reluct_v to_o and_o abhor_v â—is_n certain_o thus_o in_o all_o debauchery_n and_o excess_n it_o be_v evident_a it_o gratify_v no_o man_n nature_n to_o be_v drink_v or_o to_o lie_v under_o undigested_a load_n of_o meat_n these_o be_v outrage_n and_o violence_n upon_o nature_n take_v it_o only_o in_o the_o most_o sensitive_a notion_n such_o as_o the_o struggle_v to_o avert_v and_o yet_o man_n make_v she_o bear_v not_o only_o the_o oppression_n but_o the_o blame_n too_o 39_o but_o beside_o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o man_n include_v reason_n as_o well_o as_o sense_n and_o to_o this_o all_o sort_n of_o luxury_n be_v yet_o more_o repugnant_a as_o that_o which_o cloud_n the_o mind_n and_o degrade_n the_o man_n who_o in_o his_o constitution_n be_v a_o rational_a be_v and_o set_v he_o â—n_o the_o rank_n of_o mere_a animal_n and_o certain_o these_o can_v be_v no_o appetite_n of_o nature_n which_o thus_o subvert_v it_o 40._o the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v concern_v revenge_n particular_o that_o absurde_a sort_n of_o it_o duel_n which_o certain_o be_v as_o great_a contradiction_n to_o nature_n as_o can_v be_v imagine_v the_o unravel_a and_o cancel_v its_o very_a first_o principle_n of_o self-preservation_n which_o in_o other_o instance_n man_n bring_v in_o bar_n against_o duty_n and_o yet_o man_n will_v say_v the_o generosity_n of_o their_o nature_n compel_v they_o to_o it_o so_o make_v their_o nature_n a_o kind_n of_o felo_fw-la de_fw-la se_fw-la to_o prompt_v the_o destroy_n itself_o when_o alas_o it_o be_v only_o the_o false_a notion_n they_o have_v get_v of_o honour_n that_o so_o engage_v they_o and_o if_o man_n will_v but_o sober_o consider_v they_o must_v be_v convince_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o agreeable_a to_o reason_n then_o that_o precept_n of_o christ_n of_o not_o retaliate_a injury_n which_o be_v in_o effect_n but_o to_o bid_v we_o to_o choose_v a_o single_a inconvenience_n before_o a_o long_a train_n of_o mischief_n and_o certain_o if_o nature_n even_o in_o its_o deprave_a estate_n be_v leave_v to_o determine_v it_o will_v resolve_v it_o a_o better_a bargain_n to_o go_v off_o with_o a_o reproachful_a word_n then_o to_o lose_v a_o limb_n perhaps_o a_o life_n in_o the_o revenge_n of_o it_o there_o be_v no_o maxim_n more_o indisputable_a then_o that_o of_o evil_n the_o least_o be_v to_o be_v choose_v and_o the_o innate_a principle_n of_o self-love_n do_v more_o strong_o bias_n nature_n to_o preserve_v itself_o than_o any_o external_a thing_n can_v to_o destroy_v it_o 41._o know_v it_o will_v be_v say_v to_o this_o that_o revenge_n be_v a_o natural_a appetite_n but_o i_o say_v still_o self-preservation_n be_v more_o so_o and_o will_v prevail_v against_o as_o much_o of_o revenge_n as_o be_v natural_a be_v it_o not_o heighten_v and_o fortify_v by_o fancy_n and_o that_o chimaera_n of_o point_n of_o honour_n which_o as_o it_o be_v now_o state_v be_v certain_o one_o of_o the_o most_o emty_a nothing_o that_o ever_o be_v bring_v in_o balance_n with_o solid_a interest_n and_o indeed_o it_o be_v to_o belie_v nature_n and_o suppose_v it_o to_o have_v forfeit_v all_o degree_n of_o reason_n as_o well_o as_o virtue_n to_o fasten_v â—o_o absurd_a a_o choice_n upon_o she_o but_o admit_v revenge_n to_o be_v never_o so_o much_o the_o dictate_v of_o corrupt_a nature_n it_o be_v certain_a it_o be_v not_o of_o primitive_a regular_a nature_n revenge_n be_v but_o a_o relative_a to_o â—njury_n and_o he_o that_o will_v say_v god_n put_v the_o appetite_n of_o revenge_n into_o man_n must_v say_v he_o put_v the_o appetite_n of_o injury_n into_o he_o also_o which_o â—s_v such_o a_o account_n of_o the_o six_o day_n creation_n â—s_a be_v hardly_o consistent_a with_o god_n own_o testimony_n of_o its_o be_v very_o good_a gen._n 1._o 42._o beside_o it_o be_v certain_a all_o the_o desire_v god_n infuse_v into_o human_a nature_n be_v such_o as_o â—ended_v to_o its_o preservation_n but_o this_o of_o revenge_n be_v of_o all_o other_o the_o most_o destructive_a as_o â—s_n too_o sad_o attest_v by_o the_o daily_a tragical_a effect_n of_o it_o in_o short_a the_o wise_a man_n give_v a_o good_a summary_n of_o the_o whole_a matter_n god_n make_v man_n â—pright_o but_o he_o seek_v out_o many_o invention_n eccl._n 7._o 29._o 43._o now_o if_o man_n have_v by_o his_o own_o voluntary_a act_n deprave_v himself_o it_o will_v be_v neither_o just_a nor_o kind_a in_o god_n to_o warp_v his_o law_n to_o man_n now_o distort_v frame_n but_o it_o be_v both_o to_o keep_v up_o the_o perfect_a rectitude_n of_o those_o and_o call_v upon_o man_n to_o reduce_v himself_o to_o a_o conformity_n with_o they_o and_o when_o to_o this_o be_v add_v sâ—ch_v a_o supply_n of_o grace_n as_o may_v silence_v the_o plea_n of_o disability_n there_o can_v nothing_o be_v imagine_v more_o worthy_a of_o god_n or_o more_o indulgent_a to_o man_n 44._o and_o all_o this_o christ_n do_v in_o the_o gospel_n in_o those_o precept_n which_o the_o blind_a world_n make_v the_o subject_n of_o their_o cavil_n or_o scorn_v it_o be_v a_o easy_a task_n to_o evince_v this_o in_o every_o particular_a precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o i_o shall_v content_v myself_o with_o the_o instance_n already_o give_v and_o not_o swell_v this_o tract_n by_o insist_v upon_o what_o have_v already_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o so_o many_o pious_a and_o excellent_a discourse_n as_o must_v already_o have_v convince_v all_o but_o the_o obstinate_a 45._o we_o proceed_v therefore_o to_o a_o view_n of_o the_o promissory_a part_n of_o scripture_n in_o which_o we_o be_v first_o in_o general_a to_o observe_v the_o great_a goodness_n of_o god_n in_o make_v any_o promise_n at_o all_o to_o we_o and_o next_o to_o examine_v of_o what_o nature_n and_o excellence_n these_o promise_n be_v and_o first_o if_o we_o consider_v how_o many_o title_n god_n have_v to_o our_o obedience_n we_o must_v acknowledge_v he_o may_v challenge_v it_o as_o his_o undoubted_a right_n we_o be_v the_o work_n of_o his_o hand_n and_o if_o the_o potter_n have_v power_n over_o the_o clay_n the_o material_n whereof_o be_v not_o of_o his_o make_n much_o more_o have_v god_n over_o his_o creature_n who_o matter_n as_o well_o as_o form_n be_v whole_o owe_v to_o he_o we_o be_v the_o price_n of_o his_o blood_n and_o if_o man_n account_v purchase_v a_o indefeisible_a title_n god_n must_v have_v absolute_a dominion_n over_o what_o he_o have_v buy_v and_o at_o so_o dear_a a_o price_n too_o as_o his_o own_o blood_n last_o we_o depend_v upon_o he_o for_o the_o support_n of_o that_o be_v he_o have_v give_v we_o we_o live_v mere_o upon_o his_o bounty_n spend_v upon_o his_o stock_n and_o what_o patron_n will_v not_o expect_v observance_n from_o one_o who_o thus_o subsist_v by_o he_o 46._o yet_o as_o if_o god_n have_v none_o of_o these_o claim_v these_o preingagement_n upon_o we_o he_o descend_v to_o treat_v with_o we_o as_o freeman_n by_o way_n of_o article_n and_o compact_n buy_v his_o own_o of_o we_o and_o engage_v to_o reward_v that_o obedience_n which_o he_o may_v upon_o the_o utmost_a penalty_n exact_v which_o be_v such_o a_o astonish_a indulgence_n as_o our_o high_a gratitude_n can_v reach_v and_o of_o this_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n be_v the_o evidence_n and_o record_n and_o therefore_o upon_o that_o account_n deserve_v at_o once_o our_o reverence_n and_o our_o joy_n 47._o but_o this_o will_v yet_o far_o appear_v if_o we_o look_v in_o the_o second_o place_n into_o the_o promise_n themselves_o which_o be_v so_o extensive_a as_o to_o take_v in_o both_o our_o present_a and_o future_a state_n according_a to_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n godliness_n have_v the_o promise_n of_o this_o life_n and_o of_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v 1_o tim._n 4._o 8._o for_o the_o present_a they_o be_v proportion_v to_o the_o several_a part_n of_o our_o composition_n the_o body_n and_o the_o mind_n the_o outward_a and_o the_o inward_a man_n so_o stretch_v themselves_o to_o all_o we_o can_v real_o be_v concern_v for_o in_o this_o world_n 48._o and_o first_o for_o the_o body_n the_o old_a testament_n abound_v in_o promise_n of_o this_o sort_n the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o 28._o of_o deut._n contain_v a_o full_a catalogue_n of_o all_o temporal_a blessing_n and_o those_o irreversible_o entail_v upon_o the_o israelite_n obedience_n ver_fw-la 1._o the_o psalmist_n tell_v we_o they_o that_o fear_v the_o lord_n shall_v lack_v nothing_o ps._n 34._o 9_o that_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v confound_v in_o the_o perilous_a time_n and_o in_o the_o day_n of_o dearth_n they_o shall_v have_v enough_o ps._n 37._o 19_o and_o solomon_n that_o the_o lord_n will_v not_o suffer_v the_o righteous_a to_o famish_v pro._n 10._o 3._o and_o though_o under_o the_o gospel_n the_o promise_n
