condemnation_n and_o it_o be_v not_o only_o just_a but_o merciful_a for_o he_o to_o withhold_v the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o reveal_v will_v from_o those_o who_o he_o forefee_n will_v reject_v it_o and_o abuse_v the_o opportunity_n which_o shall_v be_v offer_v they_o to_o the_o aggravation_n of_o their_o own_o gild_n and_o punishment_n especial_o if_o it_o be_v observe_v 2._o that_o as_o to_o particular_a person_n we_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v that_o god_n who_o by_o so_o wonderful_a a_o providence_n have_v take_v care_n that_o every_o nation_n under_o heaven_n may_v have_v the_o true_a religion_n preach_v in_o it_o and_o who_o have_v the_o whole_a world_n at_o his_o disposal_n and_o order_n all_o thing_n with_o great_a regard_n to_o the_o salvation_n of_o man_n we_o have_v abundant_a cause_n to_o think_v that_o he_o will_v by_o some_o of_o the_o various_a method_n of_o his_o providence_n or_o even_o by_o miracle_n bring_v such_o man_n to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n who_o live_v according_a to_o their_o present_a knowledge_n with_o a_o sincere_a and_o honest_a endeavour_n to_o improve_v it_o when_o st._n peter_n be_v by_o revelation_n send_v to_o cornelius_n he_o make_v this_o inference_n from_o it_o of_o a_o truth_n i_o perceive_v that_o god_n be_v no_o respecter_n of_o person_n but_o in_o every_o nation_n he_o that_o fear_v he_o and_o work_v righteousness_n be_v accept_v with_o he_o act._n x._o 34_o 35._o from_o whence_o what_o less_o can_v we_o conclude_v than_o that_o every_o man_n in_o any_o part_n of_o the_o world_n who_o be_v sincere_o good_a and_o pious_a in_o the_o practice_n of_o his_o duty_n so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v know_v to_o he_o shall_v rather_o by_o a_o express_a revelation_n have_v the_o rest_n discover_v to_o he_o as_o in_o the_o instance_n of_o cornelius_n which_o give_v occasion_n to_o these_o word_n of_o s._n peter_n than_o that_o he_o shall_v be_v suffer_v to_o perish_v for_o want_v of_o a_o true_a faith_n and_o sufficient_a knowledge_n of_o his_o duty_n and_o it_o be_v just_a with_o god_n to_o punish_v those_o heathen_n who_o sin_n without_o any_o reveal_v law_n for_o their_o sin_n against_o natural_a reason_n and_o conscience_n and_o for_o neglect_v to_o use_v and_o improve_v their_o reason_n and_o to_o embrace_v the_o opportunity_n afford_v they_o of_o become_v christian_n we_o may_v likewise_o be_v certain_a that_o beside_o natural_a reason_n and_o conscience_n god_n in_o his_o goodness_n be_v not_o want_v to_o afford_v such_o inward_a motion_n and_o conviction_n of_o mind_n to_o such_o of_o the_o heathen_a as_o be_v not_o wilful_o blind_a and_o stupefy_v by_o their_o vice_n as_o may_v prepare_v they_o for_o the_o reception_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o by_o his_o providence_n he_o give_v they_o so_o many_o opportunity_n of_o become_v acquaint_v withal_o and_o if_o once_o they_o do_v discern_v the_o defect_n and_o fault_n of_o their_o own_o religion_n which_o be_v so_o gross_o against_o natural_a reason_n and_o conscience_n they_o may_v make_v enquiry_n of_o christian_n concern_v their_o religion_n as_o some_o of_o the_o american_n do_v of_o cortes_n and_o the_o christian_n some_o of_o they_o at_o least_o however_o negligent_a they_o be_v in_o propagate_a it_o will_v never_o refuse_v to_o instruct_v they_o in_o it_o and_o it_o must_v be_v remember_v that_o among_o those_o who_o have_v not_o receive_v the_o true_a religion_n yet_o many_o point_n be_v teach_v and_o believe_v which_o have_v their_o original_a from_o revelation_n as_o be_v evident_a not_o only_o of_o the_o mahometan_n but_o of_o several_a heathen_a nation_n which_o point_n be_v so_o many_o step_v and_o preparative_n towards_o the_o reception_n of_o the_o whole_a truth_n if_o they_o be_v not_o want_v to_o themselves_o in_o pursue_v they_o in_o their_o immediate_a tendency_n and_o consequence_n i_o shall_v not_o say_v that_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v extend_v to_o those_o who_o in_o the_o integrity_n of_o their_o heart_n die_v under_o a_o invincible_a ignorance_n of_o it_o i_o believe_v rather_o that_o god_n suffer_v no_o man_n so_o qualify_v and_o dispose_v to_o remain_v in_o invincible_a ignorance_n but_o it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o vindicate_v god_n justice_n and_o goodness_n that_o all_o nation_n have_v have_v such_o opportunity_n of_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o great_a allowance_n may_v be_v make_v at_o the_o last_o day_n for_o the_o ignorance_n and_o unhappy_a circumstance_n of_o particular_a men._n it_o be_v well_o say_v that_o when_o god_n have_v not_o think_v fit_a to_o tell_v we_o how_o he_o will_v be_v please_v to_o deal_v with_o such_o person_n it_o be_v not_o fit_a for_o we_o to_o tell_v he_o how_o he_o ought_v to_o deal_v with_o they_o but_o if_o it_o be_v difficult_a for_o we_o now_o to_o think_v how_o it_o will_v please_v god_n to_o deal_v with_o the_o heathen_a it_o will_v be_v a_o thousand_o time_n more_o difficult_a to_o conceive_v how_o the_o gracious_a and_o merciful_a god_n can_v govern_v and_o judge_v the_o world_n if_o all_o mankind_n be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o heathen_n without_o any_o divine_a revelation_n what_o will_v become_v of_o the_o heathen_a as_o to_o their_o eternal_a state_n be_v not_o the_o subject_a of_o this_o discourse_n nor_o do_v it_o concern_v we_o to_o know_v some_o of_o they_o will_v have_v more_o to_o plead_v for_o themselves_o in_o point_n of_o ignorance_n than_o other_o can_v have_v and_o they_o be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o merciful_a creator_n and_o saviour_n of_o mankind_n and_o there_o we_o must_v leave_v they_o but_o it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o it_o be_v much_o more_o agreeable_a to_o the_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n to_o reveal_v his_o will_n and_o to_o give_v so_o many_o opportunity_n to_o the_o world_n to_o be_v instruct_v in_o it_o though_o never_o so_o many_o shall_v neglect_v the_o mean_n of_o salvation_n than_o it_o be_v to_o suppose_v he_o to_o take_v no_o care_n to_o reduce_v mankind_n to_o the_o sense_n and_o practice_n of_o virtue_n and_o religion_n but_o to_o let_v they_o continue_v in_o all_o manner_n of_o idolatry_n and_o wickedness_n without_o give_v they_o any_o warning_n against_o it_o i_o have_v not_o speak_v in_o secret_a in_o a_o dark_a place_n of_o the_o earth_n look_v unto_o i_o and_o be_v you_o save_v all_o the_o end_n of_o the_o earth_n for_o i_o be_o god_n and_o there_o be_v none_o else_o come_v you_o near_o unto_o i_o hear_v you_o this_o i_o have_v not_o speak_v in_o secret_a from_o the_o beginning_n from_o the_o time_n that_o it_o be_v there_o be_o i_o isa_n xlv_o 19_o 22._o &_o xlviii_o 16._o have_v prove_v that_o the_o scripture_n want_v nothing_o requisite_a to_o a_o divine_a revelation_n in_o regard_n either_o of_o the_o antiquity_n or_o promulgation_n i_o proceed_v to_o show_v that_o they_o have_v sufficient_a evidence_n both_o by_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n in_o proof_n of_o their_o authority_n this_o evidence_n depend_v upon_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o concern_v either_o the_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n themselves_o in_o their_o several_a circumstance_n as_o we_o find_v they_o stand_v record_v or_o the_o life_n and_o personal_a qualification_n of_o those_o by_o who_o they_o be_v perform_v or_o by_o who_o they_o be_v relate_v in_o the_o scripture_n for_o if_o we_o can_v be_v assure_v both_o that_o they_o be_v true_o relate_v and_o that_o if_o they_o be_v do_v as_o they_o be_v relate_v they_o can_v proceed_v from_o none_o but_o a_o divine_a power_n we_o have_v all_o the_o evidence_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n that_o can_v be_v have_v for_o a_o revelation_n chap._n iii_o of_o moses_n and_o aaron_n that_o moses_n be_v a_o very_a great_a and_o wise_a man_n be_v relate_v by_o several_a of_o the_o most_o eminent_a heathen_a writer_n and_o i_o think_v it_o have_v never_o be_v deny_v by_o any_o man._n but_o it_o be_v no_o less_o evident_a that_o he_o be_v likewise_o a_o very_a good_a and_o pious_a man._n he_o frequent_o declare_v his_o own_o fail_n and_o infirmity_n exod._n iii._o 11._o &_o four_o 1_o 10_o 13._o num._n xi_o 10._o &_o xx_o 12._o &_o xxvii_o 14._o and_o never_o speak_v any_o thing_n tend_v to_o his_o own_o praise_n but_o upon_o a_o just_a and_o necessary_a occasion_n when_o it_o may_v become_v a_o prudent_a and_o modest_a man_n especial_o one_o divine_o inspire_v for_o all_o the_o praise_n of_o such_o a_o one_o do_v not_o terminate_v in_o himself_o but_o be_v attribute_v to_o god_n who_o instrument_n and_o servant_n he_o be_v and_o in_o such_o case_n where_o god_n honour_n be_v concern_v it_o be_v a_o duty_n to_o set_v forth_o the_o favour_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n towards_o he_o though_o some_o honour_n do_v redound_v
the_o law_n and_o that_o so_o many_o shall_v die_v rather_o than_o depart_v from_o it_o upon_o the_o revolt_n of_o the_o ten_o tribe_n jeroboam_n will_v certain_o have_v discover_v it_o if_o he_o have_v but_o suspect_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o imposture_n or_o can_v but_o have_v hope_v to_o make_v the_o people_n believe_v that_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n be_v not_o of_o divine_a institution_n but_o of_o humane_a invention_n and_o contrivance_n but_o he_o suppose_v the_o truth_n of_o its_o divine_a original_a whilst_o he_o tempt_v the_o people_n to_o the_o transgression_n of_o it_o behold_v thy_o god_n o_o israel_n which_o bring_v thou_o up_o out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n 1_o king_n twelve_o 28._o he_o suppose_v they_o bring_v out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n and_o bring_v out_o by_o a_o divine_a power_n and_o endeavour_n to_o persuade_v they_o that_o the_o two_o calf_n which_o he_o have_v set_v up_o in_o dan_n and_o bethel_n be_v the_o god_n who_o deliver_v they_o and_o by_o who_o authority_n the_o law_n be_v give_v they_o and_o that_o therefore_o either_o of_o those_o place_n be_v as_o proper_a to_o sacrifice_v in_o as_o jerusalem_n which_o however_o absurd_v it_o be_v yet_o he_o do_v not_o think_v so_o absurd_a as_o to_o endeavour_v to_o make_v they_o believe_v that_o their_o law_n itself_o be_v no_o better_a than_o a_o imposture_n he_o have_v some_o hope_n to_o succeed_v in_o this_o project_n and_o the_o event_n show_v he_o understand_v the_o temper_n and_o principle_n of_o the_o people_n he_o have_v to_o deal_v with_o but_o the_o other_o be_v too_o gross_a for_o he_o to_o attempt_v the_o true_a prophet_n of_o israel_n be_v ever_o as_o zealous_a for_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n as_o the_o prophet_n of_o judah_n and_o the_o false_a pophet_n of_o either_o kingdom_n never_o dare_v deny_v its_o authority_n these_o false_a prophet_n affront_v and_o contradict_v the_o prophet_n of_o the_o lord_n but_o they_o ever_o own_v the_o law_n and_o pretend_v to_o speak_v in_o the_o name_n of_o that_o god_n who_o have_v deliver_v it_o to_o moses_n and_o this_o division_n of_o the_o ten_o tribe_n make_v it_o impossible_a afterward_o for_o either_o the_o kingdom_n of_o israel_n or_o of_o judah_n to_o make_v any_o alteration_n in_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n because_o there_o be_v so_o great_a emulation_n and_o enmity_n betwixt_o the_o two_o kingdom_n that_o they_o can_v never_o have_v agree_v to_o insert_v the_o same_o corruption_n and_o if_o either_o of_o they_o have_v attempt_v such_o a_o thing_n it_o will_v soon_o have_v be_v discover_v by_o the_o other_o and_o therefore_o the_o agreement_n of_o the_o samaritan_n with_o the_o hebrew_n pentateuch_n be_v a_o plain_a argument_n that_o they_o be_v but_o different_a copy_n of_o the_o same_o book_n and_o that_o it_o be_v undoubted_o genuine_a the_o child_n of_o israel_n notwithstanding_o their_o great_a proneness_n to_o idolatry_n never_o cast_v off_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n as_o they_o will_v certain_o have_v do_v be_v so_o often_o bring_v into_o bondage_n by_o their_o neighbour-nation_n if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v well_o assure_v of_o the_o authority_n of_o that_o law_n which_o they_o transgress_v but_o they_o be_v reduce_v to_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o law_n by_o the_o oppression_n of_o jolatrous_a nation_n they_o hope_v for_o deliverance_n upon_o their_o repentance_n according_a to_o the_o promise_v make_v in_o it_o and_o can_v by_o no_o temptation_n or_o torment_n be_v persuade_v or_o force_v to_o renounce_v it_o but_o the_o long_a captivity_n in_o babylon_n wrought_v a_o perfect_a cure_n in_o the_o jew_n as_o to_o their_o inclination_n to_o idolatry_n which_o can_v never_o have_v be_v unless_o by_o their_o own_o experience_n in_o see_v the_o prophecy_n fulfil_v and_o by_o other_o argument_n they_o have_v be_v sully_v convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o own_o religion_n beyond_o all_o other_o if_o it_o have_v be_v of_o their_o own_o invention_n the_o people_n will_v have_v make_v their_o law_n in_o every_o respect_n more_o favourable_a to_o themselves_o they_o will_v not_o have_v cloy_v it_o with_o burden_n some_o ceremony_n to_o distinguish_v themselves_o from_o the_o neighbour-nation_n who_o idolatry_n they_o be_v so_o long_o prone_a to_o and_o which_o these_o ceremony_n be_v design_v to_o restrain_v they_o from_o they_o who_o be_v for_o a_o long_a time_n so_o fond_a of_o the_o idolatry_n of_o the_o heathen_a will_v never_o have_v invent_v law_n so_o uneasy_a to_o themselves_o and_o so_o contrary_a and_o odious_a to_o other_o nation_n they_o will_v never_o have_v frame_v they_o themselves_o and_o then_o have_v pretend_v a_o divine_a revelation_n for_o those_o law_n which_o they_o be_v so_o little_o please_v with_o they_o will_v never_o have_v expose_v themselves_o to_o the_o whole_a world_n through_o all_o age_n as_o a_o stubborn_a and_o rebellious_a people_n notwithstanding_o so_o many_o and_o so_o convince_a miracle_n so_o long_o wrought_v among_o they_o the_o miracle_n which_o i_o have_v mention_v be_v most_o of_o they_o judgement_n upon_o the_o israelite_n for_o their_o disobedience_n and_o they_o will_v never_o have_v set_v down_o these_o miracle_n but_o will_v rather_o have_v lest_o they_o out_o though_o they_o be_v true_a as_o disgraceful_a to_o their_o nation_n for_o thus_o josephus_n have_v omit_v some_o thing_n to_o avoid_v the_o scandal_n which_o he_o be_v a_o ware_n will_v have_v be_v give_v to_o the_o heathen_a by_o a_o full_a and_o punctual_a relation_n of_o the_o whole_a history_n of_o the_o jew_n as_o it_o be_v describe_v in_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n and_o they_o can_v be_v as_o little_a ignorant_a as_o josephus_n what_o will_v prove_v disgraceful_a to_o they_o and_o what_o will_v make_v for_o their_o honour_n and_o renown_n and_o when_o the_o design_n of_o these_o suppose_a forgery_n and_o falsification_n must_v have_v be_v to_o advance_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n they_o will_v never_o have_v make_v such_o as_o these_o no_o if_o they_o have_v make_v any_o alteration_n it_o will_v have_v be_v to_o strike_v out_o those_o numerous_a passage_n which_o be_v so_o reproachful_a to_o their_o nation_n and_o to_o have_v insert_v other_o which_o may_v raise_v the_o fame_n and_o glory_n of_o themselves_o and_o of_o their_o ancestor_n and_o to_o have_v change_v those_o ceremony_n that_o be_v so_o burdensome_a and_o so_o singular_a for_o those_o which_o will_v have_v be_v more_o easy_a to_o themselves_o and_o may_v have_v recommend_v they_o to_o the_o good_a opinion_n and_o esteem_n of_o the_o neighbour_n nation_n but_o when_o so_o refractory_a a_o people_n become_v so_o zealous_a for_o such_o a_o law_n so_o uneasy_a at_o first_o and_o so_o distasteful_a to_o they_o it_o be_v a_o undeniable_a argument_n that_o they_o have_v the_o great_a assurance_n of_o its_o divine_a original_a and_o that_o they_o will_v neither_o falsify_v it_o themselves_o nor_o sufter_o other_o to_o falsify_v it_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n must_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v unanimous_a to_o a_o man_n in_o the_o make_v these_o law_n if_o they_o be_v of_o their_o own_o make_n for_o if_o any_o one_o have_v dissent_v he_o can_v not_o fail_v of_o argument_n to_o draw_v other_o after_o he_o in_o make_v law_n the_o interest_n and_o conveniency_n of_o the_o lawmaker_n be_v always_o the_o motive_n for_o the_o enact_v they_o and_o beside_o the_o public_a honour_n and_o welfare_n of_o the_o nation_n which_o too_o often_o be_v less_o consider_v the_o particular_a interest_n of_o every_o single_a man_n will_v have_v make_v he_o concern_v to_o put_v a_o stop_n to_o such_o law_n no_o people_n can_v be_v suppose_v to_o consent_v to_o the_o make_v law_n by_o which_o they_o be_v forbid_v to_o sow_v their_o land_n every_o seven_o year_n and_o be_v command_v to_o leave_v their_o habitation_n and_o go_v up_o to_o the_o capital_a city_n from_o every_o part_n of_o their_o country_n thrice_o in_o a_o year_n no_o people_n can_v agree_v to_o enact_v such_o law_n of_o their_o own_o contrivance_n because_o none_o can_v subsist_v in_o the_o observation_n of_o they_o without_o a_o miracle_n how_o can_v we_o conceive_v it_o possible_a for_o any_o people_n to_o subsist_v by_o such_o law_n if_o they_o have_v be_v of_o their_o own_o make_n or_o that_o any_o nation_n shall_v agree_v in_o the_o enact_v such_o law_n as_o must_v provoke_v all_o their_o neighbour_n nation_n to_o make_v war_n against_o they_o nay_o by_o which_o they_o actual_o declare_v a_o irreconcilable_a war_n against_o seven_o nation_n at_o once_o for_o one_o nation_n to_o distinguish_v themselves_o by_o their_o law_n and_o constitution_n from_o all_o other_o people_n to_o lay_v the_o very_a foundation_n of_o their_o government_n in_o the_o disgrace_n and_o infamy_n of_o all_o their_o neighbour_n
