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all_o the_o great_a event_n that_o shall_v befall_v it_o and_o say_v i_o be_o the_o first_o and_o the_o last_o i_o be_o he_o that_o live_v and_o be_v dead_a and_o behold_v i_o live_v for_o ever_o and_o have_v the_o key_n of_o hell_n and_o of_o death_n wherein_o he_o appropriate_v to_o himself_o the_o incommunicable_a title_n of_o the_o deity_n and_o then_o declare_v those_o two_o astonish_a miracle_n that_o the_o prince_n of_o life_n that_o have_v a_o eternal_a principle_n of_o it_o in_o himself_o be_v dead_a and_o that_o one_o who_o have_v be_v dead_a be_v alive_a this_o riddle_n the_o gospel_n unfold_v the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v make_v man_n and_o by_o that_o admirable_a union_n ally_v eternity_n and_o time_n life_n and_o death_n together_o as_o it_o be_v a_o common_a form_n of_o speech_n that_o a_o man_n die_v when_o the_o body_n be_v deprive_v of_o life_n though_o the_o soul_n be_v immortal_a so_o it_o be_v true_a the_o son_n of_o god_n die_v when_o his_o body_n be_v crucify_v though_o he_o be_v uncapable_a of_o the_o least_o diminution_n of_o his_o divine_a life_n and_o after_o three_o day_n he_o rise_v by_o the_o divine_a power_n to_o enjoy_v a_o immortal_a life_n and_o have_v the_o key_n of_o hell_n and_o death_n the_o irresistible_a force_n of_o death_n all_o man_n must_v yield_v to_o and_o from_o the_o grave_a there_o be_v no_o redemption_n by_o finite_a power_n but_o jesus_n christ_n have_v sovereign_a authority_n and_o power_n to_o open_v the_o grave_a and_o raise_v the_o dead_a to_o a_o happy_a immortality_n this_o glorious_a appearance_n make_v st._n john_n to_o fall_v as_o dead_a at_o his_o foot_n and_o can_v not_o recover_v himself_o till_o assure_v by_o the_o revive_a word_n of_o his_o favour_n the_o spirit_n also_o appear_v from_o heaven_n to_o give_v testimony_n concern_v the_o divine_a person_n and_o office_n of_o christ_n first_o by_o descend_v as_o a_o dove_n on_o he_o when_o he_o be_v baptize_v this_o be_v the_o completion_n of_o the_o prophecy_n the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v upon_o i_o he_o have_v anoint_v i_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o the_o poor_a to_o publish_v deliverance_n to_o the_o captive_n and_o in_o the_o second_o of_o the_o act_n the_o spirit_n descend_v in_o the_o form_n of_o fiery_a tongue_n upon_o the_o apostle_n to_o qualify_v they_o for_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o the_o world_n and_o it_o be_v worthy_a of_o observation_n that_o the_o apostle_n be_v before_o this_o very_a defective_a in_o wisdom_n and_o courage_n so_o that_o their_o divine_a master_n though_o goodness_n itself_o yet_o tax_v they_o for_o their_o stupidity_n and_o in_o his_o suffering_n they_o all_o forsake_v he_o but_o after_o the_o effusion_n of_o the_o spirit_n upon_o they_o they_o be_v endow_v with_o that_o admirable_a wisdom_n and_o resolution_n that_o nothing_o can_v gainsay_v and_o overcome_v they_o present_o speak_v in_o various_a language_n the_o thing_n concern_v jesus_n christ_n that_o the_o world_n be_v astonish_v and_o many_o convert_v by_o this_o testimony_n from_o god_n for_o the_o honour_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o other_o confound_v in_o their_o obstinacy_n now_o since_o this_o miraculous_a descent_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v to_o ratify_v the_o promise_n that_o he_o make_v to_o they_o if_o i_o go_v away_o i_o will_v send_v to_o you_o another_o comforter_n what_o more_o clear_a and_o valuable_a testimony_n can_v we_o have_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n if_o infidelity_n shall_v reply_v if_o we_o have_v hear_v these_o voice_n and_o see_v those_o glorious_a vision_n we_o shall_v be_v convince_v but_o what_o assurance_n have_v we_o there_o be_v no_o deceit_n in_o these_o relation_n i_o answer_v there_o never_o be_v clear_a ground_n of_o the_o belief_n of_o any_o thing_n do_v without_o the_o compass_n of_o our_o own_o sense_n than_o of_o what_o
