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
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 great_a idea_n the_o notion_n of_o a_o god_n who_o die_v a_o infamous_a death_n upon_o the_o cross_n that_o not_o one_o alone_a but_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o person_n embrace_v a_o opinion_n that_o immediate_o overthrow_v all_o their_o first_o idea_n of_o a_o god_n that_o this_o great_a change_n be_v not_o gradual_o and_o insensible_o bring_v to_o pass_v or_o in_o the_o compass_n of_o several_a age_n but_o in_o a_o very_a few_o year_n and_o with_o a_o incredible_a swiftness_n by_o the_o mystery_n of_o vile_a and_o contemptible_a person_n of_o no_o power_n or_o authority_n in_o the_o world_n and_o that_o the_o passion_n they_o have_v for_o a_o doctrine_n which_o seem_v at_o first_o so_o monstrous_a to_o man_n induce_v they_o to_o suffer_v death_n in_o defence_n of_o the_o same_o after_o have_v renounce_v their_o fortune_n reputation_n and_o pleasure_n but_o do_v not_o prejudice_n over-rule_v in_o all_o this_o and_o make_v i_o fancy_n i_o see_v that_o distinct_o which_o i_o perceive_v but_o confuse_o in_o truth_n i_o ought_v yet_o further_o to_o distrust_v myself_o and_o though_o i_o honour_v error_n too_o much_o in_o suspect_v it_o may_v be_v so_o coherent_a so_o unite_v to_o the_o principle_n of_o common_a sense_n and_o involve_v in_o so_o many_o appearance_n of_o truth_n yet_o i_o will_v not_o pass_v by_o any_o scruple_n for_o all_o that_o have_v be_v hitherto_o say_v i_o find_v then_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v establish_v in_o the_o world_n a_o hundred_o year_n ago_o i_o know_v that_o the_o christian_n believe_v in_o a_o certain_a jesus_n christ_n crucify_v i_o know_v also_o that_o this_o opinion_n of_o they_o be_v not_o innate_a i_o be_o full_o persuade_v that_o neither_o the_o heathenish_a priest_n nor_o their_o ordinary_a guide_n teach_v they_o this_o doctrine_n because_o they_o be_v the_o profess_a enemy_n of_o it_o i_o be_o compel_v therefore_o in_o despite_n of_o myself_o to_o credit_n at_o least_o in_o some_o respect_n the_o relation_n the_o ancient_a doctor_n of_o the_o church_n unanimous_o give_v of_o it_o viz_o that_o some_o person_n call_v apostle_n and_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n christ_n go_v about_o the_o world_n preach_v that_o this_o same_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o the_o messiah_n who_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o the_o jew_n but_o these_o fundamental_a truth_n require_v a_o more_o particular_a examination_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v show_v more_o distinct_o whether_o there_o be_v ever_o such_o man_n as_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o world_n what_o their_o original_a be_v what_o doctrine_n they_o preach_v and_o how_o they_o be_v qualify_v this_o we_o shall_v present_o see_v by_o lay_v down_o for_o a_o certain_a principle_n that_o the_o christian_n have_v the_o book_n of_o the_o new-testament_n in_o their_o possession_n at_o that_o very_a time_n we_o have_v choose_v for_o our_o fix_a point_n i_o shall_v not_o at_o present_a inquire_v whether_o those_o book_n be_v forge_v or_o not_o my_o design_n be_v to_o argue_v some_o time_n without_o enter_v upon_o that_o enquiry_n for_o whether_o they_o be_v forge_v or_o not_o at_o least_o we_o learn_v from_o they_o certain_a undeniable_a matter_n of_o fact_n which_o will_v wonderful_o illustrate_v all_o our_o follow_a inquiry_n chap._n v._n 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 if_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v forge_v it_o may_v well_o be_v presume_v that_o the_o contriver_n of_o that_o forgery_n who_o certain_o can_v have_v no_o other_o design_n but_o to_o make_v it_o pass_v for_o truth_n endeavour_v to_o ground_v it_o upon_o some_o foundation_n either_o good_a or_o bad_a so_o that_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v that_o though_o they_o shall_v have_v invent_v all_o that_o they_o relate_v at_o least_o they_o invent_v not_o the_o name_n country_n and_o person_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n under_o who_o name_n they_o speak_v and_o to_o who_o they_o ascribe_v the_o establishment_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n for_o be_v it_o probable_a they_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o persuade_v man_n to_o worship_v a_o certain_a jew_n call_v jesus_n the_o son_n of_o mary_n a_o galilean_a too_o who_o be_v crucify_v at_o jerusalem_n and_o have_v several_a disciple_n who_o name_n â—re_n exact_o relate_v if_o the_o jew_n can_v have_v immediate_o convince_v they_o of_o the_o falsehood_n of_o all_o those_o matter_n