be_v more_o easy_o observe_v than_o this_o so_o it_o be_v most_o proper_a for_o the_o place_n in_o which_o they_o be_v and_o for_o their_o manner_n of_o life_n and_o state_n of_o innocence_n the_o common_a rule_n and_o law_n of_o morality_n can_v then_o scarce_o have_v any_o place_n but_o it_o be_v requisite_a that_o this_o or_o some_o such_o other_o instance_n of_o obedience_n shall_v be_v impose_v theft_n and_o murder_n and_o adultery_n and_o other_o sin_n against_o moral_a duty_n be_v then_o either_o impossible_a to_o be_v commit_v or_o so_o unnatural_a that_o it_o can_v hardly_o be_v imagine_v how_o any_o of_o they_o shall_v be_v commit_v when_o there_o be_v yet_o but_o two_o person_n in_o the_o world_n in_o a_o state_n of_o perfect_a innocence_n and_o therefore_o in_o moral_a duty_n there_o can_v be_v no_o trial_n of_o the_o obedience_n of_o our_o first_o parent_n beside_o these_o be_v so_o well_o know_v to_o they_o that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o need_n of_o any_o command_n concern_v they_o but_o god_n give_v they_o a_o command_n in_o a_o thing_n of_o a_o indifferent_a nature_n that_o so_o he_o may_v have_v a_o plain_a proof_n of_o their_o obedience_n in_o a_o thing_n which_o be_v both_o indifferent_a of_o itself_o and_o so_o easy_a to_o they_o that_o nothing_o but_o a_o careless_a and_o perverse_a neglect_n can_v betray_v they_o into_o disobedience_n to_o suppose_v good_a and_o evil_a to_o be_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n only_o and_o not_o in_o the_o commandment_n and_o prohibition_n of_o god_n be_v in_o effect_n a_o renounce_n of_o god_n authority_n but_o this_o tree_n be_v the_o tree_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a for_o it_o make_v they_o sensible_a of_o the_o divine_a authority_n upon_o which_o moral_a good_a and_o evil_a formal_o depend_v though_o matterial_o they_o be_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n whatever_o god_n be_v please_v to_o command_v or_o forbid_v however_o indifferent_a it_o be_v in_o itself_o be_v for_o that_o very_a reason_n so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v command_v or_o forbid_v by_o he_o as_o true_o good_a or_o evil_a as_o if_o it_o be_v absolute_o and_o moral_o so_o be_v enact_v by_o the_o same_o divine_a authority_n whereby_o all_o moral_a precept_n become_v obligatory_a as_o law_n to_o we_o for_o all_o moral_a truth_n or_o precept_n or_o rule_n of_o life_n however_o certain_a and_o necessary_a in_o themselves_o yet_o receive_v the_o obligation_n of_o law_n from_o the_o divine_a authority_n this_o be_v the_o most_o certain_a truth_n in_o morality_n and_o in_o order_n of_o nature_n antecedent_n to_o all_o other_o that_o god_n be_v to_o be_v obey_v in_o all_o that_o he_o command_v or_o forbid_v but_o the_o divine_a authority_n be_v sole_o and_o pure_o concern_v in_o this_o commandment_n which_o have_v no_o foundation_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n but_o depend_v mere_o upon_o the_o will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o god_n and_o by_o the_o transgression_n of_o this_o law_n it_o become_v notorious_a to_o our_o first_o parent_n and_o their_o unhappy_a posterity_n that_o both_o good_a and_o evil_a whatever_o they_o may_v be_v in_o speculation_n and_o abstract_a notion_n yet_o as_o they_o concern_v we_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o our_o life_n be_v to_o be_v resolve_v ultimate_o into_o the_o divine_a authority_n god_n be_v our_o lawgiver_n and_o nothing_o can_v be_v a_o law_n to_o we_o but_o by_o his_o enact_v and_o what_o he_o enact_v must_v be_v a_o law_n to_o we_o and_o of_o the_o same_o necessary_a indspensable_a obligation_n so_o far_o as_o he_o be_v please_v to_o enjoin_v it_o whether_o it_o be_v a_o moral_a precept_n or_o only_o a_o indifferent_a thing_n in_o its_o own_o nature_n it_o seem_v then_o that_o god_n be_v please_v to_o manifest_v his_o sovereign_a authority_n in_o this_o commandment_n and_o to_o show_v that_o it_o be_v absolute_a and_o independent_a upon_o moral_a good_a or_o evil_a and_o that_o though_o his_o infinite_a holiness_n and_o goodness_n will_v not_o permit_v he_o to_o command_v any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o moral_a duty_n nor_o suffer_v he_o not_o to_o command_v moral_a good_a and_o forbid_v moral_a evil_n yet_o his_o authority_n be_v arbitrary_a over_o we_o extend_v as_o far_o beyond_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o morality_n as_o he_o please_v which_o indeed_o be_v only_a truth_n and_o precept_n but_o not_o duty_n to_o we_o but_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o authority_n this_o commandment_n therefore_o be_v give_v in_o assertion_n of_o god_n authority_n who_o it_o be_v always_o and_o in_o every_o thing_n good_a to_o obey_v and_o evil_a to_o disobey_v as_o our_o first_o parent_n find_v by_o sad_a experience_n 2._o experience_n maim_v more_o new_a voeh_n parâ—_n 〈◊〉_d c._n 2._o maimonides_n observe_v that_o they_o have_v the_o knowledge_n of_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n before_o but_o good_a and_o evil_n become_v know_v to_o they_o by_o their_o fall_n whereby_o they_o understand_v the_o value_n of_o that_o good_a which_o they_o have_v lose_v and_o be_v make_v sensible_a of_o the_o misery_n of_o that_o condition_n into_o which_o they_o have_v bring_v themselves_o they_o perceive_v how_o good_a it_o be_v to_o obey_v god_n and_o how_o evil_a to_o be_v disobedient_a to_o he_o in_o any_o thing_n whatsoever_o xxviâ—_n whatsoever_o lib._n 1._o disc_n xxviâ—_n mr._n mede_n have_v observe_v that_o their_o sin_n be_v sacrilege_n god_n have_v reserve_v that_o tree_n as_o holy_a to_o himself_o in_o token_n of_o his_o dominion_n and_o sovereignty_n and_o appoint_v it_o to_o such_o use_n as_o he_o have_v design_v it_o for_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o sacrilegious_a profanation_n to_o eat_v of_o it_o it_o be_v a_o theft_n or_o robbery_n no_o less_o than_o the_o rob_v of_o god_n as_o the_o prophet_n style_v sacrilege_n and_o a_o invasion_n of_o his_o right_n and_o the_o lord_n god_n say_v behold_v the_o man_n be_v become_v as_o one_o of_o we_o to_o know_v good_a and_o evil._n gen._n iii._o 22._o which_o word_n be_v general_o suppose_v to_o have_v be_v speak_v by_o a_o severe_a sarcasm_n or_o with_o a_o upbraid_a anger_n and_o indignation_n but_o they_o seem_v to_o admit_v of_o a_o easy_a sense_n if_o they_o be_v thus_o interpret_v the_o man_n be_v become_v as_o one_o of_o we_o he_o have_v make_v himself_o as_o one_o of_o we_o he_o have_v assume_v to_o himself_o a_o equality_n with_o we_o christ_n think_v it_o not_o robbery_n to_o be_v equal_a with_o god_n phil._n two_o 6._o to_o be_v equal_a be_v there_o to_o claim_v a_o equality_n and_o so_o to_o become_v as_o one_o of_o we_o be_v to_o challenge_v or_o pretend_v to_o become_v as_o one_o of_o we_o according_a to_o the_o devil_n suggestion_n christ_n know_v it_o to_o be_v no_o injury_n or_o presumption_n in_o himself_o who_o be_v in_o the_o form_n of_o god_n and_o be_v god_n as_o well_o as_o man_n to_o assume_v to_o himself_o a_o equality_n with_o the_o father_n but_o our_o first_o parent_n who_o be_v make_v in_o the_o image_n of_o god_n and_o after_o his_o likeness_n be_v not_o content_v with_o this_o but_o affect_v something_o high_a than_o the_o perfection_n of_o a_o creature_n and_o aim_v at_o a_o independent_a state_n of_o wisdom_n and_o immortality_n be_v seduce_v by_o the_o serpent_n who_o say_v unto_o the_o woman_n you_o shall_v not_o sure_o die_v you_o shall_v be_v as_o god_n know_v good_a and_o evil._n gen._n iii._o 4_o 5._o this_o be_v a_o most_o heinous_a crime_n to_o believe_v the_o serpent_n rather_o than_o god_n himself_o and_o to_o be_v seduce_v by_o he_o and_o hope_v by_o his_o advice_n to_o procure_v to_o themselves_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o immortal_a happiness_n ii_o the_o consequence_n of_o the_o fall_n of_o our_o first_o parent_n be_v answerable_a to_o their_o crime_n and_o be_v either_o upon_o themselves_o or_o upon_o their_o posterity_n or_o upon_o the_o serpent_n and_o other_o creature_n i._o the_o curse_n upon_o the_o serpent_n be_v by_o a_o visible_a object_n and_o representation_n to_o denote_v that_o curse_n and_o punishment_n which_o be_v denounce_v against_o the_o tempter_n himself_o who_o assume_v the_o body_n of_o a_o serpent_n the_o serpent_n before_o have_v a_o free_a and_o strong_a motion_n and_o can_v lift_v up_o himself_o and_o reach_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o tree_n but_o be_v since_o confine_v to_o the_o ground_n and_o be_v force_v to_o seek_v his_o food_n in_o the_o dust_n and_o there_o be_v relation_n of_o serpent_n which_o carry_v part_n of_o their_o body_n erect_v this_o before_o the_o curse_n may_v belong_v to_o the_o whole_a kind_a of_o they_o in_o another_o manner_n than_o it_o do_v since_o to_o any_o one_o sort._n the_o basilisk_n be_v say_v to_o go_v with_o his_o head_n and_o breast_n erect_v and_o a_o serpent_n call_v 7._o call_v knexe_n hist_n of_o ceyl_n part_n 1._o
in_o one_o place_n rather_o than_o in_o another_o or_o why_o it_o shall_v think_v when_o it_o be_v move_v in_o a_o right_a line_n or_o in_o a_o circle_n or_o in_o any_o curve_v line_n rather_o than_o when_o it_o lie_v still_o again_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n why_o matter_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o think_v or_o not_o think_v according_a to_o its_o situation_n or_o position_n why_o it_o shall_v think_v in_o the_o brain_n rather_o than_o upon_o the_o trencher_n or_o when_o it_o be_v digest_v and_o reduce_v to_o animal_n spirit_n rather_o than_o when_o it_o be_v in_o a_o more_o compact_a substance_n and_o have_v a_o different_a relation_n to_o the_o part_n of_o matter_n about_o it_o last_o if_o any_o sort_n of_o figure_n can_v produce_v think_v stone_n must_v certain_o think_v as_o well_o as_o the_o best_a of_o we_o and_o so_o indeed_o may_v any_o thing_n else_o for_o what_o body_n be_v there_o that_o may_v not_o subsist_v under_o all_o variety_n of_o figure_n neither_o can_v any_o lucky_a conjuncture_n of_o all_o these_o together_o produce_v a_o power_n and_o faculty_n of_o think_v for_o imagine_v what_o bulk_n rest_v or_o motion_n situation_n and_o figure_n you_o can_v to_o meet_v together_o they_o be_v all_o alike_o uncapable_a of_o so_o much_o as_o one_o thought_n since_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o any_o of_o these_o accident_n or_o modification_n of_o matter_n but_o it_o be_v as_o far_o from_o any_o power_n of_o think_v as_o matter_n itself_o be_v and_o therefore_o think_v can_v no_o more_o arise_v from_o a_o combination_n of_o they_o together_o than_o it_o can_v proceed_v from_o the_o amass_v together_o of_o matter_n all_o the_o accident_n but_o motion_n have_v nothing_o active_a or_o operative_a in_o they_o but_o be_v only_a matter_n under_o different_a mode_n and_o relation_n and_o motion_n whatever_o the_o figure_n or_o bulk_n and_o contexture_n of_o any_o body_n may_v be_v can_v be_v but_o motion_n still_o and_o suppose_v what_o contexture_n or_o modification_n you_o will_v what_o be_v motion_n under_o all_o determination_n collision_n and_o combination_n but_o change_n of_o place_n and_o how_o can_v change_v of_o place_n produce_v think_v under_o any_o variety_n of_o contexture_n in_o the_o particle_n of_o matter_n freewill_n be_v impossible_a to_o be_v account_v for_o by_o matter_n and_o motion_n as_o epicurus_n find_v who_o be_v therefore_o force_v to_o have_v recourse_n to_o his_o declinationes_fw-la atomorum_fw-la for_o which_o he_o be_v so_o just_o expose_v by_o tully_n for_o neither_o can_v matter_n determine_v its_o own_o motion_n nor_o can_v motion_n determine_v itself_o but_o must_v be_v determine_v by_o something_o external_n whereas_o all_o man_n find_v it_o in_o their_o power_n to_o determine_v themselves_o by_o a_o inward_a and_o voluntary_a principle_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o that_o the_o soul_n in_o its_o operation_n depend_v very_o much_o upon_o the_o temperament_n of_o the_o body_n yet_o the_o soul_n even_o in_o this_o state_n have_v thought_n which_o have_v no_o relation_n to_o the_o body_n or_o any_o material_a thing_n as_o thought_n of_o god_n and_o spirit_n it_o be_v own_o reflex_n thought_n or_o consciousness_n of_o its_o own_o operation_n and_o if_o it_o be_v now_o capable_a of_o no_o thought_n but_o such_o as_o have_v some_o dependence_n upon_o the_o body_n yet_o this_o can_v never_o prove_v that_o the_o soul_n itself_o be_v material_a or_o that_o matter_n think_v a_o man_n write_v with_o his_o pen_n and_o can_v write_v without_o one_o be_v it_o therefore_o his_o pen_n proper_o that_o write_v and_o not_o the_o man_n the_o body_n be_v the_o instrument_n of_o the_o soul_n in_o its_o operation_n here_o and_o as_o the_o instrument_n be_v fit_a or_o unfit_a so_o must_v its_o operation_n be_v more_o or_o less_o perfect_a but_o it_o be_v strange_a that_o the_o chief_a part_n of_o we_o shall_v be_v of_o such_o a_o nature_n that_o we_o can_v form_v no_o idea_n of_o it_o we_o may_v form_v a_o idea_n of_o it_o though_o but_o a_o imperfect_a one_o and_o do_v we_o not_o know_v that_o the_o eye_n the_o noble_a part_n of_o the_o body_n can_v see_v itself_o but_o imperfect_o and_o by_o reflection_n and_o let_v any_o man_n try_v whether_o he_o can_v form_v a_o better_a idea_n of_o a_o materal_a soul_n than_o of_o a_o immeterial_a one_o but_o this_o writer_n by_o idea_n seem_v to_o mean_v a_o material_a idea_n or_o imagination_n and_o we_o can_v indeed_o form_n a_o material_a idea_n of_o a_o immaterial_a spirit_n yet_o after_o all_o which_o he_o or_o any_o man_n else_o have_v say_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v as_o clear_o understand_v as_o that_o of_o the_o body_n and_o there_o be_v nothing_o encumber_a with_o great_a difficulty_n than_o extension_n if_o that_o be_v the_o essence_n of_o matter_n and_o if_o that_o be_v not_o it_o be_v as_o hard_a still_o to_o know_v what_o the_o essence_n of_o matter_n be_v the_o instance_n which_o he_o bring_v of_o brute_n be_v easy_o answer_v whether_o they_o can_v think_v or_o not_o if_o they_o can_v the_o objection_n fall_v of_o itself_o if_o they_o can_v i_o shall_v rather_o suppose_v that_o their_o soul_n may_v be_v annihilate_v or_o may_v transmigrate_v and_o pass_v from_o one_o brute_n to_o another_o than_o that_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n must_v be_v material_a that_o the_o soul_n of_o brute_n may_v be_v material_a too_o another_o gentleman_n of_o late_a have_v assert_v 6._o assert_v mr._n locke_n be_v human_a understanding_n l._n 4._o c._n 3._o §._o 6._o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o we_o by_o the_o contemplation_n of_o our_o own_o idea_n without_o revelation_n to_o discover_v whether_o omnipotency_n have_v not_o give_v to_o some_o system_n of_o matter_n fit_o dispose_v a_o power_n to_o perceive_v or_o think_v 65._o letter_n to_o the_o bishop_n of_o bercrâ—â—_n p._n 65._o and_o that_o there_o be_v a_o possibility_n that_o god_n may_v if_o he_o please_v superadd_a to_o matter_n a_o faculty_n of_o think_v which_o be_v what_o he_o likewise_o call_v a_o modification_n of_o think_v or_o power_n of_o think_v but_o it_o seem_v not_o intelligible_a how_o god_n shall_v superadd_a to_o matter_n this_o faculty_n or_o power_n or_o modification_n of_o think_v unless_o he_o change_v the_o nature_n of_o matter_n and_o make_v it_o to_o be_v quite_o another_o thing_n than_o it_o be_v or_o join_v a_o substance_n of_o another_o nature_n to_o it_o but_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o a_o faculty_n of_o think_v can_v be_v produce_v out_o of_o the_o power_n and_o various_a modification_n of_o matter_n and_o we_o can_v have_v no_o more_o conception_n how_o any_o modification_n of_o matter_n can_v produce_v think_v than_o we_o can_v how_o any_o modification_n of_o sound_n shall_v produce_v see_v all_o modification_n of_o matter_n be_v the_o same_o as_o to_o this_o point_n and_o matter_n may_v as_o well_o be_v make_v matter_n by_o modify_v as_o be_v make_v to_o think_v bâ—_n it_o this_o be_v just_a as_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v maintain_v that_o though_o all_o immaterial_a substance_n be_v not_o extend_v and_o divisible_a yet_o some_o of_o they_o may_v possible_o be_v or_o omnipotence_n may_v superadd_a to_o they_o a_o faculty_n of_o extension_n and_o divisibility_n for_o immeterial_a substance_n may_v become_v divisible_a and_o material_a by_o the_o same_o philosophy_n by_o which_o we_o may_v conclude_v that_o matter_n may_v think_v which_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n as_o to_o become_v immaterial_a and_o to_o surpass_v all_o the_o power_n and_o capacity_n of_o matter_n but_o though_o i_o have_v upon_o this_o occasion_n mention_v this_o gentleman_n here_o yet_o it_o will_v be_v a_o great_a injury_n do_v he_o to_o rank_v he_o with_o the_o author_n of_o the_o oracle_n of_o reason_n there_o be_v prefix_v to_o the_o piece_n a_o account_n of_o the_o life_n and_o death_n of_o that_o unhappy_a gentleman_n mr._n blount_n with_o a_o pretence_n to_o vindicate_v his_o murder_n of_o himself_o because_o his_o decease_a wife_n sister_n refuse_v to_o be_v marry_v to_o he_o by_o all_o the_o topic_n and_o argument_n of_o reason_n and_o philosophy_n which_o be_v such_o a_o undertake_n as_o i_o be_o confident_a be_v never_o hear_v of_o before_o to_o prove_v that_o a_o man_n may_v very_o grave_o and_o philosophical_o kill_v himself_o if_o a_o woman_n who_o he_o ought_v not_o to_o marry_v will_v not_o be_v his_o wife_n it_o be_v strange_a to_o see_v that_o man_n shall_v think_v it_o fit_a to_o vent_v such_o thing_n as_o these_o in_o the_o face_n of_o the_o world_n but_o this_o discover_v the_o reason_n and_o philosophy_n of_o these_o man_n and_o be_v a_o fit_a preface_n to_o such_o a_o book_n this_o wisdom_n descend_v not_o from_o above_o behold_v the_o man_n in_o their_o principle_n and_o practice_n the_o
demure_a pretender_n to_o humane_a reason_n and_o moral_a virtue_n and_o the_o enemy_n of_o reveal_v religion_n we_o be_v fall_v into_o a_o age_n in_o which_o there_o be_v a_o sort_n of_o man_n who_o have_v show_v so_o great_a a_o forwardness_n to_o be_v no_o long_o christian_n that_o they_o have_v catch_v at_o all_o the_o little_a cavil_n and_o pretence_n against_o religion_n and_o indeed_o if_o it_o be_v not_o more_o out_o of_o charity_n to_o their_o own_o soul_n than_o for_o any_o credit_n religion_n can_v have_v of_o they_o it_o be_v great_a pity_n but_o they_o shall_v have_v their_o wish_n for_o they_o both_o think_v and_o live_v so_o ill_o that_o it_o be_v a_o argument_n for_o the_o goodness_n of_o any_o cause_n that_o they_o be_v against_o it_o it_o be_v urge_v as_o a_o confirmation_n of_o the_o christian_a riligion_n by_o tertullian_n that_o it_o be_v haved_z and_o persecute_v by_o nero_n the_o worst_a of_o man_n and_o i_o be_o confident_a it_o will_v be_v but_o small_a 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or_o a_o sound_a judgement_n man_n be_v unwilling_a to_o believe_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v true_a which_o contradict_v their_o vice_n and_o the_o weak_a argument_n with_o strong_a inclination_n to_o a_o cause_n will_v prove_v or_o disprove_v whatever_o they_o have_v a_o mind_n it_o shall_v but_o let_v man_n first_o practice_v the_o virtue_n the_o moral_a virtue_n which_o our_o religion_n enjoin_v and_o then_o let_v they_o disprove_v it_o if_o they_o can_v nay_o let_v they_o disprove_v it_o now_o if_o they_o can_v for_o it_o stand_v in_o no_o need_n of_o their_o favour_n but_o for_o their_o own_o sake_n let_v they_o have_v a_o care_n of_o mistake_v vice_n for_o argument_n and_o every_o profane_a jest_n for_o a_o demonstration_n i_o wish_v they_o will_v consider_v whether_o the_o concern_v they_o have_v to_o set_v up_o natural_a against_o reveal_v religion_n proceed_v not_o from_o hence_o that_o by_o natural_a religion_n they_o mean_v no_o more_o than_o just_a what_o they_o please_v themselves_o or_o what_o they_o judge_v convenient_a in_o every_o case_n or_o occasion_n whereas_o reveal_v religion_n be_v a_o fix_a and_o determine_v thing_n and_o prescribe_v certain_a rule_n and_o law_n for_o the_o government_n of_o our_o life_n the_o plain_a truth_n of_o the_o matter_n be_v that_o they_o be_v for_o a_o religion_n of_o their_o own_o contrivance_n which_o they_o may_v alter_v as_o they_o see_v sit_v but_o not_o for_o one_o of_o divine_a revelation_n which_o will_v admit_v of_o no_o change_n but_o must_v always_o continue_v the_o same_o whatever_o they_o can_v do_v unless_o that_o be_v the_o case_n there_o will_v be_v little_a occasion_n to_o trouble_v they_o with_o book_n of_o this_o kind_n for_o the_o argument_n bring_v against_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v indeed_o so_o weak_a and_o insignificant_a that_o they_o rather_o make_v for_o it_o and_o it_o may_v well_o be_v say_v as_o m._n paschal_n relate_v by_o one_o of_o this_o sort_n of_o man_n to_o his_o companion_n if_o you_o continue_v to_o dispute_v at_o this_o rate_n you_o will_v certain_o make_v i_o a_o christian_n i_o shall_v venture_v at_o least_o to_o say_v of_o this_o treatise_n in_o the_o like_a manner_n as_o he_o do_v of_o his_o that_o if_o these_o man_n will_v be_v please_v to_o spend_v but_o a_o little_a of_o that_o time_n which_o be_v so_o often_o worse_o employ_v in_o the_o perusal_n of_o what_o be_v here_o offer_v i_o hope_v that_o something_o they_o may_v meet_v withal_o which_o may_v satisfy_v their_o doubt_n and_o convince_v they_o of_o their_o error_n but_o though_o they_o shall_v despise_v whatever_o can_v be_v say_v to_o they_o yet_o there_o be_v other_o beside_o the_o profess_a adversary_n of_o reveal_v religion_n to_o who_o a_o treatise_n of_o this_o nature_n may_v be_v serviceable_a the_o truth_n be_v notwistand_v the_o great_a plainness_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n i_o can_v but_o think_v that_o ignorance_n be_v one_o chief_a cause_n why_o it_o be_v so_o little_o value_v and_o esteem_v and_o its_o doctrine_n so_o little_o obey_v a_o great_a part_n of_o christian_n content_v themselves_o with_o a_o very_a slight_a and_o imperfect_a knowledge_n of_o the_o religion_n they_o profess_v and_o be_v able_a to_o give_v but_o very_o little_a reason_n for_o that_o which_o be_v the_o most_o reasonable_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n but_o they_o profess_v it_o rather_o as_o the_o religion_n of_o their_o country_n than_o of_o their_o own_o choice_n and_o because_o they_o find_v it_o contradict_v their_o sensual_a desire_n they_o be_v willing_a to_o believe_v as_o little_a of_o it_o as_o may_v be_v and_o when_o they_o hear_v other_o cavil_v and_o trifle_n with_o it_o partly_o out_o of_o ignorance_n and_o partly_o from_o inclination_n they_o take_v every_o idle_a objection_n if_o it_o be_v but_o bold_a enough_o for_o a_o unanswerable_a
for_o the_o most_o part_n have_v go_v on_o in_o their_o wicked_a course_n still_o and_o will_v have_v deny_v god_n in_o their_o life_n though_o their_o understanding_n be_v never_o so_o clear_o and_o full_o convince_v of_o his_o will_n and_o commandment_n as_o well_o as_o of_o his_o eternal_a power_n and_o godhead_n for_o as_o st._n paul_n testify_v the_o heathen_a themselves_o be_v not_o ignorant_a of_o the_o be_v of_o god_n but_o when_o they_o know_v god_n they_o glorify_v he_o not_o as_o god_n no_o man_n can_v be_v more_o certain_a of_o any_o inspiration_n which_o he_o can_v receive_v than_o he_o be_v of_o the_o be_v of_o that_o god_n from_o who_o he_o receive_v it_o and_o therefore_o he_o who_o deny_v the_o be_v of_o god_n must_v by_o consequence_n deny_v the_o truth_n of_o any_o such_o inspiration_n unless_o it_o have_v that_o powerful_a impulse_n upon_o his_o mind_n as_o both_o to_o convince_v he_o and_o force_v he_o to_o a_o acknowledgement_n at_o once_o of_o the_o be_v of_o 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spirit_n of_o discipline_n will_v flee_v deceit_n and_o remove_v from_o thought_n that_o be_v without_o understanding_n and_o will_v not_o abide_v when_o vnrighteousness_n come_v in_o wisd_v 1_o 2_o 3_o 4_o 5._o and_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n 404._o purpose_n quis_fw-la rerum_fw-la divinarum_fw-la haeres_fw-la sit_fw-la philo_z p._n 404._o philo_n speak_v and_o for_o this_o reason_n when_o joseph_n have_v the_o interpretation_n of_o dream_n reveal_v to_o he_o 19_o he_o see_v dr._n hammond_n on_o psal_n cv_o 19_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v say_v to_o try_v he_o or_o to_o purge_v to_o clear_v and_o justify_v he_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o god_n will_v not_o in_o that_o manner_n inspire_v one_o who_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o the_o crime_n which_o joseph_n be_v accuse_v of_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v imagine_v that_o god_n shall_v further_o reveal_v himself_o to_o all_o such_o in_o particular_a by_o a_o immediate_a inspiration_n who_o have_v reject_v all_o the_o manifestation_n which_o he_o have_v make_v of_o himself_o in_o the_o creation_n and_o government_n of_o the_o world_n but_o that_o he_o will_v reserve_v these_o immediate_a revelation_n as_o peculiar_a favour_n to_o his_o faithful_a and_o obedient_a servant_n god_n have_v sometime_o indeed_o make_v use_v of_o wicked_a man_n baalam_n caiaphas_n etc._n etc._n as_o his_o instrument_n both_o in_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n to_o show_v that_o they_o be_v at_o his_o disposal_n and_o proceed_v from_o his_o bounty_n not_o from_o any_o worth_a or_o merit_n of_o man_n and_o that_o he_o can_v over-rule_v the_o design_n and_o intention_n of_o the_o worst_a of_o man_n and_o make_v they_o serviceable_a to_o he_o even_o against_o their_o will_n whenever_o he_o please_v but_o then_o these_o be_v peculiar_a case_n in_o which_o these_o gift_n be_v afford_v for_o particular_a end_n and_o for_o the_o benefit_n of_o other_o and_o the_o man_n themselves_o be_v never_o the_o better_a for_o they_o but_o as_o for_o the_o disobedient_a st._n paul_n acquaint_v we_o how_o in_o the_o general_a dispensation_n of_o his_o providence_n god_n deal_v with_o they_o god_n give_v they_o over_o to_o a_o reprobate_a mind_n rom._n i._n 28._o and_o he_o there_o set_v down_o a_o catalogue_n of_o those_o sin_n which_o be_v the_o consequence_n of_o this_o reprobation_n the_o apostle_n all_o along_o maintain_v that_o they_o have_v so_o much_o knowledge_n of_o god_n as_o to_o render_v they_o without_o excuse_n and_o that_o they_o will_v make_v no_o improvement_n of_o it_o to_o the_o attain_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n first_o and_o then_o of_o his_o reveal_v will_n and_o it_o be_v the_o just_a judgement_n of_o god_n to_o give_v they_o up_o to_o their_o own_o heart_n lust_n to_o abandon_v they_o to_o the_o tyranny_n of_o their_o sin_n since_o they_o will_v take_v no_o notice_n of_o his_o work_n and_o will_v not_o abide_v his_o counsel_n and_o it_o must_v needs_o have_v be_v high_o inconsistent_a to_o send_v immediate_a revelation_n or_o afford_v particular_a inspiration_n to_o all_o such_o man_n as_o be_v there_o describe_v god_n spirit_n will_v not_o always_o strive_v with_o man_n but_o he_o withdraw_v his_o ordinary_a grace_n from_o those_o that_o abuse_v it_o and_o therefore_o it_o can_v never_o be_v presume_v he_o shall_v confer_v high_a favour_n upon_o they_o if_o man_n will_v believe_v upon_o reasonable_a motive_n they_o have_v sufficient_a mean_n of_o salvation_n allow_v they_o but_o if_o they_o will_v not_o believe_v without_o some_o immediate_a revelation_n they_o be_v never_o like_a to_o have_v that_o in_o this_o world_n but_o in_o the_o next_o god_n will_v reveal_v himself_o with_o terror_n and_o vengeance_n upon_o all_o the_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n god_n do_v both_o by_o nature_n and_o by_o revelation_n provide_v for_o the_o necessity_n for_o the_o welfare_n and_o happiness_n but_o never_o for_o the_o humour_n and_o peevishness_n of_o man_n and_o those_o who_o will_v not_o be_v save_v but_o according_a to_o some_o new_a way_n and_o method_n of_o their_o own_o invention_n must_v be_v miserable_a without_o remedy_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o the_o great_a infidel_n will_v own_v that_o if_o christ_n shall_v personal_o speak_v to_o they_o in_o a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n or_o appear_v to_o they_o upon_o earth_n and_o grant_v they_o that_o conviction_n which_o he_o once_o grant_v to_o st._n thomas_n or_o st._n paul_n they_o will_v believe_v in_o he_o as_o these_o apostle_n do_v but_o they_o will_v do_v well_o to_o consider_v what_o reason_n there_o can_v be_v why_o so_o much_o favour_n shall_v be_v show_v to_o those_o who_o reject_v with_o scorn_n and_o derision_n all_o the_o tender_v of_o grace_n and_o mean_n of_o salvation_n and_o what_o obligation_n god_n can_v be_v under_o to_o save_v they_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o themselves_o shall_v prescribe_v who_o will_v not_o be_v save_v in_o his_o way_n and_o according_a to_o the_o term_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o if_o god_n shall_v vouchsafe_v to_o make_v some_o immediate_a revelation_n of_o himself_o to_o these_o insolent_a offender_n and_o blasphemer_n of_o his_o name_n and_o authority_n how_o can_v we_o be_v assure_v that_o they_o will_v be_v convert_v will_v they_o not_o rather_o find_v out_o some_o pretence_n to_o persuade_v themselves_o that_o it_o be_v no_o real_a revelation_n but_o the_o effect_n of_o natural_a agent_n or_o of_o melancholy_a and_o of_o a_o disturb_a imagination_n for_o those_o who_o have_v so_o long_v not_o only_o reject_v that_o be_v a_o modest_a thing_n but_o deride_v and_o revile_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n nay_o the_o apostle_n and_o our_o saviour_n himself_o will_v not_o believe_v though_o one_o shall_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a they_o may_v be_v terrify_v perhaps_o for_o the_o present_a but_o they_o will_v soon_o stifle_v
come_v hereafter_o that_o we_o may_v know_v that_o you_o be_v god_n isai_n xlii_o 23._o but_o because_o thing_n foretell_v may_v sometime_o come_v to_o pass_v by_o chance_n or_o it_o may_v be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o evil_a spirit_n to_o foretell_v they_o when_o they_o be_v in_o design_n and_o agitation_n and_o just_o ready_a for_o action_n or_o to_o discern_v thing_n do_v at_o distant_a place_n and_o to_o make_v probable_a guess_n which_o may_v prove_v true_a from_o the_o various_a circumstance_n of_o affair_n which_o they_o observe_v in_o the_o world_n we_o may_v therefore_o be_v assure_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o divine_a attribute_n of_o goodness_n and_o truth_n that_o god_n will_v not_o suffer_v false_a religion_n to_o be_v impose_v upon_o the_o world_n under_o his_o own_o name_n by_o diabolical_a prediction_n without_o afford_v mean_n to_o discover_v they_o to_o be_v such_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 but_o the_o prophet_n have_v speak_v it_o presumptuous_o thou_o shall_v not_o be_v afraid_a of_o he_o deut._n xviii_o 22._o this_o be_v the_o mark_n of_o distinction_n between_o a_o false_a and_o a_o true_a prophet_n that_o whatever_o the_o latter_a foretell_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n shall_v come_v to_o pass_v but_o whatever_o the_o first_o foretell_v in_o his_o name_n shall_v not_o come_v to_o pass_v which_o imply_v that_o god_n will_v disappoint_v such_o prediction_n and_o not_o suffer_v they_o to_o come_v to_o pass_v otherwise_o the_o come_a to_o pass_v of_o thing_n foretell_v can_v be_v no_o certain_a mark_n of_o a_o true_a prophet_n because_o they_o may_v come_v to_o pass_v by_o chance_n the_o prophet_n which_o prophesi_v of_o peace_n when_o the_o word_n of_o the_o prophet_n shall_v come_v to_o pass_v then_o shall_v the_o prophet_n be_v know_v that_o the_o lord_n have_v true_o send_v he_o jer._n xxviii_o 9_o but_o if_o the_o prophecy_n be_v not_o pretend_v to_o be_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o true_a god_n but_o be_v give_v out_o with_o a_o profess_a design_n to_o entice_v man_n to_o the_o worship_n of_o false_a god_n then_o god_n may_v suffer_v it_o to_o be_v fulfil_v to_o prove_v his_o people_n deut._n xiii_o 1_o 2_o 3._o for_o this_o be_v consistent_a with_o god_n truth_n and_o goodness_n especial_o after_o warn_v give_v and_o after_o so_o clear_a a_o revelation_n both_o by_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n if_o any_o man_n in_o this_o case_n will_v be_v seduce_v by_o any_o wonder_n or_o prophecy_n to_o follow_v other_o god_n it_o must_v be_v great_a perverseness_n in_o he_o but_o when_o prophecy_n be_v deliver_v by_o many_o prophet_n in_o divers_a age_n and_o different_a place_n all_o teach_v the_o same_o doctrine_n and_o tend_v to_o the_o same_o end_n and_o design_n in_o their_o several_a revelation_n and_o that_o end_n be_v the_o discouragement_n of_o all_o wickedness_n and_o the_o maintenance_n of_o all_o virtue_n and_o true_a religion_n these_o prophecy_n have_v all_o that_o can_v be_v requisite_a to_o assure_v we_o that_o they_o be_v from_o god_n and_o god_n by_o suffer_v they_o to_o pass_v so_o long_o in_o the_o world_n under_o his_o own_o name_n and_o with_o all_o the_o character_n of_o his_o authority_n upon_o they_o have_v give_v we_o all_o possible_a assurance_n that_o they_o be_v his_o and_o engage_v we_o in_o honour_n to_o his_o divine_a attribute_n to_o believe_v that_o they_o real_o be_v by_o his_o authority_n and_o the_o certainty_n of_o prophecy_n be_v thus_o ground_v upon_o the_o divine_a attribute_n beside_o the_o direct_a evidence_n which_o they_o afford_v to_o whatever_o be_v deliver_v by_o they_o they_o add_v a_o undeniable_a confirmation_n to_o those_o miracle_n which_o have_v be_v foretell_v and_o be_v wrought_v at_o the_o time_n and_o in_o the_o manner_n and_o by_o the_o person_n foretell_v by_o the_o prophet_n and_o the_o prophecy_n likewise_o receive_v as_o great_a a_o confirmation_n from_o such_o miracle_n for_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n which_o be_v single_o a_o sufficient_a evidence_n of_o divine_a revelation_n do_v mutual_o support_v and_o confirm_v each_o other_o and_o hereby_o we_o have_v all_o the_o assurance_n that_o can_v be_v expect_v of_o any_o divine_a revelation_n and_o therefore_o as_o prophecy_n be_v in_o itself_o a_o most_o fit_a and_o proper_a way_n of_o revelation_n so_o in_o conjunction_n with_o miracle_n it_o be_v the_o most_o certain_a way_n that_o can_v be_v desire_v 2._o the_o suitableness_n and_o efficacy_n of_o miracle_n to_o prove_v a_o divine_a revelation_n it_o be_v a_o extravagant_a thing_n to_o conceive_v that_o god_n shall_v exclude_v himself_o from_o the_o work_n of_o his_o own_o creation_n or_o that_o he_o shall_v establish_v they_o upon_o such_o inviolable_a law_n as_o not_o to_o alter_v they_o upon_o some_o occasion_n when_o he_o foresee_v it_o will_v be_v requisite_a to_o do_v it_o for_o unless_o the_o course_n of_o nature_n have_v be_v thus_o alterable_a it_o will_v have_v be_v defective_a in_o regard_n to_o one_o great_a end_n for_o which_o it_o be_v design_v viz._n it_o will_v have_v fail_v of_o be_v serviceable_a to_o the_o design_n of_o providence_n upon_o such_o occasion_n the_o same_o infinite_a wisdom_n which_o contrive_v the_o law_n for_o the_o order_n and_o course_n of_o nature_n contrive_v they_o so_o as_o to_o make_v they_o alterable_a when_o it_o will_v be_v necessary_a for_o god_n by_o suspend_v the_o power_n or_o interrupt_v the_o course_n of_o nature_n to_o manifest_v his_o extraordinary_a will_n and_o power_n and_o by_o the_o same_o decree_n by_o which_o he_o at_o first_o establish_v they_o he_o subject_v they_o to_o such_o alteration_n as_o his_o wisdom_n foresee_v will_v be_v necessary_a we_o can_v as_o little_a doubt_n but_o that_o he_o who_o make_v the_o world_n have_v the_o sole_a power_n and_o authority_n over_o it_o and_o that_o nothing_o can_v be_v do_v in_o it_o but_o by_o his_o direction_n and_o influence_n or_o at_o least_o by_o his_o permission_n and_o that_o the_o frame_n and_o order_n of_o nature_n which_o he_o at_o first_o appoint_v can_v at_o no_o time_n be_v alter_v but_o for_o great_a end_n and_o purpose_n he_o be_v not_o give_v to_o change_v as_o man_n be_v and_o can_v never_o be_v disappoint_v in_o his_o eternal_a purpose_n and_o design_n but_o when_o any_o thing_n come_v to_o pass_v above_o the_o course_n of_o nature_n and_o contrary_a to_o it_o in_o confirmation_n of_o a_o revelation_n which_o for_o the_o importance_n and_o excellency_n of_o the_o subject_a of_o it_o and_o in_o all_o other_o respect_n be_v most_o worthy_a of_o god_n we_o may_v be_v sure_a that_o this_o be_v his_o do_v and_o there_o be_v still_o further_a evidence_n of_o it_o if_o this_o revelation_n be_v prophesy_v of_o before_o by_o prophet_n who_o foretell_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v confirm_v by_o miracle_n as_o when_o man_n bear_v blind_a receive_v their_o sight_n when_o other_o be_v cure_v of_o the_o most_o desperate_a disease_n by_o a_o touch_n or_o at_o a_o distance_n when_o the_o dead_a be_v raise_v and_o the_o devil_n cast_v out_o these_o be_v evident_a sign_n of_o a_o divine_a power_n and_o presence_n which_o give_v testimony_n to_o the_o doctrine_n deliver_v by_o those_o by_o who_o such_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v and_o the_o divine_a commission_n and_o authority_n be_v produce_v for_o what_o they_o do_v and_o teach_v for_o what_o can_v be_v more_o satisfactory_a and_o convince_a to_o man_n or_o more_o worthy_a of_o god_n than_o to_o force_v the_o devil_n themselves_o to_o confess_v and_o proclaim_v his_o come_v to_o cause_v the_o most_o insensible_a thing_n in_o nature_n to_o declare_v his_o power_n by_o give_v way_n as_o it_o be_v and_o start_v back_o in_o great_a confusion_n and_o disorder_n at_o his_o more_o immediate_a and_o particular_a presence_n to_o inform_v man_n that_o the_o god_n of_o nature_n be_v there_o this_o give_v testimony_n to_o the_o thing_n reveal_v and_o challenge_v the_o belief_n of_o all_o man_n in_o a_o language_n more_o powerful_a than_o any_o humane_a voice_n whilst_o god_n show_v forth_o his_o glory_n and_o make_v know_v his_o will_n by_o exercise_v his_o sovereignty_n over_o nature_n in_o make_v the_o whole_a creation_n bow_n and_o tremble_v and_o obey_v all_o which_o be_v perform_v according_a to_o express_v prophecy_n concern_v christ_n that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o visible_a concurrence_n both_o of_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n in_o testimony_n of_o he_o and_o this_o dispensation_n of_o miracle_n be_v admirable_o fit_v to_o propagate_v that_o religion_n which_o concern_v the_o poor_a as_o well_o as_o the_o rich_a the_o unlearned_a as_o well_o as_o the_o learned_a miracle_n be_v suitable_a
