not_o positive_o promise_v to_o reward_v our_o sincere_a obedience_n which_o promise_v though_o his_o mere_a grace_n and_o goodness_n induce_v he_o to_o make_v yet_o his_o essential_a truth_n sâ—andâ—_n oblige_v 〈◊〉_d see_v perform_v for_o though_o some_o have_v venture_v so_o far_o as_o to_o declare_v god_n under_o no_o obligation_n to_o inflict_v the_o eternal_a torment_n of_o hell_n how_o peremptory_o soever_o threaten_v by_o he_o upon_o man_n die_v in_o their_o sin_n yet_o i_o suppose_v none_o will_v be_v so_o hardy_a or_o rather_o shameless_a as_o to_o affirm_v it_o free_a for_o god_n to_o perform_v or_o not_o perform_v his_o promise_n the_o obligation_n of_o which_o be_v so_o absolute_a and_o unalterable_a i_o do_v here_o further_o affirm_v that_o upon_o the_o true_a and_o most_o â—â—sured_a principle_n of_o practical_a reason_n there_o be_v as_o strong_a and_o as_o enforce_v a_o motive_n from_o the_o immutable_a truth_n of_o god_n promise_n to_o raise_v man_n to_o the_o high_a and_o most_o heroic_a act_n of_o a_o christian_a life_n as_o if_o every_o such_o single_a act_n can_v by_o its_o own_o intrinsic_a worth_a merit_n a_o glorious_a eternity_n for_o to_o speak_v the_o real_a truth_n and_o nature_n of_o thing_n that_o which_o excite_v endeavour_v and_o set_v obedience_n on_o work_n be_v not_o proper_o a_o belief_n or_o persuasion_n of_o the_o merit_n of_o our_o work_n but_o the_o assurance_n of_o our_o reward_n and_o can_v we_o have_v a_o great_a assurance_n of_o this_o than_o that_o truth_n itself_o which_o can_v break_v its_o word_n have_v promise_v it_o for_o the_o most_o high_a and_o holy_a one_o as_o we_o have_v show_v and_o may_v with_o reverence_n speak_v have_v pawn_v his_o word_n his_o name_n and_o his_o honour_n to_o reward_v the_o steadfast_a final_o persevere_v obedience_n of_o every_o one_o within_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n notwithstand_v its_o legal_a imperfection_n and_o therefore_o though_o we_o have_v alâ—_n the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n to_o blush_v at_o thâ—â—â—_n worthless_a emptiness_n of_o our_o best_a duty_n and_o to_o be_v ashamed_a of_o the_o poorness_n and_o shortness_n of_o our_o most_o complete_a action_n and_o in_o a_o word_n to_o think_v as_o mean_o of_o they_o and_o of_o ourselves_o for_o they_o as_o god_n himself_o do_v yet_o still_o let_v we_o build_v both_o our_o practice_n and_o our_o comfort_n upon_o this_o one_o conclusion_n as_o upon_o a_o rock_n that_o â—_o though_o after_o we_o have_v do_v all_o we_o be_v still_o unprofitable_a servant_n yet_o because_o we_o have_v do_v all_o god_n have_v engage_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o gracious_a master_n to_o who_o therefore_o be_v render_v and_o ascribe_v as_o be_v most_o due_a all_o praise_n may_v majesty_n and_o dominion_n both_o now_o and_o for_o evermore_o amen_n a_o sermon_n preach_v at_o christchurch_n in_o oxford_n before_o the_o university_n octob._n 29._o 1693._o luke_n xi_o 35_o take_v heed_n therefore_o that_o the_o light_n which_o be_v in_o thou_o be_v not_o darkness_n as_o light_n be_v certain_o one_o of_o the_o most_o glorious_a and_o useful_a creature_n that_o ever_o issue_v from_o the_o wisdom_n and_o power_n of_o the_o great_a creator_n of_o the_o world_n so_o be_v the_o eye_n of_o the_o soul_n as_o little_o weaken_v by_o the_o fall_n as_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o body_n no_o doubt_n the_o light_n within_o we_o will_v appear_v as_o much_o more_o glorious_a than_o the_o light_n without_o we_o as_o the_o spiritual_a intellectual_a part_n of_o the_o creation_n exceed_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o sensible_a and_o corporeal_a as_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o which_o light_n to_o give_v some_o account_n of_o it_o before_o i_o proceed_v further_o and_o that_o without_o enter_v into_o those_o various_a notion_n of_o it_o which_o some_o have_v amuse_v the_o world_n with_o it_o be_v in_o short_a that_o which_o philosopher_n in_o their_o discourse_n about_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o the_o first_o origin_n of_o knowledge_n do_v so_o much_o magnify_v by_o the_o name_n of_o recta_fw-la ratio_fw-la that_o great_a source_n and_o principle_n as_o they_o will_v have_v it_o both_o of_o their_o philosophy_n and_o religion_n for_o the_o better_a explication_n of_o which_o i_o must_v according_a to_o a_o common_a but_o necessary_a distinction_n and_o elsewhere_o make_v use_n of_o by_o i_o observe_v that_o this_o recâ—â—_n ratio_fw-la may_v be_v take_v in_o a_o double_a sense_n first_o for_o those_o maxim_n or_o general_a truth_n which_o be_v collect_v by_o the_o observation_n of_o reason_n and_o form_v thereby_o into_o certain_a proposition_n be_v the_o ground_n and_o principle_n by_o which_o man_n govern_v both_o their_o discourse_n and_o practice_n according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o object_n that_o come_v before_o they_o or_o second_o it_o may_v be_v take_v for_o thaâ—_n faculty_n or_o power_n of_o the_o soul_n by_o which_o it_o form_v these_o maxim_n or_o proposition_n and_o afterward_o discourse_n upon_o they_o and_o so_o no_o doubt_n it_o be_v to_o be_v take_v here_o for_o proposition_n themselves_o as_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o be_v neither_o capable_a of_o increase_n or_o decrease_v improvement_n or_o diminution_n but_o the_o power_n and_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v capable_a of_o both_o that_o 〈◊〉_d of_o become_v strong_a or_o weak_a accord_v as_o man_n shall_v use_v or_o abuse_v cultivate_v or_o neglect_v they_o upon_o which_o account_n this_o recta_fw-la ratio_fw-la can_v be_v nothing_o â—lse_o but_o that_o intellectual_a power_n or_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n which_o every_o one_o be_v â—â—â—urally_o endow_v with_o to_o which_o faculty_n as_o there_o belong_v two_o grand_a and_o principal_a office_n to_o 〈◊〉_d one_o to_o inform_v or_o direct_v and_o the_o â—ther_n to_o command_v or_o oblige_v so_o the_o 〈◊〉_d faculty_n sustain_v a_o different_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d â—r_o denomination_n according_a to_o each_o of_o â—hem_n for_o as_o it_o serve_v to_o inform_v the_o soul_n â—â—y_n discover_v thing_n to_o it_o so_o it_o be_v call_v the_o light_n of_o nature_n but_o as_o it_o oblige_v the_o soul_n to_o do_v this_o or_o forbear_v that_o which_o it_o do_v as_o it_o be_v actuate_v or_o inform_v with_o those_o forementioned_a general_a truth_n or_o maxim_n so_o it_o be_v call_v the_o law_n of_o nature_n which_o two_o office_n though_o belong_v to_o one_o and_o the_o same_o faculty_n be_v very_o different_a for_o the_o former_a of_o they_o to_o wit_n iâ—â—_n enlighten_v or_o inform_v quality_n extend_v much_o further_a than_o itâ—â—_n obligingâ—_n virtue_n do_v even_o to_o all_o thing_n knowable_a by_o the_o mind_n of_o manâ—_n but_o the_o latter_a only_o to_o such_o thing_n 〈◊〉_d be_v matter_n of_o practice_n and_o so_o fall_v undeâ—_n a_o moral_a consideration_n beside_o that_o this_o oblige_a quality_n must_v needs_o also_o preâ—suppose_v the_o enlighten_v quality_n as_o essentiâ—ally_o go_v before_o it_o for_o as_o no_o law_n 〈◊〉_d bind_v till_o it_o be_v notify_v or_o promulge_v so_o neither_o can_v this_o faculty_n of_o the_o soâ—â—_n oblige_v a_o man_n till_o it_o have_v first_o inform_v 〈◊〉_d by_o which_o we_o see_v that_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n according_a â—o_o the_o essential_a order_n 〈◊〉_d thing_n precede_v the_o law_n of_o nature_n anâ—_n consequently_n in_o strictness_n of_o speech_n ought_v to_o be_v distinguish_v from_o it_o how_o much_o soever_o some_o have_v think_v fit_a 〈◊〉_d confound_v they_o and_o i_o doubt_v not_o 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v this_o which_o the_o text_n here_o principal_o intend_v by_o the_o light_n within_o we_o nevertheless_o since_o the_o word_n conscience_n take_v in_o both_o and_o signify_v as_o well_o a_o light_n to_o inform_v as_o it_o import_v and_o carrieâ—_n with_o 〈◊〉_d also_o a_o law_n to_o oblige_v we_o i_o shall_v indifferent_o express_v this_o light_n by_o the_o name_n of_o conscience_n as_o a_o term_n equivalent_a to_o it_o in_o all_o the_o follow_a particulars_n but_o still_o this_o shall_v be_v with_o respect_n 〈◊〉_d its_o inform_v rather_o than_o to_o its_o oblige_a office_n for_o as_o much_o as_o it_o be_v the_o former_a of_o these_o only_a which_o be_v the_o proper_a effect_n 〈◊〉_d light_n and_o not_o the_o latter_a for_o though_o conscience_n be_v both_o a_o light_n and_o as_o it_o command'_v under_o god_n a_o law_n too_o yet_o 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v a_o light_n it_o be_v not_o formal_o ah_o law_n â—â—or_n if_o it_o be_v than_o whatsoever_o it_o disâ—â—vered_v to_o we_o it_o will_v also_o oblige_v we_o 〈◊〉_d but_o this_o be_v not_o so_o since_o it_o both_o may_v use_v do_v discover_v to_o we_o the_o indifferent_a â—â—ture_n oâ—_n many_o thing_n and_o action_n â—â—thout_v oblige_v we_o either_o to_o the_o practise_n or_o forbearance_n of_o they_o which_o one_o consideration_n alone_o be_v sufficient_a to_o set_v the_o difference_n between_o the_o enlighten_v and_o the_o oblige_a
be_v tell_v be_v who_o shall_v reckon_v his_o year_n for_o he_o shall_v live_v to_o be_v very_o age_v though_o yet_o we_o know_v no_o more_o of_o his_o age_n but_o that_o he_o prophesy_v about_o forty_o year_n whereas_o some_o other_o have_v prophesy_v much_o long_o and_o particular_o hosea_n who_o prophesy_v about_o fourscore_o as_o for_o the_o other_o expression_n of_o his_o see_v his_o seed_n and_o prolong_v his_o day_n that_o we_o be_v teach_v must_v signify_v that_o he_o shall_v see_v many_o of_o he_o convert_v in_o egypt_n where_o he_o shall_v live_v for_o a_o long_a time_n though_o yet_o we_o read_v not_o of_o any_o one_o of_o those_o convert_v nor_o of_o any_o such_o prolong_v his_o day_n there_o but_o that_o it_o be_v a_o constant_a tradition_n of_o antiquity_n that_o he_o die_v a_o untimely_a disastrous_a death_n be_v knock_v on_o the_o head_n in_o egypt_n by_o his_o wicked_a countryman_n with_o a_o fuller_n club._n and_o in_o the_o last_o place_n for_o his_o divide_v the_o spoil_n with_o the_o mighty_a that_o we_o be_v inform_v be_v fullfil_v in_o this_o that_o nebuzaradan_n captain_n of_o the_o chaldean_a host_n as_o we_o find_v it_o in_o jeremy_n 40.5_o give_v he_o a_o reward_n and_o some_o victual_n that_o be_v to_o say_v a_o small_a supply_n or_o modicum_n of_o meat_n and_o money_n for_o his_o present_a support_n and_o so_o send_v he_o away_o a_o worthy_a glorious_a divide_v of_o the_o spoil_n indeed_o and_o much_o after_o the_o same_o rate_n that_o the_o poor_a may_v be_v say_v to_o divide_v the_o spoil_n when_o they_o take_v their_o share_n of_o what_o be_v give_v they_o at_o rich-man_n door_n so_o then_o we_o have_v here_o a_o interpretation_n but_o as_o for_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o that_o for_o aught_o i_o see_v must_v shift_v for_o itself_o but_o whether_o thus_o to_o drag_v and_o hale_v word_n both_o from_o sense_n and_o context_n and_o then_o to_o squeeze_v whatsoever_o meaning_n we_o please_v out_o of_o they_o be_v not_o as_o i_o may_v speak_v with_o some_o change_n of_o the_o prophet_n phrase_n to_o draw_v lie_n with_o cord_n of_o blasphemy_n and_o nonsense_n as_o it_o be_v with_o a_o cart-rope_n let_v any_o sober_a and_o impartial_a hearer_n or_o reader_n be_v judge_n for_o whatsoever_o title_n the_o itch_n of_o novelty_n and_o socinianism_n have_v think_v fit_a to_o dignify_v such_o immortal_a incomparable_a incomprehensible_a interpreter_n with_o yet_o if_o these_o interpretation_n ought_v to_o take_v place_n the_o say_a prophecy_n which_o all_o before_o grotius_n more_o and_o the_o aforesaid_a rabbi_n saadias_n unanimous_o fix_v in_o the_o first_o sense_n of_o they_o upon_o the_o sole_a person_n of_o the_o messiah_n may_v have_v be_v actual_o fullfil_v and_o consequent_o the_o veracity_n of_o god_n in_o the_o say_a prophecy_n strict_o account_v for_o though_o jesus_n of_o nazareth_n have_v never_o be_v born_n which_o be_v so_o will_v any_o one_o have_v thought_n that_o the_o author_n of_o the_o book_n de_fw-fr veritate_fw-la religionis_fw-la christianae_n &_o the_o satisfactione_n christi_fw-la can_v be_v also_o the_o author_n of_o such_o interpretation_n as_o these_o no_o age_n certain_o ever_o produce_v a_o mighty_a man_n in_o all_o sort_n of_o learning_n than_o grotius_n nor_o more_o happy_o furnish_v with_o all_o sort_n of_o arm_n both_o offensive_a and_o defensive_a for_o the_o vindication_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n have_v he_o not_o in_o his_o annotation_n too_o frequent_o turn_v the_o edge_n of_o they_o the_o wrong_a way_n well_o therefore_o take_v it_o for_o manifest_v and_o that_o upon_o all_o the_o ground_n of_o rational_a and_o unforced_a interpretation_n that_o the_o person_n here_o speak_v of_o be_v the_o messiah_n and_o that_o this_o messiah_n can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o jesus_n of_o nazareth_n the_o great_a mediator_n of_o the_o second_o covenant_n very_a god_n and_o very_a man_n in_o who_o every_o tittle_n of_o this_o prophecy_n be_v most_o exact_o verify_v and_o to_o who_o it_o do_v most_o peculiarly_a and_o incommunicable_o agree_v we_o shall_v proceed_v now_o to_o take_v a_o account_n of_o the_o several_a part_n of_o the_o text_n in_o which_o we_o have_v these_o three_o thing_n considerable_a first_o the_o suffer_v itself_o he_o be_v strike_v