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divine_a gift_n upon_o his_o apostle_n and_o the_o strange_a propagation_n of_o christian_a religion_n by_o they_o against_o all_o humane_a power_n but_o that_o which_o i_o shall_v particular_o instance_n in_o as_o the_o great_a effect_n of_o divine_a power_n and_o confirmation_n of_o our_o religion_n be_v his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a for_o as_o our_o apostle_n say_v rom._n 1._o 4._o christ_n be_v declare_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n with_o power_n according_a to_o the_o spirit_n of_o holiness_n by_o the_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a no_o way_n of_o evidence_n can_v be_v more_o suitable_a to_o the_o capacity_n of_o all_o than_o this_o it_o be_v a_o plain_a matter_n of_o fact_n none_o ever_o better_a attest_v than_o this_o be_v not_o only_o by_o the_o unanimous_a consent_n of_o all_o the_o witness_n but_o by_o their_o constant_a adhere_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o though_o it_o cost_v almost_o all_o of_o they_o their_o life_n and_o no_o great_a evidence_n 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so_o fond_a a_o imagination_n that_o they_o ready_o yield_v that_o none_o but_o god_n can_v do_v it_o though_o they_o seem_v to_o question_v whether_o god_n himself_o can_v do_v it_o or_o no._n as_o appear_v by_o the_o apostle_n interrogation_n why_o shall_v it_o be_v think_v a_o thing_n incredible_a with_o you_o that_o god_n shall_v raise_v the_o dead_a act_n 26._o 8._o this_o be_v therefore_o judge_v on_o both_o side_n to_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o so_o great_a importance_n that_o all_o the_o dispute_v concern_v christian_n religion_n be_v resolve_v into_o this_o whether_o christ_n be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o this_o the_o apostle_n urge_v and_o insist_v on_o upon_o all_o occasion_n as_o the_o great_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o doctrine_n and_o this_o be_v the_o main_a part_n of_o their_o commission_n for_o they_o be_v send_v abroad_o to_o be_v witness_n of_o his_o resurrection_n which_o be_v not_o design_v by_o god_n as_o a_o thing_n strange_a and_o incredible_a to_o puzzle_v mankind_n with_o but_o to_o give_v the_o high_a assurance_n imaginable_a to_o the_o world_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o importance_n of_o christianity_n since_o god_n be_v please_v to_o employ_v his_o power_n in_o so_o high_a a_o manner_n to_o confirm_v the_o certainty_n of_o it_o 2._o god_n power_n be_v see_v in_o the_o admirable_a effect_n of_o christian_a religion_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n which_o be_v most_o discernible_a by_o the_o strange_a alteration_n it_o soon_o make_v in_o the_o state_n of_o the_o world_n in_o judea_n soon_o after_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n some_o of_o his_o crucifyer_n become_v christian_n 3000_o convert_v make_v at_o one_o sermon_n of_o s._n peter_n and_o great_a accession_n make_v afterward_o both_o in_o jerusalem_n and_o other_o place_n yea_o in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n where_o the_o christian_n come_v they_o so_o increase_v and_o multiply_v that_o thereby_o it_o appear_v that_o god_n have_v give_v a_o benediction_n to_o his_o new_a creation_n suitable_a to_o what_o he_o give_v to_o the_o first_o so_o that_o within_o the_o compass_n of_o not_o a_o hundred_o year_n after_o our_o saviour_n death_n the_o world_n may_v admire_v to_o see_v itself_o so_o strange_o change_v from_o what_o it_o be_v the_o temple_n at_o jerusalem_n destroy_v and_o the_o jew_n under_o a_o sad_a dispersion_n than_o ever_o and_o render_v uncapable_a of_o continue_v their_o former_a worship_n of_o god_n there_o the_o heathen_a temple_n unfrequented_a the_o god_n deride_v the_o oracle_n cease_v the_o philosopher_n puzzle_v the_o magistrate_n dishearten_v by_o their_o fruitless_a cruelty_n and_o all_o this_o do_v by_o a_o few_o christian_n who_o come_v and_o preach_v to_o the_o world_n righteousness_n temperance_n and_o a_o judgement_n to_o come_v whereof_o god_n have_v give_v assurance_n to_o the_o world_n by_o raise_v one_o jesus_n from_o the_o dead_a and_o all_o this_o effect_v not_o by_o the_o power_n of_o wit_n and_o eloquence_n not_o by_o the_o force_n and_o violence_n of_o rebellious_a subject_n not_o by_o man_n of_o hot_a and_o giddy_a brain_n but_o by_o man_n sober_a just_a humble_a and_o meek_a in_o all_o their_o carriage_n but_o withal_o such_o as_o may_v never_o have_v be_v hear_v of_o in_o the_o world_n have_v not_o this_o doctrine_n make_v they_o famous_a what_o can_v this_o than_o be_v impute_v to_o less_o than_o a_o divine_a power_n which_o by_o effectual_a and_o secret_a way_n carry_v on_o its_o own_o design_n against_o all_o the_o force_n and_o wit_n of_o man_n so_o that_o the_o wise_a gamaliel_n at_o who_o foot_n s._n paul_n be_v breed_v seem_v to_o have_v the_o true_a apprehension_n of_o these_o thing_n at_o that_o time_n when_o he_o tell_v the_o sanhedrin_n if_o this_o counsel_n or_o this_o work_n be_v of_o man_n it_o will_v come_v to_o nought_o but_o if_o it_o be_v of_o god_n you_o can_v overthrow_v it_o lest_o haply_o you_o be_v find_v to_o fight_v against_o god_n act_n 5._o 38_o 39_o 3._o in_o the_o divine_a assistance_n which_o be_v promise_v to_o those_o who_o embrace_v it_o in_o which_o respect_n it_o be_v proper_o the_o power_n of_o god_n to_o salvation_n and_o therein_o far_o beyond_o what_o the_o philosopher_n can_v promise_v to_o any_o who_o embrace_v their_o opinion_n for_o the_o gospel_n do_v not_o only_o discover_v the_o necessity_n of_o a_o principle_n superior_a to_o nature_n which_o we_o call_v grace_n in_o order_n to_o the_o fit_v our_o soul_n for_o their_o future_a happiness_n but_o likewise_o show_v on_o what_o term_n god_n be_v please_v to_o bestow_v it_o on_o man_n viz._n on_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o death_n and_o passion_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n not_o by_o work_n of_o righteousness_n which_o we_o have_v do_v but_o according_a to_o his_o mercy_n he_o save_v
imprimatur_fw-la tho._n grigg_n r._n in_o christo_n p._n ac_fw-la d_o no_z d_o no_o humfr._n episc._n lond._n sacellanus_n jan._n 22._o 1668._o six_o sermon_n with_o a_o discourse_n annex_v concern_v the_o true_a reason_n of_o the_o suffering_n of_o christ_n wherein_o crellius_n his_o answer_n to_o grotius_n be_v consider_v by_o edward_n stillingfleet_n d._n d._n rector_n of_o s._n andrews_n holborn_n and_o chaplain_n in_o ordinary_a to_o his_o majesty_n london_n print_v by_o r._n white_n for_o henry_n mortlock_n and_o be_v to_o be_v sell_v at_o his_o shop_n at_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o white_a hart_n in_o westminster_n hall_n 1669._o to_o the_o reader_n the_o design_n of_o this_o preface_n be_v only_o to_o give_v thou_o a_o account_n of_o the_o occasion_n of_o publish_v both_o part_n of_o the_o follow_a book_n the_o first_o contain_v in_o it_o several_a sermon_n two_o whereof_o be_v make_v public_a before_o which_o the_o stationer_n intend_v to_o re-print_n i_o be_v not_o unwilling_a upon_o his_o desire_n that_o some_o other_o shall_v be_v join_v with_o they_o the_o substance_n of_o those_o i_o have_v add_v either_o respect_v the_o vindication_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n in_o general_a or_o that_o part_n of_o it_o which_o relate_v to_o the_o suffering_n of_o christ_n for_o we_o the_o former_a i_o look_v upon_o as_o our_o great_a concernment_n in_o this_o age_n viz._n to_o vindicate_v our_o religion_n not_o only_o from_o the_o assault_n of_o atheist_n but_o of_o another_o sort_n of_o man_n who_o acknowledge_v a_o god_n and_o providence_n but_o have_v very_o mean_a thought_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n against_o who_o three_o sermon_n be_v especial_o design_v wherein_o i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o prove_v that_o the_o three_o grand_a attribute_n of_o god_n his_o wisdom_n power_n and_o goodness_n be_v as_o clear_o discover_v in_o the_o contrivance_n and_o management_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o in_o the_o work_v of_o creation_n and_o providence_n the_o latter_a concern_v the_o suffering_n of_o christ_n be_v handle_v in_o a_o sermon_n preach_v in_o this_o city_n upon_o a_o solemn_a occasion_n most_o suitable_a to_o the_o subject_n the_o matter_n whereof_o as_o it_o relate_v to_o the_o reason_n of_o christ_n suffer_v for_o we_o have_v meet_v with_o some_o opposition_n from_o a_o busy_a promoter_n of_o the_o contrary_a doctrine_n and_o that_o debate_v be_v with_o some_o heat_n of_o late_o break_v forth_o among_o we_o not_o without_o unworthy_a reflection_n on_o the_o present_a ruler_n of_o our_o church_n as_o give_v too_o much_o countenance_n and_o encouragement_n to_o it_o i_o think_v myself_o oblige_v so_o just_a a_o occasion_n be_v give_v to_o vindicate_v the_o honour_n of_o our_o church_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n in_o this_o important_a controversy_n in_o the_o management_n of_o which_o i_o have_v pass_v by_o the_o slight_a attempt_n of_o some_o mean_a tho_o late_a adversary_n but_o i_o have_v careful_o consider_v the_o utmost_a strength_n which_o have_v be_v give_v to_o that_o cause_n by_o the_o great_a champion_n for_o it_o i_o mean_v crellius_n in_o his_o famous_a answer_n to_o grotius_n have_v i_o intend_v this_o at_o first_o as_o a_o full_a defence_n of_o grotius_n against_o he_o it_o must_v have_v appear_v in_o another_o language_n and_o will_v have_v take_v up_o more_o time_n than_o i_o can_v at_o present_a allow_v but_o as_o it_o be_v i_o hope_v it_o may_v be_v useful_a at_o this_o time_n to_o those_o of_o our_o own_o nation_n who_o dispute_v fierce_o in_o this_o controversy_n without_o understand_v it_o clear_o on_o either_o side_n it_o may_v be_v some_o will_v be_v dissatisfy_v that_o i_o give_v our_o adversary_n no_o hard_a name_n but_o i_o never_o find_v any_o man_n convince_v by_o ill_a language_n and_o those_o we_o have_v to_o deal_v with_o be_v too_o subtle_a not_o to_o distinguish_v between_o loud_a clamour_n and_o demonstration_n i_o leave_v that_o method_n of_o confute_v they_o to_o those_o who_o have_v great_a ability_n in_o that_o way_n it_o be_v enough_o for_o i_o to_o prove_v they_o be_v mistake_v other_o may_v call_v they_o what_o they_o please_v for_o be_v so_o but_o i_o think_v it_o very_o incongruous_a for_o we_o while_o we_o magnify_v the_o patience_n and_o meekness_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o suffering_n to_o discover_v our_o passion_n in_o dispute_v about_o they_o i_o be_o not_o ignorant_a that_o there_o be_v two_o person_n in_o the_o roman_a church_n who_o have_v write_v something_o wherein_o they_o will_v think_v i_o to_o be_v more_o concern_v than_o as_o yet_o i_o can_v think_v myself_o unless_o i_o have_v more_o leisure_n than_o mere_o to_o kill_v fly_n viz._n to_o run_v after_o they_o to_o make_v sport_n with_o they_o when_o a_o just_a answer_n shall_v be_v give_v i_o which_o i_o have_v be_v long_o threaten_v withal_o i_o may_v then_o probable_o to_o give_v weight_n throw_v in_o the_o small_a grain_n scatter_v in_o many_o leaf_n which_o may_v deserve_v any_o consideration_n but_o for_o those_o who_o think_v that_o these_o need_v a_o present_a answer_n they_o discover_v the_o weakness_n of_o their_o judgement_n too_o much_o for_o i_o ever_o to_o hope_v to_o do_v good_a upon_o they_o and_o if_o i_o have_v any_o store_n of_o ammunition_n leave_v as_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o want_v it_o in_o such_o a_o cause_n i_o be_o very_o loath_a to_o spend_v it_o upon_o wooll-sack_n reader_n except_o the_o common_a civility_n of_o not_o charge_v the_o error_n of_o the_o press_n upon_o the_o author_n i_o have_v no_o other_o favour_n to_o request_v of_o thou_o but_o that_o which_o thou_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o do_v without_o ask_v viz._n to_o believe_v i_o no_o far_o than_o thou_o see_v reason_n for_o what_o i_o say_v the_o content_n part_n i._n six_o sermon_n upon_o amos_n 4._o 11._o i_o have_v overthrow_v some_o of_o you_o as_o god_n overthrow_v sodom_n and_o gomorrah_n and_o you_o be_v as_o a_o firebrand_n pluck_v out_o of_o the_o burn_a yet_o have_v you_o not_o return_v unto_o i_o say_v the_o lord_n page_z 1_o proverb_n 14._o 9_o fool_n make_v a_o mock_n at_o sin_n 49_o luke_n 7._o 35._o but_o wisdom_n be_v justify_v of_o all_o her_o child_n 89_o roman_n 1._o 16._o for_o i_o be_o not_o ashamed_a of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n for_o it_o be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n to_o salvation_n to_o every_o one_o that_o believe_v to_o the_o jew_n first_o and_o also_o to_o the_o gentile_a p._n 131_o heb._n 2._o 3._o how_o shall_v we_o escape_v if_o we_o neglect_v so_o great_a salvation_n 167_o heb._n 12._o 3._o for_o consider_v he_o that_o endure_v such_o contradiction_n of_o sinner_n against_o himself_o lest_o yâ—…_n be_v weary_a and_o faint_a