before_o he_o enter_v into_o his_o glory_n nor_o be_v it_o any_o more_o unbecoming_a or_o unworthy_a the_o majesty_n of_o god_n to_o unite_v himself_o with_o a_o humane_a body_n which_o his_o own_o hand_n have_v fashion_v and_o which_o be_v fearful_o and_o wonderful_o make_v than_o it_o be_v for_o the_o divine_a presence_n to_o take_v up_o its_o residence_n in_o the_o jewish_a temple_n and_o dwell_v in_o a_o house_n of_o stone_n last_o that_o jesus_n christ_n shall_v be_v make_v the_o visible_a judge_n of_o man_n and_o angel_n be_v no_o less_o congruous_a and_o rational_a 1._o in_o respect_n of_o himself_o this_o honour_n and_o triumph_n of_o the_o divine_a life_n be_v a_o just_a reward_n of_o his_o voluntary_a suffering_n and_o humiliation_n which_o be_v the_o account_n our_o saviour_n christ_n give_v himself_o john_n 5.27_o and_o have_v give_v he_o authority_n to_o execute_v judgement_n also_o because_o he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o man._n that_o be_v because_o he_o humble_v himself_o to_o so_o high_a a_o degree_n as_o not_o only_o to_o take_v upon_o he_o our_o flesh_n and_o blood_n with_o all_o its_o harmless_a infirmity_n and_o imperfection_n but_o endure_v with_o wonderful_a patience_n the_o contradiction_n of_o sinner_n the_o opprobrious_a taunt_n and_o revile_n of_o a_o rude_a generation_n and_o submit_v himself_o at_o last_o to_o a_o death_n full_a of_o pain_n ignominy_n and_o disgrace_n 2._o in_o regard_n of_o wicked_a man_n and_o devil_n for_o this_o visible_a appearance_n of_o jesus_n christ_n in_o so_o solemn_a a_o manner_n attend_v with_o innumerable_a legion_n of_o mighty_a angel_n descend_v into_o these_o low_a region_n near_o the_o earth_n the_o glory_n of_o who_o presence_n will_v be_v conspicuous_a to_o all_o the_o world_n must_v needs_o be_v a_o very_a sensible_a conviction_n to_o all_o wicked_a person_n of_o the_o folly_n of_o their_o do_n when_o they_o shall_v see_v the_o same_o jesus_n that_o deliver_v the_o will_n of_o god_n to_o they_o now_o come_v to_o call_v they_o to_o a_o account_n for_o not_o obey_v it_o and_o since_o there_o may_v be_v and_o doubtless_o be_v many_o scoff_v atheistical_a spirit_n in_o the_o aerial_a region_n as_o well_o as_o here_o on_o earth_n who_o ascribe_v all_o great_a mutation_n in_o the_o world_n to_o chance_n and_o fortune_n or_o the_o necessary_a combination_n of_o matter_n this_o appearance_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n in_o such_o a_o visible_a manner_n according_a to_o the_o sure_a prediction_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n will_v effectual_o confute_v their_o vain_a philosophy_n and_o force_v they_o even_o against_o their_o will_n to_o acknowledge_v the_o interposition_n of_o a_o divine_a power_n and_o providence_n neither_o will_v it_o be_v a_o less_o afflict_a abasement_n of_o the_o insult_a pride_n of_o that_o old_a serpent_n and_o his_o rebellious_a associate_n who_o so_o long_o tyrannize_v over_o mankind_n with_o such_o contempt_n and_o scorn_n to_o feel_v themselves_o cast_v down_o into_o everlasting_a destruction_n by_o that_o nature_n which_o they_o have_v so_o much_o vilify_v and_o abuse_v 3._o in_o respect_n of_o those_o who_o have_v be_v faithful_a adherent_n of_o christ_n jesus_n and_o firm_o persist_v in_o goodness_n notwithstanding_o the_o many_o discouragement_n they_o meet_v withal_o his_o appearance_n in_o such_o a_o sensible_a manner_n will_v be_v exceed_o comfortable_a and_o joyful_a for_o they_o behold_v he_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n with_o such_o transcendent_a power_n and_o glory_n must_v needs_o overflow_v with_o transport_n of_o joy_n to_o find_v that_o now_o their_o redemption_n will_v be_v full_o complete_v for_o what_o may_v not_o they_o hope_v for_o at_o his_o hand_n who_o be_v both_o their_o merciful_a redeemer_n and_o their_o judge_n and_o this_o very_a sight_n of_o their_o long-expected_n saviour_n will_v invigorate_v their_o soul_n with_o such_o a_o high_a degree_n of_o life_n as_o shall_v through_o the_o inward_a operation_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n transform_v their_o vile_a body_n into_o the_o similitude_n of_o the_o glorious_a body_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o in_o these_o fiery_a chariot_n like_o elijah_n they_o shall_v ascend_v from_o these_o mortal_a region_n to_o augment_v the_o train_n of_o this_o great_a and_o almighty_a judge_n so_o every_o way_n agreeable_a be_v the_o article_n of_o our_o christian_n faith_n 2._o we_o come_v now_o to_o the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n which_o consist_v of_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v command_v as_o duty_n and_o matter_n of_o our_o practice_n which_o be_v only_o a_o revive_n the_o natural_a inscription_n and_o law_n of_o righteousness_n engrave_v upon_o our_o soul_n at_o their_o first_o creation_n for_o it_o can_v be_v think_v but_o that_o that_o long_a degeneracy_n we_o lie_v under_o and_o the_o powerful_a and_o vigorous_a growth_n of_o our_o animal_n faculty_n must_v exceed_o impair_v if_o not_o whole_o obliterate_v the_o fair_a impress_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n upon_o we_o so_o that_o we_o have_v need_v to_o have_v all_o those_o eternal_a rule_n of_o righteousness_n and_o holiness_n to_o be_v lay_v down_o to_o we_o afresh_o and_o the_o manifestation_n of_o the_o duty_n and_o obligation_n that_o christianity_n lay_v upon_o we_o be_v the_o exsuscitate_v and_o raise_v up_o that_o decay_a and_o almost_o die_a spark_n of_o divine_a life_n yet_o leave_v in_o we_o and_o which_o may_v gain_v such_o strength_n by_o the_o powerful_a energy_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n as_o to_o consume_v or_o convert_v into_o its_o nature_n all_o that_o rubbish_n which_o hinder_v and_o obstruct_v it_o and_o according_a to_o these_o measure_v the_o command_n and_o law_n of_o christianity_n be_v frame_v so_o that_o they_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o ancient_a intellectual_a furniture_n of_o our_o own_o soul_n for_o sure_o there_o can_v be_v nothing_o more_o natural_a and_o consistent_a with_o our_o rational_a frame_n than_o to_o love_n and_o honour_n god_n from_o who_o infinite_a fullness_n we_o and_o all_o thing_n receive_v their_o be_v with_o all_o our_o heart_n and_o with_o all_o our_o strength_n to_o depend_v upon_o he_o for_o all_o our_o supply_n and_o to_o acknowledge_v our_o own_o nothingness_n that_o all_o that_o we_o have_v proceed_v and_o flow_v from_o his_o inexhausted_a bounty_n to_o sit_v quiet_a and_o content_v under_o the_o various_a dispensation_n of_o his_o providence_n and_o to_o bring_v our_o mind_n into_o a_o subordination_n and_o perfect_a conformity_n to_o his_o holy_a will_n in_o all_o thing_n and_o as_o christianity_n enjoin_v we_o to_o pay_v all_o duty_n and_o service_n and_o