jesus_n christ_n who_o take_v our_o flesh_n and_o blood_n upon_o he_o part_v with_o his_o own_o life_n to_o redeem_v we_o from_o a_o inevitable_a danger_n which_o will_v have_v undo_v we_o for_o ever_o and_o in_o recompense_n of_o this_o great_a love_n he_o desire_v we_o only_o to_o make_v ourselves_o happy_a by_o take_v upon_o we_o his_o easy_a yoke_n and_o light_a burden_n and_o can_v we_o be_v so_o ungrateful_a as_o to_o slight_v he_o for_o it_o and_o forget_v his_o command_n what_o band_n or_o cord_n can_v tie_v soul_n near_o together_o than_o that_o love_n which_o be_v strong_a than_o death_n or_o what_o word_n make_v deep_a impression_n upon_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n than_o those_o that_o be_v speak_v by_o their_o die_a friend_n it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n to_o conceive_v a_o more_o effectual_a way_n to_o expel_v sin_n and_o wickedness_n and_o more_o conduce_v to_o the_o further_a of_o goodness_n and_o holiness_n than_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n for_o that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o have_v no_o sin_n of_o his_o own_o to_o satisfy_v for_o shall_v descend_v from_o heaven_n and_o submit_v himself_o to_o the_o weakness_n frailty_n and_o drudgery_n of_o our_o mortal_a state_n and_o endure_v such_o deep_a agony_n of_o spirit_n as_o force_v he_o to_o sweat_v drop_n of_o blood_n and_o after_o suffer_v a_o inglorious_a and_o painful_a death_n upon_o the_o cross_n and_o this_o mere_o upon_o our_o account_n and_o out_o of_o a_o mighty_a sense_n of_o compassion_n for_o our_o misery_n be_v so_o astonish_v a_o love_n as_o must_v needs_o thaw_v our_o icy_a heart_n and_o dissolve_v they_o into_o tear_n and_o a_o ready_a conformity_n to_o his_o will._n how_o can_v any_o man_n go_v on_o and_o continue_v in_o sin_n when_o he_o consider_v that_o his_o saviour_n come_v for_o this_o only_a end_n into_o the_o world_n that_o he_o may_v destroy_v the_o work_n of_o sin_n and_o satan_n and_o present_v all_o man_n a_o glorious_a church_n to_o god_n without_o spot_n or_o wrinkle_n whatever_o sin_n therefore_o it_o be_v that_o assault_v thy_o soul_n present_a unto_o it_o thy_o die_a saviour_n who_o with_o his_o outstretch_v arm_n on_o the_o cross_n sue_v for_o admittance_n into_o thy_o strong_a affection_n be_v thou_o ensnare_v with_o pride_n how_o can_v thou_o look_v upon_o thyself_o without_o watery_a eye_n when_o thou_o behold_v the_o son_n of_o god_n bear_v a_o helpless_a infant_n of_o a_o poor_a virgin_n subject_n to_o all_o the_o hardship_n and_o sinless_a infirmity_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o at_o last_o breathe_v out_o his_o innocent_a soul_n on_o the_o cross_n for_o his_o bitter_a enemy_n be_v thou_o covetous_a and_o too_o desirous_a of_o worldly_a enjoyment_n then_o remember_v judas_n and_o consider_v what_o a_o heinous_a and_o bloody_a act_n his_o covetousness_n betray_v he_o to_o even_o the_o deliver_n up_o his_o harmless_a lord_n and_o master_n to_o the_o malicious_a and_o implacable_a jew_n and_o whoever_o set_v his_o heart_n upon_o the_o world_n he_o do_v with_o judas_n sell_v his_o saviour_n thus_o you_o may_v see_v of_o what_o great_a usefulness_n this_o one_o consideration_n of_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n be_v to_o the_o mortification_n of_o all_o our_o sin_n and_o this_o the_o gospel_n every_o where_o hold_v forth_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n that_o we_o shall_v express_v his_o death_n on_o the_o cross_n in_o our_o soul_n by_o our_o die_v unto_o sin_n and_o crucify_a all_o our_o corrupt_a lust_n and_o affection_n 4._o another_o powerful_a mean_n by_o which_o man_n be_v draw_v off_o from_o their_o sin_n and_o engage_v in_o holiness_n be_v the_o example_n of_o our_o holy_a lord_n and_o master_n who_o life_n and_o action_n be_v therefore_o careful_o write_v by_o his_o disciple_n that_o man_n may_v learn_v of_o he_o and_o follow_v his_o step_n and_o that_o we_o may_v more_o clear_o discover_v wherein_o we_o be_v to_o imitate_v and_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n we_o must_v distinguish_v between_o those_o action_n which_o our_o lord_n do_v as_o a_o public_a person_n invest_v with_o authority_n from_o heaven_n as_o likewise_o those_o action_n of_o he_o which_o he_o do_v to_o confirm_v his_o mission_n we_o must_v distinguish_v these_o i_o say_v from_o those_o wherein_o he_o be_v set_v as_o a_o example_n for_o we_o to_o imitate_v 1._o therefore_o we_o be_v not_o call_v to_o imitate_v christ_n in_o those_o action_n which_o he_o perform_v as_o a_o public_a person_n for_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n which_o he_o do_v that_o relate_v whole_o to_o his_o office_n as_o he_o be_v the_o messiah_n the_o great_a representative_a of_o mankind_n who_o take_v upon_o he_o and_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n to_o reconcile_v the_o world_n to_o god._n thus_o he_o give_v new_a law_n of_o life_n to_o man_n and_o forgive_v sin_n by_o his_o own_o power_n and_o authority_n and_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n as_o a_o public_a victim_n and_o sacrifice_n for_o the_o world_n to_o these_o we_o may_v add_v his_o fast_v forty_o day_n and_o forty_o night_n his_o lead_v a_o single_a life_n and_o refuse_v all_o earthly_a honour_n and_o dignity_n and_o hitherto_o likewise_o we_o may_v refer_v that_o action_n of_o zeal_n wherewith_o our_o lord_n be_v possess_v for_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o in_o behalf_n of_o the_o despise_a gentile_n against_o a_o corrupt_a generation_n who_o only_o pretend_v but_o have_v real_o nothing_o of_o true_a zeal_n or_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n in_o they_o when_o as_o st._n matthew_n relate_v it_o chap._n 21.12_o he_o go_v into_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n and_o cast_v out_o all_o they_o that_o sell_v and_o buy_v in_o the_o temple_n and_o overthrow_v the_o table_n of_o the_o money-changer_n and_o the_o seat_n of_o they_o that_o sell_v dove_n 2._o nor_o be_v we_o call_v to_o follow_v and_o imitate_v christ_n