the_o salvation_n and_o future_a happiness_n of_o a_o christian_a we_o may_v take_v a_o brief_a abstract_n or_o sum_n of_o our_o duty_n which_o be_v this_o to_o love_v the_o lord_n our_o god_n with_o all_o our_o heart_n and_o to_o have_v a_o firm_a and_o radicate_v faith_n in_o his_o goodness_n declare_v to_o the_o world_n by_o his_o only_o beget_v son_n jesus_n christ_n a_o universal_a abstinence_n from_o all_o wrong_n and_o injustice_n a_o hearty_a love_n and_o goodwill_n to_o all_o man_n whatever_o to_o hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o to_o abstain_v from_o all_o appearance_n of_o evil_a to_o be_v of_o a_o compassionate_a and_o forgive_a spirit_n and_o if_o we_o have_v receive_v a_o injury_n not_o to_o recompense_v it_o again_o in_o any_o kind_n to_o abstract_n and_o withdraw_v our_o heart_n and_o mind_n from_o earthly_a good_n and_o make_v treasure_n for_o ourselves_o in_o heaven_n and_o to_o be_v no_o more_o solicitous_a for_o worldly_a concernment_n than_o the_o lily_n of_o the_o field_n or_o the_o fowl_n of_o the_o air_n but_o that_o have_v food_n and_o raiment_n therewith_o to_o be_v content_a to_o keep_v ourselves_o pure_a and_o undefiled_a not_o only_o from_o outward_a and_o grosser_n but_o inward_a and_o more_o refine_a pollution_n to_o be_v ready_a to_o do_v good_a and_o distribute_v to_o the_o necessity_n of_o our_o brethren_n to_o live_v peaceable_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a with_o all_o man_n in_o a_o word_n whatever_o thing_n be_v true_a whatever_o thing_n be_v honest_a just_a lovely_a and_o of_o good_a report_n if_o there_o be_v any_o virtue_n if_o there_o be_v any_o praise_n to_o think_v on_o such_o thing_n what_o can_v be_v plain_a and_o easy_a than_o this_o nor_o be_v the_o simplicity_n of_o the_o gospel_n any_o derogation_n from_o it_o though_o that_o impious_a epicurean_a celsus_n deride_v it_o upon_o that_o account_n extol_v the_o write_n of_o plato_n above_o the_o scripture_n for_o as_o origen_n acute_o enough_o reply_n celsum_fw-la the_o design_n of_o god_n in_o the_o gospel_n be_v to_o make_v man_n good_a and_o virtuous_a it_o be_v necessary_a the_o precept_n tend_v to_o that_o end_n shall_v be_v deliver_v plain_o and_o perspicuous_o suitable_a to_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o illiterate_a vulgar_a who_o be_v better_a allure_v and_o win_v by_o a_o common_a and_o usual_a form_n of_o speech_n than_o by_o the_o artificial_a decking_n and_o gay_a scheme_n of_o rhetoric_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o therefore_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n do_v much_o more_o advance_v that_o which_o be_v their_o chief_a aim_n the_o life_n and_o nature_n of_o god_n in_o the_o world_n by_o that_o as_o celsus_n call_v it_o rude_a and_o rustical_a manner_n of_o speak_v than_o all_o the_o elegant_a write_n of_o plato_n which_o if_o they_o ever_o be_v advantageous_a for_o the_o rectify_v and_o amend_v the_o life_n of_o man_n it_o be_v only_o to_o such_o who_o intellectual_a faculty_n be_v raise_v and_o elevate_v above_o the_o plebeian_n strain_n therefore_o do_v the_o holy_a jesus_n on_o purpose_n make_v choice_n of_o ignorant_a and_o illiterate_a person_n that_o it_o may_v appear_v that_o the_o thing_n which_o they_o speak_v be_v not_o in_o the_o word_n which_o man_n wisdom_n teach_v 1.27_o but_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n teach_v and_o that_o by_o the_o foolish_a thing_n of_o the_o world_n