easy_o believe_v mystery_n though_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o dive_v into_o the_o manner_n of_o they_o 3_o dly_z this_o submission_n to_o god_n be_v so_o very_o reasonable_a that_o none_o but_o a_o man_n utter_o void_a of_o sense_n can_v be_v so_o stupid_a as_o not_o to_o perceive_v it_o for_o till_o we_o be_v endow_v with_o a_o infinite_a understanding_n we_o shall_v never_o be_v able_a to_o know_v but_o one_o side_n of_o thing_n and_o consequent_o we_o must_v necessary_o be_v for_o ever_o ignorant_a of_o the_o other_o 4_o thly_a it_o be_v very_o just_a and_o equitable_a if_o ever_o any_o thing_n be_v so_o and_o it_o aim_v at_o nothing_o but_o show_v we_o our_o ignorance_n and_o represent_v to_o we_o that_o be_v liable_a to_o be_v deceive_v we_o ought_v careful_o to_o follow_v revelation_n as_o a_o true_a and_o faithful_a guide_n we_o shall_v certain_o be_v extravagant_a proud_o to_o deny_v our_o own_o ignorance_n or_o impious_o suspect_v that_o god_n can_v deceive_v we_o when_o his_o design_n be_v to_o reveal_v his_o majesty_n to_o we_o v._o but_o what_o be_v chief_o to_o be_v observe_v for_o the_o honour_n of_o our_o religion_n what_o show_v the_o character_n of_o its_o divinity_n and_o force_v we_o to_o acknowledge_v they_o be_v that_o it_o teach_v we_o that_o to_o see_v clear_a into_o matter_n of_o religion_n we_o ought_v not_o to_o rely_v upon_o the_o light_n of_o our_o understanding_n and_o that_o we_o must_v lay_v aside_o the_o evidence_n of_o reason_n if_o we_o will_v be_v free_a from_o error_n in_o point_n of_o faith_n it_o be_v a_o wonderful_a effect_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o it_o render_v we_o happy_a by_o induce_v we_o to_o renounce_v ourselves_o and_o no_o less_o admirable_a that_o it_o enlighten_v our_o mind_n by_o oblige_v we_o to_o renounce_v our_o reason_n to_o look_v bold_o and_o steadfast_o upon_o mystery_n be_v the_o way_n to_o be_v blind_a whereas_o we_o shall_v easy_o perceive_v the_o light_n of_o god_n shine_v about_o we_o if_o we_o do_v but_o humble_o cast_v down_o our_o eye_n we_o shall_v be_v sufficient_o learn_v if_o we_o rest_v satisfy_v with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o what_o god_n have_v be_v please_v to_o reveal_v unto_o we_o and_o nothing_o more_o betray_v a_o universal_a ignorance_n than_o a_o insignificant_a desire_n to_o be_v ignorant_a of_o nothing_o in_o other_o science_n a_o man_n skill_n be_v measure_v by_o his_o knowledge_n but_o in_o that_o of_o salvation_n he_o be_v best_o instruct_v who_o be_v most_o humble_a he_o who_o have_v the_o least_o pride_n have_v the_o most_o understanding_n and_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o be_v easy_a we_o have_v already_o see_v that_o the_o nice_a speculation_n of_o reason_n about_o mystery_n do_v but_o more_o perplex_v and_o darken_v what_o be_v before_o obscure_a let_v we_o now_o see_v how_o much_o the_o submit_v our_o reason_n to_o faith_n make_v we_o have_v a_o clear_a insight_n into_o those_o mystery_n or_o at_o least_o how_o much_o it_o hinder_v our_o 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 who_o lie_v in_o the_o bottom_n of_o a_o well_o will_v fain_o see_v the_o whole_a extent_n of_o the_o heaven_n be_v we_o true_o sensible_a of_o our_o wretched_a nature_n we_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o curious_a or_o inconsiderate_a but_o rather_o dread_a the_o fate_n of_o those_o man_n who_o be_v smite_v from_o above_o for_o have_v look_v into_o the_o ark_n of_o god_n we_o shall_v find_v out_o the_o falsity_n of_o those_o opinion_n which_o be_v the_o product_n of_o a_o rash_a curiosity_n and_o whilst_o we_o limit_v our_o inquiry_n by_o revelation_n we_o shall_v easy_o discern_v those_o that_o go_v beyond_o it_o we_o shall_v distinguish_v religion_n which_o mortisy_n we_o from_o superstition_n which_o flatter_v and_o agreeable_o delude_v we_o and_o however_o policy_n in_o the_o height_n of_o its_o pride_n may_v rank_v we_o among_o creature_n not_o much_o superior_a to_o brute_n we_o shall_v not_o cease_v to_o think_v ourselves_o the_o child_n of_o god_n no_o charm_n of_o eloquence_n 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
