the_o salvation_n and_o future_a happiness_n of_o a_o christian_a we_o may_v take_v a_o brief_a abstract_n or_o sum_n of_o our_o duty_n which_o be_v this_o to_o love_v the_o lord_n our_o god_n with_o all_o our_o heart_n and_o to_o have_v a_o firm_a and_o radicate_v faith_n in_o his_o goodness_n declare_v to_o the_o world_n by_o his_o only_o beget_v son_n jesus_n christ_n a_o universal_a abstinence_n from_o all_o wrong_n and_o injustice_n a_o hearty_a love_n and_o goodwill_n to_o all_o man_n whatever_o to_o hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o to_o abstain_v from_o all_o appearance_n of_o evil_a to_o be_v of_o a_o compassionate_a and_o forgive_a spirit_n and_o if_o we_o have_v receive_v a_o injury_n not_o to_o recompense_v it_o again_o in_o any_o kind_n to_o abstract_n and_o withdraw_v our_o heart_n and_o mind_n from_o earthly_a good_n and_o make_v treasure_n for_o ourselves_o in_o heaven_n and_o to_o be_v no_o more_o solicitous_a for_o worldly_a concernment_n than_o the_o lily_n of_o the_o field_n or_o the_o fowl_n of_o the_o air_n but_o that_o have_v food_n and_o raiment_n therewith_o to_o be_v content_a to_o keep_v ourselves_o pure_a and_o undefiled_a not_o only_o from_o outward_a and_o grosser_n but_o inward_a and_o more_o refine_a pollution_n to_o be_v ready_a to_o do_v good_a and_o distribute_v to_o the_o necessity_n of_o our_o brethren_n to_o live_v peaceable_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a with_o all_o man_n in_o a_o word_n whatever_o thing_n be_v true_a whatever_o thing_n be_v honest_a just_a lovely_a and_o of_o good_a report_n if_o there_o be_v any_o virtue_n if_o there_o be_v any_o praise_n to_o think_v on_o such_o thing_n what_o can_v be_v plain_a and_o easy_a than_o this_o nor_o be_v the_o simplicity_n of_o the_o gospel_n any_o derogation_n from_o it_o though_o that_o impious_a epicurean_a celsus_n deride_v it_o upon_o that_o account_n extol_v the_o write_n of_o plato_n above_o the_o scripture_n for_o as_o origen_n acute_o enough_o reply_n celsum_fw-la the_o design_n of_o god_n in_o the_o gospel_n be_v to_o make_v man_n good_a and_o virtuous_a it_o be_v necessary_a the_o precept_n tend_v to_o that_o end_n shall_v be_v deliver_v plain_o and_o perspicuous_o suitable_a to_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o illiterate_a vulgar_a who_o be_v better_a allure_v and_o win_v by_o a_o common_a and_o usual_a form_n of_o speech_n than_o by_o the_o artificial_a decking_n and_o gay_a scheme_n of_o rhetoric_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o therefore_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n do_v much_o more_o advance_v that_o which_o be_v their_o chief_a aim_n the_o life_n and_o nature_n of_o god_n in_o the_o world_n by_o that_o as_o celsus_n call_v it_o rude_a and_o rustical_a manner_n of_o speak_v than_o all_o the_o elegant_a write_n of_o plato_n which_o if_o they_o ever_o be_v advantageous_a for_o the_o rectify_v and_o amend_v the_o life_n of_o man_n it_o be_v only_o to_o such_o who_o intellectual_a faculty_n be_v raise_v and_o elevate_v above_o the_o plebeian_n strain_n therefore_o do_v the_o holy_a jesus_n on_o purpose_n make_v choice_n of_o ignorant_a and_o illiterate_a person_n that_o it_o may_v appear_v that_o the_o thing_n which_o they_o speak_v be_v not_o in_o the_o word_n which_o man_n wisdom_n teach_v 1.27_o but_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n teach_v and_o that_o by_o the_o foolish_a thing_n of_o the_o world_n god_n may_v confound_v the_o wise_a and_o by_o the_o weak_a destroy_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v mighty_a object_n but_o you_o will_v say_v to_o what_o purpose_n be_v that_o intricacy_n and_o perplexity_n which_o be_v find_v in_o many_o place_n of_o holy_a scripture_n and_o wherefore_o be_v many_o of_o the_o chief_a of_o its_o doctrine_n involve_v in_o such_o darkness_n and_o obscurity_n answ_n 1._o it_o be_v in_o some_o measure_n requisite_a that_o the_o scripture_n shall_v be_v obscure_a to_o conciliate_v reverence_n and_o to_o beget_v a_o great_a esteem_n of_o its_o worth_n and_o dignity_n for_o the_o gospel_n be_v often_o call_v a_o mystery_n which_o suppose_v something_o venerable_a and_o secret_a and_o hide_a from_o the_o eye_n of_o vulgar_a person_n and_o god_n as_o in_o nature_n he_o have_v hide_v many_o precious_a thing_n in_o the_o bowel_n of_o the_o earth_n which_o can_v be_v obtain_v without_o great_a labour_n and_o diligence_n in_o like_a manner_n have_v he_o veil_v many_o inestimable_a treasure_n in_o the_o christian_a mystery_n which_o be_v only_o attainable_a by_o the_o diligent_a search_n and_o sincere_a endeavour_n of_o pious_a man_n for_o shall_v the_o divine_a wisdom_n have_v display_v at_o once_o all_o the_o glory_n and_o beauty_n of_o this_o sacred_a and_o recondite_v method_n of_o recover_a soul_n it_o will_v appear_v contemptible_a and_o worthless_a as_o be_v the_o easy_a purchase_n of_o every_o profane_a and_o impious_a person_n 2._o the_o reason_n of_o the_o obscurity_n of_o christianity_n lie_v not_o so_o much_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o as_o in_o the_o incongruity_n of_o man_n mind_n and_o understanding_n with_o so_o high_a and_o raise_v a_o object_n the_o eye_n can_v behold_v the_o sun_n unless_o it_o have_v some_o resemblance_n and_o similitude_n of_o it_o within_o itself_o for_o like_a be_v know_v by_o its_o like_a and_o if_o man_n mind_n be_v not_o purify_v and_o bring_v into_o some_o cognation_n and_o likeness_n with_o the_o truth_n offer_v to_o they_o it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v ever_o have_v any_o true_a and_o genuine_a apprehension_n of_o they_o there_o be_v a_o learning_n and_o know_v the_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o jesus_n in_o that_o godlike_a meek_a and_o resign_v spirit_n and_o till_o man_n temper_n be_v plain_v and_o smooth_v from_o the_o ruggedness_n of_o their_o passion_n and_o the_o stubborn_a asperity_n of_o their_o lust_n and_o win_v to_o the_o embrace_v of_o the_o truth_n in_o the_o love_n of_o it_o in_o that_o christ-like_a nature_n of_o humility_n and_o self-denial_n they_o may_v fill_v their_o head_n with_o sapless_a and_o lean_a notion_n windy_a and_o turgent_fw-la fancy_n but_o never_o nourish_v up_o their_o soul_n with_o solid_a and_o substantial_a knowledge_n the_o true_a sense_n of_o religion_n and_o christianity_n arise_v out_o of_o a_o mind_n devoid_a of_o passion_n and_o in_o which_o the_o life_n of_o god_n have_v take_v deep_a root_n and_o flourish_n and_o spread_v itself_o throughout_o all_o the_o power_n of_o the_o soul_n give_v a_o tincture_n relish_n and_o savour_n of_o itself_o to_o every_o thought_n word_n and_o deed_n in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o a_o man_n life_n and_o without_o this_o purify_a sense_n we_o feed_v upon_o nothing_o but_o the_o husk_n and_o shell_n of_o religion_n and_o fall_v in_o love_n with_o shadow_n instead_o of_o last_v and_o durable_a substance_n and_o this_o be_v no_o more_o than_o what_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o itself_o 1_o cor._n two_o 14._o the_o natural_a man_n receive_v not_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o they_o be_v foolishness_n unto_o he_o neither_o can_v he_o know_v they_o because_o they_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v there_o be_v require_v a_o spiritual_a sense_n a_o life_n of_o holiness_n and_o justice_n of_o benignity_n and_o righteousness_n to_o the_o true_a discrimination_n of_o good_a and_o evil._n and_o further_a to_o the_o knowledge_n and_o understanding_n of_o divine_a mystery_n there_o be_v necessary_o require_v the_o aid_n and_o assistance_n of_o that_o almighty_a and_o omnipresent_v spirit_n who_o by_o his_o foster_a incubation_n bring_v into_o be_v the_o goodly_a frame_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o that_o this_o holy_a spirit_n of_o truth_n may_v begin_v the_o efformation_n of_o the_o new_a and_o heavenly_a nature_n a_o considerable_a part_n of_o which_o be_v divine_a and_o spiritual_a wisdom_n there_o must_v be_v some_o previous_a preparation_n and_o man_n must_v be_v moral_o good_a and_o virtuous_a or_o else_o they_o will_v be_v perfect_o incapable_a of_o the_o illapse_n of_o his_o celestial_a influence_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v no_o marvel_n if_o to_o brutish_a and_o immoral_a person_n the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n be_v hide_v and_o obscure_a 3._o that_o there_o may_v be_v something_o still_o reserve_v for_o the_o gratification_n of_o all_o degree_n of_o christian_n in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o world_n there_o be_v both_o weak_a and_o strong_a christian_n some_o that_o be_v babe_n in_o christ_n and_o be_v feed_v with_o milk_n other_o that_o be_v of_o full_a age_n and_o have_v a_o discriminate_a sense_n of_o good_a and_o evil._n for_o the_o one_o there_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o rudimental_a way_n of_o instruction_n whereby_o man_n be_v lead_v as_o it_o be_v by_o the_o hand_n through_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n as_o the_o author_n to_o the_o hebrew_n intimate_v heb._n vi_fw-la where_o the_o first_o thing_n require_v
