proof_n to_o we_o than_o that_o oracular_a revelation_n for_o god_n speak_v but_o once_o in_o that_o voice_n but_o he_o speak_v by_o the_o prophet_n to_o the_o end_n of_o time_n that_o be_v more_o astonish_a but_o less_o instructive_a to_o we_o than_o prophecy_n that_o be_v continual_o unfold_v and_o verify_v by_o event_n before_o i_o finish_v this_o argument_n i_o will_v brief_o consider_v what_o be_v object_v against_o some_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n viz._n the_o trinity_n the_o divine_a incarnation_n the_o mean_a state_n and_o suffering_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n in_o the_o world_n these_o point_n have_v be_v oppose_v by_o the_o jew_n and_o other_o infidel_n as_o mere_a impossibility_n direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o reason_n of_o mankind_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v we_o must_v distinguish_v between_o what_o be_v incomprehensible_a to_o humane_a reason_n and_o what_o be_v repugnant_a to_o it_o between_o the_o thing_n which_o reason_n can_v perfect_o understand_v how_o they_o can_v be_v and_o the_o thing_n which_o it_o perfect_o understand_v that_o they_o can_v be_v natural_a light_n may_v not_o be_v able_a to_o discover_v the_o be_v of_o some_o thing_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o existence_n which_o real_o be_v but_o what_o it_o see_v to_o involve_v a_o contradiction_n be_v absolute_o impossible_a now_o there_o be_v no_o point_n in_o the_o whole_a complexion_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n that_o be_v repugnant_a to_o reason_n the_o unity_n and_o supreme_a equality_n of_o the_o three_o person_n in_o the_o godhead_n transcend_v our_o conception_n but_o reason_n can_v prove_v it_o to_o be_v impossible_a for_o the_o essence_n of_o god_n be_v not_o of_o the_o same_o condition_n with_o create_a substance_n so_o that_o although_o in_o the_o whole_a compass_n of_o the_o creature_n there_o be_v no_o like_a instance_n but_o one_o nature_n be_v always_o join_v with_o one_o subsistence_n yet_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v that_o the_o divine_a nature_n may_v not_o subsist_v in_o three_o person_n all_o the_o difficulty_n that_o be_v pretend_v to_o be_v invincible_a be_v this_o that_o the_o manner_n of_o it_o be_v incomprehensible_a and_o it_o be_v necessary_o so_o for_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o what_o be_v infinite_a shall_v be_v comprehend_v by_o a_o finite_a mind_n the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n wherein_o the_o essence_n of_o christianity_n consist_v be_v not_o contrary_a to_o reason_n indeed_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o the_o divine_a nature_n shall_v be_v substantial_o change_v into_o the_o humane_a nature_n and_o god_n cease_v to_o be_v god_n in_o become_a man_n but_o the_o union_n of_o the_o deity_n to_o the_o humane_a nature_n be_v not_o impossible_a for_o what_o repugnance_n be_v there_o either_o in_o respect_n of_o god_n or_o the_o creature_n be_v facientis_fw-la it_o impossible_a that_o the_o supreme_a goodness_n shall_v communicate_v itself_o in_o the_o strict_a degree_n of_o union_n to_o the_o reasonable_a creature_n or_o be_v the_o reasonable_a creature_n incapable_a to_o receive_v the_o high_a favour_n this_o be_v a_o great_a mystery_n but_o the_o divine_a omnipotence_n be_v not_o to_o be_v limit_v by_o our_o narrow_a thought_n it_o be_v most_o reasonable_a to_o believe_v that_o god_n can_v do_v what_o we_o can_v discover_v how_o it_o be_v perform_v 6._o seneca_n prudent_o observe_v that_o extraordinary_a effect_n in_o nature_n be_v unaccountable_a to_o we_o as_o to_o their_o immediate_a proper_a cause_n whilst_o we_o only_o consider_v the_o usual_a principle_n by_o which_o it_o work_v nay_o in_o the_o most_o common_a work_n of_o nature_n how_o many_o thing_n be_v so_o perceptible_a to_o sense_n that_o none_o be_v so_o stupid_a as_o to_o deny_v they_o yet_o imperceptible_a to_o reason_n as_o to_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o production_n who_o understand_v the_o admirable_a conjunction_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o body_n in_o man_n how_o two_o metal_n of_o so_o precious_a and_o so_o base_a alloy_n gold_n and_o lead_n a_o spirit_n and_o matter_n the_o one_o celestial_a the_o other_o earthly_a shall_v so_o strict_o combine_v and_o notwithstanding_o such_o diversity_n in_o their_o nature_n and_o property_n embrace_v with_o such_o concord_n in_o their_o inclination_n now_o if_o the_o sharp_a eye_n fix_v with_o the_o great_a attention_n can_v discern_v the_o manner_n of_o this_o natural_a union_n when_o the_o thing_n be_v above_o all_o doubt_n can_v there_o be_v any_o pretence_n to_o disbelieve_v supernatural_a mystery_n because_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o comprehend_v how_o they_o be_v effect_v 3._o there_o be_v infallible_a proof_n that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v send_v from_o god_n to_o make_v know_v his_o compassionate_a counsel_n for_o the_o salvation_n of_o man_n the_o consequence_n be_v clear_a and_o necessary_a that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o his_o gospel_n be_v to_o be_v receive_v though_o never_o so_o incomprehensible_a to_o the_o natural_a understanding_n there_o be_v no_o demonstration_n more_o sure_a than_o the_o principle_n of_o faith_n god_n have_v declare_v so_o therefore_o it_o be_v true_a it_o be_v injurious_a to_o his_o honour_n to_o require_v any_o other_o proof_n of_o his_o word_n than_o his_o word_n it_o be_v incomparable_o more_o certain_a that_o god_n can_v deceive_v we_o than_o that_o our_o understanding_n be_v not_o deceive_v now_o what_o be_v the_o main_a subject_n