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this_o proposition_n in_o they_o that_o the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n from_o the_o dead_a by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v a_o powerful_a demonstration_n that_o he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o it_o will_v conduce_v very_o much_o to_o the_o clear_n of_o this_o proposition_n to_o consider_v these_o two_o thing_n first_o upon_o what_o account_n christ_n as_o man_n be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n second_o in_o what_o sense_n he_o be_v say_v to_o be_v declare_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n by_o his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a the_o consideration_n of_o these_o two_o particular_n will_n full_o clear_v this_o proposition_n and_o the_o apostle_n mean_v in_o it_o first_o upon_o what_o account_n christ_n as_o man_n be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o for_o our_o right_a apprehension_n of_o this_o matter_n it_o be_v very_o well_o worthy_a our_o observation_n that_o christ_n as_o man_n be_v not_o where_o in_o scripture_n say_v 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and_o then_o at_o his_o resurrection_n when_o after_o his_o death_n he_o be_v by_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n raise_v to_o life_n again_o now_o upon_o these_o two_o account_n only_o christ_n as_o man_n be_v say_v in_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n he_o be_v real_o so_o upon_o account_n of_o his_o conception_n but_o this_o be_v secret_a and_o invisible_a but_o most_o eminent_o and_o remarkable_o so_o upon_o account_n of_o his_o resurrection_n which_o be_v open_a and_o visible_a to_o all_o 1._o upon_o account_n of_o his_o conception_n by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o upon_o this_o account_n he_o be_v call_v the_o son_n of_o god_n st._n luke_n most_o express_o tell_v we_o luke_n 1.35_o where_o the_o
work_n not_o to_o be_v do_v without_o the_o assistance_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o there_o be_v little_a reason_n to_o expect_v that_o god_n will_v afford_v his_o grace_n to_o those_o who_o reject_v and_o despise_v the_o counsel_n of_o his_o word_n the_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n contain_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o the_o promise_n and_o threaten_n of_o god_n word_n be_v the_o ordinary_a mean_n which_o god_n have_v appoint_v for_o the_o conversion_n of_o man_n and_o to_o bring_v they_o to_o repentance_n and_o if_o we_o sincere_o use_v these_o mean_n we_o may_v confident_o expect_v the_o concurrence_n of_o god_n grace_n to_o make_v they_o effectual_a but_o if_o we_o neglect_v and_o resist_v these_o mean_n in_o confidence_n that_o god_n shall_v attempt_v our_o recovery_n by_o some_o extraordinary_a way_n though_o he_o shall_v gratify_v our_o presumptuous_a and_o unreasonable_a curiosity_n so_o far_o as_o to_o send_v one_o from_o the_o dead_a to_o testify_v unto_o we_o yet_o 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those_o who_o obstinate_o reject_v a_o clear_a and_o public_a revelation_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v effectual_o convince_v and_o bring_v to_o repentance_n by_o any_o apparition_n from_o the_o dead_a i_o shall_v only_o make_v two_o or_o three_o inference_n from_o this_o discourse_n which_o i_o have_v make_v and_o so_o conclude_v 1_o st_o since_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o public_a and_o stand_a revelation_n of_o god_n will_n to_o man_n and_o the_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o salvation_n we_o may_v hence_o conclude_v that_o people_n ought_v to_o have_v they_o in_o such_o a_o language_n as_o they_o can_v understand_v this_o our_o saviour_n plain_o suppose_v in_o the_o discourse_n which_o he_o represent_v between_o abraham_n and_o the_o rich_a man_n desire_v that_o lazarus_n may_v be_v send_v from_o the_o dead_a to_o his_o brethren_n to_o testify_v unto_o they_o to_o which_o request_n abraham_n will_v not_o have_v give_v this_o answer_n and_o advice_n they_o have_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n let_v they_o hear_v they_o have_v he_o suppose_v that_o the_o scripture_n than_o be_v or_o for_o the_o future_a aught_o to_o be_v lock_v up_o from_o the_o people_n in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n for_o the_o rich_a man_n may_v very_o well_o have_v reply_v nay_o father_n abraham_n but_o they_o be_v not_o permit_v to_o have_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n in_o such_o a_o language_n as_o they_o can_v understand_v and_o therefore_o there_o be_v more_o need_n why_o one_o shall_v be_v send_v from_o the_o dead_a to_o testify_v unto_o they_o nor_o will_v abraham_n have_v say_v again_o if_o they_o hear_v not_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n neither_o will_v they_o be_v persuade_v for_o how_o shall_v man_n hear_v what_o they_o can_v understand_v so_o as_o to_o be_v persuade_v by_o it_o it_o be_v evident_a then_o that_o our_o saviour_n according_a to_o the_o reason_v of_o this_o parable_n take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v the_o stand_n and_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o bring_v man_n to_o faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o that_o the_o people_n be_v to_o have_v the_o free_a use_n of_o they_o but_o since_o our_o saviour_n time_n the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v find_v a_o mighty_a inconvenience_n in_o this_o and_o therefore_o have_v take_v the_o scripture_n out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o people_n they_o will_v not_o now_o let_v they_o have_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n the_o gospel_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o the_o write_n of_o his_o apostle_n because_o they_o be_v real_o afraid_a they_o shall_v hear_v they_o and_o by_o hear_v of_o they_o be_v convince_v and_o persuade_v of_o the_o error_n and_o corruption_n of_o their_o church_n but_o instead_o of_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n they_o have_v put_v into_o their_o hand_n a_o legend_n of_o famous_a apparition_n of_o man_n from_o the_o dead_a testify_v unto_o they_o concern_v purgatory_n and_o transubstantiation_n and_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o bless_a virgin_n and_o the_o saint_n and_o the_o great_a benefit_n and_o refreshment_n which_o soul_n in_o purgatory_n have_v by_o the_o indulgence_n of_o the_o pope_n