destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o lazarus_n be_v then_o alive_a when_o the_o other_o write_v their_o gospel_n they_o purposely_o omit_v it_o lest_o the_o recite_v and_o record_v so_o eximious_a and_o convictive_a a_o miracle_n may_v exasperate_v the_o jew_n against_o he_o and_o bring_v he_o to_o ruin_v but_o be_v dead_a st._n john_n may_v safe_o transmit_v it_o to_o posterity_n in_o his_o gospel_n again_o it_o be_v very_o improbable_a they_o will_v deceive_v other_o for_o cui_fw-la bono_fw-mi to_o what_o end_n or_o purpose_n or_o what_o design_n can_v they_o aim_v at_o in_o deceive_v the_o world_n honour_n and_o preferment_n they_o can_v not_o expect_v they_o be_v all_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o pagan_n or_o of_o the_o jew_n their_o bitter_a enemy_n who_o hate_v the_o holy_a jesus_n with_o a_o implacable_a hatred_n and_o for_o that_o very_a reason_n persecute_v all_o his_o adherent_n nor_o can_v they_o hope_v for_o riches_n when_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n expose_v they_o to_o the_o loss_n of_o all_o temporal_a good_n neither_o can_v the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v without_o the_o neglect_n of_o mundane_a affair_n but_o perhaps_o some_o will_v say_v they_o impose_v upon_o the_o world_n that_o they_o may_v be_v the_o author_n of_o a_o new_a sect_n but_o 1._o either_o they_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o teach_v to_o be_v true_a or_o they_o do_v not_o if_o they_o do_v not_o believe_v they_o we_o can_v easy_o imagine_v they_o shall_v so_o far_o forth_o put_v off_o all_o humanity_n and_o good_a nature_n which_o they_o so_o serious_o and_o frequent_o inculcate_v in_o their_o write_n as_o to_o expose_v so_o many_o thousand_o innocent_a person_n to_o death_n upon_o their_o assertion_n of_o a_o falsehood_n yet_o if_o they_o can_v be_v so_o prodigious_o cruel_a to_o other_o will_v they_o be_v so_o prodigal_a of_o their_o own_o blood_n as_o to_o throw_v it_o away_o upon_o a_o uncertain_a delusion_n if_o they_o think_v they_o to_o be_v true_a as_o it_o be_v most_o likely_a they_o do_v their_o write_n show_v that_o they_o be_v in_o good_a earnest_n then_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o poor_a and_o trifle_a glory_n of_o be_v the_o author_n of_o a_o new_a and_o unheard_a of_o sect_n but_o the_o real_a good_a and_o advantage_n of_o mankind_n which_o animate_v and_o encourage_v they_o to_o such_o a_o undertake_n 2._o it_o be_v not_o the_o manner_n of_o cheater_n to_o provoke_v to_o so_o many_o witness_n as_o we_o find_v the_o apostle_n do_v st._n paul_n assert_v the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o bless_a lord_n beside_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o twelve_o apostle_n bring_v in_o five_o hundred_o upon_o the_o stage_n at_o once_o to_o confirm_v the_o same_o truth_n the_o major_a part_n of_o which_o be_v then_o alive_a when_o he_o write_v that_o epistle_n 1_o cor._n xv_o add_v to_o this_o that_o a_o lie_n be_v strict_o forbid_v by_o their_o write_n and_o those_o that_o delight_n in_o it_o menace_v with_o eternal_a destruction_n eph._n 4.25_o col._n 3.9_o rev._n 21.8.3_o 3._o suppose_v man_n can_v be_v so_o wicked_a yet_o will_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n suffer_v such_o a_o cheat_n to_o be_v put_v upon_o the_o world_n if_o we_o look_v upon_o the_o whole_a frame_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n it_o be_v such_o that_o the_o more_o good_a any_o man_n be_v the_o more_o likely_a to_o adhere_v to_o it_o and_o the_o most_o harmless_a and_o innocent_a person_n in_o the_o world_n be_v most_o apt_a to_o be_v charm_v and_o overcome_v by_o it_o but_o sure_o to_o they_o that_o believe_v a_o just_a and_o righteous_a providence_n govern_v the_o affair_n of_o the_o world_n it_o be_v apparent_a that_o god_n will_v not_o have_v suffer_v a_o error_n so_o universal_o to_o prevail_v nor_o those_o who_o most_o of_o all_o resemble_v his_o bless_a nature_n in_o justice_n mercy_n and_o compassion_n to_o be_v involve_v in_o obscurity_n and_o ignorance_n and_o eternal_o to_o perish_v in_o a_o delusion_n since_o he_o may_v and_o act_v according_a to_o his_o nature_n must_v necessary_o detect_v it_o now_o because_o the_o glorious_a resurrection_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n dismantling_n the_o prison_n of_o death_n and_o free_v himself_o from_o the_o chain_n and_o fetter_n of_o the_o grave_a be_v the_o great_a pillar_n and_o foundation_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n therefore_o it_o will_v be_v requisite_a