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sincerity_n on_o the_o contrary_a a_o great_a virtue_n nay_o it_o be_v even_o impossible_a it_o shall_v ever_o come_v into_o his_o head_n to_o frame_v so_o signal_n a_o imposture_n upon_o so_o sad_a and_o sorrowful_a a_o event_n as_o the_o death_n of_o jesus_n christ_n neither_o do_v it_o appear_v that_o his_o mind_n or_o his_o thought_n be_v any_o way_n bend_v upon_o any_o such_o design_n and_o though_o he_o shall_v have_v be_v induce_v out_o of_o a_o spirit_n of_o revenge_n to_o invent_v such_o a_o lie_n to_o discredit_v the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n yet_o it_o can_v be_v suppose_v he_o shall_v have_v be_v so_o very_o silly_a as_o to_o imagine_v that_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o disciple_n will_v consent_v to_o that_o imposture_n or_o be_v willing_a to_o maintain_v it_o
be_v several_a famous_a emperor_n who_o be_v not_o able_a to_o conceal_v from_o the_o world_n their_o favourable_a opinion_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o some_o of_o they_o have_v for_o inscription_n in_o their_o public_a edifice_n several_a maxim_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o other_o will_v have_v consecrate_v church_n for_o the_o use_v of_o the_o christian_n and_o last_o that_o other_o profess_a themselves_o admirer_n of_o the_o morality_n of_o christ._n but_o what_o shall_v we_o say_v of_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n who_o not_o be_v able_a to_o deny_v christ_n miracle_n be_v force_v to_o refer_v they_o some_o to_o a_o magic_a power_n and_o other_o to_o a_o certain_a i_o know_v not_o what_o mysterious_a pronunciation_n of_o the_o word_n jehovah_n so_o strange_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v that_o even_o the_o very_a enemy_n of_o our_o religion_n shall_v thus_o testify_v of_o it_o and_o yet_o scarce_o perceive_v it_o the_o seven_o testimony_n be_v that_o of_o several_a strange_a 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have_v confer_v upon_o he_o only_o out_o of_o love_n and_o complaisance_n to_o a_o impostor_n that_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o disciple_n shall_v so_o ready_o sacrifice_v their_o estate_n reputation_n repose_v and_o life_n itself_o to_o a_o person_n they_o know_v to_o be_v a_o false_a christ_n that_o the_o heaven_n shall_v countenance_v a_o flame_n and_o a_o lie_n by_o work_v such_o signal_n and_o sensible_a miracle_n that_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n shall_v have_v find_v every_o thing_n that_o can_v supply_v its_o want_n and_o necessity_n in_o a_o mere_a cheat_n that_o even_o the_o enemy_n of_o our_o religion_n shall_v countenance_v and_o approve_v of_o our_o false_a prejudices_fw-la that_o all_o event_n shall_v so_o exact_o coincide_v with_o a_o erroneous_a imposture_n and_o that_o the_o revelation_n of_o moses_n and_o natural_a religion_n shall_v thus_o testify_v so_o palpable_a a_o fiction_n to_o this_o we_o may_v add_v the_o necessity_n and_o importance_n of_o 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advantage_n which_o other_o religion_n have_v not_o and_o yet_o none_o of_o their_o fault_n i_o say_v no_o other_o religion_n have_v advantage_n equal_a to_o those_o of_o the_o christian_a religion_n for_o no_o other_o can_v boast_v of_o its_o have_v be_v confirm_v by_o ancient_a prophecy_n even_o mahomet_n think_v it_o better_a to_o oblige_v man_n to_o call_v the_o scripture_n in_o question_n than_o do_v derive_v any_o argument_n from_o it_o which_o may_v serve_v to_o confirm_v his_o mission_n as_o appear_v by_o his_o not_o boast_v that_o he_o have_v be_v precede_v by_o any_o forerunner_n who_o make_v his_o path_n straight_o there_o be_v indeed_o several_a religion_n which_o perhaps_o may_v have_v have_v their_o martyr_n but_o what_o sort_n of_o martyr_n superstitious_a man_n who_o blind_o expose_v themselves_o to_o death_n without_o know_v what_o they_o do_v like_o those_o barbarian_n who_o prostrate_v themselves_o by_o thousand_o before_o their_o idol_n that_o their_o colossus_n 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roman_n feliâ—_n use_v to_o attribute_v to_o their_o religion_n all_o the_o advantage_n they_o get_v over_o other_o nation_n and_o the_o mahometan_n pretend_v that_o the_o great_a success_n god_n be_v please_v to_o give_v their_o prophet_n be_v so_o many_o certain_a and_o undeniable_a mark_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o religion_n but_o to_o pretend_v that_o temporal_a prosperity_n be_v a_o certain_a character_n of_o a_o true_a religion_n or_o adversity_n that_o of_o a_o false_a one_o be_v to_o suppose_v as_o we_o have_v already_o say_v else_o where_o that_o the_o most_o profligate_v wretch_n provide_v they_o be_v happy_a in_o this_o world_n be_v the_o great_a favourite_n of_o god_n but_o certain_o it_o be_v not_o prosperity_n or_o adversity_n simple_o consider_v but_o prosperity_n or_o adversity_n as_o foretell_v by_o god_n or_o his_o prophet_n that_o be_v a_o certain_a character_n of_o true_a religion_n and_o when_o we_o affirm_v that_o several_a extraordinary_a event_n bear_v witness_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n we_o mean_v only_o those_o event_n which_o have_v be_v foretell_v by_o the_o prophet_n as_o for_o instance_n the_o call_n of_o the_o gentile_n the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o establishment_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n final_o there_o may_v be_v several_a religion_n that_o may_v deceive_v but_o none_o but_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o can_v true_o satisfy_v mankind_n there_o be_v some_o religion_n ground_v upon_o fabulous_a miracle_n and_o confirm_v by_o witness_n easy_o convince_v of_o imposture_n but_o none_o but_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v firm_o and_o solid_o establish_v to_o upon_o true_a miracle_n and_o valid_a testimony_n it_o appear_v then_o that_o no_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n have_v such_o extraordinary_a qualification_n as_o the_o christian_a religion_n of_o which_o it_o must_v also_o be_v affirm_v that_o it_o be_v free_a from_o all_o such_o defect_n as_o be_v incident_a to_o other_o religion_n we_o need_v no_o deep_a
the_o sight_n of_o several_a jew_n who_o be_v purposely_o come_v thither_o to_o comfort_v the_o sister_n of_o the_o decease_a person_n he_o tarry_v four_o day_n that_o it_o may_v not_o be_v say_v he_o be_v not_o real_o dead_a he_o permit_v lazarus_n to_o converse_v with_o his_o acquaintance_n after_o his_o resurrection_n which_o give_v occasion_n to_o the_o jew_n blind_v with_o madness_n to_o conspire_v together_o to_o send_v he_o to_o the_o grave_n again_o who_o the_o grave_n have_v just_o send_v they_o for_o their_o conversion_n iu._n but_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o such_o great_a and_o such_o unparalelled_a miracle_n as_o these_o shall_v make_v so_o little_a impression_n upon_o people_n mind_n this_o age_n be_v indeed_o a_o wicked_a and_o prejudice_v age_n but_o yet_o what_o a_o noise_n will_v the_o resurrection_n of_o a_o dead_a man_n make_v now_o how_o many_o will_v make_v it_o their_o business_n to_o be_v full_o satisfy_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o such_o a_o matter_n of_o fact_n 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it_o sufficient_o appear_v from_o thence_o that_o there_o be_v such_o people_n in_o the_o world_n who_o mind_n be_v prepossess_v will_v either_o call_v in_o question_n any_o palpable_a truth_n or_o else_o ascribe_v matter_n of_o fact_n true_o miraculous_a to_o some_o fantastical_a and_o extravagant_a cause_n but_o there_o be_v none_o that_o be_v willing_a to_o die_v in_o order_n to_o maintain_v that_o they_o be_v spectator_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o have_v real_o never_o see_v especial_o when_o they_o profess_v to_o believe_v that_o imposture_n be_v a_o crime_n worthy_a of_o death_n and_o when_o they_o may_v be_v so_o easy_o find_v out_o by_o so_o great_a a_o number_n of_o witness_n it_o will_v argue_v mere_a folly_n for_o any_o to_o pretend_v to_o impose_v upon_o man_n in_o this_o respect_n the_o jewish_a doctor_n have_v credit_n and_o authority_n enough_o over_o the_o people_n partly_o to_o stifle_v the_o knowledge_n they_o may_v have_v of_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n 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the_o jew_n have_v of_o the_o miracle_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v what_o it_o will_v still_o be_v it_o possible_a they_o can_v have_v no_o better_o preserve_v the_o memory_n of_o they_o and_o that_o josephus_n for_o example_n who_o careful_o relate_v the_o least_o sort_n of_o event_n and_o forget_v not_o to_o mention_v certain_a seducer_n that_o have_v appear_v in_o the_o world_n from_o time_n to_o time_n before_o he_o shall_v not_o in_o the_o least_o speak_v of_o the_o miracle_n of_o of_o jesus_n christ_n it_o be_v suppose_v by_o some_o that_o that_o notable_a testimony_n which_o he_o bear_v of_o he_o be_v a_o pious_a fraud_n of_o he_o or_o a_o mere_a invention_n of_o the_o succeed_a age_n we_o shall_v not_o inquire_v into_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o at_o present_a we_o be_v willing_a to_o take_v thing_n in_o the_o worst_a sense_n and_o we_o have_v three_o several_a reply_n to_o make_v this_o objection_n concern_v the_o silence_n of_o josephus_n in_o this_o respect_n the_o first_o be_v that_o those_o who_o probable_o insert_v in_o the_o write_n of_o that_o author_n that_o notable_a place_n which_o have_v give_v occasion_n to_o the_o criticism_n of_o the_o learned_a may_v for_o a_o continuation_n of_o their_o design_n have_v blot_v out_o every_o thing_n that_o josephus_n real_o tell_v we_o on_o this_o account_n and_o which_o perhaps_o though_o less_o advantageous_a to_o our_o cause_n be_v yet_o sufficient_a to_o show_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v hold_v as_o one_o that_o wrought_v many_o miracle_n the_o second_o that_o josephus_n be_v a_o pharisee_n may_v probable_o have_v conceal_v the_o wonder_n of_o the_o life_n of_o our_o saviour_n out_o of_o the_o hatred_n he_o bear_v to_o our_o religion_n and_o the_o last_o be_v that_o as_o this_o man_n have_v endeavour_v to_o insinuate_v himself_o into_o vespasian_n favour_n by_o foretell_v he_o that_o he_o shall_v be_v emperor_n and_o have_v ascribe_v to_o he_o several_a prophecy_n of_o the_o old_a 12._o testament_n 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a_o great_a many_o sign_n and_o wonder_n before_o a_o great_a number_n of_o witness_n and_o have_v set_v down_o the_o time_n and_o place_n when_o and_o where_o they_o be_v do_v they_o must_v necessary_o have_v be_v void_a of_o all_o shame_n as_o well_o as_o reason_n to_o relate_v such_o thing_n as_o these_o if_o they_o be_v false_a they_o tell_v we_o that_o jesus_n christ_n with_o a_o few_o loaf_n and_o some_o small_a fish_n miraculous_o feed_v in_o the_o wilderness_n at_o one_o time_n five_o thousand_o and_o at_o another_o three_o thousand_o man_n beside_o woman_n and_o child_n now_o i_o be_o at_o a_o stand_n to_o imagine_v how_o it_o can_v be_v think_v natural_a for_o one_o man_n to_o undertake_v to_o persuade_v several_a thousand_o that_o they_o have_v be_v wonderful_o feed_v and_o not_o only_o to_o relate_v the_o bare_a matter_n of_o fact_n itself_o but_o also_o bring_v in_o christ_n reproach_v the_o multitude_n that_o they_o follow_v he_o not_o pure_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o his_o 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upon_o as_o so_o many_o abominable_a murderer_n that_o all_o the_o disciple_n shall_v contrive_v this_o design_n together_o that_o not_o one_o of_o they_o shall_v confess_v the_o truth_n that_o the_o distance_n of_o place_n the_o severity_n of_o punishment_n the_o force_n of_o truth_n the_o remorse_n of_o conscience_n the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o world_n which_o they_o utter_o lose_v by_o their_o profession_n shall_v not_o be_v capable_a to_o break_v off_o this_o unanimous_a contrivance_n of_o falsehood_n that_o they_o shall_v glad_o suffer_v for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o their_o fable_n that_o they_o shall_v add_v to_o constancy_n a_o virtuous_a life_n that_o these_o cheat_n shall_v preach_v nothing_o but_o virtue_n temperance_n charity_n the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o humility_n that_o they_o shall_v command_v we_o to_o love_v our_o enemy_n and_o bless_v they_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o god_n which_o curse_v we_o that_o falsehood_n shall_v immediate_o undergo_v the_o trial_n of_o 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some_o mark_n of_o his_o weakness_n in_o the_o garden_n of_o gethsemane_n where_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n make_v he_o sweat_v great_a drop_n of_o blood_n and_o where_o he_o cry_v out_o several_a time_n o_o my_o father_n if_o it_o be_v possible_a let_v 39_o this_o cup_n pass_v from_o i_o they_o also_o pretend_v that_o this_o exclamation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n when_o nail_v on_o the_o cross_n my_o god_n my_o god_n why_o have_v thou_o forsake_v i_o be_v a_o expression_n of_o his_o despair_n i_o know_v not_o here_o what_o to_o admire_v most_o either_o the_o impudence_n of_o these_o proud_a enemy_n of_o our_o religion_n or_o the_o force_n of_o truth_n which_o still_o become_v strong_a the_o more_o they_o endeavour_v to_o shake_v it_o for_o as_o for_o the_o first_o if_o the_o enemy_n of_o the_o christian_n wont_v believe_v the_o report_n of_o the_o evangelist_n how_o come_v they_o to_o know_v that_o jesus_n christ_n utter_v these_o word_n which_o give_v they_o occasion_n to_o think_v he_o 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work_v miracle_n when_o all_o the_o while_n there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n here_o to_o allege_v that_o the_o evangelist_n affect_v a_o ingenuous_a simplicity_n to_o avoid_v the_o suspicion_n of_o dishonesty_n for_o have_v that_o be_v their_o design_n they_o will_v have_v take_v special_a care_n not_o to_o furnish_v impious_a man_n with_o place_n and_o passage_n on_o which_o they_o may_v raise_v imaginary_a triumph_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o reason_n to_o believe_v that_o the_o evangelist_n relate_v those_o word_n because_o their_o simplicity_n be_v so_o great_a that_o they_o have_v not_o judgement_n to_o discern_v whether_o they_o be_v for_o or_o against_o their_o cause_n for_o what_o probability_n be_v there_o that_o man_n who_o have_v wit_n enough_o to_o deceive_v other_o people_n shall_v have_v so_o little_a in_o this_o occasion_n must_v a_o man_n needs_o be_v wise_a and_o learned_a when_o he_o choose_v to_o represent_v his_o master_n constant_a and_o undaunted_a rather_o than_o sorrowful_a unto_o death_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o one_o single_a evangelist_n that_o relate_v the_o history_n of_o his_o passion_n after_o this_o manner_n they_o all_o agree_v in_o this_o respect_n and_o how_o can_v this_o be_v so_o but_o that_o they_o only_o propose_v to_o themselves_o to_o speak_v the_o plain_a truth_n and_o they_o speak_v it_o without_o consider_v the_o impression_n it_o will_v make_v on_o mankind_n without_o examine_v whether_o the_o incredulous_a will_v take_v occasion_n from_o thence_o to_o slander_v the_o christian_a religion_n in_o the_o mean_a while_n if_o what_o have_v be_v say_v here_o be_v not_o sufficient_a i_o be_o willing_a more_o particular_o to_o examine_v the_o matter_n contain_v in_o the_o gospel_n chap._n vi_o where_o we_o shall_v examine_v the_o matter_n contain_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o see_v whether_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o illusion_n or_o imposture_n those_o book_n contain_v a_o infinite_a number_n of_o extraordinary_a divine_a and_o admirable_a thing_n but_o the_o principal_a of_o they_o be_v reducible_a to_o these_o four_o head_n i._o the_o birth_n genealogy_n and_o education_n of_o jesus_n christ_n with_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o they_o which_o we_o shall_v not_o speak_v of_o at_o present_a lest_o we_o shall_v be_v too_o tedious_a have_v already_o mention_v they_o in_o our_o first_o part_n of_o this_o work_n ii_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o office_n confirm_v by_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o miracle_n from_o his_o baptism_n to_o his_o ascension_n iii_o the_o holiness_n of_o his_o life_n and_o conversation_n see_v clear_o in_o several_a occasion_n and_o shine_v throughout_o the_o various_a action_n of_o his_o life_n iv._o his_o doctrine_n and_o his_o prophecy_n from_o these_o four_o different_a head_n spring_v forth_o such_o beam_n of_o truth_n as_o wonderful_o illustrate_v this_o whole_a matter_n let_v we_o therefore_o examine_v they_o in_o their_o order_n and_o keep_v still_o to_o our_o usual_a method_n which_o be_v to_o raise_v as_o we_o go_v along_o as_o many_o difficulty_n as_o we_o can_v and_o urge_v they_o on_o with_o all_o their_o force_n to_o stop_v if_o it_o be_v possible_a the_o complaint_n of_o the_o incredulous_a against_o we_o we_o may_v very_o well_o consider_v in_o the_o miracle_n of_o jesus_n christ_n their_o number_n variety_n and_o greatness_n the_o noise_n they_o make_v in_o the_o world_n and_o the_o manner_n in_o which_o they_o be_v receive_v and_o first_o the_o evangelist_n make_v appear_v the_o number_n variety_n and_o greatness_n of_o they_o in_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o change_v water_n into_o wine_n in_o cana_n that_o he_o restore_v sight_n to_o the_o blind_a hear_v to_o the_o deaf_a and_o health_n to_o the_o sick_a that_o he_o cleanse_v the_o leprous_a heal_v the_o sick_a of_o the_o palsy_n cure_v one_o of_o a_o wither_a hand_n
