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word_n be_v the_o same_o in_o both_o place_n yet_o we_o do_v not_o believe_v that_o child_n be_v oblige_v to_o come_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o even_o man_n who_o die_v immediate_o after_o baptism_n be_v undoubted_o save_v though_o they_o be_v never_o partaker_n of_o the_o holy_a communion_n it_o have_v be_v a_o maxim_n i_o know_v among_o the_o ancient_n that_o extra_n ecclesiam_fw-la non_fw-la est_fw-la salus_fw-la which_o throughout_o all_o age_n with_o due_a reverence_n do_v i_o speak_v it_o have_v be_v by_o many_o so_o strain_a and_o stretch_v or_o rather_o straiten_v and_o confine_v as_o to_o exclude_v all_o other_o christian_n also_o from_o salvation_n who_o be_v not_o of_o the_o same_o communion_n with_o themselves_o nay_o even_o among_o we_o of_o this_o age_n and_o nation_n we_o have_v a_o sort_n of_o grin_v censorious_a prick-eared_a hypocrite_n who_o will_v hardly_o believe_v any_o to_o have_v a_o true_a call_n who_o be_v not_o of_o their_o own_o brotherhood_n 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the_o magi_n or_o the_o wise_a man_n in_o the_o east_n who_o come_v to_o worship_n christ_n not_o of_o the_o jewish_a synagogue_n certain_o nor_o of_o the_o number_n of_o those_o who_o be_v baptise_a into_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o yet_o no_o man_n doubt_v but_o that_o they_o who_o be_v the_o first_o to_o worship_n christ_n with_o their_o rich_a offering_n and_o come_v so_o long_a a_o journey_n be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o benefit_n of_o his_o life_n and_o passion_n the_o jewish_a church_n be_v a_o type_n of_o the_o christian_a and_o much_o narrow_a whether_o we_o consider_v its_o dimension_n or_o the_o term_n of_o its_o communion_n for_o they_o be_v under_o strict_a covenant_n of_o salvation_n and_o mercy_n under_o divers_a burdensome_a ordinance_n and_o more_o especial_o oblige_v to_o circumcision_n and_o yet_o by_o god_n special_a mercy_n great_a number_n be_v save_v who_o be_v stranger_n to_o the_o church_n for_o beside_o such_o aforementioned_a as_o job_n 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the_o inspiration_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n for_o other_o grace_n tend_v chief_o to_o the_o private_a benefit_n of_o he_o on_o who_o they_o be_v bestow_v but_o charity_n be_v a_o ray_n of_o the_o divine_a beauty_n and_o excellence_n and_o dilate_v itself_o in_o the_o good_a of_o other_o extend_v itself_o through_o the_o whole_a world_n without_o the_o least_o prospect_n of_o advantage_n to_o itself_o it_o carry_v the_o soul_n as_o on_o the_o wing_n of_o a_o cherubin_n into_o the_o divine_a presence_n where_o contemplate_v its_o own_o unworthiness_n in_o the_o infinite_a perfection_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n it_o sally_v out_o into_o act_n of_o admire_v and_o adoration_n and_o think_v all_o too_o little_a for_o a_o all-merciful_a and_o omnipotent_a creator_n now_o if_o the_o heathen_n have_v speculation_n of_o this_o kind_n though_o imperfect_a one_o but_o suitable_a to_o the_o mean_n of_o knowledge_n i_o can_v see_v why_o they_o may_v not_o exert_v they_o by_o some_o effort_n 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defective_a upon_o this_o account_n for_o even_o the_o best_a of_o man_n may_v many_o time_n do_v good_a work_n because_o they_o be_v good_a not_o think_v of_o god_n the_o original_a of_o all_o good_a and_o into_o who_o as_o into_o the_o ocean_n all_o stream_n of_o goodness_n at_o last_o return_n the_o sum_n of_o what_o i_o have_v hitherto_o speak_v upon_o this_o argument_n do_v amount_v to_o this_o that_o a_o explicit_a belief_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n accompany_v with_o a_o oral_a confession_n and_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n though_o they_o be_v point_n of_o great_a moment_n and_o exceed_v helpful_a and_o the_o only_a safe_a way_n to_o man_n salvation_n yet_o be_v they_o not_o so_o absolute_o and_o indispensable_o necessary_a but_o that_o it_o be_v possible_a in_o some_o extraordinary_a case_n salvation_n may_v be_v obtain_v
in_o the_o ceremony_n crown_v with_o garland_n and_o with_o laurel_n in_o their_o hand_n they_o sing_v certain_a verse_n in_o a_o low_a and_o humble_a voice_n by_o which_o they_o implore_v the_o mercy_n of_o the_o god_n and_o so_o they_o visit_v the_o capitol_n and_o temple_n but_o especial_o those_o sacred_a chapel_n in_o which_o be_v the_o lectisternia_fw-la or_o pulvinaria_fw-la that_o be_v bed_n of_o repose_n for_o the_o god_n which_o bed_n be_v most_o rich_o adorn_v and_o have_v for_o their_o pillow_n little_a bundle_n or_o tossel_n of_o vervien_n a_o plant_n of_o most_o sacred_a use_n among_o the_o roman_n which_o lectisternia_fw-la also_o be_v raise_v on_o high_a and_o overlook_v the_o altar_n the_o chief_a bed_n of_o majesty_n be_v for_o jupiter_n vulcan_n and_o minerva_n because_o these_o three_o be_v chief_o look_v upon_o to_o have_v the_o power_n of_o the_o thunderbolt_n the_o other_o sort_n of_o supplication_n be_v gratulatory_a much_o like_o our_o jubilee_n where_o all_o the_o order_n both_o of_o man_n and_o woman_n whether_o sacred_a or_o civil_a and_o clothe_v in_o their_o rich_a ornament_n and_o habit_n make_v like_o the_o solemn_a procession_n in_o visit_v the_o temple_n and_o offer_v up_o their_o thanks_o by_o sing_v of_o hymn_n perfume_a the_o altar_n and_o make_v of_o feast_n with_o other_o mark_n of_o public_a joy_n which_o supplication_n last_v for_o many_o day_n and_o be_v grant_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o some_o signal_n victory_n or_o for_o the_o good_a success_n in_o their_o war_n or_o any_o other_o public_a undertake_n julius_n caesar_n have_v fight_v prosperous_o in_o subdue_a the_o gaul_n obtain_v supplication_n or_o a_o jubilee_n of_o sixteen_o day_n brutus_n after_o he_o have_v the_o better_a of_o marcus_n antonius_n in_o the_o war_n of_o medena_n obtain_v a_o jubilee_n which_o last_v fifty_o day_n one_o also_o of_o the_o like_a continuance_n be_v indict_v by_o cicero_n in_o the_o senate_n at_o such_o time_n as_o the_o war_n be_v prosperous_a to_o octavius_n these_o supplication_n be_v always_o make_v during_o the_o absence_n of_o the_o general_n for_o who_o sake_n they_o be_v grant_v except_v that_o of_o cicero_n for_o who_o though_o present_a a_o supplication_n be_v indict_v in_o consideration_n of_o the_o great_a service_n he_o do_v in_o defend_v the_o commonwealth_n from_o catiline_n conspiracy_n in_o short_a these_o supplication_n be_v usual_o the_o prelude_v of_o triumph_n forasmuch_o as_o they_o for_o who_o supplication_n be_v decree_v whilst_o they_o be_v employ_v abroad_o in_o the_o war_n obtain_v a_o triumph_n at_o their_o return_n when_o the_o war_n be_v finish_v the_o religion_n of_o the_o greek_n be_v much_o the_o same_o with_o that_o of_o the_o roman_n for_o they_o have_v the_o same_o deity_n and_o almost_o the_o same_o rite_n and_o sacrifice_n from_o whence_o also_o