a_o discourse_n of_o the_o excellency_n of_o christianity_n i._o thess_n v_o 21._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d london_n print_v for_o walter_n kettilby_n at_o the_o bishops-head_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n 1671._o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o reader_n reader_n these_o paper_n have_v lie_v by_o i_o for_o some_o year_n in_o scatter_a parcel_n i_o be_v at_o last_o persuade_v to_o unite_v in_o this_o small_a discourse_n the_o subject_n be_v great_a and_o glorious_a viz._n to_o set_v forth_o christianity_n in_o all_o its_o native_a beauty_n and_o lustre_n which_o have_v be_v too_o much_o sully_v by_o the_o atheistical_o give_v for_o whilst_o the_o speculative_a infidel_n soar_v aloft_o and_o think_v to_o dispute_v god_n out_o of_o the_o world_n and_o laugh_v at_o religion_n by_o pretence_n and_o show_n of_o reason_n though_o indeed_o he_o declare_v the_o great_a and_o vile_a folly_n the_o practical_a atheist_n sit_v beneath_o in_o a_o crowd_n of_o lust_n and_o passion_n profit_n and_o interest_n and_o though_o he_o believe_v there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o such_o a_o thing_n as_o religion_n yet_o by_o reason_n of_o that_o firm_a bold_a sin_n and_o the_o devil_n have_v upon_o his_o mind_n he_o act_v in_o repugnancy_n to_o his_o faith_n and_o frame_v wrong_a notion_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n and_o if_o he_o may_v sleep_v secure_o in_o those_o sin_n he_o most_o delight_n in_o he_o be_v well_o content_v and_o at_o ease_n and_o to_o reduce_v both_o these_o sort_n of_o person_n to_o a_o sober_a and_o fix_a love_n of_o religion_n and_o to_o the_o prosecution_n of_o whatever_o be_v virtuous_a and_o excellent_a that_o christianity_n may_v not_o be_v a_o idle_a and_o fruitless_a notion_n but_o a_o inward_a principle_n of_o life_n daily_o perfect_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n till_o it_o bring_v they_o to_o their_o high_a and_o most_o complete_a happiness_n be_v the_o aim_n and_o only_a design_n of_o this_o present_a discourse_n a_o discourse_n of_o the_o excellency_n of_o christianity_n 1._o religion_n in_o its_o usual_a and_o obvious_a sense_n be_v a_o devote_v ourselves_o to_o the_o worship_n and_o service_n of_o the_o deity_n for_o god_n when_o he_o first_o make_v man_n write_v this_o truth_n on_o his_o heart_n that_o he_o be_v a_o creature_n and_o beholden_a to_o something_o without_o he_o for_o his_o life_n and_o be_v and_o therefore_o ought_v to_o worship_n and_o adore_v god_n as_o his_o only_a happiness_n and_o by_o who_o ever-present_a power_n he_o be_v as_o it_o be_v daily_o create_v anew_o and_o keep_v and_o preserve_v in_o be_v and_o indeed_o there_o be_v no_o man_n who_o search_v into_o the_o perfection_n of_o human_a nature_n that_o can_v find_v any_o principle_n or_o power_n in_o man_n of_o conserve_n and_o maintain_v his_o own_o existence_n wherefore_o his_o existence_n be_v draw_v through_o all_o the_o part_n of_o time_n which_o have_v no_o connexion_n or_o dependence_n one_o upon_o another_o by_o some_o other_o more_o perfect_a essence_n he_o must_v necessary_o acknowledge_v that_o to_o be_v self-existent_a and_o sufficient_a and_o consequent_o adore_v it_o as_o the_o author_n and_o conservator_n of_o his_o present_a and_o particular_a subsistence_n 2._o hence_o it_o be_v that_o religion_n be_v not_o a_o thing_n which_o be_v mere_o instill_v into_o we_o by_o instruction_n and_o education_n for_o let_v we_o be_v never_o so_o impious_o diligent_a in_o rase_v the_o venerable_a name_n of_o the_o deity_n out_o of_o his_o temple_n and_o blot_v his_o inscription_n out_o of_o our_o soul_n it_o be_v manifest_a to_o all_o that_o we_o can_v never_o total_o rid_v our_o mind_n of_o the_o apprehension_n and_o fear_n of_o a_o supreme_a numen_fw-la and_o that_o some_o man_n have_v so_o far_o debauch_v their_o mind_n and_o stifle_v the_o sentiment_n of_o reason_n that_o they_o can_v swallow_v down_o the_o gross_a impiety_n as_o sacrilege_n rebellion_n murder_n and_o adultery_n without_o the_o least_o regret_n prove_v no_o more_o that_o religion_n be_v not_o a_o principle_n of_o nature_n than_o it_o do_v of_o the_o nonexistence_n of_o the_o sun_n that_o some_o man_n wilful_o live_v in_o darkness_n and_o shut_v up_o themselves_o that_o they_o may_v not_o see_v his_o beam_n for_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o such_o person_n have_v put_v themselves_o into_o a_o preternatural_a state_n and_o force_v their_o mind_n and_o reason_n to_o a_o constitution_n far_o different_a from_o the_o universal_a nature_n or_o reason_n of_o mankind_n nor_o can_v it_o be_v elude_v by_o fancy_v religion_n to_o be_v a_o piece_n of_o state-policy_n invent_v only_o to_o keep_v people_n in_o awe_n and_o for_o the_o better_a cement_n government_n together_o and_o so_o derive_v from_o one_o generation_n to_o another_o by_o the_o custom_n and_o example_n of_o their_o progenitor_n for_o if_o there_o be_v no_o such_o faculty_n inherent_a in_o we_o and_o contemporary_a with_o our_o very_a being_n which_o have_v a_o natural_a propensity_n and_o inclination_n to_o a_o religious_a veneration_n and_o worship_n it_o can_v not_o be_v but_o that_o in_o time_n nature_n will_v return_v and_o cast_v off_o whatever_o be_v contrary_a to_o it_o as_o a_o spring_n have_v always_o a_o conatus_fw-la to_o unbend_v itself_o and_o if_o at_o any_o time_n the_o impediment_n be_v remove_v will_v infallible_o reduce_v itself_o to_o its_o proper_a state_n so_o our_o faculty_n though_o they_o may_v be_v long_o distort_v and_o force_v out_o of_o their_o due_a position_n yet_o they_o have_v still_o a_o endeavour_n to_o free_v themselves_o and_o cast_v off_o that_o uneasy_a load_n which_o constrain_v and_o oppress_v they_o and_o will_v undoubted_o upon_o any_o due_a occasion_n offer_v return_v to_o their_o first_o and_o true_a state_n and_o if_o there_o be_v no_o such_o be_v as_o god_n the_o wise_a age_n of_o the_o world_n will_v soon_o discover_v the_o falsehood_n and_o imposture_n and_o chalk_n out_o a_o fair_a way_n and_o method_n for_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n to_o recover_v from_o that_o error_n and_o prejudice_n they_o lie_v under_o and_o by_o their_o own_o genuine_a effort_n and_o strength_n reassert_v themselves_o into_o their_o ancient_a liberty_n but_o beside_o this_o the_o peace_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o kingdom_n and_o state_n politic_a may_v sufficient_o be_v conserve_v without_o the_o invention_n of_o religion_n by_o severe_a law_n and_o penalty_n for_o although_o there_o be_v no_o immaterial_a be_v in_o the_o world_n yet_o every_o person_n be_v so_o well_o satisfy_v with_o himself_o and_o content_v with_o the_o exercise_n of_o those_o faculty_n he_o find_v in_o himself_o no_o man_n will_v seek_v his_o own_o ruin_n and_o torment_n and_o therefore_o there_o will_v be_v little_a or_o no_o need_n of_o instil_v into_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n such_o a_o notion_n as_o religion_n 3._o in_o the_o first_o time_n and_o age_n of_o the_o world_n the_o law_n of_o nature_n which_o god_n have_v equal_o implant_v in_o all_o man_n and_o by_o which_o i_o mean_v nothing_o but_o reason_n or_o that_o power_n in_o man_n which_o teach_v he_o to_o distinguish_v and_o put_v a_o difference_n between_o good_a and_o evil_a beauty_n and_o deformity_n purity_n and_o impurity_n be_v the_o only_a rule_n and_o guide_n to_o direct_v they_o and_o by_o the_o help_n of_o this_o they_o know_v god_n and_o serve_v he_o for_o god_n be_v in_o himself_o a_o infinite_a rectitude_n and_o perfection_n delineate_v himself_o and_o copy_v out_o his_o own_o nature_n in_o all_o moral_a agent_n so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o receive_v it_o and_o herein_o god_n leave_v not_o himself_o without_o witness_n in_o that_o all_o mankind_n have_v mean_n and_o help_v sufficient_a to_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o a_o deity_n by_o a_o inspection_n into_o the_o book_n of_o nature_n wherein_o god_n have_v display_v himself_o in_o plain_a and_o legible_a character_n so_o that_o they_o be_v whole_o without_o excuse_n for_o if_o the_o law_n write_v in_o their_o heart_n and_o discriminate_n between_o good_a and_o evil_a together_o with_o the_o obvious_a reflection_n from_o the_o nature_n and_o propriety_n of_o thing_n have_v not_o be_v enough_o to_o demonstrate_v and_o point_v out_o the_o existence_n of_o a_o god_n man_n can_v not_o have_v be_v accountable_a nor_o render_v obnoxious_a to_o punishment_n but_o although_o this_o law_n seal_v on_o the_o table_n of_o man_n heart_n be_v sufficient_a to_o teach_v they_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o which_o may_v be_v know_v of_o god_n if_o they_o will_v have_v give_v heed_n to_o it_o yet_o in_o process_n of_o time_n it_o so_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o through_o the_o iniquity_n and_o perverseness_n of_o man_n mind_n whereby_o they_o give_v themselves_o whole_o up_o to_o their_o own_o lust_n and_o passion_n this_o light_n of_o nature_n become_v dull_a faint_a and_o obscure_a and_o man_n
wonder_n by_o the_o help_n of_o apostate_n spirit_n which_o if_o it_o be_v so_o be_v a_o very_a pregnant_a testimony_n that_o jesus_n perform_v his_o miracle_n by_o the_o divine_a power_n and_o approbation_n for_o otherwise_o his_o fraud_n will_v soon_o have_v be_v detect_v by_o that_o great_a council_n 4._o that_o there_o be_v prestigious_a and_o satanical_a miracle_n be_v a_o evidence_n that_o there_o be_v likewise_o true_a and_o divine_a as_o in_o nature_n the_o be_v of_o worse_a argue_v the_o existence_n of_o better_a sophism_n and_o falsehood_n the_o reality_n of_o truth_n and_o the_o operation_n of_o second_o cause_n lead_v we_o to_o the_o knowledge_n and_o be_v of_o a_o first_o wherefore_o if_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o evil_a and_o lapse_v genii_n can_v work_v miracle_n it_o be_v apparent_a that_o the_o first_o and_o best_a cause_n of_o all_o thing_n may_v and_o do_v produce_v effect_n of_o a_o divine_a power_n and_o virtue_n and_o that_o the_o miracle_n of_o the_o bless_a 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paul_n who_o have_v his_o commission_n and_o revelation_n from_o heaven_n he_o also_o in_o his_o dedicatory_a preface_n to_o his_o gospel_n profess_v himself_o to_o have_v have_v perfect_a understanding_n of_o all_o thing_n from_o the_o very_a first_o as_o they_o be_v deliver_v to_o he_o from_o those_o who_o be_v eye-witness_n of_o they_o st._n john_n be_v the_o belove_a disciple_n and_o always_o follow_v the_o lord_n christ_n wherever_o he_o go_v and_o set_v aside_o the_o metaphysical_a sermon_n record_v in_o his_o gospel_n he_o relate_v very_o few_o miracle_n or_o new_a thing_n but_o what_o be_v confirm_v by_o the_o testimony_n of_o some_o one_o of_o the_o other_o three_o as_o for_o that_o notable_a miracle_n of_o raise_v lazarus_n from_o the_o dead_a after_o four_o day_n burial_n omit_v by_o all_o the_o rest_n it_o be_v capable_a of_o this_o account_n st._n john_n live_v long_o after_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n even_o to_o the_o