by_o produce_v the_o testimony_n of_o their_o own_o nation_n who_o will_v have_v throng_v in_o to_o tell_v they_o â—hat_n jesus_n and_o his_o disciple_n be_v only_o fictitious_a â—ames_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o more_o to_o do_v but_o consult_v all_o the_o register_n and_o decree_n wherein_o augustus_n command_v all_o the_o jew_n shall_v be_v tax_v in_o the_o day_n of_o cyrenius_n and_o where_o it_o must_v have_v appear_v that_o jesus_n christ_n himself_o if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o person_n be_v also_o tax_v it_o be_v all_o one_o as_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v publish_v in_o this_o age_n a_o book_n full_a of_o excellent_a precept_n of_o morality_n intermix_v with_o several_a fictitious_a action_n which_o book_n he_o will_v have_v the_o world_n receive_v as_o the_o doctrine_n of_o some_o divine_a and_o extraordinary_a man_n who_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o age_n raise_v up_o several_a man_n from_o the_o dead_a heal_v all_o sort_n of_o disease_n calm_v the_o wind_n and_o tempest_n of_o the_o sea_n give_v authority_n to_o several_a of_o his_o disciple_n to_o work_v many_o strange_a miracle_n be_v at_o length_n seize_v and_o put_v to_o death_n in_o germany_n and_o who_o disciple_n who_o bear_v such_o and_o such_o name_n and_o be_v bear_v in_o such_o and_o such_o a_o country_n come_v afterward_o into_o france_n disperse_v themselves_o throughout_o the_o other_o part_n of_o europe_n preach_v his_o doctrine_n and_o at_o length_n die_v all_o unanimous_o in_o defence_n of_o it_o what_o think_v you_o of_o this_o tale_n and_o how_o will_v it_o be_v receive_v in_o the_o world_n but_o as_o a_o system_n only_o of_o many_o evident_a and_o palpable_a falsity_n what_o think_v you_o those_o person_n will_v say_v of_o it_o who_o shall_v be_v thus_o accuse_v of_o so_o dreadful_a a_o parricide_n they_o will_v certain_o reply_v that_o that_o fictitious_a book_n be_v purposely_o design_v to_o blast_v their_o reputation_n but_o it_o appear_v the_o jew_n never_o attempt_v to_o clear_v themselves_o after_o that_o manner_n they_o confess_v there_o be_v such_o a_o person_n as_o jesus_n christ_n and_o that_o their_o father_n put_v he_o to_o death_n neither_o do_v they_o deny_v the_o least_o circumstance_n of_o his_o life_n ministry_n or_o death_n except_v those_o which_o may_v probable_o make_v he_o pass_v for_o the_o son_n of_o god_n but_o we_o
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
it_o easy_a to_o say_v thy_o sin_n be_v forgive_v thou_o or_o to_o say_v arise_v and_o walk_v there_o be_v no_o suspect_v a_o man_n proceed_n that_o prove_v by_o several_a sensible_a and_o heal_a miracle_n the_o authority_n he_o assume_v and_o ascribe_v to_o himself_o verse_n 13._o but_o go_v and_o learn_v what_o that_o mean_v i_o will_v have_v mercy_n and_o not_o sacrifice_v a_o spiritual_a worship_n be_v the_o only_a worship_n that_o god_n delight_v in_o the_o ceremony_n of_o moses_n law_n be_v only_o agreeable_a to_o he_o as_o they_o be_v found_v upon_o the_o obedience_n that_o be_v due_a to_o god_n this_o obedience_n derive_v its_o whole_a perfection_n from_o a_o willing_a compliance_n out_o of_o love_n and_o charity_n for_o a_o force_a and_o constrain_v obedience_n can_v never_o be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n that_o which_o be_v most_o excellent_a in_o charity_n be_v mercy_n which_o consist_v in_o forgive_a injury_n and_o do_v good_a to_o other_o without_o expect_v any_o return_n from_o they_o for_o a_o man_n may_v do_v good_a to_o another_o through_o a_o principle_n of_o vain_a glory_n but_o the_o work_n of_o mercy_n proceed_v from_o another_o motive_n and_o be_v a_o product_n of_o a_o noble_a disinterest_v nature_n mercy_n then_o be_v the_o only_a thing_n that_o be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n in_o religion_n and_o both_o scripture_n and_o reason_n tell_v we_o so_o but_o the_o world_n be_v so_o ignorant_a of_o this_o truth_n when_o jesus_n christ_n first_o take_v it_o for_o a_o fundamental_a maxim_n of_o his_o religion_n that_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o surprise_v to_o man_n than_o his_o express_a himself_o after_o this_o manner_n verse_n 13._o for_o i_o be_o not_o come_v to_o call_v the_o righteous_a but_o sinner_n to_o repentance_n a_o expression_n that_o thunder_v out_o against_o hypocrisy_n root_v out_o of_o our_o heart_n that_o false_a pride_n and_o vain_a confidence_n we_o have_v of_o ourselves_o humble_v mankind_n glorify_v the_o mercy_n of_o god_n and_o make_v we_o sensible_a of_o the_o use_n and_o necessity_n of_o repentance_n and_o in_o a_o more_o especial_a manner_n evident_o show_v the_o self-denial_n