obedience_n to_o god_n so_o it_o strict_o command_v all_o manner_n of_o justice_n and_o righteousness_n to_o other_o forbid_v all_o harm_n and_o wrong_v to_o any_o thing_n live_v and_o instead_o of_o that_o require_v every_o man_n in_o his_o several_a station_n and_o capacity_n to_o do_v all_o that_o good_a that_o at_o any_o time_n lie_v in_o his_o power_n to_o be_v kind_a and_o compassionate_a forget_v and_o forgive_a all_o manner_n of_o injury_n do_v unto_o we_o and_o return_v good_a for_o the_o evil_a that_o we_o have_v receive_v furthermore_o christianity_n command_v we_o to_o avoid_v all_o lie_v and_o hypocrisy_n as_o thing_n beneath_o the_o excellency_n and_o dignity_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o to_o speak_v the_o truth_n in_o sincerity_n and_o singleness_n of_o heart_n to_o banish_v out_o of_o our_o mind_n all_o malignity_n rancour_n malice_n and_o envy_n as_o be_v the_o most_o contrary_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n who_o delight_v in_o the_o prosperity_n and_o happiness_n of_o his_o creature_n and_o therefore_o the_o soul_n of_o a_o christian_a above_o all_o other_o be_v enlarge_v and_o widen_v with_o a_o universal_a love_n and_o charity_n ready_o undertake_v the_o help_n and_o relief_n of_o the_o necessitous_a and_o indigent_a look_v upon_o all_o mankind_n as_o brethren_n and_o thereby_o joy_v and_o delight_v in_o the_o felicity_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n now_o as_o to_o ourselves_o we_o be_v engage_v by_o the_o precept_n of_o our_o holy_a religion_n to_o exercise_v great_a temperance_n and_o moderation_n sobriety_n and_o chastity_n in_o reference_n to_o all_o corporeal_a satisfaction_n and_o delight_n not_o to_o defile_v and_o pollute_v ourselves_o with_o debauch_a and_o sensual_a pleasure_n but_o to_o remember_v that_o our_o soul_n once_o come_v from_o the_o pure_a and_o incorruptible_a mansion_n of_o heaven_n and_o therefore_o that_o it_o be_v very_o unbecoming_a to_o suffer_v they_o to_o wallow_v and_o tumble_v in_o the_o dirt_n and_o mire_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o since_o we_o be_v of_o a_o divine_a extraction_n religion_n put_v we_o in_o mind_n to_o behave_v ourselves_o as_o citizen_n of_o that_o heavenly_a country_n and_o to_o release_v and_o withdraw_v our_o affection_n from_o this_o world_n and_o to_o think_v of_o our_o return_n thither_o
particular_a object_n 1._o it_o may_v here_o be_v say_v if_o the_o gospel_n i._n e._n christian_n religion_n be_v so_o plain_a and_o fit_v to_o the_o mean_a capacity_n why_o be_v it_o then_o call_v a_o mystery_n now_o a_o mystery_n be_v a_o sacred_a and_o hide_a piece_n of_o wisdom_n contain_v under_o it_o some_o great_a and_o excellent_a truth_n and_o such_o be_v the_o gospel_n which_o the_o apostle_n call_v eph._n 3.4_o 5._o the_o mystery_n of_o christ_n which_o in_o other_o age_n be_v not_o make_v know_v to_o the_o son_n of_o man_n as_o it_o be_v now_o reveal_v unto_o his_o holy_a apostle_n and_o prophet_n by_o the_o spirit_n and_o again_o coloss_n 1.26_o it_o be_v call_v the_o mystery_n which_o be_v hide_v from_o age_n and_o generation_n but_o now_o be_v make_v manifest_a to_o the_o saint_n now_o if_o as_o we_o see_v the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o the_o gospel_n be_v such_o a_o mysterious_a thing_n how_o come_v it_o to_o be_v so_o plain_a and_o obvious_a as_o we_o have_v say_v to_o every_o vulgar_a capacity_n in_o answer_n to_o this_o we_o must_v consider_v that_o christian_a religion_n be_v indeed_o a_o mystery_n and_o it_o be_v deserve_o call_v so_o by_o the_o apostle_n but_o yet_o notwithstanding_o this_o do_v not_o hinder_v but_o that_o it_o be_v plain_a and_o open_a in_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n we_o shall_v therefore_o first_o show_v the_o reason_n why_o it_o be_v call_v a_o mystery_n and_o that_o it_o be_v very_o requisite_a it_o shall_v be_v so_o i._n e._n that_o there_o shall_v be_v something_o hide_a and_o reserve_v in_o it_o that_o shall_v not_o present_o be_v discern_v by_o every_o oscitant_fw-la and_o careless_a person_n and_o then_o make_v it_o appear_v further_o that_o it_o be_v not_o difficult_a to_o be_v understand_v in_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o every_o christian_n salvation_n now_o beside_o that_o the_o apostle_n express_o affirm_v christianity_n to_o be_v a_o mystery_n there_o be_v many_o instance_n which_o prove_v it_o to_o be_v so_o there_o be_v many_o doctrine_n which_o be_v very_o obscure_a and_o difficult_a to_o be_v understand_v such_o as_o the_o divinity_n of_o our_o saviour_n the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o holy_a trinity_n nay_o the_o very_a resurrection_n of_o our_o body_n be_v term_v a_o mystery_n as_o contain_v something_o above_o common_a and_o vulgar_a conceit_n and_o apprehension_n and_o when_o we_o reflect_v upon_o the_o different_a sentiment_n and_o persuasion_n of_o man_n about_o these_o thing_n it_o will_v full_o evince_v some_o obscurity_n in_o religion_n and_o that_o it_o be_v not_o every_o where_o of_o the_o same_o make_v but_o have_v some_o unfathomable_a depth_n as_o well_o as_o shallows_o that_o be_v easy_a and_o obvious_a to_o be_v ford_v and_o understand_v by_o a_o mean_a and_o ordinary_a capacity_n for_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o ever_o so_o many_o division_n about_o the_o doctrine_n of_o religion_n so_o many_o sect_n of_o different_a persuasion_n shall_v have_v arisen_a and_o so_o long_o trouble_v and_o vex_v the_o christian_a church_n if_o all_o thing_n have_v be_v at_o first_o sight_n plain_a and_o intelligible_a to_o every_o one_o not_o to_o mention_v the_o many_o prophecy_n utter_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v no_o otherwise_o know_v but_o by_o their_o event_n and_o fulfil_n and_o till_o then_o man_n make_v but_o uncertain_a guess_n and_o conjecture_n about_o they_o and_o that_o this_o obscurity_n in_o some_o thing_n of_o religion_n be_v very_o become_v the_o all-comprehensive_a wisdom_n of_o god_n appear_v to_o be_v very_o reasonable_a 1._o to_o conciliate_v reverence_n and_o esteem_v to_o religion_n shall_v god_n at_o once_o have_v lay_v open_a all_o the_o pearl_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o every_o carnal_a eye_n they_o will_v have_v be_v apt_a to_o have_v contemn_v and_o despise_v they_o since_o it_o be_v the_o common_a guise_n and_o fashion_n of_o the_o world_n to_o esteem_v that_o of_o little_a worth_n and_o value_n that_o cost_v no_o labour_n and_o pain_n to_o come_v at_o whereas_o they_o apprehend_v something_o more_o than_o ordinary_a some_o great_a matter_n to_o be_v contain_v in_o that_o which_o be_v wrap_v up_o and_o keep_v secret_a and_o reserve_v from_o common_a sight_n therefore_o that_o this_o great_a gift_n of_o god_n may_v not_o prove_v despicable_a and_o contemptible_a he_o be_v