rich_a be_v content_a in_o that_o respect_n general_o seek_v after_o glory_n whereas_o a_o man_n that_o have_v scarce_o wherewithal_o to_o live_v little_a think_v of_o acquire_v glory_n but_o aim_v only_o at_o a_o bare_a subsistence_n whence_o it_o follow_v that_o instead_o of_o vain_o imagine_v that_o st._n paul_n design_v to_o reduce_v himself_o to_o extreme_a poverty_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n be_v very_o earnest_a in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o glory_n it_o be_v rather_o more_o natural_a to_o believe_v that_o he_o can_v not_o so_o much_o as_o propose_v to_o himself_o glory_n as_o the_o only_a end_n of_o all_o his_o action_n until_o the_o first_o find_v himself_o exempt_v from_o want_n and_o misery_n nevertheless_o this_o reason_n seem_v to_o carry_v with_o it_o the_o force_n of_o conviction_n since_o there_o have_v be_v those_o who_o have_v despise_v riches_n only_o to_o gain_v the_o esteem_n of_o man_n it_o must_v therefore_o be_v further_o add_v to_o distinguish_v st._n paul_n from_o this_o last_o sort_n of_o man_n that_o he_o be_v not_o only_o poor_a and_o force_v to_o labour_n for_o his_o live_n but_o that_o he_o suffer_v also_o all_o the_o misfortune_n and_o disgrace_n a_o man_n be_v capable_a of_o endure_v it_o be_v well_o know_v how_o much_o adversity_n deject_v our_o mind_n and_o humble_v the_o proud_a thought_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o we_o may_v venture_v to_o say_v that_o have_v those_o philosopher_n we_o late_o mention_v be_v overwhelm_v with_o a_o continual_a series_n of_o misfortune_n still_o lead_v on_o and_o follow_v one_o another_o have_v they_o be_v load_v with_o chain_n mark_v with_o stripe_n expose_v to_o storm_n and_o shipwreck_n to_o the_o scorn_n of_o the_o learned_a the_o bitter_a scoff_v of_o prince_n the_o hatred_n of_o magistrate_n and_o the_o fury_n of_o the_o people_n as_o st._n paul_n be_v their_o pride_n will_v soon_o have_v be_v abate_v their_o hope_n disappoint_v and_o the_o natural_a love_n of_o ease_n and_o quiet_a together_o with_o the_o impatience_n to_o get_v out_o of_o so_o wretched_a a_o condition_n will_v soon_o have_v supersede_v all_o other_o thought_n beside_o those_o very_a philosopher_n who_o so_o much_o despise_v riches_n and_o dignity_n despise_v they_o only_o out_o of_o self_n love_n but_o not_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o other_o since_o be_v little_o concern_v at_o the_o welfare_n of_o their_o neighbour_n they_o common_o retire_v into_o solitary_a place_n or_o keep_v company_n only_o with_o other_o wise_a man_n where_o they_o take_v pride_n in_o applaud_v one_o another_o for_o have_v renounce_v the_o world_n to_o give_v themselves_o whole_o up_o to_o the_o study_n of_o philosophy_n but_o here_o the_o apostle_n forsake_v every_o thing_n to_o labour_n for_o the_o conversion_n of_o mankind_n st._n paul_n make_v tent_n as_o well_o as_o abdolominus_fw-la dug_n in_o a_o garden_n but_o the_o one_o cease_v not_o to_o persuade_v man_n by_o preach_v the_o gospel_n whilst_o the_o other_o mind_v nothing_o but_o his_o own_o repose_n and_o tranquillity_n last_o the_o philosopher_n have_v this_o consolation_n that_o however_o they_o renounce_v riches_n they_o esteem_v themselves_o happy_a in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o true_a virtue_n for_o blind_a as_o they_o be_v by_o self-conceit_n they_o be_v far_o from_o imagine_v their_o virtue_n false_a and_o the_o idea_n they_o have_v of_o its_o excellency_n be_v their_o only_a comfort_n for_o what_o they_o have_v lose_v of_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n whereas_o st._n paul_n and_o the_o other_o apostle_n be_v but_o impostor_n as_o irreligious_a man_n suppose_v can_v not_o have_v that_o comfort_n which_o arise_v pure_o from_o the_o sense_n of_o one_o own_o virtue_n but_o be_v whole_o deprive_v of_o the_o support_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n which_o keep_v the_o soul_n from_o sink_v under_o the_o great_a danger_n and_o affliction_n in_o a_o word_n consider_v this_o matter_n on_o which_o side_n you_o will_v still_o you_o will_v find_v somewhat_o singular_a in_o the_o conduct_n of_o st._n paul_n and_o that_o no_o character_n equal_v his_o apostolical_a character_n but_o perhaps_o some_o will_v object_v that_o st._n paul_n seem_v to_o boast_v a_o little_a too_o much_o in_o some_o of_o his_o epistle_n of_o the_o excellence_n of_o his_o revelation_n he_o write_v to_o the_o galatian_n chap._n 2._o 9_o that_o he_o have_v receive_v nothing_o from_o the_o most_o excellent_a of_o the_o apostle_n or_o rather_o that_o he_o be_v not_o behind_o even_o the_o very_o best_a of_o the_o apostle_n that_o james_n cephas_n and_o john_n who_o seem_v to_o be_v pillar_n of_o the_o church_n have_v give_v he_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n chap._n 1._o 16._o that_o after_o he_o have_v be_v make_v a_o apostle_n he_o do_v not_o confer_v with_o flesh_n and_o blood_n neither_o go_v he_o up_o to_o jerusalem_n to_o be_v there_o approve_v of_o by_o the_o other_o apostle_n chap._n 2._o 11._o that_o he_o withstand_v peter_n to_o the_o face_n and_o blame_v he_o because_o he_o deserve_v to_o be_v blame_v but_o this_o difficulty_n can_v perplex_v those_o who_o shall_v be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o reason_n that_o oblige_v st._n paul_n to_o speak_v and_o act_v thus_o there_o be_v several_a false_a teacher_n among_o the_o galatian_n who_o endeavour_v to_o destroy_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o preach_n of_o that_o apostle_n by_o join_v the_o jewish_a ceremony_n to_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o allege_v for_o it_o the_o authority_n of_o peter_n james_n and_o john_n who_o they_o have_v see_v at_o jerusalem_n he_o therefore_o fear_v lest_o under_o pretence_n of_o follow_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o three_o principal_a apostle_n of_o our_o lord_n they_o shall_v subvert_v his_o work_n undertake_v to_o show_v that_o the_o excellence_n of_o his_o ministry_n be_v not_o in_o the_o least_o inferior_a to_o that_o of_o any_o other_o apostle_n under_o this_o consideration_n he_o compare_v himself_o to_o the_o other_o apostle_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o galatian_n begin_v it_o after_o this_o manner_n paul_n a_o apostle_n not_o of_o man_n neither_o by_o man_n but_o by_o jesus_n crist_n and_o god_n the_o father_n etc._n etc._n and_o it_o be_v upon_o the_o very_a same_o account_n that_o compare_v himself_o in_o his_o second_o epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n to_o some_o teacher_n who_o endeavour_v to_o disturb_v he_o in_o his_o ministry_n he_o express_v himself_o after_o this_o manner_n chap._n 11._o v._n 22_o 23_o 23_o 24_o 25_o 26_o 27_o 28_o 29._o be_v they_o hebrew_n so_o be_o i_o be_v they_o israelites_n so_o be_o i_o be_v they_o minister_n of_o christ_n i_o speak_v as_o a_o fool_n i_o be_o more_o in_o labour_n more_o abundant_a in_o stripe_n above_o measure_n of_o the_o jew_n five_o time_n receive_v i_o forty_o stripe_n save_o one_o thrice_o be_v i_o beat_v with_o rod_n once_o be_v i_o stone_v thrice_o i_o suffer_v shipwreck_n in_o journey_v often_o in_o peril_n of_o water_n in_o peril_n of_o robber_n in_o peril_n by_o my_o own_o countryman_n in_o peril_n by_o the_o heathen_a in_o peril_n among_o false_a brethren_n in_o weariness_n and_o painfulness_n in_o watch_n often_o in_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n in_o fasting_n often_o in_o cold_a and_o nakedness_n beside_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v without_o that_o which_o come_v upon_o i_o daily_o the_o care_n of_o all_o the_o church_n who_o be_v weak_a and_o i_o be_o not_o weak_a who_o be_v offend_v and_o i_o burn_v not_o can_v any_o one_o suppose_v that_o st._n paul_n will_v have_v presume_v to_o speak_v so_o particular_o of_o all_o his_o affliction_n and_o with_o so_o much_o confidence_n for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n who_o certain_a seducer_n will_v have_v dissuade_v from_o the_o faith_n if_o those_o affliction_n have_v not_o be_v real_a and_o well_o know_v to_o the_o world_n if_o what_o he_o assert_n have_v be_v false_a sure_o he_o must_v have_v perceive_v that_o far_o from_o silence_v his_o enemy_n this_o way_n he_o rather_o supply_v they_o with_o new_a matter_n to_o reproach_v he_o with_o but_o if_o what_o he_o assert_n be_v true_a who_o doubt_v but_o that_o he_o be_v strong_o persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n when_o we_o see_v how_o much_o and_o in_o what_o manner_n he_o suffer_v in_o defence_n of_o the_o same_o what_o piece_n of_o imposture_n or_o mistake_v principle_n can_v inspire_v a_o man_n with_o so_o much_o confidence_n as_o this_o apostle_n show_v produce_v a_o wicked_a man_n that_o can_v undergo_v a_o continual_a martyrdom_n in_o defence_n of_o a_o cheat_n and_o yet_o breath_n out_o nothing_o in_o all_o his_o write_n but_o zeal_n confidence_n and_o charity_n produce_v a_o wicked_a man_n who_o be_v just_o come_v out_o of_o prison_n shall_v strive_v to_o re-enter_v into_o it_o and_o continue_v preach_v a_o gospel_n which_o have_v cost_v