we_o no_o where_o but_o we_o shall_v be_v provide_v of_o a_o guard_n a_o scriptum_n est_fw-la which_o we_o see_v be_v the_o sole_a armour_n the_o captain_n of_o our_o salvation_n use_v in_o his_o encounter_n with_o he_o mat._n 4._o ver_fw-la 4_o 7_o and_o 10._o and_o will_v be_v as_o successful_a to_o we_o if_o we_o will_v due_o manage_v it_o 45._o the_o last_o thing_n require_v as_o consequent_a to_o our_o read_n be_v practice_n this_o be_v the_o ultimate_a end_n to_o which_o all_o the_o foregoing_a qualification_n be_v direct_v and_o if_o we_o fail_v here_o the_o most_o assiduous_a diligence_n in_o all_o the_o former_a will_v be_v but_o lose_v labour_n let_v we_o mean_v never_o so_o well_o attend_v never_o so_o close_o recollect_v never_o so_o exact_o if_o after_o all_o we_o do_v not_o practice_v all_o the_o rest_n will_v serve_v but_o to_o enhance_v our_o guilt_n christianity_n be_v a_o active_a science_n and_o the_o bible_n be_v give_v we_o not_o mere_o for_o a_o theme_n of_o speculation_n but_o for_o a_o rule_n of_o life_n 46._o and_o alas_o what_o will_v it_o avail_v we_o that_o our_o opinion_n be_v right_a if_o our_o manner_n be_v crooked_a when_o the_o scripture_n have_v show_v we_o what_o god_n require_v of_o we_o nay_o have_v evince_v to_o we_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o the_o injunction_n the_o great_a agreeableness_n which_o they_o have_v to_o the_o excellency_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o have_v back_v this_o with_o the_o assurance_n that_o in_o keep_v of_o they_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o great_a reward_n ps._n 19_o 11._o if_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o such_o importunate_a invitation_n to_o life_n we_o will_v choose_v death_n we_o be_v indeed_o worthy_a as_o the_o wise_a man_n speak_v to_o take_v part_n with_o it_o wis._n 1._o 16._o our_o crime_n be_v hereby_o increase_v to_o a_o monstrous_a bulk_n and_o also_o deprive_v of_o that_o veil_n and_o shelter_v which_o darkness_n and_o ignorance_n will_v have_v give_v they_o and_o a_o vicious_a christian_a may_v have_v cause_n at_o the_o last_o day_n to_o wish_v that_o he_o have_v study_v the_o alcoran_n rather_o than_o the_o bible_n his_o sensuality_n may_v then_o have_v plead_v that_o they_o be_v but_o the_o anticipate_v his_o paradise_n take_v up_o that_o before_o hand_n which_o his_o religion_n propose_v to_o he_o as_o his_o summum_fw-la bonum_fw-la his_o final_a and_o high_a aim_n but_o with_o what_o confusion_n must_v a_o christian_a then_o appear_v who_o institution_n oblige_v he_o to_o mortify_v the_o flesh_n and_o yet_o have_v make_v it_o the_o business_n of_o his_o life_n not_o only_o to_o satisfy_v but_o even_o to_o enrage_v and_o inflame_v its_o appetite_n that_o have_v set_v up_o a_o counter-discipline_n to_o that_o of_o the_o gospel_n he_o profess_v and_o when_o that_o require_v austerity_n and_o self-denial_n to_o reduce_v corrupt_a nature_n to_o a_o tameness_n and_o subjection_n have_v not_o only_o pull_v off_o the_o bridle_n but_o use_v the_o spur_n contrive_v art_n to_o debauch_v even_o corruption_n itself_o and_o have_v force_v his_o reluct_a nature_n upon_o study_a and_o artificial_a lewdness_n such_o man_n may_v be_v think_v to_o have_v read_v the_o scripture_n with_o no_o other_o design_n but_o to_o be_v sure_a to_o run_v counter_a to_o it_o that_o by_o inform_v themselves_o of_o god_n will_v they_o may_v know_v the_o more_o exact_o how_o to_o affront_v and_o contradict_v it_o 47._o nay_o so_o it_o be_v too_o many_o unto_o malice_n add_v contemt_a be_v not_o content_v only_o sullen_o to_o resist_v its_o precept_n but_o despise_v and_o revile_v they_o also_o arraign_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n and_o pronounce_v the_o divine_a law_n to_o be_v weak_a and_o impertinent_a lay_v their_o scene_n of_o ridiculous_a mirth_n in_o the_o bible_n rally_v in_o the_o sacred_a dialect_n and_o play_v the_o buffoon_n with_o the_o most_o serious_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n a_o impious_a licentiousness_n which_o be_v now_o grow_v to_o that_o height_n that_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o wonder_n of_o god_n long-suffering_a that_o there_o be_v not_o as_o many_o eminent_a instance_n of_o the_o vengeance_n as_o there_o be_v of_o the_o guilt_n i_o have_v former_o complain_v of_o it_o and_o must_v still_o crave_v leave_n to_o do_v so_o it_o be_v indeed_o so_o spread_v a_o infection_n that_o we_o can_v never_o be_v sufficient_o arm_v against_o it_o some_o degree_n of_o it_o have_v taint_v many_o who_o have_v not_o utter_o renounce_v their_o reverence_n for_o the_o bible_n there_o be_v those_o who_o in_o their_o solemn_a mood_n own_o it_o as_o god_n word_n and_o profess_v they_o must_v final_o stand_v or_o fall_v by_o its_o verdict_n who_o yet_o in_o their_o jocular_a humour_n make_v light_a and_o irreverent_a application_n of_o its_o phrase_n and_o sentence_n furnish_v out_o their_o little_a jest_n in_o its_o attire_n and_o use_v it_o as_o if_o they_o think_v it_o good_a for_o nothing_o else_o 48._o and_o certain_o this_o abuse_n in_o man_n that_o own_o the_o bible_n be_v infinite_o more_o monstrous_a then_o in_o those_o who_o defy_v it_o the_o late_a look_n on_o it_o as_o a_o common_a thing_n and_o use_v it_o as_o such_o but_o for_o those_o who_o confess_v it_o sacred_a thus_o to_o prostitute_v it_o be_v a_o flat_a contradiction_n as_o much_o against_o the_o rule_n of_o discourse_n as_o religion_n it_o be_v to_o offer_v the_o same_o abuse_n to_o christ_n in_o his_o word_n which_o the_o rude_a soldier_n do_v to_o his_o person_n to_o bow_v the_o knee_n before_o it_o and_o yet_o expose_v it_o as_o a_o object_n of_o scorn_n and_o laughter_n but_o sure_o there_o can_v be_v two_o thing_n more_o inconsistent_a than_o the_o avow_v it_o to_o be_v dictate_v by_o god_n in_o order_n to_o the_o most_o important_a concern_v of_o man_n and_o yet_o debase_v it_o to_o the_o vile_a purpose_n make_v it_o the_o drudge_n and_o hackney_n to_o our_o sportful_a humour_n and_o bring_v it_o out_o as_o the_o philistines_n do_v samson_n only_o to_o make_v we_o merry_a jud._n 16._o 25._o 49._o indeed_o one_o will_v wonder_v how_o that_o shall_v become_v a_o proper_a instrument_n for_o that_o purpose_n that_o those_o doctrine_n of_o righteousness_n temperance_n and_o judgement_n to_o come_v every_o where_o scatter_v through_o that_o book_n which_o set_v heathen_a felix_n a_o tremble_a shall_v set_v christian_n a_o laugh_v and_o yet_o shall_v man_n cite_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o phrase_n out_o of_o another_o author_n there_o will_v be_v no_o jest_n in_o it_o it_o seem_v therefore_o that_o the_o spirit_n and_o essence_n of_o this_o sort_n of_o wit_n lie_v in_o the_o profaneness_n how_o absurd_a be_v it_o then_o for_o man_n that_o do_v not_o utter_o abjure_v religion_n to_o affect_v this_o impious_a sort_n of_o raillery_n which_o have_v nothing_o but_o dare_a wickedness_n to_o recommend_v it_o for_o certain_o of_o all_o the_o way_n of_o discourse_n that_o ever_o pretend_a to_o wit_n this_o have_v the_o least_o claim_n to_o it_o 50._o what_o strength_n of_o reason_n or_o height_n of_o fancy_n be_v there_o in_o repete_v of_o phrase_n and_o fragment_n of_o book_n when_o what_o they_o will_v say_v they_o may_v much_o more_o proper_o express_v in_o their_o own_o word_n in_o any_o other_o instance_n but_o this_o of_o the_o bible_n it_o will_v pass_v rather_o for_o a_o defect_n then_o a_o excess_n of_o wit_n but_o that_o which_o i_o suppose_v render_v it_o so_o take_v be_v that_o it_o be_v the_o cheap_a expedient_a for_o man_n to_o arrive_v to_o that_o reputation_n man_n that_o can_v go_v to_o the_o cost_n of_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v true_o ingenious_a can_v by_o this_o mean_n immediate_o commence_v wit_n if_o they_o can_v but_o charge_v their_o memory_n with_o half_a a_o dozen_o text_n they_o need_v no_o other_o furniture_n for_o the_o trade_n these_o mangle_a and_o transpose_v will_v be_v ready_a at_o all_o turn_n and_o render_v they_o applaud_v by_o those_o who_o have_v no_o other_o measure_n of_o wit_n but_o its_o opposition_n to_o piety_n but_o will_v god_n man_n will_v look_v a_o little_a before_o they_o and_o consider_v what_o the_o final_a reckon_n will_v be_v for_o such_o divertisement_n and_o if_o the_o whole_a world_n be_v a_o unequal_a exchange_n for_o a_o soul_n what_o a_o miserable_a merchant_n be_v he_o that_o barter_n he_o for_o a_o bald_a insipid_a jest_n such_o as_o a_o sober_a man_n will_v avoid_v be_v there_o no_o sin_n in_o it_o 51._o i_o know_v man_n be_v apt_a to_o flatter_v themselves_o that_o these_o light_a frolic_n will_v pass_v for_o nothing_o so_o long_o as_o they_o do_v not_o serious_o and_o malicious_o oppose_v god_n word_n but_o i_o fear_v they_o will_v find_v god_n in_o earnest_n though_o they_o be_v in_o jest_n he_o that_o have_v magnify_v his_o word_n above_o all_o thing_n
imprimatur_fw-la jo._n nicholas_n vice_n cancel_v oxon._n junii_fw-la 10._o 1678._o the_o lively_a oracle_n give_v to_o we_o or_o the_o christian_n birthright_n and_o duty_n in_o the_o custody_n and_o use_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n by_o the_o author_n of_o the_o whole_a duty_n of_o man_n etc._n etc._n search_v the_o scripture_n jo._n 5._o 39_o at_o the_o theater_n in_o oxford_n 1678._o the_o lively_a oracle_n give_v to_o we_o or_o the_o christian_n birthright_n &_o duty_n in_o the_o custody_n &_o use_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o preface_n in_o the_o treatise_n of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o tongue_n publish_v by_o i_o heretofore_o i_o have_v occasion_n to_o take_v notice_n among_o the_o exorbitance_n of_o that_o unruly_a part_n which_o set_v on_o fire_n the_o whole_a course_n of_o nature_n and_o its_o self_n be_v set_v on_o fire_n from_o hell_n jam._n 3._o 6._o of_o the_o impious_a vanity_n prevail_v in_o this_o age_n whereby_o man_n play_v with_o sacred_a thing_n and_o exercise_v their_o wit_n upon_o those_o scripture_n by_o which_o they_o shall_v be_v judge_v at_o the_o last_o day_n joh._n 12._o 48._o but_o that_o holy_a book_n not_o only_o suffer_v by_o the_o petulancy_n of_o the_o tongue_n but_o the_o malice_n of_o the_o heart_n out_o of_o the_o abundance_n whereof_o the_o mouth_n speak_v mat._n 12._o 34._o and_o also_o from_o that_o irreligion_n prepossession_n and_o supiness_n which_o the_o pursuit_n of_o sensual_a pleasure_n certain_o produce_v the_o mischief_n be_v too_o much_o diffuse_v and_o deep_o root_v to_o be_v control_v by_o a_o few_o casual_a reflection_n i_o have_v therefore_o think_v it_o necessary_a both_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o dignity_n and_o importance_n of_o the_o subject_n as_o also_o the_o prevalence_n of_o the_o opposition_n to_o attemt_a a_o profess_a and_o particular_a vindication_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n by_o display_v their_o native_a excellence_n and_o beauty_n and_o enforce_v the_o veneration_n and_o obedience_n that_o be_v to_o be_v pay_v unto_o they_o this_o i_o design_v to_o do_v in_o my_o usual_a method_n by_o a_o address_n to_o the_o affection_n of_o the_o reader_n solicit_v the_o several_a passion_n of_o love_n hope_v fear_v shame_n and_o sorrow_n which_o either_o