in_o your_o mind_n 207_o part_n ii_o a_o discourse_n concern_v the_o true_a reason_n of_o the_o suffering_n of_o christ._n chap._n i._o of_o the_o socinian_n way_n of_o interpret_n scripture_n of_o the_o uncertainty_n it_o leave_v we_o in_o as_o to_o the_o main_a article_n of_o faith_n manifest_v by_o a_o exposition_n of_o gen._n 1._o suitable_a to_o that_o way_n the_o state_n of_o the_o controversy_n in_o general_a concern_v the_o suffering_n of_o christ_n 〈◊〉_d we_o he_o do_v not_o suffer_v the_o same_o we_o shall_v have_v do_v the_o grand_a mistake_n in_o make_v punishment_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o debt_n the_o difference_n between_o they_o at_o large_a discover_v from_o the_o different_a reason_n and_o end_n of_o they_o the_o right_a of_o punishment_n in_o god_n prove_v against_o crellius_n not_o to_o arise_v from_o mere_a dominion_n the_o end_n of_o punishment_n not_o bare_a compensation_n as_o it_o be_v in_o debt_n what_o punishment_n dâ—â—_n to_o a_o injure_a person_n by_o the_o right_n of_o nature_n proper_a punishment_n a_o result_n of_o law_n crellius_n his_o great_a mistake_n about_o the_o end_n of_o punishment_n not_o design_v for_o satisfaction_n of_o anger_n as_o it_o be_v a_o desire_n of_o revenge_n seneca_n and_o lactantius_n vindicate_v against_o crellius_n the_o magistrate_n interest_n in_o punishment_n distinct_a from_o that_o of_o private_a person_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o anger_n in_o god_n and_o the_o satisfaction_n to_o be_v make_v to_o it_o crellius_n his_o great_a argument_n against_o satisfaction_n depend_v on_o a_o false_a notion_n of_o god_n anger_n of_o the_o end_n of_o divine_a punishment_n and_o the_o different_a nature_n of_o they_o in_o this_o and_o the_o future_a state_n page_n 259_o chap._n ii_o the_o particular_a state_n of_o the_o controversy_n concern_v the_o suffering_n of_o christ._n thâ—_n concession_n of_o our_o adversary_n the_o debate_n reduce_v to_o two_o head_n the_o first_o concern_v christ_n suffering_n be_v a_o punishment_n for_o sin_n enter_v upon_o in_o what_o sense_n crellius_n acknowledge_v the_o sin_n of_o man_n to_o
at_o which_o more_o enemy_n may_v come_v in_o still_o so_o that_o when_o we_o find_v ourselves_o under_o their_o power_n we_o be_v content_v for_o our_o own_o ease_n to_o call_v they_o friend_n which_o be_v the_o unhappy_a consequence_n of_o too_o easy_a yield_n at_o first_o till_o at_o last_o the_o great_a slavery_n to_o sin_n be_v account_v but_o good_a humour_n and_o a_o gentile_a compliance_n with_o the_o fashion_n of_o the_o world_n so_o that_o when_o man_n be_v peâ—_n swade_v either_o through_o fear_n or_o too_o greâ—…_n easiness_n to_o disuse_n that_o strict_a eye_n which_o theâ—_n have_v before_o to_o their_o action_n it_o ofttime_n fall_v out_o with_o they_o as_o it_o do_v with_o the_o soul_n dier_z in_o the_o roman_a history_n who_o blind_a hiâ—_n appiano_n eye_n so_o long_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o civil_a wanâ—…_n that_o when_o he_o will_v have_v use_v it_o agaiâ—…_n he_o can_v not_o and_o when_o custom_n have_v bâ—_n degree_n take_v away_o the_o sense_n of_o sin_n froâ—_n their_o conscience_n they_o grow_v as_o hard_o as_o hâ—…_n rodotus_fw-la 77._o tell_v we_o the_o head_n of_o the_o old_a egyptâ—_n ans_fw-fr be_v by_o the_o heat_n of_o the_o sun_n that_o nothing_o will_v ever_o enter_v they_o if_o man_n wilâ—…_n with_o nabuchadnezzar_n herd_n with_o the_o beast_n of_o the_o field_n no_o wonder_n if_o their_o reason_n depart_v from_o they_o and_o by_o degree_n they_o grow_v as_o savage_a as_o the_o company_n they_o keep_v so_o powerful_a a_o thing_n be_v custom_n to_o debauch_v mankind_n and_o so_o easy_o do_v the_o great_a vice_n by_o degree_n obtain_v admission_n into_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n under_o pretence_n of_o be_v retainer_n to_o the_o common_a infirmity_n of_o humane_a nature_n which_o be_v a_o phrase_n through_o the_o power_n of_o self-flattery_n and_o man_n ignorance_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o moral_a action_n make_v to_o be_v of_o so_o large_a and_o comprehensive_a a_o sense_n that_o the_o most_o wilful_a violation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o heaven_n and_o such_o which_o the_o scripture_n tell_v we_o do_v exclude_v from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o it_o do_v find_v rather_o than_o make_v friend_n enough_o to_o shelter_v themselves_o under_o the_o protection_n of_o they_o but_o such_o a_o protection_n it_o be_v which_o be_v neither_o allow_v in_o the_o court_n of_o heaven_n nor_o will_v ever_o secure_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n without_o a_o hearty_a and_o sincere_a repentance_n from_o the_o arrest_n of_o divine_a justice_n which_o when_o it_o come_v to_o call_v the_o world_n to_o a_o account_n of_o their_o action_n will_v make_v no_o defalcation_n at_o all_o for_o the_o power_n of_o custom_n or_o common_a practice_n of_o the_o world_n 3._o the_o impossibility_n of_o the_o command_n or_o rather_o of_o obedience_n to_o it_o when_o neither_o of_o the_o former_a plea_n will_v effect_v their_o design_n but_o notwithstanding_o the_o pretend_a necessity_n of_o humane_a action_n and_o the_o more_o than_o pretend_v common_a practice_n of_o the_o world_n their_o conscience_n still_o fly_v in_o their_o face_n and_o rebuke_v they_o sharp_o for_o their_o sin_n then_o in_o a_o a_o mighty_a rage_n and_o fury_n they_o charge_v god_n himself_o with_o tyranny_n in_o lay_v impossible_a law_n upon_o the_o son_n of_o man_n but_o if_o we_o either_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o command_n or_o the_o promise_n which_o accompany_v it_o or_o the_o large_a experience_n of_o the_o world_n to_o the_o contrary_a we_o shall_v easy_o discover_v that_o this_o pretence_n be_v altogether_o as_o unreasonable_a as_o either_o of_o the_o forego_n for_o what_o be_v it_o that_o god_n require_v of_o man_n as_o the_o condition_n of_o their_o future_a happiness_n which_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n be_v judge_v impossible_a be_v it_o for_o man_n to_o live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o 12._o world_n for_o that_o be_v the_o end_n of_o christian_a religion_n to_o persuade_v man_n to_o do_v so_o but_o who_o think_v it_o impossible_a to_o avoid_v the_o occasion_n of_o intemperance_n not_o to_o defraud_v or_o injure_v his_o neighbour_n or_o to_o pay_v that_o reverence_n and_o sincere_a devotion_n to_o god_n which_o we_o owe_v unto_o he_o be_v it_o to_o do_v as_o we_o will_v be_v do_v by_o yet_o that_o have_v be_v judge_v by_o stranger_n to_o the_o christian_a religion_n a_o most_o exact_a measure_n of_o humane_a conversation_n be_v it_o to_o maintain_v a_o universal_a kindness_n and_o good_a will_n to_o man_n that_o indeed_o be_v the_o great_a excellency_n of_o our_o religion_n that_o it_o so_o strict_o require_v it_o but_o if_o this_o be_v impossible_a farewell_n all_o good_a nature_n in_o the_o world_n and_o i_o suppose_v few_o will_v own_v this_o charge_n lest_o they_o be_v suspect_v be_v it_o to_o be_v patient_a under_o suffering_n moderate_a in_o our_o desire_n circumspect_a in_o our_o action_n content_v in_o all_o condition_n yet_o these_o be_v thing_n which_o those_o have_v pretend_v to_o who_o never_o own_a christianity_n and_o therefore_o sure_o they_o never_o think_v they_o impossible_a be_v it_o to_o be_v charitable_a to_o the_o poor_a compassionate_a to_o those_o in_o misery_n be_v it_o to_o be_v frequent_a in_o prayer_n to_o love_n god_n above_o all_o thing_n to_o forgive_v our_o enemy_n as_o we_o hope_v god_n will_v forgive_v we_o to_o believe_v the_o gospel_n and_o be_v ready_a to_o suffer_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o christ_n there_o be_v very_o few_o among_o we_o but_o will_v say_v they_o do_v all_o these_o thing_n already_o and_o therefore_o sure_o they_o do_v not_o think_v they_o impossible_a the_o like_a answer_n i_o may_v give_v to_o all_o the_o other_o precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n till_o we_o come_v to_o the_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n and_o as_o to_o these_o too_o if_o we_o charge_v man_n with_o they_o they_o either_o deny_v their_o commit_v they_o and_o then_o say_v they_o have_v keep_v the_o command_n or_o if_o they_o confess_v it_o they_o promise_v amendment_n for_o the_o future_a but_o in_o neither_o respect_n can_v they_o be_v say_v to_o think_v the_o command_n impossible_a thus_o we_o see_v their_o own_o mouth_n will_v condemn_v they_o when_o they_o charge_v god_n with_o lay_v impossible_a law_n on_o mankind_n but_o if_o we_o inquire_v further_o then_o into_o the_o judgement_n of_o those_o who_o it_o may_v be_v never_o concern_v themselves_o so_o much_o about_o the_o precept_n of_o christian_a religion_n as_o to_o try_v whether_o they_o have_v any_o power_n to_o observe_v they_o or_o not_o nay_o if_o we_o yield_v they_o more_o than_o it_o may_v be_v they_o be_v willing_a to_o inquire_v after_o though_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v it_o viz._n that_o without_o the_o assistance_n of_o divine_a grace_n they_o can_v never_o do_v it_o yet_o such_o be_v the_o unlimited_a nature_n of_o divine_a goodness_n and_o the_o exceed_a riches_n of_o god_n grace_n that_o know_v the_o weakness_n and_o degeneracy_n of_o humane_a nature_n when_o he_o give_v these_o command_n to_o man_n he_o make_v a_o large_a and_o free_a offer_n of_o assistance_n to_o all_o those_o who_o be_v so_o sensible_a of_o their_o own_o infirmity_n as_o to_o beg_v it_o of_o he_o and_o can_v man_n then_o say_v the_o command_n be_v impossible_a when_o he_o have_v promise_v a_o assistance_n suitable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o duty_n and_o the_o infirmity_n of_o man_n if_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v that_o some_o of_o the_o duty_n of_o christianity_n be_v very_o difficult_a to_o we_o now_o let_v we_o consider_v by_o what_o mean_v he_o have_v sweeten_v the_o performance_n of_o they_o will_v not_o the_o proposal_n of_o so_o excellent_a a_o reward_n make_v we_o swallow_v some_o more_o than_o ordinary_a hardship_n that_o we_o may_v enjoy_v it_o have_v he_o not_o make_v use_n of_o the_o most_o oblige_a motive_n to_o persuade_v we_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o what_o he_o require_v by_o the_o infinite_a discovery_n of_o his_o own_o love_n the_o death_n of_o his_o son_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o what_o then_o be_v want_v but_o only_o set_v ourselves_o to_o the_o serious_a obedience_n of_o they_o to_o make_v his_o command_n not_o only_o not_o impossible_a but_o easy_a to_o we_o but_o our_o grand_a fault_n be_v we_o make_v impossibility_n ourselves_o where_o we_o find_v none_o and_o then_o we_o complain_v of_o they_o we_o be_v first_o resolve_v not_o to_o practice_v the_o command_n and_o then_o nothing_o more_o easy_a than_o to_o find_v fault_n with_o they_o we_o first_o pass_v sentence_n and_o then_o examine_v evidence_n first_o condemn_v and_o then_o inquire_v into_o the_o merit_n of_o the_o cause_n yet_o sure_o none_o of_o these_o thing_n can_v be_v account_v impossible_a which_o have_v be_v do_v by_o all_o those_o who_o have_v be_v sincere_a and_o hearty_a christian_n