down_o from_o the_o cross_n and_o we_o will_v believe_v in_o he_o nay_o it_o be_v all_o one_o as_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v say_v if_o there_o be_v a_o god_n why_o do_v he_o not_o show_v and_o manifest_v himself_o after_o a_o sensible_a manner_n by_o speak_v to_o man_n immediate_o from_o the_o high_a heaven_n and_o than_o they_o will_v all_o be_v force_v in_o spite_n of_o themselves_o to_o acknowledge_v he_o but_o god_n do_v not_o desire_v we_o to_o acknowledge_v he_o against_o our_o own_o inclination_n and_o consequent_o he_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o manifest_v himself_o as_o we_o in_o our_o extravagant_a desire_n will_v have_v he_o but_o as_o it_o seem_v best_a to_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n have_v christ_n or_o his_o apostle_n raise_v all_o the_o dead_a they_o find_v to_o life_n again_o we_o shall_v then_o contrary_a to_o the_o design_n of_o the_o almighty_a have_v have_v no_o other_o faith_n but_o what_o depend_v entire_o upon_o our_o sense_n it_o be_v enough_o that_o they_o heal_v almost_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o sick_a people_n and_o raise_v not_o only_o one_o but_o several_a dead_a man_n to_o life_n so_o much_o indeed_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o call_v because_o they_o be_v not_o only_o to_o make_v man_n believe_v in_o a_o crucify_a saviour_n and_o adore_v he_o as_o the_o son_n of_o god_n but_o also_o to_o oblige_v they_o for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o their_o faith_n to_o undergo_v martyrdom_n more_o than_o this_o will_v have_v be_v but_o superfluous_a because_o they_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o alter_v the_o oeconomy_n of_o faith_n but_o only_o to_o perfect_v it_o not_o to_o make_v man_n believe_v against_o their_o own_o inclination_n but_o conformable_o to_o the_o light_n of_o their_o own_o understanding_n but_o though_o i_o shall_v grant_v all_o these_o difficulty_n to_o be_v great_a than_o they_o real_o be_v yet_o we_o ought_v to_o regulate_v our_o speculative_a opinion_n by_o some_o argument_n draw_v from_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o not_o on_o the_o contrary_a regulate_v the_o argument_n draw_v from_o matter_n of_o fact_n by_o any_o speculative_a opinion_n and_o this_o be_v such_o a_o general_a maxim_n that_o it_o hold_v good_a in_o all_o respect_n many_o difficulty_n arise_v at_o first_o about_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o antipode_n some_o pretend_v that_o such_o a_o opinion_n be_v contrary_a to_o reason_n other_o affirm_v it_o can_v never_o be_v reconcile_v to_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n and_o both_o party_n raise_v several_a notable_a objection_n against_o it_o but_o as_o soon_o as_o the_o thing_n be_v evident_o prove_v from_o undeniable_a matter_n of_o fact_n all_o their_o objection_n and_o difficulty_n be_v turn_v into_o ridicule_n some_o philosopher_n have_v pretend_v to_o prove_v by_o argument_n that_o motion_n be_v impossible_a but_o since_o we_o have_v daily_a experience_n that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o motion_n we_o let_v these_o philosopher_n talk_v on_o and_o choose_v rather_o to_o believe_v our_o own_o sense_n and_o i_o dare_v affirm_v without_o beg_v any_o excuse_n for_o the_o boldness_n of_o my_o assertion_n that_o there_o never_o be_v nor_o never_o will_v be_v any_o matter_n of_o fact_n against_o which_o we_o may_v not_o raise_v several_a plausible_a objection_n and_o considerable_a difficulty_n that_o be_v mere_o speculative_a some_o be_v daily_o raise_v against_o the_o flux_n and_o reflux_n of_o the_o sea_n against_o the_o attraction_n of_o the_o loadstone_n with_o iron_n the_o source_n or_o head_n of_o the_o river_n nile_n against_o comet_n and_o meteor_n nay_o even_o against_o the_o people_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o propagation_n of_o mankind_n we_o ready_o grant_v the_o incredulous_a that_o several_a considerable_a difficulty_n may_v be_v raise_v against_o the_o mystery_n of_o religion_n as_o we_o see_v there_o be_v no_o less_o considerable_a one_o daily_o raise_v even_o against_o the_o mystery_n and_o secret_a operation_n of_o nature_n but_o i_o still_o affirm_v that_o we_o must_v renounce_v the_o evidence_n of_o sense_n if_o we_o prefer_v any_o difficulty_n of_o mere_a speculation_n before_o those_o argument_n which_o be_v take_v from_o undeniable_a matter_n of_o fact_n though_o we_o shall_v argue_v only_o upon_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o the_o principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n it_o will_v appear_v if_o we_o compare_v the_o obscurity_n which_o cause_n those_o difficulty_n with_o the_o evidence_n which_o clear_v they_o that_o the_o latter_a will_v gain_v more_o upon_o our_o belief_n than_o the_o former_a and_o this_o truth_n we_o think_v we_o have_v sufficient_o prove_v in_o our_o first_o part_n of_o this_o work_n but_o though_o we_o shall_v meet_v with_o nothing_o else_o but_o difficulty_n in_o those_o natural_a principle_n without_o any_o light_n at_o all_o to_o clear_v they_o yet_o ought_v we_o to_o banish_v all_o scruple_n and_o doubt_n that_o arise_v mere_o from_o speculation_n the_o better_a to_o embrace_v the_o opinion_n which_o proceed_v from_o the_o argument_n draw_v from_o undeniable_a matter_n of_o fact_n unless_o we_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o be_v guilty_a of_o a_o absurdity_n not_o to_o be_v meet_v with_o which_o be_v whole_o contrary_a to_o common_a sense_n and_o reason_n but_o have_v thus_o evince_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o essential_o of_o our_o religion_n namely_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n contain_v in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n it_o remain_v only_o that_o we_o make_v man_n further_o sensible_a of_o they_o by_o lay_v down_o a_o few_o short_a remark_n which_o we_o shall_v make_v on_o several_a place_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n who_o whole_a purport_n shall_v be_v either_o to_o persuade_v we_o that_o the_o apostle_n do_v real_o teach_v all_o these_o matter_n of_o fact_n or_o assure_v we_o that_o they_o sincere_o believe_v the_o thing_n which_o they_o declare_v or_o else_o to_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o they_o can_v not_o have_v be_v impose_v upon_o in_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n for_o from_o those_o three_o principle_n be_v form_v the_o demonstration_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n some_o reflection_n on_o the_o gospel_n according_a to_o s._n matthew_n chapt_n ii_o 1._o now_o when_o jesus_n be_v bear_v in_o bethlehem_n of_o judea_n behold_v there_o come_v wiseman_n etc._n etc._n those_o wiseman_n be_v of_o all_o nation_n the_o first_o that_o come_v to_o pay_v their_o homage_n to_o jesus_n christ_n the_o priest_n and_o elder_n among_o the_o jew_n be_v consult_v concern_v the_o birth_n of_o the_o messiah_n free_o own_v he_o be_v to_o be_v bear_v in_o bethlehem_n and_o be_v quite_o of_o another_o opinion_n than_o the_o modern_a jew_n who_o pervert_v the_o mean_v of_o the_o prophecy_n of_o micah_n chap._n 5._o as_o to_o what_o concern_v we_o we_o affirm_v that_o the_o history_n of_o the_o come_n of_o the_o wiseman_n can_v not_o be_v false_o invent_v i._o because_o it_o agree_v admirable_o with_o the_o prophecy_n of_o balaam_n numb_a 24._o 17._o where_o he_o cry_v out_o i_o shall_v sâ—e_v he_o but_o not_o now_o i_o shall_v behold_v he_o but_o not_o nigh_o there_o shall_v come_v a_o star_n out_o of_o jacob_n and_o a_o sceptre_n shall_v rise_v out_o of_o israel_n a_o star_n of_o the_o wiseman_n indeed_o and_o a_o sceptre_n of_o jesus_n christ_n ii_o the_o evangelist_n can_v not_o have_v make_v the_o whole_a city_n of_o jerusalem_n believe_v that_o they_o be_v trouble_v and_o astonish_v at_o the_o come_v of_o those_o wiseman_n and_o much_o less_o persuade_v the_o inhabitant_n against_o their_o own_o public_a knowledge_n that_o herod_n have_v so_o barbarouf_o shed_v so_o much_o innocent_a blood_n iii_o herod_n must_v necessary_o have_v be_v tell_v that_o the_o christ_n or_o messiah_n be_v to_o be_v bear_v in_o bethlehem_n because_o thither_o he_o send_v direct_o the_o minister_n of_o his_o execrable_a fury_n iu._n and_o last_o joseph_n flee_v into_o egypt_n and_o be_v afraid_a to_o return_v again_o into_o judea_n when_o he_o hear_v that_o archelaus_n reign_v in_o the_o room_n of_o his_o father_n herod_n a_o circumstance_n that_o wonderful_o agree_v with_o all_o the_o rest_n chapt._n iii_o 1._o in_o those_o day_n come_v john_n the_o baptist_n in_o this_o chapter_n john_n foretell_v the_o destruction_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o these_o word_n o_o generation_n of_o viper_n who_o have_v warn_v you_o to_o fly_v from_o the_o wrath_n to_o come_v and_o now_o also_o the_o axe_n be_v lay_v to_o the_o root_n of_o the_o tree_n therefore_o every_o tree_n which_o bring_v not_o forth_o good_a fruit_n be_v hew_v down_o and_o cast_v into_o the_o fire_n etc._n etc._n he_o foretell_v also_o the_o effusion_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n upon_o the_o apostle_n in_o these_o word_n i_o indeed_o baptize_v you_o with_o water_n unto_o repentance_n but_o he_o that_o
