righteousness_n a_o state_n of_o pure_a and_o undefiled_a light_n who_o happy_a and_o glorious_a inhabitant_n be_v perfect_o deliver_v from_o the_o bondage_n and_o servility_n of_o corruption_n and_o goodness_n and_o justice_n and_o all_o the_o moral_a excellency_n of_o divinity_n enthrone_v within_o their_o sacred_a breast_n and_o every_o good_a man_n do_v not_o only_o presage_v but_o real_o possess_v in_o this_o life_n a_o part_n of_o his_o future_a happiness_n when_o the_o divine_a nature_n thorough_o inform_v possess_v and_o actuate_v the_o power_n and_o faculty_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o he_o faithful_o attend_v to_o and_o be_v guide_v and_o govern_v by_o its_o law_n and_o suggestion_n and_o he_o who_o soul_n and_o spirit_n thus_o become_v a_o habitation_n of_o righteousness_n be_v in_o a_o sense_n deify_v and_o god_n dwell_v in_o he_o and_o he_o be_v unite_v to_o that_o omnipresent_v spirit_n of_o love_n and_o purity_n for_o that_o divine_a nature_n the_o participation_n of_o which_o be_v the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o the_o whole_a gospel_n be_v not_o power_n and_o wisdom_n but_o something_o more_o precious_a and_o sovereign_a for_o if_o a_o man_n have_v all_o power_n that_o he_o can_v remove_v mountain_n and_o with_o his_o breath_n stop_v the_o constant_a gire_n and_o circulation_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o if_o he_o have_v all_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n to_o understand_v the_o abstruse_a theory_n in_o nature_n and_o providence_n and_o can_v persuade_v with_o the_o rhetoric_n and_o oratory_n of_o a_o angel_n yet_o if_o he_o have_v not_o charity_n the_o bond_n of_o perfection_n which_o not_o only_o consolidate_n and_o hold_v together_o the_o great_a body_n politic_a of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n but_o be_v the_o root_n and_o centre_n in_o which_o all_o the_o line_n of_o beauty_n and_o excellence_n in_o human_a soul_n unite_v and_o meet_v he_o will_v have_v no_o more_o of_o the_o true_a life_n and_o spirit_n of_o christianity_n in_o he_o than_o a_o tinkle_n and_o sound_a piece_n of_o brass_n love_n be_v the_o joy_n of_o man_n and_o angel_n the_o glory_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o first_o pregnant_a spring_n and_o source_n from_o whence_o issue_v all_o the_o numerous_a production_n of_o the_o spiritual_a and_o corporeal_a life_n for_o god_n be_v love_n and_o love_n be_v that_o to_o speak_v with_o reverence_n make_v the_o divinity_n a_o uniform_a be_v all_o other_o mode_n and_o attribute_n be_v too_o fluctuate_a arbitrary_a and_o unsettle_a to_o be_v the_o basis_n and_o foundation_n of_o that_o ever-to-be-adored_n author_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o as_o goodness_n be_v the_o most_o precious_a thing_n in_o the_o deity_n and_o for_o that_o reason_n alone_o obtain_v the_o first_o place_n in_o act_v so_o be_v it_o that_o which_o consummate_v and_o complete_v all_o moral_a agent_n that_o derive_v from_o he_o power_n and_o wisdom_n and_o all_o other_o modes_n be_v nothing_o but_o the_o several_a explication_n and_o diffusion_n of_o absolute_a goodness_n but_o that_o we_o may_v not_o mistake_v ourselves_o the_o philosopher_n tell_v we_o of_o a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o harlotry_n as_o well_o as_o a_o heavenly_a venus_n whereby_o the_o soul_n be_v enamour_a with_o these_o fade_a beauty_n and_o ensnare_v by_o the_o powerful_a inescation_n of_o sense_n and_o corporeity_n and_o this_o weaken_v and_o destroy_v the_o soul_n but_o it_o be_v the_o celestial_a venus_n that_o be_v the_o beautiful_a and_o perfective_a object_n of_o human_a mind_n and_o by_o its_o union_n with_o it_o change_n and_o transform_v the_o soul_n into_o its_o glorious_a image_n and_o what_o we_o have_v hitherto_o say_v be_v no_o more_o than_o what_o the_o natural_a sentiment_n of_o our_o own_o soul_n bear_v witness_n to_o and_o all_o the_o moral_a part_n of_o ethnic_a philosophy_n atte_v which_o be_v whole_o employ_v in_o lay_v down_o rule_n and_o precept_n for_o the_o regulate_a man_n life_n and_o put_v a_o stop_n to_o the_o bold_a intrusion_n of_o vice_n and_o this_o be_v universal_o acknowledge_v the_o only_a way_n to_o acquire_v a_o cognation_n and_o affinity_n with_o god_n and_o what_o be_v judge_v laudable_a and_o decorous_a then_o and_o approve_v as_o most_o excellent_a be_v make_v much_o more_o so_o by_o the_o christian_a oeconomy_n which_o set_v the_o attainment_n of_o a_o rational_a soul_n at_o a_o high_a pitch_n than_o the_o secular_a wisdom_n and_o philosophy_n of_o the_o