from_o god_n since_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o people_n which_o be_v de_fw-fr jure_fw-la naturae_fw-la can_v be_v resume_v and_o transfer_v upon_o any_o succeed_a capacity_n as_o long_o as_o that_o be_v in_o be_v on_o which_o they_o confer_v their_o right_n at_o first_o chap._n viii_o of_o god_n influence_n on_o human_a action_n and_o here_o i_o must_v beg_v my_o reader_n leave_v to_o digress_v a_o little_a from_o the_o method_n i_o propose_v viz._n not_o to_o meddle_v with_o argument_n of_o sacred_a authority_n till_o such_o time_n as_o by_o the_o thread_n of_o this_o discourse_n i_o shall_v be_v bring_v to_o speak_v of_o reveal_v religion_n and_o particular_o the_o christian_n but_o so_o it_o be_v that_o i_o can_v make_v any_o further_a progress_n till_o such_o time_n as_o some_o difficulty_n be_v remove_v which_o seem_v to_o obviate_v our_o intend_a method_n under_o a_o appearance_n of_o be_v found_v or_o to_o speak_v more_o proper_o confound_v in_o god_n providential_a order_n for_o whosoever_o shall_v look_v back_o a_o little_a upon_o the_o government_n of_o the_o late_a usurper_n can_v but_o meet_v with_o many_o pretend_a luminary_n i_o shall_v say_v incendiary_n of_o those_o time_n who_o endeavour_v to_o father_n the_o revolution_n upon_o god_n singular_a and_o gracious_a providence_n and_o so_o make_v it_o to_o be_v of_o divine_a authority_n and_o because_o such_o revolution_n may_v happen_v again_o it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o examine_v this_o doctrine_n by_o the_o weight_n and_o measure_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n and_o that_o we_o may_v do_v this_o it_o will_v be_v proper_a to_o inquire_v a_o little_a as_o far_o as_o our_o shallow_a reason_n will_v permit_v into_o the_o manner_n of_o god_n operation_n in_o the_o mind_n and_o with_o the_o action_n of_o men._n that_o we_o may_v understand_v the_o question_n therefore_o aright_o i_o shall_v premise_v two_o thing_n first_o that_o i_o shall_v not_o in_o this_o place_n discourse_n of_o evangelical_n work_v or_o grace_n but_o of_o moral_a duty_n nor_o yet_o of_o such_o as_o be_v moral_o good_a but_o of_o such_o rather_o as_o be_v moral_o bad_a and_o of_o the_o cause_n from_o whence_o they_o rise_v in_o the_o next_o place_n that_o in_o regard_n to_o human_a action_n the_o efficient_a cause_n be_v of_o two_o sort_n first_o physical_a or_o such_o by_o which_o the_o substance_n or_o matter_n of_o the_o action_n as_o i_o may_v say_v with_o leave_n from_o logic_n be_v produce_v there_o be_v also_o another_o kind_n of_o efficient_a cause_n and_o that_o be_v moral_a as_o where_o one_o invite_v another_o to_o a_o action_n by_o propose_v a_o reward_n or_o by_o counsel_v or_o exciting_a his_o will_n and_o affection_n to_o make_v such_o a_o choice_n also_o the_o final_a cause_n which_o be_v term_v by_o some_o the_o objective_n come_v under_o this_o denomination_n forasmuch_o as_o the_o end_n or_o object_n in_o all_o animal_n and_o human_a action_n do_v influence_n the_o action_n and_o excite_v move_v and_o by_o a_o kind_n of_o secret_a force_n impel_v he_o to_o act_v for_o the_o obtain_n of_o such_o a_o end_n or_o object_n now_o for_o the_o physical_a influence_n of_o god_n on_o human_a action_n it_o be_v no_o way_n to_o be_v doubt_v that_o he_o concur_v to_o they_o forasmuch_o as_o be_v the_o creator_n of_o all_o thing_n they_o can_v act_v without_o he_o but_o this_o kind_n of_o influence_n be_v general_a and_o regard_v all_o human_a action_n not_o as_o good_a or_o bad_a but_o pure_o as_o the_o action_n of_o his_o creature_n like_o the_o influence_n of_o the_o sun_n which_o indifferent_o shine_v upon_o the_o earth_n and_o serve_v to_o nourish_v and_o to_o mature_a hurtful_a as_o well_o as_o wholesome_a plant_n the_o stress_n then_o of_o the_o question_n be_v conversant_a about_o a_o moral_a agency_n as_o whether_o god_n do_v excite_v the_o will_n and_o affection_n to_o sinful_a action_n by_o impel_v they_o thereunto_o by_o propose_v undue_a object_n or_o by_o obstruct_v they_o from_o make_v any_o other_o choice_n the_o great_a doctor_n and_o divine_a of_o his_o time_n and_o who_o draw_v great_a number_n after_o he_o john_n calvin_n seem_v to_o have_v lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o those_o many_o erroneous_a opinion_n touch_v providence_n in_o some_o bold_a and_o heterodox_n assertion_n of_o god_n be_v the_o author_n and_o first_o mover_n of_o man_n to_o all_o sinful_a action_n deny_v he_o not_o only_o a_o liberty_n of_o do_v good_a but_o of_o decline_a evil_n so_o that_o whatsoever_o sin_n any_o man_n commit_v do_v not_o proceed_v from_o the_o man_n be_v own_o free_a choice_n for_o then_o he_o may_v have_v decline_v it_o but_o from_o a_o predetermination_n in_o god_n who_o do_v actual_o excite_v he_o to_o the_o commission_n of_o it_o this_o he_o profess_o and_o strenuous_o affirm_v in_o teach_v that_o man_n do_v nothing_o 