and_o the_o redeemer_n of_o the_o world_n this_o i_o will_v brief_o open_v there_o be_v three_o that_o bear_v record_n in_o heaven_n the_o father_n the_o word_n and_o the_o holy-ghost_n and_o these_o three_o be_v one_o and_o there_o be_v three_o that_o bear_v witness_n in_o earth_n the_o spirit_n and_o the_o water_n and_o the_o blood_n and_o these_o three_o agree_v in_o one_o all_o the_o divinity_n give_v testimony_n of_o this_o important_a truth_n the_o father_n not_o only_o by_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o his_o power_n to_o confirm_v the_o mission_n of_o christ_n but_o which_o be_v here_o principal_o intend_v by_o a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n first_o at_o his_o baptism_n this_o be_v my_o well-beloved_a son_n in_o who_o i_o be_o well_o please_v and_o at_o his_o transfiguration_n before_o some_o of_o his_o disciple_n a_o shine_v cloud_n the_o sign_n of_o the_o divine_a presence_n encompass_v they_o and_o a_o voice_n come_v forth_o of_o the_o cloud_n this_o be_v my_o well_o belove_a son_n hear_v he_o upon_o this_o glorious_a voice_n they_o be_v strike_v with_o such_o a_o impression_n of_o fear_n that_o they_o fall_v on_o their_o face_n and_o when_o our_o saviour_n near_o his_o passion_n pray_v father_n glorify_v thy_o name_n a_o voice_n come_v from_o heaven_n i_o have_v glorify_v it_o and_o will_v glorify_v it_o now_o can_v there_o remain_v any_o doubt_n after_o such_o a_o high_a attestation_n from_o the_o most_o sovereign_a authority_n the_o son_n also_o beside_o the_o perfect_a holiness_n of_o his_o life_n the_o exquisite_a wisdom_n of_o his_o doctrine_n the_o wonder_n of_o his_o work_n his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a that_o be_v authentic_a proof_n of_o his_o celestial_a person_n and_o call_v after_o his_o ascension_n glorious_o appear_v from_o heaven_n in_o diverse_a vision_n to_o the_o preacher_n of_o his_o gospel_n to_o saul_n in_o his_o journey_n to_o damascus_n call_v to_o he_o saul_n saul_n why_o persecute_v thou_o i_o it_o be_v hard_a for_o thou_o to_o kick_v against_o the_o prick_n this_o be_v a_o unexceptionable_a testimony_n that_o he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o return_v to_o heaven_n from_o whence_o he_o thus_o discover_v himself_o now_o that_o this_o be_v real_a and_o no_o fantastic_a illusion_n be_v evident_a by_o the_o marvellous_a effect_n of_o it_o those_o who_o be_v companion_n in_o the_o journey_n be_v seize_v with_o great_a terror_n and_o himself_o strike_v blind_a by_o the_o overpower_a splendour_n of_o the_o apparition_n but_o especial_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o upon_o his_o soul_n be_v convince_a who_o it_o be_v that_o speak_v to_o he_o for_o saul_n be_v by_o sect_n a_o pharisee_fw-mi that_o of_o all_o other_o most_o passionate_o adhere_v to_o the_o jewish_a religion_n by_o temper_v hot_a and_o violent_a by_o profession_n a_o persecutor_n of_o the_o christian_n one_o that_o breathe_v forth_o threaten_v and_o slaughter_n that_o excite_v the_o fury_n of_o the_o high-priest_n solicit_v their_o cruelty_n in_o short_a a_o fierce_a spirit_n that_o envy_v nero_n the_o title_n of_o the_o first_o persecutor_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o this_o man_n by_o this_o vision_n and_o voice_n from_o heaven_n of_o a_o furious_a persecutor_n in_o a_o instant_n become_v a_o zealous_a apostle_n of_o a_o wolf_n become_v a_o pastor_n he_o present_o express_v his_o entire_a submission_n lord_n what_o will_v thou_o have_v i_o to_o do_v there_o be_v nothing_o so_o hard_a to_o do_v nothing_o so_o dreadful_a to_o suffer_v but_o i_o will_v ready_o undertake_v for_o thy_o honour_n and_o the_o propagate_a thy_o truth_n now_o from_o whence_o come_v this_o change_n so_o strange_a so_o new_a in_o a_o person_n confirm_v in_o the_o opposite_a party_n from_o whence_o this_o resignation_n of_o will_n so_o entire_a and_o perfect_a so_o unexpected_a and_o sudden_a what_o give_v he_o courage_n to_o contradict_v to_o their_o face_n the_o high-priest_n who_o instrument_n he_o be_v and_o declare_v that_o jesus_n who_o they_o call_v a_o deceiver_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o their_o judge_n what_o animate_v he_o to_o appear_v before_o king_n and_o emperor_n to_o testify_v this_o dangerous_a truth_n what_o make_v he_o with_o unparalleled_a activity_n with_o the_o most_o ardent_a affection_n propagate_v the_o gospel_n and_o after_o a_o thousand_o peril_n by_o sea_n and_o land_n a_o thousand_o disgrace_n and_o injury_n at_o last_o to_o confirm_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n with_o his_o blood_n it_o be_v therefore_o past_a all_o contradiction_n that_o he_o have_v the_o great_a assurance_n that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n speak_v to_o he_o another_o vision_n of_o the_o word_n from_o heaven_n be_v