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the_o determinate_a counsel_n and_o foreknowledge_n of_o god_n for_o as_o much_o as_o god_n by_o his_o infinite_a providence_n and_o goodness_n make_v it_o a_o mean_n of_o convey_v the_o great_a happiness_n to_o mankind_n in_o the_o redemption_n of_o it_o by_o the_o passion_n of_o his_o only_a son_n when_o yet_o we_o find_v that_o the_o true_a moral_a cause_n or_o incentive_a to_o this_o wickedness_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v the_o devil_n who_o enter_v into_o judas_n make_v use_v of_o his_o covetous_a disposition_n and_o for_o the_o lucre_n of_o a_o little_a money_n tempt_v he_o to_o betray_v his_o master_n we_o see_v then_o that_o god_n though_o he_o do_v not_o excite_v and_o impel_v the_o will_n of_o man_n to_o sinful_a action_n yet_o be_v he_o not_o a_o idle_a spectator_n of_o they_o as_o calvin_n dream_n will_v follow_v from_o hence_o for_o we_o see_v god_n act_v a_o part_n and_o a_o great_a part_n in_o they_o not_o only_o in_o his_o concurrence_n to_o they_o as_o a_o creator_n but_o 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thus_o have_v i_o endeavour_v to_o give_v such_o a_o explication_n of_o god_n concurrence_n with_o man_n as_o be_v free_a from_o ambiguity_n and_o which_o be_v suitable_a to_o the_o power_n suitable_a to_o the_o wisdom_n suitable_a to_o the_o goodness_n and_o suitable_a to_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n whereas_o the_o contrary_a explication_n be_v not_o only_o repugnant_a to_o all_o these_o but_o fill_v the_o mind_n with_o infinite_a perplexity_n and_o lead_v its_o adheror_n into_o fatal_a error_n chap._n ix_o of_o god_n influence_n on_o public_a and_o national_a alteration_n have_v speak_v to_o the_o calvinistical_a doctrine_n touch_v god_n concurrence_n with_o man_n in_o sinful_a action_n the_o next_o thing_n to_o be_v discourse_v of_o in_o order_n to_o a_o vindication_n of_o divine_a providence_n from_o false_a imputation_n be_v that_o great_a and_o popular_a point_n of_o his_o influence_n on_o public_a and_o national_a alteration_n this_o be_v no_o other_o than_o a_o 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be_v one_o viz._n to_o raise_v he_o evil_a from_o his_o own_o house_n and_o loin_n for_o this_o be_v ascribe_v to_o god_n 2_o sam._n 12._o and_o so_o deep_o be_v king_n david_n affect_v with_o the_o sense_n hereof_o that_o when_o he_o hear_v of_o absalom_n conspiracy_n like_o a_o man_n destitute_a of_o help_n and_o abandon_v by_o god_n though_o he_o be_v know_v at_o other_o time_n to_o have_v be_v a_o soldier_n of_o a_o undaunted_a valour_n he_o quit_v the_o royal_a city_n in_o a_o most_o deject_a manner_n attend_v with_o a_o small_a troop_n march_v in_o a_o penitential_a order_n or_o procession_n and_o not_o like_o a_o offend_a sovereign_n so_o that_o his_o abject_a behaviour_n draw_v tear_n from_o all_o the_o spectator_n except_v shimei_n who_o doubtless_o be_v the_o head_n of_o a_o rascally_a mob_n to_o insult_v upon_o injure_a majesty_n pelt_v he_o with_o stone_n and_o curse_n nay_o this_o man_n after_o god_n own_o heart_n be_v bring_v to_o so_o low_a a_o ebb_n that_o his_o 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to_o receive_v the_o grievance_n of_o the_o people_n and_o to_o administer_v justice_n promise_v withal_o that_o if_o he_o ever_o come_v to_o the_o crown_n he_o will_v redress_v such_o abuse_n hold_v also_o a_o more_o intimate_a correspondence_n with_o such_o as_o be_v disgrace_v and_o disgu_v with_o the_o court_n all_o which_o he_o receive_v with_o great_a familiarity_n embrace_v they_o in_o his_o arm_n and_o kiss_v they_o by_o these_o art_n of_o popularity_n and_o condescension_n he_o be_v say_v to_o have_v steal_v or_o rather_o ravish_v the_o heart_n of_o david_n people_n such_o than_o be_v the_o method_n of_o former_a time_n as_o well_o as_o of_o late_a age_n and_o such_o they_o will_v be_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o as_o these_o be_v human_a policy_n so_o be_v they_o blow_v up_o too_o by_o the_o like_a human_a artifice_n for_o hushai_n the_o archite_a a_o sure_a friend_n of_o david_n clap_v on_o a_o mask_n for_o a_o time_n and_o get_v within_o king_n absalon_n by_o 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out_o of_o the_o common_a road._n but_o some_o will_v say_v that_o the_o most_o high_a rule_v in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o man_n and_o he_o give_v it_o to_o whosoever_o he_o will_v dan._n 4._o 17._o and_o true_o by_o as_o good_a authority_n may_v a_o thief_n take_v away_o my_o cattle_n put_v the_o case_n then_o that_o a_o thief_n be_v arraign_v for_o steal_v and_o plead_v not_o guilty_a the_o court_n shall_v ask_v he_o how_o he_o will_v be_v try_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n say_v the_o thief_n as_o h._n peter_n answer_v in_o something_o a_o worse_a case_n how_o say_v the_o judge_n have_v you_o the_o word_n of_o god_n on_o your_o side_n yes_o say_v the_o thief_n for_o i_o have_v the_o cattle_n jure_fw-la divino_fw-la prove_v that_o quoth_v the_o judge_n why_o thus_o quoth_v the_o thief_n the_o lord_n take_v away_o and_o the_o lord_n give_v therefore_o it_o be_v the_o lord_n who_o give_v i_o the_o cattle_n nor_o do_v he_o give_v any_o thing_n but_o what_o be_v his_o own_o for_o it_o be_v write_v of_o he_o psalm_n 50._o i_o be_v the_o cattle_n upon_o a_o thousand_o hill_n will_v such_o a_o plea_n of_o my_o knavish_a sophister_n pass_v muster_n think_v you_o no_o very_o for_o the_o jury_n doubtless_o if_o it_o be_v not_o a_o very_a ignoramus_n one_o will_v find_v he_o guilty_a and_o the_o judge_n too_o will_v with_o a_o jure_fw-la divino_fw-la recommend_v they_o to_o the_o gallows_n the_o case_n be_v perfect_o the_o same_o in_o both_o these_o place_n of_o scripture_n and_o the_o thief_n be_v to_o the_o great_a robber_n as_o the_o pirate_n be_v to_o alexander_n and_o if_o such_o place_n as_o these_o may_v give_v king_n a_o divine_a right_n to_o their_o crown_n i_o can_v see_v but_o that_o subject_n too_o when_o they_o rebel_v against_o they_o and_o make_v they_o prisoner_n have_v god_n