world_n otherwise_o than_o they_o receive_v they_o this_o be_v to_o charge_v they_o with_o the_o most_o supine_n carelessness_n and_o unnatural_a cruelty_n beside_o the_o great_a number_n of_o copy_n disperse_v through_o all_o place_n and_o translate_v into_o many_o language_n and_o read_v in_o all_o christian_a assembly_n make_v the_o attempt_n to_o falsify_v they_o in_o thing_n of_o moment_n to_o be_v moral_o impossible_a this_o will_v be_v more_o clear_a if_o we_o consider_v that_o among_o christian_n there_o have_v be_v so_o many_o person_n wise_a and_o good_a of_o excellent_a learning_n and_o virtue_n and_o of_o diverse_a country_n that_o by_o their_o office_n be_v establish_v the_o depository_n of_o those_o precious_a write_n and_o be_v there_o any_o colourable_a pretence_n to_o imagine_v that_o they_o shall_v suffer_v any_o notable_a alteration_n in_o they_o much_o less_o conspire_v to_o make_v a_o change_n in_o any_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n or_o life_n therein_o deliver_v to_o 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which_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v 3._o i_o will_v not_o insist_v on_o the_o proof_n of_o all_o the_o mysterious_a point_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n single_o consider_v but_o propound_v the_o argument_n that_o evince_v the_o truth_n of_o that_o religion_n wherein_o they_o be_v express_o and_o clear_o contain_v and_o from_o thence_o conclude_v that_o it_o be_v most_o reasonable_a to_o believe_v they_o as_o in_o besiege_v a_o town_n the_o assailant_n do_v not_o attack_v every_o particular_a house_n but_o vigorous_o press_v on_o to_o possess_v themselves_o of_o the_o citadel_n that_o command_v the_o whole_a and_o with_o that_o all_o the_o house_n be_v conquer_v that_o divine_a revelation_n be_v infallible_a be_v a_o acknowledge_a principle_n by_o all_o man_n for_o natural_a reason_n dictate_v that_o unerring_a wisdom_n and_o infinite_a goodness_n be_v essential_a perfection_n of_o god_n so_o that_o he_o can_v be_v deceive_v nor_o deceive_v those_o that_o trust_v in_o his_o word_n 4._o the_o proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n be_v of_o a_o moral_a nature_n and_o though_o not_o of_o equal_a clearness_n with_o the_o testimony_n of_o sense_n or_o a_o mathematical_a demonstration_n yet_o be_v so_o pregnant_a and_o convince_a that_o the_o consider_v dispassionate_a spirit_n full_o acquiesce_n in_o they_o a_o mathematical_a demonstration_n bring_v so_o strong_a a_o light_n that_o the_o mind_n can_v suspend_v its_o assent_n but_o be_v present_o overcome_v by_o the_o naked_a propound_v of_o the_o object_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o in_o mathematical_a matter_n there_o be_v neither_o infidel_n nor_o heretic_n but_o the_o motive_n of_o faith_n be_v such_o that_o although_o the_o object_n be_v most_o certain_a yet_o the_o evidence_n be_v not_o so_o clear_a and_o irresistible_a as_o that_o which_o flow_v from_o sense_n or_o a_o demonstration_n and_o it_o be_v the_o excellent_a observation_n christ._n of_o ‖_o grotius_n god_n have_v wise_o appoint_v this_o way_n of_o persuade_v man_n the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o faith_n may_v be_v accept_v as_o a_o act_n of_o obedience_n from_o the_o reasonable_a creature_n for_o the_o argument_n to_o induce_v belief_n though_o of_o sufficient_a certainty_n yet_o do_v not_o so_o constrain_v the_o mind_n to_o give_v its_o assent_n but_o there_o be_v prudence_n and_o choice_n in_o it_o not_o that_o the_o will_n can_v make_v a_o direct_a impression_n upon_o the_o mind_n that_o it_o shall_v comply_v with_o its_o desire_n and_o see_v what_o it_o do_v not_o see_v it_o can_v make_v a_o obscure_a object_n to_o be_v clear_a to_o its_o perception_n no_o more_o than_o it_o can_v change_v the_o colour_n of_o visible_a thing_n and_o make_v what_o appear_v green_a to_o the_o eye_n to_o seem_v red_a but_o the_o mind_n enlighten_v by_o sufficient_a reason_n that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v from_o god_n represent_v it_o so_o to_o the_o will_n and_o the_o will_n if_o sincere_a and_o unbiased_a by_o carnal_a affection_n command_v the_o mind_n not_o to_o disguise_v the_o truth_n to_o make_v it_o less_o credible_a nor_o to_o palliate_v with_o spetion_n colour_n the_o pretence_n of_o infidelity_n and_o thus_o the_o belief_n of_o it_o result_v from_o conviction_n and_o love_n this_o moral_a evidence_n be_v as_o convince_a as_n be_v requisite_a to_o make_v we_o steadfast_o believe_v and_o obey_v the_o gospel_n moral_a argument_n produce_v as_o satisfy_a certainty_n though_o not_o so_o palpable_a as_o those_o draw_v from_o sense_n when_o there_o be_v a_o concurrence_n of_o reason_n proper_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o the_o strong_a they_o be_v capable_a of_o by_o their_o unite_a light_n they_o dispel_v all_o doubt_n and_o fear_n of_o the_o contrary_n for_o after_o the_o understanding_n have_v deliberate_o and_o impartial_o compare_v the_o motive_n and_o