if_o it_o do_v not_o support_v he_o when_o he_o stand_v how_o can_v it_o raise_v he_o when_o he_o be_v fall_v if_o there_o be_v a_o power_n in_o lapse_v man_n to_o restore_v himself_o it_o will_v exceed_v the_o original_a power_n he_o have_v to_o will_n and_o obey_v it_o be_v infinite_o more_o difficult_a for_o a_o dead_a man_n to_o rise_v than_o for_o a_o live_a man_n to_o put_v forth_o vital_a action_n for_o the_o clear_a open_n of_o this_o poinâ—_n concern_v man_n absolute_a disability_n to_o recover_v his_o primitive_a state_n i_o will_v distinct_o consider_v it_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o image_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n upon_o which_o his_o blessedness_n depend_v 1._o he_o can_v recover_v his_o primitive_a holiness_n this_o will_v appear_v by_o consider_v that_o whatsoever_o be_v corrupt_v in_o its_o noble_a part_n can_v never_o restore_v itself_o the_o power_n of_o a_o external_a agent_n be_v requisite_a for_o the_o recover_n of_o its_o integrity_n this_o be_v verify_v by_o innumerable_a instance_n in_o thing_n artificial_a and_o natural_a if_o a_o clock_n be_v disorder_v by_o a_o fall_n the_o workman_n must_v mend_v it_o before_o it_o can_v be_v useful_a if_o wine_n that_o be_v rich_a and_o generous_a decline_v by_o the_o loss_n of_o spirit_n it_o can_v never_o be_v revive_v without_o a_o new_a supply_n in_o the_o humane_a body_n where_o there_o be_v a_o more_o noblâ—_n form_n and_o more_o powerful_a to_o redress_v any_o evil_n that_o may_v happen_v to_o the_o part_n if_o a_o gangrene_n seize_v on_o any_o member_n nothing_o can_v resist_v its_o course_n but_o the_o application_n of_o outward_a mean_n it_o can_v be_v cure_v by_o the_o internal_a principle_n of_o its_o constitution_n and_o proportionable_o in_o moral_a agent_n when_o the_o faculty_n which_o be_v the_o principle_n of_o action_n be_v corrupt_v it_o be_v impossible_a without_o the_o virtue_n of_o a_o divine_a cause_n they_o shall_v ever_o be_v restore_v to_o their_o original_a rectitude_n as_o the_o image_n of_o god_n be_v at_o first_o imprint_v on_o the_o humane_a nature_n by_o creation_n so_o the_o renew_a image_n be_v wrought_v in_o he_o by_o the_o same_o create_a power_n this_o will_v be_v more_o evident_a by_o consider_v that_o inward_a and_o deep_a depravation_n of_o the_o understanding_n and_o will_n 4.24_o the_o two_o superior_a faculty_n which_o command_v the_o rest_n 1._o the_o understanding_n have_v lose_v the_o right_a apprehension_n of_o thing_n as_o sin_n begin_v in_o the_o darkness_n of_o the_o mind_n so_o one_o of_o its_o worst_a effect_n be_v the_o increase_a that_o darkness_n which_o can_v only_o be_v dispel_v by_o a_o supernatural_a light_n now_o what_o the_o eye_n be_v to_o the_o body_n that_o be_v the_o mind_n for_o the_o direct_v the_o will_n and_o conduct_v the_o life_n and_o if_o the_o light_n that_o be_v in_o we_o be_v darkness_n how_o great_a be_v that_o darkness_n 6.23_o how_o irregular_a and_o dangerous_a must_v our_o motion_n be_v not_o only_o the_o low_a part_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v under_o a_o dreadful_a disorder_n but_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o mind_n 4.23_o the_o divine_a part_n be_v deprave_v with_o ignorance_n and_o error_n the_o light_n of_o reason_n be_v not_o pure_a but_o as_o the_o sun_n when_o with_o its_o beam_n it_o send_v down_o pestilential_a influence_n and_o corrupt_v the_o air_n in_o the_o enlighten_v it_o so_o the_o carnal_a mind_n corrupt_v the_o whole_a man_n by_o represent_v good_a as_o evil_n and_o evil_a as_o good_a the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o flesh_n be_v enmity_n against_o god_n 7._o and_o the_o apostle_n describe_v the_o state_n of_o the_o gentile_a world_n 4.11_o that_o their_o understanding_n be_v darken_v be_v alienate_v from_o the_o life_n of_o god_n through_o the_o ignorance_n that_o be_v in_o they_o because_o of_o the_o blindness_n of_o their_o heart_n the_o corruption_n of_o their_o manner_n proceed_v from_o their_o mind_n for_o all_o virtue_n be_v direct_v by_o reason_n in_o their_o exercise_n so_o that_o if_o the_o understanding_n be_v darken_v all_o virtuous_a operation_n cease_v beside_o corrupt_a man_n be_v without_o light_n and_o life_n can_v neither_o discern_v nor_o feel_v his_o misery_n 4.6_o the_o carnal_a mind_n be_v insensible_a of_o its_o infirmity_n ignorant_a of_o its_o ignorance_n and_o suffer_v under_o the_o incurable_a extreme_n of_o be_v blind_a and_o imagine_v that_o it_o be_v very_o clear-sighted_a more_o particular_o the_o reason_n why_o the_o carnal_a mind_n have_v not_o a_o due_a sense_n of_o sinful_a corruption_n be_v 1._o because_o it_o be_v natural_a and_o cleave_v to_o the_o principle_n of_o our_o be_v from_o the_o birth_n and_o conception_n and_o natural_a thing_n do_v not_o affect_v we_o 2._o it_o be_v confirm_v by_o custom_n which_o be_v a_o second_o nature_n and_o have_v a_o strange_a power_n to_o stupefy_v conscience_n and_o render_v it_o insensible_a as_o the_o historian_n observe_v concern_v the_o roman_a soldier_n that_o by_o constant_a use_n their_o arm_n be_v no_o more_o a_o burden_n to_o they_o than_o their_o natural_a member_n 3._o in_o the_o transition_n from_o the_o infant_n state_n 〈◊〉_d the_o age_n of_o discern_v man_n be_v incapable_a of_o observe_v his_o native_a corruption_n since_o at_o first_o he_o act_v evil_o and_o be_v in_o constant_a conversation_n with_o sinner_n who_o bring_v vice_n into_o his_o acquaintance_n and_o by_o make_v it_o familiar_a lessen_v the_o horror_n and_o aversation_n from_o it_o beside_o those_o corrupt_a and_o numerous_a example_n wherewith_o he_o be_v encompass_v call_v forth_o his_o sinful_a inclination_n which_o as_o they_o be_v heighten_v by_o repeat_v act_n and_o become_v more_o strong_a and_o obstinate_a so_o less_o sensible_a to_o he_o and_o by_o this_o we_o may_v understand_v how_o irrecoverable_a man_n be_v by_o his_o own_o reason_n the_o first_o step_n to_o our_o cure_n be_v begin_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o disease_n and_o this_o discovery_n be_v make_v by_o the_o understanding_n when_o it_o be_v see_a and_o vigilant_a not_o when_o it_o be_v blind_a a_o disease_n in_o the_o body_n be_v perceive_v by_o the_o mind_n but_o when_o the_o soul_n be_v the_o affect_a part_n and_o the_o rectitude_n of_o reason_n be_v lose_v there_o be_v no_o remain_v principle_n to_o give_v notice_n of_o it_o and_o as_o that_o disease_n be_v most_o dangerous_a which_o strike_v at_o the_o life_n and_o be_v without_o pain_n for_o pain_n be_v not_o the_o chief_a evil_n but_o suppose_v it_o it_o be_v the_o spur_n of_o nature_n urge_v we_o to_o seek_v for_o cure_n so_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o understanding_n be_v very_o fatal_a to_o man_n for_o although_o he_o labour_v under_o many_o pernicious_a lust_n which_o in_o the_o issue_n will_v prove_v