second_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o suffering_n which_o be_v penal_a and_o expiatory_a he_o be_v strike_v for_o transgression_n and_o three_o the_o ground_n and_o cause_n of_o this_o suffering_n which_o be_v god_n propriety_n in_o and_o relation_n to_o the_o person_n for_o who_o christ_n be_v strike_v employ_v in_o this_o word_n my_o people_n for_o the_o transgression_n of_o my_o people_n be_v he_o strike_v of_o each_o of_o which_o in_o their_o order_n and_o first_o for_o the_o suffering_n itself_o he_o be_v strike_v the_o very_a word_n import_v violence_n and_o invasion_n from_o without_o it_o be_v not_o a_o suffering_n upon_o the_o stock_n of_o the_o mere_a internal_a weakness_n of_o nature_n which_o carry_v the_o seed_n and_o cause_n of_o its_o dissolution_n in_o its_o own_o bowel_n and_o so_o by_o degree_n wither_v and_o decay_n and_o at_o length_n die_v like_o a_o lamp_n that_o for_o want_v of_o oil_n can_v burn_v no_o long_o but_o like_o a_o torch_n in_o its_o full_a flame_n beat_v and_o ruffle_v and_o at_o length_n blow_v out_o by_o the_o breath_n of_o a_o northwind_n so_o be_v christ_n deal_v with_o in_o the_o very_a prime_n and_o vigour_n of_o his_o year_n be_v by_o main_a force_n tear_v and_o strike_v out_o of_o the_o world_n blow_v do_v the_o work_n of_o time_n and_o stripe_n and_o spear_n be_v instead_o of_o age_n to_o put_v a_o period_n to_o his_o afflict_a life_n now_o the_o greatness_n of_o this_o suffer_v will_v be_v make_v out_o to_o we_o upon_o these_o three_o account_n first_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o the_o latitude_n and_o extent_n of_o it_o second_o of_o the_o intenseness_n and_o sharpness_n of_o it_o and_o three_o of_o the_o person_n inflict_v it_o first_o as_o for_o the_o latitude_n or_o extent_n of_o it_o the_o blow_v reach_v every_o part_n of_o his_o humanity_n carry_v the_o grief_n all_o over_o till_o by_o a_o universal_a diffusion_n of_o itself_o it_o enter_v according_a to_o the_o psalmist_n expression_n like_o water_n into_o his_o bowel_n or_o like_o oil_n into_o his_o bone_n it_o spread_v itself_o into_o every_o part_n of_o his_o body_n as_o if_o it_o have_v be_v another_o soul_n nothing_o be_v free_a from_o suffer_v that_o can_v suffer_v suffer_v seem_v to_o be_v his_o portion_n his_o inheritance_n nay_o his_o very_a property_n even_o the_o religion_n that_o he_o come_v to_o propagate_v and_o establish_v be_v a_o suffer_a religion_n and_o by_o the_o severe_a method_n of_o establishment_n he_o give_v the_o first_o and_o the_o great_a instance_n of_o it_o in_o himself_o he_o who_o will_v recount_v every_o part_n of_o christ_n that_o suffer_v must_v read_v a_o lecture_n of_o anatomy_n from_o the_o crown_n of_o the_o head_n to_o the_o sole_a of_o the_o foot_n there_o be_v nothing_o but_o the_o trace_n of_o pain_n and_o suffering_n they_o make_v long_a furrow_n upon_o his_o back_n say_v the_o psalmist_n they_o do_v as_o it_o be_v tear_n and_o plough_v up_o his_o innocent_a body_n in_o his_o person_n we_o may_v have_v see_v grief_n in_o its_o height_n and_o supremacy_n grief_n triumphant_a crown_v and_o array_v in_o purple_a grief_n reign_v and_o do_v the_o utmost_a that_o it_o be_v able_a it_o be_v a_o subject_a too_o well_o know_v and_o too_o frequent_o discourse_v of_o to_o make_v description_n of_o the_o thorn_n the_o spear_n and_o the_o nail_n that_o act_v their_o several_a part_n in_o this_o tragedy_n and_o that_o so_o that_o the_o very_a narrative_a of_o our_o saviour_n passion_n can_v but_o beget_v another_o in_o every_o pious_a hearer_n of_o it_o but_o when_o we_o have_v say_v the_o utmost_a of_o his_o bodily_a suffering_n we_o still_o know_v that_o nature_n have_v provide_v a_o support_n able_a to_o mate_n and_o stand_v up_o against_o all_o these_o for_o the_o strength_n and_o firmness_n of_o a_o resolve_a mind_n will_v bear_v a_o man_n above_o his_o infirmity_n as_o the_o breath_n bear_v up_o the_o body_n from_o sink_v but_o when_o the_o supporter_n itself_o fail_v when_o the_o primum_fw-la vivens_fw-la and_o the_o ultimum_fw-la moriens_fw-la have_v have_v a_o mortal_a blow_n and_o the_o iron_n enter_v into_o the_o very_a soul_n then_o baffle_v nature_n must_v surrender_v and_o quit_v the_o combat_n unless_o second_v and_o hold_v up_o by_o something_o great_a and_o mighty_a than_o itself_o and_o this_o be_v our_o saviour_n condition_n there_o be_v a_o sword_n which_o reach_v his_o very_a spirit_n and_o pierce_v his_o soul_n till_o it_o bleed_v through_o his_o body_n for_o they_o be_v the_o struggle_v and_o agony_n of_o the_o
be_v not_o enough_o to_o cover_v the_o cheat_n or_o to_o palliate_v the_o illusion_n but_o i_o suppose_v no_o body_n will_v be_v very_o importunate_a for_o any_o further_a proof_n of_o this_o that_o if_o christ_n be_v raise_v it_o must_v be_v god_n who_o raise_v he_o the_o angel_n may_v indeed_o roll_v away_o the_o stone_n from_o the_o sepulchre_n but_o not_o turn_v it_o into_o a_o son_n of_o abraham_n and_o a_o less_o power_n than_o that_o which_o can_v do_v so_o can_v not_o effect_v the_o resurrection_n 2._o i_o come_v now_o to_o the_o second_o thing_n which_o be_v to_o show_v the_o manner_n by_o which_o god_n wrought_v this_o resurrection_n set_v forth_o in_o those_o word_n have_v loose_v the_o pain_n of_o death_n a_o expression_n not_o altogether_o so_o clear_a but_o that_o it_o may_v well_o require_v a_o further_a explication_n for_o it_o may_v be_v inquire_v with_o what_o propriety_n god_n can_v be_v say_v to_o loose_v the_o pain_n of_o death_n by_o christ_n resurrection_n when_o those_o pain_n continue_v not_o till_o the_o resurrection_n but_o determine_v and_o expire_v in_o the_o death_n of_o his_o body_n upon_o which_o ground_n it_o be_v that_o some_o have_v affirm_v that_o christ_n descend_v into_o the_o place_n of_o the_o damn_a where_o during_o his_o body_n abode_n in_o the_o grave_a they_o say_v that_o in_o his_o soul_n he_o real_o suffer_v the_o pain_n of_o hell_n and_o this_o not_o unsutable_o to_o some_o ancient_a copy_n which_o read_v it_o not_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o pain_n of_o death_n but_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o pain_n of_o hell_n and_o this_o also_o with_o much_o seem_a consonance_n to_o that_o article_n of_o the_o creed_n in_o which_o christ_n be_v say_v to_o have_v descend_v into_o hell_n but_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o christ_n suffer_v not_o any_o such_o pain_n in_o hell_n as_o the_o forementioned_a opinion_n will_v pretend_v which_o we_o may_v demonstrate_v from_o this_o that_o if_o christ_n suffer_v any_o of_o those_o pain_n during_o his_o abode_n in_o the_o grave_a than_o it_o be_v either_o in_o his_o divine_a nature_n or_o in_o his_o soul_n or_o in_o his_o body_n but_o the_o divine_a nature_n can_v not_o suffer_v or_o be_v torment_v as_o be_v whole_o impassable_a nor_o yet_o can_v he_o suffer_v in_o his_o soul_n for_o as_o much_o as_o in_o the_o very_a same_o day_n of_o his_o death_n that_o pass_v into_o paradise_n which_o sure_o be_v no_o place_n of_o pain_n nor_o last_o in_o his_o body_n for_o that_o be_v dead_a and_o consequent_o for_o the_o time_n bereave_v of_o all_o sense_n can_v not_o be_v capable_a of_o any_o torment_n and_o then_o for_o answer_v to_o what_o be_v allege_v from_o the_o ancient_a copy_n it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o some_o tender_a hell_n indifferent_o signify_v also_o the_o grave_a and_o a_o state_n of_o death_n and_o last_o for_o that_o article_n of_o the_o creed_n in_o which_o there_o be_v mention_v make_v of_o christ_n descent_n into_o hell_n there_o be_v various_a exposition_n of_o it_o but_o the_o most_o rational_a and_o agreeable_a be_v that_o it_o mean_v his_o abode_n in_o the_o grave_n and_o under_o the_o state_n of_o death_n three_o day_n and_o three_o night_n or_o rather_o three_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d viz._n part_n of_o the_o first_o and_o third_z so_o call_v by_o a_o synecdoche_n of_o the_o part_n for_o the_o whole_a and_o the_o second_o entire_o whereby_o as_o his_o burial_n signify_v his_o entrance_n into_o the_o grave_n so_o his_o descend_v into_o hell_n signify_v his_o continuance_n there_o and_o subjection_n to_o that_o estate_n and_o thus_o the_o three_o part_n of_o his_o humiliation_n in_o the_o last_o and_o grand_a scene_n of_o it_o do_v most_o apposite_o answer_v to_o the_o three_o part_n of_o his_o exaltation_n for_o first_o his_o death_n answer_v to_o his_o rise_n again_o second_o his_o burial_n answer_v to_o his_o ascend_n into_o heaven_n and_o three_o his_o descend_v into_o hell_n answer_v to_o his_o sit_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n in_o a_o state_n of_o never_o die_a glory_n honour_n and_o immortality_n but_o however_o that_o his_o descend_v into_o hell_n mention_v in_o the_o creed_n can_v signify_v his_o local_a descent_n into_o the_o place_n of_o the_o damn_a the_o former_a argument_n disprove_v his_o suffering_n the_o pain_n of_o hell_n will_v by_o a_o easy_a change_n of_o the_o term_n sufficient_o evince_v this_o also_o for_o first_o christ_n can_v not_o descend_v according_a to_o his_o divine_a nature_n since_o that_o which_o be_v infinite_a and_o fill_v all_o place_n can_v not_o acquire_v any_o new_a place_n and_o as_o for_o his_o soul_n that_o be_v in_o paradise_n and_o his_o body_n be_v lay_v in_o the_o grave_a and_o be_v so_o what_o part_n of_o chirst_n can_v descend_v into_o hell_n the_o whole_a christ_n be_v thus_o dispose_v of_o need_v a_o more_o than_o ordinary_a apprehension_n to_o conceive_v we_o be_v therefore_o in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o see_v how_o we_o can_v make_v out_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o expression_n upon_o some_o other_o and_o better_a ground_n in_o order_n to_o which_o it_o be_v very_o observable_a that_o the_o same_o word_n which_o in_o the_o greek_a text_n be_v render_v by_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o in_o the_o english_a by_o pain_n in_o the_o hebrew_n signify_v not_o only_a pain_n but_o also_o a_o place_n cord_n or_o band_n according_a to_o which_o it_o be_v very_o easy_a and_o proper_a to_o conceive_v that_o the_o resurrection_n discharge_v christ_n from_o the_o band_n of_o death_n beside_o that_o this_o rendition_n of_o the_o word_n seem_v also_o most_o natural_o to_o agree_v with_o the_o genuine_a meaning_n of_o some_o other_o word_n in_o the_o same_o verse_n as_o of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d have_v loose_v which_o be_v proper_o applicable_a to_o band_n and_o not_o to_o pain_n as_o also_o of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o signify_v proper_o to_o be_v bind_v with_o some_o cord_n or_o band_n so_o that_o undoubted_o this_o exposition_n will_v give_v the_o whole_a verse_n a_o much_o more_o natural_a and_o apposite_a construction_n and_o withal_o remove_v the_o diffiulty_a but_o second_o because_o the_o evangelist_n st._n luke_n follow_v the_o translation_n of_o the_o septuagint_n who_o little_o mind_v the_o hebrew_n pointing_n render_v the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d not_o by_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d cord_n or_o band_n but_o by_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d pain_n we_o be_v therefore_o not_o to_o balk_v so_o great_a a_o authority_n but_o to_o see_v how_o the_o scheme_n of_o the_o text_n may_v be_v make_v clear_a and_o agreeable_a even_o to_o this_o exposition_n to_o this_o therefore_o i_o answer_v first_o that_o the_o word_n contain_v in_o they_o a_o hebraism_n viz._n the_o pain_n of_o death_n for_o a_o painful_a death_n as_o it_o be_v say_v matth._n 24.15_o the_o abomination_n of_o desolation_n for_o a_o abominable_a desolation_n and_o so_o the_o resurrection_n loose_v christ_n from_o a_o painful_a death_n not_o indeed_o painful_a in_o sensu_fw-la composito_fw-la as_o if_o it_o be_v so_o at_o the_o time_n of_o his_o release_n from_o it_o but_o in_o a_o divide_a sense_n as_o the_o logician_n speak_v it_o loose_v he_o from_o a_o continuance_n under_o that_o death_n which_o relate_v to_o the_o time_n of_o his_o suffering_n it_o be_v so_o painful_a 2._o but_o second_o i_o answer_v further_o that_o though_o the_o pain_n of_o death_n cease_v long_o before_o the_o resurrection_n so_o that_o this_o can_v not_o in_o strictness_n of_o sense_n be_v say_v to_o remove_v they_o yet_o take_v in_o a_o metonymy_n of_o the_o cause_n for_o the_o effect_n the_o pain_n of_o death_n may_v be_v proper_o say_v to_o have_v be_v loose_v in_o the_o resurrection_n because_o that_o estate_n of_o death_n into_o which_o christ_n be_v bring_v by_o those_o forego_v pain_n be_v then_o conquer_v and_o complete_o triumph_v over_o captivity_n under_o death_n and_o the_o grave_n be_v the_o effect_n and_o consequent_a of_o those_o pain_n and_o therefore_o the_o same_o deliverance_n which_o discharge_v christ_n from_o the_o one_o may_v not_o improper_o be_v say_v to_o loose_v he_o from_o the_o other_o and_o thus_o christ_n be_v no_o soon_o bind_v but_o within_o a_o little_a time_n he_o be_v loose_v again_o he_o be_v not_o so_o much_o bury_v as_o for_o a_o while_n deposit_v in_o the_o grave_a for_o a_o small_a inconsiderable_a space_n so_o that_o even_o in_o this_o respect_n he_o may_v not_o inelegant_o be_v say_v to_o have_v taste_v of_o death_n for_o a_o taste_n be_v transient_a short_a and_o quick_o pass_v god_n rescue_v he_o from_o that_o estate_n as_o a_o
