by_o reflect_v on_o it_o will_v persuade_v himself_o that_o his_o interest_n be_v indeed_o engage_v in_o it_o for_o it_o affect_v those_o very_a passion_n which_o be_v wont_a to_o betray_v the_o will_n of_o man_n to_o sin_n desire_v and_o fear_n and_o will_v man_n consider_v can_v not_o but_o be_v more_o prevalent_a than_o all_o other_o object_n which_o move_v those_o passion_n since_o the_o reward_n propose_v be_v more_o desirable_a the_o punishment_n denounce_v more_o to_o be_v fear_v than_o any_o other_o thing_n whatsoever_o this_o be_v the_o argument_n which_o our_o lord_n his_o forerunner_n john_n baptiâ—…t_n and_o his_o apostle_n employ_v to_o convert_v the_o world_n repent_v for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v at_o hand_n the_o time_n now_o come_v when_o he_o will_v no_o long_o wink_v at_o the_o sin_n of_o mankind_n when_o he_o will_v evident_o declare_v his_o resolution_n to_o punish_v impenitent_a sinner_n and_o even_o exemplify_v it_o in_o the_o terrible_a destruction_n of_o the_o impenitent_a nation_n of_o the_o jew_n as_o he_o do_v short_o after_o the_o axe_n be_v now_o lay_v to_o the_o root_n of_o the_o tree_n and_o every_o tree_n which_o bring_v not_o foâ—…th_o good_a fruit_n shall_v be_v hew_v down_o and_o cast_v into_o the_o fire_n these_o and_o such_o like_a denunciation_n of_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n to_o unrepent_v sinner_n draw_v multitude_n of_o man_n to_o a_o sense_n of_o and_o sorrow_n for_o their_o sin_n not_o only_o the_o more_o devout_a jew_n but_o also_o soldier_n and_o publican_n who_o confess_v their_o sin_n be_v then_o baptise_a manifest_v by_o that_o ancient_o receive_v emblem_n of_o purity_n and_o innocence_n their_o resolution_n of_o sin_v no_o more_o even_o after_o a_o full_a conviction_n form_v of_o their_o duty_n our_o lord_n think_v fit_a to_o propose_v this_o very_a argument_n to_o his_o disciple_n who_o have_v be_v long_o train_v up_o in_o obedience_n to_o he_o and_o be_v now_o enter_v upon_o the_o most_o difficult_a point_n of_o christianity_n the_o patient_a endure_v of_o persecution_n affliction_n and_o even_o death_n itself_o all_o which_o he_o foretell_v shall_v befall_v they_o in_o that_o mission_n which_o he_o then_o enjoin_v they_o yet_o to_o these_o fear_n he_o oppose_v as_o the_o great_a remedy_n this_o consideration_n only_o fear_v not_o they_o which_o can_v kill_v the_o body_n and_o after_o that_o can_v do_v no_o more_o but_o i_o will_v tell_v you_o who_o you_o shall_v fear_v fear_v he_o who_o can_v destroy_v both_o body_n and_o soul_n in_o hell_n all_o other_o motive_n of_o interest_n all_o other_o object_n of_o fear_n or_o hope_n concern_v the_o body_n only_o and_o terminate_v there_o but_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n the_o reward_n to_o be_v desire_v the_o punishment_n to_o be_v fear_v equal_o concern_v both_o soul_n and_o body_n the_o common_a happiness_n or_o misery_n of_o both_o which_o depend_v upon_o it_o the_o reward_v you_o may_v slight_v perhaps_o as_o not_o desire_v any_o great_a satisfaction_n than_o what_o you_o now_o enjoy_v but_o the_o fear_v you_o can_v surmount_v that_o will_v still_o affect_v you_o for_o if_o you_o so_o much_o value_v the_o present_a ease_n of_o the_o body_n the_o one_o part_n of_o you_o you_o can_v but_o be_v affright_v at_o the_o certain_a expectation_n of_o the_o eternal_a misery_n of_o both_o soul_n and_o body_n if_o this_o consideration_n have_v not_o that_o effect_n upon_o we_o which_o it_o have_v upon_o the_o hearer_n of_o christ_n john_n baptist_n and_o the_o apostle_n it_o be_v because_o the_o expectation_n of_o this_o denounce_v destruction_n far_o from_o be_v certain_a in_o we_o be_v elude_v by_o vain_a persuasion_n that_o destruction_n may_v be_v avoid_v without_o repentance_n we_o all_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o divine_a revelation_n prescribe_v rule_n of_o piety_n justice_n and_o temperance_n command_v repentance_n upon_o neglect_n or_o violation_n of_o these_o rule_n give_v sentence_n of_o dreadful_a punishment_n upon_o impenitence_n we_o all_o confess_v that_o we_o have_v violate_v those_o rule_n we_o apply_v not_o the_o remedy_n of_o repentance_n and_o yet_o we_o hope_v to_o avoid_v the_o punishment_n for_o do_v not_o man_n real_o flatter_v themselves_o with_o those_o hope_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o such_o a_o future_a punishment_n and_o conscious_a of_o its_o own_o demerit_n shall_v not_o immediate_o apply_v itself_o to_o prevent_v the_o execution_n of_o that_o dreadful_a sentence_n by_o a_o timely_a repentance_n these_o false_a hope_n and_o persuasion_n may_v be_v refer_v to_o a_o double_a head_n either_o that_o of_o presumption_n or_o that_o of_o inadvertency_n that_o man_n through_o a_o fond_a opinion_n of_o their_o own_o worth_n fancy_n god_n will_v exempt_v they_o from_o the_o general_a sentence_n and_o from_o the_o necessity_n of_o repentance_n or_o at_o least_o allow_v this_o and_o another_o and_o a_o three_o sin_n to_o they_o or_o that_o they_o proceed_v in_o sin_n secure_o and_o with_o a_o sort_n of_o stupidity_n never_o willing_o consider_v the_o consequence_n of_o punishment_n upon_o sin_n and_o when_o they_o be_v suggest_v to_o they_o still_o put_v they_o off_o and_o continue_v to_o imagine_v that_o god_n will_v however_o save_v they_o though_o theyk_fw-mi now_o not_o why_o both_o these_o sort_n of_o prejudices_fw-la be_v too_o common_a among_o all_o christian_n and_o to_o both_o i_o shall_v oppose_v some_o general_a consideration_n show_v it_o impossible_a that_o goâ—…_n shall_v not_o execute_v the_o sentence_n of_o destruction_n pronounce_v universal_o against_o all_o impenitent_a sinner_n or_o in_o the_o word_n of_o my_o text_n that_o it_o can_v be_v that_o man_n shall_v not_o repent_v and_o yet_o shall_v not_o perish_v the_o necessity_n of_o destruction_n consequent_a upon_o unrepentance_n be_v draw_v chief_o from_o the_o determination_n of_o the_o divine_a will_n which_o have_v so_o appoint_v it_o and_o the_o resolution_n of_o god_n herein_o be_v so_o frequent_o and_o full_o express_v in_o scripture_n that_o no_o doubt_n can_v be_v admit_v of_o it_o nay_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n seem_v to_o have_v take_v particular_a care_n lest_o man_n shall_v be_v deceive_v herein_o by_o affix_v vehement_a asseveration_n to_o his_o threat_n of_o punishment_n as_o in_o ezech._n xvii_o 19_o thus_o say_v the_o lord_n god_n as_o i_o live_v sure_o my_o oath_n that_o he_o have_v despise_v and_o my_o covenant_n that_o he_o have_v break_v even_o it_o will_v i_o recompense_v upon_o his_o own_o head_n and_o in_o the_o xxii_o chapter_n have_v denounce_v to_o sinner_n the_o extremity_n of_o his_o anger_n he_o subjoin_v verse_n 14._o can_v thy_o heart_n endure_v or_o can_v thy_o hand_n be_v strong_a in_o the_o day_n that_o i_o shall_v deal_v with_o thou_o i_o the_o lord_n have_v speak_v it_o and_o i_o will_v do_v it_o so_o that_o those_o who_o promise_v salvation_n to_o themselves_o without_o repentance_n of_o past_a sin_n or_o reformation_n of_o life_n must_v either_o pretend_v to_o new_a light_n and_o new_a revelalation_n new_a term_n of_o covenant_n or_o disbelieve_v those_o contain_v in_o scripture_n which_o be_v indeed_o the_o only_a true_a one_o yet_o i_o will_v not_o say_v disbelieve_v they_o for_o far_o be_v it_o from_o i_o to_o judge_v that_o of_o many_o christian_n who_o do_v firm_o indeed_o believe_v all_o the_o revelation_n of_o that_o sacred_a write_n and_o yet_o continue_v their_o hope_n of_o salvation_n without_o employ_v the_o mean_n of_o it_o only_o we_o must_v confess_v that_o believe_v they_o we_o do_v not_o regard_v they_o and_o when_o we_o do_v serious_o reflect_v upon_o it_o must_v acknowledge_v that_o such_o vain_a hope_n be_v inconsistent_a with_o those_o reveal_v truth_n for_o i_o hope_v none_o of_o this_o assembly_n have_v be_v deceive_v with_o the_o idle_a pretence_n of_o inward_a light_n or_o unaccountable_a revelation_n of_o arbitrary_a election_n for_o secret_a reason_n and_o absolute_a reprobation_n for_o unknown_a cause_n which_o delusion_n when_o once_o entertain_v will_v render_v all_o repentance_n useless_a we_o hold_v fast_o to_o the_o old_a form_n of_o tradition_n deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n pretend_v to_o no_o revelation_n unknown_a to_o former_a age_n to_o know_v more_o of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n than_o what_o our_o lord_n or_o the_o apostle_n have_v plain_o deliver_v in_o scripture_n we_o be_v content_a to_o go_v to_o heaven_n the_o same_o way_n that_o all_o saint_n have_v go_v before_o we_o by_o the_o exercise_n of_o repentance_n and_o good_a work_n nor_o if_o there_o be_v any_o truth_n in_o those_o sacred_a write_n be_v there_o any_o other_o way_n yet_o we_o hear_v those_o holy_a scripture_n daily_o read_v to_o we_o wherein_o we_o be_v command_v by_o precept_n we_o be_v allure_v by_o promise_n we_o be_v terrify_v by_o threat_n
