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have_v here_o something_o still_o more_o clear_a and_o convince_a than_o all_o this_o to_o offer_v either_o those_o book_n which_o you_o may_v think_v forge_v or_o not_o forge_v spread_v of_o themselves_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n throughout_o the_o world_n after_o they_o have_v be_v carry_v into_o several_a part_n of_o it_o before_o there_o be_v any_o apostle_n to_o preach_v it_o there_o or_o else_o those_o book_n be_v compose_v after_o the_o apostle_n have_v publish_v their_o doctrine_n in_o the_o different_a part_n of_o the_o universe_n i_o see_v no_o medium_n if_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n instruct_v man_n in_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n before_o any_o of_o the_o apostle_n have_v preach_v it_o how_o can_v the_o roman_n be_v persuade_v that_o st._n paul_n which_o be_v a_o mere_a name_n have_v write_v a_o epistle_n to_o they_o or_o those_o of_o antioch_n that_o st._n peter_n have_v be_v in_o their_o city_n or_o the_o galatian_n that_o st._n paul_n have_v preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o they_o or_o in_o general_a all_o judea_n and_o galilee_n that_o jesus_n christ_n with_o his_o disciple_n have_v preach_v there_o or_o in_o particular_a the_o people_n of_o jerusalem_n that_o he_o be_v there_o condemn_v to_o death_n by_o the_o sanhedrin_n etc._n etc._n but_o if_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v not_o collect_v into_o several_a book_n nor_o compose_v till_o after_o the_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n christ_n have_v preach_v the_o gospel_n in_o the_o several_a part_n of_o the_o world_n it_o must_v follow_v from_o thence_o that_o there_o be_v some_o apostle_n before_o that_o time_n and_o a_o certain_a jesus_n christ_n crucify_v who_o be_v repute_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o the_o true_a messiah_n according_a to_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n so_o that_o whether_o those_o book_n be_v forge_v or_o not_o still_o i_o be_o certain_a they_o relate_v certain_a fundamental_a matter_n of_o fact_n which_o be_v necessary_o true_a for_o it_o be_v certain_a there_o be_v 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profession_n of_o a_o carpenter_n as_o his_o enemy_n so_o often_o reproach_v he_o to_o have_v do_v shall_v notwithstanding_o pretend_v himself_o to_o be_v the_o messiah_n who_o be_v to_o have_v be_v according_a to_o the_o profess_a opinion_n of_o that_o age_n surround_v or_o attend_v with_o pomp_n splendour_n and_o temporal_a prosperity_n let_v we_o therefore_o inquire_v a_o little_a into_o it_o this_o jesus_n whoever_o he_o may_v be_v and_o whatever_o idea_n we_o may_v frame_v to_o ourselves_o of_o he_o gather_v together_o a_o company_n of_o disciple_n some_o of_o which_o he_o take_v from_o among_o fisherman_n on_o the_o bank_n of_o the_o lake_n of_o gennesareth_n some_o out_o of_o the_o town_n of_o galilee_n nay_o and_o some_o he_o call_v from_o among_o the_o publican_n themselves_o who_o the_o people_n ever_o have_v in_o 16._o abomination_n as_o the_o first_o enemy_n of_o christian_a religion_n lay_v to_o his_o charge_n those_o man_n which_o thus_o follow_v he_o be_v of_o mean_a 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ignorant_a people_n who_o have_v undoubted_o frame_v to_o themselves_o a_o very_a sublime_a idea_n of_o their_o messiah_n and_o imagine_v no_o less_o than_o that_o he_o will_v have_v distribute_v crown_n to_o they_o to_o use_v that_o expression_n since_o this_o be_v always_o a_o strong_a opinion_n among_o the_o jew_n i_o say_v i_o can_v but_o admire_v that_o those_o ignorant_a sort_n of_o people_n shall_v content_v themselves_o with_o the_o outward_a and_o apparent_a meanness_n of_o a_o man_n who_o take_v quite_o another_o form_n upon_o he_o than_o that_o of_o a_o conqueror_n it_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v in_o a_o very_a poor_a and_o mean_a condition_n when_o he_o call_v his_o disciple_n since_o porphirius_fw-la celsus_n and_o julian_n the_o apostate_n reproach_v he_o with_o it_o beside_o this_o be_v such_o a_o matter_n of_o fact_n as_o no_o man_n will_v invent_v though_o he_o can_v easy_o have_v do_v it_o and_o which_o he_o can_v not_o easy_o invent_v though_o he_o will_v have_v do_v it_o it_o be_v certain_a the_o jew_n at_o that_o time_n and_o always_o before_o expect_v a_o triumphant_a messiah_n it_o be_v also_o as_o certain_a the_o disciple_n adhere_v to_o jesus_n christ_n notwithstanding_o the_o profess_a opinion_n they_o be_v prepossess_v with_o at_o that_o time_n this_o be_v what_o we_o be_v surprise_v at_o since_o the_o disciple_n find_v not_o in_o jesus_n christ_n all_o the_o glory_n and_o temporal_a power_n they_o be_v strong_o persuade_v their_o messiah_n shall_v have_v be_v invest_v with_o they_o undoubted_o imagine_v that_o what_o their_o master_n do_v not_o then_o actual_o possess_v he_o will_v certain_o enjoy_v some_o time_n after_o they_o do_v not_o at_o all_o question_n but_o that_o he_o be_v to_o re-establish_a the_o monarchy_n of_o israel_n and_o overcome_v the_o enemy_n of_o the_o jew_n this_o make_v they_o to_o dispute_v the_o priority_n among_o themselves_o they_o will_v know_v who_o be_v to_o be_v the_o great_a in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n that_o be_v in_o the_o flourish_a kingdom_n of_o the_o messiah_n which_o they_o term_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n in_o imitation_n of_o the_o prophet_n daniel_n nay_o two_o of_o they_o importune_v