the_o majesty_n of_o god_n in_o his_o sublime_a be_v his_o goodness_n derive_v to_o we_o or_o our_o ingratitude_n return_v to_o he_o can_v actuate_v in_o person_n not_o utter_o obdurate_a but_o where_o as_o man_n when_o they_o have_v learn_v to_o do_v amiss_o quick_o dispute_v and_o dictate_v i_o find_v myself_o concern_v to_o pass_v sometime_o within_o the_o verge_n of_o controversy_n and_o to_o discourse_v upon_o the_o principle_n of_o reason_n and_o deduction_n from_o testimony_n which_o in_o the_o most_o important_a transaction_n of_o human_a life_n be_v just_o take_v for_o evidence_n in_o which_o whole_a performance_n i_o have_v study_v to_o avoid_v the_o entanglement_n of_o sophistry_n and_o the_o ambition_n of_o unintelligible_a quotation_n and_o keep_v myself_o within_o the_o reach_n of_o te_fw-fr unlearned_a christian_a reader_n to_o who_o use_n my_o labour_n have_v be_v ever_o dedicate_v all_o that_o i_o require_v be_v that_o man_n will_v bring_v as_o much_o readiness_n to_o entertain_v the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o they_o do_v to_o the_o read_v profane_a author_n i_o be_o ashamed_a to_o say_v as_o they_o do_v to_o the_o incentives_n of_o vice_n and_o folly_n nay_o to_o the_o libel_n and_o invective_n that_o be_v level_v against_o the_o scripture_n if_o i_o obtain_v this_o i_o will_v make_v no_o doubt_n that_o i_o shall_v gain_v a_o far_a point_n that_o from_o the_o perusal_n of_o my_o imperfect_a conception_n the_o reader_n will_v proceed_v to_o the_o study_n of_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o there_o taste_n and_o see_v how_o gracious_a the_o lord_n be_v ps._n 34._o 8._o and_o as_o the_o angel_n command_v saint_n john_n rev._n 10._o 9_o eat_v the_o book_n where_o he_o will_v experimental_o find_v the_o word_n of_o david_n verify_v ps._n 19_o 7._o the_o law_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v a_o undefiled_a law_n convert_v the_o soul_n the_o testimony_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v sure_a and_o give_v wisdom_n to_o the_o simple_a the_o statute_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v right_a and_o rejoice_v the_o heart_n the_o commandment_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v pure_a and_o give_v light_a to_o the_o eye_n the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v clean_a and_o endure_v for_o ever_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v true_a and_o righteous_a altogether_o more_o to_o be_v desire_v be_v they_o then_o gold_n yea_o than_o much_o fine_a gold_n sweet_a also_o than_o honey_n and_o the_o hony-comb_n moreover_o by_o they_o be_v thy_o servant_n teach_v and_o in_o keep_v of_o they_o there_o be_v great_a reward_n it_o be_v say_v of_o moses_n ex._n 34._o 29._o that_o have_v receive_v the_o law_n from_o god_n and_o converse_v with_o he_o in_o mount_n sina_n forty_o day_n together_o his_o face_n shine_v and_o have_v a_o brightness_n fix_v upon_o it_o that_o dazzle_a the_o beholder_n a_o pledge_n and_o short_a essay_n not_o only_o of_o the_o appearance_n at_o mount_n tabor_n mat._n 17._o 1._o where_o at_o the_o transfiguration_n he_o again_o be_v see_v in_o glory_n but_o of_o that_o great_a and_o yet_o future_a change_n when_o he_o shall_v see_v indeed_o his_o god_n face_n to_o face_n and_o share_v his_o glory_n unto_o all_o eternity_n the_o same_o divine_a goodness_n give_v still_o his_o law_n to_o every_o one_o of_o we_o let_v we_o receive_v it_o with_o due_a regard_n and_o veneration_n converse_v with_o he_o therein_o instead_o of_o forty_o day_n during_o our_o whole_a life_n and_o so_o anticipate_v and_o certain_o assure_v our_o interest_n in_o that_o great_a transfiguration_n when_o all_o the_o faithful_a shall_v put_v of_o their_o mortal_a flesh_n be_v translate_v from_o glory_n to_o glory_n eternal_o behold_v their_o god_n see_v he_o as_o he_o be_v and_o so_o enjoy_v he_o conversation_n have_v every_o where_o a_o assimilate_v power_n we_o be_v general_o such_o as_o be_v the_o man_n and_o book_n and_o business_n that_o we_o deal_v with_o but_o sure_o no_o familiarity_n have_v so_o great_a a_o influence_n on_o life_n and_o manner_n as_o when_o man_n hear_v god_n speak_v to_o they_o in_o his_o word_n that_o word_n which_o the_o apostle_n heb._n 4._o 12._o declare_v to_o be_v quick_a and_o powerful_a sharp_a than_o any_o two-edged_a sword_n pierce_v even_o to_o the_o divide_v asunder_o of_o soul_n and_o spirit_n and_o of_o the_o joint_n and_o marrow_n and_o be_v a_o discerner_n of_o the_o thought_n and_o intent_n of_o the_o heart_n the_o time_n will_v come_v when_o all_o our_o book_n however_o recommend_v for_o subtlety_n of_o discourse_n exactness_n of_o method_n variety_n of_o matter_n or_o eloquence_n of_o language_n when_o all_o our_o curious_a act_n like_o those_o mention_v act._n 19_o 19_o shall_v be_v bring_v forth_o and_o burn_v before_o all_o man_n when_o the_o great_a book_n of_o nature_n and_o heaven_n itself_o shall_v depart_v as_o a_o scroul_n roll_v together_o rev._n 6._o 14._o at_o which_o important_a season_n it_o will_v be_v more_o to_o purpose_n to_o have_v study_v well_o that_o be_v transcribe_v in_o practice_n this_o one_o book_n then_o to_o have_v run_v through_o all_o beside_o for_o then_o the_o dead_a small_a and_o great_a shall_v stand_v before_o god_n and_o the_o book_n shall_v be_v open_v and_o another_o book_n shall_v be_v open_v which_o be_v the_o book_n of_o life_n and_o the_o dead_a shall_v be_v judge_v out_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v write_v in_o the_o book_n according_a to_o their_o work_n rev._n 20._o 12._o in_o vain_a shall_v man_n allege_v the_o want_n of_o due_a conviction_n that_o they_o do_v not_o know_v how_o penal_a it_o will_v be_v to_o disregard_n the_o sanction_n of_o god_n law_n which_o they_o will_v have_v have_v enforce_v by_o immediate_a miracle_n the_o apparition_n of_o one_o send_v from_o the_o other_o world_n who_o may_v testify_v of_o the_o place_n of_o torment_n this_o expectation_n the_o scripture_n charge_v every_o where_o with_o the_o guilt_n of_o temt_a god_n and_o indeed_o it_o real_o involve_v this_o insolent_a proposal_n that_o the_o almighty_a shall_v be_v oblige_v to_o break_v his_o own_o law_n that_o man_n may_v be_v prevail_v with_o to_o keep_v he_o but_o shall_v he_o think_v fit_a to_o comply_v herein_o the_o condescension_n will_v be_v as_o successless_a in_o the_o event_n as_o it_o be_v unreasonable_a in_o the_o offer_n our_o saviour_n assure_v that_o they_o who_o hear_v not_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n the_o instruction_n and_o command_n lay_v down_o in_o holy_a scripture_n will_v not_o be_v wrought_v upon_o by_o any_o other_o method_n will_v not_o be_v persuade_v by_o that_o which_o they_o allow_v for_o irresistible_a conviction_n
though_o one_o rise_v again_o from_o the_o dead_a luke_n 16._o 31._o the_o lively_a oracle_n give_v to_o we_o or_o the_o christian_n birthright_n and_o duty_n in_o the_o custody_n and_o use_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n sect_n i._o the_o several_a method_n of_o god_n communicate_v the_o knowledge_n of_o himself_o god_n as_o he_o be_v invisible_a to_o human_a eye_n so_o be_v he_o unfathomable_a by_o human_a understanding_n the_o perfection_n of_o his_o nature_n and_o the_o impotency_n of_o we_o set_v we_o at_o too_o great_a a_o distance_n to_o have_v any_o clear_a perception_n of_o he_o nay_o so_o far_o be_v we_o from_o a_o full_a comprehension_n that_o we_o can_v discern_v nothing_o at_o all_o of_o he_o but_o by_o his_o own_o light_n those_o discovery_n he_o have_v be_v please_v to_o make_v of_o himself_o 2._o those_o have_v be_v of_o several_a sort_n the_o first_o be_v by_o infusion_n in_o man_n creation_n when_o god_n interweave_v into_o man_n very_a constitution_n and_o be_v the_o notion_n and_o apprehension_n of_o a_o deity_n and_o at_o the_o same_o instant_n when_o he_o breathe_v into_o he_o a_o live_a soul_n impress_v on_o it_o that_o native_a religion_n which_o teach_v he_o to_o know_v and_o reverence_v his_o creator_n which_o we_o may_v call_v the_o instinct_n of_o humanity_n nor_o be_v those_o principle_n dark_a and_o confuse_a but_o clear_a and_o evident_a proportionable_a to_o the_o end_n they_o be_v design_v to_o which_o be_v not_o only_o to_o contemplate_v the_o nature_n but_o to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n practice_n be_v even_o in_o the_o state_n of_o innocence_n preferable_a before_o a_o unactive_a speculation_n 3._o but_o this_o light_n be_v soon_o eclipse_v by_o adam_n disobedience_n there_o remain_v to_o his_o benight_a posterity_n only_o some_o faint_a glimmering_n which_o be_v utter_o insufficient_a to_o guide_v they_o though_o their_o end_n without_o fresh_a aid_n and_o renew_v manifestation_n of_o god_n to_o they_o it_o please_v god_n therefore_o to_o repair_v this_o ruin_n and_o by_o frequent_a revelation_n to_o communicate_v himself_o to_o the_o patriarch_n in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o world_n afterward_o to_o prophet_n and_o other_o holy_a man_n till_o at_o last_o he_o revel_v himself_o yet_o more_o illustrious_o in_o the_o face_n of_o jesus_n christ_n 2_o cor._n 4._o 6._o 4._o this_o be_v the_o one_o great_a comprehensive_a revelation_n wherein_o all_o the_o former_a be_v involve_v and_o to_o which_o they_o point_v the_o whole_a mystery_n of_o godliness_n be_v comprise_v in_o this_o of_o god_n be_v manifest_v in_o the_o flesh_n and_o the_o consequent_n thereof_o 1_o tim._n 3._o 16._o whereby_o our_o saviour_n as_o he_o effect_v our_o reconciliation_n with_o god_n by_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o his_o death_n so_o he_o declare_v both_o that_o and_o all_o thing_n else_o that_o it_o concern_v man_n to_o know_v in_o order_n to_o bliss_n in_o his_o doctrine_n and_o holy_a life_n and_o this_o teacher_n be_v not_o only_o send_v from_o god_n jo._n 3._o but_o be_v himself_o god_n bless_v for_o ever_o it_o can_v be_v that_o his_o instruction_n can_v want_v any_o supplement_n yet_o that_o they_o may_v not_o want_v attestation_n neither_o to_o the_o incredulous_a world_n he_o