gentile_n can_v arrive_v to_o for_o what_o more_o ennoble_v and_o inspirit_n the_o mind_n of_o man_n with_o true_a glory_n and_o magnanimity_n than_o the_o captivate_a his_o irrational_a desire_n and_o suppress_v all_o inordinate_a lust_n and_o appetite_n and_o the_o introduce_v a_o spirit_n of_o love_n meekness_n temperance_n and_o sobriety_n what_o more_o divine_a and_o godlike_a than_o charity_n to_o bind_v up_o a_o ache_a head_n and_o dry_v up_o watery_a eye_n and_o relieve_v he_o who_o be_v fight_v with_o the_o pressure_n of_o want_n and_o poverty_n what_o great_a pleasure_n can_v we_o reasonable_o imagine_v than_o that_o which_o result_v from_o a_o act_n of_o goodness_n and_o bounty_n whether_o it_o respect_v the_o soul_n or_o body_n of_o our_o fellow-creature_n in_o extricate_a he_o who_o be_v involve_v in_o a_o labyrinth_n of_o misery_n and_o bring_v the_o cheerful_a day_n to_o he_o who_o sit_v in_o a_o night_n of_o ignorance_n and_o error_n which_o thing_n if_o due_o consider_v as_o they_o be_v very_o agreeable_a and_o proportionate_a to_o our_o high_a and_o rational_a soul_n so_o they_o depretiate_v the_o grosser_n satisfaction_n of_o our_o vile_a part_n and_o make_v good_a this_o first_o proposition_n that_o the_o true_a felicity_n of_o human_a soul_n result_v from_o their_o participation_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n 2._o the_o gospel_n show_v we_o the_o true_a way_n to_o obtain_v this_o complete_a perfection_n of_o our_o spirit_n that_o it_o be_v by_o a_o universal_a purification_n of_o our_o mind_n from_o all_o pollution_n whatever_o and_o a_o entire_a resignation_n of_o ourselves_o to_o the_o conduct_n of_o the_o divine_a life_n and_o light_n but_o it_o will_v be_v say_v that_o philosophy_n teach_v as_o much_o as_o this_o and_o the_o pythagorean_n platonist_n and_o stoic_n assert_v the_o high_a perfection_n of_o the_o soul_n to_o consist_v in_o her_o union_n with_o god_n which_o be_v obtain_v by_o a_o perfect_a extirpation_n of_o all_o irregular_a motion_n and_o a_o abstraction_n of_o the_o soul_n from_o her_o love_n and_o sympathy_n with_o the_o body_n and_o transform_v she_o whole_o into_o intellect_n for_o the_o passion_n and_o sensual_a affection_n be_v once_o subdue_v and_o the_o rational_a life_n excite_v the_o soul_n become_v present_o like_a unto_o god_n as_o porphyry_n speak_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o hierocles_n show_v we_o the_o scope_n and_o end_n of_o this_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o purgation_n of_o the_o mind_n namely_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d wherefore_o although_o the_o heathen_n by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n proceed_v to_o the_o eradication_n of_o vice_n out_o of_o their_o mind_n yet_o they_o retain_v still_o a_o arrogative_n life_n ascribe_v the_o attainment_n and_o perfection_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o their_o whole_a progress_n in_o virtue_n to_o their_o own_o solitary_a endeavour_n and_o this_o their_o spiritual_a and_o subtle_a pride_n taint_v and_o infect_v the_o best_a of_o their_o other_o performance_n so_o that_o though_o they_o be_v glorious_a light_n in_o their_o generation_n yet_o they_o fall_v short_a of_o the_o character_n of_o a_o true_a christian_a which_o be_v a_o entire_a subjection_n of_o a_o man_n self_n to_o the_o government_n and_o command_n of_o the_o life_n of_o god_n be_v perfect_o dead_a to_o all_o self-seeking_a and_o interest_n and_o no_o otherwise_o affect_v to_o ourselves_o then_o if_o we_o be_v not_o and_o this_o heavenly_a temper_n the_o divine_a providence_n reserve_v for_o the_o meek_a and_o humble_a soul_n of_o the_o messiah_n to_o bring_v into_o the_o world_n who_o have_v resume_v that_o as_o the_o most_o compendious_a way_n to_o blessedness_n which_o be_v reject_v by_o the_o wise_a man_n of_o the_o world_n 3._o he_o that_o shall_v impartial_o and_o without_o prejudice_n peruse_v the_o evangelical_n history_n shall_v find_v that_o there_o be_v not_o any_o thing_n record_v in_o they_o vain_a and_o trivial_a but_o such_o as_o be_v of_o the_o high_a moment_n and_o importance_n and_o some_o way_n or_o other_o useful_a and_o advantageous_a for_o the_o propagation_n of_o christianity_n in_o the_o world_n and_o for_o those_o thing_n which_o seem_v most_o liable_a to_o the_o exception_n and_o cavil_n of_o vile_a and_o profane_a person_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o show_v their_o reasonableness_n and_o how_o become_v and_o decorous_a it_o be_v to_o insert_v they_o in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o gospel_n it_o be_v too_o well_o know_v that_o there_o