necessity_n in_o persecution_n in_o distress_n for_o christ_n sake_n for_o when_o i_o be_o weak_a then_o be_o i_o strong_a nay_o he_o pretend_v that_o all_o those_o who_o be_v animate_v with_o the_o same_o spirit_n that_o he_o be_v can_v forbear_v pious_o rejoice_v in_o their_o suffering_n but_o the_o fruit_n say_v he_o of_o the_o spirit_n be_v loâ—â—_n joy_n peace_n long_o suffer_v gentleness_n goodness_n faitâ—_n meekness_n temperance_n gal._n 5._o 22._o that_o be_v the_o trâ—â—_n character_n of_o a_o christian_n and_o the_o apostle_n desigâ—_n in_o preach_v be_v to_o plant_v these_o virtue_n in_o the_o mindâ—_n of_o man_n but_o let_v we_o see_v further_o some_o other_o mark_n of_o the_o joyfulness_n and_o confidence_n of_o st._n paul_n he_o express_v himself_o after_o this_o manner_n in_o some_o of_o his_o epistle_n 2_o cor._n 4._o 8_o 9_o 10._o we_o be_v trouble_v on_o every_o side_n yet_o not_o distress_v we_o be_v perplex_v but_o not_o in_o despair_n persecute_v but_o not_o forsake_v cast_v down_o but_o not_o destroy_v always_o bear_v about_o in_o the_o body_n the_o die_a of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n that_o the_o life_n also_o of_o jesus_n may_v be_v mde_v manifest_a in_o our_o body_n and_o in_o another_o place_n yea_o and_o if_o i_o be_v offer_v upon_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o your_o faith_n i_o rejoice_v with_o you_o â—ll_v for_o the_o same_o cause_n also_o do_v you_o rejoice_v with_o i_o phil._n 2._o â—7_n from_o whence_o can_v proceed_v those_o motion_n of_o joy_n which_o st._n paul_n so_o natural_o express_v which_o no_o art_n can_v imitate_v which_o run_v through_o all_o his_o epistle_n from_o the_o begin_n to_o the_o end_n and_o which_o seem_v to_o spring_v from_o a_o heart_n which_o not_o be_v able_a to_o contain_v its_o inward_a pleasure_n and_o satisfaction_n open_v and_o â—nlarges_v itself_o and_o break_v forth_o into_o these_o lively_a â—xpressions_n of_o joy_n certain_o such_o sentiment_n as_o these_o can_v never_o spring_v from_o nature_n for_o nature_n send_v forth_o sigh_n â—nd_v groan_n under_o her_o suffering_n the_o stoic_n who_o â—ndeavoured_v to_o stifle_v her_o innocent_a complaint_n preâ—ended_v that_o a_o man_n may_v overcome_v himself_o to_o that_o degree_n as_o to_o preserve_v his_o mind_n serene_a and_o calm_a in_o â—he_n midst_n of_o torment_n but_o the_o stoic_n never_o go_v â—o_o far_o as_o to_o believe_v that_o joy_n can_v spring_v out_o of_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o bitterness_n of_o affliction_n none_o but_o the_o christian_n can_v ever_o find_v unspeakable_a joy_n and_o comâ—ort_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o their_o sorrow_n who_o be_v that_o â—aul_n then_o that_o have_v thought_n so_o elevate_v only_o a_o impostor_n if_o we_o will_v believe_v the_o incredulous_a by_o â—hat_n strength_n or_o power_n do_v he_o so_o much_o surpass_v the_o virtue_n of_o the_o stoic_n by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o great_a imposture_n that_o ever_o be_v and_o can_v any_o one_o real_o be_v persuade_v of_o such_o a_o thing_n for_o my_o part_n the_o only_a difficulty_n i_o find_v in_o all_o this_o be_v to_o imagine_v that_o the_o proud_a pretended_a patron_n of_o humane_a reason_n shall_v be_v so_o â—nreasonable_a and_o extravagant_a chap._n xii_o wherein_o we_o further_o examine_v the_o epistle_n of_o st_n paul_n the_o three_o thing_n to_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o epistle_n of_o st._n paul_n be_v that_o they_o be_v as_o it_o be_v a_o continual_a repetition_n of_o the_o death_n resurrection_n and_o ascension_n of_o jesus_n christ_n or_o at_o least_o of_o such_o thing_n as_o essential_o belong_v to_o they_o so_o that_o although_o the_o four_o gospel_n shall_v be_v lose_v still_o the_o substance_n and_o essential_o of_o the_o gospel_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o write_n of_o st._n paul_n now_o this_o appear_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o almost_o every_o one_o of_o his_o epistle_n concern_v his_o son_n say_v he_o in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n chap._n 1._o v._n 4._o which_o be_v declare_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n with_o power_n according_a to_o the_o spirit_n of_o holiness_n by_o the_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n but_o this_o appear_v yet_o more_o express_o in_o several_a other_o place_n as_o in_o the_o 15._o chap._n of_o his_o first_o epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n v_o 3_o 5_o 6_o 7_o 8._o for_o i_o deliver_v unto_o you_o first_o of_o all_o that_o which_o i_o also_o receive_v how_o that_o christ_n die_v for_o our_o sin_n according_a to_o the_o scripture_n and_o that_o he_o be_v bury_v and_o that_o he_o rise_v again_o the_o three_o day_n according_a to_o the_o scripture_n and_o thâ—â—_n he_o be_v see_v of_o cephas_n then_o of_o the_o twelve_o after_o thâ—â—_n he_o be_v see_v of_o above_o five_o hundred_o brethren_n at_o once_o of_o who_o the_o great_a part_n remain_v unto_o this_o present_a but_o soâ—â—_n be_v fall_v a_o sleep_n after_o that_o he_o be_v see_v of_o james_n thâ—â—_n of_o all_o the_o apostle_n and_o last_o of_o all_o he_o be_v see_v of_o 〈◊〉_d also_o as_o of_o one_o bear_v out_o of_o due_a time_n so_o bold_o do_v this_o apostle_n speak_v of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o jesus_n christ._n he_o do_v not_o only_o say_v in_o general_a term_n that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v see_v after_o his_o resurrection_n but_o in_o particular_a that_o he_o be_v see_v of_o cephas_n of_o james_n of_o the_o other_o apostle_n and_o of_o himself_o that_o he_o be_v see_v by_o five_o hundred_o brethren_n at_o once_o of_o who_o the_o great_a part_n be_v then_o live_v who_o he_o appeal_v to_o as_o witness_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o he_o say_v and_o who_o may_v easy_o have_v contradict_v he_o if_o it_o have_v be_v false_a but_o if_o so_o great_a a_o number_n of_o people_n real_o see_v jesus_n christ_n after_o his_o resurrection_n that_o matter_n of_o fact_n can_v never_o be_v false_a for_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o five_o hundred_o three_o hundred_o nay_o fifty_o person_n shall_v maugre_o all_o punishment_n conspire_v together_o to_o maintain_v a_o fiction_n but_o if_o such_o a_o number_n of_o person_n neither_o see_v nor_o certify_v they_o have_v see_v christ_n after_o his_o resurrection_n how_o shall_v st._n paul_n have_v presume_v to_o write_v this_o to_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o person_n who_o see_v and_o converse_v with_o the_o apostle_n must_v have_v know_v the_o certainty_n of_o it_o how_o dare_v he_o name_v those_o who_o he_o pretend_v that_o jesus_n christ_n appear_v to_o after_o his_o resurrection_n how_o great_a be_v his_o boldness_n to_o assign_v so_o great_a a_o number_n of_o witness_n of_o that_o truth_n and_o to_o affirm_v that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o be_v still_o live_v how_o come_v he_o to_o speak_v of_o it_o slight_o by_o the_o way_n or_o only_o as_o a_o thing_n universal_o know_v he_o tell_v it_o but_o not_o with_o any_o turn_n of_o wit_n or_o fineness_n of_o expression_n which_o impostor_n use_v to_o varnish_v over_o a_o specious_a lie_n who_o use_v the_o more_o art_n and_o insinuation_n the_o more_o incredible_a the_o thing_n be_v they_o will_v induce_v man_n to_o believe_v but_o why_o shall_v not_o he_o bold_o assert_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o resurrection_n since_o as_o he_o pretend_v the_o holy_a ghost_n evident_o bare_a record_n of_o it_o in_o a_o word_n st._n paul_n speak_v in_o his_o epistle_n of_o miraculous_a gift_n as_o of_o a_o thing_n universal_o know_v he_o call_v they_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o sometime_o only_a the_o holy_a ghost_n he_o that_o shall_v attempt_v to_o cut_v off_o from_o his_o epistle_n every_o place_n wherein_o he_o menâ—ions_v they_o will_v certain_o take_v away_o the_o most_o considerable_a part_n of_o they_o to_o one_o say_v he_o be_v give_v â—he_n spirit_n the_o gift_n of_o wisdom_n to_o another_o the_o gift_n of_o knowledge_n by_o the_o same_o spirit_n to_o another_o faith_n by_o the_o same_o spirit_n to_o another_o the_o gift_n of_o heal_v by_o the_o same_o spirit_n to_o another_o the_o work_n of_o miracle_n to_o another_o prophecy_n to_o another_o discern_v of_o spirit_n to_o another_o divers_a kind_n of_o tongue_n but_o all_o these_o work_v that_o one_o and_o the_o self_n same_o spirit_n divide_v to_o every_o man_n several_o as_o he_o will_v 1_o cor._n 12._o 8_o 9_o 10_o 11._o you_o see_v how_o st._n paul_n cursory_o mention_n this_o matter_n of_o fact_n as_o a_o matter_n of_o uncontested_a experience_n mean_a while_n it_o be_v observable_a that_o we_o have_v not_o to_o do_v with_o one_o single_a gift_n but_o several_a miraculous_a gift_n in_o which_o there_o be_v no_o artifice_n or_o illusion_n for_o though_o it_o may_v be_v pretend_v that_o some_o certain_a people_n have_v receive_v the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n and_o although_o those_o very_a people_n shall_v
not_o immediate_o be_v find_v out_o by_o those_o who_o perfect_o understand_v those_o language_n yet_o how_o can_v there_o be_v other_o who_o expound_v divers_a language_n and_o understand_v man_n of_o all_o nation_n other_o who_o heal_v the_o sick_a other_o who_o by_o faith_n wrought_v miracle_n etc._n etc._n but_o perhaps_o the_o incredulous_a will_v not_o be_v satisfy_v with_o that_o one_o text_n of_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o here_o be_v another_o of_o the_o same_o stamp_n 1_o cor_fw-la 13._o 1_o 2._o though_o i_o speak_v with_o the_o tongue_n of_o man_n and_o of_o angel_n etc._n etc._n and_o though_o i_o have_v the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n and_o understand_v all_o mystery_n etc._n etc._n and_o though_o i_o have_v all_o faith_n so_o that_o i_o can_v remove_v mountain_n etc._n etc._n 1._o cor._n 12._o 29_o 30_o 31._o be_v all_o prophet_n say_v he_o in_o the_o forego_n chapter_n be_v all_o worker_n of_o miracle_n have_v all_o the_o gift_n of_o heal_v do_v all_o speak_v with_o tongue_n do_v all_o interpret_v but_o covet_v earnest_o the_o best_a gift_n and_o yet_o show_v i_o unto_o you_o a_o more_o excellent_a way_n it_o be_v then_o he_o begin_v his_o encomium_n of_o charity_n and_o prefer_v it_o before_o all_o other_o miraculous_a gift_n in_o like_a manner_n he_o speak_v in_o this_o place_n indirect_o and_o as_o it_o be_v by_o the_o by_o of_o those_o gift_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o expression_n manifest_o show_v that_o this_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v public_o know_v but_o if_o they_o shall_v still_o require_v a_o great_a demonstration_n of_o this_o truth_n such_o a_o demonstration_n as_o seem_v to_o i_o above_o all_o subtlety_n of_o cavil_n and_o exception_n it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o observe_v that_o among_o all_o those_o gift_n that_o of_o tongue_n be_v so_o common_a by_o reason_n it_o be_v very_o often_o impart_v by_o the_o apostle_n imposition_n of_o hand_n that_o there_o arise_v a_o great_a disturbance_n and_o confusion_n in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o it_o because_o all_o those_o who_o have_v receive_v that_o gift_n be_v desirous_a to_o speak_v strange_a language_n in_o the_o church_n the_o congregation_n be_v not_o in_o the_o least_o edify_v by_o it_o and_o it_o oblige_v st._n paul_n to_o write_v to_o they_o very_o sharp_o thereupon_o to_o which_o end_n he_o particular_o design_v the_o 14._o chap._n of_o his_o first_o epist_n to_o the_o corinthian_n i_o will_v say_v he_o to_o they_o v_o 5._o that_o you_o all_o speak_v with_o tongue_n but_o rather_o that_o you_o prophesy_v that_o the_o church_n may_v receive_v edify_v now_o to_o prophecy_n in_o the_o sense_n of_o this_o apostle_n be_v to_o declare_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o expound_v it_o to_o the_o people_n i_o thank_v my_o god_n add_v he_o further_o v_o 18_o 19_o i_o speak_v with_o tongue_n more_o than_o you_o all_o yet_o in_o the_o church_n i_o have_v rather_o speak_v five_o word_n with_o my_o understanding_n that_o by_o my_o voice_n i_o may_v teach_v other_o also_o than_o ten_o thousand_o word_n in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n wherefore_o add_v he_o a_o little_o further_a v_o 22._o tongue_n be_v for_o a_o sign_n not_o to_o they_o that_o believe_v but_o to_o they_o that_o believe_v not_o but_o prophesy_v serve_v not_o for_o they_o that_o believe_v not_o but_o for_o they_o which_o believe_v that_o be_v as_o any_o one_o may_v easy_o conceive_v that_o the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n which_o god_n have_v grant_v to_o the_o church_n after_o a_o most_o extraordinary_a and_o wonderful_a manner_n be_v design_v either_o to_o confound_v or_o convert_v the_o infidel_n by_o that_o evident_a testimony_n of_o the_o divinity_n of_o christianity_n whereas_o the_o gift_n of_o prophesy_v that_o be_v of_o declare_v god_n will_n and_o expound_v it_o to_o the_o people_n have_v be_v whole_o give_v man_n for_o the_o good_a and_o edification_n of_o the_o faithful_a now_o to_o these_o miraculous_a gift_n st._n paul_n certain_o allude_v when_o he_o say_v in_o his_o first_o epist_n to_o the_o thessalonian_n chap._n 5._o v._n 19_o quench_v not_o the_o spirit_n and_o it_o be_v concern_v those_o same_o gift_n and_o signal_n miracle_n that_o he_o say_v to_o the_o galatian_n o_o foolish_a galatian_n etc._n etc._n chap._n 3._o 5._o 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 preach_n of_o the_o faith_n last_o it_o be_v concern_v these_o miraculous_a gift_n that_o the_o apostle_n speak_v when_o he_o say_v that_o the_o sign_n of_o his_o apostleship_n be_v manifest_v among_o the_o corinthian_n in_o all_o patience_n in_o sign_n and_o wonder_n and_o mighty_a deed_n we_o may_v see_v to_o what_o perplexity_n and_o confusion_n the_o incredulous_a be_v reduce_v and_o how_o angry_a soever_o they_o may_v be_v there_o be_v but_o two_o side_n they_o can_v take_v they_o must_v either_o assert_v that_o st._n paul_n have_v lose_v his_o sense_n when_o he_o write_v those_o thing_n we_o just_o now_o mention_v which_o they_o will_v never_o do_v because_o their_o opinion_n be_v that_o st._n paul_n want_v no_o cunning_a to_o deceive_v a_o great_a many_o person_n or_o they_o must_v confess_v that_o the_o faithful_a very_o frequent_o receive_v many_o miraculous_a gift_n in_o the_o ancient_a church_n that_o those_o gift_n be_v various_a that_o there_o have_v actual_o be_v such_o person_n in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n who_o have_v cause_v some_o kind_n of_o disturbance_n in_o it_o by_o speak_v divers_a language_n as_o they_o be_v inspire_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o consequent_o they_o must_v own_v the_o divinity_n of_o our_o religion_n chap._n xiii_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o look_v upon_o the_o new_a testament_n as_o a_o divine_a book_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o that_o we_o may_v certain_o find_v several_a unquestionable_a character_n of_o divinity_n in_o that_o book_n for_o not_o to_o repeat_v here_o 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loftiness_n of_o thought_n and_o that_o divine_a majesty_n which_o i_o myself_o perceive_v amid_o that_o seem_a rough_a and_o unpleasant_a language_n which_o be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o bark_n and_o outward_a shell_n of_o it_o but_o yet_o for_o all_o their_o obstinacy_n they_o can_v deny_v these_o four_o follow_a truth_n i._o that_o never_o any_o know_a impostor_n leave_v we_o such_o excellent_a book_n as_o the_o apostle_n no_o not_o even_o mahomet_n himself_o who_o may_v have_v easy_o borrow_v their_o notion_n the_o better_a to_o disguise_v his_o own_o ii_o that_o it_o appear_v that_o their_o write_n be_v a_o thousand_o time_n more_o free_a from_o all_o passion_n and_o humane_a imperfection_n than_o all_o the_o book_n of_o the_o wise_a man_n among_o the_o heathen_n where_o we_o see_v pride_n as_o it_o be_v upon_o her_o throne_n iii_o that_o the_o
the_o most_o considerable_a proof_n that_o every_o thing_n here_o be_v sole_o transact_v by_o the_o finger_n of_o god_n have_v he_o choose_v for_o his_o minister_n the_o prince_n and_o potentate_n of_o the_o world_n some_o will_v perhaps_o have_v ascribe_v the_o wonder_n of_o christian_a morality_n to_o policy_n and_o the_o design_n of_o keep_v people_n in_o obedience_n by_o oblige_v they_o to_o a_o charitable_a union_n among_o themselves_o have_v he_o choose_v philosopher_n some_o will_v have_v ascribe_v their_o heroical_a self-denial_n to_o the_o singularity_n and_o pride_n of_o their_o sect_n or_o to_o those_o elevate_a thought_n which_o philosophy_n have_v inspire_v they_o with_o have_v he_o choose_v orator_n some_o will_v have_v think_v that_o they_o may_v have_v seduce_v man_n by_o the_o charm_n of_o their_o eloquence_n have_v he_o choose_v very_o powerful_a and_o rich_a man_n some_o will_v have_v attribute_v the_o success_n of_o their_o preach_n to_o their_o liberality_n he_o 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feel_v let_v the_o incredulous_a use_n what_o shift_n and_o evasion_n they_o please_v i_o dare_v say_v they_o can_v bring_v nothing_o but_o absurd_a impertinency_n in_o answer_n to_o this_o argument_n which_o we_o look_v upon_o to_o have_v the_o force_n of_o demonstration_n if_o the_o apostle_n expect_v everlasting_a life_n from_o jesus_n christ_n it_o follow_v thence_o that_o they_o can_v not_o look_v upon_o he_o as_o a_o impostor_n nor_o abet_v his_o imposture_n nor_o be_v impostor_n themselves_o as_o they_o necessary_o must_v have_v be_v be_v not_o the_o christian_a religion_n infallible_o true_a now_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o the_o disciple_n do_v hope_n for_o everlasting_a life_n from_o jesus_n christ_n because_o he_o never_o propose_v any_o other_o object_n to_o their_o faith_n he_o foretell_v they_o nothing_o but_o cross_n and_o tribulation_n in_o this_o life_n public_o declare_v that_o his_o kingdom_n be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n beside_o experience_n and_o reason_n teach_v they_o the_o very_a same_o thing_n they_o themselves_o declare_v in_o all_o their_o epistle_n that_o they_o expect_v nothing_o but_o cross_n and_o tribulation_n in_o this_o life_n compare_v it_o to_o a_o warfare_n a_o wrestle_a the_o world_n to_o a_o field_n of_o battle_n call_v themselves_o the_o champion_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o continual_o rejoice_v that_o they_o be_v to_o suffer_v in_o hope_n of_o the_o crown_n that_o be_v reserve_v for_o they_o as_o to_o the_o four_o objection_n we_o answer_v that_o we_o be_v willing_a to_o compare_v the_o witness_n of_o the_o synagogue_n with_o those_o write_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o witness_n of_o the_o synagogue_n testify_v that_o which_o be_v unknown_a to_o they_o that_o which_o they_o have_v not_o see_v and_o which_o they_o therefore_o can_v have_v no_o certain_a knowledge_n of_o for_o who_o can_v believe_v the_o report_n of_o the_o watch_n if_o they_o real_o see_v any_o one_o take_v away_o the_o body_n of_o jesus_n why_o do_v they_o not_o prevent_v it_o but_o if_o they_o do_v not_o see_v it_o how_o can_v their_o testimony_n be_v valid_a but_o as_o for_o the_o disciple_n of_o the_o lord_n they_o testify_v those_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o their_o eye_n be_v witness_n to_o that_o which_o we_o have_v