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divine_a knowledge_n and_o have_v a_o unshaken_a belief_n of_o the_o existence_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o will_n that_o we_o shall_v be_v holy_a even_o as_o he_o be_v holy_a there_o be_v nothing_o that_o be_v true_o sinful_a that_o can_v appear_v to_o i_o assist_v by_o such_o a_o power_n to_o be_v unconquerable_a which_o therefore_o urge_v i_o serious_o to_o set_v myself_o to_o the_o task_n of_o the_o experience_n and_o event_n of_o which_o enterprise_n my_o second_o and_o three_o canto_n of_o the_o life_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v a_o real_a and_o faithful_a record_n soul_n 4._o my_o enjoyment_n then_o increase_v with_o my_o victory_n and_o innocency_n and_o simplicity_n fill_v my_o mind_n with_o ineffable_a delight_n in_o god_n and_o his_o creation_n i_o find_v myself_o as_o loath_a to_o die_v that_o be_v to_o think_v my_o soul_n mortal_a as_o i_o be_v when_o i_o be_v a_o child_n to_o be_v call_v in_o to_o go_v to_o bed_n in_o summer_n evening_n there_o be_v still_o light_a enough_o as_o i_o think_v to_o enjoy_v my_o play_n which_o solicitude_n put_v i_o upon_o my_o first_o search_n into_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o soul_n which_o i_o pursue_v chief_o by_o the_o guidance_n of_o the_o school_n of_o plato_n who_o philosophy_n to_o this_o very_a day_n i_o look_v upon_o to_o be_v more_o than_o humane_a in_o the_o chief_a stroke_n thereof_o but_o launch_v out_o so_o very_o early_o into_o so_o deep_a a_o theory_n i_o think_v it_o not_o amiss_o to_o advertise_v the_o reader_n that_o he_o will_v do_v well_o where_o he_o find_v a_o difference_n in_o my_o discovery_n to_o interpret_v and_o also_o rectify_v if_o need_v be_v my_o first_o thought_n by_o my_o second_o my_o philosophic_a poem_n and_o whatever_o be_v write_v in_o that_o volume_n by_o my_o late_a and_o better_o concoct_v prose_n these_o be_v the_o first_o essay_n of_o my_o youth_n and_o how_o great_a and_o serious_a the_o object_n of_o my_o mind_n be_v therein_o thou_o can_v easy_o judge_v philosophy_n 5._o and_o after_o this_o where_o i_o seem_v most_o light_a and_o trivial_a and_o play_v the_o sportful_a satirist_n against_o enthusiastic_a philosophy_n my_o design_n even_o then_o be_v as_o seasonable_a serious_a and_o of_o as_o grand_a importance_n as_o i_o can_v possible_o undertake_v which_o i_o have_v more_o then_o sufficient_o demonstrate_v in_o those_o write_n themselves_o and_o though_o some_o over-subject_n to_o the_o fanatic_a disease_n have_v look_v upon_o that_o unexpected_a sally_n of_o i_o as_o a_o very_a extravagant_a exploit_n yet_o i_o do_v easy_o bear_v with_o their_o ignorance_n deem_v it_o in_o my_o silent_a thought_n in_o some_o sort_n parallel_n to_o that_o of_o the_o peevish_a hebrew_a who_o reproach_v moses_n for_o slay_v of_o the_o egyptian_a not_o know_v that_o it_o be_v a_o preludious_a act_n to_o his_o deliver_n of_o his_o whole_a nation_n from_o the_o bondage_n of_o egypt_n enthusiasm_n 6._o and_o i_o hope_v i_o may_v speak_v it_o without_o vanity_n that_o what_o be_v discover_v concern_v enthusiasm_n in_o my_o enthusiasmus_fw-la triumphatus_n together_o with_o that_o which_o be_v comprehend_v in_o this_o present_a volume_n will_v contribute_v no_o small_a share_n to_o a_o rightful_a and_o justifiable_a subdue_a of_o so_o dangerous_a a_o distemper_n and_o to_o the_o slay_v or_o at_o least_o fetter_n that_o wild_a beast_n that_o the_o devil_n himself_o ride_v upon_o when_o he_o war_n against_o the_o lamb_n who_o throne_n i_o have_v see_v shake_v with_o the_o pushing_n of_o this_o monster_n horn_n for_o these_o many_o year_n together_o though_o never_o clear_a than_o now_o of_o late_a and_o i_o dare_v pronounce_v with_o a_o loud_a voice_n aforehand_o that_o if_o ever_o christianity_n be_v exterminate_v it_o will_v be_v by_o enthusiasm_n of_o so_o great_a consequence_n be_v it_o right_o to_o oppose_v so_o deadly_a a_o evil_n which_o
that_o convenience_n of_o they_o which_o we_o have_v allege_v we_o question_v not_o but_o that_o it_o be_v lawful_a in_o itself_o where_o there_o be_v no_o command_n from_o god_n to_o the_o contrary_n and_o where_o his_o command_n be_v most_o express_a as_o it_o be_v to_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o jew_n yet_o it_o be_v very_o well_o know_v that_o there_o be_v also_o there_o a_o religious_a use_n of_o image_n as_o be_v plain_a in_o the_o cherubim_v that_o cover_v the_o mercy-seat_n and_o the_o brazen_a serpent_n which_o they_o be_v to_o look_v up_o to_o in_o the_o wilderness_n for_o through_o that_o do_v the_o almighty_a exert_n his_o heal_a power_n upon_o those_o that_o be_v sting_v with_o fiery_a serpent_n 15._o for_o such_o effect_n as_o these_o be_v not_o from_o nature_n or_o art_n but_o from_o the_o efficacy_n of_o religion_n as_o the_o very_a word_n telesme_fw-fr dos_n plain_o bewray_v now_o it_o seem_v to_o we_o a_o thing_n incredible_a that_o god_n shall_v command_v any_o thing_n absolute_o evil_a in_o itself_o and_o therefore_o undeniable_a but_o that_o the_o use_n of_o image_n in_o divine_a worship_n be_v not_o in_o itself_o evil_a 7._o nor_o do_v that_o which_o be_v main_o and_o most_o ordinary_o allege_v against_o image_n in_o religious_a worship_n viz._n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o represent_v god_n by_o any_o outward_a figure_n seem_v of_o any_o weight_n at_o all_o to_o we_o for_o neither_o do_v we_o admit_v that_o these_o image_n be_v intend_v for_o figure_n and_o representation_n of_o god_n but_o only_o for_o the_o sensible_a set_n out_o to_o our_o sight_n the_o effect_n and_o object_n of_o those_o power_n and_o attribute_n which_o we_o adore_v in_o he_o and_o if_o we_o do_v admit_v it_o yet_o we_o have_v wherewith_o to_o defend_v ourselves_o for_o it_o we_o be_v not_o to_o use_v image_n in_o divine_a worship_n because_o they_o can_v set_v out_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n as_o he_o be_v in_o himself_o we_o be_v not_o at_o all_o to_o think_v of_o he_o when_o we_o worship_v he_o the_o thought_n concern_v his_o very_a nature_n or_o person_n which_o we_o frame_v of_o he_o though_o haply_o they_o be_v not_o without_o some_o truth_n have_v yet_o as_o little_a similitude_n with_o he_o who_o we_o worship_v as_o the_o imagination_n of_o a_o man_n bear_v blind_a have_v with_o the_o glorious_a image_n of_o the_o sun_n he_o feel_v indeed_o the_o comfortable_a effect_n of_o his_o presence_n upon_o his_o body_n but_o his_o eye_n do_v never_o see_v nor_o can_v his_o mind_n conceive_v how_o illustrious_a he_o be_v to_o look_v upon_o 8._o to_o this_o purpose_n the_o most_o witty_a cautious_a and_o subtle_a sort_n of_o the_o pagan_n apologise_v for_o themselves_o nor_o be_v we_o to_o envy_v they_o if_o they_o hit_v upon_o any_o thing_n more_o weighty_a and_o substantial_a in_o their_o apology_n for_o christianity_n be_v so_o excellent_a in_o itself_o that_o we_o need_v not_o fancy_n any_o religion_n worse_o than_o they_o be_v the_o better_a to_o set_v off_o its_o eminency_n beside_o the_o more_o tolerable_a sense_n we_o can_v make_v of_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o ancient_a pagan_n the_o easy_a province_n we_o shall_v have_v to_o maintain_v against_o profane_a and_o atheistical_a man_n to_o who_o if_o you_o will_v grant_v that_o providence_n have_v utter_o neglect_v for_o so_o many_o age_n together_o all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n except_o that_o little_a handful_n of_o the_o jew_n they_o will_v whether_o you_o will_v or_o no_o from_o thence_o infer_v that_o there_o be_v no_o providence_n over_o they_o neither_o &_o consequent_o no_o god_n it_o be_v a_o thing_n incredible_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v any_o providence_n at_o all_o in_o thing_n of_o the_o high_a concernment_n unless_o it_o dispread_v itself_o further_o then_o into_o such_o a_o inconsiderable_a part_n of_o the_o world_n as_o some_o imagine_v but_o that_o the_o heathen_a be_v not_o so_o utter_o destitute_a of_o mean_n as_o some_o will_v make_v they_o s._n paul_n seem_v large_o enough_o to_o declare_v in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n 20._o and_o that_o their_o condition_n be_v not_o so_o horrid_o desperate_a he_o may_v perhaps_o seem_v to_o intimate_v from_o that_o favourable_a expression_n in_o his_o speech_n to_o the_o athenian_n 17.30_o where_o he_o say_v god_n connive_v at_o the_o time_n of_o their_o ignorance_n but_o i_o have_v