_o come_v unto_o his_o own_o and_o his_o own_o receive_v he_o not_o 12._o what_o can_v be_v more_o uneasy_a to_o so_o true_a a_o lover_n of_o christ_n as_o st._n john_n be_v than_o that_o he_o live_v to_o see_v his_o doctrine_n pervert_v and_o his_o design_n in_o so_o great_a a_o measure_n render_v ineffectual_a and_o therefore_o in_o the_o write_n of_o this_o gospel_n 1._o he_o begin_v after_o another_o manner_n and_o in_o a_o very_a short_a significant_a and_o lofty_a style_n he_o set_v forth_o his_o eternal_a be_v and_o godhead_n in_o the_o beginning_n be_v the_o word_n and_o the_o word_n be_v with_o god_n and_o the_o word_n
which_o be_v not_o like_o a_o river_n which_o grow_v great_a by_o run_v but_o like_o a_o mineral_n water_n which_o lose_v its_o strength_n by_o be_v carry_v too_o far_o we_o find_v in_o the_o time_n of_o papias_n who_o live_v but_o in_o the_o second_o century_n the_o authority_n of_o bare_a tradition_n be_v mighty_o sink_v for_o eusebius_n say_v he_o converse_v 39â—_n with_o the_o disciple_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o his_o apostle_n he_o say_v of_o himself_o that_o he_o go_v up_o and_o down_o to_o they_o to_o get_v what_o he_o can_v from_o they_o have_v a_o great_a esteem_n of_o what_o he_o can_v learn_v from_o they_o than_o of_o what_o be_v write_v and_o what_o advantage_n do_v this_o bring_v to_o the_o church_n it_o bring_v some_o idle_a opinion_n into_o reputation_n say_v eusebius_n for_o afterward_o they_o think_v it_o enough_o to_o fix_v they_o upon_o papias_n but_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a for_o he_o to_o mistake_v eusebius_n say_v that_o be_v a_o man_n of_o mean_a capacity_n he_o may_v easy_o misunderstand_v the_o meaning_n of_o what_o be_v speak_v but_o if_o tradition_n may_v fail_v after_o such_o a_o manner_n so_o near_o the_o apostle_n time_n then_o we_o must_v be_v assure_v of_o the_o capacity_n as_o well_o as_o integrity_n of_o those_o of_o every_o age_n through_o who_o a_o tradition_n pass_v or_o else_o they_o may_v deceive_v or_o be_v deceive_v about_o it_o but_o god_n be_v please_v to_o provide_v better_o for_o the_o security_n of_o our_o faith_n by_o cause_v the_o gospel_n to_o be_v write_v either_o by_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o as_o st._n matthew_n and_o st._n john_n or_o by_o the_o disciple_n of_o the_o chief_a apostle_n while_o the_o other_o be_v survive_v as_o st._n mark_n and_o st._n luke_n and_o the_o latter_a give_v this_o account_n of_o his_o undertake_n to_o write_v it_o viz._n that_o thou_o may_v know_v the_o the_o certainty_n of_o those_o 4._o thing_n wherein_o thou_o have_v be_v instruct_v his_o instruction_n be_v by_o a_o oral_a tradition_n but_o that_o it_o seem_v want_v something_o to_o strengthen_v and_o confirm_v it_o and_o that_o be_v by_o st._n luke_n writing_n his_o gospel_n how_o can_v they_o add_v any_o assurance_n to_o he_o if_o all_o the_o ground_n of_o his_o certainty_n be_v to_o be_v take_v from_o tradition_n st._n luke_n think_v it_o necessary_a then_o that_o those_o thing_n which_o concern_v the_o life_n and_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n shall_v be_v put_v into_o write_v that_o they_o may_v be_v more_o certain_o convey_v and_o that_o while_o they_o have_v the_o testimony_n of_o those_o who_o be_v eye-witness_n and_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n 2._o and_o so_o i_o come_v to_o the_o second_o rule_n of_o discern_v the_o primitive_a doctrine_n of_o christ_n viz._n the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n when_o matter_n of_o doctrine_n come_v to_o be_v contest_v be_v the_o infallible_a rule_n whereby_o they_o be_v to_o judge_v which_o be_v the_o true_a and_o genuine_a doctrine_n of_o christ._n there_o be_v some_o who_o pretend_v that_o the_o apostle_n write_n be_v mere_o accidental_a and_o occasional_a thing_n but_o that_o the_o main_a design_n be_v to_o lodge_v the_o great_a assurance_n of_o thâ—_n doctrine_n of_o christ_n in_o tradition_n from_o one_o to_o another_o and_o what_o they_o write_v be_v not_o to_o make_v any_o rule_n of_o faith_n but_o only_o to_o give_v some_o good_a advice_n to_o those_o church_n they_o write_v to_o but_o i_o shall_v now_o prove_v that_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v intend_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o be_v a_o stand_a rule_n whereby_o the_o church_n be_v to_o judge_v which_o be_v the_o true_a and_o genuine_a doctrine_n of_o christ._n 1._o from_o the_o reason_n and_o occasion_n of_o write_v the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n 1._o as_o to_o the_o gospel_n we_o must_v distinguish_v the_o general_n reason_n of_o write_v they_o from_o the_o particular_a occasion_n as_o to_o the_o several_a gospel_n the_o general_a reason_n be_v to_o be_v draw_v from_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n which_o inspire_v and_o guide_v they_o the_o particular_a occasion_n relate_v to_o the_o circumstance_n of_o write_v they_o the_o general_a reason_n be_v that_o which_o irenoeus_n give_v viz._n that_o the_o gospel_n which_o 1._o they_o have_v first_o preach_v be_v by_o the_o will_n of_o god_n put_v into_o write_v that_o it_o may_v be_v a_o foundation_n and_o pillar_n of_o our_o faith_n not_o mere_o to_o keep_v up_o the_o remembranee_n of_o it_o which_o fevardentius_n yield_v and_o thereby_o overthrow_v the_o infallibility_n of_o oral_a tradition_n but_o that_o so_o it_o may_v be_v a_o certain_a rule_n of_o faith_n to_o all_o age_n the_o evangelist_n say_v st._n augustin_n be_v but_o christ_n 54._o hand_n which_o himself_o as_o the_o head_n direct_v in_o write_v the_o gospel_n and_o therefore_o we_o be_v to_o look_v on_o the_o gospel_n as_o his_o own_o handwriting_n the_o holy_a ghost_n 53._o say_v he_o direct_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o evangelist_n as_o to_o the_o order_n and_o manner_n of_o their_o write_n which_o vary_v according_o to_o the_o particular_a occasion_n but_o yet_o be_v all_o subservient_fw-fr to_o the_o general_n reason_n st._n matthew_n write_v the_o first_o gospel_n say_v eusebius_n to_o the_o jew_n to_o who_o he_o have_v 24._o preach_v because_o go_v into_o other_o part_n he_o will_v supply_v the_o want_n of_o his_o presence_n among_o they_o by_o his_o write_n what_o need_v this_o if_o tradition_n be_v a_o certain_a and_o infallible_a way_n of_o convey_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n st._n chrysostom_n say_v the_o jewish_a christian_n desire_v he_o to_o put_v into_o write_v matth_n what_o they_o have_v hear_v he_o preach_v do_v not_o they_o understand_v the_o force_n of_o tradition_n better_o or_o why_o shall_v st._n matthew_n put_v they_o out_o of_o a_o infallible_a way_n the_o author_n of_o the_o imperfect_a work_n on_o st._n matthew_n say_v they_o desire_v he_o to_o prologo_fw-la write_v his_o gospel_n that_o wherever_o they_o go_v they_o may_v carry_v a_o account_n of_o their_o faith_n with_o they_o clemens_n alexandrinus_n say_v the_o occasion_n of_o writing_n st._n mark_n be_v 15._o gospel_n be_v that_o the_o people_n be_v not_o satisfy_v with_o a_o unwritten_a delivery_n of_o the_o holy_a doctrine_n and_o therefore_o importune_v mark_n who_o be_v the_o disciple_n of_o st._n peter_n that_o he_o will_v leave_v a_o monument_n of_o his_o doctrine_n in_o write_v which_o st._n peter_n understand_v by_o revelation_n approve_v and_o confirm_v his_o gospel_n for_o the_o use_n of_o the_o church_n origen_n say_v he_o write_v it_o according_a to_o st._n peter_n direction_n epiphanius_n 155._o say_v by_o his_o authority_n athanasius_n say_v it_o be_v dictate_v by_o he_o at_o rome_n it_o seem_v that_o peter_n himself_o do_v not_o think_v fit_a to_o leave_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n to_o a_o oral_a tradition_n even_o at_o rome_n but_o irenoeus_n think_v it_o be_v write_v after_o st._n peter_n decease_n who_o therein_o differ_v from_o the_o rest_n and_o show_v how_o uncertain_a mere_a tradition_n be_v tertullian_n say_v st._n mark_n be_v eccles_n gospel_n be_v attribute_v to_o st._n peter_n and_o st._n luke_n be_v to_o st._n paul_n st._n jerom_n mention_n the_o opinion_n of_o some_o that_o when_o st._n paul_n say_v according_a to_o my_o gospel_n he_o mean_v that_o of_o st._n luke_n but_o st._n luke_n himself_o plain_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o occasion_n of_o his_o writing_n st._n ambrose_n think_v by_o those_o who_o have_v take_v 1._o in_o hand_n to_o write_v of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v firm_o believe_v among_o we_o he_o mean_v the_o author_n of_o the_o counterfeit_a gospel_n as_o that_o of_o the_o twelve_o apostle_n and_o st._n mathias_n but_o we_o have_v no_o evidence_n that_o these_o be_v old_a than_o st._n luke_n his_o meaning_n be_v that_o in_o those_o part_n where_o he_o be_v there_o be_v some_o who_o do_v undertake_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o life_n and_o action_n of_o christ_n who_o want_v the_o advantage_n which_o he_o have_v have_v have_v great_a opportunity_n of_o know_a circumstance_n from_o the_o eye-witness_n and_o therefore_o he_o set_v himself_o to_o give_v a_o exact_a relation_n of_o they_o that_o not_o only_a theophilus_n 51._o but_o every_o one_o that_o answer_v his_o name_n may_v know_v the_o certainty_n of_o those_o thing_n wherein_o they_o have_v be_v instruct_v but_o do_v not_o they_o know_v the_o certainty_n of_o these_o thing_n by_o the_o apostle_n preach_v yes_o but_o the_o thing_n they_o hear_v may_v slip_v out_o of_o their_o memory_n and_o to_o prevent_v this_o say_v theophylact_v st._n luke_n luc._n write_v his_o gospel_n that_o they_o may_v retain_v these_o thing_n with_o great_a certainty_n and_o word_n that_o be_v