argument_n in_o favour_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o thing_n and_o those_o that_o contradict_v it_o and_o find_v the_o most_o weighty_a moment_n of_o reason_n in_o one_o scale_n for_o it_o and_o in_o the_o other_o nothing_o but_o air_n and_o emptiness_n it_o conclude_v without_o hesitation_n or_o suspense_n that_o such_o a_o thing_n be_v real_a and_o as_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o a_o physical_a demonstration_n concern_v the_o existence_n of_o a_o thing_n shall_v be_v deceitful_a because_o the_o two_o part_n of_o a_o contradiction_n as_o of_o the_o be_v and_o not_o be_v of_o a_o thing_n can_v be_v true_a so_o there_o be_v as_o it_o be_v a_o equal_a repugnance_n that_o a_o moral_a demonstration_n form_v upon_o the_o best_a argument_n the_o matter_n will_v admit_v shall_v deceive_v the_o mind_n it_o present_v the_o object_n without_o a_o cloud_n so_o that_o the_o understanding_n have_v a_o undoubted_a assurance_n of_o it_o to_o proceed_v the_o intrinsic_a excellency_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n will_v appear_v by_o consider_v the_o doctrine_n precept_n and_o promise_v it_o contain_v which_o be_v the_o essential_a part_n of_o religion_n and_o of_o they_o in_o general_n we_o may_v observe_v 1._o the_o gospel_n illustrate_v and_o establish_v all_o the_o natural_a principle_n of_o truth_n and_o goodness_n that_o be_v common_a to_o mankind_n the_o rule_n of_o moral_a action_n and_o reveal_v all_o supernatural_a thing_n requisite_a for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o supreme_a happiness_n of_o man_n that_o rectify_v reason_n upon_o the_o discovery_n must_v acknowledge_v it_o come_v from_o heaven_n and_o infallible_o lead_v those_o who_o believe_v and_o obey_v it_o to_o heaven_n 2._o there_o be_v such_o a_o entire_a agreement_n between_o all_o the_o part_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n for_o the_o accomplish_n its_o great_a end_n as_o afford_v a_o clear_a conviction_n it_o be_v no_o humane_a invention_n but_o from_o god_n as_o the_o harmonious_a composition_n the_o beautiful_a order_n and_o uniform_a preservation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v a_o sensible_a demonstration_n that_o it_o proceed_v from_o a_o most_o wise_a powerful_a and_o good_a cause_n in_o particular_a the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n contain_v beside_o what_o may_v be_v know_v of_o god_n and_o of_o man_n by_o natural_a light_n two_o principal_a point_n a_o account_n of_o the_o corruption_n and_o misery_n of_o mankind_n in_o its_o first_o cause_n and_o his_o redemption_n effectual_o accomplish_v by_o the_o son_n of_o god_n the_o discovery_n of_o both_o be_v equal_o necessary_a to_o man._n the_o first_o make_v he_o understand_v the_o depth_n of_o his_o guiltiness_n that_o he_o be_v incomparable_o more_o wretched_a than_o he_o feel_v himself_o clear_v the_o purity_n and_o justice_n of_o god_n in_o his_o deal_n with_o man_n and_o prepare_v he_o by_o the_o afflict_a sense_n of_o his_o condition_n for_o mercy_n and_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o divine_a redeemer_n powerful_a to_o restore_v he_o be_v as_o necessary_a in_o order_n to_o his_o duty_n and_o happiness_n for_o without_o it_o he_o will_v be_v always_o torment_v with_o
shall_v we_o goithou_a have_v the_o word_n of_o eternal_a life_n chap._n iii_o the_o external_n proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n consider_v miracle_n be_v only_o perform_v by_o god_n why_o christianity_n be_v confirm_v by_o they_o the_o number_n of_o christ_n miracle_n the_o manner_n of_o his_o perform_v they_o and_o their_o certainty_n consider_v the_o miracle_n do_v by_o christ_n to_o confirm_v his_o doctrine_n be_v a_o authentic_a testimony_n that_o god_n approve_v it_o the_o pretence_n of_o libertine_n that_o the_o heathen_a religion_n be_v confirm_v by_o miracle_n clear_o disprove_v the_o rational_a assurance_n we_o have_v that_o the_o apostle_n be_v sincere_a and_o certain_a of_o the_o miraculous_a thing_n relate_v by_o they_o of_o jesus_n christ._n his_o resurrection_n attest_v by_o sufficient_a evidence_n we_o be_v next_o to_o consider_v those_o external_a proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n the_o work_n of_o god_n himself_o that_o seal_v our_o 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be_v future_a and_o that_o the_o gentile_n may_v not_o pretend_v that_o the_o preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n feign_v another_o world_n and_o a_o heaven_n