proof_n to_o we_o than_o that_o oracular_a revelation_n for_o god_n speak_v but_o once_o in_o that_o voice_n but_o he_o speak_v by_o the_o prophet_n to_o the_o end_n of_o time_n that_o be_v more_o astonish_a but_o less_o instructive_a to_o we_o than_o prophecy_n that_o be_v continual_o unfold_v and_o verify_v by_o event_n before_o i_o finish_v this_o argument_n i_o will_v brief_o consider_v what_o be_v object_v against_o some_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n viz._n the_o trinity_n the_o divine_a incarnation_n the_o mean_a state_n and_o suffering_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n in_o the_o world_n these_o point_n have_v be_v oppose_v by_o the_o jew_n and_o other_o infidel_n as_o mere_a impossibility_n direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o reason_n of_o mankind_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v we_o must_v distinguish_v between_o what_o be_v incomprehensible_a to_o humane_a reason_n and_o what_o be_v repugnant_a to_o it_o between_o the_o thing_n which_o reason_n can_v perfect_o understand_v how_o they_o can_v be_v and_o the_o thing_n which_o it_o perfect_o understand_v that_o they_o can_v be_v natural_a light_n may_v not_o be_v able_a to_o discover_v the_o be_v of_o some_o thing_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o existence_n which_o real_o be_v but_o what_o it_o see_v to_o involve_v a_o contradiction_n be_v absolute_o impossible_a now_o there_o be_v no_o point_n in_o the_o whole_a complexion_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n that_o be_v repugnant_a to_o reason_n the_o unity_n and_o supreme_a equality_n of_o the_o three_o person_n in_o the_o godhead_n transcend_v our_o conception_n but_o reason_n can_v prove_v it_o to_o be_v impossible_a for_o the_o essence_n of_o god_n be_v not_o of_o the_o same_o condition_n with_o create_a substance_n so_o that_o although_o in_o the_o whole_a compass_n of_o the_o creature_n there_o be_v no_o like_a instance_n but_o one_o nature_n be_v always_o join_v with_o one_o subsistence_n yet_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v that_o the_o divine_a nature_n may_v not_o subsist_v in_o three_o person_n all_o the_o difficulty_n that_o be_v pretend_v to_o be_v invincible_a be_v this_o that_o the_o manner_n of_o it_o be_v incomprehensible_a and_o it_o be_v necessary_o so_o for_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o what_o be_v infinite_a shall_v be_v comprehend_v by_o a_o finite_a mind_n the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n wherein_o the_o essence_n of_o christianity_n consist_v be_v not_o contrary_a to_o reason_n indeed_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o the_o divine_a nature_n shall_v be_v substantial_o change_v into_o the_o humane_a nature_n and_o god_n cease_v to_o be_v god_n in_o become_a man_n but_o the_o union_n of_o the_o deity_n to_o the_o humane_a nature_n be_v not_o impossible_a for_o what_o repugnance_n be_v there_o either_o in_o respect_n of_o god_n or_o the_o creature_n be_v facientis_fw-la it_o impossible_a that_o the_o supreme_a goodness_n shall_v communicate_v itself_o in_o the_o strict_a degree_n of_o union_n to_o the_o reasonable_a creature_n or_o be_v the_o reasonable_a creature_n incapable_a to_o receive_v the_o high_a favour_n this_o be_v a_o great_a mystery_n but_o the_o divine_a omnipotence_n be_v not_o to_o be_v limit_v by_o our_o narrow_a thought_n it_o be_v most_o reasonable_a to_o believe_v that_o god_n can_v do_v what_o we_o can_v discover_v how_o it_o be_v perform_v 6._o seneca_n prudent_o observe_v that_o extraordinary_a effect_n in_o nature_n be_v unaccountable_a to_o we_o as_o to_o their_o immediate_a proper_a cause_n whilst_o we_o only_o consider_v the_o usual_a principle_n by_o which_o it_o work_v nay_o in_o the_o most_o common_a work_n of_o nature_n how_o many_o thing_n be_v so_o perceptible_a to_o sense_n that_o none_o be_v so_o stupid_a as_o to_o deny_v they_o yet_o imperceptible_a to_o reason_n as_o to_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o production_n who_o understand_v the_o admirable_a conjunction_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o body_n in_o man_n how_o two_o metal_n of_o so_o precious_a and_o so_o base_a alloy_n gold_n and_o lead_n a_o spirit_n and_o matter_n the_o one_o celestial_a the_o other_o earthly_a shall_v so_o strict_o combine_v and_o notwithstanding_o such_o diversity_n in_o their_o nature_n and_o property_n embrace_v with_o such_o concord_n in_o their_o inclination_n now_o if_o the_o sharp_a eye_n fix_v with_o the_o great_a attention_n can_v discern_v the_o manner_n of_o this_o natural_a union_n when_o the_o thing_n be_v above_o all_o doubt_n can_v there_o be_v any_o pretence_n to_o disbelieve_v supernatural_a mystery_n because_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o comprehend_v how_o they_o be_v effect_v 3._o there_o be_v infallible_a proof_n that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v send_v from_o god_n to_o make_v know_v his_o compassionate_a counsel_n for_o the_o salvation_n of_o man_n the_o consequence_n be_v clear_a and_o necessary_a that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o his_o gospel_n be_v to_o be_v receive_v though_o never_o so_o incomprehensible_a to_o the_o natural_a understanding_n there_o be_v no_o demonstration_n more_o sure_a than_o the_o principle_n of_o faith_n god_n have_v declare_v so_o therefore_o it_o be_v true_a it_o be_v injurious_a to_o his_o honour_n to_o require_v any_o other_o proof_n of_o his_o word_n than_o his_o word_n it_o be_v incomparable_o more_o certain_a that_o god_n can_v deceive_v we_o than_o that_o our_o understanding_n be_v not_o deceive_v now_o what_o be_v the_o main_a subject_n of_o the_o gospel_n it_o instruct_v we_o that_o the_o word_n be_v god_n and_o the_o word_n be_v make_v flesh._n can_v there_o be_v a_o more_o plain_a declaration_n who_o jesus_n christ_n be_v that_o we_o may_v conceive_v aright_o of_o his_o nature_n his_o virtue_n his_o prerogative_n and_o merit_n it_o be_v not_o possible_a without_o violence_n to_o interpret_v the_o word_n otherwise_o than_o they_o plain_o signify_v that_o a_o divine_a be_v assume_v the_o humane_a nature_n and_o be_v god-man_n this_o be_v also_o declare_v by_o jesus_n christ._n for_o when_o the_o jew_n suppose_v he_o to_o be_v a_o mere_a man_n tax_v he_o for_o the_o violation_n of_o the_o sabbath_n in_o his_o do_v a_o miraculous_a cure_n on_o that_o day_n he_o reply_v to_o their_o exception_n my_o father_n work_v hitherto_o and_o i_o work_v that_o be_v as_o god_n be_v not_o subject_a to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o sabbath_n but_o uninterrupted_o do_v the_o work_n of_o his_o merciful_a providence_n so_o i_o his_o son_n work_v in_o all_o time_n without_o limitation_n this_o expression_n the_o jew_n true_o understand_v to_o import_v no_o less_o than_o a_o equality_n with_o god_n a_o son_n be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o his_o father_n and_o therefore_o charge_v he_o with_o blasphemy_n our_o saviour_n allow_v their_o interpretation_n but_o vindicate_v it_o from_o impiety_n by_o a_o further_o declare_v his_o communion_n with_o god_n in_o his_o will_n and_o power_n that_o he_o perform_v divine_a work_n that_o he_o may_v receive_v the_o same_o divine_a honour_n as_o the_o father_n have_v and_o shall_v we_o not_o believe_v this_o testimony_n that_o jesus_n christ_n give_v of_o himself_o do_v not_o the_o trinit_fw-la word_n understand_v the_o meaning_n of_o his_o own_o expression_n can_v truth_n deceive_v be_v it_o possible_a for_o wisdom_n to_o speak_v improper_o be_v power_n defective_a and_o unable_a to_o declare_v what_o it_o will_v have_v we_o to_o understand_v how_o unreasonable_a be_v it_o then_o to_o object_v how_o can_v this_o be_v what_o pride_n be_v it_o to_o rebel_v against_o the_o divine_a revelation_n what_o obstinacy_n to_o remain_v unsatisfied_a unless_o we_o discover_v how_o term_n so_o distant_a in_o themselves_o the_o high_a be_v god_n and_o the_o low_a in_o the_o sphere_n of_o rational_a being_n man_n shall_v be_v so_o strict_o unite_v how_o they_o shall_v be_v so_o intimate_o join_v without_o confusion_n of_o nature_n in_o one_o person_n that_o it_o be_v true_o say_v god_n be_v humble_v to_o the_o form_n of_o a_o servant_n and_o man_n be_v raise_v to_o the_o right-hand_a of_o god_n here_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o subject_v our_o noble_a faculty_n the_o understanding_n to_o divine_a revelation_n in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o disposure_n of_o providence_n it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o check_v presumptuous_a curiosity_n that_o god_n be_v the_o author_n i_o shall_v add_v one_o consideration_n more_o if_o jesus_n christ_n be_v not_o what_o he_o declare_v himself_o to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n he_o be_v a_o most_o impious_a man._n for_o it_o be_v impiety_n in_o the_o supreme_a degree_n for_o any_o in_o the_o pure_a order_n of_o creature_n to_o assume_v divine_a honour_n but_o the_o quality_n of_o his_o doctrine_n and_o sanctity_n of_o his_o life_n infinite_o clear_v he_o from_o such_o a_o vile_a charge_n for_o be_v it_o conceivable_a that_o a_o person_n guilty_a of_o the_o high_a even_o sacrilegious_a pride_n shall_v be_v a_o instructor_n of_o the_o most_o
