take_v away_o but_o strong_o confirm_v the_o necessity_n of_o obedience_n to_o god_n law_n whether_o write_v or_o natural_a which_o be_v as_o we_o have_v before_o observe_v the_o general_a intent_n of_o religion_n and_o agreeable_a to_o those_o notion_n the_o world_n common_o have_v of_o it_o since_o for_o the_o better_a carry_v on_o this_o end_n mystery_n be_v so_o very_o advantageous_a to_o religion_n as_o to_o make_v man_n have_v reverend_a apprehension_n of_o it_o upon_o account_n of_o its_o incomparable_a excellency_n in_o its_o cause_n and_o effect_n and_o upon_o account_n of_o the_o weakness_n and_o shallowness_n of_o their_o own_o understanding_n since_o all_o these_o particular_n be_v true_a it_o be_v likewise_o absolute_o necessary_a that_o the_o christian_n the_o only_a true_a holy_a pure_a religion_n shall_v be_v build_v upon_o such_o a_o foundation_n as_o may_v appear_v to_o all_o man_n upon_o the_o strict_a inquiry_n beyond_o all_o doubt_n or_o controversy_n mysterious_a 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the_o world_n so_o involve_v in_o atheism_n or_o in_o mere_a deism_n at_o this_o time_n very_o little_a to_o be_v prefer_v before_o the_o other_o have_v do_v now_o with_o the_o positive_a assertion_n our_o next_o work_n be_v with_o all_o exactness_n and_o humility_n to_o consider_v the_o illustration_n of_o this_o proposition_n in_o the_o several_n lay_v down_o by_o the_o apostle_n which_o altogether_o afford_v we_o the_o whole_a sum_n and_o substance_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o all_o that_o glad_a tiding_n send_v from_o heaven_n to_o earth_n for_o the_o comfort_n of_o mankind_n consist_v in_o this_o that_o for_o their_o sake_n to_o procure_v their_o salvation_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 all_o which_o particular_n though_o the_o full_a prosecution_n of_o the_o first_o be_v all_o our_o present_a task_n be_v incomprehensible_a 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or_o at_o least_o contain_v contradiction_n what_o have_v we_o then_o nothing_o at_o all_o mysterious_a in_o scripture_n what_o be_v that_o love_n between_o the_o bless_a jesus_n and_o his_o spouse_n the_o church_n so_o admirable_o character_v in_o the_o book_n of_o canticle_n can_v our_o author_n find_v nothing_o mysterious_a in_o all_o those_o adumbration_n of_o ineffable_a love_n or_o can_v he_o easy_o give_v we_o a_o catalogue_n of_o the_o contradiction_n there_o the_o real_a contradiction_n i_o mean_v for_o thing_n that_o be_v of_o no_o mysterious_a nature_n at_o all_o on_o any_o other_o account_n may_v seem_v to_o contain_v somewhat_o contradictory_n but_o seem_a contradiction_n be_v not_o real_a can_v he_o fathom_v every_o thing_n relate_v to_o daniel_n week_n man_n of_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o learning_n industry_n and_o sobriety_n have_v take_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o pain_n to_o explain_v the_o mystery_n of_o they_o and_o have_v scarce_o yet_o give_v the_o world_n 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express_v we_o believe_v too_o that_o as_o they_o be_v true_a we_o may_v dispute_v about_o they_o and_o clear_v they_o from_o all_o that_o sophistry_n whereby_o some_o subtle_a man_n will_v fain_o baffle_v we_o out_o of_o they_o be_v no_o uncouth_a or_o irrational_a opinion_n yet_o after_o all_o we_o take_v the_o whole_a account_n of_o this_o incarnation_n as_o lay_v down_o in_o scripture_n to_o be_v a_o very_a great_a mystery_n but_o where_o lie_v the_o contradiction_n either_o in_o believe_v it_o a_o mystery_n or_o in_o defend_v it_o as_o such_o this_o truth_n that_o god_n be_v manifest_a in_o the_o flesh_n be_v as_o before_o intimate_v that_o upon_o the_o literal_a truth_n of_o which_o the_o whole_a salvation_n of_o mankind_n depend_v how_o he_o shall_v have_v be_v so_o be_v to_o all_o mankind_n mysterious_a and_o incomprehensible_a yet_o may_v we_o without_o any_o contradiction_n explain_v defend_v prove_v and_o draw_v inference_n from_o it_o hear_v what_o a_o bishop_n of_o our_o own_o a_o genuine_a
every_o place_n and_o make_v a_o unthinking_a generation_n prostrate_v themselves_o to_o he_o for_o good_a and_o assistance_n when_o the_o world_n contain_v no_o other_o enemy_n to_o their_o good_a but_o himself_o it_o may_v seem_v strange_a that_o the_o world_n shall_v have_v be_v seize_v with_o so_o gross_a a_o stupidity_n as_o to_o be_v liable_a to_o the_o fatal_a mistake_n but_o when_o ignorance_n prevail_v it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o a_o spirit_n of_o such_o active_a subtlety_n shall_v extend_v his_o conquest_n very_o far_o where_o the_o soul_n be_v once_o make_v like_o a_o fair_a table_n without_o any_o impression_n it_o be_v easy_a for_o the_o first_o that_o attempt_v it_o to_o draw_v the_o portrait_n of_o the_o devil_n upon_o it_o now_o the_o engine_n by_o which_o the_o devil_n hold_v the_o soul_n in_o slavery_n be_v these_o false_a interest_n interest_n be_v what_o go_v a_o great_a way_n in_o manage_v the_o affair_n of_o this_o world_n where_o it_o be_v conceive_v to_o lie_v it_o often_o excite_v in_o vigorous_a and_o apprehensive_a soul_n a_o strange_a industry_n and_o eagerness_n to_o carry_v on_o whatsoever_o seem_v subservient_fw-fr to_o it_o nay_o he_o be_v just_o look_v upon_o as_o his_o own_o enemy_n who_o do_v not_o observe_v his_o own_o interest_n and_o prosecute_v they_o to_o extremity_n this_o the_o devil_n know_v very_o well_o set_v false_a interest_n before_o the_o eye_n of_o much_o the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n some_o few_o sagacious_a soul_n be_v sensible_a of_o his_o subtlety_n and_o stand_v upon_o their_o guard_n keep_v their_o eye_n so_o open_a that_o his_o lethaean_a bough_n be_v unable_a to_o close_v they_o but_o the_o rest_n be_v lull_v by_o the_o fatal_a music_n of_o bewitch_a siren_n into_o such_o dream_n as_o nothing_o but_o eternal_a ruin_n can_v awake_v they_o from_o thus_o the_o devil_n persuade_v man_n that_o liberty_n be_v their_o interest_n not_o that_o sacred_a liberty_n from_o sin_n and_o guilt_n which_o divine_a religion_n offer_v to_o the_o soul_n but_o a_o wild_a extravagance_n the_o product_n of_o wretched_a inconsideracy_n which_o carry_v man_n out_o into_o all_o excess_n of_o wickedness_n a_o liberty_n which_o have_v no_o bound_n but_o what_o time_n and_o mortality_n set_v before_o it_o and_o yet_o which_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o true_a liberty_n that_o it_o be_v the_o most_o miserable_a and_o to_o the_o soul_n when_o it_o have_v leisure_n but_o to_o think_v a_o little_a the_o most_o intolerable_a slavery_n in_o the_o world_n but_o however_o liberty_n be_v the_o word_n and_o it_o carry_v charm_n along_o with_o it_o and_o too_o too_o few_o reflect_v upon_o it_o so_o far_o as_o to_o distinguish_v between_o what_o be_v real_a and_o fictitious_a it_o be_v the_o interest_n of_o mankind_n to_o seek_v for_o pleasure_n i._n e._n to_o seek_v to_o live_v always_o with_o he_o in_o who_o presence_n be_v fullness_n of_o joy_n and_o at_o who_o right_a hand_n there_o be_v pleasure_n for_o evermore_o but_o here_o hell_n play_v again_o with_o ambiguity_n and_o give_v not_o man_n leisure_n to_o distinguish_v or_o judge_v of_o pleasure_n false_a or_o true_a transient_a or_o perpetual_a but_o pleasure_n and_o liberty_n be_v such_o interest_n as_o no_o wise_a man_n can_v cease_v to_o prosecute_v therefore_o man_n must_v take_v a_o world_n of_o pain_n to_o glut_v themselves_o with_o sensual_a pleasure_n where_o sorrow_n and_o torment_n have_v their_o share_n and_o they_o must_v have_v liberty_n to_o be_v damn_v in_o spite_n of_o all_o the_o whine_v lecture_n of_o man_n pretend_v to_o true_a religion_n and_o to_o teach_v man_n save_v wisdom_n there_o be_v some_o petty_a moral_a virtue_n which_o hell_n itself_o will_v recommend_v lest_o a_o general_a hurry_n into_o vice_n shall_v give_v so_o horrid_a a_o prospect_n of_o thing_n as_o shall_v startle_v the_o most_o insensate_a brute_n and_o make_v he_o desire_v at_o least_o to_o live_v in_o peace_n with_o the_o world_n for_o his_o own_o security_n but_o it_o be_v interest_n still_o for_o any_o man_n to_o do_v wrong_a to_o his_o neighbour_n when_o he_o find_v himself_o strong_a enough_o to_o justify_v his_o pretension_n by_o force_n and_o whether_o he_o succeed_v or_o no_o the_o devil_n gain_v his_o end_n which_o be_v the_o destruction_n of_o mankind_n which_o he_o always_o promote_v so_o far_o as_o he_o may_v safe_o do_v it_o without_o render_v his_o advice_n suspicious_a to_o his_o own_o vassal_n so_o that_o according_a to_o the_o divinity_n of_o hell_n it_o be_v man_n interest_n to_o be_v extreme_o ambitious_a extreme_o debauch_v extreme_o wicked_a in_o all_o these_o thing_n corrupt_a nature_n love_v to_o go_v on_o without_o check_n or_o restraint_n but_o if_o it_o be_v not_o safe_a for_o the_o same_o person_n to_o take_v his_o swing_n in_o every_o respect_n any_o one_o of_o they_o be_v enough_o to_o damn_v he_o eternal_o and_o he_o may_v indulge_v himself_o in_o what_o he_o please_v but_o whereas_o the_o soul_n sometime_o reflect_v upon_o futurity_n there_o be_v elysian_a field_n provide_v for_o the_o fancy_n to_o exercise_v itself_o upon_o where_o it_o may_v be_v reward_n be_v promise_v to_o some_o popular_a virtue_n but_o neither_o the_o sensualist_n nor_o the_o irregular_o ambitious_a nor_o the_o pitiful_a effeminate_a soul_n shall_v be_v exclude_v from_o they_o it_o be_v always_o the_o suggestion_n of_o hell_n that_o the_o messenger_n of_o heaven_n have_v no_o other_o design_n but_o to_o yoke_v man_n under_o unreasonable_a severity_n to_o debar_v they_o of_o all_o the_o delight_n of_o life_n to_o engage_v they_o in_o morose_n and_o sullen_a course_n and_o all_o with_o a_o prospect_n only_o of_o a_o chimaerical_a happiness_n such_o as_o have_v no_o be_v but_o in_o the_o talk_n of_o those_o who_o invent_v it_o now_o these_o thing_n must_v needs_o sound_v very_o harsh_o to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n and_o arm_v man_n against_o that_o religion_n which_o shall_v pretend_v to_o invade_v such_o right_n and_o privilege_n this_o argument_n hell_n make_v use_v of_o principal_o against_o the_o jewish_a religion_n of_o old_a and_o endeavour_v on_o all_o occasion_n to_o expose_v it_o to_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n when_o the_o worth_n and_o import_n of_o jewish_a ceremony_n be_v almost_o at_o a_o end_n then_o to_o the_o jew_n the_o suggestion_n be_v that_o their_o holy_a religion_n that_o law_n give_v to_o they_o in_o so_o extraordinary_a a_o manner_n by_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n himself_o be_v like_a to_o be_v tread_v under_o foot_n that_o god_n temple_n the_o glory_n of_o their_o nation_n be_v like_a to_o be_v destroy_v and_o it_o must_v certain_o be_v their_o interest_n who_o have_v just_a hope_n of_o salvation_n by_o their_o law_n to_o defend_v it_o against_o all_o encroachment_n and_o alteration_n whatsoever_o against_o christianity_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o persuade_v the_o gentile_n that_o all_o those_o god_n who_o they_o have_v so_o long_o adore_v and_o by_o who_o kind_a influence_n they_o have_v so_o long_o be_v happy_a be_v now_o like_a to_o be_v set_v at_o nought_o that_o they_o will_v be_v tempt_v to_o a_o persuasion_n which_o the_o wise_a and_o inquisitive_a head_n the_o subtle_a philosopher_n of_o those_o age_n who_o yet_o be_v the_o wise_a man_n and_o the_o great_a example_n will_v never_o admit_v of_o that_o therefore_o if_o they_o embrace_v it_o they_o must_v certain_o incur_v the_o odium_fw-la of_o all_o the_o world_n and_o prepare_v themselves_o to_o suffer_v whatsoever_o the_o joint_a fury_n of_o the_o universe_n can_v inflict_v upon_o they_o and_o it_o be_v certain_o their_o interest_n to_o write_v after_o the_o copy_n of_o the_o philosophic_a tribe_n to_o assert_v the_o honour_n of_o their_o ancient_a deity_n and_o to_o live_v in_o a_o good_a correspondence_n with_o all_o mankind_n these_o suggestion_n be_v fair_a and_o plausible_a and_o golden_a interest_n every_o way_n glitter_v in_o man_n face_n these_o introduce_v violent_a and_o unreasonable_a prejudices_fw-la against_o all_o those_o mean_n which_o shall_v be_v make_v use_n of_o by_o heaven_n to_o assert_v man_n into_o a_o true_a and_o substantial_a liberty_n from_o that_o hellish_a slavery_n they_o have_v be_v enure_v to_o now_o if_o the_o case_n be_v never_o so_o plain_a that_o man_n be_v real_o in_o a_o place_n of_o torment_n and_o that_o they_o feel_v it_o severe_o if_o their_o look_n and_o cry_v and_o complaint_n make_v other_o take_v notice_n of_o and_o pity_v their_o condition_n and_o yet_o one_o that_o go_v to_o persuade_v they_o of_o the_o uneasiness_n of_o their_o life_n and_o offer_v to_o disengage_v they_o from_o those_o pain_n they_o feel_v and_o prove_v beyond_o contradiction_n that_o his_o power_n be_v sufficient_a to_o effect_v what_o he_o pretend_v to_o can_v be_v hear_v nor_o he_o offer_v attend_v to_o or_o accept_v it_o must_v necessary_o be_v
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that_o even_o in_o relation_n to_o practice_n there_o be_v some_o apparent_a difficulty_n and_o notwithstanding_o all_o that_o plainness_n apparent_a in_o god_n word_n a_o man_n have_v a_o very_a hard_a task_n sometime_o to_o distinguish_v between_o what_o be_v lawful_a and_o what_o be_v unlawful_a such_o case_n be_v common_o know_v by_o the_o name_n of_o case_n of_o conscience_n or_o such_o matter_n wherein_o so_o many_o argument_n seem_o strong_a and_o plausible_a appear_v on_o both_o side_n to_o the_o understanding_n that_o it_o know_v not_o which_o way_n to_o act_v and_o all_o that_o hesitancy_n or_o doubtfulness_n arise_v only_o from_o a_o fear_n of_o offend_a god_n these_o general_o respect_v christian_n practice_n create_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o trouble_n frequent_o to_o very_o good_a man_n for_o other_o be_v seldom_o trouble_v with_o such_o religious_a fear_n and_o these_o be_v sometime_o by_o various_a and_o unusual_a circumstance_n render_v so_o very_o intricate_a that_o the_o wise_a and_o most_o discern_a man_n be_v often_o at_o a_o loss_n to_o clear_v and_o resolve_v they_o to_o the_o querent_n satisfaction_n here_o the_o jew_n be_v order_v to_o have_v recourse_n to_o their_o priest_n who_o lip_n be_v suppose_v to_o preserve_v knowledge_n and_o the_o priest_n when_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n of_o a_o more_o inextricable_a nature_n have_v the_o urim_n and_o thummim_a to_o appeal_v to_o the_o heathen_n have_v some_o emergent_a doubt_n as_o to_o matter_n of_o public_a management_n of_o themselves_o which_o sometime_o perplex_v they_o too_o and_o they_o have_v their_o imaginary_a wise_a man_n the_o priest_n attend_v their_o desecrated_a altar_n who_o will_v assume_v as_o if_o they_o have_v the_o art_n of_o resolve_v doubt_n those_o who_o profess_v christianity_n have_v still_o a_o severe_a task_n in_o these_o matter_n as_o have_v no_o oracle_n immediate_o to_o consult_v and_o have_v doubt_n more_o numerous_a and_o
as_o the_o thirsty_a hart_n pant_v after_o the_o water_n brook_v therefore_o they_o be_v willing_a to_o undergo_v every_o thing_n that_o a_o malignant_a world_n can_v lay_v upon_o they_o as_o be_v certain_o assure_v that_o whatsoever_o the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n be_v all_o the_o affliction_n or_o suffering_n they_o can_v meet_v with_o in_o this_o world_n be_v not_o worthy_a to_o be_v compare_v with_o they_o impression_n look_v towards_o these_o thing_n be_v so_o natural_a to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n that_o all_o the_o artifices_fw-la of_o wickedness_n be_v not_o able_a to_o efface_v they_o and_o yet_o the_o consequence_n of_o these_o impression_n be_v so_o great_a and_o mysterious_a that_o all_o the_o wit_n of_o man_n can_v possible_o comprehend_v they_o yet_o faith_n go_v through_o with_o all_o and_o be_v not_o can_v be_v mistake_v in_o its_o confidence_n at_o last_o if_o faith_n itself_o the_o continual_a security_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v so_o dark_a and_o undefinable_a what_o must_v we_o judge_v of_o the_o object_n of_o it_o they_o be_v general_o so_o vast_a that_o faith_n itself_o soar_v as_o it_o be_v can_v go_v but_o a_o very_a little_a way_n in_o its_o idea_n of_o they_o that_o the_o object_n of_o faith_n be_v real_a and_o true_a be_v evident_a from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v that_o their_o nature_n be_v incomprehensible_a and_o their_o reason_n inscrutable_a to_o create_v being_n be_v as_o true_a but_o not_o at_o all_o to_o be_v wonder_v at_o since_o there_o be_v a_o thousand_o common_a effect_n of_o nature_n the_o truth_n of_o which_o we_o be_v beyond_o contradiction_n convince_v of_o but_o why_o they_o shall_v happen_v so_o or_o so_o the_o cunning_a philosopher_n be_v no_o more_o able_a to_o resolve_v than_o despise_a idiot_n or_o natural_n agreeable_o to_o what_o i_o be_o urge_v i_o instanced_a before_o in_o the_o be_v of_o god_n a_o truth_n which_o man_n can_v balk_v though_o they_o take_v never_o so_o much_o pain_n to_o that_o purpose_n that_o this_o god_n this_o supreme_a governor_n or_o manager_n of_o all_o thing_n must_v some_o way_n or_o other_o communicate_v himself_o to_o his_o creature_n for_o that_o otherwise_o they_o can_v neither_o pretend_v to_o a_o well_o be_v or_o a_o be_v be_v as_o clear_v by_o rational_a discourse_n but_o how_o god_n shall_v communicate_v of_o himself_o to_o these_o creature_n where_o there_o be_v so_o vast_a a_o disproportion_n in_o their_o nature_n be_v a_o riddle_n which_o we_o have_v not_o yet_o find_v any_o apollo_n subtle_a enough_o to_o resolve_v and_o yet_o that_o god_n do_v communicate_v himself_o to_o his_o creature_n be_v as_o plain_a and_o undeniable_a those_o who_o engage_v themselves_o into_o inquiry_n about_o these_o thing_n do_v but_o lose_v themselves_o in_o inextricable_a labyrinth_n and_o indeed_o according_a to_o the_o genuine_a rule_n of_o right_a reason_n do_v but_o take_v pain_n to_o no_o purpose_n it_o be_v that_o general_a sense_n which_o mankind_n all_o along_o have_v have_v of_o these_o thing_n that_o have_v make_v they_o endeavour_v to_o frame_v some_o short_a idea_n of_o the_o deity_n to_o themselves_o and_o so_o though_o they_o can_v conceive_v nothing_o adequate_a to_o his_o nature_n yet_o they_o have_v run_v high_a as_o word_n can_v carry_v they_o when_o they_o style_v god_n a_o be_v infinite_o just_a powerful_a good_a merciful_a wise_a etc._n etc._n these_o general_a notion_n of_o they_o in_o some_o measure_n