become_v brothel-house_n 2._o the_o holy_a jesus_n want_v not_o disciple_n even_o among_o the_o wise_a man_n of_o the_o jew_n such_o be_v simeon_n the_o just_a the_o scholar_n of_o hillel_n who_o be_v fill_v with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o after_o who_o death_n that_o divine_a spirit_n which_o inspire_v the_o great_a synagogue_n depart_v from_o they_o john_n the_o baptist_n who_o not_o only_o acknowledge_v christ_n himself_o but_o send_v his_o disciple_n to_o he_o as_o to_o that_o lamb_n of_o god_n who_o come_v to_o take_v away_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o world_n and_o gamaliel_n be_v say_v to_o have_v follow_v the_o apostle_n and_o to_o have_v be_v simeon_n scholar_n and_o st._n paul_n who_o be_v a_o man_n of_o great_a repute_n and_o esteem_v with_o the_o jew_n and_o sit_v at_o the_o foot_n of_o gamaliel_n yet_o be_v afterward_o a_o apostle_n of_o the_o holy_a jesus_n and_o josephus_n further_a inform_v we_o that_o the_o more_o sober_a and_o serious_a jew_n who_o be_v lover_n of_o the_o truth_n be_v such_o as_o follow_v jesus_n and_o those_o that_o be_v studious_a and_o zealous_a for_o the_o law_n sharp_o rebuke_v ananus_fw-la the_o high_a priest_n for_o command_v the_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n to_o be_v stone_v object_n 2._o act_n i_o 6._o lord_n will_v thou_o at_o this_o time_n restore_v again_o the_o kingdom_n to_o israel_n it_o be_v a_o current_a opinion_n among_o the_o jew_n in_o our_o saviour_n time_n that_o the_o messiah_n shall_v be_v a_o temporal_a monarch_n and_o redeem_v they_o from_o the_o yoke_n of_o the_o roman_n as_o appear_v from_o this_o question_n of_o the_o disciple_n who_o doubtless_o speak_v the_o general_a sense_n of_o the_o jew_n but_o they_o find_v nothing_o in_o the_o attempt_v and_o action_n of_o jesus_n tend_v that_o way_n hence_o they_o can_v not_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v the_o promise_a messiah_n answ_n christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n such_o as_o he_o be_v foretell_v to_o be_v that_o be_v humble_a and_o meek_a not_o with_o the_o splendour_n and_o glory_n of_o a_o earthly_a prince_n but_o poor_a and_o despicable_a a_o man_n of_o sorrow_n and_o without_o form_n and_o comeliness_n as_o it_o be_v predict_v by_o zechariah_n the_o prophet_n zech._n ix_o 9_o and_o isa_n liii_o the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o his_o come_n be_v to_o appease_v the_o anger_n of_o god_n by_o devote_v himself_o for_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n to_o destroy_v the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o to_o make_v one_o body_n of_o jew_n and_o gentile_n of_o which_o he_o himself_o shall_v be_v the_o head_n and_o it_o be_v no_o way_n fit_a and_o agreeable_a for_o such_o a_o undertake_n to_o appear_v in_o earthly_a splendour_n and_o glory_n fill_v the_o world_n with_o blood_n and_o slaughter_n like_o another_o alexander_n or_o caesar_n by_o the_o puissance_n of_o mighty_a army_n wherefore_o the_o holy_a jesus_n be_v to_o disseminate_a and_o promote_v the_o bless_a life_n of_o god_n upon_o earth_n show_v his_o divinity_n more_o refulgent_a by_o vileness_n and_o contempt_n his_o power_n by_o weakness_n and_o infirmity_n his_o glory_n by_o the_o scorn_v of_o man_n and_o his_o almighty_a life_n and_o virtue_n by_o death_n and_o the_o grave_a and_o if_o he_o have_v otherwise_o descend_v from_o the_o celestial_a mansion_n than_o the_o scripture_n relate_v man_n have_v entitle_v himself_o to_o part_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o undertake_n and_o the_o more_o splendid_a the_o divine_a life_n have_v appear_v to_o outward_a view_n with_o the_o faint_a lustre_n have_v it_o shine_v in_o itself_o beside_o that_o that_o doctrine_n which_o christ_n be_v to_o bring_v into_o the_o world_n and_o render_v acceptable_a to_o man_n by_o his_o own_o example_n be_v quite_o contrary_a to_o the_o gratification_n of_o the_o animal_n life_n and_o too_o vile_a and_o base_a to_o be_v essential_a to_o the_o perfection_n of_o human_a nature_n object_n 3._o mat._n xxvii_o 40._o if_o thou_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n come_v down_o from_o the_o cross_n answ_n he_o that_o come_v into_o the_o world_n clothe_v with_o human_a flesh_n and_o in_o the_o several_a action_n of_o his_o life_n manifest_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o true_a man_n will_v now_o in_o this_o last_o act_n keep_v a_o decorum_n that_o as_o he_o be_v bear_v into_o the_o world_n like_o other_o man_n partake_v real_o of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n