Selected quad for the lemma: truth_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
truth_n believe_v divine_a revelation_n 2,369 5 9.5965 5 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A26796 The harmony of the divine attributes in the contrivance and accomplishment of man's redemption by the Lord Jesus Christ, or, Discourses wherein is shewed how the wisdom, mercy, justice, holiness, power, and truth of God are glorified in that great and blessed work / by William Bates. Bates, William, 1625-1699. 1674 (1674) Wing B1113; ESTC R25864 309,279 511

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something_o although_o it_o be_v rather_o a_o twilight_n than_o clear_a but_o when_o it_o be_v bring_v from_o the_o narrow_a sphere_n of_o thing_n sensible_a to_o contemplate_v the_o immensity_n of_o thing_n spiritual_a and_o supernatural_a its_o light_n decline_v and_o be_v turn_v into_o darkness_n 2._o the_o pride_n of_o the_o humane_a understanding_n which_o disdain_v to_o stoop_v to_o the_o height_n of_o these_o mystery_n it_o be_v observable_a that_o those_o who_o most_o excel_v in_o natural_a wisdom_n be_v the_o great_a despiser_n of_o evangelical_n truth_n hierocles_n the_o proud_a wit_n of_o the_o world_n choose_v rather_o to_o be_v master_n of_o their_o own_o than_o scholar_n to_o another_o 20_o they_o make_v reason_n their_o supreme_a rule_n and_o philosophy_n their_o high_a principle_n and_o will_v not_o believe_v what_o they_o can_v not_o comprehend_v they_o deride_v christian_n as_o captive_n of_o a_o blind_a belief_n and_o their_o faith_n as_o the_o effect_n of_o folly_n 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be_v
most_o worthy_a of_o a_o rational_a contemplation_n to_o be_v exercise_v upon_o now_o that_o the_o philosopher_n who_o be_v so_o diligent_a to_o improve_v their_o mind_n who_o receive_v with_o complacency_n truth_n of_o a_o low_a descent_n and_o of_o infinite_o less_o importance_n shall_v reject_v evangelical_n truth_n sublime_a in_o their_o nature_n save_v in_o their_o efficacy_n and_o reveal_v from_o heaven_n what_o account_n can_v be_v give_v of_o it_o tertullian_n reproach_n they_o with_o reason_n that_o the_o christian_a faith_n be_v the_o only_a thing_n which_o curiosity_n do_v not_o tempt_v they_o to_o search_v into_o hic_fw-la solum_fw-la curiositas_fw-la humana_fw-la torpescit_fw-la 1._o beside_o whereas_o the_o gospel_n be_v a_o plain_a and_o perfect_a institution_n for_o the_o government_n of_o life_n whole_o conversant_a about_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o assure_v a_o blessedness_n infinite_o more_o excellent_a than_o be_v ever_o think_v of_o by_o they_o it_o may_v have_v be_v expect_v that_o those_o who_o in_o regard_n of_o morality_n seem_v most_o to_o approach_v to_o it_o and_o who_o profess_a design_n be_v to_o search_v after_o happiness_n shall_v have_v ready_o entertain_v and_o use_v their_o best_a endeavour_n to_o have_v draw_v other_o to_o embrace_v it_o but_o if_o we_o consider_v thing_n aright_o our_o wonder_n will_v vanish_v for_o their_o knowledge_n and_o morality_n which_o in_o themselves_o be_v preparative_n yet_o accidental_o hinder_v their_o submission_n to_o the_o gospel_n and_o cause_v the_o most_o potent_a prejudices_fw-la against_o it_o and_o that_o upon_o a_o double_a account_n hier._n first_o of_o pride_n second_o of_o satisfaction_n in_o their_o own_o way_n 1._o pride_n be_v their_o universal_a disease_n they_o have_v a_o liberal_a esteem_n of_o themselves_o as_o raise_v above_o the_o common_a rank_n of_o men._n and_o because_o philosophy_n have_v instruct_v they_o in_o some_o truth_n they_o believe_v the_o false_a as_o well_o as_o the_o true_a and_o conclude_v all_o thing_n impossible_a that_o do_v not_o concur_v with_o their_o old_a tenet_n they_o admit_v no_o high_a principle_n than_o natural_a reason_n and_o utter_o reject_v divine_a revelation_n which_o be_v as_o unreasonable_a as_o if_o one_o that_o never_o see_v but_o the_o light_n of_o a_o candle_n shall_v contend_v there_o be_v no_o other_o light_n in_o the_o world_n now_o a_o person_n that_o do_v not_o believe_v divine_a revelation_n be_v whole_o unqualify_v to_o judge_v of_o supernatural_a mystery_n for_o till_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o revealer_n be_v submit_v to_o he_o can_v true_o consider_v their_o cause_n and_o their_o end_n beside_o they_o look_v on_o it_o as_o a_o reproach_n that_o any_o secret_n shall_v be_v reveal_v to_o other_o and_o not_o to_o they_o it_o seem_v to_o darken_v their_o glory_n that_o any_o school_n shall_v be_v more_o know_v than_o they_o therefore_o they_o choose_v to_o be_v instructor_n of_o error_n rather_o than_o disciple_n to_o the_o truth_n add_v further_o they_o think_v their_o honour_n concern_v to_o defend_v the_o principle_n they_o have_v once_o espouse_v from_o hence_o a_o rose_n the_o great_a contestation_n between_o themselves_o accompany_v with_o invective_n and_o satyr_n be_v very_o jealous_a for_o their_o opinion_n and_o passionate_a for_o the_o interest_n of_o their_o sect_n now_o the_o gospel_n be_v in_o some_o thing_n contrary_a to_o all_o of_o they_o so_o that_o be_v touch_v in_o their_o tender_a part_n no_o wonder_n they_o be_v so_o violent_a against_o it_o our_o saviour_n ask_v the_o jew_n how_o can_v you_o believe_v which_o receive_v honour_v one_o from_o another_o and_o seek_v not_o the_o honour_n which_o come_v from_o god_n only_o he_o propound_v it_o as_o a_o impossible_a thing_n the_o gospel_n will_v strip_v they_o of_o all_o their_o pretend_a excellency_n and_o command_v as_o its_o first_o article_n they_o shall_v humble_o resign_v their_o understanding_n to_o divine_a revelation_n this_o they_o look_v on_o as_o a_o submission_n unworthy_a their_o refine_a strong_a spirit_n 2._o they_o have_v satisfaction_n in_o their_o own_o imperfect_a virtue_n because_o they_o do_v some_o thing_n to_o recover_v the_o humane_a nature_n from_o its_o degenerate_a state_n they_o be_v more_o confirm_v in_o their_o infidelity_n than_o the_o gross_a idolater_n and_o the_o most_o vicious_a person_n for_o the_o more_o probable_a argument_n they_o have_v to_o obtain_v happiness_n in_o their_o own_o way_n the_o more_o obstinate_o they_o refuse_v any_o other_o they_o think_v there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o a_o saviour_n to_o intercede_v for_o they_o or_o of_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n to_o assist_v they_o but_o they_o have_v self-sufficiency_n for_o the_o acquire_v of_o felicity_n like_o foolish_a chemist_n that_o have_v melt_v away_o a_o great_a part_n of_o their_o estate_n in_o vain_a yet_o in_o expectation_n of_o the_o great_a elixir_n create_v in_o their_o fancy_n treasure_n of_o gold_n and_o enrich_v themselves_o so_o the_o philosopher_n who_o waste_v their_o time_n and_o spirit_n in_o search_v after_o happiness_n to_o little_a purpose_n although_o the_o best_a of_o their_o principle_n and_o the_o height_n of_o their_o virtue_n be_v insufficient_a to_o support_v they_o under_o any_o press_a affliction_n yet_o they_o have_v vain_a hope_n of_o obtain_v perfect_a tranquillity_n and_o content_a by_o they_o now_o the_o gospel_n command_v a_o entire_a renounce_v of_o ourselves_o to_o embrace_v the_o sole_a goodness_n and_o will_n of_o god_n it_o be_v hard_o for_o those_o who_o be_v so_o full_a of_o pride_n and_o vanity_n to_o relish_v a_o doctrine_n so_o contrary_a to_o they_o in_o truth_n whatever_o the_o philosopher_n pretend_v concern_v the_o incredibility_n that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n shall_v suffer_v death_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o the_o cross_n to_o which_o christ_n be_v nail_v by_o his_o enemy_n that_o make_v they_o reject_v the_o gospel_n q●int_n as_o the_o other_o cross_n to_o which_o jesus_n will_v fasten_v they_o i._n e._n the_o strict_a and_o holy_a discipline_n to_o which_o he_o command_v they_o to_o submit_v a_o discipline_n that_o condemn_v the_o vanity_n and_o glory_n of_o their_o wisdom_n &_o virtue_n that_o mortify_v sensual_a pleasure_n which_o many_o of_o the_o philosopher_n indulge_v themselves_o in_o notwithstanding_o all_o their_o discourse_n of_o the_o purgative_a and_o illuminative_a life_n and_o that_o this_o be_v the_o real_a cause_n of_o their_o reject_v christ_n crucify_v fael_n be_v evident_a for_o they_o know_v it_o be_v not_o unusual_a for_o person_n of_o extraordinary_a wisdom_n and_o virtue_n to_o suffer_v in_o the_o world_n their_o present_n and_o example_n upbraid_v the_o vicious_a and_o wound_v their_o spirit_n as_o a_o great_a light_n sore_o and_o distemper_a eye_n and_o some_o of_o they_o acknowledge_v the_o wisdom_n of_o providence_n in_o permit_v this_o for_o a_o excellent_a end_n that_o virtue_n try_v by_o the_o fire_n may_v be_v the_o more_o resplendent_a socrates_n himself_o so_o admire_v by_o they_o be_v so_o disguise_v by_o the_o malice_n of_o his_o enemy_n that_o he_o be_v condemn_v to_o die_v by_o poison_n yet_o this_o be_v so_o far_o from_o obscure_v his_o reputation_n that_o his_o suffer_a death_n be_v esteem_v the_o most_o noble_a effect_n of_o his_o courage_n and_o the_o most_o excellent_a proof_n of_o his_o virtue_n why_o then_o shall_v they_o make_v a_o contrary_a judgement_n of_o our_o redeemer_n suffering_n who_o be_v innocenee_n be_v perfect_a and_o who_o patience_n be_v so_o holy_a and_o divine_a that_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o his_o torment_n he_o pray_v for_o his_o murderer_n no_o reason_n can_v be_v just_o allege_v but_o some_o darling_n lust_n spiritual_a or_o fleshly_a which_o they_o be_v resolve_v to_o cherish_v the_o light_n that_o come_v from_o above_o illuminate_v the_o humble_a and_o dazzle_v the_o proud_a the_o presumption_n of_o their_o own_o knowledge_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o their_o prodigious_a stupidity_n simple_a ignorance_n be_v not_o so_o dangerous_a as_o error_n which_o have_v a_o false_a light_n that_o deceive_v and_o lead_v to_o precipy_n we_o find_v therefore_o that_o none_o be_v fierce_a enemy_n to_o the_o gospel_n than_o the_o philosopher_n the_o sacred_a story_n tell_v we_o that_o when_o the_o apostle_n preach_v at_o athens_n that_o be_v as_o much_o the_o seat_n of_o superstition_n as_o of_o science_n the_o epcureans_n and_o stoic_n though_o most_o opposite_a in_o their_o principle_n yet_o conspire_v to_o encounter_v he_o they_o entertain_v he_o with_o scorn_n what_o will_v this_o babbler_n say_v and_o his_o success_n be_v but_o small_a there_o he_o that_o fish_v with_o a_o net_n in_o other_o place_n and_o bring_v great_a number_n to_o baptism_n there_o do_v only_o with_o a_o angle_n and_o catch_v but_o one_o or_o two_o soul_n and_o in_o the_o progress_n of_o the_o gospel_n they_o persist_v in_o their_o opposition_n the_o most_o
