a_o false_a foundation_n for_o the_o great_a argument_n bring_v by_o the_o apostle_n to_o prove_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o doctrine_n they_o preach_v be_v the_o resurrection_n of_o jesus_n from_o the_o dead_a which_o if_o there_o have_v be_v no_o such_o thing_n st._n paul_n 1_o cor._n 15.15_o say_v of_o himself_o and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n that_o they_o have_v be_v no_o better_a than_o so_o many_o false-witness_n of_o god_n abuse_v his_o name_n for_o the_o countenance_v a_o imposture_n which_o their_o preach_a have_v certain_o be_v if_o christ_n have_v not_o real_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a the_o scripture_n assure_v we_o act_v 1.3_o that_o jesus_n show_v himself_o alive_a after_o his_o death_n to_o his_o disciple_n by_o many_o infallible_a proof_n i._n e._n such_o evidence_n wherein_o there_o can_v be_v no_o mistake_n be_v see_v of_o they_o forty_o day_n and_o speak_v of_o the_o thing_n pertain_v to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o if_o we_o diligent_o 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valuable_a to_o they_o rather_o than_o they_o will_v deny_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o they_o witness_v if_o these_o thing_n have_v happen_v in_o a_o careless_a and_o drowsy_a age_n when_o people_n have_v be_v so_o indifferent_a about_o religion_n as_o never_o to_o matter_n what_o be_v propound_v to_o they_o it_o be_v possible_a than_o that_o man_n may_v have_v go_v on_o so_o long_o in_o a_o lie_n till_o they_o have_v get_v interest_n enough_o to_o propagate_v it_o for_o a_o truth_n but_o the_o apostle_n no_o soon_o appear_v witness_v these_o thing_n but_o they_o meet_v with_o a_o early_a and_o vigorous_a opposition_n and_o that_o from_o the_o chief_a man_n in_o power_n who_o make_v it_o their_o business_n to_o suppress_v they_o both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n be_v set_v against_o they_o and_o they_o have_v no_o other_o favour_n show_v they_o but_o this_o
that_o if_o they_o will_v recant_v what_o they_o have_v say_v to_o jesus_n and_o leave_v off_o speak_v any_o more_o in_o his_o name_n they_o may_v enjoy_v their_o ease_n and_o quiet_v and_o perhaps_o have_v some_o reward_n into_o the_o bargain_n but_o if_o they_o will_v persist_v and_o go_v on_o they_o must_v look_v for_o the_o sharp_a trial_n and_o persecution_n which_o indeed_o these_o holy_a man_n meet_v withal_o almost_o in_o all_o place_n where_o they_o come_v now_o have_v the_o resurrection_n of_o jesus_n from_o the_o dead_a be_v only_o a_o feign_a story_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o rest_n that_o have_v combine_v to_o spread_v it_o abroad_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o while_o they_o meet_v with_o no_o hazard_n nor_o danger_n they_o may_v carry_v on_o the_o cheat_n yet_o when_o life_n lie_v at_o stake_n it_o be_v very_o hard_a to_o think_v that_o any_o one_o will_v die_v for_o that_o which_o he_o know_v to_o be_v a_o untruth_n but_o here_o we_o find_v in_o this_o case_n 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attempt_n and_o that_o be_v that_o care_n which_o be_v take_v to_o lay_v the_o linen_n clothes_n by_o themselves_o in_o the_o sepulchre_n luke_n 24.12_o and_o yet_o the_o napkin_n that_o be_v about_o his_o head_n do_v not_o lie_v with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o linen_n clothes_n but_o be_v wrap_v together_o in_o a_o place_n by_o itself_o joh._n 20.7_o which_o be_v the_o most_o unlikely_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n that_o the_o disciple_n shall_v be_v so_o curious_a in_o sort_v the_o linen_n which_o they_o will_v either_o have_v take_v away_o with_o the_o body_n or_o at_o least_o not_o have_v spend_v time_n to_o wrap_v it_o so_o careful_o together_o 6._o last_o suppose_v they_o have_v take_v away_o the_o body_n quid_fw-la ex_fw-la cadavere_fw-la emolumenti_fw-la what_o benefit_n can_v they_o hope_v from_o a_o dead_a carcase_n will_v that_o be_v enough_o to_o make_v they_o forsake_v their_o dear_a