most_o holy_a reform_a religion_n of_o our_o church_n which_o be_v indeed_o no_o other_o than_o the_o pure_a and_o genuine_a christianity_n by_o decry_v it_o as_o heretical_a and_o damnable_a to_o obviate_v the_o design_n of_o these_o man_n nothing_o can_v be_v more_o effectual_a than_o to_o apply_v ourselves_o diligent_o to_o the_o study_n of_o christianity_n to_o inquire_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n what_o christ_n have_v reveal_v to_o we_o and_o to_o search_v the_o design_n and_o mystery_n of_o his_o religion_n this_o be_v become_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o private_a christian_a at_o this_o time_n that_o so_o his_o ignorance_n may_v not_o lay_v he_o open_v to_o the_o attempt_v of_o design_v man_n who_o lie_v in_o wait_n to_o deceive_v and_o betray_v he_o to_o be_v a_o prey_n to_o error_n and_o superstition_n to_o this_o pursuance_n and_o increase_n of_o knowledge_n our_o church_n encourage_v and_o earnest_o entreat_v we_o she_o take_v no_o refuge_n in_o the_o ignorance_n of_o her_o communicant_o nor_o discourage_v they_o from_o examine_v her_o doctrine_n and_o opinion_n as_o well_o know_v that_o this_o examination_n will_v end_v in_o a_o full_a conviction_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o and_o that_o the_o improvement_n of_o our_o knowledge_n in_o divine_a matter_n and_o a_o impartial_a study_n of_o they_o will_v infallible_o secure_v we_o from_o the_o delusion_n of_o her_o enemy_n and_o this_o be_v the_o first_o reason_n why_o every_o private_a christian_n ought_v to_o be_v full_o instruct_v concern_v the_o reason_n of_o his_o faith_n that_o so_o he_o may_v answer_v the_o objection_n and_o escape_v the_o assault_n of_o those_o who_o endeavour_n to_o withdraw_v we_o from_o the_o truth_n or_o seduceus_n to_o the_o belief_n of_o any_o enrour_n ii_o it_o be_v a_o strict_a enquiry_n into_o the_o reason_n and_o argument_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o full_a comprehension_n of_o they_o which_o proper_o make_v faith_n to_o be_v praise_n worthy_a in_o itself_o 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a_o disposition_n of_o mind_n i_o mean_v a_o inclination_n to_o follow_v the_o example_n and_o authority_n of_o our_o country_n parent_n or_o master_n in_o assent_v to_o the_o religion_n receive_v by_o they_o may_v and_o do_v equal_o dispose_v man_n to_o the_o embrace_v of_o error_n as_o of_o truth_n it_o be_v to_o be_v account_v a_o thing_n whole_o indifferent_a and_o if_o it_o proceed_v from_o a_o a_o wilful_a negligence_n of_o examine_v the_o ground_n of_o any_o religion_n when_o mean_n and_o ability_n be_v not_o want_v to_o we_o be_v extreme_o vicious_a but_o no_o otherwise_o laudable_a than_o in_o the_o happy_a consequence_n of_o it_o and_o opportunity_n it_o may_v possible_o minister_v of_o come_v to_o the_o truth_n indeed_o christianity_n be_v so_o admirable_o fit_v to_o the_o perfection_n and_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n that_o it_o can_v be_v assent_v to_o upon_o any_o ground_n whatsoever_o even_o by_o the_o most_o ignorant_a person_n without_o a_o precedent_a habit_n of_o 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his_o lust_n and_o passion_n and_o be_v thorough_o convince_v that_o all_o these_o aught_o to_o give_v place_n to_o the_o command_n and_o will_n of_o god_n which_o he_o believe_v to_o be_v propose_v to_o he_o in_o the_o christian_a religion_n such_o a_o disposition_n be_v true_o excellent_a and_o in_o they_o who_o want_v mean_n of_o attain_v a_o more_o perfect_a knowledge_n be_v reward_v by_o god_n as_o a_o true_a and_o perfect_a act_n of_o faith_n who_o condescend_v to_o the_o imperfection_n of_o mankind_n and_o require_v of_o none_o more_o than_o he_o have_v give_v to_o he_o supply_v by_o his_o mercy_n what_o be_v want_v to_o the_o perfection_n of_o our_o faith_n but_o then_o such_o a_o disposition_n of_o mind_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o true_a and_o proper_a faith_n that_o it_o may_v consist_v without_o it_o and_o be_v join_v with_o error_n neither_o can_v we_o imagine_v that_o faith_n which_o have_v all_o those_o glorious_a and_o particular_a pro_fw-la rise_v of_o reward_n annex_v to_o it_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n consist_v only_o in_o assent_v to_o and_o firm_o believe_v what_o we_o be_v assure_v god_n have_v reveal_v to_o we_o for_o that_o we_o can_v but_o do_v none_o ever_o that_o believe_v the_o existence_n of_o a_o god_n dis-believed_n what_o he_o be_v persuade_v to_o have_v be_v reveal_v by_o he_o to_o do_v that_o be_v to_o suppose_v that_o god_n can_v err_v or_o lie_v and_o consequent_o be_v not_o god_n such_o a_o assent_n therefore_o be_v necessary_a and_o unavoidable_a be_v not_o capable_a of_o a_o reward_n and_o have_v nothing_o excellent_a in_o it_o no_o man_n can_v be_v a_o infidel_n in_o this_o sense_n and_o therefore_o none_o can_v be_v esteem_v faithful_a from_o it_o and_o hence_o it_o appear_v that_o to_o have_v only_o moral_a and_o not_o demonstrative_a proof_n be_v so_o far_o from_o prejudice_v the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n that_o it_o be_v both_o necessary_a and_o advantageous_a to_o it_o for_o if_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n have_v be_v self_n evident_a or_o place_v in_o as_o clear_v a_o light_n as_o the_o sun_n in_o heaven_n assent_n to_o they_o have_v be_v necessary_a and_o no_o act_n of_o choice_n and_o therefore_o incapable_a of_o reward_n whereas_o now_o god_n have_v so_o wise_o contrive_v it_o that_o a_o rational_a afsent_n to_o it_o and_o perfect_a comprehension_n of_o it_o will_v exercise_v the_o diligence_n obedience_n and_o reason_n of_o mankind_n in_o inquire_v into_o whatsoever_o carry_v the_o stamp_n of_o divine_a authority_n in_o submit_v to_o whatsoever_o just_o appear_v to_o bear_v that_o sacred_a character_n in_o use_v aright_o our_o faculty_n of_o reason_n and_o understanding_n and_o employ_v they_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n all_o these_o act_n and_o habit_n be_v in_o themselves_o praise_v worthy_a and_o reward_v by_o god_n with_o the_o reward_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v with_o infinite_a and_o eternal_a happiness_n for_o it_o be_v in_o a_o rational_a and_o just_a assent_n to_o the_o christian_a religion_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o those_o argument_n which_o persuade_v it_o to_o have_v proceed_v from_o the_o divine_a authority_n and_o a_o due_a use_n of_o our_o reason_n in_o discover_v its_o divine_a original_a that_o a_o true_a and_o perfect_a faith_n consist_v for_o upon_o conviction_n of_o its_o have_v be_v reveal_v by_o god_n we_o can_v but_o yield_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o and_o if_o we_o desire_v or_o expect_v to_o attain_v the_o reward_n propose_v by_o it_o betake_v ourselves_o to_o a_o serious_a obedience_n to_o the_o precept_n of_o it_o for_o as_o a_o due_a use_n of_o our_o understanding_n be_v no_o less_o difficult_a in_o itself_o and_o advantageous_a to_o we_o than_o of_o our_o will_n so_o we_o ought_v to_o suppose_v that_o god_n will_v no_o less_o favourable_o accept_v it_o and_o no_o less_o high_o reward_v it_o certain_o a_o right_a use_n of_o our_o reason_n
