be_v sufficient_a in_o their_o kind_n before_o though_o more_o full_a and_o excellent_a since_o his_o come_n if_o you_o will_v not_o be_v delude_v into_o infidelity_n by_o this_o objection_n which_o indeed_o be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a difficulty_n of_o faith_n you_o must_v not_o further_o one_o error_n by_o another_o 1._o think_v not_o that_o god_n be_v hire_v or_o persuade_v by_o christ_n as_o against_o his_o will_n to_o forgive_v man_n sin_n and_o save_v their_o soul_n or_o to_o do_v they_o any_o good_a understand_v that_o no_o good_a come_v to_o man_n or_o any_o creature_n but_o total_o from_o god_n will_v and_o love_n who_o be_v the_o original_a and_o eternal_a goodness_n all_o the_o question_n be_v but_o of_o the_o modus_fw-la conferendi_fw-la the_o way_n of_o his_o conveyance_n and_o then_o it_o will_v not_o seem_v incredible_a that_o he_o shall_v give_v out_o his_o mercy_n by_o degree_n and_o with_o some_o diversity_n 2._o think_v not_o that_o christianity_n do_v teach_v 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know_v he_o he_o send_v philip_n to_o the_o eunuch_n before_o he_o know_v he_o and_o peter_z to_o cornelius_n and_o send_v the_o gospel_n to_o heathen_a nation_n before_o they_o know_v he_o if_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o even_o after_o that_o they_o have_v live_v long_o with_o christ_n and_o hear_v his_o preach_n and_o see_v his_o miracle_n yea_o and_o preach_v and_o wrought_v miracle_n themselves_o do_v not_o yet_o understand_v that_o he_o must_v suffer_v and_o die_v and_o rise_v again_o and_o send_v down_o the_o spirit_n etc._n etc._n you_o may_v conjecture_v by_o this_o what_o the_o common_a faith_n of_o those_o before_o christ_n come_n be_v who_o be_v save_v 4._o think_v not_o therefore_o that_o christ_n have_v no_o way_n or_o degree_n of_o effectual_a teach_v but_o by_o the_o express_a doctrine_n of_o his_o incarnation_n death_n and_o resurrection_n which_o be_v now_o the_o gospel_n 5._o and_o think_v not_o that_o all_o the_o mercy_n which_o pagan_a nation_n have_v from_o god_n be_v no_o act_n of_o grace_n nor_o have_v any_o tendency_n to_o their_o conversion_n and_o salvation_n doubtless_o it_o be_v the_o same_o redeemer_n even_o the_o eternal_a wisdom_n and_o word_n of_o god_n who_o before_o his_o incarnation_n give_v great_a mercy_n to_o the_o jew_n better_o and_o lesser_a to_o the_o gentile_n he_o do_v by_o these_o mercy_n oblige_v or_o lead_v man_n to_o repentance_n and_o gratitude_n and_o reveal_v god_n as_o merciful_a and_o ready_a to_o forgive_v all_o capable_a sinner_n as_o even_o under_o the_o law_n exod_n 34._o he_o reveal_v himself_o fullyer_n to_o moses_n the_o lord_n the_o lord_n god_n merciful_a and_o gracious_a long-suffering_a and_o abundant_a in_o goodness_n and_o truth_n keep_v mercy_n for_o thousand_o forgive_a iniquity_n transgression_n and_o sin_n etc._n etc._n tho_o he_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n no_o not_o by_o christ_n clear_v the_o guilty_a that_o be_v either_o say_v to_o the_o wicked_a thou_o be_v just_a or_o pardon_v any_o 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meanness_n of_o his_o parentage_n breed_v and_o condition_n do_v more_o increase_v the_o difficulty_n answ_n 1._o it_o be_v meet_v that_o the_o birth_n of_o christ_n shall_v begin_v in_o a_o miracle_n when_o his_o life_n be_v to_o be_v spend_v and_o finish_v in_o miracle_n 2._o it_o be_v no_o more_o than_o be_v promise_v before_o by_o the_o prophet_n isa_n 7.14_o a_o virgin_n shall_v conceive_v and_o bear_v a_o son_n etc._n etc._n and_o why_o shall_v the_o fulfil_n of_o a_o prophecy_n by_o miracle_n be_v incredible_a 3._o it_o be_v neither_o above_o nor_o against_o the_o power_n wisdom_n or_o love_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o it_o shall_v not_o seem_v incredible_a there_o be_v no_o contradiction_n or_o impossibility_n in_o it_o nor_o any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o sense_n or_o reason_n reason_n say_v indeed_o that_o it_o be_v above_o the_o power_n of_o man_n and_o above_o the_o common_a course_n of_o nature_n but_o not_o that_o it_o be_v above_o the_o power_n of_o the_o god_n of_o nature_n be_v it_o any_o hard_a for_o god_n to_o cause_v a_o virgin_n to_o