in_o those_o action_n which_o he_o do_v to_o testify_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o mission_n that_o he_o come_v from_o god_n and_o act_v by_o his_o sole_a authority_n such_o be_v all_o his_o miraculous_a work_n his_o give_a sight_n to_o the_o blind_a speech_n to_o the_o dumb_a and_o hear_v to_o the_o deaf_a his_o command_v the_o wind_n and_o wave_n of_o the_o sea_n which_o instant_o obey_v he_o his_o multiply_a bread_n according_a to_o his_o own_o pleasure_n so_o that_o a_o few_o loaf_n shall_v be_v sufficient_a to_o satisfy_v some_o thousand_o of_o eater_n his_o cure_v all_o bodily_a disease_n and_o distemper_n and_o show_v his_o power_n over_o evil_a spirit_n which_o upon_o his_o sole_a command_n and_o word_n be_v force_v to_o leave_v those_o body_n they_o have_v vex_v and_o torment_v but_o above_o all_o his_o raise_v the_o dead_a to_o life_n show_v that_o he_o have_v a_o power_n not_o only_o here_o but_o in_o the_o region_n of_o separate_a soul_n likewise_o now_o in_o neither_o of_o these_o be_v we_o call_v to_o imitate_v our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n but_o though_o we_o be_v not_o enjoin_v to_o follow_v he_o in_o these_o yet_o be_v they_o not_o therefore_o throw_v away_o or_o record_v to_o no_o purpose_n we_o may_v make_v a_o good_a use_n of_o every_o one_o of_o these_o action_n of_o our_o saviour_n though_o we_o lie_v under_o no_o necessity_n to_o imitate_v he_o in_o they_o nay_o it_o be_v a_o presumption_n in_o we_o so_o to_o do_v when_o we_o read_v that_o he_o fast_v forty_o day_n we_o may_v learn_v that_o the_o further_o we_o withdraw_v our_o mind_n from_o bodily_a lust_n and_o affection_n we_o be_v in_o a_o great_a forwardness_n and_o better_a disposition_n to_o converse_v with_o god._n when_o we_o hear_v that_o our_o saviour_n christ_n steadfast_o decline_v all_o earthly_a dignity_n and_o honour_n it_o show_v we_o what_o a_o light_a esteem_n god_n put_v upon_o these_o thing_n in_o comparison_n of_o the_o participation_n of_o his_o nature_n in_o true_a goodness_n and_o righteousness_n and_o so_o of_o all_o our_o lord_n be_v miraculous_a action_n which_o be_v as_o so_o many_o credential_n and_o seal_n from_o heaven_n that_o attest_v and_o verify_v his_o commission_n and_o the_o authority_n by_o which_o he_o act_v there_o be_v something_o still_o that_o we_o may_v draw_v for_o our_o encouragement_n and_o support_v in_o that_o holy_a and_o unblameable_a life_n which_o he_o come_v to_o propagate_v in_o the_o world_n when_o we_o find_v he_o by_o a_o miracle_n redress_v the_o infirmity_n of_o mankind_n and_o ease_v they_o of_o their_o sorrow_n by_o cure_v their_o bodily_a distemper_n do_v not_o this_o teach_v we_o to_o be_v of_o a_o compassionate_a temper_n to_o sympathize_v with_o other_o in_o their_o misery_n and_o as_o far_o as_o we_o be_v able_a to_o lend_v our_o assist_a hand_n to_o free_v they_o from_o they_o when_o
and_o through_o their_o gross_a infidelity_n they_o shall_v not_o give_v that_o reverence_n and_o ready_a compliance_n that_o be_v due_a to_o so_o great_a a_o majesty_n beside_o the_o reiterate_v this_o voice_n at_o two_o other_o time_n before_o unsuspected_a witness_n god_n endue_v our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n with_o such_o a_o miraculous_a power_n as_o no_o man_n ever_o have_v before_o so_o that_o it_o be_v true_o say_v of_o he_o by_o the_o multitude_n upon_o the_o cast_n out_o of_o a_o devil_n mat._n 9.33_o that_o it_o be_v never_o so_o see_v in_o israel_n here_o be_v sufficient_a evidence_n to_o prove_v that_o christ_n be_v send_v from_o god._n but_o that_o there_o may_v be_v nothing_o want_v to_o give_v the_o high_a certainty_n that_o so_o great_a a_o truth_n be_v capable_a of_o after_o the_o jew_n have_v put_v jesus_n to_o death_n as_o a_o deceiver_n god_n open_o vindicate_v his_o innocency_n by_o raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a by_o which_o we_o have_v all_o the_o assurance_n imaginable_a that_o what_o our_o lord_n speak_v and_o do_v in_o his_o life-time_n he_o act_v by_o divine_a designation_n and_o appointment_n 2._o it_o appear_v very_o reasonable_a that_o this_o person_n who_o god_n entrust_v with_o the_o delivery_n of_o his_o will_n shall_v show_v we_o by_o his_o own_o example_n what_o kind_n of_o life_n it_o be_v that_o god_n require_v of_o we_o and_o which_o will_v at_o last_o procure_v our_o happiness_n for_o by_o how_o much_o the_o more_o example_n prevail_v with_o man_n than_o naked_a precept_n and_o persuasion_n by_o so_o much_o the_o more_o will_v this_o divine_a person_n consult_v our_o frailty_n and_o infirmity_n who_o be_v with_o great_a easiness_n allure_v to_o walk_v in_o that_o path_n wherein_o we_o have_v see_v another_o go_v before_o we_o and_o such_o a_o course_n as_o this_o will_v give_v great_a ease_n and_o relief_n to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n that_o god_n require_v no_o impossibility_n of_o they_o when_o they_o see_v one_o dwell_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n and_o surround_v with_o the_o same_o infirmity_n and_o yet_o live_v up_o exact_o to_o the_o rule_n of_o that_o divine_a life_n he_o prescribe_v to_o other_o and_o in_o this_o example_n of_o christ_n there_o be_v a_o double_a convenience_n 1._o here_o we_o be_v teach_v in_o a_o familiar_a way_n by_o one_o of_o the_o same_o flesh_n and_o blood_n with_o ourselves_o when_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v deliver_v upon_o mount_n sinai_n to_o the_o jew_n it_o be_v in_o such_o a_o terrible_a and_o amaze_a manner_n that_o the_o people_n be_v affright_v and_o astonish_v at_o it_o as_o it_o be_v natural_a for_o all_o unusual_a and_o terrible_a thing_n to_o cause_v a_o horror_n and_o dread_n in_o weak_a and_o frail_a mortal_n therefore_o it_o be_v infinite_o more_o agreeable_a and_o desirable_a that_o god_n shall_v manifest_v his_o will_n in_o the_o mild_a sweet_a and_o most_o attractive_a manner_n which_o can_v no_o better_a way_n be_v do_v than_o that_o this_o person_n who_o come_v from_o he_o shall_v be_v clothe_v with_o flesh_n and_o blood_n for_o hereby_o our_o weakness_n