and_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o live_n put_v up_o to_o saint_n and_o angel_n on_o their_o behalf_n so_o that_o in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n quite_o contrary_a to_o our_o saviour_n method_n man_n be_v persuade_v of_o their_o religion_n of_o their_o new_a article_n of_o faith_n and_o way_n of_o worship_n not_o by_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n not_o by_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n for_o they_o every_o where_n testify_v against_o they_o but_o by_o absurd_a romance_n and_o ill-contrived_a fiction_n of_o apparition_n from_o the_o dead_a i_o will_v dismiss_v this_o matter_n with_o this_o one_o observation_n that_o however_o interest_v and_o confident_a man_n may_v set_v a_o bold_a face_n upon_o any_o thing_n yet_o it_o can_v to_o considerate_a man_n but_o seem_v a_o very_a hard_a case_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o salvation_n to_o be_v have_v out_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o yet_o the_o ordinary_a and_o in_o our_o saviour_n judgement_n the_o most_o effectual_a mean_n of_o salvation_n be_v not_o to_o be_v have_v in_o it_o but_o i_o pass_v from_o this_o to_o that_o which_o do_v more_o immediate_o concern_v our_o practice_n 2_o dly_z let_v we_o hear_v and_o obey_v that_o public_a revelation_n of_o god_n will_n which_o in_o so_o much_o mercy_n to_o mankind_n he_o have_v be_v please_v to_o afford_v to_o we_o this_o be_v a_o inestimable_a privilege_n and_o advantage_n which_o the_o world_n in_o many_o age_n be_v destitute_a of_o have_v no_o other_o guide_n to_o conduct_v they_o to_o eternal_a happiness_n but_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o some_o particular_a revelation_n which_o now_o and_o then_o god_n be_v please_v to_o make_v of_o his_o will_n to_o man_n but_o now_o god_n have_v set_v up_o a_o great_a and_o stand_a light_n in_o the_o world_n the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o by_o the_o gospel_n of_o his_o bless_a son_n have_v give_v the_o knowledge_n of_o salvation_n to_o all_o man_n for_o the_o remission_n of_o their_o sin_n through_o the_o tender_a mercy_n of_o god_n whereby_o the_o dayspring_n from_o on_o high_a have_v visit_v we_o to_o give_v light_n to_o they_o that_o sit_v in_o darkness_n and_o in_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n and_o to_o guide_v our_o foot_n into_o the_o way_n of_o peace_n to_o convince_v we_o of_o the_o error_n of_o our_o way_n and_o to_o direct_v we_o in_o our_o duty_n we_o upon_o who_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n be_v come_v do_v enjoy_v all_o the_o advantage_n of_o divine_a revelation_n which_o the_o world_n ever_o have_v and_o as_o great_a as_o the_o world_n ever_o shall_v have_v god_n in_o these_o last_o day_n have_v speak_v unto_o we_o by_o his_o son_n and_o if_o we_o will_v not_o hear_v he_o god_n will_v employ_v no_o other_o extraordinary_a prophet_n and_o messenger_n to_o we_o if_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n so_o clear_o reveal_v from_o heaven_n by_o the_o gospel_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n against_o all_o ungodliness_n and_o unrighteousness_n of_o man_n if_o the_o terror_n of_o the_o great_a day_n and_o the_o fear_n of_o eternal_a torment_n if_o the_o dreadful_a suffering_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n for_o our_o sin_n and_o the_o merciful_a offer_n of_o pardon_n and_o reconciliation_n in_o his_o blood_n and_o the_o glorious_a hope_n of_o eternal_a life_n and_o happiness_n will_v not_o prevail_v with_o we_o to_o leave_v our_o sin_n and_o to_o amend_v our_o life_n we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o expect_v that_o god_n shall_v use_v any_o far_a mean_n to_o reclaim_v we_o that_o he_o shall_v ever_o make_v any_o more_o attempt_n for_o our_o recovery_n and_o therefore_o 3_o dly_a and_o last_o those_o who_o be_v
both_o in_o jerusalem_n and_o in_o all_o judea_n and_o in_o samaria_n and_o unto_o the_o uttermost_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n but_o see_v the_o strange_a power_n of_o prejudice_n to_o blind_v the_o eye_n even_o of_o good_a man_n in_o the_o plain_a matter_n the_o disciple_n of_o our_o saviour_n for_o all_o they_o have_v entertain_v a_o new_a religion_n yet_o they_o retain_v the_o old_a pride_n and_o prejudice_n of_o their_o nation_n against_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n as_o if_o none_o but_o themselves_o have_v any_o share_n in_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n or_o be_v to_o have_v any_o part_n in_o the_o salvation_n of_o the_o messiah_n our_o saviour_n do_v so_o far_o consider_v this_o prejudice_n of_o they_o that_o he_o never_o in_o his_o life_n time_n acquaint_v they_o with_o this_o matter_n so_o as_o to_o make_v they_o full_o to_o understand_v it_o because_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o bear_v it_o and_o it_o be_v very_o probable_a that_o this_o be_v one_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o our_o saviour_n mean_v john_n 16.12_o 13._o i_o have_v yet_o many_o thing_n to_o say_v unto_o you_o but_o you_o can_v bear_v they_o now_o howbeit_o when_v the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n be_v come_v he_o will_v guide_v you_o into_o all_o truth_n that_o be_v he_o shall_v lead_v they_o into_o the_o knowledge_n of_o those_o truth_n of_o which_o they_o be_v not_o then_o capable_a and_o though_o our_o saviour_n after_o his_o resurrection_n seem_v to_o have_v declare_v this_o sufficient_o to_o they_o yet_o by_o their_o practice_n after_o his_o ascension_n it_o appear_v that_o they_o understand_v all_o this_o only_a of_o the_o jew_n namely_o that_o they_o be_v to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n first_o to_o the_o jew_n that_o be_v at_o jerusalem_n and_o in_o judea_n and_o then_o to_o those_o that_o be_v disperse_v in_o other_o nation_n for_o it_o be_v clear_a from_o the_o history_n of_o their_o first_o preach_v record_v in_o the_o act_n that_o they_o preach_v to_o none_o but_o to_o the_o jew_n and_o the_o proselyte_n of_o the_o jewish_a religion_n so_o strong_a be_v their_o prejudice_n that_o they_o have_v not_o the_o least_o suspicion_n that_o this_o blessing_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v intend_v for_o the_o heathen_a world_n nor_o be_v they_o convince_v to_o the_o contrary_n till_o st._n peter_n have_v a_o special_a vision_n and_o revelation_n to_o this_o purpose_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n come_v upon_o the_o gentile_n