wonderful_a miracle_n shall_v be_v wrought_v by_o he_o and_o some_o such_o extraordinary_a action_n be_v require_v to_o excite_v the_o jew_n to_o a_o serious_a consideration_n of_o the_o quality_n and_o character_n of_o the_o person_n who_o wrought_v they_o if_o the_o action_n of_o christ_n have_v be_v deficient_a in_o any_o one_o point_n of_o conformity_n to_o the_o precedent_a prophecy_n it_o have_v be_v irrational_a as_o well_o as_o unlawful_a for_o the_o jew_n to_o have_v admit_v his_o revelation_n although_o confirm_v by_o the_o great_a miracle_n imaginable_a since_o they_o must_v have_v own_v thereby_o the_o falsity_n of_o those_o prophecy_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o which_o they_o be_v abundant_o convince_v as_o be_v confirm_v to_o they_o by_o a_o equal_a authority_n of_o miracle_n but_o not_o only_o do_v the_o reason_n and_o nature_n of_o thing_n demonstrate_v this_o truth_n the_o practice_n and_o example_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n evident_o manifest_v it_o the_o first_o while_o yet_o on_o earth_n constant_o assert_v his_o divine_a mission_n and_o quality_n of_o messiah_n from_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o have_v testify_v of_o he_o and_o his_o disciple_n after_o his_o death_n carry_v on_o the_o same_o argument_n he_o perform_v indeed_o great_a miracle_n than_o any_o ever_o have_v do_v before_o he_o but_o in_o dispute_v with_o the_o jew_n he_o common_o wave_v that_o argument_n and_o appeal_v to_o the_o scripture_n as_o well_o know_v that_o if_o they_o will_v not_o hear_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n neither_o will_v they_o be_v persuade_v though_o one_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a by_o which_o word_n he_o plain_o insinuate_v that_o the_o great_a of_o his_o miracle_n his_o resurrection_n be_v a_o less_o valid_a proof_n and_o inferior_a to_o the_o testimony_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n this_o he_o often_o think_v alone_o sufficient_a to_o propose_v as_o a_o necessary_a motive_n of_o belief_n to_o the_o jew_n and_o such_o a_o motive_n as_o can_v not_o be_v reject_v without_o disow_v and_o destroy_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n for_o thus_o he_o dispute_v in_o the_o vth._n of_o st._n john_n verse_n 39_o 46_o 47._o search_v the_o scripture_n for_o in_o they_o you_o think_v you_o have_v eternal_a life_n and_o they_o be_v they_o which_o testify_v of_o i_o for_o have_v you_o believe_v moses_n you_o will_v have_v believe_v i_o for_o he_o write_v of_o i_o but_o if_o you_o believe_v not_o his_o write_n how_o shall_v you_o believe_v my_o word_n no_o other_o method_n do_v he_o make_v use_n of_o to_o convince_v his_o disciple_n walk_v to_o emmaus_n that_o all_o those_o calamity_n which_o have_v befall_v his_o person_n ought_v necessary_o to_o be_v inflict_v on_o the_o messiah_n all_o those_o glorious_a miracle_n of_o which_o themselves_o have_v be_v witness_n prove_v unsuccessful_a and_o can_v not_o secure_v their_o faith_n from_o a_o shameful_a fluctuation_n until_o christ_n begin_v at_o moses_n and_o all_o the_o prophet_n expound_v unto_o they_o in_o all_o the_o scripture_n the_o thing_n concern_v himself_o and_o open_v their_o understanding_n that_o they_o may_v understand_v the_o scripture_n that_o it_o be_v thus_o write_v and_o that_o it_o thus_o behove_v christ_n to_o suffer_v and_o to_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a the_o three_o day_n if_o the_o constant_a companion_n of_o our_o saviour_n life_n can_v be_v draw_v to_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o he_o by_o no_o other_o argument_n than_o a_o full_a and_o plain_a interpretation_n of_o the_o prophecy_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n in_o vain_a do_v we_o hope_v that_o any_o other_o argument_n can_v convince_v the_o remain_a jew_n who_o be_v less_o acquaint_v with_o the_o holiness_n of_o his_o life_n and_o greatness_n of_o his_o miracle_n in_o the_o next_o place_n we_o may_v observe_v that_o the_o apostle_n be_v choose_v by_o christ_n and_o use_v as_o the_o inseparable_a companion_n of_o his_o life_n not_o so_o much_o to_o be_v instruct_v in_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n or_o train_v up_o in_o the_o necessary_a qualification_n of_o preacher_n who_o may_v propagate_v the_o gospel_n after_o the_o departure_n of_o their_o master_n as_o to_o be_v witness_n and_o spectactor_n of_o his_o action_n and_o conversation_n which_o they_o may_v afterward_o testify_v to_o the_o world_n and_o thereby_o convince_v mankind_n that_o they_o be_v entire_o conformable_a to_o the_o ancient_a prediction_n of_o the_o prophet_n that_o the_o former_a can_v not_o be_v the_o end_n or_o intention_n of_o their_o accompany_v christ_n through_o the_o whole_a discharge_n of_o his_o prophetic_a office_n appear_v plain_o from_o their_o ignorance_n both_o of_o the_o mystery_n of_o religion_n and_o their_o own_o duty_n at_o the_o time_n of_o our_o saviour_n crucifixion_n yet_o can_v we_o not_o suppose_v but_o that_o christ_n obtain_v his_o chief_a aim_n which_o he_o propose_v to_o himself_o in_o select_v certain_a person_n for_o the_o companion_n of_o his_o life_n this_o end_n therefore_o can_v indeed_o be_v no_o other_o than_o that_o which_o i_o have_v already_o assign_v of_o witness_v and_o publish_v to_o the_o world_n the_o action_n of_o christ_n who_o reasonableness_n and_o agreement_n to_o the_o prediction_n of_o the_o mosaic_a law_n be_v to_o be_v judge_v and_o determine_v by_o every_o private_a man._n for_o we_o no_o where_o find_v that_o the_o apostle_n from_o the_o authority_n of_o their_o miracle_n which_o be_v not_o inferior_a to_o those_o of_o christ_n himself_o pretend_v to_o set_v up_o themselves_o for_o infallible_a judge_n or_o exercise_v a_o arbitrary_a command_n over_o the_o judgement_n of_o other_o men._n they_o may_v indeed_o much_o more_o just_o have_v claim_v such_o a_o privilege_n than_o any_o ever_o since_o their_o time_n as_o be_v personal_o infallible_a and_o endue_v with_o the_o power_n of_o work_a miracle_n yet_o they_o never_o endeavour_v