two_o 13._o and_o it_o be_v not_o only_o threaten_v that_o the_o wicked_a shall_v suffer_v eternal_a punishment_n but_o it_o be_v likewise_o express_o foretell_v that_o the_o wicked_a shall_v be_v sentence_v to_o everlasting_a fire_n at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n and_o that_o they_o shall_v go_v away_o into_o everlasting_a punishment_n matth._n twenty-five_o 41_o 46._o to_o leave_v no_o room_n for_o hope_n of_o any_o end_n or_o abatement_n of_o the_o punishment_n we_o have_v our_o saviour_n express_a declaration_n that_o the_o sentence_n shall_v be_v pass_v according_a to_o the_o threaten_v and_o that_o the_o everlasting_a punishment_n which_o be_v threaten_v shall_v be_v certain_o execute_v upon_o the_o wicked_a our_o judge_n have_v beforehand_o declare_v what_o sentence_n he_o will_v pass_v the_o term_n whereof_o be_v therefore_o as_o unalterable_a as_o if_o it_o be_v already_o pronounce_v he_o have_v declare_v that_o the_o punishment_n of_o the_o wicked_a as_o well_o as_o the_o reward_n of_o the_o righteous_a shall_v be_v eternal_a as_o direct_o and_o positive_o as_o he_o have_v say_v any_o thing_n else_o relate_v to_o the_o last_o judgement_n or_o concern_v any_o other_o part_n of_o his_o gospel_n and_o we_o have_v as_o little_a reason_n to_o imagine_v that_o his_o express_a and_o repeat_v affirmation_n be_v capable_a of_o a_o reserve_v mean_v in_o this_o particular_a as_o in_o any_o other_o matter_n whatsoever_o some_o of_o the_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n which_o be_v consequent_a to_o the_o punishment_n of_o this_o world_n be_v precedent_n to_o those_o of_o the_o next_o here_o man_n be_v punish_v for_o their_o own_o amendment_n or_o for_o the_o advantage_n and_o security_n of_o other_o or_o for_o both_o in_o the_o next_o world_n the_o actual_a inflict_v of_o punishment_n be_v not_o for_o these_o end_n but_o they_o be_v threaten_v for_o these_o and_o they_o must_v be_v inflict_v when_o they_o have_v be_v once_o threaten_v and_o declare_v by_o god_n who_o can_v lie_v it_o be_v for_o the_o repentance_n of_o sinner_n and_o for_o the_o benefit_n of_o good_a man_n in_o preserve_v they_o in_o the_o way_n of_o virtue_n and_o secure_v they_o from_o the_o pride_n and_o malice_n of_o the_o wicked_a that_o hell_n shall_v be_v threaten_v but_o because_o it_o be_v the_o final_a and_o eternal_a state_n of_o the_o wicked_a it_o can_v be_v for_o their_o amendment_n after_o the_o execution_n of_o its_o torment_n upon_o they_o and_o good_a man_n be_v once_o out_o of_o the_o power_n of_o temptation_n and_o place_v beyond_o the_o malice_n of_o the_o wicked_a can_v no_o long_o have_v any_o protection_n or_o advantage_n from_o the_o punishment_n dehounce_v against_o impenitent_a sinner_n but_o whether_o the_o advantage_n arise_v from_o punishment_n be_v before_o or_o after_o the_o inflict_a of_o punishment_n there_o be_v the_o same_o necessity_n for_o the_o appoint_v and_o consequent_o for_o the_o inflict_v they_o viz._n the_o good_a of_o mankind_n in_o keep_v man_n from_o sin_n and_o leave_v those_o without_o excuse_n who_o will_v not_o be_v restrain_v from_o it_o and_o work_v out_o their_o own_o salvation_n but_o another_o end_n of_o punishment_n be_v that_o satisfaction_n for_o the_o violation_n of_o the_o law_n may_v be_v make_v to_o the_o supreme_a authority_n which_o be_v despise_v and_o affront_v by_o it_o and_o the_o vindication_n of_o god_n honour_n and_o authority_n and_o of_o his_o truth_n and_o holiness_n in_o his_o hatred_n and_o detestation_n of_o sin_n and_o his_o indignation_n against_o sinner_n be_v manifest_v by_o the_o actual_a punishment_n of_o the_o damn_a and_o it_o will_v be_v a_o argument_n of_o the_o contrary_a to_o all_o this_o if_o they_o be_v threaten_v and_o not_o inflict_v and_o the_o number_n of_o person_n to_o be_v thus_o punish_v do_v not_o alter_v the_o case_n but_o only_o show_v that_o many_o be_v concern_v in_o it_o and_o if_o the_o case_n be_v the_o same_o the_o justice_n must_v be_v the_o same_o too_o though_o the_o person_n be_v never_o so_o many_o upon_o who_o it_o be_v execute_v that_o which_o be_v just_o towards_o one_o or_o merciful_a towards_o one_o be_v just_a or_o merciful_a towards_o never_o so_o many_o thousand_o for_o justice_n and_o mercy_n consist_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n not_o in_o the_o great_a or_o lesser_a number_n of_o person_n to_o who_o they_o be_v extend_v and_o though_o multitude_n of_o criminal_n be_v apt_a to_o move_v compassion_n in_o man_n yet_o this_o proceed_v partly_o from_o the_o sympathy_n and_o frailty_n of_o human_a nature_n which_o be_v mighty_o sway_v by_o number_n and_o multitude_n to_o do_v either_o good_a or_o evil_a partly_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o human_a affair_n for_o to_o destroy_v multitude_n will_v depopulate_v city_n and_o country_n and_o will_v be_v a_o affliction_n to_o multitude_n of_o innocent_a person_n their_o friend_n and_o relation_n but_o it_o be_v not_o so_o in_o the_o present_a case_n there_o will_v be_v no_o want_n of_o number_n in_o heaven_n and_o the_o righteous_a shall_v be_v everlasting_o happy_a and_o shall_v perceive_v no_o diminution_n of_o their_o happiness_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o damnation_n of_o such_o as_o be_v never_o so_o dear_a to_o they_o in_o this_o world_n and_o mercy_n and_o pity_n be_v not_o a_o passion_n in_o god_n as_o it_o be_v in_o man_n but_o a_o perfection_n it_o be_v the_o highst_a reason_n and_o equity_n and_o therefore_o though_o the_o misery_n of_o sinner_n be_v never_o so_o severe_a and_o the_o number_n of_o the_o miserable_a never_o so_o great_a yet_o when_o the_o equity_n and_o reasonableness_n of_o the_o case_n do_v not_o require_v it_o there_o be_v nothing_o to_o move_v god_n for_o their_o relief_n because_o he_o act_n by_o the_o stand_a rule_n of_o reason_n and_o wisdom_n not_o by_o any_o fondness_n and_o weakness_n of_o passion_n 2._o i_o come_v now_o to_o show_v the_o mercy_n of_o god_n in_o his_o inflict_a eternal_a torment_n upon_o sinner_n strict_a justice_n have_v a_o severe_a aspect_n and_o it_o may_v seem_v hard_a for_o frail_a man_n to_o abide_v the_o sentence_n that_o he_o may_v in_o strictness_n of_o justice_n deserve_v but_o from_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n it_o be_v natural_a for_o we_o to_o appeal_v to_o his_o mercy_n and_o thither_o he_o allow_v we_o to_o appeal_v but_o not_o so_o as_o to_o expect_v that_o he_o shall_v be_v so_o merciful_a as_o not_o to_o be_v just_a or_o shall_v forget_v that_o he_o be_v the_o supreme_a governor_n of_o the_o world_n whilst_o he_o extend_v his_o mercy_n to_o the_o offend_a and_o criminal_a part_n of_o it_o punishment_n be_v necessary_a to_o all_o government_n and_o god_n as_o governor_n of_o the_o world_n must_v inflict_v punishment_n and_o what_o these_o be_v to_o be_v it_o belong_v to_o his_o sovereign_a wisdom_n to_o appoint_v and_o eternal_a torment_n be_v appoint_v for_o the_o punishment_n of_o sin_n not_o only_o out_o of_o a_o very_a just_a but_o even_o out_o of_o a_o gracious_a design_n because_o nothing_o less_o than_o the_o threaten_n of_o they_o will_v keep_v man_n from_o sin_n and_o from_o that_o misery_n which_o be_v the_o unavoidable_a consequence_n of_o it_o and_o so_o bring_v they_o to_o heaven_n it_o be_v a_o ancient_n and_o true_a observation_n which_o edit_n which_o chrysad_a stagir_n lib._n 1._o tom_n 6._o sau._n edit_n st._n chrysostom_n have_v make_v that_o there_o be_v mercy_n even_o in_o the_o threat_n of_o eternal_a vengeance_n because_o nothing_o less_o can_v have_v bring_v many_o man_n to_o heaven_n for_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n to_o be_v make_v but_o many_o will_v be_v there_o who_o shall_v have_v cause_n to_o thank_v god_n for_o this_o as_o the_o thing_n which_o first_o open_v their_o eye_n and_o move_v they_o to_o repentance_n and_o thereby_o bring_v they_o to_o bliss_n and_o glory_n and_o the_o same_o mercy_n be_v extend_v to_o those_o that_o perish_v and_o will_v not_o make_v the_o same_o use_n of_o it_o which_o if_o they_o have_v do_v they_o have_v never_o perish_v though_o heaven_n and_o hell_n 7._o hell_n chrys_n ad_fw-la â—op_n antioch_n de_fw-fr sâ—â—tuis_fw-la hom._n 7._o say_v st._n chrysostom_n be_v contrary_a to_o each_o other_o yet_o they_o both_o aim_n at_o the_o same_o end_n the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n invite_v man_n to_o it_o and_o the_o fear_n of_o hell_n force_v those_o to_o heaven_n who_o otherwise_o will_v be_v regardless_o of_o their_o own_o happiness_n god_n have_v use_v the_o most_o proper_a and_o prevail_a mean_n to_o convince_v sinner_n of_o their_o danger_n and_o to_o persuade_v they_o to_o escape_v it_o and_o obtain_v salvation_n we_o have_v everlasting_a reward_n and_o everlasting_a punishment_n propose_v to_o our_o choice_n we_o be_v exhort_v with_o the_o great_a earnestness_n and_o move_v and_o assist_v with_o the_o continual_a influence_n
a_o fire_n from_o hâ—aâ—en_o devour_v other_o there_o be_v not_o a_o man_n of_o all_o the_o congregation_n but_o must_v be_v a_o eye-witness_n to_o this_o judgement_n and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o deceit_n nor_o mistake_n in_o a_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n for_o man_n may_v as_o well_o doubt_v whether_o those_o who_o they_o see_v live_v be_v alive_a as_o whether_o those_o who_o they_o see_v take_v away_o by_o so_o terrible_a and_o so_o visible_a a_o death_n be_v dead_a and_o unless_o they_o can_v know_v this_o there_o can_v be_v no_o knowledge_n nor_o proof_n of_o any_o thing_n they_o see_v the_o earth_n first_o divide_v itself_o and_o then_o close_o itself_o again_o upon_o these_o wicked_a man_n they_o see_v they_o go_v down_o alive_a into_o the_o pit_n they_o hear_v the_o cry_n of_o they_o and_o flee_v away_o â—oâ—_n fear_n and_o they_o see_v beside_o a_o fire_n from_o the_o lord_n consume_v no_o few_o than_o two_o hundred_o and_o fifty_o man_n and_o these_o the_o man_n that_o offer_a incense_n in_o opposition_n to_o aaron_n prince_n of_o the_o assembly_n famous_a in_o the_o congregation_n man_n of_o renown_n who_o death_n be_v very_o remarkable_a upon_o the_o account_n of_o their_o person_n as_o well_o as_o for_o the_o manner_n of_o it_o so_o many_o man_n of_o that_o rank_n and_o character_n be_v take_v away_o at_o once_o be_v a_o thing_n that_o will_v have_v be_v much_o observe_v and_o strict_o inquire_v into_o if_o they_o have_v fain_o by_o any_o other_o death_n but_o their_o die_v in_o this_o manner_n be_v so_o wonderful_a and_o so_o plain_a a_o declaration_n of_o the_o divine_a justice_n that_o it_o can_v neither_o be_v unknown_a nor_o forget_v by_o any_o man_n in_o the_o whole_a congregation_n yet_o their_o discontent_n against_o moses_n still_o continue_v for_o he_o and_o aaron_n be_v charge_v with_o kill_v the_o people_n of_o the_o lord_n ver_fw-la 41._o and_o the_o congregation_n be_v gather_v against_o moses_n and_o against_o aaron_n and_o behold_v the_o cloud_n cover_v the_o tabernacle_n of_o the_o congregation_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o lord_n appear_v and_o god_n wrath_n be_v so_o hot_a against_o the_o people_n for_o their_o stubbornness_n and_o disobedience_n that_o notwithstanding_o the_o intercession_n of_o moses_n and_o aaron_n in_o their_o behalf_n a_o plague_n from_o the_o lord_n rage_v so_o much_o among_o they_o that_o they_o that_o die_v in_o the_o plague_n be_v fourteen_o thousand_o and_o seven_o hundred_o beside_o they_o that_o die_v about_o the_o matter_n of_o korah_n ver_fw-la 49._o and_o there_o be_v probable_o many_o family_n in_o every_o tribe_n which_o bear_v the_o mark_n of_o god_n displeasure_n and_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o moses_n his_o mission_n and_o then_o aaron_n rod_n alone_o blossom_v of_o all_o the_o rod_n of_o the_o twelve_o tribe_n but_o by_o this_o time_n the_o people_n be_v weary_a of_o their_o contumacy_n and_o cry_v out_o â—â—hold_v we_o die_v we_o perish_v we_o all_o perish_v shall_v we_o be_v consume_v with_o die_v num._n xvii_o 12_o 13._o and_o thus_o be_v a_o end_n put_v to_o a_o sedition_n which_o be_v the_o great_a and_o the_o most_o dangerous_a as_o josephus_n well_o observe_v that_o be_v ever_o know_v among_o any_o people_n and_o such_o as_o that_o so_o dreadful_a a_o succession_n of_o miracle_n be_v necessary_a to_o deliver_v moses_n out_o of_o it_o and_o i_o will_v know_v of_o the_o great_a infidel_n whether_o if_o he_o have_v live_v at_o that_o time_n and_o have_v be_v in_o the_o wilderness_n with_o moses_n and_o have_v be_v of_o korah_n conspiracy_n as_o it_o be_v most_o likely_a he_o will_v have_v be_v i_o will_v know_v of_o he_o i_o say_v whether_o he_o can_v have_v do_v any_o thing_n more_o to_o put_v moses_n upon_o the_o utmost_a trial_n of_o his_o power_n and_o authority_n receive_v from_o god_n than_o these_o rebellious_a israelite_n do_v and_o if_o he_o can_v not_o as_o he_o must_v needs_o confess_v he_o can_v not_o than_o he_o ought_v to_o be_v satisfy_v in_o the_o authority_n of_o moses_n as_o they_o themselves_o afterward_o be_v unless_o he_o have_v a_o ambition_n to_o show_v that_o some_o christian_n can_v be_v more_o refractory_a than_o jew_n yet_o again_o when_o they_o want_v water_n the_o people_v quarrel_v with_o moses_n and_o say_v will_v god_n that_o we_o have_v die_v when_o our_o brethren_n â—ied_v before_o the_o lord_n and_o moses_n bring_v water_n out_o of_o the_o rock_n before_o the_o whole_a congregation_n in_o so_o great_a plenty_n that_o the_o whole_a people_n and_o their_o cattle_n just_a ready_a to_o perish_v with_o thirst_n be_v satisfy_v with_o it_o num._n xx_o 3_o 10._o at_o another_o time_n after_o a_o signal_n victory_n over_o the_o canaanite_n they_o make_v the_o same_o complaint_n again_o and_o for_o their_o murmur_n be_v sting_v by_o fiery_a serpent_n and_o many_o die_v till_o a_o brazen_a serpent_n be_v erect_v as_o many_o as_o look_v on_o it_o be_v miraculous_o cure_v num._n xxi_o 6._o and_o if_o the_o deliver_v the_o law_n in_o so_o conspicuous_a and_o wonderful_a a_o manner_n if_o so_o remarkable_a judgement_n upon_o those_o that_o question_v and_o oppose_v moses_n his_o authority_n and_o that_o transgress_v his_o law_n by_o commit_v idolatry_n if_o a_o continual_a course_n of_o miracle_n for_o forty_o year_n do_v before_o the_o eye_n and_o obvious_a to_o every_o sense_n of_o so_o many_o thousand_o of_o people_n be_v not_o a_o plain_a demonstration_n that_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n in_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o it_o necessary_a to_o prove_v moses_n to_o have_v act_v by_o god_n immediate_a authority_n and_o commission_n be_v at_o first_o sufficient_o attest_v it_o be_v impossible_a that_o any_o thing_n can_v be_v certain_o testify_v we_o see_v how_o impossible_a it_o be_v for_o moses_n to_o impose_v upon_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n in_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n it_o he_o can_v have_v be_v so_o far_o forsake_v of_o all_o reason_n and_o common_a sense_n as_o to_o hope_v to_o do_v it_o but_o if_o he_o have_v design_v to_o put_v any_o deceit_n upon_o they_o he_o will_v certain_o have_v take_v another_o course_n he_o will_v have_v do_v his_o miracle_n private_o and_o but_o seldom_o not_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o all_o the_o people_n for_o forty_o year_n together_o he_o will_v never_o have_v make_v two_o nation_n at_o the_o first_o witness_n to_o they_o and_o then_o have_v proceed_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o that_o every_o man_n among_o the_o israelite_n must_v have_v know_v they_o to_o be_v false_a if_o thy_o have_v be_v so_o he_o will_v have_v choose_v such_o instance_n to_o show_v his_o miracle_n in_o as_o shall_v have_v provoke_v no_o body_n not_o such_o as_o must_v have_v enrage_v the_o whole_a people_n against_o he_o by_o the_o death_n of_o so_o many_o thousand_o so_o often_o put_v to_o death_n if_o they_o have_v be_v slay_v by_o any_o other_o mean_n than_o by_o the_o almighty_a hand_n of_o god_n and_o indeed_o what_o can_v destroy_v so_o many_o so_o irresistible_o so_o sudden_o and_o visible_o but_o the_o divine_a power_n and_o what_o can_v be_v the_o design_n and_o intent_n of_o such_o miracle_n but_o to_o fulfil_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o make_v his_o power_n to_o be_v know_v and_o his_o authority_n acknowledge_v in_o the_o law_n which_o be_v deliver_v in_o his_o name_n and_o which_o be_v so_o often_o affront_v and_o transgress_v by_o these_o sinner_n against_o their_o own_o soul_n at_o their_o go_v out_o of_o egypt_n by_o a_o miraculous_a providence_n there_o be_v not_o one_o feeble_a person_n among_o their_o tribâ—s_n but_o upon_o their_o transgression_n they_o be_v punish_v by_o disease_n as_o miraculous_a we_o have_v other_o evidence_n as_o i_o have_v before_o observe_v that_o moses_n have_v no_o design_n to_o delude_v the_o people_n of_o israel_n from_o the_o meekness_n of_o his_o disposition_n from_o his_o discover_v his_o own_o fault_n and_o infirmity_n in_o his_o write_n and_o from_o his_o not_o advance_v his_o family_n but_o leave_v his_o posterity_n in_o a_o private_a condition_n and_o put_v the_o government_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o joshua_n one_o of_o the_o tribe_n of_o ephraim_n but_o when_o all_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n be_v witness_n to_o so_o many_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o he_o and_o particular_o to_o so_o strange_a a_o judgement_n as_o the_o cleave_v asunder_o of_o the_o earth_n and_o the_o fire_n and_o plague_n by_o which_o so_o many_o thousand_o perish_a we_o need_v not_o insist_v upon_o any_o other_o proof_n to_o show_v that_o the_o miraculons_a power_n and_o divine_a authority_n by_o which_o moses_n act_v and_o write_v be_v as_o well_o attest_v and_o as_o full_o know_v to_o the_o whole_a people_n of_o israel_n as_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o any_o matter_n of_o