in_o miraculous_a gift_n as_o he_o have_v do_v before_o upon_o the_o jew_n that_o be_v convert_v to_o christianity_n and_o thus_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n lead_v they_o into_o this_o truth_n and_o then_o they_o understand_v this_o command_n of_o our_o saviour_n in_o a_o large_a sense_n and_o to_o this_o st._n peter_n plain_o refer_v act_v 10.42_o where_o he_o tell_v we_o how_o that_o christ_n after_o his_o resurrection_n appear_v to_o they_o and_o command_v they_o to_o preach_v unto_o the_o people_n so_o likewise_o do_v paul_n and_o barnabas_n act_v 13.46_o where_o they_o speak_v thus_o to_o the_o jew_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o the_o word_n shall_v first_o be_v preach_v to_o you_o but_o see_v you_o put_v it_o from_o you_o lo_o we_o turn_v to_o the_o gentile_n for_o so_o have_v the_o lord_n command_v we_o now_o he_o not_o where_o command_v this_o but_o in_o this_o commission_n which_o he_o give_v they_o before_o his_o ascension_n second_o you_o have_v here_o a_o particular_a declaration_n how_o they_o be_v to_o manage_v this_o work_n of_o make_v disciple_n to_o the_o christian_a religion_n 1._o by_o baptise_v they_o into_o the_o chrstian_a faith_n 2._o by_o instruct_v they_o in_o the_o precept_n and_o practice_n of_o a_o christian_a life_n 1._o by_o baptise_v they_o into_o the_o christian_a faith_n which_o be_v here_o call_v baptise_v they_o into_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n and_o of_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n baptism_n be_v a_o solemn_a rite_n appoint_v by_o our_o saviour_n for_o the_o initiate_a of_o person_n into_o the_o christian_a religion_n but_o it_o be_v a_o ceremony_n in_o use_n before_o both_o among_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n the_o heathen_a observe_v it_o at_o the_o initiate_a person_n into_o their_o religious_a mystery_n and_o the_o jew_n when_o they_o admit_v proselyte_n to_o their_o religion_n at_o which_o time_n the_o male_n as_o maimonides_n tell_v we_o be_v both_o circumcise_v and_o baptize_v the_o woman_n be_v only_o baptize_v one_o circumstance_n of_o the_o baptism_n of_o grow_v person_n be_v that_o stand_v in_o the_o water_n up_o to_o the_o neck_n they_o recite_v several_a precept_n of_o the_o law_n and_o as_o the_o jewish_a writer_n further_a tell_v we_o this_o ceremony_n do_v not_o only_o belong_v to_o they_o that_o be_v of_o grow_v year_n but_o to_o the_o child_n of_o proselyte_n if_o it_o be_v desire_v upon_o condition_n that_o when_o they_o come_v to_o year_n they_o shall_v continue_v in_o that_o religion_n now_o though_o this_o be_v a_o religious_a ceremony_n use_v both_o by_o jew_n and_o gentile_n and_o without_o any_o divine_a institution_n that_o we_o know_v of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n who_o in_o none_o of_o his_o institution_n seem_v to_o have_v favour_v unnecessary_a innovation_n be_v so_o far_o from_o the_o superstition_n of_o decline_v it_o upon_o this_o account_n that_o it_o have_v be_v in_o religious_a use_n both_o among_o jew_n and_o gentile_n that_o he_o seem_v the_o rather_o to_o have_v choose_v it_o for_o that_o very_a reason_n for_o see_v it_o be_v a_o common_a rite_n of_o all_o religion_n and_o in_o itself_o very_o significant_a of_o that_o purity_n which_o be_v the_o great_a design_n of_o all_o religion_n it_o be_v the_o more_o likely_a to_o find_v the_o easy_a acceptance_n and_o to_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o that_o which_o he_o intend_v to_o be_v the_o universal_a religion_n of_o the_o world_n as_o for_o the_o form_n of_o baptism_n into_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n of_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n it_o plain_o refer_v to_o that_o short_a creed_n or_o profession_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v require_v of_o those_o that_o be_v to_o be_v baptize_v answerable_a to_o the_o recite_v of_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o law_n at_o the_o baptise_v of_o proselyte_n among_o the_o jew_n now_o the_o article_n of_o this_o creed_n be_v reduce_v to_o these_o three_o head_n of_o the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n and_o contain_v what_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v concern_v each_o of_o these_o and_o this_o probable_o be_v that_o which_o the_o apostle_n call_v the_o doctrine_n of_o baptism_n heb._n 6.2_o viz._n a_o short_a summary_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n the_o profession_n whereof_o be_v to_o be_v make_v at_o baptism_n of_o which_o the_o most_o ancient_a father_n make_v so_o frequent_a mention_n call_v it_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n it_o be_v a_o great_a while_n indeed_o before_o christian_n tie_v themselves_o strict_o to_o that_o very_a form_n of_o word_n which_o we_o now_o call_v the_o apostle_n creed_n but_o the_o sense_n be_v the_o same_o though_o every_o one_o express_v it_o in_o his_o own_o word_n nay_o the_o same_o father_n recite_v it_o upon_o several_a occasion_n do_v not_o confine_v himself_o to_o the_o very_a same_o expression_n a_o plain_a indication_n that_o they_o be_v not_o then_o strict_o bind_v up_o to_o any_o form_n of_o word_n but_o retain_v the_o sense_n and_o substance_n of_o the_o article_n every_o one_o express_v they_o as_o he_o please_v so_o that_o to_o baptize_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n and_o of_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v to_o perform_v this_o rite_n or_o sacrament_n by_o the_o authority_n of_o and_o with_o special_a relation_n to_o the_o three_o person_n of_o the_o bless_a trinity_n father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n as_o the_o chief_a object_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n whereof_o solemn_a profession_n be_v then_o make_v so_o that_o upon_o this_o form_n in_o baptism_n appoint_v by_o our_o saviour_n compare_v with_o what_o be_v elsewhere_o say_v in_o scripture_n concern_v the_o divinity_n of_o the_o son_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v principal_o found_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o bless_a trinity_n i_o mean_v in_o that_o simplicity_n in_o which_o the_o scripture_n have_v deliver_v it_o and_o not_o as_o it_o have_v be_v since_o confound_v and_o entangle_v in_o the_o cobweb_n and_o nicety_n of_o the_o school_n the_o scripture_n indeed_o no_o where_n call_v they_o person_n but_o speak_v of_o they_o as_o we_o do_v of_o several_a person_n and_o therefore_o that_o word_n be_v not_o unfit_o use_v to_o express_v the_o difference_n between_o they_o or_o at_o least_o we_o do_v not_o know_v a_o fit_a word_n for_o that_o purpose_n by_o baptise_v then_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o