to_o command_v the_o assent_n of_o their_o hearer_n before_o they_o have_v inform_v and_o satisfy_v their_o understanding_n but_o proceed_v in_o a_o more_o rational_a method_n and_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o their_o master_n choose_v rather_o to_o convince_v their_o judgement_n with_o argument_n who_o attention_n they_o have_v before_o excite_v by_o miracle_n these_o argument_n when_o direct_v to_o the_o jew_n be_v chief_o take_v from_o the_o old_a testament_n who_o prophecy_n they_o demonstrate_v to_o have_v plain_o soretold_v and_o describe_v the_o action_n and_o suffering_n of_o christ_n of_o which_o action_n themselves_o be_v witness_n thus_o we_o find_v st._n peter_n in_o his_o sermon_n make_v to_o the_o jew_n upon_o this_o day_n to_o have_v use_v no_o other_o method_n and_o not_o so_o much_o to_o have_v urge_v the_o illustrious_a miracle_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n new_o confer_v on_o they_o as_o the_o conformity_n of_o that_o and_o all_o other_o action_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o ancient_a prediction_n of_o the_o prophet_n his_o sermon_n in_o the_o follow_a chapter_n proceed_v from_o the_o same_o foundation_n and_o st._n stephen_n in_o the_o vii_o chap._n st._n paul_n in_o the_o xiii_o use_v no_o other_o argument_n when_o dispute_v against_o the_o jew_n from_o a_o clear_a interpretation_n of_o the_o prophecy_n in_o scripture_n concern_v the_o messiah_n philip_n convince_v the_o eunuch_n who_o be_v a_o jewish_a proselyte_n of_o the_o divinity_n of_o christ_n act_n viii_o and_o act_v xviii_o apollo_n be_v say_v to_o have_v mighty_o convince_v the_o jew_n and_o that_o public_o show_v by_o the_o scripture_n that_o jesus_n be_v christ._n st._n paul_n plead_v before_o king_n agrippa_n endeavour_v before_o all_o thing_n to_o prove_v that_o he_o stand_v there_o to_o be_v judge_v for_o the_o hope_n of_o the_o promise_v make_v by_o god_n unto_o the_o father_n act_n xxvi_o 6._o and_o ver_fw-la 27._o appeal_v to_o the_o prophet_n and_o ask_v agrippa_n whether_o he_o believe_v not_o they_o insinuate_v that_o if_o he_o true_o believe_v the_o prophet_n and_o understand_v their_o genuine_a sense_n he_o can_v not_o but_o embrace_v the_o christian_a religion_n last_o to_o say_v no_o more_o his_o dispute_n with_o the_o jew_n at_o rome_n be_v employ_v in_o expound_v and_o testify_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n persuade_v they_o concern_v jesus_n both_o out_o of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o out_o of_o the_o prophet_n from_o morning_n till_o evening_n act_v xxviii_o 23._o it_o appear_v then_o that_o the_o chief_a reason_n of_o the_o choice_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o a_o familiar_a conversation_n with_o our_o saviour_n before_o his_o ascension_n be_v no_o other_o than_o that_o they_o may_v thereby_o be_v enable_v to_o testify_v and_o publish_v to_o the_o world_n his_o action_n miracle_n and_o suffering_n which_o be_v receive_v from_o they_o may_v then_o by_o every_o private_a man_n be_v examine_v and_o compare_v with_o the_o
those_o which_o be_v reveal_v by_o god_n suppose_v they_o to_o have_v be_v indeed_o reveal_v but_o only_o that_o any_o such_o revelation_n be_v real_o make_v can_v appear_v no_o otherwise_o than_o by_o argument_n of_o probability_n three_o a_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o all_o the_o mystery_n of_o religion_n may_v have_v be_v extraordinary_o obtain_v by_o the_o apostle_n before_o the_o ascension_n of_o our_o saviour_n by_o confer_v on_o they_o the_o same_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o be_v afterward_o pour_v on_o they_o on_o the_o day_n of_o pentecost_n but_o neither_o be_v this_o convenient_a to_o the_o design_n of_o the_o gospel_n nor_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n not_o to_o the_o former_a for_o the_o plentiful_a effusion_n and_o mission_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v a_o act_n of_o the_o regal_a power_n of_o christ_n which_o he_o commence_v not_o till_o after_o his_o ascension_n when_o he_o first_o begin_v to_o exercise_v that_o authority_n which_o he_o have_v obtain_v to_o himself_o by_o the_o obedience_n of_o death_n and_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n tell_v the_o apostle_n s._n joh._n xvi_o 7._o nevertheless_o i_o tell_v you_o the_o truth_n it_o be_v expedient_a for_o you_o that_o i_o go_v away_o for_o if_o i_o go_v not_o away_o the_o comforter_n will_v not_o come_v unto_o you_o but_o if_o i_o depart_v i_o will_v send_v he_o unto_o you_o and_o in_o another_o place_n this_o be_v assign_v as_o the_o reason_n why_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v not_o yet_o give_v because_o jesus_n be_v not_o yet_o glorify_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n also_o be_v no_o less_o engage_v which_o may_v just_o have_v be_v arraign_v if_o he_o have_v use_v so_o wonderful_a and_o signal_n a_o miracle_n as_o be_v the_o mission_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o the_o extraordinary_a instruction_n of_o the_o apostle_n before_o the_o ascension_n of_o our_o lord_n since_o no_o such_o instruction_n be_v yet_o necessary_a which_o be_v the_o second_o point_n i_o propose_v to_o prove_v namely_o ii_o that_o a_o perfect_a and_o infallible_a information_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v not_o absolute_o necessary_a till_o after_o the_o ascension_n of_o christ._n for_o this_o be_v require_v in_o the_o apostle_n for_o no_o other_o cause_n than_o that_o they_o may_v thereby_o be_v enable_v to_o teach_v the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o saviour_n to_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o at_o last_o deliver_v they_o down_o in_o write_v to_o succeed_a age_n infallible_o and_o without_o danger_n of_o any_o intermix_a enrour_n to_o the_o suspicion_n of_o which_o the_o christian_a religion_n will_v ever_o have_v be_v subject_v if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v endue_v with_o such_o clearness_n of_o apprehension_n concern_v every_o point_n of_o it_o and_o attend_v by_o such_o a_o extraordinary_a assistance_n as_o may_v secure_v they_o from_o all_o possible_a danger_n of_o mistake_v the_o sense_n of_o that_o doctrine_n which_o they_o be_v to_o deliver_v to_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n to_o create_v this_o clear_a apprehension_n in_o the_o apostle_n and_o convey_v down_o this_o assistance_n to_o they_o be_v the_o chief_a intention_n of_o send_v the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o upon_o this_o day_n and_o the_o principal_a effect_n of_o that_o mission_n at_o least_o as_o far_o