our_o saviour_n to_o grant_v they_o to_o sit_v the_o one_o on_o his_o right_a hand_n and_o the_o other_o on_o his_o left_a as_o soon_o as_o he_o be_v exalt_v to_o that_o state_n of_o glory_n i_o admit_v not_o of_o these_o matter_n of_o fact_n mere_o because_o they_o be_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n but_o because_o they_o be_v very_o conformable_a to_o the_o jewish_a tradition_n and_o reason_n itself_o common_a sense_n assure_v we_o that_o the_o disciple_n adhere_v not_o to_o jesus_n christ_n without_o some_o hope_n or_o other_o now_o what_o can_v they_o hope_v for_o from_o he_o who_o they_o look_v upon_o as_o the_o messiah_n but_o that_o which_o they_o expect_v from_o the_o true_a messiah_n himself_o viz._n a_o temporal_a deliverance_n attend_v with_o the_o like_a prosperity_n but_o not_o to_o advance_v any_o thing_n doubtful_a or_o in_o the_o least_o uncertain_a in_o itself_o i_o affirm_v that_o the_o disciple_n consider_v jesus_n christ_n as_o the_o true_a messiah_n and_o that_o they_o can_v not_o regard_v he_o as_o such_o but_o either_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o jew_n or_o in_o that_o of_o the_o christian_n that_o be_v either_o as_o a_o temporal_a deliverer_n or_o a_o spiritual_a one_o and_o consequent_o that_o whatever_o sense_n we_o take_v it_o in_o still_o be_v they_o to_o hope_v for_o some_o advantage_n or_o other_o from_o he_o but_o let_v we_o see_v how_o far_o this_o twofold_a consideration_n will_v lead_v we_o whilst_o the_o disciple_n be_v strong_o preposess_v with_o the_o thought_n that_o jesus_n be_v their_o messiah_n that_o be_v the_o person_n that_o shall_v have_v raise_v up_o their_o nation_n to_o
be_v clear_o explain_v by_o their_o event_n neither_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a or_o new_a testament_n bear_v the_o least_o record_n of_o mahomet_n whereas_o the_o prophet_n have_v foretell_v the_o come_n of_o jesus_n christ_n as_o of_o a_o messiah_n that_o be_v to_o unite_v the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n and_o to_o carry_v the_o covenant_n of_o god_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n mahomet_n establish_v himself_o in_o the_o world_n by_o force_n and_o violence_n but_o jesus_n christ_n only_o by_o patience_n and_o suffering_n the_o former_a be_v environ_v with_o soldier_n the_o latter_a be_v attend_v with_o martyr_n the_o one_o put_v man_n to_o death_n but_o the_o other_o receive_v death_n for_o our_o sake_n mahomet_n ambition_n who_o establish_v such_o a_o flourish_a empire_n be_v present_o see_v in_o the_o success_n he_o have_v in_o his_o undertake_n but_o jesus_n christ_n be_v far_o from_o self_n interest_n or_o ambition_n since_o he_o withdraw_v himself_o when_o they_o will_v have_v make_v he_o king_n and_o declare_v his_o kingdom_n be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n instead_o of_o encourage_v the_o carnal_a prejudices_fw-la of_o his_o disciple_n he_o take_v care_n to_o undeceive_v they_o and_o to_o foretell_v all_o the_o evil_n they_o be_v to_o expect_v and_o though_o any_o shall_v presume_v open_o to_o dispute_v all_o these_o matter_n of_o fact_n still_o they_o appear_v by_o the_o end_n and_o success_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o design_n of_o which_o be_v to_o sanctify_v the_o heart_n and_o calm_v the_o disorderly_a passion_n of_o the_o soul_n mahomet_n invent_v such_o a_o religion_n which_o agree_v only_o with_o corrupt_a reason_n and_o the_o loose_a inordinate_a desire_n of_o the_o heart_n he_o make_v the_o scandal_n of_o the_o cross_n to_o give_v place_n to_o the_o magnificence_n and_o grandeur_n of_o the_o world_n he_o take_v away_o the_o most_o spiritual_a and_o difficult_a matter_n of_o morality_n to_o fill_v the_o mind_n of_o his_o disciple_n with_o carnal_a and_o sensual_a idea_n but_o not_o so_o do_v our_o saviour_n act_n who_o propose_v his_o cross_n to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n as_o a_o astonish_a paradox_n and_o a_o continual_a cause_n of_o mortification_n and_o repentance_n mahomet_n establish_v his_o religion_n by_o the_o help_n of_o ignorance_n and_o darkness_n by_o suppress_v such_o book_n as_o may_v have_v enlighten_v man_n understanding_n and_o by_o require_v a_o blind_a submission_n from_o they_o jesus_n christ_n on_o the_o contrary_n will_v not_o have_v they_o believe_v his_o doctrine_n but_o as_o they_o find_v it_o conformable_a to_o that_o of_o the_o prophet_n search_v the_o scripture_n say_v he_o for_o in_o they_o you_o think_v you_o have_v eternal_a life_n john_n 5._o 39_o mahomet_n establish_v himself_o in_o the_o world_n by_o dissemble_v and_o disguise_v his_o thought_n he_o promise_v in_o the_o begin_n a_o toleration_n of_o all_o religion_n carry_v it_o fair_a to_o the_o christian_n but_o afterwasd_n do_v his_o utmost_a endeavour_n to_o extirpate_v they_o utter_o but_o jesus_n christ_n declare_v at_o first_o his_o intention_n and_o design_n which_o be_v to_o save_v mankind_n and_o overthrow_v superstition_n itself_o nor_o he_o nor_o his_o disciple_n use_v any_o policy_n or_o circumvention_n in_o this_o respect_n mahomet_n die_v but_o never_o rise_v nor_o pretend_v to_o rise_v again_o from_o the_o dead_a thereby_o to_o show_v he_o be_v approve_v of_o god_n jesus_n christ_n die_v but_o it_o be_v believe_v he_o rise_v again_o from_o the_o dead_a upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o those_o who_o have_v see_v he_o after_o his_o resurrection_n and_o testify_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o matter_n of_o fact_n to_o all_o the_o world_n at_o