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matter_n and_o even_o depend_v upon_o it_o in_o all_o its_o operation_n now_o it_o be_v not_o so_o with_o the_o incarnation_n of_o christ_n and_o it_o can_v never_o be_v say_v that_o the_o divine_a nature_n depend_v on_o the_o humane_a but_o contrariwise_o it_o be_v the_o humane_a nature_n which_o depend_v on_o the_o divine_a in_o this_o union_n god_n remain_v the_o same_o as_o before_o all-perfect_a almighty_a all-full_a eternal_a and_o immutable_a but_o man_n be_v change_v and_o sanctify_a and_o exalt_v by_o it_o what_o inconveniency_n then_o can_v there_o result_v from_o it_o as_o it_o be_v surprise_v to_o see_v a_o most_o noble_a be_v subject_n to_o a_o less_o perfect_a be_v so_o it_o be_v natural_a for_o a_o less_o perfect_a be_v to_o be_v subject_a to_o one_o more_o noble_a now_o the_o latter_a of_o these_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o incarnation_n evident_o demonstrate_v and_o the_o union_n of_o the_o soul_n with_o the_o body_n discover_v the_o former_a it_o follow_v hence_o 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at_o nothing_o else_o but_o the_o bring_v the_o body_n and_o soul_n of_o christ_n in_o a_o great_a subjection_n to_o he_o we_o no_o soon_o embrace_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o incarnation_n but_o every_o thing_n that_o seem_v offensive_a in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christian_a religion_n will_v present_o vanish_v we_o shall_v then_o easy_o comprehend_v that_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o christ_n to_o die_v since_o he_o be_v man_n and_o that_o his_o death_n be_v infinite_o valuable_a since_o he_o be_v god_n and_o so_o great_a be_v the_o dignity_n which_o proceed_v from_o the_o union_n of_o those_o two_o nature_n that_o it_o make_v the_o death_n of_o christ_n equivalent_a to_o the_o punishment_n our_o sin_n have_v so_o just_o deserve_v we_o shall_v not_o then_o think_v it_o difficult_a to_o be_v full_o convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o lord_n for_o it_o will_v be_v unreasonable_a to_o suppose_v that_o a_o nature_n as_o have_v be_v honour_v with_o so_o particular_a a_o union_n to_o the_o deity_n shall_v yet_o have_v be_v for_o ever_o dissolve_v and_o remain_v to_o all_o eternity_n under_o the_o power_n of_o death_n but_o we_o shall_v think_v it_o very_o reasonable_a to_o imagine_v that_o it_o can_v not_o but_o have_v rise_v from_o the_o grave_a into_o which_o it_o have_v be_v please_v to_o descend_v if_o then_o christ_n be_v true_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a can_v our_o incredulous_a reason_n still_o refuse_v to_o believe_v that_o we_o shall_v also_o rise_v again_o but_o how_o can_v that_o reason_n contradict_v a_o truth_n which_o the_o disciple_n see_v they_o behold_v the_o glory_n of_o christ_n both_o in_o the_o miracle_n which_o he_o perform_v and_o in_o his_o holiness_n of_o life_n they_o see_v god_n manifest_v in_o the_o flesh_n and_o be_v witness_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o lord_n they_o perceive_v angel_n come_v down_o towards_o he_o the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v to_o the_o gentile_n by_o their_o ministry_n the_o world_n believe_v on_o their_o preach_a and_o last_o they_o see_v christ_n ascend_v into_o heaven_n all_o which_o be_v very_o sensible_a and_o evident_a matter_n of_o fact_n the_o mystery_n then_o of_o the_o incarnation_n though_o the_o hard_a to_o comprehend_v of_o all_o those_o of_o christian_a religion_n imply_v however_o nothing_o contrary_a to_o reason_n but_o we_o must_v except_v the_o most_o holy_a and_o everblessed_n trinity_n another_o mystery_n which_o be_v infinite_o exalt_v above_o the_o reach_n of_o our_o shallow_a capacity_n be_v not_o easy_o reconcilable_a to_o it_o nevertheless_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o the_o sublimity_n of_o its_o nature_n render_v it_o not_o any_o way_n repugnant_a to_o reason_n 1_o sy_n because_o the_o word_n person_n be_v not_o to_o be_v take_v in_o the_o same_o sense_n with_o that_o of_o essence_n i_o grant_v that_o three_o person_n and_o one_o person_n one_o essence_n and_o three_o essence_n imply_v a_o contradiction_n but_o the_o 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account_n perhaps_o we_o shall_v not_o think_v it_o at_o all_o hard_a to_o conceive_v if_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v be_v please_v to_o reveal_v its_o nature_n a_o little_a more_o clear_o to_o we_o but_o such_o be_v the_o wonderful_a conduct_n of_o god_n who_o be_v resolve_v to_o humble_v we_o and_o not_o to_o satisfy_v our_o vain_a curiosity_n nor_o indulge_v the_o pride_n of_o our_o understanding_n which_o be_v too_o greedy_a of_o knowledge_n 4_o thly_a because_o we_o be_v not_o whole_o destitute_a of_o image_n there_o be_v several_a capable_a to_o illustrate_v that_o object_n though_o never_o so_o incomprehensible_a in_o itself_o thus_o for_o instance_n the_o same_o soul_n be_v a_o understanding_n as_o it_o perceive_v a_o will_n as_o it_o have_v a_o desire_n and_o a_o memory_n as_o it_o recall_v the_o thing_n pass_v to_o the_o mind_n all_o which_o three_o faculty_n be_v comprehend_v in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o understanding_n in_o like_a manner_n also_o the_o same_o light_n be_v 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whether_o christ_n be_v of_o a_o create_v or_o uncreate_v unity_n how_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v he_o do_v not_o take_v upon_o he_o the_o very_a individual_a nature_n of_o adam_n whether_o this_o proposition_n christ_n be_v man_n be_v true_a during_o those_o three_o day_n he_o remain_v in_o the_o grave_a last_o whether_o christ_n shall_v have_v die_v of_o old_a age_n have_v he_o not_o be_v crucify_v in_o his_o youth_n etc._n etc._n these_o be_v the_o only_a difficulty_n that_o occur_v in_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o for_o the_o rest_n it_o be_v so_o essential_o so_o visible_o and_o so_o necessary_o agreeable_a to_o reason_n that_o we_o can_v but_o wonder_v that_o our_o incredulous_a adversary_n have_v not_o yet_o perceive_v it_o this_o we_o have_v already_o sufficient_o prove_v in_o several_a place_n of_o this_o work_n and_o we_o can_v well_o insist_v further_o upon_o it_o without_o repeat_v again_o what_o have_v be_v already_o say_v it_o be_v sufficient_a therefore_o to_o 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faith_n be_v a_o fable_n the_o centre_n of_o all_o those_o character_n of_o wisdom_n visible_o diplay_v in_o all_o the_o work_n of_o god_n since_o nothing_o but_o the_o christian_a religion_n can_v lead_v man_n to_o the_o true_a end_n of_o his_o creation_n none_o but_o that_o can_v justify_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n the_o centre_n of_o all_o the_o hope_n of_o man_n for_o what_o be_v there_o that_o he_o can_v hope_v for_o if_o christianity_n be_v a_o lie_n the_o centre_n of_o all_o the_o evidence_n and_o certainty_n that_o be_v in_o our_o knowledge_n for_o what_o be_v there_o that_o we_o can_v be_v certain_a of_o if_o our_o soul_n be_v only_o a_o disposition_n of_o atom_n and_o have_v no_o such_o spirituality_n and_o immortality_n as_o that_o impute_a to_o it_o by_o the_o christian_a religion_n there_o need_v have_v be_v only_o a_o different_a configuration_n of_o part_n to_o form_v first_o notion_n quite_o contrary_a to_o those_o we_o now_o have_v let_v any_o one_o therefore_o close_o consider_v the_o matter_n and_o it_o will_v appear_v to_o he_o that_o if_o we_o deny_v christ_n who_o teach_v to_o know_v our_o own_o self_n in_o reveal_v to_o we_o life_n and_o immortality_n no_o salvation_n can_v be_v expect_v either_o for_o reason_n or_o conscience_n x_o portraiture_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n or_o the_o proportion_n it_o bear_v to_o the_o jewish_a religion_n there_o be_v nothing_o true_a than_o that_o the_o jewish_a religion_n be_v great_a noble_a and_o divine_a and_o we_o can_v reflect_v on_o the_o greatness_n of_o its_o miracle_n the_o sublimity_n of_o its_o morality_n the_o purity_n of_o its_o doctrine_n the_o holiness_n of_o its_o precept_n and_o the_o completion_n of_o its_o prophecy_n without_o immediate_o acknowledge_v it_o to_o be_v stamp_v with_o divine_a character_n but_o yet_o we_o shall_v find_v it_o altogether_o defective_a if_o we_o separate_v it_o from_o christianity_n since_o its_o essence_n consist_v in_o its_o relation_n to_o that_o we_o can_v conceive_v without_o it_o how_o god_n can_v be_v the_o god_n of_o one_o nation_n and_o yet_o not_o be_v that_o too_o of_o other_o nation_n also_o that_o the_o deity_n shall_v be_v contain_v in_o a_o material_a ark_n and_o be_v the_o father_n of_o spirit_n shall_v so_o careful_o seek_v after_o a_o external_a and_o corporeal_a purity_n that_o unwilling_a to_o satisfy_v his_o justice_n he_o shall_v require_v sacrifice_n of_o man_n or_o if_o willing_a to_o be_v appease_v by_o offering_n and_o oblation_n he_o shall_v demand_v such_o mean_a one_o of_o they_o which_o be_v unworthy_a the_o majesty_n of_o his_o godhead_n that_o god_n who_o make_v heaven_n and_o earth_n shall_v dwell_v in_o a_o temple_n make_v with_o hand_n or_o that_o he_o who_o create_v all_o thing_n visible_a and_o invisible_a shall_v take_v pleasure_n in_o a_o external_a pomp_n that_o he_o who_o make_v the_o smell_a which_o he_o want_v not_o himself_o shall_v delight_v in_o the_o smell_n of_o incense_n or_o that_o his_o voice_n proper_o so_o call_v shall_v be_v hear_v to_o which_o thunder_n itself_o scarce_o bear_v the_o resemblance_n of_o a_o echo_n i_o say_v we_o can_v never_o conceive_v any_o of_o these_o thing_n without_o the_o help_n of_o christian_a religion_n for_o who_o can_v reconcile_v the_o wisdom_n see_v in_o the_o religion_n of_o moses_n with_o the_o imperfection_n discoverable_a in_o it_o how_o can_v that_o lawgiver_n prove_v so_o contrary_a to_o himself_o and_o how_o can_v so_o many_o character_n of_o divinity_n be_v attend_v with_o so_o many_o seem_o superstitious_a custom_n and_o trivial_a ceremony_n consult_v but_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o you_o will_v then_o no_o long_o wonder_v at_o it_o there_o you_o will_v find_v both_o the_o reason_n and_o wisdom_n of_o every_o thing_n that_o surprise_v you_o in_o the_o old_a covenant_n all_o the_o custom_n contain_v in_o the_o