whole_o intellectual_a he_o will_v not_o only_o esteem_v the_o efflux_n and_o emanation_n of_o the_o rational_a life_n to_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o his_o felicity_n but_o seek_v the_o amplification_n and_o diffusion_n of_o it_o and_o reduce_v all_o exorbitant_a motion_n to_o its_o rule_n and_o determination_n and_o if_o we_o will_v not_o impose_v upon_o ourselves_o nor_o degrade_v our_o mind_n below_o the_o folly_n and_o triflingness_n of_o child_n but_o act_n like_o man_n who_o prefer_v thing_n before_o empty_a sound_n and_o name_n the_o eternal_a rule_n of_o justice_n righteousness_n and_o goodness_n will_v appear_v infinite_o more_o eligible_a than_o any_o thing_n else_o in_o the_o world_n beside_o for_o let_v a_o man_n be_v possess_v of_o the_o most_o glorious_a and_o splendid_a advantage_n and_o satisfaction_n that_o possible_o can_v grow_v out_o of_o the_o earth_n and_o let_v he_o extract_v the_o flower_n and_o quintessence_n of_o sublunary_a delight_n and_o he_o will_v find_v they_o at_o the_o best_a very_o dilute_a and_o flashy_a and_o too_o base_a and_o disproportionate_a object_n of_o a_o pure_a active_a and_o indefatigable_a mind_n and_o be_v it_o not_o that_o man_n be_v cheat_v into_o a_o esteem_n and_o approbation_n of_o they_o partly_o from_o the_o example_n of_o other_o who_o daily_o run_v the_o great_a hazard_n and_o labour_n in_o their_o acquisition_n and_o purchase_n and_o partly_o from_o the_o innate_a pravity_n and_o iniquity_n of_o their_o own_o spirit_n which_o be_v preingage_v in_o a_o early_a contention_n after_o the_o thing_n of_o sense_n be_v more_o forcible_o strike_v and_o move_v by_o the_o emission_n and_o radiation_n of_o the_o corporeal_a world_n it_o be_v exceed_o improbable_a they_o shall_v forego_v such_o valuable_a and_o excellent_a pleasure_n as_o those_o of_o virtue_n and_o holiness_n for_o the_o small_a and_o inconsiderable_a though_o the_o most_o refine_a joy_n of_o this_o region_n of_o mutability_n especial_o when_o 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dark_a and_o apostate_n principality_n that_o life_n i_o say_v of_o universal_a sanctity_n and_o righteousness_n be_v a_o immortal_a thing_n like_o its_o great_a source_n and_o parent_n and_o be_v always_o pass_v through_o the_o world_n and_o will_v not_o rest_v any_o where_o but_o in_o such_o a_o fit_a and_o congruous_a subject_n as_o bear_v some_o analogy_n and_o similitude_n with_o itself_o and_o be_v once_o seat_v there_o unless_o it_o be_v forcible_o drive_v out_o by_o rebellious_a lust_n to_o which_o it_o proclaim_v a_o irreconcilable_a war_n it_o will_v continual_o dispread_v its_o lovely_a nature_n and_o enlarge_v its_o kingdom_n by_o the_o total_a consumption_n or_o conversion_n into_o its_o own_o likeness_n and_o quality_n whatever_o resist_v and_o hinder_v its_o progress_n and_o at_o last_o when_o free_v from_o the_o sluggish_a weight_n of_o mortality_n like_o a_o quick_a and_o active_a flame_n carry_v up_o the_o soul_n with_o joy_n and_o triumph_n into_o heaven_n to_o which_o it_o always_o breath_n and_o aspire_v heaven_n itself_o be_v nothing_o but_o the_o bless_a mansion_n of_o
they_o a_o true_a and_o faithful_a discrimination_n of_o object_n wherefore_o divine_a wisdom_n have_v treat_v the_o son_n of_o man_n after_o a_o sensible_a manner_n and_o engage_v they_o by_o argument_n that_o more_o forcible_o strike_v their_o fancy_n and_o imagination_n and_o have_v a_o great_a influence_n for_o the_o promote_a the_o indispensable_a duty_n of_o sanctity_n and_o truth_n than_o any_o terrestrial_a pleasure_n can_v possible_o be_v allective_a to_o the_o contrary_n it_o be_v true_a if_o religion_n can_v consist_v with_o avarice_n vainglory_n and_o ambition_n the_o covetous_a miser_n who_o rip_v up_o the_o bowel_n of_o the_o earth_n for_o treasure_n and_o spin_v out_o his_o life_n in_o a_o golden_a thread_n will_v become_v a_o proselyte_n and_o he_o who_o seek_v to_o ride_v upon_o the_o shoulder_n of_o the_o multitude_n and_o life_n upon_o the_o air_n and_o breath_n of_o popular_a applause_n will_v need_v no_o inducement_n to_o turn_v christian_a but_o when_o thing_n go_v direct_o contrary_a and_o he_o that_o will_v be_v a_o sincere_a disciple_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n must_v crucify_v his_o rebellious_a lust_n and_o descend_v into_o the_o grave_a of_o mortification_n and_o cashier_v every_o inordinate_a motion_n and_o desire_n that_o hinder_v or_o any_o way_n obstruct_v his_o approach_n to_o so_o inestimable_a a_o good_a as_o the_o possession_n of_o the_o bless_a life_n of_o god_n and_o this_o not_o to_o be_v do_v without_o indefatigable_a industry_n and_o care_n and_o as_o it_o be_v a_o dilaceration_n of_o himself_o from_o himself_o that_o be_v a_o forcible_a subjection_n of_o that_o grand_a principle_n of_o our_o apostasy_n and_o deviation_n from_o god_n which_o be_v so_o mischievous_o powerful_a to_o the_o command_n and_o law_n of_o our_o superior_a life_n there_o be_v no_o man_n can_v doubt_v but_o that_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v infinite_o necessary_a in_o order_n to_o that_o weighty_a design_n eternal_a wisdom_n seek_v to_o carry_v on_o by_o the_o promulgation_n of_o they_o to_o the_o world_n which_o promise_v we_o may_v refer_v to_o these_o three_o general_a head_n 1._o pardon_v of_o all_o our_o sin_n upon_o a_o true_a repentance_n and_o sincere_a conformity_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o spirit_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o this_o be_v the_o great_a end_n of_o christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n that_o he_o may_v reconcile_v it_o unto_o god_n and_o assure_v guilty_a sinner_n who_o have_v make_v themselves_o obnoxious_a to_o divine_a wrath_n and_o displeasure_n that_o if_o they_o will_v return_v to_o their_o loyalty_n and_o obedience_n and_o express_v a_o unfeigned_a repentance_n by_o sincere_a purpose_n and_o resolution_n of_o a_o new_a life_n god_n will_v forgive_v their_o past_a trespass_n and_o remember_v their_o iniquity_n no_o more_o the_o whole_a gospel_n what_o else_o be_v it_o but_o a_o free_a and_o gracious_a declaration_n of_o pardon_n and_o forgiveness_n to_o the_o world_n which_o as_o it_o take_v away_o all_o direful_a and_o jealous_a thought_n which_o criminal_a person_n through_o a_o conscience_n of_o their_o own_o guiltiness_n and_o sin_n and_o frequent_a presage_n of_o divine_a vengeance_n be_v apt_a to_o retain_v of_o god_n so_o it_o give_v they_o a_o true_a and_o faithful_a representation_n of_o his_o nature_n that_o he_o be_v no_o dreadful_a and_o hurtful_a be_v encircle_v with_o tempest_n and_o devour_a flame_n no_o tyrant_n who_o arbitrary_a love_n or_o hate_n be_v the_o rule_n and_o law_n of_o his_o government_n but_o a_o almighty_a goodness_n who_o pregnant_a fecundity_n give_v life_n and_o be_v to_o the_o whole_a creation_n and_o studious_o endeavour_v the_o conservation_n of_o all_o thing_n in_o all_o that_o happiness_n their_o nature_n be_v capable_a of_o this_o be_v it_o to_o which_o the_o holy_a jesus_n bare_a witness_n and_o publish_v to_o the_o son_n of_o man_n by_o go_v about_o do_v good_a and_o diffuse_v a_o spirit_n of_o real_a righteousness_n throughout_o the_o world_n he_o take_v it_o upon_o his_o death_n that_o this_o be_v true_a that_o god_n do_v infinite_o desire_v the_o reconciliation_n of_o the_o world_n to_o himself_o and_o that_o not_o for_o any_o self-ends_a or_o design_n for_o what_o can_v accrue_v to_o he_o who_o be_v infinite_a life_n and_o eternal_o possess_v of_o whatever_o speak_v perfection_n but_o for_o the_o sole_a good_a and_o welfare_n of_o thing_n themselves_o that_o every_o be_v may_v obtain_v that_o place_n and_o order_n in_o the_o universe_n and_o enjoy_v all_o that_o felicity_n to_o which_o it_o be_v at_o first_o intend_v and_o from_o which_o nothing_o but_o its_o own_o wilful_a wretchedness_n can_v degrade_v it_o for_o god_n justice_n be_v nothing_o but_o his_o goodness_n power_n and_o wisdom_n employ_v for_o the_o maintenance_n and_o conservation_n of_o what_o be_v eternal_o just_a and_o right_a and_o if_o this_o may_v be_v do_v without_o extremity_n and_o rigour_n his_o goodness_n do_v as_o much_o oblige_v he_o to_o take_v the_o gentle_a and_o mild_a course_n as_o any_o man_n can_v pretend_v his_o justice_n for_o exact_a punishment_n and_o severity_n but_o that_o all_o the_o attribute_n of_o the_o deity_n may_v be_v at_o once_o secure_v and_o fall_v man_n restore_v to_o a_o capacity_n of_o be_v make_v happy_a again_o christ_n appear_v in_o human_a nature_n have_v undertake_v the_o cause_n of_o man_n and_o give_v himself_o a_o ransom_n for_o all_o the_o punishment_n due_a to_o we_o be_v transfer_v on_o he_o and_o through_o the_o sacrifice_n and_o death_n of_o jesus_n god_n be_v upon_o term_n of_o peace_n and_o friendship_n with_o the_o world_n and_o proclaim_v a_o free_a indulgence_n to_o all_o who_o will_v lay_v down_o their_o hostility_n and_o rebellion_n and_o become_v obedient_a subject_n to_o his_o kingdom_n god_n take_v no_o advantage_n against_o any_o man_n