pretend_a hero_n rather_o than_o have_v give_v his_o life_n for_o a_o lie_n now_o the_o apostle_n endure_v the_o most_o cruel_a death_n to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o testimony_n and_o what_o can_v possible_o induce_v they_o to_o it_o if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v certain_a of_o his_o resurrection_n can_v love_v to_o their_o dead_a master_n animate_v they_o to_o suffer_v for_o the_o honour_n of_o his_o name_n this_o be_v inconceiveable_a for_o he_o promise_v that_o he_o will_v rise_v the_o three_o day_n and_o ascend_v to_o heaven_n and_o make_v they_o partaker_n of_o his_o glory_n so_o that_o if_o he_o have_v lie_v in_o the_o rottenness_n of_o the_o grave_a what_o charm_n what_o stupidity_n be_v able_a to_o make_v they_o preserve_v so_o high_a a_o veneration_n for_o a_o deceiver_n nothing_o can_v remain_v in_o they_o but_o the_o memory_n and_o indignation_n of_o his_o imposture_n now_o if_o it_o be_v the_o dictate_v of_o natural_a reason_n that_o the_o concurrent_a testimony_n of_o two_o or_o three_o credible_a person_n not_o weaken_a by_o any_o exception_n be_v sufficient_a to_o decide_v any_o cause_n of_o the_o great_a moment_n that_o respect_v life_n honour_n and_o estate_n how_o much_o more_o shall_v the_o attestation_n of_o the_o apostle_n put_v this_o great_a truth_n beyond_o all_o doubt_n since_o they_o part_v with_o their_o life_n the_o most_o precious_a possession_n in_o this_o world_n for_o it_o and_o which_o be_v infinite_o more_o if_o deceiver_n they_o will_v certain_o be_v deprive_v of_o eternal_a life_n in_o the_o next_o in_o short_a since_o the_o creation_n never_o be_v a_o testimony_n so_o clear_a and_o authentic_a the_o divine_a providence_n so_o order_v the_o circumstance_n that_o the_o evidence_n shall_v be_v above_o all_o suspicion_n neither_o do_v it_o ever_o happen_v that_o any_o thing_n affirm_v by_o so_o many_o and_o such_o worthy_a person_n be_v ever_o suspect_v much_o less_o find_v to_o be_v false_a it_o be_v the_o most_o unreasonable_a stifness_n not_o to_o yield_v a_o entire_a assent_n to_o it_o for_o there_o will_v be_v no_o secure_a foundation_n of_o determine_v innumerable_a weighty_a case_n if_o we_o shall_v doubt_v of_o thing_n report_v by_o the_o most_o credible_a circumspect_a person_n since_o we_o can_v be_v certify_v by_o our_o own_o sense_n but_o of_o a_o few_o object_n i_o shall_v only_o add_v that_o the_o apostle_n do_v many_o and_o great_a miracle_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v the_o strong_a demonstration_n that_o he_o be_v raise_v to_o a_o glorious_a life_n they_o be_v invest_v by_o the_o spirit_n with_o the_o habit_n of_o various_a tongue_n this_o kind_n of_o miracle_n be_v necessary_a for_o the_o universal_a preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n for_o how_o difficult_a and_o obstructive_a have_v it_o be_v to_o their_o work_n if_o they_o must_v have_v return_v to_o their_o infant-state_n to_o learn_v the_o signification_n of_o foreign_a language_n to_o pronounce_v the_o word_n in_o their_o original_a sound_n and_o the_o accent_n proper_a to_o their_o country_n therefore_o the_o holy_a spirit_n according_a to_o the_o promise_n of_o christ_n descend_v upon_o they_o and_o become_v their_o master_n and_o in_o a_o moment_n impress_v on_o their_o memory_n the_o form_n of_o discourse_v and_o on_o their_o tongue_n the_o manner_n of_o express_v they_o wherever_o the_o doctrine_n of_o jesus_n be_v preach_v god_n bear_v they_o witness_n both_o with_o sign_n and_o wonder_n 2.4_o and_o with_o divers_a miracle_n and_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n according_a to_o his_o own_o will_n when_o st._n peter_n pass_v through_o the_o street_n fill_v with_o person_n disease_v and_o half_a dead_a he_o cause_v a_o universal_a resurrection_n by_o touch_v they_o with_o his_o revive_a shadow_n they_o tame_v serpent_n and_o quench_v the_o malignity_n of_o their_o poison_n they_o command_v death_n to_o leave_v its_o prey_n and_o life_n to_o return_v to_o its_o mansion_n that_o be_v not_o habitable_a for_o it_o and_o that_o miraculous_a power_n continue_v in_o their_o successor_n so_o long_o as_o be_v requisite_a for_o the_o conviction_n of_o the_o world_n justin_n martyr_n irenaeus_n tertullian_n origen_n cyprian_n mention_v divers_a miracle_n perform_v by_o christian_n in_o those_o time_n tertullian_n offer_v to_o the_o emperor_n to_o who_o he_o address_v his_o admirable_a apology_n to_o compel_v the_o devil_n that_o possess_v humane_a body_n to_o confess_v themselves_o to_o be_v evil_a spirit_n to_o constrain_v the_o prince_n of_o darkness_n to_o enlighten_v his_o own_o slave_n and_o cyprian_a assure_v the_o governor_n of_o africa_n that_o he_o will_v force_v the_o devil_n to_o come_v out_o of_o the_o body_n they_o torment_v lament_v their_o ejection_n now_o we_o can_v imagine_v they_o will_v so_o far_o discredit_v their_o doctrine_n and_o reputation_n as_o to_o pretend_v to_o such_o a_o power_n without_o they_o have_v it_o in_o short_a to_o deny_v the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o the_o primitive_a christian_n be_v as_o great_a rashness_n as_o to_o deny_v that_o caesar_n conquer_v pompey_n or_o that_o titus_n succeed_v vespasian_n for_o we_o have_v the_o concurrent_a testimony_n of_o the_o grave_a and_o best_a man_n of_o understanding_n and_o conscience_n who_o be_v eye-witness_n and_o which_o be_v not_o contradict_v by_o those_o of_o the_o same_o age._n brief_o there_o be_v such_o clear_a character_n of_o the_o divine_a hand_n to_o render_v the_o gospel_n authentic_a that_o to_o deny_v it_o to_o be_v true_a be_v to_o make_v god_n a_o liar_n the_o conclusion_n be_v this_o we_o see_v how_o reasonable_a it_o be_v to_o give_v a_o entire_a assent_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n the_o nature_n of_o the_o doctrine_n that_o be_v perfecty_a divine_a declare_v its_o original_a it_o be_v confirm_v by_o supernatural_a testimony_n the_o doctrine_n distinguish_v the_o miracle_n from_o all_o false_a wonder_n the_o illusion_n of_o satan_n and_o the_o miracle_n confirm_v the_o doctrine_n what_o doubt_n can_v there_o be_v after_o the_o full_a deposition_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o raise_v christ_n from_o the_o grave_a in_o qualify_a the_o apostle_n who_o be_v rude_a and_o ignorant_a with_o knowledge_n zeal_n courage_n charity_n and_o all_o grace_n requisite_a for_o their_o great_a enterprise_n and_o in_o convert_v the_o world_n by_o their_o ministry_n and_o miracle_n if_o we_o believe_v not_o so_o clear_a a_o revelation_n our_o infidelity_n be_v desperate_a when_o our_o saviour_n be_v upon_o the_o earth_n the_o meanness_n and_o poverty_n of_o his_o appearance_n lessen_v their_o crime_n who_o do_v not_o acknowledge_v and_o honour_v he_o in_o the_o disguise_n of_o a_o servant_n therefore_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o favour_n many_o of_o his_o bloody_a persecutor_n be_v convert_v and_o save_v by_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o apostle_n but_o since_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v convince_v the_o world_n by_o so_o strong_a a_o light_n of_o sin_n righteousness_n and_o judgement_n viz._n that_o jesus_n who_o the_o jew_n most_o unworthy_o crucify_a be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n that_o in_o die_v he_o purchase_v the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n since_o he_o be_v rise_v and_o receive_v to_o glory_n that_o all_o power_n in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n be_v give_v to_o he_o the_o effect_n of_o which_o be_v most_o visible_a for_o spiritual_a wickedness_n tremble_v at_o his_o name_n be_v expel_v from_o their_o dominion_n and_o send_v to_o their_o old_a prison_n to_o suffer_v the_o chain_n and_o flame_n due_a to_o they_o to_o refuse_v his_o testimony_n be_v a_o degree_n of_o obstinacy_n not_o far_o distant_a from_o malice_n of_o of_o the_o devil_n and_o put_v man_n without_o the_o reserve_v of_o pardon_v mercy_n and_o it_o be_v not_o a_o slight_a superficial_a belief_n of_o this_o great_a truth_n that_o be_v sufficient_a but_o that_o which_o be_v powerful_a in_o make_v we_o universal_o obedient_a to_o our_o glorify_a redeemer_n who_o will_v distribute_v crown_n to_o all_o his_o faithful_a servant_n we_o can_v true_o believe_v his_o resurrection_n without_o believe_v his_o doctrine_n nor_o believe_v his_o doctrine_n without_o unfeigned_a desire_n after_o the_o eternal_a felicity_n it_o promise_v nor_o desire_v that_o felicity_n without_o a_o sincere_a compliance_n to_o his_o command_n in_o order_n to_o the_o obtain_v it_o in_o short_a it_o be_v infidelity_n approaching_z madness_n not_o to_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o it_o be_v madness_n of_o a_o high_a kind_n and_o more_o prodigious_a to_o pretend_v to_o believe_v it_o and_o yet_o to_o live_v in_o disobedience_n to_o its_o precept_n in_o contempt_n of_o its_o promise_n and_o threaten_n as_o if_o it_o be_v a_o mere_a fable_n chap._n xxii_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n truth_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o legal_a threaten_v be_v preserve_v in_o the_o death_n of_o christ._n the_o divine_a truth_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o promise_n and_o