assistance_n to_o sincere_a and_o humble_a mind_n and_o that_o assistance_n carry_v a_o lumen_fw-la fidei_fw-la into_o the_o mind_n as_o aquinas_n call_v it_o 2._o 2._o a_o 3_o ad_fw-la 2._o and_o by_o that_o he_o say_v the_o mind_n be_v unite_v to_o truth_n that_o its_o assent_n be_v only_o fix_v upon_o it_o and_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o danger_n of_o damnation_n to_o those_o who_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n and_o be_v thus_o illuminate_v by_o faith_n in_o he_o not_o that_o this_o be_v a_o argument_n to_o convince_v other_o who_o have_v not_o that_o inward_a sense_n which_o they_o have_v but_o the_o same_o holy_a spirit_n which_o do_v at_o first_o indite_v they_o may_v give_v such_o a_o inward_a and_o effectual_a testimony_n as_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o matter_n contain_v in_o they_o that_o from_o thence_o they_o may_v firm_o conclude_v these_o book_n to_o contain_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o that_o assurance_n which_o the_o mind_n of_o good_a man_n have_v from_o the_o influence_n of_o divine_a grace_n may_v be_v more_o effectual_a and_o powerful_a in_o they_o than_o all_o the_o pretend_a infallibility_n or_o demonstration_n in_o the_o world_n it_o be_v certain_a those_o can_v be_v deceive_v who_o the_o holy_a spirit_n teach_v and_o the_o best_a and_o wise_a of_o the_o ancient_a schoolman_n do_v make_v the_o great_a firmness_n and_o certainty_n of_o faith_n not_o to_o depend_v on_o outward_a motive_n but_o on_o inward_a grace_n which_o so_o enlighten_v the_o mind_n and_o fix_v the_o inclination_n of_o the_o soul_n that_o nothing_o be_v able_a to_o remove_v it_o this_o sort_n of_o faith_n be_v no_o blind_a assent_n but_o after_o all_o the_o evidence_n which_o it_o have_v to_o make_v its_o assent_n reasonable_a it_o take_v so_o fast_o a_o hold_n of_o divine_a truth_n by_o discern_v the_o excellency_n and_o value_n of_o they_o that_o he_o that_o have_v it_o be_v willing_a to_o let_v go_v any_o thing_n rather_o than_o that_o and_o although_o the_o apprehension_n of_o faith_n be_v not_o so_o clear_a as_o that_o of_o science_n yet_o the_o hypostasis_fw-la as_o 1._o the_o apostle_n call_v it_o may_v be_v so_o firm_a that_o no_o temptation_n may_v be_v able_a to_o shake_v it_o and_o he_o that_o can_v die_v for_o his_o religion_n have_v a_o strong_a and_o better_a fâ—ith_n than_o he_o that_o think_v himself_o never_o so_o infallible_a in_o the_o ground_n of_o it_o that_o be_v a_o true_a divine_a faith_n which_o purify_v the_o 9_o heart_n and_o thereby_o enlighten_v the_o mind_n which_o work_v by_o love_n and_o not_o 6._o by_o cavil_v and_o wrangle_v about_o the_o ground_n of_o it_o which_o overcome_v the_o world_n 4._o and_o not_o that_o which_o be_v overcome_v by_o the_o temptation_n of_o it_o and_o such_o a_o faith_n and_o only_o such_o a_o one_o will_v carry_v we_o to_o heaven_n when_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o we_o to_o have_v the_o utmost_a infallibility_n in_o the_o act_n of_o believe_v yet_o if_o it_o do_v not_o work_v effectual_o on_o our_o heart_n and_o life_n we_o may_v go_v infallible_o to_o hell_n and_o so_o i_o shall_v conclude_v this_o discourse_n with_o the_o second_o sense_n of_o the_o obligation_n which_o lie_v on_o those_o who_o have_v receive_v christ_n jesus_n the_o lord_n so_o to_o walk_v in_o he_o i._n e._n to_o improve_v their_o sound_a faith_n into_o the_o practice_n of_o a_o good_a life_n for_o alas_o what_o advantage_n will_v it_o be_v to_o we_o to_o have_v the_o most_o primitive_a and_o apostolical_a faith_n if_o our_o work_n be_v not_o answerable_a to_o it_o why_o call_v you_o i_o lord_n 46._o lord_n say_v christ_n and_o do_v not_o the_o thing_n which_o i_o say_v why_o do_v we_o pretend_v to_o receive_v christ_n jesus_n the_o lord_n if_o we_o do_v not_o observe_v his_o command_n it_o be_v good_a say_v st._n paul_n to_o be_v zealous_o affect_v always_o in_o 18._o a_o good_a thing_n and_o no_o doubt_n our_o faith_n be_v such_o but_o then_o let_v we_o be_v zealous_a of_o good_a work_n too_o that_o we_o may_v show_v ourselves_o to_o be_v that_o peculiar_a people_n who_o be_v 14._o redeem_v by_o jesus_n christ._n so_o that_o our_o obligation_n arise_v every_o way_n from_o christ_n jesus_n the_o lord_n to_o walk_v in_o he_o if_o we_o consider_v he_o as_o our_o lord_n so_o we_o be_v to_o obey_v he_o if_o as_o christ_n jesus_n so_o he_o die_v for_o we_o to_o redeem_v we_o from_o all_o iniquity_n we_o can_v have_v no_o pretence_n to_o live_v in_o our_o sin_n if_o we_o have_v receive_v he_o who_o command_v we_o to_o forsake_v they_o for_o than_o we_o receive_v and_o reject_v he_o at_o the_o same_o time_n let_v every_o one_o that_o name_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n 19_o depart_v from_o iniquity_n say_v st._n paul_n what_o shall_v those_o then_o do_v that_o profess_v to_o receive_v he_o as_o their_o lord_n who_o be_v thereby_o bind_v to_o yield_v obedience_n to_o his_o law_n one_o of_o the_o great_a cause_n of_o the_o degeneracy_n of_o the_o heathen_a world_n be_v the_o separate_a religion_n and_o morality_n when_o this_o be_v leave_v to_o the_o school_n of_o philosopher_n to_o instruct_v man_n in_o whereas_o their_o religion_n consist_v only_o of_o some_o solemn_a rite_n and_o sacrifice_n let_v we_o have_v a_o care_n of_o as_o dangerous_a a_o separation_n between_o faith_n and_o work_n or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o between_o receive_v christ_n and_o do_v his_o will._n for_o those_o be_v the_o proper_a work_n of_o the_o gospel_n wherein_o we_o own_o christ_n as_o our_o lord_n and_o do_v they_o because_o he_o command_v we_o and_o the_o apostle_n have_v sum_v up_o the_o whole_a duty_n of_o christian_n in_o those_o comprehensive_a word_n teach_v we_o that_o deny_v ungodliness_n 12._o and_o worldly_a lust_n we_o shall_v live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n look_v for_o that_o bless_a hope_n 13._o and_o the_o glorious_a appearance_n of_o the_o great_a god_n and_o our_o saviour_n jesus_n christ._n to_o who_o etc._n etc._n sermon_n iii_o preach_v before_o the_o queen_n at_o whitehall_n february_n the_o 22_o d_o 1688_o 9_o 1_o pet._n iu_o 18._o and_o if_o the_o righteous_a scarce_o be_v save_v where_o shall_v the_o ungodly_a and_o the_o sinner_n appear_v this_o epistle_n be_v write_v by_o s._n peter_n for_o the_o encouragement_n of_o christian_n under_o all_o their_o suffering_n but_o these_o word_n seem_v to_o carry_v so_o much_o terror_n and_o severity_n in_o they_o as_o though_o none_o but_o martyr_n and_o confessor_n can_v have_v any_o reason_n to_o hope_v for_o salvation_n and_o all_o other_o be_v to_o be_v leave_v in_o despair_n although_o mankind_n be_v not_o easy_o satisfy_v concern_v the_o punishment_n denounce_v against_o the_o ungodly_a and_o sinner_n yet_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n the_o equity_n of_o his_o command_n the_o freedom_n of_o their_o choice_n the_o contempt_n of_o grace_n and_o their_o wilful_a and_o obstinate_a impenitency_n take_v away_o all_o just_a cause_n of_o complaint_n but_o that_o the_o righteous_a shall_v scarce_o be_v save_v seem_v hardly_o reconcilable_a with_o the_o grace_n and_o design_n and_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o the_o righteous_a here_o be_v not_o vain_a proud_a self-conceited_a hypocrite_n such_o who_o think_v they_o need_v no_o repentance_n but_o such_o who_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n be_v bring_v off_o from_o their_o former_a sin_n and_o be_v redeem_v from_o their_o vain_a conversation_n with_o the_o precious_a blood_n of_o christ_n 20._o who_o have_v purify_v their_o soul_n in_o obey_v the_o truth_n through_o the_o spirit_n who_o be_v a_o choose_a generation_n a_o royal_a priesthood_n a_o 9_o holy_a nation_n a_o peculiar_a people_n yet_o of_o such_o as_o these_o it_o be_v say_v if_o the_o righteous_a scarce_o be_v save_v but_o how_o can_v this_o agree_v with_o the_o infinite_a goodness_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n declare_v in_o the_o gospel_n whereby_o sinner_n be_v court_v and_o encourage_v to_o repent_v with_o the_o hope_n and_o promise_v of_o salvation_n do_v not_o christ_n come_v to_o save_v sinner_n and_o st._n paul_n call_v this_o a_o faithful_a say_n and_o worthy_a of_o all_o acceptation_n and_o yet_o after_o all_o shall_v the_o 15._o righteous_a scarce_o be_v save_v what_o joy_n in_o 10._o heaven_n can_v there_o be_v over_o one_o sinner_n that_o repent_v if_o after_o his_o repentance_n it_o be_v so_o hard_a to_o come_v to_o heaven_n do_v not_o christ_n himself_o invite_v those_o who_o be_v weary_a and_o heavy_a lade_v to_o come_v to_o he_o with_o a_o promise_n that_o he_o will_v give_v rest_n to_o 28._o their_o soul_n but_o what_o rest_n can_v they_o have_v who_o notwithstanding_o their_o come_n to_o he_o do_v with_o so_o much_o difficulty_n attain_v to_o eternal_a rest_n how_o can_v that_o