the_o expense_n of_o their_o life_n and_o effusion_n of_o their_o blood_n mahomet_n religion_n be_v invent_v maintain_v and_o support_v by_o policy_n but_o that_o of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v at_o first_o offensive_a to_o all_o the_o prince_n upon_o earth_n and_o be_v establish_v in_o the_o world_n notwithstanding_o all_o their_o endeavour_n to_o the_o contrary_n mahomets_n religion_n appear_v at_o first_o view_n to_o be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o triumph_n of_o humane_a industry_n and_o covetousness_n but_o the_o religion_n of_o jesus_n christ_n show_v that_o of_o integrity_n and_o justice_n in_o their_o full_a perfection_n and_o natural_a religion_n in_o that_o proper_a purity_n and_o simplicity_n that_o be_v restore_v to_o it_o by_o charity_n mahomet_n lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o a_o particular_a monarchy_n and_o establish_v such_o law_n as_o human_o speak_v be_v serviceable_a only_o in_o those_o place_n wherein_o he_o have_v settle_v his_o dominion_n but_o jesus_n christ_n have_v give_v we_o new_a principle_n of_o union_n and_o intelligence_n very_o useful_a to_o the_o good_a of_o public_a society_n in_o general_n and_o very_o fit_a to_o cement_v the_o union_n of_o all_o man_n together_o by_o make_v the_o spirit_n of_o charity_n reign_v in_o the_o world_n the_o come_n of_o mahomet_n do_v not_o sanctify_v mankind_n but_o that_o of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v attend_v with_o a_o innumerable_a company_n of_o person_n who_o all_o renounce_v the_o world_n mere_o by_o the_o faith_n they_o have_v in_o he_o it_o be_v not_o mahomet_n but_o jesus_n christ_n who_o exact_o fulfil_v the_o oracle_n concern_v the_o call_n of_o the_o gentile_n because_o mahomet_n derive_v all_o his_o knowledge_n of_o the_o true_a god_n from_o jesus_n christ_n as_o we_o have_v already_o show_v last_o temporal_a prosperity_n be_v the_o true_a character_n of_o the_o religion_n of_o mahomet_n and_o it_o may_v be_v very_o well_o affirm_v that_o mahomet_n be_v a_o man_n of_o god_n if_o it_o be_v true_a that_o all_o those_o who_o enjoy_v the_o great_a prosperity_n in_o the_o world_n that_o be_v all_o tyrant_n wicked_a and_o unjust_a man_n be_v the_o favourite_n of_o god_n but_o the_o character_n of_o the_o religion_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v patience_n self-denial_n innocence_n and_o a_o simplicity_n of_o manner_n and_o certain_o he_o be_v approve_v of_o god_n if_o god_n approve_v of_o virtuous_a patient_a humble_a and_o charitable_a man_n it_o concern_v now_o the_o incredulous_a to_o answer_v all_o these_o difference_n if_o they_o will_v have_v we_o allow_v of_o this_o comparison_n for_o otherwise_o we_o shall_v ever_o reject_v it_o as_o be_v very_o ridiculous_a and_o extravagant_a chap._n xv._n where_o we_o further_o examine_v the_o objection_n of_o the_o incredulous_a the_o incredulous_a be_v apt_a to_o raise_v as_o many_o suspicion_n against_o the_o miracle_n of_o jesus_n christ_n as_o against_o his_o person_n because_o of_o all_o those_o proof_n which_o establish_v his_o religion_n there_o be_v none_o that_o can_v move_v the_o sense_n so_o much_o as_o that_o take_v from_o true_a miracle_n i._o then_o they_o object_n that_o jesus_n the_o son_n of_o mary_n may_v have_v heal_v two_o or_o three_o people_n either_o by_o chance_n or_o by_o virtue_n of_o second_o cause_n and_o that_o that_o good_a success_n may_v have_v get_v he_o afterward_o the_o name_n of_o a_o prophet_n through_o the_o ignorance_n of_o the_o people_n who_o be_v wont_a to_o ascribe_v to_o supernatural_a cause_n every_o thing_n that_o be_v unknown_a to_o they_o we_o answer_v that_o we_o have_v here_o a_o very_a great_a number_n of_o miracle_n all_o of_o different_a kind_n evident_a and_o sensible_a miracle_n in_o their_o nature_n unimitable_a and_o above_o all_o imposture_n such_o be_v the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a heal_v the_o blind_a the_o lame_a and_o the_o sick_a of_o the_o palsy_n etc._n etc._n ii_o they_o pretend_v that_o he_o may_v perhaps_o have_v suborn_v witness_n to_o testify_v some_o fabulous_a miracle_n but_o how_o can_v this_o be_v since_o jesus_n christ_n have_v neither_o money_n to_o give_v nor_o dignity_n to_o promise_v and_o as_o for_o cunning_a politic_a nicety_n riches_n and_o credit_n they_o be_v only_o among_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n and_o doctor_n of_o the_o law_n his_o implacable_a enemy_n who_o take_v all_o opportunity_n to_o prejudice_v he_o because_o he_o public_o censure_v their_o hypocrisy_n upon_o all_o occasion_n iii_o they_o object_n that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v so_o prudent_a as_o to_o work_v his_o miracle_n only_o before_o three_o of_o his_o choose_a disciple_n viz._n peter_n james_n and_o john_n now_o say_v they_o who_o know_v but_o that_o those_o three_o disciple_n to_o flatter_v the_o ambition_n of_o their_o master_n may_v have_v attest_v certain_a miracle_n as_o true_a which_o be_v not_o real_o so_o to_o remove_v this_o suspicion_n we_o need_v only_o reflect_v upon_o the_o many_o miracle_n jesus_n christ_n wrought_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o his_o other_o disciple_n he_o raise_v from_o the_o dead_a the_o son_n of_o the_o widow_n of_o naim_n as_o he_o be_v a_o carry_v to_o be_v inter_v he_o raise_v lazarus_n from_o the_o grave_n in_o