the_o mediation_n of_o angel_n seem_v not_o to_o be_v true_a for_o st._n stephen_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o law_n be_v give_v by_o the_o disposition_n of_o angel_n act_n 7.53_o and_o st._n paul_n that_o it_o be_v ordain_v by_o the_o angel_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o mediator_n that_o be_v moses_n gal._n 3.19_o but_o that_o the_o revelation_n which_o be_v make_v to_o he_o have_v some_o singular_a prerogative_n above_o those_o of_o other_o prophet_n be_v plain_a from_o scripture_n numb_a 12.5_o 6_o 7_o 8_o when_o aaron_n and_o miriam_n contend_v with_o moses_n as_o be_v equal_a to_o he_o god_n tell_v they_o that_o there_o be_v a_o vast_a difference_n between_o he_o and_o other_o prophet_n hear_v now_o my_o word_n if_o there_o be_v a_o prophet_n among_o you_o i_o the_o lord_n will_v make_v myself_o know_v unto_o he_o in_o a_o vision_n and_o will_v speak_v unto_o he_o in_o a_o dream_n my_o servant_n moses_n be_v not_o so_o with_o he_o will_v i_o speak_v mouth_n to_o mouth_n even_o apparent_o and_o not_o in_o dark_a speech_n etc._n etc._n ex._n 33.11_o and_o the_o lord_n speak_v unto_o moses_n face_n to_o face_n as_o a_o man_n speak_v unto_o his_o friend_n deut._n 34.10_o and_o there_o arise_v not_o a_o prophet_n since_o in_o israel_n like_v unto_o moses_n who_o the_o lord_n know_v face_n to_o face_n all_o which_o signify_v at_o least_o this_o that_o god_n make_v the_o clear_a and_o most_o familiar_a and_o most_o perfect_a discovery_n to_o moses_n of_o any_o of_o the_o prophet_n only_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n by_o who_o god_n have_v discover_v his_o will_n to_o we_o under_o the_o new_a testament_n do_v excel_v moses_n moses_n be_v but_o a_o faithful_a servant_n that_o be_v humilis_fw-la amicus_fw-la a_o mean_a sort_n of_o friend_n but_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n the_o only_o beget_v son_n of_o god_n who_o come_v from_o the_o bosom_n of_o his_o father_n and_o be_v intimate_o acquaint_v with_o the_o secret_n of_o his_o will_n and_o have_v not_o the_o spirit_n give_v he_o by_o measure_n but_o the_o most_o plentiful_a effusion_n of_o it_o be_v anoint_v above_o his_o fellow_n now_o these_o be_v the_o several_a sort_n and_o degree_n of_o revelation_n which_o god_n have_v make_v of_o himself_o to_o the_o world_n the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v a_o system_n or_o collection_n of_o these_o the_o authentic_a instrument_n or_o record_n by_o which_o the_o thing_n reveal_v any_o of_o these_o way_n be_v transmit_v to_o we_o and_o be_v therefore_o call_v the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o contain_v those_o thing_n which_o god_n in_o several_a age_n have_v speak_v to_o the_o world_n that_o be_v matter_n of_o divine_a revelation_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v know_v by_o man_n in_o order_n to_o their_o eternal_a happiness_n and_o this_o be_v now_o the_o great_a and_o stand_a revelation_n of_o god_n which_o be_v to_o continue_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n i_o intend_v to_o limit_v my_o discourse_n sole_o to_o this_o as_o be_v the_o only_a revelation_n which_o we_o be_v concern_v to_o inquire_v after_o and_o therefore_o in_o the_o 3_o d_o place_n to_o show_v you_o what_o advantage_n this_o stand_a revelation_n of_o the_o scripture_n have_v above_o private_a revelation_n make_v to_o particular_a person_n and_o frequent_o repeat_v and_o renew_v in_o several_a age_n that_o so_o it_o may_v appear_v both_o agreeable_a to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n to_o settle_v revelation_n in_o this_o way_n as_o be_v more_o commodious_a and_o likewise_o to_o his_o goodness_n it_o be_v a_o real_a privilege_n which_o these_o late_a age_n of_o the_o world_n enjoy_v that_o they_o have_v a_o more_o fix_v and_o certain_a way_n of_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o will_n of_o god_n than_o those_o age_n have_v which_o be_v govern_v by_o such_o private_a revelation_n as_o be_v now_o and_o then_o make_v to_o particular_a person_n and_o the_o advantage_n be_v these_o 1._o it_o be_v a_o more_o certain_a way_n of_o conveyance_n of_o thing_n and_o more_o secure_a and_o free_a from_o imposture_n suppose_v a_o revelation_n make_v to_o a_o particular_a person_n which_o be_v of_o general_a concernment_n that_o this_o may_v have_v a_o general_a and_o last_a effect_n he_o must_v impart_v it_o to_o other_o as_o many_o as_o he_o can_v and_o give_v they_o the_o best_a assurance_n he_o can_v of_o it_o and_o these_o must_v relate_v it_o to_o other_o and_o so_o it_o must_v pass_v from_o hand_n to_o hand_n to_o be_v deliver_v from_o parent_n to_o their_o child_n now_o this_o way_n of_o convey_v a_o revelation_n by_o oral_a report_n must_v needs_o be_v liable_a to_o many_o uncertainty_n both_o by_o involuntary_a mistake_v through_o weakness_n of_o memory_n or_o understanding_n and_o wilful_a falsification_n and_o imposture_n out_o of_o malice_n and_o design_n so_o that_o the_o effect_n of_o a_o unrecorded_a revelation_n can_v neither_o be_v large_a nor_o last_v it_o can_v but_o reach_v a_o few_o person_n and_o continue_v a_o little_a while_n in_o its_o full_a credibility_n and_o the_o further_a it_o go_v the_o weak_a like_o circle_n make_v in_o water_n which_o the_o more_o they_o enlarge_v themselves_o and_o the_o long_o they_o continue_v the_o less_o discernible_a they_o be_v till_o at_o length_n they_o quite_o disappear_v whereas_o be_v once_o record_v by_o person_n secure_v from_o error_n by_o supernatural_a and_o divine_a assistance_n they_o be_v not_o liable_a to_o those_o easy_a falsification_n or_o mistake_v which_o traditional_a report_n and_o relation_n be_v necessary_o through_o human_a malice_n or_o weakness_n liable_a to_o 2._o it_o be_v a_o more_o general_a and_o universal_a way_n of_o conveyance_n which_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o common_a experience_n of_o the_o world_n who_o have_v pitch_v upon_o this_o way_n of_o write_v thing_n in_o book_n as_o that_o which_o do_v most_o easy_o convey_v the_o knowledge_n and_o notice_n of_o thing_n to_o the_o generality_n of_o men._n 3._o it_o be_v a_o more_o uniform_a way_n of_o conveyance_n that_o be_v thing_n that_o be_v once_o write_v and_o propagate_v that_o way_n lie_v equal_o open_a to_o all_o and_o come_v in_o