the_o jew_n relate_v of_o the_o bath-kol_a be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n fabulous_a or_o else_o magical_a and_o satanical_a delusion_n certain_a it_o be_v as_o a_o very_a learned_a author_n observe_v there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o mention_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n of_o a_o voice_n speak_v from_o heaven_n lightfoot_n between_o the_o give_v of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o baptism_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o it_o be_v very_o strange_a if_o god_n withdraw_v those_o ordinary_a way_n of_o reveal_v his_o will_n under_o the_o second_o temple_n shall_v yet_o continue_v the_o most_o noble_a of_o all_o by_o speak_v to_o man_n from_o heaven_n and_o that_o we_o may_v not_o think_v there_o be_v any_o plot_n or_o combination_n between_o john_n the_o baptist_n and_o our_o saviour_n christ_n it_o be_v say_v joh._n 1.33_o that_o john_n know_v he_o not_o but_o have_v this_o sign_n give_v he_o that_o upon_o who_o he_o shall_v see_v the_o spirit_n descend_v and_o remain_v on_o he_o that_o same_o be_v the_o true_a messiah_n and_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n and_o to_o this_o voice_n our_o lord_n himself_o appeal_v joh._n 6.27_o he_o have_v god_n the_o father_n seal_v i._n e._n visible_o approve_v and_o own_a christ_n from_o heaven_n to_o the_o end_n that_o he_o have_v this_o wonderful_a attestation_n of_o god_n himself_o may_v be_v believe_v on_o in_o the_o world_n and_o his_o doctrine_n as_o unquestionable_o receive_v as_o the_o letter_n of_o a_o king_n when_o his_o seal_n be_v affix_v to_o they_o 2._o another_o confirmation_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o doctrine_n be_v at_o his_o transfiguration_n mat._n 17.5_o a_o voice_n come_v out_o of_o the_o cloud_n which_o say_v this_o be_v my_o belove_a son_n in_o who_o i_o be_o well_o please_v hear_v you_o he_o and_o this_o st._n peter_n bring_v as_o a_o demonstration_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n 17._o for_o we_o have_v not_o follow_v cunning_o devise_v fable_n when_o we_o make_v know_v unto_o you_o the_o power_n and_o come_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n q._n d._n we_o have_v not_o impose_v upon_o the_o mind_n and_o spirit_n of_o man_n as_o the_o manner_n of_o cheater_n and_o deceiver_n be_v but_o have_v deliver_v to_o you_o such_o thing_n as_o we_o have_v see_v and_o hear_v be_v eye-witness_n of_o his_o majesty_n for_o he_o receive_v from_o god_n the_o father_n honour_n and_o glory_n when_o there_o come_v such_o a_o voice_n to_o he_o from_o the_o excellent_a glory_n this_o be_v my_o belove_a son_n in_o who_o i_o be_o well_o please_v and_o this_o voice_n which_o come_v from_o heaven_n we_o hear_v when_o we_o be_v with_o he_o in_o the_o holy_a mount_n 3._o god_n approve_v our_o lord_n jesus_n by_o enable_v he_o to_o work_v miracle_n which_o be_v such_o a_o clear_a testimony_n of_o the_o divine_a mission_n of_o our_o saviour_n that_o both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n ought_v to_o be_v convince_v by_o it_o to_o the_o jew_n it_o ought_v to_o be_v convictive_a from_o their_o own_o law_n deut._n 18.22_o when_o a_o prophet_n speak_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n if_o the_o thing_n follow_v not_o nor_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o be_v the_o thing_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o speak_v which_o rule_n be_v give_v they_o to_o discern_v true_a prophet_n from_o false_a for_o if_o the_o prophet_n bring_v to_o they_o a_o new_a doctrine_n and_o confirm_v it_o by_o supernatural_a and_o miraculous_a operation_n though_o he_o command_v they_o something_o contrary_a to_o the_o law_n yet_o if_o he_o persuade_v nothing_o but_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o one_o true_a god_n of_o israel_n they_o ought_v to_o obey_v he_o forasmuch_o as_o there_o can_v be_v no_o great_a evidence_n of_o the_o divine_a testimony_n and_o approbation_n than_o by_o enable_v such_o a_o man_n to_o work_v miracle_n and_o though_o this_o general_n rule_n may_v be_v apply_v to_o all_o the_o jewish_a prophet_n yet_o do_v it_o more_o particular_o respect_v the_o come_n of_o the_o messiah_n there_o be_v none_o more_o conspicuous_a and_o illustrious_a for_o all_o those_o sign_n by_o which_o god_n will_v have_v the_o prophet_n that_o speak_v in_o his_o name_n to_o be_v know_v than_o jesus_n christ_n nor_o be_v it_o of_o less_o moment_n and_o argument_n to_o the_o gentile_n for_o miracle_n be_v such_o unquestionable_a evidence_n of_o the_o interposition_n of_o a_o