they_o when_o you_o have_v lift_v up_o the_o son_n of_o man_n then_o shall_v you_o know_v that_o i_o be_o he._n and_o this_o in_o some_o measure_n mitigate_v and_o excuse_v the_o present_a ignorance_n of_o the_o apostle_n that_o they_o have_v not_o yet_o see_v the_o completion_n of_o the_o last_o and_o great_a act_n of_o christ_n particular_o his_o resurrection_n last_o to_o say_v no_o more_o the_o extraordinary_a gift_n and_o grace_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v not_o yet_o pour_v forth_o of_o these_o gift_n none_o of_o the_o least_o be_v a_o due_a preparation_n of_o will_n and_o penetration_n of_o judgement_n to_o conceive_v right_o the_o sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o all_o divine_a revelation_n and_o mystery_n this_o be_v afterward_o plentiful_o pour_v down_o upon_o the_o apostle_n as_o upon_o this_o day_n but_o before_o that_o time_n be_v not_o confer_v on_o they_o that_o the_o want_n of_o this_o extraordinary_a assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v a_o main_a cause_n of_o their_o ignorance_n be_v plain_o insinuate_v by_o all_o those_o text_n wherein_o christ_n promise_v to_o the_o apostle_n the_o mission_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o dispel_v their_o ignorance_n and_o enlighten_v their_o understanding_n as_o in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n and_o john_n xv._n 26._o but_o when_o the_o comforter_n be_v come_v who_o i_o will_v send_v unto_o you_o from_o the_o father_n even_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n which_o proceed_v from_o the_o father_n he_o shall_v testify_v of_o i_o and_o when_o he_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n be_v come_v he_o will_v guide_v you_o into_o all_o truth_n the_o ordinary_a assistance_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n have_v indeed_o all_o along_o accompany_v the_o apostle_n which_o have_v be_v abundant_o sufficient_a when_o add_v to_o the_o motive_n of_o faith_n and_o advantage_n of_o instruction_n which_o they_o receive_v from_o christ_n to_o inform_v they_o in_o all_o thing_n necessary_a consider_v as_o private_a person_n if_o they_o have_v remove_v all_o prejudices_fw-la and_o use_v due_a attention_n and_o reason_n but_o the_o extraordinary_a inspiration_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v not_o necessary_a be_v not_o yet_o confer_v on_o they_o for_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v not_o yet_o give_v because_o jesus_n be_v not_o yet_o glorify_v st._n john_n vii_o 39_o these_o be_v the_o principal_a cause_n of_o that_o ignorance_n of_o the_o apostle_n which_o we_o propose_v to_o inquire_v into_o of_o that_o misapprehension_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o our_o saviour_n office_n and_o design_n which_o so_o eminent_o appear_v in_o the_o context_n as_o we_o before_o explain_v it_o which_o disable_v they_o from_o consider_v the_o consequence_n of_o his_o miracle_n for_o their_o heart_n be_v harden_v mark_v vi_o 52._o by_o reason_n of_o which_o they_o understand_v none_o of_o these_o thing_n his_o passion_n and_o resurrection_n and_o this_o say_n be_v hide_v from_o they_o neither_o know_v they_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v speak_v luc._n xviii_o 34._o which_o cause_v the_o word_n of_o the_o woman_n relate_v to_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n to_o seem_v to_o they_o as_o idle_a tale_n and_o incredible_a fable_n luc._n xxiv_o 11._o and_o the_o indignation_n of_o which_o draw_v from_o christ_n that_o sharp_a exprobration_n o_o you_o of_o little_a faith_n mattâ—…_n viii_o 26._o that_o this_o ignorance_n ought_v not_o in_o the_o least_o to_o surprise_v we_o or_o induce_v we_o to_o entertain_v any_o thought_n prejudicial_a to_o christianity_n itself_o appear_v from_o the_o reason_n which_o i_o have_v already_o assign_v to_o it_o but_o will_v more_o full_o be_v manifest_v in_o consider_v the_o second_o head_n propose_v which_o be_v to_o show_v that_o the_o permission_n of_o this_o ignorance_n till_o the_o send_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v not_o in_o the_o least_o repugnant_a to_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n or_o the_o design_n of_o the_o gospel_n this_o will_v evident_o appear_v from_o these_o two_o consideration_n i._o that_o it_o will_v be_v incongruous_a to_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n to_o use_v any_o extraordinary_a method_n in_o remove_v the_o ignorance_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o perfect_o inform_v their_o understanding_n until_o such_o information_n not_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v obtain_v by_o the_o ordinary_a method_n of_o instruction_n shall_v become_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o the_o be_v of_o the_o church_n ii_o that_o such_o a_o perfect_a and_o plenary_a information_n be_v not_o necessary_a to_o the_o apostle_n till_o after_o the_o ascension_n of_o christ._n the_o first_o of_o these_o proposition_n natural_o follow_v from_o that_o know_a truth_n and_o receive_v principle_n that_o god_n never_o work_v miracle_n without_o necessity_n nor_o recur_v to_o extraordinary_a cause_n while_o natural_a and_o ordinary_a will_v suffice_v however_o full_o to_o evince_v this_o matter_n and_o clear_v all_o remain_a doubt_n i_o will_v consider_v all_o the_o possible_a method_n of_o perfect_o instruct_v the_o apostle_n before_o the_o ascension_n of_o christ_n when_o the_o natural_a and_o ordinary_a mean_n fail_v and_o demonstrate_v that_o god_n can_v not_o use_v any_o one_o of_o they_o without_o be_v injurious_a to_o his_o wisdom_n and_o honour_n these_o extraordinary_a method_n may_v be_v reduce_v to_o these_o three_o head_n first_o god_n by_o his_o almighty_a power_n may_v have_v overrule_v their_o understanding_n and_o without_o expect_v the_o assent_n of_o the_o will_n violent_o imprint_v a_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o his_o revelation_n in_o it_o or_o even_o force_v the_o will_n to_o assent_v to_o it_o although_o it_o have_v not_o yet_o discover_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o but_o nothing_o can_v be_v imagine_v more_o injurious_a to_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n than_o a_o proceed_n of_o this_o kind_n to_o prepare_v the_o way_n for_o religion_n by_o violate_v those_o privilege_n of_o reason_v and_o free_a will_n which_o he_o at_o first_o confer_v on_o they_o which_o be_v in_o truth_n to_o make_v mankind_n happy_a by_o destroy_v their_o nature_n second_o our_o saviour_n have_v already_o abundant_o convince_v the_o apostle_n of_o the_o divinity_n of_o his_o mission_n and_o consequent_o of_o his_o infallibility_n may_v have_v plain_o and_o open_o reveal_v to_o they_o all_o the_o mystery_n of_o his_o religion_n and_o future_a action_n to_o be_v yet_o perform_v and_o require_v their_o immediate_a assent_n to_o they_o without_o take_v care_n to_o satisfy_v they_o at_o the_o same_o time_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o reasonableness_n of_o such_o revelation_n by_o their_o conformity_n to_o all_o precedent_a revelation_n or_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n but_o this_o also_o be_v irrational_a in_o itself_o and_o consequent_o unworthy_a of_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o may_v just_o have_v be_v esteem_v unsatisfactory_a by_o the_o apostle_n for_o as_o they_o be_v full_o convince_v that_o our_o saviour_n be_v a_o divine_a person_n so_o be_v they_o no_o less_o that_o all_o the_o precedent_a revelation_n be_v deliver_v by_o inspire_a man_n and_o consequent_o deserve_v the_o same_o degree_n of_o assent_n which_o his_o can_v do_v so_o that_o if_o the_o least_o repugnance_n between_o the_o doctrine_n or_o life_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o ancient_a prophecy_n can_v have_v be_v difcover_v they_o be_v not_o in_o the_o least_o oblige_v to_o assent_v unto_o they_o nay_o to_o a_o full_a and_o unexceptionable_a proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o revelation_n it_o be_v not_o only_o necessary_a that_o no_o repugnance_n between_o they_o and_o the_o prediction_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v discover_v but_o also_o that_o a_o entire_a conformity_n shall_v appear_v since_o the_o true_a messiah_n be_v by_o god_n design_v to_o the_o jew_n under_o those_o two_o character_n of_o extraordinary_a miracle_n and_o perfect_a agreement_n of_o life_n action_n and_o doctrine_n to_o the_o precedent_a prediction_n and_o revelation_n and_o consequent_o can_v not_o be_v evident_o distinguish_v without_o the_o concurrence_n of_o both_o those_o proof_n and_o indeed_o such_o a_o arbitrary_a command_n of_o a_o blind_a assent_n to_o any_o revelation_n confirm_v by_o miracle_n without_o a_o previous_a examination_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o be_v so_o absurd_a and_o repugnant_a to_o the_o law_n of_o reason_v that_o it_o can_v not_o be_v use_v by_o christ_n himself_o even_o in_o respect_n of_o heathen_n for_o such_o a_o resignation_n of_o the_o understanding_n can_v rational_o be_v make_v to_o no_o other_o authority_n than_o a_o authority_n found_v upon_o argument_n of_o great_a credibility_n than_o can_v be_v find_v in_o any_o other_o case_n but_o such_o be_v not_o the_o authority_n derive_v from_o miracle_n for_o all_o object_n of_o sense_n and_o necessary_a deduction_n from_o reason_n include_v at_o least_o a_o equal_a many_o a_o great_a degree_n of_o credibility_n i_o mean_v not_o hereby_o that_o any_o truth_n whatsoever_o can_v have_v a_o great_a certainty_n than_o
those_o which_o be_v reveal_v by_o god_n suppose_v they_o to_o have_v be_v indeed_o reveal_v but_o only_o that_o any_o such_o revelation_n be_v real_o make_v can_v appear_v no_o otherwise_o than_o by_o argument_n of_o probability_n three_o a_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o all_o the_o mystery_n of_o religion_n may_v have_v be_v extraordinary_o obtain_v by_o the_o apostle_n before_o the_o ascension_n of_o our_o saviour_n by_o confer_v on_o they_o the_o same_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o be_v afterward_o pour_v on_o they_o on_o the_o day_n of_o pentecost_n but_o neither_o be_v this_o convenient_a to_o the_o design_n of_o the_o gospel_n nor_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n not_o to_o the_o former_a for_o the_o plentiful_a effusion_n and_o mission_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v a_o act_n of_o the_o regal_a power_n of_o christ_n which_o he_o commence_v not_o till_o after_o his_o ascension_n when_o he_o first_o begin_v to_o exercise_v that_o authority_n which_o he_o have_v obtain_v to_o himself_o by_o the_o obedience_n of_o death_n and_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n tell_v the_o apostle_n s._n joh._n xvi_o 7._o nevertheless_o i_o tell_v you_o the_o truth_n it_o be_v expedient_a for_o you_o that_o i_o go_v away_o for_o if_o i_o go_v not_o away_o the_o comforter_n will_v not_o come_v unto_o you_o but_o if_o i_o depart_v i_o will_v send_v he_o unto_o you_o and_o in_o another_o place_n this_o be_v assign_v as_o the_o reason_n why_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v not_o yet_o give_v because_o jesus_n be_v not_o yet_o glorify_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n also_o be_v no_o less_o engage_v which_o may_v just_o have_v be_v arraign_v if_o he_o have_v use_v so_o wonderful_a and_o signal_n a_o miracle_n as_o be_v the_o mission_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o the_o extraordinary_a instruction_n of_o the_o apostle_n before_o the_o ascension_n of_o our_o lord_n since_o no_o such_o instruction_n be_v yet_o necessary_a which_o be_v the_o second_o point_n i_o propose_v to_o prove_v namely_o ii_o that_o a_o perfect_a and_o infallible_a information_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v not_o absolute_o necessary_a till_o after_o the_o ascension_n