be_v consult_v and_o we_o have_v a_o mighty_a comfort_n in_o our_o great_a straits_n and_o necessity_n be_v assure_v as_o the_o scripture_n speak_v heb._n 4.15_o 16._o that_o we_o have_v not_o such_o a_o high_a priest_n that_o can_v be_v touch_v with_o the_o feel_n of_o our_o infirmity_n but_o such_o a_o one_o as_o be_v in_o all_o point_v tempt_v as_o we_o be_v though_o without_o sin_n and_o because_o through_o a_o sense_n of_o our_o own_o guiltiness_n we_o be_v apt_a to_o be_v afraid_a of_o the_o majesty_n of_o god_n and_o dare_v not_o approach_v unto_o he_o now_o that_o he_o condescend_v to_o visit_v we_o in_o our_o own_o likeness_n and_o instruct_v we_o by_o one_o of_o our_o brethren_n we_o come_v bold_o to_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n that_o we_o may_v obtain_v mercy_n and_o find_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d grace_n for_o seasonable_a relief_n 2._o in_o the_o example_n of_o christ_n we_o see_v what_o little_a regard_n be_v have_v of_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o the_o carnal_a and_o sensual_a man_n so_o much_o prize_n and_o value_v and_o that_o the_o divine_a and_o heavenly_a life_n be_v no_o part_n of_o any_o of_o these_o thing_n such_o as_o pride_n and_o vain_a glory_n worldly_a power_n and_o dominion_n covetousness_n and_o a_o immoderate_a desire_n and_o hanker_a after_o sensual_a pleasure_n these_o be_v thing_n that_o debase_v inebriate_a and_o intoxicate_a the_o carnal_a mind_n and_o from_o which_o luscious_a and_o powerful_a inescation_n our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n come_v to_o loose_v and_o set_v we_o free_a and_o therefore_o our_o lord_n choose_v not_o to_o be_v bear_v in_o a_o splendid_a manner_n but_o of_o a_o poor_a virgin_n that_o have_v but_o a_o pair_n of_o turtle-dove_n to_o offer_v for_o his_o redemption_n and_o to_o be_v cradle_v in_o a_o manger_n among_o the_o mean_a of_o his_o creature_n and_o as_o his_o birth_n be_v humble_a and_o mean_a so_o all_o his_o life-time_n he_o refuse_v all_o earthly_a splendour_n and_o glory_n to_o instruct_v we_o that_o the_o true_a advancement_n and_o perfection_n of_o our_o soul_n consist_v in_o the_o low_a and_o most_o humble_a resignation_n of_o themselves_o to_o the_o will_n of_o god._n and_o that_o the_o more_o unaffected_a a_o man_n live_v to_o the_o complacency_n and_o delight_n of_o the_o animal_n life_n the_o more_o he_o spiritualize_v his_o soul_n and_o make_v it_o capable_a of_o enjoy_v communion_n with_o god._n our_o most_o holy_a lord_n never_o covet_v after_o earthly_a riches_n and_o possession_n that_o he_o may_v lead_v our_o mind_n from_o this_o dunghill_n to_o the_o fair_a mansion_n of_o heaven_n and_o show_v we_o that_o man_n live_v not_o by_o bread_n alone_o but_o by_o every_o word_n that_o proceed_v out_o of_o the_o mouth_n of_o god_n the_o whole_a course_n of_o his_o life_n be_v a_o continue_a contradiction_n of_o the_o flatter_a pleasure_n of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n and_o a_o perpetual_a slight_n and_o undervalue_v all_o that_o which_o the_o world_n call_v happiness_n teach_v we_o that_o the_o true_a divine_a life_n though_o it_o be_v not_o accompany_v with_o any_o earthly_a advantage_n such_o as_o honour_n and_o wealth_n and_o power_n be_v more_o dear_a and_o valuable_a in_o god_n eye_n than_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o whole_a comprehension_n of_o nature_n beside_o 3._o it_o seem_v further_o mighty_a agreeable_a and_o consentaneous_a to_o reason_n that_o since_o mankind_n have_v so_o foul_o revolt_v from_o god_n and_o lapse_v so_o deep_o from_o the_o eternal_a law_n of_o righteousness_n there_o shall_v be_v some_o effectual_a course_n find_v out_o whereby_o to_o demonstrate_v the_o anger_n and_o displeasure_n of_o god_n conceive_v against_o sin_n and_o withal_o to_o reconcile_v the_o world_n unto_o himself_o though_o it_o be_v true_a that_o it_o be_v no_o breach_n of_o law_n or_o justice_n for_o a_o person_n to_o recede_v from_o his_o right_n yet_o god_n be_v the_o supreme_a governor_n of_o the_o world_n if_o he_o shall_v have_v pardon_v sin_n upon_o no_o term_n or_o upon_o such_o as_o have_v be_v light_n and_o trifle_a it_o will_v have_v embolden_v man_n in_o their_o wickedness_n since_o they_o can_v obtain_v their_o pardon_n at_o such_o a_o cheap_a and_o easy_a rate_n therefore_o god_n in_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n that_o he_o may_v show_v his_o extreme_a hatred_n of_o all_o sin_n and_o evil_a and_o the_o most_o powerful_o wind_v off_o man_n from_o it_o he_o take_v this_o way_n viz._n that_o his_o only_a beget_v son_n shall_v offer_v up_o his_o life_n for_o the_o redemption_n of_o the_o world_n and_o that_o his_o death_n shall_v be_v a_o expiatory_a sacrifice_n for_o all_o man_n sin_n whereby_o god_n both_o discover_v to_o we_o the_o ugly_a and_o pollute_a nature_n of_o sin_n and_o his_o just_a displeasure_n against_o it_o in_o that_o strange_a way_n he_o have_v take_v to_o punish_v it_o by_o the_o death_n and_o passion_n of_o his_o only_o beget_v son_n and_o withal_o take_v away_o all_o jealous_a and_o misgive_a thought_n out_o of_o our_o mind_n and_o quiet_v our_o conscience_n by_o show_v that_o he_o be_v no_o adamantine_a and_o rocky_a no_o implacable_a and_o inexorable_a be_v that_o be_v for_o ever_o deaf_a to_o the_o piteous_a complaint_n of_o the_o miserable_a and_o calamitous_a but_o will_v take_v we_o again_o into_o grace_n and_o favour_n upon_o our_o submission_n and_o repentance_n moreover_o in_o this_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n there_o be_v a_o manifest_a condescension_n and_o purpose_a compliance_n with_o that_o early_a persuasion_n so_o universal_o root_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o all_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n that_o the_o offend_v numen_fw-la be_v only_o to_o be_v appease_v by_o sacrifice_n and_o this_o
