man_n will_v conceive_v or_o endeavour_v to_o put_v in_o practice_n it_o be_v absolute_o impossible_a to_o find_v any_o man_n so_o much_o a_o enemy_n to_o himself_o as_o willing_o to_o lose_v his_o quiet_a his_o liberty_n friend_n relation_n and_o all_o his_o acquaintance_n only_o to_o assert_v and_o defend_v a_o lie_n that_o must_v unavoidable_o be_v attend_v by_o such_o fatal_a and_o sorrowful_a consequence_n for_o nature_n be_v not_o insensible_a of_o grief_n and_o pain_n as_o she_o be_v expose_v to_o grief_n and_o suffering_n so_o when_o she_o suffer_v it_o be_v with_o reluctance_n complaint_n sigh_n and_o tear_n she_o can_v accustom_v herself_o to_o bear_v slight_o contempt_n or_o infamy_n nothing_o disturb_v and_o exasperate_v she_o more_o nothing_o make_v she_o more_o impatient_a than_o mortification_n and_o disgrace_n how_o then_o be_v it_o possible_a so_o great_a a_o company_n of_o people_n shall_v on_o a_o sudden_a renounce_v all_o those_o inviolable_a sentiment_n of_o nature_n which_o no_o violence_n can_v root_v out_o on_o purpose_n to_o maintain_v that_o they_o have_v see_v a_o thing_n which_o they_o real_o never_o see_v this_o be_v a_o consideration_n that_o can_v be_v too_o often_o repeat_v last_o it_o be_v such_o a_o design_n as_o be_v not_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n to_o conceive_v for_o to_o maintain_v a_o imposture_n with_o such_o constancy_n as_o the_o disciple_n do_v be_v such_o a_o piece_n of_o extraordinary_a courage_n as_o be_v above_o the_o nature_n or_o power_n of_o man._n a_o impostor_n that_o think_v and_o know_v himself_o to_o be_v one_o who_o mind_n tell_v he_o that_o he_o act_v contrary_a to_o his_o natural_a sentiment_n can_v go_v long_o undiscovered_a he_o be_v seize_v with_o remorse_n and_o his_o conscience_n be_v awaken_v he_o tremble_v and_o unwary_o discover_v himself_o to_o the_o world_n upon_o the_o least_o danger_n he_o meet_v with_o he_o be_v ready_a to_o confess_v the_o whole_a cheat_n as_o soon_o as_o he_o be_v bring_v before_o his_o judge_n and_o be_v fright_v with_o the_o punishment_n of_o a_o secular_a power_n and_o he_o never_o fail_v of_o betray_v himself_o either_o by_o confess_v the_o whole_a business_n or_o maintain_v what_o he_o have_v advance_v after_o so_o weak_a and_o fearful_a a_o manner_n that_o he_o will_v not_o be_v long_o if_o but_o close_o urge_v to_o it_o before_o he_o discover_v the_o whole_a truth_n for_o such_o be_v the_o usual_a temper_n of_o man_n upon_o such_o a_o occasion_n and_o if_o a_o single_a person_n that_o shall_v not_o act_v thus_o in_o this_o respect_n will_v be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o unheard_a of_o prodigy_n how_o much_o more_o shall_v a_o infinite_a number_n of_o people_n be_v look_v upon_o as_o such_o who_o can_v imagine_v that_o so_o many_o person_n shall_v either_o on_o a_o sudden_a renounce_v their_o humane_a nature_n or_o be_v of_o a_o different_a make_v from_o all_o other_o man_n since_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o world_n for_o my_o part_n i_o can_v conceive_v how_o it_o shall_v be_v and_o therefore_o look_v upon_o this_o as_o a_o most_o sensible_a and_o evident_a truth_n but_o we_o must_v yet_o carry_v on_o this_o conviction_n further_o by_o follow_v those_o notion_n which_o it_o have_v please_v god_n in_o his_o wisdom_n to_o put_v into_o our_o mind_n upon_o this_o subject_a chap._n v._n the_o four_o centre_n of_o truth_n a_o particular_a consideration_n of_o the_o effusion_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n upon_o the_o disciple_n the_o last_o degree_n of_o evidence_n that_o occur_v in_o the_o demonstration_n which_o sensible_o prove_v to_o we_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v the_o truth_n of_o a_o four_o matter_n of_o fact_n natural_o prove_v by_o its_o own_o proper_a character_n and_o that_o be_v the_o effusion_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n on_o the_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n christ_n this_o demonstration_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n have_v three_o different_a degree_n of_o evidence_n which_o also_o consist_v in_o the_o three_o part_n of_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o apostle_n the_o first_o whereof_o be_v this_o jesus_n christ_n the_o son_n of_o mary_n do_v such_o action_n as_o can_v but_o be_v supernatural_a and_o miraculous_a such_o be_v for_o instance_n the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a which_o we_o have_v be_v eye-witness_n of_o the_o second_o be_v we_o even_o we_o ourselves_o have_v receive_v the_o power_n to_o work_v sign_n and_o wonder_n and_o such_o as_o be_v equal_a to_o those_o of_o jesus_n christ_n himself_o as_o he_o foretell_v and_o declare_v it_o several_a time_n unto_o we_o the_o three_o be_v we_o have_v not_o only_o the_o power_n to_o do_v those_o miracle_n but_o can_v also_o impart_v it_o to_o other_o and_o those_o we_o shall_v hereafter_o convert_v will_v know_v themselves_o to_o be_v the_o true_a disciple_n of_o jesus_n christ_n in_o that_o they_o shall_v work_v sign_n like_a unto_o we_o and_o to_o those_o which_o jesus_n christ_n himself_o wrought_v the_o first_o degree_n of_o this_o evidence_n must_v necessary_o convince_v we_o for_o it_o be_v a_o very_a convince_a demonstration_n indeed_o to_o have_v present_a to_o one_o eye_n nay_o in_o one_o own_o disposal_n and_o power_n the_o witness_n of_o the_o miracle_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o such_o eye-witness_n too_o that_o both_o hear_v what_o he_o say_v see_v every_o thing_n he_o do_v familiar_o converse_v with_o he_o and_o often_o question_v he_o concern_v the_o difficulty_n that_o offer_v themselves_o to_o their_o mind_n and_o last_o such_o witness_n who_o all_o unanimous_o depose_v the_o very_a same_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o bold_o maintain_v it_o even_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o most_o cruel_a torment_n and_o yet_o such_o witness_n as_o these_o have_v those_o who_o be_v first_o convert_v to_o the_o christian_a faith_n but_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n yet_o somewhat_o more_o persuasive_a to_o hear_v those_o man_n affirm_v that_o they_o have_v not_o only_o see_v the_o miracle_n of_o jesus_n christ_n but_o that_o they_o themselves_o be_v able_a to_o work_v the_o same_o miracle_n certain_o of_o all_o the_o witness_n in_o the_o world_n those_o be_v soon_a to_o be_v receive_v and_o believe_v who_o proffer_n to_o show_v you_o the_o very_a thing_n they_o testify_v but_o what_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v the_o last_o degree_n of_o evidence_n and_o the_o clear_a demonstration_n be_v that_o those_o very_a witness_n undertake_v to_o convince_v man_n of_o those_o matter_n which_o they_o affirm_v to_o be_v true_a not_o only_o by_o relate_v those_o miracle_n which_o they_o see_v jesus_n christ_n do_v not_o only_o by_o proffer_v to_o do_v the_o like_v themselves_o but_o also_o by_o promise_v to_o enable_v those_o people_n who_o shall_v believe_v their_o word_n to_o operate_v the_o very_a same_o thing_n for_o they_o impart_v the_o extraordinary_a and_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o their_o proselyte_n as_o it_o appear_v by_o the_o example_n of_o the_o centurion_n cornelius_n and_o those_o gift_n become_v afterward_o so_o frequent_a and_o visible_a that_o simon_n magus_n will_v have_v buy_v they_o for_o money_n they_o be_v so_o very_o remarkable_a that_o they_o make_v great_a and_o public_a impression_n on_o the_o mind_n of_o several_a jew_n who_o be_v already_o convert_v to_o the_o gospel_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o praise_v god_n for_o his_o have_v also_o visit_v the_o gentile_n last_o the_o gospel_n which_o those_o disciple_n preach_v tell_v we_o that_o such_o shall_v be_v the_o sign_n that_o follow_v the_o true_a disciple_n of_o jesus_n christ_n namely_o that_o they_o shall_v heal_v the_o sick_a etc._n etc._n certain_o how_o strong_a soever_o the_o obstinacy_n and_o prejudices_fw-la of_o the_o incredulous_a may_v be_v yet_o they_o can_v any_o long_o hold_v out_o against_o the_o powerful_a conviction_n of_o that_o threefold_a truth_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o the_o disciple_n shall_v bear_v witness_n to_o the_o miracle_n of_o jesus_n christ_n if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v true_a neither_o can_v we_o suppose_v they_o will_v have_v have_v the_o boldness_n power_n or_o will_v to_o do_v it_o it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v have_v contrive_v together_o such_o a_o unparalleled_a imposture_n by_o agree_v among_o themselves_o to_o preach_v the_o resurrection_n and_o ascension_n of_o jesus_n christ_n of_o which_o they_o be_v never_o witness_n but_o it_o be_v extravagant_a to_o imagine_v that_o the_o apostle_n boast_v they_o be_v able_a to_o do_v miracle_n mere_o to_o have_v other_o man_n believe_v those_o of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o it_o argue_v yet_o a_o great_a extravagance_n to_o suppose_v they_o promise_v all_o those_o they_o shall_v convert_v to_o he_o to_o make_v they_o able_a to_o work_v the_o very_a same_o miracle_n they_o attest_v beside_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v two_o thing_n in_o
god_n but_o then_o be_v willing_a also_o to_o flatter_v man_n inclination_n to_o draw_v they_o to_o his_o side_n he_o confuse_o mix_v with_o that_o idea_n the_o carnal_a and_o gross_a notion_n the_o heathen_n have_v of_o paradise_n borrow_v from_o christianity_n such_o object_n as_o must_v necessary_o mortify_v our_o passion_n and_o assume_v those_o from_o paganism_n which_o serve_v to_o flatter_v our_o bad_a inclination_n but_o the_o christian_a religion_n keep_v no_o such_o measure_n either_o with_o policy_n or_o corruption_n policy_n complain_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n necessary_o soften_v man_n courage_n and_o that_o instead_o of_o encourage_v they_o to_o listen_v themselves_o soldier_n for_o the_o welfare_n and_o preservation_n of_o the_o state_n it_o rather_o make_v they_o lamb_n who_o can_v hardly_o be_v exasperate_v against_o their_o enemy_n who_o they_o must_v continual_o pray_v for_o and_o be_v oblige_v to_o love_v as_o themselves_o and_o as_o for_o human_a frailty_n and_o corruption_n it_o murmur_n to_o see_v itself_o impugn_a by_o the_o christian_a religion_n even_o in_o the_o disposition_n and_o most_o secret_a recess_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o that_o the_o veil_n of_o hypocrisy_n and_o the_o pious_a pretence_n and_o dissimulation_n of_o the_o soul_n under_o which_o it_o think_v to_o lie_v secure_a be_v ineffectual_a against_o it_o who_o then_o but_o god_n can_v be_v the_o author_n of_o a_o religion_n so_o equal_o contrary_a both_o to_o the_o covetous_a desire_n of_o the_o mean_a and_o the_o ambition_n of_o the_o great_a and_o so_o equal_o averse_a both_o to_o policy_n and_o corruption_n x._o other_o religion_n will_v have_v god_n shall_v bear_v the_o image_n of_o man_n and_o so_o necessary_o represent_v the_o deity_n as_o weak_a miserable_a and_o infect_v with_o all_o manner_n of_o vice_n as_o man_n be_v whereas_o the_o christian_a religion_n teach_v we_o that_o man_n ought_v to_o bear_v the_o image_n of_o god_n which_o be_v a_o motive_n to_o induce_v we_o to_o become_v perfect_a as_o we_o conceive_v god_n himself_o to_o be_v holy_a and_o perfect_a that_o religion_n then_o which_o restore_v god_n his_o glory_n and_o the_o image_n of_o god_n to_o man_n must_v necessary_o be_v of_o divine_a authority_n xi_o last_o other_o false_a religion_n be_v the_o irregular_a confuse_a production_n of_o the_o polite_a and_o able_a man_n of_o those_o time_n whereas_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v a_o wonderful_a composition_n which_o seem_v whole_o to_o proceed_v from_o the_o most_o simple_a and_o ignorant_a sort_n of_o people_n the_o heathen_n have_v often_o condemn_v the_o extravagant_a notion_n the_o vulgar_a people_n have_v frame_v to_o themselves_o of_o the_o deity_n they_o have_v blame_v the_o barbarous_a cruelty_n of_o those_o sacrifice_n which_o be_v offer_v to_o their_o god_n in_o so_o many_o place_n and_o the_o impurity_n of_o their_o mystery_n the_o falsehood_n of_o their_o oracle_n and_o the_o vanity_n and_o childishness_n of_o their_o ceremony_n cicero_n say_v in_o some_o part_n of_o his_o work_n that_o two_o augur_n can_v not_o look_v one_o another_o in_o the_o face_n without_o laughter_n and_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o extravagant_a than_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o gnostic_n who_o hold_v that_o there_o be_v invisible_a eternal_a spirit_n who_o mix_v one_o with_o the_o other_o produce_v other_o we_o all_o know_v that_o when_o philosopher_n take_v upon_o they_o to_o treat_v of_o religion_n they_o always_o exceed_v one_o another_o in_o extravagancy_n and_o no_o one_o i_o dare_v say_v be_v still_o to_o learn_v what_o be_v those_o vision_n and_o fabulous_a story_n with_o which_o the_o rabbin_n fill_v their_o tradition_n the_o catalogue_n of_o which_o will_v be_v very_o curious_a indeed_o be_v it_o not_o so_o extreme_o long_a and_o though_o we_o can_v disow_v but_o that_o the_o heathen_n the_o philosopher_n etc._n etc._n make_v several_a wonderful_a discovery_n in_o art_n and_o science_n yet_o it_o will_v appear_v that_o a_o long_a succession_n of_o very_a understand_a man_n among_o they_o be_v guilty_a of_o many_o repeat_v extravagancy_n in_o this_o respect_n and_o that_o by_o a_o prodigy_n not_o to_o be_v parallel_v do_v not_o the_o christian_a religion_n offer_v such_o another_o by_o show_v we_o a_o company_n of_o wise_a and_o learned_a man_n in_o such_o ignorant_a person_n as_o the_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n christ_n certain_o it_o be_v a_o strange_a thing_n to_o see_v the_o most_o understand_a man_n become_v the_o most_o stupid_a and_o the_o most_o ignorant_a prove_v the_o most_o understanding_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n it_o be_v a_o true_a sign_n that_o god_n design_v to_o confound_v the_o understanding_n of_o the_o wise_a and_o a_o proof_n that_o their_o religion_n be_v form_v rather_o according_a to_o the_o corrupt_a desire_n of_o their_o heart_n than_o the_o dictate_v of_o their_o understanding_n for_o have_v it_o be_v according_a to_o their_o understanding_n it_o will_v have_v be_v more_o reasonable_a in_o proportion_n to_o the_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n of_o the_o author_n of_o it_o but_o because_o it_o be_v make_v to_o soothe_v their_o corrupt_a desire_n and_o flatter_v their_o passion_n it_o be_v as_o extravagant_a and_o irregular_a as_o those_o passion_n and_o now_o let_v we_o put_v together_o all_o these_o character_n and_o ask_v the_o incredulous_a whether_o they_o can_v be_v so_o extravagant_a as_o to_o ascribe_v to_o a_o impostor_n a_o religion_n so_o perfect_a in_o its_o original_a that_o nothing_o can_v ever_o since_o be_v superad_v to_o it_o but_o what_o necessary_o lessen_v the_o perfection_n of_o it_o a_o religion_n that_o propose_v its_o mystery_n with_o such_o authority_n and_o boldness_n that_o bring_v man_n from_o sensual_a object_n to_o spiritual_a one_o that_o extirpate_v corruption_n restore_v the_o principle_n of_o righteousness_n and_o uprightness_n that_o be_v imprint_v on_o our_o soul_n that_o teach_v we_o to_o glorify_v god_n without_o any_o regard_n have_v to_o self-love_n or_o pleasure_n to_o exalt_v god_n and_o humble_a ourselves_o to_o submit_v ourselves_o to_o his_o will_n who_o be_v above_o we_o all_o and_o to_o raise_v ourselves_o above_o those_o being_n that_o he_o have_v put_v in_o subjection_n under_o we_o a_o religion_n that_o be_v contrary_a to_o policy_n and_o yet_o more_o averse_a to_o corruption_n that_o astonish_v our_o reason_n and_o yet_o give_v we_o the_o peace_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o in_o a_o word_n be_v as_o delightful_a to_o the_o one_o as_o it_o be_v comfortable_a to_o the_o other_o if_o the_o christian_a religion_n than_o have_v all_o these_o qualification_n as_o it_o certain_o have_v we_o can_v doubt_v but_o that_o it_o be_v direct_o as_o to_o these_o qualification_n opposite_a to_o all_o other_o religion_n and_o if_o it_o be_v thus_o opposite_a to_o all_o other_o religion_n it_o must_v necessary_o have_v a_o principle_n opposite_a to_o 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
