recompense_n in_o this_o world_n upon_o the_o sole_a account_n of_o the_o doctrine_n teach_v by_o themselves_o with_o all_o other_o circumstance_n innumerable_a that_o be_v pleadable_a to_o evince_v the_o sincerity_n and_o integrity_n of_o any_o witness_n whatever_o do_v all_o concur_v to_o prove_v that_o they_o do_v not_o follow_v cunning_o devise_v fable_n in_o what_o they_o declare_v concern_v the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o god_n as_o immediate_o from_o himself_o to_o confront_v this_o evidence_n with_o bare_a surmize_n incapable_a of_o any_o rational_a countenance_n or_o confirmation_n be_v only_o to_o manifest_v what_o brutish_a impudence_n infidelity_n and_o atheism_n be_v force_v to_o retreat_n unto_o for_o shelter_n 2._o their_o style_n and_o manner_n of_o write_v deserve_v a_o peculiar_a consideration_n for_o there_o be_v impress_v on_o it_o all_o those_o character_n of_o a_o divine_a original_a that_o can_v be_v communicate_v unto_o such_o a_o outward_a adjunct_n of_o divine_a revelation_n notwithstanding_o the_o distance_n of_o the_o age_n and_o season_n wherein_o they_o live_v the_o difference_n of_o the_o language_n wherein_o they_o write_v with_o the_o great_a variety_n of_o their_o part_n ability_n education_n and_o other_o circumstance_n yet_o there_o be_v upon_o the_o whole_a and_o all_o the_o part_n of_o their_o writing_n that_o gravity_n majesty_n and_o authority_n mix_v with_o plainness_n of_o speech_n and_o absolute_a freedom_n from_o all_o appearance_n of_o affectation_n of_o esteem_n or_o applause_n or_o any_o thing_n else_o that_o derive_v from_o humane_a frailty_n as_o must_v excite_v a_o admiration_n in_o all_o that_o serious_o consider_v they_o but_o i_o have_v at_o large_a 1._o elsewhere_o insist_v on_o this_o consideration_n and_o have_v also_o in_o the_o same_o place_n show_v that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o write_v extant_a in_o the_o world_n that_o ever_o pretend_a unto_o a_o divine_a original_a as_o the_o apocryphal_a book_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o some_o fragment_n of_o spurious_a piece_n pretend_v to_o be_v write_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n but_o they_o be_v not_o only_o from_o their_o matter_n but_o from_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o writing_n and_o the_o plain_a footstep_n of_o humane_a artifice_n and_o weakness_n therein_o sufficient_a for_o their_o own_o conviction_n and_o do_v open_o discover_v their_o own_o vain_a pretension_n so_o must_v every_o thing_n necessary_o do_v which_o be_v mere_o humane_a pretend_v unto_o a_o immediate_a derivation_n from_o god_n when_o man_n have_v do_v all_o they_o can_v these_o thing_n will_v have_v as_o evident_a a_o difference_n between_o they_o as_o there_o be_v between_o wheat_n and_o chaff_n between_o real_a and_o paint_a fire_n jer._n 23._o 28_o 29._o 2._o unto_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o divine_a writer_n themselves_o we_o must_v add_v that_o of_o those_o who_o in_o all_o age_n have_v believe_v in_o christ_n through_o their_o word_n which_o be_v the_o description_n which_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n give_v of_o his_o church_n joh._n 17._o 20._o this_o be_v the_o church_n that_o be_v those_o who_o write_v the_o scripture_n and_o those_o who_o believe_v in_o christ_n through_o their_o word_n through_o all_o age_n which_o bear_v witness_n to_o the_o divine_a original_a of_o the_o scripture_n and_o it_o may_v be_v add_v that_o we_o know_v this_o witness_n be_v true_a with_o these_o i_o have_v rather_o venture_v my_o faith_n and_o eternal_a condition_n then_o with_o any_o society_n any_o real_a or_o pretend_a church_n whatever_o and_o among_o these_o there_o be_v a_o especial_a consideration_n to_o be_v have_v of_o those_o innumerable_a multitude_n who_o in_o the_o primitive_a time_n witness_v this_o confession_n all_o the_o world_n over_o for_o they_o have_v many_o advantage_n above_o we_o to_o know_v the_o certainty_n of_o sundry_a matter_n of_o fact_n which_o the_o verity_n of_o our_o religion_n depend_v upon_o and_o we_o be_v direct_v unto_o a_o especial_a regard_n of_o their_o testimony_n which_o be_v signalise_v by_o christ_n himself_o in_o the_o great_a judgement_n that_o be_v to_o be_v pass_v on_o the_o world_n the_o first_o appearance_n be_v of_o the_o soul_n of_o they_o that_o be_v behead_v for_o the_o witness_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n rev._n 20._o 4._o and_o there_o be_v at_o present_a a_o especial_a regard_n unto_o they_o in_o