see_v say_v they_o with_o our_o eye_n which_o we_o have_v hear_v with_o our_o ear_n and_o our_o hand_n have_v handle_v of_o the_o word_n of_o life_n declare_v we_o unto_o you_o 1_o john_n 1._o 1._o the_o former_a witness_n be_v soldier_n the_o latter_a martyr_n the_o former_a endeavour_v to_o persuade_v man_n by_o force_n the_o latter_a persuade_v they_o maugre_o all_o the_o violence_n offer_v to_o they_o to_o be_v such_o a_o witness_n as_o the_o apostle_n be_v there_o be_v need_n of_o constancy_n and_o persuasion_n to_o be_v such_o a_o one_o as_o those_o suborn_v by_o the_o synagogue_n there_o be_v need_v only_o of_o fury_n and_o violence_n but_o be_v there_o never_o a_o one_o of_o either_o party_n that_o recant_v his_o opinion_n yes_o without_o doubt_n and_o this_o consideration_n alone_o be_v sufficient_a to_o decide_v the_o controversy_n saul_n a_o servant_n of_o the_o synagogue_n go_v one_o day_n to_o damascus_n not_o only_o to_o testify_v that_o jesus_n christ_n have_v be_v a_o seducer_n but_o also_o to_o persecute_v all_o those_o that_o believe_v on_o he_o be_v on_o a_o sudden_a change_v and_o become_v a_o disciple_n of_o he_o who_o before_o he_o go_v about_o so_o furious_o to_o persecute_v judas_n on_o the_o contrary_a a_o disciple_n and_o apostle_n of_o jesus_n christ_n renounce_v his_o master_n and_o deliver_v he_o to_o the_o jew_n who_o put_v he_o to_o death_n here_o be_v two_o several_a witness_n who_o seem_v to_o recant_v their_o opinion_n but_o consider_v the_o different_a end_n of_o their_o recantation_n saul_n be_v a_o pharisee_n the_o son_n of_o a_o pharisee_fw-mi and_o consequent_o a_o member_n of_o a_o sect_n particular_o exasperate_v against_o jesus_n christ_n he_o 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well_o enough_o with_o the_o common_a notion_n of_o the_o vulgar_a but_o here_o that_o a_o man_n die_v a_o death_n proper_a only_o to_o slave_n that_o he_o rise_v again_o and_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n which_o be_v a_o thing_n that_o can_v not_o easy_o enter_v of_o itself_o into_o any_o man_n mind_n there_o a_o senator_n make_v use_v of_o a_o lie_n to_o free_v the_o senate_n from_o the_o accusation_n of_o have_v murder_v their_o king_n but_o here_o we_o find_v man_n who_o expose_v themselves_o to_o death_n and_o to_o torment_n if_o it_o be_v possible_a more_o insufferable_a than_o death_n itself_o to_o bear_v witness_n of_o that_o they_o look_v upon_o as_o a_o truth_n there_o it_o appear_v that_o it_o be_v a_o cunning_a man_n who_o soften_v a_o multitude_n enrage_v for_o the_o murder_n of_o their_o king_n by_o impose_v upon_o their_o beleif_n but_o here_o we_o have_v only_o simple_a and_o ignorant_a person_n who_o by_o their_o testimony_n convince_v even_o the_o most_o obstinate_a among_o the_o learned_a and_o engage_v they_o also_o to_o suffer_v martyrdom_n there_o a_o single_a person_n bare_o affirm_v without_o any_o proof_n that_o romulus_n have_v appear_v to_o he_o here_o we_o have_v such_o witness_n as_o convince_v we_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o testimony_n by_o the_o most_o real_a and_o sensible_a proof_n in_o the_o world_n viz._n the_o extraordinary_a and_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n confer_v upon_o they_o and_o which_o they_o themselves_o frequent_o impart_v to_o other_o but_o last_o it_o may_v be_v object_v that_o we_o see_v now_o a_o day_n certain_a enthusiast_n and_o quaker_n pretend_v themselves_o inspire_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o reveal_v to_o they_o as_o they_o say_v both_o what_o they_o shall_v do_v and_o believe_v whereas_o all_o man_n of_o sense_n know_v very_o well_o they_o do_v but_o dream_v all_o this_o while_n and_o perhaps_o too_o the_o disciple_n may_v have_v false_o pretend_v they_o have_v receive_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n it_o will_v soon_o be_v see_v how_o wretched_o foolish_a and_o trivial_a this_o same_o objection_n be_v if_o it_o be_v only_o consider_v that_o though_o these_o enthusiast_n vain_o boast_v of_o their_o be_v divine_o inspire_v yet_o they_o pretend_v not_o to_o confirm_v their_o doctrine_n by_o work_v any_o miracle_n or_o speak_v strange_a language_n etc._n etc._n they_o think_v themselves_o inspire_v in_o respect_n of_o their_o doctrine_n only_o and_o since_o they_o common_o speak_v in_o the_o stile_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o they_o have_v continual_o before_o their_o eye_n we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o wonder_v at_o their_o take_n for_o a_o inspiration_n a_o continual_a repetition_n of_o that_o they_o have_v so_o often_o read_v over_o but_o the_o apostle_n not_o only_o pretend_v themselves_o inspire_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o they_o may_v not_o advance_v any_o thing_n but_o what_o be_v orthodox_n and_o conformable_a to_o the_o 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estate_n of_o the_o rich_a in_o teach_v they_o how_o to_o consecrate_v they_o to_o god_n and_o to_o comfort_v the_o poor_a in_o their_o necessity_n by_o enact_v such_o admirable_a law_n design_v only_o for_o their_o subsistence_n levit._n 19_o deut._n 15._o 7_o 8_o 24._o last_o to_o all_o this_o you_o may_v yet_o further_o add_v those_o wonderful_a law_n of_o equity_n and_o justice_n whereby_o their_o lawgiver_n have_v so_o prudent_o determine_v what_o judgement_n shouldbe_v execute_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o that_o people_n those_o law_n which_o seem_v to_o be_v only_o the_o first_o and_o most_o just_a determination_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o which_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o serve_v for_o a_o example_n to_o all_o civil_a and_o political_a law_n establish_v in_o the_o world_n now_o from_o all_o this_o it_o necessary_o follow_v first_o that_o the_o disciple_n can_v not_o look_v upon_o jesus_n christ_n as_o the_o messiah_n who_o be_v to_o come_v and_o who_o their_o nation_n expect_v with_o so_o great_a impatience_n without_o expect_v from_o he_o a_o temporal_a happiness_n and_o prosperity_n this_o plain_o appear_v by_o the_o request_n which_o the_o mother_n of_o zebedee_n child_n make_v to_o jesus_n christ_n when_o she_o come_v to_o he_o say_v lord_n grant_v that_o these_o my_o two_o son_n may_v sit_v the_o one_o on_o the_o right_a hand_n and_o the_o other_o on_o the_o left_a in_o thy_o kingdom_n mat._n 20._o 21._o the_o disciple_n therefore_o must_v necessary_o be_v strange_o offend_v to_o hear_v that_o their_o master_n be_v not_o come_v to_o command_v but_o to_o serve_v and_o give_v his_o life_n as_o a_o ransom_n for_o many_o that_o he_o shall_v be_v the_o great_a in_o his_o kingdom_n who_o be_v most_o humble_a and_o that_o the_o great_a be_v to_o be_v as_o the_o least_o and_o as_o one_o that_o serve_v beside_o how_o strange_o must_v their_o hope_n be_v cross_v to_o see_v that_o nothing_o but_o misery_n poverty_n and_o affliction_n continual_o attend_v the_o profession_n they_o have_v embrace_v of_o follow_v jesus_n christ_n they_o must_v have_v certain_o find_v something_o or_o other_o in_o their_o master_n which_o recompense_v the_o loss_n of_o that_o temporal_a prosperity_n they_o so_o eager_o thirst_v after_o and_o make_v they_o patient_o endure_v all_o sort_n of_o affliction_n and_o that_o recompense_n can_v be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o doctrine_n or_o miracle_n of_o jesus_n christ_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o his_o doctrine_n because_o they_o understand_v it_o not_o for_o along_o time_n as_o be_v evident_a by_o so_o many_o vain_a frivolous_a absurd_a and_o ridiculous_a question_n that_o be_v offensive_a and_o savour_v of_o little_a respect_n to_o their_o master_n beside_o what_o be_v most_o holy_a and_o most_o proper_a to_o persuade_v man_n to_o embrace_v his_o doctrine_n be_v that_o part_n of_o it_o which_o be_v most_o spiritual_a and_o that_o part_n be_v hide_v from_o they_o and_o they_o can_v not_o understand_v it_o 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may_v here_o be_v object_v that_o john_n the_o baptist_n can_v draw_v a_o great_a multitude_n after_o he_o and_o be_v esteem_v a_o prophet_n among_o the_o jew_n without_o have_v wrought_v any_o miracle_n at_o lest_o none_o that_o we_o know_v of_o or_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o gospel_n and_o consequent_o that_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o jesus_n christ_n as_o well_o as_o john_n the_o baptist_n draw_v a_o great_a number_n of_o disciple_n after_o he_o not_o so_o much_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o his_o miracle_n as_o his_o extraordinary_a piety_n and_o the_o promise_n he_o make_v they_o of_o a_o eternal_a life_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v first_o that_o though_o we_o read_v of_o no_o kind_n of_o miracle_n that_o john_n the_o baptist_n wrought_v himself_o in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o his_o life_n or_o of_o his_o ministry_n yet_o it_o be_v sufficient_a that_o his_o birth_n be_v signalise_v by_o a_o very_a surprise_a miracle_n which_o be_v sufficient_o know_v by_o all_o his_o nation_n to_o make_v they_o expect_v great_a and_o wonderful_a matter_n from_o he_o second_o i_o say_v that_o as_o john_n the_o baptist_n wrought_v no_o miracle_n so_o neither_o be_v he_o look_v upon_o as_o a_o prophet_n that_o be_v to_o have_v do_v any_o he_o be_v not_o that_o messiah_n of_o who_o it_o have_v beeen_n foretell_v that_o he_o shall_v be_v the_o desire_n of_o all_o nation_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v call_v the_o god_n and_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n at_o who_o come_v god_n will_v shake_v heaven_n and_o earth_n the_o sea_n and_o the_o dry_a land_n he_o be_v no_o more_o than_o his_o forerunner_n he_o be_v the_o voice_n of_o one_o cry_v in_o the_o wilderness_n prepare_v you_o the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n make_v his_o path_n straight_o matt._n 3._o 3_o three_o john_n the_o baptist_n declare_v only_o to_o they_o the_o come_n of_o the_o messiah_n which_o can_v not_o but_o very_o much_o please_v the_o jew_n and_o which_o perfect_o well_o agree_v with_o their_o hope_n and_o opinion_n his_o ministry_n have_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v very_o grateful_a and_o pleasant_a and_o it_o be_v not_o requisite_a he_o shall_v work_v any_o miracle_n to_o exhort_v the_o jew_n to_o receive_v the_o most_o welcome_a tiding_n they_o can_v ever_o hear_v of_o but_o it_o be_v not_o so_o with_o jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v oblige_v to_o show_v the_o messiah_n in_o his_o own_o person_n and_o he_o too_o so_o contrary_a to_o that_o idea_n they_o have_v frame_v to_o themselves_o of_o he_o even_o from_o their_o infancy_n so_o that_o he_o can_v not_o choose_v but_o exasperate_v they_o against_o he_o and_o to_o this_o if_o i_o may_v mention_v it_o by_o the_o way_n we_o ought_v to_o refer_v the_o different_a success_n of_o the_o ministry_n of_o john_n the_o baptist_n and_o that_o of_o jesus_n christ_n which_o be_v signify_v in_o the_o prediction_n of_o the_o prophet_n who_o foretell_v that_o john_n the_o baptist_n shall_v reconcile_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o parent_n to_o the_o child_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a that_o jesus_n christ_n will_v be_v a_o stumble_a block_n and_o a_o offence_n to_o israel_n since_o the_o jew_n so_o eager_o expect_v the_o come_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o messiah_n they_o frame_v a_o very_a agreeable_a idea_n of_o he_o to_o themselves_o as_o they_o do_v still_o to_o this_o day_n they_o invest_v he_o with_o all_o the_o splendour_n and_o glory_n they_o can_v possible_o wish_v to_o themselves_o they_o paint_v he_o if_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v in_o colour_n suitable_a to_o their_o own_o pride_n and_o ambition_n they_o expect_v they_o shall_v speedy_o have_v king_n of_o the_o earth_n for_o their_o nurse_n father_n and_o queen_n for_o their_o nurse_n mother_n nay_o they_o imagine_v no_o less_o than_o to_o have_v they_o immediate_o for_o man_n servant_n and_o maid_n servant_n these_o thing_n they_o have_v be_v tell_v of_o from_o their_o infancy_n and_o that_o carnal_a and_o temporal_a messiah_n they_o fancy_v be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o idol_n of_o their_o heart_n soon_o after_o john_n baptist_n appear_v in_o the_o world_n who_o set_v forth_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o messiah_n in_o such_o term_n as_o the_o prophet_n daniel_n have_v make_v use_n of_o before_o he_o public_o affirm_v that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v at_o hand_n mat._n 3_o 2_o at_o the_o report_n of_o this_o agreeable_a voice_n all_o the_o people_n run_v in_o crowd_n to_o hear_v it_o from_o jerusalem_n from_o decapolis_n from_o judea_n from_o galilee_n and_o from_o the_o city_n beyond_o jordain_n john_n preach_v repentance_n to_o they_o as_o a_o necessary_a preparation_n to_o become_v partaker_n of_o all_o the_o benefit_n they_o be_v to_o expect_v under_o the_o messiah_n and_o they_o willing_o hearken_v to_o his_o preach_n he_o exhort_v they_o to_o be_v reconcile_v to_o
at_o any_o rate_n whatever_o out_o of_o mere_a complaisance_n to_o he_o such_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o mankind_n such_o the_o frame_n and_o temper_v of_o their_o heart_n that_o they_o will_v admit_v of_o no_o falsity_n unless_o cover_v with_o a_o specious_a show_n of_o truth_n so_o that_o when_o any_o thing_n be_v so_o evident_o false_a that_o every_o body_n must_v necessary_o be_v sensible_a of_o it_o we_o have_v no_o thought_n of_o attempt_v to_o make_v other_o believe_v it_o as_o for_o instance_n it_o will_v never_o come_v into_o my_o head_n to_o make_v other_o man_n believe_v that_o i_o have_v wing_n and_o that_o i_o fly_v etc._n etc._n we_o may_v here_o repeat_v what_o have_v be_v say_v concern_v the_o resurrection_n of_o jesus_n christ_n either_o the_o disciple_n look_v upon_o jesus_n christ_n before_o his_o death_n as_o the_o promise_a messiah_n or_o else_o they_o do_v not_o look_v upon_o he_o as_o such_o if_o they_o consider_v he_o as_o the_o promise_a messiah_n they_o then_o 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apostle_n never_o preach_v the_o miracle_n resurrection_n and_o ascension_n of_o jesus_n christ_n nor_o the_o pour_v out_o the_o holy_a ghost_n on_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o it_o will_v be_v as_o great_a a_o falsehood_n as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v that_o there_o be_v never_o any_o such_o man_n as_o the_o apostle_n or_o that_o they_o be_v not_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n nor_o preach_v that_o man_n must_v necessary_o believe_v on_o he_o and_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o he_o will_v present_o reject_v all_o these_o proposition_n as_o be_v absurd_o false_a and_o extravagant_a in_o themselves_o again_o shall_v he_o say_v that_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o sincere_o believe_v the_o miracle_n resurrection_n ascension_n of_o jesus_n christ_n nor_o the_o effusion_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n it_o be_v as_o much_o as_o if_o he_o shall_v affirm_v they_o do_v not_o pretend_v to_o work_v any_o miracle_n speak_v strange_a language_n or_o think_v
neither_o be_v it_o because_o of_o his_o extraordinary_a piety_n for_o moses_n call_v the_o meek_a of_o man_n be_v without_o doubt_n in_o that_o equal_a to_o he_o it_o be_v then_o because_o of_o the_o advantage_n he_o enjoy_v both_o in_o see_v and_o hear_v the_o messiah_n but_o how_o come_v our_o saviour_n to_o add_v that_o the_o least_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v great_a than_o he_o must_v we_o understand_v by_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n that_o kingdom_n of_o which_o john_n himself_o say_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v at_o hand_n be_v it_o not_o rather_o because_o john_n see_v none_o of_o all_o the_o wonder_n of_o that_o kingdom_n which_o the_o least_o of_o christ_n disciple_n have_v see_v which_o indeed_o be_v the_o reason_n that_o our_o saviour_n tell_v they_o bless_a be_v your_o eye_n for_o they_o see_v and_o your_o ear_n for_o they_o hear_v for_o very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o that_o many_o prophet_n and_o righteous_a man_n have_v desire_v to_o see_v those_o thing_n which_o you_o see_v and_o have_v not_o see_v they_o and_o to_o hear_v those_o thing_n which_o you_o hear_v and_o have_v not_o hear_v they_o matth._n 13._o 16_o 17._o now_o all_o this_o evident_o suppose_v the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n and_o all_o the_o other_o marvellous_a event_n which_o serve_v for_o a_o confirmation_n of_o our_o holy_a religion_n what_o he_o also_o say_v himself_o concern_v blasphemy_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v altogether_o strange_a and_o very_a surprise_v nay_o the_o very_a name_n he_o give_v to_o that_o sin_n imply_v something_o in_o itself_o singular_a and_o extraordinary_a for_o no_o body_n before_o he_o ever_o express_v himself_o after_o this_o manner_n man_n be_v not_o ignorant_a that_o sin_v against_o god_n be_v a_o very_a great_a crime_n but_o they_o have_v no_o knowledge_n of_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n much_o less_o be_v they_o satisfy_v if_o there_o be_v any_o harm_n in_o blaspheme_v against_o he_o this_o unusual_a language_n necessary_o proceed_v from_o a_o new_a revelation_n and_o from_o new_a and_o different_a object_n not_o see_v or_o hear_v of_o before_o for_o the_o jew_n know_v not_o what_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v if_o we_o take_v that_o word_n in_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o evangelist_n nay_o there_o be_v some_o of_o they_o who_o though_o convert_v to_o the_o gopsel_n of_o christ_n yet_o still_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o true_a meaning_n of_o that_o expression_n in_o the_o mean_a while_n if_o we_o will_v but_o consult_v the_o write_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o therein_o the_o gospel_n the_o act_n of_o the_o holy_a apostle_n and_o the_o epistle_n of_o those_o great_a and_o extraordinary_a man_n they_o will_v present_o inform_v we_o that_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n must_v be_v understand_v in_o most_o of_o those_o place_n the_o extraordinary_a and_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n impart_v to_o the_o man_n of_o those_o day_n and_o that_o to_o blaspheme_n against_o he_o be_v downright_a blasphemy_n against_o that_o divine_a and_o glorious_a principle_n of_o all_o thing_n