a_o manner_n with_o equal_a credit_n to_o all_o it_o be_v not_o moral_o possible_a that_o a_o common_a book_n that_o pass_v through_o all_o hand_n and_o which_o be_v of_o vast_a importance_n and_o concernment_n shall_v be_v liable_a to_o any_o material_a corruption_n without_o a_o general_a conspiracy_n and_o agreement_n which_o can_v be_v but_o that_o it_o must_v be_v general_o know_v so_o that_o consider_v the_o commonness_n and_o universal_a concernment_n of_o this_o book_n of_o the_o scripture_n all_o man_n be_v in_o a_o manner_n equal_o that_o be_v every_o man_n be_v sufficient_o and_o competent_o assure_v of_o the_o credit_n of_o it_o that_o be_v that_o we_o be_v not_o in_o any_o material_a thing_n impose_v upon_o by_o false_a copy_n but_o in_o traditional_a revelation_n it_o be_v quite_o otherwise_o traditional_a be_v a_o very_a unequal_a and_o ununiform_a way_n of_o conveyance_n for_o see_v it_o may_v be_v of_o general_a concernment_n and_o all_o can_v have_v it_o at_o the_o first_o hand_n that_o be_v immediate_o from_o he_o to_o who_o it_o be_v make_v but_o some_o at_o the_o second_o other_o at_o the_o three_o four_o or_o five_o hand_n or_o much_o further_o off_o the_o credit_n of_o it_o will_v be_v necessary_o weaken_v by_o every_o remove_n a_o report_n that_o come_v through_o many_o hand_n be_v like_o the_o argument_n we_o call_v induction_n and_o as_o the_o strength_n and_o goodness_n of_o that_o depend_v upon_o the_o truth_n of_o every_o one_o of_o those_o instance_n that_o make_v it_o up_o so_o that_o if_o any_o of_o they_o fail_v the_o whole_a argument_n be_v naught_o so_o the_o credit_n of_o a_o report_n that_o pass_v through_o twenty_o hand_n depend_v upon_o the_o integrity_n and_o sufficiency_n of_o all_o the_o relator_n and_o whatever_o there_o be_v either_o of_o falsehood_n and_o malice_n or_o of_o incapacity_n of_o understanding_n or_o frailty_n of_o memory_n in_o any_o of_o the_o relator_n so_o much_o weakness_n be_v derive_v into_o the_o report_n or_o testimony_n and_o consequent_o the_o assurance_n which_o we_o can_v have_v of_o a_o private_a revelation_n which_o be_v deliver_v traditional_o through_o a_o great_a many_o person_n must_v needs_o be_v very_o unequal_a 4._o it_o be_v a_o more_o last_a way_n of_o conveyance_n which_o likewise_o appear_v by_o experience_n we_o have_v now_o nothing_o at_o all_o of_o the_o history_n of_o ancient_a time_n but_o what_o be_v convey_v down_o to_o we_o in_o write_v 5._o it_o be_v a_o more_o human_a way_n of_o conveyance_n which_o require_v less_o of_o miracle_n and_o supernatural_a interposition_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o it_o this_o book_n of_o the_o scripture_n may_v with_o ordinary_a
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in_o his_o course_n the_o light_n of_o god_n word_n be_v offensive_a to_o he_o and_o therefore_o he_o will_v shut_v it_o out_o this_o account_n our_o bless_a saviour_n give_v of_o the_o enmity_n of_o the_o jew_n against_o he_o and_o his_o doctrine_n john_n 3.19_o light_n be_v come_v into_o the_o world_n and_o man_n love_v darkness_n rather_o than_o light_v because_o their_o deed_n be_v evil_a for_o every_o one_o that_o do_v evil_a hate_v the_o light_n neither_o come_v he_o to_o the_o light_n lest_o his_o deed_n shall_v be_v reprove_v upon_o the_o same_o account_v it_o be_v that_o man_n resist_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n not_o because_o they_o have_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o doubt_v of_o their_o divine_a authority_n but_o because_o they_o be_v unwilling_a to_o be_v govern_v by_o they_o and_o to_o conform_v their_o life_n to_o the_o law_n and_o precept_n of_o that_o holy_a book_n for_o the_o will_n of_o man_n have_v a_o great_a influence_n upon_o their_o 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and_o gain_v say_v people_n so_o that_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o say_v which_o be_v more_o prodigious_a the_o wonder_n which_o god_n wrought_v for_o they_o or_o their_o rebellion_n against_o he_o and_o when_o in_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n the_o son_n of_o god_n come_v and_o do_v among_o they_o the_o work_n which_o never_o man_n do_v such_o as_o one_o will_v have_v think_v may_v have_v bring_v the_o worst_a people_n in_o the_o world_n to_o repentance_n those_o of_o tyre_n and_o sydon_n of_o sodom_n and_o gomorrah_n yet_o they_o repent_v not_o yea_o the_o very_a thing_n which_o the_o rich_a man_n here_o in_o my_o text_n request_v of_o abraham_n for_o his_o brethren_n be_v do_v among_o they_o lazarus_n do_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o testify_v unto_o they_o and_o they_o be_v not_o persuade_v and_o which_o be_v yet_o more_o our_o saviour_n himself_o according_a to_o his_o own_o prediction_n while_o he_o be_v alive_a rise_v again_o from_o the_o dead_a the_o three_o day_n and_o be_v visible_o take_v up_o into_o heaven_n and_o yet_o how_o few_o among_o they_o do_v believe_v and_o give_v glory_n to_o god_n so_o that_o we_o see_v the_o very_a thing_n here_o speak_v of_o in_o the_o text_n make_v good_a in_o a_o famous_a instance_n they_o who_o believe_v not_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n which_o testify_v of_o the_o messiah_n be_v not_o persuade_v when_o he_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o do_v not_o our_o own_o experience_n tell_v we_o how_o little_a effect_n the_o extraordinary_a providence_n of_o god_n have_v have_v upon_o those_o who_o be_v not_o reclaim_v by_o his_o word_n it_o be_v not_o long_o since_o god_n show_v himself_o among_o we_o by_o terrible_a thing_n in_o righteousness_n and_o visit_v we_o with_o three_o of_o his_o sore_a judgement_n war_n and_o pestilence_n and_o fire_n and_o yet_o how_o do_v all_o manner_n of_o wickedness_n and_o impiety_n still_o reign_n and_o rage_n among_o we_o it_o be_v a_o very_a sad_a consideration_n to_o see_v how_o little_a those_o who_o have_v outlive_v these_o plague_n have_v be_v reform_v by_o they_o we_o have_v not_o return_v to_o the_o lord_n nor_o seek_v he_o for_o all_o this_o i_o may_v appeal_v to_o the_o experience_n of_o particular_a person_n how_o frequent_o do_v we_o see_v man_n after_o great_a affliction_n and_o tedious_a suffering_n and_o dangerous_a sickness_n return_v to_o their_o former_a evil_a course_n and_o though_o they_o have_v be_v upon_o the_o brink_n of_o eternity_n and_o the_o terror_n of_o death_n have_v compass_v they_o about_o and_o the_o pain_n of_o hell_n have_v almost_o take_v hold_n of_o they_o though_o they_o