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they_o on_o the_o bright_a side_n they_o appear_v great_a sublime_a and_o conformable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n worthy_a of_o god_n and_o close_o unite_v to_o the_o most_o inviolable_a principle_n both_o of_o our_o heart_n and_o understanding_n their_o greatness_n and_o sublimity_n cause_v such_o a_o admiration_n in_o those_o person_n who_o have_v the_o honour_n to_o divulge_v they_o to_o the_o world_n as_o they_o can_v not_o possible_o conceal_v for_o sometime_o they_o be_v force_v to_o declare_v that_o they_o be_v thing_n which_o eye_n have_v not_o see_v nor_o ear_n hear_v neither_o have_v enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n 1_o cor._n 2._o 9_o a_o expression_n which_o be_v as_o natural_a as_o full_a of_o energy_n and_o clear_o demonstrate_v what_o great_a idea_n they_o have_v of_o they_o another_o while_n they_o express_v themselves_o after_o this_o manner_n and_o without_o controversy_n great_a be_v the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n god_n be_v manifest_a in_o the_o 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they_o to_o it_o compare_v the_o notion_n of_o christianity_n with_o those_o of_o other_o religion_n and_o you_o will_v be_v convince_v of_o this_o truth_n but_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a that_o those_o mystery_n seem_v to_o we_o far_o above_o the_o capacity_n of_o man_n who_o can_v never_o have_v invent_v they_o and_o worthy_a the_o majesty_n of_o god_n who_o alone_o be_v able_a to_o reveal_v they_o to_o we_o we_o may_v also_o further_o add_v that_o the_o principle_n of_o reason_n and_o natural_a religion_n exact_o fall_v in_o with_o they_o for_o they_o be_v not_o like_o the_o idle_a tale_n and_o fiction_n of_o the_o poet_n which_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n former_o so_o eager_o embrace_v when_o at_o the_o same_o time_n their_o reason_n condemn_v they_o for_o it_o the_o creation_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n by_o a_o almighty_a be_v the_o redemption_n of_o the_o world_n by_o a_o mediator_n the_o expiatory_a sacrifice_n of_o christ_n the_o communion_n of_o saint_n the_o 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shall_v he_o make_v so_o many_o thing_n for_o the_o good_a and_o preservation_n of_o man_n that_o be_v not_o the_o end_n he_o be_v design_v for_o what_o will_v become_v of_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n and_o what_o will_v be_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o inward_a sense_n of_o conscience_n what_o will_v be_v the_o punishment_n reserve_v for_o the_o wicked_a and_o the_o reward_n which_o attend_v the_o just_a what_o will_v become_v of_o our_o soul_n since_o reason_n have_v teach_v we_o that_o the_o think_v principle_n within_o we_o be_v distinct_a from_o matter_n and_o that_o the_o soul_n depend_v not_o upon_o any_o dissolution_n of_o the_o part_n of_o matter_n whence_o be_v it_o that_o this_o soul_n have_v notion_n of_o its_o immortality_n what_o use_n will_v there_o be_v of_o equity_n and_o justice_n why_o may_v not_o man_n rather_o give_v themselves_o up_o to_o vice_n which_o will_v then_o be_v whole_o preferable_a before_o virtue_n who_o then_o will_v refuse_v to_o acknowledge_v such_o 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on_o the_o other_o not_o that_o they_o have_v or_o can_v contain_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v repugnant_a to_o sound_v and_o unprejudiced_a reason_n but_o it_o be_v because_o they_o can_v be_v fathom_v by_o our_o shallow_a understanding_n and_o that_o it_o be_v neither_o secure_a nor_o allowable_a or_o even_o possible_a for_o any_o man_n to_o search_v into_o the_o depth_n of_o they_o now_o though_o it_o be_v not_o absolute_o necessary_a for_o we_o to_o inquire_v why_o god_n be_v please_v not_o to_o explicate_v all_o difficulty_n in_o his_o mystery_n and_o though_o it_o be_v sufficient_a only_o to_o allege_v that_o such_o be_v his_o will_n and_o the_o decree_n of_o his_o wisdom_n yet_o we_o must_v not_o neglect_v to_o illustrate_v and_o interpret_v they_o as_o far_o as_o scripture_n and_o reason_n will_v permit_v every_o body_n know_v the_o difference_n between_o sight_n and_o faith_n sight_n admit_v of_o no_o difficulty_n but_o faith_n be_v intermix_v both_o with_o light_n and_o darkness_n both_o their_o object_n be_v very_o different_a from_o one_o another_o for_o we_o do_v not_o see_v what_o we_o believe_v and_o proper_o speak_v we_o do_v not_o believe_v that_o which_o we_o see_v to_o see_v be_v to_o perceive_v by_o one_o self_n but_o to_o believe_v be_v to_o perceive_v by_o another_o man_n eye_n sight_n be_v twofold_a that_o of_o the_o sense_n which_o perceive_v those_o object_n only_o that_o be_v suitable_a to_o its_o nature_n and_o that_o of_o the_o understanding_n when_o it_o judge_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n by_o its_o own_o proper_a light_n faith_n also_o be_v twofold_a humane_a and_o divine_a the_o first_o be_v that_o persuasion_n we_o have_v of_o sacred_a mystery_n ground_v upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o man_n and_o the_o other_o that_o which_o be_v establish_v upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n so_o that_o after_o what_o have_v be_v thus_o premise_v it_o be_v a_o easy_a matter_n to_o understand_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o apostle_n who_o 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phenomenon_n it_o will_v be_v also_o contrary_a to_o sense_n since_o all_o unanimous_o testify_v there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n but_o sense_n certify_v the_o existence_n of_o that_o phenomenon_n and_o reason_n be_v true_o persuade_v that_o it_o be_v so_o reason_n think_v it_o a_o very_a hard_a matter_n to_o understand_v and_o sense_n affirm_v not_o the_o contrary_a reason_n therefore_o and_o sense_n perfect_o well_o agree_v together_o and_o such_o be_v likewise_o the_o joint_a agreement_n of_o faith_n and_o reason_n in_o the_o great_a mystery_n of_o religion_n those_o be_v difficulty_n indeed_o worthy_a to_o be_v admire_v which_o philosophy_n so_o confident_o start_v up_o in_o matter_n of_o divinity_n there_o be_v many_o thing_n in_o nature_n who_o existence_n we_o ready_o own_o but_o nothing_o though_o inconsiderable_a in_o itself_o the_o manner_n of_o which_o we_o can_v comprehend_v and_o yet_o it_o never_o come_v into_o any_o man_n mind_n that_o have_v but_o common_a sense_n to_o 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nature_n and_o what_o be_v most_o surprise_a in_o the_o former_a of_o those_o two_o union_n be_v to_o see_v that_o the_o soul_n which_o be_v so_o noble_a a_o be_v shall_v be_v so_o close_o fasten_v and_o unite_v to_o matter_n and_o even_o depend_v upon_o it_o in_o all_o its_o operation_n now_o it_o be_v not_o so_o with_o the_o incarnation_n of_o christ_n and_o it_o can_v never_o be_v say_v that_o the_o divine_a nature_n depend_v on_o the_o humane_a but_o contrariwise_o it_o be_v the_o humane_a nature_n which_o depend_v on_o the_o divine_a in_o this_o union_n god_n remain_v the_o same_o as_o before_o all-perfect_a almighty_a all-full_a eternal_a and_o immutable_a but_o man_n be_v change_v and_o sanctify_a and_o exalt_v by_o it_o what_o inconveniency_n then_o can_v there_o result_v from_o it_o as_o it_o be_v surprise_v to_o see_v a_o most_o noble_a be_v subject_n to_o a_o less_o perfect_a be_v so_o it_o be_v natural_a for_o a_o less_o perfect_a be_v to_o be_v subject_a to_o one_o more_o 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it_o be_v depend_v upon_o matter_n by_o its_o union_n to_o it_o why_o shall_v we_o refuse_v to_o admit_v of_o a_o union_n which_o leave_v to_o god_n his_o entire_a independence_n and_o liberty_n and_o aim_v at_o nothing_o else_o but_o the_o bring_v the_o body_n and_o soul_n of_o christ_n in_o a_o great_a subjection_n to_o he_o we_o no_o soon_o embrace_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o incarnation_n but_o every_o thing_n that_o seem_v offensive_a in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christian_a religion_n will_v present_o vanish_v we_o shall_v then_o easy_o comprehend_v that_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o christ_n to_o die_v since_o he_o be_v man_n and_o that_o his_o death_n be_v infinite_o valuable_a since_o he_o be_v god_n and_o so_o great_a be_v the_o dignity_n which_o proceed_v from_o the_o union_n of_o those_o two_o nature_n that_o it_o make_v the_o death_n of_o christ_n equivalent_a to_o the_o punishment_n our_o sin_n have_v so_o just_o deserve_v we_o shall_v not_o then_o think_v it_o difficult_a to_o be_v full_o convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o lord_n for_o it_o will_v be_v unreasonable_a to_o suppose_v that_o a_o nature_n as_o have_v be_v honour_v with_o so_o particular_a a_o union_n to_o the_o deity_n shall_v yet_o have_v be_v for_o ever_o dissolve_v and_o remain_v to_o all_o eternity_n under_o the_o power_n of_o death_n but_o we_o shall_v think_v it_o very_o reasonable_a to_o imagine_v that_o it_o can_v not_o but_o have_v rise_v from_o the_o grave_a into_o which_o it_o have_v be_v please_v to_o descend_v if_o then_o christ_n be_v true_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a can_v our_o incredulous_a reason_n still_o refuse_v to_o believe_v that_o we_o shall_v also_o rise_v again_o but_o how_o can_v that_o reason_n contradict_v a_o truth_n which_o the_o disciple_n see_v they_o behold_v the_o glory_n of_o christ_n both_o in_o the_o miracle_n which_o he_o perform_v and_o in_o his_o holiness_n of_o life_n they_o see_v god_n manifest_v in_o the_o flesh_n and_o be_v witness_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o lord_n they_o perceive_v angel_n come_v down_o towards_o he_o the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v to_o the_o gentile_n by_o their_o ministry_n the_o world_n believe_v on_o their_o preach_a and_o last_o they_o see_v christ_n ascend_v into_o heaven_n all_o which_o be_v very_o sensible_a and_o evident_a matter_n of_o fact_n the_o mystery_n then_o of_o the_o incarnation_n though_o the_o hard_a to_o comprehend_v of_o all_o those_o of_o christian_a religion_n imply_v however_o nothing_o contrary_a to_o reason_n but_o we_o must_v except_v the_o most_o holy_a and_o everblessed_n trinity_n another_o mystery_n which_o be_v infinite_o exalt_v above_o the_o reach_n of_o our_o shallow_a capacity_n be_v not_o easy_o reconcilable_a to_o it_o nevertheless_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o the_o sublimity_n of_o its_o nature_n render_v it_o not_o any_o way_n repugnant_a to_o reason_n 1_o sy_n because_o the_o word_n person_n be_v not_o to_o be_v 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another_o of_o a_o dropsy_n a_o three_o disease_v with_o a_o issue_n of_o blood_n that_o he_o cast_v out_o many_o devil_n raise_v the_o dead_a to_o life_n appease_v the_o stormy_a wind_n and_o tempest_n and_o at_o several_a time_n wonderful_o feed_v many_o thousand_o in_o the_o wilderness_n these_o miracle_n be_v very_o numerous_a indeed_o seem_v very_o much_o different_a from_o one_o another_o and_o can_v proceed_v but_o from_o a_o divine_a power_n to_o this_o we_o must_v further_o add_v that_o they_o be_v of_o such_o a_o nature_n as_o can_v not_o be_v conceal_v from_o the_o knowledge_n of_o man_n that_o