Selected quad for the lemma: spirit_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
spirit_n father_n son_n world_n 9,611 5 4.8989 4 false
View all documents for the selected quad

Text snippets containing the quad

ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A26785 The divinity of the Christian religion, proved by the evidence of reason and divine revelation by William Bates ... Bates, William, 1625-1699. 1677 (1677) Wing B1104; ESTC R33149 60,636 228

There are 4 snippets containing the selected quad. | View original text

spread_v abroad_o this_o happy_a and_o stupendous_a success_n of_o the_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n christ_n consider_v in_o itself_o be_v a_o unanswerable_a proof_n that_o the_o christian_a religion_n come_v from_o heaven_n for_o it_o be_v only_o possible_a to_o the_o divine_a power_n it_o be_v no_o wonder_n the_o religion_n of_o mahomet_n extend_v and_o establish_v its_o conquest_n in_o many_o country_n for_o that_o seducer_n persuade_v the_o barbarous_a people_n by_o force_n of_o arm_n they_o must_v be_v his_o disciple_n or_o slave_n and_o can_v the_o mind_n form_n a_o clear_a judgement_n or_o the_o will_v make_v a_o free_a choice_n when_o under_o a_o tyrannous_a necessity_n of_o compliance_n or_o lose_v all_o the_o comfort_n of_o life_n can_v violence_n and_o cruelty_n produce_v a_o rational_a faith_n that_o may_v force_v they_o to_o a_o counterfeit_a compliance_n but_o can_v make_v man_n sincere_o believe_v it_o be_v apt_a to_o breed_v form_n without_o and_o atheism_n within_o now_o that_o a_o persecute_a religion_n shall_v live_v and_o flourish_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o flame_n be_v as_o true_o admirable_a as_o if_o a_o little_a stream_n shall_v pass_v through_o a_o arm_n of_o the_o ocean_n retain_v its_o freshness_n and_o purity_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o salt_n and_o turbid_v water_n that_o when_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v prepossess_v with_o inveterate_a opinion_n contrary_a to_o its_o supernatural_a mystery_n and_o their_o will_n overrule_v by_o carnal_a affection_n utter_o averse_a from_o its_o holy_a precept_n the_o world_n be_v captive_v to_o the_o belief_n and_o obedience_n of_o it_o be_v the_o most_o noble_a effect_n of_o omnipotence_n for_o other_o miracle_n though_o above_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n yet_o be_v on_o the_o low_a order_n of_o creature_n without_o life_n and_o sense_n but_o this_o internal_a miracle_n be_v wrought_v on_o the_o mind_n and_o heart_n of_o men._n to_o raise_v the_o dead_a to_o calm_v a_o storm_n to_o suspend_v the_o force_n of_o fire_n to_o change_v water_n into_o blood_n be_v not_o so_o glorious_a a_o work_n as_o the_o convert_n rebellious_a soul_n to_o god_n and_o make_v they_o a_o willing_a people_n to_o his_o holy_a law_n and_o if_o we_o further_o consider_v the_o prophecy_n so_o many_o age_n before_o concern_v it_o and_o observe_v the_o harmony_n betwixt_o the_o work_n and_o word_n of_o god_n there_o result_v a_o demonstration_n as_o clear_v and_o strong_a as_o be_v possible_a the_o prediction_n and_o accomplishment_n be_v equal_o divine_a the_o success_n justify_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o prophecy_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o prophecy_n justify_v the_o divinity_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n for_o by_o the_o apostle_n and_o their_o successor_n the_o heathen_n be_v turn_v from_o idol_n to_o the_o service_n of_o one_o god_n the_o creator_n of_o the_o world_n which_o be_v foretell_v by_o the_o prophet_n not_o only_o as_o a_o thing_n that_o shall_v arrive_v but_o to_o be_v perform_v by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n to_o ascribe_v then_o this_o glorious_a work_n to_o humane_a artifice_n as_o if_o his_o providence_n have_v be_v prevent_v by_o other_o from_o do_v that_o that_o he_o promise_v shall_v be_v do_v by_o his_o own_o power_n be_v so_o direct_o contrary_a to_o his_o wisdom_n and_o his_o truth_n that_o common_a reason_n abhor_v the_o thought_n of_o it_o therefore_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v divine_a have_v god_n for_o its_o author_n thus_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v victorious_a over_o the_o jewish_a or_o the_o profane_a infidel_n it_o may_v be_v argue_v against_o the_o jew_n that_o their_o god_n foretell_v his_o messiah_n shall_v convert_v the_o nation_n no_o other_o but_o one_o authorise_v from_o above_o can_v do_v it_o jesus_n christ_n have_v do_v it_o therefore_o he_o be_v the_o messiah_n and_o consequent_o they_o be_v either_o blind_a with_o prejudice_n or_o malicious_o deny_v the_o