conceive_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n than_o to_o make_v the_o first_o of_o humane_a kind_n or_o any_o other_o kind_n of_o nothing_o 4._o it_o be_v meet_v that_o he_o who_o be_v to_o be_v a_o sacrifice_n for_o sin_n and_o a_o teacher_n and_o pattern_n of_o perfect_a righteousness_n and_o a_o mediator_n between_o god_n and_o man_n shall_v not_o be_v a_o ordinary_a child_n of_o adam_n nor_o be_v himself_o defile_v with_o original_a or_o actual_a sin_n and_o therefore_o that_o he_o shall_v be_v in_o a_o peculiar_a sense_n the_o son_n of_o god_n 5._o and_o this_o do_v not_o depend_v only_o on_o the_o credit_n of_o the_o virgin-mothers_n word_n but_o on_o the_o multitude_n of_o miracle_n whereby_o god_n himself_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o and_o as_o for_o the_o meanness_n of_o his_o person_n and_o condition_n 1._o it_o be_v a_o needful_a part_n of_o the_o humiliation_n which_o he_o be_v for_o our_o sin_n to_o undergo_v that_o he_o shall_v take_v upon_o he_o the_o form_n of_o a_o servant_n and_o make_v himself_o of_o no_o reputation_n phil._n 2.7_o 8_o 9_o 2._o it_o be_v a_o suitable_a testimony_n against_o the_o pride_n carnality_n and_o worldly-mindedness_a of_o delude_a man_n who_o overvalue_v the_o honour_n and_o pleasure_n and_o riches_n of_o the_o world_n and_o a_o suitable_a mean_n to_o teach_v man_n to_o judge_v of_o thing_n aright_o and_o value_v every_o thing_n true_o as_o it_o be_v the_o contrary_a whereof_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o the_o sin_n and_o misery_n of_o the_o world_n he_o that_o be_v to_o cure_v man_n of_o the_o love_n of_o the_o world_n and_o all_o its_o riches_n dignity_n and_o pleasure_n &_o he_o that_o be_v to_o save_v they_o from_o this_o by_o the_o office_n of_o a_o saviour_n can_v not_o have_v take_v a_o more_o effectual_a way_n than_o to_o teach_v they_o by_o his_o own_o example_n and_o to_o go_v before_o they_o in_o the_o settle_a contempt_n of_o all_o these_o vanity_n and_o prefer_v the_o true_a and_o durable_a felicity_n 3._o look_v inward_o to_o his_o godhead_n and_o spiritual_a perfection_n look_v upward_o to_o his_o present_a state_n of_o glory_n who_o have_v now_o all_o power_n give_v into_o his_o hand_n and_o be_v make_v head_n over_o all_o thing_n to_o the_o church_n eph._n 1.22_o look_v forward_o to_o the_o day_n of_o his_o glorious_a appear_v when_o he_o shall_v come_v with_o all_o his_o celestial_a retinue_n to_o judge_v the_o world_n and_o then_o you_o will_v see_v the_o dignity_n and_o excellency_n of_o christ_n if_o you_o prefer_v not_o spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a dignity_n yourselves_o you_o be_v uncapable_a of_o they_o and_o can_v be_v save_v but_o if_o you_o do_v you_o may_v see_v the_o excellency_n of_o christ_n he_o that_o know_v how_o
farewell_n vain_a world_n as_o thou_o have_v be_v to_o i_o dust_n &_o a_o shadow_n those_o i_o leave_v with_o thou_o the_o unseen_a vital_a substance_n i_o commit_v to_o he_o that_o be_v substance_n light_n &_o life_n to_o it_o the_o leave_n &_o fruit_n here_o drop_v be_v holy_a seed_n heaven_n heir_n to_o generate_v to_o heal_v &_o feed_v they_o also_o thou_o will_v flatter_v &_o molest_v but_o shall_v not_o keep_v from_o everlasting_a rest_n the_o reason_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n the_o first_o part_n of_o godliness_n prove_v by_o natural_a evidence_n the_o be_v of_o god_n the_o necessity_n of_o holiness_n and_o a_o future_a life_n of_o retribution_n the_o sinfulness_n of_o the_o world_n the_o desert_n of_o hell_n and_o what_o hope_v of_o recovery_n mercy_n intimate_v the_o second_o part_n of_o christianity_n prove_v by_o evidence_n supernatural_a and_o natural_a the_o certain_a truth_n of_o the_o christian_a belief_n and_o answer_v the_o objection_n of_o unbeliever_n first_o meditate_a for_o the_o well-setling_a of_o his_o own_o belief_n and_o now_o publish_v for_o the_o benefit_n of_o other_o by_o richard_n baxter_n it_o open_v also_o the_o true_a resolution_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n also_o a_o appendix_n defend_v the_o soul_n immortality_n against_o the_o somatist_n or_o epicurean_o and_o other_o pseudophilosopher_n london_n print_v by_o r._n white_n for_o fran._n titon_n at_o the_o three_o dagger_n in_o fleetstreet_n 1667._o to_o