heaven_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o their_o witness_n and_o testimony_n rev._n 6._o 9_o 10_o 11._o these_o be_v they_o who_o with_o the_o loss_n of_o their_o life_n by_o the_o sword_n and_o other_o way_n of_o violence_n give_v testimony_n unto_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o to_o reduce_v these_o thing_n unto_o a_o rational_a consideration_n who_o can_v have_v the_o least_o occasion_n to_o suspect_v all_o those_o person_n of_o folly_n weakness_n credulity_n wickedness_n or_o conspiracy_n among_o themselves_o which_o such_o a_o diffuse_a multitude_n be_v absolute_o uncapable_a of_o neither_o can_v any_o man_n undervalue_v their_o testimony_n but_o he_o must_v comply_v with_o their_o adversary_n against_o they_o who_o be_v know_v general_o to_o be_v of_o the_o worst_a of_o men._n and_o who_o be_v there_o that_o believe_v there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o a_o eternal_a future_a state_n that_o have_v not_o rather_o have_v his_o soul_n with_o paul_n than_o nero_n with_o the_o holy_a martyr_n than_o their_o bestial_a persecutor_n wherefore_o this_o suffrage_n and_o testimony_n begin_v from_o the_o first_o writing_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o carry_v on_o by_o the_o best_a of_o man_n in_o all_o age_n and_o make_v conspicuous_o glorious_a in_o the_o primitive_a time_n of_o christianity_n must_v needs_o be_v with_o all_o wise_a man_n unavoidable_o cogent_a at_o least_o unto_o a_o due_a and_o sedate_v consideration_n of_o what_o they_o bare_a witness_n unto_o and_o sufficient_a to_o scatter_v all_o such_o prejudices_fw-la as_o atheism_n or_o profaneness_n may_v raise_v or_o suggest_v second_o what_o it_o be_v they_o give_v testimony_n unto_o be_v due_o to_o be_v consider_v and_o this_o be_v not_o that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v good_a holy_a and_o true_a in_o all_o the_o content_n of_o it_o only_o but_o that_o the_o whole_a and_o every_o part_n of_o it_o be_v give_v by_o divine_a inspiration_n as_o their_o faith_n in_o this_o matter_n be_v express_v 2_o pet._n 1._o 20_o 21._o on_o this_o account_n and_o no_o other_o do_v they_o themselves_o receive_v the_o scripture_n as_o also_o believe_v and_o yield_v obedience_n unto_o the_o thing_n contain_v in_o it_o neither_o will_v they_o admit_v that_o their_o testimony_n be_v receive_v if_o the_o whole_a world_n will_v be_v content_a to_o allow_v of_o or_o obey_v the_o scripture_n on_o any_o other_o or_o low_a term_n nor_o will_v god_n himself_o allow_v of_o a_o assent_n unto_o the_o scripture_n under_o any_o other_o conception_n but_o as_o the_o word_n which_o be_v immediate_o speak_v by_o himself_o hence_o they_o who_o refuse_v to_o give_v credit_n thereunto_o be_v say_v to_o bely_v the_o lord_n and_o say_v it_o be_v not_o he_o jer._n 5._o 2._o yea_o to_o make_v god_n a_o liar_n 1_o joh._n 5._o 10._o if_o all_o mankind_n shall_v agree_v together_o to_o receive_v and_o make_v use_n of_o this_o book_n as_o that_o which_o teach_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v good_a useful_a and_o profitable_a to_o humane_a society_n as_o that_o which_o be_v a_o complete_a directory_n unto_o man_n in_o all_o that_o they_o need_v to_o believe_v or_o do_v towards_o god_n the_o best_a mean_n under_o heaven_n to_o bring_v they_o to_o setlement_n satisfaction_n and_o assurance_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o themselves_o as_o the_o safe_a guide_n to_o eternal_a blessedness_n and_o therefore_o must_v needs_o be_v write_v and_o compose_v by_o person_n wise_a holy_a and_o honest_a above_o all_o comparison_n and_o such_o as_o have_v that_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o his_o will_n as_o be_v necessary_a unto_o such_o a_o undertake_n yet_o all_o this_o answer_v not_o the_o testimony_n give_v by_o the_o church_n of_o believer_n in_o all_o age_n unto_o the_o scripture_n it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o they_o it_o be_v not_o for_o we_o so_o to_o compound_v this_o matter_n with_o the_o world_n that_o the_o whole_a scripture_n be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n from_o god_n that_o it_o be_v his_o word_n his_o true_a and_o faithful_a say_n be_v that_o which_o in_o the_o first_o place_n they_o give_v testimony_n unto_o and_o we_o also_o be_v oblige_v so_o to_o do_v they_o never_o pretend_v unto_o any_o other_o assurance_n of_o the_o thing_n they_o profess_v nor_o any_o other_o reason_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o obedience_n but_o that_o the_o scripture_n wherein_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v contain_v be_v give_v immediate_o from_o god_n or_o be_v his_o word_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v
