religion_n which_o christ_n himself_o found_v and_o deliver_v to_o his_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n the_o tradition_n of_o these_o thing_n be_v true_a and_o certain_a and_o we_o may_v safe_o rely_v upon_o it_o for_o though_o the_o authority_n of_o divine_a truth_n depend_v not_o whole_o on_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n for_o then_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n will_v not_o be_v divine_a but_o humane_a and_o consequent_o not_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o of_o man_n yet_o the_o church_n do_v yield_v its_o testimony_n to_o the_o scripture_n and_o that_o testimony_n or_o tradition_n be_v a_o good_a ground_n of_o belief_n for_o tradition_n be_v one_o way_n of_o communicate_v matter_n of_o faith_n and_o fact_n to_o we_o by_o it_o we_o have_v they_o transmit_v to_o we_o but_o this_o be_v neither_o the_o grand_a motive_n nor_o the_o rule_n of_o our_o faith_n yet_o it_o be_v the_o medium_fw-la or_o channel_n to_o convey_v the_o belief_n of_o such_o thing_n to_o we_o and_o we_o be_v to_o use_v it_o and_o prize_v it_o as_o such_o and_o to_o thank_v god_n that_o we_o have_v this_o among_o other_o mean_n to_o establish_v we_o in_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n hitherto_o i_o have_v consider_v the_o testimony_n of_o friend_n i_o will_v show_v you_o in_o the_o next_o place_n that_o even_o stranger_n and_o enemy_n viz._n jew_n and_o heathen_n bear_v witness_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n first_o as_o for_o the_o jew_n if_o christ_n have_v not_o be_v think_v by_o they_o to_o have_v be_v some_o extraordinary_a person_n yea_o to_o be_v of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n miraculous_o why_o do_v they_o not_o prosecute_v mary_n for_o a_o adulteress_n the_o sin_n of_o adultery_n be_v severe_o punish_v by_o their_o law_n and_o it_o be_v a_o very_a reproachful_a crime_n you_o may_v be_v sure_o they_o will_v have_v urge_v this_o hard_a to_o the_o disgrace_v of_o the_o son_n through_o the_o mother_n but_o though_o joseph_n deny_v he_o to_o be_v his_o son_n and_o consequent_o she_o fall_v under_o the_o law_n yet_o you_o read_v no_o where_o that_o the_o jew_n make_v use_v of_o this_o against_o she_o which_o show_v their_o tacit_n approve_v of_o christ_n and_o that_o his_o birth_n be_v extraordinary_a and_o divine_a 〈◊〉_d suidas_n tell_v we_o that_o christ_n be_v choose_v one_o of_o the_o priest_n of_o the_o temple_n at_o jerusalem_n upon_o the_o death_n of_o one_o of_o the_o two_o and_o twenty_o for_o his_o singular_a piety_n and_o excellent_a doctrine_n josephus_n his_o testimony_n of_o christ_n be_v well_o know_v and_o st._n john_n baptist_n his_o forerunner_n be_v make_v mention_n of_o by_o most_o of_o the_o hebrew_n writer_n with_o exceed_a praise_n and_o admiration_n of_o his_o holiness_n but_o i_o will_v conâ—ine_v myself_o to_o those_o instance_n which_o be_v record_v by_o the_o evangelist_n st._n luke_n observe_v that_o when_o he_o teach_v in_o their_o synagogue_n he_o be_v glorify_v of_o all_o luke_n 4._o 15._o and_o in_o the_o follow_a verse_n he_o subjoin_v a_o particular_a instance_n of_o his_o preach_n in_o one_o of_o their_o synagogue_n at_o nazareth_n and_o then_o add_v all_o bear_v he_o witness_v and_o wonder_v at_o the_o gracious_a word_n which_o proceed_v out_o of_o his_o mouth_n ver_fw-la 22._o even_o some_o of_o the_o jewish_a people_n who_o believe_v not_o in_o christ_n cry_v out_o he_o be_v a_o good_a man_n john_n 7._o 12._o other_o say_v of_o a_o truth_n this_o be_v the_o prophet_n ver_fw-la 40._o and_o other_o this_o be_v the_o christ_n ver_fw-la 41._o and_o the_o jewish_a officer_n who_o be_v send_v by_o the_o high_a priest_n to_o lay_v hand_n on_o he_o admire_v his_o wise_a deportment_n and_o excellent_a discourse_n and_o free_o declare_v that_o never_o man_n speak_v like_o this_o man_n ver_fw-la 46._o no_o one_o ever_o speak_v matter_n of_o great_a moment_n and_o concern_v and_o with_o that_o simplicity_n and_o plainness_n that_o authority_n and_o efficacy_n which_o he_o do_v when_o herod_n harangued_a the_o people_n they_o cry_v out_o it_o be_v the_o voice_n of_o god_n but_o it_o be_v only_o the_o flatter_a voice_n of_o the_o multitude_n which_o make_v his_o such_o here_o it_o be_v otherwise_o it_o be_v the_o real_a voice_n of_o the_o true_a god_n and_o his_o very_a enemy_n attest_v the_o unparalleled_a efficacy_n of_o it_o christ_n be_v confess_v and_o own_v by_o the_o jew_n in_o a_o most_o signal_n manner_n when_o he_o rid_v into_o jerusalem_n on_o a_o ass_n and_o when_o they_o strew_v the_o way_n with_o palm-branche_n and_o when_o all_o the_o people_n applaud_v he_o and_o treat_v he_o as_o some_o great_a conqueror_n or_o mighty_a prince_n mat._n 21._o 8_o etc._n etc._n for_o they_o be_v wont_a to_o congratulate_v the_o come_n of_o such_o person_n to_o a_o place_n after_o that_o manner_n so_o the_o valiant_a simon_n be_v receive_v after_o his_o military_a success_n 1_o mac._n 13._o 51._o so_o the_o old_a grecian_n in_o their_o olympic_a game_n after_o victory_n wear_v wreath_n of_o palm_n as_o a_o reward_n of_o conqueror_n and_o sometime_o they_o bear_v the_o branch_n of_o palm-tree_n in_o their_o hand_n as_o the_o emblem_n of_o victory_n because_o the_o branch_n of_o this_o tree_n grow_v straight_o and_o stately_a as_o the_o name_n hand_n extend_v and_o though_o they_o be_v load_v with_o much_o weight_n yet_o they_o bear_v up_o against_o it_o and_o shoot_v upward_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o this_o honour_n of_o bear_v palm-branche_n and_o sometime_o branch_n of_o other_o tree_n beside_o the_o palm_n be_v give_v to_o prince_n in_o triumph_n thus_o heliodorus_n say_v that_o hydaspes_n the_o king_n send_v before_o he_o harbinger_n of_o his_o victory_n shake_v bough_n of_o palm_n in_o token_n of_o it_o hence_o he_o that_o be_v general_o applaud_v and_o receive_v public_o with_o the_o acclamation_n of_o the_o people_n be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d because_o they_o do_v not_o only_o strew_v bough_n but_o leave_n and_o flower_n in_o his_o way_n which_o sort_n of_o honour_n be_v style_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d nor_o be_v they_o content_v with_o this_o sign_n of_o favour_n but_o they_o use_v to_o affix_v on_o the_o door_n of_o great_a man_n the_o bough_n of_o palm_n especial_o which_o honour_n doctore_fw-la lucian_n take_v notice_n of_o tell_v we_o that_o green_a palm-branche_n be_v set_v up_o at_o the_o door_n of_o the_o rhetorician_n many_o more_o testimony_n may_v be_v allege_v to_o this_o purpose_n and_o i_o can_v add_v also_o that_o this_o bear_n of_o branch_n be_v use_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o pagan_n it_o be_v a_o testimony_n of_o honour_n to_o their_o go_n how_o fit_o then_o do_v it_o come_v to_o pass_v by_o the_o overrule_a hand_n of_o providence_n that_o the_o messiah_n who_o be_v true_o god_n and_o king_n be_v receive_v by_o the_o people_n with_o palm-branche_n he_o come_v in_o this_o triumphant_a manner_n into_o jerusalem_n and_o be_v salute_v with_o cry_n of_o hosanna_n and_o with_o that_o gratulatory_a benediction_n bless_a be_v the_o king_n of_o israel_n that_o come_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n john_n 12._o 13._o to_o testify_v that_o his_o kingdom_n be_v come_v that_o he_o be_v to_o be_v victorious_a over_o death_n and_o hell_n and_o that_o he_o be_v to_o be_v a_o mighty_a saviour_n and_o deliverer_n i_o will_v brief_o add_v two_o or_o three_o other_o testimony_n of_o the_o jew_n caiphas_n the_o highpriest_n prophesy_v of_o christ_n john_n 11._o 50_o 51._o one_o of_o the_o thief_n on_o the_o cross_n if_o he_o be_v a_o jew_n which_o some_o have_v question_v acknowledge_v christ_n and_o clear_v he_o this_o man_n say_v he_o have_v do_v nothing_o amiss_o luke_n 23._o 41._o and_o even_o judas_n who_o betray_v our_o saviour_n confess_v his_o innocency_n i_o have_v sin_v in_o betray_v innocent_a blood_n mat._n 27._o 4._o second_o heathen_n bear_v witness_n to_o christ_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n he_o be_v acknowledge_v and_o adore_v by_o the_o wise_a man_n that_o come_v from_o the_o east_n though_o he_o be_v condemn_v by_o pilate_n yet_o he_o be_v first_o acquit_v by_o he_o he_o declare_v that_o he_o find_v no_o fault_n in_o he_o at_o all_o john_n 18._o 38._o and_o his_o wife_n send_v to_o he_o when_o he_o be_v on_o the_o bench_n to_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o that_o just_a man_n mat._n 27._o 19_o when_o a_o title_n be_v to_o be_v set_v over_o the_o cross_n pilate_n write_v christ_n the_o king_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o will_v not_o alter_v it_o though_o he_o be_v tell_v of_o it_o john_n 19_o 22._o the_o centurion_n who_o have_v at_o that_o time_n the_o sheriff_n place_n and_o be_v to_o see_v the_o execution_n perform_v when_o he_o see_v
will_v gather_v that_o he_o live_v not_o in_o the_o time_n of_o any_o of_o the_o holy_a patriarch_n or_o of_o moses_n for_o than_o it_o can_v not_o be_v say_v that_o he_o have_v not_o his_o fellow_n in_o the_o earth_n but_o this_o inference_n be_v of_o no_o weight_n because_o it_o be_v most_o probable_a that_o this_o be_v speak_v of_o that_o particular_a country_n wherein_o job_n live_v as_o the_o earth_n be_v sometime_o take_v in_o that_o restrain_a sense_n in_o scripture_n so_o that_o the_o meaning_n be_v there_o be_v no_o man_n like_o he_o in_o the_o land_n of_o uz_n for_o the_o hebrew_n word_n eretz_n be_v the_o same_o in_o both_o place_n he_o be_v the_o most_o eminent_a saint_n in_o that_o region_n of_o the_o world_n that_o which_o we_o observe_v at_o present_a be_v that_o he_o be_v so_o though_o he_o be_v no_o israelite_n though_o he_o be_v not_o of_o the_o holy_a seed_n notwithstanding_o this_o he_o be_v a_o worshipper_n of_o the_o true_a god_n and_o a_o righteous_a person_n in_o chap._n 31._o you_o may_v hear_v he_o make_v a_o solemn_a protestation_n of_o his_o integrity_n as_o to_o many_o grand_a thing_n of_o religion_n and_o particular_o his_o abhorrence_n of_o idolatry_n ver_fw-la 26._o indeed_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o book_n be_v a_o testimony_n of_o his_o singular_a faith_n patience_n and_o piety_n whereupon_o st._n augustine_n say_v thus_o of_o he_o 16._o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o it_o be_v particular_o order_v by_o divine_a providence_n that_o we_o shall_v learn_v from_o this_o one_o person_n that_o even_o among_o other_o nation_n there_o may_v be_v those_o who_o live_v according_a to_o god_n and_o please_v he_o and_o belong_v to_o the_o spiritual_a jerusalem_n iob_n friend_n likewise_o may_v be_v reckon_v among_o the_o gentile_n for_o eliphaz_n the_o temanite_n be_v of_o esau_n lineage_n gen._n 36._o 11._o and_o bildad_o the_o shuite_n be_v of_o the_o posterity_n of_o shuah_n the_o son_n of_o abraham_n by_o keturah_n gen._n 25._o 2._o and_o elihu_n the_o buzite_n be_v of_o buz_n the_o son_n of_o nahor_n gen._n 22._o 21._o as_o job_n sacrifice_v for_o his_o son_n chap._n 1._o ver_fw-la 5._o so_o eliphaz_n do_v for_o himself_o and_o his_o two_o friend_n job_n 42._o 8_o to_o appease_v god_n wrath_n and_o all_o of_o they_o show_v themselves_o religious_a and_o pious_a person_n for_o though_o they_o be_v faulty_a as_o to_o their_o misrepresentation_n of_o job_n sometime_o yet_o they_o be_v in_o their_o design_n upright_o and_o intend_v only_o to_o justify_v god_n and_o to_o assert_v his_o providence_n and_o to_o check_v sin_n and_o wickedness_n where_o they_o think_v they_o espy_v they_o and_o it_o be_v not_o unreasonable_a to_o think_v that_o job_n and_o his_o companion_n who_o be_v person_n of_o such_o eminent_a goodness_n and_o moreover_o be_v rich_a and_o wealthy_a man_n and_o of_o great_a authority_n in_o the_o land_n of_o we_o for_o as_o job_n himself_o be_v a_o great_a man_n a_o kind_n of_o king_n in_o that_o country_n so_o his_o three_o friend_n be_v man_n of_o power_n and_o eminency_n and_o be_v call_v king_n by_o the_o author_n of_o the_o book_n of_o tobit_n use_v their_o wealth_n and_o authority_n for_o the_o promote_a of_o religion_n among_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o that_o place_n and_o so_o it_o be_v probable_a that_o there_o be_v several_a that_o fear_v god_n there_o and_o consequent_o that_o the_o church_n be_v not_o confine_v to_o one_o nation_n but_o that_o god_n reveal_v himself_o in_o a_o save_a manner_n to_o other_o country_n of_o this_o we_o have_v further_a proof_n for_o as_o there_o be_v these_o religious_a people_n in_o canaan_n and_o arabia_n or_o idumea_n so_o in_o other_o place_n some_o of_o those_o that_o be_v uncircumcised_a be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o true_a religion_n abraham_n brother_n nahor_n and_o his_o family_n though_o they_o dwell_v in_o mesâ—potamia_n a_o heathenish_a country_n and_o which_o abraham_n leave_v for_o that_o reason_n be_v not_o stranger_n to_o the_o true_a god_n and_o his_o worship_n though_o they_o mix_v it_o with_o some_o superstition_n thus_o in_o gen._n 24._o 31_o 50._o the_o language_n of_o labaâ—_n and_o bethuel_n show_v that_o they_o have_v a_o good_a sense_n of_o religion_n and_o know_v and_o worship_v jehâ—vah_n if_o we_o pass_v to_o egypt_n we_o shall_v find_v there_o that_o the_o midwife_n that_o be_v native_n of_o that_o country_n for_o such_o they_o be_v deserve_o think_v to_o be_v by_o the_o learned_a jewish_a historian_n and_o antiquary_n and_o though_o they_o be_v call_v hebrew_n midwife_n ver_fw-la 15._o yet_o the_o reason_n of_o that_o denomination_n be_v because_o as_o it_o be_v explain_v in_o the_o next_o verse_n they_o do_v the_o office_n of_o midwife_n to_o the_o hebrew_n woman_n and_o from_o several_a circumstance_n in_o that_o part_n of_o the_o sacred_a history_n we_o may_v gather_v that_o they_o be_v of_o the_o egyptian_a nation_n and_o not_o hebrew_n fear_v god_n exod._n 1._o 17._o and_o give_v a_o remarkable_a testimony_n of_o it_o and_o according_o be_v reward_v by_o god_n for_o it_o ver_fw-la 21._o hagar_n who_o be_v original_o a_o egyptian_a be_v honour_v with_o divine_a apparition_n and_o favour_v by_o god_n in_o a_o particular_a manner_n gen._n 16._o 10_o 11_o 13._o and_o afterward_o when_o the_o jewish_a nation_n and_o church_n be_v set_v up_o by_o god_n other_o person_n and_o people_n be_v not_o exclude_v from_o his_o grace_n and_o favour_n ruth_n be_v a_o moâ—bite_n of_o the_o race_n of_o the_o daughter_n of_o lot_n but_o be_v convert_v to_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o true_a god_n and_o her_o virtue_n and_o piety_n be_v so_o signal_n that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n have_v record_v they_o in_o a_o entire_a book_n our_o saviour_n take_v notice_n that_o the_o prophet_n elias_n be_v send_v to_o the_o widow_n of_o sarepâ—a_n who_o be_v a_o gentile_a a_o