and_o a_o hell_n wherein_o the_o soul_n and_o body_n of_o man_n shall_v be_v glorify_v or_o torment_v according_a to_o their_o action_n in_o this_o life_n supernatural_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o promise_n and_o threaten_n be_v necessary_a in_o short_a herein_o the_o divine_a goodness_n appear_v that_o as_o the_o true_a religion_n be_v necessary_a to_o the_o salvation_n of_o all_o man_n so_o it_o be_v discernible_a by_o such_o sign_n as_o may_v convince_v all_o for_o upon_o the_o sight_n of_o those_o divine_a work_n the_o simple_a people_n be_v lead_v by_o the_o outward_a sense_n to_o a_o inward_a firm_a faith_n in_o jesus_n christ._n these_o thing_n be_v premise_v i_o will_v take_v a_o brief_a view_n of_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o our_o saviour_n to_o give_v faith_n to_o his_o doctrine_n it_o be_v record_v of_o moses_n who_o be_v a_o type_n of_o christ_n that_o after_o his_o familiar_a converse_n with_o god_n as_o a_o man_n with_o his_o friend_n descend_v from_o the_o mount_n his_o face_n shine_v with_o such_o a_o excessive_a brightness_n as_o it_o be_v by_o reflection_n from_o the_o face_n of_o god_n that_o come_v to_o the_o israelite_n to_o deliver_v to_o they_o the_o divine_a law_n he_o be_v fain_o to_o cover_v it_o with_o a_o vail_n yet_o some_o ray_n of_o that_o miraculous_a splendour_n be_v visible_a through_o that_o mysterious_a veil_n to_o assure_v they_o it_o be_v moses_n himself_o that_o direct_v and_o govern_v they_o according_a to_o god_n will._n thus_o when_o the_o son_n of_o god_n come_v down_o from_o the_o heaven_n of_o heaven_n to_o instruct_v the_o world_n he_o shade_v the_o light_n of_o the_o deity_n with_o a_o vail_n of_o flesh_n yet_o he_o be_v not_o so_o absolute_o conceal_v under_o his_o humanity_n but_o that_o from_o time_n to_o time_n some_o beam_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n appear_v in_o work_n so_o proper_a to_o god_n that_o the_o apostle_n say_v we_o see_v his_o glory_n as_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o only_o beget_v son_n of_o god_n in_o the_o representation_n of_o our_o saviour_n miracle_n by_o the_o evangelist_n we_o may_v consider_v their_o number_n and_o variety_n his_o manner_n of_o perform_v they_o and_o the_o certainty_n of_o they_o 1._o their_o number_n and_o variety_n he_o go_v about_o all_o galilee_n heal_v all_o manner_n of_o sickness_n and_o disease_n even_o the_o most_o incurable_a the_o blind_a the_o deaf_a the_o lame_a the_o paralitic_a the_o hydropic_a the_o leprous_a the_o lunatic_n be_v cure_v he_o raise_v the_o dead_a and_o cast_v out_o devil_n beside_o his_o miraculous_a feed_n so_o many_o thousand_o his_o command_v the_o enrage_a wind_n and_o sea_n to_o be_v still_o and_o a_o great_a calm_a follow_v his_o transfiguration_n before_o his_o disciple_n when_o the_o beauty_n of_o heaven_n descend_v on_o his_o countenance_n to_o be_v there_o more_o beautiful_a discover_v the_o sensible_a presence_n of_o the_o deity_n in_o he_o 2._o the_o manner_n of_o his_o perform_v they_o be_v very_o considerable_a they_o be_v do_v in_o a_o instant_n by_o absolute_a dominion_n over_o nature_n thus_o when_o he_o say_v to_o the_o leper_n i_o will_v be_v thou_o clean_a immediate_o his_o leprosy_n be_v cleanse_v thus_o when_o the_o faithful_a centurion_n address_v himself_o to_o he_o only_o speak_v the_o word_n and_o my_o servant_n shall_v be_v heal_v he_o answer_v be_v it_o do_v unto_o thou_o as_o thou_o believe_v and_o his_o servant_n be_v heal_v etc._n etc._n both_o expression_n of_o command_n and_o empire_n and_o his_o word_n to_o the_o blindman_n receive_v thy_o sight_n have_v the_o same_o create_a efficacy_n with_o those_o let_v there_o be_v light_n and_o there_o be_v light_n thus_o with_o authority_n he_o command_v the_o unclean_a spirit_n even_o the_o most_o furious_a and_o obstinate_a and_o they_o be_v expel_v from_o those_o mansion_n wherein_o they_o have_v revel_v a_o long_a time_n thus_o by_o the_o mere_a act_n of_o his_o will_n he_o reverse_v the_o order_n of_o nature_n when_o the_o widow_n son_n be_v carry_v to_o the_o grave_a he_o only_o say_v young_a man_n i_o say_v unto_o thou_o arise_v and_o he_o that_o be_v dead_a sit_v up_o and_o begin_v to_o speak_v now_o in_o this_o respect_n the_o power_n of_o miracle_n in_o jesus_n christ_n be_v transcendent_a above_o that_o that_o either_o moses_n or_o the_o prophet_n or_o the_o apostle_n have_v it_o be_v derive_v to_o they_o by_o favour_n and_o commission_n from_o a_o extrinsic_a superior_a principle_n