the_o christian_a reader_n because_o there_o be_v some_o who_o judge_v of_o other_o by_o themselves_o will_n say_v what_o need_v this_o labour_n among_o christian_n to_o prove_v a_o god_n a_o life_n to_o come_v and_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o at_o lest_o what_o need_n be_v there_o of_o it_o after_o so_o much_o already_o write_v i_o take_v myself_o oblige_v to_o give_v you_o a_o account_n of_o this_o attempt_n for_o my_o own_o reason_n be_v much_o against_o over_n and_o waste_v our_o little_a time_n in_o thing_n superfluous_a which_o be_v but_o enough_o for_o necessary_a thing_n but_o it_o have_v record_v this_o among_o the_o indubitata_fw-la boni_fw-la rarò_fw-la nimis_fw-la optimi_fw-la nunquam_fw-la indifferentes_fw-la saepissimè_fw-la mali_fw-la semper_fw-la the_o true_a reason_n of_o this_o work_n be_v no_o few_o than_o these_o follow_v 1._o quod_fw-la cogitamus_fw-la loquimur_fw-la that_o which_o be_v most_o and_o deep_a in_o my_o thought_n be_v apt_a to_o break_v forth_o to_o other_o man_n be_v a_o communicative_a creature_n though_o it_o be_v to_o my_o shame_n i_o must_v confess_v that_o necessity_n through_o perplex_a thought_n have_v make_v this_o subject_a much_o of_o my_o meditation_n it_o be_v the_o subject_n which_o i_o have_v find_v most_o necessary_a and_o most_o useful_a to_o myself_o and_o i_o have_v reason_n enough_o to_o think_v that_o many_o other_o may_v be_v as_o weak_a as_o i._o and_o i_o will_v fain_o have_v those_o partake_v of_o my_o satisfaction_n who_o have_v partake_v of_o my_o difficulty_n 2._o i_o perceive_v that_o because_o it_o be_v take_v for_o a_o shame_n to_o doubt_v of_o our_o christianity_n and_o the_o life_n to_o come_v this_o hinder_v many_o from_o utter_v their_o doubt_n who_o never_o get_v they_o well_o resolve_v but_o remain_v half_a infidel_n within_o while_o the_o ensign_n of_o christ_n be_v hang_v without_o and_o need_v much_o help_n though_o they_o be_v ashamed_a to_o tell_v their_o need_n and_o prudent_a charity_n will_v relieve_v those_o who_o be_v ashamed_a to_o beg_v 3._o as_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o god_n be_v the_o beginning_n and_o maintainer_n of_o all_o holiness_n and_o honesty_n of_o heart_n and_o life_n so_o latent_fw-la atheism_n and_o infidelity_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o hypocrite_n in_o the_o church_n be_v the_o root_n of_o their_o profaneness_n dishonesty_n and_o wickedness_n do_v they_o serious_o believe_v as_o christian_n they_o will_v not_o live_v as_o the_o enemy_n of_o christianity_n i_o take_v it_o therefore_o to_o be_v the_o sure_a and_o most_o expeditious_a cure_n of_o the_o security_n presumption_n pride_n perfidiousness_n sensuality_n and_o wickedness_n of_o these_o hypocrite_n to_o convince_v they_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o a_o life_n to_o come_v and_o that_o the_o gospel_n be_v true_a 4._o and_o this_o profaneness_n and_o sensuality_n tend_v to_o great_a infidelity_n they_o that_o will_v not_o live_v as_o they_o profess_v to_o believe_v may_v most_o easy_o be_v draw_v to_o believe_v and_o profess_v as_o they_o be_v willing_a to_o live_v and_o therefore_o this_o prognostic_n command_v i_o to_o endeavour_v to_o prevent_v man_n open_a profession_n of_o infidelity_n lest_o the_o present_a torrent_n of_o ungodliness_n selfishnesse_n malice_n uncharitableness_n perjury_n treachery_n faction_n whoredom_n and_o other_o sensuality_n shall_v fall_v into_o this_o gulf_n or_o one_o that_o be_v not_o much_o unlike_o it_o 5._o the_o best_a complain_v of_o the_o imperfection_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o too_o many_o good_a christian_n especial_o if_o melancholy_a surprise_v they_o be_v haunt_v with_o such_o temptation_n to_o atheism_n blasphemy_n and_o unbelief_n as_o make_v their_o life_n a_o burden_n to_o they_o and_o one_o that_o have_v hear_v so_o many_o of_o their_o complaint_n as_o i_o have_v do_v be_v excusable_a for_o desire_v to_o relieve_v they_o it_o have_v many_o a_o time_n be_v matter_n of_o wonder_n to_o i_o to_o observe_v that_o there_o be_v scarce_o one_o deep_a melancholy_a person_n among_o ten_o religious_a or_o not_o religious_a before_o but_o be_v follow_v with_o violent_a suggestion_n to_o doubt_v of_o the_o godhead_n