please_v to_o veil_n it_o in_o a_o good_a measure_n that_o man_n may_v not_o know_v the_o worth_n of_o it_o at_o once_o but_o that_o the_o more_o they_o look_v into_o it_o the_o more_o they_o shall_v admire_v the_o unvaluableness_n and_o richness_n of_o it_o it_o be_v record_v of_o some_o of_o the_o king_n of_o persia_n that_o they_o show_v themselves_o to_o their_o subject_n but_o once_o a_o year_n that_o they_o may_v be_v more_o reverence_v and_o adore_v when_o they_o offer_v themselves_o to_o the_o people_n view_n and_o god_n that_o he_o may_v gain_v more_o reverence_n and_o estimation_n to_o this_o infinite_a treasure_n wherewith_o he_o have_v enrich_v the_o world_n he_o keep_v a_o great_a part_n of_o it_o hide_a and_o be_v not_o win_v without_o many_o prayer_n and_o earnest_a importunity_n accompany_v with_o great_a diligence_n to_o show_v unto_o man_n the_o glorious_a beauty_n of_o it_o 2._o it_o be_v very_o become_v that_o some_o thing_n in_o religion_n shall_v be_v obscure_a and_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v some_o high_a and_o raise_v truth_n above_o the_o level_n of_o common_a understanding_n that_o so_o all_o holy_a person_n may_v find_v matter_n of_o delight_n and_o satisfaction_n according_a to_o their_o several_a stature_n and_o growth_n in_o grace_n hence_o st._n john_n 1_o ep._n 1.13_o speak_v of_o little_a child_n and_o young_a man_n and_o father_n in_o religion_n and_o according_a to_o this_o their_o several_a growth_n and_o stature_n in_o christ_n jesus_n there_o must_v likewise_o be_v a_o difference_n in_o the_o meat_n or_o food_n they_o be_v nourish_v withal_o a_o man_n be_v not_o content_v with_o that_o which_o will_v nourish_v a_o infant_n but_o require_v strong_a meat_n therefore_o st._n paul_n right_o distinguish_v of_o this_o heb._n 5.12_o 13_o 14._o for_o when_o for_o the_o time_n you_o ought_v to_o be_v teacher_n you_o have_v need_v that_o one_o teach_v you_o again_o which_o be_v the_o first_o principle_n of_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n and_o be_v become_v such_o as_o have_v need_n of_o milk_n and_o not_o of_o strong_a meat_n for_o every_o one_o that_o use_v milk_n be_v unskilful_a in_o the_o word_n of_o righteousness_n for_o he_o be_v a_o babe_n but_o strong_a meat_n belong_v to_o they_o that_o be_v of_o full_a age_n now_o that_o the_o gospel_n may_v be_v fit_v for_o all_o these_o sort_n of_o person_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o it_o shall_v be_v furnish_v with_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v plain_a and_o which_o may_v be_v deliver_v in_o a_o catechetical_a way_n as_o thing_n absolute_o necessary_a to_o the_o salvation_n of_o every_o one_o and_o than_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v store_v with_o high_a and_o more_o raise_v doctrine_n for_o the_o gratification_n of_o they_o that_o be_v of_o full_a age_n in_o christ_n who_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o growth_n in_o the_o divine_a life_n have_v their_o sense_n exercise_v to_o discern_v both_o good_a and_o evil._n and_o according_o the_o apostle_n when_o he_o lay_v down_o the_o character_n of_o a_o bishop_n say_z 1_o tim._n 3.6_o that_o he_o must_v not_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o novice_n i._n e._n one_o that_o only_o know_v the_o first_o rudiment_n of_o religion_n but_o be_v not_o able_a to_o pierce_v into_o the_o depth_n of_o it_o 3._o that_o there_o shall_v be_v some_o difficulty_n in_o religion_n be_v but_o reasonable_a to_o exercise_v man_n diligence_n in_o search_v after_o these_o hide_a treasure_n of_o wisdom_n for_o it_o be_v not_o to_o the_o careless_a oscitant_fw-la person_n but_o to_o the_o diligent_a and_o inquisitive_a that_o god_n have_v promise_v a_o increase_n of_o wisdom_n he_o that_o will_v attain_v to_o divine_a knowledge_n must_v seek_v she_o as_o silver_n and_o search_v after_o she_o as_o for_o hide_a treasure_n as_o solomon_n long_o since_o advise_v prov._n 2.4_o and_o our_o bless_a saviour_n in_o a_o parable_n mat._n 13.45_o 46._o likens_n the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n to_o a_o merchantman_n seek_v goodly_a pearl_n who_o when_o he_o have_v find_v one_o pearl_n of_o great_a price_n he_o go_v and_o sell_v all_o that_o he_o have_v and_o buy_v it_o all_o these_o thing_n denote_v our_o diligent_a search_n and_o careful_a enquiry_n after_o wisdom_n now_o god_n that_o he_o may_v gratify_v the_o innocent_a desire_n of_o man_n after_o knowledge_n and_o likewise_o reward_v their_o pain_n and_o labour_n in_o search_v after_o it_o he_o open_v and_o discover_v to_o they_o such_o treasure_n
fast_o upon_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n the_o apostle_n make_v use_v of_o the_o example_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o next_o word_n for_o even_o christ_n please_v not_o himself_o i._n e._n christ_n have_v no_o respect_n for_o himself_o no_o end_n of_o his_o own_o to_o consult_v but_o as_o if_o he_o have_v whole_o forget_v himself_o he_o devote_a himself_o perfect_o to_o the_o promote_a of_o his_o father_n glory_n the_o whole_a number_n of_o christian_n that_o believe_v in_o jesus_n be_v one_o body_n now_o as_o the_o member_n of_o the_o body_n have_v the_o same_o care_n one_o of_o another_o so_o ought_v every_o man_n to_o be_v very_o tender_a of_o the_o good_a of_o his_o fellow-christian_a if_o a_o man_n be_v a_o true_a and_o unfeigned_a christian_a he_o will_v not_o walk_v solitary_a and_o alone_a in_o his_o way_n to_o heaven_n but_o will_v strive_v to_o draw_v as_o many_o to_o accompany_v he_o as_o he_o can_v in_o so_o pleasant_a and_o gainful_a a_o journey_n he_o will_v always_o be_v instruct_v those_o that_o be_v ignorant_a comfort_v the_o weak-hearted_a and_o strengthen_v those_o that_o be_v waver_v and_o unsettled_a and_o where_o these_o thing_n be_v want_v and_o every_o one_o life_n as_o a_o stranger_n to_o another_o it_o can_v be_v expect_v that_o the_o gospel_n shall_v draw_v off_o man_n from_o sin_n so_o successful_o and_o with_o so_o much_o triumph_n as_o it_o will_v if_o man_n will_v lay_v aside_o their_o little_a self-end_n and_o be_v of_o more_o universal_a and_o public_a spirit_n and_o employ_v their_o wit_n and_o diligence_n in_o do_v good_a to_o one_o another_o the_o sum_n and_o conclusion_n of_o the_o whole_a matter_n be_v this_o since_o christian_a religion_n be_v intend_v not_o mere_o for_o wiseman_n and_o such_o as_o be_v of_o great_a reach_n and_o understanding_n but_o for_o the_o poor_a and_o weak_a person_n it_o be_v in_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n make_v plain_a and_o easy_a and_o that_o god_n may_v gratify_v our_o innocent_a search_n after_o knowledge_n he_o have_v hide_v many_o precious_a treasure_n of_o wisdom_n in_o the_o scripture_n as_o a_o reward_n of_o our_o piety_n and_o diligence_n and_o therefore_o where_o any_o