relation_n to_o lay_v aside_o the_o sentiment_n and_o opinion_n in_o which_o they_o have_v for_o a_o long_a time_n be_v educate_v and_o instruct_v to_o expose_v themselves_o to_o a_o thousand_o vexatious_a reproach_n and_o at_o last_o to_o a_o vile_a and_o ignominious_a death_n and_o all_o to_o maintain_v the_o credit_n of_o a_o person_n that_o have_v so_o gross_o frustrate_v their_o expectation_n sure_o he_o that_o can_v believe_v such_o thing_n of_o the_o apostle_n must_v offer_v the_o great_a violence_n in_o the_o world_n not_o only_o to_o his_o own_o but_o to_o the_o understanding_n of_o all_o mankind_n and_o now_o we_o can_v but_o see_v the_o unreasonableness_n of_o infidelity_n that_o it_o must_v be_v either_o a_o very_a crooked_a and_o untoward_a education_n or_o a_o obstinate_a base_a and_o perverse_a spirit_n that_o carry_v man_n with_o so_o much_o contempt_n and_o scorn_n against_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n for_o if_o these_o person_n be_v ask_v upon_o what_o account_n they_o give_v credit_n to_o thucydides_n history_n of_o the_o peloponnesian_a war_n or_o plutarch_n life_n or_o any_o other_o ancient_a historian_n they_o must_v say_v that_o the_o constant_a and_o universal_a consent_n of_o the_o most_o learned_a and_o judicious_a have_v all_o along_o determine_v those_o person_n to_o be_v the_o author_n of_o those_o book_n and_o that_o they_o be_v person_n of_o credit_n and_o veracity_n and_o be_v it_o not_o mere_a frowardness_n humour_n and_o fantastickness_n to_o reject_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n hand_v down_o successive_o for_o sixteen_o hundred_o year_n and_o upward_o concern_v the_o book_n of_o the_o new-testament_n let_v they_o but_o have_v the_o same_o temper_n and_o disposition_n of_o mind_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o history_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o they_o retain_v in_o behalf_n of_o the_o forementioned_a historian_n and_o they_o must_v of_o necessity_n confess_v that_o there_o be_v at_o least_o as_o many_o and_o as_o weighty_a motive_n of_o credibility_n for_o that_o as_o possible_o can_v be_v excogitated_a for_o these_o moreover_o according_a to_o the_o different_a nature_n of_o thing_n there_o be_v different_a way_n of_o probation_n and_o no_o man_n will_v expect_v a_o mathematical_a demonstration_n to_o prove_v a_o moral_a proposition_n it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o every_o ingenuous_a nature_n that_o there_o be_v as_o full_a and_o clear_a evidence_n as_o the_o matter_n can_v bear_v hence_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n though_o it_o may_v seem_v more_o satisfactory_a to_o have_v see_v he_o as_o the_o apostle_n do_v with_o a_o man_n be_v own_o eye_n yet_o pronounce_v they_o bless_v that_o have_v not_o see_v 20.29_o and_o yet_o have_v believe_v intimate_v that_o it_o be_v a_o more_o generous_a faith_n to_o believe_v unsuspected_a witness_n upon_o the_o full_a and_o clear_a evidence_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n than_o if_o this_o faith_n be_v constrain_v and_o as_o it_o be_v necessitate_v by_o ocular_a demonstration_n hence_o we_o may_v understand_v the_o meaning_n of_o those_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n mat._n 12.32_o and_o whosoever_o speak_v a_o word_n against_o the_o son_n of_o man_n it_o shall_v be_v forgive_v he_o but_o whosoever_o speak_v against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n it_o shall_v not_o be_v forgive_v he_o neither_o in_o this_o world_n neither_o in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v that_o be_v though_o it_o be_v a_o great_a sin_n not_o to_o believe_v our_o saviour_n to_o be_v send_v from_o god_n after_o he_o have_v give_v such_o manifest_a proof_n of_o it_o by_o his_o numerous_a and_o stupendous_a miracle_n yet_o the_o sin_n be_v not_o come_v to_o its_o height_n because_o there_o want_v yet_o further_o evidence_n our_o lord_n be_v not_o yet_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a but_o after_o his_o resurrection_n and_o ascension_n into_o heaven_n and_o as_o a_o confirmation_n of_o this_o the_o