to_o wipe_v off_o those_o spot_n the_o mouth_n of_o envy_n and_o detraction_n have_v cast_v upon_o it_o to_o this_o end_n i_o shall_v examine_v that_o objection_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o see_v the_o clear_a and_o evident_a proof_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o jesus_n invent_v this_o elusion_n of_o it_o that_o his_o disciple_n come_v by_o night_n and_o steal_v he_o away_o while_o the_o watch_n sleep_v to_o which_o the_o many_o improbable_a and_o unlikely_a circumstance_n it_o be_v attend_v withal_o will_v be_v a_o sufficient_a answer_n and_o reply_n as_o 1._o how_o unlikely_a be_v it_o that_o his_o disciple_n who_o just_o before_o flee_v every_o one_o from_o he_o shall_v now_o resume_v such_o courage_n as_o to_o venture_v to_o steal_v his_o body_n from_o a_o guard_n of_o soldier_n 2._o it_o be_v not_o likely_a that_o all_o the_o watch_n shall_v be_v asleep_a at_o one_o time_n 3._o if_o they_o be_v yet_o it_o be_v hard_a to_o imagine_v that_o his_o disciple_n shall_v come_v just_a at_o that_o time_n 4._o how_o can_v they_o roll_v away_o the_o stone_n and_o take_v out_o the_o body_n which_o sure_o will_v have_v make_v no_o small_a noise_n and_o yet_o none_o of_o the_o guard_n hear_v they_o 5._o suppose_v they_o have_v take_v away_o the_o body_n quid_fw-la ex_fw-la cadavere_fw-la emolumenti_fw-la what_o benefit_n can_v they_o have_v expect_v from_o a_o dead_a carcase_n will_v the_o dead_a and_o infamous_a body_n of_o a_o impostor_n be_v a_o sufficient_a motive_n to_o induce_v they_o to_o deny_v friend_n and_o relative_n worldly_a interest_n and_o profit_n yea_o life_n itself_o to_o maintain_v his_o credit_n by_o tell_v the_o world_n a_o fair_a story_n of_o his_o resurrection_n if_o indeed_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n this_o be_v then_o sufficient_o evidence_v that_o christ_n rise_v from_o the_o dead_a it_o be_v a_o undeniable_a confirmation_n that_o all_o his_o other_o miracle_n be_v true_a and_o indeed_o it_o can_v not_o suit_n with_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n to_o leave_v his_o soul_n in_o hell_n or_o suffer_v his_o flesh_n to_o see_v corruption_n for_o the_o innocence_n of_o the_o lord_n christ_n be_v bright_a as_o the_o noonday_n and_o all_o his_o suffering_n be_v undergo_v upon_o our_o account_n and_o have_v make_v a_o full_a and_o perfect_a atonement_n for_o sin_n the_o righteous_a providence_n of_o god_n be_v engage_v to_o raise_v he_o up_o and_o instate_v he_o in_o that_o blessedness_n which_o he_o merit_v for_o himself_o by_o his_o voluntary_a humiliation_n and_o condescend_v according_a to_o what_o the_o apostle_n affirm_v of_o he_o act_v two_o 24._o who_o god_n have_v raise_v up_o have_v loose_v the_o pain_n of_o death_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d because_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a i.e._n it_o be_v not_o meet_v suitable_a or_o agreeable_a to_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v hold_v of_o it_o we_o have_v see_v the_o objection_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o i_o shall_v now_o conclude_v this_o particular_a by_o consider_v what_o the_o heathen_a and_o atheist_n have_v to_o say_v against_o the_o resurrection_n of_o jesus_n and_o he_o bring_v his_o exception_n after_o this_o manner_n if_o jesus_n do_v real_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a why_o do_v he_o not_o then_o show_v himself_o alive_a to_o all_o or_o at_o least_o to_o the_o chief_a priest_n and_o ruler_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o condemn_v he_o to_o be_v crucify_v and_o not_o only_o to_o his_o own_o company_n and_o that_o not_o constant_o to_o they_o but_o like_o a_o spectrum_n or_o ghost_n appear_v and_o then_o vanish_v away_o but_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o impure_a and_o atheistical_a man_n do_v not_o apprehend_v the_o divine_a dispensation_n of_o jesus_n in_o the_o flesh_n since_o there_o be_v a_o perpetual_a antipathy_n between_o their_o gross_a and_o feculent_a soul_n and_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o heavenly_a wisdom_n but_o to_o they_o that_o be_v sincere_a there_o be_v nothing_o in_o this_o instance_n but_o may_v admit_v of_o a_o fair_a apology_n we_o must_v know_v then_o that_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o holy_a jesus_n be_v vital_o unite_v to_o the_o eternal_a logos_fw-la and_o never_o lapse_v from_o the_o pure_a and_o immaculate_a region_n of_o blessedness_n with_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n but_o so_o qualify_a his_o glory_n as_o to_o fit_v himself_o for_o a_o union_n with_o a_o terrestrial_a body_n must_v have_v even_o
