one_o another_o and_o so_o to_o become_v subject_n of_o the_o same_o heavenly_a king_n they_o renounce_v then_o all_o their_o difference_n and_o quarrel_n the_o dear_a expectation_n they_o have_v of_o their_o messiah_n stifle_v in_o their_o heart_n all_o passion_n and_o resentment_n but_o when_o john_n the_o baptist_n have_v as_o it_o be_v lead_v they_o by_o the_o hand_n to_o jesus_n christ_n himself_o they_o be_v strange_o surprise_v to_o find_v in_o he_o nothing_o of_o what_o they_o expect_v they_o find_v in_o he_o poverty_n where_o they_o think_v to_o have_v find_v riches_n shame_n and_o affliction_n where_o they_o think_v to_o have_v meet_v nothing_o but_o great_a splendour_n and_o temporal_a glory_n for_o this_o reason_n therefore_o they_o reject_v he_o with_o horror_n and_o abomination_n all_o their_o thought_n be_v on_o a_o sudden_a change_v into_o indignation_n and_o anger_n against_o he_o in_o who_o before_o they_o have_v fix_v all_o their_o imaginary_a hope_n but_o though_o the_o generality_n of_o his_o nation_n cast_v he_o off_o there_o be_v yet_o a_o certain_a number_n of_o person_n who_o be_v willing_a to_o follow_v he_o and_o that_o number_n daily_o increase_v in_o proportion_n as_o jesus_n christ_n suffering_n and_o affliction_n increase_v there_o be_v at_o first_o but_o twelve_o who_o he_o call_v to_o his_o service_n then_o send_v he_o seventy_o other_o abroad_o who_o be_v succeed_v by_o a_o great_a may_v other_o after_o his_o death_n and_o their_o number_n further_o increase_v with_o the_o fury_n of_o the_o sanhedrin_n there_o be_v at_o length_n many_o see_v who_o testify_v in_o behalf_n of_o that_o crucify_a man_n but_o how_o come_v those_o disciple_n to_o follow_v a_o messiah_n so_o contrary_a to_o their_o first_o idea_n and_o receive_a opinion_n how_o be_v it_o possible_a they_o shall_v not_o have_v be_v discourage_v at_o his_o cross_n unless_o jesus_n christ_n have_v promise_v they_o to_o do_v sign_n and_o wonder_n how_o can_v they_o have_v be_v with_o he_o night_n and_o day_n for_o three_o year_n and_o a_o half_a without_o inquire_v into_o that_o important_a matter_n of_o fact_n or_o know_v whether_o he_o be_v real_o able_a to_o do_v miracle_n or_o not_o or_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a when_o they_o find_v their_o mistake_n that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v but_o a_o ordinary_a sort_n of_o a_o man_n uncapable_a of_o work_v any_o sign_n or_o wonder_n they_o shall_v not_o have_v forsake_v he_o as_o a_o whymsical_a impostor_n how_o can_v their_o mind_n be_v so_o sudden_o change_v as_o to_o look_v on_o humiliation_n and_o meanness_n misery_n and_o affliction_n as_o upon_o the_o true_a and_o real_a character_n of_o the_o messiah_n they_o i_o say_v who_o mind_n education_n have_v fill_v only_o with_o carnal_a idea_n of_o the_o flourish_a kingdom_n of_o the_o messiah_n but_o above_o all_o how_o can_v they_o be_v present_a at_o the_o crucifixion_n of_o their_o master_n without_o be_v reduce_v to_o the_o last_o great_a consternation_n and_o confusion_n so_o that_o the_o second_o consequence_n which_o may_v very_o well_o be_v draw_v from_o these_o principle_n already_o establish_v be_v that_o the_o disciple_n have_v always_o imagine_v with_o their_o father_n and_o mother_n their_o brother_n and_o sister_n their_o teacher_n and_o elder_n and_o in_o general_a with_o their_o whole_a nation_n that_o their_o messiah_n shall_v have_v restore_v the_o kingdom_n of_o israel_n and_o have_v understand_v those_o word_n in_o a_o literal_a sense_n it_o be_v impossible_a but_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v extreme_o offend_v to_o see_v he_o wear_v a_o crown_n of_o thorn_n upon_o his_o head_n when_o he_o be_v nail_v on_o the_o cross_n and_o a_o reed_n instead_o of_o a_o sceptre_n in_o his_o hand_n nay_o more_o than_o this_o it_o be_v moral_o impossible_a but_o that_o this_o object_n must_v have_v root_v out_o of_o their_o heart_n all_o thought_n of_o pride_n and_o ambition_n and_o all_o pretension_n to_o greatness_n and_o temporal_a prosperity_n which_o their_o blindness_n have_v cause_v they_o to_o conceive_v upon_o this_o man_n account_n unless_o there_o have_v happen_v since_o his_o death_n such_o supernatural_a and_o extraordinary_a thing_n as_o be_v able_a to_o revive_v in_o their_o heart_n such_o great_a hope_n as_o these_o three_o we_o shall_v conclude_v from_o the_o principle_n we_o have_v already_o establish_v that_o the_o disciple_n as_o well_o as_o all_o other_o jew_n be_v as_o it_o be_v tie_v to_o their_o religion_n by_o what_o they_o have_v see_v and_o hear_v by_o their_o inclination_n and_o understanding_n by_o their_o interest_n and_o piety_n by_o their_o custom_n and_o education_n and_o by_o the_o advantage_n wherewith_o they_o may_v well_o flatter_v themselves_o of_o be_v distinguish_v from_o all_o other_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o be_v further_o as_o it_o be_v wed_v to_o it_o by_o that_o great_a number_n of_o ceremony_n and_o custom_n the_o justice_n and_o holiness_n of_o which_o they_o can_v no_o way_n doubt_v of_o since_o they_o have_v be_v so_o exact_o prescribe_v they_o by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n himself_o it_o can_v be_v suppose_v but_o that_o they_o imagine_v their_o law_n to_o be_v of_o a_o eternal_a duration_n and_o that_o be_v extreme_o averse_a to_o every_o new_a sort_n of_o worship_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o that_o of_o moses_n they_o can_v not_o have_v so_o sudden_o alter_v their_o opinion_n nor_o can_v there_o have_v happen_v so_o strange_a a_o revolution_n in_o the_o heart_n and_o mind_n of_o so_o many_o person_n unite_v and_o as_o it_o be_v link_v by_o so_o many_o respect_n to_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n that_o in_o so_o small_a a_o period_n of_o time_n the_o soul_n of_o all_o those_o jew_n shall_v have_v be_v so_o entire_o change_v as_o that_o they_o shall_v begin_v to_o look_v upon_o the_o jewish_a religion_n as_o upon_o a_o dispensation_n grant_v with_o a_o proviso_n and_o which_o be_v to_o come_v to_o a_o end_n and_o for_o the_o future_a be_v consider_v only_o as_o a_o thing_n altogether_o useless_a and_o out_o of_o date_n i_o confess_v that_o this_o principle_n be_v not_o first_o of_o all_o approve_a of_o in_o the_o world_n without_o great_a contest_v and_o difficulty_n and_o that_o there_o be_v for_o a_o while_o certain_a judaise_v christian_n who_o teach_v other_o that_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n be_v still_o in_o force_n and_o that_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n to_o join_v the_o doctrine_n of_o jesus_n christ_n with_o the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o law_n but_o than_o it_o be_v well_o know_v they_o be_v only_o either_o some_o of_o christ_n enemy_n who_o start_v these_o question_n out_o of_o a_o particular_a design_n to_o make_v a_o division_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n or_o some_o jew_n turn_v christian_n as_o yet_o very_o weak_a and_o not_o full_o strengthen_v in_o their_o belief_n who_o scrupulous_a zeal_n and_o blind_a superstition_n cause_v all_o those_o controvesy_n but_o however_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o true_a disciple_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o especial_o the_o apostle_n be_v not_o long_o in_o a_o error_n as_o to_o this_o point_n they_o affirm_v that_o man_n be_v justify_v only_o by_o the_o faith_n of_o jesus_n christ_n without_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n and_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o in_o the_o first_o council_n hold_v at_o jerusalem_n the_o disciple_n of_o our_o lord_n abolish_v the_o custom_n and_o rite_n of_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n but_o at_o last_o it_o be_v of_o no_o great_a moment_n whether_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n or_o religion_n of_o moses_n be_v abolish_v ten_o year_n soon_o or_o late_a still_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o it_o be_v sometime_o abolish_v or_o rather_o to_o speak_v more_o exact_o and_o true_o it_o be_v fulfil_v by_o the_o gospel_n and_o so_o the_o observation_n of_o it_o cease_v now_o i_o demand_v how_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o those_o man_n who_o be_v so_o devote_v and_o bigoted_a to_o that_o law_n who_o make_v it_o the_o object_n of_o their_o thought_n and_o most_o common_a discourse_n shall_v so_o great_a a_o number_n of_o they_o and_o in_o so_o short_a a_o time_n with_o one_o common_a consent_n renounce_v that_o law_n which_o piety_n make_v so_o venerable_a and_o honour_n and_o interest_n so_o valuable_a in_o their_o esteem_n whereas_o so_o many_o age_n elapse_v before_o the_o come_n of_o jesus_n christ_n into_o the_o world_n can_v not_o wear_v out_o of_o their_o mind_n that_o profound_a esteem_n and_o respect_n they_o have_v for_o that_o law_n for_o though_o they_o have_v often_o break_v it_o in_o several_a respect_n yet_o it_o may_v be_v say_v in_o their_o behalf_n they_o almost_o always_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o inviolable_a and_o can_v we_o suppose_v that_o so_o many_o age_n as_o have_v pass_v since_o the_o death_n of_o jesus_n christ_n can_v not_o remove_v
the_o ruin_n of_o the_o body_n you_o must_v be_v much_o more_o surprise_v to_o see_v it_o so_o close_o unite_v to_o a_o subject_n so_o different_a from_o its_o perfection_n it_o be_v the_o union_n of_o the_o soul_n with_o the_o body_n and_o not_o its_o dissolution_n we_o ought_v to_o admire_v endeavour_v to_o comprehend_v if_o you_o can_v the_o strict_a alliance_n there_o be_v between_o a_o thing_n that_o be_v extend_v that_o take_v up_o space_n that_o be_v confine_v to_o certain_a limit_n that_o act_n upon_o subject_n present_v only_o and_o near_o to_o it_o and_o a_o thing_n that_o have_v neither_o figure_n nor_o extension_n colour_n fluidity_n or_o solidity_n which_o in_o some_o sense_n be_v every_o where_o and_o yet_o have_v no_o part_n to_o take_v up_o any_o space_n which_o reflect_v upon_o the_o time_n past_a and_o the_o future_a upon_o itself_o and_o its_o manner_n of_o act_v in_o such_o a_o wonderful_a way_n as_o must_v necessary_o persuade_v we_o maugre_o all_o our_o reluctancy_n and_o doubt_n that_o we_o have_v a_o spiritual_a and_o immaterial_a substance_n within_o we_o if_o you_o be_v amaze_v when_o you_o be_v teach_v that_o there_o be_v a_o maker_n and_o preserver_n of_o all_o thing_n you_o ought_v rather_o to_o be_v surprise_v to_o think_v you_o have_v live_v so_o long_o in_o the_o world_n without_o put_v these_o question_n to_o yourself_o to_o what_o end_n be_v i_o make_v whence_o have_v i_o my_o be_v what_o will_v at_o last_o become_v of_o i_o and_o who_o be_v thâ—_n author_n of_o all_o that_o i_o behold_v the_o thought_n of_o a_o future_a judgement_n whatsoever_o notion_n you_o may_v have_v of_o its_o accomplishment_n ought_v not_o in_o the_o least_o to_o startle_v you_o who_o ought_v rather_o to_o wonder_v at_o the_o long_a forbearance_n of_o god_n who_o permit_v all_o thing_n that_o he_o may_v one_o day_n judge_v all_o thing_n that_o confusion_n and_o disorder_n that_o appear_v in_o public_a society_n may_v raise_v scruple_n in_o you_o be_v it_o not_o bound_v by_o such_o a_o event_n as_o will_v clear_o justify_v the_o justice_n and_o wisdom_n of_o god_n to_o follow_v the_o opinion_n of_o incredulous_a man_n one_o will_v say_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o extraordinary_a oâ—_n surprise_v in_o the_o world_n whereas_o we_o can_v behold_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o so_o iii_o but_o all_o our_o incredulity_n arise_v principal_o from_o our_o passion_n and_o it_o be_v their_o great_a interest_n to_o create_v in_o we_o a_o aversion_n for_o religion_n and_o in_o order_n to_o that_o make_v we_o inclinable_a to_o receive_v those_o doubt_n which_o favour_n their_o pretence_n and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o give_v rise_v to_o all_o sort_n of_o difficulty_n man_n be_v incredulous_a mere_o because_o they_o will_v be_v so_o and_o they_o will_v be_v so_o because_o it_o concern_v their_o passion_n to_o have_v it_o so_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o every_o thing_n concur_v by_o accident_n towards_o the_o produce_v so_o miserable_a a_o end_n so_o science_n eloquence_n policy_n etc._n etc._n create_v doubt_n and_o difficulty_n in_o we_o not_o of_o themselves_o but_o through_o our_o ill_a management_n of_o they_o iv._o pride_n of_o all_o the_o passion_n the_o most_o dangerous_a and_o most_o inveterate_a suffer_v we_o not_o to_o remain_v in_o such_o a_o due_a disposition_n of_o mind_n as_o god_n require_v we_o shall_v have_v in_o order_n to_o receive_v his_o revelation_n now_o this_o disposition_n be_v twofold_a 1_o sy_n it_o consist_v in_o our_o ready_o receive_v all_o reveal_v truth_n and_o 2_o lie_v in_o receive_v they_o although_o they_o be_v far_o above_o our_o capacity_n to_o comprehend_v without_o endeavour_v to_o dive_v too_o far_o into_o the_o depth_n of_o the_o council_n of_o god_n to_o have_v then_o a_o right_a belief_n we_o must_v not_o only_o be_v persuade_v of_o the_o certainty_n of_o all_o reveal_v truth_n we_o must_v also_o learn_v how_o to_o be_v satisfy_v with_o the_o ignorance_n of_o those_o thing_n it_o have_v please_v god_n to_o conceal_v from_o we_o we_o must_v be_v always_o ready_a to_o acknowledge_v our_o ignorance_n and_o that_o we_o do_v not_o clear_o understand_v what_o yet_o we_o sincere_o believe_v we_o must_v humble_o close_v our_o eye_n before_o the_o dark_a side_n of_o mystery_n as_o well_o as_o glad_o open_v they_o to_o behold_v the_o bright_a one_o it_o be_v our_o incredulity_n which_o make_v we_o reject_v those_o truth_n we_o ought_v to_o acknowledge_v at_o first_o sight_n and_o the_o irregular_a curiosity_n of_o the_o mind_n prevent_v our_o pay_v our_o profound_a reverence_n to_o those_o sacred_a obscurity_n wherein_o they_o be_v involve_v now_o from_o this_o principle_n we_o may_v very_o reasonable_o conclude_v 1_o st_z that_o nothing_o can_v argue_v more_o extravagance_n and_o impiety_n than_o the_o project_n of_o several_a doctor_n who_o though_o famous_a upon_o other_o account_n for_o their_o learning_n and_o great_a insight_n into_o thing_n yet_o have_v endeavour_v to_o make_v as_o it_o be_v a_o new_a system_fw-la of_o religion_n by_o remove_v all_o the_o difficulty_n of_o it_o and_o oftentimes_o cut_v those_o knot_n asunder_o which_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o untie_v and_o this_o show_v that_o they_o be_v ignorant_a how_o that_o the_o dark_a mystery_n of_o religion_n either_o follow_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n or_o else_o proceed_v from_o the_o external_a wisdom_n and_o council_n of_o god_n in_o design_v to_o give_v we_o such_o a_o religion_n as_o shall_v not_o be_v free_a from_o such_o dark_a mystery_n as_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o give_v we_o to_o understand_v when_o they_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v to_o bring_v to_o nothing_o the_o understanding_n of_o the_o prudent_a and_o when_o they_o cry_v out_o o_o the_o depth_n of_o the_o riches_n both_o of_o the_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n of_o god_n how_o unsearchable_a be_v his_o judgement_n and_o his_o way_n past_o find_v out_o rom._n 11._o 33._o second_o we_o may_v infer_v from_o thence_o that_o humane_a curiosity_n that_o have_v so_o much_o increase_v the_o number_n of_o theological_a question_n be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a obstacle_n which_o faith_n be_v with_o much_o struggle_v to_o overcome_v for_o we_o be_v not_o content_a to_o have_v a_o bare_a knowledge_n of_o thing_n we_o yet_o endeavour_v to_o search_v into_o the_o manner_n how_o thing_n be_v do_v whereas_o it_o be_v the_o manner_n how_o they_o be_v do_v which_o god_n be_v please_v to_o conceal_v from_o we_o and_o it_o be_v the_o dark_a side_n we_o ought_v to_o look_v upon_o with_o profound_a reverence_n it_o be_v sufficient_a for_o we_o to_o know_v that_o we_o be_v very_o corrupt_a from_o our_o cradle_n and_o that_o nothing_o but_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n be_v capable_a to_o deliver_v we_o from_o that_o wretched_a state_n we_o be_v in_o but_o we_o be_v not_o wife_n enough_o to_o fix_v our_o inquiry_n there_o we_o further_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o know_v how_o sin_n enter_v into_o the_o world_n what_o spring_v of_o our_o soul_n be_v first_o of_o all_o put_v out_o of_o order_n by_o it_o and_o how_o it_o be_v transmit_v to_o posterity_n the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v as_o the_o wind_n the_o sound_z whereof_o we_o hear_v but_o can_v tell_v whence_o it_o come_v and_o whither_o it_o go_v nevertheless_o so_o impertinent_a be_v the_o curiosity_n of_o man_n as_o to_o attempt_v dive_v into_o his_o manner_n of_o act_v they_o pretend_v by_o such_o and_o such_o decision_n to_o limit_v the_o degree_n of_o his_o operation_n and_o retrench_v whatsoever_o they_o please_v they_o continual_o use_v such_o distinction_n as_o be_v altogether_o obscure_a and_o barbarous_a in_o comparison_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o antecedent_n grace_n consequent_a sufficient_a efficacious_a universal_a particular_a mediate_a and_o immediate_a grace_n all_o which_o distinction_n they_o seem_v indeed_o to_o have_v contrive_v as_o so_o many_o deviation_n and_o shift_n on_o purpose_n to_o be_v exempt_v from_o own_v that_o notwithstanding_o all_o our_o endeavour_n it_o be_v god_n which_o work_v in_o we_o both_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v of_o his_o good_a pleasure_n phil._n 2._o 13._o and_o though_o it_o be_v certain_a we_o be_v altogether_o ignorant_a of_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o operation_n yet_o can_v any_o thing_n be_v more_o just_a and_o reasonable_a than_o such_o a_o free_a and_o ingenuous_a confession_n and_o do_v it_o not_o very_o far_o exceed_v all_o the_o speculation_n of_o schoolman_n who_o be_v themselves_o confound_v and_o fall_v from_o one_o depth_n into_o another_o whilst_o they_o pretend_v to_o search_v into_o those_o mystery_n god_n have_v conceal_v from_o they_o but_o the_o misfortune_n which_o result_v from_o all_o this_o be_v that_o the_o christian_n have_v prodigious_o swell_v up_o their_o system_fw-la of_o divinity_n by_o these_o and_o other_o
the_o paper_n it_o be_v write_v upon_o yet_o they_o be_v enjoin_v to_o oppress_v man_n that_o bear_v the_o image_n of_o god_n by_o their_o religion_n which_o breathe_v out_o nothing_o but_o violence_n fury_n and_o oppression_n the_o reason_n why_o man_n usual_o refer_v thus_o every_o thing_n to_o their_o sense_n be_v because_o a_o worship_n that_o be_v corporeal_a and_o sensual_a be_v far_o more_o easy_a it_o be_v much_o easy_a for_o a_o man_n to_o take_v the_o sun_n for_o a_o god_n than_o to_o be_v continual_o take_v up_o in_o seek_v after_o a_o god_n that_o be_v invisible_a to_o solemnize_v game_n and_o festival_n in_o honour_n of_o a_o pretend_a deity_n than_o to_o renounce_v himself_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o a_o true_a one_o it_o be_v much_o easy_a for_o he_o to_o fast_o than_o to_o renounce_v his_o vice_n to_o sing_v spiritual_a song_n or_o bow_v to_o a_o statue_n than_o forgive_v his_o enemy_n it_o appear_v then_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n bear_v a_o more_o excellent_a character_n in_o that_o it_o give_v we_o for_o the_o object_n of_o our_o worship_n not_o a_o god_n under_o a_o human_a shape_n but_o a_o god_n that_o be_v a_o spirit_n in_o that_o it_o teach_v we_o to_o honour_v he_o not_o with_o a_o carnal_a but_o a_o spiritual_a worship_n and_o this_o christ_n himself_o have_v very_o elegant_o tell_v we_o in_o these_o word_n god_n be_v a_o spirit_n and_o they_o that_o worship_v he_o must_v worship_v he_o in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n john_n 4._o 24._o who_o can_v fill_v his_o mind_n with_o such_o elevate_a notion_n and_o how_o come_v it_o that_o he_o so_o excellent_o set_v down_o in_o that_o short_a precept_n the_o genius_n of_o true_a religion_n of_o which_o man_n before_o be_v whole_o ignorant_a v._o it_o may_v be_v say_v of_o all_o other_o religion_n without_o exception_n that_o they_o induce_v we_o to_o look_v after_o the_o pleasure_n and_o profit_n of_o the_o world_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n whereas_o the_o christian_a religion_n make_v we_o glorify_v god_n by_o renounce_v the_o world_n thus_o the_o heathen_n design_v rather_o to_o please_v themselves_o than_o their_o deity_n introduce_v into_o religion_n whatever_o can_v any_o way_n flatter_v and_o divert_v they_o and_o the_o mahumatan_n religion_n not_o be_v encumber_v with_o many_o ceremony_n at_o least_o affix_n temporal_a advantage_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o its_o worship_n as_o if_o the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o world_n be_v to_o be_v the_o future_a reward_n of_o religion_n but_o certain_o both_o of_o they_o be_v much_o mistake_v for_o the_o heathen_n shall_v have_v know_v that_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n consist_v not_o in_o divert_v and_o please_v themselves_o and_o the_o mahometan_n shall_v not_o have_v be_v ignorant_a that_o since_o temporal_a and_o worldly_a advantage_n be_v insufficient_a in_o themselves_o to_o satisfy_v the_o boundless_a desire_n of_o man_n heart_n they_o can_v not_o come_v in_o competition_n with_o those_o benefit_n which_o true_a religion_n have_v peculiar_o design_v for_o he_o but_o both_o these_o follow_v the_o motion_n of_o self-love_n which_o be_v natural_o hold_v in_o suspense_n between_o the_o world_n and_o religion_n imagine_v that_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o pleasant_a than_o to_o unite_v they_o both_o think_v thereby_o to_o reconcile_v its_o inclination_n and_o duty_n consecrate_v its_o pleasure_n and_o put_v no_o difference_n between_o conscience_n and_o interest_n but_o the_o first_o rule_n of_o true_a religion_n teach_v we_o that_o that_o mutual_a agreement_n be_v impossible_a or_o to_o use_v it_o be_v own_o word_n that_o christ_n and_o belial_n be_v incompatible_a one_o with_o the_o other_o that_o we_o must_v either_o glorify_v god_n at_o the_o expense_n of_o worldly_a pleasure_n or_o possess_v the_o advantage_n of_o the_o world_n with_o the_o loss_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o this_o certain_o show_v the_o christian_a religion_n to_o have_v a_o divine_a character_n vi_o other_o false_a religion_n debase_v the_o deity_n and_o exalt_v man_n whereas_o the_o christian_a religion_n humble_v man_n and_o exalt_v the_o deity_n the_o egyptian_n a_o nation_n that_o boast_v so_o much_o of_o their_o antiquity_n make_v monster_n of_o their_o deity_n and_o the_o roman_n make_v deity_n of_o their_o emperor_n who_o be_v rather_o monster_n than_o man_n the_o most_o famous_a philosopher_n be_v not_o ashamed_a to_o rank_v their_o deity_n below_o themselves_o and_o themselves_o ever_o before_o jupiter_n but_o the_o christian_a religion_n teach_v we_o that_o we_o owe_v all_o to_o god_n who_o owe_v nothing_o at_o all_o to_o we_o it_o humble_v we_o by_o the_o consideration_n of_o that_o infinite_a distance_n there_o be_v between_o god_n and_o we_o it_o show_v that_o we_o be_v miserable_a despicable_a creature_n in_o comparison_n of_o god_n who_o be_v a_o supreme_a be_v and_o only_o worthy_a our_o love_n and_o adoration_n who_o then_o can_v choose_v but_o admire_v so_o excellent_a a_o religion_n vii_o other_o religion_n make_v we_o depend_v upon_o those_o being_n which_o be_v give_v we_o to_o command_v and_o saucy_o pretend_v a_o power_n over_o that_o supreme_a be_v upon_o who_o we_o ought_v whole_o to_o depend_v they_o teach_v man_n to_o burn_v incense_n to_o the_o mean_a creature_n and_o impudent_o to_o equal_v themselves_o to_o the_o universal_a monarch_n of_o the_o world_n but_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o man_n shall_v be_v so_o impious_a as_o to_o desire_v to_o become_v god_n since_o they_o be_v so_o base_a as_o to_o forget_v that_o they_o be_v man_n and_o yet_o how_o ill_o their_o pride_n become_v they_o when_o they_o disdain_v not_o to_o submit_v to_o the_o fourfooted_a beast_n to_o the_o fowl_n of_o the_o air_n the_o creep_a animal_n and_o plant_n of_o the_o earth_n as_o st._n paul_n reproach_n they_o and_o how_o base_o superstitious_a be_v they_o in_o that_o they_o be_v not_o content_a to_o deify_v themselves_o but_o will_v also_o deify_v their_o own_o vice_n and_o imperfection_n but_o the_o christian_a religion_n alone_o restore_v that_o equitable_a order_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v establish_v in_o the_o world_n by_o submit_v every_o thing_n to_o the_o power_n of_o man_n that_o he_o may_v submit_v himself_o to_o the_o will_n of_o his_o god_n and_o what_o can_v be_v the_o duty_n of_o true_a religion_n but_o to_o restore_v such_o just_a and_o become_a order_n in_o the_o world_n viii_o we_o need_v no_o deep_a search_n into_o other_o religion_n to_o find_v that_o they_o chief_o tend_v to_o flatter_v man_n corrupt_a desire_n and_o efface_v those_o principle_n of_o justice_n and_o uprightness_n which_o god_n have_v imprint_v on_o their_o mind_n but_o he_o that_o shall_v true_o consider_v the_o christian_a religion_n will_v certain_o find_v that_o it_o tend_v to_o the_o root_n up_o those_o corrupt_a desire_n out_o of_o our_o heart_n and_o restore_v those_o bright_a character_n of_o honesty_n and_o justice_n imprint_v on_o our_o mind_n by_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n the_o heathen_n flatter_v their_o passion_n to_o that_o degree_n as_o to_o erect_v altar_n in_o honour_n of_o they_o and_o mahomet_n be_v so_o well_o please_v with_o temporal_a prosperity_n that_o he_o make_v it_o the_o end_n and_o reward_n of_o his_o religion_n the_o gnostic_n imagine_v that_o when_o they_o have_v arrive_v to_o a_o certain_a degree_n of_o knowledge_n which_o they_o call_v a_o state_n of_o perfection_n they_o may_v commit_v all_o sort_n of_o action_n without_o any_o scruple_n of_o conscience_n and_o that_o sin_n which_o pollute_a other_o will_v be_v sanctify_v in_o they_o but_o what_o blindness_n what_o impiety_n be_v this_o how_o admirable_a be_v the_o christian_a religion_n which_o alone_o among_o all_o other_o show_v we_o our_o own_o wickedness_n and_o corruption_n and_o heal_v it_o with_o such_o remedy_n as_o be_v as_o wholesome_a to_o the_o soul_n as_o unpleasing_a to_o the_o body_n ix_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o other_o religion_n be_v contrary_a to_o policy_n either_o in_o favour_v or_o restrain_v too_o much_o human_a weakness_n and_o corruption_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o policy_n whereas_o the_o christian_a religion_n preserve_v its_o right_n and_o privilege_n inviolable_a independent_a from_o either_o the_o pagan_a religion_n be_v against_o policy_n in_o give_v too_o much_o to_o human_a weakness_n and_o corruption_n it_o will_v have_v be_v much_o better_a for_o the_o good_a and_o welfare_n of_o the_o state_n if_o man_n have_v frame_v to_o themselves_o a_o great_a idea_n of_o the_o holiness_n of_o their_o god_n because_o they_o will_v have_v be_v less_o licentious_a and_o more_o submissive_a to_o the_o civil_a law_n whereas_o they_o be_v encourage_v by_o the_o example_n of_o their_o deity_n to_o violate_v the_o most_o sacred_a and_o inviolable_a right_n mahomet_n desirous_a to_o avoid_v this_o irregularity_n retain_v the_o notion_n of_o a_o true_a
