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
be_v a_o sort_n of_o man_n in_o the_o world_n who_o mind_n be_v so_o deep_o tincture_v with_o sadducean_n and_o atheistical_a principle_n that_o be_v otherwise_o furnish_v with_o a_o quaint_a volubility_n of_o speech_n and_o some_o smattering_n of_o philosophy_n in_o this_o know_a age_n deem_v it_o the_o high_a improvement_n of_o their_o wit_n to_o laugh_v and_o jeer_v at_o that_o profound_a wisdom_n which_o be_v find_v in_o christianity_n now_o accuse_v its_o dogmata_fw-la of_o impossibility_n and_o contradiction_n and_o then_o scoff_v at_o the_o historical_a part_n as_o fabulous_a and_o romantic_a clear_o discover_v that_o their_o grand_a drift_n be_v to_o leaven_n the_o mind_n of_o man_n with_o that_o pernicious_a and_o venomous_a doctrine_n that_o there_o be_v nothing_o but_o matter_n in_o the_o world_n to_o begin_v therefore_o with_o the_o birth_n of_o the_o bless_a jesus_n and_o the_o circumstance_n attend_v of_o it_o as_o of_o the_o star_n which_o lead_v the_o wise_a man_n to_o he_o and_o of_o their_o adoration_n of_o he_o that_o these_o thing_n be_v not_o indecorous_a and_o ridiculous_a nor_o impertinent_o record_v but_o suitable_a and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o nativity_n of_o so_o great_a a_o person_n that_o a_o virgin_n shall_v conceive_v and_o bring_v forth_o a_o child_n virgin_n aught_o to_o be_v no_o such_o strange_a thing_n to_o the_o jew_n since_o their_o prophet_n have_v foretell_v that_o it_o shall_v so_o come_v to_o pass_v particular_o in_o isa_n seven_o 14._o behold_v a_o virgin_n shall_v conceive_v and_o bear_v a_o son_n and_o shall_v call_v his_o name_n immanuel_n and_o if_o this_o be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v of_o a_o pure_a and_o immaculate_a virgin_n where_o be_v that_o sign_n which_o god_n by_o his_o prophet_n usher_v in_o with_o such_o solemnity_n ask_v thou_o a_o sign_n of_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n ask_v it_o either_o in_o the_o depth_n or_o in_o the_o height_n above_o for_o nothing_o be_v more_o ordinary_a in_o the_o world_n than_o that_o a_o young_a woman_n shall_v bring_v forth_o a_o child_n add_v to_o this_o that_o the_o jewish_a rabbin_n teach_v that_o the_o generation_n and_o nativity_n of_o the_o messiah_n shall_v not_o be_v after_o the_o manner_n of_o other_o creature_n by_o carnal_a copulation_n but_o after_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n and_o his_o father_n shall_v be_v unknown_a till_o he_o himself_o reveal_v he_o nor_o ought_v it_o to_o be_v think_v a_o thing_n impossible_a by_o the_o gentile_n since_o they_o affirm_v many_o of_o their_o hero_n to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o the_o god_n and_o plato_n be_v say_v to_o be_v beget_v on_o perictione_n by_o apollo_n who_o forbid_v aristo_n to_o have_v any_o familiarity_n with_o his_o wife_n till_o plato_n be_v bear_v but_o to_o they_o that_o believe_v a_o just_a and_o righteous_a providence_n govern_v all_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o universe_n it_o be_v obvious_a to_o conceive_v that_o all_o soul_n be_v send_v into_o the_o world_n according_a to_o their_o demerit_n in_o a_o former_a life_n and_o therefore_o as_o a_o deep_o lapse_v soul_n descend_v into_o a_o inequal_a and_o monstrous_a body_n from_o which_o adunation_n can_v result_v no_o other_o than_o a_o brutish_a cruel_a and_o intemperate_a life_n and_o a_o pronity_n to_o all_o other_o vice_n arise_v from_o such_o a_o asymmetral_a and_o inhospitable_a society_n so_o the_o pure_a and_o immaculate_a soul_n of_o jesus_n must_v assume_v a_o terrestrial_a body_n after_o a_o unusual_a manner_n more_o pure_a than_o the_o rest_n that_o it_o may_v be_v free_a from_o sin_n and_o pollution_n as_o well_o as_o fit_v to_o converse_v with_o man_n and_o that_o he_o may_v in_o it_o teach_v a_o extraordinary_a temperance_n justice_n and_o goodness_n and_o all_o other_o virtue_n by_o his_o life_n as_o by_o his_o doctrine_n for_o neither_o will_v the_o justice_n of_o god_n precipitate_v so_o great_a a_o soul_n into_o a_o unfit_a