the_o other_o scale_n to_o overbalance_v it_o but_o it_o be_v not_o the_o pleasure_n of_o god_n we_o shall_v and_o we_o must_v rest_v content_a to_o believe_v those_o object_n which_o make_v we_o thus_o renounce_v that_o which_o we_o actual_o see_v and_o shall_v they_o be_v never_o so_o agreeable_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o common_a sense_n yet_o faith_n and_o not_o reason_n ought_v chief_o to_o induce_v we_o to_o receive_v they_o now_o the_o same_o principle_n that_o set_v the_o heart_n at_o variance_n with_o the_o law_n that_o impose_v on_o it_o the_o necessity_n of_o act_v after_o that_o manner_n the_o same_o principle_n i_o say_v make_v reason_n oppose_v revelation_n which_o lay_v upon_o it_o a_o invincible_a necessity_n of_o believe_v what_o it_o can_v comprehend_v it_o be_v certain_a however_o that_o this_o command_n of_o god_n be_v very_o conformable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n very_o suitable_a to_o our_o present_a condition_n necessary_a to_o our_o sanctification_n and_o useful_a for_o the_o advancement_n of_o god_n glory_n we_o must_v not_o think_v it_o strange_a that_o the_o dispensation_n of_o faith_n shall_v precede_v that_o of_o sight_n since_o we_o daily_o observe_v darkness_n to_o precede_v light_n by_o a_o natural_a order_n and_o that_o we_o be_v child_n before_o we_o come_v to_o be_v men._n both_o experience_n and_o reason_n tell_v we_o that_o our_o knowledge_n be_v very_o imperfect_a in_o this_o life_n wherein_o the_o soul_n be_v as_o it_o be_v press_v down_o by_o the_o clog_n of_o the_o body_n that_o we_o may_v walk_v more_o secure_a by_o the_o help_n of_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o those_o heathen_n who_o attempt_v to_o go_v beyoud_a it_o wander_v blind_o about_o and_o lose_v their_o way_n there_o be_v two_o sort_n of_o irregularity_n in_o man_n which_o produce_v all_o his_o other_o disorder_n pride_n and_o voluptuousness_n the_o latter_a of_o which_o spring_v up_o in_o the_o most_o inferior_a part_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o be_v chief_o produce_v by_o the_o sense_n but_o pride_n be_v proper_o a_o defect_n of_o the_o mind_n as_o therefore_o there_o have_v not_o be_v find_v hitherto_o a_o better_a remedy_n against_o voluptuousness_n than_o that_o of_o afflict_v the_o sense_n by_o deny_v they_o those_o pleasure_n they_o so_o earnest_o thirst_v after_o so_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v there_o have_v be_v as_o yet_o a_o better_a mean_n think_v of_o to_o remove_v the_o pride_n of_o the_o mind_n than_o to_o humble_v it_o by_o restrain_v those_o speculation_n of_o knowledge_n which_o puff_v it_o up_o beyond_o measure_n and_o mortify_v it_o by_o require_v it_o to_o sacrifice_v all_o its_o weak_a conjecture_n and_o vain_a reason_n to_o faith_n and_o indeed_o this_o sacrifice_n of_o ourselves_o be_v deserve_o owe_v to_o god_n since_o there_o be_v as_o much_o reason_n for_o submit_v our_o willby_n our_o obedience_n to_o his_o law_n as_o there_o be_v for_o subject_v our_o mind_n to_o he_o by_o faith_n for_o by_o the_o former_a of_o these_o act_n we_o own_v he_o for_o our_o lord_n that_o have_v a_o right_a to_o command_v we_o and_o by_o the_o latter_a we_o ready_o confess_v his_o veracity_n and_o that_o we_o need_v not_o fear_v be_v impose_v upon_o when_o we_o receive_v those_o thing_n he_o command_v we_o to_o observe_v thus_o man_n who_o have_v lose_v himself_o in_o his_o desire_n of_o infinite_a knowledge_n be_v bind_v in_o some_o measure_n to_o expiate_v his_o crime_n in_o not_o desire_v to_o know_v any_o thing_n by_o himself_o he_o have_v attempt_v to_o get_v as_o clear_v a_o knowledge_n of_o all_o thing_n as_o god_n himself_o but_o now_o he_o refuse_v to_o know_v any_o thing_n but_o from_o god_n he_o be_v blind_a whilst_o he_o walk_v in_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n but_o now_o he_o must_v see_v clear_a in_o the_o darkness_n of_o the_o dispensation_n of_o faith_n for_o after_o that_o in_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n the_o world_n by_o wisdom_n know_v not_o god_n it_o please_v god_n by_o the_o foolishness_n of_o preach_v to_o save_v they_o that_o believe_v 1_o cor._n 1._o 21._o it_o be_v certain_a shall_v god_n familiar_o and_o frequent_o reveal_v himself_o unto_o man_n by_o sensible_a and_o continue_a miracle_n we_o shall_v then_o walk_v by_o sight_n and_o not_o by_o faith_n and_o it_o be_v true_a also_o that_o if_o the_o object_n of_o revelation_n be_v not_o in_o some_o sort_n obscure_a there_o will_v be_v no_o endeavour_n no_o difficulty_n no_o sacrifice_n of_o reason_n make_v to_o believe_v they_o the_o difficulty_n that_o mystery_n be_v attend_v with_o have_v almost_o the_o same_o influence_n over_o our_o understanding_n as_o affliction_n have_v upon_o our_o heart_n for_o as_o these_o bring_v the_o latter_a in_o subjection_n so_o the_o other_o serve_v to_o try_v the_o constancy_n of_o the_o former_a and_o since_o god_n almighty_n be_v please_v to_o increase_v our_o patience_n by_o two_o different_a sort_n of_o suffering_n the_o one_o which_o he_o himself_o inflict_v immediate_o upon_o we_o and_o the_o other_o he_o permit_v worldly_a mind_v and_o sinful_a man_n to_o inflict_v upon_o we_o so_o in_o like_a manner_n he_o be_v please_v to_o exercise_v our_o faith_n by_o two_o different_a sort_n of_o difficulty_n some_o whereof_o spring_n immediate_o from_o god_n himself_o and_o other_o proceed_v from_o the_o very_a heart_n and_o understanding_n of_o men._n for_o we_o must_v distinguish_v betwixt_o that_o obscurity_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o mystery_n which_o proceed_v from_o god_n and_o that_o which_o proceed_v from_o the_o understanding_n of_o men._n the_o first_o be_v either_o necessary_a as_o all_o those_o difficulty_n which_o arise_v from_o the_o essential_a disproportion_n between_o infinite_a object_n such_o as_o those_o of_o revelation_n and_o a_o finite_a understanding_n like_o we_o or_o else_o voluntary_a and_o so_o enter_v into_o the_o very_a plan_n and_o design_n of_o religion_n itself_o and_o these_o again_o may_v be_v distinguish_v according_a to_o that_o diversity_n which_o in_o our_o manner_n of_o conceive_v thing_n we_o be_v oblige_v to_o suppose_v in_o the_o perfection_n of_o god_n himself_o there_o be_v some_o which_o proceed_v from_o the_o council_n of_o his_o wisdom_n other_o from_o that_o of_o his_o justice_n other_o from_o that_o of_o his_o majesty_n and_o last_o from_o that_o of_o his_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n thus_o divine_a wisdom_n be_v please_v to_o intermix_v some_o sort_n of_o darkness_n amid_o the_o most_o express_a prophecy_n we_o have_v lest_o that_o too_o clear_a a_o evidence_n of_o they_o shall_v destroy_v their_o event_n to_o this_o principle_n also_o must_v we_o refer_v all_o those_o shadow_n type_n parabolical_a representation_n that_o mixture_n of_o sensible_a object_n with_o spiritual_a benefit_n that_o of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n with_o the_o state_n of_o israel_n according_a to_o the_o flesh_n and_o general_o all_o those_o other_o mean_n which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n make_v use_v of_o partly_o to_o cover_v those_o event_n he_o have_v declare_v to_o man_n many_o age_n before_o their_o completion_n god_n draw_v a_o veil_n over_o the_o most_o essential_a truth_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n such_o as_o the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n the_o trinity_n the_o redemption_n of_o mankind_n etc._n etc._n that_o a_o distinct_a revelation_n from_o all_o these_o object_n may_v be_v a_o undeniable_a character_n of_o the_o messiah_n and_o that_o his_o disciple_n may_v bold_o affirm_v that_o life_n be_v manifest_v in_o jesus_n christ_n that_o grace_n have_v appear_v unto_o all_o men._n for_o no_o man_n have_v see_v god_n at_o any_o time_n the_o only_o beget_v son_n which_o be_v in_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o father_n he_o have_v declare_v he_o john_n 1._o 18._o to_o this_o wisdom_n of_o god_n also_o must_v be_v refer_v that_o conduct_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o inspire_v the_o patriarch_n thereby_o to_o reveal_v a_o better_a life_n to_o they_o and_o make_v they_o cry_v out_o upon_o their_o deathbed_n lord_n i_o have_v wait_v for_o thy_o salvation_n but_o withal_o give_v they_o but_o a_o faint_a prospect_n of_o that_o object_n by_o such_o obscure_a thought_n and_o dark_a notion_n as_o they_o be_v not_o able_a of_o themselves_o to_o solve_v defer_v to_o give_v a_o more_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o his_o mystery_n till_o that_o time_n which_o he_o have_v set_v apart_o for_o the_o fulfil_n of_o his_o oracle_n and_o the_o manifestation_n of_o he_o that_o be_v to_o be_v the_o author_n and_o end_n of_o christian_a religion_n for_o this_o cause_n therefore_o there_o be_v hardly_o mention_v make_v of_o any_o thing_n else_o in_o the_o write_n of_o moses_n but_o of_o temporal_a promise_n and_o threaten_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o jesus_n christ_n himself_o when_o dispute_v against_o the_o sadducee_n prove_v the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a but_o by_o
consequence_n only_o divine_a wisdom_n be_v also_o please_v that_o jesus_n christ_n shall_v be_v bear_v in_o obscurity_n and_o humiliation_n that_o those_o mean_v outward_a appearance_n be_v offensive_a to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o carnal_a and_o worldly_a mind_a jew_n they_o may_v as_o it_o be_v by_o chance_n give_v occasion_n to_o the_o execution_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o the_o council_n of_o god_n have_v determine_v and_o this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o principal_a cause_n of_o his_o poverty_n and_o humiliation_n of_o the_o meanness_n of_o his_o birth_n and_o the_o vnworthiness_n of_o his_o first_o profession_n the_o choice_n of_o his_o disciple_n etc._n etc._n the_o justice_n of_o god_n act_v in_o concert_n with_o his_o wisdom_n oblige_v he_o to_o speak_v to_o all_o profane_a contemner_n of_o his_o mystery_n in_o a_o obscure_a language_n and_o so_o as_o it_o be_v to_o conceal_v those_o pearl_n from_o they_o lest_o like_o unclean_a beast_n they_o shall_v trample_v they_o under_o their_o foot_n and_o this_o may_v very_o well_o serve_v for_o a_o reason_n of_o the_o denial_n which_o christ_n former_o make_v to_o the_o unbeliever_n of_o those_o time_n of_o signalize_v his_o power_n among_o they_o and_o of_o the_o great_a care_n he_o often_o take_v to_o conceal_v his_o miracle_n from_o they_o for_o this_o cause_n therefore_o speak_v he_o sometime_o in_o parable_n to_o stranger_n but_o he_o always_o very_o clear_o express_v himself_o to_o his_o disciple_n give_v they_o to_o understand_v the_o meaning_n of_o those_o parable_n and_o tell_v they_o that_o as_o for_o they_o they_o have_v the_o privilege_n of_o see_v all_o thing_n open_o neither_o do_v his_o majesty_n suffer_v he_o to_o reveal_v himself_o as_o familiar_o to_o the_o sinful_a man_n as_o he_o will_v to_o the_o innocent_a this_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o wonder_v at_o since_o man_n themselves_o be_v wont_n so_o to_o deal_v with_o one_o another_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o common_a than_o for_o great_a man_n to_o banish_v their_o presence_n those_o who_o have_v incur_v their_o displeasure_n to_o think_v it_o then_o strange_a if_o god_n conceal_v himself_o from_o a_o sinner_n will_v be_v to_o entertain_v a_o more_o unworthy_a idea_n of_o his_o majesty_n than_o that_o of_o a_o earthly_a monarch_n this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o god_n take_v such_o care_n to_o conceal_v himself_o even_o when_o he_o design_v to_o manifest_v his_o glory_n and_o for_o this_o cause_n he_o show_v himself_o only_o in_o vision_n and_o dream_n or_o when_o hide_a in_o the_o cloud_n and_o ark_n or_o cover_v with_o some_o other_o veil_n on_o this_o account_n also_o he_o be_v wont_a to_o banish_v from_o his_o presence_n all_o those_o as_o be_v defile_v in_o their_o body_n and_o order_v the_o priest_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n to_o purify_v themselves_o he_o command_v too_o the_o people_n to_o wash_v their_o garment_n when_o he_o give_v they_o notice_n that_o within_o three_o day_n he_o will_v come_v down_o to_o they_o nothing_o but_o a_o external_a and_o corporeal_a purity_n be_v sufficient_a to_o qualify_v those_o that_o be_v to_o approach_v the_o deity_n manifest_v under_o corporeal_a symbol_n but_o christ_n fulfil_v in_o the_o spirit_n every_o thing_n hide_v in_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o law_n teach_v we_o that_o those_o only_o shall_v see_v god_n who_o shall_v be_v find_v pure_a in_o heart_n so_o that_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o wonder_v if_o when_o man_n by_o reason_n of_o his_o gild_n hide_v himself_o from_o god_n the_o almighty_a withdraw_v the_o influence_n of_o his_o glorious_a majesty_n from_o man._n last_o the_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n overshadow_v revelation_n with_o some_o sort_n of_o darkness_n to_o exercise_v our_o faith_n and_o keep_v up_o our_o mind_n in_o vigour_n which_o also_o will_v grow_v sluggish_a if_o not_o stir_v up_o by_o such_o difficulty_n as_o be_v proper_a to_o mystery_n as_o also_o to_o humble_v our_o proud_a and_o haughty_a reason_n which_o be_v immediate_o puff_v up_o with_o its_o own_o knowledge_n to_o make_v we_o submit_v our_o understanding_n to_o he_o since_o we_o ought_v to_o believe_v any_o truth_n though_o incredible_a if_o he_o reveal_v they_o as_o also_o to_o sway_v our_o heart_n and_o affection_n which_o ought_v ready_o to_o embrace_v any_o sorrowful_a and_o mortify_a object_n that_o he_o be_v please_v to_o offer_v they_o to_o strip_v our_o pride_n of_o all_o its_o pretence_n and_o to_o dispose_v our_o mind_n that_o we_o must_v necessary_o acknowledge_v every_o benefit_n we_o enjoy_v spring_v from_o he_o and_o that_o too_o so_o much_o the_o more_o because_o we_o thereby_o attain_v to_o life_n eternal_a by_o such_o mean_n and_o object_n as_o be_v above_o our_o capacity_n to_o comprehend_v so_o necessary_a be_v it_o that_o it_o shall_v appear_v that_o our_o sufficiency_n be_v of_o god_n and_o that_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n unto_o salvation_n to_o every_o one_o that_o believe_v rom._n 1._o 16._o to_o this_o principle_n we_o owe_v the_o choice_n of_o those_o person_n which_o god_n have_v make_v use_n of_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n the_o nature_n of_o those_o seem_a paradox_n he_o command_v they_o to_o publish_v so_o contrary_a to_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o reason_n the_o silence_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o those_o thing_n which_o a_o few_o word_n from_o he_o will_v have_v render_v plain_a and_o easy_a to_o our_o understanding_n but_o god_n be_v not_o content_a to_o exercise_v our_o faith_n by_o those_o obscurity_n we_o find_v disperse_v throughout_o the_o divine_a revelation_n he_o further_o permit_v heresy_n schism_n and_o error_n nay_o superstition_n itself_o to_o reign_v among_o we_o that_o those_o who_o be_v approve_v may_v be_v make_v manifest_a thus_o we_o may_v say_v he_o suffer_v all_o egypt_n to_o be_v cover_v with_o darkness_n the_o more_o eminent_o to_o discover_v his_o wonderful_a protection_n in_o blessing_n at_o the_o same_o time_n the_o land_n of_o goshen_n with_o the_o light_n of_o his_o truth_n that_o be_v by_o give_v we_o a_o religion_n accompany_v with_o so_o bright_a a_o evidence_n as_o carnal_a and_o worldly_a mind_a man_n can_v never_o comprehend_v because_o their_o reason_n be_v eclipse_v by_o sensuality_n and_o the_o corruption_n of_o their_o heart_n produce_v those_o thick_a cloud_n that_o hide_v the_o truth_n from_o their_o sight_n god_n it_o be_v true_a enlighten_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n but_o man_n wilful_o blind_v themselves_o he_o permit_v it_o shall_v be_v so_o to_o confound_v their_o ignorance_n and_o demonstrate_v to_o we_o that_o he_o be_v the_o father_n of_o light_n but_o let_v we_o now_o inquire_v into_o the_o principle_n of_o that_o obscurity_n which_o sole_o spring_v from_o men._n and_o i._o so_o gross_a be_v all_o the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o the_o sense_n that_o there_o be_v no_o body_n so_o void_a of_o shame_n as_o to_o follow_v they_o open_o yet_o it_o be_v certain_a they_o be_v very_o prevalent_a in_o the_o heart_n of_o most_o man_n who_o stick_v not_o to_o say_v i_o never_o see_v the_o like_a i_o can_v willing_o believe_v it_o if_o i_o shall_v but_o see_v it_o who_o ever_o see_v dead_a man_n rise_v again_o from_o their_o grave_n and_o who_o ever_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n or_o go_v down_o into_o the_o pit_n all_o which_o reason_v be_v manifest_o absurd_a for_o can_v there_o be_v any_o great_a folly_n in_o a_o man_n than_o to_o refuse_v to_o believe_v that_o which_o he_o do_v not_o see_v when_o these_o object_n of_o his_o faith_n can_v have_v no_o existence_n be_v they_o not_o invisible_a do_v any_o one_o ever_o see_v the_o time_n past_o long_a before_o he_o live_v or_o the_o future_a long_a after_o his_o death_n do_v he_o ever_o see_v his_o own_o soul_n the_o deity_n etc._n etc._n for_o it_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o time_n past_a and_o the_o future_a the_o object_n and_o interest_n of_o the_o soul_n together_o with_o the_o benefit_n of_o god_n which_o faith_n offer_v to_o our_o consideration_n ii_o we_o be_v accustom_v by_o education_n not_o to_o believe_v any_o thing_n that_o happen_v not_o in_o the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o nature_n we_o confine_v ourselves_o as_o it_o be_v to_o a_o circle_n of_o object_n which_o we_o willing_o admit_v of_o because_o they_o contain_v nothing_o that_o be_v repugnant_a to_o experience_n or_o probability_n so_o that_o the_o custom_n we_o have_v of_o refuse_v to_o give_v our_o assent_n to_o all_o other_o thing_n reach_v even_o unto_o matter_n of_o religion_n inevitable_o cast_v we_o into_o scepticism_n and_o incredulity_n yet_o shall_v we_o but_o thorough_o consider_v those_o object_n which_o fall_v under_o common_a experience_n they_o will_v certain_o appear_v as_o surprise_v and_o incomprehensible_a as_o those_o of_o religion_n if_o you_o think_v it_o strange_a that_o the_o soul_n shall_v outlive_v