to_o st._n john_n when_o he_o be_v please_v to_o reveal_v to_o he_o the_o future_a state_n of_o his_o church_n its_o combat_n and_o victory_n he_o than_o appear_v in_o a_o form_n expressive_a of_o his_o majesty_n power_n and_o providence_n requisite_a for_o the_o order_n all_o the_o great_a event_n that_o shall_v befall_v it_o and_o say_v i_o be_o the_o first_o and_o the_o last_o i_o be_o he_o that_o live_v and_o be_v dead_a and_o behold_v i_o live_v for_o ever_o and_o have_v the_o key_n of_o hell_n and_o of_o death_n wherein_o he_o appropriate_v to_o himself_o the_o incommunicable_a title_n of_o the_o deity_n and_o then_o declare_v those_o two_o astonish_a miracle_n that_o the_o prince_n of_o life_n that_o have_v a_o eternal_a principle_n of_o it_o in_o himself_o be_v dead_a and_o that_o one_o who_o have_v be_v dead_a be_v alive_a this_o riddle_n the_o gospel_n unfold_v the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v make_v man_n and_o by_o that_o admirable_a union_n ally_v eternity_n and_o time_n life_n and_o death_n together_o as_o it_o be_v a_o common_a form_n of_o speech_n that_o a_o man_n die_v when_o the_o body_n be_v deprive_v of_o life_n though_o the_o soul_n be_v immortal_a so_o it_o be_v true_a the_o son_n of_o god_n die_v when_o his_o body_n be_v crucify_v though_o he_o be_v uncapable_a of_o the_o least_o diminution_n of_o his_o divine_a life_n and_o after_o three_o day_n he_o rise_v by_o the_o divine_a power_n to_o enjoy_v a_o immortal_a life_n and_o have_v the_o key_n of_o hell_n and_o death_n the_o irresistible_a force_n of_o death_n all_o man_n must_v yield_v to_o and_o from_o the_o grave_a there_o be_v no_o redemption_n by_o finite_a power_n but_o jesus_n christ_n have_v sovereign_a authority_n and_o power_n to_o open_v the_o grave_a and_o raise_v the_o dead_a to_o a_o happy_a immortality_n this_o glorious_a appearance_n make_v st._n john_n to_o fall_v as_o dead_a at_o his_o foot_n and_o can_v not_o recover_v himself_o till_o assure_v by_o the_o revive_a word_n of_o his_o favour_n the_o spirit_n also_o appear_v from_o heaven_n to_o give_v testimony_n concern_v the_o divine_a person_n and_o office_n of_o christ_n first_o by_o descend_v as_o a_o dove_n on_o he_o when_o he_o be_v baptize_v this_o be_v the_o completion_n of_o the_o prophecy_n the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v upon_o i_o he_o have_v anoint_v i_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o the_o poor_a to_o publish_v deliverance_n to_o the_o captive_n and_o in_o the_o second_o of_o the_o act_n the_o spirit_n descend_v in_o the_o form_n of_o fiery_a tongue_n upon_o the_o apostle_n to_o qualify_v they_o for_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o the_o world_n and_o it_o be_v worthy_a of_o observation_n that_o the_o apostle_n be_v before_o this_o very_a defective_a in_o wisdom_n and_o courage_n so_o that_o their_o divine_a master_n though_o goodness_n itself_o yet_o tax_v they_o for_o their_o stupidity_n and_o in_o his_o suffering_n they_o all_o forsake_v he_o but_o after_o the_o effusion_n of_o the_o spirit_n upon_o they_o they_o be_v endow_v with_o that_o admirable_a wisdom_n and_o resolution_n that_o nothing_o can_v gainsay_v and_o overcome_v they_o present_o speak_v in_o various_a language_n the_o thing_n concern_v jesus_n christ_n that_o the_o world_n be_v astonish_v and_o many_o convert_v by_o this_o testimony_n from_o god_n for_o the_o honour_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o other_o confound_v in_o their_o obstinacy_n now_o since_o this_o miraculous_a descent_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v to_o ratify_v the_o promise_n that_o he_o make_v to_o they_o if_o i_o go_v away_o i_o will_v send_v to_o you_o another_o comforter_n what_o more_o clear_a and_o valuable_a testimony_n can_v we_o have_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n if_o infidelity_n shall_v reply_v if_o we_o have_v hear_v these_o voice_n and_o see_v those_o glorious_a vision_n we_o shall_v be_v convince_v but_o what_o assurance_n have_v we_o there_o be_v no_o deceit_n in_o these_o relation_n i_o answer_v there_o never_o be_v clear_a ground_n of_o the_o belief_n of_o any_o thing_n do_v without_o the_o compass_n of_o our_o own_o sense_n than_o of_o what_o