the_o omnipotence_n of_o god_n but_o it_o be_v inherent_a in_o his_o person_n the_o natural_a proper_a attribute_n of_o his_o deity_n and_o prove_v he_o to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n the_o lord_n of_o nature_n visible_a in_o humane_a flesh_n in_o all_o place_n this_o bless_a virtue_n proceed_v from_o he_o 3._o the_o certainty_n of_o his_o perform_v they_o be_v so_o great_a that_o no_o shadow_n of_o suspicion_n can_v remain_v about_o it_o vitruvius_n the_o master_n of_o architect_n give_v advice_n to_o those_o who_o build_v temple_n to_o aesculapius_n 2._o or_o any_o other_o of_o the_o heathen_a deity_n that_o be_v invocate_v by_o the_o sick_a that_o they_o shall_v choose_v such_o place_n as_o be_v open_a to_o the_o most_o favourable_a aspect_n and_o influence_n of_o the_o heaven_n where_o there_o be_v a_o well-tempered_a soil_n clear_a air_n pure_a spring_n of_o water_n that_o diseased-person_n come_v from_o unhealthyplace_n may_v obtain_v recovery_n and_o what_o be_v the_o benefit_n of_o nature_n may_v be_v attribute_v to_o the_o divine_a virtue_n of_o aesculapius_n thus_o that_o idolater_n counsel_v for_o the_o honour_n of_o his_o false_a go_n but_o in_o this_o he_o judge_v aright_o that_o the_o power_n of_o the_o deity_n be_v believe_v
spread_v abroad_o this_o happy_a and_o stupendous_a success_n of_o the_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n christ_n consider_v in_o itself_o be_v a_o unanswerable_a proof_n that_o the_o christian_a religion_n come_v from_o heaven_n for_o it_o be_v only_o possible_a to_o the_o divine_a power_n it_o be_v no_o wonder_n the_o religion_n of_o mahomet_n extend_v and_o establish_v its_o conquest_n in_o many_o country_n for_o that_o seducer_n persuade_v the_o barbarous_a people_n by_o force_n of_o arm_n they_o must_v be_v his_o disciple_n or_o slave_n and_o can_v the_o mind_n form_n a_o clear_a judgement_n or_o the_o will_v make_v a_o free_a choice_n when_o under_o a_o tyrannous_a necessity_n of_o compliance_n or_o lose_v all_o the_o comfort_n of_o life_n can_v violence_n and_o cruelty_n produce_v a_o rational_a faith_n that_o may_v force_v they_o to_o a_o counterfeit_a compliance_n but_o can_v make_v man_n sincere_o believe_v it_o be_v apt_a to_o breed_v form_n without_o and_o atheism_n within_o now_o that_o a_o persecute_a religion_n shall_v live_v and_o flourish_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o flame_n be_v as_o true_o admirable_a as_o if_o a_o little_a stream_n shall_v pass_v through_o a_o arm_n of_o the_o ocean_n retain_v its_o freshness_n and_o purity_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o salt_n and_o turbid_v water_n that_o when_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v prepossess_v with_o inveterate_a opinion_n contrary_a to_o its_o supernatural_a mystery_n and_o their_o will_n overrule_v by_o carnal_a affection_n utter_o averse_a from_o its_o holy_a precept_n the_o world_n be_v captive_v to_o the_o belief_n and_o obedience_n of_o it_o be_v the_o most_o noble_a effect_n of_o omnipotence_n for_o other_o miracle_n though_o above_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n yet_o be_v on_o the_o low_a order_n of_o creature_n without_o life_n and_o sense_n but_o this_o internal_a miracle_n be_v wrought_v on_o the_o mind_n and_o heart_n of_o men._n to_o raise_v the_o dead_a to_o calm_v a_o storm_n to_o suspend_v the_o force_n of_o fire_n to_o change_v water_n into_o blood_n be_v not_o so_o glorious_a a_o work_n as_o the_o convert_n rebellious_a soul_n to_o god_n and_o make_v they_o a_o willing_a people_n to_o his_o holy_a law_n and_o if_o we_o further_o consider_v the_o prophecy_n so_o many_o age_n before_o concern_v it_o and_o observe_v the_o harmony_n betwixt_o the_o work_n and_o word_n of_o god_n there_o result_v a_o demonstration_n as_o clear_v and_o strong_a as_o be_v possible_a the_o prediction_n and_o accomplishment_n be_v equal_o divine_a the_o success_n justify_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o prophecy_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o prophecy_n justify_v the_o divinity_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n for_o by_o the_o apostle_n and_o their_o successor_n the_o heathen_n be_v turn_v from_o idol_n to_o the_o service_n of_o one_o god_n the_o creator_n of_o the_o world_n which_o be_v foretell_v by_o the_o prophet_n not_o only_o as_o a_o thing_n that_o shall_v arrive_v but_o to_o be_v perform_v by_o the_o 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none_o but_o the_o divine_a providence_n