confirm_v they_o by_o the_o repeted_a miracle_n of_o his_o life_n and_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o those_o who_o see_v the_o more_o irrefragable_a conviction_n of_o his_o resurrection_n and_o ascension_n and_o that_o they_o also_o may_v not_o want_v credit_n and_o enforcement_n the_o holy_a spirit_n set_v to_o his_o seal_n and_o by_o his_o miraculous_a descent_n upon_o the_o apostle_n both_o assert_v their_o commission_n and_o enable_v they_o for_o the_o discharge_n of_o it_o by_o all_o gift_n necessary_a for_o the_o propagate_a the_o faith_n of_o christ_n over_o the_o whole_a world_n 5._o these_o be_v the_o way_n by_o which_o god_n be_v please_v to_o revele_v himself_o to_o to_o the_o forefather_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o that_o not_o only_o for_o their_o sake_n but_o we_o also_o to_o who_o they_o be_v to_o derive_v those_o divine_a dictate_v they_o have_v receive_v saint_n stephen_n tell_v we_o those_o under_o the_o law_n receive_v the_o lively_a oracle_n to_o deliver_v down_o to_o their_o posterity_n act._n 7._o 38._o and_o those_o under_o the_o gospel_n who_o receive_v yet_o more_o lively_a oracle_n from_o he_o who_o be_v both_o the_o word_n and_o the_o life_n do_v it_o for_o the_o like_a purpose_n to_o transmit_v it_o to_o we_o upon_o who_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n be_v come_v by_o this_o all_o need_n of_o repeted_a revelation_n be_v supersede_v the_o faithful_a derive_v of_o the_o former_a be_v sufficient_a to_o we_o for_o all_o thing_n that_o pertain_v to_o life_n and_o godliness_n 2_o pet._n 1._o 3_o 6._o and_o for_o this_o god_n who_o care_n be_v equal_a for_o all_o succession_n of_o man_n have_v gracious_o provide_v by_o cause_v holy_a scripture_n to_o be_v write_v by_o which_o he_o have_v derive_v on_o every_o succeed_a age_n the_o illumination_n of_o the_o former_a and_o for_o that_o purpose_n endow_v the_o writer_n not_o only_o with_o that_o moral_a fidelity_n requisite_a to_o the_o truth_n of_o history_n but_o with_o a_o divine_a spirit_n proportionable_a to_o the_o great_a design_n of_o fix_v a_o immutable_a rule_n for_o faith_n and_o manner_n and_o to_o give_v we_o the_o full_a security_n herein_o he_o have_v choose_v no_o other_o penman_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n than_o those_o who_o be_v the_o first_o oral_n promulger_n of_o our_o christian_a religion_n so_o that_o they_o have_v leave_v to_o we_o the_o very_a same_o doctrine_n they_o teach_v the_o primitive_a christian_n and_o he_o that_o acknowledge_v they_o divine_o inspire_v in_o what_o they_o preach_v can_v doubt_v they_o to_o be_v so_o in_o what_o they_o write_v so_o that_o we_o all_o may_v enjoy_v virtual_o and_o effective_o that_o wish_n of_o the_o devout_a father_n who_o desire_v to_o be_v saint_n paul_n auditor_n for_o he_o that_o hear_v any_o of_o his_o epistle_n read_v be_v as_o real_o speak_v to_o by_o saint_n paul_n as_o those_o who_o be_v within_o the_o sound_n of_o his_o voice_n thus_o god_n who_o in_o time_n past_a speak_v at_o sundry_a time_n and_o in_o diverse_a manner_n to_o our_o father_n by_o the_o prophet_n and_o in_o the_o late_a day_n by_o his_o son_n heb._n 1._o 1_o 2._o continue_v still_o to_o speak_v to_o we_o by_o these_o inspire_a writer_n and_o what_o christ_n once_o say_v to_o his_o disciple_n in_o relation_n to_o their_o preach_n be_v no_o less_o true_a of_o their_o write_n he_o that_o despise_v you_o despise_v i_o luk._n 10._o 16._o all_o the_o contemt_a that_o be_v at_o any_o time_n fling_v on_o these_o sacred_a write_n rebound_v high_a and_o final_o devolve_v on_o the_o first_o author_n of_o those_o doctrine_n whereof_o these_o be_v the_o registres_n and_o transcript_n 7._o but_o this_o be_v a_o guilt_n which_o one_o will_v think_v peculiar_a to_o infidel_n and_o pagan_n and_o not_o incident_a to_o any_o who_o have_v in_o their_o baptism_n list_v themselves_o under_o christ_n banner_n yet_o i_o fear_v i_o may_v say_v of_o the_o two_o party_n the_o scripture_n have_v meet_v with_o the_o worst_a treatment_n from_o the_o late_a for_o if_o we_o measure_n by_o the_o frequency_n and_o variety_n of_o injury_n i_o fear_v christian_n will_v appear_v to_o have_v out-vied_n heathen_n these_o blunt_o disbelieve_v they_o neglect_n nay_o perhaps_o scornful_o deride_v they_o alas_o christian_n do_v this_o and_o more_o they_o not_o only_o put_v contemt_n but_o trick_n upon_o the_o scripture_n wrest_v and_o distort_v it_o to_o justify_v all_o their_o wild_a fancy_n or_o secular_a design_n and_o suborn_v its_o patronage_n to_o those_o thing_n it_o forbid_v and_o tell_v we_o that_o god_n abhor_v 8._o indeed_o so_o many_o be_v the_o abuse_v we_o offer_v it_o that_o he_o that_o consider_v they_o will_v scarce_o think_v we_o own_a it_o for_o the_o word_n of_o a_o sensible_a man_n much_o less_o of_o the_o great_a omniscient_a god_n and_o i_o believe_v it_o be_v hard_a to_o assign_v any_o one_o so_o comprehensive_a and_o efficacious_a cause_n of_o the_o universal_a depravation_n of_o manner_n as_o the_o disvalue_v of_o this_o divine_a book_n which_o be_v design_v to_o regulate_v they_o it_o be_v therefore_o a_o work_n worthy_a another_o inspire_a writing_n to_o attemt_a the_o rescue_n of_o this_o and_o recover_v it_o to_o its_o just_a estimate_n yet_o alas_o can_v we_o hope_v for_o that_o we_o have_v scoffer_n who_o will_v as_o well_o despise_v the_o new_a as_o the_o old_a and_o like_o the_o husbandman_n in_o the_o gospel_n mat._n 21._o 36._o will_v answer_v such_o a_o succession_n of_o message_n by_o repete_v the_o same_o injury_n 9_o to_o such_o as_o these_o it_o be_v i_o confess_v
own_o interest_n teach_v we_o not_o to_o slight_v the_o word_n of_o any_o of_o these_o who_o can_v so_o much_o to_o our_o cost_n second_v they_o with_o deed_n now_o god_n have_v all_o these_o title_n of_o jurisdiction_n he_o be_v the_o great_a king_n ps._n 48._o 2._o nor_o be_v it_o only_o a_o compliment_n of_o the_o psalmist_n for_o himself_o own_v the_o stile_n i_o be_o a_o great_a king_n mal._n 1._o he_o be_v the_o judge_n of_o all_o the_o world_n gen._n 18._o yea_o that_o ancient_n of_o day_n before_o who_o the_o book_n be_v open_v dan._n 7._o 10._o he_o be_v our_o lord_n and_o master_n by_o right_n both_o of_o creation_n and_o redemtion_n and_o this_o christ_n own_v even_o in_o his_o state_n of_o inanition_n yea_o when_o he_o be_v about_o the_o most_o servile_a employment_n the_o wash_v his_o disciple_n foot_n when_o he_o be_v most_o literal_o in_o the_o form_n of_o a_o servant_n yet_o he_o scruple_n not_o to_o assert_v his_o right_n to_o that_o opposite_a title_n you_o call_v i_o master_n and_o lord_n and_o you_o say_v well_o for_o so_o i_o be_o jo._n 13._o nor_o be_v these_o emty_a name_n but_o effective_o attend_v with_o all_o the_o power_n they_o denote_v yet_o so_o stupid_a be_v we_o that_o whilst_o we_o awful_o receive_v the_o dictate_v of_o our_o earthly_a superior_n we_o slight_a and_o neglect_v the_o oracle_n of_o that_o god_n who_o be_v king_n of_o king_n and_o lord_n of_o lord_n when_o a_o prince_n speak_v we_o be_v apt_a to_o cry_v out_o with_o herod_n flatterer_n the_o voice_n of_o a_o god_n and_o not_o of_o a_o man_n act._n 12._o yet_o when_o it_o be_v indeed_o the_o voice_n of_o god_n we_o choose_v tot_fw-mi listen_v to_o any_o thing_n else_o rather_o than_o it_o but_o let_v we_o sad_o remember_v that_o notwithstanding_o our_o contemt_n this_o word_n shall_v as_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o judge_v we_o at_o the_o last_o day_n jo._n 12._o 38._o 7._o a_o second_o sort_n of_o acquire_v authority_n be_v that_o of_o reputation_n when_o a_o man_n be_v fame_v for_o some_o extraordinary_a excellency_n whether_o moral_a or_o intellectual_a man_n come_v with_o appetite_n to_o his_o discourse_n greedy_o suck_v they_o in_o nor_o need_v such_o a_o one_o bespeak_v attention_n his_o very_a name_n have_v do_v it_o for_o he_o and_o prepossess_v he_o of_o his_o auditor_n regard_n thus_o the_o rabbi_n among_o the_o jew_n the_o philosopher_n among_o the_o greek_n be_v listen_v to_o as_o oracle_n and_o to_o cite_v they_o be_v by_o their_o admire_a disciple_n think_v a_o conclude_a argument_n nay_o under_o christianity_n this_o admiration_n of_o man_n person_n have_v be_v so_o inordinate_a that_o it_o have_v crumble_v religion_n away_o in_o little_a insignificant_a party_n whilst_o not_o only_a paul_n apollo_n or_o cephas_n but_o name_n infinite_o inferior_a have_v become_v the_o distinctive_a character_n of_o sect_n and_o separate_a communion_n so_o easy_o alas_o be_v we_o charm_v by_o our_o prepossession_n and_o with_o itch_a ear_n run_v in_o quest_n of_o those_o doctrine_n which_o the_o fame_n of_o their_o author_n rather_o than_o the_o evidence_n of_o truth_n commend_v to_o we_o 8._o and_o have_v god_n do_v nothing_o to_o get_v he_o a_o repute_n among_o we_o have_v he_o no_o excellency_n to_o deserve_v our_o esteem_n be_v he_o not_o worthy_a to_o prescribe_v to_o his_o own_o creature_n if_o we_o think_v yes_o why_o be_v he_o the_o only_a person_n to_o be_v disregard_v or_o why_o do_v we_o so_o unreasonable_o depart_v from_o our_o own_o humour_n as_o not_o to_o give_v his_o word_n a_o reverence_n proportionable_a to_o that_o we_o pretend_v for_o he_o nay_o which_o we_o actual_o pay_v to_o man_n of_o like_a passion_n with_o ourselves_o a_o contemt_fw-mi so_o absurd_a as_o well_o as_o impious_a that_o we_o have_v not_o the_o example_n of_o any_o the_o most_o barbarous_a people_n to_o countenance_v we_o for_o though_o some_o of_o they_o have_v make_v very_o wild_a mistake_n in_o the_o choice_n of_o their_o deity_n yet_o they_o have_v all_o agree_v in_o this_o common_a principle_n that_o whatever_o those_o deity_n say_v be_v to_o be_v receive_v with_o all_o possible_a veneration_n yea_o such_o a_o deference_n give_v they_o to_o all_o signification_n of_o the_o divine_a will_n that_o as_o they_o will_v undertake_v no_o great_a enterprise_n without_o consult_v their_o augury_n so_o upon_o any_o inauspicious_a sign_n they_o relinquish_v their_o attemt_n and_o certain_o if_o we_o have_v the_o same_o reverence_n for_o the_o