difficulty_n as_o it_o be_v now_o adays_o through_o the_o fault_n and_o neglect_n of_o man_n it_o will_v then_o appear_v to_o we_o more_o conformable_a to_o reason_n to_o hold_v predestination_n than_o otherwise_o for_o if_o there_o be_v a_o god_n he_o can_v but_o foresee_v what_o will_v become_v of_o man_n and_o that_o they_o will_v fall_v into_o misery_n and_o sin_n and_o if_o some_o of_o they_o be_v save_v it_o will_v be_v very_o absurd_a to_o think_v that_o god_n design_v they_o not_o unto_o salvation_n and_o this_o doctrine_n of_o predestination_n when_o distinguish_v from_o the_o speculation_n of_o schoolman_n and_o vain_a inquiry_n of_o humane_a curiosity_n be_v whole_o comprise_v in_o these_o two_o proposition_n god_n foresee_v the_o sin_n and_o misery_n of_o mankind_n and_o some_o part_n of_o they_o he_o design_v to_o save_o according_a to_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n those_o who_o he_o do_v foreknow_v he_o also_o do_v predestinate_a etc._n etc._n now_o can_v any_o thing_n be_v more_o reasonable_a than_o these_o two_o principle_n be_v for_o if_o a_o wise_a man_n can_v be_v say_v to_o foresee_v the_o time_n to_o come_v by_o the_o rule_n of_o his_o prudence_n and_o conduct_n will_v it_o not_o be_v below_o the_o majesty_n of_o god_n to_o suppose_v he_o ignorant_a of_o futurity_n who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o time_n be_v it_o possible_a he_o will_v not_o as_o yet_o be_v concern_v in_o the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n and_o can_v it_o be_v suppose_v that_o man_n shall_v be_v save_v as_o it_o be_v by_o a_o unforeseen_a chance_n against_o his_o will_n what_o will_v become_v of_o his_o mercy_n if_o what_o he_o do_v proceed_v not_o from_o the_o design_n he_o have_v to_o save_v we_o can_v he_o have_v send_v his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n and_o yet_o deny_v salvation_n to_o those_o who_o be_v to_o be_v bear_v after_o the_o come_n of_o our_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n there_o occur_v in_o all_o this_o but_o one_o difficulty_n which_o be_v the_o same_o that_o st._n paul_n urge_v to_o himself_o when_o he_o say_v thou_o will_v say_v then_o unto_o i_o why_o do_v he_o yet_o find_v fault_n for_o who_o have_v resist_v his_o will_n be_v we_o guilty_a then_o will_v the_o gentile_n say_v because_o we_o be_v not_o soon_o partaker_n of_o his_o light_n or_o how_o can_v i_o be_v save_v the_o reprobate_n will_v cry_v out_o since_o god_n do_v not_o predestine_v i_o to_o salvation_n to_o this_o we_o reply_v we_o must_v not_o call_v in_o philosophy_n to_o our_o assistance_n to_o avoid_v this_o difficulty_n which_o be_v common_a to_o all_o system_n and_o in_o some_o become_v great_a st._n paul_n go_v no_o further_a than_o this_o let_v we_o in_o imitation_n of_o he_o stop_v there_o also_o let_v the_o bound_n of_o revelation_n be_v those_o also_o of_o our_o vain_a curiosity_n the_o great_a skill_n philosophy_n afford_v we_o to_o solve_v this_o objection_n the_o further_a it_o remove_v we_o from_o the_o truth_n which_o seem_v whole_o impenetrable_a to_o a_o writer_n far_o more_o learned_a than_o we_o and_o who_o be_v force_v to_o cry_v out_o when_o he_o reflect_v upon_o it_o o_o the_o depth_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v easy_a