teach_v all_o man_n that_o be_v to_o speak_v reverent_o of_o what_o god_n do_v and_o to_o have_v honourable_a thought_n of_o his_o work_n but_o for_o the_o further_a confirmation_n of_o this_o point_n and_o for_o the_o build_n of_o we_o up_o more_o firm_o in_o our_o most_o holy_a faith_n i_o shall_v consider_v what_o be_v the_o main_a cause_n of_o shame_n and_o upon_o what_o ground_n we_o may_v just_o be_v ashamed_a of_o any_o doctrine_n deliver_v to_o we_o and_o then_o show_v that_o in_o none_o of_o these_o respect_n we_o have_v any_o reason_n to_o be_v ashamed_a of_o the_o christian_a religion_n 1._o a_o first_o cause_n of_o shame_n be_v if_o that_o which_o be_v deliver_v to_o we_o be_v not_o true_a if_o a_o man_n shall_v confident_o entertain_v a_o opinion_n that_o be_v false_a and_o which_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n of_o credibility_n for_o and_o shall_v expose_v his_o life_n and_o fortune_n to_o hazard_v and_o danger_n for_o it_o he_o will_v have_v great_a reason_n to_o be_v ashamed_a of_o his_o levity_n and_o rashness_n and_o all_o man_n beside_o himself_o will_v conclude_v he_o guilty_a of_o a_o unpardonable_a folly_n 2._o we_o may_v just_o be_v ashamed_a if_o the_o thing_n propound_v to_o we_o be_v not_o rational_a that_o be_v agreeable_a to_o those_o common_a notion_n of_o reason_n and_o understanding_n which_o god_n have_v plant_v in_o our_o soul_n 3._o we_o have_v sufficient_a cause_n of_o shame_n and_o confusion_n if_o the_o doctrine_n offer_v to_o we_o for_o our_o faith_n and_o belief_n be_v not_o intelligible_a i._n e._n easy_a to_o be_v understand_v by_o all_o those_o to_o who_o it_o be_v propound_v for_o if_o christianity_n be_v make_v up_o of_o a_o company_n of_o intricate_a and_o dark_a riddle_n only_o to_o amuse_v the_o world_n and_o to_o puzzle_v our_o understanding_n i_o do_v not_o see_v but_o that_o a_o wise_a and_o sober_a person_n may_v have_v ground_n enough_o to_o be_v ashamed_a of_o it_o 4._o if_o it_o be_v not_o useful_a to_o the_o world_n but_o contain_v only_o some_o poor_a and_o trivial_a thing_n that_o be_v of_o no_o benefit_n to_o men._n if_o religion_n have_v indeed_o be_v thus_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o may_v have_v be_v ashamed_a to_o have_v make_v such_o a_o stir_n in_o the_o world_n and_o all_o christian_n that_o follow_v they_o will_v have_v be_v extreme_o out_o of_o countenance_n when_o they_o have_v see_v so_o little_o good_a and_o benefit_n of_o all_o that_o which_o be_v yet_o deliver_v as_o god_n will_n and_o wherein_o he_o have_v show_v such_o a_o wonderful_a piece_n of_o art_n and_o wisdom_n but_o now_o when_o we_o look_v upon_o religion_n and_o find_v that_o it_o be_v most_o true_o and_o certain_o the_o will_n of_o god_n deliver_v to_o the_o world_n that_o it_o come_v from_o heaven_n and_o be_v attest_v by_o all_o the_o evidence_n and_o argument_n that_o such_o a_o thing_n be_v capable_a of_o that_o god_n have_v a_o immediate_a hand_n in_o it_o and_o that_o all_o its_o authority_n be_v undoubted_o derive_v from_o he_o again_o when_o we_o shall_v find_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o christianity_n but_o what_o be_v high_o rational_a and_o agreeable_a to_o our_o intellectual_a faculty_n and_o for_o which_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o make_v the_o most_o reasonable_a apology_n and_o defence_n and_o further_o when_o christianity_n be_v so_o plain_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v understand_v in_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v indispensable_o necessary_a to_o every_o man_n salvation_n so_o that_o the_o most_o ordinary_a capacity_n may_v apprehend_v what_o be_v god_n will_n and_o meaning_n in_o it_o and_o what_o he_o will_v have_v he_o to_o do_v and_o last_o when_o we_o shall_v see_v that_o religion_n be_v a_o thing_n of_o no_o mean_a and_o low_a concernment_n but_o a_o matter_n of_o the_o great_a benefit_n and_o advantage_n that_o ever_o be_v communicate_v to_o mankind_n when_o its_o great_a end_n and_o design_n shall_v be_v discover_v only_o to_o make_v man_n everlasting_o happy_a in_o another_o life_n when_o these_o thing_n put_v together_o shall_v appear_v with_o irresistible_a evidence_n and_o clearness_n sure_o that_o man_n must_v be_v bereave_v of_o his_o wit_n and_o understanding_n that_o can_v be_v ashamed_a of_o a_o doctrine_n that_o have_v all_o these_o qualification_n in_o the_o first_o place_n then_o to_o make_v it_o manifest_a that_o the_o christian_a faith_n be_v a_o doctrine_n worthy_a of_o all_o acceptation_n and_o of_o which_o there_o may_v be_v make_v the_o best_a defence_n in_o the_o world_n i_o shall_v show_v by_o a_o few_o argument_n the_o truth_n of_o it_o viz._n that_o god_n send_v his_o son_n jesus_n to_o communicate_v this_o as_o his_o mind_n and_o will_n and_o that_o he_o will_v have_v all_o the_o world_n to_o live_v in_o the_o faith_n and_o obedience_n of_o it_o they_o that_o will_v have_v more_o full_a and_o ample_a satisfaction_n upon_o this_o subject_a may_v consult_v that_o excellent_a treatise_n of_o grotius_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n translate_v into_o english_a by_o dr._n patrick_n now_o the_o reverend_a bishop_n of_o ely_n now_o to_o this_o purpose_n let_v we_o consider_v that_o as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n concern_v the_o life_n and_o action_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n his_o death_n and_o resurrection_n and_o his_o ascension_n into_o heaven_n which_o be_v the_o ground_n and_o foundation_n upon_o which_o christian_n religion_n be_v build_v it_o be_v not_o at_o all_o probable_a either_o 1._o that_o the_o apostle_n shall_v be_v deceive_v or_o 2._o that_o they_o shall_v deceive_v other_o 1._o it_o be_v not_o likely_a the_o apostle_n shall_v be_v deceive_v because_o they_o receive_v not_o the_o relation_n which_o they_o deliver_v by_o here-say_a but_o be_v constant_a attendant_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n and_o see_v he_o work_v his_o miracle_n when_o he_o cure_v disease_n raise_v the_o dead_a and_o cast_v out_o devil_n and_o therefore_o when_o the_o apostle_n choose_v another_o into_o the_o room_n of_o judas_n there_o be_v this_o reason_n give_v for_o it_o act_n 1.21.22_o wherefore_o of_o these_o man_n which_o have_v