deadly_a yet_o he_o be_v insensible_a of_o they_o and_o from_o thence_o folâ—â—â—s_v a_o carelessness_n and_o contempt_n of_o the_o mean_n for_o his_o recovery_n 2._o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o will_n be_v more_o incurable_a than_o that_o of_o the_o mind_n for_o it_o be_v full_a not_o only_o of_o impotence_n but_o contrariety_n to_o what_o be_v spiritual_o good_a there_o be_v some_o weak_a stricture_n of_o truth_n in_o lapse_v man_n but_o they_o die_v in_o the_o brain_n and_o be_v powerless_a and_o ineffectual_a as_o to_o the_o will_n which_o rush_n into_o the_o embrace_n of_o worldly_a object_n this_o the_o universal_a experience_n of_o mankind_n since_o the_o fall_n do_v evident_o prove_v and_o the_o account_n of_o it_o be_v in_o the_o follow_a consideration_n 1._o there_o be_v a_o strong_a inclination_n in_o man_n to_o happiness_n this_o desire_n be_v bear_v and_o bring_v up_o with_o he_o and_o be_v common_a to_o all_o that_o partake_v of_o the_o reasonable_a nature_n from_o the_o prince_n to_o the_o poor_a wretch_n from_o the_o most_o know_v to_o the_o mean_a in_o understanding_n every_o one_o desire_n to_o be_v happy_a as_o the_o great_a flame_n and_o the_o little_a spark_n of_o fire_n all_o natural_o ascend_v to_o their_o sphere_n 2._o the_o constitute_v of_o any_o thing_n to_o be_v our_o happiness_n be_v the_o first_o and_o universal_a maxim_n from_o whence_o all_o moral_a consequence_n be_v derive_v it_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o our_o desire_n and_o the_o end_n of_o our_o action_n as_o in_o natural_a thing_n the_o principle_n of_o their_o production_n operate_v according_a to_o their_o quality_n so_o in_o moral_a thing_n the_o end_n be_v as_o powerful_a to_o form_v the_o soul_n for_o its_o operation_n in_o order_n to_o it_o therefore_o as_o all_o desire_n to_o be_v happy_a so_o they_o apply_v themselves_o to_o those_o mean_n which_o appear_v to_o be_v convenient_a for_o the_o obtain_n of_o it_o ethic._n 3._o every_o one_o frame_v a_o happiness_n according_a to_o his_o temper_n the_o apprehension_n of_o it_o be_v answerable_a to_o the_o disposition_n of_o the_o
heritage_n to_o receive_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o messiah_n and_o leave_v the_o rest_n in_o thick_a and_o disconsolate_a darkness_n there_o be_v no_o apparent_a cause_n of_o this_o inequality_n for_o they_o all_o spring_v from_o the_o same_o corrupt_a root_n and_o equal_o deserve_v a_o final_a rejection_n there_o be_v no_o singular_a good_a in_o they_o nor_o transcendent_a evil_n in_o other_o the_o unaccountable_a pleasure_n of_o god_n be_v the_o sole_a motive_n of_o the_o different_a dispensation_n our_o saviour_n break_v forth_o in_o a_o ecstasy_n of_o joy_n i_o thank_v thou_o o_o father_n lord_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n luke_n that_o thou_o have_v hide_v these_o thing_n from_o the_o wise_a &_o prudent_a and_o reveal_v they_o unto_o babe_n even_o so_o father_n for_o so_o it_o seem_v good_a in_o thy_o sight_n it_o be_v the_o prerogative_n of_o god_n to_o reveal_v the_o secret_n of_o the_o kingdom_n to_o who_o he_o please_v 13.11_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o pure_a grace_n put_v a_o difference_n between_o one_o nation_n and_o another_o with_o the_o same_o liberty_n as_o in_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o same_o indigested_a matter_n he_o form_v the_o earth_n the_o dregs_o of_o the_o universe_n and_o the_o sun_n and_o star_n the_o ornament_n of_o the_o heaven_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o visible_a world_n how_o can_v we_o reflect_v on_o our_o spiritual_a obligation_n to_o divine_a grace_n without_o a_o rapture_n of_o soul_n the_o corruption_n of_o nature_n be_v universal_a our_o ignorance_n as_o perverse_a and_o our_o manner_n as_o profane_v as_o of_o other_o nation_n and_o we_o have_v be_v condemn_v to_o a_o eternal_a night_n if_o the_o light_n of_o life_n have_v not_o gracious_o shine_v upon_o we_o this_o shall_v warm_v our_o heart_n in_o affectionate_a acknowledgement_n to_o god_n who_o have_v make_v know_v to_o we_o the_o riches_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o this_o mystery_n among_o the_o gentile_n 27_o and_o with_o that_o revelation_n the_o concomitant_a power_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o translate_v we_o from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o darkness_n into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o his_o dear_a son_n if_o the_o publication_n of_o the_o law_n by_o the_o ministry_n of_o angel_n to_o the_o israelite_n be_v such_o a_o privilege_n that_o it_o be_v reckon_v their_o peculiar_a treasure_n he_o have_v show_v his_o statute_n unto_o israel_n 20._o he_o have_v not_o deal_v so_o with_o any_o nation_n what_o be_v the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o the_o son_n of_o god_n himself_o for_o although_o the_o law_n be_v obscure_v and_o deface_v since_o the_o fall_n yet_o there_o be_v some_o engraft_a notion_n of_o it_o in_o the_o humane_a nature_n but_o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o suspicion_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o law_n discover_v our_o misery_n but_o the_o gospel_n alone_o show_v the_o way_n to_o be_v deliver_v from_o it_o if_o a_o advantage_n so_o great_a and_o so_o precious_a do_v not_o touch_v our_o heart_n and_o in_o possess_v it_o with_o joy_n we_o be_v not_o sensible_a of_o the_o engagement_n the_o father_n of_o mercy_n have_v lay_v upon_o we_o we_o shall_v be_v the_o ungratefull_a wretch_n in_o the_o world_n 2._o this_o incomprehensible_a mystery_n be_v worthy_a of_o our_o most_o serious_a thought_n and_o study_n that_o we_o may_v arrive_v to_o a_o full_a knowledge_n of_o it_o and_o to_o incite_v we_o it_o will_v be_v fit_a to_o consider_v those_o excellency_n which_o will_v render_v it_o most_o desirable_a knowledge_n be_v a_o quality_n so_o eminent_a that_o it_o true_o ennoble_v one_o spirit_n above_o another_o as_o reason_n be_v the_o singular_a ornament_n of_o the_o humane_a nature_n whereby_o it_o excel_v the_o bruit_n so_o in_o proportion_n knowledge_n which_o be_v the_o perfection_n of_o the_o understanding_n raise_v those_o who_o be_v possessor_n of_o it_o above_o other_o that_o want_v it_o the_o testimony_n of_o solomon_n confirm_v this_o 2.13_o then_o i_o see_v that_o wisdom_n excel_v folly_n as_o far_o as_o light_n excel_v darkness_n and_o according_a to_o the_o nature_n and_o quality_n of_o the_o knowledge_n such_o be_v the_o advantage_n it_o bring_v to_o we_o now_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n excel_v the_o most_o noble_a science_n as_o well_o contemplative_a as_o practic_a it_o excel_v the_o contemplative_a in_o the_o sublimity_n of_o the_o object_n and_o in_o the_o certainty_n of_o its_o principle_n 1._o in_o the_o sublimity_n and_o greatness_n of_o the_o object_n