holy_a ghost_n but_o perhaps_o it_o be_v a_o question_n whether_o there_o be_v ever_o any_o christian_a church_n found_v at_o jerusalem_n if_o so_o then_o must_v the_o ancient_a doctor_n of_o the_o church_n who_o live_v in_o different_a time_n and_o in_o different_a place_n have_v conspire_v together_o to_o deceive_v we_o in_o this_o respect_n and_o the_o jew_n and_o heathen_n and_o all_o other_o profess_a enemy_n of_o our_o religion_n as_o well_o ancient_a as_o modern_a who_o never_o contest_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o matter_n of_o fact_n must_v utter_o have_v lose_v their_o reason_n in_o a_o word_n suppose_v the_o book_n of_o act_n compose_v long_o after_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n that_o be_v when_o there_o can_v be_v no_o long_o any_o flourish_a church_n in_o that_o city_n yet_o there_o be_v no_o point_n gain_v for_o it_o be_v true_a still_o that_o the_o apostle_n set_v down_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n we_o speak_v of_o and_o that_o their_o epistle_n be_v fill_v with_o such_o thing_n as_o visible_o relate_v to_o it_o i_o shall_v not_o here_o further_o add_v that_o the_o book_n of_o act_n mention_n nothing_o of_o the_o death_n of_o the_o apostle_n which_o manifest_o show_v that_o it_o be_v compose_v during_o their_o life_n and_o consequent_o in_o a_o time_n wherein_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n flourish_v nor_o that_o it_o mention_n nothing_o of_o the_o last_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n no_o not_o so_o much_o as_o any_o of_o the_o sign_n or_o presage_n of_o it_o which_o induce_v we_o to_o believe_v that_o that_o book_n be_v compose_v some_o time_n before_o that_o great_a event_n it_o be_v very_o probable_a that_o the_o author_n who_o compose_v it_o mere_o for_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o of_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o the_o incredulous_a undoubted_o imagine_v will_v never_o have_v fail_v to_o have_v insert_v in_o it_o the_o history_n of_o all_o those_o dreadful_a misfortune_n which_o fall_v upon_o the_o jew_n and_o which_o the_o christian_n look_v upon_o as_o the_o effect_n of_o their_o reject_v the_o messiah_n but_o since_o my_o design_n be_v not_o to_o leave_v the_o reader_n the_o least_o shadow_n of_o a_o doubt_n i_o promise_v to_o prove_v by_o and_o by_o that_o the_o apostle_n both_o receive_v and_o impart_v many_o miraculous_a gift_n in_o the_o mean_a while_n till_o the_o method_n i_o have_v prescribe_v to_o myself_o give_v i_o leave_v to_o enter_v upon_o that_o subject_n i_o think_v it_o fit_a to_o make_v some_o few_o reflection_n concern_v the_o success_n of_o the_o apostle_n preach_v which_o be_v that_o essential_a head_n to_o which_o all_o other_o matter_n contain_v in_o the_o book_n of_o act_n relate_v chap._n x._o wherein_o we_o shall_v take_v into_o consideration_n what_o success_n the_o preach_v of_o the_o apostle_n have_v this_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v relate_v with_o very_o remarkable_a circumstannce_n as_o i._o that_o those_o man_n who_o first_o preach_v the_o gospel_n be_v fisherman_n that_o be_v gross_a and_o ignorant_a people_n of_o no_o appearance_n or_o authority_n in_o the_o world_n ii_o that_o those_o man_n go_v about_o preach_v that_o they_o have_v see_v jesus_n christ_n rise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n and_o that_o they_o have_v long_o before_o be_v eye-witness_n to_o his_o miracle_n iii_o that_o they_o offend_v by_o their_o preach_v all_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n and_o expose_v their_o person_n to_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o danger_n and_o misfortune_n iv._o that_o they_o suffer_v they_o with_o patience_n or_o rather_o with_o joy_n v._o that_o the_o success_n of_o their_o preach_n be_v so_o swift_a and_o sudden_a as_o be_v almost_o inconceivable_a in_o all_o this_o st._n luke_n have_v tell_v we_o nothing_o but_o what_o our_o own_o reason_n will_v tell_v we_o we_o may_v conclude_v that_o they_o be_v man_n of_o no_o extraordinary_a birth_n or_o credit_n in_o the_o world_n that_o first_o preach_v the_o gospel_n since_o no_o body_n have_v ever_o say_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o contrary_n it_o be_v manifest_a that_o those_o man_n ought_v to_o have_v testify_v that_o they_o have_v see_v jesus_n christ_n work_v many_o miracle_n see_v he_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n because_o they_o will_v never_o have_v convert_v so_o many_o nation_n as_o they_o do_v have_v they_o only_o say_v they_o know_v all_o those_o thing_n by_o hear_v say_v and_o beside_o that_o the_o epistle_n of_o the_o apostle_n inform_v we_o that_o that_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o their_o preach_n there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o all_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n persecute_v these_o man_n for_o as_o much_o as_o policy_n be_v a_o enemy_n to_o all_o new_a sect_n and_o the_o people_n themselves_o be_v always_o jealous_a of_o their_o religion_n it_o can_v be_v doubt_v neither_o but_o that_o the_o apostle_n very_o courageous_o suffer_v the_o effect_n of_o that_o persecution_n because_o have_v they_o recant_v or_o draw_v back_o for_o fear_n of_o punishment_n their_o design_n will_v have_v miscarry_v in_o its_o very_a beginning_n last_o who_o can_v deny_v but_o that_o the_o success_n of_o their_o preach_n be_v very_o swift_a and_o sudden_a in_o as_o much_o as_o in_o a_o short_a time_n there_o be_v several_a church_n establish_v in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o know_a world_n this_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o be_v never_o contest_v and_o therefore_o reason_n as_o well_o as_o st._n luke_n tell_v we_o all_o these_o thing_n the_o book_n of_o act_n inform_v we_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o and_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n will_v not_o suffer_v we_o to_o doubt_v but_o that_o they_o be_v so_o which_o utter_o destroy_v the_o suspicion_n we_o may_v entertain_v that_o they_o be_v all_o forge_v or_o invent_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n i_o can_v consider_v all_o these_o matter_n of_o fact_n nor_o unite_v they_o together_o and_o observe_v the_o proportion_n they_o have_v one_o with_o another_o without_o present_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o that_o religion_n which_o they_o so_o plain_o prove_v and_o establish_v chap._n xi_o wherein_o we_o shall_v examine_v the_o matter_n contain_v in_o the_o epistle_n of_o the_o apostle_n though_o the_o ancient_n have_v not_o unanimous_o receive_v the_o epistle_n of_o st._n paul_n though_o clemens_n polycarp_n and_o barnabas_n have_v make_v no_o mention_n of_o the_o second_o epistle_n of_o st._n peter_n yet_o it_o will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o observe_v that_o they_o be_v write_v to_o some_o church_n that_o be_v to_o whole_a society_n who_o for_o a_o long_a while_n preserve_v the_o original_n of_o they_o to_o assure_v we_o that_o they_o be_v not_o forge_v it_o be_v then_o our_o concern_n to_o see_v whether_o we_o can_v find_v therein_o any_o character_n of_o the_o divinity_n of_o our_o religion_n we_o can_v read_v st._n paul_n epistle_n without_o observe_v therein_o i._o the_o piety_n and_o charity_n of_o that_o apostle_n ii_o his_o impartiality_n and_o contempt_n of_o the_o advantage_n of_o the_o world_n iii_o his_o courage_n in_o endure_a affliction_n which_o instead_o of_o dishearten_v rather_o overjoy_v he_o iv._o a_o continual_a repetition_n of_o the_o testimony_n which_o the_o apostle_n bear_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o lord_n v._o such_o thing_n which_o manifest_o denote_v that_o st._n paul_n have_v receive_v the_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o that_o those_o that_o then_o believe_v very_o frequent_o receive_v they_o the_o piety_n of_o that_o apostle_n so_o various_o discover_v itself_o in_o his_o write_n that_o we_o can_v think_v it_o dissemble_v without_o offer_v violence_n to_o our_o understanding_n for_o though_o a_o man_n shall_v constrain_v himself_o upon_o some_o occasion_n yet_o be_v it_o possible_a he_o shall_v after_o the_o very_a same_o manner_n during_o a_o great_a part_n of_o his_o life_n in_o all_o his_o action_n in_o all_o his_o word_n in_o his_o manner_n of_o tell_v of_o thing_n which_o often_o discover_v the_o bottom_n of_o the_o heart_n than_o the_o thing_n he_o speak_v of_o i_o know_v very_o well_o hypocrisy_n cover_v itself_o with_o the_o external_a show_n of_o virtue_n but_o real_o there_o be_v yet_o something_o which_o i_o can_v express_v a_o simple_a and_o natural_a air_n in_o true_a virtue_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v meet_v with_o in_o hypocrisy_n or_o rather_o hypocrisy_n be_v neither_o so_o subtle_a nor_o clear_v sight_v but_o that_o it_o discover_v itself_o on_o one_o side_n or_o other_o nay_o often_o it_o let_v drop_v a_o wordwhich_v unmasque_n it_o to_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o world_n however_o i_o be_o willing_a the_o epistle_n of_o st._n paul_n shall_v be_v strict_o examine_v to_o see_v whether_o any_o thing_n but_o what_o be_v very_o natural_a and_o sincere_a can_v be_v find_v