can_v foretell_v so_o great_a and_o marvellous_a a_o change_n of_o the_o world_n none_o but_o the_o divine_a power_n can_v effect_v it_o therefore_o it_o be_v the_o true_a god_n that_o make_v the_o project_n and_o event_n so_o exact_o to_o correspond_v in_o all_o thing_n add_v further_o that_o by_o compare_v the_o prophecy_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o kingdom_n with_o their_o accomplishment_n the_o two_o sort_n of_o enemy_n against_o the_o gospel_n be_v make_v useful_a to_o convince_v one_o another_o the_o pagan_n by_o the_o jew_n that_o these_o thing_n be_v foretell_v the_o jew_n by_o the_o pagan_n that_o these_o thing_n be_v fulfil_v divers_a st._n austin_n relate_v that_o the_o heathen_n see_v the_o exact_a agreement_n between_o the_o prophecy_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n so_o clear_a in_o word_n and_o their_o accomplishment_n in_o the_o new_a so_o clear_a in_o the_o effect_n have_v nothing_o to_o reply_v but_o that_o they_o be_v write_v after_o the_o thing_n be_v do_v and_o feign_v to_o be_v prediction_n of_o ancient_a date_n as_o virgil_n weave_v fable_n of_o aeneas_n feign_v he_o to_o be_v in_o the_o elysian_a field_n and_o to_o receive_v from_o anchises_n a_o prediction_n of_o his_o descendants_n in_o a_o long_a succession_n and_o order_n of_o man_n and_o time_n which_o be_v the_o story_n of_o what_o be_v actual_o pass_v when_o he_o write_v it_o in_o answer_n to_o this_o pretence_n he_o break_v out_o with_o wonder_n and_o joy_n o_o gloria_fw-la regis_fw-la nostri_fw-la the_o cause_o be_v gain_v and_o the_o victory_n of_o truth_n can_v not_o be_v more_o glorious_a for_o whereas_o the_o many_o nation_n in_o europe_n asia_n africa_n subdue_v by_o the_o arm_n of_o the_o roman_n be_v compel_v to_o observe_v the_o rite_n of_o their_o religion_n the_o jew_n only_o be_v permit_v to_o enjoy_v their_o sacred_a book_n and_o convici_fw-la their_o own_o worship_n and_o be_v disperse_v into_o all_o country_n and_o thus_o by_o the_o admirable_a counsel_n of_o god_n they_o give_v credit_n to_o the_o gospel_n among_o the_o gentile_n for_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o reverence_n they_o bear_v to_o the_o write_n of_o the_o prophet_n that_o with_o the_o great_a care_n they_o have_v preserve_v they_o as_o the_o most_o precious_a inheritance_n leave_v by_o their_o father_n and_o their_o mortal_a hatred_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o gospel_n that_o willing_o they_o will_v spend_v their_o blood_n to_o deface_v the_o memorial_n of_o it_o it_o be_v a_o invincible_a argument_n that_o the_o prediction_n concern_v the_o state_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n record_v in_o their_o scripture_n be_v sincere_o deliver_v and_o of_o divine_a authority_n this_o their_o malice_n be_v a_o advantage_n to_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o by_o constraint_n they_o be_v the_o great_a confirmer_n of_o it_o this_o be_v sufficient_a to_o reduce_v the_o heathen_n to_o silence_n and_o confusion_n and_o the_o pagan_a be_v convince_v by_o the_o book_n of_o the_o jew_n the_o jew_n may_v be_v convince_v by_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o pagan_n for_o if_o the_o record_n so_o jealous_o keep_v by_o that_o nation_n be_v from_o divine_a inspiration_n if_o they_o contain_v ancient_a prophecy_n which_o the_o heathen_n see_v verify_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o christian_a church_n why_o do_v not_o the_o jew_n acknowledge_v jesus_n christ_n to_o be_v the_o promise_a messiah_n if_o the_o veil_n be_v not_o take_v from_o moses_n face_n and_o lay_v on_o their_o heart_n they_o must_v clear_o see_v that_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gentile_n be_v the_o glory_n of_o israel_n it_o be_v equal_o unreasonable_a to_o doubt_v with_o the_o atheist_n that_o the_o messiah_n be_v ever_o promise_v or_o to_o believe_v with_o the_o jew_n he_o be_v yet_o to_o come_v chap._n v._n the_o testimony_n produce_v by_o st._n john_n for_o the_o proof_n of_o christianity_n brief_o consider_v the_o witness_n from_o heaven_n the_o father_n word_n and_o spirit_n the_o witness_n on_o earth_n the_o spirit_n water_n and_o blood_n conspire_v in_o declare_v jesus_n christ_n to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o saviour_n of_o men._n a_o answer_n to_o objection_n against_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n the_o divine_a incarnation_n and_o the_o mean_a state_n and_o suffering_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n in_o the_o world_n the_o conclusion_n the_o gospel_n so_o prove_v deserve_v our_o firm_a assent_n and_o adherence_n to_o its_o doctrine_n carnal_a or_o spiritual_a lust_n hinder_v the_o belief_n of_o it_o it_o set_v before_o we_o the_o most_o powerful_a motive_n to_o love_v god_n we_o be_v oblige_v by_o the_o strong_a reason_n to_o obey_v its_o precept_n the_o sum_n of_o all_o that_o have_v be_v say_v be_v comprise_v in_o the_o testimony_n that_o st._n john_n produce_v to_o prove_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n
