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death_n dead_a resurrection_n rise_v 6,478 5 7.4970 4 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A69506 A vindication of the truth of Christian religion against the objections of all modern opposers written in French by James Abbadie ... ; render'd into English by H.L.; Traité de la verité de la religion chrétienne. English Abbadie, Jacques, 1654-1727.; H. L. (Henry Lussan) 1694 (1694) Wing A58; Wing A59; ESTC R798 273,126 448

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the_o earth_n have_v hear_v of_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o apostle_n who_o all_o unanimous_o declare_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v rise_v again_o from_o the_o dead_a and_o it_o be_v pure_o upon_o their_o testimony_n that_o the_o world_n believe_v it_o can_v we_o imagine_v that_o the_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n let_v slip_v a_o long_a period_n of_o time_n as_o twenty_o or_o thirty_o year_n after_o the_o crucifixion_n of_o their_o master_n and_o so_o have_v have_v time_n to_o embolden_v themselves_o and_o to_o contrive_v a_o imposture_n they_o sudden_o appear_v in_o the_o world_n and_o preach_v that_o jesus_n be_v rise_v again_o from_o the_o dead_a if_o so_o how_o can_v the_o compiler_n or_o forger_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n make_v the_o world_n believe_v that_o the_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n preach_v his_o resurrection_n a_o few_o week_n after_o his_o crucifixion_n how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o the_o jew_n never_o have_v the_o least_o thought_n of_o contradict_v our_o 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up_o to_o jerusalem_n and_o it_o be_v worth_a take_v notice_n of_o that_o st._n peter_n have_v but_o just_a make_v a_o very_a excellent_a confession_n of_o what_o jesus_n christ_n be_v in_o presence_n of_o all_o the_o other_o disciple_n tell_v he_o thou_o be_v the_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o the_o live_a god_n and_o that_o jesus_n christ_n have_v crown_v this_o admirable_a confession_n with_o that_o extraordinary_a promise_n of_o he_o bless_v be_v thou_o simon_n barjona_n for_o flesh_n and_o blood_n have_v not_o reveal_v it_o unto_o thou_o but_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n and_o i_o say_v also_o unto_o thou_o that_o thou_o be_v peter_n and_o upon_o this_o rock_n i_o will_v build_v my_o church_n and_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o it_o etc._n etc._n matth._n 16._o 17_o 18._o immediate_o after_o christ_n foretell_v what_o death_n he_o be_v to_o suffer_v from_o the_o chief_a priest_n and_o scribe_n but_o add_v withal_o he_o shall_v rise_v again_o the_o three_o day_n whereupon_o st._n peter_n rebuke_v he_o and_o say_v be_v it_o far_o from_o thou_o o_o lord_n this_o shall_v not_o be_v unto_o thou_o but_o jesus_n christ_n instead_o of_o approve_v of_o that_o seem_a concern_v and_o affection_n his_o disciple_n have_v for_o he_o severe_o reprove_v his_o indiscretion_n in_o these_o word_n get_v thou_o behind_o i_o satan_n thou_o be_v a_o offence_n unto_o i_o for_o thou_o savory_a not_o etc._n etc._n this_o history_n seem_v to_o be_v very_o natural_a and_o sincere_a and_o that_o mixture_n of_o circumstance_n which_o in_o all_o probability_n have_v no_o manner_n of_o relation_n with_o one_o another_o can_v not_o of_o itself_o easy_o enter_v in_o any_o man_n mind_n st._n peter_n confession_n be_v excellent_a and_o the_o promise_n jesus_n christ_n make_v he_o be_v extraordinary_a nay_o the_o very_a expression_n of_o it_o imply_v somewhat_o strange_a and_o difficult_a but_o above_o all_o it_o seem_v at_o first_o view_n that_o jesus_n 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christ_n upon_o cool_a thought_n and_o the_o very_a day_n before_o his_o passion_n do_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o have_v never_o be_v do_v before_o and_o which_o doubtless_o never_o will_v be_v do_v again_o and_o that_o be_v he_o institute_v a_o memorial_n of_o that_o death_n he_o be_v just_a upon_o the_o point_n of_o suffer_v he_o foretell_v that_o he_o shall_v suffer_v death_n from_o the_o chief_a priest_n the_o scribes_z and_o the_o doctor_n of_o the_o law_n nevertheless_o he_o may_v have_v easy_o avoid_v it_o if_o he_o will_v by_o retire_v into_o another_o place_n but_o he_o chide_v or_o rather_o storm_v at_o the_o indiscretion_n of_o peter_n who_o will_v have_v divert_v he_o from_o that_o death_n therefore_o he_o consider_v it_o as_o a_o event_n that_o be_v to_o be_v attend_v with_o very_o happy_a and_o save_a consequence_n with_o respect_n to_o mankind_n and_o what_o happy_a consequence_n can_v his_o death_n have_v be_v attend_v withal_o unless_o it_o be_v to_o have_v be_v 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of_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o eucharist_n for_o there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o difference_n between_o a_o doctrine_n and_o a_o practice_n a_o doctrine_n can_v hardly_o be_v forge_v especial_o because_o it_o must_v be_v concert_v by_o the_o consent_n of_o several_a person_n but_o a_o sensible_a practice_n a_o thing_n in_o use_n and_o as_o it_o be_v a_o speak_a doctrine_n can_v much_o less_o be_v palm_a upon_o mankind_n and_o certain_o it_o will_v be_v the_o great_a piece_n of_o folly_n imaginable_a in_o any_o one_o to_o think_v that_o a_o dozen_o poor_a fisherman_n astonish_v and_o cast_v down_o at_o the_o death_n of_o their_o master_n and_o undeceive_v in_o the_o opinion_n they_o have_v entertain_v that_o he_o be_v to_o have_v restore_v the_o kingdom_n of_o israel_n person_n who_o know_v not_o what_o thing_n may_v come_v to_o pass_v by_o their_o publish_v the_o doctrine_n of_o that_o crucify_a man_n that_o that_o they_o shall_v go_v and_o invent_v the_o institution_n of_o the_o eucharist_n with_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o it_o and_o make_v jesus_n christ_n utter_v these_o word_n this_o be_v my_o body_n which_o be_v break_v for_o you_o this_o be_v the_o new_a testament_n in_o my_o blood_n word_n that_o imply_v something_o new_a and_o very_o surprise_v which_o have_v give_v occasion_n to_o so_o many_o contest_v and_o be_v liable_a to_o such_o different_a interpretation_n word_n which_o s._n paul_n and_o the_o evangelist_n unanimous_o set_v down_o but_o without_o any_o mutual_a compact_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o little_a variety_n there_o occur_v in_o their_o recital_n of_o they_o i_o say_v it_o will_v be_v very_o extravagant_a to_o imagine_v that_o the_o disciple_n have_v in_o the_o least_o thought_n of_o invent_v these_o word_n or_o that_o history_n of_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o eucharist_n so_o that_o we_o need_v not_o insist_v long_o on_o any_o far_a proof_n of_o it_o we_o have_v already_o touch_v upon_o it_o in_o another_o place_n and_o upon_o another_o subject_a