to_o show_v that_o this_o be_v a_o common_a difficulty_n we_o can_v own_v the_o existence_n of_o god_n without_o ascribe_v to_o he_o a_o foreknowledge_n of_o the_o time_n to_o come_v and_o it_o be_v certain_o true_a that_o to_o explicate_v the_o divine_a prescience_n will_v produce_v in_o we_o the_o same_o intricate_a doubt_n as_o predestination_n so_o that_o both_o of_o they_o be_v infallible_o true_a it_o be_v utter_o impossible_a to_o go_v against_o either_o of_o they_o it_o be_v further_a evident_a that_o this_o difficulty_n be_v no_o less_o considerable_a in_o natural_a thing_n than_o it_o be_v in_o those_o that_o concern_v religion_n for_o if_o god_n can_v foresee_v the_o time_n to_o come_v he_o must_v of_o necessity_n have_v foresee_v and_o set_v bound_n to_o our_o life_n which_o if_o true_a we_o may_v eat_v or_o not_o eat_v we_o may_v preserve_v or_o not_o preserve_v ourselves_o it_o be_v all_o one_o since_o we_o can_v exceed_v or_o come_v short_a of_o those_o limit_n which_o the_o almighty_a have_v prescribe_v we_o whence_o i_o conclude_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o predestination_n contain_v two_o sort_n of_o difficulty_n the_o first_o which_o spring_n from_o the_o too_o refine_a notion_n of_o philosophy_n which_o ought_v not_o to_o perplex_v our_o mind_n for_o we_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o answer_v they_o the_o second_o which_o be_v natural_a and_o common_a to_o all_o the_o affair_n of_o life_n so_o soon_o as_o you_o have_v lay_v down_o this_o principle_n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n who_o make_v we_o and_o that_o he_o can_v foresee_v that_o which_o will_v certain_o come_v to_o pass_v for_o if_o we_o be_v teach_v both_o by_o experience_n and_o reason_n that_o god_n have_v a_o knowledge_n of_o futurity_n and_o that_o he_o have_v foresee_v and_o foretell_v it_o upon_o many_o occasion_n as_o it_o appear_v by_o the_o fulfil_n of_o prophecy_n it_o be_v evident_a from_o thence_o that_o both_o experience_n and_o reason_n persuade_v we_o to_o receive_v the_o most_o difficult_a thing_n or_o rather_o the_o only_a difficulty_n that_o be_v imply_v in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o predestination_n the_o same_o may_v easy_o be_v prove_v in_o original_a sin_n and_o the_o efficacy_n of_o grace_n if_o we_o distinguish_v between_o the_o manner_n and_o the_o thing_n itself_o it_o be_v true_a we_o be_v original_o defile_v with_o sin_n have_v be_v shape_v in_o iniquity_n and_o conceive_v in_o sin_n and_o be_v by_o nature_n child_n of_o wrath._n the_o holy_a scripture_n inform_v we_o of_o the_o thing_n itself_o because_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o our_o humility_n and_o sanctification_n it_o be_v unnecessary_a to_o know_v the_o manner_n of_o it_o since_o it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n for_o a_o man_n to_o know_v how_o he_o fall_v into_o a_o pit_n his_o business_n then_o be_v to_o find_v the_o mean_n how_o to_o get_v out_o of_o it_o and_o therefore_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v silent_a as_o to_o the_o manner_n in_o which_o original_a sin_n be_v transmit_v to_o we_o that_o be_v as_o to_o the_o physical_a manner_n of_o its_o infect_v the_o whole_a race_n of_o mankind_n all_o the_o question_n which_o divine_v general_o start_v be_v mere_o philosophical_a contain_v such_o difficulty_n as_o we_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o answer_v if_o we_o distinct_o understand_v the_o union_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o body_n we_o may_v very_o clear_o explain_v that_o incomprehensible_a transmission_n of_o original_a sin_n but_o since_o our_o learning_n can_v never_o arrive_v to_o that_o height_n