thing_n be_v deliver_v so_o obscure_o that_o with_o our_o best_a diligence_n we_o can_v attain_v to_o the_o true_a sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o it_o it_o be_v a_o sure_a sign_n that_o whatever_o sense_n god_n intend_v yet_o he_o do_v not_o make_v that_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o the_o salvation_n of_o all_o men._n for_o if_o he_o have_v he_o will_v have_v lay_v it_o down_o in_o plain_a and_o not_o in_o intricate_a and_o ambiguous_a term_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n we_o must_v all_o consider_v that_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o pray_v unto_o god_n as_o the_o apostle_n st._n paul_n for_o his_o disciple_n the_o colossian_n chap._n 1.9_o 10._o and_o to_o desire_v that_o we_o may_v be_v fill_v with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o will_n in_o all_o wisdom_n and_o spiritual_a understanding_n that_o we_o may_v walk_v worthy_a of_o the_o lord_n unto_o all_o please_a be_v fruitful_a in_o every_o good_a work_n and_o increase_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o let_v we_o remember_v that_o as_o god_n have_v distribute_v the_o measure_n of_o his_o gift_n and_o grace_n to_o every_o one_o according_o shall_v their_o account_n be_v at_o the_o last_o day_n he_o that_o can_v read_v the_o bible_n and_o have_v few_o opportunity_n of_o knowledge_n his_o account_n shall_v not_o be_v so_o great_a as_o his_o that_o can_v read_v and_o have_v leisure_n and_o time_n to_o inform_v himself_o and_o he_o that_o have_v skill_n and_o knowledge_n to_o understand_v the_o scripture_n shall_v yet_o be_v more_o severe_o treat_v if_o he_o do_v not_o make_v use_n of_o this_o both_o for_o his_o own_o and_o his_o neighbour_n good_n a_o defence_n of_o reveal_v religion_n sermon_n v._n rome_n i._o 16._o for_o i_o be_o not_o ashamed_a of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n have_v dispatch_v the_o three_o first_o cause_n of_o shame_n we_o come_v now_o to_o remove_v and_o take_v away_o the_o four_o and_o last_o and_o to_o show_v the_o great_a usefulness_n of_o christian_a religion_n to_o the_o world_n the_o usefulness_n therefore_o of_o any_o thing_n consist_v in_o the_o serviceableness_n of_o it_o for_o that_o end_n to_o which_o it_o be_v design_v now_o this_o very_a apostle_n assure_v we_o 1_o tim._n 4.8_o that_o godliness_n be_v profitable_a to_o all_o thing_n have_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o life_n that_o now_o be_v and_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v that_o be_v to_o say_v christianity_n be_v serviceable_a useful_a and_o conduce_v to_o promote_v the_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n both_o in_o respect_n of_o this_o present_a life_n and_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v first_o then_o we_o shall_v consider_v the_o usefulness_n of_o christ_n religion_n in_o order_n to_o the_o felicity_n of_o the_o next_o world_n and_o show_v how_o excellent_o well_o suit_v it_o be_v to_o the_o attain_n of_o that_o which_o the_o apostle_n seem_v to_o intimate_v in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n when_o he_o call_v it_o the_o power_n of_o god_n unto_o salvation_n to_o every_o one_o that_o believe_v have_v christian_a religion_n design_v the_o instruct_n of_o man_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o nature_n give_v they_o a_o true_a system_fw-la of_o the_o heaven_n and_o declare_v the_o nature_n and_o property_n of_o all_o thing_n in_o this_o our_o earthly_a globe_n it_o will_v indeed_o have_v fill_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n with_o abundance_n of_o pleasure_n and_o delight_n but_o have_v mighty_o fall_v short_a of_o that_o universal_a usefulness_n that_o now_o it_o have_v the_o great_a end_n therefore_o which_o god_n intend_v by_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o advancement_n of_o true_a godliness_n the_o pull_v down_o and_o destroy_v the_o kingdom_n of_o sin_n and_o satan_n and_o the_o erect_n and_o set_v up_o the_o kingdom_n of_o light_n and_o grace_n in_o the_o heart_n and_o mind_n of_o men._n and_o that_o this_o be_v the_o purpose_n of_o god_n can_v be_v unknown_a to_o any_o who_o consider_v the_o great_a excellency_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o command_v of_o christianity_n and_o what_o a_o high_a measure_n of_o purity_n and_o sanctity_n they_o aim_v at_o namely_o the_o entire_a purification_n of_o the_o soul_n from_o all_o manner_n of_o terrestrial_a defilement_n and_o pollution_n and_o the_o raise_n up_o in_o it_o a_o divine_a and_o heavenly_a nature_n which_o be_v that_o state_n wherein_o we_o be_v at_o first_o create_v and_o into_o which_o we_o be_v recover_v by_o the_o gentle_a influence_n and_o illapse_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n upon_o we_o there_o be_v beget_v in_o our_o soul_n a_o daily_a tendency_n upward_o and_o a_o restless_a endeavour_n to_o free_v themselves_o from_o that_o preternatural_a load_n that_o hang_v about_o they_o and_o this_o effort_n of_o they_o receive_v fresh_a strength_n and_o supply_n from_o above_o never_o cease_v till_o it_o have_v wrought_v they_o to_o such_o a_o high_a pitch_n as_o through_o the_o benignity_n and_o power_n of_o he_o who_o be_v the_o begin_n of_o the_o creation_n of_o god_n they_o may_v be_v translate_v into_o the_o peaceful_a mansion_n of_o everlasting_a glory_n we_o shall_v consider_v then_o the_o exquisite_a suitableness_n and_o serviceableness_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o the_o extirpation_n of_o all_o sin_n and_o vice_n and_o put_v man_n in_o possession_n of_o a_o holy_a and_o divine_a nature_n which_o sure_o be_v the_o most_o advantageous_a happiness_n the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v capable_a of_o and_o if_o religion_n be_v furnish_v with_o such_o power_n and_o assistance_n as_o will_v against_o all_o opposition_n whatever_o attain_v this_o great_a end_n than_o its_o usefulness_n to_o the_o world_n will_v be_v evident_o discover_v and_o no_o man_n will_v have_v any_o reason_n to_o be_v ashamed_a of_o it_o now_o that_o this_o end_n may_v be_v attain_v 1._o god_n be_v please_v to_o promise_v we_o the_o assistance_n of_o his_o holy_a and_o bless_a spirit_n for_o we_o be_v so_o sink_v into_o this_o earthly_a state_n that_o we_o be_v whole_o carry_v away_o with_o its_o affection_n and_o lust_n can_v never_o by_o our_o own_o single_a effort_n and_o solitary_a endeavour_n bring_v ourselves_o back_o to_o the_o participation_n of_o that_o holy_a and_o divine_a life_n we_o fall_v from_o therefore_o god_n out_o of_o his_o infinite_a love_n and_o compassion_n and_o upon_o the_o intercession_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n have_v vouchsafe_v we_o the_o aid_n of_o his_o bless_a spirit_n to_o regenerate_v our_o nature_n and_o to_o form_n in_o we_o such_o a_o strong_a and_o active_a principle_n of_o holiness_n as_o shall_v steady_o carry_v our_o will_n to_o a_o perfect_a compliance_n and_o obedience_n to_o his_o holy_a will._n that_o we_o