the_o mournful_a remembrance_n of_o his_o lose_a felicity_n and_o harden_v in_o despair_n 1._o the_o christian_a religion_n give_v a_o full_a account_n of_o the_o depravation_n and_o misery_n of_o humane_a nature_n in_o its_o first_o cause_n the_o heathen_n feel_v a_o insuperable_a permanent_a discord_n in_o man_n between_o the_o upper_a faculty_n and_o the_o low_a appetite_n but_o be_v utter_o ignorant_a of_o the_o cause_n of_o it_o now_o the_o scripture_n reveal_v that_o man_n in_o the_o original_a frame_n of_o his_o nature_n be_v regular_a and_o holy_a a_o piece_n of_o workmanship_n worthy_a the_o perfection_n of_o his_o creator_n but_o he_o abuse_v his_o liberty_n to_o break_v the_o first_o command_n which_o be_v give_v for_o the_o trial_n of_o his_o obedience_n he_o yield_v to_o the_o enticement_n of_o a_o fall_v spirit_n who_o be_v a_o liar_n that_o he_o may_v be_v a_o murderer_n and_o by_o his_o revolt_n from_o god_n lose_v his_o holiness_n and_o make_v a_o forfeiture_n of_o all_o the_o privilege_n of_o his_o happy_a state_n thus_o the_o fountain_n be_v taint_v and_o who_o can_v bring_v a_o clean_a thing_n out_o of_o a_o unclean_a by_o the_o offence_n of_o one_o judgement_n come_v upon_o all_o to_o condemnation_n every_o man_n be_v now_o bear_v a_o slave_n of_o sin_n a_o tributary_n of_o death_n from_o hence_o it_o follow_v that_o the_o most_o deform_a monster_n in_o villainy_n the_o most_o fierce_a enemy_n of_o religion_n serve_v to_o confirm_v its_o truth_n as_o well_o as_o the_o most_o eminent_a saint_n these_o show_v the_o virtue_n of_o redemption_n by_o the_o sanctity_n of_o their_o life_n the_o other_o the_o corruption_n of_o nature_n by_o their_o obstinate_a wickedness_n 2._o the_o christian_a religion_n instruct_v we_o that_o god_n send_v his_o own_o son_n into_o the_o world_n in_o the_o humane_a nature_n that_o he_o may_v offer_v up_o himself_o a_o expiatory_a sacrifice_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n to_o restore_v they_o to_o his_o favour_n this_o be_v a_o mystery_n above_o the_o flight_n of_o any_o create_a understanding_n yet_o it_o be_v so_o temper_v and_o frame_v there_o be_v such_o a_o uniformity_n of_o wisdom_n in_o all_o its_o part_n it_o present_v such_o a_o full_a and_o glorious_a image_n of_o the_o deity_n in_o all_o his_o perfection_n that_o it_o cause_v the_o high_a admiration_n and_o command_v belief_n in_o those_o who_o due_o consider_v it_o the_o whole_a oeconomy_n become_v the_o majesty_n the_o goodness_n the_o holiness_n and_o justice_n of_o god_n his_o supreme_a majesty_n appear_v in_o his_o pardon_v the_o guilty_a for_o the_o suffering_n of_o another_o for_o this_o be_v a_o infallible_a proof_n that_o he_o be_v above_o law_n and_o his_o inconceiveable_a mercy_n be_v the_o only_a principle_n and_o fountain_n of_o our_o pardon_n for_o man_n be_v absolute_o uncapable_a to_o merit_v the_o favour_n or_o to_o repair_v the_o honour_n of_o god_n so_o injure_v by_o his_o inexcusable_a disobedience_n repentance_n can_v produce_v such_o great_a effect_n what_o merit_n can_v there_o be_v in_o the_o sorrowful_a sense_n and_o confession_n of_o that_o which_o deserve_v eternal_a death_n beside_o a_o extreme_a hatred_n of_o sin_n a_o ardent_a love_n of_o holiness_n serious_a resolution_n to_o follow_v it_o what_o ever_o it_o cost_v which_o be_v the_o best_a part_n of_o repentance_n be_v due_a to_o god_n before_o the_o commission_n of_o sin_n therefore_o can_v be_v satisfaction_n so_o that_o pure_a mercy_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o our_o forgiveness_n moreover_o god_n to_o glorify_v his_o holiness_n in_o declare_v his_o vehement_a and_o irreconcilable_a hatred_n to_o sin_n and_o to_o preserve_v the_o right_n of_o justice_n be_v please_v to_o appoint_v a_o all-sufficient_a mediator_n capable_a to_o offer_v himself_o a_o expiatory_a sacrifice_n for_o sin_n and_o to_o give_v a_o infinite_a value_n to_o it_o this_o be_v do_v by_o the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n the_o flesh_n and_o blood_n he_o take_v of_o our_o humanity_n be_v make_v divine_a by_o union_n with_o he_o and_o offer_v on_o the_o cross_n be_v full_a payment_n for_o our_o offence_n thus_o justice_n and_o mercy_n triumph_v with_o equal_a glory_n be_v equal_o victorious_a for_o what_o be_v more_o honourable_a to_o justice_n than_o satisfaction_n equal_a to_o the_o offence_n and_o what_o can_v more_o commend_v mercy_n than_o the_o most_o free_a and_o undeserved_a bestow_v the_o high_a price_n requisite_a for_o it_o thus_o the_o gospel_n afford_v to_o we_o a_o just_a and_o complete_a idea_n of_o the_o divine_a excellency_n in_o the_o redemption_n of_o man._n the_o design_n manner_n and_o the_o effect_n be_v most_o worthy_a of_o god_n where_o may_v such_o a_o contrivance_n of_o wisdom_n be_v frame_v but_o in_o the_o divine_a mind_n where_o can_v such_o a_o excess_n of_o compassion_n be_v find_v but_o in_o the_o heart_n of_o god_n thus_o it_o become_v god_n who_o be_v love_n to_o magnify_v his_o love_n to_o advance_v his_o dear_a glory_n and_o overcome_v our_o guilty_a disaffection_n to_o himself_o for_o while_o terrible_a apprehension_n of_o the_o deity_n possess_v the_o heart_n it_o be_v freeze_v with_o a_o stony_a rigour_n which_o the_o hope_n of_o mercy_n only_o can_v dissolve_v thus_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v worthy_a of_o all_o acceptation_n 2._o the_o christian_a religion_n set_v before_o we_o a_o rule_n of_o life_n