woe_n and_o infamy_n he_o be_v despise_v and_o reject_v of_o man_n a_o man_n of_o sorrow_n and_o acquaint_v with_o grief_n and_o we_o hide_v as_o it_o be_v our_o face_n from_o he_o he_o be_v despise_v and_o we_o esteem_v he_o not_o as_o these_o mark_n of_o a_o true_a miracle_n agree_v to_o the_o work_n of_o our_o saviour_n so_o do_v they_o to_o those_o of_o the_o apostle_n and_o primitive_a believer_n for_o these_o be_v only_a resemblance_n of_o what_o their_o lord_n have_v do_v before_o repetition_n of_o his_o miraculous_a act_n and_o therefore_o bear_v the_o same_o mark_n and_o signature_n phlegon_n free_v by_o the_o emperor_n adrian_n mention_n the_o miracle_n of_o st._n peter_n according_a celsum_fw-la contra_fw-la celsum_fw-la to_o origen_n who_o live_v near_o phlegon_n time_n and_o have_v read_v his_o book_n then_o common_o extant_a and_o therefore_o his_o testimony_n must_v be_v as_o valid_a as_o if_o we_o have_v the_o original_n porphyry_n as_o ingenious_a julian_n vid._n cyrill_n lib._n 10._o against_o julian_n and_o as_o severe_a a_o enemy_n as_o ever_o appear_v against_o our_o religion_n own_v several_a miracle_n to_o be_v perform_v by_o the_o first_o christian_n in_o defence_n of_o their_o worship_n god_n therefore_o bear_v witness_n to_o their_o doctrine_n by_o thus_o wonderful_o display_v of_o himself_o their_o doctrine_n therefore_o be_v true_a for_o when_o miracle_n be_v once_o bring_v to_o second_v a_o doctrine_n these_o silence_n all_o my_o scruple_n i_o yield_v i_o be_o convince_v for_o god_n can_v exercise_v his_o own_o power_n or_o delegate_v it_o to_o any_o other_o to_o give_v sanction_n to_o a_o lie_n or_o honour_v a_o impostor_n but_o these_o mark_n can_v agree_v with_o any_o miracle_n which_o be_v wrought_v in_o competition_n with_o our_o saviour_n as_o for_o the_o cure_n pretend_v to_o be_v perform_v by_o the_o emperor_n vespasian_n and_o adrian_n as_o they_o be_v relate_v by_o vespasian_n by_o cap._n 7._o in_o vespasian_n suetonius_n 81._o suetonius_n histor_n l._n 4._o c._n 81._o tacitus_n and_o salmasil_n and_o 12._o p._n edit_n salmasil_n spartianus_n those_o who_o reflect_v what_o different_a artisiee_v be_v about_o that_o time_n especial_o use_v to_o gain_v a_o esteem_n of_o divinity_n to_o the_o emperor_n will_v not_o much_o wonder_n that_o such_o report_n shall_v be_v spread_v of_o they_o or_o that_o person_n shall_v counterfeit_v and_o imitate_v those_o disease_n describe_v to_o give_v themselves_o out_o to_o be_v relieve_v by_o they_o so_o that_o they_o fail_v against_o the_o first_o and_o principal_a mark_n of_o a_o true_a miracle_n because_o it_o be_v not_o evident_a that_o they_o be_v at_o all_o perform_v for_o there_o seem_v to_o be_v no_o necessity_n for_o the_o hypothesis_n of_o grotius_n that_o vespasian_n be_v endue_v from_o above_o with_o a_o power_n of_o work_a miracle_n because_o he_o be_v to_o be_v god_n minister_n of_o vengeance_n against_o the_o jew_n the_o next_o who_o appear_v after_o these_o but_o who_o make_v a_o much_o great_a figure_n than_o they_o be_v that_o famous_a impostor_n apollonius_n tyaneus_n but_o his_o transaction_n want_v the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o note_n of_o a_o true_a miracle_n for_o first_o they_o be_v feign_v to_o be_v do_v in_o private_a and_o therefore_o what_o reason_n have_v we_o to_o believe_v that_o they_o be_v do_v at_o all_o second_o the_o person_n who_o give_v a_o account_n of_o he_o philostratus_n live_v above_o a_o hundred_o year_n after_o he_o 3_o all_o his_o miracle_n be_v only_o false_a transcript_n of_o our_o saviour_n with_o all_o submission_n to_o a_o late_a famous_a author_n 296._o â—p_n parker_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n p._n 296._o who_o have_v assert_v the_o contrary_a thus_o because_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n apollonius_n be_v fancy_v to_o be_v so_o too_o because_o angel_n proclaim_v our_o saviour_n birth_n a_o parallel_a miracle_n be_v advance_v in_o favour_n of_o apollonius_n because_o our_o saviour_n be_v forsake_v by_o his_o disciple_n apollonius_n be_v desert_v by_o his_o scholar_n because_o our_o saviour_n be_v accuse_v before_o pilate_n apollonius_n be_v impeach_v before_o domitian_n because_o our_o saviour_n converse_v with_o his_o disciple_n after_o his_o resurrection_n apollonius_n also_o appear_v after_o his_o death_n to_o a_o certain_a young_a man_n and_o give_v he_o a_o account_n of_o a_o future_a state_n about_o which_o he_o be_v extreme_o curious_a because_o our_o saviour_n ascend_v into_o heaven_n there_o be_v also_o a_o voice_n hear_v invite_v apollonius_n into_o bliss_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 12._o philost_n lib._n 8._o cap._n 12._o thus_o all_o other_o worker_n of_o miracle_n who_o ever_o have_v make_v any_o opposition_n to_o our_o saviour_n can_v produce_v these_o mark_n of_o a_o true_a and_o just_a miracle_n and_o therefore_o their_o doctrine_n be_v not_o of_o god_n nor_o be_v they_o to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o prophet_n so_o that_o i_o shall_v proceed_v to_o show_v last_o that_o though_o christianity_n be_v at_o first_o establish_v by_o miracle_n yet_o that_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n why_o we_o shall_v expect_v a_o continue_a succession_n of_o they_o to_o the_o present_a time_n for_o it_o be_v unreasonable_a to_o expect_v that_o god_n shall_v work_v a_o miracle_n where_o the_o end_n may_v be_v accomplish_v without_o one_o this_o will_v be_v to_o make_v miracle_n too_o vulgar_a and_o despicable_a for_o a_o thing_n often_o see_v how_o excellent_a soever_o it_o be_v yet_o cease_v thereby_o to_o be_v new_a it_o cease_v also_o to_o be_v admire_v for_o it_o be_v not_o the_o worth_n or_o excellence_n of_o a_o object_n which_o draw_v the_o eye_n and_o wonder_n of_o man_n after_o it_o for_o can_v any_o thing_n be_v imagine_v more_o august_n and_o beautiful_a than_o the_o sun_n in_o its_o full_a light_n and_o glory_n and_o yet_o how_o many_o more_o spectator_n and_o wonderer_n do_v the_o same_o sun_n find_v under_o the_o veil_n of_o a_o eclipse_n miracle_n continue_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n till_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v receive_v its_o settlement_n from_o they_o in_o a_o great_a measure_n and_o shall_v god_n call_v person_n to_o convert_v infidel_n he_o may_v perhaps_o employ_v this_o extraordinary_a method_n again_o though_o since_o christianity_n be_v full_o establish_v it_o be_v more_o likely_a that_o he_o may_v accomplish_v this_o grand_a design_n by_o the_o invisible_a working_n of_o his_o grace_n upon_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o unconvert_v by_o incline_v and_o move_v they_o within_o and_o by_o some_o extraordinary_a providence_n without_o and_o this_o may_v give_v we_o reason_n to_o suspect_v some_o of_o st._n xavier_n and_o the_o indian_a missionary_n etc._n vid._n xaverii_fw-la epist_n lib._n 3._o epist_n 4._o etc._n etc._n miracle_n as_o to_o the_o present_a objection_n of_o the_o obj._n obj._n deist_n which_o they_o propose_v in_o this_o form_n that_o if_o god_n have_v reason_n to_o work_v miracle_n in_o