prey_n from_o the_o mighty_a and_o a_o captive_n from_o the_o strong_a and_o though_o he_o be_v in_o the_o very_a jaw_n of_o death_n yet_o he_o be_v not_o devour_v corruption_n the_o common_a lot_n of_o mortality_n seize_v not_o on_o he_o worm_n and_o putrefaction_n dare_v not_o approach_v he_o his_o body_n be_v sacred_a and_o inviolable_a as_o sweet_a under_o ground_n as_o above_o it_o and_o in_o death_n itself_o retain_v one_o of_o the_o high_a privilege_n of_o the_o live_n 3._o come_v we_o now_o to_o the_o last_o and_o principal_a thing_n propose_v namely_o the_o ground_n of_o christ_n resurrection_n which_o be_v its_o absolute_a necessity_n express_v in_o these_o word_n because_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a that_o he_o shall_v be_v hold_v of_o it_o and_o that_o according_a to_o the_o strict_a and_o most_o receive_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n possible_a for_o it_o be_v not_o only_a par_n &_o aequum_fw-la that_o christ_n shall_v not_o always_o be_v detain_v under_o death_n because_o of_o his_o innocence_n as_o grotius_n precarious_o and_o to_o serve_v a_o hypothesis_n will_v have_v the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d here_o signify_v but_o it_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a that_o he_o shall_v not_o and_o impossible_a that_o he_o shall_v continue_v under_o the_o band_n of_o death_n from_o the_o peculiar_a condition_n of_o his_o person_n as_o well_o as_o upon_o several_a other_o account_n and_o according_o this_o impossibility_n be_v found_v upon_o these_o five_o thing_n 1._o the_o union_n of_o christ_n humane_a nature_n to_o the_o divine_a 2._o god_n immutability_n 3._o his_o justice_n 4._o the_o necessity_n of_o christ_n be_v believe_v upon_o 5._o and_o last_o the_o nature_n of_o his_o priesthood_n first_o of_o all_o then_o the_o hypostatical_a union_n of_o christ_n humane_a nature_n to_o his_o divine_a render_v a_o perpetual_a duration_n under_o death_n absolute_o impossible_a for_o how_o can_v that_o which_o be_v unite_v to_o the_o great_a source_n and_o principle_n of_o life_n be_v final_o prevail_v over_o by_o death_n and_o pass_v into_o a_o estate_n of_o perpetual_a darkness_n and_o oblivion_n even_o while_o christ_n body_n be_v divide_v from_o his_o soul_n yet_o it_o cease_v not_o to_o maintain_v a_o intimate_a indissolvable_a relation_n to_o his_o divinity_n it_o be_v assume_v into_o the_o same_o person_n for_o according_a to_o the_o creed_n of_o athanasius_n as_o the_o soul_n and_o body_n make_v one_o man_n so_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o the_o humane_a make_v one_o christ._n and_o if_o so_o be_v it_o imaginable_a that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n can_v have_v one_o of_o his_o nature_n rent_n whole_o from_o his_o person_n his_o divinity_n as_o it_o be_v buoy_v up_o his_o sink_a humanity_n and_o preserve_v it_o from_o a_o total_a dissolution_n for_o as_o while_o the_o soul_n continue_v join_v to_o the_o body_n still_o speak_v in_o sensu_fw-la composito_fw-la death_n can_v pass_v upon_o it_o for_o as_o much_o as_o that_o be_v the_o proper_a effect_n of_o their_o separation_n so_o while_o christ_n manhood_n be_v retain_v in_o a_o personal_a conjunction_n with_o his_o godhead_n the_o band_n of_o death_n be_v but_o feeble_a and_o insignificant_a like_o the_o with_o 's_o and_o cord_n upon_o samson_n while_o he_o be_v inspire_v with_o the_o mighty_a presence_n and_o assistance_n of_o god_n spirit_n it_o be_v possible_a indeed_o that_o the_o divine_a nature_n may_v for_o a_o while_n suspend_v its_o support_a influence_n and_o so_o deliver_v over_o the_o humane_a nature_n to_o pain_n and_o death_n but_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o it_o to_o let_v go_v the_o relation_n it_o bear_v to_o it_o a_o man_n may_v suffer_v his_o child_n to_o fall_v to_o the_o ground_n and_o yet_o not_o whole_o quit_v his_o hold_n of_o he_o but_o still_o keep_v it_o in_o his_o power_n to_o recover_v and_o lift_v he_o up_o at_o his_o pleasure_n thus_o the_o divine_a nature_n of_o christ_n do_v for_o a_o while_n hide_v itself_o from_o his_o humanity_n but_o not_o desert_v it_o put_v it_o into_o the_o chamber_n of_o death_n but_o not_o lock_v the_o everlasting_a door_n upon_o it_o the_o sun_n may_v be_v cloud_v and_o yet_o not_o eclipse_v and_o eclipse_v but_o not_o stop_v in_o his_o course_n and_o much_o less_o force_v out_o of_o his_o orb._n it_o be_v a_o mystery_n to_o be_v admire_v that_o any_o thing_n belong_v to_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n shall_v suffer_v but_o it_o be_v a_o paradox_n to_o be_v explode_v that_o it_o shall_v perish_v for_o sure_o that_o nature_n which_o diffuse_v itself_o throughout_o the_o universe_n communicate_v a_o enliven_a influence_n to_o every_o part_n of_o it_o and_o quicken_v the_o least_o spire_n of_o grass_n according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o its_o nature_n and_o the_o proportion_n of_o its_o capacity_n will_v not_o whole_o leave_v a_o nature_n assume_v into_o its_o bosom_n and_o what_o be_v more_o into_o the_o very_a unity_n of_o the_o divine_a person_n breathless_a and_o inanimate_a and_o dismantle_v of_o its_o prime_n and_o noble_a perfection_n for_o life_n be_v so_o high_a a_o perfection_n of_o be_v that_o in_o this_o respect_n the_o least_o fly_n or_o mite_n be_v a_o more_o noble_a be_v than_o a_o star_n and_o god_n have_v express_o declare_v himself_o not_o the_o god_n of_o the_o dead_a but_o of_o the_o live_n and_o this_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o very_a person_n of_o man_n but_o how_o much_o more_o with_o reference_n to_o what_o belong_v to_o the_o person_n of_o his_o son_n for_o when_o nature_n come_v to_o unite_n so_o near_o as_o mutual_o to_o interchange_v name_n and_o attribute_n and_o to_o verify_v the_o appellation_n by_o which_o god_n be_v say_v to_o be_v man_n and_o man_n to_o be_v god_n sure_o man_n so_o privilege_v and_o advance_v can_v for_o ever_o lie_v under_o death_n without_o a_o insufferable_a invasion_n upon_o the_o entireness_n of_o that_o glorious_a person_n who_o perfection_n be_v as_o inviolable_a as_o it_o be_v incomprehensible_a 2._o the_o second_o ground_n of_o the_o impossibility_n of_o christ_n continuance_n under_o death_n be_v that_o great_a and_o glorious_a attribute_n of_o god_n his_o immutability_n christ_n resurrection_n be_v found_v upon_o the_o same_o bottom_n with_o the_o consolation_n and_o salvation_n of_o believer_n express_v in_o that_o full_a declaration_n make_v by_o god_n of_o himself_o mala._n 3.6_o i_o the_o lord_n change_v not_o therefore_o you_o son_n of_o jacob_n be_v not_o consume_v now_o the_o immutability_n of_o god_n as_o it_o have_v a_o influence_n upon_o christ_n resurrection_n be_v twofold_n first_o in_o respect_n of_o his_o decree_n or_o purpose_n second_o in_o respect_n of_o his_o word_n or_o promise_n and_o first_o for_o his_o decree_n god_n have_v from_o all_o eternity_n design_v this_o and_o seal_v it_o by_o a_o irreversible_a purpose_n for_o can_v we_o imagine_v that_o christ_n resurrection_n be_v not_o decree_v as_o well_o as_o his_o death_n and_o suffering_n and_o these_o in_o the_o 23._o v_o of_o this_o chapter_n be_v express_o say_v to_o have_v be_v determine_v by_o god_n it_o be_v a_o know_a rule_n in_o divinity_n that_o whatsoever_o god_n do_v in_o time_n that_o he_o purpose_v to_o do_v from_o eternity_n for_o there_o can_v be_v no_o new_a purpose_n in_o god_n since_o he_o who_o take_v up_o a_o new_a purpose_n do_v so_o because_o he_o see_v some_o ground_n to_o induce_v he_o to_o such_o a_o purpose_n which_o he_o do_v not_o see_v before_o but_o this_o can_v have_v no_o place_n in_o a_o infinite_a knowledge_n which_o by_o one_o comprehensive_a intuition_n see_v all_o thing_n as_o present_v before_o ever_o they_o come_v to_o pass_v so_o that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o new_a emergency_n that_o can_v alter_v the_o divine_a resolution_n and_o therefore_o it_o have_v be_v absolute_o purpose_v to_o raise_v christ_n from_o the_o dead_a his_o resurrection_n be_v as_o fix_v and_o necessary_a as_o the_o purpose_n of_o god_n be_v irrevocable_a a_o purpose_n which_o commence_v from_o eternity_n and_o be_v declare_v in_o the_o very_a beginning_n of_o time_n a_o purpose_n not_o to_o be_v change_v nor_o so_o much_o as_o bend_v and_o much_o less_o break_v by_o all_o the_o create_v power_n in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o in_o hell_n beside_o for_o though_o indeed_o death_n be_v a_o great_a conqueror_n and_o his_o band_n much_o too_o strong_a for_o nature_n and_o mortality_n yet_o when_o over-matched_n by_o a_o decree_n this_o conqueror_n as_o old_a as_o he_o have_v grow_v in_o conquest_n must_v surrender_v back_o his_o spoil_n unbind_v his_o captive_n and_o in_o a_o word_n even_o death_n itself_o must_v receive_v its_o doom_n from_o all_o which_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o where_o there_o be_v a_o divine_a decree_n there_o be_v always_o a_o omnipotence_n to_o second_v it_o and_o consequent_o that_o by_o
office_n of_o conscience_n clear_a beyond_o all_o objection_n and_o thus_o much_o i_o think_v fit_a to_o premise_v concern_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o light_n here_o speak_v of_o by_o our_o saviour_n and_o intend_v for_o the_o subject_n of_o the_o present_a discourse_n which_o light_n as_o it_o be_v certain_o the_o great_a and_o sovereign_a gift_n of_o god_n to_o mankind_n for_o the_o guidance_n and_o government_n of_o their_o action_n in_o all_o that_o concern_v they_o with_o reference_n to_o this_o life_n 〈◊〉_d a_o better_a so_o it_o be_v also_o as_o certain_a that_o it_o be_v capable_a of_o be_v turn_v into_o darkness_n and_o thereby_o make_v whole_o useless_a for_o so_o nobl_a 〈…〉_z purpose_n for_o so_o much_o the_o word_n of_o the_o tâ—â—_n import_n nor_o do_v they_o import_n only_o bare_a possibility_n that_o it_o may_v be_v so_o but_o aâ—_n so_o a_o very_a high_a probability_n that_o witâ—â—â—â—_n a_o extraordinary_a prevention_n it_o will_v bâ—_n so_o for_o as_o mâ—ch_v as_o all_o warn_v in_o thâ—_n very_a reason_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o according_a to_o the_o naturâ—l_a force_n of_o such_o expression_n imply_v in_o it_o these_o two_o thing_n first_o some_o very_a considerable_a evil_n or_o mischief_n warn_v against_o and_o second_o a_o equal_a danger_n of_o fall_v into_o iâ—_n without_o which_o all_o warn_v will_v be_v not_o only_o superfluous_a but_o ridiculous_a now_o both_o these_o in_o the_o present_a case_n be_v very_o great_a as_o will_v appear_v by_o a_o distinct_a consideration_n of_o each_o of_o they_o and_o first_o for_o the_o evil_n which_o we_o be_v warn_v or_o caution_v against_o to_o wit_n the_o turn_v of_o this_o light_n within_o we_o into_o darkness_n 〈◊〉_d evil_a so_o unconceivable_a great_a and_o comprehensive_a that_o to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o utmost_a extent_n of_o it_o will_v pose_v our_o thought_n as_o well_o as_o nonplus_n our_o expression_n but_o yet_o to_o help_v our_o apprehension_n of_o it_o the_o best_a we_o 〈◊〉_d let_v â—s_n but_o consider_v with_o ourselves_o those_o intolerable_a evil_n which_o bodily_a blindness_n deafness_n stupefaction_n and_o a_o utter_a deprivation_n of_o all_o sense_n must_v unavoidable_o subject_v the_o outward_a man_n to_o for_o what_o be_v one_o in_o such_o a_o condition_n able_a to_o do_v and_o what_o be_v he_o not_o liable_a to_o suffer_v and_o yet_o do_v and_o suffer_v upon_o the_o matter_n comprehend_v all_o that_o concern_v a_o man_n in_o this_o world_n if_o such_o a_o one_o enemy_n seek_v his_o life_n as_o he_o may_v be_v sure_a that_o some_o or_o other_o will_n and_o possible_o such_o a_o one_o as_o he_o take_v for_o his_o true_a friend_n in_o this_o forlorn_a case_n he_o can_v neither_o see_v nor_o hear_v nor_o perceive_v his_o approach_n till_o he_o find_v himself_o actual_o in_o his_o murder_v hand_n he_o can_v neither_o encounter_v nor_o escape_v he_o neither_o in_o his_o own_o â—â—fence_n give_v nor_o ward_v off_o a_o blow_n 〈◊〉_d whatsoever_o blind_v a_o man_n ipso_fw-la facto_fw-la disarm_v he_o so_o that_o be_v thus_o 〈◊〉_d rest_n both_o of_o his_o sight_n and_o of_o all_o his_o senseâ—_n beside_o what_o such_o a_o one_o can_v be_v fit_a for_o unless_o it_o be_v to_o set_v up_o for_o prophecy_n or_o believe_v transubstantiation_n i_o can_v imagine_v thâ—â—_n i_o say_v be_v some_o of_o those_o fâ—â—tal_a mischief_n which_o corporal_a blindness_n and_o insensibility_n expose_v the_o body_n to_o and_o be_v not_o those_o of_o a_o spiritual_a blindness_n unexpressible_o great_a for_o must_v 〈◊〉_d man_n labour_v under_o this_o be_v utter_o 〈◊〉_d at_o a_o loss_n how_o to_o distinguish_v betweâ—â—â—_n the_o two_o grand_a govern_n concern_v 〈◊〉_d â—â—fe_n good_a and_o evil_a and_o may_v not_o thâ—â—_n ignorance_n of_o these_o cost_n we_o as_o dear_a as_o the_o knowledge_n of_o they_o do_v our_o first_o parents_n life_n and_o death_n vice_n and_o virtue_n comâ—_n alike_o to_o such_o a_o one_o as_o all_o thing_n be_v oâ—_n the_o same_o colour_n to_o he_o who_o can_v seâ—_n his_o whole_a soul_n be_v nothing_o but_o night_n and_o confusion_n darkness_n and_o indistinction_n he_o can_v neither_o see_v the_o way_n to_o happiness_n and_o how_o then_o shall_v he_o choose_v it_o noâ—_n yet_o to_o destruction_n and_o how_o then_o shall_v he_o avoid_v it_o for_o where_o there_o be_v no_o sense_n of_o thing_n there_o can_v be_v no_o distinction_n and_o â—here_o there_o be_v no_o distinction_n there_o can_v be_v no_o choice_n a_o man_n destitute_a of_o this_o direct_n and_o distinguish_v light_n within_o he_o be_v and_o must_v be_v