that_o be_v divide_v into_o the_o porch_n the_o holy_a place_n and_o the_o holy_a of_o holies_n be_v answerable_a the_o world_n the_o church_n and_o the_o heaven_n the_o eternal_a sanctuary_n of_o god_n to_o the_o levite_n all_o the_o faithful_a without_o exception_n that_o be_v design_v to_o serve_v god_n to_o the_o white_a clothing_n of_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o tabernacle_n the_o innocence_n and_o holiness_n of_o all_o those_o who_o design_n to_o approach_v unto_o he_o to_o the_o purity_n of_o the_o body_n the_o purity_n both_o of_o the_o heart_n and_o conscience_n to_o the_o blood_n of_o goat_n and_o of_o lamb_n which_o be_v a_o confirmation_n of_o the_o old_a covenant_n the_o blood_n of_o jesus_n christ_n which_o confirm_v the_o new_a testament_n to_o the_o entrance_n of_o the_o high_a priest_n into_o the_o holy_a of_o holies_n wear_v the_o name_n of_o the_o twelve_o tribe_n write_v upon_o his_o breast_n and_o present_v to_o god_n the_o blood_n that_o be_v shed_v in_o the_o porch_n correspond_v the_o ascension_n of_o christ_n into_o heaven_n where_o he_o continual_o present_v we_o to_o god_n his_o father_n and_o intercede_v for_o we_o by_o virtue_n of_o that_o blood_n which_o he_o shed_v for_o the_o expiation_n of_o our_o sin_n to_o the_o purify_n water_n which_o wash_v away_o all_o the_o pollution_n of_o the_o body_n the_o water_n of_o grace_n which_o sanctify_v the_o spirit_n to_o mount_n sinai_n mount_n zion_n to_o the_o sound_n of_o the_o trumpet_n of_o ram_n horn_n the_o voice_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o moses_n himself_o the_o mediator_n of_o the_o law_n jesus_n christ_n the_o mediator_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n the_o different_a state_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o church_n be_v be_v also_o further_o represent_v to_o we_o by_o the_o various_a condition_n of_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n our_o spiritual_a bondage_n be_v mark_v out_o by_o their_o temporal_a slavery_n our_o deliverance_n by_o their_o deliverance_n our_o enemy_n by_o their_o enemy_n and_o so_o just_a and_o reasonable_a be_v the_o conformity_n there_o be_v betwixt_o those_o image_n and_o their_o original_a that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n often_o make_v little_a distinction_n betwixt_o they_o and_o intermix_v in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o chapter_n that_o which_o concern_v the_o temporal_a state_n of_o the_o israelite_n and_o that_o which_o concern_v the_o spiritual_a condition_n of_o the_o faithful_a as_o also_o the_o event_n that_o attend_v the_o jewish_a oeconomy_n and_o the_o wonder_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n these_o thing_n be_v worth_a our_o observation_n and_o he_o that_o do_v not_o due_o consider_v they_o will_v never_o be_v able_a to_o understand_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o prophecy_n contain_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n last_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n be_v resolve_v we_o shall_v not_o want_v a_o competent_a number_n of_o type_n that_o may_v sufficient_o represent_v to_o we_o the_o excellence_n office_n and_o ministry_n of_o our_o mediator_n thus_o isaac_n conceive_v in_o the_o womb_n of_o a_o barren_a woman_n the_o delight_n of_o his_o father_n the_o foundation_n of_o all_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n offer_v up_o for_o a_o sacrifice_n upon_o a_o mount_n by_o the_o very_a hand_n of_o his_o father_n rising_z as_o it_o be_v from_o the_o dead_a by_o be_v deliver_v from_o the_o knife_n he_o have_v already_o lift_v up_o against_o he_o and_o have_v afterward_o a_o seed_n as_o numerous_a as_o the_o star_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o sand_n of_o the_o sea_n this_o isaac_n i_o say_v be_v a_o lively_a image_n of_o jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v conceive_v in_o the_o virgin_n womb_n the_o darling_n of_o his_o father_n in_o who_o he_o be_v well-pleased_a the_o foundation_n of_o all_o his_o promise_n the_o source_n of_o his_o blessing_n die_v upon_o mount_n calvary_n rise_v again_o in_o a_o wonderful_a manner_n after_o his_o death_n and_o see_v his_o seed_n after_o he_o when_o he_o have_v make_v his_o soul_n a_o offer_n for_o sin_n thus_o again_o joseph_n sell_v by_o his_o brethren_n betray_v out_o of_o envy_n accuse_v though_o innocent_a condemn_v because_o he_o will_v not_o submit_v to_o the_o immodest_a desire_n of_o a_o lascivious_a woman_n deliver_v out_o of_o prison_n appear_v before_o pharaoh_n clothe_v in_o garment_n suitable_a to_o that_o honour_n and_o then_o sit_v at_o his_o right_a hand_n be_v a_o wonderful_a representation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n betray_v out_o of_o envy_n sell_v by_o the_o jew_n themselves_o who_o be_v his_o brethren_n condemn_v for_o refuse_v to_o comply_v with_o the_o synagogue_n cast_v down_o into_o the_o darkness_n of_o death_n endue_v with_o heavenly_a gift_n raise_v again_o to_o heaven_n and_o sit_v at_o length_n at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n moses_n defign_v to_o be_v the_o mediator_n of_o the_o legal_a covenant_n rescue_v at_o his_o nativity_n from_o a_o deluge_n of_o blood_n expose_v to_o the_o riverside_n and_o as_o it_o be_v give_v up_o to_o a_o sure_a and_o 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 shepherd_n to_o that_o of_o a_o monarch_n be_v a_o excellent_a type_n of_o christ_n who_o after_o his_o humiliation_n inherit_v a_o name_n that_o be_v above_o every_o name_n and_o as_o for_o those_o prophecy_n which_o have_v describe_v to_o we_o by_o such_o notable_a epochae_n and_o signal_n character_n both_o the_o person_n come_v and_o the_o time_n of_o the_o come_v of_o the_o messiah_n we_o have_v already_o very_o large_o speak_v of_o they_o so_o that_o what_o we_o have_v say_v in_o that_o respect_n be_v more_o than_o sufficient_a to_o make_v we_o admire_v the_o exact_a proportion_n there_o be_v betwixt_o the_o first_o and_o second_o covenant_n as_o well_o as_o betwixt_o the_o jewish_a and_o christian_a religion_n moses_n illustrates_n christ_n as_o we_o have_v prove_v in_o our_o first_o part_n of_o this_o treatise_n and_o christ_n again_o illustrates_n moses_n as_o appear_v plain_o by_o the_o comparison_n we_o just_o now_o make_v of_o they_o xi_o portraiture_n of_o the_o 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
be_v here_o if_o thou_o will_v let_v we_o make_v here_o three_o tabernacle_n what_o a_o strange_a piece_n of_o stupidity_n be_v this_o and_o how_o well_o do_v it_o appear_v how_o incapable_a such_o gross_a and_o ignorant_a man_n be_v of_o entertain_v the_o least_o design_n of_o impose_v upon_o other_o beside_o what_o make_v st._n matthew_n relate_v this_o circumstance_n what_o honour_n can_v accrue_v thereby_o to_o peter_n and_o how_o can_v it_o of_o itself_o enter_v into_o his_o mind_n verse_n 16._o and_o i_o bring_v he_o to_o thy_o disciple_n and_o they_o can_v not_o cure_v he_o in_o this_o passage_n appear_v the_o evangelist_n sincerity_n for_o nothing_o else_o can_v have_v oblige_v he_o to_o relate_v that_o circumstance_n or_o make_v he_o so_o free_o own_o the_o defect_n and_o want_n of_o faith_n in_o a_o society_n he_o himself_o be_v a_o member_n of_o chap._n xviii_o 3._o very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o except_o you_o be_v convert_v and_o become_v as_o little_a child_n you_o shall_v not_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n that_o child_n shall_v be_v so_o simple_a no_o man_n ought_v to_o wonder_v because_o their_o want_n of_o knowledge_n be_v a_o pure_a effect_n of_o their_o age_n but_o that_o even_a man_n shall_v be_v oblige_v to_o return_v from_o the_o most_o refine_a notion_n of_o worldly_a policy_n from_o that_o sinful_a cunning_n and_o dexterity_n so_o often_o see_v in_o they_o to_o a_o state_n of_o a_o holy_a and_o amiable_a sincerity_n that_o they_o shall_v at_o once_o become_v simple_a and_o prudent_a righteous_a and_o religious_o wise_a be_v such_o a_o thing_n that_o man_n be_v whole_o unacquainted_a with_o and_o which_o discover_v to_o we_o both_o the_o greatness_n and_o high_a perfection_n of_o that_o person_n who_o teach_v man_n a_o doctrine_n so_o sublime_a and_o elevate_v verse_n 4._o whosoever_o therefore_o shall_v humble_v himself_o as_o this_o little_a child_n the_o same_o be_v great_a in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n how_o different_a be_v these_o notion_n from_o the_o common_a one_o of_o man_n how_o different_a be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n from_o all_o worldly_a empire_n and_o how_o well_o do_v it_o appear_v that_o such_o surprise_a maxim_n as_o these_o can_v not_o possible_o proceed_v from_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n verse_n 9_o and_o if_o thy_o eye_n offend_v thou_o pluck_v it_o out_o etc._n etc._n by_o the_o eye_n here_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v our_o darling_n sin_n or_o whatever_o else_o be_v dear_a to_o we_o so_o that_o christ_n hereby_o teach_v we_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o sacrifice_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n whatever_o we_o dear_o prize_v and_o value_v most_o do_v ever_o any_o teacher_n less_o flatter_v man_n vanity_n verse_n 22._o i_o say_v not_o unto_o thou_o until_o seven_o time_n but_o until_o seventy_o time_n seven_o this_o be_v a_o certain_a number_n make_v use_v of_o for_o a_o uncertain_a one_o which_o signify_v that_o we_o must_v continual_o forgive_v that_o mercy_n have_v no_o bound_n and_o that_o charity_n can_v be_v limit_v who_o do_v not_o see_v that_o such_o a_o concern_v to_o unite_v all_o heart_n together_o to_o banish_v all_o misunderstanding_n among_o man_n in_o give_v so_o vast_a a_o latitude_n to_o charity_n and_o mercy_n can_v proceed_v from_o none_o but_o he_o that_o be_v master_n of_o all_o heart_n and_o the_o common_a father_n of_o mankind_n chap._n xxi_o 43._o therefore_o say_v i_o unto_o you_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v take_v from_o you_o and_o give_v to_o a_o nation_n bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n thereof_o this_o be_v indeed_o a_o very_a express_a prediction_n of_o the_o call_v of_o the_o gentile_n verse_n 46._o but_o when_o they_o think_v to_o lay_v hand_n on_o he_o they_o fear_v the_o multitude_n because_o they_o hold_v he_o for_o a_o prophet_n what_o can_v be_v so_o remarkable_a in_o jesus_n christ_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v take_v for_o a_o prophet_n but_o the_o efficacy_n of_o his_o doctrine_n and_o the_o miracle_n whereby_o he_o confirm_v it_o chap._n xxiii_o 36_o 37._o very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o all_o these_o thing_n shall_v come_v upon_o this_o generation_n o_o jerusalem_n jerusalem_n thou_o that_o kill_v etc._n etc._n here_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v very_o plain_o set_v down_o chap._n xxiv_o 28._o for_o wheresoever_o the_o carcase_n be_v there_o will_v the_o eagle_n be_v gather_v together_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n crucify_v be_v the_o carcase_n and_o the_o roman_a standard_n where_o the_o eagle_n which_o be_v to_o fall_v upon_o the_o city_n of_o jerusalem_n where_o the_o carcase_n be_v verse_n 34._o very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o this_o generation_n shall_v pass_v till_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v fulfil_v the_o same_o reflection_n must_v be_v make_v in_o this_o place_n as_o we_o have_v make_v above_o chap._n xxvi_o 13._o very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o wheresoever_o this_o gospel_n shall_v be_v preach_v in_o the_o whole_a world_n there_o shall_v also_o this_o that_o this_o woman_n have_v do_v be_v tell_v for_o a_o memorial_n of_o she_o a_o prophecy_n that_o have_v be_v sufficient_o fulfil_v verse_n 28._o for_o this_o be_v my_o blood_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o be_v shed_v for_o many_o for_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n do_v ever_o any_o man_n act_n or_o speak_v after_o so_o unheard_a of_o and_o surprise_v a_o manner_n can_v we_o find_v a_o man_n who_o not_o only_o foretell_v his_o suffering_n but_o also_o establish_v beforehand_o some_o memorial_n of_o a_o death_n he_o may_v easy_o have_v avoid_v and_o who_o but_o christ_n ever_o take_v upon_o he_o to_o shed_v his_o blood_n for_o the_o remission_n of_o the_o sin_n of_o mankind_n verse_n 38_o 39_o then_o say_v he_o unto_o they_o my_o soul_n be_v exceed_o sorrowful_a even_o unto_o death_n etc._n etc._n and_o he_o go_v a_o little_a further_o and_o fall_v on_o his_o face_n and_o pray_v say_v o_o my_o father_n if_o it_o be_v possible_a let_v this_o cup_n pass_v away_o from_o i_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o explain_v what_o this_o exceed_a sorrow_n and_o agony_n be_v yet_o it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o it_o present_v we_o at_o first_o view_n with_o a_o object_n very_o surprise_v and_o that_o it_o can_v be_v imagine_v that_o those_o man_n who_o chief_a design_n be_v to_o invent_v such_o thing_n as_o shall_v be_v most_o for_o their_o master_n honour_n shall_v yet_o give_v we_o such_o a_o description_n of_o his_o suffering_n at_o least_o we_o find_v here_o the_o sincerity_n of_o the_o disciple_n which_o sincerity_n show_v we_o that_o we_o ought_v without_o scruple_n to_o receive_v the_o rest_n of_o their_o relation_n chap._n xxvii_o 42._o he_o save_v other_o himself_z he_o can_v save_v if_o he_o be_v the_o king_n of_o israel_n let_v he_o now_o come_v down_o from_o the_o cross_n and_o we_o will_v believe_v he_o by_o this_o text_n it_o appear_v that_o christ_n pass_v for_o a_o person_n that_o have_v perform_v several_a miracle_n verse_n 45._o now_o from_o the_o six_o hour_n there_o be_v darkness_n over_o all_o the_o land_n unto_o the_o nine_o hour_n how_o be_v it_o possible_a they_o can_v have_v make_v a_o whole_a city_n believe_v such_o a_o thing_n be_v it_o not_o true_a verse_n 51_o 52_o 53._o and_o behold_v the_o vail_n of_o the_o temple_n be_v rend_v in_o twain_o from_o the_o top_n to_o the_o bottom_n and_o the_o earth_n do_v quake_v and_o the_o rock_n rend_v and_o the_o grave_n be_v open_v etc._n etc._n how_o can_v st._n matthew_n have_v persuade_v man_n to_o such_o thing_n as_o these_o against_o their_o own_o knowledge_n to_o the_o contrary_a can_v the_o veil_n of_o the_o temple_n or_o the_o rock_n be_v rend_v can_v the_o earth_n quake_v and_o the_o grave_n open_a and_o yet_o the_o jew_n know_v nothing_o of_o it_o to_o who_o do_v the_o evangelist_n relate_v all_o these_o thing_n he_o write_v they_o before_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n nay_o in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o and_o consequent_o in_o a_o time_n when_o there_o be_v several_a thousand_o of_o people_n still_o live_v that_o can_v witness_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o how_o then_o can_v he_o so_o much_o as_o imagine_v he_o can_v deceive_v so_o many_o witness_n concern_v in_o the_o business_n to_o who_o he_o preach_v these_o thing_n and_o who_o he_o design_v to_o bring_v over_o to_o his_o party_n nay_o some_o of_o who_o have_v already_o embrace_v the_o gospel_n and_o form_v a_o very_a numerous_a and_o considerable_a church_n at_o jerusalem_n where_o all_o these_o thing_n have_v happen_v and_o where_o he_o attempt_v to_o persuade_v other_o to_o the_o belief_n of_o they_o chap._n vii_o wherein_o we_o shall_v further_o produce_v out_o of_o the_o other_o gospel_n several_a place_n very_o proper_a to_o make_v we_o true_o sensible_a of_o
