such_o a_o act_n as_o be_v above_o natural_a force_n and_o ability_n and_o be_v do_v whole_o by_o virtue_n of_o a_o omnipotent_a power_n there_o be_v a_o physical_a virtue_n and_o agency_n give_v to_o all_o creature_n at_o their_o first_o creation_n their_o natural_a property_n and_o affection_n be_v settle_v in_o they_o by_o god_n at_o first_o and_o according_a to_o these_o they_o constant_o act_v except_o he_o who_o create_v they_o change_n their_o course_n immediate_o influence_v on_o they_o when_o the_o creator_n thus_o alter_v their_o natural_a course_n and_o agency_n and_o when_o the_o effect_n be_v contrary_a to_o their_o natural_a power_n there_o be_v a_o miracle_n wrought_v for_o miracle_n be_v action_n that_o be_v against_o natural_a efficiency_n this_o be_v oppose_v by_o mr._n hobbs_n who_o hold_v that_o there_o be_v no_o real_a miracle_n because_o all_o be_v by_o natural_a cause_n only_o they_o seem_v to_o the_o vulgar_a to_o proceed_v from_o extraordinary_a and_o supernatural_a cause_n on_o this_o ground_n he_o endeavour_v to_o vilify_v the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o christ._n and_o spinosa_n will_v fain_o thrust_v upon_o we_o this_o proposition_n that_o whatsoever_o the_o scripture_n affirm_v to_o have_v be_v do_v do_v necessary_o come_v to_o pass_v according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o no_o otherwise_o and_o consequent_o that_o those_o thing_n which_o go_v under_o the_o name_n of_o miracle_n have_v only_o natural_a cause_n though_o unknown_a to_o we_o and_o he_o conject_v this_o to_o be_v a_o sufficient_a reason_n of_o what_o he_o say_v viz._n 6._o that_o god_n and_o his_o decree_n be_v unchangeable_a and_o therefore_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n can_v be_v alter_v and_o so_o there_o be_v no_o miracle_n because_o these_o be_v say_v to_o be_v interruption_n or_o viâ—lations_n of_o the_o course_n of_o nature_n but_o if_o the_o alter_v the_o course_n of_o nature_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o divine_a decree_n as_o most_o sure_a it_o be_v then_o what_o will_v become_v of_o his_o argument_n it_o be_v a_o mere_a fallacy_n and_o contradict_v several_a discovery_n which_o god_n have_v make_v of_o himself_o and_o his_o do_n in_o the_o sacred_a writ_n where_o we_o find_v that_o there_o be_v such_o action_n as_o can_v be_v do_v by_o the_o mere_a power_n and_o energy_n of_o man_n or_o angel_n either_o good_a or_o bad_a or_o of_o any_o create_a being_n it_o be_v of_o the_o essence_n of_o a_o miracle_n to_o exceed_v all_o natural_a power_n a_o miracle_n always_o suppose_v the_o virtue_n by_o which_o it_o be_v produce_v to_o be_v divine_a 2._o this_o be_v another_o property_n of_o a_o miracle_n which_o follow_v necessary_o on_o the_o former_a that_o it_o be_v vnaccountable_a we_o can_v solve_v it_o we_o can_v show_v any_o reason_n why_o it_o be_v so_o it_o be_v above_o our_o apprehension_n for_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n above_o natural_a power_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o natural_a reason_n shall_v tell_v how_o it_o be_v do_v a_o miracle_n be_v such_o a_o work_n of_o which_o no_o physical_a cause_n can_v be_v assign_v therefore_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o it_o be_v beyond_o our_o conception_n and_o that_o we_o can_v apprehend_v how_o it_o be_v perform_v 3._o it_o be_v also_o something_o do_v rare_o and_o unusual_o it_o be_v a_o say_n of_o the_o rabbin_n and_o a_o true_a one_o megilla_n a_o miracle_n do_v not_o happen_v every_o hour_n it_o be_v a_o uncommon_a thing_n and_o rarity_n be_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o for_o the_o design_n of_o a_o miracle_n be_v to_o beget_v faith_n by_o its_o be_v rare_a and_o therefore_o if_o you_o can_v suppose_v it_o to_o be_v perpetual_a the_o end_n of_o it_o will_v be_v lose_v which_o be_v to_o stir_v up_o man_n to_o believe_v by_o the_o uncommonness_n of_o what_o be_v do_v divine_a work_n that_o be_v do_v daily_o and_o ordinary_o be_v not_o miracle_n thus_o to_o justify_v sinner_n to_o convert_v they_o to_o save_v they_o etc._n etc._n be_v not_o call_v miracle_n so_o god_n preserve_v and_o uphold_v the_o world_n be_v the_o work_n of_o divine_a power_n only_o but_o it_o be_v not_o call_v a_o miracle_n because_o it_o be_v every_o moment_n 107._o pliny_n declare_v that_o it_o exceed_v all_o miracle_n that_o any_o one_o day_n pass_v and_o all_o the_o world_n be_v not_o set_v on_o fire_n because_o of_o the_o innumerable_a subterraneous_a fire_n and_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o infinite_a number_n of_o star_n and_o the_o vast_a heat_n in_o the_o sun_n and_o the_o inbred_a fire_n in_o cloud_n etc._n etc._n but_o this_o be_v no_o rarâ—_n and_o strange_a thing_n and_o therefore_o be_v no_o miracle_n the_o gravity_n of_o body_n the_o strange_a operation_n of_o the_o loadstone_n the_o reciprocal_a motion_n of_o the_o sea_n be_v phaenomenâ—_n that_o depend_v as_o i_o apprehend_v on_o the_o particular_a and_o immediate_a influence_n of_o a_o supernatural_a cause_n and_o yet_o because_o they_o be_v common_a be_v not_o miracle_n god_n the_o alwise_a governor_n of_o the_o world_n have_v his_o usual_a and_o ordinary_a way_n but_o these_o oftentimes_o be_v neglect_v and_o despise_v because_o they_o be_v common_a wherefore_o he_o think_v good_a to_o use_v another_o method_n he_o exertâ—_n other_o act_n and_o these_o be_v unusual_a and_o extraordinary_a and_o excite_v a_o great_a regard_n and_o reverence_n in_o man_n and_o have_v the_o name_n of_o miracle_n 4._o it_o be_v the_o qualification_n of_o a_o miracle_n not_o only_o to_o be_v supernatural_a unaccountable_a and_o rare_a but_o also_o to_o be_v something_o visible_a at_o least_o very_a evident_a and_o discernible_a the_o egyptian_n see_v moses_n miracle_n the_o priest_n of_o baal_n see_v what_o elijah_n do_v and_o whatever_o miracle_n be_v real_o do_v be_v do_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o people_n or_o the_o effect_n of_o they_o be_v to_o be_v plain_o see_v the_o reason_n be_v because_o they_o be_v exhibit_v to_o the_o world_n on_o purpose_n that_o they_o may_v be_v observe_v and_o take_v notice_n of_o wherefore_o a_o miracle_n be_v such_o a_o divine_a work_n as_o be_v evident_a and_o apparent_a and_o thence_o this_o kind_n of_o operation_n be_v frequent_o call_v sign_n i._n e._n outward_a and_o open_a representation_n of_o the_o almighty_a power_n of_o god_n 5._o and_o last_o they_o deserve_v the_o name_n of_o miracle_n because_o they_o stir_v up_o man_n mind_n to_o admire_v they_o