one_o another_o and_o so_o to_o become_v subject_n of_o the_o same_o heavenly_a king_n they_o renounce_v then_o all_o their_o difference_n and_o quarrel_n the_o dear_a expectation_n they_o have_v of_o their_o messiah_n stifle_v in_o their_o heart_n all_o passion_n and_o resentment_n but_o when_o john_n the_o baptist_n have_v as_o it_o be_v lead_v they_o by_o the_o hand_n to_o jesus_n christ_n himself_o they_o be_v strange_o surprise_v to_o find_v in_o he_o nothing_o of_o what_o they_o expect_v they_o find_v in_o he_o poverty_n where_o they_o think_v to_o have_v find_v riches_n shame_n and_o affliction_n where_o they_o think_v to_o have_v meet_v nothing_o but_o great_a splendour_n and_o temporal_a glory_n for_o this_o reason_n therefore_o they_o reject_v he_o with_o horror_n and_o abomination_n all_o their_o thought_n be_v on_o a_o sudden_a change_v into_o indignation_n and_o anger_n against_o he_o in_o who_o before_o they_o have_v fix_v all_o their_o imaginary_a hope_n but_o though_o the_o generality_n of_o his_o nation_n cast_v he_o off_o there_o be_v yet_o a_o certain_a number_n of_o person_n who_o be_v willing_a to_o follow_v he_o and_o that_o number_n daily_o increase_v in_o proportion_n as_o jesus_n christ_n suffering_n and_o affliction_n increase_v there_o be_v at_o first_o but_o twelve_o who_o he_o call_v to_o his_o service_n then_o send_v he_o seventy_o other_o abroad_o who_o be_v succeed_v by_o a_o great_a may_v other_o after_o his_o death_n and_o their_o number_n further_o increase_v with_o the_o fury_n of_o the_o sanhedrin_n there_o be_v at_o length_n many_o see_v who_o testify_v in_o behalf_n of_o that_o crucify_a man_n but_o how_o come_v those_o disciple_n to_o follow_v a_o messiah_n so_o contrary_a to_o their_o first_o idea_n and_o receive_a opinion_n how_o be_v it_o possible_a they_o shall_v not_o have_v be_v discourage_v at_o his_o cross_n unless_o jesus_n christ_n have_v promise_v they_o to_o do_v sign_n and_o wonder_n how_o can_v they_o have_v be_v with_o he_o night_n and_o day_n for_o three_o year_n and_o a_o half_a without_o inquire_v into_o that_o important_a matter_n of_o fact_n or_o know_v whether_o he_o be_v real_o able_a to_o do_v miracle_n or_o not_o or_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a when_o they_o find_v their_o mistake_n that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v but_o a_o ordinary_a sort_n of_o a_o man_n uncapable_a of_o work_v any_o sign_n or_o wonder_n they_o shall_v not_o have_v forsake_v he_o as_o a_o whymsical_a impostor_n how_o can_v their_o mind_n be_v so_o sudden_o change_v as_o to_o look_v on_o humiliation_n and_o meanness_n misery_n and_o affliction_n as_o upon_o the_o true_a and_o real_a character_n of_o the_o messiah_n they_o i_o say_v who_o mind_n education_n have_v fill_v only_o with_o carnal_a idea_n of_o the_o flourish_a kingdom_n of_o the_o messiah_n but_o above_o all_o how_o can_v they_o be_v present_a at_o the_o crucifixion_n of_o their_o master_n without_o be_v reduce_v to_o the_o last_o great_a consternation_n and_o confusion_n so_o that_o the_o second_o consequence_n which_o may_v very_o well_o be_v draw_v from_o these_o principle_n already_o establish_v be_v that_o the_o disciple_n have_v always_o imagine_v with_o their_o father_n and_o mother_n their_o brother_n and_o sister_n their_o teacher_n and_o elder_n and_o in_o general_a with_o their_o whole_a nation_n that_o their_o messiah_n shall_v have_v restore_v the_o kingdom_n of_o israel_n and_o have_v understand_v those_o word_n in_o a_o literal_a sense_n it_o be_v impossible_a but_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v extreme_o offend_v to_o see_v he_o wear_v a_o crown_n of_o thorn_n upon_o his_o head_n when_o he_o be_v nail_v on_o the_o cross_n and_o a_o reed_n instead_o of_o a_o sceptre_n in_o his_o hand_n nay_o more_o than_o this_o it_o be_v moral_o impossible_a but_o that_o this_o object_n must_v have_v root_v out_o of_o their_o heart_n all_o thought_n of_o pride_n and_o ambition_n and_o all_o pretension_n to_o greatness_n and_o temporal_a prosperity_n which_o their_o blindness_n have_v cause_v they_o to_o conceive_v upon_o this_o man_n account_n unless_o there_o have_v happen_v since_o his_o death_n such_o supernatural_a and_o extraordinary_a thing_n as_o be_v able_a to_o revive_v in_o their_o heart_n such_o great_a hope_n as_o these_o three_o we_o shall_v conclude_v from_o the_o principle_n we_o have_v already_o establish_v that_o the_o disciple_n as_o well_o as_o all_o other_o jew_n be_v as_o it_o be_v tie_v to_o their_o religion_n by_o what_o they_o have_v see_v and_o hear_v by_o