influence_v the_o life_n of_o many_o but_o much_o more_o all_o the_o external_a and_o visible_a part_n of_o their_o religious_a devotion_n and_o when_o they_o have_v show_v their_o utmost_a skill_n in_o contrive_v scheme_n of_o divine_a worship_n those_o man_n have_v do_v best_a and_o most_o suitable_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o religion_n who_o have_v contrive_v the_o outward_a part_n of_o it_o so_o as_o they_o may_v a_o little_a shadow_n out_o the_o necessary_a apprehension_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o yet_o so_o too_o that_o the_o devotoe_n who_o make_v the_o nice_a observation_n of_o thing_n may_v be_v sensible_a that_o those_o external_a religious_a show_v refer_v to_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o a_o dark_a and_o more_o inintelligible_a nature_n and_o which_o no_o symbol_n whatsoever_o can_v possible_o illustrate_v or_o represent_v and_o those_o divine_a oracle_n which_o be_v speak_v of_o in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n as_o they_o render_v religion_n more_o august_n and_o venerable_n to_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o world_n so_o the_o nature_n of_o those_o oracle_n convince_v the_o world_n yet_o more_o strong_o of_o the_o defectiveness_n of_o humane_a understanding_n the_o certain_a knowledge_n of_o futurity_n where_o man_n imagine_v themselves_o free_a agent_n be_v essential_a to_o the_o deity_n but_o one_o of_o the_o most_o puzzle_v thing_n humane_a reason_n can_v possible_o fix_v upon_o this_o the_o roman_n and_o their_o predecessor_n the_o latin_n represent_v by_o a_o janus_n with_o two_o face_n the_o etrurians_n by_o a_o janus_n with_o four_o which_o may_v as_o some_o tell_v we_o refer_v to_o the_o four_o part_n of_o the_o year_n but_o more_o genuine_o it_o represent_v the_o deity_n look_v every_o way_n so_o that_o nothing_o past_a present_a or_o to_o come_v can_v possible_o avoid_v its_o knowledge_n and_o the_o prophet_n of_o old_a have_v that_o character_n as_o communicate_v to_o they_o from_o the_o inspire_a deity_n that_o they_o know_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 70._o didymus_n in_o hom._n iliad_n 1._o v._n 70._o it_o be_v as_o didymus_n tell_v we_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o part_n of_o a_o complete_a prophet_n to_o understand_v exact_o the_o three_o difference_n of_o time_n man_n be_v apt_a to_o be_v presume_v enough_o on_o the_o depth_n of_o their_o own_o understanding_n but_o we_o find_v heresy_n since_o the_o propagation_n of_o christianity_n have_v teach_v man_n much_o more_o confidence_n than_o ever_o nature_n do_v and_o therefore_o as_o we_o find_v philosopher_n of_o old_a the_o more_o rational_a the_o more_o modest_a but_o that_o those_o who_o set_v up_o for_o senseless_a paradox_n make_v it_o their_o business_n to_o hector_n every_o body_n into_o their_o own_o notion_n and_o to_o make_v up_o their_o want_n of_o argument_n by_o face_n and_o metal_n as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o lucretius_n his_o epicurean_a poem_n so_o schismatic_n and_o heretic_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n the_o far_o they_o fly_v from_o the_o genuine_a practice_n of_o ancient_a christian_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o more_o positive_a and_o dare_a they_o be_v in_o their_o assertion_n the_o more_o close_a communion_n they_o pretend_v to_o hold_v with_o god_n and_o to_o be_v the_o very_a privadoe_n of_o heaven_n as_o the_o profligate_v gnostic_n of_o old_a pretend_a to_o know_v every_o thing_n when_o indeed_o they_o know_v nothing_o and_o some_o wretched_a ignorant_n of_o late_a year_n when_o they_o have_v be_v lead_v captive_n by_o the_o devil_n at_o his_o will_n have_v yet_o talk_v of_o be_v god_v with_o god_n and_o christed_a with_o christ_n and_o our_o follower_n of_o socinus_n who_o run_v violent_o against_o the_o stream_n of_o reason_n bear_v themselves_o for_o the_o great_a rationalist_n in_o the_o world_n whereas_o nature_n though_o corrupt_v teach_v man_n modest_o to_o own_o their_o own_o ignorance_n to_o confess_v their_o inability_n to_o comprehend_v all_o those_o mystery_n attendant_a on_o the_o deity_n to_o look_v upon_o shadow_n and_o representation_n of_o thing_n at_o a_o distance_n as_o the_o best_a way_n of_o imprint_v reverence_n upon_o man_n mind_n and_o therefore_o to_o satisfy_v themselves_o with_o such_o shadow_n and_o figure_n lest_o by_o pretend_v to_o more_o they_o shall_v fall_v into_o absurdity_n and_o by_o that_o mean_n render_v themselves_o and_o religion_n contemptible_a and_o ridiculous_a god_n take_v a_o particular_a care_n of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n and_o institute_v all_o those_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n which_o they_o make_v use_v of_o in_o their_o worship_n all_o which_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n be_v either_o so_o many_o remembrancer_n of_o thing_n past_a as_o the_o great_a goodness_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n show_v to_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n and_o his_o justice_n or_o vengeance_n on_o their_o enemy_n or_o otherwise_o they_o be_v so_o many_o type_n and_o shadow_n of_o thing_n to_o come_v and_o particular_o of_o that_o messiah_n or_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n to_o be_v bear_v into_o it_o in_o fullness_n of_o time_n now_o the_o manner_n of_o god_n avenge_a himself_n on_o his_o own_o and_o his_o people_n enemy_n be_v uncouth_a and_o prodigious_a but_o the_o birth_n of_o a_o saviour_n one_o who_o by_o his_o interest_n with_o heaven_n shall_v visit_v and_o redeem_v his_o people_n to_o procure_v salvation_n for_o the_o whole_a world_n be_v altogether_o a_o mystery_n a_o mean_n of_o procure_v the_o
world_n happiness_n which_o all_o the_o wit_n in_o it_o can_v never_o have_v pitch_v upon_o there_o be_v not_o among_o the_o jew_n the_o least_o garment_n belong_v to_o those_o who_o officiate_v in_o holy_a service_n which_o have_v not_o something_o mysterious_a in_o it_o i_o own_o these_o mystery_n be_v not_o like_o those_o wherein_o our_o faith_n be_v so_o deep_o concern_v but_o they_o be_v mystery_n still_o though_o of_o a_o low_a form_n and_o such_o mystery_n as_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o jewish_a people_n be_v very_o far_o from_o dive_v into_o yet_o reason_n will_v have_v go_v a_o considerable_a way_n in_o teach_v the_o jew_n what_o god_n insinuate_v to_o they_o by_o such_o prescription_n all_o the_o circumstantial_o of_o jewish_a worship_n be_v render_v the_o more_o considerable_a by_o those_o never-failing_a oracle_n issue_v out_o from_o between_o the_o cherubim_n and_o by_o prophet_n raise_v up_o among_o they_o by_o god_n himself_o frequent_o till_o such_o time_n as_o they_o lose_v the_o glory_n of_o their_o nation_n by_o captivity_n and_o slavery_n to_o prevail_a stranger_n those_o revelation_n which_o such_o prophet_n have_v extend_v particular_o to_o future_a event_n of_o thing_n be_v such_o as_o real_o entangle_v the_o jew_n strange_o and_o they_o who_o among_o mystery_n reveal_v have_v unhappy_o pitch_v upon_o a_o wrong_a interpretation_n of_o thing_n be_v uncapable_a at_o last_o of_o apply_v event_n to_o prophecy_n and_o so_o ruin_v it_o be_v true_a the_o priest_n themselves_o at_o first_o understand_v the_o meaning_n of_o thing_n well_o enough_o but_o time_n corrupt_v they_o and_o introduce_v ignorance_n among_o they_o as_o well_o as_o among_o the_o vulgar_a but_o whatsoever_o the_o priest_n understand_v at_o first_o or_o how_o much_o soever_o of_o the_o true_a meaning_n of_o thing_n they_o understand_v at_o last_o they_o be_v yet_o not_o to_o cast_v pearl_n before_o swine_n nor_o holy_a thing_n to_o dog_n they_o be_v not_o to_o prostiture_n mystical_a matter_n to_o every_o common_a enquirer_n though_o at_o the_o same_o time_n ready_a to_o teach_v god_n statute_n and_o judgement_n to_o every_o one_o that_o humble_o seek_v for_o information_n but_o as_o to_o the_o manner_n of_o god_n deliver_v their_o law_n to_o moses_n in_o horeb_n and_o his_o writing_n the_o ten_o commandment_n with_o the_o finger_n of_o god_n on_o the_o stone-table_n his_o guard_n and_o direct_v they_o by_o a_o cloud_n all_o day_n and_o by_o a_o pillar_n of_o fire_n all_o night_n his_o glory_n shine_v at_o particular_a time_n and_o on_o particular_a occasion_n in_o the_o tabernacle_n of_o the_o congregation_n his_o deliver_v his_o will_n from_o the_o mercy-seat_n and_o be_v say_v to_o dwell_v peculiar_o between_o the_o cherubim_n his_o oracular_a resolution_n 〈◊〉_d difficulty_n by_o urim_n and_o thummim_n etc._n etc._n these_o be_v matter_n of_o so_o profound_a and_o inextricable_a a_o nature_n that_o neither_o priest_n nor_o people_n be_v ever_o able_a to_o give_v any_o considerable_a account_n of_o they_o if_o among_o the_o divine_a institution_n of_o the_o jew_n there_o be_v so_o many_o matter_n of_o a_o mystical_a nature_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v wonder_v that_o their_o worship_n who_o have_v no_o assistance_n by_o divine_a revelation_n shall_v be_v more_o than_o ordinary_o encumber_a with_o they_o the_o notion_n which_o the_o gentile_a world_n have_v of_o a_o deity_n though_o positive_a and_o uncontrollable_a enough_o be_v according_a to_o the_o mean_n they_o have_v for_o acquire_v divine_a knowledge_n much_o more_o obscure_a than_o those_o of_o the_o jew_n if_o yet_o they_o will_v have_v a_o show_n of_o any_o religion_n they_o be_v under_o a_o necessity_n of_o suit_v it_o with_o some_o circumstantial_a rite_n which_o when_o they_o have_v try_v their_o utmost_a skill_n have_v a_o meaning_n but_o that_o meaning_n be_v very_o obscure_a we_o may_v believe_v that_o many_o of_o their_o priest_n endeavour_v to_o make_v as_o deep_a impression_n as_o they_o can_v of_o religion_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o those_o man_n they_o be_v concern_v with_o but_o the_o great_a satisfaction_n they_o have_v in_o their_o own_o invention_n be_v but_o this_o that_o the_o notorious_a obscurity_n of_o their_o public_a rite_n be_v very_o exact_o representative_a of_o that_o god_n who_o they_o acknowledge_v a_o be_v infinite_a and_o incomprehensible_a and_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v mysterious_a even_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o their_o first_o inventor_n be_v much_o more_o so_o when_o they_o fall_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o their_o successor_n who_o be_v blind_a leader_n of_o the_o blind_a all_o sense_n of_o true_a natural_a divinity_n be_v quick_o lose_v both_o among_o priest_n and_o people_n thus_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o think_v the_o hieroglyphical_a theology_n of_o the_o egyptian_n be_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n raise_v from_o those_o hint_n they_o have_v take_v of_o man_n duty_n to_o the_o world_n creator_n from_o their_o converse_n with_o the_o jewish_a patriarch_n that_o the_o first_o contriver_n of_o it_o be_v capable_a of_o make_v it_o considerable_o useful_a and_o instructive_a to_o the_o world_n and_o from_o thence_o those_o seed_n of_o moral_a virtue_n which_o bear_v some_o fruit_n in_o ancient_a heathen_n have_v their_o original_n but_o when_o sloth_n and_o negligence_n take_v place_n among_o their_o degenerate_a posterity_n and_o the_o cruelty_n of_o cambyses_n king_n of_o persia_n destroy_v all_o the_o priest_n of_o that_o nation_n without_o distinction_n the_o whole_a body_n of_o their_o divinity_n be_v lose_v some_o of_o its_o character_n may_v be_v still_o remain_v among_o old_a pillar_n or_o obelisk_n and_o other_o ruin_n of_o their_o ancient_a magnificence_n but_o as_o unintelligible_a to_o we_o as_o the_o chinese_n writing_n be_v to_o a_o common_a labourer_n or_o the_o square_n of_o a_o circle_n to_o one_o that_o never_o hear_v of_o mathematics_n all_o man_n from_o the_o world_n beginning_n acknowledge_v god_n universal_a sovereignty_n by_o offer_v sacrifice_n that_o man_n offer_v sacrifice_n and_o of_o live_a creature_n too_o very_o early_o be_v apparent_a by_o the_o history_n of_o cain_n and_o abel_n 4._o gen_n 3.1_o 2_o 3_o 4._o where_o we_o be_v tell_v that_o in_o process_n of_o time_n i.e._n as_o soon_o as_o they_o be_v in_o a_o capacity_n of_o do_v so_o cain_n who_o be_v a_o tiller_n of_o the_o ground_n bring_v of_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o ground_n a_o offering_n to_o the_o lord_n and_o abel_n who_o be_v a_o keeper_n of_o sheep_n bring_v of_o the_o firstling_n of_o his_o flock_n and_o the_o fat_a thereof_o but_o that_o these_o be_v the_o first_o sacrifice_n offer_v we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o conclude_v since_o adam_n have_v the_o same_o sense_n of_o thing_n and_o the_o same_o motive_n to_o offer_v sacrifice_n which_o they_o have_v and_o doubtless_o set_v they_o a_o example_n of_o so_o do_v eusebius_n of_o caesarea_n though_o observe_v to_o be_v singular_a in_o the_o case_n give_v much_o the_o best_a and_o most_o rational_a account_n of_o this_o sacrifice_n i_o take_v say_v he_o the_o ground_n of_o this_o action_n not_o to_o have_v be_v mere_a chance_n or_o a_o device_n mere_o humane_a but_o to_o have_v rise_v from_o a_o divine_a thought_n for_o whereas_o good_a man_n who_o be_v illuminate_v with_o the_o divine_a spirit_n and_o live_v in_o a_o near_a familiarity_n with_o god_n plain_o see_v there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o some_o extraordinary_a mean_n for_o the_o expiation_n of_o damn_v sin_n they_o conclude_v it_o necessary_a to_o offer_v to_o god_n the_o giver_n of_o the_o life_n and_o soul_n something_o by_o way_n of_o a_o ransom_n or_o redemption_n price_n to_o procure_v their_o own_o salvation_n and_o since_o they_o have_v nothing_o which_o they_o can_v offer_v to_o god_n better_a or_o more_o valuable_a than_o their_o soul_n instead_o of_o they_o they_o sacrifice_v beast_n 10._o de_fw-fr demonstr_n evang_v l._n 1._o c._n 10._o so_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d offer_v the_o soul_n of_o other_o in_o lieu_n of_o their_o own_o and_o this_o be_v certain_o the_o best_a sacrifice_n and_o most_o significant_a of_o their_o apprehension_n where_o that_o reason_n give_v by_o eusebius_n and_o make_v use_v of_o by_o justin_n martyr_n and_o the_o author_n of_o the_o answer_n to_o the_o orthodox_n print_v among_o justin_n work_n and_o by_o st._n chrysostome_n and_o other_o ancient_a christian_n and_o by_o rabbi_n moses_n ben_fw-mi maimon_n and_o his_o follower_n among_o the_o jew_n why_o cain_n and_o abel_n shall_v pitch_v on_o offer_v sacrifice_n and_o abel_n particular_o of_o live_a creature_n viz._n their_o wisdom_n and_o near_a converse_n with_o heaven_n suit_v yet_o more_o exact_o with_o adam_n himself_o who_o have_v converse_v with_o god_n in_o a_o state_n of_o perfection_n as_o well_o as_o imperfection_n and_o though_o we_o know_v the_o ruin_n of_o reason_n to_o
have_v be_v very_o great_a in_o adam_n by_o his_o fall_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o so_o great_a in_o he_o as_o in_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o posterity_n and_o adam_n have_v a_o right_a apprehension_n of_o that_o promise_n concern_v the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n without_o which_o right_a apprehension_n he_o can_v have_v derive_v very_o little_a comfort_n from_o it_o to_o fix_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n and_o in_o the_o mind_n of_o his_o posterity_n the_o true_a meaning_n of_o that_o promise_n he_o offer_v as_o soon_o as_o without_o prejudice_n to_o the_o multiplication_n of_o creature_n he_o can_v such_o sacrifice_n as_o may_v shadow_v out_o the_o promise_a redemption_n and_o make_v so_o early_a a_o faith_n in_o the_o promise_a seed_n that_o lamb_n who_o be_v slay_v from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n appear_v and_o real_o be_v rational_a nor_o be_v there_o any_o need_n of_o divine_a institution_n or_o command_n in_o the_o case_n where_o original_a reason_n yet_o retain_v so_o much_o strength_n and_o vigour_n and_o whereas_o some_o learned_a man_n have_v write_v whole_a discourse_n to_o prove_v that_o man_n be_v allow_v to_o eat_v flesh_n before_o the_o flood_n etc._n with_fw-mi maii_n hist_n animal_n sacror_fw-la l._n 1._o c._n 2._o p._n 32_o etc._n etc._n i_o be_o so_o far_o from_o be_v convince_v by_o what_o i_o have_v meet_v with_o to_o that_o purpose_n build_v my_o contrary_a opinion_n on_o that_o vast_a difference_n between_o god_n commission_n give_v to_o adam_n gen._n 1.29_o 30._o and_o that_o give_v afterward_o to_o noah_n gen._n 9.2,3,4_o that_o i_o conclude_v one_o of_o the_o violence_n the_o gigantic_a race_n be_v afterward_o guilty_a of_o be_v their_o transgress_v their_o first_o limit_n in_o that_o matter_n and_o that_o adam_n see_v live_n creature_n fix_v in_o a_o high_a state_n as_o be_v exempt_v from_o that_o servility_n to_o which_o plant_n and_o fruit_n and_o the_o herb_n of_o the_o field_n be_v subject_v and_o yet_o observe_v a_o certain_a dominion_n over_o those_o noble_a creature_n invest_v in_o himself_o he_o conclude_v he_o can_v no_o way_n more_o rational_o exercise_v his_o government_n nor_o express_v his_o expectation_n of_o a_o saviour_n than_o by_o kill_v of_o those_o creature_n not_o for_o his_o own_o luxury_n but_o to_o offer_v they_o in_o sacrifice_n to_o that_o god_n who_o he_o have_v before_o so_o ingrateful_o offend_v thus_o god_n power_n and_o man_n necessity_n be_v acknowledge_v both_o in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o sacrifice_n i_o conclude_v far_o in_o relation_n to_o the_o first_o custom_n of_o offer_v beast_n in_o sacrifice_n that_o what_o reason_n teach_v adam_n to_o do_v god_n set_v his_o seal_n to_o and_o approve_v it_o by_o send_v fire_n from_o heaven_n to_o consume_v it_o which_o be_v a_o unquestionable_a evidence_n of_o god_n acceptance_n a_o encouragement_n to_o adam_n to_o proceed_v in_o that_o course_n and_o to_o his_o posterity_n to_o imitate_v he_o and_o this_o i_o be_o the_o more_o confirm_v in_o because_o i_o find_v both_o jewish_a and_o christian_a writer_n general_o conclude_v that_o the_o visible_a difference_n which_o god_n put_v between_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o cain_n and_o abel_n be_v that_o he_o consume_v abel_n with_o fire_n from_o heaven_n but_o not_o cain_n by_o which_o mean_v cain_n be_v able_a to_o judge_v of_o his_o brother_n acceptance_n and_o his_o own_o rejection_n and_o he_o may_v be_v the_o more_o certain_a in_o his_o judgement_n because_o he_o have_v often_o see_v his_o father_n offering_n so_o