shall_v not_o shelter_v ourselves_o in_o a_o formal_a outside_n sanctity_n but_o attain_v to_o that_o new-birth_n wherein_o all_o the_o power_n of_o sin_n be_v perfect_o vanquish_v and_o subdue_v and_o no_o life_n stir_v but_o that_o which_o flow_v from_o and_o partake_v of_o god_n spirit_n and_o we_o have_v such_o a_o potent_a assistance_n it_o must_v needs_o enliven_v and_o encourage_v we_o to_o put_v forth_o all_o our_o strength_n in_o mortify_v our_o sin_n and_o corruption_n be_v assure_v that_o through_o the_o mighty_a energy_n of_o this_o divine_a spirit_n we_o shall_v become_v victorious_a over_o all_o our_o enemy_n and_o that_o though_o we_o have_v old_a rebellious_a giant_n within_o we_o powerful_a lust_n like_o the_o son_n of_o anak_n yet_o this_o almighty_a spirit_n if_o we_o be_v not_o treacherous_a and_o false_a to_o his_o inspiration_n be_v able_a and_o certain_o will_v bring_v we_o into_o the_o promise_a land_n and_o that_o we_o have_v no_o great_a success_n in_o the_o mortification_n of_o our_o sin_n proceed_v not_o from_o the_o want_n of_o the_o supply_n of_o god_n spirit_n but_o from_o our_o own_o carelessness_n and_o falseness_n when_o he_o call_v to_o we_o to_o awake_v and_o arise_v from_o the_o dead_a from_o that_o dull_a and_o stupid_a condition_n we_o lie_v in_o under_o our_o sin_n we_o resist_v his_o influence_n and_o shut_v our_o eye_n against_o that_o light_n that_o shine_v in_o upon_o we_o and_o fall_v again_o to_o our_o old_a slumber_n and_o drowziness_n but_o if_o we_o will_v collect_v the_o power_n and_o faculty_n of_o our_o soul_n together_o and_o go_v against_o our_o strong_a vice_n and_o our_o habitual_a and_o customary_a sin_n with_o hearty_a and_o sincere_a resolution_n of_o destroy_v they_o this_o spirit_n will_v never_o be_v want_v to_o we_o but_o we_o shall_v find_v wonder_n wrought_v in_o our_o own_o soul_n we_o shall_v find_v the_o dry_a and_o parch_a soil_n that_o barren_a wilderness_n wherein_o no_o plant_n of_o sincere_a piety_n and_o righteousness_n have_v of_o a_o long_a time_n prosper_v to_o become_v a_o plantation_n of_o god_n and_o fill_v with_o all_o divine_a grace_n and_o virtue_n for_o certain_o god_n have_v not_o afford_v we_o this_o help_n to_o gratify_v our_o idleness_n or_o vanity_n but_o to_o actuate_v our_o diligence_n and_o to_o enliven_v our_o faint_a and_o droop_a spirit_n that_o we_o may_v not_o conceit_v ourselves_o to_o be_v under_o a_o invincible_a infirmity_n and_o imbecility_n and_o that_o we_o shall_v never_o be_v able_a to_o free_v ourselves_o from_o the_o tyranny_n of_o the_o body_n of_o sin_n but_o to_o go_v on_o with_o courage_n and_o rest_v assure_v that_o when_o the_o enemy_n come_v in_o like_o a_o flood_n the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n shall_v lift_v up_o a_o standard_n against_o he_o this_o must_v of_o necessity_n bring_v a_o wonderful_a comfort_n to_o a_o man_n under_o his_o strong_a temptation_n and_o in_o his_o sore_a conflict_n with_o sin_n and_o vice_n to_o be_v assure_v not_o only_o that_o he_o shall_v not_o be_v leave_v alone_o and_o forsake_a but_o that_o this_o eternal_a spirit_n shall_v cooperate_v with_o he_o and_o strengthen_v and_o perfect_v he_o in_o the_o inner_a man_n till_o he_o have_v bring_v he_o unto_o glory_n and_o because_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a prop_n and_o encouragement_n of_o a_o christian_a travel_v through_o the_o wilderness_n of_o this_o world_n therefore_o it_o be_v in_o plain_a word_n and_o without_o a_o parable_n declare_v by_o our_o bless_a saviour_n john_n 14.15_o 16_o 17._o if_o you_o love_v i_o keep_v my_o commandment_n and_o i_o will_v pray_v the_o father_n and_o he_o shall_v give_v you_o another_o comforter_n that_o he_o may_v abide_v with_o you_o for_o ever_o even_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n who_o the_o world_n can_v receive_v because_o it_o see_v he_o not_o neither_o know_v he_o but_o you_o know_v he_o for_o he_o dwell_v with_o you_o and_o shall_v be_v in_o you_o 2._o a_o second_o powerful_a motive_n for_o the_o beget_n a_o divine_a life_n and_o nature_n in_o man_n which_o be_v the_o ultimate_a end_n of_o christian_a religion_n be_v the_o consideration_n of_o the_o stupendous_a love_n of_o god_n in_o send_v jesus_n christ_n for_o the_o redemption_n of_o the_o world_n this_o our_o lord_n himself_o signify_v to_o we_o john_n 3.16_o so_o god_n love_v the_o world_n that_o he_o give_v his_o only_a beget_v son_n that_o whoever_o believe_v in_o he_o shall_v not_o perish_v but_o have_v everlasting_a life_n god_n be_v a_o be_v of_o infinite_a love_n and_o goodness_n that_o as_o he_o make_v all_o thing_n to_o be_v happy_a according_a to_o their_o several_a nature_n so_o his_o compassionate_a eye_n can_v not_o behold_v they_o for_o ever_o lose_v and_o involve_v in_o a_o inextricable_a ruin_n though_o through_o their_o own_o fault_n and_o not_o provide_v they_o some_o mean_n of_o recovery_n the_o psalmist_n say_v psal_n 145.9_o that_o the_o tender_a mercy_n of_o god_n be_v over_o all_o his_o work_n and_o if_o compassion_n and_o mercy_n be_v essential_a attribute_n of_o god_n as_o doubtless_o they_o be_v then_o there_o be_v a_o mighty_a suitableness_n and_o agreeableness_n between_o a_o poor_a and_o undo_v creature_n and_o pity_n and_o compassion_n whereby_o we_o be_v assure_v that_o it_o be_v alone_o the_o infinite_a love_n mercy_n and_o compassion_n of_o god_n that_o move_v he_o to_o rescue_v the_o world_n from_o perish_v for_o ever_o and_o that_o this_o might_n more_o deep_o affect_v our_o heart_n and_o more_o powerful_o draw_v we_o off_o from_o our_o sin_n his_o all-comprehensive_a wisdom_n so_o contrive_v it_o that_o his_o only_o beget_v son_n shall_v take_v our_o nature_n upon_o he_o and_o be_v the_o saviour_n and_o redeemer_n of_o all_o his_o lose_a brethren_n what_o a_o strong_a argument_n now_o be_v this_o to_o reclaim_v the_o most_o stubborn_a offender_n have_v we_o but_o common_a gratitude_n it_o will_v certain_o move_v we_o to_o make_v our_o return_n of_o love_n and_o affection_n in_o some_o degree_n answerable_a to_o so_o infinite_a a_o kindness_n and_o when_o we_o shall_v consider_v further_o that_o all_o this_o provision_n be_v only_o upon_o our_o account_n and_o that_o god_n be_v not_o in_o the_o least_o better_v or_o make_v more_o happy_a by_o our_o salvation_n this_o will_v turn_v it_o into_o admiration_n that_o god_n shall_v take_v such_o pain_n and_o compass_v such_o strange_a design_n and_o all_o for_o his_o enemy_n that_o wilful_o depart_v and_o revolt_v from_o he_o there_o be_v another_o cogent_a argument_n to_o promote_v the_o grand_a design_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o