shell_n and_o bark_n if_o i_o may_v so_o say_v of_o the_o christian_a religion_n by_o examine_v all_o those_o argument_n that_o be_v draw_v from_o the_o external_a testimony_n which_o the_o primitive_a christian_n give_v of_o it_o and_o by_o consider_v their_o natural_a capacity_n the_o discovery_n that_o be_v make_v to_o they_o their_o prejudices_fw-la the_o peculiar_a frame_n of_o their_o mind_n their_o martyrdom_n and_o the_o reason_n that_o induce_v they_o to_o suffer_v it_o etc._n etc._n and_o all_o this_o before_o we_o proceed_v to_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o write_n of_o the_o new-testament_n ii_o we_o shall_v consider_v these_o write_n themselves_o and_o inquire_v whether_o they_o be_v forge_v or_o not_o we_o shall_v examine_v the_o subject-matter_n of_o they_o and_o endeavour_n both_o to_o defend_v they_o against_o the_o suspicion_n of_o the_o incredulous_a by_o show_v that_o they_o contain_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v certain_o true_a and_o to_o evince_v the_o divinity_n of_o they_o by_o the_o character_n of_o those_o thing_n they_o contain_v iii_o and_o last_o we_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o show_v the_o very_a substance_n and_o spirit_n of_o christianity_n by_o discover_v the_o excellence_n use_n advantage_n the_o end_n genius_n and_o in_o general_a all_o the_o beauty_n which_o be_v proper_a and_o natural_a to_o it_o and_o this_o be_v what_o we_o design_v to_o treat_v of_o in_o the_o follow_a section_n whereof_o this_o second_o part_n be_v compose_v but_o since_o our_o adversary_n by_o their_o prejudices_fw-la may_v be_v incline_v to_o fear_v lest_o we_o shall_v impose_v upon_o they_o by_o make_v they_o believe_v such_o doctrine_n as_o can_v be_v prove_v by_o reason_n and_o since_o it_o be_v much_o for_o our_o advantage_n to_o remove_v all_o such_o suspicion_n we_o will_v for_o a_o while_o doubt_v of_o every_o thing_n with_o they_o and_o raise_v ourselves_o by_o degree_n to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o establish_v christianity_n itself_o admit_v of_o nothing_o for_o truth_n but_o so_o far_o as_o appear_v evident_a chap._n i._n where_o we_o shall_v inquire_v whence_o the_o christian_n have_v their_o original_a and_o what_o their_o profession_n be_v by_o look_v back_o into_o the_o first_o age_n wherein_o they_o appear_v in_o order_n to_o which_o we_o suppose_v that_o there_o be_v now_o christian_n in_o the_o world_n and_o there_o have_v not_o always_o be_v such_o from_o this_o i_o gather_v that_o i_o must_v look_v back_o into_o past_a age_n to_o find_v out_o the_o original_a of_o my_o religion_n in_o this_o search_n i_o pass_v therefore_o from_o age_n to_o age_n till_o i_o come_v to_o constantine_n without_o be_v able_a to_o clear_v this_o doubt_n but_o here_o we_o must_v make_v a_o little_a stop_n the_o prosperity_n of_o this_o prince_n give_v at_o first_o some_o occasion_n of_o suspicion_n and_o we_o easy_o mistrust_v a_o man_n who_o be_v master_n of_o the_o most_o considerable_a part_n of_o the_o world_n seem_v probable_o to_o have_v establish_v the_o christian_a religion_n therein_o either_o by_o force_n or_o policy_n look_v perhaps_o upon_o it_o as_o more_o proper_a than_o that_o of_o the_o heathen_n to_o carry_v on_o his_o design_n yet_o that_o suspicion_n soon_o vanish_v since_o we_o be_v assure_v there_o be_v christian_n in_o the_o world_n before_o constantine_n time_n all_o the_o heathen_a writer_n who_o live_v before_o he_o speak_v of_o they_o and_o the_o ecclesiastical_a historian_n be_v whole_o employ_v in_o describe_v their_o suffering_n but_o suppose_v that_o these_o historian_n live_v in_o the_o day_n of_o constantine_n or_o after_o he_o they_o must_v needs_o have_v either_o lose_v the_o use_n of_o their_o reason_n themselves_o or_o have_v imagine_v that_o the_o man_n of_o their_o age_n have_v lose_v they_o when_o they_o give_v they_o the_o history_n of_o the_o christian_n church_n down_o from_o the_o apostle_n to_o constantine_n if_o it_o be_v certain_a there_o have_v not_o be_v christian_n in_o the_o world_n before_o that_o prince_n and_o therefore_o this_o must_v be_v too_o extravagant_a a_o suspicion_n to_o be_v entertain_v long_o but_o here_o be_v something_o still_o more_o observable_a viz._n that_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n the_o christian_n who_o live_v before_o constantine_n be_v then_o possess_v of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new-testament_n and_o on_o the_o other_o that_o those_o very_a christian_n be_v so_o strong_o persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o jesus_n christ_n of_o his_o miracle_n of_o the_o pour_v out_o the_o holy_a spirit_n on_o the_o apostle_n and_o of_o all_o other_o matter_n of_o fact_n that_o establish_v the_o christian_a religion_n that_o they_o hardly_o speak_v of_o any_o thing_n else_o their_o book_n be_v full_a of_o they_o and_o their_o doctrine_n be_v altogether_o build_v upon_o this_o foundation_n and_o therefore_o if_o constantine_n invent_v the_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o establish_v christianity_n he_o must_v not_o only_o have_v forge_v the_o book_n of_o the_o new-testament_n but_o also_o the_o write_n of_o clemens_n justin_n iraeneus_n athenagoras_n clemens_n alexandrinus_n tertullian_n origen_n and_o in_o general_a of_o all_o the_o father_n who_o live_v before_o he_o because_o every_o one_o of_o their_o write_n have_v a_o essential_a relation_n to_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n that_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o religion_n and_o shall_v we_o go_v up_o a_o little_a high_o than_o the_o reign_n of_o constantine_n we_o shall_v hear_v of_o christian_n that_o be_v afflict_v during_o the_o three_o first_o century_n of_o the_o church_n and_o persecute_v throughout_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o punish_v with_o most_o barbarous_a and_o new_a invent_v torment_n they_o be_v put_v to_o death_n upon_o wheel_n and_o scaffold_n torture_v by_o fire_n their_o flesh_n tear_v with_o pincer_n their_o body_n be_v mangle_v by_o cut_v off_o limb_n one_o after_o another_o they_o be_v throw_v into_o river_n and_o cast_v into_o the_o sea_n and_o expose_v to_o wild_a beast_n wrap_v up_o in_o garment_n dip_v in_o sulphur_n to_o serve_v for_o torch_n and_o set_v up_o to_o light_a passenger_n in_o their_o way_n in_o fine_a it_o be_v never_o know_v that_o man_n so_o universal_o agree_v in_o any_o one_o thing_n as_o in_o their_o design_n of_o torment_v the_o christian_n in_o so_o much_o that_o the_o ordinary_a people_n who_o have_v general_o some_o compassion_n for_o the_o great_a malefactor_n upon_o the_o scaffold_n conduct_v the_o christian_n to_o the_o place_n of_o execution_n with_o acclamation_n of_o joy_n certain_o it_o be_v a_o very_a difficult_a matter_n to_o restrain_v one_o curiosity_n so_o much_o as_o not_o to_o desire_v a_o more_o particular_a knowledge_n of_o a_o people_n persecute_v by_o the_o world_n with_o so_o much_o rage_n and_o malice_n for_o to_o see_v the_o whole_a world_n so_o strange_o incense_v against_o one_o sect_n of_o man_n one_o will_v easy_o think_v they_o the_o common_a enemy_n of_o all_o mankind_n and_o the_o offspring_n of_o hell_n itself_o bear_v for_o a_o common_a plague_n to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n apolog._n what_o then_o be_v the_o great_a crime_n these_o christian_n be_v guilty_a of_o they_o be_v accuse_v of_o impiety_n murder_n and_o incest_n it_o be_v pretend_v that_o they_o violate_v the_o respect_n due_a to_o the_o god_n that_o they_o murder_v their_o own_o child_n which_o they_o scruple_v not_o to_o eat_v up_o after_o have_v kill_v they_o and_o last_o that_o they_o lie_v promiscuous_o together_o the_o brother_n with_o the_o sister_n and_o the_o son_n with_o the_o mother_n but_o first_o of_o all_o there_o be_v little_a likelihood_n that_o the_o christian_n shall_v suffer_v death_n and_o torment_n worse_o than_o death_n itself_o in_o defence_n of_o a_o religion_n which_o engage_v they_o to_o the_o commission_n of_o such_o infamous_a action_n that_o steadfast_a constancy_n they_o show_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o their_o torment_n and_o which_o their_o enemy_n themselves_o acknowledge_v suit_n very_o ill_o with_o the_o voluptuousness_n and_o enormity_n they_o be_v accuse_v of_o beside_o be_v they_o question_v concern_v these_o crime_n which_o they_o be_v oblige_v to_o clear_v themselves_o of_o they_o will_v produce_v in_o their_o behalf_n the_o apology_n of_o justin_n athenagoras_n and_o tertullian_n wherein_o they_o earnest_o desire_v the_o senate_n and_o roman_a emperor_n that_o they_o will_v make_v a_o strict_a enquiry_n into_o their_o life_n and_o inflict_v upon_o they_o such_o torment_n as_o be_v a_o thousand_o time_n if_o possible_o more_o cruel_a than_o those_o they_o have_v already_o endure_v if_o they_o be_v real_o guilty_a of_o what_o they_o be_v accuse_v they_o will_v show_v we_o likewise_o a_o letter_n from_o pliny_n to_o trajan_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o authentic_a monument_n of_o their_o innocence_n since_o pliny_n there_o inform_v
be_v we_o not_o assure_v of_o they_o from_o the_o write_n of_o the_o heathen_n and_o have_v we_o not_o a_o clear_a proof_n in_o the_o complaint_n of_o the_o father_n who_o certain_o be_v not_o so_o extravagant_a as_o public_o to_o complain_v of_o a_o imaginary_a persecution_n when_o it_o be_v so_o dangerous_a to_o complain_v of_o one_o that_o be_v real_a and_o therefore_o i_o will_v fain_o know_v what_o this_o christian_a faith_n and_o doctrine_n be_v which_o make_v man_n so_o patient_o suffer_v and_o abandon_v all_o thing_n but_o to_o my_o great_a amazement_n i_o find_v that_o they_o believe_v that_o a_o certain_a crucify_a man_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n that_o a_o man_n hang_v and_o nail_v on_o a_o cross_n be_v the_o sovereign_a judge_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o object_n of_o our_o adoration_n i_o confess_v i_o can_v but_o acknowledge_v some_o supernatural_a power_n in_o all_o this_o for_o though_o man_n of_o as_o mean_a appearance_n as_o those_o who_o first_o preach_v the_o gospel_n may_v without_o any_o miracle_n have_v weigh_v down_o the_o authority_n of_o emperor_n and_o prelate_n and_o all_o the_o magnificence_n and_o glory_n of_o paganism_n object_n very_o suitable_a to_o the_o worldly_a and_o ambitious_a heart_n of_o a_o man_n yet_o how_o can_v we_o conceive_v that_o they_o can_v without_o the_o help_n of_o miracle_n persuade_v man_n to_o believe_v a_o paradox_n so_o offensive_a to_o reason_n and_o which_o appear_v at_o first_o view_n so_o horrible_a as_o this_o that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v nail_v on_o a_o cross_n we_o can_v never_o persuade_v ourselves_o without_o offer_v violence_n to_o our_o reason_n that_o those_o who_o from_o their_o youth_n represent_v their_o deity_n to_o themselves_o as_o the_o great_a and_o most_o glorious_a being_n they_n can_v imagine_v and_o give_v the_o name_n of_o divine_a to_o whatever_o they_o think_v in_o the_o high_a degree_n beautiful_a and_o magnificent_a shall_v yet_o substitute_v to_o all_o these_o great_a idea_n the_o notion_n of_o a_o god_n who_o die_v a_o infamous_a death_n upon_o the_o cross_n that_o not_o one_o alone_a but_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o person_n embrace_v a_o opinion_n that_o immediate_o overthrow_v all_o their_o first_o idea_n of_o a_o god_n that_o this_o great_a change_n be_v not_o gradual_o and_o insensible_o bring_v to_o pass_v or_o in_o the_o compass_n of_o several_a age_n but_o in_o a_o very_a few_o year_n and_o with_o a_o incredible_a swiftness_n by_o the_o mystery_n of_o vile_a and_o contemptible_a person_n of_o no_o power_n or_o authority_n in_o the_o world_n and_o that_o the_o passion_n they_o have_v for_o a_o doctrine_n which_o seem_v at_o first_o so_o monstrous_a to_o man_n induce_v they_o to_o suffer_v death_n in_o defence_n of_o the_o same_o after_o have_v renounce_v their_o fortune_n reputation_n and_o pleasure_n but_o do_v not_o prejudice_n over-rule_v in_o all_o this_o and_o make_v i_o fancy_n i_o see_v that_o distinct_o which_o i_o perceive_v but_o confuse_o in_o truth_n i_o ought_v yet_o further_o to_o distrust_v myself_o and_o though_o i_o honour_v error_n too_o much_o in_o suspect_v it_o may_v be_v so_o coherent_a so_o unite_v to_o the_o principle_n of_o common_a sense_n and_o involve_v in_o so_o many_o appearance_n of_o truth_n yet_o i_o will_v not_o pass_v by_o any_o scruple_n for_o all_o that_o have_v be_v hitherto_o say_v i_o find_v then_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v establish_v in_o the_o world_n a_o hundred_o year_n ago_o i_o know_v that_o the_o christian_n believe_v in_o a_o certain_a jesus_n christ_n crucify_v i_o know_v also_o that_o this_o opinion_n of_o they_o be_v not_o innate_a i_o be_o full_o persuade_v that_o neither_o the_o heathenish_a priest_n nor_o their_o ordinary_a guide_n teach_v they_o this_o doctrine_n because_o they_o be_v the_o profess_a enemy_n of_o it_o i_o be_o compel_v therefore_o in_o despite_n of_o myself_o to_o credit_n at_o least_o in_o some_o respect_n the_o relation_n the_o ancient_a doctor_n of_o the_o church_n unanimous_o give_v of_o it_o viz_o that_o some_o person_n call_v apostle_n and_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n christ_n go_v about_o the_o world_n preach_v that_o this_o same_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o the_o messiah_n who_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o the_o jew_n but_o these_o fundamental_a truth_n require_v a_o more_o particular_a examination_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v show_v more_o distinct_o whether_o there_o be_v ever_o such_o man_n as_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o world_n what_o their_o original_a be_v what_o doctrine_n they_o preach_v and_o how_o they_o be_v qualify_v this_o we_o shall_v present_o see_v by_o lay_v down_o for_o a_o certain_a principle_n that_o the_o christian_n have_v the_o book_n of_o the_o new-testament_n in_o their_o possession_n at_o that_o very_a time_n we_o have_v choose_v for_o our_o fix_a point_n i_o shall_v not_o at_o present_a inquire_v whether_o those_o book_n be_v forge_v or_o not_o my_o design_n be_v to_o argue_v some_o time_n without_o enter_v upon_o that_o enquiry_n for_o whether_o they_o be_v forge_v or_o not_o at_o least_o we_o learn_v from_o they_o certain_a undeniable_a matter_n of_o fact_n which_o will_v wonderful_o illustrate_v all_o our_o follow_a inquiry_n chap._n v._n which_o demonstrate_v that_o all_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n contain_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n can_v never_o be_v forge_v if_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v forge_v it_o may_v well_o be_v presume_v that_o the_o contriver_n of_o that_o forgery_n who_o certain_o can_v have_v no_o other_o design_n but_o to_o make_v it_o pass_v for_o truth_n endeavour_v to_o ground_v it_o upon_o some_o foundation_n either_o good_a or_o bad_a so_o that_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v that_o though_o they_o shall_v have_v invent_v all_o that_o they_o relate_v at_o least_o they_o invent_v not_o the_o name_n country_n and_o person_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n under_o who_o name_n they_o speak_v and_o to_o who_o they_o ascribe_v the_o establishment_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n for_o be_v it_o probable_a they_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o persuade_v man_n to_o worship_v a_o certain_a jew_n call_v jesus_n the_o son_n of_o mary_n a_o galilean_a too_o who_o be_v crucify_v at_o jerusalem_n and_o have_v several_a disciple_n who_o name_n â—re_n exact_o relate_v if_o the_o jew_n can_v have_v immediate_o convince_v they_o of_o the_o falsehood_n of_o all_o those_o matter_n by_o produce_v the_o testimony_n of_o their_o own_o nation_n who_o will_v have_v throng_v in_o to_o tell_v they_o â—hat_n jesus_n and_o his_o disciple_n be_v only_o fictitious_a â—ames_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o more_o to_o do_v but_o consult_v all_o the_o register_n and_o decree_n wherein_o augustus_n command_v all_o the_o jew_n shall_v be_v tax_v in_o the_o day_n of_o cyrenius_n and_o where_o it_o must_v have_v appear_v that_o jesus_n christ_n himself_o if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o person_n be_v also_o tax_v it_o be_v all_o one_o as_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v publish_v in_o this_o age_n a_o book_n full_a of_o excellent_a precept_n of_o morality_n intermix_v with_o several_a fictitious_a action_n which_o book_n he_o will_v have_v the_o world_n receive_v as_o the_o doctrine_n of_o some_o divine_a and_o extraordinary_a man_n who_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o age_n raise_v up_o several_a man_n from_o the_o dead_a heal_v all_o sort_n of_o disease_n calm_v the_o wind_n and_o tempest_n of_o the_o sea_n give_v authority_n to_o several_a of_o his_o disciple_n to_o work_v many_o strange_a miracle_n be_v at_o length_n seize_v and_o put_v to_o death_n in_o germany_n and_o who_o disciple_n who_o bear_v such_o and_o such_o name_n and_o be_v bear_v in_o such_o and_o such_o a_o country_n come_v afterward_o into_o france_n disperse_v themselves_o throughout_o the_o other_o part_n of_o europe_n preach_v his_o doctrine_n and_o at_o length_n die_v all_o unanimous_o in_o defence_n of_o it_o what_o think_v you_o of_o this_o tale_n and_o how_o will_v it_o be_v receive_v in_o the_o world_n but_o as_o a_o system_n only_o of_o many_o evident_a and_o palpable_a falsity_n what_o think_v you_o those_o person_n will_v say_v of_o it_o who_o shall_v be_v thus_o accuse_v of_o so_o dreadful_a a_o parricide_n they_o will_v certain_o reply_v that_o that_o fictitious_a book_n be_v purposely_o design_v to_o blast_v their_o reputation_n but_o it_o appear_v the_o jew_n never_o attempt_v to_o clear_v themselves_o after_o that_o manner_n they_o confess_v there_o be_v such_o a_o person_n as_o jesus_n christ_n and_o that_o their_o father_n put_v he_o to_o death_n neither_o do_v they_o deny_v the_o least_o circumstance_n of_o his_o life_n ministry_n or_o death_n except_v those_o which_o may_v probable_o make_v he_o pass_v for_o the_o son_n of_o god_n but_o we_o