also_o on_o their_o side_n for_o it_o be_v write_v of_o he_o that_o he_o bind_v their_o king_n in_o chain_n etc._n etc._n and_o we_o know_v who_o they_o be_v who_o blasphemous_o apply_v it_o to_o the_o best_a of_o king_n this_o nation_n ever_o enjoy_v and_o when_o all_o be_v do_v it_o be_v but_o to_o cant_v it_o out_o to_o the_o old_a tune_n this_o be_v the_o lord_n be_v do_v and_o it_o be_v marvellous_a in_o our_o eye_n the_o argument_n take_v from_o the_o new_a testament_n have_v something_o more_o of_o difficulty_n in_o they_o be_v preceptory_a as_o that_o of_o the_o thirteen_o to_o the_o roman_n where_o every_o soul_n be_v require_v to_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o high_a power_n for_o there_o be_v no_o power_n but_o of_o god_n the_o power_n that_o be_v be_v ordain_v of_o god_n whosoever_o therefore_o resist_v the_o power_n resist_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n and_o they_o that_o resist_v shall_v receive_v to_o themselves_o damnation_n and_o a_o little_a after_o verse_n 5._o we_o be_v require_v to_o be_v subject_n not_o only_o for_o wrath_n but_o also_o for_o conscience_n sake_n the_o like_a we_o meet_v 1_o epist_n of_o peter_n c._n 2._o of_o submit_v â—â—r_a self_n to_o every_o ordinance_n of_o man_n for_o the_o lord_n sake_n to_o these_o i_o answer_v that_o the_o power_n or_o ordinance_n which_o st._n paul_n speak_v of_o be_v settle_v government_n and_o such_o as_o have_v all_o the_o qualification_n and_o condition_n requisite_a to_o constitute_v a_o legislative_a power_n for_o st._n paul_n write_v his_o epistle_n anno_fw-la christi_fw-la 59_o and_o the_o 2d_o of_o nero_n so_o that_o there_o be_v now_o 59_o bacon_n ad_fw-la an._n christi_fw-la 59_o more_o than_o a_o hundred_o year_n pass_v since_o the_o first_o usurpation_n of_o julius_n caesar_n there_o be_v the_o succession_n of_o six_o emperor_n of_o the_o julian_n and_o claudian_n family_n in_o a_o legal_a descent_n and_o although_o julius_n caesar_n be_v a_o
great_a usurper_n in_o suppress_v the_o senate_n in_o who_o the_o government_n have_v so_o long_o continue_v yet_o the_o senate_n themselves_o have_v confirm_v this_o alteration_n for_o so_o many_o age_n and_o through_o so_o many_o succession_n by_o infinite_a decree_n and_o act_n testify_v their_o submission_n here_o be_v a_o real_a abdication_n or_o resignation_n on_o their_o part_n and_o although_o they_o be_v at_o first_o bring_v to_o this_o by_o conquest_n yet_o so_o many_o subsequent_a and_o voluntary_a act_n by_o which_o as_o it_o be_v step_z by_z step_z they_o divest_v themselves_o of_o their_o authority_n settle_v a_o indubitable_a right_n of_o government_n in_o the_o heir_n and_o successor_n of_o caesar_n have_v cato_n cassius_n and_o the_o bruti_fw-la with_o other_o of_o the_o republican_n party_n prevail_v after_o that_o bold_a blow_n they_o give_v in_o the_o senate_n they_o will_v have_v have_v not_o only_a statue_n but_o also_o altar_n and_o temple_n erect_v to_o they_o 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submit_v to_o as_o the_o roman_a empire_n be_v be_v little_a to_o the_o purpose_n the_o same_o answer_n serve_v to_o that_o place_n of_o st._n peter_n 1._o ep._n cap._n 2._o as_o also_o that_o of_o our_o saviour_n pay_v tribute_n or_o give_v to_o caesar_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v caesar_n for_o this_o be_v speak_v about_o the_o sixteenth_o year_n of_o tiberius_n and_o seventy_o year_n after_o the_o death_n of_o julius_n so_o that_o in_o all_o these_o case_n there_o be_v no_o visible_a right_n or_o title_n which_o stand_v in_o competition_n with_o the_o possession_n of_o the_o empire_n hitherto_o i_o have_v speak_v to_o the_o testimony_n of_o scripture_n in_o the_o explication_n whereof_o the_o rule_n be_v most_o safe_a and_o orthodox_n viz._n to_o interpret_v scripture_n by_o scripture_n and_o to_o understand_v it_o in_o such_o a_o sense_n as_o shall_v not_o contradict_v a_o great_a evidence_n and_o testimony_n of_o scripture_n and_o not_o to_o do_v as_o some_o who_o when_o they_o be_v press_v with_o the_o pernicious_a consequence_n of_o their_o interpretation_n present_o shelter_v themselves_o under_o god_n unsearchable_a wisdom_n crve_v out_o who_o be_v thou_o o_o man_n who_o prescribe_v rule_n to_o thy_o maker_n with_o such_o nonsensical_a stuff_n as_o though_o god_n omnipotence_n can_v not_o be_v declare_v but_o by_o obtrude_a on_o he_o horrid_a impiety_n and_o the_o most_o gross_a absurdity_n by_o the_o same_o capacity_n or_o absurdity_n rather_o by_o which_o they_o endeavour_v from_o scripture_n testimony_n to_o prove_v national_a revolution_n procure_v by_o wicked_a mean_n to_o be_v the_o peculiar_a and_o proper_a work_n of_o god_n providence_n or_o that_o such_o tyrannical_a power_n once_o introduce_v have_v god_n authority_n to_o warrant_n and_o defend_v they_o upon_o the_o score_n of_o his_o providential_a prerogative_n i_o say_v by_o the_o same_o logic_n we_o may_v prove_v from_o scripture_n also_o that_o god_n have_v no_o providential_a care_n over_o the_o world_n at_o all_o forasmuch_o as_o we_o read_v 2_o cor._n chap._n 4._o that_o the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n viz._n satan_n have_v blind_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n so_o that_o the_o dominion_n of_o satan_n in_o his_o government_n of_o this_o world_n be_v absolute_a and_o that_o of_o a_o god_n now_o if_o the_o devil_n rule_v in_o this_o world_n as_o prince_n or_o god_n what_o province_n to_o assign_v to_o god_n almighty_n inspection_n be_v hard_o to_o imagine_v it_o be_v apparent_a therefore_o from_o hence_o that_o all_o such_o scripture_n be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v literal_o but_o analogical_o and_o with_o reference_n to_o god_n attribute_n and_o to_o the_o article_n of_o our_o christian_a faith_n where_o by_o the_o way_n we_o may_v also_o observe_v calvin_n perverse_a interpretation_n of_o that_o place_n of_o 2_o thes_n chap._n 2._o where_o god_n be_v say_v to_o send_v they_o a_o strong_a delusion_n that_o they_o shall_v believe_v a_o lie_n that_o they_o all_o may_v be_v damn_v who_o believe_v