the_o emperor_n that_o have_v strict_o inquire_v into_o the_o life_n of_o the_o christian_n he_o find_v nothing_o else_o but_o that_o they_o assemble_v together_o in_o remote_a place_n early_o in_o the_o morning_n and_o there_o say_v their_o prayer_n to_o heaven_n and_o bind_v themselves_o under_o a_o solemn_a oath_n not_o to_o commit_v murder_n adultery_n injustice_n or_o any_o other_o crime_n they_o will_v also_o produce_v a_o answer_n from_o trajan_n to_o pliny_n wherein_o that_o emperor_n give_v positive_a order_n that_o for_o the_o future_a there_o shall_v be_v no_o particular_a inquiry_n make_v after_o the_o christian_n but_o those_o only_a shall_v be_v punish_v who_o shall_v discover_v themselves_o and_o that_o we_o may_v not_o think_v that_o these_o letter_n be_v forge_v we_o may_v consider_v that_o it_o be_v tertulian_n that_o mention_n they_o in_o his_o discourse_n to_o the_o senate_n and_o the_o roman_a emperor_n who_o he_o can_v not_o impose_v upon_o without_o endanger_v his_o own_o life_n and_o prejudice_v his_o religion_n chap._n ii_o wherein_o we_o shall_v examine_v the_o martyrdom_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n but_o perhaps_o we_o may_v soon_o suspect_v the_o credulity_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n than_o their_o innocence_n we_o be_v sure_a their_o constancy_n proceed_v from_o their_o hope_n and_o their_o hope_n from_o their_o persuasion_n but_o who_o know_v the_o ground_n of_o that_o persuasion_n be_v there_o not_o mahumetan_n so_o strong_o persuade_v of_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o alcoran_n as_o to_o die_v in_o defence_n of_o that_o error_n the_o multitude_n then_o of_o martyr_n show_v a_o infinite_a number_n of_o person_n to_o be_v strong_o persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n but_o prove_v not_o that_o persuasion_n to_o be_v well_o ground_v we_o mâ—st_v therefore_o go_v a_o little_a further_o and_o here_o we_o may_v easy_o suppose_v without_o fear_n of_o be_v mistake_v that_o the_o primitive_a christian_n have_v some_o sort_n of_o common_a sense_n those_o who_o make_v it_o their_o profession_n to_o ridicule_n the_o plurality_n of_o god_n and_o the_o many_o superstition_n of_o the_o heathen_n which_o be_v real_o contrary_a to_o reason_n those_o who_o put_v in_o practice_n such_o wise_a rule_n of_o morality_n who_o be_v so_o regular_a in_o their_o behaviour_n so_o averse_a to_o all_o the_o excess_n that_o disorder_n reason_n who_o form_v to_o themselves_o such_o rational_a idea_n of_o the_o deity_n in_o comparison_n to_o other_o those_o man_n i_o say_v can_v not_o be_v whole_o destitute_a of_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n now_o suppose_v they_o to_o have_v but_o the_o least_o glimmer_a of_o that_o light_n it_o will_v be_v hard_a to_o conceiuâ—_v that_o they_o shall_v whole_o renounce_v their_o estate_n and_o fortune_n and_o courageous_o suffer_v death_n in_o defence_n of_o any_o cause_n whatsoever_o unless_o they_o have_v very_o powerful_a reason_n to_o believe_v it_o be_v good_a this_o consideration_n will_v be_v further_o strengthen_v by_o two_o very_a important_a reflection_n and_o first_o we_o speak_v not_o here_o of_o such_o only_a who_o be_v bear_v christian_n blind_o follow_v the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o birth_n and_o education_n but_o also_o of_o a_o great_a number_n of_o person_n who_o renounce_v paganism_n to_o embrace_v christianity_n and_o lay_v aside_o the_o favourable_a prejudices_fw-la of_o education_n and_o birth_n which_o in_o they_o be_v quite_o contrary_a to_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v yet_o willing_a to_o die_v for_o it_o as_o soon_o as_o it_o be_v know_v and_o embrace_v second_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n be_v altogether_o found_v upon_o mattter_n of_o fact_n for_o if_o jesus_n christ_n wrought_v miracle_n and_o rise_v again_o from_o the_o dead_a than_o be_v the_o christian_a faith_n true_a but_o if_o jesus_n christ_n wrought_v no_o miracle_n nor_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a then_o be_v the_o christian_a faith_n false_a and_o sure_o it_o will_v have_v be_v folly_n or_o madness_n in_o those_o man_n to_o forsake_v so_o flourish_v a_o communion_n as_o paganism_n to_o take_v upon_o they_o the_o name_n of_o christian_n a_o name_n so_o vile_a and_o contemptible_a in_o those_o day_n to_o suffer_v voluntary_o the_o loss_n of_o their_o estate_n and_o undergo_v a_o most_o terrible_a death_n only_o to_o defend_v a_o religion_n ground_v upon_o such_o matter_n of_o fact_n as_o they_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o believe_v to_o be_v true_a those_o indeed_o that_o be_v bear_v and_o live_v peacable_o in_o a_o communion_n may_v blind_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o it_o but_o he_o that_o be_v never_o so_o little_o acquaint_v with_o the_o constitution_n of_o man_n heart_n can_v scarce_o imagine_v man_n to_o be_v so_o senseless_a as_o to_o renounce_v the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o birth_n and_o education_n to_o offer_v violence_n to_o their_o dear_a and_o most_o tender_a inclination_n and_o embrace_v a_o faith_n pursue_v with_o fire_n and_o sword_n and_o persecute_v by_o all_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n unless_o they_o have_v first_o due_o examine_v the_o nature_n of_o it_o and_o know_v well_o upon_o what_o ground_n they_o thus_o embrace_v it_o if_o it_o be_v object_v that_o some_o of_o these_o man_n be_v of_o the_o mean_a sort_n of_o people_n who_o example_n can_v be_v allege_v as_o a_o precedent_n for_o wise_a and_o learned_a man_n we_o will_v grant_v it_o but_o than_o it_o must_v also_o be_v confess_v that_o the_o vulgar_a usual_o embrace_v that_o religion_n which_o be_v attend_v with_o power_n and_o prosperity_n pomp_n and_o authority_n and_o hate_v even_o truth_n itself_o when_o once_o destitute_a of_o all_o these_o outward_a help_n how_o be_v it_o possible_a then_o that_o against_o all_o outward_a appearance_n they_o shall_v have_v act_v so_o contrary_o to_o themselves_o in_o this_o occasion_n but_o suppose_v the_o commmon_a sort_n of_o christian_n to_o have_v lose_v their_o reason_n can_v we_o say_v the_o same_o of_o the_o doctor_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n as_o clement_n polycarp_n justin_n iraeneus_n &_o c_o it_o be_v certain_a on_o one_o hÄnd_n these_o man_n be_v man_n of_o very_a good_a sense_n as_o their_o write_n those_o monument_n they_o have_v leave_v we_o evident_o demonstrate_v and_o on_o the_o other_o it_o be_v very_o well_o know_v they_o live_v in_o a_o time_n so_o very_o near_o to_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n that_o it_o be_v absolute_o impossible_a they_o shall_v have_v be_v deceive_v in_o this_o respect_n for_o polycarp_n converse_v a_o long_a while_n with_o st._n john_n iraeneus_n see_v polycarp_n and_o justin_n be_v a_o more_o ancient_a father_n than_o iraeneus_n have_v those_o doctor_n only_o tell_v we_o that_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n wrought_v several_a miracle_n we_o may_v perhaps_o have_v suspend_v our_o belief_n upon_o their_o bare_a word_n but_o since_o they_o suffer_v death_n in_o defence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o certain_a matter_n of_o fact_n which_o they_o must_v necessary_o have_v full_o be_v inform_v of_o since_o i_o see_v that_o clemens_n and_o polycarp_n disciple_n and_o contemporary_n with_o the_o apostle_n cheerful_o come_v to_o the_o stake_n to_o maintain_v a_o religion_n essential_o found_v upon_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n such_o as_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o divers_a language_n confer_v upon_o the_o apostle_n the_o power_n of_o work_a miracle_n and_o impart_v those_o very_a gift_n themselves_o to_o other_o since_o i_o say_v these_o christian_a doctor_n suffer_v martyrdom_n for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v essential_o unite_v to_o i_o confess_v i_o begin_v to_o be_v convince_v nevertheless_o let_v we_o search_v more_o narrow_o into_o this_o matter_n and_o see_v whether_o we_o shall_v yet_o have_v any_o reason_n to_o entertain_v any_o further_a scruple_n chap._n iii_o in_o which_o we_o further_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o religion_n by_o several_a undeniable_a matter_n of_o fact_n who_o tell_v we_o clemens_n and_o polycarp_n suffer_v martyrdom_n and_o suppose_v they_o do_v who_o will_v assure_v we_o they_o be_v not_o delude_v by_o the_o apostle_n nay_o who_o can_v tell_v whether_o there_o ever_o be_v any_o such_o man_n i_o suppose_v i_o shall_v not_o be_v oblige_v to_o prove_v with_o a_o great_a many_o argument_n there_o be_v such_o man_n as_o clemens_n and_o polycarp_n who_o suffer_v martyrdom_n eusebius_n who_o write_v their_o history_n can_v not_o whole_o have_v invent_v it_o unless_o he_o have_v corrupt_v all_o the_o write_n of_o the_o father_n that_o live_v before_o he_o for_o they_o all_o speak_v of_o it_o iraeneus_n justin_n clemens_n alexandrinus_n etc._n etc._n mention_v it_o as_o a_o know_a matter_n of_o fact_n the_o first_o of_o they_o glory_n in_o several_a place_n of_o his_o work_n that_o he_o have_v see_v polycarp_n in_o his_o youth_n and_o it_o appear_v they_o all_o suffer_v martyrdom_n
be_v clear_o explain_v by_o their_o event_n neither_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a or_o new_a testament_n bear_v the_o least_o record_n of_o mahomet_n whereas_o the_o prophet_n have_v foretell_v the_o come_n of_o jesus_n christ_n as_o of_o a_o messiah_n that_o be_v to_o unite_v the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n and_o to_o carry_v the_o covenant_n of_o god_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n mahomet_n establish_v himself_o in_o the_o world_n by_o force_n and_o violence_n but_o jesus_n christ_n only_o by_o patience_n and_o suffering_n the_o former_a be_v environ_v with_o soldier_n the_o latter_a be_v attend_v with_o martyr_n the_o one_o put_v man_n to_o death_n but_o the_o other_o receive_v death_n for_o our_o sake_n mahomet_n ambition_n who_o establish_v such_o a_o flourish_a empire_n be_v present_o see_v in_o the_o success_n he_o have_v in_o his_o undertake_n but_o jesus_n christ_n be_v far_o from_o self_n interest_n or_o ambition_n since_o he_o withdraw_v himself_o when_o they_o will_v have_v make_v he_o king_n and_o declare_v his_o kingdom_n be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n instead_o of_o encourage_v the_o carnal_a prejudices_fw-la of_o his_o disciple_n he_o take_v care_n to_o undeceive_v they_o and_o to_o foretell_v all_o the_o evil_n they_o be_v to_o expect_v and_o though_o any_o shall_v presume_v open_o to_o dispute_v all_o these_o matter_n of_o fact_n still_o they_o appear_v by_o the_o end_n and_o success_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o design_n of_o which_o be_v to_o sanctify_v the_o heart_n and_o calm_v the_o disorderly_a passion_n of_o the_o soul_n mahomet_n invent_v such_o a_o religion_n which_o agree_v only_o with_o corrupt_a reason_n and_o the_o loose_a inordinate_a desire_n of_o the_o heart_n he_o make_v the_o scandal_n of_o the_o cross_n to_o give_v place_n to_o the_o magnificence_n and_o grandeur_n of_o the_o world_n he_o take_v away_o the_o most_o spiritual_a and_o difficult_a matter_n of_o morality_n to_o fill_v the_o mind_n of_o his_o disciple_n with_o carnal_a and_o sensual_a idea_n but_o not_o so_o do_v our_o saviour_n act_n who_o propose_v his_o cross_n to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n as_o a_o astonish_a paradox_n and_o a_o continual_a cause_n of_o mortification_n and_o repentance_n mahomet_n establish_v his_o religion_n by_o the_o help_n of_o ignorance_n and_o darkness_n by_o suppress_v such_o book_n as_o may_v have_v enlighten_v man_n understanding_n and_o by_o require_v a_o blind_a submission_n from_o they_o jesus_n christ_n on_o the_o contrary_n will_v not_o have_v they_o believe_v his_o doctrine_n but_o as_o they_o find_v it_o conformable_a to_o that_o of_o the_o prophet_n search_v the_o scripture_n say_v he_o for_o in_o they_o you_o think_v you_o have_v eternal_a life_n john_n 5._o 39_o mahomet_n establish_v himself_o in_o the_o world_n by_o dissemble_v and_o disguise_v his_o thought_n he_o promise_v in_o the_o begin_n a_o toleration_n of_o all_o religion_n carry_v it_o fair_a to_o the_o christian_n but_o afterwasd_n do_v his_o utmost_a endeavour_n to_o extirpate_v they_o utter_o but_o jesus_n christ_n declare_v at_o first_o his_o intention_n and_o design_n which_o be_v to_o save_v mankind_n and_o overthrow_v superstition_n itself_o nor_o he_o nor_o his_o disciple_n use_v any_o policy_n or_o circumvention_n in_o this_o respect_n mahomet_n die_v but_o never_o rise_v nor_o pretend_v to_o rise_v again_o from_o the_o dead_a thereby_o to_o show_v he_o be_v approve_v of_o god_n jesus_n christ_n die_v but_o it_o be_v believe_v he_o rise_v again_o from_o the_o dead_a upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o those_o who_o have_v see_v he_o after_o his_o resurrection_n and_o testify_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o matter_n of_o fact_n to_o all_o the_o world_n at_o the_o expense_n of_o their_o life_n and_o effusion_n of_o their_o blood_n mahomet_n religion_n be_v invent_v maintain_v and_o support_v by_o policy_n but_o that_o of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v at_o first_o offensive_a to_o all_o the_o prince_n upon_o earth_n and_o be_v establish_v in_o the_o world_n notwithstanding_o all_o their_o endeavour_n to_o the_o contrary_n mahomets_n religion_n appear_v at_o first_o view_n to_o be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o triumph_n of_o humane_a industry_n and_o covetousness_n but_o the_o religion_n of_o jesus_n christ_n show_v that_o of_o integrity_n and_o justice_n in_o their_o full_a perfection_n and_o natural_a religion_n in_o that_o proper_a purity_n and_o simplicity_n that_o be_v restore_v to_o it_o by_o charity_n mahomet_n lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o a_o particular_a monarchy_n and_o establish_v such_o law_n as_o human_o speak_v be_v serviceable_a only_o in_o those_o place_n wherein_o he_o have_v settle_v his_o dominion_n but_o jesus_n christ_n have_v give_v we_o new_a principle_n of_o union_n and_o intelligence_n very_o useful_a to_o the_o good_a of_o public_a society_n in_o general_n and_o very_o fit_a to_o cement_v the_o union_n of_o all_o man_n together_o by_o make_v the_o spirit_n of_o charity_n reign_v in_o the_o world_n the_o come_n of_o mahomet_n do_v not_o sanctify_v mankind_n but_o that_o of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v attend_v with_o a_o innumerable_a company_n of_o person_n who_o all_o renounce_v the_o world_n mere_o by_o the_o faith_n they_o have_v in_o he_o it_o be_v not_o mahomet_n but_o jesus_n christ_n who_o exact_o fulfil_v the_o oracle_n concern_v the_o call_n of_o the_o gentile_n because_o mahomet_n derive_v all_o his_o knowledge_n of_o the_o true_a god_n from_o jesus_n christ_n as_o we_o have_v already_o show_v last_o temporal_a prosperity_n be_v the_o true_a character_n of_o the_o religion_n of_o mahomet_n and_o it_o may_v be_v very_o well_o affirm_v that_o mahomet_n be_v a_o man_n of_o god_n if_o it_o be_v true_a that_o all_o those_o who_o enjoy_v the_o great_a prosperity_n in_o the_o world_n that_o be_v all_o tyrant_n wicked_a and_o unjust_a man_n be_v the_o favourite_n of_o god_n but_o the_o character_n of_o the_o religion_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v patience_n self-denial_n innocence_n and_o a_o simplicity_n of_o manner_n and_o certain_o he_o be_v approve_v of_o god_n if_o god_n approve_v of_o virtuous_a patient_a humble_a and_o charitable_a man_n it_o concern_v now_o the_o incredulous_a to_o answer_v all_o these_o difference_n if_o they_o will_v have_v we_o allow_v of_o this_o comparison_n for_o otherwise_o we_o shall_v ever_o reject_v it_o as_o be_v very_o ridiculous_a and_o extravagant_a chap._n xv._n where_o we_o further_o examine_v the_o objection_n of_o the_o incredulous_a the_o incredulous_a be_v apt_a to_o raise_v as_o many_o suspicion_n against_o the_o miracle_n of_o jesus_n christ_n as_o against_o his_o person_n because_o of_o all_o those_o proof_n which_o establish_v his_o religion_n there_o be_v none_o that_o can_v move_v the_o sense_n so_o much_o as_o that_o take_v from_o true_a miracle_n i._o then_o they_o object_n that_o jesus_n the_o son_n of_o mary_n may_v have_v heal_v two_o or_o three_o people_n either_o by_o chance_n or_o by_o virtue_n of_o second_o cause_n and_o that_o that_o good_a success_n may_v have_v get_v he_o afterward_o the_o name_n of_o a_o prophet_n through_o the_o ignorance_n of_o the_o people_n who_o be_v wont_a to_o ascribe_v to_o supernatural_a cause_n every_o thing_n that_o be_v unknown_a to_o they_o we_o answer_v that_o we_o have_v here_o a_o very_a great_a number_n of_o miracle_n all_o of_o different_a kind_n evident_a and_o sensible_a miracle_n in_o their_o nature_n unimitable_a and_o above_o all_o imposture_n such_o be_v the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a heal_v the_o blind_a the_o lame_a and_o the_o sick_a of_o the_o palsy_n etc._n etc._n ii_o they_o pretend_v that_o he_o may_v perhaps_o have_v suborn_v witness_n to_o testify_v some_o fabulous_a miracle_n but_o how_o can_v this_o be_v since_o jesus_n christ_n have_v neither_o money_n to_o give_v nor_o dignity_n to_o promise_v and_o as_o for_o cunning_a politic_a nicety_n riches_n and_o credit_n they_o be_v only_o among_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n and_o doctor_n of_o the_o law_n his_o implacable_a enemy_n who_o take_v all_o opportunity_n to_o prejudice_v he_o because_o he_o public_o censure_v their_o hypocrisy_n upon_o all_o occasion_n iii_o they_o object_n that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v so_o prudent_a as_o to_o work_v his_o miracle_n only_o before_o three_o of_o his_o choose_a disciple_n viz._n peter_n james_n and_o john_n now_o say_v they_o who_o know_v but_o that_o those_o three_o disciple_n to_o flatter_v the_o ambition_n of_o their_o master_n may_v have_v attest_v certain_a miracle_n as_o true_a which_o be_v not_o real_o so_o to_o remove_v this_o suspicion_n we_o need_v only_o reflect_v upon_o the_o many_o miracle_n jesus_n christ_n wrought_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o his_o other_o disciple_n he_o raise_v from_o the_o dead_a the_o son_n of_o the_o widow_n of_o naim_n as_o he_o be_v a_o carry_v to_o be_v inter_v he_o raise_v lazarus_n from_o the_o grave_n in_o