pur_fw-mi and_o perspicuous_a in_o nothing_o superfluous_a or_o defective_a but_o comprehend_v the_o entire_a duty_n of_o man._n this_o be_v necessary_a in_o order_n to_o his_o recovery_n for_o in_o his_o fall_a state_n the_o law_n of_o nature_n be_v active_a in_o some_o thing_n but_o dormant_a in_o other_o the_o best_a moral_n of_o the_o heathen_n be_v dash_v with_o impure_a permission_n but_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n that_o bring_v salvation_n teach_v we_o that_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n we_o shall_v live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n it_o forbid_v all_o sin_n in_o all_o its_o degree_n not_o only_o the_o consummation_n of_o it_o in_o the_o act_n but_o the_o first_o conception_n of_o it_o in_o the_o thought_n and_o desire_n which_o argue_v that_o the_o lawgiver_n be_v more_o than_o a_o man_n have_v a_o inspection_n into_o the_o heart_n which_o be_v only_o visible_a to_o god_n and_o only_a accountable_a to_o he_o it_o teach_v we_o to_o worship_n god_n the_o supreme_a and_o pure_a spirit_n with_o the_o high_a esteem_n and_o with_o purity_n of_o affection_n it_o enjoin_v all_o relative_a duty_n to_o man_n in_o a_o most_o perfect_a manner_n what_o thing_n we_o will_v have_v other_o to_o do_v unto_o we_o suppose_v ourselves_o in_o their_o circumstance_n we_o be_v oblige_v to_o do_v to_o they_o this_o one_o law_n of_o christ_n eminent_o contain_v all_o other_o that_o respect_v society_n this_o be_v the_o primitive_a rule_n of_o commerce_n and_o direct_v our_o carriage_n towards_o all_o person_n with_o justice_n and_o equity_n kindness_n and_o decence_n the_o gospel_n also_o with_o respect_n to_o ourselves_o give_v a_o perfect_a rule_n to_o make_v we_o holy_a and_o bless_a it_o teach_v we_o the_o contempt_n of_o the_o world_n the_o valuation_n of_o heaven_n the_o restraint_n of_o corrupt_a sense_n and_o the_o angelical_a exercise_n of_o our_o affection_n in_o short_a it_o command_v the_o practice_n of_o all_o virtue_n and_o that_o we_o shall_v aspire_v to_o the_o most_o eminent_a degree_n in_o they_o but_o especial_o it_o enjoin_v humility_n and_o love_n to_o god_n the_o foundation_n and_o perfection_n of_o all_o virtue_n of_o which_o the_o precept_n of_o philosophy_n take_v little_a notice_n humility_n that_o be_v a_o lively_a deep_a sense_n that_o nothing_o be_v proper_o we_o but_o sin_n and_o misery_n arise_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o our_o absolute_a dependence_n upon_o god_n for_o our_o be_v and_o all_o the_o benefit_n we_o enjoy_v in_o nature_n or_o grace_n from_o hence_o gratitude_n spring_v it_o be_v most_o reasonable_a that_o our_o life_n shall_v be_v a_o continual_a expression_n of_o obedience_n from_o a_o noble_a and_o free_a principle_n of_o love_n to_o god_n and_o be_v design_v for_o his_o honour_n and_o that_o for_o all_o our_o advantage_n temporal_a or_o spiritual_a we_o shall_v only_o glory_v in_o he_o in_o this_o philosopher_n be_v very_o defective_a they_o consider_v man_n with_o respect_n to_o himself_o or_o to_o other_o creature_n without_o he_o and_o according_o the_o product_n of_o their_o precept_n be_v a_o certain_a moral_a honesty_n to_o do_v nothing_o unbecoming_a the_o reasonable_a nature_n nor_o to_o break_v the_o civil_a peace_n but_o they_o do_v not_o consider_v due_o his_o relation_n to_o the_o creator_n in_o who_o he_o live_v move_v and_o have_v his_o be_v from_o who_o proceed_v every_o good_a and_o perfect_a gift_n and_o by_o
not_o discover_v the_o deceit_n nay_o that_o it_o shall_v inspire_v they_o with_o invincible_a courage_n to_o assert_v that_o christ_n be_v true_o rise_v or_o who_o can_v with_o the_o least_o colour_n of_o reason_n accuse_v the_o apostle_n of_o simplicity_n or_o any_o disorder_n of_o mind_n when_o such_o be_v equal_a uniform_a and_o strong_a light_n shine_v in_o all_o their_o write_n whereas_o the_o discourse_n of_o fool_n or_o distract_a person_n be_v unshapt_v abortion_n of_o the_o mind_n beginning_n without_o a_o regular_a progress_n or_o if_o there_o be_v any_o coherence_n it_o be_v short_a and_o always_o attend_v with_o some_o notable_a extravagance_n beside_o the_o constant_a order_n of_o their_o life_n and_o action_n be_v a_o certain_a proof_n of_o the_o composedness_n and_o wisdom_n of_o their_o mind_n to_o sum_v up_o brief_o what_o be_v convince_a that_o the_o apostle_n be_v sincere_a and_o certain_a in_o their_o testimony_n how_o can_v they_o be_v deceive_v when_o they_o 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the_o clear_a testimony_n of_o the_o prophet_n exact_o fulfil_v in_o jesus_n christ_n be_v a_o unanswerable_a demonstration_n that_o he_o be_v the_o expect_a deliverer_n to_o restore_v the_o world_n 2._o the_o universal_a and_o irreparable_a destruction_n of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o jew_n