almost_o forget_v myself_o my_o design_n be_v not_o to_o apologise_v for_o the_o heathen_a but_o to_o answer_v what_o they_o apologise_v for_o themselves_o which_o i_o shall_v do_v very_o brief_o chap._n v._o 1._o a_o answer_n to_o the_o last_o apology_n of_o the_o pagan_n as_o first_o that_o it_o concern_v but_o few_o of_o they_o 2._o and_o that_o those_o few_o be_v rather_o of_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d then_o pure_a pagan_n 3._o that_o the_o worship_n of_o image_n be_v express_o forbid_v by_o god_n in_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n 4._o that_o they_o rather_o obscure_v then_o help_v our_o conception_n of_o the_o divine_a power_n 5._o that_o there_o be_v great_a danger_n of_o these_o image_n intercept_n the_o worship_n direct_v to_o god_n 6._o he_o refer_v the_o curious_a and_o unsatisfied_a to_o the_o full_a discussion_n in_o polemical_a divinity_n 1._o first_o therefore_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v that_o what_o have_v be_v here_o allege_v in_o defence_n of_o the_o pagan_n concern_v but_o very_o few_o of_o they_o the_o generality_n of_o they_o be_v idolater_n in_o the_o gross_a sense_n as_o be_v manifest_a out_o of_o the_o complaint_n of_o david_n psalm_n 135._o as_o also_o out_o of_o the_o epistle_n of_o jeremy_n and_o other_o place_n 2._o second_o it_o be_v questionable_a whether_o those_o few_o such_o as_o pythagoras_n socrates_n plato_n plotinus_n plutarch_n and_o the_o like_a be_v to_o be_v repute_v mere_a pagan_n or_o whether_o they_o come_v near_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d have_v be_v imbue_v with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o that_o one_o eternal_a spirit_n which_o be_v the_o creator_n and_o governor_n of_o all_o thing_n by_o converse_v with_o the_o jew_n or_o by_o converse_v with_o they_o that_o have_v converse_v with_o they_o and_o that_o they_o have_v the_o knowledge_n of_o he_o by_o the_o communication_n of_o some_o such_o hide_a tradition_n or_o cabbala_n seem_v manifest_a in_o that_o these_o more_o holy_a and_o more_o expert_a man_n in_o divine_a mystery_n among_o the_o heathen_a teach_v also_o the_o triunity_n as_o well_o as_o the_o immateriality_n of_o the_o godhead_n i_o mean_v the_o first_o and_o chief_a of_o they_o such_o as_o pythagoras_n and_o plato_n which_o be_v a_o reach_n above_o humane_a wit_n and_o a_o thing_n so_o useful_a to_o be_v take_v into_o christianity_n be_v to_o i_o a_o strong_a argument_n that_o it_o be_v none_o of_o their_o own_o invention_n but_o that_o they_o have_v it_o either_o from_o those_o that_o be_v inspire_v themselves_o or_o have_v receive_v it_o from_o those_o that_o be_v inspire_v 3._o three_o the_o make_n of_o grave_a image_n and_o fall_v down_o before_o they_o be_v a_o thing_n express_o forbid_v to_o the_o people_n of_o god_n in_o that_o religion_n where_o himself_o think_v fit_a to_o appear_v in_o the_o frame_n of_o it_o which_o be_v a_o evident_a sign_n of_o the_o faultiness_n of_o the_o use_n of_o idol_n in_o divine_a worship_n 4._o four_o the_o pretend_a serviceableness_n of_o image_n for_o the_o instruct_v the_o people_n and_o the_o set_n out_o to_o they_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o divine_a power_n which_o they_o be_v to_o adore_v seem_v very_o questionable_a for_o the_o presence_n of_o so_o strange_a a_o object_n before_o their_o eye_n strike_v the_o outward_a sense_n so_o strong_o may_v rather_o hinder_v the_o inward_a operation_n of_o their_o mind_n from_o more_o pure_a and_o genuine_a conception_n of_o god_n then_o at_o all_o further_o they_o in_o the_o frame_n of_o they_o and_o as_o memory_n be_v too_o often_o lose_v by_o the_o use_n of_o writing_n so_o the_o power_n of_o imagination_n as_o to_o divine_a thing_n may_v be_v spoil_v and_o enfeeble_v by_o these_o false_a prop_n of_o external_a representation_n 5._o five_o and_o last_o there_o be_v a_o great_a danger_n of_o which_o the_o jealousy_n of_o god_n seem_v very_o sensible_a that_o these_o viceroy_n and_o representative_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n as_o they_o will_v have_v they_o to_o be_v may_v prove_v treacherous_a to_o the_o high_a sovereignty_n intercept_n and_o keep_n to_o themselves_o all_o those_o prayer_n and_o praise_n all_o those_o immolation_n and_o sacrifice_n that_o be_v offer_v by_o the_o people_n for_o the_o unskilful_a multitude_n see_v the_o priest_n sacrifice_n and_o all_o the_o people_n pour_fw-fr forth_o their_o devotion_n with_o their_o eye_n fix_v on_o the_o idol_n
no_o not_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n or_o torment_n can_v hinder_v they_o from_o be_v open_a witness_n to_o the_o world_n of_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o have_v see_v and_o most_o certain_o know_v concern_v the_o crucify_a jesus_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o saviour_n of_o mankind_n 3._o we_o have_v see_v in_o general_a how_o requisite_a this_o supernatural_a assistance_n be_v to_o the_o apostle_n we_o shall_v now_o take_v notice_n in_o particular_a how_o congruous_a at_o least_o &_o decorous_a the_o first_o appearance_n thereof_o be_v at_o the_o day_n of_o pentecost_n the_o apostle_n together_o with_o other_o disciple_n be_v meet_v in_o a_o upper_a room_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o be_v all_o of_o one_o mind_n and_o of_o one_o faith_n and_o expectation_n of_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o spirit_n at_o the_o abovenamed_a day_n of_o pentecost_n 4._o of_o a_o sudden_a there_o come_v upon_o they_o a_o sound_n from_o heaven_n as_o of_o a_o mighty_a rush_a wind_n which_o fill_v the_o house_n where_o they_o be_v sit_v and_o there_o appear_v unto_o they_o cleave_a tongue_n like_v as_o of_o fire_n which_o sit_v upon_o each_o of_o they_o and_o they_o all_o fill_v with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n begin_v to_o speak_v with_o other_o tongue_n as_o the_o spirit_n give_v they_o utterance_n 4._o suppose_v a_o god_n a_o providence_n and_o the_o ministry_n of_o angel_n and_o spirit_n there_o be_v not_o a_o jot_n of_o this_o impossible_a or_o incredible_a but_o we_o shall_v also_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o congruity_n of_o circumstance_n which_o be_v either_o for_o a_o handsome_a symbolical_a sense_n or_o else_o for_o a_o more_o indispensable_a convenience_n as_o i_o conceive_v the_o day_n to_o be_v and_o their_o assemble_v thus_o together_o on_o this_o day_n of_o pentecost_n in_o one_o place_n for_o their_o see_v what_o happen_v thus_o miraculous_o to_o every_o one_o of_o they_o be_v a_o strong_a confirmation_n of_o all_o their_o faith_n and_o they_o be_v the_o more_o sufficient_a witness_n to_o all_o the_o world_n of_o what_o thus_o miraculous_o befall_v they_o and_o the_o day_n of_o pentecost_n be_v the_o most_o convenient_a time_n for_o this_o to_o happen_v because_o of_o the_o great_a concourse_n of_o people_n on_o that_o day_n 5._o but_o it_o do_v not_o exclude_v that_o more_o mystical_a and_o symbolical_a sense_n of_o s._n austine_n that_o as_o the_o write_a law_n be_v give_v to_o the_o jew_n on_o the_o fifty_o day_n after_o the_o passeover_n so_o the_o law_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v to_o be_v write_v in_o man_n heart_n be_v thus_o wonderful_o begin_v here_o on_o the_o same_o day_n by_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o apostle_n on_o who_o the_o spirit_n descend_v in_o such_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n nor_o do_v that_o other_o sense_n concern_v the_o unity_n of_o place_n exclude_v that_o moral_a intimation_n of_o grotius_n deus_fw-la dona_fw-la sua_fw-la promisit_fw-la unitati_fw-la that_o also_o of_o their_o be_v seat_v in_o a_o upper_a room_n must_v signify_v moral_o or_o nothing_o considerable_a for_o else_o the_o more_o remove_v from_o the_o earth_n the_o never_o near_a to_o god_n especial_o within_o the_o smell_n of_o the_o atmosphere_n which_o philosophic_a contemplation_n apollonius_n pursue_v with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o pomp_n and_o gravity_n indoctrinate_v damis_n while_o they_o be_v travail_v on_o mount_n caucasus_n which_o the_o neighbour_n inhabitant_n look_v upon_o as_o the_o holy_a mansion_n of_o the_o god_n as_o other_o hill_n also_o be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d from_o that_o opinion_n that_o a_o man_n be_v never_o the_o near_o the_o knowledge_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n if_o he_o