and_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o to_o utter_v some_o word_n of_o blasphemy_n against_o god_n and_o he_o that_o must_v pray_v lord_n increase_v my_o faith_n and_o help_v my_o unbelief_n must_v use_v other_o mean_n as_o well_o as_o pray_v 6._o the_o imperfection_n of_o our_o faith_n even_o about_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o life_n to_o come_v be_v the_o secret_a root_n of_o all_o our_o fault_n of_o the_o weakness_n of_o every_o other_o grace_n of_o our_o yield_n to_o temptation_n and_o of_o the_o carelessness_n badness_n and_o barrenness_n of_o our_o life_n so_o transcendent_a be_v the_o concernment_n of_o the_o life_n to_o come_v that_o a_o certain_a clear_a and_o firm_a belief_n of_o they_o will_v even_o deride_v temptation_n and_o bear_v down_o all_o the_o trifle_n of_o this_o world_n by_o what_o name_n or_o title_n soever_o dignify_v as_o thing_n not_o worthy_a of_o a_o look_n or_o thought_n what_o manner_n of_o person_n will_v that_o man_n be_v in_o all_o holy_a conversation_n and_o godliness_n who_o believe_v that_o all_o these_o thing_n must_v be_v dissolve_v do_v look_v for_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n and_o for_o the_o bless_a consequent_n 2_o pet._n 3.11_o 12_o 14._o 2_o thess_n 1.10_o o_o what_o a_o life_n will_v that_o man_n live_v what_o prayer_n what_o praise_n what_o holy_a discourse_n will_v employ_v his_o tongue_n with_o what_o abhorrence_n will_v he_o reject_v the_o bait_n of_o sin_n who_o do_v but_o see_v but_o once_o see_v those_o unseen_a and_o future_a thing_n which_o every_o christian_a profess_v to_o believe_v how_o contemptible_o will_v he_o think_v and_o speak_v both_o of_o the_o pleasure_n and_o the_o suffering_n of_o this_o dream_a life_n in_o comparison_n of_o the_o everlasting_a thing_n what_o serious_a desire_n and_o labour_n and_o joy_n and_o patience_n will_v such_o a_o sight_n procure_v how_o much_o more_o holy_a and_o heavenly_a will_v it_o make_v even_o those_o that_o by_o the_o purblind_a world_n be_v think_v to_o exceed_v herein_o already_o and_o if_o we_o take_v our_o belief_n to_o be_v as_o certain_a as_o our_o sight_n believe_v will_v do_v great_a matter_n than_o it_o do_v i_o oft_o think_v what_o one_o tell_v i_o that_o a_o infidel_n answer_v he_o when_o he_o ask_v he_o how_o he_o can_v quiet_v his_o conscience_n in_o such_o a_o desperate_a state_n say_v he_o i_o rather_o wonder_v how_o you_o can_v quiet_v your_o conscience_n in_o such_o a_o common_a careless_a course_n of_o life_n believe_v as_o you_o do_v if_o i_o believe_v such_o thing_n as_o you_o do_v i_o shall_v think_v no_o care_n and_o diligence_n and_o holiness_n can_v be_v enough_o 7._o the_o soul_n in_o flesh_n be_v so_o much_o desirous_a of_o a_o sensitive_a way_n of_o apprehension_n and_o sensible_a thing_n be_v still_o before_o we_o do_v so_o increase_v this_o malady_n and_o divert_v the_o mind_n from_o spiritual_a thing_n that_o we_o have_v all_o great_a need_n of_o the_o clear_a evidence_n and_o the_o most_o suitable_a and_o frequent_a and_o take_v explication_n of_o they_o that_o possible_o can_v be_v give_v we_o not_o only_o to_o make_v we_o believe_v thing_n unseen_a but_o to_o make_v we_o serious_a and_o practical_a and_o affectionate_a about_o the_o thing_n which_o in_o a_o
hate_v such_o deceiver_n and_o make_v they_o a_o common_a scorn_n instead_o of_o be_v convert_v by_o they_o §_o 61._o the_o foresay_a impossibility_n be_v herein_o found_v 1._o there_o be_v no_o effect_n without_o a_o sufficient_a cause_n 2._o a_o necessary_a cause_n not_o sufficient_o hinder_v will_v bring_v forth_o its_o answerable_a effect_n but_o the_o oppose_a supposition_n make_v effect_n without_o any_o sufficient_a cause_n and_o necessary_a cause_n without_o their_o adequate_a effect_n §_o 62._o the_o providence_n of_o god_n permit_v dissension_n and_o heresy_n to_o arise_v among_o christian_n and_o rival_n and_o false_a teacher_n to_o raise_v hard_a report_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o people_n to_o be_v somewhat_o alienate_v from_o they_o that_o the_o apostle_n may_v by_o challenge_n appeal_v to_o miracle_n and_o future_a age_n may_v be_v convince_v that_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n can_v not_o be_v contradict_v the_o roman_n have_v