1_o calv_v lib._n 1._o institut_fw-la c._n 18._o sect._n 1_o but_o by_o the_o secret_a approbation_n of_o god_n nor_o act_v any_o thing_n with_o deliberation_n but_o what_o he_o himself_o have_v before_o decree_v and_o by_o his_o secret_a direction_n have_v constitute_v as_o be_v full_o prove_v by_o innumberable_a and_o clear_a testimony_n and_o a_o little_a before_o he_o say_v it_o may_v seem_v absurd_a perhaps_o that_o by_o the_o will_n and_o command_n of_o god_n a_o man_n shall_v be_v make_v blind_a for_o which_o blindness_n he_o afterward_o suffer_v punishment_n this_o they_o endeavour_v to_o evade_v by_o say_v that_o be_v do_v by_o the_o permission_n not_o by_o the_o will_n of_o god_n but_o whilst_o god_n declare_v open_o that_o he_o himself_o do_v it_o this_o evasion_n be_v baffle_v likewise_o speak_v of_o the_o assyrian_n who_o god_n make_v use_v of_o for_o the_o chastisement_n of_o judah_n he_o say_v they_o be_v impel_v by_o the_o will_n and_o appointment_n of_o god_n i_o confess_v say_v he_o 2._o ibid._n sect._n 2._o god_n many_o time_n act_n in_o the_o reprobate_n by_o make_v use_n also_o of_o satan_n labour_n but_o yet_o so_o far_o only_o as_o it_o be_v permit_v to_o satan_n to_o move_v in_o it_o by_o the_o impulse_n of_o god_n o_o strange_a we_o have_v think_v that_o satan_n have_v be_v forward_o enough_o of_o himself_o to_o tempt_v we_o to_o sin_n and_o that_o he_o need_v not_o to_o be_v push_v on_o to_o it_o by_o god_n but_o to_o proceed_v he_o exempt_v satan_n from_o be_v any_o other_o than_o the_o tool_n or_o instrument_n which_o god_n make_v use_v of_o to_o effect_v wicked_a purpose_n it_o be_v say_v 2_o cor._n 4._o continue_v calvin_n that_o satan_n 4._o lib._n 2._o inst_z cap._n 4._o or_o the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n have_v blind_v the_o mind_n of_o those_o who_o believe_v not_o but_o how_o can_v this_o be_v unless_o the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o error_n proceed_v from_o god_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n it_o be_v that_o calvin_n expound_v that_o place_n of_o st._n paul_n 2_o thes_n 2._o that_o the_o efficacy_n of_o error_n 2._o lib._n 1._o inst_z cap._n 18._o sect._n 2._o or_o of_o be_v seduce_v be_v infuse_v by_o god_n to_o the_o end_n that_o they_o may_v believe_v a_o lie_n who_o obey_v not_o the_o truth_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n also_o it_o be_v that_o he_o explain_v that_o passage_n of_o the_o fourteen_o of_o ezekiel_n and_o if_o a_o prophet_n be_v deceive_v when_o he_o have_v speak_v a_o thing_n i_o the_o lord_n have_v deceive_v that_o prophet_n as_o for_o example_n he_o produce_v that_o of_o shimei_n curse_v david_n of_o absalom_n lie_v with_o his_o father_n concubine_n of_o the_o lie_a spirit_n which_o deceive_v the_o prophet_n and_o by_o they_o ahab_n to_o the_o end_n he_o may_v perish_v at_o ramoth-gilead_n of_o satan_n misuse_v job_n with_o many_o other_o passage_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n all_o which_o he_o pretend_v to_o have_v proceed_v effectual_o from_o god_n and_o that_o the_o devil_n be_v only_o the_o instrument_n as_o be_v say_v before_o to_o execute_v what_o god_n have_v command_v and_o to_o prevent_v that_o answer_n which_o divine_v common_o make_v to_o such_o objection_n viz._n that_o god_n may_v be_v say_v to_o harden_v the_o heart_n of_o man_n and_o to_o infatuate_a and_o darken_v their_o understanding_n and_o mind_n by_o withdraw_v his_o spirit_n and_o grace_n and_o to_o leave_v man_n to_o their_o natural_a blindness_n and_o imperfection_n this_o he_o reject_v as_o unsound_a stand_v stiff_o to_o his_o doctrine_n to_o wit_n that_o god_n by_o the_o help_n of_o satan_n do_v destine_v 3_o lib._n 2._o inst_z cap._n 4._o sect._n 3_o the_o counsel_n of_o wicked_a man_n as_o he_o please_v and_o that_o he_o do_v excite_v their_o will_n and_o confirm_v and_o strengthen_v they_o in_o their_o purpose_n and_o for_o those_o who_o be_v of_o another_o opinion_n he_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o
concurrence_n in_o all_o their_o action_n whether_o good_a or_o evil_a it_o be_v impossible_a a_o creature_n shall_v subsist_v a_o moment_n independent_a upon_o god_n but_o more_o especial_o such_o action_n be_v ascribe_v to_o he_o by_o reason_n of_o his_o foreknowledge_n of_o all_o future_a event_n from_o all_o eternity_n and_o for_o as_o much_o as_o by_o his_o previdence_n or_o providence_n he_o so_o order_v these_o wicked_a action_n as_o to_o make_v they_o beneficial_a to_o man_n and_o declaratory_a of_o his_o own_o glory_n either_o by_o use_v they_o as_o punishment_n or_o to_o humble_v they_o under_o the_o sense_n of_o their_o fail_n or_o to_o divorce_v they_o from_o their_o passionate_a desire_n after_o worldly_a comfort_n all_o which_o show_v great_a power_n as_o well_o as_o goodness_n proper_a only_a to_o almighty_a god_n to_o produce_v such_o excellent_a effect_n out_o of_o evil_a and_o