the_o only_a consequence_n we_o shall_v draw_v from_o it_o here_o be_v that_o jesus_n christ_n foresee_v his_o death_n prepare_v himself_o for_o it_o and_o suffer_v it_o voluntary_o whereupon_o i_o argue_v thus_o if_o he_o foresee_v that_o he_o shall_v die_v and_o if_o he_o voluntary_o offer_v himself_o up_o to_o death_n he_o then_o either_o foresee_v that_o he_o shall_v rise_v again_o or_o he_o do_v not_o foresee_v it_o if_o he_o do_v not_o foresee_v it_o with_o what_o kind_n of_o hope_n than_o do_v he_o comfort_v his_o disciple_n what_o be_v it_o he_o promise_v they_o or_o what_o propose_v he_o to_o himself_o by_o his_o death_n why_o do_v he_o not_o shun_v it_o as_o he_o may_v yet_o have_v do_v when_o he_o be_v at_o supper_n with_o his_o disciple_n what_o mean_v he_o by_o institute_v a_o memorial_n of_o his_o dead_a body_n if_o that_o dead_a body_n be_v always_o to_o abide_v under_o the_o power_n of_o death_n and_o rot_v away_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o his_o disciple_n and_o if_o he_o think_v he_o shall_v rise_v again_o as_o we_o may_v very_o reasonable_o imagine_v he_o do_v i_o say_v he_o himself_o can_v not_o have_v believe_v it_o but_o only_o upon_o the_o experience_n he_o have_v already_o make_v of_o that_o power_n which_o have_v restore_v sight_n to_o the_o blind_a health_n to_o the_o sick_a and_o life_n to_o the_o dead_a for_o he_o can_v not_o think_v his_o own_o miracle_n false_a and_o yet_o at_o the_o same_o time_n believe_v he_o shall_v rise_v again_o from_o the_o dead_a if_o he_o think_v he_o shall_v rise_v again_o he_o also_o think_v his_o miracle_n to_o be_v true_a and_o if_o he_o believe_v his_o miracle_n to_o be_v true_a his_o miracle_n must_v of_o necessity_n have_v be_v real_o so_o because_o they_o be_v of_o a_o nature_n
the_o utmost_a pitch_n of_o prosperity_n and_o glory_n this_o jesus_n himself_o be_v seize_v and_o nail_v on_o a_o cross_n where_o he_o suffer_v a_o most_o infamous_a death_n infamous_a in_o the_o esteem_n of_o all_o nation_n but_o more_o particular_o accurse_v in_o the_o jewish_a law_n what_o a_o mighty_a thunder_n bolt_n must_v this_o have_v be_v to_o such_o man_n who_o have_v feed_v their_o fancy_n with_o such_o charm_a hope_n they_o be_v long_o since_o persuade_v that_o the_o messiah_n will_v make_v his_o appearance_n in_o a_o very_a glorious_a state_n that_o he_o will_v overthrow_v at_o his_o come_v the_o empire_n of_o cesar_n together_o with_o all_o the_o roman_a grandeur_n and_o thereby_o make_v the_o jew_n absolute_a master_n of_o the_o world_n all_o these_o thing_n they_o impatient_o expect_v from_o jesus_n and_o yet_o this_o jesus_n be_v dishonour_v by_o a_o infamous_a punishment_n he_o be_v compel_v to_o endure_v the_o jew_n themselves_o not_o only_o sacrifice_v he_o but_o they_o sacrifice_v he_o even_o to_o cesar_n himself_o and_o deliver_v he_o up_o to_o the_o roman_n to_o put_v he_o to_o death_n there_o be_v no_o power_n able_a to_o deliver_v he_o out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o his_o tormentor_n so_o that_o he_o die_v and_o his_o disciple_n hear_v of_o his_o death_n or_o rather_o be_v eye-witness_n of_o it_o in_o truth_n i_o can_v conceive_v how_o they_o shall_v after_o all_o this_o have_v still_o preserve_v the_o least_o of_o their_o pretension_n they_o may_v reasonable_o grieve_v at_o the_o loss_n of_o such_o please_a hope_n but_o nothing_o can_v redeem_v the_o loss_n of_o they_o they_o may_v abhor_v the_o furious_a passion_n of_o the_o chief_a priest_n and_o sanhedrin_n who_o have_v utter_o deprive_v they_o of_o their_o dear_o belove_a master_n but_o they_o must_v at_o length_n lay_v aside_o the_o opinion_n they_o have_v entertain_v of_o he_o and_o therefore_o nothing_o can_v be_v so_o likely_a as_o that_o which_o st._n luke_n make_v they_o utter_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o their_o sorrow_n and_o astonishment_n but_o we_o trust_v that_o it_o have_v be_v he_o which_o shall_v have_v redeem_v israel_n and_o beside_o all_o this_o to_o day_n be_v the_o three_o day_n since_o these_o thing_n be_v do_v luke_n 24._o 21._o but_o suppose_v they_o have_v no_o such_o hope_n or_o expectation_n it_o be_v enough_o that_o the_o disciple_n look_v upon_o jesus_n as_o the_o promise_a messiah_n nay_o it_o be_v all_o one_o whether_o it_o be_v in_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o jew_n or_o in_o that_o of_o the_o christian_n for_o if_o it_o be_v in_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o jew_n they_o can_v not_o but_o imagine_v that_o jesus_n will_v have_v raise_v up_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o jew_n to_o its_o utmost_a height_n so_o far_o be_v they_o from_o conceive_v he_o be_v liable_a to_o be_v put_v to_o death_n by_o they_o but_o if_o it_o be_v in_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o christian_n they_o ought_v sure_o to_o have_v believe_v that_o in_o case_n he_o shall_v die_v he_o will_v certain_o raise_v up_o himself_o and_o those_o that_o believe_v on_o he_o from_o the_o grave_n because_o the_o whole_a system_n of_o christian_a religion_n essential_o depend_v upon_o this_o foundation_n thus_o be_v the_o disciple_n preposess_v with_o the_o general_a opinion_n of_o the_o jew_n they_o can_v not_o choose_v but_o lose_v it_o at_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o death_n of_o jesus_n and_o be_v they_o prepossess_v with_o the_o profess_a doctrine_n of_o the_o christian_n they_o can_v not_o likewise_o but_o be_v undeceive_v of_o their_o error_n when_o they_o see_v that_o jesus_n christ_n rise_v not_o again_o from_o the_o dead_a what_o then_o shall_v we_o think_v of_o certain_a fisherman_n who_o be_v a_o most_o mean_a wretched_a sort_n of_o people_n as_o the_o enemy_n of_o christianity_n call_v they_o who_o have_v not_o the_o courage_n to_o accompany_v their_o master_n even_o when_o they_o look_v upon_o he_o as_o the_o true_a messiah_n but_o give_v he_o over_o to_o his_o executioner_n sure_o they_o be_v by_o this_o time_n sensible_a of_o their_o mistake_n what_o care_v then_o do_v it_o appear_v they_o take_v to_o hide_v themselves_o to_o conceal_v their_o shame_n and_o confusion_n from_o man_n let_v we_o see_v what_o be_v the_o event_n and_o we_o shall_v know_v the_o truth_n we_o find_v that_o few_o week_n after_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n his_o disciple_n public_o show_v themselves_o in_o jerusalem_n and_o confident_o affirm_v that_o they_o have_v see_v their_o master_n who_o be_v rise_v again_o from_o the_o dead_a have_v speak_v with_o he_o handle_v he_o eat_v with_o he_o converse_v with_o he_o for_o forty_o day_n and_o last_o that_o they_o have_v see_v he_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n it_o be_v certain_a this_o be_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o disciple_n since_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n be_v found_v on_o this_o testimony_n who_o can_v have_v think_v of_o this_o unexpected_a turn_n the_o disciple_n