former_a time_n there_o be_v also_o reason_n why_o he_o shall_v form_v they_o at_o present_a since_o the_o same_o spirit_n of_o unbelief_n prevail_v and_o flourish_v now_o as_o much_o as_o it_o do_v when_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v and_o therefore_o god_n be_v oblige_v to_o work_v miracle_n in_o favour_n of_o those_o who_o question_n religion_n now_o as_o he_o do_v in_o behalf_n of_o they_o who_o live_v in_o the_o time_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n to_o this_o it_o may_v be_v reply_v that_o the_o resp_n resp_n proof_n which_o we_o have_v of_o the_o ancient_a miracle_n be_v convince_a to_o we_o as_o well_o as_o to_o they_o before_o who_o they_o be_v visible_o wrought_v nay_o there_o be_v this_o to_o be_v say_v in_o favour_n of_o the_o ancient_a miracle_n that_o they_o have_v undergo_v the_o test_n of_o time_n and_o have_v be_v discuss_v in_o most_o age_n through_o which_o they_o have_v pass_v and_o yet_o no_o flaw_n be_v find_v in_o they_o which_o can_v be_v say_v of_o modern_a miracle_n if_o they_o can_v be_v have_v and_o therefore_o on_o this_o account_n they_o carry_v a_o great_a ground_n of_o credibility_n but_o we_o may_v remark_n far_o that_o those_o who_o may_v just_o demand_v new_a miracle_n aught_o to_o have_v make_v good_a use_n of_o those_o mean_n which_o god_n have_v before_o display_v to_o manifest_v his_o truth_n they_o ought_v without_o bias_n or_o passion_n to_o have_v examine_v the_o revelation_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n they_o ought_v to_o be_v adorn_v with_o all_o those_o virtue_n which_o they_o themselves_o own_o to_o be_v perfective_a of_o their_o nature_n and_o just_a qualification_n of_o a_o pure_a and_o generous_a deist_n they_o ought_v to_o be_v true_o humble_a and_o submissive_a to_o whatsoever_o bear_v the_o resemblance_n of_o divine_a revelation_n and_o if_o they_o have_v not_o these_o excellency_n which_o the_o light_n
raise_v the_o body_n from_o the_o same_o grave_a in_o which_o it_o be_v at_o first_o repose_v unless_o it_o be_v the_o same_o body_n which_o be_v there_o at_o first_o repose_v though_o the_o body_n shall_v be_v glorify_v and_o spiritualise_v yet_o it_o shall_v be_v the_o same_o for_o if_o the_o body_n of_o our_o first_o parent_n can_v pass_v from_o immortality_n to_o mortality_n and_o yet_o continue_v the_o same_o obnoxious_a to_o punishment_n in_o this_o for_o sin_n commit_v in_o that_o why_o may_v not_o the_o reverse_n of_o this_o be_v true_a and_o man_n from_o mortal_a become_v immortal_a from_o corruptible_a become_v incorruptible_a and_o yet_o abide_v the_o same_o i_o shall_v close_v this_o essay_n with_o make_v a_o short_a reflection_n on_o a_o passage_n in_o a_o late_a treatise_n write_v on_o this_o subject_a by_o the_o learned_a dr._n hody_n to_o who_o merit_n i_o pay_v a_o extraordinary_a deference_n though_o i_o can_v in_o all_o thing_n in_o this_o point_n pay_v a_o assent_n to_o his_o way_n of_o reason_v he_o seem_v without_o sufficient_a motive_n to_o endeavour_v to_o overthrow_v the_o argument_n of_o the_o father_n by_o which_o they_o prove_v the_o identity_n of_o the_o rise_a body_n the_o father_n reason_n in_o short_a that_o since_o there_o be_v a_o relative_a combination_n between_o soul_n and_o body_n since_o the_o merit_n or_o demerit_n of_o any_o action_n be_v share_v between_o they_o that_o therefore_o they_o shall_v both_o appear_v the_o same_o to_o receive_v reward_n or_o punishment_n for_o their_o good_a or_o ill_a action_n this_o method_n of_o discourse_n seem_v just_a and_o true_a notwithstanding_o that_o the_o learned_a doctor_n say_v that_o 210_o dr._n hody_n concern_v the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o same_o body_n p._n 210_o the_o arm_n that_o stab_v sin_n no_o more_o than_o the_o sword_n and_o it_o be_v the_o soul_n only_o that_o be_v the_o murderer_n this_o be_v a_o fine_a abstract_a cartesian_a way_n of_o talk_v but_o will_v scarce_o be_v accept_v in_o any_o court_n of_o justice_n if_o a_o murderer_n shall_v plead_v it_o to_o his_o judge_n to_o exempt_v his_o body_n from_o satisfy_v the_o law_n and_o this_o notion_n seem_v to_o tend_v to_o confirm_v that_o which_o some_o enthusia_v not_o long_o since_o advance_v that_o so_o long_o as_o we_o keep_v the_o soul_n pure_a we_o may_v do_v what_o we_o please_v with_o the_o body_n to_o strengthen_v this_o the_o doctor_n ibid._n ibid._n say_v that_o the_o body_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o any_o reward_n or_o punishment_n why_o then_o from_o this_o argument_n shall_v the_o same_o body_n rise_v but_o certain_o though_o the_o body_n can_v resent_v no_o pleasure_n or_o pain_n without_o the_o soul_n yet_o they_o in_o conjunction_n receive_v several_a impression_n of_o both_o which_o the_o soul_n can_v not_o perceive_v alone_o therefore_o to_o make_v both_o perfect_o happy_a or_o miserable_a both_o must_v be_v raise_v and_o both_o the_o same_o the_o doctor_n be_v last_a argument_n be_v that_o if_o all_o the_o bulk_n of_o the_o same_o matter_n shall_v rise_v we_o shall_v be_v monster_n of_o man_n at_o the_o resurrection_n but_o the_o effluvia_fw-la to_o answer_v this_o objection_n which_o make_v up_o this_o vast_a mass_n flow_v from_o the_o carneous_a part_n and_o from_o the_o blood_n which_o be_v not_o particular_o concern_v in_o human_a action_n the_o former_a of_o which_o plato_n so_o much_o admire_v by_o the_o doctor_n call_v only_o *_o wool_n or_o timaeo_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d plato_n in_o timaeo_n down_n to_o wrap_v the_o body_n easy_o and_o soft_o round_a the_o latter_a the_o forage_v and_o pasturage_v of_o the_o flesh_n but_o from_o the_o vessel_n part_n and_o organ_n peculiar_o serviceable_a to_o life_n motion_n sense_n imagination_n understanding_n and_o will_n the_o effluvia_fw-la be_v inconsiderable_a nor_o will_v they_o much_o surpass_v their_o due_a dimension_n if_o all_o the_o matter_n which_o ever_o belong_v to_o they_o be_v raise_v a_o essay_n against_o scepticism_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n in_o order_n to_o endeavour_v to_o give_v some_o check_n to_o the_o prevail_a humour_n of_o scepticism_n which_o be_v become_v so_o extreme_o modish_a that_o no_o person_n can_v be_v that_o self-admired_a thing_n a_o wit_n without_o it_o i_o shall_v first_o as_o be_v most_o natural_a propose_v a_o short_a view_n of_o some_o of_o those_o pretend_a reason_n which_o the_o sceptic_n and_o deist_n and_o other_o of_o the_o same_o order_n usual_o give_v for_o their_o scepticism_n and_o doubt_n about_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n to_o every_o one_o of_o which_o i_o shall_v return_v a_o transient_a reply_n second_o i_o shall_v take_v a_o short_a survey_n of_o the_o true_a reason_n and_o motive_n which_o make_v man_n sceptic_n first_o the_o pretend_a reason_n be_v such_o as_o these_o first_o they_o believe_v religion_n to_o be_v false_a because_o many_o who_o make_v great_a show_v of_o be_v christian_n be_v only_o such_o out_o of_o interest_n and_o in_o all_o likelihood_n will_v change_v the_o christian_a profession_n for_o another_o which_o will_v be_v more_o