we_o may_v proceed_v to_o take_v a_o transient_a view_n of_o the_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o the_o jew_n which_o consist_v also_o in_o several_a order_n of_o priest_n sacrifice_n lustration_n jubilee_n feast_n etc._n etc._n only_o they_o differ_v in_o the_o object_n of_o worship_n adore_v the_o one_o true_a and_o only_a god_n to_o who_o they_o erect_v one_o only_a temple_n at_o jerusalem_n where_o they_o perform_v their_o solemn_a function_n though_o they_o have_v their_o synagogue_n or_o sacred_a assembly_n also_o every_o where_n wherein_o they_o teach_v and_o preach_v and_o do_v some_o lesser_a rite_n their_o observation_n of_o the_o sabbath_n as_o also_o circumcision_n be_v the_o more_o distinguish_a mark_n by_o which_o they_o differ_v from_o all_o the_o world_n though_o the_o latter_a we_o find_v to_o have_v be_v observe_v also_o by_o the_o ishmaelite_n or_o arabian_n as_o descend_v from_o abraham_n the_o priesthood_n be_v ever_o hold_v among_o all_o nation_n in_o great_a esteem_n which_o they_o express_v chief_o by_o honour_v the_o person_n of_o those_o who_o attend_v on_o it_o with_o glorious_a title_n splendid_a ornament_n plentiful_a maintenance_n large_a exemption_n and_o privilege_n and_o with_o all_o external_n mark_v of_o observance_n and_o veneration_n if_o we_o do_v not_o find_v the_o same_o in_o the_o age_n we_o live_v in_o this_o in_o some_o measure_n possible_o may_v be_v the_o fault_n of_o the_o person_n themselves_o many_o of_o which_o be_v of_o despicable_a part_n and_o extraction_n of_o uncultivated_a behaviour_n and_o of_o sordid_a covetous_a and_o perhaps_o scandalous_a life_n cast_v a_o cloud_n upon_o the_o function_n and_o have_v they_o live_v among_o the_o heathen_n they_o will_v have_v be_v think_v worthy_a of_o no_o other_o priestly_a employment_n but_o that_o of_o butcher_v the_o beast_n which_o yet_o seem_v to_o be_v much_o more_o innocent_a and_o gentle_a though_o it_o be_v very_o probable_a also_o that_o as_o man_n decline_v in_o their_o moral_n and_o all_o sentiment_n of_o piety_n so_o they_o think_v to_o extenuate_v their_o enormity_n by_o expose_v the_o priest_n to_o the_o same_o contempt_n under_o which_o they_o have_v bring_v themselves_o by_o their_o degenerate_a life_n which_o in_o all_o likelihood_n will_v let_v in_o atheism_n for_o when_o man_n have_v a_o true_a belief_n of_o the_o religion_n they_o profess_v they_o can_v but_o show_v a_o suitable_a respect_n for_o those_o who_o be_v the_o instrument_n of_o convey_v to_o they_o all_o the_o benefit_n and_o blessing_n of_o it_o however_o it_o be_v a_o few_o particular_a deviation_n can_v destroy_v universal_a maxim_n no_o more_o than_o the_o heaven_n can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v impure_a and_o corruptible_a from_o a_o few_o fall_a meteor_n or_o some_o smoky_a comet_n the_o body_n of_o man_n through_o all_o age_n and_o region_n of_o the_o world_n have_v ever_o hold_v religion_n in_o high_a veneration_n as_o in_o some_o short_a measure_n have_v be_v already_o deliver_v so_o that_o to_o use_v the_o reason_n of_o tully_n the_o persuasion_n 1._o tuscul_fw-la quaest_n lib._n 1._o man_n have_v of_o religion_n and_o of_o the_o divine_a nature_n be_v not_o found_v upon_o any_o conference_n and_o consent_n of_o man_n nor_o derive_v from_o any_o law_n and_o sanction_n whatsoever_o but_o the_o general_a concurrence_n of_o all_o nation_n in_o the_o belief_n of_o any_o thing_n can_v be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o consequent_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o many_o of_o those_o ceremony_n in_o use_n among_o the_o gentile_n be_v in_o use_n also_o among_o the_o primitive_a christian_n and_o may_v still_o be_v retain_v in_o the_o church_n as_o be_v of_o great_a signification_n and_o such_o as_o serve_v to_o express_v man_n inward_a sense_n and_o veneration_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n have_v thus_o take_v a_o transient_a view_n of_o some_o religious_a practice_n among_o the_o ancient_n i_o now_o return_v into_o my_o old_a road_n where_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o make_v a_o more_o strict_a enquiry_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o verity_n of_o religion_n which_o that_o we_o may_v the_o better_o understand_v i_o shall_v reduce_v religion_n to_o these_o two_o general_n natural_a and_o reveal_v by_o natural_a religion_n i_o understand_v such_o nation_n as_o contemplative_a and_o virtuous_a person_n have_v arrive_v to_o by_o the_o light_n of_o natural_a reason_n by_o reveal_v i_o understand_v only_o such_o religion_n as_o be_v at_o this_o time_n in_o vogue_n and_o be_v pretend_v to_o be_v authorize_v by_o a_o immediate_a voice_n from_o heaven_n it_o be_v true_a all_o the_o ancient_a founder_n of_o religion_n pretend_v also_o to_o revelation_n but_o their_o religion_n be_v conversant_a about_o false_a deity_n and_o be_v extinct_a long_o ago_o i_o shall_v now_o consider_v such_o different_a religion_n as_o at_o this_o day_n divide_v the_o world_n and_o have_v the_o true_a god_n for_o the_o object_n of_o their_o worship_n by_o who_o also_o they_o believe_v it_o be_v reveal_v and_o they_o be_v these_o three_o the_o jewish_a the_o christian_a and_o the_o mahometan_a chap._n fourteen_o of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n and_o religion_n in_o the_o jewish_a religion_n there_o be_v two_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v its_o authority_n and_o its_o duration_n first_o for_o its_o authority_n to_o we_o who_o be_v educate_v in_o the_o belief_n that_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n there_o be_v no_o place_n leave_v for_o any_o doubt_n or_o question_n so_o that_o in_o this_o point_n both_o jew_n and_o christian_n agree_v together_o but_o than_o be_v we_o to_o dispute_v with_o the_o gentile_n such_o as_o porphyrius_n jamblicus_n celsus_n and_o the_o rest_n who_o deny_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n we_o must_v have_v recourse_n to_o other_o medium_n and_o such_o to_o which_o these_o dissenter_n will_v stand_v leave_v therefore_o the_o testimony_n which_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o give_v of_o their_o own_o authority_n we_o shall_v find_v the_o validity_n of_o their_o