at_o she_o etc._n etc._n when_o jesus_n have_v lift_v up_o himself_o and_o see_v none_o but_o the_o woman_n he_o say_v unto_o she_o woman_n where_o be_v those_o thy_o accuser_n have_v no_o man_n condemn_v thou_o she_o say_v no_o man_n lord_n and_o jesus_n say_v unto_o she_o neither_o do_v i_o condemn_v thou_o go_v and_o sin_n no_o more_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o a_o comment_n to_o understand_v the_o divine_a energy_n of_o these_o word_n a_o heart_n right_o dispose_v will_v soon_o be_v sensible_a of_o it_o than_o able_a to_o express_v it_o verse_n 51._o very_o very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o if_o a_o man_n keep_v my_o say_n he_o shall_v never_o see_v death_n how_o can_v christ_n advance_v such_o a_o paradox_n or_o how_o be_v it_o probable_a that_o john_n shall_v make_v he_o utter_v it_o he_o who_o have_v already_o see_v several_a of_o his_o master_n disciple_n die_v these_o word_n than_o must_v secret_o imply_v something_o more_o sublime_a and_o uncommon_a than_o appear_v to_o we_o at_o first_o sight_n and_o those_o who_o teach_v they_o have_v deep_a understanding_n and_o more_o pierce_a judgement_n than_o other_o men._n chap._n xi_o 25._o i_o be_o the_o resurrection_n and_o the_o life_n he_o that_o believe_v in_o i_o though_o he_o be_v dead_a yet_o shall_v he_o live_v this_o be_v such_o a_o strange_a discourse_n as_o be_v never_o meet_v with_o before_o verse_n 43_o 44._o and_o when_o he_o have_v thus_o speak_v he_o cry_v with_o a_o loud_a voice_n lazarus_n come_v forth_o and_o he_o that_o be_v dead_a come_v forth_o bind_v hand_n and_o foot_n with_o grave-cloath_n and_o his_o face_n be_v bind_v about_o with_o a_o napkin_n etc._n etc._n nothing_o can_v be_v more_o circumstantial_o tell_v than_o this_o matter_n of_o fact_n lazarus_n have_v be_v dead_a about_o four_o day_n he_o be_v bury_v and_o a_o stone_n have_v be_v roll_v over_o his_o grave_n nay_o he_o already_o begin_v to_o stink_n some_o of_o the_o jew_n that_o be_v there_o present_a murmur_v and_o say_v among_o themselves_o can_v not_o this_o man_n who_o open_v the_o eye_n of_o the_o blind_a have_v cause_v that_o even_o this_o man_n shall_v not_o have_v die_v john_n 11._o 37._o and_o other_o that_o be_v come_v to_o comfort_v the_o two_o sister_n be_v there_o assemble_v the_o dead_a person_n be_v raise_v to_o life_n again_o he_o be_v see_v and_o hear_v to_o speak_v several_a that_o be_v there_o believe_v in_o jesus_n christ_n so_o that_o the_o great_a council_n among_o the_o jew_n be_v terrify_v at_o it_o and_o the_o chief_a priest_n and_o pharisee_n be_v gather_v together_o upon_o this_o occasion_n many_o of_o they_o cry_v out_o and_o say_v what_o do_v we_o for_o this_o man_n do_v many_o miracle_n if_o we_o let_v he_o thus_o alone_o all_o man_n will_v believe_v on_o he_o and_o the_o roman_n shall_v come_v and_o take_v away_o both_o our_o place_n and_o nation_n etc._n etc._n have_v this_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v false_o invent_v how_o dare_v the_o evangelist_n so_o exact_o describe_v it_o with_o all_o its_o circumstance_n why_o do_v not_o other_o make_v a_o strict_a enquiry_n and_o dive_v into_o the_o bottom_n of_o it_o do_v the_o christian_n want_v enemy_n to_o do_v it_o they_o who_o be_v continual_o expose_v to_o the_o persecution_n of_o all_o the_o power_n upon_o earth_n this_o gospel_n be_v believe_v at_o jerusalem_n which_o place_n be_v yet_o extant_a and_o bethany_n be_v but_o a_o few_o furlong_n distant_a from_o jerusalem_n the_o falsehood_n alone_o of_o that_o single_a matter_n of_o fact_n which_o be_v so_o signal_n and_o so_o public_o know_v will_v have_v utter_o overthrow_v the_o whole_a fabric_n of_o the_o apostle_n new_a religion_n give_v up_o the_o cause_n to_o the_o jew_n and_o universal_o silence_v the_o christian_n why_o then_o do_v they_o not_o manifest_v the_o truth_n upon_o the_o spot_n chap._n xiii_o 35._o by_o this_o shall_v all_o man_n know_v that_o you_o be_v my_o disciple_n if_o you_o have_v love_v one_o to_o another_o a_o divine_a mark_n indeed_o and_o a_o character_n not_o in_o the_o least_o to_o be_v suspect_v chap._n fourteen_o 11_o 12._o believe_v i_o that_o i_o be_o in_o the_o father_n and_o the_o father_n in_o i_o or_o else_o believe_v i_o for_o the_o very_a work_n sake_n very_o very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o he_o that_o believe_v in_o i_o the_o work_n that_o i_o do_v shall_v he_o do_v also_o and_o great_a work_n than_o these_o shall_v he_o do_v what_o can_v the_o evangelist_n think_v when_o he_o relate_v these_o thing_n if_o he_o be_v true_o convince_v by_o his_o own_o experience_n and_o by_o that_o of_o his_o associate_n that_o christ_n be_v disciple_n can_v not_o perform_v any_o miracle_n chap._n xv._n 24._o if_o i_o have_v not_o do_v among_o they_o the_o work_n which_o none_o other_o man_n do_v they_o have_v not_o have_v sin_n he_o continual_o lay_v before_o their_o eye_n the_o testimony_n of_o his_o work_n chap._n xvi_o 2._o they_o shall_v put_v you_o out_o of_o the_o synagogue_n yea_o the_o time_n come_v that_o whosoever_o kill_v you_o will_v think_v that_o he_o do_v god_n service_n it_o be_v evident_a by_o this_o prediction_n the_o evangelist_n ascribe_v to_o jesus_n that_o the_o disciple_n do_v not_o then_o expect_v nay_o be_v not_o to_o expect_v any_o thing_n but_o cross_n and_o tribulation_n what_o then_o can_v support_v they_o in_o their_o present_a suffering_n and_o the_o dismal_a prospect_n of_o worse_a to_o come_v but_o the_o hope_n of_o such_o a_o reward_n as_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o quality_n of_o impostor_n a_o name_n which_o our_o incredulous_a adversary_n be_v please_v to_o give_v they_o verse_n 33._o in_o the_o world_n you_o shall_v have_v tribulation_n but_o be_v of_o good_a cheer_n i_o have_v overcome_v the_o world_n he_o be_v continual_o foretell_v they_o what_o misfortune_n they_o be_v to_o expect_v this_o in_o all_o appearance_n shall_v have_v dishearten_v they_o but_o it_o only_o serve_v to_o try_v their_o patience_n and_o confirm_v the_o word_n which_o they_o preach_v chap._n xvii_o 25_o 26._o o_o righteous_a father_n the_o world_n have_v not_o know_v thou_o but_o i_o have_v know_v thou_o and_o these_o have_v know_v that_o thou_o have_v send_v i_o and_o i_o have_v declare_v unto_o they_o thy_o name_n that_o thy_o love_n wherewith_o thou_o have_v love_v i_o may_v be_v in_o they_o and_o i_o in_o they_o can_v a_o man_n imagine_v that_o a_o impostor_n shall_v express_v himself_o thus_o be_v falsehood_n then_o so_o different_a here_o from_o what_o it_o usual_o be_v and_o do_v it_o breath_n out_o nothing_o but_o virtue_n innocence_n love_n and_o charity_n have_v it_o altogether_o that_o spirit_n of_o pure_a holiness_n and_o elevate_a simplicity_n of_o ineffable_a consolation_n and_o wonderful_a trust_n and_o reliance_n upon_o god_n which_o run_v through_o all_o the_o latter_a discourse_n jesus_n make_v to_o his_o disciple_n to_o comfort_v they_o for_o his_o approach_a departure_n chap._n xviii_o 36_o 37._o my_o kingdom_n be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n etc._n etc._n pilate_n therefore_o say_v unto_o he_o be_v thou_o a_o king_n then_o jesus_n answer_v thou_o say_v that_o i_o be_o a_o king_n and_o for_o this_o cause_n come_v i_o into_o the_o world_n that_o i_o shall_v bear_v witness_n unto_o the_o truth_n every_o one_o that_o be_v of_o the_o truth_n hear_v my_o voice_n jesus_n plain_o declare_v that_o his_o kingdom_n be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n yet_o he_o call_v himself_o king_n have_v he_o be_v a_o impostor_n he_o will_v have_v pretend_v to_o have_v reign_v somewhere_o or_o at_o least_o show_v some_o ambition_n of_o it_o chap._n xx._n 25_o 26._o the_o other_o disciple_n therefore_o say_v unto_o he_o we_o have_v see_v the_o lord_n but_o he_o say_v unto_o they_o except_o i_o shall_v see_v in_o his_o hand_n the_o print_n of_o the_o nail_n and_o thrust_v my_o hand_n into_o his_o side_n i_o will_v not_o believe_v etc._n etc._n jesus_n say_v unto_o he_o thomas_z because_o thou_o have_v see_v i_o thou_o have_v believe_v bless_a be_v they_o that_o have_v not_o see_v and_o yet_o have_v believe_v can_v any_o one_o have_v make_v thomas_n believe_v that_o he_o have_v be_v more_o incredulous_a than_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o disciple_n and_o that_o he_o will_v not_o be_v persuade_v till_o he_o have_v see_v and_o feel_v the_o body_n of_o his_o master_n chap._n xxi_o 3._o simon_n peter_n say_v unto_o they_o i_o go_v a_o fish_n they_o say_v unto_o he_o we_o also_o go_v with_o thou_o they_o go_v forth_o and_o enter_v into_o a_o ship_n immediate_o and_o that_o night_n they_o catch_v nothing_o but_o when_o the_o morning_n be_v now_o come_v jesus_n stand_v on_o the_o shore_n etc._n etc._n christ_n be_v dead_a the_o disciple_n betake_v themselves_o again_o
consequence_n only_o divine_a wisdom_n be_v also_o please_v that_o jesus_n christ_n shall_v be_v bear_v in_o obscurity_n and_o humiliation_n that_o those_o mean_v outward_a appearance_n be_v offensive_a to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o carnal_a and_o worldly_a mind_a jew_n they_o may_v as_o it_o be_v by_o chance_n give_v occasion_n to_o the_o execution_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o the_o council_n of_o god_n have_v determine_v and_o this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o principal_a cause_n of_o his_o poverty_n and_o humiliation_n of_o the_o meanness_n of_o his_o birth_n and_o the_o vnworthiness_n of_o his_o first_o profession_n the_o choice_n of_o his_o disciple_n etc._n etc._n the_o justice_n of_o god_n act_v in_o concert_n with_o his_o wisdom_n oblige_v he_o to_o speak_v to_o all_o profane_a contemner_n of_o his_o mystery_n in_o a_o obscure_a language_n and_o so_o as_o it_o be_v to_o conceal_v those_o pearl_n from_o they_o lest_o like_o unclean_a beast_n they_o shall_v trample_v they_o under_o their_o foot_n and_o this_o may_v very_o well_o serve_v for_o a_o reason_n of_o the_o denial_n which_o christ_n former_o make_v to_o the_o unbeliever_n of_o those_o time_n of_o signalize_v his_o power_n among_o they_o and_o of_o the_o great_a care_n he_o often_o take_v to_o conceal_v his_o miracle_n from_o they_o for_o this_o cause_n therefore_o speak_v he_o sometime_o in_o parable_n to_o stranger_n but_o he_o always_o very_o clear_o express_v himself_o to_o his_o disciple_n give_v they_o to_o understand_v the_o meaning_n of_o those_o parable_n and_o tell_v they_o that_o as_o for_o they_o they_o have_v the_o privilege_n of_o see_v all_o thing_n open_o neither_o do_v his_o majesty_n suffer_v he_o to_o reveal_v himself_o as_o familiar_o to_o the_o sinful_a man_n as_o he_o will_v to_o the_o innocent_a this_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o wonder_v at_o since_o man_n themselves_o be_v wont_n so_o to_o deal_v with_o one_o another_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o common_a than_o for_o great_a man_n to_o banish_v their_o presence_n those_o who_o have_v incur_v their_o displeasure_n to_o think_v it_o then_o strange_a if_o god_n conceal_v himself_o from_o a_o sinner_n will_v be_v to_o entertain_v a_o more_o unworthy_a idea_n of_o his_o majesty_n than_o that_o of_o a_o earthly_a monarch_n this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o god_n take_v such_o care_n to_o conceal_v himself_o even_o when_o he_o design_v to_o manifest_v his_o glory_n and_o for_o this_o cause_n he_o show_v himself_o only_o in_o vision_n and_o dream_n or_o when_o hide_a in_o the_o cloud_n and_o ark_n or_o cover_v with_o some_o other_o veil_n on_o this_o account_n also_o he_o be_v wont_a to_o banish_v from_o his_o presence_n all_o those_o as_o be_v defile_v in_o their_o body_n and_o order_v the_o priest_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n to_o purify_v themselves_o he_o command_v too_o the_o people_n to_o wash_v their_o garment_n when_o he_o give_v they_o notice_n that_o within_o three_o day_n he_o will_v come_v down_o to_o they_o nothing_o but_o a_o external_a and_o corporeal_a purity_n be_v sufficient_a to_o qualify_v those_o that_o be_v to_o approach_v the_o deity_n manifest_v under_o corporeal_a symbol_n but_o christ_n fulfil_v in_o the_o spirit_n every_o thing_n hide_v in_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o law_n teach_v we_o that_o those_o only_o shall_v see_v god_n who_o shall_v be_v find_v pure_a in_o heart_n so_o that_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o wonder_v if_o when_o man_n by_o reason_n of_o his_o gild_n hide_v himself_o from_o god_n the_o almighty_a withdraw_v the_o influence_n of_o his_o glorious_a majesty_n from_o man._n last_o the_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n overshadow_v revelation_n with_o some_o sort_n of_o darkness_n to_o exercise_v our_o faith_n and_o keep_v up_o our_o mind_n in_o vigour_n which_o also_o will_v grow_v sluggish_a if_o not_o stir_v up_o by_o such_o difficulty_n as_o be_v proper_a to_o mystery_n as_o also_o to_o humble_v our_o proud_a and_o haughty_a reason_n which_o be_v immediate_o puff_v up_o with_o its_o own_o knowledge_n to_o make_v we_o submit_v our_o understanding_n to_o he_o since_o we_o ought_v to_o believe_v any_o truth_n though_o incredible_a if_o he_o reveal_v they_o as_o also_o to_o sway_v our_o heart_n and_o affection_n which_o ought_v ready_o to_o embrace_v any_o sorrowful_a and_o mortify_a object_n that_o he_o be_v please_v to_o offer_v they_o to_o strip_v our_o pride_n of_o all_o its_o pretence_n and_o to_o dispose_v our_o mind_n that_o we_o must_v necessary_o acknowledge_v every_o benefit_n we_o enjoy_v spring_v from_o he_o and_o that_o too_o so_o much_o the_o more_o because_o we_o thereby_o attain_v to_o life_n eternal_a by_o such_o mean_n and_o object_n as_o be_v above_o our_o capacity_n to_o comprehend_v so_o necessary_a be_v it_o that_o it_o shall_v appear_v that_o our_o sufficiency_n be_v of_o god_n and_o that_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n unto_o salvation_n to_o every_o one_o that_o believe_v rom._n 1._o 16._o to_o this_o principle_n we_o owe_v the_o choice_n of_o those_o person_n which_o god_n have_v make_v use_n of_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n the_o nature_n of_o those_o seem_a paradox_n he_o command_v they_o to_o publish_v so_o contrary_a to_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o reason_n the_o silence_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o those_o thing_n which_o a_o few_o word_n from_o he_o will_v have_v render_v plain_a and_o easy_a to_o our_o understanding_n but_o god_n be_v not_o content_a to_o exercise_v our_o faith_n by_o those_o obscurity_n we_o find_v disperse_v throughout_o the_o divine_a revelation_n he_o further_o permit_v heresy_n schism_n and_o error_n nay_o superstition_n itself_o to_o reign_v among_o we_o that_o those_o who_o be_v approve_v may_v be_v make_v manifest_a thus_o we_o may_v say_v he_o suffer_v all_o egypt_n to_o be_v cover_v with_o darkness_n the_o more_o eminent_o to_o discover_v his_o wonderful_a protection_n in_o blessing_n at_o the_o same_o time_n the_o land_n of_o goshen_n with_o the_o light_n of_o his_o truth_n that_o be_v by_o give_v we_o a_o religion_n accompany_v with_o so_o bright_a a_o evidence_n as_o carnal_a and_o worldly_a mind_a man_n can_v never_o comprehend_v because_o their_o reason_n be_v eclipse_v by_o sensuality_n and_o the_o corruption_n of_o their_o heart_n produce_v those_o thick_a cloud_n that_o hide_v the_o truth_n from_o their_o sight_n god_n it_o be_v true_a enlighten_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n but_o man_n wilful_o blind_v themselves_o he_o permit_v it_o shall_v be_v so_o to_o confound_v their_o ignorance_n and_o demonstrate_v to_o we_o that_o he_o be_v the_o father_n of_o light_n but_o let_v we_o now_o inquire_v into_o the_o principle_n of_o that_o obscurity_n which_o sole_o spring_v from_o men._n and_o i._o so_o gross_a be_v all_o the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o the_o sense_n that_o there_o be_v no_o body_n so_o void_a of_o shame_n as_o to_o follow_v they_o open_o yet_o it_o be_v certain_a they_o be_v very_o prevalent_a in_o the_o heart_n of_o most_o man_n who_o stick_v not_o to_o say_v i_o never_o see_v the_o like_a i_o can_v willing_o believe_v it_o if_o i_o shall_v but_o see_v it_o who_o ever_o see_v dead_a man_n rise_v again_o from_o their_o grave_n and_o who_o ever_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n or_o go_v down_o into_o the_o pit_n all_o which_o reason_v be_v manifest_o absurd_a for_o can_v there_o be_v any_o great_a folly_n in_o a_o man_n than_o to_o refuse_v to_o believe_v that_o which_o he_o do_v not_o see_v when_o these_o object_n of_o his_o faith_n can_v have_v no_o existence_n be_v they_o not_o invisible_a do_v any_o one_o ever_o see_v the_o time_n past_o long_a before_o he_o live_v or_o the_o future_a long_a after_o his_o death_n do_v he_o ever_o see_v his_o own_o soul_n the_o deity_n etc._n etc._n for_o it_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o time_n past_a and_o the_o future_a the_o object_n and_o interest_n of_o the_o soul_n together_o with_o the_o benefit_n of_o god_n which_o faith_n offer_v to_o our_o consideration_n ii_o we_o be_v accustom_v by_o education_n not_o to_o believe_v any_o thing_n that_o happen_v not_o in_o the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o nature_n we_o confine_v ourselves_o as_o it_o be_v to_o a_o circle_n of_o object_n which_o we_o willing_o admit_v of_o because_o they_o contain_v nothing_o that_o be_v repugnant_a to_o experience_n or_o probability_n so_o that_o the_o custom_n we_o have_v of_o refuse_v to_o give_v our_o assent_n to_o all_o other_o thing_n reach_v even_o unto_o matter_n of_o religion_n inevitable_o cast_v we_o into_o scepticism_n and_o incredulity_n yet_o shall_v we_o but_o thorough_o consider_v those_o object_n which_o fall_v under_o common_a experience_n they_o will_v certain_o appear_v as_o surprise_v and_o incomprehensible_a as_o those_o of_o religion_n if_o you_o think_v it_o strange_a that_o the_o soul_n shall_v outlive_v