to_o destroy_v he_o and_o it_o be_v a_o horrid_a impiety_n in_o we_o to_o suspect_v he_o of_o treachery_n and_o deceit_n and_o to_o represent_v god_n to_o our_o mind_n in_o such_o a_o fearful_a garb_n and_o image_n as_o eternal_o wish_v the_o destruction_n of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o his_o creature_n be_v no_o less_o idolatry_n than_o to_o fall_v down_o and_o worship_v the_o work_n of_o our_o own_o hand_n 2._o the_o powerful_a assistance_n of_o god_n spirit_n to_o enable_v we_o to_o perform_v his_o command_n when_o the_o great_a love_n the_o holy_a apostle_n bare_a to_o the_o lord_n christ_n make_v they_o sorrowful_a for_o his_o departure_n they_o suppose_v he_o will_v then_o leave_v they_o to_o the_o mercy_n of_o a_o faithless_a and_o perverse_a generation_n he_o take_v compassion_n on_o his_o charge_n and_o assure_v they_o that_o when_o the_o time_n come_v that_o his_o bodily_a presence_n shall_v be_v withdraw_v from_o they_o he_o will_v not_o leave_v they_o destitute_a and_o forsake_v but_o send_v the_o comforter_n the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n unto_o they_o who_o shall_v not_o only_o perform_v the_o office_n of_o a_o advocate_n in_o plead_v and_o maintain_v the_o justice_n of_o his_o cause_n against_o the_o unrighteous_a world_n but_o be_v a_o principle_n of_o love_n and_o purity_n in_o their_o heart_n and_o conduct_v they_o through_o the_o various_a wind_n and_o obliquity_n of_o error_n and_o falsehood_n into_o the_o plain_a and_o easy_a path_n of_o truth_n and_o righteousness_n and_o for_o a_o confirmation_n of_o this_o promise_n he_o appeal_v to_o common_a sense_n and_o the_o evidence_n of_o all_o mankind_n if_o you_o who_o be_v evil_a know_v how_o to_o give_v good_a gift_n to_o your_o child_n how_o much_o more_o shall_v your_o heavenly_a father_n from_o who_o all_o creature_n proceed_v and_o upon_o who_o they_o depend_v more_o intimate_o than_o faculty_n and_o action_n upon_o the_o principle_n from_o whence_o they_o flow_v bestow_v his_o holy_a spirit_n upon_o they_o that_o ask_v it_o of_o he_o wherefore_o that_o no_o man_n may_v despair_v and_o count_v it_o a_o impossible_a thing_n to_o achieve_v a_o perfect_a victory_n and_o conquest_n over_o his_o lust_n and_o corruption_n god_n have_v promise_v that_o the_o business_n shall_v not_o be_v transact_v by_o our_o own_o single_a effort_n and_o solitary_a endeavour_n but_o that_o we_o shall_v have_v the_o powerful_a aid_n of_o his_o bless_a spirit_n than_o which_o nothing_o can_v be_v a_o more_o vigorous_a encouragement_n for_o what_o can_v resist_v his_o almighty_a energy_n and_o virtue_n or_o what_o can_v be_v so_o stubborn_a and_o refractory_a that_o he_o can_v render_v sequacious_a and_o obedient_a who_o at_o first_o bring_v all_o thing_n out_o of_o nothing_o be_v our_o lust_n never_o so_o mighty_a and_o gigantic_a and_o the_o power_n of_o darkness_n never_o so_o resolute_o arm_v against_o we_o yet_o the_o strength_n and_o assistance_n derive_v to_o we_o from_o heaven_n be_v able_a to_o put_v to_o flight_v all_o our_o enemy_n and_o make_v we_o perfect_o
be_v govern_v only_o by_o the_o dictate_v of_o their_o corrupt_a and_o lawless_a will_n and_o the_o whole_a earth_n be_v fill_v with_o violence_n and_o oppression_n and_o the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n become_v so_o brutish_a in_o their_o imagination_n that_o they_o make_v themselves_o god_n of_o gold_n and_o silver_n wood_n and_o stone_n and_o serve_v the_o creature_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d beside_o the_o creator_n who_o be_v god_n bless_v for_o ever_o 4._o wherefore_o when_o this_o way_n prove_v unserviceable_a and_o ineffectual_a for_o man_n restauration_n god_n enter_v upon_o a_o new_a dispensation_n and_o reveal_v himself_o more_o plain_o to_o the_o jew_n choose_v jacob_n for_o his_o portion_n and_o israel_n for_o the_o lot_n of_o his_o inheritance_n and_o communicate_v to_o they_o law_n and_o statute_n and_o judgement_n fence_v and_o hedge_v in_o the_o impure_a eruption_n of_o their_o nature_n by_o judicial_a decree_n and_o besiege_v vice_n and_o iniquity_n by_o the_o actual_a promulgation_n of_o a_o law_n but_o this_o religion_n of_o the_o jew_n lie_v altogether_o in_o the_o performance_n of_o external_a duty_n in_o type_n and_o outward_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n be_v not_o able_a to_o perfect_v the_o nature_n of_o man_n and_o bring_v he_o to_o that_o happy_a state_n he_o be_v possess_v of_o before_o his_o fall_n for_o as_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o rom._n fourteen_o 17._o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n consist_v not_o in_o meat_n and_o drink_n but_o which_o be_v far_o more_o valuable_a in_o true_a righteousness_n and_o peace_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o man_n be_v a_o man_n by_o his_o soul_n and_o not_o by_o his_o body_n it_o be_v plain_a both_o that_o the_o religion_n who_o grand_a purpose_n and_o intent_n be_v to_o instruct_v and_o perfect_v the_o mind_n be_v much_o superior_a to_o that_o which_o concern_v the_o body_n and_o also_o that_o there_o be_v some_o degree_n of_o perfection_n that_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n be_v capable_a of_o which_o be_v not_o attainable_a by_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n therefore_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o there_o be_v some_o other_o way_n sound_v out_o to_o recover_v all_o mankind_n from_o that_o sad_a and_o calamitous_a condition_n of_o vice_n and_o sin_n they_o now_o lie_v under_o for_o we_o must_v know_v that_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n consist_v of_o a_o perceptive_a and_o plastic_a part_n which_o be_v the_o same_o with_o st._n paul_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o inner_a and_o outward_a man_n and_o the_o judaical_a oeconomy_n be_v whole_o fit_v for_o the_o gratification_n of_o the_o plastical_a or_o animal_n life_n it_o be_v impossible_a it_o shall_v refine_v and_o purify_v that_o more_o spiritual_a part_n of_o man_n or_o in_o the_o scripture-phrase_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d make_v he_o perfect_a that_o do_v the_o service_n 5._o wherefore_o when_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n come_v and_o man_n mind_n be_v in_o some_o measure_n prepare_v for_o the_o reception_n of_o so_o heavenly_a a_o doctrine_n almighty_a god_n resolve_v to_o put_v in_o execution_n his_o last_o and_o most_o perfect_a determination_n which_o be_v to_o send_v down_o his_o belove_a son_n into_o the_o world_n who_o shall_v by_o a_o plain_a and_o familiar_a way_n teach_v and_o instruct_v mankind_n and_o recover_v the_o lapse_v world_n to_o a_o state_n of_o righteousness_n and_o truth_n now_o then_o god_n walk_v no_o more_o at_o a_o distance_n nor_o hide_v himself_o any_o long_o under_o the_o obscurity_n of_o type_n and_o shadow_n but_o have_v dispel_v the_o cloud_n and_o adumbration_n of_o the_o legal_a service_n by_o the_o full_a and_o bright_a approach_n of_o the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n who_o have_v pitch_v his_o tabernacle_n among_o we_o and_o teach_v we_o his_o will_n by_o a_o way_n of_o condescend_v wisdom_n suit_v and_o proportion_v himself_o to_o the_o most_o shallow_a capacity_n this_o be_v that_o which_o the_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n i_o 21._o call_v the_o foolishness_n of_o preach_v wherein_o god_n have_v stoop_v down_o to_o we_o clothe_v himself_o in_o the_o frailty_n of_o human_a nature_n and_o adapt_a the_n result_v of_o his_o will_n to_o our_o narrow_a and_o weak_a apprehension_n and_o this_o be_v that_o oeconomy_n which_o in_o dan._n ix_o 24._o be_v call_v a_o everlasting_a righteousness_n which_o the_o messiah_n shall_v bring_v into_o the_o world_n for_o when_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d those_o various_a scheme_n and_o exterior_a dispensation_n of_o religion_n wax_v old_a pass_v away_o and_o vanish_v this_o shall_v remain_v for_o ever_o and_o never_o be_v abolish_v as_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o essential_a prescription_n of_o holiness_n those_o eternal_a rule_n of_o righteousness_n and_o goodness_n that_o be_v found_v in_o the_o very_a nature_n and_o be_v of_o god_n 6._o the_o gospel_n then_o be_v of_o so_o great_a consequence_n and_o inestimable_a benefit_n to_o mankind_n it_o will_v be_v necessary_a for_o every_o man_n to_o know_v and_o inquire_v into_o the_o reason_n of_o his_o belief_n upon_o what_o ground_n he_o give_v credit_n to_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o his_o faith_n be_v build_v upon_o a_o solid_a and_o sure_a foundation_n he_o may_v not_o be_v ashamed_a of_o his_o profession_n but_o according_a to_o the_o holy_a apostle_n advice_n ready_a at_o all_o time_n and_o upon_o every_o occasion_n to_o give_v a_o answer_n to_o every_o man_n that_o ask_v he_o a_o reason_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o he_o 1_o pet._n three_o 15._o now_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n appear_v i._n that_o it_o be_v intelligible_a ii_o that_o it_o be_v true_a iii_o that_o it_o contain_v nothing_o light_a and_o trivial_a but_o grave_n and_o sober_a truth_n deliver_v in_o that_o decorous_a and_o become_a majesty_n as_o well_o suit_v with_o that_o bless_a spirit_n which_o inspire_v the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n iv._o that_o it_o be_v every_o way_n fit_v and_o accommodate_v for_o a_o effectual_a recovery_n of_o lapse_v and_o degenerate_v mankind_n chap._n i._n that_o the_o gospel_n be_v intelligible_a can_v but_o appear_v to_o every_o one_o that_o be_v acquaint_v with_o it_o for_o though_o there_o may_v be_v some_o thing_n wrap_v in_o cloud_n and_o difficulty_n yet_o they_o be_v such_o as_o do_v not_o so_o near_o