satan_n and_o the_o prevalent_a power_n and_o rage_n of_o mankind_n have_v combine_v and_o be_v set_v at_o work_n to_o the_o ruin_n and_o utter_v suppression_n of_o this_o book_n proceed_v sometime_o so_o far_o as_o that_o there_o be_v no_o appear_v way_n for_o its_o escape_n yet_o through_o the_o watchful_a care_n and_o providence_n of_o god_n sometime_o put_v itself_o forth_o in_o miraculous_a instance_n it_o have_v be_v preserve_v unto_o this_o day_n and_o shall_v be_v so_o to_o the_o consummation_n of_o all_o thing_n the_o event_n of_o that_o which_o be_v speak_v by_o our_o saviour_n matth._n 5._o 18._o do_v invincible_o prove_v the_o divine_a approbation_n of_o this_o book_n as_o that_o do_v its_o divine_a original_a till_o heaven_n and_o earth_n pass_v away_o one_o jot_n or_o one_o tittle_n shall_v in_o no_o wise_a pass_n from_o the_o law_n god_n perpetual_a care_n over_o the_o scripture_n for_o so_o many_o age_n that_o not_o a_o letter_n of_o it_o shall_v be_v utter_o lose_v nothing_o that_o have_v the_o least_o tendency_n towards_o its_o end_n shall_v perish_v be_v evidence_n sufficient_a of_o his_o regard_n unto_o it_o especial_o will_v it_o be_v so_o if_o we_o shall_v consider_v with_o what_o remarkable_a judgement_n and_o severe_a reflection_n of_o vengeance_n on_o its_o opposer_n this_o care_n have_v be_v manage_v instance_n whereof_o may_v be_v easy_o multiply_v and_o if_o any_o will_v not_o ascribe_v this_o preservation_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o bible_n not_o only_o in_o their_o be_v but_o in_o their_o purity_n and_o integrity_n free_a from_o the_o least_o just_a suspicion_n of_o corruption_n or_o the_o intermixture_n of_o any_o thing_n humane_a or_o heterogeneous_a unto_o the_o care_n of_o god_n it_o be_v incumbent_n on_o he_o to_o assign_v some_o other_o cause_n proportionate_a to_o such_o a_o effect_n whilst_o it_o be_v the_o interest_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o endeavour_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o hell_n to_o have_v it_o corrupt_v and_o destroy_v for_o my_o part_n i_o can_v but_o judge_v that_o he_o that_o see_v not_o a_o hand_n of_o divine_a providence_n stretch_v out_o in_o the_o preservation_n of_o this_o book_n and_o all_o that_o be_v in_o it_o its_o word_n and_o syllable_n for_o thousand_o of_o year_n through_o all_o the_o overthrow_n and_o deluge_n of_o calamity_n that_o have_v befall_v the_o world_n with_o the_o weakness_n of_o the_o mean_n whereby_o it_o have_v be_v preserve_v and_o the_o interest_n in_o some_o age_n of_o all_o those_o in_o who_o power_n it_o be_v to_o have_v it_o corrupt_v as_o it_o be_v of_o the_o apostate_n church_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o christian_n with_o the_o open_a opposition_n that_o have_v be_v make_v unto_o it_o do_v not_o believe_v there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o divine_a providence_n at_o all_o it_o be_v first_o write_v in_o the_o very_a infancy_n of_o the_o babylonian_a empire_n with_o which_o it_o afterward_o contemporize_v about_o 900_o year_n by_o this_o monarchy_n that_o people_n which_o alone_o have_v these_o oracle_n of_o god_n commit_v unto_o they_o be_v oppress_v destroy_v and_o carry_v into_o captivity_n but_o this_o book_n be_v then_o preserve_v among_o they_o whilst_o they_o be_v absolute_o under_o the_o power_n of_o their_o enemy_n although_o it_o condemn_v they_o and_o all_o their_o god_n and_o religious_a worship_n wherewith_o we_o know_v how_o horrible_o mankind_n be_v enrage_v satan_n have_v enthrone_v himself_o as_o the_o object_n of_o their_o worship_n and_o the_o author_n of_o all_o way_n of_o divine_a veneration_n among_o they_o these_o they_o adhere_v unto_o as_o their_o principal_a interest_n as_o all_o people_n do_v unto_o that_o they_o esteem_v their_o religion_n in_o the_o whole_a world_n there_o be_v nothing_o that_o judge_v condemn_v oppose_v he_o or_o they_o but_o this_o book_n only_o which_o be_v now_o absolute_o in_o their_o power_n if_o that_o by_o any_o mean_n can_v have_v be_v destroy_v then_o when_o it_o be_v in_o the_o hand_n but_o of_o a_o few_o and_o those_o for_o the_o most_o part_n flagitious_a in_o their_o life_n hate_v the_o thing_n contain_v in_o it_o and_o whole_o under_o the_o power_n of_o their_o adversary_n the_o interest_n of_o satan_n and_o the_o whole_a world_n in_o idolatry_n have_v be_v secure_v but_o through_o the_o mere_a provision_n of_o divine_a care_n it_o outlive_v