divine_a power_n it_o follow_v that_o whoever_o shall_v lead_v a_o sincere_a and_o unblameable_a life_n and_o teach_v nothing_o but_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n and_o the_o conscientious_a practice_n of_o virtue_n and_o for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o this_o his_o doctrine_n shall_v work_v miracle_n we_o ought_v to_o believe_v he_o send_v from_o god_n this_o be_v it_o which_o convince_v nicodemus_n we_o know_v that_o thou_o be_v a_o teacher_n come_v from_o god_n 3.2_o for_o no_o man_n can_v do_v these_o miracle_n that_o thou_o do_v except_v god_n be_v with_o he_o he_o see_v that_o jesus_n christ_n profess_v and_o command_v only_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n and_o that_o he_o exhort_v only_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o real_a righteousness_n and_o holiness_n and_o therefore_o that_o those_o great_a miracle_n which_o he_o wrought_v exceed_v the_o power_n of_o evil_a spirit_n be_v a_o sensible_a demonstration_n that_o he_o be_v send_v from_o god_n it_o may_v now_o not_o improper_o be_v inquire_v whether_o miracle_n be_v always_o necessary_a to_o beget_v belief_n of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o a_o doctrine_n and_o how_o far_o they_o be_v so_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o miracle_n to_o some_o person_n and_o in_o some_o circumstance_n be_v proper_a mean_n to_o beget_v assent_n for_o that_o they_o be_v not_o always_o convictive_a appear_v from_o the_o incredulity_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o neither_o the_o frequent_a and_o stupendous_a miracle_n of_o our_o saviour_n nor_o of_o his_o apostle_n can_v persuade_v but_o notwithstanding_o this_o powerful_a way_n of_o conviction_n they_o put_v the_o master_n to_o death_n as_o a_o malefactor_n and_o murder_v his_o servant_n i_o say_v therefore_o that_o to_o some_o person_n and_o in_o some_o circumstance_n miracle_n be_v proper_a mean_n to_o beget_v faith_n 1._o they_o be_v necessary_a mean_n to_o they_o who_o have_v be_v constant_o use_v and_o train_v up_o by_o miracle_n such_o be_v the_o jew_n who_o receive_v their_o law_n in_o a_o miraculous_a manner_n the_o divinity_n of_o which_o be_v frequent_o afterward_o attest_v by_o miracle_n and_o upon_o any_o great_a and_o notable_a defection_n of_o the_o people_n to_o idolatry_n god_n be_v please_v to_o reduce_v they_o by_o send_v and_o enable_v a_o prophet_n to_o work_v miracle_n now_o it_o be_v very_o unreasonable_a to_o think_v that_o the_o gospel_n which_o shall_v introduce_v and_o make_v so_o mighty_a a_o change_n in_o the_o judaical_a oeconomy_n shall_v gain_v belief_n of_o they_o unassisted_a of_o miraculous_a evidence_n and_o testimony_n who_o be_v already_o in_o possession_n of_o a_o law_n which_o god_n himself_o have_v so_o often_o own_v and_o set_v his_o seal_n to_o by_o miracle_n and_o supernatural_a operation_n hence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o jew_n demand_v of_o christ_n a_o sign_n joh._n 2.18_o forasmuch_o as_o he_o call_v god_n his_o father_n and_o carry_v himself_o in_o the_o way_n of_o a_o prophet_n they_o require_v he_o to_o evidence_n this_o his_o authority_n by_o some_o miraculous_a action_n which_o our_o bless_a saviour_n both_o promise_n and_o fulfil_v by_o raise_v himself_o from_o the_o dead_a 2._o miracle_n do_v more_o powerful_o strike_v the_o sense_n and_o so_o be_v more_o apt_a to_o beget_v belief_n in_o they_o who_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o a_o rational_a apprehension_n and_o dijudication_n of_o truth_n hitherto_o we_o may_v refer_v christ_n upbraid_v chorazin_n and_o bethsaida_n if_o the_o mighty_a work_n which_o be_v do_v in_o they_o 11.21_o have_v be_v do_v in_o tyre_n and_o sidon_n they_o will_v have_v repent_v long_o ago_o in_o sackcloth_n and_o ash_n that_o be_v they_o will_v very_o probable_o have_v do_v so_o for_o they_o lie_v under_o a_o great_a and_o inveterate_a ignorance_n and_o be_v so_o perfect_o enslave_v to_o sense_n be_v more_o likely_a to_o have_v be_v rouse_v out_o of_o their_o blockishness_n and_o stupidity_n by_o miracle_n which_o so_o forcible_o strike_v the_o imagination_n than_o by_o the_o most_o rational_a discourse_n to_o which_o they_o have_v so_o little_a vital_a congruity_n and_o agreeableness_n and_o it_o be_v very_o observable_a that_o the_o apostle_n never_o wrought_v a_o miracle_n but_o upon_o a_o urgent_a occasion_n and_o great_a necessity_n where_o they_o find_v their_o auditor_n capable_a and_o apprehensive_a when_o the_o great_a apostle_n of_o the_o gentile_n s._n paul_n come_v to_o athens_n a_o place_n long_o famous_a for_o all_o polite_a learning_n 17._o