they_o cause_v amazement_n and_o wonder_n they_o be_v such_o work_n of_o god_n as_o create_v astonishment_n in_o all_o that_o serious_o consider_v they_o and_o this_o prove_v what_o i_o say_v before_o viz._n that_o it_o be_v against_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o miracle_n to_o be_v constant_a and_o last_a and_o always_o continue_v for_o if_o it_o be_v so_o it_o will_v not_o be_v wonder_v at_o and_o then_o it_o will_v cease_v to_o be_v a_o miracle_n these_o be_v the_o inseparable_a property_n and_o qualification_n of_o true_a and_o real_a miracle_n but_o the_o first_o be_v the_o main_a and_o the_o only_a essential_a one_o for_o some_o other_o thing_n be_v unaccountable_a we_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o extent_n of_o nature_n sphere_n and_o unusual_a and_o wonderful_a but_o they_o be_v not_o against_o and_o above_o the_o power_n of_o natural_a cause_n therefore_o they_o be_v not_o proper_o miracle_n for_o a_o miracle_n be_v a_o thing_n that_o can_v be_v do_v but_o by_o supernatural_a and_o divine_a strength_n consequent_o a_o miracle_n can_v be_v do_v by_o the_o devil_n or_o any_o of_o his_o minister_n and_o agent_n these_o indeed_o can_v do_v strange_a and_o wonderful_a thing_n that_o be_v either_o such_o as_o be_v real_o so_o but_o then_o they_o rise_v only_o from_o occult_a natural_a cause_n and_o mean_n or_o such_o that_o seem_v to_o be_v so_o they_o appear_v only_o and_o be_v not_o and_o then_o they_o be_v mere_a juggle_n and_o trick_n of_o art_n thus_o far_o evil_a spirit_n and_o their_o agent_n be_v able_a to_o go_v and_o no_o further_o they_o can_v counterfeit_v miracle_n but_o they_o can_v work_v one_o true_a miracle_n thus_o the_o egyptian_a magician_n do_v wonderful_a thing_n they_o do_v not_o only_o make_v their_o rod_n to_o appear_v like_o that_o of_o mercury_n with_o serpent_n twine_v about_o they_o but_o which_o be_v great_a they_o by_o their_o enchantment_n turn_v their_o rod_n into_o serpent_n or_o seem_v to_o do_v so_o that_o the_o worst_a man_n may_v have_v power_n to_o work_v such_o sign_n and_o wonder_n be_v plain_a from_o deut._n 13._o 1_o 2._o and_o the_o reason_n why_o god_n suffer_v false_a prophet_n to_o work_v those_o seem_a miracle_n be_v suggest_v in_o v_o 3._o the_o lord_n your_o god_n prove_v you_o to_o know_v whether_o you_o love_v the_o lord_n your_o god_n with_o all_o your_o heart_n and_o with_o all_o your_o soul_n it_o be_v to_o try_v man_n
johannes_n edward_n s_o t._n b._n πολυποικιλος_n σοφια_n a_o complete_a history_n or_o survey_n of_o all_o the_o dispensation_n and_o method_n of_o religion_n from_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o world_n to_o the_o consummation_n of_o all_o thing_n as_o represent_v in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n show_v the_o several_a reason_n and_o design_n of_o those_o different_a administration_n and_o the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n in_o the_o government_n of_o his_o church_n through_o all_o the_o age_n of_o it_o in_o which_o also_o the_o opinion_n of_o dr._n spencer_n concern_v the_o jewish_a rite_n and_o sacrifice_n be_v examine_v and_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n demonstrate_v against_o the_o cavil_n of_o the_o deist_n etc._n etc._n by_o john_n edward_n b._n d._n london_n print_v for_o daniel_n brown_n jonath_n robinson_n andrew_n bell_n john_n wyatt_n and_o e._n harris_n m._n dc.xc.ix_n to_o the_o right_n honourable_a john_n lord_n summer_n baron_n of_o evesham_n lord_n high_a chancellor_n of_o england_n my_o lord_n we_o every_o day_n behold_v the_o lawyer_n and_o physician_n the_o philosopher_n the_o historian_n the_o poet_n and_o all_o professor_n of_o useful_a art_n present_v their_o several_a performance_n to_o your_o lordship_n not_o only_o as_o a_o judge_n but_o as_o their_o common_a patron_n why_o then_o may_v not_o those_o of_o our_o order_n presume_v to_o approach_v your_o lordship_n with_o their_o respective_a offering_n and_o hope_v for_o a_o kind_n and_o favourable_a reception_n especial_o see_v you_o have_v let_v the_o world_n know_v by_o sundry_a illustrious_a instance_n what_o regard_v you_o bear_v to_o that_o function_n and_o those_o of_o that_o character_n they_o all_o admire_v your_o capacious_a and_o universal_a genius_n which_o have_v give_v you_o a_o profound_a insight_n into_o theological_a study_n as_o well_o as_o all_o other_o westminster-hall_n have_v now_o another_o hale_v that_o be_v one_o who_o be_v a_o divine_a a_o lawyer_n and_o philosopher_n and_o skilled_a in_o every_o science_n your_o lordship_n every_o day_n achieve_v great_a and_o brave_a thing_n and_o with_o a_o spirit_n that_o be_v such_o you_o oblige_v the_o good_a and_o win_v upon_o the_o bad_a and_o please_v all_o man_n by_o the_o method_n of_o a_o unstained_a integrity_n which_o bring_v to_o my_o thought_n that_o observation_n of_o my_o lord_n coke_n that_o he_o never_o know_v any_o excellent_a judicious_a lawyer_n but_o be_v a_o faithful_a honest_a man_n pref._n to_o the_o 2_o d_o part_n of_o report_n but_o lest_o this_o shall_v look_v too_o much_o like_o panegyric_n which_o i_o know_v be_v offensive_a to_o your_o lordship_n modesty_n and_o lest_o i_o shall_v obscure_v and_o tarnish_v the_o splendour_n of_o your_o lordship_n virtue_n and_o excellency_n by_o a_o imperfect_a represent_v of_o they_o i_o will_v here_o check_v myself_o and_o add_v no_o more_o on_o this_o theme_n which_o be_v so_o invite_v and_o charm_v permit_v i_o only_o to_o lay_v these_o paper_n at_o your_o lordship_n foot_n and_o humble_o to_o beg_v of_o your_o lordship_n that_o you_o will_v be_v please_v to_o exercise_v that_o equity_n and_o favour_n to_o which_o your_o present_a province_n and_o high_a office_n prompt_v you_o and_o then_o i_o shall_v not_o whole_o despair_v of_o your_o lordship_n acceptance_n of_o this_o poor_a oblation_n and_o of_o your_o suffer_v i_o to_o have_v the_o honour_n to_o profess_v myself_o my_o lord_n your_o lordship_n be_v most_o humble_a and_o obedient_a servant_n john_n edwards_n the_o preface_n i_o have_v undertake_v a_o great_a work_n viz._n to_o display_v all_o the_o transaction_n of_o divine_a providence_n relate_v to_o the_o method_n of_o religion_n from_o the_o creation_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n from_o the_o first_o chapter_n of_o genesis_n to_o the_o last_o of_o the_o revelation_n for_o i_o have_v not_o meet_v with_o any_o author_n that_o have_v undertake_v to_o comprise_v they_o all_o and_o to_o give_v we_o a_o account_n of_o they_o according_a to_o their_o true_a series_n