and_o all_o the_o frailty_n and_o infirmity_n of_o mankind_n sin_n only_o except_v so_o he_o will_v die_v like_o other_o man_n and_o suffer_v a_o real_a separation_n of_o his_o soul_n from_o his_o body_n that_o we_o may_v be_v conformable_a to_o he_o in_o his_o death_n and_o die_v unto_o sin_n crucify_a all_o our_o inordinate_a lust_n and_o affection_n and_o descend_v into_o the_o grave_a with_o he_o by_o a_o profound_a humility_n and_o mortification_n which_o be_v a_o sufficient_a answer_n to_o this_o insult_a cavil_v of_o the_o jew_n that_o if_o jesus_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n he_o must_v needs_o demonstrate_v it_o by_o a_o miraculous_a descent_n from_o the_o cross_n chap._n iu._n that-christianity_n be_v every_o way_n fit_v and_o accommodate_v for_o a_o effectual_a recovery_n of_o lapse_v and_o degenerate_v mankind_n to_o this_o purpose_n we_o must_v consider_v man_n as_o a_o rational_a be_v endue_v with_o liberty_n of_o will_n and_o a_o lord_n of_o his_o own_o action_n and_o consequent_o must_v be_v treat_v according_a to_o those_o faculty_n and_o qualification_n bestow_v upon_o he_o by_o the_o gracious_a bounty_n of_o his_o creator_n and_o this_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o man_n he_o be_v not_o to_o be_v deal_v withal_o like_o a_o stock_n or_o stone_n that_o be_v whole_o inert_v and_o sluggish_a nor_o like_o a_o beast_n that_o be_v act_v and_o lead_v only_o by_o the_o impulse_n of_o sense_n but_o as_o endue_v with_o reason_n and_o intellect_n and_o capable_a of_o discriminate_v between_o real_a good_a and_o evil_a and_o this_o principle_n in_o man_n can_v be_v force_v without_o the_o destruction_n of_o his_o nature_n but_o be_v allure_v and_o draw_v by_o moral_a argument_n wherefore_o the_o design_n of_o god_n in_o the_o gospel_n be_v to_o wind_n man_n off_o from_o sin_n to_o a_o serious_a pursuit_n of_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n he_o make_v use_v of_o such_o argument_n as_o be_v most_o powerful_a and_o efficacious_a for_o that_o end_n and_o most_o suitable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n as_o 1._o what_o can_v more_o deter_v man_n from_o wickedness_n and_o vice_n than_o the_o sober_a press_v upon_o they_o the_o consideration_n of_o a_o future_a day_n of_o judgement_n wherein_o the_o just_a judge_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n will_v impartial_o look_v into_o their_o life_n and_o dispose_v of_o they_o according_a to_o the_o moral_a frame_n and_o disposition_n of_o their_o spirit_n to_o they_o who_o by_o patient_a continuance_n in_o well_o do_v seek_v for_o glory_n honour_n and_o immortality_n eternal_a life_n but_o to_o they_o who_o do_v not_o obey_v the_o gospel_n he_o will_v recompense_v tribulation_n and_o wrath._n he_o that_o be_v convince_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n must_v likewise_o believe_v that_o though_o god_n be_v patient_a and_o long-suffering_a not_o willing_a that_o any_o shall_v perish_v yet_o he_o be_v likewise_o just_a and_o hate_v all_o sin_n whatever_o and_o to_o convince_v all_o unbelieving_a and_o atheistical_a person_n of_o his_o displeasure_n against_o wickedness_n and_o vice_n he_o have_v appoint_v a_o day_n wherein_o he_o will_v judge_v the_o world_n a_o day_n wherein_o jesus_n christ_n the_o bless_a son_n of_o god_n shall_v visible_o descend_v from_o heaven_n accompany_v with_o innumerable_a legion_n of_o mighty_a angel_n before_o who_o throne_n all_o wicked_a man_n and_o devil_n shall_v stand_v with_o paleness_n and_o horror_n expect_v the_o pronunciation_n of_o that_o dreadful_a sentence_n go_v you_o curse_v into_o everlasting_a fire_n which_o final_a doom_n and_o sentence_n shall_v present_o be_v execute_v upon_o they_o for_o through_o the_o stupendous_a operation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n the_o infernal_a treasure_n of_o fire_n shall_v be_v open_v and_o a_o universal_a deluge_n of_o flame_n shall_v spread_v itself_o over_o the_o face_n of_o the_o age_a earth_n which_o shall_v be_v cleave_v and_o rive_v by_o terrible_a eruption_n of_o sulphureous_a matter_n break_v forth_o with_o horrible_a rage_n and_o fury_n from_o the_o low_a region_n and_o this_o together_o with_o shower_n of_o fire_n rain_v down_o from_o thick_a and_o pitchy_a cloud_n shall_v wrap_v universal_a nature_n in_o a_o sheet_n of_o flame_n and_o complete_a a_o external_a hell_n where_o the_o worm_n die_v not_o and_o the_o fire_n be_v not_o quench_v tell_v i_o then_o o_o man_n thou_o that_o think_v righteousness_n but_o a_o idle_a name_n on_o who_o hard_a and_o stubborn_a soul_n a_o discourse_n of_o another_o
destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o lazarus_n be_v then_o alive_a when_o the_o other_o write_v their_o gospel_n they_o purposely_o omit_v it_o lest_o the_o recite_v and_o record_v so_o eximious_a and_o convictive_a a_o miracle_n may_v exasperate_v the_o jew_n against_o he_o and_o bring_v he_o to_o ruin_v but_o be_v dead_a st._n john_n may_v safe_o transmit_v it_o to_o posterity_n in_o his_o gospel_n again_o it_o be_v very_o improbable_a they_o will_v deceive_v other_o for_o cui_fw-la bono_fw-mi to_o what_o end_n or_o purpose_n or_o what_o design_n can_v they_o aim_v at_o in_o deceive_v the_o world_n honour_n and_o preferment_n they_o can_v not_o expect_v they_o be_v all_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o pagan_n or_o of_o the_o jew_n their_o bitter_a enemy_n who_o hate_v the_o holy_a jesus_n with_o a_o implacable_a hatred_n and_o for_o that_o very_a reason_n persecute_v all_o his_o adherent_n nor_o can_v they_o hope_v for_o riches_n when_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n expose_v they_o to_o the_o loss_n of_o all_o temporal_a good_n neither_o can_v the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v without_o the_o neglect_n of_o mundane_a affair_n but_o perhaps_o some_o will_v say_v they_o impose_v upon_o the_o world_n that_o they_o may_v be_v the_o author_n of_o a_o new_a sect_n but_o 1._o either_o they_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o teach_v to_o be_v true_a or_o they_o do_v not_o if_o they_o do_v not_o believe_v they_o we_o can_v easy_o imagine_v they_o shall_v so_o far_o forth_o put_v off_o all_o humanity_n and_o good_a nature_n which_o they_o so_o serious_o and_o frequent_o inculcate_v in_o their_o write_n as_o to_o expose_v so_o many_o thousand_o innocent_a person_n to_o death_n upon_o their_o assertion_n of_o a_o falsehood_n yet_o if_o they_o can_v be_v so_o prodigious_o cruel_a to_o other_o will_v they_o be_v so_o prodigal_a of_o their_o own_o blood_n as_o to_o throw_v it_o away_o upon_o a_o uncertain_a delusion_n if_o they_o think_v they_o to_o be_v true_a as_o it_o be_v most_o likely_a they_o do_v their_o write_n show_v that_o they_o be_v in_o good_a earnest_n then_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o poor_a and_o trifle_a glory_n of_o be_v the_o author_n of_o a_o new_a and_o unheard_a of_o sect_n but_o the_o real_a good_a and_o advantage_n of_o mankind_n which_o animate_v and_o encourage_v they_o to_o such_o a_o undertake_n 2._o it_o be_v not_o the_o manner_n of_o cheater_n to_o provoke_v to_o so_o many_o witness_n as_o we_o find_v the_o apostle_n do_v st._n paul_n assert_v the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o bless_a lord_n beside_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o twelve_o apostle_n bring_v in_o five_o hundred_o upon_o the_o stage_n at_o once_o to_o confirm_v the_o same_o truth_n the_o major_a part_n of_o which_o be_v then_o alive_a when_o he_o write_v that_o epistle_n 1_o cor._n xv_o add_v to_o this_o that_o a_o lie_n be_v strict_o forbid_v by_o their_o write_n and_o those_o that_o delight_n in_o it_o menace_v with_o eternal_a destruction_n eph._n 4.25_o col._n 3.9_o rev._n 21.8.3_o 3._o suppose_v man_n can_v be_v so_o wicked_a yet_o will_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n suffer_v such_o a_o cheat_n to_o be_v put_v upon_o the_o world_n if_o we_o look_v upon_o the_o whole_a frame_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n it_o be_v such_o that_o the_o more_o good_a any_o man_n be_v the_o more_o likely_a to_o adhere_v to_o it_o and_o the_o most_o harmless_a and_o innocent_a person_n in_o the_o world_n be_v most_o apt_a to_o be_v charm_v and_o overcome_v by_o it_o but_o sure_o to_o they_o that_o believe_v a_o just_a and_o righteous_a providence_n govern_v the_o affair_n of_o the_o world_n it_o be_v apparent_a that_o god_n will_v not_o have_v suffer_v a_o error_n so_o universal_o to_o prevail_v nor_o those_o who_o most_o of_o all_o resemble_v his_o bless_a nature_n in_o justice_n mercy_n and_o compassion_n to_o be_v involve_v in_o obscurity_n and_o ignorance_n and_o eternal_o to_o perish_v in_o a_o delusion_n since_o he_o may_v and_o act_v according_a to_o his_o nature_n must_v necessary_o detect_v it_o now_o because_o the_o glorious_a resurrection_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n dismantling_n the_o prison_n of_o death_n and_o free_v himself_o from_o the_o chain_n and_o fetter_n of_o the_o grave_a be_v the_o great_a pillar_n and_o foundation_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n therefore_o it_o will_v be_v requisite_a