we_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o distrust_v our_o philosophy_n but_o be_v it_o as_o it_o well_o the_o difficulty_n proceed_v from_o our_o vain_a curiosity_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v take_v for_o the_o effect_n of_o faith_n faith_n and_o reason_n be_v here_o in_o a_o perfect_a union_n by_o keep_v themselves_o within_o their_o due_a bound_n faith_n teach_v we_o the_o thing_n itself_o and_o reason_n assent_v to_o it_o reason_n comprehend_v not_o the_o manner_n of_o it_o and_o faith_n suppose_v it_o incomprehensible_a if_o reason_n can_v deny_v that_o man_n be_v from_o their_o cradle_n inclinable_a to_o evil_n it_o will_v be_v contrary_a to_o faith_n which_o teach_v we_o that_o principle_n and_o if_o faith_n shall_v flatter_v we_o with_o the_o hope_n of_o free_v that_o object_n from_o all_o the_o difficulty_n occur_v to_o those_o who_o endeavour_n to_o search_v into_o the_o bottom_n and_o manner_n of_o it_o it_o will_v be_v also_o contrary_a to_o reason_n which_o know_v faith_n whole_o incapable_a of_o such_o a_o attempt_n but_o since_o it_o be_v not_o so_o nothing_o hinder_v but_o that_o we_o acknowledge_v the_o agreement_n between_o faith_n and_o reason_n the_o same_o proportion_n there_o be_v between_o reason_n and_o faith_n be_v also_o betwixt_o reason_n and_o sense_n and_o as_o faith_n be_v above_o reason_n so_o be_v reason_n above_o sense_n it_o be_v a_o undeniable_a truth_n that_o reason_n and_o sense_n never_o oppose_v one_o another_o although_o one_o of_o these_o faculty_n can_v comprehend_v the_o manner_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o the_o other_o do_v thus_o for_o instance_n sense_n testify_v that_o there_o be_v a_o ebb_a and_o flow_v of_o the_o sea_n and_o reason_n which_o be_v true_o convince_v by_o this_o testimony_n together_o with_o the_o unanimous_a consent_n of_o man_n agree_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o though_o whole_o ignorant_a of_o its_o physical_a cause_n if_o sense_n can_v certify_v that_o this_o phenomenon_n can_v be_v perfect_o know_v it_o will_v be_v contrary_a to_o reason_n which_o scarce_o understand_v it_o at_o all_o and_o if_o reason_v absolute_o deny_v there_o be_v any_o such_o
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
not_o immediate_o be_v find_v out_o by_o those_o who_o perfect_o understand_v those_o language_n yet_o how_o can_v there_o be_v other_o who_o expound_v divers_a language_n and_o understand_v man_n of_o all_o nation_n other_o who_o heal_v the_o sick_a other_o who_o by_o faith_n wrought_v miracle_n etc._n etc._n but_o perhaps_o the_o incredulous_a will_v not_o be_v satisfy_v with_o that_o one_o text_n of_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o here_o be_v another_o of_o the_o same_o stamp_n 1_o cor_fw-la 13._o 1_o 2._o though_o i_o speak_v with_o the_o tongue_n of_o man_n and_o of_o angel_n etc._n etc._n and_o 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 and_o though_o i_o have_v all_o faith_n so_o that_o i_o can_v remove_v mountain_n etc._n etc._n 1._o cor._n 12._o 29_o 30_o 31._o be_v all_o prophet_n say_v he_o in_o the_o forego_n chapter_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 do_v all_o interpret_v 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 it_o be_v then_o he_o begin_v his_o encomium_n of_o charity_n and_o prefer_v it_o before_o all_o other_o miraculous_a gift_n in_o like_a manner_n he_o speak_v in_o this_o place_n indirect_o and_o as_o it_o be_v by_o the_o by_o of_o those_o gift_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o expression_n manifest_o show_v that_o this_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v public_o know_v but_o if_o they_o shall_v still_o require_v a_o great_a