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
in_o they_o can_v there_o proceed_v from_o the_o malice_n and_o perfidiousness_n of_o a_o man_n who_o have_v so_o late_o accuse_v his_o nation_n of_o a_o crime_n he_o know_v to_o be_v utter_o false_a so_o many_o exhortation_n to_o fear_n god_n so_o strong_a so_o move_v in_o themselves_o and_o so_o often_o repeat_v that_o they_o whole_o take_v up_o the_o write_n of_o this_o apostle_n can_v his_o humility_n proceed_v from_o thence_o whereby_o he_o refer_v every_o thing_n to_o god_n as_o to_o the_o centre_n of_o all_o good_a thing_n so_o sincere_o tell_v we_o what_o have_v thou_o that_o thou_o do_v not_o receive_v and_o if_o thou_o do_v receive_v it_o why_o do_v thou_o glory_n as_o if_o thou_o have_v not_o receive_v it_o 1_o cor._n 4._o 7._o we_o be_v you_o you_o be_v christ_n and_o christ_n be_v god_n 1_o cor._n 3._o 23._o can_v his_o hatred_n too_o for_o vice_n arise_v from_o thence_o which_o upon_o all_o occasion_n he_o testify_v and_o express_v after_o so_o strong_a and_o lively_a a_o manner_n his_o charity_n appear_v no_o less_o in_o his_o passionate_a concern_v for_o the_o sanctification_n of_o his_o brethren_n all_o his_o epistle_n be_v a_o continue_a serious_a of_o tender_a or_o move_a exhortation_n or_o rather_o ardent_a request_n he_o make_v they_o to_o love_v one_o another_o he_o desire_v they_o shall_v live_v sober_o just_o and_o religious_o he_o addresses_z himself_o both_o to_o servant_n and_o master_n to_o poor_a and_o rich_a to_o parent_n and_o child_n to_o young_a man_n and_o old_a man_n have_v no_o prejudice_n nor_o hatred_n for_o any_o one_o he_o pour_v out_o himself_o in_o thanksgiving_n and_o blessing_n for_o all_o man_n he_o speak_v to_o they_o after_o a_o very_a tender_a and_o move_a manner_n he_o call_v they_o his_o little_a child_n his_o belove_a his_o bowel_n his_o glory_n and_o his_o crown_n and_o what_o be_v his_o design_n in_o all_o this_o only_o to_o inspire_v they_o with_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o their_o neighbour_n how_o do_v he_o extol_v the_o excellence_n of_o charity_n though_o i_o speak_v say_v he_o with_o the_o tongue_n of_o man_n and_o of_o angel_n and_o have_v no_o charity_n i_o be_o become_v as_o sound_a brass_n or_o tinkle_a cymbal_n and_o though_o i_o bestow_v all_o my_o good_n to_o feed_v the_o poor_a and_o though_o i_o give_v my_o body_n to_o be_v burn_v and_o have_v not_o charity_n it_o profit_v i_o nothing_o charity_n suffer_v long_o and_o be_v kind_a charity_n envy_v not_o charity_n vaunt_v not_o itself_o be_v not_o puff_v up_o do_v not_o behave_v itself_o unseemly_a seek_v not_o her_o own_o be_v not_o easy_o provoke_v think_v no_o evil_a rejoice_v not_o in_o iniquity_n but_o rejoice_v in_o the_o truth_n bear_v all_o thing_n believe_v all_o thing_n hope_v all_o thing_n 1_o cor._n 13._o 1_o 3_o 4_o 5_o 6_o 7._o such_o be_v the_o idea_n st._n paul_n have_v of_o charity_n in_o which_o appear_v the_o force_n of_o reason_n and_o of_o true_a virtue_n without_o the_o fantastical_a weakness_n of_o superstition_n he_o prefer_v charity_n to_o miraculous_a gift_n and_o therein_o appear_v the_o spirit_n of_o true_a religion_n this_o consideration_n of_o the_o character_n and_o virtue_n of_o this_o apostle_n be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o considerable_a that_o it_o force_v we_o in_o despite_n of_o ourselves_o to_o assertâ—_n one_o of_o these_o two_o thing_n either_o that_o st._n paul_n be_v a_o wicked_a man_n and_o a_o notorious_a impostor_n or_o else_o that_o he_o have_v hear_v the_o voice_n of_o jesus_n chrict_a in_o the_o way_n to_o damascus_n that_o he_o have_v receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o be_v true_o the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n so_o that_o whosoever_o prove_v that_o st._n paul_n be_v no_o wicked_a person_n do_v even_o thereby_o prove_v the_o divinity_n of_o christian_a religion_n i_o desire_v therefore_o the_o reader_n thorough_o to_o consider_v the_o style_n of_o his_o epistle_n and_o examine_v they_o from_o the_o begin_n to_o the_o end_n to_o discover_v the_o true_a genius_n and_o character_n of_o they_o what_o be_v it_o this_o apostle_n desire_v of_o god_n that_o those_o who_o he_o speak_v to_o may_v live_v good_a life_n and_o that_o god_n may_v be_v glorify_v by_o their_o work_n what_o do_v he_o complain_v of_o vice_n what_o be_v it_o he_o chief_o praise_n virtue_n by_o what_o motive_n do_v he_o act_v or_o speak_v as_o he_o do_v by_o quite_o another_o motive_n than_o that_o of_o self_n interest_n st._n luke_n have_v already_o tell_v we_o in_o the_o book_n of_o act_n that_o he_o work_v for_o his_o live_n and_o that_o his_o employment_n be_v to_o make_v tent_n whereupon_o we_o shall_v make_v these_o two_o observation_n i._o that_o st._n paul_n have_v be_v a_o pharisee_n breed_v up_o at_o the_o foot_n of_o gamaliel_n will_v have_v think_v it_o beneath_o he_o to_o follow_v so_o vile_a a_o profession_n have_v he_o be_v worldly_a mind_a or_o ambitious_a second_o that_o this_o apostle_n resolve_v to_o work_v with_o his_o own_o hand_n for_o his_o live_n in_o a_o time_n which_o other_o people_n will_v have_v greedy_o embrace_v to_o acquire_v wealth_n for_o what_o can_v have_v be_v refuse_v to_o those_o man_n who_o open_v to_o mankind_n the_o direct_a way_n way_n to_o heaven_n and_o give_v they_o certain_a hope_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n for_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o be_v the_o opinion_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n with_o regard_n to_o the_o apostle_n but_o if_o st._n luke_n shall_v be_v think_v to_o have_v impose_v upon_o we_o in_o the_o relation_n of_o this_o matter_n it_o be_v but_o hear_v what_o st._n paul_n himself_o say_v of_o it_o who_o certain_o will_v not_o have_v undertake_v to_o persuade_v those_o people_n of_o it_o against_o their_o own_o proper_a knowledge_n behold_v say_v he_o to_o the_o corinthian_n the_o three_o time_n i_o be_o ready_a to_o come_v to_o you_o and_o i_o will_v not_o be_v burdensome_a to_o you_o for_o i_o seek_v not_o you_o but_o you_o for_o the_o child_n ought_v not_o to_o lay_v up_o for_o the_o parent_n but_o the_o parent_n for_o the_o child_n 2_o cor._n 12._o 14._o and_o i_o will_v very_o glad_o spend_v and_o be_v spend_v for_o you_o etc._n etc._n and_o then_o have_v i_o catch_v you_o with_o guile_n and_o in_o another_o place_n have_v i_o commit_v a_o offence_n in_o abase_v myself_o that_o you_o may_v be_v exalt_v because_o i_o have_v preach_v to_o you_o the_o gospel_n of_o god_n free_o 2_o cor._n 11._o 7._o st._n paul_n will_v never_o have_v speak_v to_o they_o after_o this_o manner_n have_v he_o preach_v only_o out_o of_o self_n interest_n according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o those_o who_o carry_v a_o worldly_a mind_n along_o with_o they_o into_o the_o sanctuary_n be_v mere_a huchster_n of_o religion_n and_o make_v a_o trade_n of_o the_o most_o sacred_a and_o sublime_a mystery_n of_o christianity_n but_o suppose_v st._n paul_n act_v not_o by_o a_o principle_n of_o self_n interest_n which_o be_v generaly_a the_o centre_n of_o other_o man_n action_n who_o will_v assure_v we_o that_o he_o owe_v not_o his_o virtue_n to_o pride_n which_o be_v another_o nice_a kind_n of_o interest_n to_o which_o some_o man_n direct_v all_o their_o action_n i_o be_o very_a well_o persuade_v that_o man_n may_v out_o of_o a_o capricious_a fancy_n ascribe_v the_o best_a action_n to_o pride_n and_o give_v the_o name_n of_o hypocrisy_n to_o the_o most_o sincere_a virtue_n for_o what_o can_v put_v a_o stop_n to_o the_o continual_a roving_n of_o a_o soul_n that_o endeavour_n only_o to_o raise_v doubt_n and_o scruple_n but_o then_o i_o also_o affirm_v that_o there_o be_v such_o visible_a mark_n in_o the_o conduct_n and_o action_n of_o st._n paul_n as_o manifest_o evince_v in_o spite_n of_o incredulity_n that_o his_o virtue_n be_v solid_a and_o his_o self_n denial_n sincere_a but_o this_o i_o hope_v will_v more_o plain_o appear_v by_o the_o follow_a reflection_n we_o need_v but_o a_o very_a indifferent_a knowledge_n of_o man_n heart_n and_o inclination_n to_o know_v that_o as_o there_o be_v two_o different_a state_n into_o which_o man_n may_v fall_v so_o likewise_o there_o be_v two_o different_a sort_n of_o passion_n which_o then_o arise_v in_o the_o soul_n prosperity_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o pride_n with_o all_o the_o other_o vice_n that_o accompany_v it_o poverty_n and_o misery_n that_o of_o covetousness_n with_o all_o that_o be_v consequent_a upon_o it_o not_o but_o that_o covetousness_n be_v find_v sometime_o even_o in_o prosperity_n as_o well_o as_o pride_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o misery_n but_o that_o be_v not_o my_o meaning_n i_o only_o will_v say_v that_o prosperity_n be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o pride_n and_o poverty_n the_o kingdom_n of_o avarice_n because_o a_o man_n that_o be_v
to_o look_v upon_o that_o word_n as_o divine_v which_o those_o tongue_n have_v preach_v we_o can_v but_o look_v upon_o those_o write_n as_o divine_a in_o which_o that_o word_n itself_o be_v contain_v i_o hope_v that_o whosoever_o shall_v serious_o reflect_v on_o the_o connexion_n of_o all_o these_o principle_n will_v full_o be_v persuade_v that_o their_o union_n be_v not_o to_o be_v dissolve_v if_o there_o be_v such_o a_o book_n as_o the_o new_a testament_n in_o the_o day_n of_o clemens_n polycarp_n and_o of_o the_o primitive_a father_n as_o without_o dispute_n there_o be_v that_o book_n can_v never_o have_v be_v forge_v if_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n can_v not_o have_v be_v forge_v it_o be_v impossible_a but_o that_o certain_a public_a matter_n of_o fact_n which_o be_v insert_v in_o that_o book_n as_o be_v public_o know_v by_o all_o the_o christian_n be_v true_a and_o if_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v true_a it_o can_v never_o be_v deny_v but_o that_o the_o apostle_n receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n if_o the_o apostle_n do_v receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n certain_o their_o write_n must_v be_v look_v upon_o as_o divine_a i_o have_v make_v choice_n of_o these_o principle_n only_o among_o several_a other_o which_o i_o have_v establish_v but_o lest_o any_o one_o shall_v imagine_v that_o they_o subsist_v mere_o by_o their_o connexion_n i_o desire_v the_o reader_n to_o remember_v that_o i_o have_v prove_v each_o of_o they_o apart_o by_o themselves_o after_o several_a different_a way_n it_o be_v very_o true_a therefore_o that_o the_o new_a testament_n as_o well_o as_o our_o religion_n be_v divine_a for_o these_o two_o truth_n be_v proper_o one_o and_o the_o same_o the_o christian_a religion_n can_v be_v divine_a if_o the_o word_n or_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v the_o ruleof_o the_o faith_n of_o its_o professor_n be_v humane_a and_o the_o scripture_n can_v never_o be_v divine_a unless_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v of_o a_o heavenly_a original_a and_o proceed_v from_o god_n but_o it_o be_v fit_a that_o we_o shall_v examine_v the_o difficulty_n that_o be_v oppose_v against_o this_o grand_a principle_n chap._n fourteen_o wherein_o we_o shall_v examine_v those_o difficulty_n which_o may_v probable_o be_v raise_v against_o the_o forego_n truth_n truth_n be_v a_o enemy_n to_o all_o shift_n and_o trick_n let_v we_o therefore_o brief_o consider_v what_o doubt_n we_o may_v possible_o entertain_v in_o the_o forego_n truth_n let_v we_o give_v full_a scope_n to_o our_o imagination_n to_o frame_v what_o suspicion_n we_o can_v as_o to_o the_o person_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n their_o miracle_n the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o the_o extraordinary_a and_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o be_v impart_v to_o mankind_n by_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o and_o i._o to_o begin_v with_o the_o person_n of_o jesus_n christ_n there_o be_v some_o who_o believe_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v a_o essene_n and_o that_o he_o borrow_v from_o that_o sect_n the_o purity_n of_o his_o moral_n and_o the_o soundness_n of_o his_o doctrine_n and_o indeed_o it_o appear_v from_o the_o description_n which_o philo_n and_o josephus_n give_v we_o of_o that_o sect_n that_o the_o essenes_n live_v among_o themselves_o in_o a_o perfect_a union_n that_o they_o possess_v all_o thing_n in_o common_a that_o they_o look_v upon_o one_o another_o as_o so_o many_o brethren_n and_o that_o they_o have_v very_o rational_a and_o sound_a idea_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n all_o this_o pretty_a well_o agree_v with_o the_o nature_n of_o chistianity_n beside_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v that_o jesus_n christ_n ever_o oppose_v their_o doctrine_n when_o he_o pronounce_v so_o many_o woe_n against_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n and_o if_o it_o be_v true_a that_o jesus_n christ_n borrow_v his_o doctrine_n from_o that_o sect_n we_o shall_v have_v less_o reason_n to_o be_v surprise_v at_o his_o extraordinary_a morality_n and_o holiness_n of_o life_n but_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o refute_v this_o notion_n if_o we_o consider_v that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o sect_n as_o that_o of_o the_o essenes_n in_o galilee_n which_o be_v the_o native_a country_n of_o jesus_n christ_n that_o the_o essenes_n avoid_v all_o correspondence_n with_o other_o man_n as_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o impure_a and_o profane_a and_o for_o that_o reason_n dwell_v not_o in_o any_o great_a city_n whereas_o jesus_n christ_n traverse_v town_n and_o village_n teach_v multitude_n preach_v in_o the_o synagogue_n etc._n etc._n beside_o the_o essenes_n abhor_a matrimony_n whereas_o jesus_n christ_n make_v choice_n of_o such_o disciple_n as_o be_v marry_v and_o last_o that_o he_o have_v several_a fisherman_n to_o attend_v he_o but_o none_o of_o they_o be_v essenes_n but_o ii_o may_v we_o not_o think_v that_o jesus_n christ_n owe_v his_o knowledge_n to_o his_o education_n but_o how_o can_v that_o be_v for_o as_o much_o as_o he_o be_v breed_v up_o in_o the_o shop_n of_o a_o carpenter_n as_o his_o enemy_n themselves_o confess_v in_o their_o reproach_n of_o he_o iii_o some_o will_v object_v that_o it_o be_v out_o of_o spite_n to_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n and_o other_o ruler_n of_o the_o jew_n that_o he_o first_o exclaim_v so_o much_o against_o they_o and_o after_o invent_v on_o purpose_n to_o thwart_v they_o a_o religion_n quite_o opposite_a to_o they_o but_o what_o have_v the_o son_n of_o mary_n to_o do_v with_o all_o those_o teacher_n since_o he_o neither_o be_v priest_n nor_o levite_n nor_o pretend_v to_o any_o such_o dignity_n what_o shall_v make_v he_o come_v in_o competition_n with_o they_o beside_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o assert_v that_o jesus_n christ_n seem_v very_o much_o exasperate_v against_o their_o doctrine_n and_o behaviour_n it_o must_v also_o be_v consider_v whether_o he_o have_v