true_a god_n which_o they_o have_v for_o the_o false_a we_o shall_v as_o frequent_o consult_v he_o we_o may_v do_v it_o with_o much_o more_o ease_n and_o certainty_n we_o need_v not_o trust_v to_o the_o entrail_n of_o beast_n or_o motion_n of_o bird_n we_o need_v not_o go_v to_o delphos_n or_o the_o lybian_a hammon_n for_o the_o resolve_v our_o doubt_n but_o what_o moses_n say_v to_o israel_n be_v very_o applicable_a to_o we_o the_o word_n be_v nigh_o thou_o deut._n 30._o 14._o that_o word_n which_o david_n make_v his_o counsellor_n psal._n 119._o 24._o his_o comforter_n ver_fw-la 50._o his_o treasure_n ver_fw-la 72._o his_o study_n ver_fw-la 99_o and_o have_v we_o those_o awful_a apprehension_n of_o god_n which_o he_o have_v we_o shall_v pay_v the_o like_a reverence_n to_o his_o word_n do_v we_o well_o ponder_v how_o many_o title_n of_o authority_n he_o have_v over_o we_o we_o shall_v sure_o be_v ashamed_a to_o deny_v that_o respect_n to_o he_o in_o who_o they_o all_o conspire_v which_o we_o dare_v not_o deny_v to_o they_o separately_z in_o human_a superior_n 9_o a_o second_o motive_n to_o esteem_v man_n word_n be_v the_o kindness_n of_o the_o speaker_n this_o have_v such_o a_o fascinate_a power_n as_o nothing_o but_o extreme_a ill_a nature_n can_v resist_v when_o a_o man_n be_v assure_v of_o the_o kindness_n of_o he_o that_o speak_v whatever_o be_v speak_v be_v take_v in_o good_a part_n this_o be_v it_o that_o distinguish_v the_o admonition_n of_o a_o friend_n from_o the_o reproach_n of_o a_o enemy_n and_o we_o daily_a in_o common_a conversation_n receive_v those_o thing_n with_o contentment_n and_o applause_n from_o a_o intimate_a and_o familiar_a which_o if_o speak_v by_o a_o stranger_n or_o enemy_n will_v be_v despise_v or_o stomach_v so_o insinuate_v a_o thing_n be_v kindness_n that_o where_o it_o have_v once_o get_v itself_o believe_v nothing_o it_o say_v after_o be_v dispute_v it_o supple_v the_o mind_n and_o make_v it_o ductile_a and_o pliant_a to_o any_o impression_n 10._o but_o what_o human_a kindness_n be_v there_o that_o can_v come_v in_o any_o competition_n with_o the_o divine_a it_o surpass_v that_o of_o the_o near_a and_o dear_a relation_n mother_n may_v forget_v yet_o will_v i_o not_o forget_v thou_o isa._n 49._o 15._o and_o the_o psalmist_n find_v it_o experimental_o true_a when_o my_o father_n and_o my_o mother_n forsake_v i_o the_o lord_n take_v i_o up_o ps._n 27._o 10._o the_o tender_a bowel_n compare_v to_o his_o be_v adamant_n and_o flint_n so_o that_o it_o be_v a_o most_o proper_a epithet_n the_o wise_a man_n give_v he_o o_o lord_n thou_o lover_n of_o soul_n wis._n 11._o 26._o nor_o be_v this_o affection_n mere_o mental_a but_o it_o atte_v itself_o by_o innumerable_a effect_n the_o effect_n of_o love_n be_v all_o reducible_a to_o two_o head_n do_v and_o suffer_v and_o by_o both_o these_o god_n have_v most_o eminent_o attest_v his_o love_n to_o we_o 11._o for_o the_o first_o we_o can_v look_v either_o on_o our_o body_n or_o our_o soul_n on_o the_o whole_a universe_n about_o we_o or_o that_o better_a world_n above_o we_o but_o we_o shall_v in_o each_o see_v the_o lord_n have_v do_v great_a thing_n for_o we_o psal._n 114._o nay_o not_o only_o our_o enjoiment_n but_o even_o the_o capacity_n to_o enjoy_v be_v his_o bounty_n have_v not_o he_o draw_v mankind_n out_o of_o his_o original_a clay_n what_o have_v we_o be_v concern_v in_o all_o the_o other_o work_v of_o his_o creation_n so_o that_o if_o we_o put_v any_o value_n either_o upon_o what_o we_o have_v or_o what_o we_o be_v we_o can_v but_o account_v ourselves_o so_o much_o indebt_v to_o this_o his_o active_a love_n and_o though_o the_o passive_a be_v not_o practicable_a by_o the_o divine_a nature_n simple_o and_o apart_o yet_o that_o we_o may_v not_o want_v all_o imaginable_a evidence_n of_o his_o love_n he_o who_o be_v god_n bless_v for_o ever_o link_v his_o impassable_a to_o â—ur_n passable_a nature_n assume_v our_o humanity_n that_o he_o may_v espouse_v our_o sorrow_n and_o be_v â—orn_v on_o purpose_n that_o he_o may_v die_v for_o we_o so_o that_o sure_o we_o may_v say_v in_o his_o own_o word_n great_a love_n than_o this_o have_v no_o man_n jo._n 15_o 13._o 12._o and_o now_o it_o be_v very_o hard_a
as_o christianity_n in_o the_o world_n be_v yet_o god_n be_v blessed_v undeniable_a though_o at_o the_o rate_n it_o have_v of_o late_o decline_v god_n know_v how_o long_o it_o will_v be_v so_o we_o say_v it_o come_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o that_o it_o be_v attest_v by_o a_o uninterrupted_a testimony_n of_o all_o the_o intervening_a age_n the_o suffrage_n of_o all_o christian_a church_n from_o that_o day_n to_o this_o and_o sure_o they_o who_o embrace_v the_o doctrine_n be_v the_o most_o competent_a witness_n from_o whence_o they_o receive_v it_o 40._o yet_o lest_o they_o shall_v be_v all_o thought_n party_n to_o the_o design_n and_o their_o witness_n except_v against_o it_o have_v please_v god_n to_o give_v we_o collateral_a assurance_n and_o make_v both_o jewish_a and_o gentile_a writer_n give_v testimony_n to_o the_o antiquity_n of_o christianity_n josephus_n do_v this_o lib._n 20._o chap._n 8._o and_o lib._n 18._o chap._n 4._o where_o after_o he_o have_v give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o crucifixion_n of_o christ_n exact_o agree_v with_o the_o evangelist_n he_o conclude_v and_o to_o this_o day_n the_o christian_a people_n who_o of_o he_o borrow_v their_o name_n cease_v not_o to_o increase_v i_o add_v not_o the_o personal_a elogium_fw-la which_o he_o give_v of_o our_o saviour_n because_o some_o be_v so_o hardy_a to_o control_v it_o also_o i_o pass_v what_o philo_n mention_n of_o the_o religious_a in_o egypt_n because_o several_a learned_a man_n refer_v it_o to_o the_o essen_v a_o sect_n among_o the_o jew_n or_o some_o other_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n of_o what_o tacitus_n and_o other_o roman_a historian_n speak_v of_o christ_n as_o the_o author_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n which_o it_o have_v be_v impossible_a for_o he_o to_o have_v do_v if_o there_o have_v then_o be_v no_o such_o doctrine_n or_o if_o christ_n have_v not_o be_v know_v as_o the_o founder_n of_o it_o so_o afterward_o pliny_n give_v the_o emperor_n trajan_n a_o account_n both_o of_o the_o manner_n and_o multitude_n of_o the_o christian_n and_o make_v the_o innocence_n of_o the_o one_o &_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o other_o a_o argument_n to_o slacken_v the_o persecution_n against_o they_o nay_o the_o very_a bloody_a edict_n of_o the_o persecute_v emperor_n &_o the_o scoff_v and_o reproach_n of_o celsus_n porphyry_n lucian_n and_o other_o profane_a opposer_n of_o this_o doctrine_n do_v undeniable_o assert_v its_o be_v by_o all_o which_o it_o appear_v that_o christianity_n have_v in_o those_o age_n not_o only_o a_o be_v but_o have_v also_o obtain_v mighty_o in_o the_o world_n and_o draw_v in_o vast_a number_n to_o its_o profession_n and_o vast_a indeed_o they_o must_v needs_o be_v to_o furnish_v out_o that_o whole_a army_n of_o martyr_n of_o which_o profane_a as_o well_o as_o ecclesiastic_a writer_n speak_v and_o if_o all_o this_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o evince_v that_o christianity_n steal_v not_o clancular_o into_o the_o world_n but_o take_v its_o rise_n from_o â—hose_v time_n and_o person_n it_o pretend_v we_o must_v â—enounce_v all_o faith_n of_o testimony_n and_o not_o believe_v a_o inch_n far_o than_o we_o see_v 41._o i_o suppose_v i_o need_v say_v no_o more_o to_o show_v that_o the_o gospel_n and_o all_o those_o portentous_a miracle_n which_o attest_v it_o be_v no_o forgery_n or_o stratagem_n of_o man_n i_o come_v now_o to_o that_o doubt_n which_o more_o immediate_o concern_v the_o holy_a scripture_n viz._n whether_o all_o these_o transaction_n be_v so_o faithful_o relate_v there_o that_o we_o may_v believe_v they_o to_o have_v be_v dictate_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n now_o for_o this_o the_o process_n need_v be_v â—ut_v short_a if_o we_o consider_v who_o be_v the_o penman_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n even_o for_o the_o most_o part_n the_o apostle_n themselves_o matthew_n and_o john_n who_o write_v two_o of_o the_o gospel_n be_v certain_o so_o and_o mark_v as_o all_o the_o ancient_n aver_v be_v but_o the_o amanuensis_fw-la to_o saint_n peter_n who_o dictate_v that_o gospel_n saint_n luke_n indeed_o come_v not_o under_o this_o first_o rank_n of_o apostle_n yet_o be_v by_o some_o affirm_v to_o be_v one_o of_o the_o seventy_o disciple_n however_o a_o apostolical_a person_n it_o be_v certain_a he_o be_v and_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n for_o such_o to_o be_v inspire_v for_o in_o those_o first_o age_n of_o the_o church_n man_n act_v more_o by_o immediate_a inflation_n of_o the_o spirit_n then_o since_o and_o according_o we_o find_v stephen_n though_o but_o a_o deacon_n have_v the_o power_n of_o miracle_n and_o preach_v as_o divine_o as_o the_o prime_a apostle_n act._n 7._o and_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v then_o a_o usual_a concomitant_a of_o conversion_n as_o appear_v in_o the_o story_n of_o cornelius_n act_v 10._o 45_o 46._o beside_o saint_n luke_n be_v a_o constant_a attendant_n on_o saint_n paul_n who_o derive_v the_o faith_n not_o from_o man_n but_o by_o the_o immediate_a revelation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n as_o himself_o profess_v gal._n 1._o 12._o and_o be_v by_o some_o say_v to_o have_v write_v by_o dictat_fw-la from_o he_o as_o mark_n do_v from_o saint_n peter_n then_o as_o to_o the_o epistle_n they_o all_o bear_v the_o name_n of_o apostle_n except_o that_o to_o the_o hebrew_n which_o yet_o be_v upon_o very_o good_a ground_n presume_v to_o be_v saint_n paul_n now_o these_o be_v the_o person_n commissionated_a by_o christ_n to_o preach_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o be_v signal_o assist_v in_o the_o discharge_n of_o that_o office_n so_o that_o as_o he_o tell_v they_o it_o be_v not_o they_o who_o speak_v but_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o