have_v have_v as_o lively_a and_o sensible_a conviction_n of_o another_o world_n as_o if_o they_o have_v speak_v with_o those_o that_o have_v come_v from_o thence_o or_o even_o be_v there_o themselves_o yet_o they_o have_v take_v no_o warning_n but_o upon_o their_o deliverance_n and_o recovery_n have_v be_v as_o mad_a as_o furious_a sinner_n as_o they_o be_v before_o so_o that_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v no_o such_o wonder_n to_o we_o which_o the_o text_n tell_v we_o that_o if_o man_n hear_v not_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n neither_o will_v they_o be_v persuade_v though_o one_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a especial_o if_o we_o consider_v in_o the_o 5_o the_o and_o last_v place_n that_o a_o effectual_a persuasion_n that_o be_v such_o a_o belief_n as_o produce_v repentance_n and_o a_o good_a life_n be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n and_o depend_v upon_o the_o operation_n and_o concurrence_n of_o his_o grace_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v in_o a_o extraordinary_a way_n where_o man_n have_v obstinate_o reject_v the_o ordinary_a mean_n appoint_v by_o god_n for_o that_o end_n to_o be_v effectual_o persuade_v to_o change_v our_o life_n and_o become_v new_a man_n be_v a_o
he_o to_o show_v they_o a_o sign_n from_o heaven_n it_o seem_v they_o expect_v that_o god_n shall_v give_v some_o immediate_a testimony_n to_o he_o from_o heaven_n as_o he_o do_v to_o elias_n when_o fire_n come_v down_o from_o heaven_n and_o consume_v his_o enemy_n and_o particular_o they_o expect_v that_o when_o he_o be_v upon_o the_o cross_n if_o he_o be_v the_o true_a messiah_n he_o shall_v have_v come_v down_o and_o save_v himself_o and_o because_o he_o do_v not_o answer_v their_o expectation_n in_o this_o they_o conclude_v he_o a_o impostor_n now_o what_o can_v be_v more_o unreasonable_a when_o he_o have_v wrought_v so_o many_o other_o and_o great_a miracle_n perverse_o to_o insist_v upon_o some_o particular_a kind_n of_o miracle_n which_o they_o fancy_v as_o if_o god_n be_v bind_v to_o gratify_v the_o curiosity_n of_o man_n and_o as_o if_o our_o saviour_n be_v not_o as_o much_o declare_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n by_o rise_v again_o from_o the_o dead_a as_o if_o he_o have_v come_v down_o from_o the_o cross_n four_o as_o to_o his_o conversation_n they_o have_v these_o three_o exception_n 1._o that_o he_o use_v no_o severity_n in_o his_o habit_n or_o diet_n take_v too_o much_o freedom_n as_o they_o think_v come_v eat_v and_o drink_v that_o be_v he_o free_o use_v the_o creature_n of_o god_n for_o the_o end_n for_o which_o they_o be_v give_v with_o temperance_n and_o thanksgiving_n and_o do_v not_o lay_v those_o rigorous_a restraint_n upon_o himself_o in_o these_o matter_n which_o many_o that_o be_v esteem_v the_o most_o religious_a among_o they_o use_v to_o do_v but_o he_o plain_o show_v they_o that_o this_o exception_n be_v mere_o out_o of_o their_o prejudice_n against_o he_o for_o if_o he_o have_v come_v in_o the_o way_n of_o austerity_n they_o will_v have_v reject_v he_o as_o well_o they_o be_v resolve_v to_o find_v fault_n with_o he_o whatever_o he_o do_v matth._n 11.16_o whereunto_o shall_v i_o liken_v this_o generation_n john_n the_o baptist_n come_v neither_o eat_n nor_o drink_v and_o they_o say_v he_o have_v a_o devil_n he_o live_v in_o a_o more_o austere_a and_o melancholy_a way_n he_o come_v in_o the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n use_v great_a strictness_n and_o severity_n in_o his_o habit_n and_o diet_n and_o this_o they_o take_v exception_n at_o our_o saviour_n be_v of_o a_o quite_o contrary_a temper_n and_o that_o do_v not_o please_v they_o neither_o the_o son_n of_o man_n come_v eat_v and_o drink_v and_o they_o say_v behold_v a_o wine-bibber_n and_o a_o glutton_n so_o that_o let_v our_o saviour_n have_v do_v what_o he_o will_v he_o can_v not_o have_v carry_v himself_o so_o as_o to_o have_v escape_v the_o censure_n of_o man_n so_o peevish_o and_o perverse_o dispose_v 2._o that_o he_o keep_v company_n with_o publican_n and_o sinner_n to_o which_o exception_n nothing_o can_v be_v more_o reasonable_a than_o our_o saviour_n own_o answer_n that_o he_o be_v send_v to_o be_v a_o physician_n to_o the_o world_n to_o call_v sinner_n to_o repentance_n and_o therefore_o they_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o be_v angry_a or_o think_v it_o strange_a if_o he_o converse_v with_o his_o patient_n among_o who_o his_o proper_a employment_n lay_v 3._o they_o object_v to_o he_o profaneness_n in_o break_v the_o sabbath_n and_o that_o sure_o be_v plain_a that_o he_o can_v not_o be_v of_o god_n if_o he_o keep_v not_o the_o sabbath-day_n the_o truth_n be_v he_o have_v heal_v one_o on_o the_o sabbath-day_n to_o this_o our_o saviour_n give_v a_o most_o reasonable_a and_o satisfactory_a answer_n that_o sure_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o do_v good_a on_o the_o sabbath-day_n that_o that_o be_v but_o a_o positive_a institution_n but_o work_v of_o mercy_n be_v natural_a and_o moral_a duty_n and_o god_n himself_o have_v declare_v that_o he_o will_v have_v even_o his_o own_o institution_n to_o give_v way_n to_o those_o great_a duty_n that_o be_v of_o natural_a and_o eternal_a obligation_n i_o will_v have_v mercy_n and_o not_o sacrifice_n and_o then_o from_o the_o end_n of_o the_o sabbath_n the_o sabbath_n be_v make_v for_o the_o rest_n and_o refreshment_n of_o man_n and_o therefore_o can_v not_o be_v presume_v to_o be_v intend_v to_o his_o prejudice_n the_o sabbath_n be_v make_v for_o man_n and_o not_o man_n for_o the_o sabbath_n five_o another_o great_a prejudice_n against_o he_o be_v that_o person_n of_o the_o great_a knowledge_n and_o authority_n among_o they_o do_v not_o embrace_v his_o doctrine_n john_n 7.48_o have_v any_o of_o the_o ruler_n or_o pharisee_n believe_v on_o he_o so_o that_o here_o be_v the_o infallible_a rule_n and_o authority_n of_o their_o church_n against_o he_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o the_o example_n and_o authority_n of_o our_o guide_n ought_v to_o sway_v very_o much_o with_o we_o and_o over-rule_v we_o in_o doubtful_a case_n but_o not_o against_o plain_a and_o convince_a evidence_n there_o we_o ought_v to_o follow_v and_o obey_v god_n rather_o than_o men._n there_o be_v sometime_o a_o visible_a and_o palpable_a corruption_n in_o those_o who_o be_v to_o lead_v we_o they_o may_v have_v a_o interest_n to_o oppose_v the_o truth_n and_o thus_o it_o be_v with_o the_o pharisee_n