nor_o have_v i_o ever_o light_v upon_o a_o writer_n either_o foreign_a or_o domestic_a who_o have_v design_o trace_v the_o particular_a cause_n and_o ground_n of_o they_o or_o settle_v they_o on_o their_o right_n and_o true_a foundation_n wherefore_o i_o betake_v myself_o to_o this_o work_n resolve_v to_o attempt_v something_o though_o it_o be_v only_o to_o invite_v other_o of_o great_a skill_n to_o go_v on_o with_o it_o and_o to_o add_v the_o finish_n strike_v to_o it_o i_o acknowledge_v this_o essay_n to_o be_v very_o mean_a and_o unworthy_a of_o its_o noble_a subject_n but_o however_o this_o i_o will_v say_v in_o its_o behalf_n and_o that_o with_o great_a truth_n that_o though_o i_o have_v do_v but_o little_a yet_o i_o never_o meet_v with_o any_o that_o have_v do_v so_o much_o on_o this_o theme_n whether_o â—e_v have_v respect_n to_o the_o full_a enumeration_n of_o the_o â—economies_n or_o whether_o we_o speak_v of_o the_o reason_n and_o ground_n of_o they_o but_o more_o especial_o as_o to_o the_o last_o oeconomy_n i_o have_v be_v very_o curious_a in_o the_o distribution_n of_o 〈◊〉_d several_a part_n though_o i_o have_v i_o confess_v â—â—â—â—ented_v therein_o from_o most_o writer_n but_o i_o have_v â—â—deavoured_v to_o treat_v those_o with_o candour_n and_o reâ—â—ect_n who_o differ_v in_o this_o matter_n from_o i_o for_o it_o 〈◊〉_d certain_a that_o in_o this_o case_n liberty_n of_o write_v be_v 〈◊〉_d reasonable_a as_o that_o of_o thought_n i_o shall_v not_o 〈◊〉_d angry_a with_o any_o man_n for_o not_o be_v of_o my_o opinion_n â—â—out_v the_o state_n of_o the_o world_n before_o the_o close_a of_o 〈◊〉_d i_o leave_v every_o man_n to_o his_o own_o conjecture_n and_o i_o desire_v to_o be_v leave_v to_o i_o i_o do_v not_o ask_v any_o â—ne_n whether_o he_o think_v jansenism_n and_o quietismâ—â—ll_v â—â—ll_z make_v way_n for_o any_o change_n of_o religion_n in_o france_n spain_n or_o italy_n or_o whether_o they_o will_v be_v â—â—ite_o root_v out_o of_o those_o country_n i_o do_v not_o ask_v â—hether_o the_o moscovite_n who_o seem_v to_o be_v no_o long_o â—â—â—zen_v but_o be_v enter_v upon_o action_n be_v like_a to_o have_v 〈◊〉_d hand_n in_o such_o revolution_n as_o will_v end_v at_o last_o in_o 〈◊〉_d alteration_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o north-east_n i_o 〈◊〉_d not_o inquire_v whether_o the_o french_a lily_n will_v â—â—read_v themselves_o further_o and_o take_v root_n in_o any_o protestant_a soil_n and_o all_o other_o the_o like_a query_n schich_v may_v be_v occasion_v by_o the_o present_a occurrence_n in_o the_o world_n i_o whole_o dismiss_v and_o trouble_v 〈◊〉_d myself_o or_o my_o reader_n with_o the_o resolve_v of_o 〈◊〉_d in_o treat_v of_o this_o last_o dispensation_n i_o 〈◊〉_d as_o to_o the_o main_a and_o substantial_a stroke_n of_o it_o 〈◊〉_d myself_o close_o to_o the_o bible_n i_o have_v positive_o 〈◊〉_d nothing_o but_o what_o be_v plain_o found_v on_o divine_a revelation_n as_o deliver_v to_o we_o in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n and_o even_o there_o i_o have_v not_o presume_v to_o fix_v any_o certain_a time_n those_o halcyon_n day_n which_o i_o treat_v of_o may_v commence_v in_o part_n very_o soon_o and_o blaze_v out_o of_o a_o sudden_a or_o they_o may_v be_v stifle_v and_o smother_v till_o many_o lustre_n of_o year_n be_v expire_v i_o very_o believe_v the_o thing_n itself_o but_o it_o be_v the_o high_a arrogance_n to_o determine_v the_o season_n this_o be_v all_o i_o have_v to_o say_v by_o way_n of_o preface_n errata_fw-la to_o the_o first_o volume_n page_n 24._o l._n 10._o read_v sex_n p._n 27._o l._n 4._o r._n it_o in_o p._n 59_o l._n 15._o for_o tho_n r._n but._n p._n 107._o l._n 1._o r._n and_o he_o p._n 124._o l._n 23._o r._n seem_v to_o run_v p._n 158._o l._n 2._o r._n mincaâ—_n or_o p._n 169._o l._n 26._o for_o and_o r._n have_v p._n 177._o margin_n r._n philo_n de_fw-fr p._n 179._o l._n 19_o put_v the_o comma_n after_o thus_o p._n 188._o l._n 26._o r._n cherub_n p._n 194._o l._n 12._o after_o not_o insert_v that_o all_o this_o be_v significant_a p._n 201._o 1._o 22._o r._n but_o the_o latter_a p._n 217._o l._n 4._o r._n his_o p._n 235._o l._n 9_o r._n of_o any_o l._n 15._o after_o mean_v insert_v not_o of_o the_o flesh_n of_o those_o animal_n but._n p._n 289._o l._n antepen_v r._n as_o almost_o all_o p._n 332._o l._n 9_o after_o gospel_n add_v though_o it_o be_v in_o part_n under_o the_o other_o dispensation_n p._n 350._o l._n 10._o for_o you_o r._n they_o the_o content_n of_o the_o first_o volume_n chap._n i._n the_o great_a advantage_n of_o the_o present_a undertake_n a_o general_a distribution_n of_o the_o work_n the_o state_n of_o innocence_n the_o folly_n of_o the_o praeadamitick_a opinion_n the_o solemn_a consultation_n of_o the_o
prevail_v with_o he_o to_o do_v as_o she_o do_v i._n e._n to_o violate_v the_o commandment_n because_o she_o do_v so_o which_o we_o may_v gather_v from_o those_o word_n of_o he_o gen._n 3._o 12._o the_o woman_n who_o thou_o give_v to_o be_v with_o i_o and_o to_o be_v my_o other-self_n she_o give_v i_o of_o the_o tree_n and_o i_o do_v eat_v for_o though_o he_o do_v ill_o in_o lay_v his_o fault_n and_o transfer_v his_o gild_n on_o the_o woman_n thereby_o only_o to_o excuse_v himself_o yet_o thus_o far_o we_o may_v believe_v he_o that_o he_o be_v draw_v into_o this_o transgression_n by_o she_o who_o god_n have_v give_v unto_o he_o his_o passionate_a regard_n to_o she_o betray_v he_o to_o this_o folly_n thus_o this_o desire_n of_o his_o eye_n be_v one_o occasion_n of_o his_o misery_n by_o the_o enchantment_n and_o solicitation_n of_o a_o woman_n man_n be_v first_o ruin_v whilst_o he_o be_v alone_o he_o do_v well_o but_o when_o he_o see_v so_o fair_a and_o image_n he_o be_v tempt_v to_o fall_v down_o to_o it_o and_o to_o comply_v with_o it_o and_o to_o forget_v himself_o and_o his_o duty_n this_o be_v the_o origine_fw-la of_o adam_n prevarication_n the_o sensitive_a part_n be_v too_o powerful_a pleasure_n betray_v he_o and_o ever_o since_o all_o mankind_n the_o animal_n and_o sensual_a life_n get_v the_o better_a of_o the_o divine_a 3._o another_o previous_a sin_n of_o our_o first_o parent_n be_v a_o be_v dissatisfy_v with_o their_o condition_n and_o a_o ambitious_a desire_v to_o know_v more_o and_o to_o become_v great_a it_o be_v a_o vile_a compound_n of_o curiosity_n discontent_n and_o pride_n yea_o this_o latter_a seem_v to_o have_v the_o predominancy_n whence_o it_o be_v the_o determination_n of_o matth._n one_o of_o the_o ancient_a father_n that_o adam_n and_o eve_n first_o sin_n by_o which_o they_o fall_v be_v pride_n