as_o i_o be_o at_o present_a concern_v so_o that_o since_o the_o send_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v design_v pure_o to_o enable_v they_o to_o the_o due_a execution_n of_o their_o office_n of_o preach_v and_o propagate_a the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o whole_a world_n which_o office_n be_v not_o to_o be_v commence_v till_o after_o his_o ascension_n it_o manifest_o follow_v that_o a_o exact_a and_o infallible_a knowledge_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v not_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o the_o apostle_n before_o that_o time_n a_o perfect_a knowledge_n will_v have_v be_v useful_a indeed_o to_o they_o even_o before_o that_o time_n but_o useful_a to_o they_o only_o as_o private_a person_n not_o as_o bear_v the_o public_a office_n and_o character_n of_o apostle_n who_o office_n before_o the_o ascension_n of_o our_o saviour_n consist_v as_o we_o before_o observe_v in_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o action_n suffering_n and_o miracle_n of_o christ_n that_o they_o may_v be_v able_a afterward_o to_o testify_v they_o to_o the_o whole_a world_n this_o office_n of_o observe_v the_o action_n of_o christ_n require_v no_o exact_a and_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o all_o the_o reason_n of_o his_o action_n and_o mystery_n of_o his_o doctrine_n but_o may_v be_v sufficient_o discharge_v by_o any_o person_n who_o be_v not_o devoid_a of_o common_a sense_n and_o honesty_n the_o mission_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v necessary_a upon_o reason_n of_o another_o nature_n and_o will_v have_v continue_v necessary_a although_o the_o apostle_n have_v perfect_o understand_v all_o the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o saviour_n before_o his_o ascension_n for_o however_o they_o may_v then_o sufficient_o understand_v it_o nothing_o less_o than_o a_o perpetual_a extraordinary_a assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n can_v infallible_o secure_v they_o from_o all_o future_a error_n in_o deliver_v it_o to_o other_o or_o create_v such_o a_o degree_n of_o probability_n as_o may_v deserve_v the_o assent_n and_o belief_n of_o mankind_n in_o all_o future_a age_n thus_o i_o have_v show_v the_o reason_n of_o that_o ignorance_n of_o the_o apostle_n which_o be_v so_o remarkable_a through_o all_o the_o history_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o for_o which_o our_o saviour_n promise_v so_o extraordinary_a a_o remedy_n in_o the_o word_n of_o my_o text_n and_o withal_o demonstrate_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o all_o this_o conduct_n of_o the_o apostle_n continue_v under_o that_o ignorance_n till_o the_o ascension_n and_o of_o our_o saviour_n permit_v it_o till_o that_o time_n disadvantageous_a to_o the_o truth_n and_o divinity_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n it_o remain_v that_o i_o draw_v some_o few_o conclusion_n from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v which_o be_v the_o three_o and_o last_o proposal_n first_o then_o if_o as_o we_o before_o show_v our_o saviour_n and_o the_o apostle_n who_o be_v unquestionable_o infallible_a never_o set_v up_o themselves_o for_o infallible_a judge_n nor_o require_v from_o their_o hearer_n a_o blind_a assent_n to_o their_o dictate_v if_o they_o submit_v their_o doctrine_n to_o the_o examination_n of_o scripture_n and_o judgement_n of_o all_o private_a man_n in_o vain_a do_v any_o at_o this_o day_n pretend_v in_o virtue_n of_o a_o authority_n derive_v from_o they_o to_o set_v up_o themselves_o for_o infallible_a judge_n of_o controversy_n from_o who_o lie_v no_o appeal_n either_o to_o scripture_n or_o reason_n and_o thereby_o exercise_v a_o jurisdiction_n which_o they_o never_o claim_v but_o i_o wave_v that_o particular_a and_o choose_v rather_o to_o insist_v on_o some_o more_o practical_a consideration_n of_o which_o the_o first_o be_v that_o if_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v so_o difficult_a to_o the_o apostle_n who_o enjoy_v so_o many_o and_o so_o great_a advantage_n under_o the_o instruction_n and_o government_n of_o their_o divine_a master_n the_o author_n of_o this_o religion_n if_o after_o the_o sight_n of_o his_o miracle_n the_o enjoyment_n of_o a_o triennial_a conversation_n and_o the_o constant_a hear_n of_o his_o divine_a discourse_n they_o continue_v ignorant_a of_o the_o true_a spirit_n and_o nature_n of_o christianity_n this_o aught_o to_o excite_v we_o to_o great_a diligence_n in_o learning_n and_o study_v the_o mystery_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o inquire_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o those_o revelation_n which_o our_o saviour_n convey_v to_o the_o world_n it_o be_v indeed_o the_o peculiar_a excellency_n and_o glory_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o its_o admirable_a simplicity_n have_v fit_v it_o to_o the_o understanding_n and_o capacity_n of_o all_o man_n that_o it_o be_v not_o such_o a_o abstruse_a science_n as_o surmount_v the_o ordinary_a reach_n of_o mankind_n and_o must_v entire_o be_v confine_v to_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o school_n and_o knowledge_n of_o learned_a man_n the_o acquisition_n and_o understanding_n of_o it_o be_v possible_a and_o even_o easy_a to_o all_o man_n but_o then_o god_n in_o propose_v this_o religion_n intend_v not_o pure_o to_o supercede_v the_o labour_n of_o man_n and_o consult_v their_o ease_n some_o condition_n be_v also_o necessary_a on_o our_o side_n that_o we_o diligent_o search_v the_o truth_n examine_v the_o scripture_n harken_v to_o the_o instruction_n of_o our_o pastor_n careful_o weigh_v the_o reason_n of_o thing_n and_o bring_v a_o mind_n ready_a dispose_v to_o assent_v to_o any_o truth_n which_o shall_v evident_o appear_v to_o we_o how_o contrary_a soever_o they_o may_v be_v to_o our_o passion_n and_o inclination_n for_o although_o we_o labour_v not_o with_o those_o prejudices_fw-la of_o a_o temporal_a kingdom_n