which_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o the_o perfection_n and_o miracle_n of_o christ_n and_o give_v such_o power_n unto_o men._n so_o that_o there_o be_v first_o in_o that_o text_n such_o a_o obscurity_n as_o prove_v that_o the_o evangelist_n can_v not_o have_v think_v of_o invent_v it_o have_v not_o christ_n himself_o real_o utter_v these_o very_a word_n and_o second_o it_o undeniable_o suppose_v the_o miraculous_a matter_n of_o fact_n the_o pharisee_n be_v wont_a to_o ascribe_v to_o the_o power_n of_o belzebub_n wherein_o indeed_o chief_o consist_v the_o blasphemy_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o like_a manner_n this_o text_n except_o a_o man_n be_v bear_v of_o water_n and_o of_o the_o spirit_n john_n 3._o 5._o imply_v a_o very_a puzzle_v difficulty_n because_o it_o be_v not_o usual_a former_o for_o man_n to_o express_v themselves_o after_o this_o manner_n it_o be_v a_o very_a difficult_a matter_n indeed_o to_o understand_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o that_o text_n but_o it_o be_v yet_o far_o more_o difficult_a to_o invent_v it_o and_o all_o the_o doctor_n in_o the_o world_n may_v put_v their_o head_n together_o and_o yet_o never_o be_v able_a to_o invent_v the_o like_a text._n above_o all_o it_o be_v not_o natural_a for_o the_o jew_n to_o invent_v any_o such_o thing_n because_o they_o have_v no_o such_o object_n among_o they_o as_o can_v fill_v up_o their_o mind_n with_o any_o such_o idea_n when_o we_o suppose_v the_o baptism_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n confer_v upon_o christ_n disciple_n we_o may_v then_o easy_o comprehend_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o that_o mysterious_a but_o very_o remarkable_a expression_n we_o may_v also_o add_v to_o this_o text_n that_o other_o which_o mention_n the_o baptism_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o of_o fire_n in_o like_a manner_n it_o please_v god_n in_o his_o wisdom_n that_o they_o who_o relate_v to_o we_o the_o history_n of_o christ_n resurrection_n shall_v tell_v we_o also_o some_o thing_n which_o we_o can_v at_o first_o view_n easy_o comprehend_v though_o they_o have_v a_o true_a and_o reasonable_a meaning_n on_o purpose_n to_o make_v we_o understand_v that_o as_o it_o be_v impossible_a those_o obscure_a and_o difficult_a say_n ascribe_v to_o he_o by_o they_o shall_v come_v of_o themselves_o into_o their_o thought_n have_v not_o he_o real_o speak_v they_o so_o consequent_o it_o can_v never_o be_v suppose_v that_o those_o man_n shall_v have_v forge_v the_o history_n of_o christ_n resurrection_n or_o their_o discourse_n with_o he_o after_o he_o be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a as_o for_o instance_n these_o word_n which_o he_o speak_v to_o mary_n touch_v i_o not_o for_o i_o be_o not_o yet_o ascend_v to_o my_o father_n john_n 20._o 17._o we_o can_v make_v almost_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o such_o remark_n as_o these_o which_o though_o they_o can_v come_v up_o to_o a_o evident_a demonstration_n yet_o be_v very_o proper_a to_o make_v we_o sensible_a of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n we_o be_v now_o speak_v of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o the_o disciple_n will_v further_o appear_v by_o the_o great_a number_n of_o circumstance_n with_o which_o their_o narrative_n be_v fill_v some_o whereof_o be_v so_o singular_a that_o they_o can_v easy_o enter_v into_o any_o man_n mind_n and_o other_o so_o unbecoming_a their_o master_n or_o disadvantageous_a to_o themselves_o that_o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o probability_n they_o can_v have_v any_o desire_n to_o forge_v they_o other_o be_v so_o inseparable_o unite_v with_o those_o event_n which_o must_v necessary_o have_v be_v well_o know_v that_o they_o dare_v not_o so_o much_o as_o think_v of_o forge_v they_o against_o the_o public_a knowledge_n every_o body_n must_v have_v have_v of_o they_o as_o we_o have_v already_o prove_v at_o large_a but_o last_o it_o be_v not_o our_o present_a design_n to_o insist_v pure_o upon_o probable_a reason_n though_o never_o so_o probable_a and_o sufficient_a of_o themselves_o to_o form_v a_o true_a and_o perfect_a demonstration_n when_o join_v together_o i_o therefore_o proceed_v to_o that_o which_o be_v in_o itself_o whole_o demonstrative_a now_o the_o whole_a demonstration_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n depend_v upon_o this_o argument_n namely_o that_o the_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n of_o christ_n sincere_o believe_v his_o miracle_n resurrection_n ascension_n and_o the_o effusion_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n whence_o it_o follow_v that_o all_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v most_o certain_o true_a we_o have_v already_o give_v a_o invincible_a proof_n of_o the_o consequence_n of_o this_o argument_n by_o show_v that_o it_o be_v impossible_a the_o disciple_n shall_v have_v be_v impose_v upon_o in_o all_o these_o matter_n of_o fact_n that_o though_o they_o may_v have_v be_v deceive_v in_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n yet_o they_o can_v not_o be_v impose_v upon_o in_o his_o resurrection_n that_o though_o they_o shall_v have_v be_v impose_v upon_o in_o his_o resurrection_n yet_o they_o can_v not_o be_v deceive_v in_o his_o ascension_n and_o that_o though_o they_o shall_v have_v be_v deceive_v in_o his_o ascension_n yet_o they_o can_v not_o be_v so_o too_o in_o the_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o be_v matter_n of_o fact_n that_o they_o know_v by_o inward_a sense_n and_o continual_a experience_n i_o prove_v also_o the_o principle_n of_o this_o argument_n viz._n that_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n sincere_o believe_v all_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n by_o the_o same_o gradation_n i_o say_v then_o that_o the_o disciple_n can_v not_o impose_v upon_o man_n as_o to_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n not_o only_o because_o they_o assert_v they_o at_o the_o expense_n of_o their_o own_o
quiet_a of_o their_o dear_a blood_n and_o even_o of_o their_o life_n but_o also_o because_o they_o mention_v the_o place_n the_o occasion_n the_o time_n when_o they_o be_v do_v and_o general_o all_o the_o circumstance_n absolute_o necessary_a to_o discover_v the_o truth_n and_o render_v the_o design_n of_o impose_v upon_o mankind_n altogether_o impossible_a and_o beside_o that_o they_o confirm_v those_o miracle_n by_o other_o full_a as_o great_a if_o not_o great_a than_o they_o be_v which_o they_o pretend_v to_o do_v even_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o those_o to_o who_o they_o preach_v the_o gospel_n not_o only_o tell_v they_o that_o 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 declare_v we_o unto_o you_o 1_o john_n 1._o 1._o allude_v thereby_o to_o christ_n have_v deliver_v himself_o to_o be_v touch_v and_o handle_v by_o his_o disciple_n after_o his_o resurrection_n but_o also_o add_v these_o word_n in_o another_o place_n therefore_o he_o have_v shed_v forth_o this_o which_o you_o now_o see_v and_o hear_v there_o be_v this_o further_a very_o remarkable_a in_o those_o expression_n namely_o that_o they_o pretend_v that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n descend_v not_o in_o great_a abundance_n upon_o they_o till_o after_o christ_n glorification_n for_o they_o make_v this_o truth_n one_o of_o the_o chief_a article_n of_o their_o gospel_n the_o holy_a ghost_n say_v they_o be_v not_o yet_o give_v because_o that_o jesus_n be_v not_o yet_o glorify_v john_n 7._o 39_o thus_o it_o appear_v what_o it_o be_v they_o understand_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n not_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n only_o which_o they_o have_v already_o receive_v when_o christ_n be_v yet_o with_o they_o not_o a_o few_o of_o the_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o they_o have_v partly_o receive_v they_o when_o they_o be_v send_v into_o the_o different_a part_n of_o judea_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o work_n miracle_n in_o the_o name_n of_o their_o master_n but_o also_o that_o extraordinary_a and_o abundant_a effusion_n of_o the_o miraculous_a gift_n which_o they_o receive_v on_o the_o day_n of_o pentecost_n for_o as_o they_o be_v then_o oblige_v to_o speak_v to_o all_o sort_n of_o nation_n so_o they_o receive_v the_o gift_n of_o speak_v divers_a tongue_n and_o be_v baptize_v and_o fill_v with_o that_o spirit_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v but_o in_o part_n before_o and_o this_o they_o call_v the_o receive_v the_o effect_n of_o the_o promise_n which_o every_o one_o of_o the_o evangelist_n also_o term_v baptise_v with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o with_o fire_n but_o though_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o we_o to_o prove_v that_o the_o disciple_n sincere_o believe_v christ_n miracle_n yet_o it_o must_v be_v grant_v that_o they_o sincere_o believe_v his_o resurrection_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o they_o shall_v either_o unanimous_o agree_v to_o testify_v the_o same_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o severe_a trial_n they_o be_v force_v to_o undergo_v in_o a_o time_n they_o must_v otherwise_o have_v be_v so_o much_o deject_v or_o that_o they_o can_v be_v able_a to_o maintain_v that_o cheat_n with_o so_o much_o constancy_n as_o they_o do_v and_o the_o same_o thing_n i_o also_o affirm_v of_o his_o glorious_a ascension_n certain_o though_o the_o sincerity_n of_o the_o disciple_n may_v be_v just_o suspect_v in_o both_o these_o two_o last_o event_n yet_o it_o can_v never_o be_v call_v in_o question_n concern_v the_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o if_o christ_n disciple_n be_v not_o true_o sincere_a than_o they_o necessary_o know_v themselves_o to_o be_v deceiver_n and_o consequent_o not_o able_a to_o work_v any_o miracle_n or_o speak_v all_o sort_n of_o language_n and_o if_o so_o they_o can_v not_o have_v boast_v that_o they_o be_v able_a to_o do_v both_o and_o make_v this_o a_o essential_a article_n of_o their_o gospel_n nay_o they_o can_v not_o so_o much_o as_o have_v any_o thought_n of_o attempt_v it_o and_o be_v they_o as_o some_o pretend_v persuade_v that_o they_o can_v perform_v no_o miracle_n nor_o speak_v any_o language_n but_o their_o own_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o they_o shall_v yet_o declare_v that_o god_n have_v send_v they_o to_o work_v miracle_n and_o preach_v to_o all_o nation_n in_o the_o world_n in_o their_o respective_a tongue_n it_o be_v yet_o still_o more_o impossible_a they_o shall_v promise_v to_o enable_v their_o proselyte_n to_o perform_v the_o same_o miracle_n and_o speak_v all_o sort_n of_o language_n so_o that_o they_o themselves_o and_o those_o to_o who_o they_o speak_v shall_v equal_o be_v sensible_a of_o it_o at_o the_o same_o time_n for_o if_o the_o disciple_n know_v by_o experience_n they_o can_v speak_v no_o language_n but_o their_o own_o they_o will_v easy_o know_v by_o the_o same_o experience_n that_o their_o proselyte_n will_v soon_o perceive_v how_o false_o they_o have_v promise_v they_o the_o gift_n of_o several_a language_n and_o though_o one_o single_a disciple_n of_o christ_n shall_v have_v be_v so_o foolish_a and_o stupid_a as_o not_o to_o perceive_v it_o yet_o it_o can_v be_v that_o all_o of_o they_o together_o shall_v be_v besot_v with_o the_o same_o kind_n of_o stupidity_n shall_v we_o suppose_v that_o all_o the_o disciple_n have_v undertake_v to_o persuade_v their_o proselyte_n that_o they_o have_v confer_v upon_o they_o the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n yet_o we_o can_v suppose_v that_o those_o proselyte_n will_v believe_v it_o against_o their_o continual_a experience_n to_o the_o contrary_a for_o if_o the_o disciple_n know_v by_o experience_n they_o can_v speak_v no_o language_n but_o their_o own_o by_o the_o same_o experience_n their_o proselyte_n will_v have_v know_v that_o they_o have_v not_o receive_v the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n and_o though_o one_o single_a person_n may_v have_v fancy_v he_o have_v receive_v it_o which_o be_v yet_o impossible_a in_o itself_o yet_o a_o whole_a multitude_n can_v never_o be_v persuade_v of_o it_o and_o it_o be_v still_o much_o more_o impossible_a that_o this_o pretend_a illusion_n shall_v have_v grow_v so_o universal_a and_o durable_a that_o st._n paul_n not_o only_o suppose_v but_o find_v it_o settle_v in_o the_o world_n and_o undertake_v to_o reform_v the_o disorder_n which_o arise_v in_o several_a particular_a church_n concern_v the_o use_n of_o the_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o though_o christ_n disciple_n may_v have_v promise_v out_o of_o a_o particular_a design_n of_o their_o own_o to_o impart_v these_o miraculous_a gift_n which_o they_o be_v sensible_a they_o have_v not_o and_o make_v other_o man_n speak_v such_o language_n as_o they_o neither_o understand_v nor_o speak_v themselves_o and_o though_o a_o multidude_v of_o proselyte_n and_o disciple_n may_v have_v persuade_v themselves_o against_o their_o own_o experience_n and_o inward_a sense_n that_o they_o understand_v those_o thing_n which_o they_o understand_v not_o or_o speak_v those_o language_n which_o they_o real_o speak_v no_o more_o than_o they_o do_v before_o their_o call_n yet_o it_o be_v still_o impossible_a that_o those_o miraculous_a gift_n suppose_v they_o to_o exist_v only_o in_o the_o imaginary_a conceit_n of_o the_o one_o and_o of_o the_o other_o shall_v have_v such_o a_o effect_n as_o any_o way_n to_o move_v the_o sight_n of_o the_o spectator_n or_o make_v the_o jew_n glorify_v god_n in_o that_o they_o have_v see_v his_o spirit_n descend_v upon_o the_o gentile_n but_o grant_v all_o this_o possible_a though_o this_o illusion_n shall_v have_v take_v place_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o gift_n of_o speak_v divers_a tongue_n yet_o man_n can_v not_o be_v deceive_v in_o the_o gift_n of_o interpret_n they_o and_o much_o less_o in_o all_o the_o other_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n add_v to_o this_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o patience_n of_o the_o disciple_n of_o their_o holiness_n of_o life_n their_o charity_n their_o zeal_n their_o unaffected_a way_n of_o express_v themselves_o their_o self-denial_n sincerity_n and_o plain_a ingenuity_n methinks_v all_o these_o character_n put_v together_o necessary_o and_o evident_o convince_v we_o that_o the_o disciple_n be_v plain_a honest_a sincere_a man_n that_o have_v not_o in_o the_o least_o any_o design_n to_o impose_v upon_o we_o so_o that_o this_o truth_n need_v no_o further_a demonstration_n it_o may_v not_o however_o be_v amiss_o to_o remove_v some_o few_o small_a difficulty_n which_o may_v seem_v to_o oppose_v what_o have_v be_v say_v concern_v these_o miraculous_a matter_n of_o fact_n the_o first_o difficulty_n be_v to_o know_v how_o the_o enemy_n of_o the_o gospel_n can_v be_v able_a to_o extinguish_v the_o knowledge_n of_o so_o many_o extraordinary_a and_o miraculous_a matter_n of_o fact_n which_o seem_v sufficient_a to_o convert_v all_o
to_o he_o about_o eat_v he_o answer_v that_o his_o meat_n be_v to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o his_o father_n and_o when_o he_o sit_v on_o the_o side_n of_o the_o well_o he_o speak_v of_o his_o divine_a grace_n as_o of_o a_o well_o of_o water_n spring_v up_o into_o everlasting_a life_n who_o be_v not_o fill_v with_o admiration_n when_o he_o consider_v these_o thing_n verse_n 24._o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n and_o they_o that_o worship_v he_o must_v worship_v he_o in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n this_o be_v tell_v man_n in_o short_a what_o they_o shall_v have_v know_v and_o what_o all_o till_o then_o be_v whole_o ignorant_a of_o this_o be_v what_o be_v most_o conformable_a to_o a_o reasonable_a nature_n and_o the_o principle_n of_o natural_a revelation_n what_o distinguish_v true_a religion_n from_o superstition_n what_o the_o wise_a among_o the_o heathen_n have_v not_o be_v able_a to_o discover_v at_o a_o time_n when_o reason_v and_o speculation_n be_v at_o the_o height_n at_o lest_o what_o they_o have_v but_o a_o very_a faint_a knowledge_n of_o what_o the_o prophet_n themselves_o have_v speak_v of_o but_o obscure_o and_o what_o the_o jew_n who_o in_o the_o day_n of_o our_o saviour_n mind_v nothing_o in_o religion_n but_o the_o external_n corporeal_a part_n of_o it_o be_v whole_o ignorant_a of_o what_o manner_n of_o man_n than_o be_v he_o who_o alone_o have_v so_o much_o wisdom_n chap._n v._o 25._o very_o very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o the_o hour_n be_v come_v and_o now_o be_v when_o the_o dead_a shall_v hear_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o they_o that_o hear_v shall_v live_v he_o that_o can_v raise_v the_o dead_a to_o life_n again_o may_v well_o speak_v after_o this_o manner_n but_o such_o expression_n will_v have_v be_v extravagant_a in_o any_o other_o but_o he_o verse_n 36._o but_o i_o have_v great_a witness_n than_o that_o of_o john_n for_o the_o work_n which_o the_o father_n have_v give_v i_o to_o finish_v the_o same_o work_n that_o i_o do_v bear_v witness_n of_o i_o that_o the_o father_n have_v send_v i_o those_o work_n must_v have_v be_v very_o extraordinary_a indeed_o since_o he_o prefer_v the_o witness_n they_o bear_v of_o he_o before_o that_o of_o john_n the_o baptist_n for_o be_v it_o otherwise_o he_o will_v have_v expose_v himself_o to_o the_o scorn_n of_o those_o that_o hear_v he_o verse_n 44._o how_o can_v you_o believe_v which_o receive_v honour_n one_o of_o another_o and_o seek_v not_o the_o honour_n that_o come_v from_o god_n only_o he_o that_o design_n to_o deceive_v other_o do_v not_o express_v himself_o after_o this_o manner_n christ_n shall_v rather_o have_v make_v use_n of_o the_o vanity_n and_o weakness_n of_o man_n which_o be_v nice_o to_o be_v touch_v and_o delicate_o to_o be_v wrought_v upon_o in_o such_o case_n chap._n vi_o 14_o 15._o then_o those_o man_n when_o they_o have_v see_v the_o miracle_n that_o jesus_n do_v say_v this_o be_v of_o a_o truth_n that_o prophet_n that_o shall_v come_v into_o the_o world_n when_o jesus_n therefore_o perceive_v that_o they_o will_v come_v and_o take_v he_o by_o force_n to_o make_v he_o a_o king_n he_o depart_v again_o into_o a_o mountain_n himself_o alone_o it_o be_v not_o out_o of_o any_o weakness_n or_o fear_n that_o christ_n refuse_v to_o put_v himself_o at_o the_o head_n of_o those_o that_o will_v have_v make_v he_o king_n he_o that_o foretell_v his_o suffering_n and_o establish_v a_o memorial_n of_o they_o nay_o he_o who_o assemble_v