he_o make_v a_o excellent_a metaphysical_a discourse_n and_o prove_v the_o unnaturalness_n and_o unreasonableness_n of_o idolatry_n by_o such_o principle_n as_o be_v common_a to_o and_o universal_o receive_v by_o the_o intellectual_a nature_n of_o man._n and_o indeed_o a_o rational_a conviction_n seem_v more_o clear_a and_o evident_a than_o a_o miraculous_a one_o by_o how_o much_o the_o innate_a idea_n and_o dictate_v of_o the_o understanding_n be_v more_o sure_a and_o constant_a than_o the_o perplex_a motion_n of_o a_o versatile_a imagination_n and_o we_o find_v that_o the_o jew_n evade_v the_o force_n of_o our_o saviour_n miracle_n by_o say_v they_o be_v do_v by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o though_o lazarus_n come_v to_o they_o from_o the_o dead_a yet_o they_o do_v not_o believe_v but_o seek_v to_o murder_v he_o and_o a_o perverse_a spirit_n will_v find_v various_a artifices_fw-la to_o elude_v the_o assent_n which_o a_o miracle_n command_v from_o we_o but_o now_o humane_a reason_n be_v in_o all_o man_n one_o and_o the_o same_o it_o be_v more_o likely_a to_o prevail_v when_o advantageous_o propound_v from_o that_o antecedent_n sutableness_n and_o harmony_n there_o be_v between_o it_o and_o all_o truth_n and_o without_o doubt_n our_o bless_a saviour_n himself_o seem_v to_o intimate_v that_o the_o assent_n which_o be_v extort_a upon_o the_o work_n of_o miracle_n be_v much_o less_o generous_a and_o noble_a than_o that_o which_o be_v gain_v from_o the_o understanding_n by_o the_o native_a evidence_n and_o beauty_n of_o truth_n except_o you_o see_v sign_n and_o wonder_n you_o will_v not_o believe_v 4.18_o whereas_o the_o facility_n of_o the_o samaritan_n be_v commend_v who_o believe_v on_o jesus_n upon_o his_o own_o discourse_n 42._o though_o he_o do_v no_o miracle_n among_o they_o and_o beside_o all_o this_o christ_n say_v express_o that_o the_o very_a nature_n and_o frame_n the_o sanctity_n and_o majesty_n of_o the_o doctrine_n he_o propound_v be_v alike_o sufficient_a to_o render_v the_o jew_n inexcusable_a as_o the_o unparalleled_a work_n he_o perform_v in_o their_o presence_n if_o i_o have_v not_o come_v and_o speak_v to_o they_o they_o have_v not_o have_v sin_n but_o now_o they_o have_v no_o cloak_n for_o their_o sin_n again_o 24._o if_o i_o have_v not_o do_v among_o they_o the_o work_n which_o none_o other_o man_n do_v they_o have_v not_o have_v sin_n wherefore_o to_o we_o who_o have_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n the_o discourse_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o the_o write_n of_o his_o apostle_n transmit_v if_o we_o shall_v yet_o be_v incredulous_a it_o be_v as_o likely_a and_o probable_a we_o shall_v still_o continue_v so_o though_o one_o come_v to_o we_o from_o the_o dead_a for_o 1._o we_o have_v already_o all_o thing_n pertain_v to_o life_n and_o godliness_n perspicuous_o deliver_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o this_o doctrine_n at_o the_o first_o delivery_n of_o it_o be_v sufficient_o confirm_v and_o attest_v by_o miracle_n and_o supernatural_a action_n the_o history_n of_o which_o be_v make_v as_o credible_a to_o we_o as_o any_o record_n of_o thing_n can_v be_v which_o we_o ourselves_o be_v not_o spectator_n of_o now_o if_o we_o can_v believe_v any_o history_n of_o former_a age_n any_o record_n of_o time_n past_a we_o have_v the_o same_o reason_n to_o believe_v the_o history_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o he_o that_o sincere_o credit_n that_o will_v be_v as_o much_o confirm_v in_o the_o religion_n he_o profess_v by_o those_o miracle_n he_o find_v long_o ago_o wrought_v to_o evidence_n its_o divine_a authority_n as_o if_o they_o be_v do_v now_o at_o this_o present_a before_o his_o eye_n bless_a be_v they_o who_o have_v not_o see_v 20.29_o and_o yet_o have_v believe_v 2._o to_o desire_v new_a miracle_n for_o the_o beget_n of_o faith_n be_v to_o question_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n in_o the_o contrivance_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o either_o the_o scripture_n be_v sufficient_o confirm_v and_o attest_v by_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n to_o beget_v faith_n and_o credence_n in_o any_o unprejudiced_a and_o disinterest_v person_n or_o they_o be_v not_o if_o they_o be_v it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o require_v the_o reproduction_n of_o miracle_n in_o its_o behalf_n if_o they_o be_v not_o we_o then_o call_v in_o question_n the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n as_o if_o he_o either_o know_v