they_o must_v necessary_o have_v a_o infinite_a number_n of_o witness_n so_o that_o have_v the_o apostle_n pure_o invent_v they_o they_o may_v soon_o have_v be_v contradict_v by_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o people_n and_o yet_o it_o seem_v the_o most_o inveterate_a enemy_n of_o jesus_n christ_n dare_v not_o altogether_o deny_v the_o evidence_n of_o they_o because_o they_o accuse_v he_o of_o heal_v the_o sick_a on_o the_o sabbath_n day_n and_o pretend_v he_o cast_v out_o devil_n by_o belzeebub_n the_o prince_n of_o the_o devil_n this_o sort_n of_o calumny_n be_v as_o it_o be_v a_o extort_a confession_n of_o his_o infinite_a power_n and_o a_o testimony_n which_o they_o bear_v in_o spite_n of_o themselves_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o mission_n beside_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o believe_v that_o the_o evangelist_n do_v not_o invent_v of_o themselves_o what_o they_o make_v the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n utter_v on_o this_o account_n because_o they_o unanimous_o agree_v in_o the_o relation_n they_o give_v we_o of_o it_o they_o represent_v jesus_n christ_n refute_v this_o calumny_n and_o assure_v we_o in_o this_o occasion_n that_o blasphemy_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n will_v never_o be_v forgive_v a_o thing_n which_o can_v not_o easy_o enter_v into_o any_o man_n mind_n in_o a_o word_n the_o jew_n that_o come_v after_o be_v compel_v to_o own_o that_o jesus_n christ_n have_v do_v several_a miracle_n be_v oblige_v to_o say_v that_o he_o have_v find_v out_o the_o true_a pronunciation_n of_o the_o great_a word_n jehovah_n and_o that_o it_o be_v by_o the_o help_n of_o this_o pronunciation_n a_o pattern_n whereof_o he_o have_v find_v in_o the_o temple_n that_o he_o wrought_v so_o many_o miracle_n see_v into_o what_o extravagant_a opinion_n man_n necessary_o fall_v into_o when_o they_o endeavour_v to_o shun_v the_o force_n of_o truth_n but_o not_o to_o insist_v on_o all_o these_o vain_a chimaera_n methinks_v neither_o of_o these_o two_o truth_n can_v reasonable_o be_v contest_v the_o first_o be_v that_o jesus_n christ_n pretend_v to_o have_v work_v many_o miracle_n this_o be_v what_o his_o enemy_n revile_v he_o with_o when_o stand_v round_o about_o his_o cross_n they_o say_v he_o save_v other_o himself_z he_o can_v save_v let_v he_o now_o come_v down_o from_o the_o cross_n and_o we_o will_v believe_v he_o the_o second_o be_v that_o the_o disciple_n who_o follow_v he_o know_v for_o certain_a whether_o he_o wrought_v any_o miracle_n or_o not_o for_o since_o we_o have_v here_o to_o do_v with_o evident_a and_o singular_a miracle_n above_o the_o reach_n of_o human_a power_n they_o can_v not_o but_o certain_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o thing_n be_v thus_o suppose_v i_o further_o consider_v that_o of_o the_o many_o disciple_n jesus_n christ_n have_v there_o be_v but_o two_o that_o prove_v unfaithful_a to_o he_o but_o it_o be_v not_o long_o before_o they_o do_v right_o to_o the_o truth_n though_o each_o of_o they_o in_o a_o very_a different_a manner_n the_o one_o be_v move_v with_o a_o sensible_a regret_n and_o weep_v bitter_o the_o other_o be_v so_o torment_v with_o the_o remorse_n of_o conscience_n that_o he_o be_v force_v to_o make_v himself_o away_o have_v jesus_n be_v a_o impostor_n how_o come_v peter_n to_o repent_v and_o judas_n to_o despair_v if_o he_o false_o boast_v of_o many_o miracle_n those_o two_o man_n those_o two_o constant_a and_o perpetual_a witness_n of_o his_o action_n must_v needs_o have_v know_v it_o and_o and_o if_o they_o do_v certain_o know_v it_o whence_o can_v then_o proceed_v the_o repentance_n of_o the_o one_o and_o the_o despair_n of_o the_o other_o it_o will_v be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o use_v any_o evasion_n in_o the_o history_n of_o judas_n which_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n have_v represent_v to_o we_o as_o a_o thing_n public_o know_v to_o the_o world_n this_o man_n say_v st._n peter_n in_o the_o first_o chapter_n of_o the_o book_n of_o act_n verse_n 18_o purchase_v a_o field_n with_o the_o reward_n of_o iniquity_n and_o fall_v headlong_o burst_v asunder_o in_o the_o midst_n and_o all_o his_o bowel_n gush_v out_o and_o it_o be_v know_v unto_o all_o the_o dweller_n at_o jerusalem_n insomuch_o as_o that_o field_n be_v call_v in_o their_o proper_a tongue_n aceldama_n that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o field_n of_o blood_n be_v it_o possible_a to_o be_v more_o particular_a in_o any_o thing_n and_o can_v the_o author_n of_o the_o act_n be_v so_o foolish_a to_o imagine_v he_o can_v invent_v all_o these_o circumstance_n and_o make_v st._n peter_n utter_v they_o without_o make_v he_o ridiculous_a and_o himself_o liable_a to_o be_v contradict_v in_o like_a manner_n the_o evangelist_n tell_v we_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o death_n and_o resurrection_n of_o jesus_n christ_n they_o say_v that_o at_o his_o death_n there_o be_v a_o great_a darkness_n and_o a_o dreadful_a earthquake_n that_o the_o rock_n burst_v and_o the_o vail_n of_o the_o temple_n be_v rend_v in_o twain_o from_o the_o top_n to_o the_o bottom_n if_o all_o this_o be_v mere_a invention_n those_o writer_n show_v but_o little_a reason_n in_o choose_v such_o strange_a circumstance_n to_o impose_v upon_o man_n belief_n be_v it_o such_o a_o easy_a matter_n to_o persuade_v all_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o jerusalem_n that_o on_o the_o day_n jesus_n christ_n be_v crucify_v the_o vail_n of_o the_o temple_n rend_v in_o twain_o and_o several_a other_o notable_a prodigy_n be_v see_v be_v it_o not_o a_o pretty_a way_n of_o get_v credit_n among_o man_n and_o those_o man_n too_o who_o relate_v such_o strange_a thing_n contrary_a to_o the_o certain_a knowledge_n of_o every_o one_o and_o so_o soon_o after_o they_o must_v have_v be_v bring_v to_o pass_v can_v they_o gain_v over_o to_o their_o side_n so_o many_o thousand_o people_n as_o to_o the_o resurrection_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o evangelist_n relate_v that_o the_o stone_n of_o his_o sepulchre_n be_v seal_v and_o a_o watch_n set_v over_o it_o that_o the_o soldier_n say_v the_o next_o day_n that_o the_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n come_v by_o night_n and_o steal_v away_o his_o body_n whilst_o they_o sleep_v etc._n etc._n if_o you_o doubt_v whether_o the_o soldier_n be_v suborn_v by_o the_o chief_a priest_n and_o give_v out_o that_o the_o body_n of_o jesus_n christ_n have_v be_v steal_v away_o by_o his_o disciple_n st._n matthew_n will_v inform_v you_o of_o it_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o will_v infallible_o clear_v all_o your_o doubt_n now_o say_v he_o some_o of_o the_o watch_n come_v into_o the_o city_n and_o show_v unto_o the_o chief_a priest_n all_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v do_v and_o when_o they_o be_v assemble_v with_o the_o elder_n and_o have_v take_v council_n they_o give_v large_a money_n unto_o the_o soldier_n say_v say_v you_o his_o disciple_n come_v by_o night_n and_o steal_v he_o away_o while_o we_o sleep_v and_o if_o this_o come_v to_o the_o governors_n ear_n we_o will_v persuade_v he_o and_o secure_v you_o so_o they_o take_v the_o money_n and_o do_v as_o they_o be_v teach_v and_o this_o say_n be_v common_o report_v among_o the_o jew_n unto_o this_o day_n chap._n 28._o v._n 11_o 12_o 13_o 14_o 15._o here_o the_o evangelist_n be_v far_o from_o design_v to_o deceive_v the_o public_a in_o those_o thing_n he_o pretend_v be_v public_o know_v it_o be_v therefore_o to_o be_v confess_v that_o a_o watch_n be_v set_v over_o the_o sepulchre_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o that_o some_o of_o the_o watch_n report_v such_o thing_n as_o be_v mention_v by_o the_o evangelist_n or_o at_o least_o that_o it_o be_v suppose_v that_o that_o same_o be_v their_o report_n the_o question_n therefore_o be_v whether_o the_o disciple_n do_v real_o steal_v away_o the_o body_n of_o jesus_n christ_n from_o the_o midst_n of_o a_o company_n of_o soldier_n that_o be_v appoint_v to_o guard_v it_o but_o do_v but_o only_o reflect_v a_o little_a on_o the_o person_n of_o the_o disciple_n who_o be_v no_o better_o than_o poor_a and_o fearful_a fisherman_n on_o their_o dispersion_n their_o trouble_n and_o heaviness_n the_o triple_a denial_n of_o the_o stout_a of_o they_o all_o together_o with_o all_o other_o
holy_a ghost_n but_o perhaps_o it_o be_v a_o question_n whether_o there_o be_v ever_o any_o christian_a church_n found_v at_o jerusalem_n if_o so_o then_o must_v the_o ancient_a doctor_n of_o the_o church_n who_o live_v in_o different_a time_n and_o in_o different_a place_n have_v conspire_v together_o to_o deceive_v we_o in_o this_o respect_n and_o the_o jew_n and_o heathen_n and_o all_o other_o profess_a enemy_n of_o our_o religion_n as_o well_o ancient_a as_o modern_a who_o never_o contest_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o matter_n of_o fact_n must_v utter_o have_v lose_v their_o reason_n in_o a_o word_n suppose_v the_o book_n of_o act_n compose_v long_o after_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n that_o be_v when_o there_o can_v be_v no_o long_o any_o flourish_a church_n in_o that_o city_n yet_o there_o be_v no_o point_n gain_v for_o it_o be_v true_a still_o that_o the_o apostle_n set_v down_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n we_o speak_v of_o and_o that_o their_o epistle_n be_v fill_v with_o such_o thing_n as_o visible_o relate_v to_o it_o i_o shall_v not_o here_o further_o add_v that_o the_o book_n of_o act_n mention_n nothing_o of_o the_o death_n of_o the_o apostle_n which_o manifest_o show_v that_o it_o be_v compose_v during_o their_o life_n and_o consequent_o in_o a_o time_n wherein_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n flourish_v nor_o that_o it_o mention_n nothing_o of_o the_o last_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n no_o not_o so_o much_o as_o any_o of_o the_o sign_n or_o presage_n of_o it_o which_o induce_v we_o to_o believe_v that_o that_o book_n be_v compose_v some_o time_n before_o that_o great_a event_n it_o be_v very_o probable_a that_o the_o author_n who_o compose_v it_o mere_o for_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o of_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o the_o incredulous_a undoubted_o imagine_v will_v never_o have_v fail_v to_o have_v insert_v in_o it_o the_o history_n of_o all_o those_o dreadful_a misfortune_n which_o fall_v upon_o the_o jew_n and_o which_o the_o christian_n look_v upon_o as_o the_o effect_n of_o their_o reject_v the_o messiah_n but_o since_o my_o design_n be_v not_o to_o leave_v the_o reader_n the_o least_o shadow_n of_o a_o doubt_n i_o promise_v to_o prove_v by_o and_o by_o that_o the_o apostle_n both_o receive_v and_o impart_v many_o miraculous_a gift_n in_o the_o mean_a while_n till_o the_o method_n i_o have_v prescribe_v to_o myself_o give_v i_o leave_v to_o enter_v upon_o that_o subject_n i_o think_v it_o fit_a to_o make_v some_o few_o reflection_n concern_v the_o success_n of_o the_o apostle_n preach_v which_o be_v that_o essential_a head_n to_o which_o all_o other_o matter_n contain_v in_o the_o book_n of_o act_n relate_v chap._n x._o wherein_o we_o shall_v take_v into_o consideration_n what_o success_n the_o preach_v