nor_o zorobabel_n nor_o any_o of_o the_o jewish_a worthy_n be_v call_v deliverer_n god_n know_v they_o be_v poor_a supplicant_n and_o depend_v whole_o upon_o the_o indulgence_n of_o the_o persian_n but_o the_o crcumstance_n of_o the_o gentile_n be_v to_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o these_o blessing_n extend_v the_o benefit_n of_o these_o prophecy_n infinite_o beyond_o the_o fortune_n of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n who_o be_v ever_o after_o but_o a_o poor_a scatter_a and_o precarious_a people_n as_o to_o the_o authority_n of_o these_o and_o many_o such_o like_a prophecy_n even_o atheism_n itself_o can_v question_v it_o unless_o we_o say_v that_o the_o jew_n after_o the_o appearance_n of_o jesus_n christ_n do_v stuff_n the_o old_a testament_n with_o such_o prophetic_a passage_n as_o make_v against_o themselves_o and_o their_o religion_n beside_o all_o these_o passage_n be_v find_v in_o the_o translation_n of_o the_o septuagint_n and_o consider_v also_o with_o what_o exactness_n the_o jew_n keep_v these_o sacred_a copy_n even_o to_o number_v the_o very_a letter_n how_o negligent_a soever_o they_o be_v in_o observe_v the_o commandment_n of_o the_o law_n it_o be_v utter_o impossible_a such_o passage_n shall_v be_v foist_v in_o without_o their_o knowledge_n as_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o such_o certain_a and_o punctual_a prediction_n shall_v proceed_v from_o any_o other_o mouth_n but_o that_o of_o almighty_a god_n and_o this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v a_o argument_n ad_fw-la hominem_fw-la and_o such_o as_o may_v convince_v even_o porphyry_n himself_o be_v he_o now_o alive_a and_o so_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o old_a testament_n chap._n xx._n the_o advent_n of_o jesus_n prove_v from_o heathen_a prediction_n but_o beside_o the_o prophecy_n record_v in_o sacred_a write_n we_o have_v other_o prediction_n also_o out_o of_o prosane_a monument_n which_o though_o of_o a_o inferior_a authority_n be_v very_o apposite_a to_o prove_v the_o verity_n of_o christ_n messiah-ship_n all_o the_o history_n of_o the_o age_n wherein_o christ_n be_v bear_v do_v testify_v that_o both_o herod_n as_o also_o the_o jew_n be_v in_o present_a expectation_n of_o the_o messiah_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o herod_n who_o yield_v up_o himself_o to_o the_o flattery_n of_o his_o follower_n be_v easy_o persuade_v to_o think_v that_o he_o himself_o be_v the_o promise_a messiah_n and_o those_o who_o adhere_v to_o this_o belief_n be_v in_o scripture_n call_v herodian_o as_o be_v conjecture_v for_o the_o jew_n find_v herod_n to_o be_v a_o king_n of_o great_a power_n and_o who_o rebuilt_a the_o temple_n also_o after_o a_o most_o magnificent_a form_n they_o present_o conclude_v that_o this_o be_v he_o who_o be_v to_o restore_v their_o state_n and_o empire_n and_o herod_n too_o be_v not_o want_v to_o himself_o to_o improve_v such_o favourable_a overture_n upon_o which_o account_n it_o be_v that_o he_o commit_v so_o many_o murder_n even_o on_o his_o own_o child_n also_o hope_v in_o the_o general_a massacre_n to_o extinguish_v the_o true_a messiah_n wherever_o he_o be_v as_o josephus_n tell_v we_o we_o read_v 7._o jos_n de_fw-fr lib._n jud._n l._n 7._o c._n 7._o also_o in_o suetonius_n in_o the_o life_n of_o vespasian_n as_o also_o in_o tacitus_n how_o it_o be_v the_o belief_n of_o many_o in_o that_o age_n that_o in_o the_o sacred_a monument_n of_o the_o priest_n be_v register_v that_o out_o of_o judea_n shall_v come_v forth_o those_o who_o be_v to_o govern_v the_o world_n which_o be_v hister_n tacit_fw-la l._n 5._o hister_n erroneous_o interpret_v of_o titus_n and_o vespasian_n but_o above_o all_o those_o famous_a monument_n of_o the_o sibyl_n be_v a_o complete_a evidence_n of_o this_o truth_n tully_n whilst_o he_o endeavour_v divin_n tul._n lib._n 2._o de_fw-fr divin_n to_o evacuate_v the_o credit_n of_o these_o prophecy_n report_v this_o passage_n out_o of_o they_o that_o he_o who_o be_v indeed_o to_o be_v our_o king_n be_v to_o be_v call_v also_o a_o king_n in_o case_n we_o will_v obtain_v salvation_n this_o prophecy_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o initial_a letter_n of_o some_o verse_n which_o for_o this_o reason_n also_o be_v call_v acrostic_n tell_v we_o withal_o that_o the_o prophecy_n of_o the_o sibyl_n be_v lock_v up_o and_o be_v not_o to_o be_v inspect_v but_o by_o order_n of_o the_o senate_n forasmuch_o as_o they_o seem_v rather_o to_o contribute_v to_o the_o subversion_n then_o to_o the_o conservation_n of_o religion_n there_o be_v nothing_o more_o odious_a to_o the_o roman_n than_o the_o thing_n call_v king_n which_o be_v legible_a throughout_o these_o sacred_a book_n and_o true_o so_o plain_o do_v they_o speak_v of_o christ_n government_n and_o kingdom_n that_o even_o among_o the_o sacred_a prophet_n we_o shall_v not_o meet_v with_o a_o description_n more_o apposite_a than_o what_o be_v transcribe_v by_o vergil_n out_o of_o these_o sybelline_a oracle_n who_o by_o his_o intimacy_n with_o augustus_n obtain_v a_o sight_n of_o they_o apply_v in_o his_o genethliacon_n of_o saloninus_n the_o son_n of_o asinius_n pollio_n who_o be_v a_o favourite_n of_o the_o emperor_n those_o passage_n which_o in_o truth_n can_v belong_v to_o none_o but_o jesus_n as_o appear_v evident_o from_o this_o description_n the_o happy_a day_n be_v come_v foretell_v long_o since_o 4._o eciog_n 4._o by_o cuman_a sibyl_n sacred_a song_n from_o hence_o all_o feature_n age_n shall_v there_o date_n commence_v the_o virgin_n too_o return_v the_o upright_a reign_n of_o ancient_a saturn_n now_o return_v again_o a_o offspring_n now_o to_o we_o from_o heaven_n send_v forth_o help_v chaste_a lucina_n this_o celestial_a birth_n which_o put_v a_o period_n to_o the_o iron_n race_n and_o over_o the_o world_n a_o golden_a one_o do_v place_n who_o heavenly_a conduct_n shall_v mankind_n deliver_v from_o all_o their_o gild_n free_v from_o all_o fear_n for_o ever_o who_o godlike_a life_n shall_v yet_o more_o glorious_a prove_v by_o list_v hero_n '_o among_o the_o bless_a above_o these_o shall_v behold_v he_o too_o who_o never_o shall_v cease_v by_o his_o father_n art_n to_o rule_v the_o world_n in_o peace_n such_o a_o lofty_a description_n as_o this_o can_v by_o no_o mean_n square_v with_o the_o circumstance_n of_o soloninus_fw-la who_o die_v nine_o day_n after_o he_o be_v born_n nay_o have_v augustus_n himself_o have_v a_o son_n i_o question_v whether_o these_o character_n can_v have_v be_v apply_v to_o he_o even_o under_o a_o poetic_a licence_n of_o flattery_n in_o short_a they_o be_v transcribe_v out_o of_o the_o sybelline_a oracle_n to_o which_o the_o ancient_a writer_n of_o the_o church_n so_o often_o appeal_v as_o to_o the_o most_o uncorrupted_a monument_n of_o antiquity_n forasmuch_o as_o these_o book_n be_v keep_v by_o the_o roman_n with_o the_o great_a care_n imaginable_a under_o the_o custody_n of_o the_o college_n of_o sacred_a rite_n call_v quindecem_fw-la viri_fw-la and_o and_o so_o impossible_a to_o be_v alter_v by_o the_o christian_n nor_o can_v these_o passage_n be_v interpret_v of_o any_o but_o of_o jesus_n who_o be_v he_o that_o be_v to_o give_v peace_n to_o the_o world_n be_v bear_v also_o under_o the_o reign_n of_o augustus_n who_o shut_v up_o the_o temple_n of_o janus_n proclaim_v this_o memorial_n and_o glorious_a passage_n that_o at_o the_o time_n of_o our_o saviour_n birth_n there_o be_v a_o universal_a cessation_n of_o arm_n over_o all_o the_o earth_n as_o be_v predict_v and_o be_v necessary_a to_o introduce_v this_o prince_n of_o our_o eternal_a peace_n chap._n xxi_o of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o jesus_n the_o second_o general_n argument_n by_o which_o