serviceable_a for_o their_o design_n second_o they_o have_v a_o ill_a opinion_n of_o religion_n because_o many_o who_o be_v zealous_a for_o its_o truth_n be_v yet_o negligent_a of_o the_o moral_n of_o it_o and_o live_v after_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o will_v make_v a_o sober_a heathen_a blush_n three_o they_o despise_v religion_n because_o several_a professor_n of_o it_o embrace_v it_o not_o out_o of_o reason_n or_o conviction_n but_o out_o of_o a_o supine_n credulity_n and_o walk_v blind_o on_o in_o the_o christian_a religion_n only_o because_o it_o be_v the_o worship_n of_o their_o country_n four_o they_o entertain_v a_o low_a idea_n of_o christianity_n because_o though_o say_v to_o be_v reveal_v for_o the_o good_a of_o all_o mankind_n yet_o god_n have_v only_o propagate_v it_o in_o a_o small_a part_n of_o the_o world_n and_o even_o where_o it_o have_v be_v promulge_v it_o be_v find_v but_o a_o indifferent_a expedient_a to_o work_v any_o such_o extraordinary_a effect_n on_o man_n mind_n as_o may_v be_v expect_v from_o a_o religion_n which_o god_n himself_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n to_o preach_v and_o to_o seal_v with_o his_o blood_n five_o that_o the_o division_n among_o single_a christian_n and_o the_o war_n and_o discord_n between_o christian_a prince_n and_o commonwealth_n often_o heighten_v by_o religious_a controversy_n and_o inflame_v by_o the_o violent_a harangue_n of_o ecclesiastic_a person_n be_v great_a prejudices_fw-la against_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o give_v a_o moral_a deist_n great_a advantage_n over_o a_o zealot_n for_o christianity_n these_o have_v be_v and_o still_o be_v some_o of_o the_o lead_a force_n in_o the_o van_n of_o scepticism_n there_o be_v indeed_o many_o particular_a objection_n lay_v against_o peculiar_a part_n of_o christianity_n which_o can_v fall_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o this_o short_a essay_n but_o to_o return_v a_o cursory_a reply_n to_o each_o one_o of_o these_o objection_n first_o it_o be_v no_o just_a reflection_n upon_o the_o religion_n that_o many_o who_o make_v great_a show_v of_o be_v christian_n be_v only_o such_o out_o of_o interest_n and_o in_o all_o probability_n will_v change_v the_o christian_a profession_n for_o another_o which_o will_v be_v more_o serviceable_a for_o their_o design_n though_o some_o may_v be_v christian_n at_o present_a out_o of_o interest_n yet_o if_o we_o inquire_v into_o the_o first_o institution_n of_o our_o religion_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o it_o be_v its_o intrinsic_a worth_n which_o first_o recommend_v it_o to_o the_o world_n when_o there_o be_v no_o outward_a motive_n or_o interest_n to_o make_v it_o take_v for_o do_v the_o apostle_n and_o first_o disciple_n of_o our_o saviour_n turn_v christian_n upon_o any_o temporal_a prospect_n or_o what_o advantage_n can_v those_o who_o succeed_v they_o for_o the_o two_o first_o century_n propose_v what_o can_v they_o gain_v by_o this_o new_a profession_n but_o disgrace_n imprisonment_n and_o death_n and_o can_v any_o one_o be_v a_o platonic_a lover_n of_o shame_n and_o pain_n and_o court_v misery_n for_o its_o own_o sake_n alone_o now_o these_o pure_a time_n nigh_a to_o the_o origin_n of_o our_o religion_n be_v those_o which_o our_o adversary_n ought_v to_o have_v inquire_v into_o and_o level_v their_o objection_n against_o otherwise_o their_o argument_n only_o wound_v the_o present_a professor_n of_o religion_n many_o of_o which_o we_o own_v to_o live_v below_o the_o dignity_n of_o it_o but_o fall_v far_o short_a of_o do_v any_o injury_n to_o religion_n itself_o second_o the_o sceptic_a ought_v not_o to_o have_v a_o ill_a opinion_n of_o religion_n because_o many_o who_o be_v zealous_a for_o its_o truth_n be_v yet_o negligent_a of_o the_o moral_n of_o it_o and_o live_v after_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o
will_v make_v a_o sober_a heathen_a blush_n first_o because_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v only_o a_o law_n for_o our_o action_n which_o can_v invite_v and_o persuade_v alone_o but_o can_v force_v a_o observance_n and_o the_o ill_a action_n of_o christian_n ought_v no_o more_o to_o be_v impute_v to_o christianity_n itself_o than_o the_o disorder_n of_o any_o person_n who_o live_v under_o civil_a or_o municipal_a law_n aught_o to_o be_v charge_v upon_o those_o law_n second_o though_o these_o person_n life_n be_v a_o open_a contradiction_n to_o christianity_n yet_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v but_o that_o they_o may_v be_v convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o in_o their_o mind_n and_o understanding_n for_o we_o may_v easy_o see_v that_o man_n be_v not_o always_o determine_v by_o the_o dictate_v of_o their_o reason_n but_o frequent_o by_o the_o bias_n and_o relish_n of_o their_o sense_n and_o passion_n nor_o can_v we_o conclude_v that_o because_o person_n live_v as_o if_o christianity_n be_v a_o imposture_n that_o therefore_o they_o be_v full_o persuade_v that_o it_o be_v so_o far_o we_o find_v that_o they_o have_v often_o remorse_n and_o sad_a reflection_n on_o their_o action_n which_o can_v only_o rise_v in_o mind_n satisfy_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o against_o which_o they_o practise_v for_o only_o the_o fear_n of_o be_v call_v to_o account_n hereafter_o can_v make_v we_o sorrowful_a and_o amaze_v for_o have_v do_v amiss_o here_o under_o temporal_a impunity_n three_o morality_n philosophy_n and_o the_o noble_a institution_n which_o ever_o be_v lie_v under_o the_o same_o blemish_n with_o christianity_n for_o the_o life_n of_o their_o professor_n have_v seldom_o answer_v their_o refine_a rule_n and_o it_o be_v scarce_o possible_a that_o they_o shall_v do_v so_o till_o man_n be_v subtilise_v into_o a_o pure_a spirit_n and_o rescue_v from_o those_o passion_n and_o inclination_n which_o at_o present_a checquer_n and_o discolour_v our_o nature_n as_o to_o the_o zeal_n of_o these_o person_n it_o be_v false_a and_o counterfeit_a if_o their_o action_n be_v not_o conform_v to_o their_o great_a pretension_n three_o it_o be_v no_o just_a objection_n against_o christianity_n that_o several_a professor_n of_o it_o embrace_v it_o not_o out_o of_o reason_n or_o conviction_n but_o out_o of_o a_o supine_n credulity_n and_o walk_v blind_o on_o in_o the_o christian_a religion_n only_o because_o it_o be_v the_o worship_n of_o their_o country_n for_o the_o christian_a religion_n do_v not_o demand_v any_o such_o credulous_a temper_n of_o mind_n from_o its_o professor_n all_o that_o it_o require_v be_v a_o understanding_n free_a from_o prejudice_n and_o which_o be_v ready_a to_o pay_v attention_n to_o reason_n our_o saviour_n at_o the_o establishment_n of_o this_o religion_n do_v not_o desire_v to_o be_v believe_v on_o his_o own_o testimony_n if_o i_o bear_v witness_n of_o myself_o say_v he_o my_o witness_n be_v not_o true_a he_o appeal_v to_o his_o miracle_n as_o the_o most_o glorious_a credential_n of_o his_o celestial_a mission_n for_o the_o work_n which_o the_o father_n have_v give_v he_o to_o finish_v the_o same_o work_n