son_n be_v thought_n which_o must_v create_v a_o new_a heaven_n as_o it_o be_v in_o heaven_n itself_o i_o mean_v they_o will_v enlarge_v our_o soul_n to_o the_o utmost_a capacity_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o fill_v and_o actuate_v they_o with_o such_o divine_a ardour_n of_o love_n as_o if_o we_o have_v be_v keep_v necessary_o from_o all_o sin_n seem_v impossible_a to_o have_v be_v raise_v in_o we_o the_o angel_n themselves_o rejoice_v over_o one_o sinner_n that_o repent_v and_o that_o joy_n must_v have_v be_v want_v to_o they_o who_o be_v of_o so_o much_o high_a and_o more_o excellent_a a_o nature_n than_o we_o be_v of_o if_o there_o have_v be_v no_o possibility_n either_o of_o sin_n or_o of_o repentance_n and_o the_o wonderful_a dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v a_o eternal_a subject_n of_o praise_n and_o adoration_n a_o eternal_a fountain_n of_o love_n and_o joy_n and_o happiness_n to_o all_o the_o bless_a spirit_n in_o heaven_n the_o more_o the_o divine_a attribute_n be_v display_v the_o more_o adorable_a the_o majesty_n of_o god_n will_v appear_v and_o will_v become_v the_o great_a object_n of_o our_o praise_n and_o veneration_n those_o that_o be_v wise_a and_o good_a will_v be_v make_v the_o wise_a and_o better_a by_o it_o and_o the_o happy_a in_o the_o contemplation_n of_o the_o divine_a perfection_n now_o a_o governor_n in_o his_o law_n and_o in_o the_o method_n and_o order_n of_o his_o government_n have_v regard_n chief_o to_o the_o good_a and_o obedient_a and_o have_v little_o concern_v for_o the_o rest_n and_o we_o must_v consider_v god_n not_o only_o as_o the_o father_n but_o as_o the_o governor_n of_o mankind_n and_o though_o a_o earthly_a father_n perhaps_o will_v by_o all_o mean_n possible_a preserve_v his_o â—on_n from_o incur_v punishment_n yet_o a_o good_a governor_n when_o the_o end_n of_o his_o government_n can_v be_v better_o obtain_v by_o leave_v he_o to_o his_o liberty_n will_v not_o restrain_v he_o by_o any_o force_n or_o violence_n therefore_o if_o the_o liberty_n of_o choice_n in_o man_n and_o the_o possibility_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o damnation_n be_v for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o for_o the_o benefit_n of_o good_a man_n and_o be_v no_o injury_n to_o the_o bad_a this_o be_v a_o sufficient_a account_n why_o man_n be_v not_o necessary_o restrain_v from_o sin_v though_o damnation_n be_v the_o consequence_n of_o it_o chap._n xiii_o of_o the_o fall_n of_o the_o angel_n and_o of_o our_o first_o parent_n in_o the_o beginning_n god_n create_v every_o thing_n perfect_a in_o its_o kind_n and_o endn_v the_o angel_n and_o man_n with_o all_o intellectual_a and_o moral_a perfection_n suitable_a to_o their_o respective_a nature_n but_o so_o as_o to_o leave_v they_o capable_a of_o sin_v for_o it_o please_v the_o infinite_a wisdom_n of_o god_n for_o the_o reason_n already_o allege_v and_o for_o many_o more_o and_o great_a reason_n perhaps_o than_o any_o man_n be_v able_a to_o imagine_v to_o place_v they_o in_o a_o state_n of_o trial_n and_o to_o put_v it_o to_o their_o own_o choice_n whether_o they_o will_v stand_v in_o their_o present_a condition_n of_o innocence_n and_o happiness_n in_o which_o they_o be_v create_v or_o fall_v into_o sin_n and_o misery_n we_o have_v little_a or_o no_o account_n in_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o cause_n or_o temptation_n which_o occasion_v the_o fall_n of_o angel_n because_o it_o do_v not_o concern_v we_o to_o be_v acquaint_v with_o it_o and_o therefore_o it_o little_a become_v we_o to_o be_v inquisitive_a about_o it_o indeed_o it_o be_v very_o difficult_a to_o conceive_v how_o being_n of_n so_o great_a knowledge_n and_o purity_n as_o the_o fall_v angel_n once_o be_v of_o shall_v fall_v into_o sin_n but_o it_o must_v be_v consider_v that_o nothing_o be_v more_o unaccountable_a than_o the_o motive_n and_o cause_n of_o action_n in_o free_a agent_n when_o any_o be_v be_v at_o liberty_n to_o do_v as_o it_o will_v no_o other_o reason_n beside_o its_o own_o will_n need_n be_v inquire_v for_o of_o its_o act_n what_o be_v liable_a to_o sin_n may_v sin_v whatever_o the_o motive_n be_v and_o to_o inquire_v after_o the_o motive_n be_v to_o inquire_v what_o motive_n may_v determine_v a_o free_a agent_n that_o be_v a_o agent_n which_o may_v determine_v itself_o upon_o any_o ground_n or_o motive_n but_o how_o perfect_a and_o excellent_a soever_o any_o creature_n be_v unless_o it_o be_v so_o confirm_v and_o establish_v in_o a_o state_n of_o purity_n and_o holiness_n as_o to_o be_v secure_v from_o all_o possibility_n of_o sin_v it_o may_v be_v suppose_v to_o admire_v itself_o and_o dote_v upon_o its_o own_o perfection_n and_o excellency_n and_o by_o degree_n to_o neglect_v and_o not_o acknowledge_v god_n the_o author_n of_o they_o but_o to_o sin_n and_o rebel_v against_o he_o and_o it_o be_v most_o agreeable_a both_o to_o scripture_n and_o reason_n that_o pride_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o fall_n of_o angel_n for_o those_o excellency_n which_o may_v secure_v they_o from_o any_o other_o sin_n prove_v a_o temptation_n to_o this_o and_o the_o great_a their_o perfection_n be_v the_o great_a be_v the_o temptation_n as_o in_o a_o man_n who_o be_v guilty_a of_o spiritual_a and_o pharisaical_a pride_n all_o that_o be_v good_a and_o commendable_a in_o he_o afford_v he_o only_a matter_n for_o his_o sin_n so_o that_o where_o there_o be_v a_o freedom_n of_o will_n and_o a_o possibility_n of_o sin_v the_o very_a perfection_n of_o nature_n in_o a_o creature_n may_v be_v make_v a_o occasion_n to_o sin_n and_o that_o which_o exclude_v other_o sin_n may_v prove_v a_o motive_n and_o temptation_n to_o pride_n which_o therefore_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o conclude_v be_v the_o sin_n of_o the_o fall_v angel_n as_o to_o the_o fall_n of_o man_n however_o the_o thing_n may_v be_v dispute_v the_o effect_n of_o it_o be_v visible_a in_o the_o strange_a proneness_n of_o humane_a nature_n to_o act_v against_o reason_n and_o conscience_n that_o be_v to_o act_v in_o plain_a contradiction_n to_o itself_o and_o its_o own_o principle_n this_o be_v a_o state_n in_o which_o it_o can_v be_v suppose_v that_o mankind_n be_v at_o first_o create_v by_o the_o infinite_o good_a and_o holy_a god_n and_o the_o most_o plausible_a opinion_n and_o that_o which_o have_v most_o general_o obtain_v among_o the_o heathen_n be_v that_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n have_v a_o be_v before_o they_o come_v into_o this_o world_n and_o be_v send_v into_o human_a body_n in_o punishment_n for_o what_o they_o have_v do_v amiss_o in_o a_o precedent_n state_n but_o this_o be_v mere_a suspicion_n and_o conjecture_n without_o any_o possibility_n of_o proof_n and_o there_o be_v this_o plain_a reason_n against_o it_o that_o â—o_o man_n can_v be_v punish_v for_o his_o amendment_n who_o know_v nothing_o of_o it_o for_o it_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o nature_n and_o end_n of_o punishment_n that_o the_o offender_n shall_v not_o be_v make_v sensible_a of_o his_o fault_n especial_o when_o the_o punishment_n be_v design_v for_o his_o amendment_n as_o it_o be_v say_v to_o be_v in_o the_o present_a case_n if_o it_o can_v be_v suppose_v that_o man_n may_v possible_o retain_v no_o remembrance_n of_o what_o they_o do_v in_o another_o state_n yet_o if_o their_o fault_n be_v not_o keep_v in_o memory_n they_o shall_v be_v bring_v to_o their_o remembrance_n if_o this_o life_n be_v design_v as_o a_o state_n of_o punishment_n in_o order_n to_o amendment_n but_o the_o state_n of_o this_o life_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v think_v a_o punishment_n that_o man_n natural_o be_v of_o nothing_o more_o fond_a nor_o dread_v any_o thing_n more_o than_o to_o leave_v it_o and_o though_o man_n meet_v with_o great_a affliction_n here_o yet_o those_o do_v not_o befall_v those_o only_a or_o chief_o who_o by_o their_o proneness_n to_o evil_a in_o this_o life_n may_v be_v suppose_v to_o have_v be_v the_o great_a offender_n in_o a_o former_a state_n and_o every_o calamity_n have_v not_o the_o nature_n of_o punishment_n the_o suffering_n and_o misery_n which_o we_o endure_v by_o reason_n of_o adam_n transgression_n be_v not_o so_o proper_o punishment_n as_o the_o effect_n and_o consequence_n of_o his_o sin_n but_o personal_a fault_n such_o as_o be_v suppose_v to_o have_v be_v commit_v in_o a_o state_n of_o pre-existence_n require_v a_o proper_a punishment_n and_o if_o the_o punishment_n be_v for_o amendment_n as_o it_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v in_o this_o present_a state_n both_o the_o fault_n and_o the_o punishment_n must_v be_v know_v with_o the_o cause_n and_o end_v of_o its_o be_v inflict_v and_o the_o great_a offender_n must_v undergo_v the_o severe_a punishment_n the_o account_n which_o the_o scripture_n give_v we_o of_o the_o fall_n of_o our_o first_o parent_n may_v be_v consider_v either_o 1._o