we_o have_v propose_v to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o christ_n messiah-ship_n be_v take_v from_o his_o doctrine_n as_o also_o from_o the_o history_n of_o his_o life_n and_o miracle_n as_o they_o be_v represent_v to_o we_o in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n now_o in_o these_o write_n there_o be_v two_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v first_o their_o author_n second_o their_o authority_n to_o prove_v their_o author_n we_o have_v no_o other_o way_n but_o by_o humane_a authority_n but_o yet_o such_o too_o as_o be_v strengthen_v by_o all_o the_o evidence_n of_o reason_n for_o if_o it_o be_v rashness_n unpardonable_a to_o question_v the_o truth_n of_o caesar_n conquer_a britain_n or_o of_o his_o defeat_a pompey_n and_o of_o his_o be_v murder_v in_o the_o senate_n for_o as_o much_o as_o the_o book_n which_o report_v these_o thing_n be_v esteem_v to_o be_v the_o genuine_a work_n of_o those_o who_o live_v in_o the_o same_o age_n who_o name_n also_o be_v prefix_v to_o they_o it_o be_v certain_o much_o great_a madness_n to_o doubt_v that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v write_v by_o the_o apostle_n since_o we_o find_v a_o more_o universal_a and_o uninterrupted_a belief_n hereof_o in_o the_o concur_v voice_n of_o a_o infinite_a
number_n of_o learned_a man_n from_o age_n to_o age_n even_o to_o the_o very_a time_n these_o sacred_a author_n flourish_v and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o we_o call_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n or_o universal_a tradition_n the_o other_o point_n respect_v the_o authority_n of_o these_o write_n that_o they_o have_v transmit_v to_o posterity_n a_o true_a history_n of_o jesus_n and_o be_v divine_o inspire_v appear_v from_o the_o near_a relation_n they_o have_v to_o christ_n in_o be_v instruct_v by_o he_o so_o that_o they_o can_v neither_o deceive_v or_o be_v deceive_v for_o the_o same_o argument_n which_o prove_v the_o messiah-ship_n and_o divine_a gift_n of_o jesus_n prove_v the_o testimony_n of_o those_o to_o who_o he_o reveal_v his_o doctrine_n to_o be_v convince_a and_o infallible_a now_o here_o come_v in_o a_o point_n about_o which_o papist_n and_o protestant_n raise_v a_o mighty_a dispute_n viz._n how_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o apostle_n write_n call_v the_o word_n of_o god_n can_v depend_v upon_o tradition_n which_o be_v a_o inferior_a kind_n of_o authority_n to_o understand_v this_o point_n we_o be_v careful_o to_o distinguish_v betwixt_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o witness_n and_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o judge_n the_o former_a be_v only_o ministerial_a declaratory_a and_o conversant_a about_o matter_n of_o fact_n the_o other_o be_v magisterial_a and_o legislative_a and_o may_v concern_v matter_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v such_o divine_a truth_n as_o be_v many_o time_n above_o our_o natural_a reason_n to_o understand_v now_o that_o divine_a truth_n as_o to_o their_o manifestation_n shall_v depend_v upon_o the_o authority_n or_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o at_o all_o absurd_a but_o very_o consonant_a to_o reason_n which_o in_o scripture_n phrase_n be_v call_v a_o evidence_n or_o reason_n of_o our_o belief_n or_o hope_n but_o than_o evidence_n once_o make_v we_o be_v require_v to_o yield_v a_o implicit_a kind_n of_o assent_n to_o 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a_o difference_n betwixt_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o testimony_n or_o messenger_n and_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o prince_n and_o yet_o we_o shall_v not_o easy_o submit_v to_o these_o letter_n be_v they_o not_o attest_v by_o such_o credible_a mean_n for_o shall_v we_o find_v such_o letter_n in_o the_o street_n or_o highway_n though_o never_o so_o patent_n and_o sign_v and_o seal_v with_o all_o formality_n imaginable_a we_o shall_v not_o take_v much_o notice_n of_o they_o much_o less_o be_v oblige_v to_o pay_v our_o obedience_n to_o they_o so_o that_o here_o we_o see_v how_o the_o motive_n of_o assent_n be_v one_o thing_n and_o the_o subject_a of_o assent_n be_v another_o and_o of_o a_o high_a nature_n though_o depend_v on_o the_o former_a have_v clear_v the_o way_n to_o the_o reason_n of_o our_o belief_n let_v we_o now_o consider_v the_o scope_n and_o content_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o we_o shall_v find_v they_o to_o be_v either_o doctrinal_a or_o historical_a the_o 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god_n himself_o and_o this_o be_v call_v active_a obedience_n second_o of_o satisfy_v or_o suffer_v for_o the_o breach_n of_o it_o and_o this_o be_v call_v passive_a obedience_n christ_n active_a obedience_n or_o his_o fulfil_n the_o law_n appear_v several_a way_n as_o touch_v the_o moral_a law_n christ_n fulfil_v it_o in_o his_o strict_a observance_n of_o it_o but_o especial_o in_o his_o more_o perfect_a interpretation_n of_o it_o by_o show_v its_o true_a full_a and_o genuine_a sense_n which_o indeed_o be_v the_o soul_n of_o every_o law_n the_o jew_n look_v only_o to_o the_o outward_a performance_n or_o shell_n of_o the_o law_n whereas_o christ_n have_v regard_n to_o the_o inward_a bent_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o to_o the_o affection_n the_o law_n say_v thou_o shall_v worship_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n christ_n say_v thou_o shall_v love_v he_o with_o all_o thy_o heart_n and_o with_o all_o thy_o strength_n the_o law_n say_v thou_o shall_v not_o take_v the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n in_o vain_a christ_n go_v further_a say_v swear_v not_o at_o all_o the_o law_n say_v thou_o shall_v not_o kill_v thou_o shall_v not_o commit_v adultery_n christ_n say_v whosoever_o be_v angry_a with_o his_o brother_n without_o a_o cause_n shall_v be_v in_o danger_n of_o judgement_n and_o that_o whosoever_o look_v on_o a_o woman_n with_o a_o lustful_a thought_n commit_v adultery_n in_o his_o heart_n christ_n firbid_v not_o only_o all_o false_a testimony_n but_o even_o all_o idle_a work_n then_o for_o the_o judicial_a law_n it_o be_v lex_fw-la talionis_fw-la a_o eye_n for_o a_o eye_n etc._n etc._n christ_n say_v whosoever_o shall_v smite_v thou_o on_o the_o right_a cheek_n turn_v to_o he_o the_o leave_v also_o the_o law_n say_v love_v thy_o neighbour_n and_o hate_v thy_o enemy_n christ_n say_v love_v your_o enemy_n and_o bless_v they_o that_o curse_v you_o also_o for_o alm_n prayer_n and_o fast_v he_o improve_v these_o duty_n to_o a_o high_a degree_n of_o perfection_n than_o that_o under_o the_o jewish_a ordinance_n as_o for_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n it_o be_v know_v that_o christ_n be_v in_o all_o thing_n conformable_a thereunto_o he_o be_v circumcise_a and_o be_v present_v in_o the_o temple_n and_o he_o observe_v their_o feast_n etc._n etc._n but_o beside_o all_o this_o he_o fulfil_v these_o law_n in_o another_o