of_o christ._n for_o this_o be_v require_v in_o the_o apostle_n for_o no_o other_o cause_n than_o that_o they_o may_v thereby_o be_v enable_v to_o teach_v the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o saviour_n to_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o at_o last_o deliver_v they_o down_o in_o write_v to_o succeed_a age_n infallible_o and_o without_o danger_n of_o any_o intermix_a enrour_n to_o the_o suspicion_n of_o which_o the_o christian_a religion_n will_v ever_o have_v be_v subject_v if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v endue_v with_o such_o clearness_n of_o apprehension_n concern_v every_o point_n of_o it_o and_o attend_v by_o such_o a_o extraordinary_a assistance_n as_o may_v secure_v they_o from_o all_o possible_a danger_n of_o mistake_v the_o sense_n of_o that_o doctrine_n which_o they_o be_v to_o deliver_v to_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n to_o create_v this_o clear_a apprehension_n in_o the_o apostle_n and_o convey_v down_o this_o assistance_n to_o they_o be_v the_o chief_a intention_n of_o send_v the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o upon_o this_o day_n and_o the_o principal_a effect_n of_o that_o mission_n at_o least_o as_o far_o as_o i_o be_o at_o present_a concern_v so_o that_o since_o the_o send_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v design_v pure_o to_o enable_v they_o to_o the_o due_a execution_n of_o their_o office_n of_o preach_v and_o propagate_a the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o whole_a world_n which_o office_n be_v not_o to_o be_v commence_v till_o after_o his_o ascension_n it_o manifest_o follow_v that_o a_o exact_a and_o infallible_a knowledge_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v not_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o the_o apostle_n before_o that_o time_n a_o perfect_a knowledge_n will_v have_v be_v useful_a indeed_o to_o they_o even_o before_o that_o time_n but_o useful_a to_o they_o only_o as_o private_a person_n not_o as_o bear_v the_o public_a office_n and_o character_n of_o apostle_n who_o office_n before_o the_o ascension_n of_o our_o saviour_n consist_v as_o we_o before_o observe_v in_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o action_n suffering_n and_o miracle_n of_o christ_n that_o they_o may_v be_v able_a afterward_o to_o testify_v they_o to_o the_o whole_a world_n this_o office_n of_o observe_v the_o action_n of_o christ_n require_v no_o exact_a and_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o all_o the_o reason_n of_o his_o action_n and_o mystery_n of_o his_o doctrine_n but_o may_v be_v sufficient_o discharge_v by_o any_o person_n who_o be_v not_o devoid_a of_o common_a sense_n and_o honesty_n the_o mission_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v necessary_a upon_o reason_n of_o another_o nature_n and_o will_v have_v continue_v necessary_a although_o the_o apostle_n have_v perfect_o understand_v all_o the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o saviour_n before_o his_o ascension_n for_o however_o they_o may_v then_o sufficient_o understand_v it_o nothing_o less_o than_o a_o perpetual_a extraordinary_a assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n can_v infallible_o secure_v they_o from_o all_o future_a error_n in_o deliver_v it_o to_o other_o or_o create_v such_o a_o degree_n of_o probability_n as_o may_v deserve_v the_o assent_n and_o belief_n of_o mankind_n in_o all_o future_a age_n thus_o i_o have_v show_v the_o reason_n of_o that_o ignorance_n of_o the_o apostle_n which_o be_v so_o remarkable_a through_o all_o the_o history_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o for_o which_o our_o saviour_n promise_v so_o extraordinary_a a_o remedy_n in_o the_o word_n of_o my_o text_n and_o withal_o demonstrate_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o all_o this_o conduct_n of_o the_o apostle_n continue_v under_o that_o ignorance_n till_o the_o ascension_n and_o of_o our_o saviour_n permit_v it_o till_o that_o time_n disadvantageous_a to_o the_o truth_n and_o divinity_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n it_o remain_v that_o i_o draw_v some_o few_o conclusion_n from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v which_o be_v the_o three_o and_o last_o proposal_n first_o then_o if_o as_o we_o before_o show_v our_o saviour_n and_o the_o apostle_n who_o be_v unquestionable_o infallible_a never_o set_v up_o themselves_o for_o infallible_a judge_n nor_o require_v from_o their_o hearer_n a_o blind_a assent_n to_o their_o dictate_v if_o they_o submit_v their_o doctrine_n to_o the_o examination_n of_o scripture_n and_o judgement_n of_o all_o private_a man_n in_o vain_a do_v any_o at_o this_o day_n pretend_v in_o virtue_n of_o a_o authority_n derive_v from_o they_o to_o set_v up_o themselves_o for_o infallible_a judge_n of_o controversy_n from_o who_o lie_v no_o appeal_n either_o to_o scripture_n or_o reason_n and_o thereby_o exercise_v a_o jurisdiction_n which_o they_o never_o claim_v but_o i_o wave_v that_o particular_a and_o choose_v rather_o to_o insist_v on_o some_o more_o practical_a consideration_n of_o which_o the_o first_o be_v that_o if_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v so_o difficult_a to_o the_o apostle_n who_o enjoy_v so_o many_o and_o so_o great_a advantage_n under_o the_o instruction_n and_o government_n of_o their_o divine_a master_n the_o author_n of_o this_o religion_n if_o after_o the_o sight_n of_o his_o miracle_n the_o enjoyment_n of_o a_o triennial_a conversation_n and_o the_o constant_a hear_n of_o his_o divine_a discourse_n they_o continue_v ignorant_a of_o the_o true_a spirit_n and_o nature_n of_o christianity_n this_o aught_o to_o excite_v we_o to_o great_a diligence_n in_o learning_n and_o study_v the_o mystery_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o inquire_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o those_o revelation_n which_o our_o saviour_n convey_v to_o the_o world_n it_o be_v indeed_o the_o peculiar_a excellency_n and_o glory_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o its_o admirable_a simplicity_n have_v fit_v it_o to_o the_o understanding_n and_o capacity_n of_o all_o man_n that_o it_o be_v not_o such_o a_o abstruse_a science_n as_o surmount_v the_o ordinary_a reach_n of_o mankind_n and_o must_v entire_o be_v confine_v to_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o school_n and_o knowledge_n of_o learned_a man_n the_o acquisition_n and_o understanding_n of_o it_o be_v possible_a and_o even_o easy_a to_o all_o man_n but_o then_o god_n in_o propose_v this_o religion_n intend_v not_o pure_o to_o supercede_v the_o labour_n of_o man_n and_o consult_v their_o ease_n some_o condition_n be_v also_o necessary_a on_o our_o side_n that_o we_o diligent_o search_v the_o truth_n examine_v the_o scripture_n harken_v to_o the_o instruction_n of_o our_o pastor_n careful_o weigh_v the_o reason_n of_o thing_n and_o bring_v a_o mind_n ready_a dispose_v to_o assent_v to_o any_o truth_n which_o shall_v evident_o appear_v to_o we_o how_o contrary_a soever_o they_o may_v be_v to_o our_o passion_n and_o inclination_n for_o although_o we_o labour_v not_o with_o those_o prejudices_fw-la of_o a_o temporal_a kingdom_n
to_o be_v found_v by_o the_o messiah_n or_o expect_v from_o he_o which_o so_o long_o cloud_v the_o understanding_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o hinder_v they_o from_o entertain_v true_a notion_n of_o that_o mystery_n although_o have_v the_o happiness_n to_o be_v bring_v up_o in_o a_o christian_a and_o orthodox_n church_n we_o suck_v in_o true_a notion_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o general_n even_o from_o our_o infancy_n yet_o the_o prejudices_fw-la which_o arise_v from_o our_o passion_n and_o corrupt_a affection_n be_v no_o less_o violent_a and_o betray_v we_o to_o no_o less_o fatal_a mistake_n these_z not_o only_o defeat_v the_o benefit_n of_o that_o assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o inquisition_n of_o truth_n which_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o all_o well_o dispose_v person_n who_o right_o ask_v it_o of_o he_o but_o also_o direct_o introduce_v the_o foul_a and_o most_o pernicious_a error_n by_o prompt_v we_o to_o form_v such_o notion_n of_o religion_n as_o may_v be_v most_o adapt_v and_o favourable_a to_o those_o corrupt_a inclination_n and_o this_o diligence_n in_o the_o inquiry_n and_o examination_n of_o our_o religion_n will_v be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o necessary_a if_o we_o consider_v that_o god_n have_v indeed_o provide_v a_o effectual_a remedy_n for_o all_o the_o mistake_v of_o the_o apostle_n by_o the_o plentiful_a effusion_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n upon_o they_o but_o have_v leave_v we_o to_o the_o ordinary_a emanation_n and_o assistance_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n which_o will_v lead_v we_o into_o all_o necessary_a truth_n if_o our_o own_o endeavour_n be_v not_o want_v but_o upon_o defect_n of_o those_o or_o any_o other_o due_a disposition_n of_o the_o mind_n will_v not_o only_o not_o produce_v this_o happy_a effect_n but_o also_o depart_v from_o we_o ii_o the_o sense_n of_o this_o great_a and_o inestimable_a benefit_n confer_v this_o day_n upon_o the_o apostle_n and_o then_o upon_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o ourselves_o in_o particular_a aught_o to_o excite_v we_o to_o the_o utmost_a gratitude_n and_o engage_v we_o to_o endeavour_v not_o to_o render_v ourselves_o unworthy_a of_o it_o at_o least_o not_o permit_v ourselves_o to_o be_v ungrateful_a for_o it_o for_o this_o benefit_n be_v not_o confine_v to_o the_o person_n of_o the_o apostle_n it_o bring_v down_o with_o it_o many_o great_a and_o inestimable_a advantage_n to_o the_o church_n which_o continue_v till_o this_o day_n by_o this_o we_o be_v assure_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v receive_v the_o last_o degree_n of_o confirmation_n by_o this_o we_o know_v that_o christ_n have_v real_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n and_o there_o take_v possession_n of_o his_o kingdom_n that_o however_o he_o have_v remove_v his_o corporeal_a presence_n he_o still_o continue_v to_o be_v present_a with_o we_o by_o the_o influence_n and_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o he_o cease_v not_o at_o his_o ascension_n to_o govern_v and_o take_v care_n of_o the_o