not_o the_o truth_n when_o yet_o from_o this_o place_n of_o the_o second_o to_o the_o corinthian_n chap._n 4._o the_o blind_a of_o the_o mind_n of_o those_o who_o believe_v not_o be_v ascribe_v to_o the_o devil_n to_o the_o devil_n by_o the_o way_n of_o counsel_n and_o execution_n to_o god_n by_o way_n of_o permission_n for_o we_o can_v ascribe_v this_o spiritual_a execution_n to_o god_n and_o satan_n too_o in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o sense_n without_o manifest_a impiety_n but_o to_o return_v to_o the_o temporal_a and_o great_a transaction_n of_o the_o world_n what_o can_v be_v more_o absurd_a than_o that_o all_o violent_a acquisition_n all_o the_o usurpation_n and_o oppression_n all_o the_o blood_n sacrilege_n rapine_n and_o wicked_a practice_n by_o which_o many_o kingdom_n and_o empire_n through_o all_o age_n have_v be_v raise_v up_o propagate_v and_o enlarge_v i_o say_v that_o all_o such_o kingdom_n thus_o support_v shall_v be_v god_n ordinance_n and_o that_o they_o who_o do_v not_o acknowledge_v this_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o damnation_n hence_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o all_o the_o christian_n who_o have_v groan_v under_o the_o turkish_a slavery_n shall_v they_o by_o adhere_v to_o christian_a prince_n endeavour_v to_o recover_v their_o former_a fortune_n and_o liberty_n which_o they_o be_v tyrannical_o deprive_v of_o in_o do_v this_o they_o will_v resist_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n and_o incur_v damnation_n nay_o it_o will_v follow_v also_o that_o the_o power_n of_o supremacy_n which_o the_o pope_n be_v say_v to_o usurp_v be_v also_o of_o god_n or_o god_n ordinance_n and_o true_o if_o duration_n can_v give_v a_o title_n this_o of_o the_o pope_n have_v be_v of_o long_a continuance_n than_o any_o other_o title_n now_o in_o europe_n or_o perhaps_o in_o the_o whole_a world_n it_o have_v be_v challenge_v for_o above_o a_o thousand_o year_n and_o actual_o submit_v to_o by_o a_o great_a many_o nation_n but_o it_o may_v be_v say_v perhaps_o that_o the_o pope_n usurpation_n be_v spiritual_a and_o that_o in_o spiritual_a matter_n we_o be_v to_o obey_v god_n rather_o than_o man._n this_o objection_n do_v not_o dissolve_v but_o rather_o knit_v the_o knot_n fast_o for_o the_o text_n say_v there_o be_v no_o power_n but_o of_o god_n the_o power_n that_o be_v be_v ordain_v of_o god_n so_o that_o all_o power_n without_o exception_n fall_v under_o a_o notion_n of_o god_n ordinance_n and_o true_o if_o god_n take_v such_o a_o care_n for_o temporal_a administration_n much_o more_o for_o spiritual_a if_o a_o sparrow_n fall_v not_o to_o the_o ground_n without_o his_o will_n he_o must_v needs_o be_v morè_fw-la concern_v for_o so_o great_a a_o body_n of_o man_n the_o church_n be_v that_o which_o he_o himself_o with_o his_o own_o right_a hand_n have_v plant_v in_o send_v his_o only_a son_n to_o purchase_v it_o by_o his_o incarnation_n and_o suffer_a death_n upon_o the_o cross_n the_o spiritual_a capacity_n be_v his_o kingdom_n more_o peculiarly_a and_o though_o the_o papal_a power_n be_v a_o usurpation_n that_o be_v no_o matter_n it_o be_v once_o possess_v by_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n and_o that_o for_o so_o long_a a_o time_n it_o become_v a_o settle_a government_n and_o a_o ordinance_n of_o god_n they_o therefore_o who_o in_o the_o first_o reformation_n do_v resist_v this_o power_n do_v according_a to_o these_o man_n doctrine_n resist_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n and_o be_v liable_a for_o so_o do_v to_o damnation_n and_o thus_o have_v they_o find_v out_o a_o new_a argument_n to_o justify_v the_o pope_n authority_n such_o as_o never_o any_o jesuit_n nor_o the_o pope_n himself_o yet_o dream_v of_o nay_o the_o dominion_n and_o power_n of_o antichrist_n according_a to_o their_o doctrine_n must_v be_v a_o ordinance_n of_o god_n also_o for_o whether_o the_o pope_n be_v antichrist_n or_o whether_o he_o be_v yet_o to_o come_v certain_z it_o
in_o the_o ceremony_n crown_v with_o garland_n and_o with_o laurel_n in_o their_o hand_n they_o sing_v certain_a verse_n in_o a_o low_a and_o humble_a voice_n by_o which_o they_o implore_v the_o mercy_n of_o the_o god_n and_o so_o they_o visit_v the_o capitol_n and_o temple_n but_o especial_o those_o sacred_a chapel_n in_o which_o be_v the_o lectisternia_fw-la or_o pulvinaria_fw-la that_o be_v bed_n of_o repose_n for_o the_o god_n which_o bed_n be_v most_o rich_o adorn_v and_o have_v for_o their_o pillow_n little_a bundle_n or_o tossel_n of_o vervien_n a_o plant_n of_o most_o sacred_a use_n among_o the_o roman_n which_o lectisternia_fw-la also_o be_v raise_v on_o high_a and_o overlook_v the_o altar_n the_o chief_a bed_n of_o majesty_n be_v for_o jupiter_n vulcan_n and_o minerva_n because_o these_o three_o be_v chief_o look_v upon_o to_o have_v the_o power_n of_o the_o thunderbolt_n the_o other_o sort_n of_o supplication_n be_v gratulatory_a much_o like_o our_o jubilee_n where_o all_o the_o order_n both_o of_o man_n and_o woman_n whether_o sacred_a or_o civil_a and_o clothe_v in_o their_o rich_a ornament_n and_o habit_n make_v like_o the_o solemn_a procession_n in_o visit_v the_o temple_n and_o offer_v up_o their_o thanks_o by_o sing_v of_o hymn_n perfume_a the_o altar_n and_o make_v of_o feast_n with_o other_o mark_n of_o public_a joy_n which_o supplication_n last_v for_o many_o day_n and_o be_v grant_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o some_o signal_n victory_n or_o for_o the_o good_a success_n in_o their_o war_n or_o any_o other_o public_a undertake_n julius_n caesar_n have_v fight_v prosperous_o in_o subdue_a the_o gaul_n obtain_v supplication_n or_o a_o jubilee_n of_o sixteen_o day_n brutus_n after_o he_o have_v the_o better_a of_o marcus_n antonius_n in_o the_o war_n of_o medena_n obtain_v a_o jubilee_n which_o last_v fifty_o day_n one_o also_o of_o the_o like_a continuance_n be_v indict_v by_o cicero_n in_o the_o senate_n at_o such_o time_n as_o the_o war_n be_v prosperous_a to_o octavius_n these_o supplication_n be_v always_o make_v during_o the_o absence_n of_o