or_o wish_v for_o the_o most_o impossiblâ—_n thing_n than_o believe_v they_o shall_v ever_o be_v punish_v for_o their_o impiety_n if_o the_o apostate_n spirit_n can_v by_o reason_n of_o their_o present_a restraint_n and_o expectation_n of_o future_a punishment_n be_v as_o pleasant_a in_o behold_v the_o folliâ—…_n of_o man_n as_o they_o be_v malicious_a to_o suggest_v they_o it_o may_v be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a diversion_n of_o their_o misery_n to_o see_v how_o active_a and_o witty_a man_n be_v in_o contrive_v their_o own_o ruin_n to_o see_v with_o what_o greediness_n they_o catch_v at_o every_o bait_n that_o be_v offer_v they_o and_o when_o they_o be_v swallow_v the_o most_o deadly_a poison_n what_o art_n they_o use_v to_o persuade_v themselves_o that_o it_o be_v a_o healthful_a potion_n no_o doubt_n nothing_o can_v more_o gratify_v they_o than_o to_o see_v man_n sport_v themselves_o into_o their_o own_o destruction_n and_o go_v down_o so_o pleasant_o to_o hell_n when_o eternal_a 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imaginable_a consideration_n think_v on_o which_o may_v look_v like_o a_o plausible_a temptation_n to_o it_o the_o covetous_a man_n when_o he_o have_v defraud_v his_o neighbour_n and_o use_v all_o kind_n of_o art_n to_o compass_v a_o estate_n have_v the_o fullness_n of_o his_o bag_n to_o answer_v for_o he_o and_o whatever_o they_o may_v do_v in_o another_o world_n he_o be_v sure_a they_o will_v do_v much_o in_o this_o the_o voluptuous_a man_n have_v the_o strong_a propensity_n of_o his_o nature_n the_o force_n of_o temptation_n which_o lie_v in_o the_o charm_n of_o beauty_n to_o excuse_v his_o unlawful_a pleasure_n by_o the_o ambitious_a man_n have_v the_o greatness_n of_o his_o mind_n the_o advantage_n of_o authority_n the_o example_n of_o those_o who_o have_v be_v great_a before_o he_o and_o the_o envy_n of_o those_o who_o condemn_v he_o to_o plead_v for_o the_o height_n he_o aim_v at_o but_o what_o be_v it_o which_o the_o person_n who_o despise_v religion_n and_o laugh_v at_o 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he_o a_o fool_n and_o the_o great_a of_o all_o other_o who_o believe_v a_o god_n and_o yet_o affront_v he_o and_o trifle_n with_o he_o and_o although_o the_o atheist_n folly_n be_v unaccountable_a in_o resist_v the_o clear_a evidence_n of_o reason_n yet_o so_o far_o he_o be_v to_o be_v commend_v for_o what_o he_o say_v that_o if_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o religion_n man_n ought_v to_o be_v serious_a in_o it_o so_o that_o of_o all_o hand_n the_o scoffer_n at_o religion_n be_v look_v on_o as_o one_o forsake_v of_o that_o little_a reason_n which_o may_v serve_v to_o uphold_v a_o slender_a reputation_n of_o be_v above_o the_o beast_n that_o perish_v nay_o therein_o his_o condition_n be_v worse_a than_o they_o that_o as_o they_o understand_v not_o religion_n they_o shall_v never_o be_v punish_v for_o despise_v it_o which_o such_o a_o person_n can_v never_o secure_v himself_o from_o consider_v the_o power_n the_o justice_n the_o severity_n of_o that_o god_n who_o he_o have_v so_o 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the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n shall_v be_v the_o most_o obstinate_a opposer_n of_o he_o for_o since_o he_o come_v to_o fulfil_v all_o the_o prophecy_n which_o have_v go_v before_o concern_v he_o and_o be_v himself_o the_o great_a prophet_n foretell_v by_o all_o the_o rest_n none_o may_v in_o humane_a probability_n have_v be_v judge_v more_o likely_a to_o have_v receive_v and_o honour_v he_o than_o those_o to_o who_o the_o judgement_n of_o those_o thing_n do_v peculiar_o belong_v and_o who_o be_v as_o much_o concern_v in_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o as_o any_o else_o can_v be_v thus_o indeed_o it_o may_v have_v be_v reasonable_o expect_v and_o doubtless_o it_o have_v be_v so_o if_o interest_n and_o prejudice_n have_v not_o have_v a_o far_o more_o absolute_a power_n and_o dominion_n over_o they_o than_o they_o have_v over_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o people_n if_o miracle_n and_o prophecy_n if_o reason_n and_o religion_n nay_o if_o the_o interest_n of_o another_o world_n can_v have_v prevail_v over_o the_o interest_n of_o this_o among_o they_o the_o jewish_a sanhedrin_n may_v have_v be_v some_o of_o the_o first_o convert_v to_o christianity_n the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n have_v be_v all_o proselyte_n to_o christ_n and_o the_o temple_n at_o jerusalem_n have_v be_v the_o first_o christian_a church_n but_o to_o let_v we_o see_v with_o what_o a_o jealous_a eye_n power_n and_o interest_n look_v on_o every_o thing_n that_o seem_v to_o offer_v at_o any_o disturbance_n of_o it_o how_o much_o great_a sway_n partiality_n and_o prejudice_n have_v upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n than_o true_a reason_n and_o religion_n and_o how_o hard_o a_o matter_n it_o be_v to_o convince_v those_o who_o have_v no_o mind_n to_o be_v convince_v we_o find_v none_o more_o furious_a in_o their_o opposition_n to_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n none_o more_o obstinate_a in_o their_o infidelity_n as_o to_o his_o doctrine_n than_o those_o who_o be_v at_o that_o time_n in_o the_o great_a reputation_n among_o they_o for_o their_o authority_n wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n these_o be_v they_o who_o our_o saviour_n as_o often_o as_o he_o meet_v with_o either_o check_n for_o their_o ignorance_n or_o rebuke_n for_o their_o pride_n or_o denounce_v woe_n against_o for_o their_o malice_n and_o hypocrisy_n these_o be_v they_o who_o instead_o of_o believe_v in_o christ_n persecute_v he_o instead_o of_o follow_v he_o seek_v to_o destroy_v he_o and_o that_o they_o may_v the_o better_o compass_v it_o they_o reproach_n and_o defame_v he_o as_o if_o he_o have_v be_v real_o as_o bad_a as_o themselves_o and_o although_o the_o people_n may_v not_o present_o believe_v what_o they_o say_v concern_v he_o yet_o that_o they_o may_v at_o least_o be_v keep_v in_o suspense_n by_o it_o they_o endeavour_v to_o fasten_v the_o black_a
they_o may_v seem_v to_o other_o to_o see_v when_o they_o know_v themselves_o they_o do_v not_o nay_o there_o be_v nothing_o so_o plain_a and_o evident_a but_o the_o reason_n of_o some_o man_n be_v more_o apt_a to_o be_v impose_v upon_o in_o it_o than_o their_o sense_n be_v as_o it_o appear_v in_o he_o who_o can_v not_o otherwise_o confute_v the_o philosopher_n argument_n against_o motion_n but_o by_o move_v before_o he_o so_o that_o we_o see_v the_o most_o certain_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n be_v liable_a to_o the_o cavil_n of_o man_n who_o employ_v their_o wit_n to_o do_v it_o and_o certain_o those_o ought_v not_o to_o stagger_v man_n faith_n in_o matter_n of_o the_o high_a nature_n and_o consequence_n which_o will_v not_o at_o all_o move_v they_o in_o other_o thing_n but_o at_o last_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o the_o man_n who_o love_v to_o be_v call_v the_o man_n of_o wit_n in_o this_o age_n of_o we_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o providence_n a_o future_a state_n and_o the_o difference_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n but_o the_o christian_a religion_n they_o will_v see_v no_o further_o reason_n to_o embrace_v than_o as_o it_o be_v the_o religion_n of_o the_o state_n they_o live_v in_o but_o if_o we_o demand_v what_o mighty_a reason_n they_o be_v able_a to_o bring_v forth_o against_o a_o religion_n so_o holy_a and_o innocent_a in_o its_o design_n so_o agreeable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o man_n so_o well_o contrive_v for_o the_o advantage_n of_o this_o and_o another_o life_n so_o full_o attest_v to_o come_v from_o god_n by_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v in_o confirmation_n of_o it_o by_o the_o death_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o of_o such_o multitude_n of_o martyr_n so_o certain_o convey_v to_o we_o by_o the_o unquestionable_a tradition_n of_o all_o age_n since_o the_o first_o delivery_n of_o it_o the_o utmost_a they_o can_v pretend_v against_o it_o be_v that_o it_o be_v build_v upon_o such_o a_o appearance_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n which_o be_v too_o mean_a and_o contemptible_a that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o it_o be_v incosistent_a with_o the_o civil_a interest_n of_o man_n and_o the_o design_n ineffectual_a for_o the_o reformation_n of_o the_o world_n for_o the_o removal_n therefore_o of_o these_o cavil_n against_o our_o religion_n i_o shall_v show_v 1._o that_o there_o be_v no_o circumstance_n in_o our_o saviour_n appearance_n or_o course_n of_o life_n which_o be_v unbecoming_a the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o the_o design_n he_o come_v upon_o 2._o that_o the_o doctrine_n deliver_v by_o he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o civil_a interest_n of_o the_o world_n that_o it_o tend_v high_o to_o the_o preservation_n of_o they_o 3._o that_o the_o design_n he_o come_v upon_o be_v very_o agreeable_a to_o the_o infinite_a wisdom_n of_o god_n and_o most_o effectual_a for_o the_o reformation_n of_o mankind_n for_o clear_v the_o first_o of_o these_o i_o shall_v consider_v 1._o the_o manner_n of_o our_o saviour_n appearance_n 2._o the_o course_n of_o his_o life_n and_o what_o it_o be_v which_o his_o enemy_n do_v most_o object_n against_o he_o 1._o the_o manner_n of_o our_o saviour_n appearance_n which_o have_v be_v always_o the_o great_a offence_n to_o the_o admirer_n of_o the_o pomp_n and_o greatness_n of_o the_o world_n for_o when_o they_o hear_v of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n come_v down_o from_o heaven_n and_o make_v his_o progress_n into_o this_o low_a world_n they_o can_v imagine_v nothing_o less_o than_o that_o a_o innumerable_a company_n of_o angel_n must_v have_v be_v dispatch_v before_o to_o have_v prepare_v a_o place_n for_o his_o reception_n that_o all_o the_o sovereign_n and_o prince_n of_o the_o world_n must_v have_v be_v summon_v to_o give_v their_o attendance_n and_o pay_v their_o homage_n to_o he_o that_o their_o sceptre_n must_v have_v be_v immediate_o lay_v at_o his_o foot_n and_o all_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v unite_v into_o one_o universal_a monarchy_n under_o the_o empire_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n that_o the_o heaven_n shall_v how_o down_n at_o his_o presence_n to_o show_v their_o obeisance_n to_o he_o the_o earth_n tremble_v and_o shake_v for_o fear_n at_o the_o near_a approach_n of_o his_o majesty_n that_o all_o the_o cloud_n shall_v clap_v together_o into_o one_o universal_a thunder_n to_o welcome_v his_o appearance_n and_o tell_v the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o world_n what_o cause_n they_o have_v to_o fear_v he_o who_o the_o power_n of_o the_o heaven_n obey_v that_o the_o sea_n shall_v run_v out_o of_o its_o wont_a course_n with_o amazement_n and_o horror_n and_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a hide_v itself_o in_o the_o hollow_a place_n of_o the_o earth_n that_o the_o mountain_n shall_v shrink_v in_o their_o head_n to_o fill_v up_o the_o vast_a place_n of_o the_o deep_a so_o that_o all_o that_o shall_v be_v fulfil_v in_o a_o literal_a sense_n which_o be_v foretell_v of_o the_o come_n of_o the_o messiah_n that_o every_o valley_n shall_v 6._o be_v fill_v and_o every_o mountain_n and_o hill_n bring_v low_a the_o crooked_a make_v straight_o and_o the_o rough_a way_n smooth_a and_o all_o flesh_n see_v the_o salvation_n of_o god_n yea_o that_o the_o sun_n for_o a_o time_n shall_v be_v darken_v and_o the_o moon_n withdraw_v her_o light_n to_o let_v the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n understand_v that_o a_o glory_n infinite_o great_a than_o they_o do_v now_o appear_v to_o the_o world_n in_o a_o word_n they_o can_v not_o imagine_v the_o son_n of_o god_n can_v be_v bear_v without_o the_o pang_n and_o throw_n of_o the_o whole_a creation_n that_o it_o be_v as_o impossible_a for_o he_o to_o appear_v as_o for_o the_o sun_n in_o the_o firmament_n to_o disappear_v without_o the_o notice_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n but_o when_o instead_o of_o all_o this_o pomp_n and_o grandeur_n he_o come_v incognito_o into_o the_o world_n instead_o of_o give_v notice_n of_o his_o appearance_n to_o the_o potentate_n of_o the_o earth_n he_o 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the_o foot_n of_o the_o great_a rabbi_n at_o jerusalem_n but_o at_o nazareth_n a_o place_n of_o mean_a esteem_n among_o the_o jew_n where_o he_o be_v remarkable_a for_o nothing_o so_o much_o as_o the_o virtue_n proper_a to_o his_o age_n modesty_n humility_n and_o obedience_n all_o which_o he_o exercise_v to_o so_o high_a a_o degree_n that_o his_o great_a kindred_n and_o acquaintance_n be_v mighty_o surprise_v when_o at_o 30_o year_n of_o age_n he_o begin_v to_o discover_v himself_o by_o the_o miracle_n which_o he_o wrought_v and_o the_o authority_n which_o he_o speak_v with_o and_o although_o the_o ray_n of_o his_o divinity_n begin_v to_o break_v forth_o through_o the_o cloud_n he_o have_v hitherto_o disguise_v himself_o in_o yet_o he_o persist_v still_o in_o the_o same_o course_n of_o humility_n and_o self-denial_n take_v care_n of_o other_o to_o the_o neglect_n of_o himself_o feed_v other_o by_o a_o miracle_n and_o fast_v himself_o to_o one_o show_v his_o power_n in_o work_v 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the_o very_a name_n of_o religion_n when_o such_o baseness_n be_v practise_v under_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o when_o they_o see_v man_n offer_v to_o compound_v with_o heaven_n for_o all_o their_o injustice_n and_o oppression_n with_o not_o a_o twenty_o part_n of_o what_o god_n challenge_v as_o his_o due_n they_o either_o think_v religion_n to_o be_v a_o mere_a device_n of_o man_n or_o that_o these_o man_n hypocrisy_n ought_v to_o be_v discover_v to_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o our_o bless_a saviour_n who_o come_v with_o a_o design_n to_o retrieve_v a_o true_a spirit_n of_o religion_n among_o man_n find_v it_o first_o of_o all_o necessary_a to_o unmask_v those_o notorious_a hypocrite_n that_o their_o deformity_n be_v discover_v their_o way_n as_o well_o as_o their_o person_n may_v be_v the_o better_o understand_v and_o avoid_v and_o when_o he_o see_v by_o the_o mighty_a opinion_n they_o have_v of_o themselves_o and_o their_o uncharitableness_n towards_o all_o other_o how_o 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there_o be_v the_o more_o cause_n to_o be_v afraid_a of_o they_o thus_o it_o be_v in_o our_o bless_a saviour_n case_n it_o be_v not_o the_o great_a care_n use_v