father_n that_o speak_v in_o they_o mat._n 13._o 11._o and_o if_o they_o speak_v by_o divine_a inspiration_n there_o can_v be_v no_o question_n that_o they_o write_v so_o also_o nay_o indeed_o of_o the_o two_o it_o seem_v more_o necessary_a they_o shall_v do_v the_o late_a for_o have_v they_o err_v in_o any_o thing_n they_o oral_o deliver_v they_o may_v have_v retract_v and_o cure_v the_o mischief_n but_o these_o book_n be_v design_v as_o a_o stand_a immutable_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n to_o all_o succession_n any_o error_n in_o they_o will_v have_v be_v irreparable_a and_o have_v entail_v itself_o upon_o posterity_n which_o agree_v neither_o with_o the_o truth_n nor_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o permit_v 42._o now_o that_o these_o book_n be_v indeed_o write_v by_o they_o who_o name_n they_o bear_v we_o have_v as_o much_o assurance_n as_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o have_v of_o any_o thing_n of_o that_o nature_n and_o that_o distance_n of_o time_n from_o we_o for_o however_o some_o of_o they_o may_v have_v be_v controvert_v yet_o the_o great_a part_n have_v admit_v no_o dispute_n who_o doctrine_n agree_v exact_o with_o the_o other_o give_v testimony_n to_o they_o and_o to_o the_o bulk_n of_o those_o write_n it_o be_v notorious_a that_o the_o first_o christian_n receive_v they_o from_o the_o apostle_n and_o so_o transmit_v they_o to_o the_o ensue_a age_n which_o receive_v they_o with_o the_o like_a esteem_n and_o veneration_n they_o can_v be_v corrupt_v say_v saint_n austin_n in_o the_o thirty_o second_o book_n against_o faustus_n the_o manich._n c._n 16._o because_o they_o be_v and_o have_v be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o all_o christian_n and_o whosoever_o shall_v first_o attemt_fw-mi a_o alteration_n he_o will_v be_v confute_v by_o the_o inspection_n of_o other_o ancient_a copy_n beside_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o in_o some_o one_o language_n but_o translate_v into_o many_o so_o that_o the_o fault_n of_o one_o book_n will_v be_v correct_v by_o other_o more_o ancient_a or_o in_o a_o different_a tongue_n 43._o and_o how_o much_o the_o body_n of_o christian_n be_v in_o earnest_n concern_v to_o take_v care_n in_o this_o matter_n appear_v by_o very_o costly_a evidence_n multitude_n of_o they_o choose_v rather_o to_o part_n with_o their_o life_n then_o their_o bibles_n and_o indeed_o it_o be_v a_o sufficient_a proof_n that_o their_o reverence_n of_o that_o book_n be_v very_o avow_v and_o manifest_a when_o their_o heathen_a persecuter_n make_v that_o one_o part_n of_o their_o persecution_n so_o that_o as_o wherever_o the_o christian_a faith_n be_v receive_v this_o book_n be_v also_o under_o the_o notion_n we_o now_o plead_v for_o viz._n as_o the_o write_n of_o man_n inspire_v by_o god_n so_o it_o be_v also_o contend_v for_o even_o unto_o death_n and_o to_o part_v with_o the_o bible_n be_v to_o renounce_v the_o faith_n and_o now_o after_o such_o a_o cloud_n of_o testimony_n we_o may_v sure_o take_v up_o that_o ill-applied_n say_v of_o the_o high_a priest_n mat._n 26._o 65._o what_o far_a need_n have_v we_o of_o witness_n 44._o yet_o beside_o these_o another_o sort_n of_o witness_n there_o be_v i_o mean_v
justice_n and_o honesty_n which_o they_o be_v design_v to_o inculcate_v not_o to_o supplant_v and_o this_o design_n as_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o most_o excellent_a most_o worthy_a the_o command_n of_o god_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n so_o we_o have_v see_v that_o it_o have_v be_v pursue_v by_o all_o the_o most_o apt_a and_o most_o powerful_a medium_n that_o the_o thing_n or_o person_n address_v to_o be_v capable_a of_o and_o so_o that_o the_o prophet_n be_v no_o less_o eminent_a for_o the_o discharge_n of_o this_o exhortatory_n part_n of_o their_o office_n than_o they_o be_v in_o the_o former_a of_o the_o predict_v 19_o the_o next_o part_n of_o scripture_n we_o be_v to_o consider_v be_v the_o doctrinal_a by_o which_o i_o shall_v not_o in_o this_o place_n understand_v the_o whole_a complex_fw-la of_o faith_n and_o manner_n together_o but_o restrain_v it_o only_o to_o those_o revelation_n which_o be_v the_o object_n of_o our_o belief_n and_o these_o be_v so_o sublime_a as_o show_v flesh_n and_o blood_n never_o revel_v they_o those_o great_a mystery_n of_o our_o faith_n the_o trinity_n the_o incarnation_n the_o hypostatical_a union_n the_o redemtion_n of_o the_o world_n by_o make_v the_o offend_a party_n the_o sacrifice_n for_o the_o offence_n be_v thing_n of_o so_o high_a and_o abstruse_a speculation_n as_o no_o finite_a understanding_n can_v full_o fathom_v i_o know_v their_o be_v so_o be_v by_o some_o make_v a_o argument_n for_o disbelief_n but_o doubtless_o very_o unjust_o for_o not_o to_o insist_v upon_o the_o different_a nature_n of_o faith_n and_o science_n by_o which_o that_o become_v a_o proper_a object_n of_o the_o one_o which_o be_v not_o of_o the_o other_o our_o non-comprehension_n be_v rather_o a_o indication_n that_o they_o have_v a_o high_a rise_n and_o render_v it_o infinite_o improbable_a that_o they_o can_v spring_v from_o man_n invention_n for_o it_o be_v to_o suppose_v too_o great_a a_o disproportion_n between_o human_a faculty_n to_o think_v man_n can_v invent_v what_o themselves_o can_v not_o understand_v indeed_o these_o thing_n lie_v so_o much_o out_o of_o the_o road_n of_o human_a imagination_n that_o i_o dare_v appeal_n to_o the_o breast_n of_o the_o most_o perverse_a gainsayers_a whether_o ever_o they_o can_v have_v fall_v into_o their_o thought_n without_o suggestion_n from_o without_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o malicious_a contradiction_n to_o reject_v these_o truth_n because_o of_o their_o dissonancy_n from_o human_a reason_n and_o yet_o at_o the_o same_o time_n to_o ascribe_v their_o original_n to_o man_n but_o certain_o there_o can_v be_v nothing_o more_o inconsistent_a with_o mere_a natural_a reason_n then_o to_o think_v god_n can_v be_v or_o do_v no_o more_o than_o man_n can_v comprehend_v never_o any_o nation_n or_o person_n that_o own_a a_o deity_n do_v ever_o attemt_a so_o to_o circumscribe_v he_o and_o it_o be_v proportionable_a only_o to_o the_o licentious_a profaneness_n of_o these_o late_a day_n thus_o to_o measure_n immensity_n and_o omnipotence_n by_o our_o narrow_a scantling_n 20._o the_o more_o genuine_a and_o proper_a effect_n of_o these_o supernatural_a truth_n be_v to_o raise_v our_o admiration_n of_o that_o divine_a wisdom_n who_o waier_n be_v so_o past_o find_v out_o and_o to_o give_v we_o a_o just_a sense_n of_o that_o infinite_a distance_n which_o be_v between_o it_o and_o the_o high_a of_o that_o reason_n wherein_o we_o so_o pride_n ourselves_o and_o the_o great_a propriety_n these_o doctrine_n have_v to_o that_o end_n may_v well_o be_v â—eckoned_v as_o one_o part_n of_o their_o excellency_n 21._o indeed_o there_o be_v no_o part_n of_o our_o holy_a faith_n but_o be_v natural_o productive_a of_o some_o peculiar_a virtue_n as_o the_o whole_a scheme_n together_o engage_v we_o to_o be_v universal_o holy_a in_o all_o manner_n of_o conversation_n 1_o pet._n 1._o 15._o and_o it_o be_v the_o supereminent_a advantage_n true_a religion_n have_v over_o all_o false_a one_o that_o it_o tend_v to_o so_o laudable_a a_o end_n 22._o the_o theology_n of_o the_o heathen_n be_v â—n_v many_o instance_n a_o extract_n and_o quintessence_n of_o vice_n their_o most_o solemn_a rite_n and_o sacrede_a mystery_n be_v of_o such_o a_o nature_n that_o instead_o of_o refine_n and_o elevate_n they_o corrupt_v and_o debase_v their_o votary_n immerse_v they_o in_o all_o those_o abominable_a pollution_n which_o sober_a nature_n abhor_v whereas_o the_o principle_n of_o our_o faith_n serve_v to_o spiritualise_v and_o rectify_v we_o to_o raise_v we_o as_o much_o above_o mere_a manhood_n as_o they_o cast_v they_o below_o it_o 23._o and_o as_o they_o be_v of_o this_o vast_a advantage_n â—o_o we_o so_o also_o be_v they_o just_a to_o god_n in_o give_v we_o â—ight_a notion_n of_o he_o what_o vile_a unworthy_a apprehension_n have_v the_o heathen_a of_o their_o deity_n intitle_v they_o not_o only_o to_o the_o passion_n but_o even_o to_o the_o crime_n of_o man_n make_v jupiter_n a_o adulterer_n mercury_n a_o thief_n bacchus_n a_o drunkard_n etc._n etc._n proportionable_o of_o the_o rest_n whereas_o our_o god_n be_v represent_v to_o we_o as_o a_o essence_n so_o spiritual_a and_o incorporeal_a that_o we_o must_v be_v unbodied_a ourselves_o before_o we_o can_v perfect_o conceive_v what_o he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o the_o impotent_a affection_n and_o inclination_n of_o man_n that_o he_o have_v neither_o part_n nor_o passion_n and_o be_v fain_o to_o veil_v himself_o under_o that_o disguise_n to_o speak_v sometime_o as_o if_o he_o have_v mere_o in_o condescension_n to_o our_o grosser_n faculty_n and_o again_o so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o example_n a_o patron_n of_o vice_n this_o his_o eye_n be_v too_o pure_a to_o behold_v iniquity_n hab._n 1._o 13._o holiness_n be_v a_o essential_a part_n of_o his_o nature_n and_o he_o must_v deny_v himself_o to_o put_v it_o off_o 24._o the_o great_a descent_n that_o ever_o he_o make_v to_o humanity_n be_v in_o the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o second_o person_n yet_o even_o in_o that_o though_o he_o be_v link_v with_o a_o sinful_a nature_n yet_o he_o preserve_v the_o person_n immaculate_a and_o while_o he_o have_v all_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o world_n upon_o he_o by_o imputation_n suffer_v not_o any_o one_o to_o be_v inherent_a in_o he_o 25._o to_o conclude_v the_o scripture_n describe_v our_o god_n to_o we_o by_o all_o those_o glorious_a attribute_n of_o infinity_n power_n and_o justice_n which_o may_v render_v he_o the_o proper_a object_n of_o our_o adoration_n and_o reverence_n and_o it_o describe_v he_o also_o in_o those_o gentle_a attribute_n of_o goodness_n mercy_n and_o truth_n which_o may_v excite_v our_o love_n of_o and_o dependence_n on_o he_o these_o