sense_n in_o as_o much_o as_o they_o be_v accomplish_v in_o he_o for_o all_o the_o rite_n and_o sacrifice_n under_o the_o jewish_a law_n with_o all_o their_o type_n as_o have_v be_v already_o show_v be_v figure_n only_o of_o christ_n now_o the_o figure_n or_o shadow_n vanish_v when_o the_o substance_n come_v in_o place_n all_o the_o prophet_n cease_v upon_o the_o appearance_n of_o christ_n as_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o a_o prince_n the_o office_n of_o a_o ambassador_n cease_v for_o from_o the_o time_n of_o john_n the_o baptist_n who_o be_v the_o last_o prophet_n and_o by_o his_o preach_a repentance_n usher_v in_o the_o bless_a jesus_n the_o jew_n never_o have_v a_o prophet_n more_o a_o clear_a proof_n that_o he_o be_v the_o messiah_n of_o who_o they_o all_o writ_n the_o other_o obligation_n under_o which_o christ_n lie_v to_o the_o law_n be_v that_o of_o his_o passive_a obedience_n in_o suffer_v the_o punishment_n due_a to_o the_o transgression_n of_o it_o he_o pour_v out_o his_o soul_n unto_o death_n and_o bear_v the_o sin_n of_o many_o and_o so_o under_o these_o two_o capacity_n 53._o isaiah_n 53._o he_o make_v a_o full_a satisfaction_n or_o a_o complete_a redemption_n now_o that_o one_o man_n as_o a_o representative_a shall_v bear_v the_o sin_n of_o many_o seem_v no_o way_n strange_a for_o under_o the_o jewish_a law_n we_o read_v of_o the_o escape_v goat_n on_o who_o head_n the_o priest_n transfer_v the_o sin_n of_o the_o people_n with_o a_o kind_n of_o a_o anathema_n which_o goat_n be_v present_o
and_o command_v upon_o the_o whole_a it_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o hodge_n podg_v of_o sentence_n or_o the_o abrupt_a transport_n of_o a_o frantic_a spirit_n which_o though_o in_o offensive_a many_o of_o they_o in_o themselves_o and_o pretend_v to_o promote_v virtue_n and_o a_o good_a life_n yet_o be_v so_o often_o repeat_v and_o without_o the_o least_o connexion_n of_o matter_n it_o quick_o nauseate_v and_o carry_v not_o the_o least_o appearance_n of_o a_o collection_n or_o body_n of_o law_n be_v no_o better_a stuff_n than_o what_o any_o old_a intoxicated_a bigottist_n vent_v usual_o in_o a_o religious_a fury_n so_o that_o the_o alcoran_n may_v true_o be_v say_v to_o be_v as_o dry_v incoherent_a devious_a and_o dangerous_a as_o the_o sand_n of_o arabia_n in_o which_o it_o be_v hatch_v but_o that_o we_o may_v come_v near_o to_o our_o journey_n end_n through_o this_o barren_a desert_n let_v we_o compare_v the_o life_n and_o doctrine_n of_o jesus_n with_o that_o of_o mahomet_n and_o here_o a_o sacred_a horror_n put_v a_o kind_n of_o stop_n to_o my_o pen_n when_o i_o offer_v to_o compare_v i_o say_v two_o thing_n so_o extreme_a as_o the_o holy_a jesus_n with_o the_o most_o impure_a impostor_n but_o since_o the_o beauty_n of_o light_n may_v without_o contradiction_n be_v illustrate_v by_o the_o gloom_a nature_n of_o darkness_n and_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n may_v become_v more_o visible_a by_o be_v oppose_v to_o the_o deformity_n of_o the_o devil_n let_v we_o i_o say_v compare_v these_o two_o prophet_n together_o first_o then_o for_o the_o holy_a jesus_n he_o tell_v his_o follower_n that_o he_o do_v not_o bear_v record_n of_o himself_o but_o that_o the_o work_n which_o he_o do_v testify_v of_o he_o to_o which_o he_o appeal_v and_o of_o which_o we_o have_v speak_v already_o as_o for_o mahomet_n let_v we_o hear_v what_o he_o say_v of_o himself_o they_o will_v certain_o cry_v out_o say_v he_o that_o mahomet_n dream_v and_o invent_v prophet_n alcoran_n cap_n of_o the_o prophet_n what_o he_o teach_v that_o he_o be_v a_o poet_n and_o that_o all_o be_v but_o fiction_n we_o will_v not_o believe_v he_o unless_o he_o show_v we_o some_o miracle_n as_o do_v the_o prophet_n of_o old_a to_o this_o objection_n which_o mahomet_n make_v of_o himself_o and_o against_o himself_o we_o may_v be_v sure_a what_o answer_n do_v he_o give_v why_o true_o and_o very_o wise_o he_o let_v the_o objection_n even_o shift_v for_o itself_o as_o well_o as_o it_o can_v run_v on_o at_o his_o old_a impertinent_a career_n and_o cry_v out_o we_o have_v destroy_v many_o town_n because_o its_o inhabitant_n be_v incredulous_a those_o which_o we_o send_v before_o thou_o be_v man_n which_o be_v inspire_v by_o we_o demand_v of_o they_o who_o be_v before_o you_o and_o who_o live_v under_o the_o write_a law_n if_o you_o be_v ignorant_a of_o it_o they_o be_v man_n who_o do_v eat_v drink_v and_o be_v mortal_a we_o have_v accomplish_v what_o we_o promise_v they_o and_o save_v they_o together_o with_o other_o believer_n and_o have_v root_v out_o the_o unbeliever_n we_o have_v send_v you_o a_o book_n to_o instruct_v you_o do_v you_o not_o understand_v how_o many_o infidel_n town_n we_o have_v destroy_v and_o how_o many_o new_a generation_n have_v be_v establish_v in_o their_o place_n etc._n etc._n a_o very_a fair_a and_o pestilent_a answer_n to_o his_o own_o objection_n and_o like_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o alcoran_n there_o be_v one_o miracle_n i_o confess_v father_v on_o he_o how_o that_o once_o upon_o a_o time_n the_o moon_n be_v cleave_v in_o twain_o and_o fall_v down_o upon_o the_o ground_n wereupon_o mahomet_n run_v nimble_o and_o catch_v up_o the_o piece_n before_o they_o crumble_v into_o bit_n solder_v they_o together_o again_o and_o send_v it_o up_o to_o heaven_n whole_a and_o sound_a as_o a_o bell_n a_o miracle_n which_o no_o man_n see_v beside_o the_o author_n of_o it_o and_o serve_v only_o to_o convince_v his_o follower_n that_o he_o be_v no_o other_o than_o a_o lunatic_n in_o the_o next_o place_n jesus_n christ_n be_v a_o person_n of_o a_o most_o pure_a and_o holy_a life_n as_o mahomet_n himself_o confess_v whilst_o mahomet_n own_v himself_o in_o many_o place_n of_o the_o alcoran_n to_o have_v be_v a_o very_a lewd_a voluptuous_a and_o lustful_a person_n three_o the_o doctrine_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v this_o love_v your_o enemy_n entertain_v not_o a_o lustful_a thought_n suffer_v reproach_n thankful_o rejoice_v under_o persecution_n and_o the_o like_a the_o doctrine_n of_o mahomet_n be_v kill_v your_o enemy_n get_v as_o many_o wife_n and_o concubine_n as_o you_o can_v keep_v etc._n etc._n four_o the_o instrument_n which_o jesus_n make_v use_v of_o to_o propagate_v his_o doctrine_n be_v a_o few_o poor_a simple_a fisherman_n timorous_a and_o illiterate_a without_o friend_n money_n or_o interest_n the_o instrument_n which_o mahomet_n have_v recourse_n to_o be_v squadron_n of_o arm_a and_o bloody_a arabian_n five_o when_o christ_n appear_v the_o roman_n who_o oppose_v his_o doctrine_n be_v in_o their_o great_a glory_n for_o learning_n number_n and_o strength_n there_o be_v then_o the_o large_a and_o the_o most_o powerful_a emperor_n the_o world_n ever_o know_v which_o make_v head_n against_o it_o when_o mahomet_n appear_v the_o empire_n be_v break_v to_o piece_n and_o the_o country_n he_o appear_v in_o be_v utter_o void_a of_o all_o learning_n knowledge_n humility_n