the_o most_o considerable_a proof_n that_o every_o thing_n here_o be_v sole_o transact_v by_o the_o finger_n of_o god_n have_v he_o choose_v for_o his_o minister_n the_o prince_n and_o potentate_n of_o the_o world_n some_o will_v perhaps_o have_v ascribe_v the_o wonder_n of_o christian_a morality_n to_o policy_n and_o the_o design_n of_o keep_v people_n in_o obedience_n by_o oblige_v they_o to_o a_o charitable_a union_n among_o themselves_o have_v he_o choose_v philosopher_n some_o will_v have_v ascribe_v their_o heroical_a self-denial_n to_o the_o singularity_n and_o pride_n of_o their_o sect_n or_o to_o those_o elevate_a thought_n which_o philosophy_n have_v inspire_v they_o with_o have_v he_o choose_v orator_n some_o will_v have_v think_v that_o they_o may_v have_v seduce_v man_n by_o the_o charm_n of_o their_o eloquence_n have_v he_o choose_v very_o powerful_a and_o rich_a man_n some_o will_v have_v attribute_v the_o success_n of_o their_o preach_n to_o their_o liberality_n he_o 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though_o perhaps_o he_o be_v ignorant_a of_o any_o true_a and_o real_a one_o he_o frame_v at_o least_o a_o imaginary_a one_o to_o himself_o and_o will_v feign_v outlive_v his_o day_n in_o spite_n of_o death_n by_o immortalise_a himself_n in_o the_o remembrance_n of_o men._n who_o then_o can_v reconcile_v man_n to_o himself_o how_o come_v such_o lofty_a sentiment_n to_o be_v join_v with_o so_o much_o wretchedness_n and_o misery_n or_o why_o shall_v a_o be_v so_o mean_a and_o humble_a have_v such_o great_a and_o elevate_a notion_n if_o we_o consult_v the_o christian_a religion_n we_o shall_v soon_o be_v satisfy_v in_o this_o point_n for_o the_o first_o rudiment_n of_o it_o will_v solve_v all_o the_o seem_a riddle_n it_o will_v teach_v we_o that_o man_n consist_v of_o two_o part_n body_n and_o soul_n who_o quality_n and_o part_n be_v very_o different_a the_o body_n make_v he_o a_o member_n of_o the_o material_a world_n from_o whence_o he_o derive_v his_o wretchedness_n and_o misery_n in_o 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and_o vnworthiness_n of_o it_o appear_v according_a as_o the_o flesh_n or_o spirit_n be_v predominant_a and_o this_o serve_v for_o a_o certain_a rule_n to_o judge_v of_o man_n perfection_n or_o imperfection_n that_o every_o thing_n be_v great_a and_o noble_a in_o he_o that_o bring_v the_o flesh_n in_o subjection_n to_o the_o spirit_n and_o every_o thing_n seem_v vile_a and_o contemptible_a that_o base_o bring_v the_o spirit_n in_o subjection_n to_o the_o flesh_n for_o what_o sort_n of_o greatness_n can_v we_o find_v in_o the_o latter_a and_o wherein_o consist_v the_o excellence_n of_o his_o outward_a qualification_n by_o which_o alone_o he_o endeavour_v to_o procure_v the_o esteem_n of_o other_o man_n not_o in_o the_o antiquity_n of_o his_o original_a for_o that_o bring_v he_o but_o the_o near_a to_o his_o primitive_a nothing_o or_o to_o the_o clay_n out_o of_o which_o he_o be_v first_o form_v he_o betray_v his_o weak_a judgement_n in_o esteem_v so_o much_o the_o original_a of_o his_o body_n and_o not_o regard_v that_o of_o his_o soul_n as_o for_o the_o good_n of_o fortune_n they_o swell_v his_o heart_n with_o pride_n and_o therefore_o he_o value_v himself_o more_o for_o what_o he_o enjoy_v than_o for_o what_o he_o real_o be_v suppose_v he_o a_o conqueror_n or_o if_o you_o please_v lord_n of_o the_o universe_n but_o alas_o that_o can_v be_v of_o no_o great_a continuance_n his_o reason_n indeed_o exalt_v he_o far_o above_o all_o other_o creature_n but_o even_o that_o reason_n be_v a_o slave_n to_o his_o scnse_n his_o passion_n deject_v rather_o than_o elevate_v he_o ambition_n be_v a_o weakness_n which_o make_v he_o unable_a to_o rule_v his_o desire_n pride_n a_o imperfection_n which_o so_o possess_v his_o mind_n that_o he_o can_v pass_v by_o the_o least_o affront_n to_o his_o reputation_n avarice_n a_o base_a fear_n of_o future_a want_n a_o limit_a consideration_n of_o self-love_n that_o forget_v itself_o to_o think_v better_o upon_o what_o be_v least_o valuable_a in_o its_o condition_n the_o punctilio_n of_o honour_n a_o vain_a imperfection_n that_o make_v a_o idol_n of_o itself_o that_o valour_n which_o affront_v death_n nothing_o but_o a_o man_n strange_o forget_v himself_o and_o be_v insensible_a of_o the_o danger_n that_o surround_v he_o and_o last_o all_o the_o passion_n but_o so_o many_o deviation_n from_o the_o end_n we_o ought_v to_o pursue_v so_o many_o disorder_n and_o irregularity_n of_o the_o soul_n as_o appear_v full_o by_o what_o we_o have_v say_v elsewhere_o concern_v the_o end_n for_o which_o man_n be_v original_o design_v and_o though_o these_o be_v all_o moral_a truth_n they_o be_v not_o the_o less_o certain_a experience_n confirm_v they_o and_o â—he_v free_a confession_n of_o the_o incredulous_a who_o be_v glad_a of_o any_o opportunity_n of_o make_v we_o observe_v all_o these_o sign_n and_o character_n of_o our_o wretchedness_n and_o misery_n think_v thereby_o to_o persuade_v we_o that_o so_o miserable_a a_o creature_n be_v not_o design_v for_o such_o a_o glorious_a end_n as_o we_o imagine_v but_o let_v they_o only_o consider_v how_o true_o great_a man_n be_v when_o he_o submit_v the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o they_o will_v be_v ashamed_a of_o their_o false_a opinion_n they_o will_v find_v he_o indeed_o a_o be_v that_o have_v a_o beginning_n but_o yet_o one_o that_o glory_v in_o god_n as_o the_o author_n of_o it_o they_o will_v find_v he_o a_o atom_n that_o raise_v its_o self_n above_o all_o other_o creature_n by_o run_v back_o to_o its_o first_o author_n and_o pay_v he_o homage_n for_o its_o unworthiness_n a_o worm_n that_o have_v the_o honour_n of_o refer_v its_o self_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n to_o which_o also_o all_o other_o being_n be_v refer_v but_o without_o know_v it_o they_o will_v find_v he_o a_o be_v that_o be_v indeed_o mortal_a carry_v its_o hope_n beyond_o death_n a_o be_v that_o be_v finite_a yet_o its_o desire_n and_o intention_n be_v unlimited_a a_o small_a quantity_n of_o earth_n will_v cover_v his_o body_n yet_o nothing_o but_o immensity_n will_v satisfy_v his_o soul_n he_o possess_v all_o thing_n for_o he_o call_v himself_o the_o son_n of_o he_o that_o create_v all_o thing_n he_o be_v not_o to_o be_v rank_v among_o those_o creature_n which_o grow_v proud_a by_o promotion_n or_o can_v be_v humble_a without_o debase_v themselves_o he_o be_v great_a but_o not_o proud_a because_o he_o know_v his_o natural_a vileness_n and_o he_o be_v humble_a but_o not_o base_a because_o he_o be_v sensible_a of_o his_o true_a greatness_n and_o worth_n he_o have_v make_v such_o a_o covenant_n with_o his_o god_n as_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o body_n be_v not_o able_a to_o dissolve_v though_o he_o conqer_v not_o kingdom_n nor_o raze_v city_n yet_o he_o be_v able_a to_o overcome_v those_o passion_n which_o have_v produce_v the_o like_a effect_n he_o sacrifice_n to_o god_n those_o very_a passion_n to_o which_o man_n heretofore_o sacrifice_v all_o their_o possession_n he_o esteem_v not_o a_o crown_n and_o the_o high_a dignity_n be_v of_o no_o value_n in_o his_o thought_n he_o quit_v a_o throne_n to_o equal_v himself_o to_o shepherd_n and_o though_o but_o a_o shepherd_n he_o think_v himself_o as_o great_a as_o the_o most_o powerful_a monarch_n what_o the_o world_n admire_v be_v but_o a_o dream_n to_o he_o though_o he_o enjoy_v the_o great_a title_n yet_o have_v he_o the_o same_o humble_a thought_n of_o himself_o shall_v the_o world_n afflict_v he_o on_o every_o side_n it_o can_v lessen_v his_o opinion_n of_o himself_o he_o raise_v himself_o above_o what_o he_o see_v to_o humble_v himself_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n who_o be_v invisible_a he_o possess_v eternity_n though_o he_o exist_v in_o time_n he_o be_v a_o child_n of_o god_n though_o he_o live_v among_o man_n he_o be_v sensible_a of_o his_o exaltation_n above_o all_o other_o being_n but_o he_o be_v true_o great_a in_o his_o own_o humility_n thus_o the_o christian_a religion_n not_o only_o show_v we_o man_n excellence_n but_o be_v also_o the_o cause_n of_o it_o by_o make_v the_o mean_a part_n of_o our_o nature_n subservient_fw-fr to_o the_o noble_a he_o therefore_o that_o utter_o renounce_v all_o religion_n lose_v the_o perfection_n of_o his_o nature_n and_o the_o less_o he_o believe_v the_o more_o he_o debase_v himself_o below_o other_o creature_n it_o be_v therefore_o the_o christian_a religion_n alone_o that_o show_v we_o the_o cure_n as_o well_o as_o the_o disease_n that_o produce_v our_o hide_a virtue_n and_o unmask_v our_o vice_n that_o discover_v to_o we_o our_o misery_n and_o free_v we_o from_o it_o that_o put_v a_o end_n to_o all_o the_o wretchedness_n of_o our_o nature_n by_o make_v we_o true_o sensible_a of_o it_o that_o make_v we_o great_a by_o make_v we_o humble_a that_o fit_v itself_o to_o all_o the_o condition_n of_o life_n and_o
account_n perhaps_o we_o shall_v not_o think_v it_o at_o all_o hard_a to_o conceive_v if_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v be_v please_v to_o reveal_v its_o nature_n a_o little_a more_o clear_o to_o we_o but_o such_o be_v the_o wonderful_a conduct_n of_o god_n who_o be_v resolve_v to_o humble_v we_o and_o not_o to_o satisfy_v our_o vain_a curiosity_n nor_o indulge_v the_o pride_n of_o our_o understanding_n which_o be_v too_o greedy_a of_o knowledge_n 4_o thly_a because_o we_o be_v not_o whole_o destitute_a of_o image_n there_o be_v several_a capable_a to_o illustrate_v that_o object_n though_o never_o so_o incomprehensible_a in_o itself_o thus_o for_o instance_n the_o same_o soul_n be_v a_o understanding_n as_o it_o perceive_v a_o will_n as_o it_o have_v a_o desire_n and_o a_o memory_n as_o it_o recall_v the_o thing_n pass_v to_o the_o mind_n all_o which_o three_o faculty_n be_v comprehend_v in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o understanding_n in_o like_a manner_n also_o the_o same_o light_n be_v in_o the_o heaven_n a_o sun_n in_o the_o air_n brightness_n and_o in_o the_o cloud_n a_o false_a sun_n 5_o thly_a to_o all_o this_o we_o may_v yet_o further_o add_v that_o the_o great_a difficulty_n of_o this_o mystery_n proceed_v from_o those_o speculation_n in_o which_o school_n divinity_n have_v involve_v it_o to_o the_o great_a scandal_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o eternal_a confusion_n of_o our_o reason_n for_o who_o can_v endure_v the_o liberty_n those_o metaphysical_a divine_n have_v take_v in_o pretend_v to_o form_n and_o decide_v ridiculous_a rash_a and_o impious_a question_n concern_v that_o great_a mystery_n of_o our_o religion_n can_v we_o think_v any_o reasonable_a man_n can_v read_v all_o their_o impertinent_a question_n without_o indignation_n as_o whether_o several_a divine_a person_n can_v take_v but_o one_o and_o the_o same_o person_n whether_o the_o word_n can_v have_v take_v upon_o he_o in_o a_o hypostatical_a union_n the_o form_n of_o a_o angel_n of_o a_o beast_n of_o a_o woman_n of_o a_o insensible_a be_v of_o a_o accident_n of_o a_o act_n of_o sin_n of_o a_o devil_n so_o that_o if_o these_o proposition_n be_v true_a god_n be_v a_o sin_n a_o etc._n etc._n whether_o the_o word_n have_v take_v the_o soul_n in_o a_o hypostatical_a union_n rather_o than_o the_o body_n or_o the_o body_n rather_o than_o the_o soul_n whether_o if_o man_n have_v not_o sin_v the_o word_n will_v not_o have_v take_v our_o flesh_n upon_o he_o whether_o humane_a nature_n be_v first_o unite_v to_o the_o essence_n or_o the_o person_n whether_o the_o humane_a nature_n be_v unite_v to_o the_o divine_a by_o several_a union_n whether_o a_o divine_a person_n may_v take_v upon_o itself_o the_o form_n of_o a_o create_a person_n whether_o humanity_n be_v unite_v to_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n by_o way_n of_o accident_n or_o of_o substance_n whether_o the_o humane_a and_o the_o divine_a nature_n be_v a_o part_n of_o christ_n and_o whether_o christ_n be_v two_o several_a thing_n whether_o christ_n be_v of_o a_o create_v or_o uncreate_v unity_n how_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v he_o do_v not_o take_v upon_o he_o the_o very_a individual_a nature_n of_o adam_n whether_o this_o proposition_n christ_n be_v man_n be_v true_a during_o those_o three_o day_n he_o remain_v in_o the_o grave_a last_o whether_o christ_n shall_v have_v die_v of_o old_a age_n have_v he_o not_o be_v crucify_v in_o his_o youth_n etc._n etc._n these_o be_v the_o only_a difficulty_n that_o occur_v in_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o for_o the_o rest_n it_o be_v so_o essential_o so_o visible_o and_o so_o necessary_o agreeable_a to_o reason_n that_o we_o can_v but_o wonder_v that_o our_o incredulous_a adversary_n have_v not_o yet_o perceive_v it_o this_o we_o have_v already_o sufficient_o prove_v in_o several_a place_n of_o this_o work_n and_o we_o can_v well_o insist_v further_o upon_o it_o without_o repeat_v again_o what_o have_v be_v already_o say_v it_o be_v sufficient_a therefore_o to_o observe_v that_o christ_n be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o nature_n society_n and_o religion_n he_o be_v the_o light_n enlighten_v every_o thing_n without_o which_o we_o shall_v fall_v into_o infinite_a trouble_n and_o perplexity_n christ_n be_v the_o centre_n of_o all_o event_n which_o seem_o relate_v to_o his_o come_n he_o be_v the_o centre_n of_o truth_n which_o be_v the_o more_o clear_o reveal_v the_o near_o we_o approach_v he_o the_o centre_n of_o all_o the_o moysaicall_a ceremony_n which_o be_v mere_a extravagance_n in_o themselves_o if_o they_o relate_v not_o to_o he_o the_o centre_n of_o all_o virtue_n which_o have_v no_o sufficient_a force_n or_o motive_n able_a to_o induce_v we_o to_o practice_v they_o but_o by_o the_o consideration_n of_o life_n and_o immortality_n reveal_v to_o we_o in_o christ_n the_o centre_n and_o foundation_n of_o the_o inviolable_a rule_n of_o conscience_n which_o will_v be_v nothing_o else_o but_o error_n and_o illusion_n if_o the_o christian_a faith_n be_v a_o fable_n the_o centre_n of_o all_o those_o character_n of_o wisdom_n visible_o diplay_v in_o all_o the_o work_n of_o god_n since_o nothing_o but_o the_o christian_a religion_n can_v lead_v man_n to_o the_o true_a end_n of_o his_o creation_n none_o but_o that_o can_v justify_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n the_o centre_n of_o all_o the_o hope_n of_o man_n for_o what_o be_v there_o that_o he_o can_v hope_v for_o if_o christianity_n be_v a_o lie_n the_o centre_n of_o all_o the_o evidence_n and_o certainty_n that_o be_v in_o our_o knowledge_n for_o what_o be_v there_o that_o we_o can_v be_v certain_a of_o if_o our_o soul_n be_v only_o a_o disposition_n of_o atom_n and_o have_v no_o such_o spirituality_n and_o immortality_n as_o that_o impute_a to_o it_o by_o the_o christian_a religion_n there_o need_v have_v be_v only_o a_o different_a configuration_n of_o part_n to_o form_v first_o notion_n quite_o contrary_a to_o those_o we_o now_o have_v let_v any_o one_o therefore_o close_o consider_v the_o matter_n and_o it_o will_v appear_v to_o he_o that_o if_o we_o deny_v christ_n who_o teach_v to_o know_v our_o own_o self_n in_o reveal_v to_o we_o life_n and_o immortality_n no_o salvation_n can_v be_v expect_v either_o for_o reason_n or_o conscience_n x_o portraiture_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n or_o the_o proportion_n it_o bear_v to_o the_o jewish_a religion_n there_o be_v nothing_o true_a than_o that_o the_o jewish_a religion_n be_v great_a noble_a and_o divine_a and_o we_o can_v reflect_v on_o the_o greatness_n of_o its_o miracle_n the_o sublimity_n of_o its_o morality_n the_o purity_n of_o its_o doctrine_n the_o holiness_n of_o its_o precept_n and_o the_o completion_n of_o its_o prophecy_n without_o immediate_o acknowledge_v it_o to_o be_v stamp_v with_o divine_a character_n but_o yet_o we_o shall_v find_v it_o altogether_o defective_a if_o we_o separate_v it_o from_o christianity_n since_o its_o essence_n consist_v in_o its_o relation_n to_o that_o we_o can_v conceive_v without_o it_o how_o god_n can_v be_v the_o god_n of_o one_o nation_n and_o yet_o not_o be_v that_o too_o of_o other_o nation_n also_o that_o the_o deity_n shall_v be_v contain_v in_o a_o material_a ark_n and_o be_v the_o father_n of_o spirit_n shall_v so_o careful_o seek_v after_o a_o external_a and_o corporeal_a purity_n that_o unwilling_a to_o satisfy_v his_o justice_n he_o shall_v require_v sacrifice_n of_o man_n or_o if_o willing_a to_o be_v appease_v by_o offering_n and_o oblation_n he_o shall_v demand_v such_o mean_a one_o of_o they_o which_o be_v unworthy_a the_o majesty_n of_o his_o godhead_n that_o god_n who_o make_v heaven_n and_o earth_n shall_v dwell_v in_o a_o temple_n make_v with_o hand_n or_o that_o he_o who_o create_v all_o thing_n visible_a and_o invisible_a shall_v take_v pleasure_n in_o a_o external_a pomp_n that_o he_o who_o make_v the_o smell_a which_o he_o want_v not_o himself_o shall_v delight_v in_o the_o smell_n of_o incense_n or_o that_o his_o voice_n proper_o so_o call_v shall_v be_v hear_v to_o which_o thunder_n itself_o scarce_o bear_v the_o resemblance_n of_o a_o echo_n i_o say_v we_o can_v never_o conceive_v any_o of_o these_o thing_n without_o the_o help_n of_o christian_a religion_n for_o who_o can_v reconcile_v the_o wisdom_n see_v in_o the_o religion_n of_o moses_n with_o the_o imperfection_n discoverable_a in_o it_o how_o can_v that_o lawgiver_n prove_v so_o contrary_a to_o himself_o and_o how_o can_v so_o many_o character_n of_o divinity_n be_v attend_v with_o so_o many_o seem_o superstitious_a custom_n and_o trivial_a ceremony_n consult_v but_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o you_o will_v then_o no_o long_o wonder_v at_o it_o there_o you_o will_v find_v both_o the_o reason_n and_o wisdom_n of_o every_o thing_n that_o surprise_v you_o in_o the_o old_a covenant_n all_o the_o custom_n contain_v in_o the_o
the_o emperor_n that_o have_v strict_o inquire_v into_o the_o life_n of_o the_o christian_n he_o find_v nothing_o else_o but_o that_o they_o assemble_v together_o in_o remote_a place_n early_o in_o the_o morning_n and_o there_o say_v their_o prayer_n to_o heaven_n and_o bind_v themselves_o under_o a_o solemn_a oath_n not_o to_o commit_v murder_n adultery_n injustice_n or_o any_o other_o crime_n they_o will_v also_o produce_v a_o answer_n from_o trajan_n to_o pliny_n wherein_o that_o emperor_n give_v positive_a order_n that_o for_o the_o future_a there_o shall_v be_v no_o particular_a inquiry_n make_v after_o the_o christian_n but_o those_o only_a shall_v be_v punish_v who_o shall_v discover_v themselves_o and_o that_o we_o may_v not_o think_v that_o these_o letter_n be_v forge_v we_o may_v consider_v that_o it_o be_v tertulian_n that_o mention_n they_o in_o his_o discourse_n to_o the_o senate_n and_o the_o roman_a emperor_n who_o he_o can_v not_o impose_v upon_o without_o endanger_v his_o own_o life_n and_o prejudice_v his_o religion_n chap._n ii_o wherein_o we_o shall_v examine_v the_o martyrdom_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n but_o perhaps_o we_o may_v soon_o suspect_v the_o credulity_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n than_o their_o innocence_n we_o be_v sure_a their_o constancy_n proceed_v from_o their_o hope_n and_o their_o hope_n from_o their_o persuasion_n but_o who_o know_v the_o ground_n of_o that_o persuasion_n be_v there_o not_o mahumetan_n so_o strong_o persuade_v of_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o alcoran_n as_o to_o die_v in_o defence_n of_o that_o error_n the_o multitude_n then_o of_o martyr_n show_v a_o infinite_a number_n of_o person_n to_o be_v strong_o persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n but_o prove_v not_o that_o persuasion_n to_o be_v well_o ground_v we_o mâ—st_v therefore_o go_v a_o little_a further_o and_o here_o we_o may_v easy_o suppose_v without_o fear_n of_o be_v mistake_v that_o the_o primitive_a christian_n have_v some_o sort_n of_o common_a sense_n those_o who_o make_v it_o their_o profession_n to_o ridicule_n the_o plurality_n of_o god_n and_o the_o many_o superstition_n of_o the_o heathen_n which_o be_v real_o contrary_a to_o reason_n those_o who_o put_v in_o practice_n such_o wise_a rule_n of_o morality_n who_o be_v so_o regular_a in_o their_o behaviour_n so_o averse_a to_o all_o the_o excess_n that_o disorder_n reason_n who_o form_v to_o themselves_o such_o rational_a idea_n of_o the_o deity_n in_o comparison_n to_o other_o those_o man_n i_o say_v can_v not_o be_v whole_o destitute_a of_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n now_o suppose_v they_o to_o have_v but_o the_o least_o glimmer_a of_o that_o light_n it_o will_v be_v hard_a to_o conceiuâ—_v that_o they_o shall_v whole_o renounce_v their_o estate_n and_o fortune_n and_o courageous_o suffer_v death_n in_o defence_n of_o any_o cause_n whatsoever_o unless_o they_o have_v very_o powerful_a reason_n to_o believe_v it_o be_v good_a this_o consideration_n will_v be_v further_o strengthen_v by_o two_o very_a important_a reflection_n and_o first_o we_o speak_v not_o here_o of_o such_o only_a who_o be_v bear_v christian_n blind_o follow_v the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o birth_n and_o education_n but_o also_o of_o a_o great_a number_n of_o person_n who_o renounce_v paganism_n to_o embrace_v christianity_n and_o lay_v aside_o the_o favourable_a prejudices_fw-la of_o education_n and_o birth_n which_o in_o they_o be_v quite_o contrary_a to_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v yet_o willing_a to_o die_v for_o it_o as_o soon_o as_o it_o be_v know_v and_o embrace_v second_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n be_v altogether_o found_v upon_o mattter_n of_o fact_n for_o if_o jesus_n christ_n wrought_v miracle_n and_o rise_v again_o from_o the_o dead_a than_o be_v the_o christian_a faith_n true_a but_o if_o jesus_n christ_n wrought_v no_o miracle_n nor_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a then_o be_v the_o christian_a faith_n false_a and_o sure_o it_o will_v have_v be_v folly_n or_o madness_n in_o those_o man_n to_o forsake_v so_o flourish_v a_o communion_n as_o paganism_n to_o take_v upon_o they_o the_o name_n of_o christian_n a_o name_n so_o vile_a and_o contemptible_a in_o those_o day_n to_o suffer_v voluntary_o the_o loss_n of_o their_o estate_n and_o undergo_v a_o most_o terrible_a death_n only_o to_o defend_v a_o religion_n ground_v upon_o such_o matter_n of_o fact_n as_o they_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o believe_v to_o be_v true_a those_o indeed_o that_o be_v bear_v and_o live_v peacable_o in_o a_o communion_n may_v blind_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o it_o but_o he_o that_o be_v never_o so_o little_o acquaint_v with_o the_o constitution_n of_o man_n heart_n can_v scarce_o imagine_v man_n to_o be_v so_o senseless_a as_o to_o renounce_v the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o birth_n and_o education_n to_o offer_v violence_n to_o their_o dear_a and_o most_o tender_a inclination_n and_o embrace_v a_o faith_n pursue_v with_o fire_n and_o sword_n and_o persecute_v by_o all_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n unless_o they_o have_v first_o due_o examine_v the_o nature_n of_o it_o and_o know_v well_o upon_o what_o ground_n they_o thus_o embrace_v it_o if_o it_o be_v object_v that_o some_o of_o these_o man_n be_v of_o the_o mean_a sort_n of_o people_n who_o example_n can_v be_v allege_v as_o a_o precedent_n for_o wise_a and_o learned_a man_n we_o will_v grant_v it_o but_o than_o it_o must_v also_o be_v confess_v that_o the_o vulgar_a usual_o embrace_v that_o religion_n which_o be_v attend_v with_o power_n and_o prosperity_n pomp_n and_o authority_n and_o hate_v even_o truth_n itself_o when_o once_o destitute_a of_o all_o these_o outward_a help_n how_o be_v it_o possible_a then_o that_o against_o all_o outward_a appearance_n they_o shall_v have_v act_v so_o contrary_o to_o themselves_o in_o this_o occasion_n but_o suppose_v the_o commmon_a sort_n of_o christian_n to_o have_v lose_v their_o reason_n can_v we_o say_v the_o same_o of_o the_o doctor_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n as_o clement_n polycarp_n justin_n iraeneus_n &_o c_o it_o be_v certain_a on_o one_o hÄnd_n these_o man_n be_v man_n of_o very_a good_a sense_n as_o their_o write_n those_o monument_n they_o have_v leave_v we_o evident_o demonstrate_v and_o on_o the_o other_o it_o be_v very_o well_o know_v they_o live_v in_o a_o time_n so_o very_o near_o to_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n that_o it_o be_v absolute_o impossible_a they_o shall_v have_v be_v deceive_v in_o this_o respect_n for_o polycarp_n converse_v a_o long_a while_n with_o st._n john_n iraeneus_n see_v polycarp_n and_o justin_n be_v a_o more_o ancient_a father_n than_o iraeneus_n have_v those_o doctor_n only_o tell_v we_o that_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n wrought_v several_a miracle_n we_o may_v perhaps_o have_v suspend_v our_o belief_n upon_o their_o bare_a word_n but_o since_o they_o suffer_v death_n in_o defence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o certain_a matter_n of_o fact_n which_o they_o must_v necessary_o have_v full_o be_v inform_v of_o since_o i_o see_v that_o clemens_n and_o polycarp_n disciple_n and_o contemporary_n with_o the_o apostle_n cheerful_o come_v to_o the_o stake_n to_o maintain_v a_o religion_n essential_o found_v upon_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n such_o as_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o divers_a language_n confer_v upon_o the_o apostle_n the_o power_n of_o work_a miracle_n and_o impart_v those_o very_a gift_n themselves_o to_o other_o since_o i_o say_v these_o christian_a doctor_n suffer_v martyrdom_n for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v essential_o unite_v to_o i_o confess_v i_o begin_v to_o be_v convince_v nevertheless_o let_v we_o search_v more_o narrow_o into_o this_o matter_n and_o see_v whether_o we_o shall_v yet_o have_v any_o reason_n to_o entertain_v any_o further_a scruple_n chap._n iii_o in_o which_o we_o further_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o religion_n by_o several_a undeniable_a matter_n of_o fact_n who_o tell_v we_o clemens_n and_o polycarp_n suffer_v martyrdom_n and_o suppose_v they_o do_v who_o will_v assure_v we_o they_o be_v not_o delude_v by_o the_o apostle_n nay_o who_o can_v tell_v whether_o there_o ever_o be_v any_o such_o man_n i_o suppose_v i_o shall_v not_o be_v oblige_v to_o prove_v with_o a_o great_a many_o argument_n there_o be_v such_o man_n as_o clemens_n and_o polycarp_n who_o suffer_v martyrdom_n eusebius_n who_o write_v their_o history_n can_v not_o whole_o have_v invent_v it_o unless_o he_o have_v corrupt_v all_o the_o write_n of_o the_o father_n that_o live_v before_o he_o for_o they_o all_o speak_v of_o it_o iraeneus_n justin_n clemens_n alexandrinus_n etc._n etc._n mention_v it_o as_o a_o know_a matter_n of_o fact_n the_o first_o of_o they_o glory_n in_o several_a place_n of_o his_o work_n that_o he_o have_v see_v polycarp_n in_o his_o youth_n and_o it_o appear_v they_o all_o suffer_v martyrdom_n
in_o imitation_n of_o those_o primitive_a christian_n that_o the_o apostle_n deceive_v polycarp_n and_o clemens_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o their_o disciple_n be_v a_o thing_n much_o less_o to_o be_v suspect_v because_o they_o themselves_o stick_v not_o to_o boast_v of_o their_o be_v able_a to_o work_v miracle_n heal_v all_o kind_n of_o disease_n speak_v all_o sort_n of_o language_n and_o impart_v to_o other_o those_o gift_n they_o call_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o clemens_n polycarp_n etc._n etc._n shall_v have_v suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v deceive_v in_o this_o respect_n especial_o to_o â—uch_v a_o degree_n as_o to_o suffer_v death_n for_o the_o testimony_n of_o a_o religion_n found_v on_o so_o many_o imposture_n but_o whence_o appear_v it_o that_o the_o apostle_n boast_v of_o a_o power_n to_o work_v miracle_n and_o impart_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n it_o appear_v not_o only_o from_o their_o own_o epistle_n which_o can_v be_v forge_v as_o we_o shall_v prove_v by_o and_o by_o but_o also_o from_o the_o write_n of_o the_o doctor_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o in_o fine_a it_o be_v manifest_a of_o itself_o for_o as_o we_o can_v deny_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o man_n as_o alexander_n the_o great_a without_o overthrow_v the_o common_a opinion_n that_o he_o subvert_v the_o empire_n of_o darius_n and_o the_o macedonian_n subdue_v all_o asia_n under_o his_o conduct_n because_o one_o matter_n of_o fact_n depend_v upon_o the_o other_o so_o we_o can_v acknowledge_v the_o divinity_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n without_o believe_v the_o miracle_n of_o jesus_n christ_n his_o resurrection_n his_o pour_v out_o the_o holy_a ghost_n on_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o miraculous_a gift_n impart_v to_o those_o that_o believe_v for_o take_v away_o these_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o what_o will_v become_v of_o the_o christian_a religion_n wherein_o will_v the_o divinity_n of_o it_o consist_v wherein_o will_v lie_v the_o strength_n promise_n and_o essential_o of_o it_o since_o therefore_o clemens_n and_o polycarp_n suffer_v martyrdom_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n it_o follow_v also_o that_o they_o die_v in_o defence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n we_o just_o now_o mention_v so_o that_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v very_o palpable_a and_o it_o be_v very_o easy_a for_o clemens_n and_o polycarp_n who_o live_v and_o converse_v with_o the_o apostle_n to_o know_v certain_o whether_o they_o real_o have_v the_o pretend_a gift_n of_o divers_a tongue_n of_o heal_v all_o sort_n of_o disease_n and_o of_o communicate_v these_o extraordinary_a gift_n to_o other_o so_o as_o to_o render_v they_o frequent_v in_o the_o church_n i_o do_v not_o see_v how_o its_o possible_a to_o call_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o in_o question_n the_o soul_n of_o man_n however_o fruitful_a in_o imagination_n can_v hardly_o raise_v here_o a_o doubt_n of_o a_o moment_n continuance_n for_o shall_v i_o fancy_v they_o may_v have_v give_v i_o a_o false_a relation_n of_o the_o martyrdom_n of_o clemens_n of_o polycarp_n and_o the_o successor_n of_o the_o apostle_n this_o thought_n soon_o vanish_v when_o i_o consider_v the_o number_n quality_n and_o unanimous_a consent_n of_o the_o witness_n of_o this_o matter_n of_o fact_n for_o can_v we_o think_v that_o the_o sucessour_n of_o clemens_n and_o polycarp_n will_v have_v suffer_v a_o real_a martyrdom_n in_o imitation_n of_o one_o that_o be_v but_o imaginary_a will_v they_o so_o courageous_o have_v imitate_v a_o fictitious_a martyrdom_n of_o their_o own_o invention_n and_o shall_v i_o imagine_v clemens_n and_o polycarp_n be_v impose_v on_o by_o the_o apostle_n i_o be_o soon_o convince_v of_o the_o contrary_a since_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o we_o have_v now_o before_o we_o be_v matter_n of_o experience_n so_o evident_a in_o themselves_o that_o we_o can_v be_v mistake_v in_o they_o last_o shall_v i_o doubt_v whether_o the_o apostle_n endeavour_v to_o persuade_v man_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o i_o be_o make_v to_o understand_v that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o christianity_n without_o these_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o that_o the_o apostle_n can_v never_o have_v establish_v the_o christian_a religion_n unless_o they_o have_v first_o persuade_v man_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o this_o will_v be_v far_o see_v by_o what_o we_o shall_v offer_v in_o the_o follow_a chapter_n in_o the_o mean_a while_n may_v we_o not_o know_v what_o the_o profess_a enemy_n of_o christianity_n say_v of_o they_o for_o it_o seem_v unjust_a to_o hearken_v to_o that_o only_a which_o the_o christian_n allege_v in_o defence_n of_o their_o own_o cause_n this_o be_v no_o hard_a matter_n we_o find_v porphirius_fw-la celsus_n and_o julian_n surname_v the_o apostate_n maintain_v that_o jesus_n christ_n do_v no_o miracle_n at_o all_o but_o by_o a_o magic_a power_n and_o that_o it_o be_v a_o fantom_n which_o appear_v to_o the_o disciple_n instead_o of_o jesus_n christ_n rise_v again_o from_o the_o dead_a whereupon_o i_o think_v it_o necessary_a to_o make_v some_o few_o reflection_n it_o be_v very_o remarkable_a that_o those_o who_o be_v far_o more_o exasperate_v against_o the_o christian_n than_o the_o incredulous_a of_o these_o ime_n be_v and_o who_o live_v in_o a_o time_n near_o to_o that_o â—f_n the_o apostle_n may_v have_v easy_o know_v the_o truthâ—r_a â—r_z falsehood_n of_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n i_o say_v it_o be_v remarkable_a that_o those_o man_n dare_v not_o in_o the_o least_o call_v â—ny_n of_o they_o in_o question_n but_o be_v force_v to_o have_v â—ecourse_n to_o ghost_n and_o a_o magic_a power_n to_o avoid_v â—eing_v perplex_v with_o they_o it_o be_v also_o worth_a our_o while_n to_o observe_v that_o celsus_n himself_o who_o ever_o before_o question_v magician_n be_v at_o length_n force_v to_o ascribe_v the_o miracle_n of_o jesus_n christ_n to_o a_o magic_a power_n â—s_a origen_n himself_o upbraid_v he_o in_o some_o part_n of_o his_o work_n thus_o it_o immediate_o appear_v that_o the_o primitive_a christian_n be_v man_n of_o very_a good_a sense_n and_o very_o honest_a and_o sincere_a principle_n too_o that_o part_n of_o they_o live_v in_o a_o time_n so_o very_o near_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n in_o who_o day_n all_o those_o thing_n come_v to_o pass_v that_o they_o must_v necessary_o have_v know_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o that_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n they_o suffer_v death_n to_o seal_v the_o truth_n of_o a_o religion_n found_v upon_o all_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o last_o that_o their_o enemy_n themselves_o dare_v not_o presume_v entire_o to_o call_v any_o of_o they_o in_o question_n but_o i_o will_v not_o yield_v myself_o conquer_v for_o all_o that_o but_o rather_o raise_v myself_o a_o little_a high_o and_o stop_v for_o a_o while_n at_o the_o latter_a end_n of_o the_o first_o century_n which_o be_v the_o time_n wherein_o st._n john_n the_o last_o of_o the_o apostle_n be_v yet_o live_v and_o wherein_o clemens_n and_o polycarp_n who_o we_o just_a now_o mention_v flourish_v and_o this_o shall_v be_v our_o fix_a point_n in_o the_o follow_a chapter_n chap._n iu._n where_o we_o yet_o further_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n by_o several_a undeniable_a matter_n of_o fact_n it_o be_v a_o hundred_o year_n since_o there_o be_v no_o christian_n at_o all_o in_o the_o world_n and_o now_o there_o be_v some_o in_o all_o part_n of_o it_o at_o rome_n and_o at_o antioch_n at_o alexandria_n at_o corinth_n at_o ephesus_n in_o spain_n and_o among_o the_o gaul_n etc._n etc._n i_o confess_v i_o be_o some_o what_o surprise_v to_o see_v this_o progress_n yet_o not_o so_o much_o as_o to_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n because_o mahomet_n religion_n be_v establish_v in_o a_o lesser_a time_n we_o must_v then_o go_v yet_o far_o and_o consider_v that_o the_o christian_a faith_n be_v not_o only_o destitute_a of_o the_o assistance_n of_o policy_n and_o authority_n but_o receive_v notwithstanding_o the_o continual_a opposition_n of_o both_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o other_o religion_n as_o that_o of_o the_o heathen_n and_o turk_n be_v establish_v in_o the_o world_n by_o some_o singular_a and_o extraordinary_a prosperity_n and_o by_o the_o policy_n of_o person_n raise_v to_o dignity_n and_o grandeur_n but_o christianity_n in_o a_o small_a time_n become_v master_n of_o man_n heart_n and_o understanding_n though_o it_o be_v attend_v with_o nothing_o but_o shame_n and_o misery_n though_o all_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n strive_v to_o stifle_v it_o in_o its_o very_a birth_n and_o for_o that_o purpose_n invent_v such_o torture_n and_o punishment_n as_o no_o other_o interest_n can_v have_v make_v man_n devise_v we_o may_v indeed_o question_v the_o suffering_n of_o the_o christian_n
holy_a ghost_n but_o perhaps_o it_o be_v a_o question_n whether_o there_o be_v ever_o any_o christian_a church_n found_v at_o jerusalem_n if_o so_o then_o must_v the_o ancient_a doctor_n of_o the_o church_n who_o live_v in_o different_a time_n and_o in_o different_a place_n have_v conspire_v together_o to_o deceive_v we_o in_o this_o respect_n and_o the_o jew_n and_o heathen_n and_o all_o other_o profess_a enemy_n of_o our_o religion_n as_o well_o ancient_a as_o modern_a who_o never_o contest_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o matter_n of_o fact_n must_v utter_o have_v lose_v their_o reason_n in_o a_o word_n suppose_v the_o book_n of_o act_n compose_v long_o after_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n that_o be_v when_o there_o can_v be_v no_o long_o any_o flourish_a church_n in_o that_o city_n yet_o there_o be_v no_o point_n gain_v for_o it_o be_v true_a still_o that_o the_o apostle_n set_v down_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n we_o speak_v of_o and_o that_o their_o epistle_n be_v fill_v with_o such_o thing_n as_o visible_o relate_v to_o it_o i_o shall_v not_o here_o further_o add_v that_o the_o book_n of_o act_n mention_n nothing_o of_o the_o death_n of_o the_o apostle_n which_o manifest_o show_v that_o it_o be_v compose_v during_o their_o life_n and_o consequent_o in_o a_o time_n wherein_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n flourish_v nor_o that_o it_o mention_n nothing_o of_o the_o last_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n no_o not_o so_o much_o as_o any_o of_o the_o sign_n or_o presage_n of_o it_o which_o induce_v we_o to_o believe_v that_o that_o book_n be_v compose_v some_o time_n before_o that_o great_a event_n it_o be_v very_o probable_a that_o the_o author_n who_o compose_v it_o mere_o for_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o of_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o the_o incredulous_a undoubted_o imagine_v will_v never_o have_v fail_v to_o have_v insert_v in_o it_o the_o history_n of_o all_o those_o dreadful_a misfortune_n which_o fall_v upon_o the_o jew_n and_o which_o the_o christian_n look_v upon_o as_o the_o effect_n of_o their_o reject_v the_o messiah_n but_o since_o my_o design_n be_v not_o to_o leave_v the_o reader_n the_o least_o shadow_n of_o a_o doubt_n i_o promise_v to_o prove_v by_o and_o by_o that_o the_o apostle_n both_o receive_v and_o impart_v many_o miraculous_a gift_n in_o the_o mean_a while_n till_o the_o method_n i_o have_v prescribe_v to_o myself_o give_v i_o leave_v to_o enter_v upon_o that_o subject_n i_o think_v it_o fit_a to_o make_v some_o few_o reflection_n concern_v the_o success_n of_o the_o apostle_n preach_v which_o be_v that_o essential_a head_n to_o which_o all_o other_o matter_n contain_v in_o the_o book_n of_o act_n relate_v chap._n x._o wherein_o we_o shall_v take_v into_o consideration_n what_o success_n the_o preach_v of_o the_o apostle_n have_v this_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v relate_v with_o very_o remarkable_a circumstannce_n as_o i._o that_o those_o man_n who_o first_o preach_v the_o gospel_n be_v fisherman_n that_o be_v gross_a and_o ignorant_a people_n of_o no_o appearance_n or_o authority_n in_o the_o world_n ii_o that_o those_o man_n go_v about_o preach_v that_o they_o have_v see_v jesus_n christ_n rise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n and_o that_o they_o have_v long_o before_o be_v eye-witness_n to_o his_o miracle_n iii_o that_o they_o offend_v by_o their_o preach_v all_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n and_o expose_v their_o person_n to_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o danger_n and_o misfortune_n iv._o that_o they_o suffer_v they_o with_o patience_n or_o rather_o with_o joy_n v._o that_o the_o success_n of_o their_o preach_n be_v so_o swift_a and_o sudden_a as_o be_v almost_o inconceivable_a in_o all_o this_o st._n luke_n have_v tell_v we_o nothing_o but_o what_o our_o own_o reason_n will_v tell_v we_o we_o may_v conclude_v that_o they_o be_v man_n of_o no_o extraordinary_a birth_n or_o credit_n in_o the_o world_n that_o first_o preach_v the_o gospel_n since_o no_o body_n have_v ever_o say_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o contrary_n it_o be_v manifest_a that_o those_o man_n ought_v to_o have_v testify_v that_o they_o have_v see_v jesus_n christ_n work_v many_o miracle_n see_v he_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n because_o they_o will_v never_o have_v convert_v so_o many_o nation_n as_o they_o do_v have_v they_o only_o say_v they_o know_v all_o those_o thing_n by_o hear_v say_v and_o beside_o that_o the_o epistle_n of_o the_o apostle_n inform_v we_o that_o that_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o their_o preach_n there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o all_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n persecute_v these_o man_n for_o as_o much_o as_o policy_n be_v a_o enemy_n to_o all_o new_a sect_n and_o the_o people_n themselves_o be_v always_o jealous_a of_o their_o religion_n it_o can_v be_v doubt_v neither_o but_o that_o the_o apostle_n very_o courageous_o suffer_v the_o effect_n of_o that_o persecution_n because_o have_v they_o recant_v or_o draw_v back_o for_o fear_n of_o punishment_n their_o design_n will_v have_v miscarry_v in_o its_o very_a beginning_n last_o who_o can_v deny_v but_o that_o the_o success_n of_o their_o preach_n be_v very_o swift_a and_o sudden_a in_o as_o much_o as_o in_o a_o short_a time_n there_o be_v several_a church_n establish_v in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o know_a world_n this_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o be_v never_o contest_v and_o therefore_o reason_n as_o well_o as_o st._n luke_n tell_v we_o all_o these_o thing_n the_o book_n of_o act_n inform_v we_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o and_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n will_v not_o suffer_v we_o to_o doubt_v but_o that_o they_o be_v so_o which_o utter_o destroy_v the_o suspicion_n we_o may_v entertain_v that_o they_o be_v all_o forge_v or_o invent_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n i_o can_v consider_v all_o these_o matter_n of_o fact_n nor_o unite_v they_o together_o and_o observe_v the_o proportion_n they_o have_v one_o with_o another_o without_o present_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o that_o religion_n which_o they_o so_o plain_o prove_v and_o establish_v chap._n xi_o wherein_o we_o shall_v examine_v the_o matter_n contain_v in_o the_o epistle_n of_o the_o apostle_n though_o the_o ancient_n have_v not_o unanimous_o receive_v the_o epistle_n of_o st._n paul_n though_o clemens_n polycarp_n and_o barnabas_n have_v make_v no_o mention_n of_o the_o second_o epistle_n of_o st._n peter_n yet_o it_o will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o observe_v that_o they_o be_v write_v to_o some_o church_n that_o be_v to_o whole_a society_n who_o for_o a_o long_a while_n preserve_v the_o original_n of_o they_o to_o assure_v we_o that_o they_o be_v not_o forge_v it_o be_v then_o our_o concern_n to_o see_v whether_o we_o can_v find_v therein_o any_o character_n of_o the_o divinity_n of_o our_o religion_n we_o can_v read_v st._n paul_n epistle_n without_o observe_v therein_o i._o the_o piety_n and_o charity_n of_o that_o apostle_n ii_o his_o impartiality_n and_o contempt_n of_o the_o advantage_n of_o the_o world_n iii_o his_o courage_n in_o endure_a affliction_n which_o instead_o of_o dishearten_v rather_o overjoy_v he_o iv._o a_o continual_a repetition_n of_o the_o testimony_n which_o the_o apostle_n bear_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o lord_n v._o such_o thing_n which_o manifest_o denote_v that_o st._n paul_n have_v receive_v the_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o that_o those_o that_o then_o believe_v very_o frequent_o receive_v they_o the_o piety_n of_o that_o apostle_n so_o various_o discover_v itself_o in_o his_o write_n that_o we_o can_v think_v it_o dissemble_v without_o offer_v violence_n to_o our_o understanding_n for_o though_o a_o man_n shall_v constrain_v himself_o upon_o some_o occasion_n yet_o be_v it_o possible_a he_o shall_v after_o the_o very_a same_o manner_n during_o a_o great_a part_n of_o his_o life_n in_o all_o his_o action_n in_o all_o his_o word_n in_o his_o manner_n of_o tell_v of_o thing_n which_o often_o discover_v the_o bottom_n of_o the_o heart_n than_o the_o thing_n he_o speak_v of_o i_o know_v very_o well_o hypocrisy_n cover_v itself_o with_o the_o external_a show_n of_o virtue_n but_o real_o there_o be_v yet_o something_o which_o i_o can_v express_v a_o simple_a and_o natural_a air_n in_o true_a virtue_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v meet_v with_o in_o hypocrisy_n or_o rather_o hypocrisy_n be_v neither_o so_o subtle_a nor_o clear_v sight_v but_o that_o it_o discover_v itself_o on_o one_o side_n or_o other_o nay_o often_o it_o let_v drop_v a_o wordwhich_v unmasque_n it_o to_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o world_n however_o i_o be_o willing_a the_o epistle_n of_o st._n paul_n shall_v be_v strict_o examine_v to_o see_v whether_o any_o thing_n but_o what_o be_v very_o natural_a and_o sincere_a can_v be_v find_v