nation_n and_o all_o sort_n of_o person_n that_o be_v convert_v to_o the_o faith_n of_o christ._n now_o who_o cause_v such_o a_o marvellous_a and_o holy_a revolution_n in_o the_o world_n but_o god_n what_o less_o than_o a_o divine_a power_n can_v raise_v man_n above_o sense_n and_o make_v they_o victorious_a over_o the_o lust_n of_o corrupt_a nature_n fortify_v by_o custom_n a_o second_o nature_n be_v it_o conceivable_a suppose_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o from_o heaven_n that_o it_o shall_v produce_v such_o admirable_a effect_n and_o be_v it_o conceivable_a that_o god_n will_v adorn_v with_o all_o his_o grace_n the_o image_n of_o his_o own_o excellency_n his_o most_o precious_a benefit_n those_o who_o do_v not_o honour_v he_o according_a to_o his_o will_n can_v there_o be_v find_v such_o astonish_a contrariety_n join_v together_o as_o the_o most_o impious_a error_n and_o depravation_n of_o the_o mind_n with_o the_o great_a purity_n and_o rectitude_n of_o the_o will_n and_o affection_n for_o if_o jesus_n christ_n be_v not_o the_o son_n of_o god_n those_o who_o worship_v he_o be_v in_o a_o mortal_a delusion_n the_o three_o testimony_n the_o apostle_n produce_v be_v the_o blood_n that_o be_v peace_n with_o god_n and_o conscience_n the_o bless_a fruit_n of_o justification_n by_o faith_n in_o christ._n the_o heathen_a world_n be_v in_o a_o dark_a state_n of_o fear_n or_o sleep_v secure_o in_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n some_o be_v in_o a_o hectic_a tremble_v continual_o haunt_v with_o the_o apparition_n of_o their_o sin_n as_o so_o many_o infernal_a fury_n other_o though_o guilty_a of_o most_o fearful_a crime_n be_v secure_a from_o stupid_a atheism_n other_o be_v quiet_a from_o a_o presumption_n cherish_v by_o opinion_n unworthy_a of_o god_n as_o if_o he_o will_v neglect_v his_o own_o glory_n to_o show_v mercy_n to_o they_o now_o the_o gospel_n to_o conquer_v the_o fear_n of_o sensible_a afflict_a sinner_n and_o to_o establish_v a_o lively_a hope_n in_o god_n mercy_n propound_v a_o mean_n of_o universal_a sovereign_a efficacy_n to_o reconcile_v he_o to_o we_o the_o most_o precious_a blood_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n offer_v up_o as_o a_o sacrifice_n to_o expiate_v sin_n this_o sprinkle_v all_o nation_n and_o in_o all_o age_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n will_v be_v of_o undecay_a virtue_n this_o appease_v all_o the_o unquiet_a agitation_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o believer_n and_o produce_v the_o peace_n that_o pass_v understanding_n a_o joy_n unspeakable_a and_o glorious_a this_o deliver_v they_o from_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n under_o which_o the_o world_n be_v so_o long_o in_o bondage_n and_o it_o be_v worthy_a the_o observe_n that_o no_o principle_n of_o nature_n ever_o produce_v such_o a_o generous_a contempt_n of_o death_n as_o the_o christian_a religion_n do_v in_o the_o professor_n of_o it_o the_o alexander_n scipio_n and_o caesar_n have_v tremble_v at_o the_o sight_n of_o these_o savage_a beast_n that_o be_v let_v loose_a upon_o the_o martyr_n at_o the_o preparation_n of_o cruelty_n to_o torment_v they_o whereas_o they_o regard_v they_o with_o tranquillity_n nay_o with_o joy_n as_o the_o matter_n of_o their_o triumph_n this_o be_v true_a valour_n indeed_o for_o the_o confession_n of_o the_o most_o important_a truth_n and_o superior_a to_o the_o courage_n of_o those_o who_o be_v call_v fulmina_fw-la belli_n the_o most_o renown_a soldier_n for_o in_o a_o battle_n by_o martial_a sound_n by_o violent_a motion_n the_o spirit_n be_v fire_v and_o man_n scarce_o feel_v their_o wound_n and_o be_v inconsiderate_a of_o their_o danger_n but_o the_o martyr_n have_v nothing_o to_o heighten_v their_o courage_n but_o in_o cool_a blood_n deliberate_o and_o without_o alteration_n encounter_v that_o terrible_a enemy_n beside_o soldier_n in_o the_o sharp_a conflict_n have_v some_o hope_n of_o victory_n or_o else_o of_o a_o sudden_a and_o honourable_a death_n aut_fw-la cita_fw-la mors_fw-la aut_fw-la victoria_fw-la laeta_fw-la and_o he_o that_o rush_v into_o peril_n with_o a_o seem_a bravery_n when_o there_o be_v hope_n of_o escape_v have_v not_o resolution_n to_o look_v death_n in_o the_o face_n when_o it_o be_v inevitable_a there_o be_v a_o eminent_a instance_n of_o this_o in_o a_o famous_a captain_n of_o late_a memory_n the_o duke_n byron_n none_o be_v more_o bold_a in_o fight_n but_o when_o he_o be_v to_o receive_v the_o sentence_n of_o death_n for_o his_o crime_n none_o more_o disorder_v by_o fear_n sometime_o he_o be_v in_o a_o rage_n against_o his_o judge_n and_o after_o his_o passion_n be_v evaporate_v fall_v into_o the_o other_o extremity_n unmanly_a cry_n complaint_n and_o low_a submission_n to_o obtain_v favour_n but_o the_o more_o than_o heroic_a constancy_n of_o the_o martyr_n contemn_v death_n in_o its_o near_a approach_n and_o most_o fearful_a pomp_n christian_n religion_n have_v often_o transform_v the_o most_o tender_a woman_n and_o child_n into_o man_n or_o rather_o into_o angel_n make_v they_o suffer_v with_o joy_n that_o which_o our_o nature_n can_v see_v without_o horror_n it_o change_v as_o it_o be_v flesh_n and_o blood_n into_o a_o celestial_a substance_n insensible_a of_o fire_n and_o sword_n and_o the_o most_o cruel_a violence_n now_o this_o unshaken_a resolution_n in_o christian_n encounter_v the_o last_o enemy_n be_v from_o the_o lively_a sense_n of_o god_n favour_n reconcile_v by_o the_o most_o pure_a and_o precious_a blood_n of_o his_o son_n and_o the_o hope_n of_o everlasting_a happiness_n in_o his_o presence_n to_o conclude_v this_o argument_n it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v there_o be_v no_o proof_n more_o proper_a that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o redeemer_n of_o the_o world_n than_o the_o joint_a testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n water_n and_o blood_n for_o whereas_o sin_n be_v the_o only_a cause_n of_o our_o ruin_n the_o office_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v to_o repair_v that_o ruin_n and_o consequent_o he_o that_o effectual_o do_v it_o be_v to_o be_v acknowledge_v believe_v and_o embrace_v as_o our_o saviour_n now_o the_o worst_a effect_n of_o sin_n be_v the_o ignorance_n of_o the_o mind_n the_o depravation_n of_o the_o affection_n and_o the_o terror_n of_o conscience_n from_o the_o apprehension_n of_o vengeance_n therefore_o since_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n have_v bring_v celestial_a light_n purity_n and_o peace_n into_o the_o world_n it_o be_v a_o infallible_a proof_n that_o he_o be_v the_o redeemer_n of_o it_o the_o sun_n that_o visit_v the_o world_n with_o its_o refresh_a beam_n have_v no_o clear_a mark_n of_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n in_o make_v it_o and_o order_v its_o motion_n than_o the_o spiritual_a light_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o irradiate_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n before_o in_o deep_a darkness_n the_o riches_n of_o the_o earth_n in_o variety_n of_o fruit_n be_v not_o a_o more_o convince_a argument_n of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n than_o to_o see_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n that_o before_o be_v as_o dead_a earth_n under_o the_o curse_n of_o heaven_n to_o abound_v in_o all_o the_o fruit_n of_o righteousness_n the_o separate_n the_o sea_n from_o the_o land_n and_o set_v bound_n to_o its_o impetuous_a wave_n be_v not_o a_o great_a effect_n of_o god_n power_n than_o the_o calm_v the_o tempest_n of_o a_o unquiet_a conscience_n and_o establish_v tranquillity_n in_o it_o and_o these_o blessing_n we_o entire_o owe_v to_o jesus_n christ_n in_o who_o name_n they_o be_v obtain_v by_o who_o spirit_n they_o be_v confer_v and_o for_o who_o glory_n they_o be_v design_v now_o what_o more_o be_v requisite_a to_o afford_v we_o satisfaction_n that_o jesus_n christ_n come_v from_o god_n and_o reveal_v his_o will_n in_o order_n to_o our_o happiness_n can_v it_o be_v reasonable_o expect_v that_o new_a miracle_n shall_v be_v wrought_v to_o satisfy_v every_o sceptic_a that_o be_v still_o unsatisfy_a indeed_o the_o fountain_n of_o they_o be_v not_o dry_v up_o the_o power_n of_o god_n be_v not_o weaken_a nor_o his_o mercy_n lessen_v but_o in_o extraordinary_a case_n when_o the_o gospel_n be_v first_o preach_v to_o a_o nation_n it_o may_v be_v expect_v that_o to_o convert_v they_o from_o gentilism_n to_o the_o christian_a faith_n he_o will_v make_v himself_o know_v not_o only_o by_o word_n but_o power_n in_o supernatural_a operation_n but_o the_o vein_n of_o miracle_n be_v not_o still_o current_a in_o the_o church_n there_o be_v sufficient_a motive_n of_o belief_n for_o the_o conviction_n of_o all_o that_o be_v not_o obstinate_a without_o the_o perform_v new_a must_v the_o son_n of_o god_n present_v himself_o to_o all_o man_n in_o a_o visible_a glory_n or_o must_v his_o divine_a father_n give_v another_o majestic_a testimony_n from_o heaven_n concern_v he_o if_o we_o have_v not_o such_o sensible_a evidence_n we_o have_v as_o sure_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o scripture-prophecy_n be_v a_o permanent_a miracle_n a_o more_o certain_a