the_o earth_n have_v hear_v of_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o apostle_n who_o all_o unanimous_o declare_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v rise_v again_o from_o the_o dead_a and_o it_o be_v pure_o upon_o their_o testimony_n that_o the_o world_n believe_v it_o can_v we_o imagine_v that_o the_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n let_v slip_v a_o long_a period_n of_o time_n as_o twenty_o or_o thirty_o year_n after_o the_o crucifixion_n of_o their_o master_n and_o so_o have_v have_v time_n to_o embolden_v themselves_o and_o to_o contrive_v a_o imposture_n they_o sudden_o appear_v in_o the_o world_n and_o preach_v that_o jesus_n be_v rise_v again_o from_o the_o dead_a if_o so_o how_o can_v the_o compiler_n or_o forger_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n make_v the_o world_n believe_v that_o the_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n preach_v his_o resurrection_n a_o few_o week_n after_o his_o crucifixion_n how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o the_o jew_n never_o have_v the_o least_o thought_n of_o contradict_v our_o scripture_n in_o that_o respect_n and_o what_o be_v the_o reason_n that_o the_o christian_n yearly_o commemorate_v two_o festival_n successive_o one_o after_o another_o one_o for_o the_o commemoration_n of_o the_o death_n and_o resurrection_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o the_o other_o for_o that_o of_o the_o come_n down_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n on_o the_o apostle_n which_o be_v purposely_o give_v they_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n in_o all_o place_n if_o the_o disciple_n have_v not_o preach_v the_o resurrection_n of_o their_o master_n till_o a_o long_a time_n after_o his_o death_n will_v it_o not_o have_v be_v ask_v they_o what_o have_v you_o do_v since_o your_o jesus_n be_v crucify_a rise_v he_o not_o soon_o from_o the_o dead_a or_o wherefore_o do_v you_o now_o preach_v his_o resurrection_n so_o long_o after_o it_o what_o can_v have_v oblige_v the_o jew_n to_o assert_v that_o his_o disciple_n have_v steal_v away_o his_o body_n by_o night_n if_o his_o resurrection_n have_v be_v preach_v so_o very_o late_o in_o the_o world_n and_o how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o there_o be_v christian_a church_n establish_v almost_o every_o where_o by_o the_o sole_a testimony_n of_o the_o apostle_n few_o year_n after_o the_o death_n of_o jesus_n christ_n can_v we_o suppose_v that_o it_o be_v out_o of_o ambition_n or_o revenge_n that_o the_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n publish_v his_o resurrection_n as_o design_v to_o make_v the_o chief_a priest_n and_o scribe_n pass_v for_o parricide_n or_o immortalise_v their_o own_o name_n to_o posterity_n but_o can_v the_o disciple_n think_v of_o revenge_a themselves_o on_o those_o man_n that_o have_v so_o clear_o show_v they_o their_o mistake_n in_o the_o messiah_n or_o can_v they_o fancy_v there_o be_v any_o revenge_n pure_o in_o invent_v such_o a_o ridiculous_a fable_n will_v they_o buy_v their_o revenge_n so_o dear_a as_o at_o the_o price_n of_o their_o own_o life_n and_o expose_v their_o person_n to_o inevitable_a torment_n and_o certain_a death_n then_o as_o for_o ambitious_a thought_n do_v they_o entertain_v they_o immediate_o after_o the_o death_n of_o he_o who_o can_v only_o support_v and_o confirm_v they_o have_v they_o any_o reason_n to_o aspire_v after_o glory_n and_o grandeur_n just_o when_o all_o their_o hope_n be_v destroy_v with_o their_o messiah_n be_v it_o likely_a a_o few_o poor_a fisherman_n shall_v have_v have_v such_o thought_n certain_o have_v that_o be_v their_o design_n they_o will_v soon_o have_v relinquish_v it_o and_o the_o immediate_a scandal_n affix_v to_o their_o profession_n the_o misery_n and_o barbarous_a persecution_n it_o continual_o draw_v upon_o they_o will_v have_v soon_o banish_v out_o of_o their_o mind_n so_o ridiculous_a and_o extravagant_a a_o design_n but_o to_o what_o purpose_n be_v it_o for_o any_o one_o to_o delude_v himself_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o when_o a_o malefactor_n be_v put_v to_o the_o rack_n he_o be_v force_v to_o confess_v his_o crime_n the_o torment_n he_o endure_v extort_v a_o confession_n of_o his_o most_o secret_a action_n this_o be_v a_o way_n almost_o infallible_a to_o discover_v truth_n and_o human_a justice_n often_o put_v it_o in_o execution_n for_o that_o purpose_n how_o be_v it_o possible_a therefore_o that_o so_o many_o impostor_n together_o that_o have_v be_v so_o often_o examine_v and_o urge_v by_o fire_n and_o sword_n to_o recant_v what_o they_o have_v assert_v shall_v yet_o so_o constant_o persist_v in_o a_o false_a deposition_n for_o it_o be_v not_o only_o one_o single_a witness_n but_o a_o great_a number_n of_o witness_n who_o be_v not_o compel_v to_o suffer_v one_o single_a punishment_n only_o but_o all_o sort_n of_o punishment_n it_o be_v not_o only_o in_o one_o single_a place_n but_o almost_o in_o every_o place_n where_o they_o preach_v they_o be_v urge_v to_o recant_v their_o opinion_n by_o the_o severe_a torment_n neither_o be_v it_o for_o one_o single_a moment_n but_o for_o every_o moment_n of_o their_o life_n that_o they_o be_v thus_o expose_v to_o persecution_n not_o one_o single_a party_n be_v on_o their_o side_n but_o jew_n and_o heathen_n king_n and_o magistrate_n prelate_n and_o people_n open_o declare_v themselves_o their_o adversary_n they_o be_v not_o only_o assault_v with_o persecution_n but_o revile_v contemn_v and_o reproach_v yet_o for_o all_o that_o not_o one_o of_o they_o recant_v his_o opinion_n be_v separate_v or_o confront_v they_o all_o unanimous_o depose_v not_o only_o that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a but_o that_o they_o have_v see_v he_o after_o the_o resurrection_n if_o this_o be_v the_o method_n common_o use_v to_o maintain_v a_o imposture_n i_o will_v glad_o know_v how_o truth_n itself_o be_v to_o be_v defend_v but_o perhaps_o the_o disciple_n be_v themselves_o delude_v and_o peter_n or_o some_o other_o apostle_n be_v so_o cunning_a as_o to_o remove_v the_o body_n of_o our_o lord_n out_o of_o his_o sepulchre_n persuade_v the_o other_o disciple_n their_o master_n be_v real_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o so_o they_o firm_o believe_v his_o report_n go_v about_o the_o world_n preach_v his_o resurrection_n but_o this_o opinion_n necessiary_o fall_v of_o itself_o to_o the_o ground_n for_o the_o apostle_n not_o only_o testify_v that_o they_o have_v all_o see_v jesus_n christ_n after_o his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a but_o that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n fall_v on_o they_o in_o the_o likeness_n of_o fiery_a tongue_n they_o testify_v likewise_o the_o truth_n of_o christ_n other_o miracle_n and_o it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v all_o have_v be_v deceive_v in_o respect_n of_o all_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n at_o once_o above_o all_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o observe_v this_o last_o kind_n of_o miracle_n viz._n the_o come_n down_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n on_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o likeness_n of_o fiery_a tongue_n for_o those_o apostle_n bold_o affirm_v that_o with_o the_o help_n of_o that_o very_a miracle_n they_o be_v endow_v with_o the_o gift_n of_o divers_a language_n so_o that_o greek_n roman_n parthian_n persian_n etc._n etc._n hear_v they_o speak_v every_o one_o in_o their_o own_o language_n this_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o neither_o the_o apostle_n can_v have_v deceive_v the_o world_n in_o nor_o they_o themselves_o have_v be_v deceive_v in_o it_o can_v be_v imagine_v they_o can_v have_v deceive_v the_o world_n or_o that_o some_o fisherman_n can_v have_v be_v so_o bold_a as_o to_o pretend_v they_o be_v endow_v with_o the_o gift_n of_o divers_a language_n unless_o it_o have_v be_v real_o so_o for_o they_o will_v in_o every_o place_n have_v be_v immediate_o convict_v of_o the_o most_o notorious_a cheat_n in_o the_o world_n there_o be_v at_o rome_n man_n who_o speak_v greek_n as_o well_o as_o in_o greece_n some_o that_o speak_v latin_n and_o by_o reason_n of_o trade_n it_o general_o happen_v that_o there_o be_v man_n of_o all_o language_n in_o every_o country_n now_o if_o st._n paul_n real_o understand_v no_o other_o language_n but_o that_o greek_a speak_v in_o cilicia_n can_v we_o suppose_v he_o will_v have_v be_v so_o bold_a as_o to_o boast_v in_o asia_n of_o his_o speak_a latin_n or_o any_o other_o foreign_a language_n will_v he_o not_o have_v certain_o meet_v with_o people_n who_o will_v have_v immediate_o convict_v he_o of_o falsehood_n neither_o be_v it_o more_o likely_a that_o the_o apostle_n can_v have_v be_v themselves_o deceive_v in_o this_o respect_n because_o it_o be_v a_o business_n of_o inward_a sense_n i_o may_v easy_o be_v delude_v outward_o and_o think_v that_o i_o see_v a_o man_n indeed_o when_o i_o see_v but_o the_o shadow_n or_o fantom_n of_o a_o man_n but_o i_o can_v never_o persuade_v myself_o that_o i_o speak_v several_a different_a language_n when_o i_o speak_v but_o one_o but_o when_o i_o see_v that_o man_n of_o
that_o by_o show_v that_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v compose_v before_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n i_o show_v also_o that_o it_o be_v as_o ancient_a as_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o which_o afford_v we_o one_o determination_n very_o advantageous_a to_o our_o cause_n so_o that_o this_o objection_n be_v very_o favourable_a to_o instead_o of_o prove_v any_o thing_n against_o we_o nothing_o hinder_v but_o that_o we_o pass_v on_o to_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o second_o suspicion_n we_o be_v willing_a to_o entertain_v concern_v the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n chap._n ii_o prove_v that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v never_o corrupt_v it_o be_v certain_a that_o from_o the_o apostle_n time_n to_o we_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v ever_o look_v upon_o as_o sacred_a and_o not_o to_o be_v corrupt_v without_o impiety_n and_o irreligion_n but_o whether_o it_o be_v reason_n or_o prejudice_n that_o make_v it_o so_o esteem_v by_o the_o christian_n i_o shall_v now_o examine_v it_o be_v enough_o that_o the_o esteem_v man_n have_v of_o it_o seem_v as_o ancient_a as_o the_o book_n itself_o it_o be_v be_v consider_v as_o the_o foundation_n of_o all_o our_o hope_n and_o the_o original_n of_o heavenly_a revelation_n its_o be_v read_v and_o order_v to_o be_v read_v in_o public_a and_o private_a from_o the_o age_n of_o clemens_n polycarp_n justin_n and_o iraeneus_n to_o we_o i_o say_v all_o this_o show_v that_o it_o can_v not_o have_v be_v corrupt_v in_o its_o essential_o but_o this_o truth_n very_o well_o deserve_v a_o more_o strict_a consideration_n i_o say_v then_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o all_o the_o world_n shall_v have_v unanimous_o conspire_v to_o corrupt_v this_o book_n for_o though_o one_o single_a doctor_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v have_v attempt_v it_o yet_o the_o rest_n will_v certain_o have_v oppose_v it_o though_o all_o the_o christian_a doctor_n disperse_v up_o and_o down_o the_o world_n shall_v have_v agreeed_o to_o it_o yet_o the_o people_n will_v never_o have_v consent_v to_o it_o though_o the_o doctor_n and_o the_o people_n together_o shall_v have_v be_v inclinable_a to_o it_o yet_o sure_o their_o adversary_n will_v not_o have_v fail_v to_o reproach_v they_o with_o it_o the_o jew_n and_o heathen_n who_o only_a aim_n be_v to_o cry_v down_o their_o religion_n will_v never_o have_v conceal_v it_o julian_n porphirius_fw-la and_o all_o other_o particular_a enemy_n of_o the_o christian_n will_v have_v draw_v some_o advantage_n from_o it_o in_o a_o word_n though_o the_o silence_n of_o their_o adversary_n have_v favour_v so_o strange_a a_o enterprise_n yet_o the_o different_a party_n and_o various_a heresy_n which_o soon_o after_o spring_v up_o among_o the_o christian_n be_v a_o invincible_a obstacle_n to_o it_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o immediate_o after_o the_o death_n of_o the_o apostle_n the_o church_n be_v strange_o disturb_v by_o several_a various_a controversy_n for_o not_o to_o speak_v here_o of_o the_o gnostic_n that_o abominable_a sect_n which_o deserve_v not_o the_o honourable_a name_n of_o christian_n certain_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o millenarian_o which_o papias_n seem_v to_o have_v be_v the_o author_n of_o found_v upon_o the_o apostolical_a tradition_n fifteen_o year_n after_o the_o death_n of_o st._n john_n the_o controversy_n which_o soon_o after_o happen_v concern_v the_o christian_a passover_n together_o with_o the_o dispute_n of_o the_o orthodox_n against_o the_o origenist_n concern_v the_o resurrection_n and_o several_a other_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n i_o say_v these_o dispute_n may_v easy_o have_v divide_v the_o christian_n in_o the_o first_o century_n of_o the_o church_n next_o to_o they_o succeed_v the_o famous_a dispute_n of_o the_o orthodox_n with_o the_o arrian_n and_o with_o what_o heat_n and_o animosity_n they_o be_v carry_v on_o be_v sufficient_o know_v to_o all_o the_o world_n but_o however_o fatal_a all_o those_o controversy_n be_v to_o the_o church_n yet_o they_o produce_v that_o good_a effect_n by_o the_o direction_n of_o providence_n which_o order_v every_o thing_n to_o some_o good_a end_n that_o they_o preserve_v the_o revelation_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n pure_a and_o entire_a and_o at_o present_a strengthen_v our_o belief_n against_o all_o suspicion_n we_o may_v probable_o entertain_v in_o this_o respect_n for_o though_o the_o millenarian_o the_o origenist_n and_o the_o arian_n shall_v have_v attempt_v to_o corrupt_v the_o scripture_n yet_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o the_o orthodox_n which_o be_v so_o exasperate_v against_o they_o shall_v have_v suffer_v it_o to_o be_v do_v or_o that_o if_o the_o orthodox_n have_v have_v any_o such_o design_n their_o adversary_n which_o be_v so_o incense_v shall_v have_v agree_v with_o they_o in_o the_o same_o intention_n shall_v i_o further_o grant_v this_o mutual_a agreement_n possible_a doubtless_o the_o almost_o infinite_a number_n of_o copy_n of_o edition_n and_o translation_n make_v at_o first_o of_o the_o new_a testament_n render_v the_o execution_n of_o that_o design_n impossible_a for_o though_o a_o man_n have_v corrupt_v one_o single_a copy_n among_o all_o those_o copy_n or_o translate_v those_o book_n false_a yet_o how_o can_v he_o corrupt_v all_o the_o other_o copy_n of_o they_o which_o be_v disperse_v in_o the_o world_n or_o how_o can_v he_o alter_v so_o many_o other_o translation_n which_o have_v be_v make_v of_o they_o in_o different_a time_n and_o in_o different_a place_n but_o suppose_v this_o be_v feasible_a if_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v ever_o corrupt_v it_o must_v have_v be_v either_o in_o their_o essential_o or_o in_o thing_n of_o little_a importance_n i_o mean_v by_o their_o essential_o those_o miraculous_a matter_n of_o fact_n relate_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n as_o well_o as_o all_o those_o other_o which_o if_o true_a demonstrate_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n now_o if_o those_o write_n be_v not_o corrupt_v in_o their_o essential_o it_o necessary_o follow_v that_o they_o contain_v several_a true_a matter_n of_o fact_n sufficient_a to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n but_o if_o they_o be_v alter_v in_o their_o essential_o there_o must_v have_v be_v add_v to_o they_o the_o miracle_n of_o jesus_n christ_n his_o resurrection_n ascension_n into_o heaven_n the_o pour_v out_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n upon_o the_o apostle_n on_o the_o day_n of_o pentecost_n the_o power_n the_o apostle_n have_v of_o speak_v strange_a language_n and_o of_o impart_v miraculous_a gift_n to_o other_o now_o i_o affirm_v that_o all_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n can_v not_o have_v be_v add_v to_o the_o new_a testament_n unless_o the_o whole_a book_n be_v forge_v because_o the_o subject_a matter_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n consist_v of_o nothing_o else_o but_o of_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n or_o if_o you_o will_v of_o such_o thing_n as_o evident_o relate_v to_o they_o and_o which_o will_v certain_o be_v false_a if_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v false_a but_o let_v we_o join_v experience_n to_o reason_n and_o consider_v that_o if_o the_o christian_n have_v corrupt_v the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n will_v now_o be_v quite_o different_a from_o what_o they_o be_v in_o the_o former_a age_n and_o that_o have_v be_v continual_o alter_v from_o that_o time_n until_o now_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o apparent_a than_o such_o a_o alteration_n yet_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o perceive_v the_o contrary_a and_o it_o evident_o appear_v by_o a_o almost_o infinite_a number_n of_o place_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n quote_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o father_n that_o there_o never_o be_v a_o book_n that_o suffer_v less_o alteration_n by_o the_o revolution_n of_o year_n than_o that_o do_v there_o be_v but_o two_o thing_n in_o my_o opinion_n that_o may_v be_v answer_v to_o this_o argument_n the_o first_o be_v that_o in_o corrupt_v the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n those_o place_n quote_v in_o the_o work_v of_o the_o father_n may_v also_o have_v be_v alter_v but_o this_o thought_n can_v never_o enter_v into_o any_o reasonable_a man_n mind_n for_o he_o must_v then_o suppose_v that_o there_o be_v a_o person_n in_o a_o manner_n immortal_a who_o may_v have_v have_v time_n enough_o to_o alter_v so_o many_o book_n compose_v from_o age_n to_o age_n and_o a_o man_n too_o so_o much_o master_n of_o other_o man_n heart_n and_o understanding_n as_o to_o have_v be_v able_a to_o corrupt_v a_o book_n the_o most_o universal_o read_v and_o most_o careful_o preserve_v that_o ever_o be_v and_o to_o alter_v also_o with_o it_o all_o the_o book_n of_o the_o ancient_a father_n without_o any_o body_n ever_o perceive_v it_o or_o make_v the_o least_o opposition_n against_o it_o the_o second_o thing_n that_o may_v be_v answer_v be_v that_o this_o