church_n but_o abundant_o provide_v for_o the_o necessity_n and_o convenience_n of_o it_o by_o send_v the_o three_o person_n of_o the_o ever_o bless_a trinity_n who_o may_v actuate_v and_o direct_v it_o and_o perform_v the_o office_n of_o a_o paraclet_n teach_v exhort_v comfort_n and_o intercede_v for_o every_o single_a member_n of_o it_o by_o this_o the_o droop_a spirit_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v erect_v their_o fear_n dispel_v and_o their_o mind_n enlighten_v by_o this_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v put_v past_o all_o dispute_n and_o the_o church_n invigorate_v with_o such_o a_o assurance_n of_o divine_a assistance_n as_o may_v secure_v it_o from_o all_o danger_n and_o place_n it_o beyond_o the_o rage_n of_o man_n or_o fury_n of_o tyrant_n we_o also_o at_o this_o day_n partake_v of_o the_o bless_a effect_n of_o this_o great_a benefit_n we_o share_v in_o the_o joy_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o experience_n the_o influence_n of_o that_o divine_a spirit_n by_o this_o they_o be_v enable_v to_o convey_v down_o to_o we_o infallible_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o find_v a_o church_n of_o which_o to_o be_v member_n we_o esteem_v our_o great_a happiness_n by_o this_o spirit_n we_o be_v unite_v to_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n to_o christ_n our_o head_n and_o to_o one_o another_o by_o this_o we_o be_v excite_v to_o virtue_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o our_o duty_n be_v assist_v in_o the_o search_n of_o truth_n be_v comfort_v in_o affliction_n and_o uphold_v in_o danger_n this_o spirit_n our_o saviour_n promise_v ver_fw-la 16._o shall_v abide_v with_o we_o for_o ever_o not_o in_o that_o measure_n indeed_o and_o abundance_n which_o be_v confer_v on_o the_o apostle_n but_o according_a to_o the_o proportion_n of_o our_o necessity_n and_o the_o improvement_n of_o that_o present_a portion_n which_o be_v already_o confer_v on_o we_o let_v we_o endeavour_v by_o a_o exact_a discharge_n of_o our_o duty_n and_o daily_a improvement_n in_o piety_n to_o augment_v our_o interest_n in_o the_o benefit_n of_o this_o day_n and_o favour_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n at_o least_o let_v we_o take_v care_n least_o by_o our_o negligence_n and_o degenerate_a behaviour_n we_o forfeit_v our_o title_n to_o they_o both_o last_o as_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o admire_v and_o celebrate_v the_o infinite_a goodness_n of_o god_n in_o bestow_v upon_o the_o church_n the_o diffusive_a presence_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n by_o his_o mission_n as_o upon_o this_o day_n so_o be_v we_o no_o less_o engage_v to_o be_v thankful_a for_o his_o particular_a presence_n in_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n since_o this_o not_o only_o give_v we_o a_o firm_a assurance_n of_o the_o continuance_n of_o that_o presence_n which_o be_v at_o first_o grant_v as_o so_o great_a a_o blessing_n to_o the_o apostle_n but_o also_o derive_v down_o upon_o all_o worthy_a communicant_n as_o far_o as_o be_v necessary_a to_o they_o the_o same_o gift_n and_o grace_n which_o the_o first_o descent_n of_o it_o procure_v to_o the_o apostle_n by_o this_o mean_n we_o may_v not_o only_o commemorate_v but_o act_n anew_o and_o experience_n in_o ourselves_o all_o the_o glory_n of_o this_o day_n by_o receive_v into_o our_o soul_n a_o plentiful_a effusion_n of_o the_o same_o spirit_n but_o then_o as_o several_a previous_a disposition_n be_v require_v in_o the_o apostle_n to_o qualify_v they_o for_o the_o reception_n of_o so_o great_a a_o benefit_n so_o must_v we_o prepare_v ourselves_o for_o the_o participation_n of_o so_o great_a a_o mystery_n with_o no_o less_o diligence_n and_o caution_n that_o as_o they_o firm_o believe_v and_o constant_o expect_v the_o promise_n of_o our_o saviour_n although_o he_o have_v remove_v his_o corporeal_a presence_n from_o they_o so_o we_o shall_v without_o any_o fluctuation_n believe_v the_o certain_a performance_n of_o all_o those_o grace_n which_o be_v promise_v to_o all_o worthy_a communicant_n and_o that_o however_o his_o natural_a body_n be_v absent_a from_o we_o yet_o he_o be_v real_o present_a in_o the_o element_n by_o the_o efficacy_n and_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n that_o as_o they_o prepare_v themselves_o for_o the_o reception_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n by_o a_o entire_a resignation_n of_o their_o will_n to_o his_o influence_n and_o direction_n so_o we_o shall_v fit_v our_o soul_n for_o the_o entertainment_n of_o all_o those_o grace_n confer_v in_o the_o sacrament_n by_o a_o perfect_a resignation_n of_o ourselves_o to_o god_n and_o steady_a resolution_n of_o perform_v his_o command_n and_o that_o as_o they_o in_o order_n to_o obtain_v the_o promise_a mission_n of_o a_o comforter_n meet_v all_o together_o with_o one_o accord_n in_o one_o house_n so_o we_o in_o order_n to_o receive_v the_o mighty_a benefit_n of_o this_o sacrament_n shall_v be_v unite_v in_o perfect_a charity_n to_o one_o another_o if_o any_o of_o these_o due_a qualification_n be_v want_v we_o shall_v be_v so_o far_o from_o obtain_v any_o share_n in_o the_o benefit_n of_o this_o day_n or_o commemorate_n as_o we_o ought_v the_o wonderful_a mission_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o we_o shall_v forfeit_v our_o title_n to_o all_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o do_v despite_n to_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n now_o to_o god_n the_o father_n god_n the_o son_n etc._n etc._n the_o second_o sermon_n preach_v septemb_n 16_o 1688._o at_o lambeth_n chapel_n philip._n ii_o 5._o let_v this_o mind_n be_v in_o you_o which_o be_v also_o in_o christ_n jesus_n our_o bless_a saviour_n have_v not_o only_o reveal_v to_o we_o the_o whole_a will_n of_o god_n in_o relation_n to_o mankind_n and_o thereby_o give_v to_o we_o a_o most_o excellent_a and_o true_o divine_a religion_n but_o also_o set_v we_o a_o most_o perfect_a example_n of_o holiness_n and_o universal_a righteousness_n in_o the_o whole_a conduct_n of_o his_o life_n therein_o exceed_v all_o other_o lawgiver_n
tend_v no_o less_o effectual_o to_o the_o honour_n and_o glory_n of_o god_n than_o a_o due_a command_n of_o our_o will._n for_o god_n be_v no_o less_o dishonour_v by_o mean_a and_o unworthy_a apprehension_n of_o he_o by_o idolatry_n and_o superstition_n by_o deny_v his_o existence_n or_o debase_v his_o attribute_n which_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o misguide_a reason_n than_o by_o a_o open_a violation_n of_o his_o know_a precept_n which_o proceed_v from_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o will._n and_o thus_o it_o appear_v that_o a_o full_a enquiry_n into_o the_o reason_n and_o argument_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o a_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o not_o only_o contribute_v exceed_o but_o in_o person_n have_v mean_n to_o attain_v it_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o beget_v a_o true_a and_o perfect_a faith_n and_o secure_a to_o we_o the_o reward_n of_o it_o iii_o a_o distinct_a and_o clear_a knowledge_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o rule_n of_o our_o religion_n will_v afford_v to_o we_o many_o and_o great_a motive_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o our_o duty_n and_o direct_v we_o in_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o it_o be_v the_o peculiar_a prerogative_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o the_o more_o we_o search_v into_o the_o reason_n and_o constitution_n of_o it_o the_o more_o full_o the_o divinity_n of_o it_o will_v appear_v every_o new_a discovery_n will_v give_v we_o fresh_a occasion_n to_o admire_v the_o wisdom_n goodness_n and_o justice_n of_o god_n eminent_o conspire_v in_o the_o revelation_n of_o it_o this_o will_v excite_v in_o we_o if_o we_o be_v not_o insensible_a a_o profound_a veneration_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n a_o ardent_a love_n of_o his_o excellency_n and_o the_o most_o intense_a degree_n of_o gratitude_n it_o will_v manifest_v to_o we_o the_o misery_n of_o man_n and_o his_o lose_a condition_n without_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o cross_n which_o may_v expiate_v for_o his_o sin_n and_o mediate_v his_o pardon_n and_o hereby_o will_v increase_v our_o sense_n of_o the_o divine_a mercy_n will_v enhance_v the_o value_n of_o that_o inestimable_a sacrifice_n teach_v we_o to_o adore_v love_n and_o devote_v ourselves_o to_o our_o saviour_n to_o resign_v up_o our_o belief_n to_o his_o revelation_n as_o to_o our_o prophet_n to_o depend_v whole_o upon_o the_o expiation_n of_o our_o sin_n once_o make_v and_o intercession_n for_o we_o always_o continue_v by_o he_o as_o of_o our_o high_a priest_n to_o yield_v a_o entire_a obedience_n to_o his_o command_n and_o precept_n as_o to_o our_o king_n can_v we_o view_v the_o love_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n manifest_v in_o our_o redemption_n the_o wonderful_a contrivance_n of_o providence_n both_o to_o secure_v the_o divine_a justice_n and_o honour_n and_o yet_o give_v pardon_n to_o sinful_a man_n and_o not_o be_v wind_v up_o into_o a_o ecstasy_n of_o love_n and_o admiration_n can_v we_o consider_v the_o most_o wise_a method_n whereby_o god_n bring_v this_o wonderful_a design_n to_o perfection_n and_o trace_v the_o footstep_n of_o it_o through_o all_o age_n can_v we_o think_v upon_o the_o majesty_n of_o he_o who_o condescend_v to_o suffer_v for_o we_o and_o the_o unworthiness_n of_o man_n to_o receive_v so_o great_a a_o favour_n without_o fill_v our_o understanding_n with_o awful_a and_o reverend_a conception_n of_o he_o our_o will_n with_o a_o passionate_a desire_n of_o union_n with_o he_o and_o enlarge_a all_o the_o faculty_n of_o our_o soul_n to_o approach_v his_o presence_n and_o receive_v his_o influence_n or_o can_v we_o hope_v to_o raise_v our_o soul_n to_o a_o worthy_a sense_n of_o the_o divine_a favour_n and_o benefit_n and_o carry_v up_o our_o affection_n to_o a_o gratitude_n not_o inferior_a to_o the_o greatness_n of_o they_o without_o a_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o their_o design_n and_o excellency_n sure_o the_o admonition_n of_o the_o prophet_n apostle_n and_o even_o our_o bless_a saviour_n be_v not_o in_o vain_a which_o so_o earnest_o press_v we_o to_o the_o study_n of_o divine_a