god_n may_v confound_v the_o wise_a and_o by_o the_o weak_a destroy_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v mighty_a object_n but_o you_o will_v say_v to_o what_o purpose_n be_v that_o intricacy_n and_o perplexity_n which_o be_v find_v in_o many_o place_n of_o holy_a scripture_n and_o wherefore_o be_v many_o of_o the_o chief_a of_o its_o doctrine_n involve_v in_o such_o darkness_n and_o obscurity_n answ_n 1._o it_o be_v in_o some_o measure_n requisite_a that_o the_o scripture_n shall_v be_v obscure_a to_o conciliate_v reverence_n and_o to_o beget_v a_o great_a esteem_n of_o its_o worth_n and_o dignity_n for_o the_o gospel_n be_v often_o call_v a_o mystery_n which_o suppose_v something_o venerable_a and_o secret_a and_o hide_a from_o the_o eye_n of_o vulgar_a person_n and_o god_n as_o in_o nature_n he_o have_v hide_v many_o precious_a thing_n in_o the_o bowel_n of_o the_o earth_n which_o can_v be_v obtain_v without_o great_a labour_n and_o diligence_n in_o like_a manner_n have_v he_o veil_v many_o inestimable_a treasure_n in_o the_o christian_a mystery_n which_o be_v only_o attainable_a by_o the_o diligent_a search_n and_o sincere_a endeavour_n of_o pious_a man_n for_o shall_v the_o divine_a wisdom_n have_v display_v at_o once_o all_o the_o glory_n and_o beauty_n of_o this_o sacred_a and_o recondite_v method_n of_o recover_a soul_n it_o will_v appear_v contemptible_a and_o worthless_a as_o be_v the_o easy_a purchase_n of_o every_o profane_a and_o impious_a person_n 2._o the_o reason_n of_o the_o obscurity_n of_o christianity_n lie_v not_o so_o much_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o as_o in_o the_o incongruity_n of_o man_n mind_n and_o understanding_n with_o so_o high_a and_o raise_v a_o object_n the_o eye_n can_v behold_v the_o sun_n unless_o it_o have_v some_o resemblance_n and_o similitude_n of_o it_o within_o itself_o for_o like_a be_v know_v by_o its_o like_a and_o if_o man_n mind_n be_v not_o purify_v and_o bring_v into_o some_o cognation_n and_o likeness_n with_o the_o truth_n offer_v to_o they_o it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v ever_o have_v any_o true_a and_o genuine_a apprehension_n of_o they_o there_o be_v a_o learning_n and_o know_v the_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o jesus_n in_o that_o godlike_a meek_a and_o resign_v spirit_n and_o till_o man_n temper_n be_v plain_v and_o smooth_v from_o the_o ruggedness_n of_o their_o passion_n and_o the_o stubborn_a asperity_n of_o their_o lust_n and_o win_v to_o the_o embrace_v of_o the_o truth_n in_o the_o love_n of_o it_o in_o that_o christ-like_a nature_n of_o humility_n and_o self-denial_n they_o may_v fill_v their_o head_n with_o sapless_a and_o lean_a notion_n windy_a and_o turgent_fw-la fancy_n but_o never_o nourish_v up_o their_o soul_n with_o solid_a and_o substantial_a knowledge_n the_o true_a sense_n of_o religion_n and_o christianity_n arise_v out_o of_o a_o mind_n devoid_a of_o passion_n and_o in_o which_o the_o life_n of_o god_n have_v take_v deep_a root_n and_o flourish_n and_o spread_v itself_o throughout_o all_o the_o power_n of_o the_o soul_n give_v a_o tincture_n relish_n and_o savour_n of_o itself_o to_o every_o thought_n word_n and_o deed_n in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o a_o man_n life_n and_o without_o this_o purify_a sense_n we_o feed_v upon_o nothing_o but_o the_o husk_n and_o shell_n of_o religion_n and_o fall_v in_o love_n with_o shadow_n instead_o of_o