not_o the_o nature_n and_o constitution_n of_o man_n or_o do_v not_o foresee_v what_o be_v sufficient_a to_o work_v belief_n in_o they_o 3._o the_o perpetuate_a miracle_n for_o every_o man_n conviction_n will_v destroy_v and_o make_v useless_a their_o rational_a faculty_n for_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v a_o manifestation_n of_o the_o high_a reason_n that_o ever_o the_o world_n have_v any_o cognizance_n of_o and_o all_o its_o part_n and_o doctrine_n be_v every_o way_n fit_v to_o rational_a capacity_n but_o now_o miracle_n be_v only_o convictive_a to_o sense_n if_o for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o every_o article_n of_o religion_n there_o must_v be_v the_o concurrent_a testimony_n of_o a_o miracle_n all_o appeal_n to_o our_o reason_n and_o intellectual_a faculty_n be_v useless_a and_o supervacaneous_a 4._o the_o resurrection_n of_o jesus_n christ_n from_o the_o dead_a be_v a_o notable_a suffrage_n and_o testimony_n of_o his_o divine_a mission_n it_o be_v the_o high_a instance_n of_o divine_a providence_n watch_v over_o and_o careful_o superintend_v the_o person_n of_o our_o holy_a lord_n and_o master_n which_o though_o it_o permit_v he_o to_o fall_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o wicked_a and_o cruel_a man_n who_o bereave_v he_o of_o his_o innocent_a life_n yet_o forsake_v he_o not_o in_o death_n and_o the_o grave_a but_o justify_v and_o approve_v the_o design_n and_o cause_n he_o manage_v in_o the_o world_n by_o dismantling_n those_o infernal_a prison_n and_o bring_v he_o up_o to_o life_n again_o and_o this_o the_o apostle_n take_v as_o a_o eminent_a declaration_n of_o the_o divinity_n of_o jesus_n who_o though_o according_a to_o that_o mortal_a and_o frail_a state_n he_o take_v upon_o he_o in_o the_o world_n become_v a_o man_n of_o the_o seed_n of_o david_n 1.4_o yet_o in_o regard_n of_o that_o spiritual_a and_o celestial_a condition_n which_o he_o obtain_v by_o the_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a be_v manifest_o declare_v the_o glorious_a and_o powerful_a son_n of_o god_n for_o we_o can_v think_v that_o god_n will_v do_v so_o much_o for_o a_o impostor_n or_o that_o the_o divine_a power_n will_v so_o high_o concern_v itself_o in_o raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a and_o thereby_o own_v he_o in_o so_o singular_a and_o eminent_a a_o manner_n if_o he_o have_v not_o speak_v in_o his_o name_n and_o do_v all_o thing_n by_o his_o authority_n and_o commission_n 5._o another_o instance_n of_o the_o divine_a approbation_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o saviour_n appear_v in_o send_v down_o the_o holy_a ghost_n after_o his_o ascension_n into_o heaven_n this_o mission_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n christ_n promise_v his_o disciple_n before_o he_o leave_v the_o world_n and_o signal_o perform_v it_o upon_o the_o day_n of_o pentecost_n and_o this_o very_a thing_n be_v bring_v by_o the_o author_n to_o the_o hebrew_n as_o a_o indubitable_a confirmation_n of_o the_o gospel_n how_o shall_v we_o escape_v if_o we_o neglect_v so_o great_a salvation_n which_o at_o the_o first_o begin_v to_o be_v speak_v by_o the_o lord_n 4._o and_o be_v confirm_v unto_o we_o by_o they_o that_o hear_v he_o god_n also_o bear_v they_o witness_v approve_v and_o own_v the_o doctrine_n of_o his_o son_n jesus_n both_o with_o sign_n and_o wonder_n and_o with_o divers_a miracle_n and_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n according_a to_o his_o own_o will_n god_n be_v bring_v in_o here_o as_o a_o witness_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o his_o testimony_n be_v the_o mission_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n by_o who_o the_o apostle_n be_v enable_v and_o furnish_v with_o divers_a gift_n and_o miraculous_a power_n for_o the_o conviction_n of_o the_o world_n that_o jesus_n be_v the_o belove_a son_n of_o god_n and_o saviour_n of_o mankind_n and_o this_o redargution_n of_o the_o world_n be_v make_v a_o part_n of_o the_o advocateship_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n by_o our_o lord_n when_o he_o be_v come_v he_o will_v reprove_v the_o world_n of_o sin_n 10._o because_o they_o believe_v not_o on_o i_o that_o be_v he_o shall_v take_v upon_o he_o the_o defence_n of_o my_o cause_n and_o convince_v the_o world_n of_o their_o great_a sin_n in_o slay_v i_o a_o true_a prophet_n who_o come_v to_o declare_v the_o will_n of_o god_n unto_o they_o of_o righteousness_n because_o i_o go_v to_o my_o father_n and_o you_o see_v i_o no_o more_o that_o be_v he_o shall_v make_v it_o appear_v that_o i_o be_v just_a and_o innocent_a