affirm_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o messiah_n but_o can_v they_o still_o believe_v it_o when_o they_o see_v he_o give_v up_o the_o ghost_n or_o if_o they_o do_v not_o believe_v it_o be_v they_o now_o grow_v bold_a to_o maintain_v a_o imposture_n than_o before_o to_o follow_v their_o master_n when_o they_o think_v he_o the_o true_a messiah_n can_v certain_a fisherman_n deject_v fearful_a fisherman_n who_o ought_v with_o shame_n to_o have_v own_v their_o error_n can_v they_o invent_v such_o a_o fable_n preach_v it_o with_o so_o much_o confidence_n maintain_v it_o with_o so_o much_o boldness_n expose_v their_o person_n to_o all_o sort_n of_o torment_n and_o even_o to_o death_n itself_o in_o defence_n of_o such_o a_o incredible_a fiction_n can_v any_o of_o they_o imagine_v that_o they_o can_v seduce_v mankind_n or_o have_v any_o one_o of_o they_o imagine_v it_o can_v the_o rest_n have_v be_v so_o extravagant_a as_o to_o approve_v of_o his_o ridiculous_a fancy_n do_v they_o think_v the_o world_n will_v believe_v they_o upon_o their_o bare_a word_n and_o be_v they_o then_o no_o long_o in_o any_o dreadful_a apprehension_n of_o the_o sanhedrin_n that_o have_v inhumane_o put_v their_o master_n to_o death_n do_v they_o believe_v they_o may_v safe_o reproach_v the_o jew_n for_o have_v put_v the_o messiah_n to_o death_n without_o be_v themselves_o severe_o punish_v be_v they_o not_o sensible_a into_o how_o many_o trouble_n and_o affliction_n this_o fable_n will_v inevitable_o cast_v they_o and_o if_o they_o be_v can_v they_o still_o be_v so_o courageous_a as_o to_o maintain_v such_o a_o imposture_n be_v it_o possible_a that_o no_o one_o of_o they_o shall_v recant_v his_o opinion_n not_o one_o contradict_v himself_o but_o that_o all_o shall_v unanimous_o depose_v notwithstanding_o the_o most_o rigorous_a punishment_n inflict_v on_o they_o a_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o they_o know_v to_o be_v altogether_o chimerical_a and_o false_a certain_o this_o be_v a_o thing_n so_o very_o strange_a or_o rather_o 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holy_a scripture_n but_o they_o affirm_v also_o they_o have_v receive_v some_o supernatural_a and_o miraculous_a gift_n the_o truth_n of_o which_o they_o can_v at_o any_o time_n justify_v by_o their_o work_n and_o if_o you_o shall_v doubt_v it_o you_o need_v only_o observe_v they_o do_v not_o prove_v the_o same_o by_o mere_a speculation_n but_o by_o call_v to_o bear_v witness_n of_o what_o they_o say_v the_o sense_n of_o those_o they_o speak_v to_o nay_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o jew_n themselves_o both_o their_o master_n and_o their_o enemy_n too_o he_o therefore_o be_v say_v they_o by_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n exalt_v have_v shed_v forth_o this_o which_o you_o now_o see_v and_o hear_v act_v 2._o 33._o if_o you_o shall_v doubt_v whether_o st._n peter_n real_o speak_v just_a after_o this_o manner_n to_o the_o jew_n the_o multitude_n of_o those_o proselyte_n convert_v by_o the_o evidence_n of_o this_o demonstration_n and_o a_o whole_a church_n pure_o found_v by_o the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o same_o will_v sufficient_o warrant_v the_o certainty_n of_o it_o shall_v you_o suppose_v that_o the_o disciple_n deceive_v the_o multitude_n we_o will_v only_o remind_v you_o that_o they_o have_v to_o deal_v with_o several_a learned_a and_o skilful_a adversary_n though_o they_o themselves_o be_v but_o simple_a and_o ignorant_a people_n if_o you_o shall_v imagine_v that_o the_o vulgar_a delight_v in_o suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v thus_o miserable_o delude_v we_o will_v only_o put_v you_o in_o mind_n that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o faith_n more_o grievous_a or_o terrible_a according_a to_o the_o judgement_n of_o man_n than_o that_o which_o they_o embrace_v when_o they_o turn_v christian_n that_o it_o high_o concern_v they_o thorough_o to_o examine_v such_o matter_n of_o fact_n the_o belief_n of_o which_o oblige_v they_o to_o suffer_v martyrdom_n that_o those_o of_o berea_n who_o daily_o take_v care_n to_o compare_v the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o know_v whether_o all_o thing_n be_v real_o so_o as_o st._n paul_n have_v tell_v they_o certain_o will_v not_o have_v fail_v to_o consult_v their_o eye_n and_o ear_n to_o be_v assure_v whether_o the_o apostle_n have_v any_o reason_n to_o pretend_v they_o can_v do_v sign_n and_o wonder_n this_o latter_a examination_n be_v more_o sure_a and_o easy_a than_o the_o former_a that_o it_o be_v not_o once_o or_o twice_o only_o st._n paul_n boast_v of_o have_v make_v himself_o know_v by_o many_o sign_n miracle_n and_o wonder_n wrought_v by_o he_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o those_o he_o write_v his_o exhortation_n to_o that_o every_o one_o of_o his_o epistle_n be_v full_a of_o declaration_n of_o this_o kind_n or_o of_o those_o thing_n visible_o relate_v thereunto_o that_o he_o derive_v both_o his_o argument_n and_o the_o motive_n of_o his_o exhortation_n from_o that_o undeniable_o know_a effusion_n of_o the_o supernatural_a grace_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n certain_o no_o man_n can_v imagine_v st._n paul_n so_o senseless_a as_o to_o write_v to_o the_o corinthian_n in_o these_o word_n wherefore_o brethren_n covet_v to_o prophecy_n and_o forbid_v not_o to_o speak_v with_o tongue_n 1_o cor._n 14._o 19_o suppose_v those_o gift_n have_v not_o be_v actual_o visible_a in_o the_o church_n nor_o will_v he_o have_v take_v so_o much_o care_n to_o remedy_v those_o disorder_n which_o arise_v from_o the_o abuse_n of_o those_o miraculous_a gift_n as_o we_o have_v already_o observe_v he_o do_v neither_o will_v he_o have_v warn_v they_o that_o the_o end_n of_o prophesy_v be_v to_o edify_v the_o faithful_a but_o that_o the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n as_o be_v miraculous_a be_v to_o convince_v the_o incredulous_a last_o he_o will_v never_o have_v undertake_v to_o correct_v the_o disorder_n of_o man_n who_o value_v those_o extraordinary_a gift_n more_o than_o charity_n itself_o as_o we_o see_v he_o do_v when_o he_o observe_v that_o whether_o there_o be_v prophecy_n they_o shall_v fail_v whether_o there_o be_v language_n they_o shall_v cease_v but_o that_o charity_n do_v never_o fail_v but_o we_o may_v easy_o see_v by_o his_o word_n how_o full_o he_o be_v persuade_v of_o these_o thing_n he_o have_v so_o great_a a_o admiration_n for_o so_o many_o miracle_n sign_n and_o wonderful_a work_n which_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n wrought_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o man_n that_o he_o know_v not_o well_o what_o suitable_a name_n to_o give_v to_o that_o divine_a principle_n sometime_o he_o call_v it_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o power_n of_o god_n 2_o cor._n 4._o 7._o sometime_o the_o exceed_a greatness_n of_o his_o power_n