by_o he_o to_o show_v his_o obedience_n to_o the_o authority_n he_o live_v under_o it_o be_v not_o his_o most_o solemn_a disavow_v have_v any_o thing_n to_o do_v with_o their_o civil_a interest_n not_o the_o severe_a check_n he_o give_v his_o own_o disciple_n for_o any_o ambitious_a thought_n among_o they_o not_o the_o recommend_v the_o doctrine_n of_o obedience_n to_o they_o nor_o the_o rebuke_n he_o give_v one_o of_o his_o most_o forward_a disciple_n for_o offer_v to_o draw_v his_o sword_n in_o the_o rescue_n of_o himself_o can_v abate_v the_o fury_n and_o rage_n of_o his_o enemy_n but_o at_o last_o they_o condemn_v the_o great_a teacher_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o obedience_n as_o a_o traitor_n and_o the_o most_o unparalleled_a example_n of_o innocency_n as_o a_o malefactor_n but_o though_o there_o can_v be_v nothing_o object_v against_o the_o life_n and_o action_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n as_o tend_v to_o sedition_n and_o disturbance_n of_o the_o civil_a peace_n yet_o that_o these_o man_n who_o be_v inspire_v by_o malice_n and_o prophesy_v according_a to_o their_o own_o interest_n will_v say_v be_v because_o he_o be_v take_v away_o in_o time_n before_o his_o design_n can_v be_v ripe_a for_o action_n but_o if_o his_o doctrine_n tend_v that_o way_n it_o be_v enough_o to_o justify_v their_o proceed_n against_o he_o so_o then_o it_o be_v not_o what_o he_o do_v but_o what_o he_o may_v have_v do_v not_o treason_n but_o convenience_n which_o make_v they_o take_v away_o the_o life_n of_o the_o most_o innocent_a person_n but_o if_o there_o have_v be_v any_o taint_n in_o his_o doctrine_n that_o way_n there_o have_v be_v reason_n enough_o in_o such_o a_o age_n of_o faction_n and_o sedition_n to_o have_v use_v the_o utmost_a care_n to_o prevent_v the_o spread_a it_o but_o so_o far_o be_v this_o from_o the_o least_o ground_n of_o probability_n that_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o imagine_v a_o religion_n which_o aim_v less_o at_o the_o present_a particular_a interest_n of_o the_o embracer_n of_o it_o and_o more_o at_o the_o public_a interest_n of_o prince_n than_o christianity_n do_v as_o it_o be_v both_o preach_v and_o practise_v by_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o here_o we_o have_v cause_n to_o lament_v the_o unhappy_a fate_n of_o religion_n when_o it_o fall_v under_o the_o censure_n of_o such_o who_o think_v themselves_o the_o master_n of_o all_o the_o little_a art_n whereby_o this_o world_n be_v govern_v if_o it_o teach_v the_o duty_n of_o subject_n and_o the_o authority_n of_o prince_n if_o it_o require_v obedience_n to_o law_n and_o make_v man_n happiness_n or_o misery_n in_o another_o life_n in_o any_o measure_n to_o depend_v upon_o it_o then_o religion_n be_v suspect_v to_o be_v a_o mere_a trick_n of_o state_n and_o a_o invention_n to_o keep_v the_o world_n in_o awe_n 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the_o christian_a religion_n to_o be_v allow_v inviolable_a there_o be_v never_o any_o religion_n nay_o never_o any_o invention_n of_o the_o great_a politician_n which_o may_v compare_v with_o that_o for_o the_o preservation_n of_o civil_a society_n for_o this_o in_o plain_a and_o express_v word_n tell_v all_o the_o owner_n of_o it_o that_o they_o must_v live_v in_o subjection_n and_o obedience_n not_o only_o for_o wrath_n but_o for_o conscience_n sake_n that_o they_o who_o 5._o do_v resist_v receive_v unto_o themselves_o damnation_n and_o that_o because_o whosoever_o resist_v the_o power_n resist_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n than_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o conceive_v argument_n of_o great_a force_n to_o keep_v man_n in_o obedience_n to_o authority_n for_o he_o that_o only_o obey_v because_o it_o be_v his_o interest_n to_o do_v so_o will_v have_v the_o same_o reason_n to_o disobey_v when_o there_o be_v a_o apprehension_n that_o may_v make_v more_o for_o his_o advantage_n but_o when_o the_o reason_n of_o obedience_n be_v derive_v from_o the_o concernment_n of_o another_o life_n no_o hope_n of_o interest_n in_o this_o world_n can_v be_v think_v to_o balance_v the_o loss_n which_o may_v come_v by_o such_o a_o breach_n of_o duty_n in_o that_o to_o come_v so_o that_o no_o person_n do_v so_o dangerous_o undermine_v the_o foundation_n of_o civil_a government_n as_o those_o who_o magnify_v that_o to_o the_o contempt_n of_o religion_n none_o so_o effectual_o secure_v they_o as_o those_o who_o give_v to_o god_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v god_n and_o by_o do_v so_o be_v oblige_v to_o give_v to_o caesar_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v caesar_n this_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n as_o it_o be_v deliver_v by_o the_o first_o author_n of_o it_o and_o the_o practice_n be_v agreeable_a as_o long_o as_o christianity_n
ashamed_a of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n for_o it_o be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n unto_o salvation_n to_o every_o one_o that_o believe_v to_o the_o jew_n first_o and_o also_o to_o the_o greek_a these_o word_n be_v utter_v by_o one_o who_o be_v himself_o a_o remarkable_a instance_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o they_o viz._n of_o that_o divine_a power_n which_o do_v accompany_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ._n for_o what_o can_v we_o imagine_v else_o shall_v make_v he_o now_o not_o ashamed_a of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n who_o not_o long_o before_o be_v not_o ashamed_a to_o persecute_v all_o those_o who_o profess_v it_o one_o who_o spirit_n be_v ferment_v with_o the_o leaven_n of_o the_o pharisee_n and_o enrage_v with_o fury_n against_o all_o who_o own_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n be_v of_o a_o sudden_a turn_v quite_o into_o another_o temper_n to_o the_o confusion_n of_o those_o who_o employ_v he_o and_o the_o amazement_n of_o they_o who_o he_o design_v to_o persecute_v nay_o so_o great_a be_v the_o change_n which_o be_v wrought_v in_o he_o that_o from_o a_o bigot_n of_o the_o jewish_a religion_n he_o become_v a_o apostle_n of_o the_o christian_a and_o from_o breathe_a flame_n against_o the_o christian_n none_o more_o ready_a than_o he_o to_o undergo_v they_o for_o christ._n if_o he_o have_v only_o give_v over_o his_o persecution_n it_o may_v have_v be_v think_v that_o he_o have_v mere_o run_v himself_o out_o of_o breath_n and_o grow_v weary_a of_o his_o former_a fury_n as_o great_a person_n than_o he_o do_v afterward_o but_o to_o retain_v the_o same_o fervour_n of_o spirit_n in_o preach_v christ_n which_o he_o have_v before_o in_o oppose_v he_o to_o have_v as_o great_a zeal_n for_o make_v christian_n as_o he_o have_v for_o destroy_v they_o must_v needs_o proceed_v from_o some_o great_a and_o unusual_a cause_n while_o the_o jew_n think_v he_o have_v too_o much_o learning_n and_o interest_n to_o become_v their_o enemy_n and_o the_o christian_n find_v he_o have_v too_o much_o rage_n and_o fury_n to_o be_v their_o friend_n even_o then_o when_o they_o least_o expect_v it_o instead_o of_o continue_v a_o instrument_n of_o the_o sanhedrin_n for_o punish_v the_o christian_n he_o declare_v himself_o a_o apostle_n and_o servant_n of_o jesus_n christ._n and_o that_o no_o ordinary_a one_o neither_o for_o such_o be_v the_o efficacy_n of_o those_o divine_a word_n saul_n saul_n why_o persecute_v thou_o i_o that_o they_o not_o only_o present_o allay_v his_o former_a heat_n but_o quicken_v and_o animate_v he_o to_o a_o great_a zeal_n for_o the_o honour_n of_o he_o who_o he_o have_v persecute_v before_o and_o the_o fast_o he_o have_v run_v when_o he_o be_v out_o of_o his_o way_n the_o great_a diligence_n he_o use_v when_o he_o find_v it_o there_o be_v none_o of_o all_o the_o follower_n of_o christ_n who_o outstrip_v he_o in_o his_o constant_a endeavour_n to_o advance_v the_o christian_a religion_n in_o the_o world_n and_o if_o a_o unwearied_a diligence_n to_o promote_v it_o a_o uncessant_a care_n for_o preserve_v it_o a_o universal_a concern_v for_o all_o who_o own_v it_o and_o a_o undaunted_a spirit_n in_o bear_v the_o affront_n and_o injury_n he_o undergo_v for_o it_o be_v any_o persuasive_a argument_n of_o the_o love_n a_o man_n bear_v to_o his_o religion_n there_o be_v never_o any_o person_n who_o make_v a_o clear_a demonstration_n than_o s._n paul_n do_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o religion_n and_o his_o sincerity_n in_o embrace_v it_o for_o his_o endeavour_n be_v suitable_a to_o the_o greatness_n of_o his_o spirit_n his_o care_n as_o large_a as_o the_o horizon_n of_o the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n his_o courage_n as_o great_a as_o the_o malice_n of_o his_o enemy_n for_o he_o be_v neither_o afraid_a of_o the_o malice_n of_o the_o jew_n or_o of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o greek_n or_o of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o roman_n but_o he_o go_v up_o and_o down_o preach_v the_o gospel_n in_o a_o sphere_n as_o large_a as_o his_o mind_n be_v and_o with_o a_o zeal_n only_o parallel_v with_o his_o former_a fury_n he_o encounter_v the_o jew_n in_o their_o synagogue_n he_o dispute_v with_o the_o greek_n in_o their_o most_o famous_a city_n at_o athens_n corinth_n ephesus_n and_o elsewhere_o and_o everywhere_o raise_v some_o trophy_n to_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o gospel_n nothing_o now_o remain_v but_o that_o he_o shall_v do_v the_o same_o at_o rome_n also_o and_o for_o this_o he_o want_v not_o spirit_n and_o resolution_n for_o he_o even_o long_v to_o be_v there_o vers_n 11._o nay_o he_o have_v often_o purpose_v to_o go_v thither_o but_o wait_v for_o a_o convenient_a opportunity_n v_o 13._o but_o while_o god_n be_v please_v otherwise_o to_o dispose_v of_o he_o he_o can_v not_o conceal_v the_o joy_n which_o he_o have_v for_o the_o ready_a entertainment_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n by_o those_o to_o who_o he_o write_v and_o that_o their_o faith_n be_v grow_v as_o famous_a as_o the_o city_n wherein_o they_o dwell_v v_o 8._o first_o i_o thank_v my_o god_n through_o jesus_n christ_n for_o you_o all_o that_o your_o faith_n be_v speak_v of_o throughout_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o he_o further_o manifest_v the_o greatness_n of_o his_o affection_n to_o they_o that_o without_o cease_v he_o make_v mention_n of_o they_o always_o in_o his_o prayer_n v_o 9_o and_o among_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o blessing_n he_o pray_v for_o for_o himself_o and_o they_o he_o be_v sure_a not_o to_o forget_v his_o come_n to_o they_o v_o 10._o not_o out_o of_o a_o ambitious_a and_o vainglorious_a humour_n that_o he_o may_v be_v take_v notice_n of_o in_o that_o great_a and_o imperial_a city_n but_o that_o he_o may_v be_v instrumental_a in_o do_v they_o service_n as_o he_o have_v do_v other_o v_o 11_o 13._o and_o to_o this_o end_n he_o tell_v they_o what_o a_o obligation_n lie_v upon_o he_o to_o spread_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n in_o all_o place_n and_o to_o all_o person_n v_o 14._o i_o be_o debtor_n both_o to_o the_o greek_n and_o to_o the_o barbarian_n to_o the_o wise_a and_o to_o the_o unwise_a so_o that_o neither_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o greek_n nor_o the_o ignorance_n of_o the_o barbarian_n can_v hinder_v s._n paul_n from_o discover_v to_o they_o the_o contrivance_n of_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o the_o excellent_a method_n of_o divine_a goodness_n in_o order_n to_o man_n eternal_a welfare_n and_o although_o rome_n now_o think_v itself_o to_o be_v the_o seat_n of_o wisdom_n as_o well_o as_o empire_n and_o power_n yet_o our_o apostle_n declare_v his_o readiness_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n there_o too_o v_o 15._o for_o which_o he_o give_v a_o sufficient_a reason_n in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n for_o i_o be_o not_o ashamed_a of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n for_o it_o be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n to_o salvation_n etc._n etc._n wherein_o we_o have_v considerable_a these_o two_o thing_n 1._o the_o apostle_n boldness_n and_o freeness_n in_o declare_v the_o 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the_o gospel_n why_o may_v not_o the_o confuse_a chaos_n import_v no_o more_o than_o the_o state_n of_o ignorance_n and_o darkness_n under_o which_o the_o world_n be_v before_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n since_o it_o be_v confess_v that_o it_o signify_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n such_o a_o state_n of_o the_o world_n before_o the_o gospel_n appear_v and_o consequent_o why_o may_v not_o the_o light_n which_o make_v the_o first_o day_n be_v the_o first_o tendency_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o moses_n which_o be_v at_o first_o divide_v and_o scatter_v be_v unite_v afterward_o in_o one_o great_a body_n of_o law_n which_o be_v call_v