and_o incongruous_a habitation_n nor_o its_o eximious_a purity_n admit_v of_o a_o union_n with_o a_o inquinated_a and_o filthy_a body_n star_n nor_o be_v it_o any_o whit_n incongruous_a that_o a_o unusual_a star_n shall_v attend_v the_o rise_n of_o the_o glorious_a sun_n of_o righteousness_n for_o though_o it_o be_v common_o say_v of_o comet_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o no_o one_o appear_v to_o the_o world_n but_o portend_v some_o mischief_n which_o historian_n plentiful_o observe_v and_o hence_o be_v that_o of_o claudian_n nunquam_fw-la futilibus_fw-la excanduit_fw-la ignibus_fw-la aether_n et_fw-la nunquam_fw-la coelo_fw-la spectatum_fw-la impune_fw-la cometen_v yet_o origen_n in_o his_o first_o book_n against_o celsus_n affirm_v that_o chaeremon_n the_o stoic_a in_o his_o treatise_n of_o comet_n prove_v by_o several_a instance_n out_o of_o history_n that_o comet_n sometime_o presage_v the_o approach_n of_o good_a thing_n astrum_n if_o then_o those_o great_a and_o wander_a globe_n be_v look_v upon_o as_o the_o presignificator_n of_o great_a change_n and_o alteration_n in_o the_o world_n what_o wonder_n be_v it_o that_o the_o birth_n of_o jesus_n who_o shall_v work_v so_o mighty_a a_o mutation_n upon_o earth_n and_o introduce_v a_o religion_n universal_a and_o common_a to_o all_o mankind_n shall_v be_v declare_v by_o a_o new_a and_o strange_a star_n and_o if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o a_o star_n in_o the_o heavenly_a region_n to_o design_n punctual_o so_o small_a a_o place_n as_o a_o particular_a house_n upon_o earth_n i_o answer_v that_o the_o magi_n find_v the_o house_n wherein_o jesus_n be_v not_o only_o by_o the_o disappear_a and_o vanish_v of_o the_o star_n over_o it_o but_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d by_o a_o diligent_a search_n and_o inquisition_n after_o the_o child_n perhaps_o of_o the_o shepherd_n who_o be_v not_o far_o distant_a keep_v watch_n over_o their_o flock_n it_o remain_v now_o that_o we_o apologise_v for_o the_o other_o part_n of_o the_o history_n viz._n men._n the_o come_n of_o the_o wise_a man_n from_o the_o east_n to_o jerusalem_n to_o which_o purpose_n it_o will_v be_v requisite_a to_o consider_v the_o quality_n of_o these_o magi_n who_o probable_o be_v none_o of_o these_o grosser_n sort_n of_o sorcerer_n that_o make_v a_o express_a compact_n with_o the_o devil_n but_o such_o as_o receive_v from_o other_o certain_a form_n and_o mysterious_a conjuration_n use_v they_o as_o they_o be_v deliver_v to_o they_o without_o inquire_v further_o into_o their_o nature_n and_o perhaps_o the_o black_a society_n may_v oblige_v themselves_o to_o attend_v such_o dark_a and_o hide_a mystery_n whether_o the_o transactor_n of_o they_o know_v they_o to_o be_v they_o or_o not_o but_o whether_o these_o magi_n be_v such_o or_o have_v a_o more_o open_a and_o visible_a commerce_n with_o evil_a spirit_n it_o matter_n not_o since_o this_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o airy_a principality_n can_v act_v no_o further_o where_o a_o more_o divine_a and_o excellent_a power_n intervene_v wherefore_o through_o the_o mighty_a virtue_n of_o the_o divinity_n reside_v in_o the_o soul_n of_o jesus_n and_o the_o unexpected_a descent_n of_o a_o glorious_a host_n of_o angel_n to_o these_o terrestrial_a region_n sing_v a_o anthem_n of_o praise_n at_o the_o birth_n of_o jesus_n it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o power_n of_o the_o airy_a principality_n be_v on_o a_o sudden_a restrain_v and_o a_o universal_a chillness_n and_o horror_n run_v through_o the_o dark_a kingdom_n so_o that_o they_o be_v unable_a to_o attend_v their_o own_o hellish_a mystery_n which_o the_o magi_n perceive_v their_o usual_a incantation_n not_o succeed_v nor_o the_o accustom_a effect_n follow_v their_o secret_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n they_o begin_v to_o think_v the_o cause_n of_o this_o unexpected_a accident_n to_o be_v extraordinary_a and_o know_v the_o prophecy_n of_o balaam_n that_o a_o star_n shall_v come_v out_o of_o jacob_n and_o a_o sceptre_n rise_v