we_o with_o the_o endearment_n of_o his_o love_n and_o with_o such_o condescension_n of_o grace_n and_o favour_n as_o must_v needs_o mighty_o affect_v the_o most_o obstinate_a sinner_n who_o have_v but_o the_o sense_n and_o gratitude_n of_o a_o man_n leave_v in_o he_o to_o consider_v they_o and_o then_o he_o have_v denounce_v his_o wrath_n and_o vengeance_n against_o all_o such_o as_o will_v not_o be_v lead_v and_o persuade_v to_o their_o own_o happiness_n by_o the_o infinite_a love_n of_o christ_n he_o be_v bear_v he_o live_v he_o die_v for_o we_o he_o have_v procure_v our_o pardon_n he_o proffer_v we_o his_o grace_n and_o assistance_n he_o promise_v we_o eternal_a happiness_n with_o himself_o in_o heaven_n upon_o our_o obedience_n and_o last_o of_o all_o he_o threaten_v we_o with_o eternal_a misery_n if_o we_o will_v not_o be_v happy_a thus_o force_v we_o as_o it_o be_v to_o happiness_n if_o we_o will_v not_o be_v persuade_v to_o it_o for_o this_o be_v all_o the_o force_n that_o free_a agent_n be_v capable_a of_o and_o if_o all_o that_o infinite_a love_n can_v do_v to_o excite_v our_o love_n if_o all_o the_o reward_v that_o infinite_a mercy_n and_o goodness_n can_v propose_v and_o the_o severe_a punishment_n that_o almighty_a vengeance_n can_v inflict_v will_v not_o prevail_v with_o man_n to_o follow_v virtue_n and_o refrain_v from_o vice_n nothing_o can_v possible_o prevail_v with_o they_o love_n be_v most_o apt_a to_o produce_v love_n and_o hope_n of_o reward_n have_v a_o mighty_a effect_n upon_o man_n of_o any_o good_a temper_n and_o disposition_n but_o the_o fear_n of_o punishment_n be_v wont_a to_o work_v upon_o the_o very_o worst_a man_n and_o where_o infinite_a love_a kindness_n eternal_a reward_n and_o eternal_a punishment_n do_v all_o concur_v to_o bring_v man_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n no_o motive_n can_v be_v want_v by_o which_o human_a nature_n be_v capable_a of_o be_v wrought_v upon_o iv_o the_o christian_a religion_n afford_v the_o great_a help_n and_o assistance_n to_o a_o holy_a life_n god_n who_o be_v a_o spirit_n and_o be_v the_o author_n of_o the_o be_v and_o of_o the_o life_n and_o motion_n of_o all_o thing_n do_v more_o especial_o act_v upon_o the_o spirit_n and_o mind_n of_o man_n by_o put_v into_o they_o good_a desire_n and_o by_o incline_v their_o heart_n to_o keep_v his_o commandment_n and_o perform_v his_o will_n and_o this_o grace_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n towards_o we_o this_o spiritual_a aid_n and_o strength_n be_v sufficient_a to_o enable_v we_o to_o conquer_v sin_n and_o over_o come_v temptation_n and_o we_o be_v exhort_v to_o come_v bold_o to_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n that_o we_o may_v obtain_v mercy_n and_o find_v grace_n to_o help_v in_o time_n of_o need_n heb._n four_o 16._o which_o we_o be_v assure_v shall_v be_v bestow_v upon_o we_o for_o christ_n sake_n through_o his_o merit_n and_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o mediation_n and_o intercession_n all_o the_o world_n have_v be_v sensible_a of_o the_o great_a proneness_n in_o humane_a nature_n to_o evil_n and_o backwardness_n to_o what_o reason_n itself_o seem_v to_o dictate_v as_o good_a and_o fit_a to_o be_v do_v but_o the_o christian_a religion_n only_o have_v provide_v a_o remedy_n to_o cure_v this_o great_a corruption_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o assist_v we_o in_o the_o performance_n of_o our_o duty_n v._o the_o christian_a religion_n express_v the_o great_a compassion_n and_o condescension_n to_o our_o infirmity_n christ_n die_v to_o make_v satisfaction_n for_o our_o sin_n and_o to_o procure_v acceptance_n with_o god_n for_o we_o upon_o our_o repentance_n he_o intercee_v for_o we_o and_o plead_v the_o merit_n of_o his_o own_o death_n and_o passion_n in_o our_o behalf_n we_o have_v a_o advocate_n with_o the_o father_n jesus_n christ_n the_o righteous_a and_o he_o be_v the_o propitiation_n for_o our_o sin_n though_o they_o be_v never_o so_o great_a and_o heinous_a if_o we_o do_v but_o true_o repent_v of_o they_o and_o forsake_v they_o and_o the_o sin_n of_o ignorance_n and_o surprise_v and_o infirmity_n be_v not_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o term_n of_o salvation_n but_o a_o general_a humiliation_n and_o repentance_n with_o a_o constant_a and_o sincere_a endeavour_n to_o serve_v and_o please_v god_n will_n through_o christ_n merit_n be_v accept_v of_o by_o he_o for_o such_o sin_n as_o we_o have_v no_o sufficient_a mean_n or_o ability_n of_o know_v to_o be_v sin_n and_o for_o such_o as_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o frailty_n of_o our_o nature_n we_o can_v live_v whole_o free_a from_o nothing_o be_v require_v of_o we_o but_o a_o sincere_a and_o honest_a diligence_n to_o do_v what_o we_o can_v and_o a_o lively_a faith_n to_o rely_v upon_o christ_n merit_n for_o the_o pardon_n of_o what_o sin_n we_o be_v not_o able_a whole_o to_o avoid_v man_n be_v forward_o to_o complain_v of_o the_o uneasiness_n of_o the_o christian_a yoke_n without_o any_o true_a experience_n and_o trial_n of_o it_o and_o without_o consider_v the_o principle_n and_o motive_n and_o help_v and_o the_o condescend_v and_o gracious_a term_n which_o the_o gospel_n propose_v indeed_o to_o lay_v some_o injunction_n and_o restraint_n more_o than_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a be_v but_o what_o all_o lawgiver_n have_v do_v for_o some_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v forbid_v as_o a_o prevention_n and_o a_o preservative_n from_o the_o commission_n of_o sin_n and_o other_o command_v as_o preparatory_a qualification_n and_o disposition_n to_o virtue_n and_o to_o make_v the_o practice_n of_o it_o more_o easy_a and_o certain_a to_o we_o and_o if_o man_n be_v allow_v in_o all_o government_n to_o have_v this_o authority_n certain_o god_n who_o have_v a_o absolute_a power_n over_o we_o and_o perfect_o know_v what_o be_v necessary_a for_o our_o good_a and_o for_o the_o end_n of_o his_o government_n have_v a_o undeniable_a right_n to_o forbid_v or_o command_v we_o some_o thing_n which_o by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n we_o may_v have_v be_v allow_v or_o excuse_v from_o but_o these_o be_v very_o few_o and_o all_o thing_n consider_v no_o religion_n ever_o be_v so_o compassionate_a and_o easy_a as_o the_o christian_a religion_n vi_o the_o propagation_n of_o the_o gospel_n have_v ever_o have_v great_a effect_n towards_o the_o reformation_n and_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n what_o can_v be_v more_o beneficial_a to_o the_o world_n and_o more_o for_o the_o peace_n and_o happiness_n of_o all_o mankind_n than_o to_o be_v teach_v to_o live_v under_o a_o perpetual_a sense_n and_o awe_n of_o the_o love_n and_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o to_o be_v constrain_v to_o perform_v our_o several_a duty_n to_o each_o other_o in_o our_o respective_a capacity_n and_o relation_n with_o the_o utmost_a fidelity_n and_o integrity_n and_o to_o have_v this_o enforce_v upon_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n by_o the_o hope_n and_o terâ—ore_o of_o a_o future_a judgement_n and_o a_o eternal_a state_n of_o happiness_n or_o misery_n as_o they_o shall_v prove_v obedient_a or_o disobedient_a these_o than_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v doctrine_n most_o worthy_a of_o god_n and_o the_o proper_a subject_n of_o a_o revelation_n for_o however_o man_n may_v wish_v as_o to_o themselves_o in_o particular_a that_o they_o have_v not_o be_v abridge_v their_o sinful_a pleasure_n yet_o in_o respect_n to_o the_o common_a good_a of_o society_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v confess_v by_o the_o most_o inveterate_a enemy_n of_o christianity_n and_o by_o those_o who_o will_v believe_v nothing_o of_o another_o life_n that_o if_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v as_o general_o practise_v as_o it_o be_v profess_v it_o will_v make_v mankind_n as_o happy_a as_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o man_n to_o be_v in_o this_o life_n through_o the_o belief_n and_o expectation_n of_o a_o life_n to_o come_v and_o as_o much_o as_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v be_v neglect_v it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o speculative_a notion_n only_o that_o it_o have_v a_o real_a and_o perpetual_a influence_n for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o world_n even_o in_o the_o worst_a and_o most_o degenerate_a age_n we_o be_v not_o at_o this_o distance_n of_o time_n easy_o make_v sensible_a how_o great_a blessing_n the_o christian_a religion_n bring_v to_o mankind_n in_o that_o reformation_n which_o it_o soon_o introduce_v into_o the_o world_n for_o upon_o their_o conversion_n there_o become_v such_o a_o visible_a alteration_n in_o the_o temper_n and_o life_n of_o man_n that_o they_o seem_v to_o have_v change_v their_o very_a nature_n and_o to_o be_v bear_v again_o and_o become_v new_a creature_n from_o whence_o conversion_n be_v style_v regeneration_n this_o the_o apologist_n general_o insist_v upon_o that_o the_o convert_v to_o christianity_n become_v quite_o other_o man_n and_o practise_v all_o kind_n of_o virtue_n with_o incredible_a zeal_n though_o
antiquity_n as_o tully_n assure_v we_o but_o the_o ancient_n give_v no_o reason_n to_o prove_v it_o by_o they_o only_o receive_v it_o by_o tradition_n plato_n be_v the_o first_o who_o attempt_v to_o prove_v it_o by_o argument_n for_o though_o pherecydes_n syrus_n and_o pythagoras_n have_v assert_v it_o yet_o they_o acquiesce_v in_o tradition_n by_o which_o they_o have_v receive_v it_o from_o the_o eastern_a nation_n but_o plato_n as_o it_o be_v general_o suppose_v converse_v with_o the_o jew_n in_o egypt_n or_o at_o his_o come_n into_o italy_n be_v there_o acquaint_v i._n acquaint_v tull._n tusc_n qu._n lib._n i._n with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o soul_n immortality_n among_o other_o notion_n of_o the_o pythagorean_n begin_v to_o argue_v upon_o it_o but_o not_o be_v able_a to_o make_v it_o full_o out_o have_v only_o show_v how_o far_o reason_n can_v proceed_v upon_o those_o ground_n which_o be_v then_o know_v in_o the_o world_n from_o revelation_n seneca_n 54.102_o seneca_n epist_n 54.102_o though_o he_o sometime_o assert_v the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n yet_o at_o other_o time_n doubt_n of_o it_o and_o even_o deny_v that_o the_o soul_n have_v any_o subsistence_n in_o a_o separate_a state_n and_o yet_o this_o doctrine_n of_o the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n which_o the_o great_a of_o the_o heathen_a philosopher_n can_v not_o certain_o prove_v from_o reason_n be_v firm_o believe_v even_o among_o anot._n among_o grot._n de_fw-fr verit_fw-la lib._n i_o anot._n barbarian_n 36._o barbarian_n consuc_fw-la lib._n iii._o part._n 4._o p._n 36._o confucius_n the_o famous_a chinese_n philosopher_n profess_v himself_o not_o the_o author_n but_o the_o relater_n only_o of_o the_o doctrine_n which_o he_o teach_v as_o he_o have_v receive_v it_o deliver_v down_o from_o all_o antiquity_n and_o 8._o and_o arist_n metaph._n lib._n twelve_o c._n 8._o aristotle_n have_v declare_v that_o the_o ancient_n leave_v many_o tradition_n which_o their_o posterity_n have_v corrupt_v but_o from_o the_o remain_v of_o those_o traditiwe_v know_v that_o they_o be_v original_o derive_v from_o revelation_n the_o first_o of_o the_o philosopher_n that_o teach_v the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v i._n be_v tull._n tusc_n qu._n lib._n i._n pherecydes_n and_o he_o leave_v his_o write_n to_o thales_n from_o whence_o he_o have_v the_o notion_n that_o all_o thing_n be_v produce_v from_o water_n pythagoras_n be_v a_o scholar_n of_o pherecydes_n and_o pythagoras_n plato_n and_o aristotle_n converse_v with_o the_o learned_a jew_n phaed._n jew_n plat._n phaed._n socrates_n dispute_v of_o a_o future_a state_n from_o tradition_n and_o phileb_n and_o plat._n phileb_n profess_v that_o he_o always_o follow_v the_o tradition_n which_o have_v descend_v from_o antiquity_n and_o that_o he_o be_v at_o a_o loss_n whenever_o that_o fail_v he_o timae_fw-la he_o plat._n timae_fw-la and_o this_o tradition_n can_v not_o have_v its_o rise_n from_o the_o greek_n who_o be_v confess_v to_o understand_v little_a or_o nothing_o of_o antiquity_n the_o notion_n in_o philosophy_n of_o the_o latter_a heathen_n be_v much_o improve_v by_o ammonius_n a_o christian_a and_o a_o teacher_n of_o philosophy_n at_o alexandria_n and_o we_o find_v that_o upon_o the_o propagation_n of_o the_o gospel_n moral_a philosophy_n in_o a_o few_o year_n attain_v to_o great_a perfection_n than_o ever_o it_o have_v do_v before_o as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o the_o work_n of_o seneca_n epictetus_n plutarch_n m._n antoninus_n maximus_n tyrius_n and_o other_o we_o may_v therefore_o reasonable_o conclude_v that_o the_o precept_n and_o rule_n of_o morality_n which_o philosopher_n all_o along_o teach_v have_v their_o original_n from_o revelation_n rather_o than_o from_o the_o strength_n and_o sagacity_n of_o their_o own_o reason_n because_o they_o err_v in_o thing_n no_o less_o obvious_a to_o natural_a reason_n and_o it_o appear_v that_o they_o have_v opportunity_n of_o become_v acquaint_v with_o the_o scripture_n and_o that_o they_o spare_v no_o pain_n either_o by_o read_v or_o conversation_n in_o their_o own_o or_o in_o foreign_a country_n in_o their_o search_n and_o inquiry_n after_o truth_n iii_o if_o the_o heathen_a philosophy_n have_v be_v as_o certain_a and_o excellent_a as_o it_o can_v be_v pretend_v to_o be_v yet_o there_o have_v be_v great_a need_n of_o a_o divine_a revelation_n for_o 1._o the_o rule_n of_o philosophy_n lie_v scatter_v up_o and_o down_o in_o large_a and_o learned_a work_n mix_v with_o many_o wrong_n and_o absurd_a notion_n and_o therefore_o must_v be_v in_o great_a measure_n useless_a how_o certain_a and_o excellent_a soever_o they_o may_v be_v in_o themselves_o they_o can_v be_v no_o rule_n of_o life_n to_o we_o no_o perfect_a rule_n of_o manner_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o any_o one_o author_n and_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o compile_v such_o a_o rule_n out_o of_o they_o all_o yet_o what_o man_n be_v able_a to_o collect_v they_o 7._o they_o lact._n de_fw-fr vit_fw-fr beat_v c._n 7._o lanctantius_n be_v of_o opinion_n that_o if_o all_o the_o truth_n disperse_v up_o and_o down_o among_o the_o several_a sect_n of_o philosopher_n can_v be_v collect_v together_o into_o one_o system_n they_o will_v make_v up_o a_o body_n of_o philosophy_n agreeable_a to_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n but_o then_o he_o conclude_v it_o to_o be_v impossible_a for_o any_o man_n to_o make_v such_o a_o collection_n without_o a_o supernatural_a assistance_n and_o if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o reason_n for_o it_o but_o this_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o we_o find_v i._n find_v tull._n de_fw-fr orat._n lib._n i._n the_o xii_o table_n prefer_v before_o all_o the_o write_n of_o the_o philosopher_n if_o there_o be_v nothing_o so_o absurd_a as_o tully_n say_v but_o the_o philosopher_n have_v teach_v it_o than_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o man_n shall_v not_o be_v leave_v to_o the_o uncertainty_n and_o absurdity_n of_o philosophy_n for_o though_o some_o few_o of_o they_o may_v be_v free_a from_o such_o extravagancy_n yet_o their_o notion_n be_v no_o rule_n or_o standard_n to_o the_o rest_n and_o the_o best_a be_v not_o without_o many_o great_a error_n 2._o the_o rule_n of_o philosophy_n be_v no_o better_o than_o good_a advice_n and_o carry_v no_o authority_n with_o they_o to_o oblige_v man_n in_o conscience_n they_o have_v not_o the_o force_n of_o a_o law_n and_o fail_v in_o this_o necessary_a point_n whatever_o their_o intrinsic_a worth_n have_v be_v they_o never_o can_v have_v have_v that_o effect_n upon_o the_o live_v of_o man_n which_o reveal_v religion_n have_v virtue_n be_v propound_v by_o philosopher_n rather_o as_o a_o matter_n of_o honour_n and_o decency_n than_o of_o strict_a duty_n those_o be_v esteem_v and_o admire_v indeed_o that_o observe_v it_o but_o such_o as_o do_v not_o only_o want_v that_o commendation_n some_o philosopher_n speak_v great_a and_o excellent_a thing_n but_o they_o pass_v rather_o for_o wise_a say_n than_o for_o law_n of_o nature_n their_o own_o reputation_n which_o be_v great_a or_o less_o with_o different_a sort_n of_o man_n be_v the_o only_a authority_n they_o have_v it_o may_v be_v prudence_n to_o do_v as_o they_o teach_v but_o there_o appear_v no_o absolute_a necessity_n for_o it_o they_o common_o represent_v virtue_n as_o very_o lovely_a with_o many_o very_a great_a and_o powerful_a charm_n and_o all_o that_o be_v of_o another_o mind_n do_v not_o know_v a_o true_a beauty_n and_o that_o be_v a_o intolerable_a disgrace_n the_o sanction_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n in_o the_o next_o life_n be_v little_o insist_v upon_o by_o they_o they_o recommend_v virtue_n for_o its_o own_o sake_n not_o as_o it_o be_v enjoy_v by_o god_n and_o will_v be_v reward_v by_o he_o and_o the_o contrary_n punish_v and_o those_o who_o can_v not_o soar_v to_o their_o height_n be_v rather_o the_o worse_a than_o the_o better_a for_o such_o doctrine_n which_o they_o look_v upon_o as_o the_o impracticable_a speculation_n of_o some_o who_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o speak_v great_a thing_n and_o they_o often_o speak_v the_o truth_n indeed_o which_o they_o have_v from_o tradition_n or_o from_o the_o excellency_n of_o their_o own_o wit_n and_o genius_n but_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o make_v it_o out_o by_o any_o such_o principle_n as_o be_v wont_v to_o influence_n and_o govern_v humane_a action_n according_o we_o find_v that_o as_o the_o several_a sect_n of_o philosophy_n suit_v to_o the_o temper_n and_o humour_n of_o particular_a man_n so_o far_o they_o prevail_v and_o no_o far_o the_o curious_a and_o inquisitive_a betake_v themselves_o to_o the_o academic_n the_o soft_a and_o effeminate_a to_o the_o epicurean_o and_o the_o morose_n to_o the_o stoic_n man_n apply_v themselves_o to_o what_o ever_o opinion_n they_o like_v best_a and_o find_v most_o agreeable_a to_o their_o nature_n and_o disposition_n thus_o a_o severe_a and_o haughty_a gravity_n make_v up_o the_o