in_o they_o can_v there_o proceed_v from_o the_o malice_n and_o perfidiousness_n of_o a_o man_n who_o have_v so_o late_o accuse_v his_o nation_n of_o a_o crime_n he_o know_v to_o be_v utter_o false_a so_o many_o exhortation_n to_o fear_n god_n so_o strong_a so_o move_v in_o themselves_o and_o so_o often_o repeat_v that_o they_o whole_o take_v up_o the_o write_n of_o this_o apostle_n can_v his_o humility_n proceed_v from_o thence_o whereby_o he_o refer_v every_o thing_n to_o god_n as_o to_o the_o centre_n of_o all_o good_a thing_n so_o sincere_o tell_v we_o what_o have_v thou_o that_o thou_o do_v not_o receive_v and_o if_o thou_o do_v receive_v it_o why_o do_v thou_o glory_n as_o if_o thou_o have_v not_o receive_v it_o 1_o cor._n 4._o 7._o we_o be_v you_o you_o be_v christ_n and_o christ_n be_v god_n 1_o cor._n 3._o 23._o can_v his_o hatred_n too_o for_o vice_n arise_v from_o thence_o which_o upon_o all_o occasion_n he_o testify_v and_o express_v after_o so_o strong_a and_o lively_a a_o manner_n his_o charity_n appear_v no_o less_o in_o his_o passionate_a concern_v for_o the_o sanctification_n of_o his_o brethren_n all_o his_o epistle_n be_v a_o continue_a serious_a of_o tender_a or_o move_a exhortation_n or_o rather_o ardent_a request_n he_o make_v they_o to_o love_v one_o another_o he_o desire_v they_o shall_v live_v sober_o just_o and_o religious_o he_o addresses_z himself_o both_o to_o servant_n and_o master_n to_o poor_a and_o rich_a to_o parent_n and_o child_n to_o young_a man_n and_o old_a man_n have_v no_o prejudice_n nor_o hatred_n for_o any_o one_o he_o pour_v out_o himself_o in_o thanksgiving_n and_o blessing_n for_o all_o man_n he_o speak_v to_o they_o after_o a_o very_a tender_a and_o move_a manner_n he_o call_v they_o his_o little_a child_n his_o belove_a his_o bowel_n his_o glory_n and_o his_o crown_n and_o what_o be_v his_o design_n in_o all_o this_o only_o to_o inspire_v they_o with_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o their_o neighbour_n how_o do_v he_o extol_v the_o excellence_n of_o charity_n though_o i_o speak_v say_v he_o with_o the_o tongue_n of_o man_n and_o of_o angel_n and_o have_v no_o charity_n i_o be_o become_v as_o sound_a brass_n or_o tinkle_a cymbal_n and_o though_o i_o bestow_v all_o my_o good_n to_o feed_v the_o poor_a and_o though_o i_o give_v my_o body_n to_o be_v burn_v and_o have_v not_o charity_n it_o profit_v i_o nothing_o charity_n suffer_v long_o and_o be_v kind_a charity_n envy_v not_o charity_n vaunt_v not_o itself_o be_v not_o puff_v up_o do_v not_o behave_v itself_o unseemly_a seek_v not_o her_o own_o be_v not_o easy_o provoke_v think_v no_o evil_a rejoice_v not_o in_o iniquity_n but_o rejoice_v in_o the_o truth_n bear_v all_o thing_n believe_v all_o thing_n hope_v all_o thing_n 1_o cor._n 13._o 1_o 3_o 4_o 5_o 6_o 7._o such_o be_v the_o idea_n st._n paul_n have_v of_o charity_n in_o which_o appear_v the_o force_n of_o reason_n and_o of_o true_a virtue_n without_o the_o fantastical_a weakness_n of_o superstition_n he_o prefer_v charity_n to_o miraculous_a gift_n and_o therein_o appear_v the_o spirit_n of_o true_a religion_n this_o consideration_n of_o the_o character_n and_o virtue_n of_o this_o apostle_n be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o considerable_a that_o it_o force_v we_o in_o despite_n of_o ourselves_o to_o assertâ—_n one_o of_o these_o two_o thing_n either_o that_o st._n paul_n be_v a_o wicked_a man_n and_o a_o notorious_a impostor_n or_o else_o that_o he_o have_v hear_v the_o voice_n of_o jesus_n chrict_a in_o the_o way_n to_o damascus_n that_o he_o have_v receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o be_v true_o the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n so_o that_o whosoever_o prove_v that_o st._n paul_n be_v no_o wicked_a person_n do_v even_o thereby_o prove_v the_o divinity_n of_o christian_a religion_n i_o desire_v therefore_o the_o reader_n thorough_o to_o consider_v the_o style_n of_o his_o epistle_n and_o examine_v they_o from_o the_o begin_n to_o the_o end_n to_o discover_v the_o true_a genius_n and_o character_n of_o they_o what_o be_v it_o this_o apostle_n desire_v of_o god_n that_o those_o who_o he_o speak_v to_o may_v live_v good_a life_n and_o that_o god_n may_v be_v glorify_v by_o their_o work_n what_o do_v he_o complain_v of_o vice_n what_o be_v it_o he_o chief_o praise_n virtue_n by_o what_o motive_n do_v he_o act_v or_o speak_v as_o he_o do_v by_o quite_o another_o motive_n than_o that_o of_o self_n interest_n st._n luke_n have_v already_o tell_v we_o in_o the_o book_n of_o act_n that_o he_o work_v for_o his_o live_n and_o that_o his_o employment_n be_v to_o make_v tent_n whereupon_o we_o shall_v make_v these_o two_o observation_n i._o that_o st._n paul_n have_v be_v a_o pharisee_n breed_v up_o at_o the_o foot_n of_o gamaliel_n will_v have_v think_v it_o beneath_o he_o to_o follow_v so_o vile_a a_o profession_n have_v he_o be_v worldly_a mind_a or_o ambitious_a second_o that_o this_o apostle_n resolve_v to_o work_v with_o his_o own_o hand_n for_o his_o live_n in_o a_o time_n which_o other_o people_n will_v have_v greedy_o embrace_v to_o acquire_v wealth_n for_o what_o can_v have_v be_v refuse_v to_o those_o man_n who_o open_v to_o mankind_n the_o direct_a way_n way_n to_o heaven_n and_o give_v they_o certain_a hope_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n for_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o be_v the_o opinion_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n with_o regard_n to_o the_o apostle_n but_o if_o st._n luke_n shall_v be_v think_v to_o have_v impose_v upon_o we_o in_o the_o relation_n of_o this_o matter_n it_o be_v but_o hear_v what_o st._n paul_n himself_o say_v of_o it_o who_o certain_o will_v not_o have_v undertake_v to_o persuade_v those_o people_n of_o it_o against_o their_o own_o proper_a knowledge_n behold_v say_v he_o to_o the_o corinthian_n the_o three_o time_n i_o be_o ready_a to_o come_v to_o you_o and_o i_o will_v not_o be_v burdensome_a to_o you_o for_o i_o seek_v not_o you_o but_o you_o for_o the_o child_n ought_v not_o to_o lay_v up_o for_o the_o parent_n but_o the_o parent_n for_o the_o child_n 2_o cor._n 12._o 14._o and_o i_o will_v very_o glad_o spend_v and_o be_v spend_v for_o you_o etc._n etc._n and_o then_o have_v i_o catch_v you_o with_o guile_n and_o in_o another_o place_n have_v i_o commit_v a_o offence_n in_o abase_v myself_o that_o you_o may_v be_v exalt_v because_o i_o have_v preach_v to_o you_o the_o gospel_n of_o god_n free_o 2_o cor._n 11._o 7._o st._n paul_n will_v never_o have_v speak_v to_o they_o after_o this_o manner_n have_v he_o preach_v only_o out_o of_o self_n interest_n according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o those_o who_o carry_v a_o worldly_a mind_n along_o with_o they_o into_o the_o sanctuary_n be_v mere_a huchster_n of_o religion_n and_o make_v a_o trade_n of_o the_o most_o sacred_a and_o sublime_a mystery_n of_o christianity_n but_o suppose_v st._n paul_n act_v not_o by_o a_o principle_n of_o self_n interest_n which_o be_v generaly_a the_o centre_n of_o other_o man_n action_n who_o will_v assure_v we_o that_o he_o owe_v not_o his_o virtue_n to_o pride_n which_o be_v another_o nice_a kind_n of_o interest_n to_o which_o some_o man_n direct_v all_o their_o action_n i_o be_o very_a well_o persuade_v that_o man_n may_v out_o of_o a_o capricious_a fancy_n ascribe_v the_o best_a action_n to_o pride_n and_o give_v the_o name_n of_o hypocrisy_n to_o the_o most_o sincere_a virtue_n for_o what_o can_v put_v a_o stop_n to_o the_o continual_a roving_n of_o a_o soul_n that_o endeavour_n only_o to_o raise_v doubt_n and_o scruple_n but_o then_o i_o also_o affirm_v that_o there_o be_v such_o visible_a mark_n in_o the_o conduct_n and_o action_n of_o st._n paul_n as_o manifest_o evince_v in_o spite_n of_o incredulity_n that_o his_o virtue_n be_v solid_a and_o his_o self_n denial_n sincere_a but_o this_o i_o hope_v will_v more_o plain_o appear_v by_o the_o follow_a reflection_n we_o need_v but_o a_o very_a indifferent_a knowledge_n of_o man_n heart_n and_o inclination_n to_o know_v that_o as_o there_o be_v two_o different_a state_n into_o which_o man_n may_v fall_v so_o likewise_o there_o be_v two_o different_a sort_n of_o passion_n which_o then_o arise_v in_o the_o soul_n prosperity_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o pride_n with_o all_o the_o other_o vice_n that_o accompany_v it_o poverty_n and_o misery_n that_o of_o covetousness_n with_o all_o that_o be_v consequent_a upon_o it_o not_o but_o that_o covetousness_n be_v find_v sometime_o even_o in_o prosperity_n as_o well_o as_o pride_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o misery_n but_o that_o be_v not_o my_o meaning_n i_o only_o will_v say_v that_o prosperity_n be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o pride_n and_o poverty_n the_o kingdom_n of_o avarice_n because_o a_o man_n that_o be_v
rich_a be_v content_a in_o that_o respect_n general_o seek_v after_o glory_n whereas_o a_o man_n that_o have_v scarce_o wherewithal_o to_o live_v little_a think_v of_o acquire_v glory_n but_o aim_v only_o at_o a_o bare_a subsistence_n whence_o it_o follow_v that_o instead_o of_o vain_o imagine_v that_o st._n paul_n design_v to_o reduce_v himself_o to_o extreme_a poverty_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n be_v very_o earnest_a in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o glory_n it_o be_v rather_o more_o natural_a to_o believe_v that_o he_o can_v not_o so_o much_o as_o propose_v to_o himself_o glory_n as_o the_o only_a end_n of_o all_o his_o action_n until_o the_o first_o find_v himself_o exempt_v from_o want_n and_o misery_n nevertheless_o this_o reason_n seem_v to_o carry_v with_o it_o the_o force_n of_o conviction_n since_o there_o have_v be_v those_o who_o have_v despise_v riches_n only_o to_o gain_v the_o esteem_n of_o man_n it_o must_v therefore_o be_v further_o add_v to_o distinguish_v st._n paul_n from_o this_o last_o sort_n of_o man_n that_o he_o be_v not_o only_o poor_a and_o force_v to_o labour_n for_o his_o live_n but_o that_o he_o suffer_v also_o all_o the_o misfortune_n and_o disgrace_n a_o man_n be_v capable_a of_o endure_v it_o be_v well_o know_v how_o much_o adversity_n deject_v our_o mind_n and_o humble_v the_o proud_a thought_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o we_o may_v venture_v to_o say_v that_o have_v those_o philosopher_n we_o late_o mention_v be_v overwhelm_v with_o a_o continual_a series_n of_o misfortune_n still_o lead_v on_o and_o follow_v one_o another_o have_v they_o be_v load_v with_o chain_n mark_v with_o stripe_n expose_v to_o storm_n and_o shipwreck_n to_o the_o scorn_n of_o the_o learned_a the_o bitter_a scoff_v of_o prince_n the_o hatred_n of_o magistrate_n and_o the_o fury_n of_o the_o people_n as_o st._n paul_n be_v their_o pride_n will_v soon_o have_v be_v abate_v their_o hope_n disappoint_v and_o the_o natural_a love_n of_o ease_n and_o quiet_a together_o with_o the_o impatience_n to_o get_v out_o of_o so_o wretched_a a_o condition_n will_v soon_o have_v supersede_v all_o other_o thought_n beside_o those_o very_a philosopher_n who_o so_o much_o despise_v riches_n and_o dignity_n despise_v they_o only_o out_o of_o self_n love_n but_o not_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o other_o since_o be_v little_o concern_v at_o the_o welfare_n of_o their_o neighbour_n they_o common_o retire_v into_o solitary_a place_n or_o keep_v company_n only_o with_o other_o wise_a man_n where_o they_o take_v pride_n in_o applaud_v one_o another_o for_o have_v renounce_v the_o world_n to_o give_v themselves_o whole_o up_o to_o the_o study_n of_o philosophy_n but_o here_o the_o apostle_n forsake_v every_o thing_n to_o labour_n for_o the_o conversion_n of_o mankind_n st._n paul_n make_v tent_n as_o well_o as_o abdolominus_fw-la dug_n in_o a_o garden_n but_o the_o one_o cease_v not_o to_o persuade_v man_n by_o preach_v the_o gospel_n whilst_o the_o other_o mind_v nothing_o but_o his_o own_o repose_n and_o tranquillity_n last_o the_o philosopher_n have_v this_o consolation_n that_o however_o they_o renounce_v riches_n they_o esteem_v themselves_o happy_a in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o true_a virtue_n for_o blind_a as_o they_o be_v by_o self-conceit_n they_o be_v far_o from_o imagine_v their_o virtue_n false_a and_o the_o idea_n they_o have_v of_o its_o excellency_n be_v their_o only_a comfort_n for_o what_o they_o have_v lose_v of_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n whereas_o st._n paul_n and_o the_o other_o apostle_n be_v but_o impostor_n as_o irreligious_a man_n suppose_v can_v not_o have_v that_o comfort_n which_o arise_v pure_o from_o the_o sense_n of_o one_o own_o virtue_n but_o be_v whole_o deprive_v of_o the_o support_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n which_o keep_v the_o soul_n from_o sink_v under_o the_o great_a danger_n and_o affliction_n in_o a_o word_n consider_v this_o matter_n on_o which_o side_n you_o will_v still_o you_o will_v find_v somewhat_o singular_a in_o the_o conduct_n of_o st._n paul_n and_o that_o no_o character_n equal_v his_o apostolical_a character_n but_o perhaps_o some_o will_v object_v that_o st._n paul_n seem_v to_o boast_v a_o little_a too_o much_o in_o some_o of_o his_o epistle_n of_o the_o excellence_n of_o his_o revelation_n he_o write_v to_o the_o galatian_n chap._n 2._o 9_o that_o he_o have_v receive_v nothing_o from_o the_o most_o excellent_a of_o the_o apostle_n or_o rather_o that_o he_o be_v not_o behind_o even_o the_o very_o best_a of_o the_o apostle_n that_o james_n cephas_n and_o john_n who_o seem_v to_o be_v pillar_n of_o the_o church_n have_v give_v he_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n chap._n 1._o 16._o that_o after_o he_o have_v be_v make_v a_o apostle_n he_o do_v not_o confer_v with_o flesh_n and_o blood_n neither_o go_v he_o up_o to_o jerusalem_n to_o be_v there_o approve_v of_o by_o the_o other_o apostle_n chap._n 2._o 11._o that_o he_o withstand_v peter_n to_o the_o face_n and_o blame_v he_o because_o he_o deserve_v to_o be_v blame_v but_o this_o difficulty_n can_v perplex_v those_o who_o shall_v be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o reason_n that_o oblige_v st._n paul_n to_o speak_v and_o act_v thus_o there_o be_v several_a false_a teacher_n among_o the_o galatian_n who_o endeavour_v to_o destroy_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o preach_n of_o that_o apostle_n by_o join_v the_o jewish_a ceremony_n to_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o allege_v for_o it_o the_o authority_n of_o peter_n james_n and_o john_n who_o they_o have_v see_v at_o jerusalem_n he_o therefore_o fear_v lest_o under_o pretence_n of_o follow_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o three_o principal_a apostle_n of_o our_o lord_n they_o shall_v subvert_v his_o work_n undertake_v to_o show_v that_o the_o excellence_n of_o his_o ministry_n be_v not_o in_o the_o least_o inferior_a to_o that_o of_o any_o other_o apostle_n under_o this_o consideration_n he_o compare_v himself_o to_o the_o other_o apostle_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o galatian_n begin_v it_o after_o this_o manner_n paul_n a_o apostle_n not_o of_o man_n neither_o by_o man_n but_o by_o jesus_n crist_n and_o god_n the_o father_n etc._n etc._n and_o it_o be_v upon_o the_o very_a same_o account_n that_o compare_v himself_o in_o his_o second_o epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n to_o some_o teacher_n who_o endeavour_v to_o disturb_v he_o in_o his_o ministry_n he_o express_v himself_o after_o this_o manner_n chap._n 11._o v._n 22_o 23_o 23_o 24_o 25_o 26_o 27_o 28_o 29._o be_v they_o hebrew_n so_o be_o i_o be_v they_o israelites_n so_o be_o i_o be_v they_o minister_n of_o christ_n i_o speak_v as_o a_o fool_n i_o be_o more_o in_o labour_n more_o abundant_a in_o stripe_n above_o measure_n of_o the_o jew_n five_o time_n receive_v i_o forty_o stripe_n save_o one_o thrice_o be_v i_o beat_v with_o rod_n once_o be_v i_o stone_v thrice_o i_o suffer_v shipwreck_n in_o journey_v often_o in_o peril_n of_o water_n in_o peril_n of_o robber_n in_o peril_n by_o my_o own_o countryman_n in_o peril_n by_o the_o heathen_a in_o peril_n among_o false_a brethren_n in_o weariness_n and_o painfulness_n in_o watch_n often_o in_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n in_o fasting_n often_o in_o cold_a and_o nakedness_n beside_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v without_o that_o which_o come_v upon_o i_o daily_o the_o care_n of_o all_o the_o church_n who_o be_v weak_a and_o i_o be_o not_o weak_a who_o be_v offend_v and_o i_o burn_v not_o can_v any_o one_o suppose_v that_o st._n paul_n will_v have_v presume_v to_o speak_v so_o particular_o of_o all_o his_o affliction_n and_o with_o so_o much_o confidence_n for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n who_o certain_a seducer_n will_v have_v dissuade_v from_o the_o faith_n if_o those_o affliction_n have_v not_o be_v real_a and_o well_o know_v to_o the_o world_n if_o what_o he_o assert_n have_v be_v false_a sure_o he_o must_v have_v perceive_v that_o far_o from_o silence_v his_o enemy_n this_o way_n he_o rather_o supply_v they_o with_o new_a matter_n to_o reproach_v he_o with_o but_o if_o what_o he_o assert_n be_v true_a who_o doubt_v but_o that_o he_o be_v strong_o persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n when_o we_o see_v how_o much_o and_o in_o what_o manner_n he_o suffer_v in_o defence_n of_o the_o same_o what_o piece_n of_o imposture_n or_o mistake_v principle_n can_v inspire_v a_o man_n with_o so_o much_o confidence_n as_o this_o apostle_n show_v produce_v a_o wicked_a man_n that_o can_v undergo_v a_o continual_a martyrdom_n in_o defence_n of_o a_o cheat_n and_o yet_o breath_n out_o nothing_o in_o all_o his_o write_n but_o zeal_n confidence_n and_o charity_n produce_v a_o wicked_a man_n who_o be_v just_o come_v out_o of_o prison_n shall_v strive_v to_o re-enter_v into_o it_o and_o continue_v preach_v a_o gospel_n which_o have_v cost_v