of_o the_o gospel_n it_o instruct_v we_o that_o the_o word_n be_v god_n and_o the_o word_n be_v make_v flesh._n can_v there_o be_v a_o more_o plain_a declaration_n who_o jesus_n christ_n be_v that_o we_o may_v conceive_v aright_o of_o his_o nature_n his_o virtue_n his_o prerogative_n and_o merit_n it_o be_v not_o possible_a without_o violence_n to_o interpret_v the_o word_n otherwise_o than_o they_o plain_o signify_v that_o a_o divine_a be_v assume_v the_o humane_a nature_n and_o be_v god-man_n this_o be_v also_o declare_v by_o jesus_n christ._n for_o when_o the_o jew_n suppose_v he_o to_o be_v a_o mere_a man_n tax_v he_o for_o the_o violation_n of_o the_o sabbath_n in_o his_o do_v a_o miraculous_a cure_n on_o that_o day_n he_o reply_v to_o their_o exception_n my_o father_n work_v hitherto_o and_o i_o work_v that_o be_v as_o god_n be_v not_o subject_a to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o sabbath_n but_o uninterrupted_o do_v the_o work_n of_o his_o merciful_a providence_n so_o i_o his_o son_n work_v in_o all_o time_n without_o limitation_n this_o expression_n the_o jew_n true_o understand_v to_o import_v no_o less_o than_o a_o equality_n with_o god_n a_o son_n be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o his_o father_n and_o therefore_o charge_v he_o with_o blasphemy_n our_o saviour_n allow_v their_o interpretation_n but_o vindicate_v it_o from_o impiety_n by_o a_o further_o declare_v his_o communion_n with_o god_n in_o his_o will_n and_o power_n that_o he_o perform_v divine_a work_n that_o he_o may_v receive_v the_o same_o divine_a honour_n as_o the_o father_n have_v and_o shall_v we_o not_o believe_v this_o testimony_n that_o jesus_n christ_n give_v of_o himself_o do_v not_o the_o trinit_fw-la word_n understand_v the_o meaning_n of_o his_o own_o expression_n can_v truth_n deceive_v be_v it_o possible_a for_o wisdom_n to_o speak_v improper_o be_v power_n defective_a and_o unable_a to_o declare_v what_o it_o will_v have_v we_o to_o understand_v how_o unreasonable_a be_v it_o then_o to_o object_v how_o can_v this_o be_v what_o pride_n be_v it_o to_o rebel_v against_o the_o divine_a revelation_n what_o obstinacy_n to_o remain_v unsatisfied_a unless_o we_o discover_v how_o term_n so_o distant_a in_o themselves_o the_o high_a be_v god_n and_o the_o low_a in_o the_o sphere_n of_o rational_a being_n man_n shall_v be_v so_o strict_o unite_v how_o they_o shall_v be_v so_o intimate_o join_v without_o confusion_n of_o nature_n in_o one_o person_n that_o it_o be_v true_o say_v god_n be_v humble_v to_o the_o form_n of_o a_o servant_n and_o man_n be_v raise_v to_o the_o right-hand_a of_o god_n here_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o subject_v our_o noble_a faculty_n the_o understanding_n to_o divine_a revelation_n in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o disposure_n of_o providence_n it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o check_v presumptuous_a curiosity_n that_o god_n be_v the_o author_n i_o shall_v add_v one_o consideration_n more_o if_o jesus_n christ_n be_v not_o what_o he_o declare_v himself_o to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n he_o be_v a_o most_o impious_a man._n for_o it_o be_v impiety_n in_o the_o supreme_a degree_n for_o any_o in_o the_o pure_a order_n of_o creature_n to_o assume_v divine_a honour_n but_o the_o quality_n of_o his_o doctrine_n and_o sanctity_n of_o his_o life_n infinite_o clear_v he_o from_o such_o a_o vile_a charge_n for_o be_v it_o conceivable_a that_o a_o person_n guilty_a of_o the_o high_a even_o sacrilegious_a pride_n shall_v be_v a_o instructor_n of_o the_o most_o
neglect_v he_o all_o their_o glitter_a action_n be_v but_o a_o weak_a counterfeit_n a_o dead_a resemblance_n of_o real_a virtue_n in_o their_o most_o eminent_a public_a work_v the_o praise_n of_o man_n be_v their_o arch._n ultimate_a design_n and_o as_o some_o appear_v bold_a from_o fear_n they_o be_v virtuous_a from_o vanity_n if_o god_n be_v not_o the_o principle_n the_o motive_n and_o the_o end_n of_o what_o we_o do_v there_o be_v want_v the_o essential_a ingredient_n of_o moral_a goodness_n now_o all_o these_o precept_n shine_v with_o their_o native_a light_n and_o carry_v such_o evidence_n of_o their_o rectitude_n that_o our_o obedience_n may_v come_v from_o a_o ingenuous_a filial_a spirit_n satisfy_v with_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o our_o heavenly_a father_n command_n and_o not_o be_v servile_a only_o perform_v to_o the_o absolute_a will_n of_o a_o master_n and_o can_v there_o be_v a_o more_o convince_a proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n of_o its_o divine_a descent_n than_o the_o image_n of_o god_n holiness_n so_o clear_o impress_v upon_o it_o add_v further_o these_o precept_n be_v deliver_v with_o that_o plainness_n and_o so_o proportion_v to_o the_o capacity_n of_o all_o and_o yet_o with_o that_o sovereign_a authority_n that_o it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o believe_v that_o god_n himself_o speak_v and_o it_o become_v man_n to_o hear_v with_o reverence_n and_o submission_n the_o gospel_n be_v without_o the_o ornament_n of_o art_n yet_o its_o sweet_a facility_n be_v temper_v with_o that_o majesty_n that_o it_o be_v a_o sensible_a character_n that_o divine_a wisdom_n compose_v it_o 3._o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v so_o worthy_a of_o god_n and_o suitable_a to_o the_o want_n and_o desire_n of_o man_n that_o it_o be_v perfect_o reasonable_a to_o assent_v to_o their_o truth_n and_o goodness_n this_o will_v appear_v by_o a_o particular_a consideration_n of_o they_o 1._o the_o promise_n of_o pardon_n to_o penitent_a believer_n and_o in_o this_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v