of_o our_o lord_n chap._n x._o 1._o and_o when_o he_o have_v call_v unto_o he_o his_o twelve_o disciple_n he_o give_v they_o power_n etc._n etc._n the_o evangelist_n be_v not_o afraid_a of_o be_v contradict_v by_o the_o twelve_o disciple_n of_o our_o lord_n who_o name_n he_o set_v down_o when_o he_o say_v that_o jesus_n christ_n have_v give_v they_o power_n to_o heal_v all_o sort_n of_o disease_n among_o the_o people_n verse_n 5._o these_o twelve_o jesus_n send_v forth_o and_o command_v they_o say_v go_v not_o into_o the_o city_n of_o the_o gentile_n etc._n etc._n but_o go_v rather_o to_o the_o lose_a sheep_n of_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n these_o word_n remove_v all_o suspicion_n which_o our_o incredulous_a adversary_n may_v entertain_v that_o the_o author_n of_o this_o gospel_n be_v willing_a to_o favour_v the_o gentile_n in_o prejudice_n to_o the_o jew_n verse_n 7._o and_o as_o you_o go_v preach_v say_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v at_o hand_n be_v jesus_n christ_n in_o a_o fit_a condition_n to_o make_v himself_o know_v for_o that_o monarch_n who_o be_v to_o come_v unless_o he_o have_v first_o be_v endow_v with_o a_o infinite_a power_n verse_n 8._o heal_n the_o sick_a cleanse_v the_o leper_n raise_v the_o dead_a cast_v out_o devil_n free_o you_o have_v receive_v free_o give_v be_v it_o possible_a that_o jesus_n christ_n can_v have_v make_v his_o disciple_n believe_v they_o have_v free_o receive_v that_o which_o they_o have_v not_o in_o the_o least_o receive_v how_o bold_a then_o must_v that_o command_n have_v be_v to_o work_v so_o many_o miracle_n verse_n 9_o provide_v neither_o gold_n nor_o silver_n nor_o brass_n in_o your_o purse_n nor_o scrip_n for_o your_o journey_n etc._n etc._n christ_n waâ—_n not_o content_a to_o choose_v poor_a man_n for_o his_o disciple_n he_o sâ—rther_o oblige_v they_o to_o become_v poor_a than_o they_o be_v he_o forbid_v they_o to_o provide_v themselves_o any_o thing_n design_v to_o nourish_v they_o wonderful_o by_o his_o providence_n he_o resolve_v so_o to_o dispose_v the_o heart_n of_o those_o that_o shall_v believe_v in_o their_o word_n that_o they_o shall_v feed_v and_o clothe_v they_o this_o indeed_o be_v speak_v like_o the_o master_n and_o god_n of_o nature_n verse_n 22._o and_o you_o shall_v be_v hate_v of_o all_o man_n for_o my_o name_n sake_n christ_n flatter_v not_o his_o disciple_n but_o foretell_v they_o from_o the_o very_a beginning_n of_o their_o ministry_n all_o the_o evil_n that_o be_v to_o befall_v they_o now_o what_o can_v be_v suspect_v in_o all_o this_o verse_n 23._o but_o when_o they_o persecute_v you_o in_o this_o city_n flee_v into_o another_o for_o very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o you_o shall_v not_o have_v go_v over_o the_o city_n of_o israel_n till_o the_o son_n of_o man_n be_v come_v this_o text_n be_v somewhat_o difficult_a because_o it_o do_v not_o plain_o appear_v that_o the_o prophecy_n it_o contain_v be_v exact_o fulfil_v but_o this_o very_a difficulty_n serve_v to_o confirm_v our_o faith_n for_o why_o shall_v the_o evangelist_n write_v this_o he_o who_o live_v to_o see_v the_o success_n of_o that_o matter_n he_o know_v well_o enough_o that_o in_o his_o time_n the_o gospel_n have_v be_v preach_v not_o only_o in_o all_o the_o city_n of_o israel_n but_o almost_o in_o every_o country_n in_o the_o world_n though_o jesus_n christ_n have_v not_o yet_o come_v in_o all_o his_o glory_n doubtless_o it_o be_v because_o he_o intend_v to_o relate_v thing_n as_o they_o real_o be_v in_o themselves_o and_o ascribe_v no_o more_o to_o his_o divine_a master_n but_o just_a the_o very_a word_n he_o utter_v and_o although_o holy_a writer_n by_o the_o come_n of_o jesus_n christ_n common_o understand_v his_o last_o come_n in_o his_o glory_n yet_o that_o same_o expression_n do_v also_o sometime_o signify_v the_o judgement_n which_o god_n execute_v upon_o the_o jew_n when_o he_o send_v the_o roman_n to_o destroy_v their_o city_n which_o explanation_n plain_o solve_v the_o whole_a difficulty_n verse_n 34._o 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 a_o terrible_a declaration_n indeed_o for_o those_o man_n who_o according_a to_o the_o vulgar_a error_n of_o the_o jew_n imagine_v that_o the_o messiah_n shall_v have_v raise_v they_o up_o to_o the_o height_n of_o happiness_n and_o temporal_a prosperity_n but_o who_o be_v he_o that_o be_v bold_a enough_o to_o foretell_v that_o his_o gospel_n shall_v disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o universe_n how_o come_v it_o he_o do_v not_o rather_o foresee_v that_o that_o gospel_n will_v unavoidable_o be_v involve_v in_o the_o darkness_n of_o silence_n and_o oblivion_n have_v such_o weak_a