contention_n among_o themselves_o the_o strong_a and_o the_o weak_a contemn_v or_o condemn_v one_o another_o about_o meat_n and_o day_n rom._n 14._o and_o 15._o the_o corinthian_n be_v divide_v into_o faction_n and_o exasperate_v against_o paul_n by_o false_a apostle_n so_o that_o he_o be_v fain_o at_o large_a to_o vindicate_v his_o ministry_n and_o he_o do_v it_o partly_o by_o appeal_n both_o to_o miracle_n and_o work_n of_o power_n wrought_v among_o they_o and_o by_o the_o spirit_n give_v to_o themselves_o 2_o cor._n 12.12_o and_o 13.3_o 4_o 5._o and_o 1_o cor._n 12.7_o 12_o 13._o the_o galatian_n be_v more_o alienate_v from_o paul_n by_o jewish_a teacher_n and_o seem_v to_o take_v he_o as_o a_o enemy_n for_o tell_v they_o the_o truth_n and_o he_o fear_v that_o he_o have_v bestow_v on_o they_o labour_n in_o vain_a and_o in_o this_o case_n he_o vehement_o rebuke_v they_o and_o appeal_v first_o to_o miracle_n wrought_v among_o they_o and_o before_o their_o eye_n and_o next_o to_o the_o spirit_n give_v to_o themselves_o gal._n 3.1_o 2_o 3_o 4_o 5._o o_o foolish_a galatian_n who_o have_v bewitch_v you_o that_o you_o shall_v not_o obey_v the_o truth_n before_o who_o eye_n jesus_n christ_n have_v be_v evident_o set_v forth_o crucify_v among_o you_o this_o only_a will_v i_o learn_v of_o you_o receive_v you_o the_o spirit_n by_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n or_o by_o the_o hear_n of_o faith_n he_o therefore_o that_o minister_v to_o you_o the_o spirit_n and_o work_v miracle_n among_o you_o do_v he_o it_o by_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n or_o by_o the_o hear_n of_o faith_n now_o if_o no_o such_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v among_o they_o and_o if_o no_o such_o spirit_n be_v receive_v by_o themselves_o will_v this_o argument_n have_v silence_v adversary_n and_o reconcile_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o galatian_n or_o rather_o have_v make_v they_o deride_v the_o cause_n that_o must_v have_v such_o a_o defence_n and_o say_v who_o be_v they_o that_o work_v miracle_n among_o we_o and_o when_o do_v we_o receive_v such_o a_o spirit_n so_o to_o the_o roman_n this_o be_v paul_n testimonial_n rom._n 15.18_o 19_o for_o i_o will_v not_o dare_v to_o speak_v of_o any_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o christ_n have_v not_o wrought_v by_o i_o to_o make_v the_o gentile_n obedient_a by_o word_n and_o deed_n through_o mighty_a sign_n and_o wonder_n by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n and_o to_o the_o corinthian_n he_o say_v 1_o cor._n 14.18_o i_o thank_v my_o god_n i_o speak_v with_o tongue_n more_o than_o you_o all_o so_o gal._n 2.8_o 1_o cor._n 14.22_o tongue_n be_v for_o a_o sign_n to_o they_o that_o believe_v not_o so_o act_v 2.43_o and_o 4.30_o and_o 5.12_o and_o 7.36_o and_o 8.13_o and_o 14.3_o and_o 6.8_o and_o 8.6_o 13._o and_o 15.12_o and_o 19.11_o 1_o cor._n 12.10_o miracle_n be_v still_o make_v the_o confirmation_n of_o the_o apostle_n testimony_n and_o doctrine_n and_o in_o heb._n 2.3_o 4._o you_o have_v the_o just_a method_n of_o the_o proof_n and_o progress_n of_o christianity_n which_o at_o the_o first_o begin_v to_o be_v speak_v by_o the_o lord_n but_o how_o be_v that_o know_v and_o be_v confirm_v to_o we_o by_o they_o that_o hear_v he_o but_o how_o shall_v we_o know_v that_o they_o say_v truth_n god_n also_o bear_v they_o witness_n with_o sign_n and_o wonder_n and_o with_o divers_a miracle_n and_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n according_a to_o his_o own_o will_n and_o act._n 4.33_o and_o with_o great_a power_n give_v the_o apostle_n witness_v of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n 1_o joh._n 1.1_o 2_o 3._o that_o which_o be_v from_o the_o beginning_n which_o we_o have_v hear_v which_o we_o have_v see_v with_o our_o eye_n which_o we_o have_v look_v upon_o and_o our_o hand_n have_v handle_v of_o the_o word_n of_o life_n for_o the_o life_n be_v manifest_v and_o we_o have_v see_v it_o and_o bear_v witness_n and_o show_v unto_o you_o that_o eternal_a life_n which_o be_v with_o the_o father_n and_o be_v manifest_v unto_o we_o that_o which_o we_o have_v see_v and_o hear_v declare_v we_o unto_o you_o that_o you_o also_o may_v have_v fellowship_n with_o we_o etc._n etc._n §_o 63._o iii_o the_o