foretell_v as_o the_o just_a punishment_n of_o their_o reject_v the_o messiah_n be_v another_o illustrious_a proof_n of_o the_o divinity_n of_o his_o person_n and_o doctrine_n to_o represent_v all_o the_o character_n of_o that_o vengeance_n as_o they_o be_v set_v down_o by_o josephus_n a_o eye-witness_n and_o historian_n of_o it_o will_v lengthen_v this_o discourse_n beyond_o the_o limit_n intend_v it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o observe_v 1._o that_o all_o the_o severe_a scourge_v of_o god_n meet_v in_o a_o direful_a conjunction_n against_o they_o the_o most_o affright_a prodigy_n be_v his_o forerunner_n a_o flaming-sword_n brandish_v in_o the_o heaven_n and_o monster_n bear_v on_o the_o earth_n and_o 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a_o obstinate_a resistance_n the_o famine_n be_v so_o extreme_a as_o compel_v even_o tender_a mother_n to_o eat_v the_o flesh_n of_o their_o miserable_a child_n the_o fire_n consume_v the_o city_n from_o one_o end_n to_o the_o other_o without_o leave_v any_o part_n entire_a the_o temple_n the_o sanctuary_n of_o religion_n and_o image_n of_o heaven_n where_o god_n so_o long_o have_v dwell_v have_v be_v serve_v and_o praise_v and_o render_v his_o oracle_n be_v not_o exempt_v from_o the_o fury_n of_o the_o fire_n 3._o their_o calamity_n be_v extreme_a and_o irreparable_a the_o first_o desolation_n by_o the_o chaldean_n so_o compassionate_o record_v by_o jeremiah_n be_v not_o comparable_a in_o the_o degree_n and_o continuance_n to_o this_o second_o by_o the_o roman_n of_o which_o christ_n himself_o be_v the_o chief_a mourner_n and_o make_v lamentation_n then_o they_o be_v transport_v together_o and_o not_o to_o a_o very_a rigorous_a nor_o perpetual_a servitude_n in_o babylon_n after_o 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perfect_a humility_n to_o the_o world_n it_o be_v the_o special_a character_n of_o his_o religion_n that_o distinguish_v it_o from_o all_o other_o institution_n that_o it_o preserve_v the_o divine_a glory_n entire_a that_o it_o make_v the_o profound_a impression_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n of_o their_o meanness_n and_o vanity_n and_o inspire_v they_o with_o a_o humble_a sense_n of_o their_o infinite_a distance_n from_o god_n and_o for_o the_o holiness_n of_o his_o life_n i_o shall_v produce_v a_o testimony_n that_o can_v be_v liable_a to_o no_o exception_n it_o be_v of_o porphiry_n a_o platonic_a philosopher_n who_o excel_v as_o in_o learning_n and_o eloquence_n so_o in_o malignity_n the_o most_o furious_a enemy_n of_o christianity_n yet_o he_o be_v by_o irresistible_a evidence_n compel_v to_o acknowledge_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v a_o most_o pious_a and_o excellent_a person_n and_o that_o after_o his_o death_n he_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n and_o be_v it_o credible_a that_o the_o same_o person_n who_o life_n be_v a_o glorious_a example_n of_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n shall_v be_v guilty_a of_o the_o most_o transcendent_a wickedness_n it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o a_o unprejudiced_a mind_n to_o entertain_v such_o a_o suspicion_n 4._o that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v here_o below_o in_o a_o mean_a state_n that_o he_o be_v expose_v to_o the_o most_o cruel_a and_o ignominious_a death_n if_o we_o consider_v the_o great_a end_n of_o his_o condescend_v goodness_n it_o will_v appear_v to_o be_v most_o worthy_a of_o he_o and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o contradiction_n in_o the_o thing_n themselves_o but_o in_o the_o perverse_a mind_n of_o infidel_n for_o first_o he_o be_v to_o redeem_v the_o world_n not_o in_o the_o way_n of_o majesty_n but_o by_o humble_a obedience_n and_o suffering_n thus_o it_o be_v order_v by_o divine_a wisdom_n for_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n attribute_n and_o government_n now_o if_o he_o have_v appear_v in_o sensible_a glory_n the_o design_n of_o his_o come_n have_v be_v frustrate_v who_o will_v have_v dare_v to_o condemn_v he_o to_o the_o infamous_a death_n of_o the_o cross_n who_o will_v have_v shed_v his_o blood_n the_o price_n of_o our_o redemption_n and_o it_o be_v very_o observable_a that_o our_o saviour_n make_v no_o use_n of_o his_o supernatural_a power_n when_o the_o do_v a_o miracle_n before_o herod_n will_v have_v strike_v he_o with_o the_o reverence_n of_o he_o as_o a_o divine_a man_n and_o may_v have_v preserve_v he_o from_o death_n nay_o when_o the_o glitter_a host_n of_o heaven_n all_o the_o order_n of_o angel_n be_v in_o arm_n ready_a upon_o his_o least_o call_v to_o have_v come_v swift_a than_o lightning_n for_o his_o rescue_n yet_o he_o meek_o yield_v himself_o up_o a_o bloody_a sacrifice_n to_o god_n and_o a_o ignominious_a spectacle_n to_o men._n for_o