be_v mount_v upon_o the_o high_a athos_n olympus_n or_o all_o the_o caucasus_n in_o the_o world_n unless_o he_o contemplate_v religious_a and_o divine_a matter_n not_o so_o much_o in_o a_o pure_a and_o subtle_a air_n as_o from_o a_o undepraved_a and_o sincere_a spirit_n 6._o but_o that_o which_o be_v of_o the_o great_a significancy_n be_v the_o mighty_a rush_a wind_n and_o the_o fiery_a cleave_a tongue_n the_o former_a whereof_o be_v a_o emblem_n of_o the_o external_n violence_n which_o god_n will_v do_v to_o the_o world_n in_o the_o introduce_v of_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o his_o son_n into_o it_o for_o without_o doubt_v those_o wonderful_a miracle_n that_o be_v do_v by_o the_o apostle_n beat_v so_o strong_o upon_o the_o outward_a sense_n of_o man_n that_o they_o be_v after_o a_o manner_n forcible_o drive_v to_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n be_v with_o they_o and_o that_o the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o teach_v be_v true_a the_o knowledge_n whereof_o at_o last_o with_o the_o fame_n of_o their_o miracle_n fill_v the_o whole_a world_n as_o that_o sound_a from_o heaven_n and_o mighty_a rush_v wind_n fill_v the_o whole_a house_n where_o they_o sit_v i_o be_o sure_a the_o chief_a priest_n complain_v betimes_o that_o the_o apostle_n have_v fill_v all_o jerusalem_n with_o their_o doctrine_n 5.28_o 7._o the_o latter_a viz._n the_o fiery_a cleave_a tongue_n the_o fieriness_n of_o they_o intimate_v the_o search_a penetrate_a melt_a and_o purify_n power_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o their_o be_v cleave_a or_o divide_v the_o effect_n of_o the_o live_a word_n which_o accompany_v their_o preach_n which_o we_o may_v better_o call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d than_o the_o stoic_n their_o meager_a reason_n for_o this_o be_v that_o which_o be_v sharp_a than_o any_o two-edged_a sword_n 4.12_o divide_v the_o very_a joint_n and_o marrow_n and_o pierce_v to_o the_o inmost_a penetral_n of_o the_o heart_n as_o may_v be_v observe_v at_o the_o preach_n of_o peter_n sermon_n or_o not_o to_o be_v altogether_o so_o mystical_a or_o spiritual_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d these_o divide_a or_o cleave_a tongue_n may_v be_v only_o a_o external_a symbol_n of_o that_o inward_a power_n give_v they_o to_o speak_v and_o understand_v several_a tongue_n though_o they_o be_v never_o teach_v they_o which_o be_v a_o gift_n of_o very_a sober_a and_o necessary_a use_n as_o all_o the_o miracle_n be_v that_o be_v do_v either_o by_o christ_n or_o his_o apostle_n they_o be_v to_o preach_v to_o man_n of_o several_a nation_n then_o sojourn_v at_o jerusalem_n and_o afterward_o to_o travail_v into_o several_a country_n to_o convert_v man_n to_o the_o faith_n 8._o this_o be_v a_o solid_a account_n of_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o that_o great_a miracle_n do_v partly_o upon_o and_o partly_o by_o the_o apostle_n after_o christ_n ascension_n into_o heaven_n which_o divine_a power_n ever_o after_o assist_v they_o in_o all_o their_o travail_n and_o labour_n in_o the_o gospel_n as_o you_o may_v see_v in_o the_o acts._n where_o you_o shall_v find_v they_o not_o only_o endue_v with_o this_o miraculous_a power_n themselves_o but_o by_o 8.15_o prayer_n and_o imposition_n of_o hand_n confer_v it_o upon_o other_o for_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o church_n where_o you_o shall_v see_v they_o 5.15_o heal_v the_o sick_a make_v the_o 7._o lame_a to_o walk_v 9.40_o raise_v the_o dead_a 5.16_o cast_v out_o devil_n and_o do_v over_o again_o all_o the_o most_o considerable_a miracle_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o some_o which_o he_o never_o do_v as_o the_o speak_n with_o tongue_n and_o heal_v 5.15_o by_o the_o mere_a shadow_n of_o their_o body_n which_o seem_v more_o wonderful_a then_o by_o the_o touch_n of_o the_o hem_n of_o christ_n garment_n to_o which_o you_o may_v add_v what_o strange_o happen_v to_o they_o as_o upon_o their_o prayer_n and_o devotion_n how_o the_o house_n 4.31_o shake_v under_o they_o as_o in_o a_o earthquake_n through_o the_o sensible_a presence_n of_o the_o divine_a power_n attend_v they_o their_o be_v 8.39_o transport_v through_o the_o air_n by_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o angel_n from_o one_o place_n to_o another_o their_o be_v visit_v by_o 10._o angel_n in_o prison_n who_o open_v the_o prison_n door_n and_o make_v the_o fetter_n fall_v off_o from_o their_o body_n of_o their_o own_o accord_n the_o 6.15_o transfiguration_n of_o their_o countenance_n into_o a_o angelical_a glory_n and_o the_o 4._o appearance_n of_o christ_n from_o heaven_n to_o they_o in_o a_o splendour_n more_o bright_a and_o radiant_a than_o the_o sun_n at_o midday_n as_o it_o happen_v to_o paul_n as_o he_o be_v travail_v to_o damascus_n the_o credibility_n of_o which_o thing_n as_o also_o of_o the_o resurrection_n and_o miracle_n of_o christ_n the_o success_n itself_o do_v plain_o argue_v 9_o for_o it_o seem_v utter_o impossible_a that_o christ_n a_o man_n cut_v short_a of_o all_o accomplishment_n that_o be_v plausible_a to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n be_v neither_o arm_v by_o the_o power_n of_o eloquence_n the_o knowledge_n of_o philosophy_n the_o authority_n and_o honour_n of_o the_o world_n nor_o the_o advantage_n of_o birth_n or_o fortune_n but_o on_o
likely_a that_o at_o the_o very_a last_o gasp_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o beast_n the_o true_a and_o most_o apostolic_a christian_n shall_v be_v in_o worse_a plight_n than_o ever_o before_o but_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o the_o truth_n of_o mr._n mede_n synchronism_n do_v not_o at_o all_o depend_v upon_o this_o nor_o be_v his_o conjecture_n so_o impossible_a to_o be_v true_a but_o i_o must_v confess_v i_o think_v there_o be_v still_o a_o better_a way_n of_o answer_v namely_o that_o these_o three_o day_n and_o a_o half_a be_v the_o same_o that_o a_o time_n and_o time_n and_o half_o a_o time_n that_o be_v three_o time_n and_o a_o half_a for_o it_o be_v unquestionable_a but_o that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d often_o signify_v no_o more_o than_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d now_o that_o it_o shall_v signify_v so_o here_o beside_o the_o improbability_n of_o a_o effect_v answerable_a to_o the_o other_o interpretation_n or_o that_o the_o witness_n shall_v be_v otherwise_o slay_v than_o they_o have_v be_v often_o or_o for_o a_o long_a time_n together_o that_o mention_n of_o half_a a_o day_n answer_v to_o half_a a_o time_n fair_o invite_v we_o to_o believe_v it_o be_v also_o unlikely_a that_o providence_n will_v affect_v the_o curiosity_n of_o count_v by_o half_a a_o year_n a_o thing_n not_o to_o be_v sample_v in_o all_o divine_a prophecy_n these_o three_o day_n and_o a_o half_a therefore_o be_v first_o to_o be_v change_v into_o three_o time_n and_o a_o half_a and_o then_o these_o three_o time_n and_o a_o half_a into_o three_o year_n and_o a_o half_a and_o these_o three_o year_n and_o a_o half_a into_o 1260_o prophetic_a day_n which_o ambage_n and_o circuit_n be_v not_o at_o all_o improbable_a if_o we_o consider_v what_o study_a concealment_n and_o obscurity_n there_o be_v in_o this_o book_n of_o the_o apocalypse_n as_o particular_o in_o the_o number_n of_o the_o beast_n and_o of_o the_o new_a jerusalem_n upon_o which_o we_o shall_v touch_v a_o little_a anon_o to_o say_v nothing_o of_o a_o main_a usefulness_n of_o these_o three_o day_n and_o a_o half_a to_o determine_v the_o true_a number_n of_o a_o time_n and_o time_n for_o how_o can_v we_o be_v assure_v how_o many_o time_n be_v design_v thereby_o especial_o it_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o daniel_n which_o be_v the_o plural_a number_n not_o the_o dual_a and_o therefore_o bid_v fair_a to_o be_v more_o than_o two_o time_n at_o least_o three_o whence_o it_o will_v be_v four_o time_n and_o a_o half_a but_o these_o three_o day_n and_o a_o half_a correct_v or_o prevent_v the_o mistake_n by_o fix_v these_o time_n and_o time_n and_o half_a a_o time_n to_o three_o time_n and_o a_o half_a which_o i_o confess_v i_o do_v little_a doubt_n but_o that_o it_o be_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o the_o mystery_n nor_o do_v their_o be_v slay_v 11.7_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d at_o all_o prejudice_n our_o interpretation_n for_o it_o be_v not_o well_o render_v when_o