nature_n will_v lead_v they_o to_o that_o they_o can_v be_v so_o wicked_a as_o they_o will_v be_v for_o fear_v and_o sense_n of_o pain_n have_v a_o great_a force_n upon_o our_o mind_n in_o this_o earthly_a state_n than_o the_o strong_a and_o most_o refine_a deduction_n of_o reason_n we_o can_v but_o see_v how_o weak_a and_o ineffectual_a those_o humane_a law_n be_v which_o have_v no_o punishment_n annex_v for_o the_o transgressor_n and_o by_o how_o much_o the_o great_a the_o penalty_n be_v by_o so_o much_o the_o more_o cautious_a it_o render_v the_o action_n of_o men._n now_o as_o no_o humane_a law_n do_v direct_o intend_v punishment_n so_o neither_o do_v the_o law_n of_o god_n but_o this_o severe_a penalty_n be_v add_v as_o a_o fence_n and_o security_n and_o serve_v to_o fright_v man_n out_o of_o the_o arm_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o be_v a_o powerful_a bar_n against_o the_o wild_a excursion_n of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n have_v now_o so_o full_o manifest_v that_o christianity_n have_v nothing_o unreasonable_a in_o it_o whether_o we_o look_v upon_o the_o frame_n and_o make_v of_o it_o in_o general_n or_o whether_o we_o reflect_v upon_o the_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o it_o we_o may_v draw_v some_o few_o inference_n from_o hence_o as_o 1._o that_o every_o christian_a according_a to_o his_o capacity_n ought_v to_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o his_o duty_n to_o be_v able_a to_o give_v a_o reason_n of_o his_o faith_n it_o be_v the_o apostle_n advice_n 1_o pet._n 3.15_o be_v ready_a to_o give_v a_o answer_n to_o every_o man_n that_o ask_v you_o a_o reason_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o you_o and_o again_o 1_o thess_n 5.21_o prove_v all_o thing_n hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a for_o since_o god_n have_v so_o far_o comply_v with_o our_o weakness_n as_o to_o suit_v the_o whole_a business_n of_o religion_n to_o our_o measure_n and_o capacity_n and_o yet_o make_v all_o its_o command_n and_o doctrine_n to_o bear_v so_o grateful_a and_o please_a a_o harmony_n with_o our_o rational_a frame_n he_o expect_v that_o we_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o say_v more_o for_o it_o than_o a_o jew_n for_o the_o moysaicall_a law_n or_o a_o turk_n for_o the_o alcoran_n or_o a_o pagan_a for_o his_o ancient_a superstition_n and_o yet_o so_o supine_o negligent_a be_v the_o great_a part_n of_o those_o that_o profess_v christianity_n that_o they_o can_v give_v no_o better_a account_n why_o they_o be_v christian_n than_o that_o it_o be_v the_o religion_n which_o their_o forefather_n live_v and_o die_v in_o or_o because_o it_o be_v that_o which_o by_o law_n be_v establish_v among_o they_o and_o they_o have_v be_v train_v up_o from_o their_o infancy_n in_o such_o a_o persuasion_n which_o be_v no_o more_o than_o what_o multitude_n of_o the_o great_a heretic_n have_v have_v to_o plead_v for_o themselves_o whereas_o christian_a religion_n bear_v in_o its_o face_n the_o evident_a mark_n and_o character_n of_o the_o eternal_a reason_n must_v sure_o admit_v of_o a_o better_a 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possible_a care_n for_o our_o satisfaction_n that_o we_o may_v not_o believe_v blindfold_a without_o inquire_v or_o ask_v a_o reason_n it_o be_v a_o sure_a sign_n that_o he_o will_v have_v we_o make_v use_n of_o those_o faculty_n that_o he_o have_v give_v we_o and_o moreover_o the_o great_a cognation_n there_o be_v between_o the_o law_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o primitive_a inscription_n of_o our_o soul_n put_v we_o out_o of_o all_o doubt_n that_o they_o be_v not_o the_o effect_n and_o result_v of_o mere_a arbitrarious_fw-la will_n but_o the_o product_n of_o immutable_a and_o eternal_a wisdom_n wherefore_o as_o god_n have_v give_v we_o our_o bodily_a eye_n to_o secure_v we_o from_o harm_n and_o danger_n and_o to_o direct_v we_o in_o the_o several_a action_n of_o our_o life_n so_o have_v he_o