consume_v before_o that_o adam_n be_v a_o priest_n in_o his_o own_o family_n as_o every_o father_n be_v and_o that_o cain_n and_o abel_n be_v so_o in_o they_o and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o ancient_a patriarch_n be_v unquestionable_a but_o when_o upon_o the_o world_n increase_n man_n begin_v to_o unite_v into_o large_a society_n private_a and_o family_a devotion_n or_o religious_a observance_n be_v not_o look_v upon_o as_o sufficient_a to_o show_v man_n deference_n to_o the_o supreme_a lord_n of_o all_o thing_n god_n be_v to_o be_v reconcile_v and_o render_v propitious_a to_o public_a society_n as_o well_o as_o to_o private_a member_n of_o such_o society_n which_o consideration_n in_o process_n of_o time_n be_v the_o occasion_n that_o particular_a body_n or_o number_n of_o man_n be_v set_v apart_o to_o attend_v more_o peculiarly_a on_o the_o service_n of_o religion_n which_o body_n of_o man_n take_v care_n to_o settle_v the_o method_n of_o those_o service_n wherein_o according_a to_o the_o clearness_n of_o their_o understanding_n those_o method_n be_v more_o or_o less_o obscure_a or_o incoherent_a god_n take_v a_o peculiar_a care_n of_o the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n teach_v they_o not_o to_o leave_v off_o sacrifice_v but_o to_o order_v their_o sacrifice_n in_o so_o holy_a a_o manner_n as_o may_v best_o agree_v to_o that_o end_n for_o which_o they_o be_v appoint_v i._n e._n to_o foresignifie_v that_o great_a mystery_n of_o the_o world_n redemption_n by_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n but_o the_o devil_n tyrannize_a over_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n beside_o and_o under_o the_o same_o religious_a pretext_n of_o atone_v a_o angry_a god_n and_o acknowledge_v his_o sovereignty_n soon_o convert_v all_o that_o worship_n and_o those_o sacrifice_n intend_v to_o the_o true_a god_n to_o himself_o so_o that_o great_a enemy_n of_o soul_n get_v to_o himself_o the_o name_n of_o god_n he_o be_v adore_v as_o the_o author_n of_o all_o good_a and_o revere_v as_o the_o executor_n of_o vengeance_n upon_o all_o wicked_a man_n he_o make_v use_v of_o diverse_a artifices_fw-la to_o maintain_v his_o usurpation_n among_o the_o rest_n he_o make_v special_a use_n of_o ignorance_n as_o the_o mother_n of_o devotion_n a_o principle_n which_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v make_v great_a use_n of_o of_o late_a year_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n his_o priest_n urge_v by_o interest_n be_v excellent_a agent_n in_o his_o curse_a design_n and_o by_o his_o direction_n load_v every_o part_n of_o idolatry_n with_o such_o a_o mass_n of_o mystic_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n necessary_o so_o lest_o their_o lewdness_n and_o scandalous_a nature_n shall_v have_v make_v they_o general_o odious_a that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n to_o see_v through_o the_o cloud_n and_o dust_n they_o have_v raise_v about_o themselves_o with_o these_o mystery_n all_o the_o whole_a rabble_n of_o deity_n be_v continual_o accoutre_v all_o which_o false_a god_n be_v but_o one_o devil_n who_o assume_v so_o many_o name_n to_o himself_o partly_o that_o he_o may_v the_o better_a suit_n himself_o to_o the_o various_a humour_n of_o man_n partly_o that_o he_o may_v entrench_v as_o much_o as_o possible_a upon_o that_o honour_n due_a to_o almighty_a god_n by_o assume_v all_o the_o divine_a attribute_n to_o himself_o and_o partly_o that_o if_o he_o happen_v to_o lose_v that_o honour_n he_o have_v usurp_v under_o one_o name_n he_o may_v at_o least_o preserve_v it_o under_o another_o hence_o arise_v the_o strange_a rite_n of_o isis_n &_o osiris_n so_o much_o celebrate_v among_o the_o egyptian_n the_o eleusinian_n so_o famous_a over_o all_o greece_n among_o the_o athenian_n wherein_o so_o strange_a a_o obscurity_n be_v affect_v that_o the_o very_a rule_n and_o order_n for_o their_o public_a performance_n be_v unknown_a to_o common_a worshipper_n and_o not_o under_o pain_n of_o death_n to_o be_v divulge_v to_o any_o unless_o initiate_v for_o five_o year_n together_o in_o they_o which_o course_n of_o initiation_n once_o past_a there_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v no_o great_a fear_n the_o initiate_v shall_v make_v they_o public_a the_o world_n at_o worst_a not_o have_v be_v bad_a enough_o to_o have_v approve_v such_o abomination_n but_o the_o religion_n of_o sacrifice_n go_v far_o and_o those_o who_o be_v sensible_a how_o just_a god_n anger_n be_v against_o the_o world_n for_o sin_n conclude_v the_o most_o precious_a offering_n must_v needs_o be_v the_o most_o acceptable_a to_o god_n for_o their_o expiation_n therefore_o they_o come_v to_o pitch_v upon_o humane_a sacrifice_n think_v a_o rational_a soul_n the_o most_o proper_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o ransom_n for_o a_o rational_a soul_n hence_o grow_v those_o enthusiastic_a extravagancy_n of_o the_o priest_n of_o baal_n who_o when_o they_o find_v their_o god_n deaf_a to_o all_o their_o invocation_n and_o insensible_a of_o their_o sacrifice_n and_o themselves_o deride_v for_o their_o folly_n by_o elijah_n 28._o 1_o king_n 18.26_o 27_o 28._o they_o cry_v aloud_o and_o cut_v themselves_o after_o their_o manner_n with_o knife_n and_o lancer_n till_o the_o blood_n gush_v out_o upon_o they_o and_o that_o be_v pretty_a fair_a for_o their_o own_o personal_a zeal_n but_o this_o be_v not_o enough_o therefore_o in_o a_o press_a extremity_n we_o
be_v so_o cross_a to_o his_o own_o wish_n lest_o man_n shall_v have_v be_v rouse_v from_o their_o dead_a sleep_n by_o such_o irrational_a and_o damnable_a insinuation_n and_o so_o have_v see_v with_o horror_n and_o amazement_n what_o god_n they_o worship_v yet_o neither_o can_v the_o more_o sagacious_a part_n of_o mankind_n be_v satisfy_v with_o these_o thing_n they_o see_v the_o distance_n between_o god_n and_o man_n be_v too_o great_a to_o be_v make_v up_o by_o any_o typical_a or_o represent_v sacrifice_n and_o that_o a_o complete_a purity_n be_v far_o beyond_o the_o reach_n of_o mere_a humane_a nature_n therefore_o the_o gentile_n who_o have_v some_o sense_n of_o that_o weight_n which_o oppress_v they_o groan_v and_o long_v earnest_o to_o be_v free_v from_o the_o slavery_n of_o corruption_n by_o some_o mean_n sufficient_o powerful_a to_o that_o end_n and_o so_o to_o be_v bring_v in_o to_o the_o glorious_a liberty_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n hence_o rise_v those_o frequent_a discourse_n of_o the_o god_n assume_v humane_a shape_n come_v down_o to_o earth_n and_o converse_v with_o man_n which_o though_o we_o find_v most_o frequent_o mention_v in_o poetical_a write_n yet_o unquestionable_o have_v its_o foundation_n from_o those_o account_n in_o the_o write_n of_o moses_n concern_v the_o apparition_n of_o angel_n as_o particular_o to_o abraham_n and_o lot_n and_o jacob_n hence_o grow_v that_o prevail_a rumour_n about_o the_o time_n of_o augustus_n caesar_n that_o a_o universal_a king_n shall_v be_v bear_v in_o judaea_n to_o who_o all_o other_o monarch_n shall_v be_v force_v to_o bow_v and_o who_o by_o wonderful_a mean_n shall_v make_v up_o the_o breach_n between_o god_n and_o man_n this_o too_o have_v a_o far_a confirmation_n from_o the_o translation_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n into_o the_o greek_a language_n and_o from_o some_o fragment_n of_o the_o true_a sibylline_a oracle_n not_o unknown_a to_o tully_n or_o virgil_n and_o from_o balaam_n prediction_n as_o plain_a as_o any_o jewish_a prophecy_n whatsoever_o which_o he_o be_v of_o another_o nation_n will_v certain_o acquaint_v his_o own_o countryman_n with_o from_o who_o it_o quick_o may_v be_v spread_v over_o the_o whole_a world_n from_o some_o or_o all_o these_o original_n arise_v the_o expectation_n of_o those_o eastern_a sage_n who_o no_o soon_o see_v that_o prodigious_a star_n shine_v at_o noonday_n but_o they_o conclude_v that_o glorious_a light_n which_o be_v to_o lighten_v the_o gentile_n and_o to_o be_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n people_n israel_n be_v then_o rise_v but_o though_o man_n do_v general_o apprehend_v the_o necessity_n of_o those_o thing_n and_o live_v in_o continual_a expectation_n of_o they_o yet_o how_o such_o thing_n shall_v be_v how_o such_o prodigious_a but_o excellent_a effect_n shall_v ever_o be_v produce_v be_v a_o mystery_n hide_v from_o all_o age_n a_o dark_a obscure_a unfathomable_a abyss_n of_o divine_a goodness_n and_o wisdom_n never_o offer_v to_o be_v explain_v to_o any_o because_o incomprehensible_a by_o all_o as_o it_o be_v the_o unhappiness_n of_o the_o gentile_n to_o be_v encumber_v with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o ignorance_n so_o it_o must_v follow_v that_o their_o mystery_n where_o clear_a have_v but_o a_o very_a indirect_a aspect_n to_o their_o acknowledgement_n and_o expectation_n but_o the_o jewish_a solemnity_n and_o prediction_n have_v a_o more_o exact_a and_o direct_a aim_n at_o the_o come_n of_o the_o promise_a messiah_n their_o prophet_n be_v more_o numerous_a their_o prophecy_n better_o attest_v and_o more_o common_o know_v and_o inquire_v into_o their_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n all_o of_o divine_a appointment_n and_o consequent_o not_o one_o of_o they_o insignificant_a or_o superfluous_a till_o they_o be_v vacate_v by_o the_o appearance_n of_o the_o messiah_n himself_o in_o and_z by_o who_o they_o be_v unridle_v and_o accomplish_v yet_o their_o religion_n be_v mysterious_a still_o to_o the_o most_o understand_a person_n among_o they_o their_o prophecy_n though_o so_o much_o inquire_v into_o yet_o like_o a_o book_n seal_v to_o they_o and_o they_o as_o unable_a to_o conceive_v how_o the_o son_n of_o god_n shall_v take_v upon_o he_o humane_a nature_n how_o he_o shall_v put_v a_o end_n to_o all_o typical_a sacrifice_n though_o of_o never_o so_o divine_a a_o institution_n by_o offer_v himself_o one_o perfect_a and_o all-sufficient_a sacrifice_n oblation_n and_o satisfaction_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n which_o so_o shall_v real_o effect_v that_o mighty_a reconciliation_n which_o all_o other_o do_v but_o imperfect_o hint_n at_o they_o be_v as_o unable_a to_o conceive_v of_o these_o thing_n as_o a_o people_n who_o have_v long_o sit_v in_o darkness_n can_v have_v be_v as_o by_o their_o prejudices_fw-la against_o he_o and_o their_o absurd_a fancy_n about_o he_o appear_v when_o no_o other_o messiah_n can_v serve_v their_o turn_n but_o some_o powerful_a temporal_a prince_n raise_v up_o by_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n as_o moses_n joshua_n or_o the_o judge_n of_o old_a have_v be_v to_o free_v they_o from_o the_o slavery_n they_o then_o lay_v under_o and_o once_o more_o to_o restore_v the_o kingdom_n to_o israel_n the_o result_n then_o of_o all_o be_v this_o that_o the_o world_n have_v know_v no_o religion_n or_o religious_a worship_n but_o what_o have_v have_v some_o circumstance_n and_o fundamental_o too_o not_o obvious_a or_o easy_a to_o be_v understand_v either_o by_o the_o unthinking_a vulgar_a or_o by_o the_o more_o curious_a and_o inquisitive_a understanding_n it_o be_v enough_o for_o my_o design_n if_o the_o world_n concur_v in_o that_o one_o principle_n that_o something_o may_v be_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v which_o yet_o no_o mere_a humane_a reason_n can_v comprehend_v nay_o i_o may_v proceed_v far_o and_o say_v that_o some_o point_n of_o faith_n be_v so_o very_o sublime_a that_o even_o revelation_n itself_o can_v make_v they_o intelligible_a to_o man_n as_o moses_n when_o he_o have_v see_v the_o back_n part_n of_o god_n the_o shadow_n or_o reflex_n of_o his_o glory_n be_v as_o far_o off_o comprehend_v his_o full_a glory_n as_o before_o and_o the_o apostle_n when_o in_o their_o transfigure_v master_n they_o see_v a_o glorify_a body_n yet_o be_v unable_a to_o express_v what_o they_o see_v but_o by_o very_o weak_a resemblance_n and_o s._n paul_n when_o ecstasy_v in_o the_o three_o heaven_n can_v no_o more_o complete_o comprehend_v the_o felicity_n or_o glorious_a vision_n of_o that_o place_n than_o he_o can_v before_o since_o then_o natural_a reason_n lead_v the_o gentile_n to_o believe_v mystic_a truth_n and_o god_n lead_v his_o own_o people_n of_o israel_n to_o the_o like_a from_o both_o together_o we_o may_v conclude_v that_o religion_n itself_o can_v subsist_v without_o they_o and_o that_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v call_v mystery_n in_o religion_n be_v not_o therefore_o to_o be_v reject_v because_o they_o be_v mystery_n indeed_o 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l._n 10._o p._n 360._o when_o make_v gaudy_a offering_n to_o they_o no_o let_v but_o the_o hand_n free_a from_o guilt_n be_v lift_v up_o to_o the_o altar_n of_o the_o god_n not_o the_o most_o rich_a or_o costly_a hecatomb_n shall_v soon_o reconcile_v the_o angry_a deity_n than_o those_o i_o shall_v add_v no_o more_o to_o show_v that_o sense_n the_o pagan_n have_v of_o the_o end_n of_o religion_n but_o only_o make_v a_o short_a reflection_n upon_o god_n justice_n in_o deal_v with_o mankind_n as_o set_v down_o by_o st._n paul_n he_o tell_v we_o god_n will_v render_v to_o every_o man_n according_a to_o his_o deed_n etc._n rom._n 2.6_o etc._n etc._n to_o they_o who_o by_o patient_a continuance_n in_o well_o do_v seek_v for_o glory_n and_o honour_n and_o immortality_n eternal_a life_n but_o to_o they_o that_o be_v contentious_a and_o do_v not_o obey_v the_o truth_n but_o obey_v unrighteousness_n indignation_n and_o wrath_n tribulation_n and_o anguish_n to_o every_o soul_n of_o man_n that_o 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wise_a and_o good_a man_n and_o if_o greece_n which_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o world_n glory_n for_o the_o learning_n and_o valour_n and_o the_o yet_o great_a reputation_n of_o its_o inhabitant_n can_v afford_v no_o better_a store_n of_o man_n who_o live_v virtuous_o how_o mean_o must_v we_o conclude_v the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n be_v stock_v with_o they_o therefore_o lucian_n that_o impious_a but_o witty_a scoffer_n at_o christianity_n can_v not_o forbear_v lash_v the_o philosopher_n themselves_o who_o know_v so_o much_o and_o expose_v they_o to_o the_o world_n contempt_n so_o in_o his_o icaro-menippus_n menippus_n tell_v his_o friend_n a_o story_n of_o his_o be_v in_o heaven_n where_o among_o other_o considerable_n a_o council_n of_o the_o god_n be_v call_v by_o jupiter_n their_o supreme_a to_o discourse_v with_o they_o concern_v the_o philosopher_n and_o jupiter_n tell_v the_o rest_n that_o the_o philosopher_n be_v a_o race_n of_o man_n lazy_a quarrelsome_a vainglorious_a choleric_a gluttonous_a silly_a proud_a abusive_a and_o in_o a_o word_n according_a to_o homer_n be_v phrase_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o unprofitable_a burden_n to_o the_o earth_n some_o of_o these_o call_v themselves_o stoic_n some_o academic_n some_o epicurean_o some_o peripatetic_n and_o by_o several_a other_o more_o ridiculous_a name_n these_o assume_v to_o themselves_o the_o venerable_a character_n of_o virtue_n they_o walk_v about_o with_o a_o supercilious_a and_o disdainful_a look_n a_o long_a reverend_a beard_n a_o starch_a habit_n but_o under_o all_o the_o most_o detestable_a manner_n in_o the_o world_n yet_o these_o wretch_n forsooth_o despise_v all_o the_o world_n beside_o themselves_o they_o talk_v lewd_o and_o silly_o of_o the_o god_n and_o get_v a_o company_n of_o unexperienced_a youth_n about_o they_o they_o make_v a_o mighty_a noise_n of_o virtue_n and_o always_o commend_v sobriety_n and_o modesty_n among_o their_o follower_n and_o rail_v against_o wealth_n 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man_n will_v have_v think_v they_o have_v agree_v together_o in_o their_o account_n of_o the_o degeneracy_n of_o those_o who_o be_v account_v the_o wise_a part_n of_o the_o world_n to_o these_o i_o may_v add_v philostratus_n who_o give_v we_o a_o account_n of_o a_o discourse_n between_o apollonius_n thyanaeus_n and_o phraotes_n a_o indian_a prince_n he_o introduce_v the_o prince_n reflect_v upon_o apollonius_n and_o his_o companion_n thus_o i_o hear_v say_v he_o there_o be_v many_o among_o you_o who_o make_v philosophy_n their_o trade_n to_o get_v by_o and_o put_v it_o on_o like_o a_o garment_n which_o they_o can_v as_o easy_o throw_v aside_o they_o bear_v themselves_o high_a upon_o a_o habit_n that_o belong_v not_o to_o they_o and_o most_o certain_o as_o common_a thief_n who_o look_v upon_o themselves_o as_o sure_a of_o hang_v whensoever_o they_o be_v catch_v 12._o philostrati_fw-la vita_fw-la apollon_n l._n 1._o c._n 12._o be_v for_o a_o short_a life_n and_o a_o merry_a so_o these_o philosophical_a rogue_n among_o you_o indulge_v their_o lust_n and_o their_o gut_n and_o be_v the_o tender_a and_o most_o effeminate_a creature_n in_o the_o world_n and_o this_o i_o take_v to_o proceed_v from_o the_o defect_n of_o your_o law_n he_o that_o counterfeit_v the_o public_a coin_n die_v for_o it_o and_o so_o do_v he_o that_o cheat_v a_o orphan_n or_o any_o thing_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n among_o you_o but_z as_o i_o be_o tell_v there_o be_v no_o law_n among_o you_o that_o punish_v quack_n in_o philosophy_n who_o only_o abuse_v and_o corrupt_v it_o nor_o be_v there_o any_o magistrate_n appoint_v to_o take_v cognizance_n of_o they_o thus_o far_o he_o by_o which_o we_o learn_v that_o as_o to_o the_o divine_a law_n where_o there_o be_v no_o law_n there_o can_v be_v no_o transgression_n so_o in_o respect_n of_o worldly_a matter_n where_o there_o be_v no_o law_n there_o be_v nothing_o but_o transgression_n and_o by_o the_o concurrence_n of_o all_o these_o so_o very_o plain_a testimony_n we_o find_v that_o the_o end_n of_o true_a devotion_n in_o that_o part_n of_o the_o world_n which_o be_v without_o the_o pale_a of_o the_o jewish_a church_n be_v not_o only_o pervert_v about_o the_o time_n of_o our_o lord_n appearance_n on_o earth_n but_o it_o be_v wear_v out_o of_o memory_n and_o god_n so_o represent_v by_o man_n that_o there_o seem_v to_o be_v no_o better_a way_n of_o approach_v his_o nature_n than_o by_o a_o irresistible_a ingenuity_n in_o all_o manner_n of_o brutish_a violence_n and_o extravagant_a wickedness_n thus_o have_v we_o at_o large_a consider_v the_o ancient_a maxim_n of_o religion_n and_o see_v wherein_o the_o world_n in_o general_n believe_v it_o to_o subsist_v and_o we_o have_v see_v how_o far_o both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n have_v