for_o it_o be_v not_o easy_a to_o conceive_v that_o adam_n who_o be_v so_o late_o the_o effect_n of_o god_n omnipotence_n shall_v present_o distrust_v it_o as_o unable_a to_o inflict_v the_o punishment_n threaten_v but_o his_o assent_n be_v weaken_v as_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o threaten_a he_o do_v not_o believe_v the_o danger_n to_o be_v so_o great_a or_o certain_a upon_o his_o disobedience_n and_o he_o that_o believe_v not_o god_n 5.16_o make_v he_o a_o liar_n a_o impiety_n not_o to_o be_v think_v on_o without_o horror_n and_o that_o which_o heighten_v the_o affront_n be_v that_o when_o he_o disinherit_v the_o fountain_n of_o truth_n he_o give_v credit_n to_o the_o father_n of_o lie_n as_o appear_v by_o his_o compliance_n the_o real_a evidence_n of_o his_o faith_n now_o what_o vile_a contumely_n can_v be_v offer_v to_o the_o creator_n 2._o prodigious_a pride_n he_o be_v scarce_o out_o of_o the_o state_n of_o nothing_o no_o soon_o create_v but_o he_o aspire_v to_o be_v as_o 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all_o respect_n to_o the_o lawgiver_n it_o be_v not_o possible_a he_o shall_v venture_v to_o disobey_v he_o the_o sin_n of_o adam_n be_v therefore_o call_v by_o the_o apostle_n disobedience_n 5.19_o as_o eminent_o such_o it_o be_v the_o first_o and_o high_a instance_n of_o it_o it_o be_v the_o profanation_n of_o paradise_n itself_o the_o place_n of_o god_n special_a presence_n there_o he_o fall_v and_o trample_v on_o god_n command_n before_o his_o face_n what_o just_a cause_n of_o astonishment_n be_v it_o that_o a_o reasonable_a creature_n shall_v bid_v open_a defiance_n to_o the_o author_n of_o its_o life_n that_o a_o little_a breathe_a dust_n shall_v contemn_v its_o creator_n that_o man_n shall_v prefer_v servile_a compliance_n to_o the_o will_n of_o the_o tempter_n before_o free_a subjection_n to_o his_o father_n and_o sovereign_n to_o depose_v god_n and_o place_n the_o devil_n in_o his_o throne_n be_v double_a treason_n and_o provoke_v his_o infinite_a jealousy_n 5._o unaccountable_a and_o amaze_a folly_n what_o a_o despicable_a acquisition_n tempt_v he_o out_o of_o happiness_n if_o there_o have_v be_v any_o possible_a comparison_n between_o they_o the_o choice_n have_v be_v more_o excusable_a but_o that_o the_o pleasure_n of_o taste_n and_o curiosity_n shall_v outvie_v the_o favour_n of_o god_n which_o be_v better_o than_o life_n that_o the_o most_o pernicious_a evil_n guild_v with_o the_o thin_a appearance_n of_o good_a shall_v be_v prefer_v before_o the_o substantial_a and_o supreme_a good_a be_v the_o reproach_n of_o his_o reason_n and_o make_v the_o choice_n so_o criminal_a and_o what_o less_o than_o voluntary_a madness_n can_v incline_v he_o to_o desire_v that_o which_o he_o ought_v infinite_o to_o have_v fear_v that_o be_v the_o knowledge_n of_o evil_n for_o nothing_o can_v destroy_v his_o happiness_n but_o the_o experience_n of_o evil._n what_o but_o a_o wilful_a distraction_n can_v induce_v he_o to_o believe_v that_o by_o deface_v god_n image_n he_o shall_v become_v more_o like_o he_o thus_o man_n be_v in_o honour_n 49.12_o but_o without_o understanding_n become_v like_o the_o beast_n that_o perish_v 6._o a_o bloody_a cruelty_n to_o himself_o and_o all_o his_o posterity_n when_o god_n have_v make_v he_o a_o depositary_a in_o a_o matter_n of_o infinite_a moment_n that_o be_v of_o his_o own_o happiness_n and_o all_o mankind_n this_o shall_v have_v be_v a_o powerful_a motive_n to_o have_v keep_v he_o vigilant_a but_o give_v a_o ready_a ear_n to_o the_o tempter_n he_o betray_v his_o trust_n and_o at_o once_o break_v both_o the_o table_n of_o the_o law_n and_o become_v guilty_a of_o the_o high_a impiety_n and_o cruelty_n he_o be_v a_o murderer_n before_o a_o parent_n he_o disinherit_v all_o his_o child_n before_o they_o be_v bear_v and_o make_v they_o slave_n before_o they_o know_v the_o price_n of_o liberty_n and_o that_o which_o increase_v the_o malignity_n of_o this_o sin_n and_o add_v a_o infinite_a emphasis_n to_o it_o be_v that_o it_o be_v perfect_o voluntary_a his_o will_n be_v the_o sole_a cause_n of_o his_o fall_n and_o this_o be_v evident_a by_o consider_v 1._o that_o adam_n innocent_a have_v a_o sufficient_a power_n to_o persevere_v in_o his_o holy_a state_n aug._n there_o be_v no_o substraction_n of_o any_o grace_n which_o be_v requisite_a to_o his_o stand_n he_o leave_v god_n before_o he_o be_v forsake_v by_o he_o much_o less_o be_v there_o any_o internal_a impulsion_n from_o god_n it_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o divine_a purity_n to_o incline_v the_o creature_n to_o sin_n as_o god_n can_v be_v tempt_v to_o evil_a neither_o tempt_v he_o any_o man_n it_o be_v injurious_a to_o his_o wisdom_n to_o think_v that_o god_n will_v spoil_v that_o work_n which_o he_o have_v compose_v with_o so_o much_o design_n and_o counsel_n and_o it_o be_v dishonourable_a to_o his_o goodness_n he_o love_v his_o creature_n and_o love_n be_v a_o inclination_n to_o do_v good_a it_o be_v impossible_a therefore_o for_o god_n to_o induce_v man_n to_o sin_n or_o to_o withdraw_v that_o power_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o resist_v the_o temptation_n when_o the_o consequent_a must_v be_v his_o inevitable_a ruin_n 2._o the_o devil_n do_v only_o allure_v grot._n he_o can_v not_o ravish_v his_o consent_n though_o his_o malice_n be_v infinite_a yet_o his_o power_n be_v so_o restrain_v that_o he_o can_v fasten_v a_o immediate_a much_o less_o a_o irresistible_a impression_n on_o the_o will_n he_o therefore_o make_v use_n of_o a_o external_a object_n to_o invite_v he_o now_o object_n have_v no_o constrain_a force_n they_o be_v but_o partial_a agent_n and_o derive_v all_o their_o efficacy_n from_o the_o faculty_n to_o which_o they_o be_v agreeable_a and_o although_o since_o sin_n have_v disorder_v the_o flesh_n there_o be_v difficulty_n in_o resist_v those_o object_n which_o pleasant_o insinuate_v themselves_o yet_o such_o a_o universal_a rectitude_n be_v in_o adam_n and_o so_o entire_a a_o subjection_n in_o the_o sensual_a appetite_n to_o the_o superior_a power_n of_o reason_n that_o he_o may_v have_v obtain_v a_o easy_a conquest_n a_o resolute_a negative_a have_v make_v he_o victorious_a uxor_fw-la by_o a_o strong_a denial_n he_o have_v baffle_v that_o proud_a spirit_n as_o the_o heavenly_a adam_n when_o he_o who_o be_v only_o rich_a in_o promise_n offer_v to_o he_o the_o monarchy_n of_o the_o world_n with_o all_o its_o glory_n disdain_v the_o offer_n and_o cast_v off_o satan_n with_o contempt_n the_o true_a rock_n be_v unmoved_a and_o break_v all_o the_o proud_a wave_n that_o dash_v against_o it_o 3._o it_o will_v full_o appear_v that_o the_o disobedience_n be_v voluntary_a by_o consider_v what_o denominate_v a_o action_n to_o be_v so_o the_o two_o spring_n of_o humane_a action_n be_v the_o understanding_n and_o will_n and_o as_o there_o be_v no_o particular_a good_a but_o may_v have_v the_o appearance_n of_o some_o
our_o eye_n from_o it_o to_o vanity_n here_o the_o complaint_n be_v more_o just_a ad_fw-la sapientiam_fw-la quis_fw-la accedit_fw-la quis_fw-la dignam_fw-la judicat_fw-la nisi_fw-la quam_fw-la in_o transitu_fw-la noverit_fw-la we_o content_v ourselves_o with_o slight_a and_o transient_a glance_n but_o do_v not_o serious_o and_o fix_o consider_v this_o bless_a design_n of_o god_n upon_o which_o the_o beginning_n of_o our_o happiness_n in_o this_o and_o the_o perfection_n of_o it_o in_o the_o next_o life_n be_v build_v let_v we_o provoke_v ourselves_o by_o the_o example_n of_o the_o angel_n who_o be_v not_o concern_v in_o this_o redemption_n as_o man_n be_v for_o they_o continue_v in_o their_o fidelity_n to_o their_o creator_n and_o be_v always_o happy_a in_o his_o favour_n and_o where_o there_o be_v no_o alienation_n between_o party_n reconcilement_n be_v unnecessary_a yet_o they_o be_v student_n with_o we_o in_o the_o same_o book_n and_o unite_v all_o their_o power_n in_o the_o contemplation_n of_o this_o mystery_n they_o be_v represent_v stoop_v to_o pry_v into_o these_o secret_n 1.12_o to_o signify_v their_o delight_n in_o what_o they_o know_v and_o their_o desire_n to_o advance_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o they_o with_o what_o intention_n then_o shall_v we_o study_v the_o gospel_n who_o be_v the_o subject_a and_o end_n of_o it_o chap._n vii_o the_o simple_a speculation_n of_o the_o gospel_n not_o sufficient_a without_o a_o real_a belief_n and_o cordial_a acceptance_n the_o reason_n why_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n conspire_v in_o the_o contempt_n of_o it_o how_o just_a it_o be_v to_o resign_v up_o the_o understanding_n to_o revelation_n god_n know_v his_o own_o nature_n and_o will_n and_o can_v deceive_v we_o we_o must_v believe_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v clear_o reveal_v though_o we_o do_v not_o understand_v the_o manner_n of_o their_o existence_n although_o they_o be_v attend_v with_o seem_a contradiction_n no_o article_n of_o faith_n be_v real_o repugnant_a to_o reason_n we_o must_v distinguish_v between_o thing_n incomprehensible_a and_o inconceivable_a between_o corrupt_v and_o right_a reason_n how_o reason_n be_v subservient_fw-fr to_z faith_n humility_n and_o holiness_n qualify_v for_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o gospel-mystery_n a_o naked_a belief_n of_o supernatural_a truth_n be_v unprofitable_a for_o salvation_n a_o effectual_a assent_n that_o prevail_v upon_o the_o will_n and_o render_v the_o whole_a man_n obsequious_a be_v due_a to_o the_o quality_n of_o the_o gospel-revelation_n the_o simple_a speculation_n of_o this_o glorious_a mystery_n will_v be_v of_o no_o profit_n without_o a_o real_a belief_n of_o it_o and_o a_o cordial_a acceptance_n of_o salvation_n upon_o the_o term_n which_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n prescribe_v the_o gospel_n require_v the_o obedience_n of_o the_o understanding_n and_o of_o the_o will_n unless_o it_o obtain_v a_o full_a possession_n of_o the_o soul_n there_o be_v no_o save_v efficacy_n derive_v from_o it_o and_o such_o be_v the_o sublimity_n and_o purity_n of_o the_o object_n that_o till_o reason_n be_v sanctify_v and_o subdue_v it_o can_v sincere_o entertain_v it_o i_o will_v therefore_o distinct_o consider_v the_o opposition_n which_o carnal_a reason_n have_v make_v against_o it_o and_o show_v how_o just_a it_o be_v that_o the_o humane_a understanding_n shall_v with_o reverence_n yield_v up_o itself_o to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o reveal_v this_o great_a mystery_n to_o we_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o jew_n and_o gentile_n conspire_v in_o the_o contempt_n of_o the_o gospel_n 1._o reason_n can_v hear_v without_o great_a astonishment_n for_o the_o appear_a contradiction_n between_o the_o term_n that_o god_n shall_v be_v make_v man_n and_o the_o eternal_a die_n the_o jew_n esteem_v it_o a_o intolerable_a blasphemy_n and_o without_o any_o process_n of_o law_n be_v ready_a to_o stone_n the_o lord_n jesus_n 10.33_o that_o be_v a_o man_n he_o shall_v make_v himself_o equal_a with_o god_n and_o they_o upbraid_v he_o in_o his_o suffering_n that_o he_o can_v not_o save_v himself_o if_o he_o be_v the_o king_n of_o israel_n 27.42_o let_v he_o come_v down_o from_o the_o cross_n and_o we_o will_v believe_v on_o he_o the_o gentile_n despise_v the_o gospel_n as_o a_o absurd_a ill-contrived_a fable_n 1.23_o for_o what_o in_o appearance_n be_v more_o unbecoming_a god_n lact._n and_o injurious_a to_o his_o perfection_n than_o to_o take_v the_o frail_a garment_n of_o flesh_n to_o be_v tear_v and_o trample_v on_o their_o natural_a knowledge_n of_o the_o deity_n incline_v they_o to_o think_v the_o incarnation_n impossible_a there_o be_v no_o resemblance_n of_o it_o in_o the_o whole_a compass_n of_o nature_n for_o natural_a union_n suppose_v the_o part_n incomplete_a and_o capable_a of_o perfection_n by_o their_o join_v together_o but_o that_o a_o be_v infinite_o perfect_a shall_v assume_v by_o personal_a union_n a_o nature_n inferior_a to_o itself_o the_o heathen_n look_v on_o it_o as_o a_o fable_n forge_v according_a to_o the_o model_n of_o the_o fiction_n concern_v danae_n and_o antiope_n cels._fw-la and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o saviour_n death_n on_o the_o cross_n they_o reject_v as_o a_o impiety_n contumelious_a to_o god_n they_o judge_v it_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o