the_o earth_n have_v hear_v of_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o apostle_n who_o all_o unanimous_o declare_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v rise_v again_o from_o the_o dead_a and_o it_o be_v pure_o upon_o their_o testimony_n that_o the_o world_n believe_v it_o can_v we_o imagine_v that_o the_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n let_v slip_v a_o long_a period_n of_o time_n as_o twenty_o or_o thirty_o year_n after_o the_o crucifixion_n of_o their_o master_n and_o so_o have_v have_v time_n to_o embolden_v themselves_o and_o to_o contrive_v a_o imposture_n they_o sudden_o appear_v in_o the_o world_n and_o preach_v that_o jesus_n be_v rise_v again_o from_o the_o dead_a if_o so_o how_o can_v the_o compiler_n or_o forger_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n make_v the_o world_n believe_v that_o the_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n preach_v his_o resurrection_n a_o few_o week_n after_o his_o crucifixion_n how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o the_o jew_n never_o have_v the_o least_o thought_n of_o contradict_v our_o 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and_o their_o shame_n to_o show_v themselves_o to_o the_o world_n after_o what_o have_v happen_v be_v of_o itself_o sufficient_a to_o hinder_v they_o from_o it_o moreover_o their_o conscience_n will_v have_v check_v they_o for_o their_o superstitious_a fondness_n of_o the_o vain_a shadow_n of_o a_o messiah_n and_o it_o be_v impossible_a they_o can_v ever_o have_v agree_v together_o so_o as_o to_o contrive_v that_o strange_a and_o notorious_a imposture_n but_o suppose_v they_o undertake_v it_o the_o torment_v inflict_v on_o they_o will_v have_v make_v they_o repent_v such_o a_o rash_a design_n and_o the_o confession_n of_o one_o single_a person_n among_o they_o will_v have_v sufficient_o discover_v they_o all_o last_o their_o shame_n and_o poverty_n the_o gaol_n and_o the_o chain_n the_o stripe_n the_o fire_n and_o the_o sword_n that_o be_v use_v against_o they_o to_o make_v they_o recant_v sufficient_o warrant_v we_o that_o they_o never_o intend_v to_o deceive_v the_o world_n and_o 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the_o new_a testament_n not_o to_o see_v whether_o they_o be_v human_a or_o divine_a for_o that_o will_v be_v consider_v in_o its_o own_o proper_a place_n but_o whether_o they_o be_v forge_v or_o not_o for_o if_o once_o we_o show_v that_o they_o be_v not_o forge_v we_o need_v only_o read_v they_o over_o to_o know_v the_o testimony_n the_o disciple_n bear_v of_o jesus_n christ_n himself_o and_o because_o that_o truth_n will_v serve_v for_o a_o confirmation_n of_o what_o we_o have_v already_o say_v we_o shall_v begin_v the_o follow_a section_n with_o the_o consideration_n of_o it_o section_n ii_o wherein_o we_o shall_v prove_v the_o divinity_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n by_o examine_v the_o book_n of_o the_o new-testament_n chap._n i._n wherein_o we_o shall_v prove_v that_o those_o book_n can_v never_o be_v supposititious_a when_o i_o examine_v the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n all_o the_o doubt_n i_o strive_v to_o raise_v concern_v they_o amount_v only_o to_o these_o 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that_o the_o epistle_n of_o st._n paul_n be_v write_v by_o st._n paul_n himself_o but_o hold_v perhaps_o it_o be_v easy_a or_o more_o advantageous_a to_o counterfeit_v the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n than_o those_o of_o humane_a learning_n this_o be_v what_o we_o must_v a_o little_a inquire_v into_o and_o i._o the_o facility_n there_o be_v in_o counterfeit_v the_o the_o work_n of_o a_o author_n whole_o depend_v upon_o the_o several_a circumstance_n of_o time_n place_n and_o person_n upon_o the_o subject_a matter_n of_o that_o book_n the_o temper_n of_o man_n mind_n their_o different_a notion_n and_o their_o various_a interest_n which_o must_v be_v carry_v on_o in_o it_o now_o to_o counterfeit_a book_n of_o humane_a learning_n seem_v infinite_o more_o easy_a in_o all_o these_o respect_n than_o to_o counterfeit_v those_o of_o the_o new_a testament_n i._o because_o they_o who_o counterfeit_v a_o book_n of_o humane_a learning_n may_v take_v as_o much_o time_n as_o they_o please_v 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lose_v his_o sense_n when_o he_o write_v those_o thing_n we_o just_o now_o mention_v which_o they_o will_v never_o do_v because_o their_o opinion_n be_v that_o st._n paul_n want_v no_o cunning_a to_o deceive_v a_o great_a many_o person_n or_o they_o must_v confess_v that_o the_o faithful_a very_o frequent_o receive_v many_o miraculous_a gift_n in_o the_o ancient_a church_n that_o those_o gift_n be_v various_a that_o there_o have_v actual_o be_v such_o person_n in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n who_o have_v cause_v some_o kind_n of_o disturbance_n in_o it_o by_o speak_v divers_a language_n as_o they_o be_v inspire_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o consequent_o they_o must_v own_v the_o divinity_n of_o our_o religion_n chap._n xiii_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o look_v upon_o the_o new_a testament_n as_o a_o divine_a book_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o that_o we_o may_v certain_o find_v several_a unquestionable_a character_n of_o divinity_n in_o that_o book_n for_o not_o to_o repeat_v here_o 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where_o can_v we_o find_v such_o a_o loftiness_n of_o thought_n and_o yet_o such_o a_o simplicity_n of_o expression_n such_o a_o mixture_n of_o joy_n and_o sorrow_n such_o heroical_a confidence_n in_o a_o forlorn_a state_n of_o misery_n such_o profound_a humility_n and_o such_o presence_n and_o greatness_n of_o mind_n which_o be_v the_o cause_n that_o their_o morality_n be_v the_o fine_a that_o ever_o be_v and_o their_o thought_n more_o elevate_v than_o those_o of_o other_o man_n their_o design_n the_o noble_a that_o ever_o enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n that_o be_v to_o gain_v all_o man_n unto_o god_n have_v no_o self_n interest_n or_o refine_a nicety_n of_o policy_n but_o only_o a_o fervent_a desire_n to_o succeed_v in_o their_o ministry_n i_o know_v that_o this_o here_o be_v matter_n of_o inward_a sense_n rather_o than_o demonstration_n and_o that_o i_o shall_v never_o persuade_v the_o incredulous_a that_o they_o may_v discover_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o 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the_o revelation_n make_v to_o the_o apostle_n on_o the_o day_n of_o pentecost_n viz._n the_o symbol_n or_o token_n of_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o the_o effect_n or_o gift_n of_o the_o say_v holy_a ghost_n and_o it_o be_v not_o easy_a to_o imagine_v how_o the_o disciple_n can_v be_v deceive_v in_o either_o respect_n i_o be_o willing_a however_o for_o once_o to_o suppose_v that_o they_o may_v have_v be_v deceive_v in_o those_o external_a and_o corporeal_a symbol_n that_o they_o may_v fancy_v they_o hear_v a_o mighty_a rush_a wind_n of_o which_o there_o be_v real_o no_o noise_n that_o their_o eye_n be_v dazzle_v they_o may_v have_v take_v that_o for_o fire_n which_o be_v not_o fire_n yet_o this_o supposition_n will_v certain_o be_v a_o little_a too_o extravagant_a for_o though_o the_o apostle_n by_o reason_n of_o some_o imperfection_n in_o their_o organ_n or_o some_o outward_a illusion_n may_v have_v fancy_v that_o they_o see_v fire_n where_o no_o fire_n be_v yet_o 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that_o effusion_n those_o durable_a and_o last_a effect_n which_o be_v still_o extant_a though_o the_o wind_n have_v cease_v blow_v though_o that_o sound_v which_o have_v fill_v the_o whole_a house_n be_v no_o long_o to_o be_v hear_v and_o though_o that_o fire_n and_o those_o tongue_n have_v vanish_v away_o for_o certain_o it_o be_v never_o intend_v those_o surprise_a effect_n shall_v be_v conceal_v the_o apostle_n immediate_o speak_v all_o sort_n of_o language_n and_o that_o too_o before_o all_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n they_o convert_v one_o while_n six_o thousand_o people_n at_o another_o three_o thousand_o by_o one_o single_a sermon_n and_o only_o speak_v this_o to_o their_o auditor_n therefore_o be_v by_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n exalt_v and_o