they_o shall_v have_v finish_v nor_o yet_o need_v be_v render_v while_o they_o be_v make_v a_o end_n of_o their_o witnessing_n as_o if_o this_o shall_v happen_v at_o the_o latter_a end_n of_o it_o but_o may_v very_o warrantable_o be_v expound_v dum_fw-la peragunt_fw-la while_o they_o be_v perform_v this_o office_n of_o witness_v from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o 1260_o day_n to_o the_o end_n thereof_o nor_o yet_o be_v that_o a_o real_a but_o seem_a absurdity_n that_o this_o interpretation_n bring_v along_o with_o it_o as_o if_o the_o witness_n can_v prophesy_v while_o their_o carcase_n lie_v dead_a in_o the_o street_n for_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o in_o that_o sense_n they_o be_v say_v to_o be_v dead_a they_o may_v prophesy_v in_o sackcloth_n nay_o they_o will_v necessary_o do_v so_o i_o mean_v perform_v their_o witness_v with_o sadness_n and_o mourning_n for_o their_o death_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o political_a death_n their_o want_n of_o power_n and_o rule_v in_o the_o world_n for_o such_o be_v their_o resurrection_n namely_o political_a they_o be_v raise_v to_o honour_n and_o government_n as_o mr._n mede_n himself_o acknowledge_v wherefore_o there_o be_v no_o absurdity_n neither_o in_o the_o inward_a meaning_n nor_o outward_a cortex_fw-la of_o this_o prophecy_n for_o the_o inward_a meaning_n be_v such_o as_o i_o have_v tell_v you_o and_o the_o outward_a cortex_fw-la frame_v with_o very_o graceful_a artifice_n like_o that_o in_o the_o image_n of_o nebuchadnezar_n where_o mere_o for_o the_o decorum_n of_o the_o type_n the_o whole_a image_n be_v represent_v as_o stand_v and_o strike_v upon_o the_o leg_n whenas_o yet_o that_o which_o be_v signify_v by_o the_o head_n by_o the_o breast_n and_o arm_n and_o by_o the_o belly_n and_o thigh_n to_o wit_n the_o babylonian_a persian_a and_o greek_a monarchy_n be_v pass_v away_o so_o for_o the_o like_a decorum_n in_o this_o type_n of_o the_o witness_n if_o not_o for_o necessity_n to_o avoid_v a_o seem_a gross_a incongruity_n that_o the_o witness_n may_v not_o be_v say_v to_o prophesy_v while_o their_o body_n lay_v dead_a in_o the_o street_n the_o time_n of_o their_o death_n which_o real_o pervade_v the_o whole_a 1260_o day_n be_v conceal_v under_o and_o contract_v into_o these_o three_o day_n and_o a_o half_a and_o make_v not_o to_o appear_v where_o in_o the_o thing_n signify_v it_o be_v as_o those_o part_n of_o the_o image_n be_v represent_v as_o stand_v when_o the_o thing_n that_o they_o signify_v cease_v to_o be_v which_o scheme_n be_v not_o at_o all_o more_o hard_a in_o the_o one_o then_o in_o the_o other_o and_o in_o this_o type_n of_o the_o witness_n more_o useful_a and_o necessary_a 5._o concern_v the_o sameness_n of_o the_o 11.7_o beast_n out_o of_o the_o sea_n with_o the_o 13.1_o beast_n out_o of_o the_o bottomless_a pit_n there_o can_v have_v be_v no_o scruple_n if_o translator_n have_v interpret_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d out_o of_o the_o sea_n as_o it_o be_v very_o well_o capable_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d signify_v the_o same_o very_a often_o in_o scripture_n as_o job_n 38.30_o and_o chap._n 41.23_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o psalm_n 105._o v_o 10._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o also_o isaiah_n 63.13_o jon._n 2.6_o and_o other_o place_n wherefore_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n think_v good_a to_o vary_v the_o phrase_n here_o only_o for_o concealment_n as_o this_o whole_a book_n of_o prophecy_n be_v beset_v with_o many_o purpose_a though_o not_o invincible_a obscurity_n and_o difficulty_n to_o keep_v this_o treasure_n hide_v till_o the_o time_n appoint_v or_o it_o may_v be_v the_o use_n of_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d here_o in_o stead_n of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d may_v be_v not_o to_o determine_v the_o sense_n to_o the_o ten-horned_n beast_n but_o to_o give_v at_o least_o a_o liberty_n of_o interpret_n it_o also_o of_o the_o two-horned_n contemporary_a with_o he_o 6._o but_o in_o no_o aspect_n do_v this_o book_n of_o the_o apocalypse_n look_v so_o hopeless_a and_o discourage_a as_o in_o that_o of_o the_o first_o resurrection_n chap._n 20._o but_o withal_o it_o be_v to_o be_v note_v there_o be_v no_o difficulty_n here_o but_o such_o as_o will_v at_o least_o equal_o urge_v those_o that_o begin_v the_o millennium_n at_o constantine_n time_n so_o that_o this_o can_v be_v no_o prejudice_n to_o mr._n mede_n interpretation_n and_o synchronism_n for_o whether_o we_o will_v go_v the_o allegorical_a way_n with_o some_o and_o understand_v this_o first_o resurrection_n in_o a_o political_a sense_n like_o that_o of_o the_o witness_n this_o way_n be_v better_a accommodate_v to_o mr._n mede_n synchronism_n then_o to_o the_o other_o hypothesis_n nor_o be_v it_o any_o great_a inconvenience_n to_o admit_v it_o as_o true_a those_o phrase_n which_o at_o last_o will_v have_v a_o literal_a fulfil_n be_v often_o use_v in_o a_o figurative_a as_o we_o may_v observe_v in_o the_o lake_n of_o fire_n some_o description_n of_o god_n come_v to_o particular_a judgement_n the_o six_o thunder_n and_o the_o like_a all_o which_o expression_n will_v have_v at_o last_o a_o literal_a and_o physical_a completion_n but_o though_o the_o figurative_a sense_n of_o resurrection_n may_v be_v passable_a and_o tolerable_a in_o this_o place_n yet_o i_o must_v confess_v i_o dare_v not_o avouch_v it_o to_o be_v whole_o true_a my_o reason_n shall_v be_v suggest_v in_o the_o exposition_n of_o the_o text_n which_o run_v thus_o and_o i_o see_v throne_n and_o they_o sit_v upon_o they_o and_o judgement_n be_v give_v unto_o they_o and_o i_o see_v the_o soul_n of_o they_o that_o be_v behead_v for_o the_o witness_n of_o jesus_n and_o for_o the_o word_n of_o
make_v none_o but_o ourselves_o only_o imagine_v they_o again_o as_o for_o idolatry_n another_o know_a character_n of_o the_o beast_n can_v we_o find_v that_o also_o among_o ourselves_o i_o do_v not_o mean_a covetousness_n only_o which_o the_o apostle_n call_v idolatry_n but_o the_o adventure_n to_o erect_v imagination_n if_o not_o image_n of_o god_n some_o more_o horrid_a and_o affrightful_a than_o those_o that_o stand_v in_o the_o most_o pollute_a temple_n of_o the_o pagan_n the_o statue_n of_o saturn_n tear_v his_o own_o child_n a_o piece_n with_o his_o tooth_n and_o eat_v of_o they_o be_v but_o a_o hieroglyphic_n of_o mercy_n in_o comparison_n thereof_o awhile_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n the_o mournful_a witness_n testify_v both_o out_o of_o moses_n and_o out_o of_o s._n john_n that_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n be_v quite_o another_o thing_n god_n be_v love_n and_o he_o that_o abide_v in_o love_n abide_v in_o god_n and_o god_n in_o he_o the_o lord_n the_o lord_n god_n gracious_a and_o merciful_a long-suffering_a and_o abundant_a in_o goodness_n and_o truth_n and_o yet_o what_o forcible_a assault_n be_v there_o to_o set_v up_o this_o idol_n or_o false_a image_n in_o the_o temple_n of_o every_o man_n mind_n which_o otherwise_o shall_v be_v consecrate_v to_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o the_o warm_a and_o comfortable_a residence_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n that_o also_o be_v a_o blind_a image_n of_o god_n worse_o than_o the_o pagan_a cupid_n which_o some_o conceit_a foundling_n set_v up_o in_o favour_n of_o themselves_o that_o god_n see_v no_o sin_n in_o his_o elect_n let_v they_o sin_n never_o so_o gross_o whenas_o the_o scripture_n express_o affirm_v that_o his_o eye_n behold_v his_o eyelid_n try_v the_o child_n of_o man_n and_o that_o he_o be_v of_o pure_a eye_n then_o to_o endure_v iniquity_n any_o where_o to_o say_v nothing_o that_o opinion_n themselves_o that_o be_v frame_v by_o humane_a curiosity_n in_o point_n of_o religion_n though_o otherwise_o harmless_a become_v idol_n and_o have_v the_o very_a same_o effect_n that_o idol_n have_v that_o be_v they_o lay_v asleep_o the_o mind_n and_o besot_v it_o so_o that_o it_o become_v senseless_a of_o the_o indispensable_a motion_n of_o the_o divine_a life_n and_o further_o that_o the_o trick_n up_o ourselves_o with_o such_o curiosity_n be_v but_o a_o self-chosen_a holiness_n and_o a_o worship_v and_o serve_v god_n after_o our_o own_o humour_n which_o assure_o be_v little_o better_a than_o idolatry_n 8._o and_o last_o more_o compendious_o and_o