defender_n to_o maintain_v and_o such_o formidable_a adversary_n to_o oppose_v it_o do_v it_o seem_v natural_a that_o a_o man_n who_o dwell_v on_o the_o border_n of_o the_o lake_n of_o gennesareth_n shall_v have_v pretend_v to_o make_v other_o man_n rise_v up_o one_o against_o another_o by_o the_o bare_a efficacy_n of_o his_o word_n without_o any_o arm_n riches_n or_o authority_n be_v only_o get_v at_o the_o head_n of_o ten_o or_o twelve_o miserable_a wretch_n who_o know_v nothing_o beyond_o the_o mend_n their_o net_n verse_n 28._o and_o he_o that_o take_v not_o his_o cross_n and_o follow_v after_o i_o be_v not_o worthy_a of_o i_o do_v ever_o man_n get_v himself_o any_o follower_n by_o such_o declaration_n as_o these_o chap._n xi_o 4_o 5._o jesus_n answer_v and_o say_v unto_o they_o go_v and_o show_v john_n those_o thing_n which_o you_o do_v hear_v and_o see_v the_o blind_a receive_v their_o fight_n and_o the_o lame_a walk_n the_o leper_n be_v cleanse_v and_o the_o deaf_a hear_v the_o dead_a be_v raise_v up_o and_o the_o poor_a have_v the_o gospel_n preach_v to_o they_o jesus_n christ_n convince_v not_o his_o disciple_n by_o mere_a speculation_n but_o by_o evident_a object_n of_o sense_n verse_n 12._o and_o from_o the_o day_n of_o john_n the_o baptist_n until_o now_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n suffer_v violence_n and_o the_o violent_a take_v it_o by_o force_n do_v ever_o man_n in_o so_o mean_a and_o miserable_a a_o condition_n as_o he_o be_v in_o speak_v thus_o whence_o have_v he_o this_o confidence_n and_o what_o sort_n of_o language_n be_v this_o verse_n 21._o woe_n unto_o the_o chorazin_n etc._n etc._n what_o probability_n be_v there_o that_o christ_n shall_v thus_o reproach_v the_o jew_n who_o dwell_v in_o all_o those_o country_n unless_o he_o have_v real_o wrought_v several_a miracle_n among_o they_o verse_n 28._o come_v unto_o i_o all_o you_o that_o labour_n etc._n etc._n there_o have_v be_v many_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 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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 terrible_a and_o frightful_a to_o they_o when_o it_o be_v requisite_a they_o shall_v lead_v a_o good_a life_n if_o you_o will_v know_v the_o reason_n of_o it_o you_o must_v consult_v the_o heart_n of_o man._n it_o will_v be_v sufficient_a for_o we_o if_o we_o act_n with_o as_o much_o reason_n in_o religion_n as_o we_o do_v in_o civil_a life_n if_o we_o consult_v the_o pure_a light_n of_o reason_n it_o will_v inform_v we_o that_o it_o be_v as_o necessary_a the_o new_a creature_n shall_v have_v its_o dependence_n upon_o god_n as_o that_o the_o creature_n shall_v depend_v upon_o he_o because_o god_n himself_o be_v as_o well_o the_o author_n of_o the_o one_o as_o of_o the_o other_o and_o as_o our_o body_n have_v neither_o life_n motion_n nor_o be_v but_o from_o he_o so_o our_o soul_n have_v no_o faculty_n knowledge_n or_o affection_n but_o what_o they_o derive_v from_o thence_o every_o be_v come_v from_o he_o and_o nothing_o but_o what_o be_v defective_a can_v have_v any_o other_o 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 neither_o examine_v the_o order_n of_o the_o decree_n of_o god_n nor_o the_o inconceivable_a transmission_n of_o original_a sin_n whereby_o the_o wickedness_n of_o the_o first_o man_n be_v convey_v down_o to_o we_o nor_o why_o grace_n seem_v incompatible_a with_o freewill_n whence_o proceed_v this_o if_o not_o from_o their_o ignorance_n of_o philosophy_n and_o want_v of_o vain_a curiosity_n which_o by_o their_o own_o example_n they_o design_v to_o teach_v we_o to_o avoid_v what_o be_v then_o according_a to_o they_o the_o great_a mystery_n of_o godliness_n this_o be_v it_o 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 believe_v on_o in_o the_o world_n preach_v unto_o the_o gentile_n receive_v up_o into_o glory_n tim._n 3._o 16._o the_o incarnation_n which_o be_v express_v in_o these_o word_n god_n be_v manifest_a in_o the_o flesh_n be_v a_o great_a and_o sublime_a mystery_n but_o if_o we_o lie_v aside_o our_o prejudices_fw-la we_o shall_v find_v it_o conformable_a to_o our_o reason_n 1._o for_o it_o must_v be_v first_o of_o all_o grant_v that_o in_o this_o covenant_n the_o almighty_a debase_v not_o himself_o in_o favour_n of_o those_o with_o who_o he_o make_v it_o as_o we_o see_v in_o dishonourable_a treaty_n where_o a_o king_n be_v upon_o equal_a term_n with_o his_o subject_n this_o be_v a_o covenant_n wherein_o god_n unite_v himself_o to_o the_o creature_n without_o diminish_v his_o greatness_n and_o glory_n and_o where_o the_o creature_n unite_v itself_o to_o god_n without_o lose_v its_o due_a sense_n of_o humility_n the_o sun_n unite_v himself_o with_o the_o cloud_n where_o it_o imprint_n its_o brightness_n without_o a_o eclipse_n and_o why_o shall_v not_o god_n unite_v himself_o with_o a_o innocent_a nature_n without_o lessen_v his_o real_a worth_n and_o dignity_n 2._o we_o have_v a_o excellent_a representation_n of_o this_o truth_n in_o the_o union_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o body_n where_o two_o substance_n 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