a_o discourse_n of_o the_o excellency_n of_o christianity_n i._o thess_n v_o 21._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d london_n print_v for_o walter_n kettilby_n at_o the_o bishops-head_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n 1671._o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o reader_n reader_n these_o paper_n have_v lie_v by_o i_o for_o some_o year_n in_o scatter_a parcel_n i_o be_v at_o last_o persuade_v to_o unite_v in_o this_o small_a discourse_n the_o subject_n be_v great_a and_o glorious_a viz._n to_o set_v forth_o christianity_n in_o all_o its_o native_a beauty_n and_o lustre_n which_o have_v be_v too_o much_o sully_v by_o the_o atheistical_o give_v for_o whilst_o the_o speculative_a infidel_n soar_v aloft_o and_o think_v to_o dispute_v god_n out_o of_o the_o world_n and_o laugh_v at_o religion_n by_o pretence_n and_o show_n of_o reason_n though_o indeed_o he_o declare_v the_o great_a and_o vile_a folly_n the_o practical_a atheist_n sit_v beneath_o in_o a_o crowd_n of_o lust_n and_o passion_n profit_n and_o interest_n and_o though_o he_o believe_v there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o such_o a_o thing_n as_o religion_n yet_o by_o reason_n of_o that_o firm_a bold_a sin_n and_o the_o devil_n have_v upon_o his_o mind_n he_o act_v in_o repugnancy_n to_o his_o faith_n and_o frame_v wrong_a notion_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n and_o if_o he_o may_v sleep_v secure_o in_o those_o sin_n he_o most_o delight_n in_o he_o be_v well_o content_v and_o at_o ease_n and_o to_o reduce_v both_o these_o sort_n of_o person_n to_o a_o sober_a and_o fix_a love_n of_o religion_n and_o to_o the_o prosecution_n of_o whatever_o be_v virtuous_a and_o excellent_a that_o christianity_n may_v not_o be_v a_o idle_a and_o fruitless_a notion_n but_o a_o inward_a principle_n of_o life_n daily_o perfect_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n till_o it_o bring_v they_o to_o their_o high_a and_o most_o complete_a happiness_n be_v the_o aim_n and_o only_a design_n of_o this_o present_a discourse_n a_o discourse_n of_o the_o excellency_n of_o christianity_n 1._o religion_n in_o its_o usual_a and_o obvious_a sense_n be_v a_o devote_v ourselves_o to_o the_o worship_n and_o service_n of_o the_o deity_n for_o god_n when_o he_o first_o make_v man_n write_v this_o truth_n on_o his_o heart_n that_o he_o be_v a_o creature_n and_o beholden_a to_o something_o without_o he_o for_o his_o life_n and_o be_v and_o therefore_o ought_v to_o worship_n and_o adore_v god_n as_o his_o only_a happiness_n and_o by_o who_o ever-present_a power_n he_o be_v as_o it_o be_v daily_o create_v anew_o and_o keep_v and_o preserve_v in_o be_v and_o indeed_o there_o be_v no_o man_n who_o search_v into_o the_o perfection_n of_o human_a nature_n that_o can_v find_v any_o principle_n or_o power_n in_o man_n of_o conserve_n and_o maintain_v his_o own_o existence_n wherefore_o his_o existence_n be_v draw_v through_o all_o the_o part_n of_o time_n which_o have_v no_o connexion_n or_o dependence_n one_o upon_o another_o by_o some_o other_o more_o perfect_a essence_n he_o must_v necessary_o acknowledge_v that_o to_o be_v self-existent_a and_o sufficient_a and_o consequent_o adore_v it_o as_o the_o author_n and_o conservator_n of_o his_o present_a and_o particular_a subsistence_n 2._o hence_o it_o be_v that_o religion_n be_v not_o a_o thing_n which_o be_v mere_o instill_v into_o we_o by_o instruction_n and_o education_n for_o let_v we_o be_v never_o so_o impious_o diligent_a in_o rase_v the_o venerable_a name_n of_o the_o deity_n out_o of_o his_o temple_n and_o blot_v his_o inscription_n out_o of_o our_o soul_n it_o be_v manifest_a to_o all_o that_o we_o can_v never_o total_o rid_v our_o mind_n of_o the_o apprehension_n and_o fear_n of_o a_o supreme_a numen_fw-la and_o that_o some_o man_n have_v so_o far_o debauch_v their_o mind_n and_o stifle_v the_o sentiment_n of_o reason_n that_o they_o can_v swallow_v down_o the_o gross_a impiety_n as_o sacrilege_n rebellion_n murder_n and_o adultery_n without_o the_o least_o regret_n prove_v no_o more_o that_o religion_n be_v not_o a_o principle_n of_o nature_n than_o it_o do_v of_o the_o nonexistence_n of_o the_o sun_n that_o some_o man_n wilful_o live_v in_o darkness_n and_o shut_v up_o themselves_o that_o they_o may_v not_o see_v his_o beam_n for_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o such_o person_n have_v put_v themselves_o into_o a_o preternatural_a state_n and_o force_v their_o mind_n and_o reason_n to_o a_o