sidonian_a luke_o 4._o 26_o but_o show_v herself_o a_o very_a good_a religious_a woman_n and_o believe_v in_o the_o god_n of_o the_o patriarch_n naaman_n the_o syrian_a be_v a_o proselyte_n he_o sacrifice_v to_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n alone_o and_o carry_v earth_n with_o he_o out_o of_o judea_n to_o build_v a_o altar_n a_o king_n 5._o 15_o 17._o and_o without_o doubt_n he_o propagate_v the_o true_a religion_n and_o knowledge_n of_o god_n in_o his_o own_o country_n ebedmelech_n a_o ethiopian_a chamberlain_n or_o some_o such_o like_a great_a officer_n to_o king_n zedekiah_n be_v a_o patron_n of_o the_o prophet_n jeremiah_n and_o a_o man_n of_o singular_a zeal_n and_o piety_n and_o be_v therefore_o eminent_o favour_v of_o god_n jer._n 38._o 7._o &_o 39_o 16._o it_o be_v not_o improbable_a that_o hiram_n king_n of_o tyre_n be_v a_o prosolyte_n 1_o king_n 5._o 7._o and_o such_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o think_v the_o queen_n of_o sheba_n be_v 1_o king_n 10._o 9_o nabuchadnezzar_n be_v of_o this_o sort_n and_o become_v a_o convert_n as_o may_v be_v partly_o collect_v from_o dan._n 3._o 28_o 29._o dan._n 4._o 34_o etc._n etc._n and_o it_o may_v be_v cyrus_n who_o be_v style_v by_o god_n his_o anoint_v isai._n 45._o 1._o may_v be_v reckon_v in_o this_o number_n but_o though_o there_o may_v be_v some_o doubt_n as_o to_o these_o latter_a yet_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o rest_n and_o several_a other_o that_o may_v be_v name_v in_o gentile_a country_n be_v proselyte_n to_o the_o true_a faith_n in_o prosecution_n of_o which_o subject_n it_o may_v be_v further_o observe_v that_o god_n send_v hebrew_n prophet_n to_o the_o people_n of_o other_o nation_n isaiah_n jeremiah_n and_o ezeky_a prophesy_v almost_o to_o all_o nation_n obadiah_n to_o the_o idumean_n and_o jonas_n be_v dispatch_v to_o the_o people_n of_o ninive_n the_o metropolis_n of_o assyria_n who_o believe_v and_o repent_v at_o ionas_n preach_v this_o show_v that_o god_n be_v kind_a to_o they_o as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o jew_n and_o that_o they_o have_v the_o true_a god_n and_o his_o will_n in_o some_o measure_n discover_v to_o they_o before_o otherwise_o they_o will_v not_o have_v be_v so_o capable_a of_o understand_v the_o divine_a message_n when_o it_o come_v to_o they_o and_o of_o behave_v themselves_o suitable_o to_o it_o for_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v question_v that_o the_o ninivites_n repentance_n be_v true_a it_o proceed_v as_o some_o of_o the_o ancient_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n have_v observe_v from_o a_o true_a faith_n jon._n 2._o 5._o mat._n 12._o 41._o their_o fast_n and_o humiliation_n be_v so_o eminent_a that_o the_o abyssine_a church_n keep_v yearly_o a_o fast_a of_o threeday_n in_o remembrance_n of_o it_o and_o i_o find_v it_o be_v the_o comfortable_a note_n of_o rabbi_n kimchi_n question_v why_o the_o book_n of_o jonas_n be_v rank_v among_o the_o holy_a scripture_n it_o make_v no_o mention_n
shadow_n christ_n in_o this_o sense_n be_v call_v the_o trâ—e_a light_n and_o true_a bread_n joh._n 1._o 9_o joh._n 6._o 32._o the_o ceremonial_a law_n be_v but_o a_o figure_n of_o the_o evangelical_n truth_n and_o this_o be_v deserve_o call_v trâ—th_o because_o all_o the_o ceremonial_a type_n be_v verify_v and_o fulfil_v in_o christ._n all_o those_o judaic_a hieroglyphic_n be_v now_o unridle_v and_o plain_o discover_v to_o the_o world_n and_o he_o that_o run_v may_v read_v they_o the_o type_n and_o symbol_n be_v go_v and_o now_o the_o thing_n themselves_o be_v present_a and_o be_v clear_o understand_v by_o we_o this_o make_v the_o difference_n between_o the_o mosaic_a dispensation_n and_o the_o evangelical_n one._n the_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n and_o the_o mean_n of_o life_n by_o christ_n be_v more_o intelligible_a and_o plain_a than_o they_o be_v before_o their_o conception_n of_o those_o thing_n be_v intricate_a and_o obscure_a but_o we_o have_v arrive_v to_o clear_a and_o distinct_a notion_n concern_v they_o in_o short_a the_o way_n of_o salvation_n be_v before_o more_o dark_a and_o general_a they_o see_v christ_n through_o â—ertain_a perspective_n afar_o off_o but_o now_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n be_v come_v and_o have_v give_v we_o a_o near_a and_o more_o perfect_a view_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o see_v but_o in_o a_o glass_n dark_o 4._o the_o religion_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v more_o inward_a and_o lively_a than_o that_o of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o jewish_a administration_n there_o be_v now_o introduce_v a_o rational_a and_o manly_a service_n our_o religion_n be_v chief_o the_o employment_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o understanding_n and_o not_o so_o much_o of_o our_o body_n and_o low_a faculty_n we_o now_o worship_n god_n in_o spirit_n as_o well_o as_o in_o truth_n of_o which_o i_o speak_v before_o we_o worship_v in_o a_o spiritual_a manner_n oppose_v to_o outward_a and_o bodily_a service_n as_o sacrifice_n purification_n etc._n etc._n the_o evangelical_n righteousness_n be_v a_o spiritual_a administration_n a_o vital_a principle_n able_a to_o beget_v a_o divine_a life_n whereas_o the_o law_n comparative_o be_v a_o external_a dead_a letter_n and_o do_v not_o sufficient_o actuate_v the_o mind_n and_o spirit_n of_o men._n it_o be_v true_a the_o history_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o evangelist_n as_o it_o be_v mere_o propound_v and_o write_v be_v as_o much_o external_a as_o the_o law_n but_o the_o ministration_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o the_o apostle_n call_v it_o go_v along_o with_o the_o gospel_n in_o a_o more_o especial_a and_o peculiar_a manner_n be_v a_o powerful_a principle_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n whereby_o they_o be_v inward_o renew_v and_o transform_v and_o so_o the_o gospel_n compare_v with_o the_o law_n be_v of_o great_a power_n may_v and_o efficacy_n and_o be_v able_a to_o produce_v a_o heavenly_a and_o spiritual_a frame_n of_o soul_n and_o a_o sincere_a performance_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n this_o be_v the_o law_n promise_v to_o be_v write_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n and_o to_o be_v put_v into_o their_o inward_a part_n jer._n 31._o 33._o 5._o this_o dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v large_a and_o ample_a than_o that_o of_o the_o law_n and_o of_o other_o dispensation_n before_o it_o for_o the_o church_n be_v shut_v up_o in_o narrow_a bound_n and_o confine_v to_o a_o few_o family_n of_o the_o patriarch_n afterward_o it_o be_v limit_v to_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n and_o to_o the_o hâ—brew_n people_n except_v a_o few_o that_o be_v without_o who_o know_v god_n will_n and_o be_v gracious_o accept_v but_o after_o christ_n come_v the_o church_n be_v not_o tie_v to_o one_o place_n or_o certain_a nation_n but_o have_v be_v ever_o since_o the_o congregation_n of_o all_o such_o as_o true_o know_v and_o worship_n christ_n in_o any_o part_n of_o the_o world_n the_o christian_a dispensation_n be_v not_o local_a and_o temporary_a not_o confine_v to_o place_n or_o time_n not_o circumscribe_v by_o a_o particular_a country_n now_o not_o one_o natâ—on_n only_o or_o a_o few_o of_o other_o be_v honour_v with_o law_n give_v from_o god_n himself_o but_o gentile_n and_o jew_n greek_n and_o barbarian_n all_o kindred_n and_o tongue_n all_o country_n and_o region_n of_o the_o universe_n have_v hear_v the_o sound_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o have_v have_v the_o divine_a law_n which_o be_v give_v by_o christ_n himself_o offer_v to_o they_o our_o saviour_n bid_v his_o disciple_n 19_o go_v into_o all_o the_o world_n and_o teach_v all_o nation_n and_o according_o as_o be_v observe_v before_o they_o travel_v into_o all_o the_o world_n which_o be_v at_o that_o time_n know_v and_o proclaim_v the_o messiah_n to_o they_o thus_o christ_n come_v and_o preach_v peace_n to_o they_o that_o be_v afar_o off_o and_o to_o they_o that_o be_v nigh_o ephes._n 2._o 17._o all_o place_n and_o country_n have_v the_o privilege_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o may_v receive_v advantage_n by_o it_o this_o be_v one_o remarkable_a difference_n between_o the_o legal_a and_o the_o evangelical_n dispensation_n the_o former_a be_v narrow_a and_o contract_a the_o latter_a be_v full_a ample_n comprehensive_a and_o catholic_n 6._o although_o as_o have_v be_v say_v the_o condition_n of_o salvation_n be_v the_o same_o now_o as_o to_o the_o main_a with_o those_o before_o yet_o they_o vary_v as_o to_o several_a circumstance_n to_o begin_v with_o faith_n the_o first_o and_o chief_a condition_n of_o salvation_n the_o grand_a fundamental_a grace_n of_o christianity_n this_o be_v reckon_v by_o the_o reverend_a bishop_n tailor_n among_o the_o instance_n of_o duty_n which_o be_v new_a under_o the_o gospel_n but_o the_o true_a account_n be_v this_o that_o faith_n be_v not_o a_o precept_n of_o the_o natural_a or_o moral_a law_n but_o be_v a_o new_a precept_n add_v to_o it_o by_o revelation_n when_o the_o first_o promise_n and_o new_a covenant_n be_v make_v but_o ever_o since_o that_o it_o have_v not_o be_v new_a for_o as_o i_o have_v prove_v the_o ancient_a patriarch_n be_v save_v by_o faith_n in_o christ._n he_o be_v the_o object_n of_o faith_n then_o as_o well_o as_o now_o the_o augustin_n faith_n of_o the_o first_o believer_n be_v the_o same_o with_o the_o faith_n of_o christian_n yet_o notwithstanding_o this_o this_o grace_n of_o faith_n have_v a_o different_a aspect_n from_o what_o it_o have_v the_o father_n believe_v in_o the_o messiah_n that_o be_v to_o come_v and_o we_o believe_v in_o the_o same_o jesus_n who_o be_v come_v and_o have_v take_v on_o he_o our_o nature_n and_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n and_o shed_v his_o precious_a blood_n for_o the_o redemption_n of_o lose_a man_n and_o rise_v again_o and_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n thus_o the_o believe_v of_o christ_n birth_n passion_n resurrection_n and_o ascension_n be_v in_o this_o respect_n nâ—w_o that_o faith_n look_v upon_o they_o as_o accomplish_v but_o otherwise_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o it_o be_v the_o old_a faith_n i._n e._n the_o same_o which_o those_o that_o live_v before_o the_o time_n of_o the_o messiah_n exert_v christ_n that_o be_v to_o be_v crucify_v be_v the_o object_n of_o their_o belief_n and_o christ_n already_o crucify_v be_v the_o object_n of_o we_o this_o be_v confirm_v â—rom_o isa._n 53._o act_n 15._o 11._o 1_o cor._n 5._o 7._o heb._n 9_o 11._o and_o abundance_n of_o other_o text_n st._n augustine_n have_v affirm_v that_o the_o saint_n of_o old_a be_v save_v in_o the_o same_o way_n that_o we_o be_v viz._n by_o faith_n in_o jesus_n add_v 43._o this_o distinction_n they_o say_v he_o be_v save_v by_o faith_n in_o christ_n future_a suffering_n and_o we_o by_o faith_n in_o those_o suffering_n as_o they_o be_v already_o past_a this_o be_v that_o which_o our_o church_n say_v part._n speak_v of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n that_o live_v before_o christ_n incarnation_n althâ—_n they_o be_v not_o name_v christian_a man_n yet_o be_v it_o a_o christian_a faith_n which_o they_o have_v for_o they_o look_v for_o all_o the_o benefit_n of_o god_n the_o father_n through_o the_o merit_n of_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n as_o we_o now_o do_v this_o difference_n be_v between_o they_o and_o we_o that_o they_o look_v when_o christ_n shall_v come_v and_o we_o be_v in_o the_o time_n when_o he_o be_v come_v beside_o a_o more_o general_a belief_n be_v sufficient_a for_o man_n salvation_n before_o the_o messias_n come_n then_o be_v now_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n to_o believe_v so_o express_o and_o explicit_o concern_v christ_n and_o his_o undertake_n as_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v since_o so_o that_o though_o there_o be_v not_o now_o a_o new_a faith_n neither_o be_v there_o new_a article_n of_o faith_n yet_o there_o be_v new_a exertment_n of_o faith_n and_o more_o clear_a
at_o all_o it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v not_o such_o plain_a and_o evident_a discovery_n to_o those_o ancient_n of_o a_o future_a endless_a existence_n and_o consequent_o a_o reward_n in_o another_o world_n as_o there_o have_v be_v since_o the_o come_n of_o the_o messiah_n it_o be_v grant_v that_o the_o law_n deal_v in_o temporal_a and_o secular_a thing_n most_o of_o all_o but_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v thence_o that_o the_o jew_n have_v no_o high_a promise_n than_o those_o that_o be_v earthly_a and_o respect_v this_o life_n only_o yea_o this_o also_o must_v be_v further_o grant_v that_o though_o moses_n and_o daniel_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o the_o most_o devout_a person_n among_o they_o be_v sensible_a of_o this_o yet_o it_o be_v likely_a many_o of_o the_o jew_n look_v no_o further_o than_o the_o present_a enjoyment_n of_o this_o animal_n life_n and_o indeed_o most_o of_o the_o blessing_n we_o read_v of_o seem_v to_o hold_v forth_o nothing_o else_o but_o under_o the_o new_a testament_n eternal_a life_n be_v open_o and_o clear_o offer_v and_o all_o person_n may_v be_v make_v apprehensive_a of_o it_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o christ_n be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o mediator_n of_o a_o better_a covenant_n which_o be_v establish_v on_o better_a promise_n heb._n 8._o 6._o the_o promise_n under_o the_o gospel_n be_v better_o than_o those_o under_o the_o law_n because_o they_o be_v clear_a and_o plain_o concern_v a_o immortal_a state_n hereafter_o here_o be_v one_o great_a difference_n between_o the_o evangelical_n and_o the_o legal_a dispensation_n the_o latter_a propound_v future_a punishment_n without_o end_n to_o terrify_v offender_n and_o endless_a reward_n to_o â—â—courage_v the_o faithful_a but_o the_o former_a add_v a_o assurâ—â—â—â—_n of_o both_o these_o it_o make_v it_o manifest_a evident_a and_o undeniable_a that_o there_o be_v such_o thing_n it_o demonstrate_v to_o we_o that_o there_o be_v never-ceasing_a torment_n for_o the_o wicked_a and_o eternal_a joy_n for_o the_o righteous_a of_o which_o latter_a christ_n have_v assure_v we_o by_o his_o ascend_n into_o heaven_n there_o to_o prepare_v perpetual_a mansion_n of_o glory_n for_o all_o his_o follower_n he_o come_v from_o above_o and_o go_v thither_o again_o that_o we_o may_v have_v life_n and_o that_o we_o may_v have_v it_o more_o abundant_o john_n 100l_n 10._o that_o we_o may_v be_v every_o way_n ascertain_v of_o a_o immortal_a state_n of_o glory_n and_o thereby_o be_v