have_v receive_v of_o the_o father_n the_o promise_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n he_o have_v shed_v forth_o this_o which_o you_o now_o see_v and_o hear_v acts._n 2._o 33._o we_o will_v grant_v if_o you_o will_v that_o jesus_n christ_n do_v no_o manner_n of_o miracle_n it_o will_v produce_v no_o great_a consequence_n so_o long_o as_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o apostle_n do_v several_a nay_o they_o choose_v for_o that_o very_a end_n the_o sick_a that_o be_v most_o know_v they_o take_v a_o lame_a person_n for_o instance_n that_o be_v public_o know_v to_o all_o the_o city_n of_o jerusalem_n for_o such_o a_o one_o to_o make_v he_o walk_v and_o leap_v before_o all_o the_o people_n of_o that_o great_a and_o flourish_a city_n it_o will_v have_v be_v a_o strange_a thing_n indeed_o if_o the_o apostle_n have_v attempt_v to_o show_v false_a miracle_n to_o those_o people_n that_o be_v ten_o thousand_o time_n more_o subtle_a and_o refine_a than_o themselves_o but_o it_o will_v be_v yet_o far_o more_o strange_a that_o after_o have_v preach_v a_o false_a resurrection_n of_o their_o master_n they_o shall_v have_v undertake_v to_o prove_v it_o by_o work_v a_o false_a miracle_n which_o must_v necessary_o have_v be_v immediate_o discover_v but_o i_o will_v grant_v if_o you_o will_v that_o they_o may_v have_v be_v so_o extravagant_a as_o to_o undertake_v it_o and_o that_o the_o jew_n who_o chief_a interest_n it_o be_v to_o discover_v their_o cheat_n and_o artifices_fw-la may_v have_v be_v so_o far_o void_a of_o common_a sense_n as_o not_o to_o make_v the_o least_o inquiry_n into_o it_o or_o examination_n about_o it_o but_o what_o then_o will_v you_o say_v to_o this_o which_o in_o my_o opinion_n may_v serve_v for_o a_o invincible_a demonstration_n namely_o that_o the_o apostle_n not_o only_o pretend_v themselves_o able_a to_o work_v miracle_n but_o also_o to_o give_v their_o disciple_n power_n to_o do_v the_o same_o do_v any_o one_o ever_o hear_v of_o a_o society_n form_v by_o the_o preach_n of_o certain_a impostor_n who_o give_v this_o character_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o preach_n that_o they_o will_v impart_v to_o other_o the_o power_n of_o work_v the_o same_o miracle_n with_o themselves_o who_o confer_v miraculous_a gift_n upon_o those_o they_o baptize_v but_o miraculous_a gift_n so_o evident_a and_o so_o sensible_a that_o they_o themselves_o can_v not_o doubt_v but_o that_o they_o have_v true_o receive_v they_o nor_o they_o on_o who_o they_o be_v confer_v form_n any_o lawful_a or_o reasonable_a objection_n against_o they_o this_o consideration_n be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o convince_a because_o those_o gift_n we_o here_o speak_v of_o be_v durable_a and_o permanent_a at_o least_o during_o the_o infancy_n or_o first_o age_n of_o the_o church_n i_o confess_v indeed_o that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n foretell_v that_o prophecy_n shall_v vanish_v away_o and_o the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n shall_v cease_v which_o be_v a_o very_a good_a reason_n to_o prevent_v our_o wonder_v at_o the_o cessation_n of_o those_o gift_n in_o our_o day_n there_o be_v none_o but_o faith_n hope_n and_o charity_n that_o be_v to_o endure_v to_o all_o age_n but_o i_o be_o also_o certain_a that_o the_o 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for_o it_o but_o i_o be_o willing_a some_o man_n shall_v make_v the_o most_o violent_a suposition_n they_o can_v at_o least_o they_o will_v not_o refuse_v to_o allow_v that_o the_o apostle_n who_o pretend_v to_o impart_v the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o other_o man_n by_o the_o imposition_n of_o their_o hand_n and_o who_o proffer_v to_o make_v it_o descend_v upon_o their_o proselyte_n by_o baptise_v they_o who_o go_v about_o preach_v every_o where_o that_o the_o time_n be_v come_v wherein_o according_a to_o the_o prophecy_n of_o joel_n the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v to_o be_v pour_v upon_o all_o flesh_n and_o who_o in_o their_o gospel_n and_o history_n they_o compose_v of_o the_o life_n of_o their_o master_n affirm_v upon_o serious_a reflection_n that_o these_o sign_n shall_v follow_v they_o that_o believe_v etc._n etc._n i_o say_v it_o be_v to_o be_v presume_v they_o will_v not_o refuse_v to_o allow_v that_o those_o man_n sincere_o believe_v they_o have_v receive_v and_o be_v able_a to_o impart_v the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o other_o perhaps_o it_o be_v their_o mistake_n if_o you_o will_v have_v it_o so_o but_o that_o be_v not_o the_o thing_n i_o now_o contend_v about_o whether_o they_o be_v mistake_v indeed_o or_o not_o still_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o unless_o they_o have_v sincere_o believe_v that_o mistake_v or_o that_o profess_a opinion_n they_o dare_v never_o have_v make_v such_o promise_n it_o be_v plain_a enough_o that_o a_o man_n who_o do_v not_o think_v within_o himself_o that_o he_o have_v receive_v the_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n will_v never_o promise_v to_o impart_v they_o to_o other_o now_o i_o will_v desire_v the_o reader_n careful_o to_o consider_v this_o last_o principle_n it_o be_v necessary_a to_o give_v a_o invincible_a demonstration_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n in_o a_o word_n if_o the_o
apostle_n sincere_o believe_v they_o can_v speak_v all_o sort_n of_o language_n and_o have_v receive_v the_o extraordinary_a and_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n i_o affirm_v that_o it_o be_v absolute_o impossible_a they_o shall_v have_v be_v deceiver_n as_o to_o the_o other_o matter_n of_o fact_n for_o it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v believe_v they_o have_v receive_v those_o miraculous_a gift_n unless_o they_o also_o believe_v the_o miracle_n resurrection_n and_o ascension_n of_o jesus_n christ_n to_o be_v true_a and_o it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v have_v believe_v the_o miracle_n resurrection_n and_o ascension_n of_o jesus_n christ_n to_o be_v true_a if_o all_o those_o event_n have_v not_o be_v true_a indeed_o because_o as_o we_o have_v already_o plain_o make_v it_o appear_v it_o be_v not_o possible_a that_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n shall_v have_v be_v capable_a of_o illusion_n and_o deceit_n chap._n vi_o wherein_o we_o shall_v join_v all_o the_o 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establish_v in_o the_o world_n without_o this_o foundation_n because_o they_o have_v be_v confirm_v to_o we_o by_o person_n who_o live_v since_o the_o bless_a apostle_n and_o discourse_v familiar_o with_o they_o because_o the_o publication_n of_o those_o thing_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o establish_n very_o numerous_a church_n almost_o every_o where_o in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o because_o reason_n and_o common_a sense_n sufficient_o assure_v we_o that_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n can_v never_o have_v believe_v in_o a_o crucify_a man_n as_o such_o without_o be_v at_o the_o same_o time_n also_o teach_v that_o he_o be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a because_o the_o faithful_a only_o believe_v the_o last_o resurrection_n upon_o their_o certain_a hope_n and_o strong_a persuasion_n that_o they_o be_v to_o be_v make_v like_o unto_o the_o glorious_a body_n of_o their_o divine_a redeemer_n because_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o the_o author_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n 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render_v the_o thing_n itself_o whole_o undeniable_a and_o evident_a in_o the_o high_a degree_n so_o that_o it_o be_v almost_o to_o no_o purpose_n to_o insist_v any_o long_o on_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o first_o principle_n the_o second_o be_v no_o less_o certain_a than_o the_o first_o for_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o apostle_n sincere_o believe_v that_o whatever_o they_o relate_v be_v most_o certain_o true_a because_o those_o thing_n they_o deliver_v to_o we_o in_o their_o write_n be_v the_o motive_n and_o incitement_n they_o have_v to_o their_o virtue_n self_n denial_n and_o patience_n so_o often_o try_v in_o the_o danger_n they_o undergo_v because_o they_o make_v such_o simple_a and_o natural_a allusion_n to_o they_o that_o it_o be_v absolute_o impossible_a one_o shall_v not_o perceive_v their_o be_v true_o persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o in_o so_o much_o that_o they_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o future_a happiness_n of_o their_o condition_n maugre_o all_o the_o 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themselves_o capable_a of_o impart_v those_o gift_n to_o other_o man_n and_o consequent_o as_o much_o as_o if_o he_o shall_v advance_v that_o the_o apostle_n write_v none_o of_o all_o