relate_v to_o practice_n but_o be_v of_o a_o more_o speculative_a consideration_n but_o as_o for_o the_o whole_a duty_n of_o man_n in_o order_n to_o holiness_n and_o a_o good_a and_o pious_a life_n it_o be_v lay_v down_o in_o such_o easy_a and_o plain_a term_n that_o no_o man_n can_v have_v any_o reasonable_a excuse_n for_o himself_o if_o he_o do_v not_o know_v and_o practice_v the_o will_n of_o god_n for_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n foresee_v that_o the_o great_a number_n of_o believer_n throughout_o the_o world_n will_v not_o be_v man_n of_o deep_a reason_n but_o rather_o of_o great_a love_n and_o faith_n and_o such_o as_o will_v cordial_o adhere_v to_o their_o saviour_n against_o all_o opposition_n though_o they_o can_v not_o syllogistical_o maintain_v the_o reasonableness_n of_o every_o part_n of_o the_o doctrine_n they_o profess_v god_n i_o say_v foresee_v this_o have_v suit_v the_o gospel_n to_o the_o mean_a capacity_n and_o there_o need_v no_o great_a skill_n to_o be_v a_o good_a christian_a but_o rather_o a_o hearty_a and_o sincere_a apply_v ourselves_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o what_o be_v so_o full_o discover_v to_o we_o the_o goodness_n of_o almighty_a god_n be_v such_o that_o he_o consider_v the_o several_a state_n and_o condition_n of_o man_n in_o the_o world_n and_o make_v allowance_n for_o those_o who_o his_o providence_n have_v so_o place_v as_o that_o they_o be_v not_o in_o a_o capacity_n of_o attain_v to_o any_o great_a measure_n of_o knowledge_n and_o accept_v of_o the_o constant_a and_o sincere_a inclination_n and_o bend_v of_o their_o will_n in_o practise_v what_o they_o know_v and_o they_o shall_v never_o be_v call_v to_o a_o account_n for_o what_o they_o have_v no_o opportunity_n of_o gain_v and_o although_o he_o that_o know_v much_o and_o apprehend_v the_o reason_n of_o thing_n and_o make_v this_o knowledge_n instrumental_a to_o the_o purify_n and_o purge_v his_o soul_n from_o vice_n be_v far_o more_o excellent_a than_o he_o who_o nature_n have_v make_v of_o a_o slow_a apprehension_n yet_o this_o man_n be_v in_o no_o wise_a contemptible_a but_o dear_a and_o acceptable_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n who_o never_o fail_v to_o reward_v honest_a simplicity_n and_o innocency_n and_o to_o recompense_v every_o degree_n of_o hearty_a love_n with_o a_o suitable_a proportion_n of_o glory_n but_o that_o we_o may_v see_v before_o our_o eye_n the_o plainness_n and_o perspicuity_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o all_o matter_n that_o concern_v
of_o they_o that_o embrace_v christianity_n be_v repentance_n from_o dead_a work_n and_o faith_n towards_o god_n and_o upon_o this_o follow_v baptism_n than_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o i_o take_v to_o be_v catechise_v and_o after_o that_o confirmation_n by_o the_o bishop_n agreeable_a to_o this_o apostolical_a custom_n be_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n who_o after_o baptism_n appoint_v child_n to_o be_v instruct_v in_o the_o church-catechism_n and_o then_o bring_v to_o the_o bishop_n to_o receive_v confirmation_n for_o other_o who_o intellectual_a capacity_n be_v fit_a for_o the_o reception_n of_o high_a mystery_n there_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o full_a and_o rational_a explication_n of_o the_o several_a dogmata_fw-la of_o christianity_n and_o of_o these_o st._n paul_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v when_o he_o say_v we_o speak_v wisdom_n among_o they_o that_o be_v perfect_a even_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n in_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o st._n john_n distinguish_v the_o several_a age_n and_o growth_n of_o christian_n i_o write_v unto_o you_o little_a child_n etc._n because_o your_o sin_n be_v forgive_v you_o for_o his_o name_n sake_n i_o write_v unto_o you_o young_a man_n because_o you_o have_v overcome_v the_o wicked_a one_o i_o write_v unto_o you_o father_n because_o you_o have_v know_v he_o that_o be_v from_o the_o beginning_n now_o that_o the_o steward_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n may_v give_v every_o one_o his_o meat_n in_o due_a season_n it_o be_v necessary_a there_o shall_v be_v a_o diversity_n in_o the_o gospel_n that_o every_o proportion_n and_o degree_n in_o grace_n may_v receive_v something_o which_o may_v both_o strengthen_v and_o gratify_v the_o knower_n a_o man_n be_v not_o satisfy_v with_o that_o which_o will_v nourish_v and_o content_v a_o infant_n and_o and_o he_o that_o be_v well_o grow_v in_o piety_n and_o holiness_n leave_v the_o rudiment_n and_o principle_n of_o christianity_n ascend_v to_o high_a notion_n and_o be_v infinite_o satisfy_v and_o ravish_v with_o the_o contemplation_n of_o the_o work_n of_o nature_n and_o providence_n in_o behold_v the_o divine_a goodness_n and_o wisdom_n in_o the_o manifestation_n of_o that_o mystery_n which_o lie_v hide_v from_o age_n and_o generation_n and_o who_o only_a design_n be_v reveal_v be_v the_o complete_a restauration_n and_o perfection_n of_o human_a nature_n and_o in_o this_o be_v the_o say_v of_o the_o wise_a man_n verify_v eccles_n 2.26_o god_n give_v to_o a_o man_n that_o be_v good_a in_o his_o sight_n wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n and_o joy_n chap._n ii_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n the_o second_o illustration_n of_o the_o excellency_n of_o christian_a religion_n be_v that_o it_o be_v true_a which_o will_v best_o be_v evidence_v by_o these_o gradation_n 1._o it_o be_v certain_a that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o man_n as_o jesus_n in_o the_o world_n and_o here_o i_o will_v desire_v the_o enemy_n of_o this_o truth_n whether_o jew_n or_o heathen_n to_o give_v i_o liberty_n to_o make_v use_n of_o the_o same_o argument_n they_o themselves_o do_v in_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o history_n for_o how_o be_v they_o assure_v that_o there_o be_v any_o such_o man_n in_o the_o world_n as_o moses_n and_o aristotle_n if_o they_o say_v they_o have_v it_o from_o a_o constant_a and_o unquestionable_a tradition_n we_o can_v bring_v the_o same_o proof_n for_o the_o christian_a religion_n the_o truth_n of_o which_o have_v be_v deliver_v successive_o from_o one_o generation_n to_o another_o for_o above_o these_o sixteen_o hundred_o year_n if_o they_o appeal_v to_o the_o write_n of_o those_o who_o be_v contemporary_a with_o they_o the_o christian_n have_v the_o same_o plea_n for_o the_o very_a enemy_n of_o jesus_n such_o as_o celsus_n the_o epicurean_a and_o julian_n the_o apostate_n never_o question_v his_o existence_n and_o be_v upon_o earth_n the_o word_n of_o celsus_n we_o have_v in_o the_o second_o book_n of_o origen_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o julian_n confess_v as_o much_o as_o we_o find_v by_o cyril_n in_o his_o six_o book_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i_o may_v here_o bring_v in_o the_o testimony_n of_o tacitus_n pliny_n and_o numenius_n the_o pythagorean_n who_o in_o his_o three_o book_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o origen_n tell_v we_o relate_v a_o certain_a piece_n of_o the_o history_n of_o jesus_n which_o he_o afterward_o allegorize_v celsum_fw-la but_o i_o need_v not_o be_v copious_a in_o this_o the_o jew_n themselves_o who_o never_o think_v they_o can_v sufficient_o detest_v and_o hate_v the_o name_n of_o the_o holy_a jesus_n yet_o can_v not_o deny_v but_o he_o once_o live_v among_o they_o and_o therefore_o call_v he_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o lucian_n in_o derision_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d he_o that_o be_v hang_v on_o a_o tree_n 2._o it_o be_v likewise_o as_o unquestionable_a that_o jesus_n wrought_v many_o notable_a miracle_n while_o he_o converse_v with_o man_n and_o they_o be_v such_o as_o if_o we_o look_v into_o the_o quality_n and_o design_n of_o they_o do_v evident_o prove_v his_o mission_n from_o heaven_n and_o therefore_o that_o all_o man_n ought_v to_o believe_v on_o he_o and_o this_o miraculous_a power_n ought_v to_o have_v convince_v the_o jew_n by_o their_o own_o law_n for_o this_o be_v the_o sign_n or_o token_n leave_v by_o moses_n to_o discern_v between_o the_o true_a and_o false_a prophet_n deut._n xviii_o 21_o 22._o and_o if_o thou_o say_v in_o thy_o heart_n how_o shall_v we_o know_v the_o word_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o speak_v 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 i._n e._n if_o he_o do_v no_o miracle_n that_o be_v the_o thing_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o speak_v and_o consequent_o if_o there_o shall_v come_v one_o who_o doctrine_n tend_v to_o the_o establish_v the_o pure_a worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n and_o deliver_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v for_o the_o promotion_n of_o piety_n and_o holiness_n and_o shall_v confirm_v this_o his_o doctrine_n by_o miracle_n both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n ought_v to_o believe_v in_o he_o but_o if_o any_o one_o come_v and_o seek_v to_o draw_v man_n from_o real_a and_o substantial_a holiness_n and_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n and_o to_o gain_v credit_n to_o his_o pernicious_a design_n shall_v work_v a_o miracle_n we_o be_v not_o to_o believe_v he_o because_o god_n sometime_o permit_v such_o thing_n to_o be_v do_v to_o try_v the_o constancy_n and_o steadfastness_n of_o man_n deut._n xiii_o 1_o 2_o 3._o to_o this_o the_o jew_n object_n and_o say_v that_o our_o bless_a saviour_n perform_v his_o miracle_n by_o magical_a and_o diabolical_a art_n for_o so_o they_o tell_v he_o that_o he_o cast_v out_o devil_n by_o beelzebub_n the_o prince_n of_o devil_n to_o this_o impious_a cavil_v we_o may_v return_v 