the_o general_n for_o who_o sake_n they_o be_v grant_v except_v that_o of_o cicero_n for_o who_o though_o present_a a_o supplication_n be_v indict_v in_o consideration_n of_o the_o great_a service_n he_o do_v in_o defend_v the_o commonwealth_n from_o catiline_n conspiracy_n in_o short_a these_o supplication_n be_v usual_o the_o prelude_v of_o triumph_n forasmuch_o as_o they_o for_o who_o supplication_n be_v decree_v whilst_o they_o be_v employ_v abroad_o in_o the_o war_n obtain_v a_o triumph_n at_o their_o return_n when_o the_o war_n be_v finish_v the_o religion_n of_o the_o greek_n be_v much_o the_o same_o with_o that_o of_o the_o roman_n for_o they_o have_v the_o same_o deity_n and_o almost_o the_o same_o rite_n and_o sacrifice_n from_o whence_o also_o we_o may_v proceed_v to_o take_v a_o transient_a view_n of_o the_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o the_o jew_n which_o consist_v also_o in_o several_a order_n of_o priest_n sacrifice_n lustration_n jubilee_n feast_n etc._n etc._n only_o they_o differ_v in_o the_o object_n of_o worship_n adore_v the_o one_o true_a and_o only_a god_n to_o who_o they_o erect_v one_o only_a temple_n at_o jerusalem_n where_o they_o perform_v their_o solemn_a function_n though_o they_o have_v their_o synagogue_n or_o sacred_a assembly_n also_o every_o where_n wherein_o they_o teach_v and_o preach_v and_o do_v some_o lesser_a rite_n their_o observation_n of_o the_o sabbath_n as_o also_o circumcision_n be_v the_o more_o distinguish_a mark_n by_o which_o they_o differ_v from_o all_o the_o world_n though_o the_o latter_a we_o find_v to_o have_v be_v observe_v also_o by_o the_o ishmaelite_n or_o arabian_n as_o descend_v from_o abraham_n the_o priesthood_n be_v ever_o hold_v among_o all_o nation_n in_o great_a esteem_n which_o they_o express_v chief_o by_o honour_v the_o person_n of_o those_o who_o attend_v on_o it_o with_o glorious_a title_n splendid_a ornament_n plentiful_a maintenance_n large_a exemption_n and_o privilege_n and_o with_o all_o external_n mark_v of_o observance_n and_o veneration_n if_o we_o do_v not_o find_v the_o same_o in_o the_o age_n we_o live_v in_o this_o in_o some_o measure_n possible_o may_v be_v the_o fault_n of_o the_o person_n themselves_o many_o of_o which_o be_v of_o despicable_a part_n and_o extraction_n of_o uncultivated_a behaviour_n and_o of_o sordid_a covetous_a and_o perhaps_o scandalous_a life_n cast_v a_o cloud_n upon_o the_o function_n and_o have_v they_o live_v among_o the_o heathen_n they_o will_v have_v be_v think_v worthy_a of_o no_o other_o priestly_a employment_n but_o that_o of_o butcher_v the_o beast_n which_o yet_o seem_v to_o be_v much_o more_o innocent_a and_o gentle_a though_o it_o be_v very_o probable_a also_o that_o as_o man_n decline_v in_o their_o moral_n and_o all_o sentiment_n of_o piety_n so_o they_o think_v to_o extenuate_v their_o enormity_n by_o expose_v the_o priest_n to_o the_o same_o contempt_n under_o which_o they_o have_v bring_v themselves_o by_o their_o degenerate_a life_n which_o in_o all_o likelihood_n will_v let_v in_o atheism_n for_o when_o man_n have_v a_o true_a belief_n of_o the_o religion_n they_o profess_v they_o can_v but_o show_v a_o suitable_a respect_n for_o those_o who_o be_v the_o instrument_n of_o convey_v to_o they_o all_o the_o benefit_n and_o blessing_n of_o it_o however_o it_o be_v a_o few_o particular_a deviation_n can_v destroy_v universal_a maxim_n no_o more_o than_o the_o heaven_n can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v impure_a and_o corruptible_a from_o a_o few_o fall_a meteor_n or_o some_o smoky_a comet_n the_o body_n of_o man_n through_o all_o age_n and_o region_n of_o the_o world_n have_v ever_o hold_v religion_n in_o high_a veneration_n as_o in_o some_o short_a measure_n have_v be_v already_o deliver_v so_o that_o to_o use_v the_o reason_n of_o tully_n the_o persuasion_n 1._o tuscul_fw-la quaest_n lib._n 1._o man_n have_v of_o religion_n and_o of_o the_o divine_a nature_n be_v not_o found_v upon_o any_o conference_n and_o consent_n of_o man_n nor_o derive_v from_o any_o law_n and_o sanction_n whatsoever_o but_o the_o general_a concurrence_n of_o all_o nation_n in_o the_o belief_n of_o any_o thing_n can_v be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o consequent_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o many_o of_o those_o ceremony_n in_o use_n among_o the_o gentile_n be_v in_o use_n also_o among_o the_o primitive_a christian_n and_o may_v still_o be_v retain_v in_o the_o church_n as_o be_v of_o great_a signification_n and_o such_o as_o serve_v to_o express_v man_n inward_a sense_n and_o veneration_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n have_v thus_o take_v a_o transient_a view_n of_o some_o religious_a practice_n among_o the_o ancient_n i_o now_o return_v into_o my_o old_a road_n where_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o make_v a_o more_o strict_a enquiry_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o verity_n of_o religion_n which_o that_o we_o may_v the_o better_o understand_v i_o shall_v reduce_v religion_n to_o these_o two_o general_n natural_a and_o reveal_v by_o natural_a religion_n i_o understand_v such_o nation_n as_o contemplative_a and_o virtuous_a person_n have_v arrive_v to_o by_o the_o light_n of_o natural_a reason_n by_o reveal_v i_o understand_v only_o such_o religion_n as_o be_v at_o this_o time_n in_o vogue_n and_o be_v pretend_v to_o be_v authorize_v by_o a_o immediate_a voice_n from_o heaven_n it_o be_v true_a all_o the_o ancient_a founder_n of_o religion_n pretend_v also_o to_o revelation_n but_o their_o religion_n be_v conversant_a about_o false_a deity_n and_o be_v extinct_a long_o ago_o i_o shall_v now_o consider_v such_o different_a religion_n as_o at_o this_o day_n divide_v the_o world_n and_o have_v the_o true_a god_n for_o the_o object_n of_o their_o worship_n by_o who_o also_o they_o believe_v it_o be_v reveal_v and_o they_o be_v these_o three_o the_o jewish_a the_o christian_a and_o the_o mahometan_a chap._n fourteen_o of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n and_o religion_n in_o the_o jewish_a religion_n there_o be_v two_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v its_o authority_n and_o its_o duration_n first_o for_o its_o authority_n to_o we_o who_o be_v educate_v in_o the_o belief_n that_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n there_o be_v no_o place_n leave_v for_o any_o doubt_n or_o question_n so_o that_o in_o this_o point_n both_o jew_n and_o christian_n agree_v together_o but_o than_o be_v we_o to_o dispute_v with_o the_o gentile_n such_o as_o porphyrius_n jamblicus_n celsus_n and_o the_o rest_n who_o deny_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n we_o must_v have_v recourse_n to_o other_o medium_n and_o such_o to_o which_o these_o dissenter_n will_v stand_v leave_v therefore_o the_o testimony_n which_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o give_v of_o their_o own_o authority_n we_o shall_v find_v the_o validity_n of_o their_o