majesty_n and_o happiness_n of_o the_o deity_n to_o ascribe_v to_o he_o that_o which_o be_v the_o punishment_n of_o the_o most_o guilty_a and_o miserable_a in_o the_o account_n of_o carnal_a reason_n they_o think_v more_o worthy_o of_o god_n by_o deny_v that_o of_o he_o which_o be_v only_o due_a to_o the_o worst_a of_o man_n celsus_n who_o with_o as_o much_o subtlety_n as_o malice_n 1._o urge_v all_o that_o with_o any_o appearance_n can_v be_v object_v against_o our_o saviour_n principal_o insist_o on_o his_o poverty_n and_o suffering_n the_o meanness_n and_o misery_n of_o his_o condition_n in_o the_o world_n it_o be_v fit_a say_v he_o that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n shall_v appear_v as_o the_o sun_n 〈◊〉_d which_o render_v itself_o conspicuous_a by_o its_o own_o light_n but_o the_o gospel_n have_v declare_v the_o word_n to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n relate_v that_o he_o be_v a_o man_n of_o sorrow_n that_o have_v no_o power_n to_o defend_v himself_o and_o be_v desert_v by_o his_o father_n and_o follower_n scourge_v with_o rod_n and_o shameful_o execute_v he_o can_v not_o reconcile_v so_o many_o thing_n that_o seem_v utter_o incompatible_a as_o sovereignty_n and_o servitude_n innocence_n and_o punishment_n the_o low_a of_o humane_a misery_n death_n with_o the_o high_a of_o divine_a honour_n adoration_n brief_o nothing_o be_v more_o contrary_a to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n than_o to_o believe_v that_o person_n to_o be_v the_o redeemer_n of_o the_o world_n who_o do_v not_o rescue_v himself_o from_o his_o enemy_n and_o to_o expect_v immortality_n from_o he_o that_o be_v overcome_v by_o death_n now_o the_o cause_n of_o this_o infidelity_n be_v 1._o the_o darkness_n of_o the_o mind_n which_o be_v so_o corrupt_v by_o original_a pravity_n that_o it_o can_v behold_v heavenly_a mystery_n in_o their_o proper_a light_n so_o as_o to_o acquiesce_v in_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o 2.14_o the_o natural_a man_n receive_v not_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o they_o be_v foolishness_n to_o he_o and_o he_o can_v know_v they_o because_o they_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v there_o be_v no_o proportion_n between_o the_o natural_a understanding_n and_o supernatural_a truth_n for_o although_o the_o rational_a soul_n be_v a_o spirit_n as_o it_o be_v distinguish_v from_o corporeal_a being_n yet_o till_o it_o be_v purge_v from_o error_n and_o vicious_a affection_n it_o can_v never_o discover_v the_o divinity_n of_o thing_n spiritual_a so_o as_o to_o embrace_v they_o with_o certainty_n and_o delight_n as_o there_o must_v be_v a_o spirit_n of_o revelation_n to_o unveil_v the_o object_n 1.17_o so_o of_o wisdom_n to_o enlighten_v the_o eye_n that_o it_o may_v be_v prepare_v for_o the_o reception_n of_o it_o as_o heaven_n be_v only_o see_v by_o its_o own_o light_n so_o christ_n be_v by_o his_o own_o spirit_n divine_a object_n and_o faith_n that_o discern_v they_o be_v of_o the_o same_o original_n and_o of_o the_o same_o quality_n the_o natural_a understanding_n as_o the_o effect_n declare_v be_v like_o the_o funeral_n lamp_n which_o by_o the_o ancient_n be_v put_v into_o sepulcher_n to_o guard_v the_o ash_n of_o their_o dead_a friend_n which_o shine_v so_o long_o as_o they_o be_v keep_v close_o a_o thick_a moist_a vapour_n feed_v they_o and_o repair_v what_o be_v consume_v but_o in_o open_v the_o sepulcher_n and_o expose_v they_o to_o the_o free_a air_n they_o present_o faint_v and_o expire_v thus_o natural_a reason_n whilst_o conversant_a in_o thing_n below_o and_o watch_v with_o the_o dead_a that_o be_v in_o the_o phrase_n of_o the_o ancient_n study_v the_o book_n of_o man_n who_o have_v leave_v the_o world_n it_o discover_v
infinite_o above_o the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o nature_n the_o maxim_n of_o philosophy_n be_v not_o to_o be_v extend_v to_o he_o we_o must_v adore_v what_o we_o can_v full_o understand_v but_o those_o thing_n be_v against_o reason_n and_o utter_o inconceivable_a that_o involve_v a_o contradiction_n and_o have_v a_o natural_a repugnancy_n to_o our_o understanding_n which_o can_v conceive_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v formal_o impossible_a and_o there_o be_v no_o such_o doctrine_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n 2._o we_o must_v distinguish_v between_o reason_n corrupt_v and_o right_a reason_n since_o the_o fall_n the_o clearness_n of_o the_o humane_a understanding_n be_v lose_v and_o the_o light_n that_o remain_v be_v eclipse_v by_o the_o interposition_n of_o sensual_a lust_n the_o carnal_a mind_n can_v out_o of_o ignorance_n and_o will_v not_o from_o pride_n and_o other_o malignant_a habit_n receive_v thing_n spiritual_a and_o from_o hence_o arise_v many_o suspicion_n and_o doubt_n concern_v supernatural_a verity_n the_o shadow_n of_o darken_a reason_n and_o of_o die_a faith_n if_o any_o divine_a mystery_n seem_v incredible_a it_o be_v from_o the_o corruption_n of_o our_o reason_n not_o from_o reason_n itself_o from_o its_o darkness_n not_o its_o light_n and_o as_o reason_n be_v oblige_v to_o correct_v the_o error_n of_o sense_n when_o it_o be_v deceive_v either_o by_o some_o vicious_a quality_n in_o the_o organ_n or_o by_o the_o distance_n of_o the_o object_n or_o by_o the_o falseness_n of_o the_o medium_n that_o corrupt_v the_o image_n in_o convey_v of_o it_o so_o it_o be_v the_o office_n of_o faith_n to_o reform_v the_o judgement_n of_o reason_n when_o either_o from_o its_o own_o weakness_n or_o the_o height_n of_o thing_n spiritual_a it_o be_v mistake_v about_o they_o for_o this_o end_n supernatural_a revelation_n be_v give_v not_o to_o extinguish_v reason_n but_o to_o redress_v it_o and_o enrich_v it_o with_o the_o discovery_n of_o heavenly_a thing_n faith_n be_v call_v wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n it_o do_v not_o quench_v the_o vigour_n of_o the_o faculty_n wherein_o it_o be_v seat_v but_o elevate_v it_o and_o give_v it_o a_o spiritual_a preception_n of_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v most_o distant_a from_o its_o commerce_n it_o do_v not_o lead_v we_o through_o a_o mist_n to_o the_o inheritance_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o light_n faith_n be_v a_o rational_a light_n for_o 1._o it_o arise_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o those_o argument_n which_o convince_v the_o mind_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v a_o divine_a revelation_n i_o know_v say_v the_o apostle_n who_o i_o have_v believe_v 1.12_o and_o we_o be_v command_v always_o to_o be_v ready_a to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o we_o 3.15_o those_o that_o owe_v their_o christianity_n mere_o to_o the_o felicity_n of_o their_o birth_n without_o a_o sight_n of_o that_o transcendent_a excellency_n in_o our_o religion_n which_o evidence_n that_o it_o come_v from_o heaven_n do_v not_o believe_v aright_o as_o the_o eye_n that_o be_v cloud_v with_o a_o suffusion_n so_o that_o all_o thing_n appear_v yellow_a to_o it_o when_o it_o judge_n thing_n to_o be_v yellow_a that_o be_v so_o its_o judgement_n be_v vicious_a because_o it_o proceed_v not_o from_o the_o quality_n of_o the_o object_n but_o from_o its_o own_o indisposition_n so_o those_o that_o believe_v the_o gospel_n upon_o a_o false_a principle_n because_o it_o be_v the_o religion_n of_o their_o country_n though_o in_o its_o self_n the_o word_n of_o truth_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o right_a believer_n it_o be_v not_o judgement_n but_o chance_n that_o incline_v they_o to_o embrace_v it_o the_o turk_n upon_o the_o same_o reason_n be_v zealous_a votary_n of_o mahomet_n as_o they_o be_v disciple_n of_o christ._n 2._o faith_n make_v use_v of_o reason_n to_o consider_v what_o doctrine_n be_v reveal_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o to_o deduce_v those_o consequence_n which_o have_v a_o clear_a connexion_n with_o supernatural_a principle_n thus_o reason_n be_v a_o excellent_a instrument_n to_o distinguish_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v of_o a_o divine_a original_a from_o what_o be_v spurious_a and_o counterfeit_a for_o sometime_o that_o be_v pretend_v to_o be_v a_o mystery_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v only_o the_o fruit_n of_o fancy_n and_o that_o be_v defend_v by_o the_o sacred_a respect_n of_o faith_n that_o reason_n ought_v not_o to_o violate_v which_o be_v but_o a_o groundless_a imagination_n so_o that_o we_o remain_v in_o a_o error_n by_o the_o sole_a apprehension_n of_o fall_v into_o one_o as_o those_o that_o die_v for_o fear_n of_o death_n the_o berean_o be_v commend_v for_o their_o search_v the_o scripture_n 17.11_o whether_o the_o doctrine_n they_o hear_v be_v consentaneous_a to_o they_o but_o it_o be_v a_o necessary_a duty_n that_o reason_n how_o stiff_a soever_o shall_v full_o comply_v with_o god_n where_o it_o appear_v reasonable_a that_o he_o have_v speak_v brief_o the_o rich_a ornament_n of_o the_o creature_n be_v humility_n and_o the_o most_o excellent_a effect_n of_o it_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o weakness_n of_o our_o understanding_n this_o be_v the_o temper_n of_o soul_n that_o prepare_v it_o for_o faith_n partly_o as_o it_o put_v we_o on_o a_o serious_a consideration_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v reveal_v to_o we_o in_o the_o word_n infidelity_n proceed_v from_o the_o want_n of_o consideration_n and_o nothing_o hinder_v that_o so_o much_o as_o pride_n partly_o as_o it_o stop_v all_o curious_a inquiry_n into_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v unsearchable_a and_o principal_o as_o it_o entitle_v to_o the_o promise_n god_n will_v instruct_v and_o give_v grace_n to_o the_o humble_a the_o knowledge_n of_o heaven_n as_o well_o as_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v the_o inheritance_n of_o the_o poor_a in_o spirit_n a_o great_a progress_n be_v make_v in_o the_o knowledge_n and_o belief_n of_o these_o mystery_n by_o humble_a prayer_n than_o by_o the_o most_o anxious_a study_n as_o at_o court_n a_o hour_n of_o favour_n be_v worth_a a_o year_n attendance_n man_n can_v acquire_v so_o much_o as_o god_n can_v give_v and_o as_o humility_n so_o holiness_n prepare_v the_o soul_n for_o the_o receive_n of_o supernatural_a truth_n the_o understanding_n be_v clarify_v by_o the_o purification_n of_o the_o heart_n it_o be_v not_o the_o difficulty_n and_o obscurity_n of_o thing_n reveal_v that_o be_v the_o real_a cause_n of_o infidelity_n since_o man_n believe_v other_o thing_n upon_o far_o less_o evidence_n but_o it_o be_v the_o prejudice_n of_o the_o low_a faculty_n that_o hinder_v they_o when_o all_o affection_n to_o sin_n be_v mortify_v the_o soul_n be_v in_o the_o best_a disposition_n to_o receive_v divine_a