miracle_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v not_o only_o attest_v by_o the_o church_n which_o be_v eye-witness_n of_o they_o 1._o by_o the_o way_n of_o most_o credible_a humane_a testimony_n 2._o and_o by_o natural_a evidence_n of_o infallible_a certainty_n but_o also_o 3._o by_o supernatural_a testimony_n of_o god_n himself_o as_o appear_v in_o these_o follow_a evidence_n §_o 64._o 1._o many_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v by_o those_o first_o church_n who_o be_v the_o witness_n of_o the_o apostle_n miracle_n which_o be_v a_o divine_a attestation_n to_o their_o testimony_n 1._o the_o scripture_n forecited_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o same_o holy_a ghost_n be_v give_v to_o they_o all_o though_o all_o have_v not_o the_o same_o gift_n and_o that_o tongue_n and_o heal_v and_o miracle_n be_v the_o gift_n of_o many_o though_o not_o of_o all_o which_o as_o i_o have_v show_v they_o can_v not_o themselves_o have_v believe_v of_o themselves_o if_o it_o have_v not_o be_v true_a yea_o sufficient_a historical_a testimony_n tell_v we_o that_o for_o three_o or_o four_o hundred_o year_n at_o least_o till_o constantine_n own_v and_o protect_v christianity_n by_o secular_a power_n miracle_n be_v wrought_v in_o confirmation_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n it_o have_v be_v the_o devil_n craft_n to_o seek_v to_o destroy_v the_o credit_n of_o they_o partly_o by_o hypocrite_n who_o have_v counterfeit_v miracle_n and_o partly_o by_o lie_v legend_n of_o the_o carnal_a proud_a domineer_a part_n of_o the_o church_n who_o have_v tell_v the_o world_n so_o many_o palpable_a lie_n that_o they_o seem_v to_o do_v it_o in_o design_n to_o persuade_v they_o to_o believe_v nothing_o that_o be_v true_a but_o yet_o all_o wise_a man_n will_v know_v the_o difference_n between_o history_n credible_a and_o incredible_a the_o many_o testimony_n of_o the_o miracle_n of_o gregory_n thaumaturgus_n and_o many_o other_o mention_v by_o eusebius_n and_o almost_o all_o other_o christian_a writer_n of_o those_o time_n and_o those_o mention_v by_o augustine_n de_fw-fr civitate_fw-la dei_fw-la lib._n 22_o cap._n 8._o and_o retract_v lib._n 1._o cap._n 13._o &_o passim_fw-la and_o by_o cyprian_a tertullian_n and_o many_o more_o will_v not_o be_v think_v incredible_a by_o impartial_a consider_v man_n §_o 65._o 2._o the_o eminent_a sanctity_n of_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n with_o the_o success_n of_o their_o testimony_n and_o doctrine_n for_o the_o true_a sanctification_n of_o many_o thousand_o soul_n be_v god_n own_o attestation_n to_o their_o testimony_n and_o doctrine_n how_o far_o the_o sanctify_a renew_v success_n of_o the_o doctrine_n be_v a_o divine_a attestation_n to_o its_o verity_n i_o have_v before_o open_v and_o how_o far_o god_n ow_v even_o the_o truth_n of_o philosophy_n by_o bless_v they_o with_o a_o adequate_a proportionable_a success_n the_o defective_a partial_a truth_n of_o philosophy_n produce_v a_o defective_a partial_a reformation_n how_o far_o god_n accept_v it_o belong_v not_o to_o my_o present_a business_n to_o determine_v the_o more_o full_a and_o integral_a discovery_n of_o god_n will_n by_o jesus_n christ_n do_v produce_v a_o more_o full_a and_o integral_a renovation_n and_o 1._o the_o cause_n be_v know_v by_o the_o effect_n 2._o and_o god_n will_v not_o as_o be_v before_o say_v bless_v a_o lie_n to_o do_v the_o most_o excellent_a work_n in_o all_o the_o world_n now_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n most_o evident_a that_o god_n have_v still_o bless_v the_o ministry_n of_o the_o christian_a pastor_n in_o all_o age_n to_o the_o renew_n of_o many_o thousand_o soul_n that_o this_o be_v true_o so_o i_o shall_v somewhat_o fullier_n show_v anon_o but_o that_o