righteousness_n a_o state_n of_o pure_a and_o undefiled_a light_n who_o happy_a and_o glorious_a inhabitant_n be_v perfect_o deliver_v from_o the_o bondage_n and_o servility_n of_o corruption_n and_o goodness_n and_o justice_n and_o all_o the_o moral_a excellency_n of_o divinity_n enthrone_v within_o their_o sacred_a breast_n and_o every_o good_a man_n do_v not_o only_o presage_v but_o real_o possess_v in_o this_o life_n a_o part_n of_o his_o future_a happiness_n when_o the_o divine_a nature_n thorough_o inform_v possess_v and_o actuate_v the_o power_n and_o faculty_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o he_o faithful_o attend_v to_o and_o be_v guide_v and_o govern_v by_o its_o law_n and_o suggestion_n and_o he_o who_o soul_n and_o spirit_n thus_o become_v a_o habitation_n of_o righteousness_n be_v in_o a_o sense_n deify_v and_o god_n dwell_v in_o he_o and_o he_o be_v unite_v to_o that_o omnipresent_v spirit_n of_o love_n and_o purity_n for_o that_o divine_a nature_n the_o participation_n of_o which_o be_v the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o the_o whole_a gospel_n be_v not_o power_n and_o wisdom_n but_o something_o more_o precious_a and_o sovereign_a for_o if_o a_o man_n have_v all_o power_n that_o he_o can_v remove_v mountain_n and_o with_o his_o breath_n stop_v the_o constant_a gire_n and_o circulation_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o if_o he_o have_v all_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n to_o understand_v the_o abstruse_a theory_n in_o nature_n and_o providence_n and_o can_v persuade_v with_o the_o rhetoric_n and_o oratory_n of_o a_o angel_n yet_o if_o he_o have_v not_o charity_n the_o bond_n of_o perfection_n which_o not_o only_o consolidate_n and_o hold_v together_o the_o great_a body_n politic_a of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n but_o be_v the_o root_n and_o centre_n in_o which_o all_o the_o line_n of_o beauty_n and_o excellence_n in_o human_a soul_n unite_v and_o meet_v he_o will_v have_v no_o more_o of_o the_o true_a life_n and_o spirit_n of_o christianity_n in_o he_o than_o a_o tinkle_n and_o sound_a piece_n of_o brass_n love_n be_v the_o joy_n of_o man_n and_o angel_n the_o glory_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o first_o pregnant_a spring_n and_o source_n from_o whence_o issue_v all_o the_o numerous_a production_n of_o the_o spiritual_a and_o corporeal_a life_n for_o god_n be_v love_n and_o love_n be_v that_o to_o speak_v with_o reverence_n make_v the_o divinity_n a_o uniform_a be_v all_o other_o mode_n and_o attribute_n be_v too_o fluctuate_a arbitrary_a and_o unsettle_a to_o be_v the_o basis_n and_o foundation_n of_o that_o ever-to-be-adored_n author_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o as_o goodness_n be_v the_o most_o precious_a thing_n in_o the_o deity_n and_o for_o that_o reason_n alone_o obtain_v the_o first_o place_n in_o act_v so_o be_v it_o that_o which_o consummate_v and_o complete_v all_o moral_a agent_n that_o derive_v from_o he_o power_n and_o wisdom_n and_o all_o other_o modes_n be_v nothing_o but_o the_o several_a explication_n and_o diffusion_n of_o absolute_a goodness_n but_o that_o we_o may_v not_o mistake_v ourselves_o the_o philosopher_n tell_v we_o of_o a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o harlotry_n as_o well_o as_o a_o heavenly_a venus_n whereby_o the_o soul_n be_v enamour_a with_o these_o fade_a beauty_n and_o ensnare_v by_o the_o powerful_a inescation_n of_o sense_n and_o corporeity_n and_o this_o weaken_v and_o destroy_v the_o soul_n but_o it_o be_v the_o celestial_a venus_n that_o be_v the_o beautiful_a and_o perfective_a object_n of_o human_a mind_n and_o by_o its_o union_n with_o it_o change_n and_o transform_v the_o soul_n into_o its_o glorious_a image_n and_o what_o we_o have_v hitherto_o say_v be_v no_o more_o than_o what_o the_o natural_a sentiment_n of_o our_o own_o soul_n bear_v witness_n to_o and_o all_o the_o moral_a part_n of_o ethnic_a philosophy_n atte_v which_o be_v whole_o employ_v in_o lay_v down_o rule_n and_o precept_n for_o the_o regulate_a man_n life_n and_o put_v a_o stop_n to_o the_o bold_a intrusion_n of_o vice_n and_o this_o be_v universal_o acknowledge_v the_o only_a way_n to_o acquire_v a_o cognation_n and_o affinity_n with_o god_n and_o what_o be_v judge_v laudable_a and_o decorous_a then_o and_o approve_v as_o most_o excellent_a be_v make_v much_o more_o so_o by_o the_o christian_a oeconomy_n which_o set_v the_o attainment_n