give_v we_o our_o reason_n and_o understanding_n to_o perform_v the_o same_o office_n for_o our_o soul_n that_o our_o eye_n do_v for_o our_o body_n 3._o last_o there_o be_v no_o man_n can_v despise_v and_o undervalue_v the_o gospel_n but_o he_o must_v be_v give_v over_o to_o a_o profane_a and_o atheistical_a spirit_n for_o since_o there_o appear_v such_o signal_n notice_n and_o characteristical_a mark_n of_o divinity_n all_o along_o in_o the_o scripture_n and_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o justice_n and_o injustice_n truth_n and_o falsehood_n antecedent_n to_o all_o positive_a law_n whatever_o and_o these_o notion_n engrave_v at_o their_o first_o creation_n upon_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n it_o must_v necessary_o argue_v a_o strange_a disease_n and_o distemper_n of_o mind_n to_o contradict_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v so_o symmetrical_a and_o agreeable_a with_o their_o intellectual_a frame_n i_o confess_v there_o be_v some_o who_o as_o st._n paul_n speak_v of_o the_o gentile_n or_o pagan_n rom._n 1.18_o do_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d unjust_o detain_v and_o imprison_v the_o truth_n that_o whereas_o their_o natural_a faculty_n suggest_v to_o they_o the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n and_o that_o this_o all-perfect_a be_v can_v communicate_v his_o will_n and_o pleasure_n to_o we_o mortal_n yet_o will_v rather_o stupefy_v besot_v and_o bedead_o the_o choice_a power_n of_o their_o soul_n than_o suffer_v they_o to_o entertain_v a_o truth_n so_o uncomply_v with_o their_o carnal_a lust_n and_o affection_n and_o this_o the_o same_o apostle_n express_v in_o another_o place_n 2_o thess_n 2.10_o by_o not_o receive_v the_o love_n of_o the_o truth_n i._n e._n not_o carry_v such_o a_o pliable_a ductile_a and_o sequacious_a temper_n of_o mind_n as_o aught_o to_o receive_v and_o embrace_v what_o be_v so_o congenerous_a with_o itself_o and_o nothing_o soon_o throw_v the_o soul_n into_o this_o force_a and_o preternatural_a state_n wherein_o it_o lose_v that_o criterion_n that_o shall_v distinguish_v between_o good_a and_o evil_a truth_n and_o falsehood_n than_o sensuality_n and_o the_o love_n of_o the_o animal_n life_n for_o this_o petrefy_v stiffn_v and_o make_v the_o mind_n so_o insensible_a and_o obdurate_a as_o not_o to_o be_v rouse_v up_o and_o awaken_v with_o the_o voice_n of_o thunder_n wherefore_o when_o religion_n be_v make_v so_o full_o unexceptionable_a to_o deride_v and_o scoff_n at_o it_o as_o a_o mean_a jejune_n and_o contemptible_a thing_n against_o all_o the_o sense_n and_o reason_n that_o ever_o mankind_n be_v endue_v withal_o be_v as_o horrid_a a_o piece_n of_o impiety_n as_o any_o one_o can_v be_v guilty_a of_o and_o will_v at_o last_o lead_n to_o the_o uncomfortable_a chamber_n of_o eternal_a destruction_n a_o defence_n of_o reveal_v religion_n sermon_n iu._n rome_n i._o 16._o for_o i_o be_o not_o ashamed_a of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n we_o have_v take_v away_o in_o what_o have_v be_v already_o discourse_v from_o these_o word_n the_o two_o first_o cause_n or_o ground_n which_o may_v induce_v a_o man_n to_o be_v ashamed_a of_o any_o matter_n or_o doctrine_n propound_v to_o gain_v belief_n to_o it_o and_o they_o be_v if_o it_o be_v neither_o true_a nor_o reasonable_a 3._o the_o three_o be_v if_o it_o be_v not_o intelligible_a i._n e._n if_o it_o be_v not_o deliver_v in_o such_o plain_a and_o easy_a term_n as_o that_o those_o to_o who_o it_o be_v deliver_v may_v understand_v it_o now_o as_o to_o this_o particular_a we_o shall_v lay_v down_o this_o conclusion_n that_o christian_a religion_n so_o far_o as_o concern_v the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n be_v so_o plain_a and_o open_a that_o the_o most_o mean_a and_o vulgar_a sort_n may_v understand_v it_o and_o this_o we_o shall_v prove_v not_o only_o very_o reasonable_a that_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o but_o absolute_o necessary_a and_o can_v not_o be_v otherwise_o and_o that_o upon_o these_o account_n 1._o christianity_n be_v give_v to_o be_v the_o religion_n of_o all_o man_n not_o only_o of_o philosopher_n and_o