to_o wipe_v off_o those_o spot_n the_o mouth_n of_o envy_n and_o detraction_n have_v cast_v upon_o it_o to_o this_o end_n i_o shall_v examine_v that_o objection_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o see_v the_o clear_a and_o evident_a proof_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o jesus_n invent_v this_o elusion_n of_o it_o that_o his_o disciple_n come_v by_o night_n and_o steal_v he_o away_o while_o the_o watch_n sleep_v to_o which_o the_o many_o improbable_a and_o unlikely_a circumstance_n it_o be_v attend_v withal_o will_v be_v a_o sufficient_a answer_n and_o reply_n as_o 1._o how_o unlikely_a be_v it_o that_o his_o disciple_n who_o just_o before_o flee_v every_o one_o from_o he_o shall_v now_o resume_v such_o courage_n as_o to_o venture_v to_o steal_v his_o body_n from_o a_o guard_n of_o soldier_n 2._o it_o be_v not_o likely_a that_o all_o the_o watch_n shall_v be_v asleep_a at_o one_o time_n 3._o if_o they_o be_v yet_o it_o be_v hard_a to_o imagine_v that_o his_o disciple_n shall_v come_v just_a at_o that_o time_n 4._o how_o can_v they_o roll_v away_o the_o stone_n and_o take_v out_o the_o body_n which_o sure_o will_v have_v make_v no_o small_a noise_n and_o yet_o none_o of_o the_o guard_n hear_v they_o 5._o suppose_v they_o have_v take_v away_o the_o body_n quid_fw-la ex_fw-la cadavere_fw-la emolumenti_fw-la what_o benefit_n can_v they_o have_v expect_v from_o a_o dead_a carcase_n will_v the_o dead_a and_o infamous_a body_n of_o a_o impostor_n be_v a_o sufficient_a motive_n to_o induce_v they_o to_o deny_v friend_n and_o relative_n worldly_a interest_n and_o profit_n yea_o life_n itself_o to_o maintain_v his_o credit_n by_o tell_v the_o world_n a_o fair_a story_n of_o his_o resurrection_n if_o indeed_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n this_o be_v then_o sufficient_o evidence_v that_o christ_n rise_v from_o the_o dead_a it_o be_v a_o undeniable_a confirmation_n that_o all_o his_o other_o miracle_n be_v true_a and_o indeed_o it_o can_v not_o suit_n with_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n to_o leave_v his_o soul_n in_o hell_n or_o suffer_v his_o flesh_n to_o see_v corruption_n for_o the_o innocence_n of_o the_o lord_n christ_n be_v bright_a as_o the_o noonday_n and_o all_o his_o suffering_n be_v undergo_v upon_o our_o account_n and_o have_v make_v a_o full_a and_o perfect_a atonement_n for_o sin_n the_o righteous_a providence_n of_o god_n be_v engage_v to_o raise_v he_o up_o and_o instate_v he_o in_o that_o blessedness_n which_o he_o merit_v for_o himself_o by_o his_o voluntary_a humiliation_n and_o condescend_v according_a to_o what_o the_o apostle_n affirm_v of_o he_o act_v two_o 24._o who_o god_n have_v raise_v up_o have_v loose_v the_o pain_n of_o death_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d because_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a i.e._n it_o be_v not_o meet_v suitable_a or_o agreeable_a to_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v hold_v of_o it_o we_o have_v see_v the_o objection_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o i_o shall_v now_o conclude_v this_o particular_a by_o consider_v what_o the_o heathen_a and_o atheist_n have_v to_o say_v against_o the_o resurrection_n of_o jesus_n and_o he_o bring_v his_o exception_n after_o this_o manner_n if_o jesus_n do_v real_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a why_o do_v he_o not_o then_o show_v himself_o alive_a to_o all_o or_o at_o least_o to_o the_o chief_a priest_n and_o ruler_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o condemn_v he_o to_o be_v crucify_v and_o not_o only_o to_o his_o own_o company_n and_o that_o not_o constant_o to_o they_o but_o like_o a_o spectrum_n or_o ghost_n appear_v and_o then_o vanish_v away_o but_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o impure_a and_o atheistical_a man_n do_v not_o apprehend_v the_o divine_a dispensation_n of_o jesus_n in_o the_o flesh_n since_o there_o be_v a_o perpetual_a antipathy_n between_o their_o gross_a and_o feculent_a soul_n and_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o heavenly_a wisdom_n but_o to_o they_o that_o be_v sincere_a there_o be_v nothing_o in_o this_o instance_n but_o may_v admit_v of_o a_o fair_a apology_n we_o must_v know_v then_o that_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o holy_a jesus_n be_v vital_o unite_v to_o the_o eternal_a logos_fw-la and_o never_o lapse_v from_o the_o pure_a and_o immaculate_a region_n of_o blessedness_n with_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n but_o so_o qualify_a his_o glory_n as_o to_o fit_v himself_o for_o a_o union_n with_o a_o terrestrial_a body_n must_v have_v even_o