that_o monarchy_n and_o see_v the_o ruin_n of_o its_o great_a adversary_n so_o it_o do_v also_o during_o the_o continuance_n of_o the_o persian_a monarchy_n which_o succeed_v whilst_o the_o people_n be_v still_o under_o the_o power_n of_o idolater_n against_o who_o this_o be_v the_o only_a testimony_n in_o the_o world_n by_o some_o branch_n of_o the_o grecian_a monarchy_n a_o most_o fierce_a and_o diligent_a attempt_n be_v make_v to_o have_v utter_o destroy_v it_o but_o still_o it_o be_v snatch_v by_o divine_a power_n out_o of_o the_o furnace_n not_o one_o hair_n of_o it_o be_v singe_v or_o the_o least_o detriment_n bring_v unto_o its_o perfection_n the_o roman_n destroy_v both_o the_o people_n and_o place_n design_v until_o then_o for_o its_o preservation_n carry_v the_o ancient_a copy_n of_o the_o law_n in_o triumph_n to_o rome_n on_o the_o conquest_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o whilst_o all_o absolute_a power_n and_o dominion_n in_o the_o whole_a world_n where_o this_o book_n be_v know_v or_o hear_v of_o be_v in_o their_o hand_n they_o exercise_v a_o rage_n against_o it_o for_o sundry_a age_n with_o the_o same_o success_n that_o former_a enemy_n have_v from_o the_o very_a first_o all_o the_o endeavour_n of_o mankind_n that_o profess_v a_o open_a enmity_n against_o it_o have_v be_v utter_o frustrate_a and_o whereas_o also_o those_o unto_o who_o it_o be_v outward_o commit_v as_o the_o jew_n first_o and_o the_o antichristian_a church_n of_o apostatise_v christian_n afterward_o not_o only_o fall_v into_o opinion_n and_o practice_n absolute_o inconsistent_a with_o it_o but_o also_o build_v all_o their_o present_a and_o future_a interest_n on_o those_o opinion_n and_o practice_n yet_o none_o of_o they_o dare_v ever_o attempt_v the_o corrupt_a of_o one_o line_n in_o it_o but_o be_v force_v to_o attempt_v their_o own_o security_n by_o a_o pretence_n of_o additional_a tradition_n and_o keep_v the_o book_n itself_o as_o much_o as_o they_o dare_v out_o of_o the_o hand_n and_o knowledge_n of_o all_o not_o engage_v in_o the_o same_o interest_n with_o themselves_o whence_o can_v all_o this_o proceed_v but_o from_o the_o watchful_a care_n and_o power_n of_o divine_a providence_n and_o it_o be_v brutish_a folly_n not_o to_o believe_v that_o what_o god_n do_v so_o protect_v do_v original_o proceed_v from_o himself_o see_v it_o plead_v and_o pretend_v so_o to_o do_v for_o every_o wise_a man_n will_v take_v more_o care_n of_o a_o stranger_n than_o a_o bastard_n false_o impose_v on_o he_o unto_o his_o dishonour_n 3._o the_o design_n of_o the_o whole_a and_o all_o the_o part_n of_o it_o have_v a_o impress_n on_o it_o of_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o authority_n and_o hereof_o there_o be_v two_o part_n first_o to_o reveal_v god_n unto_o man_n and_o second_o to_o direct_v man_n to_o come_v unto_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n that_o these_o be_v the_o only_a two_o great_a concern_v of_o our_o nature_n of_o any_o rational_a be_v be_v easy_a to_o prove_v but_o that_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o all_o those_o with_o who_o i_o treat_v now_o never_o do_v any_o book_n or_o write_v in_o the_o world_n any_o single_a or_o joint_a endeavour_n of_o mankind_n or_o invisible_a spirit_n in_o the_o way_n of_o authority_n give_v out_o a_o law_n rule_n guide_n and_o light_n for_o all_o mankind_n universal_o in_o both_o these_o namely_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o ourselves_o but_o this_o book_n only_o and_o if_o any_o other_o it_o may_v be_v like_o the_o alcoran_n do_v pretend_v in_o the_o least_o thereunto_o it_o quick_o discover_v its_o own_o folly_n and_o expose_v itself_o to_o the_o contempt_n of_o all_o wise_a and_o considerate_a man_n the_o only_a question_n be_v how_o it_o have_v discharge_v itself_o in_o this_o design_n for_o if_o it_o have_v complete_o and_o perfect_o accomplish_v it_o it_o be_v not_o only_o evident_a that_o it_o must_v be_v from_o god_n but_o also_o that_o it_o be_v the_o great_a benefit_n and_o kindness_n that_o divine_a benignity_n and_o goodness_n ever_o grant_v unto_o mankind_n for_o without_o it_o all_o man_n universal_o must_v necessary_o wander_v in_o a_o endless_a maze_n of_o uncertainty_n without_o ever_o attain_v light_n rest_v or_o blessedness_n here_o or_o hereafter_o wherefore_o 1._o as_o it_o take_v on_o itself_o to_o speak_v in_o the_o name_n and_o authority_n of_o god_n and_o deliver_v nothing_o command_v nothing_o but_o what_o become_v his_o infinite_a holiness_n wisdom_n and_o goodness_n so_o it_o make_v that_o