the_o emperor_n that_o have_v strict_o inquire_v into_o the_o life_n of_o the_o christian_n he_o find_v nothing_o else_o but_o that_o they_o assemble_v together_o in_o remote_a place_n early_o in_o the_o morning_n and_o there_o say_v their_o prayer_n to_o heaven_n and_o bind_v themselves_o under_o a_o solemn_a oath_n not_o to_o commit_v murder_n adultery_n injustice_n or_o any_o other_o crime_n they_o will_v also_o produce_v a_o answer_n from_o trajan_n to_o pliny_n wherein_o that_o emperor_n give_v positive_a order_n that_o for_o the_o future_a there_o shall_v be_v no_o particular_a inquiry_n make_v after_o the_o christian_n but_o those_o only_a shall_v be_v punish_v who_o shall_v discover_v themselves_o and_o that_o we_o may_v not_o think_v that_o these_o letter_n be_v forge_v we_o may_v consider_v that_o it_o be_v tertulian_n that_o mention_n they_o in_o his_o discourse_n to_o the_o senate_n and_o the_o roman_a emperor_n who_o he_o can_v not_o impose_v upon_o without_o endanger_v his_o own_o life_n and_o prejudice_v his_o religion_n chap._n ii_o wherein_o we_o shall_v examine_v the_o martyrdom_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n but_o perhaps_o we_o may_v soon_o suspect_v the_o credulity_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n than_o their_o innocence_n we_o be_v sure_a their_o constancy_n proceed_v from_o their_o hope_n and_o their_o hope_n from_o their_o persuasion_n but_o who_o know_v the_o ground_n of_o that_o persuasion_n be_v there_o not_o mahumetan_n so_o strong_o persuade_v of_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o alcoran_n as_o to_o die_v in_o defence_n of_o that_o error_n the_o multitude_n then_o of_o martyr_n show_v a_o infinite_a number_n of_o person_n to_o be_v strong_o persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n but_o prove_v not_o that_o persuasion_n to_o be_v well_o ground_v we_o mâ—st_v therefore_o go_v a_o little_a further_o and_o here_o we_o may_v easy_o suppose_v without_o fear_n of_o be_v mistake_v that_o the_o primitive_a christian_n have_v some_o sort_n of_o common_a sense_n those_o who_o make_v it_o their_o profession_n to_o ridicule_n the_o plurality_n of_o god_n and_o the_o many_o superstition_n of_o the_o heathen_n which_o be_v real_o contrary_a to_o reason_n those_o who_o put_v in_o practice_n such_o wise_a rule_n of_o morality_n who_o be_v so_o regular_a in_o their_o behaviour_n so_o averse_a to_o all_o the_o excess_n that_o disorder_n reason_n who_o form_v to_o themselves_o such_o rational_a idea_n of_o the_o deity_n in_o comparison_n to_o other_o those_o man_n i_o say_v can_v not_o be_v whole_o destitute_a of_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n now_o suppose_v they_o to_o have_v but_o the_o least_o glimmer_a of_o that_o light_n it_o will_v be_v hard_a to_o conceiuâ—_v that_o they_o shall_v whole_o renounce_v their_o estate_n and_o fortune_n and_o courageous_o suffer_v death_n in_o defence_n of_o any_o cause_n whatsoever_o unless_o they_o have_v very_o powerful_a reason_n to_o believe_v it_o be_v good_a this_o consideration_n will_v be_v further_o strengthen_v by_o two_o very_a important_a reflection_n and_o first_o we_o speak_v not_o here_o of_o such_o only_a who_o be_v bear_v christian_n blind_o follow_v the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o birth_n and_o education_n but_o also_o of_o a_o great_a number_n of_o person_n who_o renounce_v paganism_n to_o embrace_v christianity_n and_o lay_v aside_o the_o favourable_a prejudices_fw-la of_o education_n and_o birth_n which_o in_o they_o be_v quite_o contrary_a to_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v yet_o willing_a to_o die_v for_o it_o as_o soon_o as_o it_o be_v know_v and_o embrace_v second_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n be_v altogether_o found_v upon_o mattter_n of_o fact_n for_o if_o jesus_n christ_n wrought_v miracle_n and_o rise_v again_o from_o the_o dead_a than_o be_v the_o christian_a faith_n true_a but_o if_o jesus_n christ_n wrought_v no_o miracle_n nor_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a then_o be_v the_o christian_a faith_n false_a and_o sure_o it_o will_v have_v be_v folly_n or_o madness_n in_o those_o man_n to_o forsake_v so_o flourish_v a_o communion_n as_o paganism_n to_o take_v upon_o they_o the_o name_n of_o christian_n a_o name_n so_o vile_a and_o contemptible_a in_o those_o day_n to_o suffer_v voluntary_o the_o loss_n of_o their_o estate_n and_o undergo_v a_o most_o terrible_a death_n only_o to_o defend_v a_o religion_n ground_v upon_o such_o matter_n of_o fact_n as_o they_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o believe_v to_o be_v true_a those_o indeed_o that_o be_v bear_v and_o live_v peacable_o in_o a_o communion_n may_v blind_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o it_o but_o he_o that_o be_v never_o so_o little_o acquaint_v with_o the_o constitution_n of_o man_n heart_n can_v scarce_o imagine_v man_n to_o be_v so_o senseless_a as_o to_o renounce_v the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o birth_n and_o education_n to_o offer_v violence_n to_o their_o dear_a and_o most_o tender_a inclination_n and_o embrace_v a_o faith_n pursue_v with_o fire_n and_o sword_n and_o persecute_v by_o all_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n unless_o they_o have_v first_o due_o examine_v the_o nature_n of_o it_o and_o know_v well_o upon_o what_o ground_n they_o thus_o embrace_v it_o if_o it_o be_v object_v that_o some_o of_o these_o man_n be_v of_o the_o mean_a sort_n of_o people_n who_o example_n can_v be_v allege_v as_o a_o precedent_n for_o wise_a and_o learned_a man_n we_o will_v grant_v it_o but_o than_o it_o must_v also_o be_v confess_v that_o the_o vulgar_a usual_o embrace_v that_o religion_n which_o be_v attend_v with_o power_n and_o prosperity_n pomp_n and_o authority_n and_o hate_v even_o truth_n itself_o when_o once_o destitute_a of_o all_o these_o outward_a help_n how_o be_v it_o possible_a then_o that_o against_o all_o outward_a appearance_n they_o shall_v have_v act_v so_o contrary_o to_o themselves_o in_o this_o occasion_n but_o suppose_v the_o commmon_a sort_n of_o christian_n to_o have_v lose_v their_o reason_n can_v we_o say_v the_o same_o of_o the_o doctor_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n as_o clement_n polycarp_n justin_n iraeneus_n &_o c_o it_o be_v certain_a on_o one_o hÄnd_n these_o man_n be_v man_n of_o very_a good_a sense_n as_o their_o write_n those_o monument_n they_o have_v leave_v we_o evident_o demonstrate_v and_o on_o the_o other_o it_o be_v very_o well_o know_v they_o live_v in_o a_o time_n so_o very_o near_o to_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n that_o it_o be_v absolute_o impossible_a they_o shall_v have_v be_v deceive_v in_o this_o respect_n for_o polycarp_n converse_v a_o long_a while_n with_o st._n john_n iraeneus_n see_v polycarp_n and_o justin_n be_v a_o more_o ancient_a father_n than_o iraeneus_n have_v those_o doctor_n only_o tell_v we_o that_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n wrought_v several_a miracle_n we_o may_v perhaps_o have_v suspend_v our_o belief_n upon_o their_o bare_a word_n but_o since_o they_o suffer_v death_n in_o defence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o certain_a matter_n of_o fact_n which_o they_o must_v necessary_o have_v full_o be_v inform_v of_o since_o i_o see_v that_o clemens_n and_o polycarp_n disciple_n and_o contemporary_n with_o the_o apostle_n cheerful_o come_v to_o the_o stake_n to_o maintain_v a_o religion_n essential_o found_v upon_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n such_o as_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o divers_a language_n confer_v upon_o the_o apostle_n the_o power_n of_o work_a miracle_n and_o impart_v those_o very_a gift_n themselves_o to_o other_o since_o i_o say_v these_o christian_a doctor_n suffer_v martyrdom_n for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v essential_o unite_v to_o i_o confess_v i_o begin_v to_o be_v convince_v nevertheless_o let_v we_o search_v more_o narrow_o into_o this_o matter_n and_o see_v whether_o we_o shall_v yet_o have_v any_o reason_n to_o entertain_v any_o further_a scruple_n chap._n iii_o in_o which_o we_o further_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o religion_n by_o several_a undeniable_a matter_n of_o fact_n who_o tell_v we_o clemens_n and_o polycarp_n suffer_v martyrdom_n and_o suppose_v they_o do_v who_o will_v assure_v we_o they_o be_v not_o delude_v by_o the_o apostle_n nay_o who_o can_v tell_v whether_o there_o ever_o be_v any_o such_o man_n i_o suppose_v i_o shall_v not_o be_v oblige_v to_o prove_v with_o a_o great_a many_o argument_n there_o be_v such_o man_n as_o clemens_n and_o polycarp_n who_o suffer_v martyrdom_n eusebius_n who_o write_v their_o history_n can_v not_o whole_o have_v invent_v it_o unless_o he_o have_v corrupt_v all_o the_o write_n of_o the_o father_n that_o live_v before_o he_o for_o they_o all_o speak_v of_o it_o iraeneus_n justin_n clemens_n alexandrinus_n etc._n etc._n mention_v it_o as_o a_o know_a matter_n of_o fact_n the_o first_o of_o they_o glory_n in_o several_a place_n of_o his_o work_n that_o he_o have_v see_v polycarp_n in_o his_o youth_n and_o it_o appear_v they_o all_o suffer_v martyrdom_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 which_o appear_v to_o i_o so_o very_o absurd_a and_o extravagant_a that_o i_o question_n whether_o our_o incredulous_a adversary_n can_v persuade_v themselves_o of_o it_o provide_v they_o will_v but_o reflect_v never_o so_o little_a upon_o it_o but_o let_v we_o continue_v still_o to_o distrust_v ourselves_o may_v we_o not_o probable_o have_v make_v some_o false_a supposition_n in_o what_o we_o just_a now_o affirm_v we_o will_v therefore_o go_v over_o again_o the_o same_o principle_n we_o just_o now_o establish_v and_o indeed_o the_o more_o i_o reflect_v upon_o they_o the_o less_o i_o conceive_v how_o we_o can_v possible_o call_v any_o of_o they_o in_o question_n for_o can_v i_o deny_v that_o jesus_n ever_o be_v in_o the_o world_n that_o he_o ever_o have_v any_o disciple_n or_o that_o those_o disciple_n think_v he_o at_o first_o the_o promise_a messiah_n but_o why_o shall_v i_o alone_o question_v a_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o the_o thalmudist_n nay_o julian_n porphirius_fw-la and_o all_o other_o enemy_n of_o christianity_n have_v always_o acknowledge_v this_o be_v what_o i_o have_v show_v to_o be_v absurd_a can_v i_o question_v but_o that_o if_o jesus_n die_v and_o rise_v not_o again_o from_o the_o dead_a his_o disciple_n be_v then_o undeceive_v of_o the_o opinion_n they_o probable_o entertain_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o messiah_n the_o son_n of_o god_n if_o so_o either_o they_o understand_v nothing_o at_o all_o by_o these_o two_o word_n the_o messiah_n the_o son_n of_o god_n or_o else_o they_o understand_v quite_o another_o thing_n than_o that_o he_o be_v a_o mere_a man_n who_o be_v to_o remain_v for_o ever_o under_o the_o power_n of_o death_n after_o his_o crucifixion_n can_v i_o deny_v that_o the_o disciple_n declare_v the_o resurrection_n of_o jesus_n christ_n after_o his_o crucifixion_n it_o be_v self_n evident_a all_o
different_a country_n who_o speak_v different_a language_n do_v all_o understand_v my_o speech_n there_o can_v certain_o be_v no_o illusion_n in_o that_o the_o validity_n of_o a_o testimony_n be_v no_o long_o incertain_a when_o we_o be_v sure_a of_o two_o thing_n first_o that_o the_o witness_n be_v not_o himself_o deceive_v and_o second_o that_o he_o do_v not_o intend_v to_o deceive_v other_o now_o this_o might_n easy_o be_v verify_v concern_v the_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n for_o first_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n upon_o which_o their_o deposition_n be_v found_v be_v so_o evident_a and_o notorious_a that_o none_o can_v ever_o be_v deceive_v in_o relation_n to_o they_o thus_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o the_o eye_n shall_v think_v they_o see_v what_o they_o do_v not_o real_o see_v that_o the_o ear_n shall_v agree_v to_o witness_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o eye_n that_o the_o hand_n shall_v touch_v that_o which_o both_o the_o eye_n and_o the_o ear_n perceive_v not_o once_o only_o but_o several_a time_n not_o the_o eye_n the_o ear_n and_o the_o hand_n of_o one_o single_a man_n but_o of_o several_a man_n together_o that_o they_o shall_v unanimous_o profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v endow_v with_o a_o extraordinary_a power_n and_o that_o too_o of_o work_a miracle_n unless_o they_o themselves_o know_v the_o certainty_n of_o it_o but_o though_o we_o shall_v suppose_v a_o man_n so_o whimsical_a as_o to_o impose_v upon_o himself_o after_o that_o prodigious_a rate_n yet_o sure_o we_o can_v not_o without_o extravagance_n imagine_v that_o the_o apostle_n have_v utter_o lose_v their_o sense_n by_o the_o same_o kind_n of_o madness_n that_o this_o madness_n begin_v exact_o after_o the_o death_n of_o jesus_n christ_n that_o the_o spread_a of_o the_o gospel_n over_o the_o face_n of_o the_o universe_n be_v a_o wonderful_a contrivance_n of_o the_o same_o that_o it_o be_v join_v to_o that_o morality_n which_o be_v so_o excellent_a so_o sublime_a and_o yet_o so_o just_a and_o pious_a in_o itself_o that_o the_o very_a enemy_n of_o our_o religion_n always_o reverence_v it_o and_o last_o that_o all_o manner_n of_o virtue_n derive_v their_o original_n from_o such_o pretend_a madness_n which_o work_v a_o change_n upon_o the_o world_n sanctify_v mankind_n and_o exact_o fulfil_v all_o those_o oracle_n which_o foretell_v the_o call_n of_o the_o gentile_n but_o if_o it_o appear_v that_o those_o man_n do_v not_o impose_v upon_o themselves_o much_o less_o ought_v they_o to_o be_v suspect_v of_o have_v have_v the_o will_n to_o deceive_v other_o because_o their_o simplicity_n and_o mean_a education_n allow_v they_o not_o to_o frame_v any_o such_o design_n and_o beside_o the_o confusion_n they_o be_v in_o to_o see_v themselves_o frustrate_v of_o their_o hope_n by_o the_o unexpected_a death_n of_o their_o master_n will_v whole_o have_v divert_v they_o from_o it_o their_o temporal_a concern_v too_o can_v not_o admit_v of_o it_o and_o their_o shame_n to_o show_v themselves_o to_o the_o world_n after_o what_o have_v happen_v be_v of_o itself_o sufficient_a to_o hinder_v they_o from_o it_o moreover_o their_o conscience_n will_v have_v check_v they_o for_o their_o superstitious_a fondness_n of_o the_o vain_a shadow_n of_o a_o messiah_n and_o it_o be_v impossible_a they_o can_v ever_o have_v agree_v together_o so_o as_o to_o contrive_v that_o strange_a and_o notorious_a imposture_n but_o suppose_v they_o undertake_v it_o the_o torment_v inflict_v on_o they_o will_v have_v make_v they_o repent_v such_o a_o rash_a design_n and_o the_o confession_n of_o one_o single_a person_n among_o they_o will_v have_v sufficient_o discover_v they_o all_o last_o their_o shame_n and_o poverty_n the_o gaol_n and_o the_o chain_n the_o stripe_n the_o fire_n and_o the_o sword_n that_o be_v use_v against_o they_o to_o make_v they_o recant_v sufficient_o warrant_v we_o that_o they_o never_o intend_v to_o deceive_v the_o world_n and_o if_o one_o single_a person_n so_o dispose_v be_v to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o unheard_a of_o prodigy_n how_o much_o more_o unlikely_a be_v it_o that_o a_o whole_a society_n can_v have_v conceive_v such_o a_o extravagant_a design_n if_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o disciple_n be_v false_a we_o can_v choose_v but_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o mad_a man_n or_o rather_o as_o rascal_n nay_o perhaps_o as_o both_o and_o yet_o their_o preach_v sufficient_o show_v the_o glory_n of_o their_o innocence_n and_o wisdom_n to_o confound_v both_o these_o calumny_n let_v any_o man_n but_o read_v over_o the_o book_n of_o those_o admirable_a writer_n and_o there_o he_o will_v to_o his_o satisfaction_n find_v that_o honesty_n sincerity_n and_o self_n denial_n be_v inseparable_o interweave_v with_o the_o most_o pure_a and_o most_o judicious_a morality_n that_o ever_o be_v but_o this_o reflection_n put_v i_o in_o mind_n that_o i_o must_v now_o hasten_v to_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n not_o to_o see_v whether_o they_o be_v human_a or_o divine_a for_o that_o will_v be_v consider_v in_o its_o own_o proper_a place_n but_o whether_o they_o be_v forge_v or_o not_o for_o if_o once_o we_o show_v that_o they_o be_v not_o forge_v we_o need_v only_o read_v they_o over_o to_o know_v the_o testimony_n the_o disciple_n bear_v of_o jesus_n christ_n himself_o and_o because_o that_o truth_n will_v serve_v for_o a_o confirmation_n of_o what_o we_o have_v already_o say_v we_o shall_v begin_v the_o follow_a section_n with_o the_o consideration_n of_o it_o section_n ii_o wherein_o we_o shall_v prove_v the_o divinity_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n by_o examine_v the_o book_n of_o the_o new-testament_n chap._n i._n wherein_o we_o shall_v prove_v that_o those_o book_n can_v never_o be_v supposititious_a when_o i_o examine_v the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n all_o the_o doubt_n i_o strive_v to_o raise_v concern_v they_o amount_v only_o to_o these_o three_o i._n whether_o those_o book_n be_v not_o compose_v by_o some_o impostor_n who_o probable_o may_v have_v ascribe_v they_o to_o the_o apostle_n ii_o whether_o those_o book_n suppose_v they_o be_v compose_v by_o the_o apostle_n be_v not_o afterward_o corrupt_v by_o the_o christian_n iii_o whether_o the_o apostle_n the_o pretend_a author_n of_o those_o book_n do_v not_o themselves_o fill_v they_o up_o with_o many_o fiction_n for_o their_o master_n honour_n and_o the_o advantage_n of_o their_o religion_n it_o be_v but_o just_a we_o shall_v examine_v whether_o these_o three_o suspicion_n be_v well_o ground_v or_o no._n and_o first_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o in_o take_v away_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n we_o overthrow_v that_o of_o all_o other_o book_n and_o call_v in_o question_n the_o account_n of_o all_o thing_n past_a for_o who_o will_v warrant_v i_o that_o cicero_n oration_n be_v his_o own_o if_o i_o can_v reasonable_o assure_v myself_o that_o the_o epistle_n of_o st._n paul_n be_v write_v by_o st._n paul_n himself_o but_o hold_v perhaps_o it_o be_v easy_a or_o more_o advantageous_a to_o counterfeit_v the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n than_o those_o of_o humane_a learning_n this_o be_v what_o we_o must_v a_o little_a inquire_v into_o and_o i._o the_o facility_n there_o be_v in_o counterfeit_v the_o the_o work_n of_o a_o author_n whole_o depend_v upon_o the_o several_a circumstance_n of_o time_n place_n and_o person_n upon_o the_o subject_a matter_n of_o that_o book_n the_o temper_n of_o man_n mind_n their_o different_a notion_n and_o their_o various_a interest_n which_o must_v be_v carry_v on_o in_o it_o now_o to_o counterfeit_a book_n of_o humane_a learning_n seem_v infinite_o more_o easy_a in_o all_o these_o respect_n than_o to_o counterfeit_v those_o of_o the_o new_a testament_n i._o because_o they_o who_o counterfeit_v a_o book_n of_o humane_a learning_n may_v take_v as_o much_o time_n as_o they_o please_v for_o it_o but_o here_o we_o know_v not_o what_o time_n can_v be_v imagine_v the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v forge_v in_o if_o we_o look_v back_o from_o age_n to_o age_n we_o find_v the_o christian_n have_v those_o book_n continual_o before_o their_o eye_n and_o that_o they_o be_v quote_v by_o the_o most_o ancient_a father_n who_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o sacred_a and_o divine_a ii_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o counterfeit_v book_n of_o humane_a learning_n because_o there_o be_v general_o but_o few_o people_n that_o interess_n themselves_o at_o all_o in_o they_o at_o least_o but_o very_o indifferent_o but_o it_o will_v have_v be_v a_o very_a difficult_a matter_n to_o counterfeit_v those_o book_n which_o compel_v man_n to_o suffer_v martyrdom_n as_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n do_v if_o a_o man_n that_o lend_v out_o his_o money_n seek_v the_o best_a security_n he_o can_v for_o it_o what_o