be_v representation_n something_o worthy_o of_o god_n and_o such_o as_o impress_v upon_o our_o mind_n great_a thought_n of_o he_o 26._o but_o never_o do_v the_o divine_a attribute_n so_o concur_v to_o exert_v themselves_o as_o in_o the_o mystery_n of_o our_o redemtion_n where_o his_o justice_n be_v satisfy_v without_o diminution_n to_o his_o mercy_n and_o his_o mercy_n without_o entrench_v on_o his_o justice_n his_o holiness_n most_o eminent_a in_o his_o indignation_n against_o sin_n and_o yet_o his_o love_n no_o less_o so_o in_o spare_v sinner_n these_o contradiction_n be_v reconcile_v this_o discord_n compose_v into_o harmony_n by_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n this_o be_v that_o stupendous_a mystery_n into_o which_o the_o angel_n desire_v to_o look_v 1_o pet_n 1._o 12._o and_o this_o be_v it_o which_o by_o the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v unto_o we_o as_o it_o follow_v ver_fw-la 25._o 27._o and_o as_o the_o scripture_n give_v we_o this_o knowledge_n of_o god_n so_o it_o do_v also_o of_o ourselves_o in_o which_o two_o all_o profitable_a knowledge_n be_v comprise_v it_o teach_v we_o how_o vile_a we_o be_v in_o our_o original_a dust_n and_o how_o much_o vile_a yet_o in_o our_o fall_n which_o will_v have_v sink_v we_o below_o our_o first_o principle_n send_v we_o not_o only_o to_o earth_n but_o hell_n it_o show_v the_o impotence_n of_o our_o lapse_v estate_n that_o we_o be_v not_o able_a of_o ourselves_o so_o much_o as_o to_o think_v a_o good_a thought_n and_o it_o show_v we_o also_o the_o dignity_n of_o our_o renovated_a estate_n that_o we_o be_v heir_n of_o god_n and_o fellow-heir_n with_o christ_n ro._n 8._o 17._o yet_o lest_o this_o might_n puff_n we_o up_o with_o mistake_a hope_n it_o plain_o acquaint_v we_o with_o the_o condition_n on_o which_o this_o depend_v that_o it_o must_v be_v our_o obedience_n both_o active_a and_o passive_a which_o be_v to_o entitle_v we_o to_o it_o that_o we_o must_v be_v faithful_a to_o death_n if_o we_o mean_v to_o inherit_v a_o crown_n of_o life_n rev._n 2._o 10._o and_o that_o we_o must_v suffer_v with_o christ_n if_o we_o will_v be_v glorify_v with_o he_o ro._n 8._o 17._o and_o upon_o supposition_n that_o
we_o perform_v our_o part_n of_o the_o condition_n it_o give_v we_o the_o most_o certain_a assurance_n engage_v god_n veracity_n that_o he_o will_v not_o fail_v on_o he_o by_o this_o it_o give_v we_o support_v against_o all_o the_o adversity_n of_o life_n assure_v we_o the_o suffering_n of_o it_o be_v not_o worthy_a to_o be_v compare_v with_o the_o glory_n we_o expect_v rom._n 8._o 18._o yea_o and_o against_o the_o terror_n of_o death_n too_o by_o assure_v we_o that_o what_o we_o look_v on_o as_o a_o dissolution_n be_v but_o a_o temporary_a part_n and_o we_o only_o put_v off_o our_o body_n that_o they_o may_v put_v of_o corruption_n and_o be_v clothe_v with_o immortality_n 28._o these_o and_o the_o like_a be_v the_o doctrine_n the_o holy_a scripture_n offer_v to_o we_o and_o we_o may_v certain_o say_v they_o be_v faithful_a say_n and_o worthy_a of_o all_o acceptation_n 1_o tim._n 4._o 15._o the_o notion_n it_o give_v we_o of_o god_n be_v so_o sublime_a and_o great_a that_o they_o can_v but_o affect_v we_o with_o reverence_n and_o admiration_n and_o yet_o withal_o so_o amiable_a and_o endear_n that_o they_o can_v but_o raise_v love_n and_o gratitude_n affiance_n and_o delight_n 29._o and_o which_o be_v yet_o more_o these_o mild_a attribute_n be_v apt_a to_o inspirit_v we_o with_o a_o generous_a ambition_n of_o assimilation_n excite_v we_o to_o transcribe_v all_o his_o imitable_a excellency_n in_o which_o the_o very_a heathen_n can_v discern_v consist_v the_o accomplishment_n of_o human_a felicity_n 30._o and_o then_o the_o knowledge_n it_o give_v we_o of_o ourselves_o do_v we_o the_o kind_a office_n imaginable_a keep_v we_o from_o those_o swell_a thought_n we_o be_v too_o apt_a to_o entertain_v and_o show_v we_o the_o necessity_n of_o bottome_v our_o hope_n upon_o a_o firm_a foundation_n and_o then_o again_o keep_v we_o from_o be_v lazy_a or_o secure_a by_o show_v we_o the_o necessity_n of_o our_o own_o endeavour_n in_o a_o word_n it_o teach_v we_o to_o be_v humble_a and_o industrious_a and_o whoever_o be_v so_o ballast_v can_v hardly_o be_v shipwrack_v 31._o these_o be_v the_o excellency_n of_o the_o doctrinal_a part_n of_o scripture_n which_o also_o render_v they_o most_o apt_o preparative_n for_o the_o preceptive_a and_o indeed_o so_o they_o be_v design_v the_o credenda_fw-la and_o the_o agenda_fw-la be_v such_o inseparable_a relation_n that_o whoever_o part_v they_o forfeit_v the_o advantage_n of_o both_o the_o most_o solemn_a profession_n of_o christ_n the_o most_o importunate_a invocation_n lord_n lord_n will_v signify_v nothing_o to_o they_o which_o do_v not_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o say_v mat._n 7._o and_o how_o excellent_a how_o rational_a those_o precept_n be_v which_o the_o scripture_n propose_v to_o we_o from_o he_o be_v our_o next_o point_n of_o consideration_n 32._o the_o first_o law_n which_o god_n give_v to_o mankind_n be_v that_o of_o nature_n and_o though_o the_o impression_n of_o it_o upon_o the_o mind_n be_v by_o adam_n fall_v exceed_o dim_v and_o deface_v yet_o that_o derogate_v nothing_o from_o the_o dignity_n and_o worth_n of_o that_o law_n which_o god_n have_v be_v so_o far_o from_o cancel_v that_o he_o seem_v to_o have_v make_v it_o the_o rule_n and_o square_v of_o his_o subsequent_a law_n so_o that_o nothing_o be_v enjoin_v in_o those_o but_o what_o be_v consonant_a and_o agreeable_a to_o that_o the_o moral_a law_n give_v in_o the_o decalogue_n to_o the_o jew_n the_o evangelical_n law_n give_v in_o the_o gospel_n though_o christian_n have_v this_o natural_a law_n for_o their_o basis_n and_o foundation_n they_o licence_v nothing_o which_o that_o prohibit_n and_o very_o rare_o prohibit_v any_o thing_n which_o it_o licence_n 33._o it_o be_v true_a christ_n in_o his_o sermon_n on_o the_o mount_n raise_v christian_n to_o a_o great_a strictness_n than_o the_o jew_n think_v themselves_o oblige_v to_o but_o that_o be_v not_o by_o contradict_v either_o the_o natural_a or_o moral_a law_n but_o by_o rescue_v the_o late_a from_o those_o corruption_n which_o the_o false_a gloss_n of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n have_v mix_v with_o it_o and_o reduce_v it_o to_o its_o primitive_a integrity_n and_o extent_n in_o a_o word_n as_o the_o decalogue_n be_v give_v to_o repair_v the_o defacing_n and_o renew_v the_o impression_n of_o the_o natural_a law_n so_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v design_v to_o revive_v and_o illustrate_v both_o and_o according_o we_o find_v christ_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o divorce_n call_v they_o back_o to_o this_o natural_a law_n in_o the_o beginning_n it_o be_v not_o so_o mat._n 19_o 8._o i_o say_v not_o but_o that_o even_o these_o natural_a notion_n be_v in_o some_o instance_n refine_v and_o elevate_v by_o christ_n the_o second_o adam_n be_v to_o repair_v the_o fall_n of_o the_o first_o with_o advantage_n but_o yet_o he_o still_o build_v upon_o that_o groundwork_n introduce_v nothing_o that_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o it_o 34._o and_o this_o accordance_n between_o these_o several_a law_n be_v a_o circumstance_n that_o high_o recommend_v scripture_n precept_n to_o we_o we_o can_v imagine_v but_o that_o god_n who_o make_v man_n for_o no_o other_o end_n but_o to_o be_v a_o instrument_n of_o his_o glory_n and_o a_o recipient_a of_o all_o communicable_a part_n of_o his_o happiness_n will_v assign_v he_o such_o rule_n and_o mesure_n as_o be_v most_o conducive_a to_o those_o end_n and_o therefore_o since_o the_o scripture_n injunction_n be_v of_o the_o same_o mould_n we_o must_v conclude_v they_o to_o be_v such_o as_o tend_v to_o the_o perfection_n of_o our_o be_v the_o make_v we_o what_o god_n original_o intend_v we_o and_o he_o that_o will_v not_o be_v that_o will_v certain_o choose_v much_o worse_a for_o himself_o 35._o i_o know_v there_o have_v be_v prejudices_fw-la take_v up_o against_o the_o precept_n of_o christ_n as_o if_o they_o impose_v unreasonable_a unsupportable_a strictness_n upon_o man_n and_o some_o have_v assume_v liberty_n to_o argue_v mutinous_o against_o they_o nay_o against_o god_n too_o for_o put_v such_o natural_a appetite_n into_o man_n and_o then_o forbid_v they_o to_o satisfy_v they_o 36._o but_o the_o ground_n of_o this_o cavil_n be_v the_o not_o right_o distinguish_v of_o natural_a appetite_n which_o be_v to_o be_v difference_v according_a to_o the_o two_o state_n of_o rectitude_n and_o depravation_n those_o of_o the_o first_o rank_n be_v the_o appetite_n god_n put_v into_o man_n and_o those_o be_v all_o regular_a and_o innocent_a such_o as_o tend_v to_o the_o preservation_n of_o his_o be_v nature_n in_o its_o first_o integrity_n mesure_v its_o desire_n by_o its_o need_n now_o christ_n prohibition_n be_v not_o direct_v against_o these_o he_o forbid_v no_o one_o kind_a of_o these_o desire_n and_o though_o the_o precept_n of_o self-denial_n may_v sometime_o restrain_v we_o in_o some_o particular_a act_n yet_o that_o be_v but_o proportionable_a to_o that_o restraint_n adam_n be_v under_o in_o relation_n to_o the_o forbid_a tree_n a_o particular_a instance_n of_o his_o obedience_n and_o fence_v of_o his_o safety_n so_o that_o if_o man_n will_v consider_v nature_n under_o this_o its_o first_o and_o best_a notion_n they_o can_v accuse_v christ_n of_o be_v severe_a to_o it_o 37._o but_o it_o be_v manifest_a they_o take_v it_o in_o another_o acception_n and_o mean_v that_o corruption_n of_o nature_n which_o inordinate_o incline_v to_o sensitive_a thing_n and_o on_o this_o account_n they_o call_v their_o riot_n their_o luxury_n appetite_n put_v into_o they_o by_o god_n whereas_o it_o be_v manifest_a this_o be_v superinduce_v from_o another_o coast_n the_o wise_a man_n give_v we_o its_o true_a pedigree_n in_o what_o he_o say_v of_o death_n which_o be_v its_o twin-sister_n by_o the_o envy_n of_o the_o devil_n come_v death_n into_o the_o world_n wis._n 2._o 24._o and_o can_v they_o expect_v that_o christ_n who_o come_v to_o destroy_v the_o work_n of_o the_o devil_n 1_o joh._n 3._o 8._o shall_v frame_v law_n in_o their_o favour_n make_v act_n of_o toleration_n and_o indulgence_n for_o they_o this_o be_v to_o annul_v the_o whole_a design_n of_o his_o come_n into_o the_o world_n which_o be_v to_o restore_v we_o from_o our_o lapse_v estate_n and_o elevate_v we_o to_o those_o high_a degree_n of_o purity_n which_o he_o come_v not_o only_o to_o prescribe_v but_o to_o exemplify_v to_o we_o 38._o but_o in_o this_o affair_n man_n often_o take_v nature_n â—n_v a_o yet_o wide_o and_o worse_a notion_n and_o under_o natural_a desire_n comprehend_v whatever_o upon_o any_o sort_n of_o motive_n they_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o do_v the_o awe_n of_o a_o superior_a the_o importunity_n of_o a_o companion_n custom_n and_o example_n make_v man_n do_v many_o ill_a thing_n to_o which_o their_o nature_n will_v never_o promt_v they_o nay_o many_o time_n such_o as_o their_o nature_n