the_o apostle_n testify_v as_o have_v be_v evident_o prove_v before_o and_o certain_o as_o those_o who_o see_v and_o hear_v those_o thing_n be_v by_o the_o divine_a character_n in_o the_o external_a object_n and_o by_o their_o efficacy_n on_o their_o spirit_n full_o persuade_v they_o be_v not_o deceive_v so_o we_o have_v as_o strong_a proof_n that_o they_o do_v not_o deceive_v we_o in_o their_o report_n i_o shall_v brief_o consider_v the_o other_o testimony_n and_o there_o be_v three_o that_o bear_v witness_n in_o earth_n the_o spirit_n and_o the_o water_n and_o the_o blood_n and_o these_o three_o agree_v in_o one_o the_o spirit_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v in_o two_o different_a manner_n in_o the_o testimony_n attribute_v to_o he_o either_o in_o respect_n of_o those_o representation_n by_o a_o dove_n and_o fiery_a tongue_n or_o in_o respect_n of_o his_o virtue_n and_o influence_n communicate_v to_o the_o christian_a church_n the_o first_o be_v his_o testimony_n from_o heaven_n the_o 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true_a that_o you_o may_v believe_v declare_v it_o to_o be_v of_o singular_a consequence_n and_o according_o he_o say_v that_o our_o saviour_n come_v by_o water_n and_o blood_n with_o respect_n to_o that_o which_o be_v do_v at_o his_o crucifixion_n which_o be_v so_o order_v by_o divine_a wisdom_n for_o high_a end_n that_o be_v the_o water_n issue_v out_o of_o his_o side_n be_v a_o fit_a emblem_n of_o that_o sanctify_a grace_n that_o be_v give_v to_o all_o that_o have_v communion_n with_o he_o in_o his_o death_n 3._o for_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o blood_n it_o be_v also_o to_o be_v observe_v that_o by_o the_o mosaic_a institution_n daily_a sacrifice_n be_v offer_v up_o and_o a_o most_o solemn_a one_o by_o the_o highpriest_n in_o the_o day_n of_o atonement_n to_o expiate_v the_o guilt_n of_o ceremonial_a uncleanness_n and_o to_o restore_v those_o who_o for_o that_o be_v exclude_v from_o external_a communion_n with_o god_n in_o the_o sanctuary_n now_o as_o that_o legal_a guilt_n 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nation_n and_o all_o sort_n of_o person_n that_o be_v convert_v to_o the_o faith_n of_o christ._n now_o who_o cause_v such_o a_o marvellous_a and_o holy_a revolution_n in_o the_o world_n but_o god_n what_o less_o than_o a_o divine_a power_n can_v raise_v man_n above_o sense_n and_o make_v they_o victorious_a over_o the_o lust_n of_o corrupt_a nature_n fortify_v by_o custom_n a_o second_o nature_n be_v it_o conceivable_a suppose_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o from_o heaven_n that_o it_o shall_v produce_v such_o admirable_a effect_n and_o be_v it_o conceivable_a that_o god_n will_v adorn_v with_o all_o his_o grace_n the_o image_n of_o his_o own_o excellency_n his_o most_o precious_a benefit_n those_o who_o do_v not_o honour_v he_o according_a to_o his_o will_n can_v there_o be_v find_v such_o astonish_a contrariety_n join_v together_o as_o the_o most_o impious_a error_n and_o depravation_n of_o the_o mind_n with_o the_o great_a purity_n and_o rectitude_n of_o the_o will_n 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in_o god_n mercy_n propound_v a_o mean_n of_o universal_a sovereign_a efficacy_n to_o reconcile_v he_o to_o we_o the_o most_o precious_a blood_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n offer_v up_o as_o a_o sacrifice_n to_o expiate_v sin_n this_o sprinkle_v all_o nation_n and_o in_o all_o age_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n will_v be_v of_o undecay_a virtue_n this_o appease_v all_o the_o unquiet_a agitation_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o believer_n and_o produce_v the_o peace_n that_o pass_v understanding_n a_o joy_n unspeakable_a and_o glorious_a this_o deliver_v they_o from_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n under_o which_o the_o world_n be_v so_o long_o in_o bondage_n and_o it_o be_v worthy_a the_o observe_n that_o no_o principle_n