neither_o be_v it_o because_o of_o his_o extraordinary_a piety_n for_o moses_n call_v the_o meek_a of_o man_n be_v without_o doubt_n in_o that_o equal_a to_o he_o it_o be_v then_o because_o of_o the_o advantage_n he_o enjoy_v both_o in_o see_v and_o hear_v the_o messiah_n but_o how_o come_v our_o saviour_n to_o add_v that_o the_o least_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v great_a than_o he_o must_v we_o understand_v by_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n that_o kingdom_n of_o which_o john_n himself_o say_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v at_o hand_n be_v it_o not_o rather_o because_o john_n see_v none_o of_o all_o the_o wonder_n of_o that_o kingdom_n which_o the_o least_o of_o christ_n disciple_n have_v see_v which_o indeed_o be_v the_o reason_n that_o our_o saviour_n tell_v they_o bless_a be_v your_o eye_n for_o they_o see_v and_o your_o ear_n for_o they_o hear_v for_o very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o that_o many_o prophet_n and_o righteous_a man_n have_v desire_v to_o see_v those_o thing_n which_o you_o see_v and_o have_v not_o see_v they_o and_o to_o hear_v those_o thing_n which_o you_o hear_v and_o have_v not_o hear_v they_o matth._n 13._o 16_o 17._o now_o all_o this_o evident_o suppose_v the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n and_o all_o the_o other_o marvellous_a event_n which_o serve_v for_o a_o confirmation_n of_o our_o holy_a religion_n what_o he_o also_o say_v himself_o concern_v blasphemy_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v altogether_o strange_a and_o very_a surprise_v nay_o the_o very_a name_n he_o give_v to_o that_o sin_n imply_v something_o in_o itself_o singular_a and_o extraordinary_a for_o no_o body_n before_o he_o ever_o express_v himself_o after_o this_o manner_n man_n be_v not_o ignorant_a that_o sin_v against_o god_n be_v a_o very_a great_a crime_n but_o they_o have_v no_o knowledge_n of_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n much_o less_o be_v they_o satisfy_v if_o there_o be_v any_o harm_n in_o blaspheme_v against_o he_o this_o unusual_a language_n necessary_o proceed_v from_o a_o new_a revelation_n and_o from_o new_a and_o different_a object_n not_o see_v or_o hear_v of_o before_o for_o the_o jew_n know_v not_o what_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v if_o we_o take_v that_o word_n in_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o evangelist_n nay_o there_o be_v some_o of_o they_o who_o though_o convert_v to_o the_o gopsel_n of_o christ_n yet_o still_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o true_a meaning_n of_o that_o expression_n in_o the_o mean_a while_n if_o we_o will_v but_o consult_v the_o write_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o therein_o the_o gospel_n the_o act_n of_o the_o holy_a apostle_n and_o the_o epistle_n of_o those_o great_a and_o extraordinary_a man_n they_o will_v present_o inform_v we_o that_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n must_v be_v understand_v in_o most_o of_o those_o place_n the_o extraordinary_a and_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n impart_v to_o the_o man_n of_o those_o day_n and_o that_o to_o blaspheme_n against_o he_o be_v downright_a blasphemy_n against_o that_o divine_a and_o glorious_a principle_n of_o all_o thing_n which_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o the_o perfection_n and_o miracle_n of_o christ_n and_o give_v such_o power_n unto_o men._n so_o that_o there_o be_v first_o in_o that_o text_n such_o a_o obscurity_n as_o prove_v that_o the_o evangelist_n can_v not_o have_v think_v of_o invent_v it_o have_v not_o christ_n himself_o real_o utter_v these_o very_a word_n and_o second_o it_o undeniable_o suppose_v the_o miraculous_a matter_n of_o fact_n the_o pharisee_n be_v wont_a to_o ascribe_v to_o the_o power_n of_o belzebub_n wherein_o indeed_o chief_o consist_v the_o blasphemy_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o like_a manner_n this_o text_n except_o a_o man_n be_v bear_v of_o water_n and_o of_o the_o spirit_n john_n 3._o 5._o imply_v a_o very_a puzzle_v difficulty_n because_o it_o be_v not_o usual_a former_o for_o man_n to_o express_v themselves_o after_o this_o manner_n it_o be_v a_o very_a difficult_a matter_n indeed_o to_o understand_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o that_o text_n but_o it_o be_v yet_o far_o more_o difficult_a to_o invent_v it_o and_o all_o the_o doctor_n in_o the_o world_n may_v put_v their_o head_n together_o and_o yet_o never_o be_v able_a to_o invent_v the_o like_a text._n above_o all_o it_o be_v not_o natural_a for_o the_o jew_n to_o invent_v any_o such_o thing_n because_o they_o have_v no_o such_o object_n among_o they_o as_o can_v fill_v up_o their_o mind_n with_o any_o such_o idea_n when_o we_o suppose_v the_o baptism_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n confer_v upon_o christ_n disciple_n we_o may_v then_o easy_o comprehend_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o that_o mysterious_a but_o very_o remarkable_a expression_n we_o may_v also_o add_v to_o this_o text_n that_o other_o which_o mention_n the_o baptism_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o of_o fire_n in_o like_a manner_n it_o please_v god_n in_o his_o wisdom_n that_o they_o who_o relate_v to_o we_o the_o history_n of_o christ_n resurrection_n shall_v tell_v we_o also_o some_o thing_n which_o we_o can_v at_o first_o view_n easy_o comprehend_v though_o they_o have_v a_o true_a and_o reasonable_a meaning_n on_o purpose_n to_o make_v we_o understand_v that_o as_o it_o be_v impossible_a those_o obscure_a and_o difficult_a say_n ascribe_v to_o he_o by_o they_o shall_v come_v of_o themselves_o