and_o it_o be_v no_o less_o than_o the_o high_a design_n of_o the_o eternal_a wisdom_n the_o most_o glorious_a work_n of_o the_o great_a god_n in_o the_o creation_n his_o footstep_n appear_v in_o our_o redemption_n his_o image_n in_o the_o law_n his_o justice_n and_o holiness_n but_o in_o the_o gospel_n all_o his_o perfection_n shine_v forth_o in_o their_o bright_a lustre_n the_o bare_a theory_n of_o this_o inrich_v the_o mind_n and_o the_o contemplation_n of_o it_o affect_v the_o soul_n that_o be_v conversant_a about_o it_o with_o the_o high_a admiration_n and_o the_o most_o sincere_a and_o last_a delight_n senec._n 1._o it_o affect_v the_o soul_n with_o the_o high_a admiration_n the_o strong_a spirit_n can_v comprehend_v its_o just_a greatness_n the_o understanding_n sink_v under_o the_o weight_n of_o glory_n the_o apostle_n who_o have_v see_v the_o light_n of_o heaven_n and_o have_v such_o knowledge_n as_o never_o any_o man_n before_o yet_o upon_o consider_v one_o part_n of_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n break_v forth_o in_o astonishment_n oh_o the_o depth_n of_o the_o riches_n of_o the_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n of_o god_n how_o unsearchable_a be_v his_o decree_n and_o his_o way_n past_o find_v out_o it_o be_v fit_a when_o we_o have_v spend_v the_o strength_n of_o our_o mind_n in_o the_o consideration_n of_o this_o excel_a object_n and_o be_v at_o the_o end_n of_o our_o subtlety_n to_o supply_v the_o defect_n of_o our_o understanding_n with_o admiration_n as_o the_o psalmist_n express_v himself_o lord_n how_o wonderful_a be_v thy_o thought_n to_o us-ward_n the_o angel_n adore_v this_o glorious_a mystery_n with_o a_o humble_a reverence_n 1.12_o the_o admiration_n that_o be_v cause_v by_o it_o be_v a_o principal_a delight_n of_o the_o mind_n it_o be_v true_a the_o wonder_n that_o proceed_v from_o ignorance_n when_o the_o cause_n of_o some_o visible_a effect_n be_v not_o know_v be_v the_o imperfection_n and_o torment_n of_o the_o spirit_n but_o that_o which_o arise_v from_o the_o knowledge_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v most_o above_o our_o conception_n and_o our_o hope_n be_v the_o high_a advancement_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o bring_v the_o great_a satisfaction_n to_o the_o soul_n now_o the_o contrivance_n of_o our_o redemption_n be_v infinite_o above_o the_o â—light_n of_o reason_n 126.1_o and_o our_o expectation_n when_o the_o lord_n turn_v the_o captivity_n of_o zion_n they_o be_v as_o in_o a_o dream_n the_o way_n of_o accomplish_v it_o be_v so_o incredible_a that_o it_o seem_v rather_o the_o picture_n of_o fancy_n than_o a_o real_a deliverance_n and_o there_o be_v far_o great_a reason_n that_o the_o rescue_v of_o we_o from_o the_o power_n of_o hell_n and_o the_o restore_v we_o to_o liberty_n and_o glory_n by_o christ_n shall_v raise_v our_o wonder_n 2.9_o the_o gospel_n be_v call_v a_o marvellous_a light_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o the_o object_n it_o discover_v but_o such_o a_o perverse_a judgement_n be_v in_o man_n that_o they_o neglect_v those_o thing_n which_o deserve_v the_o high_a admiration_n and_o spend_v their_o wonder_n on_o mean_a thing_n art_n be_v more_o admire_v than_o nature_n a_o counterfeit_a eye_n of_o crystal_n which_o have_v neither_o sight_n nor_o motion_n than_o the_o live_a eye_n the_o sun_n of_o the_o little_a world_n that_o direct_v the_o whole_a man._n and_o the_o effect_n of_o nature_n be_v more_o admire_v than_o the_o sublime_a and_o supernatural_a work_n of_o grace_n yet_o these_o infinite_o exceed_v the_o other_o the_o world_n be_v the_o work_n of_o god_n hand_n but_o the_o gospel_n be_v his_o plot_n and_o the_o chief_a of_o all_o his_o way_n what_o a_o combination_n of_o wonder_n be_v there_o in_o the_o great_a mystery_n of_o godliness_n that_o he_o who_o fill_v heaven_n and_o earth_n shall_v be_v confine_v to_o the_o virgin_n womb_n that_o life_n shall_v die_v and_o be_v dead_a revive_v that_o mercy_n shall_v triumph_v without_o any_o disparagement_n to_o justice_n these_o be_v miracle_n that_o transcend_v all_o that_o be_v do_v in_o nature_n and_o this_o appear_v by_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n himself_o who_o best_o know_v the_o excellency_n of_o his_o own_o work_n for_o whereas_o upon_o the_o finish_v the_o first_o creation_n he_o ordain_v the_o seven_o day_n that_o reasonable_a creature_n may_v more_o solemn_o ascribe_v to_o he_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o attribute_n which_o be_v visible_a in_o the_o thing_n
interest_n he_o can_v by_o one_o act_n of_o power_n conquer_v the_o obstinacy_n of_o his_o fierce_a enemy_n if_o he_o require_v subjection_n from_o his_o creature_n it_o be_v not_o that_o he_o may_v be_v happy_a but_o liberal_a that_o his_o goodness_n may_v take_v its_o rise_n to_o reward_v they_o now_o this_o be_v the_o special_a commendation_n of_o divine_a love_n it_o do_v not_o arise_v out_o of_o indigency_n as_o create_v love_n but_o out_o of_o fullness_n and_o redundancy_n our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o there_o be_v none_o good_a but_o god_n not_o only_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o perfection_n of_o that_o attribute_n 19.17_o as_o it_o be_v in_o god_n in_o a_o transcendent_a manner_n but_o as_o to_o the_o effect_n of_o his_o goodness_n which_o be_v mere_o for_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o receiver_n he_o be_v only_o rich_a in_o mercy_n to_o who_o nothing_o be_v want_v or_o profitable_a the_o most_o liberal_a monarch_n do_v not_o always_o give_v for_o he_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o his_o subject_n and_o where_o there_o be_v a_o expectation_n of_o service_n for_o the_o support_n of_o the_o giver_n â—tis_o traffic_v and_o no_o gift_n humane_a affection_n be_v beget_v and_o nourish_v by_o something_o without_o but_o the_o love_n of_o god_n be_v from_o within_o the_o misery_n of_o the_o creature_n be_v the_o occasion_n but_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o be_v from_o himself_o and_o how_o free_a be_v that_o love_n that_o cause_v the_o infinite_o bless_a god_n to_o do_v so_o much_o for_o our_o recovery_n as_o if_o his_o felicity_n be_v imperfect_a without_o we_o it_o do_v not_o prejudice_v the_o freeness_n of_o redeem_v mercy_n that_o christ_n personal_a glory_n be_v the_o reward_n of_o his_o suffering_n 1._o it_o be_v true_a that_o our_o redeemer_n for_o the_o joy_n that_o be_v set_v before_o he_o 12.2_o endure_v the_o cross_n despise_v the_o shame_n and_o be_v set_v down_o at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o the_o throne_n of_o god_n but_o he_o be_v not_o first_o draw_v to_o the_o 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and_o 2._o from_o the_o internal_a beauty_n of_o a_o honest_a action_n which_o the_o philosopher_n affirm_v do_v exceed_v