at_o the_o mercy_n of_o every_o thing_n 〈◊〉_d nature_n that_o will_v impose_v or_o serve_v 〈◊〉_d turn_v upon_o he_o so_o that_o whatsoever_o the_o devil_n will_v have_v he_o do_v that_o 〈◊〉_d must_v do_v whithersoever_o any_o exâ—â—â—tant_a desire_n or_o design_n hurry_v he_o thither_o he_o must_v go_v whatsoever_o any_o base_a interest_n shall_v prescribe_v that_o he_o must_v set_v his_o hand_n to_o whether_o his_o heart_n go_v along_o with_o it_o or_o no._n if_o he_o be_v a_o statesman_n he_o must_v be_v as_o willing_a to_o sell_v as_o the_o enemy_n of_o his_o country_n can_v be_v to_o bay_n if_o a_o churchman_n he_o must_v be_v ready_a to_o surrender_v and_o give_v up_o the_o church_n and_o make_v a_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o altar_n itself_o though_o he_o live_v by_o it_o and_o in_o a_o word_n take_v that_o for_o a_o full_a discharge_n from_o all_o his_o subscription_n and_o obligation_n to_o it_o to_o do_v as_o he_o be_v bid_v which_o be_v the_o case_n of_o such_o as_o steer_v by_o a_o false_a light_n certain_o no_o slave_n in_o the_o galley_n be_v or_o can_v be_v in_o such_o a_o wretched_a condition_n of_o slavery_n as_o a_o man_n thus_o abandon_v by_o conscience_n and_o bereave_v of_o all_o inward_a principle_n that_o shall_v either_o guide_n or_o control_v he_o in_o the_o course_n of_o his_o conversation_n so_o that_o we_o see_v here_o the_o transcendent_a greatness_n of_o the_o evil_n which_o 〈◊〉_d stand_v caution_v against_o but_o then_o second_o if_o it_o be_v a_o evil_a that_o seldom_o happen_v that_o very_o hardly_o and_o raâ—â—ly_o befall_v a_o man_n this_o might_n in_o a_o 〈◊〉_d measure_n supersede_n the_o strictness_n of_o tâ—â—â—_n caution_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a we_o shaâ—â—_n find_v that_o as_o great_a as_o the_o evil_n be_v which_o we_o be_v to_o fence_v against_o and_o that_o be_v 〈◊〉_d great_a as_o the_o capacity_n of_o a_o immortal_a soul_n the_o greatness_n of_o the_o danger_n be_v still_o commensurate_a for_o it_o be_v a_o case_n that_o usual_o happen_v it_o be_v a_o mischief_n as_o frequent_v in_o the_o event_n as_o it_o be_v or_o can_v be_v fatal_a in_o the_o effect_n it_o be_v as_o in_o a_o common_a plague_n in_o which_o the_o infectionâ—â—_n as_o hard_o to_o be_v escape_v as_o the_o distempâ—â—_n to_o be_v cure_a for_o that_o which_o bring_v this_o darkness_n upon_o the_o soul_n be_v sin_n and_o as_o the_o state_n of_o nature_n now_o be_v the_o soul_n be_v not_o so_o close_o unite_v to_o the_o body_n as_o sin_n be_v to_o the_o soul_n indeed_o so_o close_o be_v the_o union_n between_o they_o that_o one_o will_v even_o think_v the_o soul_n itself_o as_o much_o a_o spirit_n as_o it_o be_v be_v the_o matter_n and_o sin_n the_o form_n in_o our_o present_a constitution_n in_o a_o word_n there_o be_v a_o set_a combination_n of_o all_o without_o a_o man_n and_o all_o within_o he_o of_o all_o above_o ground_n and_o all_o under_o it_o if_o hell_n be_v so_o first_o to_o put_v out_o his_o eye_n and_o then_o to_o draw_v or_o drive_v he_o headlong_o into_o perdition_n from_o all_o which_o i_o suppose_v we_o must_v needs_o see_v reason_n more_o than_o sufficient_a for_o this_o admonition_n of_o our_o saviour_n take_v heed_n that_o the_o light_n which_o be_v in_o thou_o be_v not_o darkness_n a_o admonition_n found_v upon_o no_o less_o a_o concern_v than_o all_o that_o a_o man_n can_v save_v and_o all_o that_o he_o can_v lose_v to_o eternity_n and_o thus_o have_v show_v both_o the_o vastness_n of_o the_o evil_n itself_o and_o the_o extreme_a danger_n we_o be_v in_o of_o it_o since_o no_o man_n can_v be_v at_o all_o the_o wise_a or_o the_o safe_a bare_o for_o know_v his_o danger_n without_o a_o vigorous_a application_n to_o prevent_v it_o and_o since_o the_o sure_a and_o most_o rational_a preventive_a of_o it_o be_v to_o know_v by_o what_o art_n and_o method_n our_o enemy_n will_v encounter_v we_o and_o by_o which_o he_o be_v most_o likely_a to_o prevail_v over_o we_o we_o will_v inquire_v into_o and_o consider_v those_o way_n and_o mean_n by_o which_o he_o common_o attempt_n and_o too_o frequent_o effect_n this_o so_o dismal_a a_o change_n upon_o we_o as_o to_o strip_v we_o even_o of_o the_o poor_a
even_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a have_v condemn_v this_o and_o all_o those_o scripture_n which_o make_v christ_n either_o one_o with_o or_o equal_a to_o the_o father_n clear_o confute_v and_o overthrow_v so_o absurd_a as_o well_o as_o blasphemous_a a_o assertion_n let_v this_o therefore_o be_v fix_v upon_o that_o christ_n be_v the_o root_n or_o original_a of_o david_n as_o he_o be_v of_o all_o mankind_n beside_o namely_o in_o respect_n of_o his_o divinity_n of_o that_o infinite_a eternal_a power_n which_o display_v itself_o in_o the_o work_v of_o the_o creation_n for_o by_o he_o all_o thing_n be_v make_v as_o the_o evangelist_n tell_v we_o john_n 1.3_o but_o how_o ready_a natural_a reason_n will_v be_v to_o rise_v up_o against_o this_o assertion_n i_o be_o not_o ignorant_a and_o how_o that_o jesus_n of_o nazareth_n a_o man_n like_o ourselves_o shall_v be_v account_v by_o nature_n god_n the_o creator_n of_o the_o world_n omniscient_a omnipotent_a and_o eternal_a be_v look_v upon_o by_o many_o as_o a_o proposition_n not_o only_o false_a but_o foolish_a and_o fit_a to_o be_v laugh_v than_o dispute_v out_o of_o the_o world_n this_o also_o be_v no_o surprise_n to_o we_o but_o then_o on_o the_o other_o side_n that_o this_o be_v a_o thing_n not_o to_o be_v found_v upon_o or_o to_o take_v its_o rise_n from_o the_o bare_a discourse_n of_o reason_n he_o must_v be_v very_o much_o a_o stranger_n to_o reason_n himself_o who_o shall_v venture_v to_o deny_v for_o if_o it_o may_v be_v prove_v by_o reason_n as_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o it_o may_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n address_v to_o man_n and_o consequent_o aught_o to_o be_v understand_v and_o interpret_v according_a to_o the_o familiar_a natural_a way_n of_o construction_n proper_a to_o humane_a write_n then_o i_o affirm_v that_o to_o deny_v christ_n to_o be_v natural_o god_n be_v irrational_a when_o his_o be_v so_o be_v so_o frequent_o assert_v throughout_o the_o whole_a scripture_n and_o that_o in_o as_o clear_a term_n as_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o one_o man_n to_o express_v his_o mind_n by_o to_o another_o if_o it_o be_v his_o purpose_n to_o declare_v this_o very_a thing_n to_o he_o and_o therefore_o i_o have_v often_o wonder_v at_o the_o preposterous_a tenet_n of_o socinus_n and_o that_o not_o so_o much_o for_o his_o deny_v the_o natural_a deity_n of_o our_o saviour_n as_o that_o he_o shall_v do_v it_o after_o he_o have_v write_v a_o book_n for_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n for_o upon_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o he_o and_o his_o sect_n deny_v the_o deity_n of_o christ_n i_o shall_v rather_o deny_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v of_o divine_a authority_n they_o say_v for_o christ_n to_o be_v god_n be_v a_o thing_n absurd_a and_o impossible_a from_o which_o i_o shall_v argue_v that_o that_o write_n or_o doctrine_n which_o affirm_v a_o thing_n absurd_a and_o impossible_a can_v be_v true_a and_o much_o less_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o that_o the_o gospel_n affirm_v so_o much_o of_o christ_n we_o may_v appeal_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o any_o impartial_a heathen_a who_o understand_v the_o language_n in_o which_o it_o be_v write_v but_o he_o who_o first_o deny_v the_o deity_n of_o christ_n as_o absurd_a and_o impossible_a and_o thereupon_o reject_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n for_o affirm_v it_o may_v be_v presume_v upon_o the_o supposal_n of_o the_o former_a to_o do_v the_o latter_a very_o rational_o so_o that_o he_o who_o will_v take_v the_o most_o proper_a and_o direct_a way_n to_o convince_v such_o a_o one_o of_o his_o heresy_n if_o there_o be_v any_o convince_a of_o one_o who_o first_o take_v up_o his_o opinion_n and_o then_o seek_v for_o reason_n for_o it_o must_v not_o i_o conceive_v endeavour_v in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o convince_v he_o out_o of_o scripture_n that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v god_n but_o turn_v the_o whole_a force_n and_o stress_n of_o his_o disputation_n to_o the_o proof_n of_o this_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o mankind_n and_o upon_o that_o account_n ought_v to_o be_v interpret_v as_o the_o write_n of_o man_n use_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v and_o if_o so_o he_o who_o will_v make_v sense_n of_o they_o must_v grant_v the_o divinity_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v clear_o assert_v in_o they_o and_o irrefragable_o infer_v from_o they_o in_o short_a if_o the_o adversary_n of_o christ_n divinity_n can_v prove_v christ_n not_o to_o be_v god_n they_o must_v by_o consequence_n prove_v that_o the_o scripture_n natural_o and_o grammatical_o interpret_v be_v not_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o church_n be_v assure_v that_o the_o scripture_n so_o interpret_v be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v consequent_o assure_v also_o that_o christ_n be_v and_o must_v be_v god_n nevertheless_o if_o according_a to_o the_o unreasonable_a demand_n of_o the_o man_n of_o this_o sect_n this_o and_o all_o other_o mystery_n of_o our_o religion_n shall_v be_v put_v to_o answer_v for_o themselves_o at_o the_o bar_n of_o humane_a reason_n i_o will_v fain_o know_v wherein_o consist_v the_o paradox_n of_o assert_v christ_n to_o be_v god_n for_o no_o man_n say_v that_o his_o humane_a nature_n be_v his_o divine_a or_o that_o he_o be_v god_n as_o he_o be_v man._n but_o we_o assert_v that_o he_o who_o be_v god_n be_v also_o man_n by_o have_v two_o nature_n unite_v into_o one_o and_o the_o same_o subsistence_n and_o if_o the_o soul_n which_o be_v a_o immaterial_a substance_n be_v unite_v to_o the_o body_n which_o be_v a_o material_a though_o the_o case_n be_v not_o altogether_o the_o same_o yet_o it_o be_v so_o very_o near_o that_o we_o may_v well_o ask_v what_o repugnancy_n there_o be_v but_o that_o the_o divine_a nature_n may_v as_o well_o be_v unite_v to_o the_o humane_a i_o believe_v if_o we_o reduce_v thing_n to_o our_o way_n of_o conception_n we_o shall_v find_v it_o altogether_o as_o hard_o to_o conceive_v the_o conjunction_n of_o the_o two_o former_a as_o of_o the_o two_o latter_a and_o this_o notwithstanding_o that_o other_o difference_n also_o of_o finite_a and_o infinite_a between_o they_o for_o why_o a_o finite_a and_o a_o infinite_a be_v may_v not_o be_v unite_v to_o one_o another_o by_o a_o intimate_v and_o inseparable_a relation_n and_o a_o assumption_n of_o the_o finite_a into_o the_o personal_a subsistence_n of_o the_o infinite_a i_o believe_v it_o will_v be_v hard_a for_o any_o one_o to_o give_v a_o solid_a and_o demonstrative_a reason_n for_o scoff_v and_o raillery_n the_o usual_a argument_n bring_v against_o it_o i_o be_o sure_a be_v not_o so_o but_o i_o forget_v myself_o for_o the_o person_n here_o dispute_v against_o believe_v not_o the_o soul_n to_o be_v either_o immaterial_a or_o etc._n natural_o immortal_a but_o be_v much_o the_o same_o with_o the_o sadducee_n and_o upon_o that_o account_n fit_a to_o be_v crush_v by_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n as_o destructive_a to_o government_n and_o society_n than_o to_o be_v confute_v as_o mere_o heretic_n in_o religion_n i_o conclude_v therefore_o against_o the_o scoff_v of_o the_o heathen_n the_o disputation_n of_o the_o jew_n the_o impiety_n of_o arius_n and_o the_o bold_a blasphemous_a assertion_n of_o socinus_n that_o the_o man_n christ_n jesus_n bear_v at_o bethlem_n of_o the_o virgin_n mary_n be_v god_n god_n by_o nature_n the_o maker_n of_o all_o thing_n the_o fountain_n of_o be_v the_o ancient_n of_o day_n the_o first_o and_o the_o last_o of_o who_o be_v there_o be_v no_o beginning_n and_o of_o who_o kingdom_n there_o shall_v be_v no_o end_n and_o in_o this_o one_o proposition_n the_o very_a life_n and_o heart_n of_o christianity_n do_v consist_v for_o as_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n be_v the_o grand_a foundation_n of_o religion_n in_o general_a so_o that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v god_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o i_o believe_v it_o will_v one_o day_n be_v find_v that_o he_o who_o will_v not_o acknowledge_v christ_n for_o his_o creator_n shall_v never_o have_v he_o for_o his_o redeemer_n have_v thus_o show_v how_o christ_n be_v the_o root_n and_o original_a of_o david_n pass_v we_o now_o to_o the_o next_o thing_n propose_v which_o be_v to_o show_v second_o that_o he_o be_v his_o offspring_n too_o and_o so_o have_v assert_v his_o divinity_n to_o clear_v also_o his_o humanity_n that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v true_a be_v the_o eternal_a concernment_n of_o all_o those_o who_o believe_v it_o and_o look_v to_o be_v save_v by_o it_o and_o that_o it_o be_v so_o depend_v upon_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o true_a promise_a messiah_n the_o grand_a and_o chief_a thing_n assert_v by_o he_o in_o his_o gospel_n and_o last_o christ_n be_v the_o true_a messiah_n depend_v upon_o