to_o look_v upon_o that_o word_n as_o divine_v which_o those_o tongue_n have_v preach_v we_o can_v but_o look_v upon_o those_o write_n as_o divine_a in_o which_o that_o word_n itself_o be_v contain_v i_o hope_v that_o whosoever_o shall_v serious_o reflect_v on_o the_o connexion_n of_o all_o these_o principle_n will_v full_o be_v persuade_v that_o their_o union_n be_v not_o to_o be_v dissolve_v if_o there_o be_v such_o a_o book_n as_o the_o new_a testament_n in_o the_o day_n of_o clemens_n polycarp_n and_o of_o the_o primitive_a father_n as_o without_o dispute_n there_o be_v that_o book_n can_v never_o have_v be_v forge_v if_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n can_v not_o have_v be_v forge_v it_o be_v impossible_a but_o that_o certain_a public_a matter_n of_o fact_n which_o be_v insert_v in_o that_o book_n as_o be_v public_o know_v by_o all_o the_o christian_n be_v true_a and_o if_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v true_a it_o can_v never_o be_v deny_v but_o that_o the_o apostle_n receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n if_o the_o apostle_n do_v receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n certain_o their_o write_n must_v be_v look_v upon_o as_o divine_a i_o have_v make_v choice_n of_o these_o principle_n only_o among_o several_a other_o which_o i_o have_v establish_v but_o lest_o any_o one_o shall_v imagine_v that_o they_o subsist_v mere_o by_o their_o connexion_n i_o desire_v the_o reader_n to_o remember_v that_o i_o have_v prove_v each_o of_o they_o apart_o by_o themselves_o after_o several_a different_a way_n it_o be_v very_o true_a therefore_o that_o the_o new_a testament_n as_o well_o as_o our_o religion_n be_v divine_a for_o these_o two_o truth_n be_v proper_o one_o and_o the_o same_o the_o christian_a religion_n can_v be_v divine_a if_o the_o word_n or_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v the_o ruleof_o the_o faith_n of_o its_o professor_n be_v humane_a and_o the_o scripture_n can_v never_o be_v divine_a unless_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v of_o a_o heavenly_a original_a and_o proceed_v from_o god_n but_o it_o be_v fit_a that_o we_o shall_v examine_v the_o difficulty_n that_o be_v oppose_v against_o this_o grand_a principle_n chap._n fourteen_o wherein_o we_o shall_v examine_v those_o difficulty_n which_o may_v probable_o be_v raise_v against_o the_o forego_n truth_n truth_n be_v a_o enemy_n to_o all_o shift_n and_o trick_n let_v we_o therefore_o brief_o consider_v what_o doubt_n we_o may_v possible_o entertain_v in_o the_o forego_n truth_n let_v we_o give_v full_a scope_n to_o our_o imagination_n to_o frame_v what_o suspicion_n we_o can_v as_o to_o the_o person_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n their_o miracle_n the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o the_o extraordinary_a and_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o be_v impart_v to_o mankind_n by_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o and_o i._o to_o begin_v with_o the_o person_n of_o jesus_n christ_n there_o be_v some_o who_o believe_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v a_o essene_n and_o that_o he_o borrow_v from_o that_o sect_n the_o purity_n of_o his_o moral_n and_o the_o soundness_n of_o his_o doctrine_n and_o indeed_o it_o appear_v from_o the_o description_n which_o philo_n and_o josephus_n give_v we_o of_o that_o sect_n that_o the_o essenes_n live_v among_o themselves_o in_o a_o perfect_a union_n that_o they_o possess_v all_o thing_n in_o common_a that_o they_o look_v upon_o one_o another_o as_o so_o many_o brethren_n and_o that_o they_o have_v very_o rational_a and_o sound_a idea_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n all_o this_o pretty_a well_o agree_v with_o the_o nature_n of_o chistianity_n beside_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v that_o jesus_n christ_n ever_o oppose_v their_o doctrine_n when_o he_o pronounce_v so_o many_o woe_n against_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n and_o if_o it_o be_v true_a that_o jesus_n christ_n borrow_v his_o doctrine_n from_o that_o sect_n we_o shall_v have_v less_o reason_n to_o be_v surprise_v at_o his_o extraordinary_a morality_n and_o holiness_n of_o life_n but_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o refute_v this_o notion_n if_o we_o consider_v that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o sect_n as_o that_o of_o the_o essenes_n in_o galilee_n which_o be_v the_o native_a country_n of_o jesus_n christ_n that_o the_o essenes_n avoid_v all_o correspondence_n with_o other_o man_n as_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o impure_a and_o profane_a and_o for_o that_o reason_n dwell_v not_o in_o any_o great_a city_n whereas_o jesus_n christ_n traverse_v town_n and_o village_n teach_v multitude_n preach_v in_o the_o synagogue_n etc._n etc._n beside_o the_o essenes_n abhor_a matrimony_n whereas_o jesus_n christ_n make_v choice_n of_o such_o disciple_n as_o be_v marry_v and_o last_o that_o he_o have_v several_a fisherman_n to_o attend_v he_o but_o none_o of_o they_o be_v essenes_n but_o ii_o may_v we_o not_o think_v that_o jesus_n christ_n owe_v his_o knowledge_n to_o his_o education_n but_o how_o can_v that_o be_v for_o as_o much_o as_o he_o be_v breed_v up_o in_o the_o shop_n of_o a_o carpenter_n as_o his_o enemy_n themselves_o confess_v in_o their_o reproach_n of_o he_o iii_o some_o will_v object_v that_o it_o be_v out_o of_o spite_n to_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n and_o other_o ruler_n of_o the_o jew_n that_o he_o first_o exclaim_v so_o much_o against_o they_o and_o after_o invent_v on_o purpose_n to_o thwart_v they_o a_o religion_n quite_o opposite_a to_o they_o but_o what_o have_v the_o son_n of_o mary_n to_o do_v with_o all_o those_o teacher_n since_o he_o neither_o be_v priest_n nor_o levite_n nor_o pretend_v to_o any_o such_o dignity_n what_o shall_v make_v he_o come_v in_o competition_n with_o they_o beside_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o assert_v that_o jesus_n christ_n seem_v very_o much_o exasperate_v against_o their_o doctrine_n and_o behaviour_n it_o must_v also_o be_v consider_v whether_o he_o have_v not_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o reason_n to_o be_v so_o iu._n it_o be_v object_v that_o perhaps_o he_o be_v ambitious_a of_o be_v think_v a_o prophet_n or_o it_o may_v be_v not_o right_o understand_v certain_a oracle_n which_o seem_v to_o determine_v at_o that_o time_n the_o come_n of_o the_o messiah_n he_o real_o think_v himself_o to_o be_v that_o messiah_n but_o nothing_o of_o this_o be_v true_a for_o jesus_n christ_n can_v not_o have_v think_v himself_o to_o be_v the_o messiah_n out_o of_o mere_a simplicity_n and_o ignorance_n nor_o have_v endeavour_v to_o make_v the_o world_n believe_v it_o out_o of_o malice_n or_o deceit_n we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o believe_v the_o former_a if_o we_o consider_v his_o morality_n and_o doctrine_n and_o his_o holiness_n of_o life_n give_v we_o no_o occasion_n to_o imagine_v the_o latter_a the_o incredulous_a will_n soon_o be_v reduce_v to_o a_o evident_a absurdity_n if_o they_o assert_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o most_o ignorant_a or_o most_o wicked_a of_o man_n the_o most_o ignorant_a if_o he_o think_v himself_o to_o be_v the_o messiah_n without_o be_v real_o so_o or_o the_o most_o wicked_a if_o he_o endeavour_v to_o make_v other_o man_n believe_v it_o when_o he_o believe_v it_o not_o himself_o because_o one_o must_v be_v wilful_o blind_a not_o to_o perceive_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n proceed_v both_o from_o a_o very_a clear_a principle_n and_o a_o good_a foundation_n too_o v._n but_o may_v we_o not_o say_v the_o same_o of_o mahomet_n the_o incredulous_a compare_v they_o often_o together_o they_o pretend_v that_o jesus_n christ_n and_o mahomet_n may_v have_v be_v animate_v both_o with_o the_o same_o spirit_n but_o of_o all_o the_o shift_n of_o the_o incredulous_a this_o be_v certain_o their_o weak_a and_o it_o be_v a_o plain_a demonstration_n that_o they_o have_v no_o manner_n of_o idea_n of_o the_o thing_n they_o speak_v of_o when_o they_o insist_v upon_o this_o comparison_n for_o we_o can_v here_o produce_v several_a essential_a difference_n betwixt_o jesus_n christ_n and_o mahomet_n mahomet_n never_o pretend_v to_o establish_v his_o religion_n by_o work_a miracle_n although_o several_a have_v be_v impute_v to_o he_o whereas_o jesus_n christ_n desire_v no_o belief_n but_o upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o his_o extraordinary_a miracle_n be_v willing_a thereby_o to_o convince_v the_o eye_n and_o sense_n of_o his_o disciple_n by_o sensible_a matter_n of_o fact_n and_o such_o miracle_n as_o he_o give_v they_o also_o power_n to_o work_v themselves_o when_o he_o send_v they_o forth_o to_o preach_v abroad_o his_o resurrection_n and_o miracle_n at_o the_o same_o time_n he_o threaten_v they_o with_o death_n and_o eternal_a damnation_n in_o case_n they_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o deceive_v any_o body_n with_o fiction_n or_o even_o disguise_v the_o truth_n itself_o mahomet_n leave_v no_o such_o prophecy_n behind_o he_o as_o have_v be_v accomplish_v whereas_o we_o have_v several_a of_o jesus_n christ_n which_o have_v
the_o resurrection_n of_o jesus_n christ_n justify_v the_o wonderful_a passage_n of_o his_o death_n so_o likewise_o do_v his_o ascension_n justify_v those_o of_o his_o resurrection_n for_o though_o one_o shall_v suspect_v that_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o disciple_n may_v by_o chance_n have_v be_v sudden_o dazzle_v and_o so_o they_o think_v they_o have_v see_v what_o they_o in_o reality_n never_o see_v yet_o they_o have_v time_n enough_o to_o recover_v themselves_o out_o of_o this_o dazzle_a amazement_n for_o it_o be_v forty_o day_n after_o jesus_n christ_n be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a before_o his_o ascension_n have_v it_o be_v a_o spirit_n that_o appear_v to_o they_o and_o frighten_v they_o yet_o have_v they_o time_n enough_o to_o come_v to_o themselves_o again_o and_o know_v certain_o that_o the_o spirit_n they_o see_v be_v not_o real_o their_o master_n for_o they_o see_v he_o and_o hear_v he_o they_o handle_v he_o they_o eat_v and_o drink_v with_o he_o have_v it_o be_v through_o the_o obscurity_n of_o a_o darksome_a night_n that_o they_o have_v imagine_v they_o have_v see_v some_o representation_n of_o their_o master_n instead_o of_o a_o true_a and_o full_a sight_n of_o he_o they_o can_v not_o long_o continue_v in_o their_o error_n but_o it_o be_v in_o full_a day_n that_o they_o see_v the_o stone_n roll_v away_o from_o the_o sepulchre_n it_o be_v in_o full_a bright_a day_n that_o christ_n so_o often_o manifest_v himself_o to_o they_o and_o discourse_v with_o they_o and_o afterward_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n before_o their_o eye_n have_v the_o force_n of_o their_o desire_n their_o fear_n or_o affection_n disturb_v their_o sense_n we_o shall_v have_v less_o reason_n to_o wonder_v at_o it_o though_o even_o in_o that_o case_n the_o thing_n will_v seem_v altogether_o unaccountable_a it_o be_v moral_o impossible_a that_o the_o sense_n of_o so_o many_o people_n shall_v all_o at_o once_o be_v so_o confine_v to_o one_o wonderful_a object_n and_o so_o disturb_v at_o the_o same_o time_n but_o they_o have_v time_n enough_o to_o get_v out_o of_o their_o confusion_n and_o astonishment_n and_o their_o mind_n be_v very_o sedate_v and_o at_o ease_n when_o christ_n make_v they_o eye-witness_n of_o his_o glorious_a ascension_n in_o a_o word_n have_v it_o be_v a_o private_a and_o silent_a interview_n we_o may_v have_v much_o more_o reason_n to_o doubt_v but_o christ_n appear_v to_o his_o disciple_n with_o a_o particular_a design_n to_o discourse_v with_o they_o he_o give_v they_o several_a instruction_n he_o forbid_v they_o to_o depart_v from_o jerusalem_n until_o they_o have_v receive_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n he_o make_v they_o several_a promise_n and_o such_o surprise_a one_o that_o they_o be_v fit_v only_o for_o a_o god_n to_o make_v and_o a_o god_n to_o perform_v for_o he_o promise_v that_o he_o will_v be_v with_o they_o even_o unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n he_o institute_v two_o sacrament_n he_o command_v they_o to_o baptise_v all_o nation_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n and_o of_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o well_o as_o to_o commemorate_v his_o death_n in_o the_o passover_n nor_o be_v that_o all_o he_o have_v many_o long_a and_o coherent_a discourse_n with_o they_o he_o speak_v to_o they_o and_o they_o answer_v he_o they_o be_v at_o first_o incredulous_a but_o he_o convince_v they_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o resurrection_n notwithstanding_o their_o scruple_n and_o their_o infidelity_n he_o rebuke_v they_o several_a time_n for_o their_o little_a faith_n at_o least_o they_o tell_v we_o so_o the_o evangelist_n relate_v what_o christ_n say_v to_o thomas_n and_o what_o answer_n thomas_n make_v and_o both_o their_o speech_n be_v too_o surprise_v to_o be_v so_o soon_o forget_v thomas_n be_v strike_v at_o the_o wonder_n of_o his_o resurrection_n be_v the_o first_o that_o give_v christ_n a_o name_n which_o he_o be_v not_o wont_a to_o bear_v in_o the_o stage_n of_o his_o humiliation_n call_v he_o my_o lord_n and_o my_o god_n john_n 20._o 28._o the_o disciple_n ask_v he_o whether_o he_o will_v at_o that_o time_n restore_v the_o kingdom_n unto_o israel_n but_o he_o answer_v they_o that_o it_o be_v not_o for_o they_o to_o know_v the_o time_n and_o season_n which_o the_o father_n only_o have_v in_o his_o power_n last_o the_o evangelist_n give_v we_o no_o less_o the_o history_n of_o jesus_n christ_n rise_v from_o the_o dead_a than_o that_o of_o jesus_n christ_n live_v and_o converse_v before_o his_o death_n among_o the_o jew_n and_o we_o affirm_v we_o have_v as_o much_o reason_n to_o believe_v one_o as_o the_o other_o for_o indeed_o why_o do_v we_o believe_v there_o be_v ever_o any_o such_o person_n as_o jesus_n christ_n we_o believe_v it_o certain_o because_o it_o be_v in_o humane_a speak_n moral_o impossible_a that_o so_o many_o person_n shall_v unanimous_o tell_v we_o they_o have_v see_v he_o that_o they_o discourse_v eat_v and_o drink_v with_o he_o nay_o see_v he_o suffer_v death_n at_o jerusalem_n i_o say_v they_o will_v never_o have_v tell_v we_o all_o this_o suppose_v there_o be_v nothing_o at_o all_o in_o it_o but_o than_o ought_v not_o that_o same_o reason_n to_o persuade_v we_o likewise_o that_o jesus_n christ_n both_o live_v and_o converse_v forty_o day_n with_o his_o disciple_n since_o so_o many_o person_n see_v he_o discourse_v eat_v and_o drink_v with_o he_o see_v he_o present_a in_o the_o midst_n of_o their_o assembly_n nay_o touch_v and_o handle_v he_o but_o perhaps_o some_o will_v object_v be_v that_o certain_o true_a why_o then_o be_v there_o in_o those_o day_n so_o many_o person_n that_o refuse_v to_o believe_v the_o ascension_n of_o jesus_n christ_n why_o it_o be_v no_o hard_a matter_n to_o find_v the_o reason_n of_o this_o it_o be_v because_o if_o they_o have_v once_o acknowledge_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o ascension_n of_o jesus_n christ_n they_o be_v oblige_v to_o die_v martyr_n for_o that_o truth_n and_o no_o doubt_n man_n be_v as_o worldly-minded_n in_o those_o day_n as_o they_o be_v now_o so_o that_o methinks_v it_o appear_v hitherto_o very_o clear_o that_o the_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v neither_o capable_a of_o deceive_v themselves_o nor_o of_o be_v deceive_v by_o other_o as_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n they_o testify_v it_o be_v a_o very_a difficult_a matter_n i_o have_v almost_o say_v impossible_a that_o they_o shall_v have_v deceive_v themselves_o in_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n which_o they_o relate_v because_o they_o so_o exact_o set_v down_o the_o circumstance_n the_o name_n place_n and_o the_o person_n themselves_o nay_o they_o pretend_v they_o themselves_o be_v send_v by_o their_o master_n into_o all_o the_o part_n of_o judea_n to_o work_v there_o the_o very_a same_o miracle_n they_o attest_v but_o though_o they_o shall_v have_v deceive_v themselves_o in_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n yet_o they_o can_v not_o possible_o deceive_v themselves_o in_o his_o resurrection_n for_o they_o know_v well_o enough_o what_o a_o dead_a body_n and_o a_o live_a man_n be_v they_o can_v easy_o distinguish_v between_o they_o and_o those_o thing_n be_v of_o such_o a_o nature_n as_o not_o to_o be_v capable_a of_o illusion_n or_o deceit_n yet_o though_o we_o shall_v suppose_v that_o the_o disciple_n have_v be_v deceive_v in_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n yet_o they_o can_v not_o have_v be_v impose_v upon_o in_o the_o last_o miraculous_a event_n of_o his_o ascension_n it_o can_v never_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o after_o have_v see_v a_o spirit_n they_o shall_v yet_o converse_v with_o he_o forty_o day_n that_o that_o spirit_n shall_v suffer_v himself_o to_o be_v handle_v that_o he_o shall_v give_v they_o instruction_n make_v they_o several_a promise_n and_o afterward_o be_v catch_v up_o into_o heaven_n in_o their_o sight_n they_o all_o the_o while_n look_v upon_o he_o and_o adore_v he_o as_o he_o be_v ascend_v into_o heaven_n and_o understand_v distinct_o the_o discourse_n of_o the_o angel_n which_o promise_v they_o that_o he_o shall_v so_o come_v again_o in_o like_a manner_n as_o they_o have_v see_v he_o go_v up_o into_o heaven_n it_o will_v be_v to_o no_o purpose_n here_o to_o allege_v with_o spinosa_n that_o the_o evangelist_n have_v not_o exact_o describe_v all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o event_n they_o relate_v and_o that_o have_v they_o take_v special_a care_n to_o do_v it_o it_o will_v perhaps_o so_o happen_v that_o the_o circumstance_n which_o they_o think_v sit_v to_o conceal_v will_v make_v we_o comprehend_v that_o those_o which_o they_o have_v relate_v proceed_v from_o natural_a cause_n for_o i_o desire_v to_o know_v what_o can_v be_v more_o express_o declare_v or_o more_o often_o repeat_v in_o the_o gospel_n than_o the_o resurrection_n and_o ascension_n of_o jesus_n