the_o pentateuch_n for_o antiquity_n and_o the_o antiquity_n of_o these_o book_n be_v one_o considerable_a circumstance_n whereby_o we_o may_v be_v convince_v that_o they_o be_v of_o divine_a revelation_n for_o if_o god_n will_v not_o suffer_v the_o world_n to_o continue_v long_o in_o a_o state_n of_o ignorance_n and_o wickedness_n without_o a_o revelation_n we_o may_v conclude_v that_o he_o will_v not_o suffer_v the_o memory_n of_o it_o to_o be_v lose_v and_o therefore_o a_o book_n of_o this_o nature_n which_o be_v so_o much_o the_o ancient_a in_o the_o world_n be_v constant_o receive_v as_o a_o divine_a revelation_n carry_v great_a evidence_n with_o it_o that_o it_o be_v authentic_a for_o the_o first_o revelation_n as_o have_v be_v prove_v be_v to_o be_v the_o criterion_n of_o all_o that_o follow_v and_o god_n will_v not_o suffer_v the_o ancient_a book_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n to_o pass_v all_o along_o under_o the_o notion_n and_o title_n of_o a_o revelation_n without_o cause_v some_o discovery_n to_o be_v make_v of_o the_o imposture_n if_o there_o be_v any_o in_o it_o much_o less_o will_v he_o preserve_v it_o by_o a_o particular_a and_o signal_n providence_n for_o so_o many_o age_n it_o be_v a_o great_a argument_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n that_o they_o have_v stand_v the_o test_n and_o receive_v the_o approbation_n of_o so_o many_o age_n and_o still_o retain_v their_o authority_n though_o so_o many_o ill_a man_n in_o all_o age_n have_v make_v it_o their_o endeavour_n to_o disprove_v they_o but_o it_o be_v still_o a_o further_a evidence_n in_o behalf_n of_o they_o that_o god_n have_v be_v please_v to_o show_v so_o remarkable_a a_o providence_n in_o their_o preservation_n the_o account_n we_o have_v of_o divine_a revelation_n in_o the_o write_n of_o moses_n be_v from_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n for_o he_o relate_v the_o intercourse_n which_o from_o the_o beginning_n pass_v between_o god_n and_o man_n and_o this_o may_v be_v deliver_v down_o either_o by_o write_v or_o by_o tradition_n till_o moses_n time_n for_o methuselah_n live_v with_o adam_n and_o shem_n with_o methuselah_n isaac_n with_o shem_n and_o amram_v the_o father_n of_o moses_n live_v with_o the_o patriarch_n the_o son_n of_o jacob_n the_o history_n of_o the_o creation_n and_o of_o the_o manifestation_n which_o god_n have_v be_v please_v to_o make_v of_o himself_o to_o their_o forefather_n can_v not_o be_v unknown_a to_o that_o age_n such_o a_o posterity_n can_v not_o but_o be_v zealous_a to_o preserve_v the_o memory_n of_o so_o great_a honour_n and_o blessing_n and_o their_o live_n in_o goshen_n separate_v from_o the_o egyptian_n do_v much_o contribute_v to_o the_o preservation_n of_o their_o antiquity_n for_o there_o they_o live_v in_o expectation_n of_o a_o deliverance_n and_o of_o see_v the_o prophecy_n fulfil_v that_o be_v make_v to_o their_o forefather_n concern_v it_o the_o famous_a prediction_n make_v to_o abraham_n gen._n xv_o 13._o can_v not_o be_v forget_v in_o so_o few_o generation_n for_o the_o come_n out_o of_o egypt_n be_v as_o it_o be_v there_o foretell_v it_o shall_v be_v in_o the_o four_o generation_n reckon_v from_o isaac_n the_o first_o of_o the_o promise_a seed_n to_o moses_n exclusive_o exod._n vi_fw-la 16._o moses_n seem_v to_o refer_v to_o some_o thing_n that_o happen_v near_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o world_n as_o well_o know_v in_o his_o own_o time_n as_o gen._n four_o 22._o where_o he_o say_v the_o sister_n of_o tubal_n cain_n be_v naamah_n for_o no_o probable_a account_n can_v be_v give_v why_o naamah_n shall_v be_v mention_v but_o because_o her_o name_n be_v then_o well_o know_v among_o the_o israelite_n for_o some_o reason_n which_o it_o do_v not_o concern_v we_o to_o be_v acquaint_v with_o but_o which_o serve_v to_o confirm_v to_o they_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o relation_n some_o have_v deliver_v that_o naamah_n by_o her_o beauty_n entice_v the_o son_n of_o god_n or_o the_o posterity_n of_o seth_n to_o commit_v idolatry_n gen._n vi_fw-la 2._o and_o so_o gen._n xi_o 29._o we_o read_v that_o haran_n be_v the_o father_n of_o ischa_n as_o well_o as_o of_o milcah_n and_o gen._n xxxvi_o 24._o this_o be_v that_o anah_n that_o find_v the_o mule_n or_o the_o hotbath_n or_o that_o fall_v upon_o the_o emims_n or_o giant_n mention_v deut._n two_o 10_o 11._o however_o the_o word_n be_v understand_v in_o the_o wilderness_n as_o he_o feed_v the_o ass_n of_o zibeon_n his_o father_n these_o and_o such_o like_a particular_n must_v have_v be_v preserve_v and_o common_o know_v among_o the_o israelite_n and_o be_v therefore_o insert_v to_o serve_v as_o epocha_n and_o note_n of_o remembrance_n for_o the_o better_a understanding_n the_o rest_n of_o the_o history_n the_o story_n and_o manner_n of_o life_n of_o nimrod_n be_v convey_v in_o a_o proverb_n wherefore_o it_o be_v say_v even_o as_o nimrod_n the_o mighty_a hunter_n before_o the_o lord_n gen._n x._o 9_o and_o the_o remembrance_n of_o abraham_n offer_v up_o his_o son_n be_v retain_v both_o by_o the_o name_n of_o the_o place_n and_o by_o a_o proverbial_a say_v and_o abraham_n call_v the_o name_n of_o that_o place_n jehovah-jireh_a as_o it_o be_v say_v to_o this_o day_n in_o the_o mount_n of_o the_o lord_n it_o shall_v be_v see_v gen._n xxii_o 14._o and_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n to_o be_v make_v but_o that_o there_o be_v other_o the_o like_a remembrance_n of_o the_o most_o remarkable_a transaction_n josephus_n have_v prove_v that_o author_n of_o all_o nation_n agree_v that_o in_o ancient_a time_n man_n live_v to_o the_o age_n of_o about_o a_o thousand_o year_n and_o some_o be_v know_v to_o have_v live_v to_o a_o very_a great_a age_n in_o latter_a time_n but_o however_o it_o have_v be_v more_o serviceable_a to_o moses_n purpose_n if_o he_o have_v have_v any_o other_o design_n but_o truth_n that_o man_n shall_v not_o have_v be_v so_o long_o live_v for_o when_o he_o have_v so_o much_o scope_n for_o his_o invention_n if_o it_o have_v be_v a_o invention_n of_o his_o own_o he_o will_v never_o have_v fix_v the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n at_o the_o distance_n of_o so_o few_o generation_n from_o the_o time_n in_o which_o he_o write_v but_o will_v rather_o have_v make_v the_o generation_n of_o man_n more_o and_o their_o life_n short_a that_o so_o he_o may_v the_o better_o have_v conceal_v his_o fiction_n in_o obscure_a and_o uncertain_a relation_n which_o must_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v deliver_v through_o so_o many_o hand_n down_o to_o that_o age._n the_o distance_n of_o time_n from_o the_o flood_n to_o moses_n be_v more_o than_o it_o be_v from_o the_o conqust_n to_o the_o present_a age_n but_o half_o of_o this_o time_n noah_n himself_o be_v live_v and_o therefore_o allow_v for_o the_o great_a length_n of_o man_n life_n in_o those_o age_n than_o in_o we_o the_o time_n when_o moses_n write_v not_o be_v compute_v at_o so_o great_a a_o distance_n from_o the_o flood_n as_o we_o be_v at_o from_o the_o reformation_n but_o be_v it_o possible_a to_o make_v any_o man_n of_o tolerable_a sense_n among_o we_o believe_v that_o henry_n viii_o be_v the_o first_o king_n of_o england_n that_o he_o live_v above_o seven_o hundred_o year_n ago_o that_o there_o be_v a_o deluge_n since_o his_o time_n which_o sweep_v all_o the_o inhabitant_n away_o of_o this_o island_n and_o of_o the_o whole_a world_n beside_o but_o some_o seven_o or_o eight_o person_n and_o that_o all_o who_o we_o now_o see_v be_v bear_v of_o they_o and_o yet_o this_o as_o ridiculous_a as_o it_o seem_v be_v not_o more_o absurd_a than_o moses_n account_n of_o the_o creation_n and_o the_o flood_n must_v have_v be_v to_o those_o of_o his_o own_o time_n if_o it_o be_v false_a for_o it_o be_v very_o reasonable_a to_o think_v as_o josephus_n inform_v we_o that_o write_v be_v in_o use_n before_o the_o flood_n and_o it_o be_v not_o improbable_a as_o some_o have_v conjecture_v that_o the_o history_n of_o the_o creation_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o book_n of_o genesis_n be_v for_o the_o substance_n of_o it_o deliver_v down_o to_o moses_n time_n in_o verse_n which_o be_v the_o most_o easy_a to_o be_v remember_v and_o the_o most_o ancient_a of_o all_o sort_n of_o write_v and_o be_v at_o first_o chief_o use_v for_o matter_n of_o history_n and_o consist_v of_o plain_a narration_n without_o much_o of_o art_n or_o ornament_n we_o read_v of_o instrumental_a music_n gen._n four_o 21._o before_o the_o flood_n and_o vocal_a music_n be_v so_o much_o more_o natural_a than_o instrumental_a it_o be_v likely_a that_o poetry_n be_v of_o as_o great_a antiquity_n both_o in_o their_o hymn_n and_o praise_n of_o god_n and_o as_o a_o help_n to_o their_o memory_n which_o be_v the_o two_o end_n to_o which_o moses_n
the_o word_n that_o we_o do_v tell_v thou_o in_o egypt_n say_v let_v we_o alone_o that_o we_o may_v serve_v the_o egyptian_n for_o it_o have_v be_v better_a for_o we_o to_o serve_v the_o egyptian_n than_o that_o we_o shall_v die_v in_o the_o wilderness_n exod._n fourteen_o 11_o 12._o but_o the_o israelite_n be_v purposely_o bring_v into_o this_o distress_n by_o god_n express_a will_n and_o command_n that_o he_o may_v get_v he_o honour_n upon_o pharaoh_n and_o upon_o all_o his_o do_v upon_o his_o chariot_n and_o upon_o his_o horseman_n ver_fw-la 17._o and_o â—he_v sea_n be_v divide_v at_o moses_n lift_v up_o his_o rod_n the_o child_n of_o israel_n go_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o it_o upon_o dry-ground_n and_o the_o water_n be_v a_o wall_n unto_o they_o on_o the_o right_a hand_n and_o on_o the_o jest_n ver_fw-la 22._o and_o can_v they_o be_v ignorant_a whether_o they_o walk_v in_o the_o water_n or_o upon_o dry_a land_n whether_o they_o be_v the_o man_n that_o have_v escape_v or_o whether_o they_o have_v be_v all_o drown_v the_o word_n be_v express_v that_o the_o water_n be_v on_o both_o side_n of_o they_o in_o their_o passage_n and_o that_o they_o be_v separate_v to_o make_v way_n for_o they_o which_o can_v not_o fall_v out_o by_o any_o ebb_a of_o the_o sea_n for_o than_o they_o will_v have_v have_v water_n but_o on_o one_o side_n of_o they_o whereas_o now_o the_o water_n stand_v equal_o on_o both_o hand_n and_o nothing_o can_v be_v suppose_v more_o absurd_a than_o it_o be_v to_o imagine_v that_o neither_o the_o egyptian_n nor_o the_o israelite_n shall_v understand_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o red-sea_n but_o that_o the_o course_n of_o the_o tide_n shall_v be_v know_v only_o to_o moses_n at_o the_o give_n of_o the_o law_n the_o whole_a people_n of_o israel_n have_v warning_n give_v they_o three_o day_n before_o that_o they_o may_v sanctify_v and_o prepare_v themselves_o to_o make_v their_o appearance_n before_o the_o lord_n all_z the_o people_n see_v the_o thundering_n and_o lightning_n and_o the_o noise_n of_o the_o trumpet_n and_o behold_v the_o mountain_n smoke_v and_o the_o lord_n speak_v in_o the_o audience_n of_o the_o whole_a assembly_n the_o word_n of_o the_o ten_o commandment_n and_o they_o be_v strike_v with_o such_o a_o terror_n that_o they_o remove_v and_o stand_v afar_o off_o and_o desire_v moses_n that_o he_o will_v acquaint_v they_o with_o what_o god_n shall_v be_v please_v to_o give_v he_o in_o command_n concern_v they_o that_o they_o may_v no_o long_o hear_v god_n speak_v to_o they_o lest_o they_o shall_v die_v exod._n xx_o 18._o deut._n v._n 22._o the_o clond_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v upon_o the_o tabernacle_n by_o day_n and_o fire_n be_v on_o it_o by_o night_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o all_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n throughout_o all_o their_o journey_n exod._n xl_o 38._o whether_o it_o be_v two_o day_n or_o a_o month_n or_o a_o year_n that_o the_o cloud_n tarry_v upon_o the_o tabernacle_n remain_v thereon_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n abode_n in_o their_o tent_n and_o journey_v not_o but_o when_o it_o be_v take_v up_o they_o journey_v num._n ix_o 22._o from_o the_o time_n of_o their_o escape_n out_o of_o egypt_n the_o pillar_n of_o the_o cloud_n by_o day_n and_o the_o pillar_n of_o fire_n by_o might_n the_o manna_n with_o which_o they_o be_v yf_v during_o the_o whole_a time_n of_o their_o journey_v in_o the_o wilderness_n till_o the_o very_a day_n after_o they_o have_v eat_v of_o the_o corn_n of_o the_o land_n of_o canâ—â—n_n exod._n xuj_o 35._o jos_n v._o 12._o and_o their_o garment_n last_v for_o so_o long_a a_o time_n without_o any_o decay_n deut._n xxix_o 5._o these_o be_v constant_a and_o perpetual_a miracle_n for_o forty_o year_n together_o and_o it_o be_v the_o most_o impossible_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n to_o suppose_v that_o a_o people_n consist_v of_o so_o many_o hundred_o thousand_o shall_v for_o so_o long_a a_o time_n be_v impose_v upon_o in_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n their_o eve_n and_o taste_v and_o all_o their_o sense_n be_v witness_n that_o they_o be_v conduct_v and_o feed_v and_o clothe_v by_o miracle_n for_o forty_o year_n together_o indeed_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o lead_v so_o great_a a_o multitude_n through_o a_o vast_a and_o barren_a wilderness_n by_o so_o long_a and_o tedious_a journey_n without_o the_o help_n of_o miracle_n if_o they_o have_v be_v under_o no_o other_o distress_n but_o want_n of_o food_n in_o so_o barren_a a_o place_n it_o have_v be_v impossible_a for_o any_o number_n of_o man_n and_o much_o more_o for_o so_o vast_a a_o multitude_n to_o subsist_v for_o any_o time_n without_o a_o miracle_n but_o they_o be_v say_v with_o manna_n from_o heaven_n not_o with_o such_o as_o the_o manna_n be_v which_o be_v now_o any_o where_n to_o be_v find_v which_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o honey-dew_n but_o with_o manna_n which_o be_v fit_a for_o nourishment_n not_o for_o physic_n and_o so_o hard_a as_o to_o be_v ground_n in_o mill_n and_o beat_v in_o mortar_n and_o bake_v in_o pan_n num._n xi_o 8._o and_o yet_o it_o be_v melt_v by_o the_o sun_n and_o breed_v worm_n and_o stink_v if_o it_o be_v keep_v but_o one_o night_n except_o it_o be_v on_o the_o night_n before_o the_o sabbath_n though_o again_o when_o it_o be_v to_o be_v preserve_v for_o a_o memorial_n to_o future_a generation_n nothing_o be_v more_o last_a and_o it_o fall_v on_o every_o day_n of_o the_o week_n but_o the_o sabbath_n the_o manna_n therefore_o which_o be_v now_o of_o what_o sort_n soever_o it_o be_v be_v of_o quite_o a_o different_a nature_n from_o this_o miraculous_a manna_n though_o it_o have_v its_o name_n from_o it_o as_o a_o learned_a physician_n 2._o physician_n jo_n chrys_n magnen_n de_fw-fr manna_n c._n 2._o have_v prove_v their_o water_n be_v as_o miraculous_a as_o their_o food_n and_o their_o clothing_n as_o either_o neither_o their_o raiment_n decay_v nor_o their_o bread_n and_o water_n fail_v till_o they_o arrive_v in_o the_o promise_v land_n the_o march_n of_o the_o greek_a army_n out_o of_o asia_n under_o the_o conduct_n of_o xenophon_n after_o the_o death_n of_o cyrus_n be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o thing_n scarce_o to_o be_v equal_v in_o all_o humane_a story_n though_o that_o be_v but_o for_o one_o year_n and_o three_o month_n and_o the_o difficulty_n they_o meet_v with_o be_v nothing_o in_o comparison_n of_o those_o that_o beset_v the_o israelite_n on_o every_o side_n in_o that_o great_a and_o terrible_a wilderness_n wherein_o be_v fiery_a serpent_n and_o scorpion_n and_o drought_n deut._n viij_o 15._o a_o land_n of_o desert_n and_o of_o pit_n of_o drought_n and_o of_o the_o shadow_n â—f_fw-fr death_n a_o land_n that_o no_o man_n pass_v through_o and_o where_o no_o man_n dwell_v jer._n two_o 6._o nothing_o but_o a_o power_n of_o miracle_n can_v have_v sustain_v they_o and_o nothing_o but_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o can_v have_v keep_v they_o within_o any_o bound_n of_o duty_n and_o obedience_n we_o see_v how_o froward_a and_o rebellious_a they_o be_v upon_o all_o occasion_n notwithstanding_o the_o wonderful_a power_n and_o presence_n of_o god_n continual_o manifest_a among_o they_o they_o will_v have_v be_v content_a with_o the_o egyptian_a slavery_n and_o the_o egyptian_a god_n too_o rather_o than_o endure_v the_o hardship_n of_o the_o wilderness_n moses_n complain_v that_o they_o be_v almost_o ready_a to_o stone_n he_o exod._n xvii_o 4._o and_o out_o of_o despondency_n pray_v that_o god_n will_v kill_v he_o out_o of_o hand_n rather_o than_o lay_v so_o great_a a_o burden_n upon_o he_o num._n xi_o 15._o and_o whoever_o can_v believe_v that_o moses_n by_o his_o own_o skill_n and_o management_n can_v lead_v such_o a_o multitude_n through_o such_o a_o wilderness_n so_o many_o year_n journey_n can_v it_o seem_v believe_v any_o thing_n rather_o than_o the_o scripture_n for_o this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o incredible_a thing_n that_o can_v be_v conceive_v but_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o least_o incredible_a that_o he_o may_v do_v it_o by_o the_o divine_a power_n and_o assistance_n the_o child_n of_o israel_n tempt_v god_n ten_o time_n by_o their_o murmur_n and_o their_o distrust_n of_o his_o power_n and_o care_n over_o they_o num._n fourteen_o 22._o for_o which_o many_o of_o they_o be_v punish_v with_o death_n till_o at_o last_o the_o whole_a number_n of_o man_n that_o be_v twenty_o year_n old_a and_o upward_o have_v this_o judgement_n denounce_v against_o they_o that_o for_o their_o murmur_n but_o two_o of_o they_o by_o name_n caleb_n the_o son_n of_o jephunneh_n and_o joshua_n the_o son_n of_o nun_n shall_v be_v suffer_v to_o enter_v into_o the_o promise_a land_n and_o the_o rest_n shall_v all_o die_v in_o the_o wilderness_n but_o that_o after_o
it_o be_v true_a because_o it_o be_v for_o the_o benefit_n of_o mankind_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o and_o upon_o that_o account_n it_o carry_v the_o visible_a character_n of_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n in_o it_o for_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o religion_n which_o god_n have_v establish_v in_o the_o world_n must_v be_v of_o this_o nature_n that_o none_o but_o wicked_a man_n can_v dislike_v it_o and_o that_o all_o sober_a and_o good_a man_n must_v be_v well_o satisfy_v with_o it_o and_o mighty_o incline_v to_o believe_v it_o nay_o even_o the_o worst_a man_n must_v be_v force_v to_o confess_v that_o they_o owe_v their_o own_o safety_n and_o protection_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o it_o and_o that_o such_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n will_v be_v evident_a if_o we_o consider_v that_o i._o it_o teach_v a_o universal_a righteousness_n both_o towards_o god_n and_o man._n ii_o it_o lay_v down_o the_o only_a true_a principle_n of_o holiness_n iii_o it_o propose_v the_o most_o effectual_a motive_n iv_o it_o afford_v the_o great_a help_n and_o assistance_n to_o a_o holy_a life_n v._o it_o express_v the_o great_a compassion_n and_o condescension_n to_o our_o infirmity_n vi_o the_o propagation_n of_o the_o gospel_n have_v have_v mighty_a effect_n towards_o the_o reformation_n and_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n vii_o the_o high_a mystery_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v not_o mere_o speculative_a but_o have_v a_o necessary_a relation_n to_o practice_n and_o be_v reveal_v for_o the_o advancement_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n among_o man_n i._o the_o christian_a religion_n teach_v a_o universal_a righteousness_n both_o towards_o god_n and_o man._n it_o teach_v we_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n that_o he_o be_v a_o spirit_n and_o therefore_o aught_o to_o be_v worship_v in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n and_o give_v we_o a_o account_n of_o the_o power_n and_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n in_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o in_o the_o various_a dispensation_n of_o his_o providence_n in_o the_o preservation_n and_o government_n of_o it_o and_o especial_o in_o the_o wonderful_a work_n of_o our_o redemption_n god_n be_v represent_v in_o the_o scripture_n as_o slow_a to_o anger_v and_o great_a in_o power_n and_o who_o will_v not_o at_o all_o acquit_v the_o wicked_a nahum_n i._o 3._o and_o we_o be_v require_v to_o love_n and_o serve_v he_o with_o all_o our_o ability_n both_o of_o body_n and_o mind_n deut._n vi_fw-la 5._o matt._n xxii_o 37._o the_o duty_n of_o man_n towards_o one_o another_o be_v no_o less_o strict_o enjoin_v than_o our_o duty_n towards_o god_n himself_o for_o the_o scripture_n oblige_v all_o man_n to_o the_o conscientious_a performance_n of_o their_o several_a duty_n in_o their_o respective_a capacity_n and_o relation_n they_o teach_v wife_n and_o child_n and_o subject_n and_o servant_n obedience_n not_o only_o for_o wrath_n but_o also_o for_o conscience_n sake_n and_o they_o teach_v prince_n and_o husband_n and_o father_n and_o master_n a_o proportionable_a care_n and_o kindness_n and_o affection_n they_o check_v and_o restrain_v the_o rich_a and_o powerful_a from_o violence_n and_o oppression_n and_o command_v they_o to_o relieve_v those_o that_o be_v in_o want_n and_o to_o protect_v all_o that_o be_v in_o distress_n and_o to_o root_v up_o the_o very_a seed_n and_o principle_n of_o vice_n in_o we_o they_o regulate_v our_o desire_n and_o give_v law_n to_o our_o word_n and_o look_n and_o thought_n they_o command_v a_o universal_a love_n and_o charity_n towards_o all_o mankind_n to_o hurt_v no_o body_n so_o much_o as_o in_o a_o thought_n but_o to_o do_v all_o the_o good_a which_o be_v in_o our_o power_n they_o oblige_v man_n to_o do_v as_o they_o will_v be_v do_v unto_o in_o all_o case_n to_o consider_v other_o as_o man_n of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o themselves_o and_o to_o love_n and_o respect_v they_o according_o upon_o all_o occasion_n i_o may_v add_v what_o grotius_n have_v not_o omit_v that_o more_o favour_n and_o equity_n be_v extend_v to_o one_o half_a of_o humane_a kind_n by_o the_o christian_a religion_n than_o ever_o have_v be_v by_o any_o other_o for_o among_o infidel_n woman_n be_v esteem_v but_o as_o slave_n to_o the_o lust_n of_o man_n who_o may_v have_v as_o many_o wife_n as_o they_o please_v and_o change_v they_o as_o often_o as_o they_o think_v fit_a ii_o the_o scripture_n propound_v to_o we_o the_o only_a true_a principle_n of_o holiness_n for_o they_o teach_v we_o to_o perform_v all_o duty_n both_o towards_o god_n and_o man_n upon_o principle_n of_o love_n and_o charity_n which_o be_v the_o only_a principle_n that_o can_v make_v man_n happy_a in_o the_o performance_n of_o their_o respective_a duty_n and_o that_o can_v cause_v they_o to_o persevere_v in_o it_o what_o man_n do_v upon_o principle_n of_o love_n they_o do_v with_o delight_n and_o what_o man_n delight_v in_o they_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o do_v but_o fear_n have_v torment_v and_o man_n will_v use_v all_o art_n to_o get_v rid_v of_o their_o fear_n and_o of_o that_o sense_n of_o duty_n which_o proceed_v only_o from_o a_o apprehension_n of_o punishment_n and_o therefore_o be_v perpetual_o grievous_a and_o burdensome_a to_o they_o reward_n themselves_o may_v become_v ineffectual_a by_o proposal_n of_o contrary_a reward_n for_o small_a advantage_n which_o be_v present_a and_o in_o hand_n may_v be_v more_o prevalent_a than_o never_o so_o much_o great_a which_o be_v future_a and_o look_v upon_o only_o at_o a_o distance_n but_o a_o sense_n of_o love_n and_o gratitude_n and_o charity_n can_v never_o fail_v of_o its_o effect_n because_o this_o bring_v its_o reward_n with_o it_o and_o make_v our_o duty_n a_o delight_n he_o who_o love_v god_n will_v certain_o obey_v he_o and_o he_o that_o do_v not_o love_v he_o never_o can_v true_o obey_v he_o as_o he_o ought_v but_o will_v be_v ever_o repine_v at_o his_o duty_n and_o will_v be_v for_o seek_v all_o pretence_n to_o excuse_v himself_o from_o it_o he_o who_o do_v not_o love_v his_o neighbour_n will_v be_v for_o take_v all_o opportunity_n of_o pursue_v his_o own_o advantage_n against_o he_o but_o he_o who_o love_v he_o as_o himself_o will_v never_o do_v he_o any_o injury_n he_o that_o love_v another_o have_v fulfil_v the_o law_n for_o this_o thou_o shall_v not_o commit_v adultery_n thou_o shall_v not_o kill_v thou_o shall_v not_o steal_v thou_o shall_v not_o bear_v false_a witness_n thou_o shall_v not_o covet_v and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o other_o commandment_n it_o be_v brief_o comprehend_v in_o this_o say_n namely_o thou_o shall_v love_v thy_o neighbour_n as_o thyself_o love_n work_v no_o ill_a to_o his_o neighbour_n therefore_o love_n be_v the_o fulfil_n of_o the_o law_n rom._n xiii_o 8._o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o of_o our_o neighbour_n comprehend_v the_o whole_a duty_n of_o man_n which_o be_v a_o doctrine_n no_o where_o to_o be_v meet_v withal_o but_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n all_o the_o wisdom_n of_o philosopher_n can_v never_o discover_v this_o doctrine_n which_o set_v before_o we_o the_o only_a infallible_a principle_n of_o obedience_n and_o it_o must_v be_v a_o most_o gracious_a and_o wise_a law_n which_o make_v love_n the_o principle_n and_o foundation_n of_o our_o whole_a duty_n both_o towards_o god_n and_o man._n iii_o the_o christian_a religion_n propose_v the_o most_o effectual_a motive_n of_o obedience_n and_o holiness_n of_o life_n the_o moral_a reason_n and_o argument_n for_o a_o virtuous_a life_n be_v so_o great_a and_o evident_a that_o those_o who_o live_v otherwise_o be_v general_o convince_v that_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o do_v it_o but_o because_o the_o argument_n from_o reason_n be_v to_o faint_v and_o lifeless_a to_o oppose_v to_o sense_n and_o passion_n therefore_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v purposely_o fit_v to_o every_o faculty_n and_o present_v we_o with_o great_a object_n of_o fear_n and_o love_n and_o desire_v than_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n can_v do_v and_o as_o god_n will_v be_v serve_v by_o we_o upon_o no_o other_o principle_n but_o that_o of_o love_n so_o the_o chief_a motive_n to_o our_o obedience_n express_v throughout_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o divine_a love_n they_o represent_v to_o we_o all_o the_o method_n which_o god_n have_v be_v please_v to_o use_v as_o necessary_a to_o reclaim_v the_o world_n by_o his_o mercy_n and_o his_o judgement_n by_o send_v his_o prophet_n at_o sundry_a time_n and_o in_o divers_a manner_n and_o at_o last_o by_o send_v his_o own_o son_n he_o see_v the_o fondness_n that_o man_n have_v for_o this_o world_n and_o for_o the_o pleasure_n and_o sin_n of_o it_o how_o subject_a they_o be_v to_o temptation_n and_o how_o prone_a to_o comply_v with_o they_o and_o therefore_o he_o have_v be_v please_v to_o pursue_v
we_o with_o the_o endearment_n of_o his_o love_n and_o with_o such_o condescension_n of_o grace_n and_o favour_n as_o must_v needs_o mighty_o affect_v the_o most_o obstinate_a sinner_n who_o have_v but_o the_o sense_n and_o gratitude_n of_o a_o man_n leave_v in_o he_o to_o consider_v they_o and_o then_o he_o have_v denounce_v his_o wrath_n and_o vengeance_n against_o all_o such_o as_o will_v not_o be_v lead_v and_o persuade_v to_o their_o own_o happiness_n by_o the_o infinite_a love_n of_o christ_n he_o be_v bear_v he_o live_v he_o die_v for_o we_o he_o have_v procure_v our_o pardon_n he_o proffer_v we_o his_o grace_n and_o assistance_n he_o promise_v we_o eternal_a happiness_n with_o himself_o in_o heaven_n upon_o our_o obedience_n and_o last_o of_o all_o he_o threaten_v we_o with_o eternal_a misery_n if_o we_o will_v not_o be_v happy_a thus_o force_v we_o as_o it_o be_v to_o happiness_n if_o we_o will_v not_o be_v persuade_v to_o it_o for_o this_o be_v all_o the_o force_n that_o 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great_a help_n and_o assistance_n to_o a_o holy_a life_n god_n who_o be_v a_o spirit_n and_o be_v the_o author_n of_o the_o be_v and_o of_o the_o life_n and_o motion_n of_o all_o thing_n do_v more_o especial_o act_v upon_o the_o spirit_n and_o mind_n of_o man_n by_o put_v into_o they_o good_a desire_n and_o by_o incline_v their_o heart_n to_o keep_v his_o commandment_n and_o perform_v his_o will_n and_o this_o grace_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n towards_o we_o this_o spiritual_a aid_n and_o strength_n be_v sufficient_a to_o enable_v we_o to_o conquer_v sin_n and_o over_o come_v temptation_n and_o we_o be_v exhort_v to_o come_v bold_o to_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n that_o we_o may_v obtain_v mercy_n and_o find_v grace_n to_o help_v in_o time_n of_o need_n heb._n four_o 16._o which_o we_o be_v assure_v shall_v be_v bestow_v upon_o we_o for_o christ_n sake_n through_o his_o merit_n and_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o mediation_n and_o intercession_n all_o the_o world_n have_v be_v sensible_a of_o the_o great_a proneness_n in_o humane_a nature_n to_o evil_n and_o backwardness_n to_o what_o reason_n itself_o seem_v to_o dictate_v as_o good_a and_o fit_a to_o be_v do_v but_o the_o christian_a religion_n only_o have_v provide_v a_o remedy_n to_o cure_v this_o great_a corruption_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o assist_v we_o in_o the_o performance_n of_o our_o duty_n v._o the_o christian_a religion_n express_v the_o great_a compassion_n and_o condescension_n to_o our_o infirmity_n christ_n die_v to_o make_v satisfaction_n for_o our_o sin_n and_o to_o procure_v acceptance_n with_o god_n for_o we_o upon_o our_o repentance_n he_o intercee_v for_o we_o and_o plead_v the_o merit_n of_o his_o own_o death_n and_o passion_n in_o our_o behalf_n we_o have_v a_o advocate_n with_o the_o father_n jesus_n christ_n the_o righteous_a and_o he_o be_v the_o propitiation_n for_o our_o sin_n though_o they_o be_v never_o so_o great_a and_o heinous_a if_o we_o do_v but_o true_o repent_v of_o they_o and_o forsake_v they_o and_o the_o sin_n of_o ignorance_n and_o surprise_v and_o infirmity_n be_v not_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o term_n of_o salvation_n but_o a_o general_a humiliation_n and_o repentance_n with_o a_o constant_a and_o sincere_a endeavour_n to_o serve_v and_o please_v god_n will_n through_o christ_n merit_n be_v accept_v of_o by_o he_o for_o such_o sin_n as_o we_o have_v no_o sufficient_a mean_n or_o ability_n of_o know_v to_o be_v sin_n and_o for_o such_o as_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o frailty_n of_o our_o nature_n we_o can_v live_v whole_o free_a from_o nothing_o be_v require_v of_o we_o but_o a_o sincere_a and_o honest_a diligence_n to_o do_v what_o we_o can_v and_o a_o lively_a faith_n to_o rely_v upon_o christ_n merit_n for_o the_o pardon_n of_o what_o sin_n we_o be_v not_o able_a whole_o to_o avoid_v man_n be_v forward_o to_o complain_v of_o the_o uneasiness_n of_o the_o christian_a yoke_n without_o any_o true_a experience_n and_o trial_n of_o it_o and_o without_o consider_v the_o principle_n and_o motive_n and_o help_v and_o the_o condescend_v and_o gracious_a term_n which_o the_o gospel_n propose_v indeed_o to_o lay_v some_o injunction_n and_o restraint_n more_o than_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a be_v but_o what_o all_o lawgiver_n have_v do_v for_o some_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v forbid_v as_o a_o prevention_n and_o a_o preservative_n from_o the_o commission_n of_o sin_n and_o other_o command_v as_o preparatory_a qualification_n and_o disposition_n to_o virtue_n and_o to_o make_v the_o practice_n of_o it_o more_o easy_a and_o certain_a to_o we_o and_o if_o man_n be_v allow_v in_o all_o government_n to_o have_v this_o authority_n certain_o god_n who_o have_v a_o absolute_a power_n over_o we_o and_o perfect_o know_v what_o be_v necessary_a for_o our_o good_a and_o for_o the_o end_n of_o his_o government_n have_v a_o undeniable_a right_n to_o forbid_v or_o command_v we_o some_o thing_n which_o by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n we_o may_v have_v be_v allow_v or_o excuse_v from_o but_o these_o be_v very_o few_o and_o all_o thing_n consider_v no_o religion_n ever_o be_v so_o compassionate_a and_o easy_a as_o the_o christian_a religion_n vi_o the_o propagation_n of_o the_o gospel_n have_v ever_o have_v great_a effect_n towards_o the_o reformation_n and_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n what_o can_v be_v more_o beneficial_a to_o the_o world_n and_o more_o for_o the_o peace_n and_o happiness_n of_o all_o mankind_n than_o to_o be_v teach_v to_o live_v under_o a_o perpetual_a sense_n and_o awe_n of_o the_o love_n and_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o to_o be_v constrain_v to_o perform_v our_o several_a duty_n to_o each_o other_o in_o our_o respective_a capacity_n and_o relation_n with_o the_o utmost_a fidelity_n and_o integrity_n and_o to_o have_v this_o enforce_v upon_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n by_o the_o hope_n and_o terâ—ore_o of_o a_o future_a judgement_n and_o a_o eternal_a state_n of_o happiness_n or_o misery_n as_o they_o shall_v prove_v obedient_a or_o disobedient_a these_o than_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v doctrine_n most_o worthy_a of_o god_n and_o the_o proper_a subject_n of_o a_o revelation_n for_o however_o man_n may_v wish_v as_o to_o themselves_o in_o particular_a that_o they_o have_v not_o be_v abridge_v their_o sinful_a pleasure_n yet_o in_o respect_n to_o the_o common_a good_a of_o society_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v confess_v by_o the_o most_o inveterate_a enemy_n of_o christianity_n and_o by_o those_o who_o will_v believe_v nothing_o of_o another_o life_n that_o if_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v as_o general_o practise_v as_o it_o be_v profess_v it_o will_v make_v mankind_n as_o happy_a as_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o man_n to_o be_v in_o this_o life_n through_o the_o belief_n and_o expectation_n of_o a_o life_n to_o come_v and_o as_o much_o as_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v be_v neglect_v it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o speculative_a notion_n only_o that_o it_o have_v a_o real_a and_o perpetual_a influence_n for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o world_n even_o in_o the_o worst_a and_o most_o degenerate_a age_n we_o be_v not_o at_o this_o distance_n of_o time_n easy_o make_v sensible_a how_o great_a blessing_n the_o christian_a religion_n bring_v to_o mankind_n in_o that_o reformation_n which_o it_o soon_o introduce_v into_o the_o world_n for_o upon_o their_o conversion_n there_o become_v such_o a_o visible_a alteration_n in_o the_o temper_n and_o life_n of_o man_n that_o they_o seem_v to_o have_v change_v their_o very_a nature_n and_o to_o be_v bear_v again_o and_o become_v new_a creature_n from_o whence_o conversion_n be_v style_v regeneration_n this_o the_o apologist_n general_o insist_v upon_o that_o the_o convert_v to_o christianity_n become_v quite_o other_o man_n and_o practise_v all_o kind_n of_o virtue_n with_o incredible_a zeal_n though_o
they_o have_v be_v never_o so_o vicious_a and_o profligate_v before_o the_o christian_n be_v represent_v as_o a_o innocent_a devout_a and_o charitable_a sort_n of_o man_n by_o pliny_n lucian_n and_o julian_n the_o apostate_n himself_o 44._o plin._n epist_n ad_fw-la trajan_n lib._n 10._o epist_n 97._o lucian_n de_fw-fr morte_fw-la peregrini_fw-la julian_n epist_n 44._o by_o those_o who_o have_v most_o narrow_o inquire_v into_o their_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n and_o be_v worst_a affect_v to_o they_o and_o by_o these_o mean_v the_o christian_n become_v as_o so_o many_o light_n in_o the_o world_n to_o guide_v and_o direct_v other_o in_o the_o way_n of_o virtue_n for_o by_o their_o example_n and_o doctrine_n they_o soon_o reform_v even_o the_o heathen_a world_n to_o a_o great_a degree_n morality_n be_v teach_v by_o the_o philosopher_n in_o much_o great_a perfection_n than_o ever_o it_o have_v be_v before_o and_o they_o become_v so_o much_o ashamed_a of_o the_o grossness_n of_o their_o idolatrous_a worship_n that_o they_o seek_v out_o all_o art_n to_o refine_v and_o excuse_v it_o and_o those_o vice_n which_o make_v up_o so_o great_a a_o part_n of_o their_o idolatrous_a mystery_n appear_v too_o abominable_a to_o pass_v any_o long_o for_o religion_n the_o oracle_n soon_o cease_v and_o the_o seduce_a spirit_n confess_v that_o they_o be_v hinder_v from_o give_v out_o their_o answer_n by_o the_o power_n of_o christ_n and_o all_o that_o julian_n the_o apostate_n can_v do_v be_v ineffectual_a to_o bring_v the_o heathen_a oracle_n into_o reputation_n again_o these_o be_v thing_n before_o insist_v upon_o and_o so_o notorious_a in_o history_n that_o they_o can_v be_v deny_v to_o be_v sole_o owe_v to_o the_o power_n and_o influence_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n i_o shall_v mention_v but_o one_o instance_n more_o and_o that_o be_v the_o barbarous_a cruelty_n of_o the_o heathen_a religion_n which_o the_o gospel_n have_v deliver_v the_o world_n from_o for_o they_o be_v wont_a to_o offer_v up_o innocent_a man_n and_o child_n in_o sacrifice_n to_o their_o false_a god_n and_o that_o frequent_o and_o in_o some_o place_n daily_o and_o in_o time_n of_o great_a danger_n and_o upon_o extraordinary_a occasion_n they_o sacrifice_v so_o great_a number_n of_o man_n at_o once_o that_o it_o will_v be_v incredible_a if_o we_o have_v not_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o best_a historian_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o and_o this_o custom_n of_o sacrifice_a man_n to_o their_o god_n prevail_v not_o only_o here_o in_o britain_n and_o in_o other_o country_n which_o be_v account_v barbarous_a but_o all_o over_o greece_n and_o in_o rome_n itself_o it_o may_v well_o seem_v strange_a to_o we_o now_o that_o such_o a_o practice_n shall_v so_o general_o prevail_v in_o the_o world_n yet_o nothing_o be_v more_o certain_a from_o all_o history_n than_o that_o it_o do_v prevail_v and_o that_o man_n be_v with_o difficulty_n bring_v off_o from_o it_o for_o when_o mankind_n be_v thus_o cruel_o tyrannize_v over_o by_o bloody_a daemon_n nothing_o but_o the_o omnipotent_a mercy_n of_o god_n can_v rescue_v they_o and_o for_o this_o purpose_n the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v manifest_v that_o he_o may_v destroy_v the_o work_n of_o the_o devil_n 1_o john_n three_o 8._o which_o he_o soon_o do_v beast_n and_o idol_n be_v no_o long_o worship_v and_o man_n be_v no_o long_o make_v sacrifice_n when_o once_o christianity_n begin_v to_o appear_v in_o its_o full_a power_n and_o efficacy_n in_o the_o world_n the_o plain_a and_o humble_a doctrine_n of_o he_o that_o be_v lay_v in_o a_o manger_n and_o die_v upon_o a_o cross_n be_v in_o a_o short_a time_n more_o effectual_a to_o reform_v mankind_n than_o all_o the_o precept_n of_o philosopher_n and_o the_o wisdom_n and_o power_n of_o lawgiver_n have_v ever_o be_v those_o enemy_n to_o their_o own_o soul_n who_o be_v so_o fond_a of_o little_a cavil_n against_o the_o gospel_n as_o if_o they_o be_v resolve_v not_o to_o be_v save_v by_o it_o yet_o owe_v the_o happiness_n of_o this_o present_a life_n in_o great_a measure_n to_o its_o influence_n they_o will_v not_o have_v be_v so_o safe_a in_o their_o body_n and_o estate_n nay_o perhaps_o they_o may_v have_v be_v sacrifice_v to_o some_o cruel_a daemon_n long_o before_o this_o if_o that_o religion_n which_o they_o resolve_v to_o despise_v but_o will_v not_o be_v at_o the_o pain_n to_o understand_v have_v not_o be_v believe_v by_o wise_a and_o better_a man_n of_o so_o great_a advantage_n have_v the_o gospel_n be_v to_o those_o who_o will_v not_o be_v reclaim_v and_o convert_v by_o it_o it_o have_v destroy_v the_o work_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o have_v dispossess_v he_o of_o that_o tyranny_n which_o he_o hold_v over_o mankind_n it_o have_v make_v the_o unconverted_a world_n less_o vicious_a and_o have_v banish_v all_o the_o profess_a patron_n and_o deity_n of_o wickedness_n from_o among_o man_n it_o have_v make_v idolatry_n less_o practise_v and_o reduce_v it_o to_o narrow_a bound_n confine_v it_o to_o the_o remote_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o every_o where_n upon_o the_o first_o approach_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o evil_a spirit_n be_v disarm_v of_o their_o power_n and_o flee_v away_o before_o it_o as_o we_o learn_v from_o the_o history_n of_o lapland_n and_o other_o country_n so_o general_a a_o blessing_n be_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n that_o even_o unbeliever_n be_v the_o better_a for_o it_o in_o this_o world_n though_o they_o exclude_v themselves_o from_o the_o benefit_n of_o it_o in_o the_o next_o and_o the_o christian_n be_v the_o only_a religion_n against_o which_o the_o common_a objection_n concern_v the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o education_n in_o favour_n of_o it_o can_v be_v urge_v for_o as_o it_o first_o prevail_v in_o the_o world_n by_o conquer_a all_o the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o education_n so_o it_o still_o maintain_v itself_o against_o all_o the_o opposition_n that_o corrupt_a nature_n and_o a_o vicious_a education_n can_v make_v to_o it_o indeed_o it_o may_v seem_v a_o needless_a thing_n to_o have_v be_v thus_o large_a in_o the_o proof_n the_o excelleney_n of_o the_o practical_a doctrine_n contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n when_o god_n know_v this_o be_v the_o great_a exception_n that_o most_o man_n have_v against_o they_o and_o if_o the_o precept_n be_v not_o so_o strict_a and_o holy_a but_o they_o may_v be_v allow_v to_o live_v in_o their_o sin_n half_o the_o evidence_n we_o have_v for_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n will_v satisfy_v they_o vii_o the_o high_a mystery_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v not_o mere_o speculative_a but_o have_v a_o necessary_a relation_n to_o practice_n for_o the_o advancement_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n among_o man_n as_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o practical_a duty_n teach_v and_o enjoin_v by_o the_o scripture_n but_o what_o be_v most_o excellent_a and_o worthy_a of_o god_n and_o which_o have_v raise_v and_o improve_v the_o nature_n of_o man_n beyond_o what_o can_v have_v be_v attain_v to_o without_o it_o so_o the_o speculative_a doctrine_n have_v as_o evident_a character_n of_o the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n they_o all_o tend_v to_o the_o advancement_n of_o our_o nature_n to_o make_v we_o better_o more_o wise_a and_o more_o happy_a and_o be_v not_o design_v to_o gratify_v a_o vain_a and_o useless_a curiosity_n but_o to_o excite_v in_o we_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o a_o care_n and_o concernment_n for_o our_o own_o happiness_n they_o set_v before_o we_o the_o original_a and_o creation_n of_o all_o thing_n the_o innocence_n in_o which_o man_n be_v first_o create_v and_o god_n love_n and_o compassion_n to_o he_o after_o his_o fall_n how_o the_o father_n the_o son_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v concern_v in_o our_o redemption_n that_o the_o father_n send_v his_o son_n that_o the_o son_n be_v bear_v that_o he_o live_v a_o despise_a and_o persecute_a life_n and_o at_o last_o undergo_v for_o we_o a_o most_o shameful_a and_o grievous_a death_n that_o he_o rise_v again_o and_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n and_o there_o continual_o intercee_v for_o we_o and_o that_o he_o send_v the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o comforter_n who_o support_v and_o assist_v we_o under_o all_o temptation_n and_o danger_n in_o our_o way_n thither_o and_o will_v if_o we_o be_v not_o want_v to_o ourselves_o safe_o conduct_v we_o to_o heaven_n there_o to_o reign_v with_o christ_n in_o eternal_a bliss_n and_o glory_n both_o of_o body_n and_o soul_n but_o if_o we_o will_v be_v disobedient_a and_o obstinate_a to_o our_o own_o ruin_n we_o must_v be_v eternal_o torment_v with_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o angel_n the_o apostle_n who_o without_o learning_n or_o philosophy_n teach_v the_o most_o sublime_a and_o useful_a truth_n more_o plain_o than_o the_o wise_a philosopher_n ever_o have_v do_v must_v derive_v their_o knowledge_n from_o