the_o sun_n because_o it_o be_v the_o great_a director_n of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n and_o therefore_o say_v to_o rule_v the_o day_n as_o the_o less_o considerable_a law_n of_o other_o nation_n be_v call_v the_o moon_n because_o they_o be_v to_o govern_v those_o who_o be_v yet_o under_o the_o night_n of_o ignorance_n why_o may_v not_o the_o firmament_n be_v 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and_o god_n forbid_v we_o shall_v think_v all_o guilty_a of_o hypocrisy_n who_o have_v profess_v the_o christian_a religion_n from_o the_o begin_n of_o it_o to_o this_o day_n nay_o more_o than_o so_o they_o have_v not_o only_o do_v they_o but_o profess_v to_o have_v that_o joy_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o mind_n in_o the_o do_n of_o they_o which_o they_o will_v not_o exchange_v for_o all_o the_o pleasure_n and_o delight_n of_o the_o world_n these_o be_v the_o man_n who_o not_o only_o be_v patient_a but_o rejoice_v in_o suffering_n who_o account_v it_o their_o honour_n and_o glory_n to_o endure_v any_o thing_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o so_o excellent_a a_o religion_n who_o be_v so_o assure_v of_o a_o future_a happiness_n by_o it_o that_o they_o value_v martyrdom_n above_o crown_n and_o sceptre_n but_o god_n be_v thank_v we_o may_v hope_v to_o come_v to_o heaven_n on_o easy_a term_n than_o these_o or_o else_o many_o other_o may_v never_o come_v thither_o beside_o those_o who_o think_v to_o 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break_v through_o all_o that_o be_v ingenuous_a and_o modest_a all_o that_o be_v virtuous_a and_o good_a all_o that_o be_v tender_a and_o apprehensive_a in_o humane_a nature_n before_o they_o can_v arrive_v at_o it_o they_o must_v first_o deny_v a_o god_n and_o despise_v a_o immortal_a soul_n they_o must_v conquer_v their_o own_o reason_n and_o cancel_v the_o law_n write_v in_o their_o heart_n they_o must_v hate_v all_o that_o be_v serious_a and_o yet_o sober_o believe_v themselves_o to_o be_v no_o better_o than_o the_o beast_n that_o perish_v before_o man_n can_v come_v to_o make_v a_o scoff_n at_o religion_n and_o a_o mock_n at_o sin_n and_o who_o now_o can_v ever_o imagine_v that_o in_o a_o nation_n profess_v christianity_n among_o a_o people_n who_o genius_n incline_v they_o to_o civility_n and_o religion_n yea_o among_o those_o who_o have_v the_o great_a advantage_n of_o behaviour_n and_o education_n and_o who_o be_v to_o give_v the_o law_n of_o civility_n to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o nation_n there_o shall_v any_o be_v find_v who_o shall_v deride_v religion_n make_v sport_n with_o their_o own_o profaneness_n and_o make_v so_o light_a of_o nothing_o as_o be_v damn_v i_o come_v not_o here_o to_o accuse_v any_o and_o least_o of_o all_o those_o who_o show_v so_o much_o regard_n of_o religion_n as_o to_o be_v present_a in_o the_o place_n devote_v to_o sacred_a purpose_n but_o if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o here_o who_o conscience_n accuse_v themselves_o for_o any_o degree_n of_o so_o great_a impiety_n i_o beseech_v they_o by_o all_o that_o be_v dear_a and_o precious_a to_o they_o by_o all_o that_o be_v sacred_a and_o serious_a by_o the_o vow_n of_o their_o baptism_n and_o their_o participation_n of_o the_o holy_a eucharist_n by_o all_o the_o kindness_n of_o heaven_n which_o they_o either_o enjoy_v or_o hope_v for_o by_o the_o death_n and_o suffering_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n that_o they_o will_v now_o consider_v how_o great_a folly_n and_o wickedness_n they_o betray_v in_o it_o and_o what_o the_o dreadful_a consequence_n of_o it_o will_v be_v if_o they_o do_v not_o timely_o repent_v of_o it_o if_o it_o be_v a_o doubt_n as_o i_o hope_v it_o be_v not_o among_o any_o here_o whether_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n be_v true_a or_o no_o they_o be_v sure_o thing_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v serious_o think_v and_o speak_v of_o it_o be_v certain_o no_o jest_v matter_n to_o affront_v a_o god_n of_o infinite_a majesty_n and_o power_n and_o he_o judge_v every_o wilful_a sinner_n to_o do_v so_o nor_o can_v any_o one_o in_o his_o wit_n think_v it_o a_o thing_n not_o to_o be_v regard_v whether_o he_o be_v eternal_o happy_a or_o miserable_a methinks_v then_o among_o person_n of_o civility_n and_o honour_n above_o all_o other_o religion_n may_v at_o least_o be_v treat_v with_o the_o respect_n and_o reverence_v due_a to_o the_o concernment_n of_o it_o that_o it_o be_v not_o make_v the_o sport_n of_o entertainment_n nor_o the_o common_a subject_n of_o 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see_v no_o severity_n of_o god_n justice_n use_v upon_o such_o who_o do_v it_o yet_o the_o fault_n have_v be_v so_o great_a as_o may_v have_v do_v enough_o to_o have_v interrupt_v their_o peace_n and_o destroy_v that_o plenty_n which_o make_v they_o out_o of_o the_o greatness_n of_o their_o pride_n and_o wantonness_n to_o kick_v against_o heaven_n but_o to_o do_v it_o in_o despite_n of_o all_o god_n judgement_n to_o laugh_v in_o his_o face_n when_o his_o rod_n be_v upon_o our_o back_n when_o neither_o pestilence_n nor_o fire_n can_v make_v we_o more_o afraid_a of_o he_o exceed_o aggravate_v the_o impiety_n and_o make_v it_o more_o unpardonable_a when_o like_o the_o old_a german_n we_o dance_v among_o naked_a german_n sword_n when_o man_n shall_v defy_v and_o reproach_v heaven_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o a_o city_n ruin_n and_o over_o the_o grave_n of_o those_o who_o the_o arrow_n of_o the_o almighty_a have_v heap_v together_o what_o can_v be_v think_v of_o such_o but_o that_o nothing_o will_v make_v they_o serious_a but_o eternal_a misery_n and_o be_v they_o so_o sure_o there_o be_v nâ—…_n such_o thing_n to_o be_v fear_v that_o they_o neveâ—_n think_v of_o it_o but_o when_o by_o their_o execrablâ—_n oath_n they_o call_v upon_o god_n to_o damn_v they_o foâ—_n fear_v he_o shall_v not_o do_v it_o time_n enough_o for_o they_o thus_o while_o man_n abuse_v his_o patience_n and_o provoke_v his_o justice_n while_o they_o trample_v upon_o his_o kindness_n and_o slight_a his_o severity_n while_o they_o despise_v his_o law_n and_o mock_v at_o the_o breach_n of_o they_o what_o can_v be_v add_v more_o to_o their_o impiety_n or_o what_o can_v be_v expect_v by_o such_o who_o be_v guilty_a of_o it_o but_o that_o god_n shall_v quick_o discover_v their_o mighty_a
calumny_n upon_o he_o and_o suit_v they_o with_o all_o imaginable_a art_n to_o the_o temper_n of_o those_o they_o have_v to_o deal_v with_o if_o any_o appear_v zealous_a for_o the_o present_a peace_n and_o prosperity_n of_o the_o nation_n and_o for_o pay_v the_o duty_n and_o obedience_n they_o owe_v to_o the_o roman_a power_n which_o then_o govern_v they_o to_o they_o he_o be_v represent_v as_o a_o factious_a and_o seditious_a person_n as_o a_o enemy_n to_o caesar_n as_o one_o that_o intend_v to_o set_v up_o a_o kingdom_n of_o his_o own_o though_o to_o the_o ruin_n of_o his_o country_n that_o it_o be_v nothing_o but_o ambition_n and_o vainglory_n which_o make_v he_o gather_v disciple_n and_o preach_v to_o multitude_n that_o none_o can_v foretell_v what_o the_o dangerous_a consequence_n of_o such_o new_a doctrine_n may_v be_v if_o nâ—…_n timely_o suppress_v and_o the_o author_n of_o theâ—_n severe_o punish_v thus_o to_o the_o prudeâ—…_n and_o cautious_a reason_n of_o state_n be_v pretendeâ—_n as_o the_o ground_n of_o their_o enmity_n to_o chrisâ—_n but_o to_o those_o who_o be_v impatient_a of_o thâ—_n roman_n yoke_n and_o watch_v for_o any_o apportunity_n to_o cast_v it_o off_o they_o suggest_v thâ—_n mighty_a improbability_n of_o ever_o obtain_v any_o deliverance_n by_o a_o person_n so_o mean_a anâ—_n inconsiderable_a as_o our_o saviour_n appeareâ—_n among_o they_o and_o that_o sure_o god_n whoâ—…_n deliver_v their_o forefather_n of_o old_a from_o a_o bondage_n not_o great_a than_o they_o by_o a_o mighty_a hand_n and_o outstretch_v arm_n do_v never_o intend_v the_o redemption_n of_o his_o people_n by_o one_o of_o obscure_a parentage_n mean_v education_n and_o of_o no_o interest_n in_o the_o world_n to_o the_o great_a man_n they_o need_v no_o more_o than_o bid_v they_o behold_v the_o train_n of_o his_o follower_n who_o be_v general_o poor_a the_o more_o numerous_a they_o be_v the_o more_o mouth_n they_o may_v see_v open_a and_o ready_a to_o devour_v the_o estate_n of_o those_o who_o be_v above_o they_o the_o priest_n and_o levite_n they_o bid_v consider_v what_o will_v become_v of_o they_o all_o if_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n be_v abrogate_a by_o which_o their_o interest_n be_v uphold_v for_o if_o the_o temple_n fall_v it_o be_v impossible_a for_o they_o to_o stand_v but_o the_o grand_a difficulty_n be_v among_o the_o people_n who_o begin_v to_o be_v possess_v with_o so_o high_a a_o opinion_n of_o he_o by_o the_o greatness_n of_o his_o miracle_n the_o excellency_n of_o his_o doctrine_n and_o the_o innocency_n of_o his_o conversation_n that_o unless_o they_o can_v insinuate_v into_o their_o mind_n some_o effectual_a prejudices_fw-la against_o these_o all_o their_o other_o attempt_n be_v like_a to_o be_v vain_a and_o unsuccessful_a if_o therefore_o they_o meet_v with_o any_o who_o be_v surprise_v by_o his_o miracle_n as_o well_o as_o ravish_v by_o his_o doctrine_n when_o they_o see_v he_o raise_v the_o dead_a restore_v sight_n to_o the_o blind_a cure_v the_o deaf_a and_o the_o lame_a and_o cast_v out_o devil_n out_o of_o possess_v person_n they_o tell_v they_o present_o that_o these_o be_v the_o common_a art_n of_o impostor_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o those_o who_o go_v about_o to_o deceive_v the_o people_n that_o such_o thing_n be_v easy_o do_v by_o the_o power_n of_o magic_n and_o assistance_n of_o the_o evil_a spirit_n if_o any_o be_v admirer_n of_o the_o pharisaical_a rigour_n and_o austerity_n as_o the_o people_n general_o be_v when_o man_n religion_n be_v measure_v by_o the_o sourness_n of_o their_o countenance_n the_o length_n of_o their_o prayer_n and_o the_o distance_n they_o keep_v from_o other_o person_n these_o they_o bid_v especial_o beware_v of_o our_o saviour_n doctrine_n for_o he_o condemn_v all_o zeal_n and_o devotion_n all_o mortification_n and_o strictness_n of_o life_n under_o the_o pretence_n of_o pharisaical_a hypocrisy_n that_o he_o sink_v all_o religion_n into_o short_a prayer_n and_o dull_a morality_n thâ—…_n his_o conversation_n be_v not_o among_o the_o person_n of_o any_o reputation_n for_o piety_n buâ—_n among_o publican_n and_o sinner_n that_o nothing_o extraordinary_a appear_v in_o his_o life_n that_o his_o action_n be_v like_o other_o man_n and_o his_o company_n none_o of_o the_o best_a and_o his_o behaviour_n among_o they_o with_o too_o great_a a_o freedom_n for_o a_o person_n who_o pretend_v to_o so_o high_a a_o degree_n of_o holiness_n thus_o we_o see_v the_o most_o perfect_a innocency_n can_v not_o escape_v the_o venom_n of_o malicious_a tongue_n but_o the_o less_o it_o enter_v the_o more_o they_o be_v enrage_v and_o make_v up_o what_o want_v in_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o calumny_n by_o their_o diligence_n in_o spread_v they_o as_o though_o their_o mouth_n indeed_o have_v be_v open_a sepulcher_n by_o the_o noisome_a vapour_n which_o come_v out_o of_o they_o and_o we_o may_v well_o think_v no_o less_o a_o poison_n than_o that_o of_o asp_n can_v be_v under_o their_o lip_n which_o so_o secret_o and_o yet_o so_o mischievous_o convey_v itself_o into_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o people_n the_o only_a advantage_n which_o malice_n have_v against_o the_o great_a virtue_n be_v that_o the_o great_a it_o be_v the_o less_o it_o take_v notice_n of_o all_o the_o petty_a art_n which_o be_v use_v against_o it_o and_o will_v not_o bring_v its_o own_o innocency_n so_o much_o into_o suspicion_n as_o to_o make_v any_o long_a apology_n for_o itself_o for_o to_o a_o noble_a and_o generous_a spirit_n assault_v rather_o by_o noise_n and_o clamour_n than_o any_o solid_a reason_n or_o force_v of_o argument_n neglect_n and_o disdain_n be_v the_o most_o proper_a weapon_n of_o defence_n for_o where_o malice_n be_v only_o impertinent_a and_o troublesome_a a_o punctual_a answer_n seem_v next_o to_o a_o confession_n but_o although_o innocency_n need_v no_o defence_n as_o to_o itself_o yet_o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o all_o the_o advantage_n it_o have_v of_o do_v good_a to_o mankind_n that_o it_o appear_v to_o be_v what_o it_o real_o be_v which_o can_v be_v do_v unless_o its_o reputation_n be_v clear_v from_o the_o malicious_a aspersion_n which_o be_v cast_v upon_o it_o and_o from_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o our_o bless_a saviour_n though_o he_o think_v it_o not_o worth_a the_o while_n to_o use_v the_o same_o diligence_n in_o the_o vindication_n of_o himself_o which_o his_o enemy_n do_v in_o the_o defamation_n of_o he_o yet_o when_o he_o see_v it_o necessary_a