thus_o it_o become_v he_o to_o fulfil_v all_o righteousness_n second_o another_o great_a end_n of_o his_o come_v be_v to_o found_v a_o spiritual_a eternal_a kingdom_n he_o be_v constitute_v a_o new_a adam_n to_o regenerate_a man_n to_o a_o holy_a bless_a life_n that_o be_v condemn_v in_o the_o first_o adam_n to_o death_n and_o misery_n therefore_o his_o life_n be_v a_o continual_a exercise_n of_o self-denial_n a_o pattern_n of_o innocence_n and_o patience_n of_o do_v good_a and_o suffer_a evil_n thus_o he_o convince_v we_o that_o nothing_o be_v valuable_a in_o god_n account_n but_o holiness_n thus_o by_o his_o own_o example_n he_o instruct_v we_o in_o the_o divine_a philosophy_n to_o despise_v the_o good_a and_o evil_a thing_n here_o in_o order_n to_o our_o everlasting_a happiness_n he_o ascend_v to_o heaven_n by_o the_o way_n of_o suffering_n and_o call_v we_o to_o follow_v he_o the_o fruit_n of_o blessedness_n be_v ingraft_v on_o the_o thorn_n of_o poverty_n and_o persecution_n for_o his_o namesake_n the_o law_n of_o his_o kingdom_n be_v inscribe_v on_o the_o body_n of_o his_o cross_n and_o must_v be_v copy_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o his_o subject_n and_o for_o this_o reason_n when_o the_o apostle_n who_o after_o his_o resurrection_n have_v some_o relic_n of_o their_o carnal_a conceit_n that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n shall_v come_v with_o observation_n for_o its_o external_a splendour_n ask_v he_o lord_n will_v thou_o at_o this_o time_n restore_v the_o kingdom_n of_o israel_n to_o raise_v their_o thought_n and_o affection_n above_o earthly_a thing_n he_o answer_v the_o holy-ghost_n shall_v come_v upon_o you_o and_o you_o shall_v be_v witness_n of_o i_o both_o in_o jerusalem_n and_o in_o judea_n and_o in_o samaria_n and_o unto_o the_o utmost_a end_n of_o the_o earth_n their_o preach_v his_o life_n and_o death_n shall_v be_v attend_v with_o the_o power_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o dispense_v a_o vigorous_a influence_n into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n for_o his_o imitation_n and_o certain_o his_o example_n be_v of_o admirable_a use_n and_o profit_n for_o thus_o he_o sweeten_v and_o make_v honourable_a those_o virtue_n the_o exercise_n of_o which_o be_v very_o difficult_a and_o unpleasing_a either_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o quality_n be_v contrary_a to_o fleshly_a lust_n or_o as_o they_o expose_v to_o contempt_n in_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o world_n for_o who_o can_v refuse_v or_o be_v ashamed_a to_o practice_v the_o most_o severe_a self-denial_n when_o in_o that_o he_o be_v make_v a_o copy_n of_o so_o divine_a a_o original_a as_o the_o son_n of_o god_n now_o consider_v what_o a_o influence_n his_o afflict_a state_n have_v to_o procure_v eternal_a happiness_n for_o fall_v man_n and_o to_o prepare_v man_n for_o it_o be_v it_o unbecoming_a he_o to_o descend_v thus_o low_o be_v it_o unbecoming_a that_o god_n love_v as_o god_n that_o as_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o power_n appear_v in_o the_o creation_n so_o infinite_a mercy_n appear_v in_o our_o redemption_n what_o be_v more_o divine_a than_o infinite_o to_o exceed_v all_o the_o idea_n we_o can_v frame_v of_o perfect_a love_n to_o do_v great_a thing_n for_o his_o enemy_n than_o man_n be_v willing_a to_o do_v for_o their_o dear_a friend_n and_o where_o sin_n abound_v that_o grace_n superabound_v thus_o the_o eye_n of_o reason_n clear_v by_o revelation_n see_v that_o the_o voluntary_a humiliation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n for_o a_o time_n be_v so_o far_o from_o diminish_v that_o it_o exalt_v his_o majesty_n this_o be_v the_o great_a argument_n and_o motive_n of_o the_o adoration_n and_o solemn_a praise_n that_o reasonable_a creature_n shall_v for_o ever_o pay_v unto_o he_o wherein_o his_o derivative_a glory_n consist_v from_o what_o have_v be_v discourse_v we_o may_v see_v the_o just_a ground_n of_o our_o firm_a assent_n and_o perfect_a adherence_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n there_o be_v not_o only_o sufficient_a but_o abundant_a motive_n to_o induce_v our_o belief_n so_o that_o it_o be_v a_o extreme_a wonder_n that_o any_o to_o who_o it_o be_v reveal_v shall_v not_o see_v the_o truth_n so_o illustrious_o visible_a the_o only_a account_n of_o such_o infidelity_n be_v give_v by_o the_o apostle_n the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n have_v blind_v the_o eye_n of_o they_o which_o believe_v not_o lest_o the_o light_n of_o the_o glorious_a gospel_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o image_n of_o god_n shall_v shine_v upon_o they_o the_o love_n of_o some_o lust_n fleshly_a or_o spiritual_a render_v man_n averse_a from_o receive_v it_o the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n