the_o perform_v any_o good_a action_n every_o good_a gift_n and_o every_o perfect_a gift_n be_v from_o above_o jam._n i._n 17._o 3._o we_o learn_v from_o hence_o that_o god_n can_v bring_v good_a out_o of_o evil_a and_o do_v often_o over-rule_v even_o the_o worst_a action_n to_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o best_a end_n and_o put_v no_o trust_n in_o his_o saint_n job_n xv_o 15._o there_o be_v a_o remarkable_a instance_n to_o this_o purpose_n in_o the_o case_n of_o jacob_n and_o esau_n when_o jacob_n come_v by_o fraud_n and_o subtlety_n and_o deprive_v his_o brother_n of_o the_o blessing_n 11._o blessing_n casaub_n in_o athenae_n lib._n 1._o c._n 11._o it_o be_v in_o ancient_a time_n customary_a to_o offer_v that_o of_o which_o they_o be_v to_o eat_v in_o sacrifice_n especial_o on_o so_o solemn_a a_o occasion_n as_o a_o father_n give_v his_o final_a blessing_n and_o as_o in_o this_o case_n foretell_v the_o fate_n of_o his_o posterity_n and_o therefore_o when_o jacob_n have_v by_o subtlety_n get_v the_o blessing_n of_o his_o father_n isaac_n can_v not_o recall_v it_o to_o confer_v it_o upon_o esau_n because_o what_o be_v do_v in_o so_o solemn_a a_o manner_n have_v a_o religious_a obligation_n amount_v to_o that_o of_o a_o oath_n and_o oath_n though_o obtain_v by_o fraud_n be_v obligatory_a as_o we_o learn_v from_o the_o case_n of_o the_o gibeonite_n he_o have_v bless_v jacob_n before_o the_o lord_n and_o the_o prediction_n that_o the_o elder_a shall_v serve_v the_o young_a gen._n twenty-five_o 23._o with_o esau_n despise_v and_o sell_v his_o birthright_n may_v now_o probable_o come_v into_o isaac_n mind_n whereupon_o though_o he_o do_v not_o approve_v of_o the_o fraud_n by_o which_o the_o blessing_n be_v obtain_v yet_o he_o know_v it_o to_o be_v irrevocable_a and_o that_o the_o divine_a purpose_n and_o prediction_n will_v be_v accomplish_v thereby_o and_o what_o he_o have_v by_o a_o prophetic_a spirit_n confer_v it_o be_v not_o in_o his_o power_n to_o recall_v the_o relation_n therefore_o of_o this_o matter_n do_v not_o justify_v jacob_n behaviour_n in_o it_o but_o manifest_v the_o overrule_a providence_n of_o god_n to_o make_v any_o mean_n whatsoever_o instrumental_a to_o his_o gracious_a end_n which_o can_v never_o be_v disappoint_v by_o any_o action_n of_o man_n for_o if_o they_o depend_v upon_o humane_a action_n these_o will_v often_o fail_v they_o the_o best_a man_n be_v subject_a to_o so_o much_o frailty_n and_o sin_n 4._o though_o god_n of_o his_o mercy_n do_v accept_v of_o the_o imperfect_a service_n of_o the_o righteous_a forgive_a upon_o their_o habitual_a repentance_n the_o sin_n and_o frailty_n which_o be_v mix_v with_o the_o best_a action_n and_o pardon_v the_o worst_a action_n likewise_o after_o a_o particular_a repentance_n and_o amendment_n of_o life_n yet_o these_o stand_n upon_o record_n for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n grace_n in_o their_o repentance_n and_o forgiveness_n and_o for_o a_o memorial_n and_o warning_n to_o future_a age_n that_o man_n may_v neither_o presume_v upon_o their_o own_o righteousness_n nor_o despair_n of_o god_n mercy_n but_o because_o they_o be_v pardon_v they_o be_v not_o always_o censure_v and_o i_o think_v the_o ill_a action_n of_o good_a man_n be_v seldom_o or_o never_o mention_v with_o a_o mark_n of_o god_n displeasure_n unless_o the_o series_n of_o the_o history_n require_v it_o and_o then_o the_o reproof_n be_v mention_v which_o pass_v at_o the_o time_n of_o the_o commission_n of_o they_o as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o david_n of_o hezekiah_n and_o st._n peter_n but_o where_o no_o such_o censure_n be_v pass_v at_o the_o time_n of_o the_o action_n the_o action_n itself_o be_v bare_o relate_v and_o nothing_o further_o say_v of_o it_o because_o the_o crime_n be_v forgive_v god_n forbear_v to_o show_v any_o further_a displeasure_n against_o it_o such_o be_v his_o mercy_n to_o repent_v sinner_n and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o necessity_n as_o i_o have_v observe_v for_o any_o censure_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o other_o who_o may_v know_v by_o the_o plain_a rule_n of_o god_n word_n what_o action_n be_v sinful_a though_o they_o be_v not_o always_o style_v so_o in_o relate_v the_o commission_n of_o they_o chap._n xviii_o of_o the_o imprecation_n in_o the_o psalm_n and_o other_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n one_o of_o the_o great_a excellency_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v the_o universal_a charity_n which_o it_o enjoin_v and_o we_o shall_v find_v that_o charity_n be_v likewise_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o book_n of_o psalm_n or_o any_o other_o part_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n contrary_a to_o this_o doctrine_n which_o will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v the_o peculiar_a reason_n for_o those_o expression_n which_o may_v seem_v to_o imply_v any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o it_o i._o many_o of_o those_o expression_n be_v use_v in_o reference_n to_o the_o nation_n upon_o who_o after_o signal_n act_v of_o mercy_n and_o forbearance_n on_o his_o part_n and_o repeat_v provocation_n on_o they_o god_n have_v command_v the_o israelite_n to_o execute_v his_o judgement_n and_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n be_v the_o cause_n that_o this_o be_v not_o accomplish_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o they_o to_o pray_v that_o they_o may_v have_v grace_n to_o repent_v and_o that_o their_o sin_n may_v be_v no_o hindrance_n to_o they_o in_o the_o fulfil_n his_o will_n but_o that_o god_n will_v enable_v they_o to_o execute_v vengeance_n upon_o the_o heathen_a ps_n cxlix_o 7._o and_o it_o be_v lawful_a likewise_o to_o pray_v against_o all_o the_o other_o enemy_n of_o god_n that_o he_o will_v abase_v their_o pride_n and_o make_v they_o to_o know_v themselves_o to_o be_v but_o man_n ps_n ix_o 20._o lxxiu_o 22_o 23._o cxxxix_o 21_o 22._o ii_o david_n be_v king_n have_v the_o sword_n of_o justice_n commit_v to_o he_o he_o be_v the_o minister_n of_o god_n a_o revenger_n to_o execute_v wrath_n upon_o he_o that_o do_v evil_a and_o therefore_o when_o his_o rebellious_a subject_n be_v too_o strong_a for_o he_o as_o in_o the_o rebellion_n of_o absalon_n he_o may_v make_v his_o appeal_n to_o god_n and_o beseech_v he_o to_o take_v the_o matter_n into_o his_o own_o hand_n if_o he_o may_v punish_v his_o subject_n he_o may_v pray_v to_o god_n that_o he_o will_v enable_v he_o to_o do_v it_o and_o in_o foreign_a war_n if_o he_o may_v kill_v his_o enemy_n he_o may_v pray_v for_o victory_n and_o success_n over_o they_o iii_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o pray_v that_o public_a and_o notorious_a malefactor_n may_v be_v punish_v for_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o