the_o sight_n of_o several_a jew_n who_o be_v purposely_o come_v thither_o to_o comfort_v the_o sister_n of_o the_o decease_a person_n he_o tarry_v four_o day_n that_o it_o may_v not_o be_v say_v he_o be_v not_o real_o dead_a he_o permit_v lazarus_n to_o converse_v with_o his_o acquaintance_n after_o his_o resurrection_n which_o give_v occasion_n to_o the_o jew_n blind_v with_o madness_n to_o conspire_v together_o to_o send_v he_o to_o the_o grave_n again_o who_o the_o grave_n have_v just_o send_v they_o for_o their_o conversion_n iu._n but_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o such_o great_a and_o such_o unparalelled_a miracle_n as_o these_o shall_v make_v so_o little_a impression_n upon_o people_n mind_n this_o age_n be_v indeed_o a_o wicked_a and_o prejudice_v age_n but_o yet_o what_o a_o noise_n will_v the_o resurrection_n of_o a_o dead_a man_n make_v now_o how_o many_o will_v make_v it_o their_o business_n to_o be_v full_o satisfy_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o such_o a_o matter_n of_o fact_n how_o few_o will_v doubt_v it_o after_o have_v know_v the_o certain_a truth_n of_o it_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o those_o who_o hear_v this_o miracle_n do_v not_o in_o the_o least_o believe_v it_o some_o ascribe_v it_o to_o the_o power_n of_o beelzebub_n other_o to_o some_o other_o cause_n some_o know_v not_o what_o to_o think_v of_o it_o and_o therefore_o refuse_v to_o inquire_v into_o it_o other_o very_o believe_v that_o jesus_n christ_n and_o lazarus_n have_v agree_v together_o thus_o to_o seduce_v the_o people_n and_o this_o very_a likely_a be_v the_o opinion_n of_o those_o who_o seek_v after_o lazarus_n to_o put_v he_o to_o death_n other_o though_o very_o few_o take_v occasion_n from_o thence_o to_o glorify_v god_n but_o lest_o any_o man_n shall_v wonder_v at_o the_o little_a impression_n this_o miracle_n make_v upon_o the_o prejudice_v and_o superstitious_a mind_n of_o man_n it_o will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v these_o two_o follow_a reflection_n first_o that_o there_o have_v be_v several_a jew_n who_o free_o acknowledge_v the_o miracle_n of_o jesus_n christ_n though_o they_o persist_v in_o their_o incredulity_n choose_v rather_o superstitious_o to_o ascribe_v they_o to_o a_o certain_a i_o know_v not_o what_o pronunciation_n of_o the_o word_n jehovah_n than_o to_o refer_v they_o totheir_o true_a cause_n which_o show_v that_o the_o evidence_n of_o miracle_n be_v not_o always_o of_o itself_o sufficient_a to_o overcome_v the_o hardness_n of_o some_o man_n mind_n when_o prepossess_v with_o prejudice_n second_o that_o superstition_n itself_o have_v be_v sometime_o carry_v on_o to_o that_o degree_n as_o to_o extinguish_v utter_o all_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n and_o even_o to_o call_v in_o question_n those_o very_a object_n that_o be_v present_a to_o the_o sense_n rather_o than_o be_v oblige_v to_o renounce_v its_o prejudices_fw-la but_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o insist_v much_o upon_o this_o last_o reflection_n it_o sufficient_o appear_v from_o thence_o that_o there_o be_v such_o people_n in_o the_o world_n who_o mind_n be_v prepossess_v will_v either_o call_v in_o question_n any_o palpable_a truth_n or_o else_o ascribe_v matter_n of_o fact_n true_o miraculous_a to_o some_o fantastical_a and_o extravagant_a cause_n but_o there_o be_v none_o that_o be_v willing_a to_o die_v in_o order_n to_o maintain_v that_o they_o be_v spectator_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o have_v real_o never_o see_v especial_o when_o they_o profess_v to_o believe_v that_o imposture_n be_v a_o crime_n worthy_a of_o death_n and_o when_o they_o may_v be_v so_o easy_o find_v out_o by_o so_o great_a a_o number_n of_o witness_n it_o will_v argue_v mere_a folly_n for_o any_o to_o pretend_v to_o impose_v upon_o man_n in_o this_o respect_n the_o jewish_a doctor_n have_v credit_n and_o authority_n enough_o over_o the_o people_n partly_o to_o stifle_v the_o knowledge_n they_o may_v have_v of_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n or_o if_o that_o fail_v at_o least_o to_o give_v such_o reason_n of_o they_o as_o will_v certain_o flatter_v the_o immoderate_a desire_n the_o jew_n have_v to_o see_v not_o a_o sorrowful_a and_o contemptible_a but_o a_o glorious_a and_o triumph_a messiah_n but_o the_o disciple_n be_v too_o weak_a to_o endure_v the_o severity_n of_o those_o torment_n inflict_v on_o they_o have_v they_o be_v mere_a impostor_n and_o be_v not_o sure_o so_o senseless_a as_o ever_o to_o think_v they_o may_v easy_o persuade_v man_n to_o believe_v such_o matter_n of_o fact_n as_o the_o resurrection_n of_o lazarus_n for_o to_o endeavour_v to_o conceal_v a_o matter_n of_o fact_n of_o that_o nature_n one_o have_v need_v only_o of_o prejudice_n and_o a_o wicked_a inclination_n but_o to_o have_v a_o design_n to_o make_v other_o man_n believe_v it_o when_o it_o be_v real_o false_a one_o must_v be_v possess_v with_o a_o unaccountable_a and_o unheard_a of_o madness_n v._o but_o you_o will_v say_v let_v the_o opinion_n the_o jew_n have_v of_o the_o miracle_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v what_o it_o will_v still_o be_v it_o possible_a they_o can_v have_v no_o better_o preserve_v the_o memory_n of_o they_o and_o that_o josephus_n for_o example_n who_o careful_o relate_v the_o least_o sort_n of_o event_n and_o forget_v not_o to_o mention_v certain_a seducer_n that_o have_v appear_v in_o the_o world_n from_o time_n to_o time_n before_o he_o shall_v not_o in_o the_o least_o speak_v of_o the_o miracle_n of_o of_o jesus_n christ_n it_o be_v suppose_v by_o some_o that_o that_o notable_a testimony_n which_o he_o bear_v of_o he_o be_v a_o pious_a fraud_n of_o he_o or_o a_o mere_a invention_n of_o the_o succeed_a age_n we_o shall_v not_o inquire_v into_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o at_o present_a we_o be_v willing_a to_o take_v thing_n in_o the_o worst_a sense_n and_o we_o have_v three_o several_a reply_n to_o make_v this_o objection_n concern_v the_o silence_n of_o josephus_n in_o this_o respect_n the_o first_o be_v that_o those_o who_o probable_o insert_v in_o the_o write_n of_o that_o author_n that_o notable_a place_n which_o have_v give_v occasion_n to_o the_o criticism_n of_o the_o learned_a may_v for_o a_o continuation_n of_o their_o design_n have_v blot_v out_o every_o thing_n that_o josephus_n real_o tell_v we_o on_o this_o account_n and_o which_o perhaps_o though_o less_o advantageous_a to_o our_o cause_n be_v yet_o sufficient_a to_o show_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v hold_v as_o one_o that_o wrought_v many_o miracle_n the_o second_o that_o josephus_n be_v a_o pharisee_n may_v probable_o have_v conceal_v the_o wonder_n of_o the_o life_n of_o our_o saviour_n out_o of_o the_o hatred_n he_o bear_v to_o our_o religion_n and_o the_o last_o be_v that_o as_o this_o man_n have_v endeavour_v to_o insinuate_v himself_o into_o vespasian_n favour_n by_o foretell_v he_o that_o he_o shall_v be_v emperor_n and_o have_v ascribe_v to_o he_o several_a prophecy_n of_o the_o old_a 12._o testament_n 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the_o disciple_n of_o the_o lord_n shall_v have_v invent_v so_o sensible_a and_o signal_n matter_n of_o fact_n against_o the_o fresh_a and_o public_a knowledge_n which_o those_o man_n that_o live_v in_o their_o day_n have_v of_o it_o without_o be_v guilty_a of_o such_o a_o extravagance_n which_o be_v more_o than_o humane_a but_o here_o we_o will_v ask_v the_o incredulous_a in_o our_o turn_n whether_o a_o voluntary_a death_n a_o innocence_n public_o own_a the_o sorrow_n and_o anguish_n which_o a_o man_n suffer_v out_o of_o charity_n to_o the_o world_n the_o homage_v which_o even_o insensible_a creature_n pay_v to_o he_o who_o man_n scorn_v and_o condemn_v be_v not_o certain_a character_n worthy_a of_o the_o messiah_n that_o have_v be_v promise_v we_o indeed_o if_o you_o take_v away_o the_o proof_n which_o evident_o show_v jesus_n christ_n to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n you_o may_v then_o call_v his_o cross_n a_o scandal_n to_o he_o and_o the_o world_n but_o whilst_o those_o proof_n 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be_v insert_v among_o the_o god_n and_o that_o this_o monarch_n have_v appear_v unto_o he_o etc._n etc._n be_v not_o this_o a_o matter_n of_o fact_n not_o unlike_a that_o which_o the_o disciple_n testify_v of_o jesus_n christ_n throughout_o the_o universe_n it_o be_v very_o like_o it_o indeed_o only_o it_o have_v these_o follow_a difference_n there_o you_o read_v of_o a_o single_a person_n testify_v that_o he_o have_v see_v romulus_n ascend_v into_o heaven_n but_o here_o you_o have_v a_o very_a great_a number_n of_o people_n who_o certifiy_v that_o they_o have_v see_v jesus_n christ_n after_o his_o resurrection_n there_o it_o be_v pretend_v that_o a_o great_a and_o triumphant_a monarch_n during_o the_o course_n of_o his_o life_n be_v insert_v among_o the_o god_n after_o his_o death_n which_o agree_v
they_o since_o the_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v original_o jew_n they_o must_v needs_o have_v be_v possess_v with_o these_o five_o follow_a prejudices_fw-la i._o they_o be_v full_o persuade_v that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o messiah_n be_v to_o be_v attend_v with_o temporal_a prosperity_n ii_o they_o imagine_v that_o the_o messiah_n will_v restore_v the_o kingdom_n of_o israel_n to_o its_o former_a glory_n and_o once_o more_o raise_v up_o the_o house_n of_o david_n out_o of_o that_o disgrace_n and_o almost_o oblivion_n it_o have_v lie_v under_o to_o its_o ancient_a power_n and_o majesty_n iii_o they_o believe_v their_o law_n to_o be_v of_o a_o eternal_a duration_n now_o by_o their_o law_n i_o do_v not_o here_o understand_v the_o moral_a law_n only_o but_o the_o ceremonial_a one_o too_o or_o rather_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o it_o in_o general_a contain_v both_o the_o moral_a and_o ceremonial_a law_n iv._o they_o esteem_v their_o sacrifice_n to_o be_v the_o most_o sacred_a and_o most_o inviolable_a duty_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o they_o be_v far_o from_o imagine_v that_o those_o sacrifice_n enjoin_v by_o their_o law_n shall_v on_o a_o sudden_a cease_v as_o soon_o as_o one_o man_n be_v put_v to_o death_n v._o and_o last_o they_o can_v not_o consider_v the_o gentile_n but_o as_o a_o unclean_a and_o abominable_a sort_n of_o people_n in_o comparison_n to_o themselves_o for_o beside_o the_o sin_n of_o idolatry_n which_o the_o jew_n account_v so_o capital_a a_o crime_n as_o to_o deserve_v that_o god_n shall_v for_o ever_o cast_v they_o off_o who_o be_v guilty_a of_o it_o the_o heathen_n be_v various_o pollute_v and_o defile_v according_a to_o the_o notion_n the_o jew_n have_v of_o their_o law_n since_o they_o use_v none_o of_o those_o ceremony_n that_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o their_o external_a sanctification_n by_o avoid_v all_o uncleanness_n and_o legal_a impurity_n as_o to_o the_o first_o prejudice_n it_o can_v never_o be_v doubt_v but_o 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the_o glory_n of_o that_o house_n according_a to_o all_o the_o prediction_n of_o the_o prophet_n but_o whether_o there_o be_v or_o no_o any_o ground_n for_o that_o conjecture_n it_o be_v true_a at_o least_o that_o his_o surprise_a victory_n and_o prosperity_n have_v make_v so_o great_a a_o impression_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o jew_n that_o a_o very_a considerable_a number_n of_o they_o imagine_v that_o herod_n be_v the_o messiah_n who_o the_o prophet_n have_v promise_v and_o who_o be_v to_o raise_v their_o nation_n to_o the_o height_n of_o happiness_n and_o prosperity_n for_o this_o opinion_n give_v rise_v to_o the_o sect_n of_o the_o herodian_o that_o be_v mention_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o wonder_v at_o it_o since_o the_o corrupt_a heart_n of_o man_n delight_n in_o nothing_o so_o much_o as_o worldly_a grandeur_n and_o temporal_a prosperity_n therein_o consist_v the_o pleasure_n of_o great_a as_o well_o as_o mean_v person_n and_o he_o that_o shall_v but_o consult_v the_o history_n of_o mankind_n will_v find_v that_o from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n those_o society_n which_o be_v distinguish_v from_o other_o by_o the_o splendour_n of_o honour_n or_o enjoyment_n of_o temporal_a prosperity_n still_o prevail_v over_o all_o the_o rest_n the_o second_o receive_v opinion_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v that_o their_o messiah_n be_v to_o restore_v the_o kingdom_n of_o israel_n to_o its_o former_a glory_n for_o on_o one_o hand_n their_o prophet_n have_v teach_v they_o that_o the_o house_n of_o david_n shall_v reign_v and_o endure_v as_o long_o as_o the_o sun_n and_o moon_n and_o on_o the_o other_o they_o be_v sensible_a that_o the_o house_n of_o david_n be_v partly_o extinguish_v and_o partly_o fall_v into_o disgrace_n and_o humiliation_n they_o expect_v therefore_o from_o the_o messiah_n that_o he_o will_v restore_v it_o again_o and_o although_o the_o people_n have_v for_o a_o long_a time_n be_v govern_v by_o several_a king_n not_o descend_v from_o the_o tribe_n of_o judah_n yet_o they_o still_o feed_v themselves_o up_o with_o that_o imaginary_a hope_n but_o above_o all_o the_o jew_n be_v firm_o persuade_v of_o the_o perpetual_a duration_n of_o their_o law_n that_o be_v that_o people_n shall_v continual_o come_v up_o from_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n to_o worship_v in_o mount_n zion_n and_o offer_v up_o variety_n of_o sacrifice_n in_o the_o holy_a land_n it_o be_v this_o law_n they_o have_v hear_v so_o often_o mention_v in_o their_o infancy_n which_o their_o parent_n their_o elder_n and_o their_o teacher_n have_v so_o often_o entertain_v they_o with_o in_o their_o common_a discourse_n they_o hear_v every_o body_n speak_v of_o jerusalem_n with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o respect_n and_o it_o be_v repute_v a_o great_a oath_n among_o they_o to_o swear_v by_o the_o city_n of_o the_o great_a king_n they_o consider_v the_o levite_n as_o so_o many_o sacred_a person_n and_o the_o priest_n as_o the_o visible_a minister_n of_o a_o invisible_a god_n that_o be_v please_v to_o dwell_v among_o they_o they_o send_v yearly_a to_o jerusalem_n the_o ten_o of_o their_o good_n and_o bring_v a_o infinite_a variety_n of_o victim_n to_o be_v there_o offer_v up_o to_o god_n they_o think_v they_o can_v neither_o be_v acceptable_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n nor_o man_n unless_o they_o practise_v all_o the_o custom_n their_o law_n prescribe_v they_o touch_v their_o purity_n and_o external_a sanctification_n they_o have_v see_v the_o great_a severity_n inflict_v upon_o the_o infringer_n of_o that_o law_n and_o the_o four_o sort_n of_o punishment_n ordain_v by_o the_o law_n against_o the_o violator_n of_o it_o viz._n that_o they_o shall_v be_v strangle_v or_o cut_v off_o by_o the_o sword_n or_o burn_v or_o stone_v to_o death_n according_a to_o the_o enormity_n of_o their_o crime_n be_v continual_o before_o their_o eye_n and_o almost_o daily_o execute_v upon_o those_o that_o be_v guilty_a in_o breach_n of_o the_o law_n so_o that_o they_o can_v not_o but_o look_v upon_o the_o prescription_n of_o the_o law_n as_o sacred_a and_o inviolable_a duty_n they_o be_v oblige_v to_o perform_v now_o it_o be_v obvious_a to_o every_o one_o how_o great_a a_o impression_n these_o punishment_n must_v necessary_o make_v upon_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o mean_a sort_n of_o people_n they_o be_v fill_v with_o the_o thought_n of_o their_o festival_n and_o solemnity_n which_o be_v so_o very_o proper_a to_o fix_v and_o stay_v their_o mind_n by_o that_o great_a number_n both_o of_o ceremony_n and_o circumstance_n they_o be_v attend_v with_o thrice_o every_o year_n they_o be_v enjoin_v to_o go_v up_o to_o jerusalem_n during_o such_o certain_a sacred_a time_n which_o they_o be_v oblige_v to_o observe_v with_o a_o particular_a devotion_n and_o it_o be_v forbid_v they_o to_o discourse_v any_o thing_n else_o during_o the_o passover_n but_o of_o the_o sorrowful_a captivity_n which_o the_o ancient_a israelite_n endure_v in_o egypt_n exod._n 13._o 8._o neither_o be_v they_o permit_v to_o eat_v any_o thing_n for_o seven_o day_n together_o but_o unleavened_a bread_n in_o token_n of_o that_o bread_n of_o affliction_n which_o their_o forefather_n have_v eat_v they_o be_v command_v to_o kill_v as_o many_o lamb_n as_o there_o be_v family_n dwell_v in_o jerusalem_n in_o token_n of_o the_o ancient_a passage_n of_o the_o destroy_a angel_n over_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n the_o feast_n of_o pentecost_n be_v to_o be_v commemorate_a with_o no_o less_o solemnity_n at_o which_o time_n they_o be_v oblige_v to_o offer_v up_o to_o god_n the_o first_o fruit_n of_o the_o earth_n it_o be_v a_o part_n of_o their_o duty_n to_o observe_v yearly_o a_o solemn_a and_o general_a fast_a the_o ten_o day_n of_o september_n as_o also_o to_o rest_v from_o all_o manner_n of_o labour_n the_o first_o and_o last_o day_n of_o the_o feast_n
