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thy_o god_n in_o vain_a christ_n go_v further_a say_v swear_v not_o at_o all_o the_o law_n say_v thou_o shall_v not_o kill_v thou_o shall_v not_o commit_v adultery_n christ_n say_v whosoever_o be_v angry_a with_o his_o brother_n without_o a_o cause_n shall_v be_v in_o danger_n of_o judgement_n and_o that_o whosoever_o look_v on_o a_o woman_n with_o a_o lustful_a thought_n commit_v adultery_n in_o his_o heart_n christ_n firbid_v not_o only_o all_o false_a testimony_n but_o even_o all_o idle_a work_n then_o for_o the_o judicial_a law_n it_o be_v lex_fw-la talionis_fw-la a_o eye_n for_o a_o eye_n etc._n etc._n christ_n say_v whosoever_o shall_v smite_v thou_o on_o the_o right_a cheek_n turn_v to_o he_o the_o leave_v also_o the_o law_n say_v love_v thy_o neighbour_n and_o hate_v thy_o enemy_n christ_n say_v love_v your_o enemy_n and_o bless_v they_o that_o curse_v you_o also_o for_o alm_n prayer_n and_o fast_v he_o improve_v these_o duty_n to_o a_o high_a degree_n of_o perfection_n than_o that_o under_o the_o jewish_a ordinance_n as_o for_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n it_o be_v know_v that_o christ_n be_v in_o all_o thing_n conformable_a thereunto_o he_o be_v circumcise_a and_o be_v present_v in_o the_o temple_n and_o he_o observe_v their_o feast_n etc._n etc._n but_o beside_o all_o this_o he_o fulfil_v these_o law_n in_o another_o sense_n in_o as_o much_o as_o they_o be_v accomplish_v in_o he_o for_o all_o the_o rite_n and_o sacrifice_n under_o the_o jewish_a law_n with_o all_o their_o type_n as_o have_v be_v already_o show_v be_v figure_n only_o of_o christ_n now_o the_o figure_n or_o shadow_n vanish_v when_o the_o substance_n come_v in_o place_n all_o the_o prophet_n cease_v upon_o the_o appearance_n of_o christ_n as_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o a_o prince_n the_o office_n of_o a_o ambassador_n cease_v for_o from_o the_o time_n of_o john_n the_o baptist_n who_o be_v the_o last_o prophet_n and_o by_o his_o preach_a repentance_n usher_v in_o the_o bless_a jesus_n the_o jew_n never_o have_v a_o prophet_n more_o a_o clear_a proof_n that_o he_o be_v the_o messiah_n of_o who_o they_o all_o writ_n the_o other_o obligation_n under_o which_o christ_n lie_v to_o the_o law_n be_v that_o of_o his_o passive_a obedience_n in_o suffer_v the_o punishment_n due_a to_o the_o transgression_n of_o it_o he_o pour_v out_o his_o soul_n unto_o death_n and_o bear_v the_o sin_n of_o many_o and_o so_o under_o these_o two_o capacity_n 53._o isaiah_n 53._o he_o make_v a_o full_a satisfaction_n or_o a_o complete_a redemption_n now_o that_o one_o man_n as_o a_o representative_a shall_v bear_v the_o sin_n of_o many_o seem_v no_o way_n strange_a for_o under_o the_o jewish_a law_n we_o read_v of_o the_o escape_v goat_n on_o who_o head_n the_o priest_n transfer_v the_o sin_n of_o the_o people_n with_o a_o kind_n of_o a_o anathema_n which_o goat_n be_v present_o
penitent_a another_o while_n as_o a_o humble_a petitioner_n anon_o with_o strain_n of_o gratitude_n and_o in_o heavenly_a rapture_n he_o address_v himself_o to_o his_o creator_n and_o celebrate_v the_o praise_n of_o almighty_a god_n by_o recount_v his_o wonder_n and_o mercy_n his_o comfort_n and_o many_o deliverance_n all_o which_o can_v but_o show_v that_o they_o be_v dictate_v by_o another_o spirit_n and_o kindle_v by_o a_o pure_a fire_n than_o what_o common_o sparkle_v in_o the_o gay_a fancy_n and_o invention_n of_o men._n as_o for_o the_o historical_a book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n we_o have_v touch_v upon_o they_o already_o and_o we_o may_v say_v of_o the_o whole_a book_n or_o collection_n of_o these_o sacred_a write_n that_o it_o be_v like_o the_o manna_n it_o speak_v of_o it_o be_v food_n to_o every_o palate_n such_o as_o do_v not_o nauseate_a but_o have_v a_o relish_v taste_n of_o every_o thing_n and_o create_v a_o appetite_n and_o it_o be_v worth_a our_o observation_n that_o let_v a_o man_n read_v these_o holy_a write_n with_o all_o attention_n imaginable_a yet_o when_o he_o come_v to_o read_v they_o again_o he_o shall_v discover_v some_o thing_n of_o which_o he_o be_v ignorant_a before_o though_o he_o repeat_v the_o section_n of_o they_o to_o the_o very_a end_n of_o his_o life_n which_o show_v that_o it_o be_v a_o spring_n which_o be_v inexhaustible_a and_o that_o the_o more_o we_o drink_v of_o these_o water_n the_o more_o we_o thirst_v from_o whence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o wise_a and_o most_o learned_a man_n have_v addict_v themselves_o most_o to_o the_o read_n of_o these_o book_n the_o near_o they_o draw_v towards_o their_o end_n which_o show_v also_o that_o it_o be_v their_o nature_n to_o lead_v man_n forward_o towards_o a_o state_n of_o further_a perfection_n another_o thing_n which_o show_v these_o book_n to_o be_v of_o divine_a inspiration_n be_v the_o manner_n of_o their_o writing_n turn_v over_o all_o human_a history_n whatsoever_o and_o we_o shall_v still_o find_v it_o to_o have_v be_v their_o grand_a scope_n and_o design_n to_o magnify_v their_o own_o nation_n and_o to_o represent_v their_o action_n with_o all_o advantageous_a character_n imaginable_a to_o applaud_v their_o own_o custom_n and_o manner_n and_o to_o avouch_v the_o justice_n of_o their_o deal_n but_o it_o be_v otherwise_o in_o these_o sacred_a write_n the_o penman_n of_o they_o be_v in_o nothing_o more_o copious_a than_o in_o show_v the_o blemish_n of_o their_o own_o nation_n their_o apostasy_n their_o idolatrous_a disposition_n together_o with_o the_o notorious_a and_o scandalous_a lapse_n and_o relapse_n of_o their_o king_n though_o hold_v in_o never_o so_o great_a esteem_n for_o power_n and_o goodness_n and_o this_o certain_o be_v a_o invincible_a argument_n that_o they_o do_v not_o in_o their_o report_n proceed_v upon_o natural_a and_o human_a consideration_n but_o as_o it_o be_v dictate_v to_o they_o by_o a_o high_a and_o more_o noble_a impulse_n and_o contrary_a to_o the_o genius_n and_o temper_n of_o that_o nation_n who_o in_o reality_n be_v as_o vain_a self-admiring_a and_o unconstant_a as_o any_o other_o people_n upon_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n it_o be_v beyond_o my_o power_n to_o answer_v such_o difficulty_n as_o occur_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n touch_v the_o jewish_a genealogy_n and_o chronology_n together_o with_o some_o custom_n and_o passage_n as_o seem_v strange_a to_o we_o of_o this_o age_n since_o we_o find_v the_o like_a and_o great_a in_o the_o write_n of_o all_o profane_a author_n though_o never_o so_o well_o digest_v or_o perhaps_o god_n almighty_a might_n on_o purpose_n suffer_v some_o passage_n to_o be_v obscure_a and_o seem_o repugnant_a to_o our_o understanding_n the_o better_a to_o subjugate_v our_o reason_n to_o faith_n which_o be_v a_o more_o excellent_a degree_n of_o assent_n because_o it_o resolve_v itself_o into_o the_o absolute_a authority_n and_o veracity_n of_o the_o proponent_n without_o hesitance_n or_o any_o dependence_n upon_o our_o own_o feeble_a notion_n in_o the_o last_o place_n the_o divine_a authority_n of_o these_o sacred_a write_n be_v legible_a in_o the_o act_n and_o monument_n even_o of_o human_a antiquity_n so_o that_o the_o most_o polite_a writer_n among_o the_o ancient_n do_v light_v their_o candle_n from_o this_o sacred_a and_o ever_o burn_v lamp_n virgil_n and_o ovid_n borrow_v out_o of_o genesis_n their_o history_n of_o the_o world_n creation_n which_o they_o improve_v or_o rather_o debase_v by_o their_o poetic_a fiction_n japetus_n the_o father_n of_o prometheus_n and_o by_o who_o the_o world_n be_v repeopled_n after_o the_o flood_n be_v no_o other_o but_o japhet_n who_o the_o poet_n feign_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o coelum_fw-la and_o terra_fw-la that_o be_v to_o have_v have_v his_o extraction_n from_o god_n the_o ogygian_a and_o deucalion_n flood_n be_v poetic_a fiction_n derive_v from_o noah_n deluge_n plutarch_n utuntur_fw-la plutarch_n lib._n quod_fw-la bruta_n ratione_fw-la utuntur_fw-la make_v mention_v too_o of_o a_o dove_n be_v send_v out_o of_o a_o ark_n by_o deucalion_n to_o discover_v the_o abatement_n of_o the_o water_n the_o giant_n climb_v up_o to_o heaven_n be_v take_v from_o the_o build_n of_o babel_n we_o find_v also_o whatsoever_o occur_v in_o the_o fragment_n of_o profane_a writer_n of_o great_a antiquity_n to_o square_v with_o the_o account_n we_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o jewish_a monument_n the_o egyptian_n and_o chaldean_n be_v ever_o hold_v among_o profane_a author_n to_o have_v be_v the_o most_o ancient_a of_o nation_n and_o we_o find_v the_o same_o in_o scripture_n also_o the_o history_n of_o the_o burn_a of_o sodom_n have_v leave_v indelible_a mark_n of_o its_o verity_n in_o the_o bituminous_a water_n and_o noisome_a smell_n of_o the_o lake_n adjoin_v which_o be_v so_o stink_a and_o poisonous_a that_o nothing_o can_v live_v in_o it_o as_o appear_v even_o at_o this_o very_a day_n as_o also_o in_o the_o fruit_n which_o grow_v near_o that_o accurse_a place_n which_o tho_o most_o beautiful_a to_o the_o eye_n be_v easy_o crumble_v to_o dust_n and_o ash_n as_o morney_n du_fw-fr plessis_n rel._n plessis_n morn_n cap._n 26._o de_fw-fr verit._n rel._n prove_v out_o of_o galen_n strabo_n solinus_n and_o other_o the_o same_o thing_n be_v affirm_v also_o by_o tacitus_n the_o departure_n of_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n out_o of_o egypt_n under_o the_o conduct_n of_o moses_n with_o many_o other_o passage_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v mention_v by_o 36._o by_o justin_n lib._n 36._o justin_n as_o also_o by_o hist_o by_o lib._n 5._o hist_o tacitus_n though_o with_o some_o depravation_n the_o simplicity_n and_o plain_a pastoral_n life_n together_o with_o the_o habit_n of_o the_o patriarch_n be_v much_o the_o same_o which_o we_o meet_v with_o in_o homer_n who_o live_v a_o little_a after_o the_o time_n of_o david_n in_o he_o description_n of_o the_o age_n and_o man_n of_o which_o he_o write_v and_o even_o the_o feast_n of_o the_o god_n consist_v of_o no_o other_o dainty_n than_o bread_n and_o wine_n the_o temple_n of_o solomon_n be_v so_o famous_a throughout_o the_o world_n that_o it_o give_v the_o denomination_n to_o the_o city_n itself_o which_o be_v call_v hierosolyma_n quasi_fw-la hieron_n solomonis_fw-la or_o the_o temple_n of_o solomon_n and_o even_o at_o this_o very_a day_n the_o great_a emperor_n of_o the_o abyssine_n or_o of_o ethiopia_n call_v prester_n john_n with_o all_o the_o native_n of_o that_o vast_a country_n though_o christian_n still_o retain_v circumcision_n not_o as_o bring_v thither_o by_o the_o eunuch_n who_o be_v baptise_a by_o st._n philip_n but_o in_o memory_n of_o their_o descent_n from_o the_o queen_n of_o sheba_n who_o solomon_n treat_v not_o only_o at_o his_o table_n but_o at_o his_o bed_n also_o so_o that_o among_o other_o proud_a title_n of_o that_o emperor_n he_o glory_v most_o in_o still_v himself_o the_o son_n of_o solomon_n and_o of_o david_n the_o memory_n of_o the_o ten_o tribe_n who_o be_v at_o several_a time_n carry_v away_o captive_n by_o teylath_n phalastor_n and_o salmanastor_n into_o the_o desert_n and_o northern_a part_n of_o media_n be_v preserve_v to_o this_o very_a day_n in_o the_o tartar_n who_o it_o be_v certain_a be_v descend_v from_o the_o jew_n who_o be_v disperse_v by_o the_o mede_n their_o conqueror_n for_o the_o colchian_o who_o be_v the_o progenitor_n of_o the_o tartar_n as_o herodotus_n tell_v we_o 2._o herod_n lib._n 2._o be_v circumcise_a though_o the_o name_n of_o tartar_n be_v not_o considerable_a nor_o know_v till_o about_o the_o year_n of_o our_o lord_n 1200._o at_o such_o time_n as_o givigi_n their_o captain_n begin_v to_o overrun_v the_o world_n with_o his_o barbarous_a multitude_n however_o so_o it_o be_v that_o they_o still_o retain_v circumcision_n even_o long_o before_o they_o ever_o hear_v of_o mahomet_n and_o upon_o