together_o a_o company_n of_o distress_a wretch_n who_o he_o vouchsafe_v to_o lead_v about_o will_v not_o sure_o have_v be_v afraid_a os_fw-la the_o fortune_n of_o war_n since_o he_o may_v have_v be_v follow_v by_o a_o innumerable_a company_n of_o people_n who_o will_v have_v daily_o increase_v be_v delude_v by_o the_o common_a opinion_n of_o those_o day_n that_o he_o be_v to_o be_v a_o great_a king_n what_o then_o deter_v he_o from_o it_o only_o his_o humility_n verse_n 35._o i_o be_o the_o bread_n of_o life_n he_o that_o come_v to_o i_o shall_v never_o hunger_n and_o he_o that_o come_v to_o i_o shall_v never_o thirst_v do_v ever_o any_o man_n use_v a_o expression_n like_o this_o how_o can_v a_o man_n be_v the_o bread_n of_o life_n and_o what_o can_v be_v the_o meaning_n of_o this_o expression_n be_v go_v to_o christ_n enough_o to_o satisfy_v hunger_n and_o thirst_n no_o one_o but_o a_o enthusiast_n or_o one_o that_o be_v real_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n to_o instruct_v mankind_n can_v have_v express_v himself_o thus_o but_o who_o be_v he_o that_o shall_v dare_v to_o blaspheme_n against_o the_o wisdom_n of_o that_o divine_a person_n verse_n 63._o the_o flesh_n profit_v nothing_o the_o word_n that_o i_o speak_v unto_o you_o they_o be_v spirit_n and_o they_o be_v life_n this_o comment_n excellent_o justify_v the_o wisdom_n of_o that_o wonderful_a teacher_n and_o clear_o show_v we_o what_o we_o shall_v think_v of_o those_o seem_a paradox_n he_o advance_v in_o the_o forego_n verse_n so_o contrary_a to_o all_o our_o former_a idea_n and_o prejudices_fw-la chap._n vii_o 17._o if_o any_o man_n will_v do_v his_o will_n he_o shall_v know_v of_o the_o doctrine_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o god_n or_o whether_o i_o speak_v of_o myself_o this_o be_v the_o best_a and_o sure_a rule_n whereby_o we_o may_v judge_v of_o christ_n and_o his_o gospel_n and_o therefore_o for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v persuade_v of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v first_o requisite_a that_o his_o heart_n be_v right_o dispose_v rather_o than_o his_o understanding_n full_o enlighten_v man_n at_o christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n be_v whole_o ignorant_a of_o this_o great_a and_o noble_a truth_n they_o make_v a_o science_n of_o religion_n which_o none_o can_v understand_v but_o the_o learned_a and_o the_o reason_n of_o man_n which_o will_v know_v every_o thing_n but_o scarce_o know_v any_o thing_n perfect_o proud_o assume_v to_o itself_o the_o privilege_n of_o judge_v in_o matter_n of_o salvation_n but_o be_v that_o a_o certain_a rule_n to_o go_v by_o the_o proud_a will_v be_v the_o great_a favourite_n of_o god_n and_o the_o more_o man_n strive_v out_o of_o vanity_n or_o ambition_n to_o become_v learn_v the_o clear_a insight_n they_o will_v have_v into_o revelation_n that_o indeed_o will_v be_v proper_a to_o make_v a_o considerable_a progress_n in_o humane_a science_n but_o the_o science_n of_o salvation_n be_v not_o to_o be_v acquire_v but_o by_o holiness_n and_o humility_n for_o virtue_n be_v a_o practical_a habit._n the_o more_o simple_a and_o ignorant_a we_o be_v the_o more_o our_o eye_n will_v be_v open_a the_o better_a we_o live_v the_o less_o scruple_n we_o shall_v entertain_v the_o more_o we_o love_v god_n the_o more_o sensible_a we_o shall_v grow_v of_o his_o admirable_a precept_n what_o great_a wisdom_n then_o do_v this_o maxim_n contain_v which_o man_n in_o past_a age_n be_v whole_o ignorant_a of_o and_o which_o the_o present_a age_n scarce_o yet_o understand_v verse_n 37_o 38_o 39_o in_o the_o last_o day_n that_o great_a day_n of_o the_o feast_n jesus_n stand_v and_o cry_v say_v if_o any_o man_n thirst_n let_v he_o come_v unto_o i_o and_o drink_n he_o that_o believe_v on_o i_o as_o the_o scripture_n have_v say_v out_o of_o his_o belly_n shall_v flow_v river_n of_o live_a water_n but_o this_o speak_v he_o of_o the_o spirit_n which_o they_o that_o believe_v on_o he_o shall_v receive_v for_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v not_o yet_o give_v because_o that_o jesus_n be_v not_o yet_o glorify_v how_o can_v the_o evangelist_n have_v make_v christ_n utter_v such_o word_n as_o these_o and_o a_o little_a after_o add_v this_o annotation_n concern_v the_o effusion_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v he_o real_o see_v nothing_o happen_v that_o be_v like_o it_o who_o see_v not_o plain_o that_o the_o parenthesis_n suppose_v that_o event_n to_o be_v well_o know_v since_o it_o inform_v we_o of_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o verse_n 40_o 41._o many_o of_o the_o people_n therefore_o when_o they_o hear_v this_o say_v of_o a_o truth_n this_o be_v the_o prophet_n other_o say_v this_o be_v the_o christ_n but_o some_o say_v shall_v christ_n come_v out_o of_o galilee_n all_o these_o dispute_n and_o little_a contest_v manifest_o show_v the_o great_a impression_n the_o doctrine_n and_o miracle_n of_o christ_n have_v already_o make_v upon_o people_n mind_n beside_o they_o be_v of_o such_o a_o nature_n as_o not_o easy_o to_o be_v think_v of_o by_o a_o person_n who_o can_v invent_v lie_n chap._n viii_o 7._o 10_o 11_o so_o when_o they_o continue_v ask_v he_o he_o lift_v up_o himself_o and_o say_v unto_o they_o he_o that_o be_v without_o sin_n among_o you_o let_v he_o first_o cast_v a_o stone_n
matter_n of_o fact_n as_o have_v they_o be_v real_a they_o must_v have_v see_v they_o with_o their_o own_o eye_n chap._n v._o 15._o insomuch_o that_o they_o bring_v forth_o the_o sick_a into_o the_o street_n and_o lay_v they_o on_o bed_n and_o couch_n that_o at_o the_o least_o the_o shadow_n of_o peter_n pass_v by_o may_v overshadow_v some_o of_o they_o behold_v the_o completion_n of_o that_o prophecy_n of_o christ_n who_o foretell_v that_o his_o disciple_n shall_v do_v far_o great_a work_n than_o himself_o verse_n 32._o and_o we_o be_v his_o witness_n of_o those_o thing_n and_o so_o be_v also_o the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o god_n have_v give_v to_o they_o that_o obey_v christ_n daily_o convince_v the_o unbeliever_n by_o the_o testimony_n of_o his_o work_n and_o his_o disciple_n convince_v they_o by_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n impart_v to_o they_o be_v there_o then_o any_o dream_n or_o euthusiasm_n any_o illusion_n or_o distraction_n of_o mind_n any_o mutual_a erroneous_a compact_n in_o all_o this_o or_o rather_o do_v we_o not_o here_o visible_o perceive_v the_o wisdom_n truth_n and_o power_n of_o god_n in_o this_o occasion_n chap._n vii_o 51._o you_o stiff-necked_a and_o uncircumcised_a in_o heart_n and_o ear_n you_o do_v always_o resist_v the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o your_o father_n do_v so_o do_v you_o which_o of_o the_o prophet_n have_v not_o your_o father_n persecute_v all_o deceiver_n and_o impostor_n use_v quite_o another_o method_n to_o flatter_v those_o they_o design_v to_o draw_v over_o to_o their_o side_n verse_n 59_o 60._o and_o they_o stone_v stephen_n call_v upon_o god_n and_o say_v lord_n jesus_n receive_v my_o spirit_n and_o he_o kneel_v down_o and_o cry_v with_o a_o loud_a voice_n lord_n lay_v not_o this_o sin_n to_o their_o charge_n stephen_n die_v pray_v to_o god_n for_o his_o enemy_n in_o imitation_n of_o christ_n but_o he_o be_v not_o seize_v with_o sorrow_n anguish_n or_o fear_v he_o cry_v not_o out_o my_o god_n my_o god_n why_o have_v thou_o forsake_v i_o can_v not_o he_o that_o represent_v the_o servant_n so_o courageous_a have_v give_v we_o a_o excellent_a description_n of_o the_o constancy_n of_o the_o master_n but_o that_o he_o have_v propose_v to_o himself_o to_o write_v nothing_o but_o the_o truth_n chap._n viii_o 14_o 15_o 16._o they_o send_v unto_o they_o peter_n and_o john_n who_o when_o they_o be_v come_v down_o pray_v for_o they_o that_o they_o may_v receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o as_o yet_o he_o be_v fall_v upon_o none_o of_o they_o only_o they_o be_v baptize_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n by_o these_o word_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o every_o body_n may_v indifferent_o receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o the_o apostle_n alone_o can_v impart_v it_o to_o other_o a_o distinction_n that_o be_v very_o remarkable_a but_o it_o appear_v yet_o far_o that_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v so_o notable_a and_o visible_a that_o whosoever_o have_v receive_v they_o can_v not_o but_o present_o be_v sensible_a of_o it_o and_o though_o this_o discourse_n of_o st._n luke_n may_v be_v whole_o invent_v yet_o it_o may_v well_o be_v suppose_v that_o it_o be_v invent_v upon_o some_o probable_a ground_n and_o reason_n and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o other_o for_o it_o but_o this_o that_o in_o this_o time_n the_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v impart_v to_o the_o faithful_a for_o otherwise_o to_o talk_v thus_o will_v be_v very_o impertinent_a and_o extravagant_a verse_n 20._o but_o peter_n say_v unto_o he_o thy_o money_n perish_v with_o thou_o because_o thou_o have_v think_v that_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n may_v be_v purchase_v with_o money_n how_o come_v peter_n to_o deal_v so_o nice_o and_o delicate_o be_v he_o a_o impostor_n indeed_o as_o well_o as_o simon_n magus_n verse_n 22_o 23._o repent_v therefore_o of_o this_o thy_o wickedness_n and_o pray_v god_n if_o perhaps_o the_o thought_n of_o thy_o heart_n may_v be_v forgive_v thou_o for_o i_o perceive_v that_o thou_o be_v in_o the_o gall_n of_o bitterness_n and_o in_o the_o bond_n of_o iniquity_n how_o different_a be_v these_o expression_n from_o those_o of_o a_o man_n who_o conscience_n accuse_v he_o of_o imposture_n and_o infidelity_n chap._n ix_o 7_o 8_o 9_o and_o the_o man_n which_o journey_v with_o he_o stand_v speechless_a hear_v a_o voice_n but_o see_v no_o man._n but_o they_o lead_v he_o by_o the_o hand_n and_o bring_v he_o unto_o damascus_n and_o he_o be_v there_o three_o day_n without_o sight_n and_o neither_o eat_v nor_o drink_v have_v st._n luke_n design_v to_o impose_v upon_o our_o belief_n in_o this_o rehearsal_n he_o will_v have_v manage_v it_o with_o more_o judgement_n for_o what_o necessity_n be_v there_o of_o his_o relate_n how_o that_o st._n paul_n have_v company_n with_o he_o when_o the_o light_n of_o god_n shine_v round_o about_o he_o what_o make_v he_o quote_v the_o place_n the_o occasion_n and_o the_o witness_n of_o who_o the_o synagogue_n may_v have_v easy_o know_v the_o whole_a truth_n how_o can_v he_o make_v they_o believe_v that_o the_o man_n which_o accompany_v saul_n lead_v he_o by_o the_o hand_n to_o damascus_n and_o that_o he_o continue_v there_o three_o day_n and_o three_o night_n deprive_v of_o his_o sight_n verse_n 16._o for_o i_o will_v show_v he_o how_o great_a thing_n he_o must_v suffer_v for_o my_o name_n sake_n etc._n etc._n the_o whole_a life_n of_o s._n paul_n be_v a_o exact_a accomplishment_n of_o this_o prophecy_n verse_n 31._o then_o have_v the_o church_n rest_n throughout_o all_o judea_n and_o galilee_n and_o samaria_n and_o be_v edify_v and_o walk_v in_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o in_o the_o comfort_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v multiply_v how_o strange_a and_o surprise_a be_v the_o progress_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o found_v so_o many_o church_n almost_o every_o where_o in_o so_o small_a a_o time_n verse_n 34_o 35._o and_o peter_n say_v unto_o he_o aeneas_n jesus_n christ_n make_v thou_o whole_a arise_v etc._n etc._n and_o all_o that_o dwell_v at_o lydda_n and_o saron_n see_v he_o and_o turn_v to_o the_o lord_n doubtless_o those_o man_n here_o mention_v know_v well_o enough_o whether_o there_o be_v any_o such_o miracle_n perform_v and_o those_o church_n which_o consist_v altogether_o of_o proselyte_n who_o must_v necessary_o have_v be_v spectator_n of_o that_o miracle_n can_v not_o be_v impose_v upon_o in_o this_o respect_n verse_n 41_o 42._o and_o he_o give_v she_o his_o hand_n and_o lift_v she_o up_o and_o when_o he_o have_v call_v the_o saint_n and_o widow_n present_v her_o alive_a and_o it_o be_v know_v throughout_o all_o joppa_n and_o many_o believe_v in_o the_o lord_n this_o be_v a_o miracle_n notorious_a enough_o and_o there_o be_v witness_n sufficient_a to_o contradict_v and_o convince_v the_o author_n of_o this_o book_n suppose_v this_o miracle_n have_v be_v only_o a_o frame_a story_n and_o a_o shame_n upon_o man_n belief_n chap._n x._o 45_o 46_o 47._o and_o they_o of_o the_o circumcision_n which_o believe_v be_v astonish_v as_o many_o as_o come_v with_o peter_n because_o that_o on_o the_o gentile_n also_o be_v pour_v out_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o they_o hear_v they_o speak_v with_o tongue_n and_o magnify_v god_n then_o answer_v peter_n can_v any_o one_o forbid_v water_n that_o these_o shall_v not_o be_v baptize_v which_o have_v receive_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o well_o as_o we_o what_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o that_o astonishment_n in_o those_o of_o the_o circumcision_n it_o be_v because_o they_o have_v not_o see_v till_o then_o that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v impart_v to_o the_o gentile_n the_o very_a mixture_n of_o such_o circumstance_n as_o these_o be_v often_o of_o itself_o sufficient_a to_o convince_v we_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o any_o narration_n chap._n xi_o 18._o when_o they_o hear_v these_o thing_n they_o hold_v their_o peace_n and_o glorify_a god_n say_v then_o have_v god_n also_o to_o the_o gentile_n grant_v repentance_n unto_o life_n this_o indeed_o be_v the_o language_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o perfect_a stile_n of_o god_n and_o the_o very_a expression_n of_o the_o heavenly_a jerusalem_n chap._n xii_o 18_o 19_o now_o as_o soon_o as_o it_o be_v day_n there_o be_v no_o small_a stir_n among_o the_o soldier_n what_o be_v become_v of_o peter_n and_o when_o herod_n have_v seek_v for_o he_o and_o find_v he_o not_o he_o examine_v the_o keeper_n and_o command_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v put_v to_o death_n a_o circumstance_n that_o can_v be_v forge_v and_o which_o excellent_o confirm_v the_o relation_n of_o peter_n be_v miraculous_a deliverance_n chap._n xiii_o 3._o and_o when_o they_o have_v fast_v and_o pray_v they_o lay_v hand_n on_o they_o this_o historian_n who_o
uncircumcision_n but_o a_o new_a creature_n great_a indeed_o be_v his_o faith_n for_o he_o will_v not_o subscribe_v to_o their_o maxim_n who_o constrain_v the_o faithful_a to_o be_v circumcise_a though_o he_o may_v have_v thereby_o avoid_v a_o sharp_a persecution_n but_o he_o show_v we_o that_o the_o circumcision_n of_o the_o heart_n only_o be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n that_o none_o but_o the_o new_a creature_n can_v be_v for_o the_o future_a agreeable_a to_o he_o a_o circumcision_n indeed_o infinite_o more_o painful_a than_o the_o first_o and_o a_o new_a creature_n establish_v upon_o the_o ruin_n of_o the_o world_n the_o pleasure_n of_o which_o be_v so_o dear_a to_o we_o certain_o it_o be_v impossible_a this_o doctrine_n so_o spiritual_a so_o holy_a and_o so_o necessary_a in_o itself_o shall_v have_v proceed_v only_o from_o flesh_n and_o blood_n epistle_n to_o the_o ephesian_n chap._n iii_o 17_o 18_o 19_o that_o you_o be_v root_v and_o ground_v in_o love_n may_v be_v able_a to_o comprehend_v with_o all_o saint_n what_o be_v the_o breadth_n and_o length_n and_o depth_n and_o height_n and_o to_o know_v the_o love_n of_o christ_n which_o pass_v all_o knowledge_n etc._n etc._n have_v the_o apostle_n be_v such_o deceiver_n as_o the_o incredulous_a will_v have_v they_o to_o be_v what_o mean_v those_o transport_v of_o admiration_n as_o often_o as_o they_o reflect_v on_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n which_o every_o page_n of_o this_o book_n be_v full_a of_o be_v they_o then_o deceive_v no_o sure_o because_o they_o can_v not_o be_v impose_v upon_o in_o such_o certain_a matter_n of_o fact_n have_v they_o then_o a_o mind_n to_o deceive_v other_o people_n that_o can_v not_o be_v neither_o because_o their_o write_n seem_v to_o be_v design_v only_o to_o induce_v man_n to_o fear_v god_n chap_n iu_o 24_o 25._o and_o that_o you_o put_v on_o the_o new_a man_n which_o after_o god_n be_v create_v in_o righteousness_n and_o true_a holiness_n wherefore_o put_v away_o lie_v speak_v every_o man_n truth_n with_o his_o neighbour_n etc._n etc._n a_o strange_a and_o surprise_a discourse_n indeed_o but_o which_o will_v have_v be_v much_o more_o astonish_a shall_v it_o have_v be_v utter_v by_o the_o mouth_n of_o a_o impostor_n epistle_n to_o the_o philippian_n chap._n i._n 29._o for_o unto_o you_o it_o be_v give_v in_o the_o behalf_n of_o christ_n not_o only_o to_o believe_v on_o he_o but_o also_o to_o suffer_v for_o his_o sake_n the_o stoic_n who_o have_v so_o much_o distinguish_v and_o raise_v themselves_o above_o all_o other_o man_n by_o their_o sublime_a morality_n have_v ever_o imagine_v that_o the_o wise_a man_n may_v very_o well_o preserve_v a_o tranquil_a and_o sedate_v mind_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o his_o affliction_n and_o they_o be_v so_o much_o intoxicate_v with_o pride_n that_o they_o be_v altogether_o insensible_a of_o any_o pain_n or_o torment_n but_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n go_v yet_o high_a they_o look_v upon_o the_o most_o cruel_a suffering_n as_o upon_o so_o many_o benefit_n and_o so_o many_o cause_n of_o joy_n and_o peace_n and_o ineffable_a consolation_n and_o comfort_n they_o cry_v out_o i_o rejoice_v in_o my_o suffering_n etc._n etc._n i_o delight_v in_o stripe_n in_o affliction_n etc._n etc._n nay_o more_o than_o this_o they_o return_v thanks_o to_o god_n for_o have_v be_v think_v worthy_a to_o suffer_v for_o his_o name_n be_v sake_n their_o affliction_n give_v rise_v to_o their_o gratitude_n and_o all_o this_o because_o they_o be_v support_v by_o a_o divine_a hand_n and_o be_v most_o certain_a to_o obtain_v a_o everlasting_a reward_n a_o strange_a thing_n indeed_o that_o this_o certainty_n only_o shall_v be_v absolute_o requisite_a to_o demonstrate_v the_o truth_n of_o religion_n the_o apostle_n can_v never_o have_v entertain_v any_o false_a hope_n of_o reward_n because_o their_o hope_n be_v ground_v on_o what_o they_o have_v see_v and_o on_o the_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o god_n they_o have_v both_o receive_v and_o often_o impart_v to_o other_o we_o can_v then_o doubt_v but_o that_o they_o have_v the_o hope_n of_o a_o future_a reward_n in_o prospect_n unless_o we_o will_v be_v wilful_o blind_a and_o ignorant_a so_o