know_a truth_n to_o profane_a infidel_n it_o may_v be_v urge_v none_o but_o the_o divine_a providence_n can_v foretell_v so_o great_a and_o marvellous_a a_o change_n of_o the_o world_n none_o but_o the_o divine_a power_n can_v effect_v it_o therefore_o it_o be_v the_o true_a god_n that_o make_v the_o project_n and_o event_n so_o exact_o to_o correspond_v in_o all_o thing_n add_v further_o that_o by_o compare_v the_o prophecy_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o kingdom_n with_o their_o accomplishment_n the_o two_o sort_n of_o enemy_n against_o the_o gospel_n be_v make_v useful_a to_o convince_v one_o another_o the_o pagan_n by_o the_o jew_n that_o these_o thing_n be_v foretell_v the_o jew_n by_o the_o pagan_n that_o these_o thing_n be_v fulfil_v divers_a st._n austin_n relate_v that_o the_o heathen_n see_v the_o exact_a agreement_n between_o the_o prophecy_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n so_o clear_a in_o word_n and_o their_o accomplishment_n in_o the_o new_a so_o clear_a in_o the_o effect_n have_v nothing_o to_o reply_v but_o that_o they_o be_v write_v after_o the_o thing_n be_v do_v and_o feign_v to_o be_v prediction_n of_o ancient_a date_n as_o virgil_n weave_v fable_n of_o aeneas_n feign_v he_o to_o be_v in_o the_o elysian_a field_n and_o to_o receive_v from_o anchises_n a_o prediction_n of_o his_o descendants_n in_o a_o long_a succession_n and_o order_n of_o man_n and_o time_n which_o be_v the_o story_n of_o what_o be_v actual_o pass_v when_o he_o write_v it_o in_o answer_n to_o this_o pretence_n he_o break_v out_o with_o wonder_n and_o joy_n o_o gloria_fw-la regis_fw-la nostri_fw-la the_o cause_o be_v gain_v and_o the_o victory_n of_o truth_n can_v not_o be_v more_o glorious_a for_o whereas_o the_o many_o nation_n in_o europe_n asia_n africa_n subdue_v by_o the_o arm_n of_o the_o roman_n be_v compel_v to_o observe_v the_o rite_n of_o their_o religion_n the_o jew_n only_o be_v permit_v to_o enjoy_v their_o sacred_a book_n and_o convici_fw-la their_o own_o worship_n and_o be_v disperse_v into_o all_o country_n and_o thus_o by_o the_o admirable_a counsel_n of_o god_n they_o give_v credit_n to_o the_o gospel_n among_o the_o gentile_n for_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o reverence_n they_o bear_v to_o the_o write_n of_o the_o prophet_n that_o with_o the_o great_a care_n they_o have_v preserve_v they_o as_o the_o most_o precious_a inheritance_n leave_v by_o their_o father_n and_o their_o mortal_a hatred_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o gospel_n that_o willing_o they_o will_v spend_v their_o blood_n to_o deface_v the_o memorial_n of_o it_o it_o be_v a_o invincible_a argument_n that_o the_o prediction_n concern_v the_o state_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n record_v in_o their_o scripture_n be_v sincere_o deliver_v and_o of_o divine_a authority_n this_o their_o malice_n be_v a_o advantage_n to_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o by_o constraint_n they_o be_v the_o great_a confirmer_n of_o it_o this_o be_v sufficient_a to_o reduce_v the_o heathen_n to_o silence_n and_o confusion_n and_o the_o pagan_a be_v convince_v by_o the_o book_n of_o the_o jew_n the_o jew_n may_v be_v convince_v by_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o pagan_n for_o if_o the_o record_n so_o jealous_o keep_v by_o that_o nation_n be_v from_o divine_a inspiration_n if_o they_o contain_v ancient_a prophecy_n which_o the_o heathen_n see_v verify_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o christian_a church_n why_o do_v not_o the_o jew_n acknowledge_v jesus_n christ_n to_o be_v the_o promise_a messiah_n if_o the_o veil_n be_v not_o take_v from_o moses_n face_n and_o lay_v on_o their_o heart_n they_o must_v clear_o see_v that_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gentile_n be_v the_o glory_n of_o israel_n it_o be_v equal_o unreasonable_a to_o doubt_v with_o the_o atheist_n that_o the_o messiah_n be_v ever_o promise_v or_o to_o believe_v with_o the_o jew_n he_o be_v yet_o to_o come_v chap._n v._n the_o testimony_n produce_v by_o st._n john_n for_o the_o proof_n of_o christianity_n brief_o consider_v the_o witness_n from_o heaven_n the_o father_n word_n and_o spirit_n the_o witness_n on_o earth_n the_o spirit_n water_n and_o blood_n conspire_v in_o declare_v jesus_n christ_n to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o saviour_n of_o men._n a_o answer_n to_o objection_n against_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n the_o divine_a incarnation_n and_o the_o mean_a state_n and_o suffering_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n in_o the_o world_n the_o conclusion_n the_o gospel_n so_o prove_v deserve_v our_o firm_a assent_n and_o adherence_n to_o its_o doctrine_n carnal_a or_o spiritual_a lust_n hinder_v the_o belief_n of_o it_o it_o set_v before_o we_o the_o most_o powerful_a motive_n to_o love_v god_n we_o be_v oblige_v by_o the_o strong_a reason_n to_o obey_v its_o precept_n the_o sum_n of_o all_o that_o have_v be_v say_v be_v comprise_v in_o the_o testimony_n that_o st._n john_n produce_v to_o prove_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n