eph._n 1._o 19_o sometime_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o power_n of_o his_o might_n eph._n 6._o 10._o all_o which_o expression_n be_v to_o the_o full_a as_o natural_a as_o they_o be_v strong_a and_o discover_v to_o we_o beyond_o all_o the_o argument_n in_o the_o world_n the_o idea_n st._n paul_n have_v of_o those_o miraculous_a gift_n and_o consequent_o that_o too_o which_o we_o ourselves_o ought_v to_o have_v of_o they_o section_n iii_o wherein_o we_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o carry_v even_o to_o a_o demonstration_n the_o proof_n draw_v from_o the_o external_a evidence_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n contain_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o the_o inward_a sense_n we_o have_v of_o they_o chap._n i._n of_o the_o natural_a temper_n disposition_n and_o inclination_n of_o the_o disciple_n and_o what_o sort_n of_o prejudices_fw-la they_o be_v possess_v with_o when_o jesus_n christ_n manifest_v himself_o to_o they_o we_o can_v better_o discover_v what_o impression_n the_o matter_n of_o fact_n relate_v in_o the_o gospel_n may_v have_v or_o aught_o to_o have_v wrought_v upon_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o disciple_n than_o by_o consider_v what_o sort_n of_o prejudices_fw-la they_o be_v till_o then_o possess_v with_o we_o shall_v therefore_o begin_v this_o three_o section_n with_o the_o examination_n of_o
the_o resurrection_n of_o jesus_n christ_n justify_v the_o wonderful_a passage_n of_o his_o death_n so_o likewise_o do_v his_o ascension_n justify_v those_o of_o his_o resurrection_n for_o though_o one_o shall_v suspect_v that_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o disciple_n may_v by_o chance_n have_v be_v sudden_o dazzle_v and_o so_o they_o think_v they_o have_v see_v what_o they_o in_o reality_n never_o see_v yet_o they_o have_v time_n enough_o to_o recover_v themselves_o out_o of_o this_o dazzle_a amazement_n for_o it_o be_v forty_o day_n after_o jesus_n christ_n be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a before_o his_o ascension_n have_v it_o be_v a_o spirit_n that_o appear_v to_o they_o and_o frighten_v they_o yet_o have_v they_o time_n enough_o to_o come_v to_o themselves_o again_o and_o know_v certain_o that_o the_o spirit_n they_o see_v be_v not_o real_o their_o master_n for_o they_o see_v he_o and_o hear_v he_o they_o handle_v he_o they_o eat_v and_o drink_v with_o he_o have_v it_o be_v through_o the_o obscurity_n of_o a_o darksome_a night_n that_o they_o have_v imagine_v they_o have_v see_v some_o representation_n of_o their_o master_n instead_o of_o a_o true_a and_o full_a sight_n of_o he_o they_o can_v not_o long_o continue_v in_o their_o error_n but_o it_o be_v in_o full_a day_n that_o they_o see_v the_o stone_n roll_v away_o from_o the_o sepulchre_n it_o be_v in_o full_a bright_a day_n that_o christ_n so_o often_o manifest_v himself_o to_o they_o and_o discourse_v with_o they_o and_o afterward_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n before_o their_o eye_n have_v the_o force_n of_o their_o desire_n their_o fear_n or_o affection_n disturb_v their_o sense_n we_o shall_v have_v less_o reason_n to_o wonder_v at_o it_o though_o even_o in_o that_o case_n the_o thing_n will_v seem_v altogether_o unaccountable_a it_o be_v moral_o impossible_a that_o the_o sense_n of_o so_o many_o people_n shall_v all_o at_o once_o be_v so_o confine_v to_o one_o wonderful_a object_n and_o so_o disturb_v at_o the_o same_o time_n but_o they_o have_v time_n enough_o to_o get_v out_o of_o their_o confusion_n and_o astonishment_n and_o their_o mind_n be_v very_o sedate_v and_o at_o ease_n when_o christ_n make_v they_o eye-witness_n of_o his_o glorious_a ascension_n in_o a_o word_n have_v it_o be_v a_o private_a and_o silent_a interview_n we_o may_v have_v much_o more_o reason_n to_o doubt_v but_o christ_n appear_v to_o his_o disciple_n with_o a_o particular_a design_n to_o discourse_v with_o they_o he_o give_v they_o several_a instruction_n he_o forbid_v they_o to_o depart_v from_o jerusalem_n until_o they_o have_v receive_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n he_o make_v they_o several_a promise_n and_o such_o surprise_a one_o that_o they_o be_v fit_v only_o for_o a_o god_n to_o make_v and_o a_o god_n to_o perform_v for_o he_o promise_v that_o he_o will_v be_v with_o they_o even_o unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n he_o institute_v two_o sacrament_n he_o command_v they_o 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 well_o as_o to_o commemorate_v his_o death_n in_o the_o passover_n nor_o be_v that_o all_o he_o have_v many_o long_a and_o coherent_a discourse_n with_o they_o he_o speak_v to_o they_o and_o they_o answer_v he_o they_o be_v at_o first_o incredulous_a but_o he_o convince_v they_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o resurrection_n notwithstanding_o their_o scruple_n and_o their_o infidelity_n he_o rebuke_v they_o several_a time_n for_o their_o little_a faith_n at_o least_o they_o tell_v we_o so_o the_o evangelist_n relate_v what_o christ_n say_v to_o thomas_n and_o what_o answer_n thomas_n make_v and_o both_o their_o speech_n be_v too_o surprise_v to_o be_v so_o soon_o forget_v thomas_n be_v strike_v at_o the_o wonder_n of_o his_o resurrection_n be_v the_o first_o that_o give_v christ_n a_o name_n which_o he_o be_v not_o wont_a to_o bear_v in_o the_o stage_n of_o his_o humiliation_n call_v he_o my_o lord_n and_o my_o god_n john_n 20._o 28._o the_o disciple_n ask_v he_o whether_o he_o will_v at_o that_o time_n restore_v the_o kingdom_n unto_o israel_n but_o he_o answer_v they_o that_o it_o be_v not_o for_o they_o to_o know_v the_o time_n and_o season_n which_o the_o father_n only_o have_v in_o his_o power_n last_o the_o evangelist_n give_v we_o no_o less_o the_o history_n of_o jesus_n christ_n rise_v from_o the_o dead_a than_o that_o of_o jesus_n christ_n live_v and_o converse_v before_o his_o death_n among_o the_o jew_n and_o we_o affirm_v we_o have_v as_o much_o reason_n to_o believe_v one_o as_o the_o other_o for_o indeed_o why_o do_v we_o believe_v there_o be_v ever_o any_o such_o person_n as_o jesus_n christ_n we_o believe_v it_o certain_o because_o it_o be_v in_o humane_a speak_n moral_o impossible_a that_o so_o many_o person_n shall_v unanimous_o tell_v we_o they_o have_v see_v he_o that_o they_o discourse_v eat_v and_o drink_v with_o he_o nay_o see_v he_o suffer_v death_n at_o jerusalem_n i_o say_v they_o will_v never_o have_v tell_v we_o all_o this_o suppose_v there_o be_v nothing_o at_o all_o in_o it_o but_o than_o ought_v not_o that_o same_o reason_n to_o persuade_v we_o likewise_o that_o jesus_n christ_n both_o live_v and_o converse_v forty_o day_n with_o his_o disciple_n since_o so_o many_o person_n see_v he_o discourse_v eat_v and_o drink_v with_o he_o see_v he_o present_a in_o the_o midst_n of_o their_o assembly_n nay_o touch_v and_o handle_v he_o but_o perhaps_o some_o will_v object_v