that_o be_v a_o serious_a meditation_n upon_o the_o crucifixion_n and_o death_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n it_o be_v a_o wonderful_a privilege_n grant_v to_o man_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v receive_v into_o favour_n after_o their_o heinous_a rebellion_n against_o god._n but_o when_o we_o consider_v that_o this_o privilege_n be_v not_o buy_v or_o procure_v for_o they_o by_o such_o mean_a and_o contemptible_a thing_n as_o silver_n and_o gold_n for_o which_o yet_o we_o know_v that_o thing_n of_o great_a worth_n pertain_v to_o this_o life_n may_v be_v have_v but_o by_o the_o precious_a blood_n of_o jesus_n christ_n that_o immaculate_a lamb_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v 1_o pet._n 1.18_o 19_o this_o make_v it_o still_o more_o wonderful_a for_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o price_n by_o which_o any_o privilege_n or_o liberty_n be_v purchase_v for_o any_o man_n it_o be_v a_o high_a engagement_n upon_o he_o to_o improve_v this_o benefit_n to_o the_o utmost_a as_o well_o for_o his_o behoof_n who_o have_v make_v the_o purchase_n for_o he_o as_o for_o his_o own_o and_o what_o treasure_n be_v there_o in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n more_o valuable_a than_o the_o precious_a blood_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o he_o willing_o offer_v this_o for_o the_o world_n that_o he_o may_v disengage_v man_n from_o their_o sin_n and_o persuade_v they_o to_o follow_v holiness_n which_o shall_v be_v for_o their_o eternal_a benefit_n and_o advantage_n to_o illustrate_v this_o by_o a_o familiar_a similitude_n suppose_v some_o dear_a friend_n shall_v part_v with_o his_o life_n to_o redeem_v another_o from_o some_o certain_a danger_n which_o otherwise_o will_v ruin_v he_o and_o shall_v only_o condition_n with_o he_o to_o perform_v some_o easy_a command_n which_o yet_o shall_v tend_v to_o his_o unspeakable_a good_a and_o advantage_n can_v such_o a_o man_n slight_a so_o great_a a_o love_n or_o ever_o think_v himself_o too_o punctual_a in_o observe_v those_o light_a injunction_n which_o his_o die_a friend_n have_v lay_v upon_o he_o sure_o if_o it_o be_v but_o for_o his_o own_o gain_n and_o profit_n he_o will_v never_o disregard_n they_o the_o case_n be_v the_o same_o with_o we_o
that_o if_o they_o will_v recant_v what_o they_o have_v say_v to_o jesus_n and_o leave_v off_o speak_v any_o more_o in_o his_o name_n they_o may_v enjoy_v their_o ease_n and_o quiet_v and_o perhaps_o have_v some_o reward_n into_o the_o bargain_n but_o if_o they_o will_v persist_v and_o go_v on_o they_o must_v look_v for_o the_o sharp_a trial_n and_o persecution_n which_o indeed_o these_o holy_a man_n meet_v withal_o almost_o in_o all_o place_n where_o they_o come_v now_o have_v the_o resurrection_n of_o jesus_n from_o the_o dead_a be_v only_o a_o feign_a story_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o rest_n that_o have_v combine_v to_o spread_v it_o abroad_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o while_o they_o meet_v with_o no_o hazard_n nor_o danger_n they_o may_v carry_v on_o the_o cheat_n yet_o when_o life_n lie_v at_o stake_n it_o be_v very_o hard_a to_o think_v that_o any_o one_o will_v die_v for_o that_o which_o he_o know_v to_o be_v a_o untruth_n but_o here_o we_o find_v in_o this_o case_n that_o the_o apostle_n free_o and_o joyful_o venture_v their_o life_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o and_o the_o most_o of_o they_o actual_o lose_v their_o life_n for_o it_o now_o he_o must_v be_v of_o a_o very_a easy_a and_o credulous_a nature_n and_o fit_a for_o nothing_o but_o to_o be_v impose_v upon_o that_o can_v believe_v so_o many_o man_n of_o good_a sense_n and_o sound_a understanding_n will_v die_v for_o a_o story_n of_o their_o own_o invention_n and_o which_o their_o own_o conscience_n will_v tell_v they_o be_v a_o notorious_a falsehood_n by_o what_o have_v be_v say_v it_o be_v apparent_a that_o there_o be_v as_o high_a and_o full_a a_o testimony_n give_v to_o the_o resurrection_n of_o jesus_n christ_n as_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v give_v to_o any_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o this_o be_v put_v out_o of_o doubt_n there_o can_v be_v no_o scruple_n leave_v for_o any_o of_o the_o other_o part_n of_o the_o history_n of_o the_o gospel_n since_o the_o same_o person_n that_o attest_v the_o one_o do_v likewise_o assure_v to_o the_o world_n the_o other_o that_o be_v the_o same_o argument_n which_o convince_v we_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o christ_n resurrection_n do_v likewise_o establish_v we_o in_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o whole_a christian_a religion_n neither_o do_v i_o know_v what_o can_v with_o any_o colour_n be_v object_v against_o this_o unless_o man_n out_o of_o a_o obstinate_a humour_n will_v rather_o adhere_v to_o that_o poor_a subterfuge_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o for_o the_o spread_a abroad_o of_o which_o they_o give_v large_a money_n to_o the_o soldier_n viz._n 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 which_o because_o by_o it_o they_o intend_v to_o discredit_v our_o saviour_n and_o his_o doctrine_n i_o shall_v show_v how_o vain_a it_o be_v 1._o it_o be_v not_o likely_a the_o disciple_n who_o flee_v from_o he_o when_o he_o be_v take_v and_o the_o stout_a of_o they_o deny_v he_o shall_v now_o that_o he_o be_v dead_a venture_v to_o steal_v his_o body_n from_o a_o guard_n of_o soldier_n 2._o how_o improbable_a be_v it_o 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 all_o asleep_a how_o can_v they_o tell_v that_o the_o disciple_n take_v he_o away_o and_o not_o that_o he_o arise_v from_o the_o dead_a by_o the_o mighty_a power_n of_o god_n as_o the_o apostle_n affirm_v 4._o how_o can_v it_o be_v that_o the_o disciple_n shall_v come_v just_a at_o that_o very_a time_n when_o they_o be_v all_o asleep_a 5._o how_o can_v they_o go_v so_o silent_o to_o work_v as_o to_o roll_v away_o the_o stone_n and_o to_o take_v out_o the_o body_n all_o which_o will_v have_v make_v some_o noise_n and_o take_v up_o some_o time_n and_o yet_o none_o of_o the_o watch_n hear_v they_o beside_o there_o be_v another_o circumstance_n which_o can_v well_o agree_v with_o the_o haste_n and_o fear_v these_o poor_a disciple_n must_v needs_o be_v in_o in_o such_o a_o attempt_n and_o that_o be_v that_o care_n which_o be_v take_v to_o lay_v the_o linen_n clothes_n by_o themselves_o in_o the_o sepulchre_n luke_n 24.12_o and_o yet_o the_o napkin_n that_o be_v about_o his_o head_n do_v not_o lie_v with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o linen_n clothes_n but_o be_v wrap_v together_o in_o a_o place_n by_o itself_o joh._n 20.7_o which_o be_v the_o most_o unlikely_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n