no_o way_n incredible_a that_o god_n shall_v value_v man_n according_a to_o his_o natural_a worth_n and_o usefulness_n as_o a_o intellectual_a agent_n capable_a of_o know_v and_o love_v and_o praise_v he_o and_o enjoy_v he_o his_o create_v we_o such_o and_o his_o abundant_a mercy_n to_o we_o do_v abundant_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o nor_o be_v it_o incredible_a that_o he_o shall_v be_v willing_a that_o his_o deprave_a creature_n shall_v be_v restore_v to_o the_o use_n and_o end_n of_o its_o nature_n nor_o be_v it_o incredible_a that_o god_n shall_v choose_v the_o best_a and_o fit_a mean_n to_o effect_v all_o this_o nothing_o more_o credible_a than_o all_o this_o 4._o and_o it_o be_v not_o incredible_a at_o all_o that_o the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o eternal_a word_n shall_v be_v the_o fit_a mean_n for_o this_o reparation_n if_o we_o consider_v 1._o what_o question_n we_o shall_v have_v make_v of_o the_o word_n of_o a_o angel_n or_o any_o mere_a creature_n that_o shall_v have_v say_v he_o come_v from_o god_n to_o teach_v we_o see_v we_o can_v not_o be_v so_o certain_a that_o he_o be_v infallible_a and_o indefectible_a 2._o and_o how_o short_a a_o creature_n will_v have_v fall_v in_o the_o priestly_a part_n of_o mediation_n 3._o and_o how_o insufficient_a he_o will_v have_v be_v for_o the_o kingly_a dignity_n and_o universal_a government_n and_o protection_n of_o the_o church_n and_o judgement_n of_o the_o world_n 4._o and_o withal_o that_o god_n himself_o be_v the_o glorifier_n of_o himself_o and_o the_o donor_n of_o all_o felicity_n to_o we_o it_o be_v very_o congruous_a that_o he_o shall_v most_o eminent_o himself_o perform_v the_o most_o eminent_a of_o these_o work_n of_o mercy_n 5._o and_o it_o much_o assist_v my_o belief_n of_o the_o incarnation_n to_o consider_v that_o certain_o the_o work_n that_o be_v to_o be_v do_v for_o man_n recovery_n be_v the_o win_n of_o his_o heart_n to_o the_o love_n of_o god_n from_o himself_o and_o other_o creature_n and_o there_o be_v no_o way_n imaginable_a so_o fit_a to_o inflame_v we_o with_o love_n to_o god_n as_o for_o he_o most_o wonderful_o to_o manifest_v his_o love_n to_o we_o which_o be_v more_o do_v in_o the_o work_n of_o man_n redemption_n than_o any_o other_o way_n imaginable_a so_o that_o be_v the_o most_o suitable_a mean_n to_o restore_v we_o to_o the_o love_n of_o god_n it_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v the_o way_n of_o our_o recovery_n and_o so_o the_o more_o credible_a 6._o and_o it_o much_o suppress_v temptation_n to_o unbelief_n in_o i_o to_o consider_v that_o the_o three_o grand_a work_n in_o which_o god_n essentiality_n declare_v themselves_o must_v needs_o be_v all_o such_o as_o beseem_v god_n that_o be_v most_o wonderful_a transcend_v man_n comprehension_n and_o as_o his_o omnipotency_n show_v itself_o with_o wisdom_n and_o love_n in_o the_o great_a work_n of_o creation_n so_o be_v it_o meet_v that_o his_o wisdom_n shall_v show_v itself_o most_o wonderful_o in_o the_o great_a work_n of_o redemption_n in_o order_n to_o the_o as_o wonderful_a declaration_n of_o his_o love_n and_o goodness_n in_o the_o great_a work_n of_o our_o salvation_n our_o regeneration_n and_o glorification_n and_o therefore_o if_o this_o be_v not_o a_o wonderful_a work_n it_o be_v not_o fit_a to_o be_v parallel_n with_o the_o creation_n in_o demonstrate_v god_n perfection_n to_o our_o mind_n object_n iii_o but_o how_o incredible_a be_v it_o that_o humane_a nature_n shall_v in_o a_o glorify_a christ_n be_v set_v above_o the_o angelical_a nature_n answ_n there_o be_v no_o argue_v in_o the_o dark_a from_o thing_n unknown_a against_o what_o be_v full_o bring_v to_o light_n what_o god_n have_v do_v for_o man_n the_o scripture_n have_v reveal_v and_o also_o that_o christ_n himself_o be_v far_o above_o the_o angel_n but_o what_o christ_n have_v do_v for_o angel_n or_o for_o any_o other_o world_n of_o creature_n god_n think_v not_o meet_v to_o make_v we_o acquaint_v with_o there_o have_v be_v christian_n who_o have_v think_v by_o plausible_a reason_n from_o many_o text_n of_o scripture_n that_o christ_n have_v three_o nature_n the_o divine_a and_o a_o superangelical_a and_o a_o humane_a and_o that_o the_o eternal_a word_n do_v first_o unite_v itself_o to_o the_o superangelical_a nature_n and_o in_o that_o create_v the_o world_n and_o in_o that_o appear_v to_o abraham_n and_o the_o other_o father_n and_o then_o assume_v the_o humane_a nature_n last_o of_o all_o for_o redemption_n and_o thus_o they_o will_v reconcile_v the_o arrian_n and_o the_o orthodox_n but_o the_o most_o christian_n hold_v only_o two_o nature_n in_o christ_n but_o then_o they_o say_v that_o he_o that_o have_v promise_v that_o we_o shall_v be_v equal_a with_o