nor_o zorobabel_n nor_o any_o of_o the_o jewish_a worthy_n be_v call_v deliverer_n god_n know_v they_o be_v poor_a supplicant_n and_o depend_v whole_o upon_o the_o indulgence_n of_o the_o persian_n but_o the_o crcumstance_n of_o the_o gentile_n be_v to_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o these_o blessing_n extend_v the_o benefit_n of_o these_o prophecy_n infinite_o beyond_o the_o fortune_n of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n who_o be_v ever_o after_o but_o a_o poor_a scatter_a and_o precarious_a people_n as_o to_o the_o authority_n of_o these_o and_o many_o such_o like_a prophecy_n even_o atheism_n itself_o can_v question_v it_o unless_o we_o say_v that_o the_o jew_n after_o the_o appearance_n of_o jesus_n christ_n do_v stuff_n the_o old_a testament_n with_o such_o prophetic_a passage_n as_o make_v against_o themselves_o and_o their_o religion_n beside_o all_o these_o passage_n be_v find_v in_o the_o translation_n of_o the_o septuagint_n and_o consider_v also_o with_o what_o exactness_n the_o jew_n keep_v these_o sacred_a copy_n even_o to_o number_v the_o very_a letter_n how_o negligent_a soever_o they_o be_v in_o observe_v the_o commandment_n of_o the_o law_n it_o be_v utter_o impossible_a such_o passage_n shall_v be_v foist_v in_o without_o their_o knowledge_n as_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o such_o certain_a and_o punctual_a prediction_n shall_v proceed_v from_o any_o other_o mouth_n but_o that_o of_o almighty_a god_n and_o this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v a_o argument_n ad_fw-la hominem_fw-la and_o such_o as_o may_v convince_v even_o porphyry_n himself_o be_v he_o now_o alive_a and_o so_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o old_a testament_n chap._n xx._n the_o advent_n of_o jesus_n prove_v from_o heathen_a prediction_n but_o beside_o the_o prophecy_n record_v in_o sacred_a write_n we_o have_v other_o prediction_n also_o out_o of_o prosane_a monument_n which_o though_o of_o a_o inferior_a authority_n be_v very_o apposite_a to_o prove_v the_o verity_n of_o christ_n messiah-ship_n all_o the_o history_n of_o the_o age_n wherein_o christ_n be_v bear_v do_v testify_v that_o both_o herod_n as_o also_o the_o jew_n be_v in_o present_a expectation_n of_o the_o messiah_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o herod_n who_o yield_v up_o himself_o to_o the_o flattery_n of_o his_o follower_n be_v easy_o persuade_v to_o think_v that_o he_o himself_o be_v the_o promise_a messiah_n and_o those_o who_o adhere_v to_o this_o belief_n be_v in_o scripture_n call_v herodian_o as_o be_v conjecture_v for_o the_o jew_n find_v herod_n to_o be_v a_o king_n of_o great_a power_n and_o who_o rebuilt_a the_o temple_n also_o after_o a_o most_o magnificent_a form_n they_o present_o conclude_v that_o this_o be_v he_o who_o be_v to_o restore_v their_o state_n and_o empire_n and_o herod_n too_o be_v not_o want_v to_o himself_o to_o improve_v such_o favourable_a overture_n upon_o which_o account_n it_o be_v that_o he_o commit_v so_o many_o murder_n even_o on_o his_o own_o child_n also_o hope_v in_o the_o general_a massacre_n to_o extinguish_v the_o true_a messiah_n wherever_o he_o be_v as_o josephus_n tell_v we_o we_o read_v 7._o jos_n de_fw-fr lib._n jud._n l._n 7._o c._n 7._o also_o in_o suetonius_n in_o the_o life_n of_o vespasian_n as_o also_o in_o tacitus_n how_o it_o be_v the_o belief_n of_o many_o in_o that_o age_n that_o in_o the_o sacred_a monument_n of_o the_o priest_n be_v register_v that_o out_o of_o judea_n shall_v come_v forth_o those_o who_o be_v to_o govern_v the_o world_n which_o be_v hister_n tacit_fw-la l._n 5._o hister_n erroneous_o interpret_v of_o titus_n and_o vespasian_n but_o above_o all_o those_o famous_a monument_n of_o the_o sibyl_n be_v a_o complete_a evidence_n of_o this_o truth_n tully_n whilst_o he_o endeavour_v divin_n tul._n lib._n 2._o de_fw-fr divin_n to_o evacuate_v the_o credit_n of_o these_o prophecy_n report_v this_o passage_n out_o of_o they_o that_o he_o who_o be_v indeed_o to_o be_v our_o king_n be_v to_o be_v call_v also_o a_o king_n in_o case_n we_o will_v obtain_v salvation_n this_o prophecy_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o initial_a letter_n of_o some_o verse_n which_o for_o this_o reason_n also_o be_v call_v acrostic_n tell_v we_o withal_o that_o the_o prophecy_n of_o the_o sibyl_n be_v lock_v up_o and_o be_v not_o to_o be_v inspect_v but_o by_o order_n of_o the_o senate_n forasmuch_o as_o they_o seem_v rather_o to_o contribute_v to_o the_o subversion_n then_o to_o the_o conservation_n of_o religion_n there_o be_v nothing_o more_o odious_a to_o the_o roman_n than_o the_o thing_n call_v king_n which_o be_v legible_a throughout_o these_o sacred_a book_n and_o true_o so_o plain_o do_v they_o speak_v of_o christ_n government_n and_o kingdom_n that_o even_o among_o the_o sacred_a prophet_n we_o shall_v not_o meet_v with_o a_o description_n more_o apposite_a than_o what_o be_v transcribe_v by_o vergil_n out_o of_o these_o sybelline_a oracle_n who_o by_o his_o intimacy_n with_o augustus_n obtain_v a_o sight_n of_o they_o apply_v in_o his_o genethliacon_n of_o saloninus_n the_o son_n of_o asinius_n pollio_n who_o be_v a_o