truth_n command_v we_o to_o search_v the_o scripture_n assure_v we_o that_o they_o be_v write_v for_o our_o instruction_n and_o which_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v commend_v those_o who_o be_v conversant_a in_o they_o above_o all_o other_o person_n yet_o how_o small_a a_o part_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v the_o infinite_o great_a part_n of_o it_o serve_v only_o to_o declare_v the_o extraordinary_a act_n of_o his_o providence_n to_o the_o church_n and_o testimony_n of_o his_o love_n to_o mankind_n to_o celebrate_v his_o mercy_n and_o goodness_n and_o induce_v we_o by_o manifold_a argument_n to_o our_o duty_n yet_o these_o also_o have_v the_o divine_a wisdom_n think_v necessary_a to_o the_o knowledge_n and_o instruction_n of_o man_n and_o sure_o not_o without_o reason_n for_o what_o can_v be_v more_o worthy_a of_o man_n more_o perfective_a of_o his_o nature_n or_o conduce_v to_o enstate_v he_o in_o the_o great_a happiness_n than_o to_o comprehend_v the_o riches_n of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n to_o entertain_v noble_a conception_n of_o his_o creator_n and_o by_o a_o constant_a meditation_n and_o exalt_a knowledge_n raise_v his_o affection_n to_o a_o vehement_a love_n of_o he_o by_o this_o we_o anticipate_v the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n and_o begin_v to_o possess_v they_o even_o before_o we_o be_v receive_v into_o they_o for_o both_o reason_n and_o revelation_n assure_v we_o that_o the_o fruition_n of_o celestial_a happiness_n consist_v in_o a_o constant_a and_o unwearied_a contemplation_n and_o love_n of_o the_o divine_a perfection_n the_o study_n of_o these_o sacred_a matter_n be_v esteem_v the_o best_a indication_n of_o a_o pious_a mind_n and_o the_o most_o certain_a method_n of_o attain_v the_o utmost_a degree_n of_o happiness_n upon_o earth_n even_o under_o the_o old_a law_n when_o god_n have_v not_o yet_o make_v a_o full_a manifestation_n of_o himself_o and_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o divine_a oeconomy_n be_v obscure_a and_o hide_v under_o a_o veil_n of_o ceremony_n and_o ritual_a observation_n for_o proof_n of_o this_o to_o go_v no_o far_o than_o the_o cxix_o psalm_n wherein_o such_o inimitable_a strain_n of_o piety_n devotion_n and_o a_o ardent_a love_n of_o god_n appear_v the_o holy_a psalmist_n every_o where_o ascribe_v his_o proficiency_n in_o virtue_n and_o the_o inward_a satisfaction_n and_o happiness_n of_o his_o mind_n to_o the_o assiduous_a study_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n i_o will_v thank_v thou_o with_o a_o unfeigned_a heart_n when_o i_o shall_v have_v learn_v the_o judgement_n of_o thy_o righteousness_n open_v thou_o my_o eye_n that_o i_o may_v see_v the_o wondrous_a thing_n of_o thy_o law_n for_o i_o remember_v thy_o everlasting_a judgement_n o_o lord_n and_o receive_v comfort_n lord_n what_o love_n have_v i_o unto_o thy_o law_n all_o the_o day_n long_o be_v my_o study_n in_o it_o o_o how_o sweet_a be_v thy_o word_n unto_o my_o throâ—…_n yea_o sweet_a than_o honey_n unto_o my_o mouth_n thy_o word_n be_v a_o lantern_n unto_o my_o foot_n and_o a_o light_n unto_o my_o path_n for_o thy_o testimony_n be_v my_o delight_n and_o my_o counselor_n see_v all_o the_o mark_n of_o a_o soul_n big_a with_o devotion_n and_o fill_v with_o transport_n of_o joy_n from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n and_o excellency_n manifest_v under_o the_o mosaic_a law_n but_o alas_o how_o inconsiderable_a be_v this_o if_o compare_v to_o that_o great_a light_n which_o christianity_n have_v bring_v into_o the_o world_n what_o satisfaction_n and_o advantage_n may_v not_o we_o now_o hope_v for_o from_o the_o study_n and_o contemplation_n of_o the_o more_o perfect_a law_n of_o christ_n that_o have_v reveal_v to_o we_o the_o mystery_n which_o have_v be_v hide_v from_o age_n and_o represent_v to_o we_o the_o divine_a goodness_n not_o under_o a_o veil_n and_o shadow_n but_o in_o its_o full_a dimension_n the_o ancient_a christian_n be_v true_o sensible_a of_o this_o who_o place_v their_o happiness_n on_o this_o side_n heaven_n in_o this_o holy_a study_n choose_v rather_o to_o part_v with_o their_o life_n than_o bibles_n and_o brand_v those_o who_o deliver_v they_o up_o to_o their_o persecutor_n although_o in_o exchange_n for_o their_o dear_a blood_n with_o the_o name_n of_o traditores_fw-la or_o traitor_n and_o in_o the_o last_o age_n our_o forefather_n give_v eminent_a instance_n of_o the_o same_o persuasion_n and_o resolution_n when_o great_a number_n of_o they_o venture_v their_o life_n to_o enjoy_v the_o advantage_n of_o read_v the_o scripture_n in_o their_o mother_n tongue_n and_o rather_o than_o forego_v that_o benefit_n choose_v to_o forfeit_v their_o life_n to_o the_o persecution_n of_o a_o church_n who_o interest_n it_o be_v that_o those_o divine_a truth_n shall_v not_o be_v know_v it_o be_v our_o
if_o it_o teach_v doctrine_n contrary_a to_o reason_n and_o refuse_v to_o give_v any_o account_n of_o they_o we_o may_v infallible_o conclude_v it_o to_o be_v erroneous_a and_o to_o have_v depart_v from_o the_o true_a faith_n yet_o we_o know_v a_o church_n that_o have_v whole_o evacuate_v the_o apostle_n precépt_v by_o inhibit_v to_o private_a christian_n the_o use_n of_o reason_n in_o divine_a matter_n and_o set_v up_o a_o infallible_a judge_n to_o who_o all_o aught_o blind_o to_o submit_v that_o use_v her_o utmost_a endeavour_n to_o disable_v private_a christian_n from_o give_v a_o reason_n of_o their_o faith_n by_o forbid_v they_o to_o read_v the_o scripture_n that_o have_v make_v christianity_n irrational_a by_o add_v to_o it_o absurd_a and_o contradictive_a doctrine_n for_o what_o reason_n can_v be_v give_v that_o man_n shall_v not_o use_v their_o reason_n what_o reason_n can_v be_v assign_v for_o transubstantiation_n which_o be_v direct_o contrary_a both_o to_o sense_n and_o reason_n what_o reason_n for_o a_o blind_a submission_n to_o a_o pretend_a infallible_a judge_n which_o defeat_v all_o use_n of_o reason_n but_o these_o thing_n be_v too_o apparent_a i_o omit_v they_o and_o pass_v to_o the_o second_o and_o last_o branch_n of_o application_n that_o 2._o we_o ought_v to_o adorn_v this_o most_o rational_a and_o holy_a religion_n of_o our_o saviour_n with_o a_o correspondent_a holiness_n and_o purity_n of_o life_n the_o apostle_n draw_v this_o inference_n in_o the_o word_n immediate_o precede_v and_o follow_v my_o text_n but_o sanctify_v the_o lord_n god_n in_o your_o heart_n and_o have_v a_o good_a conscience_n and_o indeed_o most_o natural_o for_o if_o it_o be_v the_o high_a perverseness_n to_o reject_v the_o gospel_n after_o so_o clear_a a_o demonstration_n of_o the_o divinity_n of_o it_o what_o a_o degree_n of_o folly_n and_o impiety_n must_v it_o be_v in_o those_o who_o be_v persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o to_o contradict_v the_o evidence_n and_o design_n of_o it_o by_o the_o wickedness_n of_o their_o life_n and_o live_v as_o if_o they_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v most_o false_a the_o apostle_n urge_v it_o as_o the_o utmost_a aggravation_n of_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o wise_a heathen_n that_o they_o hold_v the_o truth_n in_o unrighteousness_n and_o sure_o with_o much_o more_o force_n will_v the_o argument_n fall_v upon_o immoral_a christian_n for_o the_o heathen_a sage_n dissemble_v their_o opinion_n from_o the_o world_n and_o so_o no_o wonder_n that_o they_o direct_v not_o their_o action_n by_o they_o whereas_o these_o public_o profess_v their_o belief_n of_o christianity_n and_o yet_o live_v in_o open_a contradiction_n to_o it_o and_o indeed_o it_o be_v a_o most_o astonish_a consideration_n that_o rational_a creature_n shall_v deliberate_o violate_v those_o law_n upon_o which_o they_o acknowledge_v the_o hope_n of_o eternity_n to_o depend_v do_v we_o real_o believe_v the_o christian_a religion_n to_o be_v divine_a and_o yet_o go_v on_o without_o remorse_n to_o trample_v under_o foot_n its_o law_n and_o precept_n be_v we_o persuade_v that_o infinite_a reward_n in_o another_o world_n attend_v the_o performance_n of_o our_o duty_n in_o this_o and_o yet_o prefer_v the_o temptation_n and_o pleasure_n of_o the_o world_n to_o the_o attainment_n of_o they_o do_v we_o profess_v our_o belief_n of_o eternal_a punishment_n and_o yet_o be_v not_o affright_v from_o the_o commission_n of_o any_o please_a sin_n by_o the_o terror_n of_o they_o however_o we_o may_v pretend_v a_o firm_a assent_n to_o all_o these_o article_n yet_o certain_o it_o will_v be_v impossible_a to_o persuade_v a_o consider_a man_n that_o the_o belief_n of_o they_o can_v be_v reconcile_v with_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o contrary_n and_o after_o all_o if_o we_o shall_v be_v allow_v to_o be_v what_o we_o pretend_v believer_n in_o christ_n can_v faith_n save_v we_o no_o show_v i_o thy_o faith_n by_o thy_o work_n if_o a_o sober_a heathen_a shall_v come_v among_o we_o and_o compare_v the_o rule_n of_o christ_n with_o the_o life_n of_o christian_n the_o exercise_n of_o piety_n temperance_n and_o chastity_n and_o all_o moral_a virtue_n command_v by_o the_o one_o in_o the_o hige_a degree_n and_o upon_o the_o severe_a penalty_n and_o impiety_n intemperance_n lust_n and_o all_o enormous_a vice_n open_o and_o greedy_o practise_v by_o the_o other_o he_o will_v be_v tempt_v to_o believe_v that_o the_o religion_n of_o christ_n be_v no_o more_o than_o a_o please_a fable_n wherewith_o christian_n sometime_o entertain_v themselves_o a_o ancient_a father_n who_o live_v in_o the_o decline_a time_n of_o christianity_n tell_v we_o how_o the_o heathen_n in_o his_o age_n form_v dishonourable_a thought_n of_o christ_n from_o the_o scandalous_a life_n of_o his_o disciple_n quomodo_fw-la bone_fw-la est_fw-la magister_fw-la cujus_fw-la tam_fw-la malos_fw-la videmus_fw-la discipulos_fw-la how_o can_v he_o be_v a_o good_a lawgiver_n that_o have_v no_o better_a follower_n how_o can_v his_o law_n be_v excellent_a that_o do_v not_o reform_v the_o life_n of_o their_o professor_n and_o then_o proceed_v to_o deplore_v this_o scandal_n in_o nobis_fw-la christus_fw-la opprobrium_fw-la patitur_fw-la thus_o we_o defame_v our_o most_o excellent_a religion_n dishonour_v our_o saviour_n and_o blaspheme_v he_o in_o our_o life_n let_v we_o live_v up_o to_o the_o rule_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o by_o a_o conscientious_a practice_n of_o they_o manifest_a