matthew_n who_o be_v bear_v a_o jew_n and_o who_o do_v he_o relate_v they_o to_o why_o to_o several_a thousand_o jew_n that_o have_v embrace_v christianity_n and_o who_o dwell_v at_o jerusalem_n know_v full_a as_o well_o what_o have_v happen_v therein_o both_o in_o their_o day_n and_o in_o those_o of_o their_o father_n as_o they_o know_v at_o paris_n what_o be_v do_v in_o that_o city_n in_o the_o day_n of_o cardinal_n richelieu_n or_o as_o they_o know_v at_o london_n every_o thing_n that_o happen_v in_o those_o of_o oliver_n cromwell_n and_o at_o stockolm_n in_o those_o of_o gustavus_n adolphus_n and_o now_o i_o pray_v consider_v whether_o it_o be_v probable_a any_o man_n can_v have_v make_v the_o like_a matter_n of_o fact_n believe_v in_o any_o of_o those_o great_a city_n by_o such_o a_o successful_a forgery_n or_o whether_o he_o can_v have_v gain_v over_o to_o his_o side_n several_a thousand_o of_o people_n by_o the_o mere_a strength_n of_o his_o fiction_n but_o if_o i_o grant_v 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herod_n to_o assemble_v the_o grand_a council_n of_o the_o jew_n to_o know_v of_o they_o where_o the_o messiah_n shall_v be_v bear_v neither_o can_v he_o doubt_v of_o the_o answer_n that_o be_v make_v he_o by_o the_o sanhedrin_n if_o he_o own_v that_o herod_n send_v his_o man_n into_o bethlehem_n to_o slay_v the_o young_a child_n that_o be_v there_o from_o two_o year_n old_a and_o under_o so_o that_o if_o it_o can_v be_v make_v out_o that_o this_o last_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v true_a the_o other_o two_o will_v not_o need_v much_o proof_n now_o i_o affirm_v that_o the_o evangelist_n dare_v not_o assert_v this_o last_o matter_n of_o fact_n have_v it_o be_v utter_o false_a for_o what_o since_o the_o reign_n of_o herod_n surname_v the_o great_a be_v so_o well_o know_v that_o the_o least_o of_o his_o action_n be_v public_o talk_v of_o how_o can_v any_o one_o have_v presume_v to_o impute_v false_o to_o he_o a_o massacre_n so_o notable_a and_o extraordinary_a as_o that_o must_v have_v be_v the_o city_n of_o bethlehem_n have_v not_o as_o yet_o be_v destroy_v when_o the_o evangelist_n write_v those_o thing_n and_o therefore_o suppose_v the_o thing_n false_a there_o be_v so_o many_o witness_n of_o the_o falsity_n as_o there_o be_v inhabitant_n yet_o live_v in_o that_o city_n that_o city_n be_v not_o so_o far_o distant_a from_o jerusalem_n but_o that_o those_o christian_n who_o dwell_v in_o the_o latter_a may_v have_v very_o well_o know_v the_o certain_a truth_n of_o they_o beside_o there_o be_v a_o very_a great_a commerce_n between_o those_o two_o place_n and_o the_o time_n from_o the_o birth_n of_o jesus_n christ_n to_o that_o in_o which_o this_o gospel_n be_v compose_v be_v not_o so_o long_o as_o to_o have_v give_v occasion_n to_o so_o improbable_a a_o fiction_n suppose_v a_o man_n in_o these_o latter_a day_n shall_v take_v upon_o he_o to_o make_v we_o believe_v that_o one_o of_o the_o present_a king_n in_o europe_n or_o if_o you_o will_v of_o those_o who_o reign_v 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a_o great_a many_o sign_n and_o wonder_n before_o a_o great_a number_n of_o witness_n and_o have_v set_v down_o the_o time_n and_o place_n when_o and_o where_o they_o be_v do_v they_o must_v necessary_o have_v be_v void_a of_o all_o shame_n as_o well_o as_o reason_n to_o relate_v such_o thing_n as_o these_o if_o they_o be_v false_a they_o tell_v we_o that_o jesus_n christ_n with_o a_o few_o loaf_n and_o some_o small_a fish_n miraculous_o feed_v in_o the_o wilderness_n at_o one_o time_n five_o thousand_o and_o at_o another_o three_o thousand_o man_n beside_o woman_n and_o child_n now_o i_o be_o at_o a_o stand_n to_o imagine_v how_o it_o can_v be_v think_v natural_a for_o one_o man_n to_o undertake_v to_o persuade_v several_a thousand_o that_o they_o have_v be_v wonderful_o feed_v and_o not_o only_o to_o relate_v the_o bare_a matter_n of_o fact_n itself_o but_o also_o bring_v in_o christ_n reproach_v the_o multitude_n that_o they_o follow_v he_o not_o pure_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o his_o miracle_n but_o the_o loaf_n he_o feed_v they_o with_o and_o then_o the_o multitude_n excuse_v themselves_o and_o say_v that_o moses_n have_v feed_v their_o forefather_n and_o that_o he_o must_v also_o feed_v they_o if_o he_o will_v have_v they_o believe_v in_o he_o as_o also_o jesus_n christ_n bid_v they_o on_o this_o occasion_n to_o labour_v not_o for_o the_o meat_n which_o perish_v but_o for_o that_o meat_n which_o endure_v unto_o everlasting_a life_n joh._n 6._o 27._o and_o to_o that_o end_n promise_v to_o give_v they_o his_o flesh_n to_o eat_v and_o his_o blood_n to_o drink_v all_o which_o expression_n be_v indeed_o very_o extraordinary_a in_o themselves_o and_o such_o as_o no_o man_n ever_o make_v use_n of_o before_o he_o but_o there_o be_v matter_n of_o fact_n relate_v in_o the_o gospel_n more_o extraordinary_a and_o surprise_v than_o these_o there_o be_v nothing_o so_o remarkable_a and_o which_o strike_v we_o so_o much_o with_o astonishment_n as_o the_o description_n the_o evangelist_n give_v we_o of_o the_o prodigy_n that_o attend_v the_o death_n of_o christ_n and_o behold_v say_v they_o the_o vail_n of_o the_o temple_n be_v rend_v in_o twain_o from_o the_o top_n to_o the_o bottom_n and_o the_o earth_n do_v quake_v and_o the_o rock_n rend_v and_o the_o grave_n be_v open_v and_o many_o body_n of_o saint_n which_o sleep_v arise_v and_o come_v out_o of_o the_o grave_n after_o his_o resurrection_n and_o go_v into_o the_o holy_a city_n and_o appear_v unto_o many_o matth._n 27._o 51_o 52_o 53._o we_o shall_v not_o here_o insist_v on_o each_o particular_a circumstance_n that_o attend_v this_o miraculous_a matter_n of_o fact_n neither_o shall_v we_o nice_o examine_v the_o resurrection_n of_o those_o saint_n who_o body_n come_v out_o
the_o resurrection_n of_o jesus_n christ_n justify_v the_o wonderful_a passage_n of_o his_o death_n so_o likewise_o do_v his_o ascension_n justify_v those_o of_o his_o resurrection_n for_o though_o one_o shall_v suspect_v that_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o disciple_n may_v by_o chance_n have_v be_v sudden_o dazzle_v and_o so_o they_o think_v they_o have_v see_v what_o they_o in_o reality_n never_o see_v yet_o they_o have_v time_n enough_o to_o recover_v themselves_o out_o of_o this_o dazzle_a amazement_n for_o it_o be_v forty_o day_n after_o jesus_n christ_n be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a before_o his_o ascension_n have_v it_o be_v a_o spirit_n that_o appear_v to_o they_o and_o frighten_v they_o yet_o have_v they_o time_n enough_o to_o come_v to_o themselves_o again_o and_o know_v certain_o that_o the_o spirit_n they_o see_v be_v not_o real_o their_o master_n for_o they_o see_v he_o and_o hear_v he_o they_o handle_v he_o they_o eat_v and_o drink_v with_o he_o have_v it_o be_v through_o the_o obscurity_n of_o a_o darksome_a night_n that_o they_o have_v imagine_v they_o have_v see_v some_o representation_n of_o their_o master_n instead_o of_o a_o true_a and_o full_a sight_n of_o he_o they_o can_v not_o long_o continue_v in_o their_o error_n but_o it_o be_v in_o full_a day_n that_o they_o see_v the_o stone_n roll_v away_o from_o the_o sepulchre_n it_o be_v in_o full_a bright_a day_n that_o christ_n so_o often_o manifest_v himself_o to_o they_o and_o discourse_v with_o they_o and_o afterward_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n before_o their_o eye_n have_v the_o force_n of_o their_o desire_n their_o fear_n or_o affection_n disturb_v their_o sense_n we_o shall_v have_v less_o reason_n to_o wonder_v at_o it_o though_o even_o in_o that_o case_n the_o thing_n will_v seem_v altogether_o unaccountable_a it_o be_v moral_o impossible_a that_o the_o sense_n of_o so_o many_o people_n shall_v all_o at_o once_o be_v so_o confine_v to_o one_o wonderful_a object_n and_o so_o disturb_v at_o the_o same_o time_n but_o they_o have_v time_n enough_o to_o get_v out_o of_o their_o confusion_n and_o astonishment_n and_o their_o mind_n be_v very_o sedate_v and_o at_o ease_n when_o christ_n make_v they_o eye-witness_n of_o his_o glorious_a ascension_n in_o a_o word_n have_v it_o be_v a_o private_a and_o silent_a interview_n we_o may_v have_v much_o more_o reason_n to_o doubt_v but_o christ_n appear_v to_o his_o disciple_n with_o a_o particular_a design_n to_o discourse_v with_o they_o he_o give_v they_o several_a instruction_n he_o forbid_v they_o to_o depart_v from_o jerusalem_n until_o they_o have_v receive_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n he_o make_v they_o several_a promise_n and_o such_o surprise_a one_o that_o they_o be_v fit_v only_o for_o a_o god_n to_o make_v and_o a_o god_n to_o perform_v for_o he_o promise_v that_o he_o will_v be_v with_o they_o even_o unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n he_o institute_v two_o sacrament_n he_o command_v they_o to_o baptise_v all_o nation_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n and_o of_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o well_o as_o to_o commemorate_v his_o death_n in_o the_o passover_n nor_o be_v that_o all_o he_o have_v many_o long_a and_o coherent_a discourse_n with_o they_o he_o speak_v to_o they_o and_o they_o answer_v he_o they_o be_v at_o first_o incredulous_a but_o he_o convince_v they_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o resurrection_n notwithstanding_o their_o scruple_n and_o their_o infidelity_n he_o rebuke_v they_o several_a time_n for_o their_o little_a faith_n at_o least_o they_o tell_v we_o so_o the_o evangelist_n relate_v what_o christ_n say_v to_o thomas_n and_o what_o answer_n thomas_n make_v and_o both_o their_o speech_n be_v too_o surprise_v to_o be_v so_o soon_o forget_v thomas_n be_v strike_v at_o the_o wonder_n of_o his_o resurrection_n be_v the_o first_o that_o give_v christ_n a_o name_n which_o he_o be_v not_o wont_a to_o bear_v in_o the_o stage_n of_o his_o humiliation_n call_v he_o my_o lord_n and_o my_o god_n john_n 20._o 28._o the_o disciple_n ask_v he_o whether_o he_o will_v at_o that_o time_n restore_v the_o kingdom_n unto_o israel_n but_o he_o answer_v they_o that_o it_o be_v not_o for_o they_o to_o know_v the_o time_n and_o season_n which_o the_o father_n only_o have_v in_o his_o power_n last_o the_o evangelist_n give_v we_o no_o less_o the_o history_n of_o jesus_n christ_n rise_v from_o the_o dead_a than_o that_o of_o jesus_n christ_n live_v and_o converse_v before_o his_o death_n among_o the_o jew_n and_o we_o affirm_v we_o have_v as_o much_o reason_n to_o believe_v one_o as_o the_o other_o for_o indeed_o why_o do_v we_o believe_v there_o be_v ever_o any_o such_o person_n as_o jesus_n christ_n we_o believe_v it_o certain_o because_o it_o be_v in_o humane_a speak_n moral_o impossible_a that_o so_o many_o person_n shall_v unanimous_o tell_v we_o they_o have_v see_v he_o that_o they_o discourse_v eat_v and_o drink_v with_o he_o nay_o see_v he_o suffer_v death_n at_o jerusalem_n i_o say_v they_o will_v never_o have_v tell_v we_o all_o this_o suppose_v there_o be_v nothing_o at_o all_o in_o it_o but_o than_o ought_v not_o that_o same_o reason_n to_o persuade_v we_o likewise_o that_o jesus_n christ_n both_o live_v and_o converse_v forty_o day_n with_o his_o disciple_n since_o so_o many_o person_n see_v he_o discourse_v eat_v and_o drink_v with_o he_o see_v he_o present_a in_o the_o midst_n of_o their_o