demonstration_n of_o this_o truth_n such_o a_o demonstration_n as_o seem_v to_o i_o above_o all_o subtlety_n of_o cavil_n and_o exception_n it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o observe_v that_o among_o all_o those_o gift_n that_o of_o tongue_n be_v so_o common_a by_o reason_n it_o be_v very_o often_o impart_v by_o the_o apostle_n imposition_n of_o hand_n that_o there_o arise_v a_o great_a disturbance_n and_o confusion_n in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o it_o because_o all_o those_o who_o have_v receive_v that_o gift_n be_v desirous_a to_o speak_v strange_a language_n in_o the_o church_n the_o congregation_n be_v not_o in_o the_o least_o edify_v by_o it_o and_o it_o oblige_v st._n paul_n to_o write_v to_o they_o very_o sharp_o thereupon_o to_o which_o end_n he_o particular_o design_v the_o 14._o chap._n of_o his_o first_o epist_n to_o the_o corinthian_n i_o will_v say_v he_o to_o they_o v_o 5._o that_o you_o all_o speak_v with_o tongue_n but_o rather_o that_o you_o prophesy_v that_o the_o church_n may_v receive_v edify_v now_o to_o prophecy_n in_o the_o sense_n of_o this_o apostle_n be_v to_o declare_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o expound_v it_o to_o the_o people_n i_o thank_v my_o god_n add_v he_o further_o v_o 18_o 19_o i_o speak_v with_o tongue_n more_o than_o you_o all_o yet_o in_o the_o church_n i_o have_v rather_o speak_v five_o word_n with_o my_o understanding_n that_o by_o my_o voice_n i_o may_v teach_v other_o also_o than_o ten_o thousand_o word_n in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n wherefore_o add_v he_o a_o little_o further_a v_o 22._o tongue_n be_v for_o a_o sign_n not_o to_o they_o that_o believe_v but_o to_o they_o that_o believe_v not_o but_o prophesy_v serve_v not_o for_o they_o that_o believe_v not_o but_o for_o they_o which_o believe_v that_o be_v as_o any_o one_o may_v easy_o conceive_v that_o the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n which_o god_n have_v grant_v to_o the_o church_n after_o a_o most_o extraordinary_a and_o wonderful_a manner_n be_v design_v either_o to_o confound_v or_o convert_v the_o infidel_n by_o that_o evident_a testimony_n of_o the_o divinity_n of_o christianity_n whereas_o the_o gift_n of_o prophesy_v that_o be_v of_o declare_v god_n will_n and_o expound_v it_o to_o the_o people_n have_v be_v whole_o give_v man_n for_o the_o good_a and_o edification_n of_o the_o faithful_a now_o to_o these_o miraculous_a gift_n st._n paul_n certain_o allude_v when_o he_o say_v in_o his_o first_o epist_n to_o the_o thessalonian_n chap._n 5._o v._n 19_o quench_v not_o the_o spirit_n and_o it_o be_v concern_v those_o same_o gift_n and_o signal_n miracle_n that_o he_o say_v to_o the_o galatian_n o_o foolish_a galatian_n etc._n etc._n chap._n 3._o 5._o he_o therefore_o that_o minister_v to_o you_o the_o spirit_n and_o work_v miracle_n among_o you_o do_v he_o it_o by_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n or_o by_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o faith_n last_o it_o be_v concern_v these_o miraculous_a gift_n that_o the_o apostle_n speak_v when_o he_o say_v that_o the_o sign_n of_o his_o apostleship_n be_v manifest_v among_o the_o corinthian_n in_o all_o patience_n in_o sign_n and_o wonder_n and_o mighty_a deed_n we_o may_v see_v to_o what_o perplexity_n and_o confusion_n the_o incredulous_a be_v reduce_v and_o how_o angry_a soever_o they_o may_v be_v there_o be_v but_o two_o side_n they_o can_v take_v they_o must_v either_o assert_v that_o st._n paul_n have_v 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 what_o we_o have_v already_o say_v in_o our_o first_o part_n of_o this_o work_n concern_v the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o