the_o devil_n inveigle_v they_o with_o tell_v they_o that_o their_o eye_n shall_v be_v open_v and_o that_o they_o shall_v know_v good_a and_o evil_a nay_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v as_o god_n in_o knowledge_n and_o perfection_n gen._n 3._o 5._o this_o be_v no_o mean_a incentive_a to_o the_o breach_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n though_o indeed_o it_o be_v a_o strange_a solecism_n and_o absurdity_n and_o it_o be_v a_o strange_a that_o our_o first_o parent_n shall_v not_o observe_v it_o viz._n that_o they_o shall_v be_v like_o god_n by_o break_v his_o law_n this_o be_v a_o arrant_a piece_n of_o nonsense_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v swallow_v the_o vehement_a desire_n of_o see_v have_v blind_v they_o their_o inordinate_a longing_n after_o wisdom_n render_v they_o so_o foolish_a and_o sottish_a their_o affection_n of_o knowledge_n and_o their_o vain_a ambition_n ruin_v they_o their_o desire_n to_o arrive_v to_o the_o partner_n with_o god_n almighty_a make_v they_o forget_v they_o be_v his_o creature_n their_o wish_v to_o be_v god_n make_v they_o become_v like_o beast_n which_o perish_v as_o you_o shall_v hear_v afterward_o yea_o their_o desire_n to_o be_v like_o god_n make_v they_o too_o like_a unto_o devil_n the_o 4_o the_o sin_n which_o make_v way_n for_o their_o actual_a violate_v god_n command_n be_v unbelief_n god_n have_v himself_o tell_v he_o that_o in_o the_o day_n they_o eat_v of_o the_o forbid_a fruit_n they_o shall_v sure_o die_v gen._n 2._o 17._o but_o satan_n come_v and_o conâ—ronts_v this_o and_o tell_v they_o yâ—_n shall_v not_o sure_o die_v gen._n 3._o 4._o whereupon_o they_o give_v credit_n to_o this_o tempter_n and_o disbelieve_v what_o god_n have_v say_v they_o attend_v not_o to_o the_o divine_a threaten_n but_o listen_v to_o the_o devil_n promise_n of_o impunity_n they_o believe_v the_o father_n of_o lie_n but_o what_o the_o god_n of_o truth_n say_v be_v none_o of_o their_o creed_n this_o be_v the_o curse_a infidelity_n which_o be_v the_o forerunner_n of_o the_o actual_a break_n of_o the_o divine_a command_n thus_o you_o may_v be_v convince_v that_o though_o the_o eat_v the_o forbid_a fruit_n may_v at_o first_o sight_n seem_v to_o be_v a_o small_a matter_n a_o kind_n of_o venial_a fault_n and_o some_o vain_a man_n have_v labour_v to_o represent_v it_o as_o such_o yet_o upon_o a_o particular_a and_o narrow_a view_n of_o it_o and_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o circumstance_n that_o attend_v it_o it_o be_v a_o most_o grievous_a and_o horrid_a crime_n that_o sin_n which_o be_v usher_v in_o with_o so_o many_o vile_a harbinger_n must_v needs_o be_v a_o capital_a offence_n beside_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o transgression_n must_v be_v esteem_v and_o measure_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o lawgiver_n we_o must_v consider_v not_o so_o much_o what_o be_v forbid_v as_o who_o forbid_v it_o god_n their_o creator_n and_o father_n who_o have_v absolute_a power_n and_o command_n over_o they_o god_n who_o know_v best_o how_o to_o govern_v they_o and_o what_o be_v most_o for_o their_o real_a good_a and_o advantage_n god_n who_o require_v the_o observance_n but_o of_o a_o small_a and_o easy_a thing_n aught_o to_o have_v be_v obey_v with_o all_o exactness_n adam_n and_o eve_n have_v no_o father_n but_o god_n how_o just_a and_o reasonable_a then_o be_v it_o that_o they_o shall_v express_v all_o duty_n and_o obedience_n to_o he_o that_o they_o shall_v observe_v his_o law_n and_o not_o dare_v to_o break_v the_o â—east_n command_v of_o he_o that_o they_o shall_v do_v nothing_o without_o his_o order_n and_o never_o listen_v to_o any_o that_o will_v attempt_v to_o withdraw_v they_o from_o their_o duty_n but_o that_o they_o shall_v continual_o live_v in_o a_o sense_n of_o their_o dependence_n upon_o he_o that_o they_o shall_v call_v upon_o he_o trust_v in_o he_o honour_n and_o worship_v he_o only_o that_o they_o shall_v strive_v to_o walk_v worthy_a of_o the_o singular_a favour_n they_o have_v receive_v from_o he_o and_o that_o they_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o persevere_v in_o their_o innocence_n and_o integrity_n and_o to_o continue_v in_o that_o bless_a state_n wherein_o god_n have_v create_v they_o and_o as_o for_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o sin_n the_o letter_n and_o light_a it_o be_v the_o great_a be_v the_o sinner_n contempt_n of_o god_n this_o inhance_v his_o fault_n that_o he_o prefer_v so_o slight_a a_o thing_n before_o god_n will_n and_o pleasure_n that_o he_o regard_v not_o the_o divine_a anger_n though_o it_o be_v so_o easy_a to_o avoid_v it_o here_o we_o may_v say_v as_o cicero_n do_v in_o defence_n of_o the_o stoic_n paradox_n viz._n that_o all_o sin_n be_v alike_o culpa_fw-la the_o matter_n be_v small_a but_o the_o fault_n be_v great_a yea_o i_o may_v add_v the_o latter_a be_v the_o great_a because_o the_o former_a be_v so_o small_a the_o sin_n of_o adam_n and_o eve_n be_v the_o more_o grievous_a and_o inexcusable_a because_o it_o be_v in_o so_o little_a a_o matter_n as_o the_o bare_a taste_n of_o the_o fruit_n of_o a_o tree_n which_o be_v a_o thing_n they_o have_v no_o temptation_n to_o if_o we_o consider_v that_o the_o whole_a garden_n of_o fruit_n be_v before_o they_o and_o there_o be_v but_o one_o single_a tree_n only_o forbid_v they_o but_o it_o seem_v all_o the_o rest_n be_v insipid_a without_o this_o no_o tree_n will_v so_o content_v they_o as_o the_o forbid_a one_o there_o be_v no_o fruit_n so_o desirable_a as_o this_o and_o it_o be_v likely_a this_o have_v not_o be_v desire_v if_o it_o have_v not_o be_v forbid_v this_o argue_v great_a perverseness_n and_o obstinacy_n and_o consequent_o aggravate_v their_o sin_n and_o sender_n their_o offence_n very_o heinous_a say_v not_o then_o the_o eat_n of_o the_o fruit_n of_o a_o tree_n be_v a_o light_n and_o inconsiderable_a thing_n so_o it_o may_v be_v say_v lot_n wise_n do_v only_o look_v back_o to_o see_v the_o miserable_a ruin_n of_o the_o place_n she_o live_v in_o what!_o may_v she_o not_o look_v behind_o she_o it_o be_v out_o of_o pity_n that_o she_o do_v this_o do_v this_o deserve_v so_o sore_a a_o punishment_n abraham_n 28._o look_v on_o sodâ—m_n in_o its_o flame_n and_o be_v not_o punish_v it_o be_v not_o criminal_a in_o he_o to_o do_v so_o why_o then_o be_v it_o in_o this_o poor_a woman_n the_o plain_a answer_n be_v this_o that_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n from_o whence_o action_n be_v denominate_v good_a or_o evil._n they_o be_v sometime_o repute_v so_o by_o god_n according_a to_o the_o intrinsic_a cause_n and_o reason_n of_o they_o sometime_o also_o according_a to_o their_o good_a or_o evil_a adjunct_n but_o at_o all_o time_n according_a to_o the_o will_n and_o command_n of_o god_n allow_v or_o disallow_v of_o such_o action_n by_o these_o we_o must_v judge_n of_o lot_n wife_n be_v sinâ—_n out_o of_o a_o immoderate_a love_n of_o the_o city_n which_o have_v be_v the_o place_n of_o her_o abode_n or_o