of_o a_o rational_a soul_n at_o a_o high_a pitch_n than_o the_o secular_a wisdom_n and_o philosophy_n of_o the_o gentile_n can_v arrive_v to_o for_o what_o more_o ennoble_v and_o inspirit_n the_o mind_n of_o man_n with_o true_a glory_n and_o magnanimity_n than_o the_o captivate_a his_o irrational_a desire_n and_o suppress_v all_o inordinate_a lust_n and_o appetite_n and_o the_o introduce_v a_o spirit_n of_o love_n meekness_n temperance_n and_o sobriety_n what_o more_o divine_a and_o godlike_a than_o charity_n to_o bind_v up_o a_o ache_a head_n and_o dry_v up_o watery_a eye_n and_o relieve_v he_o who_o be_v fight_v with_o the_o pressure_n of_o want_n and_o poverty_n what_o great_a pleasure_n can_v we_o reasonable_o imagine_v than_o that_o which_o result_v from_o a_o act_n of_o goodness_n and_o bounty_n whether_o it_o respect_v the_o soul_n or_o body_n of_o our_o fellow-creature_n in_o extricate_a he_o who_o be_v involve_v in_o a_o labyrinth_n of_o misery_n and_o bring_v the_o cheerful_a day_n to_o he_o who_o sit_v in_o a_o night_n of_o ignorance_n and_o error_n which_o thing_n if_o due_o consider_v as_o they_o be_v very_o agreeable_a and_o proportionate_a to_o our_o high_a and_o rational_a soul_n so_o they_o depretiate_v the_o grosser_n satisfaction_n of_o our_o vile_a part_n and_o make_v good_a this_o first_o proposition_n that_o the_o true_a felicity_n of_o human_a soul_n result_v from_o their_o participation_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n 2._o the_o gospel_n show_v we_o the_o true_a way_n to_o obtain_v this_o complete_a perfection_n of_o our_o spirit_n that_o it_o be_v by_o a_o universal_a purification_n of_o our_o mind_n from_o all_o pollution_n whatever_o and_o a_o entire_a resignation_n of_o ourselves_o to_o the_o conduct_n of_o the_o divine_a life_n and_o light_n but_o it_o will_v be_v say_v that_o philosophy_n teach_v as_o much_o as_o this_o and_o the_o pythagorean_n platonist_n and_o stoic_n assert_v the_o high_a perfection_n of_o the_o soul_n to_o consist_v in_o her_o union_n with_o god_n which_o be_v obtain_v by_o a_o perfect_a extirpation_n of_o all_o irregular_a motion_n and_o a_o abstraction_n of_o the_o soul_n from_o her_o love_n and_o sympathy_n with_o the_o body_n and_o transform_v she_o whole_o into_o intellect_n for_o the_o passion_n and_o sensual_a affection_n be_v once_o subdue_v and_o the_o rational_a life_n excite_v the_o soul_n become_v present_o like_a unto_o god_n as_o porphyry_n speak_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o hierocles_n show_v we_o the_o scope_n and_o end_n of_o this_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o purgation_n of_o the_o mind_n namely_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d wherefore_o although_o the_o heathen_n by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n proceed_v to_o the_o eradication_n of_o vice_n out_o of_o their_o mind_n yet_o they_o retain_v still_o a_o arrogative_n life_n ascribe_v the_o attainment_n and_o perfection_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o their_o whole_a progress_n in_o virtue_n to_o their_o own_o solitary_a endeavour_n and_o this_o their_o spiritual_a and_o subtle_a pride_n taint_v and_o infect_v the_o best_a of_o their_o other_o performance_n so_o that_o though_o they_o be_v glorious_a light_n in_o their_o generation_n yet_o they_o fall_v short_a of_o the_o character_n of_o a_o true_a christian_a which_o be_v a_o entire_a subjection_n of_o a_o man_n self_n to_o the_o government_n and_o command_n of_o the_o life_n of_o god_n be_v perfect_o dead_a to_o all_o self-seeking_a and_o interest_n and_o no_o otherwise_o affect_v to_o ourselves_o then_o if_o we_o be_v not_o and_o this_o heavenly_a temper_n the_o divine_a providence_n reserve_v for_o the_o meek_a and_o humble_a soul_n of_o the_o messiah_n to_o bring_v into_o the_o world_n who_o have_v resume_v that_o as_o the_o most_o compendious_a way_n to_o blessedness_n which_o be_v reject_v by_o the_o wise_a man_n of_o the_o world_n 3._o he_o that_o shall_v impartial_o and_o without_o prejudice_n peruse_v the_o evangelical_n history_n shall_v find_v that_o there_o be_v not_o any_o thing_n record_v in_o they_o vain_a and_o trivial_a but_o such_o as_o be_v of_o the_o high_a moment_n and_o importance_n and_o some_o way_n or_o other_o useful_a and_o advantageous_a for_o the_o propagation_n of_o christianity_n in_o the_o world_n and_o for_o those_o thing_n which_o seem_v most_o liable_a to_o the_o exception_n and_o cavil_n of_o vile_a and_o profane_a person_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o show_v their_o reasonableness_n and_o how_o become_v and_o decorous_a it_o be_v to_o insert_v they_o in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o gospel_n it_o be_v too_o well_o know_v that_o there_o