out_o of_o israel_n conjecture_v that_o the_o man_n foretell_v to_o come_v with_o the_o apparition_n of_o a_o star_n be_v now_o bear_v into_o the_o world_n and_o believe_v he_o to_o have_v a_o transcendent_a power_n over_o the_o aereal_a agent_n resolve_v to_o come_v and_o worship_v he_o present_v he_o with_o the_o choice_a gift_n of_o arabia_n gold_n and_o myrrh_n and_o frankincense_n as_o to_o a_o king_n a_o man_n and_o a_o god_n and_o if_o any_o man_n desire_v a_o further_a mystery_n he_o may_v take_v the_o learned_a grotius_n his_o observation_n that_o by_o these_o three_o are_z denote_v those_o three_o evangelical_n sacrifice_n which_o through_o christ_n we_o offer_v unto_o god_n viz._n work_v of_o charity_n and_o mercy_n phil._n four_o 18._o incorrupted_a purity_n of_o body_n rom._n twelve_o 1._o and_o prayer_n psal_n cxli_o 2._o we_o that_o be_v christian_n be_v teach_v in_o the_o gospel_n that_o jesus_n christ_n the_o saviour_n of_o mankind_n be_v god_n as_o well_o as_o man_n man._n
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
in_o these_o earthly_a habitation_n a_o very_a efficacious_a principle_n of_o life_n and_o virtue_n within_o he_o which_o though_o shut_v up_o and_o constrain_v by_o the_o encumbrance_n of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n yet_o shine_v through_o the_o veil_n and_o sometime_o break_v forth_o into_o pure_a light_n and_o glory_n wherefore_o through_o the_o plenitude_n and_o perfection_n of_o this_o high_a and_o exalt_a life_n it_o so_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o in_o the_o time_n of_o his_o converse_n with_o mortal_n before_o his_o death_n he_o be_v not_o see_v alike_o and_o after_o the_o same_o manner_n by_o all_o but_o according_a to_o the_o measure_n and_o model_n of_o their_o frail_a capacity_n and_o some_o such_o thing_n judas_n who_o betray_v he_o seem_v to_o intimate_v by_o give_v a_o sign_n to_o the_o apprehender_n of_o jesus_n to_o know_v he_o when_o yet_o it_o be_v true_a what_o christ_n say_v that_o he_o be_v daily_o with_o they_o teach_v in_o the_o temple_n and_o certain_o we_o can_v but_o think_v something_o extraordinary_a to_o be_v in_o the_o bless_a jesus_n when_o the_o scripture_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n be_v not_o able_a to_o behold_v the_o glorious_a visage_n even_o of_o moses_n when_o he_o descend_v from_o his_o converse_n with_o god_n in_o the_o mount_n although_o then_o in_o the_o frailty_n of_o his_o flesh_n when_o he_o be_v a_o man_n of_o sorrow_n and_o have_v not_o yet_o spoil_v principality_n and_o power_n nor_o die_v for_o sin_n he_o suffer_v himself_o to_o be_v see_v of_o all_o yet_o when_o he_o have_v break_v the_o power_n of_o hell_n and_o rise_v as_o a_o triumphant_a conqueror_n from_o his_o bed_n of_o darkness_n the_o grave_a he_o be_v not_o then_o the_o object_n of_o every_o man_n sight_n his_o divinity_n be_v more_o refulgent_a when_o the_o oeconomy_n he_o undertake_v in_o the_o flesh_n be_v finish_v but_o to_o those_o who_o be_v capable_a of_o his_o presence_n he_o appear_v and_o show_v himself_o alive_a to_o confirm_v and_o strengthen_v their_o faith_n and_o yet_o spare_v their_o imbecility_n and_o imperfection_n by_o stay_v but_o a_o little_a with_o they_o at_o a_o time_n for_o even_o his_o apostle_n be_v not_o all_o capable_a of_o behold_v he_o at_o all_o time_n and_o therefore_o he_o select_a peter_n james_n and_o john_n who_o alone_o be_v able_a to_o bear_v that_o glorious_a spectacle_n of_o his_o transfiguration_n and_o behold_v moses_n and_o elias_n in_o their_o celestial_a robe_n and_o hear_v not_o only_o their_o discourse_n but_o the_o voice_n which_o come_v to_o they_o from_o the_o cloud_n and_o hence_o we_o gather_v that_o he_o will_v not_o appear_v to_o those_o who_o insult_v over_o he_o in_o his_o misery_n and_o be_v the_o author_n of_o his_o ignominious_a death_n out_o of_o compassion_n towards_o they_o lest_o they_o shall_v be_v strike_v with_o blindness_n as_o the_o wicked_a sodomite_n who_o seek_v to_o abuse_v those_o angelical_a personage_n that_o be_v hospitable_o receive_v into_o the_o house_n