revelation_n he_o that_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n 7.17_o shall_v know_v whether_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n come_v from_o heaven_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v the_o alone_a instructor_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n in_o these_o mystery_n so_o as_o to_o produce_v a_o save_v belief_n of_o they_o that_o knowledge_n be_v more_o clear_a and_o satisfy_a that_o we_o have_v by_o his_o teach_v than_o by_o our_o own_o learning_n the_o rational_a mind_n may_v discern_v the_o literal_a sense_n of_o the_o proposition_n in_o the_o gospel_n and_o may_v yield_v a_o naked_a assent_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o but_o without_o supernatural_a irradiation_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o life_n there_o can_v be_v no_o transform_v and_o save_v knowledge_n and_o belief_n of_o they_o and_o as_o the_o vast_a expansion_n of_o air_n that_o be_v about_o we_o do_v not_o preserve_v life_n but_o that_o part_n which_o we_o breath_n in_o so_o it_o be_v not_o the_o compass_n of_o our_o knowledge_n and_o belief_n though_o it_o be_v equal_a to_o the_o whole_a reveal_v will_n of_o god_n that_o be_v vital_a to_o the_o soul_n but_o that_o which_o be_v practise_v by_o we_o the_o apostle_n say_v 13.2_o though_o he_o have_v the_o understanding_n of_o all_o mystery_n and_o all_o knowledge_n and_o all_o faith_n yet_o if_o it_o be_v not_o join_v with_o love_n the_o principle_n of_o obedience_n it_o be_v unprofitable_a there_o be_v the_o same_o difference_n between_o the_o speculative_a knowledge_n of_o these_o mystery_n and_o that_o which_o be_v affectionate_a and_o operative_a as_o between_o the_o wear_n of_o pearl_n for_o ornament_n and_o the_o take_n of_o they_o as_o a_o cordial_a to_o revive_v the_o faint_a spirit_n in_o short_a such_o a_o belief_n be_v require_v as_o prevail_v upon_o the_o will_n and_o draw_v the_o affection_n and_o 〈◊〉_d the_o whole_a man_n obsequious_a to_o the_o gospel_n for_o 〈◊〉_d a_o faith_n be_v alone_o answerable_a to_o the_o quality_n of_o the_o revelation_n the_o gospel_n be_v not_o a_o mere_a narrative_n but_o a_o promise_n christ_n be_v not_o represent_v only_o as_o a_o innocent_a person_n die_v but_o as_o the_o son_n
of_o god_n die_v to_o deliver_v man_n from_o sin_n and_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o the_o fall_a angel_n may_v understand_v and_o believe_v it_o without_o any_o affection_n be_v unconcern_v in_o it_o to_o they_o it_o be_v a_o naked_a history_n but_o to_o man_n it_o be_v a_o promise_n and_o can_v be_v right_o receive_v without_o the_o most_o ardent_a affection_n this_o be_v a_o faithful_a say_v 15·_v and_o worthy_a of_o all_o acceptation_n that_o jesus_n christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o save_v sinner_n it_o be_v essentia●●●_n good_a as_o true_a its_o sweetness_n and_o profit_n be_v equal_a to_o its_o certainty_n so_o that_o it_o commend_v itself_o to_o all_o our_o faculty_n there_o be_v severe_a and_o sad_a truth_n which_o be_v attend_v with_o fearful_a expectation_n and_o the_o mind_n be_v averse_a from_o receive_v they_o as_o the_o law_n which_o like_o lightning_n terrify_v the_o soul_n with_o its_o amaze_a brightness_n and_o there_o be_v pleasant_a illusion_n which_o have_v no_o solid_a foundation_n and_o as_o truth_n do_v not_o delight_v the_o mind_n unless_o unite_v to_o goodness_n such_o as_o be_v suitable_a to_o its_o palate_n so_o goodness_n do_v not_o affect_v the_o will_n unless_o it_o be_v real_a now_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v as_o certain_a as_o the_o law_n and_o infinite_o more_o comfortable_a than_o all_o the_o invention_n of_o men._n it_o be_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o alone_o that_o the_o sensible_a and_o consider_a soul_n enjoy_v perfect_a satisfaction_n and_o the_o most_o compose_a rest._n it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o understanding_n do_v not_o behold_v these_o truth_n in_o their_o proper_a light_n when_o the_o will_n do_v not_o embrace_v they_o for_o the_o rational_a appetite_n follow_v the_o last_o judgement_n of_o the_o mind_n when_o the_o apostle_n have_v a_o powerful_a conviction_n of_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n 3._o this_o make_v he_o so_o earnest_a to_o gain_v a_o interest_n in_o he_o for_o this_o reason_n those_o who_o be_v only_a christian_n in_o title_n have_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n and_o deny_v the_o power_n of_o it_o be_v in_o scripture-language_n style_v infidel_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o those_o who_o true_o and_o hearty_o believe_v this_o great_a mystery_n of_o godliness_n shall_v remain_v ungodly_a it_o be_v a_o strong_a and_o effectual_a assent_n that_o descend_v from_o the_o brain_n to_o the_o heart_n and_o life_n that_o denominate_v we_o true_a believer_n so_o that_o when_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n be_v propound_v as_o the_o cause_n of_o our_o reconciliation_n with_o god_n the_o wonder_n of_o the_o mystery_n do_v not_o make_v it_o incredible_a when_o as_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o mortification_n of_o our_o lust_n the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n do_v not_o disguise_v its_o horror_n when_o salvation_n be_v offer_v upon_o our_o accept_n of_o christ_n for_o our_o prince_n and_o saviour_n the_o soul_n be_v ravish_v with_o its_o beauty_n and_o choose_v it_o for_o a_o everlasting_a portion_n to_o conclude_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n clear_o discover_v its_o divine_a original_a it_o be_v so_o reasonable_a in_o itself_o and_o profitable_a to_o we_o so_o sublime_a and_o elevate_v above_o man_n yet_o have_v such_o a_o admirable_a agreement_n with_o natural_a truth_n it_o be_v so_o perfect_o correspond_v in_o all_o its_o part_n that_o without_o affect_a obstinacy_n no_o man_n can_v reject_v it_o and_o if_o after_o the_o open_a revelation_n of_o it_o we_o be_v so_o stupid_a and_o wicked_a as_o not_o to_o see_v its_o superlative_a excellency_n and_o not_o to_o receive_v it_o with_o the_o faith_n love_n and_o obedience_n which_o be_v due_a to_o it_o what_o contempt_n be_v this_o of_o that_o infinite_a wisdom_n which_o contrive_v the_o astonish_a way_n of_o our_o salvation_n what_o a_o reproach_n to_o the_o divine_a understanding_n as_o if_o it_o have_v be_v employ_v from_o eternity_n about_o a_o matter_n of_o no_o moment_n and_o that_o deserve_v not_o our_o serious_a consideration_n and_o acceptance_n the_o neglect_n of_o it_o will_v just_o bring_v a_o more_o severe_a punishment_n than_o the_o hell_n of_o the_o uninstruct_v heathen_n who_o be_v stranger_n to_o supernatural_a mystery_n chap._n viii_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n be_v represent_v with_o peculiar_a advantage_n above_o the_o other_o attribute_n it_o be_v eminent_o glorify_v in_o our_o redemption_n in_o respect_n of_o its_o freeness_n and_o greatness_n the_o freeness_n of_o it_o amplify_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o original_n and_o object_n of_o it_o god_n be_v perfect_o happy_a in_o himself_o and_o need_v not_o the_o creature_n to_o preserve_v or_o heighten_v his_o felicity_n the_o glorious_a reward_n confer_v upon_o our_o saviour_n do_v not_o prejudice_v the_o freeness_n of_o his_o love_n to_o man._n there_o be_v no_o tie_n upon_o god_n to_o save_v man._n the_o object_n of_o mercy_n be_v man_n in_o his_o lapse_v state_n it_o be_v illustrate_v by_o the_o consideration_n of_o what_o he_o be_v in_o himself_o no_o motive_n of_o love_n be_v in_o he_o he_o be_v a_o rebel_n impotent_a and_o obstinate_a the_o freeness_n of_o mercy_n set_v forth_o by_o compare_v he_o with_o the_o fall_v angel_n who_o be_v leave_v in_o perfect_a irremediable_a misery_n their_o first_o state_n fall_n and_o punishment_n the_o reason_n why_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n make_v no_o provision_n for_o their_o recovery_n although_o all_o the_o divine_a attribute_n be_v equal_a as_o they_o be_v in_o god_n for_o one_o infinite_a can_v exceed_v another_o yet_o in_o their_o exercise_n and_o effect_n they_o shine_v with_o a_o different_a glory_n and_o mercy_n be_v represent_v in_o scripture_n with_o peculiar_a advantage_n above_o the_o rest_n it_o be_v god_n natural_a offspring_n he_o be_v style_v the_o father_n of_o mercy_n 1.3_o it_o be_v his_o dear_a attribute_n that_o which_o he_o place_v next_o to_o himself_o he_o be_v proclaim_v the_o lord_n god_n gracious_a and_o merciful_a 2.4_o it_o be_v his_o delight_n mercy_n please_v he_o it_o be_v his_o treasure_n he_o be_v rich_a in_o mercy_n it_o be_v his_o triumphant_a attribute_n and_o the_o special_a matter_n of_o his_o glory_n 2.13_o mercy_n rejoice_v over_o judgement_n now_o in_o the_o performance_n of_o our_o redemption_n mercy_n be_v the_o predominant_a attribute_n that_o set_v all_o the_o rest_n a_o work_n the_o act_n of_o his_o wisdom_n justice_n and_o power_n be_v in_o order_n to_o the_o illustration_n of_o his_o mercy_n and_o if_o we_o due_o consider_v that_o glorious_a work_n we_o shall_v find_v in_o it_o all_o the_o ingredient_n of_o the_o most_o sovereign_a mercy_n in_o discourse_v of_o it_o i_o shall_v principal_o consider_v two_o thing_n wherein_o this_o attribute_n be_v eminent_o glorify_v the_o freeness_n and_o the_o greatness_n of_o it_o the_o freeness_n of_o this_o mercy_n will_v appear_v by_o consider_v the_o original_n and_o object_n of_o it_o 1._o the_o original_a be_v god_n and_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o deity_n include_v infinite_a perfection_n so_o that_o it_o neeessary_o follow_v that_o he_o have_v no_o need_n of_o the_o creature_n service_n to_o preserve_v or_o heighten_v his_o felicity_n 35.7_o if_o thou_o be_v righteous_a what_o give_v thou_o he_o or_o what_o receive_v he_o of_o thy_o hand_n from_o eternity_n he_o be_v without_o external_a honour_n yet_o in_o that_o infinite_a duration_n he_o be_v perfect_o joyful_a and_o happy_a he_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o his_o own_o blessedness_n the_o theatre_n of_o his_o own_o glory_n the_o glass_n of_o his_o own_o beauty_n one_o drop_n increase_v the_o ocean_n but_o to_o god_n a_o million_o of_o world_n ●an_v add_v nothing_o every_o thing_n have_v so_o much_o of_o goodness_n as_o it_o derive_v from_o he_o as_o there_o be_v no_o gain_n to_o he_o by_o the_o creation_n so_o there_o can_v be_v no_o loss_n by_o the_o annihilation_n of_o all_o thing_n the_o world_n proceed_v from_o his_o wisdom_n as_o the_o idea_n and_o exemplar_n and_o from_o his_o power_n as_o the_o efficient_a cause_n and_o it_o so_o proceed_v from_o he_o as_o to_o remain_v more_o perfect_o in_o he_o and_o as_o the_o possession_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o the_o obedience_n of_o angel_n and_o man_n be_v of_o no_o advantage_n to_o god_n so_o the_o opposition_n of_o impenitent_a rebel_n can_v lessen_v his_o blessedness_n if_o thou_o sin_v what_o do●t_v thou_o against_o he_o or_o 35.6_o if_o thy_o transgression_n be_v multiply_v what_o do_v thou_o unto_o he_o the_o sun_n suffer_v no_o loss_n of_o its_o light_n by_o the_o darkness_n of_o the_o night_n or_o a_o eclipse_n but_o the_o world_n lo●es_v its_o day_n if_o intelligent_a being_n do_v not_o esteem_v he_o for_o his_o greatness_n and_o love_v he_o for_o his_o goodness_n it_o be_v no_o injury_n to_o he_o but_o their_o own_o infelicity_n be_v it_o for_o his_o