of_o the_o apostle_n have_v this_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v relate_v with_o very_o remarkable_a circumstannce_n as_o i._o that_o those_o man_n who_o first_o preach_v the_o gospel_n be_v fisherman_n that_o be_v gross_a and_o ignorant_a people_n of_o no_o appearance_n or_o authority_n in_o the_o world_n ii_o that_o those_o man_n go_v about_o preach_v that_o they_o have_v see_v jesus_n christ_n rise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n and_o that_o they_o have_v long_o before_o be_v eye-witness_n to_o his_o miracle_n iii_o that_o they_o offend_v by_o their_o preach_v all_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n and_o expose_v their_o person_n to_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o danger_n and_o misfortune_n iv._o that_o they_o suffer_v they_o with_o patience_n or_o rather_o with_o joy_n v._o that_o the_o success_n of_o their_o preach_n be_v so_o swift_a and_o sudden_a as_o be_v almost_o inconceivable_a in_o all_o this_o st._n luke_n have_v tell_v we_o nothing_o but_o what_o our_o own_o reason_n will_v tell_v we_o we_o may_v conclude_v that_o they_o be_v man_n of_o no_o extraordinary_a birth_n or_o credit_n in_o the_o world_n that_o first_o preach_v the_o gospel_n since_o no_o body_n have_v ever_o say_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o contrary_n it_o be_v manifest_a that_o those_o man_n ought_v to_o have_v testify_v that_o they_o have_v see_v jesus_n christ_n work_v many_o miracle_n see_v he_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n because_o they_o will_v never_o have_v convert_v so_o many_o nation_n as_o they_o do_v have_v they_o only_o say_v they_o know_v all_o those_o thing_n by_o hear_v say_v and_o beside_o that_o the_o epistle_n of_o the_o apostle_n inform_v we_o that_o that_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o their_o preach_n there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o all_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n persecute_v these_o man_n for_o as_o much_o as_o policy_n be_v a_o enemy_n to_o all_o new_a sect_n and_o the_o people_n themselves_o be_v always_o jealous_a of_o their_o religion_n it_o can_v be_v doubt_v neither_o but_o that_o the_o apostle_n very_o courageous_o suffer_v the_o effect_n of_o that_o persecution_n because_o have_v they_o recant_v or_o draw_v back_o for_o fear_n of_o punishment_n their_o design_n will_v have_v miscarry_v in_o its_o very_a beginning_n last_o who_o can_v deny_v but_o that_o the_o success_n of_o their_o preach_n be_v very_o swift_a and_o sudden_a in_o as_o much_o as_o in_o a_o short_a time_n there_o be_v several_a church_n establish_v in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o know_a world_n this_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o be_v never_o contest_v and_o therefore_o reason_n as_o well_o as_o st._n luke_n tell_v we_o all_o these_o thing_n the_o book_n of_o act_n inform_v we_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o and_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n will_v not_o suffer_v we_o to_o doubt_v but_o that_o they_o be_v so_o which_o utter_o destroy_v the_o suspicion_n we_o may_v entertain_v that_o they_o be_v all_o forge_v or_o invent_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n i_o can_v consider_v all_o these_o matter_n of_o fact_n nor_o unite_v they_o together_o and_o observe_v the_o proportion_n they_o have_v one_o with_o another_o without_o present_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o that_o religion_n which_o they_o so_o plain_o prove_v and_o establish_v chap._n xi_o wherein_o we_o shall_v examine_v the_o matter_n contain_v in_o the_o epistle_n of_o the_o apostle_n though_o the_o ancient_n have_v not_o unanimous_o receive_v the_o epistle_n of_o st._n paul_n though_o clemens_n polycarp_n and_o barnabas_n have_v make_v no_o mention_n of_o the_o second_o epistle_n of_o st._n peter_n yet_o it_o will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o observe_v that_o they_o be_v write_v to_o some_o church_n that_o be_v to_o whole_a society_n who_o for_o a_o long_a while_n preserve_v the_o original_n of_o they_o to_o assure_v we_o that_o they_o be_v not_o forge_v it_o be_v then_o our_o concern_n to_o see_v whether_o we_o can_v find_v therein_o any_o character_n of_o the_o divinity_n of_o our_o religion_n we_o can_v read_v st._n paul_n epistle_n without_o observe_v therein_o i._o the_o piety_n and_o charity_n of_o that_o apostle_n ii_o his_o impartiality_n and_o contempt_n of_o the_o advantage_n of_o the_o world_n iii_o his_o courage_n in_o endure_a affliction_n which_o instead_o of_o dishearten_v rather_o overjoy_v he_o iv._o a_o continual_a repetition_n of_o the_o testimony_n which_o the_o apostle_n bear_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o lord_n v._o such_o thing_n which_o manifest_o denote_v that_o st._n paul_n have_v receive_v the_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o that_o those_o that_o then_o believe_v very_o frequent_o receive_v they_o the_o piety_n of_o that_o apostle_n so_o various_o discover_v itself_o in_o his_o write_n that_o we_o can_v think_v it_o dissemble_v without_o offer_v violence_n to_o our_o understanding_n for_o though_o a_o man_n shall_v constrain_v himself_o upon_o some_o occasion_n yet_o be_v it_o possible_a he_o shall_v after_o the_o very_a same_o manner_n during_o a_o great_a part_n of_o his_o life_n in_o all_o his_o action_n in_o all_o his_o word_n in_o his_o manner_n of_o tell_v of_o thing_n which_o often_o discover_v the_o bottom_n of_o the_o heart_n than_o the_o thing_n he_o speak_v of_o i_o know_v very_o well_o hypocrisy_n cover_v itself_o with_o the_o external_a show_n of_o virtue_n but_o real_o there_o be_v yet_o something_o which_o i_o can_v express_v a_o simple_a and_o natural_a air_n in_o true_a virtue_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v meet_v with_o in_o hypocrisy_n or_o rather_o hypocrisy_n be_v neither_o so_o subtle_a nor_o clear_v sight_v but_o that_o it_o discover_v itself_o on_o one_o side_n or_o other_o nay_o often_o it_o let_v drop_v a_o wordwhich_v unmasque_n it_o to_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o world_n however_o i_o be_o willing_a the_o epistle_n of_o st._n paul_n shall_v be_v strict_o examine_v to_o see_v whether_o any_o thing_n but_o what_o be_v very_o natural_a and_o sincere_a can_v be_v find_v
matthew_n who_o be_v bear_v a_o jew_n and_o who_o do_v he_o relate_v they_o to_o why_o to_o several_a thousand_o jew_n that_o have_v embrace_v christianity_n and_o who_o dwell_v at_o jerusalem_n know_v full_a as_o well_o what_o have_v happen_v therein_o both_o in_o their_o day_n and_o in_o those_o of_o their_o father_n as_o they_o know_v at_o paris_n what_o be_v do_v in_o that_o city_n in_o the_o day_n of_o cardinal_n richelieu_n or_o as_o they_o know_v at_o london_n every_o thing_n that_o happen_v in_o those_o of_o oliver_n cromwell_n and_o at_o stockolm_n in_o those_o of_o gustavus_n adolphus_n and_o now_o i_o pray_v consider_v whether_o it_o be_v probable_a any_o man_n can_v have_v make_v the_o like_a matter_n of_o fact_n believe_v in_o any_o of_o those_o great_a city_n by_o such_o a_o successful_a forgery_n or_o whether_o he_o can_v have_v gain_v over_o to_o his_o side_n several_a thousand_o of_o people_n by_o the_o mere_a strength_n of_o his_o fiction_n but_o if_o i_o grant_v that_o the_o evangelist_n have_v boldness_n enough_o express_o to_o denote_v the_o come_n of_o the_o wiseman_n and_o the_o impression_n it_o make_v on_o all_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o jerusalem_n against_o their_o public_a knowledge_n nay_o against_o the_o memory_n of_o those_o thing_n they_o have_v then_o fresh_a in_o their_o mind_n at_o least_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o the_o consequence_n of_o that_o come_n and_o the_o dependency_n of_o that_o first_o event_n be_v of_o such_o a_o nature_n and_o character_n as_o not_o possible_o to_o have_v be_v forge_v or_o invent_v by_o the_o most_o bold_a face_a and_o impudent_a writer_n that_o ever_o be_v there_o be_v here_o two_o or_o three_o circumstance_n so_o natural_o and_o inseparable_o unite_v one_o with_o the_o other_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o grant_v one_o without_o grant_v the_o other_o too_o no_o man_n can_v doubt_v of_o the_o come_n of_o the_o wiseman_n to_o jerusalem_n if_o he_o allow_v that_o this_o come_n force_v herod_n to_o assemble_v the_o grand_a council_n of_o the_o jew_n to_o know_v of_o they_o where_o the_o messiah_n shall_v be_v bear_v neither_o can_v he_o doubt_v of_o the_o answer_n that_o be_v make_v he_o by_o the_o sanhedrin_n if_o he_o own_v that_o herod_n send_v his_o man_n into_o bethlehem_n to_o slay_v the_o young_a child_n that_o be_v there_o from_o two_o year_n old_a and_o under_o so_o that_o if_o it_o can_v be_v make_v out_o that_o this_o last_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v true_a the_o other_o two_o will_v not_o need_v much_o proof_n now_o i_o affirm_v that_o the_o evangelist_n dare_v not_o assert_v this_o last_o matter_n of_o fact_n have_v it_o be_v utter_o false_a for_o what_o since_o the_o reign_n of_o herod_n surname_v the_o great_a be_v so_o well_o know_v that_o the_o least_o of_o his_o action_n be_v public_o talk_v of_o how_o can_v any_o one_o have_v presume_v to_o impute_v false_o to_o he_o a_o massacre_n so_o notable_a and_o extraordinary_a as_o that_o must_v have_v be_v the_o city_n of_o bethlehem_n have_v not_o as_o yet_o be_v destroy_v when_o the_o evangelist_n write_v those_o thing_n and_o therefore_o suppose_v the_o thing_n false_a there_o be_v so_o many_o witness_n of_o the_o falsity_n as_o there_o be_v inhabitant_n yet_o live_v in_o that_o city_n that_o city_n be_v not_o so_o far_o distant_a from_o jerusalem_n but_o that_o those_o christian_n who_o dwell_v in_o the_o latter_a may_v have_v very_o well_o know_v the_o certain_a truth_n of_o they_o beside_o there_o be_v a_o very_a great_a commerce_n between_o those_o two_o place_n and_o the_o time_n from_o the_o birth_n of_o jesus_n christ_n to_o that_o in_o which_o this_o gospel_n be_v compose_v be_v not_o so_o long_o as_o to_o have_v give_v occasion_n to_o so_o improbable_a a_o fiction_n suppose_v a_o man_n in_o these_o latter_a day_n shall_v take_v upon_o he_o to_o make_v we_o believe_v that_o one_o of_o the_o present_a king_n in_o europe_n or_o if_o you_o will_v of_o those_o who_o reign_v forty_o or_o fifty_o year_n ago_o cause_v two_o or_o three_o thousand_o child_n to_o be_v slay_v in_o their_o cradle_n that_o so_o he_o may_v involve_v in_o that_o massacre_n the_o ruin_n of_o a_o child_n who_o destiny_n he_o suspect_v will_v prove_v fatal_a to_o he_o certain_o it_o be_v not_o very_o probable_a we_o shall_v credit_v such_o a_o fable_n or_o that_o any_o one_o dare_v pretend_v to_o publish_v it_o nay_o have_v so_o much_o as_o the_o least_o thought_n of_o it_o but_o then_o it_o be_v much_o more_o improbable_a that_o any_o one_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o persuade_v those_o man_n to_o the_o belief_n of_o it_o who_o live_v in_o that_o kingdom_n or_o in_o those_o very_a place_n where_o such_o a_o thing_n be_v suppose_v to_o have_v happen_v but_o to_o come_v a_o little_a near_o to_o the_o death_n of_o jesus_n christ._n the_o evangelist_n represent_v he_o to_o we_o as_o have_v live_v thirty_o year_n obscure_o in_o the_o world_n