prefer_v that_o which_o this_o world_n account_v happiness_n before_o that_o which_o be_v offer_v to_o our_o choice_n in_o another_o for_o let_v we_o make_v all_o the_o fair_a and_o reasonable_a allowance_n that_o may_v be_v as_o to_o our_o inclination_n and_o appetite_n and_o circumstance_n in_o this_o world_n as_o to_o the_o distance_n obscurity_n incomprehensibleness_n of_o the_o joy_n of_o another_o world_n yet_o every_o consider_a man_n that_o regard_v true_a happiness_n will_v be_v sure_a to_o choose_v that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v for_o 1._o suppose_v the_o happiness_n be_v equal_a yet_o there_o be_v no_o proportion_n in_o the_o continuance_n of_o they_o and_o a_o consider_a man_n will_v be_v sure_a to_o choose_v a_o happiness_n that_o can_v never_o have_v a_o end_n before_o one_o that_o may_v be_v irrecoverable_o lose_v in_o a_o moment_n and_o can_v certain_o be_v enjoy_v but_o for_o a_o little_a time_n if_o there_o be_v any_o certainty_n at_o all_o in_o the_o enjoyment_n 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and_o this_o make_v a_o very_a considerable_a difference_n in_o the_o choice_n indeed_o if_o god_n make_v it_o absolute_o necessary_a in_o order_n to_o future_a happiness_n for_o we_o to_o forego_v all_o the_o natural_a pleasure_n and_o innocent_a delight_n of_o this_o life_n the_o term_n will_v be_v much_o hard_a and_o hardly_o possible_a to_o humane_a nature_n for_o if_o all_o pleasure_n of_o sense_n must_v be_v renounce_v we_o must_v not_o see_v the_o please_a variety_n of_o nature_n nor_o hear_v the_o melodious_a sound_n of_o bird_n nor_o taste_v the_o meat_n when_o we_o be_v hungry_a nor_o drink_v when_o we_o be_v thirsty_a for_o there_o be_v real_o great_a pleasure_n of_o sense_n when_o nature_n crave_v necessary_a sustenance_n than_o what_o the_o most_o voluptuous_a epicurean_a enjoy_v in_o all_o his_o contrivance_n first_o to_o raise_v his_o appetite_n and_o then_o to_o please_v it_o for_o what_o be_v most_o natural_a and_o necessary_a be_v the_o most_o delightful_a every_o thing_n of_o force_n must_v have_v something_o uneasy_a in_o it_o but_o god_n have_v not_o deal_v thus_o hardly_o with_o mankind_n he_o allow_v we_o all_o the_o reasonable_a desire_n of_o nature_n and_o have_v only_o forbid_v we_o what_o be_v unreasonable_a and_o unnecessary_a and_o upon_o the_o forbearance_n of_o what_o be_v so_o join_v with_o our_o entire_a dependence_n upon_o himself_o for_o it_o which_o the_o scripture_n call_v faith_n work_v by_o love_n he_o 6._o have_v make_v the_o gracious_a offer_n of_o eternal_a happiness_n it_o be_v true_a in_o extraordinary_a case_n of_o persecution_n he_o require_v more_o but_o then_o he_o propose_v extraordinary_a reward_n to_o make_v abundant_a recompense_n for_o they_o but_o in_o the_o common_a and_o ordinary_a case_n of_o mankind_n he_o require_v no_o more_o than_o our_o avoid_v those_o excess_n in_o please_v our_o appetite_n which_o nature_n and_o reason_n condemn_v and_o those_o who_o consider_v can_v but_o see_v how_o unreasonable_a it_o be_v to_o place_v their_o happiness_n in_o forbid_a pleasure_n and_o to_o think_v that_o nothing_o can_v make_v they_o happy_a but_o what_o god_n have_v declare_v shall_v make_v they_o miserable_a it_o be_v a_o strange_a crossness_n in_o our_o desire_n if_o nothing_o can_v please_v they_o but_o what_o displease_v god_n it_o be_v no_o hard_a task_n to_o show_v that_o god_n forbid_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v real_o repugnant_a to_o our_o wellbeing_a here_o and_o how_o then_o can_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o happiness_n be_v hope_v for_o in_o such_o thing_n and_o when_o a_o man_n venture_v be_v miserable_a for_o ever_o for_o what_o can_v never_o make_v he_o happy_a here_o if_o he_o have_v his_o full_a liberty_n to_o pursue_v his_o desire_n he_o show_v how_o far_o he_o be_v from_o act_v like_o a_o wise_a rational_a consider_v be_v so_o that_o impatience_n of_o consider_v be_v one_o great_a reason_n why_o the_o thought_n of_o a_o judgement_n to_o come_v make_v so_o little_a impression_n on_o man_n mind_n 2._o the_o second_o reason_n be_v the_o bewitch_v and_o stupify_a nature_n of_o sensual_a pleasure_n the_o epicurean_a philosopher_n who_o manage_v the_o theory_n of_o pleasure_n with_o the_o great_a art_n so_o as_o it_o may_v look_v like_o a_o proper_a happiness_n for_o mankind_n find_v two_o thing_n absolute_o necessary_a in_o order_n to_o it_o 1._o the_o retrench_v all_o inordinate_a desire_n viz._n such_o as_o have_v more_o pain_n follow_v they_o than_o there_o be_v pleasure_n in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o they_o 2._o the_o remove_v the_o fear_n of_o another_o world_n out_o of_o man_n mind_n for_o as_o long_o as_o these_o sink_v into_o their_o mind_n they_o must_v rob_v they_o of_o that_o inward_a tranquillity_n without_o which_o it_o be_v a_o vain_a thing_n so_o much_o as_o to_o talk_v of_o happiness_n but_o it_o be_v impossible_a upon_o their_o ground_n to_o do_v either_o of_o these_o for_o 1._o it_o be_v unreasonable_a to_o suppose_v that_o the_o happiness_n of_o our_o present_a life_n shall_v consist_v in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o pleasure_n and_o yet_o the_o pleasure_n of_o opinion_n to_o be_v take_v away_o since_o the_o pleasure_n of_o opinion_n be_v the_o far_o great_a part_n of_o the_o pleasure_n of_o life_n and_o that_o which_o be_v as_o much_o value_v and_o esteem_v by_o aâ—l_a those_o who_o place_n their_o happiness_n in_o pleasure_n if_o it_o be_v all_o to_o be_v reduce_v to_o that_o which_o lie_v in_o satisfy_v the_o necessary_a desire_n of_o nature_n than_o such_o as_o have_v just_a enough_o for_o that_o be_v far_o more_o happy_a than_o the_o rich_a and_o voluptuous_a because_o they_o have_v less_o pain_n and_o care_n but_o if_o any_o allowance_n be_v make_v to_o the_o pleasure_n of_o fancy_n and_o opinion_n than_o no_o stop_n can_v be_v give_v to_o inordinate_a desire_n for_o who_o can_v set_v bound_n to_o fancy_n or_o lay_v a_o reasonable_a restraint_n upon_o desire_n if_o the_o difference_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n be_v take_v away_o as_o they_o must_v be_v if_o mere_a pleasure_n and_o pain_n be_v to_o be_v regard_v in_o our_o action_n 2._o as_o to_o the_o other_o the_o method_n they_o use_v to_o remove_v all_o fear_n of_o another_o world_n be_v weak_a and_o trifle_a and_o they_o have_v no_o advantage_n in_o point_n of_o argument_n but_o what_o the_o ignorance_n and_o folly_n of_o the_o idolatrous_a part_n of_o mankind_n at_o that_o time_n give_v they_o but_o there_o be_v a_o far_o great_a advantage_n in_o point_n of_o interest_n which_o make_v man_n of_o sensual_a life_n very_o willing_a to_o be_v rid_v of_o the_o fear_n of_o another_o life_n and_o a_o willing_a mind_n go_v a_o great_a way_n in_o believe_v or_o not_o believe_v those_o who_o place_n their_o happiness_n in_o eat_v and_o drink_v well_o as_o they_o call_v it_o and_o other_o sensual_a delight_n which_o can_v never_o be_v enjoy_v when_o this_o life_n be_v end_v have_v but_o a_o melancholy_a prospect_n into_o another_o world_n for_o they_o be_v shut_v out_o from_o the_o very_a possibility_n of_o be_v happy_a in_o their_o own_o sense_n unless_o they_o will_v believe_v the_o eastern_a impostor_n but_o when_o they_o once_o come_v to_o apprehend_v that_o there_o be_v no_o pleasure_n to_o make_v they_o happy_a but_o what_o be_v seat_v in_o the_o body_n they_o be_v apt_a to_o conclude_v that_o when_o that_o die_v there_o be_v a_o end_n of_o all_o for_o their_o imagination_n can_v reach_v no_o far_o and_o the_o true_a reason_n be_v they_o have_v lay_v reason_n and_o conscience_n asleep_o so_o long_o that_o it_o be_v very_o hard_a to_o awaken_v they_o their_o notion_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a be_v like_o the_o confuse_a apprehension_n of_o man_n half_o awake_a they_o see_v enough_o to_o perplex_v but_o not_o enough_o to_o satisfy_v they_o and_o when_o their_o fear_n grow_v upon_o they_o