composition_n of_o cato_n it_o have_v be_v hard_o for_o he_o to_o avoid_v the_o be_v a_o stoic_a and_o he_o may_v probable_o have_v found_v that_o sect_n if_o it_o have_v not_o be_v know_v in_o the_o world_n before_o the_o philosopher_n have_v no_o authority_n to_o promise_v reward_n or_o to_o threaten_v punishment_n upon_o the_o observation_n or_o neglect_n of_o their_o precept_n and_o therefore_o every_o man_n be_v at_o his_o liberty_n to_o choose_v or_o to_o reject_v what_o they_o teach_v and_o divers_a of_o they_o be_v sensible_a of_o this_o unavoidable_a defect_n in_o all_o humane_a doctrine_n and_o therefore_o pretend_v to_o revelation_n there_o be_v no_o inconvenience_n therefore_o in_o suppose_v that_o many_o of_o the_o precept_n contain_v in_o the_o proverb_n and_o other_o book_n of_o scripture_n may_v be_v know_v without_o a_o revelation_n for_o there_o be_v notwithstanding_o very_o good_a reason_n why_o they_o shall_v be_v insert_v into_o the_o scripture_n because_o the_o scripture_n have_v the_o authority_n of_o a_o divine_a law_n and_o be_v to_o be_v look_v upon_o not_o as_o a_o system_fw-la of_o ethic_n or_o a_o collection_n of_o moral_a precept_n but_o as_o a_o body_n of_o law_n give_v out_o upon_o divers_a occasion_n and_o as_o rule_n of_o instruction_n which_o at_o the_o same_o time_n both_o show_v we_o our_o duty_n and_o command_v our_o obedience_n it_o be_v not_o expect_v that_o king_n in_o their_o law_n shovid_v argue_v more_o profound_o than_o other_o man_n do_v but_o they_o shall_v command_v more_o effectual_o than_o other_o can_v teach_v they_o do_v not_o dispute_v but_o pronounce_v and_o dictate_v what_o their_o subject_n must_v take_v notice_n of_o at_o their_o peril_n and_o it_o be_v no_o diminution_n to_o a_o prince_n authority_n to_o command_v the_o most_o know_a and_o obvious_a thing_n though_o it_o may_v be_v a_o fault_n in_o the_o subject_n to_o need_v such_o command_n and_o god_n in_o his_o word_n do_v not_o design_n to_o furnish_v we_o with_o a_o treatise_n of_o philosophy_n to_o gratify_v our_o curiosity_n with_o strange_a and_o new_a notion_n and_o make_v we_o profound_a scholar_n but_o to_o speak_v to_o the_o necessity_n of_o man_n and_o put_v they_o in_o mind_n of_o know_a duty_n to_o appeal_v to_o their_o own_o conscience_n and_o to_o enforce_v those_o notion_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a which_o natural_a reason_n perhaps_o may_v suggest_v to_o they_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o reveal_v religion_n and_o a_o divine_a law_n establish_v upon_o reward_n and_o punishment_n 3._o though_o the_o philosopher_n be_v able_a to_o discern_v something_o more_o than_o other_o man_n yet_o they_o dare_v not_o open_o declare_v what_o they_o know_v but_o be_v overbear_v with_o the_o error_n and_o vice_n the_o time_n and_o country_n in_o which_o they_o live_v even_o to_o the_o commission_n of_o idolatry_n and_o the_o worst_a of_o vice_n and_o therefore_o their_o doctrine_n whatever_o they_o be_v can_v do_v but_o little_a good_a towards_o the_o reformation_n of_o the_o world_n i_o shall_v not_o inquire_v into_o the_o report_n concern_v socrates_n and_o plato_n seneca_n and_o cato_n himself_o but_o only_o observe_v that_o socrates_n who_o be_v the_o only_a martyr_n among_o the_o philosopher_n for_o the_o truth_n yet_o when_o he_o come_v to_o die_v speak_v with_o no_o assurance_n of_o a_o future_a state_n and_o order_v a_o cock_n to_o be_v sacrifice_v to_o aesoulapius_n which_o can_v hardly_o be_v reconcile_v to_o that_o doctrine_n for_o for_o which_o he_o be_v suppose_v to_o die_v and_o after_o his_o death_n how_o do_v his_o friend_n and_o disciple_n behave_v themselves_o do_v they_o open_o and_o courageous_o vindicate_v his_o innocence_n and_o teach_v the_o doctrine_n for_o which_o he_o suffer_v do_v they_o not_o use_v all_o mean_n to_o conceal_v and_o dissemble_v it_o but_o mankind_n stand_v in_o need_n of_o a_o perfect_a example_n of_o virtue_n and_o of_o such_o instructor_n as_o shall_v both_o teach_v and_o practice_v the_o doctrine_n of_o it_o at_o their_o utmost_a peril_n and_o of_o a_o succession_n of_o such_o man_n as_o shall_v bear_v testimony_n to_o their_o doctrine_n both_o by_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v during_o their_o life_n and_o by_o the_o constancy_n of_o their_o death_n 4._o as_o the_o heathen_a philosophy_n want_v the_o authority_n of_o a_o law_n and_o the_o example_n of_o those_o who_o teach_v it_o so_o it_o want_v principal_a motive_n to_o recommend_v the_o practice_n of_o it_o to_o the_o life_n of_o men._n the_o philosopher_n teach_v nothing_o of_o the_o exceed_a love_n of_o god_n towards_o we_o of_o his_o desire_n of_o our_o happiness_n and_o his_o readiness_n to_o assist_v and_o conduct_v we_o in_o the_o way_n of_o virtue_n they_o own_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o divine_a grace_n and_o assistance_n towards_o the_o attainment_n of_o virtue_n and_o the_o perseverance_n in_o it_o iii._o it_o tull._n de_fw-fr nat._n dâ—or_n lib._n iii._o virtutem_fw-la autem_fw-la nemo_fw-la unquam_fw-la acceptam_fw-la deo_fw-la retulit_fw-la nimirum_fw-la recte_fw-la propter_fw-la virtutem_fw-la enim_fw-la jure_fw-la laudamur_fw-la &_o in_o virtute_fw-la recte_fw-la gloriamur_fw-la quod_fw-la non_fw-la contingeret_fw-la si_fw-la id_fw-la donum_fw-la a_o deo_fw-la non_fw-la a_o nobis_fw-la haberemus_fw-la nam_fw-la quis_fw-la quod_fw-la bone_fw-la vir_fw-la esset_fw-la gratias_fw-la diis_fw-la egit_fw-la unquam_fw-la jovemque_fw-la optimum_fw-la maximum_fw-la ob_fw-la eas_fw-la res_fw-la appellant_n non_fw-la quod_fw-la justos_fw-la temperatos_fw-la sapientes_fw-la efficiat_a sed_fw-la quod_fw-la salvos_fw-la incolumes_fw-la opulento_n copioso_n this_o occasion_v those_o 53._o those_o sen_n epist_n 53._o insolent_a boast_n of_o the_o stoic_n equal_v themselves_o to_o the_o god_n and_o sometime_o even_o prefer_v themselves_o before_o they_o because_o they_o have_v difficulty_n to_o encounter_v which_o make_v their_o conquest_n of_o vice_n and_o their_o improvement_n in_o virtue_n more_o glorious_a than_o they_o suppose_v the_o like_a excellency_n to_o be_v in_o their_o god_n who_o be_v good_a by_o the_o necessity_n of_o their_o own_o nature_n wherefore_o though_o the_o rule_n of_o philosophy_n have_v be_v never_o so_o perfect_a yet_o they_o must_v needs_o be_v ineffectual_a be_v so_o difficult_a to_o find_v out_o and_o so_o unactive_a and_o dead_a when_o they_o be_v discover_v without_o that_o authority_n and_o life_n and_o energy_n that_o may_v be_v have_v from_o divine_a revelation_n which_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n for_o not_o only_o to_o supply_v the_o imperfection_n and_o correct_v the_o error_n of_o philosophy_n but_o to_o enforce_v the_o doctrine_n of_o it_o though_o they_o have_v be_v never_o so_o true_a and_o perfect_a chap._n vi_o the_o novelty_n and_o defect_n in_o the_o promulgation_n of_o the_o mahometan_a religion_n the_o novelty_n of_o the_o mahometan_a religion_n in_o respect_n both_o of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n be_v past_o all_o dispute_n and_o this_o religion_n notwithstanding_o all_o its_o sensual_a allurement_n owe_v its_o propagation_n sole_o to_o the_o â—ower_n of_o the_o sword_n for_o though_o the_o alcoran_n have_v be_v translate_v into_o most_o of_o the_o language_n in_o use_n among_o christian_n yet_o it_o have_v never_o be_v know_v to_o make_v any_o proselyte_n but_o by_o force_n of_o arms._n at_o first_o this_o religion_n have_v many_o circumstance_n for_o its_o advantage_n which_o may_v in_o humane_a probability_n gain_v it_o success_n in_o the_o world_n it_o be_v begin_v in_o rebellion_n and_o in_o a_o final_a revolt_n from_o the_o emperor_n heraclius_n and_o beside_o this_o popular_a and_o seduce_a temptation_n of_o licence_n and_o violence_n mahomet_n add_v the_o enticement_n of_o lust_n and_o sensuality_n he_o forbid_v man_n indeed_o some_o thing_n but_o such_o as_o he_o can_v easy_o see_v they_o will_v part_v with_o for_o the_o free_a and_o unbounded_a enjoyment_n of_o other_o than_o he_o pretend_v to_o sound_v his_o doctrine_n on_o the_o authority_n of_o moses_n and_o of_o christ_n say_v that_o christ_n have_v promise_v to_o send_v he_o all_o which_o make_v his_o religion_n find_v the_o more_o easy_a entertainment_n among_o both_o jew_n and_o christian_n it_o be_v but_o like_o the_o heresy_n of_o the_o gnostic_n at_o the_o first_o and_o not_o altogether_o so_o gross_a and_o this_o must_v needs_o incline_v all_o of_o seditious_a and_o lewd_a principle_n to_o come_v in_o to_o he_o be_v glad_a of_o such_o a_o colour_n for_o their_o wickedness_n and_o it_o have_v the_o advantage_n of_o power_n and_o force_n to_o make_v it_o more_o last_a than_o other_o such_o blasphemy_n have_v be_v christ_n on_o the_o contrary_n forbid_v resistance_n of_o the_o supreme_a power_n upon_o any_o term_n whatsoever_o he_o assert_v the_o authority_n of_o moses_n but_o so_o as_o to_o abolish_v the_o ceremonial_a part_n of_o the_o law_n which_o be_v what_o the_o jew_n be_v most_o fond_a of_o so_o that_o this_o very_a thing_n make_v the_o jew_n
question_n be_v not_o only_o dubious_a but_o certain_o spurious_a the_o remain_a book_n which_o be_v never_o doubt_v of_o be_v sufficient_a for_o all_o the_o necessary_a end_n and_o purpose_n of_o a_o revelation_n and_o therefore_o this_o aught_o to_o be_v no_o objection_n against_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n that_o the_o authority_n of_o some_o book_n have_v be_v former_o matter_n of_o controversy_n i_o shall_v enter_v upon_o no_o discourse_n concern_v the_o apocryphal_a book_n the_o authority_n whereof_o have_v be_v so_o often_o and_o so_o effectual_o disprove_v by_o protestant_n that_o the_o most_o learned_a papist_n have_v now_o little_a to_o say_v for_o they_o but_o â—re_n force_v only_o to_o fly_v to_o the_o authority_n of_o their_o church_n which_o be_v in_o effect_n to_o beg_v the_o thing_n in_o question_n or_o to_o beg_v something_o as_o hard_a to_o be_v grant_v viz._n the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n but_o i_o shall_v here_o engage_v in_o no_o controversy_n of_o that_o nature_n both_o protestant_n and_o papist_n be_v general_o speak_v agree_v that_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o the_o write_n of_o the_o evangelist_n and_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o new_a be_v of_o divine_a authority_n and_o if_o this_o be_v so_o the_o christian_a religion_n must_v be_v true_a whether_o there_o be_v or_o be_v not_o other_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n and_o of_o equal_a authority_n these_o book_n in_o the_o main_n have_v already_o be_v prove_v to_o be_v genuine_a and_o without_o any_o material_a corruption_n or_o alteration_n i_o shall_v now_o only_o propose_v such_o general_a consideration_n as_o may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o obviate_v objection_n the_o agreement_n between_o the_o jew_n and_o samaritan_n in_o the_o pentateuch_n be_v a_o clear_a evidence_n for_o its_o authority_n and_o though_o there_o be_v many_o and_o great_a idolatry_n commit_v in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o judah_n yet_o by_o the_o good_a providence_n of_o god_n there_o never_o be_v such_o a_o total_a apostasy_n in_o the_o people_n nor_o so_o long_a a_o succession_n of_o idolatrous_a king_n as_o that_o the_o book_n either_o of_o the_o law_n or_o the_o prophet_n can_v be_v suppose_v to_o have_v be_v suppress_v or_o alter_v for_o three_o year_n under_o rehoboam_n they_o walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o david_n and_o solomon_n 2_o chron._n 11.17.12.1_o and_o though_o afterward_o he_o forsake_v the_o law_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o all_o israel_n with_o he_o his_o reign_n be_v in_o all_o but_o seventeen_o year_n abijam_n be_v a_o wicked_a king_n but_o he_o reign_v no_o long_o than_o three_o year_n 1_o king_n xv_o 2._o asa_n the_o three_o from_o solomon_n and_o jehoshaphat_n his_o son_n be_v great_a reformer_n and_o asa_n reign_v one_o and_o forty_o year_n and_o jehoshaphat_n five_o and_o twenty_o year_n 2_o chron._n xuj_o 13._o xx_o 31._o the_o two_o next_o king_n in_o succession_n do_v evil_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o lord_n but_o their_o reign_n be_v short_a jehoram_n reign_v eight_o year_n and_o ahaziah_n but_o one_o 2_o chron._n xxi_o 20._o xxii_o 2._o during_o the_o interval_n of_o six_o year_n under_o the_o usurpation_n of_o athaliah_n the_o people_n can_v not_o be_v great_o corrupt_v for_o she_o be_v hateful_a to_o they_o as_o jehoram_n her_o husband_n have_v be_v before_o she_o and_o they_o ready_o join_v with_o jehoiada_n in_o slay_v she_o and_o in_o restore_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n 2_o chron._n xxii_o joash_n the_o son_n of_o ahaziah_n do_v that_o which_o be_v right_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o lord_n all_o the_o day_n of_o jehoiada_n 2_o chron._n xxiv_o 2._o we_o be_v sure_a that_o he_o reign_v well_o three_o and_o twenty_o year_n 2_o king_n twelve_o 6._o and_o probable_o much_o long_o for_o jehoiada_n live_v to_o a_o very_a great_a age_n 2_o chron._n xxiv_o 15._o amaziah_n his_o son_n have_v the_o same_o character_n and_o with_o the_o same_o abatement_n that_o he_o do_v that_o which_o be_v right_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o lord_n but_o not_o with_o a_o perfect_a heart_n 2_o chron._n twenty-five_o 2._o or_o yet_o not_o like_o david_n his_o father_n he_o do_v according_a to_o all_o thing_n as_o joash_n his_o father_n do_v 2_o king_n fourteen_o 3._o vzziah_n son_n to_o amaziah_n reign_v well_o and_o seek_v god_n in_o the_o day_n of_o zachariah_n 2_o chron._n xxvi_o 5._o and_o after_o he_o be_v seize_v with_o the_o leprosy_n for_o invade_v the_o priest_n office_n the_o administration_n of_o affair_n be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o his_o son_n jotham_n vers_fw-la 21._o who_o imitate_v the_o good_a part_n of_o his_o father_n reign_n chap._n xxvii_o 2._o ahaz_n be_v wicked_a and_o a_o idolater_n but_o he_o reign_v only_o sixteen_o year_n chap._n xxviii_o 1._o and_o his_o son_n hezekiah_n wrought_v a_o great_a reformation_n who_o reign_v twenty_o nine_o year_n chap._n xxix_o 1._o manasses_n be_v much_o give_v to_o idolatry_n in_o the_o former_a part_n of_o his_o reign_n but_o after_o his_o captivity_n in_o babylon_n he_o be_v very_o zealous_a against_o it_o chap._n xxxiii_o 15_o 16._o amon_n imitate_v the_o ill_a part_n of_o his_o father_n reign_n but_o his_o own_o continue_v no_o long_o than_o two_o year_n chap._n xxxiii_o 21._o the_o next_o be_v josiah_n in_o who_o time_n the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n be_v find_v in_o the_o temple_n which_o must_v be_v the_o book_n of_o moses_n own_o hand-writing_n for_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o a_o book_n of_o the_o law_n can_v be_v no_o such_o rare_a thing_n at_o that_o time_n in_o jerusalem_n as_o to_o be_v take_v so_o much_o notice_n of_o unless_o it_o have_v be_v that_o book_n which_o be_v lay_v up_o in_o the_o side_n of_o the_o ark_n and_o be_v to_o be_v transcribe_v by_o every_o king_n it_o seem_v that_o book_n of_o the_o law_n have_v be_v purposely_o hide_v to_o preserve_v it_o from_o the_o attempt_n of_o idolater_n who_o it_o be_v fear_v may_v have_v a_o design_n to_o destroy_v it_o for_o if_o it_o have_v only_o lie_v by_o neglect_a the_o find_n of_o it_o can_v have_v be_v no_o such_o surprise_v thing_n because_o the_o place_n in_o the_o temple_n be_v well_o know_v where_o it_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v keep_v in_o the_o side_n of_o the_o ark_n and_o where_o they_o may_v have_v seek_v for_o it_o but_o it_o be_v probable_o at_o that_o time_n suppose_v to_o have_v be_v utter_o lose_v and_o its_o be_v find_v in_o the_o ruin_n of_o the_o temple_n which_o be_v build_v for_o the_o observation_n of_o it_o and_o where_o it_o ought_v to_o have_v be_v keep_v with_o the_o great_a care_n as_o a_o most_o inestimable_a treasure_n the_o veneration_n which_o josiah_n have_v for_o so_o sacred_a a_o write_n and_o the_o happy_a and_o unexpected_a recovery_n of_o it_o when_o it_o have_v be_v disregard_v and_o almost_o lose_v through_o the_o iniquity_n of_o his_o predecessor_n these_o consideration_n can_v not_o but_o exceed_o move_v a_o mind_n so_o tender_a and_o affectionate_o pious_a as_o that_o king_n when_o he_o receive_v the_o law_n under_o moses_n own_o hand_n send_v he_o as_o he_o believe_v by_o god_n himself_o and_o deliver_v to_o he_o as_o it_o be_v anew_o from_o heaven_n not_o long_o after_o his_o time_n be_v the_o captivity_n in_o babylon_n till_o which_o there_o be_v always_o prophet_n frequent_a reformation_n and_o never_o any_o succession_n of_o idolatrous_a king_n which_o continue_v for_o a_o long_a time_n together_o very_o few_o king_n be_v idolatrous_a throughout_o their_o whole_a reign_n and_o those_o that_o be_v reign_v but_o a_o short_a time_n 9_o time_n book_n 1._o part_n 2._o c._n 6._o &_o 9_o it_o have_v be_v prove_v that_o the_o pentateuch_n and_o the_o book_n of_o the_o prophet_n write_v before_o the_o captivity_n be_v preserve_v among_o the_o jew_n till_o their_o return_n and_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o those_o who_o be_v of_o another_o opinion_n that_o ezra_n who_o compose_v the_o canon_n do_v it_o by_o a_o prophetic_a spirit_n or_o have_v the_o assistance_n of_o prophet_n in_o the_o do_v it_o 1._o it_o joseph_n câ—nt_fw-la apion_n lib._n 1._o josephus_n say_v that_o their_o book_n after_o the_o time_n of_o artaxerxes_n be_v not_o of_o equal_a authority_n with_o those_o before_o his_o time_n for_o want_v of_o a_o certain_a succession_n of_o prophet_n and_o since_o the_o jew_n admit_v no_o writing_n as_o inspire_v into_o the_o canon_n after_o malachi_n prophecy_n this_o show_v their_o sincerity_n and_o exactness_n in_o examine_v the_o truth_n and_o authority_n of_o such_o write_n as_o they_o admit_v into_o their_o canon_n of_o scripture_n the_o pharisee_n make_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n of_o no_o effect_n by_o their_o tradition_n but_o never_o dare_v presume_v to_o impose_v they_o under_o the_o notion_n and_o