now_o have_v it_o be_v their_o design_n to_o put_v we_o off_o with_o story_n they_o may_v have_v persuade_v we_o that_o jesus_n christ_n during_o his_o abode_n here_o have_v be_v often_o wrap_v up_o into_o heaven_n or_o transport_v into_o far_a country_n where_o he_o have_v do_v many_o sign_n and_o wonder_n nay_o they_o may_v have_v tell_v we_o too_o that_o for_o the_o space_n of_o thirty_o year_n he_o have_v continual_o wrought_v very_o sensible_a and_o wonderful_a miracle_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o jew_n for_o it_o be_v as_o easy_a for_o they_o to_o suppose_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o all_o the_o rest_n yet_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o evangelist_n include_v all_o his_o miracle_n in_o the_o three_o last_o year_n of_o his_o life_n and_o what_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o it_o because_o they_o write_v nothing_o but_o truth_n but_o we_o shall_v not_o here_o insist_v much_o upon_o this_o consideration_n what_o be_v most_o certain_a be_v that_o the_o evangelist_n have_v deliver_v in_o their_o write_n that_o jesus_n christ_n have_v do_v a_o great_a many_o sign_n and_o wonder_n before_o a_o great_a number_n of_o witness_n and_o have_v set_v down_o the_o time_n and_o place_n when_o and_o where_o they_o be_v do_v they_o must_v necessary_o have_v be_v void_a of_o all_o shame_n as_o well_o as_o reason_n to_o relate_v such_o thing_n as_o these_o if_o they_o be_v false_a they_o tell_v we_o that_o jesus_n christ_n with_o a_o few_o loaf_n and_o some_o small_a fish_n miraculous_o feed_v in_o the_o wilderness_n at_o one_o time_n five_o thousand_o and_o at_o another_o three_o thousand_o man_n beside_o woman_n and_o child_n now_o i_o be_o at_o a_o stand_n to_o imagine_v how_o it_o can_v be_v think_v natural_a for_o one_o man_n to_o undertake_v to_o persuade_v several_a thousand_o that_o they_o have_v be_v wonderful_o feed_v and_o not_o only_o to_o relate_v the_o bare_a matter_n of_o fact_n itself_o but_o also_o bring_v in_o christ_n reproach_v the_o multitude_n that_o they_o follow_v he_o not_o pure_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o his_o miracle_n but_o the_o loaf_n he_o feed_v they_o with_o and_o then_o the_o multitude_n excuse_v themselves_o and_o say_v that_o moses_n have_v feed_v their_o forefather_n and_o that_o he_o must_v also_o feed_v they_o if_o he_o will_v have_v they_o believe_v in_o he_o as_o also_o jesus_n christ_n bid_v they_o on_o this_o occasion_n to_o labour_v not_o for_o the_o meat_n which_o perish_v but_o for_o that_o meat_n which_o endure_v unto_o everlasting_a life_n joh._n 6._o 27._o and_o to_o that_o end_n promise_v to_o give_v they_o his_o flesh_n to_o eat_v and_o his_o blood_n to_o drink_v all_o which_o expression_n be_v indeed_o very_o extraordinary_a in_o themselves_o and_o such_o as_o no_o man_n ever_o make_v use_n of_o before_o he_o but_o there_o be_v matter_n of_o fact_n relate_v in_o the_o gospel_n more_o extraordinary_a and_o surprise_v than_o these_o there_o be_v nothing_o so_o remarkable_a and_o which_o strike_v we_o so_o much_o with_o astonishment_n as_o the_o description_n the_o evangelist_n give_v we_o of_o the_o prodigy_n that_o attend_v the_o death_n of_o christ_n and_o behold_v say_v they_o the_o vail_n of_o the_o temple_n be_v rend_v in_o twain_o from_o the_o top_n to_o the_o bottom_n and_o the_o earth_n do_v quake_v and_o the_o rock_n rend_v and_o the_o grave_n be_v open_v and_o many_o body_n of_o saint_n which_o sleep_v arise_v and_o come_v out_o of_o the_o grave_n after_o his_o resurrection_n and_o go_v into_o the_o holy_a city_n and_o appear_v unto_o many_o matth._n 27._o 51_o 52_o 53._o we_o shall_v not_o here_o insist_v on_o each_o particular_a circumstance_n that_o attend_v this_o miraculous_a matter_n of_o fact_n neither_o shall_v we_o nice_o examine_v the_o resurrection_n of_o those_o saint_n who_o body_n come_v out_o
god_n but_o then_o be_v willing_a also_o to_o flatter_v man_n inclination_n to_o draw_v they_o to_o his_o side_n he_o confuse_o mix_v with_o that_o idea_n the_o carnal_a and_o gross_a notion_n the_o heathen_n have_v of_o paradise_n borrow_v from_o christianity_n such_o object_n as_o must_v necessary_o mortify_v our_o passion_n and_o assume_v those_o from_o paganism_n which_o serve_v to_o flatter_v our_o bad_a inclination_n but_o the_o christian_a religion_n keep_v no_o such_o measure_n either_o with_o policy_n or_o corruption_n policy_n complain_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n necessary_o soften_v man_n courage_n and_o that_o instead_o of_o encourage_v they_o to_o listen_v themselves_o soldier_n for_o the_o welfare_n and_o preservation_n of_o the_o state_n it_o rather_o make_v they_o lamb_n who_o can_v hardly_o be_v exasperate_v against_o their_o enemy_n who_o they_o must_v continual_o pray_v for_o and_o be_v oblige_v to_o love_v as_o themselves_o and_o as_o for_o human_a frailty_n and_o corruption_n it_o murmur_n to_o see_v itself_o impugn_a by_o the_o christian_a religion_n even_o in_o the_o disposition_n and_o most_o secret_a recess_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o that_o the_o veil_n of_o hypocrisy_n and_o the_o pious_a pretence_n and_o dissimulation_n of_o the_o soul_n under_o which_o it_o think_v to_o lie_v secure_a be_v ineffectual_a against_o it_o who_o then_o but_o god_n can_v be_v the_o author_n of_o a_o religion_n so_o equal_o contrary_a both_o to_o the_o covetous_a desire_n of_o the_o mean_a and_o the_o ambition_n of_o the_o great_a and_o so_o equal_o averse_a both_o to_o policy_n and_o corruption_n x._o other_o religion_n will_v have_v god_n shall_v bear_v the_o image_n of_o man_n and_o so_o necessary_o represent_v the_o deity_n as_o weak_a miserable_a and_o infect_v with_o all_o manner_n of_o vice_n as_o man_n be_v whereas_o the_o christian_a religion_n teach_v we_o that_o man_n ought_v to_o bear_v the_o image_n of_o god_n which_o be_v a_o motive_n to_o induce_v we_o to_o become_v perfect_a as_o we_o conceive_v god_n himself_o to_o be_v holy_a and_o perfect_a that_o religion_n then_o which_o restore_v god_n his_o glory_n and_o the_o image_n of_o god_n to_o man_n must_v necessary_o be_v of_o divine_a authority_n xi_o last_o other_o false_a religion_n be_v the_o irregular_a confuse_a production_n of_o the_o polite_a and_o able_a man_n of_o those_o time_n whereas_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v a_o wonderful_a composition_n which_o seem_v whole_o to_o proceed_v from_o the_o most_o simple_a and_o ignorant_a sort_n of_o people_n the_o heathen_n have_v often_o condemn_v the_o extravagant_a notion_n the_o vulgar_a people_n have_v frame_v to_o themselves_o of_o the_o deity_n they_o have_v blame_v the_o barbarous_a cruelty_n of_o those_o sacrifice_n which_o be_v offer_v to_o their_o god_n in_o so_o many_o place_n and_o the_o impurity_n of_o their_o mystery_n the_o falsehood_n of_o their_o oracle_n and_o the_o vanity_n and_o childishness_n of_o their_o ceremony_n cicero_n say_v in_o some_o part_n of_o his_o work_n that_o two_o augur_n can_v not_o look_v one_o another_o in_o the_o face_n without_o laughter_n and_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o extravagant_a than_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o gnostic_n who_o hold_v that_o there_o be_v invisible_a eternal_a spirit_n who_o mix_v one_o with_o the_o other_o produce_v other_o we_o all_o know_v that_o when_o philosopher_n take_v upon_o they_o to_o treat_v of_o religion_n they_o always_o exceed_v one_o another_o in_o extravagancy_n and_o no_o one_o i_o dare_v say_v be_v still_o to_o learn_v what_o be_v those_o vision_n and_o fabulous_a story_n with_o which_o the_o rabbin_n fill_v their_o tradition_n the_o catalogue_n of_o which_o will_v be_v very_o curious_a indeed_o be_v it_o not_o so_o extreme_o long_a and_o though_o we_o can_v disow_v but_o that_o the_o heathen_n the_o philosopher_n etc._n etc._n make_v several_a wonderful_a discovery_n in_o art_n and_o science_n yet_o it_o will_v appear_v that_o a_o long_a succession_n of_o very_a understand_a man_n among_o they_o be_v guilty_a of_o many_o repeat_v extravagancy_n in_o this_o respect_n and_o that_o by_o a_o prodigy_n not_o to_o be_v parallel_v do_v not_o the_o christian_a religion_n offer_v such_o another_o by_o show_v we_o a_o company_n of_o wise_a and_o learned_a man_n in_o such_o ignorant_a person_n as_o the_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n christ_n certain_o it_o be_v a_o strange_a thing_n to_o see_v the_o most_o understand_a man_n become_v the_o most_o stupid_a and_o the_o most_o ignorant_a prove_v the_o most_o understanding_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n it_o be_v a_o true_a sign_n that_o god_n design_v to_o confound_v the_o understanding_n of_o the_o wise_a and_o a_o proof_n that_o their_o religion_n be_v form_v rather_o according_a to_o the_o corrupt_a desire_n of_o their_o heart_n than_o the_o dictate_v of_o their_o understanding_n for_o have_v it_o be_v according_a to_o their_o understanding_n it_o will_v have_v be_v more_o reasonable_a in_o proportion_n to_o the_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n of_o the_o author_n of_o it_o but_o because_o it_o be_v make_v to_o soothe_v their_o corrupt_a desire_n and_o flatter_v their_o passion_n it_o be_v as_o extravagant_a and_o irregular_a as_o those_o passion_n and_o now_o let_v we_o put_v together_o all_o these_o character_n and_o ask_v the_o incredulous_a whether_o they_o can_v be_v so_o extravagant_a as_o to_o ascribe_v to_o a_o impostor_n a_o religion_n so_o perfect_a in_o its_o original_a that_o nothing_o can_v ever_o since_o be_v superad_v to_o it_o but_o what_o necessary_o lessen_v the_o perfection_n of_o it_o a_o religion_n that_o propose_v its_o mystery_n with_o such_o authority_n and_o boldness_n that_o bring_v man_n from_o sensual_a object_n to_o spiritual_a one_o that_o extirpate_v corruption_n restore_v the_o principle_n of_o righteousness_n and_o uprightness_n that_o be_v imprint_v on_o our_o soul_n that_o teach_v we_o to_o glorify_v god_n without_o any_o regard_n have_v to_o self-love_n or_o pleasure_n to_o exalt_v god_n and_o humble_a ourselves_o to_o submit_v ourselves_o to_o his_o will_n who_o be_v above_o we_o all_o and_o to_o raise_v ourselves_o above_o those_o being_n that_o he_o have_v put_v in_o subjection_n under_o we_o a_o religion_n that_o be_v contrary_a to_o policy_n and_o yet_o more_o averse_a to_o corruption_n that_o astonish_v our_o reason_n and_o yet_o give_v we_o the_o peace_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o in_o a_o word_n be_v as_o delightful_a to_o the_o one_o as_o it_o be_v comfortable_a to_o the_o other_o if_o the_o christian_a religion_n than_o have_v all_o these_o qualification_n as_o it_o certain_o have_v we_o can_v doubt_v but_o that_o it_o be_v direct_o as_o to_o these_o qualification_n opposite_a to_o all_o other_o religion_n and_o if_o it_o be_v thus_o opposite_a to_o all_o other_o religion_n it_o must_v necessary_o have_v a_o principle_n opposite_a to_o 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disparity_n of_o interest_n will_v otherwise_o