and_o the_o redeemer_n of_o the_o world_n this_o i_o will_v brief_o open_v there_o be_v three_o that_o bear_v record_n in_o heaven_n the_o father_n the_o word_n and_o the_o holy-ghost_n and_o these_o three_o be_v one_o and_o there_o be_v three_o that_o bear_v witness_n in_o earth_n the_o spirit_n and_o the_o water_n and_o the_o blood_n and_o these_o three_o agree_v in_o one_o all_o the_o divinity_n give_v testimony_n of_o this_o important_a truth_n the_o father_n not_o only_o by_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o his_o power_n to_o confirm_v the_o mission_n of_o christ_n but_o which_o be_v here_o principal_o intend_v by_o a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n first_o at_o his_o baptism_n this_o be_v my_o well-beloved_a son_n in_o who_o i_o be_o well_o please_v and_o at_o his_o transfiguration_n before_o some_o of_o his_o disciple_n a_o shine_v cloud_n the_o sign_n of_o the_o divine_a presence_n encompass_v they_o and_o a_o voice_n come_v forth_o of_o the_o cloud_n this_o be_v my_o well_o belove_a son_n hear_v he_o upon_o this_o glorious_a voice_n they_o be_v strike_v with_o such_o a_o impression_n of_o fear_n that_o they_o fall_v on_o their_o face_n and_o when_o our_o saviour_n near_o his_o passion_n pray_v father_n glorify_v thy_o name_n a_o voice_n come_v from_o heaven_n i_o have_v glorify_v it_o and_o will_v glorify_v it_o now_o can_v there_o remain_v any_o doubt_n after_o such_o a_o high_a attestation_n from_o the_o most_o sovereign_a authority_n the_o son_n also_o beside_o the_o perfect_a holiness_n of_o his_o life_n the_o exquisite_a wisdom_n of_o his_o doctrine_n the_o wonder_n of_o his_o work_n his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a that_o be_v authentic_a proof_n of_o his_o celestial_a person_n and_o call_v after_o his_o ascension_n glorious_o appear_v from_o heaven_n in_o diverse_a vision_n to_o the_o preacher_n of_o his_o gospel_n to_o saul_n in_o his_o journey_n to_o damascus_n call_v to_o he_o saul_n saul_n why_o persecute_v thou_o i_o it_o be_v hard_a for_o thou_o to_o kick_v against_o the_o prick_n this_o be_v a_o unexceptionable_a testimony_n that_o he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o return_v to_o heaven_n from_o whence_o he_o thus_o discover_v himself_o now_o that_o this_o be_v real_a and_o no_o fantastic_a illusion_n be_v evident_a by_o the_o marvellous_a effect_n of_o it_o those_o who_o be_v companion_n in_o the_o journey_n be_v seize_v with_o great_a terror_n and_o himself_o strike_v blind_a by_o the_o overpower_a splendour_n of_o the_o apparition_n but_o especial_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o upon_o his_o soul_n be_v convince_a who_o it_o be_v that_o speak_v to_o he_o for_o saul_n be_v by_o sect_n a_o pharisee_fw-mi that_o of_o all_o other_o most_o passionate_o adhere_v to_o the_o jewish_a religion_n by_o temper_v hot_a and_o violent_a by_o profession_n a_o persecutor_n of_o the_o christian_n one_o that_o breathe_v forth_o threaten_v and_o slaughter_n that_o excite_v the_o fury_n of_o the_o high-priest_n solicit_v their_o cruelty_n in_o short_a a_o fierce_a spirit_n that_o envy_v nero_n the_o title_n of_o the_o first_o persecutor_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o this_o man_n by_o this_o vision_n and_o voice_n from_o heaven_n of_o a_o furious_a persecutor_n in_o a_o instant_n become_v a_o zealous_a apostle_n of_o a_o wolf_n become_v a_o pastor_n he_o present_o express_v his_o entire_a submission_n lord_n what_o will_v thou_o have_v i_o to_o do_v there_o be_v nothing_o so_o hard_a to_o do_v nothing_o so_o dreadful_a to_o suffer_v but_o i_o will_v ready_o undertake_v for_o thy_o honour_n and_o the_o propagate_a thy_o truth_n now_o from_o whence_o come_v this_o change_n so_o strange_a so_o new_a in_o a_o person_n confirm_v in_o the_o opposite_a party_n from_o whence_o this_o resignation_n of_o will_n so_o entire_a and_o perfect_a so_o unexpected_a and_o sudden_a what_o give_v he_o courage_n to_o contradict_v to_o their_o face_n the_o high-priest_n who_o instrument_n he_o be_v and_o declare_v that_o jesus_n who_o they_o call_v a_o deceiver_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o their_o judge_n what_o animate_v he_o to_o appear_v