of_o lot_n and_o thus_o we_o read_v that_o saul_n in_o his_o journey_n to_o damascus_n be_v strike_v blind_a by_o that_o excellent_a glory_n which_o yet_o become_v a_o innocuous_a and_o recreate_v splendour_n to_o st._n stephen_n a_o little_a before_o his_o death_n chap._n iii_o that_o christianity_n contain_v nothing_o light_a and_o trivial_a but_o grave_n and_o sober_a truth_n deliver_v in_o that_o decorous_a and_o become_a majesty_n as_o well_o suit_v with_o that_o bless_a spirit_n which_o inspire_v the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n the_o three_o particular_a to_o be_v prove_v in_o order_n to_o the_o declaration_n of_o the_o excellency_n of_o christianity_n be_v that_o it_o treat_v of_o no_o small_a and_o trifle_a thing_n but_o such_o as_o be_v of_o the_o great_a importance_n in_o the_o world_n for_o what_o be_v more_o noble_a and_o generous_a than_o that_o which_o concern_v the_o happiness_n and_o welfare_n of_o the_o whole_a creation_n what_o more_o sublime_a and_o excellent_a than_o that_o which_o tend_v to_o the_o unmask_a the_o cloudy_a and_o obscure_a face_n of_o providence_n and_o discover_v the_o unsearchable_a wisdom_n of_o god_n in_o the_o harmonious_a order_n and_o symmetry_n of_o the_o world_n but_o to_o descend_v more_o particular_o 1._o the_o gospel_n teach_v we_o that_o the_o true_a and_o genuine_a felicity_n of_o mankind_n be_v the_o participation_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n that_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v in_o a_o undue_a and_o wrong_a estate_n in_o this_o world_n that_o be_v that_o their_o nature_n be_v by_o some_o mean_n or_o other_o corrupt_v and_o vitiate_a and_o force_v from_o their_o proper_a bend_a and_o inclination_n needs_o no_o other_o confirmation_n than_o the_o great_a inquietude_n and_o dissatisfaction_n they_o find_v in_o the_o best_a terrestrial_a joy_n and_o delight_n and_o their_o diligent_a and_o indefatigable_a inquisition_n after_o some_o noble_a and_o permanent_a good_a which_o may_v be_v commensurate_a with_o the_o vastness_n of_o their_o capacity_n and_o desire_n and_o although_o as_o man_n come_v into_o the_o world_n their_o animal_n power_n and_o faculty_n who_o proper_a object_n be_v the_o result_v of_o sense_n and_o corporeal_a motion_n be_v full_o awake_a and_o usurp_v the_o throne_n of_o reason_n and_o intellect_n yet_o those_o lordly_a power_n like_o a_o oppress_a prince_n still_o lay_v claim_n to_o the_o sovereignty_n and_o dominion_n and_o whenever_o any_o due_a occasion_n be_v offer_v give_v a_o evident_a proof_n of_o their_o heavenly_a birth_n and_o extraction_n and_o strive_v to_o free_v themselves_o from_o their_o unjust_a captivity_n and_o regain_v their_o native_a liberty_n and_o command_n and_o if_o by_o a_o favourable_a assistance_n and_o timely_a aid_n the_o mind_n of_o man_n conquer_v and_o suppress_v the_o rebellious_a passion_n and_o desire_n of_o the_o mortal_a body_n and_o become_v in_o any_o measure_n healthy_a and_o strong_a to_o relish_v their_o proper_a food_n and_o nourishment_n and_o amid_o all_o the_o flatter_a appearance_n and_o fine_a show_v present_v to_o they_o from_o this_o outward_a world_n discriminate_a between_o real_a good_a and_o evil_a and_o select_v true_a and_o substantial_a from_o false_a and_o adulterate_a joy_n they_o behold_v with_o pleasure_n and_o enravishment_n a_o perfect_a union_n and_o harmony_n between_o whatever_o truth_n shall_v due_o be_v propound_v to_o they_o and_o their_o rational_a nature_n for_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v in_o their_o general_a stricture_n and_o lineament_n intellectual_a it_o can_v be_v but_o that_o their_o high_a felicity_n and_o true_a accomplishment_n must_v flow_v from_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o high_a and_o more_o immaterial_a power_n and_o the_o more_o spiritualise_v and_o refine_v they_o be_v from_o base_a alloy_n the_o more_o tender_a and_o apprehensive_a be_v they_o of_o whatever_o be_v noble_a and_o excellent_a and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o purity_n of_o their_o nature_n