into_o their_o thought_n have_v not_o he_o real_o speak_v they_o so_o consequent_o it_o can_v never_o be_v suppose_v that_o those_o man_n shall_v have_v forge_v the_o history_n of_o christ_n resurrection_n or_o their_o discourse_n with_o he_o after_o he_o be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a as_o for_o instance_n these_o word_n which_o he_o speak_v to_o mary_n touch_v i_o not_o for_o i_o be_o not_o yet_o ascend_v to_o my_o father_n john_n 20._o 17._o we_o can_v make_v almost_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o such_o remark_n as_o these_o which_o though_o they_o can_v come_v up_o to_o a_o evident_a demonstration_n yet_o be_v very_o proper_a to_o make_v we_o sensible_a of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n we_o be_v now_o speak_v of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o the_o disciple_n will_v further_o appear_v by_o the_o great_a number_n of_o circumstance_n with_o which_o their_o narrative_n be_v fill_v some_o whereof_o be_v so_o singular_a that_o they_o can_v easy_o enter_v into_o any_o man_n mind_n and_o other_o so_o unbecoming_a their_o master_n or_o disadvantageous_a to_o themselves_o that_o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o probability_n they_o can_v have_v any_o desire_n to_o forge_v they_o other_o be_v so_o inseparable_o unite_v with_o those_o event_n which_o must_v necessary_o have_v be_v well_o know_v that_o they_o dare_v not_o so_o much_o as_o think_v of_o forge_v they_o against_o the_o public_a knowledge_n every_o body_n must_v have_v have_v of_o they_o as_o we_o have_v already_o prove_v at_o large_a but_o last_o it_o be_v not_o our_o present_a design_n to_o insist_v pure_o upon_o probable_a reason_n though_o never_o so_o probable_a and_o sufficient_a of_o themselves_o to_o form_v a_o true_a and_o perfect_a demonstration_n when_o join_v together_o i_o therefore_o proceed_v to_o that_o which_o be_v in_o itself_o whole_o demonstrative_a now_o the_o whole_a demonstration_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n depend_v upon_o this_o argument_n namely_o that_o the_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n of_o christ_n sincere_o believe_v his_o miracle_n resurrection_n ascension_n and_o the_o effusion_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n whence_o it_o follow_v that_o all_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v most_o certain_o true_a we_o have_v already_o give_v a_o invincible_a proof_n of_o the_o consequence_n of_o this_o argument_n by_o show_v that_o it_o be_v impossible_a the_o disciple_n shall_v have_v be_v impose_v upon_o in_o all_o these_o matter_n of_o fact_n that_o though_o they_o may_v have_v be_v deceive_v in_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n yet_o they_o can_v not_o be_v impose_v upon_o in_o his_o resurrection_n that_o though_o they_o shall_v have_v be_v impose_v upon_o in_o his_o resurrection_n yet_o they_o can_v not_o be_v deceive_v in_o his_o ascension_n and_o that_o though_o they_o shall_v have_v be_v deceive_v in_o his_o ascension_n yet_o they_o can_v not_o be_v so_o too_o in_o the_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o be_v matter_n of_o fact_n that_o they_o know_v by_o inward_a sense_n and_o continual_a experience_n i_o prove_v also_o the_o principle_n of_o this_o argument_n viz._n that_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n sincere_o believe_v all_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n by_o the_o same_o gradation_n i_o say_v then_o that_o the_o disciple_n can_v not_o impose_v upon_o man_n as_o to_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n not_o only_o because_o they_o assert_v they_o at_o the_o expense_n of_o their_o own_o
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 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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
such_o a_o deep_a penetration_n of_o mind_n and_o attempt_v to_o exalt_v man_n above_o himself_o by_o infatuate_a he_o with_o the_o conceit_n of_o his_o own_o wisdom_n but_o god_n who_o know_v best_a what_o remedy_n be_v most_o proper_a for_o we_o have_v give_v we_o a_o religion_n which_o satisfy_v the_o heart_n without_o corrupt_v the_o understanding_n and_o enlarge_v the_o understanding_n without_o corrupt_v the_o heart_n and_o that_o because_o it_o satisfy_v and_o yet_o mortify_v it_o enlighten_v and_o yet_o confound_v the_o understanding_n if_o to_o the_o understanding_n several_a great_a and_o sublime_a truth_n be_v reveal_v it_o have_v not_o therefore_o any_o pretence_n to_o exalt_v itself_o because_o it_o know_v that_o knowledge_n to_o be_v above_o its_o capacity_n and_o owe_v it_o only_o to_o revelation_n if_o the_o heart_n find_v the_o object_n of_o religion_n answerable_a to_o its_o infinite_a desire_n it_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o be_v puff_v up_o by_o they_o because_o those_o object_n destroy_v its_o darling_n passion_n and_o vicious_a inclination_n so_o that_o the_o only_a mean_n to_o enlighten_v and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n humble_a our_o understanding_n be_v to_o intermix_v some_o obscurity_n with_o the_o light_n of_o revelation_n and_o the_o only_a way_n to_o satisfy_v the_o heart_n and_o prevent_v its_o be_v puff_v up_o be_v to_o qualify_v some_o sorrowful_a and_o mortify_a duty_n with_o the_o extraordinary_a promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n thus_o the_o severity_n of_o christian_a morality_n and_o the_o obscurity_n of_o its_o mystery_n be_v two_o different_a mean_n which_o god_n have_v