at_o once_o let_v we_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o witness_n slay_v by_o the_o beast_n of_o the_o bottomless_a pit_n which_o be_v a_o childish_a thing_n to_o conceit_n to_o be_v two_o person_n forasmuch_o as_o they_o prophesy_v for_o 1260_o year_n together_o as_o mr._n mede_n have_v well_o define_v and_o i_o also_o add_v that_o they_o be_v dead_a in_o another_o sense_n even_o that_o time_n they_o be_v say_v to_o prophesy_v as_o i_o have_v 4._o above_o note_v and_o i_o think_v there_o be_v very_o little_a doubt_n to_o be_v make_v of_o the_o interpretation_n let_v we_o therefore_o now_o consider_v what_o these_o two_o witness_n be_v and_o true_o according_a to_o the_o richness_n of_o prophetic_a expression_n i_o do_v not_o think_v they_o be_v restrain_v to_o one_o single_a signification_n but_o type_n out_o at_o least_o these_o two_o thing_n the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n which_o by_o a_o prosopopoeia_fw-la be_v here_o call_v the_o two_o witness_n or_o else_o the_o magistracy_n and_o ministry_n forasmuch_o as_o those_o thing_n they_o be_v describe_v by_o be_v allusion_n to_o moses_n and_o aaron_n and_o to_o zerobabel_n and_o jeshua_n the_o concinnity_n of_o the_o former_a interpretation_n do_v not_o depend_v only_o on_o that_o obvious_a allusion_n to_o that_o latin_a word_n testament_n but_o be_v further_o ratify_v from_o the_o greek_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d frequent_o signifi_n the_o law_n or_o institutes_n of_o god_n render_v also_o for_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d not_o to_o add_v that_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n be_v whether_o they_o be_v call_v so_o or_o no_o two_o eximious_a witness_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n unto_o the_o world_n wherefore_o now_o more_o prophetico_fw-la make_v these_o two_o book_n two_o person_n they_o may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v alive_a or_o slay_v either_o in_o a_o political_a or_o moral_a sense_n they_o will_v be_v alive_a in_o a_o political_a sense_n if_o they_o have_v the_o only_a rule_n in_o the_o transaction_n of_o the_o affair_n of_o church_n and_o commonwealth_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o injunction_n as_o indispensable_a in_o matter_n of_o religion_n but_o such_o as_o they_o plain_o determine_v much_o less_o any_o thing_n against_o they_o and_o so_o likewise_o in_o state-affair_n all_o oppression_n and_o tyranny_n will_v be_v prohibit_v wherefore_o while_o the_o invention_n of_o man_n rule_v in_o the_o church_n instead_o of_o the_o dictate_v of_o those_o holy_a oracle_n and_o while_o course_n oppression_n and_o tyranny_n over_o the_o member_n of_o christ_n be_v prevalent_a that_o be_v while_o man_n think_v they_o have_v power_n and_o wealth_n and_o wit_n and_o policy_n mere_o to_o tread_v down_o the_o people_n and_o not_o to_o succour_v they_o and_o guide_v they_o for_o their_o real_a good_a and_o to_o ennoble_v their_o spirit_n as_o much_o as_o they_o be_v capable_a rather_o than_o to_o make_v they_o besot_v vassal_n and_o slave_n to_o put_v out_o their_o eye_n to_o make_v mill-horse_n of_o they_o that_o they_o may_v the_o better_a droil_n and_o drudge_n for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o their_o lust_n wherever_o thing_n be_v carry_v on_o this_o way_n the_o beast_n of_o the_o bottomless_a pit_n have_v slay_v the_o two_o witness_n in_o the_o political_a sense_n the_o law_n of_o god_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n protest_v against_o their_o proceed_n both_o in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n as_o be_v plain_a to_o every_o one_o that_o peruse_v those_o write_n the_o witness_n also_o will_v be_v alive_a in_o a_o moral_a sense_n if_o those_o indispensable_a precept_n of_o life_n witness_v by_o they_o be_v real_o turn_v into_o life_n and_o practice_n in_o we_o for_o the_o external_n word_n be_v but_o a_o dead_a letter_n but_o then_o be_v proper_o alive_a when_o that_o life_n be_v beget_v in_o we_o whereof_o it_o testify_v which_o if_o it_o be_v neglect_v as_o also_o their_o rule_n so_o far_o forth_o as_o it_o respect_v ecclesiastic_a policy_n be_v decline_v and_o man_n act_v both_o in_o political_a affair_n and_o in_o their_o private_a capacity_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o man_n and_o their_o unprofitable_a institutes_n and_o thereby_o neglect_v the_o indispensable_a command_n of_o god_n who_o can_v but_o see_v that_o the_o two_o witness_n we_o speak_v of_o be_v plain_o slay_v and_o that_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n be_v but_o as_o two_o liveless_a carcase_n lie_v unbury_v indeed_o for_o they_o will_v not_o burn_v they_o and_o put_v their_o ash_n into_o a_o urn_n and_o hide_v they_o under_o ground_n for_o fear_v of_o the_o people_n but_o useless_a and_o unactive_a have_v no_o power_n to_o curb_v the_o wicked_a enormity_n of_o the_o world_n who_o have_v take_v up_o another_o self-chosen_a law_n to_o themselves_o mint_v and_o forge_v by_o the_o false_a antichristian_a church_n consistent_a enough_o with_o nay_o very_a favourable_a to_o all_o those_o pomp_n and_o vanity_n that_o we_o be_v swear_v against_o in_o our_o very_a baptism_n whence_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o world_n be_v so_o glad_a and_o triumphant_a and_o send_v gift_n to_o one_o another_o upon_o the_o slay_v of_o the_o witness_n 11.10_o their_o death_n conduce_v so_o much_o to_o the_o uncurbed_a fruition_n of_o all_o worldly_a and_o carnal_a enjoyment_n but_o the_o church_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n become_v no_o better_a than_o 8._o sodom_n and_o egypt_n a_o land_n of_o tyranny_n and_o beastliness_n a_o city_n of_o carnality_n and_o oppression_n wherein_o to_o proceed_v to_o the_o other_o sense_n moses_n and_o aaron_n zerobabel_n and_o jeshua_n the_o holy_a and_o legitimate_a magistracy_n and_o ministry_n be_v slay_v that_o be_v keep_v out_o of_o all_o political_a power_n by_o this_o beast_n out_o of_o the_o bottomless_a pit_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o as_o it_o may_v signify_v the_o sea_n may_v be_v understand_v of_o the_o ten-horned_n beast_n but_o as_o it_o may_v signify_v a_o deep_a pit_n in_o the_o earth_n such_o as_o that_o from_o whence_o smoke_n come_v and_o the_o locust_n may_v signify_v the_o two-horned_a beast_n who_o be_v say_v to_o come_v out_o of_o the_o 13.11_o earth_n and_o be_v the_o master_n of_o that_o wisdom_n that_o be_v earthly_a sensual_a and_o devilish_a and_o which_o be_v accompany_v with_o bloody_a zeal_n and_o
strife_n about_o their_o vain_a and_o useless_a opinion_n and_o ceremony_n this_o i_o believe_v we_o will_v be_v prone_a enough_o to_o acknowledge_v against_o other_o namely_o in_o those_o dominion_n wherein_o popery_n have_v so_o great_a a_o stroke_n but_o it_o be_v more_o to_o our_o advantage_n to_o examine_v also_o what_o be_v amiss_o at_o home_n for_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v because_o the_o number_n of_o the_o beast_n be_v not_o upon_o we_o that_o we_o do_v not_o bestianize_v nor_o be_v it_o the_o purple_a spot_n but_o the_o disease_n that_o be_v mortiferous_a but_o the_o case_n be_v as_o if_o a_o man_n not_o yet_o know_v sheep_n from_o goat_n shall_v be_v tell_v that_o those_o in_o such_o a_o pasture_n that_o have_v such_o a_o mark_n or_o figure_n upon_o they_o be_v goat_n it_o be_v a_o fond_a thing_n for_o he_o to_o think_v that_o this_o mark_n or_o figure_n be_v so_o of_o the_o essence_n of_o a_o goat_n but_o that_o when_o in_o another_o place_n he_o meet_v with_o a_o creature_n so_o shape_v of_o the_o like_a bigness_n and_o with_o such_o a_o cry_n as_o a_o goat_n have_v he_o may_v take_v the_o boldness_n to_o pronounce_v that_o that_o be_v a_o goat_n too_o though_o the_o abovesaid_a mark_n be_v want_v wherefore_o let_v we_o impartial_o consider_v whether_o we_o be_v yet_o pure_a sheep_n or_o no._n if_o the_o witness_n be_v dead_a in_o both_o a_o moral_a and_o political_a sense_n among_o we_o that_o be_v if_o we_o follow_v the_o name_n or_o authority_n of_o any_o man_n and_o be_v rule_v more_o by_o that_o then_o the_o plain_a scripture_n if_o we_o be_v not_o content_a with_o such_o a_o faith_n as_o be_v plain_a out_o of_o they_o and_o be_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o church_n when_o it_o be_v symmetral_a if_o by_o fulsome_a and_o course_n antinomianisme_n by_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o