at_o any_o rate_n whatever_o out_o of_o mere_a complaisance_n to_o he_o such_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o mankind_n such_o the_o frame_n and_o temper_v of_o their_o heart_n that_o they_o will_v admit_v of_o no_o falsity_n unless_o cover_v with_o a_o specious_a show_n of_o truth_n so_o that_o when_o any_o thing_n be_v so_o evident_o false_a that_o every_o body_n must_v necessary_o be_v sensible_a of_o it_o we_o have_v no_o thought_n of_o attempt_v to_o make_v other_o believe_v it_o as_o for_o instance_n it_o will_v never_o come_v into_o my_o head_n to_o make_v other_o man_n believe_v that_o i_o have_v wing_n and_o that_o i_o fly_v etc._n etc._n we_o may_v here_o repeat_v what_o have_v be_v say_v concern_v the_o resurrection_n of_o jesus_n christ_n either_o the_o disciple_n look_v upon_o jesus_n christ_n before_o his_o death_n as_o the_o promise_a messiah_n or_o else_o they_o do_v not_o look_v upon_o he_o as_o such_o if_o they_o consider_v he_o as_o the_o promise_a messiah_n they_o then_o believe_v his_o word_n and_o think_v that_o he_o will_v true_o rise_v again_o and_o if_o they_o do_v expect_v that_o he_o will_v true_o rise_v again_o they_o consequent_o believe_v he_o will_v come_v himself_o out_o of_o his_o grave_n and_o so_o it_o be_v not_o at_o all_o necessary_a they_o shall_v steal_v his_o body_n away_o and_o if_o they_o do_v not_o consider_v he_o as_o the_o promise_a messiah_n whilst_o he_o be_v alive_a it_o must_v follow_v from_o thence_o that_o they_o be_v seducer_n and_o impostor_n even_o before_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n now_o how_o can_v any_o one_o conceive_v that_o those_o seducer_n shall_v not_o have_v be_v terrify_v at_o the_o punishment_n inflict_v on_o their_o master_n or_o that_o such_o a_o terrible_a example_n of_o the_o most_o rigorous_a justice_n design_v too_o for_o they_o shall_v not_o put_v a_o end_n to_o their_o frontless_a impudence_n above_o all_o how_o can_v it_o be_v suppose_v that_o those_o wicked_a and_o perfidious_a disciple_n dare_v have_v propose_v to_o the_o other_o disciple_n who_o be_v real_o sincere_a and_o true_a to_o join_v with_o they_o and_o so_o testify_v that_o they_o have_v see_v jesus_n christ_n ascend_v into_o heaven_n true_o i_o do_v see_v what_o any_o man_n can_v allege_v except_o one_o of_o these_o two_o thing_n either_o that_o they_o be_v all_o sincere_a and_o honest_a man_n or_o that_o some_o of_o they_o be_v honest_a and_o the_o rest_n cheat_n if_o they_o be_v all_o sincere_a and_o honest_a man_n as_o their_o manner_n their_o discourse_n their_o conduct_n and_o a_o thousand_o other_o character_n of_o they_o evident_o show_v then_o be_v it_o absolute_o impossible_a that_o any_o such_o cheat_n can_v have_v be_v carry_v on_o among_o they_o but_o if_o they_o be_v all_o a_o pack_n of_o cheat_v treacherous_a impostor_n than_o it_o be_v the_o first_o time_n that_o ever_o a_o society_n of_o cheat_v perfidious_a rogue_n be_v erect_v who_o seem_v to_o have_v have_v no_o other_o design_n than_o to_o sanctify_v mankind_n but_o what_o man_n be_v his_o thought_n never_o so_o confuse_v and_o irregular_a be_v his_o reason_n never_o so_o corrupt_a can_v yet_o imagine_v that_o so_o many_o mean-spirited_n simple_a and_o humble_a man_n as_o the_o disciple_n be_v shall_v immediate_o become_v the_o most_o lie_v notorious_a cheat_n out_o of_o no_o other_o design_n then_o to_o involve_v themselves_o in_o ruin_n if_o some_o of_o they_o be_v false_a and_o other_o sincere_a and_o if_o the_o latter_a be_v at_o all_o impose_v upon_o by_o the_o former_a which_o be_v the_o most_o our_o incredulous_a adversary_n can_v imagine_v yet_o even_o then_o i_o assert_v that_o such_o a_o cheat_n can_v not_o have_v be_v carry_v on_o by_o they_o for_o suppose_v peter_n never_o so_o smooth_a and_o eloquent_a never_o so_o adroit_fw-fr at_o dissemble_v and_o insinuation_n yet_o how_o can_v he_o possible_o persuade_v so_o great_a a_o number_n of_o person_n to_o believe_v against_o their_o sense_n that_o they_o have_v see_v that_o which_o they_o real_o never_o see_v or_o handle_v that_o which_o they_o have_v never_o handle_v that_o jesus_n christ_n after_o have_v give_v they_o many_o precept_n and_o large_a instruction_n which_o he_o leave_v very_o deep_o imprint_v in_o their_o mind_n ascend_v into_o heaven_n in_o their_o sight_n but_o shall_v i_o grant_v he_o may_v have_v persuade_v they_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o resurrection_n yet_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a he_o can_v persuade_v they_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o ascension_n have_v st._n peter_n but_o so_o much_o as_o propose_v it_o to_o they_o who_o he_o design_v to_o delude_v it_o will_v have_v be_v for_o that_o very_a reason_n impossible_a but_o that_o they_o shall_v have_v find_v out_o his_o design_n to_o cheat_v they_o but_o he_o will_v not_o sure_o presume_v to_o propose_v to_o they_o the_o joint_a contrivance_n of_o such_o a_o fabulous_a story_n nor_o will_v he_o have_v find_v though_o he_o have_v be_v bold_a enough_o to_o have_v propose_v it_o any_o that_o will_v have_v assist_v he_o in_o so_o senseless_a a_o design_n much_o less_o maintain_v his_o extravagance_n and_o least_o of_o all_o expose_v themselves_o to_o a_o thousand_o torment_n on_o purpose_n to_o maintain_v it_o 2._o but_o second_o i_o observe_v that_o such_o a_o imposture_n will_v have_v be_v of_o no_o manner_n of_o use_n to_o they_o it_o be_v enough_o to_o have_v prove_v that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v put_v in_o execution_n to_o satisfy_v any_o reasonable_a man_n how_o needless_a and_o useless_a it_o will_v be_v to_o advance_v it_o it_o be_v true_a there_o have_v be_v in_o all_o age_n and_o country_n such_o man_n as_o will_v have_v be_v very_o willing_a for_o their_o own_o advantage_n to_o make_v other_o believe_v improbable_a story_n and_o fiction_n have_v the_o thing_n be_v but_o practicable_a but_o because_o they_o can_v not_o effect_v it_o without_o such_o a_o mutual_a concert_n among_o several_a person_n to_o maintain_v it_o as_o be_v altogether_o impossible_a for_o that_o very_a reason_n it_o never_o come_v into_o their_o mind_n upon_o serious_a and_o cool_a thought_n it_o will_v no_o doubt_n be_v of_o very_o singular_a advantage_n to_o those_o prince_n who_o so_o earnest_o desire_v to_o procure_v themselves_o a_o extraordinary_a respect_n and_o veneration_n from_o their_o subject_n and_o for_o that_o reason_n very_o seldom_o appear_v in_o public_a and_o hardly_o ever_o show_v themselves_o to_o their_o poople_n i_o say_v it_o will_v be_v of_o great_a advantage_n to_o they_o if_o they_o can_v but_o once_o persuade_v their_o people_n that_o they_o be_v of_o a_o divine_a race_n and_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n but_o because_o they_o judge_v such_o a_o design_n impracticable_a they_o reckon_v it_o a_o thing_n altogether_o useless_a and_o needless_a ever_o to_o undertake_v it_o certain_o we_o may_v as_o well_o affirm_v that_o the_o design_n of_o make_v other_o man_n believe_v the_o ascension_n of_o jesus_n christ_n against_o the_o real_a truth_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o inward_a sense_n of_o their_o own_o conscience_n will_v have_v be_v altogether_o as_o useless_a and_o needless_a because_o it_o do_v not_o in_o the_o least_o appear_v that_o the_o disciple_n can_v propose_v to_o themselves_o any_o reasonable_a design_n in_o maintain_v such_o a_o incredible_a story_n 3._o nay_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n not_o only_o whole_o useless_a but_o as_o we_o observe_v in_o the_o three_o place_n such_o a_o one_o as_o man_n doubt_n usual_o design_n or_o contrive_v it_o can_v not_o enter_v into_o any_o one_o man_n mind_n much_o less_o into_o that_o of_o so_o many_o different_a man_n at_o once_o to_o fancy_v that_o they_o can_v persuade_v other_o man_n to_o credit_v such_o a_o impudent_a lie_n as_o that_o must_v have_v be_v or_o to_o dare_v undertake_v to_o make_v other_o believe_v it_o to_o think_v in_o the_o least_o that_o they_o can_v succeed_v in_o so_o strange_a a_o design_n or_o that_o other_o will_v have_v act_v in_o it_o joint_o with_o they_o to_o imagine_v that_o they_o can_v be_v able_a to_o endure_v the_o most_o rigorous_a torment_n and_o the_o severe_a and_o most_o cruel_a affliction_n or_o that_o the_o cheat_n which_o they_o unanimous_o have_v agree_v on_o will_v have_v be_v both_o believe_v and_o approve_v of_o throughout_o the_o world_n nay_o what_o be_v more_o that_o man_n shall_v repent_v and_o become_v holy_a and_o righteous_a out_o of_o a_o respect_n and_o reverence_n they_o boâ—e_n to_o a_o impostor_n and_o that_o virtue_n and_o piety_n shall_v have_v be_v establish_v in_o all_o the_o part_n of_o the_o world_n by_o the_o mean_n of_o a_o extraordinary_a cheat._n to_o this_o we_o may_v add_v that_o consider_v this_o design_n of_o they_o another_o way_n it_o be_v not_o can_v be_v such_o a_o one_o as_o any_o
uncircumcision_n but_o a_o new_a creature_n great_a indeed_o be_v his_o faith_n for_o he_o will_v not_o subscribe_v to_o their_o maxim_n who_o constrain_v the_o faithful_a to_o be_v circumcise_a though_o he_o may_v have_v thereby_o avoid_v a_o sharp_a persecution_n but_o he_o show_v we_o that_o the_o circumcision_n of_o the_o heart_n only_o be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n that_o none_o but_o the_o new_a creature_n can_v be_v for_o the_o future_a agreeable_a to_o he_o a_o circumcision_n indeed_o infinite_o more_o painful_a than_o the_o first_o and_o a_o new_a creature_n establish_v upon_o the_o ruin_n of_o the_o world_n the_o pleasure_n of_o which_o be_v so_o dear_a to_o we_o certain_o it_o be_v impossible_a this_o doctrine_n so_o spiritual_a so_o holy_a and_o so_o necessary_a in_o itself_o shall_v have_v proceed_v only_o from_o flesh_n and_o blood_n epistle_n to_o the_o ephesian_n chap._n iii_o 17_o 18_o 19_o that_o you_o be_v root_v and_o ground_v in_o love_n may_v be_v able_a to_o comprehend_v with_o all_o saint_n what_o be_v the_o breadth_n and_o length_n and_o depth_n and_o height_n and_o to_o know_v the_o love_n of_o christ_n which_o pass_v all_o knowledge_n etc._n etc._n have_v the_o apostle_n be_v such_o deceiver_n as_o the_o incredulous_a will_v have_v they_o to_o be_v what_o mean_v those_o transport_v of_o admiration_n as_o often_o as_o they_o reflect_v on_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n which_o every_o page_n of_o this_o book_n be_v full_a of_o be_v they_o then_o deceive_v no_o sure_o because_o they_o can_v not_o be_v impose_v upon_o in_o such_o certain_a matter_n of_o fact_n have_v they_o then_o a_o mind_n to_o deceive_v other_o people_n that_o can_v not_o be_v neither_o because_o their_o write_n seem_v to_o be_v design_v only_o to_o induce_v man_n to_o fear_v god_n chap_n iu_o 24_o 25._o and_o that_o you_o put_v on_o the_o new_a man_n which_o after_o god_n be_v create_v in_o righteousness_n and_o true_a holiness_n wherefore_o put_v away_o lie_v speak_v every_o man_n truth_n with_o his_o neighbour_n etc._n etc._n a_o strange_a and_o surprise_a discourse_n indeed_o but_o which_o will_v have_v be_v much_o more_o astonish_a shall_v it_o have_v be_v utter_v by_o the_o mouth_n of_o a_o impostor_n epistle_n to_o the_o philippian_n chap._n i._n 29._o for_o unto_o you_o it_o be_v give_v in_o the_o behalf_n of_o christ_n not_o only_o to_o believe_v on_o he_o but_o also_o to_o suffer_v for_o his_o sake_n the_o stoic_n who_o have_v so_o much_o distinguish_v and_o raise_v themselves_o above_o all_o other_o man_n by_o their_o sublime_a morality_n have_v ever_o imagine_v that_o the_o wise_a man_n may_v very_o well_o preserve_v a_o tranquil_a and_o sedate_v mind_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o his_o affliction_n and_o they_o be_v so_o much_o intoxicate_v with_o pride_n that_o they_o be_v altogether_o insensible_a of_o any_o pain_n or_o torment_n but_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n go_v yet_o high_a they_o look_v upon_o the_o most_o cruel_a suffering_n as_o upon_o so_o many_o benefit_n and_o so_o many_o cause_n of_o joy_n and_o peace_n and_o ineffable_a consolation_n and_o comfort_n they_o cry_v out_o i_o rejoice_v in_o my_o suffering_n etc._n etc._n i_o delight_v in_o stripe_n in_o affliction_n etc._n etc._n nay_o more_o than_o this_o they_o return_v thanks_o to_o god_n for_o have_v be_v think_v worthy_a to_o suffer_v for_o his_o name_n be_v sake_n their_o affliction_n give_v rise_v to_o their_o gratitude_n and_o all_o this_o because_o they_o be_v support_v by_o a_o divine_a hand_n and_o be_v most_o certain_a to_o obtain_v a_o everlasting_a reward_n a_o strange_a thing_n indeed_o that_o this_o certainty_n only_o shall_v be_v absolute_o requisite_a to_o demonstrate_v the_o truth_n of_o religion_n the_o apostle_n can_v never_o have_v entertain_v any_o false_a hope_n of_o reward_n because_o their_o hope_n be_v ground_v on_o what_o they_o have_v see_v and_o on_o the_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o god_n they_o have_v both_o receive_v and_o often_o impart_v to_o other_o we_o can_v then_o doubt_v but_o that_o they_o have_v the_o hope_n of_o a_o future_a reward_n in_o prospect_n unless_o we_o will_v be_v wilful_o blind_a and_o ignorant_a so_o blind_a must_v the_o incredulous_a be_v who_o wilful_o shut_v their_o eye_n and_o refuse_v to_o be_v convince_v of_o so_o evident_a a_o truth_n first_o epistle_n to_o the_o thessalonian_n chap._n i._n 4._o for_o our_o gospel_n come_v not_o unto_o you_o in_o word_n only_o but_o also_o in_o power_n and_o in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n etc._n etc._n by_o these_o word_n it_o appear_v that_o the_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n continual_o testify_v of_o the_o gospel_n chap._n iii_o 4._o for_o very_o when_o we_o be_v with_o you_o we_o tell_v you_o before_o that_o we_o shall_v suffer_v tribulation_n even_o as_o â—t_a come_v to_o pass_v and_o you_o know_v the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n have_v be_v prepare_v by_o he_o and_o have_v prepare_v themselves_o nay_o prepare_v their_o successor_n also_o to_o suffer_v patient_o according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o this_o apostle_n who_o say_v in_o another_o place_n 2_o tim._n 3._o 12._o all_o that_o will_v live_v godly_a in_o christ_n jesus_n shall_v suffer_v persecution_n it_o be_v therefore_o in_o cold_a blood_n with_o their_o own_o choice_n and_o free_a deliberation_n they_o suffer_v such_o torment_n chap._n v._o 27._o i_o charge_v you_o by_o the_o lord_n that_o this_o epistle_n be_v read_v unto_o all_o the_o holy_a brethren_n st._n paul_n fear_v not_o in_o the_o least_o his_o be_v contradict_v or_o convince_v of_o any_o falsity_n he_o have_v advance_v concern_v his_o affliction_n and_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o therefore_o he_o command_v that_o his_o epistle_n shall_v be_v read_v to_o all_o the_o holy_a brethren_n first_o epistle_n to_o timothy_n chap._n iii_o 16._o and_o without_o controversy_n great_a be_v the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n god_n be_v manifest_a in_o the_o flesh_n justify_v in_o the_o spirit_n see_v of_o angel_n preach_v unto_o the_o gentile_n believe_v on_o in_o the_o world_n receive_v up_o into_o glory_n