particular_a object_n 1._o it_o may_v here_o be_v say_v if_o the_o gospel_n i._n e._n christian_n religion_n be_v so_o plain_a and_o fit_v to_o the_o mean_a capacity_n why_o be_v it_o then_o call_v a_o mystery_n now_o a_o mystery_n be_v a_o sacred_a and_o hide_a piece_n of_o wisdom_n contain_v under_o it_o some_o great_a and_o excellent_a truth_n and_o such_o be_v the_o gospel_n which_o the_o apostle_n call_v eph._n 3.4_o 5._o the_o mystery_n of_o christ_n which_o in_o other_o age_n be_v not_o make_v know_v to_o the_o son_n of_o man_n as_o it_o be_v now_o reveal_v unto_o his_o holy_a apostle_n and_o prophet_n by_o the_o spirit_n and_o again_o coloss_n 1.26_o it_o be_v call_v the_o mystery_n which_o be_v hide_v from_o age_n and_o generation_n but_o now_o be_v make_v manifest_a to_o the_o saint_n now_o if_o as_o we_o see_v the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o the_o gospel_n be_v such_o a_o mysterious_a thing_n how_o come_v it_o to_o be_v so_o plain_a and_o obvious_a as_o we_o have_v say_v to_o 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persuasion_n shall_v have_v arisen_a and_o so_o long_o trouble_v and_o vex_v the_o christian_a church_n if_o all_o thing_n have_v be_v at_o first_o sight_n plain_a and_o intelligible_a to_o every_o one_o not_o to_o mention_v the_o many_o prophecy_n utter_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v no_o otherwise_o know_v but_o by_o their_o event_n and_o fulfil_n and_o till_o then_o man_n make_v but_o uncertain_a guess_n and_o conjecture_n about_o they_o and_o that_o this_o obscurity_n in_o some_o thing_n of_o religion_n be_v very_o become_v the_o all-comprehensive_a wisdom_n of_o god_n appear_v to_o be_v very_o reasonable_a 1._o to_o conciliate_v reverence_n and_o esteem_v to_o religion_n shall_v god_n at_o once_o have_v lay_v open_a all_o the_o pearl_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o every_o carnal_a eye_n they_o will_v have_v be_v apt_a to_o have_v contemn_v and_o despise_v they_o since_o it_o be_v the_o common_a guise_n and_o fashion_n of_o the_o world_n to_o esteem_v that_o of_o little_a worth_n and_o value_n that_o cost_v no_o labour_n and_o pain_n to_o come_v at_o whereas_o they_o apprehend_v something_o more_o than_o ordinary_a some_o great_a matter_n to_o be_v contain_v in_o that_o which_o be_v wrap_v up_o and_o keep_v secret_a and_o reserve_v from_o common_a sight_n therefore_o that_o this_o great_a gift_n of_o god_n may_v not_o prove_v despicable_a and_o contemptible_a he_o be_v please_v to_o veil_n it_o in_o a_o good_a measure_n that_o man_n may_v not_o know_v the_o worth_n of_o it_o at_o once_o but_o that_o the_o more_o they_o look_v into_o it_o the_o more_o they_o shall_v admire_v the_o unvaluableness_n and_o richness_n of_o it_o it_o be_v record_v of_o some_o of_o the_o king_n of_o persia_n that_o they_o show_v themselves_o to_o their_o subject_n but_o once_o a_o year_n that_o they_o may_v be_v more_o reverence_v and_o adore_v when_o they_o offer_v themselves_o to_o the_o people_n view_n and_o god_n that_o he_o may_v gain_v more_o reverence_n and_o estimation_n to_o this_o infinite_a treasure_n wherewith_o he_o have_v enrich_v the_o world_n he_o keep_v a_o great_a part_n of_o it_o hide_a and_o be_v not_o win_v without_o many_o prayer_n and_o earnest_a importunity_n accompany_v with_o great_a diligence_n to_o show_v unto_o man_n the_o glorious_a beauty_n of_o it_o 2._o it_o be_v very_o become_v that_o some_o thing_n in_o religion_n shall_v be_v obscure_a and_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v some_o high_a and_o raise_v truth_n above_o the_o level_n of_o common_a understanding_n that_o so_o all_o holy_a person_n may_v find_v matter_n of_o delight_n and_o satisfaction_n according_a to_o their_o several_a stature_n and_o growth_n in_o grace_n hence_o st._n john_n 1_o ep._n 1.13_o speak_v of_o little_a child_n and_o young_a man_n and_o father_n in_o religion_n and_o according_a to_o