any_o loss_n that_o can_v befall_v we_o for_o if_o one_o die_v for_o his_o friend_n yet_o he_o love_v himself_o most_o for_o he_o will_v not_o choose_v to_o be_v less_o virtuous_a than_o his_o friend_n and_o by_o die_v for_o he_o he_o excel_v he_o in_o virtue_n which_o be_v more_o valuable_a than_o life_n itself_o but_o to_o the_o son_n of_o god_n no_o such_o advantage_n can_v accrue_v for_o be_v infinite_o holy_a and_o happy_a in_o his_o essence_n there_o can_v be_v no_o addition_n to_o his_o felicity_n or_o virtue_n by_o any_o external_a emanation_n from_o he_o his_o love_n be_v for_o our_o profit_n not_o his_o own_o 2._o the_o freeness_n of_o god_n mercy_n be_v evident_a by_o consider_v there_o be_v no_o â—ye_z upon_o he_o to_o dispense_v it_o grace_n strict_o take_v differ_v from_o love_n for_o that_o may_v be_v a_o debt_n and_o without_o injustice_n not_o deny_v there_o be_v inviolable_a obligation_n on_o child_n to_o love_v their_o parent_n and_o duty_n lessen_v desert_n the_o performance_n of_o it_o do_v not_o so_o much_o deserve_v praise_n as_o the_o neglect_n merit_v censure_n and_o reproof_n but_o the_o love_n of_o god_n to_o man_n be_v a_o pure_a free_a and_o liberal_a affection_n no_o way_n due_a the_o grace_n of_o god_n 5.15_o and_o the_o gift_n by_o grace_n have_v abound_v unto_o many_o the_o creation_n be_v a_o effusion_n of_o goodness_n much_o more_o redemption_n thou_o be_v worthy_a o_o lord_n to_o receive_v glory_n and_o honour_n and_o power_n 4.11_o for_o thou_o have_v create_v all_o thing_n and_o for_o thy_o pleasure_n they_o be_v and_o be_v create_v it_o be_v grace_n that_o give_v be_v to_o the_o angel_n with_o all_o the_o prerogative_n that_o adorn_v their_o nature_n it_o be_v grace_n confirm_v they_o in_o their_o original_a integrity_n for_o god_n owe_v they_o nothing_o and_o they_o be_v nothing_o to_o he_o it_o be_v grace_n that_o place_v adam_n in_o paradise_n and_o make_v he_o as_o a_o visible_a god_n in_o the_o low_a world_n and_o if_o grace_n alone_o dispense_v benefit_n to_o innocent_a creature_n much_o more_o to_o those_o who_o be_v obnoxious_a to_o justice_n the_o first_o be_v free_a but_o this_o be_v merciful_a and_o this_o lead_v to_o the_o second_o consideration_n which_o exalt_v redeem_n love_n the_o object_n of_o it_o be_v man_n in_o his_o lapse_v state_n in_o this_o respect_n it_o excel_v the_o goodness_n that_o prevent_v he_o at_o the_o beginning_n in_o the_o creation_n as_o there_o be_v no_o object_n to_o invite_v so_o nothing_o repugnant_a to_o man_n be_v and_o happiness_n the_o dust_n of_o the_o earth_n do_v not_o merit_v such_o a_o excellent_a condition_n as_o it_o receive_v from_o the_o pure_a bounty_n of_o god_n but_o there_o be_v no_o moral_a unworthiness_n but_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o gospel_n have_v a_o different_a object_n the_o wretched_a and_o unworthy_a and_o it_o produce_v different_a operation_n it_o be_v heal_a and_o medicinal_a ransome_v and_o deliver_v and_o have_v a_o peculiar_a character_n among_o the_o divine_a attribute_n it_o be_v goodness_n that_o crown_v the_o angel_n but_o it_o be_v mercy_n the_o sanctuary_n of_o the_o guilty_a and_o refuge_n of_o the_o miserable_a that_o save_v man._n the_o scripture_n have_v consecrate_v the_o name_n of_o grace_n in_o a_o special_a manner_n to_o signify_v the_o most_o excellent_a and_o admirable_a favour_n of_o god_n in_o recover_v we_o from_o our_o just_o deserve_a misery_n we_o be_v justify_v free_o by_o his_o grace_n 2.11_o by_o grace_n we_o be_v save_v grace_n and_o truth_n be_v come_v by_o jesus_n christ_n it_o be_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n that_o bring_v salvation_n and_o this_o be_v glorious_o
will_v be_v fit_a to_o consider_v they_o with_o respect_n to_o his_o soul_n and_o his_o body_n the_o gospel_n deliver_v to_o we_o the_o relation_n of_o both_o 1._o upon_o his_o entrance_n into_o the_o garden_n he_o complain_v my_o soul_n be_v exceed_o sorrowful_a even_o unto_o death_n there_o be_v present_a only_a peter_n james_n and_o john_n his_o happy_a favourite_n who_o assure_v he_o of_o their_o fidelity_n there_o be_v no_o visible_a enemy_n to_o afflict_v he_o yet_o his_o soul_n be_v environ_v with_o sorrow_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o conceive_v the_o injury_n he_o suffer_v from_o the_o rage_n of_o man_n for_o they_o be_v terminate_v upon_o his_o body_n but_o how_o to_o understand_v his_o inward_a suffering_n the_o wound_n of_o his_o spirit_n the_o cross_n to_o which_o his_o soul_n be_v nail_v be_v very_o difficult_a yet_o these_o be_v in_o expressible_o great_a as_o the_o visible_a effect_n dedeclare_v the_o anguish_n of_o his_o soul_n so_o affect_v his_o body_n that_o his_o sweat_n be_v as_o it_o be_v great_a drop_n of_o blood_n the_o miraculous_a evidence_n of_o his_o agony_n the_o terror_n be_v so_o dreadful_a that_o the_o assistance_n of_o a_o angel_n can_v not_o calm_v it_o and_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o cause_n of_o his_o grief_n the_o disposition_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o design_n of_o god_n in_o afflict_v he_o it_o will_v further_o appear_v that_o no_o sorrow_n be_v ever_o like_o he_o the_o cause_n be_v 1._o the_o evil_a of_o sin_n which_o infinite_o exceed_v all_o other_o for_o the_o just_a measure_n of_o a_o evil_n be_v take_v from_o the_o good_a to_o which_o it_o be_v opposite_a and_o of_o which_o it_o deprive_v we_o now_o sin_n be_v formal_o opposite_a to_o the_o holy_a nature_n and_o will_v of_o god_n and_o meritorious_o deprive_v of_o his_o bless_a presence_n for_o ever_o therefore_o god_n be_v the_o supreme_a good_a sin_n be_v the_o supreme_a evil_n and_o grief_n be_v the_o resentment_n of_o a_o evil_a that_o which_o be_v proportion_v to_o the_o evil_a of_o sin_n must_v be_v infinite_a now_o the_o lord_n christ_n alone_o have_v perfect_a light_n to_o discover_v sin_n in_o its_o true_a horror_n and_o perfect_a zeal_n to_o hate_v it_o according_a to_o its_o nature_n for_o who_o can_v understand_v the_o excellency_n of_o good_a and_o the_o malignity_n of_o evil_n but_o the_o author_n of_o the_o one_o and_o the_o judge_n of_o the_o other_o who_o can_v full_o conceive_v the_o guilt_n of_o rebellion_n against_o god_n but_o the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o be_v alone_o able_a to_o comprehend_v his_o own_o majesty_n on_o this_o account_n the_o grief_n of_o our_o redeemer_n exceed_v all_o the_o sorrow_n of_o repent_v sinner_n from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n for_o our_o knowledge_n be_v so_o imperfect_a and_o our_o zeal_n so_o remiss_a that_o our_o grief_n for_o sin_n be_v much_o beneath_o what_o it_o be_v worthy_a of_o but_o sin_n be_v as_o hateful_a to_o christ_n as_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o and_o his_o sorrow_n be_v equal_a to_o its_o evil_n 2._o the_o death_n he_o be_v to_o suffer_v attend_v with_o