the_o most_o considerable_a proof_n that_o every_o thing_n here_o be_v sole_o transact_v by_o the_o finger_n of_o god_n have_v he_o choose_v for_o his_o minister_n the_o prince_n and_o potentate_n of_o the_o world_n some_o will_v perhaps_o have_v ascribe_v the_o wonder_n of_o christian_a morality_n to_o policy_n and_o the_o design_n of_o keep_v people_n in_o obedience_n by_o oblige_v they_o to_o a_o charitable_a union_n among_o themselves_o have_v he_o choose_v philosopher_n some_o will_v have_v ascribe_v their_o heroical_a self-denial_n to_o the_o singularity_n and_o pride_n of_o their_o sect_n or_o to_o those_o elevate_a thought_n which_o philosophy_n have_v inspire_v they_o with_o have_v he_o choose_v orator_n some_o will_v have_v think_v that_o they_o may_v have_v seduce_v man_n by_o the_o charm_n of_o their_o eloquence_n have_v he_o choose_v very_o powerful_a and_o rich_a man_n some_o will_v have_v attribute_v the_o success_n of_o their_o preach_n to_o their_o liberality_n he_o choose_v therefore_o mean_a and_o contemptible_a person_n who_o have_v ever_o live_v in_o great_a simplicity_n and_o labour_v under_o a_o obscure_a condition_n to_o show_v more_o clear_o that_o the_o success_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o work_n of_o god_n and_o not_o of_o men._n in_o answer_n to_o the_o three_o objection_n we_o assert_v that_o though_o jesus_n christ_n be_v usual_o attend_v with_o publican_n and_o sinner_n yet_o they_o be_v sinner_n convert_v by_o the_o efficacy_n of_o his_o doctrine_n they_o be_v publican_n regenerate_v who_o testimony_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v the_o more_o authentic_a as_o it_o more_o plain_o evince_v that_o this_o religion_n be_v the_o only_a one_o true_o capable_a of_o sanctify_a mankind_n certain_o i_o can_v perceive_v a_o more_o evident_a sign_n of_o the_o divinity_n of_o our_o saviour_n mission_n then_o to_o see_v that_o he_o act_v with_o so_o much_o efficacy_n that_o sinful_a woman_n come_v and_o wash_v his_o foot_n with_o repentant_a tear_n and_o wipe_v they_o with_o their_o hair_n that_o one_o word_n of_o he_o can_v draw_v levi_n from_o the_o receipt_n of_o custom_n oblige_v peter_n and_o andrew_n to_o follow_v he_o to_o forsake_v their_o net_n their_o boat_n and_o even_o their_o father_n zebedee_n but_o some_o will_v say_v if_o jesus_n christ_n make_v his_o disciple_n utter_o renounce_v all_o worldly_a advantage_n it_o be_v mere_o by_o the_o hope_n he_o give_v they_o of_o a_o bless_a and_o eternal_a life_n and_o consequent_o it_o be_v to_o their_o advantage_n thus_o to_o renounce_v they_o i_o grant_v it_o but_o then_o i_o say_v this_o consideration_n make_v for_o we_o and_o be_v more_o than_o sufficient_a to_o give_v a_o invincible_a demonstration_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n for_o if_o the_o disciple_n do_v very_o expect_v a_o everlasting_a life_n from_o jesus_n christ_n and_o if_o it_o be_v pure_o on_o the_o account_n of_o that_o interest_n the_o great_a indeed_o of_o all_o our_o interest_n and_o of_o that_o hope_n far_o strong_a than_o all_o their_o passion_n that_o they_o suffer_v such_o torment_n for_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n as_o we_o must_v either_o believe_v it_o or_o look_v upon_o the_o disciple_n as_o so_o many_o fool_n or_o mad_a man_n i_o say_v if_o the_o disciple_n hope_v for_o eternal_a life_n from_o he_o it_o necessary_o follow_v thence_o that_o they_o sincere_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v what_o he_o professd_v himself_o to_o be_v since_o they_o can_v not_o expect_v eternal_a life_n from_o a_o impostor_n and_o if_o they_o believe_v his_o calling_n to_o be_v true_a they_o likewise_o believe_v his_o miracle_n and_o resurrection_n to_o be_v so_o too_o and_o if_o they_o think_v his_o miracle_n and_o resurrection_n true_a it_o follow_v thence_o that_o they_o be_v necessary_o so_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o the_o disciple_n shall_v have_v deceive_v themselves_o in_o certain_a matter_n of_o fact_n which_o require_v only_o see_v hear_v and_o feel_v let_v the_o incredulous_a use_n what_o shift_n and_o evasion_n they_o please_v i_o dare_v say_v they_o can_v bring_v nothing_o but_o absurd_a impertinency_n in_o answer_n to_o this_o argument_n which_o we_o look_v upon_o to_o have_v the_o force_n of_o demonstration_n if_o the_o apostle_n expect_v everlasting_a life_n from_o jesus_n christ_n it_o follow_v thence_o that_o they_o can_v not_o look_v upon_o he_o as_o a_o impostor_n nor_o abet_v his_o imposture_n nor_o be_v impostor_n themselves_o as_o they_o necessary_o must_v have_v be_v be_v not_o the_o christian_a religion_n infallible_o true_a now_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o the_o disciple_n do_v hope_n for_o everlasting_a life_n from_o jesus_n christ_n because_o he_o never_o propose_v any_o other_o object_n to_o their_o faith_n he_o foretell_v they_o nothing_o but_o cross_n and_o tribulation_n in_o this_o life_n public_o declare_v that_o his_o kingdom_n be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n beside_o experience_n and_o reason_n teach_v they_o the_o very_a same_o thing_n they_o themselves_o declare_v in_o all_o their_o epistle_n that_o they_o expect_v nothing_o but_o cross_n and_o tribulation_n in_o this_o life_n compare_v it_o to_o a_o warfare_n a_o wrestle_a the_o world_n to_o a_o field_n of_o battle_n call_v themselves_o the_o champion_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o continual_o rejoice_v that_o they_o be_v to_o suffer_v in_o hope_n of_o the_o crown_n that_o be_v reserve_v for_o they_o as_o to_o the_o four_o objection_n we_o answer_v that_o we_o be_v willing_a to_o compare_v the_o witness_n of_o the_o synagogue_n with_o those_o write_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o witness_n of_o the_o synagogue_n testify_v that_o which_o be_v unknown_a to_o they_o that_o which_o they_o have_v not_o see_v and_o which_o they_o therefore_o can_v have_v no_o certain_a knowledge_n of_o for_o who_o can_v believe_v the_o report_n of_o the_o watch_n if_o they_o real_o see_v any_o one_o take_v away_o the_o body_n of_o jesus_n why_o do_v they_o not_o prevent_v it_o but_o if_o they_o do_v not_o see_v it_o how_o can_v their_o testimony_n be_v valid_a but_o as_o for_o the_o disciple_n of_o the_o lord_n they_o testify_v those_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o their_o eye_n be_v witness_n to_o that_o which_o we_o have_v see_v say_v they_o with_o our_o eye_n which_o we_o have_v hear_v with_o our_o ear_n and_o our_o hand_n have_v handle_v of_o the_o word_n of_o life_n declare_v we_o unto_o you_o 1_o john_n 1._o 1._o the_o former_a witness_n be_v soldier_n the_o latter_a martyr_n the_o former_a endeavour_v to_o persuade_v man_n by_o force_n the_o latter_a persuade_v they_o maugre_o all_o the_o violence_n offer_v to_o they_o to_o be_v such_o a_o witness_n as_o the_o apostle_n be_v there_o be_v need_n of_o constancy_n and_o persuasion_n to_o be_v such_o a_o one_o as_o those_o suborn_v by_o the_o synagogue_n there_o be_v need_v only_o of_o fury_n and_o violence_n but_o be_v there_o never_o a_o one_o of_o either_o party_n that_o recant_v his_o opinion_n yes_o without_o doubt_n and_o this_o consideration_n alone_o be_v sufficient_a to_o decide_v the_o controversy_n saul_n a_o servant_n of_o the_o synagogue_n go_v one_o day_n to_o damascus_n not_o only_o to_o testify_v that_o jesus_n christ_n have_v be_v a_o seducer_n but_o also_o to_o persecute_v all_o those_o that_o believe_v on_o he_o be_v on_o a_o sudden_a change_v and_o become_v a_o disciple_n of_o he_o who_o before_o he_o go_v about_o so_o furious_o to_o persecute_v judas_n on_o the_o contrary_a a_o disciple_n and_o apostle_n of_o jesus_n christ_n renounce_v his_o master_n and_o deliver_v he_o to_o the_o jew_n who_o put_v he_o to_o death_n here_o be_v two_o several_a witness_n who_o seem_v to_o recant_v their_o opinion_n but_o consider_v the_o different_a end_n of_o their_o recantation_n saul_n be_v a_o pharisee_n the_o son_n of_o a_o pharisee_fw-mi and_o consequent_o a_o member_n of_o a_o sect_n particular_o exasperate_v against_o jesus_n christ_n he_o have_v obtain_v letter_n from_o the_o sanhedrin_n or_o grand_a council_n at_o jerusalem_n to_o the_o synagogue_n of_o damascus_n to_o demand_v assistance_n from_o they_o against_o the_o christian_n that_o dwell_v therein_o who_o he_o have_v purpose_v to_o himself_o to_o drag_v along_o to_o prison_n and_o to_o put_v to_o death_n as_o he_o have_v do_v several_a other_o before_o he_o be_v therefore_o on_o his_o journey_n and_o draw_v nigh_o unto_o damascus_n he_o be_v upon_o the_o point_n of_o satisfy_v his_o rage_n and_o fury_n but_o on_o a_o sudden_a he_o be_v altogether_o change_v what_o be_v there_o that_o can_v have_v oblige_v this_o witness_n thus_o to_o recant_v what_o proffer_n be_v then_o make_v to_o he_o or_o who_o be_v then_o in_o a_o condition_n to_o make_v he_o any_o what_o unexpected_a force_n so_o sudden_o overthrow_v all_o the_o design_n and_o prejudices_fw-la of_o a_o man_n that_o be_v
of_o the_o passover_n as_o well_o as_o the_o day_n call_v kipur_v in_o which_o they_o be_v not_o suffer_v so_o much_o as_o to_o eat_v or_o drink_v or_o anoint_v or_o wash_v themselves_o they_o be_v oblige_v to_o dwell_v seven_o day_n together_o in_o tent_n during_o the_o feast_n of_o tabernacle_n which_o ceremony_n be_v particular_o design_v to_o commemorate_v the_o abode_n of_o the_o ancient_a israelite_n in_o the_o wilderness_n now_o every_o one_o know_v that_o the_o great_a number_n of_o festival_n and_o solemnity_n there_o be_v in_o any_o religion_n the_o more_o impression_n they_o make_v upon_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o people_n who_o be_v apt_a to_o think_v that_o religion_n chief_o consist_v in_o external_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o great_a number_n and_o variety_n of_o sacrifice_n prescribe_v in_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o due_o perform_v by_o the_o jew_n be_v capable_a enough_o to_o produce_v this_o effect_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o people_n for_o they_o think_v every_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v offer_v to_o god_n they_o offer_v he_o man_n which_o be_v call_v consecration_n they_o offer_v he_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o earth_n which_o be_v call_v oblation_n they_o offer_v he_o their_o liquor_n which_o be_v term_v libation_n they_o offer_v he_o spice_n which_o be_v burn_v in_o his_o presence_n and_o that_o be_v call_v burn_v of_o incense_n last_o they_o offer_v he_o fourfooted_a beast_n which_o be_v more_o proper_o call_v sacrifice_n they_o offer_v he_o also_o burnt-offering_n and_o other_o ordinary_a sacrifice_n they_o offer_v sin-offering_n and_o peace-offering_n they_o offer_v some_o set_a sacrifice_n and_o other_o accidental_a and_o occasional_a they_o offer_v two_o daily_a one_o in_o the_o morning_n and_o the_o other_o in_o the_o evening_n as_o also_o a_o extraordinary_a one_o every_o week_n and_o another_o extraordinary_a one_o every_o month_n and_o new_a one_o on_o every_o solemn_a feast_n day_n they_o offer_v they_o either_o for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o people_n in_o general_n or_o for_o those_o of_o private_a person_n in_o particular_a but_o on_o the_o day_n of_o the_o solemn_a expiation_n they_o offer_v then_o two_o sacrifice_n the_o one_o which_o the_o highpriest_n offer_v for_o himself_o and_o his_o whole_a family_n at_o his_o own_o proper_a charge_n and_o the_o other_o he_o offer_v at_o the_o charge_n of_o the_o people_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o people_n then_o they_o choose_v two_o he-goat_n one_o whereof_o be_v offer_v as_o a_o sacrifice_n for_o sin_n and_o be_v burn_v out_o of_o the_o camp_n or_o city_n and_o the_o other_o be_v send_v into_o a_o desert_n near_o a_o mountain_n call_v hazazel_n where_o it_o be_v cast_v down_o head_n long_o which_o be_v do_v the_o highpriest_n clothe_v in_o white_a raiment_n enter_v into_o the_o most_o holy_a place_n hold_v a_o censer_n in_o his_o hand_n full_a of_o hot_a burn_a coal_n on_o which_o he_o will_v sprinkle_v all_o sort_n of_o spice_n the_o smoke_n whereof_o make_v a_o kind_n of_o cloud_n which_o cover_v the_o mercy-seat_n all_o over_o on_o which_o he_o will_v then_o power_v the_o blood_n of_o the_o he-goat_n that_o have_v be_v slay_v in_o the_o porch_n this_o be_v do_v the_o highpriest_n pull_v off_o his_o sacred_a robe_n and_o have_v put_v on_o again_o his_o usual_a garment_n return_v back_o to_o his_o own_o house_n accompany_v by_o all_o the_o people_n who_o end_v the_o day_n with_o festival_n and_o rejoice_n because_o the_o highpriest_n be_v come_v out_o from_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n safe_a and_o sound_a so_o great_a a_o number_n therefore_o and_o variety_n both_o of_o ceremony_n and_o sacrifice_n can_v not_o but_o natural_o have_v a_o great_a power_n over_o the_o mind_n of_o those_o who_o from_o their_o infancy_n have_v have_v all_o those_o object_n continual_o before_o their_o eye_n we_o ought_v to_o make_v the_o same_o judgement_n on_o their_o different_a kind_n of_o purification_n for_o as_o custom_n and_o education_n only_o make_v we_o think_v nudity_n a_o shameful_a and_o unbecoming_a state_n for_o any_o man_n to_o be_v see_v in_o so_o custom_n education_n and_o religion_n which_o be_v often_o of_o more_o force_n than_o either_o make_v they_o esteem_v all_o those_o unclean_a who_o have_v contract_v any_o legal_a impurity_n the_o camp_n of_o the_o israelite_n in_o the_o desert_n and_o afterward_o the_o city_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v divide_v in_o three_o part_n the_o first_o be_v the_o place_n or_o habitation_n of_o god_n himself_o who_o dwell_v either_o in_o the_o tabernacle_n or_o the_o temple_n the_o second_o be_v that_o of_o the_o levite_n who_o dwell_v round_o about_o the_o sanctuary_n and_o the_o three_o be_v that_o of_o the_o people_n which_o be_v separate_v from_o the_o temple_n by_o that_o of_o the_o levite_n in_o like_a manner_n they_o distinguish_v three_o sort_n of_o unclean_a person_n the_o first_o sort_n be_v only_o exclude_v from_o the_o temple_n or_o dwelling_n place_n of_o god_n such_o be_v all_o those_o who_o have_v touch_v any_o dead_a carcase_n or_o be_v uncircumcised_a the_o second_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o more_o unclean_a than_o the_o first_o be_v shut_v out_o both_o of_o the_o first_o and_o the_o second_o habitation_n viz._n out_o of_o the_o temple_n and_o the_o habitation_n of_o the_o levite_n that_o be_v they_o be_v entire_o exclude_v out_o of_o mount_n zion_n such_o be_v all_o woman_n after_o child_n bear_v or_o all_o man_n and_o woman_n that_o have_v any_o natural_a or_o accidental_a impurity_n last_o the_o three_o the_o most_o unclean_a of_o all_o be_v exclude_v out_o of_o those_o three_o habitation_n and_o utter_o sequester_v from_o the_o society_n and_o communion_n of_o the_o people_n such_o be_v all_o leper_n who_o be_v not_o only_o look_v upon_o as_o defile_v but_o also_o as_o person_n who_o may_v easy_o defile_v other_o people_n and_o who_o to_o distinguish_v and_o make_v themselves_o know_v in_o those_o very_a place_n where_o they_o live_v a_o part_n by_o themselves_o be_v oblige_v according_a to_o the_o hebrew_n tradition_n to_o wear_v tear_v garment_n to_o let_v their_o hair_n grow_v and_o walk_v about_o with_o their_o face_n cover_v with_o a_o vail_n as_o if_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o defile_v other_o man_n by_o their_o very_a look_n or_o as_o if_o other_o man_n be_v afraid_a to_o contaminate_v their_o eye_n by_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o it_o appear_v by_o the_o allusion_n of_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n to_o that_o custom_n in_o the_o prophecy_n contain_v in_o his_o 53._o chap._n v_o 3._o we_o hide_v as_o it_o be_v our_o face_n from_o he_o that_o be_v as_o the_o comment_n import_v as_o one_o hide_v his_o face_n from_o a_o leper_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o so_o many_o caution_n be_v require_v of_o they_o to_o avoid_v the_o contract_n of_o any_o legal_a impurity_n to_o cast_v out_o from_o among_o they_o the_o unclean_a person_n to_o purify_v themselves_o either_o by_o wash_v or_o sacrifice_n or_o the_o ash_n of_o a_o red_a cow_n as_o also_o the_o prejudices_fw-la which_o this_o custom_n support_v by_o education_n and_o strict_o enjoin_v by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n so_o natural_o suggest_v in_o their_o mind_n i_o say_v it_o be_v certain_a that_o all_o these_o motive_n be_v the_o original_a cause_n of_o that_o invincible_a aversion_n the_o jew_n have_v both_o for_o the_o gentile_n who_o be_v in_o divers_a respect_n very_o unclean_a in_o comparison_n to_o they_o and_o for_o every_o new_a religion_n that_o may_v either_o permit_v or_o not_o at_o all_o insist_v upon_o those_o corporeal_a and_o external_a impurity_n add_v to_o this_o the_o profound_a reverence_n they_o have_v for_o the_o temple_n which_o the_o ancient_a israelite_n use_v to_o call_v with_o such_o transport_v of_o admiration_n the_o temple_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o temple_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o respect_n they_o have_v for_o the_o levite_n to_o who_o god_n have_v commit_v the_o care_n of_o the_o temple_n numb_a 18._o and_o the_o priest_n in_o whomwas_fw-mi require_v so_o much_o purity_n that_o they_o be_v never_o to_o perform_v their_o sacerdotal_a office_n without_o have_v first_o wash_v their_o hand_n and_o foot_n who_o be_v to_o bless_v the_o people_n to_o burn_v incense_n and_o offer_v the_o common_a and_o ordinary_a offering_n and_o who_o also_o be_v anoint_v as_o well_o as_o king_n and_o prophet_n to_o show_v how_o acceptable_a they_o be_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n add_v also_o to_o this_o the_o great_a care_n their_o lawgiver_n have_v take_v to_o engrave_v their_o religion_n on_o their_o wall_n and_o even_o upon_o their_o garment_n which_o latter_a be_v to_o have_v the_o law_n or_o at_o least_o the_o great_a part_n of_o it_o write_v upon_o they_o as_o also_o the_o pious_a care_n that_o same_o lawgiver_n have_v take_v to_o sanctify_v the_o
the_o divinity_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n st._n mark_n chapt_n i._o 14._o now_o after_o that_o john_n be_v put_v in_o prison_n jesus_n come_v into_o galilee_n preach_v the_o gospel_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n all_o these_o expression_n the_o gospel_n or_o good_a tiding_n the_o gospel_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n be_v very_o strange_a and_o extraordinary_a and_o because_o our_o ear_n be_v somewhat_o use_v to_o they_o we_o do_v not_o reflect_v on_o they_o so_o much_o as_o we_o ought_v certain_o it_o must_v be_v a_o strange_a kind_n of_o mutual_a agreement_n that_o several_a fisherman_n make_v together_o to_o go_v preach_v about_o the_o world_n and_o call_v the_o subject_a of_o their_o preach_n by_o the_o name_n of_o gospel_n chap._n iu._n 19_o and_o the_o care_n of_o this_o world_n and_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o riches_n and_o the_o lust_n of_o other_o thing_n enter_v in_o choke_v the_o word_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v not_o usual_a for_o other_o man_n thus_o to_o declare_v open_a war_n against_o their_o passion_n or_o if_o they_o do_v they_o fail_v not_o present_o to_o discover_v themselves_o and_o lay_v open_a their_o own_o hypocrisy_n to_o the_o world_n verse_n 41._o and_o they_o say_v one_o to_o another_o what_o manner_n of_o man_n be_v this_o that_o even_o the_o wind_n and_o sea_n obey_v he_o etc._n etc._n we_o too_o may_v as_o well_o say_v what_o manner_n of_o man_n be_v this_o that_o not_o only_o the_o sea_n and_o wind_n but_o disease_n grave_n death_n hell_n earth_n man_n and_o devil_n all_o obey_v he_o for_o it_o be_v observable_a there_o be_v nothing_o within_o the_o bound_n of_o nature_n but_o what_o be_v sensible_a of_o his_o miracle_n chap._n vi_o 2_o 3._o from_o whence_o have_v this_o man_n these_o thing_n and_o what_o wisdom_n be_v this_o which_o be_v give_v unto_o he_o that_o even_o such_o mighty_a work_n be_v wrought_v by_o his_o hand_n be_v not_o this_o the_o carpenter_n the_o son_n of_o mary_n etc._n etc._n whence_o rather_o proceed_v this_o astonishment_n of_o they_o and_o what_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o this_o sort_n of_o reproach_n have_v not_o christ_n wrought_v several_a miracle_n among_o they_o verse_n 4_o 5_o 6._o but_o jesus_n say_v unto_o they_o a_o prophet_n be_v not_o without_o honour_n but_o in_o his_o own_o country_n etc._n etc._n and_o he_o can_v not_o do_v many_o mighty_a work_n there_o save_v that_o he_o lay_v his_o hand_n upon_o a_o few_o sick_a folk_n and_o he_o heal_v they_o and_o he_o marvel_v because_o of_o their_o unbelief_n every_o thing_n in_o this_o passage_n carry_v with_o it_o a_o air_n of_o truth_n without_o the_o least_o semblance_n of_o falsity_n for_o he_o that_o will_v invent_v a_o story_n and_o desire_v other_o man_n shall_v believe_v it_o will_v never_o make_v choice_n of_o such_o circumstance_n as_o these_o verse_n 56._o and_o whithersoever_o he_o enter_v into_o village_n or_o city_n or_o country_n they_o lay_v the_o sick_a in_o the_o street_n and_o beseech_v that_o they_o may_v touch_v if_o it_o be_v but_o the_o border_n of_o his_o garment_n and_o as_o many_o as_o touch_v he_o be_v make_v whole_a it_o be_v impossible_a for_o any_o man_n to_o impose_v upon_o other_o people_n in_o such_o matter_n of_o fact_n as_o these_o chap._n viii_o 27_o 28._o and_o by_o the_o way_n he_o ask_v his_o disciple_n say_v unto_o they_o who_o do_v man_n say_v that_o i_o be_o and_o they_o answer_v some_o say_v john_n the_o baptist_n but_o some_o say_v elias_n and_o other_o one_o of_o the_o prophet_n here_o we_o may_v observe_v what_o a_o great_a impression_n christ_n be_v miracle_n have_v already_o make_v upon_o other_o man_n mind_n chap._n fourteen_o 33._o and_o he_o begin_v to_o be_v sore_o amaze_v and_o to_o be_v very_o heavy_a to_o own_o that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v reduce_v to_o this_o state_n nay_o he_o who_o they_o will_v have_v man_n look_v upon_o as_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v the_o effect_n of_o a_o strange_a and_o surprise_v sincerity_n verse_n 62._o and_o jesus_n say_v i_o be_o and_o you_o shall_v see_v the_o son_n of_o man_n sit_v on_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o power_n and_o come_v in_o the_o cloud_n of_o heaven_n do_v ever_o any_o criminal_a bring_v before_o a_o tribunal_n of_o justice_n speak_v thus_o chap._n xvi_o 17_o 18_o 20._o and_o these_o sign_n shall_v follow_v they_o that_o believe_v in_o my_o name_n they_o shall_v cast_v out_o devil_n they_o shall_v speak_v with_o strange_a tongue_n they_o shall_v take_v up_o serpent_n and_o if_o they_o drink_v any_o deadly_a thing_n it_o shall_v not_o hurt_v they_o they_o shall_v lay_v hand_n on_o the_o sick_a and_o they_o shall_v recover_v etc._n etc._n and_o they_o go_v forth_o and_o preach_v every_o where_o the_o lord_n work_v with_o they_o and_o confirm_v the_o word_n with_o sign_n etc._n etc._n either_o all_o these_o matter_n of_o fact_n must_v have_v be_v necessary_o true_a or_o st._n mark_n must_v have_v be_v strange_o beside_o himself_o when_o he_o relate_v they_o let_v we_o consider_v what_o be_v it_o that_o he_o relate_v or_o who_o do_v he_o design_n to_o impose_v upon_o nay_o what_o time_n do_v he_o choose_v to_o effect_v it_o how_o can_v he_o possible_o persuade_v the_o disciple_n that_o they_o have_v do_v such_o miracle_n as_o they_o be_v never_o able_a to_o do_v and_o how_o shall_v they_o persuade_v themselves_o that_o christ_n have_v give_v they_o that_o power_n to_o do_v miracle_n which_o they_o never_o receive_v st._n luke_n chap._n i._n 64._o and_o his_o mouth_n be_v open_v immediate_o and_o his_o tongue_n loose_v and_o he_o speak_v and_o praise_v god_n and_o fear_n come_v on_o all_o that_o dwell_v round_o about_o they_o and_o all_o these_o say_n be_v noise_v abroad_o throughout_o all_o the_o hill_n country_n of_o judea_n no_o man_n be_v so_o mad_a as_o to_o pretend_v to_o impose_v upon_o man_n belief_n in_o matter_n of_o fact_n so_o public_a as_o these_o he_o will_v rather_o make_v choice_n of_o passage_n scarce_o hear_v of_o or_o at_o least_o but_o obscure_o know_v chap._n ii_o 16._o and_o find_v mary_n and_o joseph_n and_o the_o babe_n lie_v in_o a_o manger_n great_a be_v the_o exactness_n of_o these_o writer_n in_o give_v we_o a_o simple_a relation_n of_o thing_n as_o they_o real_o be_v what_o can_v seem_v more_o contrary_a and_o irreconcilable_a one_o with_o another_o than_o all_o these_o circumstance_n a_o child_n sleep_v in_o a_o manger_n but_o a_o child_n who_o nativity_n be_v declare_v even_o by_o angel_n and_o celebrate_v by_o all_o the_o host_n of_o heaven_n a_o child_n that_o be_v banish_v the_o society_n of_o man_n but_o elevate_v in_o dignity_n even_o above_o the_o bless_a spirit_n a_o child_n that_o be_v inconsiderable_a and_o of_o no_o esteem_n on_o earth_n but_o great_a in_o heaven_n and_o adore_v by_o angel_n that_o be_v indeed_o a_o while_n after_o his_o birth_n worship_v by_o some_o wiseman_n that_o bring_v he_o present_n but_o soon_o force_v to_o fly_v into_o egypt_n for_o the_o safety_n of_o his_o life_n certain_o there_o appear_v nothing_o like_o a_o fiction_n in_o all_o these_o circumstance_n chap._n v._o 19_o and_o when_o they_o can_v not_o find_v by_o what_o way_n they_o may_v bring_v he_o in_o because_o of_o the_o multitude_n they_o go_v upon_o the_o housetop_n and_o let_v he_o down_o through_o the_o til_n with_o his_o couch_n into_o the_o midst_n before_o jesus_n do_v such_o thing_n as_o these_o enter_v easy_o of_o themselves_o into_o a_o man_n mind_n who_o write_v nothing_o but_o of_o his_o own_o invention_n chap._n vii_o 38._o and_o she_o stand_v at_o his_o foot_n behind_o he_o weep_v and_o begin_v to_o wash_v his_o foot_n with_o tear_n and_o do_v wipe_v they_o with_o the_o hair_n of_o her_o head_n and_o kiss_v his_o foot_n and_o anoint_v they_o with_o the_o ointment_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o know_v the_o redeemer_n of_o the_o world_n by_o that_o save_a alteration_n he_o be_v see_v to_o make_v in_o those_o that_o follow_v he_o chap._n ix_o 45._o but_o they_o understand_v not_o this_o say_n and_o it_o be_v hide_v from_o they_o that_o they_o perceive_v it_o not_o great_a indeed_o be_v the_o evangelist_n sincerity_n who_o stick_v not_o to_o own_v the_o ignorance_n and_o stupidity_n of_o the_o disciple_n chap._n x._o 19_o 20._o behold_v i_o give_v unto_o you_o power_n to_o tread_v on_o serpent_n and_o scorpion_n and_o over_o all_o the_o power_n of_o the_o enemy_n and_o nothing_o shall_v by_o any_o mean_n hurt_v you_o notwithstanding_o in_o this_o rejoice_v not_o that_o the_o spirit_n be_v subject_a unto_o you_o but_o rather_o rejoice_v because_o your_o name_n be_v write_v in_o heaven_n a_o certain_a character_n of_o true_a religion_n indeed_o which_o set_v a_o great_a value_n upon_o