of_o their_o grave_n and_o appear_v unto_o many_o in_o the_o city_n of_o jerusalem_n it_o will_v be_v sufficient_a for_o we_o to_o consider_v only_o those_o prodigy_n which_o draw_v the_o eye_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o can_v not_o but_o universal_o cause_v a_o public_a consternation_n and_o make_v a_o fearful_a impression_n on_o the_o mind_n of_o men._n now_o i_o affirm_v it_o can_v natural_o enter_v i_o shall_v not_o say_v into_o the_o mind_n of_o a_o sincere_a honest_a man_n but_o even_o into_o that_o of_o a_o impostor_n to_o imagine_v he_o can_v ever_o be_v capable_a of_o make_v other_o believe_v thing_n so_o notorious_o know_v as_o those_o we_o now_o have_v under_o consideration_n must_v have_v be_v have_v they_o be_v false_a it_o be_v not_o many_o year_n ago_o since_o a_o certain_a man_n be_v execute_v at_o paris_n for_o call_v himself_o the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o have_v a_o few_o disciple_n and_o some_o follower_n but_o his_o sect_n be_v soon_o bury_v together_o with_o he_o in_o his_o grave_n now_o let_v we_o suppose_v if_o you_o will_v that_o his_o disciple_n have_v preach_v after_o his_o death_n and_o compose_v a_o new_a gospel_n fill_v only_o with_o the_o doctrine_n and_o precept_n of_o that_o man_n who_o be_v think_v by_o they_o to_o be_v no_o less_o than_o a_o divine_a person_n i_o ask_v then_o whatsoever_o extravagance_n you_o may_v suppose_v they_o to_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o whether_o you_o can_v conceive_v it_o can_v have_v enter_v into_o their_o mind_n to_o persuade_v the_o people_n of_o paris_n that_o the_o very_a day_n on_o which_o that_o man_n who_o call_v himself_o the_o holy_a ghost_n die_v the_o church_n of_o nostre_fw-fr dame_n be_v either_o throw_v down_o or_o demolish_v that_o its_o altar_n and_o statue_n be_v break_v down_o that_o there_o happen_v a_o eclipse_n of_o the_o sun_n the_o great_a that_o ever_o be_v know_v accompany_v with_o such_o a_o mighty_a earthquake_n that_o even_o the_o rock_n be_v rend_v and_o that_o all_o these_o wonder_n wrought_v so_o great_a a_o impression_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o a_o certain_a captain_n that_o guard_v the_o body_n of_o the_o execute_a person_n that_o he_o believe_v in_o he_o doubtless_o these_o whimsical_a man_n can_v not_o have_v take_v a_o more_o effectual_a way_n not_o only_o to_o hinder_v other_o from_o believe_v their_o report_n but_o even_o to_o undeceive_v all_o those_o who_o may_v till_o then_o have_v be_v lead_v away_o by_o that_o pernicious_a sect_n than_o to_o insert_v in_o the_o gospel_n they_o be_v to_o compose_v of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o their_o master_n such_o circumstance_n as_o will_v have_v contradict_v the_o public_a knowledge_n and_o fresh_a remembrance_n every_o body_n have_v of_o thing_n so_o late_o do_v and_o to_o advance_v such_o matter_n of_o fact_n as_o will_v immediate_o have_v be_v prove_v to_o be_v false_a by_o the_o public_a testimony_n every_o body_n can_v give_v of_o they_o now_o all_o this_o may_v be_v very_o well_o apply_v to_o the_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n christ_n for_o suppose_v those_o disciple_n be_v very_o great_a impostor_n we_o can_v reasonable_o ascribe_v to_o they_o any_o other_o design_n than_o that_o of_o deceive_a man_n by_o make_v they_o receive_v falsehood_n for_o truth_n and_o it_o be_v sufficient_a if_o they_o have_v that_o design_n and_o be_v not_o whole_o void_a of_o reason_n to_o make_v we_o think_v they_o can_v not_o have_v have_v â—â—e_z boldness_n to_o invent_v such_o circumstance_n as_o these_o and_o afterward_o publish_v they_o to_o the_o world_n but_o after_o all_o be_v there_o not_o a_o very_a numerous_a church_n 〈◊〉_d in_o jerusalem_n when_o that_o gospel_n be_v compose_v and_o do_v not_o that_o church_n consist_v of_o many_o thousand_o of_o people_n who_o dwell_v at_o jerusalem_n and_o know_v perfect_o well_o whatever_o have_v happen_v at_o the_o death_n of_o jesus_n christ_n certain_o no_o man_n can_v doubt_v 〈◊〉_d it_o unless_o he_o have_v a_o mind_n voluntary_o to_o 〈◊〉_d himself_o those_o very_a christian_n then_o of_o jerusalem_n see_v all_o those_o thing_n which_o happen_v at_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n for_o they_o be_v the_o man_n that_o have_v be_v convert_v by_o the_o preach_n of_o st._n peter_n and_o the_o other_o apostle_n and_o who_o be_v prick_v to_o the_o heart_n cry_v out_o man_n and_o brethren_n what_o shall_v we_o do_v act_n 2._o 37._o they_o have_v see_v then_o that_o the_o sun_n be_v not_o eclipse_v that_o the_o rock_n rend_v not_o that_o there_o happen_v no_o earthquake_n no_o surprise_a and_o supernatural_a prodigy_n at_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n and_o if_o they_o see_v none_o of_o these_o thing_n they_o can_v not_o but_o look_v upon_o the_o report_n of_o the_o evangelist_n as_o a_o scandalous_a lie_n and_o notorious_a falsehood_n design_v to_o seduce_v they_o from_o their_o rational_a belief_n and_o persuade_v they_o out_o of_o their_o sense_n but_o it_o be_v far_a observable_a that_o not_o one_o only_o but_o three_o evangelist_n have_v write_v these_o thing_n who_o as_o appear_v evident_o do_v not_o compose_v their_o gospel_n together_o but_z separately_z and_o at_o different_a time_n and_o yet_o all_o agree_v in_o their_o relation_n of_o that_o notable_a circumstance_n of_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n and_o no_o doubt_n but_o they_o all_o agree_v also_o in_o the_o relation_n of_o it_o when_o they_o preach_v the_o gospel_n by_o word_n of_o mouth_n who_o then_o can_v reasonable_o believe_v that_o when_o the_o disciple_n preach_v the_o gospel_n in_o jerusalem_n in_o order_n to_o establish_v a_o christian_a church_n there_o their_o design_n be_v to_o persuade_v the_o jew_n that_o they_o must_v not_o believe_v their_o own_o eye_n and_o that_o what_o they_o have_v see_v be_v not_o that_o thing_n which_o they_o have_v see_v who_o can_v imagine_v that_o those_o very_a jew_n themselves_o who_o be_v present_a and_o assist_v at_o the_o death_n of_o jesus_n christ_n shall_v suffer_v themselves_o insensible_o to_o be_v persuade_v that_o that_o fabulous_a recital_n be_v a_o very_a true_a narration_n and_o believe_v that_o real_o to_o have_v happen_v which_o they_o certain_o know_v never_o come_v to_o pass_v who_o can_v even_o suppose_v that_o the_o apostle_n can_v fancy_v themselves_o able_a to_o make_v the_o jew_n look_v upon_o a_o crucify_a man_n as_o the_o object_n of_o their_o adoration_n and_o worship_n by_o propose_v to_o their_o belief_n the_o most_o impudent_a and_o apparent_a lie_n that_o ever_o be_v invent_v since_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o world_n but_o it_o will_v concern_v we_o careful_o to_o consider_v the_o rend_n of_o the_o veil_n of_o the_o temple_n for_o that_o circumstance_n be_v so_o very_o singular_a that_o it_o be_v sufficient_a of_o itself_o to_o stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o our_o incredulous_a adversary_n who_o though_o they_o shall_v so_o inconsiderate_o and_o wilful_o delude_v themselves_o as_o to_o suppose_v that_o the_o day_n whereon_o jesus_n christ_n die_v there_o happen_v by_o chance_n or_o rather_o according_a to_o the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o second_o cause_n a_o real_a eclipse_n which_o have_v indeed_o seem_v supernatural_a to_o the_o ignorant_a vulgar_a but_o have_v nothing_o supernatural_a in_o itself_o yet_o what_o can_v they_o say_v to_o the_o veil_n of_o the_o temple_n be_v be_v rent_n in_o twain_o from_o the_o top_n to_o the_o bottom_n can_v there_o be_v any_o natural_a cause_n why_o it_o shall_v be_v rend_v precise_o and_o exact_o at_o the_o time_n when_o jesus_n christ_n suffer_v death_n or_o can_v any_o exterior_a darkness_n produce_v such_o a_o effect_n perhaps_o some_o will_v object_v that_o the_o primitive_a christian_n be_v simple_a and_o ignorant_a people_n and_o that_o nothing_o can_v be_v easy_a than_o to_o delude_v and_o impose_v upon_o they_o i_o grant_v it_o but_o than_o what_o great_a learning_n be_v require_v to_o know_v precise_o whether_o all_o those_o so_o sensible_a and_o so_o notable_a prodigy_n have_v real_o fall_v out_o upon_o the_o day_n of_o christ_n death_n we_o have_v already_o show_v that_o among_o the_o several_a circumstance_n of_o the_o life_n and_o death_n of_o jesus_n christ_n there_o be_v several_a which_o the_o disciple_n dare_v not_o have_v invent_v or_o forge_v have_v they_o not_o be_v real_o true_a we_o must_v add_v in_o the_o second_o place_n that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a number_n of_o other_o circumstance_n which_o the_o disciple_n can_v not_o have_v forge_v have_v they_o design_v it_o to_o say_v nothing_o of_o the_o great_a number_n of_o lame_a people_n who_o our_o saviour_n cause_v to_o walk_v of_o the_o sick_a of_o the_o palsy_n to_o who_o he_o restore_v the_o use_n of_o their_o limb_n of_o the_o deaf_a who_o he_o cause_v to_o hear_v and_o of_o many_o other_o diverse_o affect_v with_o various_a disease_n who_o he_o wonderful_o heal_v to_o the_o
peter_n alone_o and_o then_o after_o to_o the_o twelve_o one_o while_o he_o go_v out_o to_o find_v they_o as_o they_o be_v a_o fish_n upon_o the_o sea_n and_o bless_v their_o toil_n with_o a_o considerable_a draught_n of_o fish_n another_o while_o he_o be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o when_o they_o have_v meet_v together_o to_o pray_v to_o god_n some_o time_n he_o sit_v at_o table_n and_o eat_v and_o drink_v with_o they_o at_o another_o time_n he_o give_v they_o several_a instruction_n and_o reminded_a they_o of_o those_o thing_n he_o have_v teach_v they_o before_o his_o death_n at_o one_o time_n he_o manifest_v himself_o to_o above_o 500_o disciple_n at_o another_o he_o convict_v a_o unbelieving_a disciple_n by_o make_v he_o feel_v his_o hand_n and_o his_o foot_n say_v reach_v hither_o thy_o finger_n behold_v my_o hand_n etc._n etc._n and_o be_v not_o faithless_a but_o believe_v john_n 20._o 27._o one_o while_o he_o appear_v to_o two_o disciple_n as_o they_o be_v a_o go_n to_o emmaus_n discourse_v with_o they_o and_o expound_v the_o scripture_n to_o they_o by_o the_o way_n at_o another_o time_n he_o assemble_v his_o disciple_n together_o and_o command_v they_o to_o teach_v all_o nation_n baptise_v they_o 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 it_o may_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o reflect_v a_o little_a upon_o that_o vast_a multidude_v of_o disciple_n who_o testify_v they_o have_v see_v jesus_n christ_n after_o his_o resurrection_n st._n paul_n some_o where_o in_o his_o epistle_n affirm_v that_o jesus_n christ_n appear_v to_o above_o five_o hundred_o brethren_n at_o once_o and_o add_v that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o be_v yet_o alive_a but_o some_o be_v fall_v asleep_o now_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o st._n paul_n will_v not_o dare_v not_o can_v not_o speak_v after_o that_o manner_n have_v there_o not_o be_v a_o great_a number_n of_o disciple_n still_o live_v who_o testify_v that_o they_o have_v see_v jesus_n christ_n after_o his_o resurrection_n i_o will_v fain_o know_v whether_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o so_o great_a a_o number_n of_o person_n unanimous_o to_o contrive_v such_o a_o intolerable_a imposture_n as_o that_o must_v needs_o have_v be_v be_v there_o nothing_o of_o truth_n in_o what_o they_o advance_v true_o it_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v a_o thing_n not_o possible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o imagine_v much_o less_o to_o put_v in_o execution_n a_o man_n must_v do_v violence_n to_o himself_o bare_o in_o suppose_v that_o so_o many_o disciple_n shall_v false_o affirm_v that_o they_o have_v see_v jesus_n christ_n after_o his_o resurrection_n for_o one_o must_v thence_o suppose_v that_o that_o great_a number_n of_o person_n be_v not_o real_o man_n and_o that_o whatever_o they_o have_v be_v during_o the_o rest_n of_o their_o life_n they_o have_v put_v off_o their_o humanity_n immediate_o after_o the_o death_n of_o jesus_n christ_n they_o be_v indeed_o man_n till_o that_o time_n and_o their_o behaviour_n pretty_a well_o evince_v that_o their_o sentiment_n be_v such_o as_o self-love_n and_o self-preservation_n general_o inspire_v we_o withal_o for_o they_o expect_v and_o be_v in_o hope_n of_o something_o they_o follow_v none_o other_o but_o christ_n because_o they_o expect_v from_o he_o what_o general_o all_o the_o jew_n expect_v from_o their_o messiah_n according_a to_o the_o idea_n they_o have_v form_v themselves_o of_o he_o they_o be_v afraid_a of_o death_n they_o dread_v the_o fury_n of_o the_o sanhedrin_n they_o flatter_v themselves_o with_o the_o hope_n of_o see_v themselves_o restore_v to_o their_o former_a glory_n they_o beg_v of_o jesus_n christ_n to_o deliver_v they_o out_o of_o approach_a danger_n if_o at_o any_o time_n they_o be_v in_o hazard_n of_o their_o life_n or_o expose_v to_o any_o tempest_n but_o since_o the_o death_n of_o jesus_n christ_n they_o seem_v to_o have_v put_v off_o their_o humanity_n their_o mind_n and_o heart_n be_v not_o dispose_v like_o those_o of_o other_o men._n they_o neither_o hope_v for_o or_o expect_v any_o thing_n for_o indeed_o what_o shall_v they_o hope_v or_o expect_v from_o the_o profession_n they_o make_v of_o be_v disciple_n of_o jesus_n christ_n if_o they_o know_v that_o he_o be_v not_o rise_v at_o all_o according_a to_o his_o promise_n what_o can_v they_o hope_v for_o if_o he_o who_o have_v promise_v they_o eternal_a life_n and_o affirm_v himself_o to_o be_v the_o resurrection_n and_o the_o life_n be_v to_o be_v for_o ever_o subject_a to_o the_o power_n of_o death_n before_o while_o they_o trust_v in_o jesus_n christ_n they_o be_v afraid_a now_o when_o they_o trust_v no_o more_o in_o he_o their_o fear_n vanish_v since_o they_o can_v not_o expect_v any_o thing_n from_o another_o life_n they_o be_v resolve_v not_o to_o be_v any_o way_n concern_v for_o this_o but_o to_o mind_n only_o a_o future_a state_n what_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o this_o preposterous_a change_n former_o they_o think_v they_o shall_v do_v god_n great_a service_n in_o suffer_v for_o christ_n sake_n who_o they_o suppose_v to_o have_v be_v their_o messiah_n and_o yet_o they_o be_v then_o fainthearted_a and_o fearful_a but_o now_o that_o they_o be_v assure_v they_o do_v god_n no_o manner_n of_o service_n by_o adhere_v to_o the_o gospel_n but_o rather_o blemish_v their_o own_o reputation_n by_o maintain_v a_o cheat_n they_o become_v on_o a_o sudden_a constant_a and_o courageous_a undaunted_a in_o the_o great_a danger_n and_o invincible_a in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o most_o violent_a trial_n who_o can_v comprehend_v all_o this_o certain_o if_o we_o have_v but_o the_o least_o common_a sense_n we_o can_v but_o perceive_v that_o a_o cheat_n in_o so_o evident_a and_o sensible_a a_o matter_n of_o fact_n as_o that_o must_v have_v be_v can_v not_o be_v unanimous_o carry_v on_o by_o so_o many_o thousand_o of_o people_n for_o suppose_v one_o man_n be_v dipose_v to_o lie_v who_o know_v but_o another_o will_v be_v as_o inclinable_a to_o tell_v the_o truth_n especial_o since_o there_o be_v nothing_o to_o be_v get_v by_o lie_v but_o prison_n torment_n and_o death_n itself_o whereas_o tell_v the_o truth_n will_v have_v gain_v they_o credit_n friend_n and_o estate_n by_o please_v those_o in_o who_o power_n it_o be_v to_o dispose_v of_o riches_n and_o office_n of_o state_n and_o have_v any_o one_o of_o they_o imagine_v that_o some_o of_o the_o rest_n will_v certain_o contradict_v he_o or_o themselves_o he_o will_v have_v be_v for_o that_o very_a reason_n incapable_a of_o agree_v with_o they_o to_o carry_v on_o that_o cheat_n now_o it_o be_v natural_o impossible_a but_o that_o this_o thought_n must_v have_v offer_v itself_o to_o the_o mind_n of_o every_o one_o of_o they_o and_o consequent_o such_o a_o mutual_a compact_n or_o agreement_n be_v absolute_o impossible_a unless_o it_o so_o happen_v that_o that_o whole_a multitude_n have_v sudden_o be_v bewitch_v and_o infatuate_v by_o the_o same_o kind_n of_o folly_n and_o that_o too_o at_o one_o and_o the_o same_o time_n as_o soon_o as_o jesus_n christ_n have_v give_v up_o the_o ghost_n however_o they_o must_v have_v be_v void_a of_o all_o self-love_n and_o that_o natural_a affection_n man_n usual_o bear_v to_o themselves_o nay_o they_o must_v have_v be_v altogether_o insensible_a of_o the_o cruel_a stripe_n they_o undergo_v and_o the_o persecution_n wherewith_o they_o be_v almost_o overwhelm_v and_o that_o insensibility_n and_o extravagance_n must_v not_o only_o have_v be_v a_o ordinary_a one_o or_o of_o a_o short_a continuance_n but_o of_o the_o long_a duration_n and_o strong_a force_n that_o ever_o be_v know_v chap._n iu._n the_o three_o centre_n of_o truth_n a_o particular_a consideration_n of_o the_o ascension_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o ascension_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v a_o three_o centre_n of_o truth_n which_o we_o ought_v to_o have_v continual_o before_o our_o eye_n in_o order_n to_o consider_v the_o argument_n it_o contain_v for_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o jesus_n christ_n our_o saviour_n this_o ascension_n be_v precede_v by_o several_a apparition_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o follow_v by_o a_o extraordinary_a effusion_n of_o the_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n sufficient_o manifest_v to_o all_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o city_n of_o jerusalem_n so_o that_o it_o seem_v to_o want_v no_o illustration_n it_o rather_o prove_v itself_o and_o that_o too_o by_o its_o own_o proper_a character_n for_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n unheard_a of_o that_o several_a person_n shall_v agree_v to_o testify_v after_o that_o manner_n so_o signal_n a_o imposture_n as_o that_o must_v have_v be_v have_v not_o the_o ascension_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v a_o real_a event_n but_o let_v we_o thorough_o consider_v all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o it_o as_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 resurrection_n for_o they_o know_v well_o enough_o what_o a_o dead_a body_n and_o a_o live_a man_n be_v they_o can_v easy_o distinguish_v between_o they_o and_o those_o thing_n be_v of_o such_o a_o nature_n as_o not_o to_o be_v capable_a of_o illusion_n or_o deceit_n yet_o though_o we_o shall_v suppose_v that_o the_o disciple_n have_v be_v deceive_v in_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n yet_o they_o can_v not_o have_v be_v impose_v upon_o in_o the_o last_o miraculous_a event_n of_o his_o ascension_n it_o can_v never_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o after_o have_v see_v a_o spirit_n they_o shall_v yet_o converse_v with_o he_o forty_o day_n that_o that_o spirit_n shall_v suffer_v himself_o to_o be_v handle_v that_o he_o shall_v give_v they_o instruction_n make_v they_o several_a promise_n and_o afterward_o be_v catch_v up_o into_o heaven_n in_o their_o sight_n they_o all_o the_o while_n look_v upon_o he_o and_o adore_v he_o as_o he_o be_v ascend_v into_o heaven_n and_o understand_v distinct_o the_o discourse_n of_o the_o angel_n which_o promise_v they_o that_o he_o shall_v so_o come_v again_o in_o like_a manner_n as_o they_o have_v see_v he_o go_v up_o into_o heaven_n it_o will_v be_v to_o no_o purpose_n here_o to_o allege_v with_o spinosa_n that_o the_o evangelist_n have_v not_o exact_o describe_v all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o event_n they_o relate_v and_o that_o have_v they_o take_v special_a care_n to_o do_v it_o it_o will_v perhaps_o so_o happen_v that_o the_o circumstance_n which_o they_o think_v sit_v to_o conceal_v will_v make_v we_o comprehend_v that_o those_o which_o they_o have_v relate_v proceed_v from_o natural_a cause_n for_o i_o desire_v to_o know_v what_o can_v be_v more_o express_o declare_v or_o more_o often_o repeat_v in_o the_o gospel_n than_o the_o resurrection_n and_o ascension_n of_o jesus_n