the_o condition_n and_o the_o ground_n of_o its_o assurance_n to_o we_o the_o condition_n be_v repentance_n and_o faith_n 1._o repentance_n be_v a_o peculiar_a command_n and_o privilege_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o law_n consider_v in_o itself_o do_v not_o admit_v of_o it_o nor_o give_v the_o least_o hope_n of_o pardon_n for_o it_o suppose_v man_n in_o the_o integrity_n of_o nature_n and_o according_o direct_v he_o how_o to_o please_v god_n and_o preserve_v his_o love_n but_o propound_v no_o mean_n of_o reconciliation_n after_o a_o offence_n there_o be_v no_o seed_n of_o grace_n to_o temper_v its_o rigour_n but_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o declaration_n of_o mercy_n to_o the_o guilty_a and_o miserable_a upon_o such_o term_n as_o god_n may_v be_v capable_a to_o give_v pardon_n and_o man_n qualify_v to_o receive_v it_o it_o be_v not_o more_o true_a that_o god_n be_v the_o judge_n of_o the_o world_n and_o that_o all_o man_n shall_v appear_v before_o his_o tribunal_n than_o that_o sin_n without_o repentance_n shall_v not_o escape_v punishment_n to_o forgive_v the_o unreformed_a sinner_n will_v stain_v his_o pure_a perfection_n the_o inviolable_a beauty_n of_o his_o holiness_n the_o incorruptible_a rectitude_n of_o his_o justice_n such_o lenity_n will_v have_v a_o pernicious_a influence_n on_o the_o corrupt_a world_n by_o encourage_v man_n to_o sin_n without_o fear_n and_o outrageous_o to_o break_v his_o law_n in_o confidence_n of_o pardon_n therefore_o in_o the_o evangelical_n promise_v repentance_n and_o remission_n of_o sin_n be_v inseparable_o join_v repentance_n be_v a_o preparative_n in_o order_n to_o our_o receive_n divine_a mercy_n and_o a_o strong_a preservative_n against_o sin_n for_o time_n to_o come_v the_o remembrance_n of_o those_o sorrow_n and_o fear_n the_o anxiety_n and_o indignation_n against_o himself_o that_o sin_n cause_v in_o a_o true_a penitent_n will_v make_v he_o jealous_a for_o the_o future_a of_o his_o heart_n and_o circumspect_a against_o all_o temptation_n that_o may_v betray_v he_o as_o one_o that_o have_v narrow_o escape_v consume_v by_o fire_n retain_v the_o idea_n of_o his_o danger_n so_o deep_o impress_v on_o his_o mind_n that_o upon_o any_o new_a occasion_n his_o ancient_a fear_n revive_v and_o make_v he_o very_o watchful_a beside_o the_o apprehension_n of_o just_a and_o eternal_a vengeance_n make_v the_o mercy_n of_o god_n so_o admirable_a the_o sense_n of_o his_o tender_a compassion_n so_o sweet_a that_o a_o humble_a believer_n can_v forget_v or_o neglect_v it_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n in_o this_o way_n be_v not_o only_o a_o engagement_n but_o a_o infallible_a cause_n of_o fear_v to_o offend_v a_o god_n so_o great_a and_o good_a and_o faith_n be_v a_o qualification_n as_o requisite_a for_o the_o obtain_n pardon_n that_o be_v a_o cordial_a entire_a receive_v jesus_n christ_n as_o he_o be_v present_v to_o we_o in_o the_o gospel_n to_o resign_v our_o mind_n to_o his_o doctrine_n as_o our_o prophet_n to_o have_v reliance_n on_o his_o sacrifice_n and_o mediation_n as_o our_o priest_n to_o yield_v universal_a cheerful_a and_o constant_a obedience_n to_o he_o as_o our_o king_n and_o how_o congruous_a be_v it_o that_o all_o who_o receive_v so_o unvaluable_a a_o benefit_n as_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n shall_v thus_o honour_v he_o who_o procure_v it_o and_o the_o gospel_n afford_v the_o strong_a assurance_n that_o god_n be_v most_o willing_a to_o pardon_v humble_a and_o contrite_a sinner_n this_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o relief_n and_o ease_n of_o true_a penitent_n for_o when_o the_o enlighten_v conscience_n reflect_v upon_o the_o number_n and_o enormity_n of_o its_o sin_n the_o presumption_n in_o commit_v they_o it_o be_v ready_a to_o be_v swallow_v up_o with_o despair_n of_o recover_v the_o lose_a favour_n of_o god_n it_o can_v devise_v any_o mean_n how_o to_o appease_v his_o incense_a majesty_n and_o satisfy_v violate_v justice_n how_o a_o rebel_n shall_v become_v his_o son_n how_o one_o condemn_v to_o everlasting_a punishment_n shall_v be_v restore_v to_o the_o unfading_a inheritance_n of_o life_n the_o case_n be_v most_o intricate_a and_o hopeless_a now_o the_o gospel_n propound_v mean_n of_o universal_a sovereign_a efficacy_n to_o reconcile_v god_n to_o we_o the_o most_o precious_a blood_n of_o his_o son_n offer_v up_o a_o sacrifice_n to_o expiate_v sin_n this_o sprinkle_v all_o nation_n and_o in_o all_o age_n retain_v a_o undecay_a virtue_n this_o afford_v solid_a and_o everlasting_a comfort_n to_o all_o sensible_a return_v sinner_n 2._o the_o send_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n to_o renew_v we_o according_a to_o his_o image_n and_o to_o confirm_v we_o against_o temptation_n in_o this_o mortal_a life_n be_v another_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o most_o requisite_a to_o make_v we_o capable_a to_o serve_v and_o enjoy_v he_o a_o happy_a temper_n of_o nature_n the_o precept_n of_o philosophy_n virtuous_a example_n the_o severity_n of_o humane_a law_n be_v not_o powerful_a to_o regenerate_v a_o man_n and_o transform_v he_o into_o a_o new_a creature_n they_o may_v restrain_v the_o exorbitancy_n of_o carnal_a appetite_n but_o can_v thorough_o change_v the_o mind_n and_o affection_n be_v there_o any_o vital_a spark_n within_o any_o seed_n of_o holiness_n in_o man_n corrupt_a nature_n such_o assistance_n may_v cherish_v it_o but_o he_o be_v dead_a to_o the_o true_o spritual_a life_n though_o not_o to_o the_o mere_o moral_a and_o no_o less_o than_o a_o omnipotent_a efficacy_n can_v produce_v a_o new_a spring_n of_o life_n a_o divine_a nature_n the_o principle_n of_o willing_a