in_o they_o can_v there_o proceed_v from_o the_o malice_n and_o perfidiousness_n of_o a_o man_n who_o have_v so_o late_o accuse_v his_o nation_n of_o a_o crime_n he_o know_v to_o be_v utter_o false_a so_o many_o exhortation_n to_o fear_n god_n so_o strong_a so_o move_v in_o themselves_o and_o so_o often_o repeat_v that_o they_o whole_o take_v up_o the_o write_n of_o this_o apostle_n can_v his_o humility_n proceed_v from_o thence_o whereby_o he_o refer_v every_o thing_n to_o god_n as_o to_o the_o centre_n of_o all_o good_a thing_n so_o sincere_o tell_v we_o what_o have_v thou_o that_o thou_o do_v not_o receive_v and_o if_o thou_o do_v receive_v it_o why_o do_v thou_o glory_n as_o if_o thou_o have_v not_o receive_v it_o 1_o cor._n 4._o 7._o we_o be_v you_o you_o be_v christ_n and_o christ_n be_v god_n 1_o cor._n 3._o 23._o can_v his_o hatred_n too_o for_o vice_n arise_v from_o thence_o which_o upon_o all_o occasion_n he_o testify_v and_o express_v after_o so_o strong_a and_o lively_a a_o manner_n his_o charity_n appear_v no_o less_o in_o his_o passionate_a concern_v for_o the_o sanctification_n of_o his_o brethren_n all_o his_o epistle_n be_v a_o continue_a serious_a of_o tender_a or_o move_a exhortation_n or_o rather_o ardent_a request_n he_o make_v they_o to_o love_v one_o another_o he_o desire_v they_o shall_v live_v sober_o just_o and_o religious_o he_o addresses_z himself_o both_o to_o servant_n and_o master_n to_o poor_a and_o rich_a to_o parent_n and_o child_n to_o young_a man_n and_o old_a man_n have_v no_o prejudice_n nor_o hatred_n for_o any_o one_o he_o pour_v out_o himself_o in_o thanksgiving_n and_o blessing_n for_o all_o man_n he_o speak_v to_o they_o after_o a_o very_a tender_a and_o move_a manner_n he_o call_v they_o his_o little_a child_n his_o belove_a his_o bowel_n his_o glory_n and_o his_o crown_n and_o what_o be_v his_o design_n in_o all_o this_o only_o to_o inspire_v they_o with_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o their_o neighbour_n how_o do_v he_o extol_v the_o excellence_n of_o charity_n though_o i_o speak_v say_v he_o with_o the_o tongue_n of_o man_n and_o of_o angel_n and_o have_v no_o charity_n i_o be_o become_v as_o sound_a brass_n or_o tinkle_a cymbal_n and_o though_o i_o bestow_v all_o my_o good_n to_o feed_v the_o poor_a and_o though_o i_o give_v my_o body_n to_o be_v burn_v and_o have_v not_o charity_n it_o profit_v i_o nothing_o charity_n suffer_v long_o and_o be_v kind_a charity_n envy_v not_o charity_n vaunt_v not_o itself_o be_v not_o puff_v up_o do_v not_o behave_v itself_o unseemly_a seek_v not_o her_o own_o be_v not_o easy_o provoke_v think_v no_o evil_a rejoice_v not_o in_o iniquity_n but_o rejoice_v in_o the_o truth_n bear_v all_o thing_n believe_v all_o thing_n hope_v all_o thing_n 1_o cor._n 13._o 1_o 3_o 4_o 5_o 6_o 7._o such_o be_v the_o idea_n st._n paul_n have_v of_o charity_n in_o which_o appear_v the_o force_n of_o reason_n and_o of_o true_a virtue_n without_o the_o fantastical_a weakness_n of_o superstition_n he_o prefer_v charity_n to_o miraculous_a gift_n and_o therein_o appear_v the_o spirit_n of_o true_a religion_n this_o consideration_n of_o the_o character_n and_o virtue_n of_o this_o apostle_n be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o considerable_a that_o it_o force_v we_o in_o despite_n of_o ourselves_o to_o assertâ—_n one_o of_o these_o two_o thing_n either_o that_o st._n paul_n be_v a_o wicked_a man_n and_o a_o notorious_a impostor_n or_o else_o that_o he_o have_v hear_v the_o voice_n of_o jesus_n chrict_a in_o the_o way_n to_o damascus_n that_o he_o have_v receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o be_v true_o the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n so_o that_o whosoever_o prove_v that_o st._n paul_n be_v no_o wicked_a person_n do_v even_o thereby_o prove_v the_o divinity_n of_o christian_a religion_n i_o desire_v therefore_o the_o reader_n thorough_o to_o consider_v the_o style_n of_o his_o epistle_n and_o examine_v they_o from_o the_o begin_n to_o the_o end_n to_o discover_v the_o true_a genius_n and_o character_n of_o they_o what_o be_v it_o this_o apostle_n desire_v of_o god_n that_o those_o who_o he_o speak_v to_o may_v live_v good_a life_n and_o that_o god_n may_v be_v glorify_v by_o their_o work_n what_o do_v he_o complain_v of_o vice_n what_o be_v it_o he_o chief_o praise_n virtue_n by_o what_o motive_n do_v he_o act_v or_o speak_v as_o he_o do_v by_o quite_o another_o motive_n than_o that_o of_o self_n interest_n st._n luke_n have_v already_o tell_v we_o in_o the_o book_n of_o act_n that_o he_o work_v for_o his_o live_n and_o that_o his_o employment_n be_v to_o make_v tent_n whereupon_o we_o shall_v make_v these_o two_o observation_n i._o that_o st._n paul_n have_v be_v a_o pharisee_n breed_v up_o at_o the_o foot_n of_o gamaliel_n will_v have_v think_v it_o beneath_o he_o to_o follow_v so_o vile_a a_o profession_n have_v he_o be_v worldly_a mind_a or_o ambitious_a second_o that_o this_o apostle_n resolve_v to_o work_v with_o his_o own_o hand_n for_o his_o live_n in_o a_o time_n which_o other_o people_n will_v have_v greedy_o embrace_v to_o acquire_v wealth_n for_o what_o can_v have_v be_v refuse_v to_o those_o man_n who_o open_v to_o mankind_n the_o direct_a way_n way_n to_o heaven_n and_o give_v they_o certain_a hope_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n for_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o be_v the_o opinion_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n with_o regard_n to_o the_o apostle_n but_o if_o st._n luke_n shall_v be_v think_v to_o have_v impose_v upon_o we_o in_o the_o relation_n of_o this_o matter_n it_o be_v but_o hear_v what_o st._n paul_n himself_o say_v of_o it_o who_o certain_o will_v not_o have_v undertake_v to_o persuade_v those_o people_n of_o it_o against_o their_o own_o proper_a knowledge_n behold_v say_v he_o to_o the_o corinthian_n the_o three_o time_n i_o be_o ready_a to_o come_v to_o you_o and_o i_o will_v not_o be_v burdensome_a to_o you_o for_o i_o seek_v not_o you_o but_o you_o for_o the_o child_n ought_v not_o to_o lay_v up_o for_o the_o parent_n but_o the_o parent_n for_o the_o child_n 2_o cor._n 12._o 14._o and_o i_o will_v very_o glad_o spend_v and_o be_v spend_v for_o you_o etc._n etc._n and_o then_o have_v i_o catch_v you_o with_o guile_n and_o in_o another_o place_n have_v i_o commit_v a_o offence_n in_o abase_v myself_o that_o you_o may_v be_v exalt_v because_o i_o have_v preach_v to_o you_o the_o gospel_n of_o god_n free_o 2_o cor._n 11._o 7._o st._n paul_n will_v never_o have_v speak_v to_o they_o after_o this_o manner_n have_v he_o preach_v only_o out_o of_o self_n interest_n according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o those_o who_o carry_v a_o worldly_a mind_n along_o with_o they_o into_o the_o sanctuary_n be_v mere_a huchster_n of_o religion_n and_o make_v a_o trade_n of_o the_o most_o sacred_a and_o sublime_a mystery_n of_o christianity_n but_o suppose_v st._n paul_n act_v not_o by_o a_o principle_n of_o self_n interest_n which_o be_v generaly_a the_o centre_n of_o other_o man_n action_n who_o will_v assure_v we_o that_o he_o owe_v not_o his_o virtue_n to_o pride_n which_o be_v another_o nice_a kind_n of_o interest_n to_o which_o some_o man_n direct_v all_o their_o action_n i_o be_o very_a well_o persuade_v that_o man_n may_v out_o of_o a_o capricious_a fancy_n ascribe_v the_o best_a action_n to_o pride_n and_o give_v the_o name_n of_o hypocrisy_n to_o the_o most_o sincere_a virtue_n for_o what_o can_v put_v a_o stop_n to_o the_o continual_a roving_n of_o a_o soul_n that_o endeavour_n only_o to_o raise_v doubt_n and_o scruple_n but_o then_o i_o also_o affirm_v that_o there_o be_v such_o visible_a mark_n in_o the_o conduct_n and_o action_n of_o st._n paul_n as_o manifest_o evince_v in_o spite_n of_o incredulity_n that_o his_o virtue_n be_v solid_a and_o his_o self_n denial_n sincere_a but_o this_o i_o hope_v will_v more_o plain_o appear_v by_o the_o follow_a reflection_n we_o need_v but_o a_o very_a indifferent_a knowledge_n of_o man_n heart_n and_o inclination_n to_o know_v that_o as_o there_o be_v two_o different_a state_n into_o which_o man_n may_v fall_v so_o likewise_o there_o be_v two_o different_a sort_n of_o passion_n which_o then_o arise_v in_o the_o soul_n prosperity_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o pride_n with_o all_o the_o other_o vice_n that_o accompany_v it_o poverty_n and_o misery_n that_o of_o covetousness_n with_o all_o that_o be_v consequent_a upon_o it_o not_o but_o that_o covetousness_n be_v find_v sometime_o even_o in_o prosperity_n as_o well_o as_o pride_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o misery_n but_o that_o be_v not_o my_o meaning_n i_o only_o will_v say_v that_o prosperity_n be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o pride_n and_o poverty_n the_o kingdom_n of_o avarice_n because_o a_o man_n that_o be_v
uncircumcision_n but_o a_o new_a creature_n great_a indeed_o be_v his_o faith_n for_o he_o will_v not_o subscribe_v to_o their_o maxim_n who_o constrain_v the_o faithful_a to_o be_v circumcise_a though_o he_o may_v have_v thereby_o avoid_v a_o sharp_a persecution_n but_o he_o show_v we_o that_o the_o circumcision_n of_o the_o heart_n only_o be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n that_o none_o but_o the_o new_a creature_n can_v be_v for_o the_o future_a agreeable_a to_o he_o a_o circumcision_n indeed_o infinite_o more_o painful_a than_o the_o first_o and_o a_o new_a creature_n establish_v upon_o the_o ruin_n of_o the_o world_n the_o pleasure_n of_o which_o be_v so_o dear_a to_o we_o certain_o it_o be_v impossible_a this_o doctrine_n so_o spiritual_a so_o holy_a and_o so_o necessary_a in_o itself_o shall_v have_v proceed_v only_o from_o flesh_n and_o blood_n epistle_n to_o the_o ephesian_n chap._n iii_o 17_o 18_o 19_o that_o you_o be_v root_v and_o ground_v in_o love_n may_v be_v able_a to_o comprehend_v with_o all_o saint_n what_o be_v the_o breadth_n and_o length_n and_o depth_n and_o height_n and_o to_o know_v the_o love_n of_o christ_n which_o pass_v all_o knowledge_n etc._n etc._n have_v the_o apostle_n be_v such_o deceiver_n as_o the_o incredulous_a will_v have_v they_o to_o be_v what_o mean_v those_o transport_v of_o admiration_n as_o often_o as_o they_o reflect_v on_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n which_o every_o page_n of_o this_o book_n be_v full_a of_o be_v they_o then_o deceive_v no_o sure_o because_o they_o can_v not_o be_v impose_v upon_o in_o such_o certain_a matter_n of_o fact_n have_v they_o then_o a_o mind_n to_o deceive_v other_o people_n that_o can_v not_o be_v neither_o because_o their_o write_n seem_v to_o be_v design_v only_o to_o induce_v man_n to_o fear_v god_n chap_n iu_o 24_o 25._o and_o that_o you_o put_v on_o the_o new_a man_n which_o after_o god_n be_v create_v in_o righteousness_n and_o true_a holiness_n wherefore_o put_v away_o lie_v speak_v every_o man_n truth_n with_o his_o neighbour_n etc._n etc._n a_o strange_a and_o surprise_a discourse_n indeed_o but_o which_o will_v have_v be_v much_o more_o astonish_a shall_v it_o have_v be_v utter_v by_o the_o mouth_n of_o a_o impostor_n epistle_n to_o the_o philippian_n chap._n i._n 29._o for_o unto_o you_o it_o be_v give_v in_o the_o behalf_n of_o christ_n not_o only_o to_o believe_v on_o he_o but_o also_o to_o suffer_v for_o his_o sake_n the_o stoic_n who_o have_v so_o much_o distinguish_v and_o raise_v themselves_o above_o all_o other_o man_n by_o their_o sublime_a morality_n have_v ever_o imagine_v that_o the_o wise_a man_n may_v very_o well_o preserve_v a_o tranquil_a and_o sedate_v mind_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o his_o affliction_n and_o they_o be_v so_o much_o intoxicate_v with_o pride_n that_o they_o be_v altogether_o insensible_a of_o any_o pain_n or_o torment_n but_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n go_v yet_o high_a they_o look_v upon_o the_o most_o cruel_a suffering_n as_o upon_o so_o many_o benefit_n and_o so_o many_o cause_n of_o joy_n and_o peace_n and_o ineffable_a consolation_n and_o comfort_n they_o cry_v out_o i_o rejoice_v in_o my_o suffering_n etc._n etc._n i_o delight_v in_o stripe_n in_o affliction_n etc._n etc._n nay_o more_o than_o this_o they_o return_v thanks_o to_o god_n for_o have_v be_v think_v worthy_a to_o suffer_v for_o his_o name_n be_v sake_n their_o affliction_n give_v rise_v to_o their_o gratitude_n and_o all_o this_o because_o they_o be_v support_v by_o a_o divine_a hand_n and_o be_v most_o certain_a to_o obtain_v a_o everlasting_a reward_n a_o strange_a thing_n indeed_o that_o this_o certainty_n only_o shall_v be_v absolute_o requisite_a to_o demonstrate_v the_o truth_n of_o religion_n the_o apostle_n can_v never_o have_v entertain_v any_o false_a hope_n of_o reward_n because_o their_o hope_n be_v ground_v on_o what_o they_o have_v see_v and_o on_o the_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o god_n they_o have_v both_o receive_v and_o often_o impart_v to_o other_o we_o can_v then_o doubt_v but_o that_o they_o have_v the_o hope_n of_o a_o future_a reward_n in_o prospect_n unless_o we_o will_v be_v wilful_o blind_a and_o ignorant_a so_o blind_a must_v the_o incredulous_a be_v who_o wilful_o shut_v their_o eye_n and_o refuse_v to_o be_v convince_v of_o so_o evident_a a_o truth_n first_o epistle_n to_o the_o thessalonian_n chap._n i._n 4._o for_o our_o gospel_n come_v not_o unto_o you_o in_o word_n only_o but_o also_o in_o power_n and_o in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n etc._n etc._n by_o these_o word_n it_o appear_v that_o the_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n continual_o testify_v of_o the_o gospel_n chap._n iii_o 4._o for_o very_o when_o we_o be_v with_o you_o we_o tell_v you_o before_o that_o we_o shall_v suffer_v tribulation_n even_o as_o â—t_a come_v to_o pass_v and_o you_o know_v the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n have_v be_v prepare_v by_o he_o and_o have_v prepare_v themselves_o nay_o prepare_v their_o successor_n also_o to_o suffer_v patient_o according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o this_o apostle_n who_o say_v in_o another_o place_n 2_o tim._n 3._o 12._o all_o that_o will_v live_v godly_a in_o christ_n jesus_n shall_v suffer_v persecution_n it_o be_v therefore_o in_o cold_a blood_n with_o their_o own_o choice_n and_o free_a deliberation_n they_o suffer_v such_o torment_n chap._n v._o 27._o i_o charge_v you_o by_o the_o lord_n that_o this_o epistle_n be_v read_v unto_o all_o the_o holy_a brethren_n st._n paul_n fear_v not_o in_o the_o least_o his_o be_v contradict_v or_o convince_v of_o any_o falsity_n he_o have_v advance_v concern_v his_o affliction_n and_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o therefore_o he_o command_v that_o his_o epistle_n shall_v be_v read_v to_o all_o the_o holy_a brethren_n first_o epistle_n to_o timothy_n chap._n iii_o 16._o and_o without_o controversy_n great_a be_v the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n god_n be_v manifest_a in_o the_o flesh_n justify_v in_o the_o spirit_n see_v of_o angel_n preach_v unto_o the_o gentile_n believe_v on_o in_o the_o world_n receive_v up_o into_o glory_n this_o mystery_n can_v be_v invent_v only_o by_o humane_a understanding_n for_o several_a reason_n 1._o because_o it_o be_v so_o great_a and_o sublime_a that_o man_n though_o never_o so_o learned_a and_o quick_a sight_v in_o other_o thing_n yet_o will_v never_o have_v be_v able_a to_o find_v it_o out_o of_o themselves_o bare_o by_o the_o scrutiny_n of_o their_o reason_n 2._o because_o they_o be_v only_o poor_a fisherman_n that_o preach_v it_o 3._o because_o this_o so_o sublime_a and_o magnificent_a object_n proceed_v if_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v from_o the_o death_n and_o suffering_n of_o a_o man_n who_o be_v condemn_v and_o punish_v with_o the_o most_o rigorous_a punishment_n that_o can_v be_v think_v of_o for_o it_o be_v only_o after_o the_o passion_n of_o christ_n that_o the_o disciple_n go_v about_o preach_v every_o where_o the_o wonderful_a work_n of_o god_n 4._o and_o last_o because_o the_o contemplation_n of_o it_o depend_v upon_o experience_n itself_o and_o although_o this_o mystery_n appear_v at_o first_o view_n infinite_o exalt_v above_o the_o reach_n of_o our_o capacity_n yet_o it_o must_v have_v be_v both_o see_v and_o touch_v by_o the_o disciple_n they_o certain_o see_v christ_n and_o behold_v his_o glory_n as_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o only_a son_n of_o god_n full_a of_o grace_n and_o truth_n they_o see_v with_o their_o eye_n that_o flesh_n in_o which_o corporeal_o dwell_v a_o entire_a fullness_n of_o the_o glorious_a godhead_n they_o be_v full_o convince_v of_o the_o extraordinary_a excellence_n of_o his_o mystery_n and_o the_o perfection_n of_o his_o holiness_n they_o themselves_o receive_v the_o gift_n of_o that_o same_o spirit_n in_o which_o god_n himself_o be_v justify_v they_o see_v angel_n ascend_v and_o descend_v to_o minister_v unto_o he_o they_o preach_v it_o themselves_o to_o the_o gentile_n and_o so_o compel_v the_o world_n to_o believe_v in_o he_o by_o their_o patience_n and_o preach_v which_o be_v continual_o attend_v with_o the_o demonstration_n of_o that_o spirit_n and_o the_o evidence_n of_o those_o miracle_n perform_v by_o they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n last_o he_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n in_o their_o sight_n so_o that_o these_o be_v all_o sure_a and_o certain_a proofsof_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o great_a mystery_n which_o can_v in_o the_o least_o be_v suspect_v second_o epistle_n to_o timothy_n chap._n iii_o 15_o 16._o and_o that_o from_o a_o child_n thou_o have_v know_v the_o holy_a scripture_n etc._n etc._n all_o scripture_n be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n there_o be_v no_o maintain_v false_a religion_n in_o the_o world_n but_o by_o the_o help_n of_o ignorance_n negligence_n and_o a_o blind_a submission_n but_o the_o christian_a religion_n can_v be_v suspect_v of_o any_o
such_o defect_n because_o it_o be_v whole_o found_v upon_o instruction_n and_o knowledge_n search_v the_o scripture_n for_o in_o they_o you_o think_v you_o have_v eternal_a life_n john_n 5._o 39_o chap._n iu._n 7_o 8_o i_o have_v fight_v a_o good_a fight_n i_o have_v finish_v my_o course_n i_o have_v keep_v the_o faith_n henceforth_o there_o be_v lay_v up_o for_o i_o a_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n st._n paul_n be_v draw_v nigh_o towards_o his_o latter_a end_n and_o the_o word_n of_o a_o die_a man_n be_v always_o to_o be_v regard_v whence_o then_o come_v that_o cheerful_a joy_n the_o apostle_n so_o natural_o express_v in_o this_o occasion_n his_o hope_n have_v they_o be_v of_o this_o world_n must_v have_v be_v soon_o bury_v with_o he_o in_o his_o grave_n and_o his_o happiness_n too_o at_o a_o end_n whence_o then_o derive_v he_o that_o great_a confidence_n which_o he_o seem_v to_o have_v have_v be_v it_o from_o the_o inward_a sense_n of_o a_o guilty_a conscience_n which_o reproach_v he_o for_o have_v betray_v the_o synagogue_n blemish_v his_o country_n man_n deceive_v mankind_n testify_v of_o a_o seducer_n and_o forge_v such_o fictitious_a vision_n by_o the_o most_o signal_n imposture_n that_o ever_o be_v let_v any_o one_o believe_v it_o if_o he_o can_v first_o epistle_n of_o st._n peter_n chap._n i._n 3._o bless_a be_v the_o god_n and_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n which_o according_a to_o his_o abundant_a mercy_n have_v beget_v we_o again_o unto_o a_o lively_a hope_n by_o the_o resurrection_n of_o jesus_n christ_n from_o the_o dead_a the_o mind_n of_o those_o writer_n be_v so_o full_a of_o the_o salvation_n that_o be_v reveal_v to_o they_o that_o they_o be_v never_o weary_a of_o return_v thanks_o to_o god_n for_o it_o chap._n ii_o 17_o 18_o 19_o 20._o honour_n all_o man_n love_v the_o brotherhood_n fear_v god_n honour_n the_o king_n servant_n be_v subject_a to_o your_o master_n with_o all_o fear_n not_o only_o to_o the_o good_a and_o gentle_a but_o also_o to_o the_o froward_a etc._n etc._n for_o what_o glory_n be_v it_o if_o when_o you_o be_v buffet_v for_o your_o fault_n you_o shall_v take_v it_o patient_o but_o if_o when_o you_o do_v well_o and_o suffer_v for_o it_o you_o take_v it_o patient_o this_o be_v acceptable_a with_o god_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v a_o strange_a thing_n we_o shall_v be_v desire_v to_o own_o that_o a_o mutual_a agreement_n of_o malice_n and_o falsehood_n which_o real_o be_v a_o wonderful_a agreement_n of_o piety_n charity_n obedience_n and_o righteousness_n paul_n express_v himself_o like_o peter_n and_o peter_n speak_v like_o paul_n they_o both_o act_v and_o suffer_v alike_o nay_o they_o bear_v the_o very_a same_o testimony_n be_v endow_v with_o the_o same_o patience_n practise_v the_o very_a same_o virtue_n and_o discover_v one_o and_o the_o same_o wisdom_n in_o all_o their_o word_n now_o what_o have_v we_o any_o reason_n to_o suspect_v in_o all_o this_o second_o epistle_n of_o st._n peter_n chap._n i._n 16_o 17_o 18._o for_o we_o have_v not_o follow_v cunning_o devise_v fable_n when_o we_o make_v know_v unto_o you_o the_o power_n and_o come_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n but_o be_v eye-witness_n of_o his_o majesty_n for_o he_o receive_v from_o god_n the_o father_n honour_n and_o glory_n when_o there_o come_v such_o a_o voice_n to_o he_o from_o the_o excellent_a glory_n this_o be_v my_o well_o belove_a son_n in_o who_o i_o be_o well_o please_v and_o this_o voice_n which_o come_v from_o heaven_n we_o hear_v when_o we_o be_v with_o he_o in_o the_o holy_a mount_n etc._n etc._n this_o be_v a_o witness_n who_o speak_v of_o what_o he_o have_v see_v who_o suffer_v death_n in_o defence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o testimony_n who_o see_v it_o not_o alone_o for_o several_a other_o have_v see_v the_o same_o thing_n who_o speak_v not_o out_o of_o any_o principle_n of_o interest_n or_o conceal_v what_o he_o know_v through_o any_o fear_n or_o apprehension_n of_o death_n and_o who_o for_o all_o that_o do_v his_o utmost_a endeavour_n to_o sanctify_v mankind_n and_o bestow_v all_o his_o time_n his_o labour_n and_o his_o life_n in_o advance_v such_o a_o extraordinary_a work_n which_o be_v so_o little_a to_o be_v suspect_v and_o if_o so_o what_o man_n be_v there_o that_o can_v reasonable_o mistrust_v he_o first_o epistle_n of_o st._n john_n chap._n i._n 1_o 3._o that_o which_o be_v from_o the_o beginning_n which_o we_o have_v hear_v which_o we_o have_v see_v with_o our_o eye_n which_o we_o have_v look_v upon_o and_o our_o hand_n have_v handle_v of_o the_o word_n of_o life_n declare_v we_o unto_o you_o etc._n etc._n if_o you_o shall_v doubt_v whether_o the_o apostle_n do_v real_o go_v about_o testify_v every_o where_o that_o they_o have_v see_v with_o their_o eye_n both_o the_o miracle_n and_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v but_o learn_v it_o from_o their_o epistle_n and_o their_o own_o word_n too_o chap._n ii_o 1._o my_o little_a child_n these_o thing_n write_v i_o unto_o you_o that_o you_o sin_v not_o but_o what_o be_v it_o to_o he_o whether_o man_n sin_v or_o not_o do_v ever_o the_o design_n of_o sanctify_a mankind_n and_o contribute_v to_o their_o salvation_n at_o the_o cost_n of_o one_o blood_n one_o liberty_n one_o life_n enter_v before_o into_o any_o man_n heart_n but_o they_o these_o and_o the_o like_a reflection_n be_v of_o themselves_o sufficient_a to_o give_v the_o reader_n a_o relish_n of_o those_o truth_n and_o incite_v he_o to_o make_v some_o of_o his_o own_o as_o shall_v more_o effectual_o instruct_v and_o convince_v he_o for_o my_o part_n i_o have_v make_v several_a which_o perhaps_o satisfy_v i_o better_o than_o they_o will_v any_o body_n else_o and_o no_o question_n but_o he_o will_v also_o make_v several_a of_o his_o own_o that_o will_v convince_v he_o far_o better_o than_o those_o of_o another_o in_o the_o mean_a while_n let_v we_o pass_v on_o to_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o substance_n of_o that_o religion_n which_o christ_n himself_o do_v bring_v into_o the_o world_n for_o after_o have_v consider_v the_o outside_n it_o be_v very_o necessary_a to_o look_v into_o the_o inward_a part_n of_o the_o building_n section_n iu._n wherein_o we_o shall_v prove_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n by_o the_o consideration_n of_o its_o nature_n and_o property_n several_a portraiture_n in_o which_o it_o may_v be_v consider_v hitherto_o we_o have_v insist_v as_o it_o be_v upon_o the_o shell_n and_o bark_n of_o religion_n we_o have_v examine_v the_o proof_n take_v from_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v the_o first_o that_o offer_v themselves_o to_o our_o mind_n it_o seem_v therefore_o now_o expedient_a we_o shall_v discover_v as_o it_o be_v the_o substance_n and_o spirit_n of_o christianity_n and_o so_o proceed_v to_o those_o other_o proof_n draw_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o and_o that_o by_o show_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o by_o its_o beauty_n and_o proper_a excellency_n but_o because_o this_o be_v too_o copious_a a_o subject_n for_o we_o who_o study_n brevity_n we_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o reduce_v what_o we_o have_v to_o say_v into_o as_o small_a a_o compass_n as_o we_o can_v and_o since_o we_o can_v allow_v our_o reflection_n their_o due_a and_o proper_a extent_n to_o give_v at_o least_o some_o plan_n or_o draught_n of_o the_o same_o as_o shall_v supply_v that_o defect_n and_o though_o the_o christian_a religion_n may_v be_v consider_v under_o several_a different_a face_n because_o in_o this_o respect_n it_o be_v like_a unto_o its_o object_n which_o have_v no_o bound_n to_o confine_v its_o extent_n yet_o methinks_v we_o may_v give_v a_o idea_n just_a and_o adequate_a enough_o to_o our_o present_a design_n by_o consider_v it_o in_o eleven_o different_a draught_n or_o portraiture_n i._o in_o the_o multitude_n of_o testimony_n give_v in_o favour_n of_o it_o which_o we_o shall_v touch_v upon_o cursory_o because_o we_o have_v already_o partly_o examine_v they_o all_o ii_o in_o its_o essential_a opposition_n to_o all_o false_a religion_n that_o ever_o be_v iii_o in_o its_o effect_n which_o can_v only_o just_o be_v refer_v to_o a_o divine_a and_o supernatural_a cause_n iv._o in_o the_o purity_n of_o its_o end_n v._o in_o its_o suitableness_n to_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n which_o it_o undertake_v to_o reform_v vi_o in_o the_o relation_n it_o have_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n which_o it_o shall_v advance_v vii_o in_o its_o morality_n viii_o in_o its_o mystery_n ix_o in_o the_o conformity_n of_o its_o mystery_n to_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n x._o in_o that_o exact_a proportion_n it_o bear_v to_o the_o jewish_a religion_n xi_o and_o last_o in_o that_o proportion_n it_o bear_v to_o natural_a religion_n i_o hope_v these_o portraiture_n will_v like_o so_o many_o
degree_n of_o light_n wonderful_o illuminate_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o incredulous_a and_o discover_v to_o they_o the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n by_o the_o sublimity_n and_o excellency_n of_o it_o i._o portraiture_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o it_o be_v consider_v in_o the_o multitude_n of_o testimony_n give_v in_o favour_n of_o it_o though_o testimony_n be_v somewhat_o foreign_a and_o exterior_a to_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o therefore_o may_v seem_v improper_a to_o discover_v the_o perfection_n of_o it_o yet_o it_o will_v appear_v they_o do_v discover_v it_o if_o we_o but_o careful_o unite_v they_o together_o and_o so_o consider_v well_o their_o joint_a union_n and_o agreement_n we_o can_v but_o have_v a_o very_a great_a idea_n of_o a_o religion_n which_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n have_v be_v please_v to_o confirm_v unto_o we_o by_o nine_o several_a testimony_n each_o whereof_o will_v have_v be_v single_o sufficient_a to_o discover_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o the_o first_o be_v that_o of_o the_o prophet_n who_o all_o testify_v of_o jesus_n christ_n by_o a_o long_a and_o continue_a series_n of_o prophecy_n some_o far_o plain_a than_o the_o rest_n for_o some_o of_o the_o prophet_n see_v almost_o as_o clear_v in_o the_o night_n as_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v of_o shadow_n and_o figurative_a type_n as_o we_o can_v in_o the_o day_n of_o their_o exact_a accomplishment_n as_o have_v be_v already_o show_v the_o second_o be_v that_o of_o john_n the_o baptist_n so_o much_o the_o more_o certain_a because_o it_o be_v foretell_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o christ_n and_o his_o disciple_n continual_o refer_v the_o jew_n to_o that_o testimony_n so_o much_o the_o more_o considerable_a because_o we_o can_v suspect_v john_n the_o baptist_n of_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o any_o base_a complacency_n towards_o the_o jew_n or_o mean_a design_n for_o his_o own_o interest_n the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n have_v be_v please_v to_o set_v he_o above_o such_o suspicion_n by_o the_o austerity_n of_o his_o manner_n and_o his_o unusual_a way_n of_o live_v set_v down_o in_o the_o gospel_n with_o such_o a_o strange_a and_o particular_a description_n the_o three_o be_v that_o of_o the_o apostle_n those_o witness_n who_o constancy_n be_v try_v by_o the_o severe_a punishment_n inflict_v upon_o they_o yet_o they_o bold_o resist_v the_o violence_n offer_v they_o by_o so_o many_o torment_v they_o endure_v torment_v sufficient_a to_o extort_v even_o from_o the_o great_a malefactor_n a_o confession_n of_o their_o crime_n yet_o here_o be_v the_o difference_n between_o they_o and_o common_a offender_n that_o the_o latter_a be_v compel_v unwilling_o to_o undergo_v the_o torture_n but_o the_o disciple_n of_o our_o lord_n rejoice_v in_o be_v think_v worthy_a to_o suffer_v malefactor_n indeed_o know_v certain_o they_o shall_v be_v execute_v if_o they_o confess_v the_o truth_n but_o the_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n will_v have_v have_v much_o more_o reason_n to_o fear_v death_n have_v they_o disguise_v the_o truth_n by_o any_o close_a deceit_n the_o four_o testimony_n be_v that_o of_o the_o three_o person_n which_o bare_a record_n in_o heaven_n the_o father_n when_o he_o declare_v in_o jordan_n that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v his_o well_o belove_a son_n in_o who_o he_o be_v well_o please_v and_o in_o another_o place_n i_o have_v glorify_v he_o and_o will_v glorify_v he_o again_o the_o son_n when_o he_o testify_v of_o himself_o by_o his_o miracle_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n when_o he_o confirm_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o son_n by_o the_o effusion_n of_o his_o extraordinary_a and_o miraculous_a gift_n upon_o the_o disciple_n the_o five_o be_v that_o of_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n which_o acknowledge_v free_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n can_v remove_v our_o fear_n comfort_v we_o in_o our_o affliction_n humble_a our_o mind_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o plenty_n and_o strengthen_v they_o in_o poverty_n in_o a_o word_n sanctify_v we_o by_o deliver_v we_o from_o our_o sin_n and_o so_o consequent_o supply_v all_o our_o want_n and_o necessity_n the_o six_o be_v that_o even_o of_o the_o enemy_n of_o our_o religion_n who_o have_v be_v force_v to_o speak_v favourable_o on_o our_o side_n the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n have_v testify_v in_o our_o behalf_n the_o wisdom_n of_o providence_n and_o the_o convince_a force_n of_o truth_n have_v oblige_v they_o tacit_o to_o own_o that_o truth_n against_o which_o they_o have_v declare_v themselves_o such_o inveterate_a and_o implacable_a enemy_n the_o ancient_a jew_n believe_v that_o the_o famous_a 11._o prophecy_n jacob_n utter_v upon_o his_o deathbed_n the_o sceptre_n shall_v etc._n etc._n be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o messiah_n this_o their_o own_o write_n testify_v and_o their_o talmud_n acknowledge_v that_o that_o man_n of_o sorrow_n and_o acquaint_v with_o grief_n who_o be_v to_o be_v bruise_v for_o our_o iniquity_n and_o from_o 12._o who_o they_o hide_v their_o face_n as_o from_o a_o leper_n be_v the_o true_a messiah_n nay_o they_o be_v force_v to_o have_v recourse_n to_o the_o extravagant_a fiction_n of_o a_o double_a messiah_n and_o even_o by_o that_o they_o pay_v a_o kind_n of_o homage_n to_o the_o truth_n the_o samaritan_n be_v of_o opinion_n that_o the_o messiah_n be_v short_o to_o appear_v in_o the_o world_n as_o be_v evident_a by_o the_o discourse_n of_o christ_n with_o the_o woman_n of_o samaria_n and_o this_o the_o jew_n be_v so_o strong_o persuade_v of_o that_o some_o of_o they_o choose_v rather_o to_o own_o herod_n the_o great_a for_o the_o messiah_n though_o a_o idumaean_a and_o wicked_a prince_n than_o renounce_v a_o opinion_n they_o be_v prepossess_v with_o and_o which_o be_v so_o deep_o root_v in_o their_o mind_n other_o led_z away_o by_o the_o same_o opinion_n cast_v their_o eye_n upon_o one_o agrippa_n descend_v from_o herod_n who_o be_v engage_v in_o the_o roman_a party_n other_o also_o instigate_v by_o the_o 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be_v several_a famous_a emperor_n who_o be_v not_o able_a to_o conceal_v from_o the_o world_n their_o favourable_a opinion_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o some_o of_o they_o have_v for_o inscription_n in_o their_o public_a edifice_n several_a maxim_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o other_o will_v have_v consecrate_v church_n for_o the_o use_v of_o the_o christian_n and_o last_o that_o other_o profess_a themselves_o admirer_n of_o the_o morality_n of_o christ._n but_o what_o shall_v we_o say_v of_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n who_o not_o be_v able_a to_o deny_v christ_n miracle_n be_v force_v to_o refer_v they_o some_o to_o a_o magic_a power_n and_o other_o to_o a_o certain_a i_o know_v not_o what_o mysterious_a pronunciation_n of_o the_o word_n jehovah_n so_o strange_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v that_o even_o the_o very_a enemy_n of_o our_o religion_n shall_v thus_o testify_v of_o it_o and_o yet_o scarce_o perceive_v it_o the_o seven_o testimony_n be_v that_o of_o several_a strange_a 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have_v confer_v upon_o he_o only_o out_o of_o love_n and_o complaisance_n to_o a_o impostor_n that_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o disciple_n shall_v so_o ready_o sacrifice_v their_o estate_n reputation_n repose_v and_o life_n itself_o to_o a_o person_n they_o know_v to_o be_v a_o false_a christ_n that_o the_o heaven_n shall_v countenance_v a_o flame_n and_o a_o lie_n by_o work_v such_o signal_n and_o sensible_a miracle_n that_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n shall_v have_v find_v every_o thing_n that_o can_v supply_v its_o want_n and_o necessity_n in_o a_o mere_a cheat_n that_o even_o the_o enemy_n of_o our_o religion_n shall_v countenance_v and_o approve_v of_o our_o false_a prejudices_fw-la that_o all_o event_n shall_v so_o exact_o coincide_v with_o a_o erroneous_a imposture_n and_o that_o the_o revelation_n of_o moses_n and_o natural_a religion_n shall_v thus_o testify_v so_o palpable_a a_o fiction_n to_o this_o we_o may_v add_v the_o necessity_n and_o importance_n of_o 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may_v crush_v they_o in_o piece_n with_o its_o wheel_n as_o it_o pass_v along_o but_o no_o religion_n beside_o the_o christian_a be_v ever_o confirm_v by_o the_o blood_n of_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o sensible_a understand_a martyr_n who_o voluntary_o suffer_v death_n in_o defence_n of_o what_o they_o have_v see_v who_o from_o vicious_a and_o profligate_v person_n become_v saint_n upon_o the_o confidence_n they_o have_v in_o their_o master_n and_o who_o at_o length_n be_v disperse_v in_o all_o place_n of_o the_o world_n by_o their_o death_n gain_v proselyte_n and_o make_a their_o blood_n the_o seed_n of_o the_o church_n cheerful_o suffer_v martyrdom_n have_v certain_a assurance_n of_o be_v crown_v after_o their_o death_n a_o certain_a assurance_n which_o they_o derive_v from_o what_o they_o themselves_o have_v former_o see_v we_o find_v other_o religion_n which_o pretend_v to_o be_v confirm_v and_o authorize_v by_o several_a sign_n and_o extraordinary_a event_n from_o heaven_n the_o roman_n feliâ—_n use_v to_o attribute_v to_o their_o religion_n all_o the_o advantage_n they_o get_v over_o other_o nation_n and_o the_o mahometan_n pretend_v that_o the_o great_a success_n god_n be_v please_v to_o give_v their_o prophet_n be_v so_o many_o certain_a and_o undeniable_a mark_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o religion_n but_o to_o pretend_v that_o temporal_a prosperity_n be_v a_o certain_a character_n of_o a_o true_a religion_n or_o adversity_n that_o of_o a_o false_a one_o be_v to_o suppose_v as_o we_o have_v already_o say_v else_o where_o that_o the_o most_o profligate_v wretch_n provide_v they_o be_v happy_a in_o this_o world_n be_v the_o great_a favourite_n of_o god_n but_o certain_o it_o be_v not_o prosperity_n or_o adversity_n simple_o consider_v but_o prosperity_n or_o adversity_n as_o foretell_v by_o god_n or_o his_o prophet_n that_o be_v a_o certain_a character_n of_o true_a religion_n and_o when_o we_o affirm_v that_o several_a extraordinary_a event_n bear_v witness_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n we_o mean_v only_o those_o event_n which_o have_v be_v foretell_v by_o the_o prophet_n as_o for_o instance_n the_o call_n of_o the_o gentile_n the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o establishment_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n final_o there_o may_v be_v several_a religion_n that_o may_v deceive_v but_o none_o but_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o can_v true_o satisfy_v mankind_n there_o be_v some_o religion_n ground_v upon_o fabulous_a miracle_n and_o confirm_v by_o witness_n easy_o convince_v of_o imposture_n but_o none_o but_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v firm_o and_o solid_o establish_v to_o upon_o true_a miracle_n and_o valid_a testimony_n it_o appear_v then_o that_o no_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n have_v such_o extraordinary_a qualification_n as_o the_o christian_a religion_n of_o which_o it_o must_v also_o be_v affirm_v that_o it_o be_v free_a from_o all_o such_o defect_n as_o be_v incident_a to_o other_o religion_n we_o need_v no_o deep_a
search_n no_o great_a sagacity_n or_o penetration_n of_o mind_n to_o discover_v this_o truth_n for_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v not_o design_v for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o carnal_a and_o worldly_a appetite_n of_o man_n as_o that_o of_o the_o present_a jew_n who_o aspire_v only_o after_o temporal_a prosperity_n and_o worldy_a pomp_n nor_o be_v it_o a_o monstrous_a medley_n like_o that_o of_o the_o samaritan_n make_v up_o of_o a_o ridiculous_a mixture_n of_o the_o pagan_a and_o jewish_a religion_n nor_o be_v it_o impious_a and_o cruel_a like_o that_o of_o the_o gnostic_n nor_o have_v it_o any_o of_o the_o fault_n or_o extravagant_a superstition_n of_o the_o pagan_a religion_n but_o since_o we_o have_v not_o leisure_n to_o oppose_v it_o particular_o to_o all_o the_o error_n of_o other_o religion_n we_o must_v be_v content_v to_o show_v in_o this_o comparison_n the_o advantage_n the_o christian_a religion_n have_v above_o all_o the_o rest_n by_o lay_v down_o the_o follow_a rule_n i._n other_o religion_n as_o be_v principal_o of_o human_a invention_n and_o institution_n be_v form_v by_o degree_n from_o the_o different_a imagination_n of_o several_a person_n who_o successive_o make_v such_o addition_n or_o alteration_n as_o they_o think_v convenient_a the_o greek_n for_o example_n add_v several_a thing_n to_o that_o religion_n they_o receive_v from_o the_o egyptian_n and_o the_o roman_n to_o that_o they_o have_v receive_v from_o the_o greek_n menander_n sâ—â—ll_o improve_v the_o â—ottish_a impiety_n of_o simon_n magus_n and_o saturninus_n and_o basilides_n add_v to_o those_o of_o menander_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o man_n be_v never_o weary_a of_o invent_v nor_o the_o people_n of_o believe_a novelty_n but_o it_o be_v not_o so_o with_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o be_v whole_o deliver_v by_o christ_n be_v entire_o contain_v in_o every_o one_o of_o the_o gospel_n and_o even_o in_o each_o epistle_n of_o the_o apostle_n what_o ever_o alteration_n man_n have_v think_v fit_a to_o make_v in_o the_o doctrine_n christ_n bring_v into_o the_o world_n do_v only_o corrupt_v the_o purity_n and_o spirituality_n of_o it_o as_o appear_v by_o the_o great_a disproportion_n there_o be_v betwixt_o the_o apostolical_a doctrine_n and_o the_o ordinary_a speculation_n of_o men._n ii_o other_o religion_n dare_v not_o show_v themselves_o open_o in_o full_a light_n and_o therefore_o be_v veil_v over_o with_o a_o mysterious_a silence_n and_o affect_a darkness_n the_o gnostic_n choose_v the_o night_n to_o cover_v the_o impurity_n of_o juvenal_n their_o abominable_a mystery_n and_o the_o roman_n expose_v themselves_o to_o the_o satirical_a raillery_n of_o their_o poet_n 〈◊〉_d be_v so_o careful_a to_o conceal_v the_o worship_n they_o pay_v to_o their_o goddess_n bona_n julian_n and_o porphyrius_n set_v all_o their_o wit_n to_o work_v either_o to_o set_v off_o the_o ridiculous_a and_o offensive_a ceremony_n of_o paganism_n or_o to_o palliate_v their_o superstition_n by_o several_a various_a explanation_n of_o it_o as_o when_o they_o so_o stiff_o affirm_v that_o they_o worship_v one_o only_o supreme_a god_n though_o they_o acknowledge_v at_o the_o same_o time_n other_o subordinate_a deity_n depend_v one_o upon_o another_o and_o when_o they_o endeavour_v to_o justify_v the_o worship_n they_o pay_v to_o their_o idol_n by_o use_v many_o subtle_a and_o nice_a distinction_n it_o be_v certain_a there_o be_v a_o principle_n of_o pride_n implant_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n which_o be_v the_o reason_n they_o can_v endure_v to_o be_v accuse_v of_o entertain_v any_o absurd_a and_o extravagant_a opinion_n so_o that_o when_o ever_o their_o passion_n have_v make_v they_o embrace_v a_o religion_n which_o seem_v not_o very_o reasonable_a they_o employ_v all_o heir_n wit_n to_o make_v it_o at_o least_o appear_v consonant_a to_o reason_n but_o the_o christian_a religion_n require_v no_o veil_n to_o cover_v it_o no_o mysterious_a silence_n no_o dark_a dissimulation_n or_o close_a disguise_n although_o it_o propose_v such_o kind_n of_o object_n to_o we_o as_o be_v vast_o contrary_a to_o all_o our_o prejudices_fw-la and_o receive_v opinion_n the_o apostle_n free_o confess_v that_o the_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n be_v as_o it_o be_v a_o apparent_a folly_n but_o yet_o they_o assure_v we_o god_n be_v resolve_v to_o save_v the_o world_n by_o that_o seem_a folly_n they_o know_v that_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n become_v a_o scandal_n to_o the_o jew_n and_o a_o folly_n to_o the_o greek_a yet_o they_o public_o declare_v that_o they_o be_v determine_v not_o to_o know_v any_o thing_n save_o jesus_n christ_n and_o he_o crucify_v and_o how_o come_v it_o then_o that_o they_o do_v not_o in_o the_o least_o mince_n or_o endeavour_v to_o soften_v the_o sense_n of_o that_o seem_a paradox_n so_o far_o be_v they_o from_o conceal_v it_o but_o that_o they_o be_v strong_o and_o full_o persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o adorable_a mystery_n and_o that_o the_o abundance_n of_o their_o understanding_n serve_v only_o to_o make_v they_o more_o full_o comprehend_v the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o cross_n iii_o shall_v we_o strict_o consider_v some_o religion_n we_o shall_v find_v they_o be_v first_o for_o the_o most_o part_n institue_v either_o by_o poet_n or_o philosopher_n and_o that_o they_o general_o spring_v from_o the_o sportive_a conceit_n or_o witty_a speculation_n of_o the_o understanding_n which_o be_v the_o reason_n they_o be_v not_o so_o universal_o approve_v the_o philosopher_n always_o deride_v the_o religion_n of_o the_o vulgar_a and_o the_o vulgar_a understand_v nothing_o of_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o philosopher_n socrates_n ridicule_v the_o religion_n of_o the_o athenian_n and_o the_o athenian_n accuse_v socrates_n of_o impiety_n and_o atheism_n and_o condemn_v he_o to_o death_n the_o christian_a religion_n alone_o be_v approve_v of_o as_o well_o by_o the_o philosopher_n as_o the_o vulgar_a people_n as_o neither_o depend_v upon_o the_o ignorance_n of_o the_o latter_a nor_o proceed_v from_o the_o learning_n of_o the_o former_a it_o have_v a_o divine_a efficacy_n and_o agreeable_a power_n suitable_a to_o all_o heart_n it_o be_v adapt_v to_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o most_o simple_a and_o ignorant_a though_o infinite_o raise_v above_o the_o philosophy_n of_o the_o wise_a it_o be_v sublime_a without_o be_v nice_o speculative_a and_o simple_a without_o be_v mean_a in_o its_o sublimity_n preserve_v its_o clearness_n and_o in_o its_o simplicity_n preserve_v its_o dignity_n in_o a_o word_n there_o be_v nothing_o so_o great_a nor_o so_o inconsiderable_a in_o human_a society_n but_o what_o may_v some_o way_n fall_n under_o its_o consideration_n and_o it_o be_v equal_o approve_v of_o and_o admire_v by_o all_o iv._o other_o religion_n bring_v man_n from_o spiritual_a object_n to_o those_o that_o be_v corporeal_a and_o earthly_a the_o christian_a religion_n bring_v they_o from_o the_o object_n of_o sense_n to_o those_o of_o the_o understanding_n we_o all_o know_v that_o the_o heathen_n when_o they_o deify_v man_n or_o worship_v a_o deity_n under_o a_o human_a shape_n they_o be_v so_o far_o pay_v that_o deity_n a_o worship_n due_a to_o a_o spiritual_a nature_n that_o their_o adoration_n consist_v in_o several_a game_n show_n and_o divers_a exercise_n of_o the_o body_n the_o jew_n and_o samaritan_n by_o their_o eager_a dispute_n whether_o god_n be_v to_o be_v worship_v in_o jerusalem_n or_o in_o mount_n gerazim_n extinguish_v charity_n the_o true_a spirit_n of_o religion_n in_o their_o too_o hot_a defence_n of_o the_o external_a part_n 5._o of_o it_o nay_o the_o prophet_n complain_v former_o that_o the_o jew_n make_v 〈…〉_z to_o consist_v in_o bow_v down_o their_o head_n as_o a_o â—â—â—rush_n and_o put_v on_o sackcloth_n and_o ash_n and_o the_o holy_a scripture_n observe_v that_o the_o priest_n of_o 28._o baal_n be_v wont_a to_o cut_v themselves_o with_o knife_n and_o lance_n when_o they_o sacrifice_v to_o he_o as_o if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n to_o make_v their_o god_n hear_v their_o prayer_n but_o by_o inflict_v such_o punishment_n on_o their_o own_o body_n the_o modern_a jew_n can_v be_v persuade_v that_o we_o have_v be_v call_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o true_a god_n though_o they_o find_v we_o all_o profess_v to_o put_v our_o trust_n and_o confidence_n in_o he_o because_o they_o perceive_v not_o that_o we_o use_v any_o corporeal_a ceremony_n and_o the_o mahometan_n more_o irreligious_a than_o superstitious_a make_v their_o religion_n and_o its_o happiness_n depend_v chief_o on_o their_o sense_n when_o they_o worship_n they_o turn_v themselves_o towards_o mecha_n as_o the_o jew_n do_v towards_o jerusalem_n and_o earnest_o desire_v of_o god_n that_o he_o will_v gratify_v their_o sense_n and_o though_o they_o have_v a_o sort_n of_o a_o religious_a respect_n for_o the_o letter_n that_o compose_v the_o name_n of_o god_n and_o