represent_v the_o disciple_n continual_o fast_v and_o pray_v can_v not_o devise_v that_o matter_n of_o fact_n suppose_v it_o to_o be_v false_a he_o will_v be_v very_o extravagant_a that_o shall_v believe_v that_o the_o apostle_n lead_v a_o ill_a course_n of_o life_n and_o plunge_v themselves_o in_o all_o sort_n of_o lewd_a debauchery_n their_o word_n their_o action_n convince_v we_o of_o the_o contrary_n yet_o it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o they_o be_v villain_n indeed_o if_o what_o they_o preach_v be_v false_a but_o if_o they_o be_v downright_o plain_a honest_a man_n as_o their_o speech_n necessary_o evince_v to_o we_o than_o be_v their_o preach_v also_o necessary_o true_a verse_n 12._o then_o the_o deputy_n when_o he_o see_v what_o be_v do_v believe_v be_v astonish_v at_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o lord_n it_o will_v argue_v but_o little_a judgement_n in_o any_o one_o that_o design_n to_o impose_v a_o fiction_n upon_o man_n belief_n to_o pitch_v upon_o circumstance_n as_o be_v contrary_a to_o public_a knowledge_n the_o conversion_n of_o a_o deputy_n be_v certain_o a_o event_n very_o remarkable_a chap._n xv._n 39_o and_o the_o contention_n be_v so_o sharp_a between_o they_o that_o they_o depart_v asunder_o one_o from_o the_o other_o and_o so_o barnabas_n take_v mark_n and_o sail_v unto_o cyprus_n this_o historian_n be_v very_o exact_a in_o relate_v the_o least_o occurrence_n he_o be_v sincere_a too_o since_o he_o scruple_n not_o to_o relate_v the_o contention_n which_o arise_v among_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o chap._n xx._n 12._o and_o they_o bring_v the_o young_a man_n alive_a and_o be_v not_o a_o little_a comfort_v can_v any_o thing_n be_v more_o surprise_v or_o convince_a than_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a chap._n xxiv_o 25._o and_o as_o he_o reason_v of_o righteousness_n temperance_n and_o judgement_n to_o come_v fellix_fw-la tremble_v and_o answer_v go_v thy_o way_n for_o this_o time_n when_o i_o have_v a_o convenient_a season_n i_o will_v call_v for_o thou_o great_a indeed_o be_v the_o divine_a efficacy_n of_o his_o word_n which_o make_v a_o judge_n tremble_v sit_v on_o his_o tribunal_n of_o justice_n and_o before_o the_o chain_n of_o his_o prisoner_n chap._n xxviii_o 30_o 31._o and_o paul_n dwell_v two_o whole_a year_n in_o his_o own_o hire_a house_n and_o receive_v all_o that_o come_v unto_o he_o preach_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n here_o end_v the_o history_n of_o the_o act_n of_o the_o holy_a apostle_n write_v by_o st._n luke_n it_o be_v manifest_a he_o compile_v it_o before_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n because_o he_o mention_n nothing_o of_o that_o event_n neither_o do_v the_o gospel_n or_o epistle_n of_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o it_o but_o they_o often_o speak_v of_o the_o sudden_a come_n of_o the_o lord_n or_o of_o the_o judgement_n he_o have_v resolve_v to_o execute_v upon_o the_o jewish_a nation_n cahp._n ix_o wherein_o we_o shall_v yet_o far_o produce_v from_o the_o epistle_n of_o st._n paul_n st._n peter_n and_o st_n john_n several_a text_n very_o proper_a to_o make_v we_o true_o sensible_a of_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n chap._n i._n 1_o 2_o 3_o 4._o paul_n the_o servant_n of_o jesus_n christ_n call_v to_o be_v a_o apostle_n separate_v unto_o the_o gospel_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n concern_v his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n which_o be_v make_v of_o the_o seed_n of_o david_n according_a to_o the_o flesh_n and_o declare_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n with_o power_n according_a to_o the_o spirit_n of_o holiness_n by_o the_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a man_n general_o insert_v all_o their_o title_n in_o the_o epistle_n they_o write_v but_o st._n paul_n insert_v the_o whole_a gospel_n in_o he_o and_o what_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o it_o because_o his_o mind_n and_o heart_n be_v so_o full_a of_o it_o that_o he_o can_v not_o speak_v of_o any_o thing_n else_o jesus_n christ_n be_v his_o alpha_n and_o his_o omega_n his_o beginning_n and_o his_o end_n verse_n 7._o to_o all_o that_o â—e_v in_o rome_n belove_v of_o god_n call_v to_o be_v saint_n grace_n be_v unto_o you_o and_o peace_n from_o god_n our_o father_n and_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n do_v ever_o man_n before_o he_o write_v in_o this_o stile_n he_o direct_v his_o discourse_n to_o those_o only_a that_o be_v call_v to_o be_v saint_n he_o do_v not_o vain_o compliment_v they_o after_o the_o usual_a way_n of_o the_o world_n but_o wish_v they_o the_o peace_n and_o grace_n of_o god_n certain_o he_o will_v not_o have_v write_v thus_o have_v he_o be_v a_o impostor_n or_o a_o enemy_n to_o his_o country_n man_n who_o endeavour_v to_o render_v they_o odious_a throughout_o the_o world_n by_o accuse_v they_o of_o a_o imaginary_a crime_n verse_n 16._o for_o i_o be_o not_o ashamed_a of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n for_o it_o be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n unto_o salvation_n to_o every_o one_o that_o believe_v etc._n etc._n how_o strong_o persuade_v must_v that_o man_n be_v of_o what_o he_o say_v who_o express_v himself_o after_o so_o pathetical_a a_o manner_n and_o how_o well_o do_v the_o fullness_n of_o his_o mind_n appear_v by_o all_o these_o manifold_a and_o multiply_v expression_n chap._n viii_o 37_o 38_o 39_o nay_o in_o all_o these_o thing_n we_o be_v more_o than_o conqueror_n through_o he_o that_o love_v we_o for_o i_o be_o persuade_v that_o neither_o death_n nor_o life_n nor_o angel_n etc._n etc._n a_o immovable_a constancy_n indeed_o and_o a_o divine_a confidence_n which_o he_o so_o natural_o set_v down_o and_o which_o can_v not_o possible_o arise_v from_o the_o soul_n of_o a_o impostor_n chap._n xi_o 28_o 29._o as_o concern_v the_o gospel_n they_o be_v enemy_n for_o your_o sake_n but_o as_o touch_v the_o election_n they_o be_v belove_v for_o the_o father_n sake_n for_o the_o gift_n and_o call_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n why_o do_v st._n paul_n here_o speak_v so_o move_o and_o tender_o of_o the_o jew_n and_o why_o do_v he_o earnest_o endeavour_v to_o soften_v and_o mitigate_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o gentile_n towards_o they_o whence_o come_v that_o inclination_n both_o of_o his_o heart_n and_o affection_n to_o favour_v those_o implacable_a enemy_n who_o seek_v nothing_o but_o his_o destruction_n and_o ruin_n certain_o a_o man_n that_o have_v forsake_v his_o own_o nation_n out_o of_o spite_n or_o a_o desire_n of_o revenge_n can_v not_o be_v of_o such_o a_o temper_n chap._n xii_o 2._o and_o be_v not_o conform_v to_o this_o world_n but_o be_v you_o transform_v by_o the_o renew_n of_o your_o mind_n etc._n etc._n we_o have_v here_o a_o man_n who_o have_v be_v whole_o change_v have_v acquire_v new_a knowledge_n new_a habit_n and_o new_a affection_n speak_v of_o nothing_o but_o of_o be_v transform_v renew_v and_o become_v a_o new_a creature_n etc._n etc._n a_o man_n who_o have_v be_v enlighten_v in_o his_o way_n to_o damascus_n speak_v of_o nothing_o but_o of_o illumination_n of_o a_o light_n that_o shine_v from_o heaven_n of_o a_o kingdom_n of_o light_n a_o man_n in_o fine_a who_o have_v have_v mercy_n show_v he_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o fury_n of_o his_o persecution_n speak_v of_o nothing_o but_o pardon_n and_o grace_n it_o be_v a_o easy_a matter_n to_o collect_v his_o history_n from_o his_o very_a expression_n verse_n 10_o 11_o 12_o 13_o 14_o 15_o 16._o be_v kind_o affection_a one_o to_o another_o with_o brotherly_a love_n in_o honour_n prefer_v one_o another_o not_o slothful_a in_o business_n fervent_a in_o spirit_n serve_v the_o lord_n rejoice_v in_o hope_n patient_a in_o tribulation_n continue_v instant_a in_o prayer_n distribute_v to_o the_o necessity_n of_o saint_n give_v to_o hospitality_n bless_v they_o which_o persecute_v you_o bless_v and_o curse_v not_o rejoice_v with_o they_o that_o do_v rejoice_v etc._n etc._n can_v we_o suppose_v these_o to_o be_v the_o word_n or_o thought_n of_o a_o impostor_n chap._n xiii_o 5._o wherefore_o you_o must_v needs_o be_v subject_n not_o only_o for_o wrath_n but_o also_o for_o conscience_n sake_n religion_n as_o it_o be_v cement_v the_o good_a and_o welfare_n of_o a_o state_n and_o piety_n seem_v inseparable_a from_o the_o public_a good_a of_o a_o society_n because_o god_n by_o who_o appointment_n king_n reign_n be_v the_o prime_a author_n of_o religion_n verse_n 12_o 14_o the_o night_n be_v far_o spend_v the_o day_n be_v at_o hand_n etc._n etc._n but_o put_v you_o on_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o make_v no_o provision_n for_o the_o flesh_n to_o fulfil_v the_o lust_n thereof_o this_o author_n word_n continual_o follow_v and_o express_v his_o thought_n he_o consider_v the_o gospel_n as_o a_o light_n that_o dissipate_v all_o the_o erroneous_a darkness_n and_o ignorance_n of_o his_o mind_n he_o consider_v
such_o defect_n because_o it_o be_v whole_o found_v upon_o instruction_n and_o knowledge_n search_v the_o scripture_n for_o in_o they_o you_o think_v you_o have_v eternal_a life_n john_n 5._o 39_o chap._n iu._n 7_o 8_o i_o have_v fight_v a_o good_a fight_n i_o have_v finish_v my_o course_n i_o have_v keep_v the_o faith_n henceforth_o there_o be_v lay_v up_o for_o i_o a_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n st._n paul_n be_v draw_v nigh_o towards_o his_o latter_a end_n and_o the_o word_n of_o a_o die_a man_n be_v always_o to_o be_v regard_v whence_o then_o come_v that_o cheerful_a joy_n the_o apostle_n so_o natural_o express_v in_o this_o occasion_n his_o hope_n have_v they_o be_v of_o this_o world_n must_v have_v be_v soon_o bury_v with_o he_o in_o his_o grave_n and_o his_o happiness_n too_o at_o a_o end_n whence_o then_o derive_v he_o that_o great_a confidence_n which_o he_o seem_v to_o have_v have_v be_v it_o from_o the_o inward_a sense_n of_o a_o guilty_a conscience_n which_o reproach_v he_o for_o have_v betray_v the_o synagogue_n blemish_v his_o country_n man_n deceive_v mankind_n testify_v of_o a_o seducer_n and_o forge_v such_o fictitious_a vision_n by_o the_o most_o signal_n imposture_n that_o ever_o be_v let_v any_o one_o believe_v it_o if_o he_o can_v first_o epistle_n of_o st._n peter_n chap._n i._n 3._o bless_a be_v the_o god_n and_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n which_o according_a to_o his_o abundant_a mercy_n have_v beget_v we_o again_o unto_o a_o lively_a hope_n by_o the_o resurrection_n of_o jesus_n christ_n from_o the_o dead_a the_o mind_n of_o those_o writer_n be_v so_o full_a of_o the_o salvation_n that_o be_v reveal_v to_o they_o that_o they_o be_v never_o weary_a of_o return_v thanks_o to_o god_n for_o it_o chap._n ii_o 17_o 18_o 19_o 20._o honour_n all_o man_n love_v the_o brotherhood_n fear_v god_n honour_n the_o king_n servant_n be_v subject_a to_o your_o master_n with_o all_o fear_n not_o only_o to_o the_o good_a and_o gentle_a but_o also_o to_o the_o froward_a etc._n etc._n for_o what_o glory_n be_v it_o if_o when_o you_o be_v buffet_v for_o your_o fault_n you_o shall_v take_v it_o patient_o but_o if_o when_o you_o do_v well_o and_o suffer_v for_o it_o you_o take_v it_o patient_o this_o be_v acceptable_a with_o god_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v a_o strange_a thing_n we_o shall_v be_v desire_v to_o own_o that_o a_o mutual_a agreement_n of_o malice_n and_o falsehood_n which_o real_o be_v a_o wonderful_a agreement_n of_o piety_n charity_n obedience_n and_o righteousness_n paul_n express_v himself_o like_o peter_n and_o peter_n speak_v like_o paul_n they_o both_o act_v and_o suffer_v alike_o nay_o they_o bear_v the_o very_a same_o testimony_n be_v endow_v with_o the_o same_o patience_n practise_v the_o very_a same_o virtue_n and_o discover_v one_o and_o the_o same_o wisdom_n in_o all_o their_o word_n now_o what_o have_v we_o any_o reason_n to_o suspect_v in_o all_o this_o second_o epistle_n of_o st._n peter_n chap._n i._n 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_n 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 well_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 etc._n etc._n this_o be_v a_o witness_n who_o speak_v of_o what_o he_o have_v see_v who_o suffer_v death_n in_o defence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o testimony_n who_o see_v it_o not_o alone_o for_o several_a other_o have_v see_v the_o same_o thing_n who_o speak_v not_o out_o of_o any_o principle_n of_o interest_n or_o conceal_v what_o he_o know_v through_o any_o fear_n or_o apprehension_n of_o death_n and_o who_o for_o all_o that_o do_v his_o utmost_a endeavour_n to_o sanctify_v mankind_n and_o bestow_v all_o his_o time_n his_o labour_n and_o his_o life_n in_o advance_v such_o a_o extraordinary_a work_n which_o be_v so_o little_a to_o be_v suspect_v and_o if_o so_o what_o man_n be_v there_o that_o can_v reasonable_o mistrust_v he_o first_o epistle_n of_o st._n john_n chap._n i._n 1_o 3._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 of_o the_o word_n of_o life_n declare_v we_o unto_o you_o etc._n etc._n if_o you_o shall_v doubt_v whether_o the_o apostle_n do_v real_o go_v about_o testify_v every_o where_o that_o they_o have_v see_v with_o their_o eye_n both_o the_o miracle_n and_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v but_o learn_v it_o from_o their_o epistle_n and_o their_o own_o word_n too_o chap._n ii_o 1._o my_o little_a child_n these_o thing_n write_v i_o unto_o you_o that_o you_o sin_v not_o but_o what_o be_v it_o to_o he_o whether_o man_n sin_v or_o not_o do_v ever_o the_o design_n of_o sanctify_a mankind_n and_o contribute_v to_o their_o salvation_n at_o the_o cost_n of_o one_o blood_n one_o liberty_n one_o life_n enter_v before_o into_o any_o man_n heart_n but_o they_o these_o and_o the_o like_a reflection_n be_v of_o themselves_o sufficient_a to_o give_v the_o reader_n a_o relish_n of_o those_o truth_n and_o incite_v he_o to_o make_v some_o of_o his_o own_o as_o shall_v more_o effectual_o instruct_v and_o convince_v he_o for_o my_o part_n i_o have_v make_v several_a which_o perhaps_o satisfy_v i_o better_o than_o they_o will_v any_o body_n else_o and_o no_o question_n but_o he_o will_v also_o make_v several_a of_o his_o own_o that_o will_v convince_v he_o far_o better_o than_o those_o of_o another_o in_o the_o mean_a while_n let_v we_o pass_v on_o to_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o substance_n of_o that_o religion_n which_o christ_n himself_o do_v bring_v into_o the_o world_n for_o after_o have_v consider_v the_o outside_n it_o be_v very_o necessary_a to_o look_v into_o the_o inward_a part_n of_o the_o building_n section_n iu._n wherein_o we_o shall_v prove_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n by_o the_o consideration_n of_o its_o nature_n and_o property_n several_a portraiture_n in_o which_o it_o may_v be_v consider_v hitherto_o we_o have_v insist_v as_o it_o be_v upon_o the_o shell_n and_o bark_n of_o religion_n we_o have_v examine_v the_o proof_n take_v from_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v the_o first_o that_o offer_v themselves_o to_o our_o mind_n it_o seem_v therefore_o now_o expedient_a we_o shall_v discover_v as_o it_o be_v the_o substance_n and_o spirit_n of_o christianity_n and_o so_o proceed_v to_o those_o other_o proof_n draw_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o and_o that_o by_o show_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o by_o its_o beauty_n and_o proper_a excellency_n but_o because_o this_o be_v too_o copious_a a_o subject_n for_o we_o who_o study_n brevity_n we_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o reduce_v what_o we_o have_v to_o say_v into_o as_o small_a a_o compass_n as_o we_o can_v and_o since_o we_o can_v allow_v our_o reflection_n their_o due_a and_o proper_a extent_n to_o give_v at_o least_o some_o plan_n or_o draught_n of_o the_o same_o as_o shall_v supply_v that_o defect_n and_o though_o the_o christian_a religion_n may_v be_v consider_v under_o several_a different_a face_n because_o in_o this_o respect_n it_o be_v like_a unto_o its_o object_n which_o have_v no_o bound_n to_o confine_v its_o extent_n yet_o methinks_v we_o may_v give_v a_o idea_n just_a and_o adequate_a enough_o to_o our_o present_a design_n by_o consider_v it_o in_o eleven_o different_a draught_n or_o portraiture_n i._o in_o the_o multitude_n of_o testimony_n give_v in_o favour_n of_o it_o which_o we_o shall_v touch_v upon_o cursory_o because_o we_o have_v already_o partly_o examine_v they_o all_o ii_o in_o its_o essential_a opposition_n to_o all_o false_a religion_n that_o ever_o be_v iii_o in_o its_o effect_n which_o can_v only_o just_o be_v refer_v to_o a_o divine_a and_o supernatural_a cause_n iv._o in_o the_o purity_n of_o its_o end_n v._o in_o its_o suitableness_n to_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n which_o it_o undertake_v to_o reform_v vi_o in_o the_o relation_n it_o have_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n which_o it_o shall_v advance_v vii_o in_o its_o morality_n viii_o in_o its_o mystery_n ix_o in_o the_o conformity_n of_o its_o mystery_n to_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n x._o in_o that_o exact_a proportion_n it_o bear_v to_o the_o jewish_a religion_n xi_o and_o last_o in_o that_o proportion_n it_o bear_v to_o natural_a religion_n i_o hope_v these_o portraiture_n will_v like_o so_o many_o