all_o the_o curse_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o terrible_a mark_n of_o god_n indignation_n from_o hence_o it_o be_v say_v he_o begin_v to_o be_v sore_o amaze_v and_o to_o be_v very_o heavy_a 14.34_o it_o be_v wonderful_a that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o have_v perfect_a patience_n and_o the_o strength_n of_o the_o deity_n to_o support_v he_o who_o know_v that_o his_o passion_n shall_v soon_o pass_v away_o and_o that_o the_o issue_n shall_v be_v his_o own_o glorious_a resurrection_n and_o the_o recovery_n of_o lapse_v man_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v shake_v with_o fear_n and_o oppress_v with_o sorrow_n at_o the_o first_o approach_n of_o it_o how_o many_o of_o the_o martyr_n have_v with_o a_o undisturbed_a courage_n embrace_v a_o more_o cruel_a death_n but_o to_o they_o it_o be_v disarm_v whereas_o our_o saviour_n encounter_v it_o with_o all_o its_o formidable_a pomp_n with_o its_o dart_n and_o poison_n 3._o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n be_v inflame_v against_o he_o for_o although_o he_o be_v perfect_o innocent_a and_o more_o distant_a from_o sin_n than_o heaven_n be_v from_o the_o earth_n yet_o by_o the_o ordination_n of_o god_n and_o his_o own_o consent_n be_v make_v our_o sponsor_n 53._o the_o iniquity_n of_o we_o all_o be_v lay_v upon_o he_o he_o suffer_v as_o deep_o as_o if_o he_o have_v be_v guilty_a vindictive_a justice_n be_v inexorable_a to_o his_o prayer_n and_o tear_n although_o he_o renew_v his_o request_n with_o the_o great_a ardency_n as_o it_o be_v say_v by_o the_o evangelist_n that_o be_v in_o a_o agony_n he_o pray_v more_o earnest_o yet_o god_n will_v not_o spare_v he_o the_o father_n of_o mercy_n see_v his_o son_n humble_v in_o his_o presence_n prostrate_v on_o the_o earth_n yet_o deal_v with_o he_o in_o extreme_a severity_n he_o be_v strike_v smite_v of_o god_n and_o afflict_a and_o who_o be_v able_a to_o conceive_v the_o weight_n of_o god_n hand_n when_o he_o punish_v sin_n according_a to_o its_o desert_n who_o can_v understand_v the_o degree_n of_o those_o suffering_n when_o god_n exact_v satisfaction_n from_o one_o that_o be_v oblige_v and_o able_a to_o make_v it_o how_o pierce_v be_v those_o sorrow_n whereby_o divine_a justice_n infinite_o incense_v be_v to_o be_v appease_v who_o know_v the_o consequence_n of_o those_o word_n my_o god_n my_o god_n why_o have_v thou_o forsake_v i_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o comprehend_v or_o represent_v that_o great_a and_o terrible_a mystery_n but_o thus_o much_o we_o may_v understand_v that_o holiness_n and_o glory_n be_v essential_a to_o the_o deity_n they_o be_v communicate_v to_o the_o reasonable_a nature_n when_o unite_v to_o it_o but_o with_o this_o difference_n that_o holiness_n necessary_o result_v from_o union_n with_o god_n for_o sin_n be_v infinite_o repugnant_a to_o his_o nature_n make_v a_o separation_n between_o he_o and_o the_o creature_n but_o glory_n and_o joy_n be_v dispense_v in_o a_o free_a and_o 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intent_n upon_o his_o suffering_n that_o he_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v divert_v from_o the_o actual_a consideration_n of_o the_o glory_n that_o attend_v the_o issue_n of_o they_o brief_o all_o comfort_a influence_n be_v suspend_v but_o without_o prejudice_n to_o the_o personal_a union_n or_o the_o perfection_n of_o his_o grace_n or_o to_o the_o love_n of_o his_o father_n towards_o he_o his_o soul_n be_v liable_a to_o sorrow_n as_o his_o body_n to_o death_n for_o the_o deity_n be_v the_o principle_n of_o life_n as_o well_o as_o of_o joy_n and_o as_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n be_v three_o day_n in_o the_o state_n of_o death_n and_o the_o hypostatical_a union_n remain_v entire_a so_o his_o soul_n be_v leave_v for_o a_o time_n under_o the_o fearful_a impression_n of_o wrath_n yet_o be_v not_o separate_v from_o the_o godhead_n and_o although_o he_o endure_v what_o ever_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o expiation_n of_o sin_n yet_o all_o vicious_a evil_n as_o blasphemy_n hatred_n of_o god_n and_o any_o other_o which_o be_v not_o inflict_v by_o the_o judge_n but_o in_o strictness_n be_v accidental_a to_o the_o punishment_n and_o proceed_v from_o the_o weakness_n or_o wickedness_n of_o the_o patient_n he_o be_v not_o in_o the_o least_o guilty_a of_o beside_o when_o his_o father_n appear_v a_o enemy_n against_o he_o at_o that_o time_n he_o be_v infinite_o please_v in_o his_o obedience_n but_o with_o these_o exception_n our_o bless_a lord_n suffer_v whatever_o be_v due_a to_o we_o the_o sorrow_n of_o his_o forsake_a state_n be_v inexpressible_o great_a for_o according_a to_o the_o degree_n and_o sense_n we_o have_v of_o happiness_n such_o in_o proportion_n be_v our_o grief_n for_o the_o loss_n of_o it_o now_o christ_n have_v the_o full_a enjoyment_n and_o the_o high_a valuation_n of_o god_n favour_n
the_o word_n and_o according_o all_o the_o promise_n of_o pardon_n and_o salvation_n be_v conditional_a the_o holy_a mercy_n of_o the_o gospel_n offer_v forgiveness_n only_o to_o penitent_a believer_n that_o return_n from_o sin_n to_o obedience_n we_o be_v command_v to_o repent_v and_o be_v convert_v that_o our_o sin_n may_v be_v blot_v out_o 3.19_o in_o the_o time_n of_o refreshment_n from_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o heaven_n be_v the_o reward_n of_o persevere_v obedience_n to_o they_o who_o by_o patient_a continuance_n in_o well-doing_n 2.7_o seek_v for_o glory_n and_o honour_n and_o immortality_n eternal_a life_n there_o can_v be_v the_o least_o ground_n of_o a_o rational_a just_a hope_n in_o any_o person_n without_o holiness_n whoever_o have_v this_o hope_n in_o he_o purify_v himself_o even_o as_o he_o be_v pure_a 3.3_o by_o which_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o genuine_a and_o proper_a use_n we_o be_v to_o make_v of_o the_o exceed_a great_a and_o precious_a promise_n be_v that_o by_o they_o we_o may_v be_v partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n 1.4_o and_o escape_v the_o pollution_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n through_o lust_n yet_o the_o corrupt_a heart_n of_o man_n be_v so_o strong_o incline_v to_o their_o lust_n that_o they_o turn_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n into_o wantonness_n and_o make_v a_o advantage_n of_o mercy_n to_o assist_v their_o security_n presume_v to_o sin_n with_o less_o fear_n and_o more_o licence_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o the_o glorious_a revelation_n of_o it_o by_o our_o redeemer_n the_o most_o live_a as_o if_o they_o may_v be_v save_v without_o be_v saint_n and_o enjoy_v the_o paradise_n of_o the_o flesh_n here_o and_o not_o be_v exclude_v from_o that_o of_o the_o spirit_n hereafter_o but_o grace_n do_v not_o in_o the_o least_o degree_n authorise_v