be_v god_n and_o as_o the_o eternal_a power_n and_o godhead_n be_v understand_v by_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v make_v as_o st._n paul_n say_v so_o he_o add_v that_o all_o thing_n be_v make_v by_o he_o and_o without_o he_o be_v 3._o not_o any_o thing_n make_v that_o be_v make_v which_o be_v as_o certain_a a_o argument_n of_o the_o divinity_n of_o christ_n as_o there_o be_v of_o the_o be_v of_o god_n from_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n 2._o as_o to_o the_o other_o point_n it_o be_v indeed_o a_o sad_a and_o amaze_a consideration_n that_o the_o wonderful_a love_n of_o god_n in_o send_v his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n shall_v have_v so_o little_a effect_n upon_o the_o generality_n of_o those_o to_o who_o he_o be_v send_v and_o his_o doctrine_n preach_v but_o the_o apostle_n content_v himself_o with_o these_o two_o account_n of_o it_o 1._o that_o it_o be_v far_o from_o be_v god_n intention_n or_o design_n in_o send_v his_o son_n to_o make_v man_n condition_n worfe_n and_o more_o desperate_a for_o god_n send_v not_o his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n to_o condemn_v the_o world_n but_o that_o the_o world_n through_o he_o may_v be_v save_v 2._o but_o it_o may_v be_v present_o object_v that_o if_o this_o be_v god_n intention_n the_o world_n will_v not_o have_v receive_v so_o little_a benefit_n by_o it_o but_o according_a to_o the_o term_n of_o salvation_n propose_v by_o the_o gospel_n so_o few_o will_v have_v advantage_n by_o it_o therefore_o the_o evangelist_n add_v that_o if_o man_n do_v perish_v they_o must_v thank_v themselves_o for_o it_o for_o this_o be_v the_o condemnation_n that_o light_n be_v come_v into_o the_o world_n and_o man_n love_v darkness_n rather_o than_o light_v because_o their_o deed_n be_v evil_a v_o 19_o so_o that_o there_o be_v two_o thing_n which_o deserve_v our_o consideration_n i._o the_o wonderful_a condescension_n and_o gracious_a intention_n of_o god_n in_o send_v his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n ii_o the_o true_a reason_n why_o so_o many_o miscarry_v as_o to_o their_o salvation_n notwithstanding_o viz._n their_o own_o wickedness_n and_o folly_n 1._o the_o former_a of_o these_o be_v that_o which_o upon_o this_o day_n we_o have_v particular_a reason_n to_o take_v notice_n of_o not_o in_o a_o slight_a superficial_a manner_n as_o though_o a_o annual_a commemoration_n of_o it_o be_v all_o that_o god_n expect_v from_o we_o but_o our_o mind_n and_o soul_n ought_v to_o be_v possess_v with_o a_o deep_a and_o humble_a sense_n of_o so_o great_a so_o undeserved_a so_o astonish_v a_o condescension_n of_o god_n to_o mankind_n and_o the_o more_o we_o think_v and_o consider_v of_o it_o the_o more_o amaze_a and_o surprise_v it_o must_v appear_v to_o we_o for_o when_o the_o psalmist_n think_v but_o of_o god_n providence_n towards_o mankind_n he_o can_v not_o but_o break_v out_o into_o that_o expression_n lord_n what_o be_v man_n that_o thou_o be_v mindful_a of_o 4._o he_o and_o the_o son_n of_o man_n that_o thou_o so_o regard_v he_o what_o be_v man_n indeed_o a_o 3._o mass_n of_o vanity_n and_o disorder_n weak_a in_o his_o judgement_n wilful_a in_o his_o passion_n uncertain_a in_o his_o best_a resolution_n violent_a in_o his_o worst_a inclination_n strange_o bend_v upon_o what_o tend_v to_o his_o ruin_n and_o hardly_o bring_v to_o understand_v and_o pursue_v his_o true_a interest_n what_o be_v such_o a_o creature_n as_o this_o that_o a_o god_n infinite_o wise_a and_o powerful_a far_o above_o our_o thought_n as_o well_o as_o our_o service_n shall_v concern_v himself_o about_o the_o low_a and_o trifle_a affair_n of_o mankind_n but_o such_o be_v the_o goodness_n and_o condescension_n of_o god_n that_o he_o humble_v himself_o so_o far_o as_o not_o only_o to_o behold_v but_o to_o govern_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v do_v upon_o earth_n but_o what_o be_v man_n that_o he_o shall_v visit_v he_o not_o with_o the_o mere_a common_a demonstration_n of_o his_o kindness_n which_o he_o afford_v to_o other_o creature_n but_o that_o when_o mankind_n have_v so_o far_o degenerate_v and_o fall_v off_o from_o god_n by_o their_o sin_n that_o they_o deserve_v to_o be_v for_o ever_o cast_v off_o and_o forget_v by_o he_o that_o then_o god_n shall_v visit_v he_o by_o send_v his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n that_o the_o world_n through_o he_o may_v be_v save_v this_o be_v so_o far_o above_o our_o imagination_n as_o well_o as_o desert_n that_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o most_o colourable_a pretence_n for_o infidelity_n that_o it_o be_v too_o great_a a_o thing_n for_o mankind_n to_o believe_v but_o i_o be_o sensible_a that_o in_o this_o sceptical_a and_o unbelieving_a age_n there_o be_v such_o a_o humour_n of_o cavil_v against_o matter_n of_o revelation_n especial_o this_o fundamental_a article_n of_o it_o that_o it_o will_v seem_v as_o if_o we_o be_v afraid_a to_o look_v their_o objection_n in_o the_o face_n if_o we_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o they_o and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n to_o insist_v too_o much_o upon_o they_o be_v to_o make_v they_o appear_v much_o more_o considerable_a than_o they_o be_v therefore_o i_o shall_v pass_v over_o all_o the_o trifle_a and_o impertinent_a talk_n of_o such_o man_n which_o be_v not_o whisper_v in_o corner_n but_o i_o be_o afraid_a be_v become_v a_o matter_n of_o too_o common_a and_o public_a discourse_n and_o i_o shall_v single_a out_o that_o which_o seem_v to_o have_v the_o great_a weight_n in_o it_o viz._n suppose_v god_n shall_v have_v a_o intention_n to_o offer_v term_n of_o salvation_n to_o mankind_n yet_o what_o need_n be_v there_o that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n shall_v come_v into_o the_o world_n for_o that_o end_n have_v not_o god_n easy_a method_n of_o do_v it_o than_o by_o the_o incarnation_n and_o crucifixion_n of_o his_o son_n be_v it_o not_o more_o credible_a that_o god_n shall_v forgive_v sin_n without_o any_o atonement_n than_o that_o he_o shall_v send_v his_o son_n to_o be_v a_o sacrifice_n of_o propitiation_n to_o himself_o be_v it_o not_o enough_o for_o we_o to_o believe_v all_o the_o principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n to_o be_v true_a for_o we_o own_o a_o god_n and_o providence_n and_o a_o life_n to_o come_v and_o reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o mankind_n according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o their_o action_n but_o why_o shall_v our_o faith_n be_v cramp_v by_o such_o incredible_a mystery_n as_o these_o concern_v the_o son_n of_o god_n come_v into_o the_o world_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o the_o evangelist_n describe_v it_o this_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o kindness_n to_o the_o world_n that_o it_o make_v the_o condition_n of_o salvation_n so_o much_o hard_a if_o we_o must_v believe_v thing_n which_o seem_v so_o impossible_a to_o we_o and_o so_o hard_a to_o be_v reconcile_v to_o the_o natural_a principle_n of_o reason_n and_o religion_n i_o shall_v not_o dispute_v it_o with_o such_o man_n whether_o these_o late_a pretender_n to_o natural_a religion_n have_v at_o the_o bottom_n any_o real_a kindness_n for_o the_o principle_n of_o it_o or_o not_o i_o be_o willing_a to_o hope_v the_o best_a and_o that_o it_o be_v a_o mere_a dissatisfaction_n in_o they_o as_o to_o our_o reveal_v religion_n and_o that_o this_o pretend_a zeal_n for_o natural_a religion_n be_v little_o more_o than_o a_o mere_a shame_n and_o disguise_n to_o avoid_v a_o more_o odious_a imputation_n but_o let_v it_o be_v as_o great_a and_o real_a as_o they_o pretend_v what_o i_o at_o present_a undertake_v be_v to_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o none_o who_o do_v embrace_v the_o principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n can_v have_v any_o reason_n to_o reject_v the_o christian_n even_o as_o to_o this_o article_n of_o god_n send_v his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n which_o they_o seem_v most_o to_o stumble_v at_o i_o shall_v not_o go_v about_o to_o show_v how_o the_o christian_a religion_n not_o only_a suppose_n but_o improve_v refine_v establish_v and_o enforce_v the_o most_o note_a and_o allow_v principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n as_o 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reason_n to_o quarrel_v with_o christianity_n than_o any_o other_o religion_n if_o their_o quarrel_n be_v not_o real_o against_o all_o as_o i_o fear_v it_o be_v let_v they_o look_v abroad_o over_o the_o unchristian_a world_n and_o they_o will_v find_v such_o foolish_a notion_n such_o vain_a superstition_n such_o incoherent_a fable_n such_o immoral_a practice_n allow_v by_o their_o several_a religion_n as_o will_v make_v a_o consider_a man_n wonder_v how_o the_o notion_n of_o religion_n can_v be_v so_o debase_v among_o men._n let_v they_o look_v backward_o upon_o the_o passage_n of_o elder_a time_n and_o they_o shall_v find_v either_o they_o set_v up_o false_a god_n with_o the_o true_a or_o the_o false_a worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n or_o a_o worship_n disagreeable_a to_o the_o divine_a nature_n by_o mean_a representation_n or_o uncouth_a sacrifice_n or_o impure_a rite_n or_o else_o there_o be_v some_o horrible_a flaw_n as_o to_o the_o common_a principle_n of_o morality_n as_o to_o conjugal_a society_n or_o the_o right_n of_o property_n or_o the_o due_a regard_n to_o the_o preservation_n of_o mankind_n or_o they_o give_v such_o a_o pitiful_a representation_n of_o the_o reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o another_o life_n as_o if_o they_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o have_v they_o look_v on_o as_o fable_n or_o despise_v as_o unworthy_a our_o regard_v they_o above_o the_o present_a pleasure_n of_o life_n but_o i_o dare_v challenge_v the_o most_o cavil_v sceptic_a to_o find_v any_o just_a fault_n with_o the_o duty_n of_o christianity_n for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n require_v therein_o be_v pure_a holy_a spiritual_a very_o agreeable_a to_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o the_o common_a reason_n of_o mankind_n the_o moral_a precept_n of_o it_o be_v clear_a weighty_a and_o comprehensive_a and_o those_o who_o have_v deliver_v they_o to_o we_o neither_o commend_v any_o vice_n nor_o sink_v the_o reputation_n of_o any_o virtue_n they_o never_o lessen_v our_o duty_n to_o god_n or_o to_o one_o another_o all_o the_o just_a complaint_n be_v that_o the_o precept_n be_v too_o strict_a and_o severe_a too_o good_a and_o too_o hard_o for_o mankind_n to_o practice_v they_o but_o be_v this_o a_o objection_n against_o our_o religion_n or_o against_o mankind_n if_o they_o think_v that_o let_v our_o religion_n require_v what_o it_o will_v the_o generality_n of_o the_o world_n will_v still_o live_v and_o act_v like_o brute_n and_o go_v against_o all_o reason_n and_o religion_n how_o can_v we_o help_v it_o but_o we_o hope_v the_o blame_n be_v not_o to_o be_v lay_v on_o reason_n or_o religion_n that_o so_o great_a a_o part_n of_o mankind_n be_v either_o fool_n or_o madman_n i_o e._n either_o want_n sense_n to_o understand_v their_o duty_n or_o be_v resolve_v not_o to_o practice_v it_o especial_o consider_v that_o the_o reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o another_o life_n be_v set_v forth_o in_o the_o gospel_n with_o that_o clearness_n that_o force_n that_o authority_n that_o if_o any_o thing_n of_o that_o nature_n will_v work_v upon_o mankind_n these_o must_v but_o all_o these_o thing_n i_o pass_v over_o and_o come_v to_o that_o which_o i_o propose_v as_o my_o chief_a design_n which_o be_v to_o prove_v that_o none_o who_o true_o believe_v the_o principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n can_v have_v any_o reason_n to_o reject_v this_o fundamental_a article_n of_o it_o as_o to_o god_n send_v his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n and_o that_o upon_o two_o account_n i._o that_o the_o principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n make_v this_o design_n appear_v very_o credible_a or_o fit_a to_o be_v believe_v by_o man_n of_o sense_n and_o understanding_n ii_o that_o the_o principle_n on_o which_o this_o fundamental_a article_n of_o our_o reveal_v religion_n stand_v afford_v sufficient_a evidence_n to_o prove_v it_o true_a and_o therefore_o that_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v it_o as_o to_o the_o former_a the_o ground_n or_o principle_n which_o i_o go_v upon_o be_v these_o i._o that_o the_o great_a end_n of_o christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n viz._n the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n no_o one_o who_o believe_v a_o god_n can_v deny_v he_o to_o be_v of_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n for_o the_o very_a same_o reason_n which_o move_v man_n to_o believe_v a_o god_n do_v convince_v they_o that_o he_o must_v be_v of_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n see_v the_o strong_a evidence_n to_o prove_v his_o be_v be_v from_o the_o instance_n of_o they_o in_o the_o world_n these_o be_v then_o suppose_v as_o essential_a and_o inseparable_a attribute_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n we_o be_v to_o consider_v what_o end_n with_o respect_n to_o mankind_n be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o these_o to_o carry_v on_o and_o we_o must_v suppose_v mankind_n to_o be_v make_v up_o of_o soul_n and_o body_n which_o be_v capable_a of_o pleasure_n and_o satisfaction_n both_o in_o this_o world_n and_o another_o but_o our_o soul_n be_v of_o a_o immortal_a nature_n that_o will_v subsist_v in_o happiness_n or_o misery_n after_o this_o life_n otherwise_o the_o reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o another_o world_n signify_v nothing_o the_o question_n than_o be_v if_o it_o can_v be_v make_v a_o question_n whether_o it_o be_v more_o agreeable_a to_o the_o infinite_a goodness_n and_o wisdom_n of_o god_n to_o provide_v for_o the_o wellbeing_a of_o mankind_n in_o such_o a_o low_a and_o gloomy_a region_n as_o this_o earth_n be_v or_o to_o advance_v they_o into_o a_o far_o better_a place_n and_o better_a company_n and_o more_o noble_a and_o divine_a delight_n and_o those_o not_o depend_v on_o a_o fade_a droop_a die_a life_n but_o on_o the_o perpetual_a enjoyment_n of_o a_o complete_a happiness_n both_o of_o soul_n and_o body_n no_o one_o that_o ever_o dare_v to_o think_v or_o consider_v of_o these_o thing_n can_v believe_v there_o be_v any_o comparison_n between_o they_o so_o that_o the_o salvation_n tender_v by_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o most_o agreeable_a end_n which_o the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n can_v carry_v on_o for_o the_o benefit_n of_o mankind_n but_o why_o shall_v mankind_n flatter_v themselves_o with_o the_o hope_n or_o expectation_n of_o a_o happiness_n so_o far_o above_o what_o they_o can_v pretend_v to_o deserve_v there_o be_v some_o ground_n for_o such_o a_o objection_n as_o this_o if_o we_o suppose_v the_o reward_n of_o another_o life_n to_o come_v from_o any_o other_o fountain_n than_o the_o infinite_a goodness_n of_o god_n towards_o those_o who_o sincere_o love_v he_o and_o endeavour_n to_o please_v he_o although_o with_o many_o fail_n and_o imperfection_n but_o this_o be_v the_o only_a hypothesis_n which_o we_o maintain_v to_o be_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o what_o be_v there_o in_o it_o which_o be_v repugnant_a to_o the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n what_o be_v it_o but_o infinite_a goodness_n which_o give_v a_o be_v to_o the_o world_n at_o first_o and_o have_v preserve_v it_o ever_o since_o and_o make_v it_o so_o useful_a and_o beneficial_a to_o mankind_n what_o be_v it_o but_o infinite_a goodness_n that_o suffer_v we_o to_o live_v and_o enjoy_v so_o may_v comfort_n of_o life_n after_o so_o many_o great_a and_o continual_a provocation_n if_o we_o be_v to_o argue_v from_o our_o desert_n it_o be_v impossible_a for_o we_o to_o justify_v the_o wonderful_a patience_n and_o long-suffering_a of_o god_n towards_o the_o sinful_a race_n of_o mankind_n for_o we_o be_v certain_a that_o they_o have_v long_o since_o deserve_v to_o be_v cut_v off_o from_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n if_o we_o consider_v the_o justice_n and_o holiness_n of_o god_n whereby_o he_o be_v daily_o provoke_v to_o punish_v offender_n and_o the_o power_n he_o have_v to_o execute_v his_o justice_n in_o a_o moment_n without_o any_o opposite_a power_n to_o control_v or_o resist_v he_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o be_v astonish_v at_o the_o wonderful_a patience_n and_o forbearance_n of_o god_n of_o which_o we_o every_o day_n see_v so_o large_a experience_n but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o he_o do_v not_o only_o suffer_v they_o to_o live_v but_o often_o make_v their_o condition_n easy_a and_o prosperous_a as_o to_o this_o world_n have_v health_n riches_n and_o honour_n and_o the_o hope_n of_o their_o posterity_n enjoy_v the_o same_o thing_n after_o they_o now_o these_o to_o such_o who_o do_v not_o believe_v or_o value_v another_o life_n be_v the_o great_a thing_n god_n can_v do_v to_o their_o satisfaction_n but_o if_o they_o can_v allow_v so_o much_o goodness_n in_o god_n towards_o those_o who_o continual_o offend_v he_o why_o shall_v they_o question_v great_a instance_n of_o it_o towards_o those_o that_o endeavour_n to_o please_v he_o i_o do_v not_o mean_v as_o to_o this_o world_n but_o as_o to_o another_o which_o they_o value_v