they_o may_v indeed_o beg_v a_o alm_n but_o must_v not_o think_v to_o â—â—and_v upon_o their_o teâ—ms_n but_o second_o not_o only_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o as_o we_o have_v sufficient_o show_v exclude_v a_o man_n from_o all_o plea_n of_o merit_n but_o also_o that_o further_a obligation_n lie_v upon_o he_o and_o all_o his_o service_n from_o the_o positive_a law_n and_o command_v of_o god_n equal_o cut_v he_o off_o from_o the_o same_o the_o know_a voice_n of_o that_o law_n be_v thou_o shall_v worship_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n and_o he_o only_o shall_v thou_o serve_v matth._n 4.10_o and_o thâ—n_o for_o the_o measure_n and_o extent_n of_o that_o service_n it_o be_v to_o be_v with_o all_o the_o heart_n and_o all_o the_o strength_n and_o all_o the_o soul_n mark_n 12.30_o which_o one_o comprehensive_a injunction_n grasp_a in_o it_o all_o that_o humane_a nature_n be_v able_a to_o do_v and_o by_o consequence_n bring_v all_o that_o can_v be_v do_v by_o man_n within_o the_o compass_n and_o verge_n of_o duty_n have_v leave_v no_o vacancy_n or_o possibility_n for_o merit_n to_o take_v place_n till_o it_o be_v prove_v that_o a_o man_n may_v actual_o do_v more_o than_o with_o all_o his_o heart_n and_o all_o his_o strength_n and_o all_o his_o soul_n he_o be_v able_a to_o do_v than_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a even_o for_o common_a sense_n to_o conceive_v any_o thing_n more_o senseless_a and_o contradictious_a and_o so_o i_o proceed_v to_o the_o ii_o condition_n require_v to_o render_v a_o action_n meritorious_a and_o that_o be_v that_o it_o shall_v real_o add_v to_o and_o better_a the_o state_n of_o the_o person_n of_o who_o it_o be_v to_o merit_v the_o reason_n of_o which_o be_v because_o all_o merit_n as_o we_o have_v show_v before_o consist_v proper_o in_o a_o right_a to_o receive_v some_o benefit_n on_o the_o account_n of_o some_o benefit_n first_o do_v the_o natural_a order_n of_o thing_n require_v that_o where_o a_o considerable_a advantage_n have_v be_v receive_v something_o of_o the_o like_a nature_n shall_v be_v return_v for_o that_o otherwise_o if_o one_o part_n of_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v always_o upon_o the_o receive_v hand_n and_o never_o upon_o the_o restore_a that_o part_n will_v be_v a_o kind_n of_o monstrous_a dead_a weight_n upon_o the_o other_o and_o all_o that_o be_v good_a and_o useful_a to_o mankind_n will_v by_o a_o enormous_a disparity_n lean_v whole_o on_o one_o side_n but_o to_o bring_v the_o forementioned_a condition_n of_o merit_n home_o to_o our_o present_a purpose_n and_o thereby_o to_o show_v how_o far_o god_n be_v capable_a of_o receive_v from_o man_n aâ—â—_n man_n of_o give_v to_o god_n it_o may_v not_o be_v amiss_o brief_o to_o represent_v to_o ourselves_o what_o god_n be_v and_o what_o man_n be_v and_o by_o consequence_n how_o the_o case_n of_o give_v and_o receive_v must_v stand_v on_o god_n part_n and_o how_o on_o man_n and_o here_o in_o the_o 1_o st_z place_n god_n offer_v himself_o to_o our_o consideration_n as_o a_o be_v infinite_o perfect_a infinite_o happy_a and_o self-sufficient_a depend_v upon_o no_o supply_n or_o revenue_n from_o abroad_o but_o as_o i_o may_v so_o express_v it_o retreat_v whole_o into_o himself_o and_o there_o live_v for_o ever_o upon_o the_o inexhaustible_a stock_n of_o his_o own_o essential_a fullness_n and_o as_o a_o fountain_n owe_v not_o its_o stream_n to_o any_o poor_a adventitious_a infusion_n from_o without_o but_o to_o the_o internal_a unfailing_a plenty_n of_o its_o own_o spring_n so_o this_o mighty_a all-comprehending_a be_v which_o we_o call_v god_n needs_o no_o other_o happiness_n but_o to_o contemplate_v upon_o that_o which_o he_o actual_o be_v and_o ever_o be_v and_o shall_v be_v possess_v of_o from_o all_o which_o it_o follow_v that_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o beatitude_n can_v no_o more_o admit_v of_o any_o addition_n to_o it_o than_o we_o can_v add_v degree_n to_o infinity_o new_a measure_n to_o immensity_n and_o further_a improvement_n to_o a_o boundless_a absolute_a vnimproveable_a perfection_n for_o such_o a_o be_v be_v the_o great_a god_n who_o be_v one_o of_o the_o party_n who_o we_o be_v now_o discourse_v of_o nevertheless_o to_o carry_v the_o case_n a_o little_a further_o suppose_v for_o the_o present_a that_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o felicity_n be_v capable_a of_o some_o further_a addition_n and_o increase_n let_v we_o in_o the_o 2._o place_n cast_v our_o eye_n upon_o the_o other_o party_n concern_v and_o consider_v whether_o man_n be_v a_o be_v fit_a and_o able_a to_o make_v this_o addition_n man_n i_o say_v that_o poor_a slight_a inconsiderable_a nothing_o or_o at_o best_a a_o pitiful_a something_o behold_v to_o every_o one_o of_o the_o element_n as_o well_o as_o compound_v of_o they_o and_o live_v as_o a_o eleemosinary_a upon_o a_o perpetual_a contribution_n from_o all_o and_o every_o part_n of_o the_o creation_n this_o creature_n clothe_v he_o another_o feed_v he_o a_o three_o cure_v he_o when_o sick_a and_o a_o four_o comfort_v and_o refresh_v he_o when_o well_o in_o a_o word_n he_o subsist_v by_o the_o joint_a alm_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o stand_v at_o the_o mercy_n of_o every_o thing_n in_o nature_n which_o be_v able_a either_o to_o help_v or_o hurt_v he_o and_o be_v this_o now_o the_o person_n who_o be_v to_o oblige_v hiâ—_n maker_n to_o indent_v and_o drive_v bargain_n with_o the_o almighty_a those_o i_o be_o sure_a who_o in_o their_o several_a age_n have_v be_v repute_v most_o eminent_a for_o their_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o of_o themselves_o too_o use_v to_o speak_v at_o much_o another_o rate_n concern_v both_o my_o goodness_n say_v david_n extend_v not_o to_o theeâ—_n ps._n 16.2_o and_o again_o if_o thou_o be_v righteous_a say_v elihu_n to_o job_n what_o give_v thou_o he_o or_o what_o do_v he_o receive_v at_o thy_o hand_n job_n 35.7_o so_o that_o st._n paul_n may_v well_o make_v that_o challenge_n without_o expect_v ever_o to_o see_v it_o answer_v in_o rom._n 11.35_o who_o have_v first_o give_v to_o he_o and_o it_o shall_v be_v recompense_v to_o he_o again_o for_o let_v man_n but_o first_o prove_v the_o debt_n and_o the_o almighty_a will_v be_v sure_a to_o pay_v it_o but_o most_o full_o of_o all_o do_v our_o saviour_n himself_o determine_v this_o point_n in_o that_o remarkable_a conclusion_n of_o the_o forecited_a parable_n in_o luk._n 17.10_o where_o he_o instruct_v his_o disciple_n after_o they_o have_v do_v all_o that_o be_v command_v they_o to_o acknowledge_v themselves_o unprofitable_a servant_n that_o be_v to_o say_v such_o as_o god_n upon_o no_o account_n whatsoever_o be_v or_o can_v be_v at_o all_o the_o better_a for_o and_o a_o clear_a text_n certain_o and_o more_o direct_a and_o home_n against_o all_o pretence_n of_o merit_n neither_o law_n nor_o gospel_n can_v afford_v nevertheless_o it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o some_o have_v find_v out_o such_o a_o exposition_n of_o it_o as_o if_o admit_v render_v it_o â—f_o no_o force_n at_o all_o against_o this_o doctrine_n of_o merit_n for_o first_o they_o absolute_o cashier_v and_o literal_a express_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n and_o in_o the_o room_n of_o it_o introduce_v a_o figure_n call_v by_o the_o greek_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o to_o diminish_v or_o degrade_v a_o thing_n express_v it_o in_o term_n represent_v it_o much_o less_o than_o indeed_o it_o be_v as_o when_o we_o say_v a_o thing_n be_v small_a than_o a_o atom_n less_o than_o nothing_o and_o the_o like_a such_o word_n be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v literal_o but_o import_v only_o that_o the_o thing_n speak_v of_o be_v very_o inconsiderable_a according_o when_o christ_n bid_v his_o disciple_n after_o their_o best_a and_o most_o exact_a performance_n acknowledge_v themselves_o unprofitable_a servant_n we_o be_v not_o say_v these_o expositor_n to_o conclude_v from_o hence_o that_o real_o they_o be_v so_o but_o that_o christ_n only_o read_v theâ—_n 〈◊〉_d lecture_n of_o humility_n and_o self-abasement_n towards_o god_n in_o speak_v but_o mean_o and_o low_o of_o their_o own_o piety_n how_o different_o soever_o it_o may_v deserve_v to_o be_v value_v according_a to_o the_o strâ—â—â—_n estimate_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o so_o that_o by_o all_o this_o it_o seem_v our_o saviour_n be_v only_o teach_v those_o about_o he_o how_o to_o paâ—â—_n compliment_n upon_o almighty_a god_n their_o profess_v of_o themselves_o unprofitable_a servant_n amount_v to_o no_o more_o than_o if_o they_o have_v tell_v he_o they_o be_v his_o humble_a servant_n the_o meaning_n of_o which_o word_n if_o they_o have_v any_o meaning_n at_o all_o the_o fashionable_a custom_n of_o gentile_n lie_v will_n much_o better_a account_n for_o than_o the_o language_n of_o scripture_n the_o word_n of_o truth_n be_v
remain_n of_o our_o fall_a nature_n by_o turn_v the_o last_o survive_v spark_n of_o it_o this_o light_n within_o we_o into_o darkness_n for_o this_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o no_o man_n live_v in_o respect_n of_o conscience_n be_v born-blind_a but_o make_v himself_o so_o none_o can_v strike_v out_o the_o eye_n of_o hiâ—_n conscience_n but_o himself_o for_o nothing_o can_v put_v it_o out_o but_o that_o which_o sin_n it_o out_o and_o upon_o this_o account_n it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o a_o man_n may_v love_v his_o sin_n so_o enormous_o much_o as_o by_o a_o very_a ill_a application_n of_o the_o apostle_n expression_n even_o to_o pluck_v out_o his_o own_o eye_n and_o give_v they_o to_o it_o as_o indeed_o every_o obstinate_a sinner_n in_o the_o world_n do_v our_o present_a business_n therefore_o shall_v be_v and_o that_o as_o a_o completion_n of_o what_o i_o discourse_v former_o upon_o conscience_n in_o this_o place_n to_o show_v how_o and_o by_o what_o course_n this_o divine_a light_n this_o candle_n of_o the_o lord_n come_v first_o to_o burn_v faint_a and_o dim_a and_o so_o by_o a_o gradual_a decay_n faint_a and_o faint_a till_o at_o length_n by_o a_o total_a extinction_n it_o quite_o sink_v to_o nothing_o and_o so_o die_v away_o and_o this_o i_o shall_v do_v first_o in_o general_n and_o second_o in_o particular_a and_o first_o in_o general_n i_o shall_v lay_v down_o these_o two_o observation_n first_o that_o whatsoever_o defile_v the_o conscience_n in_o the_o same_o degree_n also_o darken_v it_o as_o to_o the_o philosophy_n of_o which_o how_o and_o by_o what_o way_n this_o be_v do_v it_o be_v hard_o to_o conceive_v and_o much_o hard_a to_o explain_v our_o great_a unacquaintance_n with_o the_o nature_n of_o spiritual_a immaterial_a being_n leave_v we_o whole_o in_o the_o dark_a as_o to_o any_o explicite_fw-la knowledge_n either_o how_o they_o work_v or_o how_o they_o be_v work_v upon_o so_o that_o in_o discourse_v of_o these_o thing_n we_o be_v force_v to_o take_v up_o with_o analogy_n and_o allusion_n instead_o of_o evidence_n and_o demonstration_n nevertheless_o the_o thing_n itself_o be_v certain_a be_v the_o manner_n of_o effect_v it_o never_o so_o unaccountable_a yet_o thus_o much_o we_o find_v that_o there_o be_v something_o in_o sin_n analogous_fw-la to_o blackness_n as_o innocence_n be_v frequent_o in_o scripture_n express_v and_o set_v forth_o to_o we_o by_o whiteâ—ness_n all_o gild_n blacken_v or_o do_v something_o equivalent_a to_o the_o blacken_a of_o the_o soul_n as_o where_o pitch_n cleave_v to_o anything_o it_o be_v sure_a to_o leave_v upon_o it_o both_o its_o foulness_n and_o its_o blackness_n together_o and_o then_o we_o know_v that_o blackness_n and_o darkness_n be_v inseparable_a some_o of_o the_o able_a of_o the_o peripatetic_a school_n not_o without_o countenance_n from_o aristotle_n himself_o in_o the_o five_o chapter_n of_o his_o three_o book_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d hold_v that_o beside_o the_o native_a inherent_a light_n of_o the_o intellect_n which_o be_v essential_a to_o it_o as_o it_o be_v a_o faculty_n make_v to_o apprehend_v and_o take_v in_o its_o object_n after_o a_o spiritual_a way_n there_o be_v also_o another_o light_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o medium_fw-la beam_a in_o upon_o it_o by_o a_o continual_a efflux_n and_o emanation_n from_o the_o great_a fountain_n of_o light_n and_o irradiate_a this_o intellectual_a faculty_n together_o with_o the_o species_n or_o representation_n of_o thing_n imprint_v thereupon_o according_a to_o which_o doctrine_n it_o seem_v with_o great_a reason_n to_o follow_v that_o whatsoever_o interpose_v between_o the_o mind_n and_o those_o irradiation_n from_o god_n as_o all_o sin_n more_o or_o less_o certain_o do_v must_v needs_o hinder_v the_o entrance_n and_o admission_n of_o they_o into_o the_o mind_n and_o then_o darkness_n must_v by_o necessary_a consequence_n ensue_v as_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o absence_n or_o privation_n of_o light_n for_o the_o further_a illustration_n of_o which_o notion_n we_o may_v observe_v that_o the_o understanding_n the_o mind_n or_o conscience_n of_o man_n which_o we_o shall_v here_o take_v for_o the_o same_o thing_n seem_v to_o bear_v much_o the_o same_o respect_n to_o god_n which_o glass_n or_o crystal_n do_v to_o the_o light_n or_o sun_n which_o appear_v indeed_o to_o the_o eye_n a_o bright_a and_o a_o shine_a thing_n nevertheless_o this_o shine_a be_v not_o so_o much_o from_o any_o essential_a light_n or_o brightness_n exist_v in_o the_o glass_n itself_o suppose_v that_o there_o be_v any_o such_o in_o it_o as_o it_o be_v from_o the_o porousness_n of_o its_o body_n render_v it_o diaphanous_a and_o thereby_o fit_a to_o receive_v