decline_v from_o their_o own_o principle_n by_o the_o whole_a it_o will_v appear_v that_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n be_v come_v in_o every_o respect_n that_o humane_a wickedness_n be_v grow_v to_o that_o height_n and_o consequent_o that_o great_a god_n who_o eye_n be_v pure_a than_o to_o behold_v sin_n so_o infinite_o provoke_v that_o have_v not_o the_o bless_a jesus_n the_o son_n of_o god_n interpose_v as_o great_a and_o universal_a a_o deluge_n of_o vengeance_n must_v have_v overspread_v the_o world_n as_o that_o of_o water_n heretofore_o but_o withal_o it_o will_v appear_v as_o plain_a that_o notwithstanding_o all_o these_o abuse_n and_o depravation_n of_o religion_n the_o foundation_n of_o it_o still_o stand_v good_a the_o law_n of_o god_n be_v as_o real_o believe_v to_o be_v holy_a just_a and_o reasonable_a and_o obedience_n to_o they_o as_o necessary_a among_o the_o jew_n and_o virtue_n and_o solid_a honesty_n be_v as_o much_o commend_v though_o perfect_o starve_v among_o the_o gentile_n as_o ever_o before_o it_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o what_o they_o so_o commend_v that_o so_o miserable_o fail_v among_o man_n so_o that_o there_o be_v indeed_o no_o kind_n of_o necessity_n to_o extirpate_v the_o whole_a of_o all_o former_a religion_n for_o the_o settle_n that_o of_o christ_n but_o only_o of_o a_o reformation_n of_o abuse_n and_o clear_v the_o old_a foundation_n from_o all_o that_o rubbish_n from_o all_o those_o brier_n and_o thorn_n that_o have_v overgrow_v it_o and_o there_o be_v need_n of_o reinforcing_a those_o duty_n appertain_v to_o religious_a converse_n whether_o with_o god_n or_o man_n upon_o all_o sort_n of_o person_n with_o new_a and_o more_o forcible_a argument_n than_o former_a age_n have_v offer_v that_o man_n may_v re-entertain_a their_o first_o love_n and_o do_v their_o first_o work_n so_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n agreeable_a to_o repentance_n therefore_o our_o saviour_n profess_v of_o himself_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o whole_a mosaic_a law_n that_o he_o come_v not_o to_o destroy_v but_o to_o fulfil_v it_o i.e._n to_o show_v its_o whole_a design_n and_o intention_n to_o perform_v every_o part_n in_o his_o own_o person_n 3.15_o mat._n 3.15_o upon_o which_o reason_n he_o offer_v himself_o to_o john_n baptism_n though_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n but_o a_o deduction_n from_o or_o a_o appendix_n to_o the_o law_n and_o when_o john_n make_v a_o modest_a refusal_n jesus_n say_v to_o he_o suffer_v it_o to_o be_v so_o now_o for_o thus_o it_o become_v we_o to_o fulfil_v all_o righteousness_n he_o come_v to_o fulfil_v it_o far_o in_o suffer_v upon_o the_o cross_n by_o which_o sacrifice_n of_o he_o it_o be_v the_o end_n of_o the_o law_n all_o jewish_a sacrifice_n be_v vacate_v the_o substance_n be_v once_o come_v the_o shadow_n can_v have_v no_o long_o place_n in_o the_o world_n and_o consequent_o all_o those_o ceremony_n conduce_v to_o their_o sacrifice_n have_v a_o end_n too_o so_o he_o fulfil_v whatsoever_o the_o mosaic_a law_n have_v prefigure_v to_o the_o jewish_a people_n he_o come_v to_o teach_v man_n the_o very_a comprehensive_a nature_n of_o the_o law_n to_o show_v his_o
own_o disciple_n and_o follower_n how_o much_o more_o be_v require_v at_o their_o hand_n than_o what_o the_o strict_a zealot_n among_o the_o jew_n think_v themselves_o oblige_v to_o to_o convince_v they_o that_o it_o not_o only_o reach_v the_o outward_a man_n and_o so_o may_v be_v slight_v by_o evasive_a subtlety_n but_o it_o be_v to_o engage_v all_o the_o inward_a affection_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o so_o must_v necessary_o exclude_v all_o collusion_n and_o hypocrisy_n this_o method_n our_o lord_n follow_v in_o that_o admirable_a sermon_n upon_o the_o mount_n wherein_o he_o cancel_v no_o part_n of_o that_o law_n give_v to_o the_o jew_n of_o old_a but_o comment_v upon_o it_o and_o so_o the_o apostle_n st._n paul_n act_v with_o relation_n to_o the_o gentile_n and_o therefore_o when_o he_o be_v at_o athens_n though_o his_o spirit_n be_v stir_v up_o in_o he_o move_v equal_o with_o grief_n and_o anger_n to_o see_v that_o populous_a city_n so_o whole_o give_v to_o idolatry_n yet_o he_o fall_v not_o immediate_o to_o the_o reproach_v of_o their_o religion_n nor_o to_o the_o take_v it_o away_o both_o root_n and_o branch_n but_o he_o take_v a_o happy_a occasion_n from_o that_o inscription_n upon_o one_o of_o their_o altar_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o the_o unknown_a god_n to_o assure_v they_o that_o he_o preach_v no_o other_o god_n to_o they_o but_o he_o who_o they_o ignorant_o worship_v he_o be_v that_o god_n who_o make_v the_o world_n and_o all_o thing_n therein_o 24._o act_n 17.23_o 24._o and_o therefore_o can_v not_o be_v confine_v to_o temple_n make_v with_o hand_n thus_o from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n religion_n as_o to_o its_o essence_n have_v be_v immutable_a what_o be_v fix_v in_o man_n by_o nature_n so_o long_o as_o nature_n be_v must_v be_v the_o same_o too_o god_n plant_v in_o man_n his_o own_o fear_n and_o whatsoever_o tend_v to_o the_o promotion_n of_o that_o and_o a_o earnest_a desire_n of_o self-preservation_n with_o respect_n to_o this_o and_o to_o a_o future_a life_n whatsoever_o byass_n man_n now_o to_o a_o wretched_a slavish_a fear_n only_o of_o divine_a displeasure_n and_o make_v they_o therefore_o rather_o avoid_v evil_a than_o do_v good_a and_o whatsoever_o engage_v man_n in_o unlawful_a way_n of_o secure_v themselves_o from_o any_o apparent_a danger_n all_o that_o arise_v from_o those_o corruption_n nature_n at_o present_a be_v embarrass_v with_o these_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v mend_v but_o god_n be_v still_o to_o be_v fear_v and_o man_n shall_v still_o get_v a_o good_a name_n by_o do_v real_a good_a unto_o themselves_o obedience_n be_v the_o great_a first_o end_n of_o every_o law_n and_o a_o law_n be_v give_v our_o first_o parent_n to_o put_v he_o upon_o a_o trial_n of_o original_a prudence_n which_o can_v never_o put_v he_o upon_o any_o thing_n but_o what_o be_v excellent_a when_o prudence_n seem_v drowsy_a sin_n creep_v upon_o he_o and_o ruine_v he_o and_o his_o prosperity_n but_o because_o man_n sin_v god_n do_v not_o therefore_o change_v the_o nature_n of_o his_o command_n but_o he_o explain_v and_o improve_v they_o by_o add_v particular_n coincident_a with_o they_o he_o supply_v the_o defect_n of_o reason_n impair_v and_o reveal_v those_o thing_n at_o which_o it_o may_v have_v stumble_v beyond_o recovery_n noah_n and_o his_o son_n have_v not_o a_o new_a law_n but_o the_o same_o again_o illustrate_v far_o and_o more_o clear_v up_o by_o additional_a revelation_n to_o supply_v the_o great_a decay_n of_o humane_a ability_n nor_o do_v god_n change_v his_o mind_n when_o he_o choose_v the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n from_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n or_o give_v israel_n any_o new_a law_n essential_a to_o religion_n for_o circumcision_n and_o the_o paschal_n feast_n be_v not_o of_o the_o essence_n of_o it_o at_o all_o since_o man_n may_v have_v keep_v all_o the_o moral_a law_n without_o ever_o participate_v in_o either_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o ceremonial_a and_o political_a injunction_n be_v necessary_a to_o the_o jew_n necessitate_v praecepti_fw-la as_o they_o be_v command_v by_o a_o god_n infinite_o powerful_a and_o wise_a and_o who_o can_v enjoin_v they_o nothing_o that_o be_v unfit_a or_o unjust_a but_o the_o moral_a law_n which_o be_v the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o oblige_v all_o mankind_n as_o well_o as_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v necessary_a necessitate_v medii_fw-la as_o a_o absolute_a and_o indispensible_a mean_n of_o salvation_n or_o as_o contain_v such_o duty_n and_o forbid_v such_o sin_n as_o without_o a_o exact_a care_n in_o each_o of_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o any_o man_n live_v to_o be_v save_v and_o whereas_o the_o circumstantial_a law_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v such_o as_o have_v no_o intimate_a connexion_n with_o or_o dependence_n upon_o one_o another_o all_o the_o part_n of_o the_o moral_a and_o perpetual_o oblige_v law_n be_v of_o so_o close_a a_o alliance_n and_o in_o their_o execution_n so_o inseparable_a one_o from_o another_o that_o as_o s._n james_n say_v 2.10_o james_n 2.10_o whosoever_o shall_v keep_v the_o whole_a law_n and_o yet_o offend_v in_o one_o point_n he_o be_v guilty_a of_o all_o for_o the_o whole_a sum_n of_o the_o law_n be_v comprehend_v in_o those_o few_o word_n thou_o shall_v love_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n with_o all_o thy_o heart_n and_o with_o all_o thy_o soul_n and_o with_o all_o thy_o strength_n and_o with_o all_o thy_o mind_n and_o thy_o neighbour_n as_o thyself_o if_o therefore_o any_o man_n bow_n to_o a_o idol_n or_o worship_v more_o god_n than_o one_o or_o profane_v the_o name_n of_o the_o true_a god_n or_o be_v guilty_a of_o perjury_n or_o refuse_v to_o devote_v one_o day_n in_o seven_o to_o the_o worship_n and_o service_n of_o god_n by_o any_o of_o these_o sin_n he_o prove_v he_o do_v not_o love_v the_o true_a god_n so_o entire_o as_o he_o ought_v and_o again_o he_o that_o dishonour_v or_o rebel_n against_o his_o parent_n natural_a spiritual_a or_o civil_a or_o that_o commit_v murder_n with_o his_o hand_n or_o in_o his_o heart_n or_o that_o submit_v to_o the_o enticement_n of_o lust_n or_o that_o defraud_n and_o purloin_v from_o another_o or_o that_o by_o falsehood_n endeavour_n to_o prejudice_v the_o life_n or_o estate_n or_o reputation_n of_o other_o or_o who_o indulge_v himself_o in_o covetousness_n or_o give_v way_n to_o the_o first_o motion_n of_o the_o heart_n that_o incline_v to_o envy_v whosoever_o sin_n in_o any_o one_o of_o these_o particular_n though_o at_o the_o sametime_o he_o be_v a_o rigid_a observer_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n can_v be_v say_v to_o love_v his_o neighbour_n as_o himself_o since_o he_o will_v not_o be_v willing_a either_o that_o by_o himself_o or_o by_o any_o other_o any_o injury_n of_o what_o kind_n soever_o shall_v be_v do_v to_o he_o and_o how_o much_o more_o essential_a to_o the_o body_n of_o religion_n the_o jew_n think_v these_o perpetual_a law_n than_o their_o own_o ceremonial_a institution_n be_v plain_a from_o their_o practice_n since_o they_o as_o much_o as_o possible_a hinder_v all_o mere_a heathen_n from_o co-habiting_a with_o they_o and_o yet_o admit_v those_o who_o they_o call_v proselyte_n of_o the_o gate_n upon_o their_o renounce_v a_o plurality_n of_o god_n and_o submit_v to_o the_o seven_o precept_n of_o the_o son_n of_o noah_n to_o the_o privilege_n of_o perform_v their_o devotion_n in_o the_o exterior_a court_n of_o the_o temple_n and_o kind_o suppose_v they_o too_o capable_a of_o a_o portion_n in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v as_o god_n make_v no_o alteration_n in_o the_o natural_a law_n by_o what_o he_o give_v israel_n by_o the_o hand_n of_o moses_n so_o neither_o do_v he_o innovate_v any_o thing_n when_o he_o send_v his_o only_o beget_v son_n into_o the_o world_n for_o its_o salvation_n the_o law_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n which_o be_v the_o law_n of_o noah_n which_o be_v the_o law_n of_o adam_n which_o be_v the_o law_n of_o pure_a original_a nature_n which_o be_v the_o law_n of_o god_n as_o moses_n be_v the_o lawgiver_n of_o the_o jew_n so_o be_v the_o bless_a jesus_n the_o lawgiver_n of_o the_o christian_n but_o if_o we_o look_v on_o they_o both_o as_o mere_a man_n their_o legislative_a power_n be_v not_o original_a but_o as_o stephen_n tell_v the_o jew_n 21.18_o act_n 7.53_o numb_a 21.18_o the_o law_n be_v give_v they_o by_o the_o disposition_n of_o angel_n moses_n yet_o be_v call_v a_o lawgiver_n in_o the_o song_n of_o the_o israelite_n but_o it_o be_v in_o the_o same_o sense_n as_o a_o judge_n on_o the_o bench_n who_o have_v no_o power_n to_o make_v any_o thing_n a_o law_n of_o his_o own_o contrivance_n or_o by_o his_o own_o authority_n god_n himself_o on_o who_o service_n miriads_o of_o glorious_a angel_n always_o attend_v
at_o a_o full_a and_o plain_a satisfaction_n in_o these_o matter_n and_o here_o we_o be_v to_o call_v to_o mind_v our_o second_o position_n relate_v to_o humane_a reason_n which_o teach_v we_o that_o by_o the_o fall_n humane_a reason_n be_v exceed_o impair_v and_o very_o much_o incapacitate_v for_o those_o great_a end_n for_o which_o it_o be_v first_o bestow_v on_o man_n and_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o though_o our_o saviour_n have_v appear_v though_o he_o have_v bring_v we_o the_o glad_a tiding_n of_o life_n and_o salvation_n in_o and_o by_o himself_o though_o he_o have_v take_v the_o kind_a care_n imaginable_a for_o the_o propagation_n of_o this_o gospel_n we_o be_v still_o by_o birth_n the_o same_o natural_o miserable_a and_o misunderstand_a creature_n that_o we_o be_v before_o and_o therefore_o we_o be_v in_o some_o sense_n actual_o regenerate_v or_o bear_v again_o in_o baptism_n be_v in_o it_o bear_v member_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o so_o have_v a_o right_a to_o all_o christian_a privilege_n and_o it_o be_v a_o symbol_n or_o sign_n of_o our_o new_a birth_n or_o resurrection_n from_o dead_a work_n to_o serve_v the_o live_a god_n yet_o after_o our_o baptism_n our_o intellectual_n be_v still_o the_o same_o poor_a weak_a and_o miserable_o foolish_a and_o hence_o it_o come_v that_o catechetical_a instruction_n in_o the_o principle_n of_o christian_a religion_n and_o frequent_a sermon_n or_o exhortation_n to_o true_a piety_n and_o sincere_a goodness_n or_o dehortation_n from_o sin_n and_o explication_n of_o hard_a and_o difficult_a expression_n or_o doctrine_n in_o scripture_n and_o vindication_n of_o divine_a truth_n from_o the_o assault_n of_o heretic_n schismatic_n or_o infidel_n and_o the_o refutation_n of_o those_o error_n endeavour_v by_o such_o to_o be_v impress_v on_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n all_o these_o thing_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a for_o advance_v our_o knowledge_n in_o divine_a matter_n for_o keep_v we_o from_o the_o path_n of_o error_n and_o for_o teach_v and_o show_v we_o how_o to_o live_v godly_a righteous_o and_o sober_o in_o this_o present_a evil_a world_n and_o the_o more_o improvement_n we_o make_v according_a to_o these_o mean_n of_o grace_n which_o we_o enjoy_v the_o more_o powerful_a assistance_n and_o encouragement_n we_o meet_v with_o from_o heaven_n in_o our_o work_n as_o be_v before_o observe_v in_o our_o four_o position_n concern_v humane_a reason_n yet_o after_o all_o we_o remain_v but_o on_o the_o positive_a side_n of_o those_o great_a truth_n lay_v down_o in_o scripture_n we_o believe_v they_o firm_o and_o steadfast_o because_o we_o have_v a_o irrefragable_a and_o infallible_a testimony_n of_o their_o truth_n the_o veil_n that_o be_v upon_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n be_v indeed_o take_v away_o the_o type_n shadow_n and_o ancient_a prophecy_n relate_v to_o the_o messiah_n be_v all_o make_v good_a in_o his_o appearance_n upon_o earth_n the_o way_n to_o life_n be_v make_v clear_a and_o according_a to_o right_a reason_n very_o easy_a and_o agreeable_a to_o those_o who_o endeavour_n to_o walk_v in_o it_o and_o man_n so_o endeavour_v be_v reconcile_v to_o god_n by_o the_o blood_n of_o his_o dear_a son_n jesus_n christ_n and_o there_o be_v a_o near_o and_o more_o close_a communion_n between_o god_n and_o man_n than_o heretofore_o all_o these_o thing_n and_o the_o infinite_a love_n of_o god_n in_o they_o be_v now_o so_o plain_o decipher_v that_o he_o who_o run_v may_v read_v they_o but_o for_o the_o rational_a part_n of_o these_o thing_n or_o what_o mean_v a_o almighty_a god_n can_v make_v use_n of_o to_o effect_v thing_n so_o stupendous_a how_o that_o dismal_a distance_n between_o a_o pure_a divinity_n and_o corrupt_a mortality_n shall_v be_v make_v up_o how_o god_n himself_o shall_v stoop_v to_o man_n when_o man_n notwithstanding_o all_o his_o inordinate_a ambition_n can_v never_o rise_v to_o god_n how_o that_o strict_a communication_n between_o god_n and_o man_n shall_v be_v maintain_v etc._n etc._n all_o these_o thing_n be_v such_o mystery_n that_o its_o impossible_a for_o even_o angelical_a intellectual_n to_o comprehend_v they_o full_o since_o common_a reason_n will_v give_v we_o this_o maxim_n that_o nothing_o but_o a_o infinite_a be_v can_v perfect_o understand_v all_o the_o operation_n of_o a_o infinite_a be_v therefore_o we_o have_v the_o communion_n between_o god_n and_o man_n still_o shadow_v out_o to_o we_o in_o the_o symbol_n of_o bread_n and_o wine_n consecrate_v into_o a_o clear_a representation_n of_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o our_o saviour_n to_o we_o in_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n nor_o can_v we_o believe_v whatsoever_o grotius_n symbola_fw-la in_o tract_n an._n semper_fw-la sit_v communicand_v per_fw-la symbola_fw-la a_o man_n of_o more_o learning_n than_o orthodoxy_n will_v persuade_v we_o to_o that_o we_o while_o we_o have_v the_o mean_n and_o opportunity_n of_o communicate_v with_o one_o another_o and_o hold_v a_o close_a 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pain_n of_o the_o most_o learned_a and_o pious_a man_n unintelligible_a otherwise_o than_o as_o to_o their_o positive_a truth_n by_o all_o mankind_n and_o more_o particular_o those_o clause_n concern_v our_o bless_a saviour_n be_v so_o true_a so_o essential_a to_o our_o eternal_a salvation_n and_o yet_o so_o far_o above_o our_o reach_n that_o while_o we_o meditate_v on_o they_o serious_o our_o soul_n have_v nothing_o but_o miracle_n of_o power_n wisdom_n mercy_n and_o love_n in_o view_n but_o be_v know_v for_o such_o they_o all_o hold_v their_o miraculous_a nature_n still_o and_o can_v never_o be_v full_o decipher_v either_o by_o man_n or_o angel_n and_o that_o we_o shall_v yet_o be_v oblige_v steadfast_o to_o believe_v these_o thing_n though_o we_o can_v comprehend_v they_o will_v appear_v no_o way_n unreasonable_a if_o we_o consider_v these_o thing_n belong_v to_o the_o 3d._n inquiry_n which_o be_v what_o considerable_a advantage_n can_v accrue_v to_o religion_n from_o those_o mystery_n it_o be_v found_v upon_o we_o consider_v in_o pursuit_n of_o this_o query_n that_o by_o a_o due_a reflection_n upon_o the_o nature_n of_o such_o mystery_n as_o be_v real_o necessary_a and_o consequent_o of_o very_o great_a weight_n and_o importance_n man_n be_v bring_v to_o a_o due_a acknowledgement_n of_o the_o deficiency_n of_o their_o own_o reason_n they_o learn_v how_o weak_a and_o shallow_a all_o the_o utmost_a flight_n of_o wit_n and_o reason_n be_v when_o they_o come_v once_o to_o stand_v in_o competition_n with_o the_o result_v of_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o unlimited_a understanding_n man_n of_o the_o most_o presume_a ability_n find_v it_o very_o hard_a to_o unriddle_v ancient_a parable_n and_o to_o give_v a_o clear_a and_o evident_a explication_n of_o enigmatical_a writing_n and_o figurative_a sentence_n and_o expression_n the_o youthful_a philistine_n man_n without_o doubt_n of_o very_o brisk_a part_n in_o their_o own_o esteem_n as_o we_o may_v conclude_v by_o their_o ready_a acceptance_n of_o sampson_n proposition_n falter_v pitiful_o when_o they_o set_v their_o wit_n on_o work_n to_o expound_v his_o riddle_n and_o the_o pharisaical_a allumbradoe_n those_o man_n of_o light_n who_o like_o the_o modern_a chineses_n conclude_v almost_o all_o the_o world_n blind_a except_o themselves_o when_o our_o saviour_n put_v that_o dilemma_n to_o they_o concern_v john_n baptism_n viz._n whether_o it_o be_v from_o heaven_n or_o of_o man_n it_o confound_v they_o so_o as_o all_o their_o mighty_a wisdom_n can_v never_o disentangle_a they_o if_o these_o thing_n be_v difficult_a the_o fundamental_a mystery_n of_o religion_n be_v much_o more_o so_o man_n have_v attempt_v several_a way_n to_o solve_v the_o appearance_n of_o nature_n and_o some_o have_v make_v such_o ingenious_a researche_n after_o they_o and_o have_v lay_v down_o hypothesis_n so_o very_o rational_a for_o the_o solution_n of_o difficulty_n in_o they_o that_o they_o have_v get_v themselves_o the_o applaud_a