the_o god_n of_o other_o nation_n do_v not_o worship_v they_o after_o their_o manner_n and_o yet_o the_o rite_n of_o the_o roman_n themselves_o in_o the_o worship_n of_o cybele_n flora_n bacchus_n etc._n etc._n be_v very_o scandalous_a and_o wicked_a and_o all_o their_o sport_n and_o spectacle_n which_o have_v nothing_o sure_o in_o they_o that_o can_v be_v proper_a for_o divine_a worship_n be_v invent_v and_o perform_v in_o honour_n of_o their_o god_n 8._o god_n quintil_n institut_fw-la lib._n iii._o c._n 8._o whence_o quinctilian_n say_v the_o theatre_n may_v be_v style_v a_o kind_n of_o temple_n 3._o but_o beside_o their_o bloody_a spectacle_n where_o man_n be_v expose_v to_o be_v kill_v by_o beast_n or_o by_o one_o another_o their_o altar_n themselves_o be_v not_o free_a from_o humane_a blood_n for_o the_o barbarous_a cruelty_n of_o the_o religion_n among_o the_o heathen_n be_v such_o that_o they_o be_v oblige_v to_o offer_v up_o innocent_a man_n and_o child_n in_o sacrifice_n to_o their_o deity_n some_o of_o the_o rabbin_n have_v be_v of_o opinion_n that_o jephtha_n sacrifice_v his_o daughter_n but_o other_o deny_v it_o 40._o it_o vicunque_fw-la autem_fw-la seres_fw-fr ea_fw-la habuerit_fw-la id_fw-la certum_fw-la puto_fw-la esse_fw-la non_fw-la reperiri_fw-la apud_fw-la magistros_fw-la qui_fw-la ex_fw-la jure_fw-la aliquo_fw-la immolandam_fw-la eam_fw-la esse_fw-la affirmaveâ—it_fw-la selden_n de_fw-la jure_fw-la nat._n &_o gent._n lib._n four_o c._n 2._o the_o daughter_n of_o israel_n go_v yearly_a to_o lament_v or_o to_o talk_v with_o 〈◊〉_d as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o margin_n judg._n xi_o 40._o and_o all_o be_v agree_v that_o if_o he_o do_v sacrifice_v she_o he_o sin_v in_o do_v it_o and_o we_o know_v that_o abraham_n be_v hinder_v by_o a_o miracle_n and_o a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n when_o he_o be_v about_o to_o slay_v isaac_n but_o it_o be_v a_o custom_n among_o the_o 10._o the_o grot._fw-la ad_fw-la deutr._fw-la xviii_o 10._o phoenician_n and_o canaanites_n for_o their_o king_n in_o time_n of_o great_a calamity_n to_o sacrifice_v one_o of_o their_o son_n who_o they_o love_v best_a and_o it_o be_v common_a both_o with_o they_o and_o the_o moabite_n and_o ammonite_n to_o sacrifice_v their_o child_n the_o egyptian_n the_o athenian_n and_o lacedaemonian_n and_o general_o all_o the_o grecian_n the_o roman_n and_o carthaginian_n the_o german_n and_o gaul_n and_o britain_n and_o in_o brief_a all_o the_o heathen_a nation_n throughout_o the_o world_n offer_v up_o man_n upon_o their_o altar_n and_o this_o not_o on_o certain_a emergency_n and_o in_o imminent_a danger_n only_o but_o constant_o and_o in_o some_o place_n every_o day_n but_o upon_o extraordinary_a accident_n multitude_n be_v sacrifice_v at_o once_o to_o their_o bloody_a deity_n festo_fw-la deity_n diodo_fw-la sic._n apud_fw-la euseb_n de_fw-fr laudib_n constant_n c._n xiii_o lanctant_fw-la lib._n i_o c._n 21._o ex_fw-la piscennio_n festo_fw-la as_o diodorus_n siculus_n and_o other_o relate_v that_o in_o africa_n two_o hundred_o child_n of_o the_o principal_a nobility_n be_v sacrifice_v to_o saturn_n at_o one_o time_n and_o ult_v and_o euseb_n praepar_fw-la lib._n four_o c._n 16._o macrob._n saturn_n lib._n i_o c._n 7._o alex._n ab_fw-la alexand._n lib._n 6._o c._n ult_v aristomenes_n sacrifice_v three_o hundred_o man_n together_o to_o jupiter_n ithometes_n one_o of_o who_o be_v theopompus_n king_n of_o the_o lacedæmonians_n and_o the_o same_o custom_n be_v find_v practise_v among_o the_o idolatrous_a indian_n of_o offer_v whole_a hecatomb_n of_o humane_a sacrifice_n to_o their_o false_a go_n 21._o go_n jos_n accost_n hist_o lib._n 5._o c._n 19_o 21._o in_o peru_n when_o their_o new_a ingra_n be_v crown_v they_o sacrifice_v two_o hundred_o child_n from_o four_o to_o ten_o year_n of_o age_n and_o the_o son_n be_v wont_a to_o be_v sacrifice_v for_o the_o life_n of_o the_o father_n when_o he_o be_v in_o danger_n of_o death_n sometime_o the_o mexican_n have_v sacrifice_v above_o five_o thousand_o of_o their_o captive_n in_o a_o day_n and_o in_o divers_a place_n above_o twenty_o thousand_o as_o acosta_n write_v out_o of_o the_o information_n he_o have_v from_o the_o indian_n 57_o indian_n liv._o lib._n xxii_o c._n 57_o livy_n make_v mention_n of_o humane_a sacrifice_n at_o rome_n and_o initio_fw-la and_o plutarch_n in_o marcello_n initio_fw-la plutarch_n say_v they_o continue_v in_o his_o time_n and_o it_o be_v not_o till_o about_o the_o time_n of_o constantine_n reign_n that_o a_o final_a stop_n be_v put_v to_o so_o strange_a and_o abominable_a a_o practice_n for_o though_o it_o abate_v very_o much_o under_o adrian_n yet_o it_o be_v use_v when_o minutius_n felix_n write_v and_o 21._o and_o lact._n lib._n 1._o c._n 21._o lanctantius_n mention_n it_o as_o not_o lay_v aside_o in_o his_o time_n notwithstanding_o it_o be_v so_o much_o against_o humane_a nature_n as_o well_o as_o contrary_a to_o the_o divine_a mercy_n and_o goodness_n yet_o it_o make_v up_o so_o great_a a_o part_n of_o the_o heathen_a religion_n and_o be_v become_v so_o customary_a that_o it_o be_v hard_a to_o bring_v man_n off_o from_o it_o which_o at_o the_o same_o time_n demonstate_v both_o how_o false_a such_o religion_n be_v and_o that_o man_n have_v a_o most_o undoubted_a experience_n of_o invisible_a power_n or_o else_o in_o so_o many_o nation_n both_o the_o king_n and_o people_n will_v never_o have_v sacrifice_v their_o own_o child_n to_o their_o false_a god_n to_o avert_v the_o evil_n which_o they_o be_v threaten_v withal_o the_o person_n that_o introduce_v the_o heathen_a religion_n be_v either_o man_n of_o design_n who_o establish_v themselves_o in_o their_o power_n and_o authority_n by_o it_o as_o numa_n or_o man_n of_o fancy_n and_o fiction_n as_o the_o poet_n who_o plato_n will_v have_v banish_v out_o of_o his_o commonwealth_n and_o the_o god_n of_o the_o heathen_n who_o must_v be_v suppose_v to_o reveal_v these_o mystery_n and_o way_n of_o worship_n be_v always_o more_o wicked_a than_o their_o votary_n who_o great_a immorality_n consist_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o they_o the_o gross_a enormity_n not_o only_o of_o venus_n and_o bacchus_n but_o of_o saturn_n and_o jupiter_n be_v too_o well_o know_v to_o need_v any_o particular_a relation_n there_o be_v no_o body_n of_o law_n or_o rule_n of_o good_a life_n propose_v by_o their_o oracle_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a they_o be_v in_o commendation_n of_o lascivions_n poet_n or_o they_o flatter_v tyrant_n or_o they_o appoint_v divine_a worship_n to_o be_v pay_v to_o such_o as_o win_v the_o mastery_n at_o the_o olympic_a game_n or_o to_o inanimate_a thing_n or_o they_o promote_v some_o other_o ill_o or_o vain_a and_o unprofitable_a design_n as_o oenomaus_n the_o philosopher_n observe_v and_o prove_v by_o particular_a instance_n recite_v out_o of_o he_o by_o 35._o by_o euseb_n praepar_fw-la lib._n v._o c._n 34_o 35._o eusebius_n the_o law_n of_o lycurg_n of_o plutarch_n in_o lycurg_n lycurgus_n be_v approve_v of_o and_o confirm_v by_o the_o delphic_a oracle_n and_o yet_o theft_n and_o a_o community_n of_o wife_n and_o the_o murder_n of_o infant_n be_v allow_v by_o these_o law_n this_o be_v enough_o to_o show_v that_o the_o heathen_a religion_n can_v not_o be_v from_o god_n since_o they_o teach_v the_o worship_n of_o idol_n and_o of_o devil_n and_o the_o mystery_n and_o rite_n of_o they_o be_v utter_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o goodness_n and_o purity_n of_o almighty_a god_n and_o whoever_o do_v but_o look_v into_o the_o religion_n at_o this_o day_n among_o the_o idolatrous_a indian_n by_o their_o ridiculous_a and_o cruel_a penance_n and_o other_o superstition_n beside_o the_o sacrifice_a of_o man_n and_o sometime_o of_o themselves_o as_o the_o woman_n who_o offer_v themselves_o to_o be_v burn_v with_o the_o body_n of_o their_o dead_a husband_n and_o the_o like_a will_v soon_o be_v convince_v that_o they_o can_v be_v of_o god_n institution_n the_o chineses_n themselves_o who_o have_v so_o great_a a_o reputation_n for_o wisdom_n be_v like_o the_o rest_n both_o in_o their_o idolatry_n and_o in_o many_o of_o their_o opinion_n and_o practice_n it_o be_v evident_a therefore_o that_o none_o of_o the_o heathen_a religion_n can_v make_v any_o probable_a claim_n to_o divine_a revelation_n have_v none_o of_o the_o requisite_n to_o such_o a_o revelation_n but_o be_v but_o of_o a_o late_a original_a not_o far_o divulge_v support_v neither_o by_o prophecy_n nor_o miracle_n from_o god_n and_o contain_v doctrine_n that_o be_v idolatrous_a impure_a cruel_a and_o every_o way_n wicked_a and_o absurd_a chap._n v._o of_o the_o philosophy_n of_o the_o heathen_n but_o beside_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o heathen_a divers_a of_o the_o philosopherss_n pretend_v to_o something_o supernatural_a as_o pythagoras_n socrates_n and_o some_o other_o and_o therefore_o it_o will_v be_v proper_a here_o to_o examinlikewise_o the_o justice_n of_o their_o pretension_n and_o
antiquity_n as_o tully_n assure_v we_o but_o the_o ancient_n give_v no_o reason_n to_o prove_v it_o by_o they_o only_o receive_v it_o by_o tradition_n plato_n be_v the_o first_o who_o attempt_v to_o prove_v it_o by_o argument_n for_o though_o pherecydes_n syrus_n and_o pythagoras_n have_v assert_v it_o yet_o they_o acquiesce_v in_o tradition_n by_o which_o they_o have_v receive_v it_o from_o the_o eastern_a nation_n but_o plato_n as_o it_o be_v general_o suppose_v converse_v with_o the_o jew_n in_o egypt_n or_o at_o his_o come_n into_o italy_n be_v there_o acquaint_v i._n acquaint_v tull._n tusc_n qu._n lib._n i._n with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o soul_n immortality_n among_o other_o notion_n of_o the_o pythagorean_n begin_v to_o argue_v upon_o it_o but_o not_o be_v able_a to_o make_v it_o full_o out_o have_v only_o show_v how_o far_o reason_n can_v proceed_v upon_o those_o ground_n which_o be_v then_o know_v in_o the_o world_n from_o revelation_n seneca_n 54.102_o seneca_n epist_n 54.102_o though_o he_o sometime_o assert_v the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n yet_o at_o other_o time_n doubt_n of_o it_o and_o even_o deny_v that_o the_o soul_n have_v any_o subsistence_n in_o a_o separate_a state_n and_o yet_o this_o doctrine_n of_o the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n which_o the_o great_a of_o the_o heathen_a philosopher_n can_v not_o certain_o prove_v from_o reason_n be_v firm_o believe_v even_o among_o anot._n among_o grot._n de_fw-fr verit_fw-la lib._n i_o anot._n barbarian_n 36._o barbarian_n consuc_fw-la lib._n iii._o part._n 4._o p._n 36._o confucius_n the_o famous_a chinese_n philosopher_n profess_v himself_o not_o the_o author_n but_o the_o relater_n only_o of_o the_o doctrine_n which_o he_o teach_v as_o he_o have_v receive_v it_o deliver_v down_o from_o all_o antiquity_n and_o 8._o and_o arist_n metaph._n lib._n twelve_o c._n 8._o aristotle_n have_v declare_v that_o the_o ancient_n leave_v many_o tradition_n which_o their_o posterity_n have_v corrupt_v but_o from_o the_o remain_v of_o those_o traditiwe_v know_v that_o they_o be_v original_o derive_v from_o revelation_n the_o first_o of_o the_o philosopher_n that_o teach_v the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v i._n be_v tull._n tusc_n qu._n lib._n i._n pherecydes_n and_o he_o leave_v his_o write_n to_o thales_n from_o whence_o he_o have_v the_o notion_n that_o all_o thing_n be_v produce_v from_o water_n pythagoras_n be_v a_o scholar_n of_o pherecydes_n and_o pythagoras_n plato_n and_o aristotle_n converse_v with_o the_o learned_a jew_n phaed._n jew_n plat._n phaed._n socrates_n dispute_v of_o a_o future_a state_n from_o tradition_n and_o phileb_n and_o plat._n phileb_n profess_v that_o he_o always_o follow_v the_o tradition_n which_o have_v descend_v from_o antiquity_n and_o that_o he_o be_v at_o a_o loss_n whenever_o that_o fail_v he_o timae_fw-la he_o plat._n timae_fw-la and_o this_o tradition_n can_v not_o have_v its_o rise_n from_o the_o greek_n who_o be_v confess_v to_o understand_v little_a or_o nothing_o of_o antiquity_n the_o notion_n in_o philosophy_n of_o the_o latter_a heathen_n be_v much_o improve_v by_o ammonius_n a_o christian_a and_o a_o teacher_n of_o philosophy_n at_o alexandria_n and_o we_o find_v that_o upon_o the_o propagation_n of_o the_o gospel_n moral_a philosophy_n in_o a_o few_o year_n attain_v to_o great_a perfection_n than_o ever_o it_o have_v do_v before_o as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o the_o work_n of_o seneca_n epictetus_n plutarch_n m._n antoninus_n maximus_n tyrius_n and_o other_o we_o may_v therefore_o reasonable_o conclude_v that_o the_o precept_n and_o rule_n of_o morality_n which_o philosopher_n all_o along_o teach_v have_v their_o original_n from_o revelation_n rather_o than_o from_o the_o strength_n and_o sagacity_n of_o their_o own_o reason_n because_o they_o err_v in_o thing_n no_o less_o obvious_a to_o natural_a reason_n and_o it_o appear_v that_o they_o have_v opportunity_n of_o become_v acquaint_v with_o the_o scripture_n and_o that_o they_o spare_v no_o pain_n either_o by_o read_v or_o conversation_n in_o their_o own_o or_o in_o foreign_a country_n in_o their_o search_n and_o inquiry_n after_o truth_n iii_o if_o the_o heathen_a philosophy_n have_v be_v as_o certain_a and_o excellent_a as_o it_o can_v be_v pretend_v to_o be_v yet_o there_o have_v be_v great_a need_n of_o a_o divine_a revelation_n for_o 1._o the_o rule_n of_o philosophy_n lie_v scatter_v up_o and_o down_o in_o large_a and_o learned_a work_n mix_v with_o many_o wrong_n and_o absurd_a notion_n and_o therefore_o must_v be_v in_o great_a measure_n useless_a how_o certain_a and_o excellent_a soever_o they_o may_v be_v in_o themselves_o they_o can_v be_v no_o rule_n of_o life_n to_o we_o no_o perfect_a rule_n of_o manner_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o any_o one_o author_n and_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o compile_v such_o a_o rule_n out_o of_o they_o all_o yet_o what_o man_n be_v able_a to_o collect_v they_o 7._o they_o lact._n de_fw-fr vit_fw-fr beat_v c._n 7._o lanctantius_n be_v of_o opinion_n that_o if_o all_o the_o truth_n disperse_v up_o and_o down_o among_o the_o several_a sect_n of_o philosopher_n can_v be_v collect_v together_o into_o one_o system_n they_o will_v make_v up_o a_o body_n of_o philosophy_n agreeable_a to_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n but_o then_o he_o conclude_v it_o to_o be_v impossible_a for_o any_o man_n to_o make_v such_o a_o collection_n without_o a_o supernatural_a assistance_n and_o if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o reason_n for_o it_o but_o this_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o we_o find_v i._n find_v tull._n de_fw-fr orat._n lib._n i._n the_o xii_o table_n prefer_v before_o all_o the_o write_n of_o the_o philosopher_n if_o there_o be_v nothing_o so_o absurd_a as_o tully_n say_v but_o the_o philosopher_n have_v teach_v it_o than_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o man_n shall_v not_o be_v leave_v to_o the_o uncertainty_n and_o absurdity_n of_o philosophy_n for_o though_o some_o few_o of_o they_o may_v be_v free_a from_o such_o extravagancy_n yet_o their_o notion_n be_v no_o rule_n or_o standard_n to_o the_o rest_n and_o the_o best_a be_v not_o without_o many_o great_a error_n 2._o the_o rule_n of_o philosophy_n be_v no_o better_o than_o good_a advice_n and_o carry_v no_o authority_n with_o they_o to_o oblige_v man_n in_o conscience_n they_o have_v not_o the_o force_n of_o a_o law_n and_o fail_v in_o this_o necessary_a point_n whatever_o their_o intrinsic_a worth_n have_v be_v they_o never_o can_v have_v have_v that_o effect_n upon_o the_o live_v of_o man_n which_o reveal_v religion_n have_v virtue_n be_v propound_v by_o philosopher_n rather_o as_o a_o matter_n of_o honour_n and_o decency_n than_o of_o strict_a duty_n those_o be_v esteem_v and_o admire_v indeed_o that_o observe_v it_o but_o such_o as_o do_v not_o only_o want_v that_o commendation_n some_o philosopher_n speak_v great_a and_o excellent_a thing_n but_o they_o pass_v rather_o for_o wise_a say_n than_o for_o law_n of_o nature_n their_o own_o reputation_n which_o be_v great_a or_o less_o with_o different_a sort_n of_o man_n be_v the_o only_a authority_n they_o have_v it_o may_v be_v prudence_n to_o do_v as_o they_o teach_v but_o there_o appear_v no_o absolute_a necessity_n for_o it_o they_o common_o represent_v virtue_n as_o very_o lovely_a with_o many_o very_a great_a and_o powerful_a charm_n and_o all_o that_o be_v of_o another_o mind_n do_v not_o know_v a_o true_a beauty_n and_o that_o be_v a_o intolerable_a disgrace_n the_o sanction_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n in_o the_o next_o life_n be_v little_o insist_v upon_o by_o they_o they_o recommend_v virtue_n for_o its_o own_o sake_n not_o as_o it_o be_v enjoy_v by_o god_n and_o will_v be_v reward_v by_o he_o and_o the_o contrary_n punish_v and_o those_o who_o can_v not_o soar_v to_o their_o height_n be_v rather_o the_o worse_a than_o the_o better_a for_o such_o doctrine_n which_o they_o look_v upon_o as_o the_o impracticable_a speculation_n of_o some_o who_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o speak_v great_a thing_n and_o they_o often_o speak_v the_o truth_n indeed_o which_o they_o have_v from_o tradition_n or_o from_o the_o excellency_n of_o their_o own_o wit_n and_o genius_n but_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o make_v it_o out_o by_o any_o such_o principle_n as_o be_v wont_v to_o influence_n and_o govern_v humane_a action_n according_o we_o find_v that_o as_o the_o several_a sect_n of_o philosophy_n suit_v to_o the_o temper_n and_o humour_n of_o particular_a man_n so_o far_o they_o prevail_v and_o no_o far_o the_o curious_a and_o inquisitive_a betake_v themselves_o to_o the_o academic_n the_o soft_a and_o effeminate_a to_o the_o epicurean_o and_o the_o morose_n to_o the_o stoic_n man_n apply_v themselves_o to_o what_o ever_o opinion_n they_o like_v best_a and_o find_v most_o agreeable_a to_o their_o nature_n and_o disposition_n thus_o a_o severe_a and_o haughty_a gravity_n make_v up_o the_o
but_o thus_o much_o in_o this_o place_n shall_v suffice_v all_o particular_n have_v be_v large_o insist_v upon_o in_o their_o proper_a place_n and_o since_o as_o sure_a as_o there_o be_v a_o god_n there_o must_v be_v a_o reveal_v religion_n if_o any_o man_n will_v dispute_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n let_v he_o instance_n in_o any_o other_o religion_n that_o can_v make_v a_o better_a plea_n and_o have_v more_o certainty_n that_o it_o come_v from_o god_n let_v he_o produce_v any_o other_o religion_n that_o have_v more_o visible_a character_n of_o divinity_n in_o it_o and_o we_o will_v not_o scruple_n to_o be_v of_o it_o but_o if_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o he_o to_o show_v any_o such_o as_o have_v be_v prove_v than_o he_o ought_v to_o be_v of_o this_o since_o there_o must_v be_v some_o reveal_v religion_n and_o if_o that_o religion_n which_o have_v more_o evidence_n for_o it_o than_o any_o other_o religion_n can_v be_v pretend_v to_o have_v and_o all_o that_o it_o can_v be_v requisite_a for_o it_o to_o have_v suppose_v it_o true_a and_o which_o it_o be_v therefore_o impossible_a to_o discover_v to_o be_v false_a if_o it_o be_v so_o if_o this_o religion_n be_v not_o true_a god_n must_v be_v want_v to_o mankind_n in_o what_o concern_v their_o eternal_a interest_n and_o happiness_n he_o must_v be_v want_v to_o himself_o and_o to_o his_o own_o attribute_n of_o goodness_n justice_n and_o truth_n and_o therefore_o he_o that_o upon_o a_o due_a examination_n of_o all_o the_o reason_n and_o motive_n to_o it_o will_v not_o be_v a_o christian_n can_v be_v no_o better_o than_o a_o atheist_n if_o he_o discern_v the_o consequence_n of_o thing_n and_o will_v hold_v to_o his_o own_o principle_n for_o there_o can_v be_v no_o medium_fw-la if_o we_o right_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o christian_a religion_n but_o as_o sure_a as_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o certain_a the_o gospel_n be_v reveal_v by_o he_o chap._n ii_o the_o resolution_n of_o faith_n have_v prove_v the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o our_o religion_n i_o shall_v in_o the_o last_o place_n upon_o these_o principle_n give_v a_o resolution_n of_o our_o faith_n which_o be_v a_o subject_n that_o have_v cause_v such_o unnecessary_a and_o unhappy_a dispute_n among_o christian_n in_o these_o latter_a age_n for_o in_o the_o primitive_a time_n this_o be_v no_o matter_n of_o controversy_n as_o indeed_o it_o can_v not_o then_o and_o ought_v not_o now_o to_o be_v 1._o consider_v the_o scripture_n only_o as_o a_o history_n contain_v the_o action_n and_o doctrine_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n we_o have_v the_o great_a humane_a testimony_n that_o can_v be_v of_o man_n who_o have_v all_o the_o opportunity_n of_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o those_o miracle_n etc._n etc._n which_o give_v evidence_n and_o authority_n to_o the_o doctrine_n as_o reveal_v from_o god_n and_o who_o can_v have_v no_o interest_n to_o deceive_v other_o but_o expose_v themselves_o to_o all_o manner_n of_o danger_n and_o infamy_n and_o torment_n by_o bear_v testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n whereas_o imposture_n be_v wont_a to_o be_v invent_v not_o to_o incur_v such_o suffering_n but_o to_o avoid_v they_o or_o to_o obtain_v the_o advantage_n and_o pleasure_n of_o this_o world_n and_o so_o this_o testimony_n amount_v to_o a_o moral_a certainty_n or_o as_o it_o be_v proper_o enough_o call_v by_o some_o to_o a_o moral_a infallibility_n because_o it_o imply_v a_o moral_a impossibility_n of_o our_o be_v deceive_v by_o it_o such_o a_o certainty_n it_o be_v as_o that_o nothing_o with_o any_o reason_n can_v be_v object_v against_o it_o we_o can_v have_v as_o little_a reason_n to_o doubt_v that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n do_v and_o suffer_v and_o teach_v what_o the_o scripture_n relate_v of_o they_o in_o jerusalem_n antioch_n etc._n etc._n as_o that_o there_o ever_o be_v such_o place_n in_o the_o world_n nay_o we_o have_v that_o much_o better_o attest_v than_o this_o for_o many_o man_n have_v die_v in_o testimony_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o ii_o this_o testimony_n be_v consider_v with_o respect_n to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n testify_v as_o it_o concern_v eternal_a salvation_n which_o be_v of_o the_o great_a concernment_n to_o all_o mankind_n it_o appear_v that_o god_n veracity_n and_o goodness_n be_v engage_v that_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v deceive_v inevitable_o in_o a_o matter_n of_o this_o consequence_n so_o that_o this_o moral_a infallibility_n become_v hereby_o absolute_a infallibility_n and_o that_o which_o be_v before_o but_o humane_a faith_n become_v divine_a be_v ground_v not_o upon_o humane_a testimony_n but_o upon_o the_o divine_a attribute_n which_o do_v attest_v and_o confirm_v that_o humane_a testimony_n and_o so_o divine_a testimony_n be_v the_o ultimate_a ground_n why_o i_o believe_v the_o will_n of_o god_n to_o be_v deliver_v in_o the_o scripture_n it_o be_v no_o particular_a reveal_v testimony_n indeed_o but_o that_o which_o be_v equivalent_a to_o it_o viz._n the_o constant_a attestation_n of_o god_n by_o his_o providence_n for_o it_o be_v repugnant_a to_o the_o very_a notion_n of_o a_o god_n to_o let_v man_n be_v deceive_v without_o any_o possible_a help_n or_o remedy_n in_o a_o matter_n of_o such_o importance_n and_o so_o we_o have_v the_o ground_n of_o our_o faith_n absolute_o infallible_a because_o it_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o divine_a attribute_n that_o god_n do_v confirm_v this_o humane_a testimony_n by_o his_o own_o iii_o the_o argument_n than_o proceed_v thus_o if_o the_o scripture_n be_v false_a it_o will_v be_v impossible_a to_o discover_v they_o to_o be_v so_o and_o it_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o truth_n and_o goodness_n of_o almighty_a god_n to_o suffer_v a_o deceit_n of_o this_o nature_n to_o pass_v upon_o mankind_n without_o any_o possibility_n of_o a_o discovery_n therefore_o it_o follow_v that_o they_o be_v not_o false_a here_o be_v 1._o the_o object_n or_o thing_n to_o be_v believe_v viz._n that_o the_o revelation_n deliver_v to_o we_o in_o the_o scripture_n be_v from_o god_n 2._o the_o motive_n or_o evidence_n to_o induce_v our_o belief_n viz._n humane_a testimony_n 3._o a_o confirmation_n of_o that_o testimony_n or_o the_o formal_a principle_n and_o reason_n of_o our_o belief_n viz._n the_o divine_a goodness_n and_o truth_n the_o object_n therefore_o or_o thing_n believe_v be_v the_o same_o to_o we_o that_o it_o be_v to_o those_o who_o see_v the_o miracle_n by_o which_o the_o scripture_n stand_v confirm_v viz._n the_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n and_o the_o ground_n and_o foundation_n of_o our_o belief_n be_v the_o same_o that_o they_o be_v viz._n the_o divine_a goodness_n and_o truth_n whereby_o we_o be_v assure_v that_o god_n will_v not_o suffer_v miracle_n to_o be_v wrought_v in_o his_o own_o name_n according_a to_o prophecy_n former_o deliver_v and_o with_o all_o other_o circumstance_n of_o credibility_n only_o to_o confirm_v a_o lye_n the_o only_a difference_n then_o between_o the_o resolution_n of_o faith_n in_o we_o and_o in_o the_o christian_n who_o be_v convert_v by_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o be_v this_o that_o though_o we_o believe_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o upon_o the_o same_o ground_n and_o reason_n with_o they_o yet_o we_o have_v not_o the_o same_o immediate_a motive_n or_o evidence_n to_o induce_v our_o belief_n or_o to_o satisfy_v we_o in_o these_o reason_n and_o convince_v we_o that_o the_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n be_v to_o be_v believe_v upon_o these_o ground_n that_o be_v to_o satisfy_v and_o convince_v we_o that_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v final_o resolve_v into_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n himself_o and_o be_v as_o well_o certify_v to_o we_o as_o his_o divine_a attribute_n can_v render_v it_o for_o they_o be_v assure_v of_o this_o from_o what_o their_o own_o sense_n receive_v but_o we_o have_v our_o assurance_n of_o it_o from_o the_o testimony_n of_o other_o the_o question_n therefore_o will_v be_v whether_o the_o motive_n and_o argument_n for_o this_o belief_n in_o we_o or_o the_o mean_n whereby_o we_o become_v assure_v that_o the_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o as_o sufficient_a to_o produce_v a_o divine_a faith_n in_o we_o and_o to_o establish_v our_o faith_n upon_o the_o divine_a authority_n as_o the_o motive_n and_o argument_n which_o those_o have_v who_o live_v with_o the_o apostle_n and_o see_v their_o miracle_n can_v be_v to_o produce_v that_o faith_n in_o they_o which_o resolve_v itself_o into_o the_o divine_a authority_n and_o this_o enquiry_n will_v depend_v upon_o these_o two_o thing_n 1._o whether_o
we_o may_v not_o be_v assure_v of_o some_o thing_n as_o certain_o from_o the_o testimony_n of_o other_o as_o from_o our_o own_o sense_n 2._o whether_o this_o be_v not_o the_o present_a case_n relate_v to_o the_o resolution_n of_o faith_n i_o shall_v therefore_o consider_v in_o the_o first_o place_n the_o certainty_n which_o we_o have_v for_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n by_o which_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v prove_v and_o confirm_v to_o we_o compare_v with_o the_o evidence_n of_o sense_n and_o will_v then_o apply_v it_o to_o the_o resolution_n of_o faith_n i._o in_o many_o case_n man_n seem_v general_o agree_v that_o there_o be_v as_o much_o cause_n to_o believe_v what_o they_o know_v from_o other_o as_o what_o they_o see_v and_o experience_n themselves_o for_o there_o may_v be_v such_o circumstance_n of_o credibility_n as_o equal_v the_o evidence_n even_o of_o sense_n itself_o no_o evidence_n can_v satisfy_v sense_n so_o much_o indeed_o nor_o perhaps_o so_o much_o affect_v the_o passion_n as_o that_o of_o sense_n but_o there_o may_v be_v other_o evidence_n which_o may_v give_v as_o clear_a conviction_n and_o altogether_o as_o good_a satisfaction_n to_o our_o reason_n as_o that_o which_o be_v immediate_o derive_v from_o our_o sense_n concern_v the_o be_v of_o object_n or_o the_o truth_n of_o matter_n of_o fact_n thus_o those_o who_o never_o travel_v to_o the_o indies_n do_v as_o little_a doubt_n that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o place_n as_o those_o who_o have_v be_v never_o so_o often_o there_o and_o all_o man_n believe_v there_o be_v such_o a_o man_n as_o julius_n caesar_n with_o as_o little_a scruple_n as_o if_o they_o have_v live_v in_o his_o time_n and_o have_v see_v and_o speak_v with_o he_o i_o suppose_v no_o man_n in_o his_o wit_n make_v any_o more_o doubt_n but_o there_o be_v such_o place_n as_o judoea_n and_o jerusalem_n from_o the_o constant_a report_n of_o historian_n and_o traveller_n than_o if_o he_o have_v be_v in_o those_o place_n himself_o and_o have_v live_v the_o great_a part_n of_o his_o life_n there_o and_o the_o great_a infidel_n that_o i_o know_v of_o never_o pretend_v yet_o to_o disbelieve_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o person_n as_o our_o saviour_n christ_n but_o all_o man_n think_v themselves_o as_o well_o assure_v of_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n upon_o the_o credit_n of_o other_o as_o if_o they_o have_v see_v they_o themselves_o for_o how_o doubtful_a and_o intricate_a soever_o some_o thing_n may_v be_v for_o want_v of_o knowledge_n or_o credit_n in_o the_o relater_n yet_o there_o be_v other_o thing_n deliver_v with_o that_o agreement_n and_o certainty_n on_o all_o hand_n that_o to_o doubt_v of_o they_o will_v be_v as_o unreasonable_a as_o to_o doubt_v of_o what_o we_o ourselves_o see_v and_o hear_v and_o if_o our_o saviour_n resurrection_n for_o instance_n be_v of_o this_o nature_n we_o can_v with_o as_o little_a reason_n doubt_n of_o it_o as_o if_o we_o have_v live_v at_o that_o time_n and_o have_v converse_v with_o he_o after_o his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a but_o we_o have_v as_o great_a assurance_n that_o he_o be_v alive_a again_o after_o his_o crucifixion_n as_o that_o he_o ever_o live_v at_o all_o and_o we_o have_v at_o least_o all_o the_o assurance_n that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o person_n as_o christ_n that_o we_o can_v have_v that_o there_o once_o live_v any_o other_o man_n at_o that_o distance_n of_o time_n from_o we_o we_o can_v no_o more_o doubt_n that_o our_o saviour_n be_v bear_v in_o the_o reign_n of_o augustus_n caesar_n and_o be_v crucify_a under_o tiberius_n than_o that_o there_o be_v once_o such_o emperor_n in_o the_o world_n nay_o we_o have_v it_o much_o better_o attest_v that_o christ_n be_v bear_v and_o be_v crucify_a and_o rise_v again_o than_o that_o there_o ever_o be_v such_o prince_n as_o these_o two_o emperor_n for_o no_o man_n ever_o make_v it_o his_o business_n to_o go_v about_o the_o world_n to_o certify_v this_o and_o to_o testify_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o at_o his_o death_n but_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o and_o their_o disciple_n and_o convert_v and_o innumerable_a other_o ever_o since_o from_o the_o begin_n of_o christianity_n have_v assert_v the_o particular_n of_o the_o life_n and_o death_n and_o resurrection_n of_o our_o saviour_n under_o all_o danger_n and_o torment_n and_o death_n and_o have_v make_v it_o their_o great_a aim_n and_o design_n both_o live_a and_o die_v to_o bear_v testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n so_o that_o a_o man_n may_v as_o well_o doubt_v of_o any_o matter_n of_o fact_n that_o ever_o be_v do_v before_o his_o own_o time_n or_o at_o a_o great_a distance_n from_o he_o as_o doubt_v of_o these_o fundamental_o of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o yet_o there_o be_v no_o man_n but_o think_v himself_o as_o certain_a of_o some_o thing_n at_o least_o which_o be_v do_v a_o long_a time_n ago_o or_o a_o great_a way_n off_o as_o if_o he_o have_v be_v at_o the_o do_v of_o they_o himself_o indeed_o in_o some_o respect_n we_o seem_v to_o have_v more_o evidence_n than_o these_o can_v have_v that_o live_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o christianity_n for_o they_o can_v see_v but_o some_o miracle_n we_o have_v the_o benefit_n of_o all_o they_o rely_v upon_o their_o own_o sense_n and_o upon_o the_o sense_n of_o such_o as_o they_o know_v and_o converse_v with_o we_o upon_o the_o sense_n of_o innumerable_a people_n who_o successive_o behold_v they_o for_o the_o space_n of_o divers_a hundred_o year_n together_o so_o that_o whoever_o will_v not_o believe_v the_o scripture_n neither_o will_v he_o believe_v though_o one_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a that_o be_v though_o the_o great_a miracle_n be_v wrought_v for_o his_o conviction_n this_o be_v say_v of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o therefore_o may_v with_o great_a reason_n be_v say_v of_o that_o and_o the_o new_a both_o and_o we_o have_v beside_o one_o sort_n of_o evidence_n which_o those_o that_o live_v at_o the_o first_o plant_n of_o christianity_n can_v not_o have_v for_o we_o see_v many_o of_o those_o prophecy_n fulfil_v which_o our_o saviour_n foretell_v concern_v his_o church_n we_o know_v how_o it_o spring_v up_o and_o flourish_v and_o from_o what_o small_a unlikely_a beginning_n it_o have_v spread_v itself_o into_o all_o corner_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o continue_v to_o this_o day_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o malice_n of_o man_n and_o devil_n to_o root_v it_o out_o and_o destroy_v it_o the_o continuance_n and_o success_n of_o the_o gospel_n under_o so_o improbable_a circumstance_n be_v matter_n of_o faith_n chiefâ—y_n to_o the_o first_o christian_n but_o to_o we_o be_v matter_n of_o fact_n and_o the_o object_n of_o sense_n they_o see_v the_o work_n indeed_o prosper_v in_o their_o hand_n but_o their_o faith_n only_o can_v tell_v they_o that_o it_o shall_v flourish_v for_o so_o many_o age_n as_o we_o know_v it_o have_v already_o do_v this_o be_v a_o stand_n and_o invincible_a proof_n to_o we_o at_o this_o distance_n of_o time_n and_o have_v the_o force_n of_o a_o twofold_a argument_n the_o one_o of_o a_o power_n of_o miracle_n the_o other_o of_o prophecy_n we_o know_v that_o a_o miraculous_a power_n have_v be_v manifest_v in_o conquer_a all_o opposition_n and_o in_o a_o wonderful_a manner_n bring_v those_o thing_n to_o pass_v which_o to_o humane_a wisdom_n and_o power_n be_v altogether_o impossible_a and_o the_o fulfil_n hereby_o of_o prophecy_n be_v a_o visible_a confirmation_n to_o we_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o miracle_n which_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o other_o we_o believe_v to_o have_v be_v do_v by_o the_o prophet_n who_o prophecy_n we_o see_v fulfil_v and_o since_o it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o thing_n may_v be_v so_o well_o attest_v that_o we_o may_v with_o as_o much_o reason_n doubt_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o own_o sense_n as_o of_o the_o authority_n by_o which_o we_o be_v assure_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o and_o must_v turn_v sceptic_n or_o worse_o if_o we_o will_v not_o believe_v they_o we_o may_v conclude_v as_o well_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o these_o prophecy_n which_o we_o ourselves_o see_v fulfil_v as_o upon_o all_o other_o account_n that_o the_o historical_a evidence_n in_o proof_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n amount_v to_o all_o the_o certainty_n that_o a_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v capable_a of_o not_o except_v even_o that_o of_o sense_n itself_o ii_o let_v we_o now_o apply_v all_o this_o to_o the_o resolution_n of_o faith_n and_o give_v a_o account_n how_o a_o divine_a and_o infallible_a faith_n may_v be_v produce_v in_o we_o humane_a testimony_n be_v the_o motive_n by_o which_o we_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o contain_v god_n reveal_v will_n this_o certify_v we_o that_o such_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v