assembly_n nay_o touch_v and_o handle_v he_o but_o perhaps_o some_o will_v object_v be_v that_o certain_o true_a why_o then_o be_v there_o in_o those_o day_n so_o many_o person_n that_o refuse_v to_o believe_v the_o ascension_n of_o jesus_n christ_n why_o it_o be_v no_o hard_a matter_n to_o find_v the_o reason_n of_o this_o it_o be_v because_o if_o they_o have_v once_o acknowledge_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o ascension_n of_o jesus_n christ_n they_o be_v oblige_v to_o die_v martyr_n for_o that_o truth_n and_o no_o doubt_n man_n be_v as_o worldly-minded_n in_o those_o day_n as_o they_o be_v now_o so_o that_o methinks_v it_o appear_v hitherto_o very_o clear_o that_o the_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v neither_o capable_a of_o deceive_v themselves_o nor_o of_o be_v deceive_v by_o other_o as_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n they_o testify_v it_o be_v a_o very_a difficult_a matter_n i_o have_v almost_o say_v impossible_a that_o they_o shall_v have_v deceive_v themselves_o in_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n which_o they_o relate_v because_o they_o so_o exact_o set_v down_o the_o circumstance_n the_o name_n place_n and_o the_o person_n themselves_o nay_o they_o pretend_v they_o themselves_o be_v send_v by_o their_o master_n into_o all_o the_o part_n of_o judea_n to_o work_v there_o the_o very_a same_o miracle_n they_o attest_v but_o though_o they_o shall_v have_v deceive_v themselves_o in_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n yet_o they_o can_v not_o possible_o deceive_v themselves_o in_o his_o resurrection_n for_o they_o know_v well_o enough_o what_o a_o dead_a body_n and_o a_o live_a man_n be_v they_o can_v easy_o distinguish_v between_o they_o and_o those_o thing_n be_v of_o such_o a_o nature_n as_o not_o to_o be_v capable_a of_o illusion_n or_o deceit_n yet_o though_o we_o shall_v suppose_v that_o the_o disciple_n have_v be_v deceive_v in_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n yet_o they_o can_v not_o have_v be_v impose_v upon_o in_o the_o last_o miraculous_a event_n of_o his_o ascension_n it_o can_v never_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o after_o have_v see_v a_o spirit_n they_o shall_v yet_o converse_v with_o he_o forty_o day_n that_o that_o spirit_n shall_v suffer_v himself_o to_o be_v handle_v that_o he_o shall_v give_v they_o instruction_n make_v they_o several_a promise_n and_o afterward_o be_v catch_v up_o into_o heaven_n in_o their_o sight_n they_o all_o the_o while_n look_v upon_o he_o and_o adore_v he_o as_o he_o be_v ascend_v into_o heaven_n and_o understand_v 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god_n but_o then_o be_v willing_a also_o to_o flatter_v man_n inclination_n to_o draw_v they_o to_o his_o side_n he_o confuse_o mix_v with_o that_o idea_n the_o carnal_a and_o gross_a notion_n the_o heathen_n have_v of_o paradise_n borrow_v from_o christianity_n such_o object_n as_o must_v necessary_o mortify_v our_o passion_n and_o assume_v those_o from_o paganism_n which_o serve_v to_o flatter_v our_o bad_a inclination_n but_o the_o christian_a religion_n keep_v no_o such_o measure_n either_o with_o policy_n or_o corruption_n policy_n complain_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n necessary_o soften_v man_n courage_n and_o that_o instead_o of_o encourage_v they_o to_o listen_v themselves_o soldier_n for_o the_o welfare_n and_o preservation_n of_o the_o state_n it_o rather_o make_v they_o lamb_n who_o can_v hardly_o be_v exasperate_v against_o their_o enemy_n who_o they_o must_v continual_o pray_v for_o and_o be_v oblige_v to_o love_v as_o themselves_o and_o as_o for_o human_a frailty_n and_o corruption_n it_o murmur_n to_o see_v itself_o impugn_a by_o the_o christian_a religion_n even_o in_o the_o disposition_n and_o most_o secret_a recess_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o that_o the_o veil_n of_o hypocrisy_n and_o the_o pious_a pretence_n and_o dissimulation_n of_o the_o soul_n under_o which_o it_o think_v to_o lie_v secure_a be_v ineffectual_a against_o it_o who_o then_o but_o god_n can_v be_v the_o author_n of_o a_o religion_n so_o equal_o contrary_a both_o to_o the_o covetous_a desire_n of_o the_o mean_a and_o the_o ambition_n of_o the_o great_a and_o so_o equal_o averse_a both_o to_o policy_n and_o corruption_n x._o other_o religion_n will_v have_v god_n shall_v bear_v the_o image_n of_o man_n and_o so_o necessary_o represent_v the_o deity_n as_o weak_a miserable_a and_o infect_v with_o all_o manner_n of_o vice_n as_o man_n be_v whereas_o the_o christian_a religion_n teach_v we_o that_o man_n ought_v to_o bear_v the_o image_n of_o god_n which_o be_v a_o motive_n to_o induce_v we_o to_o become_v perfect_a as_o we_o conceive_v god_n himself_o to_o be_v holy_a and_o perfect_a that_o religion_n then_o which_o restore_v god_n his_o glory_n and_o the_o image_n of_o god_n to_o man_n must_v necessary_o be_v of_o divine_a authority_n xi_o last_o other_o false_a religion_n be_v the_o irregular_a confuse_a production_n of_o the_o polite_a and_o able_a man_n of_o those_o time_n whereas_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v a_o wonderful_a composition_n which_o seem_v whole_o to_o proceed_v from_o the_o most_o simple_a and_o ignorant_a sort_n of_o people_n the_o heathen_n have_v often_o condemn_v the_o extravagant_a notion_n the_o vulgar_a people_n have_v frame_v to_o themselves_o of_o the_o deity_n they_o have_v blame_v the_o barbarous_a cruelty_n of_o those_o sacrifice_n which_o be_v offer_v to_o their_o god_n in_o so_o many_o place_n and_o the_o impurity_n of_o their_o mystery_n the_o falsehood_n of_o their_o oracle_n and_o the_o vanity_n and_o childishness_n of_o their_o ceremony_n cicero_n say_v in_o some_o part_n of_o his_o work_n that_o two_o augur_n can_v not_o look_v one_o another_o in_o the_o face_n without_o laughter_n and_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o extravagant_a than_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o gnostic_n who_o hold_v that_o there_o be_v invisible_a eternal_a spirit_n who_o mix_v one_o with_o the_o other_o produce_v other_o we_o all_o know_v that_o when_o philosopher_n take_v upon_o they_o to_o treat_v of_o religion_n they_o always_o exceed_v one_o another_o in_o extravagancy_n and_o no_o one_o i_o dare_v say_v be_v still_o to_o learn_v what_o be_v those_o vision_n and_o fabulous_a story_n with_o which_o the_o rabbin_n fill_v their_o tradition_n the_o catalogue_n of_o which_o will_v be_v very_o curious_a indeed_o be_v it_o not_o so_o extreme_o long_a and_o though_o we_o can_v disow_v but_o that_o the_o heathen_n the_o philosopher_n etc._n etc._n make_v several_a wonderful_a discovery_n in_o art_n and_o science_n yet_o it_o will_v appear_v that_o a_o long_a succession_n of_o very_a understand_a man_n among_o they_o be_v guilty_a of_o many_o repeat_v extravagancy_n in_o this_o respect_n and_o that_o by_o a_o prodigy_n not_o to_o be_v parallel_v do_v not_o the_o christian_a religion_n offer_v such_o another_o by_o show_v we_o a_o company_n of_o wise_a and_o learned_a man_n in_o such_o ignorant_a person_n as_o the_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n christ_n certain_o it_o be_v a_o strange_a thing_n to_o see_v the_o most_o understand_a man_n become_v the_o most_o stupid_a and_o the_o most_o ignorant_a prove_v the_o most_o understanding_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n it_o be_v a_o true_a sign_n that_o god_n design_v to_o confound_v the_o understanding_n of_o the_o wise_a and_o a_o proof_n that_o their_o religion_n be_v form_v rather_o according_a to_o the_o corrupt_a desire_n of_o their_o heart_n than_o the_o dictate_v of_o their_o understanding_n for_o have_v it_o be_v according_a to_o their_o understanding_n it_o will_v have_v be_v more_o reasonable_a in_o proportion_n to_o the_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n of_o the_o author_n of_o it_o but_o because_o it_o be_v make_v to_o soothe_v their_o corrupt_a desire_n and_o flatter_v their_o passion_n it_o be_v as_o extravagant_a and_o irregular_a as_o those_o passion_n and_o now_o let_v we_o put_v together_o all_o these_o character_n and_o ask_v the_o incredulous_a whether_o they_o can_v be_v so_o extravagant_a as_o to_o ascribe_v to_o a_o impostor_n a_o religion_n so_o perfect_a in_o its_o original_a that_o nothing_o can_v ever_o since_o be_v superad_v to_o it_o but_o what_o necessary_o lessen_v the_o perfection_n of_o it_o a_o religion_n that_o propose_v its_o mystery_n with_o such_o authority_n and_o boldness_n that_o bring_v man_n from_o sensual_a object_n to_o spiritual_a one_o that_o extirpate_v corruption_n restore_v the_o principle_n of_o righteousness_n and_o uprightness_n that_o be_v imprint_v on_o our_o soul_n that_o teach_v we_o to_o glorify_v god_n without_o any_o regard_n have_v to_o self-love_n or_o pleasure_n to_o exalt_v god_n and_o humble_a ourselves_o to_o submit_v ourselves_o to_o his_o will_n who_o be_v above_o we_o all_o and_o to_o raise_v ourselves_o above_o those_o being_n that_o he_o have_v put_v in_o subjection_n under_o we_o a_o religion_n that_o be_v contrary_a to_o policy_n and_o yet_o more_o averse_a to_o corruption_n that_o astonish_v our_o reason_n and_o yet_o give_v we_o the_o peace_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o in_o a_o word_n be_v as_o delightful_a to_o the_o one_o as_o it_o be_v comfortable_a to_o the_o other_o if_o the_o christian_a religion_n than_o have_v all_o these_o qualification_n as_o it_o certain_o have_v we_o can_v doubt_v but_o that_o it_o be_v direct_o as_o to_o these_o qualification_n opposite_a to_o all_o other_o religion_n and_o if_o it_o be_v thus_o opposite_a to_o all_o other_o religion_n it_o must_v necessary_o have_v a_o principle_n opposite_a to_o they_o so_o that_o as_o all_o other_o religion_n peculiar_o belong_v to_o the_o flesh_n the_o christian_a whole_o appertain_v to_o the_o spirit_n and_o as_o the_o former_a be_v the_o product_n of_o the_o corrupt_a desire_n and_o imagination_n of_o man_n so_o the_o latter_a must_v have_v for_o its_o principle_n the_o god_n of_o holiness_n and_o purity_n iii_o portraiture_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o it_o be_v consider_v in_o its_o effect_n we_o may_v distinguish_v four_o several_a kind_n of_o society_n in_o which_o the_o efficacy_n of_o religion_n may_v be_v acknowledge_v viz._n a_o natural_a a_o political_a a_o vicious_a and_o a_o religious_a society_n and_o first_o the_o society_n of_o nature_n be_v innocent_a and_o equitable_a in_o itself_o but_o it_o can_v stand_v out_o a_o trial_n with_o man_n irregular_a and_o disorder_a passion_n man_n will_v indeed_o be_v unite_v among_o themselves_o as_o long_a as_o they_o be_v concern_v only_o in_o indifferent_a matter_n but_o covetousness_n soon_o disunite_v they_o and_o therefore_o there_o be_v something_o want_v to_o establish_v and_o confirm_v it_o as_o for_o the_o society_n of_o corruption_n and_o vice_n it_o be_v essential_o sinful_a and_o therefore_o self-interest_n and_o man_n desire_n and_o passion_n that_o form_n it_o be_v either_o to_o be_v remove_v or_o regulate_v a_o political_a society_n be_v soon_o violate_v by_o lawsuit_n war_n and_o dissension_n all_o which_o be_v occasion_v too_o by_o the_o passion_n to_o support_v therefore_o and_o maintain_v it_o such_o principle_n of_o fidelity_n be_v to_o be_v establish_v as_o shall_v remain_v inviolable_a all_o which_o be_v best_a do_v in_o a_o society_n of_o religion_n the_o most_o perfect_a of_o they_o all_o and_o as_o it_o be_v a_o prop_n to_o the_o rest_n this_o society_n must_v be_v firm_o oppose_v to_o all_o accidental_a revolution_n must_v unite_v those_o person_n together_o who_o the_o distance_n of_o time_n and_o place_n and_o the_o disparity_n of_o interest_n will_v otherwise_o