such_o aggravate_v circumstance_n as_o he_o have_v do_v and_o now_o resolve_v in_o the_o anguish_n of_o his_o soul_n never_o more_o to_o return_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o they_o this_o no_o doubt_n be_v far_o more_o please_a to_o god_n than_o go_v on_o to_o offend_v still_o but_o all_o this_o be_v no_o more_o than_o a_o man_n in_o justice_n to_o god_n and_o to_o himself_o be_v bind_v to_o do_v for_o he_o be_v bind_v to_o vindicate_v the_o honour_n of_o god_n law_n and_o to_o condemn_v himself_o for_o his_o own_o folly_n and_o to_o return_v no_o more_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o but_o what_o amends_o be_v make_v by_o all_o this_o for_o the_o infinite_a dishonour_n which_o have_v be_v do_v to_o god_n and_o his_o law_n by_o the_o violation_n of_o they_o the_o court_n of_o justice_n among_o man_n take_v no_o notice_n of_o the_o malefactor_n repentance_n however_o he_o be_v affect_v the_o law_n must_v be_v observe_v and_o offender_n punish_v how_o then_o can_v any_o person_n be_v assure_v from_o mere_a natural_a reason_n that_o god_n will_v not_o be_v as_o tender_v of_o the_o honour_n and_o justice_n of_o his_o law_n as_o mankind_n be_v allow_v to_o be_v without_o any_o imputation_n of_o cruelty_n or_o injustice_n if_o god_n shall_v be_v exact_a in_o punish_v offender_n who_o can_v complain_v for_o who_o can_v plead_v not_o guilty_a before_o his_o maker_n and_o when_o a_o man_n be_v own_o conscience_n condemn_v he_o that_o he_o have_v deserve_v punishment_n what_o reason_n can_v he_o have_v from_o himself_o not_o to_o expect_v it_o and_o if_o he_o do_v just_o expect_v to_o be_v punish_v what_o reason_n can_v he_o have_v to_o hope_v for_o forgiveness_n since_o he_o know_v that_o he_o deserve_v to_o be_v punish_v and_o therefore_o can_v never_o deserve_v to_o be_v forgive_v it_o must_v be_v therefore_o a_o free_a act_n of_o grace_n and_o mercy_n in_o god_n to_o forgive_v even_o penitent_a sinner_n and_o upon_o what_o term_n and_o in_o what_o manner_n he_o will_v do_v it_o depend_v whole_o upon_o his_o own_o goodwill_n he_o may_v forgive_v sin_n if_o he_o please_v and_o it_o be_v agreeable_a to_o his_o natute_n to_o do_v it_o if_o sinner_n do_v repent_v and_o forsake_v their_o sin_n but_o whether_o god_n have_v actual_o make_v know_v to_o we_o the_o way_n of_o reconciliation_n can_v be_v know_v by_o any_o principle_n of_o nature_n because_o it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o must_v have_v such_o proof_n as_o a_o thing_n of_o that_o nature_n be_v capable_a of_o ii_o have_v thus_o show_v how_o strong_o the_o principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n do_v make_v way_n for_o entertain_v this_o point_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n as_o to_o god_n send_v his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n in_o order_n to_o our_o reconciliation_n with_o he_o and_o our_o salvation_n by_o he_o it_o remain_v now_o to_o show_v how_o just_o god_n do_v require_v the_o belief_n of_o it_o from_o we_o as_o true_a for_o the_o next_o word_n tell_v we_o that_o he_o that_o believe_v on_o he_o be_v not_o condemn_v but_o he_o that_o believe_v not_o be_v condemn_v already_o because_o he_o have_v not_o believe_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o only_o beget_v son_n of_o god_n v_o 18._o this_o some_o may_v say_v be_v very_o hard_a doctrine_n for_o they_o believe_v as_o much_o as_o they_o can_v and_o if_o they_o can_v believe_v no_o more_o it_o be_v no_o fault_n for_o no_o man_n can_v be_v bind_v to_o believe_v more_o than_o he_o can_v i_o do_v not_o question_v but_o nicodemus_n to_o who_o these_o word_n be_v general_o suppose_v to_o be_v speak_v by_o our_o saviour_n think_v he_o have_v go_v a_o great_a way_n when_o he_o use_v those_o word_n to_o christ_n v_o 2._o rabbi_n we_o know_v that_o thou_o be_v a_o teacher_n come_v from_o god_n for_o no_o man_n can_v do_v these_o miracle_n that_o thou_o do_v except_o god_n be_v with_o he_o i_o e._n he_o be_v willing_a to_o believe_v he_o some_o great_a prophet_n who_o god_n have_v send_v and_o this_o be_v a_o fair_a step_n for_o a_o ruler_n among_o the_o jew_n who_o be_v general_o very_o unreasonable_a unbeliever_n but_o christ_n tell_v he_o plain_o this_o will_v not_o do_v for_o unless_o he_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v the_o only_o beget_v son_n of_o god_n he_o can_v not_o be_v save_v and_o this_o be_v the_o great_a point_n that_o god_n so_o love_v the_o world_n that_o he_o give_v his_o only_a beget_v son_n that_o whosoever_o believe_v in_o he_o shall_v not_o perish_v but_o have_v everlasting_a life_n v_o 16._o not_o as_o though_o mere_a believe_v this_o be_v sufficient_a for_o this_o carry_v a_o great_a many_o other_o thing_n along_o with_o it_o but_o that_o since_o god_n have_v send_v his_o only_o beget_v son_n into_o the_o world_n upon_o such_o a_o message_n he_o do_v expect_v that_o he_o shall_v be_v receive_v and_o entertain_v as_o such_o upon_o their_o utmost_a peril_n but_o can_v we_o believe_v far_o than_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v no_o god_n doâ—h_v not_o expect_v it_o from_o we_o provide_v that_o with_o sincere_a and_o impartial_a mind_n we_o set_v ourselves_o to_o consider_v and_o weigh_v the_o evidence_n and_o with_o great_a humility_n beg_v the_o assistance_n of_o divine_a grace_n without_o which_o god_n may_v just_o leave_v we_o to_o our_o unbelief_n it_o will_v be_v too_o large_a a_o subject_a now_o to_o lay_v open_a the_o several_a argument_n to_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v as_o evident_a as_o a_o matter_n of_o fact_n can_v be_v make_v to_o we_o that_o god_n do_v send_v his_o son_n that_o the_o world_n through_o he_o may_v be_v save_v therefore_o i_o shall_v only_o mention_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o that_o if_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v true_a concern_v the_o history_n of_o christ_n come_n as_o relate_v by_o the_o evangelist_n there_o can_v be_v no_o reason_n to_o doubt_v his_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n for_o he_o that_o be_v the_o most_o exact_a pattern_n of_o humility_n and_o self-denial_n not_o only_o frequent_o assume_v this_o title_n to_o himself_o and_o his_o most_o intimate_a disciple_n affirm_v it_o of_o he_o but_o god_n himself_o give_v the_o most_o ample_a and_o convince_a testimony_n to_o it_o by_o his_o miraculous_a birth_n and_o a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n to_o that_o purpose_n at_o his_o baptism_n by_o a_o long_a train_n and_o series_n of_o public_a and_o useful_a miracle_n to_o attest_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o doctrine_n by_o his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a and_o ascension_n into_o heaven_n and_o wonderful_a effusion_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n with_o the_o strange_a effect_n which_o follow_v it_o so_o that_o no_o one_o who_o do_v believe_v these_o thing_n to_o be_v true_a can_v have_v any_o ground_n to_o say_v that_o he_o can_v believe_v christ_n to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n 2._o that_o if_o these_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v not_o to_o be_v believe_v as_o true_a we_o can_v be_v bind_v to_o believe_v any_o thing_n but_o what_o we_o see_v ourselves_o for_o the_o distance_n of_o time_n and_o place_n be_v equal_a in_o this_o case_n and_o no_o other_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v so_o well_o attest_v as_o these_o be_v and_o so_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v of_o christ_n resurrection_n if_o he_o be_v not_o rise_v our_o faith_n be_v vain_a so_o in_o this_o case_n i_o say_v if_o there_o be_v not_o reason_n to_o believe_v these_o thing_n all_o faith_n be_v vain_a for_o no_o other_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o we_o shall_v be_v account_v fool_n for_o not_o believe_v have_v have_v such_o a_o sort_n of_o testimony_n which_o these_o have_v have_v for_o these_o thing_n be_v not_o convey_v by_o a_o silent_a tradition_n for_o some_o time_n till_o the_o chief_a party_n be_v dead_a who_o can_v either_o prove_v or_o disprove_v they_o but_o they_o be_v public_a and_o expose_v to_o all_o manner_n of_o examination_n they_o be_v not_o deliver_v by_o one_o or_o two_o who_o be_v trust_v with_o a_o secret_a but_o open_o avow_v by_o a_o great_a number_n of_o competent_a witness_n who_o be_v present_a and_o none_o of_o they_o can_v be_v bring_v by_o the_o great_a suffering_n to_o deny_v or_o falsify_v or_o conceal_v any_o part_n of_o their_o evidence_n that_o when_o these_o thing_n have_v be_v thus_o deliver_v by_o those_o who_o see_v they_o who_o be_v most_o remarkable_a for_o their_o innocency_n and_o integrity_n in_o the_o next_o age_n they_o be_v examine_v and_o inquire_v into_o by_o man_n of_o sagacity_n and_o learning_n who_o upon_o the_o strict_a search_n find_v no_o reason_n to_o suspect_v their_o testimony_n and_o therefore_o hearty_o embrace_v and_o defend_v the_o christian_a faith_n and_o from_o thence_o they_o have_v be_v convey_v down_o to_o we_o not_o by_o