that_o he_o do_v bear_v witness_n of_o he_o that_o the_o father_n have_v send_v he_o these_o miracle_n he_o propose_v to_o the_o examination_n of_o the_o spectator_n and_o if_o they_o can_v discover_v any_o imposture_n in_o they_o that_o they_o be_v perform_v by_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n or_o of_o magic_n as_o be_v 〈◊〉_d be_v celsus_n apud_fw-la origen_n p_o 340._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d viz_o christum_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d viz._n ab_fw-la aegypto_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d afterward_o urge_v than_o he_o refuse_v to_o be_v believe_v he_o do_v not_o fix_v the_o guilt_n of_o unbelief_n pure_o in_o the_o jew_n reject_v his_o religion_n but_o in_o refuse_v to_o pay_v a_o assent_n to_o it_o after_o that_o it_o be_v make_v suitable_a to_o reason_n prove_v out_o of_o the_o prophecy_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n support_v by_o miracle_n great_a than_o every_o thing_n but_o their_o infidelity_n if_o i_o have_v not_o do_v among_o they_o work_v which_o none_n other_o man_n do_v they_o have_v not_o have_v sin_n but_o now_o have_v they_o both_o see_v and_o hate_v i_o and_o my_o father_n as_o our_o saviour_n so_o his_o apostle_n address_v to_o the_o reason_n of_o their_o follower_n in_o order_n to_o excite_v their_o faith_n thus_o st._n paul_n prove_v all_o thing_n hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o that_o apostle_n which_o our_o saviour_n love_v after_o a_o most_o passionate_a manner_n advise_v the_o church_n not_o to_o believe_v every_o spirit_n but_o to_o try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n so_o that_o the_o christian_a faith_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o a_o implicit_a credulity_n and_o blind_a assent_n but_o in_o a_o well-founded_n and_o rational_a belief_n arise_v from_o just_a information_n and_o exact_a reason_v on_o thing_n the_o save_a principle_n of_o religion_n indeed_o be_v few_o and_o lie_v in_o a_o small_a compass_n though_o not_o within_o so_o little_a bound_n as_o the_o author_n of_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o christianity_n and_o etc._n and_o hobbes_n de_fw-fr civ_o relig_n p._n 386._o etc._n etc._n par_fw-fr 6._o etc._n etc._n dico_fw-la autem_fw-la alium_fw-la arti_fw-la culum_fw-la fidei_fw-la praeter_fw-la hunc_fw-la jesum_fw-la hssh_n christum_fw-la hommi_fw-it christiano_n ut_fw-la necessarium_fw-la ad_fw-la salutem_fw-la requiri_fw-la nullum_fw-la etc._n etc._n mr._n hobbes_n contend_v for_o and_o though_o every_o one_o ought_v to_o give_v the_o true_a reason_n for_o his_o belief_n yet_o the_o save_v truth_n of_o religion_n in_o many_o illiterate_a person_n if_o attend_v with_o a_o moral_a life_n humility_n of_o spirit_n and_o fervency_n of_o devotion_n may_v be_v as_o acceptable_a to_o god_n as_o in_o the_o most_o eminent_a critic_n in_o theological_a matter_n who_o can_v give_v the_o nice_a resolution_n for_o every_o thing_n relate_v to_o they_o yet_o notwithstanding_o this_o every_o one_o be_v oblige_v as_o far_o as_o lie_v in_o his_o power_n to_o examine_v and_o try_v the_o article_n of_o his_o religion_n and_o to_o be_v a_o christian_n not_o by_o education_n custom_n or_o example_n but_o by_o reason_n and_o conviction_n so_o far_o be_v religion_n that_o be_v the_o reform_a religion_n such_o as_o be_v teach_v by_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n from_o encourage_v a_o supine_n credulity_n or_o blind_a belief_n nor_o be_v the_o sceptick_n four_o objection_n valid_a that_o christianity_n have_v be_v propagate_v by_o god_n only_o in_o a_o small_a part_n of_o the_o world_n and_o even_o where_o it_o have_v be_v promulge_v it_o be_v find_v but_o a_o indifferent_a expedient_a to_o work_v any_o such_o extraordinary_a effect_n on_o man_n mind_n as_o may_v be_v expect_v from_o a_o religion_n which_o god_n himself_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n to_o preach_v and_o to_o seal_v with_o his_o blood_n as_o to_o the_o first_o part_n that_o christianity_n be_v only_o know_v to_o a_o small_a part_n of_o the_o world_n it_o may_v be_v reply_v first_o that_o though_o god_n have_v be_v gracious_o please_v to_o promise_v that_o he_o will_v by_o his_o good_a providence_n so_o order_v thing_n that_o the_o sound_n of_o the_o gospel_n shall_v be_v hear_v in_o the_o uttermost_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n yet_o have_v he_o not_o limit_v the_o time_n when_o it_o shall_v thus_o be_v universal_o promulge_v second_o that_o it_o be_v the_o fault_n in_o some_o measure_n of_o christian_n themselves_o why_o their_o religion_n be_v not_o diffuse_v among_o the_o unconverted_a nation_n because_o voyage_n to_o these_o barbarous_a clime_n be_v only_o undertake_v upon_o motive_n of_o interest_n or_o prospect_n of_o commerce_n without_o any_o design_n to_o promote_v the_o truth_n of_o religion_n three_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v be_v communicate_v to_o almost_o all_o the_o civilise_v world_n most_n of_o the_o territory_n of_o the_o four_o famous_a empire_n have_v have_v the_o gospel_n preach_v among_o they_o beside_o other_o part_n more_o late_o discover_v while_o good_a moral_n and_o humanity_n while_o humility_n chastity_n honour_n and_o probity_n flourish_v so_o long_a the_o christian_a religion_n continue_v but_o when_o these_o be_v deface_v by_o violence_n ambition_n pride_n lust_n and_o ill-nature_n it_o be_v time_n for_o religion_n to_o take_v her_o flight_n up_o to_o heaven_n or_o to_o some_o more_o hospitable_a region_n upon_o earth_n for_o how_o can_v she_o subsist_v when_o her_o foundation_n morality_n be_v remove_v four_o as_o to_o those_o place_n where_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v not_o be_v hear_v of_o god_n will_v deal_v with_o they_o as_o a_o god_n of_o mercy_n he_o who_o live_v up_o to_o the_o light_n of_o his_o own_o reason_n up_o to_o a_o true_a sense_n of_o the_o dignity_n of_o his_o own_o nature_n
and_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o a_o pure_a evangelic_n deist_n if_o i_o may_v so_o call_v he_o may_v have_v our_o saviour_n merit_n which_o he_o never_o hear_v of_o so_o far_o impute_v to_o he_o as_o to_o free_v he_o from_o a_o state_n of_o misery_n and_o how_o and_o by_o what_o mean_v god_n may_v make_v he_o happy_a be_v a_o enquiry_n overcurious_a and_o concern_v which_o our_o present_a condition_n will_v not_o allow_v we_o to_o be_v satisfy_v a_o future_a state_n be_v in_o some_o proportion_n to_o we_o what_o america_n be_v to_o our_o forefather_n and_o i_o with_o all_o possible_a submission_n think_v that_o the_o hypothesis_n of_o a_o 2â—5_n a_o dr._n scotâ—'s_o christ_n life_n part_n 2._o ch._n 4._o sâ—ct_n 1._o p._n 2â—5_n admirable_a person_n of_o our_o church_n be_v too_o bold_a where_o he_o seem_v more_o than_o to_o intimate_v that_o god_n may_v extend_v the_o trial_n and_o probation_n of_o these_o heathen_n beyond_o this_o life_n and_o discover_v in_o the_o other_o life_n the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o so_o many_o of_o they_o at_o least_o as_o have_v make_v any_o tolerable_a