in_o these_o earthly_a habitation_n a_o very_a efficacious_a principle_n of_o life_n and_o virtue_n within_o he_o which_o though_o shut_v up_o and_o constrain_v by_o the_o encumbrance_n of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n yet_o shine_v through_o the_o veil_n and_o sometime_o break_v forth_o into_o pure_a light_n and_o glory_n wherefore_o through_o the_o plenitude_n and_o perfection_n of_o this_o high_a and_o exalt_a life_n it_o so_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o in_o the_o time_n of_o his_o converse_n with_o mortal_n before_o his_o death_n he_o be_v not_o see_v alike_o and_o after_o the_o same_o manner_n by_o all_o but_o according_a to_o the_o measure_n and_o model_n of_o their_o frail_a capacity_n and_o some_o such_o thing_n judas_n who_o betray_v he_o seem_v to_o intimate_v by_o give_v a_o sign_n to_o the_o apprehender_n of_o jesus_n to_o know_v he_o when_o yet_o it_o be_v true_a what_o christ_n say_v that_o he_o be_v daily_o with_o they_o teach_v in_o the_o temple_n and_o certain_o we_o can_v but_o think_v something_o extraordinary_a to_o be_v in_o the_o bless_a jesus_n when_o the_o scripture_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n be_v not_o able_a to_o behold_v the_o glorious_a visage_n even_o of_o moses_n when_o he_o descend_v from_o his_o converse_n with_o god_n in_o the_o mount_n although_o then_o in_o the_o frailty_n of_o his_o flesh_n when_o he_o be_v a_o man_n of_o sorrow_n and_o have_v not_o yet_o spoil_v principality_n and_o power_n nor_o die_v for_o sin_n he_o suffer_v himself_o to_o be_v see_v of_o all_o yet_o when_o he_o have_v break_v the_o power_n of_o hell_n and_o rise_v as_o a_o triumphant_a conqueror_n from_o his_o bed_n of_o darkness_n the_o grave_a he_o be_v not_o then_o the_o object_n of_o every_o man_n sight_n his_o divinity_n be_v more_o refulgent_a when_o the_o oeconomy_n he_o undertake_v in_o the_o flesh_n be_v finish_v but_o to_o those_o who_o be_v capable_a of_o his_o presence_n he_o appear_v and_o show_v himself_o alive_a to_o confirm_v and_o strengthen_v their_o faith_n and_o yet_o spare_v their_o imbecility_n and_o imperfection_n by_o stay_v but_o a_o little_a with_o they_o at_o a_o time_n for_o even_o his_o apostle_n be_v not_o all_o capable_a of_o behold_v he_o at_o all_o time_n and_o therefore_o he_o select_a peter_n james_n and_o john_n who_o alone_o be_v able_a to_o bear_v that_o glorious_a spectacle_n of_o his_o transfiguration_n and_o behold_v moses_n and_o elias_n in_o their_o celestial_a robe_n and_o hear_v not_o only_o their_o discourse_n but_o the_o voice_n which_o come_v to_o they_o from_o the_o cloud_n and_o hence_o we_o gather_v that_o he_o will_v not_o appear_v to_o those_o who_o insult_v over_o he_o in_o his_o misery_n and_o be_v the_o author_n of_o his_o ignominious_a death_n out_o of_o compassion_n towards_o they_o lest_o they_o shall_v be_v strike_v with_o blindness_n as_o the_o wicked_a sodomite_n who_o seek_v to_o abuse_v those_o angelical_a personage_n that_o be_v hospitable_o receive_v into_o the_o house_n of_o lot_n and_o thus_o we_o read_v that_o saul_n in_o his_o journey_n to_o damascus_n be_v strike_v blind_a by_o that_o excellent_a glory_n which_o yet_o become_v a_o innocuous_a and_o recreate_v splendour_n to_o st._n stephen_n a_o little_a before_o his_o death_n chap._n iii_o that_o christianity_n contain_v nothing_o light_a and_o trivial_a but_o grave_n and_o sober_a truth_n deliver_v in_o that_o decorous_a and_o become_a majesty_n as_o well_o suit_v with_o that_o bless_a spirit_n which_o inspire_v the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n the_o three_o particular_a to_o be_v prove_v in_o order_n to_o the_o declaration_n of_o the_o excellency_n of_o christianity_n be_v that_o it_o treat_v of_o no_o small_a and_o trifle_a thing_n but_o such_o as_o be_v of_o the_o great_a importance_n in_o the_o world_n for_o what_o be_v more_o noble_a and_o generous_a than_o that_o which_o concern_v the_o happiness_n and_o welfare_n of_o the_o whole_a creation_n what_o more_o sublime_a and_o excellent_a than_o that_o which_o tend_v to_o the_o unmask_a the_o cloudy_a and_o obscure_a face_n of_o providence_n and_o discover_v the_o unsearchable_a wisdom_n of_o god_n in_o the_o harmonious_a order_n and_o symmetry_n of_o the_o world_n but_o to_o descend_v more_o particular_o 1._o the_o gospel_n teach_v we_o that_o the_o true_a and_o genuine_a felicity_n of_o mankind_n be_v the_o participation_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n that_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v