and_o this_o truth_n be_v of_o so_o high_a and_o great_a concern_v we_o not_o only_o believe_v but_o be_v ready_a to_o give_v all_o possible_a satisfaction_n to_o the_o jew_n and_o heathen_a to_o the_o jew_n we_o say_v that_o it_o be_v long_o ago_o declare_v by_o their_o own_o prophet_n isa_n ix_o 6._o for_o unto_o we_o a_o child_n be_v bear_v unto_o we_o a_o son_n be_v give_v and_o the_o government_n shall_v be_v upon_o his_o shoulder_n and_o his_o name_n shall_v be_v call_v wonderful_a counsellor_n the_o mighty_a god_n the_o everlasting_a father_n the_o prince_n of_o peace_n this_o the_o more_o ancient_a rabbin_n always_o interpret_v of_o the_o messiah_n and_o it_o be_v but_o a_o groundless_a conceit_n of_o r._n solomon_n to_o transfer_v it_o to_o hezekiah_n for_o who_o see_v not_o that_o these_o appellation_n of_o the_o mighty_a god_n and_o the_o everlasting_a father_n can_v possible_o agree_v to_o hezekiah_n again_o chap._n seven_o 14._o behold_v a_o virgin_n shall_v conceive_v and_o bear_v a_o son_n and_o shall_v call_v his_o name_n immanuel_n i._n e._n god_n with_o we_o god_n dwell_v and_o converse_v in_o human_a nature_n and_o by_o the_o heathen_n this_o mystery_n be_v not_o think_v impossible_a since_o julian_n believe_v that_o aesculapius_n the_o son_n of_o jupiter_n descend_v from_o heaven_n and_o be_v incarnate_a appear_v first_o at_o epidaurum_n then_o in_o many_o other_o place_n that_o he_o may_v cure_v the_o body_n and_o restore_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n to_o their_o pristine_a rectitude_n and_o perfection_n and_o be_v there_o any_o great_a difficulty_n in_o believe_v that_o the_o word_n the_o bless_a son_n of_o god_n be_v once_o incarnate_a and_o dwell_v among_o we_o but_o further_o to_o make_v out_o this_o great_a truth_n to_o those_o that_o already_o believe_v the_o history_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o be_v true_a 1._o we_o may_v take_v a_o view_n of_o those_o many_o operation_n jesus_n perform_v in_o the_o nature_n he_o assume_v some_o of_o which_o be_v incommunicable_a and_o only_a proper_a to_o the_o deity_n such_o be_v to_o work_v a_o true_a and_o real_a miracle_n to_o forgive_v sin_n and_o to_o institute_v true_a and_o religious_a worship_n he_o be_v hungry_a which_o show_v he_o to_o be_v a_o man_n and_o yet_o feed_v above_o five_o thousand_o with_o five_o loaf_n and_o two_o fish_n whereby_o he_o manifest_v his_o divinity_n he_o thirst_v yet_o to_o other_o he_o give_v river_n of_o live_a water_n to_o fertilise_v their_o soul_n and_o quench_v and_o allay_v their_o thirst_n he_o be_v weary_a yet_o he_o call_v to_o he_o all_o those_o that_o be_v weary_a and_o heavy_a lade_v and_o promise_v refreshment_n though_o he_o be_v dumb_a and_o open_v not_o his_o mouth_n yet_o be_v he_o that_o word_n by_o which_o all_o thing_n be_v make_v he_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n yet_o have_v he_o power_n to_o take_v it_o up_o again_o 2._o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o divine_a nature_n to_o contradict_v or_o prejudice_v this_o union_n but_o very_o much_o to_o be_v draw_v from_o thence_o for_o it_o for_o divine_a goodness_n will_v universal_o to_o communicate_v itself_o in_o measure_n and_o degree_n assist_v by_o a_o eternal_a wisdom_n find_v out_o this_o way_n of_o union_n with_o human_a nature_n as_o most_o fit_a for_o a_o universal_a communication_n wherein_o the_o divine_a life_n be_v perfect_o exhibit_v and_o all_o perfection_n be_v as_o it_o be_v epitomise_v 3._o there_o be_v a_o mighty_a congruity_n and_o sutableness_n in_o this_o mystery_n with_o the_o design_n of_o perfect_a and_o restore_v lapse_v soul_n for_o the_o eternal_a logos_fw-la bring_v out_o of_o his_o ideal_o fecundity_n into_o actual_a existence_n the_o whole_a rational_a creation_n it_o be_v high_o agreeable_a with_o divine_a wisdom_n that_o by_o the_o same_o word_n all_o fall_v being_n shall_v be_v again_o restore_v that_o the_o first_o and_o bless_a cause_n of_o their_o existence_n shall_v also_o be_v the_o author_n of_o their_o recovery_n and_o return_n to_o the_o perfect_a law_n of_o god_n own_o nature_n and_o if_o beside_o we_o consider_v that_o all_o the_o creature_n be_v but_o the_o effect_n and_o emanation_n of_o that_o mighty_a and_o potent_a word_n outward_o produce_v and_o bring_v into_o actual_a life_n and_o be_v the_o conjunction_n and_o union_n of_o the_o eternal_a mind_n