improvement_n under_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o if_o they_o make_v good_a use_n of_o it_o reward_v they_o according_o that_o god_n will_v act_v not_o only_o just_o on_o their_o own_o account_n but_o also_o in_o some_o degree_n merciful_o on_o our_o saviour_n by_o these_o nation_n seem_v a_o evident_a truth_n but_o how_o or_o by_o what_o way_n be_v more_o than_o even_o this_o thoughtful_a person_n ever_o know_v as_o to_o the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o objection_n that_o even_o where_o christianity_n have_v be_v promulge_v it_o be_v find_v but_o a_o indifferent_a expedient_a to_o work_v any_o extraordinary_a effect_n on_o man_n mind_n it_o may_v be_v answer_v that_o it_o be_v pure_o satyr_n and_o invective_n and_o be_v plain_o void_a of_o truth_n for_o though_o it_o must_v be_v with_o confusion_n own_a that_o many_o christian_n be_v guilty_a of_o vice_n which_o will_v make_v a_o ingenuous_a heathen_a blush_n yet_o the_o establishment_n of_o christianity_n have_v give_v a_o total_a defeat_n to_o many_o national_a and_o public_a crime_n among_o many_o civilise_v nation_n as_o be_v plain_a from_o their_o own_o poet_n and_o historian_n parent_n may_v expose_v their_o child_n and_o master_n murder_v their_o slave_n with_o impunity_n and_o without_o any_o dread_n of_o be_v call_v in_o question_n those_o unnatural_a sin_n condemn_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o first_o chap._n to_o the_o roman_n be_v part_n of_o their_o religious_a worship_n a_o fit_a service_n for_o such_o go_n man_n be_v condemn_v to_o massacre_v one_o another_o in_o their_o amphitheatre_n be_v engage_v against_o beast_n or_o with_o man_n as_o cruel_a altar_n be_v stain_v with_o human_a blood_n a_o great_a villainy_n than_o any_o it_o be_v design_v to_o expiate_v a_o hero_n never_o die_v but_o that_o he_o have_v pompous_a train_n of_o slave_n to_o attend_v he_o to_o their_o fancy_v elysium_n but_o now_o all_o these_o barbarous_a practice_n be_v as_o much_o banish_v by_o christianity_n as_o the_o idolatrous_a rite_n of_o the_o zabii_n by_o the_o etc._n the_o v._o maâ—monâ—des_n mor._n nev._n p._n 3._o c._n 29._o and_o dr._n speâ—cer_n de_fw-fr leg._n heb._n p._n 177._o cap._n 9_o â—_o 1._o etc._n etc._n jewish_a ceremony_n a_o sufficient_a indication_n that_o christianity_n have_v be_v high_o profitable_a to_o the_o world_n five_o the_o division_n among_o single_a christian_n and_o the_o war_n and_o discord_n between_o christian_a prince_n and_o commonwealth_n often_o heighten_v by_o religious_a controversy_n and_o inflame_v by_o the_o violent_a harangue_n of_o ecclesiastic_a person_n and_o the_o cause_n of_o religion_n be_v defend_v by_o the_o dint_n of_o calumny_n as_o a_o late_a 52._o late_a â—_o tâ—â—_n amyntor_n â—_o 52._o author_n phrase_n it_o be_v no_o just_a prejudices_fw-la against_o christianity_n nor_o do_v they_o give_v a_o moral_a deist_n a_o advantage_n over_o a_o zealot_n for_o it_o we_o can_v deny_v but_o christianity_n ill_o understand_v have_v be_v the_o innocent_a author_n of_o public_a division_n and_o private_a discord_n the_o most_o beautiful_a parent_n of_o ill-resembling_a child_n the_o gospel_n have_v arm_v nation_n to_o their_o own_o ruin_n and_o the_o pulpit_n have_v give_v the_o signal_n for_o very_o unnatural_a war_n notwithstanding_o this_o religion_n itself_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v blame_v for_o first_o the_o founder_n of_o this_o religion_n predict_v that_o such_o a_o dismal_a event_n shall_v attend_v his_o institution_n think_v not_o that_o i_o be_o come_v to_o send_v peace_n on_o earth_n i_o come_v not_o to_o send_v peace_n but_o a_o sword_n second_o it_o be_v not_o the_o design_n of_o christianity_n to_o cherish_v faction_n and_o discord_n among_o its_o follower_n nothing_o can_v be_v a_o great_a encourager_n of_o candour_n good-nature_n peace_n and_o mutual_a forbearance_n than_o this_o religion_n just_o practise_v and_o all_o the_o calamity_n incident_a to_o human_a life_n be_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n the_o product_n of_o irreligion_n and_o scepticism_n for_o if_o every_o person_n live_v up_o to_o the_o height_n of_o his_o religion_n all_o war_n and_o contest_v will_v quick_o cease_v all_o passion_n be_v compose_v and_o the_o seat_n of_o the_o ancient_a paradise_n will_v not_o neâ—d_v to_o be_v far_o inquire_v into_o when_o all_o the_o world_n be_v one._n these_o objection_n which_o i_o have_v endeavour_v transient_o to_o answer_v be_v some_o of_o the_o pretend_a reason_n for_o scepticism_n and_o doubt_n about_o religion_n i_o shall_v proceed_v second_o to_o take_v a_o short_a survey_n of_o the_o true_a reason_n and_o motive_n which_o make_v man_n sceptic_n and_o the_o first_o be_v pride_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n as_o they_o be_v design_v for_o the_o salvation_n of_o all_o man_n so_o be_v they_o in_o some_o sort_n adapt_v to_o the_o apprehension_n of_o all_o but_o there_o be_v several_a of_o such_o sublime_a and_o exalt_a thought_n that_o they_o can_v relish_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v place_v out_o of_o the_o vulgar_a method_n of_o think_v thus_o the_o emperor_n julian_n though_o adorn_v with_o temperance_n gravity_n chastity_n and_o sobriety_n as_o appear_v from_o his_o own_o spanhem_n own_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n v._o jullani_n misoâ—â—g_v p._n â—_o 0_o â—dit_n spanhem_n write_n nor_o do_v his_o adversary_n cyril_n or_o nazianzen_n deny_v it_o yet_o the_o nicety_n and_o sublimity_n of_o his_o admire_a philosophy_n make_v he_o too_o proud_a to_o debase_v his_o understanding_n as_o he_o fancy_v to_o the_o lowliness_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n out_o of_o this_o principle_n a_o late_a mysterious_a late_a toâ—and_n '_o christianity_n not_o mysterious_a writer_n have_v exclude_v all_o mystery_n out_o of_o religion_n and_o nothing_o now_o must_v be_v believe_v but_o what_o can_v be_v comprehend_v the_o second_o true_a cause_n of_o scepticism_n be_v prejudice_n or_o a_o rash_a judgement_n make_v upon_o religion_n for_o not_o only_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n but_o some_o who_o have_v be_v initiate_v into_o christianity_n frame_v false_a idea_n of_o it_o they_o be_v too_o much_o prejudice_v to_o believe_v that_o god_n will_v punish_v crime_n of_o finite_a duration_n with_o infinite_a pain_n they_o fancy_n that_o there_o be_v reason_n to_o hope_n that_o he_o may_v release_v his_o threat_n and_o some_o way_n mitigate_v the_o penalty_n that_o it_o be_v a_o servile_a and_o mercenary_a motive_n to_o engage_v we_o to_o obedience_n by_o address_v to_o our_o fear_n by_o propose_v prospect_n of_o eternal_a misery_n but_o these_o objection_n rise_v from_o prejudice_n will_v be_v easy_o remove_v if_o the_o sceptic_a will_v consider_v that_o god_n do_v not_o punish_v man_n for_o sin_n which_o they_o can_v not_o avoid_v not_o for_o single_a act_n but_o inveterate_a habit_n and_o final_a obstinacy_n that_o repentance_n if_o sincere_a take_v off_o the_o great_a gild_n that_o he_o give_v we_o grace_n to_o shun_v sin_n and_o grace_n