blind_a must_v the_o incredulous_a be_v who_o wilful_o shut_v their_o eye_n and_o refuse_v to_o be_v convince_v of_o so_o evident_a a_o truth_n first_o epistle_n to_o the_o thessalonian_n chap._n i._n 4._o for_o our_o gospel_n come_v not_o unto_o you_o in_o word_n only_o but_o also_o in_o power_n and_o in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n etc._n etc._n by_o these_o word_n it_o appear_v that_o the_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n continual_o testify_v of_o the_o gospel_n chap._n iii_o 4._o for_o very_o when_o we_o be_v with_o you_o we_o tell_v you_o before_o that_o we_o shall_v suffer_v tribulation_n even_o as_o â—t_a come_v to_o pass_v and_o you_o know_v the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n have_v be_v prepare_v by_o he_o and_o have_v prepare_v themselves_o nay_o prepare_v their_o successor_n also_o to_o suffer_v patient_o according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o this_o apostle_n who_o say_v in_o another_o place_n 2_o tim._n 3._o 12._o all_o that_o will_v live_v godly_a in_o christ_n jesus_n shall_v suffer_v persecution_n it_o be_v therefore_o in_o cold_a blood_n with_o their_o own_o choice_n and_o free_a deliberation_n they_o suffer_v such_o torment_n chap._n v._o 27._o i_o charge_v you_o by_o the_o lord_n that_o this_o epistle_n be_v read_v unto_o all_o the_o holy_a brethren_n st._n paul_n fear_v not_o in_o the_o least_o his_o be_v contradict_v or_o convince_v of_o any_o falsity_n he_o have_v advance_v concern_v his_o affliction_n and_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o therefore_o he_o command_v that_o his_o epistle_n shall_v be_v read_v to_o all_o the_o holy_a brethren_n first_o epistle_n to_o timothy_n chap._n iii_o 16._o and_o without_o controversy_n great_a be_v the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n god_n be_v manifest_a in_o the_o flesh_n justify_v in_o the_o spirit_n see_v of_o angel_n preach_v unto_o the_o gentile_n believe_v on_o in_o the_o world_n receive_v up_o into_o glory_n this_o mystery_n can_v be_v invent_v only_o by_o humane_a understanding_n for_o several_a reason_n 1._o because_o it_o be_v so_o great_a and_o sublime_a that_o man_n though_o never_o so_o learned_a and_o quick_a sight_v in_o other_o thing_n yet_o will_v never_o have_v be_v able_a to_o find_v it_o out_o of_o themselves_o bare_o by_o the_o scrutiny_n of_o their_o reason_n 2._o because_o they_o be_v only_o poor_a fisherman_n that_o preach_v it_o 3._o because_o this_o so_o sublime_a and_o magnificent_a object_n proceed_v if_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v from_o the_o death_n and_o suffering_n of_o a_o man_n who_o be_v condemn_v and_o punish_v with_o the_o most_o rigorous_a punishment_n that_o can_v be_v think_v of_o for_o it_o be_v only_o after_o the_o passion_n of_o christ_n that_o the_o disciple_n go_v about_o preach_v every_o where_o the_o wonderful_a work_n of_o god_n 4._o and_o last_o because_o the_o contemplation_n of_o it_o depend_v upon_o experience_n itself_o and_o although_o this_o mystery_n appear_v at_o first_o view_n infinite_o exalt_v above_o the_o reach_n of_o our_o capacity_n yet_o it_o must_v have_v be_v both_o see_v and_o touch_v by_o the_o disciple_n they_o certain_o see_v christ_n and_o behold_v his_o glory_n as_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o only_a son_n of_o god_n full_a of_o grace_n and_o truth_n they_o see_v with_o their_o eye_n that_o flesh_n in_o which_o corporeal_o dwell_v a_o entire_a fullness_n of_o the_o glorious_a godhead_n they_o be_v full_o convince_v of_o the_o extraordinary_a excellence_n of_o his_o mystery_n and_o the_o perfection_n of_o his_o holiness_n they_o themselves_o receive_v the_o gift_n of_o that_o same_o spirit_n in_o which_o god_n himself_o be_v justify_v they_o see_v angel_n ascend_v and_o descend_v to_o minister_v unto_o he_o they_o preach_v it_o themselves_o to_o the_o gentile_n and_o so_o compel_v the_o world_n to_o believe_v in_o he_o by_o their_o patience_n and_o preach_v which_o be_v continual_o attend_v with_o the_o demonstration_n of_o that_o spirit_n and_o the_o evidence_n of_o those_o miracle_n perform_v by_o they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n last_o he_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n in_o their_o sight_n so_o that_o these_o be_v all_o sure_a and_o certain_a proofsof_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o great_a mystery_n which_o can_v in_o the_o least_o be_v suspect_v second_o epistle_n to_o timothy_n chap._n iii_o 15_o 16._o and_o that_o from_o a_o child_n thou_o have_v know_v the_o holy_a scripture_n etc._n etc._n all_o scripture_n be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n there_o be_v no_o maintain_v false_a religion_n in_o the_o world_n but_o by_o the_o help_n of_o ignorance_n negligence_n and_o a_o blind_a submission_n but_o the_o christian_a religion_n can_v be_v suspect_v of_o any_o
degree_n of_o light_n wonderful_o illuminate_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o incredulous_a and_o discover_v to_o they_o the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n by_o the_o sublimity_n and_o excellency_n of_o it_o i._o portraiture_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o it_o be_v consider_v in_o the_o multitude_n of_o testimony_n give_v in_o favour_n of_o it_o though_o testimony_n be_v somewhat_o foreign_a and_o exterior_a to_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o therefore_o may_v seem_v improper_a to_o discover_v the_o perfection_n of_o it_o yet_o it_o will_v appear_v they_o do_v discover_v it_o if_o we_o but_o careful_o unite_v they_o together_o and_o so_o consider_v well_o their_o joint_a union_n and_o agreement_n we_o can_v but_o have_v a_o very_a great_a idea_n of_o a_o religion_n which_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n have_v be_v please_v to_o confirm_v unto_o we_o by_o nine_o several_a testimony_n each_o whereof_o will_v have_v be_v single_o sufficient_a to_o discover_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o the_o first_o be_v that_o of_o the_o prophet_n who_o all_o testify_v of_o jesus_n christ_n by_o a_o long_a and_o continue_a series_n of_o prophecy_n some_o far_o plain_a than_o the_o rest_n for_o some_o of_o the_o prophet_n see_v almost_o as_o clear_v in_o the_o night_n as_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v of_o shadow_n and_o figurative_a type_n as_o we_o can_v in_o the_o day_n of_o their_o exact_a accomplishment_n as_o have_v be_v already_o show_v the_o second_o be_v that_o of_o john_n the_o baptist_n so_o much_o the_o more_o certain_a because_o it_o be_v foretell_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o christ_n and_o his_o disciple_n continual_o refer_v the_o jew_n to_o that_o testimony_n so_o much_o the_o more_o considerable_a because_o we_o can_v suspect_v john_n the_o baptist_n of_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o any_o base_a complacency_n towards_o the_o jew_n or_o mean_a design_n for_o his_o own_o interest_n the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n have_v be_v please_v to_o set_v he_o above_o such_o suspicion_n by_o the_o austerity_n of_o his_o manner_n and_o his_o unusual_a way_n of_o live_v set_v down_o in_o the_o gospel_n with_o such_o a_o strange_a and_o particular_a description_n the_o three_o be_v that_o of_o the_o apostle_n those_o witness_n who_o constancy_n be_v try_v by_o the_o severe_a punishment_n inflict_v upon_o they_o yet_o they_o bold_o resist_v the_o violence_n offer_v they_o by_o so_o many_o torment_v they_o endure_v torment_v sufficient_a to_o extort_v even_o from_o the_o great_a malefactor_n a_o confession_n of_o their_o crime_n yet_o here_o be_v the_o difference_n between_o they_o and_o common_a offender_n that_o the_o latter_a be_v compel_v unwilling_o to_o undergo_v the_o torture_n but_o the_o disciple_n of_o our_o lord_n rejoice_v in_o be_v think_v worthy_a to_o suffer_v malefactor_n indeed_o know_v certain_o they_o shall_v be_v execute_v if_o they_o confess_v the_o truth_n but_o the_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n will_v have_v have_v much_o more_o reason_n to_o fear_v death_n have_v they_o disguise_v the_o truth_n by_o any_o close_a deceit_n the_o four_o testimony_n be_v that_o of_o the_o three_o person_n which_o bare_a record_n in_o heaven_n the_o father_n when_o he_o declare_v in_o jordan_n that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v his_o well_o belove_a son_n in_o who_o he_o be_v well_o please_v and_o in_o another_o place_n i_o have_v glorify_v he_o and_o will_v glorify_v he_o again_o the_o son_n when_o he_o testify_v of_o himself_o by_o his_o miracle_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n when_o he_o confirm_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o son_n by_o the_o effusion_n of_o his_o extraordinary_a and_o miraculous_a gift_n upon_o the_o disciple_n the_o five_o be_v that_o of_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n which_o acknowledge_v free_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n can_v remove_v our_o fear_n comfort_v we_o in_o our_o affliction_n humble_a our_o mind_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o plenty_n and_o strengthen_v they_o in_o poverty_n in_o a_o word_n sanctify_v we_o by_o deliver_v we_o from_o our_o sin_n and_o so_o consequent_o supply_v all_o our_o want_n and_o necessity_n the_o six_o be_v that_o even_o of_o the_o enemy_n of_o our_o religion_n who_o have_v be_v force_v to_o speak_v favourable_o on_o our_o side_n the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n have_v testify_v in_o our_o behalf_n the_o wisdom_n of_o providence_n and_o the_o convince_a force_n of_o truth_n have_v oblige_v they_o tacit_o to_o own_o that_o truth_n against_o which_o they_o have_v declare_v themselves_o such_o inveterate_a and_o implacable_a enemy_n the_o ancient_a jew_n believe_v that_o the_o famous_a 11._o prophecy_n jacob_n utter_v upon_o his_o deathbed_n the_o sceptre_n shall_v etc._n etc._n be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o messiah_n this_o their_o own_o write_n testify_v and_o their_o talmud_n acknowledge_v that_o that_o man_n of_o sorrow_n and_o acquaint_v with_o grief_n who_o be_v to_o be_v bruise_v for_o our_o iniquity_n and_o from_o 12._o who_o they_o hide_v their_o face_n as_o from_o a_o leper_n be_v the_o true_a messiah_n nay_o they_o be_v force_v to_o have_v recourse_n to_o the_o extravagant_a fiction_n of_o a_o double_a messiah_n and_o even_o by_o that_o they_o pay_v a_o kind_n of_o homage_n to_o the_o truth_n the_o samaritan_n be_v of_o opinion_n that_o the_o messiah_n be_v short_o to_o appear_v in_o the_o world_n as_o be_v evident_a by_o the_o discourse_n of_o christ_n with_o the_o woman_n of_o samaria_n and_o this_o the_o jew_n be_v so_o strong_o persuade_v of_o that_o some_o of_o they_o choose_v rather_o to_o own_o herod_n the_o great_a for_o the_o messiah_n though_o a_o idumaean_a and_o wicked_a prince_n than_o renounce_v a_o opinion_n they_o be_v prepossess_v with_o and_o which_o be_v so_o deep_o root_v in_o their_o mind_n other_o led_z away_o by_o the_o same_o opinion_n cast_v their_o eye_n upon_o one_o agrippa_n descend_v from_o herod_n who_o be_v engage_v in_o the_o roman_a party_n other_o also_o instigate_v by_o the_o same_o hope_n follow_v a_o certain_a robber_n into_o the_o wilderness_n and_o the_o jew_n see_v their_o city_n just_o ready_a to_o be_v lay_v in_o ash_n imagine_v that_o their_o messiah_n be_v just_a upon_o manifest_v himself_o nay_o the_o merciless_a ringleader_n of_o those_o factious_a wretch_n who_o tear_v one_o another_o in_o piece_n during_o the_o devastation_n of_o judea_n so_o obstinate_o seek_v after_o one_o another_o ruin_n only_o because_o they_o expect_v to_o vanquish_v the_o roman_n and_o so_o become_v the_o conqueror_n of_o the_o world_n that_o be_v to_o fulfil_v ancient_a prophecy_n few_o age_n after_o they_o turn_v to_o one_o barkokebas_n a_o villainous_a robber_n only_o because_o they_o think_v he_o the_o messiah_n according_a to_o their_o computation_n of_o the_o year_n of_o his_o come_n josephus_n a_o great_a man_n and_o well_o verse_v in_o the_o scripture_n imagine_v as_o well_o as_o other_o that_o the_o time_n prefix_v for_o his_o come_n be_v accomplish_v or_o if_o he_o do_v not_o real_o think_v so_o himself_o he_o take_v at_o least_o a_o occasion_n from_o that_o opinion_n common_o approve_v of_o in_o the_o east_n to_o ingratiate_v himself_o with_o vespasian_n herod_n the_o great_a himself_o terrify_v and_o amaze_v by_o all_o these_o report_n make_v his_o fearful_a apprehension_n remarkable_a by_o a_o deluge_n of_o blood_n then_o do_v the_o jew_n acknowledge_v that_o in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o messiah_n there_o will_v be_v no_o government_n no_o magistrate_n nor_o any_o commonwealth_n leave_v in_o israel_n but_o 11._o afterward_o the_o necessity_n of_o maintain_v their_o opinion_n against_o we_o make_v they_o have_v recourse_n to_o several_a different_a evasion_n not_o many_o age_n after_o the_o come_n of_o jesus_n christ_n into_o the_o world_n when_o they_o find_v that_o their_o messiah_n do_v not_o appear_v some_o of_o they_o begin_v to_o say_v that_o he_o have_v hide_v himself_o other_o that_o he_o be_v come_v already_o in_o the_o person_n of_o hezekiah_n other_o that_o his_o come_n be_v put_v off_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o cry_a sin_n of_o the_o people_n nay_o they_o go_v on_o to_o that_o degree_n of_o impiety_n and_o irreligion_n as_o to_o pronounce_v they_o curse_a who_o shall_v calculate_v the_o year_n of_o the_o come_n of_o the_o messiah_n from_o all_o which_o we_o see_v plain_o that_o by_o these_o their_o confession_n and_o shift_n they_o in_o a_o manner_n bear_v witness_n though_o unwilling_o and_o without_o design_n to_o the_o christian_a faith_n as_o for_o the_o heathen_n beside_o the_o authentic_a testimony_n of_o pliny_n the_o young_a 5._o concern_v the_o innocence_n of_o the_o christian_n and_o beside_o that_o of_o tiberius_n concern_v jesus_n christ_n who_o he_o will_v have_v insert_v among_o the_o god_n be_v himself_o astonish_v at_o the_o surprise_a wonder_n which_o he_o have_v hear_v of_o he_o we_o all_o know_v that_o there_o meaux_n have_v
outward_a purity_n and_o consult_v the_o exterior_a good_a of_o public_a society_n more_o powerful_a than_o all_o worldly_a honour_n which_o regard_v only_a pomp_n and_o renown_n more_o effectual_a than_o all_o worldly_a motive_n which_o be_v unable_a to_o subvert_v those_o passion_n the_o vanity_n of_o which_o they_o flatter_v more_o strong_a than_o a_o vain_a and_o fruitless_a wisdom_n which_o pretend_v to_o free_a man_n from_o his_o misery_n by_o annihilate_v he_o and_o have_v no_o other_o motive_n but_o what_o proceed_v from_o the_o great_a of_o our_o imperfection_n our_o pride_n the_o christian_a religion_n alone_o have_v all_o these_o advantage_n and_o consequent_o be_v alone_o suitable_a to_o the_o necessity_n of_o man._n it_o be_v that_o which_o purify_v the_o very_a bottom_n of_o our_o conscience_n by_o show_v we_o that_o it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o cleanse_v the_o outside_o of_o the_o cup_n and_o the_o platter_n it_o reform_v our_o principle_n by_o make_v a_o temporal_a interest_n give_v place_n to_o a_o eternal_a one_o and_o extinguish_v the_o desire_n of_o a_o imaginary_a by_o the_o hope_n of_o a_o real_a immortality_n it_o propose_v to_o we_o a_o unalterable_a rule_n and_o a_o true_a model_n of_o perfection_n to_o go_v by_o it_o inform_v we_o that_o we_o have_v both_o a_o judge_n and_o a_o witness_n of_o all_o our_o action_n who_o discover_v we_o though_o in_o the_o dark_a and_o cover_v as_o it_o be_v with_o a_o cloud_n who_o pierce_v eye_n see_v through_o all_o our_o pretence_n and_o disguise_n who_o force_v we_o to_o know_v ourselves_o to_o combat_v and_o mortify_v our_o desire_n and_o that_o whether_o we_o be_v see_v or_o not_o see_v whether_o the_o world_n approve_v or_o condemn_v our_o action_n god_n be_v essential_o independent_a from_o all_o outward_a object_n and_o not_o limit_v by_o any_o exterior_a circumstance_n and_o indeed_o what_o but_o such_o a_o infinite_a deity_n can_v have_v supply_v we_o with_o such_o a_o remedy_n so_o effectual_a and_o so_o suitable_a to_o all_o our_o want_n and_o necessity_n for_o misery_n and_o wretchedness_n be_v the_o portion_n of_o our_o corruption_n and_o he_o that_o can_v shake_v off_o the_o latter_a will_v certain_o always_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o two_o former_a nor_o be_v it_o sufficient_a to_o say_v that_o man_n be_v miserable_a we_o may_v add_v that_o he_o be_v in_o some_o measure_n the_o very_a centre_n of_o misery_n we_o see_v that_o whilst_o all_o other_o animal_n peaceable_o enjoy_v those_o good_a thing_n nature_n have_v allot_v they_o man_n seem_v to_o be_v in_o some_o respect_n mark_v out_o for_o misery_n by_o the_o hand_n of_o divine_a justice_n they_o be_v equal_o dissatisfy_v as_o well_o with_o what_o they_o possess_v as_o what_o they_o possess_v not_o they_o be_v terrify_v with_o the_o idea_n they_o have_v of_o death_n torment_v with_o the_o consideration_n of_o futurity_n afflict_v that_o they_o be_v unable_a to_o fix_v time_n which_o bear_v they_o away_o with_o it_o as_o it_o roll_v on_o miserable_a for_o what_o they_o know_v or_o rather_o for_o not_o know_v more_o mortify_v and_o disappoint_v in_o their_o desire_n torment_v with_o remorse_n affront_v and_o injure_v by_o their_o fellow-creature_n and_o harass_v by_o the_o continual_a inquietude_n of_o their_o heart_n in_o a_o word_n they_o enjoy_v peace_n and_o tranquillity_n no_o long_o than_o they_o can_v deceive_v themselves_o with_o a_o scene_n of_o imaginary_a bliss_n and_o frame_v to_o themselves_o false_a idea_n of_o their_o present_a condition_n and_o this_o desire_n of_o impose_v thus_o upon_o ourselves_o in_o fancy_v our_o happiness_n great_a than_o it_o be_v make_v we_o vain_o imagine_v we_o shall_v be_v less_o miserable_a if_o we_o be_v in_o the_o condition_n of_o those_o that_o be_v far_o above_o we_o but_o experience_n soon_o undeceive_v we_o and_o show_v that_o the_o distant_a prospect_n of_o honour_n and_o riches_n give_v more_o pleasure_n and_o delight_n than_o a_o near_a possession_n of_o they_o and_o that_o the_o hope_n of_o enjoy_v they_o make_v we_o more_o true_o happy_a than_o their_o fruition_n which_o excellent_o show_v we_o the_o emptiness_n and_o insufficiency_n of_o all_o such_o temporal_a advantage_n nor_o do_v we_o think_v it_o enough_o to_o deceive_v ourselves_o in_o respect_n of_o our_o condition_n but_o endeavour_v also_o to_o deceive_v other_o by_o make_v they_o entertain_v a_o vast_a idea_n of_o our_o merit_n or_o our_o happiness_n and_o through_o a_o certain_a weakness_n