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child_n to_o moloch_n and_o that_o julius_n cesar_n tell_v we_o in_o his_o commentary_n that_o it_o be_v a_o ancient_a custom_n among_o the_o gaul_n to_o offer_v human_a victim_n to_o their_o pretend_a deity_n i_o confess_v indeed_o the_o roman_n have_v already_o renounce_v such_o a_o barbarous_a and_o cruel_a superstition_n but_o then_o i_o question_v whether_o they_o do_v not_o still_o retain_v some_o spice_n of_o it_o in_o those_o spectacle_n they_o exhibit_v to_o the_o people_n wherein_o they_o be_v extreme_o please_v to_o see_v the_o blood_n of_o their_o gladiatour_n run_v down_o who_o kill_v one_o another_o mere_o to_o make_v they_o sport_n a_o sacrifice_n so_o much_o the_o more_o impious_a because_o dedicate_v rather_o to_o the_o unlawful_a pleasure_n of_o man_n than_o the_o honour_n of_o those_o being_n they_o look_v upon_o as_o go_n and_o what_o but_o the_o christian_a religion_n can_v have_v abolish_v all_o those_o bloody_a spectacle_n and_o horrid_a divertisement_n we_o 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they_o have_v know_v god_n they_o glorify_v he_o not_o as_o god_n therefore_o god_n also_o give_v they_o up_o unto_o vile_a affection_n rom._n 1._o 21._o and_o indeed_o it_o be_v no_o inconsiderable_a service_n the_o christian_a religion_n do_v man_n in_o partly_o abolish_n and_o disgrace_v so_o much_o that_o kind_n of_o detestable_a debauchery_n that_o we_o look_v upon_o those_o to_o be_v no_o less_o than_o abominable_a monster_n that_o seem_v any_o way_n inclinable_a to_o it_o humility_n and_o charity_n those_o two_o virtue_n so_o essential_a and_o necessary_a to_o man_n be_v so_o utter_o unknown_a former_o that_o their_o name_n be_v scarce_o know_v in_o all_o the_o pagan_a world_n to_o what_o then_o do_v we_o owe_v the_o knowledge_n and_o esteem_n we_o have_v of_o those_o two_o so_o excellent_a virtue_n but_o to_o the_o religion_n we_o profess_v last_o it_o be_v by_o the_o mean_n of_o this_o religion_n that_o the_o creature_n be_v again_o call_v a_o creature_n and_o god_n again_o 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acknowledge_v that_o it_o be_v the_o main_a end_n and_o design_n of_o christian_a religion_n to_o check_v and_o mortify_v man_n irregular_a passion_n and_o restore_v the_o principle_n of_o righteousness_n and_o uprightness_n in_o they_o which_o their_o corruption_n have_v as_o it_o be_v efface_v and_o it_o can_v be_v suppose_v this_o be_v the_o intention_n of_o the_o devil_n who_o we_o conceive_v to_o be_v as_o a_o spirit_n natural_o averse_a to_o the_o good_a of_o mankind_n nor_o that_o of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n that_o aim_v at_o nothing_o else_o but_o to_o satisfy_v their_o lust_n nor_o that_o of_o nature_n which_o be_v easy_o persuade_v be_v bias_v by_o the_o pleasure_n which_o vice_n give_v she_o a_o prospect_n of_o nor_o that_o of_o policy_n which_o tend_v only_o to_o the_o restrain_v the_o licentiousness_n of_o all_o external_a crime_n in_o as_o much_o as_o they_o violate_v and_o invert_v the_o order_n of_o public_a society_n but_o look_v indifferent_o upon_o all_o crime_n that_o respect_v the_o soul_n neither_o can_v it_o be_v the_o scope_n and_o design_n of_o reason_n which_o be_v easy_o corrupt_v by_o avarice_n nor_o even_o that_o of_o pride_n which_o be_v mortify_v much_o more_o than_o all_o the_o other_o passion_n by_o this_o doctrine_n unknown_a to_o the_o flesh_n and_o insufferable_a to_o nature_n who_o then_o be_v it_o that_o concern_v himself_o so_o much_o with_o pride_n as_o to_o take_v away_o its_o error_n it_o be_v vainglory_n it_o be_v chimerical_a perfection_n preference_n hypocrisy_n and_o affectation_n and_o all_o this_o only_a by_o a_o serious_a consideration_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n who_o take_v upon_o he_o to_o deprive_v self-love_n of_o its_o injustice_n the_o flesh_n of_o its_o unlawful_a pleasure_n and_o in_o a_o word_n all_o human_a passion_n of_o their_o disorder_n and_o irregularity_n what_o can_v such_o a_o design_n mean_a and_o how_o can_v this_o thought_n of_o sanctify_a mankind_n enter_v of_o itself_o into_o any_o man_n mind_n we_o may_v just_o therefore_o ascribe_v this_o end_n and_o design_n to_o the_o christian_a religion_n for_o it_o be_v certain_a it_o contain_v neither_o exhortation_n nor_o precept_n promise_n nor_o threat_n history_n nor_o prophecy_n but_o what_o direct_o aim_v at_o that_o very_a end_n the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v not_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o those_o book_n that_o contain_v nothing_o but_o vain_a speculation_n or_o curious_a inquiry_n all_o those_o of_o that_o kind_n be_v bring_v to_o the_o apostle_n to_o be_v burn_v who_o return_v no_o other_o answer_n to_o those_o that_o ask_v they_o man_n and_o brethren_n what_o shall_v we_o do_v but_o this_o repent_v you_o they_o plain_o declare_v that_o the_o design_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v to_o free_a man_n from_o the_o bondage_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o their_o example_n show_v we_o as_o much_o for_o what_o other_o design_n can_v they_o have_v have_v in_o renounce_v every_o thing_n and_o endure_v all_o persecution_n but_o to_o persuade_v other_o man_n they_o shall_v renounce_v this_o present_a world_n beside_o whether_o they_o speak_v or_o write_v they_o do_v run_v out_o into_o vain_a contest_v and_o dispute_v the_o ordinary_a product_n of_o the_o vanity_n of_o mankind_n but_o come_v immediate_o to_o their_o purpose_n and_o insist_v only_o on_o what_o be_v material_a and_o essential_a to_o it_o every_o particular_a in_o their_o discourse_n and_o write_n be_v practical_a and_o relate_v to_o the_o perfection_n of_o morality_n so_o much_o they_o despise_v the_o fineness_n of_o eloquence_n and_o subtlety_n of_o human_a philosophy_n and_o propose_v only_o to_o themselves_o the_o edification_n of_o men._n these_o thing_n write_v i_o unto_o you_o say_v they_o that_o you_o sin_n not_o 1_o john_n 2._o 1._o but_o suppose_v they_o such_o deceiver_n as_o the_o incredulous_a imagine_v what_o be_v it_o to_o they_o whether_o we_o sin_v or_o not_o what_o injury_n will_v it_o have_v be_v to_o the_o son_n of_o a_o carpenter_n though_o the_o pharisee_n be_v dissemble_v hypocrite_n and_o dishonour_v the_o deity_n by_o their_o tradition_n and_o though_o there_o have_v be_v table_n of_o money-changer_n in_o the_o court_n of_o the_o temple_n what_o be_v it_o to_o he_o whether_o sinner_n repent_v of_o their_o sin_n or_o not_o whether_o man_n be_v just_a and_o merciful_a or_o think_v they_o can_v appease_v god_n only_o with_o vain_a offering_n whether_o the_o city_n that_o kill_v the_o prophet_n know_v the_o thing_n that_o belong_v to_o her_o peace_n or_o not_o what_o can_v move_v he_o to_o shed_v tear_n in_o such_o abundance_n at_o the_o thought_n of_o the_o approach_a destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n a_o sensible_a and_o effectual_a proof_n indeed_o of_o his_o be_v very_o much_o concern_v for_o her_o salvation_n what_o will_v it_o have_v signify_v to_o a_o few_o poor_a delude_a wretch_n whether_o the_o gentile_n have_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o true_a god_n or_o not_o to_o a_o company_n of_o false_a witness_n whether_o man_n be_v cheat_n or_o liar_n to_o person_n odious_a and_o have_v in_o abomination_n every_o where_o whether_o man_n true_o love_v one_o another_o or_o not_o to_o the_o victim_n of_o public_a hatred_n whether_o man_n be_v reconcile_v to_o god_n or_o not_o to_o such_o afflict_a and_o disconsolate_a wretch_n whether_o other_o man_n be_v true_o make_v sensible_a of_o a_o divine_a comfort_n and_o of_o the_o peace_n of_o god_n which_o pass_v all_o understanding_n who_o can_v imagine_v that_o those_o man_n design_v to_o be_v wicked_a only_o to_o make_v we_o become_v honest_a to_o deceive_v all_o mankind_n on_o purpose_n to_o establish_v a_o sacred_a and_o inviolable_a law_n of_o fidelity_n to_o become_v the_o enemy_n of_o their_o own_o nation_n to_o make_v we_o be_v in_o charity_n with_o all_o mankind_n in_o a_o word_n to_o establish_v a_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n that_o tend_v whole_o to_o the_o sanctification_n of_o mankind_n by_o the_o most_o signal_n imposture_n and_o most_o heinous_a crime_n that_o man_n can_v be_v guilty_a of_o it_o will_v be_v strange_a if_o such_o wicked_a and_o deceitful_a man_n as_o the_o incredulous_a imagine_v the_o apostle_n to_o have_v be_v shall_v have_v the_o least_o thought_n of_o sanctify_v other_o and_o it_o will_v be_v yet_o more_o surprise_v if_o that_o thought_n shall_v be_v so_o fix_v in_o their_o mind_n as_o to_o become_v a_o full_a and_o perfect_a design_n of_o venture_v and_o lose_v all_o to_o compass_v it_o nay_o it_o will_v be_v next_o to_o a_o miracle_n if_o that_o design_n shall_v be_v put_v in_o execution_n and_o yet_o more_o it_o will_v be_v a_o unheard_a of_o prodigy_n if_o a_o continual_a succession_n of_o people_n shall_v adhere_v to_o the_o same_o principle_n and_o continue_v in_o the_o same_o disposition_n of_o mind_n against_o their_o own_o interest_n and_o in_o spite_n of_o the_o severe_a persecution_n certain_o we_o may_v confident_o
outward_a purity_n and_o consult_v the_o exterior_a good_a of_o public_a society_n more_o powerful_a than_o all_o worldly_a honour_n which_o regard_v only_a pomp_n and_o renown_n more_o effectual_a than_o all_o worldly_a motive_n which_o be_v unable_a to_o subvert_v those_o passion_n the_o vanity_n of_o which_o they_o flatter_v more_o strong_a than_o a_o vain_a and_o fruitless_a wisdom_n which_o pretend_v to_o free_a man_n from_o his_o misery_n by_o annihilate_v he_o and_o have_v no_o other_o motive_n but_o what_o proceed_v from_o the_o great_a of_o our_o imperfection_n our_o pride_n the_o christian_a religion_n alone_o have_v all_o these_o advantage_n and_o consequent_o be_v alone_o suitable_a to_o the_o necessity_n of_o man._n it_o be_v that_o which_o purify_v the_o very_a bottom_n of_o our_o conscience_n by_o show_v we_o that_o it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o cleanse_v the_o outside_o of_o the_o cup_n and_o the_o platter_n it_o reform_v our_o principle_n by_o make_v a_o temporal_a interest_n give_v place_n to_o a_o eternal_a one_o and_o extinguish_v the_o desire_n of_o a_o imaginary_a by_o the_o hope_n of_o a_o real_a immortality_n it_o propose_v to_o we_o a_o unalterable_a rule_n and_o a_o true_a model_n of_o perfection_n to_o go_v by_o it_o inform_v we_o that_o we_o have_v both_o a_o judge_n and_o a_o witness_n of_o all_o our_o action_n who_o discover_v we_o though_o in_o the_o dark_a and_o cover_v as_o it_o be_v with_o a_o cloud_n who_o pierce_v eye_n see_v through_o all_o our_o pretence_n and_o disguise_n who_o force_v we_o to_o know_v ourselves_o to_o combat_v and_o mortify_v our_o desire_n and_o that_o whether_o we_o be_v see_v or_o not_o see_v whether_o the_o world_n approve_v or_o condemn_v our_o action_n god_n be_v essential_o independent_a from_o all_o outward_a object_n and_o not_o limit_v by_o any_o exterior_a circumstance_n and_o indeed_o what_o but_o such_o a_o infinite_a deity_n can_v have_v supply_v we_o with_o such_o a_o remedy_n so_o effectual_a and_o so_o suitable_a to_o all_o our_o want_n and_o necessity_n for_o misery_n and_o wretchedness_n be_v the_o portion_n of_o our_o corruption_n and_o he_o that_o can_v shake_v off_o the_o latter_a will_v certain_o always_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o two_o former_a nor_o be_v it_o sufficient_a to_o say_v that_o man_n be_v miserable_a we_o may_v add_v that_o he_o be_v in_o some_o measure_n the_o