constitution_n far_o different_a from_o the_o universal_a nature_n or_o reason_n of_o mankind_n nor_o can_v it_o be_v elude_v by_o fancy_v religion_n to_o be_v a_o piece_n of_o state-policy_n invent_v only_o to_o keep_v people_n in_o awe_n and_o for_o the_o better_a cement_n government_n together_o and_o so_o derive_v from_o one_o generation_n to_o another_o by_o the_o custom_n and_o example_n of_o their_o progenitor_n for_o if_o there_o be_v no_o such_o faculty_n inherent_a in_o we_o and_o contemporary_a with_o our_o very_a being_n which_o have_v a_o natural_a propensity_n and_o inclination_n to_o a_o religious_a veneration_n and_o worship_n it_o can_v not_o be_v but_o that_o in_o time_n nature_n will_v return_v and_o cast_v off_o whatever_o be_v contrary_a to_o it_o as_o a_o spring_n have_v always_o a_o conatus_fw-la to_o unbend_v itself_o and_o if_o at_o any_o time_n the_o impediment_n be_v remove_v will_v infallible_o reduce_v itself_o to_o its_o proper_a state_n so_o our_o faculty_n though_o they_o may_v be_v long_o distort_v and_o force_v out_o of_o their_o due_a position_n yet_o they_o have_v still_o a_o endeavour_n to_o free_v themselves_o and_o cast_v off_o that_o uneasy_a load_n which_o constrain_v and_o oppress_v they_o and_o will_v undoubted_o upon_o any_o due_a occasion_n offer_v return_v to_o their_o first_o and_o true_a state_n and_o if_o there_o be_v no_o such_o be_v as_o god_n the_o wise_a age_n of_o the_o world_n will_v soon_o discover_v the_o falsehood_n and_o imposture_n and_o chalk_n out_o a_o fair_a way_n and_o method_n for_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n to_o recover_v from_o that_o error_n and_o prejudice_n they_o lie_v under_o and_o by_o their_o own_o genuine_a effort_n and_o strength_n reassert_v themselves_o into_o their_o ancient_a liberty_n but_o beside_o this_o the_o peace_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o kingdom_n and_o state_n politic_a may_v sufficient_o be_v conserve_v without_o the_o invention_n of_o religion_n by_o severe_a law_n and_o penalty_n for_o although_o there_o be_v no_o immaterial_a be_v in_o the_o world_n yet_o every_o person_n be_v so_o well_o satisfy_v with_o himself_o and_o content_v with_o the_o exercise_n of_o those_o faculty_n he_o find_v in_o himself_o no_o man_n will_v seek_v his_o own_o ruin_n and_o torment_n and_o therefore_o there_o will_v be_v little_a or_o no_o need_n of_o instil_v into_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n such_o a_o notion_n as_o religion_n 3._o in_o the_o first_o time_n and_o age_n of_o the_o world_n the_o law_n of_o nature_n which_o god_n have_v equal_o implant_v in_o all_o man_n and_o by_o which_o i_o mean_v nothing_o but_o reason_n or_o that_o power_n in_o man_n which_o teach_v he_o to_o distinguish_v and_o put_v a_o difference_n between_o good_a and_o evil_a beauty_n and_o deformity_n purity_n and_o impurity_n be_v the_o only_a rule_n and_o guide_n to_o direct_v they_o and_o by_o the_o help_n of_o this_o they_o know_v god_n and_o serve_v he_o for_o god_n be_v in_o himself_o a_o infinite_a rectitude_n and_o perfection_n delineate_v himself_o and_o copy_v out_o his_o own_o nature_n in_o all_o moral_a agent_n so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o receive_v it_o and_o herein_o god_n leave_v not_o himself_o without_o witness_n in_o that_o all_o mankind_n have_v mean_n and_o help_v sufficient_a to_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o a_o deity_n by_o a_o inspection_n into_o the_o book_n of_o nature_n wherein_o god_n have_v display_v himself_o in_o plain_a and_o legible_a character_n so_o that_o they_o be_v whole_o without_o excuse_n for_o if_o the_o law_n write_v in_o their_o heart_n and_o discriminate_n between_o good_a and_o evil_a together_o with_o the_o obvious_a reflection_n from_o the_o nature_n and_o propriety_n of_o thing_n have_v not_o be_v enough_o to_o demonstrate_v and_o point_v out_o the_o existence_n of_o a_o god_n man_n can_v not_o have_v be_v accountable_a nor_o render_v obnoxious_a to_o punishment_n but_o although_o this_o law_n seal_v on_o the_o table_n of_o man_n heart_n be_v sufficient_a to_o teach_v they_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o which_o may_v be_v know_v of_o god_n if_o they_o will_v have_v give_v heed_n to_o it_o yet_o in_o process_n of_o time_n it_o so_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o through_o the_o iniquity_n and_o perverseness_n of_o man_n mind_n whereby_o they_o give_v themselves_o whole_o up_o to_o their_o own_o lust_n and_o passion_n this_o light_n of_o nature_n become_v dull_a faint_a and_o obscure_a and_o man_n