to_o make_v a_o antidote_n out_o of_o the_o poison_n of_o the_o serpent_n this_o may_v more_o special_o be_v demonstrate_v from_o all_o the_o instance_n which_o calvin_n do_v enlarge_v upon_o in_o make_v god_n to_o work_v inward_o in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o as_o it_o be_v to_o inspire_v they_o with_o wicked_a purpose_n first_o then_o for_o shimei_n curse_v david_n it_o be_v a_o transgression_n against_o the_o five_o commandment_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n david_n who_o date_v his_o misery_n from_o the_o time_n of_o his_o sin_n against_o vriah_n reflect_v upon_o god_n just_a judgement_n on_o he_o in_o a_o continual_a series_n of_o affliction_n commence_v from_o that_o fatal_a transgression_n pious_o ascribe_v this_o particular_a injury_n of_o shimei_n to_o god_n just_a judgement_n for_o have_v he_o be_v ascertain_v that_o god_n have_v direct_v or_o inspire_v shemei_n to_o it_o it_o have_v be_v very_o unjust_a in_o david_n upon_o his_o deathbed_n to_o mind_n solomon_n of_o take_v revenge_n on_o shimei_n for_o what_o be_v do_v many_o year_n before_o by_o god_n special_a command_n next_o for_o absalom_n lie_v with_o his_o father_n concubine_n this_o be_v occasion_v by_o david_n transgression_n of_o the_o seven_o commandment_n for_o which_o god_n tell_v he_o 2_o sam._n 12._o that_o he_o will_v raise_v up_o evil_a against_o he_o out_o of_o his_o own_o house_n and_o that_o his_o neighbour_n shall_v lie_v with_o his_o wife_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o sun_n which_o be_v verify_v in_o absalon_n who_o transgress_v the_o five_o commandment_n as_o also_o the_o seven_o execute_v what_o god_n have_v foretell_v by_o spread_v upon_o the_o terrace_n of_o the_o royal_a palace_n and_o there_o lie_v with_o his_o father_n concubine_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o all_o jerusalem_n this_o execrable_a fact_n be_v say_v to_o be_v do_v by_o god_n appointment_n for_o as_o much_o as_o he_o make_v use_v of_o it_o for_o the_o punishment_n of_o david_n by_o a_o way_n of_o retaliation_n when_o yet_o the_o author_n or_o counsellor_n of_o this_o wicked_a advice_n be_v the_o devil_n or_o ahitophel_n who_o by_o this_o mean_n think_v to_o make_v the_o breach_n betwixt_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n to_o be_v incurable_a another_o instance_n be_v that_o of_o job_n calamity_n but_o this_o be_v not_o malum_fw-la culpae_fw-la but_o malum_fw-la poenae_fw-la design_v by_o god_n for_o the_o trial_n of_o job_n patience_n and_o for_o the_o procurement_n of_o great_a blessing_n and_o execute_v by_o the_o devil_n with_o design_n to_o drive_v job_n to_o desperation_n in_o which_o passage_n we_o find_v that_o god_n part_n be_v only_o permissive_a in_o withdraw_v that_o virtue_n by_o which_o the_o devil_n be_v keep_v in_o awe_n and_o subjection_n another_o example_n be_v that_o of_o the_o prophet_n who_o seduce_v ahab_n to_o go_v up_o and_o fall_v at_o ramoth-gilead_n 1_o king_n 22._o this_o be_v say_v also_o to_o be_v from_o the_o lord_n forasmuch_o as_o he_o suffer_v a_o spirit_n or_o the_o devil_n to_o inspire_v the_o prophet_n with_o a_o lye_n this_o fatal_a end_n be_v just_o due_a to_o ahab_n who_o himself_o all_o his_o life_n time_n have_v be_v willing_o seduce_v by_o false_a prophet_n and_o be_v guilty_a also_o of_o shed_v the_o blood_n of_o innocent_a naboth_n nor_o do_v it_o appear_v that_o what_o be_v report_v by_o micaiah_n in_o this_o matter_n be_v any_o more_o than_o visionary_n represent_v god_n permission_n that_o ahab_n shall_v perish_v by_o seducer_n who_o whilst_o he_o live_v be_v the_o great_a patron_n or_o protector_n of_o they_o for_o to_o understand_v it_o literal_o that_o god_n do_v hold_v such_o a_o consult_v and_o ask_v advice_n of_o evil_a spirit_n how_o to_o destroy_v ahab_n be_v what_o we_o can_v apprehend_v but_o under_o such_o imperfection_n and_o character_n of_o deformity_n as_o be_v utter_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n in_o like_a manner_n ought_v we_o to_o interpret_v that_o place_n in_o ezekiel_n of_o god_n saying_n that_o when_o a_o prophet_n be_v deceive_v it_o be_v he_o that_o deceive_v he_o as_o likewise_o that_o other_o passage_n of_o 2_o thessaly_n 2._o all_o which_o can_v be_v understand_v otherwise_o than_o of_o god_n withdraw_v his_o grace_n and_o so_o leave_v man_n to_o the_o course_n of_o their_o own_o impetuous_a lust_n and_o passion_n and_o to_o the_o instigation_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o here_o i_o can_v but_o call_v to_o remembrance_n how_o blasphemous_o such_o expression_n be_v abuse_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o late_a usurper_n for_o some_o of_o his_o chaplain_n as_o they_o call_v themselves_o pretend_v to_o have_v a_o revelation_n from_o heaven_n of_o his_o recovery_n when_o the_o cheat_n be_v confute_v by_o his_o subsequent_a death_n one_o of_o they_o in_o a_o strain_n