son_n be_v thought_n which_o must_v create_v a_o new_a heaven_n as_o it_o be_v in_o heaven_n itself_o i_o mean_v they_o will_v enlarge_v our_o soul_n to_o the_o utmost_a capacity_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o fill_v and_o actuate_v they_o with_o such_o divine_a ardour_n of_o love_n as_o if_o we_o have_v be_v keep_v necessary_o from_o all_o sin_n seem_v impossible_a to_o have_v be_v raise_v in_o we_o the_o angel_n themselves_o rejoice_v over_o one_o sinner_n that_o repent_v and_o that_o joy_n must_v have_v be_v want_v to_o they_o who_o be_v of_o so_o much_o high_a and_o more_o excellent_a a_o nature_n than_o we_o be_v of_o if_o there_o have_v be_v no_o possibility_n either_o of_o sin_n or_o of_o repentance_n and_o the_o wonderful_a dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v a_o eternal_a subject_n of_o praise_n and_o adoration_n a_o eternal_a fountain_n of_o love_n and_o joy_n and_o happiness_n to_o all_o the_o bless_a spirit_n in_o heaven_n the_o more_o the_o divine_a attribute_n be_v display_v the_o more_o adorable_a the_o majesty_n of_o god_n will_v appear_v and_o will_v become_v the_o great_a object_n of_o our_o praise_n and_o veneration_n those_o that_o be_v wise_a and_o good_a will_v be_v make_v the_o wise_a and_o better_a by_o it_o and_o the_o happy_a in_o the_o contemplation_n of_o the_o divine_a perfection_n now_o a_o governor_n in_o his_o law_n and_o in_o the_o method_n and_o order_n of_o his_o government_n have_v regard_n chief_o to_o the_o good_a and_o obedient_a and_o have_v little_o concern_v for_o the_o rest_n and_o we_o must_v consider_v god_n not_o only_o as_o the_o father_n but_o as_o the_o governor_n of_o mankind_n and_o though_o a_o earthly_a father_n perhaps_o will_v by_o all_o mean_n possible_a preserve_v his_o â—on_n from_o incur_v punishment_n yet_o a_o good_a governor_n when_o the_o end_n of_o his_o government_n can_v be_v better_o obtain_v by_o leave_v he_o to_o his_o liberty_n will_v not_o restrain_v he_o by_o any_o force_n or_o violence_n therefore_o if_o the_o liberty_n of_o choice_n in_o man_n and_o the_o possibility_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o damnation_n be_v for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o for_o the_o benefit_n of_o good_a man_n and_o be_v no_o injury_n to_o the_o bad_a this_o be_v a_o sufficient_a account_n why_o man_n be_v not_o necessary_o restrain_v from_o sin_v though_o damnation_n be_v the_o consequence_n of_o it_o chap._n xiii_o of_o the_o fall_n of_o the_o angel_n and_o of_o our_o first_o parent_n in_o the_o beginning_n god_n create_v every_o thing_n perfect_a in_o its_o kind_n and_o endn_v the_o angel_n and_o man_n with_o all_o intellectual_a and_o moral_a perfection_n suitable_a to_o their_o respective_a nature_n but_o so_o as_o to_o leave_v they_o capable_a of_o sin_v for_o it_o please_v the_o infinite_a wisdom_n of_o god_n for_o the_o reason_n already_o allege_v and_o for_o many_o more_o and_o great_a reason_n perhaps_o than_o any_o man_n be_v able_a to_o imagine_v to_o place_v they_o in_o a_o state_n of_o trial_n and_o to_o put_v it_o to_o their_o own_o choice_n whether_o they_o will_v stand_v in_o their_o present_a condition_n of_o innocence_n and_o happiness_n in_o which_o they_o be_v create_v or_o fall_v into_o sin_n and_o misery_n we_o have_v little_a or_o no_o account_n in_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o cause_n or_o temptation_n which_o occasion_v the_o fall_n of_o angel_n because_o it_o do_v not_o concern_v we_o to_o be_v acquaint_v with_o it_o and_o therefore_o it_o little_a become_v we_o to_o be_v inquisitive_a about_o it_o indeed_o it_o be_v very_o difficult_a to_o conceive_v how_o being_n of_n so_o great_a knowledge_n and_o purity_n as_o the_o fall_v angel_n once_o be_v of_o shall_v fall_v into_o sin_n but_o it_o must_v be_v consider_v that_o nothing_o be_v more_o unaccountable_a than_o the_o motive_n and_o cause_n of_o action_n in_o free_a agent_n when_o any_o be_v be_v at_o liberty_n to_o do_v as_o it_o will_v no_o other_o reason_n beside_o its_o own_o will_n need_n be_v inquire_v for_o of_o its_o act_n what_o be_v liable_a to_o sin_n may_v sin_v whatever_o the_o motive_n be_v and_o to_o inquire_v after_o the_o motive_n be_v to_o inquire_v what_o motive_n may_v determine_v a_o free_a agent_n that_o be_v a_o agent_n which_o may_v determine_v itself_o upon_o any_o ground_n or_o motive_n but_o how_o perfect_a and_o excellent_a soever_o any_o creature_n be_v unless_o it_o be_v so_o confirm_v and_o establish_v in_o a_o state_n of_o purity_n and_o holiness_n as_o to_o be_v secure_v from_o all_o possibility_n of_o sin_v it_o may_v be_v suppose_v to_o admire_v itself_o and_o dote_v upon_o its_o own_o perfection_n and_o excellency_n and_o by_o degree_n to_o neglect_v and_o not_o acknowledge_v god_n the_o author_n of_o they_o but_o to_o sin_n and_o rebel_v against_o he_o and_o it_o be_v most_o agreeable_a both_o to_o scripture_n and_o reason_n that_o pride_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o fall_n of_o angel_n for_o those_o excellency_n which_o may_v secure_v they_o from_o any_o other_o sin_n prove_v a_o temptation_n to_o this_o and_o the_o great_a their_o perfection_n be_v the_o great_a be_v the_o temptation_n as_o in_o a_o man_n who_o be_v guilty_a of_o spiritual_a and_o pharisaical_a pride_n all_o that_o be_v good_a and_o commendable_a in_o he_o afford_v he_o only_a matter_n for_o his_o sin_n so_o that_o where_o there_o be_v a_o freedom_n of_o will_n and_o a_o possibility_n of_o sin_v the_o very_a perfection_n of_o nature_n in_o a_o creature_n may_v be_v make_v a_o occasion_n to_o sin_n and_o that_o which_o exclude_v other_o sin_n may_v prove_v a_o motive_n and_o temptation_n to_o pride_n which_o therefore_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o conclude_v be_v the_o sin_n of_o the_o fall_v angel_n as_o to_o the_o fall_n of_o man_n however_o the_o thing_n may_v be_v dispute_v the_o effect_n of_o it_o be_v visible_a in_o the_o strange_a proneness_n of_o humane_a nature_n to_o act_v against_o reason_n and_o conscience_n that_o be_v to_o act_v in_o plain_a contradiction_n to_o itself_o and_o its_o own_o principle_n this_o be_v a_o state_n in_o which_o it_o can_v be_v suppose_v that_o mankind_n be_v at_o first_o create_v by_o the_o infinite_o good_a and_o holy_a god_n and_o the_o most_o plausible_a opinion_n and_o that_o which_o have_v most_o general_o obtain_v among_o the_o heathen_n be_v that_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n have_v a_o be_v before_o they_o come_v into_o this_o world_n and_o be_v send_v into_o human_a body_n in_o punishment_n for_o what_o they_o have_v do_v amiss_o in_o a_o precedent_n state_n but_o this_o be_v mere_a suspicion_n and_o conjecture_n without_o any_o possibility_n of_o proof_n and_o there_o be_v this_o plain_a reason_n against_o it_o that_o â—o_o man_n can_v be_v punish_v for_o his_o amendment_n who_o know_v nothing_o of_o it_o for_o it_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o nature_n and_o end_n of_o punishment_n that_o the_o offender_n shall_v not_o be_v make_v sensible_a of_o his_o fault_n especial_o when_o the_o punishment_n be_v design_v for_o his_o amendment_n as_o it_o be_v say_v to_o be_v in_o the_o present_a case_n if_o it_o can_v be_v suppose_v that_o man_n may_v possible_o retain_v no_o remembrance_n of_o what_o they_o do_v in_o another_o state_n yet_o if_o their_o fault_n be_v not_o keep_v in_o memory_n they_o shall_v be_v bring_v to_o their_o remembrance_n if_o this_o life_n be_v design_v as_o a_o state_n of_o punishment_n in_o order_n to_o amendment_n but_o the_o state_n of_o this_o life_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v think_v a_o punishment_n that_o man_n natural_o be_v of_o nothing_o more_o fond_a nor_o dread_v any_o thing_n more_o than_o to_o leave_v it_o and_o though_o man_n meet_v with_o great_a affliction_n here_o yet_o those_o do_v not_o befall_v those_o only_a or_o chief_o who_o by_o their_o proneness_n to_o evil_a in_o this_o life_n may_v be_v suppose_v to_o have_v be_v the_o great_a offender_n in_o a_o former_a state_n and_o every_o calamity_n have_v not_o the_o nature_n of_o punishment_n the_o suffering_n and_o misery_n which_o we_o endure_v by_o reason_n of_o adam_n transgression_n be_v not_o so_o proper_o punishment_n as_o the_o effect_n and_o consequence_n of_o his_o sin_n but_o personal_a fault_n such_o as_o be_v suppose_v to_o have_v be_v commit_v in_o a_o state_n of_o pre-existence_n require_v a_o proper_a punishment_n and_o if_o the_o punishment_n be_v for_o amendment_n as_o it_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v in_o this_o present_a state_n both_o the_o fault_n and_o the_o punishment_n must_v be_v know_v with_o the_o cause_n and_o end_v of_o its_o be_v inflict_v and_o the_o great_a offender_n must_v undergo_v the_o severe_a punishment_n the_o account_n which_o the_o scripture_n give_v we_o of_o the_o fall_n of_o our_o first_o parent_n may_v be_v consider_v either_o 1._o
be_v more_o easy_o observe_v than_o this_o so_o it_o be_v most_o proper_a for_o the_o place_n in_o which_o they_o be_v and_o for_o their_o manner_n of_o life_n and_o state_n of_o innocence_n the_o common_a rule_n and_o law_n of_o morality_n can_v then_o scarce_o have_v any_o place_n but_o it_o be_v requisite_a that_o this_o or_o some_o such_o other_o instance_n of_o obedience_n shall_v be_v impose_v theft_n and_o murder_n and_o adultery_n and_o other_o sin_n against_o moral_a duty_n be_v then_o either_o impossible_a to_o be_v commit_v or_o so_o unnatural_a that_o it_o can_v hardly_o be_v imagine_v how_o any_o of_o they_o shall_v be_v commit_v when_o there_o be_v yet_o but_o two_o person_n in_o the_o world_n in_o a_o state_n of_o perfect_a innocence_n and_o therefore_o in_o moral_a duty_n there_o can_v be_v no_o trial_n of_o the_o obedience_n of_o our_o first_o parent_n beside_o these_o be_v so_o well_o know_v to_o they_o that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o need_n of_o any_o command_n concern_v they_o but_o god_n give_v they_o a_o command_n in_o a_o thing_n of_o a_o indifferent_a nature_n that_o so_o he_o may_v have_v a_o plain_a proof_n of_o their_o obedience_n in_o a_o thing_n which_o be_v both_o indifferent_a of_o itself_o and_o so_o easy_a to_o they_o that_o nothing_o but_o a_o careless_a and_o perverse_a neglect_n can_v betray_v they_o into_o disobedience_n to_o suppose_v good_a and_o evil_a to_o be_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n only_o and_o not_o in_o the_o commandment_n and_o prohibition_n of_o god_n be_v in_o effect_n a_o renounce_n of_o god_n authority_n but_o this_o tree_n be_v the_o tree_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a for_o it_o make_v they_o sensible_a of_o the_o divine_a authority_n upon_o which_o moral_a good_a and_o evil_a formal_o depend_v though_o matterial_o they_o be_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n whatever_o god_n be_v please_v to_o command_v or_o forbid_v however_o indifferent_a it_o be_v in_o itself_o be_v for_o that_o very_a reason_n so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v command_v or_o forbid_v by_o he_o as_o true_o good_a or_o evil_a as_o if_o it_o be_v absolute_o and_o moral_o so_o be_v enact_v by_o the_o same_o divine_a authority_n whereby_o all_o moral_a precept_n become_v obligatory_a as_o law_n to_o we_o for_o all_o moral_a truth_n or_o precept_n or_o rule_n of_o life_n however_o certain_a and_o necessary_a in_o themselves_o yet_o receive_v the_o obligation_n of_o law_n from_o the_o divine_a authority_n this_o be_v the_o most_o certain_a truth_n in_o morality_n and_o in_o order_n of_o nature_n antecedent_n to_o all_o other_o that_o god_n be_v to_o be_v obey_v in_o all_o that_o he_o command_v or_o forbid_v but_o the_o divine_a authority_n be_v sole_o and_o pure_o concern_v in_o this_o commandment_n which_o have_v no_o foundation_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n but_o depend_v mere_o upon_o the_o will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o god_n and_o by_o the_o transgression_n of_o this_o law_n it_o become_v notorious_a to_o our_o first_o parent_n and_o their_o unhappy_a posterity_n that_o both_o good_a and_o evil_a whatever_o they_o may_v be_v in_o speculation_n and_o abstract_a notion_n yet_o as_o they_o concern_v we_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o our_o life_n be_v to_o be_v resolve_v ultimate_o into_o the_o divine_a authority_n god_n be_v our_o lawgiver_n and_o nothing_o can_v be_v a_o law_n to_o we_o but_o by_o his_o enact_v and_o what_o he_o enact_v must_v be_v a_o law_n to_o we_o and_o of_o the_o same_o necessary_a indspensable_a obligation_n so_o far_o as_o he_o be_v please_v to_o enjoin_v it_o whether_o it_o be_v a_o moral_a precept_n or_o only_o a_o indifferent_a thing_n in_o its_o own_o nature_n it_o seem_v then_o that_o god_n be_v please_v to_o manifest_v his_o sovereign_a authority_n in_o this_o commandment_n and_o to_o show_v that_o it_o be_v absolute_a and_o independent_a upon_o moral_a good_a or_o evil_a and_o that_o though_o his_o infinite_a holiness_n and_o goodness_n will_v not_o permit_v he_o to_o command_v any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o moral_a duty_n nor_o suffer_v he_o not_o to_o command_v moral_a good_a and_o forbid_v moral_a evil_n yet_o his_o authority_n be_v arbitrary_a over_o we_o extend_v as_o far_o beyond_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o morality_n as_o he_o please_v which_o indeed_o be_v only_a truth_n and_o precept_n but_o not_o duty_n to_o we_o but_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o authority_n this_o commandment_n therefore_o be_v give_v in_o assertion_n of_o god_n authority_n who_o it_o be_v always_o and_o in_o every_o thing_n good_a to_o obey_v and_o evil_a to_o disobey_v as_o our_o first_o parent_n find_v by_o sad_a experience_n 2._o experience_n maim_v more_o new_a voeh_n parâ—_n 〈◊〉_d c._n 2._o maimonides_n observe_v that_o they_o have_v the_o knowledge_n of_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n before_o but_o good_a and_o evil_n become_v know_v to_o they_o by_o their_o fall_n whereby_o they_o understand_v the_o value_n of_o that_o good_a which_o they_o have_v lose_v and_o be_v make_v sensible_a of_o the_o misery_n of_o that_o condition_n into_o which_o they_o have_v bring_v themselves_o they_o perceive_v how_o good_a it_o be_v to_o obey_v god_n and_o how_o evil_a to_o be_v disobedient_a to_o he_o in_o any_o thing_n whatsoever_o xxviâ—_n whatsoever_o lib._n 1._o disc_n xxviâ—_n mr._n mede_n have_v observe_v that_o their_o sin_n be_v sacrilege_n god_n have_v reserve_v that_o tree_n as_o holy_a to_o himself_o in_o token_n of_o his_o dominion_n and_o sovereignty_n and_o appoint_v it_o to_o such_o use_n as_o he_o have_v design_v it_o for_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o sacrilegious_a profanation_n to_o eat_v of_o it_o it_o be_v a_o theft_n or_o robbery_n no_o less_o than_o the_o rob_v of_o god_n as_o the_o prophet_n style_v sacrilege_n and_o a_o invasion_n of_o his_o right_n and_o the_o lord_n god_n say_v behold_v the_o man_n be_v become_v as_o one_o of_o we_o to_o know_v good_a and_o evil._n gen._n iii._o 22._o which_o word_n be_v general_o suppose_v to_o have_v be_v speak_v by_o a_o severe_a sarcasm_n or_o with_o a_o upbraid_a anger_n and_o indignation_n but_o they_o seem_v to_o admit_v of_o a_o easy_a sense_n if_o they_o be_v thus_o interpret_v the_o man_n be_v become_v as_o one_o of_o we_o he_o have_v make_v himself_o as_o one_o of_o we_o he_o have_v assume_v to_o himself_o a_o equality_n with_o we_o christ_n think_v it_o not_o robbery_n to_o be_v equal_a with_o god_n phil._n two_o 6._o to_o be_v equal_a be_v there_o to_o claim_v a_o equality_n and_o so_o to_o become_v as_o one_o of_o we_o be_v to_o challenge_v or_o pretend_v to_o become_v as_o one_o of_o we_o according_a to_o the_o devil_n suggestion_n christ_n know_v it_o to_o be_v no_o injury_n or_o presumption_n in_o himself_o who_o be_v in_o the_o form_n of_o god_n and_o be_v god_n as_o well_o as_o man_n to_o assume_v to_o himself_o a_o equality_n with_o the_o father_n but_o our_o first_o parent_n who_o be_v make_v in_o the_o image_n of_o god_n and_o after_o his_o likeness_n be_v not_o content_v with_o this_o but_o affect_v something_o high_a than_o the_o perfection_n of_o a_o creature_n and_o aim_v at_o a_o independent_a state_n of_o wisdom_n and_o immortality_n be_v seduce_v by_o the_o serpent_n who_o say_v unto_o the_o woman_n you_o shall_v not_o sure_o die_v you_o shall_v be_v as_o god_n know_v good_a and_o evil._n gen._n iii._o 4_o 5._o this_o be_v a_o most_o heinous_a crime_n to_o believe_v the_o serpent_n rather_o than_o god_n himself_o and_o to_o be_v seduce_v by_o he_o and_o hope_v by_o his_o advice_n to_o procure_v to_o themselves_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o immortal_a happiness_n ii_o the_o consequence_n of_o the_o fall_n of_o our_o first_o parent_n be_v answerable_a to_o their_o crime_n and_o be_v either_o upon_o themselves_o or_o upon_o their_o posterity_n or_o upon_o the_o serpent_n and_o other_o creature_n i._o the_o curse_n upon_o the_o serpent_n be_v by_o a_o visible_a object_n and_o representation_n to_o denote_v that_o curse_n and_o punishment_n which_o be_v denounce_v against_o the_o tempter_n himself_o who_o assume_v the_o body_n of_o a_o serpent_n the_o serpent_n before_o have_v a_o free_a and_o strong_a motion_n and_o can_v lift_v up_o himself_o and_o reach_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o tree_n but_o be_v since_o confine_v to_o the_o ground_n and_o be_v force_v to_o seek_v his_o food_n in_o the_o dust_n and_o there_o be_v relation_n of_o serpent_n which_o carry_v part_n of_o their_o body_n erect_v this_o before_o the_o curse_n may_v belong_v to_o the_o whole_a kind_a of_o they_o in_o another_o manner_n than_o it_o do_v since_o to_o any_o one_o sort._n the_o basilisk_n be_v say_v to_o go_v with_o his_o head_n and_o breast_n erect_v and_o a_o serpent_n call_v 7._o call_v knexe_n hist_n of_o ceyl_n part_n 1._o