company_v with_o we_o all_o the_o time_n that_o the_o lord_n jesus_n go_v in_o and_o out_o among_o we_o begin_v from_o the_o baptism_n of_o john_n unto_o that_o same_o day_n that_o he_o be_v take_v up_o from_o we_o must_v one_o be_v ordain_v to_o be_v a_o witness_n with_o we_o of_o his_o resurrection_n here_o be_v one_o who_o together_o with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v to_o assert_v upon_o his_o own_o knowledge_n the_o action_n of_o jesus_n his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a and_o his_o ascension_n into_o heaven_n and_o therefore_o st._n luke_n chap._n 1.2_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o write_v be_v such_o as_o be_v deliver_v by_o they_o who_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d eye-witness_n of_o they_o and_o doubtless_o there_o can_v be_v no_o better_a testimony_n in_o the_o world_n concern_v the_o truth_n of_o a_o matter_n of_o fact_n than_o from_o a_o eye-witness_n of_o it_o according_a to_o that_o common_a say_n pluris_fw-la est_fw-la unus_fw-la ocularis_fw-la testis_fw-la quam_fw-la auriti_fw-la decem_fw-la one_o ocular_a demonstration_n be_v worth_a ten_o hearsays_a and_o this_o be_v the_o answer_n that_o peter_n and_o john_n give_v to_o the_o great_a council_n of_o the_o jew_n act_n 4.20_o we_o can_v but_o speak_v the_o thing_n which_o we_o have_v see_v and_o hear_v but_o that_o we_o may_v not_o run_v over_o the_o whole_a history_n of_o thing_n in_o the_o gospel_n i_o shall_v content_v myself_o with_o that_o one_o which_o be_v the_o confirmation_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o miracle_n of_o jesus_n that_o be_v his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a for_o as_o st._n paul_n speak_v 1_o cor._n 15.14_o if_o christ_n be_v not_o rise_v than_o our_o preach_a be_v vain_a and_o the_o faith_n of_o christian_n be_v likewise_o vain_a the_o preach_v of_o the_o apostle_n will_v have_v be_v vain_a because_o they_o exhort_v man_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o command_n and_o precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o hope_n of_o a_o glorious_a immortality_n and_o that_o their_o labour_n and_o pain_n shall_v be_v reward_v by_o the_o resurrection_n of_o their_o body_n to_o eternal_a life_n whereas_o if_o christ_n be_v not_o rise_v there_o be_v then_o no_o reward_n for_o believer_n and_o the_o great_a noise_n and_o talk_v of_o the_o joy_n and_o felicity_n of_o pious_a soul_n after_o this_o life_n be_v nothing_o but_o the_o dream_n of_o melancholic_a person_n to_o amuse_v the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n and_o the_o faith_n of_o christian_n if_o christ_n be_v yet_o in_o the_o grave_a and_o under_o the_o power_n of_o death_n will_v be_v as_o empty_a and_o vain_a because_o it_o be_v build_v upon_o
falsehood_n as_o they_o see_v will_v draw_v vast_a multitude_n to_o ruin_n and_o destruction_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n more_o contrary_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o christ_n religion_n which_o not_o only_o banish_v all_o lie_v and_o deceit_n as_o hateful_a crime_n but_o enjoin_v such_o a_o sincere_a and_o universal_a love_n to_o the_o whole_a world_n as_o to_o be_v ready_a to_o lay_v down_o our_o life_n for_o one_o another_o if_o man_n can_v be_v so_o wicked_a as_o upon_o self-end_n to_o broach_v a_o falsehood_n yet_o if_o we_o attend_v to_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n we_o must_v necessary_o conclude_v that_o he_o will_v long_o ever_o this_o have_v discover_v the_o forgery_n for_o christianity_n be_v so_o frame_v that_o the_o most_o innocent_a and_o harmless_a person_n in_o the_o world_n who_o be_v the_o most_o sincere_a in_o their_o love_n to_o god_n and_o man_n be_v the_o most_o easy_o take_v with_o it_o and_o therefore_o if_o it_o have_v be_v build_v upon_o a_o falsehood_n and_o a_o untruth_n the_o goodness_n of_o god_n be_v high_o concern_v to_o detect_v the_o imposture_n and_o not_o to_o suffer_v those_o who_o endeavour_v to_o serve_v he_o in_o the_o best_a manner_n they_o can_v to_o be_v so_o fatal_o entangle_v with_o a_o error_n that_o will_v expose_v they_o to_o inevitable_a ruin_n and_o destruction_n now_o that_o i_o may_v complete_a this_o argument_n against_o all_o objection_n and_o cavil_n whatsoever_o i_o shall_v further_o add_v that_o the_o apostle_n give_v as_o full_a and_o high_a a_o testimony_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o jesus_n as_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o man_n to_o give_v for_o any_o matter_n of_o fact_n in_o the_o world_n to_o which_o purpose_n i_o shall_v borrow_v some_o few_o particular_n from_o a_o late_a ingenious_a author_n we_o must_v consider_v say_v he_o what_o those_o circumstance_n be_v deist_n which_o be_v most_o common_o requisite_a to_o make_v humane_a testimony_n credible_a and_o receive_v by_o all_o the_o world_n as_o true_a 1._o the_o first_o thing_n be_v if_o man_n testify_v nothing_o but_o what_o they_o see_v 2._o if_o they_o testify_v it_o at_o no_o long_a distance_n of_o time_n from_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n or_o thing_n do_v 3._o if_o their_o witness_n and_o testimony_n be_v plain_a and_o deliver_v without_o ambiguous_a and_o doubtful_a expression_n 4._o if_o a_o great_a number_n shall_v agree_v in_o testify_v the_o same_o thing_n 5._o last_o if_o they_o be_v ready_a to_o part_v with_o all_o that_o be_v valuable_a to_o mankind_n rather_o than_o deny_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o they_o have_v testify_v now_o where_o all_o these_o meet_a and_o agree_v it_o be_v mere_a frowardness_n and_o humour_n to_o expect_v any_o further_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o matter_n of_o fact_n let_v we_o examine_v then_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o apostle_n concern_v christ_n resurrection_n by_o these_o rule_n 1._o the_o apostle_n witness_v nothing_o but_o what_o they_o themselves_o see_v they_o behold_v our_o saviour_n divers_a time_n after_o his_o resurrection_n they_o eat_v and_o drink_v with_o he_o nor_o be_v they_o