very_a centre_n of_o misery_n we_o see_v that_o whilst_o all_o other_o animal_n peaceable_o enjoy_v those_o good_a thing_n nature_n have_v allot_v they_o man_n seem_v to_o be_v in_o some_o respect_n mark_v out_o for_o misery_n by_o the_o hand_n of_o divine_a justice_n they_o be_v equal_o dissatisfy_v as_o well_o with_o what_o they_o possess_v as_o what_o they_o possess_v not_o they_o be_v terrify_v with_o the_o idea_n they_o have_v of_o death_n torment_v with_o the_o consideration_n of_o futurity_n afflict_v that_o they_o be_v unable_a to_o fix_v time_n which_o bear_v they_o away_o with_o it_o as_o it_o roll_v on_o miserable_a for_o what_o they_o know_v or_o rather_o for_o not_o know_v more_o mortify_v and_o disappoint_v in_o their_o desire_n torment_v with_o remorse_n affront_v and_o injure_v by_o their_o fellow-creature_n and_o harass_v by_o the_o continual_a inquietude_n of_o their_o heart_n in_o a_o word_n they_o enjoy_v peace_n and_o tranquillity_n no_o long_o than_o they_o can_v deceive_v themselves_o with_o a_o scene_n of_o imaginary_a bliss_n and_o frame_v to_o themselves_o false_a idea_n of_o their_o present_a condition_n and_o this_o desire_n of_o impose_v thus_o upon_o ourselves_o in_o fancy_v our_o happiness_n great_a than_o it_o be_v make_v we_o vain_o imagine_v we_o shall_v be_v less_o miserable_a if_o we_o be_v in_o the_o condition_n of_o those_o that_o be_v far_o above_o we_o but_o experience_n soon_o undeceive_v we_o and_o show_v that_o the_o distant_a prospect_n of_o honour_n and_o riches_n give_v more_o pleasure_n and_o delight_n than_o a_o near_a possession_n of_o they_o and_o that_o the_o hope_n of_o enjoy_v they_o make_v we_o more_o true_o happy_a than_o their_o fruition_n which_o excellent_o show_v we_o the_o emptiness_n and_o insufficiency_n of_o all_o such_o temporal_a advantage_n nor_o do_v we_o think_v it_o enough_o to_o deceive_v ourselves_o in_o respect_n of_o our_o condition_n but_o endeavour_v also_o to_o deceive_v other_o by_o make_v they_o entertain_v a_o vast_a idea_n of_o our_o merit_n or_o our_o happiness_n and_o through_o a_o certain_a weakness_n to_o be_v pity_v we_o afterward_o make_v use_n of_o that_o esteem_n and_o respect_n we_o have_v accidental_o and_o unaware_o extort_a from_o other_o to_o impose_v more_o effectual_o upon_o ourselves_o and_o enlarge_v that_o chimerical_a idea_n of_o our_o own_o perfection_n which_o self-love_n entertain_v in_o our_o breast_n with_o so_o much_o complacency_n and_o satisfaction_n who_o then_o can_v direct_v our_o mind_n or_o clear_v our_o understanding_n in_o this_o inextricable_a and_o continue_a maze_n of_o illusion_n and_o error_n the_o false_a principle_n of_o a_o false_a satisfaction_n and_o who_o can_v find_v remedy_n for_o so_o great_a a_o misery_n since_o bare_o to_o bring_v we_o acquaint_v with_o it_o will_v serve_v only_o to_o increase_v it_o the_o christian_a religion_n then_o have_v the_o character_n of_o perform_v all_o this_o be_v certain_o a_o religion_n true_o divine_a and_o be_v it_o not_o strange_a that_o it_o shall_v make_v man_n happy_a by_o teach_v he_o how_o to_o know_v himself_o and_o to_o remove_v his_o misery_n by_o shake_v off_o his_o ignorance_n especial_o when_o that_o ignorance_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o his_o tranquillity_n and_o satisfaction_n yet_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o wonder_v at_o it_o since_o religion_n give_v we_o a_o new_a prospect_n of_o thing_n and_o much_o different_a from_o what_o we_o ever_o have_v before_o it_o make_v we_o patient_o endure_v disease_n by_o discover_v to_o we_o the_o cause_n and_o design_n of_o they_o it_o comfort_v we_o in_o all_o our_o sudden_a and_o unexpected_a disgrace_n by_o assure_v we_o that_o nothing_o can_v come_v to_o pass_v without_o the_o dispensation_n of_o god_n providence_n who_o turn_v all_o thing_n to_o our_o advantage_n it_o humble_v we_o in_o prosperity_n and_o support_v we_o in_o affliction_n it_o ease_v the_o trouble_n of_o our_o heart_n by_o calm_v our_o passion_n it_o strengthen_v we_o against_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n by_o teach_v we_o to_o consider_v it_o as_o a_o passage_n to_o a_o far_o better_a life_n it_o comfort_v our_o conscience_n by_o its_o promise_n it_o continual_o attend_v we_o in_o all_o time_n in_o all_o place_n and_o in_o all_o danger_n strengthen_v we_o in_o our_o solitude_n hinder_v we_o from_o fall_v into_o deep_a melancholy_n and_o sorrow_n when_o we_o consider_v ourselves_o and_o what_o shall_v be_v our_o future_a state_n and_o last_o comfort_n and_o cheer_v we_o upon_o our_o deathbed_n where_o alone_o it_o serve_v we_o indeed_o instead_o of_o all_o thing_n when_o the_o charm_n of_o self-love_n be_v at_o a_o end_n and_o the_o scene_n of_o the_o world_n begin_v for_o ever_o to_o vanish_v out_o of_o our_o sight_n and_o true_o we_o must_v be_v wilful_o blind_a if_o we_o perceive_v not_o the_o divine_a author_n of_o that_o religion_n which_o at_o once_o show_v we_o so_o well_o our_o own_o misery_n and_o give_v we_o such_o excellent_a remedy_n for_o all_o the_o imperfection_n of_o our_o nature_n nor_o do_v it_o less_o enlighten_v our_o understanding_n in_o respect_n of_o our_o wretchedness_n another_o consequence_n of_o our_o corruption_n for_o be_v not_o man_n strange_o wretched_a and_o contemptible_a when_o in_o his_o own_o natural_a state_n he_o neither_o know_v what_o he_o himself_o be_v nor_o what_o he_o shall_v be_v but_o be_v continual_o take_v up_o with_o concern_v unworthy_a his_o nature_n full_a of_o project_n and_o notion_n but_o of_o a_o moment_n concern_n unable_a to_o bear_v long_o the_o consideration_n of_o himself_o and_o incapable_a of_o live_v without_o the_o help_n of_o other_o yet_o to_o speak_v the_o truth_n it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o there_o be_v such_o sentiment_n implant_v in_o man_n that_o plain_o discover_v some_o greatness_n in_o he_o even_o through_o his_o weakness_n and_o vnworthiness_n his_o mind_n indeed_o be_v often_o take_v up_o with_o the_o mean_a object_n yet_o can_v be_v satisfy_v with_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o great_a he_o can_v subsist_v without_o other_o man_n help_n yet_o endeavour_n to_o be_v esteem_v by_o all_o desire_v to_o diffuse_v himself_o every_o where_o by_o a_o sort_n of_o immensity_n which_o he_o derive_v only_o from_o the_o author_n of_o his_o be_v he_o be_v bury_v as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o care_n of_o this_o life_n yet_o since_o he_o find_v every_o thing_n in_o it_o disproportionable_a to_o his_o nature_n his_o thought_n aspire_v to_o eternity_n and_o
distinguish_v the_o object_n from_o the_o manner_n after_o which_o it_o be_v represent_v to_o we_o the_o first_o indeed_o be_v very_o reasonable_a great_a and_o sublime_a worthy_a to_o take_v up_o our_o thought_n and_o able_a to_o move_v our_o heart_n and_o we_o have_v already_o sufficient_o evince_v its_o conformity_n to_o our_o reason_n in_o show_v that_o we_o either_o must_v deny_v any_o evidence_n to_o be_v in_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n and_o nature_n of_o thing_n themselves_o or_o else_o acknowledge_v a_o future_a judgement_n and_o what_o can_v be_v great_a than_o a_o object_n which_o justify_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n his_o justice_n and_o all_o his_o other_o attribute_n and_o bring_v all_o man_n under_o his_o strict_a examination_n all_o their_o action_n all_o the_o thought_n of_o the_o understanding_n and_o all_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o this_o object_n be_v that_o alone_a as_o be_v real_a and_o immutable_a as_o for_o the_o manner_n that_o be_v propose_v to_o we_o of_o its_o accomplishment_n it_o will_v never_o suit_v with_o our_o weak_a knowledge_n be_v it_o altogether_o as_o sublime_a as_o the_o object_n itself_o and_o we_o shall_v be_v so_o far_o from_o comprehend_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o that_o it_o will_v certain_o dazzle_v our_o shallow_a reason_n if_o god_n do_v exact_o represent_v it_o to_o we_o as_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o but_o christ_n have_v sufficient_o show_v we_o we_o must_v not_o push_v too_o far_o the_o signification_n of_o any_o of_o those_o expressive_a image_n in_o that_o he_o use_v such_o a_o multitude_n and_o variety_n of_o other_o to_o represent_v that_o judgement_n to_o we_o for_o sometime_o he_o describe_v it_o by_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o groom_n and_o the_o virgin_n then_o again_o by_o the_o just_a judgement_n a_o lord_n pass_v upon_o all_o his_o servant_n who_o he_o have_v in_o his_o absence_n entrust_v with_o his_o talent_n one_o while_o he_o represent_v the_o judge_n of_o all_o the_o world_n as_o a_o shepherd_n select_v his_o sheep_n from_o the_o he-goat_n another_o time_n he_o describe_v he_o under_o the_o image_n of_o a_o housholder_n pluck_v up_o the_o tare_n and_o divide_v it_o from_o the_o wheat_n that_o he_o may_v burn_v the_o former_a but_o gather_v the_o latter_a into_o his_o barn_n in_o a_o word_n he_o compare_v he_o to_o a_o glorious_a and_o triumphant_a monarch_n who_o be_v precede_v by_o several_a legion_n of_o angel_n or_o messenger_n sound_v the_o trumpet_n before_o he_o now_o all_o these_o description_n will_v certain_o be_v of_o no_o use_n be_v they_o to_o be_v take_v in_o a_o strict_a and_o literal_a sense_n the_o same_o judgement_n must_v necessary_o be_v make_v of_o the_o history_n of_o dives_n and_o lazarus_n which_o though_o it_o appear_v never_o so_o reasonable_a and_o circumstantial_o tell_v yet_o for_o all_o that_o be_v but_o a_o parable_n in_o the_o opinion_n of_o all_o the_o sensible_a part_n of_o the_o world_n and_o will_v seem_v absurd_a if_o it_o be_v understand_v in_o a_o literal_a sense_n let_v not_o then_o philosophy_n any_o long_o be_v offend_v at_o any_o of_o the_o scripture_n phrase_n or_o its_o figurative_a expression_n let_v it_o not_o object_n that_o a_o material_a fire_n proper_o so_o call_v can_v burn_v up_o our_o soul_n that_o angel_n have_v no_o mouth_n to_o sound_a trumpet_n that_o the_o valley_n of_o josaphat_n be_v too_o little_a to_o contain_v all_o mankind_n etc._n etc._n these_o be_v such_o trivial_a difficulty_n as_o can_v puzzle_v those_o who_o be_v never_o so_o little_o acquaint_v with_o the_o language_n of_o canaan_n beside_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o mixture_n man_n have_v make_v of_o philosophy_n and_o religion_n have_v be_v considerable_o prejudicial_a to_o our_o faith_n for_o first_o philosophy_n as_o it_o be_v heap_v up_o one_o speculation_n upon_o another_o tell_v we_o that_o there_o be_v a_o infinite_a extension_n of_o matter_n that_o there_o be_v other_o globe_n inhabit_v and_o people_v other_o world_n be_v frame_v of_o the_o concourse_n of_o atom_n that_o there_o be_v certain_a invio_n jable_a law_n of_o nature_n that_o there_o be_v a_o eternity_n of_o matter_n and_o several_a other_o imagination_n of_o this_o kind_n as_o have_v not_o the_o least_o relation_n with_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n and_o thereupon_o the_o passion_n which_o be_v upon_o the_o watch_n to_o catch_v and_o embrace_v every_o thing_n that_o favour_v their_o several_a pretence_n in_o resist_a faith_n authorise_v the_o small_a conjecture_n and_o give_v such_o weight_n and_o credit_n to_o those_o thing_n which_o otherwise_o will_v certain_o pass_v for_o