in_o order_n to_o the_o reception_n of_o his_o doctrine_n among_o the_o more_o ingenuous_a and_o tractable_a part_n of_o his_o auditor_n he_o sometime_o by_o the_o quickness_n of_o his_o reply_n sometime_o by_o the_o suddenness_n and_o sharpness_n of_o his_o question_n and_o sometime_o by_o the_o plain_a force_n of_o argument_n and_o reason_n baffle_v his_o adversary_n so_o that_o though_o they_o be_v resolve_v not_o to_o be_v convince_v they_o think_v it_o best_o for_o the_o time_n to_o be_v quiet_a this_o be_v to_o let_v they_o see_v how_o easy_a it_o be_v for_o he_o to_o throw_v off_o their_o reproach_n as_o fast_o as_o their_o malice_n can_v invent_v they_o and_o that_o it_o be_v as_o impossible_a for_o they_o by_o such_o weak_a attempt_n to_o obscure_v the_o reputation_n of_o his_o innocency_n as_o for_o the_o spot_n which_o astronomer_n discern_v near_o the_o body_n of_o the_o sun_n ever_o to_o eclipse_v the_o light_n of_o it_o so_o that_o all_o those_o thin_a mist_n which_o envy_n and_o detraction_n raise_v at_o his_o first_o appearance_n and_o those_o grosser_n vapour_n which_o arise_v from_o their_o open_a enmity_n when_o he_o come_v to_o a_o great_a height_n do_v but_o add_v a_o bright_a lustre_n to_o his_o glory_n when_o it_o be_v see_v that_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o machination_n of_o his_o enemy_n his_o innocency_n break_v forth_o like_o the_o light_n which_o shine_v more_o and_o more_o to_o the_o perfect_a day_n but_o it_o please_v god_n for_o the_o trial_n of_o man_n mind_n so_o to_o order_v the_o matter_n of_o our_o religion_n that_o as_o they_o be_v never_o so_o clear_a but_o man_n of_o obstinate_a and_o perverse_a spirit_n will_v find_v something_o to_o cavil_v at_o so_o they_o be_v never_o so_o dark_a and_o obscure_a in_o the_o most_o difficult_a circumstance_n of_o they_o but_o man_n of_o unprejudiced_a and_o ingenuous_a mind_n may_v find_v enough_o to_o satisfy_v themselves_o about_o they_o which_o be_v the_o main_a scope_n of_o our_o saviour_n in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n and_o shall_v be_v of_o our_o present_a discourse_n upon_o they_o but_o wisdom_n be_v justify_v of_o all_o her_o child_n where_o without_o any_o further_a explication_n by_o wisdom_n we_o understand_v the_o method_n which_o god_n use_v in_o order_n to_o the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n by_o the_o child_n of_o wisdom_n all_o those_o who_o be_v
so_o many_o hundred_o year_n profession_n of_o christianity_n how_o apt_a the_o greatness_n of_o the_o world_n be_v to_o make_v man_n ashamed_a of_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o and_o that_o man_n aim_v at_o a_o reputation_n for_o wit_n by_o be_v able_a to_o abuse_v the_o religion_n they_o own_v what_o entertainment_n may_v we_o then_o think_v our_o religion_n meet_v with_o among_o the_o great_a man_n of_o the_o age_n it_o be_v first_o preach_v in_o when_o it_o not_o only_o encounter_v those_o weak_a weapon_n of_o scoff_v and_o raillery_n but_o the_o strong_a hold_v of_o interest_n and_o education_n if_o our_o religion_n now_o can_v hardly_o escape_v the_o bitter_a scoff_v and_o profane_a jeft_n of_o man_n who_o pawn_v their_o soul_n to_o be_v account_v witty_a what_o may_v we_o think_v it_o suffer_v then_o when_o it_o be_v account_v a_o part_n of_o their_o own_o religion_n to_o despise_v and_o reproach_v we_o if_o in_o the_o age_n we_o live_v in_o a_o man_n may_v be_v reproach_v for_o his_o piety_n and_o virtue_n that_o be_v for_o be_v real_o a_o christian_n when_o all_o profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v so_o what_o contempt_n do_v they_o undergo_v in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n when_o the_o very_a name_n of_o christian_a be_v think_v a_o sufficient_a brand_n of_o infamy_n and_o yet_o such_o be_v the_o courage_n and_o magnanimity_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n that_o what_o be_v account_v most_o mean_a and_o contemptible_a in_o their_o religion_n viz._n their_o believe_v in_o a_o crucify_a saviour_n be_v by_o they_o account_v the_o matter_n of_o their_o great_a honour_n and_o glory_n for_o though_o s._n paul_n only_o say_v here_o that_o he_o be_v not_o ashamed_a of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n yet_o elsewhere_o he_o explain_v that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o be_v contain_v in_o these_o word_n when_o he_o say_v god_n forbid_v that_o i_o shall_v glory_v in_o any_o thing_n save_v in_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n by_o who_o the_o world_n be_v crucify_v to_o i_o and_o i_o unto_o the_o world_n gal._n 6._o 14._o i_o e._n although_o he_o can_v not_o but_o be_v sensible_a how_o much_o the_o world_n despise_v he_o and_o his_o religion_n together_o yet_o that_o be_v the_o great_a satisfaction_n of_o his_o mind_n that_o his_o religion_n have_v enable_v he_o to_o despise_v the_o world_n as_o much_o for_o neither_o the_o pomp_n and_o grandeur_n of_o the_o world_n nor_o the_o smile_n and_o flattery_n of_o it_o no_o nor_o its_o frown_n and_o severity_n can_v abate_v any_o thing_n of_o that_o mighty_a esteem_n and_o value_n which_o he_o have_v for_o the_o christian_a religion_n for_o in_o his_o own_o expression_n he_o account_v all_o thing_n else_o but_o loss_n for_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n jesus_n his_o lord_n phil._n 3._o 8._o which_o word_n be_v not_o speak_v by_o one_o who_o be_v in_o despair_n of_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o for_o any_o thing_n else_o and_o therefore_o magnify_v the_o profession_n he_o be_v engage_v in_o but_o by_o a_o person_n as_o considerable_a as_o most_o of_o the_o time_n and_o nation_n he_o live_v in_o both_o for_o his_o birth_n and_o education_n so_o that_o his_o contempt_n of_o the_o world_n be_v no_o sullen_a and_o affect_a severity_n but_o the_o issue_n of_o a_o sober_a and_o impartial_a judgement_n and_o the_o high_a esteem_n he_o profess_v of_o christianity_n be_v no_o fanatic_a whimsy_n but_o the_o effect_n of_o a_o diligent_a enquiry_n and_o the_o most_o serious_a consideration_n and_o that_o will_v appear_v 2._o by_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n which_o s._n paul_n here_o give_v why_o he_o be_v not_o ashamed_a of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n 1._o from_o the_o excellent_a end_n it_o be_v design_v for_o and_o that_o be_v no_o less_o than_o salvation_n 2._o from_o the_o effectualness_n of_o it_o in_o order_n to_o that_o end_n it_o be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n to_o salvation_n 3._o from_o the_o necessity_n of_o believe_v the_o gospel_n by_o all_o who_o will_v attain_v that_o end_n to_o every_o one_o that_o believe_v the_o jew_n first_o and_o also_o to_o the_o greek_a 1._o from_o the_o excellent_a end_v it_o be_v design_v for_o the_o recovery_n and_o happiness_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n both_o which_o be_v employ_v in_o the_o term_n salvation_n for_o consider_v the_o present_a condition_n of_o humane_a nature_n as_o it_o be_v so_o far_o sink_v beneath_o itself_o and_o keep_v under_o the_o power_n of_o unruly_a passion_n whatever_o tend_v to_o make_v it_o happy_a must_v do_v it_o by_o deliver_v it_o from_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o its_o misery_n so_o that_o whatever_o religion_n shall_v promise_v to_o make_v man_n happy_a without_o first_o make_v they_o virtuous_a and_o good_a may_v on_o that_o very_a account_n be_v just_o suspect_v of_o imposture_n for_o the_o same_o reason_n which_o make_v the_o act_n of_o any_o religion_n necessary_a viz._n that_o we_o may_v please_v that_o god_n who_o command_v and_o govern_v the_o world_n must_v make_v it_o necessary_a for_o man_n to_o do_v it_o in_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v far_o more_o acceptable_a to_o he_o than_o all_o our_o sacrifice_n of_o what_o kind_n soever_o which_o be_v the_o action_n of_o true_a virtue_n and_o goodness_n if_o then_o that_o accusation_n have_v be_v true_a which_o celsus_n and_o julian_n charge_v christianity_n with_o viz._n that_o it_o indulge_v man_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o vice_n with_o the_o promise_n of_o a_o future_a happiness_n notwithstanding_o i_o know_v nothing_o can_v have_v render_v it_o more_o suspicious_a to_o be_v a_o design_n to_o deceive_v mankind_n but_o so_o far_o be_v it_o from_o have_v the_o least_o foundation_n of_o truth_n in_o it_o that_o as_o there_o never_o be_v any_o religion_n which_o give_v man_n such_o certain_a hope_n of_o a_o future_a felicity_n and_o consequent_o more_o encouragement_n to_o be_v good_a so_o there_o be_v none_o ever_o require_v it_o on_o those_o strict_a and_o severe_a term_n which_o christianity_n do_v for_o there_o be_v two_o grand_a duty_n of_o man_n in_o this_o world_n either_o towards_o god_n in_o the_o holiness_n of_o their_o heart_n and_o life_n or_o towards_o their_o brethren_n in_o a_o peaceable_a carriage_n among_o man_n which_o can_v be_v without_o justice_n and_o sobriety_n both_o these_o be_v enforce_v upon_o all_o christian_n upon_o no_o mean_a term_n than_o the_o unavoidable_a loss_n of_o all_o the_o happiness_n our_o religion_n promise_n follow_v peace_n with_o all_o man_n and_o holiness_n without_o which_o no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o lord_n heb._n 12._o 14._o this_o be_v then_o the_o grand_a design_n of_o christianity_n to_o make_v man_n happy_a in_o another_o world_n by_o make_v they_o good_a and_o virtuous_a in_o this_o it_o come_v to_o reform_v this_o world_n that_o it_o may_v people_n another_o so_o to_o purify_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n as_o to_o make_v they_o meet_v to_o enjoy_v the_o happiness_n design_v for_o they_o this_o be_v that_o great_a salvation_n which_o the_o gospel_n bring_v to_o the_o world_n heb._n 2._o 3._o and_o thence_o it_o be_v call_v the_o word_n of_o salvation_n act_v 13._o 26._o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n act_v 16._o 17._o the_o gospel_n of_o salvation_n ephes._n 1._o 13._o so_o that_o though_o christianity_n be_v of_o unspeakable_a advantage_n to_o this_o world_n there_o be_v no_o religion_n that_o tend_v so_o much_o to_o the_o peace_n of_o man_n mind_n and_o the_o preservation_n of_o civil_a society_n as_o this_o do_v yet_o all_o this_o it_o do_v by_o way_n of_o subordination_n to_o the_o great_a end_n of_o it_o which_o be_v the_o promote_a man_n eternal_a happiness_n and_o the_o more_o we_o consider_v the_o vast_a consequence_n and_o importance_n of_o this_o end_n to_o mankind_n the_o great_a reason_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o s._n paul_n have_v why_o he_o shall_v not_o be_v ashamed_a of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ._n for_o can_v we_o imagine_v any_o end_n more_o noble_a that_o any_o doctrine_n can_v aim_v at_o than_o this_o suppose_v the_o common_a principle_n of_o all_o religion_n to_o be_v true_a viz._n the_o be_v of_o god_n and_o immortality_n of_o our_o soul_n there_o can_v be_v nothing_o more_o become_v that_o god_n to_o discover_v or_o those_o soul_n to_o be_v employ_v about_o than_o the_o way_n to_o a_o bless_a immortality_n and_o if_o we_o admire_v those_o discourse_n of_o the_o heathen_a philosopher_n wherein_o they_o speak_v more_o dark_o and_o obscure_o concern_v those_o thing_n what_o admiration_n do_v the_o gospel_n deserve_v which_o have_v bring_v life_n and_o immortality_n to_o light_v if_o we_o commend_v the_o virtuous_a heathen_n who_o according_a to_o those_o short_a and_o obscure_a notice_n which_o they_o have_v of_o god_n and_o