consequence_n only_o divine_a wisdom_n be_v also_o please_v that_o jesus_n christ_n shall_v be_v bear_v in_o obscurity_n and_o humiliation_n that_o those_o mean_v outward_a appearance_n be_v offensive_a to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o carnal_a and_o worldly_a mind_a jew_n they_o may_v as_o it_o be_v by_o chance_n give_v occasion_n to_o the_o execution_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o the_o council_n of_o god_n have_v determine_v and_o this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o principal_a cause_n of_o his_o poverty_n and_o humiliation_n of_o the_o meanness_n of_o his_o birth_n and_o the_o vnworthiness_n of_o his_o first_o profession_n the_o choice_n of_o his_o disciple_n etc._n etc._n the_o justice_n of_o god_n act_v in_o concert_n with_o his_o wisdom_n oblige_v he_o to_o speak_v to_o all_o profane_a contemner_n of_o his_o mystery_n in_o a_o obscure_a language_n and_o so_o as_o it_o be_v to_o conceal_v those_o pearl_n from_o they_o lest_o like_o unclean_a beast_n they_o shall_v trample_v they_o under_o their_o foot_n and_o this_o may_v very_o well_o serve_v for_o a_o reason_n of_o the_o denial_n which_o christ_n former_o make_v to_o the_o unbeliever_n of_o those_o time_n of_o signalize_v his_o power_n among_o they_o and_o of_o the_o great_a care_n he_o often_o take_v to_o conceal_v his_o miracle_n from_o they_o for_o this_o cause_n therefore_o speak_v he_o sometime_o in_o parable_n to_o stranger_n but_o he_o always_o very_o clear_o express_v himself_o to_o his_o disciple_n give_v they_o to_o understand_v the_o meaning_n of_o those_o parable_n and_o tell_v they_o that_o as_o for_o they_o they_o have_v the_o privilege_n of_o see_v all_o thing_n open_o neither_o do_v his_o majesty_n suffer_v he_o to_o reveal_v himself_o as_o familiar_o to_o the_o sinful_a man_n as_o he_o will_v to_o the_o innocent_a this_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o wonder_v at_o since_o man_n themselves_o be_v wont_n so_o to_o deal_v with_o one_o another_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o common_a than_o for_o great_a man_n to_o banish_v their_o presence_n those_o who_o have_v incur_v their_o displeasure_n to_o think_v it_o then_o strange_a if_o god_n conceal_v himself_o from_o a_o sinner_n will_v be_v to_o entertain_v a_o more_o unworthy_a idea_n of_o his_o majesty_n than_o that_o of_o a_o earthly_a monarch_n this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o god_n take_v such_o care_n to_o conceal_v himself_o even_o when_o he_o design_v to_o manifest_v his_o glory_n and_o for_o this_o cause_n he_o show_v himself_o only_o in_o vision_n and_o dream_n or_o when_o hide_a in_o the_o cloud_n and_o ark_n or_o cover_v with_o some_o other_o veil_n on_o this_o account_n also_o he_o be_v wont_a to_o banish_v from_o his_o presence_n all_o those_o as_o be_v defile_v in_o their_o body_n and_o order_v the_o priest_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n to_o purify_v themselves_o he_o command_v too_o the_o people_n to_o wash_v their_o garment_n when_o he_o give_v they_o notice_n that_o within_o three_o day_n he_o will_v come_v down_o to_o they_o nothing_o but_o a_o external_a and_o corporeal_a purity_n be_v sufficient_a to_o qualify_v those_o that_o be_v to_o approach_v the_o deity_n manifest_v under_o corporeal_a symbol_n but_o christ_n fulfil_v in_o the_o spirit_n every_o thing_n hide_v in_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o law_n teach_v we_o that_o those_o only_o shall_v see_v god_n who_o shall_v be_v find_v pure_a in_o heart_n so_o that_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o wonder_v if_o when_o man_n by_o reason_n of_o his_o gild_n hide_v himself_o from_o god_n the_o almighty_a withdraw_v the_o influence_n of_o his_o glorious_a majesty_n from_o man._n last_o the_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n overshadow_v revelation_n with_o some_o sort_n of_o darkness_n to_o exercise_v our_o faith_n and_o keep_v up_o our_o mind_n in_o vigour_n which_o also_o will_v grow_v sluggish_a if_o not_o stir_v up_o by_o such_o difficulty_n as_o be_v proper_a to_o mystery_n as_o also_o to_o humble_v our_o proud_a and_o haughty_a reason_n which_o be_v immediate_o puff_v up_o with_o its_o own_o knowledge_n to_o make_v