to_o he_o about_o eat_v he_o answer_v that_o his_o meat_n be_v to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o his_o father_n and_o when_o he_o sit_v on_o the_o side_n of_o the_o well_o he_o speak_v of_o his_o divine_a grace_n as_o of_o a_o well_o of_o water_n spring_v up_o into_o everlasting_a life_n who_o be_v not_o fill_v with_o admiration_n when_o he_o consider_v these_o thing_n verse_n 24._o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n and_o they_o that_o worship_v he_o must_v worship_v he_o in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n this_o be_v tell_v man_n in_o short_a what_o they_o shall_v have_v know_v and_o what_o all_o till_o then_o be_v whole_o ignorant_a of_o this_o be_v what_o be_v most_o conformable_a to_o a_o reasonable_a nature_n and_o the_o principle_n of_o natural_a revelation_n what_o distinguish_v true_a religion_n from_o superstition_n what_o the_o wise_a among_o the_o heathen_n have_v not_o be_v able_a to_o discover_v at_o a_o time_n when_o reason_v and_o speculation_n be_v at_o the_o height_n at_o lest_o what_o they_o have_v but_o a_o very_a faint_a knowledge_n of_o what_o the_o prophet_n themselves_o have_v speak_v of_o but_o obscure_o and_o what_o the_o jew_n who_o in_o the_o day_n of_o our_o saviour_n mind_v nothing_o in_o religion_n but_o the_o external_n corporeal_a part_n of_o it_o be_v whole_o ignorant_a of_o what_o manner_n of_o man_n than_o be_v he_o who_o alone_o have_v so_o much_o wisdom_n chap._n v._o 25._o very_o very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o the_o hour_n be_v come_v and_o now_o be_v when_o the_o dead_a shall_v hear_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o they_o that_o hear_v shall_v live_v he_o that_o can_v raise_v the_o dead_a to_o life_n again_o may_v well_o speak_v after_o this_o manner_n but_o such_o expression_n will_v have_v be_v extravagant_a in_o any_o other_o but_o he_o verse_n 36._o but_o i_o have_v great_a witness_n than_o that_o of_o john_n for_o the_o work_n which_o the_o father_n have_v give_v i_o to_o finish_v the_o same_o work_n that_o i_o do_v bear_v witness_n of_o i_o that_o the_o father_n have_v send_v i_o those_o work_n must_v have_v be_v very_o extraordinary_a indeed_o since_o he_o prefer_v the_o witness_n they_o bear_v of_o he_o before_o that_o of_o john_n the_o baptist_n for_o be_v it_o otherwise_o he_o will_v have_v expose_v himself_o to_o the_o scorn_n of_o those_o that_o hear_v he_o verse_n 44._o how_o can_v you_o believe_v which_o receive_v honour_n one_o of_o another_o and_o seek_v not_o the_o honour_n that_o come_v from_o god_n only_o he_o that_o design_n to_o deceive_v other_o do_v not_o express_v himself_o after_o this_o manner_n christ_n shall_v rather_o have_v make_v use_n of_o the_o vanity_n and_o weakness_n of_o man_n which_o be_v nice_o to_o be_v touch_v and_o delicate_o to_o be_v wrought_v upon_o in_o such_o case_n chap._n vi_o 14_o 15._o then_o those_o man_n when_o they_o have_v see_v the_o miracle_n that_o jesus_n do_v say_v this_o be_v of_o a_o truth_n that_o prophet_n that_o shall_v come_v into_o the_o world_n when_o jesus_n therefore_o perceive_v that_o they_o will_v come_v and_o take_v he_o by_o force_n to_o make_v he_o a_o king_n he_o depart_v again_o into_o a_o mountain_n himself_o alone_o it_o be_v not_o out_o of_o any_o weakness_n or_o fear_n that_o christ_n refuse_v to_o put_v himself_o at_o the_o head_n of_o those_o that_o will_v have_v make_v he_o king_n he_o that_o foretell_v his_o suffering_n and_o establish_v a_o memorial_n of_o they_o nay_o he_o who_o assemble_v together_o a_o company_n of_o distress_a wretch_n who_o he_o vouchsafe_v to_o lead_v about_o will_v not_o sure_o have_v be_v afraid_a os_fw-la the_o fortune_n of_o war_n since_o he_o may_v have_v be_v follow_v by_o a_o innumerable_a company_n of_o people_n who_o will_v have_v daily_o increase_v be_v delude_v by_o the_o common_a opinion_n of_o those_o day_n that_o he_o be_v to_o be_v a_o great_a king_n what_o then_o deter_v he_o from_o it_o only_o his_o humility_n verse_n 35._o i_o be_o the_o bread_n of_o life_n he_o that_o come_v to_o i_o shall_v never_o hunger_n and_o he_o that_o come_v to_o i_o shall_v never_o thirst_v do_v ever_o any_o man_n use_v a_o expression_n like_o this_o how_o can_v a_o man_n be_v the_o bread_n of_o life_n and_o what_o can_v be_v the_o meaning_n of_o this_o expression_n be_v go_v to_o christ_n enough_o to_o satisfy_v hunger_n and_o thirst_n no_o one_o but_o a_o enthusiast_n or_o one_o that_o be_v real_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n to_o instruct_v mankind_n can_v have_v express_v himself_o thus_o but_o who_o be_v he_o that_o shall_v dare_v to_o blaspheme_n against_o the_o wisdom_n of_o that_o divine_a person_n verse_n 63._o the_o flesh_n profit_v nothing_o the_o word_n that_o i_o speak_v unto_o you_o they_o be_v spirit_n and_o they_o be_v life_n this_o comment_n excellent_o justify_v the_o wisdom_n of_o that_o wonderful_a teacher_n and_o clear_o show_v we_o what_o we_o shall_v think_v of_o those_o seem_a paradox_n he_o advance_v in_o the_o forego_n verse_n so_o contrary_a to_o all_o our_o former_a idea_n and_o prejudices_fw-la chap._n vii_o 17._o if_o any_o man_n will_v do_v his_o will_n he_o shall_v know_v of_o the_o doctrine_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o god_n or_o whether_o i_o speak_v of_o myself_o this_o be_v the_o best_a and_o sure_a rule_n whereby_o we_o may_v judge_v of_o christ_n and_o his_o gospel_n and_o therefore_o for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v persuade_v of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v first_o requisite_a that_o his_o heart_n be_v right_o dispose_v rather_o than_o his_o understanding_n full_o enlighten_v man_n at_o christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n be_v whole_o ignorant_a of_o this_o great_a and_o noble_a truth_n they_o make_v a_o science_n of_o religion_n which_o none_o can_v understand_v but_o the_o learned_a and_o the_o reason_n of_o man_n which_o will_v know_v every_o thing_n but_o scarce_o know_v any_o thing_n perfect_o proud_o assume_v to_o itself_o the_o privilege_n of_o judge_v in_o matter_n of_o salvation_n but_o be_v that_o a_o certain_a rule_n to_o go_v by_o the_o proud_a will_v be_v the_o great_a favourite_n of_o god_n and_o the_o more_o man_n strive_v out_o of_o vanity_n or_o ambition_n to_o become_v learn_v the_o clear_a insight_n they_o will_v have_v into_o revelation_n that_o indeed_o will_v be_v proper_a to_o make_v a_o considerable_a progress_n in_o humane_a science_n but_o the_o science_n of_o salvation_n be_v not_o to_o be_v acquire_v but_o by_o holiness_n and_o humility_n for_o virtue_n be_v a_o practical_a habit._n the_o more_o simple_a and_o ignorant_a we_o be_v the_o more_o our_o eye_n will_v be_v open_a the_o better_a we_o live_v the_o less_o scruple_n we_o shall_v entertain_v the_o more_o we_o love_v god_n the_o more_o sensible_a we_o shall_v grow_v of_o his_o admirable_a precept_n what_o great_a wisdom_n then_o do_v this_o maxim_n contain_v which_o man_n in_o past_a age_n be_v whole_o ignorant_a of_o and_o which_o the_o present_a age_n scarce_o yet_o understand_v verse_n 37_o 38_o 39_o in_o the_o last_o day_n that_o great_a day_n of_o the_o feast_n jesus_n stand_v and_o cry_v say_v if_o any_o man_n thirst_n let_v he_o come_v unto_o i_o and_o drink_n he_o that_o believe_v on_o i_o as_o the_o scripture_n have_v say_v out_o of_o his_o belly_n shall_v flow_v river_n of_o live_a water_n but_o this_o speak_v he_o of_o the_o spirit_n which_o they_o that_o believe_v on_o he_o shall_v receive_v for_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v not_o yet_o give_v because_o that_o jesus_n be_v not_o yet_o glorify_v how_o can_v the_o evangelist_n have_v make_v christ_n utter_v such_o word_n as_o these_o and_o a_o little_a after_o add_v this_o annotation_n concern_v the_o effusion_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v he_o real_o see_v nothing_o happen_v that_o be_v like_o it_o who_o see_v not_o plain_o that_o the_o parenthesis_n suppose_v that_o event_n to_o be_v well_o know_v since_o it_o inform_v we_o of_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o verse_n 40_o 41._o many_o of_o the_o people_n therefore_o when_o they_o hear_v this_o say_v of_o a_o truth_n this_o be_v the_o prophet_n other_o say_v this_o be_v the_o christ_n but_o some_o say_v shall_v christ_n come_v out_o of_o galilee_n all_o these_o dispute_n and_o little_a contest_v manifest_o show_v the_o great_a impression_n the_o doctrine_n and_o miracle_n of_o christ_n have_v already_o make_v upon_o people_n mind_n beside_o they_o be_v of_o such_o a_o nature_n as_o not_o easy_o to_o be_v think_v of_o by_o a_o person_n who_o can_v invent_v lie_n chap._n viii_o 7._o 10_o 11_o so_o when_o they_o continue_v ask_v he_o he_o lift_v up_o himself_o and_o say_v unto_o they_o he_o that_o be_v without_o sin_n among_o you_o let_v he_o first_o cast_v a_o stone_n
to_o their_o former_a employment_n for_o they_o can_v not_o subsist_v without_o do_v something_o to_o get_v a_o livelihood_n and_o jesus_n after_o his_o resurrection_n appear_v sometime_o to_o they_o on_o the_o sea_n shore_n where_o they_o be_v a_o fish_n what_o can_v be_v suspect_v in_o all_o this_o verse_n 20_o 21_o 22_o 23._o then_o peter_n turn_v about_o seethe_v the_o disciple_n who_o jesus_n love_v follow_v which_o also_o lean_v on_o his_o breast_n at_o supper_n and_o say_v lord_n who_o be_v it_o that_o betray_v thou_o peter_n see_v he_o say_v to_o jesus_n lord_n and_o what_o shall_v this_o man_n do_v jesus_n say_v unto_o he_o if_o i_o will_v that_o he_o tarry_v till_o i_o come_v what_o be_v that_o to_o thou_o follow_v thou_o i_o then_o go_v this_o say_n abroad_o among_o the_o brethren_n that_o that_o disciple_n shall_v not_o die_v yet_o jesus_n say_v not_o unto_o he_o he_o shall_v not_o die_v but_o if_o i_o will_v that_o he_o tarry_v till_o i_o come_v what_o be_v that_o to_o thou_o this_o be_v the_o disciple_n which_o testify_v of_o these_o thing_n and_o write_v these_o thing_n etc._n etc._n can_v we_o imagine_v that_o the_o evangelist_n himself_o invent_v this_o report_n which_o he_o pretend_v go_v about_o concern_v his_o immortality_n and_o do_v such_o thought_n come_v into_o a_o man_n head_n however_o do_v but_o observe_v how_o all_o the_o particular_n of_o this_o matter_n hang_v so_o one_o upon_o another_o that_o whosoever_o grant_v one_o of_o they_o must_v grant_v also_o the_o rest_n for_o the_o report_n spread_v abroad_o that_o john_n shall_v not_o die_v be_v ground_v upon_o the_o answer_n which_o christ_n return_v to_o peter_n and_o he_o return_v not_o that_o answer_n to_o peter_n till_o after_o his_o resurrection_n and_o after_o have_v foretell_v peter_n himself_o with_o what_o kind_n of_o death_n he_o shall_v glorify_v god_n this_o connexion_n therefore_o plain_o show_v we_o what_o we_o ought_v to_o believe_v upon_o this_o account_n chap._n viii_o wherein_o we_o shall_v further_o produce_v from_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n several_a place_n very_o proper_a to_o make_v we_o true_o sensible_a of_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o christian_n religion_n chap._n i._n 8._o but_o you_o shall_v receive_v power_n after_o that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v come_v upon_o you_o and_o you_o shall_v be_v witness_n unto_o i_o both_o in_o jerusalem_n and_o in_o all_o judea_n and_o in_o samaria_n etc._n etc._n unto_o the_o uttermost_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n â—et_z these_o witness_n be_v strict_o examine_v let_v their_o patience_n be_v try_v with_o all_o kind_n of_o severe_a punishment_n and_o it_o will_v then_o appear_v whether_o it_o be_v possible_a ever_o to_o force_v they_o to_o recant_v their_o opinion_n verse_n 26._o and_o the_o lot_n fall_v upon_o mathias_n and_o he_o be_v number_v with_o the_o eleven_o apostle_n in_o this_o election_n there_o appear_v neither_o bribe_n preeminence_n or_o arbitrary_a partiality_n so_o different_a be_v that_o society_n from_o these_o now_o establish_v in_o the_o world_n chap._n ii_o 13_o other_o mock_v say_v these_o man_n be_v full_a of_o new_a wine_n these_o sort_n of_o circumstance_n be_v of_o excellent_a use_n to_o show_v the_o exactness_n and_o sincerity_n of_o the_o historian_n verse_n 22._o jesus_n of_o nazareth_n a_o man_n approve_v of_o god_n among_o you_o by_o miracle_n and_o wonder_n and_o sign_n as_o you_o yourselves_o also_o know_v how_o come_v they_o to_o know_v it_o have_v christ_n wrought_v no_o miracle_n among_o they_o and_o what_o a_o strange_a piece_n of_o confidence_n must_v it_o have_v be_v in_o the_o apostle_n to_o speak_v thus_o verse_n 41._o and_o the_o same_o day_n be_v add_v unto_o they_o about_o three_o thousand_o soul_n what_o but_o the_o wonderful_a power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n give_v to_o the_o apostle_n can_v make_v so_o many_o proselyte_n verse_n 44_o 45._o and_o all_o that_o believe_v be_v together_o and_o have_v all_o thing_n common_a and_o sell_v their_o possession_n and_o good_n and_o part_v they_o to_o all_o man_n as_o every_o man_n have_v need_v a_o holy_a society_n indeed_o consist_v of_o none_o but_o such_o as_o have_v give_v up_o all_o their_o interest_n in_o this_o world_n and_o glorify_a god_n by_o offer_v up_o themselves_o and_o what_o be_v dear_a to_o they_o as_o a_o sacrifice_n to_o he_o what_o can_v they_o hope_v for_o who_o absolute_o renounce_v every_o thing_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o christ_n let_v a_o man_n reason_n never_o so_o much_o upon_o the_o manner_n of_o unite_n man_n in_o a_o body_n together_o it_o be_v certain_a there_o be_v never_o a_o more_o effectual_a method_n to_o form_v a_o society_n than_o charity_n for_o it_o make_v those_o thing_n equal_a which_o humane_a passion_n have_v before_o distinguish_v it_o subvert_v all_o competition_n destroy_v all_o interest_n banish_v the_o design_n of_o pride_n and_o ambition_n and_o all_o the_o little_a distinction_n vanity_n create_v in_o a_o word_n it_o unite_v man_n in_o a_o state_n wherein_o they_o all_o equal_o enjoy_v the_o same_o revelation_n the_o same_o spiritual_a worship_n and_o the_o same_o faith_n hope_n and_o charity_n all_o which_o represent_v as_o it_o be_v on_o earth_n the_o joy_n we_o may_v partake_v hereafter_o and_o give_v we_o a_o lively_a image_n and_o idea_n of_o heaven_n and_o what_o great_a miracle_n than_o this_o can_v be_v bring_v to_o prove_v the_o divinity_n of_o a_o religion_n verse_n 46._o and_o they_o continue_v daily_o with_o one_o accord_n in_o the_o temple_n and_o break_v bread_n from_o house_n to_o house_n do_v eat_v their_o meat_n with_o gladness_n and_o singleness_n of_o heart_n what_o perseverance_n what_o joy_n nay_o what_o simplicity_n of_o heart_n do_v the_o apostle_n here_o show_v suppose_v they_o to_o have_v be_v deceiver_n for_o we_o must_v either_o acknowledge_v they_o to_o be_v such_o or_o else_o allow_v the_o gospel_n they_o preach_v to_o be_v most_o certain_o true_a and_o divine_a chap._n iii_o 8_o 9_o and_o he_o enter_v with_o they_o into_o the_o temple_n walk_v and_o leap_v and_o praise_v god_n and_o all_o the_o people_n see_v he_o walk_v and_o praise_v god_n be_v it_o a_o easy_a matter_n to_o make_v other_o man_n believe_v such_o matter_n of_o fact_n as_o these_o suppose_v they_o be_v altogether_o false_a verse_n 12._o and_o when_o peter_n see_v it_o he_o answer_v unto_o the_o people_n you_o man_n of_o israel_n why_o marvel_v you_o at_o this_o or_o why_o look_v you_o so_o earnest_o on_o we_o as_o though_o by_o our_o own_o power_n or_o holiness_n we_o have_v make_v this_o man_n to_o walk_v have_v simon_n magus_n perform_v such_o a_o miracle_n he_o will_v certain_o have_v take_v all_o the_o honour_n of_o it_o to_o himself_o and_o now_o more_o confident_o than_o ever_o affirm_v that_o he_o be_v the_o great_a power_n of_o god_n observe_v i_o pray_v here_o a_o character_n of_o ingenuity_n humility_n and_o sincerity_n which_o can_v be_v sufficient_o express_v verse_n 16._o and_o his_o name_n through_o faith_n in_o his_o name_n have_v make_v this_o man_n strong_a who_o you_o see_v and_o know_v yea_o the_o faith_n which_o be_v by_o he_o have_v give_v he_o this_o perfect_a soundness_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o you_o all_o this_o multiply_a expression_n of_o the_o same_o thing_n may_v not_o so_o well_o please_v some_o man_n and_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o empty_a flourish_n of_o word_n or_o a_o put_v some_o good_a word_n fine_o together_o to_o signify_v little_a a_o thing_n not_o agreeable_a to_o the_o true_a eloquence_n man_n ought_v to_o use_v but_o here_o it_o be_v not_o real_o so_o the_o apostle_n here_o regard_v not_o politness_v in_o the_o least_o but_o rather_o be_v afraid_a they_o can_v not_o use_v expression_n strong_a enough_o to_o let_v they_o know_v that_o it_o be_v not_o in_o their_o own_o name_n but_o in_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n christ_n that_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v do_v it_o be_v no_o matter_n then_o whether_o the_o ear_n be_v offend_v at_o it_o or_o not_o provide_v the_o understanding_n humble_v itself_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o ascribe_v that_o extraordinary_a miracle_n to_o none_o but_o christ_n himself_o verse_n 14._o but_o you_o deny_v the_o holy_a one_o and_o the_o just_a and_o desire_v a_o murderer_n to_o be_v grant_v unto_o you_o observe_v how_o little_o he_o know_v what_o it_o be_v to_o flatter_v those_o man_n he_o speak_v to_o chap._n iu._n 4._o howbeit_o many_o of_o they_o which_o hear_v the_o word_n believe_v and_o the_o number_n of_o the_o man_n be_v about_o five_o thousand_o how_o can_v s._n luke_n who_o write_v in_o a_o time_n when_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n consist_v of_o so_o many_o proselyte_n flourish_v i_o say_v how_o can_v he_o have_v make_v so_o many_o believe_v such_o miraculous_a
degree_n of_o light_n wonderful_o illuminate_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o incredulous_a and_o discover_v to_o they_o the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n by_o the_o sublimity_n and_o excellency_n of_o it_o i._o portraiture_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o it_o be_v consider_v in_o the_o multitude_n of_o testimony_n give_v in_o favour_n of_o it_o though_o testimony_n be_v somewhat_o foreign_a and_o exterior_a to_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o therefore_o may_v seem_v improper_a to_o discover_v the_o perfection_n of_o it_o yet_o it_o will_v appear_v they_o do_v discover_v it_o if_o we_o but_o careful_o unite_v they_o together_o and_o so_o consider_v well_o their_o joint_a union_n and_o agreement_n we_o can_v but_o have_v a_o very_a great_a idea_n of_o a_o religion_n which_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n have_v be_v please_v to_o confirm_v unto_o we_o by_o nine_o several_a testimony_n each_o whereof_o will_v have_v be_v single_o sufficient_a to_o discover_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o the_o first_o be_v that_o of_o the_o prophet_n who_o all_o testify_v of_o jesus_n christ_n by_o a_o long_a and_o continue_a series_n of_o prophecy_n some_o far_o plain_a than_o the_o rest_n for_o some_o of_o the_o prophet_n see_v almost_o as_o clear_v in_o the_o night_n as_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v of_o shadow_n and_o figurative_a type_n as_o we_o can_v in_o the_o day_n of_o their_o exact_a accomplishment_n as_o have_v be_v already_o show_v the_o second_o be_v that_o of_o john_n the_o baptist_n so_o much_o the_o more_o certain_a because_o it_o be_v foretell_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o christ_n and_o his_o disciple_n continual_o refer_v the_o jew_n to_o that_o testimony_n so_o much_o the_o more_o considerable_a because_o we_o can_v suspect_v john_n the_o baptist_n of_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o any_o base_a complacency_n towards_o the_o jew_n or_o mean_a design_n for_o his_o own_o interest_n the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n have_v be_v please_v to_o set_v he_o above_o such_o suspicion_n by_o the_o austerity_n of_o his_o manner_n and_o his_o unusual_a way_n of_o live_v set_v down_o in_o the_o gospel_n with_o such_o a_o strange_a and_o particular_a description_n the_o three_o be_v that_o of_o the_o apostle_n those_o witness_n who_o constancy_n be_v try_v by_o the_o severe_a punishment_n inflict_v upon_o they_o yet_o they_o bold_o resist_v the_o violence_n offer_v they_o by_o so_o many_o torment_v they_o endure_v torment_v sufficient_a to_o extort_v even_o from_o the_o great_a malefactor_n a_o confession_n of_o their_o crime_n yet_o here_o be_v the_o difference_n between_o they_o and_o common_a offender_n that_o the_o latter_a be_v compel_v unwilling_o to_o undergo_v the_o torture_n but_o the_o disciple_n of_o our_o lord_n rejoice_v in_o be_v think_v worthy_a to_o suffer_v malefactor_n indeed_o know_v certain_o they_o shall_v be_v execute_v if_o they_o confess_v the_o truth_n but_o the_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n will_v have_v have_v much_o more_o reason_n to_o fear_v death_n have_v they_o disguise_v the_o truth_n by_o any_o close_a deceit_n the_o four_o testimony_n be_v that_o of_o the_o three_o person_n which_o bare_a record_n in_o heaven_n the_o father_n when_o he_o declare_v in_o jordan_n that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v his_o well_o belove_a son_n in_o who_o he_o be_v well_o please_v and_o in_o another_o place_n i_o have_v glorify_v he_o and_o will_v glorify_v he_o again_o the_o son_n when_o he_o testify_v of_o himself_o by_o his_o miracle_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n when_o he_o confirm_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o son_n by_o the_o effusion_n of_o his_o extraordinary_a and_o miraculous_a gift_n upon_o the_o disciple_n the_o five_o be_v that_o of_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n which_o acknowledge_v free_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n can_v remove_v our_o fear_n comfort_v we_o in_o our_o affliction_n humble_a our_o mind_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o plenty_n and_o strengthen_v they_o in_o poverty_n in_o a_o word_n sanctify_v we_o by_o deliver_v we_o from_o our_o sin_n and_o so_o consequent_o supply_v all_o our_o want_n and_o necessity_n the_o six_o be_v that_o even_o of_o the_o enemy_n of_o our_o religion_n who_o have_v be_v force_v to_o speak_v favourable_o on_o our_o side_n the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n have_v testify_v in_o our_o behalf_n the_o wisdom_n of_o providence_n and_o the_o convince_a force_n of_o truth_n have_v oblige_v they_o tacit_o to_o own_o that_o truth_n against_o which_o they_o have_v declare_v themselves_o such_o inveterate_a and_o implacable_a enemy_n the_o ancient_a jew_n believe_v that_o the_o famous_a 11._o prophecy_n jacob_n utter_v upon_o his_o deathbed_n the_o sceptre_n shall_v etc._n etc._n be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o messiah_n this_o their_o own_o write_n testify_v and_o their_o talmud_n acknowledge_v that_o that_o man_n of_o sorrow_n and_o acquaint_v with_o grief_n who_o be_v to_o be_v bruise_v for_o our_o iniquity_n and_o from_o 12._o who_o they_o hide_v their_o face_n as_o from_o a_o leper_n be_v the_o true_a messiah_n nay_o they_o be_v force_v to_o have_v recourse_n to_o the_o extravagant_a fiction_n of_o a_o double_a messiah_n and_o even_o by_o that_o they_o pay_v a_o kind_n of_o homage_n to_o the_o truth_n the_o samaritan_n be_v of_o opinion_n that_o the_o messiah_n be_v short_o to_o appear_v in_o the_o world_n as_o be_v evident_a by_o the_o discourse_n of_o christ_n with_o the_o woman_n of_o samaria_n and_o this_o the_o jew_n be_v so_o strong_o persuade_v of_o that_o some_o of_o they_o choose_v rather_o to_o own_o herod_n the_o great_a for_o the_o messiah_n though_o a_o idumaean_a and_o wicked_a prince_n than_o renounce_v a_o opinion_n they_o be_v prepossess_v with_o and_o which_o be_v so_o deep_o root_v in_o their_o mind_n other_o led_z away_o by_o the_o same_o opinion_n cast_v their_o eye_n upon_o one_o agrippa_n descend_v from_o herod_n who_o be_v engage_v in_o the_o roman_a party_n other_o also_o instigate_v by_o the_o same_o hope_n follow_v a_o certain_a robber_n into_o the_o wilderness_n and_o the_o jew_n see_v their_o city_n just_o ready_a to_o be_v lay_v in_o ash_n imagine_v that_o their_o messiah_n be_v just_a upon_o manifest_v himself_o nay_o the_o merciless_a ringleader_n of_o those_o factious_a wretch_n who_o tear_v one_o another_o in_o piece_n during_o the_o devastation_n of_o judea_n so_o obstinate_o seek_v after_o one_o another_o ruin_n only_o because_o they_o expect_v to_o vanquish_v the_o roman_n and_o so_o become_v the_o conqueror_n of_o the_o world_n that_o be_v to_o fulfil_v ancient_a prophecy_n few_o age_n after_o they_o turn_v to_o one_o barkokebas_n a_o villainous_a robber_n only_o because_o they_o think_v he_o the_o messiah_n according_a to_o their_o computation_n of_o the_o year_n of_o his_o come_n josephus_n a_o great_a man_n and_o well_o verse_v in_o the_o scripture_n imagine_v as_o well_o as_o other_o that_o the_o time_n prefix_v for_o his_o come_n be_v accomplish_v or_o if_o he_o do_v not_o real_o think_v so_o himself_o he_o take_v at_o least_o a_o occasion_n from_o that_o opinion_n common_o approve_v of_o in_o the_o east_n to_o ingratiate_v himself_o with_o vespasian_n herod_n the_o great_a himself_o terrify_v and_o amaze_v by_o all_o these_o report_n make_v his_o fearful_a apprehension_n remarkable_a by_o a_o deluge_n of_o blood_n then_o do_v the_o jew_n acknowledge_v that_o in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o messiah_n there_o will_v be_v no_o government_n no_o magistrate_n nor_o any_o commonwealth_n leave_v in_o israel_n but_o 11._o afterward_o the_o necessity_n of_o maintain_v their_o opinion_n against_o we_o make_v they_o have_v recourse_n to_o several_a different_a evasion_n not_o many_o age_n after_o the_o come_n of_o jesus_n christ_n into_o the_o world_n when_o they_o find_v that_o their_o messiah_n do_v not_o appear_v some_o of_o they_o begin_v to_o say_v that_o he_o have_v hide_v himself_o other_o that_o he_o be_v come_v already_o in_o the_o person_n of_o hezekiah_n other_o that_o his_o come_n be_v put_v off_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o cry_a sin_n of_o the_o people_n nay_o they_o go_v on_o to_o that_o degree_n of_o impiety_n and_o irreligion_n as_o to_o pronounce_v they_o curse_a who_o shall_v calculate_v the_o year_n of_o the_o come_n of_o the_o messiah_n from_o all_o which_o we_o see_v plain_o that_o by_o these_o their_o confession_n and_o shift_n they_o in_o a_o manner_n bear_v witness_n though_o unwilling_o and_o without_o design_n to_o the_o christian_a faith_n as_o for_o the_o heathen_n beside_o the_o authentic_a testimony_n of_o pliny_n the_o young_a 5._o concern_v the_o innocence_n of_o the_o christian_n and_o beside_o that_o of_o tiberius_n concern_v jesus_n christ_n who_o he_o will_v have_v insert_v among_o the_o god_n be_v himself_o astonish_v at_o the_o surprise_a wonder_n which_o he_o have_v hear_v of_o he_o we_o all_o know_v that_o there_o meaux_n have_v