not_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o reason_n to_o be_v so_o iu._n it_o be_v object_v that_o perhaps_o he_o be_v ambitious_a of_o be_v think_v a_o prophet_n or_o it_o may_v be_v not_o right_o understand_v certain_a oracle_n which_o seem_v to_o determine_v at_o that_o time_n the_o come_n of_o the_o messiah_n he_o real_o think_v himself_o to_o be_v that_o messiah_n but_o nothing_o of_o this_o be_v true_a for_o jesus_n christ_n can_v not_o have_v think_v himself_o to_o be_v the_o messiah_n out_o of_o mere_a simplicity_n and_o ignorance_n nor_o have_v endeavour_v to_o make_v the_o world_n believe_v it_o out_o of_o malice_n or_o deceit_n we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o believe_v the_o former_a if_o we_o consider_v his_o morality_n and_o doctrine_n and_o his_o holiness_n of_o life_n give_v we_o no_o occasion_n to_o imagine_v the_o latter_a the_o incredulous_a will_n soon_o be_v reduce_v to_o a_o evident_a absurdity_n if_o they_o assert_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o most_o ignorant_a or_o most_o wicked_a of_o man_n the_o most_o ignorant_a if_o he_o think_v himself_o to_o be_v the_o messiah_n without_o be_v real_o so_o or_o the_o most_o wicked_a if_o he_o endeavour_v to_o make_v other_o man_n believe_v it_o when_o he_o believe_v it_o not_o himself_o because_o one_o must_v be_v wilful_o blind_a not_o to_o perceive_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n proceed_v both_o from_o a_o very_a clear_a principle_n and_o a_o good_a foundation_n too_o v._n but_o may_v we_o not_o say_v the_o same_o of_o mahomet_n the_o incredulous_a compare_v they_o often_o together_o they_o pretend_v that_o jesus_n christ_n and_o mahomet_n may_v have_v be_v animate_v both_o with_o the_o same_o spirit_n but_o of_o all_o the_o shift_n of_o the_o incredulous_a this_o be_v certain_o their_o weak_a and_o it_o be_v a_o plain_a demonstration_n that_o they_o have_v no_o manner_n of_o idea_n of_o the_o thing_n they_o speak_v of_o when_o they_o insist_v upon_o this_o comparison_n for_o we_o can_v here_o produce_v several_a essential_a difference_n betwixt_o jesus_n christ_n and_o mahomet_n mahomet_n never_o pretend_v to_o establish_v his_o religion_n by_o work_a miracle_n although_o several_a have_v be_v impute_v to_o he_o whereas_o jesus_n christ_n desire_v no_o belief_n but_o upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o his_o extraordinary_a miracle_n be_v willing_a thereby_o to_o convince_v the_o eye_n and_o sense_n of_o his_o disciple_n by_o sensible_a matter_n of_o fact_n and_o such_o miracle_n as_o he_o give_v they_o also_o power_n to_o work_v themselves_o when_o he_o send_v they_o forth_o to_o preach_v abroad_o his_o resurrection_n and_o miracle_n at_o the_o same_o time_n he_o threaten_v they_o with_o death_n and_o eternal_a damnation_n in_o case_n they_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o deceive_v any_o body_n with_o fiction_n or_o even_o disguise_v the_o truth_n itself_o mahomet_n leave_v no_o such_o prophecy_n behind_o he_o as_o have_v be_v accomplish_v whereas_o we_o have_v several_a of_o jesus_n christ_n which_o have_v
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 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
represent_v the_o disciple_n continual_o fast_v and_o pray_v can_v not_o devise_v that_o matter_n of_o fact_n suppose_v it_o to_o be_v false_a he_o will_v be_v very_o extravagant_a that_o shall_v believe_v that_o the_o apostle_n lead_v a_o ill_a course_n of_o life_n and_o plunge_v themselves_o in_o all_o sort_n of_o lewd_a debauchery_n their_o word_n their_o action_n convince_v we_o of_o the_o contrary_n yet_o it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o they_o be_v villain_n indeed_o if_o what_o they_o preach_v be_v false_a but_o if_o they_o be_v downright_o plain_a honest_a man_n as_o their_o speech_n necessary_o evince_v to_o we_o than_o be_v their_o preach_v also_o necessary_o true_a verse_n 12._o then_o the_o deputy_n when_o he_o see_v what_o be_v do_v believe_v be_v astonish_v at_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o lord_n it_o will_v argue_v but_o little_a judgement_n in_o any_o one_o that_o design_n to_o impose_v a_o fiction_n upon_o man_n belief_n to_o pitch_v upon_o circumstance_n as_o be_v contrary_a to_o public_a knowledge_n the_o conversion_n of_o a_o deputy_n be_v certain_o a_o event_n very_o remarkable_a chap._n xv._n 39_o and_o the_o contention_n be_v so_o sharp_a between_o they_o that_o they_o depart_v asunder_o one_o from_o the_o other_o and_o so_o barnabas_n take_v mark_n and_o sail_v unto_o cyprus_n this_o historian_n be_v very_o exact_a in_o relate_v the_o least_o occurrence_n he_o be_v sincere_a too_o since_o he_o scruple_n not_o to_o relate_v the_o contention_n which_o arise_v among_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o chap._n xx._n 12._o and_o they_o bring_v the_o young_a man_n alive_a and_o be_v not_o a_o little_a comfort_v can_v any_o thing_n be_v more_o surprise_v or_o convince_a than_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a chap._n xxiv_o 25._o and_o as_o he_o reason_v of_o righteousness_n temperance_n and_o judgement_n to_o come_v fellix_fw-la tremble_v and_o answer_v go_v thy_o way_n for_o this_o time_n when_o i_o have_v a_o convenient_a season_n i_o will_v call_v for_o thou_o great_a indeed_o be_v the_o divine_a efficacy_n of_o his_o word_n which_o make_v a_o judge_n tremble_v sit_v on_o his_o tribunal_n of_o justice_n and_o before_o the_o chain_n of_o his_o prisoner_n chap._n xxviii_o 30_o 31._o and_o paul_n dwell_v two_o whole_a year_n in_o his_o own_o hire_a house_n and_o receive_v all_o that_o come_v unto_o he_o preach_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n here_o end_v the_o history_n of_o the_o act_n of_o the_o holy_a apostle_n write_v by_o st._n luke_n it_o be_v manifest_a he_o compile_v it_o before_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n because_o he_o mention_n nothing_o of_o that_o event_n neither_o do_v the_o gospel_n or_o epistle_n of_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o it_o but_o they_o often_o speak_v of_o the_o sudden_a come_n of_o the_o lord_n or_o of_o the_o judgement_n he_o have_v resolve_v to_o execute_v upon_o the_o jewish_a nation_n cahp._n ix_o wherein_o we_o shall_v yet_o far_o produce_v from_o the_o epistle_n of_o st._n paul_n st._n peter_n and_o st_n john_n several_a text_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_a religion_n epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n chap._n i._n 1_o 2_o 3_o 4._o paul_n the_o servant_n of_o jesus_n christ_n call_v to_o be_v a_o apostle_n separate_v unto_o the_o gospel_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n concern_v his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n which_o be_v make_v of_o the_o seed_n of_o david_n according_a to_o the_o flesh_n and_o declare_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n with_o power_n according_a to_o the_o spirit_n of_o holiness_n by_o the_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a man_n general_o insert_v all_o their_o title_n in_o the_o epistle_n they_o write_v but_o st._n paul_n insert_v the_o whole_a gospel_n in_o he_o and_o what_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o it_o because_o his_o mind_n and_o heart_n be_v so_o full_a of_o it_o that_o he_o can_v not_o speak_v of_o any_o thing_n else_o jesus_n christ_n be_v his_o alpha_n and_o his_o omega_n his_o beginning_n and_o his_o end_n verse_n 7._o to_o all_o that_o â—e_v in_o rome_n belove_v of_o god_n call_v to_o be_v saint_n grace_n be_v unto_o you_o and_o peace_n from_o god_n our_o father_n and_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n do_v ever_o man_n before_o he_o write_v in_o this_o stile_n he_o direct_v his_o discourse_n to_o those_o only_a that_o be_v call_v to_o be_v saint_n he_o do_v not_o vain_o compliment_v they_o after_o the_o usual_a way_n of_o the_o world_n but_o wish_v they_o the_o peace_n and_o grace_n of_o god_n certain_o he_o will_v not_o have_v write_v thus_o have_v he_o be_v a_o impostor_n or_o a_o enemy_n to_o his_o country_n man_n who_o endeavour_v to_o render_v they_o odious_a throughout_o the_o world_n by_o accuse_v they_o of_o a_o imaginary_a crime_n verse_n 16._o for_o i_o be_o not_o ashamed_a of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n for_o it_o be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n unto_o salvation_n to_o every_o one_o that_o believe_v etc._n etc._n how_o strong_o persuade_v must_v that_o man_n be_v of_o what_o he_o say_v who_o express_v himself_o after_o so_o pathetical_a a_o manner_n and_o how_o well_o do_v the_o fullness_n of_o his_o mind_n appear_v by_o all_o these_o manifold_a and_o multiply_v expression_n chap._n viii_o 37_o 38_o 39_o nay_o in_o all_o these_o thing_n we_o be_v more_o than_o conqueror_n through_o he_o that_o love_v we_o for_o i_o be_o persuade_v that_o neither_o death_n nor_o life_n nor_o angel_n etc._n etc._n a_o immovable_a constancy_n indeed_o and_o a_o divine_a confidence_n which_o he_o so_o natural_o set_v down_o and_o which_o can_v not_o possible_o arise_v from_o the_o soul_n of_o a_o impostor_n chap._n xi_o 28_o 29._o as_o concern_v the_o gospel_n they_o be_v enemy_n for_o your_o sake_n but_o as_o touch_v the_o election_n they_o be_v belove_v for_o the_o father_n sake_n for_o the_o gift_n and_o call_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n why_o do_v st._n paul_n here_o speak_v so_o move_o and_o tender_o of_o the_o jew_n and_o why_o do_v he_o earnest_o endeavour_v to_o soften_v and_o mitigate_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o gentile_n towards_o they_o whence_o come_v that_o inclination_n both_o of_o his_o heart_n and_o affection_n to_o favour_v those_o implacable_a enemy_n who_o seek_v nothing_o but_o his_o destruction_n and_o ruin_n certain_o a_o man_n that_o have_v forsake_v his_o own_o nation_n out_o of_o spite_n or_o a_o desire_n of_o revenge_n can_v not_o be_v of_o such_o a_o temper_n chap._n xii_o 2._o and_o be_v not_o conform_v to_o this_o world_n but_o be_v you_o transform_v by_o the_o renew_n of_o your_o mind_n etc._n etc._n we_o have_v here_o a_o man_n who_o have_v be_v whole_o change_v have_v acquire_v new_a knowledge_n new_a habit_n and_o new_a affection_n speak_v of_o nothing_o but_o of_o be_v transform_v renew_v and_o become_v a_o new_a creature_n etc._n etc._n a_o man_n who_o have_v be_v enlighten_v in_o his_o way_n to_o damascus_n speak_v of_o nothing_o but_o of_o illumination_n of_o a_o light_n that_o shine_v from_o heaven_n of_o a_o kingdom_n of_o light_n a_o man_n in_o fine_a who_o have_v have_v mercy_n show_v he_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o fury_n of_o his_o persecution_n speak_v of_o nothing_o but_o pardon_n and_o grace_n it_o be_v a_o easy_a matter_n to_o collect_v his_o history_n from_o his_o very_a expression_n verse_n 10_o 11_o 12_o 13_o 14_o 15_o 16._o be_v kind_o affection_a one_o to_o another_o with_o brotherly_a love_n in_o honour_n prefer_v one_o another_o not_o slothful_a in_o business_n fervent_a in_o spirit_n serve_v the_o lord_n rejoice_v in_o hope_n patient_a in_o tribulation_n continue_v instant_a in_o prayer_n distribute_v to_o the_o necessity_n of_o saint_n give_v to_o hospitality_n bless_v they_o which_o persecute_v you_o bless_v and_o curse_v not_o rejoice_v with_o they_o that_o do_v rejoice_v etc._n etc._n can_v we_o suppose_v these_o to_o be_v the_o word_n or_o thought_n of_o a_o impostor_n chap._n xiii_o 5._o wherefore_o you_o must_v needs_o be_v subject_n not_o only_o for_o wrath_n but_o also_o for_o conscience_n sake_n religion_n as_o it_o be_v cement_v the_o good_a and_o welfare_n of_o a_o state_n and_o piety_n seem_v inseparable_a from_o the_o public_a good_a of_o a_o society_n because_o god_n by_o who_o appointment_n king_n reign_n be_v the_o prime_a author_n of_o religion_n verse_n 12_o 14_o the_o night_n be_v far_o spend_v the_o day_n be_v at_o hand_n etc._n etc._n but_o put_v you_o on_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o make_v no_o provision_n for_o the_o flesh_n to_o fulfil_v the_o lust_n thereof_o this_o author_n word_n continual_o follow_v and_o express_v his_o thought_n he_o consider_v the_o gospel_n as_o a_o light_n that_o dissipate_v all_o the_o erroneous_a darkness_n and_o ignorance_n of_o his_o mind_n he_o consider_v
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
have_v for_o ever_o divide_v now_o the_o christian_a religion_n restore_v the_o society_n of_o nature_n for_o by_o unite_n man_n so_o strict_o in_o the_o bond_n of_o charity_n it_o far_o strengthen_v that_o natural_a love_n which_o we_o call_v humanity_n it_o destroy_v too_o the_o society_n of_o interest_n and_o ambition_n because_o it_o extirpate_v such_o inordinate_a desire_n as_o be_v not_o true_a principle_n of_o union_n and_o good_a understanding_n one_o among_o another_o it_o also_o strengthen_v civil_a society_n by_o command_v we_o to_o obey_v our_o superior_n and_o teach_v we_o to_o render_v unto_o cesar_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v caesar_n and_o unto_o god_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v go_n last_o it_o establish_v such_o a_o society_n as_o restore_v the_o equality_n of_o nature_n among_o we_o and_o whereas_o there_o be_v in_o the_o world_n till_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n a_o society_n of_o man_n external_o indeed_o unite_v by_o the_o bond_n of_o civil_a law_n government_n and_o the_o degree_n of_o proximity_n of_o blood_n but_o internal_o divide_v by_o their_o irregular_a passion_n christ_n show_v we_o a_o society_n of_o man_n external_o divide_v by_o the_o distance_n of_o time_n and_o place_n and_o the_o disparity_n of_o their_o condition_n but_o internal_o unite_v by_o the_o bond_n of_o the_o same_o faith_n the_o same_o hope_n and_o the_o same_o charity_n nor_o be_v these_o mere_a idea_n or_o speculation_n for_o beside_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n visible_o relate_v whole_o to_o the_o design_n of_o make_v man_n holy_a and_o pure_a and_o dedicate_a they_o to_o god_n beside_o that_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o it_o be_v the_o end_n of_o their_o preach_v direct_v themselves_o in_o their_o epistle_n to_o those_o that_o be_v call_v to_o be_v saint_n and_o to_o the_o spiritual_a israel_n and_o declare_v concern_v apostate_n that_o they_o go_v from_o they_o because_o they_o be_v not_o of_o they_o beside_o that_o jesus_n christ_n on_o all_o occasion_n make_v the_o very_a same_o distinction_n refuse_v to_o own_v they_o for_o his_o disciple_n that_o shall_v be_v whole_o take_v up_o with_o the_o advantage_n of_o the_o world_n and_o give_v this_o mark_n and_o character_n of_o those_o who_o he_o own_v for_o his_o my_o sheep_n hear_v my_o voice_n and_o the_o world_n hate_v they_o because_o they_o be_v not_o of_o the_o world_n joh._n 17._o 14._o i_o say_v beside_o all_o this_o we_o have_v this_o satisfaction_n that_o we_o can_v produce_v a_o society_n of_o holy_a man_n that_o yield_v not_o to_o any_o power_n of_o the_o world_n but_o withstand_v the_o most_o rigorous_a trial_n of_o persecution_n and_o renounce_v the_o entice_a charm_n of_o the_o world_n the_o better_a to_o adhere_v to_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n a_o society_n victorious_a in_o temptation_n that_o overcome_v vice_n and_o delude_v the_o indefatigable_a endeavour_n of_o tyrant_n a_o society_n compose_v of_o mortal_a man_n yet_o not_o to_o be_v exstinguish_v by_o death_n that_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n yet_o encourage_v with_o motive_n supernatural_a that_o converse_v in_o the_o world_n yet_o despise_v it_o that_o be_v disperse_v in_o several_a different_a time_n and_o place_n yet_o always_o unite_v in_o the_o same_o thought_n and_o opinion_n