paul_n full_o show_v hebr._n the_o four_o where_o he_o prove_v also_o that_o the_o promise_a rest_n be_v not_o that_o which_o joshua_n give_v they_o in_o caanan_n far_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o improbable_a that_o god_n shall_v conceal_v this_o important_a truth_n from_o the_o jewish_a father_n to_o the_o end_n their_o faith_n may_v be_v more_o illustrious_a for_o the_o less_o of_o evidence_n the_o great_a be_v the_o excellence_n of_o faith_n as_o st._n paul_n pursue_v at_o large_a through_o the_o 11_o chap._n to_o the_o hebrew_n in_o the_o many_o noble_a act_n of_o faith_n record_v of_o the_o jewish_a worthy_n and_o particular_o of_o the_o patriarch_n he_o expound_v it_o that_o they_o see_v the_o promise_v a_o far_o off_o and_o that_o they_o be_v only_o as_o stranger_n and_o pilgrim_n upon_o the_o earth_n seek_v another_o country_n which_o be_v heavenly_a now_o if_o they_o who_o have_v but_o such_o a_o saint_n glimmer_v or_o dawn_v of_o a_o future_a state_n shall_v live_v in_o such_o a_o constant_a dependence_n upon_o god_n providence_n with_o such_o exactness_n of_o moral_a justice_n and_o with_o such_o indifference_n for_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o life_n in_o respect_n of_o god_n command_n be_v a_o thing_n infinite_o more_o noble_a than_o if_o they_o have_v have_v future_a reward_n within_o a_o near_a prospect_n for_o then_o self-interest_n may_v seem_v to_o have_v be_v their_o motive_n whereas_o now_o all_o their_o obedience_n be_v resolve_v into_o the_o will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o their_o almighty_a sovereign_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v that_o abraham_n faith_n be_v so_o high_o recommend_v to_o we_o in_o this_o chapter_n for_o in_o his_o readiness_n to_o sacrifice_v his_o son_n he_o actual_o sacrifice_v all_o the_o affection_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o consideration_n even_o of_o his_o reason_n in_o his_o cheerful_a compliance_n with_o god_n command_n many_o be_v the_o noble_a act_n of_o faith_n record_v of_o these_o famous_a man_n of_o old_a who_o yet_o receive_v not_o the_o promise_n god_n have_v provide_v some_o better_a thing_n for_o we_o that_o they_o without_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v make_v perfect_a in_o short_a the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o soul_n immortality_n be_v teach_v by_o jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v evident_o deduce_v from_o the_o write_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n it_o follow_v also_o that_o this_o doctrine_n be_v therein_o contain_v as_o to_o its_o cause_n like_v as_o a_o embryo_n in_o the_o womb_n which_o though_o invisible_a for_o a_o while_n be_v in_o its_o due_a time_n to_o be_v bring_v forth_o and_o be_v make_v manifest_a to_o the_o world_n another_o objection_n from_o scripture_n against_o the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n may_v be_v ground_v upon_o that_o passage_n of_o genesis_n the_o 9th_o whereby_o god_n speak_v of_o man_n say_v 9th_o gen._n 9th_o sure_o the_o blood_n of_o your_o life_n will_v i_o require_v at_o the_o hand_n of_o every_o beast_n will_v i_o require_v it_o etc._n etc._n what_o our_o translation_n render_v life_n be_v by_o the_o vulgar_a render_v soul_n or_o the_o blood_n of_o your_o soul_n and_o therefore_o levit._n 17._o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o life_n or_o soul_n of_o all_o flesh_n be_v the_o blood_n thereof_o and_o for_o that_o reason_n it_o be_v that_o blood_n be_v prohibit_v as_o be_v the_o life_n or_o soul_n of_o every_o live_a creature_n now_o if_o the_o life_n or_o soul_n be_v the_o blood_n or_o in_o the_o blood_n as_o the_o phrase_n be_v use_v promiscuous_o it_o follow_v that_o proportionable_o to_o the_o effusion_n of_o blood_n the_o soul_n also_o be_v effusible_a and_o consequent_o divisible_a and_o mortal_a to_o this_o it_o be_v answer_v that_o scripture_n phrase_n be_v not_o to_o be_v take_v according_a to_o the_o strict_a notion_n of_o philosophy_n but_o according_a to_o the_o apprehension_n and_o customary_a speech_n of_o those_o they_o be_v direct_v to_o for_o so_o it_o be_v that_o whilst_o we_o see_v life_n depart_v leisurely_o upon_o the_o effusion_n of_o blood_n we_o say_v common_o that_o the_o soul_n depart_v with_o it_o forasmuch_o as_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v the_o great_a instrument_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v recruit_v by_o the_o blood_n which_o upon_o this_o consideration_n also_o may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o vehicle_n of_o life_n but_o can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v life_n itself_o but_o in_o a_o improper_a sense_n for_o though_o upon_o a_o evacuation_n of_o the_o blood_n the_o soul_n or_o life_n depart_v so_o the_o soul_n or_o life_n may_v depart_v also_o the_o blood_n still_o remain_v in_o the_o body_n without_o any_o notable_a diminution_n or_o alteration_n the_o next_o prejudice_n against_o the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v ground_v upon_o the_o birth_n growth_n progress_n and_o decay_v we_o observe_v usual_o of_o its_o operation_n conformable_a to_o the_o several_a stage_n of_o life_n reason_n we_o see_v do_v begin_v to_o disclose_v itself_o in_o childhood_n and_o although_o some_o man_n have_v a_o great_a share_n of_o it_o than_o other_o yet_o upon_o the_o main_a it_o seem_v to_o borrow_v its_o improvement_n from_o the_o different_a temper_n and_o disposition_n of_o man_n and_o the_o several_a method_n of_o education_n nay_o some_o country_n have_v a_o influence_n upon_o the_o genius_n of_o man_n more_o than_o other_o and_o incline_v they_o to_o more_o manlike_a and_o regular_a thought_n and_o render_v they_o quick_a witted_a and_o subtle_a if_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v endow_v natural_o with_o such_o excellent_a gift_n why_o do_v it_o not_o manifest_v the_o same_o without_o so_o much_o cultivation_n and_o expense_n without_o so_o much_o diligence_n and_o study_n and_o as_o fast_o as_o we_o acquire_v the_o knowledge_n of_o some_o thing_n we_o forget_v other_o so_o that_o all_o the_o production_n of_o the_o mind_n be_v rather_o the_o effect_n of_o art_n than_o of_o nature_n we_o see_v also_o when_o the_o body_n be_v most_o athletic_a the_o mind_n also_o be_v most_o vigorous_a and_o as_o the_o body_n decay_v by_o age_n or_o sickness_n so_o the_o function_n of_o the_o soul_n languish_v also_o and_o by_o all_o the_o experiment_n we_o can_v make_v be_v total_o suppress_v by_o death_n beside_o if_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v immortal_a how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o it_o have_v natural_o such_o a_o horror_n of_o death_n whereas_o it_o shall_v rather_o rejoice_v at_o its_o approach_n as_o the_o only_a mean_n of_o its_o deliverance_n from_o that_o obscurity_n and_o restraint_n it_o be_v subject_a to_o in_o the_o body_n from_o which_o be_v once_o release_v it_o be_v say_v to_o enjoy_v a_o perfect_a and_o unchangeable_a state_n of_o bliss_n to_o the_o latter_a part_n of_o this_o objection_n it_o be_v answer_v that_o the_o fear_n which_o seize_v usual_o on_o die_a man_n be_v the_o best_a argument_n in_o the_o world_n to_o prove_v the_o soul_n immortality_n for_o die_a man_n can_v never_o have_v such_o a_o fear_n have_v they_o not_o apprehension_n of_o a_o future_a state_n as_o also_o of_o its_o duration_n and_o immutability_n so_o that_o these_o consideration_n be_v incident_a to_o man_n of_o all_o condition_n age_n country_n and_o persuasion_n prove_v sufficient_o that_o they_o be_v inherent_a and_o natural_a to_o the_o soul_n as_o gravity_n levity_n and_o such_o like_a inclination_n of_o body_n do_v demonstrate_v there_o be_v another_o region_n without_o they_o to_o which_o they_o natural_o tend_v be_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n as_o well_o as_o his_o body_n extinguishable_a by_o death_n to_o die_v will_v be_v no_o more_o than_o to_o close_v up_o all_o the_o labour_n of_o a_o tedious_a life_n in_o one_o find_v and_o eternal_a sleep_n a_o thing_n which_o all_o man_n natural_o will_v rather_o covet_v than_o abhor_v but_o when_o a_o depart_a soul_n feel_v a_o inward_a agony_n and_o labour_n betwixt_o hope_n and_o fear_n it_o show_v it_o be_v approach_v towards_o a_o future_a state_n of_o happiness_n or_o woe_n the_o apprehension_n whereof_o can_v choose_v but_o fill_v it_o with_o some_o amazement_n and_o distraction_n as_o to_o the_o other_o part_n of_o this_o objection_n viz._n that_o the_o power_n of_o the_o soul_n do_v rise_v and_o fall_v proportionable_o to_o the_o improvement_n and_o delay_n of_o nature_n therefore_o they_o must_v perish_v with_o it_o i_o answer_v this_o do_v by_o no_o mean_n follow_v a_o candle_n burn_v bright_a or_o dim_a as_o the_o glass_n or_o lantern_n which_o contain_v it_o be_v more_o clear_a or_o cloudy_a and_o yet_o the_o light_n will_v not_o be_v extinguish_v though_o the_o brittle_a case_n be_v break_v but_o on_o the_o contrary_a it_o will_v appear_v with_o a_o full_a lustre_n and_o diffuse_v its_o beam_n without_o confinement_n when_o we_o see_v one_o of_o those_o float_a castle_n of_o the_o sea_n
from_o god_n since_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o people_n which_o be_v de_fw-fr jure_fw-la naturae_fw-la can_v be_v resume_v and_o transfer_v upon_o any_o succeed_a capacity_n as_o long_o as_o that_o be_v in_o be_v on_o which_o they_o confer_v their_o right_n at_o first_o chap._n viii_o of_o god_n influence_n on_o human_a action_n and_o here_o i_o must_v beg_v my_o reader_n leave_v to_o digress_v a_o little_a from_o the_o method_n i_o propose_v viz._n not_o to_o meddle_v with_o argument_n of_o sacred_a authority_n till_o such_o time_n as_o by_o the_o thread_n of_o this_o discourse_n i_o shall_v be_v bring_v to_o speak_v of_o reveal_v religion_n and_o particular_o the_o christian_n but_o so_o it_o be_v that_o i_o can_v make_v any_o further_a progress_n till_o such_o time_n as_o some_o difficulty_n be_v remove_v which_o seem_v to_o obviate_v our_o intend_a method_n under_o a_o appearance_n of_o be_v found_v or_o to_o speak_v more_o proper_o confound_v in_o god_n providential_a order_n for_o whosoever_o shall_v look_v back_o a_o little_a upon_o the_o government_n of_o the_o late_a usurper_n can_v but_o meet_v with_o many_o pretend_a luminary_n i_o shall_v say_v incendiary_n of_o those_o time_n who_o endeavour_v to_o father_n the_o revolution_n upon_o god_n singular_a and_o gracious_a providence_n and_o so_o make_v it_o to_o be_v of_o divine_a authority_n and_o because_o such_o revolution_n may_v happen_v again_o it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o examine_v this_o doctrine_n by_o the_o weight_n and_o measure_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n and_o that_o we_o may_v do_v this_o it_o will_v be_v proper_a to_o inquire_v a_o little_a as_o far_o as_o our_o shallow_a reason_n will_v permit_v into_o the_o manner_n of_o god_n operation_n in_o the_o mind_n and_o with_o the_o action_n of_o men._n that_o we_o may_v understand_v the_o question_n therefore_o aright_o i_o shall_v premise_v two_o thing_n first_o that_o i_o shall_v not_o in_o this_o place_n discourse_n of_o evangelical_n work_v or_o grace_n but_o of_o moral_a duty_n nor_o yet_o of_o such_o as_o be_v moral_o good_a but_o of_o such_o rather_o as_o be_v moral_o bad_a and_o of_o