and_o sense_n of_o christianity_n except_v a_o few_o nestorian_a heretic_n last_o christ_n promise_v salvation_n by_o die_v and_o rise_v again_o mahomet_n by_o sight_v promise_v also_o that_o he_o will_v come_v again_o to_o they_o a_o thousand_o year_n after_o his_o departure_n but_o he_o be_v not_o so_o good_a as_o his_o word_n in_o so_o much_o that_o the_o mufti_n find_v the_o people_n much_o dissatisfy_v and_o ready_a to_o mutiny_n about_o the_o non-accomplishment_n of_o this_o glorious_a prediction_n find_v this_o artifice_n to_o appease_v they_o say_v that_o upon_o a_o more_o diligent_a perusal_n of_o the_o sacred_a book_n he_o discover_v a_o mistake_n in_o the_o figure_n and_o so_o it_o be_v find_v to_o be_v 2000_o and_o not_o 1000_o year_n before_o this_o most_o illustrious_a prophecy_n shall_v be_v fullfil_v which_o cheat_n so_o silly_a as_o it_o be_v be_v sufficient_a to_o appease_v the_o delude_a rabble_n from_o all_o these_o instance_n it_o appear_v abundant_o that_o the_o great_a success_n in_o the_o propagation_n of_o the_o mahometan_a religion_n have_v its_o birth_n and_o progress_n from_o humane_a artifice_n and_o invention_n but_o here_o the_o mahometan_a will_v reply_v if_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n to_o redeem_v the_o world_n from_o error_n and_o eternal_a misery_n how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o he_o have_v suffer_v such_o a_o impostor_n as_o mahomet_n to_o delude_v mankind_n for_o above_o a_o thousand_o year_n ravish_v his_o spouse_n the_o church_n out_o of_o his_o bosom_n and_o make_v most_o direful_a butchery_n on_o the_o son_n and_o member_n of_o it_o insomuch_o that_o there_o be_v scarce_o one_o three_o leave_v to_o christ_n so_o large_a and_o permanent_a be_v the_o acquisition_n of_o mahomet_n from_o whence_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o christ_n must_v either_o want_n will_n or_o power_n to_o defend_v that_o church_n for_o who_o sake_n it_o be_v say_v that_o he_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n and_o be_v incarnate_a and_o suffer_v a_o ignominious_a death_n upon_o the_o cross_n and_o that_o mahomet_n as_o one_o of_o great_a power_n and_o virtue_n to_o defend_v his_o doctrine_n be_v no_o impostor_n but_o a_o true_a and_o glorious_a prophet_n a_o discourse_n like_o this_o how_o blasphemous_a and_o offensive_a soever_o it_o may_v be_v to_o the_o ear_n of_o a_o christian_a must_v yet_o be_v suffer_v be_v i_o to_o dispute_v with_o a_o mahometan_a and_o indeed_o it_o be_v the_o only_a thing_n of_o moment_n which_o any_o of_o that_o religion_n can_v suggest_v in_o favour_n of_o it_o to_o which_o i_o answer_v first_o that_o the_o same_o objection_n may_v be_v make_v against_o the_o jewish_a church_n of_o old_a for_o they_o be_v in_o comparison_n of_o the_o pagan_a world_n not_o so_o much_o as_o one_o to_o a_o thousand_o also_o they_o be_v frequent_o oppress_v by_o their_o neighbour_n and_o at_o last_o their_o law_n and_o nation_n in_o a_o manner_n extinguish_v in_o the_o babylonish_n captivity_n the_o jewish_a church_n indeed_o be_v a_o type_n of_o the_o christian_a and_o the_o case_n the_o same_o in_o both_o god_n promise_n be_v always_o conditional_a there_o be_v require_v repentance_n and_o duty_n on_o man_n part_n for_o failure_n whereof_o severe_a judgement_n be_v ever_o denounce_v and_o thus_o much_o mahomet_n himself_o allow_v every_o where_n in_o his_o alcoran_n now_o that_o
there_o be_v such_o a_o general_n decay_n of_o piety_n and_o christian_a virtue_n in_o these_o people_n who_o now_o groan_n under_o the_o mahometan_a yoke_n at_o such_o time_n as_o they_o become_v its_o vassal_n be_v notorious_o evident_a in_o all_o monument_n of_o antiquity_n nor_o do_v mahomet_n promise_n blessing_n and_o mercy_n to_o his_o follower_n but_o upon_o such_o condition_n as_o be_v before_o mention_v viz._n beleif_n repentance_n and_o goodworks_a in_o the_o next_o place_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v great_a apostasy_n from_o the_o faith_n and_o that_o there_o shall_v arise_v great_a seducer_n and_o false_a prophet_n or_o antichrist_n who_o shall_v deceive_v many_o and_o introduce_v new_a and_o damnable_a doctrine_n be_v what_o christ_n foretell_v and_o caution_v those_o who_o embrace_v his_o doctrine_n to_o beware_v of_o it_o so_o that_o the_o event_n be_v so_o far_o from_o weaken_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o it_o do_v fortify_v the_o same_o by_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o what_o jesus_n foretold_v in_o the_o three_o place_n such_o a_o breach_n in_o the_o christian_a body_n be_v no_o diminution_n of_o christ_n power_n and_o goodness_n the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o this_o world_n be_v in_o a_o state_n militant_a expose_v to_o continual_a fatigue_n and_o danger_n and_o sometime_o to_o defeat_n and_o to_o captivity_n this_o be_v nothing_o but_o what_o christ_n also_o foretell_v in_o his_o gospel_n and_o what_o he_o himself_o suffer_v now_o here_o indeed_o be_v the_o power_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n make_v manifest_a that_o maugre_o all_o the_o barbarity_n and_o artifice_n of_o turkish_a gorvernment_n the_o number_n of_o christian_n throughout_o their_o dominion_n far_o exceed_v that_o of_o those_o who_o hold_v they_o in_o subjection_n nor_o have_v the_o turk_n introduce_v among_o the_o greek_n any_o doctrine_n of_o their_o own_o which_o may_v poison_v the_o christian_a faith_n so_o that_o however_o their_o temporal_a estate_n may_v suffer_v by_o god_n wonderful_a providence_n and_o goodness_n they_o be_v not_o in_o any_o subjection_n as_o to_o their_o soul_n all_o which_o serve_v to_o wean_v man_n from_o the_o love_n of_o this_o world_n and_o to_o settle_v their_o thought_n upon_o a_o future_a state_n which_o be_v indeed_o the_o grand_a scope_n and_o method_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o as_o this_o be_v the_o method_n with_o the_o church_n in_o general_n so_o likewise_o be_v it_o with_o every_o true_a christian_a in_o particular_a and_o although_o at_o first_o sight_n it_o may_v seem_v something_o harsh_a that_o christ_n who_o come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o destroy_v the_o work_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o to_o redeem_v man_n from_o sin_n shall_v notwithstanding_o suffer_v the_o same_o devil_n to_o tempt_v we_o to_o sin_n and_o to_o ravish_v infinite_a number_n of_o soul_n daily_o out_o of_o the_o arm_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o even_o in_o this_o particular_a he_o verify_v his_o own_o doctrine_n for_o eternal_a happiness_n be_v call_v a_o crown_n now_o a_o crown_n or_o garland_n through_o all_o antiquity_n be_v ever_o hold_v a_o military_a reward_n such_o be_v their_o civil_a moral_a and_o other_o crown_n so_o famous_a among_o the_o ancient_n so_o that_o the_o very_a reward_n do_v suppose_v a_o victory_n and_o victory_n a_o fight_n and_o fight_v a_o enemy_n conformable_a hereunto_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o