internal_a malignity_n of_o sin_n abstract_v from_o its_o dreadful_a effect_n be_v most_o worthy_a of_o our_o hatred_n for_o it_o be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n direct_v enmity_n against_o god_n and_o obscure_v the_o glory_n of_o all_o his_o attribute_n it_o be_v the_o violation_n of_o his_o majesty_n who_o be_v the_o universal_a sovereign_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n a_o contrariety_n to_o his_o holiness_n which_o shine_v forth_o in_o his_o law_n a_o despise_v his_o goodness_n the_o attractive_a to_o obedience_n the_o contempt_n of_o his_o omniscience_n which_o see_v every_o sin_n when_o it_o be_v commit_v the_o slight_n of_o his_o terrible_a justice_n and_o power_n as_o if_o the_o sinner_n can_v secure_v himself_o from_o his_o indignation_n a_o denial_n of_o his_o truth_n as_o if_o the_o threaten_a be_v a_o vain_a terror_n to_o scare_v man_n from_o sin_n and_o all_o this_o do_v voluntary_o to_o please_v a_o irregular_a corrupt_a appetite_n by_o a_o despicable_a creature_n who_o absolute_o depend_v upon_o god_n for_o his_o be_v and_o happiness_n these_o consideration_n serious_o ponder_v be_v most_o proper_a to_o discover_v the_o extremity_n of_o its_o evil_n but_o sensible_a demonstration_n be_v most_o powerful_a to_o convince_v and_o affect_v we_o and_o those_o be_v take_v from_o the_o fearful_a punishment_n that_o be_v inflict_v for_o sin_n now_o the_o torment_n of_o hell_n which_o be_v the_o just_a and_o full_a recompense_n of_o sin_n be_v not_o sensible_a till_o they_o be_v inevitable_a and_o temporal_a judgement_n can_v full_o declare_v the_o infinite_a displeasure_n of_o god_n against_o the_o wilful_a contempt_n of_o his_o authority_n but_o in_o the_o suffering_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v express_v to_o the_o utmost_a if_o justice_n itself_o have_v rend_v the_o heaven_n and_o come_v down_o in_o the_o most_o visible_a terror_n to_o revenge_v the_o rebellion_n of_o man_n it_o can_v never_o have_v make_v strong_a impression_n upon_o we_o than_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n due_o consider_v the_o destruction_n of_o the_o world_n by_o water_n the_o miraculous_a burn_a of_o sodom_n and_o gomorrah_n by_o shower_n of_o fire_n and_o all_o other_o the_o most_o terrible_a judgement_n do_v not_o afford_v such_o a_o sensible_a instruction_n of_o the_o evil_a of_o sin_n if_o we_o regard_v the_o dignity_n of_o his_o person_n and_o the_o depth_n of_o his_o suffering_n he_o be_v a_o unparalleled_a example_n of_o god_n indignation_n for_o the_o breach_n of_o his_o holy_a law_n for_o he_o that_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o the_o lord_n of_o glory_n be_v make_v a_o man_n of_o sorrow_n he_o endure_v derision_n scourge_n stripe_n and_o at_o last_o a_o cruel_a and_o curse_a death_n the_o holy_a of_o holies_n be_v crucify_v between_o two_o thief_n by_o how_o much_o the_o life_n of_o christ_n be_v more_o precious_a than_o the_o life_n of_o all_o man_n so_o much_o in_o his_o death_n do_v the_o wrath_n of_o god_n appear_v more_o full_o against_o sin_n than_o it_o will_v in_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n of_o sinner_n and_o his_o spiritual_a suffering_n infinite_o exceed_v all_o his_o corporeal_a the_o impression_n of_o wrath_n that_o be_v inflict_v by_o god_n immediate_a hand_n upon_o his_o soul_n force_v from_o he_o those_o strong_a cry_n that_o move_v all_o the_o power_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n with_o compassion_n if_o the_o curtain_n be_v draw_v aside_o and_o we_o shall_v look_v into_o the_o chamber_n of_o death_n where_o sinner_n lie_v down_o in_o sorrow_n for_o ever_o and_o hear_v the_o woeful_a expression_n and_o deep_a complaint_n of_o the_o damn_a with_o what_o horror_n and_o distraction_n they_o speak_v of_o their_o torment_n we_o can_v not_o have_v a_o full_a testimony_n of_o god_n infinite_a displeasure_n against_o sin_n than_o in_o the_o anguish_n and_o agony_n of_o our_o redeemer_n for_o whatever_o his_o suffering_n be_v in_o kind_n yet_o in_o their_o degree_n and_o measure_n they_o be_v equal_o terrible_a with_o those_o that_o condemn_a sinner_n endure_v now_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o rational_a agent_n shall_v free_o in_o the_o open_a light_n for_o perish_a vanity_n dare_v to_o commit_v sin_n can_v they_o avoid_v or_o endure_v the_o wrath_n of_o a_o incense_a god_n if_o god_n spare_v not_o his_o son_n when_o he_o come_v in_o the_o similitude_n of_o sinful_a flesh_n how_o shall_v sinner_n who_o be_v deep_o and_o universal_o defile_v escape_n can_v they_o fortify_v themselves_o against_o the_o supreme_a judge_n can_v they_o encounter_v with_o the_o fury_n of_o the_o almighty_a the_o apprehension_n of_o which_o make_v the_o soul_n of_o christ_n heavy_a unto_o death_n have_v they_o patience_n to_o bear_v that_o for_o ever_o which_o be_v to_o christ_n who_o have_v the_o strength_n of_o the_o deity_n to_o support_v he_o intolerable_a for_o a_o few_o hour_n if_o it_o be_v so_o with_o the_o green_a tree_n what_o will_v become_v of_o the_o dry_a when_o expose_v to_o the_o fiery_a trial_n if_o he_o that_o be_v holy_a and_o innocent_a suffer_v so_o dreadful_o what_o must_v they_o expect_v who_o add_v impenitency_n to_o their_o guilt_n and_o live_v in_o the_o bold_a commission_n of_o sin_n without_o reflection_n and_o remorse_n what_o prodigious_a madness_n be_v it_o to_o drink_v iniquity_n like_o water_n as_o a_o harmless_a thing_n when_o it_o be_v a_o poison_n so_o deadly_a that_o the_o least_o drop_n of_o it_o bring_v certain_a ruin_n what_o desperate_a folly_n to_o have_v slight_a apprehension_n of_o that_o which_o be_v attend_v with_o the_o first_o and_o second_o death_n nothing_o but_o unreasonable_a infidelity_n and_o inconsideration_n can_v make_v man_n venturous_a to_o provoke_v the_o live_a god_n who_o be_v infinite_o sensible_a of_o their_o sin_n and_o who_o both_o can_v and_o will_v punish_v they_o by_o torment_n extreme_a and_o eternal_a 2._o the_o strictness_n of_o divine_a justice_n appear_v that_o require_v satisfaction_n equivalent_a to_o the_o desert_n of_o sin_n the_o natural_a notion_n of_o the_o deity_n as_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o world_n instruct_v the_o heathen_n that_o the_o transgression_n of_o his_o law_n be_v worthy_a of_o death_n 1.31_o this_o prove_v that_o the_o obligation_n to_o punishment_n do_v not_o arise_v from_o the_o mere_a will_n of_o god_n which_o be_v only_o discover_v by_o revelation_n but_o be_v found_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o by_o its_o own_o light_n be_v manifest_v to_o reasonable_a creature_n from_o hence_o they_o infer_v that_o it_o be_v not_o become_v the_o divine_a nature_n as_o qualify_v with_o the_o relation_n of_o supreme_a ruler_n to_o pardon_v sin_n without_o satisfaction_n this_o appear_v by_o the_o sacrifice_n and_o ceremony_n the_o religion_n and_o expiation_n which_o be_v perform_v by_o the_o most_o ignorant_a nation_n and_o although_o they_o infinite_o abuse_v themselves_o in_o the_o conceit_n they_o have_v of_o their_o pretend_a efficacy_n and_o virtue_n yet_o the_o universal_a consent_n of_o mankind_n in_o the_o belief_n that_o satisfaction_n be_v necessary_a declare_v it_o to_o be_v true_a this_o as_o other_o natural_a doctrine_n be_v more_o full_o reveal_v by_o scripture_n 9.22_o under_o the_o law_n without_o shed_v of_o blood_n there_o be_v no_o remission_n not_o that_o common_a blood_n can_v make_v satisfaction_n for_o sin_n but_o god_n command_v there_o shall_v be_v a_o visible_a mark_n of_o its_o necessity_n in_o the_o worship_n offer_v to_o he_o and_o a_o prefiguration_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v accomplish_v by_o a_o sacrifice_n eternal_o efficacious_a and_o the_o oeconomy_n of_o our_o salvation_n clear_o prove_v that_o to_o preserve_v the_o honour_n of_o god_n government_n sin_n must_v be_v punish_v that_o sinner_n may_v be_v pardon_v for_o nothing_o be_v more_o repugnant_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n absolute_o consider_v than_o the_o death_n of_o his_o belove_a son_n and_o the_o natural_a will_n of_o christ_n be_v averse_a from_o it_o what_o then_o move_v that_o infinite_a wisdom_n which_o will_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v perfect_o reasonable_a to_o ordain_v that_o event_n why_o shall_v it_o take_v so_o great_a a_o circuit_n if_o the_o way_n be_v so_o short_a that_o by_o pure_a favour_n without_o satisfaction_n sin_n may_v have_v be_v pardon_v our_o saviour_n declare_v the_o necessity_n of_o his_o suffer_a death_n suppose_v the_o merciful_a will_n of_o his_o father_n to_o save_v we_o when_o he_o say_v that_o as_o moses_n lift_v up_o the_o serpent_n in_o the_o wilderness_n even_o so_o must_v the_o son_n of_o man_n be_v lift_v up_o that_o whosoever_o believe_v in_o he_o shall_v not_o perish_v it_o be_v true_a since_o god_n have_v foretell_v and_o prefigure_v his_o death_n by_o the_o oracle_n and_o action_n under_o the_o law_n it_o necessary_o come_v to_o pass_v but_o to_o consider_v thing_n exact_o the_o unchangeable_a truth_n of_o type_n and_o prophecy_n be_v not_o