and_o transmit_v those_o ray_n of_o light_n which_o fall_v upon_o it_o and_o pass_v through_o it_o represent_v it_o to_o common_a view_n as_o a_o luminous_a body_n but_o now_o let_v any_o thing_n of_o dirt_n or_o foulness_n sully_v this_o glass_n and_o so_o much_o of_o the_o shine_n or_o brightness_n of_o it_o be_v present_o go_v because_o so_o much_o of_o the_o light_n be_v thereby_o hinder_v from_o enter_v into_o it_o and_o make_v its_o way_n through_o it_o but_o if_o beside_o all_o this_o you_o shall_v also_o draw_v some_o black_a colour_n or_o deep_o die_v upon_o it_o either_o by_o paint_n or_o otherwise_o why_o then_o no_o brightness_n can_v be_v see_v in_o it_o at_o all_o but_o the_o light_n be_v hereby_o utter_o shut_v out_o the_o glass_n or_o crystal_n will_v shine_v or_o glister_v no_o more_o than_o a_o piece_n of_o wood_n or_o a_o clod_n of_o earth_n in_o like_a manner_n every_o act_n of_o sin_n every_o degree_n of_o guilt_n do_v in_o its_o proportion_n cast_v a_o kind_n of_o soil_n or_o foulness_n upon_o the_o intellectual_a part_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o thereby_o intercept_v those_o bless_a irradiation_n which_o the_o divine_a nature_n be_v continual_o dart_v in_o upon_o it_o nor_o be_v this_o all_o but_o there_o be_v also_o some_o certain_a sort_n and_o degree_n of_o guilt_n so_o very_o black_a and_o foul_a that_o they_o fall_v like_o a_o huge_a thick_a blot_n upon_o this_o faculty_n and_o so_o sink_v into_o it_o and_o settle_v within_o it_o utter_o exclude_v all_o those_o illumination_n which_o will_v otherwise_o flow_v into_o it_o and_o rest_n upon_o it_o from_o the_o great_a father_n of_o light_n and_o this_o not_o from_o any_o failure_n or_o defect_n in_o the_o illumination_n itself_o but_o from_o the_o indisposition_n of_o the_o object_n which_o be_v thus_o blacken_v can_v neither_o let_v in_o nor_o transmit_v the_o beam_n that_o be_v cast_v upon_o it_o i_o will_v not_o affirm_v this_o to_o be_v a_o perfect_a exemplification_n of_o the_o case_n before_o we_o but_o i_o be_o sure_a it_o be_v a_o lively_a illustration_n of_o it_o and_o may_v be_v of_o no_o small_a use_n to_o such_o as_o shall_v thorough_o consider_v it_o but_o however_o as_o i_o show_v before_o the_o thing_n itself_o be_v certain_a and_o unquestionable_a gild_n and_o darkness_n be_v always_o so_o unite_v that_o you_o shall_v never_o find_v darkness_n mention_v in_o scripture_n in_o a_o moral_a sense_n but_o you_o shall_v also_o find_v it_o derive_v from_o sin_n as_o its_o direct_a cause_n and_o join_v with_o it_o as_o its_o constant_a companion_n for_o by_o a_o mutual_a production_n sin_n both_o cause_n darkness_n and_o be_v cause_v by_o it_o let_v this_o therefore_o be_v our_o first_o general_n observation_n that_o whatsoever_o pollute_v or_o foul_n the_o conscience_n in_o the_o same_o degree_n also_o darken_v it_o second_o our_o other_o general_n observation_n shall_v be_v this_o that_o whatsoever_o put_v a_o bias_n upon_o the_o judge_a faculty_n of_o conscience_n weaken_v and_o by_o consequence_n darken_v the_o light_n of_o it_o a_o clear_a and_o a_o right_a judge_a conscience_n must_v be_v always_o impartial_a and_o that_o it_o may_v be_v so_o it_o must_v be_v perfect_o indifferent_a that_o be_v to_o say_v it_o must_v be_v free_a and_o disencumbr_v from_o every_o thing_n which_o may_v in_o the_o least_o sway_n or_o incline_v it_o one_o way_n rather_o than_o another_o beyond_o what_o the_o sole_a and_o mere_a evidence_n of_o thing_n will_v natural_o lead_v it_o to_o in_o a_o word_n it_o must_v judge_v all_o by_o evidence_n and_o nothing_o by_o inclination_n and_o this_o our_o bless_a saviour_n with_o admirable_a emphasis_n and_o significance_n of_o expression_n call_v the_o singleness_n of_o the_o eye_n in_o the_o verse_n immediate_o before_o the_o text._n if_o thy_o eye_n say_v he_o be_v single_a thy_o whole_a body_n shall_v be_v full_a of_o light_n that_o be_v nothing_o extraneous_a must_v cleave_v â—o_o or_o join_v with_o the_o eye_n in_o the_o act_n of_o â—eeing_v but_o it_o must_v be_v leave_v sole_o and_o entire_o to_o itself_o and_o its_o bare_a object_n as_o naked_a as_o
do_v and_o always_o condemn_v himself_o for_o what_o he_o do_v and_o for_o this_o cause_n a_o man_n shut_v his_o eye_n and_o stop_v his_o ear_n against_o all_o that_o his_o reason_n will_v tell_v he_o of_o the_o sinfulness_n of_o that_o practice_n which_o long_a custom_n and_o frequency_n have_v endear_v to_o he_o so_o that_o he_o become_v studious_o and_o affect_o ignorant_a of_o the_o illness_n of_o the_o course_n he_o take_v that_o he_o may_v the_o moâ—â—_n sensible_o taste_v the_o pleasure_n of_o it_o and_o thus_o when_o a_o inveterate_a imperious_a custom_n have_v so_o overrule_v all_o a_o man_n faculty_n as_o neither_o to_o suffer_v his_o eye_n to_o see_v nor_o his_o ear_n to_o hear_v nor_o his_o mind_n to_o think_v of_o the_o evil_a of_o what_o he_o do_v that_o be_v when_o all_o the_o instrument_n of_o knowledge_n be_v forbid_v to_o do_v their_o office_n ignorance_n and_o obscurity_n must_v needs_o be_v upon_o the_o whole_a soul_n for_o when_o the_o window_n be_v stop_v up_o no_o wonder_n if_o the_o whole_a room_n be_v dark_a the_o truth_n be_v such_o a_o habitual_a frequency_n of_o sin_v do_v as_o it_o be_v bar_n and_o bolt_n up_o the_o conscience_n against_o the_o sharp_a reproof_n and_o the_o most_o convince_v instruction_n so_o that_o when_o god_n by_o the_o thunder_n of_o his_o judgement_n and_o the_o voice_n of_o his_o minister_n have_v be_v ring_v hell_n and_o vengeance_n into_o the_o ear_n of_o such_o a_o sinner_n perhaps_o like_o felix_n he_o may_v tremble_v a_o little_a for_o the_o present_a and_o seem_v to_o yield_v and_o fall_v down_o before_o the_o overpower_v evidence_n of_o the_o conviction_n but_o after_o a_o while_n custom_n overcome_v conscience_n the_o man_n go_v his_o way_n and_o though_o he_o be_v convince_v and_o satisfy_v what_o he_o ought_v to_o do_v yet_o he_o actual_o do_v what_o he_o use_v to_o do_v and_o all_o this_o because_o through_o the_o darkness_n of_o his_o intellect_n he_o judge_n the_o present_a pleasure_n of_o such_o a_o sinful_a course_n a_o overbalance_n to_o the_o evil_a of_o it_o for_o this_o be_v certain_a that_o nature_n have_v place_v all_o humane_a choice_n in_o such_o a_o essential_a dependence_n upon_o the_o judgement_n that_o no_o man_n do_v any_o thing_n though_o never_o so_o vile_a wicked_a and_o inexcusable_a but_o all_o circumstance_n consider_v he_o judge_n it_o pro_fw-la hìc_fw-la &_o nunc_fw-la absolute_o better_o for_o he_o to_o do_v it_o than_o not_o to_o do_v it_o and_o what_o a_o darkness_n and_o delusion_n must_v conscience_n needs_o be_v under_o while_o it_o make_v a_o man_n judge_v that_o real_o best_a for_o he_o which_o direct_o tend_v to_o and_o general_o end_v in_o his_o utter_a ruin_n and_o damnation_n custom_n be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o second_o nature_n and_o if_o by_o the_o first_o we_o be_v already_o so_o bad_a by_o the_o second_o to_o be_v sure_a we_o shall_v be_v much_o worse_o three_o every_o corrupt_a passion_n or_o affection_n of_o the_o mind_n will_v certain_o pervert_v the_o judge_a and_o obscure_a and_o darken_v the_o discern_a power_n of_o conscience_n the_o affection_n which_o the_o greek_n call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o the_o latin_n affectus_fw-la animi_fw-la be_v of_o much_o the_o same_o use_n to_o the_o soul_n which_o the_o member_n be_v of_o to_o the_o body_n serve_v as_o the_o proper_a instrument_n of_o most_o of_o its_o action_n and_o be_v always_o attend_v with_o a_o certain_a preternatural_a motion_n of_o the_o blood_n and_o spirit_n peculiar_a to_o each_o passion_n or_o affection_n and_o as_o for_o the_o seat_n or_o fountain_n of_o they_o philosopher_n both_o place_n they_o in_o and_o derive_v they_o from_o the_o heart_n but_o not_o to_o insist_v upon_o mere_a speculation_n the_o passion_n or_o affection_n be_v as_o i_o may_v so_o call_v they_o the_o mighty_a flight_n and_o sallying_n out_o of_o the_o soul_n upon_o such_o object_n as_o come_v before_o it_o and_o be_v general_o accompany_v with_o such_o vehemence_n that_o the_o stoic_n reckon_v they_o in_o their_o very_a nature_n and_o essence_n as_o so_o many_o irregularity_n and_o deviation_n from_o right_a reason_n and_o by_o no_o mean_n incident_a to_o a_o wise_a or_o good_a man._n but_o though_o better_a philosophy_n have_v long_o since_o explode_v this_o opinion_n and_o christianity_n which_o be_v the_o great_a and_o the_o best_a have_v teach_v we_o that_o we_o may_v be_v angry_a and_o yet_o not_o sin_n eph._n 4.26_o and_o that_o godly_a sorrow_n be_v neither_o a_o paradox_n nor_o a_o contradiction_n 2_o cor._n 7.10_o and_o consequent_o that_o in_o every_o passion_n or_o affection_n there_o be_v something_o pure_o natural_a which_o may_v both_o be_v distinguish_v and_o divide_v too_o from_o what_o be_v sinful_a and_o irregular_a yet_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o passion_n be_v such_o that_o they_o be_v extreme_o prone_a and_o apt_a to_o pass_v into_o excess_n and_o that_o when_o they_o do_v so_o nothing_o in_o the_o world_n be_v a_o great_a hindrance_n to_o the_o mind_n or_o reason_n of_o man_n from_o make_v a_o true_a clear_a and_o exact_a judgement_n of_o thing_n than_o the_o passion_n thus_o wrought_v up_o to_o any_o thing_n of_o ferment_n or_o agitation_n it_o be_v as_o impossible_a to_o keep_v the_o judge_a faculty_n steady_a in_o such_o a_o case_n as_o it_o will_v be_v to_o view_v a_o thing_n distinct_o and_o perfect_o through_o a_o perspective_n glass_n hold_v by_o a_o shake_n paralytic_a hand_n when_o the_o affection_n be_v once_o engage_v the_o judgement_n be_v always_o partial_a and_o concern_v there_o be_v a_o strong_a bent_n or_o bias_n upon_o it_o it_o be_v possess_v and_o gain_v over_o and_o as_o it_o be_v fee_v and_o retain_v in_o their_o cause_n and_o thereby_o make_v utter_o unable_a to_o carry_v such_o a_o equal_a regard_n to_o the_o object_n as_o to_o consider_v truth_n naked_o and_o strip_v of_o all_o foreign_a respect_n and_o as_o such_o to_o make_v it_o the_o rigid_a inflexible_a rule_n which_o it_o be_v to_o judge_n by_o especial_o where_o duty_n be_v the_o thing_n to_o be_v judge_v of_o for_o a_o man_n will_v hardly_o be_v bring_v to_o judge_n right_o and_o true_a when_o by_o such_o a_o judgement_n he_o be_v sure_a to_o condemn_v himself_o but_o this_o be_v a_o point_n of_o such_o high_a and_o practical_a importance_n i_o will_v be_v yet_o more_o particular_a about_o it_o and_o show_v several_o in_o several_a corrupt_a and_o vicious_a affection_n how_o impossible_a it_o be_v for_o a_o man_n to_o keep_v his_o conscience_n right_o inform_v and_o fit_a to_o guide_v and_o direct_v he_o in_o all_o the_o arduous_a perplex_v case_n of_o sin_n and_o duty_n while_o he_o be_v actual_o under_o the_o power_n of_o any_o of_o they_o this_o i_o know_v man_n general_o be_v not_o apt_a to_o believe_v or_o to_o think_v that_o the_o flaw_n or_o failure_n of_o their_o moral_n can_v at_o all_o affect_v their_o intellectual_n but_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o to_o make_v it_o not_o only_o credible_a but_o undeniable_a now_o the_o vicious_a affection_n which_o i_o shall_v single_a and_o cull_v out_o of_o those_o vast_a number_n which_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n that_o great_a storehouse_n of_o the_o devil_n abound_v with_o as_o some_o of_o the_o principal_a which_o thus_o darken_n and_o debauch_v the_o conscience_n shall_v be_v these_o three_o first_o sensuality_n second_o covetousness_n three_o ambition_n of_o each_o of_o which_o i_o shall_v speak_v particular_o and_o first_o for_o sensuality_n or_o a_o vehement_a delight_n in_o and_o pursuit_n of_o bodily_a pleasure_n we_o may_v true_o say_v of_o the_o body_n with_o reference_n to_o the_o soul_n what_o be_v say_v by_o the_o poet_n of_o a_o ill_a neighbour_n nemo_fw-la tam_fw-la propè_fw-la tam_fw-la proculque_fw-la none_o so_o near_o join_v in_o point_n of_o vicinity_n and_o yet_o so_o wide_o distant_a in_o point_n of_o interest_n and_o inclination_n the_o ancient_a philosopher_n general_o hold_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n to_o be_v a_o spiritual_a immaterial_a substance_n can_v give_v no_o account_n of_o the_o several_a failure_n and_o defect_n in_o the_o operation_n of_o it_o which_o they_o be_v sufficient_o sensible_a of_o but_o from_o its_o immersion_n into_o and_o intimate_a conjunction_n with_o matter_n call_v by_o the_o greek_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o according_o all_o their_o complaint_n and_o accusation_n be_v still_o level_v at_o this_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o the_o only_a cause_n of_o all_o that_o they_o find_v amiss_o in_o the_o whole_a frame_n and_o constitution_n of_o man_n nature_n in_o a_o word_n whatsoever_o be_v observe_v by_o they_o either_o irregular_a or_o defective_a in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o mind_n be_v all_o charge_v upon_o the_o body_n as_o