this_o their_o several_a growth_n and_o stature_n in_o christ_n jesus_n there_o must_v likewise_o be_v a_o difference_n in_o the_o meat_n or_o food_n they_o be_v nourish_v withal_o a_o man_n be_v not_o content_v with_o that_o which_o will_v nourish_v a_o infant_n but_o require_v strong_a meat_n therefore_o st._n paul_n right_o distinguish_v of_o this_o heb._n 5.12_o 13_o 14._o for_o when_o for_o the_o time_n you_o ought_v to_o be_v teacher_n you_o have_v need_v that_o one_o teach_v you_o again_o which_o be_v the_o first_o principle_n of_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n and_o be_v become_v such_o as_o have_v need_n of_o milk_n and_o not_o of_o strong_a meat_n for_o every_o one_o that_o use_v milk_n be_v unskilful_a in_o the_o word_n of_o righteousness_n for_o he_o be_v a_o babe_n but_o strong_a meat_n belong_v to_o they_o that_o be_v of_o full_a age_n now_o that_o the_o gospel_n may_v be_v fit_v for_o all_o these_o sort_n of_o person_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o it_o shall_v be_v furnish_v with_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v plain_a and_o which_o may_v be_v deliver_v in_o a_o catechetical_a way_n as_o thing_n absolute_o necessary_a to_o the_o salvation_n of_o every_o one_o and_o than_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v store_v with_o high_a and_o more_o raise_v doctrine_n for_o the_o gratification_n of_o they_o that_o be_v of_o full_a age_n in_o christ_n who_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o growth_n in_o the_o divine_a life_n have_v their_o sense_n exercise_v to_o discern_v both_o good_a and_o evil._n and_o according_o the_o apostle_n when_o he_o lay_v down_o the_o character_n of_o a_o bishop_n say_z 1_o tim._n 3.6_o that_o he_o must_v not_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o novice_n i._n e._n one_o that_o only_o know_v the_o first_o rudiment_n of_o religion_n but_o be_v not_o able_a to_o pierce_v into_o the_o depth_n of_o it_o 3._o that_o there_o shall_v be_v some_o difficulty_n in_o religion_n be_v but_o reasonable_a to_o exercise_v man_n diligence_n in_o search_v after_o these_o hide_a treasure_n of_o wisdom_n for_o it_o be_v not_o to_o the_o careless_a oscitant_fw-la person_n but_o to_o the_o diligent_a and_o inquisitive_a that_o god_n have_v promise_v a_o increase_n of_o wisdom_n he_o that_o will_v attain_v to_o divine_a knowledge_n must_v seek_v she_o as_o silver_n and_o search_v after_o she_o as_o for_o hide_a treasure_n as_o solomon_n long_o since_o advise_v prov._n 2.4_o and_o our_o bless_a saviour_n in_o a_o parable_n mat._n 13.45_o 46._o likens_n the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n to_o a_o merchantman_n seek_v goodly_a pearl_n who_o when_o he_o have_v find_v one_o pearl_n of_o great_a price_n he_o go_v and_o sell_v all_o that_o he_o have_v and_o buy_v it_o all_o these_o thing_n denote_v our_o diligent_a search_n and_o careful_a enquiry_n after_o wisdom_n now_o god_n that_o he_o may_v gratify_v the_o innocent_a desire_n of_o man_n after_o knowledge_n and_o likewise_o reward_v their_o pain_n and_o labour_n in_o search_v after_o it_o he_o open_v and_o discover_v to_o they_o such_o treasure_n
never_o enjoy_v so_o little_a hope_n be_v there_o of_o solid_a contentment_n and_o satisfaction_n in_o any_o thing_n but_o sincere_a virtue_n 2._o communion_n with_o god_n be_v another_o blessing_n of_o the_o soul_n but_o this_o be_v so_o peculiar_a to_o virtue_n and_o religion_n that_o a_o wicked_a man_n while_o he_o continue_v so_o can_v never_o have_v the_o least_o taste_n or_o vital_a relish_n of_o it_o there_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o natural_a sympathy_n and_o harmony_n run_v through_o the_o world_n whereby_o thing_n of_o a_o like_a nature_n incline_v to_o and_o be_v attractive_a of_o one_o another_o now_o where_o there_o be_v no_o agreeableness_n or_o suitableness_n of_o nature_n there_o can_v be_v no_o firm_a union_n or_o society_n and_o it_o be_v as_o impossible_a for_o a_o vicious_a man_n to_o have_v any_o communion_n with_o god_n as_o it_o be_v for_o