of_o humiliation_n charge_v god_n in_o the_o language_n of_o ezekiel_n cry_v out_o lord_z thou_o have_v deceive_v we_o nay_o even_o thou_o have_v lie_v unto_o we_o to_o such_o dreadful_a blasphemy_n be_v man_n mislead_v by_o such_o gross_a and_o perverse_a interpretation_n of_o scripture_n the_o last_o argument_n of_o calvin_n which_o i_o shall_v mention_v be_v that_o of_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n cap._n 6._o where_o god_n bid_v the_o prophet_n make_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o people_n fat_a deafen_v their_o ear_n and_o blind_a their_o eye_n lest_o they_o shall_v see_v with_o their_o eye_n hear_v with_o their_o ear_n and_o understand_v with_o their_o heart_n and_o be_v convert_v and_o live_v this_o passage_n calvin_n much_o triumph_n in_o make_v frequent_a use_n of_o it_o to_o prove_v that_o spiritual-infatuation_a be_v the_o work_n of_o god_n now_o if_o this_o be_v understand_v literal_o it_o prove_v that_o god_n do_v use_v his_o utmost_a endeavour_n to_o seduce_v and_o destroy_v those_o who_o otherwise_o will_v turn_v to_o he_o by_o repentance_n a_o thing_n which_o can_v be_v think_v of_o but_o with_o great_a impiety_n beside_o it_o prove_v the_o contrary_a to_o that_o for_o which_o calvin_n do_v allege_v it_o for_o calvin_n labour_v to_o prove_v from_o hence_o that_o man_n have_v not_o a_o power_n to_o decline_v a_o sinful_a act_n when_o yet_o the_o word_n import_v the_o very_a contrary_n for_o be_v it_o not_o for_o such_o a_o spiritual_a infatuation_n and_o blindness_n man_n happy_o may_v see_v and_o understand_v too_o and_o be_v convert_v so_o that_o they_o be_v blind_v on_o purpose_n to_o prevent_v their_o conversion_n by_o see_v and_o if_o they_o be_v blind_a before_o what_o need_v a_o direction_n to_o make_v they_o blind_a this_o will_v be_v the_o same_o thing_n as_o if_o we_o shall_v take_v one_o who_o be_v bear_v without_o eye_n and_o shut_v he_o up_o in_o a_o dark_a close_a dungeon_n for_o fear_v he_o shall_v see_v and_o make_v a_o escape_n or_o as_o if_o we_o shall_v load_v a_o cripple_n with_o iron_n for_o fear_v he_o shall_v make_v use_n of_o his_o leg_n and_o run_v away_o so_o that_o the_o very_a manner_n we_o see_v of_o the_o prophet_n express_v himself_o do_v imply_v a_o power_n in_o the_o sinner_n of_o make_v use_n of_o his_o eye_n and_o understanding_n in_o order_n to_o his_o own_o conversion_n all_o that_o can_v be_v conclude_v then_o from_o this_o place_n be_v this_o that_o god_n may_v in_o justice_n deprive_v man_n of_o or_o withdraw_v those_o natural_a gift_n from_o wicked_a man_n who_o have_v for_o a_o long_a time_n withstand_v the_o good_a motion_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n invite_v they_o to_o repentance_n which_o the_o prophet_n do_v express_v symbolical_o by_o deafen_a and_o blind_a that_o we_o may_v not_o expatiate_v in_o infinitum_fw-la upon_o this_o topick_n we_o will_v take_v in_o one_o instance_n more_o out_o of_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o calvin_n so_o much_o rely_v upon_o and_o which_o carry_v indeed_o the_o great_a show_n of_o difficulty_n be_v that_o of_o act_n the_o 2._o where_o st._n peter_n say_v that_o christ_n be_v deliver_v up_o by_o
religion_n now_o that_o this_o and_o this_o only_o be_v the_o true_a religion_n and_o the_o ordinary_a way_n by_o which_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v now_o make_v know_v to_o man_n and_o by_o which_o we_o may_v attain_v salvation_n be_v demonstrable_a from_o the_o authority_n of_o its_o author_n who_o be_v jesus_n of_o nazareth_n the_o divine_a authority_n of_o jesus_n and_o his_o be_v the_o promise_a messiah_n or_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v prove_v from_o these_o three_o general_a argument_n the_o first_o be_v take_v from_o the_o type_n and_o prophecy_n concern_v the_o messiah_n and_o their_o accomplishment_n in_o the_o person_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o second_o general_n argument_n be_v take_v from_o the_o history_n of_o his_o life_n doctrine_n and_o miracle_n to_o which_o may_v be_v add_v the_o testimony_n and_o confession_n even_o of_o the_o adversary_n of_o our_o religion_n the_o last_o argument_n be_v take_v from_o the_o wonderful_a effect_n which_o attend_v 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isai_n c._n 40._o prepare_v you_o the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n make_v straight_o in_o the_o desert_n a_o highway_n for_o our_o god_n etc._n etc._n and_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o lord_n shall_v be_v reveal_v and_o all_o flesh_n shall_v see_v it_o this_o description_n we_o find_v to_o be_v verify_v of_o john_n the_o baptist_n by_o his_o own_o answer_n which_o he_o give_v to_o the_o jew_n for_o when_o they_o ask_v he_o who_o he_o be_v he_o tell_v they_o that_o he_o be_v the_o voice_n of_o one_o cry_v in_o the_o 1_o john_n 1_o wilderness_n etc._n