needlesness_n or_o impossibility_n of_o be_v good_a and_o of_o live_v according_a to_o the_o precept_n of_o christ_n we_o hinder_v the_o scripture_n from_o be_v alive_a in_o we_o and_o by_o mingle_v conceit_n of_o our_o own_o and_o imperious_o impose_v of_o they_o upon_o other_o hazard_n with_o some_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o whole_a and_o keep_v other_o out_o of_o such_o place_n and_o authority_n as_o natural_o fall_v to_o their_o share_n though_o never_o so_o cordial_a and_o exemplary_a christian_n according_a to_o the_o old_a symmetral_a pattern_n we_o have_v thus_o transgress_v that_o holy_a ancient_a and_o apostolic_a number_n 12_o by_o our_o new-fangled_a addition_n and_o add_v also_o persecution_n thereto_o do_v as_o certain_o become_v or_o continue_v part_n of_o the_o beast_n as_o the_o goat_n be_v a_o goat_n without_o the_o abovesaid_a mark_n and_o figure_n upon_o he_o nor_o shall_v we_o ever_o be_v quit_v from_o the_o crime_n of_o slay_v the_o witness_n till_o we_o lie_v aside_o all_o heat_n and_o pride_n in_o prefer_v our_o own_o opinion_n whereby_o we_o do_v but_o make_v void_a the_o weighty_a precept_n of_o life_n and_o make_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n of_o none_o effect_v by_o our_o tradition_n engage_v the_o affection_n of_o the_o people_n in_o thing_n that_o be_v unprofitable_a and_o inure_v they_o to_o lie_v cool_a to_o the_o indispensable_a law_n of_o christ._n which_o be_v true_o to_o slay_v the_o witness_n and_o to_o let_v they_o lie_v stark_o dead_a in_o the_o street_n and_o while_o those_o that_o govern_v govern_v for_o themselves_o and_o love_n to_o feel_v their_o own_o power_n and_o forget_v that_o the_o very_a rule_n of_o their_o government_n be_v the_o comfort_n and_o ennoblement_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o people_n that_o they_o may_v be_v free_a and_o know_v faithful_a christian_n and_o subject_n and_o that_o whatever_o any_o one_o have_v it_o be_v give_v he_o for_o the_o good_a of_o another_o and_o not_o for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o his_o own_o vain_a lust_n while_o such_o miscarriage_n as_o these_o be_v in_o either_o ministry_n or_o magistracy_n supreme_a or_o subordinate_a in_o what_o measure_n these_o be_v in_o that_o measure_n be_v moses_n and_o aaron_n zerobabel_n and_o jeshua_n the_o old_a testament_n and_o the_o new_a testament_n slay_v and_o cast_v out_o dead_a into_o the_o street_n and_o all_o power_n let_v it_o change_v into_o what_o frame_n it_o will_v but_o the_o play_v of_o the_o leviathan_n in_o the_o water_n of_o the_o sea_n make_v the_o deep_a boil_n before_o he_o and_o leave_v a_o hoary_a tract_n of_o froth_n after_o he_o boast_v himself_o in_o his_o power_n and_o title_n that_o he_o be_v the_o prince_n of_o the_o child_n of_o pride_n 9_o wherefore_o that_o millennial_a happiness_n that_o some_o man_n talk_v so_o loud_o of_o be_v not_o in_o demolish_n of_o all_o rank_n and_o order_n of_o superiority_n in_o church_n or_o state_n which_o thing_n be_v natural_a and_o necessary_a but_o in_o the_o right_a administration_n of_o affair_n in_o both_o by_o those_o order_n of_o man_n who_o if_o they_o will_v reform_v all_o thing_n according_a to_o the_o apostolic_a rule_n and_o institute_v such_o a_o discipline_n as_o will_v countenance_v the_o indispensable_a life_n of_o god_n not_o the_o unprofitable_a humour_n of_o rash_a and_o fallible_a man_n and_o every_o one_o in_o their_o rank_n will_v pay_v their_o duty_n of_o support_n and_o succour_v to_o the_o people_n that_o every_o man_n that_o be_v honest_a and_o virtuous_a may_v live_v according_a to_o his_o quality_n in_o a_o christian_a comfortable_a way_n the_o tribute_n of_o honour_n and_o title_n to_o such_o order_n of_o man_n be_v but_o their_o just_a due_n and_o become_v as_o well_o useful_a as_o ornamental_a to_o the_o world_n it_o be_v therefore_o but_o a_o fanatic_a or_o satanick_n fury_n in_o such_o that_o under_o pretence_n of_o usher_v in_o the_o five_o monarchy_n as_o they_o call_v it_o will_v destroy_v all_o order_n and_o rank_n in_o church_n and_o state_n as_o if_o the_o wrath_n of_o man_n can_v work_v the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n when_o neither_o these_o order_n themselves_o have_v any_o unholiness_n in_o they_o nor_o the_o person_n haply_o in_o possession_n be_v less_o saint_n than_o they_o that_o will_v pull_v they_o down_o for_o if_o the_o enrich_a a_o man_n self_n by_o the_o destruction_n of_o other_o entitle_v a_o man_n to_o saintship_n the_o great_a robber_n be_v in_o the_o ready_a way_n to_o enter_v into_o the_o holy_a of_o holies_n but_o such_o zelots_n as_o these_o what_o miserable_a redeemer_n they_o be_v like_a to_o prove_v be_v too_o sad_o prefigure_v by_o that_o jewish_a faction_n at_o jerusalem_n more_o intolerable_a by_o far_o to_o the_o inhabitant_n than_o the_o enemy_n that_o besiege_v they_o wherefore_o the_o gape_a after_o a_o five_o monarchy_n in_o this_o sense_n can_v be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o thirst_a after_o spoil_n and_o blood_n many_o man_n be_v stimulate_v thereto_o by_o the_o secret_a sting_n of_o the_o old_a serpent_n in_o envy_n to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n hope_v to_o root_v out_o the_o gospel_n by_o destroy_v of_o settle_a authority_n and_o by_o starve_v the_o ministry_n and_o so_o to_o bring_v in_o a_o rabble_n of_o fanatical_a superstition_n or_o atheistical_a prophaneness_n the_o most_o certain_a prevention_n whereof_o in_o my_o judgement_n be_v the_o reduction_n of_o the_o church_n by_o those_o that_o be_v in_o authority_n to_o such_o a_o frame_n as_o be_v pure_o apostolical_a for_o then_o the_o constitution_n of_o thing_n will_v be_v so_o sacred_a and_o unexceptionable_a that_o it_o will_v awe_v and_o keep_v off_o the_o villainy_n and_o boldness_n of_o such_o man_n that_o be_v otherwise_o encourage_v by_o the_o conspicuous_a intermixture_n of_o thing_n false_a idolatrous_a and_o impious_a to_o fly_v against_o all_o at_o once_o and_o to_o rend_v all_o into_o piece_n beside_o that_o they_o row_v with_o the_o stream_n and_o the_o tide_n of_o divine_a vengeance_n will_v carry_v they_o along_o which_o will_v ever_o and_o anon_o flow_v in_o upon_o the_o church_n till_o a_o true_a and_o sincere_a reformation_n for_o there_o be_v no_o stability_n to_o be_v expect_v till_o that_o city_n be_v raise_v who_o not_o only_o foundation_n be_v lay_v in_o twelve_o but_o who_o gate_n tribe_n angel_n the_o breadth_n and_o height_n of_o the_o wall_n and_o the_o solid_a content_n of_o the_o whole_a city_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o replication_n still_o of_o twelve_o throughout_o that_o be_v to_o say_v till_o that_o church_n appear_v that_o be_v pure_o apostolical_a in_o life_n and_o doctrine_n 10._o which_o time_n be_v so_o very_o near_o at_o hand_n as_o appear_v by_o compute_v of_o prophecy_n it_o shall_v be_v a_o great_a encouragement_n for_o every_o one_o to_o look_v thither-ward_n and_o to_o shake_v off_o that_o dulness_n and_o lethargicalness_n that_o have_v possess_v the_o world_n so_o long_o as_o if_o it_o will_v never_o
be_v better_o for_o this_o article_n of_o infidelity_n among_o the_o rest_n keep_v the_o witness_n still_o dead_a in_o all_o the_o sense_n abovenamed_a wherefore_o let_v every_o man_n reform_v himself_o and_o exhort_v and_o encourage_v his_o neighbour_n and_o witness_v the_o good_a witness_n of_o the_o power_n of_o god_n to_o the_o conquer_a and_o subdue_a of_o all_o manner_n of_o sin_n for_o these_o time_n come_v not_o on_o by_o rapine_n and_o violence_n but_o by_o the_o increase_n of_o righteousness_n upon_o earth_n for_o the_o real_a and_o speedy_a advancement_n whereof_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o effectual_a than_o the_o belief_n that_o god_n will_v now_o in_o these_o last_o time_n of_o all_o give_v more_o than_o ordinary_a assistance_n to_o they_o that_o will_v be_v faithful_a in_o his_o covenant_n and_o that_o the_o work_n of_o righteousness_n will_v go_v on_o with_o much_o more_o ease_n than_o heretofore_o and_o with_o infinite_o better_a success_n wherefore_o it_o be_v good_a strike_n while_o the_o iron_n be_v hot_a and_o make_v use_n of_o this_o day_n of_o salvation_n lest_o such_o prophecy_n of_o grace_n be_v conditional_a it_o may_v fare_v with_o we_o as_o it_o do_v with_o the_o israelite_n who_o carcase_n fall_v in_o the_o wilderness_n in_o a_o tedious_a delay_n and_o a_o long_o lead_v they_o about_o who_o