favourite_n of_o the_o emperor_n those_o passage_n which_o in_o truth_n can_v belong_v to_o none_o but_o jesus_n as_o appear_v evident_o from_o this_o description_n the_o happy_a day_n be_v come_v foretell_v long_o since_o 4._o eciog_n 4._o by_o cuman_a sibyl_n sacred_a song_n from_o hence_o all_o feature_n age_n shall_v there_o date_n commence_v the_o virgin_n too_o return_v the_o upright_a reign_n of_o ancient_a saturn_n now_o return_v again_o a_o offspring_n now_o to_o we_o from_o heaven_n send_v forth_o help_v chaste_a lucina_n this_o celestial_a birth_n which_o put_v a_o period_n to_o the_o iron_n race_n and_o over_o the_o world_n a_o golden_a one_o do_v place_n who_o heavenly_a conduct_n shall_v mankind_n deliver_v from_o all_o their_o gild_n free_v from_o all_o fear_n for_o ever_o who_o godlike_a life_n shall_v yet_o more_o glorious_a prove_v by_o list_v hero_n '_o among_o the_o bless_a above_o these_o shall_v behold_v he_o too_o who_o never_o shall_v cease_v by_o his_o father_n art_n to_o rule_v the_o world_n in_o peace_n such_o a_o lofty_a description_n as_o this_o can_v by_o no_o mean_n square_v with_o the_o circumstance_n of_o soloninus_fw-la who_o die_v nine_o day_n after_o he_o be_v born_n nay_o have_v augustus_n himself_o have_v a_o son_n i_o question_v whether_o these_o character_n can_v have_v be_v apply_v to_o he_o even_o under_o a_o poetic_a licence_n of_o flattery_n in_o short_a they_o be_v transcribe_v out_o of_o the_o sybelline_a oracle_n to_o which_o the_o ancient_a writer_n of_o the_o church_n so_o often_o appeal_v as_o to_o the_o most_o uncorrupted_a monument_n of_o antiquity_n forasmuch_o as_o these_o book_n be_v keep_v by_o the_o roman_n with_o the_o great_a care_n imaginable_a under_o the_o custody_n of_o the_o college_n of_o sacred_a rite_n call_v quindecem_fw-la viri_fw-la and_o and_o so_o impossible_a to_o be_v alter_v by_o the_o christian_n nor_o can_v these_o passage_n be_v interpret_v of_o any_o but_o of_o jesus_n who_o be_v he_o that_o be_v to_o give_v peace_n to_o the_o world_n be_v bear_v also_o under_o the_o reign_n of_o augustus_n who_o shut_v up_o the_o temple_n of_o janus_n proclaim_v this_o memorial_n and_o glorious_a passage_n that_o at_o the_o time_n of_o our_o saviour_n birth_n there_o be_v a_o universal_a cessation_n of_o arm_n over_o all_o the_o earth_n as_o be_v predict_v and_o be_v necessary_a to_o introduce_v this_o prince_n of_o our_o eternal_a peace_n chap._n xxi_o of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o jesus_n the_o second_o general_n argument_n by_o which_o we_o have_v propose_v to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o christ_n messiah-ship_n be_v take_v from_o his_o doctrine_n as_o also_o from_o the_o history_n of_o his_o life_n and_o miracle_n as_o they_o be_v represent_v to_o we_o in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n now_o in_o these_o write_n there_o be_v two_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v first_o their_o author_n second_o their_o authority_n to_o prove_v their_o author_n we_o have_v no_o other_o way_n but_o by_o humane_a authority_n but_o yet_o such_o too_o as_o be_v strengthen_v by_o all_o the_o evidence_n of_o reason_n for_o if_o it_o be_v rashness_n unpardonable_a to_o question_v the_o truth_n of_o caesar_n conquer_a britain_n or_o of_o his_o defeat_a pompey_n and_o of_o his_o be_v murder_v in_o the_o senate_n for_o as_o much_o as_o the_o book_n which_o report_v these_o thing_n be_v esteem_v to_o be_v the_o genuine_a work_n of_o those_o who_o live_v in_o the_o same_o age_n who_o name_n also_o be_v prefix_v to_o they_o it_o be_v certain_o much_o great_a madness_n to_o doubt_v that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v write_v by_o the_o apostle_n since_o we_o find_v a_o more_o universal_a and_o uninterrupted_a belief_n hereof_o in_o the_o concur_v voice_n of_o a_o infinite_a
number_n of_o learned_a man_n from_o age_n to_o age_n even_o to_o the_o very_a time_n these_o sacred_a author_n flourish_v and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o we_o call_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n or_o universal_a tradition_n the_o other_o point_n respect_v the_o authority_n of_o these_o write_n that_o they_o have_v transmit_v to_o posterity_n a_o true_a history_n of_o jesus_n and_o be_v divine_o inspire_v appear_v from_o the_o near_a relation_n they_o have_v to_o christ_n in_o be_v instruct_v by_o he_o so_o that_o they_o can_v neither_o deceive_v or_o be_v deceive_v for_o the_o same_o argument_n which_o prove_v the_o messiah-ship_n and_o divine_a gift_n of_o jesus_n prove_v the_o testimony_n of_o those_o to_o who_o he_o reveal_v his_o doctrine_n to_o be_v convince_a and_o infallible_a now_o here_o come_v in_o a_o point_n about_o which_o papist_n and_o protestant_n raise_v a_o mighty_a dispute_n viz._n how_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o apostle_n write_n call_v the_o word_n of_o god_n can_v depend_v upon_o tradition_n which_o be_v a_o inferior_a kind_n of_o authority_n to_o understand_v this_o point_n we_o be_v careful_o to_o distinguish_v betwixt_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o witness_n and_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o judge_n the_o former_a be_v only_o ministerial_a declaratory_a and_o conversant_a about_o matter_n of_o fact_n the_o other_o be_v magisterial_a and_o legislative_a and_o may_v concern_v matter_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v such_o divine_a truth_n as_o be_v many_o time_n above_o our_o natural_a reason_n to_o understand_v now_o that_o divine_a truth_n as_o to_o their_o manifestation_n shall_v depend_v upon_o the_o authority_n or_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o at_o all_o absurd_a but_o very_o consonant_a to_o reason_n which_o in_o scripture_n phrase_n be_v call_v a_o evidence_n or_o reason_n of_o our_o belief_n or_o hope_n but_o than_o evidence_n once_o make_v we_o be_v require_v to_o yield_v a_o implicit_a kind_n of_o assent_n to_o 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a_o difference_n betwixt_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o