in_o a_o undue_a and_o wrong_a estate_n in_o this_o world_n that_o be_v that_o their_o nature_n be_v by_o some_o mean_n or_o other_o corrupt_v and_o vitiate_a and_o force_v from_o their_o proper_a bend_a and_o inclination_n needs_o no_o other_o confirmation_n than_o the_o great_a inquietude_n and_o dissatisfaction_n they_o find_v in_o the_o best_a terrestrial_a joy_n and_o delight_n and_o their_o diligent_a and_o indefatigable_a inquisition_n after_o some_o noble_a and_o permanent_a good_a which_o may_v be_v commensurate_a with_o the_o vastness_n of_o their_o capacity_n and_o desire_n and_o although_o as_o man_n come_v into_o the_o world_n their_o animal_n power_n and_o faculty_n who_o proper_a object_n be_v the_o result_v of_o sense_n and_o corporeal_a motion_n be_v full_o awake_a and_o usurp_v the_o throne_n of_o reason_n and_o intellect_n yet_o those_o lordly_a power_n like_o a_o oppress_a prince_n still_o lay_v claim_n to_o the_o sovereignty_n and_o dominion_n and_o whenever_o any_o due_a occasion_n be_v offer_v give_v a_o evident_a proof_n of_o their_o heavenly_a birth_n and_o extraction_n and_o strive_v to_o free_v themselves_o from_o their_o unjust_a captivity_n and_o regain_v their_o native_a liberty_n and_o command_n and_o if_o by_o a_o favourable_a assistance_n and_o timely_a aid_n the_o mind_n of_o man_n conquer_v and_o suppress_v the_o rebellious_a passion_n and_o desire_n of_o the_o mortal_a body_n and_o become_v in_o any_o measure_n healthy_a and_o strong_a to_o relish_v their_o proper_a food_n and_o nourishment_n and_o amid_o all_o the_o flatter_a appearance_n and_o fine_a show_v present_v to_o they_o from_o this_o outward_a world_n discriminate_a between_o real_a good_a and_o evil_a and_o select_v true_a and_o substantial_a from_o false_a and_o adulterate_a joy_n they_o behold_v with_o pleasure_n and_o enravishment_n a_o perfect_a union_n and_o harmony_n between_o whatever_o truth_n shall_v due_o be_v propound_v to_o they_o and_o their_o rational_a nature_n for_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v in_o their_o general_a stricture_n and_o lineament_n intellectual_a it_o can_v be_v but_o that_o their_o high_a felicity_n and_o true_a accomplishment_n must_v flow_v from_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o high_a and_o more_o immaterial_a power_n and_o the_o more_o spiritualise_v and_o refine_v they_o be_v from_o base_a alloy_n the_o more_o tender_a and_o apprehensive_a be_v they_o of_o whatever_o be_v noble_a and_o excellent_a and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o purity_n of_o their_o nature_n albeit_o therefore_o our_o faculty_n be_v deprave_v and_o debase_v as_o we_o appear_v upon_o the_o stage_n of_o this_o world_n yet_o there_o be_v in_o we_o a_o strong_a propension_n to_o return_v to_o our_o first_o and_o primitive_a state_n out_o of_o which_o we_o be_v force_v by_o the_o unjust_a usurpation_n of_o iniquity_n and_o sin_n truth_n and_o goodness_n and_o all_o those_o beautiful_a form_n and_o idea_n which_o shine_v in_o our_o soul_n before_o their_o unhappy_a lapse_n and_o revolt_n from_o the_o bless_a law_n and_o government_n of_o god_n own_o life_n will_v upon_o a_o congruous_a proposal_n renew_v their_o ancient_a league_n and_o friendship_n and_o conspire_v the_o utter_a subversion_n of_o all_o irregular_a appetite_n and_o desire_n and_o reduce_v the_o whole_a man_n into_o a_o strict_a obedience_n and_o observance_n of_o the_o dictate_v and_o prescription_n of_o that_o holy_a and_o exalt_a principle_n of_o life_n which_o be_v once_o full_o seat_v and_o radicate_v in_o our_o mind_n and_o spirit_n be_v alone_o able_a to_o make_v we_o perfect_o happy_a and_o bless_a for_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v not_o devoid_a of_o innate_a knowledge_n but_o be_v essential_o store_v through_o the_o gracious_a bounty_n and_o liberality_n of_o the_o first_o and_o bless_a author_n of_o all_o thing_n with_o the_o principle_n of_o all_o manner_n of_o science_n and_o wisdom_n whatever_o and_o hence_o can_v but_o embrace_v and_o receive_v every_o thing_n that_o have_v any_o cognation_n and_o affinity_n with_o those_o first_o inscription_n on_o their_o nature_n now_o the_o great_a happiness_n delight_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o every_o degree_n of_o life_n in_o the_o world_n consist_v in_o and_o arise_v from_o the_o kindly_a and_o agreeable_a act_n of_o its_o chief_a and_o best_a faculty_n and_o capacity_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n so_o far_o forth_o as_o it_o be_v capable_a of_o moral_a good_a and_o evil_a be_v make_v up_o of_o such_o principle_n as_o be_v