before_o king_n and_o emperor_n to_o testify_v this_o dangerous_a truth_n what_o make_v he_o with_o unparalleled_a activity_n with_o the_o most_o ardent_a affection_n propagate_v the_o gospel_n and_o after_o a_o thousand_o peril_n by_o sea_n and_o land_n a_o thousand_o disgrace_n and_o injury_n at_o last_o to_o confirm_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n with_o his_o blood_n it_o be_v therefore_o past_a all_o contradiction_n that_o he_o have_v the_o great_a assurance_n that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n speak_v to_o he_o another_o vision_n of_o the_o word_n from_o heaven_n be_v to_o st._n john_n when_o he_o be_v please_v to_o reveal_v to_o he_o the_o future_a state_n of_o his_o church_n its_o combat_n and_o victory_n he_o than_o appear_v in_o a_o form_n expressive_a of_o his_o majesty_n power_n and_o providence_n requisite_a for_o the_o order_n all_o the_o great_a event_n that_o shall_v befall_v it_o and_o say_v i_o be_o the_o first_o and_o the_o last_o i_o be_o he_o that_o live_v and_o be_v dead_a and_o behold_v i_o live_v for_o ever_o and_o have_v the_o key_n of_o hell_n and_o of_o death_n wherein_o he_o appropriate_v to_o himself_o the_o incommunicable_a title_n of_o the_o deity_n and_o then_o declare_v those_o two_o astonish_a miracle_n that_o the_o prince_n of_o life_n that_o have_v a_o eternal_a principle_n of_o it_o in_o himself_o be_v dead_a and_o that_o one_o who_o have_v be_v dead_a be_v alive_a this_o riddle_n the_o gospel_n unfold_v the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v make_v man_n and_o by_o that_o admirable_a union_n ally_v eternity_n and_o time_n life_n and_o death_n together_o as_o it_o be_v a_o common_a form_n of_o speech_n that_o a_o man_n die_v when_o the_o body_n be_v deprive_v of_o life_n though_o the_o soul_n be_v immortal_a so_o it_o be_v true_a the_o son_n of_o god_n die_v when_o his_o body_n be_v crucify_v though_o he_o be_v uncapable_a of_o the_o least_o diminution_n of_o his_o divine_a life_n and_o after_o three_o day_n he_o rise_v by_o the_o divine_a power_n to_o enjoy_v a_o immortal_a life_n and_o have_v the_o key_n of_o hell_n and_o death_n the_o irresistible_a force_n of_o death_n all_o man_n must_v yield_v to_o and_o from_o the_o grave_a there_o be_v no_o redemption_n by_o finite_a power_n but_o jesus_n christ_n have_v sovereign_a authority_n and_o power_n to_o open_v the_o grave_a and_o raise_v the_o dead_a to_o a_o happy_a immortality_n this_o glorious_a appearance_n make_v st._n john_n to_o fall_v as_o dead_a at_o his_o foot_n and_o can_v not_o recover_v himself_o till_o assure_v by_o the_o revive_a word_n of_o his_o favour_n the_o spirit_n also_o appear_v from_o heaven_n to_o give_v testimony_n concern_v the_o divine_a person_n and_o office_n of_o christ_n first_o by_o descend_v as_o a_o dove_n on_o he_o when_o he_o be_v baptize_v this_o be_v the_o completion_n of_o the_o prophecy_n the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v upon_o i_o he_o have_v anoint_v i_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o the_o poor_a to_o publish_v deliverance_n to_o the_o captive_n and_o in_o the_o second_o of_o the_o act_n the_o spirit_n descend_v in_o the_o form_n of_o fiery_a tongue_n upon_o the_o apostle_n to_o qualify_v they_o for_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o the_o world_n and_o it_o be_v worthy_a of_o observation_n that_o the_o apostle_n be_v before_o this_o very_a defective_a in_o wisdom_n and_o courage_n so_o that_o their_o divine_a master_n though_o goodness_n itself_o yet_o tax_v they_o for_o their_o stupidity_n and_o in_o his_o suffering_n they_o all_o forsake_v he_o but_o after_o the_o effusion_n of_o the_o spirit_n upon_o they_o they_o be_v endow_v with_o that_o admirable_a wisdom_n and_o resolution_n that_o nothing_o can_v gainsay_v and_o overcome_v they_o present_o speak_v in_o various_a language_n the_o thing_n concern_v jesus_n christ_n that_o the_o world_n be_v astonish_v and_o many_o convert_v by_o this_o testimony_n from_o god_n for_o the_o honour_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o other_o confound_v in_o their_o obstinacy_n now_o since_o this_o miraculous_a descent_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v to_o ratify_v the_o promise_n that_o he_o make_v to_o they_o if_o i_o go_v away_o i_o will_v send_v to_o you_o another_o comforter_n what_o more_o clear_a and_o valuable_a testimony_n can_v we_o have_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n if_o infidelity_n shall_v reply_v if_o we_o have_v hear_v these_o voice_n and_o see_v those_o glorious_a vision_n we_o shall_v be_v convince_v but_o what_o assurance_n have_v we_o there_o be_v no_o deceit_n in_o these_o relation_n i_o answer_v there_o never_o be_v clear_a ground_n of_o the_o belief_n of_o any_o thing_n do_v without_o the_o compass_n of_o our_o own_o sense_n than_o of_o what_o