etc._n and_o speak_v of_o by_o isaiah_n and_o that_o there_o be_v one_o among_o they_o who_o come_v after_o i_o be_v prefer_v before_o i_o and_o the_o next_o day_n see_v jesus_n come_v to_o he_o he_o cry_v out_o behold_v the_o lamb_n of_o god_n which_o take_v away_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o world_n this_o be_v he_o of_o who_o i_o say_v after_o i_o come_v a_o man_n who_o be_v prefer_v before_o i_o and_o i_o know_v he_o not_o in_o which_o passage_n we_o have_v many_o noble_a description_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o office_n of_o the_o messiah_n as_o first_o his_o sacerdotal_a function_n in_o his_o be_v the_o true_a paschal_n lamb_n to_o purge_v the_o sin_n of_o the_o world_n and_o of_o which_o the_o jewish_a passover_n be_v but_o a_o type_n in_o the_o next_o place_n we_o have_v a_o account_n of_o his_o divine_a nature_n for_o john_n look_v upon_o himself_o to_o be_v but_o as_o his_o shadow_n christ_n as_o the_o substance_n john_n be_v the_o voice_n only_o of_o the_o forerunner_n which_o sort_n of_o people_n we_o know_v be_v of_o a_o servile_a and_o much_o inferior_a nature_n to_o those_o by_o who_o they_o be_v employ_v and_o yet_o john_n be_v by_o christ_n himself_o account_v the_o great_a of_o all_o the_o prophet_n which_o thing_n appear_v from_o his_o miraculous_a birth_n as_o also_o from_o his_o austere_n and_o exemplary_a life_n for_o which_o reason_n he_o be_v call_v elias_n by_o christ_n and_o be_v foretell_v by_o malachi_n 3._o malac._n c._n 3._o three_o from_o his_o excellent_a doctrine_n preach_v repentance_n and_o amendment_n of_o life_n to_o all_o sort_n of_o people_n and_o prepare_v they_o by_o baptism_n and_o last_o from_o his_o integrity_n courage_n and_o constancy_n in_o reprove_v herod_n for_o his_o incest_n for_o which_o he_o deserve_v a_o crown_n of_o martyrdom_n to_o all_o which_o we_o may_v add_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o jew_n themselves_o who_o all_o of_o they_o hold_v john_n in_o the_o high_a veneration_n of_o sanctity_n in_o so_o much_o that_o josephus_n attribute_v the_o misfortune_n 7._o joseph_n lib._n 18._o c._n 7._o and_o overthrow_a of_o herod_n army_n to_o the_o murder_n of_o this_o saint_n now_o if_o this_o great_a saint_n be_v but_o as_o a_o voice_n or_o a_o poor_a transitory_a thing_n which_o vanish_v in_o a_o moment_n in_o respect_n of_o christ_n christ_n certain_o must_v be_v more_o than_o a_o man._n and_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o circumstance_n of_o this_o interview_n betwixt_o christ_n and_o john_n we_o have_v further_a matter_n of_o wonder_n for_o though_o they_o be_v near_o of_o kin_n and_o contemporary_n yet_o have_v they_o no_o knowledge_n of_o one_o another_o before_o which_o show_v that_o they_o live_v in_o great_a solitude_n and_o retreat_n before_o they_o enter_v upon_o their_o function_n neither_o do_v they_o take_v the_o least_o notice_n of_o their_o consanguinity_n but_o entertain_v one_o another_o with_o discourse_n of_o a_o sublime_a nature_n from_o the_o time_n place_n and_o other_o circumstance_n of_o the_o birth_n of_o christ_n let_v we_o proceed_v to_o consider_v his_o person_n and_o office_n and_o this_o we_o have_v ample_o describe_v by_o isaiah_n for_o unto_o we_o a_o child_n 9_o isaiah_n c._n 9_o be_v bear_v unto_o we_o a_o son_n be_v give_v here_o be_v his_o human_a nature_n and_o the_o government_n shall_v be_v upon_o his_o shoulder_n and_o his_o name_n shall_v be_v call_v wonderful_a counsellor_n the_o mighty_a god_n the_o everlasting_a father_n the_o prince_n of_o peace_n here_o be_v his_o divine_a nature_n of_o the_o increase_n of_o his_o government_n and_o peace_n there_o shall_v be_v no_o end_n upon_o the_o throne_n of_o david_n and_o upon_o his_o kingdom_n to_o order_v it_o and_o to_o establish_v it_o with_o judgement_n and_o with_o justice_n from_o hence_o forth_o even_o for_o ever_o here_o we_o have_v his_o extraction_n and_o the_o perpetuity_n of_o his_o kingdom_n which_o can_v not_o be_v temporal_a since_o the_o jew_n can_v show_v any_o such_o prince_n who_o government_n have_v no_o end_n it_o remain_v therefore_o that_o his_o kingdom_n be_v spiritual_a and_o such_o a_o one_o it_o be_v that_o christ_n be_v invest_v with_o as_o be_v evident_a to_o all_o the_o world_n this_o we_o have_v more_o ample_o describe_v by_o the_o same_o prophet_n by_o the_o rod_n out_o of_o the_o stem_n of_o jesse_n and_o that_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n 11._o isai_n c._n 11._o shall_v rest_v upon_o he_o the_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n and_o understanding_n the_o spirit_n of_o counsel_n and_o of_o may_v the_o spirit_n of_o knowledge_n and_o of_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n christ_n prophetic_a office_n as_o also_o that_o of_o his_o mediator-ship_n be_v foretold_v by_o moses_n a_o prophet_n shall_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n 18._o deut._n 18._o raise_v up_o unto_o thou_o from_o the_o midst_n of_o thou_o like_v unto_o i_o unto_o he_o shall_v you_o hearken_v according_a to_o all_o that_o thou_o do_v desire_v of_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n in_o horeb_n etc._n etc._n viz._n when_o the_o people_n see_v and_o hear_v the_o thunder_n and_o lightning_n entreat_v moses_n to_o speak_v unto_o they_o and_o not_o god_n lest_o they_o shall_v be_v consume_v by_o the_o dreadful_a majesty_n of_o his_o appearance_n that_o