of_o nature_n ever_o produce_v such_o a_o generous_a contempt_n of_o death_n as_o the_o christian_a religion_n do_v in_o the_o professor_n of_o it_o the_o alexander_n scipio_n and_o caesar_n have_v tremble_v at_o the_o sight_n of_o these_o savage_a beast_n that_o be_v let_v loose_a upon_o the_o martyr_n at_o the_o preparation_n of_o cruelty_n to_o torment_v they_o whereas_o they_o regard_v they_o with_o tranquillity_n nay_o with_o joy_n as_o the_o matter_n of_o their_o triumph_n this_o be_v true_a valour_n indeed_o for_o the_o confession_n of_o the_o most_o important_a truth_n and_o superior_a to_o the_o courage_n of_o those_o who_o be_v call_v fulmina_fw-la belli_n the_o most_o renown_a soldier_n for_o in_o a_o battle_n by_o martial_a sound_n by_o violent_a motion_n the_o spirit_n be_v fire_v and_o man_n scarce_o feel_v their_o wound_n and_o be_v inconsiderate_a of_o their_o danger_n but_o the_o martyr_n have_v nothing_o to_o heighten_v their_o courage_n but_o in_o cool_a blood_n deliberate_o and_o without_o alteration_n encounter_v that_o terrible_a enemy_n beside_o soldier_n in_o the_o sharp_a conflict_n have_v some_o hope_n of_o victory_n or_o else_o of_o a_o sudden_a and_o honourable_a death_n aut_fw-la cita_fw-la mors_fw-la aut_fw-la victoria_fw-la laeta_fw-la and_o he_o that_o rush_v into_o peril_n with_o a_o seem_a bravery_n when_o there_o be_v hope_n of_o escape_v have_v not_o resolution_n to_o look_v death_n in_o the_o face_n when_o it_o be_v inevitable_a there_o be_v a_o eminent_a instance_n of_o this_o in_o a_o famous_a captain_n of_o late_a memory_n the_o duke_n byron_n none_o be_v more_o bold_a in_o fight_n but_o when_o he_o be_v to_o receive_v the_o sentence_n of_o death_n for_o his_o crime_n none_o more_o disorder_v by_o fear_n sometime_o he_o be_v in_o a_o rage_n against_o his_o judge_n and_o after_o his_o passion_n be_v evaporate_v fall_v into_o the_o other_o extremity_n unmanly_a cry_n complaint_n and_o low_a submission_n to_o obtain_v favour_n but_o the_o more_o than_o heroic_a constancy_n of_o the_o martyr_n contemn_v death_n in_o its_o near_a approach_n and_o most_o fearful_a pomp_n christian_n religion_n have_v often_o transform_v the_o most_o tender_a woman_n and_o child_n into_o man_n or_o rather_o into_o angel_n make_v they_o suffer_v with_o joy_n that_o which_o our_o nature_n can_v see_v without_o horror_n it_o change_v as_o it_o be_v flesh_n and_o blood_n into_o a_o celestial_a substance_n insensible_a of_o fire_n and_o sword_n and_o the_o most_o cruel_a violence_n now_o this_o unshaken_a resolution_n in_o christian_n encounter_v the_o last_o enemy_n be_v from_o the_o lively_a sense_n of_o god_n favour_n reconcile_v by_o the_o most_o pure_a and_o precious_a blood_n of_o his_o son_n and_o the_o hope_n of_o everlasting_a happiness_n in_o his_o presence_n to_o conclude_v this_o argument_n it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v there_o be_v no_o proof_n more_o proper_a that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o redeemer_n of_o the_o world_n than_o the_o joint_a testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n water_n and_o blood_n for_o whereas_o sin_n be_v the_o only_a cause_n of_o our_o ruin_n the_o office_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v to_o repair_v that_o ruin_n and_o consequent_o he_o that_o effectual_o do_v it_o be_v to_o be_v acknowledge_v believe_v and_o embrace_v as_o our_o saviour_n now_o the_o worst_a effect_n of_o sin_n be_v the_o ignorance_n of_o the_o mind_n the_o depravation_n of_o the_o affection_n and_o the_o terror_n of_o conscience_n from_o the_o apprehension_n of_o vengeance_n therefore_o since_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n have_v bring_v celestial_a light_n purity_n and_o peace_n into_o the_o world_n it_o be_v a_o infallible_a proof_n that_o he_o be_v the_o redeemer_n of_o it_o the_o sun_n that_o visit_v the_o world_n with_o its_o refresh_a beam_n have_v no_o clear_a mark_n of_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n in_o make_v it_o and_o order_v its_o motion_n than_o the_o spiritual_a light_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o irradiate_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n before_o in_o deep_a darkness_n the_o riches_n of_o the_o earth_n in_o variety_n of_o fruit_n be_v not_o a_o more_o convince_a argument_n of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n than_o to_o see_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n that_o before_o 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