1._o the_o answer_n which_o our_o saviour_n make_v they_o mat._n twelve_o 25_o 26._o every_o kingdom_n divide_v against_o itself_o be_v bring_v to_o desolation_n and_o if_o satan_n cast_v out_o satan_n he_o be_v divide_v against_o himself_o how_o shall_v then_o his_o kingdom_n stand_v for_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n be_v so_o exact_o opposite_a and_o destructive_a of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o unrighteousness_n and_o darkness_n as_o porphyry_n himself_o acknowledge_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 5._o if_o the_o head_n and_o prince_n of_o this_o wicked_a polity_n shall_v abet_v the_o lord_n christ_n so_o far_o as_o to_o empower_v he_o to_o cast_v out_o his_o associate_n from_o their_o usurp_a habitation_n it_o will_v undoubted_o beget_v a_o intestine_a war_n and_o the_o power_n of_o hell_n will_v be_v at_o a_o eternal_a variance_n and_o dissension_n with_o one_o another_o which_o at_o last_o will_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o ruin_n of_o their_o kingdom_n 2._o this_o be_v a_o invincible_a tentation_n put_v upon_o mankind_n for_o there_o can_v be_v no_o sure_a manifestation_n of_o the_o presence_n and_o approbation_n of_o the_o deity_n than_o when_o a_o man_n be_v enable_v to_o work_v miracle_n and_o it_o be_v irreconcilable_a with_o the_o goodness_n and_o wisdom_n of_o almighty_n god_n to_o suffer_v the_o most_o innocent_a and_o harmless_a person_n in_o the_o world_n to_o be_v fatal_o and_o inevitable_o delude_v 3._o the_o great_a synedrium_fw-la consist_v of_o the_o high-priest_n the_o elder_n of_o the_o people_n and_o the_o scribe_n or_o lawyer_n as_o their_o assistant_n who_o office_n and_o right_o it_o be_v to_o try_v the_o prophet_n be_v say_v by_o the_o jew_n to_o be_v skill_v in_o magic_a rite_n for_o the_o better_a and_o sure_a exploration_n of_o those_o who_o pretend_v to_o be_v true_a prophet_n but_o wrought_v their_o
righteousness_n a_o state_n of_o pure_a and_o undefiled_a light_n who_o happy_a and_o glorious_a inhabitant_n be_v perfect_o deliver_v from_o the_o bondage_n and_o servility_n of_o corruption_n and_o goodness_n and_o justice_n and_o all_o the_o moral_a excellency_n of_o divinity_n enthrone_v within_o their_o sacred_a breast_n and_o every_o good_a man_n do_v not_o only_o presage_v but_o real_o possess_v in_o this_o life_n a_o part_n of_o his_o future_a happiness_n when_o the_o divine_a nature_n thorough_o inform_v possess_v and_o actuate_v the_o power_n and_o faculty_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o he_o faithful_o attend_v to_o and_o be_v guide_v and_o govern_v by_o its_o law_n and_o suggestion_n and_o he_o who_o soul_n and_o spirit_n thus_o become_v a_o habitation_n of_o righteousness_n be_v in_o a_o sense_n deify_v and_o god_n dwell_v in_o he_o and_o he_o be_v unite_v to_o that_o omnipresent_v spirit_n of_o love_n and_o purity_n for_o that_o divine_a nature_n the_o participation_n of_o which_o be_v the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o the_o whole_a gospel_n be_v not_o power_n and_o wisdom_n but_o something_o more_o precious_a and_o sovereign_a for_o if_o a_o man_n have_v all_o power_n that_o he_o can_v remove_v mountain_n and_o with_o his_o breath_n stop_v the_o constant_a gire_n and_o circulation_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o if_o he_o have_v all_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n to_o understand_v the_o abstruse_a theory_n in_o nature_n and_o providence_n and_o can_v persuade_v with_o the_o rhetoric_n and_o oratory_n of_o a_o angel_n yet_o if_o he_o have_v not_o charity_n the_o bond_n of_o perfection_n which_o not_o only_o consolidate_n and_o hold_v together_o the_o great_a body_n politic_a of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n but_o be_v the_o root_n and_o centre_n in_o which_o all_o the_o line_n of_o beauty_n and_o excellence_n in_o human_a soul_n unite_v and_o meet_v he_o will_v have_v no_o more_o of_o the_o true_a life_n and_o spirit_n of_o christianity_n in_o he_o than_o a_o tinkle_n and_o sound_a piece_n of_o brass_n love_n be_v the_o joy_n of_o man_n and_o angel_n the_o glory_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o first_o pregnant_a spring_n and_o source_n from_o whence_o issue_v all_o the_o numerous_a production_n of_o the_o spiritual_a and_o corporeal_a life_n for_o god_n be_v love_n and_o love_n be_v that_o to_o speak_v with_o reverence_n make_v the_o divinity_n a_o uniform_a be_v all_o other_o mode_n and_o attribute_n be_v too_o fluctuate_a arbitrary_a and_o unsettle_a to_o be_v the_o basis_n and_o foundation_n of_o that_o ever-to-be-adored_n author_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o as_o goodness_n be_v the_o most_o precious_a thing_n in_o the_o deity_n and_o for_o that_o reason_n alone_o obtain_v the_o first_o place_n in_o act_v so_o be_v it_o that_o which_o consummate_v and_o complete_v all_o moral_a agent_n that_o derive_v from_o he_o power_n and_o wisdom_n and_o all_o other_o modes_n be_v nothing_o but_o the_o several_a explication_n and_o diffusion_n of_o absolute_a goodness_n but_o that_o we_o may_v not_o mistake_v ourselves_o the_o philosopher_n tell_v we_o of_o a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o harlotry_n as_o well_o as_o a_o heavenly_a venus_n whereby_o the_o soul_n be_v enamour_a with_o these_o fade_a beauty_n and_o ensnare_v by_o the_o powerful_a inescation_n of_o sense_n and_o corporeity_n and_o this_o weaken_v and_o destroy_v the_o soul_n but_o it_o be_v the_o celestial_a venus_n that_o be_v the_o beautiful_a and_o perfective_a object_n of_o human_a mind_n and_o by_o its_o union_n with_o it_o change_n and_o transform_v the_o soul_n into_o its_o glorious_a image_n and_o what_o we_o have_v hitherto_o say_v be_v no_o more_o than_o what_o the_o natural_a sentiment_n of_o our_o own_o soul_n bear_v witness_n to_o and_o all_o the_o moral_a part_n of_o ethnic_a philosophy_n atte_v which_o be_v whole_o employ_v in_o lay_v down_o rule_n and_o precept_n for_o the_o regulate_a man_n life_n and_o put_v a_o stop_n to_o the_o bold_a intrusion_n of_o vice_n and_o this_o be_v universal_o acknowledge_v the_o only_a way_n to_o acquire_v a_o cognation_n and_o affinity_n with_o god_n and_o what_o be_v judge_v laudable_a and_o decorous_a then_o and_o approve_v as_o most_o excellent_a be_v make_v much_o more_o so_o by_o the_o christian_a oeconomy_n which_o set_v the_o attainment_n of_o a_o rational_a soul_n at_o a_o high_a pitch_n than_o the_o secular_a wisdom_n and_o philosophy_n of_o the_o gentile_n can_v arrive_v to_o for_o what_o more_o ennoble_v and_o inspirit_n the_o mind_n of_o man_n with_o true_a glory_n and_o magnanimity_n than_o the_o captivate_a his_o irrational_a desire_n and_o suppress_v all_o inordinate_a lust_n and_o appetite_n and_o the_o introduce_v a_o spirit_n of_o love_n meekness_n temperance_n and_o sobriety_n what_o more_o divine_a and_o godlike_a than_o charity_n to_o bind_v up_o a_o ache_a head_n and_o dry_v up_o watery_a eye_n and_o relieve_v he_o who_o be_v fight_v with_o the_o pressure_n of_o want_n and_o poverty_n what_o great_a pleasure_n can_v we_o reasonable_o imagine_v than_o that_o which_o result_v from_o a_o act_n of_o goodness_n and_o bounty_n whether_o it_o respect_v the_o soul_n or_o body_n of_o our_o fellow-creature_n in_o extricate_a he_o who_o be_v involve_v in_o a_o labyrinth_n of_o misery_n and_o bring_v the_o cheerful_a day_n to_o he_o who_o sit_v in_o a_o night_n of_o ignorance_n and_o error_n which_o thing_n if_o due_o consider_v as_o they_o be_v very_o agreeable_a and_o proportionate_a to_o our_o high_a and_o rational_a soul_n so_o they_o depretiate_v the_o grosser_n satisfaction_n of_o our_o vile_a part_n and_o make_v good_a this_o first_o proposition_n that_o the_o true_a felicity_n of_o human_a soul_n result_v from_o their_o participation_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n 2._o the_o gospel_n show_v we_o the_o true_a way_n to_o obtain_v this_o complete_a perfection_n of_o our_o spirit_n that_o it_o be_v by_o a_o universal_a purification_n of_o our_o mind_n from_o all_o pollution_n whatever_o and_o a_o entire_a resignation_n of_o ourselves_o to_o the_o conduct_n of_o the_o divine_a life_n and_o light_n but_o it_o will_v be_v say_v that_o philosophy_n teach_v as_o much_o as_o this_o and_o the_o pythagorean_n platonist_n and_o stoic_n assert_v the_o high_a perfection_n of_o the_o soul_n to_o consist_v in_o her_o union_n with_o god_n which_o be_v obtain_v by_o a_o perfect_a extirpation_n of_o all_o irregular_a motion_n and_o a_o abstraction_n of_o the_o soul_n from_o her_o love_n and_o sympathy_n with_o the_o body_n and_o transform_v she_o whole_o into_o intellect_n for_o the_o passion_n and_o sensual_a affection_n be_v once_o subdue_v and_o the_o rational_a life_n excite_v the_o soul_n become_v present_o like_a unto_o god_n as_o porphyry_n speak_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o hierocles_n show_v we_o the_o scope_n and_o end_n of_o this_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o purgation_n of_o the_o mind_n namely_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d wherefore_o although_o the_o heathen_n by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n proceed_v to_o the_o eradication_n of_o vice_n out_o of_o their_o mind_n yet_o they_o retain_v still_o a_o arrogative_n life_n ascribe_v the_o attainment_n and_o perfection_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o their_o whole_a progress_n in_o virtue_n to_o their_o own_o solitary_a endeavour_n and_o this_o their_o spiritual_a and_o subtle_a pride_n taint_v and_o infect_v the_o best_a of_o their_o other_o performance_n so_o that_o though_o they_o be_v glorious_a light_n in_o their_o generation_n yet_o they_o fall_v short_a of_o the_o character_n of_o a_o true_a christian_a which_o be_v a_o entire_a subjection_n of_o a_o man_n self_n to_o the_o government_n and_o command_n of_o the_o life_n of_o god_n be_v perfect_o dead_a to_o all_o self-seeking_a and_o interest_n and_o no_o otherwise_o affect_v to_o ourselves_o then_o if_o we_o be_v not_o and_o this_o heavenly_a temper_n the_o divine_a providence_n reserve_v for_o the_o meek_a and_o humble_a soul_n of_o the_o messiah_n to_o bring_v into_o the_o world_n who_o have_v resume_v that_o as_o the_o most_o compendious_a way_n to_o blessedness_n which_o be_v reject_v by_o the_o wise_a man_n of_o the_o world_n 3._o he_o that_o shall_v impartial_o and_o without_o prejudice_n peruse_v the_o evangelical_n history_n shall_v find_v that_o there_o be_v not_o any_o thing_n record_v in_o they_o vain_a and_o trivial_a but_o such_o as_o be_v of_o the_o high_a moment_n and_o importance_n and_o some_o way_n or_o other_o useful_a and_o advantageous_a for_o the_o propagation_n of_o christianity_n in_o the_o world_n and_o for_o those_o thing_n which_o seem_v most_o liable_a to_o the_o exception_n and_o cavil_n of_o vile_a and_o profane_a person_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o show_v their_o reasonableness_n and_o how_o become_v and_o decorous_a it_o be_v to_o insert_v they_o in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o gospel_n it_o be_v too_o well_o know_v that_o there_o