a_o uncertain_a oral_a tradition_n which_o can_v hardly_o hold_v the_o same_o from_o one_o end_v of_o the_o town_n to_o another_o but_o by_o unquestionable_a write_n of_o such_o authority_n that_o the_o christian_n will_v rather_o die_v than_o deliver_v up_o their_o book_n and_o in_o these_o be_v all_o those_o circumstance_n contain_v which_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v as_o christian_n among_o which_o this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o chief_a that_o god_n send_v his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n for_o the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n to_o sum_v up_o all_o i_o desire_v those_o who_o after_o all_o this_o pretend_v that_o they_o be_v willing_a to_o believe_v as_o much_o as_o they_o can_v and_o those_o who_o be_v liable_a to_o any_o suggestion_n of_o infidelity_n to_o consider_v serious_o with_o themselves_o whether_o there_o can_v be_v a_o great_a and_o more_o noble_a design_n more_o become_v the_o wisdom_n power_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o carry_v on_o than_o that_o of_o rescue_v mankind_n out_o of_o a_o miserable_a state_n and_o put_v they_o into_o a_o certain_a way_n of_o eternal_a happiness_n whether_o such_o a_o design_n must_v not_o be_v discover_v in_o some_o particular_a age_n of_o the_o world_n with_o all_o the_o circumstance_n relate_v to_o it_o whether_o that_o age_n be_v not_o the_o fit_a of_o all_o other_o wherein_o the_o most_o remarkable_a prophecy_n be_v to_o be_v accomplish_v as_o to_o the_o come_v of_o the_o mâ—ssias_n while_o the_o second_o temple_n be_v stand_v whether_o the_o difficulty_n as_o to_o humane_a testimony_n be_v not_o equal_a to_o all_o age_n and_o thing_n whether_o because_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o all_o man_n to_o deceive_v it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o infer_v that_o all_o man_n be_v deceive_v and_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o but_o illusion_n and_o imposture_n in_o the_o world_n and_o that_o all_o man_n lie_v and_o deceive_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o lie_v and_o deceive_v but_o if_o there_o be_v a_o difference_n to_o be_v make_v between_o man_n and_o between_o testimony_n then_o we_o be_v to_o examine_v the_o different_a character_n of_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n and_o give_v our_o assent_n according_a to_o they_o and_o if_o after_o the_o severe_a examination_n we_o do_v not_o find_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o believe_v that_o god_n send_v his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n for_o the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n upon_o such_o testimony_n as_o be_v give_v of_o it_o we_o must_v conclude_v all_o mankind_n to_o be_v make_v up_o of_o fraud_n and_o imposture_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o sincerity_n and_o honesty_n in_o the_o world_n or_o that_o if_o there_o be_v it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o other_o to_o discern_v it_o which_o be_v such_o fatal_a reproach_n upon_o humane_a nature_n that_o no_o one_o who_o pretend_v to_o any_o regard_n to_o it_o can_v be_v guilty_a of_o for_o if_o they_o be_v universal_o true_a they_o must_v condemn_v themselves_o if_o not_o wè_fw-la must_v see_v some_o very_a particular_a reason_n why_o we_o shall_v not_o rather_o think_v they_o deceive_v than_o fix_v such_o a_o indelible_a blot_n upon_o the_o reputation_n of_o mankind_n and_o sure_o it_o be_v a_o great_a advantage_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n to_o find_v that_o it_o can_v be_v overthrow_v but_o by_o such_o method_n as_o equal_o overturn_v all_o truth_n and_o certainty_n and_o that_o the_o faith_n of_o christianity_n stand_v not_o only_o upon_o the_o same_o bottom_n with_o the_o common_a faith_n of_o mankind_n but_o if_o we_o reject_v such_o assurance_n as_o be_v offer_v we_o for_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n our_o infidelity_n can_v be_v the_o effect_n of_o reason_n and_o argument_n but_o of_o a_o causeless_a suspicion_n and_o unreasonable_a mistrust_n of_o the_o best_a part_n of_o mankind_n who_o have_v most_o firm_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o these_o thing_n and_o have_v lead_v the_o most_o holy_a and_o exemplary_a life_n in_o hope_n of_o a_o bless_a immortality_n and_o if_o the_o testimony_n of_o any_o person_n deserve_v to_o be_v take_v before_o other_o it_o must_v be_v of_o such_o who_o can_v have_v no_o design_n upon_o this_o world_n but_o be_v resolve_v by_o faith_n and_o patience_n to_o prepare_v for_o a_o better_a to_o conclude_v for_o we_o who_o believe_v and_o own_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o great_a and_o fundamental_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n we_o have_v something_o else_o to_o do_v than_o mere_o to_o vindicate_v and_o assert_v it_o this_o at_o some_o time_n be_v more_o necessary_a than_o at_o other_o and_o i_o hearty_o wish_v this_o be_v none_o of_o they_o i_o be_o willing_a to_o hope_v the_o best_a of_o all_o who_o in_o such_o a_o age_n of_o infidelity_n have_v the_o courage_n and_o zeal_n to_o own_o the_o faith_n of_o this_o day_n viz._n that_o god_n send_v his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n in_o order_n to_o the_o make_v we_o for_o ever_o happy_a and_o i_o hope_v none_o who_o profess_v themselves_o christians_o this_o day_n will_v ever_o be_v discourage_v by_o the_o mock_v and_o flout_v of_o infidel_n so_o as_o to_o let_v go_v the_o anchor_n of_o their_o hope_n or_o mistrust_v the_o foundation_n of_o their_o faith_n it_o be_v as_o great_a a_o piece_n of_o wisdom_n to_o know_v when_o to_o believe_v as_o when_o not_o to_o believe_v and_o it_o be_v as_o certain_a a_o argument_n of_o a_o weak_a mind_n to_o be_v always_o doubt_v as_o to_o be_v overforward_a in_o believe_v for_o the_o soil_n must_v be_v very_o bad_a that_o can_v bear_v no_o foundation_n but_o withal_o let_v we_o not_o flatter_v ourselves_o only_o that_o we_o have_v a_o better_a faith_n than_o other_o for_o how_o miserable_a will_v our_o case_n be_v if_o we_o have_v nothing_o but_o a_o superficial_a faith_n and_o a_o sort_n of_o anniversary_n devotion_n we_o can_v never_o thank_v god_n too_o much_o for_o the_o blessing_n of_o this_o day_n but_o god_n expect_v something_o more_o from_o we_o than_o mere_o the_o give_v he_o solemn_a thanks_o once_o a_o year_n for_o send_v his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n we_o must_v endeavour_v to_o answer_v the_o end_n of_o god_n send_v he_o i._n e._n to_o save_v we_o first_o from_o our_o sin_n and_o then_o from_o the_o wrath_n to_o come_v this_o be_v the_o method_n which_o god_n himself_o have_v appoint_v not_o bare_o from_o his_o own_o will_n and_o pleasure_n but_o from_o the_o necessary_a order_n and_o reason_n of_o thing_n for_o otherwise_o a_o man_n may_v be_v reward_v for_o do_v amiss_o and_o punish_v for_o perform_v his_o duty_n if_o we_o therefore_o ever_o hope_v for_o any_o benefit_n by_o this_o come_n of_o christ_n into_o the_o world_n we_o must_v apply_v our_o mind_n to_o consider_v serious_o on_o what_o condition_n we_o may_v reasonable_o hope_v for_o salvation_n by_o he_o can_v they_o think_v that_o christ_n come_v to_o so_o little_a purpose_n as_o to_o save_v man_n in_o their_o sin_n if_o that_o be_v to_o be_v hope_v there_o have_v be_v no_o need_n of_o his_o come_n but_o it_o be_v a_o hard_a work_n indeed_o to_o save_v we_o from_o they_o the_o gild_n must_v be_v expiate_v and_o the_o power_n subdue_v the_o former_a christ_n have_v do_v but_o he_o expect_v and_o with_o great_a reason_n that_o we_o shall_v deny_v ungodly_a and_o worldly_a lust_n and_o work_v out_o our_o own_o salvation_n with_o