be_v not_o confine_v to_o the_o speculative_a mind_n but_o be_v for_o moral_a end_n to_o regulate_v our_o life_n from_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o cordial_a belief_n of_o they_o very_o much_o depend_v on_o the_o temper_n and_o disposition_n of_o the_o soul_n the_o sincere_a humble_a enquirer_n have_v a_o eminent_a advantage_n in_o the_o discovery_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o spiritual_a excellency_n of_o the_o gospel_n above_o those_o who_o be_v overrule_v by_o corrupt_a habit_n for_o the_o carnal_a heart_n either_o whole_o turn_v the_o mind_n from_o think_v on_o those_o most_o sacred_a and_o concern_v object_n or_o weaken_v its_o intention_n that_o it_o do_v not_o serious_o and_o due_o consider_v they_o man_n will_v studious_o apply_v themselves_o to_o secular_a art_n and_o can_v discern_v the_o truth_n of_o abstruse_a mathematical_a theorem_n that_o be_v not_o distasteful_a to_o their_o evil_a affection_n yet_o though_o the_o principle_n of_o christian_a faith_n be_v as_o unquestionable_a as_o the_o clear_a proposition_n in_o geometry_n they_o will_v not_o ponder_v those_o thing_n that_o may_v convince_v and_o persuade_v they_o to_o believe_v what_o be_v direct_o opposite_a to_o their_o lusts._n beside_o as_o corrupt_v humour_n vitiate_v the_o palate_n and_o make_v what_o be_v pleasant_a bitter_a to_o the_o taste_n so_o vicious_a desire_n darken_v and_o deprave_v the_o mind_n and_o incline_v it_o to_o judge_v of_o doctrine_n to_o
be_v true_a or_o false_a as_o they_o be_v favourable_a or_o disagree_v to_o they_o carnal_a person_n fortify_v every_o objection_n that_o may_v render_v the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n unlikely_a and_o incredible_a and_o will_v be_v partial_a for_o sensuality_n of_o this_o we_o have_v a_o great_a instance_n in_o the_o first_o rejection_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o jew_n expect_v the_o messiah_n will_v come_v with_o pompous_a wonder_n and_o external_a magnificence_n that_o he_o will_v deliver_v they_o from_o the_o roman_a yoke_n and_o find_v a_o universal_a monarchy_n for_o they_o and_o according_a to_o those_o carnal_a fancy_n they_o will_v understand_v the_o promise_n concern_v he_o now_o though_o jesus_n christ_n approve_v himself_o to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n the_o true_a messiah_n by_o the_o sanctity_n of_o his_o life_n the_o rectitude_n of_o his_o doctrine_n and_o the_o divinity_n of_o his_o miracle_n yet_o for_o the_o poverty_n and_o meanness_n of_o his_o condition_n be_v without_o any_o sensible_a show_n of_o greatness_n and_o glory_n they_o despise_v he_o as_o most_o unworthy_a that_o divine_a relation_n and_o office_n though_o in_o he_o all_o the_o character_n of_o the_o messiah_n be_v conspicuous_a and_o the_o scripture_n declare_v express_o that_o the_o messiah_n the_o prince_n shall_v be_v cut_v off_o but_o not_o for_o himself_o but_o to_o make_v reconciliation_n for_o iniquity_n and_o to_o bring_v in_o everlasting_a righteousness_n yet_o they_o be_v so_o prepossess_v with_o the_o idea_n of_o a_o terrene_a felicity_n that_o they_o will_v interpret_v all_o the_o scripture_n by_o that_o measure_n as_o if_o the_o messiah_n shall_v come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o repair_v no_o other_o ruin_n but_o of_o their_o temporal_a state_n and_o liberty_n therefore_o they_o speak_v of_o he_o with_o scornful_a title_n as_o for_o this_o fellow_n we_o know_v not_o from_o whence_o he_o be_v and_o be_v not_o this_o the_o carpenter_n shall_v the_o glorious_a prophecy_n of_o the_o messiah_n be_v accomplish_v in_o he_o shall_v he_o have_v dominion_n from_o sea_n to_o sea_n and_o from_o the_o river_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o earth_n shall_v all_o king_n bow_v down_o before_o he_o and_o all_o nation_n serve_v he_o there_o be_v nothing_o to_o satisfy_v their_o sight_n in_o his_o outward_a appearance_n and_o retinue_n and_o his_o miraculous_a condescension_n so_o much_o below_o their_o expectation_n be_v more_o powerful_a to_o harden_v they_o in_o unbelief_n than_o all_o his_o supernatural_a operation_n to_o induce_v they_o to_o believe_v in_o he_o and_o as_o the_o jew_n from_o their_o affection_n to_o secular_a thing_n be_v enemy_n to_o the_o gospel_n so_o the_o heathen_a philosopher_n from_o spiritual_a pride_n for_o they_o vain_o affect_v the_o praise_n of_o knowledge_n and_o virtue_n as_o the_o fruit_n of_o their_o own_o mind_n and_o the_o product_n of_o their_o own_o will_n they_o do_v not_o consider_v god_n as_o the_o fountain_n of_o truth_n and_o whether_o the_o ray_n of_o his_o knowledge_n come_v direct_o and_o immediate_o into_o we_o or_o by_o reflection_n from_o other_o the_o glory_n of_o it_o be_v entire_o due_a to_o he_o beside_o the_o great_a mystery_n of_o godliness_n not_o be_v suitable_a