albeit_o therefore_o our_o faculty_n be_v deprave_v and_o debase_v as_o we_o appear_v upon_o the_o stage_n of_o this_o world_n yet_o there_o be_v in_o we_o a_o strong_a propension_n to_o return_v to_o our_o first_o and_o primitive_a state_n out_o of_o which_o we_o be_v force_v by_o the_o unjust_a usurpation_n of_o iniquity_n and_o sin_n truth_n and_o goodness_n and_o all_o those_o beautiful_a form_n and_o idea_n which_o shine_v in_o our_o soul_n before_o their_o unhappy_a lapse_n and_o revolt_n from_o the_o bless_a law_n and_o government_n of_o god_n own_o life_n will_v upon_o a_o congruous_a proposal_n renew_v their_o ancient_a league_n and_o friendship_n and_o conspire_v the_o utter_a subversion_n of_o all_o irregular_a appetite_n and_o desire_n and_o reduce_v the_o whole_a man_n into_o a_o strict_a obedience_n and_o observance_n of_o the_o dictate_v and_o prescription_n of_o that_o holy_a and_o exalt_a principle_n of_o life_n which_o be_v once_o full_o seat_v and_o radicate_v in_o our_o mind_n and_o spirit_n be_v alone_o able_a to_o make_v we_o perfect_o happy_a and_o bless_a for_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v not_o devoid_a of_o innate_a knowledge_n but_o be_v essential_o store_v through_o the_o gracious_a bounty_n and_o liberality_n of_o the_o first_o and_o bless_a author_n of_o all_o thing_n with_o the_o principle_n of_o all_o manner_n of_o science_n and_o wisdom_n whatever_o and_o hence_o can_v but_o embrace_v and_o receive_v every_o thing_n that_o have_v any_o cognation_n and_o affinity_n with_o those_o first_o inscription_n on_o their_o nature_n now_o the_o great_a happiness_n delight_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o every_o degree_n of_o life_n in_o the_o world_n consist_v in_o and_o arise_v from_o the_o kindly_a and_o agreeable_a act_n of_o its_o chief_a and_o best_a faculty_n and_o capacity_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n so_o far_o forth_o as_o it_o be_v capable_a of_o moral_a good_a and_o evil_a be_v make_v up_o of_o such_o principle_n as_o be_v
they_o a_o true_a and_o faithful_a discrimination_n of_o object_n wherefore_o divine_a wisdom_n have_v treat_v the_o son_n of_o man_n after_o a_o sensible_a manner_n and_o engage_v they_o by_o argument_n that_o more_o forcible_o strike_v their_o fancy_n and_o imagination_n and_o have_v a_o great_a influence_n for_o the_o promote_a the_o indispensable_a duty_n of_o sanctity_n and_o truth_n than_o any_o terrestrial_a pleasure_n can_v possible_o be_v allective_a to_o the_o contrary_n it_o be_v true_a if_o religion_n can_v consist_v with_o avarice_n vainglory_n and_o ambition_n the_o covetous_a miser_n who_o rip_v up_o the_o bowel_n of_o the_o earth_n for_o treasure_n and_o spin_v out_o his_o life_n in_o a_o golden_a thread_n will_v become_v a_o proselyte_n and_o he_o who_o seek_v to_o ride_v upon_o the_o shoulder_n of_o the_o multitude_n and_o life_n upon_o the_o air_n and_o breath_n of_o popular_a applause_n will_v need_v no_o inducement_n to_o turn_v christian_a but_o when_o thing_n go_v direct_o contrary_a and_o he_o that_o will_v be_v a_o sincere_a disciple_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n must_v crucify_v his_o rebellious_a lust_n and_o descend_v into_o the_o grave_a of_o mortification_n and_o cashier_v every_o inordinate_a motion_n and_o desire_n that_o hinder_v or_o any_o way_n obstruct_v his_o approach_n to_o so_o inestimable_a a_o good_a as_o the_o possession_n of_o the_o bless_a life_n of_o god_n and_o this_o not_o to_o be_v do_v without_o indefatigable_a industry_n and_o care_n and_o as_o it_o be_v a_o dilaceration_n of_o himself_o from_o himself_o that_o be_v a_o forcible_a subjection_n of_o that_o grand_a principle_n of_o our_o apostasy_n and_o deviation_n from_o god_n which_o be_v so_o mischievous_o powerful_a to_o the_o command_n and_o law_n of_o our_o superior_a life_n there_o be_v no_o man_n can_v doubt_v but_o that_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v infinite_o necessary_a in_o order_n to_o that_o weighty_a design_n eternal_a wisdom_n seek_v to_o carry_v on_o by_o the_o promulgation_n