and_o favour_v their_o lust_n nor_o relax_v the_o sinew_n of_o obedience_n it_o be_v perfect_o innocent_a of_o their_o unnatural_a abuse_n of_o it_o the_o poison_n be_v not_o in_o the_o flower_n but_o the_o spider_n therefore_o the_o apostle_n propound_v it_o with_o indignation_n shall_v we_o sin_v that_o grace_n may_v abound_v god_n forbid_v 2._o he_o use_v this_o form_n of_o speech_n to_o express_v a_o extreme_a abhorrency_n of_o a_o thing_n that_o be_v either_o impious_a and_o dishonourable_a to_o god_n or_o pernicious_a and_o destructive_a to_o men._n as_o when_o he_o put_v the_o question_n be_v god_n unjust_a who_o take_v vengeance_n god_n forbid_v and_o be_v there_o iniquity_n in_o god_n 6._o god_n forbid_v he_o reject_v the_o mention_n of_o it_o with_o infinite_a aversation_n 9.14_o indeed_o what_o great_a disparagement_n can_v there_o be_v of_o the_o divine_a purity_n than_o to_o indulge_v ourselves_o in_o sin_n upon_o confidence_n of_o a_o easy_a forgiveness_n as_o if_o the_o son_n of_o god_n have_v be_v consecrate_v by_o such_o terrible_a suffering_n to_o purchase_v and_o prepare_v a_o pardon_n for_o those_o who_o sin_n secure_o what_o a_o unexpressible_a indignity_n be_v it_o to_o make_v a_o monstrous_a alliance_n between_o christ_n and_o belial_n and_o this_o abuse_n of_o grace_n be_v pernicious_a to_o man_n if_o the_o antidote_n be_v turn_v into_o poison_n and_o the_o remedy_n cherish_v the_o disease_n the_o cause_n be_v desperate_a the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o those_o that_o do_v evil_a that_o good_a may_v come_v thereby_o their_o damnation_n be_v just_a suppose_v a_o presume_a sinner_n be_v assure_v that_o after_o he_o have_v gratify_v his_o carnal_a vile_a desire_n he_o shall_v repent_v and_o be_v pardon_v yet_o it_o be_v a_o unreasonable_a defect_n of_o self-love_n to_o do_v so_o what_o israelite_n be_v so_o foolhardy_a as_o to_o provoke_v a_o fiery_a serpent_n to_o bite_v he_o though_o he_o know_v he_o shall_v be_v heal_v by_o the_o brazen_a serpent_n but_o it_o be_v a_o degree_n beyond_o madness_n for_o man_n to_o live_v in_o a_o course_n of_o sin_n upon_o the_o hope_n of_o salvation_n make_v the_o mercy_n of_o god_n to_o be_v his_o bondage_n as_o if_o he_o can_v not_o be_v happy_a without_o they_o a_o unrenewed_a sinner_n may_v be_v the_o object_n of_o god_n compassion_n but_o while_o he_o remain_v so_o he_o be_v uncapable_a of_o communion_n with_o he_o here_o much_o less_o hereafter_o under_o the_o law_n the_o leper_n be_v exclude_v the_o camp_n of_o israel_n where_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n be_v in_o a_o special_a manner_n much_o more_o shall_v those_o who_o be_v cover_v with_o moral_a pollution_n be_v keep_v out_o from_o the_o habitation_n of_o his_o holiness_n it_o be_v a_o mortal_a delusion_n for_o any_o to_o pretend_v that_o elect_a mercy_n will_v bring_v they_o to_o glory_n or_o that_o the_o all-sufficient_a sacrifice_n of_o christ_n will_v atone_v god_n displeasure_n towards_o they_o although_o they_o indulge_v themselves_o in_o a_o course_n of_o sin_n the_o book_n of_o life_n be_v secret_a only_o the_o lamb_n with_o who_o blood_n the_o name_n of_o the_o elect_n be_v write_v there_o can_v open_v the_o seal_n of_o it_o but_o the_o gospel_n that_o be_v a_o low_a book_n of_o life_n tell_v we_o the_o qualification_n of_o those_o who_o be_v vessel_n of_o mercy_n they_o be_v by_o grace_n prepare_v for_o glory_n and_o that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o benefit_n by_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n without_o conformity_n to_o his_o life_n those_o who_o abuse_v mercy_n now_o shall_v have_v justice_n for_o ever_o 3._o from_o hence_o we_o may_v discover_v the_o peculiar_a excellency_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n above_o all_o other_o institution_n and_o that_o in_o respect_n of_o its_o design_n and_o effect_n the_o whole_a design_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v express_v in_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n from_o heaven_n to_o paul_n when_o he_o send_v he_o to_o the_o gentile_n to_o open_v their_o eye_n and_o to_o turn_v they_o from_o darkness_n to_o light_n 26.18_o and_o from_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n to_o god_n that_o they_o may_v receive_v forgiveness_n of_o sin_n and_o inheritance_n among_o they_o that_o be_v sanctify_v by_o faith_n in_o christ._n one_o great_a end_n of_o it_o be_v to_o take_v away_o all_o the_o filthiness_n and_o malignity_n wherewith_o sin_n have_v infect_v the_o world_n and_o to_o cause_n in_o man_n a_o real_a conformity_n to_o god_n holiness_n according_a to_o their_o capacity_n as_o the_o reward_v it_o promise_v be_v not_o a_o earthly_a happiness_n such_o as_o we_o enjoy_v here_o but_o celestial_a so_o the_o holiness_n it_o require_v be_v not_o a_o ordinary_a natural_a perfection_n which_o man_n honour_v with_o the_o title_n of_o virtue_n but_o a_o angelical_a divine_a quality_n that_o sanctify_v we_o throughout_o in_o spirit_n soul_n and_o body_n that_o cleanse_v the_o thought_n and_o affection_n and_o express_v itself_o in_o a_o course_n of_o universal_a obedience_n to_o god_n will._n indeed_o there_o be_v other_o thing_n that_o commend_v the_o gospel_n to_o any_o that_o with_o judgement_n compare_v it_o with_o other_o religion_n the_o height_n of_o its_o mystery_n which_o be_v so_o sacred_a and_o venerable_a that_o upon_o the_o discovery_n martial_a they_o affect_v with_o reverence_n and_o admiration_n whereas_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o gentile_n be_v build_v on_o folly_n and_o fable_n their_o most_o solemn_a mystery_n to_o which_o they_o be_v admit_v after_o so_o long_a a_o circuit_n of_o ceremony_n and_o great_a preparation_n contain_v nothing_o but_o a_o prodigious_a mixture_n of_o vanity_n and_o impiety_n worthy_a to_o be_v conceal_v in_o everlasting_a darkness_n beside_o the_o confirmation_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o miracle_n do_v authorise_v it_o above_o all_o humane_a institution_n and_o the_o glorious_a eternal_a reward_n of_o it_o infinite_o exceed_v whatever_n be_v propound_v by_o they_o but_o that_o which_o give_v it_o the_o most_o visible_a pre-eminence_n 6.3_o be_v that_o it_o be_v a_o doctrine_n according_a to_o godliness_n the_o end_n be_v the_o character_n of_o its_o nature_n the_o whole_a contexture_n and_o harmony_n of_o its_o doctrine_n precept_n promise_n threaten_n be_v for_o the_o exaltation_n of_o godliness_n the_o object_n of_o faith_n reveal_v be_v not_o mere_o speculative_a to_o be_v conceive_v and_o believe_v only_o as_o true_a or_o to_o be_v gaze_v on_o in_o a_o ecstasy_n of_o wonder_n but_o be_v mystery_n of_o godliness_n that_o have_v a_o powerful_a influence_n upon_o practice_n the_o design_n of_o god_n in_o the_o publication_n of_o they_o be_v not_o only_o to_o enlighten_v the_o mind_n but_o to_o warm_v the_o heart_n and_o purify_v the_o affection_n god_n discover_v his_o nature_n that_o we_o may_v imitate_v he_o and_o his_o work_n that_o we_o may_v glorify_v he_o all_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v to_o embrace_v christ_n by_o a_o lively_a faith_n to_o seek_v for_o righteousness_n and_o holiness_n in_o he_o to_o live_v godly_a righteous_o and_o sober_o in_o this_o present_a