as_o to_o violate_v the_o fidelity_n of_o marriage_n without_o the_o wound_n of_o chastity_n or_o to_o poison_v a_o parent_n without_o fail_v in_o the_o duty_n that_o be_v owe_v to_o they_o and_o to_o express_v his_o indignation_n he_o tell_v they_o sic_fw-la ergo_fw-la &_o ipsi_fw-la salva_fw-la venia_fw-la in_o gehennam_fw-la detruduntur_fw-la dum_fw-la salvo_fw-la metu_fw-la peccant_a let_v they_o expect_v that_o god_n will_v cast_v they_o into_o hell_n without_o prejudice_n to_o their_o pardon_n as_o they_o pretend_v to_o sin_n without_o prejudice_n to_o the_o respect_n they_o bear_v he_o to_o sum_v up_o all_o jesus_n christ_n as_o by_o his_o doctrine_n and_o life_n he_o clear_o discover_v our_o duty_n so_o he_o offer_v to_o we_o the_o aid_n of_o his_o spirit_n for_o our_o assistance_n by_o which_o the_o command_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v not_o only_o possible_a but_o easy_a and_o to_o enforce_v our_o obligation_n he_o have_v threaten_v such_o vengeance_n to_o the_o rebellious_a and_o promise_v such_o a_o reward_n to_o those_o that_o obey_v the_o gospel_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a we_o shall_v not_o be_v deep_o affect_v with_o they_o if_o we_o serious_o believe_v they_o and_o he_o have_v give_v such_o evidence_n of_o their_o truth_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a we_o shall_v not_o believe_v they_o unless_o the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n have_v blind_v our_o mind_n it_o be_v matter_n therefore_o of_o just_a astonishment_n that_o christian_n shall_v not_o express_v the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o their_o action_n how_o can_v a_o reasonable_a creature_n believe_v that_o eternal_a damnation_n shall_v be_v the_o punishment_n of_o sin_n and_o yet_o live_v in_o the_o wilful_a practice_n of_o it_o the_o historian_n speak_v of_o mushroom_n that_o sometime_o prove_v deadly_a to_o whole_a family_n ask_v with_o wonder_n cibi_fw-la what_o pleasure_n can_v allure_v they_o to_o eat_v such_o doubtful_a meat_n yet_o they_o may_v be_v so_o correct_v as_o to_o become_v innocent_a but_o when_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n be_v mortal_a can_v any_o one_o be_v tempt_v by_o those_o attractive_n to_o venture_v on_o that_o which_o will_v undoubted_o bring_v death_n to_o the_o soul_n let_v sense_n itself_o be_v judge_n and_o make_v the_o comparison_n between_o whatsoever_o the_o present_a life_n can_v afford_v for_o delight_n in_o sin_n and_o what_o the_o future_a death_n will_v bring_v to_o torment_v it_o let_v the_o flesh_n see_v into_o what_o torment_v all_o its_o delight_n shall_v be_v change_v and_o with_o what_o other_o fire_n than_o of_o impure_a lust_n it_o shall_v burn_v for_o ever_o beside_o we_o be_v encourage_v to_o our_o duty_n with_o the_o assurance_n of_o a_o happiness_n so_o excellent_a that_o not_o only_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o it_o in_o the_o next_o world_n but_o the_o just_a expectation_n of_o it_o here_o make_v we_o true_o bless_v if_o the_o reward_n be_v small_a or_o the_o promise_v uncertain_a there_o may_v be_v some_o pretence_n for_o our_o not_o perform_v the_o condition_n to_o obtain_v it_o but_o when_o the_o one_o be_v infinite_o great_a and_o the_o other_o as_o true_a as_o the_o god_n of_o truth_n what_o more_o powerful_a motive_n can_v be_v conceive_v to_o make_v we_o holy_a it_o be_v the_o apostle_n choose_v argument_n that_o we_o shall_v walk_v worthy_a of_o he_o who_o have_v call_v we_o to_o his_o kingdom_n and_o glory_n the_o heathen_n be_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n stranger_n to_o the_o secret_n of_o another_o world_n they_o have_v but_o a_o shadow_n of_o probability_n we_o have_v the_o light_n of_o truth_n bring_v down_o from_o heaven_n by_o the_o son_n of_o god_n that_o reveal_v to_o we_o a_o blessedness_n that_o deserve_v our_o most_o ardent_a active_a affection_n but_o if_o man_n be_v not_o wrought_v on_o by_o natural_a reason_n nor_o divine_a faith_n if_o neither_o the_o terror_n of_o the_o lord_n nor_o the_o bless_a hope_n can_v persuade_v they_o from_o sin_n to_o holiness_n their_o condition_n be_v irrecoverable_a in_o this_o the_o rule_n of_o natural_a and_o spiritual_a healing_n agree_v ult_n where_o neither_o corrosive_n nor_o lenitive_n be_v successful_a we_o must_v use_v the_o knife_n if_o cut_v off_o be_v unprofitable_a we_o must_v fear_v the_o part_n if_o the_o fire_n be_v ineffectual_a the_o ulcer_n be_v incurable_a if_o the_o threaten_n of_o hell-fire_n through_o unbelief_n and_o carelessness_n be_v not_o fear_v and_o have_v no_o efficacy_n to_o correct_v and_o change_v sinner_n what_o remain_v but_o to_o make_v a_o presage_n of_o eternal_a death_n that_o will_v unavoidable_o and_o speedy_o seize_v on_o they_o and_o if_o so_o clear_a a_o discovery_n of_o the_o heavenly_a glory_n do_v not_o produce_v in_o man_n a_o live_a faith_n that_o work_v by_o love_n and_o a_o lively_a hope_n that_o purify_v the_o heart_n and_o conversation_n what_o can_v be_v conclude_v but_o that_o they_o be_v whole_o sensual_a and_o senseless_a and_o shall_v be_v for_o ever_o deprive_v of_o that_o blessedness_n they_o now_o despise_v and_o neglect_v chap._n xx._n the_o divine_a power_n be_v admirable_o glorify_v in_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o effect_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o its_o production_n it_o be_v as_o evident_a in_o our_o redemption_n the_o principal_a effect_n of_o it_o be_v consider_v the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v a_o work_n full_o responsible_a to_o omnipotence_n our_o redeemer_n supernatural_a conception_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o divine_a power_n be_v eminent_o declare_v in_o the_o miracle_n jesus_n christ_n wrought_v in_o the_o course_n of_o his_o ministry_n his_o miracle_n be_v the_o evidence_n of_o his_o celestial_a call_v they_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o conviction_n of_o the_o world_n their_o nature_n consider_v the_o divine_a power_n be_v glorify_v in_o make_v the_o death_n of_o christ_n victorious_a over_o all_o our_o spiritual_a enemy_n the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n the_o effect_n of_o glorious_a power_n the_o reason_n of_o it_o from_o the_o quality_n of_o his_o person_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o his_o office_n that_o he_o may_v dispense_v the_o blessing_n he_o have_v purchase_v for_o believer_n his_o resurrection_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o faith_n it_o have_v a_o threefold_a reference_n to_o his_o person_n as_o the_o son_n of_o god_n to_o his_o death_n as_o a_o alsufficient_a sacrifice_n to_o his_o promise_n of_o raise_v believer_n at_o the_o last_o day_n the_o divine_a power_n be_v admirable_o glorify_v in_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n not_o only_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o effect_n that_o comprehend_v the_o heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o all_o thing_n in_o they_o but_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o marvellous_a way_n of_o its_o production_n for_o he_o make_v the_o great_a universe_n without_o the_o concurrence_n of_o any_o material_a cause_n from_o nothing_o for_o this_o reason_n the_o raise_v this_o glorious_a fabric_n be_v produce_v as_o the_o distinctive_a character_n of_o the_o deity_n from_o the_o troop_n of_o false_a god_n the_o psalmist_n declare_v the_o lord_n be_v to_o be_v fear_v above_o all_o god_n 5._o for_o all_o the_o god_n of_o the_o nation_n be_v idol_n but_o the_o lord_n make_v the_o heaven_n and_o as_o he_o begin_v the_o creation_n by_o proceed_v from_o nothing_o to_o real_a existence_n so_o in_o form_v the_o other_o part_n he_o draw_v they_o from_o infirm_a and_o indispose_a matter_n as_o from_o a_o second_o nothing_o that_o all_o his_o creature_n may_v bear_v the_o real_a testimony_n of_o infinite_a power_n thus_o he_o command_v light_a to_o arise_v out_o of_o darkness_n and_o sensible_a creature_n from_o a_o insensible_a element_n he_o create_v man_n the_o accomplishment_n of_o all_o his_o work_n from_o the_o low_a and_o gross_a element_n the_o earth_n now_o although_o at_o the_o first_o view_n we_o may_v conceive_v that_o 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they_o for_o execrable_a person_n it_o have_v be_v as_o extravagant_a to_o have_v design_v the_o acquire_v of_o reputation_n or_o riches_n by_o their_o preach_v as_o for_o one_o to_o throw_v himself_o into_o a_o flame_a furnace_n to_o be_v cool_v and_o refresh_v and_o that_o pleasure_n can_v not_o be_v their_o aim_n be_v manifest_a for_o they_o meet_v with_o nothing_o but_o poverty_n and_o persecution_n with_o derision_n and_o disgrace_n with_o hardship_n and_o all_o the_o effect_n of_o fury_n which_o they_o willing_o endure_v rather_o than_o cease_v from_o preach_v or_o deny_v what_o they_o have_v preach_v their_o unheard_a of_o resolution_n to_o forsake_v their_o native_a country_n and_o travel_v to_o all_o the_o know_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n to_o convey_v the_o doctrine_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v a_o strong_a demonstration_n that_o they_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v true_a and_o of_o infinite_a moment_n most_o worthy_a of_o all_o the_o danger_n to_o which_o they_o voluntary_o 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uniformity_n of_o the_o testimony_n make_v it_o valuable_a upon_o a_o double_a account_n first_o as_o it_o secure_v we_o there_o be_v no_o corruption_n in_o the_o witness_n second_o that_o it_o be_v no_o illusion_n 1._o that_o there_o be_v no_o corruption_n in_o the_o witness_n the_o most_o prudent_a way_n to_o discover_v the_o falsity_n of_o a_o testimony_n be_v to_o interrogate_v the_o witness_n several_o to_o see_v if_o there_o be_v any_o contradiction_n between_o they_o but_o if_o they_o concur_v not_o only_o as_o to_o the_o substance_n but_o circumstance_n their_o deposition_n be_v very_o credible_a now_o the_o apostle_n exact_o agree_v in_o their_o testimony_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o several_a gospel_n in_o which_o although_o write_v in_o divers_a time_n and_o place_n yet_o there_o be_v a_o admirable_a harmony_n not_o only_o as_o to_o the_o fact_n itself_o but_o the_o least_o particularity_n 2._o the_o agreement_n of_o so_o many_o prove_v it_o be_v no_o illusion_n if_o he_o have_v only_o appear_v to_o some_o person_n separately_z carnal_a reason_n which_o be_v ingenious_a to_o deceive_v itself_o may_v object_v that_o it_o be_v only_o the_o effect_n of_o a_o distemper_a fancy_n and_o no_o real_a object_n of_o sense_n but_o after_o he_o have_v show_v himself_o to_o some_o of_o the_o disciple_n apart_o and_o that_o holy_a company_n be_v meet_v together_o unite_n the_o several_a spark_n to_o encourage_v their_o hope_n of_o his_o resurrection_n he_o come_v to_o they_o altogether_o and_o for_o many_o day_n converse_v with_o they_o now_o who_o can_v believe_v that_o so_o many_o shall_v be_v obstruct_v with_o melancholy_a for_o so_o long_a time_n so_o as_o constant_o to_o remain_v under_o the_o power_n of_o a_o delusion_n beside_o he_o afterward_o appear_v to_o five_o hundred_o at_o once_o now_o how_o can_v such_o a_o number_n of_o different_a age_n sex_n temperament_n be_v at_o the_o same_o time_n strike_v with_o the_o same_o imagination_n add_v further_o if_o a_o strong_a imagination_n have_v deceive_v they_o by_o melancholy_a there_o will_v have_v be_v some_o discovery_n of_o that_o humour_n in_o their_o action_n for_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o the_o mind_n so_o indispose_v shall_v for_o a_o long_a time_n act_v regular_o but_o in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o their_o life_n not_o the_o least_o extravagancy_n appear_v their_o zeal_n be_v temper_v with_o prudence_n their_o innocence_n