last_v and_o durable_a substance_n and_o this_o be_v no_o more_o than_o what_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o itself_o 1_o cor._n two_o 14._o the_o natural_a man_n receive_v not_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o they_o be_v foolishness_n unto_o he_o neither_o can_v he_o know_v they_o because_o they_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v there_o be_v require_v a_o spiritual_a sense_n a_o life_n of_o holiness_n and_o justice_n of_o benignity_n and_o righteousness_n to_o the_o true_a discrimination_n of_o good_a and_o evil._n and_o further_a to_o the_o knowledge_n and_o understanding_n of_o divine_a mystery_n there_o be_v necessary_o require_v the_o aid_n and_o assistance_n of_o that_o almighty_a and_o omnipresent_v spirit_n who_o by_o his_o foster_a incubation_n bring_v into_o be_v the_o goodly_a frame_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o that_o this_o holy_a spirit_n of_o truth_n may_v begin_v the_o efformation_n of_o the_o new_a and_o heavenly_a nature_n a_o considerable_a part_n of_o which_o be_v divine_a and_o spiritual_a wisdom_n there_o must_v be_v some_o previous_a preparation_n and_o man_n must_v be_v moral_o good_a and_o virtuous_a or_o else_o they_o will_v be_v perfect_o incapable_a of_o the_o illapse_n of_o his_o celestial_a influence_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v no_o marvel_n if_o to_o brutish_a and_o immoral_a person_n the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n be_v hide_v and_o obscure_a 3._o that_o there_o may_v be_v something_o still_o reserve_v for_o the_o gratification_n of_o all_o degree_n of_o christian_n in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o world_n there_o be_v both_o weak_a and_o strong_a christian_n some_o that_o be_v babe_n in_o christ_n and_o be_v feed_v with_o milk_n other_o that_o be_v of_o full_a age_n and_o have_v a_o discriminate_a sense_n of_o good_a and_o evil._n for_o the_o one_o there_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o rudimental_a way_n of_o instruction_n whereby_o man_n be_v lead_v as_o it_o be_v by_o the_o hand_n through_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n as_o the_o author_n to_o the_o hebrew_n intimate_v heb._n vi_fw-la where_o the_o first_o thing_n require_v
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
become_v brothel-house_n 2._o the_o holy_a jesus_n want_v not_o disciple_n even_o among_o the_o wise_a man_n of_o the_o jew_n such_o be_v simeon_n the_o just_a the_o scholar_n of_o hillel_n who_o be_v fill_v with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o after_o who_o death_n that_o divine_a spirit_n which_o inspire_v the_o great_a synagogue_n depart_v from_o they_o john_n the_o baptist_n who_o not_o only_o acknowledge_v christ_n himself_o but_o send_v his_o disciple_n to_o he_o as_o to_o that_o lamb_n of_o god_n who_o come_v to_o take_v away_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o world_n and_o gamaliel_n be_v say_v to_o have_v follow_v the_o apostle_n and_o to_o have_v be_v simeon_n scholar_n and_o st._n paul_n who_o be_v a_o man_n of_o great_a repute_n and_o esteem_v with_o the_o jew_n and_o sit_v at_o the_o foot_n of_o gamaliel_n yet_o be_v afterward_o a_o apostle_n of_o the_o holy_a jesus_n and_o josephus_n further_a inform_v we_o that_o the_o more_o sober_a and_o serious_a jew_n who_o be_v lover_n of_o the_o truth_n be_v such_o as_o follow_v jesus_n and_o those_o that_o be_v studious_a