own_o passion_n his_o own_o danger_n and_o difficulty_n be_v the_o least_o part_n of_o his_o trouble_n the_o welfare_n of_o other_o be_v that_o which_o fill_v his_o mind_n with_o a_o apostolic_a solicitude_n let_v any_o man_n judge_n of_o a_o person_n in_o his_o circumstance_n and_o who_o hold_v such_o a_o vast_a correspondence_n with_o all_o part_n of_o the_o new_a convert_v world_n which_o be_v then_o oppugn_v every_o where_o what_o infinite_a letter_n and_o address_n must_v be_v make_v to_o he_o from_o all_o place_n to_o all_o which_o he_o be_v oblige_v to_o answer_v whether_o they_o concern_v case_n of_o conscience_n among_o those_o especial_o of_o the_o circicumsion_n or_o whether_o they_o concern_v church_n doctrine_n and_o constitution_n or_o the_o behaviour_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n under_o so_o many_o temptation_n and_o difficulty_n as_o occur_v every_o where_o what_o continuance_v of_o adversary_n spiritual_a and_o temporal_a what_o solicitation_n from_o friend_n what_o vast_a design_n for_o the_o eternal_a welfare_n of_o mankind_n employ_v his_o thought_n and_o fill_v all_o the_o spacious_a room_n and_o secret_a recess_n of_o his_o soul_n what_o triumph_v over_o the_o blandishment_n and_o discouragement_n of_o the_o world_n over_o crown_n and_o empire_n over_o honour_n riches_n strength_n wisdom_n and_o eloquence_n with_o whatsoever_o else_o may_v influence_n a_o worldly_a genius_n he_o erect_v the_o standard_n of_o the_o cross_n declare_v open_o to_o the_o learned_a and_o illiterate_a to_o the_o noble_a and_o obscure_a that_o he_o come_v not_o with_o the_o artifice_n of_o entice_a word_n nor_o the_o invention_n of_o humane_a knowledge_n but_o with_o simplicity_n of_o conception_n and_o expression_n to_o preach_v christ_n crucify_v this_o he_o demonstrate_v with_o a_o undoubted_a courage_n in_o his_o defence_n or_o apology_n for_o the_o christian_a faith_n at_o caesarea_n as_o also_o against_o the_o defamation_n of_o the_o high_a priest_n and_o the_o chief_a of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n though_o strengthen_v with_o the_o plausible_a insinuation_n and_o virulent_a invective_n of_o their_o orator_n tertullus_n all_o which_o thing_n be_v transact_v in_o a_o most_o public_a audience_n before_o felix_n festus_n and_o king_n agrippa_n and_o after_o many_o difficulty_n of_o a_o dangerous_a voyage_n he_o have_v the_o honour_n in_o the_o last_o place_n to_o plead_v his_o cause_n more_o than_o once_o before_o the_o terror_n of_o mankind_n the_o most_o bloody_a nero_n from_o who_o also_o as_o a_o just_a reward_n of_o his_o cause_n and_o courage_n he_o receive_v a_o laurel_n far_o more_o noble_a than_o what_o adorn_v caesar_n brow_n even_o that_o glorious_a one_o of_o martyrdom_n his_o defence_n doubtless_o be_v much_o the_o same_o with_o what_o he_o make_v before_o festus_n and_o agrippa_n however_o it_o have_v please_v almighty_a god_n to_o suffer_v such_o a_o noble_a monument_n of_o primitive_a glory_n to_o be_v lose_v as_o be_v also_o many_o other_o illustrious_a transaction_n of_o the_o holy_a apostle_n nevertheless_o divers_a of_o his_o epistle_n which_o by_o god_n good_a providence_n be_v deliver_v to_o we_o by_o the_o church_n show_v sufficient_o with_o what_o a_o spirit_n he_o be_v animate_v they_o be_v argumentative_a and_o profound_a in_o the_o doctrinal_a part_n his_o precept_n carry_v the_o majesty_n of_o oracle_n and_o yet_o do_v they_o flow_v every_o where_n with_o the_o sweet_a stream_n of_o tenderness_n and_o compassion_n like_o lightning_n melt_v the_o steel_n within_o even_o the_o resist_a part_n or_o the_o most_o obdurate_a heart_n without_o hurt_v the_o body_n we_o find_v he_o every_o where_o glory_v with_o a_o seraphic_a charity_n more_o chaste_a and_o last_a than_o any_o vestal_a fire_n and_o more_o sacred_a than_o the_o flame_n of_o altar_n burn_v always_o without_o be_v consume_v in_o short_a we_o find_v he_o carry_v always_o in_o a_o mortify_a body_n the_o character_n of_o a_o crucify_a christ_n but_o of_o a_o glorify_a jesus_n in_o the_o elevation_n of_o his_o spirit_n which_o he_o every_o where_o discover_v both_o in_o the_o perpetual_a activity_n and_o if_o i_o may_v speak_v it_o without_o a_o solecism_n in_o the_o perpetual_a tranquillity_n also_o of_o his_o mind_n the_o same_o divine_a virtue_n which_o adorn_v the_o apostleship_n of_o st._n paul_n be_v remarkable_a also_o in_o