numerous_a than_o the_o sufferer_n for_o any_o other_o p._n 531._o zeal_n for_o falsehood_n no_o prejudice_n to_o truth_n p._n 532._o the_o preference_n for_o the_o christian_a religion_n before_o all_o other_o p._n 534._o the_o proper_a notion_n of_o martyrdom_n p._n 535._o chap._n xxxii_o that_o difference_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n be_v no_o prejudice_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o authority_n of_o it_o difference_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n must_v be_v unless_o god_n shall_v miraculous_o and_o irresistible_o interpose_v to_o prevent_v they_o p._n 539._o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a that_o god_n shall_v thus_o interpose_v p._n 544._o nor_o expedient_a p._n 546._o these_o difference_n how_o great_a and_o how_o many_o soever_o they_o may_v be_v be_v no_o prejudice_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o religion_n p._n 549._o all_o party_n be_v agree_v in_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n in_o general_n and_o of_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o particular_a p._n 551._o it_o be_v not_o religion_n about_o which_o man_n dispute_v but_o there_o be_v nothing_o beside_o in_o which_o man_n have_v not_o disagree_v p._n 555._o prophecy_n be_v hereby_o fullfil_v p._n 557._o chap._n xxxiii_o though_o all_o objection_n can_v not_o be_v answer_v yet_o this_o will_v be_v no_o just_a cause_n to_o reject_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n a_o true_a revelation_n may_v contain_v great_a difficulty_n and_o if_o the_o argument_n in_o proof_n of_o the_o scripture_n remain_v in_o their_o full_a force_n notwithstanding_o any_o objection_n and_o no_o positive_a and_o direct_a proof_n be_v bring_v that_o they_o be_v insufficient_a the_o objection_n must_v proceed_v from_o some_o mistake_n and_o aught_o to_o be_v reject_v as_o insignificant_a p._n 559._o this_o be_v show_v in_o particular_n p._n 561._o the_o way_n of_o reason_v which_o be_v make_v use_n of_o to_o disprove_v the_o truth_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n consider_v in_o case_n of_o another_o nature_n p._n 563._o difficulty_n can_v never_o alter_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n p._n 566._o chap._n xxxiv_o the_o conclusion_n contain_v a_o exhortation_n to_o a_o serious_a consideration_n of_o these_o thing_n both_o from_o the_o example_n of_o the_o wise_a and_o most_o learned_a man_n and_o from_o the_o infinite_a importance_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o as_o wise_a and_o learned_a man_n as_o any_o that_o ever_o live_v in_o the_o world_n have_v suffer_v persecution_n and_o martyrdom_n for_o the_o christian_a religion_n p._n 568._o the_o cause_n of_o unbelief_n among_o christian_n immorality_n a_o spirit_n of_o contradiction_n and_o singularity_n of_o opinion_n p._n 569._o it_o be_v at_o every_o man_n be_v own_o peril_n if_o he_o make_v a_o rash_a and_o partial_a judgement_n p._n 570._o this_o be_v too_o serious_a a_o subject_a to_o jest_v and_o trifle_v withal_o p._n 574._o the_o reasonableness_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n book_n ii_o chap._n i._o of_o humane_a reason_n have_v in_o the_o former_a book_n prove_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n i_o proceed_v in_o this_o to_o clear_v such_o point_n as_o be_v common_o think_v most_o liable_a to_o exception_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o to_o propose_v some_o consideration_n which_o may_v serve_v to_o remove_v such_o prejudices_fw-la and_o obviate_v such_o cavil_n as_o be_v usual_o raise_v against_o the_o holy_a scripture_n but_o before_o man_n venture_v upon_o make_v objection_n against_o the_o scripture_n they_o will_v do_v well_o first_o to_o consider_v the_o compass_n and_o strength_n of_o their_o own_o part_n and_o faculty_n and_o to_o observe_v in_o how_o many_o thing_n they_o daily_o find_v themselves_o deceive_v how_o many_o man_n there_o be_v who_o understand_v much_o more_o than_o themselves_o and_o how_o much_o folly_n and_o ignorance_n there_o be_v in_o the_o wise_a man_n those_o common_o that_o raise_v objection_n against_o the_o scripture_n be_v as_o confident_a in_o the_o management_n of_o they_o as_o if_o they_o understand_v all_o thing_n beside_o and_o therefore_o conclude_v that_o must_v needs_o be_v false_a which_o they_o do_v not_o understand_v not_o consider_v how_o very_o reasonable_a it_o be_v to_o suppose_v that_o god_n shall_v command_v and_o reveal_v many_o thing_n the_o nature_n and_o reason_n of_o which_o we_o may_v not_o be_v able_a to_o comprehend_v this_o must_v be_v grant_v by_o every_o man_n who_o believe_v god_n to_o be_v infinite_o wise_a but_o do_v not_o think_v himself_o to_o be_v so_o and_o acknowledge_v god_n sovereignty_n over_o he_o for_o as_o he_o be_v infinite_o wise_a he_o may_v reveal_v thing_n above_o our_o capacity_n and_o as_o he_o be_v the_o supreme_a lord_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o world_n he_o may_v command_v we_o what_o in_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n he_o shall_v see_v fit_v though_o we_o may_v not_o perceive_v the_o reason_n and_o design_n of_o it_o and_o yet_o this_o be_v the_o utmost_a that_o upon_o a_o due_a examination_n many_o of_o the_o objection_n against_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n amount_v to_o that_o there_o be_v several_a thing_n in_o they_o of_o which_o some_o man_n think_v no_o clear_a account_n can_v be_v give_v and_o other_o which_o seem_v to_o they_o unworthy_a of_o god_n now_o what_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o this_o way_n of_o object_v and_o where_o lie_v the_o force_n of_o such_o argument_n but_o in_o this_o that_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v conceive_v that_o god_n will_v reveal_v or_o command_v any_o thing_n with_o which_o they_o be_v not_o satisfy_v or_o which_o they_o can_v perfect_o understand_v this_o be_v all_o the_o strength_n of_o this_o sort_n of_o objection_n there_o be_v all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n to_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n if_o they_o do_v not_o contain_v thing_n which_o these_o man_n in_o their_o great_a wisdom_n think_v shall_v not_o be_v there_o if_o they_o be_v his_o word_n which_o be_v to_o make_v their_o own_o understanding_n the_o measure_n and_o criterion_n of_o divine_a revelation_n and_o some_o have_v turn_v sceptic_n for_o as_o good_a reason_n and_o other_o have_v be_v atheist_n upon_o the_o same_o principle_n find_v as_o much_o fault_n with_o the_o system_fw-la of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o order_n and_o contrivance_n of_o the_o part_n of_o it_o as_o the_o deist_n do_v with_o the_o scripture_n they_o have_v renounce_v all_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n upon_o the_o same_o ground_n upon_o which_o he_o disbelieve_v the_o christian_a religion_n to_o convince_v man_n therefore_o of_o the_o narrowness_n and_o weakness_n of_o humane_a reason_n i_o shallshew_v i._o that_o in_o some_o thing_n each_o side_n of_o a_o contradiction_n seem_v to_o be_v â—demonstrable_a ii_o that_o very_a man_n believe_v and_o experience_n several_a thing_n which_o in_o the_o theory_n and_o speculative_a notion_n of_o they_o will_v seem_v as_o incredible_a as_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o scripture_n can_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v iii_o that_o those_o who_o reject_v the_o mystery_n of_o religion_n must_v believe_v thing_n much_o more_o incredible_a i._o in_o some_o thing_n each_o side_n of_o a_o contradiction_n seem_v to_o we_o demonstrable_a several_a instance_n may_v be_v give_v of_o this_o i_o shall_v instance_n only_o in_o the_o divisibility_n of_o matter_n nothing_o seem_v more_o evident_a than_o that_o divisibility_n be_v essential_a to_o matter_n and_o that_o therefore_o all_o matter_n be_v divisible_a so_o that_o the_o least_o part_n of_o matter_n be_v as_o divisible_a as_o the_o big_a because_o the_o least_o particle_n of_o matter_n be_v matter_n that_o be_v it_o be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n and_o essence_n with_o the_o whole_a and_o all_o matter_n differ_v only_o in_o bulk_n or_o figure_n or_o place_n or_o rest_v or_o motion_n it_o be_v then_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o matter_n to_o be_v divisible_a it_o must_v ever_o be_v divisible_a though_o it_o be_v never_o so_o often_o divide_v since_o it_o can_v never_o be_v so_o divide_v as_o to_o lose_v it_o own_o nature_n or_o cease_v to_o be_v matter_n on_o the_o other_o side_n it_o be_v demonstrable_a that_o matter_n can_v be_v infinite_o divisible_a because_o whatever_o be_v divisible_a be_v divisible_a into_o part_n and_o no_o part_n can_v be_v infinite_a because_o no_o number_n can_v be_v so_o for_o all_o number_n be_v necessary_o in_o itself_o capable_a of_o be_v count_v or_o number_v though_o no_o finite_a be_v may_v be_v able_a to_o number_v it_o a_o numberless_a number_n be_v a_o contradiction_n it_o be_v a_o number_n which_o be_v no_o number_n therefore_o all_o number_n must_v be_v even_o or_o odd_a and_o must_v be_v capable_a of_o addition_n and_o substraction_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o infinite_a for_o what_o be_v less_o or_o great_a have_v certain_a bound_n or_o limit_n and_o therefore_o can_v be_v
infinite_a or_o without_o any_o end_n or_o bound_n matter_n therefore_o can_v be_v divisible_a in_o infinitum_fw-la since_o all_o division_n be_v into_o part_n and_o all_o part_n be_v capable_a of_o be_v number_v that_o be_v they_o be_v more_o or_o few_o even_o or_o odd_a and_o it_o will_v not_o suffice_v to_o say_v that_o matter_n can_v never_o actual_o be_v divide_v into_o infinite_a part_n though_o it_o be_v capable_a of_o infinite_a division_n so_o as_o that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o end_n of_o its_o divisibility_n for_o the_o part_n into_o which_o it_o be_v divisible_a must_v be_v actual_o existent_a though_o not_o actual_o divide_v for_o nothing_o can_v be_v divisible_a into_o part_n which_o it_o have_v not_o and_o all_o part_n actual_o existent_a whither_o they_o be_v divide_v or_o only_o divisible_a be_v capable_a of_o be_v number_v or_o must_v have_v a_o determinate_a number_n and_o therefore_o can_v be_v infinite_a but_o to_o say_v that_o these_o part_n of_o matter_n be_v indefinite_a but_o not_o infinite_a be_v only_o to_o confess_v that_o we_o know_v not_o what_o to_o say_v of_o they_o for_o they_o be_v indefinite_a in_o respect_n to_o we_o not_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n we_o can_v determine_v their_o number_n or_o what_o end_n there_o can_v be_v of_o divide_v they_o but_o this_o be_v a_o argument_n of_o our_o own_o ignorance_n and_o prove_v nothing_o as_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n again_o nothing_o be_v clear_a to_o every_o understanding_n than_o that_o all_o the_o part_n into_o which_o the_o whole_a be_v divide_v be_v take_v together_o be_v equal_a to_o the_o whole_a yet_o it_o seem_v many_o way_n demonstrable_a that_o any_o single_a part_n be_v equal_a to_o the_o whole_a i_o shall_v give_v but_o one_o such_o proof_n of_o this_o as_o may_v be_v most_o obvious_a it_o must_v be_v grant_v that_o in_o any_o circle_n a_o line_n may_v be_v draw_v from_o every_o point_n of_o the_o circumference_n to_o the_o centre_n suppose_v then_o the_o circle_n to_o be_v the_o aequator_fw-la or_o a_o line_n draw_v round_o the_o globe_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o that_o ten_o thousand_o lesser_a circle_n be_v draw_v within_o the_o aequator_fw-la round_o the_o same_o centre_n and_o that_o a_o right_a line_n be_v draw_v from_o every_o point_n of_o the_o aequator_fw-la to_o the_o centre_n of_o the_o globe_n every_o such_o right_a line_n draw_v from_o the_o aequator_fw-la to_o the_o centre_n must_v be_v of_o necessity_n cut_v through_o the_o ten_o thousand_o lesser_a circle_n draw_v about_o the_o same_o centre_n and_o consequent_o there_o must_v be_v the_o same_o number_n of_o point_n in_o a_o circle_n ten_o thousand_o time_n less_o than_o the_o aequator_fw-la that_o there_o be_v in_o the_o aequator_fw-la itself_o and_o because_o there_o may_v be_v a_o circle_n draw_v from_o any_o point_n of_o the_o diameter_n the_o lesser_a circle_n may_v be_v multiply_v to_o as_o many_o as_o there_o be_v point_n in_o the_o diameter_n which_o be_v 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he_o that_o the_o fortune_n of_o greece_n do_v not_o depend_v upon_o a_o criticism_n which_o tully_n mention_v say_v it_o be_v orator_n be_v facile_fw-la est_fw-la enim_fw-la verbum_fw-la aliquod_fw-la arden_n ut_fw-la ita_fw-la dicam_fw-la notare_fw-la idque_fw-la restinctis_fw-la jam_fw-la animorum_fw-la incendiis_fw-la irridere_fw-la cic._n orator_n a_o easy_a matter_n to_o pitch_v upon_o a_o word_n speak_v in_o the_o heat_n of_o discourse_n and_o in_o cool_a blood_n to_o make_v sport_n with_o it_o but_o this_o be_v at_o large_a treat_v of_o by_o longinus_n and_o seneca_n speak_v excellent_o to_o this_o purpose_n cxv_o purpose_n cujuscunque_fw-la orationem_fw-la videris_fw-la sollicitam_fw-la &_o politam_fw-la scito_fw-la animum_fw-la quoque_fw-la non_fw-la minus_fw-la esse_fw-la pusillis_fw-la occupatum_fw-la magnus_fw-la ille_fw-la remissius_fw-la loquor_fw-la &_o securius_fw-la quaecunque_fw-la dicit_fw-la plus_fw-la habent_fw-la siduciae_fw-la quam_fw-la curae_fw-la senec._n 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other_o author_n make_v this_o remark_n that_o he_o have_v often_o take_v notice_n of_o a_o great_a resemblance_n in_o the_o style_n of_o oration_n make_v by_o different_a author_n and_o of_o as_o great_a a_o unlikeness_n in_o the_o style_n of_o those_o make_v by_o the_o same_o man_n but_o the_o different_a character_n and_o manner_n of_o style_n in_o the_o several_a country_n and_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v much_o more_o easy_o discern_v than_o it_o can_v be_v in_o particular_a man_n of_o the_o same_o country_n thr_fw-mi people_n of_o caria_n phrygia_n and_o mysia_n be_v not_o at_o all_o polite_a and_o neat_a orator_n neat_a adsciverunt_fw-la aptum_fw-la suis_fw-la auribus_fw-la opimum_fw-la quoddam_fw-la &_o tanquam_fw-la adipatae_fw-la dictionis_fw-la genus_fw-la cic._n orator_n say_v tully_n and_o therefore_o they_o love_v a_o gross_a and_o slovenly_a kind_n of_o discourse_n which_o the_o rhodian_o not_o far_o distant_a from_o they_o never_o approve_v of_o and_o the_o other_o greek_n like_v it_o much_o less_o but_o the_o
to_o the_o custom_n of_o other_o nation_n well_o know_v and_o practise_v at_o that_o time_n thus_o the_o slave_n be_v wont_a to_o have_v their_o master_n name_n or_o mark_v upon_o their_o forehead_n and_o the_o soldier_n to_o have_v the_o name_n of_o their_o general_n upon_o their_o right_a hand_n and_o the_o like_a mark_n be_v wont_a to_o be_v receive_v by_o man_n in_o token_n that_o they_o have_v devote_v themselves_o to_o their_o god_n from_o whence_o we_o read_v of_o the_o mark_n of_o the_o beast_n receive_v by_o his_o worshipper_n in_o their_o right_a hand_n or_o in_o their_o forehead_n loc_fw-la forehead_n vid._n grot._fw-la ad_fw-la loc_fw-la rev._n 13.16_o and_o of_o his_o father_n name_v write_v in_o the_o forehead_n of_o those_o that_o stand_v in_o mount_n zion_n with_o the_o lamb_n rev._n 14.1_o st_o paul_n allude_v to_o the_o grecian_a game_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n who_o be_v much_o addict_v to_o those_o sport_n and_o have_v one_o sort_n of_o they_o the_o isthmian_a perform_v among_o they_o 1_o cor._n 9.24_o 25._o and_o he_o allude_v to_o the_o distinction_n among_o the_o roman_n between_o freeman_n and_o slave_n for_o which_o he_o give_v this_o reason_n that_o it_o be_v in_o condescension_n to_o they_o i_o speak_v after_o the_o manner_n of_o man_n because_o of_o the_o infirmity_n of_o your_o flesh_n rom._n 6.19_o melchisedec_n be_v say_v to_o be_v without_o father_n without_o mother_n without_o descent_n heb._n 7.3_o because_o his_o pedigree_n be_v unknown_a which_o be_v a_o most_o significant_a way_n of_o expression_n to_o the_o jew_n who_o be_v so_o careful_a and_o exact_a in_o their_o genealogy_n but_o the_o very_a same_o manner_n of_o expression_n be_v also_o use_v 8._o use_v patre_fw-la nullo_n matre_fw-la serva_fw-la liv._o lib._n 4._o c._n 3._o â—ullis_fw-la majoribus_fw-la ortos_fw-la horac_n serm._n lib._n 1._o sit_v 6._o dvos_fw-la romanos_fw-la reges_fw-la â—sse_fw-la quorum_fw-la alter_fw-la patrem_fw-la non_fw-la habet_fw-la alter_fw-la matrem_fw-la nam_fw-la de_fw-la servij_fw-la matre_fw-la dubitatur_fw-la anci_fw-la pater_fw-la nullus_fw-la numae_fw-la nepos_fw-la dicitur_fw-la senec._n epist_n c._n 8._o by_o livy_n horace_n and_o seneca_n upon_o the_o like_a occasion_n there_o be_v much_o of_o nature_n but_o very_o much_o likewise_o of_o use_n and_o custom_n in_o the_o several_a scheme_n and_o form_n of_o rhetoric_n we_o meet_v with_o a_o sudden_a change_n of_o the_o person_n speak_v jer._n 16.19_o 20_o 21.17.13_o and_o with_o interlocatory_a discourse_n isa_n 63._o and_o many_o place_n of_o scripture_n be_v obscure_a to_o we_o for_o want_v of_o distinguish_v the_o person_n who_o speak_v thus_o for_o instance_n jer._n 20.14_o the_o prophet_n seem_v transport_v abrupt_o from_o one_o extreme_a to_o another_o but_o if_o they_o be_v the_o word_n of_o the_o wicked_a mention_v for_o 13._o under_o the_o divine_a vengeance_n from_o the_o 14_o ver_fw-la to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o chapter_n the_o sense_n will_v be_v more_o easy_a this_o abrupt_a change_n of_o the_o person_n be_v take_v notice_n of_o by_o longinus_n as_o a_o excellency_n in_o homer_n hecataeus_n and_o demosthenes_n and_o the_o want_n of_o distinguish_v the_o person_n speak_v have_v be_v a_o great_a cause_n of_o misunderstand_v the_o scripture_n 7._o scripture_n justin_n apol._n 2._o origen_n philocal_a c._n 7._o as_o justin_n martyr_n and_o origen_n observe_v many_o instance_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n may_v be_v give_v in_o the_o best_a heathen_a poet_n and_o the_o read_v the_o ancient_a poet_n be_v the_o best_a help_n for_o the_o understanding_n all_o other_o author_n of_o great_a antiquity_n for_o the_o ancient_a any_o author_n be_v the_o near_a his_o stile_n come_v to_o poetry_n the_o first_o design_n of_o write_v be_v to_o delight_n so_o as_o to_o be_v the_o better_a able_a to_o instruct_v which_o make_v verse_n much_o more_o ancient_a than_o prose_n and_o though_o it_o be_v natural_a for_o man_n to_o speak_v in_o prose_n and_o not_o in_o verse_n yet_o it_o seem_v the_o humour_n oâ—_n greek_n will_v not_o bear_v though_o write_a philosophy_n in_o prose_n till_o the_o time_n of_o cyrus_n for_o then_o loc_fw-la then_o plin._n hist_o lib._n 5._o c._n 29.7_o c._n 56._o vid._n harduin_n ad_fw-la loc_fw-la pliny_n tell_v we_o pherecydes_n first_o write_v in_o prose_n which_o must_v be_v understand_v of_o philosophy_n for_o he_o ascribe_v the_o first_o writing_n of_o prose_n in_o history_n to_o cadmus_n milesius_n and_o the_o ancient_a writer_n now_o extant_a in_o prose_n herodotus_n thucydides_n and_o xenophon_n have_v many_o expression_n which_o be_v seldom_o or_o never_o meet_v withal_o beside_o but_o in_o the_o poet_n h._n stephens_n make_v a_o collection_n of_o the_o poetical_a word_n use_v by_o xenophon_n which_o be_v prefix_v to_o his_o work_n and_o the_o orator_n both_o among_o the_o greek_n and_o roman_n be_v as_o exact_v and_o curious_a in_o the_o foot_n and_o measure_n of_o their_o prose_n as_o the_o poet_n can_v be_v in_o verse_n great_a part_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v in_o verse_n and_o the_o different_a way_n of_o write_v in_o different_a age_n and_o nation_n appear_v in_o nothing_o more_o than_o in_o the_o several_a sort_n of_o poetry_n that_o way_n of_o write_v all_o verse_n in_o rhyme_n which_o in_o these_o part_n of_o the_o world_n be_v most_o in_o use_n and_o esteem_v will_v have_v be_v ridiculous_a to_o the_o greek_n and_o roman_n though_o the_o use_n of_o rhyme_n in_o verse_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v example_n in_o antiquity_n that_o it_o be_v perhaps_o the_o most_o ancient_a of_o all_o way_n of_o write_a verse_n acrostic_n though_o of_o no_o esteem_n and_o little_o use_v in_o many_o age_n and_o country_n be_v of_o great_a antiquity_n verse_n compose_v in_o the_o acrostic_n and_o alphabetical_a way_n be_v find_v to_o be_v a_o help_n to_o the_o memory_n and_o this_o benefit_n and_o the_o ornament_n which_o it_o be_v then_o suppose_v to_o give_v to_o poem_n be_v the_o cause_n why_o it_o be_v sometime_o use_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o sometime_o the_o inspiration_n be_v so_o strong_a upon_o the_o writer_n mind_n as_o to_o interrupt_v the_o art_n and_o method_n which_o he_o have_v propose_v to_o himself_o as_o ps_n 25._o and_o 145._o or_o perhaps_o it_o may_v be_v customary_a upon_o certain_a occasion_n to_o omit_v some_o letter_n in_o the_o alphabet_n in_o such_o composition_n for_o reason_n which_o we_o be_v ignorant_a of_o but_o which_o may_v be_v very_o satisfactory_a and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o sense_n of_o those_o time_n and_o country_n 21._o country_n athenae_n lib._n 10._o c._n 21._o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v a_o example_n of_o this_o among_o the_o greek_n use_v by_o pindar_n and_o other_o ancient_a poet_n the_o old_a 11._o old_a casanb_n in_o athen._n lib._n 8._o c._n 11._o spartan_a doric_a and_o aeolic_a dialect_n change_v σ_n into_o p_o the_o rough_a sound_n of_o this_o letter_n be_v more_o agreeable_a it_o seem_v to_o those_o people_n and_o if_o any_o of_o they_o have_v write_v acrostic_n and_o alphabetical_a poem_n σ_n will_v have_v be_v omit_v rhophalick_a verse_n which_o begin_v with_o a_o monosyllable_n every_o word_n increase_a by_o one_o syllable_n more_o than_o the_o former_a be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o homer_n and_o the_o leonine_n or_o monkish_a verse_n with_o a_o double_a rhyme_n one_o in_o the_o middle_n and_o the_o other_o at_o the_o end_n be_v not_o without_o precedent_n to_o say_v nothing_o of_o the_o poem_n compose_v of_o divers_a sort_n of_o verse_n and_o frame_v into_o the_o shape_n of_o several_a thing_n by_o simmias_n rhodius_n some_o of_o which_o be_v ascribe_v to_o theocritus_n the_o repetition_n so_o frequent_a in_o homer_n be_v not_o for_o want_v of_o word_n for_o no_o author_n ever_o want_v they_o less_o than_o he_o but_o out_o of_o choice_n though_o latter_a poet_n have_v not_o think_v fit_a to_o imitate_v he_o in_o this_o and_o martial_n turn_v it_o to_o ridicule_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o nothing_o be_v more_o various_a than_o the_o wit_n and_o fancy_n of_o man_n and_o it_o be_v as_o certain_a that_o whoever_o will_v write_v to_o any_o purpose_n must_v write_v in_o some_o such_o manner_n as_o the_o temper_n of_o the_o people_n to_o who_o he_o write_v will_v bear_v and_o as_o their_o custom_n require_v but_o before_o i_o leave_v this_o particular_a it_o may_v be_v proper_a to_o consider_v the_o stile_n of_o scripture_n in_o the_o metaphorical_a and_o figurative_a use_n of_o word_n in_o speak_v of_o the_o work_n and_o attribute_n of_o god_n there_o never_o be_v any_o book_n write_v in_o a_o strict_a and_o literal_a propriety_n of_o word_n because_o all_o language_n abound_v in_o metaphor_n which_o by_o constant_a use_n become_v perhaps_o better_o know_v to_o the_o native_n of_o a_o country_n than_o the_o original_a word_n themselves_o and_o in_o process_n
vii_o of_o the_o obscurity_n of_o some_o place_n in_o the_o scripture_n particular_o of_o the_o type_n and_o prophecy_n here_o it_o must_v in_o the_o first_o place_n be_v remember_v that_o it_o have_v be_v a_o common_a and_o true_a observation_n that_o all_o author_n be_v rather_o perplex_v and_o obscure_v than_o explain_v by_o a_o multitude_n of_o commentator_n and_o this_o be_v so_o true_a of_o no_o book_n as_o of_o the_o scripture_n for_o as_o none_o have_v have_v so_o many_o gloss_n and_o comment_n put_v upon_o it_o by_o man_n of_o all_o age_n and_o nation_n so_o most_o of_o they_o endeavour_n to_o find_v out_o some_o new_a explication_n or_o to_o serve_v a_o cause_n and_o maintain_v some_o particular_a opinion_n by_o their_o exposition_n so_o that_o it_o be_v a_o wonder_n that_o any_o part_n of_o the_o scripture_n shall_v be_v clear_a after_o volume_n have_v be_v write_v i_o may_v true_o say_v upon_o every_o text_n rather_o than_o that_o difficulty_n shall_v be_v find_v in_o they_o but_o at_o the_o same_o time_n it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o we_o find_v it_o declare_v in_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o that_o there_o be_v place_n of_o difficulty_n in_o they_o which_o make_v it_o but_o so_o much_o the_o more_o unreasonable_a that_o this_o shall_v be_v urge_v as_o a_o objection_n against_o they_o for_o what_o be_v acknowledge_v and_o profess_v must_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v with_o a_o design_n and_o for_o some_o good_a reason_n and_o the_o reason_n and_o design_n ought_v to_o be_v inquire_v into_o before_o this_o be_v use_v as_o a_o objection_n st_o peter_n speak_v of_o christ_n come_v to_o judgement_n say_v that_o st_n paul_n in_o his_o epistle_n have_v deliver_v some_o thing_n hard_a to_o be_v understand_v and_o st_n paul_n himself_o intimate_v that_o there_o have_v be_v mistake_n concern_v what_o he_o have_v write_v in_o this_o matter_n 2_o thess_n two_o 1_o 2_o 3._o st_o peter_n on_o this_o occasion_n say_v that_o it_o so_o happen_v not_o only_o to_o st_n paul_n epistle_n but_o to_o other_o book_n of_o the_o scripture_n through_o the_o ignorance_n and_o rashness_n of_o unlearned_a and_o unstable_a man_n 2_o pet._n three_o 16._o and_o it_o happen_v more_o especial_o in_o those_o place_n of_o scripture_n which_o be_v concern_v thing_n of_o this_o nature_n or_o contain_v whatever_o prophecy_n of_o thing_n to_o come_v therefore_o i_o shall_v i._o give_v a_o account_n how_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o there_o be_v thing_n hard_a to_o be_v understand_v in_o the_o scripture_n in_o general_n ii_o i_o shall_v in_o particular_a consider_v the_o obscurity_n of_o prophecy_n and_o shall_v prove_v the_o certainty_n of_o the_o type_n make_v use_v of_o by_o the_o prophet_n and_o show_v that_o there_o be_v great_a force_n and_o evidence_n in_o the_o argument_n bring_v from_o they_o iii_o i_o shall_v prove_v that_o the_o obscurity_n of_o some_o place_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v no_o prejudice_n to_o the_o authority_n of_o they_o nor_o to_o the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o they_o i._o i_o shall_v give_v a_o account_n in_o general_a how_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n in_o the_o scripture_n hard_a to_o be_v understand_v 1._o some_o doctrine_n which_o it_o mighty_o concern_v we_o to_o be_v acquaint_v withal_o can_v not_o be_v deliver_v in_o so_o plain_a a_o manner_n but_o that_o they_o must_v needs_o have_v great_a difficulty_n in_o they_o as_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o bless_a trinity_n of_o the_o incarnation_n of_o christ_n of_o the_o resurrection_n and_o of_o the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n and_o of_o the_o torment_n of_o hell_n there_o be_v several_a thing_n which_o we_o be_v capable_a of_o know_v and_o which_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v know_v of_o which_o yet_o we_o can_v have_v so_o perfect_a and_o absolute_a a_o knowledge_n but_o that_o something_o of_o they_o will_v still_o remain_v unknown_a to_o we_o as_o there_o be_v no_o object_n more_o visible_a or_o better_o know_v to_o we_o than_o the_o sun_n be_v but_o to_o calculate_v the_o dimension_n and_o the_o distance_n of_o the_o sun_n from_o we_o to_o know_v how_o its_o light_n be_v communicate_v and_o sudden_o spread_v over_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v thing_n of_o great_a difficulty_n and_o can_v never_o perhaps_o be_v full_o account_v for_o in_o like_a manner_n what_o the_o scripture_n deliver_v to_o we_o concern_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o the_o state_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v must_v needs_o have_v difficulty_n in_o it_o though_o we_o be_v never_o so_o well_o assure_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o a_o future_a state_n because_o these_o be_v thing_n above_o our_o understanding_n we_o may_v perfect_o understand_v that_o there_o be_v such_o thing_n but_o can_v have_v no_o full_a and_o clear_a conception_n of_o all_o that_o may_v be_v fit_a to_o be_v deliver_v to_o we_o concern_v they_o nothing_o can_v be_v make_v plain_a to_o we_o than_o we_o be_v capable_a of_o know_v it_o or_o than_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o and_o the_o portion_n our_o faculty_n bear_v to_o it_o will_v allow_v god_n be_v incomprehensible_a whatever_o be_v deliver_v concern_v he_o can_v never_o be_v without_o all_o difficulty_n and_o whilst_o we_o be_v in_o this_o world_n we_o can_v never_o understand_v the_o state_n of_o the_o next_o so_o full_o as_o we_o shall_v do_v hereafter_o and_o these_o be_v difficulty_n which_o must_v be_v unless_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n or_o our_o own_o nature_n be_v different_a from_o what_o it_o be_v nevertheless_o the_o great_a mystery_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v reveal_v and_o so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v require_v to_o be_v know_v by_o we_o contain_v no_o inexplicable_a difficulty_n but_o if_o we_o will_v needs_o know_v more_o of_o the_o mystery_n of_o religion_n than_o be_v reveal_v and_o more_o than_o be_v require_v to_o be_v know_v no_o wonder_n if_o we_o meet_v with_o difficulty_n what_o be_v meaut_n for_o instance_n by_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n be_v capable_a of_o be_v very_o well_o understand_v as_o the_o opposer_n of_o this_o doctrine_n must_v own_v unless_o they_o will_v confess_v that_o they_o oppose_v they_o know_v not_o what_o he_o that_o say_v a_o thing_n be_v not_o true_a know_v what_o it_o be_v which_o he_o pretend_v not_o to_o be_v true_a if_o he_o understand_v what_o he_o say_v the_o thing_n than_o be_v know_v though_o there_o be_v difficulty_n in_o the_o explication_n but_o the_o explication_n concern_v the_o manner_n of_o existence_n not_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o for_o that_o may_v certain_o be_v and_o we_o may_v certain_o know_v it_o to_o be_v which_o yet_o we_o know_v not_o how_o it_o shall_v be_v and_o the_o doctrine_n itself_o only_o be_v reveal_v as_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v not_o any_o particular_a explication_n of_o it_o and_o if_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o this_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o scripture_n and_o it_o be_v plain_a to_o be_v understand_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o this_o doctrine_n as_o it_o be_v deliver_v in_o scripture_n this_o show_v the_o plainness_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n though_o divers_a thing_n relate_v to_o this_o doctrine_n be_v difficult_a to_o be_v explain_v because_o the_o doctrine_n be_v plain_o enough_o and_o intelligible_o deliver_v so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v require_v to_o be_v understand_v and_o believe_v several_a art_n and_o science_n which_o be_v very_o difficult_a and_o abstruse_a in_o the_o theory_n be_v easy_a in_o the_o practice_n and_o a_o man_n may_v very_o well_o unsterstand_v what_o the_o theorem_fw-la itself_o be_v which_o be_v to_o be_v prove_v though_o he_o be_v altogether_o uncapable_a of_o understand_v the_o proof_n of_o it_o now_o what_o god_n say_v be_v as_o certain_a as_o any_o demonstration_n can_v be_v and_o what_o he_o have_v plain_o deliver_v be_v plain_a as_o well_o as_o certain_a and_o it_o be_v never_o the_o less_o certain_a or_o plain_a because_o we_o can_v make_v out_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o nor_o be_v able_a to_o understand_v how_o it_o can_v be_v it_o be_v sufficient_a that_o the_o scripture_n be_v plain_a in_o this_o doctrine_n so_o far_o as_o we_o be_v concern_v to_o know_v it_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a that_o the_o doctrine_n itself_o shall_v be_v plain_a in_o all_o the_o controversy_n which_o may_v be_v raise_v about_o it_o when_o we_o know_v the_o meaning_n we_o must_v take_v god_n word_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o distinction_n of_o person_n and_o the_o unity_n of_o essence_n in_o the_o godhead_n be_v not_o require_v to_o be_v believe_v but_o the_o thing_n and_o we_o know_v the_o thing_n to_o be_v so_o because_o god_n himself_o have_v say_v it_o though_o
we_o can_v know_v nothing_o of_o the_o manner_n of_o it_o we_o know_v the_o proposition_n which_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v though_o we_o can_v make_v good_a the_o proof_n of_o it_o in_o the_o way_n of_o natural_a reason_v but_o only_o from_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o revealer_n which_o be_v of_o itself_o sufficient_a and_o aught_o to_o be_v instead_o of_o all_o other_o reason_n to_o we_o 2._o some_o part_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v fit_v and_o accommodate_v to_o former_a age_n and_o be_v more_o proper_a and_o useful_a for_o they_o than_o if_o they_o have_v be_v write_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o to_o be_v less_o obscure_a and_o difficult_a we_o may_v well_o imagine_v that_o many_o part_n of_o the_o scripture_n must_v have_v be_v more_o peculiar_o adapt_v to_o their_o use_n and_o advantage_n for_o who_o they_o be_v immediate_o design_v and_o the_o learning_n and_o wisdom_n of_o ancient_a time_n consist_v in_o parable_n and_o proverb_n and_o obscure_a form_n of_o speech_n in_o prophecy_n in_o subtle_a and_o dark_a parable_n and_o in_o the_o secret_n of_o grave_a sentence_n eccl._n thirty-nine_o 1_o 2_o 3._o and_o it_o be_v foretell_v of_o the_o messiah_n in_o particular_a that_o he_o shall_v speak_v in_o parable_n as_o a_o matter_n of_o great_a excellency_n i_o will_v open_v my_o mouth_n in_o a_o parable_n i_o will_v utter_v dark_a say_n of_o old_a ps_n lxxviii_o 2._o matt._n xiii_o 35._o this_o be_v in_o ancient_a time_n the_o language_n of_o court_n and_o the_o proper_a way_n of_o address_n to_o king_n nathan_n the_o prophet_n and_o the_o woman_n of_o tekoa_n come_v to_o david_n with_o a_o parable_n 2_o sam._n twelve_o 1._o fourteen_o 4._o and_o jehoash_n king_n of_o israel_n send_v a_o message_n of_o the_o same_o nature_n to_o amaziah_n king_n of_o judah_n 2_o king_n fourteen_o 9_o and_o cyrus_n 141._o cyrus_n â—eâ—odot_n lib._n i_o c._n 141._o answer_v the_o petition_n of_o two_o nation_n at_o once_o to_o he_o in_o a_o short_a parable_n to_o understand_v a_o proverb_n and_o the_o interpretation_n the_o word_n of_o the_o wise_a and_o their_o dark_a say_n be_v the_o best_a description_n that_o solomon_n himself_o can_v give_v of_o wisdom_n prov._n i_o 6._o and_o â—_o and_o joseph_n antiqu._n lib._n viij_o c._n 2._o â—_o solomon_n and_o hiram_n be_v relate_v by_o josephus_n to_o have_v propound_v problem_n and_o riddle_n or_o parable_n to_o each_o other_o upon_o condition_n of_o a_o forfeiture_n to_o be_v pay_v by_o he_o who_o can_v not_o explain_v the_o riddle_n send_v he_o this_o will_v be_v look_v upon_o now_o as_o a_o strange_a correspondence_n between_o king_n but_o than_o it_o be_v otherwise_o think_v of_o many_o of_o their_o epâ—â—â—â—s_n be_v preserve_v as_o he_o tell_v we_o to_o his_o time_n at_o tyre_n and_o the_o heathen_a historian_n who_o testimony_n he_o produce_v think_v it_o deserve_v their_o particular_a observation_n this_o custom_n of_o propound_v riddle_n be_v as_o old_a as_o sampson_n time_n judg._n fourteen_o 12._o and_o example_n of_o the_o same_o nature_n be_v to_o be_v see_v in_o herodotus_n etc._n herodotus_n vid._n athenae_n lib._n x._o c_o 15._o etc._n etc._n and_o other_o author_n whether_o it_o be_v true_a or_o false_a that_o homer_n die_v of_o grief_n because_o he_o can_v not_o explain_v the_o riddle_n of_o the_o fisher_n it_o show_v that_o riddle_n be_v in_o great_a request_n among_o the_o ancient_a greek_n for_o otherwise_o there_o can_v have_v be_v no_o ground_n either_o for_o the_o truth_n or_o fiction_n of_o such_o a_o story_n plutarch_n relate_v it_o as_o the_o true_a cause_n of_o homer_n death_n and_o when_o homer_n when_o herod_n &_o plut._n in_o vit._n homer_n herodotus_n deny_v this_o he_o own_v the_o report_n and_o by_o the_o verse_n which_o he_o say_v homer_n speak_v upon_o this_o occasion_n it_o appear_v what_o opinion_n homer_n have_v of_o this_o sort_n of_o wit._n hesiod_n be_v by_o xi_o by_o quintil._n institut_fw-la lib._n v._o c._n xi_o quintilian_n think_v the_o author_n of_o the_o fable_n which_o pass_v under_o the_o name_n of_o aesop_n however_o this_o make_v it_o probable_a that_o he_o do_v write_v fable_n and_o perhaps_o there_o be_v few_o man_n of_o learning_n and_o note_n in_o those_o time_n who_o do_v not_o mythology_n be_v in_o the_o high_a esteem_n among_o the_o ancient_n and_o indeed_o all_o the_o ancient_a learning_n be_v of_o this_o kind_n the_o egyptian_n who_o be_v in_o great_a reputation_n for_o learning_n deliver_v their_o notion_n in_o hieroglyphic_n as_o if_o they_o have_v resolve_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v and_o the_o philosopher_n of_o old_a pythagoras_n heraclitus_n etc._n etc._n great_o affect_v obscurity_n socrates_n himself_o and_o plato_n and_o aristotle_n purposely_o conceal_v their_o meaning_n in_o many_o case_n from_o vulgar_a capacity_n and_o thucydides_n take_v the_o same_o course_n in_o â—is_n history_n and_o be_v obscure_a out_o of_o design_n as_o marcellinus_n have_v observe_v in_o his_o life_n the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n for_o the_o most_o part_n seem_v to_o have_v be_v the_o most_o plain_a and_o the_o most_o easy_o intelligible_a of_o any_o write_n of_o ancient_a time_n and_o they_o can_v not_o have_v be_v more_o obvious_a but_o they_o must_v have_v be_v contemptible_a and_o useless_a to_o those_o for_o who_o they_o be_v immediate_o design_v the_o precept_n and_o exhortation_n be_v always_o plain_a and_o obvious_a and_o the_o obscurity_n of_o other_o thing_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o exception_n to_o the_o book_n of_o scripture_n that_o it_o be_v necessary_a according_a to_o the_o learning_n and_o custom_n of_o ancient_a time_n the_o parable_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n be_v explain_v to_o we_o and_o there_o can_v now_o be_v no_o pretence_n of_o obscurity_n in_o they_o and_o in_o his_o discourse_n with_o the_o jew_n to_o who_o they_o be_v not_o explain_v he_o allude_v to_o those_o proverb_n and_o custom_n which_o be_v best_a know_v and_o most_o in_o use_n among_o they_o to_o who_o upon_o any_o occasion_n he_o speak_v that_o thereby_o all_o who_o have_v ear_n to_o hear_v and_o be_v not_o by_o their_o sin_n hinder_v from_o attend_v to_o what_o they_o hear_v may_v be_v the_o more_o affect_v with_o they_o and_o the_o better_o incline_v to_o give_v themselves_o up_o to_o his_o instruction_n when_o they_o hear_v he_o make_v use_n of_o such_o allusion_n as_o they_o know_v according_a to_o the_o way_n of_o teach_v among_o they_o have_v some_o excellent_a hide_a meaning_n which_o they_o will_v be_v very_o desirous_a to_o become_v acquaint_v withal_o 3._o many_o place_n of_o scripture_n which_o be_v obscure_a to_o we_o be_v not_o obscure_a in_o the_o age_n in_o which_o they_o be_v write_v 1._o because_o the_o obscurity_n for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v rather_o in_o the_o form_n and_o manner_n of_o speech_n than_o in_o the_o notion_n themselves_o so_o that_o that_o may_v be_v clear_a at_o first_o which_o be_v obscure_a to_o we_o who_o be_v but_o little_o acquaint_v with_o the_o phrase_n and_o idiom_n of_o the_o language_n and_o the_o eloquence_n of_o those_o time_n and_o country_n for_o the_o fashion_n of_o speech_n vary_v as_o much_o as_o those_o of_o the_o garb_n and_o habit_n and_o the_o eloquence_n and_o way_n of_o expression_n be_v as_o different_a as_o the_o dialect_v and_o language_n of_o divers_a age_n and_o nation_n 2._o the_o name_n of_o animal_n of_o flower_n and_o plant_n and_o mineral_n be_v very_o liable_a to_o be_v mistake_v and_o especial_o whatever_o be_v peculiar_a to_o any_o country_n must_v needs_o be_v difficult_a to_o be_v understand_v by_o foreigner_n who_o have_v no_o such_o thing_n among_o they_o and_o perhaps_o want_v word_n to_o express_v their_o nature_n and_o can_v scarce_o have_v a_o true_a and_o exact_a notion_n of_o they_o the_o precise_a value_n of_o coin_n and_o proportion_n of_o weight_n and_o measure_n use_v so_o long_o ago_o and_o in_o country_n so_o far_o from_o we_o can_v hardly_o now_o be_v know_v and_o must_v necessary_o admit_v of_o great_a variety_n of_o opinion_n there_o be_v much_o uncertainty_n about_o these_o in_o all_o ancient_a history_n but_o the_o great_a antiquity_n of_o the_o jewish_a history_n above_o other_o may_v make_v we_o reasonable_o expect_v to_o find_v many_o more_o such_o difficulty_n in_o it_o and_o the_o different_a name_n of_o the_o same_o person_n and_o of_o the_o same_o place_n in_o the_o scripture_n be_v another_o occasion_n of_o obscurity_n the_o name_n coin_n weight_n and_o measure_n and_o habit_n of_o ancient_a time_n afford_v the_o great_a work_n for_o critic_n which_o be_v so_o well_o know_v when_o the_o author_n who_o mention_v they_o write_v that_o it_o have_v be_v ridiculous_a for_o they_o to_o explain_v they_o these_o be_v difficulty_n of_o that_o nature_n that_o they_o can_v not_o