be_v that_o certain_o true_a why_o then_o be_v there_o in_o those_o day_n so_o many_o person_n that_o refuse_v to_o believe_v the_o ascension_n of_o jesus_n christ_n why_o it_o be_v no_o hard_a matter_n to_o find_v the_o reason_n of_o this_o it_o be_v because_o if_o they_o have_v once_o acknowledge_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o ascension_n of_o jesus_n christ_n they_o be_v oblige_v to_o die_v martyr_n for_o that_o truth_n and_o no_o doubt_n man_n be_v as_o worldly-minded_n in_o those_o day_n as_o they_o be_v now_o so_o that_o methinks_v it_o appear_v hitherto_o very_o clear_o that_o the_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v neither_o capable_a of_o deceive_v themselves_o nor_o of_o be_v deceive_v by_o other_o as_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n they_o testify_v it_o be_v a_o very_a difficult_a matter_n i_o have_v almost_o say_v impossible_a that_o they_o shall_v have_v deceive_v themselves_o in_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n which_o they_o relate_v because_o they_o so_o exact_o set_v down_o the_o circumstance_n the_o name_n place_n and_o the_o person_n themselves_o nay_o they_o pretend_v they_o themselves_o be_v send_v by_o their_o master_n into_o all_o the_o part_n of_o judea_n to_o work_v there_o the_o very_a same_o miracle_n they_o attest_v but_o though_o they_o shall_v have_v deceive_v themselves_o in_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n yet_o they_o can_v not_o possible_o deceive_v themselves_o in_o his_o 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christ_n into_o heaven_n and_o how_o can_v any_o man_n reasonable_o imagine_v that_o it_o be_v natural_a and_o according_a to_o the_o regular_a course_n of_o second_o cause_n to_o see_v a_o man_n that_o have_v be_v crucify_v and_o lay_v in_o a_o sepulchre_n where_o a_o watch_n be_v appoint_v to_o guard_v he_o rise_v out_o of_o that_o sepulchre_n again_o appear_v alive_a to_o several_a man_n that_o touch_v and_o handle_v he_o and_o afterward_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n in_o their_o sight_n certain_o that_o very_a ascension_n of_o jesus_n christ_n can_v but_o convince_v the_o most_o suspicious_a and_o scrupulous_a person_n that_o it_o be_v a_o event_n pure_o divine_a and_o supernatural_a for_o otherwise_o our_o incredulous_a adversary_n may_v imagine_v since_o they_o be_v everlasting_o raise_v doubt_n that_o the_o body_n of_o jesus_n christ_n may_v have_v be_v take_v down_o from_o the_o cross_n before_o the_o breath_n be_v go_v out_o of_o it_o that_o joseph_n of_o arimathea_n who_o be_v his_o disciple_n though_o he_o dare_v not_o own_v it_o public_o may_v have_v dress_v his_o body_n and_o recover_v he_o out_o of_o his_o swoon_n by_o the_o strength_n of_o the_o remedy_n he_o give_v he_o that_o he_o may_v have_v lay_v another_o counterfeit_a dead-body_n in_o his_o place_n and_o bury_v it_o and_o that_o afterward_o jes_n christ_n may_v have_v private_o show_v himself_o to_o his_o disciple_n not_o dare_v to_o appear_v in_o public_a for_o fear_v of_o fall_v a_o second_o time_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o suffer_v a_o true_a and_o real_a death_n instead_o of_o that_o imaginary_a one_o he_o have_v suffer_v before_o but_o this_o fiction_n be_v absurd_a and_o incredible_a and_o that_o for_o several_a reason_n first_o because_o the_o evangelist_n relate_v that_o christ_n have_v his_o side_n pierce_v with_o the_o lance_n of_o a_o soldier_n which_o thing_n alone_o be_v enough_o to_o give_v he_o his_o death_n second_o it_o be_v very_o improbable_a to_o think_v that_o the_o jewish_a sanhedrin_n who_o have_v condemn_v he_o to_o die_v nay_o who_o have_v take_v such_o care_n to_o set_v a_o watch_n over_o his_o sepulchre_n shall_v yet_o suffer_v his_o body_n to_o be_v take_v down_o from_o the_o cross_n before_o the_o breath_n be_v go_v out_o of_o it_o last_o because_o it_o can_v never_o be_v suppose_v that_o a_o man_n who_o hang_v several_a hour_n together_o on_o a_o cross_n shall_v yet_o escape_v death_n and_o show_v himself_o not_o long_o after_o safe_a and_o sound_a to_o his_o disciple_n but_o that_o which_o will_v immediate_o remove_v all_o these_o doubt_n be_v that_o jesus_n christ_n not_o only_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a but_o also_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o his_o disciple_n and_o this_o be_v so_o sensible_a and_o evident_a a_o matter_n of_o fact_n that_o they_o can_v never_o have_v be_v impose_v upon_o in_o that_o respect_n so_o that_o it_o may_v very_o well_o be_v affirm_v that_o the_o argument_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n chief_o depend_v upon_o that_o important_a inquiry_n whether_o the_o disciple_n design_v to_o impose_v upon_o we_o by_o relate_v to_o we_o a_o false_a event_n which_o they_o do_v not_o believe_v themselves_o now_o if_o we_o can_v clear_o prove_v the_o contrary_a we_o shall_v invincible_o demonstrate_v the_o certain_a truth_n of_o our_o faith_n let_v we_o therefore_o in_o order_n to_o it_o close_o stick_v to_o the_o examination_n of_o that_o matter_n of_o fact_n the_o most_o essential_a and_o the_o most_o important_a that_o ever_o be_v and_o endeavour_v to_o discover_v whether_o it_o be_v possible_a we_o shall_v have_v be_v impose_v upon_o by_o those_o man_n which_o can_v not_o deceive_v themselves_o if_o we_o will_v suppose_v that_o the_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n christ_n deceive_v we_o in_o their_o relation_n of_o a_o fictitious_a event_n we_o must_v also_o necessary_o suppose_v these_o three_o thing_n 1._o that_o their_o illusion_n or_o 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execute_v upon_o a_o scaffold_n 1._o as_o to_o the_o first_o i_o will_v grant_v you_o if_o you_o will_v that_o peter_n with_o some_o other_o disciple_n may_v have_v take_v away_o the_o body_n of_o jesus_n christ_n out_o of_o the_o sepulchre_n either_o by_o trick_v the_o watch_n or_o take_v the_o advantage_n of_o their_o sleep_n or_o last_o by_o bribe_v they_o with_o money_n i_o will_v grant_v you_o too_o if_o you_o will_v they_o may_v have_v easy_o persuade_v the_o whole_a company_n of_o disciple_n who_o be_v too_o credulous_a and_o too_o eager_a in_o swallow_v of_o novelty_n that_o jesus_n christ_n have_v appear_v to_o they_o indeed_o and_o that_o he_o be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a i_o will_v grant_v you_o likewise_o that_o the_o other_o disciple_n may_v have_v imagine_v thereupon_o they_o have_v see_v some_o vision_n or_o think_v they_o have_v see_v he_o in_o several_a place_n and_o on_o several_a occasion_n but_o then_o i_o ask_v how_o they_o can_v have_v all_o agree_v together_o concern_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o ascension_n by_o what_o charm_n or_o cunning_n can_v peter_n and_o the_o other_o apostle_n have_v make_v they_o see_v that_o which_o they_o never_o see_v or_o hear_v a_o man_n speak_v who_o they_o real_o never_o hear_v by_o