new_a whether_o they_o be_v fig_n of_o the_o last_o year_n growth_n or_o of_o the_o present_a one_o why_o then_o do_v our_o saviour_n curse_v it_o some_o interpret_v the_o word_n of_o the_o time_n of_o gather_v of_o fig_n but_o this_o make_v the_o bear_n of_o fig_n and_o the_o gather_n of_o they_o to_o be_v the_o same_o which_o be_v a_o strain_n of_o the_o word_n a_o learned_a critic_n read_v the_o text_n thus_o loc_n where_o be_v the_o time_n of_o fig_n i._o e._n say_v he_o there_o be_v the_o time_n in_o that_o place_n where_o christ_n then_o be_v viz._n near_o jerusalem_n it_o be_v the_o season_n of_o fig_n and_o because_o this_o one_o particular_a tree_n bear_v no_o fruit_n when_o the_o rest_n do_v christ_n deserve_o curse_v it_o this_o interpretation_n amount_v to_o the_o same_o with_o what_o i_o before_o propound_v but_o i_o can_v approve_v of_o the_o alteration_n make_v in_o the_o original_a loc_n a_o other_o late_a critic_n come_v somewhat_o near_o to_o this_o and_o by_o change_v the_o accent_n and_o double_v the_o verb_n read_v it_o thus_o 〈◊〉_d where_o he_o be_v be_v the_o time_n of_o figs._n but_o i_o conceive_v this_o learned_a gentleman_n be_v a_o little_a too_o bold_a here_o as_o well_o as_o in_o some_o other_o place_n in_o his_o change_v the_o greek_a text_n where_o there_o be_v no_o occasion_n for_o it_o and_o therefore_o i_o keep_v to_o the_o receive_v read_v which_o according_a to_o the_o greek_a be_v exact_o thus_o for_o it_o be_v not_o the_o time_n of_o fig_n yet_o be_v redundant_fw-la in_o our_o english_a translation_n i._n e._n it_o be_v not_o the_o time_n of_o fig_n with_o this_o tree_n though_o according_a to_o the_o time_n of_o year_n other_o figtree_n bear_v fruit_n yet_o this_o degenerate_v from_o they_o and_o have_v no_o fruit_n at_o all_o on_o it_o only_o leave_v whence_o our_o saviour_n take_v occasion_n to_o curse_v it_o and_o this_o he_o do_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o jew_n that_o they_o may_v look_v on_o the_o tree_n and_o be_v admonish_v that_o they_o may_v be_v sensible_a of_o the_o danger_n of_o their_o vnfruitfulness_n at_o such_o a_o season_n when_o the_o great_a furitfulness_n be_v require_v of_o they_o or_o according_a to_o a_o godliness_n worthy_a person_n the_o meaning_n of_o christ_n curse_v the_o figtree_n be_v that_o the_o acceptable_a fruit_n of_o everlasting_a righteousness_n be_v not_o then_o find_v in_o the_o judaical_a dispensation_n this_o tree_n do_v not_o bring_v forth_o such_o excellent_a fruit_n but_o only_o the_o fair_a figleaves_a of_o a_o external_a and_o ceremonial_a righteousness_n and_o legal_a morality_n christ_n therefore_o come_v to_o exprobrate_v to_o they_o the_o want_n of_o more_o perfect_a fruit_n and_o to_o put_v a_o period_n to_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o jew_n so_o that_o it_o shall_v quite_o wither_v away_o and_o be_v null_v thus_o you_o see_v there_o be_v ground_n for_o what_o our_o lord_n do_v which_o make_v i_o a_o little_a wonder_n why_o that_o learned_a critic_n who_o i_o name_v last_o and_o some_o other_o expositor_n be_v so_o much_o concern_v at_o christ_n curse_v the_o innocent_a tree_n as_o they_o call_v it_o i_o do_v not_o see_v any_o cause_n why_o they_o shall_v be_v so_o for_o if_o we_o can_v assign_v no_o reason_n at_o all_o of_o this_o action_n of_o our_o saviour_n we_o ought_v to_o be_v full_o satisfy_v with_o it_o because_o he_o be_v arbitrary_a as_o to_o this_o and_o all_o other_o action_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n by_o virtue_n of_o his_o sovereign_a power_n he_o can_v in_o these_o matter_n do_v as_o he_o please_v but_o we_o need_v not_o insist_v upon_o this_o because_o i_o have_v offer_v a_o sufficient_a reason_n why_o he_o think_v good_a to_o show_v a_o miracle_n on_o a_o fruitless_a tree_n which_o have_v nothing_o but_o leaf_n to_o be_v destroy_v by_o his_o curse_n as_o to_o the_o latter_a instance_n viz._n christ_n suffering_n the_o gadarens_n swine_n to_o be_v drive_v by_o the_o devil_n into_o the_o sea_n i_o answer_v 1._o it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o our_o saviour_n act_n as_o his_o permission_n for_o so_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d sometime_o import_v 2._o it_o be_v not_o do_v of_o his_o own_o accord_n but_o upon_o the_o importunate_a outcry_n of_o the_o disturb_a friend_n who_o christ_n see_v it_o be_v best_a to_o lodge_v in_o the_o deep_a 3._o the_o person_n who_o sustain_v this_o loss_n deserve_v it_o as_o we_o may_v gather_v from_o their_o carriage_n towards_o our_o bless_a lord_n here_o then_o be_v no_o unjust_a thing_n do_v by_o this_o miraculous_a power_n of_o our_o saviour_n nor_o be_v it_o a_o hurtful_a thing_n to_o punish_v offender_n according_a to_o their_o desert_n but_o further_a it_o may_v be_v object_v if_o christ_n design_v to_o benefit_n people_n by_o his_o miracle_n why_o do_v he_o not_o do_v they_o when_o they_o most_o desire_v they_o as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o herod_n and_o when_o there_o be_v the_o great_a need_n of_o they_o as_o when_o our_o saviour_n hang_v on_o the_o cross_n for_o the_o first_o we_o read_v indeed_o that_o herod_n be_v desirous_a to_o see_v christ_n of_o a_o long_a season_n because_o he_o have_v hear_v many_o thing_n of_o he_o and_o he_o hope_v to_o have_v see_v some_o miracle_n do_v by_o he_o luk._n 23._o 8._o yet_o when_o christ_n come_v before_o he_o and_o be_v question_v by_o he_o he_o answer_v he_o nothing_o ver_fw-la 9_o he_o speak_v not_o one_o word_n he_o do_v not_o one_o miracle_n the_o reason_n be_v because_o herod_n have_v sufficient_a opportunity_n before_o of_o hear_v christ_n sermon_n and_o see_v his_o sign_n but_o he_o be_v negligent_a and_o careless_a yea_o he_o slight_v and_o despise_v those_o thing_n this_o be_v evident_a because_o otherwise_o he_o will_v have_v go_v to_o our_o saviour_n or_o send_v for_o he_o and_o treat_v he_o with_o respect_n and_o reverence_n this_o great_a man_n have_v thus_o neglect_v the_o season_n of_o grace_n he_o be_v just_o debar_v for_o the_o future_a by_o christ_n himself_o miracle_n