be_v several_a famous_a emperor_n who_o be_v not_o able_a to_o conceal_v from_o the_o world_n their_o favourable_a opinion_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o some_o of_o they_o have_v for_o inscription_n in_o their_o public_a edifice_n several_a maxim_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o other_o will_v have_v consecrate_v church_n for_o the_o use_v of_o the_o christian_n and_o last_o that_o other_o profess_a themselves_o admirer_n of_o the_o morality_n of_o christ._n but_o what_o shall_v we_o say_v of_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n who_o not_o be_v able_a to_o deny_v christ_n miracle_n be_v force_v to_o refer_v they_o some_o to_o a_o magic_a power_n and_o other_o to_o a_o certain_a i_o know_v not_o what_o mysterious_a pronunciation_n of_o the_o word_n jehovah_n so_o strange_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v that_o even_o the_o very_a enemy_n of_o our_o religion_n shall_v thus_o testify_v of_o it_o and_o yet_o scarce_o perceive_v it_o the_o seven_o testimony_n be_v that_o of_o several_a strange_a event_n which_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n so_o order_v that_o they_o firm_o establish_v the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n of_o these_o there_o be_v several_a very_o remarkable_a but_o it_o shall_v suffice_v at_o present_a to_o mention_v three_o only_a which_o among_o the_o rest_n deserve_v a_o particular_a consideration_n the_o first_o be_v the_o destruction_n of_o the_o four_o monarchy_n which_o have_v sore_o afflict_v and_o harass_v god_n people_n at_o the_o end_n of_o which_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v immediate_o to_o be_v establish_v the_o second_o the_o entire_a destruction_n of_o the_o jewish_a government_n and_o the_o signal_n devastation_n of_o the_o holy_a land_n a_o effect_n of_o the_o divine_a wrath_n pour_v out_o upon_o that_o nation_n the_o three_o and_o last_o the_o settlement_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n or_o the_o call_v of_o the_o gentile_n attend_v with_o so_o many_o circumstance_n as_o plain_o show_v that_o nothing_o but_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n can_v perfect_v so_o great_a a_o work_n the_o eight_o be_v that_o testimony_n give_v of_o christ_n by_o the_o revelation_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o nine_o that_o which_o be_v give_v of_o he_o by_o natural_a religion_n but_o of_o these_o two_o testimony_n we_o shall_v not_o speak_v at_o present_a for_o as_o much_o as_o we_o design_v to_o end_v this_o work_n with_o a_o particular_a consideration_n of_o they_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n it_o be_v plain_a the_o christian_a religion_n must_v be_v true_a because_o it_o be_v confirm_v by_o the_o testimony_n of_o so_o many_o authentic_a person_n which_o can_v be_v suspect_v of_o deceit_n and_o it_o will_v be_v extravagant_o ridiculous_a to_o imagine_v that_o the_o prophet_n shall_v have_v so_o clear_a a_o insight_n into_o futurity_n mere_o to_o countenance_n and_o authorise_v a_o fiction_n that_o john_n the_o baptist_n have_v be_v at_o first_o take_v by_o the_o jew_n for_o the_o messiah_n shall_v renounce_v the_o honour_n which_o that_o title_n will_v 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may_v crush_v they_o in_o piece_n with_o its_o wheel_n as_o it_o pass_v along_o but_o no_o religion_n beside_o the_o christian_a be_v ever_o confirm_v by_o the_o blood_n of_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o sensible_a understand_a martyr_n who_o voluntary_o suffer_v death_n in_o defence_n of_o what_o they_o have_v see_v who_o from_o vicious_a and_o profligate_v person_n become_v saint_n upon_o the_o confidence_n they_o have_v in_o their_o master_n and_o who_o at_o length_n be_v disperse_v in_o all_o place_n of_o the_o world_n by_o their_o death_n gain_v proselyte_n and_o make_a their_o blood_n the_o seed_n of_o the_o church_n cheerful_o suffer_v martyrdom_n have_v certain_a assurance_n of_o be_v crown_v after_o their_o death_n a_o certain_a assurance_n which_o they_o derive_v from_o what_o they_o themselves_o have_v former_o see_v we_o find_v other_o religion_n which_o pretend_v to_o be_v confirm_v and_o authorize_v by_o several_a sign_n and_o extraordinary_a event_n from_o heaven_n the_o roman_n feliâ—_n use_v to_o attribute_v to_o their_o religion_n all_o the_o advantage_n they_o get_v over_o other_o nation_n and_o the_o mahometan_n pretend_v that_o the_o great_a success_n god_n be_v please_v to_o give_v their_o prophet_n be_v so_o many_o certain_a and_o undeniable_a mark_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o religion_n but_o to_o pretend_v that_o temporal_a prosperity_n be_v a_o certain_a character_n of_o a_o true_a religion_n or_o adversity_n that_o of_o a_o false_a one_o be_v to_o suppose_v as_o we_o have_v already_o say_v else_o where_o that_o the_o most_o profligate_v wretch_n provide_v they_o be_v happy_a in_o this_o world_n be_v the_o great_a favourite_n of_o god_n but_o certain_o it_o be_v not_o prosperity_n or_o adversity_n simple_o consider_v but_o prosperity_n or_o adversity_n as_o foretell_v by_o god_n or_o his_o prophet_n that_o be_v a_o certain_a character_n of_o true_a religion_n and_o when_o we_o affirm_v that_o several_a extraordinary_a event_n bear_v witness_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n we_o mean_v only_o those_o event_n which_o have_v be_v foretell_v by_o the_o prophet_n as_o for_o instance_n the_o call_n of_o the_o gentile_n the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o establishment_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n final_o there_o may_v be_v several_a religion_n that_o may_v deceive_v but_o none_o but_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o can_v true_o satisfy_v mankind_n there_o be_v some_o religion_n ground_v upon_o fabulous_a miracle_n and_o confirm_v by_o witness_n easy_o convince_v of_o imposture_n but_o none_o but_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v firm_o and_o solid_o establish_v to_o upon_o true_a miracle_n and_o valid_a testimony_n it_o appear_v then_o that_o no_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n have_v such_o extraordinary_a qualification_n as_o the_o christian_a religion_n of_o which_o it_o must_v also_o be_v affirm_v that_o it_o be_v free_a from_o all_o such_o defect_n as_o be_v incident_a to_o other_o religion_n we_o need_v no_o deep_a
though_o perhaps_o he_o be_v ignorant_a of_o any_o true_a and_o real_a one_o he_o frame_v at_o least_o a_o imaginary_a one_o to_o himself_o and_o will_v feign_v outlive_v his_o day_n in_o spite_n of_o death_n by_o immortalise_a himself_n in_o the_o remembrance_n of_o men._n who_o then_o can_v reconcile_v man_n to_o himself_o how_o come_v such_o lofty_a sentiment_n to_o be_v join_v with_o so_o much_o wretchedness_n and_o misery_n or_o why_o shall_v a_o be_v so_o mean_a and_o humble_a have_v such_o great_a and_o elevate_a notion_n if_o we_o consult_v the_o christian_a religion_n we_o shall_v soon_o be_v satisfy_v in_o this_o point_n for_o the_o first_o rudiment_n of_o it_o will_v solve_v all_o the_o seem_a riddle_n it_o will_v teach_v we_o that_o man_n consist_v of_o two_o part_n body_n and_o soul_n who_o quality_n and_o part_n be_v very_o different_a the_o body_n make_v he_o a_o member_n of_o the_o material_a world_n from_o whence_o he_o derive_v his_o wretchedness_n and_o misery_n in_o his_o soul_n he_o bear_v the_o image_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o his_o real_a goodness_n if_o the_o mind_n be_v subject_a to_o matter_n we_o see_v only_o his_o imperfection_n and_o find_v nothing_o but_o a_o sensitive_a man_n in_o he_o but_o if_o the_o body_n be_v whole_o subject_a to_o the_o soul_n then_o only_o the_o greatness_n and_o glory_n of_o the_o soul_n appear_v and_o we_o find_v a_o spiritual_a man_n in_o he_o whatever_o therefore_o may_v be_v say_v concern_v the_o greatness_n of_o man_n become_v a_o incredible_a paradox_n if_o apply_v to_o his_o outward_a and_o carnal_a part_n and_o whatever_o may_v be_v say_v concern_v his_o imperfection_n and_o unworthiness_n will_v be_v utter_o false_a if_o apply_v to_o he_o as_o a_o be_v glorious_a and_o pure_o spiritual_a but_o in_o our_o present_a state_n the_o soul_n and_o body_n be_v in_o a_o continual_a war_n sometime_o the_o excellence_n and_o greatness_n of_o man_n nature_n and_o sometime_o the_o weakness_n and_o vnworthiness_n of_o it_o appear_v according_a as_o the_o flesh_n or_o spirit_n be_v predominant_a and_o this_o serve_v for_o a_o certain_a rule_n to_o judge_v of_o man_n perfection_n or_o imperfection_n that_o every_o thing_n be_v great_a and_o noble_a in_o he_o that_o bring_v the_o flesh_n in_o subjection_n to_o the_o spirit_n and_o every_o thing_n seem_v vile_a and_o contemptible_a that_o base_o bring_v the_o spirit_n in_o subjection_n to_o the_o flesh_n for_o what_o sort_n of_o greatness_n can_v we_o find_v in_o the_o latter_a and_o wherein_o consist_v the_o excellence_n of_o his_o outward_a qualification_n by_o which_o alone_o he_o endeavour_v to_o procure_v the_o esteem_n of_o other_o man_n not_o in_o the_o antiquity_n of_o his_o original_a for_o that_o bring_v he_o but_o the_o near_a to_o his_o primitive_a nothing_o or_o to_o the_o clay_n out_o of_o which_o he_o be_v first_o form_v he_o betray_v his_o weak_a judgement_n in_o esteem_v so_o much_o the_o original_a of_o his_o body_n and_o not_o regard_v that_o of_o his_o soul_n as_o for_o the_o good_n of_o fortune_n they_o swell_v his_o heart_n with_o pride_n and_o therefore_o he_o value_v himself_o more_o for_o what_o he_o enjoy_v than_o for_o what_o he_o real_o be_v suppose_v he_o a_o conqueror_n or_o if_o you_o please_v lord_n of_o the_o universe_n but_o alas_o that_o can_v be_v of_o no_o great_a continuance_n his_o reason_n indeed_o exalt_v he_o far_o above_o all_o other_o creature_n but_o even_o that_o reason_n be_v a_o slave_n to_o his_o scnse_n his_o passion_n deject_v rather_o than_o elevate_v he_o ambition_n be_v a_o weakness_n which_o make_v he_o unable_a to_o rule_v his_o desire_n pride_n a_o imperfection_n which_o so_o possess_v his_o mind_n that_o he_o can_v pass_v by_o the_o least_o affront_n to_o his_o reputation_n avarice_n a_o base_a fear_n of_o future_a want_n a_o limit_a consideration_n of_o self-love_n that_o forget_v itself_o to_o think_v better_o upon_o what_o be_v least_o valuable_a in_o its_o condition_n the_o punctilio_n of_o honour_n a_o vain_a imperfection_n that_o make_v a_o idol_n of_o itself_o that_o valour_n which_o affront_v death_n nothing_o but_o a_o man_n strange_o forget_v himself_o and_o be_v insensible_a of_o the_o danger_n that_o surround_v he_o and_o last_o all_o the_o passion_n but_o so_o many_o deviation_n from_o the_o end_n we_o ought_v to_o pursue_v so_o many_o disorder_n and_o irregularity_n of_o the_o soul_n as_o appear_v full_o by_o what_o we_o have_v say_v elsewhere_o concern_v the_o end_n for_o which_o man_n be_v original_o design_v and_o though_o these_o be_v all_o moral_a truth_n they_o be_v not_o the_o less_o certain_a experience_n confirm_v they_o and_o â—he_v free_a confession_n of_o the_o incredulous_a who_o be_v glad_a of_o any_o opportunity_n of_o make_v we_o observe_v all_o these_o sign_n and_o character_n of_o our_o wretchedness_n and_o misery_n think_v thereby_o to_o persuade_v we_o that_o so_o miserable_a a_o creature_n be_v not_o design_v for_o such_o a_o glorious_a end_n as_o we_o imagine_v but_o let_v they_o only_o consider_v how_o true_o great_a man_n be_v when_o he_o submit_v the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o they_o will_v be_v ashamed_a of_o their_o false_a opinion_n they_o will_v find_v he_o indeed_o a_o be_v that_o have_v a_o beginning_n but_o yet_o one_o that_o glory_v in_o god_n as_o the_o author_n of_o it_o they_o will_v find_v he_o a_o atom_n that_o raise_v its_o self_n above_o all_o other_o creature_n by_o run_v back_o to_o its_o first_o author_n and_o pay_v he_o homage_n for_o its_o unworthiness_n a_o worm_n that_o have_v the_o honour_n of_o refer_v its_o self_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n to_o which_o also_o all_o other_o being_n be_v refer_v but_o without_o know_v it_o they_o will_v find_v he_o a_o be_v that_o be_v indeed_o mortal_a carry_v its_o hope_n beyond_o death_n a_o be_v that_o be_v finite_a yet_o its_o desire_n and_o intention_n be_v unlimited_a a_o small_a quantity_n of_o earth_n will_v cover_v his_o body_n yet_o nothing_o but_o immensity_n will_v satisfy_v his_o soul_n he_o possess_v all_o thing_n for_o he_o call_v himself_o the_o son_n of_o he_o that_o create_v all_o thing_n he_o be_v not_o to_o be_v rank_v among_o those_o creature_n which_o grow_v proud_a by_o promotion_n or_o can_v be_v humble_a without_o debase_v themselves_o he_o be_v great_a but_o not_o proud_a because_o he_o know_v his_o natural_a vileness_n and_o he_o be_v humble_a but_o not_o base_a because_o he_o be_v sensible_a of_o his_o true_a greatness_n and_o worth_n he_o have_v make_v such_o a_o covenant_n with_o his_o god_n as_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o body_n be_v not_o able_a to_o dissolve_v though_o he_o conqer_v not_o kingdom_n nor_o raze_v city_n yet_o he_o be_v able_a to_o overcome_v those_o passion_n which_o have_v produce_v the_o like_a effect_n he_o sacrifice_n to_o god_n those_o very_a passion_n to_o which_o man_n heretofore_o sacrifice_v all_o their_o possession_n he_o esteem_v not_o a_o crown_n and_o the_o high_a dignity_n be_v of_o no_o value_n in_o his_o thought_n he_o quit_v a_o throne_n to_o equal_v himself_o to_o shepherd_n and_o though_o but_o a_o shepherd_n he_o think_v himself_o as_o great_a as_o the_o most_o powerful_a monarch_n what_o the_o world_n admire_v be_v but_o a_o dream_n to_o he_o though_o he_o enjoy_v the_o great_a title_n yet_o have_v he_o the_o same_o humble_a thought_n of_o himself_o shall_v the_o world_n afflict_v he_o on_o every_o side_n it_o can_v lessen_v his_o opinion_n of_o himself_o he_o raise_v himself_o above_o what_o he_o see_v to_o humble_v himself_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n who_o be_v invisible_a he_o possess_v eternity_n though_o he_o exist_v in_o time_n he_o be_v a_o child_n of_o god_n though_o he_o live_v among_o man_n he_o be_v sensible_a of_o his_o exaltation_n above_o all_o other_o being_n but_o he_o be_v true_o great_a in_o his_o own_o humility_n thus_o the_o christian_a religion_n not_o only_o show_v we_o man_n excellence_n but_o be_v also_o the_o cause_n of_o it_o by_o make_v the_o mean_a part_n of_o our_o nature_n subservient_fw-fr to_o the_o noble_a he_o therefore_o that_o utter_o renounce_v all_o religion_n lose_v the_o perfection_n of_o his_o nature_n and_o the_o less_o he_o believe_v the_o more_o he_o debase_v himself_o below_o other_o creature_n it_o be_v therefore_o the_o christian_a religion_n alone_o that_o show_v we_o the_o cure_n as_o well_o as_o the_o disease_n that_o produce_v our_o hide_a virtue_n and_o unmask_v our_o vice_n that_o discover_v to_o we_o our_o misery_n and_o free_v we_o from_o it_o that_o put_v a_o end_n to_o all_o the_o wretchedness_n of_o our_o nature_n by_o make_v we_o true_o sensible_a of_o it_o that_o make_v we_o great_a by_o make_v