its_o great_a clog_n and_o impediment_n as_o the_o skilfule_a artist_n in_o the_o world_n will_v make_v but_o sorry_a work_n of_o it_o shall_v he_o be_v force_v to_o make_v use_n of_o tool_n no_o way_n fit_a for_o his_o purpose_n but_o whether_o the_o fault_n be_v in_o the_o spiritual_a or_o corporeal_a part_n of_o our_o nature_n or_o rather_o in_o both_o certain_z it_o be_v that_o no_o two_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n do_v more_o rise_v and_o grow_v upon_o the_o fall_n of_o each_o other_o than_o the_o flesh_n and_o the_o spirit_n they_o be_v like_o a_o kind_n of_o balance_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o nature_n so_o that_o as_o one_o mount_v up_o the_o other_o still_o sink_v down_o and_o the_o high_a estate_n of_o the_o body_n seldom_o or_o never_o fail_v to_o be_v the_o low_a decline_a estate_n of_o the_o soul_n which_o great_a contrariety_n and_o discord_n between_o they_o the_o apostle_n describe_v as_o well_o as_o word_n can_v do_v galat._n 5.7_o the_o flesh_n say_v he_o lust_v against_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o spirit_n lust_v against_o the_o flesh_n and_o these_o two_o be_v contrary_a like_o two_o mighty_a prince_n who_o territory_n join_v they_o be_v always_o encroach_a and_o warring_n upon_o one_o another_o and_o as_o it_o most_o common_o fall_v out_o that_o the_o worse_o cause_o have_v the_o best_a success_n so_o when_o the_o flesh_n and_o the_o spirit_n come_v to_o a_o battle_n it_o be_v seldom_o but_o the_o flesh_n come_v off_o victorious_a and_o therefore_o the_o same_o great_a apostle_n who_o so_o constant_o exercise_v himself_o to_o keep_v a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n do_v as_o constant_o and_o severe_o exercise_v himself_o to_o keep_v under_o his_o body_n and_o bring_v it_o into_o subjection_n 1_o cor._n 9.27_o and_o the_o same_o in_o all_o age_n have_v be_v the_o judgement_n and_o practice_n of_o all_o such_o as_o have_v have_v any_o experience_n in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n and_o the_o true_a method_n of_o religion_n for_o all_o bodily_a pleasure_n dull_v and_o weaken_v the_o operation_n of_o the_o mind_n even_o upon_o a_o natural_a account_n and_o much_o more_o upon_o a_o spiritual_a now_o the_o pleasure_n which_o chief_o affect_v or_o rather_o bewitch_v the_o body_n and_o by_o so_o do_v become_v the_o very_a pest_n and_o poison_n of_o the_o noble_a and_o intellectual_a part_n of_o man_n be_v those_o false_a and_o fallacious_a pleasure_n of_o lust_n and_o intemperance_n of_o each_o of_o which_o several_o and_o first_o for_o lust._n nothing_o do_v or_o can_v darken_v the_o mind_n or_o conscience_n of_o man_n more_o nay_o it_o have_v a_o peculiar_a efficacy_n this_o way_n and_o for_o that_o cause_n may_v just_o be_v rank_v among_o the_o very_a power_n of_o darkness_n it_o be_v that_o which_o as_o naturalist_n observe_v strike_v at_o the_o proper_a seat_n of_o the_o understanding_n the_o brain_n something_o of_o that_o blackness_n of_o darkness_n mention_v in_o the_o 13_o the_o of_o st._n jude_n seem_v to_o be_v 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murder_v the_o baptist_n have_v not_o his_o lust_n and_o his_o herodias_n imprison_v and_o murder_v his_o conscience_n first_o for_o sure_o the_o common_a light_n of_o nature_n can_v not_o but_o teach_v he_o that_o no_o oath_n or_o vow_n whatsoever_o can_v warrant_v the_o great_a prince_n upon_o earth_n to_o take_v away_o the_o life_n of_o a_o innocent_a person_n but_o it_o seem_v his_o besotted_a conscience_n have_v break_v through_o the_o seven_o commandment_n the_o six_o stand_v too_o near_o it_o to_o be_v safe_a long_o and_o therefore_o his_o two_o great_a casuist_n the_o devil_n and_o his_o herodias_n the_o worse_a devil_n of_o the_o two_o have_v allow_v he_o to_o lie_v and_o wallow_v in_o adultery_n so_o long_o easy_o persuade_v he_o that_o the_o same_o salvo_n may_v be_v find_v out_o for_o murder_n also_o so_o that_o it_o be_v his_o lust_n obstinate_o continue_v in_o which_o thus_o darken_v and_o delude_v his_o conscience_n and_o the_o same_o will_n no_o doubt_n darken_v and_o delude_v and_o in_o the_o end_n extinguish_v the_o conscience_n of_o any_o man_n breathe_v who_o shall_v surrender_v himself_o up_o to_o it_o the_o light_n within_o he_o shall_v grow_v every_o day_n less_o and_o less_o and_o at_o length_n total_o and_o final_o go_v out_o and_o that_o in_o a_o stink_n too_o so_o hard_a or_o rather_o utter_o unfeasible_a be_v it_o for_o man_n to_o be_v zealous_a votary_n of_o the_o blind_a god_n without_o lose_v their_o eye_n in_o his_o service_n and_o it_o be_v well_o if_o their_o nose_n do_v not_o follow_v from_o all_o which_o it_o appear_v what_o a_o paradox_n it_o be_v in_o moral_n for_o any_o one_o under_o the_o dominion_n of_o his_o lust_n to_o think_v to_o have_v a_o right_a judgement_n in_o thing_n relate_v to_o the_o state_n of_o his_o soul_n and_o the_o same_o in_o the_o second_o place_n hold_v equal_o in_o that_o other_o branch_n of_o sensuality_n intemperance_n whereupon_o we_o find_v they_o both_o join_v together_o by_o the_o prophet_n 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this_o be_v the_o discipline_n which_o keep_v his_o sense_n exercise_v to_o a_o sure_a and_o exquisite_a discrimination_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a and_o make_v the_o lamp_n within_o he_o shine_v always_o with_o a_o bright_a and_o a_o triumphant_a flame_n but_o gluttony_n and_o all_o excess_n either_o in_o eat_v or_o drink_v strange_o cloud_n and_o dull_v the_o intellectual_a power_n and_o then_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v that_o the_o conscience_n shall_v bear_v up_o when_o the_o understanding_n be_v drink_v down_o a_o epicure_n practice_n natural_o dispose_v a_o man_n to_o a_o epicure_n principle_n that_o be_v to_o a_o equal_a looseness_n and_o dissolution_n in_o both_o and_o he_o who_o make_v his_o belly_n his_o business_n will_v quick_o come_v to_o have_v a_o conscience_n of_o as_o large_a a_o swallow_n as_o his_o throat_n of_o which_o there_o want_v not_o several_a scandalous_a and_o deplorable_a instance_n load_v of_o meat_n and_o drink_n be_v fit_a for_o none_o but_o a_o beast_n of_o burden_n to_o bear_v and_o he_o be_v much_o the_o great_a beast_n of_o the_o two_o who_o carry_v his_o burden_n in_o his_o belly_n than_o he_o who_o carry_v it_o upon_o his_o back_n on_o the_o contrary_a nothing_o be_v so_o great_a a_o friend_n to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n as_o abstinence_n it_o strenghen_v the_o memory_n clear_v the_o apprehension_n and_o sharpen_v the_o judgement_n and_o in_o a_o word_n give_v reason_n its_o full_a scope_n of_o act_v and_o when_o reason_n have_v that_o it_o be_v always_o a_o diligent_a and_o faithful_a handmaid_n to_o conscience_n and_o therefore_o where_o man_n look_v no_o further_o than_o mere_a nature_n as_o many_o do_v not_o let_v no_o man_n expect_v to_o keep_v his_o gluttony_n and_o his_o part_n his_o drunkenness_n and_o his_o wit_n his_o revel_v and_o his_o judgement_n
draught_n of_o their_o duty_n when_o yet_o it_o require_v of_o they_o a_o low_a degree_n of_o obedience_n than_o nature_n have_v before_o oblige_v they_o to_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n in_o itself_o most_o rational_a to_o suppose_v the_o latter_a declaration_n of_o a_o legislator_n mind_n to_o be_v still_o the_o full_a and_o more_o authentic_a and_o therefore_o if_o other_o duty_n have_v be_v incumbent_n upon_o the_o jewish_a church_n by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n beside_o what_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n it_o be_v not_o imaginable_a how_o they_o can_v avoid_v the_o omission_n of_o those_o duty_n while_o they_o acquiesce_v in_o the_o direction_n of_o moses_n as_o a_o full_a and_o sufficient_a rule_n of_o obedience_n and_o have_v so_o mâ—â—â—_n reason_n so_o to_o do_v which_o yet_o sure_o must_v have_v render_v the_o whole_a mosaic_a dispensation_n by_o no_o mean_n agreeable_a either_o to_o the_o wisdom_n or_o goodness_n of_o god_n towards_o his_o choose_a people_n for_o 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and_o thy_o neighbour_n as_o thyself_o i_o say_v be_v there_o any_o high_a degree_n of_o obedience_n which_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n be_v capable_a of_o yield_v to_o his_o maker_n than_o this_o nevertheless_o there_o be_v some_o artist_n i_o must_v confess_v who_o can_v draw_v any_o thing_n out_o of_o any_o thing_n who_o answer_n that_o these_o word_n be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v of_o absolute_o all_o that_o a_o man_n can_v do_v but_o of_o all_o that_o he_o can_v be_v engage_v to_o do_v by_o the_o law_n as_o propose_v under_o such_o a_o oeconomy_n namely_o as_o enforce_v with_o temporal_a promise_n and_o threaten_n so_o that_o upon_o these_o term_n to_o love_n god_n with_o all_o the_o heart_n etc._n etc._n be_v to_o love_v he_o with_o the_o utmost_a of_o such_o a_o obedience_n as_o law_n second_v with_o temporal_a blessing_n and_o curse_n be_v able_a to_o produce_v but_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v first_o that_o the_o argument_n bear_v upon_o a_o supposition_n by_o no_o mean_n to_o be_v admit_v to_o wit_n that_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n proceed_v only_o upon_o temporal_a reward_n and_o punishment_n which_o be_v most_o false_a and_o contrary_a to_o the_o constant_o receive_v doctrine_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o particular_o of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o it_o be_v declare_v in_o the_o six_o of_o her_o article_n but_o second_o i_o add_v further_o that_o the_o oblige_a power_n of_o the_o law_n be_v neither_o found_v in_o nor_o to_o be_v measure_v by_o the_o reward_n and_o punishment_n annex_v to_o it_o but_o by_o the_o sole_a authority_n of_o the_o lawgiver_n spring_v from_o the_o relation_n which_o he_o bear_v of_o a_o creator_n and_o governor_n to_o mankind_n and_o consequent_o of_o the_o entire_a dependence_n of_o mankind_n upon_o he_o by_o virtue_n whereof_o they_o owe_v he_o the_o utmost_a service_n that_o their_o nature_n render_v they_o capable_a of_o do_v he_o and_o that_o i_o be_o sure_a be_v capable_a of_o serve_v he_o at_o a_o â—igher_a rate_n than_o the_o consideration_n of_o any_o temporal_a reward_n or_o punishment_n can_v raise_v it_o to_o since_o oftentimes_o the_o bare_a love_n of_o virtue_n itself_o will_v carry_v a_o man_n further_o than_o these_o can_v but_o however_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o eternal_a reward_n can_v do_v so_o which_o yet_o add_v nothing_o to_o our_o natural_a power_n of_o obey_v though_o they_o draw_v they_o forth_o to_o a_o high_a pitch_n of_o obedience_n and_o can_v we_o then_o imagine_v that_o god_n will_v sink_v his_o law_n below_o these_o power_n by_o leave_a some_o degree_n of_o love_n and_o service_n to_o himself_o absolute_o within_o the_o strength_n and_o power_n of_o man_n which_o he_o do_v not_o think_v fit_a by_o the_o mosaic_a law_n to_o oblige_v he_o to_o when_o yet_o our_o saviour_n himself_o promise_v eternal_a life_n to_o one_o upon_o supposal_n of_o his_o performance_n of_o this_o law_n luke_n 10.28_o this_o certain_o be_v very_o strange_a divinity_n but_o after_o all_o some_o may_v possible_o reply_v do_v not_o the_o gospel_n enjoin_v we_o that_o perfection_n and_o height_n of_o charity_n which_o the_o law_n never_o do_v in_o command_v we_o to_o lay_v down_o our_o life_n for_o our_o brother_n 1_o joh._n 3.16_o to_o which_o i_o answer_v that_o this_o be_v a_o precept_n by_o no_o mean_n absolute_a and_o universal_a but_o always_o to_o be_v limit_v by_o these_o two_o condition_n viz._n first_o that_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o second_o that_o the_o eternal_a welfare_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o our_o brother_n indispensable_o require_v this_o of_o we_o upon_o the_o supposal_n of_o either_o of_o which_o i_o affirm_v it_o be_v as_o real_o a_o duty_n from_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o world_n as_o it_o be_v from_o that_o very_a time_n that_o the_o apostle_n write_v these_o word_n the_o very_a common_a voice_n of_o reason_n upon_o these_o term_n and_o under_o these_o circumstance_n dictate_v and_o enjoin_v no_o less_o as_o sound_v itself_o upon_o these_o two_o self-evident_a and_o undeniable_a principle_n viz._n that_o the_o life_n of_o the_o creature_n ought_v when_o necessity_n call_v to_o be_v sacrifice_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o he_o who_o give_v it_o and_o second_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o prefer_v the_o eternal_a good_a of_o our_o neighbour_n or_o brother_n before_o the_o high_a temporal_a good_a of_o ourselves_o which_o manifest_o show_v that_o this_o high_a instance_n of_o charity_n as_o extraordinary_a as_o it_o appear_v do_v not_o at_o length_n begin_v to_o be_v a_o duty_n by_o any_o evangelicâ—â—_n sanction_n but_o be_v so_o ever_o since_o there_o be_v such_o creature_n in_o the_o world_n as_o man_n and_o consequent_o that_o all_o both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n whether_o they_o actual_o know_v so_o much_o or_o no_o will_v have_v sin_v against_o this_o duty_n of_o charity_n shall_v they_o have_v refuse_v to_o promote_v the_o glory_n of_o their_o maker_n or_o prevent_v the_o destruction_n of_o their_o brother_n be_v immortal_a soul_n be_v call_v thereto_o by_o quit_v this_o temporal_a life_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o either_o and_o consequently_n that_o this_o be_v no_o such_o new_a precept_n to_o be_v reckon_v by_o anno_fw-la domini_fw-la but_o as_o old_a as_o the_o obligation_n of_o charity_n and_o of_o right_a reason_n discourse_v and_o act_v upon_o the_o dictate_v of_o that_o noble_a principle_n and_o now_o to_o apply_v this_o general_n discourse_n to_o the_o particular_n mention_v in_o this_o chapter_n i_o affirm_v that_o christ_n do_v by_o no_o mean_n here_o set_v himself_o against_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n as_o a_o law_n either_o faulty_a or_o imperfect_a and_o upon_o those_o account_n need_v either_o correction_n or_o addition_n but_o only_o oppose_v the_o corrupt_a comment_n of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n upon_o the_o law_n as_o real_o contradiction_n to_o it_o rather_o than_o exposition_n of_o it_o and_o that_o for_o these_o follow_a reason_n first_o because_o the_o word_n in_o this_o sermon_n mention_v and_o oppose_v by_o christ_n be_v manifest_o for_o the_o most_o part_n not_o the_o word_n of_o the_o law_n itself_o but_o of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n as_o for_o instance_n whosoever_o shall_v kill_v shall_v be_v in_o danger_n of_o the_o judgement_n and_o again_o in_o the_o next_o verse_n he_o shall_v be_v in_o danger_n of_o the_o council_n they_o all_o refer_v to_o the_o pharisee_n way_n of_o express_v themselves_o which_o manifest_o show_v that_o it_o be_v their_o doctrine_n and_o word_n which_o he_o be_v now_o dispute_v against_o and_o not_o the_o law_n itself_o which_o this_o be_v by_o no_o mean_n the_o language_n of_o second_o that_o expression_n that_o be_v be_v say_v those_o by_o those_o of_o old_a time_n be_v not_o utter_v by_o christ_n in_o his_o own_o person_n but_o by_o way_n of_o