the_o element_n to_o change_v their_o nature_n or_o darkness_n and_o light_n to_o combine_v and_o love_o shake_v hand_n together_o and_o whatever_o our_o modern_a spiritualist_n and_o enthusiast_n may_v talk_v of_o their_o be_v god_v with_o god_n and_o christen_v with_o christ_n to_o who_o it_o may_v just_o be_v reply_v in_o the_o word_n of_o plotinus_n long_o ago_o to_o the_o gnostic_n that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d without_o virtue_n and_o real_a goodness_n god_n be_v but_o a_o name_n a_o empty_a and_o dry_a sound_n yet_o certain_o there_o be_v a_o very_a intimate_a communion_n between_o god_n and_o the_o soul_n of_o every_o good_a man_n when_o the_o soul_n converse_v with_o he_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d by_o a_o quiet_a and_o secret_a feel_n of_o the_o virtue_n sweetness_n and_o power_n of_o his_o goodness_n as_o the_o forename_a philosopher_n express_v it_o and_o describe_v further_o this_o tactual_a conjunction_n of_o the_o soul_n with_o god_n he_o say_v that_o god_n and_o the_o soul_n do_v as_o it_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d join_v centre_n and_o centre_n do_v whole_o swallow_v up_o one_o another_o so_o that_o this_o philosopher_n seem_v to_o aim_v at_o a_o union_n even_o more_o than_o touch_n but_o whatever_o idea_n these_o high_a and_o raise_v expression_n may_v imprint_v upon_o our_o mind_n yet_o doubtless_o their_o full_a sense_n be_v comprehend_v in_o that_o of_o st._n john_n 1_o ep._n 4.16_o god_n be_v love_n and_o he_o that_o dwell_v in_o love_n dwell_v in_o god_n and_o god_n in_o he_o i._n e._n there_o be_v a_o intimate_a communication_n between_o god_n and_o he_o that_o be_v thorough_o baptise_a into_o the_o spirit_n of_o divine_a love_n and_o god_n impart_v himself_o to_o such_o a_o one_o in_o this_o life_n so_o far_o as_o he_o be_v capable_a of_o receive_v the_o communication_n of_o his_o infinite_a fullness_n which_o be_v the_o high_a privilege_n of_o create_a nature_n 3._o a_o good_a use_n of_o our_o faculty_n as_o the_o understanding_n memory_n and_o will._n when_o the_o understanding_n be_v pure_a and_o clear_a and_o capable_a of_o difference_v and_o discern_v the_o best_a thing_n and_o the_o will_v obedient_a to_o that_o light_n present_v to_o it_o and_o the_o memory_n like_o a_o faithful_a steward_n treasure_n up_o those_o choice_n and_o useful_a truth_n commit_v to_o its_o trust_n now_o true_a goodness_n be_v of_o such_o a_o nature_n as_o that_o it_o purify_v and_o refine_v these_o faculty_n of_o the_o mind_n which_o on_o the_o contrary_a be_v infinite_o weaken_v and_o disorder_v by_o sensuality_n and_o immoderate_a desire_n after_o the_o bodily_a life_n there_o be_v nothing_o cast_v so_o fatal_a a_o damp_n upon_o the_o choice_a power_n of_o the_o soul_n as_o a_o deep_a immersion_n in_o sensual_a pleasure_n so_o that_o though_o in_o this_o life_n we_o see_v but_o in_o a_o glass_n as_o the_o apostle_n phrase_n it_o and_o that_o dark_o yet_o such_o be_v our_o infelicity_n that_o the_o gross_a stream_n and_o suffusion_n that_o arise_v by_o the_o enormous_a agitation_n of_o the_o corporeal_a life_n so_o full_o and_o besmear_v the_o glass_n of_o our_o understanding_n that_o the_o pure_a image_n of_o the_o divinity_n and_o the_o bright_a face_n of_o truth_n can_v sincere_o be_v see_v and_o discern_v in_o it_o and_o hence_o it_o be_v clear_a and_o evident_a that_o the_o mind_n be_v never_o so_o healthful_a and_o sprightly_a as_o when_o it_o be_v carry_v in_o a_o steady_a and_o even_a course_n of_o virtue_n let_v we_o now_o consider_v the_o blessing_n of_o the_o body_n which_o be_v health_n and_o freedom_n from_o pain_n and_o what_o tend_v more_o to_o the_o advancement_n of_o these_o than_o temperance_n chastity_n and_o sobriety_n for_o the_o mind_n be_v thorough_o purge_v and_o free_v from_o the_o pressure_n of_o earthly_a vice_n and_o extravagant_a lust_n derive_v a_o heal_a influence_n even_o upon_o the_o body_n itself_o and_o add_v a_o briskness_n and_o vivacity_n to_o our_o terrestrial_a frame_n but_o when_o the_o soul_n be_v sower_v