obedience_n to_o god_n and_o after_o conversion_n while_o in_o the_o state_n of_o trial_n here_o the_o best_a be_v subject_n to_o innumerable_a surprise_v by_o their_o own_o frailty_n and_o expose_v to_o new_a danger_n every_o hour_n by_o temptation_n that_o foment_n and_o heighten_v the_o relic_n of_o sin_n in_o they_o so_o that_o without_o supernatural_a assistance_n they_o will_v be_v quite_o discourage_v and_o foil_v by_o the_o enemy_n that_o war_n against_o the_o soul_n now_o in_o the_o gospel_n god_n have_v promise_v to_o give_v the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o those_o that_o ask_v it_o in_o the_o most_o hazardous_a and_o difficult_a conflict_n he_o assure_v those_o who_o ardent_o address_v themselves_o to_o he_o for_o help_v that_o his_o grace_n shall_v be_v sufficient_a for_o they_o 3._o the_o gospel_n contain_v many_o gracious_a promise_n with_o respect_n to_o supply_v the_o want_n and_o give_v support_n and_o refreshment_n under_o the_o trouble_n of_o the_o present_a life_n temporal_a blessing_n be_v in_o the_o low_a rank_n of_o good_a thing_n and_o be_v promise_v as_o they_o shall_v be_v desire_v subordinate_o to_o our_o chief_a good_a first_o seek_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o righteousness_n thereof_o and_o all_o other_o thing_n shall_v be_v add_v say_v our_o saviour_n and_o to_o relieve_v we_o
and_o honour_v by_o man_n proportionable_o to_o the_o cure_n that_o be_v receive_v from_o he_o how_o much_o more_o when_o do_v by_o a_o undoubted_a miracle_n of_o this_o the_o people_n the_o numerous_a spectator_n be_v so_o convince_v that_o they_o say_v when_o christ_n come_v the_o expect_a deliverer_n will_v he_o do_v more_o miracle_n than_o these_o which_o this_o man_n have_v do_v the_o pharisee_n themselves_o can_v not_o deny_v the_o effect_n but_o will_v not_o acknowledge_v the_o true_a cause_n envy_n be_v more_o powerful_a in_o their_o breast_n than_o the_o clear_a evidence_n therefore_o to_o invalidate_v his_o authority_n they_o ascribe_v some_o of_o his_o wonderful_a work_n to_o the_o prince_n of_o devil_n but_o this_o pretence_n be_v so_o void_a of_o all_o reason_n and_o full_a of_o impiety_n that_o nothing_o but_o inveterate_a malice_n can_v suggest_v it_o for_o will_v the_o devil_n destroy_v his_o own_o kingdom_n be_v he_o such_o a_o lover_n of_o holiness_n as_o to_o authorise_v the_o most_o perfect_a master_n of_o it_o by_o a_o compliance_n with_o his_o will_n those_o proud_a spirit_n be_v servile_a only_o in_o appearance_n and_o when_o they_o suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v command_v by_o man_n it_o be_v always_o with_o design_n to_o establish_v and_o increase_v their_o own_o dominion_n therefore_o the_o most_o famous_a sorcerer_n observe_v some_o rite_n by_o the_o devil_n prescription_n and_o in_o the_o use_n of_o they_o acknowledge_v his_o power_n but_o our_o saviour_n have_v a_o sovereign_a empire_n over_o they_o and_o eject_v they_o not_o only_o from_o the_o body_n but_o from_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n subdue_a by_o his_o holy_a doctrine_n the_o power_n of_o sin_n wherein_o the_o kingdom_n of_o satan_n consist_v from_o hence_o he_o argue_v if_o i_o by_o the_o finger_n of_o god_n cast_v out_o devil_n then_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n come_v unto_o you_o and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o he_o charge_v they_o with_o self-condemning_a obstinancy_n for_o if_o the_o gentile_n be_v inexcusable_a for_o not_o acknowledge_v and_o honour_v god_n so_o clear_o manifest_v in_o the_o work_v of_o nature_n the_o jew_n be_v as_o inexcusable_a for_o reject_v jesus_n christ_n so_o powerful_o declare_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n by_o supernatural_a operation_n add_v further_o that_o in_o his_o low_a state_n when_o he_o seem_v to_o be_v utter_o forsake_v of_o god_n yet_o than_o his_o innocency_n and_o the_o divinity_n of_o his_o person_n be_v miraculous_o testify_v for_o at_o his_o death_n even_o insensible_a nature_n as_o if_o it_o have_v be_v capable_a of_o knowledge_n and_o affection_n be_v in_o the_o most_o astonish_a disorder_n as_o resent_v the_o passion_n of_o its_o lord_n the_o sun_n be_v eclipse_v in_o a_o time_n and_o place_n against_o all_o possibility_n of_o nature_n for_o the_o moon_n be_v then_o in_o opposition_n to_o it_o and_o manner_n in_o its_o full_a and_o in_o a_o instant_n past_o a_o half_a circle_n of_o the_o heaven_n to_o interpose_v between_o the_o body_n of_o the_o sun_n and_o the_o earth_n that_o the_o air_n at_o noon_n day_n be_v darken_a as_o at_o midnight_n this_o compel_v the_o roman_a centurion_n to_o acknowledge_v that_o he_o that_o suffer_v be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o grave_n be_v a_o visible_a argument_n to_o confirm_v his_o doctrine_n for_o that_o god_n will_v not_o exert_v his_o extraordinary_a power_n to_o confirm_v a_o false_a doctrine_n in_o a_o matter_n of_o infinite_a moment_n that_o so_o near_o concern_v his_o own_o glory_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o man_n there_o be_v sufficient_a assurance_n from_o his_o wisdom_n truth_n &_o goodness_n be_v there_o ever_o any_o prince_n that_o will_v permit_v a_o usurper_n in_o his_o own_o presence_n to_o make_v use_n of_o his_o royal_a seal_n to_o authorise_v by_o commission_n his_o subject_n to_o rebel_v against_o he_o and_o will_v god_n have_v suffer_v a_o deceiver_n to_o work_v miracle_n and_o thereby_o obtain_v divine_a honour_n from_o man_n the_o incommunicable_a right_n of_o the_o deity_n nay_o it_o have_v not_o be_v a_o bare_a permission_n but_o a_o positive_a act_n of_o god_n himself_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o any_o other_o shall_v