of_o they_o to_o the_o world_n which_o promise_v we_o may_v refer_v to_o these_o three_o general_a head_n 1._o pardon_v of_o all_o our_o sin_n upon_o a_o true_a repentance_n and_o sincere_a conformity_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o spirit_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o this_o be_v the_o great_a end_n of_o christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n that_o he_o may_v reconcile_v it_o unto_o god_n and_o assure_v guilty_a sinner_n who_o have_v make_v themselves_o obnoxious_a to_o divine_a wrath_n and_o displeasure_n that_o if_o they_o will_v return_v to_o their_o loyalty_n and_o obedience_n and_o express_v a_o unfeigned_a repentance_n by_o sincere_a purpose_n and_o resolution_n of_o a_o new_a life_n god_n will_v forgive_v their_o past_a trespass_n and_o remember_v their_o iniquity_n no_o more_o the_o whole_a gospel_n what_o else_o be_v it_o but_o a_o free_a and_o gracious_a declaration_n of_o pardon_n and_o forgiveness_n to_o the_o world_n which_o as_o it_o take_v away_o all_o direful_a and_o jealous_a thought_n which_o criminal_a person_n through_o a_o conscience_n of_o their_o own_o guiltiness_n and_o sin_n and_o frequent_a presage_n of_o divine_a vengeance_n be_v apt_a to_o retain_v of_o god_n so_o it_o give_v they_o a_o true_a and_o faithful_a representation_n of_o his_o nature_n that_o he_o be_v no_o dreadful_a and_o hurtful_a be_v encircle_v with_o tempest_n and_o devour_a flame_n no_o tyrant_n who_o arbitrary_a love_n or_o hate_n be_v the_o rule_n and_o law_n of_o his_o government_n but_o a_o almighty_a goodness_n who_o pregnant_a fecundity_n give_v life_n and_o be_v to_o the_o whole_a creation_n and_o studious_o endeavour_v the_o conservation_n of_o all_o thing_n in_o all_o that_o happiness_n their_o nature_n be_v capable_a of_o this_o be_v it_o to_o which_o the_o holy_a jesus_n bare_a witness_n and_o publish_v to_o the_o son_n of_o man_n by_o go_v about_o do_v good_a and_o diffuse_v a_o spirit_n of_o real_a righteousness_n throughout_o the_o world_n he_o take_v it_o upon_o his_o death_n that_o this_o be_v true_a that_o god_n do_v infinite_o desire_v the_o reconciliation_n of_o the_o world_n to_o himself_o and_o that_o not_o for_o any_o self-ends_a or_o design_n for_o what_o can_v accrue_v to_o he_o who_o be_v infinite_a life_n and_o eternal_o possess_v of_o whatever_o speak_v perfection_n but_o for_o the_o sole_a good_a and_o welfare_n of_o thing_n themselves_o that_o every_o be_v may_v obtain_v that_o place_n and_o order_n in_o the_o universe_n and_o enjoy_v all_o that_o felicity_n to_o which_o it_o be_v at_o first_o intend_v and_o from_o which_o nothing_o but_o its_o own_o wilful_a wretchedness_n can_v degrade_v it_o for_o god_n justice_n be_v nothing_o but_o his_o goodness_n power_n and_o wisdom_n employ_v for_o the_o maintenance_n and_o conservation_n of_o what_o be_v eternal_o just_a and_o right_a and_o if_o this_o may_v be_v do_v without_o extremity_n and_o rigour_n his_o goodness_n do_v as_o much_o oblige_v he_o to_o take_v the_o gentle_a and_o mild_a course_n as_o any_o man_n can_v pretend_v his_o justice_n for_o exact_a punishment_n and_o severity_n but_o that_o all_o the_o attribute_n of_o the_o deity_n may_v be_v at_o once_o secure_v and_o fall_v man_n restore_v to_o a_o capacity_n of_o be_v make_v happy_a again_o christ_n appear_v in_o human_a nature_n have_v undertake_v the_o cause_n of_o man_n and_o give_v himself_o a_o ransom_n for_o all_o the_o punishment_n due_a to_o we_o be_v transfer_v on_o he_o and_o through_o the_o sacrifice_n and_o death_n of_o jesus_n god_n be_v upon_o term_n of_o peace_n and_o friendship_n with_o the_o world_n and_o proclaim_v a_o free_a indulgence_n to_o all_o who_o will_v lay_v down_o their_o hostility_n and_o rebellion_n and_o become_v obedient_a subject_n to_o his_o kingdom_n god_n take_v no_o advantage_n against_o any_o man_n to_o destroy_v he_o and_o it_o be_v a_o horrid_a impiety_n in_o we_o to_o suspect_v he_o of_o treachery_n and_o deceit_n and_o to_o represent_v god_n to_o our_o mind_n in_o such_o a_o fearful_a garb_n and_o image_n as_o