their_o inclination_n and_o understanding_n by_o their_o interest_n and_o piety_n by_o their_o custom_n and_o education_n and_o by_o the_o advantage_n wherewith_o they_o may_v well_o flatter_v themselves_o of_o be_v distinguish_v from_o all_o other_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o be_v further_o as_o it_o be_v wed_v to_o it_o by_o that_o great_a number_n of_o ceremony_n and_o custom_n the_o justice_n and_o holiness_n of_o which_o they_o can_v no_o way_n doubt_v of_o since_o they_o have_v be_v so_o exact_o prescribe_v they_o by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n himself_o it_o can_v be_v suppose_v but_o that_o they_o imagine_v their_o law_n to_o be_v of_o a_o eternal_a duration_n and_o that_o be_v extreme_o averse_a to_o every_o new_a sort_n of_o worship_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o that_o of_o moses_n they_o can_v not_o have_v so_o sudden_o alter_v their_o opinion_n nor_o can_v there_o have_v happen_v so_o strange_a a_o revolution_n in_o the_o heart_n and_o mind_n of_o so_o many_o person_n unite_v and_o as_o it_o be_v link_v by_o so_o many_o respect_n to_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n that_o in_o so_o small_a a_o period_n of_o time_n the_o soul_n of_o all_o those_o jew_n shall_v have_v be_v so_o entire_o change_v as_o that_o they_o shall_v begin_v to_o look_v upon_o the_o jewish_a religion_n as_o upon_o a_o dispensation_n grant_v with_o a_o proviso_n and_o which_o be_v to_o come_v to_o a_o end_n and_o for_o the_o future_a be_v consider_v only_o as_o a_o thing_n altogether_o useless_a and_o out_o of_o date_n i_o confess_v that_o this_o principle_n be_v not_o first_o of_o all_o approve_a of_o in_o the_o world_n without_o great_a contest_v and_o difficulty_n and_o that_o there_o be_v for_o a_o while_o certain_a judaise_v christian_n who_o teach_v other_o that_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n be_v still_o in_o force_n and_o that_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n to_o join_v the_o doctrine_n of_o jesus_n christ_n with_o the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o law_n but_o than_o it_o be_v well_o know_v they_o be_v only_o either_o some_o of_o christ_n enemy_n who_o start_v these_o question_n out_o of_o a_o particular_a design_n to_o make_v a_o division_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n or_o some_o jew_n turn_v christian_n as_o yet_o very_o weak_a and_o not_o full_o strengthen_v in_o their_o belief_n who_o scrupulous_a zeal_n and_o blind_a superstition_n cause_v all_o those_o controvesy_n but_o however_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o true_a disciple_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o especial_o the_o apostle_n be_v not_o long_o in_o a_o error_n as_o to_o this_o point_n they_o affirm_v that_o man_n be_v justify_v only_o by_o the_o faith_n of_o jesus_n christ_n without_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n and_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o in_o the_o first_o council_n hold_v at_o jerusalem_n the_o disciple_n of_o our_o lord_n abolish_v the_o custom_n and_o rite_n of_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n but_o at_o last_o it_o be_v of_o no_o great_a moment_n whether_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n or_o religion_n of_o moses_n be_v abolish_v ten_o year_n soon_o or_o late_a still_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o it_o be_v sometime_o abolish_v or_o rather_o to_o speak_v more_o exact_o and_o true_o it_o be_v fulfil_v by_o the_o gospel_n and_o so_o the_o observation_n of_o it_o cease_v now_o i_o demand_v how_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o those_o man_n who_o be_v so_o devote_v and_o bigoted_a to_o that_o law_n who_o make_v it_o the_o object_n of_o their_o thought_n and_o most_o common_a discourse_n shall_v so_o great_a a_o number_n of_o they_o and_o in_o so_o short_a a_o time_n with_o one_o common_a consent_n renounce_v that_o law_n which_o piety_n make_v so_o venerable_a and_o honour_n and_o interest_n so_o valuable_a in_o their_o esteem_n whereas_o so_o many_o age_n elapse_v before_o the_o come_n of_o jesus_n christ_n into_o the_o world_n can_v not_o wear_v out_o of_o their_o mind_n that_o profound_a esteem_n and_o respect_n they_o have_v for_o that_o law_n for_o though_o they_o have_v often_o break_v it_o in_o several_a respect_n yet_o it_o may_v be_v say_v in_o their_o behalf_n they_o almost_o always_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o inviolable_a and_o can_v we_o suppose_v that_o so_o many_o age_n as_o have_v pass_v since_o the_o death_n of_o jesus_n christ_n can_v not_o remove_v