make_v use_n of_o to_o enlighten_v the_o understanding_n without_o puff_v up_o the_o heart_n and_o to_o satisfy_v the_o desire_n of_o the_o heart_n without_o flatter_a those_o passion_n which_o corrupt_v the_o understanding_n which_o manifest_o show_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v not_o only_o the_o divine_a stamp_n upon_o it_o since_o it_o contain_v the_o true_a manner_n of_o reform_v and_o regulate_v the_o desire_n of_o man_n heart_n but_o also_o that_o the_o severity_n of_o the_o christian_a morality_n and_o the_o difficulty_n of_o its_o mystery_n which_o shock_n the_o incredulous_a most_o in_o the_o principle_n of_o christianity_n be_v purposely_o make_v use_n of_o by_o god_n in_o his_o eternal_a wisdom_n as_o the_o most_o proper_a mean_n to_o sanctify_v mankind_n which_o be_v the_o grand_a design_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n we_o have_v then_o here_o the_o two_o most_o essential_a and_o most_o important_a part_n of_o our_o religion_n its_o morality_n and_o mystery_n the_o latter_a be_v necessary_a in_o respect_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o former_a be_v the_o rule_n of_o those_o duty_n which_o god_n be_v please_v we_o shall_v perform_v as_o a_o mean_n to_o attain_v everlasting_a life_n it_o will_v be_v superfluous_a to_o lay_v down_o here_o at_o large_a what_o doctrine_n or_o precept_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o gospel_n because_o it_o have_v please_v god_n that_o we_o can_v pretend_v any_o ignorance_n of_o they_o and_o beside_o it_o be_v the_o truth_n of_o religion_n in_o general_n we_o be_v now_o treat_v of_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o speak_v here_o only_o of_o christian_a morality_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n in_o general_n as_o for_o the_o morality_n of_o christ_n it_o have_v so_o many_o remarkable_a character_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o reflect_v upon_o any_o of_o they_o without_o immediate_o acknowledge_v its_o divinity_n for_o i._o it_o be_v it_o seem_v a_o paradox_n to_o the_o sense_n to_o the_o heart_n to_o the_o mind_n and_o nature_n of_o man._n it_o be_v never_o before_o hear_v of_o or_o know_v that_o a_o man_n must_v take_v up_o his_o cross_n and_o think_v those_o bless_a that_o be_v poor_a in_o spirit_n that_o mourn_n and_o be_v persecute_v for_o righteousness_n sake_n that_o we_o must_v love_v our_o enemy_n and_o pray_v for_o they_o that_o shall_v revile_v and_o persecute_v we_o that_o we_o must_v not_o only_o comfort_v ourselves_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o our_o affliction_n and_o cross_n but_o also_o rejoice_v for_o be_v thus_o afflict_v and_o esteem_v our_o happiness_n and_o glory_n the_o great_a as_o our_o suffering_n be_v increase_v man_n i_o say_v have_v never_o such_o thought_n before_o and_o the_o puradox_n of_o the_o stoic_n be_v nothing_o to_o these_o for_o here_o we_o find_v to_o our_o great_a surprise_n that_o a_o few_o poor_a fisherman_n rustic_a in_o their_o speech_n preach_v such_o maxim_n abroad_o as_o be_v as_o far_o above_o the_o ordinary_a capacity_n of_o the_o understanding_n as_o they_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o affection_n and_o inclination_n of_o the_o heart_n ii_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o christian_a morality_n seem_v to_o be_v a_o very_a sad_a and_o mortify_a thing_n for_o it_o curb_v and_o restrain_v all_o our_o passion_n self-love_n repine_v at_o it_o voluptuousness_n can_v endure_v it_o pride_n be_v whole_o humble_v and_o mortify_v by_o it_o and_o those_o who_o seem_v to_o allow_v of_o it_o most_o can_v but_o private_o hate_v it_o when_o ever_o their_o heart_n be_v engage_v in_o any_o passion_n it_o have_v be_v often_o observe_v that_o there_o have_v be_v christian_n in_o all_o age_n who_o attempt_v to_o pervert_v the_o sense_n of_o it_o by_o put_v such_o gloss_n and_o interpretation_n upon_o it_o as_o be_v more_o conformable_a to_o their_o inclination_n than_o to_o the_o truth_n itself_o and_o by_o endeavour_v to_o extirpate_v it_o at_o least_o indirect_o when_o they_o dare_v not_o attempt_v it_o in_o a_o more_o open_a manner_n but_o let_v no_o man_n imagine_v that_o this_o morality_n be_v offer_v to_o the_o world_n under_o any_o disguise_n christ_n who_o among_o so_o many_o other_o wonderful_a character_n of_o his_o call_v have_v a_o very_a remarkable_a one_o and_o that_o be_v never_o to_o flatter_v the_o loose_a inclination_n of_o man_n plain_o declare_v that_o whosoever_o will_v be_v think_v his_o disciple_n must_v pluck_v out_o his_o eye_n and_o cut_v off_o his_o hand_n must_v hate_v himself_o deny_v himself_o nay_o even_o hate_v his_o own_o soul_n etc._n etc._n expression_n which_o explain_v one_o another_o and_o certify_v we_o that_o the_o pain_n and_o torment_n the_o observer_n of_o his_o morality_n must_v undergo_v be_v like_a unto_o those_o which_o man_n endure_v when_o they_o cut_v off_o their_o arm_n or_o pluck_v out_o their_o eye_n or_o be_v in_o a_o manner_n separate_v from_o themselves_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o all_o this_o like_o the_o cunning_a address_n and_o subtle_a management_n of_o man_n in_o the_o world_n when_o they_o endeavour_v to_o establish_v new_a doctrine_n and_o it_o evident_o appear_v that_o christ_n alone_o be_v a_o teacher_n come_v from_o god_n iii_o the_o better_a to_o comprehend_v this_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o all_o the_o principle_n of_o christian_a religion_n depend_v upon_o humility_n as_o their_o chief_a foundation_n