which_o be_v no_o less_o true_a of_o the_o new_a one_o we_o can_v but_o admire_v the_o mutual_a agreement_n of_o those_o author_n with_o moses_n and_o the_o other_o prophet_n we_o can_v but_o be_v surprise_v to_o see_v such_o a_o unanimous_a consent_n among_o those_o writer_n whether_o it_o be_v in_o the_o thing_n they_o relate_v or_o in_o in_o the_o design_n of_o their_o exhortation_n or_o last_o in_o the_o record_n they_o bear_v never_o be_v author_n see_v so_o conformable_a to_o himself_o as_o those_o divine_a author_n be_v to_o one_o another_o in_o the_o essential_o of_o their_o doctrine_n where_o can_v we_o find_v such_o a_o character_n of_o sweetness_n gentleness_n and_o simplicity_n so_o much_o charity_n for_o mankind_n and_o aversion_n to_o vice_n so_o many_o motive_n to_o humiliation_n and_o so_o great_a a_o desire_n to_o glorify_v god_n 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 loftiness_n of_o thought_n and_o that_o divine_a majesty_n which_o i_o myself_o perceive_v amid_o that_o seem_a rough_a and_o unpleasant_a language_n which_o be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o bark_n and_o outward_a shell_n of_o it_o but_o yet_o for_o all_o their_o obstinacy_n they_o can_v deny_v these_o four_o follow_a truth_n i._o that_o never_o any_o know_a impostor_n leave_v we_o such_o excellent_a book_n as_o the_o apostle_n no_o not_o even_o mahomet_n himself_o who_o may_v have_v easy_o borrow_v their_o notion_n the_o better_a to_o disguise_v his_o own_o ii_o that_o it_o appear_v that_o their_o write_n be_v a_o thousand_o time_n more_o free_a from_o all_o passion_n and_o humane_a imperfection_n than_o all_o the_o book_n of_o the_o wise_a man_n among_o the_o heathen_n where_o we_o see_v pride_n as_o it_o be_v upon_o her_o throne_n iii_o that_o the_o
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 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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
such_o a_o deep_a penetration_n of_o mind_n and_o attempt_v to_o exalt_v man_n above_o himself_o by_o infatuate_a he_o with_o the_o conceit_n of_o his_o own_o wisdom_n but_o god_n who_o know_v best_a what_o remedy_n be_v most_o proper_a for_o we_o have_v give_v we_o a_o religion_n which_o satisfy_v the_o heart_n without_o corrupt_v the_o understanding_n and_o enlarge_v the_o understanding_n without_o corrupt_v the_o heart_n and_o that_o because_o it_o satisfy_v and_o yet_o mortify_v it_o enlighten_v and_o yet_o confound_v the_o understanding_n if_o to_o the_o understanding_n several_a great_a and_o sublime_a truth_n be_v reveal_v it_o have_v not_o therefore_o any_o pretence_n to_o exalt_v itself_o because_o it_o know_v that_o knowledge_n to_o be_v above_o its_o capacity_n and_o owe_v it_o only_o to_o revelation_n if_o the_o heart_n find_v the_o object_n of_o religion_n answerable_a to_o its_o infinite_a desire_n it_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o be_v puff_v up_o by_o they_o because_o those_o object_n destroy_v its_o darling_n passion_n and_o vicious_a inclination_n so_o that_o the_o only_a mean_n to_o enlighten_v and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n humble_a our_o understanding_n be_v to_o intermix_v some_o obscurity_n with_o the_o light_n of_o revelation_n and_o the_o only_a way_n to_o satisfy_v the_o heart_n and_o prevent_v its_o be_v puff_v up_o be_v to_o qualify_v some_o sorrowful_a and_o mortify_a duty_n with_o the_o extraordinary_a promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n thus_o the_o severity_n of_o christian_a morality_n and_o the_o obscurity_n of_o its_o mystery_n be_v two_o different_a mean_n which_o god_n have_v make_v use_n of_o to_o enlighten_v the_o understanding_n without_o puff_v up_o