must_v renounce_v ourselves_o and_o beg_v of_o almighty_a god_n that_o he_o will_v enlighten_v our_o understanding_n when_o we_o perceive_v that_o such_o a_o sublime_a and_o elevate_a science_n which_o offer_v such_o noble_a and_o magnificent_a object_n to_o our_o consideration_n be_v yet_o conceive_v by_o those_o only_a that_o be_v pure_a in_o heart_n here_o then_o ought_v we_o to_o cry_v out_o what_o a_o divine_a religion_n be_v this_o which_o at_o once_o enlighten_v and_o humble_v we_o which_o amaze_v and_o yet_o clear_v our_o understanding_n which_o lead_v we_o to_o save_a knowledge_n by_o the_o free_a and_o ready_a confession_n of_o our_o own_o ignorance_n and_o take_v away_o all_o the_o imperfection_n of_o our_o understanding_n by_o make_v it_o submit_v to_o faith_n where_o be_v the_o wise_a where_o be_v the_o disputer_n of_o this_o world_n ix_o portraiture_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n or_o the_o conformity_n of_o its_o mystery_n to_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n have_v look_v into_o the_o original_a of_o all_o our_o false_a prejudices_fw-la it_o be_v now_o no_o difficult_a matter_n to_o distinguish_v religion_n from_o superstition_n and_o divinity_n from_o philosophy_n without_o such_o a_o distinction_n we_o must_v inevitable_o fall_v into_o the_o great_a difficulty_n and_o by_o it_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o demonstrate_v that_o religion_n contain_v no_o great_a difficulty_n than_o even_o nature_n itself_o thus_o the_o doctrine_n of_o predestination_n of_o grace_n and_o original_a sin_n be_v such_o unfathomable_a depth_n as_o terrify_v at_o first_o view_v the_o mind_n of_o he_o that_o endeavour_v to_o reconcile_v they_o to_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o methinks_v i_o already_o hear_v a_o multitude_n of_o doctor_n cry_v out_o against_o i_o that_o i_o ought_v not_o to_o presume_v to_o dive_v into_o thebottom_n of_o those_o profound_a mystery_n which_o confound_v their_o reason_n the_o more_o attentive_o they_o consider_v and_o reflect_v upon_o they_o but_o i_o beg_v leave_n of_o those_o worthy_a man_n to_o tell_v they_o that_o all_o those_o matter_n will_v seem_v to_o they_o less_o difficult_a than_o they_o do_v be_v they_o less_o philosopher_n than_o they_o be_v and_o i_o will_v have_v they_o always_o remember_v that_o faith_n and_o reason_n divinity_n and_o philosophy_n be_v essential_o distinct_a one_o from_o the_o other_o in_o as_o much_o as_o the_o former_a bare_o perceive_v the_o object_n itself_o without_o endeavour_v to_o search_v into_o the_o manner_n of_o it_o and_o consist_v in_o that_o submission_n which_o prevent_v its_o further_a inquiry_n pride_n and_o rashness_n be_v contrary_a to_o it_o whereas_o the_o latter_a continual_o endeavour_n to_o know_v both_o the_o thing_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o they_o together_o with_o the_o physical_a cause_n of_o they_o have_v no_o great_a enemy_n than_o ignorance_n to_o oppose_v its_o progress_n according_o a_o divine_a aught_o only_o to_o inquire_v whether_o there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o grace_n predestination_n original_a sin_n etc._n etc._n but_o a_o philosopher_n not_o satisfied-with_a a_o bare_a knowledge_n of_o it_o will_v yet_o further_o inquire_v what_o be_v the_o order_n of_o the_o immutable_a decree_n of_o god_n after_o what_o manner_n grace_n determine_v our_o free_a will_n and_o by_o what_o mean_v original_a sin_n be_v transmit_v from_o the_o first_o man_n to_o his_o posterity_n the_o apostle_n who_o be_v the_o true_a and_o indeed_o only_a divine_n that_o confine_v themselves_o within_o the_o due_a limit_n of_o divinity_n have_v very_o large_o instruct_v we_o in_o all_o those_o object_n by_o full_o demonstrate_v the_o truth_n and_o necessity_n of_o they_o yet_o have_v not_o let_v fall_v the_o least_o word_n that_o can_v give_v we_o a_o insight_n into_o the_o manner_n of_o they_o but_o the_o succeed_a christian_n apply_v themselves_o to_o the_o study_n of_o the_o platonic_a and_o aristotelian_a philosophy_n real_o think_v the_o knowledge_n of_o salvation_n a_o science_n as_o well_o as_o the_o rest_n and_o thereupon_o frame_v to_o themselves_o many_o fruitless_a and_o unprofitable_a speculative_a system_n which_o in_o many_o place_n be_v repugnant_a to_o piety_n and_o perplex_v our_o divine_a religion_n with_o several_a humane_a difficulty_n it_o will_v be_v injurious_a to_o imagine_v that_o st._n paul_n in_o his_o large_a discourse_n about_o