fear_n and_o tremble_v sermon_n x._o concern_v sin_n of_o omission_n preach_v before_o the_o king_n and_o queen_n at_o whitehall_n on_o march_n 18_o 1693_o 4_o be_v midlent-sunday_n st._n james_n iu._n 17._o therefore_o to_o he_o that_o know_v to_o do_v good_a and_o do_v it_o not_o to_o he_o it_o be_v sin_n although_o our_o apostle_n in_o this_o epistle_n call_v the_o gospel_n the_o law_n of_o liberty_n yet_o to_o prevent_v any_o misconstruction_n thereof_o as_o though_o it_o allow_v a_o liberty_n 1â—_n to_o sin_n we_o no_o where_o find_v more_o strict_a and_o severe_a passage_n against_o it_o than_o in_o this_o epistle_n both_o with_o respect_n to_o sin_n of_o commission_n and_o sin_n of_o omission_n as_o to_o sin_n of_o commission_n his_o expression_n seem_v hardly_o consistent_a with_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o whosoever_o shall_v keep_v the_o whole_a law_n and_o yet_o offend_v in_o one_o 10._o point_n he_o be_v guilty_a of_o all_o have_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n any_o thing_n more_o apt_a to_o terrify_v the_o conscience_n of_o man_n if_o not_o to_o drive_v they_o into_o despair_n than_o this_o it_o be_v not_o if_o one_o break_v the_o whole_a law_n than_o it_o have_v be_v no_o wonder_n if_o he_o be_v guilty_a of_o all_o even_o under_o the_o gospel_n which_o do_v not_o take_v away_o the_o force_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n but_o if_o he_o keep_v the_o whole_a law_n and_o yet_o offend_v in_o
grace_n and_o holy_a spirit_n as_o may_v enable_v we_o to_o withstand_v the_o force_n of_o the_o temptation_n so_o as_o we_o be_v not_o overcome_v by_o it_o and_o these_o two_o take_v in_o the_o whole_a sense_n of_o this_o expression_n that_o you_o enter_v not_o into_o temptation_n we_o be_v allow_v to_o pray_v to_o be_v keep_v out_o of_o it_o but_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o pray_v and_o to_o watch_v too_o lest_o we_o fall_v by_o the_o power_n of_o temptation_n which_o be_v then_o do_v when_o the_o motive_n proper_a to_o this_o world_n prevail_v over_o those_o which_o relate_v to_o another_o the_o motive_n of_o another_o world_n be_v those_o of_o a_o future_a and_o eternal_a happiness_n the_o motive_n of_o this_o world_n be_v those_o of_o present_a pleasure_n honour_n and_o riches_n and_o when_o these_o come_v to_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o our_o duty_n or_o apt_a to_o draw_v we_o from_o it_o they_o be_v say_v to_o be_v temptation_n to_o we_o for_o no_o sin_n of_o itself_o be_v a_o temptation_n but_o something_o else_o to_o be_v enjoy_v by_o the_o commission_n of_o sin_n or_o which_o can_v be_v enjoy_v without_o it_o as_o in_o the_o case_n here_o mention_v by_o our_o saviour_n of_o st._n peter_n deny_v his_o master_n there_o be_v no_o temptation_n in_o the_o sin_n itself_o for_o what_o be_v there_o in_o a_o act_n so_o mean_v so_o shameful_a so_o ungrateful_a to_o tempt_v he_o to_o commit_v it_o but_o it_o be_v the_o desire_n of_o his_o present_a safety_n and_o the_o fear_n of_o run_v into_o the_o same_o danger_n in_o which_o he_o see_v his_o lord_n which_o be_v the_o temptation_n to_o he_o the_o sin_n of_o luxury_n and_o intemperance_n that_o of_o riot_n and_o drunkenness_n of_o chamber_v and_o wantonness_n 1â—_n be_v not_o temptation_n in_o themselves_o but_o the_o sensual_a pleasure_n which_o accompany_v they_o though_o it_o be_v forbid_v be_v apt_a to_o draw_v the_o lover_n of_o it_o from_o the_o strict_a rule_n of_o sobriety_n and_o chastity_n it_o be_v the_o love_n of_o this_o world_n i._n e._n of_o the_o riches_n and_o honour_n of_o it_o which_o make_v the_o sin_n of_o ambition_n and_o covetousness_n so_o plausible_a and_o prevail_a among_o those_o who_o profess_v to_o believe_v another_o world_n their_o soul_n be_v like_o a_o piece_n of_o iron_n between_o two_o loadstone_n of_o a_o unequal_a magnitude_n and_o distance_n the_o one_o be_v far_o great_a and_o have_v more_o force_n in_o itself_o to_o attract_v but_o it_o be_v place_v at_o a_o far_o great_a distance_n the_o other_o be_v much_o less_o but_o very_o near_o and_o therefore_o may_v more_o powerful_o draw_v than_o that_o which_o be_v more_o forcible_a but_o far_a off_o i_o do_v not_o think_v that_o all_o those_o who_o commit_v sin_n by_o the_o power_n of_o temptation_n be_v present_o infidel_n and_o disbelieve_v another_o world_n but_o although_o they_o do_v believe_v the_o happiness_n of_o another_o life_n yet_o it_o be_v at_o a_o distance_n it_o be_v out_o of_o their_o view_n and_o beyond_o their_o apprehension_n and_o therefore_o do_v not_o work_v so_o effectual_o as_o present_v visible_a sensible_a delight_n do_v which_o have_v all_o the_o advantage_n of_o suitableness_n to_o our_o present_a state_n of_o familiarity_n nearness_n and_o insinuation_n it_o be_v the_o great_a excellency_n and_o usefulness_n of_o faith_n that_o by_o it_o we_o not_o only_o believe_v the_o thing_n of_o another_o world_n but_o that_o it_o make_v thing_n future_a to_o be_v to_o we_o as_o if_o they_o be_v present_a and_o thing_n invisible_a to_o have_v such_o a_o influence_n as_o if_o they_o be_v visible_a and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n call_v it_o the_o substance_n of_o thing_n hope_v for_o and_o 1._o the_o evidence_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v invisible_a thing_n must_v have_v a_o real_a be_v before_o they_o can_v be_v believe_v and_o there_o must_v be_v evidence_n to_o the_o mind_n before_o there_o can_v be_v true_a faith_n how_o then_o can_v faith_n be_v the_o substance_n and_o evidence_n of_o thing_n future_a and_o possible_a i_o answer_v that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d do_v not_o mere_o signify_v a_o real_a be_v in_o opposition_n to_o fancy_n and_o chimera_n but_o a_o firm_a solid_a and_o permanent_a be_v therefore_o thing_n which_o be_v pass_v even_o as_o time_n and_o motion_n be_v say_v to_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d thing_n that_o have_v no_o consistence_n or_o hypostasis_fw-la and_o be_v apply_v to_o the_o mind_n it_o signify_v a_o firm_a and_o unshaken_a confidence_n a_o inward_a world_n satisfaction_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o divine_a revelation_n a_o assure_a expectation_n of_o what_o god_n have_v promise_v and_o from_o hence_o arise_v that_o influence_n which_o faith_n have_v on_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n in_o resist_v the_o temptation_n of_o this_o world_n therefore_o the_o two_o great_a principle_n which_o govern_v mankind_n be_v faith_n and_o sense_n while_o they_o be_v act_v by_o the_o former_a they_o be_v say_v to_o resist_v temptation_n when_o they_o be_v sway_v by_o sense_n as_o it_o be_v oppose_v to_o faith_n and_o include_v in_o it_o the_o motive_n of_o this_o world_n than_o they_o be_v say_v to_o give_v way_n to_o temptation_n or_o to_o be_v overcome_v by_o it_o and_o so_o i_o come_v to_o consider_v 1._o the_o insufficiency_n of_o present_a resolution_n to_o keep_v we_o from_o the_o power_n of_o temptation_n without_o watchfulness_n and_o prayer_n it_o be_v hard_o to_o imagine_v a_o great_a instance_n of_o a_o firm_a present_a resolution_n than_o there_o be_v in_o st._n peter_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n nor_o a_o sad_a example_n of_o the_o insufficiency_n of_o it_o which_o ought_v to_o make_v we_o hear_v and_o fear_n and_o not_o be_v too_o presumptuous_a resolution_n be_v certain_o one_o of_o the_o best_a mean_n in_o the_o world_n to_o withstand_v temptation_n to_o sin_n for_o it_o have_v these_o advantage_n 1._o it_o keep_v the_o mind_n steady_a and_o fix_v and_o therefore_o prepare_v 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out_o of_o the_o earth_n at_o first_o from_o a_o mere_a fermentation_n of_o matter_n so_o that_o the_o most_o atheistical_a person_n have_v no_o reason_n to_o reject_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o resurrection_n as_o a_o thing_n incredible_a to_o they_o but_o yet_o there_o be_v some_o difficulty_n which_o deserve_v to_o be_v clear_v to_o remove_v any_o temptation_n to_o infidelity_n and_o those_o relate_v 1._o to_o the_o quantity_n of_o the_o matter_n to_o make_v up_o such_o a_o number_n of_o body_n 2._o to_o the_o sort_n and_o distribution_n of_o it_o for_o the_o make_v so_o many_o distinct_a body_n as_o be_v before_o 1._o as_o to_o the_o quantity_n of_o matter_n not_o as_o to_o the_o main_a body_n of_o the_o earth_n out_o of_o the_o dust_n whereof_o man_n body_n be_v frame_v at_o first_o but_o as_o to_o that_o which_o make_v up_o the_o body_n of_o man_n as_o now_o they_o be_v and_o i_o think_v one_o observation_n be_v sufficient_a to_o clear_v the_o difficulty_n which_o relate_v to_o 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