to_o repent_v of_o it_o that_o hope_n and_o fear_n be_v the_o fit_a passion_n by_o which_o a_o reasonable_a creature_n may_v be_v act_v upon_o that_o every_o sin_n be_v against_o infinite_a majesty_n a_o act_n too_o of_o our_o own_o choice_n that_o god_n will_v be_v want_v in_o promote_a the_o observance_n of_o his_o law_n if_o he_o do_v not_o make_v the_o great_a punishment_n due_a to_o the_o violation_n of_o they_o that_o he_o promise_v eternal_a happiness_n to_o obedience_n as_o well_o as_o threaten_v everlasting_a misery_n upon_o disobedience_n the_o three_o true_a cause_n of_o scepticism_n be_v a_o disposition_n of_o heart_n contrary_n to_o religion_n for_o a_o soul_n stain_v with_o vice_n can_v never_o comply_v with_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n the_o will_n and_o affection_n must_v first_o be_v purify_v before_o the_o understanding_n can_v be_v enlighten_v hence_o our_o saviour_n endeavour_v to_o plant_v the_o innocence_n even_o of_o child_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o his_o follower_n before_o he_o propose_v the_o great_a mystery_n of_o religion_n happy_a be_v they_o who_o have_v preserve_v their_o innocence_n unstained_a and_o who_o soul_n have_v never_o lose_v its_o native_a candour_n the_o first_o proposal_n of_o religion_n will_v strike_v upon_o such_o mind_n as_o these_o with_o the_o most_o vigorous_a light_n and_o will_v convince_v they_o as_o soon_o as_o address_v to_o they_o but_o to_o spirit_n sink_v into_o a_o state_n of_o sin_n religion_n appear_v upon_o a_o disadvantage_n and_o like_o a_o object_n strike_v upon_o a_o disorder_a organ_n form_n a_o irregular_a impression_n let_v the_o wing_n of_o the_o soul_n once_o be_v disengage_v from_o the_o weight_n of_o sin_n as_o the_o pythagorean_n as_o well_o as_o scripture_n neat_o style_v it_o and_o it_o will_v fly_v up_o to_o truth_n and_o goodness_n as_o to_o its_o proper_a centre_n the_o four_o cause_n of_o scepticism_n be_v the_o prevail_a humour_n of_o turn_v every_o thing_n into_o ridicule_n nor_o be_v sacred_a thing_n themselves_o exempt_v which_o take_v off_o that_o veneration_n which_o be_v due_a to_o they_o and_o make_v they_o look_v first_o contemptible_a and_o afterward_o false_a the_o five_o true_a cause_n of_o scepticism_n and_o the_o last_o which_o i_o shall_v mention_v be_v want_n of_o consideration_n or_o attention_n for_o if_o man_n either_o think_v not_o at_o all_o or_o not_o regular_o or_o employ_v their_o thought_n in_o other_o curious_a speculation_n they_o will_v of_o necessity_n continue_v sceptic_n but_o the_o fault_n be_v in_o themselves_o not_o in_o religion_n they_o can_v no_o more_o complain_v of_o obscurity_n in_o that_o than_o those_o who_o have_v wilful_o close_v their_o own_o eye_n of_o want_n of_o light_n in_o the_o heavenly_a luminary_n let_v the_o sceptic_a take_v away_o these_o true_a cause_n of_o scepticism_n and_o the_o pretend_a one_o will_v vanish_v of_o their_o own_o accord_n but_o while_o these_o remain_n they_o be_v like_a to_o continue_v sceptic_n till_o the_o punishment_n of_o a_o future_a state_n shall_v not_o only_o make_v they_o understand_v but_o even_o feel_v that_o religion_n be_v true_a finis_fw-la
be_v eternal_o punish_v for_o this_o sin_v be_v tie_v to_o the_o observance_n of_o this_o law_n if_o they_o be_v oblige_v to_o it_o once_o so_o be_v the_o angel_n which_o stand_v at_o present_a for_o the_o bless_a angel_n be_v just_a the_o same_o now_o which_o they_o be_v once_o though_o now_o the_o object_n of_o god_n eternal_a vengeance_n yet_o be_v they_o once_o his_o chief_a minister_n as_o much_o his_o favourite_n as_o the_o most_o spotless_a most_o unstained_a of_o all_o the_o angel_n tie_v to_o no_o other_o rule_n no_o other_o term_n of_o obedience_n the_o bless_a angel_n be_v therefore_o at_o present_a range_v under_o the_o occonomy_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n as_o well_o as_o the_o curse_a be_v immediate_o after_o their_o creation_n and_o before_o their_o fall_n which_o may_v be_v far_o prove_v by_o the_o analogy_n that_o there_o be_v between_o the_o moral_a law_n and_o the_o celestial_a there_o be_v the_o near_a resemblance_n and_o analogy_n between_o the_o moral_a law_n and_o the_o celestial_a whether_o we_o consider_v the_o moral_a law_n as_o it_o may_v be_v reduce_v to_o one_o precept_n to_o two_o or_o to_o ten._n it_o may_v be_v reduce_v to_o one_o to_o that_o of_o love_n for_o love_n be_v the_o fulfil_n of_o the_o law_n but_o the_o most_o perfect_a love_n be_v display_v in_o heaven_n in_o the_o most_o perfect_a charity_n for_o though_o prophecy_n shall_v fail_v though_o tongue_n shall_v cease_v though_o knowledge_n shall_v vanish_v away_o yet_o charity_n never_o fail_v but_o be_v complete_v in_o heaven_n it_o be_v the_o bond_n of_o perfectness_n and_o in_o it_o as_o in_o a_o centre_n all_o duty_n meet_v and_o be_v accord_v the_o moral_a law_n may_v be_v far_o combine_v into_o two_o precept_n thou_o shall_v love_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n and_o thou_o shall_v love_v thy_o neighbour_n as_o thyself_o for_o on_o these_o two_o commandment_n hang_v all_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n but_o the_o law_n remain_v in_o heaven_n under_o this_o character_n for_o first_o the_o saint_n and_o angel_n love_v their_o ever-blessed_n god_n with_o the_o pure_a transport_v of_o devotion_n they_o adore_v he_o with_o the_o most_o profound_a veneration_n and_o they_o serve_v he_o with_o the_o most_o faithful_a homage_n second_o they_o pursue_v one_o another_o with_o the_o most_o sincere_a love_n and_o unfeigned_a charity_n they_o rejoice_v at_o one_o another_o happiness_n and_o be_v as_o unanimous_a in_o their_o affection_n towards_o one_o another_o as_o they_o be_v in_o their_o adoration_n of_o god_n but_o last_o the_o moral_a law_n be_v dilate_v into_o ten_o precept_n and_o under_o this_o latitude_n they_o be_v practise_v in_o heaven_n with_o the_o utmost_a vigour_n eight_o of_o these_o precept_n be_v negative_a and_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o that_o they_o be_v observe_v by_o the_o saint_n and_o angel_n with_o the_o great_a accuracy_n far_o be_v it_o from_o those_o pure_a spirit_n to_o lift_v up_o their_o eye_n to_o any_o god_n but_o the_o true_a one_o to_o detract_v from_o or_o to_o envy_v one_o another_o to_o desire_v what_o belong_v to_o another_o no_o not_o another_o happiness_n as_o to_o the_o affirmative_a command_n though_o they_o do_v not_o abide_v literal_o yet_o they_o remain_v mysterious_o because_o they_o be_v change_v into_o better_a the_o four_o of_o the_o sabbath_n or_o the_o lord_n day_n shall_v be_v alter_v into_o a_o more_o noble_a one_o for_o in_o heaven_n there_o shall_v be_v no_o distinction_n of_o day_n but_o all_o the_o round_n of_o a_o happy_a eternity_n shall_v make_v up_o one_o day_n which_o shall_v not_o know_v a_o second_o and_o that_o whole_o appropriate_v to_o the_o lord_n one_o everlasting_a sabbath_n one_o eternal_a rest_n as_o to_o the_o 1._o the_o affirmativorum_fw-la sc_o praeceptorum_fw-la erit_fw-la in_o beatltudine_fw-la summa_fw-la observatio_fw-la nisi_fw-la forte_fw-fr illius_fw-la