effectual_o move_v and_o excite_v to_o obedience_n three_o there_o be_v this_o motive_n peculiar_a to_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n viz_o the_o love_n of_o god_n the_o father_n who_o send_v his_o son_n and_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n who_o die_v for_o we_o god_n so_o love_v the_o world_n that_o he_o give_v his_o only_a beget_v son_n say_v that_o bless_a disciple_n who_o jesus_n love_v john_n 3._o 16._o and_o again_o 1_o john_n 4._o 9_o 10._o in_o this_o be_v manifest_v the_o love_n of_o god_n towards_o we_o because_o that_o god_n send_v his_o only_o beget_v son_n into_o the_o world_n that_o we_o may_v live_v through_o he_o herein_o be_v love_n not_o that_o we_o first_o love_v he_o but_o that_o he_o love_v we_o first_o now_o observe_v how_o he_o make_v this_o a_o motive_n to_o the_o duty_n of_o evangelical_n love_n if_o god_n so_o love_v we_o we_o ought_v to_o love_v one_o another_o ver_fw-la 11._o no_o former_a dispensation_n afford_v this_o motive_n christ_n therefore_o may_v well_o say_v a_o new_a commandment_n i_o give_v unto_o you_o that_o you_o love_v one_o another_o as_o i_o have_v love_v you_o john_n 13._o 34._o this_o be_v a_o new_a thing_n and_o be_v proper_a to_o christianity_n only_o here_o the_o love_n of_o god_n be_v shed_v abroad_o in_o our_o heart_n rom._n 5._o 5._o here_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n constrain_v we_o 2_o cor._n 5._o 14._o and_o then_o no_o duty_n in_o religion_n come_v amiss_o to_o we_o than_o we_o act_v with_o vigour_n and_o cheerfulness_n and_o exert_v our_o utmost_a power_n and_o that_o with_o ease_n and_o complacency_n this_o principle_n of_o love_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n which_o be_v most_o proper_a to_o the_o occonomy_n of_o the_o law_n to_o the_o breach_n of_o every_o part_n of_o which_o god_n have_v annex_v severe_a curse_n to_o terrify_v offender_n and_o these_o general_o be_v the_o most_o powerful_a motive_n they_o have_v to_o make_v they_o obedient_a the_o promulgation_n of_o the_o law_n be_v with_o great_a terror_n and_o astonishment_n mount_v sinai_n be_v another_o aetna_n it_o cast_v out_o flame_n and_o smoke_n and_o nothing_o be_v see_v and_o hear_v but_o what_o be_v very_o frightful_a this_o well_o represent_v the_o terrible_a administration_n of_o the_o law_n which_o breathe_v severity_n and_o rigour_n and_o be_v right_o call_v esh_n do_v a_o fiery_a law_n deut._n 33._o 2._o they_o be_v scare_v into_o their_o duty_n for_o the_o most_o part_n but_o this_o servile_a spirit_n this_o principle_n of_o legal_a fear_n be_v banish_v out_o of_o christianity_n those_o that_o be_v effectual_o bring_v under_o this_o dispensation_n act_n by_o a_o principle_n of_o love_n for_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v free_a and_o ingenuous_a sweet_a and_o gentle_a and_o need_v not_o to_o be_v push_v on_o by_o rigour_n and_o austerity_n god_n have_v not_o give_v we_o the_o spirit_n of_o fear_n but_o of_o love_n 2_o tim._n 1._o 7._o therefore_o we_o may_v right_o conclude_v with_o st._n augustine_n amor_fw-la that_o fear_v and_o love_n be_v the_o grand_a difference_n between_o the_o law_n and_o the_o gospel_n 8._o as_o christianity_n have_v 〈◊〉_d motive_n as_o our_o duty_n be_v fasten_v on_o we_o by_o new_a obligation_n and_o those_o the_o great_a and_o noble_a so_o we_o have_v the_o perfect_a pâ—â—tern_n the_o example_n of_o christ_n jesus_n our_o bless_a lord_n enâ—ch_n noah_n abraham_n moses_n job_n david_n and_o many_o other_o be_v worthy_a and_o eminent_a example_n of_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n in_o the_o former_a dispensation_n but_o alas_o these_o be_v man_n of_o like_a fail_n and_o infirmity_n with_o ourselves_o and_o their_o life_n be_v not_o a_o exact_a rule_n for_o we_o to_o walk_v by_o but_o the_o bless_a jesuâ—_n the_o founder_n of_o our_o religion_n be_v without_o spot_n and_o blemish_n in_o his_o life_n he_o neither_o speak_v nor_o do_v any_o thing_n amiss_o he_o be_v every_o way_n blameless_a and_o harmless_a pure_a and_o underâ—â—led_v he_o give_v we_o a_o perfect_a example_n of_o piety_n and_o devotion_n of_o justice_n and_o righteousness_n of_o moderation_n and_o sobriety_n of_o mercy_n and_o charity_n of_o humility_n and_o self-denial_n of_o contentedness_n and_o resignation_n of_o religious_a zeal_n and_o courage_n of_o all_o virtue_n and_o grace_n whatsoever_o which_o be_v to_o adorn_v the_o life_n of_o a_o christian._n our_o saviour_n be_v send_v on_o purpose_n to_o be_v a_o guide_n a_o pattern_n a_o rule_n to_o the_o degenerate_a world_n that_o by_o the_o excellency_n and_o transcendency_n of_o his_o example_n he_o may_v reduce_v mankind_n to_o the_o way_n of_o religion_n and_o righteousness_n that_o in_o he_o they_o may_v behold_v and_o admire_v the_o beauty_n of_o goodness_n and_o the_o worth_n of_o piety_n and_o holiness_n and_o that_o by_o this_o mean_v christianity_n may_v be_v commend_v to_o the_o world_n and_o that_o man_n may_v esteem_v and_o love_v it_o when_o it_o shine_v forth_o so_o glorious_o in_o this_o admirable_a and_o unparalleled_a example_n in_o this_o we_o have_v a_o advantage_n above_o those_o who_o live_v beâ—ore_o our_o saviour_n time_n therefore_o this_o may_v be_v reckon_v as_o one_o difference_n between_o the_o jewish_a and_o the_o christian_a church_n 9_o we_o under_o the_o gospel_n have_v great_a help_n and_o assistance_n towards_o the_o perform_n of_o our_o duty_n than_o those_o who_o live_v under_o other_o dispensation_n have_v we_o have_v great_a light_n to_o direct_v we_o we_o have_v more_o effectual_a mean_n to_o make_v use_n of_o we_o have_v all_o the_o reveal_v knowledge_n which_o they_o have_v and_o we_o have_v much_o more_o beside_o we_o have_v the_o holy_a scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n to_o enlighten_v to_o inform_v to_o instruct_v we_o to_o check_v and_o reprove_v we_o to_o comâ—ort_v and_o support_v we_o we_o be_v bless_v with_o the_o sacred_a ordinance_n of_o christ_n own_o institution_n the_o sole_a design_n of_o which_o be_v to_o convey_v knowledge_n and_o grace_n strength_n and_o establishment_n to_o our_o soul_n god_n have_v set_v in_o the_o church_n some_o apostle_n some_o prophet_n some_o evangelist_n some_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n for_o the_o perfect_a of_o the_o saint_n for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n for_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n till_o we_o all_o come_v in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o
there_o be_v this_o threefold_a difference_n between_o they_o which_o i_o request_n may_v be_v well_o weigh_v because_o it_o will_v be_v of_o singular_a use_n to_o rectify_v our_o notion_n about_o the_o matter_n in_o hand_n and_o to_o give_v we_o a_o true_a insight_n into_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o covenant_n 1._o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n say_v do_v this_o by_o thy_o own_o natural_a strength_n and_o power_n and_o if_o thou_o do_v so_o thou_o shall_v live_v for_o this_o be_v certain_a that_o in_o â—he_n first_o covenant_n the_o condition_n be_v to_o be_v perform_v by_o adam_n and_o eve_n and_o we_o in_o they_o by_o a_o natural_a strength_n give_v in_o the_o state_n of_o innocency_n they_o be_v create_v with_o a_o sufficient_a power_n to_o do_v what_o god_n require_v of_o they_o by_o their_o own_o freewill_n they_o may_v have_v stand_v but_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n say_v do_v this_o by_o a_o supernatural_a assistance_n by_o that_o grace_n which_o be_v give_v through_o christ_n jesus_n no_o man_n be_v natural_o bear_v with_o a_o ability_n to_o do_v god_n will_n and_o to_o please_v he_o there_o be_v a_o new_a birth_n whereby_o he_o be_v empower_v to_o do_v this_o there_o be_v a_o divine_a principle_n superad_v to_o his_o nature_n and_o by_o virtue_n of_o this_o he_o believe_v repent_v etc._n etc._n this_o be_v the_o first_o difference_n between_o the_o do_v under_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n and_o under_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n 2._o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n say_v do_v this_o and_o for_o do_v thou_o shall_v live_v but_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n say_v do_v this_o and_o for_o christ_n merit_n and_o satisfaction_n thy_o do_v shall_v be_v accept_v of_o god_n for_o his_o sake_n thou_o shall_v liuâ—_n and_o be_v happy_a there_o be_v another_o cause_n you_o see_v viz._n the_o meritorious_a righteousness_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n which_o make_v a_o infinite_a difference_n between_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o this_o we_o must_v remember_v that_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v that_o whereby_o man_n be_v recover_v and_o restore_v to_o happiness_n by_o the_o undertake_n of_o another_o whereas_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n a_o man_n attain_v to_o life_n and_o happiness_n by_o his_o own_o work_n and_o obedience_n his_o personal_a righteousness_n entitle_v he_o to_o heaven_n by_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o first_o compact_n but_o now_o the_o term_n be_v otherwise_o that_o which_o procure_v liâ—e_z and_o immortality_n under_o the_o second_o covenant_n be_v the_o obedience_n of_o christ._n there_o be_v nothing_o we_o can_v do_v that_o will_v be_v acceptable_a for_o our_o own_o sake_n but_o on_o the_o account_n of_o the_o messiâ—â—_n the_o mediator_n we_o and_o our_o service_n be_v accept_v the_o covenant_n of_o work_n require_v dâ—ing_v as_o a_o performance_n merit_v salvation_n and_o bleâ—â—edness_n but_o this_o other_o agreement_n exact_v of_o we_o do_v only_o as_o it_o be_v the_o appoint_a way_n and_o mean_n of_o salvation_n this_o render_v the_o difference_n very_o great_a and_o wide_o between_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o 3._o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n â—aith_n do_v this_o but_o be_v sure_a to_o do_v it_o without_o the_o least_o â—ailing_a and_o imperfection_n and_o thou_o shall_v liuâ—_n if_o thou_o do_v it_o thus_o otherwise_o not_o for_o this_o covenant_n make_v with_o adâ—â—_n and_o his_o posterity_n be_v upon_o condition_n of_o sinless_a obedience_n as_o we_o find_v by_o the_o consequence_n and_o as_o we_o can_v prove_v from_o the_o law_n which_o be_v found_v on_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n curse_a be_v he_o that_o continue_v not_o in_o 〈◊〉_d thing_n write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n to_o do_v they_o dâ—ut_o 27._o 26._o universal_a and_o entire_a obedience_n be_v absolute_o require_v but_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n say_v dâ—_n this_o and_o though_o it_o be_v do_v on_o thy_o part_n imperfect_o yet_o thou_o shall_v live_v thou_o shall_v be_v accept_v for_o the_o perfect_a and_o consummate_a righteousness_n of_o christ_n although_o thy_o service_n be_v mix_v with_o weakness_n and_o sin_n the_o difference_n then_o between_o the_o couâ—nant_n of_o work_n and_o that_o of_o gracâ—_n be_v not_o do_v or_o not_o do_v keep_v or_o not_o keep_v the_o commandment_n but_o the_o difference_n be_v here_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n require_v the_o keep_v the_o commandment_n without_o sinâ—ing_n whereas_o by_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n no_o such_o thing_n be_v require_v this_o be_v the_o difference_n between_o the_o covenant_n and_o thence_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o the_o latter_a of_o they_o require_v not_o only_o believe_v but_o act_v though_o it_o be_v true_a believe_v be_v the_o principal_a thing_n under_o the_o new_a covenant_n and_o therefore_o we_o find_v this_o chief_o urge_v by_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n faith_n be_v the_o main_a thing_n inculcate_v in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o the_o contrary_n be_v that_o which_o be_v most_o lay_v to_o man_n charge_n on_o this_o account_n it_o be_v right_o say_v that_o believe_v and_o be_v sâ—uâ—â—_n be_v the_o language_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n but_o yet_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o do_v or_o work_v be_v not_o exclude_v for_o we_o find_v in_o the_o evangelical_n write_n that_o both_o faith_n and_o good_a work_n be_v make_v the_o necessary_a condition_n in_o order_n to_o eternal_a life_n he_o that_o believe_v shall_v be_v save_v mark_v 16._o 16._o believe_v on_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o thou_o shall_v be_v save_v act_v 16._o 31._o repent_v and_o be_v convert_v that_o your_o sin_n may_v be_v blot_v out_o act_v 3._o 19_o circumcision_n be_v nothing_o and_o uncircumcision_n be_v nothing_o but_o keep_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n â—_o cor._n 7._o 19_o without_o holiness_n no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o lord_n heb._n 12._o 14._o and_o many_o other_o place_n of_o scripture_n show_v that_o something_o be_v require_v to_o be_v do_v by_o we_o under_o the_o new_a couâ—nâ—nt_n wherefore_o we_o need_v not_o be_v afraid_a to_o say_v that_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v â—_o law_n viz._n on_o this_o account_n that_o it_o command_v something_o to_o be_v do_v so_o that_o one_o will_v wonder_v that_o any_o man_n of_o reason_n and_o discourse_n shall_v assert_v and_o that_o with_o much_o confidence_n that_o the_o gospel_n be_v not_o a_o law_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o sanction_n there_o be_v no_o precept_n no_o threatening_n no_o prâ—mises_n belong_v to_o it_o as_o i_o find_v some_o have_v late_o maintain_v notwithstanding_o it_o be_v style_v a_o law_n by_o two_o apostle_n heb._n 8._o 6._o james_n 1._o 25._o and_o we_o need_v not_o be_v afraid_a to_o say_v that_o there_o be_v condition_n propound_v and_o to_o be_v perform_v under_o this_o covenant_n for_o what_o be_v a_o condition_n do_v not_o every_o one_o grant_v that_o it_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n require_v of_o 〈◊〉_d without_o the_o performance_n of_o which_o we_o shall_v never_o obtain_v the_o thing_n offer_v and_o prâ—mised_v and_o be_v not_o this_o applicable_a to_o the_o present_a case_n be_v not_o faith_n and_o obedience_n absolute_o require_v antecedent_o to_o our_o enjoy_n the_o benefit_n and_o privilege_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n that_o be_v offer_v to_o we_o do_v not_o the_o word_n condition_n express_v the_o manner_n of_o our_o partake_v the_o benefit_n of_o the_o gospel-covenant_n do_v it_o not_o signify_v that_o order_n and_o disposition_n of_o the_o divine_a grace_n which_o be_v to_o be_v see_v in_o confer_v pardon_n and_o happiness_n god_n have_v appoint_v that_o none_o shall_v reap_v this_o fruit_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n unless_o they_o first_o believe_v and_o repent_v this_o be_v a_o fix_a and_o establish_a order_n and_o without_o observe_v and_o perform_v of_o this_o latter_a we_o shall_v never_o have_v any_o advantage_n of_o the_o former_a it_o be_v evident_a then_o that_o believe_v and_o repent_v be_v condition_n and_o no_o man_n of_o correct_a thought_n can_v boggle_v at_o the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o it_o but_o perhaps_o it_o will_v be_v say_v the_o conditionality_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v explode_v by_o the_o first_o reformâ—rs_n for_o calvin_n and_o other_o be_v quote_v for_o this_o that_o the_o gospel_n promise_v not_o eternal_a life_n upon_o condition_n of_o obedience_n but_o i_o answer_v and_o that_o with_o sincerity_n and_o truth_n that_o the_o reformer_n speak_v thus_o in_o opposition_n only_o to_o the_o popish_a interpretation_n of_o the_o word_n condition_n for_o those_o of_o the_o church_n of_o româ—_n make_v faith_n and_o good_a work_n such_o a_o condition_n as_o give_v a_o right_a to_o eternal_a life_n and_o include_v in_o it_o merit_n in_o this_o sense_n they_o disclaim_v all_o