that_o be_v continual_o attack_v by_o different_a passion_n yet_o constant_o surmount_v they_o in_o a_o word_n a_o society_n that_o still_o flourish_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o persecution_n increase_v the_o more_o as_o often_o as_o it_o be_v defeat_v and_o raise_v itself_o out_o of_o it_o be_v own_o ruin_n certain_o he_o must_v have_v read_v but_o little_a of_o ecclesiastical_a history_n that_o be_v unacquainted_a with_o all_o these_o truth_n and_o he_o must_v be_v wilful_o blind_a and_o purposely_o impose_v upon_o himself_o that_o acknowledge_v not_o the_o efficacy_n of_o religion_n in_o all_o those_o wonderful_a effect_n and_o it_o be_v proper_o in_o that_o society_n of_o holy_a man_n or_o in_o the_o church_n itself_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o seek_v for_o the_o fruit_n of_o religion_n for_o there_o we_o shall_v find_v the_o accomplishment_n of_o those_o ancient_a prophecy_n which_o promise_v to_o show_v we_o the_o sheep_n feed_v with_o the_o bear_n and_o the_o leopard_n with_o the_o lamb_n etc._n etc._n and_o as_o the_o ark_n of_o god_n can_v not_o be_v leave_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o its_o enemy_n without_o work_v several_a wonder_n among_o they_o which_o even_o those_o infidel_n be_v sensible_a of_o so_o the_o christian_a church_n can_v continue_v in_o the_o world_n without_o produce_v such_o remarkable_a effect_n in_o it_o which_o the_o most_o incredulous_a themselves_o can_v call_v in_o question_n for_o let_v they_o tell_v we_o if_o they_o can_v how_o come_v the_o oracle_n of_o the_o heathen_n to_o be_v immediate_o silence_v when_o the_o apostle_n first_o preach_v the_o mystery_n of_o christianity_n and_o by_o what_o power_n the_o sound_n of_o those_o man_n be_v go_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n make_v those_o oracle_n eternal_o cease_v which_o have_v so_o long_o foretell_v thing_n to_o come_v and_o so_o force_v the_o heathenish_a writer_n as_o plutarch_n and_o other_o to_o inquire_v into_o the_o cause_n of_o that_o so_o sudden_a and_o so_o unexpected_a silence_n for_o to_o object_v with_o julian_n that_o the_o jewish_a and_o christian_a oracle_n have_v be_v also_o silence_v conclude_v nothing_o because_o the_o apostle_n foretell_v that_o the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n shall_v cease_v but_o how_o appear_v it_o that_o the_o oracle_n among_o the_o heathen_n declare_v they_o shall_v one_o day_n be_v silence_v the_o accomplishment_n of_o our_o prophecy_n be_v a_o everlasting_a proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o religion_n serve_v we_o instead_o of_o perpetual_a oracle_n but_o what_o accomplishment_n of_o prophecy_n confirm_v the_o pagan_a religion_n no_o less_o wonderful_a a_o effect_n of_o our_o religion_n be_v the_o abundance_n of_o revelation_n which_o bring_v so_o many_o superstitious_a and_o idolatrous_a nation_n to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o true_a god_n hence_o come_v the_o world_n to_o be_v fill_v with_o wisdom_n by_o the_o preach_n of_o ignorant_a person_n and_o the_o mean_a servant_n to_o have_v more_o noble_a and_o rational_a idea_n of_o the_o deity_n than_o the_o most_o quick_a clearsighted_n philosopher_n and_o that_o too_o by_o the_o proposal_n of_o such_o a_o doctrine_n as_o seem_v indeed_o to_o the_o flesh_n a_o object_n of_o scandal_n and_o horror_n we_o can_v deny_v but_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v the_o advantage_n of_o all_o other_o for_o have_v utter_o abolish_v all_o those_o sacrifice_n wherein_o they_o offer_v the_o blood_n of_o man_n neither_o can_v we_o doubt_v but_o that_o this_o cruel_a and_o bloody_a superstition_n be_v sufficient_o advance_v in_o the_o world_n since_o we_o find_v that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n reproach_n the_o jew_n for_o have_v sacrifice_v their_o child_n to_o moloch_n and_o that_o julius_n cesar_n tell_v we_o in_o his_o commentary_n that_o it_o be_v a_o ancient_a custom_n among_o the_o gaul_n to_o offer_v human_a victim_n to_o their_o pretend_a deity_n i_o confess_v indeed_o the_o roman_n have_v already_o renounce_v such_o a_o barbarous_a and_o cruel_a superstition_n but_o then_o i_o question_v whether_o they_o do_v not_o still_o retain_v some_o spice_n of_o it_o in_o those_o spectacle_n they_o exhibit_v to_o the_o people_n wherein_o they_o be_v extreme_o please_v to_o see_v the_o blood_n of_o their_o gladiatour_n run_v down_o who_o kill_v one_o another_o mere_o to_o make_v they_o sport_n a_o sacrifice_n so_o much_o the_o more_o impious_a because_o dedicate_v rather_o to_o the_o unlawful_a pleasure_n of_o man_n than_o the_o honour_n of_o those_o being_n they_o look_v upon_o as_o go_n and_o what_o but_o the_o christian_a religion_n can_v have_v abolish_v all_o those_o bloody_a spectacle_n and_o horrid_a divertisement_n we_o have_v just_a reason_n to_o be_v surprise_v to_o think_v how_o licentious_o that_o abominable_a sin_n usual_o punish_v by_o god_n and_o man_n with_o fire_n reign_v heretofore_o in_o the_o world_n and_o we_o can_v without_o horror_n and_o amazement_n reflect_v how_o that_o the_o love_n of_o both_o sex_n seem_v equal_o grow_v common_a to_o man_n and_o that_o ancient_a author_n free_o speak_v of_o that_o kind_n of_o debauchery_n which_o our_o own_o writer_n dare_v not_o so_o much_o as_o mention_v lest_o they_o defile_v their_o write_n socrates_n be_v represent_v to_o we_o by_o some_o of_o they_o as_o be_v deep_o smite_v with_o the_o beauty_n of_o alcibiades_n and_o the_o emperor_n trajan_n who_o panegyric_n well_o deserve_v thirty_o year_n labour_n strange_o blemish_v his_o reputation_n by_o that_o monstrous_a lechery_n which_o pretty_a well_o show_v the_o just_a ground_n for_o st._n paul_n reproach_n to_o the_o heathen_n who_o say_v that_o because_o when_o
they_o have_v know_v god_n they_o glorify_v he_o not_o as_o god_n therefore_o god_n also_o give_v they_o up_o unto_o vile_a affection_n rom._n 1._o 21._o and_o indeed_o it_o be_v no_o inconsiderable_a service_n the_o christian_a religion_n do_v man_n in_o partly_o abolish_n and_o disgrace_v so_o much_o that_o kind_n of_o detestable_a debauchery_n that_o we_o look_v upon_o those_o to_o be_v no_o less_o than_o abominable_a monster_n that_o seem_v any_o way_n inclinable_a to_o it_o humility_n and_o charity_n those_o two_o virtue_n so_o essential_a and_o necessary_a to_o man_n be_v so_o utter_o unknown_a former_o that_o their_o name_n be_v scarce_o know_v in_o all_o the_o pagan_a world_n to_o what_o then_o do_v we_o owe_v the_o knowledge_n and_o esteem_n we_o have_v of_o those_o two_o so_o excellent_a virtue_n but_o to_o the_o religion_n we_o profess_v last_o it_o be_v by_o the_o mean_n of_o this_o religion_n that_o the_o creature_n be_v again_o call_v a_o creature_n and_o god_n again_o call_v by_o his_o own_o name_n jehovah_n it_o be_v this_o religion_n that_o take_v away_o from_o vice_n the_o name_n of_o virtue_n and_o reclaim_v virtue_n from_o the_o scandal_n of_o pass_v for_o vice_n restore_v right_a reason_n to_o its_o former_a privilege_n enlighten_v the_o conscience_n of_o man_n mortify_v their_o irregular_a and_o disorderly_a passion_n and_o confound_v their_o avarice_n and_o sure_o by_o all_o these_o divine_a effect_n you_o must_v necessary_o perceive_v and_o acknowledge_v the_o divinity_n of_o christianity_n iv._o portraiture_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o consider_v in_o the_o purity_n of_o its_o end_n if_o the_o effect_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v true_o answerable_a to_o the_o character_n of_o it_o we_o may_v also_o affirm_v that_o its_o end_n be_v true_o answerable_a to_o its_o effect_n it_o be_v manifest_a there_o never_o be_v any_o so_o uncorrupt_a so_o pure_a so_o extraordinary_a and_o so_o perfect_a for_o we_o can_v but_o acknowledge_v that_o it_o be_v the_o main_a end_n and_o design_n of_o christian_a religion_n to_o check_v and_o mortify_v man_n irregular_a passion_n and_o restore_v the_o principle_n of_o righteousness_n and_o uprightness_n in_o they_o which_o their_o corruption_n have_v as_o it_o be_v efface_v and_o it_o can_v be_v suppose_v this_o be_v the_o intention_n of_o the_o devil_n who_o we_o conceive_v to_o be_v as_o a_o spirit_n natural_o averse_a to_o the_o good_a of_o mankind_n nor_o that_o of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n that_o aim_v at_o nothing_o else_o but_o to_o satisfy_v their_o lust_n nor_o that_o of_o nature_n which_o be_v easy_o persuade_v be_v bias_v by_o the_o pleasure_n which_o vice_n give_v she_o a_o prospect_n of_o nor_o that_o of_o policy_n which_o tend_v only_o to_o the_o restrain_v the_o licentiousness_n of_o all_o external_a crime_n in_o as_o much_o as_o they_o violate_v and_o invert_v the_o order_n of_o public_a society_n but_o look_v indifferent_o upon_o all_o crime_n that_o respect_v the_o soul_n neither_o can_v it_o be_v the_o scope_n and_o design_n of_o reason_n which_o be_v easy_o corrupt_v by_o avarice_n nor_o even_o that_o of_o pride_n which_o be_v mortify_v much_o more_o than_o all_o the_o other_o passion_n by_o this_o doctrine_n unknown_a to_o the_o flesh_n and_o insufferable_a to_o nature_n who_o then_o be_v it_o that_o concern_v himself_o so_o much_o with_o pride_n as_o to_o take_v away_o its_o error_n it_o be_v vainglory_n it_o be_v chimerical_a perfection_n preference_n hypocrisy_n and_o affectation_n and_o all_o this_o only_a by_o a_o serious_a consideration_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n who_o take_v upon_o he_o to_o deprive_v self-love_n of_o its_o injustice_n the_o flesh_n of_o its_o unlawful_a pleasure_n and_o in_o a_o word_n all_o human_a passion_n of_o their_o disorder_n and_o irregularity_n what_o can_v such_o a_o design_n mean_a and_o how_o can_v this_o thought_n of_o sanctify_a mankind_n enter_v of_o itself_o into_o any_o man_n mind_n we_o may_v just_o therefore_o ascribe_v this_o end_n and_o design_n to_o the_o christian_a religion_n for_o it_o be_v certain_a it_o contain_v neither_o exhortation_n nor_o precept_n promise_n nor_o threat_n history_n nor_o prophecy_n but_o what_o direct_o aim_v at_o that_o very_a end_n the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v not_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o those_o book_n that_o contain_v nothing_o but_o vain_a speculation_n or_o curious_a inquiry_n all_o those_o of_o that_o kind_n be_v bring_v to_o the_o apostle_n to_o be_v burn_v who_o return_v no_o other_o answer_n to_o those_o that_o ask_v they_o man_n and_o brethren_n what_o shall_v we_o do_v but_o this_o repent_v you_o they_o plain_o declare_v that_o the_o design_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v to_o free_a man_n from_o the_o bondage_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o their_o example_n show_v we_o as_o much_o for_o what_o other_o design_n can_v they_o have_v have_v in_o renounce_v every_o thing_n and_o endure_v all_o persecution_n but_o to_o persuade_v other_o man_n they_o shall_v renounce_v this_o present_a world_n beside_o whether_o they_o speak_v or_o write_v they_o do_v run_v out_o into_o vain_a contest_v and_o dispute_v the_o ordinary_a product_n of_o the_o vanity_n of_o mankind_n but_o come_v immediate_o to_o their_o purpose_n and_o insist_v only_o on_o what_o be_v material_a and_o essential_a to_o it_o every_o particular_a in_o their_o discourse_n and_o write_n be_v practical_a and_o relate_v to_o the_o perfection_n of_o morality_n so_o much_o they_o despise_v the_o fineness_n of_o eloquence_n and_o subtlety_n of_o human_a philosophy_n and_o propose_v only_o to_o themselves_o the_o edification_n of_o men._n these_o thing_n write_v i_o unto_o you_o say_v they_o that_o you_o sin_n not_o 1_o john_n 2._o 1._o but_o suppose_v they_o such_o deceiver_n as_o the_o incredulous_a imagine_v what_o be_v it_o to_o they_o whether_o we_o sin_v or_o not_o what_o injury_n will_v it_o have_v be_v to_o the_o son_n of_o a_o carpenter_n though_o the_o pharisee_n be_v dissemble_v hypocrite_n and_o dishonour_v the_o deity_n by_o their_o tradition_n and_o though_o there_o have_v be_v table_n of_o money-changer_n in_o the_o court_n of_o the_o temple_n what_o be_v it_o to_o he_o whether_o sinner_n repent_v of_o their_o sin_n or_o not_o whether_o man_n be_v just_a and_o merciful_a or_o think_v they_o can_v appease_v god_n only_o with_o vain_a offering_n whether_o the_o city_n that_o kill_v the_o prophet_n know_v the_o thing_n that_o belong_v to_o her_o peace_n or_o not_o what_o can_v move_v he_o to_o shed_v tear_n in_o such_o abundance_n at_o the_o thought_n of_o the_o approach_a destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n a_o sensible_a and_o effectual_a proof_n indeed_o of_o his_o be_v very_o much_o concern_v for_o her_o salvation_n what_o will_v it_o have_v signify_v to_o a_o few_o poor_a delude_a wretch_n whether_o the_o gentile_n have_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o true_a god_n or_o not_o to_o a_o company_n of_o false_a witness_n whether_o man_n be_v cheat_n or_o liar_n to_o person_n odious_a and_o have_v in_o abomination_n every_o where_o whether_o man_n true_o love_v one_o another_o or_o not_o to_o the_o victim_n of_o public_a hatred_n whether_o man_n be_v reconcile_v to_o god_n or_o not_o to_o such_o afflict_a and_o disconsolate_a wretch_n whether_o other_o man_n be_v true_o make_v sensible_a of_o a_o divine_a comfort_n and_o of_o the_o peace_n of_o god_n which_o pass_v all_o understanding_n who_o can_v imagine_v that_o those_o man_n design_v to_o be_v wicked_a only_o to_o make_v we_o become_v honest_a to_o deceive_v all_o mankind_n on_o purpose_n to_o establish_v a_o sacred_a and_o inviolable_a law_n of_o fidelity_n to_o become_v the_o enemy_n of_o their_o own_o nation_n to_o make_v we_o be_v in_o charity_n with_o all_o mankind_n in_o a_o word_n to_o establish_v a_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n that_o tend_v whole_o to_o the_o sanctification_n of_o mankind_n by_o the_o most_o signal_n imposture_n and_o most_o heinous_a crime_n that_o man_n can_v be_v guilty_a of_o it_o will_v be_v strange_a if_o such_o wicked_a and_o deceitful_a man_n as_o the_o incredulous_a imagine_v the_o apostle_n to_o have_v be_v shall_v have_v the_o least_o thought_n of_o sanctify_v other_o and_o it_o will_v be_v yet_o more_o surprise_v if_o that_o thought_n shall_v be_v so_o fix_v in_o their_o mind_n as_o to_o become_v a_o full_a and_o perfect_a design_n of_o venture_v and_o lose_v all_o to_o compass_v it_o nay_o it_o will_v be_v next_o to_o a_o miracle_n if_o that_o design_n shall_v be_v put_v in_o execution_n and_o yet_o more_o it_o will_v be_v a_o unheard_a of_o prodigy_n if_o a_o continual_a succession_n of_o people_n shall_v adhere_v to_o the_o same_o principle_n and_o continue_v in_o the_o same_o disposition_n of_o mind_n against_o their_o own_o interest_n and_o in_o spite_n of_o the_o severe_a persecution_n certain_o we_o may_v confident_o