that_o the_o disciple_n shall_v be_v so_o curious_a in_o sort_v the_o linen_n which_o they_o will_v either_o have_v take_v away_o with_o the_o body_n or_o at_o least_o not_o have_v spend_v time_n to_o wrap_v it_o so_o careful_o together_o 6._o last_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 hope_v from_o a_o dead_a carcase_n will_v that_o be_v enough_o to_o make_v they_o forsake_v their_o dear_a relation_n to_o lay_v aside_o the_o sentiment_n and_o opinion_n in_o which_o they_o have_v for_o a_o long_a time_n be_v educate_v and_o instruct_v to_o expose_v themselves_o to_o a_o thousand_o vexatious_a reproach_n and_o at_o last_o to_o a_o vile_a and_o ignominious_a death_n and_o all_o to_o maintain_v the_o credit_n of_o a_o person_n that_o have_v so_o gross_o frustrate_v their_o expectation_n sure_o he_o that_o can_v believe_v such_o thing_n of_o the_o apostle_n must_v offer_v the_o great_a violence_n in_o the_o world_n not_o only_o to_o his_o own_o but_o to_o the_o understanding_n of_o all_o mankind_n and_o now_o we_o can_v but_o see_v the_o unreasonableness_n of_o infidelity_n that_o it_o must_v be_v either_o a_o very_a crooked_a and_o untoward_a education_n or_o a_o obstinate_a base_a and_o perverse_a spirit_n that_o carry_v man_n with_o so_o much_o contempt_n and_o scorn_n against_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n for_o if_o these_o person_n be_v ask_v upon_o what_o account_n they_o give_v credit_n to_o thucydides_n history_n of_o the_o peloponnesian_a war_n or_o plutarch_n life_n or_o any_o other_o ancient_a historian_n they_o must_v say_v that_o the_o constant_a and_o universal_a consent_n of_o the_o most_o learned_a and_o judicious_a have_v all_o along_o determine_v those_o person_n to_o be_v the_o author_n of_o those_o book_n and_o that_o they_o be_v person_n of_o credit_n and_o veracity_n and_o be_v it_o not_o mere_a frowardness_n humour_n and_o fantastickness_n to_o reject_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n hand_v down_o successive_o for_o sixteen_o hundred_o year_n and_o upward_o concern_v the_o book_n of_o the_o new-testament_n let_v they_o but_o have_v the_o same_o temper_n and_o disposition_n of_o mind_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o history_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o they_o retain_v in_o behalf_n of_o the_o forementioned_a historian_n and_o they_o must_v of_o necessity_n confess_v that_o there_o be_v at_o least_o as_o many_o and_o as_o weighty_a motive_n of_o credibility_n for_o that_o as_o possible_o can_v be_v excogitated_a for_o these_o moreover_o according_a to_o the_o different_a nature_n of_o thing_n there_o be_v different_a way_n of_o probation_n and_o no_o man_n will_v expect_v a_o mathematical_a demonstration_n to_o prove_v a_o moral_a proposition_n it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o every_o ingenuous_a nature_n that_o there_o be_v as_o full_a and_o clear_a evidence_n as_o the_o matter_n can_v bear_v hence_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n though_o it_o may_v seem_v more_o satisfactory_a to_o have_v see_v he_o as_o the_o apostle_n do_v with_o a_o man_n be_v own_o eye_n yet_o pronounce_v they_o bless_v that_o have_v not_o see_v 20.29_o and_o yet_o have_v believe_v intimate_v that_o it_o be_v a_o more_o generous_a faith_n to_o believe_v unsuspected_a witness_n upon_o the_o full_a and_o clear_a evidence_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n than_o if_o this_o faith_n be_v constrain_v and_o as_o it_o be_v necessitate_v by_o ocular_a demonstration_n hence_o we_o may_v understand_v the_o meaning_n of_o those_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n mat._n 12.32_o and_o whosoever_o speak_v a_o word_n against_o the_o son_n of_o man_n it_o shall_v be_v forgive_v he_o but_o whosoever_o speak_v against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n it_o shall_v not_o be_v forgive_v he_o neither_o in_o this_o world_n neither_o in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v that_o be_v though_o it_o be_v a_o great_a sin_n not_o to_o believe_v our_o saviour_n to_o be_v send_v from_o god_n after_o he_o have_v give_v such_o manifest_a proof_n of_o it_o by_o his_o numerous_a and_o stupendous_a miracle_n yet_o the_o sin_n be_v not_o come_v to_o its_o height_n because_o there_o want_v yet_o further_o evidence_n our_o lord_n be_v not_o yet_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a but_o after_o his_o resurrection_n and_o ascension_n into_o heaven_n and_o as_o a_o confirmation_n of_o this_o the_o
of_o reasonable_a creature_n that_o if_o a_o disinterest_v and_o unprejudiced_a person_n be_v to_o speak_v his_o mind_n he_o will_v say_v that_o neither_o the_o wit_n of_o man_n nor_o angel_n can_v find_v out_o a_o more_o agreeable_a and_o effectual_a mean_n for_o the_o recovery_n of_o the_o world_n than_o what_o be_v already_o make_v use_n of_o in_o the_o contrivance_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o here_o god_n have_v consult_v the_o weakness_n infirmity_n prejudices_fw-la and_o imperfection_n of_o mankind_n which_o they_o have_v contract_v by_o a_o long_a degeneracy_n and_o corruption_n and_o corruption_n and_o which_o be_v become_v so_o inveterate_a and_o deep_o radicate_v as_o not_o to_o be_v remove_v but_o by_o such_o a_o dispensation_n as_o may_v so_o far_o gratify_v humane_a affection_n and_o natural_a propension_n as_o may_v be_v consistent_a with_o the_o honour_n and_o sanctity_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o st._n paul_n call_v the_o foolishness_n of_o preach_v 1_o cor._n 1.21_o for_o after_o that_o in_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n the_o world_n by_o wisdom_n know_v not_o god_n it_o please_v god_n by_o the_o foolishness_n of_o preach_v to_o save_v they_o that_o believe_v which_o be_v not_o so_o to_o be_v understand_v as_o if_o the_o pagan_a world_n have_v no_o knowledge_n of_o the_o one_o only_a true_a god_n the_o creator_n and_o governor_n of_o all_o thing_n forthen_a the_o apostle_n will_v have_v contradict_v what_o he_o have_v say_v in_o another_o place_n rom._n 1.19_o where_o he_o say_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o which_o be_v knowable_a or_o may_v be_v know_v of_o god_n be_v manifest_a within_o they_o but_o that_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o world_n before_o christianity_n by_o their_o natural_a light_n and_o contemplation_n of_o the_o work_n of_o god_n do_v not_o attain_v to_o such_o a_o practical_a knowledge_n of_o god_n as_o may_v both_o free_v they_o from_o idolatry_n and_o effectual_o bring_v they_o to_o a_o holy_a life_n to_o both_o which_o end_v christian_a religion_n be_v design_v of_o god_n that_o it_o shall_v attain_v therefore_o it_o please_v god_n by_o the_o foolishness_n of_o preach_v to_o save_v they_o that_o believe_v i._n e._n by_o a_o way_n of_o