probability_n of_o success_n in_o such_o a_o undertake_n this_o the_o jew_n mark_v in_o they_o with_o contempt_n act._n 4._o 13._o and_o the_o gentile_n also_o general_o despise_v they_o on_o the_o same_o account_n as_o they_o afford_v our_o apostle_n no_o better_a title_n than_o that_o of_o a_o babbler_n act._n 17._o 18._o so_o for_o a_o long_a time_n they_o keep_v up_o the_o public_a vogue_n in_o the_o world_n that_o christianity_n be_v the_o religion_n of_o idiot_n and_o man_n illiterate_a but_o god_n have_v another_o design_n in_o this_o order_n of_o thing_n which_o our_o apostle_n declare_v upon_o a_o admission_n of_o the_o inconsiderable_a meanness_n of_o they_o unto_o who_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v commit_v 2_o cor._n 4._o 7._o we_o have_v this_o treasure_n in_o earthen_a vessel_n that_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o power_n may_v be_v of_o god_n and_o not_o of_o we_o the_o reason_n why_o god_n will_v make_v use_n of_o such_o instrument_n only_o in_o so_o great_a a_o work_n be_v that_o through_o their_o meanness_n his_o own_o glorious_a power_n may_v be_v more_o conspicuous_a there_o be_v nothing_o more_o common_a among_o man_n nor_o more_o natural_a unto_o they_o than_o to_o admire_v the_o excellency_n of_o those_o of_o their_o own_o race_n and_o kind_a and_o a_o willingness_n to_o have_v all_o evidence_n of_o a_o divine_a supernatural_a power_n cloud_v and_o hide_a from_o they_o if_o therefore_o there_o have_v be_v such_o person_n employ_v as_o instrument_n in_o this_o work_n who_o power_n ability_n qualification_n and_o endowment_n may_v have_v be_v probable_o pretend_v as_o sufficient_a and_o the_o immediate_a cause_n of_o such_o a_o effect_n there_o will_v have_v be_v no_o observation_n of_o the_o divine_a power_n or_o glory_n of_o god_n but_o he_o who_o be_v not_o able_a to_o discern_v they_o in_o the_o bring_n about_o of_o so_o mighty_a a_o work_n by_o mean_n so_o disproportionate_a thereunto_o be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o the_o unrelievable_a prejudices_fw-la intimate_v by_o our_o apostle_n in_o this_o case_n 2_o cor._n 4._o 4_o 5_o 7._o second_o the_o mean_n which_o be_v to_o be_v use_v unto_o this_o end_n namely_o the_o subdue_a of_o the_o world_n unto_o the_o faith_n and_o obedience_n of_o the_o gospel_n so_o erect_v the_o spiritual_a kingdom_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n who_o before_o be_v under_o the_o power_n and_o dominion_n of_o his_o adversary_n must_v either_o be_v force_n and_o arm_n or_o eloquence_n in_o plausible_a persuasive_a reason_n and_o mighty_a work_n have_v be_v wrought_v by_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o of_o they_o by_o the_o former_a have_v empire_n be_v set_v up_o and_o establish_v in_o the_o world_n and_o the_o superstition_n of_o mahomet_n impose_v on_o many_o nation_n and_o the_o latter_a also_o have_v have_v great_a effect_n on_o the_o mind_n of_o many_o wherefore_o it_o may_v have_v be_v expect_v that_o those_o who_o have_v engage_v themselves_o in_o so_o great_a a_o design_n and_o work_v as_o that_o mention_v shall_v betake_v themselves_o unto_o the_o one_o or_o other_o of_o these_o mean_n and_o way_n for_o the_o wit_n of_o man_n can_v contrive_v any_o way_n unto_o such_o a_o end_n but_o what_o may_v be_v reduce_v unto_o one_o of_o these_o two_o see_v neither_o upon_o the_o principle_n of_o nature_n nor_o on_o the_o rule_n of_o humane_a wisdom_n or_o policy_n can_v any_o other_o be_v imagine_v but_o even_o both_o these_o way_n be_v abandon_v by_o they_o and_o they_o declare_v against_o the_o use_n of_o either_o of_o they_o for_o as_o outward_a force_n power_n and_o authority_n they_o have_v none_o the_o use_n of_o all_o carnal_a weapon_n be_v utter_o inconsistent_a with_o this_o work_n and_o design_n so_o the_o other_o way_n of_o persuasive_a oration_n of_o entice_a word_n of_o allure_a art_n and_o eloquence_n with_o the_o like_a effect_n of_o humane_a wisdom_n and_o skill_n be_v all_o of_o they_o studious_o decline_v by_o they_o in_o this_o work_n as_o thing_n extreme_o prejudicial_a to_o the_o success_n thereof_o 1_o cor._n 2._o 4_o 5._o but_o this_o alone_a they_o betake_v themselves_o unto_o they_o go_v up_o and_o down_o preach_v to_o jew_n and_o gentile_n that_o jesus_n christ_n die_v for_o our_o sin_n and_o rise_v again_o according_a to_o the_o scripture_n 1_o cor._n 15._o 3_o 4._o and_o this_o they_o do_v by_o virtue_n of_o those_o spiritual_a gift_n which_o be_v the_o hide_a power_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v who_o nature_n virtue_n and_o power_n