sign_n we_o be_v resolve_v to_o find_v fault_n and_o never_o to_o be_v satisfy_v with_o what_o we_o have_v unless_o we_o be_v humour_v in_o every_o thing_n but_o we_o shall_v do_v well_o first_o to_o consider_v how_o we_o can_v expect_v this_o at_o god_n hand_n or_o how_o well_o we_o have_v deserve_v it_o of_o he_o the_o secret_a of_o the_o lord_n be_v with_o they_o that_o fear_v he_o and_o he_o will_v show_v they_o his_o covenant_n psal_n twenty-five_o 14._o for_o the_o froward_a be_v a_o abomination_n to_o the_o lord_n but_o his_o secret_n be_v with_o the_o righteous_a prov._n iii._o 32._o there_o be_v secret_n and_o mystery_n in_o religion_n which_o can_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v know_v to_o any_o but_o those_o who_o be_v thro'_o acquaint_v with_o the_o plain_a doctrine_n both_o in_o the_o study_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o they_o and_o therefore_o if_o no_o such_o reason_n as_o have_v be_v now_o offer_v can_v be_v give_v for_o the_o obscurity_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o some_o place_n it_o will_v be_v unreasonable_a however_o for_o such_o man_n as_o make_v this_o a_o objection_n to_o urge_v it_o they_o have_v no_o right_a to_o object_v whatever_o other_o may_v have_v because_o they_o have_v never_o use_v the_o mean_n to_o know_v whether_o the_o scripture_n be_v so_o obscure_a as_o they_o pretend_v or_o or_o not_o but_o they_o will_v never_o be_v able_a to_o prove_v that_o if_o thing_n necessary_a both_o in_o faith_n and_o practice_n be_v clear_o set_v down_o there_o may_v not_o be_v other_o thing_n deliver_v which_o be_v hard_a to_o be_v understand_v and_o which_o those_o may_v wrest_v to_o their_o own_o destruction_n who_o be_v unlearned_a and_o unstable_a that_o be_v who_o have_v neither_o learning_n and_o skill_n enough_o to_o judge_v of_o such_o matter_n nor_o yet_o constancy_n and_o steadfastness_n enough_o in_o the_o faith_n to_o adhere_v to_o what_o they_o do_v understand_v and_o not_o to_o perplex_v themselves_o and_o suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v pervert_v by_o judge_v rash_o of_o thing_n above_o their_o capacity_n the_o unlearned_a and_o unstable_a only_o be_v say_v to_o wrest_v the_o scripture_n to_o their_o own_o destruction_n and_o though_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n and_o capacity_n of_o every_o man_n to_o be_v wise_a and_o learned_a yet_o it_o be_v in_o every_o one_o power_n not_o to_o be_v unstable_a but_o constant_a and_o steadfast_a to_o what_o he_o understand_v and_o never_o to_o depart_v from_o it_o for_o any_o by-end_n or_o respect_n let_v we_o learn_v what_o be_v easy_a to_o be_v know_v and_o practise_v what_o we_o know_v before_o we_o complain_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v obscure_a let_v we_o study_v and_o practice_v the_o scripture_n more_o and_o this_o objection_n will_v not_o appear_v so_o formidable_a but_o the_o truth_n be_v those_o that_o most_o use_v it_o neither_o study_n nor_o practice_v they_o and_o yet_o after_o all_o their_o pretence_n of_o obscurity_n they_o have_v a_o great_a quarrel_n against_o the_o plain_a part_n of_o scripture_n than_o against_o the_o obscure_a one_o they_o know_v many_o place_n of_o scripture_n which_o be_v plain_o against_o they_o and_o this_o make_v they_o set_v themselves_o against_o all_o the_o rest_n what_o have_v be_v here_o say_v in_o general_a i_o hope_v may_v be_v in_o some_o measure_n useful_a to_o those_o who_o desire_v to_o read_v the_o scripture_n for_o their_o instruction_n and_o edification_n and_o in_o particular_a difficulty_n book_n must_v be_v consult_v or_o such_o man_n as_o may_v be_v suppose_v to_o understand_v they_o but_o as_o for_o all_o that_o be_v fond_a of_o objection_n and_o read_v the_o scripture_n only_o in_o search_n of_o thâ—m_n it_o can_v be_v expect_v that_o discourse_n of_o this_o nature_n shall_v signify_v much_o with_o 〈◊〉_d teach_v we_o o_o lord_n the_o way_n of_o thy_o statute_n and_o we_o shall_v keep_v it_o unto_o the_o end_n give_v we_o understanding_n and_o we_o shall_v keep_v thy_o law_n yea_o we_o shall_v keep_v it_o with_o our_o whole_a heart_n great_a be_v the_o peace_n that_o they_o have_v who_o love_n thy_o law_n and_o they_o be_v not_o offend_v at_o it_o psal_n cxix_o 33_o 34_o 165._o chap._n viii_o of_o place_n of_o scripture_n which_o seem_v to_o contradict_v each_o other_o i._o though_o the_o sacred_a writer_n no_o where_n contradict_v themselves_o or_o one_o another_o yet_o they_o be_v not_o solicitous_a to_o prevent_v the_o be_v suspect_v to_o do_v so_o by_o injudicious_a and_o rash_a man_n as_o they_o will_v have_v be_v very_o cautious_a of_o give_v any_o pretence_n for_o such_o a_o suspicion_n if_o they_o have_v write_v any_o thing_n but_o truth_n it_o can_v not_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o sovereign_a wisdom_n and_o majesty_n of_o god_n to_o comply_v with_o the_o humour_n and_o fancy_n of_o man_n but_o rather_o when_o he_o have_v by_o a_o infallible_a guidance_n and_o direction_n prevent_v the_o penman_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n from_o write_v any_o thing_n but_o truth_n to_o suffer_v they_o to_o write_v so_o as_o that_o they_o may_v be_v liable_a to_o the_o exception_n of_o the_o wilful_a and_o perverse_a because_o it_o be_v more_o 51._o more_o multum_fw-la enim_fw-la refert_fw-la ut_fw-la est_fw-la in_o epistola_fw-la adriani_n quam_fw-la recitatcallistratus_fw-la l._n testâ—uâ—_n d._n de_n teâ—tibus_fw-la qui._n simpliciter_fw-la visi_fw-la sunt_fw-la dicere_fw-la utrâ—m_fw-la unum_fw-la eundâ—â—â—qâ—â—_n meâ—tiatum_fw-la sermo_fw-la they_o attulerint_fw-la a_o ad_fw-la ea_fw-la quae_fw-la interrogati_fw-la sunt_fw-la ex_fw-la tempore_fw-la veriâ—milia_fw-la respoâ—deriâ—t_fw-la grot._n in_o adject_n ad_fw-la dan._n c._n xiii_o 51._o suitable_a to_o the_o simplicity_n of_o truth_n not_o to_o be_v overnice_a and_o solicitous_a about_o every_o punctilio_n and_o small_a circumstance_n but_o to_o speak_v full_o and_o intelligible_o and_o then_o to_o leave_v it_o to_o man_n whether_o they_o will_v believe_v or_o not_o especial_o in_o what_o be_v tell_v they_o for_o their_o own_o advantage_n the_o relator_n have_v no_o end_n or_o design_n to_o serve_v by_o it_o but_o only_o to_o do_v they_o the_o great_a good_a they_o can_v and_o bring_v all_o the_o evidence_n for_o their_o conviction_n that_o miracle_n and_o prophecy_n can_v afford_v which_o be_v the_o only_a mean_n of_o god_n reveal_v himself_o to_o mankind_n and_o then_o suffer_v in_o testimony_n of_o what_o they_o have_v deliver_v thus_o our_o saviour_n when_o notwithstanding_o all_o his_o mighty_a work_n many_o will_v not_o believe_v in_o he_o but_o question_v his_o authority_n and_o revile_v his_o person_n and_o blaspheme_v the_o holy_a spirit_n by_o which_o they_o be_v wrought_v be_v not_o concern_v to_o work_v more_o miracle_n mere_o for_o the_o satisfaction_n or_o rather_o at_o the_o captious_a demand_n of_o these_o man_n when_o they_o require_v he_o to_o do_v it_o for_o if_o they_o will_v be_v convince_v by_o any_o reasonable_a mean_n he_o have_v give_v it_o they_o if_o they_o will_v not_o it_o will_v be_v to_o their_o own_o prejudice_n he_o be_v not_o solicitous_a what_o they_o think_v of_o he_o and_o thus_o it_o be_v likewise_o in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n god_n have_v give_v man_n sufficient_a evidence_n of_o his_o be_v and_o providence_n but_o if_o man_n will_v disâ—_n believe_v his_o providence_n and_o deny_v his_o be_v he_o do_v not_o vouchsafe_v by_o any_o immediate_a 〈◊〉_d particular_a act_n of_o his_o power_n to_o conâ—â—â—â—_n 〈◊〉_d pretence_n and_o if_o because_o of_o some_o place_n that_o be_v difficult_a in_o the_o scripture_n man_n will_v reject_v the_o whole_a rather_o than_o be_v at_o the_o pain_n to_o search_v out_o the_o true_a mean_v of_o these_o place_n or_o than_o be_v so_o modest_a and_o humble_a as_o to_o suppose_v that_o there_o may_v be_v way_n of_o reconcile_a those_o which_o appear_v to_o they_o contradiction_n though_o they_o have_v not_o yet_o find_v they_o out_o they_o must_v fall_v under_o the_o same_o condemnation_n with_o those_o who_o will_v deny_v the_o be_v of_o god_n if_o they_o can_v satisfy_v themselves_o how_o he_o make_v and_o govern_v the_o world_n or_o with_o those_o that_o will_v believe_v none_o of_o our_o saviour_n miracle_n unless_o he_o will_v work_v they_o when_o and_o where_o and_o just_a in_o what_o manner_n they_o please_v but_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n see_v that_o nothing_o will_v satisfy_v these_o man_n and_o that_o they_o only_o tempt_v god_n and_o design_v no_o real_a satisfaction_n to_o themselves_o and_o therefore_o he_o can_v be_v oblige_v to_o new_a model_n the_o world_n and_o alter_v the_o scripture_n for_o their_o sake_n since_o there_o be_v enough_o in_o they_o for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o all_o that_o be_v sincere_a in_o their_o inquiry_n after_o truth_n ii_o the_o only_a way_n to_o judge_v right_o of_o the_o particular_a place_n of_o any_o book_n be_v to_o consider_v
may_v not_o suffer_v a_o book_n write_v by_o his_o own_o appointment_n and_o authority_n to_o be_v encumber_a through_o length_n of_o time_n and_o the_o frailty_n and_o negligence_n of_o man_n with_o insuperable_a difficulty_n if_o it_o be_v suppose_v still_o to_o retain_v the_o visible_a mark_n and_o character_n of_o a_o divine_a original_a in_o all_o the_o evidence_n necessary_a to_o prove_v it_o from_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o in_o the_o doctrine_n deliver_v by_o it_o for_o as_o long_o as_o these_o two_o thing_n be_v secure_v all_o the_o rest_n though_o it_o be_v of_o never_o so_o great_a use_n and_o excellency_n yet_o can_v be_v necessary_a in_o order_n to_o the_o end_n of_o a_o divine_a revelation_n and_o therefore_o a_o book_n of_o divine_a revelation_n may_v be_v permit_v by_o god_n for_o the_o sin_n and_o by_o the_o fault_n and_o ignorance_n of_o man_n to_o become_v perplex_v with_o abundance_n of_o divers_a readins_n and_o even_o with_o contradiction_n in_o the_o chronological_a and_o less_o material_a point_n of_o it_o for_o so_o long_o as_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v defective_a as_o to_o the_o end_n and_o purpose_n of_o a_o divine_a revelation_n either_o for_o want_v of_o evidence_n to_o make_v it_o appear_v to_o be_v such_o or_o through_o defect_n of_o the_o matter_n and_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o it_o all_o other_o difficulty_n will_v never_o prove_v it_o not_o to_o be_v of_o divine_a authority_n because_o so_o long_o as_o there_o be_v no_o defect_n but_o what_o may_v be_v in_o any_o book_n though_o we_o suppose_v it_o to_o be_v of_o divine_a authority_n chap._n ix_o of_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o preservation_n of_o it_o by_o creation_n in_o the_o book_n of_o genesis_n be_v understand_v not_o only_o the_o production_n of_o the_o world_n out_o of_o nothing_o but_o the_o formation_n and_o disposal_n of_o the_o several_a part_n of_o the_o universe_n but_o there_o have_v a_o opinion_n of_o late_a year_n prevail_v very_o injurious_a to_o religion_n and_o repugnant_a to_o reason_n and_o the_o judgement_n of_o former_a age_n that_o god_n only_o create_v matter_n and_o give_v it_o motion_n to_o be_v perform_v under_o certain_a law_n by_o which_o all_o the_o phaenomena_n of_o nature_n both_o in_o the_o creation_n and_o preservation_n of_o thing_n be_v bring_v about_o without_o any_o far_a immediate_a divine_n power_n or_o concourse_n than_o what_o be_v just_o necessary_a to_o continue_v this_o matter_n and_o motion_n in_o be_v that_o be_v god_n create_v matter_n and_o put_v it_o into_o motion_n and_o then_o matter_n and_o motion_n do_v all_o the_o rest_n in_o a_o settle_a course_n and_o by_o establish_a law_n without_o any_o need_n of_o the_o divine_a aid_n or_o direction_n this_o notion_n indeed_o can_v never_o be_v reconcile_v to_o the_o scripture_n but_o than_o it_o be_v as_o little_o befriend_v by_o reason_n and_o natural_a religion_n in_o proof_n of_o which_o i_o shall_v consider_v i._n the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n ii_o the_o preservation_n of_o it_o and_o shall_v show_v that_o neither_o of_o they_o can_v be_v perform_v in_o this_o way_n i._o as_o to_o the_o creation_n we_o may_v consider_v both_o the_o time_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o it_o and_o by_o the_o time_n of_o the_o creation_n we_o may_v understand_v either_o the_o time_n when_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n begin_v or_o the_o time_n which_o be_v take_v up_o in_o the_o creation_n of_o it_o but_o this_o latter_a sense_n will_v come_v under_o what_o be_v to_o be_v say_v of_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o creation_n 1._o the_o time_n of_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n as_o that_o signify_v the_o beginning_n of_o time_n or_o of_o the_o world_n duration_n must_v be_v whole_o arbitrary_a and_o absolute_o at_o god_n sovereign_a pleasure_n and_o disposal_n for_o there_o can_v be_v nothing_o in_o eternal_a duration_n to_o fix_v the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n more_o to_o one_o time_n than_o another_o or_o to_o determine_v why_o it_o shall_v begin_v soon_o or_o late_a and_o since_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v eternal_a it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o time_n of_o the_o creation_n whenever_o it_o be_v can_v be_v no_o good_a objection_n because_o though_o the_o world_n have_v be_v create_v never_o so_o long_o before_o there_o must_v necessary_o have_v be_v as_o much_o a_o pretence_n for_o such_o a_o objection_n for_o there_o must_v have_v be_v some_o period_n of_o time_n when_o the_o world_n have_v exi_v no_o long_o than_o it_o have_v do_v now_o and_o no_o beginning_n of_o the_o world_n can_v be_v suppose_v so_o long_o ago_o but_o still_o it_o may_v with_o the_o same_o reason_n be_v ask_v why_o it_o be_v not_o create_v soon_o 2._o in_o consider_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o world_n creation_n i_o shall_v prove_v 1._o that_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o suppose_v the_o world_n to_o have_v be_v at_o the_o first_o make_v by_o mechanical_a law_n though_o it_o be_v preserve_v according_a to_o such_o law_n 2._o that_o there_o be_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o be_v give_v for_o its_o creation_n in_o that_o manner_n which_o we_o find_v relate_v in_o the_o book_n of_o genesis_n 1._o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o suppose_v the_o world_n to_o have_v be_v at_o first_o make_v by_o mechanichal_n law_n though_o it_o be_v preserve_v according_a to_o such_o law_n whereas_o i_o shall_v afterward_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v not_o preserve_v according_a to_o they_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n that_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v first_o frame_v according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o motion_n which_o be_v establish_v for_o its_o preservation_n and_o government_n in_o its_o fix_a and_o settle_v state_n the_o origin_n of_o the_o universe_n be_v by_o the_o immediate_a hand_n of_o god_n before_o the_o appointment_n of_o the_o several_a law_n which_o afterward_o be_v to_o take_v place_n and_o we_o may_v as_o well_o endeavour_v to_o reduce_v the_o work_n of_o miracle_n to_o the_o stand_a law_n of_o nature_n as_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n for_o certain_o of_o all_o miracle_n the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n must_v be_v the_o great_a not_o only_o as_o it_o signify_v the_o production_n of_o matter_n and_o motion_n out_o of_o nothing_o but_o as_o it_o be_v the_o put_v thing_n into_o such_o order_n as_o to_o make_v they_o capable_a of_o the_o law_n of_o motion_n ordain_v for_o they_o it_o be_v not_o yet_o agree_v nor_o be_v it_o ever_o like_a to_o be_v what_o these_o law_n of_o motion_n be_v which_o the_o philosopher_n so_o much_o talk_v of_o and_o there_o be_v such_o a_o mutual_a connexion_n and_o combination_n of_o body_n and_o such_o a_o dependence_n of_o every_o body_n upon_o so_o many_o other_o in_o every_o motion_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o know_v how_o any_o two_o body_n will_v act_v upon_o each_o other_o if_o they_o be_v separate_v from_o all_o body_n beside_o or_o be_v out_o of_o that_o state_n which_o they_o now_o be_v in_o it_o be_v reasonable_a therefore_o to_o imagine_v that_o the_o several_a part_n of_o the_o world_n must_v be_v range_v and_o settle_v before_o these_o law_n can_v take_v place_n and_o to_o reduce_v the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n to_o the_o law_n of_o motion_n which_o now_o prevail_v in_o it_o be_v to_o suppose_v a_o creation_n antecedent_n to_o that_o by_o which_o the_o world_n be_v make_v this_o be_v as_o if_o a_o indian_a shall_v attempt_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o make_n of_o a_o watch_n by_o the_o several_a motion_n which_o he_o see_v perform_v in_o it_o after_o it_o be_v make_v and_o shall_v imagine_v that_o the_o material_n move_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n at_o last_o arrive_v to_o the_o exact_a frame_n of_o a_o watch._n 2._o there_o be_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o be_v give_v for_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n in_o that_o manner_n which_o we_o find_v relate_v in_o the_o book_n of_o genesis_n it_o be_v great_a presumption_n in_o man_n to_o be_v too_o curious_a and_o inquisitive_a about_o the_o reason_n of_o god_n action_n for_o whatever_o he_o deliver_v of_o himself_o we_o ought_v entire_o to_o believe_v both_o the_o thing_n itself_o and_o the_o manner_n and_o circumstance_n of_o it_o where_o be_v thou_o when_o i_o lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o earth_n declare_v if_o thou_o have_v understanding_n job_n xxxviii_o 4._o but_o this_o must_v be_v say_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o to_o the_o shame_n of_o all_o such_o as_o censure_n and_o cavil_v at_o his_o word_n that_o even_o by_o man_n such_o reason_n may_v be_v give_v of_o his_o action_n as_o all_o his_o adversary_n shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o gainsay_v god_n have_v order_v all_o thing_n in_o measure_n and_o number_n and_o weight_n wisd_v xi_o 20._o and_o as_o to_o
and_o contrivance_n in_o his_o establishment_n of_o the_o law_n of_o motion_n that_o matter_n and_o motion_n be_v with_o that_o wisdom_n set_v to_o work_v that_o they_o can_v perform_v all_o without_o any_o more_o than_o preserve_v and_o sustain_v they_o in_o their_o be_v and_o operation_n and_o that_o he_o be_v the_o best_a artist_n who_o can_v contrive_v a_o engine_n that_o shall_v need_v the_o least_o meddle_v with_o after_o it_o be_v make_v but_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v consider_v what_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o engine_n be_v and_o what_o the_o end_n and_o use_n of_o it_o be_v and_o if_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o be_v such_o that_o it_o can_v answer_v the_o end_n for_o which_o it_o be_v frame_v without_o sometime_o a_o assist_a hand_n it_o will_v be_v no_o point_n of_o wisdom_n in_o the_o artificer_n for_o the_o credit_n of_o his_o contrivance_n to_o lose_v the_o most_o useful_a end_n design_v by_o it_o as_o if_o among_o other_o use_n this_o curious_a engine_n be_v design_v to_o reward_v the_o good_a and_o punish_v bad_a man_n to_o remove_v the_o punishment_n upon_o amendment_n and_o to_o renew_v it_o upon_o a_o relapse_n since_o brute_n matter_n be_v uncapable_a of_o vary_v its_o motion_n and_o suit_v itself_o to_o the_o several_a state_n and_o change_n of_o free_a agent_n he_o must_v assist_v it_o unless_o he_o will_v lose_v the_o chief_a end_n for_o which_o it_o be_v to_o serve_v it_o be_v no_o defect_n in_o the_o skill_n and_o wisdom_n of_o the_o almighty_a that_o matter_n and_o motion_n have_v not_o free_a will_n as_o man_n have_v but_o it_o will_v be_v a_o great_a defect_n in_o his_o wisdom_n not_o to_o make_v they_o the_o instrument_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n because_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o they_o of_o themselves_o to_o apply_v and_o suit_v themselves_o to_o the_o several_a state_n and_o condition_n of_o free_a agent_n the_o nature_n of_o matter_n and_o motion_n be_v such_o that_o they_o can_v serve_v all_o the_o design_n of_o their_o creator_n without_o his_o interposition_n and_o therefore_o he_o constant_o do_v interpose_v according_a to_o a_o certain_a tenor_n which_o he_o have_v prescribe_v to_o himself_o but_o this_o tenor_n and_o course_n be_v alter_v upon_o some_o important_a occasion_n in_o a_o natural_a and_o ordinary_a way_n he_o cure_v disease_n send_v rain_n or_o dry_a wether_n or_o else_o our_o prayer_n to_o he_o will_v be_v insignificant_a upon_o such_o occasion_n and_o there_o will_v be_v no_o room_n leave_v for_o his_o inflict_v these_o temporal_a reward_n and_o punishment_n he_o feed_v the_o hungry_a that_o cry_n to_o he_o and_o he_o punish_v the_o wicked_a when_o he_o see_v it_o fit_v by_o famine_n or_o drought_n or_o pestilence_n in_o the_o ordinary_a method_n of_o his_o providence_n but_o sometime_o he_o alter_v these_o ordinary_a method_n and_o act_n above_o they_o or_o contrary_n to_o they_o to_o signalise_v his_o mercy_n or_o his_o judgement_n and_o thus_o christ_n feed_v so_o many_o thousand_o in_o the_o wilderness_n and_o god_n rain_v down_o fire_n from_o heaven_n upon_o sodom_n and_o gomorrah_n by_o a_o particular_a and_o miraculous_a dispensation_n miracle_n be_v the_o particular_a appointment_n of_o god_n in_o peculiar_a case_n and_o occasion_n and_o the_o course_n of_o nature_n be_v his_o general_n and_o perpetual_a appointment_n at_o all_o other_o time_n god_n at_o no_o time_n leave_v nature_n to_o itself_o but_o ever_o concur_v with_o it_o by_o assist_v its_o power_n and_o direct_v its_o course_n he_o ordinary_o interpose_v in_o the_o constant_a course_n of_o thing_n according_a to_o establish_a law_n but_o miracle_n be_v his_o wonderful_a work_n when_o he_o interpose_v in_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n and_o alter_v that_o method_n which_o he_o have_v prescribe_v to_o himself_o to_o observe_v in_o the_o common_a course_n of_o nature_n god_n do_v not_o in_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n interpose_v to_o prevent_v the_o irregular_a or_o unusual_a production_n of_o nature_n as_o in_o mostrous_a birth_n etc._n etc._n for_o how_o irregular_a soever_o these_o may_v seem_v yet_o they_o be_v according_a to_o this_o stand_a rule_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v suffer_v to_o happen_v in_o certain_a case_n and_o they_o rare_o happen_v serve_v to_o illustrate_v the_o divine_a wisdom_n in_o contrive_v nature_n so_o that_o in_o its_o general_a course_n all_o its_o operation_n shall_v be_v regular_a and_o uniform_a and_o from_o hence_o it_o appear_v that_o god_n do_v not_o extraordinary_o interpose_v to_o alter_v the_o course_n of_o nature_n but_o for_o great_a end_n superior_a to_o those_o which_o concern_v only_o the_o material_a world_n we_o may_v well_o suppose_v that_o god_n have_v at_o much_o regard_n to_o his_o wisdom_n in_o his_o government_n of_o the_o moral_a as_o of_o the_o material_a part_n of_o the_o creation_n and_o yet_o he_o have_v add_v supplemental_a law_n to_o enforce_v the_o moral_a law_n and_o these_o additional_a law_n have_v be_v change_v as_o the_o circumstance_n and_o condition_n of_o man_n require_v why_o then_o shall_v the_o law_n of_o the_o material_a world_n be_v so_o much_o more_o sacred_a as_o that_o he_o shall_v never_o intermeddle_v with_o they_o he_o assist_v moral_a agent_n with_o the_o continual_a supply_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o natural_a agent_n with_o that_o help_n which_o be_v needful_a for_o they_o to_o perform_v his_o will_n god_n may_v hasten_v and_o assist_v natural_a cause_n upon_o our_o prayer_n he_o may_v quicken_v the_o motion_n and_o enforce_v the_o power_n of_o nature_n and_o remove_v secret_a impediment_n to_o help_v and_o make_v way_n for_o natural_a operation_n or_o he_o may_v slacken_v or_o retard_v natural_a cause_n to_o say_v that_o god_n have_v so_o order_v the_o course_n of_o nature_n as_o upon_o the_o foresight_n of_o man_n prayer_n to_o he_o to_o grant_v they_o what_o they_o pray_v for_o and_o upon_o the_o foresight_n that_o they_o will_v not_o pray_v to_o withhold_v from_o they_o what_o they_o want_v by_o mechanical_a law_n be_v by_o no_o mean_n satisfactory_a for_o there_o be_v neither_o proof_n nor_o possibility_n of_o proof_n of_o it_o it_o be_v mere_o a_o supposition_n without_o any_o ground_n of_o reason_n but_o only_o this_o that_o the_o mechanical_a notion_n can_v otherwise_o be_v maintain_v but_o i_o will_v suppose_v with_o much_o more_o reason_n that_o two_o man_n be_v sick_a of_o the_o same_o disease_n that_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o disease_n be_v all_o the_o same_o and_z all_o outward_a accident_n likewise_o the_o same_o till_o the_o prayer_n of_o one_o of_o they_o make_v a_o difference_n for_o one_o of_o these_o man_n upon_o his_o prayer_n recover_v the_o other_o neglect_v to_o pray_v die_n the_o natural_a cause_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v the_o same_o except_v only_o so_o far_o as_o prayer_n move_v god_n in_o his_o mercy_n to_o make_v a_o difference_n in_o their_o case_n to_o say_v that_o this_o never_o happen_v be_v whole_o precarious_a and_o hard_o to_o believe_v since_o it_o probable_o may_v often_o happen_v in_o epidemical_a distemper_n but_o it_o be_v much_o hard_a to_o believe_v that_o it_o can_v never_o happen_v and_o if_o this_o either_o have_v or_o can_v happen_v it_o be_v not_o upon_o foresight_n of_o their_o prayer_n by_o the_o contrivance_n of_o mechanical_a law_n in_o their_o first_o establishment_n but_o by_o a_o immediate_a act_n that_o god_n assist_v man_n upon_o their_o prayer_n to_o he_o the_o strange_a providential_a deliverance_n of_o some_o certain_a person_n be_v observable_a in_o every_o age_n and_o all_o history_n mention_v they_o but_o how_o shall_v particular_a man_n amid_o the_o great_a danger_n be_v preserve_v in_o the_o common_a calamity_n of_o the_o sword_n and_o famine_n and_o pestilence_n but_o by_o a_o particular_a interpose_v providence_n be_v these_o man_n who_o have_v be_v so_o remarkable_o preserve_v all_o of_o one_o constitution_n or_o do_v soldier_n slay_v mechanical_o though_o the_o plague_n and_o famine_n shall_v be_v suppose_v to_o do_v so_o i_o wonder_v it_o shall_v be_v think_v less_o agreeable_a to_o philosophy_n for_o god_n to_o interpose_v in_o direct_v natural_a cause_n than_o in_o overrule_a moral_a agent_n where_o the_o design_n of_o the_o providence_n equal_o require_v it_o the_o same_o providence_n deliver_v both_o from_o the_o snare_n of_o the_o hunter_n and_o from_o the_o noisome_a pestilence_n a_o thousand_o shall_v fall_v beside_o thou_o and_o ten_o thousand_o at_o thy_o right_a hand_n but_o it_o shall_v not_o come_v nigh_o thou_o psal_n xci_o 3.7_o 4._o the_o mechanical_a philosophy_n proceed_v upon_o a_o wrong_a notion_n of_o god_n suppose_v it_o unworthy_a of_o he_o to_o be_v concern_v immediate_o in_o every_o thing_n which_o be_v do_v we_o may_v as_o well_o imagine_v it_o below_o he_o to_o know_v every_o thing_n as_o to_o suppose_v it_o unworthy_a of_o he_o
be_v of_o such_o a_o nature_n as_o not_o to_o be_v liable_a to_o frost_n and_o venus_n and_o mercury_n of_o such_o as_o not_o to_o be_v easy_o evaporate_v by_o the_o sun_n he_o say_v 2._o say_v lib._n 2._o that_o the_o heat_n of_o the_o sun_n be_v nine_o time_n great_a in_o mercury_n than_o with_o we_o in_o venus_n it_o be_v twice_o as_o hot_a as_o with_o we_o the_o light_n and_o heat_n in_o mars_n be_v twice_o and_o sometime_o threefold_o less_o than_o we_o if_o there_o be_v any_o inhabitant_n in_o jupiter_n they_o will_v have_v but_o the_o five_o and_o twenty_o part_n of_o the_o light_n and_o heat_n that_o we_o receive_v from_o the_o sun_n and_o those_o in_o saturn_n but_o the_o hundred_o part._n upon_o which_o account_n he_o be_v very_o hard_o put_v to_o it_o to_o furnish_v out_o inhabitant_n for_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o planet_n but_o as_o for_o the_o moon_n and_o the_o satellites_n move_v about_o saturn_n and_o jupiter_n he_o do_v as_o good_a as_o give_v up_o the_o cause_n by_o reason_n that_o they_o be_v neither_o sea_n nor_o river_n nor_o cloud_n nor_o atmosphere_n or_o vapour_n nor_o any_o kind_n of_o water_n beside_o that_o the_o time_n of_o light_n and_o darkness_n in_o the_o moon_n be_v equal_a to_o fifteen_o of_o our_o day_n if_o the_o body_n of_o the_o inhabitant_n be_v such_o as_o we_o be_v he_o observe_v that_o those_o who_o have_v the_o sun_n pretty_a high_a in_o their_o horizon_n must_v be_v like_a to_o be_v burn_v up_o in_o such_o long_a day_n and_o those_o that_o live_v under_o the_o pole_n of_o the_o moon_n will_v be_v as_o much_o pinch_v with_o cold_a as_o our_o whale_n fisher_n be_v about_o ice-land_n and_o nova_n zembla_n in_o the_o summertime_n and_o the_o summer_n and_o winter_n in_o the_o moon_n or_o satellite_n of_o saturn_n be_v fifteen_o year_n long_o and_o therefore_o they_o may_v well_o be_v conclude_v to_o be_v unhabitable_a but_o because_o it_o may_v be_v allege_v that_o the_o same_o thing_n be_v believe_v of_o the_o frigid_a and_o torrid_a zone_n before_o experience_n convince_v man_n of_o their_o mistake_n and_o that_o however_o there_o may_v be_v other_o planet_n or_o earth_n yet_o undiscovered_a at_o convenient_a distance_n from_o some_o of_o the_o fix_a star_n i_o observe_v that_o though_o it_o shall_v be_v grant_v that_o some_o planet_n be_v habitable_a it_o do_v not_o therefore_o follow_v that_o they_o must_v be_v actual_o inhabit_v or_o that_o ever_o they_o have_v be_v for_o they_o may_v be_v design_v if_o mankind_n have_v continue_v in_o innocency_n as_o place_n for_o colony_n to_o remove_v man_n to_o as_o the_o world_n shall_v have_v increase_v either_o in_o reward_n to_o those_o that_o have_v excel_v in_o virtue_n and_o piety_n to_o entertain_v they_o with_o the_o prospect_n of_o new_a and_o better_a world_n and_o so_o by_o degree_n to_o advance_v they_o in_o proportion_n to_o their_o desert_n to_o the_o height_n of_o bliss_n and_o glory_n in_o heaven_n or_o as_o a_o necessary_a reception_n for_o man_n who_o will_v then_o have_v be_v immortal_a after_o the_o earth_n have_v be_v full_a of_o inhabitant_n and_o since_o the_o fall_n and_o mortality_n of_o mankind_n they_o may_v be_v either_o for_o mansion_n of_o the_o righteous_a or_o place_n of_o punishment_n for_o the_o wicked_a after_o the_o resurrection_n according_a as_o it_o shall_v please_v god_n at_o the_o end_n of_o this_o world_n to_o new_a modify_v and_o transform_v they_o and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n be_v place_v at_o their_o respective_a distance_n they_o do_v by_o their_o several_a motion_n contribute_v to_o keep_v the_o world_n at_o a_o poise_n and_o the_o several_a part_n of_o it_o at_o a_o aequilibrium_fw-la in_o their_o gravitation_n upon_o each_o other_o by_o mr._n newton_n principle_n vii_o it_o have_v be_v suggest_v by_o etc._n by_o campanella_n bp._n wilkins_n etc._n etc._n huygens_n etc._n etc._n learned_a man_n that_o the_o planet_n may_v possible_o be_v inhabit_v by_o rational_a creature_n of_o a_o different_a nature_n from_o mankind_n their_o soul_n may_v be_v of_o a_o inferior_a or_o superior_a order_n to_o we_o and_o their_o body_n of_o a_o different_a form_n and_o composition_n and_o there_o may_v be_v different_a law_n of_o union_n and_o communication_n between_o the_o operation_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o the_o motion_n of_o their_o body_n for_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n to_o believe_v that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o sort_n of_o rational_a animal_n but_o mankind_n but_o i_o offer_v most_o of_o what_o i_o have_v say_v on_o this_o subject_a only_o as_o conjecture_n which_o have_v at_o least_o so_o much_o probability_n in_o they_o as_o to_o silence_v the_o objection_n bring_v against_o the_o scripture_n on_o these_o account_n for_o unless_o a_o man_n can_v prove_v these_o or_o the_o like_a conjecture_n false_a which_o i_o be_o persuade_v no_o man_n can_v ever_o do_v he_o must_v forbear_v urge_v objection_n that_o will_v be_v insignificant_a if_o these_o conjecture_n or_o such_o as_o these_o shall_v be_v true_a it_o be_v hard_o to_o assign_v every_o particular_a end_n and_o use_v of_o many_o other_o wonderful_a thing_n in_o nature_n but_o late_o discover_v by_o microscope_n as_o of_o any_o thing_n observable_a in_o the_o heaven_n either_o by_o the_o naked_a eye_n or_o by_o telescope_n and_o when_o the_o scripture_n mention_v those_o use_v of_o the_o heavenly_a body_n which_o more_o immediate_o concern_v our_o earth_n this_o do_v not_o deny_v or_o exclude_v any_o other_o use_v for_o which_o they_o may_v be_v design_v chap._n xi_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o scripture_n which_o contradict_v the_o late_a discovery_n in_o natural_a philosophy_n i._o it_o have_v be_v well_o observe_v by_o divers_a writer_n upon_o this_o subject_a that_o the_o scripture_n be_v write_v with_o no_o design_n of_o teach_v we_o natural_a philosophy_n but_o to_o instruct_v we_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o of_o ourselves_o to_o teach_v we_o our_o duty_n and_o show_v we_o the_o way_n to_o live_v and_o die_v well_o and_o therefore_o they_o may_v make_v use_n of_o popular_a expression_n and_o form_n of_o speech_n neither_o affirm_v nor_o deny_v the_o philosophical_a truth_n of_o they_o but_o intend_v they_o only_o in_o that_o sense_n and_o mean_v which_o be_v their_o sole_a design_n in_o use_v they_o all_o proverbial_a say_n and_o metaphorical_a expression_n by_o way_n of_o illustration_n or_o ornament_n must_v be_v take_v from_o receive_a notion_n but_o they_o be_v not_o therefore_o assert_v in_o the_o philosophical_a sense_n by_o he_o who_o use_v they_o any_o more_o than_o the_o historical_a truth_n of_o parable_n and_o similitude_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v assert_v and_o to_o have_v make_v use_n only_o of_o philosophical_a term_n and_o notion_n and_o have_v rectify_v the_o vulgar_a conception_n of_o man_n concern_v all_o the_o phaenomena_n which_o upon_o occasion_n be_v make_v mention_n of_o in_o the_o scripture_n will_v have_v require_v a_o large_a system_fw-la of_o philosophy_n which_o have_v make_v the_o scripture_n a_o book_n unfit_a for_o vulgar_a capacity_n and_o for_o the_o use_n of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o those_o for_o who_o they_o be_v design_v this_o theory_n of_o nature_n will_v beside_o have_v seem_v as_o strange_a and_o incredible_a to_o most_o man_n even_o as_o miracle_n can_v do_v for_o there_o be_v hardly_o any_o thing_n that_o man_n unacquainted_a with_o philosophy_n be_v more_o startle_v at_o than_o philosophical_a discovery_n how_o incredible_a do_v the_o motion_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o sun_n seem_v to_o all_o man_n but_o philosopher_n who_o be_v general_o now_o agree_v in_o it_o whilst_o the_o rise_n and_o set_v of_o the_o sun_n be_v expression_n now_o as_o much_o in_o use_n with_o such_o as_o hold_v the_o earth_n motion_n as_o with_o other_o and_o indeed_o they_o must_v speak_v so_o if_o they_o will_v be_v understand_v and_o except_v this_o one_o instance_n which_o be_v and_o ever_o will_v be_v in_o use_n according_a to_o the_o vulgar_a conception_n in_o all_o country_n and_o language_n not_o withstand_v any_o philosophical_a discovery_n i_o know_v nothing_o in_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v not_o consistent_a with_o the_o present_a notion_n of_o philosophy_n ii_o and_o yet_o that_o place_n of_o scripture_n which_o be_v most_o object_v on_o this_o occasion_n be_v so_o express_v as_o that_o no_o advantage_n can_v be_v take_v aâ—einst_v it_o sun_n stand_v thou_o still_o upon_o gibeon_n and_o thou_o moon_n in_o the_o valley_n of_o ajalon_n josh_n x._o 12._o stand_v thou_o still_o or_o as_o we_o read_v in_o the_o margin_n be_v thou_o silent_a be_v still_o do_v not_o interrupt_v our_o victory_n and_o take_v part_n with_o the_o enemy_n by_o withdraw_v thy_o light_n and_o favour_v his_o escape_n and_o again_o