have_v for_o ever_o divide_v now_o the_o christian_a religion_n restore_v the_o society_n of_o nature_n for_o by_o unite_n man_n so_o strict_o in_o the_o bond_n of_o charity_n it_o far_o strengthen_v that_o natural_a love_n which_o we_o call_v humanity_n it_o destroy_v too_o the_o society_n of_o interest_n and_o ambition_n because_o it_o extirpate_v such_o inordinate_a desire_n as_o be_v not_o true_a principle_n of_o union_n and_o good_a understanding_n one_o among_o another_o it_o also_o strengthen_v civil_a society_n by_o command_v we_o to_o obey_v our_o superior_n and_o teach_v we_o to_o render_v unto_o cesar_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v caesar_n and_o unto_o god_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v go_n last_o it_o establish_v such_o a_o society_n as_o restore_v the_o equality_n of_o nature_n among_o we_o and_o whereas_o there_o be_v in_o the_o world_n till_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n a_o society_n of_o man_n external_o indeed_o unite_v by_o the_o bond_n of_o civil_a law_n government_n 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occasion_n make_v the_o very_a same_o distinction_n refuse_v to_o own_v they_o for_o his_o disciple_n that_o shall_v be_v whole_o take_v up_o with_o the_o advantage_n of_o the_o world_n and_o give_v this_o mark_n and_o character_n of_o those_o who_o he_o own_v for_o his_o my_o sheep_n hear_v my_o voice_n and_o the_o world_n hate_v they_o because_o they_o be_v not_o of_o the_o world_n joh._n 17._o 14._o i_o say_v beside_o all_o this_o we_o have_v this_o satisfaction_n that_o we_o can_v produce_v a_o society_n of_o holy_a man_n that_o yield_v not_o to_o any_o power_n of_o the_o world_n but_o withstand_v the_o most_o rigorous_a trial_n of_o persecution_n and_o renounce_v the_o entice_a charm_n of_o the_o world_n the_o better_a to_o adhere_v to_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n a_o society_n victorious_a in_o temptation_n that_o overcome_v vice_n and_o delude_v the_o indefatigable_a endeavour_n of_o tyrant_n a_o society_n compose_v of_o mortal_a man_n yet_o not_o to_o be_v exstinguish_v by_o death_n that_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n yet_o encourage_v with_o motive_n supernatural_a that_o converse_v in_o the_o world_n yet_o despise_v it_o that_o be_v disperse_v in_o several_a different_a time_n and_o place_n yet_o always_o unite_v in_o the_o same_o thought_n and_o opinion_n that_o be_v continual_o attack_v by_o different_a passion_n yet_o constant_o surmount_v they_o in_o a_o word_n a_o society_n that_o still_o flourish_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o persecution_n increase_v the_o more_o as_o often_o as_o it_o be_v defeat_v and_o raise_v itself_o out_o of_o it_o be_v own_o ruin_n certain_o he_o must_v have_v read_v but_o little_a of_o ecclesiastical_a history_n that_o be_v unacquainted_a with_o all_o these_o truth_n and_o he_o must_v be_v wilful_o blind_a and_o purposely_o impose_v upon_o himself_o that_o acknowledge_v not_o the_o efficacy_n of_o religion_n in_o all_o those_o wonderful_a effect_n and_o it_o be_v proper_o in_o that_o society_n of_o holy_a man_n or_o in_o the_o church_n itself_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o seek_v for_o the_o fruit_n of_o religion_n for_o there_o we_o shall_v find_v the_o accomplishment_n of_o those_o ancient_a prophecy_n which_o promise_v to_o show_v we_o the_o sheep_n feed_v with_o the_o bear_n and_o the_o leopard_n with_o the_o lamb_n etc._n etc._n and_o as_o the_o ark_n of_o god_n can_v not_o be_v leave_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o its_o enemy_n without_o work_v several_a wonder_n among_o they_o which_o even_o those_o infidel_n be_v sensible_a of_o so_o the_o christian_a church_n can_v continue_v in_o the_o world_n without_o produce_v such_o remarkable_a effect_n in_o it_o which_o the_o most_o incredulous_a themselves_o can_v call_v in_o question_n for_o let_v they_o tell_v we_o if_o they_o can_v how_o come_v the_o oracle_n of_o the_o heathen_n to_o be_v immediate_o silence_v when_o the_o apostle_n first_o preach_v the_o mystery_n of_o christianity_n and_o by_o what_o power_n the_o sound_n of_o those_o man_n be_v go_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n make_v those_o oracle_n eternal_o cease_v which_o have_v so_o long_o foretell_v thing_n to_o come_v and_o so_o force_v the_o heathenish_a writer_n as_o plutarch_n and_o other_o to_o inquire_v into_o the_o cause_n of_o that_o so_o sudden_a and_o so_o unexpected_a silence_n for_o to_o object_v with_o julian_n that_o the_o jewish_a and_o christian_a oracle_n have_v be_v also_o silence_v conclude_v nothing_o because_o the_o apostle_n foretell_v that_o the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n shall_v cease_v but_o how_o appear_v it_o that_o the_o oracle_n among_o the_o heathen_n declare_v they_o shall_v one_o day_n be_v silence_v the_o accomplishment_n of_o our_o prophecy_n be_v a_o everlasting_a proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o religion_n serve_v we_o instead_o of_o perpetual_a oracle_n but_o what_o accomplishment_n of_o prophecy_n confirm_v the_o pagan_a religion_n no_o less_o wonderful_a a_o effect_n of_o our_o religion_n be_v the_o abundance_n of_o revelation_n which_o bring_v so_o many_o superstitious_a and_o idolatrous_a nation_n to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o true_a god_n hence_o come_v the_o world_n to_o be_v fill_v with_o wisdom_n by_o the_o preach_n of_o ignorant_a person_n and_o the_o mean_a servant_n to_o have_v more_o noble_a and_o rational_a idea_n of_o the_o deity_n than_o the_o most_o quick_a clearsighted_n philosopher_n and_o that_o too_o by_o the_o proposal_n of_o such_o a_o doctrine_n as_o seem_v indeed_o to_o the_o flesh_n a_o object_n of_o scandal_n and_o horror_n we_o can_v deny_v but_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v the_o advantage_n of_o all_o other_o for_o have_v utter_o abolish_v all_o those_o sacrifice_n wherein_o they_o offer_v the_o blood_n of_o man_n neither_o can_v we_o doubt_v but_o that_o this_o cruel_a and_o bloody_a superstition_n be_v sufficient_o advance_v in_o the_o world_n since_o we_o find_v that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n reproach_n the_o jew_n for_o have_v sacrifice_v their_o 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though_o perhaps_o he_o be_v ignorant_a of_o any_o true_a and_o real_a one_o he_o frame_v at_o least_o a_o imaginary_a one_o to_o himself_o and_o will_v feign_v outlive_v his_o day_n in_o spite_n of_o death_n by_o immortalise_a himself_n in_o the_o remembrance_n of_o men._n who_o then_o can_v reconcile_v man_n to_o himself_o how_o come_v such_o lofty_a sentiment_n to_o be_v join_v with_o so_o much_o wretchedness_n and_o misery_n or_o why_o shall_v a_o be_v so_o mean_a and_o humble_a have_v such_o great_a and_o elevate_a notion_n if_o we_o consult_v the_o christian_a religion_n we_o shall_v soon_o be_v satisfy_v in_o this_o point_n for_o the_o first_o rudiment_n of_o it_o will_v solve_v all_o the_o seem_a riddle_n it_o will_v teach_v we_o that_o man_n consist_v of_o two_o part_n body_n and_o soul_n who_o quality_n and_o part_n be_v very_o different_a the_o body_n make_v he_o a_o member_n of_o the_o material_a world_n from_o whence_o he_o derive_v his_o wretchedness_n and_o misery_n in_o 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and_o vnworthiness_n of_o it_o appear_v according_a as_o the_o flesh_n or_o spirit_n be_v predominant_a and_o this_o serve_v for_o a_o certain_a rule_n to_o judge_v of_o man_n perfection_n or_o imperfection_n that_o every_o thing_n be_v great_a and_o noble_a in_o he_o that_o bring_v the_o flesh_n in_o subjection_n to_o the_o spirit_n and_o every_o thing_n seem_v vile_a and_o contemptible_a that_o base_o bring_v the_o spirit_n in_o subjection_n to_o the_o flesh_n for_o what_o sort_n of_o greatness_n can_v we_o find_v in_o the_o latter_a and_o wherein_o consist_v the_o excellence_n of_o his_o outward_a qualification_n by_o which_o alone_o he_o endeavour_v to_o procure_v the_o esteem_n of_o other_o man_n not_o in_o the_o antiquity_n of_o his_o original_a for_o that_o bring_v he_o but_o the_o near_a to_o his_o primitive_a nothing_o or_o to_o the_o clay_n out_o of_o which_o he_o be_v first_o form_v he_o betray_v his_o weak_a judgement_n in_o esteem_v so_o much_o the_o original_a of_o his_o body_n and_o not_o regard_v that_o of_o his_o soul_n as_o for_o the_o good_n of_o fortune_n they_o swell_v his_o heart_n with_o pride_n and_o therefore_o he_o value_v himself_o more_o for_o what_o he_o enjoy_v than_o for_o what_o he_o real_o be_v suppose_v he_o a_o conqueror_n or_o if_o you_o please_v lord_n of_o the_o universe_n but_o alas_o that_o can_v be_v of_o no_o great_a continuance_n his_o reason_n indeed_o exalt_v he_o far_o above_o all_o other_o creature_n but_o even_o that_o reason_n be_v a_o slave_n