other_o be_v utter_o unacquainted_a withal_o this_o preach_v of_o they_o this_o preach_v of_o the_o cross_n both_o for_o the_o subject_a matter_n and_o manner_n of_o it_o without_o art_n eloquence_n or_o oratory_n be_v look_v on_o as_o a_o marvellous_a foolish_a thing_n a_o sweaty_a kind_n of_o babble_a by_o all_o those_o who_o have_v get_v any_o reputation_n of_o learning_n or_o cunning_a among_o man_n this_o our_o apostle_n at_o large_a discourse_v 1_o cor._n 1._o in_o this_o state_n of_o thing_n every_o thing_n be_v under_o as_o many_o improbability_n of_o success_n unto_o all_o rational_a conjecture_n as_o can_v be_v conceive_v beside_o together_o with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o they_o preach_v which_o be_v new_a and_o uncouth_a unto_o the_o world_n they_o teach_v observance_n of_o religious_a worship_n in_o meeting_n assembly_n or_o conventicle_n to_o that_o end_n which_o all_o the_o law_n in_o the_o world_n do_v prohibit_v act_v 18._o 13._o c._n 16._o 21._o hereupon_o no_o soon_o do_v the_o ruler_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o world_n begin_v to_o take_v notice_n of_o they_o and_o what_o they_o do_v but_o they_o judge_v that_o it_o all_o tend_v to_o sedition_n and_o that_o commotion_n will_v ensue_v thereon_o these_o thing_n enrage_v the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n against_o they_o and_o their_o convert_v who_o therefore_o make_v havoc_n of_o they_o with_o incredible_a fury_n and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o all_o these_o disadvantage_n and_o against_o all_o these_o opposition_n their_o doctrine_n prevail_v to_o subdue_v the_o world_n to_o the_o obedience_n thereof_o and_o there_o may_v be_v add_v unto_o all_o these_o thing_n one_o or_o two_o consideration_n from_o the_o state_n of_o thing_n at_o that_o time_n in_o the_o world_n which_o signalise_v the_o quality_n of_o this_o work_n and_o manifest_v it_o to_o have_v be_v of_o god_n as_o 1._o that_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o writer_n of_o it_o do_v constant_o distribute_v all_o those_o with_o who_o they_o have_v to_o do_v in_o this_o world_n into_o jew_n and_o greek_n which_o we_o render_v gentile_n the_o other_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n come_v under_o that_o denomination_n because_o of_o their_o preeminence_n on_o various_a account_n now_o the_o jew_n at_o that_o time_n be_v in_o solidum_fw-la possess_v of_o all_o the_o true_a religion_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o this_o they_o boast_v of_o as_o their_o privilege_n bear_v up_o themselves_o with_o the_o thought_n and_o reputation_n of_o it_o every_o where_o and_o on_o all_o occasion_n it_o be_v at_o that_o time_n their_o great_a business_n to_o gain_v proselyte_n unto_o it_o whereon_o also_o their_o honour_n and_o advantage_n do_v depend_v the_o greek_n on_o the_o other_o side_n be_v in_o as_o full_a a_o possession_n of_o art_n science_n literature_n and_o all_o that_o which_o the_o world_n call_v wisdom_n as_o the_o jew_n be_v of_o religion_n and_o they_o have_v also_o a_o religion_n receive_v by_o a_o long_a tradition_n of_o their_o father_n from_o time_n immemorial_n which_o they_o have_v various_o cultivate_v and_o dress_v with_o mystery_n and_o ceremony_n unto_o their_o own_o complete_a satisfaction_n beside_o the_o roman_n who_o be_v the_o roll_a part_n of_o the_o gentile_n do_v ascribe_v all_o their_o prosperity_n and_o the_o whole_a raise_v of_o their_o stupendous_a empire_n to_o their_o god_n and_o the_o religious_a worship_n they_o give_v unto_o they_o so_o that_o it_o be_v a_o fundamental_a maxim_n in_o their_o policy_n and_o rule_n that_o they_o shall_v prosper_v or_o decay_v according_a as_o they_o observe_v or_o be_v negligent_a in_o the_o religion_n they_o have_v receive_v as_o indeed_o not_o only_o those_o who_o own_v the_o true_a god_n and_o his_o providence_n but_o before_o idolatry_n and_o superstition_n have_v give_v place_n unto_o atheism_n all_o people_n do_v solemn_o impute_v all_o their_o achievement_n and_o success_n unto_o their_o god_n as_o the_o prophet_n speak_v of_o the_o chaldaean_n mal._n 1._o 11._o and_o he_o who_o first_o undertake_v to_o record_v the_o exploit_n of_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n do_v constant_o assign_v all_o their_o good_a and_o evil_a unto_o their_o god_n as_o they_o be_v please_v or_o provoke_v the_o roman_n in_o especial_a boast_v that_o their_o religion_n be_v the_o