and_o zealous_a for_o the_o law_n sharp_o rebuke_v ananus_fw-la the_o high_a priest_n for_o command_v the_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n to_o be_v stone_v object_n 2._o act_n i_o 6._o lord_n will_v thou_o at_o this_o time_n restore_v again_o the_o kingdom_n to_o israel_n it_o be_v a_o current_a opinion_n among_o the_o jew_n in_o our_o saviour_n time_n that_o the_o messiah_n shall_v be_v a_o temporal_a monarch_n and_o redeem_v they_o from_o the_o yoke_n of_o the_o roman_n as_o appear_v from_o this_o question_n of_o the_o disciple_n who_o doubtless_o speak_v the_o general_a sense_n of_o the_o jew_n but_o they_o find_v nothing_o in_o the_o attempt_v and_o action_n of_o jesus_n tend_v that_o way_n hence_o they_o can_v not_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v the_o promise_a messiah_n answ_n christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n such_o as_o he_o be_v foretell_v to_o be_v that_o be_v humble_a and_o meek_a not_o with_o the_o splendour_n and_o glory_n of_o a_o earthly_a prince_n but_o poor_a and_o despicable_a a_o man_n of_o sorrow_n and_o without_o form_n and_o comeliness_n as_o it_o be_v predict_v by_o zechariah_n the_o prophet_n zech._n ix_o 9_o and_o isa_n liii_o the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o his_o come_n be_v to_o appease_v the_o anger_n of_o god_n by_o devote_v himself_o for_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n to_o destroy_v the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o to_o make_v one_o body_n of_o jew_n and_o gentile_n of_o which_o he_o himself_o shall_v be_v the_o head_n and_o it_o be_v no_o way_n fit_a and_o agreeable_a for_o such_o a_o undertake_n to_o appear_v in_o earthly_a splendour_n and_o glory_n fill_v the_o world_n with_o blood_n and_o slaughter_n like_o another_o alexander_n or_o caesar_n by_o the_o puissance_n of_o mighty_a army_n wherefore_o the_o holy_a jesus_n be_v to_o disseminate_a and_o promote_v the_o bless_a life_n of_o god_n upon_o earth_n show_v his_o divinity_n more_o refulgent_a by_o vileness_n and_o contempt_n his_o power_n by_o weakness_n and_o infirmity_n his_o glory_n by_o the_o scorn_v of_o man_n and_o his_o almighty_a life_n and_o virtue_n by_o death_n and_o the_o grave_a and_o if_o he_o have_v otherwise_o descend_v from_o the_o celestial_a mansion_n than_o the_o scripture_n relate_v man_n have_v entitle_v himself_o to_o part_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o undertake_n and_o the_o more_o splendid_a the_o divine_a life_n have_v appear_v to_o outward_a view_n with_o the_o faint_a lustre_n have_v it_o shine_v in_o itself_o beside_o that_o that_o doctrine_n which_o christ_n be_v to_o bring_v into_o the_o world_n and_o render_v acceptable_a to_o man_n by_o his_o own_o example_n be_v quite_o contrary_a to_o the_o gratification_n of_o the_o animal_n life_n and_o too_o vile_a and_o base_a to_o be_v essential_a to_o the_o perfection_n of_o human_a nature_n object_n 3._o mat._n xxvii_o 40._o if_o thou_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n come_v down_o from_o the_o cross_n answ_n he_o that_o come_v into_o the_o world_n clothe_v with_o human_a flesh_n and_o in_o the_o several_a action_n of_o his_o life_n manifest_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o true_a man_n will_v now_o in_o this_o last_o act_n keep_v a_o decorum_n that_o as_o he_o be_v bear_v into_o the_o world_n like_o other_o man_n partake_v real_o