son_n be_v thought_n which_o must_v create_v a_o new_a heaven_n as_o it_o be_v in_o heaven_n itself_o i_o mean_v they_o will_v enlarge_v our_o soul_n to_o the_o utmost_a capacity_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o fill_v and_o actuate_v they_o with_o such_o divine_a ardour_n of_o love_n as_o if_o we_o have_v be_v keep_v necessary_o from_o all_o sin_n seem_v impossible_a to_o have_v be_v raise_v in_o we_o the_o angel_n themselves_o rejoice_v over_o one_o sinner_n that_o repent_v and_o that_o joy_n must_v have_v be_v want_v to_o they_o who_o be_v of_o so_o much_o high_a and_o more_o excellent_a a_o nature_n than_o we_o be_v of_o if_o there_o have_v be_v no_o possibility_n either_o of_o sin_n or_o of_o repentance_n and_o the_o wonderful_a dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v a_o eternal_a subject_n of_o praise_n and_o adoration_n a_o eternal_a fountain_n of_o love_n and_o joy_n and_o happiness_n to_o all_o the_o bless_a spirit_n in_o heaven_n the_o more_o the_o divine_a attribute_n be_v display_v the_o more_o adorable_a the_o majesty_n of_o god_n will_v appear_v and_o will_v become_v the_o great_a object_n of_o our_o praise_n and_o veneration_n those_o that_o be_v wise_a and_o good_a will_v be_v make_v the_o wise_a and_o better_a by_o it_o and_o the_o happy_a in_o the_o contemplation_n of_o the_o divine_a perfection_n now_o a_o governor_n in_o his_o law_n and_o in_o the_o method_n and_o order_n of_o his_o government_n have_v regard_n chief_o to_o the_o good_a and_o obedient_a and_o have_v little_o concern_v for_o the_o rest_n and_o we_o must_v consider_v god_n not_o only_o as_o the_o father_n but_o as_o the_o governor_n of_o mankind_n and_o though_o a_o earthly_a father_n perhaps_o will_v by_o all_o mean_n possible_a preserve_v his_o â—on_n from_o incur_v punishment_n yet_o a_o good_a governor_n when_o the_o end_n of_o his_o government_n can_v be_v better_o obtain_v by_o leave_v he_o to_o his_o liberty_n will_v not_o restrain_v he_o by_o any_o force_n or_o violence_n therefore_o if_o the_o liberty_n of_o choice_n in_o man_n and_o the_o possibility_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o damnation_n be_v for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o for_o the_o benefit_n of_o good_a man_n and_o be_v no_o injury_n to_o the_o bad_a this_o be_v a_o sufficient_a account_n why_o man_n be_v not_o necessary_o restrain_v from_o sin_v though_o damnation_n be_v the_o consequence_n of_o it_o chap._n xiii_o of_o the_o fall_n of_o the_o angel_n and_o of_o our_o first_o parent_n in_o the_o beginning_n god_n create_v every_o thing_n perfect_a in_o its_o kind_n and_o endn_v the_o angel_n and_o man_n with_o all_o intellectual_a and_o moral_a perfection_n suitable_a to_o their_o respective_a nature_n but_o so_o as_o to_o leave_v they_o capable_a of_o sin_v for_o it_o please_v the_o infinite_a wisdom_n of_o god_n for_o the_o reason_n already_o allege_v and_o for_o many_o more_o and_o great_a reason_n perhaps_o than_o any_o man_n be_v able_a to_o imagine_v to_o place_v they_o in_o a_o state_n of_o trial_n and_o to_o put_v it_o to_o their_o own_o choice_n whether_o they_o will_v stand_v in_o their_o present_a condition_n of_o innocence_n and_o happiness_n in_o which_o they_o be_v create_v or_o fall_v into_o sin_n and_o misery_n we_o have_v little_a or_o no_o account_n in_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o cause_n or_o temptation_n which_o occasion_v the_o fall_n of_o angel_n because_o it_o do_v not_o concern_v we_o to_o be_v acquaint_v with_o it_o and_o therefore_o it_o little_a become_v we_o to_o be_v inquisitive_a about_o it_o indeed_o it_o be_v very_o difficult_a to_o conceive_v how_o being_n of_n so_o great_a knowledge_n and_o purity_n as_o the_o fall_v angel_n once_o be_v of_o shall_v fall_v into_o sin_n but_o it_o must_v be_v consider_v that_o nothing_o be_v more_o unaccountable_a than_o the_o motive_n and_o cause_n of_o action_n in_o free_a agent_n when_o any_o be_v be_v at_o liberty_n to_o do_v as_o it_o will_v no_o other_o reason_n beside_o its_o own_o will_n need_n be_v inquire_v for_o of_o its_o act_n what_o be_v liable_a to_o sin_n may_v sin_v whatever_o the_o motive_n be_v and_o to_o inquire_v after_o the_o motive_n be_v to_o inquire_v what_o motive_n may_v determine_v a_o free_a agent_n that_o be_v a_o agent_n which_o may_v determine_v itself_o upon_o any_o ground_n or_o motive_n but_o how_o perfect_a and_o excellent_a soever_o any_o creature_n be_v unless_o it_o be_v so_o confirm_v and_o establish_v in_o a_o state_n of_o purity_n and_o holiness_n as_o to_o be_v secure_v from_o all_o possibility_n of_o sin_v it_o may_v be_v suppose_v to_o admire_v itself_o and_o dote_v upon_o its_o own_o perfection_n and_o excellency_n and_o by_o degree_n to_o neglect_v and_o not_o acknowledge_v god_n the_o author_n of_o they_o but_o to_o sin_n and_o rebel_v against_o he_o and_o it_o be_v most_o agreeable_a both_o to_o scripture_n and_o reason_n that_o pride_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o fall_n of_o angel_n for_o those_o excellency_n which_o may_v secure_v they_o from_o any_o other_o sin_n prove_v a_o temptation_n to_o this_o and_o the_o great_a their_o perfection_n be_v the_o great_a be_v the_o temptation_n as_o in_o a_o man_n who_o be_v guilty_a of_o spiritual_a and_o pharisaical_a pride_n all_o that_o be_v good_a and_o commendable_a in_o he_o afford_v he_o only_a matter_n for_o his_o sin_n so_o that_o where_o there_o be_v a_o freedom_n of_o will_n and_o a_o possibility_n of_o sin_v the_o very_a perfection_n of_o nature_n in_o a_o creature_n may_v be_v make_v a_o occasion_n to_o sin_n and_o that_o which_o exclude_v other_o sin_n may_v prove_v a_o motive_n and_o temptation_n to_o pride_n which_o therefore_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o conclude_v be_v the_o sin_n of_o the_o fall_v angel_n as_o to_o the_o fall_n of_o man_n however_o the_o thing_n may_v be_v dispute_v the_o effect_n of_o it_o be_v visible_a in_o the_o strange_a proneness_n of_o humane_a nature_n to_o act_v against_o reason_n and_o conscience_n that_o be_v to_o act_v in_o plain_a contradiction_n to_o itself_o and_o its_o own_o principle_n this_o be_v a_o state_n in_o which_o it_o can_v be_v suppose_v that_o mankind_n be_v at_o first_o create_v by_o the_o infinite_o good_a and_o holy_a god_n and_o the_o most_o plausible_a opinion_n and_o that_o which_o have_v most_o general_o obtain_v among_o the_o heathen_n be_v that_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n have_v a_o be_v before_o they_o come_v into_o this_o world_n and_o be_v send_v into_o human_a body_n in_o punishment_n for_o what_o they_o have_v do_v amiss_o in_o a_o precedent_n state_n but_o this_o be_v mere_a suspicion_n and_o conjecture_n without_o any_o possibility_n of_o proof_n and_o there_o be_v this_o plain_a reason_n against_o it_o that_o â—o_o man_n can_v be_v punish_v for_o his_o amendment_n who_o know_v nothing_o of_o it_o for_o it_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o nature_n and_o end_n of_o punishment_n that_o the_o offender_n shall_v not_o be_v make_v sensible_a of_o his_o fault_n especial_o when_o the_o punishment_n be_v design_v for_o his_o amendment_n as_o it_o be_v say_v to_o be_v in_o the_o present_a case_n if_o it_o can_v be_v suppose_v that_o man_n may_v possible_o retain_v no_o remembrance_n of_o what_o they_o do_v in_o another_o state_n yet_o if_o their_o fault_n be_v not_o keep_v in_o memory_n they_o shall_v be_v bring_v to_o their_o remembrance_n if_o this_o life_n be_v design_v as_o a_o state_n of_o punishment_n in_o order_n to_o amendment_n but_o the_o state_n of_o this_o life_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v think_v a_o punishment_n that_o man_n natural_o be_v of_o nothing_o more_o fond_a nor_o dread_v any_o thing_n more_o than_o to_o leave_v it_o and_o though_o man_n meet_v with_o great_a affliction_n here_o yet_o those_o do_v not_o befall_v those_o only_a or_o chief_o who_o by_o their_o proneness_n to_o evil_a in_o this_o life_n may_v be_v suppose_v to_o have_v be_v the_o great_a offender_n in_o a_o former_a state_n and_o every_o calamity_n have_v not_o the_o nature_n of_o punishment_n the_o suffering_n and_o misery_n which_o we_o endure_v by_o reason_n of_o adam_n transgression_n be_v not_o so_o proper_o punishment_n as_o the_o effect_n and_o consequence_n of_o his_o sin_n but_o personal_a fault_n such_o as_o be_v suppose_v to_o have_v be_v commit_v in_o a_o state_n of_o pre-existence_n require_v a_o proper_a punishment_n and_o if_o the_o punishment_n be_v for_o amendment_n as_o it_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v in_o this_o present_a state_n both_o the_o fault_n and_o the_o punishment_n must_v be_v know_v with_o the_o cause_n and_o end_v of_o its_o be_v inflict_v and_o the_o great_a offender_n must_v undergo_v the_o severe_a punishment_n the_o account_n which_o the_o scripture_n give_v we_o of_o the_o fall_n of_o our_o first_o parent_n may_v be_v consider_v either_o 1._o
two_o 13._o and_o it_o be_v not_o only_o threaten_v that_o the_o wicked_a shall_v suffer_v eternal_a punishment_n but_o it_o be_v likewise_o express_o foretell_v that_o the_o wicked_a shall_v be_v sentence_v to_o everlasting_a fire_n at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n and_o that_o they_o shall_v go_v away_o into_o everlasting_a punishment_n matth._n twenty-five_o 41_o 46._o to_o leave_v no_o room_n for_o hope_n of_o any_o end_n or_o abatement_n of_o the_o punishment_n we_o have_v our_o saviour_n express_a declaration_n that_o the_o sentence_n shall_v be_v pass_v according_a to_o the_o threaten_v and_o that_o the_o everlasting_a punishment_n which_o be_v threaten_v shall_v be_v certain_o execute_v upon_o the_o wicked_a our_o judge_n have_v beforehand_o declare_v what_o sentence_n he_o will_v pass_v the_o term_n whereof_o be_v therefore_o as_o unalterable_a as_o if_o it_o be_v already_o pronounce_v he_o have_v declare_v that_o the_o punishment_n of_o the_o wicked_a as_o well_o as_o the_o reward_n of_o the_o righteous_a shall_v be_v eternal_a as_o direct_o and_o positive_o as_o he_o have_v say_v any_o thing_n else_o relate_v to_o the_o last_o judgement_n or_o concern_v any_o other_o part_n of_o his_o gospel_n and_o we_o have_v as_o little_a reason_n to_o imagine_v that_o his_o express_a and_o repeat_v affirmation_n be_v capable_a of_o a_o reserve_v mean_v in_o this_o particular_a as_o in_o any_o other_o matter_n whatsoever_o some_o of_o the_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n which_o be_v consequent_a to_o the_o punishment_n of_o this_o world_n be_v precedent_n to_o those_o of_o the_o next_o here_o man_n be_v punish_v for_o their_o own_o amendment_n or_o for_o the_o advantage_n and_o security_n of_o other_o or_o for_o both_o in_o the_o next_o world_n the_o actual_a inflict_v of_o punishment_n be_v not_o for_o these_o end_n but_o they_o be_v threaten_v for_o these_o and_o they_o must_v be_v inflict_v when_o they_o have_v be_v once_o threaten_v and_o declare_v by_o god_n who_o can_v lie_v it_o be_v for_o the_o repentance_n of_o sinner_n and_o for_o the_o benefit_n of_o good_a man_n in_o preserve_v they_o in_o the_o way_n of_o virtue_n and_o secure_v they_o from_o the_o pride_n and_o malice_n of_o the_o wicked_a that_o hell_n shall_v be_v threaten_v but_o because_o it_o be_v the_o final_a and_o eternal_a state_n of_o the_o wicked_a it_o can_v be_v for_o their_o amendment_n after_o the_o execution_n of_o its_o torment_n upon_o they_o and_o good_a man_n be_v once_o out_o of_o the_o power_n of_o temptation_n and_o place_v beyond_o the_o malice_n of_o the_o wicked_a can_v no_o long_o have_v any_o protection_n or_o advantage_n from_o the_o punishment_n dehounce_v against_o impenitent_a sinner_n but_o whether_o the_o advantage_n arise_v from_o punishment_n be_v before_o or_o after_o the_o inflict_a of_o punishment_n there_o be_v the_o same_o necessity_n for_o the_o appoint_v and_o consequent_o for_o the_o inflict_v they_o viz._n the_o good_a of_o mankind_n in_o keep_v man_n from_o sin_n and_o leave_v those_o without_o excuse_n who_o will_v not_o be_v restrain_v from_o it_o and_o work_v out_o their_o own_o salvation_n but_o another_o end_n of_o punishment_n be_v that_o satisfaction_n for_o the_o violation_n of_o the_o law_n may_v be_v make_v to_o the_o supreme_a authority_n which_o be_v despise_v and_o affront_v by_o it_o and_o the_o vindication_n of_o god_n honour_n and_o authority_n and_o of_o his_o truth_n and_o holiness_n in_o his_o hatred_n and_o detestation_n of_o sin_n and_o his_o indignation_n against_o sinner_n be_v manifest_v by_o the_o actual_a punishment_n of_o the_o damn_a and_o it_o will_v be_v a_o argument_n of_o the_o contrary_a to_o all_o this_o if_o they_o be_v threaten_v and_o not_o inflict_v and_o the_o number_n of_o person_n to_o be_v thus_o punish_v do_v not_o alter_v the_o case_n but_o only_o show_v that_o many_o be_v concern_v in_o it_o and_o if_o the_o case_n be_v the_o same_o the_o justice_n must_v be_v the_o same_o too_o though_o the_o person_n be_v never_o so_o many_o upon_o who_o it_o be_v execute_v that_o which_o be_v just_o towards_o one_o or_o merciful_a towards_o one_o be_v just_a or_o merciful_a towards_o never_o so_o many_o thousand_o for_o justice_n and_o mercy_n consist_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n not_o in_o the_o great_a or_o lesser_a number_n of_o person_n to_o who_o they_o be_v extend_v and_o though_o multitude_n of_o criminal_n be_v apt_a to_o move_v compassion_n in_o man_n yet_o this_o proceed_v partly_o from_o the_o sympathy_n and_o frailty_n of_o human_a nature_n which_o be_v mighty_o sway_v by_o number_n and_o multitude_n to_o do_v either_o good_a or_o evil_a partly_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o human_a affair_n for_o to_o destroy_v multitude_n will_v depopulate_v city_n and_o country_n and_o will_v be_v a_o affliction_n to_o multitude_n of_o innocent_a person_n their_o friend_n and_o relation_n but_o it_o be_v not_o so_o in_o the_o present_a case_n there_o will_v be_v no_o want_n of_o number_n in_o heaven_n and_o the_o righteous_a shall_v be_v everlasting_o happy_a and_o shall_v perceive_v no_o diminution_n of_o their_o happiness_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o damnation_n of_o such_o as_o be_v never_o so_o dear_a to_o they_o in_o this_o world_n and_o mercy_n and_o pity_n be_v not_o a_o passion_n in_o god_n as_o it_o be_v in_o man_n but_o a_o perfection_n it_o be_v the_o highst_a reason_n and_o equity_n and_o therefore_o though_o the_o misery_n of_o sinner_n be_v never_o so_o severe_a and_o the_o number_n of_o the_o miserable_a never_o so_o great_a yet_o when_o the_o equity_n and_o reasonableness_n of_o the_o case_n do_v not_o require_v it_o there_o be_v nothing_o to_o move_v god_n for_o their_o relief_n because_o he_o act_n by_o the_o stand_a rule_n of_o reason_n and_o wisdom_n not_o by_o any_o fondness_n and_o weakness_n of_o passion_n 2._o i_o come_v now_o to_o show_v the_o mercy_n of_o god_n in_o his_o inflict_a eternal_a torment_n upon_o sinner_n strict_a justice_n have_v a_o severe_a aspect_n and_o it_o may_v seem_v hard_a for_o frail_a man_n to_o abide_v the_o sentence_n that_o he_o may_v in_o strictness_n of_o justice_n deserve_v but_o from_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n it_o be_v natural_a for_o we_o to_o appeal_v to_o his_o mercy_n and_o thither_o he_o allow_v we_o to_o appeal_v but_o not_o so_o as_o to_o expect_v that_o he_o shall_v be_v so_o merciful_a as_o not_o to_o be_v just_a or_o shall_v forget_v that_o he_o be_v the_o supreme_a governor_n of_o the_o world_n whilst_o he_o extend_v his_o mercy_n to_o the_o offend_a and_o criminal_a part_n of_o it_o punishment_n be_v necessary_a to_o all_o government_n and_o god_n as_o governor_n of_o the_o world_n must_v inflict_v punishment_n and_o what_o these_o be_v to_o be_v it_o belong_v to_o his_o sovereign_a wisdom_n to_o appoint_v and_o eternal_a torment_n be_v appoint_v for_o the_o punishment_n of_o sin_n not_o only_o out_o of_o a_o very_a just_a but_o even_o out_o of_o a_o gracious_a design_n because_o nothing_o less_o than_o the_o threaten_n of_o they_o will_v keep_v man_n from_o sin_n and_o from_o that_o misery_n which_o be_v the_o unavoidable_a consequence_n of_o it_o and_o so_o bring_v they_o to_o heaven_n it_o be_v a_o ancient_n and_o true_a observation_n which_o edit_n which_o chrysad_a stagir_n lib._n 1._o tom_n 6._o sau._n edit_n st._n chrysostom_n have_v make_v that_o there_o be_v mercy_n even_o in_o the_o threat_n of_o eternal_a vengeance_n because_o nothing_o less_o can_v have_v bring_v many_o man_n to_o heaven_n for_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n to_o be_v make_v but_o many_o will_v be_v there_o who_o shall_v have_v cause_n to_o thank_v god_n for_o this_o as_o the_o thing_n which_o first_o open_v their_o eye_n and_o move_v they_o to_o repentance_n and_o thereby_o bring_v they_o to_o bliss_n and_o glory_n and_o the_o same_o mercy_n be_v extend_v to_o those_o that_o perish_v and_o will_v not_o make_v the_o same_o use_n of_o it_o which_o if_o they_o have_v do_v they_o have_v never_o perish_v though_o heaven_n and_o hell_n 7._o hell_n chrys_n ad_fw-la â—op_n antioch_n de_fw-fr sâ—â—tuis_fw-la hom._n 7._o say_v st._n chrysostom_n be_v contrary_a to_o each_o other_o yet_o they_o both_o aim_n at_o the_o same_o end_n the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n invite_v man_n to_o it_o and_o the_o fear_n of_o hell_n force_v those_o to_o heaven_n who_o otherwise_o will_v be_v regardless_o of_o their_o own_o happiness_n god_n have_v use_v the_o most_o proper_a and_o prevail_a mean_n to_o convince_v sinner_n of_o their_o danger_n and_o to_o persuade_v they_o to_o escape_v it_o and_o obtain_v salvation_n we_o have_v everlasting_a reward_n and_o everlasting_a punishment_n propose_v to_o our_o choice_n we_o be_v exhort_v with_o the_o great_a earnestness_n and_o move_v and_o assist_v with_o the_o continual_a influence_n
impossible_a to_o conceive_v the_o immortal_a and_o everblessed_n god_n can_v be_v subject_a to_o nothing_o of_o passion_n or_o frailty_n the_o godhead_n be_v uncapable_a of_o any_o imperfection_n and_o therefore_o uncapable_a of_o receive_v any_o impression_n of_o suffering_n from_o the_o humane_a nature_n as_o the_o soul_n do_v from_o the_o body_n of_o man._n so_o that_o though_o the_o union_n between_o the_o divine_a and_o humane_a nature_n in_o christ_n be_v fit_o explain_v by_o that_o between_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o body_n in_o man_n yet_o the_o manner_n of_o act_v be_v very_o different_a for_o finite_a being_n can_v mutual_o act_v and_o be_v act_v upon_o by_o each_o other_o in_o their_o several_a action_n and_o passion_n but_o the_o divine_a nature_n of_o christ_n be_v impassable_a can_v suffer_v nothing_o by_o all_o that_o be_v inflict_v on_o the_o humane_a but_o remain_v infinite_o happy_a and_o glorious_a under_o all_o the_o torment_n and_o agony_n endure_v by_o our_o saviour_n both_o in_o his_o soul_n and_o body_n as_o god_n be_v please_v to_o aid_n and_o assist_v and_o support_v innocent_a and_o good_a man_n in_o their_o suffering_n and_o to_o direct_v and_o conduct_v they_o through_o the_o course_n of_o their_o life_n so_o god_n be_v not_o only_o present_a with_o the_o humane_a nature_n of_o christ_n but_o be_v so_o unite_v to_o it_o as_o to_o become_v one_o person_n with_o it_o which_o since_o the_o godhead_n can_v suffer_v nothing_o from_o it_o be_v no_o more_o unworthy_a of_o god_n than_o if_o he_o have_v only_o guide_v he_o with_o his_o spirit_n as_o he_o do_v the_o prophet_n without_o any_o personal_a union_n there_o be_v no_o inconvenience_n or_o absurdity_n in_o believe_v that_o god_n shall_v by_o the_o most_o intimate_a and_o personal_a union_n become_v unite_v to_o a_o man_n who_o do_v weep_v and_o bleed_v and_o die_v for_o as_o god_n by_o this_o union_n do_v not_o change_v the_o nature_n he_o have_v assume_v or_o prevent_v the_o suffering_n of_o it_o so_o he_o do_v not_o partake_v in_o they_o no_o man_n can_v deny_v â—upon_o principle_n of_o philosophy_n but_o that_o it_o be_v very_o reasonable_a to_o believe_v that_o god_n may_v afford_v a_o more_o peculiar_a presence_n to_o one_o man_n than_o to_o another_o and_o that_o this_o man_n may_v yet_o be_v subject_a to_o affliction_n and_o therefore_o the_o son_n of_o god_n may_v become_v unite_v to_o the_o soul_n and_o body_n of_o christ_n in_o as_o intimate_v a_o manner_n as_o the_o soul_n and_o body_n be_v unite_v to_o each_o other_o in_o we_o and_o yet_o this_o union_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n may_v not_o preserve_v the_o humane_a from_o the_o suffering_n incident_a to_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n but_o must_v leave_v it_o to_o submit_v to_o they_o though_o they_o be_v never_o so_o grievous_a when_o this_o be_v the_o very_a end_n and_o design_n of_o the_o union_n it_o be_v not_o below_o the_o majesty_n of_o god_n to_o be_v personal_o unite_v to_o a_o most_o innocent_a and_o sinless_a and_o holy_a man_n though_o he_o be_v a_o suffer_v and_o afflict_a man_n and_o it_o be_v not_o the_o personal_a union_n as_o some_o be_v apt_a to_o conceive_v which_o can_v be_v any_o diminution_n to_o god_n glory_n but_o their_o own_o error_n and_o mistake_n in_o what_o they_o surmise_v will_v be_v the_o consequence_n of_o such_o a_o union_n ii_o the_o humiliation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n in_o assume_v our_o nature_n may_v be_v account_v for_o without_o suppose_v that_o the_o godhead_n suffer_v it_o be_v the_o great_a condescension_n and_o humiliation_n in_o the_o son_n of_o god_n to_o take_v upon_o he_o our_o nature_n for_o it_o be_v a_o gracious_a and_o merciful_a condescension_n for_o he_o to_o take_v care_n of_o we_o by_o his_o providence_n god_n humble_v himself_o to_o behold_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o heaven_n and_o in_o the_o earth_n ps_n cxiii_o 6._o but_o some_o time_n and_o in_o some_o place_n he_o be_v in_o a_o more_o peculiar_a manner_n present_a upon_o earth_n and_o that_o be_v a_o extraordinary_a condescension_n though_o he_o be_v always_o the_o same_o in_o himself_o and_o never_o the_o less_o present_a or_o the_o less_o happy_a in_o heaven_n but_o it_o be_v the_o most_o wonderful_a condescension_n in_o god_n to_o unite_v himself_o to_o our_o humane_a nature_n and_o to_o become_v one_o person_n with_o it_o and_o so_o to_o die_v for_o we_o though_o his_o divine_a nature_n do_v not_o and_o can_v not_o suffer_v but_o only_o the_o humane_a nature_n to_o which_o it_o be_v unite_v he_o be_v not_o ashamed_a to_o call_v man_n his_o brethren_n and_o in_o all_o thing_n to_o be_v make_v like_o unto_o his_o brethren_n hebr._n two_o 11_o 17._o but_o vouchsafe_v to_o assume_v our_o nature_n in_o its_o low_a condition_n and_o to_o be_v so_o strict_o and_o personal_o unite_v to_o the_o most_o afflict_a of_o all_o the_o son_n of_o man_n as_o to_o ascribe_v all_o his_o suffering_n to_o himself_o for_o the_o benefit_n of_o all_o mankind_n it_o be_v the_o infinite_a mercy_n of_o god_n to_o vouchsafe_v we_o the_o comfort_n of_o his_o presence_n in_o any_o way_n or_o measure_n but_o it_o be_v the_o most_o astonish_a and_o adorable_a act_n of_o his_o goodness_n that_o he_o will_v be_v please_v so_o far_o to_o condescend_v as_o to_o take_v our_o very_a nature_n upon_o he_o that_o he_o may_v be_v bear_v and_o may_v die_v for_o our_o sake_n and_o that_o which_o magnify_v his_o mercy_n and_o goodness_n in_o the_o high_a measure_n be_v certain_o most_o worthy_a of_o the_o good_a and_o merciful_a god_n iii_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o christ_n by_o die_v for_o our_o sin_n may_v be_v explain_v without_o suppose_v that_o the_o godhead_n suffer_v the_o christian_a faith_n be_v that_o as_o the_o reasonable_a soul_n and_o flesh_n be_v one_o man_n so_o god_n and_o man_n be_v one_o christ_n and_o that_o this_o person_n consist_v both_o of_o god_n and_o man_n unite_v suffer_v for_o our_o salvation_n but_o that_o all_o the_o suffering_n be_v inflict_v on_o the_o humane_a nature_n and_o terminate_v in_o it_o but_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o personal_a union_n of_o his_o divine_a with_o his_o humane_a nature_n all_o christ_n suffering_n receive_v a_o infinite_a value_n and_o merit_n and_o become_v entitle_v and_o ascribe_v to_o god_n himself_o because_o they_o be_v undergo_v by_o that_o person_n who_o be_v god_n as_o well_o as_o man_n though_o they_o be_v not_o undergo_v by_o he_o in_o his_o divine_a but_o only_o in_o his_o humane_a nature_n thus_o god_n be_v say_v to_o have_v purchase_v his_o church_n with_o his_o own_o blood_n act_v xx_o 28._o for_o action_n and_o passion_n in_o any_o person_n be_v personal_a and_o be_v attribute_v to_o the_o whole_a person_n and_o sometime_o those_o action_n and_o passion_n which_o can_v be_v perform_v in_o one_o of_o those_o nature_n only_a which_o constitute_v a_o person_n be_v yet_o attribute_v to_o the_o other_o nature_n which_o be_v uncapable_a of_o they_o otherwise_o than_o by_o that_o relation_n which_o result_v from_o the_o union_n of_o both_o nature_n whereby_o all_o thing_n that_o befall_v the_o person_n may_v be_v affirm_v of_o it_o as_o such_o and_o therefore_o have_v respect_n to_o both_o the_o nature_n of_o which_o it_o consist_v and_o may_v be_v apply_v to_o it_o under_o the_o denomination_n of_o either_o of_o they_o all_o the_o soul_n that_o come_v out_o of_o the_o loin_n of_o jacob_n be_v seventy_o soul_n exod._n i_o 5._o if_o a_o soul_n touch_v any_o unclean_a thing_n leu._n v._n 2._o and_o the_o soul_n that_o eat_v of_o it_o shall_v bear_v his_o iniquity_n leu._n seven_o 18_o 20._o in_o these_o and_o many_o other_o place_n of_o scripture_n action_n and_o passion_n peculiar_a to_o the_o body_n be_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o union_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o body_n attribute_v to_o the_o soul_n nay_o both_o in_o the_o hebrew_n and_o the_o greek_a text_n the_o soul_n be_v sometime_o put_v for_o the_o body_n even_o of_o a_o dead_a man_n leu._n xxi_o 11._o xxii_o 4._o in_o which_o sense_n v._n sense_n on_o the_o creed_n art_n v._n bishop_n pearson_n explain_v act_n two_o 27._o ps_n xuj_o 10._o and_o in_o other_o place_n the_o body_n or_o flesh_n be_v often_o take_v for_o the_o whole_a man_n and_o that_o be_v attribute_v to_o it_o which_o the_o flesh_n be_v of_o itself_o uncapable_a of_o the_o flesh_n distinct_o consider_v and_o apart_o from_o the_o soul_n can_v neither_o sin_n nor_o pray_v nor_o understand_v nor_o worship_n nor_o partake_v of_o the_o spirit_n nor_o be_v justify_v and_o yet_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v ascribe_v to_o the_o flesh_n without_o any_o mention_n make_v of_o the_o soul_n all_o flesh_n have_v corrupt_v his_o way_n upon_o the_o earth_n gen._n vi_fw-la 12._o o_o thou_o
that_o hear_v prayer_n unto_o thou_o shall_v all_o flesh_n come_v ps_n lxv_o 2._o and_o all_o flesh_n shall_v know_v that_o i_o the_o lord_n be_o thy_o saviour_n and_o thy_o redeemer_n the_o mighty_a one_o of_o jacob_n isa_n xlix_o 26._o all_o flesh_n shall_v come_v to_o worship_n before_o i_o say_v the_o lord_n isa_n lxvi_o 23._o and_o all_o flesh_n shall_v see_v the_o salvation_n of_o god_n luke_n iii._o 6._o i_o will_v pour_v out_o of_o my_o spirit_n upon_o all_o flesh_n act_v two_o 17._o joel_n two_o 28._o by_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n shall_v no_o flesh_n be_v justify_v galat._n two_o 16._o and_o we_o say_v in_o our_o own_o language_n any_o body_n think_v or_o any_o body_n understand_v though_o we_o all_o know_v it_o be_v the_o soul_n and_o not_o the_o body_n which_o think_v and_o understand_v it_o be_v very_o usual_a in_o other_o book_n and_o very_o agreeable_a to_o the_o stile_n of_o scripture_n and_o to_o the_o common_a speech_n and_o sense_n of_o man_n for_o those_o action_n of_o a_o person_n to_o be_v attribute_v to_o one_o of_o the_o unite_a nature_n which_o can_v be_v perform_v only_o in_o the_o other_o and_o the_o union_n between_o the_o godhead_n and_o the_o manhood_n be_v like_o that_o which_o be_v between_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o body_n the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v say_v to_o have_v suffer_v and_o the_o son_n of_o man_n to_o have_v come_v down_o from_o heaven_n not_o that_o the_o godhead_n suffer_v or_o that_o the_o humane_a nature_n of_o christ_n be_v in_o heaven_n before_o his_o incarnation_n but_o according_a to_o the_o usual_a stile_n of_o scripture_n the_o union_n between_o the_o divine_a and_o humane_a nature_n entitle_v the_o person_n consist_v of_o they_o both_o under_o the_o denomination_n of_o either_o nature_n to_o that_o which_o be_v do_v in_o the_o other_o though_o as_o the_o humane_a nature_n do_v not_o partake_v of_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a so_o neither_o do_v the_o divine_a nature_n partake_v of_o the_o suffering_n of_o the_o humane_a but_o both_o nature_n be_v personal_o unite_v the_o person_n be_v sometime_o denote_v by_o one_o and_o sometime_o by_o the_o other_o nature_n all_o the_o objection_n against_o the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n proceed_v upon_o the_o like_a mistake_n with_o they_o who_o be_v apt_a to_o imagine_v that_o it_o be_v unworthy_a of_o god_n to_o be_v every_o where_o and_o in_o all_o place_n to_o behold_v and_o be_v present_a at_o the_o worst_a of_o action_n as_o if_o the_o sun_n brightness_n will_v not_o be_v the_o more_o resplendent_a and_o glorious_a if_o it_o can_v penetrate_v into_o the_o obscure_a corner_n and_o recess_n of_o the_o earth_n or_o as_o if_o his_o ray_n can_v be_v sully_v and_o defile_v by_o the_o foulness_n of_o any_o object_n which_o they_o shine_v upon_o and_o if_o it_o be_v no_o diminution_n to_o god_n infinite_a glory_n and_o majesty_n to_o be_v omnipresent_v it_o can_v be_v none_o to_o be_v more_o near_o and_o even_o personal_o unite_v to_o some_o part_n of_o the_o creation_n and_o therefore_o it_o can_v be_v unworthy_a of_o god_n to_o be_v so_o unite_v to_o the_o humane_a nature_n to_o manifest_v his_o love_n and_o favour_n and_o extend_v his_o goodness_n to_o mankind_n as_o god_n be_v every_o where_o present_a so_o he_o be_v in_o a_o more_o especial_a manner_n present_a in_o some_o place_n than_o in_o other_o by_o the_o act_n of_o his_o power_n or_o of_o his_o grace_n and_o favour_n and_o he_o have_v vouchsafe_v a_o more_o especial_a presence_n to_o some_o person_n than_o to_o other_o and_o thus_o he_o be_v present_a with_o his_o prophet_n who_o be_v send_v to_o prepare_v for_o and_o foretell_v christ_n come_v but_o he_o be_v personal_o unite_v to_o the_o humane_a nature_n of_o christ_n and_o this_o be_v the_o high_a honour_n and_o advancement_n to_o our_o nature_n for_o god_n thus_o to_o assume_v it_o but_o it_o can_v be_v no_o diminution_n to_o the_o divine_a majesty_n because_o god_n continue_v as_o he_o be_v from_o all_o eternity_n without_o any_o alteration_n only_o by_o his_o personal_a presence_n and_o union_n with_o our_o humane_a nature_n he_o cause_v all_o the_o performance_n and_o suffering_n of_o it_o to_o be_v meritorious_a for_o the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n the_o son_n of_o god_n do_v not_o so_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n as_o to_o be_v no_o long_o there_o but_o to_o forsake_v his_o father_n kingdom_n he_o still_o continue_v in_o heaven_n in_o the_o same_o bliss_n and_o glory_n that_o he_o enjoy_v with_o his_o father_n from_o all_o eternity_n though_o he_o so_o manifest_v himself_o to_o the_o world_n as_o to_o come_v and_o abide_v in_o it_o by_o assume_v our_o humane_a nature_n our_o saviour_n tell_v nicodemus_n joh._n iii._o 13._o no_o man_n have_v ascend_v up_o to_o heaven_n but_o he_o that_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n even_o the_o son_n of_o man_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n he_o who_o fill_v heaven_n and_o earth_n with_o his_o presence_n be_v still_o in_o heaven_n as_o much_o as_o ever_o with_o respect_n to_o his_o godhead_n though_o he_o make_v a_o more_o peculiar_a residence_n than_o he_o have_v before_o do_v on_o earth_n by_o dwell_v in_o our_o nature_n here_o the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o be_v at_o all_o time_n every_o where_o present_a be_v yet_o in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n present_a where_o ever_o he_o be_v please_v to_o manifest_v himself_o by_o peculiar_a act_n of_o his_o goodness_n and_o power_n as_o he_o be_v please_v to_o do_v in_o a_o most_o stupendous_a manner_n in_o that_o flesh_n which_o he_o take_v upon_o he_o of_o the_o bless_a virgin_n and_o it_o can_v be_v think_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o majesty_n of_o god_n to_o actuate_v the_o humane_a nature_n and_o to_o be_v join_v in_o the_o most_o strict_a and_o vital_a union_n with_o it_o suppose_v god_n only_o to_o act_v upon_o it_o and_o not_o to_o be_v act_v upon_o by_o it_o nor_o to_o suffer_v the_o misery_n and_o feel_v the_o pain_n which_o the_o humane_a nature_n endure_v which_o will_v be_v blasphemy_n to_o assert_v of_o the_o divine_a nature_n of_o christ_n but_o to_o be_v in_o heaven_n still_o in_o his_o full_a power_n and_o majesty_n but_o some_o man_n will_v say_v how_o be_v this_o union_n between_o the_o divine_a and_o humane_a nature_n in_o christ_n make_v or_o wherein_o do_v it_o consist_v to_o who_o we_o may_v reply_v as_o our_o saviour_n sometime_o do_v to_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n by_o ask_v another_o question_n and_o inquire_v how_o the_o body_n and_o soul_n in_o man_n be_v unite_v or_o how_o god_n be_v present_a in_o all_o place_n and_o how_o in_o he_o we_o live_v and_o move_v and_o have_v our_o be_v and_o if_o no_o man_n can_v tell_v how_o these_o thing_n be_v though_o no_o man_n can_v deny_v the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o they_o than_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v that_o we_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o tell_v how_o the_o union_n between_o the_o divine_a and_o the_o humane_a nature_n in_o christ_n be_v make_v or_o in_o what_o it_o consist_v we_o must_v acknowledge_v it_o a_o mystery_n which_o it_o be_v above_o any_o man_n capacity_n to_o explain_v but_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o union_n we_o learn_v from_o the_o scripture_n and_o thither_o we_o appeal_v for_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o and_o the_o put_v such_o question_n argue_v either_o a_o great_a mind_n to_o cavil_v or_o great_a inconsideration_n and_o shortness_n of_o thought_n for_o what_o man_n be_v there_o pretend_v to_o reason_n and_o argument_n of_o so_o little_a observation_n as_o not_o to_o take_v notice_n that_o of_o all_o the_o thing_n which_o we_o daily_o see_v and_o perceive_v to_o be_v in_o the_o world_n the_o nature_n and_o manner_n of_o existence_n of_o very_a few_o or_o rather_o of_o none_o of_o they_o be_v full_o understand_v by_o we_o it_o be_v sufficient_a for_o we_o to_o know_v that_o great_a reason_n may_v be_v give_v for_o this_o dispensation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n incarnate_a and_o that_o no_o material_a objection_n can_v be_v frame_v against_o it_o second_o no_o other_o way_n as_o far_o as_o we_o can_v apprehend_v can_v have_v be_v so_o proper_a and_o expedient_a as_o the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n to_o procure_v the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n and_o therefore_o none_o can_v so_o well_o become_v the_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n the_o proof_n of_o this_o must_v depend_v upon_o the_o reason_n for_o christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n and_o they_o be_v all_o comprehend_v in_o this_o one_o thing_n the_o abolish_n or_o take_v away_o of_o sin_n and_o you_o know_v that_o he_o be_v manifest_v to_o take_v away_o our_o sin_n and_o in_o he_o be_v no_o sin_n 1_o joh._n three_o 5._o we_o be_v