say_v that_o imposture_n and_o deceit_n never_o have_v such_o a_o design_n or_o the_o like_a success_n for_o though_o self-love_n may_v have_v hitherto_o make_v use_n of_o deceit_n and_o falsehood_n to_o effect_v its_o own_o desire_n without_o any_o regard_n have_v to_o justice_n and_o charity_n so_o indispensable_o due_a to_o our_o neighbour_n it_o be_v yet_o never_o know_v nor_o ever_o will_v be_v that_o charity_n make_v use_v of_o imposture_n and_o deceit_n to_o bring_v about_o its_o design_n for_o the_o good_a of_o other_o without_o the_o least_o consideration_n of_o its_o own_o interest_n and_o desire_n and_o to_o insist_v further_o upon_o it_o will_v be_v to_o endeavour_v to_o add_v light_n to_o the_o sun_n and_o prove_v a_o thing_n that_o be_v already_o as_o clear_a as_o noonday_n v._o portraiture_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o it_o be_v consider_v in_o its_o suitableness_n to_o the_o necessity_n of_o mankind_n we_o can_v serious_o reflect_v upon_o ourselves_o without_o immediate_o discover_v our_o own_o weakness_n misery_n and_o corruption_n neither_o can_v we_o look_v upon_o the_o christian_a religion_n without_o acknowledge_v that_o it_o be_v peculiar_o design_v to_o free_v we_o from_o those_o three_o imperfection_n inherent_a in_o our_o nature_n as_o to_o the_o corruption_n of_o man_n it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o it_o be_v the_o only_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n that_o man_n most_o know_v and_o yet_o at_o the_o same_o time_n be_v most_o ignorant_a of_o for_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o be_v palpable_a and_o evident_a to_o the_o sense_n it_o be_v easy_o believe_v that_o man_n be_v very_o wicked_a and_o corrupt_a when_o it_o be_v so_o manifest_o see_v that_o they_o commit_v so_o many_o enormous_a crime_n but_o man_n be_v still_o ignorant_a that_o there_o be_v a_o general_a depravation_n from_o nature_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o every_o man_n that_o dispose_v he_o to_o the_o strange_a irregularity_n and_o it_o have_v so_o happen_v that_o man_n have_v make_v no_o great_a reflection_n upon_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o original_a depravation_n so_o incident_a to_o mankind_n that_o it_o continual_o attend_v they_o from_o the_o cradle_n to_o the_o grave_a they_o only_o concern_v themselves_o about_o what_o be_v external_a without_o search_v into_o the_o bottom_n of_o their_o heart_n and_o conscience_n but_o the_o christian_a religion_n give_v we_o in_o that_o respect_n all_o necessary_a light_n it_o teach_v we_o that_o we_o be_v corrupt_v and_o that_o that_o corruption_n proceed_v from_o ourselves_o it_o show_v we_o the_o extent_n of_o it_o and_o confirm_v what_o the_o old_a testament_n teach_v we_o that_o all_o flesh_n have_v corrupt_v his_o way_n gen._n 6._o 12._o it_o show_v we_o that_o that_o corruption_n make_v we_o subject_a to_o the_o curse_n of_o god_n and_o that_o we_o be_v by_o nature_n the_o child_n of_o wrath_n eph._n 2._o 3._o it_o assure_v we_o that_o that_o original_a corruption_n have_v such_o power_n over_o man_n heart_n that_o it_o move_v all_o the_o faculty_n of_o his_o soul_n so_o that_o every_o imagination_n of_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n be_v only_o evil_a continual_o gen._n 6._o 5._o last_o it_o show_v we_o how_o impossible_a it_o be_v for_o man_n ever_o to_o recover_v himself_o of_o that_o malady_n so_o inveterate_a and_o deep_o root_v within_o he_o and_o that_o by_o represent_v he_o to_o we_o as_o one_o that_o be_v lame_a that_o have_v a_o lethargy_n that_o be_v dead_a in_o respect_n of_o life_n holiness_n and_o justice_n all_o which_o truth_n we_o know_v too_o well_o by_o reason_n and_o experience_n how_o come_v it_o then_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n teach_v we_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v so_o general_o unknown_a to_o mankind_n above_o all_o how_o come_v it_o to_o show_v we_o so_o distinct_o the_o true_a principle_n of_o our_o own_o corruption_n who_o teach_v the_o son_n of_o mary_n that_o self-love_n be_v the_o true_a source_n and_o original_a of_o all_o our_o irregularity_n and_o why_o do_v he_o make_v man_n to_o become_v a_o enemy_n to_o himself_o yet_o the_o christian_a religion_n not_o only_o teach_v we_o to_o know_v man_n and_o thorough_o to_o search_v into_o all_o his_o frailty_n but_o also_o that_o alone_o furnish_v we_o with_o such_o remedy_n as_o can_v cure_v all_o his_o weakness_n and_o imperfection_n for_o we_o can_v see_v that_o any_o thing_n else_o can_v do_v it_o not_o education_n which_o be_v as_o often_o evil_a as_o good_a not_o the_o civil_a law_n who_o business_n be_v only_o to_o regulate_v outward_a action_n nor_o the_o law_n in_o general_n which_o instead_o of_o remove_v rather_o increase_v this_o original_a corruption_n be_v in_o that_o respect_n like_o a_o bank_n which_o cause_v the_o flood_n to_o swell_v not_o the_o decorum_n observe_v among_o man_n which_o usual_o vary_v according_a to_o the_o diversity_n of_o country_n nor_o the_o respect_n we_o common_o have_v for_o ourselves_o a_o thing_n too_o thin_a and_o metaphysical_a not_o to_o submit_v to_o the_o sense_n of_o pleasure_n not_o reason_n itself_o which_o the_o passion_n so_o easy_o corrupt_a nor_o the_o example_n of_o man_n who_o common_o lead_v a_o very_a irregular_a life_n not_o worldly_a honour_n which_o regard_v only_o external_a pomp_n and_o grandeur_n nor_o last_o philosophy_n which_o want_v motive_n sufficient_a to_o effect_v it_o or_o if_o it_o have_v any_o it_o derive_v they_o all_o from_o our_o own_o pride_n must_v we_o then_o have_v recourse_n to_o the_o virtue_n in_o fashion_n in_o the_o world_n we_o may_v easy_o perceive_v that_o they_o be_v only_a pride_n and_o interest_n different_o manage_v according_a to_o the_o various_a turn_v and_o affair_n since_o they_o have_v no_o other_o motive_n but_o what_o they_o have_v from_o the_o world_n the_o falsehood_n of_o human_a virtue_n be_v a_o thing_n not_o to_o be_v dispute_v we_o all_o know_v that_o self-denial_n be_v only_o a_o piece_n of_o nice_a delicate_a interest_n liberality_n a_o mere_a trade_n of_o pride_n which_o value_v no_o gift_n provide_v it_o have_v the_o glory_n of_o be_v liberal_a modesty_n the_o art_n of_o conceal_v our_o vanity_n civility_n but_o a_o affect_a preference_n of_o other_o man_n before_o ourselves_o to_o conceal_v how_o much_o we_o real_o value_v ourselves_o above_o all_o the_o world_n bashfulness_n but_o a_o affect_a silence_n in_o those_o thing_n which_o our_o lust_n make_v we_o think_v of_o with_o pleasure_n the_o desire_n of_o oblige_v other_o man_n but_o a_o secret_a desire_n of_o oblige_v ourselves_o by_o get_v they_o to_o befriend_v we_o another_o time_n just_a as_o impatience_n to_o acquit_v ourselves_o of_o a_o obligation_n be_v but_o a_o shamefacedness_n for_o have_v be_v too_o long_o behold_v to_o other_o for_o some_o favour_n receive_v so_o that_o all_o these_o virtue_n in_o general_n be_v so_o many_o guard_n self-love_n make_v use_v of_o to_o prevent_v our_o darling_n and_o secret_a vice_n from_o appear_v outward_o what_o remedy_n then_o can_v be_v bring_v for_o the_o irregularity_n of_o our_o corrupt_a nature_n the_o pernicious_a poison_n of_o which_o secret_o insinuate_v itself_o even_o into_o our_o virtuousaction_n and_o who_o can_v cure_v such_o a_o distemper_n when_o the_o remedy_n apply_v to_o it_o be_v rather_o a_o disease_n than_o a_o cure_n experience_n show_v we_o that_o by_o effectual_o resist_v one_o vice_n we_o often_o confirm_v and_o establish_v another_o will_v you_o destroy_v avarice_n you_o must_v attack_v it_o by_o such_o argument_n as_o necessary_o flatter_v pride_n and_o be_v pride_n to_o be_v overcome_v it_o must_v be_v impugned_a by_o such_o motive_n as_o encourage_v avarice_n in_o vain_a shall_v you_o strip_v self-love_n of_o all_o its_o please_a object_n and_o allurement_n still_o it_o will_v endeavour_v to_o secure_v itself_o either_o by_o contemn_v the_o good_n of_o fortune_n or_o by_o show_v its_o moderation_n in_o patient_o endure_v disgrace_n self-love_n when_o seat_v on_o the_o throne_n make_v tyrant_n when_o reduce_v to_o want_v and_o poverty_n it_o make_v philosopher_n who_o despise_v every_o thing_n they_o can_v enjoy_v it_o oft_o indeed_o change_v its_o object_n but_o not_o its_o disposition_n it_o be_v pride_n as_o i_o may_v say_v outlive_v its_o own_o death_n and_o not_o be_v able_a to_o prevent_v its_o perish_v it_o will_v seem_v to_o look_v pleasant_o upon_o its_o downfall_n and_o as_o it_o be_v triumph_n in_o its_o own_o ruin_n who_o then_o can_v give_v this_o hydra_n its_o death_n wound_n when_o the_o lop_n off_o one_o head_n serve_v only_o to_o give_v rise_v to_o another_o it_o be_v certain_a therefore_o that_o nothing_o can_v remedy_v this_o corruption_n unless_o it_o be_v more_o constant_a than_o the_o principle_n of_o education_n more_o infallible_a than_o the_o rule_n of_o decency_n and_o civility_n more_o holy_a than_o the_o civil_a law_n which_o require_v only_o a_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
phenomenon_n it_o will_v be_v also_o contrary_a to_o sense_n since_o all_o unanimous_o testify_v there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n but_o sense_n certify_v the_o existence_n of_o that_o phenomenon_n and_o reason_n be_v true_o persuade_v that_o it_o be_v so_o reason_n think_v it_o a_o very_a hard_a matter_n to_o understand_v and_o sense_n affirm_v not_o the_o contrary_a reason_n therefore_o and_o sense_n perfect_o well_o agree_v together_o and_o such_o be_v likewise_o the_o joint_a agreement_n of_o faith_n and_o reason_n in_o the_o great_a mystery_n of_o religion_n those_o be_v difficulty_n indeed_o worthy_a to_o be_v admire_v which_o philosophy_n so_o confident_o start_v up_o in_o matter_n of_o divinity_n there_o be_v many_o thing_n in_o nature_n who_o existence_n we_o ready_o own_o but_o nothing_o though_o inconsiderable_a in_o itself_o the_o manner_n of_o which_o we_o can_v comprehend_v and_o yet_o it_o never_o come_v into_o any_o man_n mind_n that_o have_v but_o common_a sense_n to_o call_v they_o in_o question_n if_o then_o we_o show_v ourselves_o so_o very_o reasonable_a in_o natural_a thing_n why_o shall_v we_o prove_v so_o senseless_a in_o matter_n of_o religion_n in_o common_a thing_n our_o understanding_n act_v natural_o but_o in_o religion_n it_o be_v delude_v by_o the_o passion_n which_o continual_o seek_v how_o to_o suggest_v to_o it_o new_a occasion_n of_o doubt_v we_o may_v pass_v the_o same_o judgement_n upon_o matter_n of_o grace_n do_v but_o distinguish_v philosophy_n from_o divinity_n and_o you_o will_v avoid_v thereby_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o difficulty_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o for_o the_o most_o part_n they_o proceed_v either_o from_o the_o eager_a desire_n we_o have_v to_o understand_v what_o be_v altogether_o incomprehensible_a or_o from_o the_o speculation_n we_o have_v already_o make_v upon_o that_o we_o can_v not_o comprehend_v now_o to_o know_v the_o injustice_n of_o man_n in_o this_o we_o need_v but_o observe_v that_o most_o of_o they_o be_v full_o persuade_v that_o god_n preserve_v we_o nourish_v and_o support_v we_o by_o his_o perpetual_a concurrence_n without_o which_o the_o meat_n we_o eat_v and_o the_o care_n we_o have_v of_o our_o preservation_n will_v stand_v we_o in_o no_o stead_n and_o by_o which_o we_o immediate_o subsist_v yet_o we_o never_o hear_v that_o any_o one_o do_v serious_o conclude_v from_o thence_o that_o we_o ought_v whole_o to_o lay_v aside_o the_o care_n of_o our_o own_o preservation_n and_o sole_o rely_v on_o the_o concurrence_n of_o god_n we_o never_o see_v any_o one_o so_o senseless_a as_o to_o perplex_v himself_o with_o these_o sort_n of_o needless_a question_n if_o it_o can_v be_v say_v that_o i_o nourish_v myself_o by_o take_v those_o aliment_n as_o be_v absolute_o requisite_a for_o my_o preservation_n how_o can_v it_o be_v reasonable_o affirm_v that_o god_n nourish_v or_o preserve_v i_o or_o if_o it_o be_v god_n as_o nourish_v i_o how_o do_v i_o lie_v under_o a_o obligation_n of_o do_v it_o myself_o i_o say_v we_o never_o hear_v any_o of_o those_o difficulty_n object_v against_o natural_a thing_n whereas_o it_o appear_v they_o be_v continual_o start_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n however_o there_o be_v as_o good_a ground_n for_o they_o in_o the_o one_o as_o the_o other_o because_o they_o consist_v in_o the_o dependence_n we_o have_v upon_o the_o deity_n either_o in_o our_o be_v creature_n already_o or_o be_v bear_v again_o or_o become_v new_a creature_n in_o nature_n we_o all_o know_v we_o subsist_v only_o by_o the_o concurrence_n of_o god_n without_o inquire_v into_o the_o manner_n of_o it_o but_o in_o religion_n we_o be_v not_o content_a to_o know_v that_o we_o be_v regenerate_v by_o grace_n we_o further_o desire_v to_o search_v into_o the_o manner_n of_o that_o operation_n and_o our_o principal_a care_n be_v how_o to_o find_v it_o out_o so_o that_o those_o very_a difficulty_n which_o can_v not_o perplex_v man_n in_o matter_n of_o eat_v and_o drink_v seem_v terrible_a and_o frightful_a to_o they_o when_o it_o be_v requisite_a they_o shall_v lead_v a_o good_a life_n if_o you_o will_v know_v the_o reason_n of_o it_o you_o must_v consult_v the_o heart_n of_o man._n it_o will_v be_v sufficient_a for_o we_o if_o we_o act_n with_o as_o much_o reason_n in_o religion_n as_o we_o do_v in_o civil_a life_n if_o we_o consult_v the_o pure_a light_n of_o reason_n it_o will_v inform_v we_o that_o it_o be_v as_o necessary_a the_o new_a creature_n shall_v have_v its_o dependence_n upon_o god_n as_o that_o the_o creature_n shall_v depend_v upon_o he_o because_o god_n himself_o be_v as_o well_o the_o author_n of_o the_o one_o as_o of_o the_o other_o and_o as_o our_o body_n have_v neither_o life_n motion_n nor_o be_v but_o from_o he_o so_o our_o soul_n have_v no_o faculty_n knowledge_n or_o affection_n but_o what_o they_o derive_v from_o thence_o every_o be_v come_v from_o he_o and_o nothing_o but_o what_o be_v defective_a can_v have_v any_o other_o principle_n the_o thing_n itself_o then_o be_v very_o certain_a i_o mean_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o grace_n to_o which_o we_o must_v necessary_o refer_v all_o the_o good_a that_o be_v within_o we_o and_o that_o belong_v to_o divinity_n but_o the_o manner_n of_o its_o operation_n that_o be_v the_o degree_n of_o virtue_n it_o display_v over_o we_o the_o manner_n in_o which_o it_o determine_v our_o freewill_n its_o minute_a conjuncture_n etc._n etc._n may_v be_v hide_v mystery_n belong_v to_o the_o consideration_n of_o philosophy_n but_o not_o in_o the_o least_o prejudicial_a to_o our_o faith_n which_o consist_v in_o a_o humble_a submission_n as_o well_o as_o in_o knowledge_n and_o can_v as_o ready_o profess_v its_o utter_a ignorance_n of_o a_o hide_a mystery_n as_o it_o glad_o perceive_v it_o when_o reveal_v i_o question_n whether_o divine_n have_v observe_v that_o when_o the_o apostle_n be_v please_v to_o point_n out_o to_o we_o what_o be_v most_o eminent_a in_o mystery_n they_o neither_o examine_v the_o order_n of_o the_o decree_n of_o god_n nor_o the_o inconceivable_a transmission_n of_o original_a sin_n whereby_o the_o wickedness_n of_o the_o first_o man_n be_v convey_v down_o to_o we_o nor_o why_o grace_n seem_v incompatible_a with_o freewill_n whence_o proceed_v this_o if_o not_o from_o their_o ignorance_n of_o philosophy_n and_o want_v of_o vain_a curiosity_n which_o by_o their_o own_o example_n they_o design_v to_o teach_v we_o to_o avoid_v what_o be_v then_o according_a to_o they_o the_o great_a mystery_n of_o godliness_n this_o be_v it_o god_n be_v manifest_a in_o the_o flesh_n justify_v in_o the_o spirit_n see_v of_o angel_n believe_v on_o in_o the_o world_n preach_v unto_o the_o gentile_n receive_v up_o into_o glory_n tim._n 3._o 16._o the_o incarnation_n which_o be_v express_v in_o these_o word_n god_n be_v manifest_a in_o the_o flesh_n be_v a_o great_a and_o sublime_a mystery_n but_o if_o we_o lie_v aside_o our_o prejudices_fw-la we_o shall_v find_v it_o conformable_a to_o our_o reason_n 1._o for_o it_o must_v be_v first_o of_o all_o grant_v that_o in_o this_o covenant_n the_o almighty_a debase_v not_o himself_o in_o favour_n of_o those_o with_o who_o he_o make_v it_o as_o we_o see_v in_o dishonourable_a treaty_n where_o a_o king_n be_v upon_o equal_a term_n with_o his_o subject_n this_o be_v a_o covenant_n wherein_o god_n unite_v himself_o to_o the_o creature_n without_o diminish_v his_o greatness_n and_o glory_n and_o where_o the_o creature_n unite_v itself_o to_o god_n without_o lose_v its_o due_a sense_n of_o humility_n the_o sun_n unite_v himself_o with_o the_o cloud_n where_o it_o imprint_n its_o brightness_n without_o a_o eclipse_n and_o why_o shall_v not_o god_n unite_v himself_o with_o a_o innocent_a nature_n without_o lessen_v his_o real_a worth_n and_o dignity_n 2._o we_o have_v a_o excellent_a representation_n of_o this_o truth_n in_o the_o union_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o body_n where_o two_o substance_n distinct_a in_o the_o high_a degree_n be_v unite_v together_o without_o have_v any_o natural_a proportion_n betwixt_o they_o what_o have_v the_o soul_n to_o do_v with_o the_o body_n and_o how_o can_v there_o be_v any_o affinity_n betwixt_o thing_n of_o so_o different_a a_o nature_n it_o may_v perhaps_o be_v answer_v that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a disparity_n betwixt_o the_o humane_a and_o divine_a nature_n than_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o body_n i_o agree_v that_o the_o disparity_n be_v infinite_o great_a but_o the_o diversity_n be_v still_o the_o same_o and_o there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o difference_n betwixt_o a_o union_n which_o carry_v a_o mutual_a dependence_n along_o with_o it_o such_o as_o that_o of_o our_o soul_n and_o body_n and_o a_o union_n which_o contain_v the_o dependence_n only_o on_o the_o one_o part_n such_o as_o that_o which_o be_v betwixt_o the_o divine_a and_o humane_a