condition_n and_o so_o do_v we_o because_o it_o be_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o the_o satisfaction_n make_v by_o christ_n that_o give_v we_o right_a and_o title_n to_o pardon_n and_o life_n and_o eternal_a glory_n but_o none_o of_o the_o reform_v church_n ever_o doubt_v whether_o faith_n and_o obedience_n be_v condition_n of_o the_o evangelical_n covenant_n in_o the_o sense_n above_o propound_v viz._n that_o they_o be_v such_o thing_n without_o the_o performance_n of_o which_o we_o shall_v never_o obtain_v the_o blessing_n promise_v to_o we_o and_o this_o be_v ingenuous_o confess_v by_o justification_n one_o who_o be_v think_v by_o some_o to_o incline_v whole_o to_o the_o contrary_a opinion_n speak_v of_o the_o true_a acception_n of_o the_o word_n condition_n in_o this_o present_a matter_n he_o have_v these_o express_a word_n if_o it_o be_v intend_v that_o these_o thing_n viz._n faith_n and_o obedience_n though_o promise_v in_o the_o covenant_n and_o wrought_v in_o we_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n arâ—_n yeâ—_n duty_n require_v of_o we_o in_o order_n to_o the_o participation_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o full_a end_n of_o the_o covenant_n it_o be_v the_o truth_n that_o be_v assert_v i._n e._n they_o be_v proper_o condition_n and_o thus_o in_o some_o respect_n the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o covenant_n of_o work_n i._n e._n so_o far_o as_o it_o require_v certain_a condition_n to_o be_v perform_v by_o we_o though_o not_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n that_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n require_v they_o for_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o meritorious_a and_o impulsive_a cause_n as_o they_o be_v then_o but_o only_o as_o a_o instrument_n or_o mean_n in_o order_n to_o eternal_a happiness_n but_o otherwise_o as_o have_v be_v say_v there_o be_v a_o vast_a difference_n between_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n and_o of_o grace_n for_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o former_a be_v that_o our_o first_o parent_n and_o in_o they_o all_o mankind_n shall_v without_o the_o least_o defect_n and_o transgression_n perform_v the_o law_n which_o god_n give_v they_o and_o that_o upon_o the_o sole_a account_n of_o this_o performance_n they_o shall_v purchase_v happiness_n but_o if_o they_o be_v deficient_a in_o their_o duty_n they_o shall_v perish_v without_o any_o hope_n of_o mercy_n there_o be_v no_o provision_n of_o forgiveness_n in_o case_n they_o shall_v break_v god_n law_n there_o be_v no_o promise_n of_o be_v receive_v into_o god_n favour_n again_o but_o the_o term_n of_o the_o latter_a be_v that_o god_n will_v not_o be_v exact_a with_o we_o and_o require_v a_o obedience_n void_a of_o all_o sin_n but_o that_o for_o the_o worth_n of_o christ_n sinless_a obedience_n for_o the_o value_n of_o his_o perfect_a righteousness_n we_o shall_v be_v reward_v with_o life_n and_o bliss_n and_o this_o covenant_n allow_v of_o hearty_a repentance_n after_o we_o have_v transgress_v the_o divine_a law_n and_o assure_v we_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v reconcile_v unto_o god_n and_o be_v restore_v to_o his_o favour_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o our_o bless_a mediator_n our_o sin_n and_o fail_n shall_v be_v forgive_v we_o if_o we_o sincere_o repent_v of_o they_o and_o betake_v ourselves_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o contrary_a duty_n this_o be_v the_o way_n and_o method_n of_o salvation_n under_o this_o covenant_n instead_o of_o exact_a righteousness_n i._n e._n whole_o live_v without_o sin_n god_n accept_v of_o our_o do_v according_a to_o the_o utmost_a of_o our_o capacity_n and_o our_o act_n with_o sincerity_n and_o uprightness_n and_o the_o defect_n of_o this_o personal_a righteousness_n and_o obedience_n be_v supply_v by_o the_o meritorious_a righteousness_n and_o obedience_n of_o christ_n jesus_n thus_o you_o see_v how_o these_o two_o covenant_n differ_v and_o that_o they_o answer_v to_o the_o different_a state_n of_o man_n innocence_n and_o of_o his_o fall_n and_o that_o the_o second_o covenant_n be_v make_v because_o we_o can_v observe_v the_o strict_a condition_n of_o the_o first_o the_o second_o covenant_n or_o covenant_n of_o grace_n make_v with_o adam_n first_o be_v a_o long_a time_n after_o that_o repeat_v to_o â—â—raâ—am_n gen._n 22._o 18._o and_o afterward_o renew_v and_o in_o a_o solemn_a manner_n confirm_v to_o the_o israelite_n at_o the_o give_v of_o the_o law_n on_o mâ—â—nt_n sinai_n there_o be_v then_o this_o 9_o covenant_n make_v between_o god_n and_o they_o god_n promise_v life_n and_o they_o obedience_n therefore_o moses_n who_o transact_v this_o on_o the_o mount_n be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o mediator_n between_o god_n and_o they_o it_o be_v say_v mosâ—s_n take_v the_o book_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o read_v it_o in_o the_o ear_n of_o the_o people_n exod._n 24._o 7._o which_o refer_v to_o all_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n which_o moses_n write_v ver_fw-la 4._o i._n e._n all_o those_o law_n precept_n and_o judgement_n which_o god_n give_v to_o the_o people_n and_o which_o they_o unanimous_o accept_v of_o and_o promise_a obedience_n to_o but_o the_o decalogue_n be_v the_o sum_n of_o this_o covenant_n as_o appear_v from_o deut._n 4._o 13._o god_n declare_v to_o you_o his_o covenant_n which_o he_o command_v you_o to_o perform_v even_o ten_o commandment_n some_o hold_n that_o this_o covenant_n make_v with_o the_o israelite_n be_v the_o covenant_n of_o work_n the_o same_o as_o to_o the_o main_n which_o be_v make_v with_o adam_n before_o the_o fall_n i_o grant_v there_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o a_o go_v back_o as_o i_o have_v observe_v before_o a_o seem_a revive_a of_o the_o old_a covenant_n of_o work_n and_o so_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n be_v as_o it_o be_v after_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n or_o rather_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o work_n seem_v to_o be_v at_o the_o same_o time_n but_o this_o be_v not_o so_o in_o reality_n but_o only_o in_o appearance_n there_o be_v a_o evangelical_n promise_v to_o adam_n and_o abraham_n viz._n that_o they_o shall_v be_v justify_v by_o the_o messiah_n and_o there_o be_v a_o promise_n also_o to_o the_o jew_n that_o they_o shall_v live_v i._n e._n be_v save_v if_o they_o perform_v the_o law_n but_o these_o two_o promise_n be_v not_o inconsistent_a neither_o do_v the_o latter_a of_o these_o abrogate_v the_o former_a as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v in_o gal._n 3._o 17._o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n which_o be_v confirm_v before_o of_o god_n in_o christ_n the_o law_n which_o be_v four_o hundred_o and_o thirty_o year_n after_o can_v not_o disannul_v that_o it_o shall_v make_v the_o promise_n or_o covenant_n of_o none_o effect_n but_o as_o the_o apostle_n subjoin_v the_o law_n which_o look_v something_o like_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n be_v add_v to_o it_o because_o of_o transgression_n until_o the_o bless_a seed_n shall_v come_v ver_fw-la 19_o the_o law_n be_v to_o be_v serviceable_a to_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o to_o be_v a_o schoolmaster_n to_o bring_v they_o to_o christ._n 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quit_v their_o masters_n doctrine_n this_o be_v a_o thing_n not_o to_o be_v effect_v for_o those_o person_n first_o of_o all_o forsake_v their_o worldly_a good_n and_o then_o part_v with_o their_o life_n to_o hold_v fast_o their_o religion_n this_o patient_a suffer_v and_o undaunted_a die_v of_o so_o many_o thousand_o be_v a_o unquestionable_a proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n for_o those_o enlighten_v and_o sanctify_v man_n will_v never_o lay_v down_o their_o life_n to_o maintain_v a_o falsehood_n and_o to_o perpetuate_v a_o lie_n no_o they_o know_v who_o they_o believe_v in_o and_o for_o who_o they_o suffer_v and_o that_o make_v they_o so_o courageous_a we_o may_v conclude_v then_o that_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n be_v confirm_v by_o the_o blood_n of_o those_o worthy_a man_n those_o expire_a saint_n do_v testify_v the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v style_v martyr_n second_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o cause_n be_v a_o impregnable_a argument_n of_o the_o reality_n and_o truth_n of_o these_o thing_n which_o i_o be_o speak_v of_o there_o be_v this_o follow_a heap_n of_o evidence_n 1._o a_o great_a presumption_n arise_v from_o just_a cause_n and_o circumstance_n yea_o and_o from_o a_o multiplicity_n of_o they_o which_o in_o all_o court_n of_o judicature_n be_v of_o considerable_a weight_n and_o value_n with_o understand_a judge_n this_o first_o but_o low_a sort_n of_o evidence_n the_o christian_a church_n since_o our_o saviour_n have_v not_o be_v destitute_a of_o for_o there_o be_v never_o high_a presumption_n in_o any_o cause_n under_o heaven_n than_o there_o be_v in_o this_o but_o we_o need_v not_o mention_v this_o when_o we_o have_v 2._o the_o notoriety_n of_o the_o fact_n i._n e._n when_o the_o thing_n in_o trial_n be_v open_o and_o common_o know_v when_o they_o be_v avouch_v by_o public_a fame_n and_o the_o universal_a vogue_n of_o men._n and_o that_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o christianity_n ever_o since_o christ_n leave_v the_o earth_n can_v be_v deny_v by_o any_o man_n of_o modesty_n and_o truth_n 3._o the_o succession_n of_o christian_n and_o church_n in_o the_o world_n be_v a_o plain_a proof_n that_o they_o very_o believe_v those_o thing_n which_o make_v they_o christian_n and_o church_n hereupon_o they_o deliver_v to_o we_o those_o write_n which_o they_o receive_v from_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o evangelist_n and_o apostle_n by_o their_o transmit_v they_o to_o posterity_n they_o show_v that_o they_o believe_v they_o to_o be_v sacred_a and_o certain_a verity_n 4._o the_o succession_n of_o bishop_n and_o pastor_n be_v a_o other_o evidence_n for_o it_o be_v their_o office_n to_o read_v public_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o to_o preach_v the_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o they_o and_o consequent_o to_o own_v they_o to_o be_v truth_n which_o be_v a_o good_a motive_n to_o we_o to_o do_v the_o same_o 5._o the_o frequent_a dispute_n which_o christian_n in_o all_o age_n have_v hold_v with_o those_o who_o oppose_v the_o scripture_n and_o christianity_n be_v no_o mean_a testimony_n in_o this_o cause_n 6._o to_o these_o may_v be_v add_v the_o famous_a write_n of_o the_o christian_n in_o the_o several_a century_n their_o apology_n dialogue_n sermon_n homily_n oration_n commentary_n history_n all_o which_o proclaim_v their_o serious_a and_o firm_a belief_n of_o what_o they_o have_v convey_v down_o to_o we_o 7._o all_o christian_a church_n have_v deliver_v to_o we_o certain_a symbol_n or_o article_n of_o belief_n which_o they_o reckon_v to_o be_v the_o standard_n of_o evangelical_n faith_n and_o truth_n 8._o the_o constant_a communion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n in_o the_o solemn_a assembly_n of_o christian_n ever_o since_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n the_o set_v apart_o a_o day_n for_o that_o worship_n the_o read_n of_o the_o scripture_n at_o such_o time_n the_o instruct_v the_o people_n out_o of_o they_o the_o celebrate_v the_o lord_n supper_n the_o constant_a custom_n of_o open_o rehearse_v and_o profess_v the_o christian_a belief_n the_o prayer_n and_o praise_n offer_v to_o god_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n the_o yearly_a commemoration_n of_o the_o birth_n death_n and_o resurrection_n of_o our_o saviour_n the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n which_o acknowledge_v the_o father_n the_o son_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 9_o the_o sundry_a decree_n and_o canon_n of_o synod_n and_o council_n hold_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n last_o the_o many_o law_n and_o edict_n of_o christian_a emperor_n and_o prince_n in_o defence_n and_o confirmation_n of_o our_o most_o holy_a religion_n these_o and_o all_o the_o rest_n beforenamed_n be_v clear_a proof_n and_o evidence_n that_o the_o evangelical_n write_n which_o contain_v the_o doctrine_n and_o action_n of_o our_o bless_a lord_n be_v right_o and_o true_o convey_v to_o we_o and_o that_o we_o be_v in_o possession_n of_o the_o same_o faith_n and_o