we_o submit_v our_o understanding_n to_o he_o since_o we_o ought_v to_o believe_v any_o truth_n though_o incredible_a if_o he_o reveal_v they_o as_o also_o to_o sway_v our_o heart_n and_o affection_n which_o ought_v ready_o to_o embrace_v any_o sorrowful_a and_o mortify_a object_n that_o he_o be_v please_v to_o offer_v they_o to_o strip_v our_o pride_n of_o all_o its_o pretence_n and_o to_o dispose_v our_o mind_n that_o we_o must_v necessary_o acknowledge_v every_o benefit_n we_o enjoy_v spring_v from_o he_o and_o that_o too_o so_o much_o the_o more_o because_o we_o thereby_o attain_v to_o life_n eternal_a by_o such_o mean_n and_o object_n as_o be_v above_o our_o capacity_n to_o comprehend_v so_o necessary_a be_v it_o that_o it_o shall_v appear_v that_o our_o sufficiency_n be_v of_o god_n and_o that_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n unto_o salvation_n to_o every_o one_o that_o believe_v rom._n 1._o 16._o to_o this_o principle_n we_o owe_v the_o choice_n of_o those_o person_n which_o god_n have_v make_v use_n of_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n the_o nature_n of_o those_o seem_a paradox_n he_o command_v they_o to_o publish_v so_o contrary_a to_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o reason_n the_o silence_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o those_o thing_n which_o a_o few_o word_n from_o he_o will_v have_v render_v plain_a and_o easy_a to_o our_o understanding_n but_o god_n be_v not_o content_a to_o exercise_v our_o faith_n by_o those_o obscurity_n we_o find_v disperse_v throughout_o the_o divine_a revelation_n he_o further_o permit_v heresy_n schism_n and_o error_n nay_o superstition_n itself_o to_o reign_v among_o we_o that_o those_o who_o be_v approve_v may_v be_v make_v manifest_a thus_o we_o may_v say_v he_o suffer_v all_o egypt_n to_o be_v cover_v with_o darkness_n the_o more_o eminent_o to_o discover_v his_o wonderful_a protection_n in_o blessing_n at_o the_o same_o time_n the_o land_n of_o goshen_n with_o the_o light_n of_o his_o truth_n that_o be_v by_o give_v we_o a_o religion_n accompany_v with_o so_o bright_a a_o evidence_n as_o carnal_a and_o worldly_a mind_a man_n can_v never_o comprehend_v because_o their_o reason_n be_v eclipse_v by_o sensuality_n and_o the_o corruption_n of_o their_o heart_n produce_v those_o thick_a cloud_n that_o hide_v the_o truth_n from_o their_o sight_n god_n it_o be_v true_a enlighten_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n but_o man_n wilful_o blind_v themselves_o he_o permit_v it_o shall_v be_v so_o to_o confound_v their_o ignorance_n and_o demonstrate_v to_o we_o that_o he_o be_v the_o father_n of_o light_n but_o let_v we_o now_o inquire_v into_o the_o principle_n of_o that_o obscurity_n which_o sole_o spring_v from_o men._n and_o i._o so_o gross_a be_v all_o the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o the_o sense_n that_o there_o be_v no_o body_n so_o void_a of_o shame_n as_o to_o follow_v they_o open_o yet_o it_o be_v certain_a they_o be_v very_o prevalent_a in_o the_o heart_n of_o most_o man_n who_o stick_v not_o to_o say_v i_o never_o see_v the_o like_a i_o can_v willing_o believe_v it_o if_o i_o shall_v but_o see_v it_o who_o ever_o see_v dead_a man_n rise_v again_o from_o their_o grave_n and_o who_o ever_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n or_o go_v down_o into_o the_o pit_n all_o which_o reason_v be_v manifest_o absurd_a for_o can_v there_o be_v any_o great_a folly_n in_o a_o man_n than_o to_o refuse_v to_o believe_v that_o which_o he_o do_v not_o see_v when_o these_o object_n of_o his_o faith_n can_v have_v no_o existence_n be_v they_o not_o invisible_a do_v any_o one_o ever_o see_v the_o time_n past_o long_a before_o he_o live_v or_o the_o future_a long_a after_o his_o death_n do_v he_o ever_o see_v his_o own_o soul_n the_o deity_n etc._n etc._n for_o it_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o time_n past_a and_o the_o future_a the_o object_n and_o interest_n of_o the_o soul_n together_o with_o the_o benefit_n of_o god_n which_o faith_n offer_v to_o our_o consideration_n ii_o we_o be_v accustom_v by_o education_n not_o to_o believe_v any_o thing_n that_o happen_v not_o in_o the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o nature_n we_o confine_v ourselves_o as_o it_o be_v to_o a_o circle_n of_o object_n which_o we_o willing_o admit_v of_o because_o they_o contain_v nothing_o that_o be_v repugnant_a to_o experience_n or_o probability_n so_o that_o the_o custom_n we_o have_v of_o refuse_v to_o give_v our_o assent_n to_o all_o other_o thing_n reach_v even_o unto_o matter_n of_o religion_n inevitable_o cast_v we_o into_o scepticism_n and_o incredulity_n yet_o shall_v we_o but_o thorough_o consider_v those_o object_n which_o fall_v under_o common_a experience_n they_o will_v certain_o appear_v as_o surprise_v and_o incomprehensible_a as_o those_o of_o religion_n if_o you_o think_v it_o strange_a that_o the_o soul_n shall_v outlive_v