beast_n and_o creep_a thing_n this_o be_v the_o state_n of_o the_o pagan_a world_n till_o the_o gospel_n appear_v and_o direct_v the_o natural_a religious_a inclination_n of_o mankind_n into_o its_o proper_a channel_n to_o the_o only_a true_a god_n 2._o the_o religion_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v this_o the_o christian_n acknowledge_v with_o they_o be_v divine_a in_o its_o authority_n doctrine_n moral_a part_n worship_n and_o promise_n god_n himself_o be_v the_o author_n and_o confirm_v it_o by_o many_o illustrious_a miracle_n it_o be_v deliver_v in_o the_o most_o ancient_a authentic_a and_o venerable_a write_n in_o the_o world_n it_o instruct_v we_o concern_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n his_o work_n of_o creation_n and_o providence_n and_o the_o judgement_n to_o come_v it_o command_v the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o to_o serve_v he_o only_o and_o the_o love_n of_o our_o neighbour_n as_o ourselves_o the_o ceremonial_a part_n be_v a_o full_a conviction_n of_o the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n a_o visible_a discovery_n of_o the_o right_n of_o eternal_a justice_n and_o a_o powerful_a mean_n to_o humble_a man_n before_o the_o infinite_a and_o offend_a majesty_n of_o the_o creator_n it_o propound_v temporal_a reward_n as_o the_o mark_n of_o god_n favour_n suitable_a to_o the_o church_n then_o in_o its_o minority_n but_o under_o that_o veil_n the_o most_o excellent_a and_o eternal_a reward_n this_o religion_n in_o its_o ceremonial_a external_a part_n be_v to_o continue_v till_o the_o come_n of_o the_o messiah_n and_o then_o to_o be_v abolish_v to_o make_v this_o evident_a i_o shall_v thus_o proceed_v 1._o that_o the_o ceremonial_a part_n contain_v nothing_o that_o be_v moral_o and_o unchangeable_o good_a for_o than_o it_o have_v be_v obligatory_a to_o all_o nation_n and_o from_o the_o beginning_n whereas_o it_o be_v prescribe_v only_o to_o the_o jew_n and_o after_o a_o long_a space_n of_o time_n wherein_o many_o holy_a man_n though_o ignorant_a of_o that_o part_n of_o the_o law_n yet_o receive_v a_o divine_a testimony_n that_o they_o please_v god_n 2._o it_o be_v of_o impossible_a performance_n to_o all_o other_o nation_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o precept_n concern_v sacrifice_n that_o be_v to_o be_v offer_v only_o in_o jerusalem_n and_o by_o the_o levitical_a priest_n and_o their_o solemn_a festival_n so_o many_o time_n in_o the_o year_n now_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v a_o essential_a duty_n of_o the_o reasonable_a creature_n it_o be_v absurd_a to_o imagine_v that_o it_o necessary_o consist_v in_o such_o thing_n that_o can_v be_v do_v by_o all_o men._n 3._o god_n himself_o often_o declare_v that_o the_o ritual_n of_o the_o law_n be_v 50._o of_o no_o price_n with_o he_o absolute_o consider_v 4._o they_o be_v enjoin_a the_o jew_n for_o peculiar_a reason_n principal_o that_o by_o those_o imperfect_a rudiment_n they_o may_v be_v prepare_v for_o the_o time_n of_o reformation_n god_n have_v draw_v in_o the_o legal_a ministration_n numberless_a image_n of_o the_o messiah_n their_o temple_n and_o highpriest_n their_o ark_n and_o offering_n with_o all_o their_o ceremonial_a service_n do_v signal_o point_v at_o he_o and_o this_o be_v a_o ninfallible_a evidence_n that_o a_o mind_n superior_a to_o moses_n design_v all_o that_o work_v with_o a_o final_a respect_n to_o christ_n that_o the_o jewish_a nation_n have_v the_o idea_n of_o he_o always_o present_a may_v not_o mistake_v he_o when_o he_o shall_v appear_v and_o that_o heavy_a yoke_n of_o ceremony_n with_o the_o spirit_n of_o servile_a fear_n that_o attend_v it_o be_v to_o excite_v in_o they_o earnest_a long_n after_o the_o messiah_n the_o desire_n of_o all_o nation_n that_o with_o unspeakable_a joy_n they_o may_v receive_v he_o at_o his_o come_n now_o that_o the_o legal_a institution_n shall_v expire_v for_o the_o weakness_n and_o unprofitableness_n thereof_o and_o a_o divine_a sacrifice_n be_v offer_v up_o of_o infinite_a value_n and_o virtue_n to_o reconcile_v god_n and_o purify_v the_o conscience_n of_o man_n be_v declare_v whilst_o the_o service_n of_o the_o temple_n be_v perform_v with_o the_o great_a pomp._n thus_o the_o messiah_n speak_v by_o the_o mouth_n of_o david_n sacrifice_n and_o offering_n 40._o thou_o do_v not_o desire_v my_o heart_n have_v thou_o open_v burnt-offering_a and_o sin-offering_a have_v thou_o not_o require_v then_o say_v i_o lo_o i_o come_v in_o the_o volume_n of_o the_o book_n it_o be_v write_v of_o i_o i_o delight_v to_o do_v thy_o will_n o_o my_o god_n and_o the_o same_o inspire_a prophet_n declare_v when_o the_o levitical_a priesthood_n be_v in_o the_o great_a splendour_n that_o there_o be_v another_o order_n of_o priesthood_n than_o that_o of_o aaron_n establish_v in_o a_o more_o solemn_a manner_n and_o of_o everlasting_a efficacy_n the_o lord_n have_v swear_v 110._o and_o will_v not_o repent_v thou_o be_v a_o priest_n for_o ever_o after_o the_o order_n of_o melchisedec_n that_o this_o prophecy_n respect_v the_o messiah_n even_o the_o pharisee_n can_v 42._o not_o deny_v for_o when_o jesus_n christ_n ask_v they_o who_o son_n christ_n be_v to_o be_v they_o answer_v david_n and_o demand_v again_o why_o david_n call_v he_o lord_n in_o those_o word_n of_o the_o psalm_n the_o lord_n say_v unto_o my_o lord_n sit_v thou_o at_o my_o right_a hand_n till_o i_o have_v make_v thy_o enemy_n thy_o footstool_n they_o can_v answer_v nothing_o their_o silence_n be_v a_o clear_a acknowledgement_n that_o the_o messiah_n be_v the_o person_n there_o intend_v the_o apostle_n also_o who_o 5._o write_v to_o the_o jew_n take_v it_o for_o grant_v by_o the_o universal_a consent_n of_o that_o nation_n that_o that_o psalm_n respect_v the_o messiah_n and_o prove_v it_o be_v accomplish_v in_o jesus_n christ._n beside_o it_o be_v foretell_v by_o the_o prophet_n jeremiah_n that_o another_o covenant_n shall_v be_v make_v wherein_o the_o real_a benefit_n of_o the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n and_o true_a holiness_n that_o be_v tipify_v by_o the_o legal_a purification_n and_o observance_n shall_v be_v confer_v on_o god_n people_n behold_v the_o day_n come_v say_v the_o lord_n that_o i_o will_v make_v a_o new_a covenant_n with_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n different_a from_o that_o make_v with_o their_o father_n when_o they_o come_v out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n i_o will_v put_v my_o law_n into_o their_o inward_a part_n and_o write_v it_o in_o their_o heart_n and_o will_v be_v their_o god_n and_o they_o shall_v be_v my_o people_n and_o they_o shall_v no_o more_o teach_v every_o man_n his_o neighbour_n and_o every_o man_n his_o brother_n say_v know_v the_o lord_n for_o they_o shall_v know_v i_o from_o the_o least_o of_o they_o to_o the_o great_a of_o they_o say_v the_o lord_n for_o i_o will_v forgive_v their_o iniquity_n and_o i_o will_v remember_v their_o sin_n no_o more_o in_o short_a there_o be_v abundant_a declaration_n in_o the_o prophet_n that_o the_o carnal_a religion_n of_o the_o jew_n shall_v expire_v and_o a_o religion_n all_o spirit_n and_o life_n shall_v succeed_v in_o its_o place_n and_o be_v diffuse_v among_o all_o nation_n this_o be_v to_o be_v introduce_v by_o the_o messiah_n thus_o moses_n foretell_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n shall_v raise_v up_o a_o prophet_n from_o among_o thy_o brethren_n like_v unto_o i_o he_o you_o shall_v hear_v it_o be_v the_o singular_a prerogative_n of_o moses_n above_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o prophet_n that_o he_o be_v a_o lawgiver_n and_o mediator_n of_o the_o covenant_n between_o god_n and_o israel_n and_o according_o the_o messiah_n be_v to_o be_v a_o lawgiver_n and_o mediator_n of_o a_o new_a covenant_n now_o if_o the_o mosaic_a institution_n be_v to_o remain_v after_o his_o come_n the_o parallel_n will_v not_o hold_v between_o they_o in_o those_o principal_a respect_n beside_o it_o be_v prophesy_v that_o the_o messiah_n shall_v be_v a_o king_n sit_v on_o the_o throne_n of_o david_n and_o command_v the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n by_o which_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o his_o law_n must_v be_v of_o another_o nature_n than_o those_o of_o moses_n that_o be_v proper_a only_o to_o the_o church_n whilst_o confine_v to_o the_o jewish_a pale_a but_o not_o for_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n and_o whereas_o the_o jew_n object_n that_o some_o of_o their_o rite_n be_v ordain_v to_o continue_v for_o ever_o the_o answer_n be_v clear_a that_o be_v only_o to_o distinguish_v they_o from_o some_o temporary_a injunction_n that_o be_v of_o force_n only_o while_o they_o be_v in_o the_o wilderness_n or_o when_o they_o be_v inhabitant_n of_o canaan_n but_o be_v to_o be_v practise_v in_o all_o place_n till_o by_o a_o new_a signification_n of_o the_o divine_a will_v they_o be_v forbid_v and_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o in_o the_o jewish_a law_n the_o term_n for_o ever_o when_o apply_v either_o to_o a_o man_n right_a or_o