those_o epistle_n that_o be_v ascribe_v to_o they_o that_o they_o preach_v not_o public_o at_o jerusalem_n on_o the_o day_n of_o pentecost_n nor_o settle_v any_o church_n therein_o or_o teach_v man_n that_o they_o shall_v steadfast_o believe_v in_o the_o gospel_n last_o shall_v he_o say_v that_o the_o apostle_n sincere_o believe_v all_o these_o thing_n but_o yet_o that_o none_o of_o they_o be_v true_a it_o be_v as_o much_o as_o if_o he_o assert_v that_o they_o have_v neither_o eye_n ear_n nor_o memory_n and_o that_o several_a thousand_o of_o people_n be_v all_o deprive_v of_o their_o sense_n by_o the_o same_o kind_n of_o bewitch_a folly_n so_o that_o those_o who_o embrace_v the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o teach_v must_v at_o the_o same_o time_n precise_o and_o necessary_o have_v lose_v their_o reason_n 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and_o in_o which_o it_o be_v absolute_o impossible_a they_o shall_v have_v be_v deceive_v for_o though_o the_o disciple_n may_v have_v be_v decieve_v in_o one_o single_a miracle_n yet_o how_o can_v they_o be_v deceive_v in_o several_a miracle_n at_o once_o though_o it_o be_v possible_a they_o may_v have_v be_v deceive_v in_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n yet_o they_o can_v not_o be_v deceive_v in_o his_o resurrection_n though_o they_o may_v have_v be_v decieve_v in_o his_o resurrection_n yet_o they_o can_v not_o be_v deceive_v in_o so_o many_o sensible_a mark_n which_o christ_n give_v they_o of_o his_o presence_n after_o he_o be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o above_o all_o in_o his_o ascension_n though_o they_o may_v have_v be_v deceive_v even_o in_o his_o ascension_n yet_o they_o can_v not_o be_v deceive_v in_o the_o effusion_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n because_o they_o have_v a_o continual_a experience_n of_o that_o last_o miracle_n they_o know_v whether_o it_o be_v true_a or_o not_o there_o have_v appear_v to_o they_o cleave_a tongue_n like_v as_o of_o fire_n but_o still_o they_o know_v yet_o much_o better_o whether_o they_o have_v real_o receive_v the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n which_o be_v represent_v to_o they_o by_o that_o external_a symbol_n the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v particular_o choose_v that_o gift_n above_o all_o other_o on_o purpose_n to_o make_v it_o the_o more_o remarkable_a because_o of_o all_o sort_n of_o gift_n this_o be_v certain_o the_o most_o unimitable_a and_o the_o least_o capable_a of_o error_n and_o illusion_n for_o pray_v how_o be_v it_o possible_a i_o shall_v persuade_v myself_o that_o i_o can_v speak_v the_o persian_a chinese_n and_o arabic_a tongue_n or_o that_o i_o understand_v all_o those_o language_n when_o they_o be_v speak_v to_o i_o have_v i_o no_o such_o gift_n of_o tongue_n and_o if_o it_o be_v so_o rare_a a_o thing_n to_o see_v one_o single_a man_n possess_v with_o that_o foolish_a kind_n of_o madness_n as_o 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consequence_n therefore_o of_o our_o argument_n be_v most_o certain_a most_o evident_a and_o undeniable_a if_o ever_o any_o thing_n be_v so_o and_o the_o principle_n of_o it_o will_v appear_v to_o be_v so_o likewise_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n sincere_o believe_v his_o miracle_n resurrection_n ascension_n and_o the_o effusion_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n if_o you_o will_v be_v more_o full_o convince_v of_o this_o it_o be_v but_o read_v the_o new_a testament_n over_o from_o one_o end_n to_o the_o other_o there_o you_o will_v find_v that_o sincerity_n and_o that_o full_a persuasion_n in_o their_o disinterest_v self-denial_n which_o spring_v from_o the_o knowledge_n they_o have_v that_o christ_n as_o their_o only_a treasure_n be_v ascend_v into_o heaven_n there_o you_o will_v see_v their_o joyfulness_n in_o affliction_n arise_v pure_o from_o the_o testimony_n they_o bear_v to_o the_o truth_n their_o charity_n and_o piety_n whole_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o character_n of_o impostor_n their_o humility_n purity_n patience_n burn_v zeal_n and_o that_o fervent_a desire_n they_o have_v to_o kindle_v all_o those_o virtue_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o other_o these_o be_v two_o undeniable_a matter_n first_o that_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n show_v themselves_o to_o have_v the_o most_o natural_a sentiment_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n imaginable_a second_o that_o piety_n and_o virtue_n can_v never_o proceed_v from_o imposture_n and_o deceit_n there_o you_o will_v also_o find_v the_o plain_a honesty_n of_o the_o disciple_n and_o the_o sincerity_n of_o their_o persuasion_n in_o the_o style_n of_o their_o discourse_n for_o if_o it_o be_v true_a that_o language_n express_v the_o genius_n and_o manner_n of_o the_o people_n it_o may_v be_v very_o well_o affirm_v that_o the_o language_n of_o christ_n disciple_n full_o express_v the_o miracle_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o a_o particular_a energy_n which_o distinguish_v the_o style_n of_o those_o author_n not_o only_o from_o that_o of_o all_o other_o man_n but_o also_o from_o that_o of_o the_o law_n you_o will_v meet_v with_o the_o same_o sincerity_n even_o in_o that_o great_a number_n of_o obscure_a and_o difficult_a text_n which_o the_o evangelist_n relate_v for_o on_o one_o hand_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o they_o shall_v counterfeit_v or_o invent_v those_o precept_n or_o those_o difficult_a and_o obscure_a say_n which_o they_o make_v christ_n utter_v to_o the_o people_n and_o on_o the_o other_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o those_o difficult_a and_o obscure_a text_n almost_o always_o include_v some_o miraculous_a matter_n of_o fact_n or_o at_o least_o some_o allusion_n to_o those_o supernatural_a miracle_n first_o then_o i_o say_v that_o the_o evangelist_n invent_v not_o those_o obscure_a and_o difficult_a say_n they_o make_v christ_n utter_v which_o be_v true_o very_o numerous_a for_o how_o shall_v those_o poor_a fisherman_n have_v be_v industrious_a enough_o to_o forge_v and_o invent_v such_o thing_n which_o all_o the_o doctor_n as_o have_v live_v these_o sixteen_o hundred_o year_n down_o to_o we_o be_v hardly_o able_a either_o to_o understand_v themselves_o or_o make_v other_o man_n comprehend_v beside_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o those_o obscure_a and_o difficult_a say_n either_o contain_v the_o history_n of_o those_o miraculous_a matter_n of_o fact_n we_o be_v now_o speak_v of_o or_o else_o include_v such_o plain_a and_o natural_a allusion_n to_o they_o that_o it_o be_v easy_a for_o any_o one_o to_o perceive_v that_o he_o that_o relate_v those_o text_n both_o suppose_n that_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v certain_o true_a and_o public_o know_v to_o the_o world_n thus_o for_o instance_n why_o do_v our_o lord_n say_v that_o there_o be_v not_o a_o great_a prophet_n than_o john_n the_o baptist_n bear_v of_o a_o woman_n it_o be_v not_o sure_o because_o of_o his_o miracle_n for_o he_o do_v none_o
christ_n as_o one_o that_o supply_v all_o his_o want_n and_o necessity_n he_o be_v therefore_o oblige_v to_o make_v use_n of_o such_o unusual_a and_o surprise_a expression_n first_o epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n chap._n i._n 13._o be_v christ_n divide_v be_v paul_n crucify_v for_o you_o or_o be_v you_o baptize_v in_o the_o name_n of_o paul_n a_o singular_a and_o uncommon_a piece_n of_o humility_n since_o man_n be_v not_o by_o nature_n displease_v and_o disquiet_v at_o those_o who_o endeavour_n to_o pay_v they_o too_o much_o honour_n chap._n ii_o 4._o and_o my_o speech_n and_o my_o preach_n be_v not_o with_o entice_a word_n of_o man_n wisdom_n but_o in_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o of_o power_n it_o be_v beneath_o a_o king_n to_o study_v how_o to_o adorn_v his_o discourse_n and_o make_v use_n of_o the_o charm_n of_o eloquence_n when_o he_o go_v about_o to_o speak_v to_o his_o subject_n to_o who_o he_o show_v mercy_n and_o prescribe_v obedience_n such_o a_o way_n of_o deal_n will_v be_v much_o more_o beneath_o the_o holy_a ghost_n wherefore_o paul_n oppose_v the_o power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o serve_v he_o to_o confirm_v the_o gospel_n to_o the_o eloquence_n of_o the_o man_n of_o his_o age_n which_o he_o absolute_o contemn_v and_o despise_v for_o the_o latter_a may_v but_o the_o former_a can_v be_v suspect_v chap._n iii_o 5._o who_o then_o be_v paul_n and_o who_o be_v apollo_n but_o minister_n by_o who_o you_o believe_v those_o man_n be_v not_o like_o simon_n magus_n cerinthus_n sâ—turninus_n basilides_n menander_n etc._n etc._n who_o positive_o affirm_v themselves_o to_o be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n the_o word_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o who_o strive_v