to_o his_o scnse_n his_o passion_n deject_v rather_o than_o elevate_v he_o ambition_n be_v a_o weakness_n which_o make_v he_o unable_a to_o rule_v his_o desire_n pride_n a_o imperfection_n which_o so_o possess_v his_o mind_n that_o he_o can_v pass_v by_o the_o least_o affront_n to_o his_o reputation_n avarice_n a_o base_a fear_n of_o future_a want_n a_o limit_a consideration_n of_o self-love_n that_o forget_v itself_o to_o think_v better_o upon_o what_o be_v least_o valuable_a in_o its_o condition_n the_o punctilio_n of_o honour_n a_o vain_a imperfection_n that_o make_v a_o idol_n of_o itself_o that_o valour_n which_o affront_v death_n nothing_o but_o a_o man_n strange_o forget_v himself_o and_o be_v insensible_a of_o the_o danger_n that_o surround_v he_o and_o last_o all_o the_o passion_n but_o so_o many_o deviation_n from_o the_o end_n we_o ought_v to_o pursue_v so_o many_o disorder_n and_o irregularity_n of_o the_o soul_n as_o appear_v full_o by_o what_o we_o have_v say_v elsewhere_o concern_v the_o end_n for_o which_o man_n be_v original_o design_v and_o though_o these_o be_v all_o moral_a truth_n they_o be_v not_o the_o less_o certain_a experience_n confirm_v they_o and_o â—he_v free_a confession_n of_o the_o incredulous_a who_o be_v glad_a of_o any_o opportunity_n of_o make_v we_o observe_v all_o these_o sign_n and_o character_n of_o our_o wretchedness_n and_o misery_n think_v thereby_o to_o persuade_v we_o that_o so_o miserable_a a_o creature_n be_v not_o design_v for_o such_o a_o glorious_a end_n as_o we_o imagine_v but_o let_v they_o only_o consider_v how_o true_o great_a man_n be_v when_o he_o submit_v the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o they_o will_v be_v ashamed_a of_o their_o false_a opinion_n they_o will_v find_v he_o indeed_o a_o be_v that_o have_v a_o beginning_n but_o yet_o one_o that_o glory_v in_o god_n as_o the_o author_n of_o it_o they_o will_v find_v he_o a_o atom_n that_o raise_v its_o self_n above_o all_o other_o creature_n by_o run_v back_o to_o its_o first_o author_n and_o pay_v he_o homage_n for_o its_o unworthiness_n a_o worm_n that_o have_v the_o honour_n of_o refer_v its_o self_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n to_o which_o also_o all_o other_o being_n be_v refer_v but_o without_o know_v it_o they_o will_v find_v he_o a_o be_v that_o be_v indeed_o mortal_a carry_v its_o hope_n beyond_o death_n a_o be_v that_o be_v finite_a yet_o its_o desire_n and_o intention_n be_v 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sacrifice_v all_o their_o possession_n he_o esteem_v not_o a_o crown_n and_o the_o high_a dignity_n be_v of_o no_o value_n in_o his_o thought_n he_o quit_v a_o throne_n to_o equal_v himself_o to_o shepherd_n and_o though_o but_o a_o shepherd_n he_o think_v himself_o as_o great_a as_o the_o most_o powerful_a monarch_n what_o the_o world_n admire_v be_v but_o a_o dream_n to_o he_o though_o he_o enjoy_v the_o great_a title_n yet_o have_v he_o the_o same_o humble_a thought_n of_o himself_o shall_v the_o world_n afflict_v he_o on_o every_o side_n it_o can_v lessen_v his_o opinion_n of_o himself_o he_o raise_v himself_o above_o what_o he_o see_v to_o humble_v himself_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n who_o be_v invisible_a he_o possess_v eternity_n though_o he_o exist_v in_o time_n he_o be_v a_o child_n of_o god_n though_o he_o live_v among_o man_n he_o be_v sensible_a of_o his_o exaltation_n above_o all_o other_o being_n but_o he_o be_v true_o great_a in_o his_o own_o humility_n thus_o the_o christian_a religion_n not_o only_o show_v we_o man_n excellence_n but_o be_v also_o the_o cause_n of_o it_o by_o make_v the_o mean_a part_n of_o our_o nature_n subservient_fw-fr to_o the_o noble_a he_o therefore_o that_o utter_o renounce_v all_o religion_n lose_v the_o perfection_n of_o his_o nature_n and_o the_o less_o he_o believe_v the_o more_o he_o debase_v himself_o below_o other_o creature_n it_o be_v therefore_o the_o christian_a religion_n alone_o that_o show_v we_o the_o cure_n as_o well_o as_o the_o disease_n that_o produce_v our_o hide_a virtue_n and_o unmask_v our_o vice_n that_o discover_v to_o we_o our_o misery_n and_o free_v we_o from_o it_o that_o put_v a_o end_n to_o all_o the_o wretchedness_n of_o our_o nature_n by_o make_v we_o true_o sensible_a of_o it_o that_o make_v we_o great_a by_o make_v
they_o on_o the_o bright_a side_n they_o appear_v great_a sublime_a and_o conformable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n worthy_a of_o god_n and_o close_o unite_v to_o the_o most_o inviolable_a principle_n both_o of_o our_o heart_n and_o understanding_n their_o greatness_n and_o sublimity_n cause_v such_o a_o admiration_n in_o those_o person_n who_o have_v the_o honour_n to_o divulge_v they_o to_o the_o world_n as_o they_o can_v not_o possible_o conceal_v for_o sometime_o they_o be_v force_v to_o declare_v that_o they_o be_v thing_n which_o eye_n have_v not_o see_v nor_o ear_n hear_v neither_o have_v enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n 1_o cor._n 2._o 9_o a_o expression_n which_o be_v as_o natural_a as_o full_a of_o energy_n and_o clear_o demonstrate_v what_o great_a idea_n they_o have_v of_o they_o another_o while_n they_o express_v themselves_o after_o this_o manner_n and_o without_o controversy_n great_a be_v the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n god_n be_v manifest_a in_o the_o flesh_n justify_v in_o the_o spirit_n etc._n etc._n 1_o tim._n 3._o 16._o and_o again_o colos_n 2._o 3._o they_o call_v they_o the_o treasure_n of_o wisdom_n and_o seem_v to_o be_v continual_o at_o a_o loss_n to_o find_v out_o expression_n worthy_a the_o majesty_n of_o they_o and_o these_o object_n be_v infinite_o raise_v above_o our_o sense_n scarce_o seem_v to_o have_v any_o probability_n be_v altogether_o repugnant_a to_o the_o idea_n of_o the_o heathen_n and_o carnal_a notion_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v above_o any_o conjecture_n of_o man_n and_o consequent_o object_n worthy_a of_o god_n himself_o for_o they_o glorify_v he_o after_o a_o excellent_a manner_n and_o clear_o reveal_v unto_o we_o his_o greatness_n and_o majesty_n either_o in_o the_o gift_n he_o confer_v upon_o man_n or_o the_o sublimity_n of_o those_o duty_n he_o prescribe_v they_o to_o follow_v or_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o reward_n he_o propose_v to_o they_o or_o the_o use_n of_o those_o mean_n whereby_o he_o lead_v they_o to_o it_o compare_v the_o notion_n of_o christianity_n with_o those_o of_o other_o religion_n and_o you_o will_v be_v convince_v of_o this_o truth_n but_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a that_o those_o mystery_n seem_v to_o we_o far_o above_o the_o capacity_n of_o man_n who_o can_v never_o have_v invent_v they_o and_o worthy_a the_o majesty_n of_o god_n who_o alone_o be_v able_a to_o reveal_v they_o to_o we_o we_o may_v also_o further_o add_v that_o the_o principle_n of_o reason_n and_o natural_a religion_n exact_o fall_v in_o with_o they_o for_o they_o be_v not_o like_o the_o idle_a tale_n and_o fiction_n of_o the_o poet_n which_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n former_o so_o eager_o embrace_v when_o at_o the_o same_o time_n their_o reason_n condemn_v they_o for_o it_o the_o creation_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n by_o a_o almighty_a be_v the_o redemption_n of_o the_o world_n by_o a_o mediator_n the_o expiatory_a sacrifice_n of_o christ_n the_o communion_n of_o saint_n the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a the_o remission_n of_o sin_n and_o life_n everlasting_a be_v all_o object_n equal_o reasonable_a sublime_a and_o full_a of_o majesty_n and_o the_o denial_n of_o they_o will_v take_v away_o the_o improvement_n of_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n by_o the_o clear_a revelation_n and_o destroy_v the_o very_a nature_n of_o the_o supreme_a be_v what_o will_v become_v then_o of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n will_v it_o suffer_v man_n to_o be_v whole_o take_v up_o by_o such_o end_n as_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o design_n of_o their_o creation_n will_v god_n permit_v irregularity_n and_o confusion_n to_o reign_v in_o public_a society_n and_o never_o compose_v they_o whilst_o at_o the_o same_o time_n he_o establish_v a_o firm_a union_n and_o as_o it_o be_v a_o society_n among_o irrational_a creature_n if_o so_o what_o will_v then_o signify_v those_o principle_n of_o morality_n and_o that_o natural_a law_n which_o he_o have_v write_v in_o our_o heart_n wherefore_o shall_v he_o make_v so_o many_o thing_n for_o the_o good_a and_o preservation_n of_o man_n that_o be_v not_o the_o end_n he_o be_v design_v for_o what_o will_v become_v of_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n and_o what_o will_v be_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o inward_a sense_n of_o conscience_n what_o will_v be_v the_o punishment_n reserve_v for_o the_o wicked_a and_o the_o reward_n which_o attend_v the_o just_a what_o will_v become_v of_o our_o soul_n since_o reason_n have_v teach_v we_o that_o the_o think_v principle_n within_o we_o be_v distinct_a from_o matter_n and_o that_o the_o soul_n depend_v not_o upon_o any_o dissolution_n of_o the_o part_n of_o matter_n whence_o be_v it_o that_o this_o soul_n have_v notion_n of_o its_o immortality_n what_o use_n will_v there_o be_v of_o equity_n and_o justice_n why_o may_v not_o man_n rather_o give_v themselves_o up_o to_o vice_n which_o will_v then_o be_v whole_o preferable_a before_o virtue_n who_o then_o will_v refuse_v to_o acknowledge_v such_o 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on_o the_o other_o not_o that_o they_o have_v or_o can_v contain_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v repugnant_a to_o sound_v and_o unprejudiced_a reason_n but_o it_o be_v because_o they_o can_v be_v fathom_v by_o our_o shallow_a understanding_n and_o that_o it_o be_v neither_o secure_a nor_o allowable_a or_o even_o possible_a for_o any_o man_n to_o search_v into_o the_o depth_n of_o they_o now_o though_o it_o be_v not_o absolute_o necessary_a for_o we_o to_o inquire_v why_o god_n be_v please_v not_o to_o explicate_v all_o difficulty_n in_o his_o mystery_n and_o though_o it_o be_v sufficient_a only_o to_o allege_v that_o such_o be_v his_o will_n and_o the_o decree_n of_o his_o wisdom_n