and_o ruler_n at_o that_o time_n and_o so_o it_o have_v be_v among_o christian_n in_o the_o great_a degeneracy_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n the_o christian_a religion_n be_v never_o more_o endanger_v nor_o never_o more_o corrupt_v than_o by_o those_o who_o have_v be_v in_o great_a authority_n in_o that_o church_n who_o ought_v to_o have_v understand_v relegion_n best_o and_o have_v be_v the_o principal_a support_n of_o it_o man_n may_v err_v but_o god_n can_v so_o that_o when_o god_n send_v a_o prophet_n or_o by_o his_o word_n do_v plain_o declare_v his_o will_n to_o we_o human_a example_n and_o authority_n cease_v and_o be_v of_o no_o force_n the_o last_o prejudice_n i_o shall_v mention_v which_o the_o jew_n have_v against_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o doctrine_n be_v that_o it_o do_v abolish_v and_o supercede_v their_o religion_n as_o of_o no_o long_a use_n and_o continuance_n though_o it_o be_v plain_a it_o be_v institute_v by_o god_n this_o have_v be_v a_o very_a specious_a pretence_n indeed_o have_v not_o this_o be_v part_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o have_v not_o their_o own_o prophet_n foretell_v that_o the_o messiah_n shall_v come_v and_o perfect_v what_o be_v want_v and_o defective_a in_o their_o institution_n it_o be_v express_o say_v in_o their_o law_n that_o god_n will_v raise_v unto_o they_o another_o prophet_n like_v to_o moses_n and_o that_o they_o shall_v hear_v he_o when_o he_o come_v so_o that_o in_o truth_n it_o be_v the_o accomplishment_n of_o all_o those_o revelation_n which_o be_v make_v to_o the_o jew_n and_o do_v not_o reprove_v the_o jewish_a religion_n as_o false_a but_o as_o imperfect_a and_o do_v not_o contradict_v and_o overthrow_v but_o perfect_a and_o fulfil_v the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o thus_o i_o have_v go_v over_o the_o chief_a exception_n and_o offence_n which_o the_o jew_n take_v at_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o doctrine_n and_o i_o hope_v sufficient_o show_v the_o unreasonableness_n of_o they_o i_o have_v not_o now_o time_n to_o proceed_v to_o what_o remain_v but_o by_o what_o have_v be_v say_v you_o may_v easy_o see_v upon_o what_o slight_a and_o unreasonable_a ground_n man_n may_v be_v prejudice_v against_o the_o best_a person_n and_o thing_n and_o yet_o be_v very_o confident_a all_o the_o while_n that_o they_o be_v in_o the_o right_n for_o so_o no_o doubt_n many_o of_o the_o jew_n who_o oppose_v our_o saviour_n and_o his_o doctrine_n think_v themselves_o to_o be_v therefore_o it_o concern_v we_o to_o put_v on_o meekness_n and_o humility_n and_o modesty_n that_o we_o may_v able_a to_o judge_v impartial_o of_o thing_n and_o our_o mind_n may_v be_v preserve_v free_a and_o indifferent_a to_o receive_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n when_o they_o be_v offer_v to_o we_o otherwise_o self-conceit_n and_o passion_n will_v so_o blind_v our_o mind_n and_o bias_n our_o judgement_n that_o we_o shall_v be_v unable_a to_o discern_v and_o unwilling_a to_o entertain_v the_o plain_a est_z and_z most_o evident_a truth_n we_o see_v here_o by_o the_o sad_a example_n of_o the_o jew_n that_o by_o give_v way_n to_o passion_n and_o cherish_v pride_n and_o self-conceit_n man_n may_v be_v so_o deep_o prejudice_v against_o the_o truth_n as_o to_o resist_v the_o clear_a light_n and_o reject_v even_o salvation_n itself_o when_o it_o be_v offer_v to_o they_o so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o in_o vain_a that_o the_o scripture_n say_v let_v every_o man_n be_v swift_a to_o hear_v and_o slow_a to_o wrath_n for_o the_o wrath_n of_o man_n work_v not_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n and_o exhort_v we_o so_o earnest_o to_o receive_v with_o
meekness_n the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o be_v able_a to_o save_v our_o soul_n sermon_n ii_o the_o prejudices_fw-la against_o christianity_n consider_v matth_n xi_o 6_o and_o bless_v be_v he_o whosoever_o shall_v not_o be_v offend_v in_o i_o i_o have_v from_o these_o word_n propound_v to_o consider_v two_o thing_n i._o those_o prejudices_fw-la and_o objection_n which_o the_o world_n have_v against_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o religion_n at_o their_o first_o appearance_n as_o also_o to_o inquire_v into_o those_o which_o man_n at_o this_o day_n do_v more_o especial_o insist_v upon_o against_o the_o christian_a religion_n v._n vol._n v._n and_o to_o show_v the_o unreasonableness_n of_o they_o ii_o how_o happy_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v to_o escape_v and_o overcome_v the_o common_a prejudices_fw-la which_o man_n have_v against_o religion_n i_o have_v enter_v upon_o the_o first_o of_o these_o the_o prejudices_fw-la which_o the_o world_n have_v against_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o religion_n when_o this_o great_a teacher_n of_o mankind_n come_v from_o god_n though_o he_o give_v all_o imaginable_a testimony_n and_o evidence_n that_o he_o be_v send_v from_o heaven_n yet_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n be_v mighty_o offend_v at_o he_o and_o deep_o prejudice_v against_o he_o and_o his_o doctrine_n but_o not_o both_o upon_o the_o same_o account_n i_o have_v already_o give_v you_o a_o account_n of_o the_o chief_a exception_n which_o the_o jew_n make_v against_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o doctrine_n and_o have_v show_v the_o unreasonableness_n of_o they_o i_o proceed_v now_o to_o consider_v the_o principal_a of_o those_o exception_n which_o the_o gentile_n and_o heathen_a philosopher_n take_v at_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o doctrine_n 2._o ser._n 2._o i_o shall_v mention_v these_o four_o first_o that_o christianity_n be_v a_o great_a innovation_n and_o contrary_a to_o the_o receive_a institution_n of_o the_o world_n second_o they_o object_v against_o the_o plainness_n and_o simplicity_n of_o the_o doctrine_n three_o that_o it_o want_v demonstration_n four_o that_o the_o low_a and_o suffer_a condition_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v unsuitable_a to_o one_o that_o pretend_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o to_o be_v appoint_v by_o he_o for_o a_o teacher_n and_o reformer_n of_o the_o world_n these_o be_v the_o chief_a exception_n which_o the_o heathen_a and_o especial_o their_o philosopher_n take_v at_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o doctrine_n first_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v a_o great_a