eternal_o wish_v the_o destruction_n of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o his_o creature_n be_v no_o less_o idolatry_n than_o to_o fall_v down_o and_o worship_v the_o work_n of_o our_o own_o hand_n 2._o the_o powerful_a assistance_n of_o god_n spirit_n to_o enable_v we_o to_o perform_v his_o command_n when_o the_o great_a love_n the_o holy_a apostle_n bare_a to_o the_o lord_n christ_n make_v they_o sorrowful_a for_o his_o departure_n they_o suppose_v he_o will_v then_o leave_v they_o to_o the_o mercy_n of_o a_o faithless_a and_o perverse_a generation_n he_o take_v compassion_n on_o his_o charge_n and_o assure_v they_o that_o when_o the_o time_n come_v that_o his_o bodily_a presence_n shall_v be_v withdraw_v from_o they_o he_o will_v not_o leave_v they_o destitute_a and_o forsake_v but_o send_v the_o comforter_n the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n unto_o they_o who_o shall_v not_o only_o perform_v the_o office_n of_o a_o advocate_n in_o plead_v and_o maintain_v the_o justice_n of_o his_o cause_n against_o the_o unrighteous_a world_n but_o be_v a_o principle_n of_o love_n and_o purity_n in_o their_o heart_n and_o conduct_v they_o through_o the_o various_a wind_n and_o obliquity_n of_o error_n and_o falsehood_n into_o the_o plain_a and_o easy_a path_n of_o truth_n and_o righteousness_n and_o for_o a_o confirmation_n of_o this_o promise_n he_o appeal_v to_o common_a sense_n and_o the_o evidence_n of_o all_o mankind_n if_o you_o who_o be_v evil_a know_v how_o to_o give_v good_a gift_n to_o your_o child_n how_o much_o more_o shall_v your_o heavenly_a father_n from_o who_o all_o creature_n proceed_v and_o upon_o who_o they_o depend_v more_o intimate_o than_o faculty_n and_o action_n upon_o the_o principle_n from_o whence_o they_o flow_v bestow_v his_o holy_a spirit_n upon_o they_o that_o ask_v it_o of_o he_o wherefore_o that_o no_o man_n may_v despair_v and_o count_v it_o a_o impossible_a thing_n to_o achieve_v a_o perfect_a victory_n and_o conquest_n over_o his_o lust_n and_o corruption_n god_n have_v promise_v that_o the_o business_n shall_v not_o be_v transact_v by_o our_o own_o single_a effort_n and_o solitary_a endeavour_n but_o that_o we_o shall_v have_v the_o powerful_a aid_n of_o his_o bless_a spirit_n than_o which_o nothing_o can_v be_v a_o more_o vigorous_a encouragement_n for_o what_o can_v resist_v his_o almighty_a energy_n and_o virtue_n or_o what_o can_v be_v so_o stubborn_a and_o refractory_a that_o he_o can_v render_v sequacious_a and_o obedient_a who_o at_o first_o bring_v all_o thing_n out_o of_o nothing_o be_v our_o lust_n never_o so_o mighty_a and_o gigantic_a and_o the_o power_n of_o darkness_n never_o so_o resolute_o arm_v against_o we_o yet_o the_o strength_n and_o assistance_n derive_v to_o we_o from_o heaven_n be_v able_a to_o put_v to_o flight_v all_o our_o enemy_n and_o make_v we_o perfect_o
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last_o general_a head_n be_v the_o promise_n of_o a_o future_a and_o bless_a immortality_n in_o heaven_n when_o this_o present_a life_n be_v end_v the_o bless_a jesus_n while_o he_o live_v upon_o earth_n do_v not_o whole_o obscure_v his_o glory_n in_o the_o mantle_n of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n but_o give_v a_o notable_a specimen_fw-la of_o that_o efficacious_a life_n and_o power_n which_o as_o he_o himself_o be_v already_o possess_v of_o so_o all_o those_o that_o believe_v in_o his_o name_n shall_v hereafter_o be_v endue_v withal_o which_o shall_v melt_v their_o corruptible_a into_o incorruption_n and_o translate_v they_o to_o the_o quiet_a and_o peaceful_a region_n of_o immortality_n in_o his_o transfiguration_n upon_o mount_n tabor_n which_o be_v enough_o to_o call_v off_o the_o thought_n and_o care_n of_o man_n from_o the_o trifle_n concern_v of_o this_o world_n and_o teach_v they_o that_o there_o be_v a_o better_a portion_n to_o be_v expect_v for_o all_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o 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labour_n a_o inheritance_n incorruptible_a undefiled_a and_o that_o