god_n but_o then_o be_v willing_a also_o to_o flatter_v man_n inclination_n to_o draw_v they_o to_o his_o side_n he_o confuse_o mix_v with_o that_o idea_n the_o carnal_a and_o gross_a notion_n the_o heathen_n have_v of_o paradise_n borrow_v from_o christianity_n such_o object_n as_o must_v necessary_o mortify_v our_o passion_n and_o assume_v those_o from_o paganism_n which_o serve_v to_o flatter_v our_o bad_a inclination_n but_o the_o christian_a religion_n keep_v no_o such_o measure_n either_o with_o policy_n or_o corruption_n policy_n complain_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n necessary_o soften_v man_n courage_n and_o that_o instead_o of_o encourage_v they_o to_o listen_v themselves_o soldier_n for_o the_o welfare_n and_o preservation_n of_o the_o state_n it_o rather_o make_v they_o lamb_n who_o can_v hardly_o be_v exasperate_v against_o their_o enemy_n who_o they_o must_v continual_o pray_v for_o and_o be_v oblige_v to_o love_v as_o themselves_o and_o as_o for_o human_a frailty_n and_o corruption_n it_o murmur_n to_o see_v itself_o impugn_a by_o the_o christian_a religion_n even_o in_o the_o disposition_n and_o most_o secret_a recess_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o that_o the_o veil_n of_o hypocrisy_n and_o the_o pious_a pretence_n and_o dissimulation_n of_o the_o soul_n under_o which_o it_o think_v to_o lie_v secure_a be_v ineffectual_a against_o it_o who_o then_o but_o god_n can_v be_v the_o author_n of_o a_o religion_n so_o equal_o contrary_a both_o to_o the_o covetous_a desire_n of_o the_o mean_a and_o the_o ambition_n of_o the_o great_a and_o so_o equal_o averse_a both_o to_o policy_n and_o corruption_n x._o other_o religion_n will_v have_v god_n shall_v bear_v the_o image_n of_o man_n and_o so_o necessary_o represent_v the_o deity_n as_o weak_a miserable_a and_o infect_v with_o all_o manner_n of_o vice_n as_o man_n be_v whereas_o the_o christian_a religion_n teach_v we_o that_o man_n ought_v to_o bear_v the_o image_n of_o god_n which_o be_v a_o motive_n to_o induce_v we_o to_o become_v perfect_a as_o we_o conceive_v god_n himself_o to_o be_v holy_a and_o perfect_a that_o religion_n then_o which_o restore_v god_n his_o glory_n and_o the_o image_n of_o god_n to_o man_n must_v necessary_o be_v of_o divine_a authority_n xi_o last_o other_o false_a religion_n be_v the_o irregular_a confuse_a production_n of_o the_o polite_a and_o able_a man_n of_o those_o time_n whereas_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v a_o wonderful_a composition_n which_o seem_v whole_o to_o proceed_v from_o the_o most_o simple_a and_o ignorant_a sort_n of_o people_n the_o heathen_n have_v often_o condemn_v the_o extravagant_a notion_n the_o vulgar_a people_n have_v frame_v to_o themselves_o of_o the_o deity_n they_o have_v blame_v the_o barbarous_a cruelty_n of_o those_o sacrifice_n which_o be_v offer_v to_o their_o god_n in_o so_o many_o place_n and_o the_o impurity_n of_o their_o mystery_n the_o falsehood_n of_o their_o oracle_n and_o the_o vanity_n and_o childishness_n of_o their_o ceremony_n cicero_n say_v in_o some_o part_n of_o his_o work_n that_o two_o augur_n can_v not_o look_v one_o another_o in_o the_o face_n without_o laughter_n and_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o extravagant_a than_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o gnostic_n who_o hold_v that_o there_o be_v invisible_a eternal_a spirit_n who_o mix_v one_o with_o the_o other_o produce_v other_o we_o all_o know_v that_o when_o philosopher_n take_v upon_o they_o to_o treat_v of_o religion_n they_o always_o exceed_v one_o another_o in_o extravagancy_n and_o no_o one_o i_o dare_v say_v be_v still_o to_o learn_v what_o be_v those_o vision_n and_o fabulous_a story_n with_o which_o the_o rabbin_n fill_v their_o tradition_n the_o catalogue_n of_o which_o will_v be_v very_o curious_a indeed_o be_v it_o not_o so_o extreme_o long_a and_o though_o we_o can_v disow_v but_o that_o the_o heathen_n the_o philosopher_n etc._n etc._n make_v several_a wonderful_a discovery_n in_o art_n and_o science_n yet_o it_o will_v appear_v that_o a_o long_a succession_n of_o very_a understand_a man_n among_o they_o be_v guilty_a of_o many_o repeat_v extravagancy_n in_o this_o respect_n and_o that_o by_o a_o prodigy_n not_o to_o be_v parallel_v do_v not_o the_o christian_a religion_n offer_v such_o another_o by_o show_v we_o a_o company_n of_o wise_a and_o learned_a man_n in_o such_o ignorant_a person_n as_o the_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n christ_n certain_o it_o be_v a_o strange_a thing_n to_o see_v the_o most_o understand_a man_n become_v the_o most_o stupid_a and_o the_o most_o ignorant_a prove_v the_o most_o understanding_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n it_o be_v a_o true_a sign_n that_o god_n design_v to_o confound_v the_o understanding_n of_o the_o wise_a and_o a_o proof_n that_o their_o religion_n be_v form_v rather_o according_a to_o the_o corrupt_a desire_n of_o their_o heart_n than_o the_o dictate_v of_o their_o understanding_n for_o have_v it_o be_v according_a to_o their_o understanding_n it_o will_v have_v be_v more_o reasonable_a in_o proportion_n to_o the_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n of_o the_o author_n of_o it_o but_o because_o it_o be_v make_v to_o soothe_v their_o corrupt_a desire_n and_o flatter_v their_o passion_n it_o be_v as_o extravagant_a and_o irregular_a as_o those_o passion_n and_o now_o let_v we_o put_v together_o all_o these_o character_n and_o ask_v the_o incredulous_a whether_o they_o can_v be_v so_o extravagant_a as_o to_o ascribe_v to_o a_o impostor_n a_o religion_n so_o perfect_a in_o its_o original_a that_o nothing_o can_v ever_o since_o be_v superad_v to_o it_o but_o what_o necessary_o lessen_v the_o perfection_n of_o it_o a_o religion_n that_o propose_v its_o mystery_n with_o such_o authority_n and_o boldness_n that_o bring_v man_n from_o sensual_a object_n to_o spiritual_a one_o that_o extirpate_v corruption_n restore_v the_o principle_n of_o righteousness_n and_o uprightness_n that_o be_v imprint_v on_o our_o soul_n that_o teach_v we_o to_o glorify_v god_n without_o any_o regard_n have_v to_o self-love_n or_o pleasure_n to_o exalt_v god_n and_o humble_a ourselves_o to_o submit_v ourselves_o to_o his_o will_n who_o be_v above_o we_o all_o and_o to_o raise_v ourselves_o above_o those_o being_n that_o he_o have_v put_v in_o subjection_n under_o we_o a_o religion_n that_o be_v contrary_a to_o policy_n and_o yet_o more_o averse_a to_o corruption_n that_o astonish_v our_o reason_n and_o yet_o give_v we_o the_o peace_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o in_o a_o word_n be_v as_o delightful_a to_o the_o one_o as_o it_o be_v comfortable_a to_o the_o other_o if_o the_o christian_a religion_n than_o have_v all_o these_o qualification_n as_o it_o certain_o have_v we_o can_v doubt_v but_o that_o it_o be_v direct_o as_o to_o these_o qualification_n opposite_a to_o all_o other_o religion_n and_o if_o it_o be_v thus_o opposite_a to_o all_o other_o religion_n it_o must_v necessary_o have_v a_o principle_n opposite_a to_o they_o so_o that_o as_o all_o other_o religion_n peculiar_o belong_v to_o the_o flesh_n the_o christian_a whole_o appertain_v to_o the_o spirit_n and_o as_o the_o former_a be_v the_o product_n of_o the_o corrupt_a desire_n and_o imagination_n of_o man_n so_o the_o latter_a must_v have_v for_o its_o principle_n the_o god_n of_o holiness_n and_o purity_n iii_o portraiture_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o it_o be_v consider_v in_o its_o effect_n we_o may_v distinguish_v four_o several_a kind_n of_o society_n in_o which_o the_o efficacy_n of_o religion_n may_v be_v acknowledge_v viz._n a_o natural_a a_o political_a a_o vicious_a and_o a_o religious_a society_n and_o first_o the_o society_n of_o nature_n be_v innocent_a and_o equitable_a in_o itself_o but_o it_o can_v stand_v out_o a_o trial_n with_o man_n irregular_a and_o disorder_a passion_n man_n will_v indeed_o be_v unite_v among_o themselves_o as_o long_a as_o they_o be_v concern_v only_o in_o indifferent_a matter_n but_o covetousness_n soon_o disunite_v they_o and_o therefore_o there_o be_v something_o want_v to_o establish_v and_o confirm_v it_o as_o for_o the_o society_n of_o corruption_n and_o vice_n it_o be_v essential_o sinful_a and_o therefore_o self-interest_n and_o man_n desire_n and_o passion_n that_o form_n it_o be_v either_o to_o be_v remove_v or_o regulate_v a_o political_a society_n be_v soon_o violate_v by_o lawsuit_n war_n and_o dissension_n all_o which_o be_v occasion_v too_o by_o the_o passion_n to_o support_v therefore_o and_o maintain_v it_o such_o principle_n of_o fidelity_n be_v to_o be_v establish_v as_o shall_v remain_v inviolable_a all_o which_o be_v best_a do_v in_o a_o society_n of_o religion_n the_o most_o perfect_a of_o they_o all_o and_o as_o it_o be_v a_o prop_n to_o the_o rest_n this_o society_n must_v be_v firm_o oppose_v to_o all_o accidental_a revolution_n must_v unite_v those_o person_n together_o who_o the_o distance_n of_o time_n and_o place_n and_o the_o disparity_n of_o interest_n will_v otherwise_o
say_v that_o imposture_n and_o deceit_n never_o have_v such_o a_o design_n or_o the_o like_a success_n for_o though_o self-love_n may_v have_v hitherto_o make_v use_n of_o deceit_n and_o falsehood_n to_o effect_v its_o own_o desire_n without_o any_o regard_n have_v to_o justice_n and_o charity_n so_o indispensable_o due_a to_o our_o neighbour_n it_o be_v yet_o never_o know_v nor_o ever_o will_v be_v that_o charity_n make_v use_v of_o imposture_n and_o deceit_n to_o bring_v about_o its_o design_n for_o the_o good_a of_o other_o without_o the_o least_o consideration_n of_o its_o own_o interest_n and_o desire_n and_o to_o insist_v further_o upon_o it_o will_v be_v to_o endeavour_v to_o add_v light_n to_o the_o sun_n and_o prove_v a_o thing_n that_o be_v already_o as_o clear_a as_o noonday_n v._o portraiture_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o it_o be_v consider_v in_o its_o suitableness_n to_o the_o necessity_n of_o mankind_n we_o can_v serious_o reflect_v upon_o ourselves_o without_o immediate_o discover_v our_o own_o weakness_n misery_n and_o corruption_n neither_o can_v we_o look_v upon_o the_o christian_a religion_n without_o acknowledge_v that_o it_o be_v peculiar_o design_v to_o free_v we_o from_o those_o three_o imperfection_n inherent_a in_o our_o nature_n as_o to_o the_o corruption_n of_o man_n it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o it_o be_v the_o only_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n that_o man_n most_o know_v and_o yet_o at_o the_o same_o time_n be_v most_o ignorant_a of_o for_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o be_v palpable_a and_o evident_a to_o the_o sense_n it_o be_v easy_o believe_v that_o man_n be_v very_o wicked_a and_o corrupt_a when_o it_o be_v so_o manifest_o see_v that_o they_o commit_v so_o many_o enormous_a crime_n but_o man_n be_v still_o ignorant_a that_o there_o be_v a_o general_a depravation_n from_o nature_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o every_o man_n that_o dispose_v he_o to_o the_o strange_a irregularity_n and_o it_o have_v so_o happen_v that_o man_n have_v make_v no_o great_a reflection_n upon_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o original_a depravation_n so_o incident_a to_o mankind_n that_o it_o continual_o attend_v they_o from_o the_o cradle_n to_o the_o grave_a they_o only_o concern_v themselves_o about_o what_o be_v external_a without_o search_v into_o the_o bottom_n of_o their_o heart_n and_o conscience_n but_o the_o christian_a religion_n give_v we_o in_o that_o respect_n all_o necessary_a light_n it_o teach_v we_o that_o we_o be_v corrupt_v and_o that_o that_o corruption_n proceed_v from_o ourselves_o it_o show_v we_o the_o extent_n of_o it_o and_o confirm_v what_o the_o old_a testament_n teach_v we_o that_o all_o flesh_n have_v corrupt_v his_o way_n gen._n 6._o 12._o it_o show_v we_o that_o that_o corruption_n make_v we_o subject_a to_o the_o curse_n of_o god_n and_o that_o we_o be_v by_o nature_n the_o child_n of_o wrath_n eph._n 2._o 3._o it_o assure_v we_o that_o that_o original_a corruption_n have_v such_o power_n over_o man_n heart_n that_o it_o move_v all_o the_o faculty_n of_o his_o soul_n so_o that_o every_o imagination_n of_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n be_v only_o evil_a continual_o gen._n 6._o 5._o last_o it_o show_v we_o how_o impossible_a it_o be_v for_o man_n ever_o to_o recover_v himself_o of_o that_o malady_n so_o inveterate_a and_o deep_o root_v within_o he_o and_o that_o by_o represent_v he_o to_o we_o as_o one_o that_o be_v lame_a that_o have_v a_o lethargy_n that_o be_v dead_a in_o respect_n of_o life_n holiness_n and_o justice_n all_o which_o truth_n we_o know_v too_o well_o by_o reason_n and_o experience_n how_o come_v it_o then_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n teach_v we_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v so_o general_o unknown_a to_o mankind_n above_o all_o how_o come_v it_o to_o show_v we_o so_o distinct_o the_o true_a principle_n of_o our_o own_o corruption_n who_o teach_v the_o son_n of_o mary_n that_o self-love_n be_v the_o true_a source_n and_o original_a of_o all_o our_o irregularity_n and_o why_o do_v he_o make_v man_n to_o become_v a_o enemy_n to_o himself_o yet_o the_o christian_a religion_n not_o only_o teach_v we_o to_o know_v man_n and_o thorough_o to_o search_v into_o all_o his_o frailty_n but_o also_o that_o alone_o furnish_v we_o with_o such_o remedy_n as_o can_v cure_v all_o his_o weakness_n and_o imperfection_n for_o we_o can_v see_v that_o any_o thing_n else_o can_v do_v it_o not_o education_n which_o be_v as_o often_o evil_a as_o good_a not_o the_o civil_a law_n who_o business_n be_v only_o to_o regulate_v outward_a action_n nor_o the_o law_n in_o general_n which_o instead_o of_o remove_v rather_o increase_v this_o original_a corruption_n be_v in_o that_o respect_n like_o a_o bank_n which_o cause_v the_o flood_n to_o swell_v not_o the_o decorum_n observe_v among_o man_n which_o usual_o vary_v according_a to_o the_o diversity_n of_o country_n nor_o the_o respect_n we_o common_o have_v for_o ourselves_o a_o thing_n too_o thin_a and_o metaphysical_a not_o to_o submit_v to_o the_o sense_n of_o pleasure_n not_o reason_n itself_o which_o the_o passion_n so_o easy_o corrupt_a nor_o the_o example_n of_o man_n who_o common_o lead_v a_o very_a irregular_a life_n not_o worldly_a honour_n which_o regard_v only_o external_a pomp_n and_o grandeur_n nor_o last_o philosophy_n which_o want_v motive_n sufficient_a to_o effect_v it_o or_o if_o it_o have_v any_o it_o derive_v they_o all_o from_o our_o own_o pride_n must_v we_o then_o have_v recourse_n to_o the_o virtue_n in_o fashion_n in_o the_o world_n we_o may_v easy_o perceive_v that_o they_o be_v only_a pride_n and_o interest_n different_o manage_v according_a to_o the_o various_a turn_v and_o affair_n since_o they_o have_v no_o other_o motive_n but_o what_o they_o have_v from_o the_o world_n the_o falsehood_n of_o human_a virtue_n be_v a_o thing_n not_o to_o be_v dispute_v we_o all_o know_v that_o self-denial_n be_v only_o a_o piece_n of_o nice_a delicate_a interest_n liberality_n a_o mere_a trade_n of_o pride_n which_o value_v no_o gift_n provide_v it_o have_v the_o glory_n of_o be_v liberal_a modesty_n the_o art_n of_o conceal_v our_o vanity_n civility_n but_o a_o affect_a preference_n of_o other_o man_n before_o ourselves_o to_o conceal_v how_o much_o we_o real_o value_v ourselves_o above_o all_o the_o world_n bashfulness_n but_o a_o affect_a silence_n in_o those_o thing_n which_o our_o lust_n make_v we_o think_v of_o with_o pleasure_n the_o desire_n of_o oblige_v other_o man_n but_o a_o secret_a desire_n of_o oblige_v ourselves_o by_o get_v they_o to_o befriend_v we_o another_o time_n just_a as_o impatience_n to_o acquit_v ourselves_o of_o a_o obligation_n be_v but_o a_o shamefacedness_n for_o have_v be_v too_o long_o behold_v to_o other_o for_o some_o favour_n receive_v so_o that_o all_o these_o virtue_n in_o general_n be_v so_o many_o guard_n self-love_n make_v use_v of_o to_o prevent_v our_o darling_n and_o secret_a vice_n from_o appear_v outward_o what_o remedy_n then_o can_v be_v bring_v for_o the_o irregularity_n of_o our_o corrupt_a nature_n the_o pernicious_a poison_n of_o which_o secret_o insinuate_v itself_o even_o into_o our_o virtuousaction_n and_o who_o can_v cure_v such_o a_o distemper_n when_o the_o remedy_n apply_v to_o it_o be_v rather_o a_o disease_n than_o a_o cure_n experience_n show_v we_o that_o by_o effectual_o resist_v one_o vice_n we_o often_o confirm_v and_o establish_v another_o will_v you_o destroy_v avarice_n you_o must_v attack_v it_o by_o such_o argument_n as_o necessary_o flatter_v pride_n and_o be_v pride_n to_o be_v overcome_v it_o must_v be_v impugned_a by_o such_o motive_n as_o encourage_v avarice_n in_o vain_a shall_v you_o strip_v self-love_n of_o all_o its_o please_a object_n and_o allurement_n still_o it_o will_v endeavour_v to_o secure_v itself_o either_o by_o contemn_v the_o good_n of_o fortune_n or_o by_o show_v its_o moderation_n in_o patient_o endure_v disgrace_n self-love_n when_o seat_v on_o the_o throne_n make_v tyrant_n when_o reduce_v to_o want_v and_o poverty_n it_o make_v philosopher_n who_o despise_v every_o thing_n they_o can_v enjoy_v it_o oft_o indeed_o change_v its_o object_n but_o not_o its_o disposition_n it_o be_v pride_n as_o i_o may_v say_v outlive_v its_o own_o death_n and_o not_o be_v able_a to_o prevent_v its_o perish_v it_o will_v seem_v to_o look_v pleasant_o upon_o its_o downfall_n and_o as_o it_o be_v triumph_n in_o its_o own_o ruin_n who_o then_o can_v give_v this_o hydra_n its_o death_n wound_n when_o the_o lop_n off_o one_o head_n serve_v only_o to_o give_v rise_v to_o another_o it_o be_v certain_a therefore_o that_o nothing_o can_v remedy_v this_o corruption_n unless_o it_o be_v more_o constant_a than_o the_o principle_n of_o education_n more_o infallible_a than_o the_o rule_n of_o decency_n and_o civility_n more_o holy_a than_o the_o civil_a law_n which_o require_v only_o a_o
outward_a purity_n and_o consult_v the_o exterior_a good_a of_o public_a society_n more_o powerful_a than_o all_o worldly_a honour_n which_o regard_v only_a pomp_n and_o renown_n more_o effectual_a than_o all_o worldly_a motive_n which_o be_v unable_a to_o subvert_v those_o passion_n the_o vanity_n of_o which_o they_o flatter_v more_o strong_a than_o a_o vain_a and_o fruitless_a wisdom_n which_o pretend_v to_o free_a man_n from_o his_o misery_n by_o annihilate_v he_o and_o have_v no_o other_o motive_n but_o what_o proceed_v from_o the_o great_a of_o our_o imperfection_n our_o pride_n the_o christian_a religion_n alone_o have_v all_o these_o advantage_n and_o consequent_o be_v alone_o suitable_a to_o the_o necessity_n of_o man._n it_o be_v that_o which_o purify_v the_o very_a bottom_n of_o our_o conscience_n by_o show_v we_o that_o it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o cleanse_v the_o outside_o of_o the_o cup_n and_o the_o platter_n it_o reform_v our_o principle_n by_o make_v a_o temporal_a interest_n give_v place_n to_o a_o eternal_a one_o and_o extinguish_v the_o desire_n of_o a_o imaginary_a by_o the_o hope_n of_o a_o real_a immortality_n it_o propose_v to_o we_o a_o unalterable_a rule_n and_o a_o true_a model_n of_o perfection_n to_o go_v by_o it_o inform_v we_o that_o we_o have_v both_o a_o judge_n and_o a_o witness_n of_o all_o our_o action_n who_o discover_v we_o though_o in_o the_o dark_a and_o cover_v as_o it_o be_v with_o a_o cloud_n who_o pierce_v eye_n see_v through_o all_o our_o pretence_n and_o disguise_n who_o force_v we_o to_o know_v ourselves_o to_o combat_v and_o mortify_v our_o desire_n and_o that_o whether_o we_o be_v see_v or_o not_o see_v whether_o the_o world_n approve_v or_o condemn_v our_o action_n god_n be_v essential_o independent_a from_o all_o outward_a object_n and_o not_o limit_v by_o any_o exterior_a circumstance_n and_o indeed_o what_o but_o such_o a_o infinite_a deity_n can_v have_v supply_v we_o with_o such_o a_o remedy_n so_o effectual_a and_o so_o suitable_a to_o all_o our_o want_n and_o necessity_n for_o misery_n and_o wretchedness_n be_v the_o portion_n of_o our_o corruption_n and_o he_o that_o can_v shake_v off_o the_o latter_a will_v certain_o always_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o two_o former_a nor_o be_v it_o sufficient_a to_o say_v that_o man_n be_v miserable_a we_o may_v add_v that_o he_o be_v in_o some_o measure_n the_o very_a centre_n of_o misery_n we_o see_v that_o whilst_o all_o other_o animal_n peaceable_o enjoy_v those_o good_a thing_n nature_n have_v allot_v they_o man_n seem_v to_o be_v in_o some_o respect_n mark_v out_o for_o misery_n by_o the_o hand_n of_o divine_a justice_n they_o be_v equal_o dissatisfy_v as_o well_o with_o what_o they_o possess_v as_o what_o they_o possess_v not_o they_o be_v terrify_v with_o the_o idea_n they_o have_v of_o death_n torment_v with_o the_o consideration_n of_o futurity_n afflict_v that_o they_o be_v unable_a to_o fix_v time_n which_o bear_v they_o away_o with_o it_o as_o it_o roll_v on_o miserable_a for_o what_o they_o know_v or_o rather_o for_o not_o know_v more_o mortify_v and_o disappoint_v in_o their_o desire_n torment_v with_o remorse_n affront_v and_o injure_v by_o their_o fellow-creature_n and_o harass_v by_o the_o continual_a inquietude_n of_o their_o heart_n in_o a_o word_n they_o enjoy_v peace_n and_o tranquillity_n no_o long_o than_o they_o can_v deceive_v themselves_o with_o a_o scene_n of_o imaginary_a bliss_n and_o frame_v to_o themselves_o false_a idea_n of_o their_o present_a condition_n and_o this_o desire_n of_o impose_v thus_o upon_o ourselves_o in_o fancy_v our_o happiness_n great_a than_o it_o be_v make_v we_o vain_o imagine_v we_o shall_v be_v less_o miserable_a if_o we_o be_v in_o the_o condition_n of_o those_o that_o be_v far_o above_o we_o but_o experience_n soon_o undeceive_v we_o and_o show_v that_o the_o distant_a prospect_n of_o honour_n and_o riches_n give_v more_o pleasure_n and_o delight_n than_o a_o near_a possession_n of_o they_o and_o that_o the_o hope_n of_o enjoy_v they_o make_v we_o more_o true_o happy_a than_o their_o fruition_n which_o excellent_o show_v we_o the_o emptiness_n and_o insufficiency_n of_o all_o such_o temporal_a advantage_n nor_o do_v we_o think_v it_o enough_o to_o deceive_v ourselves_o in_o respect_n of_o our_o condition_n but_o endeavour_v also_o to_o deceive_v other_o by_o make_v they_o entertain_v a_o vast_a idea_n of_o our_o merit_n or_o our_o happiness_n and_o through_o a_o certain_a weakness_n to_o be_v pity_v we_o afterward_o make_v use_n of_o that_o esteem_n and_o respect_n we_o have_v accidental_o and_o unaware_o extort_a from_o other_o to_o impose_v more_o effectual_o upon_o ourselves_o and_o enlarge_v that_o chimerical_a idea_n of_o our_o own_o perfection_n which_o self-love_n entertain_v in_o our_o breast_n with_o so_o much_o complacency_n and_o satisfaction_n who_o then_o can_v direct_v our_o mind_n or_o clear_v our_o understanding_n in_o this_o inextricable_a and_o continue_a maze_n of_o illusion_n and_o error_n the_o false_a principle_n of_o a_o false_a satisfaction_n and_o who_o can_v find_v remedy_n for_o so_o great_a a_o misery_n since_o bare_o to_o bring_v we_o acquaint_v with_o it_o will_v serve_v only_o to_o increase_v it_o the_o christian_a religion_n then_o have_v the_o character_n of_o perform_v all_o this_o be_v certain_o a_o religion_n true_o divine_a and_o be_v it_o not_o strange_a that_o it_o shall_v make_v man_n happy_a by_o teach_v he_o how_o to_o know_v himself_o and_o to_o remove_v his_o misery_n by_o shake_v off_o his_o ignorance_n especial_o when_o that_o ignorance_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o his_o tranquillity_n and_o satisfaction_n yet_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o wonder_v at_o it_o since_o religion_n give_v we_o a_o new_a prospect_n of_o thing_n and_o much_o different_a from_o what_o we_o ever_o have_v before_o it_o make_v we_o patient_o endure_v disease_n by_o discover_v to_o we_o the_o cause_n and_o design_n of_o they_o it_o comfort_v we_o in_o all_o our_o sudden_a and_o unexpected_a disgrace_n by_o assure_v we_o that_o nothing_o can_v come_v to_o pass_v without_o the_o dispensation_n of_o god_n providence_n who_o turn_v all_o thing_n to_o our_o advantage_n it_o humble_v we_o in_o prosperity_n and_o support_v we_o in_o affliction_n it_o ease_v the_o trouble_n of_o our_o heart_n by_o calm_v our_o passion_n it_o strengthen_v we_o against_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n by_o teach_v we_o to_o consider_v it_o as_o a_o passage_n to_o a_o far_o better_a life_n it_o comfort_v our_o conscience_n by_o its_o promise_n it_o continual_o attend_v we_o in_o all_o time_n in_o all_o place_n and_o in_o all_o danger_n strengthen_v we_o in_o our_o solitude_n hinder_v we_o from_o fall_v into_o deep_a melancholy_n and_o sorrow_n when_o we_o consider_v ourselves_o and_o what_o shall_v be_v our_o future_a state_n and_o last_o comfort_n and_o cheer_v we_o upon_o our_o deathbed_n where_o alone_o it_o serve_v we_o indeed_o instead_o of_o all_o thing_n when_o the_o charm_n of_o self-love_n be_v at_o a_o end_n and_o the_o scene_n of_o the_o world_n begin_v for_o ever_o to_o vanish_v out_o of_o our_o sight_n and_o true_o we_o must_v be_v wilful_o blind_a if_o we_o perceive_v not_o the_o divine_a author_n of_o that_o religion_n which_o at_o once_o show_v we_o so_o well_o our_o own_o misery_n and_o give_v we_o such_o excellent_a remedy_n for_o all_o the_o imperfection_n of_o our_o nature_n nor_o do_v it_o less_o enlighten_v our_o understanding_n in_o respect_n of_o our_o wretchedness_n another_o consequence_n of_o our_o corruption_n for_o be_v not_o man_n strange_o wretched_a and_o contemptible_a when_o in_o his_o own_o natural_a state_n he_o neither_o know_v what_o he_o himself_o be_v nor_o what_o he_o shall_v be_v but_o be_v continual_o take_v up_o with_o concern_v unworthy_a his_o nature_n full_a of_o project_n and_o notion_n but_o of_o a_o moment_n concern_n unable_a to_o bear_v long_o the_o consideration_n of_o himself_o and_o incapable_a of_o live_v without_o the_o help_n of_o other_o yet_o to_o speak_v the_o truth_n it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o there_o be_v such_o sentiment_n implant_v in_o man_n that_o plain_o discover_v some_o greatness_n in_o he_o even_o through_o his_o weakness_n and_o vnworthiness_n his_o mind_n indeed_o be_v often_o take_v up_o with_o the_o mean_a object_n yet_o can_v be_v satisfy_v with_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o great_a he_o can_v subsist_v without_o other_o man_n help_n yet_o endeavour_n to_o be_v esteem_v by_o all_o desire_v to_o diffuse_v himself_o every_o where_o by_o a_o sort_n of_o immensity_n which_o he_o derive_v only_o from_o the_o author_n of_o his_o be_v he_o be_v bury_v as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o care_n of_o this_o life_n yet_o since_o he_o find_v every_o thing_n in_o it_o disproportionable_a to_o his_o nature_n his_o thought_n aspire_v to_o eternity_n and_o
satisfy_v all_o the_o desire_n of_o our_o heart_n in_o a_o word_n it_o be_v the_o christian_a religion_n that_o sanctify_v we_o exalt_v we_o and_o complete_v all_o our_o wish_n and_o though_o man_n and_o angel_n shall_v joint_o endeavour_v to_o contrive_v a_o more_o excellent_a one_o and_o more_o suitable_a to_o our_o want_n and_o necessity_n than_o this_o it_o be_v certain_a they_o can_v never_o accomplish_v their_o design_n vi_o portraiture_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o it_o be_v consider_v in_o the_o relation_n it_o bear_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n it_o be_v with_o the_o deity_n as_o with_o the_o sun_n which_o be_v bright_a in_o itself_o diffuse_v abroad_o its_o glory_n by_o its_o beam_n and_o imprint_n upon_o the_o cloud_n or_o water_n a_o imperfect_a image_n of_o itself_o which_o image_n though_o it_o want_v the_o full_a splendour_n of_o its_o original_a be_v yet_o pure_a agreeable_a and_o adorn_v with_o sufficient_a brightness_n and_o majesty_n the_o deity_n have_v a_o essential_a glory_n consist_v in_o its_o supereminent_a virtue_n and_o infinite_a perfection_n to_o which_o nothing_o can_v be_v superad_v and_o the_o brightness_n of_o it_o be_v more_o than_o man_n can_v bear_v this_o glory_n stream_v from_o the_o eternal_a author_n of_o all_o thing_n diffuse_v itself_o abroad_o in_o all_o his_o work_n and_o form_n out_o of_o the_o bright_a efflux_n of_o those_o beam_n which_o strike_v by_o reflection_n upon_o we_o and_o be_v unite_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n a_o image_n of_o that_o refulgent_a and_o immortal_a sun_n which_o image_n though_o it_o have_v not_o all_o it_o be_v full_a perfect_a and_o dazzle_a splendour_n be_v yet_o pure_a bright_a lively_a and_o transcendent_a and_o this_o glory_n be_v what_o we_o call_v the_o christian_a religion_n easy_o prove_v to_o be_v so_o in_o that_o it_o refer_v itself_o sole_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o be_v as_o it_o be_v a_o lively_a image_n and_o transcript_n of_o his_o perfection_n and_o our_o duty_n this_o religion_n be_v alone_o capable_a of_o undeceive_a man_n by_o remove_v those_o false_a notion_n they_o have_v so_o long_o entertain_v of_o the_o deity_n this_o alone_a discover_v the_o true_a nature_n of_o god_n remove_v all_o symbol_n type_n shadow_n material_a and_o sensible_a appearance_n under_o which_o he_o be_v worship_v all_o which_o be_v more_o proper_a to_o disguise_v than_o discover_v the_o true_a nature_n of_o the_o deity_n it_o give_v we_o some_o insight_n into_o that_o nature_n by_o assure_v we_o that_o god_n be_v invisible_a and_o remove_v he_o from_o our_o sense_n to_o make_v he_o the_o object_n of_o our_o understanding_n it_o be_v this_o religion_n alone_o that_o discover_v that_o eternal_a counsel_n of_o god_n so_o full_a of_o mercy_n and_o consolation_n to_o we_o that_o he_o send_v his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n that_o whosoever_o believe_v in_o he_o shall_v not_o perish_v but_o have_v everlasting_a life_n it_o be_v this_o alone_a that_o glorify_v god_n in_o his_o attribute_n and_o show_v distinct_o their_o infinite_a perfection_n by_o this_o alone_a we_o be_v teach_v that_o god_n govern_v all_o thing_n by_o his_o providence_n that_o he_o make_v evil_a itself_o instrumental_a to_o our_o good_a that_o by_o his_o goodness_n he_o supply_v all_o our_o necessity_n that_o our_o sin_n be_v inconsistent_a with_o his_o truth_n and_o justice_n he_o can_v consequent_o bear_v with_o they_o and_o yet_o that_o his_o mercy_n and_o compassion_n be_v without_o bound_n it_o teach_v we_o not_o only_o that_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o worship_n god_n and_o serve_v he_o but_o assure_v we_o also_o that_o this_o be_v the_o end_n of_o our_o creation_n it_o teach_v we_o to_o ask_v of_o he_o above_o all_o thing_n the_o advancement_n of_o his_o own_o glory_n and_o to_o begin_v our_o petition_n with_o this_o form_n hallow_a be_v thy_o name_n thy_o kingdom_n come_v thy_o will_v be_v do_v it_o require_v of_o we_o that_o we_o shall_v glorify_v he_o not_o only_o with_o our_o lip_n or_o bare_o by_o our_o spiritual_a song_n but_o with_o all_o our_o thought_n word_n and_o work_n it_o show_v we_o that_o there_o be_v no_o creature_n but_o what_o be_v under_o his_o providence_n no_o sin_n but_o what_o may_v fall_v under_o his_o justice_n no_o sinner_n but_o what_o may_v experience_n his_o mercy_n no_o motion_n or_o inclination_n to_o â—â—â—ty_n but_o what_o ought_v to_o be_v attribute_v to_o the_o efficacy_n of_o his_o grace_n nor_o no_o unlawful_a action_n but_o what_o will_v one_o day_n fall_v under_o his_o judgement_n it_o discover_v to_o we_o such_o miracle_n as_o glorify_v his_o infinite_a power_n such_o event_n as_o clear_o manifest_v the_o wonder_n of_o his_o providence_n such_o benefit_n as_o evince_v his_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n and_o it_o allow_v all_o his_o divine_a attribute_n a_o thing_n before_o unknown_a to_o man_n their_o just_a extent_n that_o be_v a_o extent_n without_o limit_n now_o from_o whence_o can_v proceed_v those_o idea_n we_o have_v of_o the_o eternity_n of_o god_n of_o his_o immensity_n omnipotence_n his_o infinite_a knowledge_n and_o immutability_n etc._n etc._n but_o from_o this_o divine_a religion_n no_o other_o religion_n can_v at_o once_o elevate_v both_o god_n and_o man._n it_o show_v we_o how_o admirable_o man_n be_v unite_v to_o god_n and_o god_n to_o man._n it_o alone_o induce_v we_o to_o submit_v our_o will_n to_o god_n to_o acquiesce_v without_o any_o murmur_a to_o the_o decree_n of_o his_o providence_n and_o to_o direct_v all_o our_o desire_n and_o affection_n to_o he_o as_o our_o supreme_a good_n man_n indeed_o heretofore_o endeavour_v to_o honour_v their_o deity_n by_o offer_v beast_n as_o a_o sacrifice_n but_o be_v it_o ever_o know_v before_o that_o they_o be_v to_o glorify_v god_n by_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o themselves_o and_o what_o other_o religion_n but_o this_o can_v incite_v man_n to_o offer_v such_o a_o sacrifice_n in_o which_o there_o seem_v to_o be_v so_o much_o pain_n and_o reluctance_n certain_o unless_o we_o wilful_o blind_v ourselves_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n incredible_a that_o we_o shall_v not_o perceive_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v as_o it_o be_v a_o pure_a and_o spiritual_a communion_n between_o the_o perfection_n and_o attribute_n of_o god_n which_o make_v man_n sensible_a of_o their_o effect_n and_o the_o inward_a sense_n of_o man_n heart_n which_o glorify_v god_n neither_o flesh_n and_o blood_n neither_o the_o world_n nature_n or_o education_n be_v forcible_a enough_o to_o produce_v so_o great_a and_o sublime_a a_o effect_n and_o this_o can_v be_v the_o work_n of_o none_o but_o he_o who_o perfect_o know_v the_o agreement_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o be_v certain_a that_o our_o heart_n be_v whole_o make_v for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o that_o the_o sentiment_n of_o his_o glory_n be_v to_o be_v imprint_v in_o our_o heart_n only_o by_o the_o help_n of_o religion_n vii_o portraiture_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o it_o be_v consider_v in_o its_o morality_n be_v we_o never_o so_o little_o acquaint_v with_o what_o pass_v within_o we_o we_o shall_v not_o only_o find_v that_o the_o two_o principal_a faculty_n of_o our_o soul_n the_o sensitive_a and_o intellectual_a appetite_n by_o consent_n alternate_o deceive_v one_o another_o but_o we_o shall_v also_o perceive_v that_o it_o be_v almost_o impossible_a to_o undertake_v to_o rectify_v the_o one_o without_o increase_v the_o disorder_n of_o the_o other_o if_o by_o the_o knowledge_n of_o those_o thing_n we_o be_v before_o ignorant_a of_o we_o remove_v the_o darkness_n of_o our_o understanding_n we_o usual_o then_o grow_v proud_a of_o our_o learning_n and_o if_o we_o satisfy_v our_o desire_n by_o soothe_v our_o passion_n we_o often_o cherish_v the_o most_o dangerous_a principle_n of_o error_n and_o prejudice_n that_o obscure_a the_o light_n of_o the_o understanding_n and_o it_o be_v a_o truth_n but_o too_o well_o experience_v that_o the_o knowledge_n which_o enlighten_v the_o understanding_n often_o corrupt_v the_o heart_n and_o a_o sin_n indulge_v in_o which_o satisfy_v the_o heart_n corrupt_v the_o understanding_n and_o this_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o ill_a success_n those_o man_n have_v meet_v with_o who_o endeavour_v to_o regulate_v the_o desire_n of_o man._n for_o some_o observe_v not_o the_o dictate_v of_o right_a reason_n in_o be_v too_o indulgent_a to_o their_o passion_n as_o the_o epicurean_o who_o make_v pleasure_n the_o only_a end_n of_o man_n debase_v he_o to_o a_o brute_n to_o render_v he_o more_o happy_a other_o be_v puff_v up_o with_o a_o kind_n of_o spiritual_a pride_n in_o ascribe_v the_o knowledge_n of_o too_o many_o thing_n to_o their_o reason_n such_o be_v the_o stoic_n who_o forget_v that_o they_o be_v man_n because_o they_o have_v