the_o salvation_n and_o future_a happiness_n of_o a_o christian_a we_o may_v take_v a_o brief_a abstract_n or_o sum_n of_o our_o duty_n which_o be_v this_o to_o love_v the_o lord_n our_o god_n with_o all_o our_o heart_n and_o to_o have_v a_o firm_a and_o radicate_v faith_n in_o his_o goodness_n declare_v to_o the_o world_n by_o his_o only_o beget_v son_n jesus_n christ_n a_o universal_a abstinence_n from_o all_o wrong_n and_o injustice_n a_o hearty_a love_n and_o goodwill_n to_o all_o man_n whatever_o to_o hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o to_o abstain_v from_o all_o appearance_n of_o evil_a to_o be_v of_o a_o compassionate_a and_o forgive_a spirit_n and_o if_o we_o have_v receive_v a_o injury_n not_o to_o recompense_v it_o again_o in_o any_o kind_n to_o abstract_n and_o withdraw_v our_o heart_n and_o mind_n from_o earthly_a good_n and_o make_v treasure_n for_o ourselves_o in_o heaven_n and_o to_o be_v no_o more_o solicitous_a for_o worldly_a concernment_n than_o the_o lily_n of_o the_o field_n or_o the_o fowl_n of_o the_o air_n but_o that_o have_v food_n and_o raiment_n therewith_o to_o be_v content_a to_o keep_v ourselves_o pure_a and_o undefiled_a not_o only_o from_o outward_a and_o grosser_n but_o inward_a and_o more_o refine_a pollution_n to_o be_v ready_a to_o do_v good_a and_o distribute_v to_o the_o necessity_n of_o our_o brethren_n to_o live_v peaceable_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a with_o all_o man_n in_o a_o word_n whatever_o thing_n be_v true_a whatever_o thing_n be_v honest_a just_a lovely_a and_o of_o good_a report_n if_o there_o be_v any_o virtue_n if_o there_o be_v any_o praise_n to_o think_v on_o such_o thing_n what_o can_v be_v plain_a and_o easy_a than_o this_o nor_o be_v the_o simplicity_n of_o the_o gospel_n any_o derogation_n from_o it_o though_o that_o impious_a epicurean_a celsus_n deride_v it_o upon_o that_o account_n extol_v the_o write_n of_o plato_n above_o the_o scripture_n for_o as_o origen_n acute_o enough_o reply_n celsum_fw-la the_o design_n of_o god_n in_o the_o gospel_n be_v to_o make_v man_n good_a and_o virtuous_a it_o be_v necessary_a the_o precept_n tend_v to_o that_o end_n shall_v be_v deliver_v plain_o and_o perspicuous_o suitable_a to_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o illiterate_a vulgar_a who_o be_v better_a allure_v and_o win_v by_o a_o common_a and_o usual_a form_n of_o speech_n than_o by_o the_o artificial_a decking_n and_o gay_a scheme_n of_o rhetoric_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o therefore_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n do_v much_o more_o advance_v that_o which_o be_v their_o chief_a aim_n the_o life_n and_o nature_n of_o god_n in_o the_o world_n by_o that_o as_o celsus_n call_v it_o rude_a and_o rustical_a manner_n of_o speak_v than_o all_o the_o elegant_a write_n of_o plato_n which_o if_o they_o ever_o be_v advantageous_a for_o the_o rectify_v and_o amend_v the_o life_n of_o man_n it_o be_v only_o to_o such_o who_o intellectual_a faculty_n be_v raise_v and_o elevate_v above_o the_o plebeian_n strain_n therefore_o do_v the_o holy_a jesus_n on_o purpose_n make_v choice_n of_o ignorant_a and_o illiterate_a person_n that_o it_o may_v appear_v that_o the_o thing_n which_o they_o speak_v be_v not_o in_o the_o word_n which_o man_n wisdom_n teach_v 1.27_o but_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n teach_v and_o that_o by_o the_o foolish_a thing_n of_o the_o world_n god_n may_v confound_v the_o wise_a and_o by_o the_o weak_a destroy_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v mighty_a object_n but_o you_o will_v say_v to_o what_o purpose_n be_v that_o intricacy_n and_o perplexity_n which_o be_v find_v in_o many_o place_n of_o holy_a scripture_n and_o wherefore_o be_v many_o of_o the_o chief_a of_o its_o doctrine_n involve_v in_o such_o darkness_n and_o obscurity_n answ_n 1._o it_o be_v in_o some_o measure_n requisite_a that_o the_o scripture_n shall_v be_v obscure_a to_o conciliate_v reverence_n and_o to_o beget_v a_o great_a esteem_n of_o its_o worth_n and_o dignity_n for_o the_o gospel_n be_v often_o call_v a_o mystery_n which_o suppose_v something_o venerable_a and_o secret_a and_o hide_a from_o the_o eye_n of_o vulgar_a person_n and_o god_n as_o in_o nature_n he_o have_v hide_v many_o precious_a thing_n in_o the_o bowel_n of_o the_o earth_n which_o can_v be_v obtain_v without_o great_a labour_n and_o diligence_n in_o like_a manner_n have_v he_o veil_v many_o inestimable_a treasure_n in_o the_o christian_a mystery_n which_o be_v only_o attainable_a by_o the_o diligent_a