neglect_v he_o all_o their_o glitter_a action_n be_v but_o a_o weak_a counterfeit_n a_o dead_a resemblance_n of_o real_a virtue_n in_o their_o most_o eminent_a public_a work_v the_o praise_n of_o man_n be_v their_o arch._n ultimate_a design_n and_o as_o some_o appear_v bold_a from_o fear_n they_o be_v virtuous_a from_o vanity_n if_o god_n be_v not_o the_o principle_n the_o motive_n and_o the_o end_n of_o what_o we_o do_v there_o be_v want_v the_o essential_a ingredient_n of_o moral_a goodness_n now_o all_o these_o precept_n shine_v with_o their_o native_a light_n and_o carry_v such_o evidence_n of_o their_o rectitude_n that_o our_o obedience_n may_v come_v from_o a_o ingenuous_a filial_a spirit_n satisfy_v with_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o our_o heavenly_a father_n command_n and_o not_o be_v servile_a only_o perform_v to_o the_o absolute_a will_n of_o a_o master_n and_o can_v there_o be_v a_o more_o convince_a proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n of_o its_o divine_a descent_n than_o the_o image_n of_o god_n holiness_n so_o clear_o impress_v upon_o it_o add_v further_o these_o precept_n be_v deliver_v with_o that_o plainness_n and_o so_o proportion_v to_o the_o capacity_n of_o all_o and_o yet_o with_o that_o sovereign_a authority_n that_o it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o believe_v that_o god_n himself_o speak_v and_o it_o become_v man_n to_o hear_v with_o reverence_n and_o submission_n the_o gospel_n be_v without_o the_o ornament_n of_o art_n yet_o its_o sweet_a facility_n be_v temper_v with_o that_o majesty_n that_o it_o be_v a_o sensible_a character_n that_o divine_a wisdom_n compose_v it_o 3._o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v so_o worthy_a of_o god_n and_o suitable_a to_o the_o want_n and_o desire_n of_o man_n that_o it_o be_v perfect_o reasonable_a to_o assent_v to_o their_o truth_n and_o goodness_n this_o will_v appear_v by_o a_o particular_a consideration_n of_o they_o 1._o the_o promise_n of_o pardon_n to_o penitent_a believer_n and_o in_o this_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v the_o condition_n and_o the_o ground_n of_o its_o assurance_n to_o we_o the_o condition_n be_v repentance_n and_o faith_n 1._o repentance_n be_v a_o peculiar_a command_n and_o privilege_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o law_n consider_v in_o itself_o do_v not_o admit_v of_o it_o nor_o give_v the_o least_o hope_n of_o pardon_n for_o it_o suppose_v man_n in_o the_o integrity_n of_o nature_n and_o according_o direct_v he_o how_o to_o please_v god_n and_o preserve_v his_o love_n but_o propound_v no_o mean_n of_o reconciliation_n after_o a_o offence_n there_o be_v no_o seed_n of_o grace_n to_o temper_v its_o rigour_n but_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o declaration_n of_o mercy_n to_o the_o guilty_a and_o miserable_a upon_o such_o term_n as_o god_n may_v be_v capable_a to_o give_v pardon_n and_o man_n qualify_v to_o receive_v it_o it_o be_v not_o more_o true_a that_o god_n be_v the_o judge_n of_o the_o world_n and_o that_o all_o man_n shall_v appear_v before_o his_o tribunal_n than_o that_o sin_n without_o repentance_n shall_v not_o escape_v punishment_n to_o forgive_v the_o unreformed_a sinner_n will_v stain_v his_o pure_a perfection_n the_o inviolable_a beauty_n of_o his_o holiness_n the_o incorruptible_a rectitude_n of_o his_o justice_n such_o lenity_n will_v have_v a_o pernicious_a influence_n on_o the_o corrupt_a world_n by_o encourage_v man_n to_o sin_n without_o fear_n and_o outrageous_o to_o break_v his_o law_n in_o confidence_n of_o pardon_n therefore_o in_o the_o evangelical_n promise_v repentance_n and_o remission_n of_o sin_n be_v inseparable_o join_v repentance_n be_v a_o preparative_n in_o order_n to_o our_o receive_n divine_a mercy_n and_o a_o strong_a preservative_n against_o sin_n for_o time_n to_o come_v the_o remembrance_n of_o those_o sorrow_n and_o fear_n the_o anxiety_n and_o indignation_n against_o himself_o that_o sin_n cause_v in_o a_o true_a penitent_n will_v make_v he_o jealous_a for_o the_o future_a of_o his_o heart_n and_o circumspect_a against_o all_o temptation_n that_o may_v betray_v he_o as_o one_o that_o have_v narrow_o escape_v consume_v by_o fire_n retain_v the_o idea_n of_o his_o danger_n so_o deep_o impress_v on_o his_o mind_n that_o upon_o any_o new_a occasion_n his_o ancient_a fear_n revive_v and_o make_v he_o very_o watchful_a beside_o the_o apprehension_n of_o just_a and_o eternal_a vengeance_n make_v the_o mercy_n of_o god_n so_o admirable_a the_o sense_n of_o his_o tender_a compassion_n so_o sweet_a that_o a_o humble_a believer_n can_v forget_v or_o neglect_v it_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n in_o this_o way_n be_v not_o only_o a_o engagement_n but_o a_o infallible_a cause_n of_o fear_v to_o offend_v a_o god_n so_o great_a and_o good_a and_o faith_n be_v a_o qualification_n as_o requisite_a for_o the_o obtain_n pardon_n that_o be_v a_o cordial_a entire_a receive_v jesus_n christ_n as_o he_o be_v present_v to_o we_o in_o the_o gospel_n to_o resign_v our_o mind_n to_o his_o doctrine_n as_o our_o prophet_n to_o have_v reliance_n on_o his_o sacrifice_n and_o mediation_n as_o our_o priest_n to_o yield_v universal_a cheerful_a and_o constant_a obedience_n to_o he_o as_o our_o king_n and_o how_o congruous_a be_v it_o that_o all_o who_o receive_v so_o unvaluable_a a_o benefit_n as_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n shall_v thus_o honour_v he_o who_o procure_v it_o and_o the_o gospel_n afford_v the_o strong_a assurance_n that_o god_n be_v most_o willing_a to_o pardon_v humble_a and_o contrite_a sinner_n this_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o relief_n and_o ease_n of_o true_a penitent_n for_o when_o the_o enlighten_v conscience_n reflect_v upon_o the_o number_n and_o enormity_n of_o its_o sin_n the_o presumption_n in_o commit_v they_o it_o be_v ready_a to_o be_v swallow_v up_o with_o despair_n of_o recover_v the_o lose_a favour_n of_o god_n it_o can_v devise_v any_o mean_n how_o to_o appease_v his_o incense_a majesty_n and_o satisfy_v violate_v justice_n how_o a_o rebel_n shall_v become_v his_o son_n how_o one_o condemn_v to_o everlasting_a punishment_n shall_v be_v restore_v to_o the_o unfading_a inheritance_n of_o life_n the_o case_n be_v most_o intricate_a and_o hopeless_a now_o the_o gospel_n propound_v mean_n of_o universal_a sovereign_a efficacy_n to_o reconcile_v god_n to_o we_o the_o most_o precious_a blood_n of_o his_o son_n offer_v up_o a_o sacrifice_n to_o expiate_v sin_n this_o sprinkle_v all_o nation_n and_o in_o all_o age_n retain_v a_o undecay_a virtue_n this_o afford_v solid_a and_o everlasting_a comfort_n to_o all_o sensible_a return_v sinner_n 2._o the_o send_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n to_o renew_v we_o according_a to_o his_o image_n and_o to_o confirm_v we_o against_o temptation_n in_o this_o mortal_a life_n be_v another_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o most_o requisite_a to_o make_v we_o capable_a to_o serve_v and_o enjoy_v he_o a_o happy_a temper_n of_o nature_n the_o precept_n of_o philosophy_n virtuous_a example_n the_o severity_n of_o humane_a law_n be_v not_o powerful_a to_o regenerate_v a_o man_n and_o transform_v he_o into_o a_o new_a creature_n they_o may_v restrain_v the_o exorbitancy_n of_o carnal_a appetite_n but_o can_v thorough_o change_v the_o mind_n and_o affection_n be_v there_o any_o vital_a spark_n within_o any_o seed_n of_o holiness_n in_o man_n corrupt_a nature_n such_o assistance_n may_v cherish_v it_o but_o he_o be_v dead_a to_o the_o true_o spritual_a life_n though_o not_o to_o the_o mere_o moral_a and_o no_o less_o than_o a_o omnipotent_a efficacy_n can_v produce_v a_o new_a spring_n of_o life_n a_o divine_a nature_n the_o principle_n of_o willing_a obedience_n to_o god_n and_o after_o conversion_n while_o in_o the_o state_n of_o trial_n here_o the_o best_a be_v subject_n to_o innumerable_a surprise_v by_o their_o own_o frailty_n and_o expose_v to_o new_a danger_n every_o hour_n by_o temptation_n that_o foment_n and_o heighten_v the_o relic_n of_o sin_n in_o they_o so_o that_o without_o supernatural_a assistance_n they_o will_v be_v quite_o discourage_v and_o foil_v by_o the_o enemy_n that_o war_n against_o the_o soul_n now_o in_o the_o gospel_n god_n have_v promise_v to_o give_v the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o those_o that_o ask_v it_o in_o the_o most_o hazardous_a and_o difficult_a conflict_n he_o assure_v those_o who_o ardent_o address_v themselves_o to_o he_o for_o help_v that_o his_o grace_n shall_v be_v sufficient_a for_o they_o 3._o the_o gospel_n contain_v many_o gracious_a promise_n with_o respect_n to_o supply_v the_o want_n and_o give_v support_n and_o refreshment_n under_o the_o trouble_n of_o the_o present_a life_n temporal_a blessing_n be_v in_o the_o low_a rank_n of_o good_a thing_n and_o be_v promise_v as_o they_o shall_v be_v desire_v subordinate_o to_o our_o chief_a good_a first_o seek_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o righteousness_n thereof_o and_o all_o other_o thing_n shall_v be_v add_v say_v our_o saviour_n and_o to_o relieve_v we_o
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person_n not_o only_o to_o be_v content_a in_o every_o state_n but_o to_o enjoy_v torment_n and_o be_v please_v with_o the_o great_a disaster_n that_o befall_v quaest._n he_o but_o they_o take_v so_o high_a a_o strain_n that_o humane_a nature_n can_v not_o uphold_v the_o indifference_n and_o equality_n of_o mind_n they_o so_o much_o pretend_v to_o be_v but_o a_o empty_a appearance_n one_o may_v discover_v unquiet_a agitation_n under_o all_o that_o feign_a insensibility_n and_o true_a servitude_n under_o that_o imaginary_a sovereignty_n of_o their_o wise_a man._n indeed_o without_o the_o steadfast_a belief_n of_o another_o life_n the_o reflection_n upon_o unhappy_a virtue_n inflame_v the_o wound_a spirit_n and_o kindle_v in_o the_o breast_n murmur_n against_o providence_n so_o that_o it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o make_v the_o sueton._n afflict_a happy_a that_o it_o be_v rather_o the_o seed_n of_o new_a misery_n for_o the_o unequal_a distribution_n here_o christian_n religion_n alone_o afford_v we_o solid_a and_o everlasting_a comfort_n it_o do_v not_o disguise_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n but_o allow_v that_o present_a affliction_n be_v not_o joyful_a but_o grievous_a it_o do_v not_o promise_v a_o exemption_n from_o misery_n nay_o it_o foretell_v that_o beside_o the_o common_a trouble_n that_o rain_v upon_o mankind_n there_o be_v some_o proper_a to_o sincere_a christian_n to_o which_o they_o be_v expose_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o their_o holy_a profession_n but_o it_o assure_v they_o that_o all_o thing_n shall_v work_v together_o for_o the_o good_a of_o those_o that_o love_n god_n as_o in_o mix_a body_n the_o divine_a power_n be_v admirable_a in_o temper_v the_o quality_n of_o the_o fight_a element_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n that_o what_o