of_o the_o soul_n otherwise_o it_o will_v be_v vain_a and_o trifle_a to_o find_a piety_n and_o religion_n in_o the_o internal_a act_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o appropriate_v either_o reward_n or_o punishment_n to_o they_o only_o again_o christianity_n direct_v all_o our_o action_n to_o their_o natural_a end_n the_o supreme_a good_a the_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n and_o obedience_n to_o he_o it_o be_v but_o too_o apparent_a and_o have_v be_v plain_o confess_v by_o many_o of_o they_o that_o all_o the_o refine_a morality_n of_o the_o heathen_a philosopher_n be_v found_v upon_o a_o principle_n of_o vanity_n and_o direct_v rather_o to_o the_o acquisition_n of_o praise_n and_o glory_n than_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o duty_n to_o god_n themselves_o and_o their_o neighbour_n whereas_o the_o christian_a faith_n direct_v we_o to_o perform_v all_o in_o obedience_n to_o the_o divine_a law_n to_o ascribe_v all_o our_o good_a deed_n to_o god_n the_o author_n and_o fountain_n of_o they_o and_o preserve_v a_o awful_a sense_n of_o our_o own_o unworthiness_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n and_o goodness_n hereby_o it_o add_v to_o all_o other_o excellent_a perfection_n and_o crown_n they_o with_o humility_n a_o virtue_n almost_o unknown_a to_o any_o other_o system_v of_o religion_n yet_o natural_o arise_v from_o the_o principle_n of_o christianity_n last_o this_o religion_n be_v most_o pure_a and_o simple_a equal_o adapt_v to_o all_o order_n and_o rank_n of_o man_n and_o thereby_o may_v just_o be_v account_v most_o agreeable_a to_o their_o nature_n since_o it_o equal_o concern_v and_o include_v all_o the_o precept_n of_o it_o be_v plain_a and_o easy_a lay_v level_a with_o the_o mean_a capacity_n and_o place_v beyond_o the_o power_n of_o none_o such_o as_o carry_v their_o conviction_n along_o with_o they_o and_o need_v no_o other_o argument_n than_o to_o be_v propose_v the_o principle_n and_o mystery_n of_o it_o be_v perspicuous_a and_o significant_a such_o as_o may_v create_v a_o right_a sense_n and_o esteem_n of_o the_o divine_a attribute_n and_o afford_v powerful_a argument_n to_o man_n of_o manifest_v their_o obedience_n to_o god_n in_o a_o word_n nothing_o can_v be_v find_v or_o discover_v in_o it_o unworthy_a of_o god_n or_o not_o agreeable_a to_o man_n nothing_o which_o do_v not_o proclaim_v itself_o owe_v to_o a_o divine_a original_a which_o bring_v i_o to_o the_o second_o consideration_n namely_o ii_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v rational_a and_o evident_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o undoubted_a certainty_n of_o its_o have_v be_v reveal_v by_o god_n to_o evince_v this_o we_o have_v already_o make_v no_o inconsiderable_a advance_v in_o show_v it_o to_o be_v most_o worthy_a of_o god_n and_o fit_v to_o the_o nature_n and_o necessity_n of_o mankind_n for_o hereby_o all_o objection_n which_o can_v be_v form_v against_o it_o be_v prevent_v and_o the_o proof_n of_o its_o revelation_n leave_v in_o their_o full_a force_n whereas_o no_o one_o system_v of_o false_a religion_n have_v ever_o obtain_v in_o the_o world_n which_o have_v not_o teach_v somewhat_o contrary_a to_o reason_n and_o upon_o that_o account_n ought_v to_o have_v be_v reject_v without_o inquire_v into_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o proof_n and_o argument_n whereby_o it_o pretend_v to_o revelation_n the_o falfeness_n of_o the_o pagan_a religion_n discover_v itself_o in_o propose_v the_o worship_n of_o many_o god_n in_o give_v extravagant_a and_o undecent_a notion_n of_o they_o represent_v they_o as_o murderer_n adulterer_n and_o criminal_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n in_o practise_v childish_a and_o ofttimes_o brutish_a superstition_n and_o confine_v all_o religion_n to_o external_a worship_n to_o come_v to_o our_o own_o time_n the_o falseness_n of_o the_o mahometan_a religion_n appear_v in_o the_o most_o absurd_a and_o extravagant_a fable_n which_o it_o relate_v of_o god_n unworthy_a the_o petulancy_n of_o a_o infant_n much_o more_o the_o majesty_n of_o a_o alwise_a be_v but_o chief_o in_o place_v the_o supreme_a and_o eternal_a happiness_n of_o man_n after_o this_o life_n in_o a_o open_a violation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n by_o the_o continual_a practice_n of_o unbridled_a lust_n and_o indulge_v a_o brutish_a appetite_n in_o all_o sensual_a pleasure_n i_o will_v not_o add_v to_o these_o a_o corrupt_a part_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n which_o teach_v doctrine_n contrary_a both_o to_o sense_n and_o reason_n but_o from_o the_o whole_a we_o may_v draw_v a_o convince_a argument_n of_o a_o alwise_a providence_n preside_v over_o the_o world_n and_o direct_v all_o thing_n to_o the_o good_a of_o mankind_n in_o that_o it_o never_o suffer_v any_o false_a religion_n to_o obtain_v which_o do_v not_o carry_v along_o with_o it_o most_o evident_a mark_n of_o its_o falseness_n and_o consequent_o into_o which_o none_o can_v enter_v but_o by_o betray_v their_o reason_n and_o wilful_o shut_v their_o eye_n upon_o the_o truth_n hereby_o the_o plea_n of_o ignorance_n and_o involuntary_a error_n be_v take_v from_o all_o for_o the_o existence_n of_o one_o only_a god_n may_v be_v easy_o discover_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n the_o law_n of_o nature_n be_v know_v to_o all_o and_o the_o mean_a idiot_n may_v judge_v of_o sensible_a thing_n by_o their_o sense_n so_o that_o to_o fall_v into_o any_o error_n contradict_v the_o light_n of_o nature_n or_o the_o report_n of_o our_o sense_n may_v just_o be_v account_v wilful_a and_o inexcusable_a thus_o all_o erroneous_a religion_n discover_v themselves_o by_o the_o falseness_n of_o their_o doctrine_n whereas_o christianity_n recommend_v itself_o to_o the_o understanding_n of_o all_o man_n by_o the_o reasonableness_n and_o divinity_n of_o its_o doctrine_n to_o this_o we_o may_v add_v that_o some_o reveal_v religion_n be_v plain_o necessary_a to_o mankind_n overwhelm_v with_o a_o universal_a corruption_n of_o ignorance_n and_o superstition_n and_o miserable_o subject_v to_o the_o dominion_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o their_o own_o lusts._n but_o as_o none_o more_o excellent_a religion_n than_o this_o can_v be_v propose_v so_o none_o can_v be_v found_v upon_o better_a proof_n for_o since_o all_o revelation_n must_v be_v make_v at_o some_o certain_a time_n to_o some_o certain_a person_n and_o in_o some_o certain_a place_n however_o it_o may_v to_o they_o be_v attest_v with_o the_o great_a and_o most_o contestable_a miracle_n yet_o the_o report_n of_o it_o can_v be_v convey_v to_o person_n distant_a in_o place_n and_o time_n no_o otherwise_o than_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o those_o who_o have_v be_v eye-witness_n of_o it_o and_o consequent_o to_o they_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n will_v admit_v not_o demonstrative_a and_o exclude_v all_o doubt_n but_o moral_a and_o exclude_v all_o just_a doubt_n no_o general_a and_o universal_a revelation_n such_o as_o be_v christianity_n can_v be_v make_v in_o any_o other_o manner_n and_o therefore_o to_o expect_v any_o other_o proof_n of_o it_o will_v be_v high_o unreasonable_a although_o these_o it_o possess_v in_o the_o