for_o if_o we_o pretend_v to_o the_o qualification_n of_o christ_n disciple_n we_o must_v be_v meek_a single_a in_o heart_n poor_a in_o spirit_n weary_a and_o heavy_a lade_v little_a in_o our_o own_o conceit_n lamb_n little_a child_n in_o innocence_n and_o want_n of_o malice_n and_o servant_n of_o other_o men._n christ_n have_v unite_v two_o different_a quality_n before_o not_o easy_o reconcilable_a the_o humility_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o the_o light_n of_o the_o understanding_n charge_v we_o to_o be_v wise_a as_o serpent_n and_o harmless_a as_o dove_n it_o be_v manifest_a this_o union_n be_v necessary_a for_o the_o true_a sanctification_n of_o mankind_n a_o secret_a indeed_o man_n have_v not_o yet_o be_v able_a to_o find_v out_o there_o have_v be_v some_o who_o have_v forsake_v their_o interest_n and_o have_v be_v either_o burn_v or_o have_v their_o arm_n and_o hand_n cut_v off_o who_o dare_v encounter_v death_n itself_o support_v by_o pride_n and_o a_o vain_a hope_n of_o glory_n which_o they_o prefer_v before_o all_o thing_n but_o it_o be_v never_o know_v that_o man_n have_v so_o little_a self-love_n as_o to_o sacrifice_v their_o life_n unless_o at_o the_o same_o time_n they_o can_v make_v their_o name_n immortal_a such_o a_o miracle_n be_v only_o to_o be_v produce_v by_o the_o christian_a morality_n iv._o after_o what_o have_v be_v say_v we_o shall_v have_v less_o reason_n to_o wonder_v that_o this_o morality_n root_v up_o every_o vice_n since_o all_o vice_n proceed_v either_o from_o pride_n or_o voluptuousness_n this_o morality_n then_o which_o subvert_v the_o former_a by_o the_o severe_a mortification_n of_o repentance_n and_o destroy_v the_o latter_a by_o the_o idea_n it_o give_v we_o of_o the_o greatness_n and_o perfection_n of_o god_n as_o oppose_v to_o our_o wretchedness_n and_o misery_n i_o say_v this_o morality_n contain_v every_o thing_n absolute_o necessary_a to_o extirpate_v our_o vice_n in_o their_o first_o rise_n and_o
easy_o believe_v mystery_n though_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o dive_v into_o the_o manner_n of_o they_o 3_o dly_z this_o submission_n to_o god_n be_v so_o very_o reasonable_a that_o none_o but_o a_o man_n utter_o void_a of_o sense_n can_v be_v so_o stupid_a as_o not_o to_o perceive_v it_o for_o till_o we_o be_v endow_v with_o a_o infinite_a understanding_n we_o shall_v never_o be_v able_a to_o know_v but_o one_o side_n of_o thing_n and_o consequent_o we_o must_v necessary_o be_v for_o ever_o ignorant_a of_o the_o other_o 4_o thly_a it_o be_v very_o just_a and_o equitable_a if_o ever_o any_o thing_n be_v so_o and_o it_o aim_v at_o nothing_o but_o show_v we_o our_o ignorance_n and_o represent_v to_o we_o that_o be_v liable_a to_o be_v deceive_v we_o ought_v careful_o to_o follow_v revelation_n as_o a_o true_a and_o faithful_a guide_n we_o shall_v certain_o be_v extravagant_a proud_o to_o deny_v our_o own_o ignorance_n or_o impious_o suspect_v that_o god_n can_v deceive_v we_o when_o his_o design_n be_v to_o reveal_v his_o majesty_n to_o we_o v._o but_o what_o be_v chief_o to_o be_v observe_v for_o the_o honour_n of_o our_o religion_n what_o show_v the_o character_n of_o its_o divinity_n and_o force_v we_o to_o acknowledge_v they_o be_v that_o it_o teach_v we_o that_o to_o see_v clear_a into_o matter_n of_o religion_n we_o ought_v not_o to_o rely_v upon_o the_o light_n of_o our_o understanding_n and_o that_o we_o must_v lay_v aside_o the_o evidence_n of_o reason_n if_o we_o will_v be_v free_a from_o error_n in_o point_n of_o faith_n it_o be_v a_o wonderful_a effect_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o it_o render_v we_o happy_a by_o induce_v we_o to_o renounce_v ourselves_o and_o no_o less_o admirable_a that_o it_o enlighten_v our_o mind_n by_o oblige_v we_o to_o renounce_v our_o reason_n to_o look_v bold_o and_o steadfast_o upon_o mystery_n be_v the_o way_n to_o be_v blind_a whereas_o we_o shall_v easy_o perceive_v the_o light_n of_o god_n shine_v about_o we_o if_o we_o do_v but_o humble_o cast_v down_o our_o eye_n we_o shall_v be_v sufficient_o learn_v if_o we_o rest_v satisfy_v with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o what_o god_n have_v be_v please_v to_o reveal_v unto_o we_o and_o nothing_o more_o betray_v a_o universal_a ignorance_n than_o a_o insignificant_a desire_n to_o be_v ignorant_a of_o nothing_o in_o other_o science_n a_o man_n skill_n be_v measure_v by_o his_o knowledge_n but_o in_o that_o of_o salvation_n he_o be_v best_o instruct_v who_o be_v most_o humble_a he_o who_o have_v the_o least_o pride_n have_v the_o most_o understanding_n and_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o be_v easy_a we_o have_v already_o see_v that_o the_o nice_a speculation_n of_o reason_n about_o mystery_n do_v but_o more_o perplex_v and_o darken_v what_o be_v before_o obscure_a let_v we_o now_o see_v how_o much_o the_o submit_v our_o reason_n to_o faith_n make_v we_o have_v a_o clear_a insight_n into_o those_o mystery_n or_o at_o least_o how_o much_o it_o hinder_v our_o be_v confound_v by_o they_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o by_o continue_v in_o such_o a_o state_n of_o humility_n whatsoever_o difficulty_n may_v arise_v they_o will_v not_o have_v force_n enough_o to_o discompose_v our_o mind_n we_o shall_v not_o be_v surprise_v that_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o comprehend_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n or_o his_o manner_n of_o know_v love_a and_o act_v or_o his_o eternity_n immensity_n etc._n etc._n but_o we_o shall_v