yet_o we_o must_v not_o neglect_v to_o illustrate_v and_o interpret_v they_o as_o far_o as_o scripture_n and_o reason_n will_v permit_v every_o body_n know_v the_o difference_n between_o sight_n and_o faith_n sight_n admit_v of_o no_o difficulty_n but_o faith_n be_v intermix_v both_o with_o light_n and_o darkness_n both_o their_o object_n be_v very_o different_a from_o one_o another_o for_o we_o do_v not_o see_v what_o we_o believe_v and_o proper_o speak_v we_o do_v not_o believe_v that_o which_o we_o see_v to_o see_v be_v to_o perceive_v by_o one_o self_n but_o to_o believe_v be_v to_o perceive_v by_o another_o man_n eye_n sight_n be_v twofold_a that_o of_o the_o sense_n which_o perceive_v those_o object_n only_o that_o be_v suitable_a to_o its_o nature_n and_o that_o of_o the_o understanding_n when_o it_o judge_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n by_o its_o own_o proper_a light_n faith_n also_o be_v twofold_a humane_a and_o divine_a the_o first_o be_v that_o persuasion_n we_o have_v of_o sacred_a mystery_n ground_v upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o man_n and_o the_o other_o that_o which_o be_v establish_v upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n so_o that_o after_o what_o have_v be_v thus_o premise_v it_o be_v a_o easy_a matter_n to_o understand_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o apostle_n who_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v that_o we_o shall_v walk_v by_o faith_n and_o not_o by_o sight_n that_o be_v we_o must_v lay_v aside_o our_o reason_n and_o follow_v only_o the_o light_n of_o revelation_n and_o receive_v those_o truth_n which_o promise_v we_o salvation_n on_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n alone_o nevertheless_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o perceive_v how_o great_a a_o repugnance_n we_o have_v to_o it_o in_o as_o much_o as_o the_o pleasure_n of_o god_n in_o not_o give_v we_o mystery_n without_o difficulty_n restrain_v the_o rove_a speculation_n of_o our_o mind_n it_o humble_v the_o proud_a reason_n of_o man_n and_o rob_v he_o of_o the_o privilege_n of_o a_o full_a insight_n into_o matter_n which_o yet_o infinite_o concern_v he_o when_o we_o shall_v renounce_v the_o world_n which_o be_v present_a to_o our_o eye_n we_o will_v fain_o see_v those_o object_n religion_n have_v put_v in_o
the_o other_o scale_n to_o overbalance_v it_o but_o it_o be_v not_o the_o pleasure_n of_o god_n we_o shall_v and_o we_o must_v rest_v content_a to_o believe_v those_o object_n which_o make_v we_o thus_o renounce_v that_o which_o we_o actual_o see_v and_o shall_v they_o be_v never_o so_o agreeable_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o common_a sense_n yet_o faith_n and_o not_o reason_n ought_v chief_o to_o induce_v we_o to_o receive_v they_o now_o the_o same_o principle_n that_o set_v the_o heart_n at_o variance_n with_o the_o law_n that_o impose_v on_o it_o the_o necessity_n of_o act_v after_o that_o manner_n the_o same_o principle_n i_o say_v make_v reason_n oppose_v revelation_n which_o lay_v upon_o it_o a_o invincible_a necessity_n of_o believe_v what_o it_o can_v comprehend_v it_o be_v certain_a however_o that_o this_o command_n of_o god_n be_v very_o conformable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n very_o suitable_a to_o our_o present_a condition_n necessary_a to_o our_o sanctification_n and_o useful_a for_o the_o advancement_n of_o god_n glory_n we_o must_v not_o think_v it_o strange_a that_o the_o dispensation_n of_o faith_n shall_v precede_v that_o of_o sight_n since_o we_o daily_o observe_v darkness_n to_o precede_v light_n by_o a_o natural_a order_n and_o that_o we_o be_v child_n before_o we_o come_v to_o be_v men._n both_o experience_n and_o reason_n tell_v we_o that_o our_o knowledge_n be_v very_o imperfect_a in_o this_o life_n wherein_o the_o soul_n be_v as_o it_o be_v press_v down_o by_o the_o clog_n of_o the_o body_n that_o we_o may_v walk_v more_o secure_a by_o the_o help_n of_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o those_o heathen_n who_o attempt_v to_o go_v beyoud_a it_o wander_v blind_o about_o and_o lose_v their_o way_n there_o be_v two_o sort_n of_o irregularity_n in_o man_n which_o produce_v all_o his_o other_o disorder_n pride_n and_o voluptuousness_n the_o latter_a of_o which_o spring_v up_o in_o the_o most_o inferior_a part_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o be_v chief_o produce_v by_o the_o sense_n but_o pride_n be_v proper_o a_o defect_n of_o the_o mind_n as_o therefore_o there_o have_v not_o be_v find_v hitherto_o a_o better_a remedy_n against_o voluptuousness_n than_o that_o of_o afflict_v the_o sense_n by_o deny_v they_o those_o pleasure_n they_o so_o earnest_o thirst_v after_o so_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v there_o have_v be_v as_o yet_o a_o better_a mean_n think_v of_o to_o remove_v the_o pride_n of_o the_o mind_n than_o to_o humble_v it_o by_o restrain_v those_o speculation_n of_o knowledge_n which_o puff_v it_o up_o beyond_o measure_n and_o mortify_v it_o by_o require_v it_o to_o sacrifice_v all_o its_o weak_a conjecture_n and_o vain_a reason_n to_o faith_n and_o indeed_o this_o sacrifice_n of_o ourselves_o be_v deserve_o owe_v to_o god_n since_o there_o be_v as_o much_o reason_n for_o submit_v our_o willby_n our_o obedience_n to_o his_o law_n as_o there_o be_v for_o subject_v our_o mind_n to_o he_o by_o faith_n for_o by_o the_o former_a of_o these_o act_n we_o own_v he_o for_o our_o lord_n that_o have_v a_o right_a to_o command_v we_o and_o by_o the_o latter_a we_o ready_o confess_v his_o veracity_n and_o that_o we_o need_v not_o fear_v be_v impose_v upon_o when_o we_o receive_v those_o thing_n he_o command_v we_o to_o observe_v thus_o man_n who_o have_v lose_v himself_o in_o his_o desire_n of_o infinite_a knowledge_n be_v bind_v in_o some_o measure_n to_o expiate_v his_o crime_n in_o not_o desire_v to_o know_v any_o thing_n by_o himself_o he_o have_v attempt_v to_o get_v as_o clear_v a_o knowledge_n of_o all_o thing_n as_o god_n himself_o but_o now_o he_o refuse_v to_o know_v any_o thing_n but_o from_o god_n he_o be_v blind_a whilst_o he_o walk_v in_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n but_o now_o he_o must_v see_v clear_a in_o the_o darkness_n of_o the_o dispensation_n of_o faith_n for_o after_o that_o in_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n the_o world_n by_o wisdom_n know_v not_o god_n it_o please_v god_n by_o the_o foolishness_n of_o preach_v to_o save_v they_o that_o believe_v 1_o cor._n 1._o 21._o it_o be_v certain_a shall_v god_n familiar_o and_o frequent_o reveal_v himself_o unto_o man_n by_o sensible_a and_o continue_a miracle_n we_o shall_v then_o walk_v by_o sight_n and_o not_o by_o faith_n and_o it_o be_v true_a also_o that_o if_o the_o object_n of_o revelation_n be_v not_o in_o some_o sort_n obscure_a there_o will_v be_v no_o endeavour_n no_o difficulty_n no_o sacrifice_n of_o reason_n make_v to_o believe_v they_o the_o difficulty_n that_o mystery_n be_v attend_v with_o have_v almost_o the_o same_o influence_n over_o our_o understanding_n as_o affliction_n have_v upon_o our_o heart_n for_o as_o these_o bring_v the_o latter_a in_o subjection_n so_o the_o other_o serve_v to_o try_v the_o constancy_n of_o the_o former_a and_o since_o god_n almighty_n be_v please_v to_o increase_v our_o patience_n by_o two_o different_a sort_n of_o suffering_n the_o one_o which_o he_o himself_o inflict_v immediate_o upon_o we_o and_o the_o other_o he_o permit_v worldly_a mind_v and_o sinful_a man_n to_o inflict_v upon_o we_o so_o in_o like_a manner_n he_o be_v please_v to_o exercise_v our_o faith_n by_o two_o different_a sort_n of_o difficulty_n some_o whereof_o spring_n immediate_o from_o god_n himself_o and_o other_o proceed_v from_o the_o very_a heart_n and_o understanding_n of_o men._n for_o we_o must_v distinguish_v betwixt_o that_o obscurity_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o mystery_n which_o proceed_v from_o god_n and_o that_o which_o proceed_v from_o the_o understanding_n of_o men._n the_o first_o be_v either_o necessary_a as_o all_o those_o difficulty_n which_o arise_v from_o the_o essential_a disproportion_n between_o infinite_a object_n such_o as_o those_o of_o revelation_n and_o a_o finite_a understanding_n like_o we_o or_o else_o voluntary_a and_o so_o enter_v into_o the_o very_a plan_n and_o design_n of_o religion_n itself_o and_o these_o again_o may_v be_v distinguish_v according_a to_o that_o diversity_n which_o in_o our_o manner_n of_o conceive_v thing_n we_o be_v oblige_v to_o suppose_v in_o the_o perfection_n of_o god_n himself_o there_o be_v some_o which_o proceed_v from_o the_o council_n of_o his_o wisdom_n other_o from_o that_o of_o his_o justice_n other_o from_o that_o of_o his_o majesty_n and_o last_o from_o that_o of_o his_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n thus_o divine_a wisdom_n be_v please_v to_o intermix_v some_o sort_n of_o darkness_n amid_o the_o most_o express_a prophecy_n we_o have_v lest_o that_o too_o clear_a a_o evidence_n of_o they_o shall_v destroy_v their_o event_n to_o this_o principle_n also_o must_v we_o refer_v all_o those_o shadow_n type_n parabolical_a representation_n that_o mixture_n of_o sensible_a object_n with_o spiritual_a benefit_n that_o of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n with_o the_o state_n of_o israel_n according_a to_o the_o flesh_n and_o general_o all_o those_o other_o mean_n which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n make_v use_v of_o partly_o to_o cover_v those_o event_n he_o have_v declare_v to_o man_n many_o age_n before_o their_o completion_n god_n draw_v a_o veil_n over_o the_o most_o essential_a truth_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n such_o as_o the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n the_o trinity_n the_o redemption_n of_o mankind_n etc._n etc._n that_o a_o distinct_a revelation_n from_o all_o these_o object_n may_v be_v a_o undeniable_a character_n of_o the_o messiah_n and_o that_o his_o disciple_n may_v bold_o affirm_v that_o life_n be_v manifest_v in_o jesus_n christ_n that_o grace_n have_v appear_v unto_o all_o men._n for_o no_o man_n have_v see_v god_n at_o any_o time_n the_o only_o beget_v son_n which_o be_v in_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o father_n he_o have_v declare_v he_o john_n 1._o 18._o to_o this_o wisdom_n of_o god_n also_o must_v be_v refer_v that_o conduct_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o inspire_v the_o patriarch_n thereby_o to_o reveal_v a_o better_a life_n to_o they_o and_o make_v they_o cry_v out_o upon_o their_o deathbed_n lord_n i_o have_v wait_v for_o thy_o salvation_n but_o withal_o give_v they_o but_o a_o faint_a prospect_n of_o that_o object_n by_o such_o obscure_a thought_n and_o dark_a notion_n as_o they_o be_v not_o able_a of_o themselves_o to_o solve_v defer_v to_o give_v a_o more_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o his_o mystery_n till_o that_o time_n which_o he_o have_v set_v apart_o for_o the_o fulfil_n of_o his_o oracle_n and_o the_o manifestation_n of_o he_o that_o be_v to_o be_v the_o author_n and_o end_n of_o christian_a religion_n for_o this_o cause_n therefore_o there_o be_v hardly_o mention_v make_v of_o any_o thing_n else_o in_o the_o write_n of_o moses_n but_o of_o temporal_a promise_n and_o threaten_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o jesus_n christ_n himself_o when_o dispute_v against_o the_o sadducee_n prove_v the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a but_o by_o