the_o doctrine_n of_o predestination_n aim_v at_o nothing_o else_o but_o to_o gratify_v the_o vain_a curiosity_n of_o those_o he_o address_v himself_o to_o all_o that_o he_o there_o say_v though_o seem_o speculative_a be_v in_o reality_n practical_a the_o question_n be_v whether_o the_o distinction_n that_o be_v between_o the_o jew_n and_o gtntile_n be_v not_o whole_o take_v away_o and_o if_o so_o whether_o the_o gentile_n be_v not_o to_o make_v up_o one_o and_o the_o same_o body_n with_o the_o beliving_a jew_n those_o of_o the_o circumcision_n be_v accustom_v to_o look_v upon_o the_o heathen_n as_o a_o people_n that_o be_v curse_v can_v not_o easy_o imagine_v that_o they_o shall_v ever_o enjoy_v the_o same_o privilege_n with_o they_o but_o st._n paul_n the_o apostle_n of_o the_o gentile_n endeavour_n to_o confute_v this_o prejudice_n of_o they_o and_o to_o that_o purpose_n he_o show_v they_o that_o god_n be_v the_o god_n of_o all_o man_n that_o he_o suffer_v that_o all_o man_n shall_v sin_n that_o he_o may_v thereby_o extend_v his_o grace_n to_o all_o that_o the_o choice_n he_o make_v of_o the_o jew_n for_o his_o peculiar_a people_n be_v a_o free_a and_o liberal_a election_n that_o it_o be_v by_o by_o faith_n alone_o and_o not_o by_o work_n that_o the_o patriarch_n be_v acceptable_a to_o he_o that_o his_o mercy_n be_v not_o entail_v upon_o the_o posterity_n of_o the_o patriarch_n that_o the_o circumcision_n of_o the_o flesh_n be_v not_o the_o reason_n of_o their_o acceptance_n with_o god_n that_o the_o law_n of_o itself_o can_v not_o have_v that_o effect_n that_o it_o be_v not_o for_o the_o good_a work_n of_o jacob_n that_o his_o posterity_n be_v prefer_v before_o that_o of_o esau_n for_o whilst_o the_o child_n be_v yet_o in_o their_o mother_n womb_n and_o have_v do_v neither_o good_a nor_o evil_a it_o be_v tell_v rebekah_n consult_v the_o divine_a oracle_n about_o they_o that_o the_o elder_a shall_v serve_v the_o young_a now_o the_o reflection_n to_o be_v make_v upon_o this_o doctrine_n of_o st._n paul_n be_v these_o 1._o that_o the_o absolute_a necessity_n there_o be_v then_o to_o treat_v of_o those_o matter_n and_o the_o urgent_a occasion_n that_o oblige_v the_o apostle_n to_o speak_v of_o they_o be_v now_o whole_o at_o a_o end_n for_o there_o be_v none_o among_o the_o christian_n that_o either_o call_v or_o aught_o to_o call_v in_o question_n the_o election_n of_o those_o gentile_n who_o sincere_o believe_v the_o gospel_n so_o that_o if_o we_o happen_v now_o adays_o to_o be_v engage_v in_o any_o eager_a dispute_n about_o those_o matter_n it_o be_v mere_o out_o of_o a_o principle_n of_o vanity_n or_o obstinacy_n or_o a_o rash_a and_o impious_a curiosity_n every_o thing_n be_v practical_a in_o st_n paul_n discourse_n of_o predestination_n whereas_o those_o be_v whole_o speculative_a that_o be_v in_o these_o latter_a day_n compose_v about_o it_o st._n paul_n have_v no_o other_o design_n but_o to_o create_v peace_n and_o charity_n between_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n by_o show_v they_o that_o they_o be_v both_o the_o object_n of_o the_o divine_a election_n but_o now_o this_o doctrine_n be_v change_v into_o speculation_n and_o philosophy_n and_o have_v no_o other_o use_n but_o to_o create_v scandalous_a division_n in_o christian_a society_n 2._o the_o best_a and_o sure_a method_n in_o this_o case_n be_v to_o imitate_v the_o modesty_n of_o st._n paul_n who_o bare_o assert_v the_o thing_n take_v great_a care_v not_o to_o search_v into_o the_o manner_n of_o it_o he_o only_o speak_v of_o election_n in_o general_n and_o when_o his_o curious_a and_o impertinent_a reason_n go_v about_o to_o examine_v the_o performance_n of_o it_o he_o only_o cry_v out_o o_o the_o depth_n of_o the_o riches_n etc._n etc._n it_o must_v be_v confess_v st._n paul_n have_v as_o much_o wit_n as_o any_o modern_a divine_n can_v pretend_v to_o and_o so_o can_v have_v frame_v as_o probable_a system_n of_o the_o consent_n and_o harmony_n of_o the_o decree_n of_o god_n or_o have_v find_v out_o either_o in_o the_o ill_a use_n we_o make_v of_o our_o free_a will_n or_o in_o the_o spring_n of_o our_o soul_n wherewith_o to_o solve_v these_o difficulty_n yet_o he_o never_o attempt_v it_o and_o the_o reason_n be_v he_o be_v a_o true_a divine_a and_o not_o a_o mere_a philosopher_n and_o know_v very_o well_o that_o the_o most_o essential_a part_n of_o faith_n consist_v in_o humble_o cast_v down_o our_o eye_n before_o the_o dark_a side_n of_o the_o mystery_n 3._o but_o because_o we_o be_v