be_v deny_v he_o after_o a_o wilful_a refuse_v both_o of_o they_o and_o other_o mean_n as_o for_o what_o we_o read_v in_o mat._n 27._o 42._o that_o the_o chief_a priest_n and_o scribe_n declare_v they_o will_v believe_v in_o christ_n if_o he_o will_v come_v down_o from_o the_o cross_n and_o yet_o our_o saviour_n will_v not_o gratify_v they_o by_o his_o miraculous_a descend_v thence_o here_o i_o have_v these_o three_o thing_n to_o say_v 1._o we_o may_v gather_v hence_o that_o miracle_n be_v a_o certain_a and_o infallible_a argument_n all_o man_n be_v agree_v to_o be_v conclude_v by_o this_o the_o priest_n and_o scribe_n declare_v that_o on_o these_o term_n they_o will_v believe_v in_o christ_n and_o take_v he_o for_o the_o messiah_n they_o desire_v no_o better_a proof_n than_o a_o miracle_n 2._o i_o say_v this_o miracle_n the_o mighty_a and_o extraordinary_a work_n of_o god_n be_v not_o lavish_o to_o be_v throw_v away_o the_o person_n have_v miracle_n enough_o before_o but_o they_o disregard_v they_o and_o the_o author_n of_o they_o they_o must_v not_o therefore_o now_o when_o they_o think_v sit_v call_v for_o those_o divine_a testimony_n from_o heaven_n it_o be_v not_o meet_v that_o heaven_n shall_v be_v thus_o at_o their_o beck_n and_o that_o miracle_n must_v be_v do_v when_o they_o please_v 3._o the_o main_a thing_n i_o offer_v be_v this_o that_o a_o great_a miracle_n than_o this_o which_o they_o now_o call_v for_o be_v show_v within_o a_o little_a time_n afterward_o for_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a be_v more_o than_o come_v down_o from_o the_o cross_n and_o yet_o they_o be_v not_o wrought_v upon_o by_o it_o so_o that_o if_o our_o saviour_n have_v come_v down_o from_o the_o cross_n they_o will_v not_o have_v believe_v which_o he_o who_o know_v all_o thing_n know_v full_a well_o and_o therefore_o will_v not_o comply_v with_o their_o unreasonable_a desire_n we_o may_v then_o notwithstanding_o these_o instance_n allege_v assert_v that_o our_o saviour_n intend_v the_o good_a and_o welfare_n of_o man_n by_o the_o sign_n and_o wonder_n which_o he_o wrought_v and_o that_o all_o the_o exertment_n of_o his_o miraculous_a power_n be_v for_o the_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n of_o the_o world_n which_o be_v one_o difference_n between_o true_a and_o false_a miracle_n moreover_o if_o we_o inquire_v into_o the_o person_n who_o general_o wrought_v these_o miracle_n we_o shall_v be_v full_o satisfy_v that_o they_o be_v true_a not_o to_o speak_v now_o ofour_n saviour_n the_o apostle_n and_o primitive_a christian_n who_o be_v the_o mediate_a author_n of_o they_o be_v man_n of_o great_a simplicity_n they_o approve_v themselves_o to_o be_v void_a of_o all_o secular_a and_o 〈◊〉_d design_n much_o more_o of_o
greek_n christ_n the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n and_o this_o very_a preach_a be_v as_o great_a a_o instance_n as_o can_v be_v of_o this_o power_n and_o this_o wisdom_n here_o you_o may_v behold_v and_o admire_v the_o strange_a efficacy_n of_o the_o gospel_n ignorant_n man_n confute_v the_o philosopher_n of_o grecâ—â—_n the_o very_a athenian_a sage_n and_o the_o most_o illiterate_a man_n be_v too_o hard_o for_o the_o sublimest_n statesman_n and_o the_o most_o eloquent_a orator_n in_o the_o roman_a empire_n they_o find_v that_o promise_n of_o christ_n true_a that_o he_o will_v give_v thâ—m_o a_o mouth_n and_o wisdom_n which_o all_o their_o adversary_n shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o gainsay_v or_o resist_v luke_n 21._o 15._o they_o let_v we_o know_v that_o the_o success_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v not_o to_o be_v ascribe_v to_o the_o skill_n and_o learning_n of_o the_o promulger_n of_o it_o for_o it_o have_v no_o commerce_n with_o human_a art_n and_o science_n 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in_o the_o world_n nay_o some_o of_o they_o be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o number_n of_o the_o vile_a and_o infamous_a as_o matthew_n and_o zacheus_n a_o couple_n of_o publican_n or_o tax-gatherers_a which_o be_v a_o scandalous_a employment_n at_o that_o time_n as_o celsus_n cels._n object_v to_o the_o christian_n and_o what_o be_v the_o person_n who_o be_v enemy_n to_o christ_n and_o his_o follower_n they_o be_v man_n of_o the_o great_a note_n person_n of_o repute_n and_o honour_n they_o be_v rich_a and_o wealthy_a great_a and_o mighty_a but_o as_o i_o prove_v before_o under_o the_o former_a head_n that_o the_o foolishness_n of_o god_n be_v wise_a than_o man_n so_o now_o according_a to_o the_o same_o apostle_n i_o will_v let_v you_o see_v that_o the_o weakness_n of_o god_n be_v strong_a than_o man_n the_o son_n of_o man_n with_o his_o poor_a despise_a apostle_n prevail_v against_o those_o who_o be_v of_o the_o great_a power_n and_o authority_n this_o be_v make_v good_a in_o the_o wonderful_a conversion_n of_o person_n to_o christianity_n for_o as_o we_o present_v you_o before_o with_o a_o list_n of_o convert_v philosopher_n so_o here_o we_o may_v produce_v a_o numerous_a catalogue_n of_o the_o great_a and_o rich_a man_n who_o be_v convert_v to_o the_o christian_a faith_n for_o though_o the_o apostle_n say_v not_o many_o wise_a man_n after_o the_o flesh_n not_o many_o mighty_a not_o many_o noble_a be_v call_v 1_o cor._n 1._o 26._o i_o e._n the_o number_n of_o these_o be_v far_o short_a of_o those_o who_o be_v call_v of_o another_o quality_n yet_o i_o have_v show_v you_o already_o that_o some_o wise_a man_n after_o the_o flesh_n have_v be_v call_v and_o convert_v and_o now_o i_o will_v mention_v some_o of_o those_o mighty_a and_o noble_a who_o be_v call_v to_o the_o same_o faith_n in_o christ._n there_o be_v joseph_n of_o arimathea_n a_o honourable_a counsellor_n and_o nicodemus_n a_o master_n in_o israel_n and_o dionysius_n one_o of_o the_o judge_n of_o areopagus_n for_o these_o be_v to_o be_v mention_v here_o as_o well_o as_o before_o because_o they_o be_v eminent_a for_o their_o place_n and_o dignity_n as_o well_o as_o their_o knowledge_n and_o learning_n there_o be_v the_o rich_a lazarus_n with_o his_o sister_n speak_v of_o in_o john_n 11_o &_o 12._o who_o be_v person_n of_o note_n and_o quality_n there_o be_v chuza_n king_n herod_n steward_n luk._n 8._o 3._o the_o same_o perhaps_o with_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o courtier_n the_o nobleman_n john_n 4._o 46._o and_o his_o lady_n joanna_n who_o with_o their_o whole_a family_n believe_v in_o jesus_n john_n 4._o 53._o if_o we_o may_v credit_v baronius_n and_o some_o other_o ecclesiastical_a