this_o mystery_n can_v be_v invent_v only_o by_o humane_a understanding_n for_o several_a reason_n 1._o because_o it_o be_v so_o great_a and_o sublime_a that_o man_n though_o never_o so_o learned_a and_o quick_a sight_v in_o other_o thing_n yet_o will_v never_o have_v be_v able_a to_o find_v it_o out_o of_o themselves_o bare_o by_o the_o scrutiny_n of_o their_o reason_n 2._o because_o they_o be_v only_o poor_a fisherman_n that_o preach_v it_o 3._o because_o this_o so_o sublime_a and_o magnificent_a object_n proceed_v if_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v from_o the_o death_n and_o suffering_n of_o a_o man_n who_o be_v condemn_v and_o punish_v with_o the_o most_o rigorous_a punishment_n that_o can_v be_v think_v of_o for_o it_o be_v only_o after_o the_o passion_n of_o christ_n that_o the_o disciple_n go_v about_o preach_v every_o where_o the_o wonderful_a work_n of_o god_n 4._o and_o last_o because_o the_o contemplation_n of_o it_o depend_v upon_o experience_n itself_o and_o although_o this_o mystery_n appear_v at_o first_o view_n infinite_o exalt_v above_o the_o reach_n of_o our_o capacity_n yet_o it_o must_v have_v be_v both_o see_v and_o touch_v by_o the_o disciple_n they_o certain_o see_v christ_n and_o behold_v his_o glory_n as_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o only_a son_n of_o god_n full_a of_o grace_n and_o truth_n they_o see_v with_o their_o eye_n that_o flesh_n in_o which_o corporeal_o dwell_v a_o entire_a fullness_n of_o the_o glorious_a godhead_n they_o be_v full_o convince_v of_o the_o extraordinary_a excellence_n of_o his_o mystery_n and_o the_o perfection_n of_o his_o holiness_n they_o themselves_o receive_v the_o gift_n of_o that_o same_o spirit_n in_o which_o god_n himself_o be_v justify_v they_o see_v angel_n ascend_v and_o descend_v to_o minister_v unto_o he_o they_o preach_v it_o themselves_o to_o the_o gentile_n and_o so_o compel_v the_o world_n to_o believe_v in_o he_o by_o their_o patience_n and_o preach_v which_o be_v continual_o attend_v with_o the_o demonstration_n of_o that_o spirit_n and_o the_o evidence_n of_o those_o miracle_n perform_v by_o they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n last_o he_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n in_o their_o sight_n so_o that_o these_o be_v all_o sure_a and_o certain_a proofsof_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o great_a mystery_n which_o can_v in_o the_o least_o be_v suspect_v second_o epistle_n to_o timothy_n chap._n iii_o 15_o 16._o and_o that_o from_o a_o child_n thou_o have_v know_v the_o holy_a scripture_n etc._n etc._n all_o scripture_n be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n there_o be_v no_o maintain_v false_a religion_n in_o the_o world_n but_o by_o the_o help_n of_o ignorance_n negligence_n and_o a_o blind_a submission_n but_o the_o christian_a religion_n can_v be_v suspect_v of_o any_o
such_o a_o deep_a penetration_n of_o mind_n and_o attempt_v to_o exalt_v man_n above_o himself_o by_o infatuate_a he_o with_o the_o conceit_n of_o his_o own_o wisdom_n but_o god_n who_o know_v best_a what_o remedy_n be_v most_o proper_a for_o we_o have_v give_v we_o a_o religion_n which_o satisfy_v the_o heart_n without_o corrupt_v the_o understanding_n and_o enlarge_v the_o understanding_n without_o corrupt_v the_o heart_n and_o that_o because_o it_o satisfy_v and_o yet_o mortify_v it_o enlighten_v and_o yet_o confound_v the_o understanding_n if_o to_o the_o understanding_n several_a great_a and_o sublime_a truth_n be_v reveal_v it_o have_v not_o therefore_o any_o pretence_n to_o exalt_v itself_o because_o it_o know_v that_o knowledge_n to_o be_v above_o its_o capacity_n and_o owe_v it_o only_o to_o revelation_n if_o the_o heart_n find_v the_o object_n of_o religion_n answerable_a to_o its_o infinite_a desire_n it_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o be_v puff_v up_o by_o they_o because_o those_o object_n destroy_v its_o darling_n passion_n and_o vicious_a inclination_n so_o that_o the_o only_a mean_n to_o enlighten_v and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n humble_a our_o understanding_n be_v to_o intermix_v some_o obscurity_n with_o the_o light_n of_o revelation_n and_o the_o only_a way_n to_o satisfy_v the_o heart_n and_o prevent_v its_o be_v puff_v up_o be_v to_o qualify_v some_o sorrowful_a and_o mortify_a duty_n with_o the_o extraordinary_a promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n thus_o the_o severity_n of_o christian_a morality_n and_o the_o obscurity_n of_o its_o mystery_n be_v two_o different_a mean_n which_o god_n have_v make_v use_n of_o to_o enlighten_v the_o understanding_n without_o puff_v up_o the_o heart_n and_o to_o satisfy_v the_o desire_n of_o the_o heart_n without_o flatter_a those_o passion_n which_o corrupt_v the_o understanding_n which_o manifest_o show_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v not_o only_o the_o divine_a stamp_n upon_o it_o since_o it_o contain_v the_o true_a manner_n of_o reform_v and_o regulate_v the_o desire_n of_o man_n heart_n but_o also_o that_o the_o severity_n of_o the_o christian_a morality_n and_o the_o difficulty_n of_o its_o mystery_n which_o shock_n the_o incredulous_a most_o in_o the_o principle_n of_o christianity_n be_v purposely_o make_v use_n of_o by_o god_n in_o his_o eternal_a wisdom_n as_o the_o most_o proper_a mean_n to_o sanctify_v mankind_n which_o be_v the_o grand_a design_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n we_o have_v then_o here_o the_o two_o most_o essential_a and_o most_o important_a part_n of_o our_o religion_n its_o morality_n and_o mystery_n the_o latter_a be_v necessary_a in_o respect_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o former_a be_v the_o rule_n of_o those_o duty_n which_o god_n be_v please_v we_o shall_v perform_v as_o a_o mean_n to_o attain_v everlasting_a life_n it_o will_v be_v superfluous_a to_o lay_v down_o here_o at_o large_a what_o doctrine_n or_o precept_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o gospel_n because_o it_o have_v please_v god_n that_o we_o can_v pretend_v any_o ignorance_n of_o they_o and_o beside_o it_o be_v the_o truth_n of_o religion_n in_o general_n we_o be_v now_o treat_v of_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o speak_v here_o only_o of_o christian_a morality_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n in_o general_n as_o for_o the_o morality_n of_o christ_n it_o have_v so_o many_o remarkable_a character_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o reflect_v upon_o any_o of_o they_o without_o immediate_o acknowledge_v its_o divinity_n for_o i._o it_o be_v it_o seem_v a_o paradox_n to_o the_o sense_n to_o the_o heart_n to_o the_o mind_n and_o nature_n of_o man._n it_o be_v never_o before_o hear_v of_o or_o know_v that_o a_o man_n must_v take_v up_o his_o cross_n and_o think_v those_o bless_a that_o be_v poor_a in_o spirit_n that_o mourn_n and_o be_v persecute_v for_o righteousness_n sake_n that_o we_o must_v love_v our_o enemy_n and_o pray_v for_o they_o that_o shall_v revile_v and_o persecute_v we_o that_o we_o must_v not_o only_o comfort_v ourselves_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o our_o affliction_n and_o cross_n but_o also_o rejoice_v for_o be_v thus_o afflict_v and_o esteem_v our_o happiness_n and_o glory_n the_o great_a as_o our_o suffering_n be_v increase_v man_n i_o say_v have_v never_o such_o thought_n before_o and_o the_o puradox_n of_o the_o stoic_n be_v nothing_o to_o these_o for_o here_o we_o find_v to_o our_o great_a surprise_n that_o a_o few_o poor_a fisherman_n rustic_a in_o their_o speech_n preach_v such_o maxim_n abroad_o as_o be_v as_o far_o above_o the_o ordinary_a capacity_n of_o the_o understanding_n as_o they_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o affection_n and_o inclination_n of_o the_o heart_n ii_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o christian_a morality_n seem_v to_o be_v a_o very_a sad_a and_o mortify_a thing_n for_o it_o curb_v and_o restrain_v all_o our_o passion_n self-love_n repine_v at_o it_o voluptuousness_n can_v endure_v it_o pride_n be_v whole_o humble_v and_o mortify_v by_o it_o and_o those_o who_o seem_v to_o allow_v of_o it_o most_o can_v but_o private_o hate_v it_o when_o ever_o their_o heart_n be_v engage_v in_o any_o passion_n it_o have_v be_v often_o observe_v that_o there_o have_v be_v christian_n in_o all_o age_n who_o attempt_v to_o pervert_v the_o sense_n of_o it_o by_o put_v such_o gloss_n and_o interpretation_n upon_o it_o as_o be_v more_o conformable_a to_o their_o inclination_n than_o to_o the_o truth_n itself_o and_o by_o endeavour_v to_o extirpate_v it_o at_o least_o indirect_o when_o they_o dare_v not_o attempt_v it_o in_o a_o more_o open_a manner_n but_o let_v no_o man_n imagine_v that_o this_o morality_n be_v offer_v to_o the_o world_n under_o any_o disguise_n christ_n who_o among_o so_o many_o other_o wonderful_a character_n of_o his_o call_v have_v a_o very_a remarkable_a one_o and_o that_o be_v never_o to_o flatter_v the_o loose_a inclination_n of_o man_n plain_o declare_v that_o whosoever_o will_v be_v think_v his_o disciple_n must_v pluck_v out_o his_o eye_n and_o cut_v off_o his_o hand_n must_v hate_v himself_o deny_v himself_o nay_o even_o hate_v his_o own_o soul_n etc._n etc._n expression_n which_o explain_v one_o another_o and_o certify_v we_o that_o the_o pain_n and_o torment_n the_o observer_n of_o his_o morality_n must_v undergo_v be_v like_a unto_o those_o which_o man_n endure_v when_o they_o cut_v off_o their_o arm_n or_o pluck_v out_o their_o eye_n or_o be_v in_o a_o manner_n separate_v from_o themselves_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o all_o this_o like_o the_o cunning_a address_n and_o subtle_a management_n of_o man_n in_o the_o world_n when_o they_o endeavour_v to_o establish_v new_a doctrine_n and_o it_o evident_o appear_v that_o christ_n alone_o be_v a_o teacher_n come_v from_o god_n iii_o the_o better_a to_o comprehend_v this_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o all_o the_o principle_n of_o christian_a religion_n depend_v upon_o humility_n as_o their_o chief_a foundation_n for_o if_o we_o pretend_v to_o the_o qualification_n of_o christ_n disciple_n we_o must_v be_v meek_a single_a in_o heart_n poor_a in_o spirit_n weary_a and_o heavy_a lade_v little_a in_o our_o own_o conceit_n lamb_n little_a child_n in_o innocence_n and_o want_n of_o malice_n and_o servant_n of_o other_o men._n christ_n have_v unite_v two_o different_a quality_n before_o not_o easy_o reconcilable_a the_o humility_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o the_o light_n of_o the_o understanding_n charge_v we_o to_o be_v wise_a as_o serpent_n and_o harmless_a as_o dove_n it_o be_v manifest_a this_o union_n be_v necessary_a for_o the_o true_a sanctification_n of_o mankind_n a_o secret_a indeed_o man_n have_v not_o yet_o be_v able_a to_o find_v out_o there_o have_v be_v some_o who_o have_v forsake_v their_o interest_n and_o have_v be_v either_o burn_v or_o have_v their_o arm_n and_o hand_n cut_v off_o who_o dare_v encounter_v death_n itself_o support_v by_o pride_n and_o a_o vain_a hope_n of_o glory_n which_o they_o prefer_v before_o all_o thing_n but_o it_o be_v never_o know_v that_o man_n have_v so_o little_a self-love_n as_o to_o sacrifice_v their_o life_n unless_o at_o the_o same_o time_n they_o can_v make_v their_o name_n immortal_a such_o a_o miracle_n be_v only_o to_o be_v produce_v by_o the_o christian_a morality_n iv._o after_o what_o have_v be_v say_v we_o shall_v have_v less_o reason_n to_o wonder_v that_o this_o morality_n root_v up_o every_o vice_n since_o all_o vice_n proceed_v either_o from_o pride_n or_o voluptuousness_n this_o morality_n then_o which_o subvert_v the_o former_a by_o the_o severe_a mortification_n of_o repentance_n and_o destroy_v the_o latter_a by_o the_o idea_n it_o give_v we_o of_o the_o greatness_n and_o perfection_n of_o god_n as_o oppose_v to_o our_o wretchedness_n and_o misery_n i_o say_v this_o morality_n contain_v every_o thing_n absolute_o necessary_a to_o extirpate_v our_o vice_n in_o their_o first_o rise_n and_o
this_o necessity_n and_o it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o allege_v his_o meanness_n and_o wretchedness_n for_o that_o circumstance_n rather_o aggravate_v the_o crime_n than_o excuse_v it_o it_o be_v impudent_a beyond_o all_o pardon_n for_o a_o traitor_n to_o plead_v innocence_n because_o he_o be_v a_o peasant_n and_o not_o a_o lord_n it_o will_v be_v also_o in_o vain_a to_o lay_v the_o fault_n upon_o the_o evil_a temperament_n of_o body_n and_o mind_n for_o if_o either_o submit_v to_o those_o reason_n which_o you_o have_v for_o commit_v no_o indecent_a action_n before_o a_o sovereign_n and_o if_o that_o and_o all_o its_o passion_n be_v calm_a when_o you_o fall_v into_o any_o danger_n or_o expect_v sentence_n of_o death_n there_o be_v the_o same_o reason_n that_o the_o presence_n the_o will_n and_o judgement_n of_o god_n shall_v have_v the_o same_o effect_n upon_o it_o nor_o will_v ignorance_n be_v any_o excuse_n it_o will_v indeed_o justify_v you_o if_o it_o be_v not_o only_o a_o bare_a pretence_n as_o it_o do_v brute_n child_n and_o idiot_n but_o what_o man_n know_v not_o his_o duty_n it_o be_v also_o in_o vain_a to_o rely_v on_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n for_o that_o extend_v not_o to_o impenitent_a sinner_n and_o the_o almighty_a save_v only_o those_o that_o desire_n and_o endeavour_v to_o be_v save_v last_o it_o be_v mere_a folly_n to_o assert_v that_o eternal_a punishment_n be_v disproportionable_a to_o the_o weakness_n of_o our_o nature_n for_o be_v not_o god_n himself_o eternal_a who_o you_o have_v offend_v and_o be_v not_o your_o soul_n also_o eternal_a that_o have_v sin_v against_o he_o self-love_n however_o blind_v think_v not_o life_n eternal_a a_o thing_n disagreeable_a and_o imagine_v nothing_o in_o it_o disproportionable_a to_o our_o condition_n but_o it_o be_v shock_a at_o the_o thought_n of_o everlasting_a pain_n and_o therefore_o willing_a to_o believe_v they_o improbable_a dream_n and_o whimsy_n but_o why_o it_o do_v so_o be_v hard_o to_o be_v imagine_v unless_o we_o suppose_v its_o design_n to_o be_v at_o any_o rate_n to_o impose_v upon_o itself_o in_o the_o mean_a while_n since_o you_o can_v neither_o destroy_v the_o eternity_n of_o god_n or_o the_o soul_n which_o reason_n itself_o force_v you_o to_o acknowledge_v you_o must_v either_o suppose_v that_o the_o soul_n be_v to_o dwell_v eternal_o with_o god_n or_o that_o it_o must_v be_v eternal_o banish_v from_o his_o presence_n that_o be_v that_o it_o must_v live_v or_o die_v eternal_o for_o to_o live_v with_o god_n be_v to_o enjoy_v the_o great_a perfection_n of_o happiness_n and_o to_o be_v banish_v his_o presence_n be_v certain_o the_o great_a misery_n that_o can_v be_v think_v of_o as_o soon_o as_o we_o know_v the_o existence_n of_o god_n that_o the_o soul_n have_v no_o part_n and_o that_o it_o be_v incapable_a of_o any_o dissolution_n that_o its_o nature_n altogether_o distinct_a from_o that_o of_o matter_n can_v be_v bury_v under_o the_o ruin_n of_o the_o body_n it_o be_v then_o very_o hard_o for_o we_o to_o oppose_v the_o doctrine_n which_o the_o gospel_n teach_v we_o concern_v the_o state_n of_o the_o soul_n after_o death_n nay_o we_o be_v so_o far_o from_o impugn_v of_o it_o that_o there_o be_v even_o a_o necessity_n incumbent_n upon_o we_o ready_o to_o embrace_v the_o same_o for_o if_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o wicked_a together_o with_o those_o of_o the_o good_a be_v equal_o to_o be_v banish_v the_o presence_n of_o god_n than_o reason_n nature_n and_o all_o our_o other_o knowledge_n impose_v upon_o we_o in_o give_v we_o hope_n of_o a_o future_a reward_n and_o if_o the_o soul_n both_o of_o the_o wicked_a and_o the_o good_a be_v to_o enjoy_v alike_o the_o presence_n of_o almighty_a god_n then_o too_o those_o very_a principle_n delude_v we_o in_o make_v we_o dread_v his_o pretend_a judgement_n and_o so_o god_n justice_n and_o veracity_n together_o with_o all_o our_o other_o knowledge_n be_v at_o a_o end_n to_o avoid_v therefore_o fall_v into_o such_o a_o impious_a assertion_n we_o must_v own_v that_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o good_a be_v to_o dwell_v for_o ever_o with_o god_n but_o that_o contrariwise_o those_o of_o the_o wicked_a be_v to_o be_v banish_v his_o presence_n and_o in_o own_v this_o we_o affirmthe_v only_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n that_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o all_o our_o knowledge_n and_o most_o visible_o flow_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n themselves_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n excellent_o answer_v his_o liberal_a promise_n and_o the_o formidable_a severity_n of_o his_o punishment_n all_o the_o creature_n of_o this_o visible_a world_n conspire_v together_o to_o do_v we_o good_a and_o beside_o all_o the_o temporal_a blessing_n daily_o confer_v upon_o we_o beside_o the_o whole_a earth_n be_v replenish_v with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o true_a god_n the_o heart_n of_o man_n be_v sanctify_v their_o soul_n comfort_v the_o gospel_n preach_v throughout_o the_o whole_a world_n the_o son_n of_o god_n die_v for_o our_o offence_n and_o be_v raise_v for_o our_o justification_n our_o crucify_a saviour_n come_v out_o of_o the_o grave_a to_o bring_v we_o peace_n from_o god_n and_o seal_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o gospel_n by_o his_o frequent_a apparition_n after_o his_o death_n there_o be_v a_o visible_a and_o frequent_a effusion_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n upon_o man_n a_o multitude_n of_o martyr_n send_v from_o god_n to_o reclaim_v the_o world_n by_o their_o example_n and_o conversation_n from_o vice_n and_o idolatrous_a