high_a and_o most_o eminent_a manner_n which_o i_o proceed_v in_o the_o next_o place_n brief_o to_o show_v miracle_n be_v by_o all_o acknowledge_a to_o be_v the_o peculiar_a effect_n of_o god_n and_o to_o exceed_v the_o power_n of_o a_o finite_a be_v that_o wonderful_a and_o unaccountable_a action_n may_v be_v and_o often_o have_v be_v perform_v by_o the_o sleight_n of_o man_n or_o concurrence_n of_o evil_a spirit_n must_v be_v confess_v but_o these_o fail_v not_o to_o carry_v some_o evidence_n of_o deceit_n and_o imposture_n along_o with_o they_o and_o may_v easy_o be_v discern_v by_o judicious_a and_o attentive_a person_n from_o those_o which_o proceed_v from_o the_o finger_n of_o god_n and_o be_v the_o real_a work_n of_o omnipotence_n now_o it_o can_v be_v imagine_v that_o god_n will_v exert_v his_o almighty_a power_n in_o work_a miracle_n upon_o slight_a and_o trivial_a occasion_n much_o less_o in_o confirmation_n of_o a_o lie_n or_o any_o pretend_a revelation_n if_o therefore_o any_o prophet_n appear_v invest_v with_o the_o power_n of_o miracle_n and_o we_o be_v satisfy_v that_o the_o miracle_n be_v true_a and_o real_a and_o that_o his_o revelation_n neither_o contradict_v the_o light_n of_o nature_n nor_o any_o precedent_a revelation_n we_o must_v own_v his_o divine_a commission_n and_o submit_v to_o his_o revelation_n which_o in_o that_o case_n will_v true_o carry_v along_o with_o they_o a_o divine_a authority_n this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o moses_n who_o miracle_n be_v unexceptionable_a and_o his_o revelation_n in_o no_o respect_n contrary_a to_o reason_n nor_o yet_o to_o any_o precedent_a revelation_n for_o no_o precedent_n one_o be_v yet_o make_v this_o also_o be_v the_o case_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n but_o in_o a_o more_o eminent_a manner_n his_o revelation_n far_o from_o oppose_v
we_o be_v warn_v by_o example_n to_o repentance_n and_o still_o continue_v unmoved_a we_o hear_v the_o voice_n of_o our_o lord_n call_v to_o repentance_n the_o exhortation_n of_o his_o apostle_n preach_v to_o the_o world_n who_o message_n be_v repent_v and_o be_v baptize_v we_o read_v the_o dreadful_a example_n of_o punishment_n inflict_v in_o this_o world_n upon_o notorious_a sinner_n and_o yet_o reflect_v not_o that_o we_o be_v the_o creature_n of_o god_n as_o well_o as_o they_o that_o we_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o law_n of_o government_n that_o the_o duty_n be_v not_o remit_v but_o make_v more_o severe_a and_o that_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n be_v not_o shorten_v that_o he_o can_v punish_v we_o but_o that_o his_o power_n always_o continue_v the_o same_o and_o that_o the_o rule_n of_o conduct_n give_v to_o man_n be_v no_o more_o change_v than_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o they_o it_o be_v somewhat_o surprizng_v indeed_o that_o man_n shall_v know_v and_o confess_v all_o this_o and_o yet_o not_o attend_v to_o it_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v possible_a to_o form_v a_o habit_n of_o act_v constant_o in_o opposition_n to_o the_o clear_a and_o no_o less_o constant_a conviction_n of_o mind_n for_o can_v we_o hear_v with_o what_o detestation_n the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o the_o hardness_n of_o pharaoh_n heart_n and_o what_o a_o sudden_a destruction_n follow_v and_o not_o reflect_v that_o in_o continue_v deaf_a to_o so_o many_o admonition_n of_o repentance_n we_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o same_o crime_n and_o that_o in_o one_o respect_n in_o a_o high_a degree_n inasmuch_o as_o he_o know_v not_o at_o first_o that_o that_o god_n who_o command_v he_o to_o let_v the_o captive_a jew_n depart_v be_v the_o true_a god_n until_o he_o be_v convince_v by_o many_o miracle_n whereas_o we_o be_v convince_v from_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o he_o who_o impose_v this_o duty_n on_o we_o or_o can_v we_o call_v to_o mind_v the_o severe_a judgement_n which_o god_n exercise_v upon_o the_o jew_n for_o sudden_a and_o rash_a resolution_n take_v up_o in_o heat_n and_o as_o soon_o repent_v of_o such_o as_o their_o frequent_a rebellion_n against_o moses_n their_o refuse_v to_o march_v to_o the_o promise_a land_n after_o have_v râ—…ceived_v a_o false_a account_n from_o the_o timorous_a spy_n and_o many_o such_o other_o occasion_n do_v we_o remember_v all_o this_o and_o imagine_v that_o god_n will_v passby_a unregarded_a our_o deliberate_a and_o obstinate_a rebellion_n such_o as_o be_v the_o continuation_n of_o every_o habit_n of_o sin_n these_o thing_n be_v write_v for_o our_o example_n that_o by_o they_o we_o may_v receive_v instruction_n be_v terrify_v by_o the_o knowledge_n of_o their_o suffering_n from_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o their_o sin_n it_o be_v absurd_a to_o think_v that_o god_n have_v remit_v his_o justice_n herein_o and_o will_v oversee_v those_o sin_n in_o we_o which_o he_o so_o eminent_o revenge_v in_o elder_a time_n his_o attribute_n always_o continue_v the_o same_o his_o justice_n his_o holiness_n and_o his_o hatred_n of_o sin_n the_o reason_n of_o his_o favour_n be_v eternal_a and_o unchangeable_a be_v piety_n and_o obedience_n although_o he_o have_v be_v please_v in_o ancient_a time_n to_o demonstrate_v his_o justice_n by_o more_o visible_a example_n than_o in_o after_o age_n which_o be_v no_o more_o than_o be_v necessary_a at_o the_o first_o delivery_n of_o any_o general_a revelation_n partly_o to_o attest_v the_o authority_n of_o those_o revelation_n and_o partly_o to_o deter_v man_n by_o such_o severe_a example_n from_o the_o prosecution_n of_o sin_n who_o ought_v thence_o to_o conclude_v that_o if_o god_n exercise_v not_o the_o same_o severity_n towards_o they_o in_o this_o life_n he_o reserve_v it_o for_o another_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o god_n who_o be_v no_o respecter_n of_o person_n shall_v be_v so_o inexorable_a to_o some_o sinner_n and_o unaccountable_o indulgent_a to_o other_o involve_v in_o the_o same_o gild_n to_o be_v far_o convince_v of_o the_o impossibility_n of_o salvation_n without_o repentance_n we_o may_v consider_v the_o mystery_n of_o our_o lord_n incarnation_n death_n and_o passion_n who_o have_v take_v upon_o himself_o the_o sin_n of_o mankind_n bear_v our_o infirmity_n upon_o the_o cross_n and_o become_v answerable_a to_o god_n for_o they_o sure_o if_o ever_o god_n will_v pardon_v the_o sin_n of_o man_n without_o any_o satisfaction_n whether_o of_o punishment_n or_o repentance_n he_o will_v have_v remit_v his_o method_n of_o justice_n to_o his_o only_o beget_v son_n and_o not_o require_v he_o to_o take_v upon_o himself_o