the_o other_o scale_n to_o overbalance_v it_o but_o it_o be_v not_o the_o pleasure_n of_o god_n we_o shall_v and_o we_o must_v rest_v content_a to_o believe_v those_o object_n which_o make_v we_o thus_o renounce_v that_o which_o we_o actual_o see_v and_o shall_v they_o be_v never_o so_o agreeable_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o common_a sense_n yet_o faith_n and_o not_o reason_n ought_v chief_o to_o induce_v we_o to_o receive_v they_o now_o the_o same_o principle_n that_o set_v the_o heart_n at_o variance_n with_o the_o law_n that_o impose_v on_o it_o the_o necessity_n of_o act_v after_o that_o manner_n the_o same_o principle_n i_o say_v make_v reason_n oppose_v revelation_n which_o lay_v upon_o it_o a_o invincible_a necessity_n of_o believe_v what_o it_o can_v comprehend_v it_o be_v certain_a however_o that_o this_o command_n of_o god_n be_v very_o conformable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n very_o suitable_a to_o our_o present_a condition_n necessary_a to_o our_o sanctification_n and_o useful_a for_o the_o advancement_n of_o god_n glory_n we_o must_v not_o think_v it_o strange_a that_o the_o dispensation_n of_o faith_n shall_v precede_v that_o of_o sight_n since_o we_o daily_o observe_v darkness_n to_o precede_v light_n by_o a_o natural_a order_n and_o that_o we_o be_v child_n before_o we_o come_v to_o be_v men._n both_o experience_n and_o reason_n tell_v we_o that_o our_o knowledge_n be_v very_o imperfect_a in_o this_o life_n wherein_o the_o soul_n be_v as_o it_o be_v press_v down_o by_o the_o clog_n of_o the_o body_n that_o we_o may_v walk_v more_o secure_a by_o the_o help_n of_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o those_o heathen_n who_o attempt_v to_o go_v beyoud_a it_o wander_v blind_o about_o and_o lose_v their_o way_n there_o be_v two_o sort_n of_o irregularity_n in_o man_n which_o produce_v all_o his_o other_o disorder_n pride_n and_o voluptuousness_n the_o latter_a of_o which_o spring_v up_o in_o the_o most_o inferior_a part_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o be_v chief_o produce_v by_o the_o sense_n but_o pride_n be_v proper_o a_o defect_n of_o the_o mind_n as_o therefore_o there_o have_v not_o be_v find_v hitherto_o a_o better_a remedy_n against_o voluptuousness_n than_o that_o of_o afflict_v the_o sense_n by_o deny_v they_o those_o pleasure_n they_o so_o earnest_o thirst_v after_o so_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v there_o have_v be_v as_o yet_o a_o better_a mean_n think_v of_o to_o remove_v the_o pride_n of_o the_o mind_n than_o to_o humble_v it_o by_o restrain_v those_o speculation_n of_o knowledge_n which_o puff_v it_o up_o beyond_o measure_n and_o mortify_v it_o by_o require_v it_o to_o sacrifice_v all_o its_o weak_a conjecture_n and_o vain_a reason_n to_o faith_n and_o indeed_o this_o sacrifice_n of_o ourselves_o be_v deserve_o owe_v to_o god_n since_o there_o be_v as_o much_o reason_n for_o submit_v our_o willby_n our_o obedience_n to_o his_o law_n as_o there_o be_v for_o subject_v our_o mind_n to_o he_o by_o faith_n for_o by_o the_o former_a of_o these_o act_n we_o own_v he_o for_o our_o lord_n that_o have_v a_o right_a to_o command_v we_o and_o by_o the_o latter_a we_o ready_o confess_v his_o veracity_n and_o that_o we_o need_v not_o fear_v be_v impose_v upon_o when_o we_o receive_v those_o thing_n he_o command_v we_o to_o observe_v thus_o man_n who_o have_v lose_v himself_o in_o his_o desire_n of_o infinite_a knowledge_n be_v bind_v in_o some_o measure_n to_o expiate_v his_o crime_n in_o not_o desire_v to_o know_v any_o thing_n by_o himself_o he_o have_v attempt_v to_o get_v as_o clear_v a_o knowledge_n of_o all_o thing_n as_o god_n himself_o but_o now_o he_o refuse_v to_o know_v any_o thing_n but_o from_o god_n he_o be_v blind_a whilst_o he_o walk_v in_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n but_o now_o he_o must_v see_v clear_a in_o the_o darkness_n of_o the_o dispensation_n of_o faith_n for_o after_o that_o in_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n the_o world_n by_o wisdom_n know_v not_o god_n it_o please_v god_n by_o the_o foolishness_n of_o preach_v to_o save_v they_o that_o believe_v 1_o cor._n 1._o 21._o it_o be_v certain_a shall_v god_n familiar_o and_o frequent_o reveal_v himself_o unto_o man_n by_o sensible_a and_o continue_a miracle_n we_o shall_v then_o walk_v by_o sight_n and_o not_o by_o faith_n and_o it_o be_v true_a also_o that_o if_o the_o object_n of_o revelation_n be_v not_o in_o some_o sort_n obscure_a there_o will_v be_v no_o endeavour_n no_o difficulty_n no_o sacrifice_n of_o reason_n make_v to_o believe_v they_o the_o difficulty_n that_o