of_o eternal_a reward_n and_o punishment_n as_o well_o as_o christian_n and_o the_o eternity_n of_o the_o latter_a be_v the_o great_a impediment_n which_o epicurus_n endeavour_v to_o remove_v out_o of_o the_o way_n to_o the_o free_a enjoyment_n of_o man_n lust_n for_o whatever_o some_o have_v say_v in_o behalf_n of_o epicurus_n his_o own_o word_n produce_v iii._o produce_v tusc_n qu._n lib._n iii._o by_o tully_n too_o plain_a to_o be_v evade_v show_v that_o he_o do_v place_v all_o happiness_n in_o sensual_a pleasure_n only_o he_o be_v willing_a to_o enjoy_v they_o as_o quiet_o and_o secure_o as_o he_o can_v and_o for_o this_o reason_n lay_v down_o divers_a rule_n by_o way_n of_o expedient_a to_o keep_v the_o mind_n in_o peace_n void_a of_o all_o auxiety_n in_o this_o life_n and_o of_o all_o hope_n or_o fear_n of_o a_o future_a state_n the_o prevail_a belief_n of_o the_o eternal_a punishment_n of_o wicked_a man_n after_o death_n be_v enough_o to_o ruin_v all_o his_o philosophy_n and_o therefore_o this_o be_v by_o all_o mean_n to_o be_v remove_v which_o yet_o he_o be_v never_o able_a to_o effect_v so_o that_o this_o be_v a_o thing_n sufficient_o know_v to_o make_v all_o man_n sensible_a of_o what_o they_o must_v expect_v will_v be_v the_o consequence_n of_o sin_n and_o what_o god_n have_v threaten_v so_o long_o before_o and_o have_v give_v man_n time_n and_o opportunity_n and_o ability_n to_o avoid_v they_o can_v fall_v under_o but_o through_o their_o own_o wilfulness_n and_o misbehaviour_n and_o can_v have_v no_o reason_n to_o complain_v when_o it_o come_v upon_o they_o 3._o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o the_o sanction_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n shall_v be_v by_o eternal_a reward_n and_o punishment_n the_o sanction_n of_o all_o law_n be_v by_o reward_n and_o punishment_n and_o the_o design_n of_o appoint_v punishment_n be_v to_o affright_v man_n from_o sin_n as_o the_o end_n of_o reward_n be_v to_o invite_v they_o to_o obedience_n the_o only_a true_a measure_n and_o just_a proportion_n therefore_o between_o the_o crime_n and_o the_o punishment_n be_v the_o suitableness_n of_o the_o punishment_n to_o enforce_v obedience_n to_o the_o law_n and_o cause_v it_o to_o be_v due_o observe_v for_o if_o the_o law_n be_v good_a and_o necessary_a and_o can_v be_v so_o well_o and_o so_o effectual_o obey_v without_o a_o very_a severe_a punishment_n to_o enforce_v it_o the_o severity_n of_o the_o punishment_n be_v so_o far_o from_o cruelty_n that_o it_o be_v a_o just_a and_o wise_a provision_n to_o secure_a obedience_n to_o the_o law_n and_o procure_v all_o the_o good_a design_v by_o it_o thus_o we_o always_o judge_v in_o humane_a law_n a_o man_n be_v condemn_v to_o lose_v his_o life_n for_o take_v from_o another_o that_o which_o he_o perhaps_o can_v very_o well_o spare_v but_o we_o be_v all_o agree_v in_o the_o justice_n of_o make_v such_o example_n because_o we_o find_v that_o man_n can_v scarce_o be_v secure_a in_o their_o life_n and_o estate_n notwithstanding_o the_o severity_n of_o such_o law_n and_o if_o the_o terror_n of_o everlasting_a torment_n will_v not_o frighten_v man_n from_o sin_n what_o effect_n will_v a_o less_o punishment_n denounce_v have_v have_v upon_o they_o if_o man_n can_v but_o once_o persuade_v themselves_o that_o the_o torment_n of_o hell_n be_v not_o so_o terrible_a they_o free_o give_v themselves_o up_o to_o all_o licentiousness_n and_o we_o know_v how_o fond_a man_n of_o wicked_a life_n be_v of_o such_o doctrine_n god_n therefore_o perfect_o understand_v the_o temper_n and_o inclination_n the_o stubborness_n and_o perverseness_n of_o man_n heart_n so_o prone_a to_o vice_n and_o so_o backward_o to_o all_o that_o be_v good_a foresee_v that_o a_o less_o punishment_n threaten_v will_v not_o prevail_v with_o man_n to_o forsake_v their_o sin_n and_o get_v to_o heaven_n and_o with_o what_o face_n can_v that_o man_n object_n that_o the_o torment_n of_o hell_n be_v too_o great_a and_o intolerable_a who_o as_o terrible_a as_o they_o be_v live_v still_o secure_a and_o undisturbed_a in_o his_o sin_n if_o they_o be_v so_o great_a that_o he_o complain_v of_o they_o as_o unjust_a why_o do_v he_o not_o leave_v his_o sin_n if_o he_o do_v not_o forsake_v his_o sin_n they_o be_v not_o too_o great_a since_o they_o have_v not_o attain_v that_o end_n upon_o he_o for_o which_o the_o punishment_n be_v denounce_v viz._n his_o repentance_n and_o amendment_n of_o life_n but_o if_o he_o do_v not_o believe_v their_o eternity_n and_o therefore_o continue_v in_o his_o sin_n this_o show_v how_o necessary_a the_o denounce_v and_o how_o necessary_a the_o belief_n of_o eternal_a punishment_n be_v out_o of_o thy_o own_o mouth_n will_v i_o judge_v thou_o thou_o wicked_a servant_n thou_o know_v that_o i_o be_v a_o austere_a man_n wherefore_o then_o do_v thou_o not_o do_v as_o thou_o be_v command_v 4._o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o eternal_a punishment_n shall_v be_v inflict_v upon_o the_o wicked_a according_a to_o the_o sanction_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n by_o â—ternal_a reward_n and_o punishment_n we_o find_v by_o sad_a experience_n how_o little_a offect_v the_o punishment_n now_o threaten_v have_v upon_o too_o many_o man_n and_o if_o they_o be_v less_o dreadful_a they_o will_v be_v so_o much_o the_o less_o regard_v so_o that_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o appointment_n of_o eternal_a punishment_n be_v but_o necessary_a to_o keep_v man_n from_o sin_n and_o what_o god_n wisdom_n see_v necessary_a to_o appoint_v his_o justice_n and_o truth_n will_v make_v it_o necessary_a for_o he_o to_o inflict_v for_o what_o he_o have_v so_o often_o and_o so_o solemn_o declare_v he_o can_v never_o depart_v from_o but_o will_v certain_o execute_v it_o the_o promise_n and_o threaten_n relate_v this_o life_n be_v conditional_a and_o be_v express_o declare_v to_o be_v so_o jer._n xviii_o 7_o 8_o 9_o 10._o because_o in_o this_o life_n man_n be_v changeable_a from_o good_a to_o bad_a or_o from_o bad_a to_o good_a but_o the_o threaten_n as_o well_o as_o the_o promise_v concern_v the_o other_o life_n must_v be_v absolute_a and_o unconditional_a because_o they_o relate_v to_o a_o unchangeable_a sinal_a state_n which_o will_v admit_v of_o no_o alteration_n either_o in_o the_o wicked_a or_o the_o righteous_a it_o be_v not_o therefore_o because_o god_n can_v recede_v from_o his_o threaten_n rather_o then_o from_o his_o promise_n that_o nineveh_n be_v spare_v but_o because_o all_o threaten_n belong_v to_o the_o state_n of_o this_o life_n imply_v a_o condition_n of_o repentance_n upon_o which_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v inflict_v as_o jonah_n and_o the_o ninevite_n themselves_o well_o understand_v but_o then_o all_o promise_v too_o which_o concern_v this_o life_n be_v under_o the_o like_a condition_n and_o be_v not_o to_o be_v perform_v upon_o the_o disobedience_n of_o those_o to_o who_o they_o be_v make_v as_o we_o be_v assure_v by_o god_n express_a declaration_n but_o what_o be_v threaten_v or_o promise_v to_o man_n to_o befall_v they_o after_o this_o life_n be_v promise_v or_o threaten_v to_o befall_v they_o when_o they_o shall_v be_v in_o a_o fix_a unalterable_a state_n and_o therefore_o must_v be_v uncapable_a of_o any_o condition_n or_o reserve_v to_o be_v imply_v in_o it_o for_o when_o man_n continue_v the_o same_o they_o be_v at_o the_o time_n when_o god_n promise_n and_o threaten_n be_v declare_v to_o they_o his_o promise_n and_o threaten_n always_o take_v place_n in_o this_o world_n according_a to_o the_o full_a extent_n and_o importance_n of_o the_o word_n in_o which_o they_o be_v deliver_v and_o therefore_o they_o must_v thus_o take_v place_n in_o the_o next_o world_n into_o which_o when_o man_n be_v once_o enter_v they_o must_v for_o ever_o continue_v equal_o fit_a object_n either_o of_o the_o divine_a promise_n or_o threaten_n as_o they_o be_v at_o the_o time_n of_o their_o death_n the_o point_n be_v that_o god_n never_o change_v but_o man_n be_v changeable_a in_o this_o life_n and_o both_o his_o promise_n and_o threaten_n which_o concern_v man_n here_o suppose_v they_o such_o and_o therefore_o reward_n be_v withhold_v or_o punishment_n remit_v in_o this_o world_n as_o man_n fall_v into_o wickedness_n or_o become_v reclaim_v from_o it_o but_o in_o the_o other_o world_n where_o the_o state_n of_o man_n be_v unalterable_a from_o good_a or_o bad_a virtuous_a or_o vicious_a both_o the_o promise_n and_o threaten_n of_o god_n must_v be_v punctual_o fulfil_v and_o can_v admit_v of_o no_o condition_n or_o reservation_n god_n have_v swear_v that_o those_o who_o will_v not_o believe_v and_o obey_v he_o shall_v not_o enter_v into_o his_o rest_n heb._n iii._o 1i_fw-la and_o what_o he_o have_v once_o swear_v be_v irrevocable_a heb._n vi_fw-la 17._o if_o we_o believe_v not_o yet_o be_v abide_v faithful_a he_o can_v deny_v himself_o 2_o tim
those_o part_n of_o the_o world_n for_o the_o explication_n of_o divers_a place_n of_o scripture_n which_o depend_v upon_o the_o knowledge_n of_o those_o country_n now_o the_o whole_a jewish_a law_n may_v be_v divide_v into_o the_o moral_a the_o political_a or_o judicial_a and_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n the_o moral_a part_n of_o moses_n law_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o ten_o commandment_n and_o enjoin_v our_o duty_n towards_o god_n and_o towards_o our_o neighbour_n be_v just_a and_o holy_a beyond_o all_o controversy_n or_o exception_n and_o the_o political_a or_o judicial_a part_n with_o the_o ceremonial_a be_v adapt_v to_o the_o circumstance_n and_o necessity_n of_o those_o age_n and_o that_o nation_n and_o if_o the_o moral_a part_n be_v absolute_o most_o divine_a and_o holy_a and_o the_o positive_a institution_n both_o political_a and_o ritual_a be_v the_o most_o fit_a and_o proper_a for_o that_o time_n and_o government_n that_o be_v if_o they_o be_v the_o best_a that_o can_v be_v for_o those_o age_n and_o that_o people_n then_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o mosaic_a law_n be_v without_o all_o just_a exception_n and_o that_o this_o be_v so_o it_o will_v be_v evident_a if_o we_o observe_v the_o reason_n upon_o which_o the_o positive_a law_n among_o the_o jew_n be_v institute_v 1._o the_o judicial_a law_n relate_v to_o the_o administration_n of_o justice_n in_o the_o jewish_a government_n be_v so_o reasonable_a that_o they_o have_v be_v transcribe_v into_o the_o law_n of_o the_o wise_a heathen_a nation_n as_o have_v be_v particular_o show_v by_o learned_a men._n there_o be_v but_o few_o of_o the_o judicial_a law_n which_o have_v be_v object_v against_o and_o these_o have_v be_v often_o and_o effectual_o vindicate_v the_o law_n which_o seem_v most_o harsh_a and_o rigorous_a be_v that_o of_o retaliation_n which_o yet_o be_v the_o most_o ancient_a way_n of_o punishment_n in_o most_o nation_n and_o be_v not_o unjust_a for_o the_o law_n to_o inflict_v though_o it_o be_v sinful_a in_o the_o person_n injure_v to_o require_v it_o out_o of_o a_o desire_n of_o revenge_n and_o with_o a_o delight_n to_o gratify_v themselves_o in_o their_o enemy_n suffering_n for_o if_o it_o be_v just_a to_o punish_v the_o take_n away_o of_o a_o little_a money_n with_o death_n how_o can_v it_o be_v unjust_a to_o inflict_v the_o same_o punishment_n for_o the_o deprive_v a_o man_n of_o his_o eye_n and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o unjust_a to_o make_v death_n the_o punishment_n of_o strike_v out_o a_o eye_n and_o what_o nation_n do_v not_o punish_v much_o less_o injury_n with_o death_n how_o can_v it_o be_v unjust_a to_o punish_v the_o offender_n with_o the_o loss_n of_o his_o own_o eye_n one_o of_o the_o severe_a law_n that_o ever_o be_v know_v among_o a_o civilise_v people_n be_v that_o of_o the_o twelve_o table_n which_o give_v leave_v to_o 6._o to_o sunt_fw-la enimquaedam_fw-la non_fw-la â—audabilia_fw-la natura_fw-la sed_fw-la jure_fw-la concessa_fw-la ut_fw-la in_o twelve_o tabulis_fw-la debitoris_fw-la corpus_fw-la inter_fw-la creditores_fw-la dividi_fw-la licuit_fw-la quam_fw-la legem_fw-la mos_fw-la '_o publicus_n repudiavit_fw-la quintil._n institut_fw-la lib._n iii._o cap._n 6._o the_o creditor_n among_o the_o roman_n to_o divide_v the_o debtor_n body_n between_o they_o if_o he_o be_v insolvent_a this_o be_v one_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o commendable_a in_o their_o own_o nature_n but_o yet_o be_v allow_v and_o permit_v as_o quintilian_n have_v observe_v upon_o particular_a reason_n but_o this_o law_n be_v lay_v aside_o by_o a_o general_a disuse_n and_o 38._o and_o lighf_n hor._n hebraic_n ad_fw-la mat._n v._n 38._o that_o of_o retaliation_n among_o the_o jew_n be_v interpret_v by_o they_o according_a to_o a_o ancient_a tradition_n to_o be_v mean_v not_o of_o strict_a retaliation_n but_o of_o a_o compensation_n to_o be_v make_v in_o money_n to_o the_o person_n maim_v 2._o many_o of_o those_o rite_n which_o may_v seem_v strange_a to_o we_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v esteem_v absurd_a that_o they_o become_v common_a in_o those_o country_n as_o circumcision_n be_v ancient_o and_o be_v to_o this_o day_n practise_v in_o many_o part_n of_o the_o world_n 15._o world_n grot._fw-la ad_fw-la leu._n xi_o &_o act._n x._o 15._o the_o aegyptiaus_n and_o many_o other_o nation_n abstain_v from_o swine_n flesh_n and_o the_o aethiopian_n from_o most_o of_o the_o meat_n which_o be_v forbid_v the_o jew_n such_o abstinency_n be_v necessary_a for_o health_n in_o those_o country_n frequent_a wash_n likewise_o be_v requisite_a in_o hot_a country_n for_o health_n and_o refreshment_n religion_n prescribe_v only_o the_o time_n and_o manner_n and_o particular_a occasion_n of_o it_o the_o thing_n itself_o be_v natural_a and_o when_o we_o see_v such_o a_o body_n of_o law_n of_o so_o great_a antiquity_n well_o contrive_v and_o wise_o institute_v for_o the_o substance_n of_o they_o if_o there_o be_v in_o some_o of_o they_o any_o thing_n peculiar_a and_o singular_a though_o they_o be_v but_o the_o law_n of_o a_o man_n yet_o common_a modesty_n and_o candour_n may_v make_v we_o conclude_v that_o so_o wise_a a_o lawgiver_n must_v have_v some_o good_a reason_n for_o those_o particular_a law_n which_o at_o this_o distance_n of_o time_n and_o place_n can_v be_v so_o obvious_a to_o we_o but_o it_o will_v be_v rashness_n to_o suspect_v that_o he_o have_v no_o sufficient_a reason_n for_o those_o who_o appear_v to_o have_v enact_v the_o rest_n with_o so_o great_a wisdom_n thus_o it_o will_v be_v natural_a for_o a_o man_n of_o tolerable_a modesty_n to_o conclude_v even_o concern_v a_o system_fw-la of_o humane_a law_n though_o no_o probable_a account_n can_v be_v give_v of_o many_o of_o they_o but_o when_o god_n be_v the_o lawgiver_n this_o aught_o to_o silence_v all_o dispute_n that_o they_o be_v his_o law_n and_o therefore_o must_v be_v wise_a and_o good_a for_o that_o people_n at_o that_o time_n and_o in_o their_o condition_n and_o circumstance_n the_o will_n and_o authority_n of_o god_n without_o any_o other_o reason_n be_v sufficient_a of_o itself_o in_o any_o case_n to_o be_v allege_v and_o it_o may_v be_v fit_a in_o some_o case_n that_o we_o shall_v have_v no_o other_o reason_n to_o produce_v it_o be_v a_o rash_a and_o dangerous_a thing_n to_o conclude_v that_o god_n do_v not_o command_v this_o or_o that_o because_o we_o do_v not_o see_v why_o it_o shall_v be_v command_v this_o be_v to_o say_v that_o we_o will_v not_o believe_v god_n to_o be_v the_o author_n of_o any_o thing_n which_o we_o do_v not_o like_a or_o will_v not_o have_v to_o be_v his._n be_v we_o wont_v to_o argue_v thus_o about_o humane_a law_n will_v it_o be_v any_o excuse_n for_o a_o disobedient_a subject_n to_o say_v that_o in_o his_o opinion_n such_o law_n be_v not_o fit_a to_o be_v make_v and_o that_o therefore_o he_o will_v not_o believe_v his_o prince_n have_v make_v such_o law_n when_o he_o have_v all_o due_a notice_n and_o full_a evidence_n that_o he_o have_v appoint_v they_o but_o be_v resolve_v to_o reject_v the_o whole_a body_n of_o law_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o some_o which_o he_o do_v not_o fancy_n which_o yet_o be_v obsolete_a and_o out_o of_o date_n do_v we_o not_o allow_v that_o reason_n of_o state_n and_o of_o government_n may_v require_v many_o thing_n to_o be_v do_v and_o many_o law_n to_o be_v make_v which_o it_o do_v not_o belong_v to_o private_a man_n to_o be_v curious_a about_o and_o which_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o subject_n be_v not_o able_a to_o comprehend_v and_o be_v not_o god_n thought_n infinite_o above_o the_o thought_n of_o the_o wise_a man_n and_o infinite_o far_a out_o of_o our_o reach_n than_o the_o counsel_n of_o the_o most_o prudent_a and_o politic_a prince_n can_v be_v above_o the_o understanding_n of_o his_o mean_a and_o most_o ignorant_a subject_n how_o shall_v we_o dare_v then_o to_o reject_v any_o divine_a revelation_n because_o it_o be_v not_o agreeable_a in_o every_o particular_a to_o our_o thought_n and_o notion_n of_o thing_n but_o i_o shall_v inquire_v however_o into_o the_o reason_n and_o ground_n which_o appear_v to_o we_o at_o this_o distance_n of_o time_n for_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n and_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o these_o will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o justify_v they_o to_o all_o impartial_a men._n 1._o the_o ceremonial_a law_n be_v give_v the_o jew_n to_o prevent_v they_o from_o fall_v into_o idolatry_n for_o they_o be_v design_v to_o distinguish_v the_o jew_n in_o many_o thing_n from_o the_o neighbour_a nation_n and_o to_o hinder_v they_o from_o follow_v their_o idolatrous_a custom_n and_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o â—â—_o the_o summa_fw-la vero_fw-la rei_fw-la haec_fw-la eft_o quemadmodum_fw-la in_o praecedentibus_fw-la tibi_fw-la dixi_fw-la dogmata_fw-la &_o ritus_fw-la zabiorum_n hodie_fw-la nobis_fw-la esse_fw-la incognitos_fw-la ita_fw-la