with_o human_a nature_n will_v appear_v exceed_o congruous_a 4._o no_o dishonour_n can_v accrue_v to_o the_o bless_a nature_n of_o god_n by_o such_o a_o state_n in_o which_o there_o be_v no_o evil_a turpitude_n or_o defilement_n the_o brightness_n of_o the_o divine_a sun_n be_v no_o whit_n obscure_v by_o the_o adjunction_n of_o the_o humanity_n but_o the_o humanity_n be_v make_v more_o glorious_a and_o transcendent_a by_o be_v exalt_v into_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o divinity_n 5._o the_o obscurity_n and_o incomprehensibleness_n of_o this_o mystery_n ought_v not_o to_o prejudice_v our_o belief_n of_o it_o since_o that_o many_o thing_n in_o nature_n be_v in_o the_o dark_a to_o we_o and_o that_o faint_a and_o glimmer_a knowledge_n which_o we_o have_v of_o they_o be_v only_o cojnectural_a not_o demonstrative_a we_o know_v there_o be_v a_o union_n between_o soul_n and_o body_n but_o the_o manner_n of_o it_o be_v unknown_a and_o hide_v from_o we_o and_o if_o we_o believe_v no_o further_o than_o we_o can_v comprehend_v we_o must_v be_v sceptic_n in_o religion_n as_o well_o as_o philosophy_n yet_o something_o we_o may_v collect_v from_o the_o union_n of_o soul_n and_o body_n as_o also_o of_o other_o natural_a composition_n that_o forasmuch_o as_o they_o be_v extreme_o distant_a and_o unlike_a in_o their_o nature_n and_o propriety_n and_o yet_o unite_v to_o the_o make_n of_o one_o compositum_fw-la therefore_o the_o immensity_n of_o the_o divinity_n can_v be_v no_o hindrance_n from_o take_v humanity_n into_o a_o union_n and_o association_n with_o it_o 6_o we_o can_v doubt_v but_o that_o god_n who_o be_v immense_a and_o omnipresent_v may_v manifest_v a_o peculiar_a presence_n in_o this_o or_o the_o other_o particular_a place_n as_o seem_v best_a to_o himself_o that_o infinite_a nature_n which_o pervade_v and_o be_v extend_v through_o the_o vast_a capacity_n of_o immense_a space_n can_v as_o easy_o actuate_v inhabit_v and_o fill_v a_o human_a soul_n and_o body_n nor_o be_v the_o divinity_n contract_v or_o diminish_v by_o be_v unite_v to_o a_o creature_n but_o be_v diffuse_v through_o all_o place_n manifest_v itself_o by_o a_o more_o special_a inhabitation_n in_o the_o sacred_a temple_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o jesus_n we_o see_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n dilate_v itself_o through_o our_o corporeal_a fabric_n express_v its_o activity_n and_o presence_n by_o the_o exceed_a quick_a sensibility_n of_o every_o part_n and_o yet_o have_v its_o peculiar_a centre_n and_o residence_n in_o the_o brain_n and_o can_v god_n in_o who_o be_v find_v all_o possible_a perfection_n manifest_a his_o peculiar_a and_o divine_a presence_n to_o the_o ever_o faithful_a and_o obedient_a soul_n of_o the_o messiah_n hitherto_o i_o have_v declare_v the_o great_a excellency_n and_o becomingness_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o shall_v conclude_v this_o general_a head_n with_o the_o recitation_n of_o two_o or_o three_o objection_n more_o make_v by_o the_o jew_n against_o our_o saviour_n and_o record_v in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o gospel_n object_n 1._o the_o first_o we_o find_v in_o john_n seven_o 48._o have_v any_o of_o the_o ruler_n or_o of_o the_o pharisee_n believe_v on_o he_o but_o this_o people_n who_o know_v not_o the_o law_n be_v curse_v answ_n 1._o to_o this_o i_o return_v that_o inasmuch_o as_o the_o great_a synagogue_n and_o ruler_n of_o the_o jew_n reject_v jesus_n and_o will_v not_o acknowledge_v he_o to_o be_v the_o expect_a messiah_n the_o more_o reason_n have_v other_o to_o believe_v in_o he_o for_o their_o own_o prophet_n long_o ago_o predict_v the_o rejection_n of_o the_o messiah_n by_o the_o jewish_a nation_n who_o shall_v be_v so_o obstinate_o blind_a that_o they_o shall_v not_o know_v he_o when_o he_o come_v into_o the_o world_n as_o we_o read_v in_o psal_n cxviii_o 22._o the_o stone_n which_o the_o builder_n refuse_v be_v become_v the_o head_n stone_n of_o the_o corner_n so_o likewise_o in_o isa_n vi_fw-la 10._o make_v the_o heart_n of_o this_o people_n fat_a and_o make_v their_o ear_n heavy_a and_o shut_v their_o eye_n lest_o they_o see_v with_o their_o eye_n and_o hear_v with_o their_o ear_n and_o understand_v with_o their_o heart_n and_o convert_v and_o be_v heal_v to_o which_o purpose_n be_v that_o say_v of_o r._n judas_n in_o the_o talmud_n that_o when_o the_o son_n of_o david_n shall_v come_v there_o shall_v be_v few_o wise_a man_n in_o israel_n and_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o scribe_n shall_v stink_v and_o the_o school_n of_o the_o prophet_n shall_v