to_o excel_v one_o another_o in_o extravagant_a vanity_n chap._n iu._n 11_o 12_o 13_o 14._o even_o unto_o this_o present_a hour_n we_o both_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n and_o be_v naked_a and_o be_v buffet_v and_o have_v no_o certain_a dwell_n place_n and_o labour_n work_v with_o our_o own_o hand_n be_v revile_v we_o bless_v be_v persecute_v we_o suffer_v it_o be_v defame_v we_o entreat_v we_o be_v make_v as_o the_o filth_n of_o the_o world_n and_o be_v the_o offscouring_a of_o all_o thing_n unto_o this_o day_n i_o write_v not_o these_o thing_n to_o shame_v you_o but_o as_o my_o belove_a son_n i_o warn_v you_o do_v paul_n imagine_v he_o can_v easy_o impose_v upon_o those_o he_o write_v this_o epistle_n to_o in_o those_o matter_n which_o must_v have_v be_v so_o public_o know_v or_o do_v he_o think_v he_o can_v incite_v they_o to_o emulate_v his_o patience_n by_o such_o narration_n as_o every_o body_n know_v to_o be_v utter_o false_a verse_n 19_o 20._o but_o i_o will_v come_v to_o you_o short_o if_o the_o lord_n will_v and_o will_v know_v not_o the_o speech_n of_o they_o which_o be_v puff_v up_o but_o the_o power_n for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v not_o in_o word_n but_o in_o power_n by_o these_o word_n it_o appear_v that_o the_o extraordinary_a and_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n justify_v in_o those_o day_n the_o mission_n of_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n and_o indeed_o what_o can_v be_v less_o liable_a to_o suspicion_n than_o such_o a_o mark_n and_o sign_n of_o they_o chap._n v._o 5._o to_o deliver_v such_o a_o one_o unto_o satan_n for_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o flesh_n that_o the_o spirit_n may_v be_v save_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n the_o apostle_n testify_v of_o the_o gospel_n by_o their_o work_n and_o not_o their_o word_n only_o verse_n 11._o if_o any_o man_n that_o be_v call_v a_o brother_n be_v a_o fornicator_n or_o covetous_a or_o a_o idolater_n or_o a_o railer_n or_o a_o drunkard_n or_o a_o extortioner_n with_o such_o a_o one_o do_v not_o eat_v what_o strange_a severity_n be_v this_o what_o amaze_a and_o wonderful_a effect_n what_o surprise_v change_n in_o man_n be_v produce_v by_o the_o gospel_n believe_v it_o if_o you_o can_v after_o what_o have_v be_v say_v that_o this_o be_v a_o society_n of_o deceitful_a impostor_n as_o it_o must_v need_n be_v confess_v suppose_v their_o testimony_n false_a chap._n vi_o 9_o 10_o 11._o be_v not_o deceive_v neither_o fornicator_n nor_o idolater_n nor_o adulterer_n nor_o effeminate_a nor_o abuser_n of_o themselves_o with_o mankind_n etc._n etc._n shall_v inherit_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o such_o be_v some_o of_o you_o but_o you_o be_v wash_v but_o you_o be_v sanctify_v but_o you_o be_v justify_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n etc._n etc._n have_v the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n be_v a_o mere_a imposture_n how_o can_v he_o have_v sanctify_a mankind_n and_o what_o can_v be_v the_o design_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o deceive_a man_n to_o make_v they_o righteous_a in_o make_v a_o false_a belief_n serve_v to_o lead_v they_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o virtue_n for_o such_o notion_n as_o these_o our_o incredulous_a adversary_n must_v necessary_o entertain_v chap._n xii_o 28_o 29_o 30._o and_o god_n have_v set_v some_o in_o the_o church_n first_o apostle_n second_o prophet_n three_o teacher_n after_o that_o miracle_n than_o gift_n of_o heal_a help_n government_n diversity_n of_o tongue_n be_v all_o apostle_n be_v all_o prophet_n be_v all_o teacher_n be_v all_o worker_n of_o miracle_n have_v all_o the_o gift_n of_o heal_v do_v all_o speak_v with_o tongue_n it_o appear_v that_o the_o apostle_n by_o this_o enumeration_n of_o the_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n suppose_v they_o to_o have_v be_v very_o common_a in_o the_o church_n as_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o fact_n public_o know_v be_v he_o then_o out_o of_o his_o sense_n to_o talk_v thus_o we_o have_v see_v man_n who_o false_o boast_v they_o can_v work_v many_o miracle_n but_o we_o never_o hear_v of_o any_o that_o pretend_v to_o make_v a_o numerous_a society_n believe_v that_o they_o also_o can_v work_v miracle_n when_o they_o have_v not_o indeed_o the_o power_n to_o perform_v any_o verse_n 31._o but_o covet_v earnest_o the_o best_a gift_n and_o yet_o show_v i_o unto_o you_o a_o more_o excellent_a way_n he_o prefer_v charity_n before_o miracle_n themselves_o and_o all_o the_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n how_o different_a then_o be_v his_o opinion_n from_o the_o vanity_n ambition_n and_o superstition_n of_o the_o world_n chap._n fourteen_o 24_o 25._o but_o if_o all_o prophesy_n and_o there_o come_v in_o one_o that_o believe_v not_o or_o one_o unlearned_a he_o be_v convince_v of_o all_o he_o be_v judge_v of_o all_o and_o thus_o be_v the_o secret_n of_o his_o heart_n make_v manifest_a and_o so_o fall_v down_o on_o his_o face_n he_o will_v worship_v god_n and_o report_n that_o god_n be_v in_o you_o of_o a_o truth_n this_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o know_v the_o secret_n of_o man_n heart_n which_o this_o same_o author_n speak_v of_o in_o another_o place_n say_v though_o i_o have_v the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n and_o understand_v all_o mystery_n etc._n etc._n be_v there_o ever_o any_o seducer_n see_v who_o to_o prove_v their_o mission_n pretend_v themselves_o able_a to_o know_v the_o secret_n of_o man_n heart_n how_o come_v this_o author_n then_o to_o speak_v of_o it_o cursory_o and_o as_o a_o thing_n general_o know_v to_o they_o all_o chap._n xv._n 13_o 14_o 15_o 16_o 17_o 19_o but_o if_o there_o be_v no_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a then_o be_v christ_n not_o rise_v and_o if_o christ_n be_v not_o rise_v then_o be_v our_o preach_v vain_a and_o your_o faith_n be_v vain_a also_o yea_o and_o we_o be_v find_v false_a witness_n of_o god_n because_o we_o have_v testify_v of_o god_n that_o he_o raise_v up_o christ_n who_o he_o raise_v not_o up_o if_o so_o be_v that_o the_o dead_a rise_v not_o etc._n etc._n and_o if_o christ_n be_v not_o raise_v your_o faith_n be_v vain_a you_o be_v yet_o in_o your_o sin_n then_o they_o also_o which_o be_v fall_v a_o sleep_n in_o christ_n be_v perish_v if_o in_o this_o life_n only_o we_o have_v hope_n in_o christ_n we_o be_v of_o all_o man_n most_o miserable_a nothing_o can_v better_o acquaint_v we_o with_o the_o persuasion_n of_o our_o apostle_n than_o these_o word_n for_o i_o pray_v observe_v after_o what_o manner_n he_o relate_v the_o opinion_n of_o those_o man_n who_o think_v there_o be_v no_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a he_o seem_v very_o much_o surprise_v to_o see_v they_o prepossess_v with_o any_o such_o opinion_n after_o what_o they_o have_v know_v of_o christ_n be_v resurrection_n of_o their_o happiness_n that_o sleep_v in_o he_o and_o the_o affliction_n they_o endure_v in_o this_o life_n which_o they_o can_v not_o endure_v without_o some_o reason_n some_o hope_n and_o expectation_n of_o future_a happiness_n verse_n 32._o if_o after_o the_o manner_n of_o man_n
such_o defect_n because_o it_o be_v whole_o found_v upon_o instruction_n and_o knowledge_n search_v the_o scripture_n for_o in_o they_o you_o think_v you_o have_v eternal_a life_n john_n 5._o 39_o chap._n iu._n 7_o 8_o i_o have_v fight_v a_o good_a fight_n i_o have_v finish_v my_o course_n i_o have_v keep_v the_o faith_n henceforth_o there_o be_v lay_v up_o for_o i_o a_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n st._n paul_n be_v draw_v nigh_o towards_o his_o latter_a end_n and_o the_o word_n of_o a_o die_a man_n be_v always_o to_o be_v regard_v whence_o then_o come_v that_o cheerful_a joy_n the_o apostle_n so_o natural_o express_v in_o this_o occasion_n his_o hope_n have_v they_o be_v of_o this_o world_n must_v have_v be_v soon_o bury_v with_o he_o in_o his_o grave_n and_o his_o happiness_n too_o at_o a_o end_n whence_o then_o derive_v he_o that_o great_a confidence_n which_o he_o seem_v to_o have_v have_v be_v it_o from_o the_o inward_a sense_n of_o a_o guilty_a conscience_n which_o reproach_v he_o for_o have_v betray_v the_o synagogue_n blemish_v his_o country_n man_n deceive_v mankind_n testify_v of_o a_o seducer_n and_o forge_v such_o fictitious_a vision_n by_o the_o most_o signal_n imposture_n that_o ever_o be_v let_v any_o one_o believe_v it_o if_o he_o can_v first_o epistle_n of_o st._n peter_n chap._n i._n 3._o bless_a be_v the_o god_n and_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n which_o according_a to_o his_o abundant_a mercy_n have_v beget_v we_o again_o unto_o a_o lively_a hope_n by_o the_o resurrection_n of_o jesus_n christ_n from_o the_o dead_a the_o mind_n of_o those_o writer_n be_v so_o full_a of_o the_o salvation_n