mystery_n be_v attend_v with_o have_v almost_o the_o same_o influence_n over_o our_o understanding_n as_o affliction_n have_v upon_o our_o heart_n for_o as_o these_o bring_v the_o latter_a in_o subjection_n so_o the_o other_o serve_v to_o try_v the_o constancy_n of_o the_o former_a and_o since_o god_n almighty_n be_v please_v to_o increase_v our_o patience_n by_o two_o different_a sort_n of_o suffering_n the_o one_o which_o he_o himself_o inflict_v immediate_o upon_o we_o and_o the_o other_o he_o permit_v worldly_a mind_v and_o sinful_a man_n to_o inflict_v upon_o we_o so_o in_o like_a manner_n he_o be_v please_v to_o exercise_v our_o faith_n by_o two_o different_a sort_n of_o difficulty_n some_o whereof_o spring_n immediate_o from_o god_n himself_o and_o other_o proceed_v from_o the_o very_a heart_n and_o understanding_n of_o men._n for_o we_o must_v distinguish_v betwixt_o that_o obscurity_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o mystery_n which_o proceed_v from_o god_n and_o that_o which_o proceed_v from_o the_o understanding_n of_o men._n the_o first_o be_v either_o necessary_a as_o all_o those_o difficulty_n which_o arise_v from_o the_o essential_a disproportion_n between_o infinite_a object_n such_o as_o those_o of_o revelation_n and_o a_o finite_a understanding_n like_o we_o or_o else_o voluntary_a and_o so_o enter_v into_o the_o very_a plan_n and_o design_n of_o religion_n itself_o and_o these_o again_o may_v be_v distinguish_v according_a to_o that_o diversity_n which_o in_o our_o manner_n of_o conceive_v thing_n we_o be_v oblige_v to_o suppose_v in_o the_o perfection_n of_o god_n himself_o there_o be_v some_o which_o proceed_v from_o the_o council_n of_o his_o wisdom_n other_o from_o that_o of_o his_o justice_n other_o from_o that_o of_o his_o majesty_n and_o last_o from_o that_o of_o his_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n thus_o divine_a wisdom_n be_v please_v to_o intermix_v some_o sort_n of_o darkness_n amid_o the_o most_o express_a prophecy_n we_o have_v lest_o that_o too_o clear_a a_o evidence_n of_o they_o shall_v destroy_v their_o event_n to_o this_o principle_n also_o must_v we_o refer_v all_o those_o shadow_n type_n parabolical_a representation_n that_o mixture_n of_o sensible_a object_n with_o spiritual_a benefit_n that_o of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n with_o the_o state_n of_o israel_n according_a to_o the_o flesh_n and_o general_o all_o those_o other_o mean_n which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n make_v use_v of_o partly_o to_o cover_v those_o event_n he_o have_v declare_v to_o man_n many_o age_n before_o their_o completion_n god_n draw_v a_o veil_n over_o the_o most_o essential_a truth_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n such_o as_o the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n the_o trinity_n the_o redemption_n of_o mankind_n etc._n etc._n that_o a_o distinct_a revelation_n from_o all_o these_o object_n may_v be_v a_o undeniable_a character_n of_o the_o messiah_n and_o that_o his_o disciple_n may_v bold_o affirm_v that_o life_n be_v manifest_v in_o jesus_n christ_n that_o grace_n have_v appear_v unto_o all_o men._n for_o no_o man_n have_v see_v god_n at_o any_o time_n the_o only_o beget_v son_n which_o be_v in_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o father_n he_o have_v declare_v he_o john_n 1._o 18._o to_o this_o wisdom_n of_o god_n also_o must_v be_v refer_v that_o conduct_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o inspire_v the_o patriarch_n thereby_o to_o reveal_v a_o better_a life_n to_o they_o and_o make_v they_o cry_v out_o upon_o their_o deathbed_n lord_n i_o have_v wait_v for_o thy_o salvation_n but_o withal_o give_v they_o but_o a_o faint_a prospect_n of_o that_o object_n by_o such_o obscure_a thought_n and_o dark_a notion_n as_o they_o be_v not_o able_a of_o themselves_o to_o solve_v defer_v to_o give_v a_o more_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o his_o mystery_n till_o that_o time_n which_o he_o have_v set_v apart_o for_o the_o fulfil_n of_o his_o oracle_n and_o the_o manifestation_n of_o he_o that_o be_v to_o be_v the_o author_n and_o end_n of_o christian_a religion_n for_o this_o cause_n therefore_o there_o be_v hardly_o mention_v make_v of_o any_o thing_n else_o in_o the_o write_n of_o moses_n but_o of_o temporal_a promise_n and_o threaten_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o jesus_n christ_n himself_o when_o dispute_v against_o the_o sadducee_n prove_v the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a but_o by_o