therefore_o sensual_a and_o hypocritical_a person_n judge_v it_o to_o be_v hard_a troublesome_a and_o uneasy_a but_o three_o man_n general_o distemper_v as_o they_o be_v have_v no_o mind_n to_o set_v upon_o religion_n in_o good_a earnest_n they_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n in_o love_n with_o sin_n and_o vice_n be_v become_v customary_a and_o natural_a and_o because_o it_o be_v some_o trouble_n to_o root_v out_o and_o extirpate_v a_o habitual_a corruption_n therefore_o they_o fair_o lay_v religion_n by_o as_o a_o thing_n too_o austere_a and_o unpleasant_a so_o that_o there_o be_v not_o so_o much_o difficulty_n in_o religion_n as_o in_o bring_v man_n to_o entertain_v firm_a purpose_n and_o resolution_n of_o embrace_v it_o that_o be_v of_o better_v their_o life_n by_o it_o be_v but_o man_n sincere_a in_o their_o endeavour_n after_o holiness_n and_o the_o participation_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n the_o pretend_a roughness_n and_o asperity_n of_o religion_n will_v quick_o wear_v off_o and_o they_o will_v see_v that_o its_o way_n be_v way_n of_o pleasantness_n and_o all_o its_o path_n peace_n by_o which_o it_o appear_v that_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o objection_n of_o our_o sensual_a and_o animal_n life_n that_o it_o be_v possible_a nay_o easy_a for_o we_o to_o become_v sincere_a christian_n and_o that_o the_o command_n of_o god_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v tyrannical_a and_o grievous_a that_o they_o be_v the_o most_o agreeable_a to_o our_o intellectual_a and_o rational_a nature_n 2._o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o man_n be_v endue_v with_o a_o sufficient_a power_n for_o though_o the_o condition_n of_o salvation_n be_v in_o themselves_o possible_a yet_o if_o we_o be_v not_o put_v into_o a_o capacity_n and_o endue_v with_o power_n from_o on_o high_a sufficient_a for_o the_o performance_n of_o they_o we_o be_v never_o the_o better_a though_o the_o walk_n of_o a_o mile_n be_v a_o thing_n possible_a and_o feasible_a yet_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o he_o that_o have_v lose_v the_o use_n of_o his_o leg_n if_o christ_n when_o he_o cure_v the_o impotent_a and_o lame_a in_o the_o gospel_n by_o bid_v they_o rise_v up_o and_o walk_v have_v not_o at_o the_o same_o time_n confirm_v and_o strengthen_v their_o feeble_a limb_n his_o command_n have_v be_v utter_o ineffectual_a so_o although_o we_o through_o our_o own_o fault_n be_v fall_v into_o a_o state_n of_o sin_n and_o misery_n weakness_n and_o imperfection_n yet_o if_o god_n intend_v to_o better_v our_o condition_n and_o to_o recover_v we_o to_o our_o former_a life_n and_o health_n he_o must_v confer_v upon_o we_o such_o a_o power_n as_o may_v make_v his_o design_n effectual_a it_o be_v confess_v that_o all_o mankind_n have_v utter_o disable_v themselves_o for_o the_o attainment_n of_o everlasting_a blessedness_n by_o their_o own_o naked_a and_o solitary_a endeavour_n but_o god_n out_o of_o his_o free_a goodness_n and_o love_n make_v a_o new_a covenant_n with_o the_o world_n and_o propound_v certain_a term_n and_o condition_n upon_o which_o they_o may_v again_o be_v make_v happy_a it_o be_v altogether_o repugnant_a with_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o justice_n to_o require_v of_o man_n the_o performance_n of_o these_o condition_n without_o indue_a they_o with_o a_o sufficient_a strength_n for_o that_o purpose_n shall_v god_n offer_v life_n and_o salvation_n upon_o the_o term_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o yet_o never_o endue_v we_o with_o a_o ability_n to_o embrace_v and_o accept_v of_o they_o it_o will_v not_o be_v a_o design_n worthy_a of_o he_o nor_o agreeable_a with_o those_o serious_a profession_n and_o desire_n of_o our_o immortal_a happiness_n for_o the_o full_a illustration_n of_o this_o we_o must_v know_v that_o god_n have_v always_o declare_v his_o delight_n in_o the_o felicity_n and_o his_o aversation_n of_o the_o misery_n and_o destruction_n of_o his_o creature_n and_o lest_o we_o shall_v question_v the_o reality_n of_o this_o his_o love_n he_o have_v confirm_v it_o with_o a_o oath_n as_o i_o live_v 33.11_o say_v the_o lord_n god_n i_o have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o the_o death_n of_o the_o wicked_a and_o this_o fervent_a desire_n of_o the_o good_a and_o welfare_n of_o the_o world_n move_v he_o to_o enter_v into_o a_o covenant_n with_o they_o in_o christ_n jesus_n now_o as_o in_o all_o mutual_a compact_n and_o stipulation_n between_o party_n there_o be_v term_n and_o condition_n on_o both_o