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particular_a philosopher_n but_o like_o a_o baffle_v to_o philosophy_n itself_o the_o devil_n will_v let_v a_o man_n build_v and_o practise_v high_a that_o he_o may_v at_o length_n fetch_v he_o down_o with_o the_o great_a shame_n and_o so_o make_v even_o a_o christian_n a_o argument_n against_o christianity_n the_o subdue_a of_o any_o soul_n be_v a_o conquest_n but_o of_o such_o a_o one_o a_o triumph_n a_o signal_n professor_n can_v perish_v without_o a_o train_n and_o in_o his_o very_a destruction_n his_o example_n be_v authentic_a second_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o fall_v here_o speak_v of_o appear_v also_o in_o this_o that_o such_o a_o one_o be_v hardly_o and_o very_o rare_o recover_v he_o who_o house_n fall_v have_v not_o usual_o either_o riches_n or_o heart_n to_o build_v another_o it_o be_v the_o business_n of_o a_o life_n once_o to_o build_v god_n indeed_o can_v cement_v the_o ruin_n and_o heal_v the_o breach_n of_o a_o apostate_n soul_n but_o usual_o a_o shipwreck_a faith_n and_o a_o deflower_v conscience_n admit_v of_o no_o repair_n like_o the_o present_a time_n which_o when_o once_o go_v never_o return_v what_o may_v be_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o omnipotence_n the_o secret_a of_o a_o decree_n or_o the_o unlimited_a strain_n of_o extraordinary_a grace_n be_v not_o here_o dispute_v but_o as_o it_o will_v be_v arrogance_n for_o we_o man_n to_o define_v the_o power_n of_o grace_n so_o it_o be_v the_o height_n of_o spiritual_a prudence_n to_o observe_v its_o method_n and_o upon_o such_o observation_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o the_o recovery_n of_o such_o apostate_n be_v not_o the_o custom_n but_o the_o prerogative_n of_o mercy_n a_o man_n be_v ruin_v but_o once_o a_o miscarriage_n in_o the_o new-birth_n be_v dangerous_a and_o very_o fatal_a it_o general_o prove_v to_o pass_v the_o critical_a season_n of_o a_o defeat_a conversion_n and_o thus_o i_o have_v at_o length_n dispatch_v what_o 〈◊〉_d at_o first_o propose_v now_o the_o word_n themselves_o being_n as_o i_o say_v before_o christ_n application_n of_o his_o own_o sermon_n can_v be_v improve_v into_o a_o better_a and_o consequent_o need_v not_o into_o another_o except_o what_o their_o own_o natural_a consequence_n do_v suggest_v and_o that_o be_v what_o our_o saviour_n himself_o intimate_v elsewhere_o namely_o that_o he_o who_o be_v about_o to_o build_v will_v first_o sit_v down_o and_o consider_v what_o it_o be_v like_a to_o cost_v he_o for_o building_n be_v chargeable_a especial_o if_o a_o man_n lay_v out_o his_o money_n like_o a_o fool_n will_v a_o man_n build_v for_o eternity_n that_o be_v in_o other_o word_n will_v he_o be_v save_v let_v he_o consider_v with_o himself_o what_o charge_v he_o be_v willing_a to_o be_v at_o that_o he_o may_v be_v so_o nothing_o under_o a_o universal_a sincere_a obedience_n to_o all_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n can_v entitle_v he_o to_o the_o benefit_n of_o it_o and_o thus_o far_o and_o deep_o he_o must_v go_v if_o he_o will_v lay_v his_o foundation_n true_a it_o be_v in_o hard_a and_o a_o rocky_a work_n i_o confess_v but_o the_o difficulty_n of_o lay_v it_o will_v be_v abundant_o recompense_v by_o the_o firmness_n of_o it_o when_o it_o be_v lay_v but_o it_o be_v a_o sad_a and_o mortify_a consideration_n to_o think_v upon_o what_o false_a and_o sink_a ground_n or_o rather_o upon_o what_o whirlepool_n and_o quicksand_n many_o venture_n to_o build_v some_o you_o shall_v have_v amuse_v their_o conscience_n with_o a_o set_n of_o fantastical_a new-coined_a phrase_n such_o as_o lay_v hold_n on_o christ_n get_v into_o christ_n and_o roll_a themselves_o upon_o christ_n and_o the_o like_a by_o which_o if_o they_o mean_v any_o thing_n else_o but_o obey_v the_o precept_n of_o christ_n and_o a_o rational_a hope_n of_o salvation_n thereupon_o which_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o general_o they_o do_v not_o mean_v it_o be_v all_o but_o
into_o which_o they_o be_v convey_v contribute_v nothing_o to_o the_o obtain_n of_o they_o but_o a_o bare_a reception_n as_o when_o you_o pour_v some_o generous_a wine_n or_o liquor_n into_o a_o cask_n or_o vessel_n that_o afford_v nothing_o to_o its_o own_o fullness_n but_o a_o mere_a capacity_n the_o rest_n it_o owe_v whole_o to_o the_o liberal_a hand_n that_o infuse_v it_o and_o no_o doubt_n from_o a_o allusion_n to_o this_o such_o endowment_n be_v say_v to_o be_v by_o way_n of_o infusion_n from_o the_o holy_a ghost_n of_o which_o kind_n be_v the_o gift_n of_o miracle_n the_o gift_n of_o healing_n the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n and_o of_o speak_v with_o tongue_n which_o great_a thing_n may_v indeed_o be_v the_o object_n of_o man_n admiration_n and_o sometime_o also_o the_o motive_n of_o their_o envy_n but_o never_o the_o effect_n or_o purchase_v of_o their_o own_o endeavour_n now_o concern_v these_o gift_n we_o must_v observe_v also_o that_o there_o be_v no_o small_a difference_n among_o they_o as_o to_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o inexistence_n in_o the_o person_n who_o have_v they_o for_o one_o of_o they_o to_o wit_v the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n after_o its_o first_o infusion_n by_o the_o spirit_n may_v be_v in_o a_o man_n by_o habitual_a inherence_n as_o a_o stand_a principle_n or_o power_n reside_v in_o the_o soul_n and_o enable_v it_o upon_o any_o occasion_n to_o express_v itself_o in_o several_a language_n there_o be_v no_o difference_n between_o the_o acquire_v and_o the_o supernatural_a knowledge_n of_o tongue_n as_o to_o the_o nature_n and_o quality_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o but_o only_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o first_o obtainment_n that_o one_o be_v by_o industrious_a acquisition_n the_o other_o by_o divine_a infusion_n but_o then_o for_o the_o gift_n of_o heal_v the_o sick_a raise_v the_o dead_a and_o the_o like_a in_o as_o much_o as_o these_o be_v immediate_a emanation_n from_o and_o peculiar_a effect_n of_o a_o infinite_a and_o divine_a 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it_o only_o by_o sudden_a stricture_n by_o transient_a immission_n and_o representation_n of_o the_o idea_n of_o thing_n future_a to_o the_o imagination_n in_o a_o word_n it_o be_v in_o the_o mind_n not_o as_o a_o inhabitant_n but_o as_o a_o guest_n that_o be_v by_o intermittent_a return_v and_o ecstasy_n by_o occasional_a rapture_n and_o revelation_n as_o be_v clear_a from_o what_o we_o read_v of_o the_o prophet_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o thus_o much_o i_o think_v good_a to_o discourse_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o these_o gift_n and_o to_o show_v what_o kind_n of_o thing_n they_o be_v how_o they_o qualify_v and_o affect_v the_o apostle_n and_o primitive_a christian_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o they_o that_o so_o we_o may_v not_o abuse_v our_o understanding_n by_o a_o empty_a notion_n of_o the_o word_n without_o a_o clear_a and_o distinct_a apprehension_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o here_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o some_o will_v be_v apt_a to_o inquire_v how_o long_o these_o extraordinary_a and_o miraculous_a gift_n continue_v in_o the_o church_n for_o the_o resolution_n of_o which_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o will_v suggest_v thus_o much_o that_o the_o confer_v of_o these_o gift_n be_v in_o order_n to_o the_o establishment_n of_o a_o church_n and_o the_o settle_n of_o a_o new_a religion_n in_o the_o world_n their_o duration_n be_v to_o be_v proportion_v to_o the_o need_n which_o that_o new_a religion_n have_v of_o such_o credential_n and_o instrument_n of_o confirmation_n for_o when_o christianity_n first_o appear_v in_o the_o world_n it_o find_v it_o under_o the_o mighty_a prejudice_n and_o prepossession_n of_o two_o contrary_a religion_n but_o both_o of_o they_o equal_o bend_v and_o set_v against_o that_o to_o wit_n gentilism_n and_o judaism_n which_o prejudices_fw-la nothing_o can_v conquer_v but_o the_o arm_n of_o omnipotence_n itself_o as_o it_o be_v make_v bare_a before_o they_o in_o such_o stupendous_a work_n as_o can_v not_o but_o convince_v they_o to_o their_o face_n that_o it_o be_v a_o religion_n which_o come_v from_o god_n but_o when_o these_o prejudices_fw-la be_v once_o remove_v by_o the_o actual_a entertainment_n of_o and_o submission_n to_o the_o christian_a faith_n there_o can_v not_o be_v the_o same_o use_n or_o need_v of_o miracle_n then_o which_o there_o be_v before_o for_o still_o we_o must_v remember_v that_o the_o state_n of_o a_o church_n in_o its_o infancy_n and_o first_o beginning_n and_o in_o its_o maturity_n and_o continuance_n be_v very_o different_a and_o consequent_o that_o the_o exigency_n of_o it_o under_o each_o condition_n must_v equal_o differ_v too_o it_o be_v a_o much_o hard_a work_n first_o to_o advance_v and_o put_v a_o thing_n into_o motion_n than_o to_o continue_v and_o keep_v up_o that_o motion_n be_v once_o begin_v for_o though_o indeed_o as_o we_o observe_v before_o there_o be_v a_o omnipotence_n require_v to_o maintain_v as_o well_o as_o first_o to_o set_v up_o the_o christian_a church_n yet_o it_o do_v not_o therefore_o follow_v that_o this_o omnipotence_n must_v still_o exert_v itself_o to_o the_o same_o degree_n and_o after_o the_o same_o way_n in_o one_o case_n that_o it_o do_v in_o the_o other_o wherefore_o the_o use_n and_o purpose_n of_o miracle_n be_v extraordinary_a and_o to_o serve_v only_o for_o a_o time_n they_o be_v not_o by_o their_o continuance_n to_o thwart_v their_o design_n nor_o to_o be_v make_v common_a by_o their_o be_v perpetual_a the_o exact_a period_n of_o their_o duration_n can_v hardly_o be_v assign_v but_o manifest_a it_o be_v from_o all_o history_n that_o they_o or_o at_o least_o some_o of_o they_o continue_v long_o after_o the_o apostle_n time_n as_o we_o may_v gather_v from_o the_o several_a age_n of_o those_o eminent_a father_n and_o christian_a writer_n who_o have_v so_o free_o give_v in_o their_o testimony_n concern_v the_o eject_v of_o evil_a spirit_n from_o person_n possess_v as_o very_o common_a in_o their_o time_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n a_o power_n no_o doubt_n supernatural_a and_o therefore_o miraculous_a such_o as_o be_v justin_n martyr_n who_o live_v something_o before_o the_o middle_n of_o the_o second_o century_n and_o irenaeus_n who_o live_v about_o thirty_o year_n after_o and_o tertullian_n who_o live_v in_o the_o latter_a end_n of_o the_o second_o and_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o three_o and_o minutius_n felix_n thereabouts_o and_o st._n cyprian_n about_o the_o middle_n of_o the_o three_o and_o lactantius_n about_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o four_o all_o these_o i_o say_v according_a to_o the_o time_n they_o live_v in_o speak_v of_o this_o power_n of_o cast_v out_o devil_n but_o more_o especial_o tertullian_n in_o the_o twenty_o three_o chapter_n of_o his_o apologetic_n with_o so_o much_o assurance_n that_o it_o must_v needs_o prove_v it_o to_o have_v be_v very_o frequent_a among_o the_o christian_n in_o those_o day_n as_o several_a passage_n in_o those_o formentioned_a writer_n particular_o declare_v which_o may_v easy_o be_v produce_v and_o rehearse_v by_o we_o can_v we_o spare_v room_n enough_o for_o they_o in_o so_o short_a a_o discourse_n but_o however_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o now_o these_o extraordinary_a and_o miraculous_a power_n be_v cease_v and_o that_o upon_o as_o good_a reason_n as_o at_o first_o they_o begin_v for_o when_o the_o spiritual_a building_n be_v consummate_v and_o not_o only_o the_o corner_n stone_n lay_v but_o the_o superstructure_n also_o finish_v to_o what_o purpose_n shall_v the_o scaffold_n any_o long_o stand_v which_o when_o they_o leave_v off_o to_o contribute_v to_o the_o building_n can_v serve_v for_o little_a else_o but_o to_o upbraid_v the_o folly_n of_o the_o builder_n beside_o that_o by_o so_o long_a a_o continuance_n miracle_n will_v almost_o turn_v into_o nature_n or_o at_o least_o look_v very_a like_o it_o the_o rarity_n of_o
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