what_o machine_n can_v they_o have_v cause_v the_o cloud_n to_o descend_v or_o by_o what_o sort_n of_o enchantment_n can_v they_o have_v produce_v two_o man_n in_o white_a raiment_n tell_v they_o you_o man_n of_o galilee_n why_o stand_v you_o gaze_v up_o into_o heaven_n this_o same_o jesus_n which_o be_v take_v up_o from_o you_o into_o heaven_n shall_v so_o come_v in_o like_a manner_n as_o you_o have_v see_v he_o go_v up_o into_o heaven_n act_v 1._o 11._o by_o what_o secret_a power_n can_v they_o have_v so_o deep_o imprint_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o disciple_n the_o word_n which_o jesus_n christ_n speak_v to_o they_o after_o his_o resurrection_n the_o reproach_n he_o make_v they_o of_o their_o infidelity_n his_o promise_n of_o 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sincerity_n on_o the_o contrary_a a_o great_a virtue_n nay_o it_o be_v even_o impossible_a it_o shall_v ever_o come_v into_o his_o head_n to_o frame_v so_o signal_n a_o imposture_n upon_o so_o sad_a and_o sorrowful_a a_o event_n as_o the_o death_n of_o jesus_n christ_n neither_o do_v it_o appear_v that_o his_o mind_n or_o his_o thought_n be_v any_o way_n bend_v upon_o any_o such_o design_n and_o though_o he_o shall_v have_v be_v induce_v out_o of_o a_o spirit_n of_o revenge_n to_o invent_v such_o a_o lie_n to_o discredit_v the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n yet_o it_o can_v be_v suppose_v he_o shall_v have_v be_v so_o very_o silly_a as_o to_o imagine_v that_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o disciple_n will_v consent_v to_o that_o imposture_n or_o be_v willing_a to_o maintain_v it_o
at_o any_o rate_n whatever_o out_o of_o mere_a complaisance_n to_o he_o such_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o mankind_n such_o the_o frame_n and_o temper_v of_o their_o heart_n that_o they_o will_v admit_v of_o no_o falsity_n unless_o cover_v with_o a_o specious_a show_n of_o truth_n so_o that_o when_o any_o thing_n be_v so_o evident_o false_a that_o every_o body_n must_v necessary_o be_v sensible_a of_o it_o we_o have_v no_o thought_n of_o attempt_v to_o make_v other_o believe_v it_o as_o for_o instance_n it_o will_v never_o come_v into_o my_o head_n to_o make_v other_o man_n believe_v that_o i_o have_v wing_n and_o that_o i_o fly_v etc._n etc._n we_o may_v here_o repeat_v what_o have_v be_v say_v concern_v the_o resurrection_n of_o jesus_n christ_n either_o the_o disciple_n look_v upon_o jesus_n christ_n before_o his_o death_n as_o the_o promise_a messiah_n or_o else_o they_o do_v not_o look_v upon_o he_o as_o such_o if_o they_o consider_v he_o as_o the_o promise_a messiah_n they_o then_o 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have_v propose_v to_o the_o other_o disciple_n who_o be_v real_o sincere_a and_o true_a to_o join_v with_o they_o and_o so_o testify_v that_o they_o have_v see_v jesus_n christ_n ascend_v into_o heaven_n true_o i_o do_v see_v what_o any_o man_n can_v allege_v except_o one_o of_o these_o two_o thing_n either_o that_o they_o be_v all_o sincere_a and_o honest_a man_n or_o that_o some_o of_o they_o be_v honest_a and_o the_o rest_n cheat_n if_o they_o be_v all_o sincere_a and_o honest_a man_n as_o their_o manner_n their_o discourse_n their_o conduct_n and_o a_o thousand_o other_o character_n of_o they_o evident_o show_v then_o be_v it_o absolute_o impossible_a that_o any_o such_o cheat_n can_v have_v be_v carry_v on_o among_o they_o but_o if_o they_o be_v all_o a_o pack_n of_o cheat_v treacherous_a impostor_n than_o it_o be_v the_o first_o time_n that_o ever_o a_o society_n of_o cheat_v perfidious_a rogue_n be_v erect_v who_o seem_v to_o have_v have_v no_o other_o design_n than_o to_o 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see_v that_o which_o they_o real_o never_o see_v or_o handle_v that_o which_o they_o have_v never_o handle_v that_o jesus_n christ_n after_o have_v give_v they_o many_o precept_n and_o large_a instruction_n which_o he_o leave_v very_o deep_o imprint_v in_o their_o mind_n ascend_v into_o heaven_n in_o their_o sight_n but_o shall_v i_o grant_v he_o may_v have_v persuade_v they_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o resurrection_n yet_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a he_o can_v persuade_v they_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o ascension_n have_v st._n peter_n but_o so_o much_o as_o propose_v it_o to_o they_o who_o he_o design_v to_o delude_v it_o will_v have_v be_v for_o that_o very_a reason_n impossible_a but_o that_o they_o shall_v have_v find_v out_o his_o design_n to_o cheat_v they_o but_o he_o will_v not_o sure_o presume_v to_o propose_v to_o they_o the_o joint_a contrivance_n of_o such_o a_o fabulous_a story_n nor_o will_v he_o have_v find_v though_o he_o have_v be_v bold_a enough_o to_o have_v 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have_v act_v in_o it_o joint_o with_o they_o to_o imagine_v that_o they_o can_v be_v able_a to_o endure_v the_o most_o rigorous_a torment_n and_o the_o severe_a and_o most_o cruel_a affliction_n or_o that_o the_o cheat_n which_o they_o unanimous_o have_v agree_v on_o will_v have_v be_v both_o believe_v and_o approve_v of_o throughout_o the_o world_n nay_o what_o be_v more_o that_o man_n shall_v repent_v and_o become_v holy_a and_o righteous_a out_o of_o a_o respect_n and_o reverence_n they_o bo●e_n to_o a_o impostor_n and_o that_o virtue_n and_o piety_n shall_v have_v be_v establish_v in_o all_o the_o part_n of_o the_o world_n by_o the_o mean_n of_o a_o extraordinary_a cheat._n to_o this_o we_o may_v add_v that_o consider_v this_o design_n of_o they_o another_o way_n it_o be_v not_o can_v be_v such_o a_o one_o as_o any_o
say_v that_o imposture_n and_o deceit_n never_o have_v such_o a_o design_n or_o the_o like_a success_n for_o though_o self-love_n may_v have_v hitherto_o make_v use_n of_o deceit_n and_o falsehood_n to_o effect_v its_o own_o desire_n without_o any_o regard_n have_v to_o justice_n and_o charity_n so_o indispensable_o due_a to_o our_o neighbour_n it_o be_v yet_o never_o know_v nor_o ever_o will_v be_v that_o charity_n make_v use_v of_o imposture_n and_o deceit_n to_o bring_v about_o its_o design_n for_o the_o good_a of_o other_o without_o the_o least_o consideration_n of_o its_o own_o interest_n and_o desire_n and_o to_o insist_v further_o upon_o it_o will_v be_v to_o endeavour_v to_o add_v light_n to_o the_o sun_n and_o prove_v a_o thing_n that_o be_v already_o as_o clear_a as_o noonday_n v._o portraiture_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o it_o be_v consider_v in_o its_o suitableness_n to_o the_o necessity_n of_o mankind_n we_o can_v serious_o reflect_v upon_o ourselves_o without_o immediate_o discover_v our_o own_o weakness_n misery_n and_o corruption_n neither_o can_v we_o look_v upon_o the_o christian_a religion_n without_o acknowledge_v that_o it_o be_v peculiar_o design_v to_o free_v we_o from_o those_o three_o imperfection_n inherent_a in_o our_o nature_n as_o