to_o servitude_n import_v only_o a_o continuance_n to_o the_o jubilee_n so_o that_o those_o ritual_n be_v to_o continue_v in_o their_o vigour_n during_o that_o entire_a period_n and_o to_o be_v determine_v after_o the_o come_n of_o the_o messiah_n the_o great_a jubilee_n of_o the_o world_n and_o that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o promise_a messiah_n be_v most_o evident_a in_o that_o his_o come_n be_v exact_o as_o he_o be_v design_v and_o be_v to_o be_v expect_v that_o he_o have_v the_o power_n of_o work_a miracle_n to_o authorise_v he_o to_o change_v the_o external_o of_o their_o worship_n and_o service_n brief_o judaisme_n now_o be_v but_o the_o carcase_n of_o a_o dead_a religion_n and_o the_o obstinate_a adherer_n to_o it_o be_v become_v so_o sottish_o blind_a as_o to_o believe_v the_o most_o prodigious_a fable_n as_o divine_a revelation_n their_o talmud_n so_o reverence_v by_o they_o contain_v intolerable_a folly_n nay_o blasphemy_n against_o god_n it_o regulate_v his_o hour_n in_o the_o day_n it_o relate_v that_o he_o spend_v three_o in_o study_v the_o law_n and_o three_o more_o in_o the_o instruct_n child_n that_o die_v in_o their_o minority_n and_o that_o he_o employ_v three_o in_o take_v the_o account_n of_o the_o world_n and_o in_o the_o three_o last_n divert_v himself_o with_o leviathan_n and_o that_o the_o night_n be_v come_v for_o they_o imagine_v that_o the_o sun_n set_v in_o paradise_n he_o ascend_v a_o chariot_n draw_v by_o the_o swift_a spirit_n the_o cherubim_n and_o visit_v the_o eighteen_o thousand_o world_n he_o create_v i_o shall_v not_o instance_n in_o any_o more_o of_o their_o extravagant_a tale_n not_o to_o be_v defend_v by_o the_o pretence_n of_o solemn_a mystery_n and_o by_o strain_a allegory_n this_o be_v sufficient_a to_o show_v that_o by_o the_o righteous_a judgement_n of_o god_n for_o their_o reject_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n they_o be_v give_v up_o to_o believe_v lie_n since_o the_o come_n of_o jesus_n christ_n mahumetanism_n have_v overspread_v a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o barbarous_a world_n but_o this_o carry_v in_o it_o such_o apparent_a and_o certain_a mark_n of_o falsity_n that_o it_o can_v be_v no_o temptation_n to_o any_o person_n in_o who_o there_o be_v but_o a_o spark_n of_o good_a hence_o whether_o we_o consider_v 1._o the_o author_n from_o who_o it_o be_v derive_v a_o robber_n one_o drench_v in_o sensuality_n and_o therefore_o utter_o unqualify_v to_o be_v the_o revealer_n of_o the_o will_n of_o the_o holy_a god_n to_o men._n 2._o the_o quality_n of_o its_o doctrine_n some_o be_v ridiculous_a and_o extravagant_a above_o the_o vanity_n of_o a_o feverish_a dream_n some_o be_v pernicious_a flatter_v both_o the_o low_a appetite_n the_o concupiscible_a by_o lose_v its_o natural_a restraint_n from_o exorbitant_a fleshly_a pleasure_n the_o irascible_a by_o commend_v the_o violent_a oppression_n of_o other_o for_o the_o advancement_n of_o religion_n 3._o the_o mean_n by_o which_o it_o have_v its_o rise_n and_o be_v propagate_v it_o spring_v from_o imposture_n mahomet_n erect_v a_o oracle_n in_o his_o own_o fancy_n and_o pretend_v that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n descend_v there_o to_o give_v his_o inspiration_n thus_o he_o seduce_v at_o first_o but_o have_v get_v a_o strong_a party_n force_v succeed_v deceit_n the_o sword_n cut_v its_o way_n through_o many_o country_n and_o be_v it_o strange_a that_o the_o people_n so_o fierce_o teach_v shall_v follow_v the_o religion_n of_o the_o cruel_a conqueror_n thus_o it_o be_v plant_v thus_o it_o increase_v and_o be_v still_o maintain_v by_o the_o same_o cause_n 4._o the_o quality_n of_o those_o who_o receive_v it_o they_o be_v barbarous_a nation_n and_o absolute_o forbid_v to_o make_v a_o inquiry_n into_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o how_o easy_a be_v it_o to_o make_v a_o impression_n on_o the_o rude_a lump_n of_o the_o multitude_n what_o wonder_n be_v it_o that_o pleasant_a folly_n shall_v usurp_v the_o belief_n of_o the_o ignorant_a vulgar_a 5._o it_o promise_v in_o the_o future_a life_n a_o paradise_n fit_a for_o swine_n most_o unworthy_a the_o glorious_a rewarder_n god_n and_o the_o excellence_n of_o man._n this_o be_v so_o evident_a that_o avicen_n a_o saracen_n philosopher_n and_o mahometan_a in_o profession_n speak_v with_o abhorence_n of_o those_o dreggy_a low_a delight_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a assert_n that_o the_o height_n of_o happiness_n be_v