and_o this_o truth_n be_v of_o so_o high_a and_o great_a concern_v we_o not_o only_o believe_v but_o be_v ready_a to_o give_v all_o possible_a satisfaction_n to_o the_o jew_n and_o heathen_a to_o the_o jew_n we_o say_v that_o it_o be_v long_o ago_o declare_v by_o their_o own_o prophet_n isa_n ix_o 6._o for_o unto_o we_o a_o child_n be_v bear_v unto_o we_o a_o son_n be_v give_v and_o the_o government_n shall_v be_v upon_o his_o shoulder_n and_o his_o name_n shall_v be_v call_v wonderful_a counsellor_n the_o mighty_a god_n the_o everlasting_a father_n the_o prince_n of_o peace_n this_o the_o more_o ancient_a rabbin_n always_o interpret_v of_o the_o messiah_n and_o it_o be_v but_o a_o groundless_a conceit_n of_o r._n solomon_n to_o transfer_v it_o to_o hezekiah_n for_o who_o see_v not_o that_o these_o appellation_n of_o the_o mighty_a god_n and_o the_o everlasting_a father_n can_v possible_o agree_v to_o hezekiah_n again_o chap._n seven_o 14._o behold_v a_o virgin_n shall_v conceive_v and_o bear_v a_o son_n and_o shall_v call_v his_o name_n immanuel_n i._n e._n god_n with_o we_o god_n dwell_v and_o converse_v in_o human_a nature_n and_o by_o the_o heathen_n this_o mystery_n be_v not_o think_v impossible_a since_o julian_n believe_v that_o aesculapius_n the_o son_n of_o jupiter_n descend_v from_o heaven_n and_o be_v incarnate_a appear_v first_o at_o epidaurum_n then_o in_o many_o other_o place_n that_o he_o may_v cure_v the_o body_n and_o restore_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n to_o their_o pristine_a rectitude_n and_o perfection_n and_o be_v there_o any_o great_a difficulty_n in_o believe_v that_o the_o word_n the_o bless_a son_n of_o god_n be_v once_o incarnate_a and_o dwell_v among_o we_o but_o further_o to_o make_v out_o this_o great_a truth_n to_o those_o that_o already_o believe_v the_o history_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o be_v true_a 1._o we_o may_v take_v a_o view_n of_o those_o many_o operation_n jesus_n perform_v in_o the_o nature_n he_o assume_v some_o of_o which_o be_v incommunicable_a and_o only_a proper_a to_o the_o deity_n such_o be_v to_o work_v a_o true_a and_o real_a miracle_n to_o forgive_v sin_n and_o to_o institute_v true_a and_o religious_a worship_n he_o be_v hungry_a which_o show_v he_o to_o be_v a_o man_n and_o yet_o feed_v above_o five_o thousand_o with_o five_o loaf_n and_o two_o fish_n whereby_o he_o manifest_v his_o divinity_n he_o thirst_v yet_o to_o other_o he_o give_v river_n of_o live_a water_n to_o fertilise_v their_o soul_n and_o quench_v and_o allay_v their_o thirst_n he_o be_v weary_a yet_o he_o call_v to_o he_o all_o those_o that_o be_v weary_a and_o heavy_a lade_v and_o promise_v refreshment_n though_o he_o be_v dumb_a and_o open_v not_o his_o mouth_n yet_o be_v he_o that_o word_n by_o which_o all_o thing_n be_v make_v he_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n yet_o have_v he_o power_n to_o take_v it_o up_o again_o 2._o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o divine_a nature_n to_o contradict_v or_o prejudice_v this_o union_n but_o very_o much_o to_o be_v draw_v from_o thence_o for_o it_o for_o divine_a goodness_n will_v universal_o to_o communicate_v itself_o in_o measure_n and_o degree_n assist_v by_o a_o eternal_a wisdom_n find_v out_o this_o way_n of_o union_n with_o human_a nature_n as_o most_o fit_a for_o a_o universal_a communication_n wherein_o the_o divine_a life_n be_v perfect_o exhibit_v and_o all_o perfection_n be_v as_o it_o be_v epitomise_v 3._o there_o be_v a_o mighty_a congruity_n and_o sutableness_n in_o this_o mystery_n with_o the_o design_n of_o perfect_a and_o restore_v lapse_v soul_n for_o the_o eternal_a logos_fw-la bring_v out_o of_o his_o ideal_o fecundity_n into_o actual_a existence_n the_o whole_a rational_a creation_n it_o be_v high_o agreeable_a with_o divine_a wisdom_n that_o by_o the_o same_o word_n all_o fall_v being_n shall_v be_v again_o restore_v that_o the_o first_o and_o bless_a cause_n of_o their_o existence_n shall_v also_o be_v the_o author_n of_o their_o recovery_n and_o return_n to_o the_o perfect_a law_n of_o god_n own_o nature_n and_o if_o beside_o we_o consider_v that_o all_o the_o creature_n be_v but_o the_o effect_n and_o emanation_n of_o that_o mighty_a and_o potent_a word_n outward_o produce_v and_o bring_v into_o actual_a life_n and_o be_v the_o conjunction_n and_o union_n of_o the_o eternal_a mind_n with_o human_a nature_n will_v appear_v exceed_o congruous_a 4._o no_o dishonour_n can_v accrue_v to_o the_o bless_a nature_n of_o god_n by_o such_o a_o state_n in_o which_o there_o be_v no_o evil_a turpitude_n or_o defilement_n the_o brightness_n of_o the_o divine_a sun_n be_v no_o whit_n obscure_v by_o the_o adjunction_n of_o the_o humanity_n but_o the_o humanity_n be_v make_v more_o glorious_a and_o transcendent_a by_o be_v exalt_v into_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o divinity_n 5._o the_o obscurity_n and_o incomprehensibleness_n of_o this_o mystery_n ought_v not_o to_o prejudice_v our_o belief_n of_o it_o since_o that_o many_o thing_n in_o nature_n be_v in_o the_o dark_a to_o we_o and_o that_o faint_a and_o glimmer_a knowledge_n which_o we_o have_v of_o they_o be_v only_o cojnectural_a not_o demonstrative_a we_o know_v there_o be_v a_o union_n between_o soul_n and_o body_n but_o the_o manner_n of_o it_o be_v unknown_a and_o hide_v from_o we_o and_o if_o we_o believe_v no_o further_o than_o we_o can_v comprehend_v we_o must_v be_v sceptic_n in_o religion_n as_o well_o as_o philosophy_n yet_o something_o we_o may_v collect_v from_o the_o union_n of_o soul_n and_o body_n as_o also_o of_o other_o natural_a composition_n that_o forasmuch_o as_o they_o be_v extreme_o distant_a and_o unlike_a in_o their_o nature_n and_o propriety_n and_o yet_o unite_v to_o the_o make_n of_o one_o compositum_fw-la therefore_o the_o immensity_n of_o the_o divinity_n can_v be_v no_o hindrance_n from_o take_v humanity_n into_o a_o union_n and_o association_n with_o it_o 6_o we_o can_v doubt_v but_o that_o god_n who_o be_v immense_a and_o omnipresent_v may_v manifest_v a_o peculiar_a presence_n in_o this_o or_o the_o other_o particular_a place_n as_o seem_v best_a to_o himself_o that_o infinite_a nature_n which_o pervade_v and_o be_v extend_v through_o the_o vast_a capacity_n of_o immense_a space_n can_v as_o easy_o actuate_v inhabit_v and_o fill_v a_o human_a soul_n and_o body_n nor_o be_v the_o divinity_n contract_v or_o diminish_v by_o be_v unite_v to_o a_o creature_n but_o be_v diffuse_v through_o all_o place_n manifest_v itself_o by_o a_o more_o special_a inhabitation_n in_o the_o sacred_a temple_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o jesus_n we_o see_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n dilate_v itself_o through_o our_o corporeal_a fabric_n express_v its_o activity_n and_o presence_n by_o the_o exceed_a quick_a sensibility_n of_o every_o part_n and_o yet_o have_v its_o peculiar_a centre_n and_o residence_n in_o the_o brain_n and_o can_v god_n in_o who_o be_v find_v all_o possible_a perfection_n manifest_a his_o peculiar_a and_o divine_a presence_n to_o the_o ever_o faithful_a and_o obedient_a soul_n of_o the_o messiah_n hitherto_o i_o have_v declare_v the_o great_a excellency_n and_o becomingness_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o shall_v conclude_v this_o general_a head_n with_o the_o recitation_n of_o two_o or_o three_o objection_n more_o make_v by_o the_o jew_n against_o our_o saviour_n and_o record_v in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o gospel_n object_n 1._o the_o first_o we_o find_v in_o john_n seven_o 48._o have_v any_o of_o the_o ruler_n or_o of_o the_o pharisee_n believe_v on_o he_o but_o this_o people_n who_o know_v not_o the_o law_n be_v curse_v answ_n 1._o to_o this_o i_o return_v that_o inasmuch_o as_o the_o great_a synagogue_n and_o ruler_n of_o the_o jew_n reject_v jesus_n and_o will_v not_o acknowledge_v he_o to_o be_v the_o expect_a messiah_n the_o more_o reason_n have_v other_o to_o believe_v in_o he_o for_o their_o own_o prophet_n long_o ago_o predict_v the_o rejection_n of_o the_o messiah_n by_o the_o jewish_a nation_n who_o shall_v be_v so_o obstinate_o blind_a that_o they_o shall_v not_o know_v he_o when_o he_o come_v into_o the_o world_n as_o we_o read_v in_o psal_n cxviii_o 22._o the_o stone_n which_o the_o builder_n refuse_v be_v become_v the_o head_n stone_n of_o the_o corner_n so_o likewise_o in_o isa_n vi_fw-la 10._o make_v the_o heart_n of_o this_o people_n fat_a and_o make_v their_o ear_n heavy_a and_o shut_v their_o eye_n lest_o they_o see_v with_o their_o eye_n and_o hear_v with_o their_o ear_n and_o understand_v with_o their_o heart_n and_o convert_v and_o be_v heal_v to_o which_o purpose_n be_v that_o say_v of_o r._n judas_n in_o the_o talmud_n that_o when_o the_o son_n of_o david_n shall_v come_v there_o shall_v be_v few_o wise_a man_n in_o israel_n and_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o scribe_n shall_v stink_v and_o the_o school_n of_o the_o prophet_n shall_v