search_n and_o sincere_a endeavour_n of_o pious_a man_n for_o shall_v the_o divine_a wisdom_n have_v display_v at_o once_o all_o the_o glory_n and_o beauty_n of_o this_o sacred_a and_o recondite_v method_n of_o recover_a soul_n it_o will_v appear_v contemptible_a and_o worthless_a as_o be_v the_o easy_a purchase_n of_o every_o profane_a and_o impious_a person_n 2._o the_o reason_n of_o the_o obscurity_n of_o christianity_n lie_v not_o so_o much_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o as_o in_o the_o incongruity_n of_o man_n mind_n and_o understanding_n with_o so_o high_a and_o raise_v a_o object_n the_o eye_n can_v behold_v the_o sun_n unless_o it_o have_v some_o resemblance_n and_o similitude_n of_o it_o within_o itself_o for_o like_a be_v know_v by_o its_o like_a and_o if_o man_n mind_n be_v not_o purify_v and_o bring_v into_o some_o cognation_n and_o likeness_n with_o the_o truth_n offer_v to_o they_o it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v ever_o have_v any_o true_a and_o genuine_a apprehension_n of_o they_o there_o be_v a_o learning_n and_o know_v the_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o jesus_n in_o that_o godlike_a meek_a and_o resign_v spirit_n and_o till_o man_n temper_n be_v plain_v and_o smooth_v from_o the_o ruggedness_n of_o their_o passion_n and_o the_o stubborn_a asperity_n of_o their_o lust_n and_o win_v to_o the_o embrace_v of_o the_o truth_n in_o the_o love_n of_o it_o in_o that_o christ-like_a nature_n of_o humility_n and_o self-denial_n they_o may_v fill_v their_o head_n with_o sapless_a and_o lean_a notion_n windy_a and_o turgent_fw-la fancy_n but_o never_o nourish_v up_o their_o soul_n with_o solid_a and_o substantial_a knowledge_n the_o true_a sense_n of_o religion_n and_o christianity_n arise_v out_o of_o a_o mind_n devoid_a of_o passion_n and_o in_o which_o the_o life_n of_o god_n have_v take_v deep_a root_n and_o flourish_n and_o spread_v itself_o throughout_o all_o the_o power_n of_o the_o soul_n give_v a_o tincture_n relish_n and_o savour_n of_o itself_o to_o every_o thought_n word_n and_o deed_n in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o a_o man_n life_n and_o without_o this_o purify_a sense_n we_o feed_v upon_o nothing_o but_o the_o husk_n and_o shell_n of_o religion_n and_o fall_v in_o love_n with_o shadow_n instead_o of_o last_v and_o durable_a substance_n and_o this_o be_v no_o more_o than_o what_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o itself_o 1_o cor._n two_o 14._o the_o natural_a man_n receive_v not_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o they_o be_v foolishness_n unto_o he_o neither_o can_v he_o know_v they_o because_o they_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v there_o be_v require_v a_o spiritual_a sense_n a_o life_n of_o holiness_n and_o justice_n of_o benignity_n and_o righteousness_n to_o the_o true_a discrimination_n of_o good_a and_o evil._n and_o further_a to_o the_o knowledge_n and_o understanding_n of_o divine_a mystery_n there_o be_v necessary_o require_v the_o aid_n and_o assistance_n of_o that_o almighty_a and_o omnipresent_v spirit_n who_o by_o his_o foster_a incubation_n bring_v into_o be_v the_o goodly_a frame_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o that_o this_o holy_a spirit_n of_o truth_n may_v begin_v the_o efformation_n of_o the_o new_a and_o heavenly_a nature_n a_o considerable_a part_n of_o which_o be_v divine_a and_o spiritual_a wisdom_n there_o must_v be_v some_o previous_a preparation_n and_o man_n must_v be_v moral_o good_a and_o virtuous_a or_o else_o they_o will_v be_v perfect_o incapable_a of_o the_o illapse_n of_o his_o celestial_a influence_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v no_o marvel_n if_o to_o brutish_a and_o immoral_a person_n the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n be_v hide_v and_o obscure_a 3._o that_o there_o may_v be_v something_o still_o reserve_v for_o the_o gratification_n of_o all_o degree_n of_o christian_n in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o world_n there_o be_v both_o weak_a and_o strong_a christian_n some_o that_o be_v babe_n in_o christ_n and_o be_v feed_v with_o milk_n other_o that_o be_v of_o full_a age_n and_o have_v a_o discriminate_a sense_n of_o good_a and_o evil._n for_o the_o one_o there_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o rudimental_a way_n of_o instruction_n whereby_o man_n be_v lead_v as_o it_o be_v by_o the_o hand_n through_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n as_o the_o author_n to_o the_o hebrew_n intimate_v heb._n vi_fw-la where_o the_o first_o thing_n require_v