to_o their_o first_o opinion_n be_v reject_v with_o disdain_n as_o foolish_a impossibility_n and_o in_o every_o age_n since_o even_o in_o the_o pale_a of_o the_o church_n there_o be_v some_o secret_a infidel_n that_o esteem_v the_o gospel_n a_o fable_n and_o some_o who_o peremtory_o deny_v the_o fundamental_a article_n of_o christianity_n those_o who_o be_v slave_n to_o their_o eye_n and_o appetite_n will_v raise_v cloud_n to_o obscure_v that_o truth_n that_o forbid_v their_o dear_a lust_n upon_o pain_n of_o damnation_n the_o pretend_a difficulty_n of_o belief_n be_v but_o a_o thin_a transparent_a pretence_n the_o difficulty_n of_o practice_n be_v the_o true_a cause_n of_o their_o reject_v the_o gospel_n they_o will_v not_o have_v the_o precept_n of_o it_o to_o be_v their_o duty_n and_o therefore_o be_v unwilling_a to_o acknowledge_v the_o doctrine_n of_o it_o to_o be_v true_a and_o those_o who_o set_v up_o a_o tribunal_n in_o their_o own_o understanding_n to_o which_o divine_a revelation_n must_v submit_v will_v not_o believe_v what_o be_v above_o their_o presumptuous_a reason_n but_o that_o the_o soul_n exempt_v from_o passion_n and_o prejudice_n have_v no_o just_a temptation_n to_o disbeleive_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n be_v evident_a in_o that_o so_o many_o person_n in_o who_o the_o concurrence_n of_o wisdom_n and_o virtue_n be_v equal_o flourish_v and_o excellent_a after_o the_o most_o exact_a discussion_n embrace_v it_o as_o the_o heavenly_a truth_n if_o there_o be_v falseness_n in_o its_o principle_n or_o weakness_n in_o its_o proof_n how_o can_v it_o escape_v their_o discovery_n and_o that_o they_o be_v sincere_a in_o their_o belief_n be_v above_o all_o doubt_n for_o they_o willing_o sacrifice_v all_o that_o be_v valuable_a and_o dear_a in_o this_o life_n for_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o now_o be_v it_o ever_o know_v that_o any_o person_n will_v know_o choose_v a_o error_n so_o destructive_a the_o will_v seduce_v by_o sense_n embrace_v sometime_o that_o that_o be_v condemn_v by_o reason_n but_o it_o never_o adhere_v to_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v contrary_a both_o to_o reason_n and_o sense_n by_o this_o it_o appear_v that_o infidelity_n have_v no_o just_a plea_n from_o the_o insufficiency_n of_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o have_v full_o satisfy_v the_o wise_a the_o most_o considerate_a and_o sincere_a part_n of_o mankind_n a_o corrupt_a heart_n be_v the_o spring_n and_o principle_n of_o the_o illusion_n of_o the_o mind_n in_o thing_n that_o concern_v salvation_n 2._o the_o gospel_n propound_v to_o we_o the_o most_o proper_a and_o powerful_a motive_n of_o love_n to_o god_n in_o the_o visible_a world_n there_o be_v a_o representation_n so_o conspicuous_a and_o full_a of_o his_o divine_a majesty_n power_n &_o wisdom_n that_o form_v and_o regulate_v all_o thing_n that_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a but_o the_o attentive_a regard_v of_o it_o will_v make_v impression_n of_o reverence_n and_o fear_n will_v raise_v our_o esteem_n and_o admiration_n but_o those_o be_v dead_a sentiment_n without_o love_n and_o that_o in_o the_o guilty_a creature_n fearful_a of_o god_n wrath_n must_v be_v first_o excite_v by_o the_o hope_n of_o his_o pardon_v mercy_n now_o the_o love_n and_o kindness_n of_o god_n our_o saviour_n appear_v to_o man_n in_o his_o redemption_n in_o the_o most_o eminent_a manner_n though_o in_o that_o bless_a work_n the_o divine_a perfection_n be_v relucent_a in_o various_a effect_n wisdom_n design_v it_o power_n accomplish_v it_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n be_v glorious_o declare_v in_o it_o yet_o as_o it_o be_v apply_v to_o the_o benefit_n of_o man_n it_o be_v the_o sole_a effect_n of_o wise_a almighty_a holy_a tender_a love_n mercy_n soften_v god_n bowel_n open_v heaven_n send_v down_o his_o son_n to_o be_v one_o with_o we_o in_o nature_n that_o he_o may_v exchange_v his_o merit_n and_o blessedness_n for_o our_o guilt_n and_o misery_n miraculous_a love_n to_o make_v his_o only_o beget_v son_n our_o brother_n to_o humble_v he_o to_o the_o condition_n of_o a_o servant_n that_o we_o most_o unworthy_a to_o be_v his_o servant_n shall_v be_v advance_v to_o be_v his_o child_n nay_o to_o expose_v he_o to_o the_o death_n of_o a_o malefactor_n equal_o ignominious_a and_o painful_a that_o we_o malefactor_n may_v obtain_v life_n and_o glory_n if_o ever_o love_v deserve_v the_o title_n of_o excess_n it_o be_v this_o for_o though_o not_o without_o reason_n yet_o it_o be_v without_o all_o bound_n and_o measure_n it_o be_v so_o far_o above_o our_o thought_n that_o it_o be_v hard_a to_o have_v a_o firm_a belief_n of_o it_o what_o the_o psalmist_n speak_v of_o the_o temporal_a deliverance_n of_o the_o 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