st._n peter_n and_o in_o the_o rest_n of_o christ_n disciple_n who_o conquest_n we_o be_v in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o consider_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o pagan_a world_n as_o for_o the_o roman_n who_o government_n at_o the_o time_n of_o christ_n appearance_n comprehend_v all_o the_o know_v and_o civilise_a world_n let_v we_o see_v in_o what_o a_o state_n and_o posture_n they_o then_o stand_v their_o empire_n be_v then_o at_o the_o high_a pitch_n and_o in_o its_o great_a power_n extent_n and_o lustre_n and_o great_a far_o than_o ever_o any_o empire_n before_o or_o since_o rome_n the_o capital_a city_n of_o this_o vast_a body_n upon_o a_o survey_v make_v by_o claudius_n call_v a_o lustrum_fw-la contain_v no_o less_o than_o six_o million_o nine_o hundred_o forty_o four_o thousand_o soul_n as_o tacitus_n report_v humane_a hist_o tacit._n lib._n 11._o hist_o art_n and_o learning_n then_o flourish_v most_o then_o live_v the_o acute_a philosopher_n and_o the_o great_a bigot_n of_o heathenism_n their_o augur_n and_o flamen_v with_o such_o like_a instrument_n of_o their_o superstitious_a worship_n fill_v a_o infinite_a number_n of_o college_n and_o abound_v every_o where_n there_o be_v neither_o power_n nor_o zeal_n want_v in_o the_o emperor_n and_o senate_n to_o defend_v their_o rite_n neither_o be_v their_o torment_n want_v to_o be_v inflict_v on_o those_o who_o shall_v oppose_v they_o in_o a_o word_n never_o be_v the_o power_n of_o earth_n or_o rather_o of_o hell_n in_o a_o better_a posture_n for_o combat_n in_o opposition_n to_o this_o great_a and_o formidable_a armado_n they_o appear_v on_o the_o other_o side_n a_o few_o despicable_a fisherman_n and_o illiterate_a mechanic_n mere_a idiot_n in_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o world_n and_o destitute_a of_o friend_n learning_n and_o policy_n without_o arm_n or_o money_n in_o their_o scrip_n without_o change_n of_o apparel_n and_o with_o a_o staff_n only_o in_o their_o hand_n half_a naked_a and_o forlorn_a this_o at_o first_o appearance_n look_v more_o fabulous_a than_o a_o romance_n but_o that_o the_o case_n thus_o stand_v be_v clear_a and_o indisputable_a now_o that_o such_o a_o few_o humble_a and_o ill_o account_v champion_n shall_v enter_v the_o list_n against_o such_o enemy_n as_o be_v now_o describe_v be_v a_o prodigy_n beyond_o example_n and_o yet_o they_o do_v so_o and_o with_o what_o success_n we_o shall_v see_v present_o twelve_o poor_a disciple_n with_o a_o few_o convert_v do_v attack_v this_o great_a and_o adverse_a party_n not_o by_o keep_v themselves_o unite_v into_o a_o close_a body_n but_o by_o scatter_v themselves_o through_o all_o quarter_n of_o the_o universe_n they_o erect_v their_o standard_n the_o ever_o glorious_a banner_n of_o the_o cross_n even_o in_o rome_n itself_o the_o centre_n of_o pagan_a rite_n and_o this_o too_o in_o the_o reign_n of_o the_o most_o debauch_a and_o bloody_a tyrant_n that_o ever_o sit_v on_o the_o throne_n they_o preach_v up_o jesus_n who_o be_v crucify_v and_o bury_v and_o be_v with-drawn_a from_o they_o as_o to_o all_o sensible_a appearance_n they_o teach_v that_o the_o way_n to_o happiness_n be_v by_o suffer_v to_o be_v glorious_a by_o endure_a ignominy_n to_o be_v rich_a by_o sell_v all_o to_o obtain_v liberty_n by_o bond_n and_o imprisonment_n and_o to_o be_v conqueror_n by_o be_v subdue_v and_o persecute_v they_o teach_v also_o that_o man_n be_v as_o accountable_a for_o their_o sinful_a thought_n as_o for_o their_o action_n and_o that_o every_o extravagance_n of_o desire_n be_v to_o be_v resist_v to_o all_o which_o they_o be_v to_o join_v fast_n and_o watch_n alm_n and_o prayer_n and_o that_o cold_a nakedness_n hunger_n and_o thirst_n persecution_n and_o even_o death_n itself_o be_v to_o be_v endure_v cheraful_o and_o all_o this_o and_o much_o more_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o that_o jesus_n who_o be_v crucify_a and_o from_o who_o also_o they_o be_v to_o expect_v their_o reward_n in_o another_o life_n such_o doctrine_n deliver_v from_o such_o a_o sort_n of_o man_n one_o will_v think_v to_o be_v mighty_a plausible_a to_o convince_v the_o proud_a philosopher_n as_o also_o the_o haughty_a and_o imperious_a roman_n who_o breathe_v nothing_o but_o conquest_n and_o triumph_n and_o still_o the_o undertake_n seem_v more_o impossible_a if_o we_o consider_v with_o what_o arm_n and_o weapon_n the_o roman_n make_v their_o defence_n viz._n with_o sword_n and_o crest_n with_o mine_n and_o prison_n with_o wild_a beast_n and_o rack_n and_o with_o all_o the_o artillery_n of_o subtlety_n and_o cruelty_n and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o