the_o heart_n and_o to_o satisfy_v the_o desire_n of_o the_o heart_n without_o flatter_a those_o passion_n which_o corrupt_v the_o understanding_n which_o manifest_o show_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v not_o only_o the_o divine_a stamp_n upon_o it_o since_o it_o contain_v the_o true_a manner_n of_o reform_v and_o regulate_v the_o desire_n of_o man_n heart_n but_o also_o that_o the_o severity_n of_o the_o christian_a morality_n and_o the_o difficulty_n of_o its_o mystery_n which_o shock_n the_o incredulous_a most_o in_o the_o principle_n of_o christianity_n be_v purposely_o make_v use_n of_o by_o god_n in_o his_o eternal_a wisdom_n as_o the_o most_o proper_a mean_n to_o sanctify_v mankind_n which_o be_v the_o grand_a design_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n we_o have_v then_o here_o the_o two_o most_o essential_a and_o most_o important_a part_n of_o our_o religion_n its_o morality_n and_o mystery_n the_o latter_a be_v necessary_a in_o respect_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o former_a be_v the_o rule_n of_o those_o duty_n which_o god_n be_v please_v we_o shall_v perform_v as_o a_o mean_n to_o attain_v everlasting_a life_n it_o will_v be_v superfluous_a to_o lay_v down_o here_o at_o large_a what_o doctrine_n or_o precept_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o gospel_n because_o it_o have_v please_v god_n that_o we_o can_v pretend_v any_o ignorance_n of_o they_o and_o beside_o it_o be_v the_o truth_n of_o religion_n in_o general_n we_o be_v now_o treat_v of_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o speak_v here_o only_o of_o christian_a morality_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n in_o general_n as_o for_o the_o morality_n of_o christ_n it_o have_v so_o many_o remarkable_a character_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o reflect_v upon_o any_o of_o they_o without_o immediate_o acknowledge_v its_o divinity_n for_o i._o it_o be_v it_o seem_v a_o paradox_n to_o the_o sense_n to_o the_o heart_n to_o the_o mind_n and_o nature_n of_o man._n it_o be_v never_o before_o hear_v of_o or_o know_v that_o a_o man_n must_v take_v up_o his_o cross_n and_o think_v those_o bless_a that_o be_v poor_a in_o spirit_n that_o mourn_n and_o be_v persecute_v for_o righteousness_n sake_n that_o we_o must_v love_v our_o enemy_n and_o pray_v for_o they_o that_o shall_v revile_v and_o persecute_v we_o that_o we_o must_v not_o only_o comfort_v ourselves_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o our_o affliction_n and_o cross_n but_o also_o rejoice_v for_o be_v thus_o afflict_v and_o esteem_v our_o happiness_n and_o glory_n the_o great_a as_o our_o suffering_n be_v increase_v man_n i_o say_v have_v never_o such_o thought_n before_o and_o the_o puradox_n of_o the_o stoic_n be_v nothing_o to_o these_o for_o here_o we_o find_v to_o our_o great_a surprise_n that_o a_o few_o poor_a fisherman_n rustic_a in_o their_o speech_n preach_v such_o maxim_n abroad_o as_o be_v as_o far_o above_o the_o ordinary_a capacity_n of_o the_o understanding_n as_o they_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o affection_n and_o inclination_n of_o the_o heart_n ii_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o christian_a morality_n seem_v to_o be_v a_o very_a sad_a and_o mortify_a thing_n for_o it_o curb_v and_o restrain_v all_o our_o passion_n self-love_n repine_v at_o it_o voluptuousness_n can_v endure_v it_o pride_n be_v whole_o humble_v and_o mortify_v by_o it_o and_o those_o who_o seem_v to_o allow_v of_o it_o most_o can_v but_o private_o hate_v it_o when_o ever_o their_o heart_n be_v engage_v in_o any_o passion_n it_o have_v be_v often_o observe_v that_o there_o have_v be_v christian_n in_o all_o