what_o happen_v utter_v these_o word_n true_o this_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n mat._n 26._o 54._o he_o be_v a_o pagan_a do_v not_o mean_a that_o christ_n the_o person_n who_o then_o suffer_v be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n by_o eternal_a generation_n it_o be_v not_o the_o same_o testimony_n with_o that_o of_o st._n peter_n concern_v christ_n of_o a_o truth_n thou_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n mat._n 14._o 33._o nor_o of_o the_o disciple_n we_o believe_v that_o thou_o be_v christ_n the_o son_n of_o the_o live_a god_n mat._n 16._o 16._o but_o he_o mean_v he_o be_v a_o brave_a and_o excellent_a person_n a_o holy_a and_o good_a man_n unworthy_a of_o that_o which_o he_o undergo_v one_o who_o have_v deserve_v nothing_o of_o what_o he_o suffer_v and_o that_o this_o be_v the_o meaning_n be_v plain_a from_o st._n luke_n who_o relate_v this_o passage_n of_o the_o centurion_n thus_o certain_o this_o be_v a_o righteous_a man_n luke_n 23._o 47._o so_o he_o explain_v st._n matthew_n pliny_n a_o heathen_a governor_n under_o the_o roman_a emperor_n speak_v honourable_o of_o the_o christian_n and_o he_o have_v leave_v a_o particular_a testimony_n of_o their_o fair_a and_o peaceable_a demeanour_n as_o well_o as_o of_o their_o early_a devotion_n in_o a_o letter_n which_o he_o write_v to_o trajan_n the_o public_a archive_v at_o rome_n and_o the_o know_v write_n and_o monument_n of_o the_o heathen_n preserve_v the_o memory_n of_o many_o notable_a thing_n relate_v to_o christ._n therefore_o tertullian_n in_o his_o apology_n for_o the_o christian_n often_o appeal_v to_o these_o and_o bid_v they_o consult_v the_o censual_a table_n and_o other_o public_a record_n which_o testify_v of_o those_o thing_n in_o brief_a profane_a history_n relate_v many_o thing_n of_o our_o saviour_n his_o person_n his_o action_n his_o death_n the_o prodigy_n that_o accompany_v it_o the_o great_a change_n make_v by_o that_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n and_o many_o other_o thing_n appertain_v to_o it_o of_o which_o i_o shall_v large_o speak_v in_o another_o place_n thus_o god_n direct_v the_o heart_n of_o enemy_n to_o testify_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o certain_o this_o sort_n of_o testimony_n be_v very_o considerable_a and_o convince_a 4._o the_o confession_n of_o adversary_n be_v ever_o look_v upon_o as_o such_o this_o be_v deserve_o think_v to_o be_v authentic_a nay_o i_o can_v proceed_v further_o and_o show_v you_o that_o the_o infernal_a spirit_n who_o be_v emphatical_o style_v the_o adversary_n and_o have_v show_v himself_o the_o most_o implacable_a enemy_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o cause_n have_v yet_o bear_v witness_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o our_o saviour_n be_v attest_v by_o satan_n the_o devil_n acknowledge_v and_o confess_v he_o to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n mat._n 8._o 29._o and_o at_o another_o time_n they_o confess_v they_o know_v who_o he_o be_v the_o holy_a one_o of_o god_n mark_v 1._o 24._o the_o very_a impure_a daemon_n set_v forth_o the_o 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the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n particular_a inference_n from_o this_o part_n of_o the_o discourse_n viz._n 1._o assent_v to_o the_o christian_a religion_n 2._o assert_v and_o defend_v it_o more_o general_a inference_n from_o the_o whole_a christian_a dispensation_n be_v such_o as_o these_o 1._o admire_v the_o transcendent_a excellency_n of_o it_o 2._o be_v thankful_a for_o it_o 3._o learn_v hence_o our_o great_a obligation_n to_o holiness_n and_o strictness_n of_o life_n this_o enlarge_v upon_o 4._o if_o we_o live_v not_o suitable_o to_o this_o dispensation_n our_o doom_n will_v be_v more_o intolerable_a than_o that_o of_o other_o under_o the_o forego_n oâ—conomies_n it_o appear_v from_o the_o general_a behaviour_n of_o man_n that_o this_o be_v not_o think_v of_o 5._o we_o be_v to_o look_v upon_o this_o as_o the_o last_o dispensation_n this_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o eph._n 1._o 10._o which_o word_n be_v full_o expound_v this_o be_v infer_v from_o the_o gospel_n be_v call_v the_o 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st._n cyprian_n and_o lo_o in_o this_o time_n the_o church_n have_v spread_v out_o her_o branch_n wide_a than_o the_o roman_a empire_n at_o last_o christ_n gospel_n break_v in_o piece_n gentilism_n and_o within_o much_o less_o than_o a_o century_n cast_v the_o empire_n into_o the_o lap_n of_o the_o church_n this_o quick_a advance_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n this_o strange_a progress_n and_o success_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n proclaim_v it_o to_o be_v from_o god_n and_o he_o alone_o this_o wonderful_a increase_n of_o christianity_n in_o so_o short_a a_o time_n be_v signify_v in_o our_o saviour_n parable_n in_o the_o 13_o of_o st._n matthew_n where_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v compare_v to_o a_o grain_n of_o mustardseed_n which_o increase_v to_o a_o tree_n in_o a_o short_a time_n so_o the_o gospel_n at_o first_o be_v little_a and_o mean_a a_o few_o contemptible_a man_n come_v to_o christ_n and_o own_v his_o doctrine_n but_o their_o number_n grow_v great_a 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force_n no._n christianity_n prevail_v not_o as_o mahomet_n sect_n do_v that_o get_v up_o by_o military_a success_n by_o sword_n and_o war_n and_o force_v of_o arms._n but_o the_o christian_n never_o strike_v one_o stroke_n for_o their_o cause_n unless_o you_o reckon_v that_o of_o st._n peter_n when_o he_o cut_v off_o the_o high_a priest_n servant_n ear_n but_o then_o he_o be_v command_v by_o his_o master_n to_o put_v up_o his_o weapon_n and_o they_o never_o draw_v it_o afterward_o christianity_n be_v not_o acquaint_v with_o martial_a discipline_n and_o the_o law_n of_o arm_n there_o be_v no_o use_n of_o these_o harsh_a method_n in_o the_o propagate_a of_o it_o again_o mahometism_n prevail_v in_o a_o rude_a and_o illiterate_a nation_n that_o impostor_n be_v witty_a and_o know_v how_o to_o cajole_v the_o ignorant_a people_n but_o christianity_n grow_v up_o in_o the_o most_o civilise_a part_n of_o the_o world_n where_o there_o be_v the_o great_a knowledge_n and_o the_o most_o art_n and_o we_o have_v example_n of_o the_o profound_a philosopher_n and_o sage_n that_o embrace_v the_o christian_a faith_n i_o wave_v the_o mention_v of_o other_o beside_o mahomet_n who_o have_v a_o martial_a or_o a_o politic_a spirit_n to_o help_v they_o in_o their_o erterprise_n and_o to_o carry_v on_o their_o design_n i_o only_o observe_v to_o you_o the_o marvellous_a power_n and_o prevalency_n of_o christianity_n which_o be_v see_v in_o this_o that_o though_o it_o make_v no_o use_n of_o these_o mean_n yet_o it_o daily_o increase_v and_o be_v every_o where_o propagate_v from_o low_a and_o mean_a beginning_n it_o grow_v up_o to_o a_o vast_a proportion_n and_o at_o length_n it_o arrive_v to_o the_o sway_n and_o sovereignty_n over_o the_o great_a kingdom_n here_o i_o will_v insist_v on_o these_o two_o head_n 1._o that_o in_o the_o propagate_a of_o christianity_n the_o ignorant_a prevail_v against_o the_o learned_a and_o wise._n 2._o that_o the_o weak_a prevail_v against_o the_o strong_a and_o powerful_a both_o which_o be_v no_o mean_a argument_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n first_o the_o ignorant_a prevail_v against_o the_o wise._n for_o what_o be_v the_o apostle_n be_v they_o any_o other_o than_o ignorant_a and_o unlearned_a simple_a rude_a man_n not_o breed_v up_o in_o the_o school_n of_o learning_n not_o acquaint_v with_o art_n and_o science_n whole_o stranger_n to_o philosophy_n and_o the_o fashionable_a learning_n of_o those_o day_n what_o be_v the_o apostle_n but_o poor_a despicable_a mechanic_n who_o know_v nothing_o but_o their_o sorry_a boat_n and_o homely_a cottage_n and_o what_o be_v the_o man_n that_o these_o illiterate_a person_n oppose_v they_o be_v the_o learned_a doctor_n and_o rabbin_n the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n who_o be_v the_o wise_a clerk_n and_o scholar_n among_o the_o jew_n yet_o we_o read_v that_o some_o of_o these_o know_a man_n attend_v to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n preach_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n some_o of_o these_o own_a christ_n and_o christianity_n when_o jesus_n be_v present_v in_o the_o temple_n simeon_n a_o grave_a and_o reverend_a person_n one_o of_o singular_a wisdom_n and_o sanctity_n among_o the_o jew_n acknowledge_v he_o public_o to_o be_v the_o messiah_n and_o saviour_n foretell_v also_o many_o thing_n of_o he_o christianity_n be_v favour_v by_o joseph_n of_o arimathea_n a_o wise_a counsellor_n by_o nicodemus_n a_o doctor_n of_o the_o jewish_a law_n and_o afterward_o by_o gamaliel_n another_o learned_a doctor_n of_o the_o law_n who_o by_o the_o 34._o advice_n he_o give_v may_v be_v think_v to_o have_v be_v a_o friend_n of_o christianity_n saul_n a_o man_n of_o great_a learning_n and_o ability_n bring_v up_o at_o the_o foot_n of_o this_o or_o another_o gamaliel_n and_o apollo_n of_o alexandria_n very_o know_v and_o powerful_a in_o the_o scripture_n be_v convert_v to_o christianity_n and_o submit_v themselves_o to_o
the_o faith_n of_o christ._n so_o in_o the_o next_o age_n although_o the_o jew_n out_o of_o malice_n and_o hatred_n to_o christianity_n as_o tryph._n one_o tell_v they_o to_o their_o face_n send_v out_o their_o emissary_n and_o those_o of_o no_o mean_a ability_n into_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n to_o persuade_v people_n against_o that_o religion_n and_o to_o make_v they_o believe_v that_o the_o professor_n of_o it_o be_v guilty_a of_o atheism_n and_o all_o impiety_n yet_o this_o have_v but_o little_a effect_n upon_o they_o and_o several_a man_n of_o good_a understanding_n and_o knowledge_n embrace_v the_o christian_a faith_n and_o live_v and_o die_v in_o it_o and_o as_o some_o of_o the_o learnede_a jew_n be_v convert_v by_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o they_o once_o count_v foolishness_n so_o among_o the_o gentile_n some_o of_o the_o wise_a philosopher_n and_o witty_a orator_n and_o skilfule_a artist_n for_o the_o art_n as_o well_o as_o empire_n be_v at_o their_o height_n when_o the_o gospel_n appear_v when_o christ_n come_v acknowledge_v the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n and_o hearty_o espouse_v it_o these_o man_n who_o be_v of_o considerable_a learning_n and_o part_n quit_v their_o belove_a sentiment_n and_o principle_n and_o free_o embrace_v the_o evangelical_n doctrine_n the_o early_a trophy_n of_o the_o victorious_a gospel_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n among_o the_o learned_a pagan_n be_v such_o as_o these_o luke_n the_o physician_n zenas_n a_o learned_a 13._o advocate_n of_o the_o civil_a law_n for_o he_o be_v no_o scribe_n or_o doctor_n of_o the_o jewish_a law_n who_o in_o other_o place_n be_v indeed_o style_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d but_o as_o our_o own_o learned_a annotatour_n have_v make_v it_o probable_a he_o be_v one_o that_o practise_v the_o primitive_a roman_a law_n which_o prevail_v not_o only_o at_o rome_n but_o in_o all_o place_n which_o be_v under_o the_o command_n of_o the_o emperor_n likewise_o a_o vast_a number_n of_o learned_a man_n at_o ephesus_n 19_o who_o be_v professor_n of_o curious_a art_n but_o be_v convert_v forthwith_o commit_v their_o book_n to_o the_o flame_n although_o they_o be_v value_v to_o be_v worth_a fifty_o thousand_o piece_n of_o silver_n dionysius_n the_o arâ—opagite_n i._n e._n a_o learned_a philosopher_n and_o a_o celebrate_a judge_n in_o the_o high_a court_n of_o judicature_n at_o athens_n be_v 34._o bring_v to_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n by_o st._n paul_n preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n there_o and_o as_o ecclesiastical_a writer_n report_v be_v make_v the_o first_o bishop_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n at_o athens_n the_o famous_a polycarp_n bid_v adieu_o to_o his_o pagan_a rite_n and_o resolute_o admit_v himself_o a_o disciple_n under_o st._n john_n and_o afterward_o be_v deserve_o constitute_v bishop_n of_o smyrna_n with_o he_o i_o may_v rank_a ignatius_n who_o abandon_v his_o former_a persuasion_n and_o embrace_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o crucify_a jesus_n and_o afterward_o arrive_v to_o the_o episcopal_a chair_n at_o antioch_n who_o ancient_a and_o godly_a epistle_n be_v of_o great_a note_n and_o eminency_n in_o the_o church_n and_o have_v be_v just_o vindicate_v by_o one_o of_o our_o learned_a prelate_n some_o will_v rank_v here_o clement_a the_o roman_n who_o become_v a_o convert_n to_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o manful_o undertake_v the_o defence_n of_o christianity_n and_o have_v leave_v we_o many_o noble_a discovery_n of_o primitive_a action_n especial_o that_o rare_a piece_n of_o st._n peter_n life_n who_o have_v not_o hear_v of_o irenaeus_n for_o now_o i_o will_v step_v into_o the_o second_o century_n that_o most_o eminent_a and_o note_a enquirer_n after_o truth_n who_o submit_v at_o last_o to_o that_o of_o the_o gospel_n and_o make_v it_o his_o particular_a employment_n to_o rehearse_v and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n to_o confute_v the_o several_a heretic_n that_o confront_v any_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a belief_n aristides_n a_o eloquent_a philosopher_n of_o athens_n change_v his_o religion_n and_o present_v a_o apology_n for_o the_o christian_n to_o the_o emperor_n adrian_n athenagoras_n another_o excellent_a athenian_a philosopher_n and_o famous_a for_o all_o sort_n of_o heathen_a learning_n must_v not_o be_v omit_v here_o who_o bid_v adieu_n to_o his_o former_a heathenish_a life_n and_o institution_n undaunted_o maintain_v that_o of_o the_o christian_n theophilus_n of_o aâ—tioch_n be_v another_o convert_a philosopher_n and_o so_o be_v tatianus_n who_o when_o he_o have_v abandon_v the_o pagan_a religion_n write_v a_o excellent_a orationagainst_a the_o greek_n wherein_o he_o apologise_v for_o christianity_n and_o confute_v heathenism_n though_o he_o mingle_v some_o error_n with_o his_o doctrine_n afterward_o pantanus_n who_o be_v afterward_o catechist_n at_o alexandria_n be_v a_o christian_a convert_n from_o the_o stoic_a philosophy_n i_o must_v by_o no_o mean_n forget_v clement_n the_o great_a philosopher_n of_o alexandria_n who_o be_v convert_v to_o christianity_n endeavour_v by_o his_o write_n to_o promote_v that_o cause_n and_o according_o put_v forth_o a_o 〈◊〉_d exhortatory_n oration_n to_o the_o gentile_n wherein_o he_o discover_v the_o folly_n and_o falsehood_n of_o paganism_n and_o earnest_o persuade_v they_o to_o embrace_v christianity_n and_o he_o write_v a_o body_n 〈◊〉_d of_o christian_a ethic_n in_o which_o he_o inform_v the_o manner_n of_o a_o new_o convert_v christian_n and_o he_o add_v 〈◊〉_d another_o treatise_n full_a of_o variety_n of_o matter_n make_v out_o of_o diverse_a author_n sacred_a and_o profane_a wherein_o he_o suppose_v the_o convert_v arrive_v to_o some_o perfection_n and_o therefore_o lay_v he_o down_o great_a and_o high_a rule_n with_o this_o worthy_a convert_n i_o will_v rank_a justin_n who_o as_o tryph._n he_o tell_v we_o himself_o have_v run_v through_o all_o the_o family_n and_o sect_n of_o philosophy_n have_v be_v first_o a_o stoic_a than_o a_o disciple_n of_o the_o peripatetic_n afterward_o a_o pythagorean_n and_o pitch_v at_o length_n upon_o platonism_n and_o become_v a_o profess_a assertour_n of_o it_o a_o long_a time_n but_o at_o last_o a_o ancient_a christianâ—_n man_n he_o say_v meet_v he_o as_o he_o be_v walk_v by_o the_o seaside_n and_o give_v he_o some_o account_n of_o christianity_n from_o which_o time_n he_o have_v a_o fire_n kindle_v in_o his_o breast_n he_o