that_o we_o be_v persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o otherwise_o it_o will_v be_v in_o vain_a to_o be_v ready_a always_o to_o give_v a_o answer_n to_o every_o one_o that_o ask_v we_o a_o reason_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o we_o this_o be_v unanswerable_o to_o refute_v our_o argument_n by_o our_o practice_n and_o add_v to_o our_o own_o condemnation_n let_v we_o demonstrate_v the_o divinity_n of_o our_o religion_n by_o the_o influence_n it_o have_v upon_o our_o life_n and_o profess_v a_o entire_a belief_n of_o it_o by_o a_o constant_a obedience_n to_o it_o that_o so_o we_o may_v not_o fall_v short_a of_o the_o promise_v annex_v to_o it_o and_o other_o see_v our_o good_a work_n may_v glorify_v our_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n the_o five_o sermon_n preach_v december_n 2d_o 1688._o at_o lambeth_n chapel_n rom._n ii_o 4._o not_o know_v that_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n lead_v thou_o to_o repentance_n the_o infinite_a and_o wonderful_a love_n of_o god_n towards_o mankind_n be_v in_o nothing_o more_o visible_a and_o conspicuous_a than_o in_o the_o various_a method_n which_o he_o make_v use_v of_o to_o draw_v we_o to_o himself_o the_o faculty_n and_o passion_n of_o our_o soul_n be_v not_o more_o numerous_a and_o different_a than_o be_v the_o mean_n which_o he_o have_v employ_v to_o render_v we_o happy_a and_o oblige_v we_o to_o the_o performance_n of_o our_o duty_n induce_v we_o by_o all_o those_o motive_n and_o argument_n which_o in_o other_o moral_a action_n be_v wont_a to_o make_v impression_n on_o we_o he_o have_v engage_v our_o understanding_n by_o propose_v to_o our_o belief_n and_o practice_n a_o reasonable_a and_o holy_a religion_n attend_v with_o the_o great_a evidence_n and_o in_o all_o thing_n high_o agreeable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o mankind_n and_o first_o principle_n of_o reason_n he_o have_v assure_v our_o will_n by_o present_v such_o object_n to_o it_o as_o employ_v every_o single_a passion_n of_o it_o if_o the_o desire_n of_o obtain_v the_o great_a good_n can_v move_v we_o he_o have_v allure_v we_o by_o the_o promise_n of_o a_o infinite_a and_o eternal_a happiness_n if_o fear_n of_o misery_n have_v any_o influence_n upon_o our_o mind_n he_o have_v deter_v we_o from_o the_o violation_n of_o his_o law_n by_o affix_v to_o it_o the_o most_o severe_a and_o terrible_a punishment_n if_o hope_n can_v excite_v we_o he_o have_v give_v to_o we_o a_o infallible_a assurance_n of_o more_o than_o we_o can_v conceive_v if_o love_n can_v affect_v we_o he_o have_v oblige_v we_o by_o the_o great_a benefit_n last_o if_o reason_n and_o the_o sense_n of_o our_o duty_n if_o reward_n and_o punishment_n if_o favour_n and_o benefit_n can_v together_o engage_v we_o he_o have_v unite_v all_o in_o one_o most_o holy_a and_o excellent_a religion_n and_o in_o this_o appear_v the_o wonderful_a goodness_n of_o god_n that_o whereas_o any_o one_o of_o these_o method_n be_v alone_o sufficient_a to_o oblige_v mankind_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o our_o duty_n he_o have_v choose_v to_o employ_v they_o all_o that_o so_o that_o attribute_n of_o mercy_n wherein_o he_o most_o delight_n may_v be_v more_o conspicuous_a and_o the_o impemtence_n of_o mankind_n in_o opposition_n to_o it_o may_v not_o only_o become_v irrational_a but_o even_o monstrous_a it_o have_v be_v sufficient_a as_o to_o the_o obligation_n of_o it_o to_o have_v propose_v a_o reasonable_a religion_n without_o annex_v to_o it_o
from_o their_o conception_n so_o he_o have_v choose_v to_o reveal_v the_o mystery_n of_o it_o in_o a_o method_n contrary_a to_o that_o which_o they_o use_v in_o the_o propagation_n of_o their_o several_a sect_n which_o occafron_v the_o preach_n of_o the_o cross_n to_o be_v account_v foolishness_n verse_n 18._o although_o if_o man_n will_v have_v lay_v aside_o their_o unjust_a prejudices_fw-la they_o have_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o this_o proceed_n the_o truth_n of_o this_o the_o apostle_n manifest_v not_o only_o by_o appeal_n to_o the_o conscience_n of_o those_o who_o be_v persuade_v of_o it_o and_o the_o secret_a effect_n of_o that_o persuasion_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n but_o unto_o we_o which_o be_v save_v it_o be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n but_o also_o by_o other_o external_a argument_n which_o by_o any_o consider_a man_n can_v be_v reject_v as_o that_o it_o be_v foretell_v by_o the_o ancient_a prophet_n particular_o by_o isaiah_n in_o xxix_o chapter_n verse_n 4._o for_o it_o be_v there_o write_v i_o will_v destroy_v the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o wise_a and_o will_v bring_v to_o nothing_o the_o understanding_n of_o the_o prudent_a that_o it_o be_v abundant_o justify_v by_o its_o admirable_a success_n in_o the_o world_n to_o have_v be_v the_o best_a and_o most_o wise_a manner_n of_o proceed_v be_v entertain_v by_o great_a number_n of_o person_n and_o go_v on_o apace_o in_o procure_v its_o design_a end_n the_o reformation_n and_o instruction_n of_o mankind_n whereas_o the_o philosophy_n of_o the_o gentile_n and_o the_o elaborate_a interpretation_n of_o the_o mosaic_a law_n make_v by_o the_o great_a doctor_n of_o it_o gain_v no_o considerable_a progress_n in_o the_o world_n and_o be_v confine_v to_o some_o small_a number_n of_o sectary_n and_o disciple_n only_o manifest_v by_o their_o unsuccessfulness_n that_o they_o be_v never_o design_v by_o the_o infallible_a wisdom_n of_o god_n for_o the_o universal_a discipline_n or_o religion_n of_o mankind_n where_o therefore_o be_v the_o wise_a as_o the_o apostle_n triumphant_o upbraid_v they_o ver._n 20._o wheâ—…e_o be_v the_o scribe_n where_o be_v the_o disputer_n of_o this_o world_n who_o after_o all_o their_o laborious_a search_n miss_v of_o the_o truth_n and_o can_v never_o propagate_v their_o doctrine_n with_o success_n have_v not_o god_n make_v foolish_a the_o wisdom_n of_o this_o world_n baffle_v all_o the_o elaborate_a scheme_n of_o these_o opinionate_a man_n and_o confound_v their_o glorious_a pretence_n of_o wisdom_n in_o appoint_v a_o quite_o different_a method_n for_o procure_v the_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n from_o what_o they_o have_v imagine_v and_o propose_v it_o successful_o by_o mean_n in_o their_o esteem_n contemptible_a by_o person_n illiterate_a and_o devoid_a of_o all_o philosophy_n and_o curious_a learning_n and_o that_o we_o may_v not_o conceive_v this_o way_n of_o procedure_v to_o be_v either_o unjust_a or_o unreasonable_a the_o apostle_n proceed_v in_o the_o 21._o verse_n to_o declare_v the_o reason_n and_o occasion_n of_o it_o for_o after_o that_o in_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n the_o world_n by_o wisdom_n know_v not_o god_n it_o please_v god_n by_o the_o foolishness_n of_o preach_v to_o save_v they_o that_o believe_v since_o these_o person_n who_o have_v conceive_v so_o great_a a_o opinion_n of_o their_o own_o wisdom_n have_v apparent_o fail_v of_o discover_v by_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n the_o true_a god_n and_o the_o natural_a duty_n of_o religion_n owe_v to_o he_o however_o very_o easy_a and_o possible_a to_o they_o no_o wonder_n that_o the_o mystery_n of_o a_o reveal_v religion_n shall_v appear_v foolishness_n to_o they_o and_o that_o god_n shall_v as_o it_o be_v by_o way_n of_o punishment_n confound_v their_o arrogance_n and_o mortify_v their_o self-conceit_n by_o instruct_v and_o save_v mankind_n by_o a_o way_n direct_o contrary_a to_o their_o supposition_n namely_o by_o preach_v that_o be_v by_o supernatural_a revelation_n not_o by_o their_o own_o proper_a industry_n and_o wit_n and_o by_o the_o foolishness_n of_o preach_v and_o that_o consider_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o revelation_n which_o have_v nothing_o of_o extraordinary_a abstraction_n or_o difficult_a contemplation_n in_o they_o be_v in_o their_o judgement_n account_v foolish_a or_o in_o the_o manner_n of_o propose_v these_o revelation_n which_o be_v different_a from_o their_o fond_a conception_n appear_v foolish_a and_o absurd_a to_o they_o the_o jew_n require_v a_o sign_n that_o be_v the_o constant_a performance_n of_o glorious_a and_o pompous_a miracle_n which_o may_v secure_v to_o they_o the_o fruition_n and_o increase_n of_o that_o temporal_a felicity_n which_o they_o vain_o hope_v to_o receive_v from_o the_o messiah_n and_o the_o greek_n seek_v after_o wisdom_n despise_v all_o doctrine_n which_o be_v not_o recommend_v with_o the_o specious_a show_n of_o philosophical_a subtlety_n and_o mysterious_a nicety_n or_o not_o propose_v by_o person_n in_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o world_n learned_a or_o eloquent_a after_o all_o these_o preliminary_a argument_n the_o apostle_n have_v thereby_o clear_v the_o way_n and_o remove_v all_o objection_n lay_v down_o this_o conclusion_n in_o the_o word_n of_o my_o text_n but_o we_o preach_v christ_n crucify_v unto_o the_o jew_n a_o stumble_a block_n and_o unto_o the_o gentile_n foolishness_n that_o be_v we_o just_o and_o we_o bold_o do_v it_o neither_o value_v the_o derision_n of_o the_o world_n nor_o distrust_v the_o justice_n of_o our_o cause_n so_o then_o the_o word_n thus_o open_v natural_o and_o easy_o offer_v to_o we_o these_o two_o consideration_n of_o which_o i_o shall_v in_o order_n discourse_n i._o the_o reasonableness_n or_o just_a cause_n of_o believe_v and_o profess_v the_o christian_a faith_n notwithstanding_o its_o be_v a_o stumble_a block_n to_o the_o jew_n and_o to_o the_o gentile_n foolishness_n ii_o our_o obligation_n to_o preach_v and_o open_o profess_v this_o faith_n without_o be_v offend_v with_o the_o contradiction_n and_o opposition_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n or_o be_v lead_v away_o with_o the_o same_o prejudices_fw-la i._o that_o we_o have_v reasonable_a and_o just_a cause_n to_o believe_v and_o adhere_v to_o the_o christian_a faith_n or_o the_o mystery_n of_o christ_n crucify_a notwithstanding_o the_o derision_n of_o the_o gentile_n and_o scandal_n of_o the_o jew_n for_o that_o by_o the_o phrase_n of_o christ_n crucify_a be_v not_o so_o much_o mean_v the_o particular_a mystery_n of_o the_o death_n and_o passion_n of_o our_o saviour_n as_o the_o whole_a system_n of_o faith_n reveal_v by_o christ_n be_v manifest_a from_o the_o context_n although_o the_o crucifixion_n of_o our_o lord_n