hasty_a and_o rash_a in_o their_o belief_n but_o suspend_v their_o assent_n till_o after_o the_o most_o full_a and_o convictive_a evidence_n that_o be_v the_o testimony_n of_o their_o sense_n which_o testimony_n when_o right_o circumstantiate_v be_v infallible_o true_a as_o may_v easy_o be_v demonstrate_v hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o apostle_n appeal_v to_o they_o as_o one_o sure_a evidence_n against_o which_o there_o can_v be_v no_o dispute_n 1_o john_n 1.1_o that_o which_o be_v from_o the_o beginning_n which_o we_o have_v hear_v which_o we_o have_v see_v with_o our_o eye_n which_o we_o have_v look_v upon_o and_o our_o hand_n have_v handle_v 2._o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o stay_v any_o long_a time_n before_o they_o make_v this_o their_o testimony_n but_o soon_o after_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o while_o all_o the_o circumstance_n be_v lively_a and_o fresh_a in_o their_o memory_n and_o by_o this_o their_o early_a and_o timely_a witness_n they_o prevent_v the_o cavil_n of_o their_o enemy_n who_o will_v have_v be_v ready_a to_o have_v object_v have_v they_o stay_v any_o long_a time_n if_o the_o thing_n they_o now_o avouch_v be_v true_a why_o have_v they_o not_o discover_v they_o soon_o therefore_o upon_o the_o day_n of_o pentecost_n which_o be_v but_o a_o few_o day_n after_o our_o saviour_n christ_n ascension_n into_o heaven_n the_o apostle_n in_o a_o full_a assembly_n declare_v christ_n resurrection_n those_o very_a man_n that_o put_v he_o to_o death_n be_v alive_a and_o in_o be_v which_o they_o constant_o afterward_o and_o bold_o assert_v in_o the_o open_a face_n of_o the_o world_n 3._o if_o the_o apostle_n have_v have_v a_o mind_n to_o deceive_v when_o they_o affirm_v that_o christ_n be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a they_o will_v without_o question_n have_v speak_v it_o in_o such_o doubtful_a term_n that_o their_o meaning_n shall_v not_o present_o have_v be_v understand_v and_o whenever_o the_o thing_n shall_v be_v examine_v and_o narrow_o look_v into_o they_o may_v secure_o escape_v by_o the_o favour_n and_o benefit_n of_o some_o ambiguous_a expression_n which_o may_v cunning_o be_v draw_v to_o different_a sense_n and_o acceptation_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o apostle_n give_v their_o testimony_n of_o christ_n resurrection_n in_o open_a plain_a and_o direct_a term_n on_o purpose_n that_o no_o body_n shall_v mistake_v their_o meaning_n act_v 2.32.36_o this_o jesus_n he_o who_o before_o he_o have_v tell_v they_o they_o have_v take_v and_o by_o wicked_a hand_n crucify_a and_o slay_a have_v god_n raise_v up_o whereof_o we_o all_o be_v witness_n therefore_o let_v all_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n know_v assure_o that_o god_n have_v make_v that_o same_o jesus_n who_o you_o have_v crucify_a both_o lord_n and_o christ_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o this_o very_a same_o apostle_n divers_a year_n afterward_o with_o great_a integrity_n and_o sincerity_n make_v this_o open_a profession_n 2_o pet._n 1.16_o 17_o 18._o for_o we_o have_v not_o follow_v cunning_o devise_v fable_n when_o we_o make_v know_v unto_o you_o the_o power_n and_o come_v of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n but_o be_v eye-witness_n of_o his_o majesty_n for_o he_o receive_v from_o god_n the_o father_n honour_n and_o glory_n when_o there_o come_v such_o a_o voice_n to_o he_o from_o the_o excellent_a glory_n this_o be_v my_o belove_a son_n in_o who_o i_o be_o well_o please_v and_o this_o voice_n which_o come_v from_o heaven_n we_o hear_v when_o we_o be_v with_o he_o in_o the_o holy_a mount_n 4._o if_o there_o have_v be_v but_o one_o single_a witness_n of_o christ_n resurrection_n the_o world_n will_v have_v be_v apt_a to_o have_v suspect_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o testimony_n but_o this_o be_v a_o thing_n upon_o which_o the_o ground_n and_o foundation_n of_o christianity_n lie_v it_o be_v confident_o affirm_v by_o the_o twelve_o apostle_n as_o in_o the_o forementioned_a place_n of_o this_o we_o all_o be_v witness_n say_v st._n peter_n neither_o be_v the_o apostle_n only_a witness_n of_o our_o lord_n resurrection_n but_o above_o five_o hundred_o more_o who_o at_o one_o time_n see_v jesus_n after_o he_o be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a as_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o 1_o cor._n 15.6_o and_o among_o all_o this_o company_n it_o be_v very_o hard_a to_o think_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v none_o so_o honest_a as_o to_o discover_v the_o cheat_n if_o there_o have_v be_v any_o especial_o when_o the_o free_a and_o open_a profession_n of_o it_o be_v every_o way_n attend_v with_o so_o much_o danger_n infamy_n and_o disgrace_n 5._o last_o that_o which_o complete_v the_o credibility_n of_o this_o testimony_n be_v this_o that_o there_o be_v no_o one_o of_o the_o apostle_n nor_o scarce_o any_o of_o the_o rest_n but_o expose_v themselves_o to_o the_o hazard_n and_o danger_n of_o lose_v all_o that_o be_v dear_a and_o valuable_a to_o they_o rather_o than_o they_o will_v deny_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o they_o witness_v if_o these_o thing_n have_v happen_v in_o a_o careless_a and_o drowsy_a age_n when_o people_n have_v be_v so_o indifferent_a about_o religion_n as_o never_o to_o matter_n what_o be_v propound_v to_o they_o it_o be_v possible_a than_o that_o man_n may_v have_v go_v on_o so_o long_o in_o a_o lie_n till_o they_o have_v get_v interest_n enough_o to_o propagate_v it_o for_o a_o truth_n but_o the_o apostle_n no_o soon_o appear_v witness_v these_o thing_n but_o they_o meet_v with_o a_o early_a and_o vigorous_a opposition_n and_o that_o from_o the_o chief_a man_n in_o power_n who_o make_v it_o their_o business_n to_o suppress_v they_o both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n be_v set_v against_o they_o and_o they_o have_v no_o other_o favour_n show_v they_o but_o this_o