feel_v a_o love_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n and_o follower_n of_o christ_n and_o serious_o reflect_v on_o that_o man_n discourse_n he_o find_v after_o all_o his_o tedious_a search_n and_o the_o long_a risque_n of_o philosophy_n which_o he_o have_v run_v that_o christianity_n dialog_n be_v the_o only_a safe_a and_o useful_a philosophy_n here_o he_o find_v certainty_n and_o profit_n which_o two_o thing_n he_o never_o meet_v with_o before_o hereupon_o he_o be_v studious_a to_o advance_v the_o christian_a religion_n and_o to_o that_o end_n write_v and_o admonitory_a piece_n to_o the_o greek_n against_o gentilism_n and_o two_o incomparable_a apology_n for_o christianity_n with_o a_o defence_n likewise_o of_o it_o against_o judaism_n in_o a_o dialogue_n with_o one_o trypho_n a_o jew_n and_o at_o last_o suffer_v death_n for_o the_o christian_a cause_n and_o thence_o just_o purchase_v the_o surname_n of_o martyr_n but_o i_o will_v pass_v to_o the_o three_o century_n and_o there_o mention_v cyprian_a who_o be_v convert_v from_o paganism_n and_o afterward_o be_v make_v bishop_n of_o carthage_n he_o become_v the_o most_o zealous_a assertour_n of_o christianity_n and_o in_o his_o write_n acquit_v himself_o with_o so_o great_a a_o courage_n as_o can_v never_o be_v express_v he_o manful_o wield_v his_o pen_n against_o the_o nâ—vatians_n and_o against_o apostate_n from_o christianity_n in_o time_n of_o persecution_n he_o suffer_v much_o and_o at_o last_o be_v honour_v with_o the_o crown_n of_o martyrdom_n i_o must_v add_v tertullian_n a_o native_a of_o africa_n who_o of_o a_o civil_a lawyer_n commence_v a_o solid_a advocate_n and_o maintainer_n of_o christianity_n this_o be_v that_o tertullianus_n according_a to_o some_o who_o be_v mention_v in_o the_o digest_v and_o have_v some_o consulta_fw-la of_o his_o set_n down_o there_o and_o indeed_o he_o that_o observe_v his_o stile_n shall_v find_v many_o law-term_n as_o his_o prescription_n against_o heretic_n etc._n etc._n which_o be_v borrow_v from_o the_o civilian_n or_o old_a roman_a lawyer_n though_o i_o know_v the_o learned_a grotius_n of_o the_o same_o faculty_n deny_v it_o utter_o but_o against_o grotius_n i_o set_v eusebius_n who_o tell_v we_o that_o tertullian_n 2._o be_v most_o accurate_o skilled_a in_o the_o roman_a law_n and_o then_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o he_o use_v several_a forensick_a word_n and_o particular_o prescription_n which_o as_o we_o learn_v from_o quintilian_n ulpian_n and_o the_o pandect_n be_v the_o defendant_n reply_v to_o the_o plaintiff_n action_n beside_o it_o may_v be_v
prove_v that_o several_a great_a professor_n of_o the_o imperial_a law_n be_v well-willer_n to_o the_o christian_a institution_n and_o some_o of_o those_o juris_fw-la sacerdotes_fw-la as_o the_o râ—man_n law_n style_v they_o become_v christian_a priest_n i_o have_v already_o mention_v a_o early_a instance_n of_o a_o convert_n of_o this_o rank_n i_o mean_v zenas_n to_o who_o we_o may_v now_o add_v minutius_n fâ—lix_fw-la a_o eminent_a roman_a lawyer_n who_o afterward_o turn_v christian._n and_o to_o he_o may_v be_v join_v arnobius_n and_o laâ—tantius_n his_o scholar_n notable_a rhetorician_n all_o three_o witty_a and_o solid_a defender_n of_o christianity_n against_o paganism_n in_o which_o they_o have_v be_v breed_v up_o to_o who_o may_v be_v add_v julius_n firmicus_n a_o pagan_a first_o and_o then_o give_v his_o name_n to_o christ_n and_o write_v a_o book_n of_o the_o error_n of_o profane_a religion_n afterward_o in_o the_o four_o century_n we_o may_v reckon_v gregory_n bishop_n of_o 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and_o with_o a_o new_a and_o as_o it_o be_v a_o divine_o inspire_v vigour_n engage_v the_o enemy_n and_o opposer_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n that_o be_v some_o captious_a philosopher_n who_o come_v on_o purpose_n to_o show_v their_o part_n and_o wit_n at_o that_o great_a assembly_n but_o this_o ancient_a worthy_a grapple_v with_o they_o with_o a_o marvellous_a and_o almost_o incredible_a vivacity_n he_o beat_v back_o their_o cavil_n he_o baffle_v their_o sophistries_n he_o defend_v the_o christian_a cause_n and_o gain_v upon_o some_o of_o its_o very_a adversary_n to_o own_o the_o same_o and_o particular_o when_o a_o famous_a philosopher_n disturb_v the_o whole_a council_n with_o his_o dispute_n he_o only_o stand_v up_o and_o bare_o propound_v the_o main_a christian_a truth_n to_o he_o and_o bid_v he_o in_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n attend_v to_o they_o make_v he_o become_v mute_a and_o leave_v off_o his_o logic_n and_o wrangle_a and_o confess_v before_o they_o that_o he_o believe_v those_o thing_n to_o be_v true_a and_o that_o there_o come_v force_n and_o virtue_n out_o of_o the_o mouth_n of_o this_o age_a saint_n and_o confessor_n which_o he_o be_v not_o able_a to_o resist_v here_o be_v see_v the_o virtue_n and_o power_n of_o the_o christian_a truth_n by_o its_o own_o native_a strength_n and_o efficacy_n it_o gain_v these_o mighty_a conquest_n it_o pretend_v not_o to_o mathematical_a demonstration_n it_o boast_v not_o of_o skill_n in_o art_n and_o science_n and_o yet_o it_o baffle_v all_o these_o and_o confound_v the_o wise_a philosopher_n and_o prevail_v upon_o the_o man_n who_o be_v cry_v up_o for_o the_o most_o excellent_a attainment_n this_o be_v wonderful_a indeed_o and_o therefore_o you_o read_v that_o when_o the_o jewish_a sanhedrim_n 13._o perceive_v that_o the_o apostle_n be_v unlearned_a and_o ignorant_a man_n they_o marvel_v and_o well_o they_o may_v when_o they_o see_v what_o be_v do_v by_o these_o silly_a illiterate_a folk_n void_a of_o 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philosopher_n the_o dictator_n of_o ethic_n who_o be_v signal_o style_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d wise_a men._n where_o be_v the_o disputer_n of_o this_o world_n the_o natural_a philosopher_n the_o man_n of_o physics_n that_o acquaint_v himself_o with_o the_o fabric_n of_o this_o world_n where_o be_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o questionist_n the_o busy_a diver_n into_o the_o profound_a mystery_n of_o nature_n or_o where_o be_v the_o politician_n that_o great_a searcher_n into_o the_o intrigue_n of_o the_o world_n where_o be_v all_o these_o what_o have_v they_o do_v by_o all_o their_o lecture_n have_v they_o reform_v man_n life_n as_o the_o christian_n have_v do_v do_v their_o principle_n make_v such_o a_o change_n in_o man_n manner_n as_o the_o other_o have_v do_v have_v not_o the_o gospel_n effect_v far_o great_a thing_n than_o all_o the_o dictate_v of_o philosophy_n ever_o do_v have_v not_o god_n make_v foolish_a the_o wisdom_n of_o this_o world_n yea_o it_o please_v god_n by_o the_o foolishness_n of_o preach_v i._n e._n by_o that_o ordinance_n of_o preach_v which_o by_o so_o many_o of_o the_o learned_a and_o wise_a philosopher_n be_v reckon_v as_o foolishness_n by_o this_o method_n and_o mean_v it_o please_v the_o divine_a providence_n to_o save_v they_o that_o believe_v it_o be_v true_a the_o greek_n seek_v after_o wisdom_n as_o the_o apostle_n add_v i._n e._n the_o philosopher_n will_v have_v all_o prove_v by_o natural_a cause_n they_o judge_v all_o by_o the_o verdict_n of_o reason_n and_o run_v all_o thing_n up_o to_o the_o strict_a law_n of_o nature_n therefore_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n be_v to_o these_o greek_n foolishness_n but_o we_o say_v the_o apostle_n in_o behalf_n of_o himself_o and_o his_o fellow-labourer_n in_o the_o gospel_n preach_v christ_n crucify_v to_o the_o jew_n indeed_o a_o stumbling-block_n and_o to_o the_o greek_n foolishness_n but_o unto_o they_o that_o be_v call_v both_o jew_n and_o
and_o when_o there_o be_v a_o contradiction_n involve_v in_o the_o matter_n otherwise_o so_o here_o be_v a_o moral_a impossibility_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v otherwise_o take_v all_o thing_n together_o and_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a but_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v thus_o and_o the_o contrary_n imply_v a_o contradiction_n to_o sense_n reason_n and_o scripture_n i_o shall_v now_o proceed_v to_o the_o last_o thing_n i_o propound_v to_o speak_v of_o viz._n the_o degree_n of_o the_o evangelical_n dispensation_n but_o this_o bâ—ing_n the_o administration_n which_o be_v peculiar_o we_o and_o wherein_o we_o be_v most_o concern_v i_o will_v before_o i_o go_v any_o further_a offer_v such_o rational_a deduction_n to_o you_o as_o this_o part_n of_o our_o discourse_n natural_o afford_v 1._o assent_v to_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o be_v a_o very_a reasonable_a inference_n for_o assent_v or_o belief_n natural_o follow_v on_o the_o clearness_n of_o evidence_n and_o the_o more_o clear_a and_o demonstrative_a the_o evidence_n be_v the_o firm_a and_o strong_a will_v the_o belief_n be_v for_o as_o the_o testimony_n be_v such_o must_v this_o need_v be_v and_o therefore_o if_o the_o former_a be_v not_o only_o human_a but_o divine_a and_o consequent_o be_v infallible_a the_o latter_a must_v be_v proportionable_a 3._o what_o be_v divine_a say_v a_o excellent_a writer_n do_v by_o its_o excellency_n conciliate_v belief_n and_o by_o its_o truth_n gain_v authority_n for_o this_o reason_n no_o art_n or_o science_n can_v pretend_v to_o that_o certainty_n which_o be_v in_o divinity_n politic_n be_v fallible_a philosophy_n go_v upon_o contrary_a hypothesis_n medic_n guess_v rather_o than_o know_v the_o inward_a cause_n and_o spring_n of_o disease_n the_o lawyer_n have_v his_o jeofail_n law_n itself_o be_v very_o uncertain_a and_o arbitrary_a if_o you_o consider_v the_o infinite_a disagreement_n of_o divers_a nation_n even_o about_o the_o same_o thing_n yea_o even_o mathematics_n if_o we_o may_v believe_v those_o that_o best_o understand_v they_o be_v mix_v with_o uncertainty_n and_o falsehood_n there_o be_v fallacy_n and_o paralogism_n in_o geometry_n all_o be_v not_o plain_o downright_a demonstration_n as_o appear_v from_o the_o quarrel_n and_o contest_v among_o mathematician_n themselves_o but_o divinity_n be_v true_o a_o science_n and_o surpass_v all_o other_o because_o the_o ground_n of_o it_o be_v supernatural_a light_n and_o the_o very_a testimony_n of_o god_n himself_o particular_o the_o article_n of_o christianity_n be_v found_v on_o divine_a revelation_n and_o therefore_o be_v unquestionable_a the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v build_v on_o this_o rock_n this_o stable_a and_o impregnable_a rock_n the_o foundation_n of_o god_n stand_v sure_a it_o continue_v the_o same_o and_o can_v be_v move_v christian_n theology_n be_v found_v on_o a_o sure_a bottom_n christ_n jesus_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o who_o be_v himself_o god_fw-we have_v fix_v it_o heaven_n and_o earth_n shall_v pass_v away_o but_o this_o word_n shall_v not_o pass_v away_o with_o relation_n to_o this_o mr._n boyle_n treatise_n of_o the_o excellency_n of_o theology_n compare_v with_o natural_a philosophy_n be_v well_o worth_a our_o perusal_n that_o admirable_a person_n so_o well_o skilled_a in_o the_o study_n of_o physiologie_n show_v the_o preeminence_n of_o the_o study_n of_o divinity_n above_o it_o on_o this_o account_n that_o theological_a truth_n be_v evidence_v by_o divine_a testimony_n and_o therefore_o we_o may_v firm_o acquiesce_v in_o they_o and_o require_v no_o further_o or_o great_a proof_n as_o indeed_o there_o can_v be_v no_o great_a tho_o as_o i_o have_v show_v they_o be_v not_o destitute_a of_o other_o evidence_n the_o evangelical_n truth_n especial_o be_v the_o true_a theology_n that_o of_o plato_n and_o aristotle_n and_o other_o philosopher_n to_o which_o they_o be_v please_v to_o vouchsafe_v this_o name_n be_v but_o a_o sorry_a and_o ill_o contrive_v rhapsody_n therefore_o the_o christian_a church_n give_v the_o title_n of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o st._n john_n because_o he_o above_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o evangelist_n so_o express_o declare_v the_o divinity_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o noble_a and_o sublimest_n point_v of_o christianity_n and_o be_v matter_n of_o pure_a faith_n and_o divine_a revelation_n be_v convince_v then_o of_o the_o true_a ground_n of_o your_o christian_a belief_n of_o the_o solid_a foundation_n and_o undeniable_a evidence_n which_o christianity_n be_v build_v upon_o know_v this_o that_o god_n can_v not_o have_v do_v more_o for_o the_o beget_n of_o a_o strong_a faith_n and_o assurance_n 2._o assert_v and_o defend_v maintain_v and_o hold_v fast_o your_o religion_n and_o let_v nothing_o shake_v your_o faith_n and_o confidence_n indeed_o it_o be_v a_o wonder_n that_o such_o strong_a supporter_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n shall_v be_v strike_v at_o by_o any_o but_o so_o it_o be_v heretic_n jew_n and_o pagan_n of_o old_a and_o high-flown_a enthusiast_n deist_n atheist_n lewd_a and_o dissolute_a christian_n of_o late_a have_v endeavour_v to_o shake_v these_o foundation_n be_v you_o therefore_o the_o more_o zealous_a in_o the_o defence_n of_o christianity_n know_v that_o it_o be_v no_o shadow_n or_o phantom_n it_o depend_v not_o on_o imagination_n and_o conceit_n but_o be_v certain_o true_a beyond_o all_o the_o subtle_a evasion_n and_o subterfuge_n of_o sophister_n it_o be_v a_o excellency_n in_o a_o man_n life_n to_o be_v upon_o sure_a ground_n and_o consequent_o to_o know_v what_o to_o do_v you_o have_v this_o advantage_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n it_o be_v something_o which_o be_v certain_a and_o fix_a and_o therefore_o this_o shall_v make_v you_o constant_a in_o the_o profession_n and_o exercise_n of_o it_o this_o shall_v make_v you_o steady_a in_o your_o resolve_n and_o action_n your_o religion_n be_v so_o firm_a and_o certain_a you_o ought_v to_o stand_v to_o it_o and_o to_o suffer_v none_o to_o rob_v you_o of_o it_o but_o to_o part_v with_o all_o for_o it_o these_o be_v the_o two_o particular_a inference_n from_o this_o last_o thing_n i_o have_v discourse_v of_o viz._n the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n there_o be_v more_o general_a deduction_n to_o be_v make_v from_o the_o whole_a dispensation_n and_o they_o be_v these_o 1._o let_v we_o take_v notice_n of_o and_o admire_v the_o transcendent_a worth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n i_o have_v trace_v religion_n through_o all_o its_o several_a stage_n i_o have_v lâ—t_v you_o see_v the_o whole_a entire_a progress_n of_o it_o and_o you_o can_v but_o observe_v that_o all_o the_o former_a dispensation_n make_v way_n for_o this_o of_o christianity_n it_o must_v then_o be_v a_o very_a admirable_a thing_n to_o which_o all_o that_o go_v before_o in_o god_n own_o oeconomy_n be_v but_o a_o prelude_n a_o preface_n a_o preparative_a all_o before_o be_v but_o rude_a draught_n and_o imperfect_a model_n they_o be_v a_o foil_n only_o to_o set_v this_o off_o they_o be_v but_o as_o the_o dusky_a twilight_n to_o the_o bright_a day_n all_o that_o go_v before_o be_v but_o infancy_n and_o childhood_n this_o be_v manhood_n and_o full_a age._n this_o one_o consideration_n be_v sufficient_a to_o convince_v we_o of_o the_o greatness_n and_o majesty_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n under_o the_o gospel_n though_o the_o law_n which_o immediate_o precede_v it_o and_o be_v the_o choice_a of_o all_o the_o former_a dispensation_n have_v some_o lustre_n in_o it_o yet_o in_o comparison_n of_o the_o gospel_n it_o have_v none_o its_o glory_n vanish_v as_o the_o light_n of_o the_o star_n when_o the_o sun_n appear_v they_o see_v in_o a_o glass_n dark_o they_o have_v but_o short_a and_o dim_a representation_n of_o thing_n they_o have_v none_o of_o that_o clearness_n and_o certainty_n which_o we_o under_o the_o gospel_n have_v attain_v to_o notwithstanding_o what_o be_v say_v before_o that_o they_o have_v many_o way_n and_o rule_n to_o judge_n of_o true_a prophet_n by_o and_o to_o know_v they_o from_o false_a one_o yet_o this_o must_v be_v add_v that_o it_o be_v very_o difficult_a prophecy_n may_v be_v easy_o counterfeit_v fancy_n and_o imagination_n make_v strong_a impression_n and_o deceive_v many_o they_o frequent_o have_v delusive_a dream_n and_o vision_n in_o most_o of_o the_o difference_n between_o the_o true_a prophetic_a spirit_n and_o the_o enthusiastic_a imposture_n of_o pseudo-prophet_n as_o they_o be_v set_v down_o by_o the_o jewish_a writer_n i_o find_v little_a satisfaction_n nor_o can_v any_o one_o who_o look_v for_o rational_a and_o solid_a account_n but_o the_o prophecy_n and_o revelation_n under_o the_o evangelical_n dispensation_n be_v satisfactory_a and_o certain_a we_o have_v now_o a_o more_o sure_a word_n of_o prophecy_n the_o excellent_a discovery_n make_v to_o the_o world_n by_o the_o sacred_a oracle_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v