de_fw-fr honoratione_fw-la parentum_fw-la quia_fw-la non_fw-la erit_fw-la necessitas_fw-la impendendi_fw-la hunc_fw-la actum_fw-la scot._n l._n 3._o sent._n d._n 38._o q._n 1._o five_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v abolish_v but_o perfect_v for_o though_o all_o carnal_a relation_n shall_v cease_v as_o only_a subservient_fw-fr to_o the_o necessity_n of_o this_o life_n yet_o shall_v that_o honour_n that_o reverence_n that_o obedience_n which_o be_v by_o the_o five_o commandment_n peculiar_o attribute_v to_o parent_n become_v due_a to_o all_o the_o saint_n the_o force_n of_o all_o be_v that_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o bless_a be_v a_o just_a rule_n for_o our_o obedience_n on_o account_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o because_o they_o practise_v the_o same_o virtue_n and_o practise_v they_o by_o the_o same_o rule_n which_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o god_n will_v perform_v in_o heaven_n be_v therefore_o on_o this_o account_n a_o just_a standard_n for_o our_o accomplish_n of_o it_o on_o earth_n so_o be_v it_o on_o account_n of_o the_o manner_n of_o its_o performance_n by_o the_o bless_a saint_n and_o angel_n which_o be_v the_o second_o general_n so_o that_o i_o shall_v very_o brief_o show_v that_o they_o perform_v god_n will_n after_o that_o manner_n as_o to_o be_v just_a pattern_n for_o we_o for_o first_o they_o perform_v it_o with_o all_o possible_a cheerfulness_n and_o alacrity_n the_o word_n be_v no_o soon_o out_o of_o god_n mouth_n but_o it_o be_v also_o execute_v and_o these_o minister_n of_o his_o stay_n not_o so_o long_o as_o even_o to_o promise_v obedience_n there_o be_v not_o among_o they_o any_o demur_v to_o the_o quality_n of_o the_o command_n or_o any_o delay_n put_v to_o the_o execution_n of_o it_o by_o a_o over-mode_a represent_v their_o own_o unfitness_n for_o their_o task_n they_o question_v not_o at_o all_o with_o god_n about_o the_o suitableness_n thereof_o nor_o yet_o debate_v with_o themselves_o whether_o or_o no_o or_o with_o what_o vigour_n they_o shall_v apply_v themselves_o to_o the_o execution_n of_o it_o second_o they_o perform_v god_n will_n uniform_o for_o a_o imperfect_a obedience_n be_v in_o strict_a speak_v no_o obedience_n at_o all_o for_o he_o who_o only_o obey_v so_o far_o as_o himself_o please_v only_o do_v god_n will_n as_o far_o as_o it_o comply_v with_o his_o own_o there_o be_v this_o more_o extensive_a proof_n of_o the_o uniformity_n of_o the_o angel_n obedience_n that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o it_o be_v employ_v in_o discharge_v such_o command_n as_o subject_v they_o in_o some_o proportion_n to_o those_o creature_n which_o be_v place_v below_o they_o such_o be_v those_o command_n which_o demand_v their_o attendance_n upon_o we_o who_o be_v by_o creation_n make_v somewhat_o low_a than_o they_o yet_o have_v make_v ourselves_o much_o more_o so_o by_o our_o sin_n and_o frailty_n so_o that_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o be_v imagine_v that_o have_v not_o their_o obedience_n be_v true_o uniform_a it_o will_v not_o have_v carry_v they_o to_o a_o compliance_n with_o such_o branch_n of_o it_o as_o seem_v not_o full_o consistent_a with_o the_o dignity_n and_o grandeur_n of_o their_o order_n and_o station_n three_o their_o comportment_n with_o the_o divine_a will_n be_v constant_a and_o settle_a and_o they_o always_o discharge_v the_o will_n of_o god_n as_o well_o as_o cheerful_o and_o uniform_o that_o establishment_n which_o be_v destine_v to_o their_o piety_n by_o the_o election_n of_o god_n will_v most_o certain_o produce_v this_o constancy_n beside_o this_o the_o scripture_n display_v they_o as_o always_o look_v on_o the_o face_n of_o god_n expect_v as_o it_o be_v and_o invite_v his_o command_n or_o travel_v about_o his_o message_n as_o continual_o descend_v from_o heaven_n about_o their_o earthly_a ministration_n or_o ascend_v up_o thither_o after_o the_o execution_n of_o they_o four_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o angel_n be_v as_o complete_a as_o it_o be_v cheerful_a uniform_a and_o constant_a and_o reach_v to_o every_o branch_n of_o their_o injunction_n as_o well_o as_o to_o all_o god_n command_n because_o as_o there_o can_v be_v no_o doubt_n of_o their_o sufficiency_n for_o such_o a_o compliance_n who_o be_v so_o near_o to_o the_o divine_a influence_n and_o so_o glorious_o adorn_v by_o they_o so_o the_o same_o reason_n and_o obedience_n which_o move_v they_o to_o have_v a_o respect_n to_o all_o god_n command_n will_v incite_v they_o to_o have_v a_o regard_n to_o every_o the_o minute_a punctilio_n as_o have_v the_o same_o impress_n of_o the_o same_o divine_a will_n stamp_v upon_o it_o a_o discourse_n concern_v the_o qualification_n of_o prayer_n or_o a_o method_n to_o pray_v in_o the_o spirit_n against_o the_o enthusiast_n ephes._n chap._n vi_o ver_fw-la 18._o pray_v always_o with_o all_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n in_o the_o spirit_n as_o religion_n be_v the_o life_n of_o the_o soul_n so_o be_v prayer_n the_o vital_a spirit_n of_o religion_n without_o which_o it_o can_v neither_o live_v nor_o move_v
nor_o have_v its_o be_v this_o be_v the_o chief_a branch_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n require_v of_o all_o who_o acknowledge_v he_o to_o be_v and_o most_o reasonable_a for_o all_o who_o own_o the_o world_n to_o be_v govern_v by_o his_o providence_n and_o themselves_o to_o stand_v in_o need_n either_o of_o his_o grace_n or_o his_o pardon_n or_o who_o hope_n for_o his_o reward_n or_o fear_v his_o punishment_n in_o a_o future_a state_n and_o as_o it_o be_v thus_o a_o very_a necessary_a duty_n so_o if_o exact_o practise_v be_v it_o a_o difficult_a one_o too_o for_o it_o be_v a_o discourse_v with_o god_n and_o for_o man_n who_o be_v but_o of_o yesterday_o to_o correspond_v with_o the_o almighty_a who_o inhabit_v eternity_n must_v employ_v the_o utmost_a force_n of_o all_o his_o power_n and_o faculty_n for_o if_o the_o cherubin_n and_o seraphim_n who_o be_v always_o without_o spot_n or_o blemish_n and_o in_o who_o be_v never_o find_v any_o guile_n cover_v their_o face_n while_o they_o be_v praise_v and_o adore_v the_o infinite_a perfection_n of_o god_n what_o gesture_n can_v be_v humble_a enough_o for_o man_n who_o compose_v himself_o to_o pray_v to_o he_o lade_v with_o his_o sin_n and_o who_o iniquity_n have_v go_v over_o his_o head_n if_o those_o glorious_a spirit_n be_v describe_v in_o scripture_n as_o shift_v from_o place_n to_o place_n while_o they_o be_v worship_v their_o creator_n as_o conquer_v and_o overpower_v by_o the_o purity_n of_o his_o nature_n with_o what_o confusion_n must_v man_n appear_v before_o he_o who_o be_v conceive_v in_o sin_n and_o bear_v in_o iniquity_n what_o attention_n and_o application_n of_o thought_n what_o modesty_n of_o expression_n what_o submissiveness_n of_o behaviour_n what_o love_n and_o admiration_n what_o warmth_n of_o affection_n must_v be_v use_v to_o make_v our_o sacrifice_n acceptable_a to_o our_o maker_n and_o certain_o as_o it_o have_v be_v the_o high_a presumption_n to_o have_v