such_o a_o deep_a penetration_n of_o mind_n and_o attempt_v to_o exalt_v man_n above_o himself_o by_o infatuate_a he_o with_o the_o conceit_n of_o his_o own_o wisdom_n but_o god_n who_o know_v best_a what_o remedy_n be_v most_o proper_a for_o we_o have_v give_v we_o a_o religion_n which_o satisfy_v the_o heart_n without_o corrupt_v the_o understanding_n and_o enlarge_v the_o understanding_n without_o corrupt_v the_o heart_n and_o that_o because_o it_o satisfy_v and_o yet_o mortify_v it_o enlighten_v and_o yet_o confound_v the_o understanding_n if_o to_o the_o understanding_n several_a great_a and_o sublime_a truth_n be_v reveal_v it_o have_v not_o therefore_o any_o pretence_n to_o exalt_v itself_o because_o it_o know_v that_o knowledge_n to_o be_v above_o its_o capacity_n and_o owe_v it_o only_o to_o revelation_n if_o the_o heart_n find_v the_o object_n of_o religion_n answerable_a to_o its_o infinite_a desire_n it_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o be_v puff_v up_o by_o they_o because_o those_o object_n destroy_v its_o darling_n passion_n and_o vicious_a inclination_n so_o that_o the_o only_a mean_n to_o enlighten_v and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n humble_a our_o understanding_n be_v to_o intermix_v some_o obscurity_n with_o the_o light_n of_o revelation_n and_o the_o only_a way_n to_o satisfy_v the_o heart_n and_o prevent_v its_o be_v puff_v up_o be_v to_o qualify_v some_o sorrowful_a and_o mortify_a duty_n with_o the_o extraordinary_a promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n thus_o the_o severity_n of_o christian_a morality_n and_o the_o obscurity_n of_o its_o mystery_n be_v two_o different_a mean_n which_o god_n have_v make_v use_n of_o to_o enlighten_v the_o understanding_n without_o puff_v up_o the_o heart_n and_o to_o satisfy_v the_o desire_n of_o the_o heart_n without_o flatter_a those_o passion_n which_o corrupt_v the_o understanding_n which_o manifest_o show_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v not_o only_o the_o divine_a stamp_n upon_o it_o since_o it_o contain_v the_o true_a manner_n of_o reform_v and_o regulate_v the_o desire_n of_o man_n heart_n but_o also_o that_o the_o severity_n of_o the_o christian_a morality_n and_o the_o difficulty_n of_o its_o mystery_n which_o shock_n the_o incredulous_a most_o in_o the_o principle_n of_o christianity_n be_v purposely_o make_v use_n of_o by_o god_n in_o his_o eternal_a wisdom_n as_o the_o most_o proper_a mean_n to_o sanctify_v mankind_n which_o be_v the_o grand_a design_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n we_o have_v then_o here_o the_o two_o most_o essential_a and_o most_o important_a part_n of_o our_o religion_n its_o morality_n and_o mystery_n the_o latter_a be_v necessary_a in_o respect_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o former_a be_v the_o rule_n of_o those_o duty_n which_o god_n be_v please_v we_o shall_v perform_v as_o a_o mean_n to_o attain_v everlasting_a life_n it_o will_v be_v superfluous_a to_o lay_v down_o here_o at_o large_a what_o doctrine_n or_o precept_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o gospel_n because_o it_o have_v please_v god_n that_o we_o can_v pretend_v any_o ignorance_n of_o they_o and_o beside_o it_o be_v the_o truth_n of_o religion_n in_o general_n we_o be_v now_o treat_v of_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o speak_v here_o only_o of_o christian_a morality_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n in_o general_n as_o for_o the_o morality_n of_o christ_n it_o have_v so_o many_o remarkable_a character_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o reflect_v upon_o any_o of_o they_o without_o immediate_o acknowledge_v its_o divinity_n for_o i._o it_o be_v it_o seem_v a_o paradox_n to_o the_o sense_n to_o the_o heart_n to_o the_o mind_n and_o nature_n of_o man._n it_o be_v never_o before_o hear_v of_o or_o know_v that_o a_o man_n must_v take_v up_o his_o cross_n and_o think_v those_o bless_a that_o be_v poor_a in_o spirit_n that_o mourn_n and_o be_v persecute_v for_o righteousness_n sake_n that_o we_o must_v love_v our_o enemy_n and_o pray_v for_o they_o that_o shall_v revile_v and_o persecute_v we_o that_o we_o must_v not_o only_o comfort_v ourselves_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o our_o affliction_n and_o cross_n but_o also_o rejoice_v for_o be_v thus_o afflict_v and_o esteem_v our_o happiness_n and_o glory_n the_o great_a as_o our_o suffering_n be_v increase_v man_n i_o say_v have_v never_o such_o thought_n before_o and_o the_o puradox_n of_o the_o stoic_n be_v nothing_o to_o these_o for_o here_o we_o find_v to_o our_o great_a surprise_n that_o a_o few_o poor_a fisherman_n rustic_a in_o their_o speech_n preach_v such_o maxim_n abroad_o as_o be_v as_o far_o above_o the_o ordinary_a capacity_n of_o the_o understanding_n as_o they_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o affection_n and_o inclination_n of_o the_o heart_n ii_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o christian_a morality_n seem_v to_o be_v a_o very_a sad_a and_o mortify_a thing_n for_o it_o curb_v and_o restrain_v all_o our_o passion_n self-love_n repine_v at_o it_o voluptuousness_n can_v endure_v it_o pride_n be_v whole_o humble_v and_o mortify_v by_o it_o and_o those_o who_o seem_v to_o allow_v of_o it_o most_o can_v but_o private_o hate_v it_o when_o ever_o their_o heart_n be_v engage_v in_o any_o passion_n it_o have_v be_v often_o observe_v that_o there_o have_v be_v christian_n in_o all_o age_n who_o attempt_v to_o pervert_v the_o sense_n of_o it_o by_o put_v such_o gloss_n and_o interpretation_n upon_o it_o as_o be_v more_o conformable_a to_o their_o inclination_n than_o to_o the_o truth_n itself_o and_o by_o endeavour_v to_o extirpate_v it_o at_o least_o indirect_o when_o they_o dare_v not_o attempt_v it_o in_o a_o more_o open_a manner_n but_o let_v no_o man_n imagine_v that_o this_o morality_n be_v offer_v to_o the_o world_n under_o any_o disguise_n christ_n who_o among_o so_o many_o other_o wonderful_a character_n of_o his_o call_v have_v a_o very_a remarkable_a one_o and_o that_o be_v never_o to_o flatter_v the_o loose_a inclination_n of_o man_n plain_o declare_v that_o whosoever_o will_v be_v think_v his_o disciple_n must_v pluck_v out_o his_o eye_n and_o cut_v off_o his_o hand_n must_v hate_v himself_o deny_v himself_o nay_o even_o hate_v his_o own_o soul_n etc._n etc._n expression_n which_o explain_v one_o another_o and_o certify_v we_o that_o the_o pain_n and_o torment_n the_o observer_n of_o his_o morality_n must_v undergo_v be_v like_a unto_o those_o which_o man_n endure_v when_o they_o cut_v off_o their_o arm_n or_o pluck_v out_o their_o eye_n or_o be_v in_o a_o manner_n separate_v from_o themselves_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o all_o this_o like_o the_o cunning_a address_n and_o subtle_a management_n of_o man_n in_o the_o world_n when_o they_o endeavour_v to_o establish_v new_a doctrine_n and_o it_o evident_o appear_v that_o christ_n alone_o be_v a_o teacher_n come_v from_o god_n iii_o the_o better_a to_o comprehend_v this_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o all_o the_o principle_n of_o christian_a religion_n depend_v upon_o humility_n as_o their_o chief_a foundation_n for_o if_o we_o pretend_v to_o the_o qualification_n of_o christ_n disciple_n we_o must_v be_v meek_a single_a in_o heart_n poor_a in_o spirit_n weary_a and_o heavy_a lade_v little_a in_o our_o own_o conceit_n lamb_n little_a child_n in_o innocence_n and_o want_n of_o malice_n and_o servant_n of_o other_o men._n christ_n have_v unite_v two_o different_a quality_n before_o not_o easy_o reconcilable_a the_o humility_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o the_o light_n of_o the_o understanding_n charge_v we_o to_o be_v wise_a as_o serpent_n and_o harmless_a as_o dove_n it_o be_v manifest_a this_o union_n be_v necessary_a for_o the_o true_a sanctification_n of_o mankind_n a_o secret_a indeed_o man_n have_v not_o yet_o be_v able_a to_o find_v out_o there_o have_v be_v some_o who_o have_v forsake_v their_o interest_n and_o have_v be_v either_o burn_v or_o have_v their_o arm_n and_o hand_n cut_v off_o who_o dare_v encounter_v death_n itself_o support_v by_o pride_n and_o a_o vain_a hope_n of_o glory_n which_o they_o prefer_v before_o all_o thing_n but_o it_o be_v never_o know_v that_o man_n have_v so_o little_a self-love_n as_o to_o sacrifice_v their_o life_n unless_o at_o the_o same_o time_n they_o can_v make_v their_o name_n immortal_a such_o a_o miracle_n be_v only_o to_o be_v produce_v by_o the_o christian_a morality_n iv._o after_o what_o have_v be_v say_v we_o shall_v have_v less_o reason_n to_o wonder_v that_o this_o morality_n root_v up_o every_o vice_n since_o all_o vice_n proceed_v either_o from_o pride_n or_o voluptuousness_n this_o morality_n then_o which_o subvert_v the_o former_a by_o the_o severe_a mortification_n of_o repentance_n and_o destroy_v the_o latter_a by_o the_o idea_n it_o give_v we_o of_o the_o greatness_n and_o perfection_n of_o god_n as_o oppose_v to_o our_o wretchedness_n and_o misery_n i_o say_v this_o morality_n contain_v every_o thing_n absolute_o necessary_a to_o extirpate_v our_o vice_n in_o their_o first_o rise_n and_o
this_o necessity_n and_o it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o allege_v his_o meanness_n and_o wretchedness_n for_o that_o circumstance_n rather_o aggravate_v the_o crime_n than_o excuse_v it_o it_o be_v impudent_a beyond_o all_o pardon_n for_o a_o traitor_n to_o plead_v innocence_n because_o he_o be_v a_o peasant_n and_o not_o a_o lord_n it_o will_v be_v also_o in_o vain_a to_o lay_v the_o fault_n upon_o the_o evil_a temperament_n of_o body_n and_o mind_n for_o if_o either_o submit_v to_o those_o reason_n which_o you_o have_v for_o commit_v no_o indecent_a action_n before_o a_o sovereign_n and_o if_o that_o and_o all_o its_o passion_n be_v calm_a when_o you_o fall_v into_o any_o danger_n or_o expect_v sentence_n of_o death_n there_o be_v the_o same_o reason_n that_o the_o presence_n the_o will_n and_o judgement_n of_o god_n shall_v have_v the_o same_o effect_n upon_o it_o nor_o will_v ignorance_n be_v any_o excuse_n it_o will_v indeed_o justify_v you_o if_o it_o be_v not_o only_o a_o bare_a pretence_n as_o it_o do_v brute_n child_n and_o idiot_n but_o what_o man_n know_v not_o his_o duty_n it_o be_v also_o in_o vain_a to_o rely_v on_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n for_o that_o extend_v not_o to_o impenitent_a sinner_n and_o the_o almighty_a save_v only_o those_o that_o desire_n and_o endeavour_v to_o be_v save_v last_o it_o be_v mere_a folly_n to_o assert_v that_o eternal_a punishment_n be_v disproportionable_a to_o the_o weakness_n of_o our_o nature_n for_o be_v not_o god_n himself_o eternal_a who_o you_o have_v offend_v and_o be_v not_o your_o soul_n also_o eternal_a that_o have_v sin_v against_o he_o self-love_n however_o blind_v think_v not_o life_n eternal_a a_o thing_n disagreeable_a and_o imagine_v nothing_o in_o it_o disproportionable_a to_o our_o condition_n but_o it_o be_v shock_a at_o the_o thought_n of_o everlasting_a pain_n and_o therefore_o willing_a to_o believe_v they_o improbable_a dream_n and_o whimsy_n but_o why_o it_o do_v so_o be_v hard_o to_o be_v 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be_v then_o very_o hard_o for_o we_o to_o oppose_v the_o doctrine_n which_o the_o gospel_n teach_v we_o concern_v the_o state_n of_o the_o soul_n after_o death_n nay_o we_o be_v so_o far_o from_o impugn_v of_o it_o that_o there_o be_v even_o a_o necessity_n incumbent_n upon_o we_o ready_o to_o embrace_v the_o same_o for_o if_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o wicked_a together_o with_o those_o of_o the_o good_a be_v equal_o to_o be_v banish_v the_o presence_n of_o god_n than_o reason_n nature_n and_o all_o our_o other_o knowledge_n impose_v upon_o we_o in_o give_v we_o hope_n of_o a_o future_a reward_n and_o if_o the_o soul_n both_o of_o the_o wicked_a and_o the_o good_a be_v to_o enjoy_v alike_o the_o presence_n of_o almighty_a god_n then_o too_o those_o very_a principle_n delude_v we_o in_o make_v we_o dread_v his_o pretend_a judgement_n and_o so_o god_n justice_n and_o veracity_n together_o with_o all_o our_o other_o knowledge_n be_v at_o a_o end_n to_o avoid_v therefore_o fall_v into_o such_o a_o impious_a assertion_n we_o must_v own_v that_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o good_a be_v to_o dwell_v for_o ever_o with_o god_n but_o that_o contrariwise_o those_o of_o the_o wicked_a be_v to_o be_v banish_v his_o presence_n and_o in_o own_v this_o we_o affirmthe_v only_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n that_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o all_o our_o knowledge_n and_o most_o visible_o flow_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n themselves_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n excellent_o answer_v his_o liberal_a promise_n and_o the_o formidable_a severity_n of_o his_o punishment_n all_o the_o creature_n of_o this_o visible_a world_n conspire_v together_o to_o do_v we_o good_a and_o beside_o all_o the_o temporal_a blessing_n daily_o confer_v upon_o we_o beside_o the_o whole_a earth_n be_v replenish_v with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o true_a god_n the_o heart_n of_o man_n be_v sanctify_v their_o soul_n comfort_v the_o gospel_n preach_v throughout_o the_o whole_a world_n the_o son_n of_o god_n die_v for_o our_o offence_n and_o be_v raise_v for_o our_o justification_n our_o crucify_a saviour_n come_v out_o of_o the_o grave_a to_o bring_v we_o peace_n from_o god_n and_o seal_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o gospel_n by_o his_o frequent_a apparition_n after_o his_o death_n there_o be_v a_o visible_a and_o frequent_a effusion_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n upon_o man_n a_o multitude_n of_o martyr_n send_v from_o god_n to_o reclaim_v the_o world_n by_o their_o example_n and_o conversation_n from_o vice_n and_o idolatrous_a superstition_n all_o these_o thing_n i_o say_v be_v such_o blessing_n as_o be_v wonderful_o suitable_a to_o the_o promise_n and_o threaten_n of_o god_n and_o full_o convince_v we_o that_o the_o christian_a morality_n have_v as_o many_o object_n to_o exalt_v and_o comfort_v man_n soul_n as_o it_o have_v to_o excite_v and_o terrify_v their_o mind_n to_o the_o performance_n of_o their_o duty_n x._o but_o to_o prove_v that_o this_o morality_n be_v not_o a_o mere_a idea_n of_o perfection_n god_n in_o be_v wisdom_n be_v please_v not_o only_o to_o have_v it_o set_v down_o in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n but_o also_o to_o have_v it_o lively_o paint_v first_o in_o the_o life_n of_o christ_n and_o afterward_o in_o the_o daily_a practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n these_o man_n be_v not_o such_o teacher_n as_o may_v deserve_o be_v accuse_v of_o speak_v well_o but_o do_v ill_a as_o it_o be_v object_v former_o to_o seneca_n who_o compose_v very_o excellent_a discourse_n concern_v poverty_n and_o the_o contempt_n of_o the_o good_n of_o fortune_n when_o he_o himself_o be_v rich_a than_o the_o wealthy_a citizen_n of_o rome_n these_o on_o the_o contrary_n confirm_v by_o their_o practice_n what_o they_o teach_v and_o by_o extirpate_v their_o evil_a desire_n form_v such_o a_o society_n as_o be_v conformable_a to_o that_o we_o have_v have_v above_o but_o a_o faint_a prospect_n of_o when_o we_o lay_v down_o the_o idea_n of_o man_n duty_n they_o utter_o renounce_v those_o passion_n which_o put_v a_o distinction_n betwixt_o they_o and_o other_o men._n they_o forget_v their_o quality_n and_o condition_n the_o better_a to_o use_v one_o another_o like_a brethren_n the_o same_o interest_n be_v common_a to_o they_o all_o they_o sell_v their_o possession_n to_o ease_v the_o want_v and_o necessity_n of_o those_o that_o suffer_v adversity_n they_o rejoice_v for_o have_v be_v think_v worthy_a to_o suffer_v for_o the_o name_n of_o god_n every_o thing_n conduce_v to_o their_o happiness_n even_o affliction_n themselves_o they_o pray_v for_o those_o that_o despiteful_o use_v they_o and_o as_o charity_n and_o not selflove_o selflove_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o their_o affection_n so_o all_o the_o motion_n of_o their_o heart_n tend_v to_o one_o as_o to_o the_o same_o centre_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o good_a of_o their_o neighbour_n which_o give_v the_o scripture_n occasion_n to_o say_v that_o they_o be_v but_o one_o heart_n and_o one_o soul_n i_o confess_v that_o state_n can_v not_o always_o continue_v in_o the_o church_n but_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n permit_v it_o shall_v last_v for_o some_o time_n to_o give_v we_o a_o lively_a image_n and_o idea_n of_o heaven_n here_o on_o earth_n and_o so_o to_o confirm_v by_o the_o excellence_n of_o such_o a_o example_n a_o morality_n already_o support_v by_o so_o many_o great_a and_o powerful_a motive_n viii_o portraiture_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o it_o be_v consider_v in_o its_o mystery_n the_o mystery_n god_n have_v reveal_v unto_o we_o in_o his_o word_n be_v like_o the_o cloudy_a pillar_n which_o lead_v the_o child_n of_o israel_n through_o the_o wilderness_n for_o like_o that_o they_o be_v clear_a on_o one_o side_n but_o dark_a and_o obscure_a on_o the_o other_o if_o we_o contemplate_v
must_v renounce_v ourselves_o and_o beg_v of_o almighty_a god_n that_o he_o will_v enlighten_v our_o understanding_n when_o we_o perceive_v that_o such_o a_o sublime_a and_o elevate_a science_n which_o offer_v such_o noble_a and_o magnificent_a object_n to_o our_o consideration_n be_v yet_o conceive_v by_o those_o only_a that_o be_v pure_a in_o heart_n here_o then_o ought_v we_o to_o cry_v out_o what_o a_o divine_a religion_n be_v this_o which_o at_o once_o enlighten_v and_o humble_v we_o which_o amaze_v and_o yet_o clear_v our_o understanding_n which_o lead_v we_o to_o save_a knowledge_n by_o the_o free_a and_o ready_a confession_n of_o our_o own_o ignorance_n and_o take_v away_o all_o the_o imperfection_n of_o our_o understanding_n by_o make_v it_o submit_v to_o faith_n where_o be_v the_o wise_a where_o be_v the_o disputer_n of_o this_o world_n ix_o portraiture_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n or_o the_o conformity_n of_o its_o mystery_n to_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n have_v look_v into_o the_o original_a of_o all_o our_o false_a prejudices_fw-la it_o be_v now_o no_o difficult_a matter_n to_o distinguish_v religion_n from_o superstition_n and_o divinity_n from_o philosophy_n without_o such_o a_o distinction_n we_o must_v inevitable_o fall_v into_o the_o great_a difficulty_n and_o by_o it_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o demonstrate_v that_o religion_n contain_v no_o great_a difficulty_n than_o even_o nature_n itself_o thus_o the_o doctrine_n of_o predestination_n of_o grace_n and_o original_a sin_n be_v such_o unfathomable_a depth_n as_o terrify_v at_o first_o view_v the_o mind_n of_o he_o that_o endeavour_v to_o reconcile_v they_o to_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o methinks_v i_o already_o hear_v a_o multitude_n of_o doctor_n cry_v out_o against_o i_o that_o i_o ought_v not_o to_o presume_v to_o dive_v into_o thebottom_n of_o those_o profound_a mystery_n which_o confound_v their_o reason_n the_o more_o attentive_o they_o consider_v and_o reflect_v upon_o they_o but_o i_o beg_v leave_n of_o those_o worthy_a man_n to_o tell_v they_o that_o all_o those_o matter_n will_v seem_v to_o they_o less_o difficult_a than_o they_o do_v be_v they_o less_o philosopher_n than_o they_o be_v and_o i_o will_v have_v they_o always_o remember_v that_o faith_n and_o reason_n divinity_n and_o philosophy_n be_v essential_o distinct_a one_o from_o the_o other_o in_o as_o much_o as_o the_o former_a bare_o perceive_v the_o object_n itself_o without_o endeavour_v to_o search_v into_o the_o manner_n of_o it_o and_o consist_v in_o that_o submission_n which_o prevent_v its_o further_a inquiry_n pride_n and_o rashness_n be_v contrary_a to_o it_o whereas_o the_o latter_a continual_o endeavour_n to_o know_v both_o the_o thing_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o they_o together_o with_o the_o physical_a cause_n of_o they_o have_v no_o great_a enemy_n than_o ignorance_n to_o oppose_v its_o progress_n according_o a_o divine_a aught_o only_o to_o inquire_v whether_o there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o grace_n predestination_n original_a sin_n etc._n etc._n but_o a_o philosopher_n not_o satisfied-with_a a_o bare_a knowledge_n of_o it_o will_v yet_o further_o inquire_v what_o be_v the_o order_n of_o the_o immutable_a decree_n of_o god_n after_o what_o manner_n grace_n determine_v our_o free_a will_n and_o by_o what_o mean_v original_a sin_n be_v transmit_v from_o the_o first_o man_n to_o his_o posterity_n the_o apostle_n who_o be_v the_o true_a and_o indeed_o only_a divine_n that_o confine_v themselves_o within_o the_o due_a limit_n of_o divinity_n have_v very_o large_o instruct_v we_o in_o all_o those_o object_n by_o full_o demonstrate_v the_o truth_n and_o necessity_n of_o they_o yet_o have_v not_o let_v fall_v the_o least_o word_n that_o can_v give_v we_o a_o insight_n into_o the_o manner_n of_o they_o but_o the_o succeed_a christian_n apply_v themselves_o to_o the_o study_n of_o the_o platonic_a and_o aristotelian_a philosophy_n real_o think_v the_o knowledge_n of_o salvation_n a_o science_n as_o well_o as_o the_o rest_n and_o thereupon_o frame_v to_o themselves_o many_o fruitless_a and_o unprofitable_a speculative_a system_n which_o in_o many_o place_n be_v repugnant_a to_o piety_n and_o perplex_v our_o divine_a religion_n with_o several_a humane_a difficulty_n it_o will_v be_v injurious_a to_o imagine_v that_o st._n paul_n in_o his_o large_a discourse_n about_o the_o doctrine_n of_o predestination_n aim_v at_o nothing_o else_o but_o to_o gratify_v the_o vain_a curiosity_n of_o those_o he_o address_v himself_o to_o all_o that_o he_o there_o say_v though_o seem_o speculative_a be_v in_o reality_n practical_a the_o question_n be_v whether_o the_o distinction_n that_o be_v between_o the_o jew_n and_o gtntile_n be_v not_o whole_o take_v away_o and_o if_o so_o whether_o the_o gentile_n be_v not_o to_o make_v up_o one_o and_o the_o same_o body_n with_o the_o beliving_a jew_n those_o of_o the_o circumcision_n be_v accustom_v to_o look_v upon_o the_o heathen_n as_o a_o people_n that_o be_v curse_v can_v not_o easy_o imagine_v that_o they_o shall_v ever_o enjoy_v the_o same_o privilege_n with_o they_o but_o st._n paul_n the_o apostle_n of_o the_o gentile_n endeavour_n to_o confute_v this_o prejudice_n of_o they_o and_o to_o that_o purpose_n he_o show_v they_o that_o god_n be_v the_o god_n of_o all_o man_n that_o he_o suffer_v that_o all_o man_n shall_v sin_n that_o he_o may_v thereby_o extend_v his_o grace_n to_o all_o that_o the_o choice_n he_o make_v of_o the_o jew_n for_o his_o peculiar_a people_n be_v a_o free_a and_o liberal_a election_n that_o it_o be_v by_o by_o faith_n alone_o and_o not_o by_o work_n that_o the_o patriarch_n be_v acceptable_a to_o he_o that_o his_o mercy_n be_v not_o entail_v upon_o the_o posterity_n of_o the_o patriarch_n that_o the_o circumcision_n of_o the_o flesh_n be_v not_o the_o reason_n of_o their_o acceptance_n with_o god_n that_o the_o law_n of_o itself_o can_v not_o have_v that_o effect_n that_o it_o be_v not_o for_o the_o good_a work_n of_o jacob_n that_o his_o posterity_n be_v prefer_v before_o that_o of_o esau_n for_o whilst_o the_o child_n be_v yet_o in_o their_o mother_n womb_n and_o have_v do_v neither_o good_a nor_o evil_a it_o be_v tell_v rebekah_n consult_v the_o divine_a oracle_n about_o they_o that_o the_o elder_a shall_v serve_v the_o young_a now_o the_o reflection_n to_o be_v make_v upon_o this_o doctrine_n of_o st._n paul_n be_v these_o 1._o that_o the_o absolute_a necessity_n there_o be_v then_o to_o treat_v of_o those_o matter_n and_o the_o urgent_a occasion_n that_o oblige_v the_o apostle_n to_o speak_v of_o they_o be_v now_o whole_o at_o a_o end_n for_o there_o be_v none_o among_o the_o christian_n that_o either_o call_v or_o aught_o to_o call_v in_o question_n the_o election_n of_o those_o gentile_n who_o sincere_o believe_v the_o gospel_n so_o that_o if_o we_o happen_v now_o adays_o to_o be_v engage_v in_o any_o eager_a dispute_n about_o those_o matter_n it_o be_v mere_o out_o of_o a_o principle_n of_o vanity_n or_o obstinacy_n or_o a_o rash_a and_o impious_a curiosity_n every_o thing_n be_v practical_a in_o st_n paul_n discourse_n of_o predestination_n whereas_o those_o be_v whole_o speculative_a that_o be_v in_o these_o latter_a day_n compose_v about_o it_o st._n paul_n have_v no_o other_o design_n but_o to_o create_v peace_n and_o charity_n between_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n by_o show_v they_o that_o they_o be_v both_o the_o object_n of_o the_o divine_a election_n but_o now_o this_o doctrine_n be_v change_v into_o speculation_n and_o philosophy_n and_o have_v no_o other_o use_n but_o to_o create_v scandalous_a division_n in_o christian_a society_n 2._o the_o best_a and_o sure_a method_n in_o this_o case_n be_v to_o imitate_v the_o modesty_n of_o st._n paul_n who_o bare_o assert_v the_o thing_n take_v great_a care_v not_o to_o search_v into_o the_o manner_n of_o it_o he_o only_o speak_v of_o election_n in_o general_n and_o when_o his_o curious_a and_o impertinent_a reason_n go_v about_o to_o examine_v the_o performance_n of_o it_o he_o only_o cry_v out_o o_o the_o depth_n of_o the_o riches_n etc._n etc._n it_o must_v be_v confess_v st._n paul_n have_v as_o much_o wit_n as_o any_o modern_a divine_n can_v pretend_v to_o and_o so_o can_v have_v frame_v as_o probable_a system_n of_o the_o consent_n and_o harmony_n of_o the_o decree_n of_o god_n or_o have_v find_v out_o either_o in_o the_o ill_a use_n we_o make_v of_o our_o free_a will_n or_o in_o the_o spring_n of_o our_o soul_n wherewith_o to_o solve_v these_o difficulty_n yet_o he_o never_o attempt_v it_o and_o the_o reason_n be_v he_o be_v a_o true_a divine_a and_o not_o a_o mere_a philosopher_n and_o know_v very_o well_o that_o the_o most_o essential_a part_n of_o faith_n consist_v in_o humble_o cast_v down_o our_o eye_n before_o the_o dark_a side_n of_o the_o mystery_n 3._o but_o because_o we_o be_v
nature_n and_o what_o be_v most_o surprise_a in_o the_o former_a of_o those_o two_o union_n be_v to_o see_v that_o the_o soul_n which_o be_v so_o noble_a a_o be_v shall_v be_v so_o close_o fasten_v and_o unite_v to_o matter_n and_o even_o depend_v upon_o it_o in_o all_o its_o operation_n now_o it_o be_v not_o so_o with_o the_o incarnation_n of_o christ_n and_o it_o can_v never_o be_v say_v that_o the_o divine_a nature_n depend_v on_o the_o humane_a but_o contrariwise_o it_o be_v the_o humane_a nature_n which_o depend_v on_o the_o divine_a in_o this_o union_n god_n remain_v the_o same_o as_o before_o all-perfect_a almighty_a all-full_a eternal_a and_o immutable_a but_o man_n be_v change_v and_o sanctify_a and_o exalt_v by_o it_o what_o inconveniency_n then_o can_v there_o result_v from_o it_o as_o it_o be_v surprise_v to_o see_v a_o most_o noble_a be_v subject_n to_o a_o less_o perfect_a be_v so_o it_o be_v natural_a for_o a_o less_o perfect_a be_v to_o be_v subject_a to_o one_o more_o noble_a now_o the_o latter_a of_o these_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o incarnation_n evident_o demonstrate_v and_o the_o union_n of_o the_o soul_n with_o the_o body_n discover_v the_o former_a it_o follow_v hence_o therefore_o that_o the_o union_n of_o the_o soul_n with_o the_o body_n be_v in_o some_o sense_n very_o extraordinary_a and_o far_o more_o surprise_a than_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o incarnation_n 3._o if_o still_o you_o require_v another_o representation_n of_o this_o object_n that_o may_v further_o give_v you_o a_o clear_a notion_n of_o the_o same_o conceive_v a_o false_a sun_n compose_v of_o two_o different_a thing_n so_o close_o unite_v together_o that_o they_o seem_v as_o it_o be_v confound_v together_o viz._n a_o cloud_n and_o the_o light_n of_o the_o sun_n the_o cloud_n be_v not_o the_o sun_n nor_o be_v the_o sun_n the_o cloud_n and_o thus_o the_o humane_a nature_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o the_o divine_a nature_n the_o same_o with_o the_o humane_a this_o false_a sun_n be_v a_o sun_n and_o yet_o a_o cloud_n so_o likewise_o christ_n be_v god_n and_o christ_n be_v man._n this_o false_a sun_n be_v form_v of_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o earth_n because_o it_o be_v compose_v of_o a_o cloud_n which_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o vapour_n of_o it_o and_o of_o the_o sun_n himself_o be_v form_v out_o of_o those_o beam_n in_o which_o the_o body_n of_o that_o planet_n consist_v so_o in_o likemanner_n christ_n be_v take_v from_o the_o earth_n and_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o common_a lump_n of_o mankind_n because_o he_o be_v man_n which_o do_v not_o hinder_v he_o from_o be_v the_o substance_n of_o the_o father_n since_o he_o be_v the_o brightness_n of_o his_o glory_n this_o be_v a_o very_a just_a representation_n of_o that_o great_a mystery_n but_o not_o perfect_a but_o we_o hope_v every_o just_a and_o equitable_a reader_n will_v easy_o forgive_v the_o defect_n of_o this_o comparison_n in_o a_o subject_a that_o be_v so_o far_o exalt_v above_o our_o weak_a imagination_n 4._o moreover_o of_o all_o those_o who_o pretend_v to_o treat_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o deity_n none_o but_o the_o epicurean_o who_o think_v it_o be_v idle_a and_o lazy_a divide_v it_o entire_o from_o its_o creature_n and_o all_o other_o man_n beside_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o unite_v to_o its_o work_n the_o heathen_n for_o instance_n imagine_v it_o be_v affix_v to_o their_o temple_n and_o statue_n to_o which_o they_o suppose_v it_o constant_o unite_v but_o the_o jew_n more_o proper_o look_v upon_o god_n as_o be_v unite_v in_o a_o more_o partilar_a manner_n to_o a_o bush_n or_o a_o cloud_n or_o the_o ark._n and_o several_a of_o the_o incredulous_a now_o adays_o represent_v the_o deity_n to_o themselves_o as_o a_o universal_a soul_n affix_v to_o universal_a matter_n just_a as_o our_o soul_n be_v unite_v to_o our_o body_n if_o then_o it_o be_v so_o common_a to_o man_n to_o conceive_v god_n as_o be_v unite_v to_o his_o work_n why_o shall_v it_o seem_v so_o strange_a to_o they_o to_o represent_v he_o as_o close_o unite_v to_o the_o humane_a nature_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o too_o in_o a_o more_o particular_a manner_n than_o to_o any_o of_o his_o other_o creature_n for_o if_o there_o be_v any_o creature_n which_o the_o deity_n may_v be_v unite_v to_o it_o must_v necessary_o be_v such_o a_o holy_a and_o innocent_a creature_n as_o that_o be_v and_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o god_n to_o unite_v himself_o to_o any_o live_a body_n it_o be_v much_o more_o likely_a he_o shall_v impart_v himself_o to_o the_o soul_n of_o jesus_n christ._n if_o a_o ark_n be_v capable_a to_o be_v fill_v with_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o difficulty_n in_o conceive_v that_o humane_a nature_n be_v pure_a and_o holy_a and_o far_o perfect_a than_o all_o the_o ark_n in_o the_o world_n shall_v have_v be_v thus_o honour_v in_o a_o more_o particular_a manner_n and_o if_o man_n in_o short_a stick_v not_o to_o make_v the_o universal_a soul_n as_o it_o be_v depend_v upon_o matter_n by_o its_o union_n to_o it_o why_o shall_v we_o refuse_v to_o admit_v of_o a_o union_n which_o leave_v to_o god_n his_o entire_a independence_n and_o liberty_n and_o aim_v at_o nothing_o else_o but_o the_o bring_v the_o body_n and_o soul_n of_o christ_n in_o a_o great_a subjection_n to_o he_o we_o no_o soon_o embrace_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o incarnation_n but_o every_o thing_n that_o seem_v offensive_a in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christian_a religion_n will_v present_o vanish_v we_o shall_v then_o easy_o comprehend_v that_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o christ_n to_o die_v since_o he_o be_v man_n and_o that_o his_o death_n be_v infinite_o valuable_a since_o he_o be_v god_n and_o so_o great_a be_v the_o dignity_n which_o proceed_v from_o the_o union_n of_o those_o two_o nature_n that_o it_o make_v the_o death_n of_o christ_n equivalent_a to_o the_o punishment_n our_o sin_n have_v so_o just_o deserve_v we_o shall_v not_o then_o think_v it_o difficult_a to_o be_v full_o convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o lord_n for_o it_o will_v be_v unreasonable_a to_o suppose_v that_o a_o nature_n as_o have_v be_v honour_v with_o so_o particular_a a_o union_n to_o the_o deity_n shall_v yet_o have_v be_v for_o ever_o dissolve_v and_o remain_v to_o all_o eternity_n under_o the_o power_n of_o death_n but_o we_o shall_v think_v it_o very_o reasonable_a to_o imagine_v that_o it_o can_v not_o but_o have_v rise_v from_o the_o grave_a into_o which_o it_o have_v be_v please_v to_o descend_v if_o then_o christ_n be_v true_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a can_v our_o incredulous_a reason_n still_o refuse_v to_o believe_v that_o we_o shall_v also_o rise_v again_o but_o how_o can_v that_o reason_n contradict_v a_o truth_n which_o the_o disciple_n see_v they_o behold_v the_o glory_n of_o christ_n both_o in_o the_o miracle_n which_o he_o perform_v and_o in_o his_o holiness_n of_o life_n they_o see_v god_n manifest_v in_o the_o flesh_n and_o be_v witness_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o lord_n they_o perceive_v angel_n come_v down_o towards_o he_o the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v to_o the_o gentile_n by_o their_o ministry_n the_o world_n believe_v on_o their_o preach_a and_o last_o they_o see_v christ_n ascend_v into_o heaven_n all_o which_o be_v very_o sensible_a and_o evident_a matter_n of_o fact_n the_o mystery_n then_o of_o the_o incarnation_n though_o the_o hard_a to_o comprehend_v of_o all_o those_o of_o christian_a religion_n imply_v however_o nothing_o contrary_a to_o reason_n but_o we_o must_v except_v the_o most_o holy_a and_o everblessed_n trinity_n another_o mystery_n which_o be_v infinite_o exalt_v above_o the_o reach_n of_o our_o shallow_a capacity_n be_v not_o easy_o reconcilable_a to_o it_o nevertheless_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o the_o sublimity_n of_o its_o nature_n render_v it_o not_o any_o way_n repugnant_a to_o reason_n 1_o sy_n because_o the_o word_n person_n be_v not_o to_o be_v take_v in_o the_o same_o sense_n with_o that_o of_o essence_n i_o grant_v that_o three_o person_n and_o one_o person_n one_o essence_n and_o three_o essence_n imply_v a_o contradiction_n but_o the_o notion_n of_o one_o essence_n and_o three_o person_n be_v not_o liable_a to_o any_o after_o you_o know_v the_o signification_n of_o those_o two_o term_n 2_o lie_n because_o the_o deity_n be_v so_o great_a and_o so_o sublime_a a_o subject_n that_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o wonder_v if_o we_o can_v reach_v to_o the_o greatness_n of_o it_o by_o our_o weak_a imagination_n 3_o dly_z because_o for_o aught_o we_o know_v the_o most_o considerable_a difficulty_n of_o this_o mystery_n proceed_v from_o a_o defect_n of_o revelation_n or_o the_o silence_n which_o holy_a writ_n observe_v on_o that_o
heart_n which_o can_v never_o be_v true_o satisfy_v with_o any_o object_n we_o see_v seek_v after_o god_n as_o a_o supreme_a good_a which_o contain_v in_o it_o all_o other_o advantage_n it_o be_v a_o thing_n before_o unheard_a of_o that_o a_o man_n must_v satisfy_v the_o desire_n of_o his_o heart_n by_o glorify_v god_n to_o give_v ourselves_o up_o to_o godby_n renounce_v ourselves_o and_o to_o renounce_v ourselves_o to_o dedicate_v ourselves_o whole_o to_o god_n be_v mere_a paradox_n yet_o such_o the_o christian_a religion_n plain_o demonstrate_v to_o be_v true_a by_o supply_v the_o defect_n of_o mankind_n and_o restore_v natural_a religion_n and_o now_o reflect_v upon_o those_o eleven_o different_a portraiture_n or_o character_n which_o we_o have_v thus_o offer_v to_o your_o consideration_n observe_v that_o our_o own_o imagination_n have_v no_o share_n in_o the_o product_n of_o natural_a religion_n of_o the_o revelation_n of_o moses_n of_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n of_o the_o morality_n of_o christ_n of_o its_o doctrine_n its_o end_n and_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o of_o the_o testimony_n give_v in_o favour_n of_o it_o of_o its_o relation_n to_o the_o great_a end_n of_o man_n creation_n the_o glory_n of_o god_n consider_v that_o all_o those_o representation_n depend_v not_o upon_o any_o of_o our_o foolish_a fancy_n or_o fantastical_a whimsy_n of_o the_o incredulous_a and_o that_o although_o we_o shall_v not_o understand_v the_o original_a of_o the_o christian_a religion_n yet_o we_o ought_v to_o refer_v it_o to_o a_o celestial_a principle_n since_o we_o have_v discover_v that_o it_o be_v qualify_v and_o adorn_v with_o so_o many_o character_n of_o divinity_n what_o then_o shall_v we_o say_v when_o we_o reflect_v that_o we_o have_v it_o by_o a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n that_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o martyr_n suffer_v death_n to_o confirm_v it_o that_o the_o event_n and_o miracle_n perform_v in_o the_o world_n teach_v it_o we_o that_o many_o undeniable_a matter_n of_o fact_n convince_v we_o of_o it_o that_o the_o prophet_n declare_v it_o and_o the_o devil_n themselves_o silent_o own_v it_o what_o can_v we_o say_v now_o that_o we_o be_v surround_v on_o all_o side_n with_o light_n with_o the_o light_n of_o the_o sense_n the_o light_n of_o reason_n the_o light_n of_o prophecy_n and_o the_o evidence_n of_o their_o accomplishment_n the_o light_n of_o knowledge_n the_o light_n of_o inward_a sense_n the_o light_n of_o experience_n the_o light_n of_o testimony_n the_o light_n of_o matter_n of_o fact_n the_o light_n of_o doctrine_n the_o light_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o the_o light_n of_o the_o understanding_n we_o shall_v certain_o own_o that_o it_o be_v the_o work_n of_o god_n and_o earnest_o beseech_v he_o who_o grant_v we_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o holy_a religion_n that_o he_o will_v be_v please_v both_o to_o defend_v it_o against_o the_o false_a subtlety_n of_o its_o secret_a and_o open_a enemy_n and_o deep_o imprint_v it_o in_o our_o heart_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o his_o glory_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o our_o own_o soul_n amen_n finis_fw-la errata_fw-la occasion_v by_o the_o translator_n absence_n from_o the_o press_n page_n 15._o l._n 36._o r._n ministry_n p._n 39_o l._n 6._o r._n not_o now_o p._n 44._o l._n 23._o r._n epistle_n p._n 71._o l._n 6._o r._n of_o the_o p._n 81._o l._n 32._o r._n throughout_o the_o p._n 90._o l._n 3._o r._n series_n p._n 93_o l._n 23._o for_o the_o r._n he_o p._n 116._o l._n 28._o r._n any_o one_o p._n 130._o l._n 14._o for_o write_n r._n witness_n p._n 139._o l._n 7._o r._n ascend_v p._n 137._o l._n 6._o r._n contemn_v p._n 162._o l._n 28._o r._n imply_v p._n 202._o l._n 19_o r._n state_n p._n 307._o l._n 22._o for_o do_v r._n to_o p._n 312._o l._n 28._o r._n far_o from_o p_o 315._o l._n 9_o r._n even_o p._n 339._o l._n 15._o r._n mortal_a but_o p._n 391._o l._n 31._o for_o have_v r._n be_v p._n 405._o l._n 33._o delâ—_n be_v tertullian_n in_o his_o apolog._n origen_n contra_fw-la cell_n lib._n 16._o mat._n 26._o 39_o mat._n 11._o 19_o mark_v 13._o 2._o john_n 21._o 22._o joseph_n de_fw-fr bello_fw-la judaico_fw-la lib._n 3._o cap._n 14._o 7_o 12._o sueton._n in_o vitâ—_n claud._n tacit._n lib._n 5._o histor_n cap._n 13._o plutarch_n in_o the_o life_n of_o romulus_n mâ—l_n 4._o 2._o luke_n 1._o 78._o gem._n tract_n san._n cap._n 11._o gem._n tract_n san._n lib._n 12._o gem._n tract_n san._n cap_n 11._o tertul._n apolog._n 5._o see_v a_o discourse_n concern_v universal_a history_n by_o the_o bishop_n of_o meaux_n see_v minâ—t_n feliâ—_n juvenal_n 〈…〉_z 58._o 5._o â—_o king_n â—8_o 28._o
a_o vindication_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n against_o the_o objection_n of_o all_o modern_a opposer_n part_n ii_o write_a in_o french_a by_o james_n abbadie_n d._n d._n render_v into_o english_a by_o henry_n lussan_n m._n a._n of_o new_a college_n in_o oxford_n london_n print_v for_o j._n wyatt_n at_o the_o rose_n and_o r._n wilkin_n at_o the_o kings-head_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n mdcxcviii_o the_o content_n section_n i._n contain_v some_o argument_n for_o the_o christian_a religion_n draw_v from_o the_o testimony_n of_o those_o who_o be_v the_o first_o publisher_n of_o it_o the_o design_n of_o this_o work_n page_n 1_o chap._n i._o where_o we_o shall_v inquire_v whence_o the_o christian_n have_v their_o original_a and_o what_o their_o profession_n be_v by_o look_v back_o into_o the_o first_o age_n wherein_o they_o appear_v p._n 3_o chap._n ii_o where_o we_o shall_v examine_v the_o martyrdom_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n p._n 7_o chap._n iii_o in_o which_o we_o further_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o religion_n by_o several_a undeniable_a matter_n of_o fact_n p._n 10_o chap._n iu_o where_o we_o yet_o further_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n by_o several_a undeniable_a matter_n of_o fact_n p._n 14_o chap._n v._o which_o demonstrate_v that_o all_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n contain_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n can_v never_o be_v forge_v p._n 17_o section_n ii_o wherein_o we_o shall_v prove_v the_o divinity_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n by_o examine_v the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n chap._n i._n where_o we_o shall_v prove_v that_o those_o book_n can_v never_o be_v supposititious_a p._n 33_o chap._n ii_o prove_v that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v never_o corrupt_v p._n 39_o chap._n iii_o that_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o write_v what_o be_v false_a p._n 44_o chap._n iv._o that_o the_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n christ_n can_v not_o impose_v upon_o man_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o their_o write_n or_o preach_v p._n 49_o chap._n v._o where_o we_o shall_v more_o particular_o examine_v whether_o the_o apostle_n have_v the_o power_n or_o the_o will_n to_o deceive_v mankind_n p._n 53_o chap._n vi_o where_o we_o shall_v examine_v the_o matter_n contain_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o see_v whether_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o illusion_n or_o imposture_n p._n 58_o chap._n vii_o of_o the_o holiness_n of_o life_n of_o jesus_n christ_n p._n 63_o chap._n viii_o of_o the_o prophecy_n of_o jesus_n christ_n p._n 71_o chap._n ix_o wherein_o we_o shall_v examine_v the_o matter_n contain_v in_o the_o book_n of_o acts._n p._n 82_o chap._n x._o wherein_o we_o shall_v take_v into_o consideration_n what_o success_n the_o preach_v of_o the_o apostle_n have_v p._n 86_o chap._n xi_o wherein_o we_o shall_v examine_v the_o matter_n contain_v in_o the_o epistle_n of_o the_o apostle_n p._n 88_o chap._n xii_o wherein_o we_o further_o examine_v the_o epistle_n of_o st._n paul_n p._n 102_o chap._n xiii_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o look_v upon_o the_o new_a testament_n as_o a_o divine_a book_n p._n 107_o chap._n fourteen_o wherein_o we_o shall_v examine_v those_o difficulty_n which_o may_v probable_o be_v raise_v against_o the_o forego_n truth_n p._n 113_o chap._n xv._n where_o we_o further_o examine_v the_o objection_n of_o the_o incredulous_a p._n 119_o chap._n xvi_o where_o we_o further_o examine_v those_o difficulty_n which_o may_v be_v raise_v against_o our_o principle_n p._n 126_o chap._n xvii_o where_o we_o further_o answer_v the_o objection_n of_o the_o incredulous_a p._n 133_o section_n iii_o wherein_o we_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o carry_v even_o to_o a_o demonstration_n the_o proof_n draw_v from_o the_o external_n evidence_n of_o matter_n of_o fact_n contain_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o the_o inward_a sense_n we_o have_v of_o they_o chap._n i._o of_o the_o natural_a temper_n disposition_n and_o inclination_n of_o the_o disciple_n and_o what_o sort_n of_o prejudices_fw-la they_o be_v possess_v with_o when_o jesus_n christ_n manifest_v himself_o to_o they_o p._n 143_o chap._n ii_o the_o first_o centre_n of_o truth_n a_o particular_a consideration_n of_o the_o miracle_n of_o jesus_n christ_n p._n 162_o chap._n iii_o the_o second_o centre_n of_o truth_n a_o particular_a consideration_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o jesus_n christ_n p._n 184_o chap._n iu_o the_o three_o centre_n of_o truth_n a_o particular_a consideration_n of_o the_o ascension_n of_o jesus_n christ_n p._n 200_o chap._n v._o the_o four_o centre_n of_o truth_n a_o particular_a consideration_n of_o the_o effusion_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n upon_o the_o disciple_n p._n 213_o chap._n vi_o wherein_o we_o shall_v join_v all_o the_o miraculous_a matter_n of_o fact_n together_o and_o form_n thereby_o a_o full_a and_o perfect_a demonstration_n of_o they_o p._n 220_o some_o reflection_n on_o the_o gospel_n according_a to_o st._n matthew_n p._n 242_o chap._n vii_o wherein_o we_o shall_v further_o produce_v out_o of_o the_o other_o gospel_n several_a place_n very_o proper_a to_o make_v we_o true_o sensible_a of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n p._n 258_o chap._n viii_o wherein_o we_o shall_v further_o produce_v from_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n several_a place_n very_o proper_a to_o make_v we_o true_o sensible_a of_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n p._n 274_o chap._n ix_o wherein_o we_o shall_v yet_o far_o produce_v from_o the_o epistle_n of_o st._n paul_n st._n peter_n and_o st._n john_n several_a text_n very_o proper_a to_o make_v we_o true_o sensible_a of_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n p._n 282_o section_n iu._n wherein_o we_o shall_v prove_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n by_o the_o consideration_n of_o its_o nature_n and_o property_n several_a portraiture_n in_o which_o it_o may_v be_v consider_v page_n 300_o i_o portraiture_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o it_o be_v consider_v in_o the_o multitude_n of_o testimony_n give_v in_o favour_n of_o it_o p._n 301_o two_o portraiture_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o it_o be_v oppose_v to_o all_o other_o religion_n p._n 307_o iii_o portraiture_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o it_o be_v consider_v in_o its_o effect_n p._n 320_o iv_o portraiture_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o consider_v in_o the_o purity_n of_o its_o end_n p._n 325_o five_o portraiture_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o it_o be_v consider_v in_o its_o suitableness_n to_o the_o necessity_n of_o mankind_n p._n 329_o vi_o portraiture_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o it_o be_v consider_v in_o the_o relation_n it_o bear_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n p._n 341_o vii_o portraiture_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o it_o be_v consider_v in_o its_o morality_n p._n 344_o viii_o portraiture_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o it_o be_v consider_v in_o its_o mystery_n p._n 360_o ix_o portraiture_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n or_o the_o conformity_n of_o its_o mystery_n to_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n p._n 399_o x_o portraiture_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n or_o the_o proportion_n it_o bear_v to_o the_o jewish_a religion_n p._n 420_o xi_o portraiture_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o it_o be_v consider_v in_o the_o proportion_n it_o bear_v to_o natural_a religion_n p._n 432_o a_o treatise_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n part_n ii_o wherein_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v prove_v by_o its_o own_o proper_a character_n section_n i._n contain_v some_o argument_n for_o the_o christian_a religion_n draw_v from_o the_o testimony_n of_o those_o who_o be_v the_o first_o publisher_n of_o it_o the_o design_n of_o this_o work_n in_o the_o first_o part_n of_o this_o work_n we_o take_v our_o rise_n from_o this_o proposition_n there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o from_o thence_o we_o prove_v that_o jesus_n christ_n the_o son_n of_o mary_n be_v the_o messiah_n who_o be_v to_o come_v we_o shall_v now_o take_v a_o contrary_a course_n and_o begin_v with_o this_o proposition_n there_o be_v at_o present_a christian_n in_o the_o world_n and_o from_o thence_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n who_o have_v be_v please_v to_o manifest_v himself_o by_o the_o mean_n of_o religion_n there_o we_o have_v have_v but_o a_o faint_a prospect_n of_o jesus_n christ_n by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o revelation_n of_o moses_n here_o we_o shall_v as_o it_o be_v draw_v the_o curtain_n and_o discover_v jesus_n christ_n with_o that_o brightness_n of_o truth_n and_o fullness_n of_o light_n as_o will_v wonderful_o illustrate_v both_o the_o religion_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o revelation_n of_o nature_n and_o in_o a_o excellent_a manner_n confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o existence_n of_o god_n in_o order_n to_o which_o we_o shall_v do_v these_o three_o thing_n i._o we_o shall_v consider_v the_o