testimony_n or_o messenger_n and_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o prince_n and_o yet_o we_o shall_v not_o easy_o submit_v to_o these_o letter_n be_v they_o not_o attest_v by_o such_o credible_a mean_n for_o shall_v we_o find_v such_o letter_n in_o the_o street_n or_o highway_n though_o never_o so_o patent_n and_o sign_v and_o seal_v with_o all_o formality_n imaginable_a we_o shall_v not_o take_v much_o notice_n of_o they_o much_o less_o be_v oblige_v to_o pay_v our_o obedience_n to_o they_o so_o that_o here_o we_o see_v how_o the_o motive_n of_o assent_n be_v one_o thing_n and_o the_o subject_a of_o assent_n be_v another_o and_o of_o a_o high_a nature_n though_o depend_v on_o the_o former_a have_v clear_v the_o way_n to_o the_o reason_n of_o our_o belief_n let_v we_o now_o consider_v the_o scope_n and_o content_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o we_o shall_v find_v they_o to_o be_v either_o doctrinal_a or_o historical_a the_o doctrinal_n be_v such_o as_o be_v conversant_a about_o matter_n of_o belief_n or_o matter_n of_o practice_n we_o shall_v begin_v with_o matter_n of_o belief_n the_o grand_a scope_n whereof_o seem_v to_o level_v at_o this_o one_o fundamental_a point_n that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n or_o the_o promise_a messiah_n this_o as_o it_o have_v be_v already_o prove_v from_o the_o prophecy_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n let_v we_o now_o proceed_v to_o prove_v also_o by_o the_o actual_a office_n of_o a_o messiah_n or_o redeemer_n a_o redeemer_n be_v one_o who_o pay_v a_o debt_n for_o another_o and_o set_v he_o at_o liberty_n and_o proper_o it_o have_v respect_n to_o slave_n or_o man_n imprison_v who_o be_v unable_a of_o themselves_o to_o satisfy_v their_o creditor_n or_o those_o to_o who_o they_o be_v in_o bondage_n now_o christ_n as_o the_o redeemer_n of_o mankind_n be_v a_o public_a representative_a be_v under_o a_o twofold_a obligation_n first_o of_o fulfil_v the_o law_n or_o command_n of_o god_n himself_o and_o this_o be_v call_v active_a obedience_n second_o of_o satisfy_v or_o suffer_v for_o the_o breach_n of_o it_o and_o this_o be_v call_v passive_a obedience_n christ_n active_a obedience_n or_o his_o fulfil_n the_o law_n appear_v several_a way_n as_o touch_v the_o moral_a law_n christ_n fulfil_v it_o in_o his_o strict_a observance_n of_o it_o but_o especial_o in_o his_o more_o perfect_a interpretation_n of_o it_o by_o show_v its_o true_a full_a and_o genuine_a sense_n which_o indeed_o be_v the_o soul_n of_o every_o law_n the_o jew_n look_v only_o to_o the_o outward_a performance_n or_o shell_n of_o the_o law_n whereas_o christ_n have_v regard_n to_o the_o inward_a bent_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o to_o the_o affection_n the_o law_n say_v thou_o shall_v worship_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n christ_n say_v thou_o shall_v love_v he_o with_o all_o thy_o heart_n and_o with_o all_o thy_o strength_n the_o law_n say_v thou_o shall_v not_o take_v the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n in_o vain_a christ_n go_v further_a say_v swear_v not_o at_o all_o the_o law_n say_v thou_o shall_v not_o kill_v thou_o shall_v not_o commit_v adultery_n christ_n say_v whosoever_o be_v angry_a with_o his_o brother_n without_o a_o cause_n shall_v be_v in_o danger_n of_o judgement_n and_o that_o whosoever_o look_v on_o a_o woman_n with_o a_o lustful_a thought_n commit_v adultery_n in_o his_o heart_n christ_n firbid_v not_o only_o all_o false_a testimony_n but_o even_o all_o idle_a work_n then_o for_o the_o judicial_a law_n it_o be_v lex_fw-la talionis_fw-la a_o eye_n for_o a_o eye_n etc._n etc._n christ_n say_v whosoever_o shall_v smite_v thou_o on_o the_o right_a cheek_n turn_v to_o he_o the_o leave_v also_o the_o law_n say_v love_v thy_o neighbour_n and_o hate_v thy_o enemy_n christ_n say_v love_v your_o enemy_n and_o bless_v they_o that_o curse_v you_o also_o for_o alm_n prayer_n and_o fast_v he_o improve_v these_o duty_n to_o a_o high_a degree_n of_o perfection_n than_o that_o under_o the_o jewish_a ordinance_n as_o for_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n it_o be_v know_v that_o christ_n be_v in_o all_o thing_n conformable_a thereunto_o he_o be_v circumcise_a and_o be_v present_v in_o the_o temple_n and_o he_o observe_v their_o feast_n etc._n etc._n but_o beside_o all_o this_o he_o fulfil_v these_o law_n in_o another_o sense_n in_o as_o much_o as_o they_o be_v accomplish_v in_o he_o for_o all_o the_o rite_n and_o sacrifice_n under_o the_o jewish_a law_n with_o all_o their_o type_n as_o have_v be_v already_o show_v be_v figure_n only_o of_o christ_n now_o the_o figure_n or_o shadow_n vanish_v when_o the_o substance_n come_v in_o place_n all_o the_o prophet_n cease_v upon_o the_o appearance_n of_o christ_n as_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o a_o prince_n the_o office_n of_o a_o ambassador_n cease_v for_o from_o the_o time_n of_o john_n the_o baptist_n who_o be_v the_o last_o prophet_n and_o by_o his_o preach_a repentance_n usher_v in_o the_o bless_a jesus_n the_o jew_n never_o have_v a_o prophet_n more_o a_o clear_a proof_n that_o he_o be_v the_o messiah_n of_o who_o they_o all_o writ_n the_o other_o obligation_n under_o which_o christ_n lie_v to_o the_o law_n be_v that_o of_o his_o passive_a obedience_n in_o suffer_v the_o punishment_n due_a to_o the_o transgression_n of_o it_o he_o pour_v out_o his_o soul_n unto_o death_n and_o bear_v the_o sin_n of_o many_o and_o so_o under_o these_o two_o capacity_n 53._o isaiah_n 53._o he_o make_v a_o full_a satisfaction_n or_o a_o complete_a redemption_n now_o that_o one_o man_n as_o a_o representative_a shall_v bear_v the_o sin_n of_o many_o seem_v no_o way_n strange_a for_o under_o the_o jewish_a law_n we_o read_v of_o the_o escape_v goat_n on_o who_o head_n the_o priest_n transfer_v the_o sin_n of_o the_o people_n with_o a_o kind_n of_o a_o anathema_n which_o goat_n be_v present_o