discover_v they_o and_o bring_v they_o to_o punishment_n and_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v lawful_a to_o pray_v that_o that_o may_v be_v do_v which_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o we_o to_o do_v it_o be_v lawful_a to_o seek_v redress_n of_o private_a injury_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o pray_v that_o they_o may_v be_v redress_v for_o we_o may_v pray_v for_o success_n upon_o any_o honest_a undertake_n if_o this_o be_v do_v out_o of_o a_o love_n to_o justice_n and_o a_o necessary_a care_n of_o our_o own_o preservation_n not_o out_o of_o malice_n and_o a_o thirst_n after_o revenge_n but_o with_o the_o most_o favourable_a construction_n that_o the_o worst_a action_n be_v capable_a of_o and_o with_o hearty_a prayer_n to_o god_n for_o his_o blessing_n upon_o the_o offender_n in_o give_v he_o the_o grace_n of_o repentance_n and_o grant_v he_o whatsoever_o happiness_n in_o this_o world_n may_v be_v consistent_a with_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o justice_n towards_o other_o man_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o his_o own_o soul_n iv_o god_n be_v the_o peculiar_a lawgiver_n and_o political_a governor_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o temporal_a reward_n and_o punishment_n be_v the_o sanction_n of_o the_o law_n which_o he_o have_v give_v they_o for_o the_o moysaicall_a law_n be_v call_v the_o ministration_n of_o death_n and_o the_o ministration_n of_o condemnation_n 2_o cor._n three_o 7_o 9_o because_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o law_n as_o such_o belong_v only_o to_o this_o life_n and_o a_o curse_n be_v denounce_v against_o every_o one_o that_o continue_v not_o in_o all_o thing_n which_o be_v write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n to_o do_v they_o gal._n iii._o 10_o 11._o god_n have_v express_o threaten_v to_o inflict_v punishment_n in_o this_o life_n for_o the_o transgression_n of_o those_o law_n and_o therefore_o to_o pray_v to_o god_n that_o his_o judgement_n may_v overtake_v evil_a doer_n be_v no_o more_o than_o it_o be_v in_o other_o government_n to_o prosecute_v offender_n before_o the_o magistrate_n they_o appeal_v to_o god_n to_o put_v his_o law_n in_o force_n against_o they_o and_o not_o to_o
therefore_o be_v call_v prophet_n which_o be_v a_o argument_n that_o in_o the_o common_a opinion_n of_o man_n inspire_a writer_n may_v use_v such_o form_n of_o speech_n as_o will_v not_o be_v proper_a nor_o decent_a for_o other_o to_o use_v and_o this_o liberty_n be_v take_v by_o orator_n as_o well_o as_o poet_n when_o the_o occasion_n seem_v to_o require_v it_o as_o may_v be_v observe_v in_o panathen_a in_o panegr_n &_o panathen_a isocrates_n for_o the_o ancient_a orator_n too_o by_o longinus_n observation_n pretend_v to_o something_o more_o than_o humane_a and_o will_v be_v think_v to_o speak_v by_o some_o kind_n of_o impulse_n upon_o which_o account_n this_o liberty_n may_v be_v allow_v they_o but_o it_o may_v well_o be_v think_v needless_a for_o i_o to_o have_v use_v so_o many_o word_n on_o this_o subject_n when_o there_o be_v so_o little_a occasion_n for_o any_o objection_n of_o this_o nature_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o wherever_o there_o can_v be_v any_o pretence_n for_o it_o it_o have_v be_v consider_v in_o its_o proper_a place_n but_o i_o think_v it_o may_v not_o be_v labour_n ill_o bestow_v to_o show_v here_o beside_o how_o have_v critic_n they_o be_v that_o can_v object_v at_o this_o rate_n i_o will_v say_v further_o that_o the_o passage_n tob._n 5.16_o concern_v the_o dog_n which_o follow_v tobias_n which_o have_v give_v occasion_n to_o unwary_a and_o unskilful_a man_n to_o insult_v with_o so_o much_o scorn_n over_o a_o book_n that_o be_v very_o useful_a though_o not_o of_o divine_a inspiration_n be_v not_o only_o innocent_a but_o agreeable_a to_o the_o best_a pattern_n of_o antiquity_n seru._n antiquity_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d odiss_n two_o nec_fw-la non_fw-la &_o geminy_n custodes_fw-la limine_fw-la ab_fw-la alto_fw-mi procedunt_fw-la gressumque_fw-la cane_n comitantur_fw-la herilem_fw-la aen._n 8._o hoc_fw-la &_o in_o homero_n lectum_fw-la est_fw-la &_o in_o historia_n romana_fw-la quae_fw-la ait_fw-la syphax_n inter_fw-la dvas_fw-la cane_n stans_fw-la scipionem_fw-la appellavit_fw-la seru._n homer_n and_o virgil_n who_o think_v it_o a_o very_a proper_a and_o natural_a ornament_n of_o their_o poem_n to_o describe_v dog_n follow_v their_o master_n homer_n speak_v of_o telemachus_n and_o virgil_n of_o evander_n and_o servius_n produce_v a_o example_n of_o the_o same_o thing_n out_o of_o the_o roman_a history_n iv_o as_o to_o the_o method_n use_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o expect_v that_o prophecy_n shall_v be_v write_v according_a to_o the_o order_n of_o time_n in_o which_o they_o be_v deliver_v or_o that_o history_n shall_v be_v digest_v into_o diaries_n or_o annal_n since_o there_o may_v be_v reason_n whether_o know_v or_o unknown_a to_o we_o why_o they_o shall_v be_v otherwise_o place_v and_o thus_o the_o lyric_a â—â—â—ts_n 25._o â—â—â—ts_n vid._n hieron_n ad_fw-la hieremiae_n cap._n 21_o 25._o who_o pretend_v to_o enthusiasm_n and_o a_o imitation_n as_o it_o be_v of_o prophecy_n do_v not_o confine_v themselves_o to_o observe_v any_o order_n of_o time_n some_o thing_n last_o foretell_v may_v be_v first_o to_o be_v fulfil_v or_o some_o thing_n be_v more_o or_o less_o remarkable_a or_o concern_v the_o jew_n more_o or_o less_o than_o other_o but_o general_o in_o the_o prophetical_a book_n of_o scripture_n what_o concern_v the_o same_o subject_n be_v put_v together_o though_o foretold_v or_o fall_v out_o at_o different_a time_n that_o the_o clear_a and_o more_o distinct_a view_n may_v be_v have_v of_o it_o this_o as_o 30._o as_o hieren_fw-mi ad_fw-la ezech._n cap._n 29_o 30._o st_n jerom_n observe_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o diveâ—â—_n transposition_n in_o point_n of_o time_n in_o the_o prophecy_n of_o jeremiah_n and_o ezekiel_n and_o 7._o and_o id._n ad_fw-la dan._n c._n 7._o he_o take_v notice_n that_o daniel_n have_v set_v down_o the_o prophecy_n which_o have_v relation_n to_o the_o several_a reign_n of_o nabuchadnezzar_n belshazzar_n darius_n or_o cyrus_n according_a to_o the_o order_n of_o time_n afterward_o declare_v the_o revelation_n that_o be_v make_v to_o he_o that_o have_v no_o dependence_n upon_o the_o time_n in_o which_o they_o be_v make_v but_o be_v write_v for_o the_o benefit_n of_o posterity_n but_o the_o several_a transposition_n in_o the_o scripture_n be_v sufficient_o account_v for_o by_o commentator_n and_o it_o must_v be_v observe_v that_o the_o sacred_a writer_n mention_v no_o more_o of_o civil_a affair_n than_o be_v necessary_a to_o their_o purpose_n and_o therefore_o in_o many_o thing_n they_o refer_v to_o the_o history_n then_o extant_a for_o a_o full_a account_n of_o they_o their_o design_n be_v not_o to_o write_v a_o complete_a history_n of_o all_o event_n but_o they_o confine_v themselves_o to_o such_o as_o be_v most_o fit_a for_o they_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o and_o keep_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o their_o proper_a business_n it_o be_v expedient_a that_o the_o same_o doctrine_n shall_v be_v repeat_v in_o divers_a place_n of_o scripture_n and_o intersperse_v with_o other_o thing_n according_a to_o no_o certain_a art_n or_o method_n because_o this_o prevent_v their_o be_v corrupt_v or_o falsify_v as_o they_o may_v have_v be_v if_o they_o have_v be_v all_o reduce_v to_o several_a distinct_a head_n and_o place_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o art_n if_o one_o prophet_n repeat_v what_o another_o prophet_n have_v say_v this_o be_v to_o give_v it_o a_o new_a confirmation_n to_o revive_v the_o remembrance_n and_o show_v the_o certainty_n and_o importance_n of_o it_o it_o be_v