in_o itself_o be_v a_o destructive_a contrariety_n become_v only_o a_o diversity_n to_o preserve_v the_o compound_a being_n that_o result_v from_o they_o thus_o the_o wise_a and_o gracious_a providence_n of_o god_n make_v all_o thing_n even_o the_o most_o adverse_a to_o conspire_v for_o the_o final_a happiness_n of_o his_o faithful_a servant_n their_o light_a affliction_n that_o be_v but_o for_o a_o moment_n work_v out_o for_o they_o a_o far_o more_o exceed_v and_o eternal_a weight_n of_o glory_n this_o make_v they_o to_o possess_v their_o soul_n in_o patience_n to_o rejoice_v in_o hope_n and_o to_o be_v triumphant_a conqueror_n over_o the_o great_a outward_a trouble_n who_o can_v dispute_v felicity_n with_o that_o person_n who_o be_v upon_o certain_a ground_n persuade_v that_o nothing_o shall_v separate_v he_o from_o the_o love_n of_o god_n nay_o that_o the_o worst_a evil_n he_o suffer_v promoet_n his_o supreme_a happiness_n for_o the_o affliction_n that_o befall_v a_o christian_a upon_o the_o account_n of_o religion_n render_v he_o more_o dear_a to_o god_n and_o those_o that_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o his_o sin_n if_o humble_o submit_v to_o and_o improve_v for_o holy_a end_n confirm_v his_o faith_n in_o the_o divine_a mercy_n the_o gospel_n be_v that_o paradise_n wherein_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n be_v who_o leaf_n be_v for_o the_o heal_a the_o nation_n 4._o christian_n religion_n promise_v for_o the_o reward_n of_o obedience_n a_o blessedness_n most_o become_v the_o glorious_a goodness_n of_o god_n to_o bestow_v and_o the_o reasonable_a creature_n to_o desire_v that_o be_v the_o perfection_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o his_o most_o noble_a faculty_n in_o the_o clear_a vision_n and_o full_a enjoyment_n of_o god_n himself_o in_o a_o perfect_a eternal_a state_n the_o heathen_n wretched_o mistake_v in_o their_o opinion_n about_o the_o last_o end_n of_o man._n there_o be_v a_o secret_a instinct_n in_o the_o humane_a nature_n towards_o a_o felicity_n suitable_a to_o the_o more_o excellent_a and_o divine_a part_n but_o stifle_v under_o darkness_n and_o concupiscence_n that_o be_v become_v a_o second_o nature_n reason_n be_v mislead_v by_o sense_n after_o the_o fickle_a appearance_n the_o deceitful_a vanish_v colour_n of_o good_n and_o this_o be_v a_o certain_a indication_n that_o man_n be_v fall_v from_o the_o degree_n of_o his_o original_a perfection_n for_o if_o he_o have_v be_v never_o corrupt_v he_o shall_v enjoy_v with_o assurance_n true_a &_o complete_a happiness_n if_o he_o have_v be_v always_o corrupt_v there_o will_v be_v no_o glimmer_a idea_n of_o a_o happiness_n above_o what_o this_o present_a world_n afford_v no_o inclination_n towards_o it_o this_o be_v the_o spring_n of_o his_o misery_n and_o sin_n that_o the_o spiritual_a eternal_a good_a be_v undiscerned_a unregarded_a whilst_o he_o seek_v for_o happiness_n in_o numberless_a vanity_n the_o philosopher_n themselves_o be_v extreme_o divide_v and_o mistake_v in_o this_o main_a point_n this_o be_v indeed_o the_o masterpiece_n for_o which_o all_o their_o philosophy_n be_v design_v and_o their_o pretence_n to_o make_v this_o discovery_n give_v they_o reputation_n from_o all_o part_n some_o come_v to_o athens_n as_o the_o universal_a mart_n to_o be_v furnish_v with_o felicity_n from_o hence_o spring_v the_o variety_n of_o sect_n among_o they_o by_o this_o livery_n they_o be_v distinguish_v for_o philosophy_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o life_n be_v specify_v by_o the_o end_n to_o which_o it_o lead_v from_o hence_o arise_v their_o sharp_a contention_n every_o sect_n be_v concern_v to_o defend_v their_o palladium_n and_o as_o the_o wasp_n fly_v about_o with_o noise_n and_o sting_v those_o who_o provoke_v they_o &_o make_v comb_n like_o bee_n but_o without_o wax_n or_o honey_n thus_o the_o philosopher_n be_v full_a of_o glorious_a presumption_n be_v vehement_a against_o dissenter_n and_o have_v the_o appearance_n of_o wisdom_n but_o afford_v no_o certain_a light_n to_o direct_v the_o mind_n no_o heavenly_a motive_n to_o allure_v the_o will._n they_o be_v not_o competent_a nor_o sincere_a searcher_n after_o true_a happiness_n for_o i._o the_o darkness_n wherein_o all_o man_n be_v bear_v involve_a they_o and_o without_o
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dregs_o of_o sensuality_n for_o this_o they_o allege_v epicurus_n himself_o depreciate_a carnal_a pleasure_n and_o extol_v virtue_n as_o the_o great_a composer_n of_o the_o soul_n but_o in_o vain_a they_o wash_v this_o voluptuous_a swine_n for_o 1._o those_o sentence_n of_o a_o more_o noble_a and_o generous_a strain_n might_n as_o flash_n of_o lightning_n from_o a_o black_a cloud_n break_v forth_o of_o his_o conscience_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o darkness_n that_o cover_v it_o yet_o sense_n may_v be_v his_o predominent_a principle_n 2._o he_o be_v a_o crafty_a spirit_n and_o make_v use_n of_o some_o beautiful_a expression_n fin_n to_o lessen_v the_o horror_n that_o his_o doctrine_n naked_o propose_v will_v cause_v in_o sober_a person_n sometime_o he_o speak_v with_o a_o grave_a air_n as_o a_o philosopher_n that_o true_a happiness_n consist_v in_o the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o mind_n at_o other_o time_n that_o there_o be_v no_o solid_a happiness_n but_o what_o may_v be_v taste_v and_o enjoy_v by_o the_o sense_n he_o be_v a_o politician_n and_o will_v not_o scandalize_v the_o severe_a nor_o alienate_v the_o dissolute_a from_o he_o omnibus_fw-la tully_n observe_v that_o the_o secret_n of_o his_o school_n the_o pernicious_a lesson_n of_o sensuality_n be_v not_o communicate_v to_o all_o but_o those_o who_o have_v intimate_v conversation_n with_o he_o have_v a_o free_a indulgence_n for_o their_o lust_n aristotle_n place_n happiness_n in_o all_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o body_n and_o mind_n with_o the_o confluence_n of_o all_o external_n thing_n as_o necessary_a ingredient_n of_o it_o but_o this_o only_a respect_n man_n in_o the_o present_a state_n in_o the_o world_n and_o be_v his_o opinion_n true_a yet_o his_o description_n will_v cause_v despair_n of_o obtain_v that_o happiness_n for_o how_o can_v any_o single_a person_n expect_v a_o entire_a union_n of_o all_o such_o perfection_n in_o himself_o as_o be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v in_o all_o man_n together_o the_o stoic_n asserted_a felicity_n to_o consist_v only_o in_o virtue_n but_o this_o be_v contrary_n to_o reason_n &_o humanity_n for_o the_o union_n of_o the_o physical_a good_a with_o the_o moral_a be_v requisite_a to_o give_v satisfaction_n to_o the_o faculty_n of_o man_n ‖_o plato_n and_o his_o follower_n in_o who_o sympos_fw-la natural_a reason_n ascend_v as_o high_a as_o in_o any_o of_o the_o gentile_n have_v a_o glimpse_n of_o the_o true_a blessedness_n of_o man_n as_o consist_v in_o his_o likeness_n to_o god_n and_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o he_o but_o their_o knowledge_n be_v shadow_v with_o much_o ignorance_n their_o hope_n mix_v with_o doubtful_a fear_n they_o have_v rather_o suspicious_a and_o wander_a desire_n than_o solid_a apprehension_n and_o firm_a expectation_n of_o it_o brief_o no_o spark_n strike_v out_o of_o humane_a intellectual_n be_v sufficient_a to_o give_v light_n or_o heat_n to_o direct_v in_o the_o clear_a way_n and_o to_o animate_v against_o the_o intervening_a difficulty_n that_o hinder_v man_n in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o blessedness_n this_o be_v the_o state_n of_o the_o pagan_a world_n till_o light_n and_o immortality_n be_v bring_v to_o light_v through_o the_o gospel_n the_o quality_n of_o this_o life_n be_v therein_o reveal_v it_o be_v a_o pure_a and_o holy_a felicity_n consist_v in_o the_o perpetual_a exercise_n of_o the_o most_o excellent_a action_n the_o intelligent_a nature_n be_v capable_a of_o that_o be_v in_o the_o perfect_a knowledge_n and_o love_n and_o praise_n of_o god_n himself_o the_o subject_n of_o it_o be_v the_o entire_a man_n for_o this_o end_n the_o body_n shall_v be_v raise_v from_o its_o dead_a sleep_n to_o a_o eternal_a life_n the_o place_n be_v the_o high_a heaven_n frame_v by_o the_o divine_a power_n for_o the_o seat_n of_o his_o majesty_n the_o kingdom_n of_o his_o love_n wherein_o he_o will_v manifest_v himself_o to_o his_o favourit_n and_o can_v there_o be_v a_o strong_a attractive_a a_o more_o noble_a inducement_n to_o make_v we_o holy_a secular_a reward_n as_o riches_n and_o honour_n and_o the_o like_a be_v extrinsical_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o goodness_n and_o to_o do_v our_o duty_n with_o such_o low_a aim_n and_o expectation_n be_v to_o be_v defective_a in_o the_o best_a part_n of_o it_o the_o love_n of_o virtue_n for_o its_o inherent_a excellence_n but_o the_o divine_a reward_n be_v the_o perfection_n of_o holiness_n the_o glory_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o belief_n and_o regard_n of_o it_o have_v a_o powerful_a influence_n to_o make_v we_o true_o good_a the_o faith_n in_o this_o make_v we_o victorious_a over_o all_o the_o charm_n and_o all_o the_o cruelty_n of_o the_o world_n for_o what_o can_v possible_o come_v into_o competition_n with_o a_o happiness_n infinite_a in_o its_o greatness_n and_o duration_n i_o will_v only_o add_v that_o though_o heaven_n be_v so_o rich_a a_o jewel_n that_o it_o need_v no_o foil_n to_o set_v off_o its_o lustre_n to_o those_o who_o be_v clear_o sight_v to_o behold_v it_o yet_o in_o a_o merciful_a compassion_n to_o man_n the_o gospel_n reveal_v what_o will_v be_v the_o recompense_n of_o wilful_a continue_a disobedience_n a_o eternal_a hell_n wherein_o