book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v partly_o reducible_a to_o three_o head_n 1_o sy_n to_o a_o general_a preparation_n of_o all_o thing_n for_o the_o reception_n of_o the_o messiah_n who_o be_v to_o come_v 2_o lie_n to_o the_o representation_n of_o his_o office_n and_o oeconomy_n by_o a_o type_n or_o shadow_n 3_o dly_z to_o the_o describe_v of_o he_o after_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o to_o render_v it_o altogether_o impossible_a for_o the_o elect_a soul_n not_o to_o know_v he_o when_o he_o come_v whosoever_o shall_v consider_v the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n under_o these_o three_o notion_n will_v certain_o discover_v nothing_o in_o they_o that_o can_v perplex_v his_o faith_n but_o he_o will_v find_v that_o every_o thing_n therein_o serve_v to_o increase_v his_o knowledge_n by_o discover_v to_o he_o as_o it_o be_v the_o scheme_n of_o god_n counsel_n and_o his_o great_a plan_n and_o design_n of_o religion_n but_o since_o it_o be_v not_o our_o present_a design_n to_o dive_v into_o the_o unfathomable_a abyss_n of_o the_o justice_n wisdom_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n so_o neither_o shall_v we_o inquire_v into_o the_o reason_n which_o induce_v he_o to_o permit_v man_n to_o sin_n or_o why_o he_o be_v please_v to_o save_v some_o rather_o than_o other_o or_o upon_o what_o account_n he_o make_v use_v of_o the_o intervention_n of_o a_o mediator_n rather_o than_o of_o any_o other_o mean_n or_o whether_o there_o be_v any_o other_o way_n to_o expiate_v the_o sin_n of_o mankind_n but_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n i_o say_v we_o shall_v not_o trouble_v ourselves_o about_o any_o of_o these_o vain_a and_o fruitless_a inquiry_n and_o since_o it_o be_v but_o just_a we_o shall_v free_o own_v our_o ignorance_n i_o think_v we_o can_v never_o find_v a_o better_a opportunity_n to_o acknowledge_v it_o than_o when_o we_o be_v talk_v about_o the_o secret_a method_n and_o counsel_n of_o god_n because_o we_o can_v never_o discover_v the_o bottom_n of_o they_o unless_o we_o cease_v to_o be_v what_o we_o be_v or_o he_o to_o be_v what_o he_o be_v without_o attempt_v then_o to_o search_v into_o the_o manner_n of_o these_o thing_n which_o be_v altogether_o incomprehensible_a to_o we_o and_o of_o which_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o speak_v but_o imperfect_o we_o free_o suppose_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o we_o do_v not_o in_o the_o least_o question_n but_o god_n permit_v sin_n because_o we_o be_v all_o sinner_n we_o know_v that_o a_o small_a number_n of_o man_n be_v sanctify_v to_o who_o the_o scripture_n make_v several_a great_a and_o sublime_a promise_n and_o we_o be_v also_o teach_v that_o they_o be_v deliver_v from_o their_o sin_n by_o the_o intervention_n of_o a_o mediator_n and_o that_o god_n have_v resolve_v to_o bring_v it_o to_o pass_v by_o such_o mean_n even_o before_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n but_o let_v we_o now_o consider_v how_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n prepare_v and_o dispose_v man_n for_o it_o these_o preparation_n relate_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v manifold_a for_o there_o be_v preparation_n of_o event_n preparation_n of_o ceremony_n preparation_n of_o prophecy_n preparation_n of_o precept_n and_o preparation_n of_o tenet_n as_o for_o the_o event_n they_o all_o relate_v to_o this_o great_a centre_n of_o religion_n have_v abraham_n always_o live_v in_o ur_fw-la of_o the_o chaldee_n he_o must_v necessary_o have_v fall_v into_o idolatry_n as_o well_o as_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o kindred_n or_o he_o can_v never_o have_v preserve_v to_o his_o posterity_n the_o knowledge_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n and_o his_o seed_n consequent_o can_v not_o have_v be_v a_o seed_n of_o blessing_n for_o all_o the_o nation_n to_o come_v it_o be_v then_o absolute_o requisite_a he_o shall_v forsake_v his_o country_n as_o well_o as_o his_o kindred_n and_o have_v jacob_n always_o live_v with_o his_o father_n laban_n the_o posterity_n of_o the_o latter_a will_v have_v corrupt_v that_o of_o the_o former_a so_o that_o esau_n have_v already_o mix_v himself_o with_o stranger_n the_o holy_a race_n can_v by_o no_o mean_n avoid_v be_v confound_v with_o the_o profane_a and_o so_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o messiah_n will_v not_o have_v be_v entail_v upon_o any_o particular_a family_n or_o nation_n because_o in_o succession_n of_o time_n it_o will_v have_v be_v altogether_o impossible_a to_o distinguish_v it_o from_o the_o rest_n it_o be_v then_o necessary_a that_o jacob_n shall_v forsake_v his_o father-in-law_n house_n and_o consequent_o live_v apart_o from_o all_o other_o nation_n and_o have_v it_o not_o be_v for_o the_o protect_a providence_n of_o god_n this_o people_n who_o be_v honour_v with_o his_o covenant_n and_o entrust_v with_o his_o oracle_n will_v have_v absolute_o perish_v in_o egypt_n and_o together_o with_o they_o the_o hope_n of_o a_o promise_a redeemer_n to_o preserve_v therefore_o such_o comfortable_a hope_n they_o be_v necessary_o separate_v from_o all_o other_o nation_n and_o the_o better_a to_o keep_v themselves_o in_o that_o state_n though_o they_o differ_v from_o they_o all_o in_o matter_n of_o policy_n manner_n inclination_n and_o religion_n yet_o it_o be_v necessary_a they_o have_v god_n for_o their_o supreme_a magistrate_n who_o give_v they_o all_o those_o wonderful_a mark_n of_o his_o protection_n we_o read_v of_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n though_o thev_n be_v carry_v away_o captive_n into_o babylon_n for_o their_o sin_n they_o be_v necessary_o gather_v together_o again_o from_o that_o dispersion_n seventy_o year_n after_o lest_o a_o long_a bondage_n shall_v have_v make_v they_o for_o ever_o lose_v the_o mark_n of_o their_o election_n it_o be_v no_o difficult_a matter_n to_o perceive_v that_o it_o be_v in_o behalf_n of_o the_o messiah_n only_o that_o god_n be_v please_v to_o make_v so_o many_o distinction_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o his_o come_n can_v not_o be_v entail_v upon_o every_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n he_o set_v apart_o one_o single_a nation_n from_o the_o rest_n purposely_o to_o intrust_v they_o with_o so_o great_a a_o salvation_n and_o because_o it_o be_v absolute_o requisite_a this_o distinction_n shall_v remain_v till_o the_o birth_n of_o that_o redeemer_n so_o for_o that_o end_n he_o appoint_v five_o very_a remarkable_a principle_n of_o that_o separation_n the_o first_o whereof_o be_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o true_a god_n a_o divine_a character_n of_o the_o election_n of_o that_o people_n and_o a_o privilege_n they_o can_v not_o choose_v but_o be_v infinite_o jealous_a of_o especial_o when_o they_o consider_v what_o profound_a darkness_n ignorance_n and_o superstition_n be_v then_o disperse_v in_o the_o world_n the_o second_o be_v the_o circumcision_n that_o sign_n of_o his_o covenant_n which_o god_n be_v please_v the_o israelite_n shall_v bear_v in_o their_o flesh_n to_o distinguish_v they_o the_o more_o effectual_o from_o all_o other_o nation_n for_o it_o be_v not_o by_o mere_a chance_n or_o out_o of_o any_o fantastical_a humour_n that_o this_o custom_n be_v first_o settle_v among_o the_o jew_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v suppose_v they_o can_v have_v receive_v without_o very_o powerful_a motive_n to_o it_o so_o painful_a and_o difficult_a a_o custom_n so_o contrary_a to_o the_o natural_a affection_n of_o mother_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o example_n of_o zeporah_n nay_o which_o even_o seem_v at_o first_o view_n somewhat_o shameful_a and_o obscene_a as_o for_o philo_n and_o other_o man_n reflection_n on_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o circumcision_n they_o be_v very_o pitiful_a the_o three_o principle_n of_o that_o distinction_n be_v the_o land_n of_o canaan_n which_o god_n give_v to_o the_o patriarch_n and_o their_o posterity_n after_o they_o though_o he_o do_v not_o give_v they_o immediate_o a_o actual_a possession_n of_o it_o he_o fix_v the_o heart_n of_o that_o people_n upon_o that_o particular_a land_n lest_o they_o shall_v have_v be_v insensible_o disperse_v over_o the_o face_n of_o the_o whole_a earth_n and_o the_o patriarch_n upon_o their_o deathbed_n strict_o recommend_v the_o carry_v of_o their_o bone_n into_o it_o the_o better_a to_o fix_v the_o hope_n and_o affection_n of_o the_o whole_a nation_n upon_o it_o but_o lest_o it_o shall_v have_v happen_v that_o the_o canaanite_n the_o perisite_n the_o jebusite_n etc._n etc._n who_o be_v before_o in_o possession_n of_o that_o land_n shall_v have_v intermix_v themselves_o with_o the_o holy_a generation_n and_o consequent_o corrupt_v they_o by_o their_o superstition_n god_n himself_o consent_v that_o those_o nation_n shall_v in_o this_o life_n undergo_v a_o exemplary_a punishment_n for_o their_o sin_n which_o have_v be_v carry_v on_o to_o the_o utmost_a pitch_n of_o excess_n and_o for_o that_o end_n his_o vengeance_n make_v use_v of_o josuah_n and_o his_o army_n as_o instrument_n to_o destroy_v they_o utter_o the_o four_o be_v the_o tabernacle_n and_o afterward_o the_o
temple_n which_o god_n resolve_v shall_v be_v the_o centre_n of_o the_o ceremonial_a worship_n he_o have_v solemn_o declare_v that_o no_o sacrifice_n or_o any_o other_o material_a oblation_n whatsoever_o can_v be_v acceptable_a to_o he_o but_o what_o be_v offer_v in_o they_o intend_v to_o prevent_v by_o that_o mean_v the_o israelite_n wander_v from_o that_o place_n which_o be_v to_o be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o centre_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o by_o consequence_n to_o establish_v their_o separation_n from_o all_o other_o nation_n upon_o a_o sure_a and_o strong_a foundation_n which_o too_o be_v necessary_a to_o make_v one_o day_n their_o messiah_n know_v last_o the_o five_o principle_n of_o that_o distinction_n be_v the_o worship_n of_o the_o law_n itself_o which_o be_v of_o such_o a_o nature_n that_o the_o observance_n of_o its_o ordinance_n indispensable_o oblige_v the_o jew_n to_o abominate_a and_o detest_v all_o commerce_n with_o other_o strange_a nation_n or_o induce_v all_o other_o nation_n to_o look_v upon_o the_o jew_n with_o horror_n and_o indignation_n for_o it_o enjoin_v the_o jew_n to_o sacrifice_v the_o creature_n other_o nation_n worship_v as_o deity_n and_o the_o latter_a scruple_v not_o to_o feed_v upon_o the_o flesh_n of_o those_o animal_n which_o the_o jew_n have_v in_o execration_n etc._n etc._n in_o a_o word_n the_o external_a and_o corporeal_a purity_n the_o law_n so_o careful_o prescribe_v they_o prohibit_v the_o jew_n all_o manner_n of_o commerce_n with_o those_o profane_a and_o pollute_a nation_n but_o god_n think_v it_o not_o sufficient_a to_o set_v apart_o unto_o himself_o one_o particular_a nation_n from_o the_o rest_n he_o be_v further_o please_v to_o separate_v also_o in_o that_o nation_n one_o tribe_n from_o all_o the_o rest_n viz._n the_o tribe_n of_o judah_n in_o particular_o assign_v to_o it_o those_o promise_n of_o the_o messiah_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o that_o excellent_a prophecy_n utter_v by_o the_o mouth_n of_o a_o expire_a patriarch_n the_o sceptre_n shall_v not_o depart_v from_o judah_n nor_o the_o lawgiver_n from_o between_o his_o foot_n until_o shiloh_n come_v and_o unto_o he_o shall_v the_o gather_n of_o the_o people_n be_v gen._n 49._o 10._o god_n be_v also_o please_v to_o choose_v one_o single_a family_n in_o that_o tribe_n to_o ascribe_v principal_o to_o it_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o messiah_n and_o that_o be_v the_o family_n of_o david_n to_o who_o he_o promise_v that_o he_o will_v make_v his_o seed_n sit_v upon_o the_o throne_n as_o long_o as_o the_o sun_n and_o moon_n endure_v which_o promise_n will_v have_v be_v manifest_o false_a and_o absurd_a be_v it_o not_o exact_o fulfil_v in_o the_o person_n of_o the_o messiah_n last_o he_o choose_v such_o a_o branch_n of_o the_o family_n of_o david_n as_o shoot_v forth_o as_o it_o be_v out_o of_o a_o dry_a ground_n and_o out_o of_o the_o root_n of_o jesse_n that_o be_v a_o branch_n of_o it_o that_o be_v fall_v in_o a_o very_a mean_a and_o wretched_a condition_n all_o which_o distinction_n be_v design_v only_o to_o make_v man_n discern_v and_o know_v the_o true_a messiah_n and_o to_o prevent_v the_o loss_n of_o that_o knowledge_n so_o necessary_a to_o their_o salvation_n in_o the_o confusion_n of_o nation_n tribe_n family_n and_o generation_n but_o it_o be_v not_o only_o by_o mere_a event_n that_o god_n dispose_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o israelite_n to_o receive_v the_o messiah_n he_o impose_v upon_o they_o also_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o ceremony_n to_o inspire_v a_o more_o fervent_a desire_n in_o they_o of_o be_v free_v from_o the_o burden_n of_o those_o rite_n he_o reveal_v to_o they_o but_o in_o part_n many_o sublime_a and_o important_a tenet_n that_o they_o may_v earnest_o desire_v a_o clear_a and_o full_a revelation_n of_o they_o he_o give_v they_o a_o law_n too_o which_o whole_o consist_v in_o carnal_a motive_n and_o reward_n and_o be_v attend_v only_o with_o temporal_a blessing_n and_o threaten_n which_o law_n be_v to_o dispose_v they_o by_o its_o insufficiency_n to_o receive_v a_o better_a covenant_n the_o law_n intervene_v that_o sin_n may_v abound_v and_o god_n suffer_v it_o to_o abound_v by_o way_n of_o prevention_n that_o man_n at_o length_n be_v make_v sensible_a of_o their_o gild_n may_v have_v recourse_n to_o his_o mercy_n which_o be_v ready_a to_o be_v reveal_v unto_o they_o in_o jesus_n christ_n thus_o it_o appear_v all_o thing_n as_o it_o be_v prepare_v the_o jew_n to_o a_o new_a oeconomy_n and_o dispensation_n we_o may_v also_o add_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o but_o what_o represent_v it_o the_o lawgiver_n and_o people_n the_o covenant_n itself_o the_o mediator_n the_o worship_n and_o state_n of_o the_o faithful_a in_o a_o word_n every_o thing_n be_v shadow_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n as_o in_o a_o great_a and_o magnificent_a picture_n draw_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n himself_o and_o expose_v to_o the_o