ordinary_a in_o the_o best_a author_n not_o only_o to_o find_v the_o same_o thing_n repeat_v in_o divers_a place_n of_o their_o work_n but_o to_o meet_v with_o they_o repeat_v in_o the_o very_a same_o word_n thus_o isocrates_n xenophon_n and_o demosthenes_n transcribe_v in_o one_o part_n of_o their_o work_n what_o they_o have_v write_v in_o another_o but_o none_o i_o think_v so_o frequent_o as_o demosthenes_n though_o midiam_fw-la though_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d ulp._n enarr_n oâ—at_n demosthen_n coâ—t_fw-la midiam_fw-la ulpian_n have_v observe_v that_o this_o be_v a_o usual_a thing_n with_o the_o ancient_a writer_n it_o be_v customary_a likewise_o with_o the_o philosopher_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o to_o allude_v to_o the_o verse_n of_o homer_n and_o to_o apply_v they_o with_o little_a variation_n upon_o all_o occasion_n as_o may_v be_v see_v frequent_o in_o diogenes_n laertius_n all_o the_o cavil_n therefore_o that_o be_v make_v against_o the_o style_n of_o scripture_n proceed_v from_o ignorance_n of_o antiquity_n and_o from_o rashness_n in_o judge_v of_o ancient_a time_n and_o foreign_a country_n by_o our_o own_o whoever_o will_v either_o delight_n or_o profit_n must_v speak_v and_o act_v in_o some_o measure_n according_a to_o the_o genius_n of_o the_o people_n with_o who_o he_o converse_v and_o if_o we_o will_v but_o read_v the_o scripture_n with_o the_o same_o candour_n and_o respect_n with_o which_o we_o read_v the_o write_n of_o human_a author_n and_o consider_v the_o time_n and_o person_n and_o the_o occasion_n upon_o which_o they_o be_v write_v there_o be_v nothing_o that_o can_v seem_v harsh_a or_o improper_a either_o in_o the_o word_n or_o action_n of_o the_o person_n inspire_v for_o it_o be_v the_o manner_n of_o those_o country_n to_o speak_v by_o their_o action_n almost_o as_o much_o as_o in_o word_n if_o we_o will_v but_o observe_v the_o circumstance_n in_o which_o the_o several_a part_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v write_v we_o shall_v find_v cause_n to_o admire_v the_o simplicity_n and_o plainness_n and_o modesty_n of_o the_o style_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o many_o book_n of_o the_o scripture_n the_o style_n be_v sublime_a and_o elegant_a beyond_o any_o thing_n to_o be_v find_v in_o other_o write_n and_o yet_o as_o natural_a as_o if_o it_o can_v not_o have_v be_v otherwise_o express_v and_o this_o be_v the_o true_a excellency_n of_o style_n that_o it_o be_v plain_a and_o natural_a and_o yet_o eloquent_a longinus_n give_v a_o high_a character_n of_o moses_n style_n in_o a_o book_n the_o design_n whereof_o be_v to_o represent_v the_o most_o perfect_a idea_n of_o eloquence_n indeed_o such_o be_v the_o fitness_n both_o in_o verse_n and_o prose_n of_o the_o word_n and_o style_n of_o moses_n so_o admirable_o suit_v to_o the_o subject_n upon_o all_o occasion_n as_o if_o he_o have_v be_v to_o prescribe_v a_o pattern_n of_o true_a eloquence_n as_o well_o as_o to_o enact_v law_n h._n stephens_n have_v observe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a resemblance_n in_o herodotus_n to_o the_o style_n of_o the_o scripture_n herodotus_n have_v homer_n in_o his_o view_n throughout_o his_o history_n and_o homer_n expression_n be_v the_o same_o with_o those_o use_v in_o the_o scripture_n in_o many_o instance_n as_o particular_o when_o he_o so_o often_o mention_n the_o child_n of_o the_o trojan_n and_o the_o child_n of_o
in_o so_o few_o generation_n of_o man_n suppose_v it_o have_v ever_o be_v know_v to_o adam_n posterity_n if_o it_o be_v never_o know_v but_o the_o relation_n of_o it_o be_v always_o convey_v down_o in_o metaphor_n and_o allegory_n than_o this_o allegory_n must_v pass_v for_o historical_a truth_n in_o those_o age_n and_o the_o reason_n why_o it_o be_v deliver_v to_o they_o in_o allegory_n must_v be_v because_o that_o manner_n of_o deliver_v it_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o that_o age_n and_o most_o credible_a and_o every_o way_n most_o proper_a and_o if_o it_o be_v most_o fit_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v think_v to_o have_v happen_v so_o this_o be_v a_o good_a argument_n that_o it_o do_v real_o happen_v so_o since_o there_o be_v nothing_o hinder_v but_o it_o may_v so_o have_v happen_v and_o it_o be_v most_o probable_a at_o least_o to_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o world_n that_o it_o do_v so_o come_v to_o pass_v or_o else_o it_o will_v not_o have_v be_v requisite_a to_o relate_v it_o in_o this_o manner_n 3._o the_o fall_n of_o our_o first_o parent_n bring_v a_o curse_n upon_o their_o posterity_n and_o here_o it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o god_n may_v bestow_v his_o infinite_a grace_n and_o mercy_n upon_o what_o term_n he_o please_v and_o therefore_o he_o may_v ordain_v that_o the_o happiness_n or_o unhappiness_n of_o their_o posterity_n shall_v depend_v upon_o the_o obedience_n or_o disobedience_n of_o our_o first_o parent_n 1._o god_n may_v ordain_v that_o the_o condition_n of_o their_o posterity_n in_o this_o world_n shall_v depend_v upon_o it_o so_o that_o they_o shall_v have_v be_v immortal_a upon_o their_o obedience_n and_o shall_v become_v mortal_a upon_o their_o disobedience_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v make_v subject_n to_o care_n and_o labour_n to_o disease_n and_o danger_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o fall_n of_o our_o first_o parent_n from_o which_o otherwise_o they_o shall_v have_v be_v exempt_a this_o be_v esteem_v just_a in_o all_o government_n among_o man_n that_o child_n shall_v be_v reduce_v to_o poverty_n and_o disgrace_n by_o the_o fault_n of_o their_o parent_n from_o who_o riches_n and_o honour_n be_v to_o have_v descend_v upon_o they_o and_o this_o way_n of_o proceed_v be_v just_a both_o in_o humane_a law_n and_o in_o the_o dispensation_n of_o providence_n because_o god_n and_o our_o country_n have_v a_o antecedent_n right_o and_o interest_n in_o we_o superior_a to_o any_o man_n be_v private_a title_n or_o welfare_n and_o this_o they_o may_v just_o make_v use_n of_o to_o restrain_v man_n from_o those_o crime_n out_o of_o love_n and_o concern_v for_o their_o posterity_n from_o which_o no_o consideration_n of_o themselves_o can_v have_v with_o hold_v they_o the_o experience_n of_o the_o world_n have_v find_v this_o to_o be_v the_o most_o effectual_a remedy_n with_o many_o man_n and_o therefore_o the_o wise_a and_o just_a government_n have_v make_v use_n of_o it_o and_o the_o most_o wise_a and_o just_a god_n may_v think_v fit_a to_o deal_v in_o this_o manner_n with_o our_o first_o parent_n by_o represent_v to_o they_o that_o the_o happiness_n or_o misery_n of_o their_o posterity_n depend_v upon_o their_o good_a or_o ill_a behaviour_n in_o this_o one_o instance_n of_o their_o duty_n we_o daily_o see_v that_o child_n common_o inherit_v the_o disease_n of_o their_o parent_n and_o a_o extravagant_a and_o vicious_a father_n leave_v his_o son_n heir_n to_o nothing_o but_o the_o name_n and_o shadow_n perhaps_o of_o a_o great_a family_n with_o a_o infirm_a and_o sickly_a constitution_n and_o little_a or_o nothing_o to_o support_v and_o relieve_v it_o now_o if_o these_o misery_n and_o calamity_n have_v be_v entail_v upon_o all_o the_o race_n of_o mankind_n from_o adam_n the_o thing_n will_v have_v be_v the_o same_o in_o the_o nature_n and_o justice_n of_o it_o for_o number_n can_v alter_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n as_o it_o be_v now_o when_o they_o descend_v upon_o some_o only_o from_o their_o immediate_a parent_n and_o therefore_o it_o must_v be_v much_o rather_o just_a that_o the_o fall_v of_o our_o first_o parent_n shall_v make_v their_o whole_a race_n only_o liable_a to_o such_o calamity_n but_o not_o involve_v all_o necessary_o in_o they_o 2._o the_o communication_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o the_o favour_n and_o