condescend_v wisdom_n gratify_v all_o our_o innocent_a propension_n and_o accommodate_v itself_o so_o far_o to_o the_o radicate_v and_o inveterate_a preposition_n of_o humane_a mind_n to_o give_v some_o instance_n of_o this_o condescend_v wisdom_n beside_o the_o general_a impurity_n and_o corruption_n of_o the_o life_n of_o man_n a_o learned_a jewish_a author_n give_v this_o account_n of_o the_o pagan_a polytheism_n and_o idolatry_n 468._o the_o idolater_n say_v he_o first_o argue_v thus_o in_o respect_n of_o god_n that_o since_o he_o be_v of_o such_o transcendent_a perfection_n above_o man_n it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o man_n to_o be_v unite_v to_o or_o have_v communion_n with_o he_o otherwise_o than_o by_o mean_n of_o certain_a middle_a being_n or_o mediator_n as_o it_o be_v the_o manner_n of_o earthly_a king_n to_o have_v petition_n convey_v to_o they_o by_o the_o hand_n of_o mediator_n and_o intercessor_n second_o they_o thus_o argue_v also_o in_o respect_n of_o themselves_o that_o be_v corporeal_a so_o that_o they_o can_v not_o apprehend_v god_n abstract_o they_o must_v needs_o have_v something_o sensible_a to_o excite_v and_o stir_v up_o their_o devotion_n and_o to_o fix_v their_o imagination_n upon_o here_o be_v then_o so_o early_o a_o prepossession_n and_o general_n debauch_v of_o man_n mind_n divine_a goodness_n and_o wisdom_n have_v so_o condescend_v to_o humane_a frailty_n and_o inclination_n as_o instead_o of_o that_o multitude_n of_o middle_a being_n or_o mediator_n which_o apuleius_n call_v inter_fw-la terricolas_fw-la caelicolasque_fw-la vectores_fw-la socratis_n hinc_fw-la precum_fw-la inde_fw-la donorum_fw-la qui_fw-la ultrò_fw-la citróque_fw-la pertant_fw-la hinc_fw-la petitiones_fw-la inde_fw-la suppetias_fw-la a_o kind_n of_o carrier_n between_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n who_o travel_v to_o and_o fro_o carry_v our_o prayer_n and_o petition_n thither_o and_o bring_v from_o thence_o gift_n and_o supply_n for_o we_o to_o constitute_v and_o appoint_v one_o mediator_n between_o god_n and_o man_n the_o man_n christ_n jesus_n who_o offer_v up_o our_o petition_n and_o intercede_v with_o god_n and_o procure_v blessing_n and_o favour_n for_o we_o by_o his_o intervention_n we_o receive_v seasonable_a supply_n for_o all_o our_o exigence_n and_o necessity_n here_o and_o he_o take_v care_n to_o conduct_v we_o at_o last_o to_o that_o immortal_a glory_n that_o he_o himself_o be_v now_o possess_v of_o and_o that_o we_o may_v not_o err_v in_o transfer_v our_o worship_n upon_o the_o creature_n upon_o the_o account_n that_o we_o can_v have_v no_o abstract_a conception_n of_o god_n and_o in_o this_o our_o earthly_a state_n need_v something_o to_o invigorate_v our_o devotion_n and_o fix_v our_o imagination_n upon_o god_n have_v clothe_v himself_o with_o our_o flesh_n and_o blood_n and_o take_v into_o a_o near_a union_n with_o himself_o the_o soul_n and_o body_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n so_o that_o though_o rude_a and_o ignorant_a mortal_n may_v fancy_v god_n as_o a_o pure_a and_o immense_a spirit_n too_o raise_v a_o object_n for_o they_o in_o this_o their_o degenerate_a condition_n to_o have_v any_o conception_n of_o yet_o what_o be_v sensible_a and_o visible_a and_o congenerous_a with_o themselves_o they_o must_v needs_o have_v a_o apprehension_n of_o and_o such_o be_v the_o body_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n which_o be_v the_o temple_n wherein_o now_o the_o divinity_n be_v enshrine_v and_o wherein_o the_o schechinah_n or_o glorious_a majesty_n and_o presence_n of_o god_n reside_v and_o manifest_v itself_o which_o be_v a_o clear_a instance_n of_o the_o condescend_v wisdom_n of_o god_n which_o in_o compliance_n with_o the_o prepossession_n and_o mistake_v of_o mankind_n wherein_o they_o be_v fatal_o and_o inextricable_o involve_v have_v provide_v a_o visible_a object_n of_o their_o worship_n and_o adoration_n by_o unite_n himself_o with_o humane_a flesh_n i_o may_v instance_n in_o divers_a other_o congruity_n wherein_o christianity_n be_v so_o exquisite_o fit_v to_o redeem_v the_o world_n from_o the_o tyranny_n of_o satan_n and_o yet_o to_o gratify_v even_o in_o a_o sensible_a manner_n all_o the_o more_o innocent_a propension_n and_o inclination_n of_o mankind_n but_o i_o shall_v have_v occasion_n to_o take_v notice_n of_o some_o in_o the_o progress_n of_o my_o discourse_n it_o will_v now_o be_v requisite_a to_o take_v a_o more_o near_o and_o intimate_a view_n of_o the_o frame_n and_o contexture_n of_o christianity_n wherein_o we_o shall_v with_o admiration_n behold_v a_o mighty_a congruity_n with_o our_o natural_a faculty_n and_o a_o wonderful_a compliance_n all_o along_o with_o our_o infirmity_n and_o necessity_n for_o what_o can_v be_v think_v more_o become_v and_o reasonable_a than_o 1._o that_o some_o extraordinary_a person_n shall_v be_v send_v from_o heaven_n who_o shall_v in_o the_o most_o convince_a manner_n assure_v man_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n now_o this_o be_v already_o do_v for_o by_o the_o gospel_n we_o be_v assure_v that_o jesus_n christ_n the_o only_o beget_v son_n of_o god_n have_v appear_v upon_o earth_n to_o declare_v his_o father_n will_n unto_o men._n and_o by_o this_o way_n of_o proceed_v god_n not_o only_o conciliate_v reverence_n and_o esteem_n to_o the_o doctrine_n that_o be_v deliver_v but_o give_v a_o evident_a and_o mighty_a demonstration_n of_o his_o infinite_a love_n and_o goodness_n and_o that_o he_o be_v real_o desirous_a of_o man_n eternal_a happiness_n and_o welfare_n in_o that_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v discover_v and_o make_v know_v by_o a_o person_n so_o near_o and_o dear_a to_o he_o as_o his_o own_o son_n be_v a_o sufficient_a ground_n of_o reverence_n and_o esteem_n since_o all_o people_n in_o the_o world_n have_v ever_o reccive_v a_o message_n from_o heaven_n with_o the_o high_a veneration_n and_o so_o much_o the_o more_o as_o the_o person_n that_o deliver_v it_o be_v of_o high_a and_o great_a worth_n and_o this_o be_v so_o general_a a_o persuasion_n that_o the_o most_o famous_a lawgiver_n among_o the_o pagan_n that_o they_o may_v make_v their_o law_n pass_v the_o better_a and_o find_v a_o more_o ready_a acceptation_n with_o the_o people_n they_o feign_v some_o heavenly_a power_n or_o other_o to_o be_v author_n of_o they_o and_o what_o be_v but_o pretend_v by_o they_o be_v real_o and_o true_o perform_v by_o our_o bless_a saviour_n who_o be_v the_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n clothe_v himself_o with_o flesh_n and_o blood_n and_o assert_v his_o commission_n to_o be_v from_o god_n and_o be_v own_v by_o a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n to_o be_v what_o he_o declare_v himself_o and_o lest_o this_o shall_v not_o be_v enough_o to_o convince_v the_o world_n