in_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o soul_n unite_v to_o god_n and_o thus_o virtual_o condemn_v their_o faith_n as_o repugnant_a to_o the_o dictate_v of_o clear_a reason_n chap._n ii_o the_o christian_a religion_n direct_o consider_v previous_a consideration_n that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o person_n as_o jesus_n christ_n who_o converse_v in_o the_o world_n and_o institute_v that_o religion_n be_v most_o credible_a from_o the_o uniform_a testimony_n of_o christian_n in_o all_o age_n it_o be_v equal_o certain_a the_o book_n contain_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n be_v transmit_v without_o material_a alteration_n the_o proof_n of_o christian_a religion_n though_o not_o equal_a in_o clearness_n to_o sense_n or_o science_n yet_o be_v sufficient_a to_o convince_v unprejudiced_a mind_n of_o its_o truth_n the_o intrinsic_a excellency_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n consider_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n illustrate_v natural_a truth_n concern_v god_n and_o reveal_v what_o be_v further_a necessary_a for_o his_o glory_n and_o man_n happiness_n the_o entire_a agreement_n between_o they_o the_o gospel_n discover_v the_o misery_n of_o man_n in_o its_o cause_n and_o degree_n and_o the_o mean_n of_o his_o recovery_n it_o represent_v a_o full_a and_o glorious_a image_n of_o god_n perfection_n in_o the_o manner_n of_o our_o restoration_n therefore_o it_o be_v worthy_a of_o all_o acceptation_n the_o christian_a religion_n set_v before_o we_o a_o rule_n pure_a and_o perspicuous_a in_o nothing_o superfluous_a or_o defective_a the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v worthy_a of_o god_n and_o suitable_a to_o the_o want_n and_o desire_n of_o men._n they_o offer_v the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n upon_o the_o condition_n of_o repentance_n and_o faith_n the_o supernatural_a assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n the_o supply_n of_o our_o temporal_a want_n and_o support_v under_o affliction_n the_o reward_n of_o eternal_a life_n i_o will_v now_o consider_v the_o christian_a religion_n direct_o in_o itself_o it_o have_v this_o noble_a prerogative_n above_o the_o rest_n the_o more_o one_o search_n into_o it_o the_o more_o its_o divinity_n appear_v whereas_o other_o religion_n may_v please_v a_o sudden_a eye_n but_o can_v endure_v a_o serious_a trial_n some_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v premise_v 1._o i_o shall_v suppose_v it_o as_o a_o principle_n above_o all_o doubt_n there_o be_v such_o a_o person_n as_o jesus_n christ_n who_o converse_v in_o the_o world_n consign_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n to_o the_o apostle_n and_o by_o they_o it_o be_v convey_v to_o we_o in_o the_o new-testament_n for_o in_o assert_v it_o we_o have_v the_o uniform_a deposition_n of_o all_o that_o profess_v this_o religion_n from_o its_o rise_n till_o the_o present_a age_n and_o in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n though_o in_o other_o thing_n of_o different_a opinion_n yet_o they_o agree_v in_o this_o that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v their_o founder_n now_o who_o can_v better_a know_v the_o author_n of_o a_o institution_n ecclesiastical_a or_o secular_a than_o those_o who_o be_v admit_v into_o its_o beginning_n and_o those_o who_o have_v succeed_v in_o that_o order_n from_o age_n to_o age_n without_o interruption_n beside_o we_o have_v the_o consent_n and_o constant_a testimony_n of_o jew_n and_o heathen_n the_o obstinate_a opposer_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o its_o name_n as_o well_o as_o original_a be_v derive_v from_o christ._n we_o may_v with_o more_o reason_n suspect_v there_o be_v never_o such_o philosopher_n as_o plato_n and_o aristotle_n or_o that_o the_o book_n which_o from_o their_o time_n by_o universal_a persevere_v fame_n have_v be_v attribute_v to_o they_o be_v make_v by_o other_o and_o put_v forth_o under_o false_a title_n than_o to_o question_v what_o be_v so_o general_o receive_v concern_v the_o author_n of_o the_o gospel_n it_o be_v the_o perfection_n of_o folly_n and_o madness_n to_o oppose_v such_o evidence_n 2._o it_o be_v equal_o certain_a that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new-testament_n be_v transmit_v to_o we_o in_o their_o original_a purity_n without_o any_o material_a alteration_n for_o it_o be_v incredible_a that_o the_o society_n of_o christian_n shall_v neglect_v the_o preserve_n incorrupt_a and_o entire_a those_o write_n which_o they_o esteem_v a_o most_o sacred_a treasure_n on_o which_o they_o build_v their_o hope_n of_o eternal_a blessedness_n it_o can_v be_v suppose_v they_o will_v transmit_v they_o to_o their_o child_n who_o salvation_n must_v have_v be_v dear_a to_o they_o than_o the_o