mere_a extravagancy_n and_o thus_o it_o happen_v that_o the_o scruple_n of_o philosophy_n be_v change_v into_o certainty_n through_o our_o unreasonable_a desire_n of_o change_a certainty_n of_o religion_n into_o doubt_n second_o philosophy_n create_v in_o we_o a_o habit_n of_o endeavour_v to_o judge_v of_o every_o thing_n by_o ourselves_o only_o a_o disposition_n indeed_o absolute_o contrary_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o faith_n which_o require_v of_o we_o a_o belief_n pure_o ground_v on_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n but_o man_n be_v so_o far_o from_o rely_v upon_o it_o that_o they_o be_v continual_o ask_v demonstration_n of_o we_o and_o those_o too_o they_o will_v have_v to_o be_v geometrical_a one_o that_o be_v so_o clear_a and_o evident_a as_o to_o be_v free_a from_o all_o perplex_v obscurity_n these_o man_n make_v large_a pretension_n and_o demand_n and_o sure_o it_o be_v that_o we_o have_v sufficient_a demonstration_n but_o they_o be_v all_o demonstration_n of_o faith_n and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o faith_n but_o what_o have_v some_o obscurity_n as_o well_o as_o light_n three_o another_o very_a dangerous_a effect_n of_o philosophy_n be_v that_o it_o change_v religion_n from_o practice_n into_o speculation_n for_o the_o nice_a and_o sublime_a our_o inquiry_n be_v into_o the_o nature_n of_o mystery_n the_o more_o we_o neglect_v the_o body_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v essential_o practical_a religion_n appear_v not_o then_o to_o we_o in_o its_o usual_a brightness_n and_o majesty_n and_o the_o more_o we_o pursue_v it_o by_o nice_a speculation_n the_o far_a it_o get_v out_o of_o our_o reach_n experience_n teach_v we_o that_o the_o progress_n we_o make_v in_o reason_v set_v we_o at_o a_o great_a distance_n from_o the_o true_a centre_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v piety_n and_o that_o the_o more_o metaphysical_a it_o be_v the_o less_o able_a it_o be_v to_o satisfy_v our_o mind_n but_o rather_o raise_v scruple_n in_o the_o understanding_n whereas_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o more_o we_o practise_v religion_n the_o better_a we_o be_v acquaint_v with_o it_o because_o we_o grow_v then_o sensible_a of_o its_o divine_a efficacy_n by_o our_o own_o experience_n and_o be_v make_v to_o believe_v the_o true_a value_n of_o it_o by_o the_o impression_n it_o leave_v in_o our_o heart_n have_v religion_n indeed_o be_v pure_o design_v to_o teach_v we_o how_o to_o philosophize_v and_o argue_v about_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n it_o will_v have_v be_v sufficient_a to_o take_v the_o measure_n of_o it_o from_o a_o speculative_a knowledge_n of_o the_o understanding_n but_o since_o it_o be_v give_v we_o to_o sanctify_v our_o heart_n it_o be_v but_o reasonable_a that_o contemplation_n shall_v yield_v to_o practice_n and_o the_o inward_a sense_n we_o have_v of_o its_o divine_a efficacy_n viii_o policy_n be_v yet_o a_o far_o great_a enemy_n to_o religion_n than_o philosophy_n not_o but_o that_o it_o often_o happy_o make_v use_v of_o religion_n to_o keep_v man_n within_o the_o bound_n of_o their_o duty_n but_o it_o pretend_v to_o have_v a_o right_n of_o superiority_n over_o it_o it_o will_v have_v religion_n submit_v to_o its_o order_n whereas_o religion_n submit_v only_o to_o the_o order_n of_o god_n policy_n general_o look_v upon_o the_o great_a part_n of_o man_n as_o no_o better_a than_o slave_n to_o those_o that_o be_v in_o power_n but_o religion_n in_o spite_n of_o policy_n make_v all_o man_n equal_a and_o effectual_o remove_v all_o those_o distinction_n which_o humane_a passion_n have_v put_v between_o they_o policy_n according_a to_o the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o pride_n and_o ambition_n act_v as_o if_o the_o live_v of_o the_o mean_a sort_n of_o people_n be_v of_o no_o more_o value_n than_o those_o of_o brute_n but_o religion_n assure_v we_o that_o the_o soul_n of_o a_o peasant_n be_v as_o dear_a and_o precious_a to_o god_n as_o that_o of_o a_o monarch_n what!_o say_v the_o ambitious_a man_n must_v all_o people_n become_v my_o equal_n and_o companion_n yes_o certain_o reply_v religion_n and_o far_o happy_a than_o thou_o be_v like_a to_o be_v unless_o thou_o repente_v a_o great_a and_o mighty_a character_n indeed_o which_o true_o convince_v we_o that_o it_o sole_o spring_v from_o god_n
easy_o believe_v mystery_n though_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o dive_v into_o the_o manner_n of_o they_o 3_o dly_z this_o submission_n to_o god_n be_v so_o very_o reasonable_a that_o none_o but_o a_o man_n utter_o void_a of_o sense_n can_v be_v so_o stupid_a as_o not_o to_o perceive_v it_o for_o till_o we_o be_v endow_v with_o a_o infinite_a understanding_n we_o shall_v never_o be_v able_a to_o know_v but_o one_o side_n of_o thing_n and_o consequent_o we_o must_v necessary_o be_v for_o ever_o ignorant_a of_o the_o other_o 4_o thly_a it_o be_v very_o just_a and_o equitable_a if_o ever_o any_o thing_n be_v so_o and_o it_o aim_v at_o nothing_o but_o show_v we_o our_o ignorance_n and_o represent_v to_o we_o that_o be_v liable_a to_o be_v deceive_v we_o ought_v careful_o to_o follow_v revelation_n as_o a_o true_a and_o faithful_a guide_n we_o shall_v certain_o be_v extravagant_a proud_o to_o deny_v our_o own_o ignorance_n or_o impious_o suspect_v that_o god_n can_v deceive_v we_o when_o his_o design_n be_v to_o reveal_v his_o majesty_n to_o we_o v._o but_o what_o be_v chief_o to_o be_v observe_v for_o the_o honour_n of_o our_o religion_n what_o show_v the_o character_n of_o its_o divinity_n and_o force_v we_o to_o acknowledge_v they_o be_v that_o it_o teach_v we_o that_o to_o see_v clear_a into_o matter_n of_o religion_n we_o ought_v not_o to_o rely_v upon_o the_o light_n of_o our_o understanding_n and_o that_o we_o must_v lay_v aside_o the_o evidence_n of_o reason_n if_o we_o will_v be_v free_a from_o error_n in_o point_n of_o faith_n it_o be_v a_o wonderful_a effect_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o it_o render_v we_o happy_a by_o induce_v we_o to_o renounce_v ourselves_o and_o no_o less_o admirable_a that_o it_o enlighten_v our_o mind_n by_o oblige_v we_o to_o renounce_v our_o reason_n to_o look_v bold_o and_o steadfast_o upon_o mystery_n be_v the_o way_n to_o be_v blind_a whereas_o we_o shall_v easy_o perceive_v the_o light_n of_o god_n shine_v about_o we_o if_o we_o do_v but_o humble_o cast_v down_o our_o eye_n we_o shall_v be_v sufficient_o learn_v if_o we_o rest_v satisfy_v with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o what_o god_n have_v be_v please_v to_o reveal_v unto_o we_o and_o nothing_o more_o betray_v a_o universal_a ignorance_n than_o a_o insignificant_a desire_n to_o be_v ignorant_a of_o nothing_o in_o other_o science_n a_o man_n skill_n be_v measure_v by_o his_o knowledge_n but_o in_o that_o of_o salvation_n he_o be_v best_o instruct_v who_o be_v most_o humble_a he_o who_o have_v the_o least_o pride_n have_v the_o most_o understanding_n and_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o be_v easy_a we_o have_v already_o see_v that_o the_o nice_a speculation_n of_o reason_n about_o mystery_n do_v but_o more_o perplex_v and_o darken_v what_o be_v before_o obscure_a let_v we_o now_o see_v how_o much_o the_o submit_v our_o reason_n to_o faith_n make_v we_o have_v a_o clear_a insight_n into_o those_o mystery_n or_o at_o least_o how_o much_o it_o hinder_v our_o be_v confound_v by_o they_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o by_o continue_v in_o such_o a_o state_n of_o humility_n whatsoever_o difficulty_n may_v arise_v they_o will_v not_o have_v force_n enough_o to_o discompose_v our_o mind_n we_o shall_v not_o be_v surprise_v that_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o comprehend_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n or_o his_o manner_n of_o know_v love_a and_o act_v or_o his_o eternity_n immensity_n etc._n etc._n but_o we_o shall_v rather_o be_v ravish_v with_o admiration_n to_o think_v that_o we_o that_o be_v no_o better_a than_o worm_n or_o atom_n be_v yet_o think_v worthy_a to_o know_v he_o and_o raise_v to_o that_o pitch_n of_o glory_n as_o to_o have_v some_o prospect_n though_o but_o a_o faint_a one_o of_o his_o wondrous_a work_n and_o infinite_a perfection_n neither_o shall_v we_o have_v any_o reason_n to_o be_v offend_v because_o god_n former_o abandon_v the_o gentile_n and_o cast_v away_o other_o nation_n which_o still_o abide_v in_o profound_a ignorance_n and_o darkness_n though_o perhaps_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o nature_n so_o difficult_a or_o incomprehensible_a as_o the_o conduct_n of_o god_n but_o we_o shall_v rather_o reflect_v upon_o ourselves_o and_o endeavour_v to_o search_v into_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o own_o nature_n and_o upon_o such_o a_o consideration_n we_o shall_v find_v ourselves_o bury_v and_o swallow_v up_o if_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v in_o some_o corner_n of_o this_o vast_a universe_n and_o that_o too_o in_o such_o a_o time_n or_o conjuncture_n as_o be_v a_o mere_a point_n in_o comparison_n of_o that_o almost_o infinite_a duration_n of_o time_n which_o have_v elapse_v and_o that_o eternity_n which_o be_v still_o to_o pass_v away_o we_o shall_v only_o perceive_v a_o few_o year_n and_o a_o few_o nation_n which_o we_o ascribe_v to_o providence_n as_o its_o object_n as_o if_o that_o which_o preside_v over_o the_o whole_a creation_n be_v to_o be_v bound_v by_o a_o few_o age_n or_o nation_n but_o weak_a and_o foolish_a creature_n that_o we_o be_v we_o perceive_v not_o that_o infinite_a succession_n of_o object_n which_o take_v their_o turn_n and_o move_v on_o according_a to_o the_o decree_n of_o eternal_a wisdom_n we_o perceive_v not_o the_o strict_a union_n of_o this_o world_n with_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v or_o the_o share_n those_o nation_n who_o ignorance_n we_o so_o much_o deplore_v have_v in_o that_o continue_a chain_n of_o event_n nor_o the_o right_n which_o divine_a justice_n have_v over_o they_o or_o at_o least_o we_o have_v but_o a_o faint_a and_o imperfect_a knowledge_n of_o they_o we_o consider_v not_o that_o a_o thousand_o year_n be_v as_o one_o day_n and_o one_o day_n as_o a_o thousand_o year_n one_o nation_n as_o a_o hundred_o nation_n and_o a_o hundred_o nation_n as_o one_o nation_n in_o his_o sight_n who_o be_v able_a to_o create_v a_o infinite_a number_n of_o they_o out_o of_o nothing_o as_o he_o do_v we_o and_o in_o this_o we_o may_v be_v compare_v to_o those_o who_o lie_v in_o the_o bottom_n of_o a_o well_o will_v fain_o see_v the_o whole_a extent_n of_o the_o heaven_n be_v we_o true_o sensible_a of_o our_o wretched_a nature_n we_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o curious_a or_o inconsiderate_a but_o rather_o dread_a the_o fate_n of_o those_o man_n who_o be_v smite_v from_o above_o for_o have_v look_v into_o the_o ark_n of_o god_n we_o shall_v find_v out_o the_o falsity_n of_o those_o opinion_n which_o be_v the_o product_n of_o a_o rash_a curiosity_n and_o whilst_o we_o limit_v our_o inquiry_n by_o revelation_n we_o shall_v easy_o discern_v those_o that_o go_v beyond_o it_o we_o shall_v distinguish_v religion_n which_o mortisy_n we_o from_o superstition_n which_o flatter_v and_o agreeable_o delude_v we_o and_o however_o