with_o hatred_n pine_v with_o envy_n and_o daily_o fret_v with_o those_o corrode_a care_n a_o covetous_a humour_n infect_v it_o withal_o the_o body_n participate_v of_o the_o infirmity_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o often_o betray_v its_o own_o ill_a constitution_n by_o a_o meagre_n look_v and_o a_o pale_a and_o deject_a countenance_n be_v not_o the_o voluptuous_a person_n frequent_o press_v into_o the_o grave_a by_o a_o unequal_a load_n of_o meat_n and_o drink_n and_o do_v not_o the_o lascivious_a man_n groan_n under_o the_o misery_n be_v contract_v from_o a_o lustful_a bed_n nay_o many_o time_n the_o innocent_a posterity_n rue_v the_o fault_n and_o sin_n of_o their_o ancestor_n and_o the_o rottenness_n and_o disease_n of_o the_o parent_n procure_v by_o their_o insatiable_a and_o ungovernable_a appetite_n be_v equal_o transmit_v together_o with_o their_o inheritance_n to_o their_o child_n only_o virtue_n that_o be_v kind_a and_o beneficial_a to_o we_o by_o forbid_v we_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o will_v destroy_v our_o nature_n and_o if_o we_o will_v hearken_v to_o its_o gentle_a whisper_v it_o not_o only_o show_v we_o how_o by_o a_o natural_a efficacy_n it_o will_v preserve_v our_o health_n and_o free_v we_o from_o pain_n by_o accustom_v we_o to_o a_o discreet_a moderation_n of_o our_o sensual_a passion_n and_o desire_n but_o it_o bestow_v a_o benign_a pulchritude_n and_o serenity_n that_o be_v easy_o discern_v in_o the_o external_a visage_n and_o countenance_n and_o perhaps_o solomon_n may_v allude_v to_o some_o such_o thing_n as_o this_o when_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o wisdom_n make_v the_o face_n to_o shine_v 8.1_o intimate_v that_o the_o practice_n of_o holiness_n and_o virtue_n fill_v the_o soul_n with_o such_o a_o cheerful_a light_n and_o vigour_n as_o diffuse_v those_o lovely_a beam_n which_o become_v visible_a in_o the_o very_a face_n as_o the_o emperor_n antoninus_n observe_v that_o a_o good_a single-hearted_n and_o benign_a person_n discover_v these_o beautiful_a qualification_n in_o his_o eye_n neither_o be_v it_o possible_a for_o he_o to_o hide_v they_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o advantage_n which_o accrue_v to_o the_o body_n from_o religion_n the_o blessing_n which_o belong_v joint_o both_o to_o the_o soul_n and_o body_n be_v 1._o a_o good_a name_n and_o reputation_n there_o be_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n a_o natural_a desire_n of_o perpetuate_a his_o name_n and_o memory_n and_o in_o all_o his_o action_n of_o moment_n he_o make_v to_o himself_o little_a emblem_n and_o faint_a representation_n of_o immortality_n from_o hence_o spring_v the_o care_n of_o posterity_n and_o here_o lie_v the_o ground_n of_o those_o costly_a monument_n erect_v by_o the_o ancient_n viz._n that_o they_o may_v immortalize_v their_o name_n but_o these_o be_v poor_a and_o petty_a thing_n and_o the_o effect_n of_o a_o mean_a and_o abject_a mind_n to_o place_v our_o fame_n and_o reputation_n in_o any_o of_o those_o external_a thing_n which_o the_o injury_n of_o time_n may_v obliterate_v and_o deface_v a_o good_a name_n and_o reputation_n be_v only_o the_o production_n of_o true_a and_o sincere_a virtue_n and_o by_o how_o much_o the_o more_o noble_a and_o expansive_a this_o be_v by_o so_o much_o the_o more_o glorious_a a_o memory_n do_v it_o transmit_v of_o we_o to_o succeed_a generation_n this_o alone_a will_v make_v the_o remembrance_n of_o we_o like_o a_o precious_a ointment_n which_o will_v yield_v a_o pleasant_a fragrancy_n and_o perfume_n when_o we_o be_v go_v into_o the_o other_o world_n 2._o a_o competency_n of_o mean_n and_o estate_n it_o be_v true_a a_o flourish_a condition_n be_v not_o always_o the_o lot_n of_o the_o best_a christian_a but_o rather_o consider_v the_o restless_a endeavour_n of_o vice_n to_o promote_v itself_o we_o must_v expect_v through_o many_o tribulation_n to_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o if_o the_o sincere_o religious_a person_n do_v not_o flow_v with_o earthly_a