blessing_n of_o his_o more_o immediate_a presence_n may_v depend_v upon_o the_o behaviour_n of_o the_o first_o parent_n of_o mankind_n he_o may_v send_v they_o out_o of_o paradise_n and_o may_v withdraw_v his_o free_a and_o usual_a communication_n of_o himself_o from_o they_o and_o their_o posterity_n upon_o this_o forfeiture_n by_o their_o disobedience_n 3._o the_o proneness_n which_o we_o can_v but_o observe_v in_o ourselves_o to_o sin_n may_v proceed_v from_o hence_o we_o daily_o see_v and_o feel_v the_o corruption_n of_o our_o nature_n by_o whatsoever_o mean_n we_o become_v subject_a to_o it_o so_o that_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o object_v that_o it_o will_v be_v unjust_a that_o all_o mankind_n shall_v be_v involve_v in_o adam_n sin_n for_o the_o condition_n which_o we_o be_v in_o be_v matter_n of_o fact_n of_o which_o no_o man_n do_v or_o can_v doubt_v the_o question_n be_v only_o how_o we_o come_v into_o this_o condition_n and_o since_o we_o be_v bear_v in_o it_o and_o it_o be_v our_o natural_a and_o hereditary_a evil_n the_o justice_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n be_v clear_v and_o vindicate_v by_o assign_v a_o cause_n for_o it_o from_o the_o imputation_n of_o such_o as_o must_v acknowledge_v the_o same_o corruption_n of_o nature_n but_o will_v allow_v no_o cause_n or_o reason_n for_o it_o except_o the_o arbitrary_a will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o the_o creator_n the_o child_n of_o vicious_a parent_n be_v general_o most_v incline_v to_o vice_n and_o if_o man_n may_v partake_v of_o the_o evil_a disposition_n and_o inclination_n of_o their_o more_o immediate_a parent_n why_o may_v not_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o humane_a nature_n in_o our_o first_o parent_n descend_v upon_o all_o their_o posterity_n 4._o the_o happiness_n of_o man_n in_o the_o next_o life_n may_v depend_v upon_o the_o obedience_n of_o our_o first_o parent_n for_o when_o god_n propose_v to_o bestow_v upon_o man_n reward_n of_o glory_n and_o happiness_n which_o far_o surpass_v any_o pretence_n of_o desert_n or_o claim_v of_o right_n that_o they_o in_o a_o state_n of_o righteousness_n and_o innocency_n can_v have_v be_v able_a to_o make_v since_o the_o promise_n be_v so_o great_a and_o the_o happiness_n so_o far_o exceed_v any_o thing_n to_o which_o man_n can_v pretend_v a_o right_n we_o must_v be_v very_o unreasonable_a unless_o we_o will_v confess_v that_o god_n may_v bestow_v his_o own_o gift_n upon_o his_o own_o term_n he_o may_v therefore_o debar_v man_n from_o heaven_n upon_o the_o transgression_n oâ—_n our_o first_o parent_n because_o the_o promise_n of_o heaven_n be_v â—n_o act_n of_o his_o free_a bounty_n for_o no_o man_n can_v pretend_v that_o a_o innocent_a creature_n which_o preserve_v its_o integrity_n must_v for_o that_o reason_n be_v advance_v to_o the_o unspeakable_a joy_n of_o heaven_n no_o creature_n can_v be_v profitable_a to_o his_o maker_n and_o a_o unprofitable_a servant_n can_v merit_v no_o such_o reward_n and_o what_o god_n be_v not_o oblige_v to_o bestow_v though_o man_n continue_v in_o the_o state_n of_o innocency_n he_o may_v with_o all_o the_o justice_n and_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n refuse_v when_o man_n become_v divest_v of_o their_o innocency_n and_o thereby_o forfeit_v all_o pretence_n to_o that_o happiness_n which_o be_v promise_v upon_o condition_n that_o our_o first_o parent_n have_v continue_v in_o their_o primitive_a and_o original_a state_n of_o righteousness_n 5._o god_n may_v ordain_v that_o all_o man_n shall_v become_v liable_a to_o eternal_a misery_n by_o the_o fall_n of_o our_o first_o parent_n and_o that_o those_o who_o will_v not_o accept_v of_o mean_n appoint_v of_o salvation_n by_o faith_n in_o christ_n to_o rescue_v they_o from_o it_o shall_v perish_v eternal_o we_o no_o soon_o read_v of_o the_o fall_n of_o man_n but_o christ_n be_v forthwith_o promise_v even_o before_o the_o curse_n be_v denounce_v upon_o adam_n and_o eve_n for_o their_o offence_n the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n be_v immediate_o promise_v to_o bruise_v the_o sepent_v head_n and_o afterward_o the_o judgement_n be_v denounce_v first_o upon_o eve_n and_o then_o upon_o adam_n for_o their_o transgression_n and_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n bruise_v the_o serpent_n head_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o victory_n over_o our_o spiritual_a enemy_n and_o that_o conquest_n which_o shall_v be_v obtain_v over_o death_n and_o hell_n by_o christ_n for_o the_o temporal_a punishment_n which_o be_v to_o befall_v adam_n and_o eve_n and_o their_o posterity_n be_v afterward_o add_v and_o therefore_o this_o promise_n
and_o instrument_n whereby_o he_o be_v please_v to_o convey_v into_o our_o soul_n the_o bless_a influence_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n or_o last_o they_o may_v be_v consider_v as_o visible_a rite_n whereby_o we_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o visible_a society_n of_o christ_n church_n or_o profess_v our_o communion_n with_o it_o and_o in_o all_o these_o respect_v it_o will_v appear_v how_o beneficial_a and_o requisite_a the_o institution_n of_o sacrament_n be_v and_o how_o fit_n it_o be_v that_o god_n in_o his_o dispensation_n with_o man_n shall_v appoint_v something_o outward_a and_o visible_a to_o be_v do_v or_o receive_v by_o they_o i._o ceremony_n and_o rite_n of_o initiation_n and_o of_o worship_n have_v be_v institute_v in_o all_o religion_n which_o be_v evidence_n sufficient_a that_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n require_v they_o and_o that_o our_o worship_n can_v be_v whole_o mental_a and_o spiritual_a and_o god_n be_v please_v in_o his_o deal_n with_o mankind_n to_o condescend_v to_o their_o capacity_n to_o ascribe_v to_o himself_o their_o passion_n to_o allude_v to_o their_o custom_n and_o to_o make_v use_n of_o such_o mean_n and_o method_n as_o man_n be_v accustom_v to_o in_o their_o deal_n with_o one_o another_o he_o best_o understand_v humane_a nature_n and_o know_v all_o the_o disposition_n and_o tendency_n of_o it_o he_o know_v our_o frame_n he_o remember_v that_o we_o be_v dust_n ps_n ciii_o 14._o he_o consider_v that_o we_o be_v flesh_n as_o well_o as_o spirit_n he_o full_o comprehend_v the_o strict_a union_n between_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o body_n and_o the_o cause_n and_o manner_n of_o it_o and_o how_o great_a influence_n the_o one_o have_v upon_o the_o other_o in_o their_o several_a operation_n he_o plant_v in_o we_o all_o our_o power_n and_o faculty_n and_o see_v all_o their_o motion_n and_o inclination_n the_o secret_a spring_n of_o action_n and_o passion_n and_o have_v according_o fit_v and_o proportion_v the_o institution_n of_o his_o law_n and_o ordinance_n we_o see_v among_o man_n that_o they_o be_v not_o content_v only_o to_o understand_v one_o another_o mean_v or_o to_o express_v their_o mind_n in_o word_n though_o they_o be_v the_o most_o solemn_a and_o significant_a but_o be_v wont_v to_o use_v some_o ceremony_n and_o solemnity_n of_o action_n and_o circumstance_n in_o matter_n of_o great_a importance_n because_o this_o make_v great_a impression_n upon_o the_o mind_n and_o lay_v upon_o it_o a_o more_o forcible_a and_o last_a engagement_n by_o take_v in_o the_o sense_n and_o passion_n as_o party_n concern_v with_o it_o and_o this_o be_v by_o experience_n find_v to_o have_v the_o best_a effect_n to_o all_o the_o end_n and_o purpose_n of_o agreement_n and_o obligation_n between_o men._n oath_n themselves_o be_v not_o find_v to_o be_v so_o secure_a to_o be_v rely_v upon_o when_o they_o be_v only_o pronounce_v as_o when_o they_o be_v take_v with_o such_o circumstance_n of_o word_n and_o gesture_n as_o may_v create_v a_o awe_n and_o reverence_n in_o those_o who_o take_v they_o for_o the_o manner_n and_o circumstance_n in_o which_o any_o action_n be_v do_v raise_v