become_v brothel-house_n 2._o the_o holy_a jesus_n want_v not_o disciple_n even_o among_o the_o wise_a man_n of_o the_o jew_n such_o be_v simeon_n the_o just_a the_o scholar_n of_o hillel_n who_o be_v fill_v with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o after_o who_o death_n that_o divine_a spirit_n which_o inspire_v the_o great_a synagogue_n depart_v from_o they_o john_n the_o baptist_n who_o not_o only_o acknowledge_v christ_n himself_o but_o send_v his_o disciple_n to_o he_o as_o to_o that_o lamb_n of_o god_n who_o come_v to_o take_v away_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o world_n and_o gamaliel_n be_v say_v to_o have_v follow_v the_o apostle_n and_o to_o have_v be_v simeon_n scholar_n and_o st._n paul_n who_o be_v a_o man_n of_o great_a repute_n and_o esteem_v with_o the_o jew_n and_o sit_v at_o the_o foot_n of_o gamaliel_n yet_o be_v afterward_o a_o apostle_n of_o the_o holy_a jesus_n and_o josephus_n further_a inform_v we_o that_o the_o more_o sober_a and_o serious_a jew_n who_o be_v lover_n of_o the_o truth_n be_v such_o as_o follow_v jesus_n and_o those_o that_o be_v studious_a and_o zealous_a for_o the_o law_n sharp_o rebuke_v ananus_fw-la the_o high_a priest_n for_o command_v the_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n to_o be_v stone_v object_n 2._o act_n i_o 6._o lord_n will_v thou_o at_o this_o time_n restore_v again_o the_o kingdom_n to_o israel_n it_o be_v a_o current_a opinion_n among_o the_o jew_n in_o our_o saviour_n time_n that_o the_o messiah_n shall_v be_v a_o temporal_a monarch_n and_o redeem_v they_o from_o the_o yoke_n of_o the_o roman_n as_o appear_v from_o this_o question_n of_o the_o disciple_n who_o doubtless_o speak_v the_o general_a sense_n of_o the_o jew_n but_o they_o find_v nothing_o in_o the_o attempt_v and_o action_n of_o jesus_n tend_v that_o way_n hence_o they_o can_v not_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v the_o promise_a messiah_n answ_n christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n such_o as_o he_o be_v foretell_v to_o be_v that_o be_v humble_a and_o meek_a not_o with_o the_o splendour_n and_o glory_n of_o a_o earthly_a prince_n but_o poor_a and_o despicable_a a_o man_n of_o sorrow_n and_o without_o form_n and_o comeliness_n as_o it_o be_v predict_v by_o zechariah_n the_o prophet_n zech._n ix_o 9_o and_o isa_n liii_o the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o his_o come_n be_v to_o appease_v the_o anger_n of_o god_n by_o devote_v himself_o for_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n to_o destroy_v the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o to_o make_v one_o body_n of_o jew_n and_o gentile_n of_o which_o he_o himself_o shall_v be_v the_o head_n and_o it_o be_v no_o way_n fit_a and_o agreeable_a for_o such_o a_o undertake_n to_o appear_v in_o earthly_a splendour_n and_o glory_n fill_v the_o world_n with_o blood_n and_o slaughter_n like_o another_o alexander_n or_o caesar_n by_o the_o puissance_n of_o mighty_a army_n wherefore_o the_o holy_a jesus_n be_v to_o disseminate_a and_o promote_v the_o bless_a life_n of_o god_n upon_o earth_n show_v his_o divinity_n more_o refulgent_a by_o vileness_n and_o contempt_n his_o power_n by_o weakness_n and_o infirmity_n his_o glory_n by_o the_o scorn_v of_o man_n and_o his_o almighty_a life_n and_o virtue_n by_o death_n and_o the_o grave_a and_o if_o he_o have_v otherwise_o descend_v from_o the_o celestial_a mansion_n than_o the_o scripture_n relate_v man_n have_v entitle_v himself_o to_o part_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o undertake_n and_o the_o more_o splendid_a the_o divine_a life_n have_v appear_v to_o outward_a view_n with_o the_o faint_a lustre_n have_v it_o shine_v in_o itself_o beside_o that_o that_o doctrine_n which_o christ_n be_v to_o bring_v into_o the_o world_n and_o render_v acceptable_a to_o man_n by_o his_o own_o example_n be_v quite_o contrary_a to_o the_o gratification_n of_o the_o animal_n life_n and_o too_o vile_a and_o base_a to_o be_v essential_a to_o the_o perfection_n of_o human_a nature_n object_n 3._o mat._n xxvii_o 40._o if_o thou_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n come_v down_o from_o the_o cross_n answ_n he_o that_o come_v into_o the_o world_n clothe_v with_o human_a flesh_n and_o in_o the_o several_a action_n of_o his_o life_n manifest_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o true_a man_n will_v now_o in_o this_o last_o act_n keep_v a_o decorum_n that_o as_o he_o be_v bear_v into_o the_o world_n like_o other_o man_n partake_v real_o of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n and_o all_o the_o frailty_n and_o infirmity_n of_o mankind_n sin_n only_o except_v so_o he_o will_v die_v like_o other_o man_n and_o suffer_v a_o real_a separation_n of_o his_o soul_n from_o his_o body_n that_o we_o may_v be_v conformable_a to_o he_o in_o his_o death_n and_o die_v unto_o sin_n crucify_a all_o our_o inordinate_a lust_n and_o affection_n and_o descend_v into_o the_o grave_a with_o he_o by_o a_o profound_a humility_n and_o mortification_n which_o be_v a_o sufficient_a answer_n to_o this_o insult_a cavil_v of_o the_o jew_n that_o if_o jesus_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n he_o must_v needs_o demonstrate_v it_o by_o a_o miraculous_a descent_n from_o the_o cross_n chap._n iu._n that-christianity_n be_v every_o way_n fit_v and_o accommodate_v for_o a_o effectual_a recovery_n of_o lapse_v and_o degenerate_v mankind_n to_o this_o purpose_n we_o must_v consider_v man_n as_o a_o rational_a be_v endue_v with_o liberty_n of_o will_n and_o a_o lord_n of_o his_o own_o action_n and_o consequent_o must_v be_v treat_v according_a to_o those_o faculty_n and_o qualification_n bestow_v upon_o he_o by_o the_o gracious_a bounty_n of_o his_o creator_n and_o this_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o man_n he_o be_v not_o to_o be_v deal_v withal_o like_o a_o stock_n or_o stone_n that_o be_v whole_o inert_v and_o sluggish_a nor_o like_o a_o beast_n that_o be_v act_v and_o lead_v only_o by_o the_o impulse_n of_o sense_n but_o as_o endue_v with_o reason_n and_o intellect_n and_o capable_a of_o discriminate_v between_o real_a good_a and_o evil_a and_o this_o principle_n in_o man_n can_v be_v force_v without_o the_o destruction_n of_o his_o nature_n but_o be_v allure_v and_o draw_v by_o moral_a argument_n wherefore_o the_o design_n of_o god_n in_o the_o gospel_n be_v to_o wind_n man_n off_o from_o sin_n to_o a_o serious_a pursuit_n of_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n he_o make_v use_v of_o such_o argument_n as_o be_v most_o powerful_a and_o efficacious_a for_o that_o end_n and_o most_o suitable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n as_o 1._o what_o can_v more_o deter_v man_n from_o wickedness_n and_o vice_n than_o the_o sober_a press_v upon_o they_o the_o consideration_n of_o a_o future_a day_n of_o judgement_n wherein_o the_o just_a judge_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n will_v impartial_o look_v into_o their_o life_n and_o dispose_v of_o they_o according_a to_o the_o moral_a frame_n and_o disposition_n of_o their_o spirit_n to_o they_o who_o by_o patient_a continuance_n in_o well_o do_v seek_v for_o glory_n honour_n and_o immortality_n eternal_a life_n but_o to_o they_o who_o do_v not_o obey_v the_o gospel_n he_o will_v recompense_v tribulation_n and_o wrath._n he_o that_o be_v convince_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n must_v likewise_o believe_v that_o though_o god_n be_v patient_a and_o long-suffering_a not_o willing_a that_o any_o shall_v perish_v yet_o he_o be_v likewise_o just_a and_o hate_v all_o sin_n whatever_o and_o to_o convince_v all_o unbelieving_a and_o atheistical_a person_n of_o his_o displeasure_n against_o wickedness_n and_o vice_n he_o have_v appoint_v a_o day_n wherein_o he_o will_v judge_v the_o world_n a_o day_n wherein_o jesus_n christ_n the_o bless_a son_n of_o god_n shall_v visible_o descend_v from_o heaven_n accompany_v with_o innumerable_a legion_n of_o mighty_a angel_n before_o who_o throne_n all_o wicked_a man_n and_o devil_n shall_v stand_v with_o paleness_n and_o horror_n expect_v the_o pronunciation_n of_o that_o dreadful_a sentence_n go_v you_o curse_v into_o everlasting_a fire_n which_o final_a doom_n and_o sentence_n shall_v present_o be_v execute_v upon_o they_o for_o through_o the_o stupendous_a operation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n the_o infernal_a treasure_n of_o fire_n shall_v be_v open_v and_o a_o universal_a deluge_n of_o flame_n shall_v spread_v itself_o over_o the_o face_n of_o the_o age_a earth_n which_o shall_v be_v cleave_v and_o rive_v by_o terrible_a eruption_n of_o sulphureous_a matter_n break_v forth_o with_o horrible_a rage_n and_o fury_n from_o the_o low_a region_n and_o this_o together_o with_o shower_n of_o fire_n rain_v down_o from_o thick_a and_o pitchy_a cloud_n shall_v wrap_v universal_a nature_n in_o a_o sheet_n of_o flame_n and_o complete_a a_o external_a hell_n where_o the_o worm_n die_v not_o and_o the_o fire_n be_v not_o quench_v tell_v i_o then_o o_o man_n thou_o that_o think_v righteousness_n but_o a_o idle_a name_n on_o who_o hard_a and_o stubborn_a soul_n a_o discourse_n of_o another_o