vogue_n of_o the_o world_n and_o their_o dictate_v have_v be_v value_v by_o learned_a man_n as_o the_o great_a standard_n of_o philosophic_a reason_n nay_o the_o acquist_n of_o some_o in_o these_o matter_n have_v puff_v they_o up_o with_o that_o ridiculous_a vanity_n and_o pride_n that_o they_o have_v dare_v to_o trample_v upon_o all_o religion_n nay_o upon_o the_o deity_n itself_o imagine_v themselves_o able_a to_o demonstrate_v how_o the_o world_n and_o all_o the_o part_n of_o it_o may_v be_v constitute_v regulate_v and_o continue_v without_o any_o concurrence_n of_o a_o divine_a and_o unbounded_a providence_n but_o when_o these_o same_o mighty_a pretender_n to_o wit_n and_o sense_n have_v come_v to_o look_v into_o the_o shallow_a mystic_a rite_n of_o ancient_a heathen_n they_o have_v but_o fool_v and_o disgrace_v themselves_o but_o when_o such_o fall_n upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o christianity_n they_o prove_v like_o that_o stone_n our_o saviour_n speak_v of_o which_o whosoever_o shall_v fall_v on_o shall_v be_v break_v 21.44_o matth._n 21.44_o but_o on_o whosoever_o it_o shall_v fall_v it_o will_v grind_v he_o to_o powder_n they_o only_o show_v themselves_o egregious_a fool_n and_o endeavour_v to_o ridicule_n every_o thing_n which_o they_o find_v themselves_o unable_a to_o understand_v thus_o lucian_n or_o some_o of_o his_o contemporary_n in_o his_o philopatris_n a_o dialogue_n of_o that_o name_n make_v it_o his_o business_n to_o scoff_n at_o several_a thing_n reveal_v in_o scripture_n and_o at_o several_a of_o the_o mystery_n of_o christianity_n though_o neither_o he_o nor_o his_o follower_n not_o celsus_n nor_o porphyry_n nor_o libanius_n nor_o julian_n himself_o nor_o any_o other_o of_o that_o witty_a scoff_a tribe_n be_v ever_o able_a to_o confute_v the_o write_n of_o the_o prophet_n or_o the_o apostle_n or_o to_o baffle_v their_o christian_a antagonist_n by_o any_o serious_a argument_n in_o the_o forename_a dialogue_n critias_n offer_v to_o swear_v to_o 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and_o there_o learn_v wonderful_a matter_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d he_o regenerate_v or_o renew_v we_o by_o water_n and_o gentle_o guide_v we_o into_o the_o footstep_n of_o the_o bless_a and_o redeem_v we_o out_o of_o the_o region_n of_o the_o wicked_a and_o again_o he_o burlesques_n the_o original_a of_o all_o thing_n where_o he_o tell_v his_o companion_n that_o there_o be_v light_n incorruptible_a invisible_a incomprehensible_a which_o put_v a_o end_n to_o darkness_n and_o disorder_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d only_o with_o speak_v one_o word_n as_o that_o slow-tongued_a man_n meaning_n moses_n have_v write_v and_o more_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n and_o of_o the_o same_o scurrilous_a stamp_n and_o this_o be_v the_o wit_n of_o atheistical_a head_n who_o think_v it_o be_v enough_o to_o expose_v a_o doctrine_n they_o understand_v not_o or_o can_v edify_v by_o as_o some_o will_v express_v it_o mere_o to_o name_v it_o and_o no_o more_o where_o as_o the_o true_a son_n of_o religion_n though_o they_o be_v far_o enough_o from_o pretend_v to_o fathom_v the_o great_a object_n of_o faith_n can_v yet_o but_o derive_v ineffable_a consolation_n from_o the_o positive_a truth_n of_o those_o mystery_n contain_v in_o holy_a writ_n but_o this_o overween_n of_o their_o own_o extraordinary_a wit_n make_v many_o person_n of_o excellent_a natural_a ability_n of_o well_o exercise_v reason_n and_o inimitable_a diligence_n in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o gospel_n stumble_v so_o foul_o at_o the_o doctrine_n of_o a_o crucify_a saviour_n for_o as_o a_o just_a punishment_n for_o that_o foolish_a pride_n and_o self_n conceit_n god_n destroy_v the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o wise_a 1.19_o 1_o cor._n 1.19_o and_o bring_v to_o nothing_o the_o understanding_n of_o the_o prudent_a so_o the_o stoic_a and_o epicuraean_a philosopher_n be_v mighty_o puzzle_v with_o those_o new_a god_n as_o they_o be_v please_v to_o call_v they_o 17.18_o act_n 17.18_o viz._n jesus_n and_o the_o resurrection_n as_o if_o because_o they_o can_v not_o understand_v what_o the_o meaning_n of_o a_o resurrection_n be_v therefore_o the_o apostle_n who_o preach_v it_o up_o must_v needs_o either_o make_v a_o god_n or_o a_o goddess_n of_o it_o thus_o the_o same_o doctrine_n of_o the_o resurrection_n and_o that_o of_o christ_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o several_a other_o mystic_a truth_n be_v cast_v in_o the_o tooth_n of_o suffer_v christian_n as_o if_o they_o can_v be_v no_o better_o than_o mad_a man_n who_o will_v undergo_v so_o many_o hardship_n for_o assertion_n so_o very_o unintelligible_a as_o that_o they_o can_v deserve_v nothing_o less_o than_o derision_n and_o it_o be_v often_o urge_v as_o a_o evidence_n of_o a_o bad_a cause_n that_o it_o have_v so_o many_o strange_a and_o incomprehensible_a postulate_v attend_v on_o it_o the_o same_o be_v the_o plea_n of_o the_o atheistical_a what_o if_o i_o shall_v add_v of_o the_o heretical_a wit_n of_o our_o age_n who_o labour_v hard_a to_o expose_v whatsoever_o they_o meet_v with_o beyond_o the_o reach_n of_o their_o debauch_a understanding_n and_o will_v therefore_o have_v all_o sound_a religion_n banish_v out_o of_o the_o commonwealth_n because_o forsooth_o they_o can_v comprehend_v how_o god_n shall_v become_v man_n shall_v be_v bear_v of_o a_o pure_a virgin_n shall_v converse_v with_o man_n shall_v die_v for_o their_o sin_n rise_v again_o for_o their_o justification_n and_o ascend_v up_o into_o glory_n with_o that_o humane_a body_n he_o have_v assume_v unto_o himself_o from_o whence_o before_o the_o world_n dissolution_n he_o shall_v certain_o come_v to_o be_v the_o supreme_a determine_a judge_n of_o all_o both_o man_n and_o action_n upon_o which_o faith_n the_o whole_a christian_a oeconomy_n be_v build_v and_o without_o the_o certain_a truth_n of_o all_o which_o christianity_n will_v be_v the_o most_o absurd_a and_o unreasonable_a religion_n in_o the_o world_n thus_o heretic_n thus_o atheist_n discourse_n as_o if_o it_o be_v indeed_o impossible_a there_o shall_v exist_v a_o god_n of_o great_a wisdom_n and_o power_n than_o themselves_o or_o however_o that_o he_o must_v dispose_v of_o all_o thing_n just_o agreeable_o to_o their_o capacity_n on_o pain_n of_o be_v dethrone_v for_o a_o default_n when_o yet_o every_o day_n they_o see_v man_n like_o themselves_o bear_v into_o the_o world_n but_o can_v give_v no_o possible_a account_n of_o the_o reason_n of_o their_o acquire_v such_o and_o such_o particular_a shape_n or_o feature_n in_o the_o world_n they_o see_v a_o man_n bear_v naked_a into_o the_o world_n but_o can_v tell_v we_o why_o they_o be_v not_o all_o cover_v with_o hair_n or_o scaly_a armour_n like_o beast_n or_o with_o scale_n and_o fin_n as_o fish_n or_o with_o feather_n as_o bird_n they_o see_v and_o know_v they_o have_v natural_o but_o two_o foot_n but_o can_v tell_v why_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v bear_v without_o any_o as_o worm_n or_o fish_n or_o why_o they_o shall_v not_o have_v four_o as_o the_o great_a number_n of_o beast_n or_o why_o not_o great_a number_n as_o most_o infect_v they_o see_v man_n a_o creature_n of_o a_o noble_a and_o majestic_a frame_n endue_v with_o a_o discursive_a faculty_n ready_a to_o descant_v upon_o every_o visible_a object_n yet_o can_v tell_v why_o nature_n shall_v have_v give_v man_n but_o two_o eye_n wherewith_o to_o survey_v so_o vast_a and_o unaccountable_a a_o variety_n when_o at_o the_o same_o time_n she_o have_v stud_v the_o head_n of_o a_o contemptible_a fly_n with_o several_a thousand_o they_o find_v themselves_o able_a to_o call_v to_o mind_v a_o mighty_a number_n of_o particular_n see_v hear_v read_v talk_v of_o but_o can_v inform_v themselves_o certain_o where_o the_o numerous_a idea_n of_o sensible_a thing_n pass_v shall_v be_v lodge_v when_o at_o the_o same_o time_n the_o mind_n be_v crowd_v with_o a_o world_n of_o present_a object_n and_o rove_a too_o after_o the_o
most_o uncertain_a future_a contingency_n and_o yet_o after_o all_o these_o notorious_a instance_n of_o their_o wretched_a ignorances_n god_n must_v lay_v his_o whole_a divine_a power_n and_o wisdom_n at_o their_o foot_n or_o else_o he_o must_v be_v no_o god_n for_o they_o we_o may_v say_v with_o a_o little_a alteration_n of_o david_n word_n man_n overvalue_v his_o own_o wisdom_n have_v no_o understanding_n but_o be_v like_o the_o beast_n that_o perish_v if_o he_o can_v comprehend_v god_n he_o will_v despise_v he_o since_o he_o can_v he_o will_v deny_v he_o a_o humour_n uncouth_a and_o unnatural_a even_o to_o corrupt_a reason_n but_o the_o true_o wise_a man_n when_o he_o see_v himself_o thus_o puzzle_v with_o every_o little_a effect_n of_o common_a nature_n be_v so_o far_o from_o think_v it_o strange_a that_o the_o great_a sovereign_n of_o all_o thing_n shall_v say_v or_o do_v any_o thing_n above_o his_o understanding_n that_o he_o rather_o will_v wonder_v do_v he_o not_o acknowledge_v both_o omnipotence_n and_o omniscience_n in_o god_n how_o so_o excellent_a a_o be_v shall_v possible_o stoop_v so_o low_a as_o to_o make_v any_o thing_n concern_v himself_o intelligible_a to_o a_o corrupt_a transgress_a creature_n the_o more_o he_o look_v upward_o to_o god_n the_o ordainer_n of_o all_o thing_n the_o ready_a he_o be_v to_o break_v out_o into_o that_o expression_n of_o the_o psalmist_n when_o i_o consider_v the_o heaven_n the_o work_n of_o thy_o finger_n 8.3_o psal_n 8.3_o the_o moon_n and_o the_o star_n which_o thou_o have_v ordain_v lord_n what_o be_v man_n that_o thou_o shall_v consider_v he_o or_o the_o son_n of_o man_n that_o thou_o visite_a he_o the_o more_o he_o meditate_v on_o god_n infinite_a perfection_n the_o more_o humble_o sensible_a he_o grow_v of_o his_o own_o want_n and_o easy_o can_v see_v at_o how_o sad_a a_o loss_n wretched_a man_n will_v have_v be_v for_o obtain_v that_o divine_a favour_n which_o he_o have_v forfeit_v by_o sin_n have_v not_o somewhat_o almighty_a interpose_v nor_o can_v he_o be_v but_o extreme_o humble_v in_o his_o own_o thought_n when_o he_o see_v how_o unsearchable_a god_n wisdom_n be_v and_o his_o way_n past_o find_v out_o since_o he_o out_o of_o such_o strange_a confusion_n as_o sin_n have_v bring_v into_o the_o world_n can_v produce_v order_n and_o by_o the_o most_o improbable_a and_o unsuspected_a mean_n can_v once_o more_o lay_v open_a to_o man_n the_o way_n to_o eternal_a happiness_n that_o way_n which_o sin_n have_v shut_v up_o before_o the_o more_o a_o contemplative_a man_n learn_v to_o admire_v his_o god_n in_o this_o case_n the_o more_o he_o learn_v to_o undervalue_v himself_o and_o never_o to_o depend_v upon_o his_o own_o dream_n and_o imagination_n by_o those_o mystery_n attend_v religion_n in_o general_n man_n be_v in_o the_o better_a capacity_n to_o make_v a_o judgement_n of_o religion_n of_o all_o age_n and_o to_o fix_v themselves_o upon_o that_o alone_a which_o be_v proper_a to_o conduct_v we_o through_o a_o troublesome_a world_n to_o everlasting_a happiness_n the_o nature_n of_o any_o religious_a profession_n may_v be_v distinguish_v by_o such_o characteristic_n for_o since_o god_n as_o he_o manifest_v himself_o to_o mankind_n be_v unquestionable_o a_o very_a benign_a and_o merciful_a be_v that_o religion_n which_o have_v the_o close_a correspondence_n with_o such_o manifestation_n of_o himself_o must_v certain_o be_v the_o most_o please_a to_o god_n and_o consequent_o the_o best_a mystic_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n have_v be_v various_a and_o though_o the_o devil_n have_v his_o design_n in_o the_o invention_n of_o several_a yet_o man_n too_o who_o use_v they_o have_v as_o before_o i_o prove_v in_o all_o of_o they_o some_o particular_a respect_n to_o futurity_n and_o that_o happiness_n expect_v by_o mean_n of_o a_o mediator_n between_o god_n and_o man_n but_o as_o god_n be_v never_o please_v by_o unclean_a offering_n so_o much_o less_o can_v he_o be_v please_v with_o humane_a blood_n offer_v upon_o altar_n devote_v to_o he_o however_o such_o sacrifice_n may_v be_v think_v to_o prefigure_v best_o the_o shed_n of_o christ_n blood_n that_o blood_n without_o which_o there_o can_v be_v no_o remission_n and_o therefore_o we_o find_v that_o though_o god_n try_v abraham_n faith_n and_o obedience_n by_o that_o severe_a command_n that_o he_o shall_v offer_v up_o his_o only_a son_n a_o burn_a offering_n to_o he_o and_o though_o he_o permit_v the_o good_a old_a patriarch_n to_o go_v on_o a_o great_a way_n towards_o put_v the_o command_n in_o execution_n yet_o when_o he_o be_v ready_a to_o give_v the_o fatal_a stroke_n he_o stop_v his_o hand_n and_o accept_v the_o readiness_n to_o offer_v it_o better_o than_o he_o will_v have_v accept_v the_o sacrifice_n itself_o when_o actual_o make_v therefore_o whatsoever_o mystery_n savour_v any_o thing_n of_o cruelty_n be_v enough_o if_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o to_o desecrate_v that_o persuasion_n which_o admit_v of_o such_o thing_n again_o whereas_o those_o who_o pretend_v to_o any_o considerable_a notion_n of_o a_o god_n will_v acknowledge_v he_o to_o be_v infinite_o holy_a and_o pure_a and_o consequent_o to_o love_v the_o same_o holiness_n and_o purity_n in_o his_o creature_n wheresoever_o any_o mystic_a rite_n have_v at_o any_o time_n trespass_v upon_o such_o purity_n we_o may_v be_v assure_v god_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o such_o worship_n a_o brand_n in_o this_o case_n the_o pagan_a zeal_n endeavour_v to_o fix_v upon_o the_o christian_n as_o well_o know_v how_o odious_a such_o a_o charge_n will_v render_v they_o thus_o caecilius_n in_o minutius_n foelix_fw-la have_v before_o charge_v the_o christian_n with_o murder_a and_o devour_a infant_n he_o add_v hackian_n minutii_n foelicis_fw-la oct._n p._n 90._o edit_fw-la hackian_n on_o a_o certain_a day_n the_o christian_n man_n woman_n and_o child_n of_o every_o age_n and_o sex_n meet_v together_o at_o a_o feast_n after_o much_o junket_v when_o their_o incestuous_a lust_n grow_v hot_a a_o dog_n tie_v on_o purpose_n to_o the_o candlestick_n pull_v it_o down_o extinguish_v the_o light_n and_o then_o in_o the_o dark_a they_o promiscuous_o pollute_v one_o another_o with_o fornication_n adultery_n incest_n and_o what_o not_o but_o pliny_n as_o much_o a_o heathen_a as_o himself_o vindicate_v the_o abuse_a christian_n from_o that_o horrid_a calumny_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o trajan_n where_o he_o inform_v that_o emperor_n that_o he_o have_v find_v by_o certain_a intelligence_n that_o the_o christian_n on_o a_o set_a day_n be_v wont_a to_o meet_v before_o it_o be_v light_a and_o alternate_o to_o sing_v a_o hymn_n to_o christ_n as_o if_o he_o be_v god_n séque_fw-la sacramento_fw-la non_fw-la in_o scelus_fw-la aliquod_fw-la obstringere_fw-la sed_fw-la nè_fw-la furta_fw-la nè_fw-la latrocinia_fw-la nè_fw-la adulteria_fw-la committerent_fw-la nè_fw-la fidem_fw-la fallerent_fw-la etc._n etc._n i._n e._n and_o they_o do_v by_o solemn_a oath_n engage_v themselves_o not_o to_o any_o wickedness_n but_o that_o they_o shall_v not_o steal_v nor_o murder_n nor_o commit_v adultery_n nor_o perjure_v themselves_o etc._n etc._n now_o how_o those_o who_o enter_v into_o such_o solemn_a mutual_a engagement_n not_o to_o commit_v such_o sin_n shall_v yet_o be_v so_o notorious_o guilty_a of_o the_o worst_a of_o crime_n and_o how_o such_o very_a guilty_a person_n and_o such_o horrid_a abomination_n 97._o plinii_n epistol_n l._n 10_o ep._n 97._o shall_v have_v escape_v pliny_n cognizance_n who_o have_v make_v it_o his_o particular_a business_n to_o inquire_v into_o the_o behaviour_n of_o christian_n it_o be_v very_o hard_a to_o imagine_v but_o howsoever_o false_o these_o thing_n be_v charge_v upon_o christian_n they_o be_v true_a enough_o among_o the_o heathen_n where_o the_o eleusinian_n rite_n among_o the_o grecian_n those_o of_o the_o bona_fw-la dea_fw-la among_o the_o roman_n with_o their_o bacchanalia_fw-la etc._n etc._n be_v nothing_o but_o so_o many_o subtle_a contrivance_n to_o render_v all_o manner_n of_o lewdness_n and_o villainy_n authentic_a and_o valuable_a on_o which_o account_n the_o apostle_n exhort_v his_o ephesian_n 12._o ephes_n 5.11_o 12._o to_o have_v no_o fellowship_n with_o such_o unfruitful_a work_n of_o darkness_n but_o rather_o to_o reprove_v they_o for_o that_o its_o a_o shame_n to_o speak_v of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v do_v of_o they_o in_o secret_a far_o yet_o whereas_o god_n have_v now_o real_o by_o his_o son_n accomplish_v that_o great_a work_n of_o the_o world_n redemption_n those_o mystic_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n which_o fore-signified_n that_o to_o be_v do_v be_v now_o vacate_v and_o those_o who_o will_v have_v mystery_n of_o that_o nature_n still_o continue_v do_v as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lie_v to_o drive_v the_o world_n into_o a_o aversion_n from_o he_o who_o alone_o be_v able_a to_o save_v to_o the_o uttermost_a all_o those_o who_o come_v to_o god_n by_o he_o