the_o justice_n and_o power_n of_o god_n be_v terrible_o glorify_v and_o what_o be_v more_o powerful_a to_o excite_v the_o sensual_a and_o secure_a who_o despise_v the_o bless_a hope_n than_o the_o fear_n of_o a_o immortal_a death_n now_o after_o this_o short_a delineation_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n let_v reason_n judge_v whether_o it_o be_v the_o invention_n of_o men._n the_o doctrine_n of_o it_o shine_v with_o so_o clear_a a_o evidence_n the_o precept_n be_v so_o pure_a able_a to_o inspire_v we_o with_o true_a holiness_n the_o promise_n be_v so_o divine_a that_o every_o one_o who_o do_v not_o wilful_o shut_v his_o eye_n or_o turn_v they_o to_o other_o thing_n may_v discern_v its_o original_a to_o be_v from_o above_o that_o it_o come_v from_o the_o fountain_n of_o wisdom_n holiness_n and_o goodness_n what_o be_v all_o the_o production_n of_o the_o earth_n to_o this_o sacred_a present_n of_o heaven_n if_o there_o be_v any_o shadow_n of_o virtue_n in_o other_o religion_n here_o the_o reality_n be_v in_o the_o high_a perfection_n and_o separate_v from_o all_o vicious_a mixture_n christianity_n enjoin_v universal_a sincerity_n and_o purity_n of_o heart_n and_o life_n it_o instruct_v man_n to_o appear_v what_o he_o be_v by_o a_o humble_a acknowledgement_n of_o his_o sinful_a unworthiness_n and_o to_o be_v what_o he_o appear_v by_o a_o inward_a love_n and_o real_a practice_n of_o that_o religion_n of_o which_o he_o make_v a_o public_a profession_n it_o impress_n a_o more_o noble_a character_n upon_o moral_a virtue_n by_o enjoin_v they_o from_o a_o principle_n of_o love_n to_o god_n and_o direct_v their_o performance_n to_o his_o glory_n than_o philosophy_n do_v that_o command_v they_o only_o as_o agreeable_a to_o humane_a reason_n what_o be_v all_o the_o most_o beautiful_a excitation_n of_o philosophy_n to_o the_o high_a motive_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o apply_v ourselves_o to_o the_o write_n of_o the_o wise_a heathen_n in_o order_n to_o our_o happiness_n and_o to_o neglect_v the_o scripture_n be_v to_o he_o guilty_a of_o worse_a folly_n than_o the_o barbarous_a indian_n at_o mexico_n who_o ind._n though_o their_o wood_n abound_v with_o wax_n the_o labour_n of_o the_o bee_n yet_o only_o make_v use_n of_o brand_v that_o afford_v a_o little_a light_n with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o smoke_n upon_o the_o most_o impartial_a inquiry_n and_o exact_a search_n reason_n will_v conclude_v either_o there_o be_v no_o bless_a end_n for_o which_o man_n be_v design_v by_o his_o maker_n or_o the_o gospel_n only_o have_v reveal_v it_o and_o the_o effectual_a mean_n to_o obtain_v it_o so_o that_o we_o must_v say_v with_o the_o zeal_n and_o affection_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o jesus_n christ_n lord_n to_o who_o
shall_v we_o goithou_a have_v the_o word_n of_o eternal_a life_n chap._n iii_o the_o external_n proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n consider_v miracle_n be_v only_o perform_v by_o god_n why_o christianity_n be_v confirm_v by_o they_o the_o number_n of_o christ_n miracle_n the_o manner_n of_o his_o perform_v they_o and_o their_o certainty_n consider_v the_o miracle_n do_v by_o christ_n to_o confirm_v his_o doctrine_n be_v a_o authentic_a testimony_n that_o god_n approve_v it_o the_o pretence_n of_o libertine_n that_o the_o heathen_a religion_n be_v confirm_v by_o miracle_n clear_o disprove_v the_o rational_a assurance_n we_o have_v that_o the_o apostle_n be_v sincere_a and_o certain_a of_o the_o miraculous_a thing_n relate_v by_o they_o of_o jesus_n christ._n his_o resurrection_n attest_v by_o sufficient_a evidence_n we_o be_v next_o to_o consider_v those_o external_a proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n the_o work_n of_o god_n himself_o that_o seal_v our_o 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blind_a it_o can_v only_o be_v do_v by_o his_o hand_n if_o we_o respect_v omipotency_n there_o be_v the_o same_o facility_n if_o the_o thing_n do_v there_o be_v the_o same_o difficulty_n in_o the_o performance_n if_o the_o devil_n have_v such_o a_o power_n they_o may_v create_v a_o separate_a kingdom_n and_o reign_v there_o now_o miraculous_a testimony_n be_v give_v to_o confirm_v christianity_n that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o just_a correspondence_n between_o its_o doctrine_n and_o their_o proof_n the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o their_o existence_n be_v above_o all_o natural_a power_n and_o in_o their_o belief_n above_o the_o natural_a understanding_n all_o that_o nature_n can_v do_v or_o know_v do_v not_o make_v they_o credible_a therefore_o it_o be_v requisite_a those_o thing_n shall_v be_v confirm_v by_o the_o divine_a power_n that_o transcend_v the_o comprehension_n of_o humane_a reason_n beside_o as_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v sublime_a so_o the_o reward_n be_v future_a and_o that_o the_o gentile_n may_v not_o pretend_v that_o the_o preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n feign_v another_o world_n and_o a_o heaven_n and_o a_o hell_n wherein_o the_o soul_n and_o body_n of_o man_n shall_v be_v glorify_v or_o torment_v according_a to_o their_o action_n in_o this_o life_n supernatural_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o promise_n and_o threaten_n be_v necessary_a in_o short_a herein_o the_o divine_a goodness_n appear_v that_o as_o the_o true_a religion_n be_v necessary_a to_o the_o salvation_n of_o all_o man_n so_o it_o be_v discernible_a by_o such_o sign_n as_o may_v convince_v all_o for_o upon_o the_o sight_n of_o those_o divine_a work_n the_o simple_a people_n be_v lead_v by_o the_o outward_a sense_n to_o a_o inward_a firm_a faith_n in_o jesus_n christ._n these_o thing_n be_v premise_v i_o will_v take_v a_o brief_a view_n of_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o our_o saviour_n to_o give_v faith_n to_o his_o doctrine_n it_o be_v record_v of_o moses_n who_o be_v a_o type_n of_o christ_n that_o after_o his_o familiar_a converse_n with_o god_n as_o a_o man_n with_o his_o friend_n descend_v from_o the_o mount_n his_o face_n shine_v with_o such_o a_o excessive_a brightness_n as_o it_o be_v by_o reflection_n from_o the_o face_n of_o god_n that_o come_v to_o the_o israelite_n to_o deliver_v to_o they_o the_o divine_a law_n he_o be_v fain_o to_o cover_v it_o with_o a_o vail_n yet_o some_o ray_n of_o that_o miraculous_a splendour_n be_v visible_a through_o that_o mysterious_a veil_n to_o assure_v they_o it_o be_v moses_n himself_o that_o direct_v and_o govern_v they_o according_a to_o god_n will._n thus_o when_o the_o son_n of_o god_n come_v down_o from_o the_o heaven_n of_o heaven_n to_o instruct_v the_o world_n he_o shade_v the_o light_n of_o the_o deity_n with_o a_o vail_n of_o flesh_n yet_o he_o be_v not_o so_o absolute_o conceal_v under_o his_o humanity_n but_o that_o from_o time_n to_o time_n some_o beam_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n appear_v in_o work_n so_o proper_a to_o god_n that_o the_o apostle_n say_v we_o see_v his_o glory_n as_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o only_o beget_v son_n of_o god_n in_o the_o representation_n of_o our_o saviour_n miracle_n by_o the_o evangelist_n we_o may_v consider_v their_o number_n and_o variety_n his_o manner_n of_o perform_v they_o and_o the_o certainty_n of_o they_o 1._o their_o number_n and_o variety_n he_o go_v about_o all_o galilee_n heal_v all_o manner_n of_o sickness_n and_o disease_n even_o the_o most_o incurable_a the_o blind_a the_o deaf_a the_o lame_a the_o paralitic_a the_o hydropic_a the_o leprous_a the_o lunatic_n be_v cure_v he_o raise_v the_o dead_a and_o cast_v out_o devil_n beside_o his_o miraculous_a feed_n so_o many_o thousand_o his_o command_v the_o enrage_a wind_n and_o sea_n to_o be_v still_o and_o a_o great_a calm_a follow_v his_o transfiguration_n before_o his_o disciple_n when_o the_o beauty_n of_o heaven_n descend_v on_o his_o countenance_n to_o be_v there_o more_o beautiful_a discover_v the_o sensible_a presence_n of_o the_o deity_n in_o he_o 2._o the_o manner_n of_o his_o perform_v they_o be_v very_o considerable_a they_o be_v do_v in_o a_o instant_n by_o absolute_a dominion_n over_o nature_n thus_o when_o he_o say_v to_o the_o leper_n i_o will_v be_v thou_o clean_a immediate_o his_o leprosy_n be_v cleanse_v thus_o when_o the_o faithful_a centurion_n address_v himself_o to_o he_o only_o speak_v the_o word_n and_o my_o servant_n shall_v be_v heal_v he_o answer_v be_v it_o do_v unto_o thou_o as_o thou_o believe_v and_o his_o servant_n be_v heal_v etc._n etc._n both_o expression_n of_o command_n and_o empire_n and_o his_o word_n to_o the_o blindman_n receive_v thy_o sight_n have_v the_o same_o create_a efficacy_n with_o those_o let_v there_o be_v light_n and_o there_o be_v light_n thus_o with_o authority_n he_o command_v the_o unclean_a spirit_n even_o the_o most_o furious_a and_o obstinate_a and_o they_o be_v expel_v from_o those_o mansion_n wherein_o they_o have_v revel_v a_o long_a time_n thus_o by_o the_o mere_a act_n of_o his_o will_n he_o reverse_v the_o order_n of_o nature_n when_o the_o widow_n son_n be_v carry_v to_o the_o grave_a he_o only_o say_v young_a man_n i_o say_v unto_o thou_o arise_v and_o he_o that_o be_v dead_a sit_v up_o and_o begin_v to_o speak_v now_o in_o this_o respect_n the_o power_n of_o miracle_n in_o jesus_n christ_n be_v transcendent_a above_o that_o that_o either_o moses_n or_o the_o prophet_n or_o the_o apostle_n have_v it_o be_v derive_v to_o they_o by_o favour_n and_o commission_n from_o a_o extrinsic_a superior_a principle_n the_o omnipotence_n of_o god_n but_o it_o be_v inherent_a in_o his_o person_n the_o natural_a proper_a attribute_n of_o his_o deity_n and_o prove_v he_o to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n the_o lord_n of_o nature_n visible_a in_o humane_a flesh_n in_o all_o place_n this_o bless_a virtue_n proceed_v from_o he_o 3._o the_o certainty_n of_o his_o perform_v they_o be_v so_o great_a that_o no_o shadow_n of_o suspicion_n can_v remain_v about_o it_o vitruvius_n the_o master_n of_o architect_n give_v advice_n to_o those_o who_o build_v temple_n to_o aesculapius_n 2._o or_o any_o other_o of_o the_o heathen_a deity_n that_o be_v invocate_v by_o the_o sick_a that_o they_o shall_v choose_v such_o place_n as_o be_v open_a to_o the_o most_o favourable_a aspect_n and_o influence_n of_o the_o heaven_n where_o there_o be_v a_o well-tempered_a soil_n clear_a air_n pure_a spring_n of_o water_n that_o diseased-person_n come_v from_o unhealthyplace_n may_v obtain_v recovery_n and_o what_o be_v the_o benefit_n of_o nature_n may_v be_v attribute_v to_o the_o divine_a virtue_n of_o aesculapius_n thus_o that_o idolater_n counsel_v for_o the_o honour_n of_o his_o false_a go_n but_o in_o this_o he_o judge_v aright_o that_o the_o power_n of_o the_o deity_n be_v believe_v