be_v several_a famous_a emperor_n who_o be_v not_o able_a to_o conceal_v from_o the_o world_n their_o favourable_a opinion_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o some_o of_o they_o have_v for_o inscription_n in_o their_o public_a edifice_n several_a maxim_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o other_o will_v have_v consecrate_v church_n for_o the_o use_v of_o the_o christian_n and_o last_o that_o other_o profess_a themselves_o admirer_n of_o the_o morality_n of_o christ._n but_o what_o shall_v we_o say_v of_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n who_o not_o be_v able_a to_o deny_v christ_n miracle_n be_v force_v to_o refer_v they_o some_o to_o a_o magic_a power_n and_o other_o to_o a_o certain_a i_o know_v not_o what_o mysterious_a pronunciation_n of_o the_o word_n jehovah_n so_o strange_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v that_o even_o the_o very_a enemy_n of_o our_o religion_n shall_v thus_o testify_v of_o it_o and_o yet_o scarce_o perceive_v it_o the_o seven_o testimony_n be_v that_o of_o several_a strange_a event_n which_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n so_o order_v that_o they_o firm_o establish_v the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n of_o these_o there_o be_v several_a very_o remarkable_a but_o it_o shall_v suffice_v at_o present_a to_o mention_v three_o only_a which_o among_o the_o rest_n deserve_v a_o particular_a consideration_n the_o first_o be_v the_o destruction_n of_o the_o four_o monarchy_n which_o have_v sore_o afflict_v and_o harass_v god_n people_n at_o the_o end_n of_o which_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v immediate_o to_o be_v establish_v the_o second_o the_o entire_a destruction_n of_o the_o jewish_a government_n and_o the_o signal_n devastation_n of_o the_o holy_a land_n a_o effect_n of_o the_o divine_a wrath_n pour_v out_o upon_o that_o nation_n the_o three_o and_o last_o the_o settlement_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n or_o the_o call_v of_o the_o gentile_n attend_v with_o so_o many_o circumstance_n as_o plain_o show_v that_o nothing_o but_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n can_v perfect_v so_o great_a a_o work_n the_o eight_o be_v that_o testimony_n give_v of_o christ_n by_o the_o revelation_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o nine_o that_o which_o be_v give_v of_o he_o by_o natural_a religion_n but_o of_o these_o two_o testimony_n we_o shall_v not_o speak_v at_o present_a for_o as_o much_o as_o we_o design_v to_o end_v this_o work_n with_o a_o particular_a consideration_n of_o they_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n it_o be_v plain_a the_o christian_a religion_n must_v be_v true_a because_o it_o be_v confirm_v by_o the_o testimony_n of_o so_o many_o authentic_a person_n which_o can_v be_v suspect_v of_o deceit_n and_o it_o will_v be_v extravagant_o ridiculous_a to_o imagine_v that_o the_o prophet_n shall_v have_v so_o clear_a a_o insight_n into_o futurity_n mere_o to_o countenance_n and_o authorise_v a_o fiction_n that_o john_n the_o baptist_n have_v be_v at_o first_o take_v by_o the_o jew_n for_o the_o messiah_n shall_v renounce_v the_o honour_n which_o that_o title_n will_v have_v confer_v upon_o he_o only_o out_o of_o love_n and_o complaisance_n to_o a_o impostor_n that_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o disciple_n shall_v so_o ready_o sacrifice_v their_o estate_n reputation_n repose_v and_o life_n itself_o to_o a_o person_n they_o know_v to_o be_v a_o false_a christ_n that_o the_o heaven_n shall_v countenance_v a_o flame_n and_o a_o lie_n by_o work_v such_o signal_n and_o sensible_a miracle_n that_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n shall_v have_v find_v every_o thing_n that_o can_v supply_v its_o want_n and_o necessity_n in_o a_o mere_a cheat_n that_o even_o the_o enemy_n of_o our_o religion_n shall_v countenance_v and_o approve_v of_o our_o false_a prejudices_fw-la that_o all_o event_n shall_v so_o exact_o coincide_v with_o a_o erroneous_a imposture_n and_o that_o the_o revelation_n of_o moses_n and_o natural_a religion_n shall_v thus_o testify_v so_o palpable_a a_o fiction_n to_o this_o we_o may_v add_v the_o necessity_n and_o importance_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n since_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n lead_v we_o to_o it_o by_o so_o many_o different_a way_n as_o also_o the_o admirable_a perfection_n and_o transcendency_n of_o it_o since_o in_o a_o manner_n heaven_n and_o earth_n the_o time_n past_a and_o present_a event_n ordinary_a and_o natural_a as_o well_o as_o those_o supernatural_a and_o miraculous_a since_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n who_o be_v altogether_o unknown_a to_o one_o another_o have_v agree_v unanimous_o to_o reveal_v it_o and_o propose_v it_o to_o we_o as_o a_o object_n for_o its_o transcendent_a excellency_n worthy_a of_o our_o great_a admiration_n two_o portraiture_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o it_o be_v oppose_v to_o all_o other_o religion_n all_o these_o truth_n will_v more_o evident_o appear_v if_o we_o consider_v the_o christian_a religion_n in_o its_o opposition_n to_o all_o other_o religion_n the_o excellency_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n consist_v in_o that_o it_o have_v advantage_n which_o other_o religion_n have_v not_o and_o yet_o none_o of_o their_o fault_n i_o say_v no_o other_o religion_n have_v advantage_n equal_a to_o those_o of_o the_o christian_a religion_n for_o no_o other_o can_v boast_v of_o its_o have_v be_v confirm_v by_o ancient_a prophecy_n even_o mahomet_n think_v it_o better_a to_o oblige_v man_n to_o call_v the_o scripture_n in_o question_n than_o do_v derive_v any_o argument_n from_o it_o which_o may_v serve_v to_o confirm_v his_o mission_n as_o appear_v by_o his_o not_o boast_v that_o he_o have_v be_v precede_v by_o any_o forerunner_n who_o make_v his_o path_n straight_o there_o be_v indeed_o several_a religion_n which_o perhaps_o may_v have_v have_v their_o martyr_n but_o what_o sort_n of_o martyr_n superstitious_a man_n who_o blind_o expose_v themselves_o to_o death_n without_o know_v what_o they_o do_v like_o those_o barbarian_n who_o prostrate_v themselves_o by_o thousand_o before_o their_o idol_n that_o their_o colossus_n may_v crush_v they_o in_o piece_n with_o its_o wheel_n as_o it_o pass_v along_o but_o no_o religion_n beside_o the_o christian_a be_v ever_o confirm_v by_o the_o blood_n of_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o sensible_a understand_a martyr_n who_o voluntary_o suffer_v death_n in_o defence_n of_o what_o they_o have_v see_v who_o from_o vicious_a and_o profligate_v person_n become_v saint_n upon_o the_o confidence_n they_o have_v in_o their_o master_n and_o who_o at_o length_n be_v disperse_v in_o all_o place_n of_o the_o world_n by_o their_o death_n gain_v proselyte_n and_o make_a their_o blood_n the_o seed_n of_o the_o church_n cheerful_o suffer_v martyrdom_n have_v certain_a assurance_n of_o be_v crown_v after_o their_o death_n a_o certain_a assurance_n which_o they_o derive_v from_o what_o they_o themselves_o have_v former_o see_v we_o find_v other_o religion_n which_o pretend_v to_o be_v confirm_v and_o authorize_v by_o several_a sign_n and_o extraordinary_a event_n from_o heaven_n the_o roman_n feliâ—_n use_v to_o attribute_v to_o their_o religion_n all_o the_o advantage_n they_o get_v over_o other_o nation_n and_o the_o mahometan_n pretend_v that_o the_o great_a success_n god_n be_v please_v to_o give_v their_o prophet_n be_v so_o many_o certain_a and_o undeniable_a mark_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o religion_n but_o to_o pretend_v that_o temporal_a prosperity_n be_v a_o certain_a character_n of_o a_o true_a religion_n or_o adversity_n that_o of_o a_o false_a one_o be_v to_o suppose_v as_o we_o have_v already_o say_v else_o where_o that_o the_o most_o profligate_v wretch_n provide_v they_o be_v happy_a in_o this_o world_n be_v the_o great_a favourite_n of_o god_n but_o certain_o it_o be_v not_o prosperity_n or_o adversity_n simple_o consider_v but_o prosperity_n or_o adversity_n as_o foretell_v by_o god_n or_o his_o prophet_n that_o be_v a_o certain_a character_n of_o true_a religion_n and_o when_o we_o affirm_v that_o several_a extraordinary_a event_n bear_v witness_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n we_o mean_v only_o those_o event_n which_o have_v be_v foretell_v by_o the_o prophet_n as_o for_o instance_n the_o call_n of_o the_o gentile_n the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o establishment_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n final_o there_o may_v be_v several_a religion_n that_o may_v deceive_v but_o none_o but_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o can_v true_o satisfy_v mankind_n there_o be_v some_o religion_n ground_v upon_o fabulous_a miracle_n and_o confirm_v by_o witness_n easy_o convince_v of_o imposture_n but_o none_o but_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v firm_o and_o solid_o establish_v to_o upon_o true_a miracle_n and_o valid_a testimony_n it_o appear_v then_o that_o no_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n have_v such_o extraordinary_a qualification_n as_o the_o christian_a religion_n of_o which_o it_o must_v also_o be_v affirm_v that_o it_o be_v free_a from_o all_o such_o defect_n as_o be_v incident_a to_o other_o religion_n we_o need_v no_o deep_a
god_n but_o then_o be_v willing_a also_o to_o flatter_v man_n inclination_n to_o draw_v they_o to_o his_o side_n he_o confuse_o mix_v with_o that_o idea_n the_o carnal_a and_o gross_a notion_n the_o heathen_n have_v of_o paradise_n borrow_v from_o christianity_n such_o object_n as_o must_v necessary_o mortify_v our_o passion_n and_o assume_v those_o from_o paganism_n which_o serve_v to_o flatter_v our_o bad_a inclination_n but_o the_o christian_a religion_n keep_v no_o such_o measure_n either_o with_o policy_n or_o corruption_n policy_n complain_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n necessary_o soften_v man_n courage_n and_o that_o instead_o of_o encourage_v they_o to_o listen_v themselves_o soldier_n for_o the_o welfare_n and_o preservation_n of_o the_o state_n it_o rather_o make_v they_o lamb_n who_o can_v hardly_o be_v exasperate_v against_o their_o enemy_n who_o they_o must_v continual_o pray_v for_o and_o be_v oblige_v to_o love_v as_o themselves_o and_o as_o for_o human_a frailty_n and_o corruption_n it_o murmur_n to_o see_v itself_o impugn_a by_o the_o christian_a religion_n even_o in_o the_o disposition_n and_o most_o secret_a recess_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o that_o the_o veil_n of_o hypocrisy_n and_o the_o pious_a pretence_n and_o dissimulation_n of_o the_o soul_n under_o which_o it_o think_v to_o lie_v secure_a be_v ineffectual_a against_o it_o who_o then_o but_o god_n can_v be_v the_o author_n of_o a_o religion_n so_o equal_o contrary_a both_o to_o the_o covetous_a desire_n of_o the_o mean_a and_o the_o ambition_n of_o the_o great_a and_o so_o equal_o averse_a both_o to_o policy_n and_o corruption_n x._o other_o religion_n will_v have_v god_n shall_v bear_v the_o image_n of_o man_n and_o so_o necessary_o represent_v the_o deity_n as_o weak_a miserable_a and_o infect_v with_o all_o manner_n of_o vice_n as_o man_n be_v whereas_o the_o christian_a religion_n teach_v we_o that_o man_n ought_v to_o bear_v the_o image_n of_o god_n which_o be_v a_o motive_n to_o induce_v we_o to_o become_v perfect_a as_o we_o conceive_v god_n himself_o to_o be_v holy_a and_o perfect_a that_o religion_n then_o which_o restore_v god_n his_o glory_n and_o the_o image_n of_o god_n to_o man_n must_v necessary_o be_v of_o divine_a authority_n xi_o last_o other_o false_a religion_n be_v the_o irregular_a confuse_a production_n of_o the_o polite_a and_o able_a man_n of_o those_o time_n whereas_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v a_o wonderful_a composition_n which_o seem_v whole_o to_o proceed_v from_o the_o most_o simple_a and_o ignorant_a sort_n of_o people_n the_o heathen_n have_v often_o condemn_v the_o extravagant_a notion_n the_o vulgar_a people_n have_v frame_v to_o themselves_o of_o the_o deity_n they_o have_v blame_v the_o barbarous_a cruelty_n of_o those_o sacrifice_n which_o be_v offer_v to_o their_o god_n in_o so_o many_o place_n and_o the_o impurity_n of_o their_o mystery_n the_o falsehood_n of_o their_o oracle_n and_o the_o vanity_n and_o childishness_n of_o their_o ceremony_n cicero_n say_v in_o some_o part_n of_o his_o work_n that_o two_o augur_n can_v not_o look_v one_o another_o in_o the_o face_n without_o laughter_n and_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o extravagant_a than_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o gnostic_n who_o hold_v that_o there_o be_v invisible_a eternal_a spirit_n who_o mix_v one_o with_o the_o other_o produce_v other_o we_o all_o know_v that_o when_o philosopher_n take_v upon_o they_o to_o treat_v of_o religion_n they_o always_o exceed_v one_o another_o in_o extravagancy_n and_o no_o one_o i_o dare_v say_v be_v still_o to_o learn_v what_o be_v those_o vision_n and_o fabulous_a story_n with_o which_o the_o rabbin_n fill_v their_o tradition_n the_o catalogue_n of_o which_o will_v be_v very_o curious_a indeed_o be_v it_o not_o so_o extreme_o long_a and_o though_o we_o can_v disow_v but_o that_o the_o heathen_n the_o philosopher_n etc._n etc._n make_v several_a wonderful_a discovery_n in_o art_n and_o science_n yet_o it_o will_v appear_v that_o a_o long_a succession_n of_o very_a understand_a man_n among_o they_o be_v guilty_a of_o many_o repeat_v extravagancy_n in_o this_o respect_n and_o that_o by_o a_o prodigy_n not_o to_o be_v parallel_v do_v not_o the_o christian_a religion_n offer_v such_o another_o by_o show_v we_o a_o company_n of_o wise_a and_o learned_a man_n in_o such_o ignorant_a person_n as_o the_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n christ_n certain_o it_o be_v a_o strange_a thing_n to_o see_v the_o most_o understand_a man_n become_v the_o most_o stupid_a and_o the_o most_o ignorant_a prove_v the_o most_o understanding_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n it_o be_v a_o true_a sign_n that_o god_n design_v to_o confound_v the_o understanding_n of_o the_o wise_a and_o a_o proof_n that_o their_o religion_n be_v form_v rather_o according_a to_o the_o corrupt_a desire_n of_o their_o heart_n than_o the_o dictate_v of_o their_o understanding_n for_o have_v it_o be_v according_a to_o their_o understanding_n it_o will_v have_v be_v more_o reasonable_a in_o proportion_n to_o the_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n of_o the_o author_n of_o it_o but_o because_o it_o be_v make_v to_o soothe_v their_o corrupt_a desire_n and_o flatter_v their_o passion_n it_o be_v as_o extravagant_a and_o irregular_a as_o those_o passion_n and_o now_o let_v we_o put_v together_o all_o these_o character_n and_o ask_v the_o incredulous_a whether_o they_o can_v be_v so_o extravagant_a as_o to_o ascribe_v to_o a_o impostor_n a_o religion_n so_o perfect_a in_o its_o original_a that_o nothing_o can_v ever_o since_o be_v superad_v to_o it_o but_o what_o necessary_o lessen_v the_o perfection_n of_o it_o a_o religion_n that_o propose_v its_o mystery_n with_o such_o authority_n and_o boldness_n that_o bring_v man_n from_o sensual_a object_n to_o spiritual_a one_o that_o extirpate_v corruption_n restore_v the_o principle_n of_o righteousness_n and_o uprightness_n that_o be_v imprint_v on_o our_o soul_n that_o teach_v we_o to_o glorify_v god_n without_o any_o regard_n have_v to_o self-love_n or_o pleasure_n to_o exalt_v god_n and_o humble_a ourselves_o to_o submit_v ourselves_o to_o his_o will_n who_o be_v above_o we_o all_o and_o to_o raise_v ourselves_o above_o those_o being_n that_o he_o have_v put_v in_o subjection_n under_o we_o a_o religion_n that_o be_v contrary_a to_o policy_n and_o yet_o more_o averse_a to_o corruption_n that_o astonish_v our_o reason_n and_o yet_o give_v we_o the_o peace_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o in_o a_o word_n be_v as_o delightful_a to_o the_o one_o as_o it_o be_v comfortable_a to_o the_o other_o if_o the_o christian_a religion_n than_o have_v all_o these_o qualification_n as_o it_o certain_o have_v we_o can_v doubt_v but_o that_o it_o be_v direct_o as_o to_o these_o qualification_n opposite_a to_o all_o other_o religion_n and_o if_o it_o be_v thus_o opposite_a to_o all_o other_o religion_n it_o must_v necessary_o have_v a_o principle_n opposite_a to_o they_o so_o that_o as_o all_o other_o religion_n peculiar_o belong_v to_o the_o flesh_n the_o christian_a whole_o appertain_v to_o the_o spirit_n and_o as_o the_o former_a be_v the_o product_n of_o the_o corrupt_a desire_n and_o imagination_n of_o man_n so_o the_o latter_a must_v have_v for_o its_o principle_n the_o god_n of_o holiness_n and_o purity_n iii_o portraiture_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o it_o be_v consider_v in_o its_o effect_n we_o may_v distinguish_v four_o several_a kind_n of_o society_n in_o which_o the_o efficacy_n of_o religion_n may_v be_v acknowledge_v viz._n a_o natural_a a_o political_a a_o vicious_a and_o a_o religious_a society_n and_o first_o the_o society_n of_o nature_n be_v innocent_a and_o equitable_a in_o itself_o but_o it_o can_v stand_v out_o a_o trial_n with_o man_n irregular_a and_o disorder_a passion_n man_n will_v indeed_o be_v unite_v among_o themselves_o as_o long_a as_o they_o be_v concern_v only_o in_o indifferent_a matter_n but_o covetousness_n soon_o disunite_v they_o and_o therefore_o there_o be_v something_o want_v to_o establish_v and_o confirm_v it_o as_o for_o the_o society_n of_o corruption_n and_o vice_n it_o be_v essential_o sinful_a and_o therefore_o self-interest_n and_o man_n desire_n and_o passion_n that_o form_n it_o be_v either_o to_o be_v remove_v or_o regulate_v a_o political_a society_n be_v soon_o violate_v by_o lawsuit_n war_n and_o dissension_n all_o which_o be_v occasion_v too_o by_o the_o passion_n to_o support_v therefore_o and_o maintain_v it_o such_o principle_n of_o fidelity_n be_v to_o be_v establish_v as_o shall_v remain_v inviolable_a all_o which_o be_v best_a do_v in_o a_o society_n of_o religion_n the_o most_o perfect_a of_o they_o all_o and_o as_o it_o be_v a_o prop_n to_o the_o rest_n this_o society_n must_v be_v firm_o oppose_v to_o all_o accidental_a revolution_n must_v unite_v those_o person_n together_o who_o the_o distance_n of_o time_n and_o place_n and_o the_o disparity_n of_o interest_n will_v otherwise_o
we_o humble_a that_o fit_v itself_o to_o all_o the_o condition_n of_o life_n and_o satisfy_v all_o the_o desire_n of_o our_o heart_n in_o a_o word_n it_o be_v the_o christian_a religion_n that_o sanctify_v we_o exalt_v we_o and_o complete_v all_o our_o wish_n and_o though_o man_n and_o angel_n shall_v joint_o endeavour_v to_o contrive_v a_o more_o excellent_a one_o and_o more_o suitable_a to_o our_o want_n and_o necessity_n than_o this_o it_o be_v certain_a they_o can_v never_o accomplish_v their_o design_n vi_o portraiture_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o it_o be_v consider_v in_o the_o relation_n it_o bear_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n it_o be_v with_o the_o deity_n as_o with_o the_o sun_n which_o be_v bright_a in_o itself_o diffuse_v abroad_o its_o glory_n by_o its_o beam_n and_o imprint_n upon_o the_o cloud_n or_o water_n a_o imperfect_a image_n of_o itself_o which_o image_n though_o it_o want_v the_o full_a splendour_n of_o its_o original_a be_v yet_o pure_a agreeable_a and_o adorn_v with_o sufficient_a brightness_n and_o majesty_n the_o deity_n have_v a_o essential_a glory_n consist_v in_o its_o supereminent_a virtue_n and_o infinite_a perfection_n to_o which_o nothing_o can_v be_v superad_v and_o the_o brightness_n of_o it_o be_v more_o than_o man_n can_v bear_v this_o glory_n stream_v from_o the_o eternal_a author_n of_o all_o thing_n diffuse_v itself_o abroad_o in_o all_o his_o work_n and_o form_n out_o of_o the_o bright_a efflux_n of_o those_o beam_n which_o strike_v by_o reflection_n upon_o we_o and_o be_v unite_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n a_o image_n of_o that_o refulgent_a and_o immortal_a sun_n which_o image_n though_o it_o have_v not_o all_o it_o be_v full_a perfect_a and_o dazzle_a splendour_n be_v yet_o pure_a bright_a lively_a and_o transcendent_a and_o this_o glory_n be_v what_o we_o call_v the_o christian_a religion_n easy_o prove_v to_o be_v so_o in_o that_o it_o refer_v itself_o sole_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o be_v as_o it_o be_v a_o lively_a image_n and_o transcript_n of_o his_o perfection_n and_o our_o duty_n this_o religion_n be_v alone_o capable_a of_o undeceive_a man_n by_o remove_v those_o false_a notion_n they_o have_v so_o long_o entertain_v of_o the_o deity_n this_o alone_a discover_v the_o true_a nature_n of_o god_n remove_v all_o symbol_n type_n shadow_n material_a and_o sensible_a appearance_n under_o which_o he_o be_v worship_v all_o which_o be_v more_o proper_a to_o disguise_v than_o discover_v the_o true_a nature_n of_o the_o deity_n it_o give_v we_o some_o insight_n into_o that_o nature_n by_o assure_v we_o that_o god_n be_v invisible_a and_o remove_v he_o from_o our_o sense_n to_o make_v he_o the_o object_n of_o our_o understanding_n it_o be_v this_o religion_n alone_o that_o discover_v that_o eternal_a counsel_n of_o god_n so_o full_a of_o mercy_n and_o consolation_n to_o we_o that_o he_o send_v his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n that_o whosoever_o believe_v in_o he_o shall_v not_o perish_v but_o have_v everlasting_a life_n it_o be_v this_o alone_a that_o glorify_v god_n in_o his_o attribute_n and_o show_v distinct_o their_o infinite_a perfection_n by_o this_o alone_a we_o be_v teach_v that_o god_n govern_v all_o thing_n by_o his_o providence_n that_o he_o make_v evil_a itself_o instrumental_a to_o our_o good_a that_o by_o his_o goodness_n he_o supply_v all_o our_o necessity_n that_o our_o sin_n be_v inconsistent_a with_o his_o truth_n and_o justice_n he_o can_v consequent_o bear_v with_o they_o and_o yet_o that_o his_o mercy_n and_o compassion_n be_v without_o bound_n it_o teach_v we_o not_o only_o that_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o worship_n god_n and_o serve_v he_o but_o assure_v we_o also_o that_o this_o be_v the_o end_n of_o our_o creation_n it_o teach_v we_o to_o ask_v of_o he_o above_o all_o thing_n the_o advancement_n of_o his_o own_o glory_n and_o to_o begin_v our_o petition_n with_o this_o form_n hallow_a be_v thy_o name_n thy_o kingdom_n come_v thy_o will_v be_v do_v it_o require_v of_o we_o that_o we_o shall_v