themselves_o seek_v to_o make_v the_o world_n any_o thing_n the_o better_a for_o their_o be_v in_o it_o what_o infinite_o great_a esteem_n do_v those_o bless_a apostle_n deserve_v who_o account_v not_o their_o life_n dear_a to_o they_o that_o they_o may_v make_v even_o their_o enemy_n happy_a if_o those_o man_n memory_n be_v dear_a to_o we_o who_o sacrifice_n their_o life_n and_o fortune_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o country_n they_o belong_v to_o shall_v not_o those_o be_v much_o more_o so_o who_o have_v do_v it_o for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o whole_a world_n such_o who_o cheerful_o suffer_v death_n while_o they_o be_v teach_v man_n the_o way_n to_o a_o eternal_a life_n and_o who_o patient_o endure_v the_o flame_n if_o they_o may_v but_o give_v the_o great_a light_n to_o the_o world_n by_o they_o such_o who_o do_v as_o far_o out-go_v any_o of_o the_o admire_a hero_n of_o the_o heathen_n as_o the_o purge_v the_o world_n from_o sin_n be_v of_o great_a consequence_n than_o cleanse_v a_o augaean_a stable_a from_o the_o filth_n of_o it_o and_o rescue_v man_n from_o eternal_a flame_n be_v a_o more_o noble_a design_n than_o clear_v a_o country_n from_o pirate_n and_o robber_n nay_o most_o of_o the_o heathen_a god_n who_o be_v so_o solemn_o worship_v in_o greece_n and_o at_o rome_n owe_v their_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o such_o slender_a benefit_n to_o mankind_n that_o sure_a the_o world_n be_v very_o barbarous_a or_o huge_o grateful_a when_o they_o can_v think_v they_o no_o less_o than_o god_n who_o find_v out_o such_o thing_n for_o man_n if_o a_o smith_n forge_n and_o a_o woman_n distaff_n if_o teach_v man_n the_o noble_a art_n of_o fight_v and_o cheat_v one_o another_o be_v such_o rare_a invention_n that_o they_o only_o become_v some_o of_o the_o most_o celebrate_a deity_n which_o the_o grave_n and_o demure_a roman_n think_v fit_a to_o worship_n sure_a s._n paul_n have_v no_o cause_n to_o be_v ashamed_a of_o his_o religion_n among_o they_o who_o have_v so_o much_o reason_n to_o be_v ashamed_a of_o their_o own_o since_o his_o design_n be_v to_o persuade_v they_o out_o of_o all_o the_o vanity_n and_o foolery_n of_o their_o idolatrous_a worship_n and_o to_o bring_v they_o to_o the_o service_n of_o the_o true_a and_o ever_o live_a god_n who_o have_v discover_v so_o much_o goodness_n to_o the_o world_n in_o make_v his_o son_n a_o propitiation_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o it_o and_o be_v not_o this_o a_o discovery_n infinite_o great_a and_o more_o suitable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n than_o any_o which_o the_o subtlety_n of_o the_o greek_n or_o wisdom_n of_o the_o roman_n can_v ever_o pretend_v to_o concern_v any_o of_o their_o deity_n thus_o we_o see_v the_o excellent_a end_n of_o our_o religion_n be_v that_o which_o make_v s._n paul_n so_o far_o from_o be_v ashamed_a of_o it_o and_o so_o it_o will_v do_v all_o we_o too_o if_o we_o do_v understand_v and_o value_v it_o as_o s._n paul_n do_v but_o it_o be_v the_o great_a dishonour_n of_o too_o many_o among_o we_o that_o they_o be_v more_o ashamed_a of_o their_o religion_n than_o they_o be_v of_o their_o sin_n if_o to_o talk_v bold_o against_o heaven_n to_o affront_n god_n in_o call_v he_o to_o witness_v their_o great_a impiety_n by_o frequent_a oath_n to_o sin_v brave_o and_o with_o the_o high_a confidence_n to_o mock_v at_o such_o who_o be_v yet_o more_o modest_a in_o their_o debauchery_n be_v not_o to_o be_v ashamed_a of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n we_o may_v find_v s._n paul_n enough_o in_o the_o age_n we_o live_v in_o and_o it_o will_v be_v a_o piece_n of_o gallantry_n to_o be_v apostle_n but_o this_o be_v rather_o the_o utmost_a endeavour_n to_o put_v religion_n out_o of_o countenance_n and_o make_v the_o gospel_n itself_o blush_v and_o be_v ashamed_a that_o ever_o such_o boldfaced_a impiety_n shall_v be_v commit_v by_o man_n under_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o as_o though_o they_o believe_v nothing_o so_o damnable_a as_o repentance_n and_o a_o holy_a life_n and_o 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the_o gospel_n be_v design_v for_o there_o will_v have_v be_v no_o such_o necessity_n of_o propagate_a it_o among_o man_n nor_o have_v there_o be_v reason_n enough_o to_o have_v justify_v the_o apostle_n in_o expose_v themselves_o to_o so_o great_a hazard_n for_o the_o preach_n of_o it_o if_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o eternal_a god_n and_o providence_n without_o the_o knowledge_n of_o a_o saviour_n have_v be_v sufficient_a to_o reform_v the_o world_n and_o make_v man_n happy_a it_o have_v not_o be_v consistent_a with_o the_o wisdom_n or_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o have_v employ_v so_o many_o person_n with_o the_o loss_n of_o their_o life_n to_o declare_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o world_n so_o that_o if_o christianity_n be_v true_a it_o must_v be_v think_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n for_o the_o necessity_n of_o it_o be_v declare_v by_o those_o who_o be_v the_o instrument_n of_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o i_o meddle_v not_o with_o the_o case_n of_o those_o 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and_o there_o be_v little_a hope_n certain_o of_o their_o be_v good_a who_o can_v not_o be_v religious_a without_o be_v bad_a but_o because_o the_o very_a god_n they_o worship_v be_v represent_v to_o be_v as_o bad_a as_o themselves_o and_o can_v they_o take_v any_o better_a measure_n of_o virtue_n than_o from_o the_o action_n of_o those_o who_o they_o suppose_v to_o have_v so_o divine_a a_o excellency_n in_o they_o as_o to_o deserve_v their_o adoration_n so_o that_o if_o there_o be_v a_o design_n of_o plant_v wickedness_n in_o the_o world_n which_o need_v not_o be_v for_o it_o grow_v fast_o enough_o without_o it_o it_o can_v not_o be_v do_v more_o successful_o than_o by_o worship_v those_o for_o god_n who_o do_v such_o thing_n which_o good_a man_n will_v abhor_v to_o think_v of_o and_o yet_o this_o be_v the_o state_n of_o the_o world_n then_o when_o the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v and_o not_o only_o of_o the_o more_o rude_a and_o barbarous_a nation_n but_o of_o the_o most_o civilise_a 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sufficient_a certainty_n for_o what_o a_o man_n venture_v his_o eternal_a state_n upon_o he_o ought_v to_o be_v well_o assure_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o but_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a for_o the_o world_n to_o be_v reform_v by_o such_o wise_a apostle_n if_o they_o must_v be_v call_v so_o who_o be_v perpetual_o dispute_v among_o themselves_o about_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v the_o most_o necessary_a foundation_n of_o all_o virtue_n and_o religion_n as_o though_o the_o best_a argument_n they_o have_v to_o prove_v their_o soul_n immortal_a be_v because_o their_o dispute_n about_o they_o be_v so_o and_o those_o seem_v among_o they_o to_o gain_v the_o great_a reputation_n for_o wit_n who_o be_v best_a able_a to_o dispute_v against_o common_a principle_n and_o they_o manage_v their_o business_n with_o great_a advantage_n who_o only_o show_v the_o weakness_n of_o other_o principle_n but_o establish_v none_o of_o their_o own_o which_o be_v a_o unavoidable_a consequence_n of_o the_o way_n they_o proceed_v in_o for_o offer_v at_o no_o such_o way_n of_o proof_n as_o christianity_n do_v they_o rather_o teach_v man_n to_o dispute_v than_o to_o live_v eternal_o beside_o their_o discourse_n be_v too_o subtle_a and_o intricate_a for_o the_o common_a capacity_n of_o man_n how_o long_o may_v a_o man_n live_v before_o a_o entelechia_fw-la will_v make_v he_o know_v the_o nature_n of_o his_o soul_n the_o better_a or_o a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d persuade_v he_o to_o believe_v its_o immortality_n insomuch_o that_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o determine_v whether_o the_o argument_n use_v by_o they_o do_v not_o rather_o hinder_v assent_n than_o persuade_v to_o it_o and_o it_o seem_v probable_a that_o the_o honest_a mind_v illiterate_a heathen_n believe_v those_o thing_n more_o firm_o than_o the_o great_a philosopher_n for_o plain_a truth_n lose_v much_o of_o their_o weight_n when_o they_o be_v ratify_v into_o subtlety_n and_o their_o strength_n be_v impair_v when_o they_o be_v spin_v into_o too_o fine_a a_o thread_n the_o argument_n which_o must_v prevail_v with_o mankind_n must_v be_v plain_a and_o evident_a easy_a and_o yet_o powerful_a the_o natural_a sense_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n in_o man_n be_v ofttimes_o dull_v by_o dispute_n and_o only_o awaken_v by_o a_o powerful_a representation_n of_o a_o infinite_a be_v and_o a_o future_a judgement_n and_o that_o by_o such_o a_o way_n of_o proof_n as_o all_o person_n be_v equal_a judge_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o validity_n of_o it_o such_o as_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n be_v in_o the_o gospel_n 2._o but_o let_v we_o suppose_v the_o argument_n certain_a and_o suitable_a yet_o what_o sufficient_a motive_n or_o encouragement_n can_v they_o give_v to_o lead_v a_o holy_a and_o virtuous_a life_n who_o after_o all_o their_o endeavour_n to_o persuade_v other_o remain_v so_o uncertain_a themselves_o as_o to_o a_o future_a happiness_n so_o tully_n tell_v we_o of_o socrates_n himself_n when_o he_o be_v just_a die_v that_o he_o tell_v his_o friend_n that_o only_o the_o god_n know_v whether_o it_o be_v fit_a for_o man_n to_o live_v or_o die_v but_o he_o think_v no_o man_n do_v and_o although_o some_o will_v excuse_v this_o as_o his_o usual_a way_n of_o dispute_v yet_o of_o all_o time_n one_o will_v think_v it_o be_v fit_a for_o he_o then_o to_o declare_v his_o mind_n in_o the_o most_o express_a term_n not_o only_o for_o the_o full_a vindication_n of_o himself_o but_o for_o the_o comfort_n and_o encouragement_n of_o his_o friend_n we_o be_v sure_a christianity_n proceed_v on_o those_o term_n that_o if_o a_o future_a happiness_n be_v suppose_v uncertain_a it_o declare_v express_o there_o can_v be_v no_o sufficient_a reason_n give_v for_o man_n to_o part_n with_o the_o conveniency_n of_o this_o present_a life_n nay_o it_o suppose_v the_o best_a man_n to_o be_v the_o most_o miserable_a of_o all_o other_o if_o there_o be_v not_o a_o future_a reward_n 1_o cor._n 15._o 19_o 32._o again_o what_o probability_n be_v there_o they_o shall_v ever_o persuade_v the_o world_n to_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n when_o the_o severe_a of_o the_o philosopher_n make_v it_o lie_v in_o thing_n so_o repugnant_a to_o humane_a nature_n as_o goodness_n be_v agreeable_a to_o it_o as_o when_o they_o make_v it_o a_o equal_a fault_n for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v angry_a and_o to_o murder_v his_o sovereign_n and_o that_o all_o passion_n be_v to_o be_v destroy_v that_o pain_n and_o grief_n be_v nothing_o that_o virtue_n in_o all_o condition_n be_v a_o sufficient_a reward_n to_o itself_o which_o be_v so_o contrary_a to_o the_o common_a sense_n of_o mankind_n that_o the_o only_a way_n to_o persuade_v man_n to_o believe_v they_o be_v first_o to_o persuade_v they_o they_o be_v not_o man_n so_o that_o he_o be_v certain_o the_o wise_a man_n among_o the_o heathen_n who_o conclude_v that_o we_o ought_v to_o expect_v a_o high_a master_n to_o teach_v we_o these_o thing_n and_o to_o acquaint_v we_o with_o the_o happiness_n of_o a_o future_a life_n and_o hereby_o a_o answer_n may_v be_v give_v to_o porphyry_n grand_a objection_n against_o christian_a religion_n viz._n if_o it_o be_v so_o necessary_a for_o the_o good_a of_o mankind_n why_o be_v it_o so_o long_o before_o it_o be_v discover_v because_o god_n will_v thereby_o discover_v the_o insufficiency_n of_o all_o the_o mean_v the_o wit_n of_o man_n can_v find_v out_o to_o reform_v the_o world_n without_o this_o that_o not_o only_o the_o jew_n may_v see_v the_o weakness_n of_o that_o dispensation_n they_o be_v under_o but_o the_o gentile_a world_n may_v groan_v with_o a_o expectation_n of_o some_o more_o powerful_a mean_n to_o goodness_n than_o be_v yet_o among_o they_o for_o when_o philosophy_n have_v be_v so_o long_o in_o its_o height_n and_o have_v so_o little_a influence_n upon_o
we_o by_o the_o wash_n of_o regeneration_n and_o renew_v of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o he_o shed_v on_o we_o abundant_o through_o christ_n our_o saviour_n titus_n 3._o 5._o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o humane_a nature_n which_o can_v oblige_v god_n to_o give_v to_o mankind_n that_o assistance_n of_o his_o grace_n whereby_o they_o be_v enable_v to_o work_v out_o this_o salvation_n the_o gospel_n be_v design_v for_o with_o fear_n and_o tremble_a the_o whole_a tenor_n of_o the_o gospel_n import_v a_o divine_a power_n which_o do_v accompany_v the_o preach_n of_o it_o which_o be_v design_v on_o purpose_n to_o heal_v the_o wound_n and_o help_v the_o weakness_n of_o our_o deprave_a and_o degenerate_a nature_n through_o which_o we_o may_v be_v keep_v to_o salvation_n but_o it_o must_v be_v through_o faith_n 1_o pet._n 1._o 5._o 3._o which_o be_v the_o last_o particular_a of_o the_o word_n the_o necessity_n of_o believe_v the_o gospel_n in_o order_n to_o the_o partake_n of_o the_o salvation_n promise_v in_o it_o it_o be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n to_o salvation_n to_o every_o one_o that_o believe_v to_o the_o jew_n first_o and_o also_o to_o the_o greek_a a_o easy_a way_n of_o salvation_n if_o no_o more_o be_v require_v to_o man_n happiness_n but_o a_o fancy_n and_o strong_a opinion_n which_o they_o will_v easy_o call_v believe_v so_o there_o be_v some_o in_o s._n augustin_n time_n i_o can_v wish_v there_o be_v none_o in_o we_o who_o think_v nothing_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n but_o a_o strong_a faith_n let_v their_o life_n be_v what_o they_o please_v but_o this_o be_v so_o repugnant_a to_o the_o main_a design_n of_o christian_a religion_n that_o they_o who_o think_v themselves_o the_o strong_a believer_n be_v certain_o the_o weak_a and_o most_o ungrounded_a for_o they_o believe_v scarce_o any_o other_o proposition_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n but_o that_o whosoever_o believe_v shall_v be_v save_v if_o they_o do_v believe_v that_o christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o reform_v it_o and_o make_v it_o better_o that_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n be_v now_o reveal_v from_o heaven_n against_o all_o unrighteousness_n as_o well_o as_o that_o the_o just_a by_o faith_n shall_v live_v that_o the_o design_n of_o all_o that_o love_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v show_v to_o the_o world_n be_v to_o deliver_v they_o from_o the_o hand_n of_o their_o enemy_n that_o they_o may_v serve_v he_o in_o righteousness_n and_o holiness_n all_o the_o day_n of_o their_o life_n they_o can_v never_o imagine_v that_o salvation_n be_v entail_v by_o the_o gospel_n on_o a_o mighty_a confidence_n or_o vehement_a persuasion_n of_o what_o christ_n have_v do_v and_o suffer_v for_o they_o and_o so_o far_o be_v s._n paul_n from_o assert_v this_o that_o as_o far_o as_o i_o can_v see_v he_o never_o meddle_v with_o a_o matter_n of_o that_o nicety_n whether_o a_o single_a act_n of_o faith_n be_v the_o condition_n of_o our_o justification_n as_o it_o be_v distinguish_v from_o 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sacrifice_n but_o what_o be_v among_o themselves_o to_o expiate_v the_o guilt_n of_o all_o their_o sin_n and_o on_o that_o account_n they_o reject_v the_o gospel_n as_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o they_o be_v ignorant_a of_o god_n righteousness_n and_o go_v about_o to_o establish_v their_o 3._o own_o righteousness_n have_v not_o submit_v themselves_o to_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n against_o these_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n prove_v that_o if_o they_o hope_v for_o happiness_n upon_o such_o strict_a term_n they_o lay_v only_o a_o foundation_n of_o boast_v if_o they_o do_v all_o which_o god_n require_v 27._o but_o of_o misery_n if_o they_o do_v not_o for_o then_o curse_a be_v every_o one_o that_o continue_v not_o 10._o in_o every_o thing_n write_v in_o the_o law_n to_o do_v it_o i_o e._n if_o they_o fail_v in_o any_o one_o thing_n than_o they_o must_v fail_v of_o all_o their_o hope_n but_o such_o a_o state_n of_o perfection_n be_v impossible_a to_o humane_a nature_n he_o 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as_o he_o prove_v afterward_o so_o that_o god_n justify_v of_o we_o by_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o solemn_a declaration_n of_o himself_o upon_o what_o term_n he_o will_v pardon_v the_o sin_n of_o man_n that_o be_v deliver_v they_o from_o the_o penalty_n they_o have_v deserve_v by_o they_o for_o the_o actual_a discharge_n of_o the_o person_n be_v reserve_v to_o the_o great_a day_n all_o the_o justification_n we_o have_v here_o be_v only_o declarative_a from_o god_n but_o so_o as_o to_o give_v a_o right_a to_o we_o by_o virtue_n whereof_o we_o be_v assure_v that_o god_n will_v not_o only_o not_o exercise_v his_o utmost_a rigour_n but_o show_v all_o favour_n and_o kindness_n to_o those_o who_o by_o belief_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v repent_v and_o obey_v god_n do_v now_o remit_v sin_n as_o he_o forbear_v
then_o be_v that_o lose_v their_o soul_n for_o that_o which_o have_v no_o value_n at_o all_o if_o compare_v with_o the_o world_n 3._o consider_v what_o follow_v upon_o this_o neglect_n not_o only_o the_o loss_n of_o great_a salvation_n but_o the_o incur_v as_o great_a damnation_n for_o it_o the_o scripture_n describe_v the_o misery_n of_o the_o life_n to_o come_v not_o mere_o by_o negative_n but_o by_o the_o most_o sensible_a and_o painful_a thing_n if_o destruction_n be_v dreadful_a that_o be_v everlasting_a destruction_n if_o the_o anguish_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o pain_n of_o the_o body_n be_v so_o troublesome_a what_o will_v the_o destruction_n be_v both_o of_o body_n and_o soul_n in_o hell_n if_o a_o serpent_n gnaw_v in_o our_o bowel_n be_v a_o representation_n of_o a_o insupportable_a misery_n here_o what_o will_v that_o be_v of_o the_o worm_n that_o never_o die_v if_o a_o rage_a and_o devour_a fire_n which_o can_v last_v but_o till_o it_o have_v consume_v a_o fade_a substance_n be_v in_o its_o appearance_n so_o amaze_a and_o in_o its_o pain_n so_o violent_a what_o then_o will_v the_o endure_a be_v of_o that_o wrath_n of_o god_n which_o shall_v burn_v like_o fire_n and_o yet_o be_v everlasting_a consider_v then_o of_o these_o thing_n while_o god_n give_v you_o time_n to_o consider_v of_o they_o and_o think_v it_o a_o inestimable_a mercy_n that_o you_o have_v yet_o time_n to_o repent_v of_o your_o sin_n to_o beg_v mercy_n at_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n to_o redeem_v your_o time_n to_o depart_v from_o iniquity_n to_o be_v frequent_a in_o prayer_n careful_a of_o your_o action_n and_o in_o all_o thing_n obedient_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o so_o god_n will_v pardon_v your_o former_a neglect_n and_o grant_v you_o this_o great_a salvation_n finis_fw-la hebr._n 12._o 3._o for_o consider_v he_o that_o endure_v such_o contradiction_n of_o sinner_n against_o himself_o lest_o you_o be_v weary_a and_o faint_a in_o your_o mind_n it_o have_v never_o yet_o be_v so_o well_o with_o the_o world_n and_o we_o have_v no_o great_a reason_n to_o hope_v it_o ever_o will_v be_v so_o that_o the_o best_a of_o thing_n or_o of_o man_n shall_v meet_v with_o entertainment_n in_o it_o suitable_a to_o their_o own_o worth_n and_o excellency_n if_o it_o be_v once_o to_o be_v hope_v that_o all_o mankind_n will_v be_v wise_a and_o sober_a that_o their_o judgement_n will_v be_v according_a to_o the_o truth_n of_o thing_n and_o their_o action_n suitable_a to_o their_o judgement_n we_o may_v then_o reasonable_o expect_v that_o nothing_o will_v be_v value_v so_o much_o as_o true_a goodness_n nothing_o so_o much_o in_o contempt_n and_o disgrace_n as_o impiety_n and_o profaneness_n but_o if_o we_o find_v it_o much_o otherwise_o in_o the_o age_n we_o live_v in_o we_o have_v so_o much_o the_o less_o cause_n to_o wonder_v at_o it_o because_o it_o have_v be_v thus_o in_o those_o time_n we_o may_v have_v think_v will_v have_v be_v far_o better_a than_o our_o own_o i_o mean_v those_o time_n and_o age_n wherein_o there_o be_v not_o only_o great_a thing_n first_o speak_v and_o deliver_v to_o mankind_n but_o example_n as_o great_a as_o the_o thing_n themselves_o but_o these_o do_v so_o little_o prevail_v on_o the_o stupid_a and_o unthankful_a world_n that_o they_o among_o who_o the_o son_n of_o god_n do_v first_o manifest_v himself_o seem_v only_o solicitous_a to_o make_v good_a one_o prophesy_v concern_v he_o viz._n that_o he_o shall_v be_v despise_v and_o reject_v of_o man_n and_o they_o who_o suffer_v their_o malice_n to_o live_v as_o long_o as_o he_o do_v be_v not_o content_v to_o let_v it_o die_v with_o he_o but_o their_o fury_n increase_v as_o the_o gospel_n do_v and_o wherever_o it_o have_v spread_v itself_o they_o pursue_v it_o with_o all_o the_o rude_a clamour_n and_o violent_a persecution_n which_o themselves_o or_o their_o factor_n can_v raise_v against_o it_o this_o we_o have_v a_o large_a testimony_n of_o in_o those_o jewish_a christian_n to_o who_o this_o epistle_n be_v write_v who_o have_v no_o soon_o embrace_v the_o christian_a religion_n but_o they_o be_v set_v upon_o by_o a_o whole_a army_n of_o persecution_n heb._n 10._o 32._o but_o call_v to_o remembrance_n the_o former_a day_n in_o which_o after_o you_o be_v illuminate_v you_o endure_v a_o great_a fight_n of_o affliction_n as_o though_o the_o great_a enemy_n of_o soul_n and_o therefore_o of_o christian_n have_v watch_v the_o first_o opportunity_n to_o make_v the_o strong_a impression_n upon_o they_o while_o they_o be_v yet_o young_a and_o unexperienced_a and_o therefore_o less_o able_a to_o resist_v so_o sharp_a a_o encounter_n he_o have_v find_v how_o unsuccessfull_a the_o offer_n of_o the_o good_a thing_n of_o this_o world_n have_v be_v with_o their_o lord_n and_o master_n and_o therefore_o be_v resolve_v to_o try_v what_o a_o severe_a course_n will_v do_v with_o all_o his_o follower_n but_o the_o same_o spirit_n by_o which_o he_o despise_v all_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o world_n which_o the_o tempter_n will_v have_v make_v he_o believe_v he_o be_v the_o disposer_n of_o enable_v they_o with_o a_o mighty_a courage_n and_o strange_a transport_n of_o joy_n not_o only_o to_o bear_v their_o own_o share_n of_o reproach_n and_o affliction_n but_o a_o part_n of_o they_o who_o suffer_v with_o they_o v_o 33_o 34._o but_o least_o through_o continual_a duty_n occasion_v by_o the_o hatred_n of_o their_o persecutor_n and_o the_o multitude_n of_o their_o affliction_n their_o courage_n shall_v abate_v and_o their_o spirit_n saint_n the_o apostle_n find_v it_o necessary_a not_o only_o to_o put_v they_o in_o mind_n of_o their_o former_a magnanimity_n but_o to_o make_v use_n of_o all_o argument_n that_o may_v be_v powerful_a with_o they_o to_o keep_v up_o the_o same_o vigour_n and_o constancy_n of_o mind_n in_o bear_v their_o suffering_n which_o they_o have_v at_o first_o for_o he_o well_o know_v how_o much_o it_o will_v tend_v to_o the_o dishonour_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o well_o as_o to_o their_o own_o discomfort_n if_o after_o such_o a_o early_a proof_n of_o a_o great_a and_o undaunted_a spirit_n it_o shall_v be_v say_v of_o they_o as_o be_v once_o of_o a_o great_a roman_a captain_n ultima_fw-la primis_fw-la cedebant_fw-la that_o they_o shall_v decline_v in_o their_o reputation_n as_o they_o do_v in_o their_o year_n and_o at_o last_o sink_v under_o that_o weight_n of_o duty_n which_o they_o have_v bear_v with_o so_o much_o honour_n before_o therefore_o as_o a_o general_n in_o the_o field_n after_o a_o sharp_a and_o fierce_a encounter_n at_o first_o with_o a_o mighty_a resolution_n by_o his_o soldier_n when_o he_o find_v by_o the_o number_n and_o fresh_a recruit_n of_o the_o enemy_n that_o his_o small_a force_n be_v like_a to_o be_v bear_v down_o before_o they_o and_o through_o mere_a weariness_n of_o fight_v be_v ready_a to_o turn_v their_o back_n or_o yield_v themselves_o up_o to_o the_o enemy_n mercy_n he_o conjure_v they_o by_o the_o honour_n they_o have_v gain_v and_o the_o courage_n they_o have_v already_o express_v by_o their_o own_o interest_n and_o the_o example_n of_o their_o leader_n by_o the_o hope_n of_o glory_n and_o the_o fear_n of_o punishment_n that_o they_o will_v bear_v the_o last_o shock_n of_o their_o enemy_n force_n and_o rather_o be_v the_o trophy_n of_o their_o courage_n than_o of_o their_o triumph_n so_o do_v our_o apostle_n when_o he_o find_v some_o among_o they_o begin_v to_o debate_v whether_o they_o have_v best_a to_o stand_v it_o out_o or_o no_o he_o conjure_v they_o 1._o by_o the_o remembrance_n of_o their_o own_o former_a courage_n whereby_o they_o do_v bear_v as_o sharp_a trial_n as_o these_o can_v be_v with_o the_o great_a cheerfulness_n and_o constancy_n and_o what_o can_v they_o gain_v by_o yield_v at_o last_o but_o great_a dishonour_n to_o themselves_o that_o they_o have_v suffer_v so_o long_o to_o no_o purpose_n unless_o it_o be_v to_o discover_v their_o own_o weakness_n and_o inconstancy_n 2._o by_o the_o hope_n of_o a_o reward_n which_o will_v sure_o follow_v their_o faithfulness_n v._n 35_o 36._o cast_v not_o away_o therefore_o your_o confidence_n which_o have_v great_a recompense_n of_o reward_n for_o you_o have_v need_n of_o patience_n that_o after_o you_o have_v do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n you_o may_v receive_v the_o promise_n and_o the_o time_n will_v not_o be_v long_o ere_o you_o come_v to_o enjoy_v it_o v_o 37._o but_o if_o you_o draw_v back_o you_o lose_v all_o your_o former_a labour_n for_o he_o who_o alone_o be_v able_a to_o recompense_v you_o have_v say_v that_o if_o any_o man_n draw_v back_o my_o soul_n shall_v have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o he_o v_o 38._o and_o then_o from_o the_o example_n of_o himself_o and_o all_o the_o genuine_a follower_n of_o christ_n but_o
thing_n we_o be_v to_o consider_v concern_v the_o contradiction_n of_o sinner_n which_o christ_n endure_v against_o himself_o nothing_o now_o remain_v but_o the_o influence_n that_o ought_v to_o have_v upon_o we_o lest_o we_o be_v weary_a and_o faint_a in_o our_o mind_n for_o which_o end_n i_o shall_v suggest_v two_o thing_n 1._o the_o vast_a disproportion_n between_o christ_n suffering_n and_o we_o 2._o the_o great_a encouragement_n we_o have_v from_o his_o suffering_n to_o bear_v our_o own_o the_o better_a 1._o the_o vast_a disproportion_n between_o christ_n suffering_n and_o our_o own_o our_o lot_n be_v fall_v into_o suffer_a time_n and_o we_o be_v apt_a enough_o to_o complain_v of_o it_o i_o will_v not_o say_v it_o be_v whole_o true_a of_o we_o what_o the_o moralist_n say_v general_o of_o the_o complaint_n of_o man_n non_fw-la quia_fw-la dura_fw-la sed_fw-la quia_fw-la molles_fw-la patimur_fw-la that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o hardness_n of_o our_o condition_n so_o much_o as_o the_o 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