disposition_n of_o the_o world_n at_o that_o time_n when_o it_o be_v first_o preach_v first_o ignorance_n be_v universal_a a_o deep_a thick_a darkness_n cover_v the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o the_o consequent_n of_o that_o gross_a palpable_a ignorance_n be_v execrable_a idolatry_n and_o the_o most_o notorious_a deprevation_n of_o manner_n 1._o execrable_a idolatry_n for_o as_o in_o the_o night_n spectres_fw-mi walk_v so_o in_o the_o time_n of_o ignorance_n the_o prince_n of_o darkness_n make_v his_o progress_n in_o the_o earth_n he_o reign_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n and_o in_o the_o place_n of_o their_o devotion_n the_o whole_a world_n be_v fill_v with_o idol_n of_o several_a form_n and_o mystery_n some_o aimiable_a other_o terrible_a according_a to_o the_o humour_n of_o superstition_n for_o many_o age_n satan_n have_v keep_v peaceable_a possession_n of_o his_o empire_n for_o the_o ignorant_a world_n do_v not_o understand_v its_o misery_n but_o willing_o pay_v that_o honour_n to_o the_o cruel_a usurper_n that_o be_v only_o due_a to_o the_o lawful_a sovereign_n they_o be_v confirm_v in_o their_o idolatry_n by_o several_a thing_n 1._o they_o be_v train_v up_o in_o it_o from_o their_o infant_n state_n now_o the_o first_o persuasion_n of_o the_o mind_n though_o gross_o false_a and_o ill_a habit_n do_v strange_o captivate_v and_o be_v with_o difficulty_n remove_v because_o the_o concurrence_n of_o those_o faculty_n be_v requisite_a which_o be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o error_n and_o vice_n no_o tyrant_n be_v so_o exact_o obey_v as_o custom_n especial_o in_o thing_n esteem_v sacred_a for_o the_o conceit_n that_o the_o service_n be_v please_v to_o the_o deity_n render_v man_n incapable_a to_o believe_v any_o thing_n that_o contradict_v it_o it_o be_v as_o hard_a to_o make_v the_o gentile_n forsake_v the_o religion_n they_o receive_v from_o their_o birth_n and_o to_o loose_v the_o impression_n make_v in_o their_o tender_a age_n as_o to_o make_v the_o african_n change_v their_o skin_n and_o become_v fair_a and_o the_o furopâ—ans_n to_o turn_v black_a for_o the_o tincture_n which_o the_o religion_n practise_v in_o each_o country_n convey_v to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v as_o deep_a and_o last_a as_o that_o which_o the_o sun_n impress_n upon_o their_o body_n according_a to_o the_o diversity_n of_o its_o aspect_n 2._o the_o pagan_a religion_n be_v derive_v through_o a_o long_a succession_n from_o their_o progenitor_n prudent_a antiquity_n bring_v i_o know_v not_o what_o respect_n to_o thing_n but_o it_o be_v special_o venerable_a in_o matter_n of_o religion_n therefore_o the_o heathen_n accuse_v the_o christian_a religion_n of_o novelty_n and_o urge_v nothing_o more_o plausible_o than_o the_o argument_n of_o immemorial_n prescription_n for_o their_o superstition_n they_o will_v not_o consider_v whether_o it_o be_v just_a and_o reasonable_a but_o with_o a_o blind_a deference_n yield_v up_o themselves_o to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o ancient_n they_o resolve_v not_o to_o condemn_v their_o parent_n and_o friend_n that_o have_v go_v before_o they_o in_o the_o road_n of_o damnation_n but_o choose_v to_o die_v in_o their_o idolatry_n so_o hard_o be_v it_o to_o resist_v the_o current_n of_o the_o world_n and_o to_o rescue_v ourselves_o from_o the_o bondage_n of_o popular_a error_n 3._o the_o pomp_n of_o the_o pagan_a worship_n be_v very_o please_v to_o the_o flesh_n the_o magnificence_n of_o their_o temple_n adorn_v with_o the_o trophy_n of_o superstition_n their_o mysterious_a ceremony_n their_o music_n their_o procession_n their_o image_n and_o altar_n their_o sacrifice_n and_o purification_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o equipage_n of_o a_o carnal_a religion_n draw_v their_o respect_n and_o strong_o affect_v their_o mind_n through_o their_o sense_n whereas_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v spiritual_a and_o serious_a holy_a and_o pure_a and_o have_v nothing_o to_o move_v the_o carnal_a part_n now_o how_o difficult_a be_v it_o to_o overcome_v paganism_n when_o fortify_v by_o custom_n antiquity_n and_o so_o agreeable_a to_o sense_n 2._o the_o depravation_n of_o manner_n be_v such_o in_o the_o heathen_a world_n that_o if_o the_o unclean_a spirit_n have_v be_v incarnate_a and_o take_v their_o residence_n among_o man_n they_o can_v not_o have_v act_v worse_a villainy_n the_o whole_a earth_n be_v cover_v with_o abomination_n as_o egypt_n with_o the_o frog_n that_o poison_v the_o whole_a climate_n we_o may_v see_v a_o picture_n of_o their_o conversation_n in_o the_o first_o to_o the_o roman_n and_o it_o can_v not_o be_v otherwise_o for_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v those_o who_o be_v drink_v be_v drink_v in_o the_o night_n so_o when_o the_o mind_n be_v darken_v with_o ignorance_n and_o error_n the_o affection_n be_v corrupt_v and_o man_n give_v up_o themselves_o to_o the_o unfruitful_a work_n of_o darkness_n unnatural_a crime_n be_v commit_v even_o among_o the_o grecian_n and_o roman_n with_o that_o liberty_n as_o if_o no_o spark_n of_o common_a reason_n have_v remain_v in_o they_o the_o most_o filthy_a lust_n have_v lose_v the_o fear_n and_o shame_n that_o natural_o attend_v they_o they_o esteem_v those_o thing_n to_o be_v the_o mean_n to_o obtain_v happiness_n that_o be_v cause_n of_o the_o contrary_n they_o place_v their_o sovereign_a good_a in_o extreme_a evil_n i._n e._n sinful_a pleasure_n fael_n they_o be_v encourage_v to_o work_v all_o uncleanness_n with_o greediness_n not_o only_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o present_a impunity_n for_o their_o law_n leave_v almost_o all_o vice_n indifferent_a but_o what_o disturb_v the_o tranquillity_n of_o the_o state_n and_o not_o only_o by_o the_o multitude_n of_o example_n so_o that_o vice_n by_o their_o commonness_n have_v lose_v their_o name_n and_o be_v style_v virtue_n nay_o it_o be_v a_o crime_n to_o appear_v innocent_a among_o the_o guilty_a but_o principal_o because_o they_o think_v themselves_o secure_a as_o to_o a_o future_a state_n for_o either_o they_o whole_o disbelieved_a it_o and_o it_o be_v congruous_a that_o those_o who_o think_v to_o die_v like_o beast_n shall_v live_v like_o beast_n 7._o or_o else_o by_o attribute_v to_o their_o deity_n those_o passion_n and_o vice_n that_o so_o powerful_o reign_v in_o themselves_o they_o be_v strong_o persuade_v no_o