the_o cause_n from_o whence_o they_o rise_v in_o the_o next_o place_n that_o in_o regard_n to_o human_a action_n the_o efficient_a cause_n be_v of_o two_o sort_n first_o physical_a or_o such_o by_o which_o the_o substance_n or_o matter_n of_o the_o action_n as_o i_o may_v say_v with_o leave_n from_o logic_n be_v produce_v there_o be_v also_o another_o kind_n of_o efficient_a cause_n and_o that_o be_v moral_a as_o where_o one_o invite_v another_o to_o a_o action_n by_o propose_v a_o reward_n or_o by_o counsel_v or_o exciting_a his_o will_n and_o affection_n to_o make_v such_o a_o choice_n also_o the_o final_a cause_n which_o be_v term_v by_o some_o the_o objective_n come_v under_o this_o denomination_n forasmuch_o as_o the_o end_n or_o object_n in_o all_o animal_n and_o human_a action_n do_v influence_n the_o action_n and_o excite_v move_v and_o by_o a_o kind_n of_o secret_a force_n impel_v he_o to_o act_v for_o the_o obtain_n of_o such_o a_o end_n or_o object_n now_o for_o the_o physical_a influence_n of_o god_n on_o human_a action_n it_o be_v no_o way_n to_o be_v doubt_v that_o he_o concur_v to_o they_o forasmuch_o as_o be_v the_o creator_n of_o all_o thing_n they_o can_v act_v without_o he_o but_o this_o kind_n of_o influence_n be_v general_a and_o regard_v all_o human_a action_n not_o as_o good_a or_o bad_a but_o pure_o as_o the_o action_n of_o his_o creature_n like_o the_o influence_n of_o the_o sun_n which_o indifferent_o shine_v upon_o the_o earth_n and_o serve_v to_o nourish_v and_o to_o mature_a hurtful_a as_o well_o as_o wholesome_a plant_n the_o stress_n then_o of_o the_o question_n be_v conversant_a about_o a_o moral_a agency_n as_o whether_o god_n do_v excite_v the_o will_n and_o affection_n to_o sinful_a action_n by_o impel_v they_o thereunto_o by_o propose_v undue_a object_n or_o by_o obstruct_v they_o from_o make_v any_o other_o choice_n the_o great_a doctor_n and_o divine_a of_o his_o time_n and_o who_o draw_v great_a number_n after_o he_o john_n calvin_n seem_v to_o have_v lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o those_o many_o erroneous_a opinion_n touch_v providence_n in_o some_o bold_a and_o heterodox_n assertion_n of_o god_n be_v the_o author_n and_o first_o mover_n of_o man_n to_o all_o sinful_a action_n deny_v he_o not_o only_o a_o liberty_n of_o do_v good_a but_o of_o decline_a evil_n so_o that_o whatsoever_o sin_n any_o man_n commit_v do_v not_o proceed_v from_o the_o man_n be_v own_o free_a choice_n for_o then_o he_o may_v have_v decline_v it_o but_o from_o a_o predetermination_n in_o god_n who_o do_v actual_o excite_v he_o to_o the_o commission_n of_o it_o this_o he_o profess_o and_o strenuous_o affirm_v in_o teach_v that_o man_n do_v nothing_o 1_o calv_v lib._n 1._o institut_fw-la c._n 18._o sect._n 1_o but_o by_o the_o secret_a approbation_n of_o god_n nor_o act_v any_o thing_n with_o deliberation_n but_o what_o he_o himself_o have_v before_o decree_v and_o by_o his_o secret_a direction_n have_v constitute_v as_o be_v full_o prove_v by_o innumberable_a and_o clear_a testimony_n and_o a_o little_a before_o he_o say_v it_o may_v seem_v absurd_a perhaps_o that_o by_o the_o will_n and_o command_n of_o god_n a_o man_n shall_v be_v make_v blind_a for_o which_o blindness_n he_o afterward_o suffer_v punishment_n this_o they_o endeavour_v to_o evade_v by_o say_v that_o be_v do_v by_o the_o permission_n not_o by_o the_o will_n of_o god_n but_o whilst_o god_n declare_v open_o that_o he_o himself_o do_v it_o this_o evasion_n be_v baffle_v likewise_o speak_v of_o the_o assyrian_n who_o god_n make_v use_v of_o for_o the_o chastisement_n of_o judah_n he_o say_v they_o be_v impel_v by_o the_o will_n and_o appointment_n of_o god_n i_o confess_v say_v he_o 2._o ibid._n sect._n 2._o god_n many_o time_n act_n in_o the_o reprobate_n by_o make_v use_n also_o of_o satan_n labour_n but_o yet_o so_o far_o only_o as_o it_o be_v permit_v to_o satan_n to_o move_v in_o it_o by_o the_o impulse_n of_o god_n o_o strange_a we_o have_v think_v that_o satan_n have_v be_v forward_o enough_o of_o himself_o to_o tempt_v we_o to_o sin_n and_o that_o he_o need_v not_o to_o be_v push_v on_o to_o it_o by_o god_n but_o to_o proceed_v he_o exempt_v satan_n from_o be_v any_o other_o than_o the_o tool_n or_o instrument_n which_o god_n make_v use_v of_o to_o effect_v wicked_a purpose_n it_o be_v say_v 2_o cor._n 4._o continue_v calvin_n that_o satan_n 4._o lib._n 2._o inst_z cap._n 4._o or_o the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n have_v blind_v the_o mind_n of_o those_o who_o believe_v not_o but_o how_o can_v this_o be_v unless_o the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o error_n proceed_v from_o god_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n it_o be_v that_o calvin_n expound_v that_o place_n of_o st._n paul_n 2_o thes_n 2._o that_o the_o efficacy_n of_o error_n 2._o lib._n 1._o inst_z cap._n 18._o sect._n 2._o or_o of_o be_v seduce_v be_v infuse_v by_o god_n to_o the_o end_n that_o they_o may_v believe_v a_o lie_n who_o obey_v not_o the_o truth_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n also_o it_o be_v that_o he_o explain_v that_o passage_n of_o the_o fourteen_o of_o ezekiel_n and_o if_o a_o prophet_n be_v deceive_v when_o he_o have_v speak_v a_o thing_n i_o the_o lord_n have_v deceive_v that_o prophet_n as_o for_o example_n he_o produce_v that_o of_o shimei_n curse_v david_n of_o absalom_n lie_v with_o his_o father_n concubine_n of_o the_o lie_a spirit_n which_o deceive_v the_o prophet_n and_o by_o they_o ahab_n to_o the_o end_n he_o may_v perish_v at_o ramoth-gilead_n of_o satan_n misuse_v job_n with_o many_o other_o passage_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n all_o which_o he_o pretend_v to_o have_v proceed_v effectual_o from_o god_n and_o that_o the_o devil_n be_v only_o the_o instrument_n as_o be_v say_v before_o to_o execute_v what_o god_n have_v command_v and_o to_o prevent_v that_o answer_n which_o divine_v common_o make_v to_o such_o objection_n viz._n that_o god_n may_v be_v say_v to_o harden_v the_o heart_n of_o man_n and_o to_o infatuate_a and_o darken_v their_o understanding_n and_o mind_n by_o withdraw_v his_o spirit_n and_o grace_n and_o to_o leave_v man_n to_o their_o natural_a blindness_n and_o imperfection_n this_o he_o reject_v as_o unsound_a stand_v stiff_o to_o his_o doctrine_n to_o wit_n that_o god_n by_o the_o help_n of_o satan_n do_v destine_v 3_o lib._n 2._o inst_z cap._n 4._o sect._n 3_o the_o counsel_n of_o wicked_a man_n as_o he_o please_v and_o that_o he_o do_v excite_v their_o will_n and_o confirm_v and_o strengthen_v they_o in_o their_o purpose_n and_o for_o those_o who_o be_v of_o another_o opinion_n he_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o
in_o the_o ceremony_n crown_v with_o garland_n and_o with_o laurel_n in_o their_o hand_n they_o sing_v certain_a verse_n in_o a_o low_a and_o humble_a voice_n by_o which_o they_o implore_v the_o mercy_n of_o the_o god_n and_o so_o they_o visit_v the_o capitol_n and_o temple_n but_o especial_o those_o sacred_a chapel_n in_o which_o be_v the_o lectisternia_fw-la or_o pulvinaria_fw-la that_o be_v bed_n of_o repose_n for_o the_o god_n which_o bed_n be_v most_o rich_o adorn_v and_o have_v for_o their_o pillow_n little_a bundle_n or_o tossel_n of_o vervien_n a_o plant_n of_o most_o sacred_a use_n among_o the_o roman_n which_o lectisternia_fw-la also_o be_v raise_v on_o high_a and_o overlook_v the_o altar_n the_o chief_a bed_n of_o majesty_n be_v for_o jupiter_n vulcan_n and_o minerva_n because_o these_o three_o be_v chief_o look_v upon_o to_o have_v the_o power_n of_o the_o thunderbolt_n the_o other_o sort_n of_o supplication_n be_v gratulatory_a much_o like_o our_o jubilee_n where_o all_o the_o order_n both_o of_o man_n and_o woman_n whether_o sacred_a or_o civil_a and_o clothe_v in_o their_o rich_a ornament_n and_o habit_n make_v like_o the_o solemn_a procession_n in_o visit_v the_o temple_n and_o offer_v up_o their_o thanks_o by_o sing_v of_o hymn_n perfume_a the_o altar_n and_o make_v of_o feast_n with_o other_o mark_n of_o public_a joy_n which_o supplication_n last_v for_o many_o day_n and_o be_v grant_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o some_o signal_n victory_n or_o for_o the_o good_a success_n in_o their_o war_n or_o any_o other_o public_a undertake_n julius_n caesar_n have_v fight_v prosperous_o in_o subdue_a the_o gaul_n obtain_v supplication_n or_o a_o jubilee_n of_o sixteen_o day_n brutus_n after_o he_o have_v the_o better_a of_o marcus_n antonius_n in_o the_o war_n of_o medena_n obtain_v a_o jubilee_n which_o last_v fifty_o day_n one_o also_o of_o the_o like_a continuance_n be_v indict_v by_o cicero_n in_o the_o senate_n at_o such_o time_n as_o the_o war_n be_v prosperous_a to_o octavius_n these_o supplication_n be_v always_o make_v during_o the_o absence_n of_o the_o general_n for_o who_o sake_n they_o be_v grant_v except_v that_o of_o cicero_n for_o who_o though_o present_a a_o supplication_n be_v indict_v in_o consideration_n of_o the_o great_a service_n he_o do_v in_o defend_v the_o commonwealth_n from_o catiline_n conspiracy_n in_o short_a these_o supplication_n be_v usual_o the_o prelude_v of_o triumph_n forasmuch_o as_o they_o for_o who_o supplication_n be_v decree_v whilst_o they_o be_v employ_v abroad_o in_o the_o war_n obtain_v a_o triumph_n at_o their_o return_n when_o the_o war_n be_v finish_v the_o religion_n of_o the_o greek_n be_v much_o the_o same_o with_o that_o of_o the_o roman_n for_o they_o have_v the_o same_o deity_n and_o almost_o the_o same_o rite_n and_o sacrifice_n from_o whence_o also_o we_o may_v proceed_v to_o take_v a_o transient_a view_n of_o the_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o the_o jew_n which_o consist_v also_o in_o several_a order_n of_o priest_n sacrifice_n lustration_n jubilee_n feast_n etc._n etc._n only_o they_o differ_v in_o the_o object_n of_o worship_n adore_v the_o one_o true_a and_o only_a god_n to_o who_o they_o erect_v one_o only_a temple_n at_o jerusalem_n where_o they_o perform_v their_o solemn_a function_n though_o they_o have_v their_o synagogue_n or_o sacred_a assembly_n also_o every_o where_n wherein_o they_o teach_v and_o preach_v and_o do_v some_o lesser_a rite_n their_o observation_n of_o the_o sabbath_n as_o also_o circumcision_n be_v the_o more_o distinguish_a mark_n by_o which_o they_o differ_v from_o all_o the_o world_n though_o the_o latter_a we_o find_v to_o have_v be_v observe_v also_o by_o the_o ishmaelite_n or_o arabian_n as_o descend_v from_o abraham_n the_o priesthood_n be_v ever_o hold_v among_o all_o nation_n in_o great_a esteem_n which_o they_o express_v chief_o by_o honour_v the_o person_n of_o those_o who_o attend_v on_o it_o with_o glorious_a title_n splendid_a ornament_n plentiful_a maintenance_n large_a exemption_n and_o privilege_n and_o with_o all_o external_n mark_v of_o observance_n and_o veneration_n if_o we_o do_v not_o find_v the_o same_o in_o the_o age_n we_o live_v in_o this_o in_o some_o measure_n possible_o may_v be_v the_o fault_n of_o the_o person_n themselves_o many_o of_o which_o be_v of_o despicable_a part_n and_o extraction_n of_o uncultivated_a behaviour_n and_o of_o sordid_a covetous_a and_o perhaps_o scandalous_a life_n cast_v a_o cloud_n upon_o the_o function_n and_o have_v they_o live_v among_o the_o heathen_n they_o will_v have_v be_v think_v worthy_a of_o no_o other_o priestly_a employment_n but_o that_o of_o butcher_v the_o beast_n which_o yet_o seem_v to_o be_v much_o more_o innocent_a and_o gentle_a though_o it_o be_v very_o probable_a also_o that_o as_o man_n decline_v in_o their_o moral_n and_o all_o sentiment_n of_o piety_n so_o they_o think_v to_o extenuate_v their_o enormity_n by_o