do_v they_o or_o will_v god_n who_o be_v the_o prime_a verity_n work_v miracle_n to_o give_v credit_n to_o a_o lie_n and_o violate_v the_o honour_n of_o his_o eternal_a most_o perfect_a veracity_n or_o be_v it_o consistent_a with_o his_o infinite_a goodness_n to_o make_v a_o delusion_n so_o strong_a that_o the_o most_o sincere_a will_v be_v in_o great_a danger_n to_o be_v overcome_v by_o it_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n urge_v it_o as_o a_o uncontrollable_a argument_n of_o our_o saviour_n divine_a mission_n you_o man_n of_o israel_n hear_v these_o word_n jesus_n of_o nazareth_n a_o man_n approve_v of_o god_n among_o you_o by_o miracle_n and_o wonder_n and_o sign_n which_o god_n do_v by_o he_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o you_o as_o you_o yourselves_o also_o know_v these_o be_v proof_n of_o the_o great_a vigour_n to_o induce_v the_o world_n to_o believe_v that_o he_o come_v from_o god_n to_o make_v know_v his_o counsel_n for_o the_o recovery_n of_o lose_v undo_v mankind_n it_o be_v say_v by_o libertine_n that_o the_o heathen_n tell_v miraculous_a story_n to_o confirm_v their_o religion_n that_o their_o hero_n descend_v in_o a_o right_a line_n from_o some_o deity_n and_o not_o to_o instance_n in_o many_o particular_n they_o boast_v of_o apollonius_n tyanaeus_n as_o one_o that_o vie_v with_o christ_n himself_o in_o wonderful_a work_n but_o this_o objection_n be_v easy_o refute_v for_o if_o paganism_n have_v a_o miraculous_a power_n attend_v it_o why_o do_v it_o not_o make_v use_n of_o it_o to_o discredit_v that_o power_n that_o authorize_v christianity_n in_o the_o time_n it_o make_v fierce_a war_n against_o it_o if_o equal_a to_o it_o in_o divine_a power_n and_o incomparable_o superior_a in_o humane_a aid_n how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o the_o weak_a prove_v victorious_a and_o the_o strong_a be_v put_v to_o flight_n it_o be_v evident_a therefore_o the_o pretend_a miracle_n of_o paganism_n be_v work_n of_o the_o devil_n not_o to_o be_v compare_v with_o what_o be_v do_v by_o a_o almighty_a hand_n if_o it_o be_v again_o object_v that_o the_o relation_n of_o the_o miracle_n as_o perform_v by_o jesus_n christ_n be_v from_o his_o disciple_n who_o favour_v his_o person_n and_o cause_n and_o therefore_o may_v be_v just_o suspect_v i_o answer_v the_o vanity_n of_o the_o pretence_n be_v apparent_a for_o if_o they_o have_v artificial_o frame_v a_o narrative_a of_o extraordinary_a thing_n as_o do_v by_o he_o in_o that_o time_n wherein_o they_o write_v and_o in_o the_o view_n of_o many_o how_o easy_a have_v it_o be_v to_o expose_v they_o to_o the_o just_a scorn_n and_o hatred_n of_o all_o for_o their_o notorious_a falsehood_n and_o infatuate_v impudence_n but_o they_o be_v never_o accuse_v of_o this_o nay_o such_o be_v the_o number_n clearness_n and_o greatness_n of_o his_o miracle_n that_o the_o uncontrolled_a fame_n of_o they_o force_v his_o enemy_n in_o after-age_n to_o acknowledge_v their_o truth_n the_o jew_n in_o their_o talmud_n confess_v he_o do_v wonder_n but_o give_v such_o a_o ridiculous_a account_n of_o the_o mean_n by_o which_o they_o be_v do_v as_o betray_v the_o weakness_n of_o their_o reason_n and_o the_o strength_n of_o their_o malice_n against_o he_o and_o his_o apostle_n with_o their_o successor_n in_o preach_v the_o gospel_n wrought_v miracle_n so_o frequent_o in_o the_o face_n of_o many_o nation_n that_o those_o who_o be_v most_o obstinate_o averse_a from_o submit_v to_o it_o can_v not_o deny_v what_o be_v visible_a to_o thousand_o and_o that_o miraculous_a power_n they_o always_o ascribe_v to_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o colour_n for_o jealousy_n as_o if_o his_o miracle_n record_v in_o the_o gospel_n be_v not_o true_a but_o because_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o great_a principle_n upon_o which_o all_o christian_a hope_n depend_v i_o will_v show_v that_o we_o have_v all_o the_o rational_a assurance_n of_o it_o that_o it_o be_v capable_a of_o this_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o fact_n do_v many_o age_n past_a be_v to_o be_v prove_v by_o testimony_n and_o first_o it_o be_v worthy_a of_o observation_n that_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n be_v concern_v to_o authorise_v this_o manner_n of_o proof_n that_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a for_o the_o preserve_a humane_a society_n it_o be_v of_o little_a importance_n whether_o the_o truth_n of_o thing_n be_v discover_v in_o speculative_a science_n or_o the_o appearance_n of_o it_o deceive_v the_o inquirer_n it_o be_v no_o wrong_n to_o the_o commonwealth_n that_o a_o astronomer_n mistake_v in_o his_o dimension_n of_o the_o magnitude_n of_o the_o sun_n for_o his_o
error_n do_v not_o lessen_v its_o benign_a influence_n still_o it_o shine_v and_o cause_v the_o spring_n and_o autumn_n it_o be_v of_o little_a importance_n that_o a_o philosopher_n be_v deceive_v in_o his_o search_n after_o the_o principle_n of_o mix_a body_n for_o notwithstanding_o his_o mistake_n animal_n still_o live_v and_o move_v and_o perform_v all_o the_o function_n suitable_a to_o their_o nature_n but_o in_o judgement_n that_o respect_v matter_n of_o fact_n if_o the_o truth_n can_v be_v know_v by_o testimony_n the_o civil_a felicity_n can_v long_o subsist_v for_o the_o unjust_a distribution_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n be_v necessary_o ruinous_a to_o the_o be_v of_o the_o state_n and_o be_v it_o credible_a the_o divine_a providence_n that_o reach_v to_o the_o small_a part_n of_o the_o world_n in_o such_o a_o admirable_a manner_n shall_v leave_v the_o conduct_n of_o humane_a affair_n even_o of_o the_o great_a moment_n to_o a_o deceitful_a light_n