that_o if_o they_o will_v recant_v what_o they_o have_v say_v to_o jesus_n and_o leave_v off_o speak_v any_o more_o in_o his_o name_n they_o may_v enjoy_v their_o ease_n and_o quiet_v and_o perhaps_o have_v some_o reward_n into_o the_o bargain_n but_o if_o they_o will_v persist_v and_o go_v on_o they_o must_v look_v for_o the_o sharp_a trial_n and_o persecution_n which_o indeed_o these_o holy_a man_n meet_v withal_o almost_o in_o all_o place_n where_o they_o come_v now_o have_v the_o resurrection_n of_o jesus_n from_o the_o dead_a be_v only_o a_o feign_a story_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o rest_n that_o have_v combine_v to_o spread_v it_o abroad_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o while_o they_o meet_v with_o no_o hazard_n nor_o danger_n they_o may_v carry_v on_o the_o cheat_n yet_o when_o life_n lie_v at_o stake_n it_o be_v very_o hard_a to_o think_v that_o any_o one_o will_v die_v for_o that_o which_o he_o know_v to_o be_v a_o untruth_n but_o here_o we_o find_v in_o this_o case_n 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attempt_n and_o that_o be_v that_o care_n which_o be_v take_v to_o lay_v the_o linen_n clothes_n by_o themselves_o in_o the_o sepulchre_n luke_n 24.12_o and_o yet_o the_o napkin_n that_o be_v about_o his_o head_n do_v not_o lie_v with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o linen_n clothes_n but_o be_v wrap_v together_o in_o a_o place_n by_o itself_o joh._n 20.7_o which_o be_v the_o most_o unlikely_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n that_o the_o disciple_n shall_v be_v so_o curious_a in_o sort_v the_o linen_n which_o they_o will_v either_o have_v take_v away_o with_o the_o body_n or_o at_o least_o not_o have_v spend_v time_n to_o wrap_v it_o so_o careful_o together_o 6._o last_o suppose_v they_o have_v take_v away_o the_o body_n quid_fw-la ex_fw-la cadavere_fw-la emolumenti_fw-la what_o benefit_n can_v they_o hope_v from_o a_o dead_a carcase_n will_v that_o be_v enough_o to_o make_v they_o forsake_v their_o dear_a relation_n to_o lay_v aside_o the_o sentiment_n and_o opinion_n in_o which_o they_o have_v for_o a_o long_a time_n be_v educate_v and_o instruct_v to_o expose_v themselves_o to_o a_o thousand_o vexatious_a reproach_n and_o at_o last_o to_o a_o vile_a and_o ignominious_a death_n and_o all_o to_o maintain_v the_o credit_n of_o a_o person_n that_o have_v so_o gross_o frustrate_v their_o expectation_n sure_o he_o that_o can_v believe_v such_o thing_n of_o the_o apostle_n must_v offer_v the_o great_a violence_n in_o the_o world_n not_o only_o to_o his_o own_o but_o to_o the_o understanding_n of_o all_o mankind_n and_o now_o we_o can_v but_o see_v the_o unreasonableness_n of_o infidelity_n that_o it_o must_v be_v either_o a_o very_a crooked_a and_o untoward_a education_n or_o a_o obstinate_a base_a and_o perverse_a spirit_n that_o carry_v man_n with_o so_o much_o contempt_n and_o scorn_n against_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n for_o if_o these_o person_n be_v ask_v upon_o what_o account_n they_o give_v credit_n to_o thucydides_n history_n of_o the_o peloponnesian_a war_n or_o plutarch_n life_n or_o any_o other_o ancient_a historian_n they_o must_v say_v that_o the_o constant_a and_o universal_a consent_n of_o the_o most_o learned_a and_o judicious_a have_v all_o along_o determine_v those_o person_n to_o be_v the_o author_n of_o those_o book_n and_o that_o they_o be_v person_n of_o credit_n and_o veracity_n and_o be_v it_o not_o mere_a frowardness_n humour_n and_o fantastickness_n to_o reject_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n hand_v down_o successive_o for_o sixteen_o hundred_o year_n and_o upward_o concern_v the_o book_n of_o the_o new-testament_n let_v they_o but_o have_v the_o same_o temper_n and_o disposition_n of_o mind_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o history_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o they_o retain_v in_o behalf_n of_o the_o forementioned_a historian_n and_o they_o must_v of_o necessity_n confess_v that_o there_o be_v at_o least_o as_o many_o and_o as_o weighty_a motive_n of_o credibility_n for_o that_o as_o possible_o can_v be_v excogitated_a for_o these_o moreover_o according_a to_o the_o different_a nature_n of_o thing_n there_o be_v different_a way_n of_o probation_n and_o no_o man_n will_v expect_v a_o mathematical_a demonstration_n to_o prove_v a_o moral_a proposition_n it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o every_o ingenuous_a nature_n that_o there_o be_v as_o full_a and_o clear_a evidence_n as_o the_o matter_n can_v bear_v hence_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n though_o it_o may_v seem_v more_o satisfactory_a to_o have_v see_v he_o as_o the_o apostle_n do_v with_o a_o man_n be_v own_o eye_n yet_o pronounce_v they_o bless_v that_o have_v not_o see_v 20.29_o and_o yet_o have_v believe_v intimate_v that_o it_o be_v a_o more_o generous_a faith_n to_o believe_v unsuspected_a witness_n upon_o the_o full_a and_o clear_a evidence_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n than_o if_o this_o faith_n be_v constrain_v and_o as_o it_o be_v necessitate_v by_o ocular_a demonstration_n hence_o we_o may_v understand_v the_o meaning_n of_o those_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n mat._n 12.32_o and_o whosoever_o speak_v a_o word_n against_o the_o son_n of_o man_n it_o shall_v be_v forgive_v he_o but_o whosoever_o speak_v against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n it_o shall_v not_o be_v forgive_v he_o neither_o in_o this_o world_n neither_o in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v that_o be_v though_o it_o be_v a_o great_a sin_n not_o to_o believe_v our_o saviour_n to_o be_v send_v from_o god_n after_o he_o have_v give_v such_o manifest_a proof_n of_o it_o by_o his_o numerous_a and_o stupendous_a miracle_n yet_o the_o sin_n be_v not_o come_v to_o its_o height_n because_o there_o want_v yet_o further_o evidence_n our_o lord_n be_v not_o yet_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a but_o after_o his_o resurrection_n and_o ascension_n into_o heaven_n and_o as_o a_o confirmation_n of_o this_o the_o