be_v a_o sort_n of_o man_n in_o the_o world_n who_o mind_n be_v so_o deep_o tincture_v with_o sadducean_n and_o atheistical_a principle_n that_o be_v otherwise_o furnish_v with_o a_o quaint_a volubility_n of_o speech_n and_o some_o smattering_n of_o philosophy_n in_o this_o know_a age_n deem_v it_o the_o high_a improvement_n of_o their_o wit_n to_o laugh_v and_o jeer_v at_o that_o profound_a wisdom_n which_o be_v find_v in_o christianity_n now_o accuse_v its_o dogmata_fw-la of_o impossibility_n and_o contradiction_n and_o then_o scoff_v at_o the_o historical_a part_n as_o fabulous_a and_o romantic_a clear_o discover_v that_o their_o grand_a drift_n be_v to_o leaven_n the_o mind_n of_o man_n with_o that_o pernicious_a and_o venomous_a doctrine_n that_o there_o be_v nothing_o but_o matter_n in_o the_o world_n to_o begin_v therefore_o with_o the_o birth_n of_o the_o bless_a jesus_n and_o the_o circumstance_n attend_v of_o it_o as_o of_o the_o star_n which_o lead_v the_o wise_a man_n to_o he_o and_o of_o their_o adoration_n of_o he_o that_o these_o thing_n be_v not_o indecorous_a and_o ridiculous_a nor_o impertinent_o record_v but_o suitable_a and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o nativity_n of_o so_o great_a a_o person_n that_o a_o virgin_n shall_v conceive_v and_o bring_v forth_o a_o child_n virgin_n aught_o to_o be_v no_o such_o strange_a thing_n to_o the_o jew_n since_o their_o prophet_n have_v foretell_v that_o it_o shall_v so_o come_v to_o pass_v particular_o in_o isa_n seven_o 14._o behold_v a_o virgin_n shall_v conceive_v and_o bear_v a_o son_n and_o shall_v call_v his_o name_n immanuel_n and_o if_o this_o be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v of_o a_o pure_a and_o immaculate_a virgin_n where_o be_v that_o sign_n which_o god_n by_o his_o prophet_n usher_v in_o with_o such_o solemnity_n ask_v thou_o a_o sign_n of_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n ask_v it_o either_o in_o the_o depth_n or_o in_o the_o height_n above_o for_o nothing_o be_v more_o ordinary_a in_o the_o world_n than_o that_o a_o young_a woman_n shall_v bring_v forth_o a_o child_n add_v to_o this_o that_o the_o jewish_a rabbin_n teach_v that_o the_o generation_n and_o nativity_n of_o the_o messiah_n shall_v not_o be_v after_o the_o manner_n of_o other_o creature_n by_o carnal_a copulation_n but_o after_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n and_o his_o father_n shall_v be_v unknown_a till_o he_o himself_o reveal_v he_o nor_o ought_v it_o to_o be_v think_v a_o thing_n impossible_a by_o the_o gentile_n since_o they_o affirm_v many_o of_o their_o hero_n to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o the_o god_n and_o plato_n be_v say_v to_o be_v beget_v on_o perictione_n by_o apollo_n who_o forbid_v aristo_n to_o have_v any_o familiarity_n with_o his_o wife_n till_o plato_n be_v bear_v but_o to_o they_o that_o believe_v a_o just_a and_o righteous_a providence_n govern_v all_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o universe_n it_o be_v obvious_a to_o conceive_v that_o all_o soul_n be_v send_v into_o the_o world_n according_a to_o their_o demerit_n in_o a_o former_a life_n and_o therefore_o as_o a_o deep_o lapse_v soul_n descend_v into_o a_o inequal_a and_o monstrous_a body_n from_o which_o adunation_n can_v result_v no_o other_o than_o a_o brutish_a cruel_a and_o intemperate_a life_n and_o a_o pronity_n to_o all_o other_o vice_n arise_v from_o such_o a_o asymmetral_a and_o inhospitable_a society_n so_o the_o pure_a and_o immaculate_a soul_n of_o jesus_n must_v assume_v a_o terrestrial_a body_n after_o a_o unusual_a manner_n more_o pure_a than_o the_o rest_n that_o it_o may_v be_v free_a from_o sin_n and_o pollution_n as_o well_o as_o fit_v to_o converse_v with_o man_n and_o that_o he_o may_v in_o it_o teach_v a_o extraordinary_a temperance_n justice_n and_o goodness_n and_o all_o other_o virtue_n by_o his_o life_n as_o by_o his_o doctrine_n for_o neither_o will_v the_o justice_n of_o god_n precipitate_v so_o great_a a_o soul_n into_o a_o unfit_a and_o incongruous_a habitation_n nor_o its_o eximious_a purity_n admit_v of_o a_o union_n with_o a_o inquinated_a and_o filthy_a body_n star_n nor_o be_v it_o any_o whit_n incongruous_a that_o a_o unusual_a star_n shall_v attend_v the_o rise_n of_o the_o glorious_a sun_n of_o righteousness_n for_o though_o it_o be_v common_o say_v of_o comet_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o no_o one_o appear_v to_o the_o world_n but_o portend_v some_o mischief_n which_o historian_n plentiful_o observe_v