nation_n and_o all_o sort_n of_o person_n that_o be_v convert_v to_o the_o faith_n of_o christ._n now_o who_o cause_v such_o a_o marvellous_a and_o holy_a revolution_n in_o the_o world_n but_o god_n what_o less_o than_o a_o divine_a power_n can_v raise_v man_n above_o sense_n and_o make_v they_o victorious_a over_o the_o lust_n of_o corrupt_a nature_n fortify_v by_o custom_n a_o second_o nature_n be_v it_o conceivable_a suppose_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o from_o heaven_n that_o it_o shall_v produce_v such_o admirable_a effect_n and_o be_v it_o conceivable_a that_o god_n will_v adorn_v with_o all_o his_o grace_n the_o image_n of_o his_o own_o excellency_n his_o most_o precious_a benefit_n those_o who_o do_v not_o honour_v he_o according_a to_o his_o will_n can_v there_o be_v find_v such_o astonish_a contrariety_n join_v together_o as_o the_o most_o impious_a error_n and_o depravation_n of_o the_o mind_n with_o the_o great_a purity_n and_o rectitude_n of_o the_o will_n and_o affection_n for_o if_o jesus_n christ_n be_v not_o the_o son_n of_o god_n those_o who_o worship_v he_o be_v in_o a_o mortal_a delusion_n the_o three_o testimony_n the_o apostle_n produce_v be_v the_o blood_n that_o be_v peace_n with_o god_n and_o conscience_n the_o bless_a fruit_n of_o justification_n by_o faith_n in_o christ._n the_o heathen_a world_n be_v in_o a_o dark_a state_n of_o fear_n or_o sleep_v secure_o in_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n some_o be_v in_o a_o hectic_a tremble_v continual_o haunt_v with_o the_o apparition_n of_o their_o sin_n as_o so_o many_o infernal_a fury_n other_o though_o guilty_a of_o most_o fearful_a crime_n be_v secure_a from_o stupid_a atheism_n other_o be_v quiet_a from_o a_o presumption_n cherish_v by_o opinion_n unworthy_a of_o god_n as_o if_o he_o will_v neglect_v his_o own_o glory_n to_o show_v mercy_n to_o they_o now_o the_o gospel_n to_o conquer_v the_o fear_n of_o sensible_a afflict_a sinner_n and_o to_o establish_v a_o lively_a hope_n in_o god_n mercy_n propound_v a_o mean_n of_o universal_a sovereign_a efficacy_n to_o reconcile_v he_o to_o we_o the_o most_o precious_a blood_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n offer_v up_o as_o a_o sacrifice_n to_o expiate_v sin_n this_o sprinkle_v all_o nation_n and_o in_o all_o age_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n will_v be_v of_o undecay_a virtue_n this_o appease_v all_o the_o unquiet_a agitation_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o believer_n and_o produce_v the_o peace_n that_o pass_v understanding_n a_o joy_n unspeakable_a and_o glorious_a this_o deliver_v they_o from_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n under_o which_o the_o world_n be_v so_o long_o in_o bondage_n and_o it_o be_v worthy_a the_o observe_n that_o no_o principle_n of_o nature_n ever_o produce_v such_o a_o generous_a contempt_n of_o death_n as_o the_o christian_a religion_n do_v in_o the_o professor_n of_o it_o the_o alexander_n scipio_n and_o caesar_n have_v tremble_v at_o the_o sight_n of_o these_o savage_a beast_n that_o be_v let_v loose_a upon_o the_o martyr_n at_o the_o preparation_n of_o cruelty_n to_o torment_v they_o whereas_o they_o regard_v they_o with_o tranquillity_n nay_o with_o joy_n as_o the_o matter_n of_o their_o triumph_n this_o be_v true_a valour_n indeed_o for_o the_o confession_n of_o the_o most_o important_a truth_n and_o superior_a to_o the_o courage_n of_o those_o who_o be_v call_v fulmina_fw-la belli_n the_o most_o renown_a soldier_n for_o in_o a_o battle_n by_o martial_a sound_n by_o violent_a motion_n the_o spirit_n be_v fire_v and_o man_n scarce_o feel_v their_o wound_n and_o be_v inconsiderate_a of_o their_o danger_n but_o the_o martyr_n have_v nothing_o to_o heighten_v their_o courage_n but_o in_o cool_a blood_n deliberate_o and_o without_o alteration_n encounter_v that_o terrible_a enemy_n beside_o soldier_n in_o the_o sharp_a conflict_n have_v some_o hope_n of_o victory_n or_o else_o of_o a_o sudden_a and_o honourable_a death_n aut_fw-la cita_fw-la mors_fw-la aut_fw-la victoria_fw-la laeta_fw-la and_o he_o that_o rush_v into_o peril_n with_o a_o seem_a bravery_n when_o there_o be_v hope_n of_o escape_v have_v not_o resolution_n to_o look_v death_n in_o the_o face_n when_o it_o be_v inevitable_a there_o be_v a_o eminent_a instance_n of_o this_o in_o a_o famous_a captain_n of_o late_a memory_n the_o duke_n byron_n none_o be_v more_o bold_a in_o fight_n but_o when_o he_o be_v to_o receive_v the_o sentence_n of_o death_n for_o his_o crime_n none_o more_o