victorious_a the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v no_o dull_a and_o sluggish_a principle_n but_o a_o quick_a and_o active_a life_n and_o into_o whatever_o soul_n it_o enter_v it_o be_v perpetual_o cleanse_v and_o purify_n and_o refine_n it_o till_o it_o have_v whole_o extirpate_v and_o destroy_v whatever_o beat_v no_o similitude_n with_o itself_o and_o render_v the_o whole_a man_n a_o immaculate_a temple_n for_o the_o manifestation_n of_o its_o own_o glorious_a presence_n let_v no_o man_n then_o pretend_v a_o invincible_a infirmity_n or_o that_o he_o be_v fatal_o bind_v and_o enslave_v to_o sin_n and_o vice_n for_o if_o we_o will_v but_o excite_v those_o power_n god_n have_v give_v we_o and_o by_o ardent_a breathe_n invocate_v the_o gracious_a auxiliary_n of_o heaven_n there_o will_v be_v wonder_v wrought_v upon_o our_o soul_n the_o strength_n of_o our_o corruption_n will_v abate_v and_o our_o furious_a passion_n be_v restrain_v and_o reduce_v into_o discipline_n and_o order_n 3._o the_o last_o general_a head_n be_v the_o promise_n of_o a_o future_a and_o bless_a immortality_n in_o heaven_n when_o this_o present_a life_n be_v end_v the_o bless_a jesus_n while_o he_o live_v upon_o earth_n do_v not_o whole_o obscure_v his_o glory_n in_o the_o mantle_n of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n but_o give_v a_o notable_a specimen_fw-la of_o that_o efficacious_a life_n and_o power_n which_o as_o he_o himself_o be_v already_o possess_v of_o so_o all_o those_o that_o believe_v in_o his_o name_n shall_v hereafter_o be_v endue_v withal_o which_o shall_v melt_v their_o corruptible_a into_o incorruption_n and_o translate_v they_o to_o the_o quiet_a and_o peaceful_a region_n of_o immortality_n in_o his_o transfiguration_n upon_o mount_n tabor_n which_o be_v enough_o to_o call_v off_o the_o thought_n and_o care_n of_o man_n from_o the_o trifle_n concern_v of_o this_o world_n and_o teach_v they_o that_o there_o be_v a_o better_a portion_n to_o be_v expect_v for_o all_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o virtue_n in_o the_o pure_a and_o undefiled_a mansion_n of_o heaven_n where_o dwell_v nothing_o but_o truth_n and_o goodness_n but_o the_o most_o lively_a and_o pregnant_a evidence_n of_o the_o future_a subsistence_n of_o our_o soul_n be_v his_o glorious_a resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a whereby_o as_o he_o be_v declare_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n with_o power_n so_o it_o give_v we_o a_o full_a assurance_n and_o convictive_a demonstration_n even_o to_o outward_a sense_n that_o the_o comfortless_a chamber_n of_o the_o grave_n shall_v not_o for_o ever_o detain_v we_o but_o that_o when_o he_o who_o be_v our_o life_n shall_v appear_v and_o summon_v earth_n and_o sea_n to_o deliver_v up_o their_o dead_a and_o open_v the_o secret_a receptacle_n of_o soul_n then_o shall_v all_o holy_a and_o righteous_a person_n appear_v with_o he_o in_o glory_n and_o take_v possession_n of_o their_o long_a expect_a joy_n and_o receive_v the_o just_a recompense_n of_o all_o their_o pain_n and_o labour_n a_o inheritance_n incorruptible_a undefiled_a and_o that_o fade_v not_o away_o reserve_v by_o a_o gracious_a providence_n in_o the_o heaven_n for_o they_o all_o power_n be_v commit_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o christ_n who_o have_v vanquish_v death_n and_o hell_n and_o captivate_v all_o the_o power_n of_o darkness_n and_o beget_v we_o to_o a_o lively_a hope_n that_o when_o we_o shall_v put_v off_o our_o mortality_n and_o be_v release_v from_o all_o terrestrial_a pressure_n and_o encumbrance_n he_o will_v clothe_v we_o with_o a_o heavenly_a body_n like_o unto_o his_o own_o body_n of_o light_n and_o glory_n but_o lest_o we_o shall_v undo_v ourselves_o with_o fruitless_a expectation_n and_o fly_v to_o heaven_n in_o our_o vain_a dream_n of_o salvation_n before_o our_o sincere_a conformity_n to_o god_n bless_a will_n and_o command_n have_v render_v we_o capable_a of_o that_o pure_a and_o holy_a state_n fancy_v we_o can_v read_v our_o name_n write_v among_o the_o star_n before_o we_o have_v learn_v the_o precept_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n god_n have_v annex_v condition_n of_o obedience_n to_o all_o his_o promise_n and_o resolve_v that_o no_o man_n shall_v be_v crown_v but_o he_o that_o with_o courage_n and_o perseverance_n maintain_v the_o war_n against_o sin_n and_o hell_n and_o indeed_o the_o reward_n that_o be_v promise_v to_o all_o virtuous_a person_n in_o the_o gospel_n have_v so_o great_a affinity_n and_o