expose_v the_o priest_n to_o the_o same_o contempt_n under_o which_o they_o have_v bring_v themselves_o by_o their_o degenerate_a life_n which_o in_o all_o likelihood_n will_v let_v in_o atheism_n for_o when_o man_n have_v a_o true_a belief_n of_o the_o religion_n they_o profess_v they_o can_v but_o show_v a_o suitable_a respect_n for_o those_o who_o be_v the_o instrument_n of_o convey_v to_o they_o all_o the_o benefit_n and_o blessing_n of_o it_o however_o it_o be_v a_o few_o particular_a deviation_n can_v destroy_v universal_a maxim_n no_o more_o than_o the_o heaven_n can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v impure_a and_o corruptible_a from_o a_o few_o fall_a meteor_n or_o some_o smoky_a comet_n the_o body_n of_o man_n through_o all_o age_n and_o region_n of_o the_o world_n have_v ever_o hold_v religion_n in_o high_a veneration_n as_o in_o some_o short_a measure_n have_v be_v already_o deliver_v so_o that_o to_o use_v the_o reason_n of_o tully_n the_o persuasion_n 1._o tuscul_fw-la quaest_n lib._n 1._o man_n have_v of_o religion_n and_o of_o the_o divine_a nature_n be_v not_o found_v upon_o any_o conference_n and_o consent_n of_o man_n nor_o derive_v from_o any_o law_n and_o sanction_n whatsoever_o but_o the_o general_a concurrence_n of_o all_o nation_n in_o the_o belief_n of_o any_o thing_n can_v be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o consequent_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o many_o of_o those_o ceremony_n in_o use_n among_o the_o gentile_n be_v in_o use_n also_o among_o the_o primitive_a christian_n and_o may_v still_o be_v retain_v in_o the_o church_n as_o be_v of_o great_a signification_n and_o such_o as_o serve_v to_o express_v man_n inward_a sense_n and_o veneration_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n have_v thus_o take_v a_o transient_a view_n of_o some_o religious_a practice_n among_o the_o ancient_n i_o now_o return_v into_o my_o old_a road_n where_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o make_v a_o more_o strict_a enquiry_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o verity_n of_o religion_n which_o that_o we_o may_v the_o better_o understand_v i_o shall_v reduce_v religion_n to_o these_o two_o general_n natural_a and_o reveal_v by_o natural_a religion_n i_o understand_v such_o nation_n as_o contemplative_a and_o virtuous_a person_n have_v arrive_v to_o by_o the_o light_n of_o natural_a reason_n by_o reveal_v i_o understand_v only_o such_o religion_n as_o be_v at_o this_o time_n in_o vogue_n and_o be_v pretend_v to_o be_v authorize_v by_o a_o immediate_a voice_n from_o heaven_n it_o be_v true_a all_o the_o ancient_a founder_n of_o religion_n pretend_v also_o to_o revelation_n but_o their_o religion_n be_v conversant_a about_o false_a deity_n and_o be_v extinct_a long_o ago_o i_o shall_v now_o consider_v such_o different_a religion_n as_o at_o this_o day_n divide_v the_o world_n and_o have_v the_o true_a god_n for_o the_o object_n of_o their_o worship_n by_o who_o also_o they_o believe_v it_o be_v reveal_v and_o they_o be_v these_o three_o the_o jewish_a the_o christian_a and_o the_o mahometan_a chap._n fourteen_o of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n and_o religion_n in_o the_o jewish_a religion_n there_o be_v two_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v its_o authority_n and_o its_o duration_n first_o for_o its_o authority_n to_o we_o who_o be_v educate_v in_o the_o belief_n that_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n there_o be_v no_o place_n leave_v for_o any_o doubt_n or_o question_n so_o that_o in_o this_o point_n both_o jew_n and_o christian_n agree_v together_o but_o than_o be_v we_o to_o dispute_v with_o the_o gentile_n such_o as_o porphyrius_n jamblicus_n celsus_n and_o the_o rest_n who_o deny_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n we_o must_v have_v recourse_n to_o other_o medium_n and_o such_o to_o which_o these_o dissenter_n will_v stand_v leave_v therefore_o the_o testimony_n which_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o give_v of_o their_o own_o authority_n we_o shall_v find_v the_o validity_n of_o their_o
most_o prone_a to_o idolatry_n their_o king_n also_o and_o ruler_n be_v most_o of_o they_o vicious_a and_o idolater_n in_o time_n of_o peace_n easy_o draw_v away_o to_o follow_v the_o superstition_n of_o their_o neighbour_n and_o at_o length_n break_v to_o piece_n by_o a_o miserable_a captivity_n and_o even_o the_o scatter_a fragment_n of_o their_o nation_n batter_v by_o a_o continual_a series_n of_o calamity_n and_o irreparable_a disorder_n and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o all_o these_o disadvantage_n we_o find_v their_o religion_n to_o have_v be_v miraculous_o preserve_v for_o the_o space_n of_o fifteen_o hundred_o year_n for_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n be_v never_o abolish_v nor_o any_o new_a rite_n introduce_v by_o the_o solemn_a decree_n of_o the_o sanhedrim_n so_o that_o there_o be_v still_o the_o face_n of_o a_o church_n and_o man_n raise_v up_o in_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n to_o support_v the_o same_o by_o their_o exemplary_a life_n and_o seasonable_a instruction_n all_o which_o can_v not_o be_v but_o by_o the_o singular_a and_o special_a power_n of_o almighty_n god_n when_o for_o so_o long_a a_o tract_n of_o time_n all_o human_a mean_n universal_o conspire_v to_o the_o utter_a ruin_n and_o extirpation_n of_o it_o chap._n xv._o of_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n in_o which_o the_o jewish_a history_n and_o religion_n be_v contain_v may_v be_v demonstrate_v first_o from_o the_o matter_n and_o manner_n of_o their_o writing_n next_o from_o record_n of_o human_a antiquity_n and_o first_o the_o old_a testament_n have_v singular_a advantage_n above_o any_o other_o work_v and_o write_n whatsoever_o in_o respect_n of_o its_o antiquity_n it_o begin_v with_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n with_o a_o short_a account_n of_o the_o antidiluvian_n time_n down_o to_o the_o general_a deluge_n after_o which_o time_n it_o show_v the_o re-settlement_n of_o mankind_n as_o also_o what_o nation_n be_v of_o great_a antiquity_n and_o then_o come_v more_o particular_o to_o the_o ancestor_n of_o the_o jewish_a and_o describe_v the_o plainness_n of_o the_o first_o age_n in_o the_o life_n and_o manner_n of_o their_o patriarch_n from_o thence_o it_o descend_v gradual_o to_o the_o time_n of_o the_o jew_n settle_v in_o egypt_n in_o many_o delectable_a passage_n with_o some_o account_n also_o of_o the_o neighbour_a nation_n during_o their_o abode_n in_o egypt_n we_o have_v little_a account_n till_o such_o time_n as_o moses_n appear_v to_o who_o the_o law_n be_v give_v from_o moses_n downward_o we_o have_v a_o more_o large_a and_o accurate_a history_n distinguish_v by_o several_a succession_n of_o judge_n and_o king_n and_o the_o year_n they_o govern_v reduce_v to_o certain_a period_n of_o time_n even_o to_o the_o babylonish_n captivity_n we_o have_v a_o particular_a history_n also_o of_o their_o re-settlement_n and_o after_o some_o intermission_n we_o have_v a_o account_n of_o their_o action_n under_o the_o government_n of_o their_o high-priest_n during_o their_o war_n with_o the_o greek_n not_o long_o after_o which_o time_n follow_v the_o birth_n of_o the_o messiah_n in_o short_a the_o act_n and_o monument_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v of_o that_o antiquity_n that_o even_o the_o first_o historian_n among_o the_o greek_n as_o herodotus_n and_o thucydides_n flourish_v but_o about_o the_o time_n of_o esdras_n who_o be_v one_o of_o the_o last_o among_o the_o jewish_a writer_n in_o the_o next_o place_n these_o sacred_a book_n have_v a_o singular_a advantage_n above_o all_o other_o write_n whatsoever_o whether_o we_o consider_v the_o great_a variety_n of_o matter_n contain_v in_o they_o or_o the_o style_n in_o which_o they_o be_v write_v the_o style_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n very_o plain_a and_o obvious_a to_o all_o capacity_n as_o book_n of_o this_o kind_a aught_o to_o be_v but_o withal_o it_o speak_v with_o that_o gravity_n and_o authority_n as_o become_v divine_a oracle_n not_o insinuate_v its_o precept_n by_o rhetorical_a art_n but_o enjoin_v they_o by_o a_o kind_n of_o majesty_n and_o severe_a command_n and_o yet_o we_o have_v some_o description_n especial_o among_o the_o prophet_n make_v with_o that_o liveliness_n of_o representation_n and_o grandeur_n of_o expression_n as_o far_o exceed_v the_o rapture_n of_o our_o modern_a poet_n or_o those_o of_o former_a age_n what_o strain_v of_o wit_n can_v draw_v such_o a_o idea_n of_o a_o glorious_a combatant_n as_o that_o we_o meet_v with_o in_o isaiah_n cap._n 63._o in_o the_o description_n he_o give_v we_o of_o our_o saviour_n bloody_a but_o victorious_a conflict_n upon_o the_o cross_n who_o be_v he_o that_o come_v from_o edom_n with_o die_v garment_n from_o bozrah_n this_o that_o be_v glorious_a in_o his_o apparel_n travel_v in_o the_o greatness_n of_o his_o strength_n answ_n i_o that_o speak_v in_o righteousness_n mighty_a to_o save_v quest_n wherefore_o be_v thou_o red_a in_o thy_o apparel_n and_o thy_o garment_n like_o he_o that_o tread_v in_o the_o wine-press_n answ_n i_o have_v tread_v the_o wine-press_n alone_o and_o of_o the_o people_n there_o be_v none_o with_o i_o for_o i_o will_v tread_v they_o in_o my_o anger_n and_o trample_v they_o in_o my_o fury_n and_o their_o blood_n shall_v be_v sprinkle_v upon_o my_o garment_n and_o i_o will_v stain_v all_o my_o raiment_n and_o i_o look_v and_o there_o be_v none_o to_o help_v and_o i_o wonder_v that_o there_o be_v none_o to_o uphold_v therefore_o my_o own_o arm_n bring_v salvation_n unto_o i_o and_o my_o fury_n it_o uphold_v i_o and_o i_o will_v tread_v down_o the_o people_n in_o my_o anger_n and_o make_v they_o drink_v in_o my_o fury_n and_o i_o will_v bring_v down_o their_o strength_n to_o the_o earth_n can_v there_o be_v form_v a_o noble_a image_n of_o a_o conqueror_n daple_v with_o blood_n wreek_v with_o revenge_n and_o pant_v and_o bestride_v his_o prostrate_a enemy_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o two_o army_n how_o far_o short_a of_o this_o be_v aeneas_n character_n in_o his_o combat_n with_o turnus_n describe_v by_o virgil_n so_o that_o angelus_n politianus_n show_v a_o singular_a delicacy_n or_o rather_o a_o critical_a weakness_n in_o neglect_v to_o read_v these_o sacred_a composition_n for_o fear_v of_o debase_v his_o style_n whereas_o marsilius_n ficinus_fw-la and_o john_n picus_n mirandula_n man_n of_o great_a part_n and_o learning_n delight_v in_o nothing_o more_o than_o in_o the_o study_n of_o they_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o variety_n of_o matter_n treat_v of_o in_o these_o sacred_a write_n there_o be_v no_o collection_n under_o heaven_n can_v compare_v with_o they_o what_o excellent_a observation_n and_o instruction_n have_v we_o for_o morality_n in_o the_o book_n of_o ecclesiasticus_fw-la which_o without_o a_o hyperbole_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o best_a in_o that_o kind_n in_o the_o whole_a world_n as_o reach_v to_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o life_n the_o book_n of_o solomon_n must_v tell_v a_o heathen_a that_o he_o be_v a_o man_n of_o vast_a knowledge_n his_o canticle_n show_v he_o to_o have_v be_v a_o man_n of_o a_o most_o pregnant_a fancy_n his_o ecclesiaste_n seem_v to_o have_v be_v a_o discourse_n by_o way_n of_o dialogue_n betwixt_o wisdom_n and_o a_o sensual_a nature_n but_o his_o proverb_n do_v declare_v he_o to_o have_v be_v both_o good_a and_o wise_a and_o be_v write_v probable_o before_o he_o be_v corrupt_v the_o book_n of_o the_o prophet_n show_v that_o they_o be_v write_v by_o man_n of_o intrepid_a resolution_n they_o reprove_v without_o flattery_n and_o touch_v the_o affection_n to_o the_o quick_a breathe_v always_o a_o ardent_a zeal_n for_o virtue_n and_o for_o the_o glory_n of_o almighty_a god_n and_o as_o for_o the_o book_n of_o the_o psalm_n they_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o poem_n and_o they_o must_v be_v confess_v of_o all_o hand_n to_o flow_v from_o a_o inexhaustible_a fountain_n of_o piety_n and_o devotion_n and_o teach_v we_o how_o we_o may_v address_v ourselves_o to_o god_n under_o the_o several_a form_n of_o confession_n petition_n supplication_n thanksgiving_n vow_n and_o praise_n and_o true_o have_v david_n be_v inspire_v with_o a_o human_a spirit_n he_o will_v have_v employ_v his_o poetic_a fancy_n in_o illustrate_v some_o passage_n of_o his_o own_o life_n viz._n his_o fights_z and_o victory_n as_o a_o warrior_n and_o particular_o his_o engagement_n with_o goliath_n will_v have_v afford_v noble_a matter_n for_o a_o heroic_a poem_n or_o else_o as_o a_o courtier_n he_o will_v have_v compose_v some_o soft_a pastoral_n or_o madrigal_n contain_v his_o amour_n with_o bathsheba_n or_o as_o a_o friend_n he_o will_v have_v exercise_v his_o fancy_n about_o his_o more_o innocent_a love_n and_o affection_n for_o jonathan_n but_o we_o find_v nothing_o of_o this_o nature_n his_o subject_n always_o be_v divine_a one_o while_o as_o a_o suppliant_a or_o