otherwise_o have_v in_o their_o own_o person_n enter_v the_o promise_v land_n so_o i_o do_v not_o see_v that_o it_o be_v impossible_a or_o improbable_a but_o this_o prophecy_n of_o the_o church_n change_n into_o so_o excellent_a a_o state_n may_v be_v foreslack_v by_o the_o ill_a management_n and_o faithlesness_n of_o they_o from_o who_o god_n more_o peculiar_o expect_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v industrious_a labourer_n in_o this_o white_a harvest_n of_o apostolic_a purity_n and_o sanctity_n they_o have_v now_o for_o some_o time_n separate_v from_o the_o great_a babylon_n to_o build_v those_o that_o be_v lesser_a and_o more_o tolerable_a but_o yet_o not_o to_o be_v tolerate_v for_o ever_o it_o be_v more_o than_o high_a time_n they_o shall_v clear_v up_o into_o a_o holy_a city_n of_o god_n otherwise_o i_o do_v not_o see_v but_o the_o success_n be_v likely_a to_o answer_v the_o endeavour_n of_o they_o that_o be_v chief_o concern_v and_o the_o variety_n of_o number_v the_o period_n of_o time_n by_o day_n month_n and_o semitime_n seem_v to_o threaten_v some_o such_o matter_n and_o therefore_o according_a to_o that_o laxer_n computation_n by_o month_n and_o semitime_n there_o may_v lie_v hide_v a_o reserve_n of_o delay_n for_o thirty_o nay_o a_o hundred_o or_o two_o hundred_o year_n long_o than_o god_n otherwise_o intend_v to_o commence_v this_o glorious_a dispensation_n but_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o event_n of_o other_o prophecy_n that_o precede_v in_o order_n if_o this_o promise_n be_v not_o conditional_a to_o both_o jew_n and_o christian_n be_v a_o demonstration_n that_o it_o will_v not_o fail_v to_o take_v effect_n this_o be_v the_o faithful_a account_n that_o i_o can_v give_v of_o the_o affair_n of_o christendom_n from_o the_o pour_v out_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n upon_o the_o apostle_n till_o christ_n come_n again_o in_o the_o spirit_n to_o renew_v his_o lapse_v church_n into_o true_a holiness_n and_o righteousness_n in_o the_o rise_n of_o the_o witness_n and_o the_o reign_v of_o the_o saint_n upon_o earth_n a_o thousand_o year_n the_o close_a of_o which_o will_v be_v the_o day_n of_o judgement_n proper_o so_o call_v which_o after_o this_o long_a but_o not_o impertinent_a digression_n if_o it_o be_v a_o digression_n we_o shall_v now_o take_v into_o consideration_n book_n vi._n chap._n i._n 1._o three_o chief_a thing_n considerable_a in_o christ_n return_n to_o judgement_n viz._n the_o visibility_n of_o his_o person_n the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a and_o the_o conflagration_n of_o the_o world_n 2._o place_n of_o scripture_n to_o prove_v the_o visibility_n of_o his_o person_n 3._o that_o there_o will_v be_v then_o a_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a not_o in_o a_o moral_a but_o a_o natural_a sense_n demonstrate_v from_o undeniable_a place_n of_o scripture_n 4._o proof_n out_o of_o scripture_n for_o the_o conflagration_n of_o the_o world_n as_o out_o of_o peter_n the_o 3_o chap._n of_o his_o second_o epistle_n 5._o a_o interpretation_n of_o the_o 12_o and_o 13_o verse_n 6._o a_o demonstration_n that_o the_o apostle_n there_o describe_v the_o conflagration_n of_o the_o world_n 7._o a_o confutation_n of_o their_o opinion_n that_o will_v interpret_v the_o apostle_n description_n of_o the_o burn_a of_o jerusalem_n 8._o that_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n so_o often_o mention_v in_o these_o two_o epistle_n of_o peter_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o his_o last_o come_n to_o judgement_n 9_o 10._o further_a confirmation_n of_o the_o say_a assertion_n 11._o other_o place_n point_v at_o for_o the_o prove_v of_o the_o conflagration_n 1._o in_o the_o return_n of_o christ_n to_o judgement_n these_o three_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v as_o very_o near_o annect_v and_o comprehend_v in_o it_o the_o visibility_n of_o his_o person_n and_o pomp_n of_o his_o come_n the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a and_o conflagration_n of_o the_o world_n but_o because_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v doubt_v by_o some_o that_o do_v not_o profess_v themselves_o antiscripturists_a i_o shall_v first_o produce_v such_o place_n of_o scripture_n as_o do_v plain_o assert_v these_o point_n and_o then_o in_o the_o next_o place_n show_v how_o reasonable_a the_o assertion_n be_v 2._o the_o visible_a or_o personal_a return_n of_o christ_n to_o judgement_n though_o it_o may_v be_v prove_v from_o many_o place_n yet_o i_o shall_v content_v myself_o with_o a_o few_o and_o i_o must_v confess_v i_o look_v upon_o the_o 24_o of_o matth._n from_o the_o 30_o to_o the_o 32_o verse_n where_o the_o son_n of_o man_n be_v say_v to_o come_v in_o the_o cloud_n of_o heaven_n with_o power_n and_o great_a glory_n and_o to_o send_v out_o his_o angel_n with_o a_o mighty_a sound_n of_o a_o trumpet_n to_o be_v a_o pregnant_a testimony_n thereof_o but_o the_o 29_o verse_n to_o be_v a_o description_n of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o world_n especial_o of_o the_o roman_a empire_n till_o the_o appearance_n of_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man._n but_o whether_o this_o sign_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n be_v the_o same_o with_o the_o son_n of_o man_n come_v in_o the_o cloud_n or_o some_o sign_n in_o the_o heaven_n to_o be_v give_v long_o before_o his_o come_n for_o the_o conversion_n of_o the_o jew_n i_o take_v not_o upon_o i_o to_o decide_v but_o from_o the_o 32_o to_o the_o 36_o verse_n i_o think_v there_o our_o saviour_n may_v reassume_v his_o first_o subject_n the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o therefore_o be_v within_o the_o view_n of_o the_o temple_n and_o of_o the_o city_n he_o use_v the_o pronoun_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d these_o thing_n in_o his_o prophecy_n of_o they_o but_o in_o the_o 36_o verse_n pursue_v his_o prediction_n of_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n he_o say_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d but_o concern_v that_o day_n and_o so_o he_o give_v wholesome_a precept_n of_o watchfulness_n to_o his_o church_n to_o the_o end_n of_o this_o chapter_n which_o sense_n be_v very_o agreeable_a to_o the_o follow_a chapter_n which_o most_o easy_o and_o natural_o be_v whole_o to_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o last_o judgement_n but_o from_o the_o 31_o verse_n of_o that_o chapter_n to_o the_o end_n even_o they_o that_o will_v wind_v the_o former_a part_n of_o the_o chapter_n to_o another_o sense_n 25.31_o acknowledge_v it_o to_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o last_o day_n and_o there_o the_o visible_a pomp_n of_o christ_n come_v to_o judge_v the_o world_n be_v plain_o set_v down_o viz._n his_o sit_v upon_o a_o throne_n with_o his_o holy_a angel_n about_o he_o to_o these_o you_o may_v add_v the_o 11._o testimony_n of_o the_o two_o man_n clothe_v in_o white_a shine_a raiment_n that_o tell_v the_o disciple_n as_o they_o be_v gaze_v up_o into_o heaven_n after_o christ_n as_o he_o ascend_v that_o he_o shall_v come_v down_o again_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o they_o have_v see_v he_o go_v into_o heaven_n as_o also_o that_o of_o s._n paul_n to_o the_o thessalonian_n 17._o for_o the_o lord_n himself_o shall_v descend_v from_o heaven_n with_o a_o shout_n with_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o archangel_n and_o with_o the_o trump_n of_o god_n and_o the_o dead_a in_o christ_n shall_v rise_v first_o then_o we_o which_o be_v alive_a and_o remain_v shall_v be_v catch_v up_o together_o with_o they_o in_o the_o cloud_n to_o meet_v the_o lord_n in_o the_o air_n and_o so_o shall_v we_o be_v ever_o with_o the_o lord_n these_o place_n be_v so_o plain_o concern_v the_o visible_a appearance_n of_o christ_n