innovation_n and_o contrary_a to_o the_o receive_a institution_n of_o the_o world_n and_o consequent_o that_o it_o do_v condemn_v the_o religion_n which_o have_v be_v so_o universal_o receive_v and_o establish_v in_o the_o world_n by_o so_o long_a a_o continuance_n of_o time_n and_o no_o wonder_n if_o this_o make_v a_o great_a impression_n upon_o they_o and_o raise_v a_o mighty_a prejudice_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n against_o the_o christian_a religion_n no_o prejudices_fw-la be_v so_o strong_a as_o those_o that_o be_v fix_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n by_o education_n and_o of_o all_o the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o education_n none_o so_o violent_a and_o hard_a to_o be_v remove_v as_o those_o about_o religion_n yea_o though_o they_o be_v never_o so_o groundless_a and_o unreasonable_a have_v a_o nation_n change_v their_o god_n which_o yet_o be_v no_o god_n intimate_v to_o we_o that_o man_n be_v very_o hardly_o bring_v off_o from_o that_o religion_n which_o they_o have_v be_v bring_v up_o in_o how_o absurd_a soever_o it_o be_v when_o christianity_n be_v first_o propound_v to_o the_o heathen_a world_n have_v man_n be_v free_a and_o indifferent_a and_o not_o prepossess_v with_o other_o apprehension_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n it_o may_v then_o have_v be_v expect_v from_o they_o that_o they_o shall_v have_v entertain_v it_o with_o a_o readiness_n of_o mind_n proportionable_a to_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o it_o but_o the_o case_n be_v quite_o otherwise_o the_o world_n have_v for_o many_o age_n be_v bring_v up_o to_o another_o way_n of_o worship_n and_o inure_v to_o rite_n and_o superstition_n of_o a_o quite_o different_a nature_n and_o this_o sway_v very_o much_o with_o man_n sequimur_fw-la majores_fw-la nostros_fw-la qui_fw-la feliciter_fw-la secuti_fw-la sunt_fw-la suos_fw-la as_o one_o of_o the_o heathen_n say_v in_o those_o day_n we_o follow_v our_o ancestor_n who_o happy_o follow_v they_o man_n be_v hardly_o bring_v to_o condemn_v those_o opinion_n and_o custom_n in_o religion_n which_o themselves_o and_o their_o forefather_n have_v always_o embrace_v and_o follow_v and_o wise_a man_n especial_o be_v loath_a to_o admit_v so_o great_a a_o change_n in_o a_o matter_n of_o so_o great_a concernment_n as_o religion_n be_v so_o that_o this_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v to_o have_v be_v a_o considerable_a prejudice_n against_o the_o christian_a religion_n at_o its_o first_o appearance_n but_o yet_o upon_o a_o through_o examination_n this_o will_v not_o be_v find_v sufficient_a in_o reason_n to_o withhold_v man_n from_o embrace_v christianity_n if_o we_o consider_v these_o four_o thing_n 1._o no_o prudent_a person_n think_v that_o the_o example_n and_o custom_n of_o his_o forefather_n oblige_v he_o to_o that_o which_o be_v evil_a in_o itself_o and_o pernicious_a to_o he_o that_o do_v it_o and_o there_o be_v no_o evil_a no_o danger_n equal_a to_o that_o of_o a_o false_a religion_n for_o that_o tend_v to_o the_o ruin_n of_o man_n soul_n and_o their_o undo_n for_o ever_o a_o man_n may_v better_o allege_v the_o example_n of_o his_o forefather_n to_o justify_v his_o error_n and_o folly_n in_o any_o other_o kind_n than_o in_o this_o which_o be_v so_o infinite_o pernicious_a in_o the_o consequence_n of_o it_o 2._o in_o a_o great_a corruption_n and_o degeneracy_n it_o be_v no_o sufficient_a reason_n against_o a_o reformation_n that_o it_o make_v a_o change_n when_o thing_n be_v amiss_o it_o be_v always_o fit_a to_o amend_v and_o reform_v they_o and_o this_o can_v be_v do_v without_o a_o change_n the_o wise_a among_o the_o heathen_a do_v acknowledge_v that_o their_o religion_n be_v mix_v with_o very_o great_a folly_n and_o superstition_n and_o that_o the_o life_n and_o manner_n of_o man_n be_v extreme_o corrupt_v and_o degenerate_a and_o they_o endeavour_v as_o much_o as_o they_o can_v and_o dare_v to_o reform_v these_o thing_n and_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o oppose_v a_o effectual_a reformation_n for_o fear_v of_o a_o change_n a_o change_n of_o thing_n for_o the_o better_a though_o it_o be_v usual_o hard_a to_o be_v effect_v be_v always_o a_o thing_n to_o be_v desire_v and_o wish_v for_o 3._o the_o change_n which_o christianity_n design_v be_v the_o least_o liable_a to_o exception_n that_o can_v be_v be_v nothing_o else_o in_o the_o main_a of_o it_o but_o the_o reduce_n of_o natural_a religion_n the_o bring_n of_o man_n back_o to_o such_o apprehension_n of_o god_n and_o such_o a_o way_n of_o worship_v he_o as_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o to_o the_o natural_a notion_n of_o man_n mind_n nothing_o else_o but_o a_o design_n to_o persuade_v man_n of_o the_o one_o true_a god_n maker_n of_o the_o world_n that_o he_o be_v a_o spirit_n and_o to_o be_v worship_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o be_v suitable_a to_o his_o spiritual_a nature_n and_o then_o for_o matter_n of_o practice_n to_o bring_v man_n to_o the_o obedience_n of_o those_o precept_n of_o temperance_n and_o justice_n and_o charity_n which_o have_v be_v universal_o acknowledge_v even_o by_o the_o heathen_n themselves_o to_o be_v the_o great_a duty_n which_o man_n owe_v to_o themselves_o and_o other_o and_o that_o this_o be_v the_o main_a design_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n the_o apostle_n have_v tell_v we_o in_o most_o plain_a and_o express_v word_n tit._n 2.11_o 12._o the_o grace_n of_o god_n that_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o have_v appear_v to_o all_o man_n and_o bring_v salvation_n teach_v we_o that_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n we_o shall_v live_v sober_o and_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n and_o all_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n add_v beyond_o this_o be_v mean_n and_o help_v for_o our_o direction_n and_o assistance_n and_o encouragement_n in_o the_o discharge_n and_o performance_n of_o these_o duty_n for_o our_o direction_n god_n have_v send_v his_o son_n in_o our_o nature_n to_o declare_v his_o will_n to_o we_o and_o to_o be_v a_o pattern_n and_o example_n of_o holiness_n and_o virtue_n for_o our_o assistance_n he_o have_v promise_v the_o aid_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n and_o for_o our_o encouragement_n he_o offer_v to_o we_o pardon_v of_o sin_n in_o the_o blood_n of_o his_o son_n and_o eternal_a life_n and_o happiness_n in_o another_o world_n this_o be_v a_o short_a