religion_n now_o that_o this_o and_o this_o only_o be_v the_o true_a religion_n and_o the_o ordinary_a way_n by_o which_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v now_o make_v know_v to_o man_n and_o by_o which_o we_o may_v attain_v salvation_n be_v demonstrable_a from_o the_o authority_n of_o its_o author_n who_o be_v jesus_n of_o nazareth_n the_o divine_a authority_n of_o jesus_n and_o his_o be_v the_o promise_a messiah_n or_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v prove_v from_o these_o three_o general_a argument_n the_o first_o be_v take_v from_o the_o type_n and_o prophecy_n concern_v the_o messiah_n and_o their_o accomplishment_n in_o the_o person_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o second_o general_n argument_n be_v take_v from_o the_o history_n of_o his_o life_n doctrine_n and_o miracle_n to_o which_o may_v be_v add_v the_o testimony_n and_o confession_n even_o of_o the_o adversary_n of_o our_o religion_n the_o last_o argument_n be_v take_v from_o the_o wonderful_a effect_n which_o attend_v the_o doctrine_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v no_o less_o than_o the_o conversion_n of_o the_o world_n i_o begin_v with_o the_o prophecy_n as_o to_o the_o time_n of_o the_o messiah_n birth_n it_o be_v to_o commence_v upon_o the_o dissolution_n of_o the_o jewish_a government_n as_o have_v be_v already_o show_v in_o the_o precedent_a chapter_n which_o period_n happen_v about_o the_o time_n of_o jesus_n christ_n appearance_n as_o have_v be_v prove_v already_o also_o next_o for_o the_o place_n of_o his_o birth_n it_o be_v to_o be_v in_o bethlehem_n judah_n according_a to_o the_o unanimous_a consent_n of_o the_o jewish_a sanhedrim_n upon_o the_o inquiry_n make_v by_o herod_n and_o which_o be_v occasion_v by_o the_o magi_n who_o come_v to_o worship_n jesus_n this_o the_o jewish_a priest_n and_o scribe_n prove_v from_o that_o prophecy_n of_o micah_n chap._n 5._o where_o we_o read_v but_o thou_o bethlehem_n ephratah_n though_o thou_o be_v little_a among_o the_o thousand_o of_o judah_n yet_o out_o of_o thou_o shall_v he_o come_v forth_o unto_o i_o that_o be_v to_o be_v ruler_n in_o israel_n who_o go_n forth_o have_v be_v from_o of_o old_a from_o everlasting_a this_o prediction_n we_o find_v actual_o accomplish_v in_o the_o birth_n of_o jesus_n luke_n the_o 2._o where_o we_o read_v that_o jesus_n be_v bear_v in_o bethlehem_n and_o in_o the_o day_n of_o herod_n etc._n etc._n in_o which_o prophecy_n we_o have_v a_o account_v not_o only_o of_o christ_n human_a nature_n in_o the_o history_n of_o his_o birth_n but_o also_o of_o his_o divine_a nature_n in_o his_o go_n forth_o which_o have_v be_v from_o of_o old_a from_o everlasting_a among_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v foretell_v of_o the_o manifestation_n of_o jesus_n there_o be_v this_o viz._n that_o he_o be_v to_o have_v his_o messenger_n or_o forerunner_n who_o be_v to_o make_v proclamation_n of_o his_o come_n which_o be_v describe_v by_o isaiah_n to_o be_v the_o voice_n of_o he_o that_o cry_v in_o the_o wilderness_n 40._o isai_n c._n 40._o prepare_v you_o the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n make_v straight_o in_o the_o desert_n a_o highway_n for_o our_o god_n etc._n etc._n and_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o lord_n shall_v be_v reveal_v and_o all_o flesh_n shall_v see_v it_o this_o description_n we_o find_v to_o be_v verify_v of_o john_n the_o baptist_n by_o his_o own_o answer_n which_o he_o give_v to_o the_o jew_n for_o when_o they_o ask_v he_o who_o he_o be_v he_o tell_v they_o that_o he_o be_v the_o voice_n of_o one_o cry_v in_o the_o 1_o john_n 1_o wilderness_n etc._n etc._n and_o speak_v of_o by_o isaiah_n and_o that_o there_o be_v one_o among_o they_o who_o come_v after_o i_o be_v prefer_v before_o i_o and_o the_o next_o day_n see_v jesus_n come_v to_o he_o he_o cry_v out_o behold_v the_o lamb_n of_o god_n which_o take_v away_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o world_n this_o be_v he_o of_o who_o i_o say_v after_o i_o come_v a_o man_n who_o be_v prefer_v before_o i_o and_o i_o know_v he_o not_o in_o which_o passage_n we_o have_v many_o noble_a description_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o office_n of_o the_o messiah_n as_o first_o his_o sacerdotal_a function_n in_o his_o be_v the_o true_a paschal_n lamb_n to_o purge_v the_o sin_n of_o the_o world_n and_o of_o which_o the_o jewish_a passover_n be_v but_o a_o type_n in_o the_o next_o place_n we_o have_v a_o account_n of_o his_o divine_a nature_n for_o john_n look_v upon_o himself_o to_o be_v but_o as_o his_o shadow_n christ_n as_o the_o substance_n john_n be_v the_o voice_n only_o of_o the_o forerunner_n which_o sort_n of_o people_n we_o know_v be_v of_o a_o servile_a and_o much_o inferior_a nature_n to_o those_o by_o who_o they_o be_v employ_v and_o yet_o john_n be_v by_o christ_n himself_o account_v the_o great_a of_o all_o the_o prophet_n which_o thing_n appear_v from_o his_o miraculous_a birth_n as_o also_o from_o his_o austere_n and_o exemplary_a life_n for_o which_o reason_n he_o be_v call_v elias_n by_o christ_n and_o be_v foretell_v by_o malachi_n 3._o malac._n c._n 3._o three_o from_o his_o excellent_a doctrine_n preach_v repentance_n and_o amendment_n of_o life_n to_o all_o sort_n of_o people_n and_o prepare_v they_o by_o baptism_n and_o last_o from_o his_o integrity_n courage_n and_o constancy_n in_o reprove_v herod_n for_o his_o incest_n for_o which_o he_o deserve_v a_o crown_n of_o martyrdom_n to_o all_o which_o we_o may_v add_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o jew_n themselves_o who_o all_o of_o they_o hold_v john_n in_o the_o high_a veneration_n of_o sanctity_n in_o so_o much_o that_o josephus_n attribute_v the_o misfortune_n 7._o joseph_n lib._n 18._o c._n 7._o and_o overthrow_a of_o herod_n army_n to_o the_o murder_n of_o this_o saint_n now_o if_o this_o great_a saint_n be_v but_o as_o a_o voice_n or_o a_o poor_a transitory_a thing_n which_o vanish_v in_o a_o moment_n in_o respect_n of_o christ_n christ_n certain_o must_v be_v more_o than_o a_o man._n and_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o circumstance_n of_o this_o interview_n betwixt_o christ_n and_o john_n we_o have_v further_a matter_n of_o wonder_n for_o though_o they_o be_v near_o of_o kin_n and_o contemporary_n yet_o have_v they_o no_o knowledge_n of_o one_o another_o before_o which_o show_v that_o they_o live_v in_o great_a solitude_n and_o retreat_n before_o they_o enter_v upon_o their_o function_n neither_o do_v they_o take_v the_o least_o notice_n of_o their_o consanguinity_n but_o entertain_v one_o another_o with_o discourse_n of_o a_o sublime_a nature_n from_o the_o time_n place_n and_o other_o circumstance_n of_o the_o birth_n of_o christ_n let_v we_o proceed_v to_o consider_v his_o person_n and_o office_n and_o this_o we_o have_v ample_o describe_v by_o isaiah_n for_o unto_o we_o a_o child_n 9_o isaiah_n c._n 9_o be_v bear_v unto_o we_o a_o son_n be_v give_v here_o be_v his_o human_a nature_n and_o the_o government_n shall_v be_v upon_o his_o shoulder_n and_o his_o name_n shall_v be_v call_v wonderful_a counsellor_n the_o mighty_a god_n the_o everlasting_a father_n the_o prince_n of_o peace_n here_o be_v his_o divine_a nature_n of_o the_o increase_n of_o his_o government_n and_o peace_n there_o shall_v be_v no_o end_n upon_o the_o throne_n of_o david_n and_o upon_o his_o kingdom_n to_o order_v it_o and_o to_o establish_v it_o with_o judgement_n and_o with_o justice_n from_o hence_o forth_o even_o for_o ever_o here_o we_o have_v his_o extraction_n and_o the_o perpetuity_n of_o his_o kingdom_n which_o can_v not_o be_v temporal_a since_o the_o jew_n can_v show_v any_o such_o prince_n who_o government_n have_v no_o end_n it_o remain_v therefore_o that_o his_o kingdom_n be_v spiritual_a and_o such_o a_o one_o it_o be_v that_o christ_n be_v invest_v with_o as_o be_v evident_a to_o all_o the_o world_n this_o we_o have_v more_o ample_o describe_v by_o the_o same_o prophet_n by_o the_o rod_n out_o of_o the_o stem_n of_o jesse_n and_o that_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n 11._o isai_n c._n 11._o shall_v rest_v upon_o he_o the_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n and_o understanding_n the_o spirit_n of_o counsel_n and_o of_o may_v the_o spirit_n of_o knowledge_n and_o of_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n christ_n prophetic_a office_n as_o also_o that_o of_o his_o mediator-ship_n be_v foretold_v by_o moses_n a_o prophet_n shall_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n 18._o deut._n 18._o raise_v up_o unto_o thou_o from_o the_o midst_n of_o thou_o like_v unto_o i_o unto_o he_o shall_v you_o hearken_v according_a to_o all_o that_o thou_o do_v desire_v of_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n in_o horeb_n etc._n etc._n viz._n when_o the_o people_n see_v and_o hear_v the_o thunder_n and_o lightning_n entreat_v moses_n to_o speak_v unto_o they_o and_o not_o god_n lest_o they_o shall_v be_v consume_v by_o the_o dreadful_a majesty_n of_o his_o appearance_n that_o