shell_n and_o bark_n if_o i_o may_v so_o say_v of_o the_o christian_a religion_n by_o examine_v all_o those_o argument_n that_o be_v draw_v from_o the_o external_a testimony_n which_o the_o primitive_a christian_n give_v of_o it_o and_o by_o consider_v their_o natural_a capacity_n the_o discovery_n that_o be_v make_v to_o they_o their_o prejudices_fw-la the_o peculiar_a frame_n of_o their_o mind_n their_o martyrdom_n and_o the_o reason_n that_o induce_v they_o to_o suffer_v it_o etc._n etc._n and_o all_o this_o before_o we_o proceed_v to_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o write_n of_o the_o new-testament_n ii_o we_o shall_v consider_v these_o write_n themselves_o and_o inquire_v whether_o they_o be_v forge_v or_o not_o we_o shall_v examine_v the_o subject-matter_n of_o they_o and_o endeavour_n both_o to_o defend_v they_o against_o the_o suspicion_n of_o the_o incredulous_a by_o show_v that_o they_o contain_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v certain_o true_a and_o to_o evince_v the_o divinity_n of_o they_o by_o the_o character_n of_o those_o thing_n they_o contain_v iii_o and_o last_o we_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o show_v the_o very_a substance_n and_o spirit_n of_o christianity_n by_o discover_v the_o excellence_n use_n advantage_n the_o end_n genius_n and_o in_o general_a all_o the_o beauty_n which_o be_v proper_a and_o natural_a to_o it_o and_o this_o be_v what_o we_o design_v to_o treat_v of_o in_o the_o follow_a section_n whereof_o this_o second_o part_n be_v compose_v but_o since_o our_o adversary_n by_o their_o prejudices_fw-la may_v be_v incline_v to_o fear_v lest_o we_o shall_v impose_v upon_o they_o by_o make_v they_o believe_v such_o doctrine_n as_o can_v be_v prove_v by_o reason_n and_o since_o it_o be_v much_o for_o our_o advantage_n to_o remove_v all_o such_o suspicion_n we_o will_v for_o a_o while_o doubt_v of_o every_o thing_n with_o they_o and_o raise_v ourselves_o by_o degree_n to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o establish_v christianity_n itself_o admit_v of_o nothing_o for_o truth_n but_o so_o far_o as_o appear_v evident_a chap._n i._n where_o we_o shall_v inquire_v whence_o the_o christian_n have_v their_o original_a and_o what_o their_o profession_n be_v by_o look_v back_o into_o the_o first_o age_n wherein_o they_o appear_v in_o order_n to_o which_o we_o suppose_v that_o there_o be_v now_o christian_n in_o the_o world_n and_o there_o have_v not_o always_o be_v such_o from_o this_o i_o gather_v that_o i_o must_v look_v back_o into_o past_a age_n to_o find_v out_o the_o original_a of_o my_o religion_n in_o this_o search_n i_o pass_v therefore_o from_o age_n to_o age_n till_o i_o come_v to_o constantine_n without_o be_v able_a to_o clear_v this_o doubt_n but_o here_o we_o must_v make_v a_o little_a stop_n the_o prosperity_n of_o this_o prince_n give_v at_o first_o some_o occasion_n of_o suspicion_n and_o we_o easy_o mistrust_v a_o man_n who_o be_v master_n of_o the_o most_o considerable_a part_n of_o the_o world_n seem_v probable_o to_o have_v establish_v the_o christian_a religion_n therein_o either_o by_o force_n or_o policy_n look_v perhaps_o upon_o it_o as_o more_o proper_a than_o that_o of_o the_o heathen_n to_o carry_v on_o his_o design_n yet_o that_o suspicion_n soon_o vanish_v since_o we_o be_v assure_v there_o be_v christian_n in_o the_o world_n before_o constantine_n time_n all_o the_o heathen_a writer_n who_o live_v before_o he_o speak_v of_o they_o and_o the_o ecclesiastical_a historian_n be_v whole_o employ_v in_o describe_v their_o suffering_n but_o suppose_v that_o these_o historian_n live_v in_o the_o day_n of_o constantine_n or_o after_o he_o they_o must_v needs_o have_v either_o lose_v the_o use_n of_o their_o reason_n themselves_o or_o have_v imagine_v that_o the_o man_n of_o their_o age_n have_v lose_v they_o when_o they_o give_v they_o the_o history_n of_o the_o christian_n church_n down_o from_o the_o apostle_n to_o constantine_n if_o it_o be_v certain_a there_o have_v not_o be_v christian_n in_o the_o world_n before_o that_o prince_n and_o therefore_o this_o must_v be_v too_o extravagant_a a_o suspicion_n to_o be_v entertain_v long_o but_o here_o be_v something_o still_o more_o observable_a viz._n that_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n the_o christian_n who_o live_v before_o constantine_n be_v then_o possess_v of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new-testament_n and_o on_o the_o other_o that_o those_o very_a christian_n be_v so_o strong_o persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o jesus_n christ_n of_o his_o miracle_n of_o the_o pour_v out_o the_o holy_a spirit_n on_o the_o apostle_n and_o of_o all_o other_o matter_n of_o fact_n that_o establish_v the_o christian_a religion_n that_o they_o hardly_o speak_v of_o any_o thing_n else_o their_o book_n be_v full_a of_o they_o and_o their_o doctrine_n be_v altogether_o build_v upon_o this_o foundation_n and_o therefore_o if_o constantine_n invent_v the_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o establish_v christianity_n he_o must_v not_o only_o have_v forge_v the_o book_n of_o the_o new-testament_n but_o also_o the_o write_n of_o clemens_n justin_n iraeneus_n athenagoras_n clemens_n alexandrinus_n tertullian_n origen_n and_o in_o general_a of_o all_o the_o father_n who_o live_v before_o he_o because_o every_o one_o of_o their_o write_n have_v a_o essential_a relation_n to_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n that_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o religion_n and_o shall_v we_o go_v up_o a_o little_a high_o than_o the_o reign_n of_o constantine_n we_o shall_v hear_v of_o christian_n that_o be_v afflict_v during_o the_o three_o first_o century_n of_o the_o church_n and_o persecute_v throughout_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o punish_v with_o most_o barbarous_a and_o new_a invent_v torment_n they_o be_v put_v to_o death_n upon_o wheel_n and_o scaffold_n torture_v by_o fire_n their_o flesh_n tear_v with_o pincer_n their_o body_n be_v mangle_v by_o cut_v off_o limb_n one_o after_o another_o they_o be_v throw_v into_o river_n and_o cast_v into_o the_o sea_n and_o expose_v to_o wild_a beast_n wrap_v up_o in_o garment_n dip_v in_o sulphur_n to_o serve_v for_o torch_n and_o set_v up_o to_o light_a passenger_n in_o their_o way_n in_o fine_a it_o be_v never_o know_v that_o man_n so_o universal_o agree_v in_o any_o one_o thing_n as_o in_o their_o design_n of_o torment_v the_o christian_n in_o so_o much_o that_o the_o ordinary_a people_n who_o have_v general_o some_o compassion_n for_o the_o great_a malefactor_n upon_o the_o scaffold_n conduct_v the_o christian_n to_o the_o place_n of_o execution_n with_o acclamation_n of_o joy_n certain_o it_o be_v a_o very_a difficult_a matter_n to_o restrain_v one_o curiosity_n so_o much_o as_o not_o to_o desire_v a_o more_o particular_a knowledge_n of_o a_o people_n persecute_v by_o the_o world_n with_o so_o much_o rage_n and_o malice_n for_o to_o see_v the_o whole_a world_n so_o strange_o incense_v against_o one_o sect_n of_o man_n one_o will_v easy_o think_v they_o the_o common_a enemy_n of_o all_o mankind_n and_o the_o offspring_n of_o hell_n itself_o bear_v for_o a_o common_a plague_n to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n apolog._n what_o then_o be_v the_o great_a crime_n these_o christian_n be_v guilty_a of_o they_o be_v accuse_v of_o impiety_n murder_n and_o incest_n it_o be_v pretend_v that_o they_o violate_v the_o respect_n due_a to_o the_o god_n that_o they_o murder_v their_o own_o child_n which_o they_o scruple_v not_o to_o eat_v up_o after_o have_v kill_v they_o and_o last_o that_o they_o lie_v promiscuous_o together_o the_o brother_n with_o the_o sister_n and_o the_o son_n with_o the_o mother_n but_o first_o of_o all_o there_o be_v little_a likelihood_n that_o the_o christian_n shall_v suffer_v death_n and_o torment_n worse_o than_o death_n itself_o in_o defence_n of_o a_o religion_n which_o engage_v they_o to_o the_o commission_n of_o such_o infamous_a action_n that_o steadfast_a constancy_n they_o show_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o their_o torment_n and_o which_o their_o enemy_n themselves_o acknowledge_v suit_n very_o ill_o with_o the_o voluptuousness_n and_o enormity_n they_o be_v accuse_v of_o beside_o be_v they_o question_v concern_v these_o crime_n which_o they_o be_v oblige_v to_o clear_v themselves_o of_o they_o will_v produce_v in_o their_o behalf_n the_o apology_n of_o justin_n athenagoras_n and_o tertullian_n wherein_o they_o earnest_o desire_v the_o senate_n and_o roman_a emperor_n that_o they_o will_v make_v a_o strict_a enquiry_n into_o their_o life_n and_o inflict_v upon_o they_o such_o torment_n as_o be_v a_o thousand_o time_n if_o possible_o more_o cruel_a than_o those_o they_o have_v already_o endure_v if_o they_o be_v real_o guilty_a of_o what_o they_o be_v accuse_v they_o will_v show_v we_o likewise_o a_o letter_n from_o pliny_n to_o trajan_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o authentic_a monument_n of_o their_o innocence_n since_o pliny_n there_o inform_v
be_v we_o not_o assure_v of_o they_o from_o the_o write_n of_o the_o heathen_n and_o have_v we_o not_o a_o clear_a proof_n in_o the_o complaint_n of_o the_o father_n who_o certain_o be_v not_o so_o extravagant_a as_o public_o to_o complain_v of_o a_o imaginary_a persecution_n when_o it_o be_v so_o dangerous_a to_o complain_v of_o one_o that_o be_v real_a and_o therefore_o i_o will_v fain_o know_v what_o this_o christian_a faith_n and_o doctrine_n be_v which_o make_v man_n so_o patient_o suffer_v and_o abandon_v all_o thing_n but_o to_o my_o great_a amazement_n i_o find_v that_o they_o believe_v that_o a_o certain_a crucify_a man_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n that_o a_o man_n hang_v and_o nail_v on_o a_o cross_n be_v the_o sovereign_a judge_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o object_n of_o our_o adoration_n i_o confess_v i_o can_v but_o acknowledge_v some_o supernatural_a power_n in_o all_o this_o for_o though_o man_n of_o as_o mean_a appearance_n as_o those_o who_o first_o preach_v the_o gospel_n may_v without_o any_o miracle_n have_v weigh_v down_o the_o authority_n of_o emperor_n and_o prelate_n and_o all_o the_o magnificence_n and_o glory_n of_o paganism_n object_n very_o suitable_a to_o the_o worldly_a and_o ambitious_a heart_n of_o a_o man_n yet_o how_o can_v we_o conceive_v that_o they_o can_v without_o the_o help_n of_o miracle_n persuade_v man_n to_o believe_v a_o paradox_n so_o offensive_a to_o reason_n and_o which_o appear_v at_o first_o view_n so_o horrible_a as_o this_o that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v nail_v on_o a_o cross_n we_o can_v never_o persuade_v ourselves_o without_o offer_v violence_n to_o our_o reason_n that_o those_o who_o from_o their_o youth_n represent_v their_o deity_n to_o themselves_o as_o the_o great_a and_o most_o glorious_a being_n they_n can_v imagine_v and_o give_v the_o name_n of_o divine_a to_o whatever_o they_o think_v in_o the_o high_a degree_n beautiful_a and_o magnificent_a shall_v yet_o substitute_v to_o all_o these_o 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the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n that_o be_v in_o the_o flourish_a kingdom_n of_o the_o messiah_n which_o they_o term_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n in_o imitation_n of_o the_o prophet_n daniel_n nay_o two_o of_o they_o importune_v our_o saviour_n to_o grant_v they_o to_o sit_v the_o one_o on_o his_o right_a hand_n and_o the_o other_o on_o his_o left_a as_o soon_o as_o he_o be_v exalt_v to_o that_o state_n of_o glory_n i_o admit_v not_o of_o these_o matter_n of_o fact_n mere_o because_o they_o be_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n but_o because_o they_o be_v very_o conformable_a to_o the_o jewish_a tradition_n and_o reason_n itself_o common_a sense_n assure_v we_o that_o the_o disciple_n adhere_v not_o to_o jesus_n christ_n without_o some_o hope_n or_o other_o now_o what_o can_v they_o hope_v for_o from_o he_o who_o they_o look_v upon_o as_o the_o messiah_n but_o that_o which_o they_o expect_v from_o the_o true_a messiah_n himself_o viz._n a_o temporal_a deliverance_n attend_v with_o the_o 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the_o utmost_a pitch_n of_o prosperity_n and_o glory_n this_o jesus_n himself_o be_v seize_v and_o nail_v on_o a_o cross_n where_o he_o suffer_v a_o most_o infamous_a death_n infamous_a in_o the_o esteem_n of_o all_o nation_n but_o more_o particular_o accurse_v in_o the_o jewish_a law_n what_o a_o mighty_a thunder_n bolt_n must_v this_o have_v be_v to_o such_o man_n who_o have_v feed_v their_o fancy_n with_o such_o charm_a hope_n they_o be_v long_o since_o persuade_v that_o the_o messiah_n will_v make_v his_o appearance_n in_o a_o very_a glorious_a state_n that_o he_o will_v overthrow_v at_o his_o come_v the_o empire_n of_o cesar_n together_o with_o all_o the_o roman_a grandeur_n and_o thereby_o make_v the_o jew_n absolute_a master_n of_o the_o world_n all_o these_o thing_n they_o impatient_o expect_v from_o jesus_n and_o yet_o this_o jesus_n be_v dishonour_v by_o a_o infamous_a punishment_n he_o be_v compel_v to_o endure_v the_o jew_n themselves_o not_o only_o sacrifice_v he_o but_o 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in_o the_o midst_n of_o their_o sorrow_n and_o astonishment_n but_o we_o trust_v that_o it_o have_v be_v he_o which_o shall_v have_v redeem_v israel_n and_o beside_o all_o this_o to_o day_n be_v the_o three_o day_n since_o these_o thing_n be_v do_v luke_n 24._o 21._o but_o suppose_v they_o have_v no_o such_o hope_n or_o expectation_n it_o be_v enough_o that_o the_o disciple_n look_v upon_o jesus_n as_o the_o promise_a messiah_n nay_o it_o be_v all_o one_o whether_o it_o be_v in_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o jew_n or_o in_o that_o of_o the_o christian_n for_o if_o it_o be_v in_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o jew_n they_o can_v not_o but_o imagine_v that_o jesus_n will_v have_v raise_v up_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o jew_n to_o its_o utmost_a height_n so_o far_o be_v they_o from_o conceive_v he_o be_v liable_a to_o be_v put_v to_o death_n by_o they_o but_o if_o it_o be_v in_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o christian_n they_o ought_v sure_o to_o have_v believe_v that_o in_o case_n he_o shall_v die_v he_o 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the_o messiah_n but_o can_v they_o still_o believe_v it_o when_o they_o see_v he_o give_v up_o the_o ghost_n or_o if_o they_o do_v not_o believe_v it_o be_v they_o now_o grow_v bold_a to_o maintain_v a_o imposture_n than_o before_o to_o follow_v their_o master_n when_o they_o think_v he_o the_o true_a messiah_n can_v certain_a fisherman_n deject_v fearful_a fisherman_n who_o ought_v with_o shame_n to_o have_v own_v their_o error_n can_v they_o invent_v such_o a_o fable_n preach_v it_o with_o so_o much_o confidence_n maintain_v it_o with_o so_o much_o boldness_n expose_v their_o person_n to_o all_o sort_n of_o torment_n and_o even_o to_o death_n itself_o in_o defence_n of_o such_o a_o incredible_a fiction_n can_v any_o of_o they_o imagine_v that_o they_o can_v seduce_v mankind_n or_o have_v any_o one_o of_o they_o imagine_v it_o can_v the_o rest_n have_v be_v so_o extravagant_a as_o to_o approve_v of_o his_o ridiculous_a fancy_n do_v they_o think_v the_o world_n will_v believe_v they_o upon_o their_o bare_a word_n and_o be_v they_o then_o no_o long_o in_o any_o dreadful_a apprehension_n of_o the_o sanhedrin_n that_o have_v inhumane_o put_v their_o master_n to_o death_n do_v they_o believe_v they_o may_v safe_o reproach_v the_o jew_n for_o have_v put_v the_o messiah_n to_o death_n without_o be_v themselves_o severe_o punish_v be_v they_o not_o sensible_a into_o how_o many_o trouble_n and_o affliction_n this_o fable_n will_v inevitable_o cast_v they_o and_o if_o they_o be_v can_v they_o still_o be_v so_o courageous_a as_o to_o maintain_v such_o a_o imposture_n be_v it_o possible_a that_o no_o one_o of_o they_o shall_v recant_v his_o opinion_n not_o one_o contradict_v himself_o but_o that_o all_o shall_v unanimous_o depose_v notwithstanding_o the_o most_o rigorous_a punishment_n inflict_v on_o they_o a_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o they_o know_v to_o be_v altogether_o chimerical_a and_o false_a certain_o this_o be_v a_o thing_n so_o very_o strange_a or_o rather_o which_o appear_v to_o i_o so_o very_o absurd_a and_o extravagant_a that_o i_o question_n whether_o our_o incredulous_a adversary_n can_v persuade_v themselves_o of_o it_o provide_v they_o will_v but_o reflect_v never_o so_o little_a upon_o it_o but_o let_v we_o continue_v still_o to_o distrust_v ourselves_o may_v we_o not_o probable_o have_v make_v some_o false_a supposition_n in_o what_o we_o just_a now_o affirm_v we_o will_v therefore_o go_v over_o again_o the_o same_o principle_n we_o just_o now_o establish_v and_o indeed_o the_o more_o i_o reflect_v upon_o they_o the_o less_o i_o conceive_v how_o we_o can_v possible_o call_v any_o of_o they_o in_o question_n for_o can_v i_o deny_v that_o jesus_n ever_o be_v in_o the_o world_n that_o he_o ever_o have_v any_o disciple_n or_o that_o those_o disciple_n think_v he_o at_o first_o the_o promise_a messiah_n but_o why_o shall_v i_o alone_o question_v a_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o the_o thalmudist_n nay_o julian_n porphirius_fw-la and_o all_o other_o enemy_n of_o christianity_n have_v always_o acknowledge_v this_o be_v what_o i_o have_v show_v to_o be_v absurd_a can_v i_o question_v but_o that_o if_o jesus_n die_v and_o rise_v not_o again_o from_o the_o dead_a his_o disciple_n be_v then_o undeceive_v of_o the_o opinion_n they_o probable_o entertain_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o messiah_n the_o son_n of_o god_n if_o so_o either_o they_o understand_v nothing_o at_o all_o by_o these_o two_o word_n the_o messiah_n the_o son_n of_o god_n or_o else_o they_o understand_v quite_o another_o thing_n than_o that_o he_o be_v a_o mere_a man_n who_o be_v to_o remain_v for_o ever_o under_o the_o power_n of_o death_n after_o his_o crucifixion_n can_v i_o deny_v that_o the_o disciple_n declare_v the_o resurrection_n of_o jesus_n christ_n after_o his_o crucifixion_n it_o be_v self_n evident_a all_o
different_a country_n who_o speak_v different_a language_n do_v all_o understand_v my_o speech_n there_o can_v certain_o be_v no_o illusion_n in_o that_o the_o validity_n of_o a_o testimony_n be_v no_o long_o incertain_a when_o we_o be_v sure_a of_o two_o thing_n first_o that_o the_o witness_n be_v not_o himself_o deceive_v and_o second_o that_o he_o do_v not_o intend_v to_o deceive_v other_o now_o this_o might_n easy_o be_v verify_v concern_v the_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n for_o first_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n upon_o which_o their_o deposition_n be_v found_v be_v so_o evident_a and_o notorious_a that_o none_o can_v ever_o be_v deceive_v in_o relation_n to_o they_o thus_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o the_o eye_n shall_v think_v they_o see_v what_o they_o do_v not_o real_o see_v that_o the_o ear_n shall_v agree_v to_o witness_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o eye_n that_o the_o hand_n shall_v touch_v that_o which_o both_o the_o eye_n and_o the_o ear_n perceive_v not_o once_o only_o but_o several_a time_n not_o the_o eye_n the_o ear_n and_o the_o hand_n of_o one_o single_a man_n but_o of_o several_a man_n together_o that_o they_o shall_v unanimous_o profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v endow_v with_o a_o extraordinary_a power_n and_o that_o too_o of_o work_a miracle_n unless_o they_o themselves_o know_v the_o certainty_n of_o it_o but_o though_o we_o shall_v suppose_v a_o man_n so_o whimsical_a as_o to_o impose_v upon_o himself_o after_o that_o prodigious_a rate_n yet_o sure_o we_o can_v not_o without_o extravagance_n imagine_v that_o the_o apostle_n have_v utter_o lose_v their_o sense_n by_o the_o same_o kind_n of_o madness_n that_o this_o madness_n begin_v exact_o after_o the_o death_n of_o jesus_n christ_n that_o the_o spread_a of_o the_o gospel_n over_o the_o face_n of_o the_o universe_n be_v a_o wonderful_a contrivance_n of_o the_o same_o that_o it_o be_v join_v to_o that_o morality_n which_o be_v so_o excellent_a so_o sublime_a and_o yet_o so_o just_a and_o pious_a in_o itself_o that_o the_o very_a enemy_n of_o our_o religion_n always_o reverence_v it_o and_o last_o that_o all_o manner_n of_o virtue_n derive_v their_o original_n from_o such_o pretend_a madness_n which_o work_v a_o change_n upon_o the_o world_n sanctify_v mankind_n and_o exact_o fulfil_v all_o those_o oracle_n which_o foretell_v the_o call_n of_o the_o gentile_n but_o if_o it_o appear_v that_o those_o man_n do_v not_o impose_v upon_o themselves_o much_o less_o ought_v they_o to_o be_v suspect_v of_o have_v have_v the_o will_n to_o deceive_v other_o because_o their_o simplicity_n and_o mean_a education_n allow_v they_o not_o to_o frame_v any_o such_o design_n and_o beside_o the_o confusion_n they_o be_v in_o to_o see_v themselves_o frustrate_v of_o their_o hope_n by_o the_o unexpected_a death_n of_o their_o master_n will_v whole_o have_v divert_v they_o from_o it_o their_o temporal_a concern_v too_o can_v not_o admit_v of_o it_o and_o their_o shame_n to_o show_v themselves_o to_o the_o world_n after_o what_o have_v happen_v be_v of_o itself_o sufficient_a to_o hinder_v they_o from_o it_o moreover_o their_o conscience_n will_v have_v check_v they_o for_o their_o superstitious_a fondness_n of_o the_o vain_a shadow_n of_o a_o messiah_n and_o it_o be_v impossible_a they_o can_v ever_o have_v agree_v together_o so_o as_o to_o contrive_v that_o strange_a and_o notorious_a imposture_n but_o suppose_v they_o undertake_v it_o the_o torment_v inflict_v on_o they_o will_v have_v make_v they_o repent_v such_o a_o rash_a design_n and_o the_o confession_n of_o one_o single_a person_n among_o they_o will_v have_v sufficient_o discover_v they_o all_o last_o their_o shame_n and_o poverty_n the_o gaol_n and_o the_o chain_n the_o stripe_n the_o fire_n and_o the_o sword_n that_o be_v use_v against_o they_o to_o make_v they_o recant_v sufficient_o warrant_v we_o that_o they_o never_o intend_v to_o deceive_v the_o world_n and_o if_o one_o single_a person_n so_o dispose_v be_v to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o unheard_a of_o prodigy_n how_o much_o more_o unlikely_a be_v it_o that_o a_o whole_a society_n can_v have_v conceive_v such_o a_o extravagant_a design_n if_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o disciple_n be_v false_a we_o can_v choose_v but_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o mad_a man_n or_o rather_o as_o rascal_n nay_o perhaps_o as_o both_o and_o yet_o their_o preach_v sufficient_o show_v the_o glory_n of_o their_o innocence_n and_o wisdom_n to_o confound_v both_o these_o calumny_n let_v any_o man_n but_o read_v over_o the_o book_n of_o those_o admirable_a writer_n and_o there_o he_o will_v to_o his_o satisfaction_n find_v that_o honesty_n sincerity_n and_o self_n denial_n be_v inseparable_o interweave_v with_o the_o most_o pure_a and_o most_o judicious_a morality_n that_o ever_o be_v but_o this_o reflection_n put_v i_o in_o mind_n that_o i_o must_v now_o hasten_v to_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n not_o to_o see_v whether_o they_o be_v human_a or_o divine_a for_o that_o will_v be_v consider_v in_o its_o own_o proper_a place_n but_o whether_o they_o be_v forge_v or_o not_o for_o if_o once_o we_o show_v that_o they_o be_v not_o forge_v we_o need_v only_o read_v they_o over_o to_o know_v the_o testimony_n the_o disciple_n bear_v of_o jesus_n christ_n himself_o and_o because_o that_o truth_n will_v serve_v for_o a_o confirmation_n of_o what_o we_o have_v already_o say_v we_o shall_v begin_v the_o follow_a section_n with_o the_o consideration_n of_o it_o section_n ii_o wherein_o we_o shall_v prove_v the_o divinity_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n by_o examine_v the_o book_n of_o the_o new-testament_n chap._n i._n wherein_o we_o shall_v prove_v that_o those_o book_n can_v never_o be_v supposititious_a when_o i_o examine_v the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n all_o the_o doubt_n i_o strive_v to_o raise_v concern_v they_o amount_v only_o to_o these_o three_o i._n whether_o those_o book_n be_v not_o compose_v by_o some_o impostor_n who_o probable_o may_v have_v ascribe_v they_o to_o the_o apostle_n ii_o whether_o those_o book_n suppose_v they_o be_v compose_v by_o the_o apostle_n be_v not_o afterward_o corrupt_v by_o the_o christian_n iii_o whether_o the_o apostle_n the_o pretend_a author_n of_o those_o book_n do_v not_o themselves_o fill_v they_o up_o with_o many_o fiction_n for_o their_o master_n honour_n and_o the_o advantage_n of_o their_o religion_n it_o be_v but_o just_a we_o shall_v examine_v whether_o these_o three_o suspicion_n be_v well_o ground_v or_o no._n and_o first_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o in_o take_v away_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n we_o overthrow_v that_o of_o all_o other_o book_n and_o call_v in_o question_n the_o account_n of_o all_o thing_n past_a for_o who_o will_v warrant_v i_o that_o cicero_n oration_n be_v his_o own_o if_o i_o can_v reasonable_o assure_v myself_o that_o the_o epistle_n of_o st._n paul_n be_v write_v by_o st._n paul_n himself_o but_o hold_v perhaps_o it_o be_v easy_a or_o more_o advantageous_a to_o counterfeit_v the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n than_o those_o of_o humane_a learning_n this_o be_v what_o we_o must_v a_o little_a inquire_v into_o and_o i._o the_o facility_n there_o be_v in_o counterfeit_v the_o the_o work_n of_o a_o author_n whole_o depend_v upon_o the_o several_a circumstance_n of_o time_n place_n and_o person_n upon_o the_o subject_a matter_n of_o that_o book_n the_o temper_n of_o man_n mind_n their_o different_a notion_n and_o their_o various_a interest_n which_o must_v be_v carry_v on_o in_o it_o now_o to_o counterfeit_a book_n of_o humane_a learning_n seem_v infinite_o more_o easy_a in_o all_o these_o respect_n than_o to_o counterfeit_v those_o of_o the_o new_a testament_n i._o because_o they_o who_o counterfeit_v a_o book_n of_o humane_a learning_n may_v take_v as_o much_o time_n as_o they_o please_v for_o it_o but_o here_o we_o know_v not_o what_o time_n can_v be_v imagine_v the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v forge_v in_o if_o we_o look_v back_o from_o age_n to_o age_n we_o find_v the_o christian_n have_v those_o book_n continual_o before_o their_o eye_n and_o that_o they_o be_v quote_v by_o the_o most_o ancient_a father_n who_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o sacred_a and_o divine_a ii_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o counterfeit_v book_n of_o humane_a learning_n because_o there_o be_v general_o but_o few_o people_n that_o interess_n themselves_o at_o all_o in_o they_o at_o least_o but_o very_o indifferent_o but_o it_o will_v have_v be_v a_o very_a difficult_a matter_n to_o counterfeit_v those_o book_n which_o compel_v man_n to_o suffer_v martyrdom_n as_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n do_v if_o a_o man_n that_o lend_v out_o his_o money_n seek_v the_o best_a security_n he_o can_v for_o it_o what_o
then_o must_v that_o person_n do_v or_o rather_o what_o must_v a_o infinite_a number_n of_o person_n do_v who_o utter_o renounce_v all_o thing_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o gospel_n iii_o there_o have_v be_v find_v some_o who_o have_v counterfeit_v book_n of_o humane_a learning_n but_o none_o ever_o know_v that_o be_v willing_a to_o die_v in_o defence_n of_o their_o forgery_n now_o none_o here_o can_v be_v suspect_v to_o have_v forge_v the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n but_o only_o those_o who_o suffer_v death_n in_o defence_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o consequent_o to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o these_o matter_n of_o fact_n on_o which_o chistianity_n itself_o be_v found_v iv._o a_o man_n may_v very_o well_o counterfeit_a a_o book_n of_o humane_a learning_n but_o not_o always_o nor_o in_o all_o circumstance_n and_o it_o will_v be_v very_o ridiculous_a in_o a_o man_n to_o forge_v letter_n that_o must_v have_v be_v write_v not_o long_o ago_o to_o whole_a 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undaunted_a rather_o than_o sorrowful_a unto_o death_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o one_o single_a evangelist_n that_o relate_v the_o history_n of_o his_o passion_n after_o this_o manner_n they_o all_o agree_v in_o this_o respect_n and_o how_o can_v this_o be_v so_o but_o that_o they_o only_o propose_v to_o themselves_o to_o speak_v the_o plain_a truth_n and_o they_o speak_v it_o without_o consider_v the_o impression_n it_o will_v make_v on_o mankind_n without_o examine_v whether_o the_o incredulous_a will_v take_v occasion_n from_o thence_o to_o slander_v the_o christian_a religion_n in_o the_o mean_a while_n if_o what_o have_v be_v say_v here_o be_v not_o sufficient_a i_o be_o willing_a more_o particular_o to_o examine_v the_o matter_n contain_v in_o the_o gospel_n chap._n vi_o where_o we_o shall_v examine_v the_o matter_n contain_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o see_v whether_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o illusion_n or_o imposture_n those_o book_n contain_v a_o infinite_a number_n of_o extraordinary_a divine_a and_o admirable_a thing_n but_o the_o principal_a of_o they_o be_v reducible_a to_o these_o four_o head_n i._o the_o birth_n genealogy_n and_o education_n of_o jesus_n christ_n with_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o they_o which_o we_o shall_v not_o speak_v of_o at_o present_a lest_o we_o shall_v be_v too_o tedious_a have_v already_o mention_v they_o in_o our_o first_o part_n of_o this_o work_n ii_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o office_n confirm_v by_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o miracle_n from_o his_o baptism_n to_o his_o ascension_n iii_o the_o holiness_n of_o his_o life_n and_o conversation_n see_v clear_o in_o several_a occasion_n and_o shine_v throughout_o the_o various_a action_n of_o his_o life_n iv._o his_o doctrine_n and_o his_o prophecy_n from_o these_o four_o different_a head_n spring_v forth_o such_o beam_n of_o truth_n as_o wonderful_o illustrate_v this_o whole_a matter_n let_v we_o therefore_o examine_v they_o in_o their_o order_n and_o keep_v still_o to_o our_o usual_a method_n which_o be_v to_o raise_v as_o we_o go_v along_o as_o many_o difficulty_n as_o we_o can_v and_o urge_v they_o on_o with_o all_o their_o force_n to_o stop_v if_o it_o be_v possible_a the_o complaint_n of_o the_o incredulous_a against_o we_o we_o may_v very_o well_o consider_v in_o the_o miracle_n of_o jesus_n christ_n their_o number_n variety_n and_o greatness_n the_o noise_n they_o make_v in_o the_o world_n and_o the_o manner_n in_o which_o they_o be_v receive_v and_o first_o the_o evangelist_n make_v appear_v the_o number_n variety_n and_o greatness_n of_o they_o in_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o change_v water_n into_o wine_n in_o cana_n that_o he_o restore_v sight_n to_o the_o blind_a hear_v to_o the_o deaf_a and_o health_n to_o the_o sick_a that_o he_o cleanse_v the_o leprous_a heal_v the_o sick_a of_o the_o palsy_n cure_v one_o of_o a_o wither_a hand_n
rich_a be_v content_a in_o that_o respect_n general_o seek_v after_o glory_n whereas_o a_o man_n that_o have_v scarce_o wherewithal_o to_o live_v little_a think_v of_o acquire_v glory_n but_o aim_v only_o at_o a_o bare_a subsistence_n whence_o it_o follow_v that_o instead_o of_o vain_o imagine_v that_o st._n paul_n design_v to_o reduce_v himself_o to_o extreme_a poverty_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n be_v very_o earnest_a in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o glory_n it_o be_v rather_o more_o natural_a to_o believe_v that_o he_o can_v not_o so_o much_o as_o propose_v to_o himself_o glory_n as_o the_o only_a end_n of_o all_o his_o action_n until_o the_o first_o find_v himself_o exempt_v from_o want_n and_o misery_n nevertheless_o this_o reason_n seem_v to_o carry_v with_o it_o the_o force_n of_o conviction_n since_o there_o have_v be_v those_o who_o have_v despise_v riches_n only_o to_o gain_v the_o esteem_n of_o man_n it_o must_v therefore_o be_v further_o add_v to_o distinguish_v st._n paul_n from_o this_o last_o sort_n of_o man_n that_o he_o be_v not_o only_o poor_a and_o force_v to_o labour_n for_o his_o live_n but_o that_o he_o suffer_v also_o all_o the_o misfortune_n and_o disgrace_n a_o man_n be_v capable_a of_o endure_v it_o be_v well_o know_v how_o much_o adversity_n deject_v our_o mind_n and_o humble_v the_o proud_a thought_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o we_o may_v venture_v to_o say_v that_o have_v those_o philosopher_n we_o late_o mention_v be_v overwhelm_v with_o a_o continual_a series_n of_o misfortune_n still_o lead_v on_o and_o follow_v one_o another_o have_v they_o be_v load_v with_o chain_n mark_v with_o stripe_n expose_v to_o storm_n and_o shipwreck_n to_o the_o scorn_n of_o the_o learned_a the_o bitter_a scoff_v of_o prince_n the_o hatred_n of_o magistrate_n and_o the_o fury_n of_o the_o people_n as_o st._n paul_n be_v their_o pride_n will_v soon_o have_v be_v abate_v their_o hope_n disappoint_v and_o the_o natural_a love_n of_o ease_n and_o quiet_a together_o with_o the_o impatience_n to_o get_v out_o of_o so_o wretched_a a_o condition_n will_v soon_o have_v supersede_v all_o other_o thought_n beside_o those_o very_a philosopher_n who_o so_o much_o despise_v riches_n and_o dignity_n despise_v they_o only_o out_o of_o self_n love_n but_o not_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o other_o since_o be_v little_o concern_v at_o the_o welfare_n of_o their_o neighbour_n they_o common_o retire_v into_o solitary_a place_n or_o keep_v company_n only_o with_o other_o wise_a man_n where_o they_o take_v pride_n in_o applaud_v one_o another_o for_o have_v renounce_v the_o world_n to_o give_v themselves_o whole_o up_o to_o the_o study_n of_o philosophy_n but_o here_o the_o apostle_n forsake_v every_o thing_n to_o labour_n for_o the_o conversion_n of_o mankind_n st._n paul_n make_v tent_n as_o well_o as_o abdolominus_fw-la dug_n in_o a_o garden_n but_o the_o one_o cease_v not_o to_o persuade_v man_n by_o preach_v the_o gospel_n whilst_o the_o other_o mind_v nothing_o but_o his_o own_o repose_n and_o tranquillity_n last_o the_o philosopher_n have_v this_o consolation_n that_o however_o they_o renounce_v riches_n they_o esteem_v themselves_o happy_a in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o true_a virtue_n for_o blind_a as_o they_o be_v by_o self-conceit_n they_o be_v far_o from_o imagine_v their_o virtue_n false_a and_o the_o idea_n they_o have_v of_o its_o excellency_n be_v their_o only_a comfort_n for_o what_o they_o have_v lose_v of_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n whereas_o st._n paul_n and_o the_o other_o apostle_n be_v but_o impostor_n as_o irreligious_a man_n suppose_v can_v not_o have_v that_o comfort_n which_o arise_v pure_o from_o the_o sense_n of_o one_o own_o virtue_n but_o be_v whole_o deprive_v of_o the_o support_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n which_o keep_v the_o soul_n from_o sink_v under_o the_o great_a danger_n and_o affliction_n in_o a_o word_n consider_v this_o matter_n on_o which_o side_n you_o will_v still_o you_o will_v find_v somewhat_o singular_a in_o the_o conduct_n of_o st._n paul_n and_o that_o no_o character_n equal_v his_o apostolical_a character_n but_o perhaps_o some_o will_v object_v that_o st._n paul_n seem_v to_o boast_v a_o little_a too_o much_o in_o some_o of_o his_o epistle_n of_o the_o excellence_n of_o his_o revelation_n he_o write_v to_o the_o galatian_n chap._n 2._o 9_o that_o he_o have_v receive_v nothing_o from_o the_o most_o excellent_a of_o the_o apostle_n or_o rather_o that_o he_o be_v not_o behind_o even_o the_o very_o best_a of_o the_o apostle_n that_o james_n cephas_n and_o john_n who_o seem_v to_o be_v pillar_n of_o the_o church_n have_v give_v he_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n chap._n 1._o 16._o that_o after_o he_o have_v be_v make_v a_o apostle_n he_o do_v not_o confer_v with_o flesh_n and_o blood_n neither_o go_v he_o up_o to_o jerusalem_n to_o be_v there_o approve_v of_o by_o the_o other_o apostle_n chap._n 2._o 11._o that_o he_o withstand_v peter_n to_o the_o face_n and_o blame_v he_o because_o he_o deserve_v to_o be_v blame_v but_o this_o difficulty_n can_v perplex_v those_o who_o shall_v be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o reason_n that_o oblige_v st._n paul_n to_o speak_v and_o act_v thus_o there_o be_v several_a false_a teacher_n among_o the_o galatian_n who_o endeavour_v to_o destroy_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o preach_n of_o that_o apostle_n by_o join_v the_o jewish_a ceremony_n to_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o allege_v for_o it_o the_o authority_n of_o peter_n james_n and_o john_n who_o they_o have_v see_v at_o jerusalem_n he_o therefore_o fear_v lest_o under_o pretence_n of_o follow_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o three_o principal_a apostle_n of_o our_o lord_n they_o shall_v subvert_v his_o work_n undertake_v to_o show_v that_o the_o excellence_n of_o his_o ministry_n be_v not_o in_o the_o least_o inferior_a to_o that_o of_o any_o other_o apostle_n under_o this_o consideration_n he_o compare_v himself_o to_o the_o other_o apostle_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o galatian_n begin_v it_o after_o this_o manner_n paul_n a_o apostle_n not_o of_o man_n neither_o by_o man_n but_o by_o jesus_n crist_n and_o god_n the_o father_n etc._n etc._n and_o it_o be_v upon_o the_o very_a same_o account_n that_o compare_v himself_o in_o his_o second_o epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n to_o some_o teacher_n who_o endeavour_v to_o disturb_v he_o in_o his_o ministry_n he_o express_v himself_o after_o this_o manner_n chap._n 11._o v._n 22_o 23_o 23_o 24_o 25_o 26_o 27_o 28_o 29._o be_v they_o hebrew_n so_o be_o i_o be_v they_o israelites_n so_o be_o i_o be_v they_o minister_n of_o christ_n i_o speak_v as_o a_o fool_n i_o be_o more_o in_o labour_n more_o abundant_a in_o stripe_n above_o measure_n of_o the_o jew_n five_o time_n receive_v i_o forty_o stripe_n save_o one_o thrice_o be_v i_o beat_v with_o rod_n once_o be_v i_o stone_v thrice_o i_o suffer_v shipwreck_n in_o journey_v often_o in_o peril_n of_o water_n in_o peril_n of_o robber_n in_o peril_n by_o my_o own_o countryman_n in_o peril_n by_o the_o heathen_a in_o peril_n among_o false_a brethren_n in_o weariness_n and_o painfulness_n in_o watch_n often_o in_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n in_o fasting_n often_o in_o cold_a and_o nakedness_n beside_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v without_o that_o which_o come_v upon_o i_o daily_o the_o care_n of_o all_o the_o church_n who_o be_v weak_a and_o i_o be_o not_o weak_a who_o be_v offend_v and_o i_o burn_v not_o can_v any_o one_o suppose_v that_o st._n paul_n will_v have_v presume_v to_o speak_v so_o particular_o of_o all_o his_o affliction_n and_o with_o so_o much_o confidence_n for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n who_o certain_a seducer_n will_v have_v dissuade_v from_o the_o faith_n if_o those_o affliction_n have_v not_o be_v real_a and_o well_o know_v to_o the_o world_n if_o what_o he_o assert_n have_v be_v false_a sure_o he_o must_v have_v perceive_v that_o far_o from_o silence_v his_o enemy_n this_o way_n he_o rather_o supply_v they_o with_o new_a matter_n to_o reproach_v he_o with_o but_o if_o what_o he_o assert_n be_v true_a who_o doubt_v but_o that_o he_o be_v strong_o persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n when_o we_o see_v how_o much_o and_o in_o what_o manner_n he_o suffer_v in_o defence_n of_o the_o same_o what_o piece_n of_o imposture_n or_o mistake_v principle_n can_v inspire_v a_o man_n with_o so_o much_o confidence_n as_o this_o apostle_n show_v produce_v a_o wicked_a man_n that_o can_v undergo_v a_o continual_a martyrdom_n in_o defence_n of_o a_o cheat_n and_o yet_o breath_n out_o nothing_o in_o all_o his_o write_n but_o zeal_n confidence_n and_o charity_n produce_v a_o wicked_a man_n who_o be_v just_o come_v out_o of_o prison_n shall_v strive_v to_o re-enter_v into_o it_o and_o continue_v preach_v a_o gospel_n which_o have_v cost_v