side_n and_o each_o party_n oblige_v himself_o to_o the_o performance_n of_o something_o so_o in_o this_o great_a indenture_n or_o covenant_n which_o god_n have_v make_v with_o the_o world_n he_o be_v gracious_o please_v to_o oblige_v himself_o to_o do_v something_o for_o we_o and_o we_o be_v likewise_o tie_v to_o the_o observation_n of_o certain_a article_n and_o condition_n require_v on_o our_o part_n and_o this_o notion_n of_o the_o gospel_n seem_v to_o be_v intimate_v by_o the_o apostle_n 2_o tim._n 2.19_o the_o foundation_n of_o god_n stand_v sure_a have_v this_o seal_n the_o lord_n know_v who_o be_v he_o and_o let_v every_o one_o that_o name_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n depart_v from_o iniquity_n where_o give_v i_o leave_v to_o insert_v what_o a_o very_a learned_a man_n observe_v concern_v the_o signification_n of_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d mede_n which_o our_o translation_n render_v foundation_n that_o the_o hebrew_n word_n to_o which_o it_o answer_v in_o the_o rabbinical_a dialect_n be_v use_v for_o tabulae_fw-la contractûs_fw-la a_o bill_n of_o contract_n and_o so_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d here_o signify_v the_o compact_a or_o covenant_n of_o god_n for_o the_o very_o mention_v of_o a_o seal_n here_o imply_v a_o bill_n of_o contract_n for_o bill_n of_o contract_n have_v their_o seal_n appendant_a to_o they_o each_o side_n whereof_o have_v his_o motto_n the_o one_o suit_v with_o the_o one_o party_n contrahent_fw-la the_o other_o with_o the_o other_o to_o this_o the_o apostle_n here_o allude_v god_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d say_v he_o stand_v sure_a that_o be_v god_n bill_n of_o contract_n or_o his_o chirographum_fw-la have_v a_o seal_n according_a to_o the_o manner_n the_o one_o side_n whereof_o carry_v this_o motto_n the_o lord_n know_v they_o that_o be_v he_o i._n e._n he_o will_v never_o fail_v to_o own_o those_o who_o continue_v faithful_a to_o he_o the_o other_o this_o let_v every_o man_n that_o name_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n depart_v from_o iniquity_n which_o if_o he_o do_v not_o he_o forfeit_v all_o the_o privilege_n which_o he_o may_v otherwise_o hope_v for_o from_o this_o covenant_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o this_o god_n enter_v into_o a_o covenant_n be_v in_o other_o term_n express_v by_o be_v reconcile_v to_o the_o world_n god_n be_v in_o christ_n 5.19_o reconcile_a the_o world_n unto_o himself_o not_o so_o as_o to_o take_v all_o man_n immediate_o into_o heaven_n but_o so_o far_o as_o to_o put_v all_o mankind_n by_o the_o gospel_n into_o a_o capacity_n of_o salvation_n to_o which_o end_n and_o purpose_n among_o other_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o gratuitous_a donation_n which_o god_n have_v free_o engage_v himself_o to_o bestow_v this_o be_v one_o very_o considerable_a the_o give_v of_o all_o man_n sufficient_a power_n and_o strength_n to_o enable_v they_o to_o perform_v his_o will_n and_o command_n so_o as_o he_o will_v accept_v of_o which_o very_o thing_n be_v make_v a_o part_n of_o god_n holy_a covenant_n 1.74_o that_o he_o will_v grant_v unto_o we_o i_o e._n that_o he_o will_v give_v we_o power_n as_o the_o word_n be_v use_v revel_v 11.3_o or_o qualify_v we_o with_o a_o sufficient_a strength_n and_o ability_n to_o serve_v he_o in_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n before_o he_o all_o the_o day_n of_o our_o life_n for_o the_o further_a proof_n of_o this_o i_o shall_v offer_v these_o two_o argument_n 1._o that_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o god_n shall_v empower_v all_o man_n to_o who_o the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v with_o a_o sufficient_a ability_n to_o perform_v what_o be_v require_v in_o it_o that_o he_o may_v manifest_v his_o intention_n of_o save_v all_o the_o world_n to_o be_v real_a the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o god_n be_v the_o saviour_n of_o all_o man_n 4.10_o and_o how_o he_o can_v be_v so_o unless_o he_o put_v all_o man_n some_o way_n or_o other_o into_o a_o capacity_n of_o salvation_n i_o profess_v myself_o not_o able_a to_o understand_v now_o what_o be_v it_o to_o put_v any_o one_o into_o a_o capacity_n of_o salvation_n but_o to_o place_v he_o in_o that_o way_n and_o to_o provide_v for_o he_o all_o those_o mean_n which_o shall_v be_v necessary_a and_o effectual_a for_o the_o obtain_v that_o glorious_a end_n hence_o the_o same_o apostle_n inform_v we_o that_o god_n will_v have_v all_o man_n to_o be_v save_v that_o be_v 2.4_o as_o far_o as_o lie_v in_o he_o