be_v without_o folly_n their_o conversation_n be_v become_v their_o great_a office_n and_o of_o this_o we_o have_v unquestionable_a evidence_n for_o otherwise_o so_o many_o person_n of_o excellent_a wisdom_n have_v never_o be_v persuade_v by_o they_o to_o embrace_v christianity_n neither_o have_v their_o enemy_n so_o furious_o persecute_v they_o for_o it_o be_v beyond_o belief_n that_o they_o have_v so_o far_o extinguish_v the_o sentiment_n of_o humanity_n as_o to_o treat_v the_o apostle_n as_o the_o most_o guilty_a criminal_n who_o they_o know_v to_o be_v distract_v and_o therefore_o worthy_a of_o compassion_n rather_o than_o hatred_n but_o if_o it_o be_v object_v that_o it_o may_v be_v a_o phantasm_n or_o solid_a body_n form_v according_a to_o the_o likeness_n of_o christ_n that_o abuse_v the_o apostle_n and_o after_o some_o time_n withdraw_v itself_o the_o vanity_n of_o the_o objection_n be_v very_o apparent_a for_o such_o a_o effect_n can_v not_o be_v without_o the_o operation_n of_o a_o spiritual_a cause_n now_o the_o good_a angel_n can_v be_v guilty_a of_o falsehood_n of_o which_o they_o have_v be_v in_o that_o representation_n for_o he_o that_o appear_v declare_v himself_o to_o be_v jesus_n that_o suffer_v neither_o will_v the_o evil_a use_n such_o a_o artifice_n the_o old_a serpent_n be_v too_o wise_a to_o promote_v the_o belief_n of_o christ_n resurrection_n which_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o christianity_n a_o institution_n most_o holy_a that_o will_v destroy_v his_o altar_n discredit_v his_o oracle_n bring_v glory_n to_o god_n and_o happiness_n to_o man_n to_o both_o which_o he_o be_v eternal_o opposite_a by_o all_o which_o it_o appear_v there_o be_v no_o deceit_n in_o the_o subject_n nor_o object_n 4._o they_o seal_v it_o with_o their_o blood_n this_o last_o proof_n confirm_v all_o the_o other_o if_o a_o person_n of_o clear_a fame_n assert_v a_o thing_n which_o he_o be_v ready_a to_o maintain_v with_o the_o loss_n of_o his_o life_n there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o deposition_n it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o philostratus_n a_o bold_a grecian_a to_o show_v his_o art_n paint_a apollonius_n tyanaeus_n as_o a_o demigod_n exempt_v from_o death_n and_o clothe_v with_o immortality_n but_o if_o he_o have_v be_v draw_v from_o his_o study_n where_o he_o dress_v that_o idol_n of_o iniquity_n to_o appear_v before_o the_o magistrate_n to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o relation_n he_o certain_o will_v have_v renounce_v his_o
type_n of_o christ_n under_o the_o law_n be_v justify_v in_o his_o come_v and_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o our_o redemption_n by_o he_o some_o special_a prediction_n consider_v that_o respect_n the_o time_n of_o his_o come_v the_o particular_a circumstance_n that_o respect_v the_o messiah_n be_v verify_v in_o jesus_n christ._n the_o consequent_n of_o the_o messiah_n come_v foretell_v by_o the_o prophet_n be_v all_o come_v to_o pass_v the_o type_n of_o the_o law_n be_v complete_v in_o christ._n a_o particular_a consideration_n of_o manna_n the_o rock_n and_o the_o brazen_a serpent_n as_o they_o refer_v to_o he_o the_o paschal_n lamb_n consider_v a_o short_a parallel_n between_o melchisedec_n and_o christ._n the_o divinity_n of_o the_o gospel_n prove_v by_o compare_v the_o ancient_a figure_n with_o the_o present_a truth_n and_o prediction_n with_o the_o event_n the_o happiness_n of_o christian_n above_o the_o jew_n in_o the_o clear_a revelation_n of_o our_o saviour_n to_o they_o from_o 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appear_v and_o the_o reasonable_a creature_n for_o ever_o fear_v to_o offend_v he_o now_o the_o god_n of_o truth_n have_v by_o the_o death_n of_o his_o only_a son_n so_o complete_o answer_v the_o end_n of_o the_o legal_a threaten_v that_o the_o glory_n of_o that_o attribute_n be_v break_v forth_o like_o the_o sun_n through_o all_o the_o cloud_n that_o seem_v to_o obscure_v it_o mercy_n and_o truth_n meet_v together_o righteousness_n and_o peace_n kiss_v each_o other_o of_o this_o i_o have_v so_o large_o treat_v before_o that_o i_o shall_v add_v nothing_o more_o concern_v it_o there_o be_v a_o secondary_a respect_n wherein_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n be_v concern_v as_o to_o the_o accomplish_v our_o redemption_n by_o jesus_n christ_n which_o i_o will_v brief_o explicate_v god_n have_v decree_v the_o send_n of_o his_o son_n in_o the_o quality_n of_o mediator_n to_o purchase_v our_o salvation_n be_v please_v by_o several_a promise_n to_o declare_v his_o merciful_a purpose_n and_o by_o various_a type_n to_o show_v the_o design_n of_o that_o glorious_a work_n before_o the_o exhibition_n of_o it_o this_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o his_o supreme_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n first_o to_o comply_v with_o the_o weakness_n of_o the_o church_n when_o it_o be_v new_o separate_v from_o the_o world_n for_o as_o a_o sudden_a strong_a light_a overpower_n the_o eye_n that_o have_v be_v long_o in_o the_o dark_a so_o that_o full_a bright_a revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n have_v be_v above_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o church_n when_o it_o be_v first_o free_v from_o a_o state_n of_o ignorance_n light_n mix_v with_o shadow_n be_v proportionable_a to_o their_o sight_n therefore_o he_o be_v please_v by_o several_a representation_n and_o prediction_n to_o exercise_v the_o faith_n entertain_v the_o hope_n and_o excite_v the_o desire_n of_o his_o people_n before_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o our_o salvation_n by_o his_o son_n second_o to_o render_v the_o belief_n of_o it_o easy_a and_o certain_a afterward_o now_o for_o the_o honour_n of_o his_o truth_n he_o be_v engage_v to_o make_v good_a his_o word_n for_o although_o pure_a love_n and_o mercy_n be_v the_o original_a of_o all_o god_n promise_n to_o man_n yet_o his_o truth_n and_o fidelity_n be_v the_o reason_n of_o his_o fulfil_n they_o not_o that_o god_n be_v under_o the_o obligation_n of_o a_o law_n but_o his_o own_o righteous_a nature_n be_v the_o inviolable_a rule_n of_o his_o action_n according_o the_o apostle_n lay_v it_o as_o the_o foundation_n of_o our_o hope_n that_o god_n who_o can_v lie_v have_v promise_v eternal_a life_n 1.2_o the_o divine_a decree_n alone_o concern_v our_o salvation_n by_o christ_n be_v a_o sure_a foundation_n for_o god_n be_v as_o unchangeable_a in_o his_o will_n as_o his_o nature_n in_o he_o there_o be_v no_o variableness_n 1.17_o nor_o shadow_n of_o turn_v but_o the_o promise_n determine_v the_o will_n of_o god_n to_o perform_v it_o upon_o another_o account_n for_o it_o be_v not_o single_a inconstancy_n but_o falsehood_n not_o to_o perform_v what_o be_v promise_v from_o both_o which_o he_o be_v infinite_o distant_a st._n paul_n allege_v this_o for_o the_o reason_n why_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v unchangeable_a and_o of_o everlasting_a efficacy_n in_o that_o the_o counsel_n of_o god_n be_v by_o his_o promise_n and_o oath_n confirm_v 18._o that_o by_o two_o immutable_a thing_n in_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o god_n to_o lie_v we_o may_v have_v strong_a consolation_n for_o the_o promise_n give_v a_o rightful_a claim_n to_o the_o creature_n and_o the_o fulfil_n of_o it_o be_v the_o justification_n of_o god_n fidelity_n in_o this_o sense_n it_o be_v say_v the_o law_n be_v give_v by_o moses_n but_o grace_n and_o truth_n come_v by_o jesus_n christ_n 1.17_o i._n e._n the_o grace_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o substantial_a and_o complete_a accomplishment_n of_o the_o type_n and_o promise_n under_o the_o law_n i_o will_v not_o enter_v into_o the_o discussion_n of_o all_o the_o prophecy_n concern_v the_o messiah_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n to_o show_v how_o they_o be_v verify_v in_o jesus_n christ_n but_o brief_o consider_v some_o special_a prediction_n that_o concern_v the_o time_n of_o the_o messiah_n come_v his_o person_n and_o office_n 1._o the_o prophecy_n of_o die_a jacob._n 49.1_o the_o sceptre_n shall_v not_o depart_v from_o judah_n nor_o a_o lawgiver_n from_o between_o his_o foot_n till_o shiloh_n come_v by_o the_o sceptre_n and_o lawgiver_n be_v mean_v divers_a form_n of_o government_n the_o first_o be_v the_o mark_n of_o regal_a power_n the_o other_o title_n respect_v those_o who_o power_n succeed_v that_o of_o their_o king_n in_o the_o person_n of_o zerobabel_n and_o his_o successor_n jacob_n prophetical_o declare_v two_o thing_n their_o establishment_n in_o judah_n and_o their_o continuance_n till_o the_o come_n of_o shiloh_n this_o oracle_n do_v not_o precise_o respect_v the_o person_n of_o judah_n for_o he_o never_o ascend_v the_o throne_n nor_o possess_v the_o empire_n over_o his_o brethren_n nor_o sole_o his_o posterity_n as_o a_o tribe_n distinguish_v from_o the_o rest_n although_o it_o have_v special_a advantage_n from_o that_o time_n 2.3_o for_o the_o banner_n of_o judah_n lead_v the_o camp_n in_o their_o march_n through_o the_o wilderness_n that_o tribe_n have_v the_o first_o possession_n of_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n these_o be_v the_o beginning_n of_o its_o future_a glory_n and_o from_o david_n to_o the_o captivity_n that_o tribe_n possess_v the_o kingdom_n but_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o sceptre_n be_v lose_v in_o the_o person_n of_o zedekiah_n therefore_o the_o full_a meaning_n of_o the_o prophecy_n regard_v the_o people_n of_o israel_n in_o the_o relation_n they_o have_v to_o the_o tribe_n of_o judah_n for_o that_o tribe_n alone_o return_v entire_a from_o the_o captivity_n with_o some_o relic_n of_o levi_n and_o benjamin_n so_o that_o the_o nation_n from_o that_o time_n be_v distinguish_v by_o the_o title_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o relation_n to_o it_o and_o the_o right_a to_o dispose_v of_o the_o sceptre_n be_v always_o in_o the_o tribe_n of_o judah_n for_o the_o levite_n that_o rule_v after_o the_o captivity_n receive_v their_o power_n from_o they_o till_o shiloh_n come_v that_o be_v the_o messiah_n as_o the_o chaldee_n paraphrase_n and_o the_o ancient_a jewish_a interpreter_n expound_v so_o that_o the_o intent_n of_o the_o oracle_n be_v that_o after_o the_o establishment_n of_o the_o supreme_a power_n in_o the_o family_n of_o judah_n it_o shall_v not_o pass_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o stranger_n but_o as_o a_o certain_a presage_v and_o immediate_a forerunner_n of_o of_o the_o come_n of_o shiloh_n and_o this_o be_v full_o accomplish_v for_o in_o the_o captivity_n there_o be_v a_o interruption_n rather_o than_o extinction_n of_o their_o government_n their_o return_n be_v promise_v at_o the_o time_n they_o be_v carry_v captive_n to_o