to_o consider_v then_o that_o the_o manifestation_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o flesh_n do_v more_o powerful_o and_o effectual_o take_v away_o sin_n than_o any_o other_o way_n or_o mean_n of_o salvation_n can_v have_v do_v i._o the_o doctrine_n and_o preach_v of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n have_v more_o power_n and_o authority_n with_o it_o than_o the_o preach_a and_o doctrine_n of_o a_o man_n or_o angel_n can_v have_v have_v god_n who_o at_o sundry_a time_n and_o in_o divers_a manner_n speak_v in_o time_n pass_v unto_o the_o father_n by_o the_o prophet_n have_v in_o these_o last_o day_n speak_v unto_o we_o by_o his_o son_n who_o he_o have_v appoint_v heir_n of_o all_o thing_n by_o who_o also_o he_o make_v the_o world_n hebr._n i._n 1_o 2._o therefore_o we_o ought_v to_o give_v the_o more_o earnest_a heed_n to_o the_o thing_n which_o we_o have_v hear_v lest_o at_o any_o time_n we_o shall_v let_v they_o slip_v for_o if_o the_o word_n speak_v by_o angel_n be_v steadfast_a and_o every_o transgression_n and_o disobedience_n receive_v a_o just_a recompense_n of_o reward_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 and_o be_v confirm_v unto_o we_o by_o they_o that_o hear_v he_o heb._n two_o 1_o 2_o 3._o this_o be_v the_o last_o message_n which_o god_n have_v resolve_v to_o send_v to_o mankind_n a_o person_n of_o the_o great_a dignity_n and_o authority_n be_v to_o bring_v it_o but_o last_o of_o all_o he_o send_v unto_o they_o his_o son_n say_v they_o will_v reverence_v my_o son_n matt._n xxi_o 37._o it_o be_v the_o last_o expedient_a and_o the_o very_a utmost_a that_o can_v be_v do_v to_o reduce_v sinner_n to_o obedience_n and_o if_o this_o will_v have_v no_o effect_n upon_o they_o they_o must_v be_v lest_o without_o all_o excuse_n this_o be_v the_o heavy_a aggravation_n of_o sin_n and_o that_o which_o render_v man_n utter_o inexcusable_a he_o be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o the_o world_n be_v make_v by_o he_o and_o the_o world_n know_v he_o not_o he_o come_v unto_o his_o own_o and_o his_o own_o receive_v he_o not_o joh._n i._n 10_o 11._o if_o the_o only_o beget_v son_n of_o god_n have_v not_o come_v and_o manifest_v himself_o in_o so_o wonderful_a a_o manner_n to_o the_o world_n something_o of_o a_o plea_n may_v have_v be_v pretend_v but_o to_o reject_v the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v a_o evident_a despite_n do_v to_o the_o father_n and_o even_o hate_v of_o the_o father_n who_o have_v send_v he_o as_o our_o saviour_n declare_v joh._n xv_o 22_o 23_o 24._o and_o the_o blaspheme_v of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o those_o who_o vilify_v the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n and_o ascribe_v they_o to_o beelzebub_n be_v therefore_o without_o forgiveness_n because_o it_o be_v a_o reject_v of_o christ_n not_o as_o the_o son_n of_o man_n but_o as_o god_n bless_v foreve_a and_o a_o despise_n and_o vilify_a that_n which_o be_v the_o last_o mean_n that_o can_v be_v use_v to_o reclaim_v the_o world_n and_o that_o mean_v whereby_o he_o manifest_v himself_o to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n to_o reject_v christ_n be_v to_o reject_v the_o whole_a trinity_n which_o be_v joint_o concern_v in_o this_o wonderful_a dispensation_n the_o dignity_n of_o christ_n person_n add_v all_o the_o force_n and_o efficacy_n to_o his_o doctrine_n that_o be_v possible_a and_o therefore_o it_o be_v requisite_a that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n shall_v become_v incarnate_a god_n have_v before_o speak_v from_o heaven_n but_o that_o be_v too_o terrible_a and_o full_a of_o majesty_n to_o be_v bear_v by_o mortal_n and_o they_o that_o hear_v the_o voice_n entreat_v that_o the_o word_n shall_v not_o be_v speak_v to_o they_o any_o more_o for_o they_o can_v not_o endure_v that_o which_o be_v command_v and_o so_o terrible_a be_v the_o sight_n that_o moses_n say_v i_o exceed_o fear_v and_o quake_v heb._n twelve_o 19_o 20_o 21._o but_o now_o god_n be_v please_v to_o converse_v with_o man_n in_o a_o more_o familiar_a and_o humble_a manner_n and_o our_o bless_a saviour_n come_v to_o live_v among_o man_n with_o all_o the_o gentleness_n and_o meekness_n of_o the_o humane_a nature_n and_o all_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o divine_a for_o in_o he_o dwell_v all_o the_o fullness_n of_o the_o godhead_n bodily_a colos_n two_o 9_o the_o godhead_n dwell_v here_o in_o he_o under_o our_o humane_a nature_n lay_v aside_o that_o awful_a majesty_n which_o no_o man_n can_v approach_v unto_o ii_o we_o have_v a_o great_a example_n of_o all_o perfection_n and_o holiness_n set_v before_o we_o by_o the_o son_n of_o god_n incarnate_a than_o we_o can_v otherwise_o have_v have_v it_o have_v be_v the_o general_a complaint_n make_v of_o other_o teacher_n and_o lawgiver_n that_o they_o seldom_o observe_v their_o own_o rule_n or_o live_v themselves_o according_a to_o what_o they_o require_v of_o other_o but_o our_o saviour_n have_v give_v we_o a_o example_n if_o it_o be_v possible_a even_o beyond_o his_o own_o doctrine_n for_o though_o he_o be_v no_o rigorous_a lawgiver_n but_o a_o most_o indulgent_a and_o gracious_a master_n to_o we_o yet_o he_o be_v please_v to_o excuse_v himself_o from_o no_o duty_n or_o instance_n of_o obedience_n but_o fulfil_v both_o the_o moral_a and_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n there_o be_v nothing_o so_o mean_a nor_o so_o difficult_a and_o painful_a but_o he_o perform_v it_o to_o set_v we_o a_o absolute_a pattern_n of_o obedience_n to_o the_o whole_a duty_n of_o man_n in_o all_o that_o ever_o god_n require_v of_o mankind_n it_o become_v he_o to_o fulfil_v all_o righteousness_n this_o be_v the_o end_n and_o intention_n of_o his_o come_n into_o the_o world_n and_o he_o fulfil_v it_o in_o the_o most_o absolute_a and_o perfect_a manner_n in_o all_o particular_n and_o to_o give_v such_o a_o example_n be_v of_o unspeakable_a use_n and_o benefit_n for_o man_n be_v more_o easy_o lead_v by_o example_n than_o by_o precept_n and_o it_o be_v common_o observe_v that_o it_o be_v example_n for_o the_o most_o part_n which_o govern_v the_o world_n man_n will_v follow_v the_o vice_n of_o those_o who_o virtue_n they_o never_o imitate_v and_o the_o fault_n of_o wise_a and_o great_a man_n have_v too_o sure_a and_o too_o fatal_a a_o effect_n upon_o such_o as_o their_o excellency_n never_o reach_v it_o be_v necessary_a that_o a_o example_n of_o absolute_a perfection_n shall_v be_v give_v to_o the_o world_n and_o this_o example_n must_v be_v give_v by_o one_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o ourselves_o or_o else_o it_o may_v have_v be_v a_o example_n for_o angel_n and_o spirit_n but_o not_o for_o man_n and_o therefore_o such_o a_o example_n the_o son_n of_o god_n incarnate_a only_o can_v give_v because_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o any_o create_v be_v under_o all_o the_o infirmity_n and_o temptation_n incident_a to_o humane_a nature_n to_o live_v up_o to_o such_o a_o divine_a height_n and_o excellency_n of_o all_o perfection_n as_o our_o saviour_n do_v and_o to_o leave_v such_o a_o example_n to_o the_o world_n he_o come_v not_o to_o teach_v we_o the_o wisdom_n of_o this_o world_n how_o to_o get_v riches_n and_o honour_n in_o this_o mankind_n be_v well_o enough_o instruct_v before_o and_o it_o can_v not_o but_o be_v unworthy_a of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n to_o be_v bear_v into_o the_o world_n with_o a_o design_n to_o enjoy_v the_o pleasure_n and_o the_o profit_n and_o the_o honour_n of_o it_o this_o be_v beneath_o the_o majesty_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o insinite_a perfection_n and_o essential_a bliss_n and_o happiness_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n but_o to_o manifest_v himself_o to_o show_v the_o mean_a and_o worthless_a vanity_n of_o those_o thing_n of_o which_o man_n be_v so_o fond_a to_o give_v a_o example_n of_o contentment_n in_o a_o low_a condition_n of_o victory_n under_o temptation_n and_o of_o patience_n and_o meekness_n under_o the_o severe_a affliction_n and_o torment_n to_o discover_v to_o man_n the_o way_n to_o happiness_n in_o the_o worst_a circumstance_n of_o this_o world_n to_o teach_v those_o who_o enjoy_v this_o world_n good_n not_o to_o be_v proud_a of_o they_o nor_o despise_v other_o and_o those_o who_o want_v they_o to_o be_v content_v and_o happy_a without_o they_o to_o lead_v man_n in_o the_o way_n to_o happiness_n through_o all_o condition_n through_o all_o the_o misery_n and_o calamity_n which_o must_v befall_v many_o of_o we_o in_o this_o mortal_a state_n this_o be_v a_o glorious_a and_o godlike_a design_n it_o be_v such_o as_o none_o but_o the_o son_n of_o god_n can_v perform_v and_o such_o as_o we_o may_v in_o reason_n believe_v he_o will_v undertake_v and_o for_o which_o he_o may_v vouchsafe_v to_o live_v a_o humane_a life_n upon_o earth_n iii_o the_o
mediation_n and_o intercession_n of_o christ_n for_o we_o be_v of_o great_a power_n and_o efficacy_n than_o any_o can_v have_v be_v if_o the_o son_n of_o god_n have_v not_o become_v man_n to_o die_v for_o our_o sake_n there_o be_v one_o god_n and_o one_o mediator_n between_o god_n and_o man_n the_o man_n christ_n jesus_n 1_o tim._n two_o 5._o he_o be_v to_o be_v man_n as_o well_o as_o god_n that_o come_v with_o divine_a power_n and_o authority_n and_o yet_o with_o the_o affability_n and_o accessibleness_n of_o a_o man_n he_o may_v in_o all_o respect_n be_v full_o qualify_v to_o perform_v the_o office_n of_o a_o mediator_n between_o god_n and_o man._n if_o he_o have_v not_o be_v god_n he_o can_v not_o have_v come_v with_o absolute_a authority_n to_o offer_v we_o term_n of_o reconciliation_n and_o unless_o he_o have_v be_v man_n he_o can_v not_o have_v treat_v with_o man_n in_o so_o familiar_a and_o condescend_v a_o way_n upon_o these_o term_n and_o the_o right_n and_o authority_n of_o christ_n mediation_n and_o intercession_n in_o behalf_n of_o sinner_n be_v found_v upon_o his_o merit_n and_o satisfaction_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n and_o this_o suppose_v he_o to_o be_v both_o god_n and_o man_n man_n that_o he_o may_v suffer_v and_o die_v for_o we_o and_o god_n that_o his_o divine_a nature_n may_v give_v a_o infinite_a value_n to_o his_o death_n and_o suffering_n and_o render_v they_o satisfactory_a for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o world_n though_o it_o shall_v be_v suppose_v which_o can_v never_o be_v prove_v that_o god_n in_o his_o mercy_n may_v have_v pardon_v sinner_n without_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o christ_n yet_o if_o in_o mercy_n he_o may_v have_v forgive_v he_o may_v in_o justice_n have_v punish_v they_o unless_o satisfaction_n have_v be_v make_v and_o nothing_o can_v have_v make_v satisfaction_n to_o his_o justice_n but_o the_o suffering_n of_o his_o son_n the_o obedience_n and_o suffering_n of_o no_o create_v be_v can_v have_v be_v of_o that_o value_n as_o to_o make_v satisfaction_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o mankind_n and_o therefore_o no_o creature_n can_v have_v redeem_a man_n or_o have_v become_v mediator_n for_o he_o upon_o the_o term_n of_o his_o own_o merit_n in_o man_n behalf_n so_o as_o to_o plead_v the_o price_n of_o redemption_n lay_v down_o for_o he_o god_n may_v grant_v the_o request_n of_o angel_n and_o man_n out_o of_o his_o free_a mercy_n and_o bounty_n but_o there_o can_v be_v no_o necessary_a force_n and_o efficacy_n in_o intercession_n where_o there_o be_v no_o precedent_a merit_n and_o satisfaction_n on_o the_o part_n of_o the_o intercessor_n but_o christ_n plead_v his_o merit_n on_o our_o account_n and_o mediate_v our_o cause_n with_o his_o father_n upon_o the_o term_n of_o strict_a justice_n and_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o ransom_n of_o his_o own_o blood_n and_o be_v so_o powerful_a a_o intercessor_n for_o we_o that_o not_o only_o the_o mercy_n and_o goodness_n but_o even_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n can_v deny_v his_o intercession_n it_o be_v the_o free_a grace_n of_o god_n to_o send_v his_o son_n to_o suffer_v in_o our_o stead_n but_o since_o he_o be_v please_v to_o admit_v of_o this_o commutation_n of_o the_o punishment_n which_o we_o have_v deserve_v and_o to_o tranferr_v it_o upon_o his_o own_o son_n his_o death_n be_v a_o full_a perfect_a and_o sufficient_a sacrifice_n oblation_n and_o satisfaction_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n which_o the_o death_n of_o no_o creature_n can_v have_v be_v and_o therefore_o not_o create_v be_v can_v have_v become_v our_o mediator_n by_o virtue_n of_o his_o own_o merit_n and_o have_v satisfy_v the_o utmost_a justice_n of_o god_n much_o less_o can_v any_o creature_n have_v merit_v the_o assistance_n of_o grace_n and_o the_o reward_n of_o glory_n for_o we_o iv_o the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v the_o most_o effectual_a mean_n to_o excite_v in_o we_o faith_n and_o hope_v and_o charity_n and_o unfeigned_a love_n of_o god_n and_o of_o our_o neighbour_n the_o love_n of_o virtue_n and_o the_o hatred_n of_o sin_n and_o to_o dispose_v and_o engage_v we_o to_o all_o virtue_n and_o piety_n the_o son_n of_o god_n assume_v our_o nature_n give_v we_o the_o great_a assurance_n of_o his_o compassion_n for_o our_o infirmity_n and_o his_o desire_n of_o our_o happiness_n god_n be_v infinite_o merciful_a in_o his_o own_o divine_a nature_n but_o he_o never_o can_v give_v such_o a_o instance_n of_o his_o mercy_n and_o love_n towards_o we_o as_o by_o take_v it_o upon_o himself_o god_n be_v essential_a truth_n and_o holiness_n and_o yet_o willing_a more_o abundant_o to_o show_v to_o the_o heir_n of_o promise_n the_o immutability_n of_o his_o counsel_n he_o confirm_v it_o with_o a_o oath_n and_o in_o like_a manner_n in_o the_o present_a case_n god_n be_v willing_a to_o give_v we_o all_o the_o ground_n for_o faith_n and_o confidence_n in_o he_o that_o can_v be_v imagine_v take_v our_o nature_n upon_o he_o that_o by_o two_o immutable_a thing_n in_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o god_n to_o deceive_v we_o may_v have_v a_o strong_a consolation_n both_o from_o the_o goodness_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o from_o the_o tenderness_n and_o compassion_n of_o our_o own_o for_o we_o have_v not_o a_o highpriest_n who_o can_v be_v touch_v with_o the_o feel_n of_o our_o infirmity_n and_o therefore_o be_v exhort_v in_o this_o confidence_n to_o come_v bold_o unto_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n heb._n four_o 15_o 16._o vi_fw-la 17_o 18._o we_o be_v assure_v that_o he_o have_v the_o great_a concern_v for_o that_o nature_n which_o he_o have_v take_v into_o a_o personal_a union_n with_o himself_o and_o continual_o present_v before_o his_o father_n in_o heaven_n for_o we_o and_o we_o be_v likewise_o assure_v of_o the_o father_n love_n towards_o we_o for_o now_o we_o know_v that_o he_o love_v we_o see_v he_o have_v not_o withhold_v his_o son_n his_o only_a son_n from_o we_o but_o send_v he_o into_o the_o world_n to_o die_v for_o our_o salvation_n he_o that_o spare_v not_o his_o own_o son_n but_o deliver_v he_o up_o for_o we_o all_o how_o shall_v he_o not_o with_o he_o also_o free_o give_v we_o all_o thing_n who_o shall_v lay_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o charge_n of_o god_n elect_n it_o be_v god_n that_o justifi_v who_o be_v he_o that_o condemn_v it_o be_v christ_n that_o die_v yea_o rather_o that_o be_v rise_v again_o who_o be_v even_o at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n who_o also_o make_v intercession_n for_o we_o rom._n viij_o 32_o 33_o 34._o and_o as_o the_o manifestation_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o flesh_n be_v peculiar_o adapt_v and_o design_v to_o raise_v our_o faith_n and_o hope_n and_o trust_v and_o confidence_n and_o dependence_n upon_o god_n so_o it_o be_v above_o all_o the_o most_o prevail_a motive_n to_o engage_v our_o love_n the_o infinite_a love_n of_o christ_n in_o die_v for_o we_o must_v needs_o require_v and_o even_o extort_v from_o we_o all_o possible_a return_n of_o love_n and_o praise_n and_o adoration_n 7._o adoration_n chrysost_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d tom._n 7._o st._n chrysostome_n give_v this_o as_o one_o reason_n why_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v incarnate_a to_o become_v the_o saviour_n and_o redeemer_n of_o mankind_n because_o if_o it_o have_v be_v possible_a for_o a_o creature_n to_o undertake_v and_o effect_v our_o redemption_n man_n will_v never_o have_v think_v they_o can_v have_v have_v esteem_n enough_o for_o he_o or_o have_v make_v due_a expression_n of_o their_o gratitude_n unless_o they_o have_v deify_v he_o and_o commit_v idolatry_n in_o worship_v he_o and_o pay_v he_o all_o divine_a honour_n and_o to_o prevent_v this_o in_o moses_n who_o be_v but_o a_o temporal_a deliverer_n and_o but_o a_o type_n of_o christ_n his_o sepulchre_n be_v conceal_v from_o the_o israelite_n so_o dear_o be_v the_o memory_n of_o great_a and_o generous_a benefactor_n wont_a to_o be_v that_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o think_v they_o never_o can_v be_v sufficient_o grateful_a to_o they_o unless_o they_o even_o adore_v and_o worship_v they_o which_o be_v one_o chief_a occasion_n of_o idolatry_n among_o the_o heathen_n therefore_o the_o redemption_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n be_v a_o thing_n that_o can_v belong_v only_o to_o the_o son_n of_o god_n to_o who_o all_o love_n and_o reverence_n all_o worship_n and_o adoration_n be_v due_a and_o this_o be_v the_o great_a aim_n and_o design_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n to_o bring_v we_o to_o obey_v god_n upon_o principle_n of_o love_n the_o foundation_n of_o it_o be_v lay_v in_o the_o love_n of_o god_n towards_o we_o nothing_o can_v be_v conceive_v which_o can_v have_v so_o powerful_o prevail_v upon_o man_n to_o love_n god_n as_o the_o incarnation_n of_o his_o son_n
their_o carnal_a appetite_n have_v conclude_v that_o the_o body_n be_v make_v not_o by_o god_n but_o by_o a_o wicked_a be_v and_o that_o the_o soul_n only_o be_v from_o god_n since_o therefore_o god_n be_v please_v to_o regard_v our_o body_n as_o member_n of_o christ_n and_o temple_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n it_o be_v requisite_a that_o in_o contradiction_n to_o these_o and_o such_o like_a error_n they_o shall_v by_o some_o rite_n or_o sign_n be_v devote_v to_o he_o by_o which_o it_o may_v be_v declare_v that_o christ_n be_v the_o saviour_n of_o the_o body_n ephes_n v._o 23._o and_o by_o which_o such_o grace_n may_v be_v communicate_v as_o to_o render_v it_o the_o temple_n and_o place_n of_o residence_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n set_z apart_z and_o dedicate_v to_o he_o and_o inhabit_v by_o he_o that_o the_o whole_a spirit_n and_o soul_n and_o body_n may_v be_v preserve_v blameless_a unto_o the_o come_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n 1_o thes_n v._o 23._o it_o be_v the_o great_a and_o gracious_a design_n of_o god_n to_o sanctify_v the_o whole_a man_n and_o therefore_o christ_n take_v not_o only_o a_o humane_a soul_n but_o humane_a flesh_n likewise_o to_o dignify_v it_o in_o the_o assumption_n and_o offer_v it_o upon_o the_o cross_n and_o translate_v it_o into_o glory_n and_o as_o his_o incarnation_n show_v the_o particular_a regard_n he_o have_v for_o the_o body_n as_o well_o as_o for_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n so_o the_o whole_a institution_n of_o the_o gospel_n have_v relation_n to_o both_o 4._o last_o the_o sacrament_n be_v foederal_n rite_n of_o our_o admission_n into_o the_o church_n as_o into_o a_o visible_a society_n and_o of_o our_o union_n with_o it_o as_o such_o for_o we_o can_v be_v admit_v into_o a_o visible_a society_n nor_o communicate_v with_o it_o but_o by_o visible_a and_o outward_a act_n which_o must_v be_v perform_v in_o the_o body_n so_o that_o whatever_o way_n we_o consider_v the_o sacrament_n either_o in_o respect_n of_o god_n or_o of_o ourselves_o or_o of_o other_o there_o be_v a_o necessary_a use_n and_o benefit_n from_o they_o and_o evident_a reason_n for_o their_o institution_n they_o be_v requisite_a as_o symbol_n of_o our_o entrance_n into_o covenant_n with_o god_n or_o of_o the_o renew_n and_o confirmation_n of_o it_o and_o of_o dedicate_a both_o our_o body_n and_o soul_n to_o his_o honour_n and_o service_n they_o be_v instrument_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o pledge_n of_o his_o promise_n make_v to_o we_o by_o covenant_n and_o of_o the_o reward_n and_o happiness_n both_o of_o our_o body_n and_o soul_n at_o the_o resurrection_n and_o be_v visible_a mark_n and_o evidence_n of_o our_o profession_n as_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o our_o admission_n into_o it_o and_o our_o communion_n with_o it_o ii_o the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n full_o answer_v the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o the_o institution_n of_o sacrament_n after_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o fulfil_n of_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n by_o he_o it_o be_v of_o no_o long_a use_n or_o continuance_n the_o gospel_n be_v to_o introduce_v a_o spiritual_a service_n by_o teach_v man_n to_o worship_n god_n in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n yet_o there_o be_v need_n of_o some_o external_a ordinance_n or_o sacrament_n the_o nature_n of_o man_n and_o the_o state_n of_o this_o world_n require_v they_o but_o that_o they_o may_v be_v as_o few_o as_o possible_a christ_n have_v appoint_v but_o two_o sacrament_n as_o general_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o these_o the_o fit_a and_o most_o expedient_a for_o the_o benefit_n and_o want_n of_o men._n 1._o as_o to_o baptism_n the_o reason_n and_o design_n in_o the_o institution_n of_o sacrament_n be_v all_o visible_a in_o it_o it_o be_v a_o very_a significant_a and_o apt_a representation_n of_o the_o cleanse_n and_o purify_n the_o soul_n from_o sin_n and_o in_o this_o man_n of_o all_o nation_n and_o of_o all_o religion_n seem_v to_o have_v be_v agree_v for_o nothing_o be_v more_o frequent_a among_o the_o heathen_n than_o their_o wash_n and_o purification_n and_o though_o they_o attribute_v a_o great_a deal_n too_o much_o to_o they_o yet_o the_o superstitious_a opinion_n which_o they_o have_v of_o these_o outward_a cleansing_n can_v never_o have_v so_o universal_o prevail_v if_o there_o have_v not_o be_v some_o foundation_n for_o the_o use_n of_o they_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o that_o be_v the_o great_a fitness_n which_o be_v in_o these_o outward_a wash_n to_o excite_v we_o to_o purity_n of_o mind_n and_o to_o represent_v the_o great_a duty_n which_o lie_v upon_o we_o to_o keep_v our_o conscience_n undefiled_a which_o only_o can_v render_v we_o accept_v with_o god_n and_o as_o these_o wash_n and_o purification_n be_v common_a in_o other_o religion_n so_o the_o jewish_a church_n be_v wont_a to_o receive_v proselyte_n or_o convert_v by_o baptism_n for_o which_o custom_n they_o allege_v the_o command_n of_o god_n to_o moses_n exod._n nineteeen_o 10._o but_o 6._o but_o hebr._n &_o talmud_n exercit._n on_o matt._n iii._o 6._o dr._n lightfoot_n set_v it_o high_o and_o think_v it_o be_v begin_v by_o jacob_n gen._n xxxv_o 2._o and_o our_o saviour_n who_o both_o in_o his_o word_n and_o action_n throughout_o the_o whole_a gospel_n condescend_v to_o a_o compliance_n with_o the_o custom_n in_o use_n among_o the_o jew_n so_o far_o as_o they_o may_v be_v serviceable_a to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v please_v to_o make_v choice_n of_o baptism_n for_o the_o admission_n of_o person_n to_o the_o profession_n of_o his_o religion_n as_o the_o jew_n use_v it_o for_o the_o admission_n of_o their_o proselyte_n baptism_n be_v very_o agreeable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v a_o plain_a and_o easy_a rite_n and_o have_v a_o natural_a significancy_n of_o that_o purity_n of_o heart_n which_o it_o be_v the_o design_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o promote_v and_o establish_v in_o the_o world_n and_o it_o be_v fit_v to_o represent_v to_o we_o the_o cleanse_n of_o our_o soul_n by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o grace_n of_o purity_n and_o holiness_n which_o be_v convey_v in_o this_o sacrament_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o regeneration_n which_o be_v confer_v by_o it_o john_n three_o 5._o tit._n iii._o 5._o and_o it_o be_v in_o use_n both_o among_o jew_n and_o gentile_n it_o be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o proper_a because_o both_o have_v already_o a_o opinion_n of_o the_o expediency_n of_o it_o christ_n come_v to_o abolish_v the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o jewish_a law_n and_o the_o vain_a and_o idolatrous_a superstition_n of_o the_o heathen_a worship_n and_o yet_o some_o outward_a rite_n of_o worship_n be_v necessary_a to_o be_v make_v use_n of_o to_o dedicate_v the_o body_n as_o well_o as_o the_o soul_n to_o god_n honour_n and_o service_n to_o be_v a_o pledge_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o body_n as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n to_o put_v man_n in_o mind_n of_o that_o integrity_n and_o purity_n of_o life_n which_o the_o gospel_n require_v and_o to_o be_v a_o mean_n of_o convey_v it_o and_o to_o admit_v they_o as_o visible_a member_n into_o the_o church_n and_o as_o baptism_n be_v very_o expedient_a to_o be_v institute_v upon_o all_o these_o account_n so_o it_o have_v this_o peculiar_a advantage_n beyond_o any_o other_o rite_n that_o it_o be_v already_o in_o great_a use_n and_o esteem_v and_o can_v seem_v strange_a neither_o to_o jew_n nor_o gentile_n but_o it_o have_v be_v a_o very_a strange_a thing_n to_o both_o and_o very_o unsuitable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n if_o the_o most_o spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a religion_n that_o can_v be_v on_o this_o side_n heaven_n have_v be_v institute_v without_o any_o external_a rite_n for_o the_o admission_n into_o it_o this_o have_v be_v to_o suppose_v the_o church_n to_o consist_v of_o angel_n and_o not_o of_o man_n who_o have_v need_v of_o assistance_n from_o outward_a object_n in_o their_o high_a act_n of_o religion_n it_o have_v be_v to_o make_v man_n to_o suspect_v that_o the_o body_n as_o some_o heretic_n imagine_v be_v little_o regard_v of_o god_n if_o no_o notice_n have_v be_v take_v of_o it_o at_o our_o reception_n into_o covenant_n with_o he_o and_o it_o beside_o have_v be_v to_o contradict_v the_o notion_n which_o mankind_n have_v ever_o have_v of_o religion_n and_o to_o give_v the_o high_a scandal_n both_o to_o jew_n and_o gentile_n 2._o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v so_o often_o the_o subject_n of_o sermon_n and_o of_o every_o good_a christian_n meditation_n that_o very_o little_a needs_o to_o be_v here_o say_v of_o it_o for_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o element_n of_o bread_n and_o wine_n have_v a_o peculiar_a suitableness_n to_o
equivalent_a to_o the_o distinction_n of_o person_n among_o men._n that_o there_o be_v this_o unity_n and_o this_o distinction_n we_o learn_v from_o the_o scripture_n but_o what_o kind_n of_o distinction_n this_o be_v or_o how_o far_o it_o be_v to_o be_v reconcile_v with_o our_o notion_n of_o person_n among_o man_n and_o after_o what_o manner_n it_o be_v consistent_a with_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o godhead_n the_o scripture_n have_v not_o tell_v we_o and_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o we_o to_o determine_v ii_o other_o thing_n be_v and_o must_v be_v believe_v by_o we_o which_o be_v as_o little_o understand_v as_o this_o doctrine_n our_o knowledge_n at_o the_o best_a concern_v finite_a thing_n be_v very_o imperfect_a which_o be_v so_o general_o acknowledge_v by_o all_o man_n of_o wisdom_n and_o experience_n that_o it_o be_v esteem_v a_o great_a point_n of_o wisdom_n for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v true_o sensible_a of_o his_o own_o ignorance_n and_o it_o be_v the_o character_n which_o solomon_n himself_o give_v of_o the_o fool_n that_o he_o rage_v and_o be_v confident_a prov._n fourteen_o 16._o but_o when_o we_o consider_v thing_n infinite_a we_o be_v much_o more_o at_o a_o loss_n that_o there_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v something_o eternal_a must_v be_v acknowledge_v by_o all_o who_o understand_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o word_n even_o those_o that_o be_v so_o foolish_a as_o to_o say_v in_o their_o heart_n there_o be_v no_o god_n yet_o must_v believe_v something_o else_o to_o be_v eternal_a they_o must_v believe_v that_o there_o always_o be_v something_o because_o if_o ever_o there_o have_v be_v nothing_o there_o never_o can_v have_v be_v any_o thing_n for_o how_o can_v any_o thing_n have_v be_v produce_v by_o nothing_o out_o of_o nothing_o it_o may_v but_o then_o there_o must_v have_v be_v something_o to_o produce_v it_o we_o can_v be_v certain_a therefore_o of_o nothing_o if_o we_o be_v not_o sure_a of_o this_o that_o there_o be_v something_o eternal_a the_o atheist_n himself_o can_v deny_v it_o unless_o he_o be_v so_o stupid_a as_o not_o to_o know_v what_o it_o mean_v and_o yet_o what_o apparent_a contradiction_n may_v he_o fancy_v to_o himself_o in_o the_o notion_n of_o eternity_n for_o what_o be_v eternal_a can_v never_o be_v capable_a of_o either_o a_o short_a or_o a_o long_a duration_n than_o it_o always_o have_v so_o that_o million_o of_o age_n hence_o it_o will_v not_o have_v continue_v long_o than_o it_o have_v do_v as_o many_o million_o of_o age_n past_a and_o how_o strange_a and_o contradictory_n do_v this_o seem_v to_o be_v that_o not_o only_o three_o age_n and_o one_o age_n shall_v be_v the_o same_o but_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o difference_n between_o one_o hour_n or_o moment_n and_o never_o so_o many_o age_n in_o respect_n of_o eternity_n and_o there_o be_v no_o avoid_v this_o difficulty_n if_o a_o man_n be_v of_o any_o religion_n or_o no_o religion_n let_v he_o but_o apprehend_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o eternity_n and_o he_o must_v own_v both_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n and_o that_o he_o be_v utter_o unable_a to_o explain_v it_o here_o then_o be_v a_o unaswerable_a difficulty_n in_o a_o thing_n which_o all_o the_o world_n must_v believe_v if_o they_o have_v it_o but_o so_o propose_v to_o they_o as_o to_o be_v make_v understand_v what_o it_o be_v and_o there_o be_v no_o difficulty_n imaginable_a in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o bless_a trinity_n which_o can_v be_v pretend_v to_o be_v great_a than_o that_o which_o be_v inseparable_a from_o this_o notion_n which_o all_o must_v of_o necessity_n hold_v and_o if_o we_o do_v but_o observe_v it_o in_o finite_a thing_n which_o be_v usual_a and_o familiar_a to_o we_o and_o the_o object_n of_o our_o sense_n every_o day_n we_o believe_v what_o we_o very_o little_o understand_v or_o be_v capable_a of_o understanding_n our_o knowledge_n indeed_o be_v so_o very_o imperfect_a concern_v the_o nature_n of_o most_o thing_n that_o i_o may_v almost_o venture_v to_o say_v that_o if_o we_o will_v but_o be_v content_v for_o the_o present_a to_o believe_v what_o god_n have_v deliver_v concern_v his_o own_o nature_n we_o may_v hereafter_o know_v god_n himself_o as_o plain_o as_o now_o we_o know_v many_o thing_n here_o for_o now_o we_o see_v through_o a_o glass_n dark_o but_o then_o face_n to_o face_n now_o i_o know_v in_o part_n but_o then_o shall_v i_o know_v even_o as_o also_o i_o be_o know_v 1_o cor._n xiii_o 12._o if_o it_o be_v think_v unreasonable_a however_o that_o such_o abstruse_a mystery_n shall_v be_v make_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o that_o we_o shall_v pronounce_v that_o whosoever_o will_v be_v save_v must_v thus_o think_v of_o the_o trinity_n and_o that_o all_o who_o do_v not_o thus_o think_v and_o believe_v shall_v without_o doubt_n perish_v everlasting_o let_v it_o be_v consider_v that_o in_o all_o religion_n whether_o natural_a or_o reveal_v there_o must_v be_v something_o believe_v which_o be_v above_o all_o humane_a comprehension_n and_o which_o can_v be_v know_v no_o further_o than_o in_o order_n to_o be_v believe_v there_o can_v be_v no_o faith_n without_o all_o knowledge_n but_o knowledge_n if_o it_o be_v complete_a will_v exclude_v faith_n which_o be_v the_o evidence_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v knowledge_n may_v be_v consider_v either_o as_o it_o be_v general_a and_o imperfect_a or_o as_o it_o be_v particular_a and_o adequate_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n know_v we_o must_v have_v a_o general_a knowledge_n of_o whatever_o be_v the_o object_n of_o faith_n but_o if_o we_o have_v a_o particular_a and_o adequate_a knowledge_n of_o it_o there_o can_v remain_v nothing_o of_o it_o unknown_a to_o be_v the_o object_n of_o faith_n the_o difference_n between_o science_n and_o faith_n be_v not_o that_o we_o be_v less_o certain_a of_o the_o object_n of_o faith_n than_o of_o the_o object_n of_o science_n but_o that_o we_o know_v less_o of_o they_o for_o certainty_n depend_v upon_o our_o general_a knowledge_n as_o that_o god_n be_v true_a and_o therefore_o what_o he_o have_v reveal_v be_v as_o certain_a as_o if_o we_o see_v it_o or_o can_v demonstrate_v it_o in_o every_o particular_a and_o this_o general_a knowledge_n which_o be_v necessary_a in_o order_n to_o faith_n be_v in_o natural_a religion_n attain_v to_o by_o reason_n and_o in_o reveal_v religion_n from_o revelation_n thus_o we_o attain_v to_o such_o a_o general_a knowledge_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n by_o rational_a evidence_n as_o to_o be_v convince_v that_o infinite_a power_n and_o goodness_n and_o truth_n and_o all_o manner_n of_o infinite_a perfection_n belong_v to_o it_o but_o we_o believe_v the_o divine_a perfection_n without_o any_o particular_a comprehensive_a knowledge_n of_o they_o in_o like_a manner_n from_o revelation_n we_o attain_v to_o this_o general_a knowledge_n that_o the_o divine_a nature_n consist_v of_o three_o person_n in_o one_o undivided_a essence_n but_o we_o believe_v these_o three_o person_n to_o be_v one_o god_n without_o any_o particular_a and_o comprehensive_a knowledge_n of_o so_o great_a a_o mystery_n for_o than_o it_o will_v no_o long_o be_v a_o mystery_n and_o faith_n will_v be_v no_o more_o faith_n i_o will_v therefore_o ask_v the_o adversary_n of_o this_o doctrine_n whether_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n omnipresent_v eternal_a almighty_a omniscient_a infinite_o holy_a just_a and_o merciful_a be_v not_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n no_o rational_a man_n can_v deny_v it_o i_o inquire_v further_o whether_o insant_n and_o idiot_n be_v oblige_v necessary_o under_o pain_n of_o damnation_n to_o this_o belief_n they_o must_v certain_o answer_v no_o because_o none_o can_v be_v oblige_v to_o impossibility_n i_o demand_v then_o again_o whether_o if_o one_o or_o more_o of_o these_o attribute_n or_o the_o agreement_n of_o they_o one_o with_o another_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v understand_v with_o a_o general_n and_o imperfect_a knowledge_n by_o any_o who_o be_v capable_a of_o know_v and_o believe_v the_o rest_n the_o ignorance_n of_o these_o article_n which_o be_v above_o their_o understanding_n even_o as_o to_o this_o general_a and_o imperfect_a way_n of_o knowledge_n can_v be_v destructive_a of_o their_o salvation_n they_o must_v needs_o say_v it_o can_v because_o god_n can_v require_v nothing_o impossible_a of_o any_o man._n and_o the_o very_a same_o answer_v apply_v to_o the_o cavil_n against_o the_o athanasian_n creed_n will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o silence_n they_o that_o creed_n contain_v such_o truth_n as_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v in_o order_n to_o salvation_n but_o necessary_a to_o particular_a person_n so_o far_o only_o as_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o know_v they_o in_o order_n to_o believe_v they_o he_o that_o will_v be_v save_v must_v thus_o think_v of_o the_o trinity_n but_o this_o suppose_v he_o capable_a of_o think_v
can_v not_o deny_v the_o evidence_n of_o the_o fact_n suppose_v the_o thing_n possible_a but_o they_o will_v not_o own_v it_o possible_a that_o such_o a_o thing_n shall_v be_v and_o upon_o that_o account_n reject_v all_o the_o evidence_n that_o can_v be_v produce_v as_o tend_v only_o to_o prove_v a_o impossibility_n and_o so_o not_o to_o be_v regard_v i_o shall_v therefore_o show_v the_o possibility_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a and_o that_o it_o be_v unreasonable_a to_o think_v it_o incredible_a that_o god_n shall_v raise_v the_o dead_a if_o it_o be_v incredible_a that_o god_n shall_v raise_v the_o dead_a it_o must_v be_v upon_o one_o of_o these_o two_o account_n either_o because_o he_o can_v or_o because_o he_o will_v not_o do_v it_o for_o what_o god_n both_o can_v and_o will_v do_v be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v incredible_a that_o it_o be_v a_o most_o undoubted_a truth_n therefore_o i_o shall_v first_o prove_v that_o god_n be_v certain_o able_a to_o raise_v the_o 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they_o about_o a_o resurrection_n but_o when_o we_o be_v at_o a_o loss_n about_o the_o most_o common_a and_o obvious_a thing_n it_o must_v be_v great_a presumption_n to_o deny_v the_o resurrection_n because_o we_o can_v comprehend_v it_o when_o alas_o what_o be_v there_o beside_o that_o we_o be_v able_a to_o comprehend_v will_v we_o presume_v to_o say_v that_o god_n can_v do_v nothing_o but_o what_o we_o understand_v how_o it_o may_v be_v do_v when_o every_o thing_n we_o see_v may_v inform_v we_o that_o his_o wisdom_n be_v infinite_a and_o his_o way_n past_o find_v out_o indeed_o if_o we_o understand_v every_o thing_n else_o there_o may_v be_v some_o pretence_n to_o scruple_n the_o resurrection_n because_o we_o do_v not_o understand_v how_o it_o shall_v be_v but_o when_o our_o ignorance_n be_v so_o notorious_a in_o all_o other_o thing_n it_o be_v the_o height_n of_o folly_n and_o perverseness_n to_o think_v ourselves_o competent_a judge_n of_o such_o a_o mystery_n as_o this_o so_o far_o be_v we_o from_o be_v able_a to_o make_v any_o estimate_n of_o god_n power_n and_o so_o far_o be_v the_o resurrection_n from_o be_v incredible_a because_o there_o may_v be_v objection_n make_v about_o it_o which_o may_v seem_v unanswerable_a that_o if_o no_o other_o answer_n can_v be_v give_v this_o will_v be_v sufficient_a that_o god_n can_v do_v more_o than_o we_o can_v have_v the_o least_o thought_n or_o conception_n of_o and_o that_o it_o be_v no_o argument_n that_o he_o can_v do_v what_o we_o can_v conceive_v how_o it_o shall_v be_v do_v so_o long_o as_o there_o be_v nothing_o contrary_a to_o the_o divine_a nature_n in_o it_o nor_o which_o imply_v a_o contradiction_n the_o