for_o those_o rite_n continue_v will_v move_v the_o world_n to_o belive_o that_o the_o messiah_n be_v not_o yet_o come_v that_o the_o faith_n so_o long_o profess_v in_o he_o as_o if_o he_o be_v come_v be_v vain_a that_o he_o who_o once_o pretend_v to_o that_o name_n only_o impose_v upon_o the_o world_n and_o be_v no_o better_a than_o a_o cheat_n and_o that_o therefore_o the_o jewish_a religion_n be_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v still_o in_o its_o full_a force_n now_o this_o will_v appear_v very_o absurd_a and_o unreasonable_a to_o any_o one_o who_o have_v serious_o weigh_v all_o those_o argument_n bring_v to_o prove_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o son_n of_o the_o live_a god_n and_o therefore_o can_v be_v no_o impostor_n and_o therefore_o must_v be_v that_o messiah_n he_o declare_v himself_o to_o be_v which_o be_v true_a it_o will_v follow_v that_o our_o saviour_n come_v must_v of_o necessity_n put_v a_o end_n to_o so_o much_o of_o the_o jewish_a law_n as_o be_v not_o co-incident_a with_o that_o of_o nature_n and_o consequent_o not_o perpetual_o oblige_v that_o many_o of_o the_o jew_n themselves_o ever_o look_v upon_o their_o law_n as_o of_o a_o mutable_a nature_n in_o itself_o be_v prove_v sufficient_o by_o raymundus_n martini_n in_o his_o pugio_fw-la fidei_fw-la against_o the_o jew_n and_o that_o it_o can_v never_o be_v more_o proper_o actual_o change_v than_o by_o the_o messiah_n appear_v in_o he_o who_o prove_v from_o jewish_a writer_n themselves_o that_o the_o messiah_n the_o king_n shall_v be_v great_a than_o moses_n nay_o great_a than_o the_o minister_a angel_n and_o therefore_o the_o fit_a for_o such_o a_o work_n and_o as_o he_o show_v their_o own_o gloss_n in_o the_o midrasch_n kohele_v upon_o that_o of_o solomon_n eccles_n 11.8_o 20_o pugionis_fw-la fidei_fw-la p._n 3._o do_v 3._o c._n 20_o tell_v we_o that_o every_o law_n of_o all_o people_n whatsoever_o every_o law_n that_o a_o man_n can_v learn_v in_o this_o world_n be_v all_o but_o vanity_n in_o comparison_n of_o the_o law_n of_o the_o messiah_n thing_n of_o a_o less_o perfect_a and_o last_a nature_n must_v then_o vanish_v when_o that_o appear_v which_o be_v more_o perfect_a and_o eternal_a whatsoever_o therefore_o cross_v that_o end_n for_o which_o god_n send_v his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n and_o retain_v mystery_n now_o altogether_o insignificant_a as_o be_v full_o accomplish_v that_o can_v be_v please_v to_o god_n and_o consequent_o the_o present_a religion_n of_o the_o jew_n can_v be_v the_o true_a religion_n there_o be_v indeed_o some_o mysterious_a truth_n in_o which_o all_o religion_n agree_v viz._n the_o existence_n of_o a_o god_n his_o spirituality_n invisibility_n incomprehensibility_n etc._n etc._n they_o all_o agree_v that_o his_o providence_n govern_v all_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n however_o trifle_v and_o inconsiderable_a they_o may_v appear_v in_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o world_n that_o he_o hear_v see_v know_v understand_v every_o thing_n though_o they_o know_v not_o how_o according_a to_o the_o objection_n of_o atheist_n to_o reconcile_v such_o thing_n to_o his_o want_n of_o eye_n ear_n soul_n or_o any_o other_o part_n which_o be_v all_o inconsistent_a with_o a_o spiritual_a be_v all_o agree_v together_o in_o grant_v the_o present_a state_n of_o man_n very_o wretched_a and_o deplorable_a in_o look_v upon_o he_o yet_o as_o capable_a of_o happiness_n provide_v a_o suitable_a mean_n for_o its_o procurement_n can_v be_v find_v out_o and_o in_o expectation_n of_o some_o proper_a help_n for_o that_o purpose_n these_o thing_n be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o general_a sense_n of_o mankind_n and_o be_v the_o original_a reason_n of_o man_n put_v themselves_o into_o a_o religious_a course_n must_v still_o be_v approve_v by_o every_o one_o and_o every_o one_o of_o these_o that_o religion_n settle_v in_o the_o world_n by_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n do_v advance_v yet_o more_o plain_o and_o confirm_v more_o strong_o to_o the_o world_n and_o whatsoever_o mysterious_a truth_n it_o far_o propound_v they_o be_v all_o so_o far_o intelligible_a by_o every_o one_o as_o may_v serve_v sufficient_o to_o confirm_v those_o first_o principle_n whatsoever_o be_v far_o to_o be_v see_v in_o they_o be_v what_o move_v mankind_n to_o lay_v aside_o all_o brutish_a malicious_a and_o unmanly_a humour_n as_o the_o meditation_n upon_o that_o extraordinary_a love_n of_o god_n to_o mankind_n of_o god_n the_o father_n in_o send_v his_o only_a son_n into_o the_o world_n to_o die_v for_o it_o of_o god_n the_o son_n in_o leave_v the_o bosom_n of_o his_o bless_a father_n and_o in_o our_o nature_n and_o for_o our_o sake_n suffer_v that_o bitter_a and_o scandalous_a death_n upon_o the_o cross_n of_o god_n the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o pursue_v we_o continual_o with_o his_o influence_n and_o assistance_n and_o so_o work_v in_o we_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v according_a to_o god_n good_a pleasure_n this_o meditation_n natural_o run_v into_o that_o apostolical_a conclusion_n 4.11_o joh._n 4.11_o if_o god_n thus_o love_v we_o than_o ought_v we_o also_o to_o love_v one_o another_o if_o we_o contemplate_v our_o own_o monstrous_a demerit_n our_o aversion_n to_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v good_a our_o inclination_n to_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v evil_a and_o so_o offensive_a to_o god_n our_o ingratitude_n for_o mercy_n receive_v our_o unfruitfulness_n under_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n and_o salvation_n present_v to_o we_o our_o natural_a enmity_n to_o god_n and_o goodness_n and_o if_o withal_o we_o serious_o consider_v that_o all_o those_o forementioned_a favour_n be_v confer_v on_o we_o in_o a_o state_n of_o obstinate_a enmity_n the_o inference_n be_v easy_a as_o our_o lord_n have_v lay_v it_o down_o 5.44_o matth._n 5.44_o that_o we_o shall_v love_v our_o enemy_n bless_v they_o that_o curse_v we_o do_v good_a to_o they_o that_o hate_v we_o and_o pray_v for_o they_o that_o despiteful_o use_v we_o and_o persecute_v we_o if_o again_o we_o think_v on_o that_o wonderful_a mercy_n of_o god_n whereby_o for_o the_o merit_n of_o the_o bless_a jesus_n he_o be_v please_v to_o forgive_v we_o our_o sin_n those_o natural_a bar_n between_o we_o and_o heaven_n the_o consequence_n we_o must_v of_o course_n draw_v from_o thence_o be_v that_o of_o the_o apostle_n that_o we_o shall_v be_v kind_a 4.32_o eph._n 4.32_o tender_a heart_a forgive_a one_o another_o even_o as_o god_n for_o christ_n sake_n have_v forgive_v we_o thus_o we_o see_v what_o excellent_a influence_n these_o very_a truth_n the_o nature_n and_o reason_n of_o which_o be_v above_o the_o reach_n of_o our_o grovel_a mind_n may_v have_v upon_o we_o if_o we_o proceed_v and_o reflect_v upon_o the_o purity_n and_o holiness_n of_o that_o god_n with_o who_o we_o have_v to_o do_v that_o he_o be_v asleep_o be_v who_o can_v endure_v sin_n who_o punish_v it_o for_o its_o odious_a nature_n even_o in_o his_o dear_a child_n all_o those_o mystery_n reveal_v to_o we_o in_o the_o gospel_n be_v so_o far_o by_o any_o fair_a consequence_n from_o pervert_v our_o mind_n that_o they_o give_v we_o all_o the_o motive_n imaginable_a 1.15_o 1_o pet._n 1.15_o that_o as_o he_o who_o have_v call_v we_o be_v holy_a so_o shall_v we_o be_v holy_a in_o all_o manner_n of_o conversation_n a_o man_n may_v be_v a_o good_a heathen_a and_o yet_o a_o filthy_a sodomite_n a_o through-paced_a jew_n and_o yet_o be_v blind_a hard-hearted_a carnal_a but_o a_o man_n can_v be_v a_o true_a christian_a but_o he_o will_v endeavour_v to_o avoid_v all_o appearance_n of_o evil_n 2d_o judas_n 2d_o and_o to_o keep_v himself_o unspotted_a from_o the_o world_n he_o will_v live_v in_o a_o continual_a abhorrence_n of_o whatsoever_o may_v prejudice_v his_o soul_n or_o pollute_v his_o body_n and_o know_v that_o he_o be_v not_o his_o own_o â—â—_z jamesâ—â—_n â—â—_z but_o that_o he_o be_v buy_v with_o a_o price_n he_o will_v follow_v that_o advice_n he_o will_v endeavour_v to_o glorify_v god_n in_o his_o body_n and_o in_o his_o spirit_n which_o be_v god_n â—â—_o 1_o cor._n 6._o â—â—_o and_o to_o go_v no_o far_o than_o what_o i_o have_v instance_a in_o before_o a_o man_n that_o meditate_v on_o that_o account_n the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n have_v give_v we_o of_o the_o appearance_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n in_o the_o flesh_n and_o on_o the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o such_o his_o appearance_n he_o will_v never_o spend_v his_o time_n idle_o about_o type_n and_o shadow_n when_o he_o be_v invite_v to_o embrace_v the_o substance_n he_o will_v study_v to_o conform_v himself_o to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o be_v so_o far_o as_o belong_v to_o a_o mere_a man_n a_o perfect_a imitator_n of_o all_o those_o excellent_a virtue_n so_o apparent_a in_o our_o saviour_n during_o his_o converse_n with_o the_o world_n he_o will_v careful_o avoid_v all_o
sin_n which_o be_v incapable_a of_o pardon_n from_o a_o offend_a god_n but_o upon_o the_o term_n of_o the_o passion_n of_o his_o dear_o belove_a son_n and_o will_v be_v thorough_o satisfy_v of_o the_o danger_n of_o such_o transgression_n by_o a_o rational_a assurance_n that_o if_o man_n sin_v wilful_o after_o they_o have_v receive_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n 27._o hebr._n 10.26_o 27._o there_o remain_v now_o no_o more_o sacrifice_n for_o sin_n but_o a_o certain_a fearful_a look_v for_o of_o judgement_n and_o fiery_a indignation_n which_o shall_v devour_v the_o adversary_n if_o then_o true_a religion_n consist_v in_o worship_v god_n according_a to_o those_o revelation_n he_o have_v make_v of_o himself_o to_o the_o world_n and_o we_o can_v propound_v any_o reason_n to_o ourselves_o why_o god_n shall_v have_v make_v any_o such_o revelation_n of_o himself_o to_o we_o but_o only_o that_o when_o we_o have_v a_o rule_n we_o may_v have_v a_o example_n too_o than_o whatsoever_o religion_n that_o be_v who_o most_o obscure_a and_o incomprehensible_a mystery_n high_o promote_v that_o excellent_a work_n of_o follow_v our_o exemplar_n or_o grow_v up_o into_o a_o assimilation_n to_o god_n himself_o by_o endeavour_v to_o be_v holy_a as_o our_o heavenly_a father_n be_v holy_a and_o perfect_a as_o he_o be_v perfect_a that_o religion_n must_v certain_o carry_v we_o by_o the_o sure_a way_n to_o eternal_a happiness_n but_o such_o a_o religion_n be_v that_o institute_v by_o our_o saviour_n in_o the_o gospel_n therefore_o that_o be_v a_o religion_n above_o all_o other_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o such_o mystery_n so_o profound_a but_o withal_o so_o very_o profitable_a and_o instructive_a to_o be_v embrace_v by_o all_o wise_a and_o consider_v men._n a_o due_a reflection_n upon_o those_o mystery_n any_o religion_n be_v found_v upon_o with_o a_o just_a apprehension_n of_o the_o deficiency_n of_o our_o own_o reason_n in_o trace_v they_o be_v a_o very_a proper_a mean_n to_o create_v in_o man_n mind_n a_o due_a and_o exact_a reverence_n for_o it_o thus_o that_o very_a notion_n that_o we_o have_v of_o god_n infinity_n of_o his_o dwell_n in_o impenetrable_a darkness_n or_o in_o inaccessible_a light_n of_o the_o unsearchableness_n of_o his_o way_n the_o incomprehensibility_n of_o his_o wisdom_n etc._n etc._n all_o these_o thing_n make_v awful_a impression_n upon_o man_n soul_n and_o make_v they_o to_o fear_v before_o god_n and_o to_o reverence_v he_o and_o this_o god_n himself_o intend_v when_o by_o his_o prophet_n he_o assure_v the_o jew_n my_o thought_n be_v not_o your_o thought_n 9_o isai_n 55.8_o 9_o neither_o be_v your_o way_n my_o way_n say_v the_o lord_n for_o as_o the_o heaven_n be_v high_a than_o the_o earth_n so_o be_v my_o way_n high_a than_o your_o way_n and_o my_o thought_n than_o your_o thought_n this_o prodigious_a distance_n between_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o man_n be_v enough_o to_o overawe_v man_n on_o who_o side_n there_o be_v so_o 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beard_n when_o his_o father_n apollo_n have_v none_o it_o be_v true_a these_o affront_n be_v proper_a enough_o for_o those_o idol_n to_o who_o they_o be_v offer_v but_o they_o be_v very_o unbecoming_a those_o who_o offer_v they_o since_o they_o profess_v to_o believe_v that_o they_o be_v real_o god_n so_o that_o they_o be_v not_o those_o image_n or_o statue_n which_o be_v abuse_v but_o it_o be_v the_o true_a divinity_n itself_o which_o they_o imagine_v resident_a in_o or_o about_o those_o image_n and_o of_o this_o inconvenience_n from_o material_a image_n even_o of_o material_a saint_n the_o romanist_n be_v sometime_o sensible_a witness_v that_o action_n of_o a_o spanish_a peasant_n who_o make_v his_o offering_n to_o the_o image_n of_o the_o bless_a virgin_n and_o imagine_v she_o look_v not_o so_o kind_o on_o he_o for_o it_o as_o he_o expect_v he_o very_o brisk_o tell_v she_o she_o need_v not_o be_v so_o proud_a for_o he_o remember_v she_o be_v but_o a_o sorry_a piece_n of_o timber_n the_o other_o day_n it_o be_v yet_o the_o more_o effectual_o to_o prevent_v such_o inconvenience_n that_o god_n appoint_v a_o part_n of_o the_o tabernacle_n first_o and_o of_o the_o temple_n at_o jerusalem_n afterward_o under_o the_o sacred_a name_n of_o the_o holy_a of_o holies_n to_o be_v whole_o inaccessible_a to_o any_o but_o the_o high_a priest_n who_o bear_v a_o extraordinary_a character_n among_o the_o jew_n nor_o may_v he_o enter_v into_o it_o above_o once_o a_o year_n and_o that_o with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o respect_n and_o ceremony_n this_o make_v god_n to_o strike_v the_o man_n of_o bethshemesh_n with_o so_o terrible_a a_o judgement_n for_o dare_v to_o pry_v into_o what_o god_n intend_v to_o keep_v secret_a 19_o 1_o sam._n â—_o 19_o and_o to_o strike_v vzzah_n dead_a upon_o the_o place_n for_o presume_v to_o do_v what_o be_v above_o his_o station_n and_o touch_v the_o ark_n though_o it_o seem_v a_o action_n proceed_v from_o a_o good_a zeal_n or_o a_o fear_n that_o the_o ark_n the_o peculiar_a symbol_n of_o god_n presence_n among_o his_o people_n shall_v have_v fall_v to_o the_o ground_n 6.9_o 2_o sam._n 6.9_o but_o we_o may_v see_v what_o a_o terror_n that_o signal_n vengeance_n strike_v upon_o david_n himself_o and_o all_o his_o company_n 10._o v._o 10._o and_o it_o be_v observe_v of_o pompey_n the_o great_a that_o after_o he_o have_v be_v so_o bold_a as_o to_o look_v into_o the_o holy_a of_o holies_n upon_o his_o take_n jerusalem_n that_o though_o he_o see_v nothing_o there_o nor_o offer_v any_o violence_n to_o any_o thing_n about_o the_o temple_n but_o express_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o reverence_n towards_o the_o place_n and_o those_o that_o attend_v on_o it_o yet_o that_o god_n judgement_n pursue_v he_o from_o that_o time_n that_o he_o prosper_v in_o little_a or_o nothing_o that_o he_o undertake_v all_o thing_n from_o thence_o verge_v hasty_o to_o his_o final_a ruin_n so_o jealous_a be_v god_n of_o his_o honour_n so_o terrible_a to_o those_o who_o 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so_o to_o believe_v also_o in_o he_o but_o now_o if_o without_o believe_v in_o christ_n eternal_a life_n and_o happiness_n can_v be_v obtain_v and_o that_o be_v save_v faith_n which_o be_v fix_v on_o he_o and_o if_o we_o be_v reasonable_o command_v to_o believe_v in_o he_o and_o yet_o true_a save_a faith_n can_v be_v fix_v in_o any_o but_o in_o god_n alone_o than_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o christ_n must_v be_v god_n the_o true_a the_o supreme_a god_n and_o it_o will_v follow_v too_o that_o it_o be_v indispensible_o necessary_a that_o all_o man_n shall_v know_v he_o be_v god_n that_o they_o may_v know_v in_o who_o it_o be_v that_o they_o believe_v that_o he_o be_v the_o proper_a object_n of_o divine_a faith_n and_o able_a to_o answer_v all_o the_o expectation_n of_o faith_n for_o otherwise_o as_o a_o proposition_n may_v in_o itself_o be_v true_a and_o yet_o i_o may_v be_v a_o liar_n when_o i_o swear_v it_o be_v true_a because_o i_o know_v nothing_o of_o its_o be_v so_o so_o though_o christ_n may_v be_v in_o himself_o the_o true_a god_n yet_o i_o be_o a_o idolater_n for_o worship_v he_o as_o the_o true_a while_o i_o know_v not_o that_o he_o be_v indeed_o the_o true_a god_n and_o st._n paul_n acquit_v not_o the_o athenian_n of_o idolatry_n in_o consecrate_v a_o altar_n to_o the_o unknown_a god_n though_o that_o god_n unknown_a to_o they_o be_v the_o same_o god_n who_o he_o preach_v unto_o they_o nor_o will_v that_o of_o the_o apostle_n st._n john_n be_v easy_o avoid_v where_o have_v before_o tell_v we_o we_o know_v that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v come_v 5.20_o 1_o john_n 5.20_o and_o have_v give_v we_o a_o understanding_n to_o know_v he_o that_o be_v true_a and_o we_o be_v in_o he_o that_o be_v true_a even_o in_o jesus_n christ_n he_o subjoin_v this_o be_v the_o true_a god_n and_o eternal_a life_n these_o word_n if_o we_o interpret_v they_o as_o they_o lie_v and_o they_o seem_v to_o have_v no_o figure_n or_o hyperbole_n or_o foreign_a relation_n in_o they_o may_v pass_v for_o a_o very_a plain_a text_n to_o prove_v that_o it_o concern_v no_o less_o than_o our_o eternal_a salvation_n to_o know_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o true_a god_n and_o this_o interpretation_n give_v the_o clear_a reason_n and_o strong_a emphasis_n to_o his_o follow_a rule_n 21._o v._o 21._o little_a child_n keep_v yourselves_o from_o idol_n if_o then_o our_o lord_n design_n be_v to_o procure_v man_n everlasting_a salvation_n a_o right_a and_o certain_a knowledge_n of_o that_o on_o which_o eternal_a life_n depend_v can_v be_v impertinent_a to_o our_o lord_n design_n and_o if_o to_o worship_n god_n according_a to_o his_o declare_a will_n be_v the_o purpose_n of_o every_o one_o that_o embrace_v christianity_n exclusive_o of_o all_o other_o religion_n he_o that_o think_v it_o necessary_a in_o his_o worship_n to_o distinguish_v between_o these_o respect_v due_a to_o a_o mere_a creature_n and_o those_o honour_n belong_v to_o