victorious_a the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v no_o dull_a and_o sluggish_a principle_n but_o a_o quick_a and_o active_a life_n and_o into_o whatever_o soul_n it_o enter_v it_o be_v perpetual_o cleanse_v and_o purify_n and_o refine_n it_o till_o it_o have_v whole_o extirpate_v and_o destroy_v whatever_o beat_v no_o similitude_n with_o itself_o and_o render_v the_o whole_a man_n a_o immaculate_a temple_n for_o the_o manifestation_n of_o its_o own_o glorious_a presence_n let_v no_o man_n then_o pretend_v a_o invincible_a infirmity_n or_o that_o he_o be_v fatal_o bind_v and_o enslave_v to_o sin_n and_o vice_n for_o if_o we_o will_v but_o excite_v those_o power_n god_n have_v give_v we_o and_o by_o ardent_a breathe_n invocate_v the_o gracious_a auxiliary_n of_o heaven_n there_o will_v be_v wonder_v wrought_v upon_o our_o soul_n the_o strength_n of_o our_o corruption_n will_v abate_v and_o our_o furious_a passion_n be_v restrain_v and_o reduce_v into_o discipline_n and_o order_n 3._o the_o last_o general_a head_n be_v the_o promise_n of_o a_o future_a and_o bless_a immortality_n in_o heaven_n when_o this_o present_a life_n be_v end_v the_o bless_a jesus_n while_o he_o live_v upon_o earth_n do_v not_o whole_o obscure_v his_o glory_n in_o the_o mantle_n of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n but_o give_v a_o notable_a specimen_fw-la of_o that_o efficacious_a life_n and_o power_n which_o as_o he_o himself_o be_v already_o possess_v of_o so_o all_o those_o that_o believe_v in_o his_o name_n shall_v hereafter_o be_v endue_v withal_o which_o shall_v melt_v their_o corruptible_a into_o incorruption_n and_o translate_v they_o to_o the_o quiet_a and_o peaceful_a region_n of_o immortality_n in_o his_o transfiguration_n upon_o mount_n tabor_n which_o be_v enough_o to_o call_v off_o the_o thought_n and_o care_n of_o man_n from_o the_o trifle_n concern_v of_o this_o world_n and_o teach_v they_o that_o there_o be_v a_o better_a portion_n to_o be_v expect_v for_o all_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o virtue_n in_o the_o pure_a and_o undefiled_a mansion_n of_o heaven_n where_o dwell_v nothing_o but_o truth_n and_o goodness_n but_o the_o most_o lively_a and_o pregnant_a evidence_n of_o the_o future_a subsistence_n of_o our_o soul_n be_v his_o glorious_a resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a whereby_o as_o he_o be_v declare_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n with_o power_n so_o it_o give_v we_o a_o full_a assurance_n and_o convictive_a demonstration_n even_o to_o outward_a sense_n that_o the_o comfortless_a chamber_n of_o the_o grave_n shall_v not_o for_o ever_o detain_v we_o but_o that_o when_o he_o who_o be_v our_o life_n shall_v appear_v and_o summon_v earth_n and_o sea_n to_o deliver_v up_o their_o dead_a and_o open_v the_o secret_a receptacle_n of_o soul_n then_o shall_v all_o holy_a and_o righteous_a person_n appear_v with_o he_o in_o glory_n and_o take_v possession_n of_o their_o long_a expect_a joy_n and_o receive_v the_o just_a recompense_n of_o all_o their_o pain_n and_o labour_n a_o inheritance_n incorruptible_a undefiled_a and_o that_o fade_v not_o away_o reserve_v by_o a_o gracious_a providence_n in_o the_o heaven_n for_o they_o all_o power_n be_v commit_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o christ_n who_o have_v vanquish_v death_n and_o hell_n and_o captivate_v all_o the_o power_n of_o darkness_n and_o beget_v we_o to_o a_o lively_a hope_n that_o when_o we_o shall_v put_v off_o our_o mortality_n and_o be_v release_v from_o all_o terrestrial_a pressure_n and_o encumbrance_n he_o will_v clothe_v we_o with_o a_o heavenly_a body_n like_o unto_o his_o own_o body_n of_o light_n and_o glory_n but_o lest_o we_o shall_v undo_v ourselves_o with_o fruitless_a expectation_n and_o fly_v to_o heaven_n in_o our_o vain_a dream_n of_o salvation_n before_o our_o sincere_a conformity_n to_o god_n bless_a will_n and_o command_n have_v render_v we_o capable_a of_o that_o pure_a and_o holy_a state_n fancy_v we_o can_v read_v our_o name_n write_v among_o the_o star_n before_o we_o have_v learn_v the_o precept_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n god_n have_v annex_v condition_n of_o obedience_n to_o all_o his_o promise_n and_o resolve_v that_o no_o man_n shall_v be_v crown_v but_o he_o that_o with_o courage_n and_o perseverance_n maintain_v the_o war_n against_o sin_n and_o hell_n and_o indeed_o the_o reward_n that_o be_v promise_v to_o all_o virtuous_a person_n in_o the_o gospel_n have_v so_o great_a affinity_n and_o agreement_n