of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n and_o all_o the_o frailty_n and_o infirmity_n of_o mankind_n sin_n only_o except_v so_o he_o will_v die_v like_o other_o man_n and_o suffer_v a_o real_a separation_n of_o his_o soul_n from_o his_o body_n that_o we_o may_v be_v conformable_a to_o he_o in_o his_o death_n and_o die_v unto_o sin_n crucify_a all_o our_o inordinate_a lust_n and_o affection_n and_o descend_v into_o the_o grave_a with_o he_o by_o a_o profound_a humility_n and_o mortification_n which_o be_v a_o sufficient_a answer_n to_o this_o insult_a cavil_v of_o the_o jew_n that_o if_o jesus_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n he_o must_v needs_o demonstrate_v it_o by_o a_o miraculous_a descent_n from_o the_o cross_n chap._n iu._n that-christianity_n be_v every_o way_n fit_v and_o accommodate_v for_o a_o effectual_a recovery_n of_o lapse_v and_o degenerate_v mankind_n to_o this_o purpose_n we_o must_v consider_v man_n as_o a_o rational_a be_v endue_v with_o liberty_n of_o will_n and_o a_o lord_n of_o his_o own_o action_n and_o consequent_o must_v be_v treat_v according_a to_o those_o faculty_n and_o qualification_n bestow_v upon_o he_o by_o the_o gracious_a bounty_n of_o his_o creator_n and_o this_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o man_n he_o be_v not_o to_o be_v deal_v withal_o like_o a_o stock_n or_o stone_n that_o be_v whole_o inert_v and_o sluggish_a nor_o like_o a_o beast_n that_o be_v act_v and_o lead_v only_o by_o the_o impulse_n of_o sense_n but_o as_o endue_v with_o reason_n and_o intellect_n and_o capable_a of_o discriminate_v between_o real_a good_a and_o evil_a and_o this_o principle_n in_o man_n can_v be_v force_v without_o the_o destruction_n of_o his_o nature_n but_o be_v allure_v and_o draw_v by_o moral_a argument_n wherefore_o the_o design_n of_o god_n in_o the_o gospel_n be_v to_o wind_n man_n off_o from_o sin_n to_o a_o serious_a pursuit_n of_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n he_o make_v use_v of_o such_o argument_n as_o be_v most_o powerful_a and_o efficacious_a for_o that_o end_n and_o most_o suitable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n as_o 1._o what_o can_v more_o deter_v man_n from_o wickedness_n and_o vice_n than_o the_o sober_a press_v upon_o they_o the_o consideration_n of_o a_o future_a day_n of_o judgement_n wherein_o the_o just_a judge_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n will_v impartial_o look_v into_o their_o life_n and_o dispose_v of_o they_o according_a to_o the_o moral_a frame_n and_o disposition_n of_o their_o spirit_n to_o they_o who_o by_o patient_a continuance_n in_o well_o do_v seek_v for_o glory_n honour_n and_o immortality_n eternal_a life_n but_o to_o they_o who_o do_v not_o obey_v the_o gospel_n he_o will_v recompense_v tribulation_n and_o wrath._n he_o that_o be_v convince_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n must_v likewise_o believe_v that_o though_o god_n be_v patient_a and_o long-suffering_a not_o willing_a that_o any_o shall_v perish_v yet_o he_o be_v likewise_o just_a and_o hate_v all_o sin_n whatever_o and_o to_o convince_v all_o unbelieving_a and_o atheistical_a person_n of_o his_o displeasure_n against_o wickedness_n and_o vice_n he_o have_v appoint_v a_o day_n wherein_o he_o will_v judge_v the_o world_n a_o day_n wherein_o jesus_n christ_n the_o bless_a son_n of_o god_n shall_v visible_o descend_v from_o heaven_n accompany_v with_o innumerable_a legion_n of_o mighty_a angel_n