public_a view_n of_o man_n in_o all_o age_n to_o come_v therein_o the_o deity_n be_v represent_v under_o a_o humane_a shape_n to_o give_v we_o a_o type_n of_o god_n manifest_v in_o the_o flesh_n he_o be_v say_v to_o have_v wrestle_v with_o jacob_n as_o a_o admonition_n to_o we_o that_o prayer_n be_v a_o sort_n of_o wrestle_a wherewith_o god_n be_v well_o please_v he_o charge_v moses_n not_o to_o come_v near_o the_o fiery_a bush_n where_o he_o manifest_v himself_o till_o he_o have_v first_o put_v off_o his_o shoe_n from_o his_o foot_n the_o better_a to_o make_v we_o understand_v that_o without_o holiness_n we_o neither_o aught_o or_o can_v approach_v unto_o god_n he_o show_v his_o backpart_n only_o to_o his_o servant_n moses_n to_o inform_v we_o that_o the_o advantage_n of_o see_v he_o face_n to_o face_n that_o be_v of_o perfect_o know_v his_o will_n and_o his_o counsel_n particular_o belong_v to_o a_o far_o great_a prophet_n than_o moses_n the_o two_o covenant_n be_v likewise_o represent_v to_o we_o by_o abraham_n two_o wife_n the_o covenant_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o sarah_n the_o mother_n of_o the_o free_a child_n and_o the_o covenant_n of_o the_o law_n by_o agar_n the_o mother_n of_o the_o bondman_n the_o faithful_a people_n that_o be_v the_o church_n or_o the_o congregation_n of_o those_o man_n who_o be_v choose_v for_o eternal_a life_n be_v far_o represent_v to_o we_o sometime_o by_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n sometime_o by_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o first-born_a and_o sometime_o by_o the_o multitude_n of_o the_o levite_n and_o priest_n and_o the_o conformity_n betwixt_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n and_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v very_o remarkable_a the_o people_n of_o israel_n be_v set_v apart_o from_o all_o other_o nation_n and_o so_o be_v the_o faithful_a from_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n god_n be_v the_o protector_n of_o israel_n only_o when_o at_o the_o same_o time_n he_o forsake_v all_o other_o people_n in_o like_a manner_n none_o but_o that_o holy_a congregation_n of_o people_n we_o call_v the_o church_n however_o disperse_v in_o all_o time_n and_o in_o all_o place_n of_o the_o world_n can_v just_o boast_v of_o its_o be_v immediate_o protect_v by_o the_o almighty_a the_o people_n of_o israel_n be_v abhor_v and_o have_v in_o execration_n by_o all_o other_o nation_n and_o so_o be_v the_o church_n hate_v by_o all_o the_o world_n the_o people_n of_o israel_n cry_v unto_o god_n for_o help_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o their_o oppression_n and_o their_o cry_n come_v unto_o he_o and_o just_o so_o have_v the_o church_n have_v its_o martyr_n and_o afflict_a sufferer_n continual_o cry_v out_o night_n and_o day_n how_o long_o lord_n etc._n etc._n the_o people_n of_o israel_n have_v no_o other_o guide_n but_o god_n no_o other_o light_n but_o he_o no_o other_o support_n to_o defend_v they_o but_o his_o providence_n they_o be_v feed_v for_o a_o long_a time_n with_o nothing_o but_o that_o bread_n he_o miraculous_o give_v they_o from_o heaven_n for_o their_o sustenance_n etc._n etc._n the_o church_n in_o like_a manner_n have_v no_o other_o light_n but_o what_o proceed_v from_o god_n no_o other_o mean_n of_o preservation_n but_o his_o providence_n no_o other_o support_n but_o his_o strength_n etc._n etc._n god_n dwell_v in_o israel_n and_o be_v willing_a to_o conform_v himself_o as_o it_o be_v to_o the_o israelite_n will_v have_v a_o tabernacle_n erect_v he_o when_o they_o themselves_o dwell_v in_o tabernacle_n and_o a_o house_n when_o they_o also_o make_v their_o abide_v in_o house_n so_o god_n be_v now_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o his_o church_n and_o the_o faithful_a themselves_o be_v his_o temple_n and_o his_o sanctuary_n further_o the_o divine_a worship_n pay_v to_o god_n in_o israel_n be_v a_o excellent_a figure_n and_o type_n of_o that_o spiritual_a worship_n that_o we_o christian_n be_v bind_v to_o give_v he_o to_o the_o temple_n
uncircumcision_n but_o a_o new_a creature_n great_a indeed_o be_v his_o faith_n for_o he_o will_v not_o subscribe_v to_o their_o maxim_n who_o constrain_v the_o faithful_a to_o be_v circumcise_a though_o he_o may_v have_v thereby_o avoid_v a_o sharp_a persecution_n but_o he_o show_v we_o that_o the_o circumcision_n of_o the_o heart_n only_o be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n that_o none_o but_o the_o new_a creature_n can_v be_v for_o the_o future_a agreeable_a to_o he_o a_o circumcision_n indeed_o infinite_o more_o painful_a than_o the_o first_o and_o a_o new_a creature_n establish_v upon_o the_o ruin_n of_o the_o world_n the_o pleasure_n of_o which_o be_v so_o dear_a to_o we_o certain_o it_o be_v impossible_a this_o doctrine_n so_o spiritual_a so_o holy_a and_o so_o necessary_a in_o itself_o shall_v have_v proceed_v only_o from_o flesh_n and_o blood_n epistle_n to_o the_o ephesian_n chap._n iii_o 17_o 18_o 19_o that_o you_o be_v root_v and_o ground_v in_o love_n may_v be_v able_a to_o comprehend_v with_o all_o saint_n what_o be_v the_o breadth_n and_o length_n and_o depth_n and_o height_n and_o to_o know_v the_o love_n of_o christ_n which_o pass_v all_o knowledge_n etc._n etc._n have_v the_o apostle_n be_v such_o deceiver_n as_o the_o incredulous_a will_v have_v they_o to_o be_v what_o mean_v those_o transport_v of_o admiration_n as_o often_o as_o they_o reflect_v on_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n which_o every_o page_n of_o this_o book_n be_v full_a of_o be_v they_o then_o deceive_v no_o sure_o because_o they_o can_v not_o be_v impose_v upon_o in_o such_o certain_a matter_n of_o fact_n have_v they_o then_o a_o mind_n to_o deceive_v other_o people_n that_o can_v not_o be_v neither_o because_o their_o write_n seem_v to_o be_v design_v only_o to_o induce_v man_n to_o fear_v god_n chap_n iu_o 24_o 25._o and_o that_o you_o put_v on_o the_o new_a man_n which_o after_o god_n be_v create_v in_o righteousness_n and_o true_a holiness_n wherefore_o put_v away_o lie_v speak_v every_o man_n truth_n with_o his_o neighbour_n etc._n etc._n a_o strange_a and_o surprise_a discourse_n indeed_o but_o which_o will_v have_v be_v much_o more_o astonish_a shall_v it_o have_v be_v utter_v by_o the_o mouth_n of_o a_o impostor_n epistle_n to_o the_o philippian_n chap._n i._n 29._o for_o unto_o you_o it_o be_v give_v in_o the_o behalf_n of_o christ_n not_o only_o to_o believe_v on_o he_o but_o also_o to_o suffer_v for_o his_o sake_n the_o stoic_n who_o have_v so_o much_o distinguish_v and_o raise_v themselves_o above_o all_o other_o man_n by_o their_o sublime_a morality_n have_v ever_o imagine_v that_o the_o wise_a man_n may_v very_o well_o preserve_v a_o tranquil_a and_o sedate_v mind_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o his_o affliction_n and_o they_o be_v so_o much_o intoxicate_v with_o pride_n that_o they_o be_v altogether_o insensible_a of_o any_o pain_n or_o torment_n but_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n go_v yet_o high_a they_o look_v upon_o the_o most_o cruel_a suffering_n as_o upon_o so_o many_o benefit_n and_o so_o many_o cause_n of_o joy_n and_o peace_n and_o ineffable_a consolation_n and_o comfort_n they_o cry_v out_o i_o rejoice_v in_o my_o suffering_n etc._n etc._n i_o delight_v in_o stripe_n in_o affliction_n etc._n etc._n nay_o more_o than_o this_o they_o return_v thanks_o to_o god_n for_o have_v be_v think_v worthy_a to_o suffer_v for_o his_o name_n be_v sake_n their_o affliction_n give_v rise_v to_o their_o gratitude_n and_o all_o this_o because_o they_o be_v support_v by_o a_o divine_a hand_n and_o be_v most_o certain_a to_o obtain_v a_o everlasting_a reward_n a_o strange_a thing_n indeed_o that_o this_o certainty_n only_o shall_v be_v absolute_o requisite_a to_o demonstrate_v the_o truth_n of_o religion_n the_o apostle_n can_v never_o have_v entertain_v any_o false_a hope_n of_o reward_n because_o their_o hope_n be_v ground_v on_o what_o they_o have_v see_v and_o on_o the_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o god_n they_o have_v both_o receive_v and_o often_o impart_v to_o other_o we_o can_v then_o doubt_v but_o that_o they_o have_v the_o hope_n of_o a_o future_a reward_n in_o prospect_n unless_o we_o will_v be_v wilful_o blind_a and_o ignorant_a so_o blind_a must_v the_o incredulous_a be_v who_o wilful_o shut_v their_o eye_n and_o refuse_v to_o be_v convince_v of_o so_o evident_a a_o truth_n first_o epistle_n to_o the_o thessalonian_n chap._n i._n 4._o for_o our_o gospel_n come_v not_o unto_o you_o in_o word_n only_o but_o also_o in_o power_n and_o in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n etc._n etc._n by_o these_o word_n it_o appear_v that_o the_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n continual_o testify_v of_o the_o gospel_n chap._n iii_o 4._o for_o very_o when_o we_o be_v with_o you_o we_o tell_v you_o before_o that_o we_o shall_v suffer_v tribulation_n even_o as_o â—t_a come_v to_o pass_v and_o you_o know_v the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n have_v be_v prepare_v by_o he_o and_o have_v prepare_v themselves_o nay_o prepare_v their_o successor_n also_o to_o suffer_v patient_o according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o this_o apostle_n who_o say_v in_o another_o place_n 2_o tim._n 3._o 12._o all_o that_o will_v live_v godly_a in_o christ_n jesus_n shall_v suffer_v persecution_n it_o be_v therefore_o in_o cold_a blood_n with_o their_o own_o choice_n and_o free_a deliberation_n they_o suffer_v such_o torment_n chap._n v._o 27._o i_o charge_v you_o by_o the_o lord_n that_o this_o epistle_n be_v read_v unto_o all_o the_o holy_a brethren_n st._n paul_n fear_v not_o in_o the_o least_o his_o be_v contradict_v or_o convince_v of_o any_o falsity_n he_o have_v advance_v concern_v his_o affliction_n and_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o therefore_o he_o command_v that_o his_o epistle_n shall_v be_v read_v to_o all_o the_o holy_a brethren_n first_o epistle_n to_o timothy_n chap._n iii_o 16._o and_o without_o controversy_n great_a be_v the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n god_n be_v manifest_a in_o the_o flesh_n justify_v in_o the_o spirit_n see_v of_o angel_n preach_v unto_o the_o gentile_n believe_v on_o in_o the_o world_n receive_v up_o into_o glory_n this_o mystery_n can_v be_v invent_v only_o by_o humane_a understanding_n for_o several_a reason_n 1._o because_o it_o be_v so_o great_a and_o sublime_a that_o man_n though_o never_o so_o learned_a and_o quick_a sight_v in_o other_o thing_n yet_o will_v never_o have_v be_v able_a to_o find_v it_o out_o of_o themselves_o bare_o by_o the_o scrutiny_n of_o their_o reason_n 2._o because_o they_o be_v only_o poor_a fisherman_n that_o preach_v it_o 3._o because_o this_o so_o sublime_a and_o magnificent_a object_n proceed_v if_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v from_o the_o death_n and_o suffering_n of_o a_o man_n who_o be_v condemn_v and_o punish_v with_o the_o most_o rigorous_a punishment_n that_o can_v be_v think_v of_o for_o it_o be_v only_o after_o the_o passion_n of_o christ_n that_o the_o disciple_n go_v about_o preach_v every_o where_o the_o wonderful_a work_n of_o god_n 4._o and_o last_o because_o the_o contemplation_n of_o it_o depend_v upon_o experience_n itself_o and_o although_o this_o mystery_n appear_v at_o first_o view_n infinite_o exalt_v above_o the_o reach_n of_o our_o capacity_n yet_o it_o must_v have_v be_v both_o see_v and_o touch_v by_o the_o disciple_n they_o certain_o see_v christ_n and_o behold_v his_o glory_n as_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o only_a son_n of_o god_n full_a of_o grace_n and_o truth_n they_o see_v with_o their_o eye_n that_o flesh_n in_o which_o corporeal_o dwell_v a_o entire_a fullness_n of_o the_o glorious_a godhead_n they_o be_v full_o convince_v of_o the_o extraordinary_a excellence_n of_o his_o mystery_n and_o the_o perfection_n of_o his_o holiness_n they_o themselves_o receive_v the_o gift_n of_o that_o same_o spirit_n in_o which_o god_n himself_o be_v justify_v they_o see_v angel_n ascend_v and_o descend_v to_o minister_v unto_o he_o they_o preach_v it_o themselves_o to_o the_o gentile_n and_o so_o compel_v the_o world_n to_o believe_v in_o he_o by_o their_o patience_n and_o preach_v which_o be_v continual_o attend_v with_o the_o demonstration_n of_o that_o spirit_n and_o the_o evidence_n of_o those_o miracle_n perform_v by_o they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n last_o he_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n in_o their_o sight_n so_o that_o these_o be_v all_o sure_a and_o certain_a proofsof_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o great_a mystery_n which_o can_v in_o the_o least_o be_v suspect_v second_o epistle_n to_o timothy_n chap._n iii_o 15_o 16._o and_o that_o from_o a_o child_n thou_o have_v know_v the_o holy_a scripture_n etc._n etc._n all_o scripture_n be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n there_o be_v no_o maintain_v false_a religion_n in_o the_o world_n but_o by_o the_o help_n of_o ignorance_n negligence_n and_o a_o blind_a submission_n but_o the_o christian_a religion_n can_v be_v suspect_v of_o any_o
such_o defect_n because_o it_o be_v whole_o found_v upon_o instruction_n and_o knowledge_n search_v the_o scripture_n for_o in_o they_o you_o think_v you_o have_v eternal_a life_n john_n 5._o 39_o chap._n iu._n 7_o 8_o i_o have_v fight_v a_o good_a fight_n i_o have_v finish_v my_o course_n i_o have_v keep_v the_o faith_n henceforth_o there_o be_v lay_v up_o for_o i_o a_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n st._n paul_n be_v draw_v nigh_o towards_o his_o latter_a end_n and_o the_o word_n of_o a_o die_a man_n be_v always_o to_o be_v regard_v whence_o then_o come_v that_o cheerful_a joy_n the_o apostle_n so_o natural_o express_v in_o this_o occasion_n his_o hope_n have_v they_o be_v of_o this_o world_n must_v have_v be_v soon_o bury_v with_o he_o in_o his_o grave_n and_o his_o happiness_n too_o at_o a_o end_n whence_o then_o derive_v he_o that_o great_a confidence_n which_o he_o seem_v to_o have_v have_v be_v it_o from_o the_o inward_a sense_n of_o a_o guilty_a conscience_n which_o reproach_v he_o for_o have_v betray_v the_o synagogue_n blemish_v his_o country_n man_n deceive_v mankind_n testify_v of_o a_o seducer_n and_o forge_v such_o fictitious_a vision_n by_o the_o most_o signal_n imposture_n that_o ever_o be_v let_v any_o one_o believe_v it_o if_o he_o can_v first_o epistle_n of_o st._n peter_n chap._n i._n 3._o bless_a be_v the_o god_n and_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n which_o according_a to_o his_o abundant_a mercy_n have_v beget_v we_o again_o unto_o a_o lively_a hope_n by_o the_o resurrection_n of_o jesus_n christ_n from_o the_o dead_a the_o mind_n of_o those_o writer_n be_v so_o full_a of_o the_o salvation_n that_o be_v reveal_v to_o they_o that_o they_o be_v never_o weary_a of_o return_v thanks_o to_o god_n for_o it_o chap._n ii_o 17_o 18_o 19_o 20._o honour_n all_o man_n love_v the_o brotherhood_n fear_v god_n honour_n the_o king_n servant_n be_v subject_a to_o your_o master_n with_o all_o fear_n not_o only_o to_o the_o good_a and_o gentle_a but_o also_o to_o the_o froward_a etc._n etc._n for_o what_o glory_n be_v it_o if_o when_o you_o be_v buffet_v for_o your_o fault_n you_o shall_v take_v it_o patient_o but_o if_o when_o you_o do_v well_o and_o suffer_v for_o it_o you_o take_v it_o patient_o this_o be_v acceptable_a with_o god_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v a_o strange_a thing_n we_o shall_v be_v desire_v to_o own_o that_o a_o mutual_a agreement_n of_o malice_n and_o falsehood_n which_o real_o be_v a_o wonderful_a agreement_n of_o