policy_n in_o the_o height_n of_o its_o pride_n may_v rank_v we_o among_o creature_n not_o much_o superior_a to_o brute_n we_o shall_v not_o cease_v to_o think_v ourselves_o the_o child_n of_o god_n no_o charm_n of_o eloquence_n shall_v impose_v upon_o our_o belief_n no_o idle_a nicety_n of_o grammar_n perplex_v that_o faith_n which_o depend_v upon_o the_o object_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v indeed_o too_o manifest_a in_o their_o nature_n too_o often_o repeat_v and_o close_o unite_v to_o the_o principle_n of_o common_a sense_n too_o well_o confirm_v and_o attest_v by_o their_o event_n too_o worthy_a of_o god_n himself_o and_o conduce_v too_o much_o to_o our_o sanctification_n to_o be_v ever_o call_v in_o question_n in_o a_o word_n we_o shall_v then_o shake_v off_o our_o incredulity_n when_o we_o remove_v that_o which_o excite_v within_o we_o a_o secret_a propension_n to_o it_o it_o be_v therefore_o certain_a that_o god_n have_v cover_v the_o mystery_n of_o religion_n with_o a_o sacred_a darkness_n and_o have_v even_o permit_v man_n to_o make_v they_o yet_o more_o obscure_a by_o their_o vain_a speculation_n but_o what_o at_o once_o give_v we_o wonder_n and_o consolation_n be_v that_o the_o deep_a philosopher_n and_o most_o curious_a enquirer_n see_v not_o always_o clear_a into_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n but_o those_o only_o who_o make_v least_o use_n of_o the_o force_n of_o their_o reason_n and_o forbear_v to_o inquire_v nice_o into_o those_o thing_n which_o it_o become_v they_o humble_o to_o believe_v this_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o opinion_n of_o christ_n himself_o who_o say_v to_o his_o father_n i_o thank_v thou_o o_o father_n lord_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n because_o thou_o have_v hide_v these_o thing_n from_o the_o wise_a and_o prudent_a and_o have_v reveal_v they_o unto_o babe_n mat._n 5._o 11._o and_o here_o indeed_o we_o can_v but_o tremble_v with_o reverence_n and_o admiration_n when_o we_o join_v this_o character_n of_o the_o divinity_n of_o our_o religion_n to_o the_o rest_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o we_o
allow_v to_o conceive_v divine_a matter_n after_o our_o own_o way_n and_o that_o it_o will_v otherwise_o be_v utter_o impossible_a for_o we_o to_o speak_v of_o they_o so_o may_v we_o also_o distinguish_v the_o several_a decree_n of_o god_n we_o may_v conceive_v they_o depend_v upon_o and_o subordinate_a one_o to_o another_o but_o still_o remember_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o principle_n deus_fw-la non_fw-la vult_fw-la hoc_fw-la propter_fw-la hoc_fw-la sed_fw-la vult_fw-la hoc_fw-la esse_fw-la propter_fw-la hoc_fw-la yet_o we_o shall_v appear_v no_o more_o reasonable_a for_o urge_v against_o religion_n the_o difficulty_n which_o arise_v from_o this_o order_n of_o the_o decree_n of_o god_n than_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v pretend_v to_o raise_v very_o serious_a objection_n against_o the_o distinction_n we_o conceive_v between_o the_o hand_n and_o foot_n and_o eye_n of_o god_n for_o as_o we_o shall_v ready_o answer_v the_o the_o latter_a that_o he_o do_v not_o do_v well_o in_o urge_v too_o far_o those_o figurative_a and_o humane_a way_n of_o speak_v so_o shall_v we_o tell_v the_o former_a that_o there_o be_v no_o real_a dependence_n or_o distinction_n in_o the_o decree_n of_o god_n he_o need_v not_o be_v perplex_v at_o those_o difficulty_n that_o seem_v to_o take_v their_o rise_n from_o it_o 4._o in_o the_o mean_a while_o i_o grant_v it_o ought_v to_o be_v our_o chief_a concern_v to_o range_v those_o decree_n in_o a_o order_n most_o conformable_a to_o our_o own_o reason_n and_o most_o worthy_a the_o majesty_n of_o god_n be_v therefore_o oblige_v to_o conceive_v god_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o man_n it_o be_v but_o reasonable_a we_o shall_v conceive_v he_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o wise_a and_o prudent_a one_o it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o great_a extravagance_n than_o that_o of_o those_o philosophical_a divine_n who_o maintain_v so_o fierce_a a_o war_n about_o the_o manner_n of_o conceive_v the_o order_n of_o the_o decree_n of_o god_n the_o apostle_n themselves_o never_o argue_v about_o they_o they_o be_v neither_o supralapsarian_o nor_o vniversalist_n nor_o particularist_n for_o they_o desire_v not_o to_o frame_v system_n of_o their_o own_o nor_o do_v they_o design_n to_o prefer_v speculation_n before_o practice_n what_o be_v then_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o bless_a apostle_n the_o same_o that_o be_v common_a to_o all_o those_o several_a sort_n of_o divine_n that_o which_o be_v contain_v in_o our_o catechism_n which_o do_v not_o require_v we_o shall_v go_v through_o a_o course_n of_o philosophy_n before_o we_o can_v understand_v its_o precept_n that_o which_o teach_v we_o pure_o the_o thing_n itself_o and_o not_o the_o manner_n after_o which_o it_o be_v bring_v to_o pass_v that_o in_o short_a which_o procure_v peace_n and_o good_a understanding_n among_o christian_n and_o not_o that_o which_o be_v the_o universal_a cause_n of_o all_o their_o dissension_n 5._o there_o be_v two_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o predestination_n as_o it_o be_v offer_v to_o we_o by_o st._n paul_n the_o expression_n and_o the_o thing_n itself_o the_o expression_n indeed_o may_v sometime_o seem_v to_o we_o strange_a and_o unusual_a because_o we_o be_v not_o very_o well_o acquaint_v with_o the_o hebraism_n the_o apostle_n be_v often_o wont_a to_o use_v in_o their_o discourse_n thus_o for_o instance_n this_o expression_n god_n harden_v which_o seem_v to_o denote_v a_o positive_a act_n unworthy_a of_o god_n signify_v only_o that_o god_n do_v not_o use_v to_o take_v away_o the_o hardness_n of_o heart_n as_o for_o the_o thing_n itself_o there_o be_v two_o several_a election_n a_o general_a and_o a_o particular_a election_n both_o which_o may_v well_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v speak_v of_o in_o the_o 9_o the_o chap._n of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n as_o for_o the_o general_a election_n of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n st._n paul_n undertake_v to_o show_v that_o it_o do_v not_o depend_v upon_o any_o external_a cause_n but_o that_o it_o proceed_v from_o the_o sole_a will_n and_o good_a pleasure_n of_o god_n he_o tell_v we_o it_o be_v not_o on_o the_o account_n of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o jacob_n as_o the_o jew_n imagine_v that_o israel_n have_v be_v prefer_v before_o the_o posterity_n of_o edom_n since_o long_o before_o the_o child_n have_v do_v either_o good_a or_o evil._n rebekah_n be_v tell_v that_o she_o carry_v two_o great_a nation_n in_o her_o womb_n mean_v she_o two_o son_n and_o that_o the_o elder_a shall_v serve_v the_o young_a and_o that_o the_o apostle_n speak_v in_o this_o place_n of_o a_o general_a election_n of_o the_o people_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v easy_a to_o perceive_v from_o this_o text_n of_o malachi_n chap._n 1._o v._n 2_o 3._o which_o he_o quote_v as_o follow_v i_o have_v love_v you_o say_v the_o lord_n yet_o you_o say_v wherein_o have_v thou_o love_v we_o be_v not_o esau_n jacob_n brother_n say_v the_o lord_n yet_o i_o love_v jacob_n and_o i_o hate_v esau_n and_o lay_v his_o mountain_n and_o his_o heritage_n waste_n for_o the_o dragon_n of_o the_o wilderness_n whereas_o edom_n say_v we_o be_v impoverish_v but_o we_o will_v return_v etc._n etc._n it_o be_v past_a all_o dispute_n that_o malachi_n speak_v here_o of_o the_o two_o nation_n from_o whence_o we_o can_v but_o conclude_v that_o it_o be_v also_o the_o intent_n of_o st._n paul_n to_o speak_v of_o their_o election_n in_o the_o 9_o the_o of_o the_o roman_n which_o exact_o agree_v with_o the_o precedent_n and_o follow_a word_n for_o in_o the_o forego_n verse_n he_o show_v we_o that_o in_o order_n to_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o covenant_n it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o be_v of_o the_o posterity_n of_o abraham_n according_a to_o the_o flesh_n but_o it_o be_v further_a requisite_a we_o shall_v be_v so_o by_o faith_n because_o it_o be_v say_v in_o isaac_n shall_v thy_o seed_n be_v call_v â—nd_v that_o isaac_n be_v the_o son_n of_o the_o promise_n and_o in_o the_o follow_a verse_n the_o apostle_n introduce_v hosea_n speak_v after_o this_o manner_n i_o will_v call_v they_o my_o people_n which_o be_v not_o my_o people_n and_o her_o belove_a which_o be_v not_o belove_v it_o can_v be_v suppose_v but_o that_o st._n paul_n speak_v also_o of_o the_o election_n of_o private_a person_n and_o make_v mention_n of_o it_o in_o those_o excellent_a word_n of_o the_o forego_n chapter_n where_o he_o say_v who_o he_o do_v foreknow_v he_o also_o do_v predestinate_a to_o be_v conform_v etc._n etc._n moreover_o who_o he_o do_v predestinate_a they_o he_o also_o call_v and_o who_o he_o call_v they_o he_o also_o justify_v and_o who_o he_o justify_v they_o he_o also_o glorify_v etc._n etc._n and_o a_o little_a further_o he_o add_v who_o shall_v lay_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o charge_n of_o god_n elect_v etc._n etc._n now_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o this_o continue_a chain_n of_o benefit_n do_v not_o make_v make_v any_o order_n in_o the_o decree_n itself_o but_o in_o its_o execution_n so_o that_o the_o sum_n of_o all_o that_o may_v be_v gather_v from_o these_o word_n be_v to_o this_o effect_n that_o god_n predestinate_v we_o and_o that_o have_v predestinate_v we_o he_o call_v we_o he_o justify_v we_o and_o he_o glorify_v we_o all_o which_o thus_o far_o admit_v of_o no_o considerable_a difficulty_n let_v we_o not_o then_o carry_v our_o inquiry_n high_a than_o that_o apostle_n do_v he_o and_o since_o he_o never_o argue_v philosophical_o concern_v the_o order_n of_o the_o decree_n of_o god_n let_v we_o lay_v aside_o all_o those_o unprofitable_a speculation_n which_o will_v vanish_v of_o themselves_o when_o we_o have_v suppose_v the_o simplicity_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n or_o if_o we_o must_v needs_o philosophize_v upon_o it_o let_v we_o at_o least_o separate_v our_o philosophy_n from_o our_o faith_n and_o make_v a_o difference_n betwixt_o our_o own_o reason_v and_o the_o notion_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n let_v we_o not_o vain_o contend_v bare_o about_o the_o manner_n of_o conceive_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n be_v there_o be_v a_o right_a understanding_n among_o christian_n to_o make_v that_o happy_a distinction_n between_o philosophy_n and_o divinity_n which_o we_o require_v of_o they_o by_o keep_v themselves_o within_o the_o bound_n of_o revelation_n which_o bare_o inform_v we_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o reject_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n all_o philosophy_n which_o endeavour_v to_o dive_v into_o the_o manner_n of_o it_o it_o will_v be_v the_o sure_a method_n to_o extinguish_v all_o those_o sect_n which_o rage_n among_o we_o and_o restore_v all_o thing_n to_o the_o primitive_a unity_n and_o simplicity_n of_o the_o apostolical_a religion_n the_o doctrine_n of_o predestination_n will_v then_o be_v no_o long_o a_o confuse_a heap_n of_o darkness_n contradiction_n and_o endless_a