to_o look_v upon_o that_o word_n as_o divine_v which_o those_o tongue_n have_v preach_v we_o can_v but_o look_v upon_o those_o write_n as_o divine_a in_o which_o that_o word_n itself_o be_v contain_v i_o hope_v that_o whosoever_o shall_v serious_o reflect_v on_o the_o connexion_n of_o all_o these_o principle_n will_v full_o be_v persuade_v that_o their_o union_n be_v not_o to_o be_v dissolve_v if_o there_o be_v such_o a_o book_n as_o the_o new_a testament_n in_o the_o day_n of_o clemens_n polycarp_n and_o of_o the_o primitive_a father_n as_o without_o dispute_n there_o be_v that_o book_n can_v never_o have_v be_v forge_v if_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n can_v not_o have_v be_v forge_v it_o be_v impossible_a but_o that_o certain_a public_a matter_n of_o fact_n which_o be_v insert_v in_o that_o book_n as_o be_v public_o know_v by_o all_o the_o christian_n be_v true_a and_o if_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v true_a it_o can_v never_o be_v deny_v but_o that_o the_o apostle_n receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n if_o the_o apostle_n do_v receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n certain_o their_o write_n must_v be_v look_v upon_o as_o divine_a i_o have_v make_v choice_n of_o these_o principle_n only_o among_o several_a other_o which_o i_o have_v establish_v but_o lest_o any_o one_o shall_v imagine_v that_o they_o subsist_v mere_o by_o their_o connexion_n i_o desire_v the_o reader_n to_o remember_v that_o i_o have_v prove_v each_o of_o they_o apart_o by_o themselves_o after_o several_a different_a way_n it_o be_v very_o true_a therefore_o that_o the_o new_a testament_n as_o well_o as_o our_o religion_n be_v divine_a for_o these_o two_o truth_n be_v proper_o one_o and_o the_o same_o the_o christian_a religion_n can_v be_v divine_a if_o the_o word_n or_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v the_o ruleof_o the_o faith_n of_o its_o professor_n be_v humane_a and_o the_o scripture_n can_v never_o be_v divine_a unless_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v of_o a_o heavenly_a original_a and_o proceed_v from_o god_n but_o it_o be_v fit_a that_o we_o shall_v examine_v the_o difficulty_n that_o be_v oppose_v against_o this_o grand_a principle_n chap._n fourteen_o wherein_o we_o shall_v examine_v those_o difficulty_n which_o may_v probable_o be_v raise_v against_o the_o forego_n truth_n truth_n be_v a_o enemy_n to_o all_o shift_n and_o trick_n let_v we_o therefore_o brief_o consider_v what_o doubt_n we_o may_v possible_o entertain_v in_o the_o forego_n truth_n let_v we_o give_v full_a scope_n to_o our_o imagination_n to_o frame_v what_o suspicion_n we_o can_v as_o to_o the_o person_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n their_o miracle_n the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o the_o extraordinary_a and_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o be_v impart_v to_o mankind_n by_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o and_o i._o to_o begin_v with_o the_o person_n of_o jesus_n christ_n there_o be_v some_o who_o believe_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v a_o essene_n and_o that_o he_o borrow_v from_o that_o sect_n the_o purity_n of_o his_o moral_n and_o the_o soundness_n of_o his_o doctrine_n and_o indeed_o it_o appear_v from_o the_o description_n which_o philo_n and_o josephus_n give_v we_o of_o that_o sect_n that_o the_o essenes_n live_v among_o themselves_o in_o a_o perfect_a union_n that_o they_o possess_v all_o thing_n in_o common_a that_o they_o look_v upon_o one_o another_o as_o so_o many_o brethren_n and_o that_o they_o have_v very_o rational_a and_o sound_a idea_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n all_o this_o pretty_a well_o agree_v with_o the_o nature_n of_o chistianity_n beside_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v that_o jesus_n christ_n ever_o oppose_v their_o doctrine_n when_o he_o pronounce_v so_o many_o woe_n against_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n and_o if_o it_o be_v true_a that_o jesus_n christ_n borrow_v his_o doctrine_n from_o that_o sect_n we_o shall_v have_v less_o reason_n to_o be_v surprise_v at_o his_o extraordinary_a morality_n and_o holiness_n of_o life_n but_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o refute_v this_o notion_n if_o we_o consider_v that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o sect_n as_o that_o of_o the_o essenes_n in_o galilee_n which_o be_v the_o native_a country_n of_o jesus_n christ_n that_o the_o essenes_n avoid_v all_o correspondence_n with_o other_o man_n as_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o impure_a and_o profane_a and_o for_o that_o reason_n dwell_v not_o in_o any_o great_a city_n whereas_o jesus_n christ_n traverse_v town_n and_o village_n teach_v multitude_n preach_v in_o the_o synagogue_n etc._n etc._n beside_o the_o essenes_n abhor_a matrimony_n whereas_o jesus_n christ_n make_v choice_n of_o such_o disciple_n as_o be_v marry_v and_o last_o that_o he_o have_v several_a fisherman_n to_o attend_v he_o but_o none_o of_o they_o be_v essenes_n but_o ii_o may_v we_o not_o think_v that_o jesus_n christ_n owe_v his_o knowledge_n to_o his_o education_n but_o how_o can_v that_o be_v for_o as_o much_o as_o he_o be_v breed_v up_o in_o the_o shop_n of_o a_o carpenter_n as_o his_o enemy_n themselves_o confess_v in_o their_o reproach_n of_o he_o iii_o some_o will_v object_v that_o it_o be_v out_o of_o spite_n to_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n and_o other_o ruler_n of_o the_o jew_n that_o he_o first_o exclaim_v so_o much_o against_o they_o and_o after_o invent_v on_o purpose_n to_o thwart_v they_o a_o religion_n quite_o opposite_a to_o they_o but_o what_o have_v the_o son_n of_o mary_n to_o do_v with_o all_o those_o teacher_n since_o he_o neither_o be_v priest_n nor_o levite_n nor_o pretend_v to_o any_o such_o dignity_n what_o shall_v make_v he_o come_v in_o competition_n with_o they_o beside_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o assert_v that_o jesus_n christ_n seem_v very_o much_o exasperate_v against_o their_o doctrine_n and_o behaviour_n it_o must_v also_o be_v consider_v whether_o he_o have_v not_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o reason_n to_o be_v so_o iu._n it_o be_v object_v that_o perhaps_o he_o be_v ambitious_a of_o be_v think_v a_o prophet_n or_o it_o may_v be_v not_o right_o understand_v certain_a oracle_n which_o seem_v to_o determine_v at_o that_o time_n the_o come_n of_o the_o messiah_n he_o real_o think_v himself_o to_o be_v that_o messiah_n but_o nothing_o of_o this_o be_v true_a for_o jesus_n christ_n can_v not_o have_v think_v himself_o to_o be_v the_o messiah_n out_o of_o mere_a simplicity_n and_o ignorance_n nor_o have_v endeavour_v to_o make_v the_o world_n believe_v it_o out_o of_o malice_n or_o deceit_n we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o believe_v the_o former_a if_o we_o consider_v his_o morality_n and_o doctrine_n and_o his_o holiness_n of_o life_n give_v we_o no_o occasion_n to_o imagine_v the_o latter_a the_o incredulous_a will_n soon_o be_v reduce_v to_o a_o evident_a absurdity_n if_o they_o assert_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o most_o ignorant_a or_o most_o wicked_a of_o man_n the_o most_o ignorant_a if_o he_o think_v himself_o to_o be_v the_o messiah_n without_o be_v real_o so_o or_o the_o most_o wicked_a if_o he_o endeavour_v to_o make_v other_o man_n believe_v it_o when_o he_o believe_v it_o not_o himself_o because_o one_o must_v be_v wilful_o blind_a not_o to_o perceive_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n proceed_v both_o from_o a_o very_a clear_a principle_n and_o a_o good_a foundation_n too_o v._n but_o may_v we_o not_o say_v the_o same_o of_o mahomet_n the_o incredulous_a compare_v they_o often_o together_o they_o pretend_v that_o jesus_n christ_n and_o mahomet_n may_v have_v be_v animate_v both_o with_o the_o same_o spirit_n but_o of_o all_o the_o shift_n of_o the_o incredulous_a this_o be_v certain_o their_o weak_a and_o it_o be_v a_o plain_a demonstration_n that_o they_o have_v no_o manner_n of_o idea_n of_o the_o thing_n they_o speak_v of_o when_o they_o insist_v upon_o this_o comparison_n for_o we_o can_v here_o produce_v several_a essential_a difference_n betwixt_o jesus_n christ_n and_o mahomet_n mahomet_n never_o pretend_v to_o establish_v his_o religion_n by_o work_a miracle_n although_o several_a have_v be_v impute_v to_o he_o whereas_o jesus_n christ_n desire_v no_o belief_n but_o upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o his_o extraordinary_a miracle_n be_v willing_a thereby_o to_o convince_v the_o eye_n and_o sense_n of_o his_o disciple_n by_o sensible_a matter_n of_o fact_n and_o such_o miracle_n as_o he_o give_v they_o also_o power_n to_o work_v themselves_o when_o he_o send_v they_o forth_o to_o preach_v abroad_o his_o resurrection_n and_o miracle_n at_o the_o same_o time_n he_o threaten_v they_o with_o death_n and_o eternal_a damnation_n in_o case_n they_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o deceive_v any_o body_n with_o fiction_n or_o even_o disguise_v the_o truth_n itself_o mahomet_n leave_v no_o such_o prophecy_n behind_o he_o as_o have_v be_v accomplish_v whereas_o we_o have_v several_a of_o jesus_n christ_n which_o have_v
just_a go_v to_o shed_v the_o blood_n of_o christian_n he_o go_v about_o afterward_o preach_v that_o he_o have_v see_v jesus_n christ_n that_o a_o great_a light_n shine_v round_o about_o he_o that_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v reveal_v unto_o he_o he_o affirm_v that_o god_n have_v set_v he_o forth_o unto_o the_o world_n and_o that_o he_o become_v a_o spectacle_n unto_o man_n and_o angel_n 1_o cor._n 4._o 9_o if_o man_n will_v not_o credit_v his_o report_n let_v they_o try_v he_o by_o torment_n and_o see_v what_o effect_n they_o will_v have_v upon_o he_o let_v they_o load_v he_o with_o chain_n and_o cast_v he_o into_o prison_n let_v they_o expose_v he_o to_o wild_a beast_n at_o ephesus_n let_v the_o element_n man_n and_o devil_n be_v all_o at_o once_o set_v against_o he_o let_v they_o scourge_v he_o drag_v he_o along_o stone_n he_o let_v they_o bring_v he_o from_o jerusalem_n to_o caesarea_n from_o caesarea_n to_o rome_n increase_n and_o prolong_v his_o affliction_n saul_n the_o witness_n of_o the_o synagogue_n it_o be_v true_a recant_v his_o opinion_n but_o paul_n the_o witness_n of_o jesus_n will_v never_o recant_v he_o have_v see_v the_o strange_a alteration_n which_o happen_v to_o the_o person_n of_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o synagogue_n let_v we_o reflect_v a_o little_a on_o that_o which_o happen_v to_o the_o person_n of_o the_o apostle_n of_o jesus_n christ_n judas_n betray_v his_o master_n and_o receive_v for_o his_o reward_n thirty_o piece_n of_o silver_n but_o how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v he_o be_v so_o much_o disturb_v after_o he_o have_v do_v it_o the_o jew_n the_o roman_n the_o people_n the_o doctor_n the_o magistrate_n and_o judge_n all_o favour_v his_o crime_n and_o let_v he_o go_v unpunished_a yet_o the_o remorse_n of_o his_o own_o conscience_n torment_v he_o to_o that_o degree_n that_o he_o can_v not_o rest_v any_o where_o and_o at_o length_n not_o be_v able_a to_o overcome_v his_o despair_n he_o make_v away_o with_o himself_o and_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n so_o order_v it_o that_o the_o jew_n themselves_o preserve_v the_o memory_n of_o that_o astonish_a event_n by_o buy_v with_o that_o money_n a_o field_n which_o be_v since_o call_v aceldama_n because_o it_o be_v the_o price_n of_o blood_n what_o a_o strange_a difference_n we_o find_v in_o these_o two_o person_n of_o judas_n and_o saul_n judas_n kill_v himself_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o his_o prosperity_n but_o saul_n rejoice_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o his_o affliction_n judas_n prevail_v upon_o by_o the_o synagogue_n can_v not_o be_v comfort_v by_o the_o same_o but_o die_v in_o despair_n paul_n become_v the_o disciple_n and_o witness_n of_o jesus_n and_o to_o he_o the_o cross_n of_o jesus_n be_v matter_n of_o the_o great_a joy_n god_n forbid_v say_v he_o gal._n 6._o 14_o that_o i_o shall_v glory_v save_v in_o the_o cross_n of_o my_o saviour_n christ_n by_o who_o the_o world_n be_v crucify_v unto_o i_o and_o i_o unto_o the_o world_n will_v any_o one_o believe_v that_o judas_n be_v his_o own_o executioner_n mere_o out_o of_o remorse_n for_o have_v betray_v a_o impostor_n to_o the_o jew_n or_o that_o st._n paul_n derive_v from_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o infidelity_n the_o courage_n he_o show_v in_o all_o his_o suffering_n certain_o it_o may_v be_v very_o proper_o say_v that_o they_o be_v both_o the_o martyr_n of_o god_n but_o only_o with_o this_o difference_n that_o judas_n be_v so_o against_o his_o will_n but_o paul_n voluntary_o if_o the_o constancy_n of_o the_o one_o testify_v in_o behalf_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o despair_n of_o the_o other_o be_v no_o small_a honour_n to_o he_o and_o the_o only_a difference_n be_v this_o that_o paul_n be_v proper_o a_o martyr_n but_o judas_n in_o spite_n of_o himself_o a_o witness_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n chap._n xvii_o where_o we_o further_o answer_v the_o objection_n of_o the_o incredulous_a of_o all_o the_o object_n which_o the_o christian_a religion_n offer_v to_o our_o understanding_n there_o be_v no_o one_o seem_v more_o to_o shock_v the_o reason_n of_o a_o prejudice_v and_o incredulous_a person_n than_o the_o death_n of_o the_o messiah_n the_o cross_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v according_a to_o the_o expression_n of_o a_o apostle_n a_o scandal_n to_o the_o jew_n and_o a_o folly_n to_o the_o greek_a but_o in_o our_o opinion_n there_o be_v nothing_o bear_v more_o visible_a character_n of_o greatness_n and_o divinity_n than_o that_o do_v the_o incredulous_a tell_v we_o that_o can_v we_o but_o rid_v ourselves_o of_o all_o our_o prejudices_fw-la we_o shall_v be_v hearty_o ashamed_a to_o entertain_v such_o strange_a idea_n of_o god_n and_o we_o also_o tell_v they_o that_o can_v they_o once_o but_o free_v themselves_o of_o those_o passion_n which_o darken_v their_o understanding_n they_o will_v certain_o admire_v with_o we_o the_o wonder_n of_o so_o divine_a a_o object_n who_o then_o be_v in_o the_o wrong_n in_o this_o thing_n that_o will_v best_o appear_v by_o the_o answer_v we_o shall_v make_v to_o their_o objection_n we_o find_v in_o the_o person_n of_o jesus_n christ_n one_o who_o suffer_v himself_o to_o be_v seize_v upon_o and_o be_v afterward_o nail_v on_o a_o cross_n not_o have_v any_o one_o to_o deliver_v he_o from_o the_o power_n of_o his_o enemy_n this_o they_o object_n be_v a_o mark_n of_o his_o weakness_n for_o say_v they_o have_v he_o be_v the_o king_n of_o the_o jew_n why_o do_v he_o not_o come_v down_o from_o the_o cross_n and_o all_o the_o world_n will_v have_v believe_v on_o he_o he_o die_v as_o one_o condemn_v by_o the_o grand_a council_n of_o the_o jew_n which_o god_n himself_o have_v establish_v this_o be_v he_o as_o be_v find_v guilty_a he_o be_v seize_v with_o sorrowfulness_n even_o unto_o death_n the_o day_n before_o his_o passion_n and_o cry_v out_o bitter_o when_o he_o give_v up_o the_o ghost_n this_o show_v his_o wretched_a condition_n he_o be_v make_v to_o suffer_v a_o punishment_n proper_a only_o for_o slave_n it_o can_v therefore_o be_v doubt_v but_o that_o he_o die_v a_o most_o infamous_a death_n and_o who_o can_v imagine_v that_o weakness_n gild_n or_o at_o least_o condemnation_n wretchedness_n and_o infamy_n shall_v be_v the_o true_a character_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n thus_o the_o incredulous_a argue_v we_o answer_v that_o jesus_n christ_n suffer_v by_o the_o determinate_a council_n of_o god_n since_o the_o scripture_n foretell_v that_o he_o be_v to_o be_v wound_v for_o our_o transgression_n and_o bruise_v for_o our_o iniquity_n that_o he_o be_v to_o make_v his_o soul_n a_o offering_n for_o sin_n that_o he_o be_v to_o be_v cut_v off_o but_o not_o for_o himself_o and_o st._n john_n the_o baptist_n see_v he_o come_v to_o he_o at_o a_o time_n wherein_o it_o be_v very_o unlikely_a he_o shall_v ever_o suffer_v call_v he_o the_o lamb_n of_o god_n that_o take_v away_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o world_n john_n 1._o 29._o jesus_n christ_n suffer_v voluntary_o he_o foretell_v all_o his_o own_o suffering_n to_o his_o disciple_n invite_v they_o to_o take_v up_o their_o cross_n and_o follow_v he_o he_o tell_v they_o that_o he_o have_v make_v choice_n of_o a_o company_n of_o miserable_a and_o afflict_a wretch_n in_o the_o world_n who_o be_v notwithstanding_o to_o overcome_v the_o world_n and_o by_o their_o suffering_n establish_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n upon_o earth_n he_o free_o own_v to_o they_o that_o he_o be_v not_o come_v to_o settle_v peace_n in_o the_o world_n but_o the_o sword_n that_o god_n will_v smite_v the_o shepherd_n and_o that_o the_o sheep_n shall_v be_v scatter_v that_o they_o be_v to_o drink_v of_o the_o same_o cup_n with_o he_o and_o be_v baptize_v with_o his_o baptism_n that_o be_v to_o taste_v the_o bitter_a cup_n of_o his_o affliction_n and_o be_v baptize_v with_o he_o with_o a_o baptism_n of_o blood_n he_o intermix_v his_o suffering_n with_o they_o that_o they_o may_v the_o better_o bear_v they_o in_o remembrance_n if_o we_o shall_v in_o the_o least_o doubt_n whether_o christ_n foretell_v his_o suffering_n we_o need_v only_o consider_v the_o design_n of_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o eucharist_n and_o the_o time_n wherein_o this_o ceremony_n be_v institute_v for_o unless_o we_o shall_v call_v in_o question_n the_o real_a institution_n of_o that_o sacrament_n and_o so_o affirm_v that_o the_o disciple_n out_o of_o a_o unaccountable_a and_o fantastical_a extravagance_n pretend_v only_o that_o jesus_n christ_n have_v institute_v that_o ceremony_n when_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n it_o will_v appear_v that_o jesus_n christ_n foresee_v his_o death_n that_o he_o prepare_v himself_o for_o it_o and_o affirm_v he_o suffer_v it_o voluntary_o for_o the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o eucharist_n which_o he_o
three_o year_n or_o three_o year_n and_o a_o half_a as_o long_o as_o his_o office_n last_v wrought_v more_o surprise_v miracle_n than_o have_v be_v either_o see_v or_o know_v since_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o world_n and_o so_o to_o believe_v the_o gospel_n be_v firm_o to_o believe_v that_o christ_n work_v those_o miracle_n which_o be_v so_o often_o and_o so_o circumstantial_o repeat_v in_o it_o and_o so_o inseparable_a from_o the_o other_o part_n and_o accident_n of_o his_o life_n it_o must_v not_o then_o be_v affirm_v that_o the_o primitive_a christian_n embrace_v christianity_n without_o inquire_v in_o the_o least_o into_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n for_o that_o imply_v a_o contradiction_n neither_o must_v we_o say_v that_o they_o believe_v those_o miracle_n without_o a_o due_a examination_n of_o they_o such_o thing_n as_o these_o indeed_o require_v no_o very_a great_a examination_n but_o they_o can_v not_o avoid_v examine_v they_o have_v they_o endeavour_v it_o for_o it_o be_v not_o whole_o leave_v to_o my_o choice_n either_o to_o know_v or_o not_o to_o know_v the_o thing_n which_o be_v do_v in_o the_o place_n which_o i_o inhabit_v neither_o do_v it_o whole_o depend_v upon_o i_o to_o believe_v or_o not_o to_o believe_v certain_a matter_n of_o fact_n that_o be_v contradictory_n to_o public_a knowledge_n and_o though_o a_o man_n under_o pretence_n of_o religion_n or_o otherwise_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o make_v i_o believe_v he_o have_v raise_v a_o dead_a man_n to_o life_n again_o in_o a_o village_n a_o few_o mile_n distant_a from_o the_o place_n i_o dwell_v in_o who_o i_o may_v have_v both_o see_v and_o know_v after_o his_o resurrection_n or_o if_o i_o have_v not_o see_v he_o myself_o many_o other_o have_v both_o see_v and_o know_v and_o many_o go_v to_o see_v i_o say_v all_o this_o be_v no_o more_o leave_v to_o my_o choice_n to_o know_v or_o not_o to_o know_v than_o it_o be_v leave_v to_o my_o choice_n to_o be_v mad_a or_o in_o my_o sense_n for_o the_o better_a apprehend_v the_o strength_n of_o this_o argument_n i_o shall_v make_v this_o supposition_n what_o if_o we_o be_v full_o persuade_v that_o christ_n do_v all_o those_o miracle_n the_o gospel_n relate_v have_v go_v up_o to_o the_o city_n of_o jerusalem_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o and_o reach_v thither_o just_a at_o the_o evening_n of_o that_o day_n of_o pentecost_n on_o which_o st._n peter_n convert_v so_o many_o people_n by_o convince_a they_o that_o he_o have_v receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n i_o dare_v maintain_v first_o that_o we_o can_v not_o have_v forbear_v examine_v such_o thing_n which_o make_v so_o great_a a_o noise_n then_o second_o i_o affirm_v that_o however_o willing_a we_o may_v have_v be_v to_o delude_v and_o impose_v upon_o ourselves_o we_o can_v not_o have_v be_v so_o much_o as_o twenty_o four_o hour_n at_o jerusalem_n without_o know_v very_o distinct_o the_o certain_a truth_n of_o all_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n it_o will_v have_v be_v no_o very_o great_a trouble_n for_o we_o to_o have_v inquire_v how_o lazarus_n do_v and_o his_o two_o sister_n mary_n and_o martha_n and_o though_o by_o chance_n they_o may_v have_v be_v all_o three_o dead_a to_o have_v desire_v to_o speak_v with_o their_o friend_n and_o relation_n or_o with_o those_o that_o have_v see_v lazarus_n and_o eat_v with_o he_o both_o before_o and_o after_o his_o resurrection_n in_o like_a manner_n we_o may_v have_v easy_o speak_v with_o the_o friend_n and_o relation_n of_o jairus_n and_o with_o those_o too_o of_o other_o people_n who_o christ_n have_v heal_v or_o raise_v from_o the_o dead_a in_o the_o different_a part_n of_o judea_n and_o galilee_n and_o that_o be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o easy_a because_o commerce_n be_v much_o more_o stir_v between_o the_o metropolis_n of_o judea_n and_o the_o other_o city_n of_o the_o holy_a land_n than_o between_o the_o metropolis_n and_o the_o other_o city_n of_o the_o other_o province_n the_o jew_n be_v wont_a to_o go_v up_o to_o jerusalem_n at_o least_o on_o every_o solemn_a feast-day_n nay_o far_o we_o may_v have_v inquire_v about_o the_o truth_n or_o falsehood_n of_o those_o wonderful_a prodigy_n which_o as_o the_o gospel_n tell_v we_o attend_v the_o death_n of_o christ_n and_o since_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o several_a thousand_o witness_n shall_v have_v be_v impose_v upon_o concern_v so_o great_a a_o number_n of_o evident_a and_o sensible_a matter_n of_o fact_n so_o in_o like_a manner_n it_o will_v have_v be_v absolute_o impossible_a we_o shall_v have_v become_v christian_n only_o for_o twenty_o four_o hour_n after_o we_o have_v leave_v jerusalem_n suppose_v those_o matter_n of_o fact_n have_v be_v utter_o false_a i_o have_v already_o show_v that_o the_o life_n and_o death_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v attend_v with_o such_o wonderful_a circumstance_n as_o the_o evangelist_n dare_v not_o have_v presume_v to_o invent_v have_v they_o be_v utter_o false_a neither_o have_v the_o power_n to_o forge_v or_o make_v one_o single_a person_n believe_v they_o have_v they_o design_v to_o impose_v upon_o man_n belief_n there_o remain_v only_o for_o our_o full_a conviction_n in_o this_o matter_n to_o show_v that_o they_o will_v not_o have_v forge_v they_o have_v it_o be_v whole_o leave_v to_o their_o choice_n i_o shall_v not_o here_o allege_v that_o the_o miracle_n of_o jesus_n christ_n according_a to_o the_o recital_n of_o the_o evangelist_n be_v attend_v with_o such_o circumstance_n and_o so_o many_o strange_a event_n that_o it_o be_v inconceivable_a the_o disciple_n shall_v take_v any_o pleasure_n in_o invent_v they_o such_o be_v for_o example_n the_o tempt_a of_o our_o saviour_n a_o strange_a and_o most_o scandalous_a passage_n indeed_o to_o all_o those_o who_o be_v not_o full_o acquaint_v with_o the_o true_a mystery_n of_o it_o since_o it_o represent_v christ_n to_o we_o as_o be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o devil_n who_o sport_v himself_o with_o his_o weakness_n though_o 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christ_n into_o heaven_n and_o how_o can_v any_o man_n reasonable_o imagine_v that_o it_o be_v natural_a and_o according_a to_o the_o regular_a course_n of_o second_o cause_n to_o see_v a_o man_n that_o have_v be_v crucify_v and_o lay_v in_o a_o sepulchre_n where_o a_o watch_n be_v appoint_v to_o guard_v he_o rise_v out_o of_o that_o sepulchre_n again_o appear_v alive_a to_o several_a man_n that_o touch_v and_o handle_v he_o and_o afterward_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n in_o their_o sight_n certain_o that_o very_a ascension_n of_o jesus_n christ_n can_v but_o convince_v the_o most_o suspicious_a and_o scrupulous_a person_n that_o it_o be_v a_o event_n pure_o divine_a and_o supernatural_a for_o otherwise_o our_o incredulous_a adversary_n may_v imagine_v since_o they_o be_v everlasting_o raise_v doubt_n that_o the_o body_n of_o jesus_n christ_n may_v have_v be_v take_v down_o from_o the_o cross_n before_o the_o breath_n be_v go_v out_o of_o it_o that_o joseph_n of_o arimathea_n who_o be_v his_o disciple_n though_o he_o dare_v not_o own_v it_o public_o may_v have_v dress_v his_o body_n and_o recover_v he_o out_o of_o his_o swoon_n by_o the_o strength_n of_o the_o remedy_n he_o give_v he_o that_o he_o may_v have_v lay_v another_o counterfeit_a dead-body_n in_o his_o place_n and_o bury_v it_o and_o that_o afterward_o jes_n christ_n may_v have_v private_o show_v himself_o to_o his_o disciple_n not_o dare_v to_o appear_v in_o public_a for_o fear_v of_o fall_v a_o second_o time_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o suffer_v a_o true_a and_o real_a death_n instead_o of_o that_o imaginary_a one_o he_o have_v suffer_v before_o but_o this_o fiction_n be_v absurd_a and_o incredible_a and_o that_o for_o several_a reason_n first_o because_o the_o evangelist_n relate_v that_o christ_n have_v his_o side_n pierce_v with_o the_o lance_n of_o a_o soldier_n which_o thing_n alone_o be_v enough_o to_o give_v he_o his_o death_n second_o it_o be_v very_o improbable_a to_o think_v 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truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n chief_o depend_v upon_o that_o important_a inquiry_n whether_o the_o disciple_n design_v to_o impose_v upon_o we_o by_o relate_v to_o we_o a_o false_a event_n which_o they_o do_v not_o believe_v themselves_o now_o if_o we_o can_v clear_o prove_v the_o contrary_a we_o shall_v invincible_o demonstrate_v the_o certain_a truth_n of_o our_o faith_n let_v we_o therefore_o in_o order_n to_o it_o close_o stick_v to_o the_o examination_n of_o that_o matter_n of_o fact_n the_o most_o essential_a and_o the_o most_o important_a that_o ever_o be_v and_o endeavour_v to_o discover_v whether_o it_o be_v possible_a we_o shall_v have_v be_v impose_v upon_o by_o those_o man_n which_o can_v not_o deceive_v themselves_o if_o we_o will_v suppose_v that_o the_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n christ_n deceive_v we_o in_o their_o relation_n of_o a_o fictitious_a event_n we_o must_v also_o necessary_o suppose_v these_o three_o thing_n 1._o that_o their_o illusion_n or_o 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execute_v upon_o a_o scaffold_n 1._o as_o to_o the_o first_o i_o will_v grant_v you_o if_o you_o will_v that_o peter_n with_o some_o other_o disciple_n may_v have_v take_v away_o the_o body_n of_o jesus_n christ_n out_o of_o the_o sepulchre_n either_o by_o trick_v the_o watch_n or_o take_v the_o advantage_n of_o their_o sleep_n or_o last_o by_o bribe_v they_o with_o money_n i_o will_v grant_v you_o too_o if_o you_o will_v they_o may_v have_v easy_o persuade_v the_o whole_a company_n of_o disciple_n who_o be_v too_o credulous_a and_o too_o eager_a in_o swallow_v of_o novelty_n that_o jesus_n christ_n have_v appear_v to_o they_o indeed_o and_o that_o he_o be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a i_o will_v grant_v you_o likewise_o that_o the_o other_o disciple_n may_v have_v imagine_v thereupon_o they_o have_v see_v some_o vision_n or_o think_v they_o have_v see_v he_o in_o several_a place_n and_o on_o several_a occasion_n but_o then_o i_o ask_v how_o they_o can_v have_v all_o agree_v together_o concern_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o ascension_n by_o what_o charm_n or_o cunning_n can_v peter_n and_o the_o other_o apostle_n have_v make_v they_o see_v that_o which_o they_o never_o see_v or_o hear_v a_o man_n speak_v who_o they_o real_o never_o hear_v by_o what_o machine_n can_v they_o have_v cause_v the_o cloud_n to_o descend_v or_o by_o what_o sort_n of_o enchantment_n can_v they_o have_v produce_v two_o man_n in_o white_a raiment_n tell_v they_o you_o man_n of_o galilee_n why_o stand_v you_o gaze_v up_o into_o heaven_n this_o same_o jesus_n which_o be_v take_v up_o from_o you_o into_o heaven_n shall_v so_o come_v in_o like_a manner_n as_o you_o have_v see_v he_o go_v up_o into_o heaven_n act_v 1._o 11._o by_o what_o secret_a power_n can_v they_o have_v so_o deep_o imprint_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o disciple_n the_o word_n which_o jesus_n christ_n speak_v to_o they_o after_o his_o resurrection_n the_o reproach_n he_o make_v they_o of_o their_o infidelity_n his_o promise_n of_o 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sincerity_n on_o the_o contrary_a a_o great_a virtue_n nay_o it_o be_v even_o impossible_a it_o shall_v ever_o come_v into_o his_o head_n to_o frame_v so_o signal_n a_o imposture_n upon_o so_o sad_a and_o sorrowful_a a_o event_n as_o the_o death_n of_o jesus_n christ_n neither_o do_v it_o appear_v that_o his_o mind_n or_o his_o thought_n be_v any_o way_n bend_v upon_o any_o such_o design_n and_o though_o he_o shall_v have_v be_v induce_v out_o of_o a_o spirit_n of_o revenge_n to_o invent_v such_o a_o lie_n to_o discredit_v the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n yet_o it_o can_v be_v suppose_v he_o shall_v have_v be_v so_o very_o silly_a as_o to_o imagine_v that_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o disciple_n will_v consent_v to_o that_o imposture_n or_o be_v willing_a to_o maintain_v it_o
man_n will_v conceive_v or_o endeavour_v to_o put_v in_o practice_n it_o be_v absolute_o impossible_a to_o find_v any_o man_n so_o much_o a_o enemy_n to_o himself_o as_o willing_o to_o lose_v his_o quiet_a his_o liberty_n friend_n relation_n and_o all_o his_o acquaintance_n only_o to_o assert_v and_o defend_v a_o lie_n that_o must_v unavoidable_o be_v attend_v by_o such_o fatal_a and_o sorrowful_a consequence_n for_o nature_n be_v not_o insensible_a of_o grief_n and_o pain_n as_o she_o be_v expose_v to_o grief_n and_o suffering_n so_o when_o she_o suffer_v it_o be_v with_o reluctance_n complaint_n sigh_n and_o tear_n she_o can_v accustom_v herself_o to_o bear_v slight_o contempt_n or_o infamy_n nothing_o disturb_v and_o exasperate_v she_o more_o nothing_o make_v she_o more_o impatient_a than_o mortification_n and_o disgrace_n how_o then_o be_v it_o possible_a so_o great_a a_o company_n of_o people_n shall_v on_o a_o sudden_a renounce_v all_o those_o inviolable_a sentiment_n of_o nature_n which_o no_o violence_n can_v root_v out_o on_o purpose_n to_o maintain_v that_o they_o have_v see_v a_o thing_n which_o they_o real_o never_o see_v this_o be_v a_o consideration_n that_o can_v be_v too_o often_o repeat_v last_o it_o be_v such_o a_o design_n as_o be_v not_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n to_o conceive_v for_o to_o maintain_v a_o imposture_n with_o such_o constancy_n as_o the_o disciple_n do_v be_v such_o a_o piece_n of_o extraordinary_a courage_n as_o be_v above_o the_o nature_n or_o power_n of_o man._n a_o impostor_n that_o think_v and_o know_v himself_o to_o be_v one_o who_o mind_n tell_v he_o that_o he_o act_v contrary_a to_o his_o natural_a sentiment_n can_v go_v long_o undiscovered_a he_o be_v seize_v with_o remorse_n and_o his_o conscience_n be_v awaken_v he_o tremble_v and_o unwary_o discover_v himself_o to_o the_o world_n upon_o the_o least_o danger_n he_o meet_v with_o he_o be_v ready_a to_o confess_v the_o whole_a cheat_n as_o soon_o as_o he_o be_v bring_v before_o his_o judge_n and_o be_v fright_v with_o the_o punishment_n of_o a_o secular_a power_n and_o he_o never_o fail_v of_o betray_v himself_o either_o by_o confess_v the_o whole_a business_n or_o maintain_v what_o he_o have_v advance_v after_o so_o weak_a and_o fearful_a a_o manner_n that_o he_o will_v not_o be_v long_o if_o but_o close_o urge_v to_o it_o before_o he_o discover_v the_o whole_a truth_n for_o such_o be_v the_o usual_a temper_n of_o man_n upon_o such_o a_o occasion_n and_o if_o a_o single_a person_n that_o shall_v not_o act_v thus_o in_o this_o respect_n will_v be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o unheard_a of_o prodigy_n how_o much_o more_o shall_v a_o infinite_a number_n of_o people_n be_v look_v upon_o as_o such_o who_o can_v imagine_v that_o so_o many_o person_n shall_v either_o on_o a_o sudden_a renounce_v their_o humane_a nature_n or_o be_v of_o a_o different_a make_v from_o all_o other_o man_n since_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o world_n for_o my_o part_n i_o can_v conceive_v how_o it_o shall_v be_v and_o therefore_o look_v upon_o this_o as_o a_o most_o sensible_a and_o evident_a truth_n but_o we_o must_v yet_o carry_v on_o this_o conviction_n further_o by_o follow_v those_o notion_n which_o it_o have_v please_v god_n in_o his_o wisdom_n to_o put_v into_o our_o mind_n upon_o this_o subject_a chap._n v._n the_o four_o centre_n of_o truth_n a_o particular_a consideration_n of_o the_o effusion_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n upon_o the_o disciple_n the_o last_o degree_n of_o evidence_n that_o occur_v in_o the_o demonstration_n which_o sensible_o prove_v to_o we_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v the_o truth_n of_o a_o four_o matter_n of_o fact_n natural_o prove_v by_o its_o own_o proper_a character_n and_o that_o be_v the_o effusion_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n on_o the_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n christ_n this_o demonstration_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n have_v three_o different_a degree_n of_o evidence_n which_o also_o consist_v in_o the_o three_o part_n of_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o apostle_n the_o first_o whereof_o be_v this_o jesus_n christ_n the_o son_n of_o mary_n do_v such_o action_n as_o can_v but_o be_v supernatural_a and_o miraculous_a such_o be_v for_o instance_n the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a which_o we_o have_v be_v eye-witness_n of_o the_o second_o be_v we_o even_o we_o ourselves_o have_v receive_v the_o power_n to_o work_v sign_n and_o wonder_n and_o such_o as_o be_v equal_a to_o those_o of_o jesus_n christ_n himself_o as_o he_o foretell_v and_o declare_v it_o several_a time_n unto_o we_o the_o three_o be_v we_o have_v not_o only_o the_o power_n to_o do_v those_o miracle_n but_o can_v also_o impart_v it_o to_o other_o and_o those_o we_o shall_v hereafter_o convert_v will_v know_v themselves_o to_o be_v the_o true_a disciple_n of_o jesus_n christ_n in_o that_o they_o shall_v work_v sign_n like_a unto_o we_o and_o to_o those_o which_o jesus_n 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witness_n to_o the_o miracle_n of_o jesus_n christ_n if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v true_a neither_o can_v we_o suppose_v they_o will_v have_v have_v the_o boldness_n power_n or_o will_v to_o do_v it_o it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v have_v contrive_v together_o such_o a_o unparalleled_a imposture_n by_o agree_v among_o themselves_o to_o preach_v the_o resurrection_n and_o ascension_n of_o jesus_n christ_n of_o which_o they_o be_v never_o witness_n but_o it_o be_v extravagant_a to_o imagine_v that_o the_o apostle_n boast_v they_o be_v able_a to_o do_v miracle_n mere_o to_o have_v other_o man_n believe_v those_o of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o it_o argue_v yet_o a_o great_a extravagance_n to_o suppose_v they_o promise_v all_o those_o they_o shall_v convert_v to_o he_o to_o make_v they_o able_a to_o work_v the_o very_a same_o miracle_n they_o attest_v beside_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v two_o thing_n in_o
neither_o be_v it_o because_o of_o his_o extraordinary_a piety_n for_o moses_n call_v the_o meek_a of_o man_n be_v without_o doubt_n in_o that_o equal_a to_o he_o it_o be_v then_o because_o of_o the_o advantage_n he_o enjoy_v both_o in_o see_v and_o hear_v the_o messiah_n but_o how_o come_v our_o saviour_n to_o add_v that_o the_o least_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v great_a than_o he_o must_v we_o understand_v by_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n that_o kingdom_n of_o which_o john_n himself_o say_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v at_o hand_n be_v it_o not_o rather_o because_o john_n see_v none_o of_o all_o the_o wonder_n of_o that_o kingdom_n which_o the_o least_o of_o christ_n disciple_n have_v see_v which_o indeed_o be_v the_o reason_n that_o our_o saviour_n tell_v they_o bless_a be_v your_o eye_n for_o they_o see_v and_o your_o ear_n for_o they_o hear_v for_o very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o that_o many_o prophet_n and_o righteous_a man_n have_v desire_v to_o see_v those_o thing_n which_o you_o see_v and_o have_v not_o see_v they_o and_o to_o hear_v those_o thing_n which_o you_o hear_v and_o have_v not_o hear_v they_o matth._n 13._o 16_o 17._o now_o all_o this_o evident_o suppose_v the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n and_o all_o the_o other_o marvellous_a event_n which_o serve_v for_o a_o confirmation_n of_o our_o holy_a religion_n what_o he_o also_o say_v himself_o concern_v blasphemy_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v altogether_o strange_a and_o very_a surprise_v nay_o the_o very_a name_n he_o give_v to_o that_o sin_n imply_v something_o in_o itself_o singular_a and_o extraordinary_a for_o no_o body_n before_o he_o ever_o express_v himself_o after_o this_o manner_n man_n be_v not_o ignorant_a that_o sin_v against_o god_n be_v a_o very_a great_a crime_n but_o they_o have_v no_o knowledge_n of_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n much_o less_o be_v they_o satisfy_v if_o there_o be_v any_o harm_n in_o blaspheme_v against_o he_o this_o unusual_a 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he_o be_v downright_a blasphemy_n against_o that_o divine_a and_o glorious_a principle_n of_o all_o thing_n which_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o the_o perfection_n and_o miracle_n of_o christ_n and_o give_v such_o power_n unto_o men._n so_o that_o there_o be_v first_o in_o that_o text_n such_o a_o obscurity_n as_o prove_v that_o the_o evangelist_n can_v not_o have_v think_v of_o invent_v it_o have_v not_o christ_n himself_o real_o utter_v these_o very_a word_n and_o second_o it_o undeniable_o suppose_v the_o miraculous_a matter_n of_o fact_n the_o pharisee_n be_v wont_a to_o ascribe_v to_o the_o power_n of_o belzebub_n wherein_o indeed_o chief_o consist_v the_o blasphemy_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o like_a manner_n this_o text_n except_o a_o man_n be_v bear_v of_o water_n and_o of_o the_o spirit_n john_n 3._o 5._o imply_v a_o very_a puzzle_v difficulty_n because_o it_o be_v not_o usual_a former_o for_o man_n to_o express_v themselves_o after_o this_o manner_n it_o be_v a_o very_a difficult_a matter_n indeed_o to_o understand_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o that_o text_n but_o it_o be_v yet_o far_o more_o difficult_a to_o invent_v it_o and_o all_o the_o doctor_n in_o the_o world_n may_v put_v their_o head_n together_o and_o yet_o never_o be_v able_a to_o invent_v the_o like_a text._n above_o all_o it_o be_v not_o natural_a for_o the_o jew_n to_o invent_v any_o such_o thing_n because_o they_o have_v no_o such_o object_n among_o they_o as_o can_v fill_v up_o their_o mind_n with_o any_o such_o idea_n when_o we_o suppose_v the_o baptism_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n confer_v upon_o christ_n disciple_n we_o may_v then_o easy_o comprehend_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o that_o mysterious_a but_o very_o remarkable_a expression_n we_o may_v also_o add_v to_o this_o text_n that_o other_o which_o mention_n the_o baptism_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o of_o fire_n in_o like_a manner_n it_o please_v god_n in_o his_o wisdom_n that_o they_o who_o relate_v to_o we_o the_o history_n of_o christ_n resurrection_n shall_v tell_v we_o also_o some_o thing_n which_o we_o can_v at_o first_o view_n easy_o comprehend_v though_o they_o have_v a_o true_a and_o reasonable_a meaning_n on_o purpose_n to_o make_v we_o understand_v that_o as_o it_o be_v impossible_a those_o obscure_a and_o difficult_a say_n ascribe_v to_o he_o by_o they_o shall_v come_v of_o themselves_o into_o their_o thought_n have_v not_o he_o real_o speak_v they_o so_o consequent_o it_o can_v never_o be_v suppose_v that_o those_o man_n shall_v have_v forge_v the_o history_n of_o christ_n resurrection_n or_o their_o discourse_n with_o he_o after_o he_o be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a as_o for_o instance_n these_o word_n which_o he_o speak_v to_o mary_n touch_v i_o not_o for_o i_o be_o not_o yet_o ascend_v to_o my_o father_n john_n 20._o 17._o we_o can_v make_v almost_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o such_o remark_n as_o these_o which_o though_o they_o can_v come_v up_o to_o a_o evident_a 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pure_o upon_o probable_a reason_n though_o never_o so_o probable_a and_o sufficient_a of_o themselves_o to_o form_v a_o true_a and_o perfect_a demonstration_n when_o join_v together_o i_o therefore_o proceed_v to_o that_o which_o be_v in_o itself_o whole_o demonstrative_a now_o the_o whole_a demonstration_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n depend_v upon_o this_o argument_n namely_o that_o the_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n of_o christ_n sincere_o believe_v his_o miracle_n resurrection_n ascension_n and_o the_o effusion_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n whence_o it_o follow_v that_o all_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v most_o certain_o true_a we_o have_v already_o give_v a_o invincible_a proof_n of_o the_o consequence_n of_o this_o argument_n by_o show_v that_o it_o be_v impossible_a the_o disciple_n shall_v have_v be_v impose_v upon_o in_o all_o these_o matter_n of_o fact_n that_o though_o they_o may_v have_v be_v deceive_v in_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n yet_o they_o can_v not_o be_v impose_v upon_o in_o his_o resurrection_n that_o though_o they_o shall_v have_v be_v impose_v upon_o in_o his_o resurrection_n yet_o they_o can_v not_o be_v deceive_v in_o his_o ascension_n and_o that_o though_o they_o shall_v have_v be_v deceive_v in_o his_o ascension_n yet_o they_o can_v not_o be_v so_o too_o in_o the_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o be_v matter_n of_o fact_n that_o they_o know_v by_o inward_a sense_n and_o continual_a experience_n i_o prove_v also_o the_o principle_n of_o this_o argument_n viz._n that_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n sincere_o believe_v all_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n by_o the_o same_o gradation_n i_o say_v then_o that_o the_o disciple_n can_v not_o impose_v upon_o man_n as_o to_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n not_o only_o because_o they_o assert_v they_o at_o the_o expense_n of_o their_o own_o