christian_a observance_n in_o the_o first_o age_n tertullian_n who_o flourish_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o three_o century_n frequent_o join_v christianity_n and_o judaism_n together_o and_o particular_o in_o his_o dialogue_n with_o trypho_n the_o jew_n he_o declare_v there_o be_v salvation_n in_o both_o there_o be_v the_o coelicolae_fw-la mention_v in_o the_o code_n those_o that_o worship_v god_n as_o praâ—ceperat_v he_o have_v command_v from_o heaven_n i._n e._n according_a to_o the_o precept_n and_o rite_n of_o the_o mosaic_a law_n and_o according_a to_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o they_o hold_v that_o heaven_n i._n e._n god_n be_v the_o author_n and_o institutor_n of_o both_o and_o intend_v that_o both_o shall_v be_v observe_v thus_o the_o mosaic_a law_n and_o ceremony_n be_v a_o good_a while_n go_v off_o they_o gradual_o and_o gentle_o vanish_v away_o for_o the_o church_n be_v then_o but_o in_o its_o childhood_n and_o be_v tender_o to_o be_v treat_v it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v deny_v that_o the_o jewish_a rite_n be_v nail_v with_o christ_n to_o the_o cross_n they_o die_v when_o he_o give_v up_o the_o ghost_n but_o though_o they_o be_v dead_a and_o be_v of_o no_o efficacy_n yet_o man_n be_v leave_v free_a to_o use_v or_o not_o use_v they_o as_o they_o see_v fit_a after_o their_o decease_n they_o be_v not_o present_o bury_v but_o as_o one_o of_o the_o father_n speak_v be_v to_o have_v a_o honourable_a interment_n in_o brief_a judaism_n stay_v some_o time_n with_o christianity_n and_o then_o take_v its_o leave_n here_o it_o must_v be_v observe_v in_o the_o next_o place_n that_o extraordinary_a gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v peculiar_a to_o this_o period_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n which_o be_v a_o certain_a argument_n of_o the_o weak_a state_n of_o it_o and_o that_o it_o have_v not_o outgrow_v its_o childhood_n but_o that_o knowledge_n and_o faith_n be_v feeble_a in_o many_o and_o that_o unbelief_n have_v whole_o possess_v other_o and_o there_o be_v need_n of_o some_o very_a great_a power_n which_o be_v in_o those_o day_n exert_v in_o a_o wonderful_a manner_n among_o the_o extraordinary_a endowment_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o be_v then_o bestow_v prayer_n be_v one_o i_o e._n a_o infuse_a and_o supernatural_a gift_n of_o prayer_n be_v give_v to_o the_o apostle_n and_o primitive_a christian_n which_o be_v call_v pray_v with_o the_o spirit_n 1_o cor._n 14._o 15._o and_o those_o who_o be_v bless_v with_o this_o singular_a gratuity_n have_v matter_n and_o word_n dictate_v to_o they_o by_o a_o special_a afflation_n or_o inspiration_n from_o heaven_n prophesy_v be_v also_o after_o a_o extraordinary_a and_o supernatural_a manner_n as_o the_o fourteen_o chapter_n of_o the_o first_o epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n will_v inform_v we_o it_o be_v a_o power_n to_o interpret_v and_o explain_v the_o dark_a scripture_n to_o unriddle_v all_o sacred_a mystery_n to_o urge_v with_o great_a efficacy_n the_o duty_n of_o christianity_n on_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n and_o sometime_o to_o foretell_v futurity_n of_o great_a importance_n all_o which_o be_v effect_v by_o the_o immediate_a influence_n of_o the_o spirit_n this_o gift_n expire_v soon_o after_o the_o second_o century_n after_o which_o they_o tell_v we_o there_o be_v little_a or_o no_o mention_n of_o the_o prophetic_a spirit_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n to_o which_o perhaps_o that_o passage_n of_o the_o apostle_n relate_v and_o be_v prophetic_a even_o of_o the_o expiration_n of_o prophecy_n 1_o cor._n 13._o 8._o whether_o there_o be_v prophecy_n they_o shall_v fail_v and_o as_o there_o be_v in_o the_o first_o time_n inspire_v prayer_n and_o prophesying_n so_o there_o be_v inspire_v hymn_n which_o be_v call_v sing_v with_o the_o spirit_n ver_fw-la 15._o but_o the_o work_n of_o strange_a and_o wonderful_a thing_n above_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n which_o be_v most_o proper_o do_v of_o miracle_n be_v a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o dispensation_n of_o those_o day_n not_o only_o the_o apostle_n but_o their_o follower_n in_o the_o age_n immediate_o succeed_v be_v endue_v with_o this_o power_n hence_o lucius_n king_n of_o this_o british_a island_n hear_v of_o strange_a thing_n do_v by_o christian_n in_o many_o place_n about_o the_o end_n of_o the_o second_o century_n send_v to_o eleuâ—herius_n bishop_n of_o rome_n to_o receive_v the_o christian_a faith_n of_o he_o and_o be_v the_o first_o christian_a king_n in_o the_o world_n from_o justin_n martyr_n tertullian_n and_o cyprian_n write_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o miracle_n be_v frequent_o wrought_v in_o the_o church_n and_o these_o person_n appeal_v to_o they_o as_o thing_n that_o be_v of_o common_a notice_n and_o can_v not_o be_v deny_v gregory_n bishop_n of_o neocaesarea_n who_o live_v in_o the_o three_o century_n purchase_v the_o title_n of_o thaumatâ—rgâ—â—_n by_o the_o miraculous_a act_n which_o he_o do_v even_o in_o the_o next_o age_n miracle_n be_v do_v by_o many_o as_o be_v testify_v by_o ruffinus_n theodoret_n and_o sozomen_n from_o pentecost_n several_a passage_n in_o chrysostom_n write_n it_o may_v be_v gather_v that_o they_o cease_v in_o his_o time_n more_o especial_o from_o his_o 32d_o homily_n on_o st._n matthew_n where_o he_o reply_v to_o the_o objection_n of_o the_o pagan_n against_o the_o christian_n viz._n that_o they_o do_v not_o confirm_v their_o doctrine_n by_o miracle_n and_o so_o again_o in_o his_o 40_o the_o homily_n on_o the_o act_n he_o give_v the_o reason_n of_o the_o cessation_n of_o miracle_n but_o though_o he_o do_v this_o he_o must_v be_v understand_v of_o the_o common_a and_o ordinary_a use_n of_o they_o for_o sometime_o and_o rare_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v in_o that_o age_n or_o else_o st._n augustin_n and_o other_o father_n misrepresent_v those_o time_n particular_o 8._o st._n augustin_n who_o live_v in_o st._n chrysostom_n time_n bear_v witness_v that_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v at_o the_o monument_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o those_o day_n but_o yet_o from_o this_o father_n be_v own_o word_n in_o 25._o another_o place_n we_o may_v gather_v that_o miracle_n be_v then_o at_o a_o end_n in_o some_o part_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n the_o short_a be_v this_o that_o for_o three_o or_o four_o hundred_o year_n in_o one_o place_n or_o other_o miracle_n be_v general_o do_v in_o confirmation_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n viz._n as_o long_o as_o the_o church_n be_v in_o her_o tender_a and_o childish_a year_n and_o it_o may_v be_v observe_v further_o that_o there_o be_v a_o power_n in_o the_o primitive_a time_n bestow_v on_o the_o church_n of_o punish_v the_o disobedient_a in_o a_o strange_a and_o dreadful_a manner_n viz._n by_o inflict_a suddeâ—_n disease_n nay_o death_n itself_o sometime_o upon_o offender_n as_o be_v evident_a in_o the_o relation_n concern_v ananias_n and_o saphira_n act_v 5._o 1_o etc._n etc._n and_o some_o such_o thing_n as_o this_o it_o be_v likely_a be_v mean_v by_o those_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d do_v by_o the_o apostle_n act_n 2._o 43._o and_o indeed_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o in_o those_o primitive_a time_n they_o shall_v have_v such_o a_o power_n of_o inflict_v extraordinary_a judgement_n on_o criminal_n if_o you_o consider_v the_o state_n of_o thing_n then_o for_o the_o magistrate_n be_v at_o that_o time_n heathen_n do_v not_o animadvert_v on_o those_o who_o offend_v against_o the_o christian_a law_n on_o which_o account_n likewise_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o church_n be_v weak_a and_o low_a and_o it_o may_v be_v further_o observe_v that_o in_o order_n to_o this_o gift_n or_o ability_n of_o strike_v with_o bodily_a malady_n or_o death_n those_o that_o be_v gross_a offender_n there_o be_v another_o gift_n bestow_v viz._n discern_v of_o spirit_n 1_o cor._n 12._o 10._o by_o virtue_n of_o which_o the_o apostle_n have_v a_o insight_n into_o the_o secret_n of_o man_n mind_n and_o can_v tell_v whether_o their_o heart_n be_v right_a towards_o god_n hereby_o it_o be_v that_o they_o can_v make_v a_o discrimination_n between_o true_a and_o counterfeit_a professor_n of_o christianity_n and_o thence_o according_o receive_v or_o reject_v they_o and_o if_o they_o see_v occasion_n punish_v the_o latter_a this_o be_v a_o requisite_a gift_n in_o those_o day_n because_o it_o be_v suit_v to_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o dispensation_n at_o that_o time_n wherein_o christianity_n be_v not_o grow_v to_o any_o perfection_n and_o therefore_o there_o be_v need_n of_o these_o extraordinary_a mean_n to_o nourish_v and_o uphold_v it_o it_o want_v these_o adventitious_a aid_n to_o support_v its_o weakness_n 2._o the_o christian_a church_n proceed_v from_o childhood_n to_o youth_n this_o be_v the_o second_o subordinate_a dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o the_o present_a period_n we_o be_v now_o under_o this_o begin_v when_o all_o the_o legal_a ceremony_n and_o jewish_a observance_n
in_o order_n to_o the_o complete_a enlarge_n of_o the_o church_n to_o work_v wonder_n but_o at_o present_a this_o way_n of_o divine_a attestation_n be_v unnecessary_a for_o christian_n have_v sufficient_a mean_n with_o regard_n to_o all_o the_o end_n of_o religion_n and_o salvation_n among_o themselves_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o any_o great_a at_o present_a nay_o the_o cessation_n of_o those_o extraordinary_a visible_a and_o sensible_a mean_n be_v a_o argument_n of_o the_o meliority_n of_o our_o condition_n bless_a be_v they_o that_o have_v not_o see_v and_o yet_o have_v believe_v say_v our_o saviour_n john_n 20._o 29._o the_o meaning_n be_v they_o be_v more_o bless_v i._n e._n their_o faith_n be_v more_o excellent_a and_o laudable_a and_o they_o shall_v have_v a_o great_a reward_n it_o be_v a_o more_o bless_a and_o eligible_a state_n to_o believe_v without_o such_o forcible_a and_o violent_a mean_n than_o with_o they_o other_o thing_n may_v be_v here_o mention_v as_o under_o the_o law_n and_o before_o that_o time_n there_o be_v scarce_o any_o thing_n do_v without_o the_o ministration_n of_o angel_n so_o in_o the_o first_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o appearance_n of_o these_o glorious_a spirit_n be_v common_a but_o after_o christ_n ascension_n and_o to_o this_o very_a time_n the_o church_n be_v a_o stranger_n to_o this_o particular_a dispensation_n and_o be_v not_o to_o expect_v the_o attestation_n or_o confirmation_n of_o any_o truth_n in_o this_o way_n the_o reason_n be_v because_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v now_o give_v we_o that_o former_a way_n of_o revelation_n which_o be_v a_o sign_n of_o a_o imperfect_a and_o weak_a state_n now_o cease_v there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o these_o divine_a admonitor_n see_v we_o have_v the_o write_n of_o the_o evangelist_n and_o apostle_n which_o be_v a_o certain_a stand_a rule_n and_o a_o infallible_a direction_n to_o we_o and_o in_o several_a other_o particular_n if_o it_o be_v requisite_a it_o may_v be_v show_v that_o the_o state_n of_o religion_n be_v alter_v and_o improve_v since_o our_o saviour_n time_n and_o the_o time_n after_o the_o apostle_n and_o now_o in_o the_o close_a of_o this_o head_n we_o can_v but_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o usefulness_n and_o necessity_n of_o attend_v to_o what_o have_v be_v suggest_v concern_v the_o different_a administration_n of_o religion_n and_o particular_o of_o the_o christian._n we_o can_v frame_v right_a thought_n concern_v the_o nature_n and_o model_n of_o it_o unless_o we_o careful_o observe_v the_o several_a degree_n and_o various_a modification_n of_o it_o before_o mention_v for_o though_o there_o be_v the_o same_o general_a dispensation_n yet_o there_o be_v a_o alteration_n as_o to_o the_o particular_a scene_n of_o it_o that_o which_o we_o be_v under_o at_o present_a differ_v much_o from_o those_o which_o be_v in_o the_o first_o and_o early_a age_n of_o christianism_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v unreasonable_a to_o require_v now_o the_o very_a same_o thing_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v then_o there_o be_v some_o sober_a and_o well_o mean_v person_n that_o attend_v not_o to_o this_o persuade_v themselves_o that_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v as_o to_o every_o particular_a the_o same_o face_n of_o administration_n at_o present_a that_o there_o