superstition_n all_o these_o thing_n i_o say_v be_v such_o blessing_n as_o be_v wonderful_o suitable_a to_o the_o promise_n and_o threaten_n of_o god_n and_o full_o convince_v we_o that_o the_o christian_a morality_n have_v as_o many_o object_n to_o exalt_v and_o comfort_v man_n soul_n as_o it_o have_v to_o excite_v and_o terrify_v their_o mind_n to_o the_o performance_n of_o their_o duty_n x._o but_o to_o prove_v that_o this_o morality_n be_v not_o a_o mere_a idea_n of_o perfection_n god_n in_o be_v wisdom_n be_v please_v not_o only_o to_o have_v it_o set_v down_o in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n but_o also_o to_o have_v it_o lively_o paint_v first_o in_o the_o life_n of_o christ_n and_o afterward_o in_o the_o daily_a practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n these_o man_n be_v not_o such_o teacher_n as_o may_v deserve_o be_v accuse_v of_o speak_v well_o but_o do_v ill_a as_o it_o be_v object_v former_o to_o seneca_n who_o compose_v very_o excellent_a discourse_n concern_v poverty_n and_o the_o contempt_n of_o the_o good_n of_o fortune_n when_o he_o himself_o be_v rich_a than_o the_o wealthy_a citizen_n of_o rome_n these_o on_o the_o contrary_n confirm_v by_o their_o practice_n what_o they_o teach_v and_o by_o extirpate_v their_o evil_a desire_n form_v such_o a_o society_n as_o be_v conformable_a to_o that_o we_o have_v have_v above_o but_o a_o faint_a prospect_n of_o when_o we_o lay_v down_o the_o idea_n of_o man_n duty_n they_o utter_o renounce_v those_o passion_n which_o put_v a_o distinction_n betwixt_o they_o and_o other_o men._n they_o forget_v their_o quality_n and_o condition_n the_o better_a to_o use_v one_o another_o like_a brethren_n the_o same_o interest_n be_v common_a to_o they_o all_o they_o sell_v their_o possession_n to_o ease_v the_o want_v and_o necessity_n of_o those_o that_o suffer_v adversity_n they_o rejoice_v for_o have_v be_v think_v worthy_a to_o suffer_v for_o the_o name_n of_o god_n every_o thing_n conduce_v to_o their_o happiness_n even_o affliction_n themselves_o they_o pray_v for_o those_o that_o despiteful_o use_v they_o and_o as_o charity_n and_o not selflove_o selflove_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o their_o affection_n so_o all_o the_o motion_n of_o their_o heart_n tend_v to_o one_o as_o to_o the_o same_o centre_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o good_a of_o their_o neighbour_n which_o give_v the_o scripture_n occasion_n to_o say_v that_o they_o be_v but_o one_o heart_n and_o one_o soul_n i_o confess_v that_o state_n can_v not_o always_o continue_v in_o the_o church_n but_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n permit_v it_o shall_v last_v for_o some_o time_n to_o give_v we_o a_o lively_a image_n and_o idea_n of_o heaven_n here_o on_o earth_n and_o so_o to_o confirm_v by_o the_o excellence_n of_o such_o a_o example_n a_o morality_n already_o support_v by_o so_o many_o great_a and_o powerful_a motive_n viii_o portraiture_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o it_o be_v consider_v in_o its_o mystery_n the_o mystery_n god_n have_v reveal_v unto_o we_o in_o his_o word_n be_v like_o the_o cloudy_a pillar_n which_o lead_v the_o child_n of_o israel_n through_o the_o wilderness_n for_o like_o that_o they_o be_v clear_a on_o one_o side_n but_o dark_a and_o obscure_a on_o the_o other_o if_o we_o contemplate_v
they_o on_o the_o bright_a side_n they_o appear_v great_a sublime_a and_o conformable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n worthy_a of_o god_n and_o close_o unite_v to_o the_o most_o inviolable_a principle_n both_o of_o our_o heart_n and_o understanding_n their_o greatness_n and_o sublimity_n cause_v such_o a_o admiration_n in_o those_o person_n who_o have_v the_o honour_n to_o divulge_v they_o to_o the_o world_n as_o they_o can_v not_o possible_o conceal_v for_o sometime_o they_o be_v force_v to_o declare_v that_o they_o be_v thing_n which_o eye_n have_v not_o see_v nor_o ear_n hear_v neither_o have_v enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n 1_o cor._n 2._o 9_o a_o expression_n which_o be_v as_o natural_a as_o full_a of_o energy_n and_o clear_o demonstrate_v what_o great_a idea_n they_o have_v of_o they_o another_o while_n they_o express_v themselves_o after_o this_o manner_n and_o without_o controversy_n great_a be_v the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n god_n be_v manifest_a in_o the_o flesh_n justify_v in_o the_o spirit_n etc._n etc._n 1_o tim._n 3._o 16._o and_o again_o colos_n 2._o 3._o they_o call_v they_o the_o treasure_n of_o wisdom_n and_o seem_v to_o be_v continual_o at_o a_o loss_n to_o find_v out_o expression_n worthy_a the_o majesty_n of_o they_o and_o these_o object_n be_v infinite_o raise_v above_o our_o sense_n scarce_o seem_v to_o have_v any_o probability_n be_v altogether_o repugnant_a to_o the_o idea_n of_o the_o heathen_n and_o carnal_a notion_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v above_o any_o conjecture_n of_o man_n and_o consequent_o object_n worthy_a of_o god_n himself_o for_o they_o glorify_v he_o after_o a_o excellent_a manner_n and_o clear_o reveal_v unto_o we_o his_o greatness_n and_o majesty_n either_o in_o the_o gift_n he_o confer_v upon_o man_n or_o the_o sublimity_n of_o those_o duty_n he_o prescribe_v they_o to_o follow_v or_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o reward_n he_o propose_v to_o they_o or_o the_o use_n of_o those_o mean_n whereby_o he_o lead_v they_o to_o it_o compare_v the_o notion_n of_o christianity_n with_o those_o of_o other_o religion_n and_o you_o will_v be_v convince_v of_o this_o truth_n but_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a that_o those_o mystery_n seem_v to_o we_o far_o above_o the_o capacity_n of_o man_n who_o can_v never_o have_v invent_v they_o and_o worthy_a the_o majesty_n of_o god_n who_o alone_o be_v able_a to_o reveal_v they_o to_o we_o we_o may_v also_o further_o add_v that_o the_o principle_n of_o reason_n and_o natural_a religion_n exact_o fall_v in_o with_o they_o for_o they_o be_v not_o like_o the_o idle_a tale_n and_o fiction_n of_o the_o poet_n which_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n former_o so_o eager_o embrace_v when_o at_o the_o same_o time_n their_o reason_n condemn_v they_o for_o it_o the_o creation_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n by_o a_o almighty_a be_v the_o redemption_n of_o the_o world_n by_o a_o mediator_n the_o expiatory_a sacrifice_n of_o christ_n the_o communion_n of_o saint_n the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a the_o remission_n of_o sin_n and_o life_n everlasting_a be_v all_o object_n equal_o reasonable_a sublime_a and_o full_a of_o majesty_n and_o the_o denial_n of_o they_o will_v take_v away_o the_o improvement_n of_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n by_o the_o clear_a revelation_n and_o destroy_v the_o very_a nature_n of_o the_o supreme_a be_v what_o will_v become_v then_o of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n will_v it_o suffer_v man_n to_o be_v whole_o take_v up_o by_o such_o end_n as_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o design_n of_o their_o creation_n will_v god_n permit_v irregularity_n and_o confusion_n to_o reign_v in_o public_a society_n and_o never_o compose_v they_o whilst_o at_o the_o same_o time_n he_o establish_v a_o firm_a union_n and_o as_o it_o be_v a_o society_n among_o irrational_a creature_n if_o so_o what_o will_v then_o signify_v those_o principle_n of_o morality_n and_o that_o natural_a law_n which_o he_o have_v write_v in_o our_o heart_n wherefore_o shall_v he_o make_v so_o many_o thing_n for_o the_o good_a and_o preservation_n of_o man_n that_o be_v not_o the_o end_n he_o be_v design_v for_o what_o will_v become_v of_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n and_o what_o will_v be_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o inward_a sense_n of_o conscience_n what_o will_v be_v the_o punishment_n reserve_v for_o the_o wicked_a and_o the_o reward_n which_o attend_v the_o just_a what_o will_v become_v of_o our_o soul_n since_o reason_n have_v teach_v we_o that_o the_o think_v principle_n within_o we_o be_v distinct_a from_o matter_n and_o that_o the_o soul_n depend_v not_o upon_o any_o dissolution_n of_o the_o part_n of_o matter_n whence_o be_v it_o that_o this_o soul_n have_v notion_n of_o its_o immortality_n what_o use_n will_v there_o be_v of_o equity_n and_o justice_n why_o may_v not_o man_n rather_o give_v themselves_o up_o to_o vice_n which_o will_v then_o be_v whole_o preferable_a before_o virtue_n who_o then_o will_v refuse_v to_o acknowledge_v such_o principle_n to_o be_v in_o themselves_o lawful_a and_o reasonable_a without_o which_o there_o be_v nothing_o but_o confusion_n and_o disorder_n in_o public_a society_n darkness_n and_o incertainty_n in_o the_o mind_n nothing_o but_o error_n and_o illusion_n in_o the_o conscience_n and_o natural_a law_n of_o reason_n nothing_o but_o prejudice_n and_o misery_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n and_o if_o thing_n be_v so_o then_o also_o the_o goodness_n wisdom_n and_o justice_n of_o god_n be_v at_o a_o end_n those_o excellent_a attribute_n which_o have_v so_o clear_o prove_v to_o we_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o existence_n these_o be_v not_o the_o speculation_n of_o contemplative_a man_n or_o the_o nicety_n of_o schoolman_n but_o certain_a truth_n that_o slow_a from_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o in_o a_o excellent_a manner_n agree_v with_o the_o ultimate_a end_n of_o man._n but_o how_o clear_a soever_o the_o one_o side_n of_o these_o mystery_n may_v be_v they_o be_v very_o obscure_a on_o the_o other_o not_o that_o they_o have_v or_o can_v contain_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v repugnant_a to_o sound_v and_o unprejudiced_a reason_n but_o it_o be_v because_o they_o can_v be_v fathom_v by_o our_o shallow_a understanding_n and_o that_o it_o be_v neither_o secure_a nor_o allowable_a or_o even_o possible_a for_o any_o man_n to_o search_v into_o the_o depth_n of_o they_o now_o though_o it_o be_v not_o absolute_o necessary_a for_o we_o to_o inquire_v why_o god_n be_v please_v not_o to_o explicate_v all_o difficulty_n in_o his_o mystery_n and_o though_o it_o be_v sufficient_a only_o to_o allege_v that_o such_o be_v his_o will_n and_o the_o decree_n of_o his_o wisdom_n yet_o we_o must_v not_o neglect_v to_o illustrate_v and_o interpret_v they_o as_o far_o as_o scripture_n and_o reason_n will_v permit_v every_o body_n know_v the_o difference_n between_o sight_n and_o faith_n sight_n admit_v of_o no_o difficulty_n but_o faith_n be_v intermix_v both_o with_o light_n and_o darkness_n both_o their_o object_n be_v very_o different_a from_o one_o another_o for_o we_o do_v not_o see_v what_o we_o believe_v and_o proper_o speak_v we_o do_v not_o believe_v that_o which_o we_o see_v to_o see_v be_v to_o perceive_v by_o one_o self_n but_o to_o believe_v be_v to_o perceive_v by_o another_o man_n eye_n sight_n be_v twofold_a that_o of_o the_o sense_n which_o perceive_v those_o object_n only_o that_o be_v suitable_a to_o its_o nature_n and_o that_o of_o the_o understanding_n when_o it_o judge_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n by_o its_o own_o proper_a light_n faith_n also_o be_v twofold_a humane_a and_o divine_a the_o first_o be_v that_o persuasion_n we_o have_v of_o sacred_a mystery_n ground_v upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o man_n and_o the_o other_o that_o which_o be_v establish_v upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n so_o that_o after_o what_o have_v be_v thus_o premise_v it_o be_v a_o easy_a matter_n to_o understand_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o apostle_n who_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v that_o we_o shall_v walk_v by_o faith_n and_o not_o by_o sight_n that_o be_v we_o must_v lay_v aside_o our_o reason_n and_o follow_v only_o the_o light_n of_o revelation_n and_o receive_v those_o truth_n which_o promise_v we_o salvation_n on_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n alone_o nevertheless_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o perceive_v how_o great_a a_o repugnance_n we_o have_v to_o it_o in_o as_o much_o as_o the_o pleasure_n of_o god_n in_o not_o give_v we_o mystery_n without_o difficulty_n restrain_v the_o rove_a speculation_n of_o our_o mind_n it_o humble_v the_o proud_a reason_n of_o man_n and_o rob_v he_o of_o the_o privilege_n of_o a_o full_a insight_n into_o matter_n which_o yet_o infinite_o concern_v he_o when_o we_o shall_v renounce_v the_o world_n which_o be_v present_a to_o our_o eye_n we_o will_v fain_o see_v those_o object_n religion_n have_v put_v in_o
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 noble_a now_o the_o latter_a of_o these_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o incarnation_n evident_o demonstrate_v and_o the_o union_n of_o the_o soul_n with_o the_o body_n discover_v the_o former_a it_o follow_v hence_o therefore_o that_o the_o union_n of_o the_o soul_n with_o the_o body_n be_v in_o some_o sense_n very_o extraordinary_a and_o far_o more_o surprise_a than_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o incarnation_n 3._o if_o still_o you_o require_v another_o representation_n of_o this_o object_n that_o may_v further_o give_v you_o a_o clear_a notion_n of_o the_o same_o conceive_v a_o false_a sun_n compose_v of_o two_o different_a thing_n so_o close_o unite_v together_o that_o they_o seem_v as_o it_o be_v confound_v together_o viz._n a_o cloud_n and_o the_o light_n of_o the_o sun_n the_o cloud_n be_v not_o the_o sun_n nor_o be_v the_o sun_n the_o cloud_n and_o thus_o the_o humane_a nature_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o the_o divine_a nature_n the_o same_o with_o the_o humane_a this_o false_a sun_n be_v a_o sun_n and_o yet_o a_o cloud_n so_o likewise_o christ_n be_v god_n and_o christ_n be_v man._n this_o false_a sun_n be_v form_v of_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o earth_n because_o it_o be_v compose_v of_o a_o cloud_n which_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o vapour_n of_o it_o and_o of_o the_o sun_n himself_o be_v form_v out_o of_o those_o beam_n in_o which_o the_o body_n of_o that_o planet_n consist_v so_o in_o likemanner_n christ_n be_v take_v from_o the_o earth_n and_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o common_a lump_n of_o mankind_n because_o he_o be_v man_n which_o do_v not_o hinder_v he_o from_o be_v the_o substance_n of_o the_o father_n since_o he_o be_v the_o brightness_n of_o his_o glory_n this_o be_v a_o very_a just_a representation_n of_o that_o great_a mystery_n but_o not_o perfect_a but_o we_o hope_v every_o just_a and_o equitable_a reader_n will_v easy_o forgive_v the_o defect_n of_o this_o comparison_n in_o a_o subject_a that_o be_v so_o far_o exalt_v above_o our_o weak_a imagination_n 4._o moreover_o of_o all_o those_o who_o pretend_v to_o treat_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o deity_n none_o but_o the_o epicurean_o who_o think_v it_o be_v idle_a and_o lazy_a divide_v it_o entire_o from_o its_o creature_n and_o all_o other_o man_n beside_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o unite_v to_o its_o work_n the_o heathen_n for_o instance_n imagine_v it_o be_v affix_v to_o their_o temple_n and_o statue_n to_o which_o they_o suppose_v it_o constant_o unite_v but_o the_o jew_n more_o proper_o look_v upon_o god_n as_o be_v unite_v in_o a_o more_o partilar_a manner_n to_o a_o bush_n or_o a_o cloud_n or_o the_o ark._n and_o several_a of_o the_o incredulous_a now_o adays_o represent_v the_o deity_n to_o themselves_o as_o a_o universal_a soul_n affix_v to_o universal_a matter_n just_a as_o our_o soul_n be_v unite_v to_o our_o body_n if_o then_o it_o be_v so_o common_a to_o man_n to_o conceive_v god_n as_o be_v unite_v to_o his_o work_n why_o shall_v it_o seem_v so_o strange_a to_o they_o to_o represent_v he_o as_o close_o unite_v to_o the_o humane_a nature_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o too_o in_o a_o more_o particular_a manner_n than_o to_o any_o of_o his_o other_o creature_n for_o if_o there_o be_v any_o creature_n which_o the_o deity_n may_v be_v unite_v to_o it_o must_v necessary_o be_v such_o a_o holy_a and_o innocent_a creature_n as_o that_o be_v and_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o god_n to_o unite_v himself_o to_o any_o live_a body_n it_o be_v much_o more_o likely_a he_o shall_v impart_v himself_o to_o the_o soul_n of_o jesus_n christ._n if_o a_o ark_n be_v capable_a to_o be_v fill_v with_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o difficulty_n in_o conceive_v that_o humane_a nature_n be_v pure_a and_o holy_a and_o far_o perfect_a than_o all_o the_o ark_n in_o the_o world_n shall_v have_v be_v thus_o honour_v in_o a_o more_o particular_a manner_n and_o if_o man_n in_o short_a stick_v not_o to_o make_v the_o universal_a soul_n as_o 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 take_v in_o the_o same_o sense_n with_o that_o of_o essence_n i_o grant_v that_o three_o person_n and_o one_o person_n one_o essence_n and_o three_o essence_n imply_v a_o contradiction_n but_o the_o notion_n of_o one_o essence_n and_o three_o person_n be_v not_o liable_a to_o any_o after_o you_o know_v the_o signification_n of_o those_o two_o term_n 2_o lie_n because_o the_o deity_n be_v so_o great_a and_o so_o sublime_a a_o subject_n that_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o wonder_v if_o we_o can_v reach_v to_o the_o greatness_n of_o it_o by_o our_o weak_a imagination_n 3_o dly_z because_o for_o aught_o we_o know_v the_o most_o considerable_a difficulty_n of_o this_o mystery_n proceed_v from_o a_o defect_n of_o revelation_n or_o the_o silence_n which_o holy_a writ_n observe_v on_o that_o