writer_n the_o centurion_n the_o great_a officer_n that_o attend_v at_o our_o saviour_n passion_n and_o own_a he_o to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n mat._n 27._o 54._o become_v a_o complete_a convert_n and_o be_v a_o very_a eminent_a asserter_n of_o christianity_n and_o die_v a_o martyr_n i_o may_v mention_v the_o elect_a lady_n and_o her_o child_n to_o who_o st._n john_n write_v also_o theophilus_n of_o antioch_n to_o who_o st._n luke_n dedicate_v his_o act_n and_o the_o great_a chamberlain_n of_o the_o queen_n of_o ethiopia_n mention_v in_o act_n 8._o 27._o sergius_n paulus_n the_o deputy_n or_o proconsul_n of_o cyprus_n who_o be_v win_v to_o the_o christian_a persuasion_n notwithstanding_o the_o high_a place_n and_o authority_n which_o he_o hold_v in_o that_o pagan_a country_n act_v 13._o 7_o 12._o some_o reckon_v publius_n the_o governor_n of_o the_o island_n melita_n who_o show_v himself_o extreme_o courteous_a to_o st._n paul_n as_o he_o be_v on_o his_o voyage_n to_o rome_n act_v 28._o 7._o but_o we_o be_v certain_a that_o when_o the_o gospel_n afterward_o spread_v itself_o further_o the_o number_n of_o the_o rich_a and_o mighty_a who_o be_v convert_v to_o christianity_n be_v exceed_o increase_v in_o domitian_n reign_n flavius_n clemens_n the_o consul_n the_o emperor_n be_v cousin-german_a and_o his_o wiâ—e_n flavia_n domitilla_n near_o relate_v to_o the_o emperor_n likewise_o be_v proselyte_n to_o the_o faith_n and_o so_o be_v acilius_n glabrio_n who_o be_v also_o consul_n dio_n casâ—_n 1._o 67._o in_o commodus_n reign_n several_a of_o the_o first_o rank_n at_o rome_n turn_v christian_n euseb_n eccl._n hist._n l._n 5._o c._n 21._o not_o only_o the_o common_a people_n the_o mob_n as_o some_o of_o late_a phrase_n it_o the_o poor_a mechanic_n and_o inconsiderable_a corydon_n but_o the_o great_a man_n noble_n and_o potentate_n person_n of_o the_o great_a fame_n and_o authority_n embrace_v the_o gospel_n in_o the_o succeed_a reign_n and_o at_o last_o the_o christian_a cross_n be_v set_v upon_o imperial_a crown_n here_o the_o power_n of_o christianity_n be_v to_o be_v see_v viz._n in_o the_o conversion_n of_o these_o person_n who_o be_v the_o most_o averse_a to_o the_o religion_n of_o jesus_n for_o they_o be_v general_o more_o addict_v to_o sensuality_n than_o other_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v the_o more_o difficult_a to_o bring_v they_o to_o so_o strict_a and_o holy_a a_o institution_n yet_o it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o divine_a disposer_n of_o all_o thing_n to_o conquer_v the_o indisposition_n and_o reluctancy_n of_o these_o person_n and_o to_o win_v they_o to_o the_o christian_a faith_n but_o i_o proceed_v further_o to_o make_v good_a my_o assertion_n that_o in_o plant_v and_o propagate_a the_o gospel_n the_o weak_a prevail_v over_o the_o strong_a this_o be_v abundant_o evident_a from_o what_o we_o learn_v from_o the_o history_n of_o the_o church_n viz._n that_o christianity_n prevail_v against_o the_o rage_n and_o fury_n of_o the_o most_o powerful_a persecutor_n from_o nero_n time_n to_o the_o end_n of_o dioclesian_n reign_n abate_v some_o interval_n the_o christian_n in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n whither_o the_o roman_a empire_n extend_v be_v miserable_o harass_v severe_o punish_v and_o torture_v and_o undergo_v all_o manner_n of_o cruel_a death_n yet_o all_o that_o time_n the_o cause_n of_o christ_n flourish_v and_o christianity_n prevail_v against_o the_o power_n of_o prince_n and_o state_n against_o the_o utmost_a violence_n persecution_n and_o bloodshed_n the_o roman_a emperor_n can_v subdue_v the_o mighty_a king_n and_o make_v the_o persian_n scythian_n and_o armenian_n stoop_v to_o their_o power_n and_o they_o erect_v many_o trophy_n as_o demonstration_n of_o this_o their_o universal_a prowess_n yet_o these_o great_a one_o can_v not_o baffle_v the_o attempt_n of_o the_o poor_a weak_a servant_n of_o jesus_n but_o the_o more_o christianity_n be_v persecute_v the_o more_o it_o increase_v the_o more_o it_o flourish_v and_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o all_o disadvantage_n opposition_n and_o oppression_n it_o gain_v ground_n thus_o 49._o tertullian_n bold_o tell_v the_o roman_a persecutor_n that_o their_o barbarous_a cruelty_n
heaven_n that_o i_o can_v be_v induce_v to_o think_v that_o we_o shall_v have_v it_o here_o on_o earth_n those_o high-flier_n who_o represent_v the_o millennary_n state_n as_o such_o lash_v out_o too_o far_o and_o remember_v not_o that_o our_o heaven_n be_v not_o to_o be_v here_o the_o bind_n of_o satan_n which_o be_v speak_v of_o be_v not_o such_o a_o bind_v as_o if_o the_o devil_n be_v all_o shut_v up_o and_o none_o of_o they_o have_v the_o least_o liberty_n to_o solicit_v and_o entice_v we_o to_o sin_n i_o observe_v that_o it_o be_v the_o chief_a of_o these_o infernal_a spirit_n that_o be_v bind_v by_o the_o angel_n rev._n 20._o 1._o which_o i_o gather_v from_o the_o several_a name_n that_o be_v here_o give_v he_o viz._n the_o dragon_n that_o old_a serpent_n who_o be_v the_o devil_n and_o satan_n which_o be_v heap_v up_o on_o purpose_n to_o distinguish_v this_o arch-daemon_n from_o the_o rest_n this_o be_v that_o very_a apostate_n ghost_n it_o be_v probable_a who_o wrought_v the_o first_o mischief_n in_o the_o world_n the_o fall_n of_o the_o first_o man_n and_o woman_n by_o assume_v the_o shape_n of_o a_o serpent_n or_o rather_o by_o enter_v into_o and_o act_v a_o real_a serpent_n whence_o he_o be_v call_v here_o the_o old_a serpent_n he_o be_v the_o subtle_a and_o most_o malicious_a of_o all_o the_o diabolical_a crew_n be_v bind_v and_o cast_v into_o the_o bottomless_a pit_n and_o shut_v up_o and_o a_o seal_n be_v set_v upon_o he_o that_o he_o shall_v deceive_v the_o nation_n no_o more_o he_o who_o be_v the_o head_n and_o ringleader_n of_o the_o rest_n and_o by_o who_o order_n they_o general_o act_v be_v secure_v and_o thereupon_o their_o power_n be_v extreme_o abate_v though_o they_o be_v not_o chain_v up_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n that_o he_o be_v it_o be_v not_o likely_a that_o they_o forget_v their_o old_a employment_n but_o they_o do_v what_o they_o can_v in_o it_o though_o it_o be_v but_o little_a they_o shall_v not_o be_v total_o absolute_o and_o full_o bind_v till_o the_o last_o day_n and_o therefore_o they_o will_v not_o cease_v to_o tempt_v and_o deceive_v man_n till_o that_o time_n but_o they_o shall_v be_v restrain_v in_o a_o very_a great_a measure_n and_o degree_n however_o if_o we_o suppose_v the_o whole_a body_n