the_o creator_n can_v miss_v his_o purpose_n or_o lose_v his_o labour_n and_o he_o who_o by_o solid_a proof_n draw_v from_o clear_a and_o pertinent_a place_n of_o scripture_n make_v his_o faith_n in_o this_o particular_a rational_a can_v easy_o incur_v any_o extraordinary_a danger_n though_o without_o so_o do_v he_o may_v incur_v a_o fatal_a hazard_n and_o thus_o we_o come_v to_o a_o direct_a discourse_n on_o that_o particular_a where_o these_o thing_n will_v be_v more_o full_o consider_v have_v conclude_v the_o first_o word_n of_o this_o verse_n without_o controversy_n great_a be_v the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n to_o signify_v to_o we_o the_o concurrence_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n with_o the_o world_n general_a vogue_n in_o relation_n to_o religion_n and_o that_o mystery_n great_a and_o obscure_a be_v very_o necessary_a to_o the_o perpetuation_n of_o that_o faith_n and_o render_v it_o venerable_a among_o conceit_a and_o presume_a disputant_n it_o can_v be_v unuseful_a to_o discourse_v on_o the_o first_o instance_n the_o apostle_n make_v use_v of_o to_o illustrate_v the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n or_o of_o the_o christian_a faith_n viz._n god_n manifest_v himself_o in_o the_o flesh_n or_o appear_v and_o show_v himself_o to_o humane_a eye_n clothe_v in_o humane_a nature_n for_o though_o god_n manifest_v himself_o a_o thousand_o several_a way_n in_o his_o work_n of_o creation_n and_o providence_n where_o his_o truth_n justice_n mercy_n power_n wisdom_n etc._n etc._n be_v notorious_o evident_a to_o diligent_a observer_n yet_o all_o these_o manifestation_n of_o himself_o be_v at_o a_o distance_n and_o such_o as_o though_o they_o give_v we_o a_o very_a fair_a idea_n of_o divine_a goodness_n as_o in_o himself_o yet_o conduce_v little_a to_o humane_a happiness_n while_o man_n reflect_v upon_o themselves_o as_o miserable_o degenerate_a from_o that_o original_a excellency_n they_o be_v create_v in_o and_o as_o such_o who_o have_v extreme_o abuse_v all_o those_o evidence_n of_o god_n power_n and_o influence_n upon_o the_o world_n which_o have_v be_v give_v for_o restrain_v they_o within_o due_a bound_n and_o make_v they_o submissive_a to_o a_o superior_a law_n such_o reflection_n teach_v man_n to_o look_v upon_o themselves_o as_o in_o a_o ruinous_a state_n fit_a subject_n for_o eternal_a displeasure_n and_o of_o themselves_o whole_o incapable_a of_o satisfy_v divine_a justice_n or_o retrieve_v forfeit_v happiness_n and_o upon_o god_n only_o as_o a_o severe_a judge_n and_o powerful_a revenger_n of_o who_o they_o can_v only_o conclude_v that_o he_o will_v vindicate_v his_o own_o honour_n upon_o those_o that_o injure_v it_o and_o punish_v those_o to_o extremity_n who_o have_v not_o due_o improve_v those_o overture_n of_o himself_o which_o he_o have_v make_v in_o his_o visible_a work_n what_o man_n in_o such_o a_o case_n may_v wish_v for_o be_v easy_a enough_o to_o conjecture_v he_o that_o be_v fall_v down_o a_o precipice_n will_v bless_v the_o hand_n that_o will_v save_v he_o from_o death_n and_o he_o that_o be_v go_v immediate_o to_o execution_n will_v be_v overjoy_v to_o hear_v of_o a_o pardon_n so_o will_v almost_o despair_a wretched_a sinful_a man_n do_v wish_v for_o some_o proportionable_a power_n to_o interpose_v between_o himself_o and_o vengeance_n but_o such_o a_o power_n only_o can_v be_v in_o god_n and_o yet_o so_o great_a a_o benefit_n can_v be_v procure_v for_o man_n only_o by_o such_o a_o adequate_a satisfaction_n to_o god_n anger_n as_o can_v be_v give_v by_o a_o man_n here_o humane_a conception_n be_v entire_o at_o a_o loss_n the_o universal_a imperfection_n of_o their_o nature_n they_o plain_o understand_v and_o so_o the_o impossibility_n of_o mere_a humane_a satisfaction_n they_o easy_o find_v it_o be_v not_o create_v be_v it_o be_v no_o mere_a man_n though_o strengthen_v by_o divine_a assistance_n nay_o it_o be_v none_o of_o those_o pure_a and_o happy_a spirit_n who_o attend_v on_o celestial_a ministration_n that_o can_v stem_v that_o prodigious_a tide_n of_o immense_a wrath_n therefore_o god_n himself_o must_v interpose_v but_o how_o infinity_o shall_v be_v confine_v how_o he_o who_o grasp_v the_o universe_n in_o his_o hand_n shall_v stoop_v from_o heaven_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o those_o who_o have_v affront_v his_o goodness_n before_o how_o he_o shall_v condescend_v to_o assume_v humanity_n the_o necessary_a medium_fw-la of_o peace_n be_v mystery_n too_o great_a for_o man_n to_o fathom_n and_o hope_n too_o large_a for_o guilty_a soul_n to_o please_v themselves_o with_o but_o what_o be_v so_o very_o obscure_a to_o man_n be_v plain_a and_o easy_a to_o the_o almighty_a and_o when_o the_o time_n of_o his_o redeem_a be_v come_v when_o he_o look_v and_o there_o be_v none_o to_o help_v 5._o isay_n 63.4_o 5._o and_o wonder_v that_o there_o be_v none_o to_o uphold_v than_o his_o own_o arm_n bring_v salvation_n to_o the_o world_n it_o be_v then_o in_o that_o absolute_a fullness_n of_o time_n when_o sin_n and_o misery_n and_o anger_n be_v at_o the_o height_n and_o all_o thing_n seem_v inevitable_o run_v to_o eternal_a destruction_n that_o god_n send_v forth_o his_o son_n make_v of_o a_o woman_n make_v under_o the_o law_n to_o redeem_v they_o that_o be_v under_o the_o law_n from_o those_o burden_n and_o that_o death_n to_o which_o they_o be_v enslave_v to_o stop_v the_o fatal_a final_a sentence_n then_o ready_a to_o be_v past_a god_n himself_o be_v so_o make_v manifest_a in_o the_o flesh_n in_o relation_n to_o which_o great_a action_n we_o shall_v assert_v that_o jesus_n christ_n the_o messiah_n appear_v in_o our_o humane_a nature_n or_o clothe_v with_o flesh_n and_o blood_n be_v real_o the_o son_n of_o god_n that_o the_o same_o bless_a jesus_n be_v god_n equal_a with_o his_o father_n or_o real_o and_o true_o god_n as_o well_o as_o real_a man._n that_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o
original_a of_o that_o call_v the_o dead_a sea_n from_o the_o conflagration_n of_o sodom_n and_o gomorrha_n admah_n and_o zeboim_n by_o fire_n from_o heaven_n of_o the_o ascent_n of_o the_o jew_n out_o of_o egypt_n and_o the_o calamity_n suffer_v by_o the_o egyptian_n upon_o their_o account_n of_o the_o original_a of_o the_o jewish_a government_n sacred_a and_o civil_a etc._n etc._n these_o account_n of_o antiquity_n and_o many_o more_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n look_v infinite_o more_o probable_o than_o the_o dream_n and_o forgery_n of_o their_o elder_a author_n for_o who_o sake_n they_o look_v upon_o all_o their_o own_o story_n relate_v to_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o world_n as_o only_o obscure_a and_o fabulous_a these_o plea_n as_o i_o say_v before_o may_v serve_v to_o bring_v any_o into_o as_o good_a a_o opinion_n of_o that_o book_n which_o we_o call_v scripture_n as_o of_o any_o other_o mere_a humane_a writing_n but_o that_o be_v not_o enough_o scripture_n may_v to_o infidel_n themselves_o be_v prove_v to_o be_v far_o superior_a in_o the_o original_n nature_n and_o use_n of_o it_o than_o any_o thing_n else_o the_o world_n pretend_v to_o the_o certainty_n of_o which_o lay_v open_v a_o fair_a way_n for_o the_o conversion_n of_o infidel_n to_o christianity_n and_o indeed_o be_v such_o a_o medium_n as_o without_o it_o or_o unquestionable_a miracle_n which_o miracle_n too_o must_v tend_v whole_o to_o the_o confirmation_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n it_o be_v whole_o vain_a to_o pretend_v to_o their_o conversion_n what_o i_o mention_v at_o first_o that_o the_o excellency_n of_o scripture_n may_v be_v prove_v or_o its_o authority_n have_v a_o due_a influence_n upon_o such_o as_o acknowledge_v only_o the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n be_v speak_v with_o relation_n to_o atheist_n who_o deny_v any_o such_o be_v at_o all_o for_o though_o we_o have_v not_o meet_v yet_o with_o any_o nation_n so_o barbarous_a but_o it_o have_v have_v some_o notion_n of_o a_o 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requisite_a for_o the_o exercise_v such_o a_o power_n for_o he_o that_o believe_v not_o this_o have_v no_o true_a notion_n of_o a_o god_n without_o which_o yet_o no_o man_n can_v pretend_v to_o any_o true_a or_o solid_a religion_n for_o as_o the_o author_n of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n tell_v we_o he_o that_o come_v to_o god_n must_v believe_v that_o he_o be_v 11.6_o heb._n 11.6_o and_o that_o he_o be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o those_o that_o seek_v he_o so_o the_o stoic_a philosopher_n join_v with_o the_o apostle_n when_o he_o make_v the_o great_a part_n of_o true_a religion_n to_o consist_v in_o have_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d true_a opinion_n of_o the_o god_n so_o as_o to_o know_v that_o they_o be_v and_o that_o they_o manage_v all_o thing_n well_o and_o just_o that_o all_o aught_o to_o obey_v they_o and_o acquiesce_v in_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v do_v by_o they_o 38._o epict._n ench._n c._n 38._o and_o to_o act_v in_o agreement_n with_o they_o as_o be_v govern_v by_o a_o alwise_a mind_n now_o according_a to_o these_o model_n none_o can_v have_v a_o true_a or_o exact_a apprehension_n of_o a_o god_n but_o he_o who_o represent_v god_n to_o himself_o as_o capable_a of_o perform_v all_o those_o thing_n for_o which_o he_o think_v it_o necessary_a to_o believe_v he_o be_v and_o from_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o epicharmus_n tell_v we_o 4_o cudw_n intel_n sy_v p._n 263_o 4_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d nothing_o escape_v the_o eye_n of_o the_o divinity_n this_o you_o ought_v to_o take_v notice_n of_o he_o be_v the_o overseer_n of_o we_o all_o and_o there_o be_v nothing_o that_o he_o can_v do_v which_o show_v he_o understand_v the_o god_n of_o all_o thing_n to_o be_v omnipotent_a omniscient_a and_o omnipresent_v three_o of_o those_o great_a attribute_n christian_n give_v to_o god_n and_o that_o it_o be_v necessary_o to_o be_v understand_v by_o all_o other_o who_o pretend_v to_o the_o same_o knowledge_n of_o a_o god_n hence_o god_n or_o he_o who_o pagan_n 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darkness_n from_o which_o in_o succeed_a hour_n be_v produce_v desirable_a love_n glitter_a in_o the_o air_n with_o golden_a wing_n and_o like_o the_o breed_n wind_n couple_v with_o prepare_a chaos_n or_o dark_a confusion_n in_o the_o infernal_a region_n 121._o p._n 121._o expose_v our_o kind_n first_o of_o all_o to_o light_v nor_o have_v the_o god_n themselves_o any_o be_v till_o love_v itself_o have_v mingle_v all_o thing_n which_o poetical_a expression_n be_v due_o explain_v or_o reduce_v to_o plain_a sense_n and_o the_o god_n in_o the_o last_o passage_n mean_v only_a angel_n moses_n his_o history_n of_o the_o creation_n gen._n 1._o and_o st._n john_n discourse_n john_n 1_o concern_v the_o creation_n of_o all_o thing_n by_o christ_n with_o his_o assertion_n oft_o repeat_v that_o god_n be_v love_n be_v not_o very_o different_a from_o
their_o eye_n what_o mortal_a creature_n can_v have_v see_v or_o discover_v he_o if_o he_o have_v come_v down_o to_o earth_n in_o his_o own_o original_a nature_n or_o such_o as_o he_o be_v in_o his_o divinity_n therefore_o he_o take_v upon_o he_o the_o form_n of_o a_o man_n that_o he_o may_v be_v see_v and_o look_v upon_o that_o he_o may_v speak_v and_o teach_v and_o perform_v all_o those_o thing_n for_o which_o he_o be_v send_v into_o the_o world_n and_o whereas_o he_o die_v as_o a_o man_n 37._o p._n 37._o it_o be_v true_a his_o humane_a body_n be_v fasten_v upon_o the_o cross_n but_o his_o divine_a nature_n be_v incapable_a of_o suffer_v his_o body_n only_o suffer_v and_o that_o for_o the_o salvation_n of_o those_o very_a wretch_n by_o who_o cruelty_n he_o suffer_v the_o same_o author_n reflect_v upon_o the_o curiosity_n of_o the_o heathen_n because_o they_o will_v not_o believe_v what_o they_o do_v not_o understand_v ask_v they_o a_o great_a many_o question_n about_o the_o original_n or_o natural_a cause_n of_o several_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n which_o puzzle_v they_o in_o those_o and_o confound_v we_o their_o posterity_n in_o these_o day_n he_o wonder_v then_o that_o they_o shall_v deride_v christian_n because_o they_o can_v explain_v all_o the_o mystery_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o own_o their_o inability_n in_o the_o case_n when_o they_o be_v so_o much_o to_o seek_v in_o those_o ordinary_a case_n our_o concern_v be_v mystery_n indeed_o et_fw-la ideo_fw-la christus_fw-la licet_fw-la nobis_fw-la invitis_fw-la deus_fw-la deus_fw-la inquam_fw-la christus_fw-la hoc_fw-la enim_fw-la saepe_fw-la dicendum_fw-la est_fw-la ut_fw-la infidelium_fw-la dissiliat_fw-la &_o dirumpatur_fw-la auditus_fw-la etc._n etc._n therefore_o christ_n who_o be_v god_n in_o spite_n of_o all_o your_o opposition_n that_o christ_n i_o say_v who_o be_v god_n for_o that_o must_v be_v repeat_v often_o to_o scourge_v the_o ear_n of_o infidel_n speak_v by_o god_n command_n in_o the_o form_n of_o a_o man_n 85._o adu._n gent._n l._n 2._o p._n 85._o know_v the_o blindness_n of_o humane_a understanding_n and_o the_o weakness_n of_o our_o apprehension_n forbid_v we_o to_o be_v curious_a or_o inquisitive_a into_o matter_n so_o far_o remove_v only_o order_v we_o to_o direct_v our_o thought_n and_o soul_n to_o he_o who_o be_v the_o original_n of_o all_o these_o thing_n what_o advice_n arnobius_n give_v his_o pagan_n in_o pursuance_n of_o this_o discourse_n will_v be_v very_o proper_a for_o our_o socinian_n among_o who_o a_o modest_a opinion_n of_o their_o own_o natural_a strength_n and_o a_o humble_a supposition_n of_o god_n superior_a wisdom_n will_v cure_v that_o incredulity_n they_o be_v at_o present_a guilty_a of_o arnobius_n soon_o after_o lay_v down_o this_o truth_n that_o none_o can_v save_v soul_n but_o a_o almighty_a god_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o who_o can_v give_v they_o long_a life_n or_o perpetuity_n but_o only_o he_o who_o be_v himself_o immortal_a and_o perpetual_a and_o uncircumscribed_a by_o any_o boundary_n of_o time_n yet_o this_o work_n of_o save_v soul_n he_o ascribe_v to_o the_o son_n of_o god_n 87._o adu._n gen._n l._n 2._o p._n 87._o therefore_o according_a to_o his_o sentiment_n the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v that_o immortal_a all_o powerful_a and_o unbounded_a god_n to_o all_o these_o evidence_n i_o shall_v only_o add_v one_o of_o lactantius_n the_o scholar_n of_o the_o forecited_a arnobius_n who_o endeavour_v to_o reconcile_v the_o worship_n which_o the_o christian_n pay_v to_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n to_o those_o adoration_n which_o they_o acknowledge_v only_o to_o belong_v to_o one_o god_n write_v thus_o hack._n instit_fw-la l._n 4._o c._n 29._o p._n 445._o ed._n hack._n where_o we_o say_v the_o father_n be_v god_n and_o the_o son_n be_v god_n we_o do_v not_o say_v they_o be_v different_a god_n nor_o do_v we_o separate_v they_o one_o from_o another_o for_o neither_o can_v the_o father_n be_v divide_v from_o the_o son_n nor_o the_o son_n from_o the_o father_n for_o the_o father_n in_o a_o relative_a sense_n can_v be_v name_v without_o the_o son_n nor_o the_o son_n be_v beget_v without_o the_o father_n since_o then_o the_o father_n make_v the_o son_n relative_o and_o the_o son_n the_o father_n they_o have_v both_o one_o mind_n one_o spirit_n one_o substance_n only_o the_o father_n be_v as_o a_o exuberant_a spring_n the_o son_n as_o a_o stream_n flow_v from_o it_o the_o father_n be_v as_o the_o sun_n in_o the_o firmament_n the_o son_n as_o the_o ray_n beam_a from_o that_o sun_n who_o because_o he_o be_v dear_a and_o faithful_a to_o his_o father_n can_v no_o more_o be_v separate_v from_o he_o than_o the_o stream_n from_o the_o spring_n or_o beam_n from_o the_o body_n of_o the_o sun_n for_o the_o water_n of_o the_o fountain_n be_v in_o the_o stream_n and_o the_o light_n of_o the_o sun_n in_o those_o ray_n which_o issue_n from_o it_o and_o this_o be_v plain_a and_o pertinent_a enough_o and_o thus_o have_v i_o go_v through_o the_o write_n of_o those_o first_o father_n who_o be_v of_o the_o great_a name_n and_o reputation_n for_o their_o learning_n and_o piety_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n i_o have_v examine_v on_o this_o account_n only_o such_o man_n as_o live_v before_o the_o arrian_n controversy_n be_v on_o foot_n so_o that_o they_o can_v be_v suspect_v of_o partiality_n in_o the_o case_n and_o either_o we_o must_v believe_v these_o man_n know_v very_o well_o what_o be_v the_o general_a belief_n of_o christian_n in_o those_o early_a age_n or_o they_o do_v not_o if_o they_o do_v not_o understand_v what_o the_o catholic_n faith_n real_o be_v we_o be_v all_o strange_o in_o the_o dark_a and_o the_o socinian_o be_v no_o more_o capable_a of_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o primo-primitive_a church_n in_o contradiction_n to_o what_o we_o now_o assert_v than_o we_o be_v in_o agreeance_n to_o it_o nay_o there_o lie_v all_o the_o presumption_n in_o the_o world_n against_o they_o in_o the_o point_n for_o all_o the_o writer_n extant_a afterward_o with_o a_o almost_o universal_a consent_n be_v direct_o against_o they_o so_o that_o unless_o the_o true_a christian_a faith_n be_v entire_o lose_v about_o the_o time_n of_o the_o great_a nicene_n council_n the_o socinian_o must_v of_o necessity_n acknowledge_v that_o the_o christian_a church_n general_o believe_v that_o christ_n be_v true_a and_o real_a god_n nor_o can_v they_o secure_v themselves_o even_o among_o the_o several_a heretical_a clan_n of_o those_o age_n for_o though_o they_o own_o artemon_n and_o paulus_n samosatenus_fw-la and_o photinus_n and_o arrius_n and_o aëtius_n etc._n etc._n for_o great_a and_o very_a orthodox_n man_n and_o the_o sole_a pillar_n of_o truth_n in_o those_o time_n yet_o neither_o do_v artemon_n agree_v with_o paulus_n nor_o paulus_n with_o photinus_n nor_o photinus_n with_o arrius_n or_o he_o with_o aëtius_n and_o the_o same_o writer_n call_v our_o socinian_n 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among_o themselves_o will_v admit_v of_o none_o to_o be_v in_o the_o right_n but_o such_o who_o and_o where_o they_o agree_v with_o they_o in_o the_o most_o singular_a and_o paradoxical_a opinion_n but_o if_o on_o the_o other_o side_n we_o admit_v that_o these_o father_n i_o have_v quote_v on_o this_o occasion_n have_v real_a opportunity_n of_o know_v the_o general_a sentiment_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n in_o their_o day_n and_o that_o they_o real_o do_v know_v they_o the_o result_n of_o that_o acknowledgement_n will_v be_v this_o either_o they_o be_v honest_a and_o faithful_a deliverer_n of_o the_o same_o catholic_n faith_n down_o to_o we_o or_o they_o be_v not_o if_o they_o be_v not_o honest_a and_o faithful_a in_o deliver_v down_o the_o true_a faith_n in_o their_o write_n then_o holy_a and_o zealous_a martyr_n and_o devout_a confessor_n must_v have_v prove_v themselves_o a_o pack_n of_o impudent_a