before_o who_o throne_n all_o wicked_a man_n and_o devil_n shall_v stand_v with_o paleness_n and_o horror_n expect_v the_o pronunciation_n of_o that_o dreadful_a sentence_n go_v you_o curse_v into_o everlasting_a fire_n which_o final_a doom_n and_o sentence_n shall_v present_o be_v execute_v upon_o they_o for_o through_o the_o stupendous_a operation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n the_o infernal_a treasure_n of_o fire_n shall_v be_v open_v and_o a_o universal_a deluge_n of_o flame_n shall_v spread_v itself_o over_o the_o face_n of_o the_o age_a earth_n which_o shall_v be_v cleave_v and_o rive_v by_o terrible_a eruption_n of_o sulphureous_a matter_n break_v forth_o with_o horrible_a rage_n and_o fury_n from_o the_o low_a region_n and_o this_o together_o with_o shower_n of_o fire_n rain_v down_o from_o thick_a and_o pitchy_a cloud_n shall_v wrap_v universal_a nature_n in_o a_o sheet_n of_o flame_n and_o complete_a a_o external_a hell_n where_o the_o worm_n die_v not_o and_o the_o fire_n be_v not_o quench_v tell_v i_o then_o o_o man_n thou_o that_o think_v righteousness_n but_o a_o idle_a name_n on_o who_o hard_a and_o stubborn_a soul_n a_o discourse_n of_o another_o
whole_o intellectual_a he_o will_v not_o only_o esteem_v the_o efflux_n and_o emanation_n of_o the_o rational_a life_n to_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o his_o felicity_n but_o seek_v the_o amplification_n and_o diffusion_n of_o it_o and_o reduce_v all_o exorbitant_a motion_n to_o its_o rule_n and_o determination_n and_o if_o we_o will_v not_o impose_v upon_o ourselves_o nor_o degrade_v our_o mind_n below_o the_o folly_n and_o triflingness_n of_o child_n but_o act_n like_o man_n who_o prefer_v thing_n before_o empty_a sound_n and_o name_n the_o eternal_a rule_n of_o justice_n righteousness_n and_o goodness_n will_v appear_v infinite_o more_o eligible_a than_o any_o thing_n else_o in_o the_o world_n beside_o for_o let_v a_o man_n be_v possess_v of_o the_o most_o glorious_a and_o splendid_a advantage_n and_o satisfaction_n that_o possible_o can_v grow_v out_o of_o the_o earth_n and_o let_v he_o extract_v the_o flower_n and_o quintessence_n of_o sublunary_a delight_n and_o he_o will_v find_v they_o at_o the_o best_a very_o dilute_a and_o flashy_a and_o too_o base_a and_o disproportionate_a object_n of_o a_o pure_a active_a and_o indefatigable_a mind_n and_o be_v it_o not_o that_o man_n be_v cheat_v into_o a_o esteem_n and_o approbation_n of_o they_o partly_o from_o the_o example_n of_o other_o who_o daily_o run_v the_o great_a hazard_n and_o labour_n in_o their_o acquisition_n and_o purchase_n and_o partly_o from_o the_o innate_a pravity_n and_o iniquity_n of_o their_o own_o spirit_n which_o be_v preingage_v in_o a_o early_a contention_n after_o the_o thing_n of_o sense_n be_v more_o forcible_o strike_v and_o move_v by_o the_o emission_n and_o radiation_n of_o the_o corporeal_a world_n it_o be_v exceed_o improbable_a they_o shall_v forego_v such_o valuable_a and_o excellent_a pleasure_n as_o those_o of_o virtue_n and_o holiness_n for_o the_o small_a and_o inconsiderable_a though_o the_o most_o refine_a joy_n of_o this_o region_n of_o mutability_n especial_o when_o they_o be_v perpetual_o attend_v with_o such_o instant_a satiety_n and_o afflictive_a circumstance_n that_o bless_a author_n of_o our_o felicity_n the_o lord_n christ_n who_o both_o know_v the_o sovereign_n good_a of_o our_o spirit_n and_o design_v the_o cement_n and_o