that_o be_v reveal_v to_o they_o that_o they_o be_v never_o weary_a of_o return_v thanks_o to_o god_n for_o it_o chap._n ii_o 17_o 18_o 19_o 20._o honour_n all_o man_n love_v the_o brotherhood_n fear_v god_n honour_n the_o king_n servant_n be_v subject_a to_o your_o master_n with_o all_o fear_n not_o only_o to_o the_o good_a and_o gentle_a but_o also_o to_o the_o froward_a etc._n etc._n for_o what_o glory_n be_v it_o if_o when_o you_o be_v buffet_v for_o your_o fault_n you_o shall_v take_v it_o patient_o but_o if_o when_o you_o do_v well_o and_o suffer_v for_o it_o you_o take_v it_o patient_o this_o be_v acceptable_a with_o god_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v a_o strange_a thing_n we_o shall_v be_v desire_v to_o own_o that_o a_o mutual_a agreement_n of_o malice_n and_o falsehood_n which_o real_o be_v a_o wonderful_a agreement_n of_o piety_n charity_n obedience_n and_o righteousness_n paul_n express_v himself_o like_o peter_n and_o peter_n speak_v like_o paul_n they_o both_o act_v and_o suffer_v alike_o nay_o they_o bear_v the_o very_a same_o testimony_n be_v endow_v with_o the_o same_o patience_n practise_v the_o very_a same_o virtue_n and_o discover_v one_o and_o the_o same_o wisdom_n in_o all_o their_o word_n now_o what_o have_v we_o any_o reason_n to_o suspect_v in_o all_o this_o second_o epistle_n of_o st._n peter_n chap._n i._n 16_o 17_o 18._o for_o we_o have_v not_o follow_v cunning_o devise_v fable_n when_o we_o make_v know_v unto_o you_o the_o power_n and_o come_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n but_o be_v eye-witness_n of_o his_o majesty_n for_o he_o receive_v from_o god_n the_o father_n honour_n and_o glory_n when_o there_o come_v such_o a_o voice_n to_o he_o from_o the_o excellent_a glory_n this_o be_v my_o well_o belove_a son_n in_o who_o i_o be_o well_o please_v and_o this_o voice_n which_o come_v from_o heaven_n we_o hear_v when_o we_o be_v with_o he_o in_o the_o holy_a mount_n etc._n etc._n this_o be_v a_o witness_n who_o speak_v of_o what_o he_o have_v see_v who_o suffer_v death_n in_o defence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o testimony_n who_o see_v it_o not_o alone_o for_o several_a other_o have_v see_v the_o same_o thing_n who_o speak_v not_o out_o of_o any_o principle_n of_o interest_n or_o conceal_v what_o he_o know_v through_o any_o fear_n or_o apprehension_n of_o death_n and_o who_o for_o all_o that_o do_v his_o utmost_a endeavour_n to_o sanctify_v mankind_n and_o bestow_v all_o his_o time_n his_o labour_n and_o his_o life_n in_o advance_v such_o a_o extraordinary_a work_n which_o be_v so_o little_a to_o be_v suspect_v and_o if_o so_o what_o man_n be_v there_o that_o can_v reasonable_o mistrust_v he_o first_o epistle_n of_o st._n john_n chap._n i._n 1_o 3._o that_o which_o be_v from_o the_o beginning_n which_o we_o have_v hear_v which_o we_o have_v see_v with_o our_o eye_n which_o we_o have_v look_v upon_o and_o our_o hand_n have_v handle_v of_o the_o word_n of_o life_n declare_v we_o unto_o you_o etc._n etc._n if_o you_o shall_v doubt_v whether_o the_o apostle_n do_v real_o go_v about_o testify_v every_o where_o that_o they_o have_v see_v with_o their_o eye_n both_o the_o miracle_n and_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v but_o learn_v it_o from_o their_o epistle_n and_o their_o own_o word_n too_o chap._n ii_o 1._o my_o little_a child_n these_o thing_n write_v i_o unto_o you_o that_o you_o sin_v not_o but_o what_o be_v it_o to_o he_o whether_o man_n sin_v or_o not_o do_v ever_o the_o design_n of_o sanctify_a mankind_n and_o contribute_v to_o their_o salvation_n at_o the_o cost_n of_o one_o blood_n one_o liberty_n one_o life_n enter_v before_o into_o any_o man_n heart_n but_o they_o these_o and_o the_o like_a reflection_n be_v of_o themselves_o sufficient_a to_o give_v the_o reader_n a_o relish_n of_o those_o truth_n and_o incite_v he_o to_o make_v some_o of_o his_o own_o as_o shall_v more_o effectual_o instruct_v and_o convince_v he_o for_o my_o part_n i_o have_v make_v several_a which_o perhaps_o satisfy_v i_o better_o than_o they_o will_v any_o body_n else_o and_o no_o question_n but_o he_o will_v also_o make_v several_a of_o his_o own_o that_o will_v convince_v he_o far_o better_o than_o those_o of_o another_o in_o the_o mean_a while_n let_v we_o pass_v on_o to_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o substance_n of_o that_o religion_n which_o christ_n himself_o do_v bring_v into_o the_o world_n for_o after_o have_v consider_v the_o outside_n it_o be_v very_o necessary_a to_o look_v into_o the_o inward_a part_n of_o the_o building_n section_n iu._n wherein_o we_o shall_v prove_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n by_o the_o consideration_n of_o its_o nature_n and_o property_n several_a portraiture_n in_o which_o it_o may_v be_v consider_v hitherto_o we_o have_v insist_v as_o it_o be_v upon_o the_o shell_n and_o bark_n of_o religion_n we_o have_v examine_v the_o proof_n take_v from_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v the_o first_o that_o offer_v themselves_o to_o our_o mind_n it_o seem_v therefore_o now_o expedient_a we_o shall_v discover_v as_o it_o be_v the_o substance_n and_o spirit_n of_o christianity_n and_o so_o proceed_v to_o those_o other_o proof_n draw_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o and_o that_o by_o show_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o by_o its_o beauty_n and_o proper_a excellency_n but_o because_o this_o be_v too_o copious_a a_o subject_n for_o we_o who_o study_n brevity_n we_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o reduce_v what_o we_o have_v to_o say_v into_o as_o small_a a_o compass_n as_o we_o can_v and_o since_o we_o can_v allow_v our_o reflection_n their_o due_a and_o proper_a extent_n to_o give_v at_o least_o some_o plan_n or_o draught_n of_o the_o same_o as_o shall_v supply_v that_o defect_n and_o though_o the_o christian_a religion_n may_v be_v consider_v under_o several_a different_a face_n because_o in_o this_o respect_n it_o be_v like_a unto_o its_o object_n which_o have_v no_o bound_n to_o confine_v its_o extent_n yet_o methinks_v we_o may_v give_v a_o idea_n just_a and_o adequate_a enough_o to_o our_o present_a design_n by_o consider_v it_o in_o eleven_o different_a draught_n or_o portraiture_n i._o in_o the_o multitude_n of_o testimony_n give_v in_o favour_n of_o it_o which_o we_o shall_v touch_v upon_o cursory_o because_o we_o have_v already_o partly_o examine_v they_o all_o ii_o in_o its_o essential_a opposition_n to_o all_o false_a religion_n that_o ever_o be_v iii_o in_o its_o effect_n which_o can_v only_o just_o be_v refer_v to_o a_o divine_a and_o supernatural_a cause_n iv._o in_o the_o purity_n of_o its_o end_n v._o in_o its_o suitableness_n to_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n which_o it_o undertake_v to_o reform_v vi_o in_o the_o relation_n it_o have_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n which_o it_o shall_v advance_v vii_o in_o its_o morality_n viii_o in_o its_o mystery_n ix_o in_o the_o conformity_n of_o its_o mystery_n to_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n x._o in_o that_o exact_a proportion_n it_o bear_v to_o the_o jewish_a religion_n xi_o and_o last_o in_o that_o proportion_n it_o bear_v to_o natural_a religion_n i_o hope_v these_o portraiture_n will_v like_o so_o many_o
who_o be_v no_o respecter_n of_o person_n and_o not_o from_o man_n who_o give_v and_o receive_v praise_n and_o honour_n from_o one_o another_o but_o politician_n usual_o argue_v thus_o religion_n say_v they_o be_v very_o useful_a to_o we_o to_o keep_v man_n within_o the_o bound_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o bring_v they_o under_o subjection_n to_o the_o sovereign_n and_o the_o law_n of_o the_o state_n it_o follow_v therefore_o that_o religion_n be_v design_v for_o no_o other_o end_n but_o this_o do_v not_o follow_v and_o to_o comprehend_v that_o religion_n be_v design_v for_o a_o sublime_a and_o noble_a end_n they_o ought_v chief_o to_o consider_v that_o it_o be_v no_o less_o repugnant_a to_o the_o ambition_n of_o prince_n than_o the_o rebellion_n of_o their_o people_n that_o it_o relate_v not_o to_o the_o welfare_n of_o any_o private_a state_n but_o essential_o tend_v to_o promote_v peace_n among_o nation_n and_o kingdom_n and_o perfect_a that_o union_n and_o society_n which_o ought_v to_o reign_v among_o man_n that_o it_o despise_v all_o prohibition_n politic_a law_n and_o even_o the_o secular_a power_n when_o it_o endeavour_n to_o constrain_v it_o that_o all_o the_o roman_a policy_n though_o arm_v with_o the_o severe_a and_o most_o cruel_a punishment_n that_o can_v be_v think_v of_o be_v not_o powerful_a enough_o to_o stop_v its_o wonderful_a effect_n that_o by_o teach_v man_n to_o despise_v death_n and_o hope_v for_o a_o better_a life_n after_o this_o it_o put_v they_o above_o the_o reach_n as_o well_o of_o the_o promise_n as_o threat_n of_o policy_n and_o that_o by_o