reward_n and_o wicked_a man_n due_a punishment_n from_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n most_o just_a it_o follow_v of_o course_n to_o be_v inquire_v into_o how_o far_o this_o belief_n of_o they_o may_v make_v they_o capable_a of_o such_o happiness_n or_o of_o salvation_n and_o here_o i_o shall_v promise_v as_o a_o foundation_n or_o first_o principle_n to_o what_o shall_v follow_v that_o the_o efficient_a or_o meritorious_a cause_n of_o procure_v salvation_n to_o mankind_n can_v be_v no_o other_o but_o jesus_n christ_n who_o by_o his_o obedience_n and_o passion_n have_v redeem_v good_a man_n and_o make_v they_o capable_a of_o eternal_a happiness_n next_o that_o all_o good_a motion_n virtuous_a inclination_n and_o intellectual_a improvement_n be_v not_o acquirable_a by_o any_o natural_a strength_n but_o by_o the_o help_n and_o concurrence_n of_o god_n so_o st._n paul_n say_v express_o rom._n 1._o where_o speak_v of_o the_o heathen_a he_o declare_v how_o that_o which_o may_v be_v know_v of_o god_n be_v manifest_a in_o they_o for_o god_n have_v show_v it_o to_o they_o our_o present_a enquiry_n then_o will_v be_v of_o the_o instrumental_a course_n or_o of_o the_o mean_n by_o which_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n life_n and_o passion_n may_v be_v apply_v to_o man_n in_o order_n to_o their_o salvation_n for_o the_o more_o methodical_a prosecution_n of_o which_o point_n it_o will_v be_v expedient_a to_o consider_v first_o the_o state_n of_o mankind_n before_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n second_o the_o state_n and_o circumstance_n of_o mandkind_a after_o his_o come_n before_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n as_o have_v be_v already_o show_v the_o gentile_n though_o they_o have_v solid_a notion_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o perfection_n of_o a_o deity_n yet_o there_o be_v little_a or_o nothing_o extant_a which_o can_v countenance_v any_o expectation_n they_o have_v of_o such_o a_o deliverer_n as_o we_o be_v now_o discourse_v of_o and_o as_o to_o the_o jew_n for_o what_o appear_v from_o the_o old_a testament_n they_o know_v but_o little_a and_o obscure_o of_o another_o life_n as_o we_o have_v also_o before_o spoken-unto_a they_o expect_v a_o deliverer_n or_o messiah_n it_o be_v true_a but_o then_o they_o figure_v he_o to_o be_v a_o temporal_a conqueror_n such_o as_o caesar_n or_o alexander_n who_o shall_v erect_v their_o nation_n also_o into_o a_o vast_a empire_n and_o bring_v the_o world_n under_o their_o subjection_n a_o thing_n indeed_o which_o they_o earnest_o hope_v for_o have_v be_v themselves_o under_o heavy_a oppression_n for_o many_o age_n nay_o so_o deep_o be_v this_o opinion_n root_v in_o the_o jew_n that_o even_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v daily_o teach_v by_o and_o converse_v with_o he_o can_v hardly_o be_v wean_a from_o this_o belief_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o address_n or_o petition_n on_o the_o behalf_n of_o zebedee_n child_n that_o they_o may_v sit_v one_o on_o the_o right_a hand_n and_o the_o other_o on_o the_o left_a hand_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o kingdom_n as_o also_o from_o their_o constant_a enquiry_n of_o christ_n when_o he_o will_v restore_v the_o kingdom_n or_o empire_n unto_o israel_n but_o this_o as_o have_v be_v already_o discourse_v of_o and_o be_v a_o thing_n which_o will_v admit_v of_o little_a dispute_n i_o shall_v ready_o leave_v and_o pass_v on_o to_o take_v a_o glance_n of_o mankind_n after_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o ascension_n into_o heaven_n they_o who_o have_v have_v the_o happiness_n to_o be_v bear_v within_o the_o church_n where_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v suck_v in_o with_o their_o first_o milk_n and_o grow_v up_o into_o their_o nature_n such_o i_o say_v can_v but_o have_v a_o distinct_a knowledge_n of_o what_o the_o christian_a religion_n teach_v concern_v christ_n and_o his_o merit_n so_o that_o if_o they_o do_v not_o act_v suitable_o to_o that_o knowledge_n they_o be_v very_o inexcusable_a but_o then_o for_o those_o who_o never_o have_v such_o a_o education_n nor_o ever_o hear_v of_o christ_n or_o his_o gospel_n and_o yet_o retain_v true_a notion_n of_o the_o nature_n power_n and_o justice_n of_o god_n and_o live_v just_o and_o conformable_o to_o that_o knowledge_n retain_v a_o disposition_n to_o receive_v far_a instruction_n with_o all_o propensity_n to_o virtue_n i_o can_v see_v but_o that_o they_o may_v just_o be_v rank_v with_o those_o great_a and_o wise_a man_n among_o the_o ancient_n whether_o philosopher_n or_o other_o in_o who_o life_n and_o write_n we_o find_v so_o many_o remain_v of_o the_o true_a apprehension_n they_o have_v of_o a_o deity_n together_o with_o their_o great_a pregnancy_n in_o virtue_n now_o of_o both_o these_o sort_n of_o man_n whether_o before_o or_o after_o christ_n the_o question_n will_v be_v the_o same_o for_o as_o much_o as_o both_o be_v under_o the_o same_o state_n and_o guidance_n of_o natural_a illumination_n and_o moral_a virtue_n i_o know_v it_o be_v grant_v and_o with_o very_o 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same_o likewise_o we_o may_v conclude_v of_o the_o descendants_n from_o abraham_n by_o ishmael_n and_o of_o his_o offspring_n by_o keturah_n nor_o be_v it_o unusual_a in_o those_o day_n whilst_o man_n live_v under_o that_o unpolished_a but_o golden_a age_n for_o god_n to_o manifest_v his_o will_n by_o singular_a revelation_n to_o wise_a man_n even_o long_o after_o the_o covenant_n make_v with_o abraham_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o history_n of_o balaam_n who_o though_o a_o alien_n from_o the_o house_n of_o abraham_n have_v a_o free_a communication_n with_o god_n upon_o occasion_n of_o moment_n and_o prophesy_v as_o clear_o of_o the_o come_n of_o the_o messiah_n as_o any_o other_o '_o of_o the_o ancient_a patriarch_n and_o prophet_n now_o for_o those_o who_o doctrine_n and_o action_n be_v not_o record_v in_o sacred_a writ_n as_o pythagoras_n socrates_n plato_n solon_n lycurgus_n numa_n and_o among_o they_o i_o know_v not_o why_o i_o may_v not_o reckon_v that_o strenuous_a defender_n of_o 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