mankind_n or_o at_o least_o those_o country_n where_o all_o those_o thing_n come_v to_o pass_v i_o answer_v first_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v not_o in_o the_o least_o stifle_v or_o conceal_v they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o it_o that_o they_o convert_v a_o infinite_a number_n both_o of_o jew_n and_o gentile_n and_o that_o too_o in_o a_o very_a short_a time_n second_o there_o be_v several_a external_a cause_n which_o very_o much_o contribute_v towards_o the_o weaken_n the_o impression_n they_o will_v otherwise_o have_v make_v upon_o mankind_n for_o first_o the_o elder_n among_o the_o jew_n endeavour_v as_o much_o as_o they_o can_v to_o persuade_v the_o people_n that_o all_o those_o miracle_n be_v nothing_o but_o the_o product_n of_o some_o magic_a power_n or_o a_o kind_n of_o compact_n with_o the_o devil_n second_o those_o that_o be_v in_o power_n be_v so_o much_o exasperate_v against_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n that_o whosoever_o resolve_v to_o embrace_v his_o doctrine_n 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have_v be_v prepossess_v with_o that_o they_o can_v not_o but_o hate_n and_o avoid_v it_o for_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n become_v a_o scandal_n to_o the_o jew_n and_o be_v treat_v as_o a_o folly_n by_o the_o greek_n last_o the_o christian_a religion_n put_v a_o end_n to_o the_o bondage_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o heathen_n a_o jew_n then_o can_v not_o be_v convert_v to_o christanity_n without_o utter_o renounce_v what_o he_o always_o esteem_v inviolable_a nor_o can_v a_o heathen_a believe_v in_o jesus_n christ_n without_o look_v upon_o that_o as_o profane_v which_o he_o think_v before_o most_o sacred_a hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n speak_v to_o we_o of_o the_o effect_n of_o the_o gospel_n attend_v with_o the_o power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o of_o the_o creation_n of_o new_a heaven_n and_o of_o a_o new_a earth_n if_o we_o add_v to_o this_o the_o extraordinary_a care_n the_o jewish_a and_o heathenish_a priest_n and_o the_o magistrate_n of_o both_o nation_n take_v to_o smother_v the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o weakness_n and_o passion_n of_o man_n who_o be_v unable_a to_o sustain_v so_o much_o as_o the_o idea_n of_o the_o torment_n that_o be_v invent_v on_o purpose_n to_o hinder_v the_o progress_n of_o christanity_n i_o say_v if_o we_o consider_v this_o we_o shall_v have_v no_o reason_n to_o be_v any_o long_o astonish_v at_o that_o which_o at_o first_o view_n so_o much_o surprise_v we_o but_o second_o it_o may_v be_v ask_v why_o the_o historian_n among_o the_o heathen_n never_o mention_v any_o thing_n of_o those_o mighty_a wonder_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o yet_o deserve_v to_o have_v the_o most_o considerable_a place_n among_o the_o many_o other_o event_n they_o have_v so_o careful_o relate_v we_o answer_v that_o this_o consideration_n prove_v nothing_o against_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n we_o have_v so_o firm_o establish_v first_o because_o it_o be_v needless_a and_o extravagant_a to_o draw_v any_o further_a consequence_n from_o a_o principle_n which_o prove_v more_o than_o enough_o already_o it_o be_v true_a the_o heathen_a writer_n say_v little_a or_o nothing_o concern_v jesus_n christ_n for_o they_o hardly_o know_v his_o name_n suetonius_n speak_v of_o he_o after_o this_o manner_n judaei_n tumultuati_fw-la sunt_fw-la cresto_n impulsore_fw-la but_o what_o then_o do_v it_o follow_v that_o because_o suetonius_n hardly_o know_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o person_n as_o christ_n or_o that_o he_o be_v not_o real_o call_v christus_fw-la the_o heathen_a author_n you_o see_v relate_v not_o how_o several_a christian_a church_n be_v in_o a_o small_a time_n settle_v at_o rome_n at_o corinth_n at_o ephesus_n at_o sardis_n at_o smirna_n at_o philippi_n at_o thessalonica_n etc._n etc._n but_o must_v it_o follow_v from_o thence_o that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n certain_o if_o any_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v true_a this_o be_v undoubted_o true_a i_o grant_v indeed_o that_o the_o miracle_n resurrection_n and_o ascension_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v all_o matter_n of_o fact_n that_o may_v be_v doubt_v of_o yet_o we_o may_v at_o least_o affirm_v that_o the_o establishment_n of_o those_o christian_a church_n compose_v of_o such_o man_n as_o believe_v all_o those_o thing_n be_v a_o thing_n not_o to_o be_v doubt_v of_o this_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o fact_n very_o important_a and_o remarkable_a yet_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o least_o mention_v by_o the_o historian_n of_o that_o age_n therefore_o the_o objection_n go_v too_o far_o it_o prove_v too_o much_o and_o so_o consequent_o prove_v nothing_o second_o i_o say_v that_o the_o historian_n of_o those_o time_n have_v so_o ignorant_o treat_v of_o the_o jewish_a affair_n that_o we_o need_v not_o wonder_v they_o appear_v so_o little_o instruct_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o what_o concern_v the_o christian_n who_o they_o suppose_v to_o have_v be_v a_o sect_n belong_v to_o the_o jew_n for_o if_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o history_n those_o author_n compose_v of_o they_o agree_v not_o very_o well_o with_o the_o gospel_n of_o the_o apostle_n it_o be_v but_o compare_v it_o with_o that_o of_o josephus_n and_o we_o may_v clear_o see_v that_o it_o agree_v no_o better_a with_o one_o than_o with_o the_o other_o last_o the_o heathen_a author_n consider_v the_o christian_a religion_n as_o a_o kind_n of_o magic_n and_o a_o detestable_a superstition_n which_o aim_v at_o the_o total_a destruction_n of_o mankind_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o some_o man_n earnest_o endeavour_v to_o make_v it_o pass_v for_o such_o among_o those_o who_o live_v both_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o long_o after_o they_o and_o it_o be_v very_o dangerous_a to_o give_v it_o any_o other_o name_n the_o world_n be_v divide_v between_o the_o friend_n and_o enemy_n of_o christanity_n those_o who_o be_v the_o friend_n of_o it_o profess_v it_o and_o deliver_v not_o only_o by_o word_n of_o mouth_n but_o in_o write_v what_o they_o know_v concern_v the_o wonder_n of_o it_o as_o for_o its_o enemy_n they_o neither_o have_v the_o boldness_n power_n or_o will_v to_o write_v ofit_n as_o the_o former_a have_v do_v they_o will_v not_o do_v it_o lest_o they_o shall_v wrong_v their_o own_o cause_n and_o dishonour_v their_o own_o religion_n and_o they_o can_v not_o do_v it_o because_o they_o themselves_o be_v not_o so_o well_o acquaint_v with_o the_o miracle_n of_o christanity_n have_v always_o be_v afraid_a to_o converse_v with_o the_o christian_n and_o esteem_v the_o belief_n of_o those_o man_n a_o very_a sorrowful_a and_o dangerous_a persuasion_n since_o by_o profess_v their_o religion_n they_o be_v sure_a of_o get_v nothing_o but_o torment_n and_o death_n itself_o last_o they_o dare_v not_o presume_v to_o write_v thing_n as_o they_o real_o be_v though_o they_o have_v be_v never_o so_o well_o acquaint_v with_o they_o because_o their_o own_o write_n will_v accuse_v they_o of_o have_v embrace_v christianity_n a_o crime_n which_o be_v so_o severe_o punish_v in_o those_o day_n that_o it_o will_v unavoidable_o have_v bring_v upon_o they_o certain_a death_n and_o ruin_n or_o at_o least_o after_o their_o death_n shame_n and_o infamy_n upon_o their_o family_n but_o three_o it_o may_v be_v ask_v why_o the_o apostle_n who_o have_v power_n to_o heal_v the_o sick_a and_o raise_v the_o dead_a do_v not_o raise_v all_o the_o dead_a to_o life_n again_o nor_o heal_v all_o the_o sick_a that_o be_v in_o judea_n because_o then_o all_o the_o world_n will_v have_v be_v force_v in_o spite_n of_o themselves_o to_o believe_v in_o jesus_n christ_n we_o answer_v that_o this_o question_n be_v much_o like_o what_o the_o murderer_n of_o jesus_n christ_n say_v to_o he_o upon_o the_o cross_n he_o save_v other_o let_v he_o save_v himself_o let_v he_o come_v
down_o from_o the_o cross_n and_o we_o will_v believe_v in_o he_o nay_o it_o be_v all_o one_o as_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v say_v if_o there_o be_v a_o god_n why_o do_v he_o not_o show_v and_o manifest_v himself_o after_o a_o sensible_a manner_n by_o speak_v to_o man_n immediate_o from_o the_o high_a heaven_n and_o than_o they_o will_v all_o be_v force_v in_o spite_n of_o themselves_o to_o acknowledge_v he_o but_o god_n do_v not_o desire_v we_o to_o acknowledge_v he_o against_o our_o own_o inclination_n and_o consequent_o he_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o manifest_v himself_o as_o we_o in_o our_o extravagant_a desire_n will_v have_v he_o but_o as_o it_o seem_v best_a to_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n have_v christ_n or_o his_o apostle_n raise_v all_o the_o dead_a they_o find_v to_o life_n again_o we_o shall_v then_o contrary_a to_o the_o design_n of_o the_o almighty_a have_v have_v no_o other_o faith_n but_o what_o depend_v entire_o upon_o our_o sense_n it_o be_v enough_o that_o they_o heal_v almost_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o sick_a people_n and_o raise_v not_o only_o one_o but_o several_a dead_a man_n to_o life_n so_o much_o indeed_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o call_v because_o they_o be_v not_o only_o to_o make_v man_n believe_v in_o a_o crucify_a saviour_n and_o adore_v he_o as_o the_o son_n of_o god_n but_o also_o to_o oblige_v they_o for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o their_o faith_n to_o undergo_v martyrdom_n more_o than_o this_o will_v have_v be_v but_o superfluous_a because_o they_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o alter_v the_o oeconomy_n of_o faith_n but_o only_o to_o perfect_v it_o not_o to_o make_v man_n believe_v against_o their_o own_o inclination_n but_o conformable_o to_o the_o light_n of_o their_o own_o understanding_n but_o though_o i_o shall_v grant_v all_o these_o difficulty_n to_o be_v great_a than_o they_o real_o be_v yet_o we_o ought_v to_o regulate_v our_o speculative_a opinion_n by_o some_o argument_n draw_v from_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o not_o on_o the_o contrary_a regulate_v the_o argument_n draw_v from_o matter_n of_o fact_n by_o any_o speculative_a opinion_n and_o this_o be_v such_o a_o general_a maxim_n that_o it_o hold_v good_a in_o all_o respect_n many_o difficulty_n arise_v at_o first_o about_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o antipode_n some_o pretend_v that_o such_o a_o opinion_n be_v contrary_a to_o reason_n other_o affirm_v it_o can_v never_o be_v reconcile_v to_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n and_o both_o party_n raise_v several_a notable_a objection_n against_o it_o but_o as_o soon_o as_o the_o thing_n be_v evident_o prove_v from_o undeniable_a matter_n of_o fact_n all_o their_o objection_n and_o difficulty_n be_v turn_v into_o ridicule_n some_o philosopher_n have_v pretend_v to_o prove_v by_o argument_n that_o motion_n be_v impossible_a but_o since_o we_o have_v daily_a experience_n that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o motion_n we_o let_v these_o philosopher_n talk_v on_o and_o choose_v rather_o to_o believe_v our_o own_o sense_n and_o i_o dare_v affirm_v without_o beg_v any_o excuse_n for_o the_o boldness_n of_o my_o assertion_n that_o there_o never_o be_v nor_o never_o will_v be_v any_o matter_n of_o fact_n against_o which_o we_o may_v not_o raise_v several_a plausible_a objection_n and_o considerable_a difficulty_n that_o be_v mere_o speculative_a some_o be_v daily_o raise_v against_o the_o flux_n and_o reflux_n of_o the_o sea_n against_o the_o attraction_n of_o the_o loadstone_n with_o iron_n the_o source_n or_o head_n of_o the_o river_n nile_n against_o comet_n and_o meteor_n nay_o even_o against_o the_o people_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o propagation_n of_o mankind_n we_o ready_o grant_v the_o incredulous_a that_o several_a considerable_a difficulty_n may_v be_v raise_v against_o the_o mystery_n of_o religion_n as_o we_o see_v there_o be_v no_o less_o considerable_a one_o daily_o raise_v even_o against_o the_o mystery_n and_o secret_a operation_n of_o nature_n but_o i_o still_o affirm_v that_o we_o must_v renounce_v the_o evidence_n of_o sense_n if_o we_o prefer_v any_o difficulty_n of_o mere_a speculation_n before_o those_o argument_n which_o be_v take_v from_o undeniable_a matter_n of_o fact_n though_o we_o shall_v argue_v only_o upon_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o the_o principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n it_o will_v appear_v if_o we_o compare_v the_o obscurity_n which_o cause_n those_o difficulty_n with_o the_o evidence_n which_o clear_v they_o that_o the_o latter_a will_v gain_v more_o upon_o our_o belief_n than_o the_o former_a and_o this_o truth_n we_o think_v we_o have_v sufficient_o prove_v in_o our_o first_o part_n of_o this_o work_n but_o though_o we_o shall_v meet_v with_o nothing_o else_o but_o difficulty_n in_o those_o natural_a principle_n without_o any_o light_n at_o all_o to_o clear_v they_o yet_o ought_v we_o to_o banish_v all_o scruple_n and_o doubt_n that_o arise_v mere_o from_o speculation_n the_o better_a to_o embrace_v the_o opinion_n which_o proceed_v from_o the_o argument_n draw_v from_o undeniable_a matter_n of_o fact_n unless_o we_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o be_v guilty_a of_o a_o absurdity_n not_o to_o be_v meet_v with_o which_o be_v whole_o contrary_a to_o common_a sense_n and_o reason_n but_o have_v thus_o evince_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o essential_o of_o our_o religion_n namely_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n contain_v in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n it_o remain_v only_o that_o we_o make_v man_n further_o sensible_a of_o they_o by_o lay_v down_o a_o few_o short_a remark_n which_o we_o shall_v make_v on_o several_a place_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n who_o whole_a purport_n shall_v be_v either_o to_o persuade_v we_o that_o the_o apostle_n do_v real_o teach_v all_o these_o matter_n of_o fact_n or_o assure_v we_o that_o they_o sincere_o believe_v the_o thing_n which_o they_o declare_v or_o else_o to_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o they_o can_v not_o have_v be_v impose_v upon_o in_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n for_o from_o those_o three_o principle_n be_v form_v the_o demonstration_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n some_o reflection_n on_o the_o gospel_n according_a to_o s._n matthew_n chapt_n ii_o 1._o now_o when_o jesus_n be_v bear_v in_o bethlehem_n of_o judea_n behold_v there_o come_v wiseman_n etc._n etc._n those_o wiseman_n be_v of_o all_o nation_n the_o first_o that_o come_v to_o pay_v their_o homage_n to_o jesus_n christ_n the_o priest_n and_o elder_n among_o the_o jew_n be_v consult_v concern_v the_o birth_n of_o the_o messiah_n free_o own_v he_o be_v to_o be_v bear_v in_o bethlehem_n and_o be_v quite_o of_o another_o opinion_n than_o the_o modern_a jew_n who_o pervert_v the_o mean_v of_o the_o prophecy_n of_o micah_n chap._n 5._o as_o to_o what_o concern_v we_o we_o affirm_v that_o the_o history_n of_o the_o come_n of_o the_o wiseman_n can_v not_o be_v false_o invent_v i._o because_o it_o agree_v admirable_o with_o the_o prophecy_n of_o balaam_n numb_a 24._o 17._o where_o he_o cry_v out_o i_o shall_v sâ—e_v he_o but_o not_o now_o i_o shall_v behold_v he_o but_o not_o nigh_o there_o shall_v come_v a_o star_n out_o of_o jacob_n and_o a_o sceptre_n shall_v rise_v out_o of_o israel_n a_o star_n of_o the_o wiseman_n indeed_o and_o a_o sceptre_n of_o jesus_n christ_n ii_o the_o evangelist_n can_v not_o have_v make_v the_o whole_a city_n of_o jerusalem_n believe_v that_o they_o be_v trouble_v and_o astonish_v at_o the_o come_v of_o those_o wiseman_n and_o much_o less_o persuade_v the_o inhabitant_n against_o their_o own_o public_a knowledge_n that_o herod_n have_v so_o barbarouf_o shed_v so_o much_o innocent_a blood_n iii_o herod_n must_v necessary_o have_v be_v tell_v that_o the_o christ_n or_o messiah_n be_v to_o be_v bear_v in_o bethlehem_n because_o thither_o he_o send_v direct_o the_o minister_n of_o his_o execrable_a fury_n iu._n and_o last_o joseph_n flee_v into_o egypt_n and_o be_v afraid_a to_o return_v again_o into_o judea_n when_o he_o hear_v that_o archelaus_n reign_v in_o the_o room_n of_o his_o father_n herod_n a_o circumstance_n that_o wonderful_o agree_v with_o all_o the_o rest_n chapt._n iii_o 1._o in_o those_o day_n come_v john_n the_o baptist_n in_o this_o chapter_n john_n foretell_v the_o destruction_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o these_o word_n o_o generation_n of_o viper_n who_o have_v warn_v you_o to_o fly_v from_o the_o wrath_n to_o come_v and_o now_o also_o the_o axe_n be_v lay_v to_o the_o root_n of_o the_o tree_n therefore_o every_o tree_n which_o bring_v not_o forth_o good_a fruit_n be_v hew_v down_o and_o cast_v into_o the_o fire_n etc._n etc._n he_o foretell_v also_o the_o effusion_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n upon_o the_o apostle_n in_o these_o word_n i_o indeed_o baptize_v you_o with_o water_n unto_o repentance_n but_o he_o that_o
the_o divinity_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n st._n mark_n chapt_n i._o 14._o now_o after_o that_o john_n be_v put_v in_o prison_n jesus_n come_v into_o galilee_n preach_v the_o gospel_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n all_o these_o expression_n the_o gospel_n or_o good_a tiding_n the_o gospel_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n be_v very_o strange_a and_o extraordinary_a and_o because_o our_o ear_n be_v somewhat_o use_v to_o they_o we_o do_v not_o reflect_v on_o they_o so_o much_o as_o we_o ought_v certain_o it_o must_v be_v a_o strange_a kind_n of_o mutual_a agreement_n that_o several_a fisherman_n make_v together_o to_o go_v preach_v about_o the_o world_n and_o call_v the_o subject_a of_o their_o preach_n by_o the_o name_n of_o gospel_n chap._n iu._n 19_o and_o the_o care_n of_o this_o world_n and_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o riches_n and_o the_o lust_n of_o other_o thing_n enter_v in_o choke_v the_o word_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v not_o usual_a for_o other_o man_n thus_o to_o declare_v open_a war_n against_o their_o passion_n or_o if_o they_o do_v they_o fail_v not_o present_o to_o discover_v themselves_o and_o lay_v open_a their_o own_o hypocrisy_n to_o the_o world_n verse_n 41._o and_o they_o say_v one_o to_o another_o what_o manner_n of_o man_n be_v this_o that_o even_o the_o wind_n and_o sea_n obey_v he_o etc._n etc._n we_o too_o may_v as_o well_o say_v what_o manner_n of_o man_n be_v this_o that_o not_o only_o the_o sea_n and_o wind_n but_o disease_n grave_n death_n hell_n earth_n man_n and_o devil_n all_o obey_v he_o for_o it_o be_v observable_a there_o be_v nothing_o within_o the_o bound_n of_o nature_n but_o what_o be_v sensible_a of_o his_o miracle_n chap._n vi_o 2_o 3._o from_o whence_o have_v this_o man_n these_o thing_n and_o what_o wisdom_n be_v this_o which_o be_v give_v unto_o he_o that_o even_o such_o mighty_a work_n be_v wrought_v by_o his_o hand_n be_v not_o this_o the_o carpenter_n the_o son_n of_o mary_n etc._n etc._n whence_o rather_o proceed_v this_o astonishment_n of_o they_o and_o what_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o this_o sort_n of_o reproach_n have_v not_o christ_n wrought_v several_a miracle_n among_o they_o verse_n 4_o 5_o 6._o but_o jesus_n say_v unto_o they_o a_o prophet_n be_v not_o without_o honour_n but_o in_o his_o own_o country_n etc._n etc._n and_o he_o can_v not_o do_v many_o mighty_a work_n there_o save_v that_o he_o lay_v his_o hand_n upon_o a_o few_o sick_a folk_n and_o he_o heal_v they_o and_o he_o marvel_v because_o of_o their_o unbelief_n every_o thing_n in_o this_o passage_n carry_v with_o it_o a_o air_n of_o truth_n without_o the_o least_o semblance_n of_o falsity_n for_o he_o that_o will_v invent_v a_o story_n and_o desire_v other_o man_n shall_v believe_v it_o will_v never_o make_v choice_n of_o such_o circumstance_n as_o these_o verse_n 56._o and_o whithersoever_o he_o enter_v into_o village_n or_o city_n or_o country_n they_o lay_v the_o sick_a in_o the_o street_n and_o beseech_v that_o they_o may_v touch_v if_o it_o be_v but_o the_o border_n of_o his_o garment_n and_o as_o many_o as_o touch_v he_o be_v make_v whole_a it_o be_v impossible_a for_o any_o man_n to_o impose_v upon_o other_o people_n in_o such_o matter_n of_o fact_n as_o these_o chap._n viii_o 27_o 28._o and_o by_o the_o way_n he_o ask_v his_o disciple_n say_v unto_o they_o who_o do_v man_n say_v that_o i_o be_o and_o they_o answer_v some_o say_v john_n the_o baptist_n but_o some_o say_v elias_n and_o other_o one_o of_o the_o prophet_n here_o we_o may_v observe_v what_o a_o great_a impression_n christ_n be_v miracle_n have_v already_o make_v upon_o other_o man_n mind_n chap._n fourteen_o 33._o and_o he_o begin_v to_o be_v sore_o amaze_v and_o to_o be_v very_o heavy_a to_o own_o that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v reduce_v to_o this_o state_n nay_o he_o who_o they_o will_v have_v man_n look_v upon_o as_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v the_o effect_n of_o a_o strange_a and_o surprise_v sincerity_n verse_n 62._o and_o jesus_n say_v i_o be_o and_o you_o shall_v see_v the_o son_n of_o man_n sit_v on_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o power_n and_o come_v in_o the_o cloud_n of_o heaven_n do_v ever_o any_o criminal_a bring_v before_o a_o tribunal_n of_o justice_n speak_v thus_o chap._n xvi_o 17_o 18_o 20._o and_o these_o sign_n shall_v follow_v they_o that_o believe_v in_o my_o name_n they_o shall_v cast_v out_o devil_n they_o shall_v speak_v with_o strange_a tongue_n they_o shall_v take_v up_o serpent_n and_o if_o they_o drink_v any_o deadly_a thing_n it_o shall_v not_o hurt_v they_o they_o shall_v lay_v hand_n on_o the_o sick_a and_o they_o shall_v recover_v etc._n etc._n and_o they_o go_v forth_o and_o preach_v every_o where_o the_o lord_n work_v with_o they_o and_o confirm_v the_o word_n with_o sign_n etc._n etc._n either_o all_o these_o matter_n of_o fact_n must_v have_v be_v necessary_o true_a or_o st._n mark_n must_v have_v be_v strange_o beside_o himself_o when_o he_o relate_v they_o let_v we_o consider_v what_o be_v it_o that_o he_o relate_v or_o who_o do_v he_o design_n to_o impose_v upon_o nay_o what_o time_n do_v he_o choose_v to_o effect_v it_o how_o can_v he_o possible_o persuade_v the_o disciple_n that_o they_o have_v do_v such_o miracle_n as_o they_o be_v never_o able_a to_o do_v and_o how_o shall_v they_o persuade_v themselves_o that_o christ_n have_v give_v they_o that_o power_n to_o do_v miracle_n which_o they_o never_o receive_v st._n luke_n chap._n i._n 64._o and_o his_o mouth_n be_v open_v immediate_o and_o his_o tongue_n loose_v and_o he_o speak_v and_o praise_v god_n and_o fear_n come_v on_o all_o that_o dwell_v round_o about_o they_o and_o all_o these_o say_n be_v noise_v abroad_o throughout_o all_o the_o hill_n country_n of_o judea_n no_o man_n be_v so_o mad_a as_o to_o pretend_v to_o impose_v upon_o man_n belief_n in_o matter_n of_o fact_n so_o public_a as_o these_o he_o will_v rather_o make_v choice_n of_o passage_n scarce_o hear_v of_o or_o at_o least_o but_o obscure_o know_v chap._n ii_o 16._o and_o find_v mary_n and_o joseph_n and_o the_o babe_n lie_v in_o a_o manger_n great_a be_v the_o exactness_n of_o these_o writer_n in_o give_v we_o a_o simple_a relation_n of_o thing_n as_o they_o real_o be_v what_o can_v seem_v more_o contrary_a and_o irreconcilable_a one_o with_o another_o than_o all_o these_o circumstance_n a_o child_n sleep_v in_o a_o manger_n but_o a_o child_n who_o nativity_n be_v declare_v even_o by_o angel_n and_o celebrate_v by_o all_o the_o host_n of_o heaven_n a_o child_n that_o be_v banish_v the_o society_n of_o man_n but_o elevate_v in_o dignity_n even_o above_o the_o bless_a spirit_n a_o child_n that_o be_v inconsiderable_a and_o of_o no_o esteem_n on_o earth_n but_o great_a in_o heaven_n and_o adore_v by_o angel_n that_o be_v indeed_o a_o while_n after_o his_o birth_n worship_v by_o some_o wiseman_n that_o bring_v he_o present_n but_o soon_o force_v to_o fly_v into_o egypt_n for_o the_o safety_n of_o his_o life_n certain_o there_o appear_v nothing_o like_o a_o fiction_n in_o all_o these_o circumstance_n chap._n v._o 19_o and_o when_o they_o can_v not_o find_v by_o what_o way_n they_o may_v bring_v he_o in_o because_o of_o the_o multitude_n they_o go_v upon_o the_o housetop_n and_o let_v he_o down_o through_o the_o til_n with_o his_o couch_n into_o the_o midst_n before_o jesus_n do_v such_o thing_n as_o these_o enter_v easy_o of_o themselves_o into_o a_o man_n mind_n who_o write_v nothing_o but_o of_o his_o own_o invention_n chap._n vii_o 38._o and_o she_o stand_v at_o his_o foot_n behind_o he_o weep_v and_o begin_v to_o wash_v his_o foot_n with_o tear_n and_o do_v wipe_v they_o with_o the_o hair_n of_o her_o head_n and_o kiss_v his_o foot_n and_o anoint_v they_o with_o the_o ointment_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o know_v the_o redeemer_n of_o the_o world_n by_o that_o save_a alteration_n he_o be_v see_v to_o make_v in_o those_o that_o follow_v he_o chap._n ix_o 45._o but_o they_o understand_v not_o this_o say_n and_o it_o be_v hide_v from_o they_o that_o they_o perceive_v it_o not_o great_a indeed_o be_v the_o evangelist_n sincerity_n who_o stick_v not_o to_o own_v the_o ignorance_n and_o stupidity_n of_o the_o disciple_n chap._n x._o 19_o 20._o behold_v i_o give_v unto_o you_o power_n to_o tread_v on_o serpent_n and_o scorpion_n and_o over_o all_o the_o power_n of_o the_o enemy_n and_o nothing_o shall_v by_o any_o mean_n hurt_v you_o notwithstanding_o in_o this_o rejoice_v not_o that_o the_o spirit_n be_v subject_a unto_o you_o but_o rather_o rejoice_v because_o your_o name_n be_v write_v in_o heaven_n a_o certain_a character_n of_o true_a religion_n indeed_o which_o set_v a_o great_a value_n upon_o
represent_v the_o disciple_n continual_o fast_v and_o pray_v can_v not_o devise_v that_o matter_n of_o fact_n suppose_v it_o to_o be_v false_a he_o will_v be_v very_o extravagant_a that_o shall_v believe_v that_o the_o apostle_n lead_v a_o ill_a course_n of_o life_n and_o plunge_v themselves_o in_o all_o sort_n of_o lewd_a debauchery_n their_o word_n their_o action_n convince_v we_o of_o the_o contrary_n yet_o it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o they_o be_v villain_n indeed_o if_o what_o they_o preach_v be_v false_a but_o if_o they_o be_v downright_o plain_a honest_a man_n as_o their_o speech_n necessary_o evince_v to_o we_o than_o be_v their_o preach_v also_o necessary_o true_a verse_n 12._o then_o the_o deputy_n when_o he_o see_v what_o be_v do_v believe_v be_v astonish_v at_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o lord_n it_o will_v argue_v but_o little_a judgement_n in_o any_o one_o that_o design_n to_o impose_v a_o fiction_n upon_o man_n belief_n to_o pitch_v upon_o circumstance_n as_o be_v contrary_a to_o public_a knowledge_n the_o conversion_n of_o a_o deputy_n be_v certain_o a_o event_n very_o remarkable_a chap._n xv._n 39_o and_o the_o contention_n be_v so_o sharp_a between_o they_o that_o they_o depart_v asunder_o one_o from_o the_o other_o and_o so_o barnabas_n take_v mark_n and_o sail_v unto_o cyprus_n this_o historian_n be_v very_o exact_a in_o relate_v the_o least_o occurrence_n he_o be_v sincere_a too_o since_o he_o scruple_n not_o to_o relate_v the_o contention_n which_o arise_v among_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o chap._n xx._n 12._o and_o they_o bring_v the_o young_a man_n alive_a and_o be_v not_o a_o little_a comfort_v can_v any_o thing_n be_v more_o surprise_v or_o convince_a than_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a chap._n xxiv_o 25._o and_o as_o he_o reason_v of_o righteousness_n temperance_n and_o judgement_n to_o come_v fellix_fw-la tremble_v and_o answer_v go_v thy_o way_n for_o this_o time_n when_o i_o have_v a_o convenient_a season_n i_o will_v call_v for_o thou_o great_a indeed_o be_v the_o divine_a efficacy_n of_o his_o word_n which_o make_v a_o judge_n tremble_v sit_v on_o his_o tribunal_n of_o justice_n and_o before_o the_o chain_n of_o his_o prisoner_n chap._n xxviii_o 30_o 31._o and_o paul_n dwell_v two_o whole_a year_n in_o his_o own_o hire_a house_n and_o receive_v all_o that_o come_v unto_o he_o preach_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n here_o end_v the_o history_n of_o the_o act_n of_o the_o holy_a apostle_n write_v by_o st._n luke_n it_o be_v manifest_a he_o compile_v it_o before_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n because_o he_o mention_n nothing_o of_o that_o event_n neither_o do_v the_o gospel_n or_o epistle_n of_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o it_o but_o they_o often_o speak_v of_o the_o sudden_a come_n of_o the_o lord_n or_o of_o the_o judgement_n he_o have_v resolve_v to_o execute_v upon_o the_o jewish_a nation_n cahp._n ix_o wherein_o we_o shall_v yet_o far_o produce_v from_o the_o epistle_n of_o st._n paul_n st._n peter_n and_o st_n john_n several_a text_n very_o proper_a to_o make_v we_o true_o sensible_a of_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n chap._n i._n 1_o 2_o 3_o 4._o paul_n the_o servant_n of_o jesus_n christ_n call_v to_o be_v a_o apostle_n separate_v unto_o the_o gospel_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n concern_v his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n which_o be_v make_v of_o the_o seed_n of_o david_n according_a to_o the_o flesh_n and_o 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 man_n general_o insert_v all_o their_o title_n in_o the_o epistle_n they_o write_v but_o st._n paul_n insert_v the_o whole_a gospel_n in_o he_o and_o what_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o it_o because_o his_o mind_n and_o heart_n be_v so_o full_a of_o it_o that_o he_o can_v not_o speak_v of_o any_o thing_n else_o jesus_n christ_n be_v his_o alpha_n and_o his_o omega_n his_o beginning_n and_o his_o end_n verse_n 7._o to_o all_o that_o â—e_v in_o rome_n belove_v of_o god_n call_v to_o be_v saint_n grace_n be_v unto_o you_o and_o peace_n from_o god_n our_o father_n and_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n do_v ever_o man_n before_o he_o write_v in_o this_o stile_n he_o direct_v his_o discourse_n to_o those_o only_a that_o be_v call_v to_o be_v saint_n he_o do_v not_o vain_o compliment_v they_o after_o the_o usual_a way_n of_o the_o world_n but_o wish_v they_o the_o peace_n and_o grace_n of_o god_n certain_o he_o will_v not_o have_v write_v thus_o have_v he_o be_v a_o impostor_n or_o a_o enemy_n to_o his_o country_n man_n who_o endeavour_v to_o render_v they_o odious_a throughout_o the_o world_n by_o accuse_v they_o of_o a_o imaginary_a crime_n verse_n 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 unto_o salvation_n to_o every_o one_o that_o believe_v etc._n etc._n how_o strong_o persuade_v must_v that_o man_n be_v of_o what_o he_o say_v who_o express_v himself_o after_o so_o pathetical_a a_o manner_n and_o how_o well_o do_v the_o fullness_n of_o his_o mind_n appear_v by_o all_o these_o manifold_a and_o multiply_v expression_n chap._n viii_o 37_o 38_o 39_o nay_o in_o all_o these_o thing_n we_o be_v more_o than_o conqueror_n through_o he_o that_o love_v we_o for_o i_o be_o persuade_v that_o neither_o death_n nor_o life_n nor_o angel_n etc._n etc._n a_o immovable_a constancy_n indeed_o and_o a_o divine_a confidence_n which_o he_o so_o natural_o set_v down_o and_o which_o can_v not_o possible_o arise_v from_o the_o soul_n of_o a_o impostor_n chap._n xi_o 28_o 29._o as_o concern_v the_o gospel_n they_o be_v enemy_n for_o your_o sake_n but_o as_o touch_v the_o election_n they_o be_v belove_v for_o the_o father_n sake_n for_o the_o gift_n and_o call_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n why_o do_v st._n paul_n here_o speak_v so_o move_o and_o tender_o of_o the_o jew_n and_o why_o do_v he_o earnest_o endeavour_v to_o soften_v and_o mitigate_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o gentile_n towards_o they_o whence_o come_v that_o inclination_n both_o of_o his_o heart_n and_o affection_n to_o favour_v those_o implacable_a enemy_n who_o seek_v nothing_o but_o his_o destruction_n and_o ruin_n certain_o a_o man_n that_o have_v forsake_v his_o own_o nation_n out_o of_o spite_n or_o a_o desire_n of_o revenge_n can_v not_o be_v of_o such_o a_o temper_n chap._n xii_o 2._o and_o be_v not_o conform_v to_o this_o world_n but_o be_v you_o transform_v by_o the_o renew_n of_o your_o mind_n etc._n etc._n we_o have_v here_o a_o man_n who_o have_v be_v whole_o change_v have_v acquire_v new_a knowledge_n new_a habit_n and_o new_a affection_n speak_v of_o nothing_o but_o of_o be_v transform_v renew_v and_o become_v a_o new_a creature_n etc._n etc._n a_o man_n who_o have_v be_v enlighten_v in_o his_o way_n to_o damascus_n speak_v of_o nothing_o but_o of_o illumination_n of_o a_o light_n that_o shine_v from_o heaven_n of_o a_o kingdom_n of_o light_n a_o man_n in_o fine_a who_o have_v have_v mercy_n show_v he_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o fury_n of_o his_o persecution_n speak_v of_o nothing_o but_o pardon_n and_o grace_n it_o be_v a_o easy_a matter_n to_o collect_v his_o history_n from_o his_o very_a expression_n verse_n 10_o 11_o 12_o 13_o 14_o 15_o 16._o be_v kind_o affection_a one_o to_o another_o with_o brotherly_a love_n in_o honour_n prefer_v one_o another_o not_o slothful_a in_o business_n fervent_a in_o spirit_n serve_v the_o lord_n rejoice_v in_o hope_n patient_a in_o tribulation_n continue_v instant_a in_o prayer_n distribute_v to_o the_o necessity_n of_o saint_n give_v to_o hospitality_n bless_v they_o which_o persecute_v you_o bless_v and_o curse_v not_o rejoice_v with_o they_o that_o do_v rejoice_v etc._n etc._n can_v we_o suppose_v these_o to_o be_v the_o word_n or_o thought_n of_o a_o impostor_n chap._n xiii_o 5._o wherefore_o you_o must_v needs_o be_v subject_n not_o only_o for_o wrath_n but_o also_o for_o conscience_n sake_n religion_n as_o it_o be_v cement_v the_o good_a and_o welfare_n of_o a_o state_n and_o piety_n seem_v inseparable_a from_o the_o public_a good_a of_o a_o society_n because_o god_n by_o who_o appointment_n king_n reign_n be_v the_o prime_a author_n of_o religion_n verse_n 12_o 14_o the_o night_n be_v far_o spend_v the_o day_n be_v at_o hand_n etc._n etc._n but_o put_v you_o on_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o make_v no_o provision_n for_o the_o flesh_n to_o fulfil_v the_o lust_n thereof_o this_o author_n word_n continual_o follow_v and_o express_v his_o thought_n he_o consider_v the_o gospel_n as_o a_o light_n that_o dissipate_v all_o the_o erroneous_a darkness_n and_o ignorance_n of_o his_o mind_n he_o consider_v
the_o paper_n it_o be_v write_v upon_o yet_o they_o be_v enjoin_v to_o oppress_v man_n that_o bear_v the_o image_n of_o god_n by_o their_o religion_n which_o breathe_v out_o nothing_o but_o violence_n fury_n and_o oppression_n the_o reason_n why_o man_n usual_o refer_v thus_o every_o thing_n to_o their_o sense_n be_v because_o a_o worship_n that_o be_v corporeal_a and_o sensual_a be_v far_o more_o easy_a it_o be_v much_o easy_a for_o a_o man_n to_o take_v the_o sun_n for_o a_o god_n than_o to_o be_v continual_o take_v up_o in_o seek_v after_o a_o god_n that_o be_v invisible_a to_o solemnize_v game_n and_o festival_n in_o honour_n of_o a_o pretend_a deity_n than_o to_o renounce_v himself_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o a_o true_a one_o it_o be_v much_o easy_a for_o he_o to_o fast_o than_o to_o renounce_v his_o vice_n to_o sing_v spiritual_a song_n or_o bow_v to_o a_o statue_n than_o forgive_v his_o enemy_n it_o appear_v then_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n bear_v a_o more_o excellent_a character_n in_o that_o it_o give_v we_o for_o the_o object_n of_o our_o worship_n not_o a_o god_n under_o a_o human_a shape_n but_o a_o god_n that_o be_v a_o spirit_n in_o that_o it_o teach_v we_o to_o honour_v he_o not_o with_o a_o carnal_a but_o a_o spiritual_a worship_n and_o this_o christ_n himself_o have_v very_o elegant_o tell_v we_o in_o these_o word_n god_n be_v a_o spirit_n and_o they_o that_o worship_v he_o must_v worship_v he_o in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n john_n 4._o 24._o who_o can_v fill_v his_o mind_n with_o such_o elevate_a notion_n and_o how_o come_v it_o that_o he_o so_o excellent_o set_v down_o in_o that_o short_a precept_n the_o genius_n of_o true_a religion_n of_o which_o man_n before_o be_v whole_o ignorant_a v._o it_o may_v be_v say_v of_o all_o other_o religion_n without_o exception_n that_o they_o induce_v we_o to_o look_v after_o the_o pleasure_n and_o profit_n of_o the_o world_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n whereas_o the_o christian_a religion_n 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religion_n debase_v the_o deity_n and_o exalt_v man_n whereas_o the_o christian_a religion_n humble_v man_n and_o exalt_v the_o deity_n the_o egyptian_n a_o nation_n that_o boast_v so_o much_o of_o their_o antiquity_n make_v monster_n of_o their_o deity_n and_o the_o roman_n make_v deity_n of_o their_o emperor_n who_o be_v rather_o monster_n than_o man_n the_o most_o famous_a philosopher_n be_v not_o ashamed_a to_o rank_v their_o deity_n below_o themselves_o and_o themselves_o ever_o before_o jupiter_n but_o the_o christian_a religion_n teach_v we_o that_o we_o owe_v all_o to_o god_n who_o owe_v nothing_o at_o all_o to_o we_o it_o humble_v we_o by_o the_o consideration_n of_o that_o infinite_a distance_n there_o be_v between_o god_n and_o we_o it_o show_v that_o we_o be_v miserable_a despicable_a creature_n in_o comparison_n of_o god_n who_o be_v a_o supreme_a be_v and_o only_o worthy_a our_o love_n and_o adoration_n who_o then_o can_v choose_v but_o admire_v so_o excellent_a a_o 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vice_n and_o imperfection_n but_o the_o christian_a religion_n alone_o restore_v that_o equitable_a order_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v establish_v in_o the_o world_n by_o submit_v every_o thing_n to_o the_o power_n of_o man_n that_o he_o may_v submit_v himself_o to_o the_o will_n of_o his_o god_n and_o what_o can_v be_v the_o duty_n of_o true_a religion_n but_o to_o restore_v such_o just_a and_o become_a order_n in_o the_o world_n viii_o we_o need_v no_o deep_a search_n into_o other_o religion_n to_o find_v that_o they_o chief_o tend_v to_o flatter_v man_n corrupt_a desire_n and_o efface_v those_o principle_n of_o justice_n and_o uprightness_n which_o god_n have_v imprint_v on_o their_o mind_n but_o he_o that_o shall_v true_o consider_v the_o christian_a religion_n will_v certain_o find_v that_o it_o tend_v to_o the_o root_n up_o those_o corrupt_a desire_n out_o of_o our_o heart_n and_o restore_v those_o bright_a character_n of_o honesty_n and_o justice_n imprint_v on_o our_o mind_n by_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n the_o heathen_n flatter_v their_o passion_n to_o that_o degree_n as_o to_o erect_v altar_n in_o honour_n of_o they_o and_o mahomet_n be_v so_o well_o please_v with_o temporal_a prosperity_n that_o he_o make_v it_o the_o end_n and_o reward_n of_o his_o religion_n the_o gnostic_n imagine_v that_o when_o they_o have_v arrive_v to_o a_o certain_a degree_n of_o knowledge_n which_o they_o call_v a_o state_n of_o perfection_n they_o may_v commit_v all_o sort_n of_o action_n without_o any_o scruple_n of_o conscience_n and_o that_o sin_n which_o pollute_a other_o will_v be_v sanctify_v in_o they_o but_o what_o blindness_n what_o impiety_n be_v this_o how_o admirable_a be_v the_o christian_a religion_n which_o alone_o among_o all_o other_o show_v we_o our_o own_o wickedness_n and_o corruption_n and_o heal_v it_o with_o such_o remedy_n as_o be_v as_o wholesome_a to_o the_o soul_n as_o unpleasing_a to_o the_o body_n ix_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o other_o religion_n be_v contrary_a to_o policy_n either_o in_o favour_v or_o restrain_v too_o much_o human_a weakness_n and_o corruption_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o policy_n whereas_o the_o christian_a religion_n preserve_v its_o right_n and_o privilege_n inviolable_a independent_a from_o either_o the_o pagan_a religion_n be_v against_o policy_n in_o give_v too_o much_o to_o human_a weakness_n and_o corruption_n it_o will_v have_v be_v much_o better_a for_o the_o good_a and_o welfare_n of_o the_o state_n if_o man_n have_v frame_v to_o themselves_o a_o great_a idea_n of_o the_o holiness_n of_o their_o god_n because_o they_o will_v have_v be_v less_o licentious_a and_o more_o submissive_a to_o the_o civil_a law_n whereas_o they_o be_v encourage_v by_o the_o example_n of_o their_o deity_n to_o violate_v the_o most_o sacred_a and_o inviolable_a right_n mahomet_n desirous_a to_o avoid_v this_o irregularity_n retain_v the_o notion_n of_o a_o true_a
have_v for_o ever_o divide_v now_o the_o christian_a religion_n restore_v the_o society_n of_o nature_n for_o by_o unite_n man_n so_o strict_o in_o the_o bond_n of_o charity_n it_o far_o strengthen_v that_o natural_a love_n which_o we_o call_v humanity_n it_o destroy_v too_o the_o society_n of_o interest_n and_o ambition_n because_o it_o extirpate_v such_o inordinate_a desire_n as_o be_v not_o true_a principle_n of_o union_n and_o good_a understanding_n one_o among_o another_o it_o also_o strengthen_v civil_a society_n by_o command_v we_o to_o obey_v our_o superior_n and_o teach_v we_o to_o render_v unto_o cesar_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v caesar_n and_o unto_o god_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v go_n last_o it_o establish_v such_o a_o society_n as_o restore_v the_o equality_n of_o nature_n among_o we_o and_o whereas_o there_o be_v in_o the_o world_n till_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n a_o society_n of_o man_n external_o indeed_o unite_v by_o the_o bond_n of_o civil_a law_n government_n and_o the_o degree_n of_o proximity_n of_o blood_n but_o internal_o divide_v by_o their_o irregular_a passion_n christ_n show_v we_o a_o society_n of_o man_n external_o divide_v by_o the_o distance_n of_o time_n and_o place_n and_o the_o disparity_n of_o their_o condition_n but_o internal_o unite_v by_o the_o bond_n of_o the_o same_o faith_n the_o same_o hope_n and_o the_o same_o charity_n nor_o be_v these_o mere_a idea_n or_o speculation_n for_o beside_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n visible_o relate_v whole_o to_o the_o design_n of_o make_v man_n holy_a and_o pure_a and_o dedicate_a they_o to_o god_n beside_o that_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o it_o be_v the_o end_n of_o their_o preach_v direct_v themselves_o in_o their_o epistle_n to_o those_o that_o be_v call_v to_o be_v saint_n and_o to_o the_o spiritual_a israel_n and_o declare_v concern_v apostate_n that_o they_o go_v from_o they_o because_o they_o be_v not_o of_o they_o beside_o that_o jesus_n christ_n on_o all_o occasion_n make_v the_o very_a same_o distinction_n refuse_v to_o own_v they_o for_o his_o disciple_n that_o shall_v be_v whole_o take_v up_o with_o the_o advantage_n of_o the_o world_n and_o give_v this_o mark_n and_o character_n of_o those_o who_o he_o own_v for_o his_o my_o sheep_n hear_v my_o voice_n and_o the_o world_n hate_v they_o because_o they_o be_v not_o of_o the_o world_n joh._n 17._o 14._o i_o say_v beside_o all_o this_o we_o have_v this_o satisfaction_n that_o we_o can_v produce_v a_o society_n of_o holy_a man_n that_o yield_v not_o to_o any_o power_n of_o the_o world_n but_o withstand_v the_o most_o rigorous_a trial_n of_o persecution_n and_o renounce_v the_o entice_a charm_n of_o the_o world_n the_o better_a to_o adhere_v to_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n a_o society_n victorious_a in_o temptation_n that_o overcome_v vice_n and_o delude_v the_o indefatigable_a endeavour_n of_o tyrant_n a_o society_n compose_v of_o mortal_a man_n yet_o not_o to_o be_v exstinguish_v by_o death_n that_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n yet_o encourage_v with_o motive_n supernatural_a that_o converse_v in_o the_o world_n yet_o despise_v it_o that_o be_v disperse_v in_o several_a different_a time_n and_o place_n yet_o always_o unite_v in_o the_o same_o thought_n and_o opinion_n that_o be_v continual_o attack_v by_o different_a passion_n yet_o constant_o surmount_v they_o in_o a_o word_n a_o society_n that_o still_o flourish_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o persecution_n increase_v the_o more_o as_o often_o as_o it_o be_v defeat_v and_o raise_v itself_o out_o of_o it_o be_v own_o ruin_n certain_o he_o must_v have_v read_v but_o little_a of_o ecclesiastical_a history_n that_o be_v unacquainted_a with_o all_o these_o truth_n and_o he_o must_v be_v wilful_o blind_a and_o purposely_o impose_v upon_o himself_o that_o acknowledge_v not_o the_o efficacy_n of_o religion_n in_o all_o those_o wonderful_a effect_n and_o it_o be_v proper_o in_o that_o society_n of_o holy_a man_n or_o in_o the_o church_n itself_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o seek_v for_o the_o fruit_n of_o religion_n for_o there_o we_o shall_v find_v the_o accomplishment_n of_o those_o ancient_a prophecy_n which_o promise_v to_o show_v we_o the_o sheep_n feed_v with_o the_o bear_n and_o the_o leopard_n with_o the_o lamb_n etc._n etc._n and_o as_o the_o ark_n of_o god_n can_v not_o be_v leave_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o its_o enemy_n without_o work_v several_a wonder_n among_o they_o which_o even_o those_o infidel_n be_v sensible_a of_o so_o the_o christian_a church_n can_v continue_v in_o the_o world_n without_o produce_v such_o remarkable_a effect_n in_o it_o which_o the_o most_o incredulous_a themselves_o can_v call_v in_o question_n for_o let_v they_o tell_v we_o if_o they_o can_v how_o come_v the_o oracle_n of_o the_o heathen_n to_o be_v immediate_o silence_v when_o the_o apostle_n first_o preach_v the_o mystery_n of_o christianity_n and_o by_o what_o power_n the_o sound_n of_o those_o man_n be_v go_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n make_v those_o oracle_n eternal_o cease_v which_o have_v so_o long_o foretell_v thing_n to_o come_v and_o so_o force_v the_o heathenish_a writer_n as_o plutarch_n and_o other_o to_o inquire_v into_o the_o cause_n of_o that_o so_o sudden_a and_o so_o unexpected_a silence_n for_o to_o object_v with_o julian_n that_o the_o jewish_a and_o christian_a oracle_n have_v be_v also_o silence_v conclude_v nothing_o because_o the_o apostle_n foretell_v that_o the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n shall_v cease_v but_o how_o appear_v it_o that_o the_o oracle_n among_o the_o heathen_n declare_v they_o shall_v one_o day_n be_v silence_v the_o accomplishment_n of_o our_o prophecy_n be_v a_o everlasting_a proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o religion_n serve_v we_o instead_o of_o perpetual_a oracle_n but_o what_o accomplishment_n of_o prophecy_n confirm_v the_o pagan_a religion_n no_o less_o wonderful_a a_o effect_n of_o our_o religion_n be_v the_o abundance_n of_o revelation_n which_o bring_v so_o many_o superstitious_a and_o idolatrous_a nation_n to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o true_a god_n hence_o come_v the_o world_n to_o be_v fill_v with_o wisdom_n by_o the_o preach_n of_o ignorant_a person_n and_o the_o mean_a servant_n to_o have_v more_o noble_a and_o rational_a idea_n of_o the_o deity_n than_o the_o most_o quick_a clearsighted_n philosopher_n and_o that_o too_o by_o the_o proposal_n of_o such_o a_o doctrine_n as_o seem_v indeed_o to_o the_o flesh_n a_o object_n of_o scandal_n and_o horror_n we_o can_v deny_v but_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v the_o advantage_n of_o all_o other_o for_o have_v utter_o abolish_v all_o those_o sacrifice_n wherein_o they_o offer_v the_o blood_n of_o man_n neither_o can_v we_o doubt_v but_o that_o this_o cruel_a and_o bloody_a superstition_n be_v sufficient_o advance_v in_o the_o world_n since_o we_o find_v that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n reproach_n the_o jew_n for_o have_v sacrifice_v their_o child_n to_o moloch_n and_o that_o julius_n cesar_n tell_v we_o in_o his_o commentary_n that_o it_o be_v a_o ancient_a custom_n among_o the_o gaul_n to_o offer_v human_a victim_n to_o their_o pretend_a deity_n i_o confess_v indeed_o the_o roman_n have_v already_o renounce_v such_o a_o barbarous_a and_o cruel_a superstition_n but_o then_o i_o question_v whether_o they_o do_v not_o still_o retain_v some_o spice_n of_o it_o in_o those_o spectacle_n they_o exhibit_v to_o the_o people_n wherein_o they_o be_v extreme_o please_v to_o see_v the_o blood_n of_o their_o gladiatour_n run_v down_o who_o kill_v one_o another_o mere_o to_o make_v they_o sport_n a_o sacrifice_n so_o much_o the_o more_o impious_a because_o dedicate_v rather_o to_o the_o unlawful_a pleasure_n of_o man_n than_o the_o honour_n of_o those_o being_n they_o look_v upon_o as_o go_n and_o what_o but_o the_o christian_a religion_n can_v have_v abolish_v all_o those_o bloody_a spectacle_n and_o horrid_a divertisement_n we_o have_v just_a reason_n to_o be_v surprise_v to_o think_v how_o licentious_o that_o abominable_a sin_n usual_o punish_v by_o god_n and_o man_n with_o fire_n reign_v heretofore_o in_o the_o world_n and_o we_o can_v without_o horror_n and_o amazement_n reflect_v how_o that_o the_o love_n of_o both_o sex_n seem_v equal_o grow_v common_a to_o man_n and_o that_o ancient_a author_n free_o speak_v of_o that_o kind_n of_o debauchery_n which_o our_o own_o writer_n dare_v not_o so_o much_o as_o mention_v lest_o they_o defile_v their_o write_n socrates_n be_v represent_v to_o we_o by_o some_o of_o they_o as_o be_v deep_o smite_v with_o the_o beauty_n of_o alcibiades_n and_o the_o emperor_n trajan_n who_o panegyric_n well_o deserve_v thirty_o year_n labour_n strange_o blemish_v his_o reputation_n by_o that_o monstrous_a lechery_n which_o pretty_a well_o show_v the_o just_a ground_n for_o st._n paul_n reproach_n to_o the_o heathen_n who_o say_v that_o because_o when_o