messiah_n the_o jewish_a law_n be_v to_o become_v impracticable_a and_o impossible_a to_o be_v observe_v for_o if_o the_o city_n and_o temple_n be_v not_o destroy_v the_o confinement_n of_o the_o jewish_a worship_n to_o one_o certain_a place_n must_v necessary_o imply_v a_o alteration_n in_o their_o worship_n upon_o the_o come_n of_o the_o messiah_n and_o the_o call_n of_o the_o gentile_n who_o can_v not_o all_o be_v suppose_v to_o assemble_v thrice_o every_o year_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o therefore_o the_o prophet_n foretell_v that_o jerusalem_n shall_v then_o be_v no_o long_o the_o only_a place_n of_o god_n worship_n but_o that_o man_n shall_v worship_v he_o in_o any_o place_n of_o the_o world_n it_o be_v true_a the_o prophet_n often_o mention_v the_o resort_n which_o shall_v be_v make_v from_o all_o nation_n to_o jerusalem_n and_o to_o the_o temple_n or_o the_o mountain_n of_o the_o lord_n but_o then_o these_o be_v mystical_a expression_n for_o the_o city_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o temple_n be_v use_v by_o the_o prophet_n as_o type_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o therefore_o ezekiel_n 2._o ezekiel_n lightfoot_n be_v prospect_n of_o the_o temple_n ch_n 2._o describe_v the_o temple_n large_a than_o the_o whole_a city_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o city_n in_o great_a dimension_n than_o all_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n to_o show_v that_o we_o be_v not_o to_o understand_v these_o expression_n literal_o a_o priesthood_n after_o the_o order_n of_o melchizedeck_v different_a from_o that_o of_o aaron_n be_v prophesy_v of_o psal_n cx_o 4._o and_o a_o new_a covenant_n different_a from_o that_o which_o be_v make_v with_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n upon_o their_o come_n out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n jer._n xxxi_o 31_o 32._o and_o this_o covenant_n be_v to_o extend_v to_o the_o gentile_n as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o jew_n for_o from_o the_o rise_n of_o the_o sun_n even_o unto_o the_o go_n down_o of_o the_o same_o my_o name_n shall_v be_v great_a among_o the_o gentile_n and_o in_o every_o place_n incense_n shall_v be_v offer_v unto_o my_o name_n and_o a_o pure_a offering_n for_o my_o name_n shall_v be_v great_a among_o the_o heathen_a say_v the_o lord_n of_o host_n malach._n i_o 11._o if_o against_o all_o this_o it_o be_v allege_v that_o the_o moysaicall_a law_n be_v to_o endure_v for_o ever_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v consider_v what_o sense_n that_o expression_n bear_v in_o the_o law_n itself_o and_o that_o expression_n be_v there_o use_v to_o denote_v the_o continuance_n of_o any_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o design_v for_o some_o particular_a occasion_n or_o season_n only_o but_o be_v to_o last_o as_o long_o as_o the_o nature_n and_o general_a design_n of_o its_o institution_n will_v admit_v the_o servant_n who_o ear_n be_v bore_v be_v to_o serve_v his_o master_n for_o ever_o exod._n xxi_o 6._o by_o which_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v not_o all_o his_o life_n but_o only_o till_o the_o year_n of_o jubilee_n whereas_o he_o that_o have_v not_o his_o ear_n bore_v be_v to_o be_v set_v free_a in_o the_o seven_o year_n ver_fw-la 2._o and_o even_o before_o the_o year_n of_o jubilee_n he_o who_o ear_n be_v bore_v may_v be_v free_v with_o his_o master_n consent_n loc_fw-la consent_n grot._fw-la ad_fw-la loc_fw-la either_o by_o manumission_n or_o redemption_n and_o be_v at_o liberty_n upon_o the_o death_n of_o his_o master_n not_o be_v bind_v to_o serve_v his_o son_n their_o anoint_v shall_v sure_o be_v a_o everlasting_a priesthood_n throughout_o their_o generation_n exod._n xl_o 15._o which_o can_v be_v understand_v to_o extend_v no_o far_o than_o as_o long_o as_o their_o genealogy_n be_v preserve_v and_o the_o tribe_n and_o generation_n of_o the_o high-priest_n can_v be_v distinguish_v i_o will_v abide_v in_o thy_o tabernacle_n for_o ever_o ps_n lxi_o 4._o or_o in_o other_o word_n all_o the_o day_n of_o my_o life_n ps_n xxvii_o 4._o samuel_n be_v bring_v by_o his_o mother_n to_o abide_v before_o the_o lord_n for_o ever_o that_o be_v during_o his_o life_n 1_o sam._n i_o 22._o and_o by_o parity_n of_o reason_n those_o statute_n and_o law_n be_v say_v to_o be_v establish_v for_o ever_o which_o be_v design_v to_o be_v perpetual_a and_o stand_a law_n not_o temporary_a during_o their_o journey_v in_o the_o wilderness_n only_o as_o other_o be_v but_o to_o continue_v as_o long_o as_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o government_n be_v to_o last_o and_o in_o this_o sense_n the_o jew_n themselves_o 7._o themselves_o id._n de_fw-fr veritat_fw-la lib._n 5._o §._o 7._o have_v take_v the_o word_n and_o it_o be_v sufficient_o explain_v deut._n twelve_o 1._o these_o be_v the_o statute_n and_o judgement_n which_o you_o shall_v observe_v to_o do_v in_o the_o land_n which_o the_o lord_n god_n of_o thy_o father_n give_v thou_o to_o possess_v it_o all_o the_o day_n that_o you_o live_v upon_o the_o earth_n or_o as_o we_o read_v ver_fw-la 19_o as_o long_o as_o thou_o live_v upon_o thy_o earth_n that_o be_v their_o law_n be_v obligatory_a to_o they_o as_o long_o as_o they_o have_v possession_n of_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n or_o retain_v any_o right_a to_o possess_v it_o by_o god_n donation_n but_o those_o statute_n and_o judgement_n which_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o land_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v give_v they_o to_o possess_v can_v no_o long_o be_v of_o any_o obligation_n to_o they_o when_o they_o be_v final_o deprive_v of_o that_o land_n the_o ceremonial_a law_n therefore_o by_o its_o original_a design_n and_o institution_n be_v to_o continue_v in_o force_n but_o till_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n he_o give_v the_o accomplishment_n to_o it_o and_o put_v a_o final_a period_n to_o its_o obligation_n institute_v his_o gospel_n in_o its_o stead_n which_o have_v be_v pre-figured_n by_o the_o law_n and_o foretell_v both_o by_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n chap._n xvii_o of_o sinful_a example_n record_v in_o the_o scripture_n as_o some_o have_v endeavour_v to_o excuse_v their_o own_o sin_n by_o allege_v the_o sinful_a example_n which_o we_o find_v mention_v in_o the_o scripture_n so_o other_o who_o be_v no_o less_o fond_a of_o imitate_v they_o yet_o have_v from_o hence_o take_v a_o pretence_n for_o objection_n and_o cavil_n i_o shall_v therefore_o show_v that_o the_o bad_a example_n in_o some_o action_n of_o man_n who_o we_o find_v in_o all_o other_o respect_v commend_v in_o the_o scripture_n be_v far_o from_o be_v propose_v for_o our_o imitation_n but_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n why_o the_o fault_n and_o miscarriage_n of_o the_o best_a man_n shall_v be_v deliver_v down_o to_o we_o in_o the_o scripture_n for_o our_o caution_n and_o prevention_n as_o well_o as_o upon_o other_o account_n i._o several_a passage_n of_o the_o scripture_n contain_v only_a matter_n of_o fact_n and_o that_o very_o brief_o express_v and_o a_o bare_a narrative_n of_o any_o action_n imply_v neither_o the_o approbation_n nor_o the_o censure_n of_o it_o but_o only_o declare_v that_o such_o a_o thing_n be_v do_v and_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n but_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o fact_n itself_o with_o the_o circumstance_n of_o it_o or_o some_o command_n or_o permission_n or_o prohibition_n in_o scripture_n must_v discover_v the_o goodness_n or_o lawfulness_n or_o the_o wickedness_n of_o the_o action_n no_o historian_n be_v suppose_v to_o approve_v of_o all_o which_o he_o relate_v but_o he_o must_v report_v bad_a as_o well_o as_o good_a deed_n who_o will_v do_v the_o part_n of_o a_o faithful_a historian_n ii_o the_o rule_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a be_v plain_o deliver_v in_o the_o scripture_n by_o which_o we_o be_v to_o judge_v of_o action_n and_o we_o be_v to_o conform_v our_o action_n not_o to_o the_o example_n of_o man_n but_o to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n we_o be_v forewarn_v to_o follow_v no_o man_n example_n when_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o divine_a law_n and_o therefore_o it_o can_v not_o be_v necessary_a in_o the_o relate_n of_o every_o evil_a action_n to_o set_v a_o mark_n of_o infamy_n upon_o it_o and_o a_o caution_n against_o the_o imitation_n of_o it_o iii_o the_o relation_n of_o the_o bad_a action_n of_o good_a man_n may_v be_v of_o great_a use_n and_o benefit_n though_o we_o be_v not_o to_o follow_v but_o avoid_v they_o because_o 1._o this_o show_v the_o sincerity_n of_o the_o penman_n of_o the_o scripture_n that_o they_o spare_v no_o person_n whatsoever_o but_o relate_v the_o plain_a matter_n of_o fact_n even_o though_o themselves_o be_v concern_v when_o it_o be_v never_o so_o much_o to_o their_o disgrace_n as_o in_o the_o denial_n of_o st._n peter_n and_o other_o instance_n 2._o by_o this_o we_o learn_v the_o frailty_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o the_o necessary_a dependence_n that_o the_o best_a man_n must_v have_v upon_o god_n for_o his_o grace_n in_o
the_o perform_v any_o good_a action_n every_o good_a gift_n and_o every_o perfect_a gift_n be_v from_o above_o jam._n i._n 17._o 3._o we_o learn_v from_o hence_o that_o god_n can_v bring_v good_a out_o of_o evil_a and_o do_v often_o over-rule_v even_o the_o worst_a action_n to_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o best_a end_n and_o put_v no_o trust_n in_o his_o saint_n job_n xv_o 15._o there_o be_v a_o remarkable_a instance_n to_o this_o purpose_n in_o the_o case_n of_o jacob_n and_o esau_n when_o jacob_n come_v by_o fraud_n and_o subtlety_n and_o deprive_v his_o brother_n of_o the_o blessing_n 11._o blessing_n casaub_n in_o athenae_n lib._n 1._o c._n 11._o it_o be_v in_o ancient_a time_n customary_a to_o offer_v that_o of_o which_o they_o be_v to_o eat_v in_o sacrifice_n especial_o on_o so_o solemn_a a_o occasion_n as_o a_o father_n give_v his_o final_a blessing_n and_o as_o in_o this_o case_n foretell_v the_o fate_n of_o his_o posterity_n and_o therefore_o when_o jacob_n have_v by_o subtlety_n get_v the_o blessing_n of_o his_o father_n isaac_n can_v not_o recall_v it_o to_o confer_v it_o upon_o esau_n because_o what_o be_v do_v in_o so_o solemn_a a_o manner_n have_v a_o religious_a obligation_n amount_v to_o that_o of_o a_o oath_n and_o oath_n though_o obtain_v by_o fraud_n be_v obligatory_a as_o we_o learn_v from_o the_o case_n of_o the_o gibeonite_n he_o have_v bless_v jacob_n before_o the_o lord_n and_o the_o prediction_n that_o the_o elder_a shall_v serve_v the_o young_a gen._n twenty-five_o 23._o with_o esau_n despise_v and_o sell_v his_o birthright_n may_v now_o probable_o come_v into_o isaac_n mind_n whereupon_o though_o he_o do_v not_o approve_v of_o the_o fraud_n by_o which_o the_o blessing_n be_v obtain_v yet_o he_o know_v it_o to_o be_v irrevocable_a and_o that_o the_o divine_a purpose_n and_o prediction_n will_v be_v accomplish_v thereby_o and_o what_o he_o have_v by_o a_o prophetic_a spirit_n confer_v it_o be_v not_o in_o his_o power_n to_o recall_v the_o relation_n therefore_o of_o this_o matter_n do_v not_o justify_v jacob_n behaviour_n in_o it_o but_o manifest_v the_o overrule_a providence_n of_o god_n to_o make_v any_o mean_n whatsoever_o instrumental_a to_o his_o gracious_a end_n which_o can_v never_o be_v disappoint_v by_o any_o action_n of_o man_n for_o if_o they_o depend_v upon_o humane_a action_n these_o will_v often_o fail_v they_o the_o best_a man_n be_v subject_a to_o so_o much_o frailty_n and_o sin_n 4._o though_o god_n of_o his_o mercy_n do_v accept_v of_o the_o imperfect_a service_n of_o the_o righteous_a forgive_a upon_o their_o habitual_a repentance_n the_o sin_n and_o frailty_n which_o be_v mix_v with_o the_o best_a action_n and_o pardon_v the_o worst_a action_n likewise_o after_o a_o particular_a repentance_n and_o amendment_n of_o life_n yet_o these_o stand_n upon_o record_n for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n grace_n in_o their_o repentance_n and_o forgiveness_n and_o for_o a_o memorial_n and_o warning_n to_o future_a age_n that_o man_n may_v neither_o presume_v upon_o their_o own_o righteousness_n nor_o despair_n of_o god_n mercy_n but_o because_o they_o be_v pardon_v they_o be_v not_o always_o censure_v and_o i_o think_v the_o ill_a action_n of_o good_a man_n be_v seldom_o or_o never_o mention_v with_o a_o mark_n of_o god_n displeasure_n unless_o the_o series_n of_o the_o history_n require_v it_o and_o then_o the_o reproof_n be_v mention_v which_o pass_v at_o the_o time_n of_o the_o commission_n of_o they_o as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o david_n of_o hezekiah_n and_o st._n peter_n but_o where_o no_o such_o censure_n be_v pass_v at_o the_o time_n of_o the_o action_n the_o action_n itself_o be_v bare_o relate_v and_o nothing_o further_o say_v of_o it_o because_o the_o crime_n be_v forgive_v god_n forbear_v to_o show_v any_o further_a displeasure_n against_o it_o such_o be_v his_o mercy_n to_o repent_v sinner_n and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o necessity_n as_o i_o have_v observe_v for_o any_o censure_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o other_o who_o may_v know_v by_o the_o plain_a rule_n of_o god_n word_n what_o action_n be_v sinful_a though_o they_o be_v not_o always_o style_v so_o in_o relate_v the_o commission_n of_o they_o chap._n xviii_o of_o the_o imprecation_n in_o the_o psalm_n and_o other_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n one_o of_o the_o great_a excellency_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v the_o universal_a charity_n which_o it_o enjoin_v and_o we_o shall_v find_v that_o charity_n be_v likewise_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o book_n of_o psalm_n or_o any_o other_o part_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n contrary_a to_o this_o doctrine_n which_o will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v the_o peculiar_a reason_n for_o those_o expression_n which_o may_v seem_v to_o imply_v any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o it_o i._o many_o of_o those_o expression_n be_v use_v in_o reference_n to_o the_o nation_n upon_o who_o after_o signal_n act_v of_o mercy_n and_o forbearance_n on_o his_o part_n and_o repeat_v provocation_n on_o they_o god_n have_v command_v the_o israelite_n to_o execute_v his_o judgement_n and_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n be_v the_o cause_n that_o this_o be_v not_o accomplish_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o they_o to_o pray_v that_o they_o may_v have_v grace_n to_o repent_v and_o that_o their_o sin_n may_v be_v no_o hindrance_n to_o they_o in_o the_o fulfil_n his_o will_n but_o that_o god_n will_v enable_v they_o to_o execute_v vengeance_n upon_o the_o heathen_a ps_n cxlix_o 7._o and_o it_o be_v lawful_a likewise_o to_o pray_v against_o all_o the_o other_o enemy_n of_o god_n that_o he_o will_v abase_v their_o pride_n and_o make_v they_o to_o know_v themselves_o to_o be_v but_o man_n ps_n ix_o 20._o lxxiu_o 22_o 23._o cxxxix_o 21_o 22._o ii_o david_n be_v king_n have_v the_o sword_n of_o justice_n commit_v to_o he_o he_o be_v the_o minister_n of_o god_n a_o revenger_n to_o execute_v wrath_n upon_o he_o that_o do_v evil_a and_o therefore_o when_o his_o rebellious_a subject_n be_v too_o strong_a for_o he_o as_o in_o the_o rebellion_n of_o absalon_n he_o may_v make_v his_o appeal_n to_o god_n and_o beseech_v he_o to_o take_v the_o matter_n into_o his_o own_o hand_n if_o he_o may_v punish_v his_o subject_n he_o may_v pray_v to_o god_n that_o he_o will_v enable_v he_o to_o do_v it_o and_o in_o foreign_a war_n if_o he_o may_v kill_v his_o enemy_n he_o may_v pray_v for_o victory_n and_o success_n over_o they_o iii_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o pray_v that_o public_a and_o notorious_a malefactor_n may_v be_v punish_v for_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o discover_v they_o and_o bring_v they_o to_o punishment_n and_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v lawful_a to_o pray_v that_o that_o may_v be_v do_v which_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o we_o to_o do_v it_o be_v lawful_a to_o seek_v redress_n of_o private_a injury_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o pray_v that_o they_o may_v be_v redress_v for_o we_o may_v pray_v for_o success_n upon_o any_o honest_a undertake_n if_o this_o be_v do_v out_o of_o a_o love_n to_o justice_n and_o a_o necessary_a care_n of_o our_o own_o preservation_n not_o out_o of_o malice_n and_o a_o thirst_n after_o revenge_n but_o with_o the_o most_o favourable_a construction_n that_o the_o worst_a action_n be_v capable_a of_o and_o with_o hearty_a prayer_n to_o god_n for_o his_o blessing_n upon_o the_o offender_n in_o give_v he_o the_o grace_n of_o repentance_n and_o grant_v he_o whatsoever_o happiness_n in_o this_o world_n may_v be_v consistent_a with_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o justice_n towards_o other_o man_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o his_o own_o soul_n iv_o god_n be_v the_o peculiar_a lawgiver_n and_o political_a governor_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o temporal_a reward_n and_o punishment_n be_v the_o sanction_n of_o the_o law_n which_o he_o have_v give_v they_o for_o the_o moysaicall_a law_n be_v call_v the_o ministration_n of_o death_n and_o the_o ministration_n of_o condemnation_n 2_o cor._n three_o 7_o 9_o because_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o law_n as_o such_o belong_v only_o to_o this_o life_n and_o a_o curse_n be_v denounce_v against_o every_o one_o that_o continue_v not_o in_o all_o thing_n which_o be_v write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n to_o do_v they_o gal._n iii._o 10_o 11._o god_n have_v express_o threaten_v to_o inflict_v punishment_n in_o this_o life_n for_o the_o transgression_n of_o those_o law_n and_o therefore_o to_o pray_v to_o god_n that_o his_o judgement_n may_v overtake_v evil_a doer_n be_v no_o more_o than_o it_o be_v in_o other_o government_n to_o prosecute_v offender_n before_o the_o magistrate_n they_o appeal_v to_o god_n to_o put_v his_o law_n in_o force_n against_o they_o and_o not_o to_o