rather_o be_v ravish_v with_o admiration_n to_o think_v that_o we_o that_o be_v no_o better_a than_o worm_n or_o atom_n be_v yet_o think_v worthy_a to_o know_v he_o and_o raise_v to_o that_o pitch_n of_o glory_n as_o to_o have_v some_o prospect_n though_o but_o a_o faint_a one_o of_o his_o wondrous_a work_n and_o infinite_a perfection_n neither_o shall_v we_o have_v any_o reason_n to_o be_v offend_v because_o god_n former_o abandon_v the_o gentile_n and_o cast_v away_o other_o nation_n which_o still_o abide_v in_o profound_a ignorance_n and_o darkness_n though_o perhaps_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o nature_n so_o difficult_a or_o incomprehensible_a as_o the_o conduct_n of_o god_n but_o we_o shall_v rather_o reflect_v upon_o ourselves_o and_o endeavour_v to_o search_v into_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o own_o nature_n and_o upon_o such_o a_o consideration_n we_o shall_v find_v ourselves_o bury_v and_o swallow_v up_o if_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v in_o some_o corner_n of_o this_o vast_a universe_n and_o that_o too_o in_o such_o a_o time_n or_o conjuncture_n as_o be_v a_o mere_a point_n in_o comparison_n of_o that_o almost_o infinite_a duration_n of_o time_n which_o have_v elapse_v and_o that_o eternity_n which_o be_v still_o to_o pass_v away_o we_o shall_v only_o perceive_v a_o few_o year_n and_o a_o few_o nation_n which_o we_o ascribe_v to_o providence_n as_o its_o object_n as_o if_o that_o which_o preside_v over_o the_o whole_a creation_n be_v to_o be_v bound_v by_o a_o few_o age_n or_o nation_n but_o weak_a and_o foolish_a creature_n that_o we_o be_v we_o perceive_v not_o that_o infinite_a succession_n of_o object_n which_o take_v their_o turn_n and_o move_v on_o according_a to_o the_o decree_n of_o eternal_a wisdom_n we_o perceive_v not_o the_o strict_a union_n of_o this_o world_n with_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v or_o the_o share_n those_o nation_n who_o ignorance_n we_o so_o much_o deplore_v have_v in_o that_o continue_a chain_n of_o event_n nor_o the_o right_n which_o divine_a justice_n have_v over_o they_o or_o at_o least_o we_o have_v but_o a_o faint_a and_o imperfect_a knowledge_n of_o they_o we_o consider_v not_o that_o a_o thousand_o year_n be_v as_o one_o day_n and_o one_o day_n as_o a_o thousand_o year_n one_o nation_n as_o a_o hundred_o nation_n and_o a_o hundred_o nation_n as_o one_o nation_n in_o his_o sight_n who_o be_v able_a to_o create_v a_o infinite_a number_n of_o they_o out_o of_o nothing_o as_o he_o do_v we_o and_o in_o this_o we_o may_v be_v compare_v to_o those_o who_o lie_v in_o the_o bottom_n of_o a_o well_o will_v fain_o see_v the_o whole_a extent_n of_o the_o heaven_n be_v we_o true_o sensible_a of_o our_o wretched_a nature_n we_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o curious_a or_o inconsiderate_a but_o rather_o dread_a the_o fate_n of_o those_o man_n who_o be_v smite_v from_o above_o for_o have_v look_v into_o the_o ark_n of_o god_n we_o shall_v find_v out_o the_o falsity_n of_o those_o opinion_n which_o be_v the_o product_n of_o a_o rash_a curiosity_n and_o whilst_o we_o limit_v our_o inquiry_n by_o revelation_n we_o shall_v easy_o discern_v those_o that_o go_v beyond_o it_o we_o shall_v distinguish_v religion_n which_o mortisy_n we_o from_o superstition_n which_o flatter_v and_o agreeable_o delude_v we_o and_o however_o policy_n in_o the_o height_n of_o its_o pride_n may_v rank_v we_o among_o creature_n not_o much_o superior_a to_o brute_n we_o shall_v not_o cease_v to_o think_v ourselves_o the_o child_n of_o god_n no_o charm_n of_o eloquence_n shall_v impose_v upon_o our_o belief_n no_o idle_a nicety_n of_o grammar_n perplex_v that_o faith_n which_o depend_v upon_o the_o object_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v indeed_o too_o manifest_a in_o their_o nature_n too_o often_o repeat_v and_o close_o unite_v to_o the_o principle_n of_o common_a sense_n too_o well_o confirm_v and_o attest_v by_o their_o event_n too_o worthy_a of_o god_n himself_o and_o conduce_v too_o much_o to_o our_o sanctification_n to_o be_v ever_o call_v in_o question_n in_o a_o word_n we_o shall_v then_o shake_v off_o our_o incredulity_n when_o we_o remove_v that_o which_o excite_v within_o we_o a_o secret_a propension_n to_o it_o it_o be_v therefore_o certain_a that_o god_n have_v cover_v the_o mystery_n of_o religion_n with_o a_o sacred_a darkness_n and_o have_v even_o permit_v man_n to_o make_v they_o yet_o more_o obscure_a by_o their_o vain_a speculation_n but_o what_o at_o once_o give_v we_o wonder_n and_o consolation_n be_v that_o the_o deep_a philosopher_n and_o most_o curious_a enquirer_n see_v not_o always_o clear_a into_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n but_o those_o only_o who_o make_v least_o use_n of_o the_o force_n of_o their_o reason_n and_o forbear_v to_o inquire_v nice_o into_o those_o thing_n which_o it_o become_v they_o humble_o to_o believe_v this_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o opinion_n of_o christ_n himself_o who_o say_v to_o his_o father_n i_o thank_v thou_o o_o father_n lord_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n because_o thou_o have_v hide_v these_o thing_n from_o the_o wise_a and_o prudent_a and_o have_v reveal_v they_o unto_o babe_n mat._n 5._o 11._o and_o here_o indeed_o we_o can_v but_o tremble_v with_o reverence_n and_o admiration_n when_o we_o join_v this_o character_n of_o the_o divinity_n of_o our_o religion_n to_o the_o rest_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o we_o