they_o have_v know_v god_n they_o glorify_v he_o not_o as_o god_n therefore_o god_n also_o give_v they_o up_o unto_o vile_a affection_n rom._n 1._o 21._o and_o indeed_o it_o be_v no_o inconsiderable_a service_n the_o christian_a religion_n do_v man_n in_o partly_o abolish_n and_o disgrace_v so_o much_o that_o kind_n of_o detestable_a debauchery_n that_o we_o look_v upon_o those_o to_o be_v no_o less_o than_o abominable_a monster_n that_o seem_v any_o way_n inclinable_a to_o it_o humility_n and_o charity_n those_o two_o virtue_n so_o essential_a and_o necessary_a to_o man_n be_v so_o utter_o unknown_a former_o that_o their_o name_n be_v scarce_o know_v in_o all_o the_o pagan_a world_n to_o what_o then_o do_v we_o owe_v the_o knowledge_n and_o esteem_n we_o have_v of_o those_o two_o so_o excellent_a virtue_n but_o to_o the_o religion_n we_o profess_v last_o it_o be_v by_o the_o mean_n of_o this_o religion_n that_o the_o creature_n be_v again_o call_v a_o creature_n and_o god_n again_o 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that_o respect_v the_o soul_n neither_o can_v it_o be_v the_o scope_n and_o design_n of_o reason_n which_o be_v easy_o corrupt_v by_o avarice_n nor_o even_o that_o of_o pride_n which_o be_v mortify_v much_o more_o than_o all_o the_o other_o passion_n by_o this_o doctrine_n unknown_a to_o the_o flesh_n and_o insufferable_a to_o nature_n who_o then_o be_v it_o that_o concern_v himself_o so_o much_o with_o pride_n as_o to_o take_v away_o its_o error_n it_o be_v vainglory_n it_o be_v chimerical_a perfection_n preference_n hypocrisy_n and_o affectation_n and_o all_o this_o only_a by_o a_o serious_a consideration_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n who_o take_v upon_o he_o to_o deprive_v self-love_n of_o its_o injustice_n the_o flesh_n of_o its_o unlawful_a pleasure_n and_o in_o a_o word_n all_o human_a passion_n of_o their_o disorder_n and_o irregularity_n what_o can_v such_o a_o design_n mean_a and_o how_o can_v this_o thought_n of_o sanctify_a mankind_n enter_v of_o itself_o into_o any_o man_n 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persuade_v other_o man_n they_o shall_v renounce_v this_o present_a world_n beside_o whether_o they_o speak_v or_o write_v they_o do_v run_v out_o into_o vain_a contest_v and_o dispute_v the_o ordinary_a product_n of_o the_o vanity_n of_o mankind_n but_o come_v immediate_o to_o their_o purpose_n and_o insist_v only_o on_o what_o be_v material_a and_o essential_a to_o it_o every_o particular_a in_o their_o discourse_n and_o write_n be_v practical_a and_o relate_v to_o the_o perfection_n of_o morality_n so_o much_o they_o despise_v the_o fineness_n of_o eloquence_n and_o subtlety_n of_o human_a philosophy_n and_o propose_v only_o to_o themselves_o the_o edification_n of_o men._n these_o thing_n write_v i_o unto_o you_o say_v they_o that_o you_o sin_n not_o 1_o john_n 2._o 1._o but_o suppose_v they_o such_o deceiver_n as_o the_o incredulous_a imagine_v what_o be_v it_o to_o they_o whether_o we_o sin_v or_o not_o what_o injury_n will_v it_o have_v be_v to_o the_o son_n of_o a_o carpenter_n though_o the_o pharisee_n be_v dissemble_v hypocrite_n and_o dishonour_v the_o deity_n by_o their_o tradition_n and_o though_o there_o have_v be_v table_n of_o money-changer_n in_o the_o court_n of_o the_o temple_n what_o be_v it_o to_o he_o whether_o sinner_n repent_v of_o their_o sin_n or_o not_o whether_o man_n be_v just_a and_o merciful_a or_o think_v they_o can_v appease_v god_n only_o with_o vain_a offering_n whether_o the_o city_n that_o kill_v the_o prophet_n know_v the_o thing_n that_o belong_v to_o her_o peace_n or_o not_o what_o can_v move_v he_o to_o shed_v tear_n in_o such_o abundance_n at_o the_o thought_n of_o the_o approach_a destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n a_o sensible_a and_o effectual_a proof_n indeed_o of_o his_o be_v very_o much_o concern_v for_o her_o salvation_n what_o will_v it_o have_v signify_v to_o a_o few_o poor_a delude_a wretch_n whether_o the_o gentile_n have_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o true_a god_n or_o not_o to_o a_o company_n of_o false_a witness_n whether_o man_n be_v cheat_n or_o liar_n to_o person_n odious_a and_o have_v in_o abomination_n every_o where_o whether_o man_n true_o love_v one_o another_o or_o not_o to_o the_o victim_n of_o public_a hatred_n whether_o man_n be_v reconcile_v to_o god_n or_o not_o to_o such_o afflict_a and_o disconsolate_a wretch_n whether_o other_o man_n be_v true_o make_v sensible_a of_o a_o divine_a comfort_n and_o of_o the_o peace_n of_o god_n which_o pass_v all_o understanding_n who_o can_v imagine_v that_o those_o man_n design_v to_o be_v wicked_a only_o to_o make_v we_o become_v honest_a to_o deceive_v all_o mankind_n on_o purpose_n to_o establish_v a_o sacred_a and_o inviolable_a law_n of_o fidelity_n to_o become_v the_o enemy_n of_o their_o own_o nation_n to_o make_v we_o be_v in_o charity_n with_o all_o mankind_n in_o a_o word_n to_o establish_v a_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n that_o tend_v whole_o to_o the_o sanctification_n of_o mankind_n by_o the_o most_o signal_n imposture_n and_o most_o heinous_a crime_n that_o man_n can_v be_v guilty_a of_o it_o will_v be_v strange_a if_o such_o wicked_a and_o deceitful_a man_n as_o the_o incredulous_a imagine_v the_o apostle_n to_o have_v be_v shall_v have_v the_o least_o thought_n of_o sanctify_v other_o and_o it_o will_v be_v yet_o more_o surprise_v if_o that_o thought_n shall_v be_v so_o fix_v in_o their_o mind_n as_o to_o become_v a_o full_a and_o perfect_a design_n of_o venture_v and_o lose_v all_o to_o compass_v it_o nay_o it_o will_v be_v next_o to_o a_o miracle_n if_o that_o design_n shall_v be_v put_v in_o execution_n and_o yet_o more_o it_o will_v be_v a_o unheard_a of_o prodigy_n if_o a_o continual_a succession_n of_o people_n shall_v adhere_v to_o the_o same_o principle_n and_o continue_v in_o the_o same_o disposition_n of_o mind_n against_o their_o own_o interest_n and_o in_o spite_n of_o the_o severe_a persecution_n certain_o we_o may_v confident_o
the_o other_o scale_n to_o overbalance_v it_o but_o it_o be_v not_o the_o pleasure_n of_o god_n we_o shall_v and_o we_o must_v rest_v content_a to_o believe_v those_o object_n which_o make_v we_o thus_o renounce_v that_o which_o we_o actual_o see_v and_o shall_v they_o be_v never_o so_o agreeable_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o common_a sense_n yet_o faith_n and_o not_o reason_n ought_v chief_o to_o induce_v we_o to_o receive_v they_o now_o the_o same_o principle_n that_o set_v the_o heart_n at_o variance_n with_o the_o law_n that_o impose_v on_o it_o the_o necessity_n of_o act_v after_o that_o manner_n the_o same_o principle_n i_o say_v make_v reason_n oppose_v revelation_n which_o lay_v upon_o it_o a_o invincible_a necessity_n of_o believe_v what_o it_o can_v comprehend_v it_o be_v certain_a however_o that_o this_o command_n of_o god_n be_v very_o conformable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n very_o suitable_a to_o our_o present_a condition_n necessary_a to_o our_o sanctification_n and_o useful_a for_o the_o advancement_n of_o god_n glory_n we_o must_v not_o think_v it_o strange_a that_o the_o dispensation_n of_o faith_n shall_v precede_v that_o of_o sight_n since_o we_o daily_o observe_v darkness_n to_o precede_v light_n by_o a_o natural_a order_n and_o that_o we_o be_v child_n before_o we_o come_v to_o be_v men._n both_o experience_n and_o reason_n tell_v we_o that_o our_o knowledge_n be_v very_o imperfect_a in_o this_o life_n wherein_o the_o soul_n be_v as_o it_o be_v press_v down_o by_o the_o clog_n of_o the_o body_n that_o we_o may_v walk_v more_o secure_a by_o the_o help_n of_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o those_o heathen_n who_o attempt_v to_o go_v beyoud_a it_o wander_v blind_o about_o and_o lose_v their_o way_n there_o be_v two_o sort_n of_o irregularity_n in_o man_n which_o produce_v all_o his_o other_o disorder_n pride_n and_o voluptuousness_n the_o latter_a of_o which_o spring_v up_o in_o the_o most_o inferior_a part_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o be_v chief_o produce_v by_o the_o sense_n but_o pride_n be_v proper_o a_o defect_n of_o the_o mind_n as_o therefore_o there_o have_v not_o be_v find_v hitherto_o a_o better_a remedy_n against_o voluptuousness_n than_o that_o of_o afflict_v the_o sense_n by_o deny_v they_o those_o pleasure_n they_o so_o earnest_o thirst_v after_o so_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v there_o have_v be_v as_o yet_o a_o better_a mean_n think_v of_o to_o remove_v the_o pride_n of_o the_o mind_n than_o to_o humble_v it_o by_o restrain_v those_o speculation_n of_o knowledge_n which_o puff_v it_o up_o beyond_o measure_n and_o mortify_v it_o by_o require_v it_o to_o sacrifice_v all_o its_o weak_a conjecture_n and_o vain_a reason_n to_o faith_n and_o indeed_o this_o sacrifice_n of_o ourselves_o be_v deserve_o owe_v to_o god_n since_o there_o be_v as_o much_o reason_n for_o submit_v our_o willby_n our_o obedience_n to_o his_o law_n as_o there_o be_v for_o subject_v our_o mind_n to_o he_o by_o faith_n for_o by_o the_o former_a of_o these_o act_n we_o own_v he_o for_o our_o lord_n that_o have_v a_o right_a to_o command_v we_o and_o by_o the_o latter_a we_o ready_o confess_v his_o veracity_n and_o that_o we_o need_v not_o fear_v be_v impose_v upon_o when_o we_o receive_v those_o thing_n he_o command_v we_o to_o observe_v thus_o man_n who_o have_v lose_v himself_o in_o his_o desire_n of_o infinite_a knowledge_n be_v bind_v in_o some_o measure_n to_o expiate_v his_o crime_n in_o not_o desire_v to_o know_v any_o thing_n by_o himself_o he_o have_v attempt_v to_o get_v as_o clear_v a_o knowledge_n of_o all_o thing_n as_o god_n himself_o but_o now_o he_o refuse_v to_o know_v any_o thing_n but_o from_o god_n he_o be_v blind_a whilst_o he_o walk_v in_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n but_o now_o he_o must_v see_v clear_a in_o the_o darkness_n of_o the_o dispensation_n of_o faith_n for_o after_o that_o in_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n the_o world_n by_o wisdom_n know_v not_o god_n it_o please_v god_n by_o the_o foolishness_n of_o preach_v to_o save_v they_o that_o believe_v 1_o cor._n 1._o 21._o it_o be_v certain_a shall_v god_n familiar_o and_o frequent_o reveal_v himself_o unto_o man_n by_o sensible_a and_o continue_a miracle_n we_o shall_v then_o walk_v by_o sight_n and_o not_o by_o faith_n and_o it_o be_v true_a also_o that_o if_o the_o object_n of_o revelation_n be_v not_o in_o some_o sort_n obscure_a there_o will_v be_v no_o endeavour_n no_o difficulty_n no_o sacrifice_n of_o reason_n make_v to_o believe_v they_o the_o difficulty_n that_o mystery_n be_v attend_v with_o have_v almost_o the_o same_o influence_n over_o our_o understanding_n as_o affliction_n have_v upon_o our_o heart_n for_o as_o these_o bring_v the_o latter_a in_o subjection_n so_o the_o other_o serve_v to_o try_v the_o constancy_n of_o the_o former_a and_o since_o god_n almighty_n be_v please_v to_o increase_v our_o patience_n by_o two_o different_a sort_n of_o suffering_n the_o one_o which_o he_o himself_o inflict_v immediate_o upon_o we_o and_o the_o other_o he_o permit_v worldly_a mind_v and_o sinful_a man_n to_o inflict_v upon_o we_o so_o in_o like_a manner_n he_o be_v please_v to_o exercise_v our_o faith_n by_o two_o different_a sort_n of_o difficulty_n some_o whereof_o spring_n immediate_o from_o god_n himself_o and_o other_o proceed_v from_o the_o very_a heart_n and_o understanding_n of_o men._n for_o we_o must_v distinguish_v betwixt_o that_o obscurity_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o mystery_n which_o proceed_v from_o god_n and_o that_o which_o proceed_v from_o the_o understanding_n of_o men._n the_o first_o be_v either_o necessary_a as_o all_o those_o difficulty_n which_o arise_v from_o the_o essential_a disproportion_n between_o infinite_a object_n such_o as_o those_o of_o revelation_n and_o a_o finite_a understanding_n like_o we_o or_o else_o voluntary_a and_o so_o enter_v into_o the_o very_a plan_n and_o design_n of_o religion_n itself_o and_o these_o again_o may_v be_v distinguish_v according_a to_o that_o diversity_n which_o in_o our_o manner_n of_o conceive_v thing_n we_o be_v oblige_v to_o suppose_v in_o the_o perfection_n of_o god_n himself_o there_o be_v some_o which_o proceed_v from_o the_o council_n of_o his_o wisdom_n other_o from_o that_o of_o his_o justice_n other_o from_o that_o of_o his_o majesty_n and_o last_o from_o that_o of_o his_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n thus_o divine_a wisdom_n be_v please_v to_o intermix_v some_o sort_n of_o darkness_n amid_o the_o most_o express_a prophecy_n we_o have_v lest_o that_o too_o clear_a a_o evidence_n of_o they_o shall_v destroy_v their_o event_n to_o this_o principle_n also_o must_v we_o refer_v all_o those_o shadow_n type_n parabolical_a representation_n that_o mixture_n of_o sensible_a object_n with_o spiritual_a benefit_n that_o of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n with_o the_o state_n of_o israel_n according_a to_o the_o flesh_n and_o general_o all_o those_o other_o mean_n which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n make_v use_v of_o partly_o to_o cover_v those_o event_n he_o have_v declare_v to_o man_n many_o age_n before_o their_o completion_n god_n draw_v a_o veil_n over_o the_o most_o essential_a truth_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n such_o as_o the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n the_o trinity_n the_o redemption_n of_o mankind_n etc._n etc._n that_o a_o distinct_a revelation_n from_o all_o these_o object_n may_v be_v a_o undeniable_a character_n of_o the_o messiah_n and_o that_o his_o disciple_n may_v bold_o affirm_v that_o life_n be_v manifest_v in_o jesus_n christ_n that_o grace_n have_v appear_v unto_o all_o men._n for_o no_o man_n have_v see_v god_n at_o any_o time_n the_o only_o beget_v son_n which_o be_v in_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o father_n he_o have_v declare_v he_o john_n 1._o 18._o to_o this_o wisdom_n of_o god_n also_o must_v be_v refer_v that_o conduct_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o inspire_v the_o patriarch_n thereby_o to_o reveal_v a_o better_a life_n to_o they_o and_o make_v they_o cry_v out_o upon_o their_o deathbed_n lord_n i_o have_v wait_v for_o thy_o salvation_n but_o withal_o give_v they_o but_o a_o faint_a prospect_n of_o that_o object_n by_o such_o obscure_a thought_n and_o dark_a notion_n as_o they_o be_v not_o able_a of_o themselves_o to_o solve_v defer_v to_o give_v a_o more_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o his_o mystery_n till_o that_o time_n which_o he_o have_v set_v apart_o for_o the_o fulfil_n of_o his_o oracle_n and_o the_o manifestation_n of_o he_o that_o be_v to_o be_v the_o author_n and_o end_n of_o christian_a religion_n for_o this_o cause_n therefore_o there_o be_v hardly_o mention_v make_v of_o any_o thing_n else_o in_o the_o write_n of_o moses_n but_o of_o temporal_a promise_n and_o threaten_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o jesus_n christ_n himself_o when_o dispute_v against_o the_o sadducee_n prove_v the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a but_o by_o
like_a speculation_n who_o end_n be_v to_o dive_v into_o the_o manner_n how_o those_o thing_n be_v do_v which_o god_n have_v reveal_v to_o we_o thereby_o give_v rise_v to_o the_o most_o considerable_a difficulty_n of_o our_o incredulous_a adversary_n who_o heap_v up_o all_o those_o humane_a speculation_n together_o the_o better_a to_o impugn_v the_o foundation_n of_o religion_n itself_o or_o else_o rash_o conclude_v from_o those_o vain_a dispute_n of_o humane_a curiosity_n that_o religion_n have_v nothing_o of_o certainty_n or_o solidity_n in_o it_o but_o we_o shall_v easy_o confute_v both_o the_o error_n and_o injustice_n of_o those_o un_fw-fr believer_n faith_n be_v assault_v by_o two_o sort_n of_o enemy_n 1_o sy_n the_o incredulous_a who_o impugn_v it_o on_o that_o side_n on_o which_o it_o be_v most_o clear_a and_o evident_a and_o 2_o lie_v the_o inconsiderate_a and_o curious_a who_o have_v no_o regard_n to_o its_o sacred_a obscurity_n so_o that_o we_o have_v here_o those_o who_o 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to_o exceed_v the_o bound_n of_o revelation_n and_o rashness_n have_v oblige_v they_o not_o to_o believe_v it_o the_o scripture_n teach_v we_o that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n and_o one_o mediator_n it_o assure_v we_o also_o that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v god_n that_o he_o think_v it_o no_o robbery_n to_o be_v equal_a with_o god_n that_o he_o make_v the_o world_n time_n and_o all_o thing_n therein_o it_o ascribe_v to_o he_o all_o the_o attribute_n the_o work_n and_o the_o name_n of_o the_o deity_n his_o power_n his_o wisdom_n his_o eternity_n immensity_n etc._n etc._n it_o further_o assure_v we_o that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v god_n it_o assert_n that_o those_o three_o be_v one._n it_o command_v baptism_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n it_o speak_v of_o the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n as_o of_o three_o person_n and_o why_o shall_v we_o not_o rest_v satisfy_v with_o this_o it_o be_v because_o the_o pride_n of_o man_n think_v fit_v it_o shall_v be_v otherwise_o i_o do_v not_o know_v or_o i_o do_v not_o understand_v be_v confession_n so_o terrible_a to_o they_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o they_o will_v invent_v to_o avoid_v they_o they_o be_v desirous_a to_o know_v how_o three_o person_n can_v subsist_v in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o essence_n they_o tell_v we_o of_o modes_n and_o relation_n of_o modal_n and_o formal_a distinction_n of_o absolute_a and_o relative_a entity_n etc._n etc._n they_o assert_v that_o the_o divine_a intellect_n produce_v the_o word_n and_o that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v the_o uncreated_a production_n of_o the_o divine_a will_n and_o a_o thousand_o other_o thing_n of_o this_o kind_n which_o if_o certain_a at_o least_o be_v not_o reveal_v and_o why_o all_o these_o distinction_n and_o subtlety_n unless_o they_o will_v make_v we_o comprehend_v a_o mystery_n god_n be_v resolve_v shall_v remain_v the_o incomprehensible_a object_n of_o our_o faith_n other_o displease_v with_o those_o scholastic_a 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this_o other_o the_o same_o be_v in_o the_o beginnning_n and_o all_o thing_n be_v make_v by_o he_o that_o be_v as_o they_o interpret_v it_o he_o be_v before_o the_o time_n of_o john_n the_o baptist_n and_o by_o he_o all_o thing_n be_v do_v in_o the_o church_n but_o to_o what_o end_n do_v they_o invent_v those_o nicety_n so_o contrary_a to_o the_o gospel_n simplicity_n and_o truth_n it_o be_v doubtless_o on_o purpose_n to_o make_v void_a the_o effect_n of_o those_o sacred_a obscurity_n which_o god_n have_v disperse_v throughout_o his_o mystery_n and_o to_o save_v those_o by_o humane_a wisdom_n who_o god_n design_v to_o bless_v with_o life_n eternal_a through_o the_o foolishness_n of_o preach_v as_o man_n first_o call_v it_o vi_o we_o may_v add_v superstition_n to_o this_o irregular_a curiosity_n and_o rashness_n of_o the_o mind_n which_o arise_v by_o little_a and_o little_a from_o the_o passion_n endeavour_v to_o hide_v themselves_o or_o avoid_v by_o vain_a pretext_n the_o mortification_n of_o repentance_n and_o shift_v off_o the_o severe_a injunction_n of_o christian_a morality_n and_o to_o that_o end_n they_o employ_v man_n in_o some_o unprofitable_a bodily_a exercise_n or_o else_o whole_o fix_v his_o mind_n upon_o some_o carnal_a worship_n superstition_n be_v no_o soon_o thus_o insensible_o form_v but_o it_o thrust_v itself_o into_o credit_n and_o as_o it_o be_v claim_v a_o privilege_n of_o freedom_n in_o religion_n so_o that_o the_o most_o prodigious_a whymsy_n and_o imagination_n of_o the_o former_a be_v confuse_o huddle_v together_o with_o the_o most_o sacred_a mystery_n of_o the_o latter_a and_o then_o there_o be_v no_o absurdity_n so_o extravagant_a that_o human_a passion_n suggest_v but_o what_o the_o incredulous_a immediate_o take_v hold_v on_o as_o instrument_n wherewith_o they_o attack_v the_o foundation_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v in_o some_o respect_n as_o it_o be_v infect_v with_o they_o and_o such_o be_v the_o folly_n of_o man_n that_o they_o will_v needs_o save_v all_o or_o lose_v all_o for_o if_o you_o go_v about_o to_o destroy_v superstition_n you_o be_v then_o immediate_o condemn_v for_o be_v a_o enemy_n to_o christianity_n and_o if_o you_o endeavour_v to_o maintain_v the_o glory_n and_o holiness_n of_o christianity_n man_n expect_v you_o shall_v too_o in_o some_o manner_n defend_v the_o absurd_a extravagance_n of_o superstition_n but_o our_o design_n of_o write_v in_o behalf_n of_o the_o christian_n in_o general_a suffer_v we_o not_o to_o make_v any_o application_n of_o this_o at_o present_a it_o be_v enough_o if_o the_o position_n we_o advance_v be_v certain_o true_a as_o will_v full_o appear_v by_o the_o example_n as_o may_v be_v seek_v of_o it_o elsewhere_o and_o which_o it_o be_v no_o difficult_a matter_n for_o any_o man_n to_o find_v out_o we_o shall_v therefore_o rest_v content_v to_o assert_v in_o that_o respect_n that_o the_o multiplicity_n of_o sect_n which_o so_o miserable_o divide_v the_o christian_a church_n among_o man_n and_o on_o who_o account_n the_o name_n of_o our_o common_a lord_n and_o master_n be_v so_o frequent_o blaspheme_v among_o infidel_n sole_o spring_v from_o these_o three_o principle_n viz._n a_o irregular_a curiosity_n a_o rashness_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o superstition_n and_o these_o three_o principle_n themselves_o proceed_v from_o a_o more_o ancient_a original_a which_o be_v the_o disorder_n and_o irregularity_n of_o our_o passion_n now_o to_o demand_v why_o god_n permit_v such_o a_o multitude_n of_o sect_n and_o different_a religion_n to_o reign_v among_o man_n be_v just_a as_o if_o one_o shall_v ask_v why_o god_n suffer_v wicked_a man_n to_o live_v in_o the_o world_n for_o he_o that_o permit_v the_o licentiousness_n of_o the_o passion_n necessary_o suffer_v the_o natural_a effect_n and_o infallible_a consequence_n of_o they_o vii_o this_o be_v grant_v we_o can_v doubt_v but_o that_o philosophy_n itself_o be_v another_o source_n of_o
easy_o believe_v mystery_n though_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o dive_v into_o the_o manner_n of_o they_o 3_o dly_z this_o submission_n to_o god_n be_v so_o very_o reasonable_a that_o none_o but_o a_o man_n utter_o void_a of_o sense_n can_v be_v so_o stupid_a as_o not_o to_o perceive_v it_o for_o till_o we_o be_v endow_v with_o a_o infinite_a understanding_n we_o shall_v never_o be_v able_a to_o know_v but_o one_o side_n of_o thing_n and_o consequent_o we_o must_v necessary_o be_v for_o ever_o ignorant_a of_o the_o other_o 4_o thly_a it_o be_v very_o just_a and_o equitable_a if_o ever_o any_o thing_n be_v so_o and_o it_o aim_v at_o nothing_o but_o show_v we_o our_o ignorance_n and_o represent_v to_o we_o that_o be_v liable_a to_o be_v deceive_v we_o ought_v careful_o to_o follow_v revelation_n as_o a_o true_a and_o faithful_a guide_n we_o shall_v certain_o be_v extravagant_a proud_o to_o deny_v our_o own_o ignorance_n or_o impious_o suspect_v that_o god_n can_v deceive_v we_o when_o 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we_o if_o we_o do_v but_o humble_o cast_v down_o our_o eye_n we_o shall_v be_v sufficient_o learn_v if_o we_o rest_v satisfy_v with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o what_o god_n have_v be_v please_v to_o reveal_v unto_o we_o and_o nothing_o more_o betray_v a_o universal_a ignorance_n than_o a_o insignificant_a desire_n to_o be_v ignorant_a of_o nothing_o in_o other_o science_n a_o man_n skill_n be_v measure_v by_o his_o knowledge_n but_o in_o that_o of_o salvation_n he_o be_v best_o instruct_v who_o be_v most_o humble_a he_o who_o have_v the_o least_o pride_n have_v the_o most_o understanding_n and_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o be_v easy_a we_o have_v already_o see_v that_o the_o nice_a speculation_n of_o reason_n about_o mystery_n do_v but_o more_o perplex_v and_o darken_v what_o be_v before_o obscure_a let_v we_o now_o see_v how_o much_o the_o submit_v our_o reason_n to_o faith_n make_v we_o have_v a_o clear_a insight_n into_o those_o mystery_n or_o at_o least_o how_o much_o it_o hinder_v our_o be_v confound_v by_o they_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o by_o continue_v in_o such_o a_o state_n of_o humility_n whatsoever_o difficulty_n may_v arise_v they_o will_v not_o have_v force_n enough_o to_o discompose_v our_o mind_n we_o shall_v not_o be_v surprise_v that_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o comprehend_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n or_o his_o manner_n of_o know_v love_a and_o act_v or_o his_o eternity_n immensity_n etc._n etc._n but_o we_o shall_v rather_o be_v ravish_v with_o admiration_n to_o think_v that_o we_o that_o be_v no_o better_a than_o worm_n or_o atom_n be_v yet_o think_v worthy_a to_o know_v he_o and_o raise_v to_o that_o pitch_n of_o glory_n as_o to_o have_v some_o prospect_n though_o but_o a_o faint_a one_o of_o his_o wondrous_a work_n and_o infinite_a perfection_n neither_o shall_v we_o have_v any_o reason_n to_o be_v offend_v because_o god_n former_o abandon_v the_o gentile_n and_o cast_v away_o other_o nation_n which_o still_o abide_v in_o profound_a ignorance_n and_o darkness_n though_o perhaps_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o nature_n so_o difficult_a or_o incomprehensible_a as_o the_o conduct_n of_o god_n but_o we_o shall_v rather_o reflect_v upon_o ourselves_o and_o endeavour_v to_o search_v into_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o own_o nature_n and_o upon_o such_o a_o consideration_n we_o shall_v find_v ourselves_o bury_v and_o swallow_v up_o if_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v in_o some_o corner_n of_o this_o vast_a universe_n and_o that_o too_o in_o such_o a_o time_n or_o conjuncture_n as_o be_v a_o mere_a point_n in_o comparison_n of_o that_o almost_o infinite_a duration_n of_o time_n which_o have_v elapse_v and_o that_o eternity_n which_o be_v still_o to_o pass_v away_o we_o shall_v only_o perceive_v a_o few_o year_n and_o a_o few_o nation_n which_o we_o ascribe_v to_o providence_n as_o its_o object_n as_o if_o that_o which_o preside_v over_o the_o whole_a creation_n be_v to_o be_v bound_v by_o a_o few_o age_n or_o nation_n but_o weak_a and_o foolish_a creature_n that_o we_o be_v we_o perceive_v not_o that_o infinite_a succession_n of_o object_n which_o take_v their_o turn_n and_o move_v on_o according_a to_o the_o decree_n of_o eternal_a wisdom_n we_o perceive_v not_o the_o strict_a union_n of_o this_o world_n with_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v or_o the_o share_n those_o nation_n who_o ignorance_n we_o so_o much_o deplore_v have_v in_o that_o continue_a chain_n of_o event_n nor_o the_o right_n which_o divine_a justice_n have_v over_o they_o or_o at_o least_o we_o have_v but_o a_o faint_a and_o imperfect_a knowledge_n of_o they_o we_o consider_v not_o that_o a_o thousand_o year_n be_v as_o one_o day_n and_o one_o day_n as_o a_o thousand_o year_n one_o nation_n as_o a_o hundred_o nation_n and_o a_o hundred_o nation_n as_o one_o nation_n in_o his_o sight_n who_o be_v able_a to_o create_v a_o infinite_a number_n of_o they_o out_o of_o nothing_o as_o he_o do_v we_o and_o in_o this_o we_o may_v be_v compare_v to_o those_o who_o lie_v in_o the_o bottom_n of_o a_o well_o will_v fain_o see_v the_o whole_a extent_n of_o the_o heaven_n be_v we_o true_o sensible_a of_o our_o wretched_a nature_n we_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o curious_a or_o inconsiderate_a but_o rather_o dread_a the_o fate_n of_o those_o man_n who_o be_v smite_v from_o above_o for_o have_v look_v into_o the_o ark_n of_o god_n we_o shall_v find_v out_o the_o falsity_n of_o those_o opinion_n which_o be_v the_o product_n of_o a_o rash_a curiosity_n and_o whilst_o we_o limit_v our_o inquiry_n by_o revelation_n we_o shall_v easy_o discern_v those_o that_o go_v beyond_o it_o we_o shall_v distinguish_v religion_n which_o mortisy_n we_o from_o superstition_n which_o flatter_v and_o agreeable_o delude_v we_o and_o however_o policy_n in_o the_o height_n of_o its_o pride_n may_v rank_v we_o among_o creature_n not_o much_o superior_a to_o brute_n we_o shall_v not_o cease_v to_o think_v ourselves_o the_o child_n of_o god_n no_o charm_n of_o eloquence_n shall_v impose_v upon_o our_o belief_n no_o idle_a nicety_n of_o grammar_n perplex_v that_o faith_n which_o depend_v upon_o the_o object_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v indeed_o too_o manifest_a in_o their_o nature_n too_o often_o repeat_v and_o close_o unite_v to_o the_o principle_n of_o common_a sense_n too_o well_o confirm_v and_o attest_v by_o their_o event_n too_o worthy_a of_o god_n himself_o and_o conduce_v too_o much_o to_o our_o sanctification_n to_o be_v ever_o call_v in_o question_n in_o a_o word_n we_o shall_v then_o shake_v off_o our_o incredulity_n when_o we_o remove_v that_o which_o excite_v within_o we_o a_o secret_a propension_n to_o it_o it_o be_v therefore_o certain_a that_o god_n have_v cover_v the_o mystery_n of_o religion_n with_o a_o sacred_a darkness_n and_o have_v even_o permit_v man_n to_o make_v they_o yet_o more_o obscure_a by_o their_o vain_a speculation_n but_o what_o at_o once_o give_v we_o wonder_n and_o consolation_n be_v that_o the_o deep_a 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difficulty_n as_o it_o be_v now_o adays_o through_o the_o fault_n and_o neglect_n of_o man_n it_o will_v then_o appear_v to_o we_o more_o conformable_a to_o reason_n to_o hold_v predestination_n than_o otherwise_o for_o if_o there_o be_v a_o god_n he_o can_v but_o foresee_v what_o will_v become_v of_o man_n and_o that_o they_o will_v fall_v into_o misery_n and_o sin_n and_o if_o some_o of_o they_o be_v save_v it_o will_v be_v very_o absurd_a to_o think_v that_o god_n design_v they_o not_o unto_o salvation_n and_o this_o doctrine_n of_o predestination_n when_o distinguish_v from_o the_o speculation_n of_o schoolman_n and_o vain_a inquiry_n of_o humane_a curiosity_n be_v whole_o comprise_v in_o these_o two_o proposition_n god_n foresee_v the_o sin_n and_o misery_n of_o mankind_n and_o some_o part_n of_o they_o he_o design_v to_o save_o according_a to_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n those_o who_o he_o do_v foreknow_v he_o also_o do_v predestinate_a etc._n etc._n now_o can_v any_o thing_n 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st._n paul_n urge_v to_o himself_o when_o he_o say_v thou_o will_v say_v then_o unto_o i_o why_o do_v he_o yet_o find_v fault_n for_o who_o have_v resist_v his_o will_n be_v we_o guilty_a then_o will_v the_o gentile_n say_v because_o we_o be_v not_o soon_o partaker_n of_o his_o light_n or_o how_o can_v i_o be_v save_v the_o reprobate_n will_v cry_v out_o since_o god_n do_v not_o predestine_v i_o to_o salvation_n to_o this_o we_o reply_v we_o must_v not_o call_v in_o philosophy_n to_o our_o assistance_n to_o avoid_v this_o difficulty_n which_o be_v common_a to_o all_o system_n and_o in_o some_o become_v great_a st._n paul_n go_v no_o further_a than_o this_o let_v we_o in_o imitation_n of_o he_o stop_v there_o also_o let_v the_o bound_n of_o revelation_n be_v those_o also_o of_o our_o vain_a curiosity_n the_o great_a skill_n philosophy_n afford_v we_o to_o solve_v this_o objection_n the_o further_a it_o remove_v we_o from_o the_o truth_n which_o seem_v whole_o impenetrable_a to_o a_o writer_n far_o more_o learned_a than_o we_o and_o who_o be_v force_v to_o cry_v out_o when_o he_o reflect_v upon_o it_o o_o the_o depth_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v easy_a to_o show_v that_o this_o be_v a_o common_a difficulty_n we_o can_v own_v the_o existence_n of_o god_n without_o ascribe_v to_o he_o a_o foreknowledge_n of_o the_o time_n to_o come_v and_o it_o be_v certain_o true_a that_o to_o explicate_v the_o divine_a prescience_n will_v produce_v in_o we_o the_o same_o intricate_a doubt_n as_o predestination_n so_o that_o both_o of_o they_o be_v infallible_o true_a it_o be_v utter_o impossible_a to_o go_v against_o either_o of_o they_o it_o be_v further_a evident_a that_o this_o difficulty_n be_v no_o less_o considerable_a in_o natural_a thing_n than_o it_o be_v in_o those_o that_o concern_v religion_n for_o if_o god_n can_v foresee_v the_o time_n to_o come_v he_o must_v of_o necessity_n have_v foresee_v and_o set_v bound_n to_o our_o life_n which_o if_o true_a we_o may_v eat_v or_o 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it_o appear_v by_o the_o fulfil_n of_o prophecy_n it_o be_v evident_a from_o thence_o that_o both_o experience_n and_o reason_n persuade_v we_o to_o receive_v the_o most_o difficult_a thing_n or_o rather_o the_o only_a difficulty_n that_o be_v imply_v in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o predestination_n the_o same_o may_v easy_o be_v prove_v in_o original_a sin_n and_o the_o efficacy_n of_o grace_n if_o we_o distinguish_v between_o the_o manner_n and_o the_o thing_n itself_o it_o be_v true_a we_o be_v original_o defile_v with_o sin_n have_v be_v shape_v in_o iniquity_n and_o conceive_v in_o sin_n and_o be_v by_o nature_n child_n of_o wrath._n the_o holy_a scripture_n inform_v we_o of_o the_o thing_n itself_o because_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o our_o humility_n and_o sanctification_n it_o be_v unnecessary_a to_o know_v the_o manner_n of_o it_o since_o it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n for_o a_o man_n to_o know_v how_o he_o fall_v into_o a_o pit_n his_o business_n then_o be_v to_o find_v the_o 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as_o faith_n be_v above_o reason_n so_o be_v reason_n above_o sense_n it_o be_v a_o undeniable_a truth_n that_o reason_n and_o sense_n never_o oppose_v one_o another_o although_o one_o of_o these_o faculty_n can_v comprehend_v the_o manner_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o the_o other_o do_v thus_o for_o instance_n sense_n testify_v that_o there_o be_v a_o ebb_a and_o flow_v of_o the_o sea_n and_o reason_n which_o be_v true_o convince_v by_o this_o testimony_n together_o with_o the_o unanimous_a consent_n of_o man_n agree_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o though_o whole_o ignorant_a of_o its_o physical_a cause_n if_o sense_n can_v certify_v that_o this_o phenomenon_n can_v be_v perfect_o know_v it_o will_v be_v contrary_a to_o reason_n which_o scarce_o understand_v it_o at_o all_o and_o if_o reason_v absolute_o deny_v there_o be_v any_o such_o
phenomenon_n it_o will_v be_v also_o contrary_a to_o sense_n since_o all_o unanimous_o testify_v there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n but_o sense_n certify_v the_o existence_n of_o that_o phenomenon_n and_o reason_n be_v true_o persuade_v that_o it_o be_v so_o reason_n think_v it_o a_o very_a hard_a matter_n to_o understand_v and_o sense_n affirm_v not_o the_o contrary_a reason_n therefore_o and_o sense_n perfect_o well_o agree_v together_o and_o such_o be_v likewise_o the_o joint_a agreement_n of_o faith_n and_o reason_n in_o the_o great_a mystery_n of_o religion_n those_o be_v difficulty_n indeed_o worthy_a to_o be_v admire_v which_o philosophy_n so_o confident_o start_v up_o in_o matter_n of_o divinity_n there_o be_v many_o thing_n in_o nature_n who_o existence_n we_o ready_o own_o but_o nothing_o though_o inconsiderable_a in_o itself_o the_o manner_n of_o which_o we_o can_v comprehend_v and_o yet_o it_o never_o come_v into_o any_o man_n mind_n that_o have_v but_o common_a sense_n to_o 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do_v it_o myself_o i_o say_v we_o never_o hear_v any_o of_o those_o difficulty_n object_v against_o natural_a thing_n whereas_o it_o appear_v they_o be_v continual_o start_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n however_o there_o be_v as_o good_a ground_n for_o they_o in_o the_o one_o as_o the_o other_o because_o they_o consist_v in_o the_o dependence_n we_o have_v upon_o the_o deity_n either_o in_o our_o be_v creature_n already_o or_o be_v bear_v again_o or_o become_v new_a creature_n in_o nature_n we_o all_o know_v we_o subsist_v only_o by_o the_o concurrence_n of_o god_n without_o inquire_v into_o the_o manner_n of_o it_o but_o in_o religion_n we_o be_v not_o content_a to_o know_v that_o we_o be_v regenerate_v by_o grace_n we_o further_o desire_v to_o search_v into_o the_o manner_n of_o that_o operation_n and_o our_o principal_a care_n be_v how_o to_o find_v it_o out_o so_o that_o those_o very_a difficulty_n which_o can_v not_o perplex_v man_n in_o matter_n of_o eat_v and_o drink_v seem_v 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principle_n the_o thing_n itself_o then_o be_v very_o certain_a i_o mean_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o grace_n to_o which_o we_o must_v necessary_o refer_v all_o the_o good_a that_o be_v within_o we_o and_o that_o belong_v to_o divinity_n but_o the_o manner_n of_o its_o operation_n that_o be_v the_o degree_n of_o virtue_n it_o display_v over_o we_o the_o manner_n in_o which_o it_o determine_v our_o freewill_n its_o minute_a conjuncture_n etc._n etc._n may_v be_v hide_v mystery_n belong_v to_o the_o consideration_n of_o philosophy_n but_o not_o in_o the_o least_o prejudicial_a to_o our_o faith_n which_o consist_v in_o a_o humble_a submission_n as_o well_o as_o in_o knowledge_n and_o can_v as_o ready_o profess_v its_o utter_a ignorance_n of_o a_o hide_a mystery_n as_o it_o glad_o perceive_v it_o when_o reveal_v i_o question_n whether_o divine_n have_v observe_v that_o when_o the_o apostle_n be_v please_v to_o point_n out_o to_o we_o what_o be_v most_o eminent_a in_o mystery_n they_o 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distinct_a in_o the_o high_a degree_n be_v unite_v together_o without_o have_v any_o natural_a proportion_n betwixt_o they_o what_o have_v the_o soul_n to_o do_v with_o the_o body_n and_o how_o can_v there_o be_v any_o affinity_n betwixt_o thing_n of_o so_o different_a a_o nature_n it_o may_v perhaps_o be_v answer_v that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a disparity_n betwixt_o the_o humane_a and_o divine_a nature_n than_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o body_n i_o agree_v that_o the_o disparity_n be_v infinite_o great_a but_o the_o diversity_n be_v still_o the_o same_o and_o there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o difference_n betwixt_o a_o union_n which_o carry_v a_o mutual_a dependence_n along_o with_o it_o such_o as_o that_o of_o our_o soul_n and_o body_n and_o a_o union_n which_o contain_v the_o dependence_n only_o on_o the_o one_o part_n such_o as_o that_o which_o be_v betwixt_o the_o divine_a and_o humane_a
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sin_n thus_o again_o joseph_n sell_v by_o his_o brethren_n betray_v out_o of_o envy_n accuse_v though_o innocent_a condemn_v because_o he_o will_v not_o submit_v to_o the_o immodest_a desire_n of_o a_o lascivious_a woman_n deliver_v out_o of_o prison_n appear_v before_o pharaoh_n clothe_v in_o garment_n suitable_a to_o that_o honour_n and_o then_o sit_v at_o his_o right_a hand_n be_v a_o wonderful_a representation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n betray_v out_o of_o envy_n sell_v by_o the_o jew_n themselves_o who_o be_v his_o brethren_n condemn_v for_o refuse_v to_o comply_v with_o the_o synagogue_n cast_v down_o into_o the_o darkness_n of_o death_n endue_v with_o heavenly_a gift_n raise_v again_o to_o heaven_n and_o sit_v at_o length_n at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n moses_n defign_v to_o be_v the_o mediator_n of_o the_o legal_a covenant_n rescue_v at_o his_o nativity_n from_o a_o deluge_n of_o blood_n expose_v to_o the_o riverside_n and_o as_o it_o be_v give_v up_o to_o a_o sure_a and_o infallible_a death_n but_o afterward_o deliver_v by_o a_o kind_n of_o miracle_n from_o the_o fury_n of_o the_o water_n and_o also_o deliver_v not_o long_a after_o his_o own_o nation_n himself_o by_o a_o lucky_a turn_v when_o he_o seem_v to_o be_v cast_v away_o be_v a_o exact_a representation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n who_o come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o be_v the_o mediator_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n be_v deliver_v at_o his_o birth_n from_o the_o murder_n of_o herod_n and_o save_v man_n after_o his_o have_v suffer_v death_n ionas_n who_o be_v cast_v into_o the_o sea_n to_o appease_v the_o tempest_n and_o swallow_v by_o a_o whale_n which_o three_o day_n after_o cast_v he_o again_o on_o the_o shore_n sufficient_o give_v we_o to_o understand_v who_o it_o be_v that_o calm_v by_o his_o death_n that_o storm_n our_o sin_n have_v raise_v that_o go_v down_o into_o the_o grave_a and_o afterward_o rise_v again_o the_o three_o day_n last_o david_n be_v raise_v from_o the_o state_n of_o a_o 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christian_a religion_n as_o it_o be_v consider_v in_o the_o proportion_n it_o bear_v to_o natural_a religion_n we_o have_v already_o describe_v the_o christian_a religion_n as_o it_o be_v thus_o consider_v in_o have_v full_o prove_v in_o several_a place_n of_o this_o work_n that_o it_o take_v away_o the_o corruption_n which_o have_v disorder_v nature_n that_o it_o subvert_v paganism_n which_o be_v the_o corruption_n of_o natural_a religion_n that_o it_o be_v the_o perfect_a restauration_n of_o the_o latter_a that_o it_o reestablish_v the_o principle_n of_o justice_n and_o equity_n which_o god_n have_v imprint_v in_o our_o heart_n that_o it_o produce_v the_o most_o perfect_a union_n of_o society_n by_o love_n and_o charity_n that_o humility_n temperance_n wisdom_n and_o all_o other_o kind_n of_o virtue_n which_o support_v natural_a religion_n derive_v the_o force_n of_o their_o motive_n from_o the_o christian_a religion_n they_o alone_o be_v equivalent_a to_o all_o sensible_a object_n and_o last_o that_o it_o make_v we_o answer_v the_o end_n of_o our_o creation_n it_o be_v a_o wonderful_a comfort_n and_o satisfaction_n to_o our_o mind_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n exalt_v our_o nature_n to_o reflect_v that_o the_o end_n for_o which_o man_n be_v design_v be_v the_o same_o with_o that_o of_o christian_a religion_n and_o the_o end_n of_o christian_a religion_n the_o same_o with_o the_o true_a end_n of_o man_n creation_n every_o thing_n that_o go_v to_o the_o constitution_n of_o man_n nature_n do_v in_o a_o manner_n seek_v after_o god_n the_o infinite_a curiosity_n of_o our_o mind_n incessant_o thirst_v after_o the_o knowledge_n of_o new_a object_n seek_v after_o that_o deity_n which_o the_o christian_a religion_n discover_v to_o we_o because_o that_o deity_n contain_v all_o thing_n in_o the_o excellence_n of_o its_o own_o nature_n the_o greedy_a and_o hasty_a desire_n of_o our_o