we_o wrestle_v not_o with_o flesh_n and_o blood_n that_o be_v with_o our_o own_o sensual_a appetite_n and_o passion_n but_o with_o principality_n and_o power_n and_o spiritual_a wickedness_n in_o high_a place_n that_o be_v with_o devil_n who_o yet_o retain_v some_o kind_n of_o government_n and_o be_v in_o subordination_n to_o one_o another_o resemble_v the_o hierarchy_n of_o the_o bless_a angel_n which_o be_v describe_v also_o by_o the_o like_a character_n of_o throne_n dominion_n principality_n and_o power_n and_o be_v always_o at_o hand_n to_o relieve_v and_o defend_v the_o elect_a against_o temporal_a danger_n and_o the_o assault_n of_o those_o black_a legion_n as_o be_v every_o where_o most_o abundant_o reveal_v in_o scripture_n now_o if_o man_n for_o a_o corruptible_a crown_n venture_v so_o much_o he_o certain_o do_v not_o deserve_v one_o which_o be_v eternal_a and_o incorruptible_a who_o will_v not_o suffer_v hardship_n and_o combat_v the_o enemy_n who_o oppose_v he_o nor_o have_v christ_n leave_v the_o member_n of_o his_o church_n abandon_v and_o destitute_a for_o beside_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o bless_a angel_n the_o assistance_n of_o his_o sacrament_n together_o with_o his_o own_o example_n precept_n and_o promise_n he_o have_v for_o our_o far_a encouragement_n promise_v we_o the_o assistance_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o adorn_v we_o with_o many_o singular_a grace_n and_o to_o direct_v his_o church_n into_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n and_o holiness_n to_o all_o which_o whosoever_o have_v a_o true_a regard_n and_o live_v a_o virtuous_a life_n can_v but_o have_v a_o solid_a assurance_n of_o be_v eternal_o happy_a in_o the_o last_o place_n the_o progress_n which_o the_o mahometan_a superstition_n have_v make_v be_v not_o so_o great_a as_o what_o the_o professor_n of_o it_o do_v pretend_v they_o never_o meet_v with_o any_o philosopher_n to_o dispute_v with_o they_o nor_o prince_n to_o persecute_v they_o so_o that_o like_a weed_n in_o a_o fruitful_a soil_n be_v neglect_v they_o soon_o grow_v up_o and_o overrun_v the_o good_a ground_n what_o opposition_n the_o christian_a religion_n meet_v with_o in_o its_o birth_n and_o infancy_n we_o have_v already_o speak_v of_o as_o also_o that_o the_o christian_n after_o all_o their_o calamity_n far_o exceed_v the_o mahometan_n in_o number_n throughout_o all_o the_o grand_a signior_n dominion_n to_o put_v a_o end_n to_o this_o discourse_n i_o put_v it_o thus_o to_o the_o mahometan_a mahomet_n in_o the_o table_n alcoran_n c._n of_o the_o table_n alcoran_n bring_v in_o god_n thus_o speak_v to_o he_o after_o many_o prophet_n we_o have_v at_o last_o send_v jesus_n the_o son_n of_o mary_n he_o have_v confirm_v the_o ancient_a scripture_n we_o have_v give_v he_o the_o gospel_n full_a of_o light_n to_o conduct_v the_o people_n into_o the_o right_a way_n they_o who_o follow_v the_o gospel_n aught_o to_o judge_n how_o it_o be_v teach_v in_o the_o gospel_n they_o who_o do_v not_o judge_v conformable_o to_o what_o god_n have_v teach_v they_o be_v disobedient_a to_o his_o divine_a majesty_n the_o like_a he_o have_v in_o many_o other_o place_n of_o the_o alcoran_n extol_v also_o the_o apostle_n of_o jesus_n as_o send_v and_o inspire_v by_o god_n moreover_o chap._n of_o wine_n he_o call_v the_o jew_n blasphemer_n of_o wine_n alcor_fw-la cap._n of_o wine_n mary_n when_o they_o boast_v how_o they_o have_v kill_v the_o messiah_n even_o jesus_n the_o son_n of_o mary_n the_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n of_o god_n they_o do_v not_o kill_v he_o nor_o crucify_v he_o but_o they_o crucify_v another_o person_n who_o resemble_v he_o god_n have_v take_v up_o jesus_n to_o himself_o into_o heaven_n moreover_o in_o the_o forecited_a chap._n of_o the_o table_n say_v he_o those_o who_o say_v that_o the_o messiah_n the_o son_n of_o mary_n be_v god_n be_v impious_a now_o let_v we_o see_v how_o these_o say_n of_o mahomet_n can_v hang_v together_o it_o be_v in_o the_o gospel_n that_o we_o read_v how_o christ_n the_o word_n be_v god_n or_o the_o son_n of_o the_o live_a god_n also_o that_o he_o be_v crucify_a and_o rose_n again_o it_o be_v in_o the_o gospel_n where_o we_o read_v that_o christ_n teach_v and_o command_v his_o disciple_n to_o baptise_v all_o nation_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n and_o of_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o also_o institute_v the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o leave_v it_o as_o his_o last_o legacy_n or_o pledge_n of_o his_o love_n before_o his_o translation_n now_o if_o the_o gospel_n as_o mahomet_n tell_v we_o be_v full_a of_o light_n and_o leave_v we_o by_o god_n to_o direct_v we_o into_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n then_o must_v the_o forementioned_a doctrine_n also_o be_v true_a for_o shall_v the_o gospel_n teach_v we_o a_o falsehood_n it_o can_v not_o be_v say_v to_o be_v full_a of_o light_n and_o to_o direct_v we_o into_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n now_o if_o these_o doctrine_n be_v true_a then_o must_v that_o which_o be_v teach_v by_o mahomet_n to_o the_o contrary_n be_v false_a and_o consequent_o that_o mahomet_n in_o so_o teach_v be_v no_o less_o contradictory_n to_o himself_o than_o to_o the_o truth_n and_o be_v therefore_o no_o true_a prophet_n but_o a_o lie_a and_o wicked_a imposture_n but_o before_o i_o take_v my_o leave_n of_o mahomet_n it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o advertise_v my_o reader_n if_o he_o be_v a_o christian_a of_o the_o danger_n both_o he_o and_o all_o
accident_n in_o japan_n or_o the_o region_n beyond_o the_o mountain_n of_o the_o moon_n as_o that_o all_o be_v damn_v though_o otherwise_o never_o so_o wise_a and_o virtuous_a who_o do_v not_o know_v the_o history_n of_o the_o gospel_n when_o yet_o we_o find_v how_o the_o disciple_n themselves_o who_o converse_v with_o jesus_n be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o nature_n of_o his_o government_n expect_v a_o temporal_a messiah_n nor_o be_v they_o full_o instruct_v till_o after_o the_o descent_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o even_o then_o too_o we_o find_v peter_n doubt_v whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o converse_v with_o the_o gentile_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o case_n of_o cornelius_n it_o remain_v therefore_o that_o the_o gentile_n of_o this_o latter_a age_n of_o the_o world_n can_v have_v no_o other_o way_n of_o know_v the_o christian_a mystery_n but_o by_o such_o ordinary_a method_n as_o other_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v bring_v to_o light_n which_o fail_v the_o only_a medium_fw-la of_o knowledge_n and_o information_n must_v be_v by_o a_o extraordinary_a revealer_n and_o this_o be_v the_o true_a state_n of_o the_o world_n in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o church_n when_o the_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n