and_o fix_v the_o attention_n and_o express_v the_o mind_n and_o design_n of_o the_o doer_n and_o be_v better_o retain_v in_o the_o memory_n and_o work_v more_o upon_o the_o will_n and_o affection_n than_o the_o action_n of_o itself_o can_v do_v this_o orator_n very_o well_o understand_v for_o the_o art_n of_o rhetoric_n be_v almost_o nothing_o else_o but_o a_o skilful_a management_n of_o the_o circumstance_n of_o action_n to_o the_o advantage_n of_o a_o cause_n and_o philosophy_n inform_v we_o that_o the_o evil_a or_o goodness_n of_o action_n depend_v chief_o upon_o their_o circumstance_n from_o whence_o we_o learn_v what_o the_o intention_n of_o the_o mind_n be_v and_o to_o what_o degree_n of_o resolution_n it_o come_v in_o the_o performance_n of_o any_o action_n if_o a_o action_n be_v perform_v at_o a_o solemn_a time_n and_o place_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o witness_n meet_v together_o for_o that_o very_a purpose_n upon_o great_a deliberation_n with_o such_o word_n and_o gesture_n as_o be_v very_o significant_a to_o express_v our_o full_a design_n and_o intention_n all_o these_o circumstance_n consider_v make_v it_o much_o more_o our_o own_o proper_a act_n and_o deed_n than_o if_o it_o be_v do_v without_o they_o though_o the_o intention_n be_v the_o same_o for_o what_o we_o declare_v before_o other_o to_o be_v our_o mind_n and_o purpose_n to_o do_v or_o undertake_v we_o can_v but_o think_v ourselves_o bind_v to_o under_o more_o obligation_n than_o if_o we_o bare_o design_v it_o or_o promise_v it_o only_o to_o the_o person_n concern_v because_o the_o design_n of_o declare_v it_o be_v to_o lay_v upon_o ourselves_o a_o far_a obligation_n to_o perform_v it_o and_o to_o call_v other_o as_o witness_n against_o we_o if_o we_o neglect_v the_o performance_n of_o it_o and_o since_o our_o resolution_n may_v be_v declare_v as_o well_o by_o action_n as_o by_o word_n he_o that_o express_v his_o resolution_n both_o these_o way_n show_v a_o far_a design_n to_o oblige_v himself_o than_o if_o he_o shall_v only_o use_v word_n to_o express_v it_o and_o if_o the_o circumstance_n of_o action_n be_v state_v and_o solemn_a and_o significant_a than_o all_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n concur_v by_o which_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o man_n to_o declare_v and_o express_v their_o mind_n in_o any_o case_n and_o to_o oblige_v themselves_o to_o the_o performance_n of_o any_o covenant_n now_o sacrament_n be_v the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n between_o god_n and_o man_n and_o when_o god_n be_v please_v to_o receive_v man_n into_o covenant_n with_o himself_o it_o be_v requisite_a that_o man_n shall_v not_o bare_o give_v their_o assent_n to_o the_o term_n and_o condition_n of_o it_o and_o declare_v that_o they_o will_v undertake_v they_o but_o it_o be_v far_a necessary_a that_o this_o shall_v be_v do_v with_o all_o the_o solemnity_n of_o word_n and_o action_n that_o may_v engage_v they_o to_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o and_o render_v they_o inexcusable_a if_o they_o transgress_v it_o it_o be_v fit_v it_o shall_v be_v enter_v into_o and_o renew_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o witness_n that_o the_o word_n shall_v be_v solemn_a and_o the_o action_n significant_a and_o that_o nothing_o shall_v be_v want_v which_o may_v testify_v the_o sincerity_n and_o secure_v the_o fidelity_n of_o the_o undertaker_n for_o if_o covenant_n between_o man_n and_o man_n be_v make_v with_o all_o the_o formality_n of_o witness_n and_o hand_n and_o seal_n and_o delivery_n in_o solemn_a and_o express_a word_n if_o man_n know_v themselves_o too_o well_o to_o trust_v one_o another_o without_o all_o this_o solemnity_n it_o may_v well_o be_v expect_v that_o when_o god_n be_v please_v to_o permit_v they_o to_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o himself_o he_o shall_v not_o receive_v they_o under_o less_o obligation_n of_o caution_n and_o security_n for_o their_o integrity_n than_o man_n be_v wont_a to_o use_v among_o themselves_o for_o every_o breach_n of_o covenant_n with_o he_o be_v infinite_o more_o affront_a and_o sinful_a than_o any_o breach_n of_o covenant_n with_o man_n can_v be_v and_o therefore_o god_n who_o will_v not_o be_v mock_v have_v appoint_v the_o most_o effectual_a mean_n to_o secure_v his_o law_n from_o contempt_n he_o know_v the_o deceitfulness_n of_o man_n heart_n how_o perverse_a and_o stubborn_a it_o be_v especial_o in_o thing_n of_o such_o a_o nature_n as_o these_o be_v of_o to_o which_o man_n be_v oblige_v by_o that_o promise_n and_o vow_n that_o they_o be_v require_v to_o make_v to_o he_o and_o that_o all_o the_o restraint_n and_o all_o the_o remembrance_n which_o word_n or_o action_n can_v afford_v be_v little_a enough_o to_o keep_v man_n in_o any_o tolerable_a measure_n to_o their_o duty_n god_n be_v please_v to_o confirm_v his_o promise_n to_o abraham_n with_o a_o oath_n and_o therein_o show_v himself_o willing_a to_o give_v all_o the_o assurance_n that_o the_o most_o incredulous_a man_n can_v desire_v of_o the_o fix_a and_o unalterable_a steadfastness_n of_o his_o purpose_n and_o the_o immutability_n of_o his_o council_n that_o we_o may_v have_v a_o strong_a consolation_n heb._n vi_fw-la 17_o 18._o and_o when_o god_n himself_o be_v please_v so_o far_o to_o condescend_v for_o our_o comfort_n and_o satisfaction_n it_o be_v most_o reasonable_a that_o he_o shall_v oblige_v we_o to_o perform_v our_o part_n of_o the_o covenant_n by_o all_o the_o way_n that_o may_v put_v we_o in_o remembrance_n of_o our_o duty_n and_o make_v we_o faithful_a and_o constant_a in_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o and_o this_o can_v be_v effect_v by_o no_o better_a mean_n than_o by_o outward_a act_n and_o visible_a sign_n to_o testify_v and_o profess_v in_o the_o most_o serious_a and_o solemn_a
he_o out_o of_o their_o sight_n he_o be_v not_o snatch_v away_o from_o they_o by_o a_o swift_a and_o violent_a motion_n like_o elijah_n and_o carry_v up_o in_o a_o fiery_a chariot_n which_o may_v dazzle_v their_o sight_n that_o they_o can_v not_o discern_v he_o in_o his_o ascent_n but_o he_o be_v lift_v up_o and_o remove_v from_o they_o leisurely_o and_o by_o degree_n they_o look_v steadfast_o towards_o heaven_n as_o he_o go_v up_o by_o a_o visible_a and_o easy_a motion_n and_o they_o have_v a_o clear_a view_n of_o he_o till_o at_o last_o a_o cloud_n receive_v he_o out_o of_o their_o sight_n it_o be_v probable_a that_o all_o the_o disciple_n to_o the_o number_n of_o about_o a_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o mention_v act_n i_o 15._o be_v present_a to_o behold_v the_o ascent_n of_o our_o saviour_n ult_n saviour_n apud_fw-la euseb_n hist_o lib._n 1._o c._n ult_n the_o apostle_n st._n thaddeus_n declare_v though_o this_o as_o well_o as_o many_o other_o thing_n be_v not_o insert_v into_o the_o scripture_n that_o a_o great_a multitude_n of_o the_o saint_n and_o heavenly_a host_n go_v up_o with_o he_o we_o read_v of_o the_o appearance_n of_o two_o angel_n upon_o this_o occasion_n who_o acquaint_v the_o disciple_n that_o this_o same_o jesus_n who_o they_o have_v thus_o evident_o see_v take_v up_o from_o they_o into_o heaven_n shall_v so_o come_v in_o like_a manner_n as_o they_o have_v see_v he_o go_v into_o heaven_n and_o st._n paul_n inform_v we_o that_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o come_v at_o the_o last_o day_n will_v be_v with_o his_o mighty_a angel_n or_o the_o angel_n of_o his_o power_n 2_o thes_n i._o 7._o from_o whence_o we_o may_v conclude_v according_a to_o the_o account_n of_o st._n thaddeus_n that_o the_o holy_a angel_n visible_o attend_v he_o in_o his_o ascension_n the_o disciple_n be_v all_o much_o surprise_v at_o a_o thing_n so_o wonderful_a and_o stand_v gaze_v up_o into_o heaven_n after_o he_o till_o they_o be_v certify_v not_o only_o by_o their_o own_o sense_n but_o by_o the_o message_n