age_n who_o attempt_v to_o pervert_v the_o sense_n of_o it_o by_o put_v such_o gloss_n and_o interpretation_n upon_o it_o as_o be_v more_o conformable_a to_o their_o inclination_n than_o to_o the_o truth_n itself_o and_o by_o endeavour_v to_o extirpate_v it_o at_o least_o indirect_o when_o they_o dare_v not_o attempt_v it_o in_o a_o more_o open_a manner_n but_o let_v no_o man_n imagine_v that_o this_o morality_n be_v offer_v to_o the_o world_n under_o any_o disguise_n christ_n who_o among_o so_o many_o other_o wonderful_a character_n of_o his_o call_v have_v a_o very_a remarkable_a one_o and_o that_o be_v never_o to_o flatter_v the_o loose_a inclination_n of_o man_n plain_o declare_v that_o whosoever_o will_v be_v think_v his_o disciple_n must_v pluck_v out_o his_o eye_n and_o cut_v off_o his_o hand_n must_v hate_v himself_o deny_v himself_o nay_o even_o hate_v his_o own_o soul_n etc._n etc._n expression_n which_o explain_v one_o another_o and_o certify_v we_o that_o the_o pain_n and_o torment_n the_o observer_n of_o his_o morality_n must_v undergo_v be_v like_a unto_o those_o which_o man_n endure_v when_o they_o cut_v off_o their_o arm_n or_o pluck_v out_o their_o eye_n or_o be_v in_o a_o manner_n separate_v from_o themselves_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o all_o this_o like_o the_o cunning_a address_n and_o subtle_a management_n of_o man_n in_o the_o world_n when_o they_o endeavour_v to_o establish_v new_a doctrine_n and_o it_o evident_o appear_v that_o christ_n alone_o be_v a_o teacher_n come_v from_o god_n iii_o the_o better_a to_o comprehend_v this_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o all_o the_o principle_n of_o christian_a religion_n depend_v upon_o humility_n as_o their_o chief_a foundation_n for_o if_o we_o pretend_v to_o the_o qualification_n of_o christ_n disciple_n we_o must_v be_v meek_a single_a in_o heart_n poor_a in_o spirit_n weary_a and_o heavy_a lade_v little_a in_o our_o own_o conceit_n lamb_n little_a child_n in_o innocence_n and_o want_n of_o malice_n and_o servant_n of_o other_o men._n christ_n have_v unite_v two_o different_a quality_n before_o not_o easy_o reconcilable_a the_o humility_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o the_o light_n of_o the_o understanding_n charge_v we_o to_o be_v wise_a as_o serpent_n and_o harmless_a as_o dove_n it_o be_v manifest_a this_o union_n be_v necessary_a for_o the_o true_a sanctification_n of_o mankind_n a_o secret_a indeed_o man_n have_v not_o yet_o be_v able_a to_o find_v out_o there_o have_v be_v some_o who_o have_v forsake_v their_o interest_n and_o have_v be_v either_o burn_v or_o have_v their_o arm_n and_o hand_n cut_v off_o who_o dare_v encounter_v death_n itself_o support_v by_o pride_n and_o a_o vain_a hope_n of_o glory_n which_o they_o prefer_v before_o all_o thing_n but_o it_o be_v never_o know_v that_o man_n have_v so_o little_a self-love_n as_o to_o sacrifice_v their_o life_n unless_o at_o the_o same_o time_n they_o can_v make_v their_o name_n immortal_a such_o a_o miracle_n be_v only_o to_o be_v produce_v by_o the_o christian_a morality_n iv._o after_o what_o have_v be_v say_v we_o shall_v have_v less_o reason_n to_o wonder_v that_o this_o morality_n root_v up_o every_o vice_n since_o all_o vice_n proceed_v either_o from_o pride_n or_o voluptuousness_n this_o morality_n then_o which_o subvert_v the_o former_a by_o the_o severe_a mortification_n of_o repentance_n and_o destroy_v the_o latter_a by_o the_o idea_n it_o give_v we_o of_o the_o greatness_n and_o perfection_n of_o god_n as_o oppose_v to_o our_o wretchedness_n and_o misery_n i_o say_v this_o morality_n contain_v every_o thing_n absolute_o necessary_a to_o extirpate_v our_o vice_n in_o their_o first_o rise_n and_o