restauration_n of_o the_o break_a and_o distract_a world_n by_o enter_v into_o it_o make_v it_o his_o first_o care_n and_o business_n to_o purge_v and_o refine_v our_o mind_n from_o the_o dross_n and_o pollution_n of_o material_a concretion_n by_o bring_v down_o the_o price_n of_o terrestrial_a love_n and_o set_v a_o low_a estimate_n upon_o what_o the_o world_n call_v happiness_n riches_n and_o honour_n and_o all_o the_o choice_a gratification_n of_o the_o inferior_a life_n and_o propound_v not_o only_o such_o precept_n as_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n tend_v to_o the_o raise_n and_o elevate_n the_o power_n and_o faculty_n of_o our_o soul_n to_o their_o high_a and_o most_o enlarge_v perfection_n and_o which_o by_o our_o conformity_n to_o they_o shall_v full_o satisfy_v all_o our_o rational_a thirst_v and_o appetite_n but_o likewise_o revive_v our_o languish_a resolution_n and_o reinspirit_n our_o mind_n with_o new_a strength_n and_o vigour_n by_o his_o own_o example_n as_o the_o most_o attractive_a and_o powerful_a mean_n that_o possible_o can_v be_v offer_v to_o a_o ingenuous_a nature_n all_o the_o time_n that_o he_o converse_v upon_o earth_n he_o go_v about_o do_v good_a transcribe_v the_o fair_a and_o most_o amiable_a perfection_n and_o attribute_n of_o the_o moral_a essence_n of_o god_n for_o our_o imitation_n redress_v and_o heal_v the_o imperfection_n of_o mankind_n and_o cast_v a_o benign_a and_o auspicious_a influence_n upon_o the_o distemper_a world_n by_o propagate_a and_o diffuse_v the_o holy_a life_n of_o god_n into_o all_o capable_a receptacle_n and_o that_o he_o may_v show_v we_o what_o a_o small_a and_o mean_a valuation_n he_o put_v upon_o mundane_a and_o temporal_a felicity_n and_o how_o little_a they_o contribute_v to_o the_o advancement_n of_o that_o which_o be_v the_o flower_n and_o summity_n of_o our_o soul_n he_o command_v great_a temperance_n and_o moderation_n both_o in_o the_o prosecution_n and_o use_v of_o they_o and_o declare_v a_o high_a dislike_n against_o all_o exorbitancy_n and_o excess_n condemn_v all_o anxious_a and_o solicitous_a thought_n about_o these_o momentany_a concernment_n as_o criminous_a and_o faulty_a and_o what_o he_o enjoin_v upon_o his_o disciple_n and_o follower_n he_o himself_o always_o observe_v and_o practise_v never_o disquiet_v his_o holy_a breast_n with_o doubtful_a and_o corrode_a care_n nor_o charge_v heaven_n with_o partiality_n and_o unkindness_n though_o he_o become_v so_o poor_a for_o our_o sake_n that_o he_o be_v force_v by_o a_o miracle_n to_o pay_v his_o tribute-penny_n to_o the_o roman_a governor_n his_o blameless_a and_o immaculate_a soul_n no_o impure_a touch_n of_o pleasure_n ever_o defile_v nor_o unjust_a and_o unhallowed_a action_n ever_o stain_v and_o sully_v its_o native_a brightness_n but_o remain_v to_o his_o die_v upon_o the_o cross_a a_o spotless_a temple_n eternal_o consecrate_v to_o the_o divinity_n reside_v in_o it_o but_o that_o which_o do_v most_o of_o all_o allure_n and_o attract_v the_o heart_n and_o spirit_n of_o man_n be_v his_o exceed_a and_o superlative_a charity_n which_o not_o only_o burn_v bright_a within_o its_o own_o orb_n but_o by_o a_o sacred_a influence_n and_o communication_n melt_v and_o thaw_v the_o benumb_a and_o freeze_a world_n into_o a_o soft_a pliable_a and_o sequacious_a temper_n and_o set_v abroad_o a_o godlike_a spirit_n of_o universal_a tenderness_n pity_n and_o compassion_n upon_o the_o earth_n and_o that_o so_o