and_o that_o after_o the_o most_o diligent_a search_n and_o caution_n have_v be_v use_v the_o result_n shall_v be_v only_o waver_v conjecture_n this_o imagination_n be_v extreme_o injurious_a to_o his_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n in_o particular_a if_o we_o consider_v the_o number_n and_o the_o quality_n of_o the_o witness_n of_o christ_n resurrection_n and_o the_o circumstance_n of_o their_o testimony_n we_o shall_v have_v so_o clear_a conviction_n of_o its_o truth_n as_o may_v induce_v we_o most_o firm_o to_o believe_v it_o i_o do_v not_o now_o speak_v of_o a_o divine_a faith_n that_o supernatural_a light_n that_o make_v we_o acquiesce_v in_o thing_n because_o god_n have_v reveal_v they_o but_o of_o a_o rational_a humane_a faith_n ground_v on_o just_a and_o powerful_a motive_n which_o be_v preparatory_a for_o the_o divine_a 1._o the_o law_n admit_v two_o witness_n as_o a_o competent_a number_n in_o cause_n of_o great_a moment_n of_o this_o there_o be_v many_o the_o approve_a integrity_n of_o a_o witness_n give_v weight_n to_o his_o testimony_n as_o on_o the_o contrary_a a_o know_a liar_n forfeit_v his_o credit_n so_o entire_o that_o he_o be_v not_o believe_v when_o he_o speak_v true_a when_o demades_n the_o orator_n address_v himself_o to_o the_o athenian_n i_o call_v all_o the_o god_n and_o goddess_n to_o witness_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o i_o shall_v say_v the_o athenian_n often_o abuse_v by_o his_o impudent_a lie_n present_o interrupt_v he_o and_o we_o call_v all_o the_o god_n and_o goddess_n to_o witness_v we_o will_v not_o believe_v you_o the_o bare_a word_n of_o a_o honest_a man_n in_o a_o important_a matter_n persuade_v more_o than_o the_o most_o exquisite_a oath_n and_o far-fetched_a imprecation_n by_o which_o a_o liar_n will_v give_v credit_n to_o his_o imposture_n now_o we_o have_v strong_a proof_n of_o the_o integrity_n of_o the_o apostle_n if_o a_o inflexible_a fidelity_n and_o constant_a truth_n be_v quality_n so_o remarkable_a in_o the_o community_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n that_o the_o pagan_a epist._n judge_n themselves_o be_v constrain_v to_o acknowledge_v it_o certain_o they_o be_v find_v more_o eminent_o in_o those_o by_o who_o doctrine_n and_o example_n they_o form_v themselves_o and_o as_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o possess_v this_o virtue_n so_o strict_o unite_v to_o justice_n in_o a_o excellent_a degree_n without_o have_v all_o the_o other_o so_o it_o be_v evident_a they_o be_v adorn_v with_o all_o moral_a virtue_n for_o their_o life_n be_v above_o the_o least_o reproach_n and_o charge_n of_o their_o implacable_a enemy_n so_o that_o they_o be_v fain_o to_o make_v express_a law_n against_o their_o profession_n to_o render_v they_o guilty_a in_o appearance_n beside_o the_o circumstance_n of_o their_o testimony_n make_v it_o very_o valuable_a 1._o it_o be_v not_o build_v on_o the_o report_n of_o other_o mere_a hear-say_n be_v very_o deceitful_a and_o often_o like_o a_o contagion_n pass_v from_o ear_n to_o ear_n and_o blast_v the_o reputation_n of_o the_o innocent_a with_o easy_a and_o credulous_a person_n but_o a_o testimony_n from_o sight_n make_v impression_n on_o the_o belief_n of_o wise_a consider_v men._n now_o we_o have_v undoubted_a assurance_n of_o christ_n resurrection_n from_o the_o clear_a and_o concurrent_a deposition_n of_o their_o sense_n what_o we_o have_v hear_v and_o what_o we_o have_v see_v with_o our_o eye_n and_o what_o we_o have_v handle_v of_o the_o word_n of_o life_n say_v the_o apostle_n st._n john_n 2._o the_o uniformity_n of_o their_o testimony_n render_v it_o convince_a if_o any_o material_a contradiction_n be_v between_o witness_n it_o be_v a_o infallible_a mark_n of_o their_o forgery_n but_o the_o apostle_n agree_v not_o only_o in_o the_o substance_n but_o in_o the_o particularity_n of_o the_o fact_n in_o vain_a porphiry_n and_o julian_n rack_v their_o wit_n to_o find_v some_o contrariety_n in_o their_o relation_n a_o impartial_a inquirer_n must_v acknowledge_v all_o their_o objection_n to_o be_v mere_a cavil_n and_o effect_n of_o malice_n 3._o there_o be_v no_o motive_n to_o corrupt_v they_o for_o the_o humane_a will_n be_v natural_o move_v either_o by_o attraction_n of_o some_o good_a or_o aversion_n from_o some_o evil._n a_o fiction_n be_v not_o maintain_v for_o pure_a love_n of_o itself_o but_o with_o respect_n to_o either_o of_o those_o object_n whether_o real_a or_o in_o appearance_n the_o roman_a history_n report_n that_o julius_n proculus_n solemn_o swear_v that_o he_o see_v romulus_n ascend_v to_o heaven_n but_o the_o motive_n of_o his_o imposture_n be_v visible_a for_o it_o be_v to_o prevent_v a_o great_a disorder_n among_o the_o people_n but_o it_o be_v very_o evident_a that_o nothing_o desirable_a in_o the_o world_n have_v the_o least_o influence_n upon_o the_o apostle_n nay_o on_o the_o contrary_a whatever_o be_v terrible_a to_o nature_n discourage_v they_o they_o suffer_v all_o temporal_a evil_n even_o death_n itself_o for_o this_o testimony_n and_o this_o last_o proof_n confirm_v all_o the_o other_o they_o be_v call_v martyr_n by_o way_n of_o excellency_n who_o have_v seal_v the_o truth_n with_o their_o blood_n now_o what_o can_v be_v add_v to_o give_v we_o full_a and_o entire_a faith_n in_o their_o testimony_n in_o great_a and_o difficult_a case_n suspect_a person_n be_v put_v to_o torture_n for_o the_o discovery_n of_o truth_n the_o apostle_n be_v try_v by_o the_o sharp_a suffering_n yet_o declare_v the_o resurrection_n of_o their_o divine_a master_n with_o unfainting_a perseverance_n what_o shadow_n of_o doubt_n can_v remain_v after_o such_o clear_a evidence_n of_o their_o sincerity_n let_v sober_a