mean_n which_o some_o man_n may_v conceit_n he_o may_v use_v but_o leave_v man_n without_o excuse_n and_o then_o require_v their_o faith_n and_o obedience_n at_o their_o peril_n to_o imagine_v that_o christ_n shall_v have_v appear_v promiscuous_o unto_o all_o be_v as_o unreasonable_a as_o to_o suppose_v that_o god_n shall_v communicate_v himself_o to_o all_o alike_o or_o that_o he_o shall_v have_v speak_v from_o heaven_n to_o man_n without_o the_o message_n and_o ministry_n of_o his_o prophet_n for_o when_o christ_n be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a he_o be_v no_o long_o to_o act_v like_o a_o mortal_a man_n but_o as_o in_o his_o glorify_a state_n as_o our_o lord_n and_o king_n and_o as_o god_n in_o our_o humane_a nature_n now_o no_o long_o subject_n to_o any_o of_o its_o imperfection_n and_o therefore_o he_o be_v no_o more_o to_o come_v himself_o to_o the_o people_n as_o he_o have_v do_v in_o the_o state_n of_o his_o humiliation_n but_o to_o send_v his_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n among_o they_o as_o he_o have_v before_o his_o incarnation_n send_v the_o prophet_n 3._o great_a number_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v give_v up_o to_o hardness_n of_o heart_n and_o will_v not_o have_v believe_v though_o they_o have_v see_v christ_n after_o his_o resurrection_n those_o who_o when_o they_o have_v see_v our_o saviour_n miracle_n have_v vilify_v they_o and_o blaspheme_v the_o holy_a ghost_n by_o who_o they_o be_v wrought_v have_v their_o heart_n harden_v that_o see_v they_o may_v see_v and_o not_o perceive_v and_o be_v convert_v and_o of_o this_o number_n the_o chief_a priest_n and_o elder_n must_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v who_o hire_v the_o solider_n to_o contradict_v and_o stifle_v the_o belief_n of_o his_o resurrection_n with_o a_o false_a story_n of_o their_o own_o invention_n the_o chief_a priest_n before_o have_v consult_v to_o put_v lazarus_n to_o death_n when_o he_o be_v undeniable_o know_v to_o have_v be_v raise_v from_o the_o grave_a john_n twelve_o 10._o so_o far_o be_v they_o from_o be_v bring_v to_o a_o belief_n in_o christ_n by_o the_o sight_n of_o lazarus_n that_o they_o full_o verify_v that_o say_v that_o there_o be_v some_o who_o will_v not_o believe_v though_o one_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a lazarus_n be_v show_v open_o to_o all_o the_o people_n and_o live_v among_o they_o for_o many_o year_n after_o he_o have_v be_v restore_v to_o life_n again_o when_o he_o have_v be_v dead_a four_o day_n and_o they_o will_v not_o believe_v though_o they_o see_v and_o converse_v with_o he_o but_o be_v the_o more_o enrage_a at_o it_o christ_n himself_o therefore_o after_o his_o resurrection_n do_v not_o vouchsafe_v they_o his_o presence_n but_o use_v other_o mean_n which_o be_v more_o proper_a 4._o if_o the_o jew_n have_v believe_v in_o christ_n their_o conversion_n have_v not_o be_v a_o great_a proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o resurrection_n than_o their_o unbelief_n have_v be_v their_o stubbornness_n and_o hardness_n of_o heart_n be_v foretell_v by_o the_o prophet_n with_o their_o dispersion_n and_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o propagation_n of_o the_o gospel_n according_a to_o the_o prediction_n likewise_o of_o the_o prophet_n in_o so_o miraculous_a a_o manner_n not_o only_o at_o a_o distance_n but_o in_o judea_n and_o in_o jerusalem_n itself_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o opposition_n which_o the_o jew_n can_v make_v give_v as_o great_a a_o testimony_n to_o it_o as_o their_o favour_n and_o protection_n can_v have_v do_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v just_a with_o god_n rather_o to_o leave_v they_o to_o the_o hardness_n of_o their_o own_o heart_n than_o to_o use_v such_o further_a method_n with_o they_o as_o be_v unsuitable_a to_o the_o divine_a dispensation_n in_o the_o mystery_n of_o our_o redemption_n and_o will_v either_o have_v only_o harden_v they_o to_o a_o great_a degree_n or_o at_o least_o will_v not_o have_v prove_v more_o effectual_a towards_o the_o manifestation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n 5._o the_o power_n of_o christ_n resurrection_n manifest_v in_o the_o miraculous_a gift_n bestow_v upon_o the_o apostle_n be_v as_o great_a a_o proof_n of_o his_o resurrection_n as_o the_o personal_a appearance_n of_o our_o saviour_n himself_o can_v have_v be_v our_o saviour_n show_v himself_o to_o witness_n choose_v before_o of_o god_n to_o be_v witness_n of_o all_o thing_n which_o he_o do_v both_o in_o the_o land_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o in_o jerusalem_n act_v x._o 39_o 41._o these_o man_n know_v his_o life_n and_o doctrine_n they_o have_v be_v instruct_v by_o he_o and_o have_v forsake_v all_o for_o he_o and_o according_a to_o his_o promise_n be_v endue_v with_o power_n from_o on_o high_a to_o enable_v they_o to_o testify_v to_o the_o whole_a world_n that_o they_o have_v not_o only_o see_v he_o but_o have_v often_o converse_v with_o he_o after_o he_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o one_o of_o their_o chief_a qualification_n be_v that_o they_o be_v but_o a_o few_o poor_a and_o ignorant_a man_n without_o force_n or_o policy_n without_o any_o art_n or_o contrivance_n they_o can_v tell_v a_o plain_a truth_n but_o can_v neither_o feign_v nor_o dissemble_v if_o they_o have_v be_v more_o in_o number_n the_o conversion_n of_o the_o world_n have_v be_v so_o much_o the_o less_o miraculous_a and_o they_o be_v not_o choose_v out_o of_o the_o scribe_n and_o elder_n who_o have_v be_v use_v to_o artifices_fw-la and_o falshood_n but_o have_v they_o all_o along_o their_o enemy_n and_o oppose_v to_o their_o craft_n and_o power_n a_o honest_a simplicity_n of_o mind_n that_o neither_o know_v what_o belong_v to_o deceit_n nor_o fear_v any_o in_o so_o good_a a_o cause_n nor_o be_v they_o in_o the_o least_o discourage_v to_o see_v their_o own_o and_o all_o other_o nation_n against_o they_o god_n have_v choose_v the_o foolish_a thing_n of_o the_o world_n to_o confound_v the_o wise_a and_o god_n have_v choose_v the_o weak_a thing_n of_o the_o world_n to_o confound_v the_o thing_n which_o be_v mighty_a 1_o cor._n i_o 27._o these_o man_n under_o all_o necessity_n and_o persecution_n and_o danger_n and_o torment_n both_o live_n and_o die_v witness_v that_o they_o have_v see_v christ_n alive_a after_o he_o have_v be_v crucify_a and_o though_o they_o be_v but_o very_o few_o in_o comparison_n of_o their_o enemy_n yet_o consider_v as_o witness_n they_o be_v many_o for_o he_o be_v see_v by_o above_o five_o hundred_o at_o once_o which_o be_v a_o vast_a number_n in_o any_o matter_n of_o evidence_n and_o if_o so_o many_o man_n be_v not_o a_o sufficient_a testimony_n no_o number_n of_o man_n can_v have_v be_v that_o which_o be_v demonstrate_v but_o in_o one_o way_n be_v as_o certain_a as_o if_o it_o be_v demonstrable_a in_o never_o so_o many_o method_n and_o he_o who_o see_v a_o thing_n plain_o with_o his_o two_o eye_n may_v be_v as_o sure_a of_o it_o as_o if_o he_o have_v never_o so_o many_o eye_n to_o see_v it_o withal_o it_o be_v write_v in_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n that_o the_o testimony_n of_o two_o man_n be_v true_a or_o credible_a and_o to_o be_v rely_v upon_o for_o truth_n john_n viij_o 17._o and_o it_o be_v the_o law_n and_o practice_n of_o all_o nation_n to_o content_v themselves_o with_o a_o small_a number_n of_o sufficient_a witness_n in_o proof_n of_o the_o most_o important_a affair_n and_o if_o these_o witness_n choose_v before_o of_o god_n speak_v and_o act_v and_o suffer_v as_o no_o man_n will_v or_o can_v have_v do_v if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v well_o assure_v of_o what_o they_o testify_v and_o assist_v from_o above_o in_o preach_v the_o gospel_n the_o truth_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n be_v as_o infallible_o deliver_v to_o we_o by_o their_o testimony_n as_o it_o can_v have_v be_v by_o the_o testimony_n of_o never_o so_o many_o more_o for_o all_o that_o never_o so_o many_o other_o can_v have_v do_v will_v have_v be_v but_o the_o same_o thing_n over_o again_o which_o these_o man_n certify_v by_o many_o infallible_a proof_n and_o what_o be_v once_o infallible_o prove_v be_v as_o certain_a as_o if_o all_o the_o world_n shall_v agree_v in_o declare_v it_o it_o be_v not_o the_o number_n of_o witness_n but_o the_o character_n and_o qualification_n of_o the_o person_n and_o the_o evidence_n itself_o in_o its_o full_a force_n and_o circumstance_n which_o be_v chief_o to_o be_v regard_v in_o matter_n of_o this_o nature_n if_o but_o a_o few_o man_n can_v make_v it_o sufficient_o appear_v as_o the_o apostle_n do_v by_o undeniable_a miracle_n that_o what_o they_o say_v be_v true_a and_o that_o god_n himself_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o they_o then_o appeal_v to_o every_o man_n be_v own_o sense_n before_o who_o they_o work_v their_o miracle_n and_o make_v every_o one_o that_o see_v they_o a_o
unbelief_n the_o evil_a spirit_n be_v cast_v out_o of_o his_o son_n mark_v ix_o 23.24_o the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o christ_n miracle_n require_v that_o those_o who_o be_v cure_a by_o he_o shall_v believe_v in_o he_o for_o they_o be_v wrought_v with_o a_o design_n to_o convince_v man_n that_o he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o that_o he_o be_v come_v not_o so_o much_o to_o cure_v their_o body_n as_o to_o save_v their_o soul_n and_o he_o forgive_v their_o sin_n at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o he_o heal_v they_o of_o their_o disease_n mark_v two_o 5._o and_o since_o faith_n be_v so_o necessary_a a_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n it_o be_v as_o requisite_a that_o christ_n shall_v teach_v this_o as_o any_o other_o doctrine_n but_o how_o can_v he_o do_v it_o more_o proper_o and_o more_o effectual_o than_o by_o require_v faith_n in_o those_o who_o come_v to_o be_v heal_v if_o they_o will_v partake_v of_o his_o mercy_n they_o must_v qualify_v themselves_o for_o it_o by_o believe_v that_o he_o be_v the_o great_a prophet_n and_o messiah_n who_o be_v then_o so_o much_o expect_v and_o of_o who_o it_o be_v foretell_v that_o he_o shall_v make_v the_o blind_a to_o see_v and_o the_o lame_a to_o walk_v and_o the_o deaf_a to_o hear_v etc._n etc._n luke_n seven_o 22._o isa_n xxxv_o 5._o and_o unless_o their_o bodily_a cure_n do_v conduce_v to_o the_o cure_n of_o their_o soul_n by_o faith_n and_o repentance_n it_o will_v be_v but_o ill_o bestow_v upon_o they_o and_o therefore_o with_o great_a reason_n may_v be_v deny_v they_o and_o upon_o this_o account_n we_o find_v our_o bless_a saviour_n both_o require_v faith_n in_o some_o and_o reward_v it_o in_o other_o to_o who_o his_o miraculous_a power_n be_v extend_v luke_n viij_o 48._o xviii_o 42._o and_o st._n paul_n perceive_v that_o the_o cripple_n at_o lystra_n have_v faith_n to_o be_v heal_v immediate_o heal_v he_o without_o be_v ask_v to_o do_v it_o act_n fourteen_o 9_o 2._o faith_n in_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n be_v require_v of_o man_n in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o world_n though_o miracle_n be_v cease_v and_o if_o this_o be_v reasonable_a now_o it_o can_v not_o but_o be_v fit_v then_o that_o those_o who_o come_v to_o christ_n shall_v believe_v in_o he_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o miracle_n which_o they_o have_v be_v certify_v that_o he_o have_v do_v upon_o other_o for_o miracle_n when_o they_o be_v full_o attest_v be_v as_o sufficient_a a_o ground_n of_o faith_n as_o if_o we_o have_v see_v they_o do_v and_o to_o manifest_v that_o they_o be_v so_o our_o saviour_n may_v require_v belief_n in_o his_o former_a miracle_n of_o those_o who_o expect_v any_o advantage_n from_o such_o as_o they_o desire_v he_o to_o do_v if_o they_o will_v give_v no_o credit_n to_o the_o miracle_n which_o be_v so_o notorious_a and_o so_o abundant_o testify_v by_o multitude_n who_o see_v they_o do_v how_o shall_v other_o believe_v in_o time_n to_o come_v when_o no_o more_o miracle_n shall_v be_v wrought_v for_o the_o conviction_n of_o unbeliever_n may_v no_o man_n be_v require_v to_o believe_v unless_o he_o see_v the_o miracle_n himself_o then_o how_o shall_v the_o the_o church_n subsist_v in_o future_a age_n when_o miracle_n will_v be_v no_o long_o wrought_v but_o be_v for_o great_a reason_n to_o be_v withhold_v we_o must_v now_o believe_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o the_o miracle_n which_o be_v then_o do_v and_o why_o therefore_o shall_v they_o not_o be_v require_v to_o believe_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o they_o who_o live_v at_o the_o very_a time_n and_o in_o the_o same_o country_n where_o they_o be_v wrought_v though_o they_o have_v never_o see_v they_o our_o saviour_n in_o these_o instance_n may_v introduce_v that_o method_n and_o establish_v the_o evidence_n and_o certainty_n of_o those_o mean_n and_o motive_n whereby_o faith_n be_v to_o be_v produce_v in_o man_n of_o all_o succeed_a age_n and_o may_v hereby_o signify_v and_o declare_v that_o he_o require_v the_o same_o faith_n of_o we_o from_o the_o testimony_n of_o other_o that_o he_o will_v do_v if_o we_o have_v see_v and_o experience_v his_o miraculous_a power_n ourselves_o chap._n xxix_o of_o the_o cease_v of_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n prophecy_n be_v general_o of_o more_o concernment_n and_o afford_v great_a evidence_n and_o conviction_n in_o future_a age_n than_o when_o they_o be_v first_o deliver_v for_o it_o be_v not_o the_o delivery_n but_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o prophecy_n which_o give_v evidence_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o any_o doctrine_n the_o event_n of_o thing_n in_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o prophecy_n be_v a_o stand_a argument_n to_o all_o age_n and_o the_o length_n of_o time_n add_v to_o its_o force_n and_o efficacy_n and_o therefore_o when_o all_o that_o god_n see_v requisite_a to_o be_v foretell_v be_v deliver_v to_o we_o in_o the_o scripture_n there_o can_v no_o long_o be_v any_o need_n of_o new_a prophecy_n which_o will_v be_v of_o less_o authority_n than_o the_o ancient_a one_o inasmuch_o as_o their_o antiquity_n be_v the_o thing_n chief_o to_o be_v regard_v in_o prophecy_n for_o if_o to_o foretell_v thing_n to_o come_v be_v a_o argument_n of_o a_o divine_a prescience_n the_o long_a thing_n be_v foretell_v before_o they_o come_v to_o pass_v the_o better_a must_v the_o argument_n need_v be_v he_o therefore_o that_o require_v new_a prophecy_n to_o confirm_v the_o old_a little_a consider_v the_o nature_n of_o prophecy_n and_o wherein_o the_o evidence_n and_o use_v of_o they_o lie_v but_o in_o great_a wisdom_n and_o caution_n will_v give_v no_o credit_n to_o the_o best_a evidence_n unless_o there_o be_v something_o less_o evident_a to_o prove_v it_o by_o the_o chief_a enquiry_n then_o seem_v to_o be_v concern_v the_o cessation_n of_o miracle_n but_o from_o what_o have_v be_v elsewhere_o say_v the_o reason_n may_v appear_v why_o the_o miraculous_a power_n which_o the_o apostle_n receive_v by_o the_o descent_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v not_o to_o be_v of_o perpetual_a continuance_n in_o the_o church_n but_o be_v to_o cease_v in_o future_a age_n for_o the_o cause_n and_o end_v of_o the_o gift_n of_o miracle_n bestow_v upon_o the_o apostle_n be_v to_o make_v they_o capable_a of_o be_v witness_n to_o christ_n and_o when_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n be_v sufficient_o testify_v there_o can_v be_v no_o long_o need_v of_o such_o a_o power_n which_o be_v give_v to_o enable_v man_n to_o bear_v testimony_n to_o it_o for_o what_o be_v once_o effectual_o prove_v by_o sufficient_a witness_n be_v for_o ever_o prove_v and_o needs_o no_o after_o evidence_n if_o this_o proof_n be_v preserve_v and_o transmit_v down_o to_o posterity_n the_o power_n of_o miracle_n continue_v till_o the_o gospel_n have_v be_v preach_v not_o only_o in_o jerusalem_n and_o in_o all_o judea_n and_o in_o samaria_n but_o unto_o the_o utmost_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n which_o be_v the_o declare_a intention_n of_o our_o saviour_n in_o bestow_v it_o act_n i_o 8._o and_o when_o the_o gospel_n have_v stand_v at_o the_o trial_n and_o conquer_v all_o the_o opposition_n that_o can_v be_v make_v against_o it_o by_o jew_n and_o heathen_n and_o apostate_n themselves_o when_o miracle_n have_v be_v wrought_v for_o several_a age_n before_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n upon_o all_o occasion_n and_o have_v extort_a a_o confession_n from_o the_o devil_n themselves_o of_o the_o divine_a power_n by_o which_o they_o be_v wrought_v when_o the_o book_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n in_o which_o these_o miracle_n be_v record_v have_v be_v disperse_v in_o all_o nation_n and_o language_n so_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o the_o memory_n of_o they_o shall_v be_v lose_v whence_o once_o the_o gospel_n be_v thus_o divulge_v and_o attest_v to_o the_o world_n it_o can_v not_o be_v necessary_a that_o this_o miraculous_a power_n shall_v be_v any_o long_o continue_v because_o this_o be_v the_o only_a reason_n and_o design_n why_o miracle_n shall_v be_v wrought_v to_o awaken_v man_n attention_n and_o prepare_v they_o for_o the_o reception_n of_o the_o doctrine_n which_o be_v reveal_v and_o convince_v they_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o if_o then_o it_o be_v inquire_v why_o the_o miraculous_a gift_n which_o be_v at_o first_o bestow_v upon_o the_o church_n be_v not_o continue_v to_o it_o in_o all_o succeed_a age_n the_o plain_a answer_n be_v because_o this_o power_n be_v bestow_v for_o the_o establishment_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o the_o world_n by_o convince_a man_n of_o its_o truth_n and_o authority_n and_o therefore_o when_o a_o sufficient_a evidence_n have_v be_v give_v in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o that_o religion_n upon_o the_o account_n whereof_o these_o gift_n be_v bestow_v the_o reason_n for_o the_o bestow_n
immediate_a influence_n of_o the_o divine_a power_n but_o in_o miracle_n this_o power_n manifest_v its_o self_n in_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n above_z and_z contrary_n to_o the_o establish_v law_n or_o rule_n which_o god_n have_v in_o all_o other_o case_n prescribe_v for_o the_o produce_v effect_n ii_o man_n will_v fancy_v to_o themselves_o some_o kind_n of_o scheme_n or_o other_o and_o will_v frame_v some_o notion_n and_o conceit_n to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o miracle_n or_o they_o will_v imagine_v they_o to_o return_v of_o course_n at_o certain_a period_n or_o upon_o some_o accident_n if_o they_o see_v they_o frequent_o do_v or_o perhaps_o they_o will_v suppose_v they_o to_o proceed_v from_o some_o defect_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n which_o can_v not_o always_o keep_v its_o course_n but_o make_v many_o deviation_n from_o it_o but_o when_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v only_o in_o some_o age_n for_o peculiar_a reason_n this_o show_v that_o they_o be_v do_v by_o a_o immediate_a divine_a power_n with_o a_o particular_a design_n which_o can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o confirmation_n of_o religion_n since_o they_o cease_v both_o under_o the_o law_n and_o the_o gospel_n when_o both_o be_v full_o declare_v and_o confirm_v iii_o a_o perpetual_a power_n of_o miracle_n in_o all_o age_n will_v give_v occasion_n to_o continual_a imposture_n which_o will_v confound_v and_o distract_v man_n mind_n and_o will_v make_v the_o true_a mircle_n themselves_o suspect_v we_o see_v now_o that_o the_o dream_n of_o every_o enthusiast_n and_o the_o pretence_n of_o every_o impostor_n be_v apt_a to_o startle_v weak_a mind_n though_o we_o have_v so_o much_o reason_n not_o to_o expect_v miracle_n or_o revelation_n but_o if_o we_o be_v in_o constant_a expectation_n of_o true_a miracle_n the_o false_a will_v be_v much_o more_o likely_a to_o mislead_v many_o and_o to_o make_v other_o reject_v the_o belief_n of_o any_o miracle_n at_o all_o if_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n have_v be_v frequent_a in_o the_o jewish_a church_n to_o the_o come_n of_o our_o saviour_n his_o prophecy_n and_o wonderful_a work_n have_v not_o so_o well_o distinguish_v and_o manifest_v he_o to_o be_v the_o christ_n but_o when_o after_o so_o long_a a_o intermission_n they_o be_v again_o revive_v in_o he_o this_o show_v he_o to_o be_v the_o great_a prophet_n and_o messiah_n who_o be_v expect_v and_o it_o be_v very_o observable_a that_o as_o miracle_n have_v be_v discontinue_v for_o a_o long_a time_n among_o the_o jew_n so_o st._n john_n baptist_n who_o be_v more_o than_o a_o prophet_n and_o one_o of_o the_o great_a of_o all_o the_o man_n that_o have_v be_v before_o he_o yet_o wrought_v no_o miracle_n that_o he_o may_v be_v the_o better_o distinguish_v from_o the_o messiah_n and_o that_o there_o may_v arise_v no_o doubt_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o any_o which_o of_o they_o be_v the_o christ_n and_o when_o our_o saviour_n have_v be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v the_o christ_n in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n it_o be_v fit_a that_o miracle_n shall_v cease_v to_o preserve_v the_o authority_n due_a to_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o himself_o and_o his_o disciple_n it_o be_v more_o for_o the_o honour_n of_o christ_n that_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v in_o his_o name_n shall_v cease_v when_o his_o religion_n have_v be_v full_o establish_v than_o that_o man_n shall_v be_v tempt_v to_o doubt_v who_o be_v the_o true_a christ_n and_o which_o be_v the_o true_a religion_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o false_a miracle_n wrought_v in_o opposition_n to_o the_o true_a iv_o another_o reason_n why_o the_o gift_n of_o miracle_n have_v be_v withhold_v in_o latter_a age_n may_v be_v this_o because_o since_o there_o have_v be_v a_o general_a depravation_n of_o manner_n among_o christian_n it_o will_v have_v prove_v a_o great_a occasion_n of_o pride_n and_o vainglory_n to_o those_o who_o have_v possess_v it_o as_o we_o find_v it_o be_v to_o some_o even_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n twelve_o fourteen_o and_o our_o saviour_n see_v it_o requisite_a to_o give_v caution_n to_o his_o disciple_n notwithstanding_o in_o this_o rejoice_v not_o that_o the_o spirit_n be_v subject_a unto_o you_o but_o rather_o rejoice_v because_o your_o name_n be_v write_v in_o heaven_n luke_n x._o 20._o it_o must_v be_v a_o eminent_a and_o true_o primitive_a piety_n that_o can_v bear_v the_o have_v of_o such_o gift_n with_o a_o humble_a and_o christian_n temper_n of_o mind_n v._o it_o be_v a_o observation_n of_o 2._o of_o advan_n of_o learn_v l._n iii._o c._n 2._o my_o lord_n bacon_n that_o there_o be_v never_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o god_n to_o convert_v a_o atheist_n because_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n may_v have_v lead_v he_o to_o confess_v a_o god_n but_o miracle_n be_v design_v to_o convert_v idolater_n and_o the_o superstitious_a who_o have_v acknowledge_v a_o deity_n but_o err_v in_o his_o adoration_n 〈…〉_o light_a of_o nature_n extend_v to_o declare_v the_o 〈◊〉_d and_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n for_o the_o same_o reason_n when_o once_o the_o true_a religion_n be_v confirm_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o to_o have_v the_o same_o evidence_n for_o it_o which_o there_o be_v for_o the_o existence_n of_o god_n himself_o miracle_n be_v no_o more_o to_o be_v expect_v to_o convert_v a_o infidel_n than_o to_o convert_v a_o atheist_n among_o man_n of_o learning_n and_o reason_n there_o ought_v to_o be_v no_o more_o doubt_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n than_o of_o the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n and_o they_o without_o the_o help_n of_o miracle_n may_v instruct_v other_o 9_o other_o de_fw-fr procur_fw-fr indor_n salute_n lib._n two_o c._n 9_o acosta_n inquire_v into_o the_o cause_n why_o miracle_n be_v not_o wrought_v by_o the_o present_a missionary_n for_o the_o conversion_n of_o heathen_a nation_n as_o they_o be_v by_o the_o christian_n of_o the_o primitive_a age_n give_v this_o as_o one_o reason_n because_o the_o christian_n at_o first_o be_v ignorant_a man_n and_o the_o gentile_n learned_a but_o now_o on_o the_o contrary_a all_o the_o learning_n in_o the_o world_n be_v employ_v for_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o there_o be_v nothing_o but_o ignorance_n to_o oppose_v it_o and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o need_n of_o far_a miracle_n in_o behalf_n of_o so_o good_a a_o cause_n when_o it_o be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o such_o able_a advocate_n against_o so_o weak_a adversary_n however_o though_o there_o be_v no_o such_o change_n as_o be_v wont_v former_o to_o be_v wrought_v in_o the_o visible_a course_n of_o nature_n in_o confirmation_n of_o our_o religion_n yet_o there_o be_v still_o a_o divine_a power_n evident_a among_o christian_n live_v in_o heathen_a country_n for_o the_o devil_n who_o tyrannize_v over_o the_o heathen_n have_v no_o power_n over_o christian_n dwell_v among_o they_o of_o which_o the_o indian_n have_v take_v great_a notice_n and_o have_v 16._o have_v lerii_fw-la histor_n navig_n in_o brasil_n c._n 16._o declare_v the_o christian_n happy_a in_o be_v free_v from_o the_o torture_n of_o wicked_a spirit_n by_o which_o they_o find_v themselves_o often_o seize_v on_o the_o sudden_a in_o a_o terrible_a manner_n and_o stand_v in_o perpetual_a fear_n of_o they_o 4._o they_o capt._n knox_n be_v hist_n of_o ceylon_n part_n iii._o c._n 4._o christian_n they_o do_v acknowledge_v have_v a_o prerogative_n above_o themselves_o and_o not_o to_o be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o these_o infernal_a spirit_n it_o be_v so_o general_o relate_v by_o traveller_n of_o all_o profession_n both_o protestant_n and_o papist_n that_o the_o devil_n exercise_v a_o manifest_a tyranny_n over_o the_o heathen_n but_o be_v able_a to_o do_v nothing_o to_o the_o christian_n abide_v among_o they_o that_o this_o can_v be_v deny_v to_o be_v a_o plain_a argument_n of_o a_o divine_a power_n discover_v itself_o in_o confirmation_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n though_o not_o by_o such_o miracle_n as_o be_v former_o wrought_v because_o there_o be_v no_o long_o any_o need_n of_o they_o chap._n xxx_o of_o the_o cause_n why_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n reject_v christ_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o he_o and_o his_o apostle_n though_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v most_o certain_a in_o itself_o yet_o there_o be_v a_o supernatural_a grace_n require_v to_o make_v we_o thorough_o and_o effectual_o convince_v of_o the_o certainty_n of_o it_o no_o man_n can_v come_v to_o i_o say_v our_o saviour_n except_o the_o father_n which_o have_v send_v i_o draw_v he_o and_o this_o be_v declare_v to_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o the_o infidelity_n of_o such_o as_o be_v offend_v at_o his_o doctrine_n and_o depart_v from_o he_o but_o there_o be_v some_o of_o you_o that_o believe_v not_o for_o jesus_n know_v from_o the_o beginning_n who_o they_o be_v that_o believe_v not_o
be_v a_o long_a succession_n of_o philosopher_n and_o sophist_n who_o make_v it_o their_o business_n to_o oppose_v the_o christian_a religion_n the_o school_fw-mi of_o platonist_n which_o continue_v at_o athens_n for_o some_o age_n will_v revive_v or_o reinforce_v any_o argument_n that_o have_v be_v use_v by_o their_o predecessor_n in_o opposition_n to_o christianity_n proclus_n and_o damascius_n who_o be_v of_o this_o school_n live_v about_o the_o middle_n of_o the_o six_o age_n and_o the_o write_n of_o damascius_n be_v extant_a lxxvii_o extant_a phot._n cod_n clxxxi_o ccxlii_o lxxvii_o in_o photius_n time_n in_o the_o middle_n of_o the_o nine_o age_n the_o history_n of_o eunapius_n be_v then_o likewise_o extant_a and_o be_v hist_o be_v voss_n de_fw-fr graec._n hist_o say_v to_o be_v preserve_v at_o venice_n we_o have_v the_o abridgement_n of_o it_o by_o zosimus_n and_o a_o sufficient_a specimen_fw-la of_o his_o malicious_a invective_n in_o his_o other_o write_n and_o it_o be_v probable_a that_o these_o and_o many_o other_o book_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n which_o be_v now_o lose_v continue_v much_o long_o than_o any_o account_n which_o we_o have_v now_o remain_v of_o they_o mention_n of_o about_o thirty_o answer_n 10._o answer_n holstein_n de_fw-fr vit._n &_o script_n porphyt_n c._n 10._o which_o be_v write_v to_o porphyry_n by_o several_a author_n not_o one_o of_o they_o be_v now_o to_o be_v find_v when_o the_o world_n be_v satisfy_v of_o the_o insufficieny_n of_o his_o objection_n the_o answer_n to_o his_o book_n be_v as_o little_o regard_v as_o the_o book_n themselves_o but_o undergo_v the_o same_o fate_n with_o they_o the_o jew_n who_o from_o the_o begin_n of_o christianity_n before_o but_o especial_o since_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n have_v in_o vast_a number_n be_v spread_v all_o over_o the_o world_n and_o have_v ever_o be_v the_o most_o implacable_a enemy_n of_o the_o gospel_n have_v the_o great_a opportunity_n to_o detect_v any_o falsehood_n in_o it_o and_o have_v never_o omit_v any_o advantage_n of_o improve_n and_o enforce_v the_o argument_n against_o it_o and_o and_o therefore_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o retain_v any_o thing_n considerable_a which_o have_v be_v object_v by_o their_o forefather_n or_o by_o the_o heathen_n with_o who_o they_o converse_v the_o jew_n have_v be_v a_o perpetual_a restless_a enemy_n in_o all_o part_n and_o age_n of_o the_o world_n and_o nothing_o material_a in_o this_o case_n will_v escape_v their_o observation_n but_o out_o of_o the_o write_n of_o the_o ancient_a jew_n which_o be_v still_o extant_a many_o thing_n have_v be_v allege_v by_o many_o learned_a man_n of_o our_o own_o and_o other_o nation_n in_o confirmation_n of_o our_o religion_n from_o the_o confession_n of_o the_o jew_n themselves_o the_o unbelief_n therefore_o both_o of_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n of_o those_o age_n be_v no_o material_a objection_n nor_o altogether_o so_o unaccountable_a as_o the_o unbelief_n of_o too_o many_o now_o who_o be_v bear_v among_o christian_n and_o have_v have_v their_o education_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n the_o truth_n be_v example_n be_v always_o the_o weak_a argument_n in_o any_o case_n and_o can_v be_v of_o no_o force_n or_o authority_n against_o the_o clear_a rational_a evidence_n chap._n xxxi_o that_o the_o confidence_n of_o man_n of_o false_a religion_n and_o their_o willingness_n to_o suffer_v for_o they_o be_v no_o prejudice_n to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n the_o christian_a religion_n do_v infinite_o surpass_v all_o other_o in_o the_o number_n of_o its_o martyr_n of_o both_o sex_n of_o every_o age_n and_o nation_n and_o rank_a and_o condition_n mistake_v ignorant_a zealot_n may_v often_o have_v suffer_v for_o other_o religion_n but_o man_n of_o the_o high_a station_n and_o worth_n and_o inferior_a to_o none_o in_o the_o knowledge_n and_o experience_n of_o every_o thing_n that_o the_o world_n esteem_v excellent_a have_v renounce_v all_o and_o upon_o choice_n and_o after_o a_o full_a consideration_n of_o the_o merit_n of_o the_o cause_n have_v lay_v down_o their_o life_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o gospel_n tyrant_n of_o the_o great_a power_n and_o cruelty_n have_v make_v it_o their_o aim_n and_o ambition_n by_o all_o sort_n of_o torture_n to_o extirpate_v the_o christian_a religion_n they_o esteem_v their_o persecution_n matter_n of_o triumph_n and_o a_o fit_a subject_n for_o the_o 280._o the_o gâ—uter_n inscript_n p._n 238_o 280._o inscription_n of_o monument_n erect_v to_o their_o memory_n but_o the_o invincible_a patience_n and_o glorious_a suffering_n of_o the_o christian_n prevail_v against_o all_o the_o rage_n and_o force_n of_o their_o enemy_n if_o the_o martyrology_n of_o all_o religion_n be_v to_o be_v compare_v there_o will_v soon_o appear_v so_o manifest_a a_o difference_n between_o the_o christian_a martyr_n and_o the_o sufferer_n for_o other_o religion_n that_o nothing_o will_v be_v needful_a to_o be_v say_v upon_o this_o subject_n but_o remember_v with_o who_o i_o have_v to_o deal_v i_o be_o resolve_v to_o take_v every_o thing_n at_o the_o low_a and_o argue_v with_o they_o upon_o their_o own_o term_n let_v we_o for_o a_o while_o set_v aside_o whatever_o of_o this_o nature_n may_v be_v say_v in_o preference_n of_o the_o christian_a martyr_n and_o suppose_v the_o number_n and_o zeal_n of_o the_o martyr_n for_o so_o we_o must_v call_v they_o at_o present_a of_o other_o religion_n to_o have_v be_v as_o great_a as_o can_v be_v imagine_v yet_o the_o cause_n itself_o make_v a_o plain_a difference_n between_o they_o a_o ignorant_a zeal_n in_o a_o wrong_n cause_o be_v no_o argument_n against_o the_o goodness_n of_o any_o cause_n which_o be_v maintain_v and_o promote_v by_o such_o a_o zeal_n as_o be_v reasonable_a and_o proceed_v upon_o sure_a ground_n indeed_o it_o be_v very_o hard_a and_o very_o strange_a if_o that_o which_o be_v true_a shall_v be_v ever_o the_o less_o certain_a or_o the_o less_o to_o be_v regard_v and_o esteem_v because_o there_o may_v be_v other_o thing_n that_o be_v false_a of_o which_o some_o man_n be_v as_o firm_o persuade_v and_o be_v as_o much_o concern_v for_o they_o as_o any_o one_o can_v be_v for_o the_o truth_n itself_o and_o yet_o this_o be_v the_o wise_a thing_n that_o many_o have_v to_o pretend_v against_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o religion_n in_o which_o they_o be_v baptize_v that_o there_o be_v many_o imposture_n in_o the_o world_n and_o none_o be_v without_o its_o zealot_n to_o appear_v in_o vindication_n of_o it_o i_o be_o confident_a no_o man_n ever_o part_v with_o any_o thing_n but_o his_o religion_n upon_o so_o weak_a a_o pretence_n a_o false_a religion_n be_v not_o the_o only_a thing_n for_o which_o man_n be_v wont_a to_o have_v a_o undeserved_a value_n but_o their_o country_n their_o friend_n and_o themselves_o they_o be_v common_o as_o much_o mistake_v in_o and_o do_v as_o high_o overprize_v be_v there_o then_o no_o real_a difference_n or_o solid_a worth_n in_o any_o of_o these_o some_o of_o the_o most_o unlikely_a country_n in_o the_o world_n have_v be_v admire_v by_o the_o native_n as_o if_o they_o be_v the_o garden_n of_o eden_n and_o the_o place_n of_o paradise_n though_o there_o be_v nothing_o easy_a than_o to_o make_v a_o distinction_n concern_v different_a country_n and_o it_o be_v as_o easy_a to_o distinguish_v between_o the_o elysium_n of_o the_o heathen_n or_o mahomet_n paradise_n and_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o between_o the_o way_n which_o lead_v to_o they_o there_o be_v nothing_o especial_o if_o it_o be_v of_o any_o moment_n and_o consequence_n to_o they_o for_o which_o man_n have_v not_o show_v themselves_o passionate_o concern_v and_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v so_o much_o more_o infallible_a in_o religion_n than_o in_o other_o thing_n or_o shall_v be_v so_o much_o less_o in_o earnest_n about_o it_o as_o not_o to_o discover_v the_o same_o frailty_n and_o the_o same_o affection_n which_o be_v visible_a in_o all_o the_o other_o action_n and_o business_n of_o their_o life_n it_o be_v often_o see_v in_o most_o case_n that_o some_o be_v as_o earnest_n and_o zealous_a in_o a_o false_a cause_n as_o other_o be_v in_o a_o true_a but_o do_v this_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n between_o falsehood_n and_o truth_n when_o two_o man_n of_o opposite_a party_n be_v equal_o confident_a of_o the_o goodness_n of_o their_o cause_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o but_o one_o of_o they_o can_v be_v in_o the_o right_a and_o it_o be_v as_o certain_a that_o one_o of_o they_o must_v be_v at_o least_o so_o far_o in_o the_o right_n as_o he_o contradict_v the_o other_o because_o as_o the_o two_o part_n of_o a_o contradiction_n can_v be_v both_o true_a so_o they_o can_v be_v both_o false_a if_o then_o a_o confident_a and_o zealous_a
thing_n else_o be_v of_o the_o same_o colour_n or_o taste_n which_o it_o appear_v to_o be_v of_o because_o they_o can_v amuse_v themselves_o with_o difficulty_n and_o they_o be_v too_o much_o philosopher_n to_o assent_v to_o any_o thing_n that_o they_o do_v not_o understand_v though_o it_o be_v confirm_v by_o the_o sense_n and_o experience_n of_o all_o mankind_n they_o be_v rational_a man_n and_o it_o be_v below_o they_o to_o believe_v their_o sense_n unless_o their_o reason_n be_v convince_v and_o that_o be_v too_o acute_a to_o be_v convince_v as_o long_o as_o any_o difficulty_n that_o can_v be_v start_v remain_v unanswered_a and_o thus_o under_o the_o pretence_n of_o reason_n and_o philosophy_n they_o expose_v themselves_o to_o the_o scorn_n and_o derision_n of_o all_o who_o have_v but_o the_o common_a sense_n of_o man_n without_o the_o art_n and_o subtlety_n of_o impose_v upon_o themselves_o and_o other_o and_o it_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n in_o effect_n as_o to_o matter_n of_o religion_n the_o scripture_n come_v confirm_v down_o to_o we_o by_o all_o the_o way_n of_o confirmation_n that_o the_o authority_n of_o any_o revelation_n at_o this_o distance_n of_o time_n can_v be_v expect_v to_o have_v if_o it_o real_o be_v what_o we_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v why_o then_o do_v some_o man_n doubt_v whether_o they_o be_v authentic_a can_v they_o disprove_v the_o argument_n which_o be_v bring_v in_o defence_n of_o they_o can_v they_o produce_v any_o other_o revelation_n more_o authentic_a or_o be_v it_o more_o reasonable_a to_o believe_v that_o god_n shall_v not_o reveal_v himself_o to_o mankind_n than_o that_o this_o revelation_n shall_v be_v he_o no_o this_o be_v not_o the_o case_n but_o there_o be_v several_a thing_n to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o scripture_n which_o they_o think_v will_v not_o be_v in_o they_o if_o they_o be_v of_o divine_a revelation_n but_o a_o wise_a man_n will_v never_o disbelieve_v a_o thing_n for_o any_o objection_n make_v against_o it_o which_o do_v not_o reach_v the_o point_n nor_o touch_v these_o argument_n by_o which_o it_o be_v prove_v to_o he_o it_o be_v not_o inconsistent_a that_o that_o may_v be_v most_o true_a which_o may_v have_v many_o exception_n frame_v against_o it_o but_o it_o be_v absurd_a to_o reject_v that_o as_o incredible_a which_o come_v recommend_v by_o our_o belief_n by_o such_o evidence_n as_o can_v be_v disprove_v till_o this_o be_v do_v all_o which_o can_v be_v say_v beside_o only_o show_v that_o there_o be_v difficulty_n to_o be_v meet_v withal_o in_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v never_o deny_v by_o those_o who_o most_o firm_o and_o steadfast_o believe_v they_o but_o difficulty_n can_v never_o alter_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o make_v that_o which_o be_v true_a to_o become_v false_a there_o be_v no_o science_n without_o its_o difficulty_n and_o it_o be_v not_o pretend_v that_o theology_n be_v without_o they_o there_o be_v many_o great_a and_o inexplicable_a difficulty_n in_o the_o mathematics_n but_o shall_v we_o therefore_o reject_v this_o as_o a_o science_n of_o no_o value_n nor_o certainty_n and_o believe_v no_o demonstration_n in_o euclid_n to_o be_v true_a unless_o we_o can_v square_a the_o circle_n and_o yet_o this_o be_v every_o whit_n as_o reasonable_a as_o it_o be_v not_o to_o acknowledge_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n unless_o we_o can_v explain_v all_o the_o vision_n in_o ezekiel_n and_o the_o revelation_n of_o st._n john_n we_o must_v believe_v nothing_o and_o know_v nothing_o if_o we_o must_v disbelieve_v and_o reject_v every_o thing_n which_o be_v liable_a to_o difficulty_n we_o must_v not_o believe_v we_o have_v a_o soul_n unless_o we_o can_v give_v a_o account_n of_o all_o its_o operation_n nor_o that_o we_o have_v a_o body_n unless_o we_o can_v tell_v all_o the_o part_n and_o motion_n and_o the_o whole_a frame_n and_o composition_n of_o it_o we_o must_v not_o believe_v our_o sense_n till_o there_o be_v nothing_o relate_v to_o sensation_n but_o what_o we_o perfect_o understand_v nor_o that_o there_o be_v any_o object_n in_o the_o world_n till_o we_o know_v the_o exact_a manner_n how_o we_o perceive_v they_o and_o can_v solve_v all_o objection_n that_o may_v be_v raise_v concern_v they_o and_o if_o a_o man_n can_v be_v incredulous_a to_o this_o degree_n it_o can_v be_v expect_v that_o he_o shall_v believe_v the_o scripture_n but_o till_o he_o be_v come_v to_o this_o height_n of_o folly_n and_o stupidity_n if_o he_o will_v be_v consistent_a with_o himself_o and_o true_a to_o those_o principle_n of_o reason_n from_o which_o he_o argue_v in_o all_o other_o case_n he_o can_v reject_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o any_o difficulty_n that_o he_o find_v in_o they_o whilst_o the_o argument_n by_o which_o they_o be_v prove_v to_o be_v of_o divine_a authority_n remain_v unanswered_a and_o all_o the_o objection_n which_o can_v be_v invent_v against_o the_o scripture_n can_v seem_v near_o so_o absurd_a to_o a_o consider_v man_n as_o to_o suppose_v that_o god_n shall_v not_o at_o all_o reveal_v himself_o to_o mankind_n or_o that_o the_o heathen_a oracle_n or_o mahomet_n alcoran_n shall_v be_v of_o divine_a revelation_n chap._n xxxiv_o the_o conclusion_n contain_v a_o exhortation_n to_o a_o serious_a consideration_n of_o these_o thing_n both_o from_o the_o example_n of_o the_o wise_a and_o most_o learned_a man_n and_o from_o the_o infinite_a importance_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o as_o wise_a and_o as_o learned_a man_n as_o any_o that_o ever_o live_v in_o the_o world_n have_v die_v in_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n when_o they_o have_v no_o interest_n to_o engage_v they_o to_o it_o and_o many_o of_o they_o have_v lead_v their_o life_n under_o pesecution_n and_o have_v at_o last_o be_v put_v to_o death_n rather_o than_o they_o will_v renounce_v that_o faith_n which_o the_o scripture_n declare_v to_o we_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o there_o have_v be_v man_n of_o as_o great_a learning_n and_o as_o great_a number_n of_o they_o profess_v the_o christian_a religion_n as_o have_v be_v of_o all_o other_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n indeed_o all_o manner_n of_o art_n and_o science_n have_v be_v more_o improve_v by_o christian_n than_o by_o all_o other_o sort_n of_o man_n whatsoever_o and_o all_o rational_a and_o solid_a learning_n be_v confine_v as_o i_o may_v say_v within_o christendom_n for_o beside_o the_o idolatrous_a worship_n and_o other_o impiety_n notorious_a among_o they_o whatsoever_o learning_n be_v to_o be_v find_v among_o the_o chinese_n or_o other_o heathen_a nation_n their_o notion_n of_o thing_n so_o far_o as_o they_o differ_v from_o what_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n be_v so_o obscure_a and_o confuse_a at_o the_o best_a and_o so_o groundless_a that_o that_o christian_a must_v be_v very_o weary_a of_o his_o religion_n who_o can_v think_v of_o change_v it_o for_o such_o 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