and_o hence_o be_v that_o of_o claudian_n nunquam_fw-la futilibus_fw-la excanduit_fw-la ignibus_fw-la aether_n et_fw-la nunquam_fw-la coelo_fw-la spectatum_fw-la impune_fw-la cometen_v yet_o origen_n in_o his_o first_o book_n against_o celsus_n affirm_v that_o chaeremon_n the_o stoic_a in_o his_o treatise_n of_o comet_n prove_v by_o several_a instance_n out_o of_o history_n that_o comet_n sometime_o presage_v the_o approach_n of_o good_a thing_n astrum_n if_o then_o those_o great_a and_o wander_a globe_n be_v look_v upon_o as_o the_o presignificator_n of_o great_a change_n and_o alteration_n in_o the_o world_n what_o wonder_n be_v it_o that_o the_o birth_n of_o jesus_n who_o shall_v work_v so_o mighty_a a_o mutation_n upon_o earth_n and_o introduce_v a_o religion_n universal_a and_o common_a to_o all_o mankind_n shall_v be_v declare_v by_o a_o new_a and_o strange_a star_n and_o if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o a_o star_n in_o the_o heavenly_a region_n to_o design_n punctual_o so_o small_a a_o place_n as_o a_o particular_a house_n upon_o earth_n i_o answer_v that_o the_o magi_n find_v the_o house_n wherein_o jesus_n be_v not_o only_o by_o the_o disappear_a and_o vanish_v of_o the_o star_n over_o it_o but_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d by_o a_o diligent_a search_n and_o inquisition_n after_o the_o child_n perhaps_o of_o the_o shepherd_n who_o be_v not_o far_o distant_a keep_v watch_n over_o their_o flock_n it_o remain_v now_o that_o we_o apologise_v for_o the_o other_o part_n of_o the_o history_n viz._n men._n the_o come_n of_o the_o wise_a man_n from_o the_o east_n to_o jerusalem_n to_o which_o purpose_n it_o will_v be_v requisite_a to_o consider_v the_o quality_n of_o these_o magi_n who_o probable_o be_v none_o of_o these_o grosser_n sort_n of_o sorcerer_n that_o make_v a_o express_a compact_n with_o the_o devil_n but_o such_o as_o receive_v from_o other_o certain_a form_n and_o mysterious_a conjuration_n use_v they_o as_o they_o be_v deliver_v to_o they_o without_o inquire_v further_o into_o their_o nature_n and_o perhaps_o the_o black_a society_n may_v oblige_v themselves_o to_o attend_v such_o dark_a and_o hide_a mystery_n whether_o the_o transactor_n of_o they_o know_v they_o to_o be_v they_o or_o not_o but_o whether_o these_o magi_n be_v such_o or_o have_v a_o more_o open_a and_o visible_a commerce_n with_o evil_a spirit_n it_o matter_n not_o since_o this_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o airy_a principality_n can_v act_v no_o further_o where_o a_o more_o divine_a and_o excellent_a power_n intervene_v wherefore_o through_o the_o mighty_a virtue_n of_o the_o divinity_n reside_v in_o the_o soul_n of_o jesus_n and_o the_o unexpected_a descent_n of_o a_o glorious_a host_n of_o angel_n to_o these_o terrestrial_a region_n sing_v a_o anthem_n of_o praise_n at_o the_o birth_n of_o jesus_n it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o power_n of_o the_o airy_a principality_n be_v on_o a_o sudden_a restrain_v and_o a_o universal_a chillness_n and_o horror_n run_v through_o the_o dark_a kingdom_n so_o that_o they_o be_v unable_a to_o attend_v their_o own_o hellish_a mystery_n which_o the_o magi_n perceive_v their_o usual_a incantation_n not_o succeed_v nor_o the_o accustom_a effect_n follow_v their_o secret_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n they_o begin_v to_o think_v the_o cause_n of_o this_o unexpected_a accident_n to_o be_v extraordinary_a and_o know_v the_o prophecy_n of_o balaam_n that_o a_o star_n shall_v come_v out_o of_o jacob_n and_o a_o sceptre_n rise_v out_o of_o israel_n conjecture_v that_o the_o man_n foretell_v to_o come_v with_o the_o apparition_n of_o a_o star_n be_v now_o bear_v into_o the_o world_n and_o believe_v he_o to_o have_v a_o transcendent_a power_n over_o the_o aereal_a agent_n resolve_v to_o come_v and_o worship_v he_o present_v he_o with_o the_o choice_a gift_n of_o arabia_n gold_n and_o myrrh_n and_o frankincense_n as_o to_o a_o king_n a_o man_n and_o a_o god_n and_o if_o any_o man_n desire_v a_o further_a mystery_n he_o may_v take_v the_o learned_a grotius_n his_o observation_n that_o by_o these_o three_o are_z denote_v those_o three_o evangelical_n sacrifice_n which_o through_o christ_n we_o offer_v unto_o god_n viz._n work_v of_o charity_n and_o mercy_n phil._n four_o 18._o incorrupted_a purity_n of_o body_n rom._n twelve_o 1._o and_o prayer_n psal_n cxli_o 2._o we_o that_o be_v christian_n be_v teach_v in_o the_o gospel_n that_o jesus_n christ_n the_o saviour_n of_o mankind_n be_v god_n as_o well_o as_o man_n man._n