as_o it_o be_v the_o grand_a mystery_n of_o our_o faith_n so_o be_v it_o of_o all_o other_o to_o the_o jew_n most_o scandalous_a and_o to_o the_o gentile_n most_o ridiculous_a but_o the_o design_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v to_o vindicate_v the_o christian_a religion_n in_o general_n not_o this_o mystery_n in_o particular_a i_o shall_v close_v with_o his_o design_n and_o consider_v only_o the_o more_o general_a prejudices_fw-la and_o objection_n upon_o account_n of_o which_o the_o faith_n become_v a_o scandal_n to_o the_o jew_n and_o folly_n to_o the_o gentile_n that_o so_o by_o manifest_v the_o unreasonableness_n and_o inconclusiveness_n of_o they_o i_o may_v manifest_v the_o justice_n and_o reasonableness_n of_o our_o belief_n notwithstanding_o their_o opposition_n these_o prejudices_fw-la and_o objection_n we_o before_o observe_v from_o the_o apostle_n discourse_v precede_v my_o text_n and_o they_o concern_v either_o 1._o the_o matter_n of_o those_o revelation_n which_o be_v the_o object_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n or_o 2._o the_o manner_n of_o reveal_v they_o and_o propose_v they_o to_o the_o world_n in_o relation_n to_o the_o first_o the_o spirituality_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v a_o mighty_a objection_n to_o the_o jew_n which_o they_o can_v not_o easy_o overcome_v they_o be_v enure_v to_o gross_a and_o corporeal_a conception_n of_o divine_a matter_n train_v up_o in_o carnal_a ceremony_n and_o ordinance_n expect_v no_o other_o than_o temporal_a reward_n and_o vain_o expect_v the_o glorious_a appearance_n of_o a_o temporal_a messiah_n then_o as_o to_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o revelation_n nothing_o can_v be_v more_o surprise_v to_o the_o jew_n than_o to_o see_v it_o perform_v in_o a_o humble_a and_o gentle_a manner_n not_o with_o the_o voice_n of_o thunder_n and_o lightning_n as_o the_o law_n of_o old_a at_o mount_n sina_n not_o by_o force_n of_o arm_n or_o victorious_a success_n of_o the_o messiah_n not_o by_o stupendous_a miracle_n perform_v as_o often_o as_o the_o petulancy_n of_o a_o stiffnecked_n people_n shall_v require_v it_o nor_o yet_o by_o the_o learning_n and_o cunning_a of_o their_o great_a doctor_n and_o rabbi_n but_o by_o a_o few_o mean_v inconfiderable_a disarm_v and_o unlearned_a person_n
who_o set_v upon_o the_o work_n without_o any_o preparation_n of_o learning_n or_o interest_n proceed_v in_o it_o with_o quiet_a and_o simplicity_n and_o in_o treat_v with_o the_o jew_n choose_v rather_o to_o convince_v the_o judgement_n than_o amaze_v their_o senfe_v rather_o to_o argue_v from_o the_o agreement_n of_o the_o ancient_a prophecy_n concern_v the_o messiah_n to_o the_o person_n of_o our_o saviour_n than_o from_o the_o performance_n of_o wonderful_a miracle_n although_o those_o be_v not_o want_v upon_o just_a occasion_n such_o be_v the_o prejudices_fw-la conceive_v by_o the_o jew_n against_o christianity_n which_o occasion_v and_o continue_v their_o illusion_n they_o know_v very_o well_o that_o supernatural_a revelation_n be_v the_o ordinary_a mean_n by_o which_o man_n shall_v arrive_v to_o happiness_n that_o it_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o majesty_n and_o former_a revelation_n of_o god_n to_o propose_v matter_n of_o belief_n and_o practise_v not_o exceed_v the_o capacity_n of_o the_o mean_a person_n and_o thus_o far_o they_o proceed_v in_o the_o right_a way_n but_o then_o the_o aforemention_v prejudices_fw-la be_v a_o stumbling-block_n in_o their_o way_n which_o occasion_v their_o fall_n and_o hinder_v any_o far_a progress_n the_o gentile_a philosopher_n for_o against_o they_o and_o not_o the_o more_o unlearned_a sort_n of_o heathen_n the_o apostle_n here_o argue_v conceive_v yet_o deep_a prejudices_fw-la against_o christianity_n account_v it_o foolishness_n and_o deride_v the_o whole_a design_n of_o it_o they_o be_v puff_v up_o with_o a_o opinion_n of_o their_o own_o perfect_a knowledge_n or_o at_o least_o ability_n to_o obtain_v the_o perfection_n of_o it_o believe_v it_o therefore_o unnecessary_a for_o god_n to_o reveal_v the_o truth_n to_o they_o which_o they_o can_v discover_v by_o their_o own_o wit_n and_o industry_n or_o if_o god_n shall_v put_v himself_o to_o this_o unnecessary_a trouble_n they_o vain_o suppose_v that_o no_o person_n be_v so_o fit_a to_o be_v employ_v in_o it_o as_o themselves_o who_o be_v endue_v with_o extraordinary_a assistance_n of_o acquire_v learning_n or_o at_o least_o not_o the_o apostle_n of_o all_o man_n who_o confess_v themselves_o to_o be_v unacquainted_a with_o secular_a learning_n and_o appear_v so_o to_o be_v and_o which_o mighty_o add_v to_o their_o prejudice_n be_v by_o birth_n and_o education_n barbarian_n who_o the_o greek_n be_v wont_a to_o treat_v as_o the_o most_o vile_a and_o contemptible_a part_n of_o the_o creation_n devoid_a of_o reason_n and_o not_o much_o superior_a to_o brute_n and_o then_o as_o to_o therevelation_n itself_o the_o christian_a religion_n seem_v to_o they_o to_o be_v naked_a and_o homely_a and_o which_o they_o account_v a_o great_a indecency_n fit_v for_o the_o reception_n of_o all_o man_n not_o the_o contemplation_n of_o themselves_o only_o as_o not_o consist_v of_o abstruse_a mystery_n and_o subtle_a distinction_n which_o by_o their_o intricacy_n and_o difficulty_n may_v entitle_v themselves_o to_o sublimity_n and_o a_o divine_a original_a but_o make_v up_o of_o easy_a natural_a and_o unaffected_a truth_n equal_o obvious_a to_o the_o understanding_n of_o all_o man_n equal_o concern_v all_o and_o dispense_n the_o knowledge_n of_o her_o mystery_n to_o all_o such_o be_v the_o reason_n and_o such_o be_v the_o prejudices_fw-la which_o cause_v the_o christian_a religion_n to_o become_v a_o scandal_n to_o the_o jew_n and_o folly_n to_o the_o greek_n to_o these_o the_o apostle_n give_v one_o general_a answer_n in_o the_o 25._o verse_n because_o the_o foolishness_n of_o god_n be_v wise_a than_o man_n and_o the_o weakness_n of_o god_n be_v strong_a than_o man_n a_o answer_n which_o invincible_o overthrow_v the_o plea_n of_o these_o opposer_n of_o christianity_n as_o who_o proceed_v upon_o a_o arrogant_a opinion_n of_o their_o knowledge_n and_o comprehension_n whereas_o the_o experience_n of_o many_o age_n may_v have_v convince_v they_o how_o unsuccessful_o mankind_n have_v ever_o endeavour_v to_o obtain_v the_o knowledge_n of_o divine_a matter_n by_o its_o own_o power_n matter_n of_o natural_a religion_n be_v almost_o universal_o mistake_v and_o how_o shall_v we_o hope_v that_o the_o mystery_n of_o a_o reveal_v religion_n can_v be_v full_o discover_v by_o we_o we_o all_o find_v in_o ourselves_o the_o defect_n of_o knowledge_n we_o acknowledge_v our_o error_n by_o change_v our_o opinion_n daily_o and_o may_v discover_v the_o imperfection_n of_o our_o understanding_n even_o from_o the_o increase_n of_o knowledge_n for_o every_o degree_n add_v to_o it_o manifest_v a_o precedent_a degree_n of_o ignorance_n and_o that_o somewhat_o be_v still_o want_v to_o render_v our_o knowledge_n complete_a so_o difficult_a nay_o even_o impossible_a be_v it_o for_o man_n to_o discover_v the_o counsel_n of_o god_n in_o relation_n to_o himself_o or_o to_o pass_v a_o judgement_n on_o they_o he_o may_v easy_o perceive_v indeed_o whether_o any_o thing_n which_o pretend_v to_o carry_v that_o sacred_a stamp_n be_v contrary_a to_o sense_n and_o include_v a_o contradiction_n and_o may_v thence_o certain_o conclude_v it_o to_o be_v false_a and_o counterfeit_a but_o may_v not_o by_o any_o mean_n be_v admit_v to_o judge_v of_o the_o conveniency_n or_o inconveniency_n of_o the_o divine_a dispensation_n this_o be_v too_o high_a a_o presumption_n and_o intrench_v upon_o the_o majesty_n of_o god_n who_o be_v of_o infinite_a wisdom_n know_v always_o what_o be_v most_o convenient_a and_o know_v it_o do_v effect_v it_o it_o be_v no_o hard_a matter_n to_o put_v plausible_a colour_n upon_o this_o or_o that_o model_n of_o religion_n recommend_v it_o with_o abundant_a argument_n and_o pompous_o describe_v the_o convenience_n of_o it_o but_o as_o the_o apostle_n assure_v we_o 1_o cor._n iii_o 19_o the_o wisdom_n of_o this_o world_n be_v foolishness_n with_o god_n or_o in_o comparison_n of_o his_o great_a and_o infinite_a wisdom_n who_o see_v all_o thing_n and_o their_o tendency_n or_o subservience_n to_o procure_v the_o end_n he_o design_v so_o that_o to_o be_v teach_v or_o command_v by_o he_o be_v the_o most_o certain_a argument_n of_o convenience_n which_o can_v be_v propose_v not_o only_o do_v the_o excellency_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o general_n appear_v from_o this_o argument_n the_o reasonableness_n of_o the_o whole_a design_n and_o revelation_n of_o it_o in_o those_o matter_n which_o be_v before_o object_v against_o be_v no_o less_o manifest_a for_o first_o as_o to_o the_o spirituality_n of_o it_o this_o be_v so_o far_o srom_o prejudice_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o that_o if_o just_o consider_v it_o ought_v rather_o to_o recommend_v it_o to_o the_o reception_n of_o all_o consider_v person_n be_v the_o most_o express_a character_n of_o divinity_n which_o can_v be_v confer_v on_o any_o system_fw-la of_o religion_n whatsoever_o as_o bear_v thereby_o a_o great_a resemblance_n to_o god_n the_o author_n and_o object_n of_o it_o this_o the_o jew_n themselves_o do_v not_o deny_v only_o they_o pretend_v that_o this_o spiritual_a worship_n oppose_v their_o own_o more_o gross_a and_o corporeal_a worship_n which_o be_v acknowledge_v on_o both_o side_n to_o have_v be_v reveal_v by_o god_n and_o defeat_v their_o hope_n of_o a_o promise_a messiah_n who_o they_o expect_v will_v deliver_v they_o from_o the_o slavery_n of_o other_o nation_n and_o by_o force_n of_o arm_n settle_v they_o in_o a_o quiet_a and_o perpetual_a possession_n of_o all_o temporal_a happiness_n it_o seem_v to_o they_o absurd_a that_o the_o glorious_a messiah_n shall_v live_v a_o obscure_a despise_a and_o ignominious_a life_n and_o at_o last_o die_v a_o shameful_a and_o a_o painful_a death_n a_o error_n indeed_o into_o which_o the_o genius_n of_o their_o religion_n depend_v upon_o temporal_a promise_n and_o reward_n do_v almost_o natural_o lead_v they_o but_o which_o may_v easy_o have_v be_v discover_v if_o they_o will_v have_v wise_o consider_v either_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n or_o condition_n of_o man._n from_o the_o first_o they_o may_v easy_o be_v convince_v that_o a_o spiritual_a way_n of_o worship_n be_v far_o more_o noble_a please_a and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o if_o their_o former_a religion_n induce_v they_o to_o different_a sentiment_n god_n have_v take_v abundant_a care_n to_o prevent_v their_o mistake_n by_o frequent_a foretell_v to_o they_o in_o the_o prophet_n his_o intention_n of_o change_v their_o religion_n dis-burthening_a they_o of_o the_o imposition_n of_o their_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n and_o reâ—…ining_v it_o into_o a_o spiritual_a worship_n by_o describe_v the_o condition_n and_o office_n of_o the_o messiah_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v a_o man_n of_o sorrow_n acquaint_v with_o grief_n bear_v the_o sin_n of_o the_o people_n heal_v they_o by_o his_o stripe_n and_o be_v reckon_v among_o the_o transgressor_n then_o as_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o it_o be_v no_o other_o than_o a_o childish_a fancy_n to_o