be_v at_o first_o and_o thence_o they_o look_v to_o the_o primitive_a state_n of_o the_o church_n and_o examine_v every_o thing_n by_o that_o but_o this_o be_v not_o right_a for_o there_o have_v be_v a_o change_n of_o thing_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o this_o change_n be_v by_o the_o particular_a superintendency_n and_o disposal_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n and_o supreme_a director_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o we_o be_v not_o to_o expect_v that_o all_o thing_n shall_v be_v now_o as_o they_o be_v in_o the_o beginning_n god_n himself_o have_v be_v please_v to_o alter_v the_o dispensation_n in_o part_n let_v we_o then_o remember_v the_o particular_a division_n of_o the_o oeconomy_n we_o be_v under_o and_o let_v we_o be_v concern_v to_o do_v what_o be_v fit_v and_o proper_a to_o it_o and_o thereby_o we_o shall_v help_v to_o promote_v and_o hasten_v the_o next_o and_o better_a one_o which_o i_o be_o now_o to_o speak_v of_o chap._n xix_o that_o christianity_n shall_v arrive_v to_o manhood_n or_o full_a age_n be_v prove_v by_o several_a argument_n 1._o god_n method_n in_o the_o world_n 2._o the_o low_a ebb_n of_o christianity_n hitherto_o 3._o the_o number_n of_o those_o that_o perish_v 4._o the_o gradual_a improvement_n of_o all_o art_n and_o science_n the_o several_a objection_n concern_v the_o decay_n and_o senescency_n of_o the_o world_n make_v use_v of_o by_o jewish_a pagan_a and_o christian_a writer_n full_o answer_v that_o the_o world_n decay_v not_o as_o to_o learning_n and_o art_n be_v make_v good_a from_o the_o improvement_n of_o navigation_n the_o invention_n of_o gunpowder_n and_o gun_n of_o print_v of_o clock_n and_o watch_n the_o prepare_v of_o sugar_n the_o advances_n in_o anatomy_n and_o physic_n astronomy_n arithmetic_n chemistry_n mechanic_n the_o style_n of_o writer_n it_o be_v congruous_a to_o the_o divine_a providence_n and_o wisdom_n that_o religion_n also_o shall_v have_v its_o improvement_n as_o well_o as_o art_n and_o science_n and_o according_o it_o have_v be_v great_o advance_v and_o increase_v by_o the_o reformation_n from_o the_o increase_n it_o have_v have_v already_o we_o may_v gather_v that_o there_o will_v be_v far_a accession_n afterward_o the_o virile_a and_o complete_a state_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n prove_v from_o several_a place_n of_o scripture_n mat._n 24._o 3._o &_o 19_o 28._o act_n 3._o 21._o rom._n 8._o 19_o 20._o heb._n 2._o 5._o &_o 9_o 10._o 1_o cor._n 1._o 7._o 1_o pet._n 3._o 8._o from_o those_o divers_a text_n that_o we_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o make_v mention_v of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o reign_v of_o the_o messiah_n a_o fivefold_a acception_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o 1_o cor._n 15._o 25._o urge_v the_o millenary_a reign_n the_o rise_n of_o the_o ancient_a opinion_n about_o it_o it_o be_v prove_v that_o christ_n shall_v not_o personal_o reign_v upon_o earth_n the_o decease_a saint_n shall_v not_o rise_v again_o to_o reign_v with_o he_o here_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o soul_n of_o they_o that_o be_v behead_v for_o the_o witness_n of_o jesus_n what_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v by_o their_o live_n and_o reign_v with_o christ._n two_o late_a writer_n take_v it_o in_o a_o literal_a sense_n but_o without_o any_o ground_n who_o be_v the_o rest_n of_o the_o dead_a that_o live_v not_o again_o what_o be_v the_o first_o and_o second_o resurrection_n the_o reign_n of_o christ_n a_o thousand_o year_n be_v to_o be_v upon_o earth_n by_o a_o thousand_o year_n we_o be_v to_o understand_v a_o certain_a and_o definite_a number_n some_o opinion_n concern_v the_o beginning_n and_o end_n of_o the_o thousand_o year_n refute_v mr._n brightman_n odd_a fancy_n reject_v we_o have_v have_v some_o forerunner_n and_o previous_a pledge_n of_o the_o millenary_a kingdom_n mr._n medes_n opinion_n which_o join_v christ_n reign_n and_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n together_o consider_v the_o â—â—ird_n and_o most_o eminent_a part_n of_o the_o evangelical_n oeconomy_n be_v that_o which_o i_o call_v the_o manhood_n or_o full_a age_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n before_o i_o enter_v upon_o the_o description_n of_o this_o i_o will_v give_v you_o some_o account_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o such_o a_o state_n by_o show_v that_o christianity_n shall_v arrive_v to_o a_o great_a height_n and_o perfection_n than_o it_o be_v at_o present_a it_o be_v very_o observable_a what_o one_o of_o the_o ancient_a writer_n who_o be_v a_o great_a judge_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o genius_n of_o christianity_n say_v of_o this_o matter_n 28._o the_o understanding_n knowledge_n and_o wisdom_n of_o single_a person_n as_o well_o as_o of_o whole_a body_n of_o every_o individual_a as_o well_o as_o of_o church_n in_o general_a shall_v huge_o increase_v and_o be_v exceed_o advance_v according_a to_o the_o gradual_a succession_n of_o time_n and_o age_n but_o as_o he_o explain_v himself_o this_o proficiency_n shall_v be_v in_o the_o same_o kind_n in_o the_o same_o persuasion_n in_o the_o same_o sense_n and_o judgement_n so_o that_o the_o christian_a faith_n shall_v still_o remain_v the_o same_o as_o to_o its_o substance_n though_o it_o shall_v be_v much_o better_o explain_v and_o know_v than_o it_o be_v noâ—_n and_o he_o use_v the_o same_o comparison_n that_o i_o haâ—e_v express_v this_o matter_n by_o for_o he_o distinguish_v between_o the_o young_a and_o the_o ripe_a year_n of_o christianity_n he_o hold_v the_o former_a to_o be_v the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o
keturaâ—_n shall_v at_o last_o contribute_v towards_o the_o make_n up_o the_o great_a and_o entire_a body_n of_o convert_v gentile_n and_o iacob_n prophecy_n concern_v ephraim_n look_v this_o way_n his_o seed_n shall_v become_v the_o 〈◊〉_d fullness_n of_o the_o gentile_n gen._n 48._o 19_o for_o the_o word_n gojim_n be_v most_o proper_o apply_v to_o the_o gentile_n not_o to_o the_o jew_n and_o our_o translation_n be_v short_a when_o we_o render_v the_o other_o word_n a_o multitude_n for_o the_o proper_a import_n of_o it_o be_v plenitudo_fw-la fullness_n now_o when_o it_o be_v foretell_v that_o ephraim_n seed_n shall_v be_v the_o fullness_n of_o the_o gentile_n the_o meaning_n be_v that_o from_o ephraim_n shall_v proceed_v innumerable_a nation_n who_o shall_v embrace_v the_o gospel_n and_o so_o fill_v up_o the_o conversion_n of_o the_o gentile_n to_o this_o prophecy_n appertain_v psal_n â—_o 8._o ask_v of_o i_o and_o i_o shall_v give_v thou_o the_o heathen_a for_o thy_o inheritance_n and_o the_o uttermost_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n for_o thy_o possession_n the_o great_a and_o wonderful_a access_n of_o the_o gentile_n to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n from_o all_o region_n of_o the_o world_n be_v plain_o predict_v in_o isa._n 49._o 5_o etc._n etc._n 54._o 1_o etc._n etc._n 60._o 1._o to_o 15._o v_o 66._o 19_o etc._n etc._n the_o place_n be_v so_o well_o know_v that_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o recite_v they_o and_o in_o several_a other_o prophet_n there_o be_v the_o like_a prediction_n to_o which_o questionless_a our_o saviour_n refer_v when_o he_o tell_v the_o jew_n that_o such_o and_o such_o thing_n shall_v beâ—al_v they_o until_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gentile_n be_v fulfil_v 21._o luk._n 24_o until_o the_o full_a time_n come_v when_o the_o gentile_n shall_v be_v universal_o call_v into_o the_o church_n of_o this_o our_o lord_n speak_v joh_n 10._o 16._o other_o sheep_n from_o among_o the_o gentile_n i_o have_v which_o be_v not_o of_o this_o fold_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n they_o also_o i_o must_v bring_v and_o they_o shall_v hear_v my_o voice_n they_o shall_v be_v convert_v and_o become_v obedient_a christian_n and_o there_o shall_v be_v one_o fold_v one_o church_n agree_v in_o the_o same_o faith_n and_o worship_n and_o religious_a practice_n and_o one_o shepâ—erd_n they_o shall_v acknowledge_v i_o to_o be_v their_o head_n and_o pastor_n as_o it_o have_v be_v foretell_v concern_v the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n this_o last_o time_n especial_o they_o shall_v all_o have_v one_o shepherd_n ezek._n 37._o 24._o they_o shall_v be_v unite_v into_o one_o body_n under_o one_o and_o the_o same_o head_n and_o it_o may_v be_v that_o which_o he_o say_v to_o the_o church_n of_o thyatira_n be_v to_o be_v interpret_v of_o this_o he_o that_o overcome_v and_o keep_v my_o work_n unto_o the_o end_n to_o he_o will_v i_o give_v power_n over_o the_o nation_n and_o i_o will_v give_v he_o the_o morningstar_n rev._n 2._o 26_o 28._o the_o most_o easy_a and_o natural_a sense_n of_o which_o word_n be_v this_o that_o he_o that_o be_v faithful_a to_o the_o end_n shall_v be_v honour_v with_o the_o conversion_n of_o eastern_a nation_n i_o will_v give_v he_o those_o heathen_a people_n where_o the_o morningstar_n arise_v i_o will_v give_v he_o the_o conversion_n of_o those_o as_o the_o reward_n of_o his_o faithfulness_n a_o future_a call_v of_o the_o pagan_n may_v be_v expect_v at_o length_n as_o the_o recompense_n of_o overcome_v and_o of_o keep_v my_o work_n unto_o the_o end_n but_o suppose_v say_v some_o that_o this_o and_o other_o text_n of_o scripture_n before_o mention_v speak_v of_o the_o conversion_n of_o the_o gentile_n yet_o these_o prophecy_n be_v all_o fulfil_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n when_o they_o go_v out_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o all_o nation_n and_o so_o they_o have_v no_o reference_n to_o that_o conversion_n of_o the_o gentile_n which_o i_o be_o speak_v of_o but_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o the_o prophecy_n of_o the_o conversion_n of_o the_o gentile_n be_v not_o fulfil_v in_o those_o time_n for_o though_o many_o pagan_n be_v convert_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n yet_o that_o conversion_n be_v not_o general_n those_o person_n who_o be_v then_o call_v be_v but_o the_o first-fruit_n of_o the_o whole_a and_o complete_a call_v of_o the_o pagan_n to_o christianity_n which_o be_v to_o be_v a_o little_a before_o the_o conversion_n of_o the_o jew_n to_o this_o purpose_n the_o apostle_n of_o the_o gentile_n be_v very_o clear_a in_o rom._n 11._o 25_o 26._o i_o will_v not_o brethren_n that_o you_o shall_v be_v ignorant_a of_o this_o mystery_n that_o blindness_n in_o part_n be_v happen_v to_o israel_n until_o the_o fullness_n of_o the_o gentile_n be_v come_v in_o and_o so_o all_o israel_n shall_v be_v save_v the_o blindness_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o the_o gentile_n be_v here_o call_v by_o st._n paul_n a_o mystery_n and_o in_o this_o he_o intimate_v that_o those_o he_o write_v to_o do_v not_o know_v and_o comprehend_v the_o design_n of_o god_n in_o this_o matter_n wherefore_o he_o unfold_v this_o mystery_n this_o great_a secret_a of_o providence_n to_o they_o acquaint_v they_o that_o god_n take_v occasion_n from_o this_o strange_a event_n to_o communicate_v the_o gospel_n to_o the_o gentile_n and_o to_o convert_v they_o to_o the_o faith_n and_o then_o by_o the_o call_v of_o these_o the_o jew_n shall_v afterward_o be_v provoke_v to_o believe_v and_o to_o accept_v of_o the_o gospel_n and_o so_o they_o shall_v all_o be_v save_v but_o whether_o this_o be_v speak_v of_o a_o general_n conversion_n towards_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n or_o only_o of_o the_o great_a number_n convert_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n at_o the_o â—irst_n preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n as_o some_o be_v of_o opinion_n be_v now_o to_o be_v consider_v i_o conceive_v then_o that_o there_o be_v a_o twofold_a call_v or_o conversion_n of_o the_o gentile_n a_o partial_a and_o a_o total_a one_o the_o first_o be_v when_o the_o jew_n be_v reject_v viz._n in_o the_o time_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o the_o apostle_n then_o the_o gentile_n be_v call_v in_o to_o supply_v their_o room_n this_o be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o salvation_n which_o be_v come_v to_o the_o gentile_n ver_fw-la 11._o of_o this_o chapter_n and_o the_o reconcile_n of_o the_o world_n v_o 15._o but_o there_o be_v a_o second_o call_v of_o the_o gentile_n and_o that_o be_v name_v here_o the_o fullness_n of_o the_o gentile_n which_o be_v something_o that_o be_v great_a and_o high_a than_o the_o other_o for_o it_o denote_v a_o complete_a body_n of_o they_o this_o be_v set_v forth_o in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o great_a supper_n 14._o luke_n where_o the_o jew_n be_v those_o that_o be_v â—idden_v but_o upon_o their_o refusal_n of_o the_o invitation_n the_o servant_n be_v command_v to_o go_v into_o the_o street_n and_o lane_n of_o the_o city_n and_o bring_v in_o the_o poor_a maim_a halt_n and_o blind_a these_o be_v the_o gentile_n that_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o ever_o since_o have_v be_v convert_v to_o the_o christian_a faith_n but_o after_o this_o be_v do_v it_o be_v say_v yet_o there_o be_v room_n viz._n for_o more_o convert_v to_o christianity_n and_o according_o the_o servant_n be_v bid_v to_o go_v out_o into_o the_o highway_n and_o hedge_n and_o compel_v they_o to_o come_v in_o that_o the_o house_n may_v be_v fill_v here_o be_v a_o plain_a distinction_n between_o the_o former_a and_o the_o latter_a conversion_n of_o the_o gentile_n after_o the_o first_o invitation_n and_o entertainment_n there_o be_v more_o room_n which_o intimate_v in_o my_o opinion_n a_o future_a call_v of_o they_o and_o they_o be_v to_o be_v fetch_v out_o of_o the_o highway_n and_o hedge_n to_o show_v that_o though_o they_o be_v never_o so_o mean_a and_o unworthy_a they_o shall_v partake_v of_o this_o grace_n which_o shall_v be_v so_o powerful_a and_o effectual_a in_o those_o day_n that_o they_o shall_v seem_v to_o be_v force_v and_o compel_v to_o come_v in_o and_o what_o follow_v be_v very_o observable_a and_o much_o to_o our_o present_a purpose_n they_o be_v thus_o compel_v to_o come_v in_o to_o the_o great_a supper_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o his_o house_n may_v be_v fill_v that_o the_o church_n may_v be_v complete_v and_o make_v entire_a which_o it_o can_v not_o be_v without_o the_o conversion_n of_o these_o gentile_n at_o last_o many_o be_v convert_v before_o but_o now_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o general_n embrace_v of_o the_o faith_n all_o nation_n shall_v come_v to_o the_o messiah_n and_o there_o be_v another_o great_a difference_n between_o that_o first_o call_v and_o this_o viz._n that_o the_o general_n call_v of_o the_o jew_n which_o