glorify_v he_o not_o only_o with_o our_o lip_n or_o bare_o by_o our_o spiritual_a song_n but_o with_o all_o our_o thought_n word_n and_o work_n it_o show_v we_o that_o there_o be_v no_o creature_n but_o what_o be_v under_o his_o providence_n no_o sin_n but_o what_o may_v fall_v under_o his_o justice_n no_o sinner_n but_o what_o may_v experience_n his_o mercy_n no_o motion_n or_o inclination_n to_o â—â—â—ty_n but_o what_o ought_v to_o be_v attribute_v to_o the_o efficacy_n of_o his_o grace_n nor_o no_o unlawful_a action_n but_o what_o will_v one_o day_n fall_v under_o his_o judgement_n it_o discover_v to_o we_o such_o miracle_n as_o glorify_v his_o infinite_a power_n such_o event_n as_o clear_o manifest_v the_o wonder_n of_o his_o providence_n such_o benefit_n as_o evince_v his_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n and_o it_o allow_v all_o his_o divine_a attribute_n a_o thing_n before_o unknown_a to_o man_n their_o just_a extent_n that_o be_v a_o extent_n without_o limit_n now_o from_o whence_o can_v proceed_v those_o idea_n we_o have_v of_o the_o eternity_n of_o god_n of_o his_o immensity_n omnipotence_n his_o infinite_a knowledge_n and_o immutability_n etc._n etc._n but_o from_o this_o divine_a religion_n no_o other_o religion_n can_v at_o once_o elevate_v both_o god_n and_o man._n it_o show_v we_o how_o admirable_o man_n be_v unite_v to_o god_n and_o god_n to_o man._n it_o alone_o induce_v we_o to_o submit_v our_o will_n to_o god_n to_o acquiesce_v without_o any_o murmur_a to_o the_o decree_n of_o his_o providence_n and_o to_o direct_v all_o our_o desire_n and_o affection_n to_o he_o as_o our_o supreme_a good_n man_n indeed_o heretofore_o endeavour_v to_o honour_v their_o deity_n by_o offer_v beast_n as_o a_o sacrifice_n but_o be_v it_o ever_o know_v before_o that_o they_o be_v to_o glorify_v god_n by_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o themselves_o and_o what_o other_o religion_n but_o this_o can_v incite_v man_n to_o offer_v such_o a_o sacrifice_n in_o which_o there_o seem_v to_o be_v so_o much_o pain_n and_o reluctance_n certain_o unless_o we_o wilful_o blind_v ourselves_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n incredible_a that_o we_o shall_v not_o perceive_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v as_o it_o be_v a_o pure_a and_o spiritual_a communion_n between_o the_o perfection_n and_o attribute_n of_o god_n which_o make_v man_n sensible_a of_o their_o effect_n and_o the_o inward_a sense_n of_o man_n heart_n which_o glorify_v god_n neither_o flesh_n and_o blood_n neither_o the_o world_n nature_n or_o education_n be_v forcible_a enough_o to_o produce_v so_o great_a and_o sublime_a a_o effect_n and_o this_o can_v be_v the_o work_n of_o none_o but_o he_o who_o perfect_o know_v the_o agreement_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o be_v certain_a that_o our_o heart_n be_v whole_o make_v for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o that_o the_o sentiment_n of_o his_o glory_n be_v to_o be_v imprint_v in_o our_o heart_n only_o by_o the_o help_n of_o religion_n vii_o portraiture_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o it_o be_v consider_v in_o its_o morality_n be_v we_o never_o so_o little_o acquaint_v with_o what_o pass_v within_o we_o we_o shall_v not_o only_o find_v that_o the_o two_o principal_a faculty_n of_o our_o soul_n the_o sensitive_a and_o intellectual_a appetite_n by_o consent_n alternate_o deceive_v one_o another_o but_o we_o shall_v also_o perceive_v that_o it_o be_v almost_o impossible_a to_o undertake_v to_o rectify_v the_o one_o without_o increase_v the_o disorder_n of_o the_o other_o if_o by_o the_o knowledge_n of_o those_o thing_n we_o be_v before_o ignorant_a of_o we_o remove_v the_o darkness_n of_o our_o understanding_n we_o usual_o then_o grow_v proud_a of_o our_o learning_n and_o if_o we_o satisfy_v our_o desire_n by_o soothe_v our_o passion_n we_o often_o cherish_v the_o most_o dangerous_a principle_n of_o error_n and_o prejudice_n that_o obscure_a the_o light_n of_o the_o understanding_n and_o it_o be_v a_o truth_n but_o too_o well_o experience_v that_o the_o knowledge_n which_o enlighten_v the_o understanding_n often_o corrupt_v the_o heart_n and_o a_o sin_n indulge_v in_o which_o satisfy_v the_o heart_n corrupt_v the_o understanding_n and_o this_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o ill_a success_n those_o man_n have_v meet_v with_o who_o endeavour_v to_o regulate_v the_o desire_n of_o man._n for_o some_o observe_v not_o the_o dictate_v of_o right_a reason_n in_o be_v too_o indulgent_a to_o their_o passion_n as_o the_o epicurean_o who_o make_v pleasure_n the_o only_a end_n of_o man_n debase_v he_o to_o a_o brute_n to_o render_v he_o more_o happy_a other_o be_v puff_v up_o with_o a_o kind_n of_o spiritual_a pride_n in_o ascribe_v the_o knowledge_n of_o too_o many_o thing_n to_o their_o reason_n such_o be_v the_o stoic_n who_o forget_v that_o they_o be_v man_n because_o they_o have_v
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
inevitable_a difficulty_n when_o join_v to_o religion_n their_o end_n be_v so_o different_a that_o they_o may_v just_o be_v allow_v to_o be_v opposite_a for_o 1._o the_o main_a design_n of_o philosophy_n be_v to_o gratify_v the_o vain_a curiosity_n of_o man_n whereas_o religion_n design_n only_o to_o mortify_v it_o 2._o the_o one_o endeavour_n to_o find_v out_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n the_o other_o profess_v a_o utter_a ignorance_n of_o they_o 3._o that_o swell_v up_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n by_o increase_a his_o knowledge_n this_o humble_v it_o by_o require_v he_o to_o submit_v his_o reason_n to_o his_o faith_n last_o philosophy_n endeavour_n to_o comprehend_v all_o thing_n whereas_o one_o of_o the_o most_o essential_a part_n of_o religion_n consist_v in_o hmble_o acknowledge_v that_o we_o comprehend_v nothing_o at_o all_o of_o the_o hide_a mystery_n of_o nature_n much_o less_o of_o those_o of_o religion_n and_o therefore_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o philosophy_n seldom_o agree_v with_o religion_n nor_o religion_n with_o philosophy_n thus_o copernicus_n and_o descartes_n doubtless_o be_v not_o well_o please_v with_o the_o description_n the_o author_n of_o genesis_n give_v we_o of_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n of_o the_o two_o great_a luminary_n of_o heaven_n of_o the_o miracle_n of_o joshuah_n who_o stop_v the_o course_n of_o the_o sun_n of_o the_o three_o heaven_n which_o st._n paul_n speak_v of_o of_o the_o new_a heaven_n and_o the_o new_a earth_n which_o sacred_a author_n make_v we_o expect_v of_o the_o conflagration_n of_o the_o heaven_n the_o dissolution_n of_o the_o element_n and_o the_o put_v out_o the_o light_n of_o the_o star_n all_o which_o sign_n be_v to_o precede_v the_o great_a and_o wonderful_a day_n of_o judgement_n i_o say_v such_o philosopher_n as_o these_o will_v perhaps_o cry_v out_o that_o these_o object_n have_v no_o relation_n to_o their_o idea_n of_o astronomy_n but_o certain_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o wonder_v at_o it_o for_o those_o holy_a writer_n intend_v to_o speak_v in_o the_o language_n of_o the_o people_n and_o not_o in_o that_o of_o the_o philosopher_n they_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o sanctify_v mankind_n and_o not_o to_o explain_v the_o mystery_n of_o nature_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v high_o necessary_a they_o shall_v accommodate_v their_o expression_n to_o the_o vulgar_a notion_n nay_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v please_v they_o shall_v use_v no_o other_o that_o so_o his_o mystery_n be_v represent_v under_o those_o vulgar_a idea_n may_v be_v suitable_a to_o every_o one_o capacity_n at_o least_o in_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o revelation_n since_o they_o can_v not_o be_v so_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n nor_o ought_v we_o to_o think_v this_o conduct_n of_o he_o extraordinary_a or_o unusual_a for_o thus_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n act_v when_o it_o be_v to_o represent_v to_o the_o ancient_n israelites_n the_o wonder_n of_o the_o gospel_n dispensation_n and_o it_o make_v use_v of_o expression_n borrow_v from_o custom_n and_o practice_n general_o receive_v among_o men._n it_o say_v that_o all_o nation_n shall_v go_v up_o to_o mount_n zion_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o altar_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n that_o in_o every_o place_n incense_n shall_v be_v offer_v unto_o god_n and_o a_o pure_a offer_n that_o the_o tabernacle_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v with_o the_o gentile_n etc._n etc._n but_o if_o it_o be_v ask_v then_o why_o the_o prophet_n foretell_v the_o call_v of_o the_o gentile_n in_o this_o familiar_a way_n it_o be_v because_o those_o be_v the_o notion_n of_o the_o people_n and_o that_o it_o be_v necessary_a they_o shall_v use_v only_a expression_n know_v and_o familiar_a to_o the_o vulgar_a since_o revelation_n itself_o will_v have_v become_v unintelligible_a without_o that_o condescend_v goodness_n of_o god_n who_o be_v wont_a to_o accommodate_v himself_o to_o the_o capacity_n of_o every_o man_n without_o exception_n for_o suppose_v that_o god_n have_v defer_v his_o reveal_n to_o we_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n the_o miracle_n of_o joshua_n the_o glory_n which_o the_o bless_a enjoy_v in_o the_o other_o world_n the_o judgement_n to_o come_v etc._n etc._n till_o all_o man_n have_v be_v make_v to_o understand_v by_o the_o principle_n of_o philosophy_n that_o the_o star_n be_v big_a than_o the_o moon_n that_o it_o be_v the_o earth_n and_o not_o the_o sun_n which_o move_v that_o the_o heaven_n be_v nothing_o but_o liquid_a space_n of_o a_o infinite_a extension_n that_o the_o sun_n be_v so_o essential_o bright_a that_o he_o can_v lose_v his_o brightness_n without_o a_o immediate_a annihilation_n of_o his_o essence_n etc._n etc._n heaven_n where_o shall_v we_o be_v and_o what_o will_v become_v of_o we_o if_o all_o man_n must_v necessary_o first_o become_v philosopher_n before_o they_o can_v learn_v to_o fear_n god_n but_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n be_v so_o wonderful_a in_o that_o he_o not_o only_a accomodate_n himself_o to_o the_o notion_n of_o every_o man_n that_o he_o may_v render_v himself_o intelligible_a to_o all_o but_o also_o in_o that_o he_o have_v at_o the_o same_o time_n take_v care_n we_o shall_v not_o be_v deceive_v in_o urge_v too_o far_o the_o literal_a sense_n of_o all_o those_o vulgar_a expression_n thus_o for_o instance_n nothing_o can_v be_v more_o insipid_a than_o the_o ridiculous_a jest_n of_o our_o incredulous_a adversary_n touch_v those_o description_n which_o the_o scripture_n give_v we_o of_o hell-fire_n and_o certain_o they_o do_v but_o expose_v themselves_o as_o often_o as_o they_o pretend_v to_o mock_v and_o despise_v religion_n for_o he_o that_o will_v true_o consider_v what_o holy_a writ_n tell_v we_o in_o that_o respect_n will_v certain_o find_v that_o it_o put_v several_a different_a image_n together_o to_o represent_v to_o we_o by_o know_v and_o familiar_a idea_n a_o object_n altogether_o unknown_a and_o set_v before_o we_o by_o all_o those_o different_a image_n such_o notion_n as_o one_o single_a idea_n be_v whole_o unable_a to_o represent_v thus_o for_o that_o end_n it_o borrow_v the_o notion_n of_o the_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n of_o sodom_n the_o sore_a affliction_n of_o the_o day_n of_o noah_n the_o judgement_n which_o god_n himself_o display_v over_o the_o nation_n in_o the_o valley_n of_o josaphat_n the_o terrible_a darkness_n spread_v over_o all_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n whilst_o at_o the_o same_o time_n the_o people_n of_o israel_n free_o enjoy_v the_o the_o light_n of_o god_n in_o the_o land_n of_o goshen_n the_o unquenchable_a fire_n and_o the_o worm_n of_o the_o valley_n of_o the_o child_n of_o hinnon_n which_o die_v not_o etc._n etc._n the_o weep_n and_o gnash_n of_o tooth_n of_o those_o child_n sacrifice_v to_o moloch_n who_o for_o that_o end_n be_v throw_v alive_a into_o the_o arm_n of_o that_o burn_a statue_n now_o it_o will_v be_v full_a as_o reasonable_a to_o carry_v on_o the_o sense_n of_o some_o of_o these_o idea_n too_o far_o as_o to_o raise_v any_o difficulty_n upon_o the_o notion_n of_o paradise_n the_o bosom_n of_o abraham_n the_o celestial_a canaan_n the_o heavenly_a jerusalem_n etc._n etc._n all_o which_o notion_n be_v particular_o design_v to_o represent_v to_o we_o the_o bliss_n that_o attend_v the_o faithful_a and_o these_o idea_n will_v be_v absolute_o false_a and_o contradictory_n if_o understand_v in_o a_o literal_a sense_n because_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o paradise_n can_v never_o be_v take_v for_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n or_o jerusalem_n for_o the_o bosom_n of_o abraham_n hence_o therefore_o it_o plain_o appear_v by_o the_o variety_n of_o all_o those_o image_n that_o they_o can_v never_o be_v take_v in_o a_o strict_a and_o literal_a sense_n and_o that_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o object_n represent_v to_o we_o after_o so_o many_o different_a way_n be_v too_o great_a and_o sublime_a to_o be_v describe_v unto_o man_n by_o any_o one_o single_a idea_n of_o this_o kind_a and_o indeed_o according_a to_o this_o notion_n it_o be_v a_o easy_a matter_n to_o answer_v a_o certain_a objection_n raise_v about_o a_o future_a judgement_n which_o at_o first_o may_v seem_v somewhat_o considerable_a and_o to_o carry_v in_o it_o some_o intricate_a difficulty_n some_o hold_n that_o the_o description_n which_o holy_a writ_n give_v we_o of_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n when_o it_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v to_o be_v precede_v by_o his_o holy_a angel_n that_o he_o will_v place_v man_n some_o on_o his_o right_a hand_n and_o other_o on_o his_o left_a etc._n etc._n i_o say_v they_o affirm_v that_o this_o description_n neither_o agree_v with_o the_o idea_n which_o we_o already_o have_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o spirit_n nor_o with_o that_o we_o shall_v entertain_v of_o so_o great_a and_o signal_n a_o event_n to_o answer_v this_o objection_n we_o be_v only_o to_o
distinguish_v the_o object_n from_o the_o manner_n after_o which_o it_o be_v represent_v to_o we_o the_o first_o indeed_o be_v very_o reasonable_a great_a and_o sublime_a worthy_a to_o take_v up_o our_o thought_n and_o able_a to_o move_v our_o heart_n and_o we_o have_v already_o sufficient_o evince_v its_o conformity_n to_o our_o reason_n in_o show_v that_o we_o either_o must_v deny_v any_o evidence_n to_o be_v in_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n and_o nature_n of_o thing_n themselves_o or_o else_o acknowledge_v a_o future_a judgement_n and_o what_o can_v be_v great_a than_o a_o object_n which_o justify_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n his_o justice_n and_o all_o his_o other_o attribute_n and_o bring_v all_o man_n under_o his_o strict_a examination_n all_o their_o action_n all_o the_o thought_n of_o the_o understanding_n and_o all_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o this_o object_n be_v that_o alone_a as_o be_v real_a and_o immutable_a as_o for_o the_o manner_n that_o be_v propose_v to_o we_o of_o its_o accomplishment_n it_o will_v never_o suit_v with_o our_o weak_a knowledge_n be_v it_o altogether_o as_o sublime_a as_o the_o object_n itself_o and_o we_o shall_v be_v so_o far_o from_o comprehend_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o that_o it_o will_v certain_o dazzle_v our_o shallow_a reason_n if_o god_n do_v exact_o represent_v it_o to_o we_o as_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o but_o christ_n have_v sufficient_o show_v we_o we_o must_v not_o push_v too_o far_o the_o signification_n of_o any_o of_o those_o expressive_a image_n in_o that_o he_o use_v such_o a_o multitude_n and_o variety_n of_o other_o to_o represent_v that_o judgement_n to_o we_o for_o sometime_o he_o describe_v it_o by_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o groom_n and_o the_o virgin_n then_o again_o by_o the_o just_a judgement_n a_o lord_n pass_v upon_o all_o his_o servant_n who_o he_o have_v in_o his_o absence_n entrust_v with_o his_o talent_n one_o while_o he_o represent_v the_o judge_n of_o all_o the_o world_n as_o a_o shepherd_n select_v his_o sheep_n from_o the_o he-goat_n another_o time_n he_o describe_v he_o under_o the_o image_n of_o a_o housholder_n pluck_v up_o the_o tare_n and_o divide_v it_o from_o the_o wheat_n that_o he_o may_v burn_v the_o former_a but_o gather_v the_o latter_a into_o his_o barn_n in_o a_o word_n he_o compare_v he_o to_o a_o glorious_a and_o triumphant_a monarch_n who_o be_v precede_v by_o several_a legion_n of_o angel_n or_o messenger_n sound_v the_o trumpet_n before_o he_o now_o all_o these_o description_n will_v certain_o be_v of_o no_o use_n be_v they_o to_o be_v take_v in_o a_o strict_a and_o literal_a sense_n the_o same_o judgement_n must_v necessary_o be_v make_v of_o the_o history_n of_o dives_n and_o lazarus_n which_o though_o it_o appear_v never_o so_o reasonable_a and_o circumstantial_o tell_v yet_o for_o all_o that_o be_v but_o a_o parable_n in_o the_o opinion_n of_o all_o the_o sensible_a part_n of_o the_o world_n and_o will_v seem_v absurd_a if_o it_o be_v understand_v in_o a_o literal_a sense_n let_v not_o then_o philosophy_n any_o long_o be_v offend_v at_o any_o of_o the_o scripture_n phrase_n or_o its_o figurative_a expression_n let_v it_o not_o object_n that_o a_o material_a fire_n proper_o so_o call_v can_v burn_v up_o our_o soul_n that_o angel_n have_v no_o mouth_n to_o sound_a trumpet_n that_o the_o valley_n of_o josaphat_n be_v too_o little_a to_o contain_v all_o mankind_n etc._n etc._n these_o be_v such_o trivial_a difficulty_n as_o can_v puzzle_v those_o who_o be_v never_o so_o little_o acquaint_v with_o the_o language_n of_o canaan_n beside_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o mixture_n man_n have_v make_v of_o philosophy_n and_o religion_n have_v be_v considerable_o prejudicial_a to_o our_o faith_n for_o first_o philosophy_n as_o it_o be_v heap_v up_o one_o speculation_n upon_o another_o tell_v we_o that_o there_o be_v a_o infinite_a extension_n of_o matter_n that_o there_o be_v other_o globe_n inhabit_v and_o people_v other_o world_n be_v frame_v of_o the_o concourse_n of_o atom_n that_o there_o be_v certain_a invio_n jable_a law_n of_o nature_n that_o there_o be_v a_o eternity_n of_o matter_n and_o several_a other_o imagination_n of_o this_o kind_n as_o have_v not_o the_o least_o relation_n with_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n and_o thereupon_o the_o passion_n which_o be_v upon_o the_o watch_n to_o catch_v and_o embrace_v every_o thing_n that_o favour_v their_o several_a pretence_n in_o resist_a faith_n authorise_v the_o small_a conjecture_n and_o give_v such_o weight_n and_o credit_n to_o those_o thing_n which_o otherwise_o will_v certain_o pass_v for_o mere_a extravagancy_n and_o thus_o it_o happen_v that_o the_o scruple_n of_o philosophy_n be_v change_v into_o certainty_n through_o our_o unreasonable_a desire_n of_o change_a certainty_n of_o religion_n into_o doubt_n second_o philosophy_n create_v in_o we_o a_o habit_n of_o endeavour_v to_o judge_v of_o every_o thing_n by_o ourselves_o only_o a_o disposition_n indeed_o absolute_o contrary_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o faith_n which_o require_v of_o we_o a_o belief_n pure_o ground_v on_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n but_o man_n be_v so_o far_o from_o rely_v upon_o it_o that_o they_o be_v continual_o ask_v demonstration_n of_o we_o and_o those_o too_o they_o will_v have_v to_o be_v geometrical_a one_o that_o be_v so_o clear_a and_o evident_a as_o to_o be_v free_a from_o all_o perplex_v obscurity_n these_o man_n make_v large_a pretension_n and_o demand_n and_o sure_o it_o be_v that_o we_o have_v sufficient_a demonstration_n but_o they_o be_v all_o demonstration_n of_o faith_n and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o faith_n but_o what_o have_v some_o obscurity_n as_o well_o as_o light_n three_o another_o very_a dangerous_a effect_n of_o philosophy_n be_v that_o it_o change_v religion_n from_o practice_n into_o speculation_n for_o the_o nice_a and_o sublime_a our_o inquiry_n be_v into_o the_o nature_n of_o mystery_n the_o more_o we_o neglect_v the_o body_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v essential_o practical_a religion_n appear_v not_o then_o to_o we_o in_o its_o usual_a brightness_n and_o majesty_n and_o the_o more_o we_o pursue_v it_o by_o nice_a speculation_n the_o far_a it_o get_v out_o of_o our_o reach_n experience_n teach_v we_o that_o the_o progress_n we_o make_v in_o reason_v set_v we_o at_o a_o great_a distance_n from_o the_o true_a centre_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v piety_n and_o that_o the_o more_o metaphysical_a it_o be_v the_o less_o able_a it_o be_v to_o satisfy_v our_o mind_n but_o rather_o raise_v scruple_n in_o the_o understanding_n whereas_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o more_o we_o practise_v religion_n the_o better_a we_o be_v acquaint_v with_o it_o because_o we_o grow_v then_o sensible_a of_o its_o divine_a efficacy_n by_o our_o own_o experience_n and_o be_v make_v to_o believe_v the_o true_a value_n of_o it_o by_o the_o impression_n it_o leave_v in_o our_o heart_n have_v religion_n indeed_o be_v pure_o design_v to_o teach_v we_o how_o to_o philosophize_v and_o argue_v about_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n it_o will_v have_v be_v sufficient_a to_o take_v the_o measure_n of_o it_o from_o a_o speculative_a knowledge_n of_o the_o understanding_n but_o since_o it_o be_v give_v we_o to_o sanctify_v our_o heart_n it_o be_v but_o reasonable_a that_o contemplation_n shall_v yield_v to_o practice_n and_o the_o inward_a sense_n we_o have_v of_o its_o divine_a efficacy_n viii_o policy_n be_v yet_o a_o far_o great_a enemy_n to_o religion_n than_o philosophy_n not_o but_o that_o it_o often_o happy_o make_v use_v of_o religion_n to_o keep_v man_n within_o the_o bound_n of_o their_o duty_n but_o it_o pretend_v to_o have_v a_o right_n of_o superiority_n over_o it_o it_o will_v have_v religion_n submit_v to_o its_o order_n whereas_o religion_n submit_v only_o to_o the_o order_n of_o god_n policy_n general_o look_v upon_o the_o great_a part_n of_o man_n as_o no_o better_a than_o slave_n to_o those_o that_o be_v in_o power_n but_o religion_n in_o spite_n of_o policy_n make_v all_o man_n equal_a and_o effectual_o remove_v all_o those_o distinction_n which_o humane_a passion_n have_v put_v between_o they_o policy_n according_a to_o the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o pride_n and_o ambition_n act_v as_o if_o the_o live_v of_o the_o mean_a sort_n of_o people_n be_v of_o no_o more_o value_n than_o those_o of_o brute_n but_o religion_n assure_v we_o that_o the_o soul_n of_o a_o peasant_n be_v as_o dear_a and_o precious_a to_o god_n as_o that_o of_o a_o monarch_n what!_o say_v the_o ambitious_a man_n must_v all_o people_n become_v my_o equal_n and_o companion_n yes_o certain_o reply_v religion_n and_o far_o happy_a than_o thou_o be_v like_a to_o be_v unless_o thou_o repente_v a_o great_a and_o mighty_a character_n indeed_o which_o true_o convince_v we_o that_o it_o sole_o spring_v from_o god_n