the_o angel_n do_v know_v that_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n soul_n and_o of_o angel_n differ_v so_o little_a that_o in_o advance_v one_o he_o do_v as_o it_o be_v advance_v both_o and_o certain_o make_v no_o disorder_n in_o nature_n by_o exalt_v the_o inferior_a in_o sensu_fw-la composito_fw-la above_o the_o superior_a and_o more_o excellent_a let_v we_o not_o then_o deceive_v ourselves_o by_o argue_v from_o thing_n unknown_a object_n iv._o there_o be_v thing_n so_o incredible_a in_o the_o scripture-miracle_n that_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o believe_v they_o to_o be_v true_a answ_n 1._o no_o doubt_n but_o miracle_n must_v be_v wonder_n they_o be_v not_o else_o so_o sufficient_a to_o be_v a_o divine_a attestation_n if_o they_o be_v not_o thing_n exceed_v our_o power_n and_o reach_v but_o why_o shall_v they_o be_v think_v incredible_a be_v it_o because_o they_o transcend_v the_o power_n of_o god_n or_o his_o wisdom_n or_o his_o goodness_n or_o because_o they_o be_v hard_a to_o he_o than_o the_o thing_n which_o our_o eye_n be_v daily_a witness_n of_o be_v not_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o sun_n and_o orb_n and_o especial_o of_o the_o primum_fw-la mobile_n which_o the_o peripatetic_n teach_v yea_o or_o that_o of_o the_o earth_n and_o globe_n which_o other_o teach_v as_o great_a a_o work_n as_o any_o miracle_n mention_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n shall_v any_o man_n that_o ever_o consider_v the_o number_n magnitude_n glory_n and_o motion_n of_o the_o fix_a star_n object_n any_o difficulty_n to_o god_n be_v it_o not_o as_o easy_a to_o raise_v one_o man_n from_o the_o dead_a as_o to_o give_v life_n to_o all_o the_o live_n 2._o and_o be_v not_o miracle_n according_a to_o our_o own_o necessity_n and_o desire_n do_v not_o man_n call_v for_o sign_n and_o wonder_n and_o say_v if_o i_o see_v one_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a or_o see_v a_o miracle_n i_o will_v believe_v or_o at_o least_o i_o can_v believe_v that_o christ_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n unless_o he_o work_v miracle_n and_o shall_v that_o be_v a_o hindrance_n to_o your_o belief_n which_o be_v your_o last_o remedy_n against_o unbelief_n will_v you_o not_o believe_v without_o miracle_n and_o yet_o will_v you_o not_o believe_v they_o because_o they_o be_v miracle_n this_o be_v but_o mere_a perverseness_n as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v we_o will_v neither_o believe_v with_o miracle_n nor_o without_o 3._o impartial_o consider_v of_o the_o proof_n i_o have_v before_o give_v you_o of_o the_o certain_a truth_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n that_o such_o miracle_n be_v real_o do_v and_o then_o you_o may_v see_v not_o only_o that_o they_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v but_o the_o doctrine_n to_o be_v the_o rather_o believe_v for_o their_o sake_n 233._o obj._n v._o it_o be_v hard_o to_o believe_v the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o life_n to_o come_v when_o we_o consider_v how_o much_o the_o soul_n depend_v in_o its_o operation_n on_o the_o body_n and_o how_o it_o seem_v but_o gradual_o to_o exceed_v the_o bruit_n especial_o to_o believe_v the_o eternity_n of_o it_o or_o its_o joy_n when_o omne_fw-la quod_fw-la oritur_fw-la interit_fw-la and_o if_o eternity_n à _fw-la parte_fw-la ante_fw-la be_v proper_a to_o god_n why_o not_o eternity_n à _fw-fr parte_fw-la post_fw-la answ_n 1._o the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o consequent_o its_o perpetual_a duration_n and_o a_o life_n of_o retribution_n after_o this_o do_v not_o seem_v thing_n incredible_a to_o most_o of_o the_o heathen_n and_o infidel_n in_o the_o world_n and_o i_o have_v prove_v it_o before_o by_o evidence_n of_o nature_n to_o common_a reason_n so_o that_o to_o make_v that_o incredible_a in_o christianity_n which_o philosopher_n and_o almost_o all_o the_o world_n hold_v and_o which_o have_v cogent_a natural_a evidence_n be_v to_o put_v out_o the_o eye_n of_o reason_n as_o well_o as_o of_o faith_n 2._o and_o that_o it_o have_v much_o use_n of_o or_o dependence_n on_o the_o body_n in_o its_o present_a operation_n be_v no_o proof_n at_o all_o that_o when_o it_o be_v out_o of_o the_o body_n