cause_n of_o their_o prosperity_n pielate_fw-la &_o religione_fw-la atque_fw-la hâc_fw-la una_fw-la sapientia_fw-la quòd_fw-la deorum_fw-la immortalium_fw-la numine_fw-la omne_fw-la regi_fw-la gubernarique_fw-la prospeximus_fw-la omnes_fw-la gentes_fw-la nationesque_fw-la superamus_fw-la say_v their_o great_a oracle_n orat._n de_fw-fr har._n resp._n and_o dionysius_n of_o halicarnassus_n a_o great_a and_o wise_a historian_n give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o roman_n and_o the_o ceremony_n of_o their_o worship_n affirm_v that_o he_o do_v it_o unto_o this_o end_n that_o those_o who_o have_v be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o roman_a piety_n shall_v cease_v to_o wonder_v at_o their_o prosperity_n and_o success_n in_o all_o their_o war_n see_v by_o reason_n of_o their_o religion_n they_o have_v the_o god_n always_o propitious_a and_o succourable_a unto_o they_o antiq._n rom._n lib._n 2._o the_o consideration_n hereof_o make_v they_o so_o obstinate_a in_o their_o adherence_n unto_o their_o present_a religion_n that_o when_o after_o many_o age_n and_o hundred_o of_o year_n some_o book_n of_o numa_n their_o second_o king_n and_o principal_a establisher_n of_o their_o commonwealth_n be_v occasional_o find_v instead_o of_o pay_v they_o any_o respect_n they_o order_v they_o to_o be_v burn_v because_o one_o who_o have_v peruse_v they_o take_v his_o oath_n that_o they_o be_v contrary_a to_o their_o present_a worship_n and_o devotion_n and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o upon_o the_o declension_n of_o their_o empire_n after_o the_o prevalency_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n those_o who_o be_v obstinate_a in_o their_o paganism_n reflect_v severe_o upon_o the_o christian_n the_o relinquishment_n of_o their_o old_a religion_n they_o fierce_o avow_v to_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o their_o calamity_n in_o answer_n unto_o which_o calumny_n principal_o austin_n write_v his_o excellent_a discourse_n de_fw-fr civitate_fw-la dei_fw-la in_o this_o state_n of_o thing_n the_o preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n come_v among_o they_o and_o not_o only_o bring_v a_o new_a doctrine_n under_o all_o the_o disadvantage_n before_o mention_v and_o moreover_o that_o he_o who_o be_v the_o head_n of_o it_o be_v new_o crucify_v by_o the_o present_a power_n of_o the_o earth_n for_o a_o malefactor_n but_o also_o such_o a_o doctrine_n as_o be_v express_o to_o take_v away_o the_o religion_n from_o the_o jew_n and_o the_o wisdom_n from_o the_o greek_n and_o the_o principal_a maxim_n of_o polity_n from_o the_o roman_n whereon_o they_o think_v they_o have_v raise_v their_o empire_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o declare_v how_o all_o those_o sect_n be_v engage_v in_o worldly_a interest_n honour_n reputation_n principle_n of_o safety_n to_o oppose_v decry_v condemn_v and_o reject_v this_o new_a doctrine_n and_o if_o a_o company_n of_o sorry_a craftsman_n be_v able_a to_o fill_v a_o whole_a city_n with_o tumult_n and_o uproar_v against_o the_o gospel_n as_o they_o do_v when_o they_o apprehend_v it_o will_v bring_v in_o a_o decay_n of_o their_o trade_n act_v 19_o what_o can_v we_o think_v be_v do_v in_o all_o the_o world_n by_o all_o those_o who_o be_v engage_v and_o enrage_v by_o high_a provocation_n it_o be_v as_o death_n to_o the_o jew_n to_o part_n with_o their_o religion_n both_o on_o the_o account_n of_o the_o conviction_n they_o have_v of_o its_o truth_n and_o the_o honour_n they_o esteem_v to_o accrue_v to_o themselves_o thereby_o and_o for_o the_o greek_n to_o have_v all_o that_o wisdom_n which_o they_o and_o their_o forefather_n have_v be_v labour_v in_o for_o so_o many_o generation_n now_o to_o be_v all_o reject_v as_o a_o impertinent_a foolery_n by_o the_o sorry_a preachment_n of_o a_o few_o illiterate_a person_n it_o raise_v they_o unto_o the_o high_a indignation_n and_o the_o roman_n be_v wise_a enough_o to_o secure_v the_o fundamental_a maxim_n of_o their_o state_n wherefore_o the_o world_n seem_v very_o sufficient_o fortify_v against_o the_o admission_n of_o this_o new_a and_o strange_a doctrine_n on_o the_o term_n whereon_o it_o be_v propose_v there_o can_v be_v no_o danger_n sure_a that_o ever_o it_o shall_v obtain_v any_o considerable_a progress_n but_o we_o know_v that_o thing_n fall_v out_o quite_o otherwise_o religion_n wisdom_n and_o power_n with_o honour_n profit_n interest_n reputation_n be_v force_v all_o to_o give_v way_n to_o its_o power_n and_o efficacy_n 2._o the_o world_n be_v at_o that_o time_n in_o the_o high_a enjoyment_n of_o peace_n prosperity_n and_o plenty_n that_o ever_o it_o attain_v from_o the_o entrance_n of_o sin_n