the_o shame_n and_o bitterness_n of_o the_o cross._n yet_o such_o be_v the_o divine_a hatred_n of_o sin_n that_o although_o earnest_o and_o passionate_o entreat_v by_o christ_n in_o his_o prayer_n in_o the_o garden_n to_o remit_v his_o decree_n therein_o and_o receive_v mankind_n to_o mercy_n without_o require_v so_o severe_a a_o satisfaction_n he_o will_v not_o condescend_v to_o do_v it_o nor_o will_v give_v pardon_n to_o man_n upon_o any_o other_o term_n than_o that_o that_o ever_o bless_a person_n who_o have_v take_v the_o sin_n of_o mankind_n upon_o he_o shall_v suffer_v all_o the_o mark_n of_o divine_a displeasure_n which_o man_n in_o this_o life_n can_v undergo_v and_o expiate_v it_o by_o the_o shed_n of_o his_o own_o blood_n can_v the_o justice_n of_o god_n permit_v he_o to_o pardon_v the_o sin_n of_o man_n without_o any_o satisfaction_n he_o will_v never_o have_v put_v such_o a_o hard_a condition_n upon_o his_o own_o son_n as_o that_o either_o the_o world_n who_o redemption_n he_o have_v undertake_v must_v be_v for_o ever_o lose_v or_o himself_o must_v lay_v down_o his_o life_n in_o exchange_n for_o it_o when_o therefore_o a_o life_n of_o such_o inestimable_a value_n must_v be_v sacrifice_v to_o appease_v the_o anger_n of_o god_n to_o sinful_a man_n how_o terrible_a must_v that_o anger_n have_v be_v how_o vehement_a his_o hatred_n of_o sin_n the_o occasion_n of_o it_o nor_o do_v his_o hatred_n of_o sin_n expire_v with_o the_o offer_v up_o of_o that_o inestimable_a sacrifice_n that_o continue_v yet_o fix_v and_o constant_a only_o now_o he_o may_v remit_v to_o man_n the_o full_a and_o just_a punishment_n of_o their_o sin_n without_o any_o prejudice_n to_o his_o attribute_n of_o holiness_n and_o justice_n which_o without_o that_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o cross_n he_o will_v not_o do_v lest_o man_n shall_v conclude_v that_o he_o take_v delight_n in_o or_o wink_v at_o their_o sin_n which_o he_o pardon_v so_o easy_o or_o that_o sin_n be_v not_o of_o so_o deep_a a_o gild_n since_o man_n with_o all_o his_o sin_n be_v capable_a of_o the_o divine_a favour_n without_o any_o compensation_n for_o it_o whereas_o now_o man_n can_v reflect_v upon_o the_o mean_n of_o pardon_n offer_v by_o god_n without_o conceive_v at_o the_o same_o time_n his_o hatred_n of_o sin_n god_n indeed_o require_v ne_fw-la the_o life_n of_o every_o particular_a man_n in_o punishment_n of_o his_o sin_n which_o in_o strict_a justice_n will_v seem_v agreeable_a but_o he_o require_v the_o life_n of_o his_o own_o son_n more_o valuable_a than_o the_o life_n of_o all_o sinful_a man_n put_v together_o he_o receive_v to_o mercy_n the_o most_o enormous_a sinner_n but_o condemn_v to_o punishment_n that_o divine_a person_n who_o take_v the_o sin_n of_o they_o all_o upon_o he_o and_o even_o after_o so_o much_o do_v and_o suffer_v by_o christ_n for_o the_o expiation_n of_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n god_n distribute_v not_o the_o benefit_n of_o that_o sacrifice_n indifferent_o to_o all_o who_o lie_v any_o claim_n to_o it_o hereby_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n be_v not_o actual_o pardon_v nor_o man_n immediate_o acquit_v of_o the_o gild_n of_o they_o but_o only_o make_v capable_a of_o pardon_n and_o the_o grant_n of_o pardon_n in_o god_n make_v possible_a without_o any_o diminution_n to_o his_o justice_n this_o pardon_n he_o distribute_v to_o man_n upon_o those_o condition_n which_o himself_o have_v please_v to_o appoint_v and_o those_o such_o which_o far_o declare_v his_o hatred_n of_o sin_n be_v repentance_n and_o reformation_n a_o confession_n of_o the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n and_o a_o forsake_v of_o it_o such_o mean_n as_o may_v produce_v in_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n a_o like_a detestation_n of_o sin_n upon_o no_o other_o account_n can_v man_n claim_v any_o benefit_n from_o the_o merit_n of_o that_o sacrifice_n the_o sum_n of_o the_o condition_n require_v be_v include_v in_o that_o comprehensive_a form_n of_o speech_n so_o often_o mention_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n repent_v and_o be_v baptize_v acknowledge_v the_o gild_n of_o your_o former_a sin_n conceive_v a_o sorrow_n for_o they_o and_o form_v a_o hatred_n of_o they_o renounce_v any_o far_a exercise_n of_o they_o testify_v your_o resolution_n
to_o the_o church_n into_o which_o you_o be_v receive_v by_o take_v such_o a_o visible_a mark_n upon_o you_o as_o may_v be_v both_o a_o fit_a emblem_n of_o your_o design_a purity_n and_o a_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n make_v there_o with_o god_n these_o be_v the_o condition_n upon_o which_o alone_a mercy_n be_v offer_v to_o mankind_n even_o after_o the_o great_a expiation_n of_o the_o cross._n nor_o may_v it_o be_v hope_v that_o god_n will_v dispense_v with_o these_o condition_n in_o any_o man._n god_n propose_v to_o his_o own_o son_n undertake_v the_o salvation_n of_o the_o world_n as_o the_o only_a condition_n to_o effect_v it_o the_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n for_o it_o he_o propose_v to_o man_n seek_v delivery_n from_o the_o sentence_n of_o damnation_n due_a to_o his_o sin_n as_o the_o only_a condition_n of_o pardon_n sincere_a repentance_n he_o will_v not_o remit_v to_o his_o own_o son_n the_o determine_a condition_n of_o the_o salvation_n of_o the_o world_n much_o less_o therefore_o will_v he_o remit_v to_o sinful_a man_n the_o condition_n of_o pardon_n which_o he_o have_v once_o fix_v if_o he_o spare_v not_o his_o eternal_a son_n herein_o much_o less_o will_v he_o spare_v man_n the_o work_n of_o his_o own_o hand_n especial_o while_n continue_v in_o rebellion_n against_o he_o it_o neither_o become_v we_o nor_o will_v it_o be_v of_o any_o use_n to_o we_o to_o inquire_v whether_o god_n can_v not_o have_v pardon_v the_o sin_n of_o man_n without_o exact_v so_o great_a a_o satisfaction_n or_o whether_o he_o can_v yet_o pardon_v the_o sin_n of_o particular_a man_n without_o require_v from_o they_o the_o ordinary_a condition_n of_o pardon_n which_o be_v repentance_n it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o we_o that_o he_o have_v declare_v that_o he_o will_v not_o do_v it_o and_o that_o he_o have_v also_o say_v of_o himself_o that_o he_o can_v lie_v he_o have_v do_v all_o which_o be_v wont_a to_o create_v a_o belief_n in_o man_n to_o persuade_v he_o of_o the_o certainty_n of_o his_o resolution_n in_o this_o matter_n he_o have_v affirm_v that_o he_o will_v not_o justify_v the_o sinner_n unless_o he_o turn_v from_o the_o evil_n of_o his_o way_n he_o have_v often_o repeat_v his_o asseveration_n he_o have_v confirm_v they_o by_o a_o oath_n