light_n and_o glory_n as_o shall_v cause_v they_o to_o shine_v as_o the_o sun_n and_o star_n for_o evermore_o so_o that_o what_o the_o poet_n fabulous_o speak_v of_o the_o apotheosis_n of_o daphnis_n shall_v much_o more_o be_v verify_v in_o the_o translation_n of_o every_o good_a man_n into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n candidus_n insuetum_fw-la miratur_fw-la limen_fw-la olympi_n sub_fw-la pedibusque_fw-la videt_fw-la nubes_fw-la &_o sidera_fw-la daphnis_n have_v thus_o far_o bring_v this_o discourse_n towards_o a_o end_n and_o display_v the_o goodness_n wisdom_n and_o power_n of_o god_n in_o the_o gospel_n the_o great_a instrument_n of_o the_o blessedness_n of_o mankind_n it_o become_v our_o duty_n to_o receive_v it_o with_o the_o high_a and_o most_o honourable_a thought_n and_o apprehension_n not_o to_o let_v our_o conception_n dwindle_v into_o something_o low_a and_o mean_a and_o unworthy_a of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n who_o have_v so_o intimate_o concern_v himself_o in_o it_o for_o whatever_o whether_o opinion_n or_o practice_n lessen_v that_o esteem_n and_o veneration_n man_n ought_v to_o have_v of_o the_o work_n of_o god_n be_v a_o high_a affront_n and_o injury_n and_o a_o unworthy_a derogation_n from_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n whereas_o nothing_o shallow_a trifle_a and_o contemptible_a can_v ever_o be_v a_o suitable_a object_n of_o divine_a goodness_n wisdom_n and_o power_n much_o less_o can_v there_o be_v any_o thing_n such_o in_o the_o evangelical_n oeconomy_n which_o be_v design_v for_o so_o great_a a_o work_n and_o so_o universal_a and_o general_a a_o good_a as_o the_o immortal_a happiness_n of_o humane_a soul_n the_o very_a light_n of_o reason_n itself_o teach_v we_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o speak_v worthy_o of_o god_n and_o to_o have_v due_a and_o right_a apprehension_n of_o his_o nature_n the_o excellency_n of_o which_o though_o it_o be_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n stamp_v and_o ingrave_v upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n at_o their_o first_o creation_n yet_o be_v more_o clear_o and_o sensible_o discover_v under_o the_o gospel_n than_o by_o any_o other_o dispensation_n since_o the_o world_n begin_v and_o as_o we_o be_v to_o take_v care_n that_o our_o thought_n and_o expression_n be_v agreeabe_n and_o become_v so_o great_a a_o mystery_n so_o be_v we_o concern_v vigorous_o to_o prosecute_v that_o which_o be_v the_o grand_a intent_n scope_n and_o aim_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o be_v our_o progress_n and_o growth_n in_o virtue_n and_o holiness_n to_o perfect_v our_o mind_n in_o true_a goodness_n by_o a_o sincere_a practice_n of_o all_o the_o indispensable_a law_n and_o rule_n of_o righteousness_n for_o however_o man_n may_v please_v themselves_o in_o expound_v christianity_n in_o a_o opinionative_n and_o notional_a way_n in_o peculiar_a phrase_n and_o term_n of_o art_n as_o if_o religion_n be_v a_o thing_n deduce_v and_o borrow_v from_o the_o school_n yet_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o the_o true_a life_n of_o god_n which_o our_o holy_a lord_n and_o master_n jesus_n christ_n come_v to_o disseminate_a and_o propagate_v by_o the_o gospel_n be_v not_o a_o bare_a sound_n of_o word_n but_o a_o inward_a principle_n of_o life_n and_o power_n elevate_a and_o raise_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n from_o all_o childish_a toy_n and_o folly_n to_o a_o manly_a and_o generous_a apprehension_n of_o righteousness_n and_o virtue_n advance_v their_o rational_a to_o a_o complete_a and_o entire_a command_n and_o superiority_n over_o their_o sensual_a and_o animal_n power_n and_o faculty_n and_o beget_v in_o they_o such_o a_o lively_a sense_n of_o whatever_o be_v absolute_o good_a and_o holy_a as_o may_v at_o last_o reduce_v their_o thought_n word_n and_o action_n into_o a_o entire_a conformity_n to_o the_o divine_a will._n and_o forasmuch_o as_o this_o heavenly_a life_n consist_v in_o the_o sincere_a prosecution_n and_o practice_n of_o virtue_n and_o that_o morality_n and_o virtue_n be_v depress_v beneath_o the_o concern_v of_o christianity_n by_o those_o who_o pretend_v a_o more_o free_a exaltation_n of_o grace_n as_o it_o will_v not_o be_v impertinent_a to_o the_o present_a discourse_n so_o i_o be_o sure_a it_o be_v infinite_o necessary_a for_o every_o man_n to_o contribute_v his_o pain_n in_o stop_v and_o damn_v up_o that_o flood_n of_o wickedness_n and_o immorality_n that_o have_v break_v in_o upon_o the_o world_n by_o show_v the_o indispensable_a necessity_n of_o