punishment_n will_v be_v inflict_v for_o how_o can_v the_o god_n make_v they_o sacrifice_n to_o their_o justice_n who_o be_v companion_n with_o they_o in_o their_o crime_n or_o revenge_v the_o imitation_n of_o their_o own_o action_n this_o be_v to_o cast_v down_o the_o bank_n and_o to_o let_v the_o torrent_n of_o corrupt_a nature_n break_v forth_o in_o all_o its_o fury_n as_o st._n austin_n observe_v of_o homer_n the_o father_n of_o poeticalâ—â—ctions_n â—â—ctions_z that_o represent_v the_o murder_n theft_n and_o adultery_n of_o their_o god_n he_o make_v those_o sin_n divine_a property_n and_o effectual_o commend_v they_o to_o the_o heathen_n quisquis_fw-la â—a_n fecissâ—t_fw-la eun._n non_fw-la homines_fw-la perditos_fw-la sed_fw-la coelestes_fw-la deos_fw-la videbatur_fw-la imitatus_fw-la and_o he_o give_v a_o instance_n of_o this_o from_o a_o comedy_n of_o terence_n where_o a_o vicious_a young_a man_n be_v introduce_v report_v how_o he_o animate_v himself_o to_o satisfy_v his_o brutish_a lust_n as_o have_v no_o less_o a_o deity_n than_o jupiter_n for_o his_o master_n and_o model_n in_o short_a the_o theology_n of_o the_o pagan_n inflame_v they_o to_o the_o bold_a commission_n of_o every_o pleasant_a sin_n the_o history_n of_o their_o god_n be_v so_o intersper_v with_o the_o most_o infamous_a impurity_n that_o at_o the_o first_o read_v verterunt_fw-la pupillas_fw-la virgin_n in_fw-la meretrices_fw-la they_o lose_v the_o virginity_n of_o their_o eye_n then_o of_o their_o soul_n and_o then_o of_o their_o body_n now_o the_o gospel_n be_v a_o holy_a discipline_n that_o forbid_v all_o excess_n that_o enjoin_v 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and_o noble_a of_o infinite_a beauty_n and_o profit_n and_o
they_o for_o execrable_a person_n it_o have_v be_v as_o extravagant_a to_o have_v design_v the_o acquire_v of_o reputation_n or_o riches_n by_o their_o preach_v as_o for_o one_o to_o throw_v himself_o into_o a_o flame_a furnace_n to_o be_v cool_v and_o refresh_v and_o that_o pleasure_n can_v not_o be_v their_o aim_n be_v manifest_a for_o they_o meet_v with_o nothing_o but_o poverty_n and_o persecution_n with_o derision_n and_o disgrace_n with_o hardship_n and_o all_o the_o effect_n of_o fury_n which_o they_o willing_o endure_v rather_o than_o cease_v from_o preach_v or_o deny_v what_o they_o have_v preach_v their_o unheard_a of_o resolution_n to_o forsake_v their_o native_a country_n and_o travel_v to_o all_o the_o know_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n to_o convey_v the_o doctrine_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v a_o strong_a demonstration_n that_o they_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v true_a and_o of_o infinite_a moment_n most_o worthy_a of_o all_o the_o danger_n to_o which_o they_o voluntary_o 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uniformity_n of_o the_o testimony_n make_v it_o valuable_a upon_o a_o double_a account_n first_o as_o it_o secure_v we_o there_o be_v no_o corruption_n in_o the_o witness_n second_o that_o it_o be_v no_o illusion_n 1._o that_o there_o be_v no_o corruption_n in_o the_o witness_n the_o most_o prudent_a way_n to_o discover_v the_o falsity_n of_o a_o testimony_n be_v to_o interrogate_v the_o witness_n several_o to_o see_v if_o there_o be_v any_o contradiction_n between_o they_o but_o if_o they_o concur_v not_o only_o as_o to_o the_o substance_n but_o circumstance_n their_o deposition_n be_v very_o credible_a now_o the_o apostle_n exact_o agree_v in_o their_o testimony_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o several_a gospel_n in_o which_o although_o write_v in_o divers_a time_n and_o place_n yet_o there_o be_v a_o admirable_a harmony_n not_o only_o as_o to_o the_o fact_n itself_o but_o the_o least_o particularity_n 2._o the_o agreement_n of_o so_o many_o prove_v it_o be_v no_o illusion_n if_o he_o have_v only_o appear_v to_o some_o person_n separately_z carnal_a reason_n which_o be_v ingenious_a to_o deceive_v itself_o may_v object_v that_o it_o be_v only_o the_o effect_n of_o a_o distemper_a fancy_n and_o no_o real_a object_n of_o sense_n but_o after_o he_o have_v show_v himself_o to_o some_o of_o the_o disciple_n apart_o and_o that_o holy_a company_n be_v meet_v together_o unite_n the_o several_a spark_n to_o encourage_v their_o hope_n of_o his_o resurrection_n he_o come_v to_o they_o altogether_o and_o for_o many_o day_n converse_v with_o they_o now_o who_o can_v believe_v that_o so_o many_o shall_v be_v obstruct_v with_o melancholy_a for_o so_o long_a time_n so_o as_o constant_o to_o remain_v under_o the_o power_n of_o a_o delusion_n beside_o he_o afterward_o appear_v to_o five_o hundred_o at_o once_o now_o how_o can_v such_o a_o number_n of_o different_a age_n sex_n temperament_n be_v at_o the_o same_o time_n strike_v with_o the_o same_o imagination_n add_v further_o if_o 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distract_v and_o therefore_o worthy_a of_o compassion_n rather_o than_o hatred_n but_o if_o it_o be_v object_v that_o it_o may_v be_v a_o phantasm_n or_o solid_a body_n form_v according_a to_o the_o likeness_n of_o christ_n that_o abuse_v the_o apostle_n and_o after_o some_o time_n withdraw_v itself_o the_o vanity_n of_o the_o objection_n be_v very_o apparent_a for_o such_o a_o effect_n can_v not_o be_v without_o the_o operation_n of_o a_o spiritual_a cause_n now_o the_o good_a angel_n can_v be_v guilty_a of_o falsehood_n of_o which_o they_o have_v be_v in_o that_o representation_n for_o he_o that_o appear_v declare_v himself_o to_o be_v jesus_n that_o suffer_v neither_o will_v the_o evil_a use_n such_o a_o artifice_n the_o old_a serpent_n be_v too_o wise_a to_o promote_v the_o belief_n of_o christ_n resurrection_n which_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o christianity_n a_o institution_n most_o holy_a that_o will_v destroy_v his_o altar_n discredit_v his_o oracle_n bring_v glory_n to_o god_n and_o happiness_n to_o man_n to_o both_o which_o he_o be_v eternal_o opposite_a by_o all_o which_o it_o appear_v there_o be_v no_o deceit_n in_o the_o subject_n nor_o object_n 4._o they_o seal_v it_o with_o their_o blood_n this_o last_o proof_n confirm_v all_o the_o other_o if_o a_o person_n of_o clear_a fame_n assert_v a_o thing_n which_o he_o be_v ready_a to_o maintain_v with_o the_o loss_n of_o his_o life_n there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o deposition_n it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o philostratus_n a_o bold_a grecian_a to_o show_v his_o art_n paint_a apollonius_n tyanaeus_n as_o a_o demigod_n exempt_v from_o death_n and_o clothe_v with_o immortality_n but_o if_o he_o have_v be_v draw_v from_o his_o study_n where_o he_o dress_v that_o idol_n of_o iniquity_n to_o appear_v before_o the_o magistrate_n to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o relation_n he_o certain_o will_v have_v renounce_v his_o