easy_o believe_v mystery_n though_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o dive_v into_o the_o manner_n of_o they_o 3_o dly_z this_o submission_n to_o god_n be_v so_o very_o reasonable_a that_o none_o but_o a_o man_n utter_o void_a of_o sense_n can_v be_v so_o stupid_a as_o not_o to_o perceive_v it_o for_o till_o we_o be_v endow_v with_o a_o infinite_a understanding_n we_o shall_v never_o be_v able_a to_o know_v but_o one_o side_n of_o thing_n and_o consequent_o we_o must_v necessary_o be_v for_o ever_o ignorant_a of_o the_o other_o 4_o thly_a it_o be_v very_o just_a and_o equitable_a if_o ever_o any_o thing_n be_v so_o and_o it_o aim_v at_o nothing_o but_o show_v we_o our_o ignorance_n and_o represent_v to_o we_o that_o be_v liable_a to_o be_v deceive_v we_o ought_v careful_o to_o follow_v revelation_n as_o a_o true_a and_o faithful_a guide_n we_o shall_v certain_o be_v extravagant_a proud_o to_o deny_v our_o own_o ignorance_n or_o impious_o suspect_v that_o god_n can_v deceive_v we_o when_o his_o design_n be_v to_o reveal_v his_o majesty_n to_o we_o v._o but_o what_o be_v chief_o to_o be_v observe_v for_o the_o honour_n of_o our_o religion_n what_o show_v the_o character_n of_o its_o divinity_n and_o force_v we_o to_o acknowledge_v they_o be_v that_o it_o teach_v we_o that_o to_o see_v clear_a into_o matter_n of_o religion_n we_o ought_v not_o to_o rely_v upon_o the_o light_n of_o our_o understanding_n and_o that_o we_o must_v lay_v aside_o the_o evidence_n of_o reason_n if_o we_o will_v be_v free_a from_o error_n in_o point_n of_o faith_n it_o be_v a_o wonderful_a effect_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o it_o render_v we_o happy_a by_o induce_v we_o to_o renounce_v ourselves_o and_o no_o less_o admirable_a that_o it_o enlighten_v our_o mind_n by_o oblige_v we_o to_o renounce_v our_o reason_n to_o look_v bold_o and_o steadfast_o upon_o mystery_n be_v the_o way_n to_o be_v blind_a whereas_o we_o shall_v easy_o perceive_v the_o light_n of_o god_n shine_v about_o we_o if_o we_o do_v but_o humble_o cast_v down_o our_o eye_n we_o shall_v be_v sufficient_o learn_v if_o we_o rest_v satisfy_v with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o what_o god_n have_v be_v please_v to_o reveal_v unto_o we_o and_o nothing_o more_o betray_v a_o universal_a ignorance_n than_o a_o insignificant_a desire_n to_o be_v ignorant_a of_o nothing_o in_o other_o science_n a_o man_n skill_n be_v measure_v by_o his_o knowledge_n but_o in_o that_o of_o salvation_n he_o be_v best_o instruct_v who_o be_v most_o humble_a he_o who_o have_v the_o least_o pride_n have_v the_o most_o understanding_n and_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o be_v easy_a we_o have_v already_o see_v that_o the_o nice_a speculation_n of_o reason_n about_o mystery_n do_v but_o more_o perplex_v and_o darken_v what_o be_v before_o obscure_a let_v we_o now_o see_v how_o much_o the_o submit_v our_o reason_n to_o faith_n make_v we_o have_v a_o clear_a insight_n into_o those_o mystery_n or_o at_o least_o how_o much_o it_o hinder_v our_o be_v confound_v by_o they_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o by_o continue_v in_o such_o a_o state_n of_o humility_n whatsoever_o difficulty_n may_v arise_v they_o will_v not_o have_v force_n enough_o to_o discompose_v our_o mind_n we_o shall_v not_o be_v surprise_v that_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o comprehend_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n or_o his_o manner_n of_o know_v love_a and_o act_v or_o his_o eternity_n immensity_n etc._n etc._n but_o we_o shall_v rather_o be_v ravish_v with_o admiration_n to_o think_v that_o we_o that_o be_v no_o better_a than_o worm_n or_o atom_n be_v yet_o think_v worthy_a to_o know_v he_o and_o raise_v to_o that_o pitch_n of_o glory_n as_o to_o have_v some_o prospect_n though_o but_o a_o faint_a one_o of_o his_o wondrous_a work_n and_o infinite_a perfection_n neither_o shall_v we_o have_v any_o reason_n to_o be_v offend_v because_o god_n former_o abandon_v the_o gentile_n and_o cast_v away_o other_o nation_n which_o still_o abide_v in_o profound_a ignorance_n and_o darkness_n though_o perhaps_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o nature_n so_o difficult_a or_o incomprehensible_a as_o the_o conduct_n of_o god_n but_o we_o shall_v rather_o reflect_v upon_o ourselves_o and_o endeavour_v to_o search_v into_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o own_o nature_n and_o upon_o such_o a_o consideration_n we_o shall_v find_v ourselves_o bury_v and_o swallow_v up_o if_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v in_o some_o corner_n of_o this_o vast_a universe_n and_o that_o too_o in_o such_o a_o time_n or_o conjuncture_n as_o be_v a_o mere_a point_n in_o comparison_n of_o that_o almost_o infinite_a duration_n of_o time_n which_o have_v elapse_v and_o that_o eternity_n which_o be_v still_o to_o pass_v away_o we_o shall_v only_o perceive_v a_o few_o year_n and_o a_o few_o nation_n which_o we_o ascribe_v to_o providence_n as_o its_o object_n as_o if_o that_o which_o preside_v over_o the_o whole_a creation_n be_v to_o be_v bound_v by_o a_o few_o age_n or_o nation_n but_o weak_a and_o foolish_a creature_n that_o we_o be_v we_o perceive_v not_o that_o infinite_a succession_n of_o object_n which_o take_v their_o turn_n and_o move_v on_o according_a to_o the_o decree_n of_o eternal_a wisdom_n we_o perceive_v not_o the_o strict_a union_n of_o this_o world_n with_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v or_o the_o share_n those_o nation_n who_o ignorance_n we_o so_o much_o deplore_v have_v in_o that_o continue_a chain_n of_o event_n nor_o the_o right_n which_o divine_a justice_n have_v over_o they_o or_o at_o least_o we_o have_v but_o a_o faint_a and_o imperfect_a knowledge_n of_o they_o we_o consider_v not_o that_o a_o thousand_o year_n be_v as_o one_o day_n and_o one_o day_n as_o a_o thousand_o year_n one_o nation_n as_o a_o hundred_o nation_n and_o a_o hundred_o nation_n as_o one_o nation_n in_o his_o sight_n who_o be_v able_a to_o create_v a_o infinite_a number_n of_o they_o out_o of_o nothing_o as_o he_o do_v we_o and_o in_o this_o we_o may_v be_v compare_v to_o those_o who_o lie_v in_o the_o bottom_n of_o a_o well_o will_v fain_o see_v the_o whole_a extent_n of_o the_o heaven_n be_v we_o true_o sensible_a of_o our_o wretched_a nature_n we_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o curious_a or_o inconsiderate_a but_o rather_o dread_a the_o fate_n of_o those_o man_n who_o be_v smite_v from_o above_o for_o have_v look_v into_o the_o ark_n of_o god_n we_o shall_v find_v out_o the_o falsity_n of_o those_o opinion_n which_o be_v the_o product_n of_o a_o rash_a curiosity_n and_o whilst_o we_o limit_v our_o inquiry_n by_o revelation_n we_o shall_v easy_o discern_v those_o that_o go_v beyond_o it_o we_o shall_v distinguish_v religion_n which_o mortisy_n we_o from_o superstition_n which_o flatter_v and_o agreeable_o delude_v we_o and_o however_o policy_n in_o the_o height_n of_o its_o pride_n may_v rank_v we_o among_o creature_n not_o much_o superior_a to_o brute_n we_o shall_v not_o cease_v to_o think_v ourselves_o the_o child_n of_o god_n no_o charm_n of_o eloquence_n shall_v impose_v upon_o our_o belief_n no_o idle_a nicety_n of_o grammar_n perplex_v that_o faith_n which_o depend_v upon_o the_o object_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v indeed_o too_o manifest_a in_o their_o nature_n too_o often_o repeat_v and_o close_o unite_v to_o the_o principle_n of_o common_a sense_n too_o well_o confirm_v and_o attest_v by_o their_o event_n too_o worthy_a of_o god_n himself_o and_o conduce_v too_o much_o to_o our_o sanctification_n to_o be_v ever_o call_v in_o question_n in_o a_o word_n we_o shall_v then_o shake_v off_o our_o incredulity_n when_o we_o remove_v that_o which_o excite_v within_o we_o a_o secret_a propension_n to_o it_o it_o be_v therefore_o certain_a that_o god_n have_v cover_v the_o mystery_n of_o religion_n with_o a_o sacred_a darkness_n and_o have_v even_o permit_v man_n to_o make_v they_o yet_o more_o obscure_a by_o their_o vain_a speculation_n but_o what_o at_o once_o give_v we_o wonder_n and_o consolation_n be_v that_o the_o deep_a philosopher_n and_o most_o curious_a enquirer_n see_v not_o always_o clear_a into_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n but_o those_o only_o who_o make_v least_o use_n of_o the_o force_n of_o their_o reason_n and_o forbear_v to_o inquire_v nice_o into_o those_o thing_n which_o it_o become_v they_o humble_o to_o believe_v this_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o opinion_n of_o christ_n himself_o who_o say_v to_o his_o father_n i_o thank_v thou_o o_o father_n lord_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n because_o thou_o have_v hide_v these_o thing_n from_o the_o wise_a and_o prudent_a and_o have_v reveal_v they_o unto_o babe_n mat._n 5._o 11._o and_o here_o indeed_o we_o can_v but_o tremble_v with_o reverence_n and_o admiration_n when_o we_o join_v this_o character_n of_o the_o divinity_n of_o our_o religion_n to_o the_o rest_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o we_o