must_v renounce_v ourselves_o and_o beg_v of_o almighty_a god_n that_o he_o will_v enlighten_v our_o understanding_n when_o we_o perceive_v that_o such_o a_o sublime_a and_o elevate_a science_n which_o offer_v such_o noble_a and_o magnificent_a object_n to_o our_o consideration_n be_v yet_o conceive_v by_o those_o only_a that_o be_v pure_a in_o heart_n here_o then_o ought_v we_o to_o cry_v out_o what_o a_o divine_a religion_n be_v this_o which_o at_o once_o enlighten_v and_o humble_v we_o which_o amaze_v and_o yet_o clear_v our_o understanding_n which_o lead_v we_o to_o save_a knowledge_n by_o the_o free_a and_o ready_a confession_n of_o our_o own_o ignorance_n and_o take_v away_o all_o the_o imperfection_n of_o our_o understanding_n by_o make_v it_o submit_v to_o faith_n where_o be_v the_o wise_a where_o be_v the_o disputer_n of_o this_o world_n ix_o portraiture_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n or_o the_o conformity_n of_o its_o mystery_n to_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n have_v look_v into_o the_o original_a of_o all_o our_o false_a prejudices_fw-la it_o be_v now_o no_o difficult_a matter_n to_o distinguish_v religion_n from_o superstition_n and_o divinity_n from_o philosophy_n without_o such_o a_o distinction_n we_o must_v inevitable_o fall_v into_o the_o great_a difficulty_n and_o by_o it_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o demonstrate_v that_o religion_n contain_v no_o great_a difficulty_n than_o even_o nature_n itself_o thus_o the_o doctrine_n of_o predestination_n of_o grace_n and_o original_a sin_n be_v such_o unfathomable_a depth_n as_o terrify_v at_o first_o view_v the_o mind_n of_o he_o that_o endeavour_v to_o reconcile_v they_o to_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o methinks_v i_o already_o hear_v a_o multitude_n of_o doctor_n cry_v out_o against_o i_o that_o i_o ought_v not_o to_o presume_v to_o dive_v into_o thebottom_n of_o those_o profound_a mystery_n which_o confound_v their_o reason_n the_o more_o attentive_o they_o consider_v and_o reflect_v upon_o they_o but_o i_o beg_v leave_n of_o those_o worthy_a man_n to_o tell_v they_o that_o all_o those_o matter_n will_v seem_v to_o they_o less_o difficult_a than_o they_o do_v be_v they_o less_o philosopher_n than_o they_o be_v and_o i_o will_v have_v they_o always_o remember_v that_o faith_n and_o reason_n divinity_n and_o philosophy_n be_v essential_o distinct_a one_o from_o the_o other_o in_o as_o much_o as_o the_o former_a bare_o perceive_v the_o object_n itself_o without_o endeavour_v to_o search_v into_o the_o manner_n of_o it_o and_o consist_v in_o that_o submission_n which_o prevent_v its_o further_a inquiry_n pride_n and_o rashness_n be_v contrary_a to_o it_o whereas_o the_o latter_a continual_o endeavour_n to_o know_v both_o the_o thing_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o they_o together_o with_o the_o physical_a cause_n of_o they_o have_v no_o great_a enemy_n than_o ignorance_n to_o oppose_v its_o progress_n according_o a_o divine_a aught_o only_o to_o inquire_v whether_o there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o grace_n predestination_n original_a sin_n etc._n etc._n but_o a_o philosopher_n not_o satisfied-with_a a_o bare_a knowledge_n of_o it_o will_v yet_o further_o inquire_v what_o be_v the_o order_n of_o the_o immutable_a decree_n of_o god_n after_o what_o manner_n grace_n determine_v our_o free_a will_n and_o by_o what_o mean_v original_a sin_n be_v transmit_v from_o the_o first_o man_n to_o his_o posterity_n the_o apostle_n who_o be_v the_o true_a and_o indeed_o only_a divine_n that_o confine_v themselves_o within_o the_o due_a limit_n of_o divinity_n have_v very_o large_o instruct_v we_o in_o all_o those_o object_n by_o full_o demonstrate_v the_o truth_n and_o necessity_n of_o they_o yet_o have_v not_o let_v fall_v the_o least_o word_n that_o can_v give_v we_o a_o insight_n into_o the_o manner_n of_o they_o but_o the_o succeed_a christian_n apply_v themselves_o to_o the_o study_n of_o the_o platonic_a and_o aristotelian_a philosophy_n real_o think_v the_o knowledge_n of_o salvation_n a_o science_n as_o well_o as_o the_o rest_n and_o thereupon_o frame_v to_o themselves_o many_o fruitless_a and_o unprofitable_a speculative_a system_n which_o in_o many_o place_n be_v repugnant_a to_o piety_n and_o perplex_v our_o divine_a religion_n with_o several_a humane_a difficulty_n it_o will_v be_v injurious_a to_o imagine_v that_o st._n paul_n in_o his_o large_a discourse_n about_o the_o doctrine_n of_o predestination_n aim_v at_o nothing_o else_o but_o to_o gratify_v the_o vain_a curiosity_n of_o those_o he_o address_v himself_o to_o all_o that_o he_o there_o say_v though_o seem_o speculative_a be_v in_o reality_n practical_a the_o question_n be_v whether_o the_o distinction_n that_o be_v between_o the_o jew_n and_o gtntile_n be_v not_o whole_o take_v away_o and_o if_o so_o whether_o the_o gentile_n be_v not_o to_o make_v up_o one_o and_o the_o same_o body_n with_o the_o beliving_a jew_n those_o of_o the_o circumcision_n be_v accustom_v to_o look_v upon_o the_o heathen_n as_o a_o people_n that_o be_v curse_v can_v not_o easy_o imagine_v that_o they_o shall_v ever_o enjoy_v the_o same_o privilege_n with_o they_o but_o st._n paul_n the_o apostle_n of_o the_o gentile_n endeavour_n to_o confute_v this_o prejudice_n of_o they_o and_o to_o that_o purpose_n he_o show_v they_o that_o god_n be_v the_o god_n of_o all_o man_n that_o he_o suffer_v that_o all_o man_n shall_v sin_n that_o he_o may_v thereby_o extend_v his_o grace_n to_o all_o that_o the_o choice_n he_o make_v of_o the_o jew_n for_o his_o peculiar_a people_n be_v a_o free_a and_o liberal_a election_n that_o it_o be_v by_o by_o faith_n alone_o and_o not_o by_o work_n that_o the_o patriarch_n be_v acceptable_a to_o he_o that_o his_o mercy_n be_v not_o entail_v upon_o the_o posterity_n of_o the_o patriarch_n that_o the_o circumcision_n of_o the_o flesh_n be_v not_o the_o reason_n of_o their_o acceptance_n with_o god_n that_o the_o law_n of_o itself_o can_v not_o have_v that_o effect_n that_o it_o be_v not_o for_o the_o good_a work_n of_o jacob_n that_o his_o posterity_n be_v prefer_v before_o that_o of_o esau_n for_o whilst_o the_o child_n be_v yet_o in_o their_o mother_n womb_n and_o have_v do_v neither_o good_a nor_o evil_a it_o be_v tell_v rebekah_n consult_v the_o divine_a oracle_n about_o they_o that_o the_o elder_a shall_v serve_v the_o young_a now_o the_o reflection_n to_o be_v make_v upon_o this_o doctrine_n of_o st._n paul_n be_v these_o 1._o that_o the_o absolute_a necessity_n there_o be_v then_o to_o treat_v of_o those_o matter_n and_o the_o urgent_a occasion_n that_o oblige_v the_o apostle_n to_o speak_v of_o they_o be_v now_o whole_o at_o a_o end_n for_o there_o be_v none_o among_o the_o christian_n that_o either_o call_v or_o aught_o to_o call_v in_o question_n the_o election_n of_o those_o gentile_n who_o sincere_o believe_v the_o gospel_n so_o that_o if_o we_o happen_v now_o adays_o to_o be_v engage_v in_o any_o eager_a dispute_n about_o those_o matter_n it_o be_v mere_o out_o of_o a_o principle_n of_o vanity_n or_o obstinacy_n or_o a_o rash_a and_o impious_a curiosity_n every_o thing_n be_v practical_a in_o st_n paul_n discourse_n of_o predestination_n whereas_o those_o be_v whole_o speculative_a that_o be_v in_o these_o latter_a day_n compose_v about_o it_o st._n paul_n have_v no_o other_o design_n but_o to_o create_v peace_n and_o charity_n between_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n by_o show_v they_o that_o they_o be_v both_o the_o object_n of_o the_o divine_a election_n but_o now_o this_o doctrine_n be_v change_v into_o speculation_n and_o philosophy_n and_o have_v no_o other_o use_n but_o to_o create_v scandalous_a division_n in_o christian_a society_n 2._o the_o best_a and_o sure_a method_n in_o this_o case_n be_v to_o imitate_v the_o modesty_n of_o st._n paul_n who_o bare_o assert_v the_o thing_n take_v great_a care_v not_o to_o search_v into_o the_o manner_n of_o it_o he_o only_o speak_v of_o election_n in_o general_n and_o when_o his_o curious_a and_o impertinent_a reason_n go_v about_o to_o examine_v the_o performance_n of_o it_o he_o only_o cry_v out_o o_o the_o depth_n of_o the_o riches_n etc._n etc._n it_o must_v be_v confess_v st._n paul_n have_v as_o much_o wit_n as_o any_o modern_a divine_n can_v pretend_v to_o and_o so_o can_v have_v frame_v as_o probable_a system_n of_o the_o consent_n and_o harmony_n of_o the_o decree_n of_o god_n or_o have_v find_v out_o either_o in_o the_o ill_a use_n we_o make_v of_o our_o free_a will_n or_o in_o the_o spring_n of_o our_o soul_n wherewith_o to_o solve_v these_o difficulty_n yet_o he_o never_o attempt_v it_o and_o the_o reason_n be_v he_o be_v a_o true_a divine_a and_o not_o a_o mere_a philosopher_n and_o know_v very_o well_o that_o the_o most_o essential_a part_n of_o faith_n consist_v in_o humble_o cast_v down_o our_o eye_n before_o the_o dark_a side_n of_o the_o mystery_n 3._o but_o because_o we_o be_v
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
account_n perhaps_o we_o shall_v not_o think_v it_o at_o all_o hard_a to_o conceive_v if_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v be_v please_v to_o reveal_v its_o nature_n a_o little_a more_o clear_o to_o we_o but_o such_o be_v the_o wonderful_a conduct_n of_o god_n who_o be_v resolve_v to_o humble_v we_o and_o not_o to_o satisfy_v our_o vain_a curiosity_n nor_o indulge_v the_o pride_n of_o our_o understanding_n which_o be_v too_o greedy_a of_o knowledge_n 4_o thly_a because_o we_o be_v not_o whole_o destitute_a of_o image_n there_o be_v several_a capable_a to_o illustrate_v that_o object_n though_o never_o so_o incomprehensible_a in_o itself_o thus_o for_o instance_n the_o same_o soul_n be_v a_o understanding_n as_o it_o perceive_v a_o will_n as_o it_o have_v a_o desire_n and_o a_o memory_n as_o it_o recall_v the_o thing_n pass_v to_o the_o mind_n all_o which_o three_o faculty_n be_v comprehend_v in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o understanding_n in_o like_a manner_n also_o the_o same_o light_n be_v in_o the_o heaven_n a_o sun_n in_o the_o air_n brightness_n and_o in_o the_o cloud_n a_o false_a sun_n 5_o thly_a to_o all_o this_o we_o may_v yet_o further_o add_v that_o the_o great_a difficulty_n of_o this_o mystery_n proceed_v from_o those_o speculation_n in_o which_o school_n divinity_n have_v involve_v it_o to_o the_o great_a scandal_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o eternal_a confusion_n of_o our_o reason_n for_o who_o can_v endure_v the_o liberty_n those_o metaphysical_a divine_n have_v take_v in_o pretend_v to_o form_n and_o decide_v ridiculous_a rash_a and_o impious_a question_n concern_v that_o great_a mystery_n of_o our_o religion_n can_v we_o think_v any_o reasonable_a man_n can_v read_v all_o their_o impertinent_a question_n without_o indignation_n as_o whether_o several_a divine_a person_n can_v take_v but_o one_o and_o the_o same_o person_n whether_o the_o word_n can_v have_v take_v upon_o he_o in_o a_o hypostatical_a union_n the_o form_n of_o a_o angel_n of_o a_o beast_n of_o a_o woman_n of_o a_o insensible_a be_v of_o a_o accident_n of_o a_o act_n of_o sin_n of_o a_o devil_n so_o that_o if_o these_o proposition_n be_v true_a god_n be_v a_o sin_n a_o etc._n etc._n whether_o the_o word_n have_v take_v the_o soul_n in_o a_o hypostatical_a union_n rather_o than_o the_o body_n or_o the_o body_n rather_o than_o the_o soul_n whether_o if_o man_n have_v not_o sin_v the_o word_n will_v not_o have_v take_v our_o flesh_n upon_o he_o whether_o humane_a nature_n be_v first_o unite_v to_o the_o essence_n or_o the_o person_n whether_o the_o humane_a nature_n be_v unite_v to_o the_o divine_a by_o several_a union_n whether_o a_o divine_a person_n may_v take_v upon_o itself_o the_o form_n of_o a_o create_a person_n whether_o humanity_n be_v unite_v to_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n by_o way_n of_o accident_n or_o of_o substance_n whether_o the_o humane_a and_o the_o divine_a nature_n be_v a_o part_n of_o christ_n and_o whether_o christ_n be_v two_o several_a thing_n whether_o christ_n be_v of_o a_o create_v or_o uncreate_v unity_n how_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v he_o do_v not_o take_v upon_o he_o the_o very_a individual_a nature_n of_o adam_n whether_o this_o proposition_n christ_n be_v man_n be_v true_a during_o those_o three_o day_n he_o remain_v in_o the_o grave_a last_o whether_o christ_n shall_v have_v die_v of_o old_a age_n have_v he_o not_o be_v crucify_v in_o his_o youth_n etc._n etc._n these_o be_v the_o only_a difficulty_n that_o occur_v in_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o for_o the_o rest_n it_o be_v so_o essential_o so_o visible_o and_o so_o necessary_o agreeable_a to_o reason_n that_o we_o can_v but_o wonder_v that_o our_o incredulous_a adversary_n have_v not_o yet_o perceive_v it_o this_o we_o have_v already_o sufficient_o prove_v in_o several_a place_n of_o this_o work_n and_o we_o can_v well_o insist_v further_o upon_o it_o without_o repeat_v again_o what_o have_v be_v already_o say_v it_o be_v sufficient_a therefore_o to_o observe_v that_o christ_n be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o nature_n society_n and_o religion_n he_o be_v the_o light_n enlighten_v every_o thing_n without_o which_o we_o shall_v fall_v into_o infinite_a trouble_n and_o perplexity_n christ_n be_v the_o centre_n of_o all_o event_n which_o seem_o relate_v to_o his_o come_n he_o be_v the_o centre_n of_o truth_n which_o be_v the_o more_o clear_o reveal_v the_o near_o we_o approach_v he_o the_o centre_n of_o all_o the_o moysaicall_a ceremony_n which_o be_v mere_a extravagance_n in_o themselves_o if_o they_o relate_v not_o to_o he_o the_o centre_n of_o all_o virtue_n which_o have_v no_o sufficient_a force_n or_o motive_n able_a to_o induce_v we_o to_o practice_v they_o but_o by_o the_o consideration_n of_o life_n and_o immortality_n reveal_v to_o we_o in_o christ_n the_o centre_n and_o foundation_n of_o the_o inviolable_a rule_n of_o conscience_n which_o will_v be_v nothing_o else_o but_o error_n and_o illusion_n if_o the_o christian_a faith_n be_v a_o fable_n the_o centre_n of_o all_o those_o character_n of_o wisdom_n visible_o diplay_v in_o all_o the_o work_n of_o god_n since_o nothing_o but_o the_o christian_a religion_n can_v lead_v man_n to_o the_o true_a end_n of_o his_o creation_n none_o but_o that_o can_v justify_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n the_o centre_n of_o all_o the_o hope_n of_o man_n for_o what_o be_v there_o that_o he_o can_v hope_v for_o if_o christianity_n be_v a_o lie_n the_o centre_n of_o all_o the_o evidence_n and_o certainty_n that_o be_v in_o our_o knowledge_n for_o what_o be_v there_o that_o we_o can_v be_v certain_a of_o if_o our_o soul_n be_v only_o a_o disposition_n of_o atom_n and_o have_v no_o such_o spirituality_n and_o immortality_n as_o that_o impute_a to_o it_o by_o the_o christian_a religion_n there_o need_v have_v be_v only_o a_o different_a configuration_n of_o part_n to_o form_v first_o notion_n quite_o contrary_a to_o those_o we_o now_o have_v let_v any_o one_o therefore_o close_o consider_v the_o matter_n and_o it_o will_v appear_v to_o he_o that_o if_o we_o deny_v christ_n who_o teach_v to_o know_v our_o own_o self_n in_o reveal_v to_o we_o life_n and_o immortality_n no_o salvation_n can_v be_v expect_v either_o for_o reason_n or_o conscience_n x_o portraiture_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n or_o the_o proportion_n it_o bear_v to_o the_o jewish_a religion_n there_o be_v nothing_o true_a than_o that_o the_o jewish_a religion_n be_v great_a noble_a and_o divine_a and_o we_o can_v reflect_v on_o the_o greatness_n of_o its_o miracle_n the_o sublimity_n of_o its_o morality_n the_o purity_n of_o its_o doctrine_n the_o holiness_n of_o its_o precept_n and_o the_o completion_n of_o its_o prophecy_n without_o immediate_o acknowledge_v it_o to_o be_v stamp_v with_o divine_a character_n but_o yet_o we_o shall_v find_v it_o altogether_o defective_a if_o we_o separate_v it_o from_o christianity_n since_o its_o essence_n consist_v in_o its_o relation_n to_o that_o we_o can_v conceive_v without_o it_o how_o god_n can_v be_v the_o god_n of_o one_o nation_n and_o yet_o not_o be_v that_o too_o of_o other_o nation_n also_o that_o the_o deity_n shall_v be_v contain_v in_o a_o material_a ark_n and_o be_v the_o father_n of_o spirit_n shall_v so_o careful_o seek_v after_o a_o external_a and_o corporeal_a purity_n that_o unwilling_a to_o satisfy_v his_o justice_n he_o shall_v require_v sacrifice_n of_o man_n or_o if_o willing_a to_o be_v appease_v by_o offering_n and_o oblation_n he_o shall_v demand_v such_o mean_a one_o of_o they_o which_o be_v unworthy_a the_o majesty_n of_o his_o godhead_n that_o god_n who_o make_v heaven_n and_o earth_n shall_v dwell_v in_o a_o temple_n make_v with_o hand_n or_o that_o he_o who_o create_v all_o thing_n visible_a and_o invisible_a shall_v take_v pleasure_n in_o a_o external_a pomp_n that_o he_o who_o make_v the_o smell_a which_o he_o want_v not_o himself_o shall_v delight_v in_o the_o smell_n of_o incense_n or_o that_o his_o voice_n proper_o so_o call_v shall_v be_v hear_v to_o which_o thunder_n itself_o scarce_o bear_v the_o resemblance_n of_o a_o echo_n i_o say_v we_o can_v never_o conceive_v any_o of_o these_o thing_n without_o the_o help_n of_o christian_a religion_n for_o who_o can_v reconcile_v the_o wisdom_n see_v in_o the_o religion_n of_o moses_n with_o the_o imperfection_n discoverable_a in_o it_o how_o can_v that_o lawgiver_n prove_v so_o contrary_a to_o himself_o and_o how_o can_v so_o many_o character_n of_o divinity_n be_v attend_v with_o so_o many_o seem_o superstitious_a custom_n and_o trivial_a ceremony_n consult_v but_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o you_o will_v then_o no_o long_o wonder_v at_o it_o there_o you_o will_v find_v both_o the_o reason_n and_o wisdom_n of_o every_o thing_n that_o surprise_v you_o in_o the_o old_a covenant_n all_o the_o custom_n contain_v in_o the_o
heart_n which_o can_v never_o be_v true_o satisfy_v with_o any_o object_n we_o see_v seek_v after_o god_n as_o a_o supreme_a good_a which_o contain_v in_o it_o all_o other_o advantage_n it_o be_v a_o thing_n before_o unheard_a of_o that_o a_o man_n must_v satisfy_v the_o desire_n of_o his_o heart_n by_o glorify_v god_n to_o give_v ourselves_o up_o to_o godby_n renounce_v ourselves_o and_o to_o renounce_v ourselves_o to_o dedicate_v ourselves_o whole_o to_o god_n be_v mere_a paradox_n yet_o such_o the_o christian_a religion_n plain_o demonstrate_v to_o be_v true_a by_o supply_v the_o defect_n of_o mankind_n and_o restore_v natural_a religion_n and_o now_o reflect_v upon_o those_o eleven_o different_a portraiture_n or_o character_n which_o we_o have_v thus_o offer_v to_o your_o consideration_n observe_v that_o our_o own_o imagination_n have_v no_o share_n in_o the_o product_n of_o natural_a religion_n of_o the_o revelation_n of_o moses_n of_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n of_o the_o morality_n of_o christ_n of_o its_o doctrine_n its_o end_n and_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o of_o the_o testimony_n give_v in_o favour_n of_o it_o of_o its_o relation_n to_o the_o great_a end_n of_o man_n creation_n the_o glory_n of_o god_n consider_v that_o all_o those_o representation_n depend_v not_o upon_o any_o of_o our_o foolish_a fancy_n or_o fantastical_a whimsy_n of_o the_o incredulous_a and_o that_o although_o we_o shall_v not_o understand_v the_o original_a of_o the_o christian_a religion_n yet_o we_o ought_v to_o refer_v it_o to_o a_o celestial_a principle_n since_o we_o have_v discover_v that_o it_o be_v qualify_v and_o adorn_v with_o so_o many_o character_n of_o divinity_n what_o then_o shall_v we_o say_v when_o we_o reflect_v that_o we_o have_v it_o by_o a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n that_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o martyr_n suffer_v death_n to_o confirm_v it_o that_o the_o event_n and_o miracle_n perform_v in_o the_o world_n teach_v it_o we_o that_o many_o undeniable_a matter_n of_o fact_n convince_v we_o of_o it_o that_o the_o prophet_n declare_v it_o and_o the_o devil_n themselves_o silent_o own_v it_o what_o can_v we_o say_v now_o that_o we_o be_v surround_v on_o all_o side_n with_o light_n with_o the_o light_n of_o the_o sense_n the_o light_n of_o reason_n the_o light_n of_o prophecy_n and_o the_o evidence_n of_o their_o accomplishment_n the_o light_n of_o knowledge_n the_o light_n of_o inward_a sense_n the_o light_n of_o experience_n the_o light_n of_o testimony_n the_o light_n of_o matter_n of_o fact_n the_o light_n of_o doctrine_n the_o light_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o the_o light_n of_o the_o understanding_n we_o shall_v certain_o own_o that_o it_o be_v the_o work_n of_o god_n and_o earnest_o beseech_v he_o who_o grant_v we_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o holy_a religion_n that_o he_o will_v be_v please_v both_o to_o defend_v it_o against_o the_o false_a subtlety_n of_o its_o secret_a and_o open_a enemy_n and_o deep_o imprint_v it_o in_o our_o heart_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o his_o glory_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o our_o own_o soul_n amen_n finis_fw-la errata_fw-la occasion_v by_o the_o translator_n absence_n from_o the_o press_n page_n 15._o l._n 36._o r._n ministry_n p._n 39_o l._n 6._o r._n not_o now_o p._n 44._o l._n 23._o r._n epistle_n p._n 71._o l._n 6._o r._n of_o the_o p._n 81._o l._n 32._o r._n throughout_o the_o p._n 90._o l._n 3._o r._n series_n p._n 93_o l._n 23._o for_o the_o r._n he_o p._n 116._o l._n 28._o r._n any_o one_o p._n 130._o l._n 14._o for_o write_n r._n witness_n p._n 139._o l._n 7._o r._n ascend_v p._n 137._o l._n 6._o r._n contemn_v p._n 162._o l._n 28._o r._n imply_v p._n 202._o l._n 19_o r._n state_n p._n 307._o l._n 22._o for_o do_v r._n to_o p._n 312._o l._n 28._o r._n far_o from_o p_o 315._o l._n 9_o r._n even_o p._n 339._o l._n 15._o r._n mortal_a but_o p._n 391._o l._n 31._o for_o have_v r._n be_v p._n 405._o l._n 33._o delâ—_n be_v tertullian_n in_o his_o apolog._n origen_n contra_fw-la cell_n lib._n 16._o mat._n 26._o 39_o mat._n 11._o 19_o mark_v 13._o 2._o john_n 21._o 22._o joseph_n de_fw-fr bello_fw-la judaico_fw-la lib._n 3._o cap._n 14._o 7_o 12._o sueton._n in_o vitâ—_n claud._n tacit._n lib._n 5._o histor_n cap._n 13._o plutarch_n in_o the_o life_n of_o romulus_n mâ—l_n 4._o 2._o luke_n 1._o 78._o gem._n tract_n san._n cap._n 11._o gem._n tract_n san._n lib._n 12._o gem._n tract_n san._n cap_n 11._o tertul._n apolog._n 5._o see_v a_o discourse_n concern_v universal_a history_n by_o the_o bishop_n of_o meaux_n see_v minâ—t_n feliâ—_n juvenal_n 〈…〉_z 58._o 5._o â—_o king_n â—8_o 28._o