reason_n judge_v whether_o the_o matter_n be_v capable_a of_o proof_n more_o strong_a and_o convince_a if_o it_o be_v say_v they_o be_v deceive_v with_o a_o illusion_n either_o be_v distemper_v or_o in_o a_o dream_n both_o the_o pretence_n be_v most_o absurd_a and_o incredible_a for_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o external_n sense_n may_v be_v infallible_o discern_v by_o their_o proper_a character_n from_o those_o of_o the_o imagination_n indeed_o if_o the_o mind_n be_v in_o disorder_n either_o from_o some_o more_o fix_v and_o tenacious_a cause_n or_o from_o sleep_n the_o influence_n of_o reason_n be_v suspend_v or_o only_o some_o faint_a ray_n appear_v and_o be_v sudden_o extingush_v so_o that_o it_o can_v make_v no_o true_a judgement_n of_o thing_n in_o this_o state_n the_o imagination_n draw_v all_o the_o vigour_n of_o the_o soul_n to_o itself_o and_o the_o phantasm_n be_v make_v so_o bright_a by_o the_o heat_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o brain_n that_o those_o paint_a scene_n seem_v to_o be_v as_o real_a as_o the_o substantial_a object_n we_o see_v hear_v and_o touch_v but_o sound_a reason_n can_v reflect_v upon_o itself_o and_o extend_v its_o view_n to_o the_o operation_n of_o all_o the_o other_o faculty_n and_o observe_v the_o just_a and_o certain_a difference_n between_o chimera_n in_o the_o imagination_n and_o thing_n real_o existant_fw-la it_o comprehend_v distinct_o and_o with_o assurance_n that_o it_o be_v not_o disturb_v and_o that_o the_o internal_a and_o external_n sense_n be_v dispose_v for_o their_o regular_a operation_n it_o consider_v that_o the_o pageant_n of_o fancy_n move_v in_o a_o dream_n vanish_v in_o a_o moment_n upon_o wake_v but_o real_a effect_n perceive_v by_o the_o sense_n in_o their_o full_a exercise_n be_v more_o constant_a and_o durable_a one_o may_v be_v wound_v in_o a_o dream_n yet_o feel_v not_o loss_n of_o blood_n or_o strength_n when_o he_o be_v awake_a but_o the_o wound_n receive_v in_o a_o combat_n be_v sometime_o rebellious_a against_o the_o most_o potent_a remedy_n now_o to_o apply_v this_o to_o the_o present_a subject_n be_v it_o in_o the_o least_o degree_n probable_a that_o a_o vain_a shadow_n in_o a_o dream_n shall_v make_v a_o indelible_a impression_n on_o the_o memory_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o their_o wake_a thought_n shall_v
and_o the_o redeemer_n of_o the_o world_n this_o i_o will_v brief_o open_v there_o be_v three_o that_o bear_v record_n in_o heaven_n the_o father_n the_o word_n and_o the_o holy-ghost_n and_o these_o three_o be_v one_o and_o there_o be_v three_o that_o bear_v witness_n in_o earth_n the_o spirit_n and_o the_o water_n and_o the_o blood_n and_o these_o three_o agree_v in_o one_o all_o the_o divinity_n give_v testimony_n of_o this_o important_a truth_n the_o father_n not_o only_o by_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o his_o power_n to_o confirm_v the_o mission_n of_o christ_n but_o which_o be_v here_o principal_o intend_v by_o a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n first_o at_o his_o baptism_n this_o be_v my_o well-beloved_a son_n in_o who_o i_o be_o well_o please_v and_o at_o his_o transfiguration_n before_o some_o of_o his_o disciple_n a_o shine_v cloud_n the_o sign_n of_o the_o divine_a presence_n encompass_v they_o and_o a_o voice_n come_v forth_o of_o the_o cloud_n this_o be_v my_o well_o belove_a son_n hear_v he_o upon_o this_o glorious_a voice_n they_o be_v strike_v with_o such_o a_o impression_n of_o fear_n that_o they_o fall_v on_o their_o face_n and_o when_o our_o saviour_n near_o his_o passion_n pray_v father_n glorify_v thy_o name_n a_o voice_n come_v from_o heaven_n i_o have_v glorify_v it_o and_o will_v glorify_v it_o now_o can_v there_o remain_v any_o doubt_n after_o such_o a_o high_a attestation_n from_o the_o most_o sovereign_a authority_n the_o son_n also_o beside_o the_o perfect_a holiness_n of_o his_o life_n the_o exquisite_a wisdom_n of_o his_o doctrine_n the_o wonder_n of_o his_o work_n his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a that_o be_v authentic_a proof_n of_o his_o celestial_a person_n and_o call_v after_o his_o ascension_n glorious_o appear_v from_o heaven_n in_o diverse_a vision_n to_o the_o preacher_n of_o his_o gospel_n to_o saul_n in_o his_o journey_n to_o damascus_n call_v to_o he_o saul_n saul_n why_o persecute_v thou_o i_o it_o be_v hard_a for_o thou_o to_o kick_v against_o the_o prick_n this_o be_v a_o unexceptionable_a testimony_n that_o he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o return_v to_o heaven_n from_o whence_o he_o thus_o discover_v himself_o now_o that_o this_o be_v real_a and_o no_o fantastic_a illusion_n be_v evident_a by_o the_o marvellous_a effect_n of_o it_o those_o who_o be_v companion_n in_o the_o journey_n be_v seize_v with_o great_a terror_n and_o himself_o strike_v blind_a by_o the_o overpower_a splendour_n of_o the_o apparition_n but_o especial_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o upon_o his_o soul_n be_v convince_a who_o it_o be_v that_o speak_v to_o he_o for_o saul_n be_v by_o sect_n a_o pharisee_fw-mi that_o of_o all_o other_o most_o passionate_o adhere_v to_o the_o jewish_a religion_n by_o temper_v hot_a and_o violent_a by_o profession_n a_o persecutor_n of_o the_o christian_n one_o that_o breathe_v forth_o threaten_v and_o slaughter_n that_o excite_v the_o fury_n of_o the_o high-priest_n solicit_v their_o cruelty_n in_o short_a a_o fierce_a spirit_n that_o envy_v nero_n the_o title_n of_o the_o first_o persecutor_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o this_o man_n by_o this_o vision_n and_o voice_n from_o heaven_n of_o a_o furious_a persecutor_n in_o a_o instant_n become_v a_o