be_v the_o reason_n the_o gaul_n give_v for_o their_o sacrifice_v of_o man_n comment_fw-fr pro_fw-la vitâ_fw-la hominum_fw-la nisi_fw-la vita_fw-la hominis_fw-la reddatur_fw-la non_fw-la posse_fw-la deorum_fw-la immortalium_fw-la numen_fw-la placari_fw-la arbitrabantur_fw-la i._n e._n they_o think_v the_o anger_n of_o god_n can_v not_o otherwise_o be_v avert_v unless_o the_o life_n of_o some_o man_n be_v offer_v as_o a_o piacular_a sacrifice_n for_o the_o safety_n of_o the_o rest_n now_o our_o lord_n by_o his_o death_n extricate_v man_n from_o this_o insult_a pride_n and_o cruelty_n of_o the_o devil_n in_o his_o barbarous_a usage_n and_o infinite_a contempt_n of_o humane_a race_n and_o the_o shed_v of_o his_o blood_n become_v a_o real_a propitiatory_a sacrifice_n to_o appease_v the_o anger_n of_o god_n and_o to_o obtain_v term_n of_o reconciliation_n and_o peace_n with_o he_o for_o all_o his_o lapse_v brethren_n 4._o it_o be_v high_o reasonable_a that_o this_o preacher_n of_o righteousness_n the_o person_n who_o shall_v undertake_v to_o bring_v back_o the_o stray_a soul_n of_o man_n to_o their_o obedience_n to_o god_n shall_v have_v all_o power_n commit_v into_o his_o hand_n both_o in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n for_o since_o he_o humble_v himself_o so_o far_o as_o to_o take_v upon_o he_o the_o form_n of_o a_o servant_n and_o vilify_v his_o own_o life_n in_o comparison_n of_o that_o great_a benefit_n that_o will_v accrue_v to_o the_o world_n by_o his_o lay_n it_o down_o and_o submit_v to_o the_o ignominious_a and_o accurse_a death_n of_o the_o cross_n divine_a justice_n be_v concern_v to_o reward_v these_o exinanition_n with_o a_o proportionable_a glory_n and_o that_o he_o may_v be_v instate_v in_o a_o capacity_n to_o reward_v his_o faithful_a friend_n and_o adherent_n and_o punish_v his_o refractory_a and_o stubborn_a enemy_n it_o become_v necessary_a that_o he_o shall_v have_v the_o government_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n put_v into_o his_o hand_n for_o this_o be_v a_o great_a security_n to_o we_o that_o our_o lord_n be_v able_a to_o make_v good_a whatever_o he_o have_v promise_v to_o his_o servant_n and_o a_o powerful_a encouragement_n to_o we_o to_o persevere_v and_o go_v on_o to_o the_o end_n in_o virtue_n though_o we_o pass_v through_o many_o trouble_n and_o affliction_n and_o be_v thus_o make_v god_n vicegerent_n we_o can_v doubt_v but_o he_o will_v order_v all_o affair_n of_o the_o world_n for_o the_o good_a of_o his_o church_n and_o at_o last_o remarkable_o triumph_n over_o all_o the_o power_n of_o darkness_n you_o see_v now_o the_o reasonableness_n and_o becommingness_n of_o the_o frame_n of_o religion_n and_o how_o suitable_a and_o agreeable_a it_o be_v to_o our_o capacity_n and_o necessity_n all_o which_o when_o st._n paul_n have_v consider_v he_o break_v out_o into_o a_o kind_n of_o admiration_n rom._n 11.33_o o_o the_o depth_n of_o the_o riches_n both_o of_o the_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n of_o god_n how_o unsearchable_a be_v his_o judgement_n and_o his_o way_n past_o find_v out_o god_n be_v a_o infinite_a wisdom_n have_v various_a way_n and_o method_n of_o govern_v and_o order_v his_o creature_n far_o above_o our_o shallow_a comprehension_n but_o the_o way_n of_o recover_a man_n be_v that_o which_o he_o have_v make_v choice_n of_o and_o discover_v to_o we_o by_o jesus_n christ_n in_o which_o there_o be_v such_o easy_a compliance_n with_o those_o inveterate_a prejudices_fw-la the_o world_n labour_v under_o and_o such_o apt_a condescension_n to_o humane_a nature_n as_o when_o the_o whole_a frame_n and_o contexture_n be_v lay_v open_a to_o a_o entire_a view_n we_o can_v wonder_v that_o the_o angel_n desire_v to_o look_v into_o it_o which_o plain_o show_v that_o religion_n be_v no_o confuse_v jumble_v or_o nonsense_n but_o a_o contrivance_n wherein_o appear_v the_o great_a art_n and_o high_a wisdom_n in_o the_o world_n and_o if_o all_o sober_a person_n admire_v the_o infinite_a wisdom_n of_o god_n in_o the_o work_v of_o nature_n as_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o sun_n moon_n and_o star_n they_o have_v much_o more_o reason_n to_o stand_v amaze_v at_o this_o great_a work_n of_o the_o new_a creation_n or_o recovery_n of_o man_n soul_n to_o their_o first_o and_o original_a happiness_n and_o if_o we_o can_v give_v a_o satisfactory_a account_n of_o the_o order_n and_o management_n of_o the_o several_a phaenomena_n of_o providence_n in_o the_o natural_a world_n so_o in_o like_a manner_n there_o be_v a_o very_a reasonable_a defence_n to_o be_v make_v for_o the_o contrivance_n and_o conduct_n of_o affair_n in_o the_o moral_a a_o defence_n of_o reveal_v religion_n sermon_n iii_o rome_n i._o 16._o for_o i_o be_o not_o ashamed_a of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n that_o there_o be_v no_o unreasonableness_n in_o the_o frame_n and_o composition_n of_o christianity_n but_o that_o it_o be_v infinite_o agreeable_a and_o suitable_a to_o our_o case_n and_o necessity_n we_o have_v clear_o demonstrate_v it_o remain_v now_o that_o we_o show_v with_o the_o same_o plainness_n that_o there_o be_v nothing_o disagree_v with_o sound_a reason_n in_o the_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o it_o that_o so_o we_o may_v see_v that_o upon_o neither_o of_o these_o two_o account_n we_o have_v any_o cause_n to_o be_v ashamed_a of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n consist_v either_o 1._o of_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v as_o article_n of_o faith_n or_o 2._o of_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v command_v as_o duty_n and_o matter_n of_o our_o practice_n or_o 3._o of_o promise_n of_o great_a reward_n to_o they_o that_o shall_v be_v obedient_a and_o severe_a punishment_n and_o threaten_n to_o the_o stubborn_a and_o rebellious_a who_o refuse_v to_o walk_v according_a to_o those_o rule_n lay_v down_o in_o the_o gospel_n as_o to_o the_o article_n of_o faith_n we_o shall_v brief_o run_v over_o some_o of_o the_o chief_a of_o they_o that_o it_o may_v appear_v how_o 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