world_n otherwise_o than_o they_o receive_v they_o this_o be_v to_o charge_v they_o with_o the_o most_o supine_n carelessness_n and_o unnatural_a cruelty_n beside_o the_o great_a number_n of_o copy_n disperse_v through_o all_o place_n and_o translate_v into_o many_o language_n and_o read_v in_o all_o christian_a assembly_n make_v the_o attempt_n to_o falsify_v they_o in_o thing_n of_o moment_n to_o be_v moral_o impossible_a this_o will_v be_v more_o clear_a if_o we_o consider_v that_o among_o christian_n there_o have_v be_v so_o many_o person_n wise_a and_o good_a of_o excellent_a learning_n and_o virtue_n and_o of_o diverse_a country_n that_o by_o their_o office_n be_v establish_v the_o depository_n of_o those_o precious_a write_n and_o be_v there_o any_o colourable_a pretence_n to_o imagine_v that_o they_o shall_v suffer_v any_o notable_a alteration_n in_o they_o much_o less_o conspire_v to_o make_v a_o change_n in_o any_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n or_o life_n therein_o deliver_v to_o give_v reputation_n and_o credit_n to_o a_o lie_n intitle_v it_o to_o divine_a revelation_n especial_o in_o matter_n of_o eternal_a consequence_n be_v such_o a_o black_a crime_n that_o none_o can_v be_v presume_v capable_a of_o but_o one_o that_o have_v utter_o lose_v his_o conscience_n i_o shall_v not_o here_o urge_v that_o the_o immortal_a providence_n of_o god_n be_v eminent_o interest_v in_o preserve_v the_o scripture_n in_o sufficient_a purity_n it_o be_v a_o vile_a imputation_n upon_o his_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n to_o believe_v that_o he_o will_v permit_v they_o to_o be_v undiscernable_o corrupt_v in_o point_n important_a to_o his_o own_o glory_n and_o man_n salvation_n thus_o a_o snare_n will_v be_v lay_v without_o possibility_n of_o prevention_n and_o the_o embrace_a error_n instead_o of_o truth_n will_v be_v innocent_a but_o this_o argument_n though_o incomparable_o the_o best_a suppose_v that_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n descend_v from_o heaven_n the_o proof_n of_o which_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v 3._o i_o will_v not_o insist_v on_o the_o proof_n of_o all_o the_o mysterious_a point_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n single_o consider_v but_o propound_v the_o argument_n that_o evince_v the_o truth_n of_o that_o religion_n wherein_o they_o be_v express_o and_o clear_o contain_v and_o from_o thence_o conclude_v that_o it_o be_v most_o reasonable_a to_o believe_v they_o as_o in_o besiege_v a_o town_n the_o assailant_n do_v not_o attack_v every_o particular_a house_n but_o vigorous_o press_v on_o to_o possess_v themselves_o of_o the_o citadel_n that_o command_v the_o whole_a and_o with_o that_o all_o the_o house_n be_v conquer_v that_o divine_a revelation_n be_v infallible_a be_v a_o acknowledge_a principle_n by_o all_o man_n for_o natural_a reason_n dictate_v that_o unerring_a wisdom_n and_o infinite_a goodness_n be_v essential_a perfection_n of_o god_n so_o that_o he_o can_v be_v deceive_v nor_o deceive_v those_o that_o trust_v in_o his_o word_n 4._o the_o proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n be_v of_o a_o moral_a nature_n and_o though_o not_o of_o equal_a clearness_n with_o the_o testimony_n of_o sense_n or_o a_o mathematical_a demonstration_n yet_o be_v so_o pregnant_a and_o convince_a that_o the_o consider_v dispassionate_a spirit_n full_o acquiesce_n in_o they_o a_o mathematical_a demonstration_n bring_v so_o strong_a a_o light_n that_o the_o mind_n can_v suspend_v its_o assent_n but_o be_v present_o overcome_v by_o the_o naked_a propound_v of_o the_o object_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o in_o mathematical_a matter_n there_o be_v neither_o infidel_n nor_o heretic_n but_o the_o motive_n of_o faith_n be_v such_o that_o although_o the_o object_n be_v most_o certain_a yet_o the_o evidence_n be_v not_o so_o clear_a and_o irresistible_a as_o that_o which_o flow_v from_o sense_n or_o a_o demonstration_n and_o it_o be_v the_o excellent_a observation_n christ._n of_o ‖_o grotius_n god_n have_v wise_o appoint_v this_o way_n of_o persuade_v man_n the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o faith_n may_v be_v accept_v as_o a_o act_n of_o obedience_n from_o the_o reasonable_a creature_n for_o the_o argument_n to_o induce_v belief_n though_o of_o sufficient_a certainty_n yet_o do_v not_o so_o constrain_v the_o mind_n to_o give_v its_o assent_n but_o there_o be_v prudence_n and_o choice_n in_o it_o not_o that_o the_o will_n can_v make_v a_o direct_a impression_n upon_o the_o mind_n that_o it_o shall_v comply_v with_o its_o desire_n and_o see_v what_o it_o do_v not_o see_v it_o can_v make_v a_o obscure_a object_n to_o be_v clear_a to_o its_o perception_n no_o more_o than_o it_o can_v change_v the_o colour_n of_o visible_a thing_n and_o make_v what_o appear_v green_a to_o the_o eye_n to_o seem_v red_a but_o the_o mind_n enlighten_v by_o sufficient_a reason_n that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v from_o god_n represent_v it_o so_o to_o the_o will_n and_o the_o will_n if_o sincere_a and_o unbiased_a by_o carnal_a affection_n command_v the_o mind_n not_o to_o disguise_v the_o truth_n to_o make_v it_o less_o credible_a nor_o to_o palliate_v with_o spetion_n colour_n the_o pretence_n of_o infidelity_n and_o thus_o the_o belief_n of_o it_o result_v from_o conviction_n and_o love_n this_o moral_a evidence_n be_v as_o convince_a as_n be_v requisite_a to_o make_v we_o steadfast_o believe_v and_o obey_v the_o gospel_n moral_a argument_n produce_v as_o satisfy_a certainty_n though_o not_o so_o palpable_a as_o those_o draw_v from_o sense_n when_o there_o be_v a_o concurrence_n of_o reason_n proper_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o the_o strong_a they_o be_v capable_a of_o by_o their_o unite_a light_n they_o dispel_v all_o doubt_n and_o fear_n of_o the_o contrary_n for_o after_o the_o understanding_n have_v deliberate_o and_o impartial_o compare_v the_o motive_n and_o argument_n in_o favour_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o thing_n and_o those_o that_o contradict_v it_o and_o find_v the_o most_o weighty_a moment_n of_o reason_n in_o one_o scale_n for_o it_o and_o in_o the_o other_o nothing_o but_o air_n and_o emptiness_n it_o conclude_v without_o hesitation_n or_o suspense_n that_o such_o a_o thing_n be_v real_a and_o as_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o a_o physical_a demonstration_n concern_v the_o existence_n of_o a_o thing_n shall_v be_v deceitful_a because_o the_o two_o part_n of_o a_o contradiction_n as_o of_o the_o be_v and_o not_o be_v of_o a_o thing_n can_v be_v true_a so_o there_o be_v as_o it_o be_v a_o equal_a repugnance_n that_o a_o moral_a demonstration_n form_v upon_o the_o best_a argument_n the_o matter_n will_v admit_v shall_v deceive_v the_o mind_n it_o present_v the_o object_n without_o a_o cloud_n so_o that_o the_o understanding_n have_v a_o undoubted_a assurance_n of_o it_o to_o proceed_v the_o intrinsic_a excellency_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n will_v appear_v by_o consider_v the_o doctrine_n precept_n and_o promise_v it_o contain_v which_o be_v the_o essential_a part_n of_o religion_n and_o of_o they_o in_o general_n we_o may_v observe_v 1._o the_o gospel_n illustrate_v and_o establish_v all_o the_o natural_a principle_n of_o truth_n and_o goodness_n that_o be_v common_a to_o mankind_n the_o rule_n of_o moral_a action_n and_o reveal_v all_o supernatural_a thing_n requisite_a for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o supreme_a happiness_n of_o man_n that_o rectify_v reason_n upon_o the_o discovery_n must_v acknowledge_v it_o come_v from_o heaven_n and_o infallible_o lead_v those_o who_o believe_v and_o obey_v it_o to_o heaven_n 2._o there_o be_v such_o a_o entire_a agreement_n between_o all_o the_o part_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n for_o the_o accomplish_n its_o great_a end_n as_o afford_v a_o clear_a conviction_n it_o be_v no_o humane_a invention_n but_o from_o god_n as_o the_o harmonious_a composition_n the_o beautiful_a order_n and_o uniform_a preservation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v a_o sensible_a demonstration_n that_o it_o proceed_v from_o a_o most_o wise_a powerful_a and_o good_a cause_n in_o particular_a the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n contain_v beside_o what_o may_v be_v know_v of_o god_n and_o of_o man_n by_o natural_a light_n two_o principal_a point_n a_o account_n of_o the_o corruption_n and_o misery_n of_o mankind_n in_o its_o first_o cause_n and_o his_o redemption_n effectual_o accomplish_v by_o the_o son_n of_o god_n the_o discovery_n of_o both_o be_v equal_o necessary_a to_o man._n the_o first_o make_v he_o understand_v the_o depth_n of_o his_o guiltiness_n that_o he_o be_v incomparable_o more_o wretched_a than_o he_o feel_v himself_o clear_v the_o purity_n and_o justice_n of_o god_n in_o his_o deal_n with_o man_n and_o prepare_v he_o by_o the_o afflict_a sense_n of_o his_o condition_n for_o mercy_n and_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o divine_a redeemer_n powerful_a to_o restore_v he_o be_v as_o necessary_a in_o order_n to_o his_o duty_n and_o happiness_n for_o without_o it_o he_o will_v be_v always_o torment_v with_o