zealous_a apostle_n of_o a_o wolf_n become_v a_o pastor_n he_o present_o express_v his_o entire_a submission_n lord_n what_o will_v thou_o have_v i_o to_o do_v there_o be_v nothing_o so_o hard_a to_o do_v nothing_o so_o dreadful_a to_o suffer_v but_o i_o will_v ready_o undertake_v for_o thy_o honour_n and_o the_o propagate_a thy_o truth_n now_o from_o whence_o come_v this_o change_n so_o strange_a so_o new_a in_o a_o person_n confirm_v in_o the_o opposite_a party_n from_o whence_o this_o resignation_n of_o will_n so_o entire_a and_o perfect_a so_o unexpected_a and_o sudden_a what_o give_v he_o courage_n to_o contradict_v to_o their_o face_n the_o high-priest_n who_o instrument_n he_o be_v and_o declare_v that_o jesus_n who_o they_o call_v a_o deceiver_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o their_o judge_n what_o animate_v he_o to_o appear_v before_o king_n and_o emperor_n to_o testify_v this_o dangerous_a truth_n what_o make_v he_o with_o unparalleled_a activity_n with_o the_o most_o ardent_a affection_n propagate_v the_o gospel_n and_o after_o a_o thousand_o peril_n by_o sea_n and_o land_n a_o thousand_o disgrace_n and_o injury_n at_o last_o to_o confirm_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n with_o his_o blood_n it_o be_v therefore_o past_a all_o contradiction_n that_o he_o have_v the_o great_a assurance_n that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n speak_v to_o he_o another_o vision_n of_o the_o word_n from_o heaven_n be_v to_o st._n john_n when_o he_o be_v please_v to_o reveal_v to_o he_o the_o future_a state_n of_o his_o church_n its_o combat_n and_o victory_n he_o than_o appear_v in_o a_o form_n expressive_a of_o his_o majesty_n power_n and_o providence_n requisite_a for_o the_o order_n all_o the_o great_a event_n that_o shall_v befall_v it_o and_o say_v i_o be_o the_o first_o and_o the_o last_o i_o be_o he_o that_o live_v and_o be_v dead_a and_o behold_v i_o live_v for_o ever_o and_o have_v the_o key_n of_o hell_n and_o of_o death_n wherein_o he_o appropriate_v to_o himself_o the_o incommunicable_a title_n of_o the_o deity_n and_o then_o declare_v those_o two_o astonish_a miracle_n that_o the_o prince_n of_o life_n that_o have_v a_o eternal_a principle_n of_o it_o in_o himself_o be_v dead_a and_o that_o one_o who_o have_v be_v dead_a be_v alive_a this_o riddle_n the_o gospel_n unfold_v the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v make_v man_n and_o by_o that_o admirable_a union_n ally_v eternity_n and_o time_n life_n and_o death_n together_o as_o it_o be_v a_o common_a form_n of_o speech_n that_o a_o man_n die_v when_o the_o body_n be_v deprive_v of_o life_n though_o the_o soul_n be_v immortal_a so_o it_o be_v true_a the_o son_n of_o god_n die_v when_o his_o body_n be_v crucify_v though_o he_o be_v uncapable_a of_o the_o least_o diminution_n of_o his_o divine_a life_n and_o after_o three_o day_n he_o rise_v by_o the_o divine_a power_n to_o enjoy_v a_o immortal_a life_n and_o have_v the_o key_n of_o hell_n and_o death_n the_o irresistible_a force_n of_o death_n all_o man_n must_v yield_v to_o and_o from_o the_o grave_a there_o be_v no_o redemption_n by_o finite_a power_n but_o jesus_n christ_n have_v sovereign_a authority_n and_o power_n to_o open_v the_o grave_a and_o raise_v the_o dead_a to_o a_o happy_a immortality_n this_o glorious_a appearance_n make_v st._n john_n to_o fall_v as_o dead_a at_o his_o foot_n and_o can_v not_o recover_v himself_o till_o assure_v by_o the_o revive_a word_n of_o his_o favour_n the_o spirit_n also_o appear_v from_o heaven_n to_o give_v testimony_n concern_v the_o divine_a person_n and_o office_n of_o christ_n first_o by_o descend_v as_o a_o dove_n on_o he_o when_o he_o be_v baptize_v this_o be_v the_o completion_n of_o the_o prophecy_n the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v upon_o i_o he_o have_v anoint_v i_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o the_o poor_a to_o publish_v deliverance_n to_o the_o captive_n and_o in_o the_o second_o of_o the_o act_n the_o spirit_n descend_v in_o the_o form_n of_o fiery_a tongue_n upon_o the_o apostle_n to_o qualify_v they_o for_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o the_o world_n and_o it_o be_v worthy_a of_o observation_n that_o the_o apostle_n be_v before_o this_o very_a defective_a in_o wisdom_n and_o courage_n so_o that_o their_o divine_a master_n though_o goodness_n itself_o yet_o tax_v they_o for_o their_o stupidity_n and_o in_o his_o suffering_n they_o all_o forsake_v he_o but_o after_o the_o effusion_n of_o the_o spirit_n upon_o they_o they_o be_v endow_v with_o that_o admirable_a wisdom_n and_o resolution_n that_o nothing_o can_v gainsay_v and_o overcome_v they_o present_o speak_v in_o various_a language_n the_o thing_n concern_v jesus_n christ_n that_o the_o world_n be_v astonish_v and_o many_o convert_v by_o this_o testimony_n from_o god_n for_o the_o honour_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o other_o confound_v in_o their_o obstinacy_n now_o since_o this_o miraculous_a descent_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v to_o ratify_v the_o promise_n that_o he_o make_v to_o they_o if_o i_o go_v away_o i_o will_v send_v to_o you_o another_o comforter_n what_o more_o clear_a and_o valuable_a testimony_n can_v we_o have_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n if_o infidelity_n shall_v reply_v if_o we_o have_v hear_v these_o voice_n and_o see_v those_o glorious_a vision_n we_o shall_v be_v convince_v but_o what_o assurance_n have_v we_o there_o be_v no_o deceit_n in_o these_o relation_n i_o answer_v there_o never_o be_v clear_a ground_n of_o the_o belief_n of_o any_o thing_n do_v without_o the_o compass_n of_o our_o own_o sense_n than_o of_o what_o