the_o ruin_n of_o the_o body_n you_o must_v be_v much_o more_o surprise_v to_o see_v it_o so_o close_o unite_v to_o a_o subject_n so_o different_a from_o its_o perfection_n it_o be_v the_o union_n of_o the_o soul_n with_o the_o body_n and_o not_o its_o dissolution_n we_o ought_v to_o admire_v endeavour_v to_o comprehend_v if_o you_o can_v the_o strict_a alliance_n there_o be_v between_o a_o thing_n that_o be_v extend_v that_o take_v up_o space_n that_o be_v confine_v to_o certain_a limit_n that_o act_n upon_o subject_n present_v only_o and_o near_o to_o it_o and_o a_o thing_n that_o have_v neither_o figure_n nor_o extension_n colour_n fluidity_n or_o solidity_n which_o in_o some_o sense_n be_v every_o where_o and_o yet_o have_v no_o part_n to_o take_v up_o any_o space_n which_o reflect_v upon_o the_o time_n past_a and_o the_o future_a upon_o itself_o and_o its_o manner_n of_o act_v in_o such_o a_o wonderful_a way_n as_o must_v necessary_o persuade_v we_o maugre_o all_o our_o reluctancy_n and_o doubt_n that_o we_o have_v a_o spiritual_a and_o immaterial_a substance_n within_o we_o if_o you_o be_v amaze_v when_o you_o be_v teach_v that_o there_o be_v a_o maker_n and_o preserver_n of_o all_o thing_n you_o ought_v rather_o to_o be_v surprise_v to_o think_v you_o have_v live_v so_o long_o in_o the_o world_n without_o put_v these_o question_n to_o yourself_o to_o what_o end_n be_v i_o make_v whence_o have_v i_o my_o be_v what_o will_v at_o last_o become_v of_o i_o and_o who_o be_v thâ—_n author_n of_o all_o that_o i_o behold_v the_o thought_n of_o a_o future_a judgement_n whatsoever_o notion_n you_o may_v have_v of_o its_o accomplishment_n ought_v not_o in_o the_o least_o to_o startle_v you_o who_o ought_v rather_o to_o wonder_v at_o the_o long_a forbearance_n of_o god_n who_o permit_v all_o thing_n that_o he_o may_v one_o day_n judge_v all_o thing_n that_o confusion_n and_o disorder_n that_o appear_v in_o public_a society_n may_v raise_v scruple_n in_o you_o be_v it_o not_o bound_v by_o such_o a_o event_n as_o will_v clear_o justify_v the_o justice_n and_o wisdom_n of_o god_n to_o follow_v the_o opinion_n of_o incredulous_a man_n one_o will_v say_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o extraordinary_a oâ—_n surprise_v in_o the_o world_n whereas_o we_o can_v behold_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o so_o iii_o but_o all_o our_o incredulity_n arise_v principal_o from_o our_o passion_n and_o it_o be_v their_o great_a interest_n to_o create_v in_o we_o a_o aversion_n for_o religion_n and_o in_o order_n to_o that_o make_v we_o inclinable_a to_o receive_v those_o doubt_n which_o favour_n their_o pretence_n and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o give_v rise_v to_o all_o sort_n of_o difficulty_n man_n be_v incredulous_a mere_o because_o they_o will_v be_v so_o and_o they_o will_v be_v so_o because_o it_o concern_v their_o passion_n to_o have_v it_o so_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o every_o thing_n concur_v by_o accident_n towards_o the_o produce_v so_o miserable_a a_o end_n so_o science_n eloquence_n policy_n etc._n etc._n create_v doubt_n and_o difficulty_n in_o we_o not_o of_o themselves_o but_o through_o our_o ill_a management_n of_o they_o iv._o pride_n of_o all_o the_o passion_n the_o most_o dangerous_a and_o most_o inveterate_a suffer_v we_o not_o to_o remain_v in_o such_o a_o due_a disposition_n of_o mind_n as_o god_n require_v we_o shall_v have_v in_o order_n to_o receive_v his_o revelation_n now_o this_o disposition_n be_v twofold_a 1_o sy_n it_o consist_v in_o our_o ready_o receive_v all_o reveal_v truth_n and_o 2_o lie_v in_o receive_v they_o although_o they_o be_v far_o above_o our_o capacity_n to_o comprehend_v without_o endeavour_v to_o dive_v too_o far_o into_o the_o depth_n of_o the_o council_n of_o god_n to_o have_v then_o a_o right_a belief_n we_o must_v not_o only_o be_v persuade_v of_o the_o certainty_n of_o all_o reveal_v truth_n we_o must_v also_o learn_v how_o to_o be_v satisfy_v with_o the_o ignorance_n of_o those_o thing_n it_o have_v please_v god_n to_o conceal_v from_o we_o we_o must_v be_v always_o ready_a to_o acknowledge_v our_o ignorance_n and_o that_o we_o do_v not_o clear_o understand_v what_o yet_o we_o sincere_o believe_v we_o must_v humble_o close_v our_o eye_n before_o the_o dark_a side_n of_o mystery_n as_o well_o as_o glad_o open_v they_o to_o behold_v the_o bright_a one_o it_o be_v our_o incredulity_n which_o make_v