revenge_v a_o old_a injury_n to_o be_v prepare_v to_o receive_v a_o new_a one_o add_v to_o this_o that_o christ_n require_v many_o penitential_a duty_n such_o as_o fast_v prayer_n give_v of_o alm_n and_o the_o like_a all_o which_o be_v much_o more_o than_o what_o be_v require_v under_o the_o moysaicall_a ordinance_n and_o run_v in_o the_o style_n and_o tenor_n of_o absolute_a command_n must_v have_v the_o authority_n of_o law_n and_o obligation_n consequent_o to_o the_o observance_n of_o they_o which_o will_v far_o appear_v shall_v we_o consider_v the_o efficacy_n of_o such_o duty_n in_o the_o work_n of_o our_o salvation_n but_o it_o be_v not_o my_o business_n here_o to_o engage_v into_o dispute_n i_o will_v post_v on_o therefore_o in_o the_o course_n of_o this_o argument_n to_o consider_v what_o be_v without_o dispute_n viz._n the_o divine_a authority_n of_o christ_n messiah-ship_n as_o it_o be_v represent_v in_o his_o life_n and_o miracle_n chap_n xxii_o of_o the_o life_n of_o jesus_n have_v give_v a_o short_a systeme_n of_o the_o doctrinal_a part_n of_o the_o evangelist_n we_o be_v in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o consider_v of_o the_o historical_a as_o it_o relate_v to_o the_o life_n and_o miracle_n of_o the_o holy_a jesus_n or_o to_o speak_v more_o proper_o both_o these_o be_v but_o one_o for_o the_o life_n of_o jesus_n be_v nothing_o but_o one_o great_a and_o continue_a miracle_n he_o enter_v upon_o the_o throne_n in_o a_o manner_n very_o different_a from_o those_o hero_n of_o old_a he_o be_v bear_v in_o a_o stable_a and_o lay_v in_o a_o manger_n and_o expose_v to_o the_o cold_a of_o the_o season_n and_o to_o many_o other_o inconvenience_n which_o attend_v that_o great_a confluence_n of_o people_n occasion_v by_o augustus_n his_o decree_n present_o after_o he_o be_v bear_v under_o pretence_n of_o be_v worship_v he_o be_v hunt_v after_o by_o the_o most_o execrable_a herod_n to_o be_v murder_v he_o be_v hurry_v from_o place_n to_o place_n in_o the_o arm_n of_o his_o tender_a mother_n the_o ever_o bless_a virgin_n who_o be_v expose_v to_o perpetual_a labour_n fear_n sorrow_n and_o many_o want_n and_o difficulty_n as_o to_o all_o worldly_a help_n he_o be_v force_v to_o sly_a into_o egypt_n the_o house_n of_o bondage_n that_o he_o may_v find_v relief_n and_o safety_n he_o be_v the_o repute_a son_n of_o a_o honest_a laborious_a carpenter_n he_o live_v afterward_o at_o nazareth_n a_o poor_a inconsiderate_a village_n then_o remarkable_a only_o for_o its_o obscurity_n and_o by_o the_o jew_n hold_v ignoble_a to_o a_o proverb_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o by_o way_n of_o contempt_n he_o be_v call_v a_o nazarene_n and_o the_o primitive_a christian_n out_o of_o the_o like_a contempt_n be_v call_v nazarenes_n witness_v that_o calumnious_a invective_n of_o tertullus_n against_o st._n paul_n he_o be_v also_o call_v a_o galiloean_a in_o a_o way_n of_o ignominy_n by_o julian_n and_o porphyry_n his_o condition_n of_o life_n be_v in_o some_o respect_n worse_o than_o that_o of_o the_o beast_n and_o fowl_n of_o the_o air_n for_o he_o have_v no_o certain_a place_n of_o habitation_n where_o to_o retreat_v at_o such_o time_n as_o he_o begin_v to_o enter_v upon_o his_o commission_n as_o to_o all_o worldly_a appearance_n he_o be_v poor_a and_o destitute_a persecute_v and_o defame_v walk_v always_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o snare_n and_o treachery_n converse_v with_o publican_n and_o sinner_n and_o attend_v only_o with_o a_o few_o despicable_a fisherman_n this_o be_v the_o state_n and_o grandeur_n this_o be_v the_o pomp_n and_o equipage_n of_o our_o great_a and_o immortal_a hero_n and_o yet_o still_o there_o be_v a_o heavenly_a lustre_n break_v forth_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o all_o these_o cloud_n through_o every_o passage_n of_o his_o life_n and_o when_o most_o eclipse_v he_o be_v glorify_v with_o some_o ray_n of_o a_o divine_a majesty_n as_o to_o the_o virtue_n of_o his_o soul_n they_o be_v ineffable_a he_o be_v always_o do_v good_a suffer_v evil_a always_o teachingâ—_n and_o by_o his_o own_o example_n prove_v the_o verity_n of_o what_o he_o teach_v always_o relieve_v man_n s_o necessity_n whether_o temporal_a or_o spiritual_a and_o heal_v their_o infirmity_n he_o be_v cheerful_a and_o yet_o innocent_a in_o his_o conversation_n and_o in_o his_o reproof_n indulgent_a and_o yet_o severe_a he_o be_v pitiful_a towards_o the_o afflict_a and_o rigorous_a with_o none_o but_o with_o the_o treacherous_a hypocrite_n and_o the_o boast_n and_o supercilious_a pharisee_n he_o be_v more_o pure_a and_o chaste_a than_o angel_n most_o gentle_a and_o sweet_a in_o his_o disposition_n lovely_a and_o meek_a in_o his_o deportment_n negligent_a of_o himself_o but_o most_o vigilant_a zealous_a and_o active_a for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o never_o discompose_v by_o any_o extravagance_n of_o anger_n fear_v sorrow_n joy_n or_o any_o other_o intemperance_n of_o passion_n whatsoever_o though_o he_o sometime_o express_v his_o tenderness_n for_o jerusalem_n by_o most_o compassionate_a ejaculation_n and_o by_o a_o flood_n of_o tear_n wheresoever_o he_o go_v he_o make_v himself_o to_o be_v know_v and_o public_a by_o great_a act_n of_o charity_n and_o self-denial_n one_o while_o we_o find_v he_o dispute_v with_o the_o subtle_a scribe_n and_o pharisee_n confound_v they_o with_o his_o answer_n and_o elude_v all_o their_o captious_a and_o treacherous_a discourse_n with_o a_o wisdom_n equal_a to_o that_o of_o a_o serpent_n but_o defend_v his_o own_o integrity_n with_o the_o innocence_n of_o the_o dove_n as_o to_o his_o manner_n of_o express_v himself_o it_o be_v by_o parable_n which_o way_n of_o speak_v make_v a_o last_a impression_n on_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n by_o represent_v spiritual_a thing_n under_o such_o sensible_a form_n as_o be_v obvious_a to_o the_o capacity_n of_o all_o and_o easy_a to_o be_v remember_v but_o withal_o they_o be_v of_o incomparable_a weight_n and_o signification_n and_o true_o such_o be_v the_o scope_n pertinence_n and_o veracity_n of_o these_o sacred_a parable_n as_o can_v proceed_v from_o no_o other_o than_o the_o son_n of_o god_n but_o above_o all_o his_o last_o speech_n and_o discourse_n with_o his_o disciple_n after_o his_o last_o supper_n be_v most_o pathetic_a and_o divine_a firm_o to_o be_v read_v by_o angel_n and_o capable_a to_o inspire_v the_o most_o obdurate_a soul_n with_o the_o love_n of_o martyrdom_n and_o they_o show_v sufficient_o with_o what_o a_o filial_a resignation_n of_o himself_o to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n with_o what_o melt_a tenderness_n towards_o his_o disciple_n and_o with_o what_o a_o holy_a and_o ardent_a charity_n towards_o the_o world_n this_o holy_a victim_n be_v prepare_v to_o make_v his_o offer_n chap._n xxiii_o objection_n answer_v the_o life_n and_o doctrine_n of_o the_o bless_a jesus_n so_o just_a and_o holy_a as_o they_o be_v give_v great_a offence_n both_o to_o jew_n and_o gentile_n or_o as_o the_o apostle_n word_n it_o christ_n be_v to_o the_o jew_n a_o stumble_a blook_n and_o to_o the_o greek_n foolishness_n there_o be_v two_o thing_n at_o which_o both_o be_v high_o offend_v the_o first_o be_v the_o meanness_n poverty_n and_o humility_n of_o his_o life_n and_o especial_o the_o innocency_n of_o his_o death_n to_o the_o life_n of_o christ_n we_o refer_v all_o those_o outward_n consideration_n of_o his_o parentage_n birth_n country_n society_n fortune_n with_o such_o like_a circumstance_n as_o attend_v his_o mortal_a state_n be_v not_o this_o the_o carpenter_n son_n be_v not_o his_o mother_n call_v trypt_n just_a in_o deut_n contra_fw-la trypt_n mary_n can_v any_o good_a thing_n come_v out_o of_o galilee_n that_o he_o be_v a_o wine-bibber_n a_o friend_n of_o publican_n and_o sinner_n be_v the_o common_a cry_n of_o the_o calumniate_a jew_n tryphon_n though_o he_o lend_v a_o attentive_a ear_n to_o the_o reason_n of_o justin_n martyr_n and_o seem_v sometime_o to_o bend_v to_o his_o persuasion_n can_v never_o condescend_v to_o this_o that_o he_o who_o be_v inglorious_a despise_v and_o crucify_v can_v be_v the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n this_o be_v as_o far_o above_o the_o reach_n of_o his_o reason_n to_o understand_v as_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v beneath_o the_o majesty_n of_o god_n to_o suffer_v for_o he_o fall_v under_o the_o severe_a curse_n of_o the_o law_n by_o be_v crucify_a what_o sentiment_n the_o gentile_n have_v of_o christ_n as_o they_o be_v record_v by_o origen_n be_v too_o blasphemous_a for_o christian_a law_n in_o short_a the_o result_n of_o all_o these_o difficulty_n turn_v upon_o this_o choir_n viz._n how_o it_o can_v stand_v with_o 29._o contra_fw-la celâ—_n lib._n 1._o c._n 29._o the_o grandeur_n of_o god_n of_o one_o who_o be_v infinite_o glorious_a to_o be_v make_v man_n to_o be_v surround_v with_o the_o infirmity_n of_o flesh_n and_o to_o be_v expose_v to_o fear_n and_o sorrow_n have_v it_o
and_o the_o mercy_n and_o pardon_n upon_o their_o repentance_n for_o their_o fail_n beside_o affirmative_a command_n be_v not_o always_o to_o be_v observe_v nor_o do_v they_o so_o much_o require_v the_o actual_a performance_n as_o the_o thought_n and_o disposition_n of_o the_o mind_n viz._n to_o be_v resolve_v to_o suffer_v pain_n and_o ignominy_n of_o the_o cross_n and_o to_o forsake_v all_o temporal_a enjoyment_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o almighty_a god_n when_o occasion_n shall_v require_v in_o the_o last_o place_n though_o there_o be_v no_o reward_n annex_v to_o the_o observance_n of_o religious_a duty_n yet_o be_v there_o no_o just_a reason_n to_o except_v against_o they_o as_o rigid_a and_o severe_a for_o as_o much_o as_o even_o in_o this_o life_n they_o carry_v along_o with_o they_o their_o own_o reward_n the_o stoic_n i_o confess_v be_v man_n of_o some_o principle_n for_o they_o hold_v that_o a_o man_n may_v mal._n tul._n l._n 5._o de_fw-la finibus_fw-la bon._n &_o mal._n be_v then_o most_o happy_a when_o he_o be_v most_o miserable_a not_o as_o though_o misery_n be_v happiness_n formal_o and_o in_o itself_o but_o material_o only_a because_o as_o a_o object_n it_o minister_v occasion_n for_o a_o man_n to_o exert_v those_o act_n of_o virtue_n which_o constitute_v he_o happy_a whether_o this_o doctrine_n of_o they_o be_v only_o a_o bravery_n of_o speculation_n or_o a_o fix_a persuasion_n and_o belief_n be_v not_o my_o business_n to_o determine_v thus_o much_o it_o show_v that_o these_o philosopher_n who_o see_v only_o by_o the_o divine_a light_n of_o nature_n and_o know_v little_a of_o another_o life_n have_v such_o apprehension_n of_o the_o excellency_n of_o man_n nature_n as_o to_o think_v all_o outward_a object_n though_o never_o so_o repugnant_a to_o it_o to_o be_v too_o weak_a and_o insufficient_a to_o discompose_v it_o which_o consideration_n be_v of_o infinite_a more_o force_n in_o a_o christian_a upon_o the_o prospect_n he_o have_v of_o another_o life_n but_o wave_v this_o as_o i_o have_v now_o state_v the_o matter_n let_v we_o examine_v it_o a_o little_a by_o the_o measure_n and_o circumstance_n of_o this_o present_a life_n man_n natural_o be_v of_o a_o temper_n which_o be_v haughty_a and_o vindicative_a christ_n require_v his_o follower_n to_o be_v humble_a and_o long_o suffer_v under_o all_o provocation_n whatsoever_o let_v we_o now_o see_v which_o be_v easy_a to_o follow_v he_o who_o be_v sway_v by_o inclination_n of_o revenge_n with_o how_o many_o restless_a hour_n must_v he_o be_v afflict_v himself_o in_o contrive_v mean_n for_o the_o execution_n of_o it_o with_o what_o loss_n of_o time_n content_a reputation_n and_o perhaps_o estate_n and_o death_n do_v he_o combat_v his_o own_o enjoyment_n to_o disturb_v those_o of_o he_o he_o hate_v which_o whether_o he_o compass_v or_o fail_v of_o he_o be_v equal_o miserable_a whereas_o the_o good_a christian_n suffer_v but_o a_o short_a conflict_n within_o himself_o in_o resist_v the_o first_o resentment_n of_o nature_n and_o then_o he_o be_v at_o rest_n but_o above_o all_o he_o acquire_v a_o reputation_n of_o virtue_n among_o all_o good_a man_n by_o who_o he_o be_v belove_v and_o honour_v and_o acquire_v also_o a_o entire_a and_o noble_a conquest_n over_o his_o enemy_n by_o the_o all-subduing_a arm_n of_o love_n for_o there_o be_v never_o man_n so_o devote_v to_o malice_n as_o will_v for_o ever_o persecute_v a_o virtuous_a and_o prostrate_a innocence_n nature_n prompt_v man_n to_o lust_n to_o pleasure_n to_o ambition_n and_o the_o like_a i_o need_v not_o enlarge_v upon_o the_o evil_a consequence_n of_o such_o disorder_n it_o be_v a_o argument_n very_o copious_a and_o please_a and_o almost_o every_o where_o speak_v to_o with_o good_a success_n