the_o public_a good_a to_o concur_v with_o the_o advancement_n of_o the_o private_a and_o the_o private_a with_o that_o of_o the_o public_a for_o instance_n what_o will_v follow_v from_o the_o practice_n of_o charity_n which_o enjoin_v we_o to_o love_n god_n with_o all_o our_o heart_n and_o with_o all_o our_o mind_n and_o our_o neighbour_n as_o ourselves_o the_o result_n of_o it_o will_v be_v that_o every_o man_n interest_n shall_v be_v the_o same_o that_o there_o shall_v reign_v no_o hatred_n or_o animosity_n no_o jealousy_n or_o competition_n among_o they_o that_o every_o man_n will_v thank_v god_n for_o the_o blessing_n that_o other_o have_v receive_v at_o his_o hand_n that_o charity_n will_v make_v every_o thing_n our_o own_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v happy_a in_o other_o man_n advantage_n as_o a_o son_n in_o the_o prosperity_n of_o his_o father_n and_o a_o father_n in_o that_o of_o his_o son_n that_o a_o public_a society_n will_v make_v but_o one_o family_n more_o close_o unite_v since_o charity_n can_v make_v those_o thing_n equal_a that_o humane_a passion_n have_v before_o distinguish_v and_o much_o the_o happy_a since_o the_o happiness_n of_o one_o single_a person_n shall_v be_v enjoy_v by_o all_o and_o the_o happiness_n of_o all_o by_o each_o single_a person_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o foresee_v what_o objection_n our_o incredulous_a adversary_n will_v make_v they_o will_v say_v that_o christian_a morality_n be_v undoubted_o a_o very_a fine_a idea_n of_o true_a perfection_n but_o very_o unprofitable_a since_o it_o be_v so_o far_o raise_v above_o our_o ordinary_a strength_n and_o capacity_n the_o answer_n to_o this_o objection_n depend_v upon_o those_o reflection_n we_o shall_v continue_v to_o make_v upon_o the_o character_n of_o this_o morality_n viii_o we_o therefore_o assert_v that_o although_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o continual_a warfare_n betwixt_o the_o flesh_n and_o the_o spirit_n we_o can_v observe_v this_o christian_a morality_n in_o its_o full_a perfection_n and_o consequent_o can_v be_v sensible_a of_o the_o advantage_n which_o accrue_v to_o we_o from_o it_o in_o their_o utmost_a extent_n it_o be_v enough_o if_o by_o observe_v it_o according_a to_o our_o present_a condition_n it_o procure_v we_o a_o thousand_o advantageous_a effect_n which_o clear_o demonstrate_v that_o it_o be_v not_o a_o mere_a idea_n and_o this_o be_v such_o a_o undeniable_a truth_n as_o be_v daily_o confirm_v by_o experience_n so_o true_a it_o be_v that_o the_o strict_a observance_n of_o this_o divine_a morality_n tend_v to_o our_o profit_n and_o welfare_n that_o parent_n themselves_o wish_v it_o to_o their_o child_n husband_n to_o their_o wife_n and_o wife_n to_o their_o husband_n servant_n to_o their_o master_n and_o master_n to_o their_o servant_n prince_n to_o their_o subject_n and_o subject_n to_o their_o prince_n creditor_n to_o their_o debtor_n and_o debtor_n to_o their_o creditor_n as_o the_o principle_n of_o fidelity_n love_n union_n virtue_n and_o even_o of_o joy_n and_o satisfaction_n self-love_n indeed_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o mere_a idea_n especial_o when_o it_o command_v it_o to_o shake_v off_o its_o evil_a inclination_n and_o think_v itself_o not_o able_a to_o observe_v it_o strict_o but_o still_o it_o think_v it_o very_o just_a reasonable_a and_o perfect_a when_o there_o be_v occasion_n to_o reform_v other_o man_n imperfection_n and_o vice_n and_o it_o be_v well_o please_v to_o see_v if_o it_o be_v not_o extreme_o degenerate_v into_o the_o worst_a irregularity_n that_o that_o bridle_v sufficient_o curb_v at_o least_o in_o other_o man_n their_o concupiscence_n and_o unruly_a passion_n who_o end_n be_v only_o to_o confound_v ruin_n and_o violate_v all_o thing_n ix_o but_o that_o which_o whole_o secure_v christian_n morality_n from_o the_o reproach_n it_o may_v be_v charge_v with_o in_o this_o respect_n be_v that_o it_o be_v itself_o either_o endow_v with_o such_o strength_n as_o must_v necessary_o exalt_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n or_o contain_v such_o object_n which_o together_o with_o the_o efficacy_n of_o that_o spirit_n which_o continual_o attend_v they_o outweigh_v the_o most_o sensible_a object_n and_o that_o passionate_a inclination_n we_o all_o have_v for_o the_o world_n philosopher_n indeed_o may_v be_v very_o just_o charge_v with_o this_o reproach_n namely_o that_o their_o morality_n be_v mere_a speculation_n because_o their_o excellent_a maxim_n have_v no_o motive_n powerful_a enough_o to_o support_v they_o they_o tell_v we_o it_o be_v true_a that_o we_o must_v overcome_v ourselves_o and_o renounce_v our_o evil_a desire_n but_o if_o once_o they_o be_v ask_v the_o reason_n of_o it_o they_o be_v much_o perplex_v how_o to_o solve_v the_o query_n it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o their_o morality_n be_v very_o excellent_a but_o the_o motive_n that_o induce_v man_n to_o observe_v it_o be_v weak_a and_o a_o little_a renown_n acquire_v in_o practise_v that_o virtue_n they_o so_o strict_o recommend_v as_o also_o the_o title_n of_o wiseman_n and_o that_o abundance_n of_o vanity_n always_o concomitant_a with_o it_o be_v very_o weak_a inducement_n to_o constrain_v the_o heart_n of_o man_n to_o deprive_v itself_o of_o its_o darling_n belove_v passion_n but_o it_o be_v not_o so_o with_o the_o morality_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v wonderful_o support_v by_o the_o motive_n it_o lay_v before_o we_o every_o thing_n be_v coherent_a in_o it_o and_o all_o the_o part_n proportionable_a it_o require_v our_o observance_n of_o many_o hard_a and_o mortify_a duty_n it_o curb_v the_o affection_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o mortify_v the_o flesh_n but_o since_o that_o can_v be_v do_v without_o great_a difficulty_n and_o more_o than_o ordinary_a endeavour_n it_o promise_v we_o a_o magnificent_a and_o glorious_a reward_n the_o greatness_n of_o the_o promise_n be_v support_v by_o many_o terrible_a threaten_n and_o both_o these_o object_n be_v confirm_v by_o such_o favour_n as_o be_v very_o proper_a to_o gain_v our_o affection_n the_o blessing_n be_v a_o sure_a token_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o promise_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o make_v we_o believe_v that_o of_o the_o threaten_n i_o grant_v the_o promise_n of_o a_o bless_a life_n and_o immortality_n which_o we_o find_v in_o the_o gospel_n be_v very_o great_a and_o glorious_a but_o still_o not_o great_a than_o that_o which_o jesus_n make_v to_o two_o of_o his_o disciple_n when_o he_o call_v they_o unto_o he_o say_v come_v after_o i_o and_o i_o will_v make_v you_o fisher_n of_o men._n there_o be_v less_o probability_n that_o a_o few_o poor_a ignorant_a fisherman_n shall_v have_v be_v able_a to_o catch_v in_o their_o net_n the_o doctrine_n authority_n wit_n and_o eloquence_n of_o man_n than_o that_o we_o shall_v see_v god_n after_o death_n the_o truth_n of_o his_o promise_n can_v subsist_v without_o that_o of_o his_o threaten_n and_o it_o be_v evident_a when_o he_o promise_v that_o the_o pure_a in_o heart_n shall_v see_v he_o he_o threaten_v also_o to_o exclude_v those_o that_o be_v not_o so_o from_o the_o beatific_a vision_n let_v not_o man_n therefore_o slatter_v themselves_o let_v they_o shake_v off_o their_o unbelief_n of_o the_o severe_a punishment_n that_o attend_v the_o wicked_a after_o this_o life_n their_o reason_n will_v tell_v they_o that_o god_n can_v do_v no_o less_o than_o banish_v those_o his_o presence_n who_o have_v persist_v in_o a_o wilful_a design_n of_o offend_v he_o by_o their_o sin_n and_o that_o such_o a_o banishment_n be_v attend_v with_o the_o great_a of_o all_o misery_n and_o that_o be_v eternal_a death_n the_o sting_n of_o conscience_n convince_v we_o of_o this_o and_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n inform_v we_o of_o it_o his_o justice_n point_v it_o out_o to_o we_o his_o law_n teach_v it_o and_o the_o gospel_n confirm_v it_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o thing_n will_v not_o suffer_v we_o to_o doubt_v it_o since_o god_n can_v direct_v man_n to_o the_o true_a end_n of_o his_o creation_n without_o reveal_v himself_o to_o he_o and_o he_o can_v reveal_v himself_o to_o he_o without_o make_v his_o will_n know_v to_o he_o according_a as_o he_o please_v nor_o can_v he_o make_v his_o will_n know_v to_o he_o without_o give_v he_o a_o law_n nor_o give_v he_o a_o law_n without_o annex_v to_o it_o such_o motive_n as_o must_v be_v either_o promise_n or_o threaten_n deep_o engravened_a in_o the_o conscience_n if_o they_o accompany_v the_o law_n of_o nature_n but_o deliver_v in_o writing_n if_o they_o follow_v the_o write_a law_n nor_o can_v he_o make_v such_o promise_n or_o threaten_n unto_o man_n without_o be_v punctual_a in_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o they_o and_o can_v we_o have_v any_o great_a certainty_n than_o that_o which_o be_v so_o visible_o found_v upon_o the_o veracity_n of_o god_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n themselves_o there_o be_v nothing_o therefore_o capable_a to_o free_a man_n from_o
this_o necessity_n and_o it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o allege_v his_o meanness_n and_o wretchedness_n for_o that_o circumstance_n rather_o aggravate_v the_o crime_n than_o excuse_v it_o it_o be_v impudent_a beyond_o all_o pardon_n for_o a_o traitor_n to_o plead_v innocence_n because_o he_o be_v a_o peasant_n and_o not_o a_o lord_n it_o will_v be_v also_o in_o vain_a to_o lay_v the_o fault_n upon_o the_o evil_a temperament_n of_o body_n and_o mind_n for_o if_o either_o submit_v to_o those_o reason_n which_o you_o have_v for_o commit_v no_o indecent_a action_n before_o a_o sovereign_n and_o if_o that_o and_o all_o its_o passion_n be_v calm_a when_o you_o fall_v into_o any_o danger_n or_o expect_v sentence_n of_o death_n there_o be_v the_o same_o reason_n that_o the_o presence_n the_o will_n and_o judgement_n of_o god_n shall_v have_v the_o same_o effect_n upon_o it_o nor_o will_v ignorance_n be_v any_o excuse_n it_o will_v indeed_o justify_v you_o if_o it_o be_v not_o only_o a_o bare_a pretence_n as_o it_o do_v brute_n child_n and_o idiot_n but_o what_o man_n know_v not_o his_o duty_n it_o be_v also_o in_o vain_a to_o rely_v on_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n for_o that_o extend_v not_o to_o impenitent_a sinner_n and_o the_o almighty_a save_v only_o those_o that_o desire_n and_o endeavour_v to_o be_v save_v last_o it_o be_v mere_a folly_n to_o assert_v that_o eternal_a punishment_n be_v disproportionable_a to_o the_o weakness_n of_o our_o nature_n for_o be_v not_o god_n himself_o eternal_a who_o you_o have_v offend_v and_o be_v not_o your_o soul_n also_o eternal_a that_o have_v sin_v against_o he_o self-love_n however_o blind_v think_v not_o life_n eternal_a a_o thing_n disagreeable_a and_o imagine_v nothing_o in_o it_o disproportionable_a to_o our_o condition_n but_o it_o be_v shock_a at_o the_o thought_n of_o everlasting_a pain_n and_o therefore_o willing_a to_o believe_v they_o improbable_a dream_n and_o whimsy_n but_o why_o it_o do_v so_o be_v hard_o to_o be_v imagine_v unless_o we_o suppose_v its_o design_n to_o be_v at_o any_o rate_n to_o impose_v upon_o itself_o in_o the_o mean_a while_n since_o you_o can_v neither_o destroy_v the_o eternity_n of_o god_n or_o the_o soul_n which_o reason_n itself_o force_v you_o to_o acknowledge_v you_o must_v either_o suppose_v that_o the_o soul_n be_v to_o dwell_v eternal_o with_o god_n or_o that_o it_o must_v be_v eternal_o banish_v from_o his_o presence_n that_o be_v that_o it_o must_v live_v or_o die_v eternal_o for_o to_o live_v with_o god_n be_v to_o enjoy_v the_o great_a perfection_n of_o happiness_n and_o to_o be_v banish_v his_o presence_n be_v certain_o the_o great_a misery_n that_o can_v be_v think_v of_o as_o soon_o as_o we_o know_v the_o existence_n of_o god_n that_o the_o soul_n have_v no_o part_n and_o that_o it_o be_v incapable_a of_o any_o dissolution_n that_o its_o nature_n altogether_o distinct_a from_o that_o of_o matter_n can_v be_v bury_v under_o the_o ruin_n of_o the_o body_n it_o be_v then_o very_o hard_o for_o we_o to_o oppose_v the_o doctrine_n which_o the_o gospel_n teach_v we_o concern_v the_o state_n of_o the_o soul_n after_o death_n nay_o we_o be_v so_o far_o from_o impugn_v of_o it_o that_o there_o be_v even_o a_o necessity_n incumbent_n upon_o we_o ready_o to_o embrace_v the_o same_o for_o if_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o wicked_a together_o with_o those_o of_o the_o good_a be_v equal_o to_o be_v banish_v the_o presence_n of_o god_n than_o reason_n nature_n and_o all_o our_o other_o knowledge_n impose_v upon_o we_o in_o give_v we_o hope_n of_o a_o future_a reward_n and_o if_o the_o soul_n both_o of_o the_o wicked_a and_o the_o good_a be_v to_o enjoy_v alike_o the_o presence_n of_o almighty_a god_n then_o too_o those_o very_a principle_n delude_v we_o in_o make_v we_o dread_v his_o pretend_a judgement_n and_o so_o god_n justice_n and_o veracity_n together_o with_o all_o our_o other_o knowledge_n be_v at_o a_o end_n to_o avoid_v therefore_o fall_v into_o such_o a_o impious_a assertion_n we_o must_v own_v that_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o good_a be_v to_o dwell_v for_o ever_o with_o god_n but_o that_o contrariwise_o those_o of_o the_o wicked_a be_v to_o be_v banish_v his_o presence_n and_o in_o own_v this_o we_o affirmthe_v only_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n that_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o all_o our_o knowledge_n and_o most_o visible_o flow_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n themselves_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n excellent_o answer_v his_o liberal_a promise_n and_o the_o formidable_a severity_n of_o his_o punishment_n all_o the_o creature_n of_o this_o visible_a world_n conspire_v together_o to_o do_v we_o good_a and_o beside_o all_o the_o temporal_a blessing_n daily_o confer_v upon_o we_o beside_o the_o whole_a earth_n be_v replenish_v with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o true_a god_n the_o heart_n of_o man_n be_v sanctify_v their_o soul_n comfort_v the_o gospel_n preach_v throughout_o the_o whole_a world_n the_o son_n of_o god_n die_v for_o our_o offence_n and_o be_v raise_v for_o our_o justification_n our_o crucify_a saviour_n come_v out_o of_o the_o grave_a to_o bring_v we_o peace_n from_o god_n and_o seal_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o gospel_n by_o his_o frequent_a apparition_n after_o his_o death_n there_o be_v a_o visible_a and_o frequent_a effusion_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n upon_o man_n a_o multitude_n of_o martyr_n send_v from_o god_n to_o reclaim_v the_o world_n by_o their_o example_n and_o conversation_n from_o vice_n and_o idolatrous_a superstition_n all_o these_o thing_n i_o say_v be_v such_o blessing_n as_o be_v wonderful_o suitable_a to_o the_o promise_n and_o threaten_n of_o god_n and_o full_o convince_v we_o that_o the_o christian_a morality_n have_v as_o many_o object_n to_o exalt_v and_o comfort_v man_n soul_n as_o it_o have_v to_o excite_v and_o terrify_v their_o mind_n to_o the_o performance_n of_o their_o duty_n x._o but_o to_o prove_v that_o this_o morality_n be_v not_o a_o mere_a idea_n of_o perfection_n god_n in_o be_v wisdom_n be_v please_v not_o only_o to_o have_v it_o set_v down_o in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n but_o also_o to_o have_v it_o lively_o paint_v first_o in_o the_o life_n of_o christ_n and_o afterward_o in_o the_o daily_a practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n these_o man_n be_v not_o such_o teacher_n as_o may_v deserve_o be_v accuse_v of_o speak_v well_o but_o do_v ill_a as_o it_o be_v object_v former_o to_o seneca_n who_o compose_v very_o excellent_a discourse_n concern_v poverty_n and_o the_o contempt_n of_o the_o good_n of_o fortune_n when_o he_o himself_o be_v rich_a than_o the_o wealthy_a citizen_n of_o rome_n these_o on_o the_o contrary_n confirm_v by_o their_o practice_n what_o they_o teach_v and_o by_o extirpate_v their_o evil_a desire_n form_v such_o a_o society_n as_o be_v conformable_a to_o that_o we_o have_v have_v above_o but_o a_o faint_a prospect_n of_o when_o we_o lay_v down_o the_o idea_n of_o man_n duty_n they_o utter_o renounce_v those_o passion_n which_o put_v a_o distinction_n betwixt_o they_o and_o other_o men._n they_o forget_v their_o quality_n and_o condition_n the_o better_a to_o use_v one_o another_o like_a brethren_n the_o same_o interest_n be_v common_a to_o they_o all_o they_o sell_v their_o possession_n to_o ease_v the_o want_v and_o necessity_n of_o those_o that_o suffer_v adversity_n they_o rejoice_v for_o have_v be_v think_v worthy_a to_o suffer_v for_o the_o name_n of_o god_n every_o thing_n conduce_v to_o their_o happiness_n even_o affliction_n themselves_o they_o pray_v for_o those_o that_o despiteful_o use_v they_o and_o as_o charity_n and_o not selflove_o selflove_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o their_o affection_n so_o all_o the_o motion_n of_o their_o heart_n tend_v to_o one_o as_o to_o the_o same_o centre_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o good_a of_o their_o neighbour_n which_o give_v the_o scripture_n occasion_n to_o say_v that_o they_o be_v but_o one_o heart_n and_o one_o soul_n i_o confess_v that_o state_n can_v not_o always_o continue_v in_o the_o church_n but_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n permit_v it_o shall_v last_v for_o some_o time_n to_o give_v we_o a_o lively_a image_n and_o idea_n of_o heaven_n here_o on_o earth_n and_o so_o to_o confirm_v by_o the_o excellence_n of_o such_o a_o example_n a_o morality_n already_o support_v by_o so_o many_o great_a and_o powerful_a motive_n viii_o portraiture_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o it_o be_v consider_v in_o its_o mystery_n the_o mystery_n god_n have_v reveal_v unto_o we_o in_o his_o word_n be_v like_o the_o cloudy_a pillar_n which_o lead_v the_o child_n of_o israel_n through_o the_o wilderness_n for_o like_o that_o they_o be_v clear_a on_o one_o side_n but_o dark_a and_o obscure_a on_o the_o other_o if_o we_o contemplate_v