we_o reject_v those_o truth_n we_o ought_v to_o acknowledge_v at_o first_o sight_n and_o the_o irregular_a curiosity_n of_o the_o mind_n prevent_v our_o pay_v our_o profound_a reverence_n to_o those_o sacred_a obscurity_n wherein_o they_o be_v involve_v now_o from_o this_o principle_n we_o may_v very_o reasonable_o conclude_v 1_o st_z that_o nothing_o can_v argue_v more_o extravagance_n and_o impiety_n than_o the_o project_n of_o several_a doctor_n who_o though_o famous_a upon_o other_o account_n for_o their_o learning_n and_o great_a insight_n into_o thing_n yet_o have_v endeavour_v to_o make_v as_o it_o be_v a_o new_a system_fw-la of_o religion_n by_o remove_v all_o the_o difficulty_n of_o it_o and_o oftentimes_o cut_v those_o knot_n asunder_o which_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o untie_v and_o this_o show_v that_o they_o be_v ignorant_a how_o that_o the_o dark_a mystery_n of_o religion_n either_o follow_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n or_o else_o proceed_v from_o the_o external_a wisdom_n and_o council_n of_o god_n in_o design_v to_o give_v we_o such_o a_o religion_n as_o shall_v not_o be_v free_a from_o such_o dark_a mystery_n as_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o give_v we_o to_o understand_v when_o they_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v to_o bring_v to_o nothing_o the_o understanding_n of_o the_o prudent_a and_o when_o they_o cry_v out_o o_o the_o depth_n of_o the_o riches_n both_o of_o the_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n of_o god_n how_o unsearchable_a be_v his_o judgement_n and_o his_o way_n past_o find_v out_o rom._n 11._o 33._o second_o we_o may_v infer_v from_o thence_o that_o humane_a curiosity_n that_o have_v so_o much_o increase_v the_o number_n of_o theological_a question_n be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a obstacle_n which_o faith_n be_v with_o much_o struggle_v to_o overcome_v for_o we_o be_v not_o content_a to_o have_v a_o bare_a knowledge_n of_o thing_n we_o yet_o endeavour_v to_o search_v into_o the_o manner_n how_o thing_n be_v do_v whereas_o it_o be_v the_o manner_n how_o they_o be_v do_v which_o god_n be_v please_v to_o conceal_v from_o we_o and_o it_o be_v the_o dark_a side_n we_o ought_v to_o look_v upon_o with_o profound_a reverence_n it_o be_v sufficient_a for_o we_o to_o know_v that_o we_o be_v very_o corrupt_a from_o our_o cradle_n and_o that_o nothing_o but_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n be_v capable_a to_o deliver_v we_o from_o that_o wretched_a state_n we_o be_v in_o but_o we_o be_v not_o wife_n enough_o to_o fix_v our_o inquiry_n there_o we_o further_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o know_v how_o sin_n enter_v into_o the_o world_n what_o spring_v of_o our_o soul_n be_v first_o of_o all_o put_v out_o of_o order_n by_o it_o and_o how_o it_o be_v transmit_v to_o posterity_n the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v as_o the_o wind_n the_o sound_z whereof_o we_o hear_v but_o can_v tell_v whence_o it_o come_v and_o whither_o it_o go_v nevertheless_o so_o impertinent_a be_v the_o curiosity_n of_o man_n as_o to_o attempt_v dive_v into_o his_o manner_n of_o act_v they_o pretend_v by_o such_o and_o such_o decision_n to_o limit_v the_o degree_n of_o his_o operation_n and_o retrench_v whatsoever_o they_o please_v they_o continual_o use_v such_o distinction_n as_o be_v altogether_o obscure_a and_o barbarous_a in_o comparison_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o antecedent_n grace_n consequent_a sufficient_a efficacious_a universal_a particular_a mediate_a and_o immediate_a grace_n all_o which_o distinction_n they_o seem_v indeed_o to_o have_v contrive_v as_o so_o many_o deviation_n and_o shift_n on_o purpose_n to_o be_v exempt_v from_o own_v that_o notwithstanding_o all_o our_o endeavour_n it_o be_v god_n which_o work_v in_o we_o both_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v of_o his_o good_a pleasure_n phil._n 2._o 13._o and_o though_o it_o be_v certain_a we_o be_v altogether_o ignorant_a of_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o operation_n yet_o can_v any_o thing_n be_v more_o just_a and_o reasonable_a than_o such_o a_o free_a and_o ingenuous_a confession_n and_o do_v it_o not_o very_o far_o exceed_v all_o the_o speculation_n of_o schoolman_n who_o be_v themselves_o confound_v and_o fall_v from_o one_o depth_n into_o another_o whilst_o they_o pretend_v to_o search_v into_o those_o mystery_n god_n have_v conceal_v from_o they_o but_o the_o misfortune_n which_o result_v from_o all_o this_o be_v that_o the_o christian_n have_v prodigious_o swell_v up_o their_o system_fw-la of_o divinity_n by_o these_o and_o other_o