piety_n charity_n obedience_n and_o righteousness_n paul_n express_v himself_o like_o peter_n and_o peter_n speak_v like_o paul_n they_o both_o act_v and_o suffer_v alike_o nay_o they_o bear_v the_o very_a same_o testimony_n be_v endow_v with_o the_o same_o patience_n practise_v the_o very_a same_o virtue_n and_o discover_v one_o and_o the_o same_o wisdom_n in_o all_o their_o word_n now_o what_o have_v we_o any_o reason_n to_o suspect_v in_o all_o this_o second_o epistle_n of_o st._n peter_n chap._n i._n 16_o 17_o 18._o for_o we_o have_v not_o follow_v cunning_o devise_v fable_n when_o we_o make_v know_v unto_o you_o the_o power_n and_o come_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n but_o be_v eye-witness_n of_o his_o majesty_n for_o he_o receive_v from_o god_n the_o father_n honour_n and_o glory_n when_o there_o come_v such_o a_o voice_n to_o he_o from_o the_o excellent_a glory_n this_o be_v my_o well_o belove_a son_n in_o who_o i_o be_o well_o please_v and_o this_o voice_n which_o come_v from_o heaven_n we_o hear_v when_o we_o be_v with_o he_o in_o the_o holy_a mount_n etc._n etc._n this_o be_v a_o witness_n who_o speak_v of_o what_o he_o have_v see_v who_o suffer_v death_n in_o defence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o testimony_n who_o see_v it_o not_o alone_o for_o several_a other_o have_v see_v the_o same_o thing_n who_o speak_v not_o out_o of_o any_o principle_n of_o interest_n or_o conceal_v what_o he_o know_v through_o any_o fear_n or_o apprehension_n of_o death_n and_o who_o for_o all_o that_o do_v his_o utmost_a endeavour_n to_o sanctify_v mankind_n and_o bestow_v all_o his_o time_n his_o labour_n and_o his_o life_n in_o advance_v such_o a_o extraordinary_a work_n which_o be_v so_o little_a to_o be_v suspect_v and_o if_o so_o what_o man_n be_v there_o that_o can_v reasonable_o mistrust_v he_o first_o epistle_n of_o st._n john_n chap._n i._n 1_o 3._o that_o which_o be_v from_o the_o beginning_n which_o we_o have_v hear_v which_o we_o have_v see_v with_o our_o eye_n which_o we_o have_v look_v upon_o 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 etc._n etc._n if_o you_o shall_v doubt_v whether_o the_o apostle_n do_v real_o go_v about_o testify_v every_o where_o that_o they_o have_v see_v with_o their_o eye_n both_o the_o miracle_n and_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v but_o learn_v it_o from_o their_o epistle_n and_o their_o own_o word_n too_o chap._n ii_o 1._o my_o little_a child_n these_o thing_n write_v i_o unto_o you_o that_o you_o sin_v not_o but_o what_o be_v it_o to_o he_o whether_o man_n sin_v or_o not_o do_v ever_o the_o design_n of_o sanctify_a mankind_n and_o contribute_v to_o their_o salvation_n at_o the_o cost_n of_o one_o blood_n one_o liberty_n one_o life_n enter_v before_o into_o any_o man_n heart_n but_o they_o these_o and_o the_o like_a reflection_n be_v of_o themselves_o sufficient_a to_o give_v the_o reader_n a_o relish_n of_o those_o truth_n and_o incite_v he_o to_o make_v some_o of_o his_o own_o as_o shall_v more_o effectual_o instruct_v and_o convince_v he_o for_o my_o part_n i_o have_v make_v several_a which_o perhaps_o satisfy_v i_o better_o than_o they_o will_v any_o body_n else_o and_o no_o question_n but_o he_o will_v also_o make_v several_a of_o his_o own_o that_o will_v convince_v he_o far_o better_o than_o those_o of_o another_o in_o the_o mean_a while_n let_v we_o pass_v on_o to_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o substance_n of_o that_o religion_n which_o christ_n himself_o do_v bring_v into_o the_o world_n for_o after_o have_v consider_v the_o outside_n it_o be_v very_o necessary_a to_o look_v into_o the_o inward_a part_n of_o the_o building_n section_n iu._n wherein_o we_o shall_v prove_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n by_o the_o consideration_n of_o its_o nature_n and_o property_n several_a portraiture_n in_o which_o it_o may_v be_v consider_v hitherto_o we_o have_v insist_v as_o it_o be_v upon_o the_o shell_n and_o bark_n of_o religion_n we_o have_v examine_v the_o proof_n take_v from_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v the_o first_o that_o offer_v themselves_o to_o our_o mind_n it_o seem_v therefore_o now_o expedient_a we_o shall_v discover_v as_o it_o be_v the_o substance_n and_o spirit_n of_o christianity_n and_o so_o proceed_v to_o those_o other_o proof_n draw_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o and_o that_o by_o show_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o by_o its_o beauty_n and_o proper_a excellency_n but_o because_o this_o be_v too_o copious_a a_o subject_n for_o we_o who_o study_n brevity_n we_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o reduce_v what_o we_o have_v to_o say_v into_o as_o small_a a_o compass_n as_o we_o can_v and_o since_o we_o can_v allow_v our_o reflection_n their_o due_a and_o proper_a extent_n to_o give_v at_o least_o some_o plan_n or_o draught_n of_o the_o same_o as_o shall_v supply_v that_o defect_n and_o though_o the_o christian_a religion_n may_v be_v consider_v under_o several_a different_a face_n because_o in_o this_o respect_n it_o be_v like_a unto_o its_o object_n which_o have_v no_o bound_n to_o confine_v its_o extent_n yet_o methinks_v we_o may_v give_v a_o idea_n just_a and_o adequate_a enough_o to_o our_o present_a design_n by_o consider_v it_o in_o eleven_o different_a draught_n or_o portraiture_n i._o in_o the_o multitude_n of_o testimony_n give_v in_o favour_n of_o it_o which_o we_o shall_v touch_v upon_o cursory_o because_o we_o have_v already_o partly_o examine_v they_o all_o ii_o in_o its_o essential_a opposition_n to_o all_o false_a religion_n that_o ever_o be_v iii_o in_o its_o effect_n which_o can_v only_o just_o be_v refer_v to_o a_o divine_a and_o supernatural_a cause_n iv._o in_o the_o purity_n of_o its_o end_n v._o in_o its_o suitableness_n to_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n which_o it_o undertake_v to_o reform_v vi_o in_o the_o relation_n it_o have_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n which_o it_o shall_v advance_v vii_o in_o its_o morality_n viii_o in_o its_o mystery_n ix_o in_o the_o conformity_n of_o its_o mystery_n to_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n x._o in_o that_o exact_a proportion_n it_o bear_v to_o the_o jewish_a religion_n xi_o and_o last_o in_o that_o proportion_n it_o bear_v to_o natural_a religion_n i_o hope_v these_o portraiture_n will_v like_o so_o many_o
that_o be_v divide_v into_o the_o porch_n the_o holy_a place_n and_o the_o holy_a of_o holies_n be_v answerable_a the_o world_n the_o church_n and_o the_o heaven_n the_o eternal_a sanctuary_n of_o god_n to_o the_o levite_n all_o the_o faithful_a without_o exception_n that_o be_v design_v to_o serve_v god_n to_o the_o white_a clothing_n of_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o tabernacle_n the_o innocence_n and_o holiness_n of_o all_o those_o who_o design_n to_o approach_v unto_o he_o to_o the_o purity_n of_o the_o body_n the_o purity_n both_o of_o the_o heart_n and_o conscience_n to_o the_o blood_n of_o goat_n and_o of_o lamb_n which_o be_v a_o confirmation_n of_o the_o old_a covenant_n the_o blood_n of_o jesus_n christ_n which_o confirm_v the_o new_a testament_n to_o the_o entrance_n of_o the_o high_a priest_n into_o the_o holy_a of_o holies_n wear_v the_o name_n of_o the_o twelve_o tribe_n write_v upon_o his_o breast_n and_o present_v to_o god_n the_o blood_n that_o be_v shed_v in_o the_o porch_n correspond_v the_o ascension_n of_o christ_n into_o heaven_n where_o he_o continual_o present_v we_o to_o god_n his_o father_n and_o intercede_v for_o we_o by_o virtue_n of_o that_o blood_n which_o he_o shed_v for_o the_o expiation_n of_o our_o sin_n to_o the_o purify_n water_n which_o wash_v away_o all_o the_o pollution_n of_o the_o body_n the_o water_n of_o grace_n which_o sanctify_v the_o spirit_n to_o mount_n sinai_n mount_n zion_n to_o the_o sound_n of_o the_o trumpet_n of_o ram_n horn_n the_o voice_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o moses_n himself_o the_o mediator_n of_o the_o law_n jesus_n christ_n the_o mediator_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n the_o different_a state_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o church_n be_v be_v also_o further_o represent_v to_o we_o by_o the_o various_a condition_n of_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n our_o spiritual_a bondage_n be_v mark_v out_o by_o their_o temporal_a slavery_n our_o deliverance_n by_o their_o deliverance_n our_o enemy_n by_o their_o enemy_n and_o so_o just_a and_o reasonable_a be_v the_o conformity_n there_o be_v betwixt_o those_o image_n and_o their_o original_a that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n often_o make_v little_a distinction_n betwixt_o they_o and_o intermix_v in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o chapter_n that_o which_o concern_v the_o temporal_a state_n of_o the_o israelite_n and_o that_o which_o concern_v the_o spiritual_a condition_n of_o the_o faithful_a as_o also_o the_o event_n that_o attend_v the_o jewish_a oeconomy_n and_o the_o wonder_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n these_o thing_n be_v worth_a our_o observation_n and_o he_o that_o do_v not_o due_o consider_v they_o will_v never_o be_v able_a to_o understand_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o prophecy_n contain_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n last_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n be_v resolve_v we_o shall_v not_o want_v a_o competent_a number_n of_o type_n that_o may_v sufficient_o represent_v to_o we_o the_o excellence_n office_n and_o ministry_n of_o our_o mediator_n thus_o isaac_n conceive_v in_o the_o womb_n of_o a_o barren_a woman_n the_o delight_n of_o his_o father_n the_o foundation_n of_o all_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n offer_v up_o for_o a_o sacrifice_n upon_o a_o mount_n by_o the_o very_a hand_n of_o his_o father_n rising_z as_o it_o be_v from_o the_o dead_a by_o be_v deliver_v from_o the_o knife_n he_o have_v already_o lift_v up_o against_o he_o and_o have_v afterward_o a_o seed_n as_o numerous_a as_o the_o star_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o sand_n of_o the_o sea_n this_o isaac_n i_o say_v be_v a_o lively_a image_n of_o jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v conceive_v in_o the_o virgin_n womb_n the_o darling_n of_o his_o father_n in_o who_o he_o be_v well-pleased_a the_o foundation_n of_o all_o his_o promise_n the_o source_n of_o his_o blessing_n die_v upon_o mount_n calvary_n rise_v again_o in_o a_o wonderful_a manner_n after_o his_o death_n and_o see_v his_o seed_n after_o he_o when_o he_o have_v make_v his_o soul_n a_o offer_n for_o sin_n thus_o again_o joseph_n sell_v by_o his_o brethren_n betray_v out_o of_o envy_n accuse_v though_o innocent_a condemn_v because_o he_o will_v not_o submit_v to_o the_o immodest_a desire_n of_o a_o lascivious_a woman_n deliver_v out_o of_o prison_n appear_v before_o pharaoh_n clothe_v in_o garment_n suitable_a to_o that_o honour_n and_o then_o sit_v at_o his_o right_a hand_n be_v a_o wonderful_a representation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n betray_v out_o of_o envy_n sell_v by_o the_o jew_n themselves_o who_o be_v his_o brethren_n condemn_v for_o refuse_v to_o comply_v with_o the_o synagogue_n cast_v down_o into_o the_o darkness_n of_o death_n endue_v with_o heavenly_a gift_n raise_v again_o to_o heaven_n and_o sit_v at_o length_n at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n moses_n defign_v to_o be_v the_o mediator_n of_o the_o legal_a covenant_n rescue_v at_o his_o nativity_n from_o a_o deluge_n of_o blood_n expose_v to_o the_o riverside_n and_o as_o it_o be_v give_v up_o to_o a_o sure_a and_o infallible_a death_n but_o afterward_o deliver_v by_o a_o kind_n of_o miracle_n from_o the_o fury_n of_o the_o water_n and_o also_o deliver_v not_o long_a after_o his_o own_o nation_n himself_o by_o a_o lucky_a turn_v when_o he_o seem_v to_o be_v cast_v away_o be_v a_o exact_a representation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n who_o come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o be_v the_o mediator_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n be_v deliver_v at_o his_o birth_n from_o the_o murder_n of_o herod_n and_o save_v man_n after_o his_o have_v suffer_v death_n ionas_n who_o be_v cast_v into_o the_o sea_n to_o appease_v the_o tempest_n and_o swallow_v by_o a_o whale_n which_o three_o day_n after_o cast_v he_o again_o on_o the_o shore_n sufficient_o give_v we_o to_o understand_v who_o it_o be_v that_o calm_v by_o his_o death_n that_o storm_n our_o sin_n have_v raise_v that_o go_v down_o into_o the_o grave_a and_o afterward_o rise_v again_o the_o three_o day_n last_o david_n be_v raise_v from_o the_o state_n of_o a_o shepherd_n to_o that_o of_o a_o monarch_n be_v a_o excellent_a type_n of_o christ_n who_o after_o his_o humiliation_n inherit_v a_o name_n that_o be_v above_o every_o name_n and_o as_o for_o those_o prophecy_n which_o have_v describe_v to_o we_o by_o such_o notable_a epochae_n and_o signal_n character_n both_o the_o person_n come_v and_o the_o time_n of_o the_o come_v of_o the_o messiah_n we_o have_v already_o very_o large_o speak_v of_o they_o so_o that_o what_o we_o have_v say_v in_o that_o respect_n be_v more_o than_o sufficient_a to_o make_v we_o admire_v the_o exact_a proportion_n there_o be_v betwixt_o the_o first_o and_o second_o covenant_n as_o well_o as_o betwixt_o the_o jewish_a and_o christian_a religion_n moses_n illustrates_n christ_n as_o we_o have_v prove_v in_o our_o first_o part_n of_o this_o treatise_n and_o christ_n again_o illustrates_n moses_n as_o appear_v plain_o by_o the_o comparison_n we_o just_o now_o make_v of_o they_o xi_o portraiture_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o it_o be_v consider_v in_o the_o proportion_n it_o bear_v to_o natural_a religion_n we_o have_v already_o describe_v the_o christian_a religion_n as_o it_o be_v thus_o consider_v in_o have_v full_o prove_v in_o several_a place_n of_o this_o work_n that_o it_o take_v away_o the_o corruption_n which_o have_v disorder_v nature_n that_o it_o subvert_v paganism_n which_o be_v the_o corruption_n of_o natural_a religion_n that_o it_o be_v the_o perfect_a restauration_n of_o the_o latter_a that_o it_o reestablish_v the_o principle_n of_o justice_n and_o equity_n which_o god_n have_v imprint_v in_o our_o heart_n that_o it_o produce_v the_o most_o perfect_a union_n of_o society_n by_o love_n and_o charity_n that_o humility_n temperance_n wisdom_n and_o all_o other_o kind_n of_o virtue_n which_o support_v natural_a religion_n derive_v the_o force_n of_o their_o motive_n from_o the_o christian_a religion_n they_o alone_o be_v equivalent_a to_o all_o sensible_a object_n and_o last_o that_o it_o make_v we_o answer_v the_o end_n of_o our_o creation_n it_o be_v a_o wonderful_a comfort_n and_o satisfaction_n to_o our_o mind_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n exalt_v our_o nature_n to_o reflect_v that_o the_o end_n for_o which_o man_n be_v design_v be_v the_o same_o with_o that_o of_o christian_a religion_n and_o the_o end_n of_o christian_a religion_n the_o same_o with_o the_o true_a end_n of_o man_n creation_n every_o thing_n that_o go_v to_o the_o constitution_n of_o man_n nature_n do_v in_o a_o manner_n seek_v after_o god_n the_o infinite_a curiosity_n of_o our_o mind_n incessant_o thirst_v after_o the_o knowledge_n of_o new_a object_n seek_v after_o that_o deity_n which_o the_o christian_a religion_n discover_v to_o we_o because_o that_o deity_n contain_v all_o thing_n in_o the_o excellence_n of_o its_o own_o nature_n the_o greedy_a and_o hasty_a desire_n of_o our_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