disorder_v by_o fear_n sometime_o he_o be_v in_o a_o rage_n against_o his_o judge_n and_o after_o his_o passion_n be_v evaporate_v fall_v into_o the_o other_o extremity_n unmanly_a cry_n complaint_n and_o low_a submission_n to_o obtain_v favour_n but_o the_o more_o than_o heroic_a constancy_n of_o the_o martyr_n contemn_v death_n in_o its_o near_a approach_n and_o most_o fearful_a pomp_n christian_n religion_n have_v often_o transform_v the_o most_o tender_a woman_n and_o child_n into_o man_n or_o rather_o into_o angel_n make_v they_o suffer_v with_o joy_n that_o which_o our_o nature_n can_v see_v without_o horror_n it_o change_v as_o it_o be_v flesh_n and_o blood_n into_o a_o celestial_a substance_n insensible_a of_o fire_n and_o sword_n and_o the_o most_o cruel_a violence_n now_o this_o unshaken_a resolution_n in_o christian_n encounter_v the_o last_o enemy_n be_v from_o the_o lively_a sense_n of_o god_n favour_n reconcile_v by_o the_o most_o pure_a and_o precious_a blood_n of_o his_o son_n and_o the_o hope_n of_o everlasting_a happiness_n in_o his_o presence_n to_o conclude_v this_o argument_n it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v there_o be_v no_o proof_n more_o proper_a that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o redeemer_n of_o the_o world_n than_o the_o joint_a testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n water_n and_o blood_n for_o whereas_o sin_n be_v the_o only_a cause_n of_o our_o ruin_n the_o office_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v to_o repair_v that_o ruin_n and_o consequent_o he_o that_o effectual_o do_v it_o be_v to_o be_v acknowledge_v believe_v and_o embrace_v as_o our_o saviour_n now_o the_o worst_a effect_n of_o sin_n be_v the_o ignorance_n of_o the_o mind_n the_o depravation_n of_o the_o affection_n and_o the_o terror_n of_o conscience_n from_o the_o apprehension_n of_o vengeance_n therefore_o since_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n have_v bring_v celestial_a light_n purity_n and_o peace_n into_o the_o world_n it_o be_v a_o infallible_a proof_n that_o he_o be_v the_o redeemer_n of_o it_o the_o sun_n that_o visit_v the_o world_n with_o its_o refresh_a beam_n have_v no_o clear_a mark_n of_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n in_o make_v it_o and_o order_v its_o motion_n than_o the_o spiritual_a light_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o irradiate_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n before_o in_o deep_a darkness_n the_o riches_n of_o the_o earth_n in_o variety_n of_o fruit_n be_v not_o a_o more_o convince_a argument_n of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n than_o to_o see_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n that_o before_o be_v as_o dead_a earth_n under_o the_o curse_n of_o heaven_n to_o abound_v in_o all_o the_o fruit_n of_o righteousness_n the_o separate_n the_o sea_n from_o the_o land_n and_o set_v bound_n to_o its_o impetuous_a wave_n be_v not_o a_o great_a effect_n of_o god_n power_n than_o the_o calm_v the_o tempest_n of_o a_o unquiet_a conscience_n and_o establish_v tranquillity_n in_o it_o and_o these_o blessing_n we_o entire_o owe_v to_o jesus_n christ_n in_o who_o name_n they_o be_v obtain_v by_o who_o spirit_n they_o be_v confer_v and_o for_o who_o glory_n they_o be_v design_v now_o what_o more_o be_v requisite_a to_o afford_v we_o satisfaction_n that_o jesus_n christ_n come_v from_o god_n and_o reveal_v his_o will_n in_o order_n to_o our_o happiness_n can_v it_o be_v reasonable_o expect_v that_o new_a miracle_n shall_v be_v wrought_v to_o satisfy_v every_o sceptic_a that_o be_v still_o unsatisfy_a indeed_o the_o fountain_n of_o they_o be_v not_o dry_v up_o the_o power_n of_o god_n be_v not_o weaken_a nor_o his_o mercy_n lessen_v but_o in_o extraordinary_a case_n when_o the_o gospel_n be_v first_o preach_v to_o a_o nation_n it_o may_v be_v expect_v that_o to_o convert_v they_o from_o gentilism_n to_o the_o christian_a faith_n he_o will_v make_v himself_o know_v not_o only_o by_o word_n but_o power_n in_o supernatural_a operation_n but_o the_o vein_n of_o miracle_n be_v not_o still_o current_a in_o the_o church_n there_o be_v sufficient_a motive_n of_o belief_n for_o the_o conviction_n of_o all_o that_o be_v not_o obstinate_a without_o the_o perform_v new_a must_v the_o son_n of_o god_n present_v himself_o to_o all_o man_n in_o a_o visible_a glory_n or_o must_v his_o divine_a father_n give_v another_o majestic_a testimony_n from_o heaven_n concern_v he_o if_o we_o have_v not_o such_o sensible_a evidence_n we_o have_v as_o sure_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o scripture-prophecy_n be_v a_o permanent_a miracle_n a_o more_o certain_a