imagine_v that_o pomp_n and_o grandeur_n riches_n and_o majesty_n do_v more_o become_v the_o messiah_n than_o humility_n and_o affliction_n poverty_n and_o contempt_n be_v thing_n in_o their_o own_o nature_n indifferent_a and_o of_o no_o esteem_n any_o otherwise_o than_o in_o respect_n to_o their_o conducement_n to_o some_o better_a end_n which_o in_o the_o messiah_n be_v the_o instruction_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o reconciliation_n of_o it_o by_o his_o death_n to_o his_o offend_a father_n to_o the_o latter_a contempt_n affliction_n and_o suffer_v be_v absolute_o necessary_a and_o to_o the_o former_a high_o convenient_a for_o since_o our_o lord_n be_v not_o only_o to_o reform_v the_o error_n of_o mankind_n by_o his_o infallible_a doctrine_n and_o atone_v for_o the_o sin_n of_o it_o by_o his_o passion_n but_o also_o to_o deliver_v to_o we_o a_o most_o complete_a pattern_n of_o virtue_n and_o holiness_n in_o his_o own_o person_n it_o be_v high_o expedient_a that_o he_o shall_v suffer_v all_o the_o calamity_n incident_a to_o humane_a nature_n that_o so_o he_o may_v teach_v man_n by_o his_o own_o example_n patient_o to_o endure_v affliction_n undergo_v poverty_n with_o contentment_n and_o not_o be_v affright_v by_o the_o terror_n of_o death_n from_o the_o performance_n of_o their_o duty_n no_o persuasion_n be_v necessary_a to_o induce_v man_n to_o admit_v riches_n pleasure_n and_o prosperity_n but_o to_o suffer_v all_o the_o misery_n of_o this_o world_n with_o a_o generous_a and_o unrepining_a mind_n nothing_o less_o than_o the_o example_n of_o god_n incarnate_a can_v persuade_v they_o the_o manner_n wherein_o god_n choose_v to_o reveal_v the_o gospel_n may_v perhaps_o seem_v strange_a to_o the_o jew_n as_o be_v different_a from_o that_o wherein_o the_o law_n be_v reveal_v on_o mount_n sina_n but_o far_o from_o appear_v incredible_a ought_v rather_o to_o have_v seem_v more_o congruous_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n certain_o more_o agreeable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n reveal_v which_o be_v matter_n of_o the_o high_a bounty_n and_o clemency_n to_o mankind_n require_v not_o to_o be_v reveal_v in_o such_o a_o terrible_a manner_n as_o the_o law_n which_o be_v employ_v rather_o in_o denounce_v the_o judgement_n than_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n but_o in_o a_o manner_n which_o by_o the_o sweetness_n of_o it_o may_v declare_v the_o clemency_n and_o love_a kindness_n of_o its_o author_n it_o can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o a_o brutish_a stupidity_n not_o to_o be_v raise_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n any_o otherwise_o than_o by_o the_o effect_n of_o his_o power_n and_o justice_n as_o if_o act_n of_o mercy_n do_v not_o equal_o declare_v his_o nature_n and_o lay_v a_o far_o great_a obligation_n of_o obedience_n upon_o we_o or_o if_o act_v of_o power_n must_v be_v employ_v as_o indeed_o they_o be_v high_o necessary_a in_o the_o second_o place_n they_o be_v far_o more_o numerous_a and_o wonderful_a in_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n than_o of_o the_o law_n not_o so_o amaze_a but_o more_o divine_a not_o so_o terrible_a but_o more_o illustrious_a the_o jew_n indeed_o be_v wont_a to_o require_v a_o sign_n as_o the_o last_o proof_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n which_o since_o it_o be_v apparent_a that_o miracle_n be_v frequent_o wrought_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o confirmation_n of_o the_o faith_n can_v be_v understand_v of_o no_o other_o than_o either_o that_o great_a and_o final_a miracle_n which_o they_o vain_o expect_v from_o the_o messiah_n the_o restitution_n of_o their_o nation_n to_o its_o temporal_a happiness_n or_o perform_v a_o miracle_n as_o often_o as_o every_o single_a person_n shall_v desire_v it_o for_o establish_v the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n or_o else_o rely_v more_o upon_o miracle_n than_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o ancient_a prophecy_n concern_v christ_n and_o never_o urge_v their_o authority_n to_o the_o jew_n without_o some_o concomitant_a miracle_n in_o whethersoever_o of_o these_o sâ—…nses_n the_o jew_n be_v wont_n obstinate_o to_o require_v a_o sign_n of_o the_o apostle_n nothing_o can_v be_v more_o unreasonable_a or_o impertinent_a for_o will_v it_o not_o be_v unworthy_a the_o majesty_n of_o god_n to_o violate_v the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o nature_n to_o gratify_v either_o a_o false_a opinion_n or_o a_o fond_a desire_n the_o restitution_n of_o liberty_n be_v never_o promise_v from_o the_o mâ—…ssias_n to_o the_o jew_n and_o therefore_o be_v in_o vain_a expect_v from_o he_o the_o prophecy_n be_v sufficient_o clear_a and_o need_v not_o the_o concurrent_a testimony_n of_o constant_a miracle_n and_o to_o gratify_v the_o idle_a curiosity_n of_o every_o petulant_a humour_n by_o work_a miracle_n as_o often_o as_o shall_v be_v require_v will_v be_v such_o a_o trifle_a extravagance_n as_o will_v more_o effectual_o destroy_v the_o authority_n of_o such_o a_o lawgiver_n than_o all_o his_o miracle_n will_v confirm_v it_o or_o if_o a_o constant_a uniform_a miracle_n attend_v the_o publication_n of_o christianity_n will_v satisfy_v such_o man_n as_o sure_o it_o ought_v to_o do_v they_o may_v discover_v one_o in_o that_o very_a circumstance_n which_o they_o use_v to_o enforce_v their_o objection_n namely_o that_o it_o be_v successful_o propagate_v in_o the_o world_n by_o ignorant_a and_o illiterate_a person_n who_o can_v neither_o impose_v upon_o mankind_n by_o the_o crafty_a artifice_n of_o rhetoric_n or_o insinuation_n nor_o delude_v they_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o their_o name_n a_o circumstance_n which_o unanswerable_o argue_v a_o divine_a power_n and_o assistance_n to_o have_v attend_v the_o first_o preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o affect_v the_o mind_n of_o their_o auditor_n and_o then_o what_o great_a argument_n can_v we_o desire_v of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n in_o contrive_v and_o use_v this_o method_n than_o those_o illustrious_a advantage_n which_o it_o administer_v to_o the_o design_a end_n the_o conversion_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n for_o not_o only_a may_v the_o wonderful_a success_n of_o it_o in_o all_o part_n even_o of_o the_o learned_a world_n wrought_v by_o such_o weak_a and_o contemptible_a mean_n convince_v all_o sober_a person_n of_o somewhat_o more_o than_o humane_a direct_v the_o conduct_n of_o it_o but_o also_o this_o method_n admirable_o conduce_v to_o secure_v the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o destroy_v the_o pride_n and_o ambition_n of_o man_n who_o if_o they_o have_v be_v qualify_v for_o such_o a_o office_n by_o acquire_v learning_n will_v have_v be_v apt_a to_o have_v ascribe_v their_o knowledge_n of_o divine_a matter_n to_o their_o own_o sagacity_n not_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n and_o entitle_v all_o the_o glory_n of_o success_n to_o their_o own_o prudence_n not_o the_o divine_a power_n and_o further_o may_v have_v induce_v man_n to_o have_v attribute_v the_o success_n of_o christianity_n to_o the_o sophistry_n and_o insinuation_n of_o its_o teacher_n not_o the_o power_n of_o that_o truth_n which_o accompany_v it_o and_o the_o providence_n of_o that_o god_n who_o found_v it_o thus_o we_o have_v answer_v the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o the_o jew_n and_o by_o show_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n in_o employ_v unlearned_a person_n defeat_v a_o like_a objection_n of_o the_o heathen_a philosopher_n but_o then_o what_o the_o jew_n admit_v that_o supernatural_a revelation_n be_v both_o convenient_a and_o necessary_a to_o the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n theseman_n deny_v trust_v to_o the_o suppose_a excellency_n of_o their_o own_o learning_n and_o imagine_v themselves_o able_a by_o the_o sole_a light_n of_o reason_n to_o attain_v the_o high_a perfection_n of_o spiritual_a knowledge_n herein_o put_v themselves_o into_o a_o worse_a condition_n than_o those_o who_o they_o treat_v with_o so_o much_o scorn_n idiot_n and_o barbarian_n for_o these_o be_v sensible_a of_o the_o failure_n of_o their_o own_o understanding_n and_o therefore_o willing_o admit_v a_o remedy_n whereas_o those_o disow_v all_o disease_n neglect_v the_o cure_n of_o it_o sure_o no_o great_a reason_n be_v require_v to_o confute_v these_o men._n for_o be_v it_o unworthy_a the_o mercy_n of_o god_n to_o assist_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n by_o supernatural_a revelation_n even_o although_o it_o may_v although_o not_o without_o great_a difficulty_n attain_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o all_o thing_n necessary_a this_o none_o will_v say_v or_o be_v it_o unbefitting_a the_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o provide_v for_o the_o instruction_n of_o unlearned_a person_n by_o revelation_n although_o most_o learned_a man_n may_v not_o want_v it_o this_o can_v be_v doubt_v or_o if_o a_o revelation_n must_v be_v make_v can_v it_o be_v do_v in_o any_o more_o prudent_a and_o rational_a manner_n than_o be_v christianity_n this_o none_o will_v affirm_v so_o then_o the_o extraordinary_a revelation_n of_o divine_a truth_n be_v consistent_a with_o the_o majesty_n of_o god_n and_o reason_n of_o man_n and_o the_o necessity_n