and_o miraculous_a in_o he_o whence_o he_o can_v not_o escape_v have_v his_o life_n and_o death_n write_v by_o some_o pen_n or_o other_o especial_o it_o be_v so_o certain_a he_o 2._o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a as_o it_o be_v 5._o for_o the_o jew_n have_v crucify_v he_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o odious_a to_o they_o then_o that_o report_n of_o his_o follower_n that_o god_n miraculous_o raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a whereby_o christ_n be_v acquit_v by_o a_o special_a hand_n of_o providence_n of_o all_o their_o wicked_a aspersion_n and_o false_a accusation_n and_o themselves_o condemn_v of_o the_o high_a crime_n they_o can_v imagine_v themselves_o capable_a of_o even_o the_o murder_n of_o their_o messiah_n wherefore_o the_o attestation_n of_o that_o which_o will_v make_v they_o so_o odious_a and_o execrable_a even_o in_o their_o own_o eye_n if_o it_o be_v true_a must_v needs_o make_v the_o attestor_n thereof_o very_o hateful_a to_o they_o and_o unsupportable_a and_o therefore_o raise_v against_o they_o all_o the_o mischief_n they_o possible_o can_v whence_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n shall_v maintain_v so_o heinous_a a_o falsehood_n no_o not_o if_o they_o have_v make_v no_o conscience_n of_o lie_v and_o yet_o still_o more_o impossible_a if_o we_o consider_v their_o simplicity_n and_o innocency_n a_o property_n in_o they_o of_o which_o i_o think_v it_o never_o come_v into_o the_o mind_n of_o any_o one_o to_o doubt_v i_o conclude_v therefore_o that_o a_o person_n so_o plain_o prefigure_v by_o ancient_a and_o sacred_a prophecy_n so_o refulgent_a in_o miraculous_a virtue_n and_o unheard-of_a providence_n one_o who_o for_o the_o wonder_n he_o do_v by_o the_o unbelieve_a jew_n be_v account_v a_o magician_n by_o the_o heathen_a philosopher_n and_o atheist_n acknowledge_v a_o worker_n of_o miracle_n and_o by_o his_o own_o follower_n proclaim_v the_o expect_a messiah_n and_o the_o onely-begotten_a son_n of_o god_n who_o he_o have_v miraculous_o raise_v from_o the_o dead_a after_o the_o jew_n have_v crucify_v he_o i_o say_v that_o a_o person_n thus_o wonderful_o qualify_v above_o any_o that_o ever_o yet_o come_v into_o the_o world_n shall_v fail_v of_o have_v his_o life_n historical_o record_v be_v a_o thing_n far_o more_o incredible_a than_o the_o great_a miracle_n that_o ever_o be_v yet_o upon_o record_n 6._o and_o now_o in_o the_o second_o place_n that_o this_o history_n or_o record_n of_o his_o life_n and_o death_n be_v timely_a enough_o write_v viz._n while_o the_o eye-witness_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o he_o do_v or_o happen_v to_o he_o be_v yet_o live_v be_v also_o very_o clear_a if_o we_o consider_v the_o great_a importance_n of_o complete_n such_o a_o history_n in_o due_a time_n for_o certain_o it_o can_v not_o but_o seem_v a_o matter_n of_o very_o weighty_a moment_n christ_n be_v believe_v by_o his_o disciple_n to_o be_v so_o holy_a and_o divine_a a_o person_n as_o he_o be_v and_o that_o their_o faithful_a adherence_n to_o he_o be_v their_o only_a assurance_n of_o everlasting_a life_n which_o great_a truth_n of_o a_o bless_a immortality_n they_o be_v evident_o teach_v by_o that_o success_n their_o messiah_n have_v upon_o earth_n which_o be_v as_o ill_o as_o can_v be_v he_o be_v so_o spiteful_o abuse_v and_o crucify_v in_o so_o ignominious_a a_o manner_n whenas_o yet_o they_o may_v with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o jew_n have_v expect_v that_o he_o shall_v have_v break_v the_o roman_a yoke_n and_o be_v a_o glorious_a and_o victorious_a prince_n to_o their_o great_a advantage_n in_o this_o world_n but_o they_o see_v that_o providence_n wave_v this_o and_o by_o a_o high_a hand_n exalt_v he_o into_o another_o kingdom_n raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a and_o take_v he_o visible_o into_o heaven_n which_o be_v so_o palpable_a a_o demonstration_n of_o the_o soul_n immortality_n and_o of_o a_o peculiar_a advantage_n to_o the_o follower_n of_o this_o great_a favourite_n of_o the_o almighty_a when_o they_o be_v to_o enter_v into_o that_o other_o state_n that_o the_o power_n of_o conscience_n and_o the_o sense_n of_o their_o own_o good_a in_o the_o other_o life_n will_v make_v they_o very_o careful_a and_o officious_a to_o preserve_v the_o memory_n of_o their_o divine_a teacher_n who_o both_o show_v they_o the_o way_n to_o and_o the_o certainty_n of_o immortal_a happiness_n which_o piece_n of_o gratitude_n they_o be_v still_o more_o strict_o bind_v to_o perform_v it_o be_v so_o obvious_a for_o they_o to_o look_v upon_o christ_n as_o a_o public_a gift_n of_o god_n to_o the_o world_n not_o to_o be_v restrain_v to_o that_o age_n then_o present_a but_o to_o be_v transmit_v to_o all_o posterity_n nor_o confine_v within_o that_o little_a handful_n of_o follower_n he_o leave_v behind_o he_o but_o to_o be_v make_v know_v to_o all_o israel_n nor_o can_v they_o long_o be_v ignorant_a but_o that_o the_o gentile_n also_o shall_v have_v share_n in_o he_o especial_o upon_o his_o rejection_n by_o the_o jew_n and_o so_o he_o be_v to_o become_v the_o light_n and_o salvation_n of_o all_o nation_n from_o age_n to_o age_n according_a to_o the_o prophet_n 7._o that_o this_o be_v the_o early_a sense_n of_o the_o church_n concern_v the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n for_o eternal_a salvation_n the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o as_o i_o have_v already_o intimate_v do_v plain_o demonstrate_v for_o what_o meaning_n can_v they_o possible_o make_v of_o god_n raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a and_o visible_o assume_v he_o into_o heaven_n but_o that_o he_o shall_v be_v a_o palpable_a pledge_n of_o that_o future_a happiness_n which_o be_v to_o accrue_v to_o they_o that_o will_v be_v his_o faithful_a adherent_n and_o follower_n this_o questionless_a be_v the_o belief_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o all_o succeed_a christian_n as_o the_o philopatr_n heathen_n themselves_o witness_v of_o they_o though_o in_o a_o jeer_a manner_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d but_o be_v catechize_v and_o instruct_v be_v persuade_v by_o i_o if_o you_o desire_v to_o live_v for_o ever_o this_o theme_n be_v much_o insist_v upon_o by_o the_o apostle_n paul_n every_o where_o in_o his_o epistle_n which_o though_o i_o may_v seem_v too_o hasty_a in_o name_v so_o soon_o while_o i_o be_o but_o drive_v on_o a_o method_n to_o demonstrate_v that_o there_o be_v very_o timely_a record_n of_o christianity_n within_o the_o age_n of_o eye-witness_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v record_v yet_o i_o think_v i_o have_v not_o do_v preposterous_o if_o we_o consider_v that_o there_o be_v a_o peculiar_a kind_n of_o self-evidence_n in_o that_o apostle_n write_n that_o they_o be_v not_o supposititious_a or_o fictitious_a it_o be_v in_o my_o judgement_n out_o of_o the_o power_n of_o man_n to_o imitate_v that_o unaffected_a fervour_n those_o natural_a and_o yet_o unexpected_a scheme_n of_o high_a and_o serious_a zeal_n those_o parenthetical_a exundance_n of_o weighty_a sense_n and_o matter_n swell_v out_o i_o have_v almost_o say_v beyond_o the_o bound_n of_o logical_a coherence_n that_o vigorous_a passion_n and_o elevation_n of_o spirit_n and_o yet_o all_o so_o unsuspectable_a of_o any_o humane_a artifice_n that_o we_o can_v but_o be_v assure_v that_o he_o that_o write_v these_o epistle_n be_v thorough_o possess_v and_o transport_v with_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o thing_n he_o write_v i_o be_o sure_a i_o can_v but_o be_v assure_v and_o find_v myself_o in_o a_o utter_a incapacity_n of_o doubt_v thereof_o who_o yet_o be_o natural_o as_o melancholy_a and_o suspicious_a as_o other_o mortal_n as_o i_o can_v prove_v by_o early_a speciman_n of_o this_o kind_n if_o modesty_n will_v permit_v i_o to_o parallel_v the_o folly_n and_o error_n of_o my_o childhood_n with_o the_o mature_a conclusion_n of_o such_o as_o have_v affect_v the_o repute_n of_o be_v the_o great_a wit_n of_o the_o world_n 8._o wherefore_o be_v so_o full_o persuade_v in_o myself_o and_o never_o meet_v with_o any_o one_o that_o can_v have_v the_o face_n to_o deny_v but_o the_o epistle_n of_o s._n paul_n be_v the_o write_n of_o one_o that_o be_v in_o very_o good_a earnest_n my_o appeal_n to_o they_o in_o this_o place_n for_o the_o sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o the_o first_o and_o apostolic_a faith_n i_o can_v not_o hold_v unseasonable_a but_o it_o be_v evident_a in_o these_o epistle_n that_o the_o writer_n of_o they_o live_v within_o the_o age_n of_o the_o eye-witness_n of_o the_o wonderful_a thing_n that_o be_v either_o do_v by_o or_o happen_v to_o christ._n whence_o it_o plain_o appear_v also_o that_o that_o sense_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o paul_n declare_v in_o these_o epistle_n be_v the_o first_o and_o most_o early_a meaning_n that_o the_o apostle_n conceive_v concern_v the_o mystery_n of_o christianity_n viz._n that_o christ_n passion_n be_v a_o