suffer_v the_o wicked_a to_o go_v unpunished_a in_o contempt_n of_o those_o law_n which_o he_o have_v appoint_v and_o under_o that_o dispensation_n which_o be_v establish_v upon_o temporal_a reward_n and_o punishment_n they_o be_v not_o allow_v to_o indulge_v their_o anger_n and_o desire_v of_o revenge_n yet_o they_o may_v pray_v that_o god_n will_v avenge_v himself_o of_o his_o enemy_n and_o rescue_v his_o law_n from_o that_o contempt_n which_o they_o must_v lie_v under_o from_o wicked_a man_n if_o they_o do_v not_o feel_v those_o punishment_n which_o the_o law_n of_o god_n threaten_v they_o withal_o but_o under_o the_o gospel_n the_o case_n be_v different_a for_o now_o we_o be_v not_o to_o expect_v that_o temporal_a reward_n and_o punishment_n shall_v constant_o follow_v upon_o the_o performance_n or_o transgression_n of_o our_o duty_n but_o both_o of_o they_o may_v be_v common_o reserve_v to_o a_o future_a state_n a_o christian_a may_v not_o pray_v for_o judgement_n upon_o his_o enemy_n because_o god_n have_v not_o so_o peremptory_o declare_v by_o the_o gospel_n that_o he_o will_v inflict_v his_o punishment_n in_o this_o life_n as_o he_o have_v do_v by_o the_o law_n and_o we_o have_v our_o saviour_n command_n and_o example_n to_o pray_v for_o their_o repentance_n that_o they_o be_v not_o punish_v in_o the_o next_o but_o a_o christian_n may_v right_v himself_o in_o due_a course_n of_o law_n and_o in_o order_n to_o that_o may_v petition_v the_o judge_n without_o any_o breach_n of_o charity_n and_o this_o be_v all_o that_o the_o jew_n do_v when_o they_o pray_v god_n to_o execute_v his_o own_o law_n by_o inflict_v such_o punishment_n as_o he_o have_v threaten_v to_o inflict_v upon_o the_o transgressor_n of_o they_o in_o this_o life_n they_o invoke_v and_o appeal_v to_o god_n as_o their_o political_a judge_n and_o sovereign_n and_o pray_v judgement_n against_o offender_n v._o those_o which_o seem_v imprecation_n be_v oftentimes_o prediction_n or_o denunciation_n of_o judgement_n to_o come_v upon_o sinner_n as_o we_o may_v learn_v from_o act_n 1.20_o and_o it_o can_v be_v no_o uncharitableness_n to_o foretell_v or_o denounce_v god_n judgement_n against_o sinner_n but_o rather_o a_o effect_n of_o charity_n towards_o they_o for_o their_o repentance_n and_o amendment_n most_o of_o those_o place_n of_o scripture_n may_v as_o proper_o be_v render_v by_o way_n of_o prediction_n in_o the_o future_a tense_n and_o when_o they_o can_v they_o may_v be_v look_v upon_o as_o denunciation_n of_o god_n wrath._n for_o prophet_n be_v sometime_o employ_v to_o execute_v the_o divine_a judgement_n as_o we_o see_v in_o elijah_n 2_o king_n i_o 9_o 10._o and_o as_o they_o sometime_o execute_v god_n judgement_n so_o they_o at_o other_o time_n denounce_v they_o and_o this_o have_v nothing_o of_o uncharitableness_n in_o it_o but_o be_v full_o agreeable_a with_o the_o gospel_n itself_o for_o thus_o we_o read_v that_o ananias_n and_o sapphira_n be_v punish_v with_o present_a death_n by_o st._n peter_n act_n v._n but_o if_o st._n peter_n have_v denounce_v death_n without_o inflict_v it_o immediate_o upon_o they_o this_o have_v be_v less_o and_o st._n paul_n pray_v that_o the_o lord_n will_v reward_v alexander_n the_o coppersmith_n according_a to_o his_o work_n who_o have_v do_v he_o much_o evil_n 2_o tim._n four_o 14._o which_o be_v no_o uncharitable_a imprecation_n but_o a_o leave_v he_o to_o god_n judgement_n and_o a_o denunciation_n of_o punishment_n to_o befall_v he_o without_o repentance_n it_o be_v a_o authoritative_a act_n and_o in_o consequence_n of_o that_o excommunication_n which_o the_o apostle_n have_v inflict_v upon_o he_o 1_o tim._n 1.20_o and_o when_o god_n have_v inspire_v and_o empower_v man_n to_o denounce_v judgement_n this_o be_v no_o more_o against_o charity_n than_o the_o inflict_a of_o they_o will_v have_v be_v or_o than_o excommunication_n itself_o be_v if_o magistrate_n be_v empower_v in_o the_o king_n name_n to_o give_v sentence_n and_o to_o inflict_v punishment_n certain_o man_n may_v be_v so_o empower_v and_o authorise_a by_o god_n himself_o and_o may_v act_v or_o speak_v according_o without_o breach_n of_o charity_n vi_o the_o expression_n ps_n lxix_o and_o cix_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v concern_v judas_n as_o we_o find_v they_o apply_v act_v 1._o and_o all_o other_o expression_n of_o the_o same_o nature_n may_v be_v understand_v either_o of_o he_o or_o of_o some_o other_o like_v he_o who_o the_o psalmist_n by_o inspiration_n may_v know_v to_o be_v harden_v in_o sin_n past_a repentance_n and_o therefore_o may_v pray_v that_o god_n will_v rather_o cut_v they_o off_o than_o suffer_v they_o to_o do_v more_o mischief_n in_o this_o world_n and_o increase_v the_o number_n of_o their_o iniquity_n here_o and_o of_o their_o misery_n in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v vii_o last_o this_o supposition_n be_v tacit_o emply_v in_o imprecation_n if_o they_o will_v persist_v in_o their_o sin_n if_o they_o will_v not_o repent_v and_o the_o penman_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n may_v in_o some_o case_n know_v by_o revelation_n that_o judgement_n be_v the_o only_a mean_n to_o reclaim_v those_o man_n against_o who_o they_o pray_v and_o then_o it_o be_v the_o great_a charity_n to_o pray_v that_o god_n will_v be_v please_v to_o make_v use_n of_o that_o remedy_n which_o alone_o be_v lest_o for_o their_o amendment_n aâ—_n psal_n lxxxiii_o 15_o 16._o so_o persecute_v they_o with_o thy_o tempest_n and_o make_v they_o afraid_a with_o thy_o storm_n fill_v their_o face_n with_o shame_n that_o they_o may_v seeâ—_n thy_o name_n o_o lord_n there_o be_v nothing_o therefore_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o charity_n and_o the_o love_n of_o ouâ—_n neighbour_n in_o those_o place_n of_o scripture_n which_o have_v be_v liable_a to_o the_o mistake_v of_o unwary_a men._n for_o either_o they_o be_v prayer_n to_o god_n to_o enable_v the_o israelite_n to_o do_v what_o he_o have_v appoint_v as_o in_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o canaanite_n who_o god_n be_v please_v for_o wise_a and_o great_a reason_n to_o punish_v by_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n rather_o than_o by_o pestilence_n or_o any_o other_o judgement_n or_o they_o be_v prayer_n to_o god_n to_o assist_v they_o in_o the_o do_v what_o both_o justice_n and_o charity_n will_v allow_v to_o be_v do_v either_o by_o person_n in_o authority_n as_o king_n david_n or_o even_o by_o private_a man_n as_o in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o offender_n and_o bring_v they_o to_o condign_a punishment_n and_o this_o may_v be_v without_o any_o degree_n of_o malice_n or_o the_o least_o breach_n of_o charity_n since_o punishment_n itself_o may_v be_v not_o only_o a_o act_n of_o justice_n but_o of_o charity_n likewise_o towards_o divers_a men._n or_o these_o expression_n may_v be_v appeal_n to_o god_n as_o the_o political_a governor_n and_o legislator_n of_o the_o jew_n or_o they_o be_v prediction_n or_o denunciation_n of_o god_n wrath_n against_o sinner_n and_o they_o may_v be_v direct_v against_o impenitent_a obstinate_a man_n harden_v in_o their_o wickedness_n or_o last_o they_o may_v be_v only_a prayer_n to_o god_n â—hat_n he_o will_v inflict_v such_o punishment_n upon_o mon_n as_o may_v bring_v they_o to_o repentance_n and_o though_o the_o jew_n in_o latter_a age_n pervert_v some_o passage_n of_o their_o law_n to_o serve_v their_o own_o pride_n and_o revenge_n yet_o as_o it_o be_v evident_a by_o many_o instance_n never_o any_o law_n but_o that_o of_o christ_n oblige_v man_n to_o more_o humanity_n towards_o stranger_n or_o more_o charity_n towards_o enemy_n they_o be_v certain_o to_o covert_n no_o man_n house_n or_o wife_n and_o therefore_o the_o word_n neighbour_n be_v not_o to_o be_v limit_v to_o signify_v only_o a_o israelite_n or_o a_o proselyte_n but_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o any_o man_n whatsoever_o exod._n xx_o 17._o thou_o shall_v love_v he_o the_o stranger_n as_o thyself_o leu._n nineteeen_o 34._o the_o egyptian_n be_v style_v the_o neighbour_n of_o the_o israelite_n exod._n xi_o 2._o and_o ps_n xv_o 2_o 3._o where_o act_n of_o common_a justice_n towards_o neighbour_n be_v speak_v of_o by_o neighbour_n must_v necessary_o be_v understand_v any_o person_n for_o to_o all_o man_n justice_n be_v due_a not_o only_o justice_n but_o charity_n be_v enjoin_v towards_o enemy_n if_o thy_o enemy_n be_v hungry_a give_v he_o bread_n to_o eat_v and_o if_o he_o be_v thirsty_a give_v he_o water_n to_o drink_v for_o thou_o shall_v heap_v coal_n of_o fire_n upon_o his_o head_n and_o the_o lord_n shall_v reward_v thou_o prov._n twenty-five_o 21_o 22._o which_o word_v so_o full_o express_v our_o duty_n of_o christian_a charity_n that_o st._n paul_n can_v find_v none_o fit_a to_o describe_v it_o by_o rom._n twelve_o 20._o and_o exod._n xxiii_o 4_o 5._o if_o thou_o meet_v thy_o enemy_n ox_n or_o his_o ass_n go_v
to_o make_v know_v his_o name_n and_o truth_n among_o the_o gentile_n in_o the_o time_n of_o moses_n this_o people_n itself_o be_v uncapable_a of_o that_o pure_a and_o spiritual_a worship_n which_o the_o messiah_n be_v to_o appoint_v and_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o a_o ceremonial_a law_n and_o service_n to_o restrain_v they_o from_o idolatry_n and_o to_o preserve_v the_o sense_n and_o remembrance_n of_o the_o promise_n and_o law_n deliver_v to_o adam_n and_o noah_n and_o this_o ritual_a service_n be_v unworthy_a that_o the_o messiah_n shall_v come_v purposely_o to_o appoint_v it_o who_o be_v indeed_o himself_o the_o principal_a thing_n signify_v and_o typify_v by_o it_o and_o the_o type_n and_o figure_n of_o himself_o can_v not_o be_v institute_v by_o himself_o in_o person_n for_o than_o they_o will_v have_v be_v insignificant_a and_o there_o can_v have_v be_v no_o use_n or_o occasion_n for_o they_o but_o the_o most_o excellent_a and_o divine_a institution_n be_v reserve_v for_o his_o appointment_n to_o which_o all_o the_o rest_n be_v but_o preparatory_a the_o law_n be_v add_v because_o of_o transgression_n till_o the_o seed_n shall_v come_v to_o who_o the_o promise_n be_v make_v gal._n iii._o 19_o after_o the_o revelation_n of_o god_n will_n and_o commandment_n have_v through_o the_o great_a neglect_n and_o wickedness_n of_o mankind_n become_v ineffectual_a god_n send_v all_o his_o servant_n the_o prophet_n daily_o rise_v up_o early_o and_o send_v they_o a_o expression_n set_v forth_o his_o great_a care_n and_o watchfulness_n over_o his_o people_n for_o their_o good_a yet_o they_o hearken_v not_o unto_o he_o nor_o incline_v their_o ear_n but_o harden_v their_o neck_n jer._n seven_o 25_o 26._o to_o cure_v this_o strange_a stubbornness_n and_o their_o proneness_n to_o idolatry_n god_n send_v this_o people_n into_o captivity_n for_o seventy_o year_n which_o wrought_v so_o through_o a_o reformation_n in_o they_o that_o they_o be_v never_o afterward_o give_v to_o idolatry_n but_o endure_v all_o extremity_n of_o torment_n rather_o than_o they_o will_v be_v bring_v to_o any_o compliance_n with_o the_o heathen_a worship_n and_o therefore_o there_o can_v be_v no_o long_o such_o necessity_n that_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n shall_v be_v continue_v to_o they_o to_o keep_v they_o from_o the_o worship_n of_o idol_n but_o in_o other_o respect_v their_o provocation_n be_v still_o very_o great_a and_o as_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o parable_n first_o send_v his_o servant_n and_o last_o of_o all_o his_o son_n say_v they_o will_v reverence_v my_o son_n and_o thereby_o leave_v those_o wicked_a man_n without_o excuse_n and_o manifest_v the_o justice_n of_o his_o vengeance_n upon_o the_o murderer_n of_o his_o own_o son_n so_o god_n first_o send_v his_o prophet_n and_o when_o the_o jew_n who_o have_v be_v train_v in_o the_o knowledge_n and_o worship_n of_o he_o and_o be_v to_o convey_v it_o to_o other_o nation_n will_v not_o be_v reclaim_v by_o they_o but_o revile_v and_o destroy_v they_o and_o then_o set_v up_o their_o own_o tradition_n in_o opposition_n to_o their_o doctrine_n he_o send_v his_o belove_a son_n before_o he_o will_v utter_o take_v away_o their_o city_n and_o nation_n and_o effect_v that_o by_o the_o death_n of_o his_o son_n who_o they_o crucify_a which_o the_o experience_n of_o so_o many_o age_n have_v show_v can_v be_v effect_v no_o other_o way_n god_n reveal_v himself_o at_o sundry_a time_n and_o in_o divers_a manner_n and_o in_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n proportion_v the_o way_n and_o measure_n of_o his_o revelation_n to_o the_o capacity_n and_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o several_a age_n in_o which_o they_o be_v make_v till_o at_o last_o he_o have_v speak_v unto_o we_o by_o his_o son_n heb._n i_o 1_o 2._o when_o we_o be_v child_n we_o be_v in_o bondage_n under_o the_o element_n of_o the_o world_n but_o when_o the_o fullness_n of_o the_o time_n be_v come_v god_n send_v forth_o his_o son_n make_v of_o a_o woman_n make_v under_o the_o law_n gal._n four_o 3_o 4._o 2._o the_o reception_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o gospel_n in_o the_o world_n will_v have_v be_v much_o more_o difficult_a if_o so_o many_o prophet_n in_o so_o many_o several_a age_n have_v not_o foretell_v his_o come_n our_o saviour_n himself_o and_o his_o apostle_n after_o he_o appeal_v to_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o doctrine_n this_o be_v the_o great_a argument_n which_o they_o use_v to_o the_o jew_n in_o confirmation_n even_o of_o their_o miracle_n themselves_o they_o prove_v that_o the_o prophet_n have_v foretell_v that_o christ_n shall_v come_v at_o that_o very_a time_n when_o he_o come_v and_o that_o he_o shall_v work_v those_o miracle_n which_o he_o wrought_v and_o shall_v empower_v his_o disciple_n to_o do_v the_o like_a his_o death_n and_o resurrection_n and_o ascension_n and_o the_o descent_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v all_o prophesy_v of_o and_o prophecy_n thus_o foretell_v the_o miracle_n and_o 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so_o much_o less_o mean_n for_o their_o conviction_n so_o that_o the_o come_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v defer_v to_o give_v the_o great_a evidence_n and_o the_o full_a conviction_n of_o his_o be_v the_o christ_n it_o will_v have_v be_v hard_o to_o believe_v that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n shall_v come_v into_o the_o world_n with_o little_a or_o no_o notice_n give_v of_o it_o beforehand_o and_o few_o or_o no_o prophet_n send_v to_o foretell_v his_o come_n and_o prepare_v his_o way_n but_o when_o he_o have_v be_v so_o long_o before_o prophesy_v of_o even_o from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n through_o the_o several_a age_n of_o it_o when_o there_o have_v be_v a_o general_a expectation_n of_o the_o messiah_n to_o be_v bear_v and_o the_o time_n and_o place_n and_o tribe_n and_o family_n and_o person_n of_o who_o he_o be_v to_o be_v bear_v by_o degree_n and_o at_o several_a time_n have_v be_v foretell_v when_o man_n hope_n and_o desire_n to_o see_v he_o be_v thus_o from_o age_n to_o age_n awaken_v and_o alarm_v this_o be_v a_o solemnity_n worthy_a to_o introduce_v and_o attend_v the_o son_n of_o god_n into_o the_o world_n and_o a_o method_n which_o will_v prove_v a_o stand_a evidence_n of_o his_o be_v come_v into_o it_o 3._o the_o time_n of_o christ_n come_n may_v depend_v upon_o thing_n which_o we_o be_v uncapable_a of_o know_v for_o it_o may_v depend_v upon_o the_o duration_n of_o the_o world_n and_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o any_o man_n to_o know_v how_o long_o that_o shall_v be_v the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n under_o the_o phrase_n of_o the_o last_o day_n but_o this_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v in_o relation_n not_o to_o the_o continuance_n of_o the_o world_n but_o to_o the_o christian_a dispensation_n which_o be_v the_o last_o mean_n of_o salvation_n that_o god_n will_v vouchsase_v to_o mankind_n and_o with_o regard_n to_o the_o jewish_a church_n and_o government_n which_o be_v just_a then_o at_o a_o end_n as_o i_o shall_v show_v in_o the_o next_o chapter_n now_o if_o the_o world_n may_v continue_v as_o long_o under_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o it_o have_v do_v before_o it_o and_o no_o man_n can_v tell_v but_o it_o may_v we_o shall_v find_v little_a cause_n to_o wonder_v that_o christ_n be_v not_o soon_o bear_v into_o the_o world_n for_o we_o find_v that_o the_o faith_n and_o zeal_n of_o christian_n decay_n as_o we_o be_v at_o a_o far_a distance_n of_o time_n from_o the_o incarnation_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o the_o first_o propagation_n of_o his_o gospel_n and_o the_o length_n of_o the_o time_n itself_o prove_v a_o temptation_n to_o some_o to_o disbelieve_v it_o for_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o give_v less_o credit_n to_o what_o happen_v long_o ago_o and_o to_o think_v themselves_o less_o concern_v in_o it_o