distinguish_v the_o object_n from_o the_o manner_n after_o which_o it_o be_v represent_v to_o we_o the_o first_o indeed_o be_v very_o reasonable_a great_a and_o sublime_a worthy_a to_o take_v up_o our_o thought_n and_o able_a to_o move_v our_o heart_n and_o we_o have_v already_o sufficient_o evince_v its_o conformity_n to_o our_o reason_n in_o show_v that_o we_o either_o must_v deny_v any_o evidence_n to_o be_v in_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n and_o nature_n of_o thing_n themselves_o or_o else_o acknowledge_v a_o future_a judgement_n and_o what_o can_v be_v great_a than_o a_o object_n which_o justify_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n his_o justice_n and_o all_o his_o other_o attribute_n and_o bring_v all_o man_n under_o his_o strict_a examination_n all_o their_o action_n all_o the_o thought_n of_o the_o understanding_n and_o all_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o this_o object_n be_v that_o alone_a as_o be_v real_a and_o immutable_a as_o for_o the_o manner_n that_o be_v propose_v to_o we_o of_o its_o accomplishment_n it_o will_v never_o suit_v with_o our_o weak_a knowledge_n be_v it_o altogether_o as_o sublime_a as_o the_o object_n itself_o and_o we_o shall_v be_v so_o far_o from_o comprehend_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o that_o it_o will_v certain_o dazzle_v our_o shallow_a reason_n if_o god_n do_v exact_o represent_v it_o to_o we_o as_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o but_o christ_n have_v sufficient_o show_v we_o we_o must_v not_o push_v too_o far_o the_o signification_n of_o any_o of_o those_o expressive_a image_n in_o that_o he_o use_v such_o a_o multitude_n and_o variety_n of_o other_o to_o represent_v that_o judgement_n to_o we_o for_o sometime_o he_o describe_v it_o by_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o groom_n and_o the_o virgin_n then_o again_o by_o the_o just_a judgement_n a_o lord_n pass_v upon_o all_o his_o servant_n who_o he_o have_v in_o his_o absence_n entrust_v with_o his_o talent_n one_o while_o he_o represent_v the_o judge_n of_o all_o the_o world_n as_o a_o shepherd_n select_v his_o sheep_n from_o the_o he-goat_n another_o time_n he_o describe_v he_o under_o the_o image_n of_o a_o housholder_n pluck_v up_o the_o tare_n and_o divide_v it_o from_o the_o wheat_n that_o he_o may_v burn_v the_o former_a but_o gather_v the_o latter_a into_o his_o barn_n in_o a_o word_n he_o compare_v he_o to_o a_o glorious_a and_o triumphant_a monarch_n who_o be_v precede_v by_o several_a legion_n of_o angel_n or_o messenger_n sound_v the_o trumpet_n before_o he_o now_o all_o these_o description_n will_v certain_o be_v of_o no_o use_n be_v they_o to_o be_v take_v in_o a_o strict_a and_o literal_a sense_n the_o same_o judgement_n must_v necessary_o be_v make_v of_o the_o history_n of_o dives_n and_o lazarus_n which_o though_o it_o appear_v never_o so_o reasonable_a and_o circumstantial_o tell_v yet_o for_o all_o that_o be_v but_o a_o parable_n in_o the_o opinion_n of_o all_o the_o sensible_a part_n of_o the_o world_n and_o will_v seem_v absurd_a if_o it_o be_v understand_v in_o a_o literal_a sense_n let_v not_o then_o philosophy_n any_o long_o be_v offend_v at_o any_o of_o the_o scripture_n phrase_n or_o its_o figurative_a expression_n let_v it_o not_o object_n that_o a_o material_a fire_n proper_o so_o call_v can_v burn_v up_o our_o soul_n that_o angel_n have_v no_o mouth_n to_o sound_a trumpet_n that_o the_o valley_n of_o josaphat_n be_v too_o little_a to_o contain_v all_o mankind_n etc._n etc._n these_o be_v such_o trivial_a difficulty_n as_o can_v puzzle_v those_o who_o be_v never_o so_o little_o acquaint_v with_o the_o language_n of_o canaan_n beside_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o mixture_n man_n have_v make_v of_o philosophy_n and_o religion_n have_v be_v considerable_o prejudicial_a to_o our_o faith_n for_o first_o philosophy_n as_o it_o be_v heap_v up_o one_o speculation_n upon_o another_o tell_v we_o that_o there_o be_v a_o infinite_a extension_n of_o matter_n that_o there_o be_v other_o globe_n inhabit_v and_o people_v other_o world_n be_v frame_v of_o the_o concourse_n of_o atom_n that_o there_o be_v certain_a invio_n jable_a law_n of_o nature_n that_o there_o be_v a_o eternity_n of_o matter_n and_o several_a other_o imagination_n of_o this_o kind_n as_o have_v not_o the_o least_o relation_n with_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n and_o thereupon_o the_o passion_n which_o be_v upon_o the_o watch_n to_o catch_v and_o embrace_v every_o thing_n that_o favour_v their_o several_a