preach_v a_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n ii_o will_v you_o know_v the_o time_n it_o be_v in_o the_o space_n of_o three_o year_n that_o the_o miracle_n of_o jesus_n christ_n his_o death_n resurrection_n and_o ascension_n be_v bring_v to_o pass_v and_o a_o few_o week_n after_o the_o ascension_n the_o apostle_n begin_v to_o preach_v public_o in_o jerusalem_n iii_o will_v you_o know_v the_o witness_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o matter_n of_o fact_n we_o can_v produce_v a_o great_a number_n of_o person_n who_o both_o live_v and_o converse_v with_o jesus_n christ_n himself_o iv._o will_v you_o fain_o know_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n here_o attest_v we_o show_v you_o that_o they_o be_v very_o evident_a and_o singular_a one_o that_o the_o sick_a be_v heal_v the_o wind_n and_o sea_n hush_v the_o dead_a raise_v a_o man_n put_v to_o death_n who_o converse_v with_o his_o disciple_n and_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n etc._n etc._n v._o if_o you_o will_v know_v their_o number_n we_o can_v show_v that_o the_o whole_a life_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v but_o one_o continual_a series_n of_o miracle_n vi_o last_o will_v you_o know_v the_o proof_n of_o all_o this_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o boast_v of_o have_v receive_v miraculous_a gift_n and_o that_o too_o by_o a_o good_a title_n as_o we_o shall_v show_v in_o the_o sequel_n of_o this_o work_n in_o the_o interim_n do_v but_o unite_v all_o these_o circumstance_n together_o and_o see_v what_o a_o irresistible_a evidence_n arise_v from_o their_o union_n how_o can_v the_o apostle_n persuade_v so_o many_o person_n concern_v in_o this_o thing_n so_o many_o that_o have_v both_o know_v and_o see_v jesus_n christ_n will_v they_o not_o soon_o have_v lose_v all_o credit_n if_o search_n have_v be_v make_v into_o the_o place_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o they_o affirm_v strict_o examine_v or_o rather_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o whilst_o they_o venture_v to_o publish_v such_o thing_n in_o the_o very_a place_n where_o they_o must_v necessary_o have_v be_v bring_v to_o pass_v the_o jew_n shall_v not_o have_v stop_v the_o progress_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o discover_v to_o the_o world_n so_o visible_a and_o evident_a a_o imposture_n for_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o publish_v only_o one_o single_a matter_n of_o fact_n of_o this_o nature_n they_o affirm_v also_o that_o their_o master_n have_v raise_v lazarus_n from_o the_o dead_a together_o with_o the_o son_n of_o the_o widow_n of_o naim_n and_o the_o daughter_n of_o jairus_n that_o he_o have_v heal_v almost_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o people_n possess_v with_o the_o devil_n deaf_a blind_a and_o sick_a of_o the_o palsy_n and_o that_o his_o fame_n have_v spread_v throughout_o all_o syria_n nor_o be_v the_o apostle_n content_v bare_o to_o preach_v all_o these_o thing_n they_o put_v they_o also_o down_o in_o writing_n and_o their_o write_n be_v disperse_v throughout_o all_o the_o world_n therefore_o they_o hide_v not_o themselves_o but_o be_v willing_a every_o one_o shall_v know_v the_o certainty_n of_o what_o they_o testify_v and_o examine_v as_o much_o as_o they_o please_v the_o matter_n of_o fact_n they_o relate_v they_o give_v they_o out_o to_o the_o world_n and_o expose_v they_o to_o be_v search_v all_o manner_n of_o way_n but_o suppose_v i_o shall_v grant_v those_o book_n to_o be_v write_v forty_o fifty_o or_o sixty_o year_n after_o the_o death_n of_o jesus_n christ_n still_o be_v it_o evident_a that_o before_o that_o time_n there_o be_v a_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n found_v by_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o apostle_n have_v declare_v by_o word_n of_o mouth_n the_o miracle_n and_o resurrection_n of_o jesus_n christ_n which_o be_v the_o essential_a matter_n of_o fact_n contain_v in_o those_o book_n for_o how_o can_v they_o otherwise_o persuade_v the_o world_n to_o worship_v a_o crucify_a man_n or_o convince_v they_o that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o true_a messiah_n how_o be_v it_o possible_a the_o christian_n shall_v look_v upon_o that_o book_n as_o divine_a which_o go_v upon_o a_o supposition_n of_o what_o be_v never_o do_v by_o what_o kind_n of_o agreement_n shall_v four_z person_n who_o write_v in_o different_a time_n and_o place_n and_o copy_v not_o one_o another_o write_n as_o be_v plain_a if_o we_o read_v they_o over_o with_o never_o so_o little_a attention_n and_o consider_v their_o different_a manner_n of_o relate_v the_o same_o thing_n i_o say_v by_o what_o kind_n of_o agreement_n shall_v they_o have_v conspire_v to_o inform_v we_o of_o the_o same_o matter_n of_o fact_n if_o the_o apostle_n have_v not_o first_o of_o all_o unanimous_o and_o universal_o publish_v they_o how_o can_v the_o apostle_n have_v persuade_v man_n to_o turn_v christian_n have_v they_o not_o declare_v the_o miracle_n resurrection_n and_o ascension_n of_o jesus_n christ_n since_o christianity_n can_v subsist_v without_o these_o matter_n of_o fact_n thus_o we_o see_v it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n for_o impostor_n to_o disguise_v themselves_o for_o all_o their_o shift_n and_o trick_n serve_v only_o to_o discover_v they_o chap._n v._n where_o we_o shall_v more_o particular_o examine_v whether_o the_o apostle_n have_v the_o power_n or_o the_o will_n to_o deceive_v mankind_n those_o man_n who_o have_v a_o design_n to_o deceive_v the_o world_n must_v have_v more_o skill_n wit_n and_o cunning_a than_o other_o which_o skill_n wit_n and_o cunning_a will_v appear_v in_o their_o work_n in_o spite_n of_o all_o their_o art_n and_o subtlety_n but_o when_o i_o strict_o examine_v those_o author_n who_o we_o call_v sacred_a i_o neither_o find_v cunning_a wit_n nor_o affectation_n in_o their_o book_n every_o thing_n they_o contain_v seem_v to_o i_o very_o simple_a naked_a and_o open_a they_o all_o exact_o relate_v their_o own_o weakness_n and_o imperfection_n they_o do_v not_o conceal_v their_o true_a birth_n and_o extraction_n they_o discover_v their_o ambition_n in_o their_o controversy_n who_o among_o they_o shall_v be_v the_o great_a in_o the_o flourish_a kingdom_n of_o the_o messiah_n their_o gross_a ignorance_n in_o the_o question_n they_o ask_v their_o master_n and_o one_o another_o viz._n what_o mean_v this_o to_o rise_v again_o from_o the_o dead_a their_o cowardice_n in_o betake_v themselves_o to_o flight_n at_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o soldier_n that_o come_v to_o take_v away_o their_o master_n and_o their_o incredulity_n in_o those_o scruple_n they_o raise_v concern_v his_o resurrection_n all_o these_o thing_n plain_o discover_v the_o great_a sincerity_n and_o impartiality_n but_o yet_o there_o arise_v here_o a_o certain_a scruple_n which_o seem_v not_o altogether_o inconsiderable_a and_o may_v deserve_v a_o little_a consideration_n who_o know_v perhaps_o some_o will_v object_v but_o that_o this_o be_v a_o affect_a sincerity_n which_o prepossess_v our_o mind_n in_o their_o behalf_n only_o to_o deceive_v we_o the_o more_o secure_o in_o order_n to_o overthrow_v this_o notion_n i_o shall_v not_o assert_v that_o the_o writer_n we_o speak_v of_o be_v original_o fisherman_n and_o publican_n and_o that_o it_o will_v seem_v very_o strange_a that_o man_n of_o that_o birth_n and_o education_n shall_v affect_v simplicity_n and_o be_v capable_a of_o so_o refine_a apiece_o of_o policy_n of_o which_o there_o can_v hardly_o be_v give_v a_o example_n among_o the_o most_o able_a politician_n that_o ever_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o deceive_v mankind_n neither_o shall_v i_o say_v that_o since_o the_o four_o evangelist_n compose_v their_o write_n apart_o it_o will_v be_v very_o surprise_v that_o they_o shall_v all_o concur_v in_o the_o design_n of_o impose_v upon_o the_o credulity_n of_o man_n by_o write_v after_o so_o simple_a and_o ingenuous_a a_o manner_n and_o that_o they_o shall_v not_o only_o be_v entire_o conformable_a to_o one_o another_o in_o this_o respect_n but_o also_o shall_v agree_v with_o the_o other_o writer_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o observe_v that_o they_o sometime_o relate_v such_o thing_n as_o at_o first_o view_n suggest_v those_o notion_n in_o we_o which_o piety_n utter_o reject_v and_o incredulity_n make_v use_v of_o to_o oppose_v the_o christian_a religion_n by_o attacking_z its_o divine_a head_n this_o they_o will_v never_o have_v do_v have_v they_o only_o affect_v a_o ingenuous_a simplicity_n thus_o it_o be_v ask_v why_o jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v subject_a to_o his_o holy_a and_o ever_o bless_a mother_n according_a to_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o evangelist_n shall_v make_v she_o this_o answer_n which_o be_v some_o what_o rough_a and_o severe_a woman_n what_o have_v i_o to_o do_v with_o thou_o my_o hour_n be_v not_o yet_o come_v thus_o julian_n the_o apostate_n celsus_n porphirius_fw-la and_o other_o enemy_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n stick_v not_o to_o say_v that_o jesus_n christ_n give_v
some_o mark_n of_o his_o weakness_n in_o the_o garden_n of_o gethsemane_n where_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n make_v he_o sweat_v great_a drop_n of_o blood_n and_o where_o he_o cry_v out_o several_a time_n o_o my_o father_n if_o it_o be_v possible_a let_v 39_o this_o cup_n pass_v from_o i_o they_o also_o pretend_v that_o this_o exclamation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n when_o nail_v on_o the_o cross_n my_o god_n my_o god_n why_o have_v thou_o forsake_v i_o be_v a_o expression_n of_o his_o despair_n i_o know_v not_o here_o what_o to_o admire_v most_o either_o the_o impudence_n of_o these_o proud_a enemy_n of_o our_o religion_n or_o the_o force_n of_o truth_n which_o still_o become_v strong_a the_o more_o they_o endeavour_v to_o shake_v it_o for_o as_o for_o the_o first_o if_o the_o enemy_n of_o the_o christian_n wont_v believe_v the_o report_n of_o the_o evangelist_n how_o come_v they_o to_o know_v that_o jesus_n christ_n utter_v these_o word_n which_o give_v they_o occasion_n to_o think_v he_o want_v constancy_n but_o if_o they_o will_v believe_v the_o report_n of_o the_o evangelist_n why_o shall_v they_o refuse_v to_o believe_v so_o many_o miraculous_a matter_n of_o fact_n which_o the_o evangelist_n leave_v to_o we_o in_o writing_n after_o have_v be_v eye-witness_n of_o the_o same_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o we_o may_v find_v in_o our_o principle_n wherewith_o to_o explain_v those_o place_n they_o bring_v against_o we_o the_o word_n which_o jesus_n christ_n speak_v to_o his_o bless_a mother_n give_v we_o only_o to_o understand_v how_o very_o jealous_a he_o be_v of_o the_o duty_n of_o his_o call_v he_o speak_v to_o she_o as_o a_o mediator_n between_o god_n and_o man_n as_o the_o person_n in_o who_o she_o ought_v necessary_o to_o believe_v in_o order_n to_o her_o salvation_n and_o who_o doubt_v but_o in_o that_o quality_n he_o have_v some_o authority_n over_o she_o as_o for_o the_o sorrowfulness_n he_o express_v in_o his_o agony_n it_o may_v proceed_v from_o a_o double_a cause_n the_o one_o natural_a and_o the_o other_o supernatural_a he_o may_v very_o well_o fear_v death_n as_o man_n and_o the_o pain_n inflict_v on_o his_o humane_a nature_n may_v force_v he_o to_o utter_v some_o innocent_a complaint_n but_o that_o be_v not_o all_o that_o make_v his_o torment_n grievous_a he_o be_v load_v with_o the_o sin_n of_o mankind_n and_o subject_a to_o the_o curse_n of_o the_o law_n he_o look_v upon_o god_n as_o his_o father_n but_o god_n offer_v himself_o to_o he_o as_o a_o angry_a judge_n the_o more_o he_o love_v his_o father_n the_o more_o sensible_a he_o be_v of_o the_o grief_n he_o sustain_v in_o be_v remove_v from_o he_o the_o measure_n of_o his_o suffering_n consist_v in_o the_o measure_n of_o his_o virtue_n and_o what_o he_o say_v here_o to_o his_o father_n be_v rather_o the_o language_n of_o his_o love_n than_o that_o of_o his_o despair_n but_o if_o the_o incredulous_a shall_v say_v they_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o subscribe_v to_o my_o explanation_n because_o it_o be_v incertain_a whether_o they_o have_v any_o other_o ground_n than_o my_o bare_a imagination_n i_o be_o willing_a they_o shall_v entertain_v this_o scruple_n and_o cherish_v it_o till_o by_o establish_v my_o principle_n i_o have_v a_o opportunity_n of_o answer_v yet_o more_o full_o all_o those_o difficulty_n but_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n i_o hold_v that_o nothing_o can_v more_o demonstrate_v the_o sincerity_n of_o the_o evangelist_n than_o those_o place_n just_a now_o mention_v and_o i_o affirm_v that_o the_o sincerity_n of_o the_o evangelist_n be_v well_o demonstrate_v do_v invincible_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n for_o certain_o either_o those_o who_o compose_v the_o gospel_n have_v a_o design_n to_o deceive_v mankind_n in_o behalf_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o religion_n or_o they_o have_v no_o such_o design_n at_o all_o if_o they_o have_v any_o such_o design_n they_o will_v have_v take_v special_a care_n not_o to_o set_v down_o those_o circumstance_n of_o the_o death_n of_o their_o master_n which_o may_v give_v the_o world_n a_o occasion_n to_o suspect_v he_o want_v courage_n or_o think_v himself_o forsake_v of_o god_n but_o if_o in_o write_v the_o matter_n of_o fact_n contain_v in_o the_o gospel_n they_o have_v no_o manner_n of_o design_n to_o deceive_v mankind_n we_o must_v then_o of_o necessity_n look_v upon_o they_o as_o be_v very_o sincere_a author_n who_o will_v not_o deceive_v we_o unless_o they_o themselves_o have_v first_o of_o all_o be_v deceive_v so_o that_o all_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n they_o tell_v we_o of_o be_v such_o as_o be_v show_v only_o by_o illusion_n and_o we_o need_v here_o only_o consider_v whether_o all_o the_o disciple_n can_v have_v fancy_v they_o see_v a_o infinite_a number_n of_o very_o singular_a and_o sensible_a miracle_n such_o as_o sick_a man_n heal_v dead_a raise_v to_o life_n etc._n etc._n and_o have_v believe_v that_o they_o themselves_o work_v miracle_n when_o all_o the_o while_n there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n here_o to_o allege_v that_o the_o evangelist_n affect_v a_o ingenuous_a simplicity_n to_o avoid_v the_o suspicion_n of_o dishonesty_n for_o have_v that_o be_v their_o design_n they_o will_v have_v take_v special_a care_n not_o to_o furnish_v impious_a man_n with_o place_n and_o passage_n on_o which_o they_o may_v raise_v imaginary_a triumph_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o reason_n to_o believe_v that_o the_o evangelist_n relate_v those_o word_n because_o their_o simplicity_n be_v so_o great_a that_o they_o have_v not_o judgement_n to_o discern_v whether_o they_o be_v for_o or_o against_o their_o cause_n for_o what_o probability_n be_v there_o that_o man_n who_o have_v wit_n enough_o to_o deceive_v other_o people_n shall_v have_v so_o little_a in_o this_o occasion_n must_v a_o man_n needs_o be_v wise_a and_o learned_a when_o he_o choose_v to_o represent_v his_o master_n constant_a and_o undaunted_a rather_o than_o sorrowful_a unto_o death_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o one_o single_a evangelist_n that_o relate_v the_o history_n of_o his_o passion_n after_o this_o manner_n they_o all_o agree_v in_o this_o respect_n and_o how_o can_v this_o be_v so_o but_o that_o they_o only_o propose_v to_o themselves_o to_o speak_v the_o plain_a truth_n and_o they_o speak_v it_o without_o consider_v the_o impression_n it_o will_v make_v on_o mankind_n without_o examine_v whether_o the_o incredulous_a will_v take_v occasion_n from_o thence_o to_o slander_v the_o christian_a religion_n in_o the_o mean_a while_n if_o what_o have_v be_v say_v here_o be_v not_o sufficient_a i_o be_o willing_a more_o particular_o to_o examine_v the_o matter_n contain_v in_o the_o gospel_n chap._n vi_o where_o we_o shall_v examine_v the_o matter_n contain_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o see_v whether_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o illusion_n or_o imposture_n those_o book_n contain_v a_o infinite_a number_n of_o extraordinary_a divine_a and_o admirable_a thing_n but_o the_o principal_a of_o they_o be_v reducible_a to_o these_o four_o head_n i._o the_o birth_n genealogy_n and_o education_n of_o jesus_n christ_n with_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o they_o which_o we_o shall_v not_o speak_v of_o at_o present_a lest_o we_o shall_v be_v too_o tedious_a have_v already_o mention_v they_o in_o our_o first_o part_n of_o this_o work_n ii_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o office_n confirm_v by_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o miracle_n from_o his_o baptism_n to_o his_o ascension_n iii_o the_o holiness_n of_o his_o life_n and_o conversation_n see_v clear_o in_o several_a occasion_n and_o shine_v throughout_o the_o various_a action_n of_o his_o life_n iv._o his_o doctrine_n and_o his_o prophecy_n from_o these_o four_o different_a head_n spring_v forth_o such_o beam_n of_o truth_n as_o wonderful_o illustrate_v this_o whole_a matter_n let_v we_o therefore_o examine_v they_o in_o their_o order_n and_o keep_v still_o to_o our_o usual_a method_n which_o be_v to_o raise_v as_o we_o go_v along_o as_o many_o difficulty_n as_o we_o can_v and_o urge_v they_o on_o with_o all_o their_o force_n to_o stop_v if_o it_o be_v possible_a the_o complaint_n of_o the_o incredulous_a against_o we_o we_o may_v very_o well_o consider_v in_o the_o miracle_n of_o jesus_n christ_n their_o number_n variety_n and_o greatness_n the_o noise_n they_o make_v in_o the_o world_n and_o the_o manner_n in_o which_o they_o be_v receive_v and_o first_o the_o evangelist_n make_v appear_v the_o number_n variety_n and_o greatness_n of_o they_o in_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o change_v water_n into_o wine_n in_o cana_n that_o he_o restore_v sight_n to_o the_o blind_a hear_v to_o the_o deaf_a and_o health_n to_o the_o sick_a that_o he_o cleanse_v the_o leprous_a heal_v the_o sick_a of_o the_o palsy_n cure_v one_o of_o a_o wither_a hand_n
search_n no_o great_a sagacity_n or_o penetration_n of_o mind_n to_o discover_v this_o truth_n for_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v not_o design_v for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o carnal_a and_o worldly_a appetite_n of_o man_n as_o that_o of_o the_o present_a jew_n who_o aspire_v only_o after_o temporal_a prosperity_n and_o worldy_a pomp_n nor_o be_v it_o a_o monstrous_a medley_n like_o that_o of_o the_o samaritan_n make_v up_o of_o a_o ridiculous_a mixture_n of_o the_o pagan_a and_o jewish_a religion_n nor_o be_v it_o impious_a and_o cruel_a like_o that_o of_o the_o gnostic_n nor_o have_v it_o any_o of_o the_o fault_n or_o extravagant_a superstition_n of_o the_o pagan_a religion_n but_o since_o we_o have_v not_o leisure_n to_o oppose_v it_o particular_o to_o all_o the_o error_n of_o other_o religion_n we_o must_v be_v content_v to_o show_v in_o this_o comparison_n the_o advantage_n the_o christian_a religion_n have_v above_o all_o the_o rest_n by_o lay_v down_o the_o follow_a rule_n i._n other_o religion_n as_o be_v principal_o of_o human_a invention_n and_o institution_n be_v form_v by_o degree_n from_o the_o different_a imagination_n of_o several_a person_n who_o successive_o make_v such_o addition_n or_o alteration_n as_o they_o think_v convenient_a the_o greek_n for_o example_n add_v several_a thing_n to_o that_o religion_n they_o receive_v from_o the_o egyptian_n and_o the_o roman_n to_o that_o they_o have_v receive_v from_o the_o greek_n menander_n sâ—â—ll_o improve_v the_o â—ottish_a impiety_n of_o simon_n magus_n and_o saturninus_n and_o basilides_n add_v to_o those_o of_o menander_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o man_n be_v never_o weary_a of_o invent_v nor_o the_o people_n of_o believe_a novelty_n but_o it_o be_v not_o so_o with_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o be_v whole_o deliver_v by_o christ_n be_v entire_o contain_v in_o every_o one_o of_o the_o gospel_n and_o even_o in_o each_o epistle_n of_o the_o apostle_n what_o ever_o alteration_n man_n have_v think_v fit_a to_o make_v in_o the_o doctrine_n christ_n bring_v into_o the_o world_n do_v only_o corrupt_v the_o purity_n and_o spirituality_n of_o it_o as_o appear_v by_o the_o great_a disproportion_n there_o be_v betwixt_o the_o apostolical_a doctrine_n and_o the_o ordinary_a speculation_n of_o men._n ii_o other_o religion_n dare_v not_o show_v themselves_o open_o in_o full_a light_n and_o therefore_o be_v veil_v over_o with_o a_o mysterious_a silence_n and_o affect_a darkness_n the_o gnostic_n choose_v the_o night_n to_o cover_v the_o impurity_n of_o juvenal_n their_o abominable_a mystery_n and_o the_o roman_n expose_v themselves_o to_o the_o satirical_a raillery_n of_o their_o poet_n 〈◊〉_d be_v so_o careful_a to_o conceal_v the_o worship_n they_o pay_v to_o their_o goddess_n bona_n julian_n and_o porphyrius_n set_v all_o their_o wit_n to_o work_v either_o to_o set_v off_o the_o ridiculous_a and_o offensive_a ceremony_n of_o paganism_n or_o to_o palliate_v their_o superstition_n by_o several_a various_a explanation_n of_o it_o as_o when_o they_o so_o stiff_o affirm_v that_o they_o worship_v one_o only_o supreme_a god_n though_o they_o acknowledge_v at_o the_o same_o time_n other_o subordinate_a deity_n depend_v one_o upon_o another_o and_o when_o they_o endeavour_v to_o justify_v the_o worship_n they_o pay_v to_o their_o idol_n by_o use_v many_o subtle_a and_o nice_a distinction_n it_o be_v certain_a there_o be_v a_o principle_n of_o pride_n implant_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n which_o be_v the_o reason_n they_o can_v endure_v to_o be_v accuse_v of_o entertain_v any_o absurd_a and_o extravagant_a opinion_n so_o that_o when_o ever_o their_o passion_n have_v make_v they_o embrace_v a_o religion_n which_o seem_v not_o very_o reasonable_a they_o employ_v all_o heir_n wit_n to_o make_v it_o at_o least_o appear_v consonant_a to_o reason_n but_o the_o christian_a religion_n require_v no_o veil_n to_o cover_v it_o no_o mysterious_a silence_n no_o dark_a dissimulation_n or_o close_a disguise_n although_o it_o propose_v such_o kind_n of_o object_n to_o we_o as_o be_v vast_o contrary_a to_o all_o our_o prejudices_fw-la and_o receive_v opinion_n the_o apostle_n free_o confess_v that_o the_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n be_v as_o it_o be_v a_o apparent_a folly_n but_o yet_o they_o assure_v we_o god_n be_v resolve_v to_o save_v the_o world_n by_o that_o seem_a folly_n they_o know_v that_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n become_v a_o scandal_n to_o the_o jew_n and_o a_o folly_n to_o the_o greek_a yet_o they_o public_o declare_v that_o they_o be_v determine_v not_o to_o know_v any_o thing_n save_o jesus_n christ_n and_o he_o crucify_v and_o how_o come_v it_o then_o that_o they_o do_v not_o in_o the_o least_o mince_n or_o endeavour_v to_o soften_v the_o sense_n of_o that_o seem_a paradox_n so_o far_o be_v they_o from_o conceal_v it_o but_o that_o they_o be_v strong_o and_o full_o persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o adorable_a mystery_n and_o that_o the_o abundance_n of_o their_o understanding_n serve_v only_o to_o make_v they_o more_o full_o comprehend_v the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o cross_n iii_o shall_v we_o strict_o consider_v some_o religion_n we_o shall_v find_v they_o be_v first_o for_o the_o most_o part_n institue_v either_o by_o poet_n or_o philosopher_n and_o that_o they_o general_o spring_v from_o the_o sportive_a conceit_n or_o witty_a speculation_n of_o the_o understanding_n which_o be_v the_o reason_n they_o be_v not_o so_o universal_o approve_v the_o philosopher_n always_o deride_v the_o religion_n of_o the_o vulgar_a and_o the_o vulgar_a understand_v nothing_o of_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o philosopher_n socrates_n ridicule_v the_o religion_n of_o the_o athenian_n and_o the_o athenian_n accuse_v socrates_n of_o impiety_n and_o atheism_n and_o condemn_v he_o to_o death_n the_o christian_a religion_n alone_o be_v approve_v of_o as_o well_o by_o the_o philosopher_n as_o the_o vulgar_a people_n as_o neither_o depend_v upon_o the_o ignorance_n of_o the_o latter_a nor_o proceed_v from_o the_o learning_n of_o the_o former_a it_o have_v a_o divine_a efficacy_n and_o agreeable_a power_n suitable_a to_o all_o heart_n it_o be_v adapt_v to_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o most_o simple_a and_o ignorant_a though_o infinite_o raise_v above_o the_o philosophy_n of_o the_o wise_a it_o be_v sublime_a without_o be_v nice_o speculative_a and_o simple_a without_o be_v mean_a in_o its_o sublimity_n preserve_v its_o clearness_n and_o in_o its_o simplicity_n preserve_v its_o dignity_n in_o a_o word_n there_o be_v nothing_o so_o great_a nor_o so_o inconsiderable_a in_o human_a society_n but_o what_o may_v some_o way_n fall_n under_o its_o consideration_n and_o it_o be_v equal_o approve_v of_o and_o admire_v by_o all_o iv._o other_o religion_n bring_v man_n from_o spiritual_a object_n to_o those_o that_o be_v corporeal_a and_o earthly_a the_o christian_a religion_n bring_v they_o from_o the_o object_n of_o sense_n to_o those_o of_o the_o understanding_n we_o all_o know_v that_o the_o heathen_n when_o they_o deify_v man_n or_o worship_v a_o deity_n under_o a_o human_a shape_n they_o be_v so_o far_o pay_v that_o deity_n a_o worship_n due_a to_o a_o spiritual_a nature_n that_o their_o adoration_n consist_v in_o several_a game_n show_n and_o divers_a exercise_n of_o the_o body_n the_o jew_n and_o samaritan_n by_o their_o eager_a dispute_n whether_o god_n be_v to_o be_v worship_v in_o jerusalem_n or_o in_o mount_n gerazim_n extinguish_v charity_n the_o true_a spirit_n of_o religion_n in_o their_o too_o hot_a defence_n of_o the_o external_a part_n 5._o of_o it_o nay_o the_o prophet_n complain_v former_o that_o the_o jew_n make_v 〈…〉_z to_o consist_v in_o bow_v down_o their_o head_n as_o a_o â—â—â—rush_n and_o put_v on_o sackcloth_n and_o ash_n and_o the_o holy_a scripture_n observe_v that_o the_o priest_n of_o 28._o baal_n be_v wont_a to_o cut_v themselves_o with_o knife_n and_o lance_n when_o they_o sacrifice_v to_o he_o as_o if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n to_o make_v their_o god_n hear_v their_o prayer_n but_o by_o inflict_v such_o punishment_n on_o their_o own_o body_n the_o modern_a jew_n can_v be_v persuade_v that_o we_o have_v be_v call_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o true_a god_n though_o they_o find_v we_o all_o profess_v to_o put_v our_o trust_n and_o confidence_n in_o he_o because_o they_o perceive_v not_o that_o we_o use_v any_o corporeal_a ceremony_n and_o the_o mahometan_n more_o irreligious_a than_o superstitious_a make_v their_o religion_n and_o its_o happiness_n depend_v chief_o on_o their_o sense_n when_o they_o worship_n they_o turn_v themselves_o towards_o mecha_n as_o the_o jew_n do_v towards_o jerusalem_n and_o earnest_o desire_v of_o god_n that_o he_o will_v gratify_v their_o sense_n and_o though_o they_o have_v a_o sort_n of_o a_o religious_a respect_n for_o the_o letter_n that_o compose_v the_o name_n of_o god_n and_o