and_o it_o be_v know_v how_o from_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v usual_o make_v provision_n for_o the_o flesh_n to_o fulfil_v the_o lust_n thereof_o whatever_o the_o pride_n ambition_n covetousness_n sensuality_n of_o any_o person_n can_v carry_v they_o forth_o to_o lust_n after_o the_o world_n be_v full_a of_o satisfaction_n for_o and_o most_o man_n live_v as_o in_o the_o eager_a pursuit_n of_o their_o lust_n so_o in_o a_o full_a supply_n of_o what_o they_o do_v require_v in_o this_o condition_n the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v unto_o they_o require_v at_o once_o and_o that_o indispensible_o a_o renunciation_n of_o all_o those_o worldly_a lust_n which_o before_o have_v be_v the_o salt_n of_o their_o life_n if_o man_n design_v any_o compliance_n with_o it_o or_o interest_n in_o it_o all_o their_o pride_n ambition_n luxury_n covetousness_n sensuality_n malice_n revenge_n must_v all_o be_v mortify_v and_o root_v up_o have_v it_o only_o be_v a_o new_a doctrine_n and_o religion_n declare_v that_o knowledge_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n which_o they_o never_o hear_v of_o before_o they_o can_v not_o but_o be_v very_o wary_a in_o give_v it_o entertainment_n but_o when_o withal_o it_o require_v at_o the_o first_o instant_a that_o for_o its_o sake_n they_o shall_v pull_v out_o their_o right_a eye_n and_o cut_v off_o their_o right_a hand_n to_o part_v with_o all_o that_o be_v dear_a and_o useful_a unto_o they_o and_o which_o have_v such_o a_o prevalent_a interest_n in_o their_o mind_n and_o affection_n as_o corrupt_v lust_n be_v know_v to_o have_v this_o can_v not_o but_o invincible_o fortify_v they_o against_o its_o admittance_n but_o yet_o this_o also_o be_v force_v to_o give_v place_n and_o all_o the_o fortification_n of_o satan_n therein_o be_v by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o word_n cast_v to_o the_o ground_n as_o our_o apostle_n express_v it_o 2_o cor._n 10._o 4_o 5._o where_o he_o give_v a_o account_n of_o that_o warfare_n whereby_o the_o world_n be_v subdue_v to_o christ_n by_o the_o gospel_n now_o a_o man_n that_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o make_v himself_o a_o instance_n of_o conceit_a folly_n and_o pride_n may_v talk_v as_o though_o there_o be_v in_o all_o this_o no_o evidence_n of_o divine_a power_n give_v testimony_n to_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o it_o but_o the_o character_n of_o it_o be_v so_o legible_a unto_o every_o modest_a and_o sedate_v prospect_n that_o they_o leave_v no_o room_n for_o doubt_n or_o haesitation_n but_o the_o force_n of_o the_o whole_a argument_n be_v liable_a unto_o one_o exception_n of_o no_o small_a moment_n which_o must_v therefore_o necessary_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o and_o remove_v for_o whereas_o we_o plead_v the_o power_n efficacy_n and_o prevalency_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o former_a day_n as_o a_o demonstration_n of_o its_o divine_a original_a it_o will_v be_v inquire_v whence_o it_o be_v that_o it_o be_v not_o still_o accompany_v with_o the_o same_o power_n nor_o do_v produce_v the_o same_o effect_n for_o we_o see_v the_o profession_n of_o it_o be_v now_o confine_v to_o narrow_a limit_n in_o comparison_n of_o what_o it_o former_o extend_v itself_o unto_o neither_o do_v we_o find_v that_o it_o get_v ground_n any_o where_o in_o the_o world_n but_o be_v rather_o more_o and_o more_o straighten_a every_o day_n wherefore_o either_o the_o first_o prevalency_n that_o be_v assert_v unto_o it_o and_o argue_v as_o a_o evidence_n of_o its_o divinity_n do_v indeed_o proceed_v from_o some_o other_o accidental_a cause_n in_o a_o efficacious_a though_o unseen_a concurrence_n and_o be_v not_o by_o a_o emanation_n of_o power_n from_o itself_o or_o the_o gospel_n be_v not_o at_o present_a what_o it_o be_v former_o see_v it_o have_v not_o the_o same_o effect_n upon_o or_o power_n over_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n as_o that_o have_v of_o old_a we_o may_v therefore_o suspend_v the_o plead_n of_o this_o argument_n from_o what_o be_v do_v by_o the_o gospel_n former_o lest_o it_o reflect_v disadvantage_n upon_o what_o we_o profess_v at_o present_a answ._n 1._o whatever_o different_a event_n may_v fall_v out_o in_o different_a season_n yet_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o same_o as_o ever_o it_o be_v from_o the_o beginning_n there_o be_v not_o another_o book_n contain_v another_o doctrine_n creep_v into_o the_o world_n instead_o of_o that_o once_o deliver_v unto_o the_o saint_n and_o