of_o the_o angel_n that_o he_o be_v go_v from_o they_o into_o heaven_n no_o more_o to_o be_v expect_v from_o thence_o till_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n we_o have_v therefore_o the_o plain_a and_o full_a evidence_n that_o can_v be_v desire_v both_o of_o the_o resurrection_n and_o ascension_n of_o our_o saviour_n he_o show_v himself_o alive_a to_o his_o disciple_n after_o his_o passion_n by_o many_o infallible_a proof_n he_o be_v see_v of_o they_o forty_o day_n and_o converse_v and_o discourse_v with_o they_o though_o we_o be_v not_o tell_v after_o what_o manner_n and_o by_o what_o interval_n of_o time_n he_o be_v please_v to_o vouchsafe_v they_o his_o presence_n this_o be_v conceal_v from_o we_o as_o very_o many_o of_o the_o particular_n be_v of_o his_o former_a life_n before_o his_o crucifixion_n but_o at_o the_o end_n of_o the_o space_n of_o forty_o day_n whilst_o he_o be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o he_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o they_o all_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n that_o they_o distinct_o see_v and_o behold_v he_o and_o keep_v their_o eye_n fix_v upon_o he_o in_o his_o ascension_n and_o a_o vision_n of_o angel_n beside_o inform_v they_o that_o he_o be_v to_o return_v in_o the_o like_a manner_n when_o he_o shall_v come_v to_o judge_v the_o world_n chap._n xxviii_o why_o some_o work_n of_o nature_n be_v more_o especial_o ascribe_v to_o god_n why_o mean_n be_v sometime_o use_v in_o the_o work_n of_o miracle_n and_o why_o faith_n be_v sometime_o require_v of_o those_o upon_o who_o or_o before_o who_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v i._o all_z the_o power_n of_o natural_a cause_n proceed_v from_o god_n that_o may_v just_o be_v ascribe_v to_o he_o which_o be_v wrought_v by_o they_o for_o he_o work_v as_o true_o by_o second_o cause_n as_o by_o his_o own_o direct_a and_o immediate_a power_n in_o produce_v any_o effect_n the_o order_n and_o frame_n of_o nature_n be_v original_o by_o his_o appointment_n and_o by_o his_o care_n and_o providence_n and_o influence_n it_o be_v uphold_v and_o therefore_o the_o scripture_n ascribe_v the_o effect_n of_o natural_a agent_n to_o god_n as_o the_o author_n of_o they_o because_o these_o can_v do_v nothing_o but_o by_o his_o support_n and_o influence_n and_o the_o continuance_n and_o preservation_n of_o natural_a cause_n in_o the_o production_n of_o their_o effect_n for_o so_o many_o age_n in_o one_o constant_a tenor_n be_v a_o manifest_a and_o wonderful_a demonstration_n of_o the_o divine_a power_n and_o wisdom_n but_o those_o thing_n may_v be_v say_v more_o especial_o to_o be_v do_v by_o god_n himself_o whereby_o upon_o some_o extraordinary_a occasion_n his_o power_n and_o his_o will_n be_v more_o particular_o manifest_v or_o his_o promise_n be_v fulfil_v for_o in_o those_o thing_n his_o care_n and_o providence_n be_v more_o concern_v to_o bring_v they_o to_o pass_v and_o therefore_o god_n may_v employ_v a_o more_o than_o ordinary_a concourse_n to_o sustain_v and_o influence_n the_o power_n of_o nature_n that_o they_o may_v not_o sail_v in_o such_o case_n to_o produce_v their_o effect_n according_a to_o their_o usual_a and_o settle_a course_n ii_o miracle_n be_v more_o peculiar_o the_o work_n of_o god_n because_o they_o be_v wrought_v without_o the_o concurrence_n or_o subserviency_n of_o natural_a mean_n for_o though_o sometime_o outward_a mean_n be_v use_v in_o the_o miraculous_a cure_v of_o disease_n yet_o they_o be_v such_o as_o can_v have_v no_o effect_n in_o the_o cure_n but_o rather_o the_o contrary_a as_o when_o the_o man_n that_o be_v bear_v blind_a recover_v his_o sight_n by_o wash_v in_o the_o pool_n of_o siloam_n at_o our_o saviour_n command_n after_o his_o eye_n have_v be_v anoint_v with_o clay_n make_v of_o dust_n and_o spital_n the_o ointment_n make_v of_o dust_n and_o spital_n be_v so_o far_o from_o have_v any_o effect_n towards_o the_o cure_n that_o it_o will_v have_v be_v much_o more_o likely_a to_o have_v put_v out_o the_o eye_n of_o a_o man_n that_o have_v see_v and_o the_o wash_n afterward_o can_v only_o remove_v that_o which_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o remedy_n that_o it_o must_v have_v be_v a_o obstruction_n to_o the_o best_a sight_n as_o many_o miraculous_a cure_n be_v wrought_v by_o our_o saviour_n without_o any_o more_o than_o a_o word_n speak_v and_o sometime_o even_o without_o so_o much_o as_o that_o to_o show_v that_o he_o have_v no_o need_n of_o mean_n so_o when_o any_o mean_n be_v use_v they_o be_v such_o as_o apparent_o can_v not_o tend_v to_o the_o cure_n and_o be_v not_o use_v as_o remedy_n but_o as_o circumstance_n in_o the_o work_n his_o miracle_n to_o raise_v the_o attention_n of_o the_o beholder_n to_o imprint_v what_o be_v do_v the_o deep_a upon_o their_o memory_n and_o to_o give_v the_o great_a credibility_n to_o the_o history_n of_o his_o miracle_n for_o all_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v to_o be_v prove_v or_o disprove_v by_o circumstance_n and_o the_o more_o circumstance_n concur_v in_o any_o action_n the_o less_o liable_a it_o be_v to_o mistake_v or_o imposture_n our_o saviour_n therefore_o be_v please_v that_o his_o miracle_n shall_v always_o be_v accompany_v with_o remarkable_a circumstance_n which_o be_v sometime_o of_o one_o kind_n and_o sometime_o of_o another_o the_o better_a to_o work_v upon_o the_o variety_n of_o man_n temper_n and_o disposition_n but_o whatever_o outward_a mean_n be_v at_o any_o time_n use_v by_o he_o it_o can_v have_v the_o nature_n only_o of_o a_o circumstance_n and_o be_v no_o more_o proper_a and_o effectual_a to_o produce_v the_o miracle_n than_o any_o other_o may_v have_v be_v some_o he_o touch_v some_o he_o only_o speak_v to_o and_o other_o he_o send_v to_o the_o highpriest_n that_o he_o may_v be_v a_o witness_n of_o the_o cure_n now_o the_o touch_n the_o speak_n or_o the_o send_n can_v have_v no_o effect_n as_o outward_a mean_n but_o only_o as_o they_o be_v attend_v with_o a_o inward_a and_o divine_a efficacy_n but_o all_o these_o be_v considerable_a circumstance_n to_o excite_v the_o observation_n of_o those_o who_o be_v present_a at_o these_o cure_n and_o to_o preserve_v the_o remembrance_n of_o they_o to_o posterity_n iii_o though_o our_o saviour_n have_v the_o most_o absolute_a and_o unconfined_a power_n of_o work_a miracle_n at_o all_o time_n and_o before_o all_o person_n whensoever_o he_o please_v yet_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o he_o sometime_o refuse_v to_o exercise_v it_o for_o though_o he_o can_v always_o do_v his_o marvellous_a work_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o fit_a that_o they_o shall_v be_v always_o do_v but_o then_o only_o when_o they_o may_v be_v useful_a and_o serviceable_a to_o the_o end_n for_o which_o they_o be_v wrought_v and_o to_o his_o design_n of_o come_v