furnish_v with_o supernatural_a gift_n and_o grace_n be_v make_v the_o apostle_n and_o messenger_n of_o these_o glad_a tiding_n of_o salvation_n nor_o do_v they_o do_v all_o this_o in_o one_o age_n but_o succeed_a age_n and_o nation_n become_v convert_v to_o the_o christian_a faith_n as_o new_a discovery_n and_o man_n of_o a_o apostolic_a spirit_n do_v present_v themselves_o as_o all_o history_n do_v testify_v this_o then_o be_v the_o great_a point_n in_o controversy_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o pursue_v it_o more_o full_o by_o such_o argument_n as_o natural_a reason_n and_o scripture_n can_v afford_v we_o first_o then_o that_o such_o man_n as_o we_o now_o speak_v of_o have_v not_o by_o any_o mean_n receive_v information_n of_o the_o christian_a mystery_n shall_v yet_o be_v capable_a of_o salvation_n be_v very_o insonant_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o all-mercifull_a and_o righteous_a god_n viz._n not_o to_o punish_v man_n for_o what_o be_v not_o in_o their_o power_n to_o help_v or_o if_o in_o their_o power_n they_o will_v have_v yield_v all_o dutiful_a compliance_n with_o it_o now_o as_o this_o be_v consonant_a to_o god_n goodness_n so_o be_v it_o not_o derogatory_n to_o his_o justice_n consider_v as_o i_o promise_v at_o first_o that_o such_o a_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o practice_n of_o moral_a virtue_n as_o we_o find_v oftentimes_o among_o the_o gentile_n be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n and_o not_o the_o effect_n of_o man_n proper_a will_n and_o power_n neither_o yet_o be_v they_o derogatory_n to_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n when_o we_o call_v to_o mind_v what_o be_v above_o promise_v that_o christ_n obedience_n and_o passion_n be_v the_o efficient_a and_o meritorious_a cause_n of_o man_n salvation_n so_o that_o man_n knowledge_n be_v only_o instrumental_a whatsoever_o influence_n it_o have_v it_o must_v be_v derive_v also_o from_o god_n and_o resolve_v final_o into_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n according_a to_o my_o first_o two_o axiom_n or_o postulata_n let_v we_o argue_v then_o the_o point_v a_o little_a close_o the_o king_n of_o england_n perhaps_o send_v a_o considerable_a sum_n of_o money_n for_o the_o redemption_n of_o all_o english_a slave_n throughout_o the_o turkish_a dominion_n those_o who_o hear_v the_o joyful_a news_n ready_o embrace_v it_o with_o all_o imaginable_a thankfulness_n whilst_o other_o hear_v nothing_o of_o it_o sit_v silent_a now_o will_v it_o not_o seem_v very_o hard_a and_o unjust_a that_o these_o shall_v be_v exclude_v from_o all_o benefit_n by_o this_o act_n of_o grace_n and_o bounty_n and_o leave_v in_o perpetual_a bondage_n because_o they_o do_v not_o lay_v hold_n of_o that_o which_o they_o never_o hear_v of_o which_o yet_o doubtless_o they_o will_v have_v embrace_v also_o with_o the_o same_o sense_n of_o gratitude_n with_o other_o have_v they_o have_v the_o same_o notice_n nay_o rather_o do_v we_o not_o account_v a_o unknown_a act_n of_o grace_n and_o bounty_n do_v to_o a_o man_n and_o before_o it_o be_v seek_v for_o to_o carry_v character_n of_o great_a goodness_n and_o to_o lay_v a_o strong_a obligation_n also_o upon_o the_o receiver_n when_o he_o shall_v come_v to_o have_v a_o knowledge_n of_o his_o most_o generous_a benefactor_n so_o that_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o socrates_n aristides_n epictetus_n with_o other_o such_o like_a hero_n who_o without_o blasphemy_n or_o heresy_n we_o may_v suppose_v capable_a of_o mercy_n in_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n will_v exalt_v with_o great_a joy_n and_o celebrate_v the_o praise_n of_o their_o gracious_a redeemer_n when_o they_o shall_v see_v he_o though_o in_o the_o cloud_n yet_o far_o more_o glorious_a than_o the_o sun_n and_o by_o who_o merit_n and_o mercy_n they_o be_v bring_v into_o that_o luminous_a region_n of_o eternal_a happiness_n and_o as_o this_o be_v the_o voice_n of_o reason_n so_o also_o be_v it_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o first_o be_v that_o of_o the_o 11_o to_o the_o hebrew_n where_o we_o read_v that_o he_o that_o come_v to_o god_n must_v believe_v he_o be_v and_o the_o rewarder_n of_o they_o who_o diligent_o seek_v he_o now_o this_o belief_n many_o of_o the_o heathen_n have_v viz._n of_o his_o existence_n as_o also_o of_o a_o future_a state_n where_o after_o this_o life_n good_a man_n shall_v be_v reward_v and_o the_o wicked_a man_n punish_v we_o see_v then_o that_o by_o these_o two_o act_n of_o assent_n the_o heathen_n be_v say_v to_o come_v to_o god_n or_o to_o be_v admit_v to_o his_o favour_n and_o grace_n which_o yet_o can_v be_v verify_v of_o they_o unless_o they_o be_v account_v capable_a of_o salvation_n nay_o far_o this_o kind_n of_o come_v to_o god_n be_v call_v faith_n and_o such_o a_o faith_n without_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v he_o when_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o in_o the_o context_n that_o without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n subjoin_v it_o present_o as_o a_o reason_n for_o he_o that_o come_v to_o god_n must_v believe_v that_o he_o be_v etc._n etc._n another_o argument_n from_o scripture_n be_v that_o passage_n of_o cornelius_n the_o centurion_n act_n the_o 10_o who_o though_o a_o heathen_a yet_o by_o his_o alm_n and_o prayer_n and_o the_o devout_a order_n he_o keep_v in_o his_o family_n procure_v the_o grace_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n to_o have_v st._n peter_n send_v to_o he_o for_o his_o far_a instruction_n and_o of_o such_o force_n and_o conviction_n be_v this_o truth_n that_o even_o st._n peter_n himself_o though_o the_o apostle_n of_o the_o circumcision_n can_v not_o forbear_v to_o make_v a_o open_a profession_n of_o it_o say_v of_o a_o truth_n i_o find_v that_o god_n be_v no_o respecter_n of_o person_n but_o in_o every_o nation_n he_o that_o fear_v god_n and_o work_v righteousness_n as_o do_v cornelius_n and_o many_o also_o of_o the_o illuminate_v gentile_n be_v accept_v of_o he_o nay_o st._n peter_n discourse_n do_v imply_v that_o in_o every_o nation_n there_o may_v be_v some_o who_o fear_v god_n and_o wrought_v righteousness_n and_o if_o so_o of_o a_o certain_a truth_n they_o be_v accept_v of_o he_o to_o these_o place_n we_o may_v add_v what_o st._n paul_n testify_v of_o himself_o that_o though_o he_o have_v a_o historical_a knowledge_n of_o the_o life_n doctrine_n and_o suffering_n of_o jesus_n and_o be_v a_o violent_a persecuter_n of_o those_o who_o believe_v on_o he_o yet_o obtain_v mercy_n because_o he_o do_v it_o in_o ignorance_n and_o unbelief_n 1_o tim._n 1._o ought_v we_o therefore_o to_o exclude_v all_o from_o mercy_n who_o never_o hear_v of_o jesus_n and_o yet_o such_o too_o as_o will_v have_v be_v as_o ready_a as_o other_o to_o embrace_v he_o and_o to_o suffer_v for_o he_o have_v he_o be_v reveal_v unto_o they_o the_o last_o argument_n 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