offer_v to_o have_v entertain_v any_o intercourse_n with_o the_o almighty_a have_v not_o he_o himself_o encourage_v it_o so_o since_o he_o have_v vouchsafe_v to_o do_v it_o it_o be_v our_o most_o excellent_a glory_n that_o we_o can_v address_v our_o supplication_n to_o he_o but_o still_o the_o obligation_n abide_v to_o put_v they_o up_o with_o all_o the_o devotion_n and_o fervency_n of_o spirit_n which_o our_o imperfection_n be_v capable_a of_o to_o prepare_v ourselves_o with_o the_o nice_a diligence_n that_o we_o may_v pray_v always_o with_o all_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n in_o the_o spirit_n by_o pray_v always_o be_v not_o mean_v a_o constant_a or_o continue_a exercise_n of_o the_o act_n of_o prayer_n so_o as_o to_o be_v always_o invoke_v the_o name_n of_o god_n for_o this_o will_v be_v inconsistent_a with_o our_o other_o relative_a duty_n for_o there_o be_v virtue_n to_o be_v practise_v which_o more_o immediate_o regard_v our_o neighbour_n and_o ourselves_o as_o well_o as_o those_o which_o sole_o respect_v god_n and_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o justice_n charity_n and_o humanity_n as_o well_o as_o to_o pray_o praise_n and_o adore_v but_o by_o pray_v always_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v such_o a_o godlike_a frame_n and_o temper_v of_o spirit_n accompany_v with_o such_o a_o innocence_n of_o life_n and_o relish_v of_o heavenly_a thing_n that_o we_o may_v be_v ever_o dispose_v for_o this_o duty_n when_o fit_a opportunity_n shall_v call_v for_o it_o by_o pray_v in_o the_o spirit_n whatsoever_o the_o enthusiast_n pretend_v seem_v to_o be_v only_o imply_v that_o our_o prayer_n ought_v to_o have_v the_o qualification_n before_o mention_v so_o that_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v put_v up_o rather_o for_o thing_n spiritual_a than_o temporal_a for_o god_n assistance_n to_o enable_v we_o to_o persevere_v in_o goodness_n for_o the_o removal_n or_o avert_v of_o temptation_n for_o all_o grace_n needful_a for_o we_o and_o mean_n for_o the_o secure_n or_o increase_n of_o they_o which_o be_v style_v the_o gift_n or_o privilege_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o this_o too_o fall_v under_o the_o former_a head_n and_o be_v a_o qualification_n necessary_a to_o make_v we_o pray_v aright_o since_o there_o can_v be_v no_o better_a argument_n that_o we_o be_v well_o qualify_v for_o prayer_n than_o that_o we_o pray_v for_o blessing_n of_o the_o most_o noble_a importance_n the_o most_o momentous_a concern_v so_o that_o in_o the_o text_n be_v couch_v the_o qualification_n require_v to_o make_v we_o successful_a petitioner_n at_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n for_o the_o reason_n why_o so_o many_o prayer_n be_v not_o hear_v by_o heaven_n after_o those_o promise_n which_o be_v annex_v to_o the_o performance_n of_o this_o duty_n be_v because_o we_o be_v not_o due_o accomplish_v to_o be_v candidate_n for_o its_o mercy_n and_o it_o be_v easy_a for_o we_o in_o this_o case_n to_o vindicate_v the_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n and_o to_o make_v a_o apology_n for_o our_o maker_n in_o our_o maker_n own_o word_n which_o be_v that_o we_o ask_v and_o receive_v not_o because_o we_o ask_v amiss_o in_o order_n therefore_o to_o make_v we_o fit_a supplicant_n to_o the_o god_n of_o glory_n and_o to_o put_v our_o soul_n into_o such_o a_o temper_n that_o they_o may_v be_v constant_o and_o habitual_o fit_v for_o the_o discharge_v of_o this_o duty_n there_o be_v several_a qualification_n needful_a i_o shall_v therefore_o consider_v first_o what_o qualification_n be_v necessary_a to_o prepare_v we_o for_o prayer_n or_o before_o we_o pray_v and_o in_o order_n to_o it_o second_o what_o be_v require_v in_o the_o very_a time_n or_o act_v of_o our_o pray_v when_o our_o devotion_n be_v on_o the_o wing_n and_o our_o lip_n be_v touch_v with_o a_o coal_n from_o the_o altar_n three_o what_o must_v be_v do_v after_o we_o have_v pray_v to_o make_v our_o antecedent_n prayer_n due_o effectual_a four_o what_o act_n be_v to_o be_v continue_v and_o extend_v through_o each_o of_o these_o both_o before_o in_o and_o after_o our_o prayer_n first_o therefore_o what_o qualification_n be_v necessary_a to_o prepare_v we_o for_o prayer_n or_o before_o we_o pray_v and_o in_o order_n to_o it_o now_o the_o first_o qualification_n necessary_a to_o prepare_v we_o for_o prayer_n be_v the_o purity_n of_o our_o menander_n our_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d menander_n heart_n or_o the_o direction_n of_o our_o life_n by_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n for_o if_o our_o affection_n be_v impure_a or_o our_o way_n unrighteous_a it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o make_v our_o application_n to_o god_n for_o we_o know_v that_o god_n hear_v not_o sinner_n but_o if_o any_o man_n be_v a_o worshipper_n of_o god_n and_o do_v his_o will_n him_z he_o hear_v for_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v over_o the_o righteous_a and_o his_o ear_n be_v open_a to_o their_o prayer_n alone_o for_o without_o godliness_n whatsoever_o antinomian_n scheme_n some_o person_n may_v draw_v whether_o it_o consist_v in_o innocence_n or_o sincere_a repentance_n our_o prayer_n can_v never_o mount_v up_o to_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n because_o the_o burden_n of_o our_o sin_n will_v certain_o keep_v they_o from_o ascend_v to_o that_o holy_a place_n where_o nothing_o but_o what_o be_v complete_o so_o can_v appear_v and_o it_o will_v be_v presumption_n to_o hope_v that_o our_o spotless_a saviour_n shall_v present_v so_o unacceptable_a a_o sacrifice_n to_o his_o father_n as_o the_o petition_n of_o a_o supplicant_n who_o declare_v himself_o to_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o hostility_n against_o both_o of_o they_o by_o a_o avow_v comply_v with_o what_o they_o most_o abhor_v nay_o it_o be_v the_o most_o unwarrantable_a insolence_n for_o he_o who_o still_o retain_v a_o love_n for_o his_o sin_n and_o yield_v to_o they_o upon_o the_o general_a return_n of_o temptation_n to_o approach_v his_o maker_n in_o any_o holy_a office_n for_o it_o be_v only_o a_o honour_v he_o with_o his_o lip_n while_o his_o heart_n be_v far_o from_o he_o and_o seem_v to_o be_v what_o the_o apostle_n call_v a_o lie_v to_o god_n a_o profess_v himself_o his_o most_o devote_a most_o obedient_a servant_n while_o his_o own_o conscience_n by_o a_o reflection_n on_o his_o action_n will_v tell_v he_o that_o he_o be_v his_o open_a and_o inveterate_a enemy_n it_o be_v asleep_o collude_v with_o he_o who_o try_v the_o heart_n and_o the_o reins_o and_o to_o who_o eye_n all_o thing_n be_v nâ—ked_v and_o open_a as_o if_o omniscience_n can_v be_v impose_v on_o by_o pretence_n or_o a_o religious_a pageantry_n be_v tantamount_n to_o solid_a virtue_n and_o piety_n or_o say_v of_o lord_n lord_n will_v excuse_v for_o the_o not_o do_v the_o will_n of_o our_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n so_o that_o till_o we_o be_v free_a from_o all_o know_a and_o wilful_a sin_n it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o make_v any_o