be_v a_o long_a succession_n of_o philosopher_n and_o sophist_n who_o make_v it_o their_o business_n to_o oppose_v the_o christian_a religion_n the_o school_fw-mi of_o platonist_n which_o continue_v at_o athens_n for_o some_o age_n will_v revive_v or_o reinforce_v any_o argument_n that_o have_v be_v use_v by_o their_o predecessor_n in_o opposition_n to_o christianity_n proclus_n and_o damascius_n who_o be_v of_o this_o school_n live_v about_o the_o middle_n of_o the_o six_o age_n and_o the_o write_n of_o damascius_n be_v extant_a lxxvii_o extant_a phot._n cod_n clxxxi_o ccxlii_o lxxvii_o in_o photius_n time_n in_o the_o middle_n of_o the_o nine_o age_n the_o history_n of_o eunapius_n be_v then_o likewise_o extant_a and_o be_v hist_o be_v voss_n de_fw-fr graec._n hist_o say_v to_o be_v preserve_v at_o venice_n we_o have_v the_o abridgement_n of_o it_o by_o zosimus_n and_o a_o sufficient_a specimen_fw-la of_o his_o malicious_a invective_n in_o his_o other_o write_n and_o it_o be_v probable_a that_o these_o and_o many_o other_o book_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n which_o be_v now_o lose_v continue_v much_o long_o than_o any_o account_n which_o we_o have_v now_o remain_v of_o they_o mention_n of_o about_o thirty_o answer_n 10._o answer_n holstein_n de_fw-fr vit._n &_o script_n porphyt_n c._n 10._o which_o be_v write_v to_o porphyry_n by_o several_a author_n not_o one_o of_o they_o be_v now_o to_o be_v find_v when_o the_o world_n be_v satisfy_v of_o the_o insufficieny_n of_o his_o objection_n the_o answer_n to_o his_o book_n be_v as_o little_o regard_v as_o the_o book_n themselves_o but_o undergo_v the_o same_o fate_n with_o they_o the_o jew_n who_o from_o the_o begin_n of_o christianity_n before_o but_o especial_o since_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n have_v in_o vast_a number_n be_v spread_v all_o over_o the_o world_n and_o have_v ever_o be_v the_o most_o implacable_a enemy_n of_o the_o gospel_n have_v the_o great_a opportunity_n to_o detect_v any_o falsehood_n in_o it_o and_o have_v never_o omit_v any_o advantage_n of_o improve_n and_o enforce_v the_o argument_n against_o it_o and_o and_o therefore_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o retain_v any_o thing_n considerable_a which_o have_v be_v object_v by_o their_o forefather_n or_o by_o the_o heathen_n with_o who_o they_o converse_v the_o jew_n have_v be_v a_o perpetual_a restless_a enemy_n in_o all_o part_n and_o age_n of_o the_o world_n and_o nothing_o material_a in_o this_o case_n will_v escape_v their_o observation_n but_o out_o of_o the_o write_n of_o the_o ancient_a jew_n which_o be_v still_o extant_a many_o thing_n have_v be_v allege_v by_o many_o learned_a man_n of_o our_o own_o and_o other_o nation_n in_o confirmation_n of_o our_o religion_n from_o the_o confession_n of_o the_o jew_n themselves_o the_o unbelief_n therefore_o both_o of_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n of_o those_o age_n be_v no_o material_a objection_n nor_o altogether_o so_o unaccountable_a as_o the_o unbelief_n of_o too_o many_o now_o who_o be_v bear_v among_o christian_n and_o have_v have_v their_o education_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n the_o truth_n be_v example_n be_v always_o the_o weak_a argument_n in_o any_o case_n and_o can_v be_v of_o no_o force_n or_o authority_n against_o the_o clear_a rational_a evidence_n chap._n xxxi_o that_o the_o confidence_n of_o man_n of_o false_a religion_n and_o their_o willingness_n to_o suffer_v for_o they_o be_v no_o prejudice_n to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n the_o christian_a religion_n do_v infinite_o surpass_v all_o other_o in_o the_o number_n of_o its_o martyr_n of_o both_o sex_n of_o every_o age_n and_o nation_n and_o rank_a and_o condition_n mistake_v ignorant_a zealot_n may_v often_o have_v suffer_v for_o other_o religion_n but_o man_n of_o the_o high_a station_n and_o worth_n and_o inferior_a to_o none_o in_o the_o knowledge_n and_o experience_n of_o every_o thing_n that_o the_o world_n esteem_v excellent_a have_v renounce_v all_o and_o upon_o choice_n and_o after_o a_o full_a consideration_n of_o the_o merit_n of_o the_o cause_n have_v lay_v down_o their_o life_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o gospel_n tyrant_n of_o the_o great_a power_n and_o cruelty_n have_v make_v it_o their_o aim_n and_o ambition_n by_o all_o sort_n of_o torture_n to_o extirpate_v the_o christian_a religion_n they_o esteem_v their_o persecution_n matter_n of_o triumph_n and_o a_o fit_a subject_n for_o the_o 280._o the_o gâ—uter_n inscript_n p._n 238_o 280._o inscription_n of_o monument_n erect_v to_o their_o memory_n but_o the_o invincible_a patience_n and_o glorious_a suffering_n of_o the_o christian_n prevail_v against_o all_o the_o rage_n and_o force_n of_o their_o enemy_n if_o the_o martyrology_n of_o all_o religion_n be_v to_o be_v compare_v there_o will_v soon_o appear_v so_o manifest_a a_o difference_n between_o the_o christian_a martyr_n and_o the_o sufferer_n for_o other_o religion_n that_o nothing_o will_v be_v needful_a to_o be_v say_v upon_o this_o subject_n but_o remember_v with_o who_o i_o have_v to_o deal_v i_o be_o resolve_v to_o take_v every_o thing_n at_o the_o low_a and_o argue_v with_o they_o upon_o their_o own_o term_n let_v we_o for_o a_o while_o set_v aside_o whatever_o of_o this_o nature_n may_v be_v say_v in_o preference_n of_o the_o christian_a martyr_n and_o suppose_v the_o number_n and_o zeal_n of_o the_o martyr_n for_o so_o we_o must_v call_v they_o at_o present_a of_o other_o religion_n to_o have_v be_v as_o great_a as_o can_v be_v imagine_v yet_o the_o cause_n itself_o make_v a_o plain_a difference_n between_o they_o a_o ignorant_a zeal_n in_o a_o wrong_n cause_o be_v no_o argument_n against_o the_o goodness_n of_o any_o cause_n which_o be_v maintain_v and_o promote_v by_o such_o a_o zeal_n as_o be_v reasonable_a and_o proceed_v upon_o sure_a ground_n indeed_o it_o be_v very_o hard_a and_o very_o strange_a if_o that_o which_o be_v true_a shall_v be_v ever_o the_o less_o certain_a or_o the_o less_o to_o be_v regard_v and_o esteem_v because_o there_o may_v be_v other_o thing_n that_o be_v false_a of_o which_o some_o man_n be_v as_o firm_o persuade_v and_o be_v as_o much_o concern_v for_o they_o as_o any_o one_o can_v be_v for_o the_o truth_n itself_o and_o yet_o this_o be_v the_o wise_a thing_n that_o many_o have_v to_o pretend_v against_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o religion_n in_o which_o they_o be_v baptize_v that_o there_o be_v many_o imposture_n in_o the_o world_n and_o none_o be_v without_o its_o zealot_n to_o appear_v in_o vindication_n of_o it_o i_o be_o confident_a no_o man_n ever_o part_v with_o any_o thing_n but_o his_o religion_n upon_o so_o weak_a a_o pretence_n a_o false_a religion_n be_v not_o the_o only_a thing_n for_o which_o man_n be_v wont_a to_o have_v a_o undeserved_a value_n but_o their_o country_n their_o friend_n and_o themselves_o they_o be_v common_o as_o much_o mistake_v in_o and_o do_v as_o high_o overprize_v be_v there_o then_o no_o real_a difference_n or_o solid_a worth_n in_o any_o of_o these_o some_o of_o the_o most_o unlikely_a country_n in_o the_o world_n have_v be_v admire_v by_o the_o native_n as_o if_o they_o be_v the_o garden_n of_o eden_n and_o the_o place_n of_o paradise_n though_o there_o be_v nothing_o easy_a than_o to_o make_v a_o distinction_n concern_v different_a country_n and_o it_o be_v as_o easy_a to_o distinguish_v between_o the_o elysium_n of_o the_o heathen_n or_o mahomet_n paradise_n and_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o between_o the_o way_n which_o lead_v to_o they_o there_o be_v nothing_o especial_o if_o it_o be_v of_o any_o moment_n and_o consequence_n to_o they_o for_o which_o man_n have_v not_o show_v themselves_o passionate_o concern_v and_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v so_o much_o more_o infallible_a in_o religion_n than_o in_o other_o thing_n or_o shall_v be_v so_o much_o less_o in_o earnest_n about_o it_o as_o not_o to_o discover_v the_o same_o frailty_n and_o the_o same_o affection_n which_o be_v visible_a in_o all_o the_o other_o action_n and_o business_n of_o their_o life_n it_o be_v often_o see_v in_o most_o case_n that_o some_o be_v as_o earnest_n and_o zealous_a in_o a_o false_a cause_n as_o other_o be_v in_o a_o true_a but_o do_v this_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n between_o falsehood_n and_o truth_n when_o two_o man_n of_o opposite_a party_n be_v equal_o confident_a of_o the_o goodness_n of_o their_o cause_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o but_o one_o of_o they_o can_v be_v in_o the_o right_a and_o it_o be_v as_o certain_a that_o one_o of_o they_o must_v be_v at_o least_o so_o far_o in_o the_o right_n as_o he_o contradict_v the_o other_o because_o as_o the_o two_o part_n of_o a_o contradiction_n can_v be_v both_o true_a so_o they_o can_v be_v both_o false_a if_o then_o a_o confident_a and_o zealous_a