agreement_n with_o holiness_n the_o condition_n of_o it_o that_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o he_o can_v be_v capable_a of_o the_o one_o who_o be_v not_o aforehand_o invest_v with_o the_o other_o for_o what_o be_v heaven_n but_o a_o state_n of_o spotless_a love_n and_o purity_n where_o no_o envy_n nor_o malice_n straiten_n and_o contract_n the_o boundless_a and_o enlarge_v no_o cloud_n of_o passion_n or_o disorder_a lust_n obscure_v the_o brightness_n of_o that_o eternal_a day_n where_o the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n neither_o rise_v nor_o set_v upon_o the_o horizon_n of_o time_n but_o remain_v vertical_a for_o ever_o and_o now_o what_o concord_n can_v possible_o be_v imagine_v between_o such_o transcendent_a beauty_n and_o glory_n and_o the_o deformity_n and_o ugliness_n of_o the_o frame_n and_o temper_v of_o a_o unrighteous_a man_n spirit_n where_o every_o thing_n lie_v cross_a and_o untoward_a and_o his_o unruly_a desire_n like_o the_o boisterous_a wave_n enrage_v by_o a_o sudden_a storm_n sweep_v the_o bottom_n of_o his_o pollute_a soul_n and_o throw_v up_o so_o much_o mire_n and_o dirt_n that_o it_o deface_v whatever_o be_v comely_a and_o leave_v not_o the_o least_o emblem_n of_o heaven_n to_o be_v discern_v in_o it_o this_o be_v the_o grand_a importance_n of_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v enough_o to_o demonstrate_v the_o prudent_a care_n and_o dear_a affection_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n to_o the_o child_n of_o man_n and_o a_o sufficient_a manifestation_n of_o the_o great_a ingratitude_n and_o unworthiness_n of_o those_o who_o do_v not_o believe_v in_o he_o that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o want_n of_o reason_n or_o convictive_a argument_n but_o their_o own_o careless_a and_o wretchless_n neglect_v of_o consideration_n that_o make_v they_o deaf_a to_o such_o charm_n of_o love_n and_o stupid_a and_o unmindful_a of_o so_o important_a interest_n but_o man_n seldom_o want_v objection_n against_o that_o which_o they_o have_v no_o mind_n to_o believe_v against_o this_o therefore_o it_o be_v say_v that_o if_o the_o promise_v of_o that_o eternal_a reward_n christ_n have_v make_v to_o we_o in_o the_o gospel_n be_v so_o frame_v as_o to_o be_v inevident_a to_o man_n and_o leave_v they_o place_n of_o doubt_v it_o will_v be_v no_o such_o great_a crime_n in_o wicked_a person_n not_o to_o believe_v those_o promise_n and_o so_o not_o to_o embrace_v they_o to_o this_o i_o say_v 1._o that_o the_o gospel_n leave_v no_o such_o place_n of_o doubt_v as_o to_o make_v infidelity_n or_o a_o disbelief_n of_o it_o excusable_a for_o unbelief_n can_v then_o only_o be_v excusable_a when_o there_o be_v real_o want_v such_o argument_n as_o may_v beget_v faith_n in_o a_o rational_a and_o unprejudiced_a person_n but_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o promise_v thereof_o be_v sufficient_o confirm_v by_o such_o prevalent_a reason_n as_o be_v apt_a to_o acquire_v belief_n and_o credence_n from_o a_o unbiased_a nature_n the_o pretend_a inevidence_n where_o there_o be_v no_o just_a cause_n or_o suspicion_n of_o doubt_v can_v at_o all_o patronize_v infidelity_n nor_o be_v a_o reasonable_a ground_n to_o act_v contrary_a to_o what_o belief_n will_v otherwise_o incite_v they_o it_o be_v true_a be_v the_o argument_n for_o the_o disbelief_n of_o the_o promise_n of_o life_n and_o salvation_n equal_a to_o and_o strong_a as_o those_o that_o persuade_v we_o to_o the_o belief_n of_o they_o there_o will_v be_v some_o colour_n and_o appearance_n of_o reason_n for_o reject_v they_o but_o when_o there_o can_v be_v no_o such_o doubt_v or_o fluctuation_n of_o judgement_n as_o proceed_v from_o a_o equilibration_n of_o argument_n on_o both_o side_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o infidelity_n shall_v have_v any_o rational_a apology_n for_o what_o can_v be_v more_o convictive_a than_o to_o have_v some_o holy_a and_o divine_a person_n come_v into_o the_o world_n who_o shall_v by_o many_o infallible_a miracle_n wonder_n and_o sign_n give_v a_o evident_a proof_n that_o he_o come_v from_o god_n and_o for_o a_o full_a confirmation_n of_o his_o doctrine_n rise_v from_o the_o dead_a the_o three_o day_n after_o the_o suffer_v a_o painful_a and_o ignominious_a death_n and_o to_o show_v that_o he_o be_v no_o spectrum_n or_o illusive_a phantasm_n converse_v with_o his_o disciple_n for_o the_o space_n of_o forty_o day_n and_o afterward_o ascend_v in_o their_o presence_n into_o the_o high_a heaven_n there_o to_o rule_v and_o govern_v his_o church_n till_o the_o end_n of_o