fade_v not_o away_o reserve_v by_o a_o gracious_a providence_n in_o the_o heaven_n for_o they_o all_o power_n be_v commit_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o christ_n who_o have_v vanquish_v death_n and_o hell_n and_o captivate_v all_o the_o power_n of_o darkness_n and_o beget_v we_o to_o a_o lively_a hope_n that_o when_o we_o shall_v put_v off_o our_o mortality_n and_o be_v release_v from_o all_o terrestrial_a pressure_n and_o encumbrance_n he_o will_v clothe_v we_o with_o a_o heavenly_a body_n like_o unto_o his_o own_o body_n of_o light_n and_o glory_n but_o lest_o we_o shall_v undo_v ourselves_o with_o fruitless_a expectation_n and_o fly_v to_o heaven_n in_o our_o vain_a dream_n of_o salvation_n before_o our_o sincere_a conformity_n to_o god_n bless_a will_n and_o command_n have_v render_v we_o capable_a of_o that_o pure_a and_o holy_a state_n fancy_v we_o can_v read_v our_o name_n write_v among_o the_o star_n before_o we_o 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set_v upon_o the_o horizon_n of_o time_n but_o remain_v vertical_a for_o ever_o and_o now_o what_o concord_n can_v possible_o be_v imagine_v between_o such_o transcendent_a beauty_n and_o glory_n and_o the_o deformity_n and_o ugliness_n of_o the_o frame_n and_o temper_v of_o a_o unrighteous_a man_n spirit_n where_o every_o thing_n lie_v cross_a and_o untoward_a and_o his_o unruly_a desire_n like_o the_o boisterous_a wave_n enrage_v by_o a_o sudden_a storm_n sweep_v the_o bottom_n of_o his_o pollute_a soul_n and_o throw_v up_o so_o much_o mire_n and_o dirt_n that_o it_o deface_v whatever_o be_v comely_a and_o leave_v not_o the_o least_o emblem_n of_o heaven_n to_o be_v discern_v in_o it_o this_o be_v the_o grand_a importance_n of_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v enough_o to_o demonstrate_v the_o prudent_a care_n and_o dear_a affection_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n to_o the_o child_n of_o man_n and_o a_o sufficient_a manifestation_n of_o the_o great_a ingratitude_n and_o unworthiness_n of_o those_o who_o do_v not_o believe_v in_o he_o that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o want_n of_o reason_n or_o convictive_a argument_n but_o their_o own_o careless_a and_o wretchless_n neglect_v of_o consideration_n that_o make_v they_o deaf_a to_o such_o charm_n of_o love_n and_o stupid_a and_o unmindful_a of_o so_o important_a interest_n but_o man_n seldom_o want_v objection_n against_o that_o which_o they_o have_v no_o mind_n to_o believe_v against_o this_o therefore_o it_o be_v say_v that_o if_o the_o promise_v of_o that_o eternal_a reward_n christ_n have_v make_v to_o we_o in_o the_o gospel_n be_v so_o frame_v as_o to_o be_v inevident_a to_o man_n and_o leave_v they_o place_n of_o doubt_v it_o will_v be_v no_o such_o great_a crime_n in_o wicked_a person_n not_o to_o believe_v those_o promise_n and_o so_o not_o to_o embrace_v they_o to_o this_o i_o say_v 1._o that_o the_o gospel_n leave_v no_o such_o place_n of_o doubt_v as_o to_o make_v infidelity_n or_o a_o disbelief_n of_o it_o excusable_a for_o unbelief_n can_v then_o only_o be_v excusable_a when_o there_o be_v real_o want_v such_o argument_n as_o may_v beget_v faith_n in_o a_o rational_a and_o unprejudiced_a person_n but_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o promise_v thereof_o be_v sufficient_o confirm_v by_o such_o prevalent_a reason_n as_o be_v apt_a to_o acquire_v belief_n and_o credence_n from_o a_o unbiased_a nature_n the_o pretend_a inevidence_n where_o there_o be_v no_o just_a cause_n or_o suspicion_n of_o doubt_v can_v at_o all_o patronize_v infidelity_n nor_o be_v a_o reasonable_a ground_n to_o act_v contrary_a to_o what_o belief_n will_v otherwise_o incite_v they_o it_o be_v true_a be_v the_o argument_n for_o the_o disbelief_n of_o the_o promise_n of_o life_n and_o salvation_n equal_a to_o and_o strong_a as_o those_o that_o persuade_v we_o to_o the_o belief_n of_o they_o there_o will_v be_v some_o colour_n and_o appearance_n of_o reason_n for_o reject_v they_o but_o when_o there_o 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