illustrious_a a_o person_n may_v want_v nothing_o to_o recommend_v his_o life_n to_o mankind_n as_o the_o most_o complete_a pattern_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n his_o patience_n exhibit_v in_o a_o noble_a sufferance_n of_o all_o those_o ignominy_n and_o disgrace_n put_v upon_o he_o make_v he_o no_o less_o conspicuous_a than_o those_o other_o radiant_a virtue_n render_v he_o acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o man._n and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n more_o that_o be_v worthy_a and_o decorous_a and_o perfective_a of_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n it_o be_v eminent_o contain_v in_o the_o lord_n christ_n who_o glorious_a mind_n be_v too_o large_a and_o great_a to_o bring_v forth_o any_o poor_a and_o abject_a design_n but_o take_v the_o whole_a world_n into_o his_o care_n and_o fold_v the_o creation_n within_o the_o arm_n of_o dear_a compassion_n by_o all_o this_o and_o much_o more_o we_o be_v teach_v wherein_o consist_v the_o great_a excellency_n beauty_n and_o dignity_n of_o our_o soul_n namely_o in_o the_o act_n of_o goodness_n righteousness_n and_o mercy_n in_o profound_a humility_n and_o self-denial_n in_o patience_n longanimity_n and_o uncorrupted_a purity_n of_o body_n and_o spirit_n for_o these_o and_o such_o like_a heroical_a exertion_n of_o our_o mind_n bring_v not_o only_o a_o present_a delight_n and_o gratefulness_n with_o they_o but_o pervade_v by_o a_o secret_a and_o insensible_a influence_n all_o our_o animal_n power_n and_o diffuse_v a_o certain_a savour_n and_o relish_v of_o themselves_o throughout_o our_o inferior_a faculty_n as_o it_o be_v with_o vice_n and_o sin_n every_o pitiful_a and_o degenerate_a production_n of_o which_o spread_v its_o contagious_a nature_n and_o leaven_n our_o whole_a man_n with_o its_o poisonous_a and_o infectious_a inspiration_n so_o much_o more_o will_v truth_n and_o righteousness_n disseminate_a a_o healthful_a efflux_n and_o hallow_v our_o vital_a capacity_n as_o be_v the_o most_o congenerous_a and_o agreeable_a object_n of_o our_o intellectual_a part_n the_o life_n of_o god_n which_o alone_o ought_v to_o have_v the_o sovereign_a command_n over_o the_o whole_a rational_a creation_n and_o which_o will_v in_o due_a time_n conquer_v and_o triumph_v over_o the_o dark_a and_o apostate_n principality_n that_o life_n i_o say_v of_o universal_a sanctity_n and_o righteousness_n be_v a_o immortal_a thing_n like_o its_o great_a source_n and_o parent_n and_o be_v always_o pass_v through_o the_o world_n and_o will_v not_o rest_v any_o where_o but_o in_o such_o a_o fit_a and_o congruous_a subject_n as_o bear_v some_o analogy_n and_o similitude_n with_o itself_o and_o be_v once_o seat_v there_o unless_o it_o be_v forcible_o drive_v out_o by_o rebellious_a lust_n to_o which_o it_o proclaim_v a_o irreconcilable_a war_n it_o will_v continual_o dispread_v its_o lovely_a nature_n and_o enlarge_v its_o kingdom_n by_o the_o total_a consumption_n or_o conversion_n into_o its_o own_o likeness_n and_o quality_n whatever_o resist_v and_o hinder_v its_o progress_n and_o at_o last_o when_o free_v from_o the_o sluggish_a weight_n of_o mortality_n like_o a_o quick_a and_o active_a flame_n carry_v up_o the_o soul_n with_o joy_n and_o triumph_n into_o heaven_n to_o which_o it_o always_o breath_n and_o aspire_v heaven_n itself_o be_v nothing_o but_o the_o bless_a mansion_n of_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