to_o be_v pity_v we_o afterward_o make_v use_n of_o that_o esteem_n and_o respect_n we_o have_v accidental_o and_o unaware_o extort_a from_o other_o to_o impose_v more_o effectual_o upon_o ourselves_o and_o enlarge_v that_o chimerical_a idea_n of_o our_o own_o perfection_n which_o self-love_n entertain_v in_o our_o breast_n with_o so_o much_o complacency_n and_o satisfaction_n who_o then_o can_v direct_v our_o mind_n or_o clear_v our_o understanding_n in_o this_o inextricable_a and_o continue_a maze_n of_o illusion_n and_o error_n the_o false_a principle_n of_o a_o false_a satisfaction_n and_o who_o can_v find_v remedy_n for_o so_o great_a a_o misery_n since_o bare_o to_o bring_v we_o acquaint_v with_o it_o will_v serve_v only_o to_o increase_v it_o the_o christian_a religion_n then_o have_v the_o character_n of_o perform_v all_o this_o be_v certain_o a_o religion_n true_o divine_a and_o be_v it_o not_o strange_a that_o it_o shall_v make_v man_n happy_a by_o teach_v he_o how_o to_o know_v himself_o and_o to_o remove_v his_o misery_n by_o shake_v off_o his_o ignorance_n especial_o when_o that_o ignorance_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o his_o tranquillity_n and_o satisfaction_n yet_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o wonder_v at_o it_o since_o religion_n give_v we_o a_o new_a prospect_n of_o thing_n and_o much_o different_a from_o what_o we_o ever_o have_v before_o it_o make_v we_o patient_o endure_v disease_n by_o discover_v to_o we_o the_o cause_n and_o design_n of_o they_o it_o comfort_v we_o in_o all_o our_o sudden_a and_o unexpected_a disgrace_n by_o assure_v we_o that_o nothing_o can_v come_v to_o pass_v without_o the_o dispensation_n of_o god_n providence_n who_o turn_v all_o thing_n to_o our_o advantage_n it_o humble_v we_o in_o prosperity_n and_o support_v we_o in_o affliction_n it_o ease_v the_o trouble_n of_o our_o heart_n by_o calm_v our_o passion_n it_o strengthen_v we_o against_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n by_o teach_v we_o to_o consider_v it_o as_o a_o passage_n to_o a_o far_o better_a life_n it_o comfort_v our_o conscience_n by_o its_o promise_n it_o continual_o attend_v we_o in_o all_o time_n in_o all_o place_n and_o in_o all_o danger_n strengthen_v we_o in_o our_o solitude_n hinder_v we_o from_o fall_v into_o deep_a melancholy_n and_o sorrow_n when_o we_o consider_v ourselves_o and_o what_o shall_v be_v our_o future_a state_n and_o last_o comfort_n and_o cheer_v we_o upon_o our_o deathbed_n where_o alone_o it_o serve_v we_o indeed_o instead_o of_o all_o thing_n when_o the_o charm_n of_o self-love_n be_v at_o a_o end_n and_o the_o scene_n of_o the_o world_n begin_v for_o ever_o to_o vanish_v out_o of_o our_o sight_n and_o true_o we_o must_v be_v wilful_o blind_a if_o we_o perceive_v not_o the_o divine_a author_n of_o that_o religion_n which_o at_o once_o show_v we_o so_o well_o our_o own_o misery_n and_o give_v we_o such_o excellent_a remedy_n for_o all_o the_o imperfection_n of_o our_o nature_n nor_o do_v it_o less_o enlighten_v our_o understanding_n in_o respect_n of_o our_o wretchedness_n another_o consequence_n of_o our_o corruption_n for_o be_v not_o man_n strange_o wretched_a and_o contemptible_a when_o in_o his_o own_o natural_a state_n he_o neither_o know_v what_o he_o himself_o be_v nor_o what_o he_o shall_v be_v but_o be_v continual_o take_v up_o with_o concern_v unworthy_a his_o nature_n full_a of_o project_n and_o notion_n but_o of_o a_o moment_n concern_n unable_a to_o bear_v long_o the_o consideration_n of_o himself_o and_o incapable_a of_o live_v without_o the_o help_n of_o other_o yet_o to_o speak_v the_o truth_n it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o there_o be_v such_o sentiment_n implant_v in_o man_n that_o plain_o discover_v some_o greatness_n in_o he_o even_o through_o his_o weakness_n and_o vnworthiness_n his_o mind_n indeed_o be_v often_o take_v up_o with_o the_o mean_a object_n yet_o can_v be_v satisfy_v with_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o great_a he_o can_v subsist_v without_o other_o man_n help_n yet_o endeavour_n to_o be_v esteem_v by_o all_o desire_v to_o diffuse_v himself_o every_o where_o by_o a_o sort_n of_o immensity_n which_o he_o derive_v only_o from_o the_o author_n of_o his_o be_v he_o be_v bury_v as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o care_n of_o this_o life_n yet_o since_o he_o find_v every_o thing_n in_o it_o disproportionable_a to_o his_o nature_n his_o thought_n aspire_v to_o eternity_n and_o
the_o public_a good_a to_o concur_v with_o the_o advancement_n of_o the_o private_a and_o the_o private_a with_o that_o of_o the_o public_a for_o instance_n what_o will_v follow_v from_o the_o practice_n of_o charity_n which_o enjoin_v we_o to_o love_n god_n with_o all_o our_o heart_n and_o with_o all_o our_o mind_n and_o our_o neighbour_n as_o ourselves_o the_o result_n of_o it_o will_v be_v that_o every_o man_n interest_n shall_v be_v the_o same_o that_o there_o shall_v reign_v no_o hatred_n or_o animosity_n no_o jealousy_n or_o competition_n among_o they_o that_o every_o man_n will_v thank_v god_n for_o the_o blessing_n that_o other_o have_v receive_v at_o his_o hand_n that_o charity_n will_v make_v every_o thing_n our_o own_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v happy_a in_o other_o man_n advantage_n as_o a_o son_n in_o the_o prosperity_n of_o his_o father_n and_o a_o father_n in_o that_o of_o his_o son_n that_o a_o public_a society_n will_v make_v but_o one_o family_n more_o close_o unite_v since_o charity_n can_v make_v those_o thing_n equal_a that_o humane_a passion_n have_v before_o distinguish_v and_o much_o the_o happy_a since_o the_o happiness_n of_o one_o single_a person_n shall_v be_v enjoy_v by_o all_o and_o the_o happiness_n of_o all_o by_o each_o single_a person_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o foresee_v what_o objection_n our_o incredulous_a adversary_n will_v make_v they_o will_v say_v that_o christian_a morality_n be_v undoubted_o a_o very_a fine_a idea_n of_o true_a perfection_n but_o very_o unprofitable_a since_o it_o be_v so_o far_o raise_v above_o our_o ordinary_a strength_n and_o capacity_n the_o answer_n to_o this_o objection_n depend_v upon_o those_o reflection_n we_o shall_v continue_v to_o make_v upon_o the_o character_n of_o this_o morality_n viii_o we_o therefore_o assert_v that_o although_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o continual_a warfare_n betwixt_o the_o flesh_n and_o the_o spirit_n we_o can_v observe_v this_o christian_a morality_n in_o its_o full_a perfection_n and_o consequent_o can_v be_v sensible_a of_o the_o advantage_n which_o accrue_v to_o we_o from_o it_o in_o their_o utmost_a extent_n it_o be_v enough_o if_o by_o observe_v it_o according_a to_o our_o present_a condition_n it_o procure_v we_o a_o thousand_o advantageous_a effect_n which_o clear_o demonstrate_v that_o it_o be_v not_o a_o mere_a idea_n and_o this_o be_v such_o a_o undeniable_a truth_n as_o be_v daily_o confirm_v by_o experience_n so_o true_a it_o be_v that_o the_o strict_a observance_n of_o this_o divine_a morality_n tend_v to_o our_o profit_n and_o welfare_n that_o parent_n themselves_o wish_v it_o to_o their_o child_n husband_n to_o their_o wife_n and_o wife_n to_o their_o husband_n servant_n to_o their_o master_n and_o master_n to_o their_o servant_n prince_n to_o their_o subject_n and_o subject_n to_o their_o prince_n creditor_n to_o their_o debtor_n and_o debtor_n to_o their_o creditor_n as_o the_o principle_n of_o fidelity_n love_n union_n virtue_n and_o even_o of_o joy_n and_o satisfaction_n self-love_n indeed_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o mere_a idea_n especial_o when_o it_o command_v it_o to_o shake_v off_o its_o evil_a inclination_n and_o think_v itself_o not_o able_a to_o observe_v it_o strict_o but_o still_o it_o think_v it_o very_o just_a reasonable_a and_o perfect_a when_o there_o be_v occasion_n to_o reform_v other_o man_n imperfection_n and_o vice_n and_o it_o be_v well_o please_v to_o see_v if_o it_o be_v not_o extreme_o degenerate_v into_o the_o worst_a irregularity_n that_o that_o bridle_v sufficient_o curb_v at_o least_o in_o other_o man_n their_o concupiscence_n and_o unruly_a passion_n who_o end_n be_v only_o to_o confound_v ruin_n and_o violate_v all_o thing_n ix_o but_o that_o which_o whole_o secure_v christian_n morality_n from_o the_o reproach_n it_o may_v be_v charge_v with_o in_o this_o respect_n be_v that_o it_o be_v itself_o either_o endow_v with_o such_o strength_n as_o must_v necessary_o exalt_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n or_o contain_v such_o object_n which_o together_o with_o the_o efficacy_n of_o that_o spirit_n which_o continual_o attend_v they_o outweigh_v the_o most_o sensible_a object_n and_o that_o passionate_a inclination_n we_o all_o have_v for_o the_o world_n philosopher_n indeed_o may_v be_v very_o just_o charge_v with_o this_o reproach_n namely_o that_o their_o morality_n be_v mere_a speculation_n because_o their_o excellent_a maxim_n have_v no_o motive_n powerful_a enough_o to_o support_v they_o they_o tell_v we_o it_o be_v true_a that_o we_o must_v overcome_v ourselves_o and_o renounce_v our_o evil_a desire_n but_o if_o once_o they_o be_v ask_v the_o reason_n of_o it_o they_o be_v much_o perplex_v how_o to_o solve_v the_o query_n it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o their_o morality_n be_v very_o excellent_a but_o the_o motive_n that_o induce_v man_n to_o observe_v it_o be_v weak_a and_o a_o little_a renown_n acquire_v in_o practise_v that_o virtue_n they_o so_o strict_o recommend_v as_o also_o the_o title_n of_o wiseman_n and_o that_o abundance_n of_o vanity_n always_o concomitant_a with_o it_o be_v very_o weak_a inducement_n to_o constrain_v the_o heart_n of_o man_n to_o deprive_v itself_o of_o its_o darling_n belove_v passion_n but_o it_o be_v not_o so_o with_o the_o morality_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v wonderful_o support_v by_o the_o motive_n it_o lay_v before_o we_o every_o thing_n be_v coherent_a in_o it_o and_o all_o the_o part_n proportionable_a it_o require_v our_o observance_n of_o many_o hard_a and_o mortify_a duty_n it_o curb_v the_o affection_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o mortify_v the_o flesh_n but_o since_o that_o can_v be_v do_v without_o great_a difficulty_n and_o more_o than_o ordinary_a endeavour_n it_o promise_v we_o a_o magnificent_a and_o glorious_a reward_n the_o greatness_n of_o the_o promise_n be_v support_v by_o many_o terrible_a threaten_n and_o both_o these_o object_n be_v confirm_v by_o such_o favour_n as_o be_v very_o proper_a to_o gain_v our_o affection_n the_o blessing_n be_v a_o sure_a token_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o promise_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o make_v we_o believe_v that_o of_o the_o threaten_n i_o grant_v the_o promise_n of_o a_o bless_a life_n and_o immortality_n which_o we_o find_v in_o the_o gospel_n be_v very_o great_a and_o glorious_a but_o still_o not_o great_a than_o that_o which_o jesus_n make_v to_o two_o of_o his_o disciple_n when_o he_o call_v they_o unto_o he_o say_v come_v after_o i_o and_o i_o will_v make_v you_o fisher_n of_o men._n there_o be_v less_o probability_n that_o a_o few_o poor_a ignorant_a fisherman_n shall_v have_v be_v able_a to_o catch_v in_o their_o net_n the_o doctrine_n authority_n wit_n and_o eloquence_n of_o man_n than_o that_o we_o shall_v see_v god_n after_o death_n the_o truth_n of_o his_o promise_n can_v subsist_v without_o that_o of_o his_o threaten_n and_o it_o be_v evident_a when_o he_o promise_v that_o the_o pure_a in_o heart_n shall_v see_v he_o he_o threaten_v also_o to_o exclude_v those_o that_o be_v not_o so_o from_o the_o beatific_a vision_n let_v not_o man_n therefore_o slatter_v themselves_o let_v they_o shake_v off_o their_o unbelief_n of_o the_o severe_a punishment_n that_o attend_v the_o wicked_a after_o this_o life_n their_o reason_n will_v tell_v they_o that_o god_n can_v do_v no_o less_o than_o banish_v those_o his_o presence_n who_o have_v persist_v in_o a_o wilful_a design_n of_o offend_v he_o by_o their_o sin_n and_o that_o such_o a_o banishment_n be_v attend_v with_o the_o great_a of_o all_o misery_n and_o that_o be_v eternal_a death_n the_o sting_n of_o conscience_n convince_v we_o of_o this_o and_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n inform_v we_o of_o it_o his_o justice_n point_v it_o out_o to_o we_o his_o law_n teach_v it_o and_o the_o gospel_n confirm_v it_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o thing_n will_v not_o suffer_v we_o to_o doubt_v it_o since_o god_n can_v direct_v man_n to_o the_o true_a end_n 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they_o on_o the_o bright_a side_n they_o appear_v great_a sublime_a and_o conformable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n worthy_a of_o god_n and_o close_o unite_v to_o the_o most_o inviolable_a principle_n both_o of_o our_o heart_n and_o understanding_n their_o greatness_n and_o sublimity_n cause_v such_o a_o admiration_n in_o those_o person_n who_o have_v the_o honour_n to_o divulge_v they_o to_o the_o world_n as_o they_o can_v not_o possible_o conceal_v for_o sometime_o they_o be_v force_v to_o declare_v that_o they_o be_v thing_n which_o eye_n have_v not_o see_v nor_o ear_n hear_v neither_o have_v enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n 1_o cor._n 2._o 9_o a_o expression_n which_o be_v as_o natural_a as_o full_a of_o energy_n and_o clear_o demonstrate_v what_o great_a idea_n they_o have_v of_o they_o another_o while_n they_o express_v themselves_o after_o this_o manner_n and_o without_o controversy_n great_a be_v the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n god_n be_v manifest_a in_o the_o flesh_n justify_v in_o the_o spirit_n etc._n etc._n 1_o tim._n 3._o 16._o and_o again_o colos_n 2._o 3._o they_o call_v they_o the_o treasure_n of_o wisdom_n and_o seem_v to_o be_v continual_o at_o a_o loss_n to_o find_v out_o expression_n worthy_a the_o majesty_n of_o they_o and_o these_o object_n be_v infinite_o raise_v above_o our_o sense_n scarce_o seem_v to_o have_v any_o probability_n be_v altogether_o repugnant_a to_o the_o idea_n of_o the_o heathen_n and_o carnal_a notion_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v above_o any_o conjecture_n of_o man_n and_o consequent_o object_n worthy_a of_o god_n himself_o for_o they_o glorify_v he_o after_o a_o excellent_a manner_n and_o clear_o reveal_v unto_o we_o his_o greatness_n and_o majesty_n either_o in_o the_o gift_n he_o confer_v upon_o man_n or_o the_o sublimity_n of_o those_o duty_n he_o prescribe_v they_o to_o follow_v or_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o reward_n he_o propose_v to_o they_o or_o the_o use_n of_o those_o mean_n whereby_o he_o lead_v they_o to_o it_o compare_v the_o notion_n of_o christianity_n with_o those_o of_o other_o religion_n and_o you_o will_v be_v convince_v of_o this_o truth_n but_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a that_o those_o mystery_n seem_v to_o we_o far_o above_o the_o capacity_n of_o man_n who_o can_v never_o have_v invent_v they_o and_o worthy_a the_o majesty_n of_o god_n who_o alone_o be_v able_a to_o reveal_v they_o to_o we_o we_o may_v also_o further_o add_v that_o the_o principle_n of_o reason_n and_o natural_a religion_n exact_o fall_v in_o with_o they_o for_o they_o be_v not_o like_o the_o idle_a tale_n and_o fiction_n of_o the_o poet_n which_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n former_o so_o eager_o embrace_v when_o at_o the_o same_o time_n their_o reason_n condemn_v they_o for_o it_o the_o creation_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n by_o a_o almighty_a be_v the_o redemption_n of_o the_o world_n by_o a_o mediator_n the_o expiatory_a sacrifice_n of_o christ_n the_o communion_n of_o saint_n the_o 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shall_v he_o make_v so_o many_o thing_n for_o the_o good_a and_o preservation_n of_o man_n that_o be_v not_o the_o end_n he_o be_v design_v for_o what_o will_v become_v of_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n and_o what_o will_v be_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o inward_a sense_n of_o conscience_n what_o will_v be_v the_o punishment_n reserve_v for_o the_o wicked_a and_o the_o reward_n which_o attend_v the_o just_a what_o will_v become_v of_o our_o soul_n since_o reason_n have_v teach_v we_o that_o the_o think_v principle_n within_o we_o be_v distinct_a from_o matter_n and_o that_o the_o soul_n depend_v not_o upon_o any_o dissolution_n of_o the_o part_n of_o matter_n whence_o be_v it_o that_o this_o soul_n have_v notion_n of_o its_o immortality_n what_o use_n will_v there_o be_v of_o equity_n and_o justice_n why_o may_v not_o man_n rather_o give_v themselves_o up_o to_o vice_n which_o will_v then_o be_v whole_o preferable_a before_o virtue_n who_o then_o will_v refuse_v to_o acknowledge_v such_o 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on_o the_o other_o not_o that_o they_o have_v or_o can_v contain_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v repugnant_a to_o sound_v and_o unprejudiced_a reason_n but_o it_o be_v because_o they_o can_v be_v fathom_v by_o our_o shallow_a understanding_n and_o that_o it_o be_v neither_o secure_a nor_o allowable_a or_o even_o possible_a for_o any_o man_n to_o search_v into_o the_o depth_n of_o they_o now_o though_o it_o be_v not_o absolute_o necessary_a for_o we_o to_o inquire_v why_o god_n be_v please_v not_o to_o explicate_v all_o difficulty_n in_o his_o mystery_n and_o though_o it_o be_v sufficient_a only_o to_o allege_v that_o such_o be_v his_o will_n and_o the_o decree_n of_o his_o wisdom_n yet_o we_o must_v not_o neglect_v to_o illustrate_v and_o interpret_v they_o as_o far_o as_o scripture_n and_o reason_n will_v permit_v every_o body_n know_v the_o difference_n between_o sight_n and_o faith_n sight_n admit_v of_o no_o difficulty_n but_o faith_n be_v intermix_v both_o with_o light_n and_o darkness_n both_o their_o object_n be_v very_o different_a from_o one_o another_o for_o we_o do_v not_o see_v what_o we_o believe_v and_o proper_o speak_v we_o do_v not_o believe_v that_o which_o we_o see_v to_o see_v be_v to_o perceive_v by_o one_o self_n but_o to_o believe_v be_v to_o perceive_v by_o another_o man_n eye_n sight_n be_v twofold_a that_o of_o the_o sense_n which_o perceive_v those_o object_n only_o that_o be_v suitable_a to_o its_o nature_n and_o that_o of_o the_o understanding_n when_o it_o judge_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n by_o its_o own_o proper_a light_n faith_n also_o be_v twofold_a humane_a and_o divine_a the_o first_o be_v that_o persuasion_n we_o have_v of_o sacred_a mystery_n ground_v upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o man_n and_o the_o other_o that_o which_o be_v establish_v upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n so_o that_o after_o what_o have_v be_v thus_o premise_v it_o be_v a_o easy_a matter_n to_o understand_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o apostle_n who_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v that_o we_o shall_v walk_v by_o faith_n and_o not_o by_o sight_n that_o be_v we_o must_v lay_v aside_o our_o reason_n and_o follow_v only_o the_o light_n of_o revelation_n and_o receive_v those_o truth_n which_o promise_v we_o salvation_n on_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n alone_o nevertheless_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o perceive_v how_o great_a a_o repugnance_n we_o have_v to_o it_o in_o as_o much_o as_o the_o pleasure_n of_o god_n in_o not_o give_v we_o mystery_n without_o difficulty_n restrain_v the_o rove_a speculation_n of_o our_o mind_n it_o humble_v the_o proud_a reason_n of_o man_n and_o rob_v he_o of_o the_o privilege_n of_o a_o full_a insight_n into_o matter_n which_o yet_o infinite_o concern_v he_o when_o we_o shall_v renounce_v the_o world_n which_o be_v present_a to_o our_o eye_n we_o will_v fain_o see_v those_o object_n religion_n have_v put_v in_o