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knowledge_n and_o information_n must_v be_v by_o a_o extraordinary_a revealer_n and_o this_o be_v the_o true_a state_n of_o the_o world_n in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o church_n when_o the_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n furnish_v with_o supernatural_a gift_n and_o grace_n be_v make_v the_o apostle_n and_o messenger_n of_o these_o glad_a tiding_n of_o salvation_n nor_o do_v they_o do_v all_o this_o in_o one_o age_n but_o succeed_a age_n and_o nation_n become_v convert_v to_o the_o christian_a faith_n as_o new_a discovery_n and_o man_n of_o a_o apostolic_a spirit_n do_v present_v themselves_o as_o all_o history_n do_v testify_v this_o then_o be_v the_o great_a point_n in_o controversy_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o pursue_v it_o more_o full_o by_o such_o argument_n as_o natural_a reason_n and_o scripture_n can_v afford_v we_o first_o then_o that_o such_o man_n as_o we_o now_o speak_v of_o have_v not_o by_o any_o mean_n receive_v information_n of_o the_o christian_a mystery_n shall_v 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only_o instrumental_a whatsoever_o influence_n it_o have_v it_o must_v be_v derive_v also_o from_o god_n and_o resolve_v final_o into_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n according_a to_o my_o first_o two_o axiom_n or_o postulata_n let_v we_o argue_v then_o the_o point_v a_o little_a close_o the_o king_n of_o england_n perhaps_o send_v a_o considerable_a sum_n of_o money_n for_o the_o redemption_n of_o all_o english_a slave_n throughout_o the_o turkish_a dominion_n those_o who_o hear_v the_o joyful_a news_n ready_o embrace_v it_o with_o all_o imaginable_a thankfulness_n whilst_o other_o hear_v nothing_o of_o it_o sit_v silent_a now_o will_v it_o not_o seem_v very_o hard_a and_o unjust_a that_o these_o shall_v be_v exclude_v from_o all_o benefit_n by_o this_o act_n of_o grace_n and_o bounty_n and_o leave_v in_o perpetual_a bondage_n because_o they_o do_v not_o lay_v hold_n of_o that_o which_o they_o never_o hear_v of_o which_o yet_o doubtless_o they_o will_v have_v embrace_v also_o with_o the_o same_o sense_n of_o gratitude_n with_o other_o have_v they_o have_v the_o same_o notice_n nay_o rather_o do_v we_o not_o account_v a_o unknown_a act_n of_o grace_n and_o bounty_n do_v to_o a_o man_n and_o before_o it_o be_v seek_v for_o to_o carry_v character_n of_o great_a goodness_n and_o to_o lay_v a_o strong_a obligation_n also_o upon_o the_o receiver_n when_o he_o shall_v come_v to_o have_v a_o knowledge_n of_o his_o most_o generous_a benefactor_n so_o that_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o socrates_n aristides_n epictetus_n with_o other_o such_o like_a hero_n who_o without_o blasphemy_n or_o heresy_n we_o may_v suppose_v capable_a of_o mercy_n in_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n will_v exalt_v with_o great_a joy_n and_o celebrate_v the_o praise_n of_o their_o gracious_a redeemer_n when_o they_o shall_v see_v he_o though_o in_o the_o cloud_n yet_o far_o more_o glorious_a than_o the_o sun_n and_o by_o who_o merit_n and_o mercy_n they_o be_v bring_v into_o that_o luminous_a region_n 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righteousness_n as_o do_v cornelius_n and_o many_o also_o of_o the_o illuminate_v gentile_n be_v accept_v of_o he_o nay_o st._n peter_n discourse_n do_v imply_v that_o in_o every_o nation_n there_o may_v be_v some_o who_o fear_v god_n and_o wrought_v righteousness_n and_o if_o so_o of_o a_o certain_a truth_n they_o be_v accept_v of_o he_o to_o these_o place_n we_o may_v add_v what_o st._n paul_n testify_v of_o himself_o that_o though_o he_o have_v a_o historical_a knowledge_n of_o the_o life_n doctrine_n and_o suffering_n of_o jesus_n and_o be_v a_o violent_a persecuter_n of_o those_o who_o believe_v on_o he_o yet_o obtain_v mercy_n because_o he_o do_v it_o in_o ignorance_n and_o unbelief_n 1_o tim._n 1._o ought_v we_o therefore_o to_o exclude_v all_o from_o mercy_n who_o never_o hear_v of_o jesus_n and_o yet_o such_o too_o as_o will_v have_v be_v as_o ready_a as_o other_o to_o embrace_v he_o and_o to_o suffer_v for_o he_o have_v he_o be_v reveal_v unto_o they_o the_o last_o argument_n which_o i_o shall_v take_v from_o scripture_n be_v that_o of_o the_o one_a to_o the_o roman_n for_o the_o invisible_a thing_n of_o he_o say_v st._n paul_n from_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v clear_o see_v be_v understand_v by_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v make_v even_o his_o eternal_a power_n and_o godhead_n so_o that_o they_o be_v without_o excuse_n here_o we_o see_v that_o the_o apostle_n condemn_v the_o gentile_n not_o for_o ignorance_n or_o not_o believe_v but_o for_o their_o idolatrous_a worship_n and_o not_o live_v conformable_o to_o that_o knowledge_n they_o have_v by_o the_o work_v of_o the_o creation_n of_o god_n eternity_n and_o power_n which_o knowledge_n render_v they_o inexcusable_a and_o yet_o they_o will_v have_v be_v excusable_a have_v not_o their_o knowledge_n join_v with_o a_o suitable_a worship_n of_o the_o same_o true_a