the_o mournful_a remembrance_n of_o his_o lose_a felicity_n and_o harden_v in_o despair_n 1._o the_o christian_a religion_n give_v a_o full_a account_n of_o the_o depravation_n and_o misery_n of_o humane_a nature_n in_o its_o first_o cause_n the_o heathen_n feel_v a_o insuperable_a permanent_a discord_n in_o man_n between_o the_o upper_a faculty_n and_o the_o low_a appetite_n but_o be_v utter_o ignorant_a of_o the_o cause_n of_o it_o now_o the_o scripture_n reveal_v that_o man_n in_o the_o original_a frame_n of_o his_o nature_n be_v regular_a and_o holy_a a_o piece_n of_o workmanship_n worthy_a the_o perfection_n of_o his_o creator_n but_o he_o abuse_v his_o liberty_n to_o break_v the_o first_o command_n which_o be_v give_v for_o the_o trial_n of_o his_o obedience_n he_o yield_v to_o the_o enticement_n of_o a_o fall_v spirit_n who_o be_v a_o liar_n that_o he_o may_v be_v a_o murderer_n and_o by_o his_o revolt_n from_o god_n lose_v his_o holiness_n and_o make_v a_o forfeiture_n of_o all_o the_o privilege_n of_o his_o happy_a state_n thus_o the_o fountain_n be_v taint_v and_o who_o can_v bring_v a_o clean_a thing_n out_o of_o a_o unclean_a by_o the_o offence_n of_o one_o judgement_n come_v upon_o all_o to_o condemnation_n every_o man_n be_v now_o bear_v a_o slave_n of_o sin_n a_o tributary_n of_o death_n from_o hence_o it_o follow_v that_o the_o most_o deform_a monster_n in_o villainy_n the_o most_o fierce_a enemy_n of_o religion_n serve_v to_o confirm_v its_o truth_n as_o well_o as_o the_o most_o eminent_a saint_n these_o show_v the_o virtue_n of_o redemption_n by_o the_o sanctity_n of_o their_o life_n the_o other_o the_o corruption_n of_o nature_n by_o their_o obstinate_a wickedness_n 2._o the_o christian_a religion_n instruct_v we_o that_o god_n send_v his_o own_o son_n into_o the_o world_n in_o the_o humane_a nature_n that_o he_o may_v offer_v up_o himself_o a_o expiatory_a sacrifice_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n to_o restore_v they_o to_o his_o favour_n this_o be_v a_o mystery_n above_o the_o flight_n of_o any_o create_a understanding_n yet_o it_o be_v so_o temper_v and_o frame_v there_o be_v such_o a_o uniformity_n of_o wisdom_n in_o all_o its_o part_n it_o present_v such_o a_o full_a and_o glorious_a image_n of_o the_o deity_n in_o all_o his_o perfection_n that_o it_o cause_v the_o high_a admiration_n and_o command_v belief_n in_o those_o who_o due_o consider_v it_o the_o whole_a oeconomy_n become_v the_o majesty_n the_o goodness_n the_o holiness_n and_o justice_n of_o god_n his_o supreme_a majesty_n appear_v in_o his_o pardon_v the_o guilty_a for_o the_o suffering_n of_o another_o for_o this_o be_v a_o infallible_a proof_n that_o he_o be_v above_o law_n and_o his_o inconceiveable_a mercy_n be_v the_o only_a principle_n and_o fountain_n of_o our_o pardon_n for_o man_n be_v absolute_o uncapable_a to_o merit_v the_o favour_n or_o to_o repair_v the_o honour_n of_o god_n so_o injure_v by_o his_o inexcusable_a disobedience_n repentance_n can_v produce_v such_o great_a effect_n what_o merit_n can_v there_o be_v in_o the_o sorrowful_a sense_n and_o confession_n of_o that_o which_o deserve_v eternal_a death_n beside_o a_o extreme_a hatred_n of_o sin_n a_o ardent_a love_n of_o holiness_n serious_a resolution_n to_o follow_v it_o what_o ever_o it_o cost_v which_o be_v the_o best_a part_n of_o repentance_n be_v due_a to_o god_n before_o the_o commission_n of_o sin_n therefore_o can_v be_v satisfaction_n so_o that_o pure_a mercy_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o our_o forgiveness_n moreover_o god_n to_o glorify_v his_o holiness_n in_o declare_v his_o vehement_a and_o irreconcilable_a hatred_n to_o sin_n and_o to_o preserve_v the_o right_n of_o justice_n be_v please_v to_o appoint_v a_o all-sufficient_a mediator_n capable_a to_o offer_v himself_o a_o expiatory_a sacrifice_n for_o sin_n and_o to_o give_v a_o infinite_a value_n to_o it_o this_o be_v do_v by_o the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n the_o flesh_n and_o blood_n he_o take_v of_o our_o humanity_n be_v make_v divine_a by_o union_n with_o he_o and_o offer_v on_o the_o cross_n be_v full_a payment_n for_o our_o offence_n thus_o justice_n and_o mercy_n triumph_v with_o equal_a glory_n be_v equal_o victorious_a for_o what_o be_v more_o honourable_a to_o justice_n than_o satisfaction_n equal_a to_o the_o offence_n and_o what_o can_v more_o commend_v mercy_n than_o the_o most_o free_a and_o undeserved_a bestow_v the_o high_a price_n requisite_a for_o it_o thus_o the_o gospel_n afford_v to_o we_o a_o just_a and_o complete_a idea_n of_o the_o divine_a excellency_n in_o the_o redemption_n of_o man._n the_o design_n manner_n and_o the_o effect_n be_v most_o worthy_a of_o god_n where_o may_v such_o a_o contrivance_n of_o wisdom_n be_v frame_v but_o in_o the_o divine_a mind_n where_o can_v such_o a_o excess_n of_o compassion_n be_v find_v but_o in_o the_o heart_n of_o god_n thus_o it_o become_v god_n who_o be_v love_n to_o magnify_v his_o love_n to_o advance_v his_o dear_a glory_n and_o overcome_v our_o guilty_a disaffection_n to_o himself_o for_o while_o terrible_a apprehension_n of_o the_o deity_n possess_v the_o heart_n it_o be_v freeze_v with_o a_o stony_a rigour_n which_o the_o hope_n of_o mercy_n only_o can_v dissolve_v thus_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v worthy_a of_o all_o acceptation_n 2._o the_o christian_a religion_n set_v before_o we_o a_o rule_n of_o life_n pur_fw-mi and_o perspicuous_a in_o nothing_o superfluous_a or_o defective_a but_o comprehend_v the_o entire_a duty_n of_o man._n this_o be_v necessary_a in_o order_n to_o his_o recovery_n for_o in_o his_o fall_a state_n the_o law_n of_o nature_n be_v active_a in_o some_o thing_n but_o dormant_a in_o other_o the_o best_a moral_n of_o the_o heathen_n be_v dash_v with_o impure_a permission_n but_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n that_o bring_v salvation_n teach_v we_o that_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n we_o shall_v live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n it_o forbid_v all_o sin_n in_o all_o its_o degree_n not_o only_o the_o consummation_n of_o it_o in_o the_o act_n but_o the_o first_o conception_n of_o it_o in_o the_o thought_n and_o desire_n which_o argue_v that_o the_o lawgiver_n be_v more_o than_o a_o man_n have_v a_o inspection_n into_o the_o heart_n which_o be_v only_o visible_a to_o god_n and_o only_a accountable_a to_o he_o it_o teach_v we_o to_o worship_n god_n the_o supreme_a and_o pure_a spirit_n with_o the_o high_a esteem_n and_o with_o purity_n of_o affection_n it_o enjoin_v all_o relative_a duty_n to_o man_n in_o a_o most_o perfect_a manner_n what_o thing_n we_o will_v have_v other_o to_o do_v unto_o we_o suppose_v ourselves_o in_o their_o circumstance_n we_o be_v oblige_v to_o do_v to_o they_o this_o one_o law_n of_o christ_n eminent_o contain_v all_o other_o that_o respect_v society_n this_o be_v the_o primitive_a rule_n of_o commerce_n and_o direct_v our_o carriage_n towards_o all_o person_n with_o justice_n and_o equity_n kindness_n and_o decence_n the_o gospel_n also_o with_o respect_n to_o ourselves_o give_v a_o perfect_a rule_n to_o make_v we_o holy_a and_o bless_a it_o teach_v we_o the_o contempt_n of_o the_o world_n the_o valuation_n of_o heaven_n the_o restraint_n of_o corrupt_a sense_n and_o the_o angelical_a exercise_n of_o our_o affection_n in_o short_a it_o command_v the_o practice_n of_o all_o virtue_n and_o that_o we_o shall_v aspire_v to_o the_o most_o eminent_a degree_n in_o they_o but_o especial_o it_o enjoin_v humility_n and_o love_n to_o god_n the_o foundation_n and_o perfection_n of_o all_o virtue_n of_o which_o the_o precept_n of_o philosophy_n take_v little_a notice_n humility_n that_o be_v a_o lively_a deep_a sense_n that_o nothing_o be_v proper_o we_o but_o sin_n and_o misery_n arise_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o our_o absolute_a dependence_n upon_o god_n for_o our_o be_v and_o all_o the_o benefit_n we_o enjoy_v in_o nature_n or_o grace_n from_o hence_o gratitude_n spring_v it_o be_v most_o reasonable_a that_o our_o life_n shall_v be_v a_o continual_a expression_n of_o obedience_n from_o a_o noble_a and_o free_a principle_n of_o love_n to_o god_n and_o be_v design_v for_o his_o honour_n and_o that_o for_o all_o our_o advantage_n temporal_a or_o spiritual_a we_o shall_v only_o glory_v in_o he_o in_o this_o philosopher_n be_v very_o defective_a they_o consider_v man_n with_o respect_n to_o himself_o or_o to_o other_o creature_n without_o he_o and_o according_o the_o product_n of_o their_o precept_n be_v a_o certain_a moral_a honesty_n to_o do_v nothing_o unbecoming_a the_o reasonable_a nature_n nor_o to_o break_v the_o civil_a peace_n but_o they_o do_v not_o consider_v due_o his_o relation_n to_o the_o creator_n in_o who_o he_o live_v move_v and_o have_v his_o be_v from_o who_o proceed_v every_o good_a and_o perfect_a gift_n and_o by_o