book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v partly_o reducible_a to_o three_o head_n 1_o sy_n to_o a_o general_a preparation_n of_o all_o thing_n for_o the_o reception_n of_o the_o messiah_n who_o be_v to_o come_v 2_o lie_n to_o the_o representation_n of_o his_o office_n and_o oeconomy_n by_o a_o type_n or_o shadow_n 3_o dly_z to_o the_o describe_v of_o he_o after_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o to_o render_v it_o altogether_o impossible_a for_o the_o elect_a soul_n not_o to_o know_v he_o when_o he_o come_v whosoever_o shall_v consider_v the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n under_o these_o three_o notion_n will_v certain_o discover_v nothing_o in_o they_o that_o can_v perplex_v his_o faith_n but_o he_o will_v find_v that_o every_o thing_n therein_o serve_v to_o increase_v his_o knowledge_n by_o discover_v to_o he_o as_o it_o be_v the_o scheme_n of_o god_n counsel_n and_o his_o great_a plan_n and_o design_n of_o religion_n but_o since_o it_o be_v not_o our_o present_a design_n to_o dive_v into_o the_o unfathomable_a abyss_n of_o the_o justice_n wisdom_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n so_o neither_o shall_v we_o inquire_v into_o the_o reason_n which_o induce_v he_o to_o permit_v man_n to_o sin_n or_o why_o he_o be_v please_v to_o save_v some_o rather_o than_o other_o or_o upon_o what_o account_n he_o make_v use_v of_o the_o intervention_n of_o a_o mediator_n rather_o than_o of_o any_o other_o mean_n or_o whether_o there_o be_v any_o other_o way_n to_o expiate_v the_o sin_n of_o mankind_n but_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n i_o say_v we_o shall_v not_o trouble_v ourselves_o about_o any_o of_o these_o vain_a and_o fruitless_a inquiry_n and_o since_o it_o be_v but_o just_a we_o shall_v free_o own_v our_o ignorance_n i_o think_v we_o can_v never_o find_v a_o better_a opportunity_n to_o acknowledge_v it_o than_o when_o we_o be_v talk_v about_o the_o secret_a method_n and_o counsel_n of_o god_n because_o we_o can_v never_o discover_v the_o bottom_n of_o they_o unless_o we_o cease_v 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old_a testament_n be_v manifold_a for_o there_o be_v preparation_n of_o event_n preparation_n of_o ceremony_n preparation_n of_o prophecy_n preparation_n of_o precept_n and_o preparation_n of_o tenet_n as_o for_o the_o event_n they_o all_o relate_v to_o this_o great_a centre_n of_o religion_n have_v abraham_n always_o live_v in_o ur_fw-la of_o the_o chaldee_n he_o must_v necessary_o have_v fall_v into_o idolatry_n as_o well_o as_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o kindred_n or_o he_o can_v never_o have_v preserve_v to_o his_o posterity_n the_o knowledge_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n and_o his_o seed_n consequent_o can_v not_o have_v be_v a_o seed_n of_o blessing_n for_o all_o the_o nation_n to_o come_v it_o be_v then_o absolute_o requisite_a he_o shall_v forsake_v his_o country_n as_o well_o as_o his_o kindred_n and_o have_v jacob_n always_o live_v with_o his_o father_n laban_n the_o posterity_n of_o the_o latter_a will_v have_v corrupt_v that_o of_o the_o former_a so_o that_o esau_n have_v already_o mix_v himself_o with_o stranger_n the_o holy_a race_n can_v by_o no_o mean_n avoid_v be_v confound_v with_o the_o profane_a and_o so_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o messiah_n will_v not_o have_v be_v entail_v upon_o any_o particular_a family_n or_o nation_n because_o in_o succession_n of_o time_n it_o will_v have_v be_v altogether_o impossible_a to_o distinguish_v it_o from_o the_o rest_n it_o be_v then_o necessary_a that_o jacob_n shall_v forsake_v his_o father-in-law_n house_n and_o consequent_o live_v apart_o from_o all_o other_o nation_n and_o have_v it_o not_o be_v for_o the_o protect_a providence_n of_o god_n this_o people_n who_o be_v honour_v with_o his_o covenant_n and_o entrust_v with_o his_o oracle_n will_v have_v absolute_o perish_v in_o egypt_n and_o together_o with_o they_o the_o hope_n of_o a_o promise_a redeemer_n to_o preserve_v therefore_o such_o comfortable_a hope_n they_o be_v necessary_o separate_v from_o all_o other_o nation_n and_o the_o better_a to_o keep_v themselves_o in_o that_o state_n though_o they_o differ_v from_o they_o all_o in_o matter_n of_o policy_n manner_n inclination_n and_o religion_n yet_o it_o be_v necessary_a they_o have_v god_n for_o their_o supreme_a magistrate_n who_o give_v they_o all_o those_o wonderful_a mark_n of_o his_o protection_n we_o read_v of_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n though_o thev_n be_v carry_v away_o captive_n into_o babylon_n for_o their_o sin_n they_o be_v necessary_o gather_v together_o again_o from_o that_o dispersion_n seventy_o year_n after_o lest_o a_o long_a bondage_n shall_v have_v make_v they_o for_o ever_o lose_v the_o mark_n of_o their_o election_n it_o be_v no_o difficult_a matter_n to_o perceive_v that_o it_o be_v in_o behalf_n of_o the_o messiah_n only_o that_o god_n be_v please_v to_o make_v so_o many_o distinction_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o his_o come_n can_v not_o be_v entail_v upon_o every_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n he_o set_v apart_o one_o single_a nation_n from_o the_o rest_n purposely_o to_o intrust_v they_o with_o so_o great_a a_o salvation_n and_o because_o it_o be_v absolute_o requisite_a this_o distinction_n shall_v remain_v till_o the_o birth_n of_o that_o redeemer_n so_o for_o that_o end_n he_o appoint_v five_o very_a remarkable_a principle_n of_o that_o separation_n the_o first_o whereof_o be_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o true_a god_n a_o divine_a character_n of_o the_o election_n of_o that_o people_n and_o a_o privilege_n they_o can_v not_o choose_v but_o be_v infinite_o jealous_a of_o especial_o when_o they_o consider_v what_o profound_a darkness_n ignorance_n and_o superstition_n be_v then_o disperse_v in_o the_o world_n the_o second_o be_v the_o circumcision_n that_o sign_n of_o his_o covenant_n which_o god_n be_v please_v the_o israelite_n shall_v bear_v in_o their_o flesh_n to_o distinguish_v they_o the_o more_o effectual_o from_o all_o other_o nation_n for_o it_o be_v not_o by_o mere_a chance_n or_o out_o of_o any_o fantastical_a humour_n that_o this_o custom_n be_v first_o settle_v among_o the_o jew_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v suppose_v they_o can_v have_v receive_v without_o very_o powerful_a motive_n to_o it_o so_o painful_a and_o difficult_a a_o custom_n so_o contrary_a to_o the_o natural_a affection_n of_o mother_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o example_n of_o zeporah_n nay_o which_o even_o seem_v at_o first_o view_n somewhat_o shameful_a and_o obscene_a as_o for_o philo_n and_o other_o man_n reflection_n on_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o circumcision_n they_o be_v very_o pitiful_a the_o three_o principle_n of_o that_o distinction_n be_v the_o land_n of_o canaan_n which_o god_n give_v to_o the_o patriarch_n and_o their_o posterity_n after_o they_o though_o he_o do_v not_o give_v they_o immediate_o a_o actual_a possession_n of_o it_o he_o fix_v the_o heart_n of_o that_o people_n upon_o that_o particular_a land_n lest_o they_o shall_v have_v be_v insensible_o disperse_v over_o the_o face_n of_o the_o whole_a earth_n and_o the_o patriarch_n upon_o their_o deathbed_n strict_o recommend_v the_o carry_v of_o their_o bone_n into_o it_o the_o better_a to_o fix_v the_o hope_n and_o affection_n of_o the_o whole_a nation_n upon_o it_o but_o lest_o it_o shall_v have_v happen_v that_o the_o canaanite_n the_o perisite_n the_o jebusite_n etc._n etc._n who_o be_v before_o in_o possession_n of_o that_o land_n shall_v have_v intermix_v themselves_o with_o the_o holy_a generation_n and_o consequent_o corrupt_v they_o by_o their_o superstition_n god_n himself_o consent_v that_o those_o nation_n shall_v in_o this_o life_n undergo_v a_o exemplary_a punishment_n for_o their_o sin_n which_o have_v be_v carry_v on_o to_o the_o utmost_a pitch_n of_o excess_n and_o for_o that_o end_n his_o vengeance_n make_v use_v of_o josuah_n and_o his_o army_n as_o instrument_n to_o destroy_v they_o utter_o the_o four_o be_v the_o tabernacle_n and_o afterward_o the_o
search_n no_o great_a sagacity_n or_o penetration_n of_o mind_n to_o discover_v this_o truth_n for_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v not_o design_v for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o carnal_a and_o worldly_a appetite_n of_o man_n as_o that_o of_o the_o present_a jew_n who_o aspire_v only_o after_o temporal_a prosperity_n and_o worldy_a pomp_n nor_o be_v it_o a_o monstrous_a medley_n like_o that_o of_o the_o samaritan_n make_v up_o of_o a_o ridiculous_a mixture_n of_o the_o pagan_a and_o jewish_a religion_n nor_o be_v it_o impious_a and_o cruel_a like_o that_o of_o the_o gnostic_n nor_o have_v it_o any_o of_o the_o fault_n or_o extravagant_a superstition_n of_o the_o pagan_a religion_n but_o since_o we_o have_v not_o leisure_n to_o oppose_v it_o particular_o to_o all_o the_o error_n of_o other_o religion_n we_o must_v be_v content_v to_o show_v in_o this_o comparison_n the_o advantage_n the_o christian_a religion_n have_v above_o all_o the_o rest_n by_o lay_v down_o the_o follow_a rule_n i._n other_o religion_n as_o be_v principal_o of_o human_a invention_n and_o institution_n be_v form_v by_o degree_n from_o the_o different_a imagination_n of_o several_a person_n who_o successive_o make_v such_o addition_n or_o alteration_n as_o they_o think_v convenient_a the_o greek_n for_o example_n add_v several_a thing_n to_o that_o religion_n they_o receive_v from_o the_o egyptian_n and_o the_o roman_n to_o that_o they_o have_v receive_v from_o the_o greek_n menander_n sâ—â—ll_o improve_v the_o â—ottish_a impiety_n of_o simon_n magus_n and_o saturninus_n and_o basilides_n add_v to_o those_o of_o menander_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o man_n be_v never_o weary_a of_o invent_v nor_o the_o people_n of_o believe_a novelty_n but_o it_o be_v not_o so_o with_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o be_v whole_o deliver_v by_o christ_n be_v entire_o contain_v in_o every_o one_o of_o the_o gospel_n and_o even_o in_o each_o epistle_n of_o the_o apostle_n what_o ever_o alteration_n man_n have_v think_v fit_a to_o make_v in_o the_o doctrine_n christ_n bring_v into_o the_o world_n do_v only_o corrupt_v the_o purity_n and_o spirituality_n of_o it_o as_o appear_v by_o the_o great_a disproportion_n there_o be_v betwixt_o the_o apostolical_a doctrine_n and_o the_o ordinary_a speculation_n of_o men._n ii_o other_o religion_n dare_v not_o show_v themselves_o open_o in_o full_a light_n and_o therefore_o be_v veil_v over_o with_o a_o mysterious_a silence_n and_o affect_a darkness_n the_o gnostic_n choose_v the_o night_n to_o cover_v the_o impurity_n of_o juvenal_n their_o abominable_a mystery_n and_o the_o roman_n expose_v themselves_o to_o the_o satirical_a raillery_n of_o their_o poet_n 〈◊〉_d be_v so_o careful_a to_o conceal_v the_o worship_n they_o pay_v to_o their_o goddess_n bona_n julian_n and_o porphyrius_n set_v all_o their_o wit_n to_o work_v either_o to_o set_v off_o the_o ridiculous_a and_o offensive_a ceremony_n of_o paganism_n or_o to_o palliate_v their_o superstition_n by_o several_a various_a explanation_n of_o it_o as_o when_o they_o so_o stiff_o affirm_v that_o they_o worship_v one_o only_o supreme_a god_n though_o they_o acknowledge_v at_o the_o same_o time_n other_o subordinate_a deity_n depend_v one_o upon_o another_o and_o when_o they_o endeavour_v to_o justify_v the_o worship_n they_o pay_v to_o their_o idol_n by_o use_v many_o subtle_a and_o nice_a distinction_n it_o be_v certain_a there_o be_v a_o principle_n of_o pride_n implant_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n which_o be_v the_o reason_n they_o can_v endure_v to_o be_v accuse_v of_o entertain_v any_o absurd_a and_o extravagant_a opinion_n so_o that_o when_o ever_o their_o passion_n have_v make_v they_o embrace_v a_o religion_n which_o seem_v not_o very_o reasonable_a they_o employ_v all_o heir_n wit_n to_o make_v it_o at_o least_o appear_v consonant_a to_o reason_n but_o the_o christian_a religion_n require_v no_o veil_n to_o cover_v it_o no_o mysterious_a silence_n no_o dark_a dissimulation_n or_o close_a disguise_n although_o it_o propose_v such_o kind_n of_o object_n to_o we_o as_o be_v vast_o contrary_a to_o all_o our_o prejudices_fw-la and_o receive_v opinion_n the_o apostle_n free_o confess_v that_o the_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n be_v as_o it_o be_v a_o apparent_a folly_n but_o yet_o they_o assure_v we_o god_n be_v resolve_v to_o save_v the_o world_n by_o that_o seem_a folly_n they_o know_v that_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n become_v a_o scandal_n to_o the_o jew_n and_o a_o folly_n to_o the_o greek_a yet_o they_o public_o declare_v that_o they_o be_v determine_v not_o to_o know_v any_o thing_n save_o jesus_n christ_n and_o he_o crucify_v and_o how_o come_v it_o then_o that_o they_o do_v not_o in_o the_o least_o mince_n or_o endeavour_v to_o soften_v the_o sense_n of_o that_o seem_a paradox_n so_o far_o be_v they_o from_o conceal_v it_o but_o that_o they_o be_v strong_o and_o full_o persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o adorable_a mystery_n and_o that_o the_o abundance_n of_o their_o understanding_n serve_v only_o to_o make_v they_o more_o full_o comprehend_v the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o cross_n iii_o shall_v we_o strict_o consider_v some_o religion_n we_o shall_v find_v they_o be_v first_o for_o the_o most_o part_n institue_v either_o by_o poet_n or_o philosopher_n and_o that_o they_o general_o spring_v from_o the_o sportive_a conceit_n or_o witty_a speculation_n of_o the_o understanding_n which_o be_v the_o reason_n they_o be_v not_o so_o universal_o approve_v the_o philosopher_n always_o deride_v the_o religion_n of_o the_o vulgar_a and_o the_o vulgar_a understand_v nothing_o of_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o philosopher_n socrates_n ridicule_v the_o religion_n of_o the_o athenian_n and_o the_o athenian_n accuse_v socrates_n of_o impiety_n and_o atheism_n and_o condemn_v he_o to_o death_n the_o christian_a religion_n alone_o be_v approve_v of_o as_o well_o by_o the_o philosopher_n as_o the_o vulgar_a people_n as_o neither_o depend_v upon_o the_o ignorance_n of_o the_o latter_a nor_o proceed_v from_o the_o learning_n of_o the_o former_a it_o have_v a_o divine_a efficacy_n and_o agreeable_a power_n suitable_a to_o all_o heart_n it_o be_v adapt_v to_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o most_o simple_a and_o ignorant_a though_o infinite_o raise_v above_o the_o philosophy_n of_o the_o wise_a it_o be_v sublime_a without_o be_v nice_o speculative_a and_o simple_a without_o be_v mean_a in_o its_o sublimity_n preserve_v its_o clearness_n and_o in_o its_o simplicity_n preserve_v its_o dignity_n in_o a_o word_n there_o be_v nothing_o so_o great_a nor_o so_o inconsiderable_a in_o human_a society_n but_o what_o may_v some_o way_n fall_n under_o its_o consideration_n and_o it_o be_v equal_o approve_v of_o and_o admire_v by_o all_o iv._o other_o religion_n bring_v man_n from_o spiritual_a object_n to_o those_o that_o be_v corporeal_a and_o earthly_a the_o christian_a religion_n bring_v they_o from_o the_o object_n of_o sense_n to_o those_o of_o the_o understanding_n we_o all_o know_v that_o the_o heathen_n when_o they_o deify_v man_n or_o worship_v a_o deity_n under_o a_o human_a shape_n they_o be_v so_o far_o pay_v that_o deity_n a_o worship_n due_a to_o a_o spiritual_a nature_n that_o their_o adoration_n consist_v in_o several_a game_n show_n and_o divers_a exercise_n of_o the_o body_n the_o jew_n and_o samaritan_n by_o their_o eager_a dispute_n whether_o god_n be_v to_o be_v worship_v in_o jerusalem_n or_o in_o mount_n gerazim_n extinguish_v charity_n the_o true_a spirit_n of_o religion_n in_o their_o too_o hot_a defence_n of_o the_o external_a part_n 5._o of_o it_o nay_o the_o prophet_n complain_v former_o that_o the_o jew_n make_v 〈…〉_z to_o consist_v in_o bow_v down_o their_o head_n as_o a_o â—â—â—rush_n and_o put_v on_o sackcloth_n and_o ash_n and_o the_o holy_a scripture_n observe_v that_o the_o priest_n of_o 28._o baal_n be_v wont_a to_o cut_v themselves_o with_o knife_n and_o lance_n when_o they_o sacrifice_v to_o he_o as_o if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n to_o make_v their_o god_n hear_v their_o prayer_n but_o by_o inflict_v such_o punishment_n on_o their_o own_o body_n the_o modern_a jew_n can_v be_v persuade_v that_o we_o have_v be_v call_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o true_a god_n though_o they_o find_v we_o all_o profess_v to_o put_v our_o trust_n and_o confidence_n in_o he_o because_o they_o perceive_v not_o that_o we_o use_v any_o corporeal_a ceremony_n and_o the_o mahometan_n more_o irreligious_a than_o superstitious_a make_v their_o religion_n and_o its_o happiness_n depend_v chief_o on_o their_o sense_n when_o they_o worship_n they_o turn_v themselves_o towards_o mecha_n as_o the_o jew_n do_v towards_o jerusalem_n and_o earnest_o desire_v of_o god_n that_o he_o will_v gratify_v their_o sense_n and_o though_o they_o have_v a_o sort_n of_o a_o religious_a respect_n for_o the_o letter_n that_o compose_v the_o name_n of_o god_n and_o