saint_n or_o pious_a man_n may_v have_v a_o surplusage_n of_o merit_n such_o as_o may_v not_o only_o serve_v themselves_o and_o their_o own_o necessity_n but_o accommodate_v other_o who_o be_v defective_a in_o themselves_o but_o it_o be_v yet_o a_o great_a madness_n to_o believe_v that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n have_v no_o merit_n and_o be_v able_a to_o purchase_v no_o pardon_n for_o our_o sin_n by_o his_o suffering_n or_o that_o by_o die_v for_o our_o sin_n he_o be_v unable_a to_o satisfy_v his_o father_n displeasure_n against_o sinner_n the_o mischief_n and_o falsehood_n of_o such_o opinion_n i_o have_v prove_v at_o large_a in_o the_o former_a part_n of_o this_o discourse_n yet_o god_n in_o his_o wisdom_n and_o for_o the_o trial_n of_o those_o who_o can_v adhere_v steadfast_o to_o the_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n be_v please_v to_o permit_v these_o error_n to_o be_v divulge_v and_o defend_v and_o propagate_v with_o a_o mischievous_a diligence_n by_o man_n of_o mighty_a name_n and_o interest_n who_o presume_v upon_o the_o present_a indulgence_n assume_v bold_o to_o vent_v and_o spread_v those_o poison_n they_o be_v force_v to_o conceal_v within_o their_o own_o breast_n before_o time_n be_v when_o by_o the_o just_a judgement_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o laodicean_n temper_v of_o the_o generality_n of_o christian_n arianism_n get_v strength_n and_o cloud_v all_o the_o native_a glory_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n it_o be_v then_o when_o as_o st._n hierome_n say_v the_o world_n stand_v in_o amaze_n to_o see_v itself_o grow_v arian_n at_o once_o god_n grant_v the_o plague_n of_o socinianism_n be_v not_o permit_v to_o infect_v the_o church_n of_o england_n with_o as_o fatal_a a_o success_n that_o those_o damnable_a heresy_n wherein_o the_o lord_n who_o buy_v we_o be_v deny_v gain_v not_o among_o we_o too_o many_o proselyte_n and_o patron_n too_o they_o have_v indeed_o their_o oily_a word_n their_o plausible_a argument_n their_o extraordinary_a pretence_n to_o morality_n and_o extremity_n of_o confidence_n yet_o can_v they_o never_o hope_v to_o prevail_v do_v they_o not_o observe_v the_o extreme_a debauchery_n and_o looseness_n of_o the_o age_n they_o consider_v the_o principle_n of_o solid_a religion_n as_o general_o slight_v the_o lazy_a humour_n of_o man_n as_o little_a careful_a to_o inquire_v into_o the_o nature_n of_o doctrine_n propound_v but_o ready_a either_o to_o sink_v into_o downright_a atheism_n or_o to_o take_v up_o with_o the_o first_o scheme_n of_o religion_n that_o may_v come_v to_o hand_n man_n aim_v more_o at_o eminence_n in_o what_o they_o abusive_o call_v wit_n than_o at_o serious_a piety_n and_o therefore_o subtle_a watchful_a heretic_n pretend_v only_o to_o reduce_v religion_n to_o the_o rule_n of_o reason_n i._n e._n of_o their_o own_o reason_n who_o have_v start_v so_o many_o impiety_n though_o the_o reason_n of_o all_o mankind_n beside_o themselves_o appear_v in_o contradiction_n to_o they_o as_o if_o a_o company_n of_o opinator_n who_o neither_o value_n their_o own_o nor_o other_o soul_n be_v to_o fix_v their_o particular_a sentiment_n as_o the_o only_a standard_n of_o sense_n and_o truth_n when_o indeed_o they_o have_v only_o the_o fucus_n of_o sophistry_n to_o make_v a_o show_n of_o easy_o observe_v by_o those_o who_o stand_v upon_o their_o watch_n and_o be_v willing_a to_o be_v certain_o convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o thing_n before_o they_o entertain_v they_o there_o be_v other_o beside_o papist_n who_o be_v only_a wolf_n in_o sheep_n clothing_n and_o by_o how_o much_o the_o more_o venerable_a name_n they_o assume_v to_o themselves_o by_o so_o much_o the_o more_o dangerous_a they_o be_v every_o man_n be_v ready_a to_o stand_v upon_o his_o guard_n if_o he_o fear_v be_v attack_v by_o a_o roman_a priest_n or_o by_o a_o pragmatic_n jesuit_n but_o who_o will_v suspect_v that_o any_o of_o those_o who_o pretend_v to_o tenderness_n of_o conscience_n and_o a_o superfineness_n in_o religious_a matter_n shall_v blaspheme_v god_n the_o son_n or_o god_n the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o will_v imagine_v that_o those_o who_o dare_v call_v themselves_o son_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n nay_o attendant_n at_o her_o altar_n she_o who_o particular_o declare_v against_o these_o very_a heresy_n in_o those_o article_n they_o be_v oblige_v to_o subscribe_v and_o to_o defend_v shall_v so_o affront_v their_o sacred_a mother_n and_o go_v about_o to_o seduce_v her_o child_n from_o her_o sound_n and_o wholesome_a doctrine_n but_o if_o apostolic_a time_n can_v be_v pester_v with_o such_o false_a teacher_n we_o may_v expect_v worse_a measure_n upon_o who_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n be_v come_v but_o above_o all_o what_o can_v be_v more_o astonish_a than_o that_o those_o who_o pretend_v so_o great_a good_a will_n to_o our_o zion_n shall_v charge_v the_o practice_n of_o our_o church_n in_o pray_v equal_o to_o god_n the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n and_o propose_v the_o creed_n of_o constantinople_n and_o that_o call_v by_o the_o name_n of_o st._n athanasius_n as_o guilty_a of_o popery_n and_o those_o thing_n as_o relic_n of_o that_o idolatrous_a religion_n popery_n be_v a_o hate_a name_n and_o those_o who_o will_v have_v any_o thing_n hate_v need_v to_o fix_v nothing_o more_o odious_a upon_o it_o but_o if_o it_o be_v popery_n to_o believe_v that_o our_o saviour_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n that_o he_o be_v god_n that_o by_o his_o suffering_n he_o have_v satisfy_v for_o our_o sin_n and_o now_o sit_v at_o the_o right-hand_a of_o his_o father_n make_v intercession_n for_o our_o sin_n god_n grant_v we_o may_v live_v and_o die_v in_o that_o faith_n since_o our_o case_n be_v such_o take_v heed_n how_o you_o hear_v or_o what_o you_o read_v let_v none_o deceive_v you_o with_o vain_a word_n you_o have_v hear_v and_o read_v the_o truth_n and_o if_o now_o or_o hereafter_o we_o or_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n preach_v any_o other_o gospel_n unto_o you_o than_o what_o we_o have_v preach_v in_o this_o particular_a let_v he_o be_v accurse_v and_o again_o let_v he_o be_v accurse_v amen_n finis_fw-la a_o table_n of_o the_o principal_a head_n in_o this_o discourse_n the_o design_n of_o the_o present_a discourse_n page_n 1_o socinian_n endeavour_n to_o change_v the_o text_n answer_v page_z 4_o a_o mystery_n what_o page_n 12_o doctrine_n may_v be_v mysterious_a though_o reveal_v page_z 13_o humane_a reason_n inquire_v into_o as_o use_v in_o religious_a matter_n 1._o it_o be_v original_a excellence_n page_n 19_o 2._o it_o be_v very_o much_o impair_v by_o man_n fall_n page_n 21_o 3._o it_o be_v yet_o sufficient_a to_o convince_v we_o of_o a_o general_a necessity_n of_o religion_n page_n 25_o 4._o well_o employ_v it_o meet_v with_o divine_a assistance_n page_n 32_o 5._o by_o exercise_n it_o grow_v more_o know_v and_o comprehensive_a page_n 38_o 6._o yet_o it_o be_v not_o complete_a till_o the_o future_a life_n be_v attain_v page_n 44_o deduction_n from_o thence_o 1._o god_n goodness_n to_o be_v admire_v because_o it_o continue_v we_o a_o discursive_a faculty_n useful_a towards_o salvation_n page_n 47_o 2._o we_o shall_v use_v our_o reason_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n with_o all_o humility_n and_o sobriety_n page_n 55_o the_o necessity_n of_o inquire_v into_o our_o lord_n divinity_n no_o breach_n upon_o that_o humility_n or_o sobriety_n page_n 63_o the_o text_n further_o explain_v and_o the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n prove_v not_o applicable_a to_o the_o gospel_n or_o god_n reveal_v will._n page_n 66_o not_o applicable_a to_o god_n the_o father_n page_n 68_o the_o true_a mean_v of_o the_o text_n with_o the_o subsequent_a instance_n lay_v down_o and_o apply_v to_o our_o saviour_n page_n 73_o and_o paraphrase_a page_n 79_o i._n the_o first_o position_n then_o lay_v down_o that_o the_o foundation_n of_o christianity_n be_v indisputable_o great_a and_o mysterious_a and_o that_o prove_v necessary_a 1._o by_o the_o world_n universal_a agreement_n that_o mystery_n both_o fundamental_a as_o to_o faith_n and_o external_o essential_a as_o to_o rite_n be_v necessary_a in_o religion_n page_n 83_o rite_n among_o the_o jew_n mystical_a by_o god_n appointment_n page_n 94_o those_o of_o the_o gentile_n the_o same_o natural_o page_n 96_o the_o first_o design_n and_o mystery_n of_o sacrifice_n page_n 98_o the_o devil_n imitate_v god_n and_o why_o page_n 107_o sacrifice_n yet_o not_o believe_v sufficient_a to_o appease_v heaven_n by_o any_o intrinsic_n but_o only_o by_o a_o relative_n virtue_n page_n 108_o our_o saviour_n intend_v not_o the_o abolition_n of_o every_o thing_n mysterious_a in_o religion_n page_n 113_o man_n sentiment_n about_o the_o true_a end_n of_o religion_n before_o our_o lord_n incarnation_n inquire_v into_o page_n 114_o those_o of_o the_o jew_n ibid._n those_o of_o the_o gentile_n page_n 119_o the_o end_n of_o religion_n
perceive_v well_o do_v this_o proceed_v from_o the_o difficulty_n and_o obscurity_n of_o what_o be_v preach_v no_o though_o he_o teach_v they_o in_o parable_n thing_n not_o obvious_a to_o every_o one_o their_o unhappiness_n proceed_v from_o another_o reason_n this_o people_n heart_n be_v wax_v gross_a and_o their_o ear_n be_v dull_a of_o hear_v and_o their_o eye_n they_o have_v close_v lest_o at_o any_o time_n they_o shall_v see_v with_o their_o eye_n and_o hear_v with_o their_o ear_n and_o shall_v understand_v with_o their_o heart_n and_o shall_v be_v convert_v and_o i_o shall_v heal_v they_o therefore_o he_o try_v to_o open_v their_o eye_n with_o miracle_n it_o be_v then_o but_o the_o dawn_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o man_n be_v not_o so_o easy_o wrought_v upon_o by_o clear_a reason_n and_o by_o earnest_a persuasion_n they_o be_v not_o the_o repeat_v tender_n of_o mercy_n nor_o threat_n of_o eternal_a damnation_n that_o can_v convince_v they_o of_o the_o necessity_n of_o obedience_n to_o and_o belief_n of_o that_o word_n which_o be_v divine_a and_o saving_n have_v not_o miracle_n be_v exhibit_v such_o who_o event_n they_o can_v give_v no_o account_n of_o to_o themselves_o or_o other_o in_o they_o therefore_o they_o can_v be_v content_a with_o that_o want_n of_o plainness_n which_o they_o know_v not_o how_o to_o satisfy_v themselves_o with_o before_o the_o force_n and_o convince_a power_n of_o miracle_n lay_v indeed_o whole_o in_o the_o inexplicability_n of_o their_o reason_n so_o long_o as_o janne_n and_o jambres_n can_v work_v wonder_n in_o appearance_n parallel_n with_o those_o of_o moses_n they_o believe_v he_o no_o messenger_n send_v from_o god_n but_o a_o cunning_a juggler_n like_o themselves_o and_o how_o they_o wrought_v such_o surprise_v wonder_n they_o know_v well_o enough_o but_o when_o moses_n have_v once_o outreach_v the_o utmost_a of_o their_o skill_n they_o who_o think_v themselves_o before_o unconquerable_a in_o juggle_a sleight_n and_o magic_a skill_n present_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o finger_n of_o god_n be_v there_o and_o begin_v to_o tremble_v at_o what_o they_o have_v deride_v before_o so_o when_o he_o that_o speak_v as_o never_o man_n speak_v can_v by_o no_o other_o argument_n convince_v the_o stubborn_a jew_n that_o he_o be_v their_o long_a expect_a messiah_n he_o bid_v they_o believe_v he_o for_o his_o very_a work_n sake_n nay_o and_o indulge_v they_o so_o far_o as_o to_o allow_v 15.24_o john_n 15.24_o that_o if_o he_o have_v not_o do_v among_o they_o the_o work_n which_o never_o man_n do_v they_o have_v have_v no_o sin_n and_o the_o pharisee_n be_v very_o sensible_a what_o advantage_n accrue_v to_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n by_o the_o miracle_n they_o do_v as_o appear_v by_o that_o question_n among_o they_o upon_o st._n peter_n heal_v the_o impotent_a man_n what_o shall_v we_o do_v to_o these_o man_n for_o that_o indeed_o a_o notable_a miracle_n have_v be_v do_v by_o they_o be_v manifest_a to_o all_o they_o that_o dwell_v at_o jerusalem_n 4.16_o act_n 4.16_o and_o we_o can_v deny_v it_o but_o we_o find_v not_o our_o saviour_n upon_o every_o miracle_n he_o do_v present_o give_v the_o jew_n a_o account_n how_o or_o by_o what_o power_n he_o do_v they_o but_o he_o leave_v they_o to_o make_v their_o conclusion_n from_o what_o they_o see_v and_o the_o apostle_n upon_o their_o examination_n before_o the_o jewish_a council_n only_a answer_n if_o we_o this_o day_n be_v examine_v of_o the_o good_a deed_n do_v to_o the_o impotent_a man_n by_o what_o mean_v he_o be_v make_v whole_a be_v it_o know_v unto_o you_o all_o and_o to_o the_o whole_a people_n of_o israel_n that_o by_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n christ_n of_o nazareth_n who_o you_o crucify_v 10._o act_n 4.9_o 10._o who_o god_n raise_v from_o the_o dead_a even_o by_o he_o do_v this_o man_n stand_v before_o you_o whole_a by_o which_o account_n they_o leave_v they_o but_o in_o a_o maze_n of_o mystery_n and_o wonder_n more_o inextricable_a than_o before_o but_o if_o the_o unwonted_a cure_n of_o distemper_n the_o ejection_n of_o devil_n the_o restauration_n of_o dead_a body_n to_o life_n can_v overawe_n the_o most_o obstinate_a stubbornness_n how_o much_o more_o must_v the_o mysterious_a subject_n of_o our_o faith_n the_o appearance_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n in_o our_o nature_n his_o suffer_a death_n for_o our_o redemption_n his_o resurrection_n and_o ascension_n up_o into_o glory_n truth_n of_o a_o more_o sublime_a and_o incomprehensible_a nature_n and_o confirm_v too_o by_o those_o very_a astonish_a miracle_n work_v man_n to_o a_o profound_a veneration_n of_o that_o religion_n ground_v upon_o they_o i_o will_v add_v that_o have_v it_o be_v possible_a for_o god_n so_o far_o to_o have_v lay_v aside_o his_o own_o immense_a glory_n that_o man_n may_v have_v see_v it_o full_o and_o with_o open_a face_n that_o they_o may_v have_v plain_o read_v how_o all_o those_o wonder_n of_o love_n and_o mercy_n have_v be_v wrought_v it_o will_v have_v be_v altogether_o unfit_a since_o the_o pride_n of_o man_n will_v have_v be_v apt_a to_o trample_v upon_o and_o despise_v the_o know_a cause_n of_o the_o most_o unexpected_a production_n it_o be_v necessary_a then_o that_o the_o fundamental_o of_o christ_n religion_n shall_v carry_v with_o they_o somewhat_o of_o that_o awful_a majesty_n inherent_a in_o its_o founder_n nor_o be_v this_o wisdom_n of_o god_n in_o a_o mystery_n to_o be_v lay_v open_a to_o scoff_a atheist_n or_o man_n only_o impertinent_o curious_a after_o novelty_n pearl_n be_v not_o to_o be_v cast_v before_o swine_n nor_o holy_a thing_n to_o dog_n the_o christian_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n be_v very_o strict_a in_o this_o respect_n insomuch_o that_o the_o gentile_n object_v it_o against_o they_o that_o they_o keep_v the_o very_a god_n they_o worship_v unknown_a to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n so_o caecilius_n in_o minutius_n foelix_fw-la very_o passionate_o what_o silly_a and_o absurd_a opinion_n say_v he_o do_v these_o christian_n take_v up_o when_o they_o will_v persuade_v we_o that_o god_n who_o they_o worship_v a_o something_o who_o they_o can_v neither_o see_v themselves_o nor_o show_v to_o any_o body_n else_o do_v strict_o examine_v the_o action_n manner_n word_n nay_o the_o very_a inmost_a thought_n of_o man_n and_o maximus_n madaurensis_fw-la in_o a_o more_o submissive_a style_n speak_v thus_o to_o the_o great_a st._n augustine_n show_v i_o now_o at_o length_n o_o thou_o wise_a of_o man_n what_o god_n it_o be_v you_o christian_n claim_v as_o you_o and_o who_o you_o own_o as_o present_v with_o you_o in_o your_o most_o private_a recess_n as_o for_o we_o we_o expose_v our_o god_n to_o public_a view_n and_o adore_v they_o and_o with_o offering_n of_o incense_n endeavour_n to_o reconcile_v they_o to_o we_o in_o the_o hear_n of_o all_o the_o world_n the_o ancient_a christian_n will_v neither_o discourse_v of_o the_o mystery_n of_o their_o faith_n nor_o of_o their_o sacramental_a symbol_n before_o ethnic_n who_o will_v then_o as_o the_o conceit_a socinian_o do_v now_o deride_v every_o thing_n they_o can_v not_o understand_v so_o lactantius_n speak_v of_o the_o resurrection_n a_o doctrine_n which_o christian_n ever_o own_a as_o a_o fundamental_a and_o which_o heathen_n think_v the_o most_o absurd_a and_o irrational_a principle_n in_o the_o world_n subjoin_v at_o last_o this_o be_v that_o doctrine_n of_o the_o prophet_n which_o we_o christian_n maintain_v this_o be_v our_o wisdom_n which_o idolatrous_a pretender_n to_o philosophy_n contemn_v as_o vain_a and_o silly_a because_o we_o make_v it_o no_o subject_n of_o our_o public_a disputation_n but_o god_n have_v command_v we_o that_o we_o shall_v peaceable_o and_o silent_o lay_v up_o his_o secret_n in_o our_o heart_n and_o conscience_n not_o pertinacious_o wrangle_v with_o profane_a person_n who_o violent_o oppose_v god_n and_o his_o religion_n not_o with_o a_o design_n to_o sift_v out_o the_o truth_n but_o to_o expose_v it_o to_o a_o public_a scorn_n nor_o ought_v the_o mystery_n to_o be_v discover_v by_o we_o especial_o who_o denominate_v ourselves_o from_o that_o faith_n nay_o even_o those_o who_o be_v convert_v to_o christianity_n be_v but_o gradual_o enter_v into_o these_o thing_n the_o catechumeni_fw-la and_o energumeni_fw-la be_v shut_v out_o of_o the_o church_n so_o soon_o as_o the_o sermon_n be_v do_v and_o not_o permit_v to_o be_v so_o much_o as_o spectator_n of_o the_o sacramental_a mystery_n from_o what_o have_v be_v hitherto_o discourse_v we_o may_v just_o conclude_v that_o since_o religion_n can_v have_v no_o part_n or_o interest_n ordinary_o in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n unless_o it_o be_v usher_v in_o by_o cause_n mysterious_a supernatural_a or_o in_o their_o full_a extent_n incomprehensible_a since_o our_o bless_a saviour_n by_o introduce_v his_o gospel_n into_o the_o world_n have_v not_o