when_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o good_a christian_n by_o resist_v these_o temptation_n of_o life_n be_v not_o only_o deliver_v from_o all_o their_o fatal_a effect_n but_o by_o confine_v his_o enjoyment_n within_o these_o due_a limit_n or_o by_o transfer_v his_o passion_n upon_o noble_a object_n he_o meet_v with_o a_o full_a satisfaction_n of_o his_o desire_n in_o a_o solid_a fruition_n of_o himself_o and_o taste_v the_o chaste_a pleasure_n of_o angel_n in_o a_o reflection_n upon_o the_o innocence_n and_o spotless_a tenor_n of_o his_o life_n whilst_o he_o who_o let_v his_o unbridled_a passion_n range_v through_o all_o the_o region_n of_o sensual_a delight_n which_o fancy_n can_v create_v do_v but_o shorten_v his_o day_n and_o poison_v even_o those_o small_a enjoyment_n of_o the_o life_n he_o spend_v with_o perpetual_a disorder_n and_o with_o irreparable_a detriment_n chap._n xxiv_o of_o the_o miracle_n of_o jesus_n the_o miracle_n which_o the_o bless_a jesus_n wrought_v whilst_o he_o be_v upon_o earth_n make_v another_o considerable_a part_n of_o the_o history_n of_o his_o life_n and_o show_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o author_n for_o so_o it_o be_v that_o when_o john_n baptist_n for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o his_o doubt_a disciple_n send_v they_o to_o jesus_n to_o know_v whether_o he_o be_v the_o messiah_n or_o he_o that_o shall_v come_v we_o find_v our_o saviour_n appeal_v to_o his_o work_n and_o by_o they_o vouch_v his_o authority_n go_v that_o way_n say_v he_o and_o tell_v what_o you_o have_v see_v and_o hear_v how_o that_o the_o blind_a see_v the_o lame_a 7._o luke_n 7._o walk_n the_o leper_n be_v cleanse_v the_o dead_a be_v raise_v etc._n etc._n by_o such_o like_a work_n as_o these_o he_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o commission_n for_o miracle_n be_v the_o effect_n of_o god_n immediate_a and_o extraordinary_a power_n it_o be_v impossible_a he_o shall_v put_v this_o broad_a seal_n to_o the_o confirmation_n of_o a_o lie_n as_o for_o those_o miranda_n record_v in_o profane_a story_n as_o the_o speak_n of_o juno_n statue_n and_o that_o of_o a_o child_n of_o six_o month_n old_a proclaim_v triumph_n in_o rome_n as_o also_o the_o augar_n cat_v a_o whetstone_n with_o a_o razor_n so_o much_o admire_v by_o tarqvinius_n with_o other_o such_o like_a prodigy_n of_o fame_n among_o the_o ancient_n it_o be_v plain_a they_o be_v no_o miracle_n be_v such_o as_o may_v easy_o be_v obtrude_v by_o collusidn_n and_o lay_v not_o without_o the_o compass_n of_o natural_a agent_n of_o this_o kind_n be_v the_o wonder_n wrought_v by_o the_o magician_n under_o pharaoh_n as_o also_o those_o which_o be_v report_v of_o appolonius_fw-la by_o philestratus_n 4._o vide_fw-la mart._n derio_fw-la mag._n disq_fw-la l._n 1._o c._n 4._o quae_n 4._o and_o of_o one_o zedekiah_n a_o jew_n in_o the_o time_n of_o lewis_n the_o emperor_n all_o which_o for_o the_o devil_n to_o have_v effect_v either_o by_o local_a motion_n by_o the_o apply_v of_o active_n to_o passive_n or_o by_o make_v some_o alteration_n upon_o the_o medium_fw-la or_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o beholder_n be_v not_o a_o matter_n of_o any_o great_a difficulty_n i_o know_v that_o heathen_a story_n be_v famous_a for_o the_o miracle_n of_o vespasian_n but_o when_o we_o call_v to_o mind_v that_o intimate_a familiarity_n which_o be_v betwixt_o the_o emperor_n and_o apollonius_n tyanaeus_n who_o be_v with_o he_o also_o at_o alexandria_n when_o he_o wrought_v his_o cure_n it_o be_v more_o than_o probable_a that_o what_o be_v report_v of_o he_o in_o this_o nature_n be_v but_o a_o piece_n of_o artifice_n and_o delusion_n or_o admit_v it_o to_o have_v be_v real_a yet_o be_v it_o not_o without_o the_o compass_n of_o natural_a cause_n for_o tacitus_n tell_v we_o that_o histor_n tac._n lib._n 4._o histor_n when_o vespasian_n ask_v his_o physician_n whether_o such_o defect_n be_v recoverable_a by_o humane_a mean_n they_o answer_v they_o be_v may_v convenient_a remedy_n be_v apply_v spâ—rtianus_n relate_v the_o like_a of_o hadrean_n in_o restore_v hadr._n spartian_a in_o hadr._n a_o blind_a man_n to_o sight_n and_o yet_o in_o the_o same_o place_n he_o tell_v we_o that_o marius_n maximus_n a_o historiographer_n of_o good_a credit_n affirm_v it_o to_o be_v fictitious_a as_o for_o mahomet_n he_o saught_v not_o to_o confirm_v his_o doctrine_n by_o miracle_n but_o by_o the_o sword_n but_o of_o he_o by_o and_o by_o those_o than_o be_v true_o miracle_n which_o can_v be_v produce_v by_o the_o natural_a power_n of_o any_o create_a agent_n or_o be_v obtrude_v on_o we_o by_o imposture_n and_o of_o this_o kind_n be_v those_o urge_v by_o our_o saviour_n to_o john_n disciple_n for_o who_o ever_o hear_v of_o any_o that_o raise_v the_o dead_a and_o give_v sight_n to_o the_o blind_a and_o let_v i_o speak_v it_o with_o reverence_n that_o have_v our_o saviour_n mention_v any_o other_o miracle_n as_o his_o turn_n of_o water_n into_o wine_n his_o walk_n upon_o the_o sea_n his_o feed_n of_o 5000_o with_o a_o few_o loaf_n and_o the_o like_a they_o can_v never_o have_v win_v man_n
all_o these_o difficulty_n on_o one_o side_n and_o on_o the_o other_o these_o few_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n enter_v upon_o their_o warfare_n they_o break_v through_o all_o disaster_n which_o oppose_v they_o by_o withstand_v all_o the_o dispute_v of_o philosopher_n all_o the_o placart_n of_o the_o senate_n all_o the_o prison_n and_o torture_n of_o the_o officer_n with_o infinite_a other_o hardship_n still_o attend_v their_o business_n by_o baptise_v preach_a and_o pray_v and_o at_o length_n seal_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o belief_n and_o doctrine_n with_o their_o blood_n a_o eternal_a proof_n indeed_o of_o its_o truth_n for_o though_o man_n may_v lie_v sometime_o for_o gain_n yet_o we_o never_o hear_v of_o any_o much_o less_o so_o many_o and_o for_o so_o many_o age_n who_o will_v persevere_v in_o a_o lie_n that_o they_o may_v be_v miserable_a and_o when_o they_o may_v enjoy_v all_o the_o comfort_n of_o life_n by_o follow_a truth_n will_v voluntary_o plunge_v themselves_o into_o a_o train_n of_o perpetual_a calamity_n both_o in_o this_o world_n and_o that_o to_o come_v by_o assert_v falsehood_n and_o indeed_o as_o the_o natural_a weakness_n and_o the_o supernatural_a courage_n and_o constancy_n of_o the_o abettor_n of_o christianity_n hear_v its_o truth_n so_o also_o that_o this_o truth_n be_v of_o a_o divine_a extraction_n and_o virtue_n be_v far_a demonstrable_a from_o the_o possession_n it_o get_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o most_o prejudice_v man_n over_o their_o judgement_n will_n and_o affection_n and_o contrary_a to_o all_o humane_a interest_n and_o natural_a inclination_n whatsoever_o whereas_o the_o doctrine_n of_o plato_n after_o so_o long_a a_o continuance_n and_o even_o in_o the_o infancy_n of_o christianity_n flourish_v in_o those_o great_a master_n of_o reason_n plotirus_n lorgirus_n and_o porphyrus_n can_v never_o so_o insinuate_v into_o the_o miracle_n and_o manner_n of_o man_n as_o to_o draw_v any_o one_o village_n throughout_o the_o world_n unto_o its_o principle_n and_o make_v they_o live_v after_o the_o prescript_n and_o rule_n of_o its_o philosophy_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n the_o progress_n of_o christianity_n be_v so_o universal_a and_o early_a that_o even_o in_o the_o day_n of_o st._n paul_n his_o doctrine_n have_v convert_v some_o of_o caesar_n household_n phil._n 4._o as_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o trajan_n reign_n we_o read_v of_o flavia_n domisilla_n a_o person_n of_o the_o imperial_a blood_n who_o with_o her_o two_o eunuch_n nâ—râ—us_a and_o achelleus_n make_v her_o blood_n more_o noble_a yet_o by_o the_o effusion_n of_o it_o in_o martyrdom_n and_o but_o four_o year_n after_o pliny_n go_v over_o proconsul_n to_o the_o province_n of_o bythinia_n find_v such_o a_o multitude_n of_o christian_n in_o it_o that_o he_o be_v oblige_v to_o consult_v the_o emperor_n what_o to_o do_v in_o the_o matter_n not_o dare_v to_o draw_v the_o sword_n against_o all_o at_o once_o and_o so_o fast_o do_v 3â—_n plin_n v_o l._n 10_o epist_n 97._o apologit_fw-la cap._n 3â—_n their_o number_n grow_v maugre_o all_o the_o terror_n and_o effort_n of_o persecution_n as_o make_v turtullainus_a in_o his_o apologetic_n to_o the_o roman_a noble_n say_v by_o a_o word_n of_o triumph_n we_o have_v fill_v the_o city_n the_o isle_n the_o castle_n the_o council_n the_o camp_n the_o corporation_n your_o tribe_n your_o palace_n your_o court_n and_o your_o senate_n we_o have_v leave_v you_o nothing_o to_o yourselves_o but_o the_o temple_n and_o thus_o christianity_n go_v on_o still_o acquire_v strength_n by_o its_o progression_n till_o at_o length_n in_o defiance_n of_o all_o the_o instrument_n of_o wit_n and_o cruelty_n it_o subdue_v principality_n and_o power_n and_o change_v the_o law_n of_o empire_n it_o subvert_v their_o religion_n and_o cast_v their_o false_a god_n and_o idolatrous_a temple_n to_o the_o ground_n and_o as_o a_o perpetual_a monument_n of_o their_o victory_n it_o make_v they_o throw_v away_o their_o laurel_n abjure_v their_o triumph_n and_o in_o the_o crown_n they_o wear_v erect_v the_o crown_n upon_o the_o globe_n the_o figure_n or_o symbol_n of_o the_o world_n they_o preâ—â—nded_v to_o command_v and_o which_o they_o ever_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v in_o subjection_n to_o the_o cross_n chap._n xxvi_o of_o the_o mahometan_a religion_n the_o mahometan_a superstition_n make_v the_o last_o branch_n of_o reveal_v or_o of_o a_o pretend_o reveal_v religion_n this_o fall_v in_o most_o opportune_o to_o be_v speak_v to_o as_o be_v in_o appearance_n the_o great_a objection_n that_o can_v possible_o be_v make_v against_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n which_o notwithstanding_o when_o impartia_o and_o thorough_o consider_v will_v afford_v we_o one_o of_o the_o great_a argument_n to_o prove_v its_o divine_a authority_n upon_o which_o consideration_n i_o have_v reserve_v the_o handle_n of_o this_o point_n to_o the_o last_o place_n for_o as_o much_o as_o mahomet_n be_v the_o great_a and_o most_o mortal_a enemy_n which_o hitherto_o have_v appear_v against_o it_o and_o therefore_o the_o fit_a to_o follow_v it_o in_o its_o triumph_n in_o the_o mahometan_a religion_n then_o there_o be_v two_o thing_n at_o first_o sight_n which_o occur_v to_o our_o consideration_n viz._n its_o duration_n and_o its_o extent_n as_o for_o its_o duration_n it_o have_v flourish_v or_o rather_o insect_v the_o world_n for_o above_o a_o thousand_o year_n and_o then_o for_o its_o extent_n although_o its_o original_a be_v from_o a_o obscure_a imposture_n yet_o in_o less_o than_o seventy_o year_n the_o disciple_n of_o this_o sect_n under_o the_o name_n of_o saracen_n have_v diffuse_v themselves_o over_o armenia_n persia_n palestine_n egypt_n lybia_n and_o almost_o all_o africa_n and_o for_o some_o age_n past_a even_o to_o this_o very_a day_n they_o possess_v the_o large_a and_o noble_a part_n of_o the_o habitable_a world_n in_o the_o persian_a and_o ottoman_a empire_n the_o better_a part_n of_o judea_n as_o also_o all_o tartary_n with_o three_o quarter_n also_o of_o africa_n so_o that_o the_o crescent_n seem_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n to_o verify_v that_o arrogant_a prediction_n of_o grow_v great_a and_o great_a donec_fw-la totum_fw-la impleat_fw-la orbem_fw-la now_o that_o such_o a_o pestilent_a sect_n shall_v so_o long_o triumph_v over_o and_o almost_o extenuate_v the_o christian_a religion_n and_o spread_v its_o root_n and_o branch_n wide_a also_o be_v a_o point_n