pretence_n in_o resist_a faith_n authorise_v the_o small_a conjecture_n and_o give_v such_o weight_n and_o credit_n to_o those_o thing_n which_o otherwise_o will_v certain_o pass_v for_o mere_a extravagancy_n and_o thus_o it_o happen_v that_o the_o scruple_n of_o philosophy_n be_v change_v into_o certainty_n through_o our_o unreasonable_a desire_n of_o change_a certainty_n of_o religion_n into_o doubt_n second_o philosophy_n create_v in_o we_o a_o habit_n of_o endeavour_v to_o judge_v of_o every_o thing_n by_o ourselves_o only_o a_o disposition_n indeed_o absolute_o contrary_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o faith_n which_o require_v of_o we_o a_o belief_n pure_o ground_v on_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n but_o man_n be_v so_o far_o from_o rely_v upon_o it_o that_o they_o be_v continual_o ask_v demonstration_n of_o we_o and_o those_o too_o they_o will_v have_v to_o be_v geometrical_a one_o that_o be_v so_o clear_a and_o evident_a as_o to_o be_v free_a from_o all_o perplex_v obscurity_n these_o man_n make_v large_a pretension_n and_o demand_n and_o sure_o it_o be_v that_o we_o have_v sufficient_a demonstration_n but_o they_o be_v all_o demonstration_n of_o faith_n and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o faith_n but_o what_o have_v some_o obscurity_n as_o well_o as_o light_n three_o another_o very_a dangerous_a effect_n of_o philosophy_n be_v that_o it_o change_v religion_n from_o practice_n into_o speculation_n for_o the_o nice_a and_o sublime_a our_o inquiry_n be_v into_o the_o nature_n of_o mystery_n the_o more_o we_o neglect_v the_o body_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v essential_o practical_a religion_n appear_v not_o then_o to_o we_o in_o its_o usual_a brightness_n and_o majesty_n and_o the_o more_o we_o pursue_v it_o by_o nice_a speculation_n the_o far_a it_o get_v out_o of_o our_o reach_n experience_n teach_v we_o that_o the_o progress_n we_o make_v in_o reason_v set_v we_o at_o a_o great_a distance_n from_o the_o true_a centre_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v piety_n and_o that_o the_o more_o metaphysical_a it_o be_v the_o less_o able_a it_o be_v to_o satisfy_v our_o mind_n but_o rather_o raise_v scruple_n in_o the_o understanding_n whereas_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o more_o we_o practise_v religion_n the_o better_a we_o be_v acquaint_v with_o it_o because_o we_o grow_v then_o sensible_a of_o its_o divine_a efficacy_n by_o our_o own_o experience_n and_o be_v make_v to_o believe_v the_o true_a value_n of_o it_o by_o the_o impression_n it_o leave_v in_o our_o heart_n have_v religion_n indeed_o be_v pure_o design_v to_o teach_v we_o how_o to_o philosophize_v and_o argue_v about_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n it_o will_v have_v be_v sufficient_a to_o take_v the_o measure_n of_o it_o from_o a_o speculative_a knowledge_n of_o the_o understanding_n but_o since_o it_o be_v give_v we_o to_o sanctify_v our_o heart_n it_o be_v but_o reasonable_a that_o contemplation_n shall_v yield_v to_o practice_n and_o the_o inward_a sense_n we_o have_v of_o its_o divine_a efficacy_n viii_o policy_n be_v yet_o a_o far_o great_a enemy_n to_o religion_n than_o philosophy_n not_o but_o that_o it_o often_o happy_o make_v use_v of_o religion_n to_o keep_v man_n within_o the_o bound_n of_o their_o duty_n but_o it_o pretend_v to_o have_v a_o right_n of_o superiority_n over_o it_o it_o will_v have_v religion_n submit_v to_o its_o order_n whereas_o religion_n submit_v only_o to_o the_o order_n of_o god_n policy_n general_o look_v upon_o the_o great_a part_n of_o man_n as_o no_o better_a than_o slave_n to_o those_o that_o be_v in_o power_n but_o religion_n in_o spite_n of_o policy_n make_v all_o man_n equal_a and_o effectual_o remove_v all_o those_o distinction_n which_o humane_a passion_n have_v put_v between_o they_o policy_n according_a to_o the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o pride_n and_o ambition_n act_v as_o if_o the_o live_v of_o the_o mean_a sort_n of_o people_n be_v of_o no_o more_o value_n than_o those_o of_o brute_n but_o religion_n assure_v we_o that_o the_o soul_n of_o a_o peasant_n be_v as_o dear_a and_o precious_a to_o god_n as_o that_o of_o a_o monarch_n what!_o say_v the_o ambitious_a man_n must_v all_o people_n become_v my_o equal_n and_o companion_n yes_o certain_o reply_v religion_n and_o far_o happy_a than_o thou_o be_v like_a to_o be_v unless_o thou_o repente_v a_o great_a and_o mighty_a character_n indeed_o which_o true_o convince_v we_o that_o it_o sole_o spring_v from_o god_n