he_o have_v give_v frequent_a example_n of_o it_o in_o visible_a punishment_n of_o more_o notorious_a sinner_n he_o have_v sacrifice_v his_o own_o son_n because_o he_o will_v not_o change_v his_o resolution_n and_o yet_o he_o can_v persuade_v we_o that_o in_o all_o this_o he_o deal_v in_o earnest_n we_o willing_o believe_v all_o other_o point_n of_o revelation_n but_o this_o we_o will_v not_o believe_v that_o god_n will_v judge_v we_o according_a to_o the_o strict_a rule_n of_o his_o gospel_n nor_o grant_v we_o any_o more_o mercy_n than_o what_o he_o have_v there_o promise_v we_o present_o lie_v hold_v of_o all_o such_o passage_n as_o declare_v the_o infinity_n of_o his_o mercy_n little_o consider_v that_o it_o be_v join_v with_o no_o less_o infinite_a justice_n we_o remember_v what_o passionate_a concern_v he_o often_o express_v for_o the_o good_a of_o mankind_n forget_v his_o unchangeable_a hatred_n of_o sin_n whereas_o if_o we_o fair_o consider_v those_o very_a place_n where_o god_n express_v the_o great_a tenderness_n and_o whence_o man_n chief_o raise_v their_o hope_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o even_o in_o they_o he_o give_v manifest_a indication_n of_o the_o impossibility_n of_o receive_v his_o mercy_n without_o their_o own_o precedent_a repentance_n he_o represent_v himself_o as_o stretch_v forth_o his_o hand_n to_o they_o all_o day_n long_o but_o add_v that_o if_o they_o will_v not_o hear_v he_o give_v they_o up_o to_o their_o own_o heart_n lusts._n he_o describe_v his_o concern_v for_o they_o by_o the_o similitude_n of_o a_o housholder_n cultivate_v his_o vine_n dress_n digging_z about_z it_o and_o water_v it_o but_o subjoin_v his_o command_n of_o cut_v it_o down_o if_o it_o still_o remain_v unfruitful_a he_o break_v out_o into_o passionate_a exclamation_n in_o sorrow_n for_o their_o obdurate_a impenitence_n as_o in_o ezek._n xxxiii_o 11._o as_o i_o live_v say_v the_o lord_n god_n i_o have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o the_o death_n of_o the_o wicked_a but_o that_o the_o wicked_a turn_n from_o his_o way_n and_o live_v turn_v you_o turn_v you_o fâ—…om_v your_o evil_a way_n for_o why_o will_v you_o die_v o_o you_o house_n of_o isaael_n and_o psal._n lxxxi_o 14._o o_o that_o my_o people_n will_v have_v hearken_v unto_o i_o for_o if_o israel_n have_v walk_v in_o my_o way_n i_o shall_v soon_o have_v put_v down_o their_o enemy_n etc._n etc._n and_o matt._n xxiii_o 37._o o_o jerusalem_n jerusalem_n thou_o that_o kill_v the_o prophet_n etc._n etc._n how_o often_o will_v i_o have_v gather_v thy_o child_n together_o even_o as_o a_o hen_n gather_v her_o chicken_n under_o her_o wing_n and_o you_o will_v not_o in_o all_o the_o scripture_n there_o be_v not_o more_o vehement_a protestation_n of_o kindness_n to_o mankind_n and_o yet_o all_o these_o carry_v along_o with_o they_o a_o certain_a denunciation_n of_o destruction_n without_o repentance_n in_o the_o first_o place_n it_o be_v plain_o insinuate_v that_o if_o israel_n will_v not_o turn_v from_o their_o evil_a way_n there_o be_v no_o remedy_n but_o they_o must_v die_v the_o second_o passage_n carry_v this_o sense_n in_o other_o word_n o_o that_o my_o people_n will_v put_v themselves_o into_o a_o capacity_n of_o receive_v my_o favour_n which_o while_o they_o continue_v disobedient_a to_o i_o i_o can_v bestow_v upon_o they_o which_o because_o they_o will_v not_o do_v it_o be_v adjoin_v in_o the_o 13._o verse_n but_o my_o people_n will_v not_o hearken_v unto_o i_o and_o israel_n will_v have_v none_o of_o i_o therefore_o i_o give_v they_o up_o unto_o their_o own_o heart_n lust_n and_o let_v they_o follow_v their_o own_o imagination_n or_o in_o other_o word_n i_o will_v have_v none_o of_o they_o and_o in_o the_o last_o place_n where_o to_o the_o passionate_a commiseration_n of_o jerusalem_n it_o be_v add_v that_o our_o lord_n even_o weep_v over_o it_o yet_o it_o immediate_o follow_v that_o because_o they_o will_v not_o obey_v his_o command_n of_o repentance_n and_o put_v themselves_o under_o his_o protection_n behold_v your_o house_n be_v leave_v unto_o you_o desolate_a however_o than_o we_o dare_v â—…not_v affirm_v that_o god_n can_v not_o have_v pardon_v man_n without_o the_o expiation_n of_o the_o cross_n or_o that_o he_o can_v communicate_v the_o benefit_n of_o the_o cross_n to_o a_o unrepent_a sinner_n because_o we_o presume_v not_o to_o measure_v the_o power_n of_o god_n yet_o this_o we_o may_v affirm_v and_o this_o be_v most_o evident_a that_o man_n continue_v in_o a_o state_n of_o unrepentance_n can_v receive_v the_o mercy_n and_o the_o pardon_n of_o god_n for_o the_o distribution_n of_o mercy_n or_o pardon_n suppose_v a_o reconciliation_n between_o god_n and_o man_n and_o therefore_o st._n paul_n say_v of_o his_o exhortation_n to_o repentance_n we_o pray_v you_o in_o christ_n stead_n be_v you_o reconcile_v to_o god_n while_o man_n continue_v in_o sin_n he_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o enmity_n with_o god_n in_o as_o much_o as_o every_o sin_n be_v a_o violation_n of_o the_o divine_a authority_n and_o a_o rebellion_n against_o he_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n and_o every_o wilful_a sin_n be_v a_o absolute_a disclaim_n of_o his_o government_n and_o renounce_v subjection_n to_o he_o resolve_o to_o defer_v repentance_n be_v such_o a_o wilful_a sin_n and_o therefore_o cut_v off_o all_o communication_n of_o favour_n between_o god_n and_o man_n it_o be_v absurd_a to_o say_v that_o he_o be_v reconcile_v to_o god_n who_o continue_v in_o rebellion_n to_o he_o and_o fear_v not_o to_o affront_v he_o with_o his_o sin_n who_o defi_v his_o threat_n of_o punishment_n against_o impenitent_a sinner_n or_o at_o least_o slight_n his_o command_n of_o universal_a repentance_n these_o thing_n be_v so_o inconsistent_a that_o the_o least_o attention_n will_v manifest_v the_o impossibility_n of_o a_o pardon_n without_o repentance_n this_o also_o follow_v from_o all_o those_o earnest_a exclamation_n of_o god_n before_o recite_v which_o be_v so_o many_o affirmation_n that_o while_o man_n continue_v in_o disobedience_n to_o he_o he_o can_v bestow_v any_o act_n of_o favour_n on_o they_o can_v i_o say_v not_o by_o reason_n of_o any_o defect_n of_o his_o power_n but_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o incapacity_n of_o man_n to_o receive_v in_o that_o state_n of_o unrepentance_n any_o such_o favour_n and_o in_o compliance_n to_o his_o most_o just_a determination_n of_o the_o contrary_n upon_o which_o account_n he_o plain_o make_v it_o impossible_a for_o himself_o to_o pardon_n unrepent_v sinner_n jeremy_n v._n 9_o their_o transgression_n be_v many_o and_o their_o backslide_n