with_o holiness_n the_o condition_n of_o it_o that_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o he_o can_v be_v capable_a of_o the_o one_o who_o be_v not_o aforehand_o invest_v with_o the_o other_o for_o what_o be_v heaven_n but_o a_o state_n of_o spotless_a love_n and_o purity_n where_o no_o envy_n nor_o malice_n straiten_n and_o contract_n the_o boundless_a and_o enlarge_v no_o cloud_n of_o passion_n or_o disorder_a lust_n obscure_v the_o brightness_n of_o that_o eternal_a day_n where_o the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n neither_o rise_v nor_o set_v upon_o the_o horizon_n of_o time_n but_o remain_v vertical_a for_o ever_o and_o now_o what_o concord_n can_v possible_o be_v imagine_v between_o such_o transcendent_a beauty_n and_o glory_n and_o the_o deformity_n and_o ugliness_n of_o the_o frame_n and_o temper_v of_o a_o unrighteous_a man_n spirit_n where_o every_o thing_n lie_v cross_a and_o untoward_a and_o his_o unruly_a desire_n like_o the_o boisterous_a wave_n enrage_v by_o a_o sudden_a storm_n sweep_v the_o bottom_n of_o his_o pollute_a soul_n and_o throw_v up_o so_o much_o mire_n and_o dirt_n that_o it_o deface_v whatever_o be_v comely_a and_o leave_v not_o the_o least_o emblem_n of_o heaven_n to_o be_v discern_v in_o it_o this_o be_v the_o grand_a importance_n of_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v enough_o to_o demonstrate_v the_o prudent_a care_n and_o dear_a affection_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n to_o the_o child_n of_o man_n and_o a_o sufficient_a manifestation_n of_o the_o great_a ingratitude_n and_o unworthiness_n of_o those_o who_o do_v not_o believe_v in_o he_o that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o want_n of_o reason_n or_o convictive_a argument_n but_o their_o own_o careless_a and_o wretchless_n neglect_v of_o consideration_n that_o make_v they_o deaf_a to_o such_o charm_n of_o love_n and_o stupid_a and_o unmindful_a of_o so_o important_a interest_n but_o man_n seldom_o want_v objection_n against_o that_o which_o they_o have_v no_o mind_n to_o believe_v against_o this_o therefore_o it_o be_v say_v that_o if_o the_o promise_v of_o that_o eternal_a reward_n christ_n have_v make_v to_o we_o in_o the_o gospel_n be_v so_o frame_v as_o to_o be_v inevident_a to_o man_n and_o leave_v they_o place_n of_o doubt_v it_o will_v be_v no_o such_o great_a crime_n in_o wicked_a person_n not_o to_o believe_v those_o promise_n and_o so_o not_o to_o embrace_v they_o to_o this_o i_o say_v 1._o that_o the_o gospel_n leave_v no_o such_o place_n of_o doubt_v as_o to_o make_v infidelity_n or_o a_o disbelief_n of_o it_o excusable_a for_o unbelief_n can_v then_o only_o be_v excusable_a when_o there_o be_v real_o want_v such_o argument_n as_o may_v beget_v faith_n in_o a_o rational_a and_o unprejudiced_a person_n but_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o promise_v thereof_o be_v sufficient_o confirm_v by_o such_o prevalent_a reason_n as_o be_v apt_a to_o acquire_v belief_n and_o credence_n from_o a_o unbiased_a nature_n the_o pretend_a inevidence_n where_o there_o be_v no_o just_a cause_n or_o suspicion_n of_o doubt_v can_v at_o all_o patronize_v infidelity_n nor_o be_v a_o reasonable_a ground_n to_o act_v contrary_a to_o what_o belief_n will_v otherwise_o incite_v they_o it_o be_v true_a be_v the_o argument_n for_o the_o disbelief_n of_o the_o promise_n of_o life_n and_o salvation_n equal_a to_o and_o strong_a as_o those_o that_o persuade_v we_o to_o the_o belief_n of_o they_o there_o will_v be_v some_o colour_n and_o appearance_n of_o reason_n for_o reject_v they_o but_o when_o there_o can_v be_v no_o such_o doubt_v or_o fluctuation_n of_o judgement_n as_o proceed_v from_o a_o equilibration_n of_o argument_n on_o both_o side_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o infidelity_n shall_v have_v any_o rational_a apology_n for_o what_o can_v be_v more_o convictive_a than_o to_o have_v some_o holy_a and_o divine_a person_n come_v into_o the_o world_n who_o shall_v by_o many_o infallible_a miracle_n wonder_n and_o sign_n give_v a_o evident_a proof_n that_o he_o come_v from_o god_n and_o for_o a_o full_a confirmation_n of_o his_o doctrine_n rise_v from_o the_o dead_a the_o three_o day_n after_o the_o suffer_v a_o painful_a and_o ignominious_a death_n and_o to_o show_v that_o he_o be_v no_o spectrum_n or_o illusive_a phantasm_n converse_v with_o his_o disciple_n for_o the_o space_n of_o forty_o day_n and_o afterward_o ascend_v in_o their_o presence_n into_o the_o high_a heaven_n there_o to_o rule_v and_o govern_v his_o church_n till_o the_o end_n of_o