to_o the_o corruption_n of_o man_n it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o it_o be_v the_o only_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n that_o man_n most_o know_v and_o yet_o at_o the_o same_o time_n be_v most_o ignorant_a of_o for_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o be_v palpable_a and_o evident_a to_o the_o sense_n it_o be_v easy_o believe_v that_o man_n be_v very_o wicked_a and_o corrupt_a when_o it_o be_v so_o manifest_o see_v that_o they_o commit_v so_o many_o enormous_a crime_n but_o man_n be_v still_o ignorant_a that_o there_o be_v a_o general_a depravation_n from_o nature_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o every_o man_n that_o dispose_v he_o to_o the_o strange_a irregularity_n and_o it_o have_v so_o happen_v that_o man_n have_v make_v no_o great_a reflection_n upon_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o original_a depravation_n so_o incident_a to_o mankind_n that_o it_o continual_o attend_v they_o from_o the_o cradle_n to_o the_o grave_a they_o only_o concern_v themselves_o about_o what_o be_v external_a without_o search_v into_o the_o bottom_n of_o their_o heart_n and_o conscience_n but_o the_o christian_a religion_n give_v we_o in_o that_o respect_n all_o necessary_a light_n it_o teach_v we_o that_o we_o be_v corrupt_v and_o that_o that_o corruption_n proceed_v from_o ourselves_o it_o show_v we_o the_o extent_n of_o it_o and_o confirm_v what_o the_o old_a testament_n teach_v we_o that_o all_o flesh_n have_v corrupt_v his_o way_n gen._n 6._o 12._o it_o show_v we_o that_o that_o corruption_n make_v we_o subject_a to_o the_o curse_n of_o god_n and_o that_o we_o be_v by_o nature_n the_o child_n of_o wrath_n eph._n 2._o 3._o it_o assure_v we_o that_o that_o original_a corruption_n have_v such_o power_n over_o man_n heart_n that_o it_o move_v all_o the_o faculty_n of_o his_o soul_n so_o that_o every_o imagination_n of_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n be_v only_o evil_a continual_o gen._n 6._o 5._o last_o it_o show_v we_o how_o impossible_a it_o be_v for_o man_n ever_o to_o recover_v himself_o of_o that_o malady_n so_o inveterate_a and_o deep_o root_v within_o he_o and_o that_o by_o represent_v he_o to_o we_o as_o one_o that_o be_v lame_a that_o have_v a_o lethargy_n that_o be_v dead_a in_o respect_n of_o life_n holiness_n and_o justice_n all_o which_o truth_n we_o know_v too_o well_o by_o reason_n and_o experience_n how_o come_v it_o then_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n teach_v we_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v so_o general_o unknown_a to_o mankind_n above_o all_o how_o come_v it_o to_o show_v we_o so_o distinct_o the_o true_a principle_n of_o our_o own_o corruption_n who_o teach_v the_o son_n of_o mary_n that_o self-love_n be_v the_o true_a source_n and_o original_a of_o all_o our_o irregularity_n and_o why_o do_v he_o make_v man_n to_o become_v a_o enemy_n to_o himself_o yet_o the_o christian_a religion_n not_o only_o teach_v we_o to_o know_v man_n and_o thorough_o to_o search_v into_o all_o his_o frailty_n but_o also_o that_o alone_o furnish_v we_o with_o such_o remedy_n as_o can_v cure_v all_o his_o weakness_n and_o imperfection_n for_o we_o can_v see_v that_o any_o thing_n else_o can_v do_v it_o not_o education_n which_o be_v as_o often_o evil_a as_o good_a not_o the_o civil_a law_n who_o business_n be_v only_o to_o regulate_v outward_a action_n nor_o the_o law_n in_o general_n which_o instead_o of_o remove_v rather_o increase_v this_o original_a corruption_n be_v in_o that_o respect_n like_o a_o bank_n which_o cause_v the_o flood_n to_o swell_v not_o the_o decorum_n observe_v among_o man_n which_o usual_o vary_v according_a to_o the_o diversity_n of_o country_n nor_o the_o respect_n we_o common_o have_v for_o ourselves_o a_o thing_n too_o thin_a and_o metaphysical_a not_o to_o submit_v to_o the_o sense_n of_o pleasure_n not_o reason_n itself_o which_o the_o passion_n so_o easy_o corrupt_a nor_o the_o example_n of_o man_n who_o common_o lead_v a_o very_a irregular_a life_n not_o worldly_a honour_n which_o regard_v only_o external_a pomp_n and_o grandeur_n nor_o last_o philosophy_n which_o want_v motive_n sufficient_a to_o effect_v it_o or_o if_o it_o have_v any_o it_o derive_v they_o all_o from_o our_o own_o pride_n must_v we_o then_o have_v recourse_n to_o the_o virtue_n in_o fashion_n in_o the_o world_n we_o may_v easy_o perceive_v that_o they_o be_v only_a pride_n and_o interest_n different_o manage_v according_a to_o the_o various_a turn_v and_o affair_n since_o they_o have_v no_o other_o motive_n but_o what_o they_o have_v from_o the_o world_n the_o falsehood_n of_o human_a virtue_n be_v a_o thing_n not_o to_o be_v dispute_v we_o all_o know_v that_o self-denial_n be_v only_o a_o piece_n of_o nice_a delicate_a interest_n liberality_n a_o mere_a trade_n of_o pride_n which_o value_v no_o gift_n provide_v it_o have_v the_o glory_n of_o be_v liberal_a modesty_n the_o art_n of_o conceal_v our_o vanity_n civility_n but_o a_o affect_a preference_n of_o other_o man_n before_o ourselves_o to_o conceal_v how_o much_o we_o real_o value_v ourselves_o above_o all_o the_o world_n bashfulness_n but_o a_o affect_a silence_n in_o those_o thing_n which_o our_o lust_n make_v we_o think_v of_o with_o pleasure_n the_o desire_n of_o oblige_v other_o man_n but_o a_o secret_a desire_n of_o oblige_v ourselves_o by_o get_v they_o to_o befriend_v we_o another_o time_n just_a as_o impatience_n to_o acquit_v ourselves_o of_o a_o obligation_n be_v but_o a_o shamefacedness_n for_o have_v be_v too_o long_o behold_v to_o other_o for_o some_o favour_n receive_v so_o that_o all_o these_o virtue_n in_o general_n be_v so_o many_o guard_n self-love_n make_v use_v of_o to_o prevent_v our_o darling_n and_o secret_a vice_n from_o appear_v outward_o what_o remedy_n then_o can_v be_v bring_v for_o the_o irregularity_n of_o our_o corrupt_a nature_n the_o pernicious_a poison_n of_o which_o secret_o insinuate_v itself_o even_o into_o our_o virtuousaction_n and_o who_o can_v cure_v such_o a_o distemper_n when_o the_o remedy_n apply_v to_o it_o be_v rather_o a_o disease_n than_o a_o cure_n experience_n show_v we_o that_o by_o effectual_o resist_v one_o vice_n we_o often_o confirm_v and_o establish_v another_o will_v you_o destroy_v avarice_n you_o must_v attack_v it_o by_o such_o argument_n as_o necessary_o flatter_v pride_n and_o be_v pride_n to_o be_v overcome_v it_o must_v be_v impugned_a by_o such_o motive_n as_o encourage_v avarice_n in_o vain_a shall_v you_o strip_v self-love_n of_o all_o its_o please_a object_n and_o allurement_n still_o it_o will_v endeavour_v to_o secure_v itself_o either_o by_o contemn_v the_o good_n of_o fortune_n or_o by_o show_v its_o moderation_n in_o patient_o endure_v disgrace_n self-love_n when_o seat_v on_o the_o throne_n make_v tyrant_n when_o reduce_v to_o want_v and_o poverty_n it_o make_v philosopher_n who_o despise_v every_o thing_n they_o can_v enjoy_v it_o oft_o indeed_o change_v its_o object_n but_o not_o its_o disposition_n it_o be_v pride_n as_o i_o may_v say_v outlive_v its_o own_o death_n and_o not_o be_v able_a to_o prevent_v its_o perish_v it_o will_v seem_v to_o look_v pleasant_o upon_o its_o downfall_n and_o as_o it_o be_v triumph_n in_o its_o own_o ruin_n who_o then_o can_v give_v this_o hydra_n its_o death_n wound_n when_o the_o lop_n off_o one_o head_n serve_v only_o to_o give_v rise_v to_o another_o it_o be_v certain_a therefore_o that_o nothing_o can_v remedy_v this_o corruption_n unless_o it_o be_v more_o constant_a than_o the_o principle_n of_o education_n more_o infallible_a than_o the_o rule_n of_o decency_n and_o civility_n more_o holy_a than_o the_o civil_a law_n which_o require_v only_o a_o