which_o at_o the_o first_o sight_n may_v seem_v to_o stagger_v we_o but_o how_o formidable_a soever_o this_o scandal_n may_v appear_v to_o a_o young_a believer_n we_o shall_v find_v no_o great_a danger_n in_o it_o if_o we_o consider_v first_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o age_n when_o this_o innovation_n first_o begin_v it_o be_v about_o the_o year_n 630_o and_o in_o the_o reign_n of_o heraclius_n the_o emperor_n that_o mahomet_n be_v say_v to_o have_v depart_v this_o life_n before_o which_o time_n almost_o the_o space_n of_o 200_o year_n the_o vandal_n have_v overrun_v almost_o all_o africa_n a_o country_n always_o famous_a for_o wild_a beast_n and_o monster_n so_o that_o almost_o all_o that_o vast_a tract_n or_o region_n be_v overcome_v with_o barbarity_n and_o ignorance_n the_o soil_n seem_v ready_o prepare_v for_o weed_n to_o grow_v in_o to_o which_o consideration_n we_o may_v add_v that_o also_o of_o the_o eastern_a church_n overrun_v with_o nistorianism_n and_o contend_v with_o the_o western_a for_o the_o primacy_n all_o this_o the_o impostor_n understand_v very_o well_o as_o also_o that_o ignorance_n natural_o lead_v man_n to_o innovation_n and_o as_o the_o state_n and_o circumstance_n of_o the_o seven_o century_n suit_v well_o with_o the_o genius_n and_o design_n of_o such_o a_o prophet_n so_o may_v we_o observe_v also_o the_o like_a disposition_n and_o confluence_n of_o cause_n in_o the_o succeed_a age_n to_o propagate_v and_o enlarge_v the_o same_o for_o the_o hunns_n goth_n vandal_n who_o uncouth_a name_n be_v of_o harsh_a and_o barbarous_a sound_n still_o throng_v in_o upon_o all_o quarter_n of_o the_o empire_n disturb_v the_o repose_n and_o course_n of_o thing_n whilst_o the_o great_a prelate_n contend_v with_o one_o another_o and_o pursue_v their_o ancient_a quarrel_n about_o precedency_n and_o enter_v into_o new_a one_o with_o the_o secular_a power_n about_o superiority_n and_o right_n of_o investiture_n all_o religion_n be_v in_o a_o manner_n degenerate_v into_o emulation_n faction_n and_o superstition_n by_o this_o mean_n i_o say_v the_o mahometan_a doctrine_n advance_v apace_o and_o the_o prince_n who_o where_o of_o it_o under_o the_o title_n of_o caliphes_n and_o sultan_n become_v formidable_a whereupon_o the_o christian_a prince_n of_o the_o west_n find_v the_o eastern_a either_o immerse_v in_o idleness_n and_o luxury_n or_o unable_a to_o withstand_v the_o inundation_n of_o this_o sect_n enter_v into_o a_o league_n call_v the_o holy_a war_n which_o for_o some_o time_n repel_v the_o progress_n of_o the_o
and_o present_a enjoyment_n who_o will_v scruple_n to_o enrich_v himself_o by_o fraud_n robbery_n and_o murder_n or_o to_o gratify_v his_o lust_n by_o rape_n adultery_n or_o any_o other_o enormity_n be_v he_o sure_a there_o be_v no_o punishnent_a to_o be_v meet_v with_o after_o death_n the_o consequence_n of_o which_o disorder_n can_v be_v no_o less_o than_o the_o subversion_n of_o all_o property_n and_o civil_a government_n upon_o these_o and_o such_o like_a consideration_n we_o may_v in_o the_o last_o place_n observe_v that_o the_o wise_a and_o most_o learned_a man_n through_o all_o age_n and_o country_n of_o the_o world_n believe_v the_o soul_n immortality_n such_o as_o hermes_n and_o pythagoras_n who_o by_o the_o few_o fragment_n 1._o hermes_n in_o paenrand_n cap._n 1._o that_o be_v extant_a of_o he_o in_o ancient_a writer_n be_v of_o the_o same_o belief_n socrates_n at_o his_o death_n adher_n do_v to_o this_o belief_n also_o and_o resist_v the_o strength_n and_o malignity_n of_o his_o poison_n by_o this_o antidote_n that_o his_o soul_n short_o shall_v enjoy_v the_o society_n of_o the_o virtuous_a and_o bless_a in_o the_o other_o world_n this_o doctrine_n be_v much_o improve_v by_o plato_n and_o his_o follower_n especial_o platinus_n who_o be_v the_o most_o learned_a of_o that_o sect_n and_o who_o write_v ex_fw-la professo_fw-la divers_a learned_a book_n upon_o this_o argument_n the_o sum_n of_o which_o be_v that_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v not_o derive_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o parent_n but_o immediate_o from_o god_n that_o though_o it_o subsist_v in_o the_o body_n yet_o its_o operation_n be_v independent_a on_o it_o forasmuch_o as_o the_o soul_n the_o more_o it_o withdraw_v itself_o from_o all_o sensible_a object_n the_o more_o distinct_a and_o clear_a be_v ratiocination_n from_o whence_o we_o conclude_v that_o when_o it_o shall_v total_o be_v separate_v it_o shall_v apprehend_v thing_n in_o a_o instant_n by_o intuition_n without_o the_o help_n of_o reason_v by_o ratiocination_n be_v nothing_o but_o a_o combat_n of_o the_o mind_n to_o evince_v something_o of_o which_o it_o doubt_v which_o doubt_v spring_n from_o the_o gross_a and_o cloudy_a suggestion_n and_o obstacle_n of_o the_o body_n from_o which_o be_v once_o deliver_v there_o will_v be_v no_o place_n leave_v for_o doubt_n and_o hesitation_n as_o for_o the_o stoic_n their_o doctrine_n seem_v to_o lead_v they_o to_o a_o different_a persuasion_n since_o they_o place_v all_o the_o felicity_n of_o man_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n with_o regard_n to_o no_o other_o reward_n so_o that_o our_o moral_a action_n cease_v as_o certain_o they_o do_v after_o death_n all_o be_v at_o a_o end_n and_o this_o doctrine_n of_o they_o though_o it_o carry_v with_o it_o a_o great_a many_o of_o noble_a sentiment_n yet_o it_o fail_v in_o the_o true_a end_n of_o man_n felicity_n it_o oblige_v they_o to_o maintain_v a_o great_a number_n of_o paradox_n in_o its_o defence_n whereas_o have_v they_o understand_v the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o future_a reward_n after_o death_n that_o have_v be_v sufficient_a to_o have_v support_v they_o in_o a_o virtuous_a course_n of_o life_n maugre_o all_o the_o disaster_n that_o may_v assault_v they_o and_o which_o these_o philosopher_n endeavour_v to_o oppose_v by_o so_o many_o noble_a precept_n of_o their_o doctrine_n seneca_n in_o some_o place_n seem_v dubious_a yet_o in_o his_o consolatory_a epistle_n to_o mercia_n upon_o the_o death_n of_o his_o son_n he_o be_v altogether_o divine_a epictetus_n also_o a_o stoic_a and_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o sect_n and_o age_n assert_n every_o where_o the_o soul_n immortality_n but_o above_o all_o tully_n the_o flower_n of_o roman_a 1._o tuscul_fw-la quaes_n lib._n 1._o eloquence_n and_o himself_o a_o philosopher_n of_o plato_n school_n be_v every_o where_o most_o copious_a and_o ravish_a when_o he_o come_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o capacity_n and_o future_a state_n of_o the_o soul_n many_o say_v he_o think_v the_o eternity_n of_o soul_n to_o be_v incredible_a because_o they_o can_v comprehend_v the_o essence_n and_o quality_n of_o a_o separate_a soul_n but_o can_v they_o let_v i_o ask_v they_o define_v what_o a_o soul_n be_v even_o in_o the_o body_n of_o what_o form_n it_o be_v what_o its_o dimension_n be_v and_o what_o be_v the_o place_n of_o its_o abode_n and_o a_o little_a after_o for_o my_o own_o part_n when_o i_o serious_o reflect_v upon_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o soul_n it_o seem_v to_o be_v much_o more_o difficult_a and_o obscure_a to_o know_v what_o the_o soul_n be_v whilst_o it_o be_v in_o conjunction_n with_o the_o body_n where_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v lodge_v as_o in_o a_o foreign_a inn_n than_o to_o understand_v the_o same_o when_o it_o quit_v the_o lodging_n in_o which_o it_o sojourn_v and_o take_v its_o journey_n home-ward_n to_o heaven_n the_o place_n of_o its_o constant_a habitation_n for_o if_o we_o can_v understand_v that_o which_o we_o never_o see_v we_o may_v as_o well_o disow_v all_o knowledge_n of_o god_n as_o of_o a_o separate_a soul_n but_o spirit_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v and_o know_v only_o by_o spirit_n and_o by_o and_o by_o he_o conclude_v whatsoever_o that_o thing_n be_v which_o perceive_v which_o understand_v which_o will_v which_o be_v always_o vigorous_a and_o masculine_a must_v needs_o be_v celestial_a and_o divine_a and_o therefore_o eternal_a for_o we_o can_v form_v no_o other_o notion_n of_o god_n but_o as_o of_o a_o mind_n abstract_v from_o all_o material_a concretion_n understand_v all_o thing_n move_v all_o thing_n and_o be_v itself_o end_v with_o a_o eternal_a activity_n all_o which_o the_o same_o divine_a orator_n prosecute_v most_o copious_o in_o his_o book_n de_fw-fr senectute_n tell_v we_o that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o itch_n of_o disputation_n which_o draw_v he_o to_o this_o persuasion_n but_o have_v build_v his_o belief_n upon_o the_o authority_n of_o pythagoras_n and_o socrates_n he_o declare_v far_a that_o such_o be_v the_o celerity_n of_o the_o soul_n thought_n so_o great_a its_o memory_n of_o past_a and_o foresight_n of_o future_a thing_n so_o many_o be_v its_o art_n science_n and_o other_o invention_n that_o it_o be_v inpossible_a that_o the_o nature_n which_o comprehend_v such_o excellent_a thing_n shall_v be_v mortal_a and_o therefore_o since_o the_o mind_n be_v always_o a_o work_n and_o have_v this_o principle_n of_o motion_n from_o itself_o and_o know_v also_o no_o period_n of_o its_o motion_n because_o it_o can_v never_o divide_v from_o itself_o and_o serve_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v void_a of_o all_o mixture_n and_o alloy_n and_o contain_v nothing_o heterogeneous_a to_o itself_o he_o conclude_v that_o it_o must_v be_v indivisible_a and_o uncapable_a of_o dissolution_n follow_v as_o he_o say_v the_o doctrine_n of_o plato_n in_o this_o particular_a to_o conclude_v he_o say_v that_o if_o i_o do_v err_v in_o this_o belief_n of_o the_o soul_n immortality_n i_o do_v err_v wilful_o nor_o will_v i_o ever_o retract_v this_o belove_a error_n whilst_o i_o live_v or_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v possible_a that_o be_v dead_a i_o shall_v be_v void_a of_o all_o sense_n as_o some_o minute_n sophister_n do_v fancy_n i_o shall_v not_o fear_v to_o be_v reproach_v by_o they_o nor_o be_v this_o doctrine_n of_o the_o soul_n immortality_n the_o constant_a belief_n of_o the_o wise_a greek_n and_o roman_n only_o but_o also_o of_o the_o persian_n too_o as_o appear_v by_o the_o excellent_a discourse_n of_o die_a cyrus_n upon_o this_o subject_n record_v by_o xenophon_n and_o as_o for_o the_o poet_n they_o universal_o tell_v we_o of_o a_o future_a state_n after_o death_n wherein_o the_o wicked_a shall_v be_v punish_v and_o the_o just_a reward_v and_o what_o their_o sense_n be_v in_o this_o matter_n we_o may_v read_v in_o lucan_n in_o that_o noble_a description_n he_o make_v of_o pompey_n apotheosis_n from_o all_o which_o consideration_n we_o have_v a_o most_o undeniable_a proof_n of_o its_o eternal_a verity_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o a_o doctrine_n establish_v upon_o all_o the_o principle_n of_o reason_n of_o such_o a_o universal_a consent_n and_o believe_v by_o the_o wise_a best_a and_o most_o learned_a man_n of_o all_o age_n in_o opposition_n to_o all_o humane_a interest_n and_o sensual_a suggestion_n whatsoever_o shall_v be_v the_o effect_n only_o of_o uncertain_a conjecture_n or_o of_o a_o premeditate_a collusion_n chap._n xxviii_o of_o natural_a religion_n as_o a_o mean_n to_o salvation_n have_v show_v in_o the_o precedent_a chapter_n of_o this_o discourse_n that_o the_o wise_a heathen_a have_v not_o only_o a_o knowledge_n of_o the_o true_a god_n as_o the_o creator_n and_o preserver_n of_o the_o universe_n but_o a_o knowledge_n also_o of_o the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o of_o a_o future_a state_n where_o good_a man_n shall_v receive_v