sanctify_v both_o their_o heart_n and_o conscience_n it_o produce_v that_o effect_n in_o they_o which_o policy_n never_o dare_v so_o much_o as_o attempt_v ix_o in_o like_a manner_n rhetoric_n have_v be_v prejudicial_a to_o religion_n through_o the_o ill_a use_n man_n have_v make_v of_o it_o the_o object_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o they_o be_v at_o first_o offer_v to_o man_n without_o any_o 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certain_a author_n have_v very_o well_o hint_v at_o when_o he_o say_v scriptura_fw-la non_fw-la amat_fw-la nimium_fw-la diligentes_fw-la and_o the_o reason_n that_o may_v be_v allege_v for_o it_o be_v 1._o because_o the_o object_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v of_o too_o great_a and_o important_a concern_v for_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n to_o suffer_v they_o to_o depend_v upon_o the_o insignificant_a nicety_n of_o grammar_n if_o man_n doubt_n usual_o inquire_v whether_o a_o king_n law_n be_v set_v forth_o in_o such_o word_n as_o be_v altogether_o in_o use_n or_o whether_o there_o be_v any_o transposition_n and_o parenthesis_n in_o they_o whether_o the_o rule_n of_o grammar_n be_v due_o observe_v or_o who_o it_o be_v that_o draw_v they_o up_o if_o it_o be_v enough_o that_o we_o know_v they_o to_o be_v real_o the_o law_n of_o such_o a_o prince_n and_o that_o they_o be_v clear_a enough_o to_o be_v understand_v by_o all_o i_o say_v if_o those_o consideration_n be_v sufficient_a to_o incline_v 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the_o design_n of_o god_n who_o be_v please_v to_o call_v all_o sort_n of_o man_n to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o himself_o to_o this_o we_o may_v also_o add_v that_o if_o man_n salvation_n be_v affix_v pure_o to_o the_o order_n and_o disposition_n of_o word_n and_o syllable_n they_o will_v pay_v a_o reverence_n to_o word_n and_o syllable_n instead_o of_o mystery_n and_o thus_o we_o shall_v inevitable_o fall_v into_o all_o the_o extravagance_n of_o the_o superstitious_a cabalist_n suppose_v you_o have_v live_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o have_v distinct_o hear_v they_o one_o after_o another_o preach_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n though_o each_o of_o they_o express_v himself_o after_o his_o particular_a way_n it_o be_v certain_a you_o will_v never_o have_v make_v your_o salvation_n depend_v upon_o their_o different_a manner_n of_o express_v their_o thought_n but_o upon_o those_o object_n they_o will_v have_v unanimous_o lay_v before_o you_o and_o 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against_o their_o so_o very_a simple_a and_o natural_a expression_n it_o be_v our_o chief_a concern_v to_o regard_v the_o substance_n and_o essential_a part_n of_o their_o preach_n and_o that_o be_v god_n design_n to_o save_v mankind_n by_o the_o death_n of_o his_o son_n to_o this_o every_o thing_n relate_v and_o it_o be_v support_v by_o three_o other_o very_a great_a and_o important_a object_n the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n attest_v by_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o the_o completion_n of_o all_o the_o prophecy_n contain_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o the_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n all_o which_o thing_n the_o apostle_n see_v and_o clear_o and_o distinct_o teach_v man_n and_o at_o last_o digest_v in_o write_v direct_v by_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n when_o the_o whole_a earth_n seem_v full_a of_o astonishment_n at_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o extraordinary_a gift_n god_n pour_v down_o upon_o man_n at_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o so_o many_o prophecy_n in_o 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be_v confound_v by_o they_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o by_o continue_v in_o such_o a_o state_n of_o humility_n whatsoever_o difficulty_n may_v arise_v they_o will_v not_o have_v force_n enough_o to_o discompose_v our_o mind_n we_o shall_v not_o be_v surprise_v that_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o comprehend_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n or_o his_o manner_n of_o know_v love_a and_o act_v or_o his_o eternity_n immensity_n etc._n etc._n but_o we_o shall_v rather_o be_v ravish_v with_o admiration_n to_o think_v that_o we_o that_o be_v no_o better_a than_o worm_n or_o atom_n be_v yet_o think_v worthy_a to_o know_v he_o and_o raise_v to_o that_o pitch_n of_o glory_n as_o to_o have_v some_o prospect_n though_o but_o a_o faint_a one_o of_o his_o wondrous_a work_n and_o infinite_a perfection_n neither_o shall_v we_o have_v any_o reason_n to_o be_v offend_v because_o god_n former_o abandon_v the_o gentile_n and_o cast_v away_o other_o nation_n which_o still_o abide_v in_o profound_a ignorance_n and_o darkness_n though_o perhaps_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o nature_n so_o difficult_a or_o incomprehensible_a as_o the_o conduct_n of_o god_n but_o we_o shall_v rather_o reflect_v upon_o ourselves_o and_o endeavour_v to_o search_v into_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o own_o nature_n and_o upon_o such_o a_o consideration_n we_o shall_v find_v ourselves_o bury_v and_o swallow_v up_o if_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v in_o some_o corner_n of_o this_o vast_a universe_n and_o that_o too_o in_o such_o a_o time_n or_o conjuncture_n as_o be_v a_o mere_a point_n in_o comparison_n of_o that_o almost_o infinite_a duration_n of_o time_n which_o have_v elapse_v and_o that_o eternity_n which_o be_v still_o to_o pass_v away_o we_o shall_v only_o perceive_v a_o few_o year_n and_o a_o few_o nation_n which_o we_o ascribe_v to_o providence_n as_o its_o object_n as_o if_o that_o which_o preside_v over_o the_o whole_a creation_n be_v to_o be_v bound_v by_o a_o few_o age_n or_o nation_n but_o weak_a and_o foolish_a creature_n that_o we_o be_v we_o perceive_v not_o that_o infinite_a succession_n of_o object_n which_o take_v their_o turn_n and_o move_v on_o according_a to_o the_o decree_n of_o eternal_a wisdom_n we_o perceive_v not_o the_o strict_a union_n of_o this_o world_n with_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v or_o the_o share_n those_o nation_n who_o ignorance_n we_o so_o much_o deplore_v have_v in_o that_o continue_a chain_n of_o event_n nor_o the_o right_n which_o divine_a justice_n have_v over_o they_o or_o at_o least_o we_o have_v but_o a_o faint_a and_o imperfect_a knowledge_n of_o they_o we_o consider_v not_o that_o a_o thousand_o year_n be_v as_o one_o day_n and_o one_o day_n as_o a_o thousand_o year_n one_o nation_n as_o a_o hundred_o nation_n and_o a_o hundred_o nation_n as_o one_o nation_n in_o his_o sight_n who_o be_v able_a to_o create_v a_o infinite_a number_n of_o they_o out_o of_o nothing_o as_o he_o do_v we_o and_o in_o this_o we_o may_v be_v compare_v to_o those_o 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shall_v impose_v upon_o our_o belief_n no_o idle_a nicety_n of_o grammar_n perplex_v that_o faith_n which_o depend_v upon_o the_o object_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v indeed_o too_o manifest_a in_o their_o nature_n too_o often_o repeat_v and_o close_o unite_v to_o the_o principle_n of_o common_a sense_n too_o well_o confirm_v and_o attest_v by_o their_o event_n too_o worthy_a of_o god_n himself_o and_o conduce_v too_o much_o to_o our_o sanctification_n to_o be_v ever_o call_v in_o question_n in_o a_o word_n we_o shall_v then_o shake_v off_o our_o incredulity_n when_o we_o remove_v that_o which_o excite_v within_o we_o a_o secret_a propension_n to_o it_o it_o be_v therefore_o certain_a that_o god_n have_v cover_v the_o mystery_n of_o religion_n with_o a_o sacred_a darkness_n and_o have_v even_o permit_v man_n to_o make_v they_o yet_o more_o obscure_a by_o their_o vain_a speculation_n but_o what_o at_o once_o give_v we_o wonder_n and_o consolation_n be_v that_o the_o deep_a philosopher_n and_o most_o curious_a enquirer_n see_v not_o always_o clear_a into_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n but_o those_o only_o who_o make_v least_o use_n of_o the_o force_n of_o their_o reason_n and_o forbear_v to_o inquire_v nice_o into_o those_o thing_n which_o it_o become_v they_o humble_o to_o believe_v this_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o opinion_n of_o christ_n himself_o who_o say_v to_o his_o father_n i_o thank_v thou_o o_o father_n lord_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n because_o thou_o have_v hide_v these_o thing_n from_o the_o wise_a and_o prudent_a and_o have_v reveal_v they_o unto_o babe_n mat._n 5._o 11._o and_o here_o indeed_o we_o can_v but_o tremble_v with_o reverence_n and_o admiration_n when_o we_o join_v this_o character_n of_o the_o divinity_n of_o our_o religion_n to_o the_o rest_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o we_o