nature_n and_o what_o be_v most_o surprise_a in_o the_o former_a of_o those_o two_o union_n be_v to_o see_v that_o the_o soul_n which_o be_v so_o noble_a a_o be_v shall_v be_v so_o close_o fasten_v and_o unite_v to_o matter_n and_o even_o depend_v upon_o it_o in_o all_o its_o operation_n now_o it_o be_v not_o so_o with_o the_o incarnation_n of_o christ_n and_o it_o can_v never_o be_v say_v that_o the_o divine_a nature_n depend_v on_o the_o humane_a but_o contrariwise_o it_o be_v the_o humane_a nature_n which_o depend_v on_o the_o divine_a in_o this_o union_n god_n remain_v the_o same_o as_o before_o all-perfect_a almighty_a all-full_a eternal_a and_o immutable_a but_o man_n be_v change_v and_o sanctify_a and_o exalt_v by_o it_o what_o inconveniency_n then_o can_v there_o result_v from_o it_o as_o it_o be_v surprise_v to_o see_v a_o most_o noble_a be_v subject_n to_o a_o less_o perfect_a be_v so_o it_o be_v natural_a for_o a_o less_o perfect_a be_v to_o be_v subject_a to_o one_o more_o noble_a now_o the_o latter_a of_o these_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o incarnation_n evident_o demonstrate_v and_o the_o union_n of_o the_o soul_n with_o the_o body_n discover_v the_o former_a it_o follow_v hence_o therefore_o that_o the_o union_n of_o the_o soul_n with_o the_o body_n be_v in_o some_o sense_n very_o extraordinary_a and_o far_o more_o surprise_a than_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o incarnation_n 3._o if_o still_o you_o require_v another_o representation_n of_o this_o object_n that_o may_v further_o give_v you_o a_o clear_a notion_n of_o the_o same_o conceive_v a_o false_a sun_n compose_v of_o two_o different_a thing_n so_o close_o unite_v together_o that_o they_o seem_v as_o it_o be_v confound_v together_o viz._n a_o cloud_n and_o the_o light_n of_o the_o sun_n the_o cloud_n be_v not_o the_o sun_n nor_o be_v the_o sun_n the_o cloud_n and_o thus_o the_o humane_a nature_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o the_o divine_a nature_n the_o same_o with_o the_o humane_a this_o false_a sun_n be_v a_o sun_n and_o yet_o a_o cloud_n so_o likewise_o christ_n be_v god_n and_o christ_n be_v man._n this_o false_a sun_n be_v form_v of_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o earth_n because_o it_o be_v compose_v of_o a_o cloud_n which_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o vapour_n of_o it_o and_o of_o the_o sun_n himself_o be_v form_v out_o of_o those_o beam_n in_o which_o the_o body_n of_o that_o planet_n consist_v so_o in_o likemanner_n christ_n be_v take_v from_o the_o earth_n and_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o common_a lump_n of_o mankind_n because_o he_o be_v man_n which_o do_v not_o hinder_v he_o from_o be_v the_o substance_n of_o the_o father_n since_o he_o be_v the_o brightness_n of_o his_o glory_n this_o be_v a_o very_a just_a representation_n of_o that_o great_a mystery_n but_o not_o perfect_a but_o we_o hope_v every_o just_a and_o equitable_a reader_n will_v easy_o forgive_v the_o defect_n of_o this_o comparison_n in_o a_o subject_a that_o be_v so_o far_o exalt_v above_o our_o weak_a 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infallible_a death_n but_o afterward_o deliver_v by_o a_o kind_n of_o miracle_n from_o the_o fury_n of_o the_o water_n and_o also_o deliver_v not_o long_a after_o his_o own_o nation_n himself_o by_o a_o lucky_a turn_v when_o he_o seem_v to_o be_v cast_v away_o be_v a_o exact_a representation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n who_o come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o be_v the_o mediator_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n be_v deliver_v at_o his_o birth_n from_o the_o murder_n of_o herod_n and_o save_v man_n after_o his_o have_v suffer_v death_n ionas_n who_o be_v cast_v into_o the_o sea_n to_o appease_v the_o tempest_n and_o swallow_v by_o a_o whale_n which_o three_o day_n after_o cast_v he_o again_o on_o the_o shore_n sufficient_o give_v we_o to_o understand_v who_o it_o be_v that_o calm_v by_o his_o death_n that_o storm_n our_o sin_n have_v raise_v that_o go_v down_o into_o the_o grave_a and_o afterward_o rise_v again_o the_o three_o day_n last_o david_n be_v raise_v from_o the_o state_n of_o a_o 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christian_a religion_n as_o it_o be_v consider_v in_o the_o proportion_n it_o bear_v to_o natural_a religion_n we_o have_v already_o describe_v the_o christian_a religion_n as_o it_o be_v thus_o consider_v in_o have_v full_o prove_v in_o several_a place_n of_o this_o work_n that_o it_o take_v away_o the_o corruption_n which_o have_v disorder_v nature_n that_o it_o subvert_v paganism_n which_o be_v the_o corruption_n of_o natural_a religion_n that_o it_o be_v the_o perfect_a restauration_n of_o the_o latter_a that_o it_o reestablish_v the_o principle_n of_o justice_n and_o equity_n which_o god_n have_v imprint_v in_o our_o heart_n that_o it_o produce_v the_o most_o perfect_a union_n of_o society_n by_o love_n and_o charity_n that_o humility_n temperance_n wisdom_n and_o all_o other_o kind_n of_o virtue_n which_o support_v natural_a religion_n derive_v the_o force_n of_o their_o motive_n from_o the_o christian_a religion_n they_o alone_o be_v equivalent_a to_o all_o sensible_a object_n and_o last_o that_o it_o make_v we_o answer_v the_o end_n of_o our_o creation_n it_o be_v a_o wonderful_a comfort_n and_o satisfaction_n to_o our_o mind_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n exalt_v our_o nature_n to_o reflect_v that_o the_o end_n for_o which_o man_n be_v design_v be_v the_o same_o with_o that_o of_o christian_a religion_n and_o the_o end_n of_o christian_a religion_n the_o same_o with_o the_o true_a end_n of_o man_n creation_n every_o thing_n that_o go_v to_o the_o constitution_n of_o man_n nature_n do_v in_o a_o manner_n seek_v after_o god_n the_o infinite_a curiosity_n of_o our_o mind_n incessant_o thirst_v after_o the_o knowledge_n of_o new_a object_n seek_v after_o that_o deity_n which_o the_o christian_a religion_n discover_v to_o we_o because_o that_o deity_n contain_v all_o thing_n in_o the_o excellence_n of_o its_o own_o nature_n the_o greedy_a and_o hasty_a desire_n of_o our_o