the_o practice_n of_o morality_n that_o true_a religion_n and_o virtue_n be_v at_o no_o such_o mortal_a jar_n but_o that_o whoever_o be_v false_a and_o hypocritical_a to_o the_o sincere_a and_o conscientious_a practice_n of_o it_o though_o he_o fly_v to_o heaven_n in_o his_o vain_a dream_n and_o imagination_n and_o talk_v of_o the_o vision_n of_o god_n and_o a_o immediate_a communion_n and_o converse_n with_o he_o yet_o he_o have_v neither_o see_v nor_o know_v he_o and_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o true_a christian_a that_o he_o have_v very_o little_a of_o the_o life_n of_o christianity_n dwell_v in_o he_o as_o i_o desire_v not_o therefore_o to_o charge_v any_o man_n with_o the_o evil_a consequence_n of_o his_o opinion_n but_o charitable_o suppose_v that_o he_o hold_v fast_o to_o the_o foundation_n and_o whatever_o tendency_n his_o opinion_n may_v have_v in_o their_o consecution_n that_o yet_o in_o their_o primary_n intention_n he_o design_v not_o the_o discountenance_v of_o unfeigned_a piety_n so_o neither_o will_v i_o nor_o can_v by_o any_o consider_a person_n be_v upbraid_v with_o set_v and_o exalt_v work_n above_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n as_o will_v appear_v when_o i_o have_v a_o little_a explicate_v and_o unfold_v those_o term_n which_o have_v of_o late_o raise_v such_o hideous_a storm_n and_o tragedy_n by_o virtue_n therefore_o i_o mean_v that_o power_n of_o the_o soul_n which_o so_o rule_v and_o govern_v all_o the_o animal_n motion_n and_o inclination_n that_o she_o do_v every_o where_o and_o in_o every_o thing_n constant_o and_o unmovable_o follow_v that_o which_o be_v best_a as_o for_o the_o word_n grace_n all_o the_o notion_n of_o it_o in_o the_o sacred_a dialect_n as_o a_o learned_a critic_n observe_v spring_v from_o that_o primary_n notion_n of_o it_o for_o charity_n or_o liberality_n hammond_n wherefore_o the_o participation_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n be_v the_o high_a perfection_n and_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o the_o ultimate_a end_n of_o christianity_n itself_o all_o those_o act_n which_o have_v a_o natural_a tendency_n to_o the_o furtherance_n and_o attainment_n of_o so_o high_a and_o glorious_a a_o purpose_n be_v style_v virtue_n they_o be_v nothing_o but_o the_o powerful_a exertion_n of_o the_o soul_n in_o the_o subjugation_n of_o its_o corporeal_a passion_n that_o it_o may_v with_o ease_n and_o constancy_n follow_v that_o which_o be_v simple_o best_o and_o grace_n because_o they_o be_v the_o free_a undeserved_a and_o gratuitous_a donation_n of_o he_o who_o almighty_a and_o beneficent_a spirit_n pervade_v the_o whole_a order_n and_o comprehension_n of_o intellectual_a agent_n refine_n and_o purify_n the_o mind_n and_o spirit_n of_o the_o lapse_v creation_n and_o every_o where_o attempt_v the_o replantation_n of_o that_o beautiful_a image_n sin_n and_o vice_n have_v obliterated_a and_o deface_v now_o for_o the_o term_n moral_a remain_v to_o be_v explain_v i_o conceive_v it_o may_v signify_v whatever_o contain_v in_o it_o a_o eternal_a immutable_a and_o indispensable_a obligation_n by_o eternal_a immutable_a and_o indispensable_a i_o exclude_v from_o it_o all_o temporary_a constitution_n and_o positive_a sanction_n though_o derive_v their_o authority_n from_o god_n himself_o i_o add_v obligation_n to_o difference_n moral_a truth_n from_o speculative_a and_o theoretical_a for_o there_o may_v be_v many_o physical_a and_o mathematical_a notion_n which_o may_v proper_o be_v call_v eternal_a and_o immutable_a verity_n which_o yet_o lie_v no_o necessary_a obligation_n upon_o us._n that_o what_o be_v once_o move_v will_v continue_v to_o move_v till_o something_o hinder_v it_o be_v alike_o a_o eternal_a and_o immutable_a verity_n with_o this_o that_o every_o man_n be_v to_o honour_v his_o parent_n but_o the_o one_o lay_v a_o necessary_a obligation_n upon_o the_o soul_n whereas_o the_o other_o do_v not_o wherefore_o though_o the_o subject_n of_o all_o truth_n whatever_n and_o so_o of_o moral_a one_o be_v the_o perceptive_a and_o intellectual_a part_n of_o the_o soul_n yet_o the_o sole_a and_o adequate_a object_n of_o morality_n seem_v to_o be_v the_o immutable_a idea_n and_o reason_n of_o good_a and_o evil._n and_o so_o far_o forth_o as_o the_o soul_n exercise_v itself_o in_o the_o discrimination_n of_o moral_a entity_n it_o be_v call_v by_o the_o name_n of_o conscience_n so_o that_o the_o mistake_n seem_v to_o arise_v from_o hence_o that_o man_n distribute_v humane_a action_n in_o reference_n to_o religion_n into_o moral_a and_o evangelical_n whereas_o moral_a be_v