of_o evil_a angel_n so_o confine_v that_o they_o be_v utter_o uncapable_a of_o tempt_v yet_o as_o long_o as_o man_n be_v on_o this_o side_n of_o heaven_n corruption_n will_v adhere_v to_o they_o the_o best_a will_n sin_n to_o the_o world_n end_n because_o they_o be_v a_o compound_v of_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n their_o make_n and_o frame_n be_v such_o there_o can_v be_v no_o entire_a freedom_n from_o sin_n in_o this_o life_n but_o this_o high_a degree_n of_o the_o evangelical_n state_n shall_v set_v they_o at_o as_o great_a a_o distance_n from_o it_o as_o they_o can_v be_v capable_a of_o in_o this_o low_a region_n of_o the_o world_n for_o first_o in_o that_o happy_a restauration_n man_n shall_v be_v bless_v with_o a_o great_a knowledge_n than_o ever_o which_o be_v the_o groundwork_n of_o true_a holiness_n the_o inspire_a prophet_n who_o speak_v of_o those_o day_n assure_v we_o that_o the_o earth_n shall_v be_v full_a of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o the_o water_n cover_v the_o sea_n isa._n 11._o 9_o and_o perhaps_o this_o be_v intend_v in_o isa._n 65._o 20._o the_o child_n shall_v die_v a_o hundred_o year_n old_a i._n e._n all_o person_n shall_v grow_v up_o to_o maturity_n of_o understanding_n even_o before_o they_o have_v attain_v to_o any_o considerable_a number_n of_o year_n the_o child_n shall_v have_v such_o knowledge_n that_o if_o they_o die_v in_o their_o childhood_n they_o shall_v be_v as_o know_v as_o some_o of_o those_o heretofore_o that_o be_v very_o old_a that_o live_v a_o hundred_o year_n this_o be_v the_o privilege_n of_o those_o that_o be_v reserve_v for_o the_o new_a heaven_n and_o the_o new_a earth_n or_o the_o new-created_n jerusalem_n which_o the_o prophet_n speak_v of_o there_o as_o we_o learn_v from_o ver_fw-la 17_o 18._o there_o will_v be_v more_o knowledge_n because_o there_o will_v be_v a_o more_o general_a commerce_n according_a to_o that_o of_o daniel_n who_o prophesy_v concern_v these_o time_n many_o shall_v run_v to_o and_o fro_o and_o knowledge_n shall_v be_v increase_v dan._n 12._o 4._o viz._n by_o that_o free_a and_o peaceable_a travel_v by_o sea_n and_o land_n from_o one_o part_n of_o the_o world_n to_o the_o other_o which_o will_v be_v the_o uninterrupted_a privilege_n of_o those_o day_n for_o i_o be_o not_o incline_v to_o submit_v to_o that_o new_a hypothesis_n earth_n that_o the_o earth_n in_o the_o millennium_n will_v be_v without_o a_o sea_n which_o be_v found_v on_o a_o wrong_a bottom_n for_o the_o suppose_v the_o 〈◊〉_d will_v be_v after_o the_o conflagration_n which_o â—e_n imagine_v will_v burn_v up_o the_o sea_n or_o his_o comet_n which_o he_o fancy_n will_v drink_v it_o up_o for_o according_a to_o this_o gentleman_n be_v new_a philosophy_n as_o a_o comet_n procure_v the_o universal_a flood_n so_o it_o will_v bring_v on_o the_o final_a conflagration_n and_o so_o he_o make_v the_o drown_v of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o burn_a of_o it_o up_o to_o be_v from_o the_o same_o cause_n but_o leave_v this_o theorist_n to_o his_o own_o invention_n i_o think_v we_o may_v rational_o assert_v that_o the_o earth_n shall_v not_o be_v destitute_a of_o sea_n in_o the_o foresay_a thousand_o year_n because_o i_o shall_v prove_v afterward_o that_o the_o fire_v of_o the_o earth_n will_v not_o happen_v till_o after_o those_o year_n be_v expire_v and_o consequent_o we_o may_v be_v persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o i_o before_o suggest_v that_o a_o commerce_n by_o sea_n as_o well_o as_o by_o land_n shall_v be_v mighty_o increase_v and_o improve_v in_o that_o millennary_n state_n in_o order_n to_o this_o it_o be_v probable_a that_o there_o will_v be_v a_o common_a language_n for_o all_o the_o world_n a_o kind_n of_o a_o lingua_n franca_n but_o much_o large_a that_o may_v be_v use_v by_o all_o whereby_o all_o nation_n will_v be_v enable_v to_o hold_v correspondence_n with_o one_o another_o at_o the_o great_a distance_n travel_v be_v uneasy_a now_o because_o we_o must_v have_v a_o druggerman_n to_o interpret_v between_o we_o and_o the_o foreigner_n we_o converse_v with_o but_o then_o they_o will_v be_v encourage_v to_o visit_v one_o another_o when_o the_o conversation_n between_o they_o be_v become_v so_o easy_a by_o this_o mean_v the_o great_a principle_n of_o christianity_n will_v be_v soon_o propagate_v and_o know_v in_o the_o world_n especial_o when_o i_o add_v that_o now_o man_n mind_n shall_v be_v better_o dispose_v than_o ever_o to_o understand_v the_o truth_n and_o to_o entertain_v the_o doctrine_n of_o jesus_n the_o true_a notion_n of_o thing_n shall_v bear_v sway_n and_o man_n shall_v not_o take_v pain_n to_o cheat_n and_o delude_v themselves_o as_o well_o as_o other_o as_o have_v be_v their_o constant_a course_n through_o all_o age_n second_o in_o this_o remarkable_a renovation_n of_o the_o world_n which_o we_o expect_v religion_n shall_v appear_v in_o its_o native_a purity_n and_o simplicity_n and_o man_n shall_v see_v and_o understand_v the_o real_a worth_n of_o it_o indeed_o religion_n like_o the_o sun_n at_o its_o first_o rise_v make_v long_a shadow_n it_o abound_v with_o obscurity_n and_o dusky_n representation_n and_o man_n be_v employ_v chief_o in_o external_a formality_n and_o ceremony_n but_o when_o it_o shall_v be_v in_o its_o meridian_n at_o its_o great_a height_n there_o will_v be_v none_o of_o these_o thing_n but_o it_o shall_v be_v choose_v for_o its_o own_o sake_n and_o love_v for_o its_o intrinsic_a value_n even_o at_o the_o first_o sound_n of_o christianity_n itself_o many_o embrace_v it_o because_o it_o be_v attest_v by_o such_o extraordinary_a and_o miraculous_a occurrence_n as_o then_o every_o day_n show_v themselves_o so_o that_o they_o be_v in_o a_o manner_n thrust_v upon_o christianity_n and_o they_o be_v compel_v as_o it_o be_v to_o receive_v it_o but_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o afterward_o it_o shall_v commend_v itself_o to_o the_o world_n by_o its_o own_o natural_a excellency_n by_o the_o worthiness_n of_o its_o noble_a principle_n which_o it_o be_v furnish_v with_o and_o thence_o man_n shall_v serve_v god_n free_o and_o out_o of_o choice_n and_o the_o christian_a religion_n shall_v then_o appear_v more_o eminent_o to_o be_v a_o reasonable_a service_n this_o must_v needs_o promote_v a_o more_o than_o usual_a holiness_n in_o the_o heart_n and_o life_n of_o man_n for_o when_o religion_n be_v esteem_v for_o its_o self_n and_o its_o inward_a excellency_n it_o will_v cease_v to_o be_v measure_v by_o mere_a word_n and_o outward_a show_n