find_v the_o way_n to_o bliss_n evident_o chalk_v out_o to_o he_o that_o i_o may_v use_v the_o word_n of_o saint_n gregory_n the_o lamb_n may_v wade_v in_o those_o water_n of_o life_n as_o well_o as_o the_o elephant_n may_v swim_v the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o st._n austin_n tell_v we_o lib._n 2._o of_o christian_a doctrine_n chap._n 6._o have_v make_v in_o the_o plain_a place_n of_o scripture_n magnificent_a and_o healthful_a provision_n for_o our_o hunger_n and_o in_o the_o obscure_a against_o satiety_n for_o there_o be_v scarce_o any_o thing_n draw_v from_o obscure_a place_n which_o in_o other_o be_v not_o speak_v most_o plain_o and_o he_o far_o add_v that_o if_o any_o thing_n happen_v to_o be_v no_o where_o explain_v every_o man_n may_v there_o abound_v in_o his_o sense_n 12._o so_o again_o in_o the_o same_o book_n cap._n 9_o he_o say_v that_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o concern_v faith_n and_o manner_n be_v plain_o to_o be_v meet_v with_o in_o the_o scripture_n and_o saint_n jerom_n in_o his_o comment_n on_o es._n 19_o tell_v we_o that_o it_o be_v the_o custom_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o close_v obscure_a say_n with_o those_o that_o be_v easy_a and_o what_o be_v first_o express_v dark_o to_o propose_v in_o evident_a word_n which_o very_a thing_n be_v say_v likewise_o by_o saint_n chrysostom_n hom._n 9_o 2_o cor._n 4._o 11._o who_o in_o his_o first_o homily_n on_o saint_n mat._n far_a declare_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v easy_a to_o be_v understand_v and_o expose_v to_o vulgar_a capacity_n 13._o he_o say_v again_o hom._n upon_o isaiah_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o metal_n that_o require_v the_o help_n of_o miner_n but_o afford_v a_o treasure_n easy_o to_o be_v have_v to_o they_o that_o seek_v the_o riches_n contain_v in_o they_o it_o be_v enough_o only_a to_o stoop_v down_o and_o look_v upon_o they_o and_o depart_v replenish_v with_o wealth_n it_o be_v enough_o only_a to_o open_v they_o and_o behold_v the_o splendour_n of_o those_o gem_n again_o hom._n 3._o on_o the_o second_o ep._n to_o the_o thess._n 2._o all_o thing_n be_v evident_a and_o strait_a which_o be_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n whatever_o be_v necessary_a be_v manifest_a so_o also_o hom._n 3._o on_o gen._n 14._o it_o can_v be_v that_o he_o who_o be_v studious_a in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n shall_v be_v reject_v for_o though_o the_o instruction_n of_o man_n be_v want_v the_o lord_n from_o above_o will_v enlighten_v our_o mind_n shine_v in_o upon_o our_o reason_n revele_v what_o be_v secret_a and_o teach_v what_o we_o do_v not_o know_v so_o hom._n 1._o on_o jo._n 11._o almighty_a god_n involve_v his_o doctrine_n with_o no_o mist_n and_o darkness_n as_o do_v the_o philosopher_n his_o doctrine_n be_v bright_a than_o the_o sunbeam_n and_o more_o illustrious_a and_o therefore_o every_o where_o diffuse_v and_o hom._n 6._o on_o jo._n 11._o his_o doctrine_n be_v so_o facile_a that_o not_o only_o the_o wise_a but_o even_o woman_n and_o youth_n must_v comprehend_v it_o hom._n 13._o on_o gen._n 2._o let_v we_o go_v to_o the_o scripture_n as_o our_o mark_n which_o be_v its_o own_o interpreter_n and_o soon_o after_o say_v that_o the_o scripture_n interpret_v itself_o and_o suffer_v not_o its_o auditor_n to_o err_v to_o the_o same_o purpose_n say_v cyril_n in_o his_o three_o book_n against_o julian_n in_o the_o scripture_n nothing_o be_v difficult_a to_o they_o who_o be_v conversant_a in_o they_o as_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v 14._o it_o be_v therefore_o a_o groundless_a cavil_n which_o man_n make_v at_o the_o obscurity_n of_o the_o scripture_n since_o it_o be_v not_o obscure_a in_o those_o thing_n wherein_o it_o be_v our_o common_a interest_n it_o shall_v be_v plain_a which_o sufficient_o justify_v its_o propriety_n to_o that_o great_a end_n of_o make_v we_o wise_a unto_o salvation_n and_o for_o those_o thing_n which_o seem_v less_o intelligible_a to_o we_o many_o of_o they_o become_v so_o not_o by_o the_o innate_a obscurity_n of_o the_o text_n but_o by_o extrinsic_n circumstance_n of_o which_o perhaps_o the_o overbusy_a tamper_n of_o paraphrast_n please_v with_o new_a notion_n of_o their_o own_o may_v be_v reckon_v for_o one_o but_o this_o subject_a the_o reader_n may_v find_v so_o well_o pursue_v in_o mr._n boil_v tract_n concern_v the_o stile_n of_o scripture_n that_o i_o shall_v be_v kind_a both_o to_o he_o and_o it_o to_o refer_v he_o thither_o as_o also_o for_o answer_v to_o those_o other_o querulous_a objection_n which_o man_n gall_v with_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o scripture_n have_v make_v to_o its_o stile_n 15._o a_o three_o circumstance_n in_o which_o the_o scripture_n be_v fit_v to_o attain_v its_o end_n be_v its_o be_v commit_v to_o writing_n as_o that_o be_v distinguish_v from_o oral_a delivery_n it_o be_v most_o true_a the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v of_o equal_a authority_n and_o efficacy_n which_o way_n soever_o it_o be_v deliver_v the_o sermon_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v every_o jot_n as_o divine_a and_o powerful_a out_o of_o their_o mouth_n as_o they_o be_v now_o in_o their_o story_n all_o the_o advantage_n therefore_o that_o the_o write_a word_n can_v pretend_v to_o be_v in_o order_n to_o its_o perpetuity_n as_o it_o be_v a_o secure_a way_n of_o derivation_n to_o posterity_n then_o that_o of_o oral_a tradition_n to_o evince_v that_o it_o be_v so_o i_o shall_v first_o weigh_v the_o rational_a probability_n on_o either_o side_n second_o i_o shall_v consider_v to_o which_o god_n himself_o appear_v in_o scripture_n to_o give_v the_o deference_n 16._o for_o the_o first_o of_o these_o i_o shall_v propose_v this_o consideration_n which_o i_o have_v occasion_n to_o intimate_v before_o that_o the_o bible_n be_v write_v for_o the_o universal_a use_n of_o the_o faithful_a it_o be_v as_o universal_o disperse_v among_o they_o the_o jew_n have_v the_o law_n not_o only_o in_o their_o synagogue_n but_o in_o their_o private_a house_n and_o as_o soon_o as_o the_o evangelical_n book_n be_v write_v they_o be_v scatter_v into_o all_o place_n where_o the_o christian_a faith_n have_v obtain_v now_o when_o there_o be_v such_o a_o vast_a multitude_n of_o copy_n and_o those_o so_o revere_v by_o the_o possessor_n that_o they_o think_v it_o the_o high_a pitch_n of_o sacrilege_n to_o expose_v they_o it_o must_v sure_o be_v next_o to_o impossible_a entire_o to_o suppress_v that_o book_n beside_o it_o can_v never_o be_v attemt_v but_o by_o some_o eminent_a violence_n as_o it_o be_v by_o the_o heathen_a persecutor_n which_o according_a to_o the_o common_a effect_n of_o opposition_n serve_v to_o enhance_v the_o christian_n value_n of_o the_o bible_n and_o consequent_o when_o the_o storm_n be_v past_a to_o excite_v their_o diligence_n for_o recruit_v the_o number_n so_o that_o unless_o in_o after_o age_n all_o the_o christian_n in_o the_o world_n shall_v at_o once_o make_v a_o voluntary_a defection_n and_o conspire_v to_o eradicate_v their_o religion_n the_o scripture_n can_v not_o be_v utter_o extinguish_v 17._o and_o that_o which_o secure_v it_o from_o total_a suppression_n do_v in_o a_o great_a degree_n do_v so_o from_o corruption_n and_o falsification_n for_o whilst_o so_o many_o genuine_a copy_n be_v extant_a in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n to_o be_v appeal_v to_o it_o will_v be_v a_o very_a difficult_a matter_n to_o impose_v a_o spurious_a one_o especial_o if_o the_o change_n be_v so_o material_a as_o to_o awaken_v man_n jealousy_n and_o it_o must_v be_v only_o in_o a_o place_n and_o age_n of_o gross_a ignorance_n that_o any_o can_v be_v dare_v enough_o to_o attemt_fw-mi it_o and_o if_o it_o shall_v happen_v to_o succeed_v in_o such_o a_o particular_a church_n yet_o what_o be_v that_o to_o the_o universal_a and_o to_o think_v to_o have_v the_o forgery_n admit_v there_o be_v as_o a_o learned_a man_n say_v like_v attemt_a to_o poison_v the_o sea_n 18._o on_o the_o other_o side_n oral_a tradition_n seem_v much_o more_o liable_a to_o hazard_n error_n may_v there_o insinuate_v itself_o much_o more_o insensible_o and_o though_o there_o be_v no_o universal_a conspiracy_n to_o admit_v it_o at_o first_o yet_o like_o a_o small_a eruption_n of_o water_n it_o widen_v its_o own_o passage_n till_o it_o cause_v a_o inundation_n there_o be_v no_o impression_n so_o deep_a but_o time_n and_o intervening_a accident_n may_v wear_v out_o of_o man_n mind_n especial_o where_o the_o notion_n be_v many_o and_o be_v found_v not_o in_o nature_n but_o positive_a institution_n as_o a_o great_a part_n of_o christian_a religion_n be_v and_o when_o we_o consider_v the_o various_a temper_n of_o man_n it_o will_v not_o be_v strange_a that_o succeed_a age_n will_v not_o always_o be_v determine_v by_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o former_a some_o be_v pragmatic_n and_o think_v themselves_o fit_a to_o prescribe_v to_o the_o belief_n of_o